Absolute Duo Vol 5 Chapter 5

With a loud bang, a target 20 meters away from hit swung.

“Fi-finally, It hit……..”

I lowered the gun while sighing.

“Fufuu, you can hit with your eyes closed if you get used to it”

While looking at me-----(Basically not concentrating), Lilith hit the furthest target at a distance of 50 meters.

(Just how used must I get to do that…………)

While sighing one more time, I reloaded my empty magazine and took stance with the gun again.

Yes, I am holding a gun right now.

Summer break passed------(This started when I was hospitalized)------we were currently attending shooting practice.

People will wonder “There’s a weapon called <<blaze>> though” but, there are various kind of missions when we join the Ethanarch after graduation. To take those various situations into consideration, we have to take part in shooting training.</blaze>

And regarding about the firing zone, there was no air conditioning due to the fact that it’s outdoor.

Due to that, it’s obviously hot.

But, this environment was also part of the training.

Shooting training gives a strong image being take placed indoors but, it’s more practically outdoors since things get harsher as time passes compared to a stable condition.

When we were focused on shooting non-stop in this harsh heat----(The bullet were practice bullets used even by the Ethanarch), I could hear the 3rd period end bell signifying break time from afar.

“Break time Breaaak time ♪As a precaution, there will be a restriction to shoot during break time ☆Also please remember hydrate yourself I won’t care if you fall ♥

We listened to Tsukimi who urged us to hydrate ourselves *Pan**pan* while clapping her hands, and placed the sports drink into our mouth.

“Julie. Are you okay?”

“Ja--. Miyabi set that up for me”

The silver girl pointed at the plastic bottle with ice inside which was placed on her head.

I was wondering what it was meant for but, Julie was showing a satisfied and comfortable expression because it’s cold.

“This is quite hard”

I sat beside her and looked at the targets while nodding.

“Yeah. I feel gloomy every time I think that there is this class every week”

I definitely prefer trainings that require movements compared to studying but, even my mood will drop if I can’t hit the target as expected.

(I think throwing the gun directly has higher accuracy……..)

When I was thinking that------

“Fuun, you can normally hit if you can maintain the correct shooting posture”

Tora displayed a score only inferior to Lilith in class; he came closer to us with a “It’s my win!” expression.

“Oh my, I think I’m used to it you know?”

“……….No one asked you”

“Don’t be so boring, Tora. Tooru’s in the core of the topic so why not”

“Don’t casually call my name”

(Uuuun, same as usual)

Ever since the incident Lilith caused when she enrolled, Tora has created a one-sided wall.

I understand that getting cornered isn’t fun but, I think holding a grudge for that is just going too far.

(I wish he would be friendlier with Tatsu at least…………)

Since they always quarrel, I can’t describe Tora and Tatsu to be friendly.

But, things won’t get any worse from this and they are sort of like good buddies------

“Wait, err, where’s Tatsu?”

“Tsukimi dragged that idiot away because he threw the gun at the target through irritation that he could hit anything”

…………I have to be careful.

“Looks like you are having it tough, Kokonoe”

“Haha, well yeah”

Tachibana joined us while wiping off sweat with a towel.

Miyabi could be seen behind her.

“Fufu, even you have something you suck other than class lectures”

Tachibana who started a conversation while laughing, had good shooting skills although it couldn’t be compared to the gold girl. Apparently, the Tachibana style 18 arts had shooting techniques included inside so, she has accumulated quite some training on rifles and handguns.

“H-how about getting a lecture by Tomoe-chan too, Tooru-kun……..?”

“Fumu. I don’t mind so, how about it?”

Maybe because she learned some tricks from Tachibana, I saw Miyabi getting hits from time to time.

(That sounds nice too---)

When I thought about it, i remembered the scene about how Miyabi was taught.

The scene includes: Tachibana wrapping around Miyabi from behind to support her arms which were holding the gun, causing high contact on the back.

“I-I’ll go solo for a while, hahaha…………”

“Well, if you say so………….but, if you are still having problems after a while, don’t bother too much and come to me”

After I replied “l’ll do that” with a wry smile, Miyabi mumbled softly while looking at us.

“It would be nice if I was good enough to teach Tooru-kun”

The imagination just now switched to Miyabi from Tachibana but I swung my head to get rid of it from my head.

[To-tooru-kun, what’s wrong……….?] [The heat got into your head, Kokonoe?]

“No, I just thought “I wonder if it will get cooler if I swung my head”………….”

While making the excuse “I definitely lost to the heat”, I made an empty laughter but-----

“Hold your horses. Shouldn’t I be the first person to come to regarding guns?”

Lilith came back to the conversation and I got on too.

“True------was what I wanted to say. I had you teach me just now but, Lilith’s teaching method makes no sense”

“That’s not true”

“It is. Even just now you went, do it like this…..and that. That’s the only thing you said”

While explaining to her about what she said, I imitated the movements she performed when she taught me.

“Nope. It’s like that…..then this”

With x100 speed compared to me-------(She probably thinks she’s slow)------she made a stance but, I have no idea what she meant by nope at all.

“Come on…………is this the, Geniuses are bad in teaching scenario? More importantly, Lilith----You use one hand to shoot while we have to maintain both hands while firing”

“One or both hand does not matter. The most important factor needed in shooting is to know the characteristics of the gun. Though I say that, this logic goes for all kinds of weapon”

The gold girl’s sentence shocked us.

“Kuhah. As expected from the Ojou-sama. So this is the “a good workman’s does not blame her tool[5e 1]” huh”

I ignored her here.

In the other half of the shooting training------4th period started and about 30 minutes passed.

“Hooold up ♥ Lift your hand and listen to Sensei ♪”

“Okay Sensei”

I thought “Isn’t it stop your hands?” but one girl-Kibitsu lifted her hand.

“Okay okay, looks like there are good kids here with good hit rate already so we will change the training menu ☆With that said, follow Sensei ♥”

After saying that, Tsukimi hopped outside the training zone.

While feeling troubled about what is going on, we follow her and-----

The place we reached was the outdoor battle arena.

When we came out from the entrance, we came out at the middle level of the audience seat.

We can look at the whole coliseum from here----

For some reason, there’s a sandbag in the middle of the coliseum. On top of the tightly packaged bag of sand, a 5 meter circle was drawn with a thick rope.

This outdoor battle arena was used for the <<blaze>> last semester but, that sandbag was definitely not there at that time.</blaze>

This unmistakably was prepared for the event that is about to come.

(……………I have a really bad feeling here)

This might sound unlikely but, is she going to tell use to have a 1 vs 1 inside that small circle?

When I was imagining that, Tsukimi turned around and spread her arms.

“Okay, let’s play a game for 10 minutes ♪ with that said, Kokonoe-kun. You----are the target”

“Huh?”

“Like I said, you will be running around inside the coliseum ☆ And everyone will be *Bang bang* targeting you ☆ Understand, okay?”

Tsukimi made a gun gesture and posed a shot at me.

“I see, so that’s what you meant…………..Wait a second----!?”

“No waiting ♪ Aiming a moving target is more practical ☆”

My bad feeling came true.

But, it has crossed my imagination.

However, Tsukimi’s intention was not moving forward this time.

Because-----

[White Usa-sensei, this going a little too far……..] [Yeah, shooting someone is just…………..”

Everyone’s faces were gloomy and started causing noises while speaking out in hesitant.

“Hnnn, you don’t have to worry about that problem…….well, proof is better than theory in this situation”

After Tsukimi said so tiredly-----

*Tan* she kicked the ground and perform a somersault mid-air before landing into the coliseum.

“Ojou-sama, one bullet from there please?”

While waving, Tsukimi called out to Lilith.

She picked the person that while 100% hit her without any hesitation.

Of course, Lilith agreed and pointed the gun at Tsukimi before----she shot her.

Tsukimi’s hand moved at the same time everyone instantly felt shaken-----

A *Pssssst* sound could be heard.

“Nice catch ♪”

A practice bullet fell on the sand when Tsukimi opened her clenched hand.

Of course, it’s the bullet Lilith shot.

[Amazing……..] [Are you serious……..] [She caught it…….]

“I said this before ♪ you can more or less dodge bullets when you cross <<level>> ☆ If you can see it and dodge, then you can do this too ♪”</level>

While looking everyone in the class causing a stir, Tsukimi smiled while saying this.

“Just like what I explained in class: the higher you rise in <<level>>, physical abilities aren’t the only factors that will be enhanced; your body will also become sturdier too. The guns you all are using right now are only meant for suppression so the firepower has been set to low; 1 or 2 shots at the <<level>> Kokonoe-kun will………kind of hurt and won’t kill him, so rest assured and go crazy ☆”</level></level>

……….did I just hear her say “kind of hurt” just now.

Leaving that aside, even though she said that, it’s not like everyone plunged right into it.

Tsukimi felt the hesitant air and pointed at her head before announcing.

“Ojou-sama, one more shot ♪ This time---over here ☆”

Tsukimi was pointing at her head.

Without a care about the classmates that caused a stir again, Lilith listened to her, aimed and pulled the trigger.

Tsukimi’s head bounced backwards with a *Thud*----

“See ♥”

Even though she received a headshot, she said it without breaking a smile; sounds of amazement were leaking everyone.

Incidentally, everyone was already told that I have gained special permission to sublimate to <<level>> because a serious emergency occurred in the training last time-----(During the <<killing>>).</killing></level>

Also, everyone found out that Julie had an emergency special sublimation too during the <<k>> assault a few days ago.</k>

“Also also, this will be defense training for Kokonoe-kun so this training is 2 birds with one stone ☆ Which means it’s a win win relationship ♪”

[I see, if that’s the case…..] [True. A little pain isn’t that much……..]

After Tsukimi finished her explanation and demonstration, the atmosphere around the class started to change.

As expected, the word “Won’t wound him” has turned into a big reason and it was giving them encouragement.

“----!? Hey, everyone!?”

Tsukimi gave the next blow to interrupt my panicked words.

“For people who don’t want the Restaurant pass; you can get a special bonus for your next month allowance instead ♥”

“””--------!!”””

The atmosphere coming off from half of everyone when they heard that sentence changed and they all looked at me at the same time.

………….Miyabi’s eyes came into view.

“The first person to destroy Kokonoe-kun will receive a pair invitation to a high-class famous Emperor Hotel restaurant ♪”

Most of the remaining eyes looked at me.

[I don’t plan to lose a match from the start but, my interest increased a fold if a date with Tooru is a consolation prize] [Bonus…….!] [I’ll invite Izumi to the Emperor Hotel restaurant…….!] [The castrate Kokonoe alliance, FIGHT!!] [OOOOHH!!] [A date with Tooru-kun a date with Tooru-kun a date with Tooru-kun……..!!] [Miyabi, we will help you!!] [A meal with Sensei!!]

Right now, a crazy swirl of desire was filling the coliseum.

The people who maintained their calm state and would help were 3 people: Julie, Tora,and Tachibana.

First with Julie-----

“If that person wins, she will date Tooru…….i will not let that happen so rest assured, Tooru”

Since her competitive urges towards Lilith were burning inside, she was not calm at all.

I moved my sights to the side and looked to Tora----

“Fuun. This is stupid-----but, this is training. Good luck there, Tooru”

It’s a calm judgement but, he looks cold-hearted to me.

The only one I can count on is Tachibana.

“Tsukimi-sensei, this is too much, Kokonoe will-----“

“Well well, Class rep. Listen to this”

“Huh? Listen to what……..?”

After getting back to the audience seat, Tsukimi wrapped around Tachibana’s shoulders and pulled her to closer.

When I peeked in because I got curious, Tsukimi took out her cellphone and fiddled it.

“Fuwaaa, Hnn, ann, Kokono-e, Eh, sto, aaafuu, weird voice is coming, out……ah, fu……….Nyooo, let go, Kokonoe, Kokono-e, aaah, ah………..Fuaaaaaah!!”

“Buuu-------!?”

Tachibana spurt out so strong that snot might fly out.

“Wha-whawha, wh-wh-when, di-did, yo-you record……………!?”

“Of course, At. That. Time ♥”

Tachibana opened and closed her mouth like a goldfish in response to Tsukimi making a “Win pose” with a smile.

“I’ll broadcast this in school if you don’t go all out ☆”

*twitch*

Tachibana’s expression froze.

“Ta-tachibana………..?”

Tachibana slowly looked to me when I called out to her------

“Kokonoe, prepare yourself…………!”

Together with those words, my last hope was gone.

Tsukimi then explained the rules.

Time limit: 10 minutes; everyone has 40 bullets each and it’s the end when they run out of bullets.

Participants are restricted to step in the arena and have to shoot from the audience seat. However, in order to prevent injuries from friendly fire, a 120 degree from the middle of the arena can only be used.

On the other hand, I am out the moment one hit lands. However, I am in the safe if it’s just a graze.

But, the most important factor is that, I am permitted to use my <<shield>>------(What’s more, I have a 3 time limit to use the <</shield>

More importantly, I concentrated to the training that’s about to start.

(I can use the <

It’s not often I can get defense training with all attacks coming from many dimensions.

Adding on, I am able to use the <

……………..i don’t feel like going through this unless I think this way though.

(Okay, I’ll aim for dodging!)

I switched my mood and confirmed the remaining rules.

My movable radius is the 5 meter circle made on the arena.

If I take one step out of the circle, it has been set that the remaining people with bullets will have a lucky draw for the restaurant rights or the bonus.

………..however, it seems that the budget will be taken from me if that’s the case. In a certain sense, it hurts more than getting hit by the practice bullet and this gives me a good reason to dodge.

And if I don’t take even one hit, the rights will go to me.

(It’s Out if I leave the circle………)

When I looked inside the circle, it felt unexpectedly wide-----but, this will turn out different when it starts.

This limited space will definitely chain me down.

Depending on the people, there are some of them that won’t be able to track me down if I run around the whole coliseum.

But, if I am in this circle, everyone will be able to see me due to the distance and will not lose me.

There’s quite a gap between us but, they won’t lose track of me in this 5 meter circle.

(Around 20-30 meters huh……….)

Although the bullets will land on me instantly at this distance, I promised to myself to take this on.

And at this moment, Tsukimi announced to everyone that everything was about to start.

I manifested the <<shield>>, lowered my hips, took a deep breath----and concentrated.</shield>

“Okay then. Readyyyyy…..GOOOO ♪”

[Get wrecked Kokonoe!!] [Sorry about this, Tooru-kun!!] [Emperor Hotel!!] [Sensei!!]

All the triggers were pulled at the same time Tsukimi signaled them, and I also took a big leap to the side with the same timing.

Since it’s everyone aimed at the spot I stood at the same time, I perfectly dodged it; Was what I thought-----

“Too naïve, Tooru ♪ “

Lilith read my moves and her bullet was approaching.

“Kuh!!”

*Gaan*!! Right before I was about to lose by a headshot without even lasting for 1 second after start; I barely blocked the bullet with my <<shield>>.</shield>

“Ahh, so close”

*Snap* Lilith clicked her fingers and looked regretful.

(That was close! That definitely would hit if it was her <<rifle>>……..!!)</rifle>

Same goes of Lilith’s <<rifle>>, the suppressive guns everyone was using has lower firepower compared to real guns and that means the speed is slower.</rifle>

Of course, it still has the speed that’s humanly impossible to see but, that’s a big difference for me.

But, I had not time to feel relieved that I was saved by the difference in bullet speed because bullets were flying at me one after another.

“Kuh!!”

The vision that is able to see bullets moving at 100+mph, and the physical abilities + reaction speed to dodge it.

This is the wall standing between <<level>> and <<level>>-----</level></level>

I can feel the actual difference now.

Nonetheless, there’s no way I can fully dodge immeasurable numbers of bullets.

Instantly, I noticed the big mistake I made at the beginning.

Since I took a big leap to the side from the position I was standing just now; I am now at the side of the circle----

Because of that, my escape route was limited to the left side.

And more importantly, with Tachibana and Tora as the leader, several people pulled the trigger while aiming at my dodging directions because it was very predictable.

(Damn it, I can’t dodge! If that’s it then----)

“Sever the fang----<

The instantly deployed barrier blocked the bullets and surprised voice could be heard.

It was told to everyone that I gained this ability when I sublimated to <<level>> but, looks like they can’t hide their shock now that they actually get a glimpse of it.</level>

I opened the barrier when the bullets stopped.

(This won’t be training if I shut myself in like this)

Even though I have 2 more times, I made a rule that I would use it only for an instant.

“Hey hey, time is going to run out if you all daydream ☆”

Everyone came back from their daze after Tsukimi’s clap and started lining up their guns again.

(That one was no good. I won’t be able to dodge the attack when I land from a big jump. I have to minimize my movements and deflect the hard ones with the <<shield>>…………!)</shield>

While reflecting on my mistakes, I started countering the bullet storm again.

While using the <<shield>>, I perform dodges while being cautious with my leg and body swings.</shield>

(Remember the moves Tachibana taught in these past few months!! Think of this as a chance to show off your results!!)

“Look at me carefully, Tachibana!!”

Bullets stopped for some reason when I said that.

“Hn?”

“-------!? W-what are you saying all of a sudden, you!?”

Just when I was wondering what was happening, Tachibana’s face was red and was scolding me.

“I am just telling you to look at the moves I gained from your teachings though……….?”

As expected, telling her everything in a bullet storm is impossible so I gave her a straightforward sentence.

“Why is that?” When I twist my head wondering why this is related to the reason why everyone stopped attacking-----

“Don’t use such weird ways to say that!!”

“Wait, what!? What do you mean by weird!?”

Tachibana shot me in anger and I had to deflect the bullet with the <<shield>> in panic.</shield>

Everyone quickly lined up their guns and started firing again.

(Wh-what is going on here!?)

And even though I was wondering why, I will be unable to dodge the approaching bullets with a disturbed mind.

My consciousness changed when my cheeks was grazed.

(Focus, focus, focus, focus…….!)

After focusing in dodging, the question disappeared in my mind.

“Scatter about! Shooting in front will only make things easier for Tooru!!”

Everyone spread out to the maximum limits after listening to Tora, there were some people moving higher on the audience seat.

“Shooot-------!!”

Together with Tora’s order, bullets started flying at me from various directions.

(Damn it Tora, I will remember this----!!)

Unable to get the time to rest, I had to block with my <<shield>>, dodge bullets that I can’t block with small or big moves and there were times when I had to dodge the bullets by falling onto the sand without feeling any shame or embarrassment-----</shield>

Soon, the event was able to reach to the remaining 1 minute without me getting hit.

“Haa…………Haa………….”

Under the scorching sun, I was sweating profusely while breathing wildly.

Even though I was an <<exceed>>, continuously dodging attacks from all directions---(what’s more under the condition of not getting hit) and defending against high-speed bullets, is very tiring.</exceed>

Adding into the problem, since Tora changed the strategy by aiming at my lower body since it was harder to block it with my shield, this made me to move around more and this would increase my tiredness.

But, most of the people in the shooting side were out of ammo so, the only one remaining were the usual faces except for Miyabi-----Julie, Lilith, Tachibana and Tora.

It looks like Julie is bad with the gun like me so I guess I don’t have to focus on her.

And unexpectedly, Lilith isn’t that much scary of an opponent either.

Although her accuracy is very high, she would aim for Headshots or Heart shots due to pride.

(Okay then……who would be the first one to move)

With 1 minute left on the clock, we were glaring at each other.

Since they are low on ammo, they would probably go for the finisher because there was little time.

I have used the <

As for what timing I would use it, it would probably be when I use it to end this match.

The person who initiated----was the gold girl.

She pointed the gun at me and shouted.

“Okay, Tooru! The next bullet will be a challenge!!”

While being cautious of the gold girl who claimed that she was at her last shot, I did not lower my guard towards the others.

*Tann*! Lilith’s trigger was the signal for her last attack.

Without any change, this was an accurate snipe towards my heart-------to the end, this attack suits Lilith.

“But……….it’s too straightforward!!”

It was easy to guard my heart with the <<shield>> and the moment I shouted that it was so easy to block the bullet------</shield>

Lilith raised the side of her mouth and winked at me.

“Sorry, Tooru………it’s a Fake”

“Wha!?”

Lilith pulled the trigger once more.

What’s more, it was aimed towards my thigh which was different from the shots until now.

“Uh………….Kuah……!!”

Right before-----I was hit, I immediately twisted my body and the bullet grazed my thighs.

“Safe ♪”

Tsukimi spread both her right and left hands and declared her judgment.

“Ah, come on! Why would you dodge that! And the bullets are too slow, dang gun!”

Feeling regret, Lilith covered her face and looked upwards.

But by my perspective after dodging that hard shot; that shot just now was one that brought forth the final disaster.

With my balance broken, they did not miss the chance that was formed.

[Now, Tachibana!!] [Umu, this is the end!!]

Both of their guns headed out for the finisher.

(…….2!? Where’s Julie!?)

At this moment, I saw something.

I saw Julie jumping up into the sky from the highest step of the audience seat.

Immediately, Tora and Tachibana started pulling their triggers one after another and were blasting off their remaining bullets.

And at the same time, Julie pulled the trigger while she was up in the blue sky-----(What’s more, it seems that she was reserving her ammo so it was quite a barrage).

Her accuracy might be bad but, might dodges will be limited if she scatter the bullets like a rain from above.

Tora and Tachibana’s bullets approached too.

I endured the 3 away attack coming from above and the side by using my <<shield>> and leg movements to its limits before-----</shield>

I instantly released the <