Chapter 7: Mech Trading Company

The internal combustion engine hummed quietly as the Milzette 500 carrying Irina and Sylvia made its way along the country road. The incompletely paved road was scattered with pebbles in places, and dust clouds rose each time the wind blew through from the overgrown side paths. The wheels kicked softly against the ground, and occasionally the multi-legged mechanism would automatically activate, lightly overcoming the uneven terrain.

Irina gripped the steering wheel in the driver’s seat, her eyes sparkling as she piloted the vehicle. Her handling was practiced, smoothly shifting gears even on muddy roads and choosing optimal routes as she progressed. Her silver hand operated the steering wheel with precision unchanged from when it had been flesh, a fact that Sylvia caught in the corner of her eye from the passenger seat.

The prosthetic arm procured from Omnigear Traders had already become like a part of her. It moved according to Irina’s will as if it had always been so.

Opening the window slightly, the refreshing scent of the grasslands entered along with birdsong from the distant forest.

“It’s such a quiet, peaceful place.”

At her voice, Sylvia in the passenger seat smiled faintly.

“Yes, my lady. These roads, unlike paved city streets, bring peace to the heart.”

Irina nodded contentedly and lightly pressed the accelerator as if confirming the engine’s sound. The Milzette 500 flexibly chose its path like a living creature, gliding smoothly forward. Occasionally, animals standing by the roadside would look up in surprise, but perhaps due to the Milzette’s quietness, they would soon return to grazing. The sun began to lean, golden light enveloping the distant hills as shadows slowly stretched long. They had already traveled 1000 vaans (approximately 2500km) from the Vasines mansion.

Before departing, the two had needed to arrange transportation to head toward the Central Vault. All the mansion’s vehicles had been destroyed or buried under rubble. Irina, accompanied by Sylvia, had visited Omnigear Traders in the lakeside town.

Upon entering the lakeside town, the usually calm atmosphere was nowhere to be seen. People bustled about hurriedly, and a noisy commotion filled the air. As they approached the town center, an uneasy feeling gradually seeped into their chests. They heard that when the Storm-class battleship that had attacked the Vasines mansion was hijacked by the red-robed group, the local constabulary had also been attacked. Furthermore, communication had been lost with the Regional Administration Bureau that was supposed to guard this area.

“My lady, the reason the constabulary didn’t rush to the mansion must be…”

“Yes, it seems those who attacked the mansion really wanted the books in the library. They’ve taken quite thorough measures to prevent interference.”

Though Irina and her companion hadn’t been able to take any effective measures against the attack, knowing that the cause lay partly in the Vasines library stabbed at her chest with inescapable guilt.

Proceeding further through the town streets, the sign for Omnigear Traders came into view. Temporary guards stood at the storefront, apparently without the luxury to attend to customers, their vigilant gazes sweeping the surroundings. Irina gave a light bow to the guard before pushing open the door to Omnigear Traders. In these frontier lands, means of transportation and equipment were literally lifelines.

Inside the shop, numerous sturdy vehicles modified to run reliably on rough roads were lined up, surrounded by shelves and cases packed with supplies, tools, and weapons for travelers and mercenaries. From repair kits and replacement parts to even simple ether energy packs, it seemed everything necessary could be found here. The portly shopkeeper glanced briefly at Irina and her companion and called out, “Welcome.”

As Irina and Sylvia walked through the shop, one corner caught their eye. There was a section for prosthetic devices like artificial arms and legs, with various mechanical limbs displayed in precise construction. Irina’s arm had been lost in the battle with the mechanical puppet. Both understood implicitly that a replacement arm was needed.

“…”

Irina’s gaze was drawn to one prosthetic arm. It had silver armor and was clearly a model designed for combat. High-density alloy was embedded in the finger joints, equipped with an instantly transforming extension mechanism. Besides normal movement assistance, it had instantaneous torque enhancement functionality and could be used as a striking weapon.

“…My lady.”

Sylvia called out quietly. A slight tremor seeped into her voice.

“I’ll take this prosthetic arm.”

Irina’s voice was quiet but filled with certain determination.

The portly shopkeeper quickly approached and explained the arm’s specifications.

“This here’s the Valsh Model EX. See, combat’s been pretty scarce lately, so military surplus came on the market. It’s a model designed for combat, prioritizing durability and power over regular prosthetics. It’s not a bio-prosthetic, but with neural connection it enables advanced operation. There’s strain involved though… But does a young lady like you really need this?”

“I don’t mind.”

Irina lifted the prosthetic arm, bending the joint parts as if confirming its weight. Smooth movement, efficient design.

“My lady, there are bio-prosthetics more similar to your original arm…”

There was slight hesitation in Sylvia’s voice.

“I understand.”

Irina smiled gently.

“But I can no longer remain an ‘ordinary young lady.’ I must fight. Isn’t that right?”

She raised her gaze and looked straight at Sylvia.

“…As you wish, my lady.”

Sylvia quietly lowered her eyes and said nothing more.

Irina purchased the prosthetic arm and had it attached on the spot. During the fitting, she stared at the ceiling and said nothing. There was no pain. But there was weight. Irina felt it was the weight of one who fights.

Then, having gained her new hand, Irina lightly moved her fingers, confirming the sensation. The silver prosthetic moved surprisingly smoothly, reflecting her will as naturally as when it had been flesh.

She looked around the shop again. What they needed next was transportation.

Casually tracing the shelf edge with her fingertips, she walked to the vehicle section of the shop. There was no discomfort in the movement. Rather, the weight of the prosthetic arm even felt comfortable.

After a while, her gaze was drawn straight to just one vehicle.

“This is it!”

What she pointed to was the Mitsuba Heavy Industries environmental adaptation universal vehicle “Milzette 500.” The rounded, compact body had a classic charm while somehow giving off a futuristic refinement. Two round headlights lined up at the front created a characteristically charming face. The body’s curves were arranged to flow, giving a sense of harmonious balance from any angle. Though compact, it combined maneuverability with functionality adaptable to land, sea, and air, and was even equipped with a multi-legged mechanism.

“My lady, are you certain about this? It seems a rather eccentric choice…”

At Sylvia’s question, Irina immediately nodded.

“Well, I suppose it’s understandable you’d think so, Sylvia. But this vehicle is a masterpiece embodying the essence of Mitsuba Heavy Industries. Traversability, adaptability, expandability… it’s perfect in every way!”

Irina began enthusiastically expounding on its appeal while stroking the vehicle’s glossy body. Her explanation gradually grew heated, extending to the Milzette 500’s test drive data, comparisons with famous cars of the past, and even Mitsuba Heavy Industries’ development philosophy.

While inwardly smiling wryly at her mistress’s behavior, Sylvia sensed that she truly loved this vehicle and no longer intended to object.

“Understood, my lady. Then let us head to our destination in this Milzette 500.”

Irina nodded elegantly. Making an immediate purchase decision on the spot, Irina completed payment using her bio-wallet. With a satisfied expression at the lustrous body, she gripped the steering wheel with her new silver prosthetic hand.