[Private to Nikolai - backdated a small while ago]

[youonlylivethrice]

Allow me to introduce myself. Takahisa Kandori, head of the MAGI Weapons Research department.

There is word that you may possess sniping skills. Is this information correct?

Comments

[doesasordered]

[Oh boy. Word must have traveled upwards. Allow him to play on the defensive first. He'll make this guy do the talking first.]

It is.

[youonlylivethrice]

[Good for you he does like to talk.]

Good.

If you are interested, I have a gun in development suitable for the tournament's defense.

[doesasordered]

Is that so? You trust me with this sort of thing?

[youonlylivethrice]

That does depend on many factors.

However, the gun itself is only usable by signature recognition, and has a lock that I can activate should I realize it is being misused.

[In other words, he's got his tracks covered.]

Since you seem to be a more practical man, I won't bore you with such words as 'government security' and 'a matter of great importance' and simply mention that it could be useful for the tournament next week, should problems arise.

[doesasordered]

That IS the only reason I agreed to it. I do not know enough about these "Anoli" to know whether or not they're as villainous as the locals lead on, and I haven't found much information on them outside of public opinion. However, if people's safety are at risk, I'm willing to help. I have no plans of using it for anything else.

[youonlylivethrice]

Good. For most purposes, the weapon is standard edition, and there are no visual differences between this gun and others. The bullets have been enhanced by magical means, and may poison the target, if you're lucky. Otherwise, they have additional fire damage.

Additionally.

There is a hidden chamber which contains a single, bullet. The bullet has been tested once before and creating it is a prolonged process. I would like you to save this one for a special purpose.

The entire weapon is quite an expensive piece of work, as you have no doubt guessed.

[doesasordered]

[Interesting. Against a person, a high-caliber bullet is usually enough. This probably means he may be up against something stronger...]

I see. It sounds like it. And what is the purpose for this bullet?

[youonlylivethrice]

With my esteemed colleges hoping to attract the Anoli leader, I figured a proper bullet in their honor would be the best method of greeting.

Should they not show up, the next biggest threat present to the citizens of Hinoto-Ri would be acceptable.

Of course this is all merely speculation at this point.

[doesasordered]

Am I allowed to know what makes it special beforehand, or do I have to wait and see?

LATE FOREVER

[youonlylivethrice]

Considering the expenses involved, keeping the nature of that would be counter-productive.

The bullet shatters upon near-impact, releasing small nanomachines carrying chemicals that dig into the skin and administering a mixture of chemicals designed to paralyze the target, detach them from their connection to their other selves, and halt any advances they might have. Non lethal, as we wouldn't want to outright kill them, after all... although some of the drugs have a side effect of being highly addictive.

If this sounds too complicated, you may think of it as a persona suppressant in drug form.

I WILL WAIT FOREVER

[doesasordered]

[THERE'S A PAUSE.]

...

I would rather not use something like that.