The Lone Sniper: I Was Just Minding My Own Business Sniping Players, and I Ended Up Becoming a Raid Boss

Chapter 25

I already know what I'm going to buy at the shop this time.

Shield Pieces. These are undoubtedly essential-grade armaments.

I'll get the Shield Pieces, and if I have chips left over, I'll buy firearms.

I head to the section where Piece-type armaments are lined up.

There are many types of Shield Pieces. Starting with the basic PT-8 (50 units), there's also PT-9, which reduces the number of pieces from 50 to 30 but increases the armor value of each one, and PT-3, which doubles the size of each piece and reduces the total to 25.

There are also other interesting Piece-type armaments.

PBE-1 (Bullet Piece).

Apparently, it's a piece that can f-i-r-e b-u-l-l-e-t-s.

It only has six units, but it can be controlled via brainwaves and fires lasers.

I—I want it......

"Price...... 100,000 chips......"

No way I can afford that.

It's a common thing in RPGs, right?

Items that are absurdly expensive for the early towns, and yet have amazing performance.

I love that kind of thing.

It gives you something to look forward to later.

"One day...... I'll come back and buy it......!"

On the other hand, Shield Pieces are cheap.

PT-8 costs only 6,000 chips.

None of the initial equipment options seem to exceed 8,000 chips.

I buy two sets of Shield Pieces, leaving me with just over 9,000.

Next up is a sniper rifle.

(Hmm hmm hmm~♪ Choosing a rifle is so fun~)

Should I prioritize power, range, or bullet speed?

(Considering Machine World Beasts, maybe I should hold off on the sniper rifle?)

For Machine World Beasts, I think the assault rifle is more time-efficient.

Let's go with that.

(Assault rifle...... found it)

Assault rifles—

In most games, they're reliably powerful and easy to use even without high skill.

They're the definition of "easy and strong weapons."

They're usually full-auto, firing about ten rounds per second.

Because of that, most games lower the power per shot.

In reality, the downsides of assault rifles are recoil, noise, and jamming.

They kick like crazy, are crazy loud, and are crazy delicate.

In real life, the recoil and sound can throw you into a panic,

and by the fourth shot, your aim is totally off.

But in games, those negatives are often toned down,

so the flaws almost disappear.

They also usually have a range of 300–500 meters.

(There's a burst type too)

Burst type refers to a system where two or three rounds are fired with one action.

A gun that fires three rounds in one burst is called a three-round burst.

Apparently, since shots beyond the fourth are often wasted with assault rifles,

they started developing the three-round burst system to cut it at three.

But for me, it's unnecessary.

Someone as skilled as me can manually stop at three shots with a full-auto (tap firing)!

(Full-auto is for mid-range, so average range is fine.

No need for sound tracking or homing.

I want something that emphasizes bullet speed and power.

Hmm? The ammo count for solid-bullet guns has been replaced with EN capacity.)

EN capacity......

Laser-type weapons have EN assigned to each weapon.

Once it runs out, or if you turn it off intentionally,

it enters reload time and drains EN from the Space Girl to recover.

Reloading creates a critical opening.

Assault rifles probably consume a lot of EN,

so having a high EN capacity is better.

"This one's good. ARR-2."

Its effective range is only 300 meters, which is a bit lacking,

but the other stats match my preferences.

Especially its power and bullet speed.

It's 8,000 chips—perfect. Purchase complete.

(Shopping is so fun!

Trying to find the best option within a limited budget is the best!)

If only there weren't other people, this would be the perfect game.

Just kidding, just kidding......

I finish equipping my gear and head to the Ship Dock.

I board the spaceship and start pondering my destination.

(First of all—money. I need money.

Is there any place where I can earn easily?)

The manual doesn't mention anything about money-making.

Well, of course not.

I open the friend list.

Currently online is...... Sheena-san.

Chacha-san is the easiest to talk to,

but Sheena-san is kind too......

And if it's just a call, I won't get too nervous.

Let's call Sheena-san and ask about money-making methods.

I select Sheena-san from the friend list and initiate communication......

"Yes. This is Sheena. What's the matter?"

"U-um...... hello...... is now a good time?"

"Yes, no problem."

Despite her words, I hear intense gunfire and destruction sounds on her end.

"Uh, the sounds are kind of intense......"

"It's fine. I've already turned it into junk."

(Junk!? What did she turn into junk!?)

"? What's wrong?"

"N-nothing! Um...... actually, I need money.

Is there any way for beginners to earn money?"

"Let's see......

For easy money, going to the Gold Planet is your best bet.

The Machine World Beasts on planets with 'Gold' in the name drop more chips."

"I-I see."

"The recommended level is 25,

so there's a level gap with you, Shiki-san,

but I think you'll be fine.

However......"

"However......?"

"I'm not sure how much I should say.

Shiki-san, you don't like spoilers, right?"

"Y-yes."

"......Understood.

Then, respecting your playstyle, I'll give a warning.

First, the Gold Planet can sometimes be harder than the level suggests.

Never let your guard down, and always stay aware of your surroundings."

Hmm?

Maybe there's a system where Machine World Beasts get stronger at night or something.

"Also, don't rely on your radar."

On radar?

So, there are Machine World Beasts that use stealth combat?

"Oh, and spaceships can be digitized and stored in your pouch,

so I recommend storing it immediately upon landing."

(What!? You can do that!?

If only I had known......

I could've avoided that tragedy!)

That's subtly super important information!

"Ah, thank you, Sheena-san!

I'll head to the Gold Planet right away!"

"Yes. The Gold Planet is high-risk, but also high-reward.

I wish you a good journey."

The call ends.

Sheena-san might be scary sometimes,

but she's still a really nice person.

I set my destination to "Gold Planet — Difficulty ☆☆☆" and prepare for departure.

"......The Gold Planet—

I wonder what kind of place it is.

I'm so excited......!!"

The spaceship launches into space.

[IMAGE: p-xxx.xhtml]