084vCvqW

1
2Tatsuya gently patted his sister’s back a few times to comfort her, then resumed pushing the cart forward.
3
4Miyuki swiftly followed behind.
5
6—And stopped not ten steps away.
7
8A young lady sitting on a couch near the wall waved at them. She wore a pair of shorts and braided sandals that showed off her toned legs, as well as a vest that clearly revealed both shoulders.
9
10Tatsuya also came to a stop alongside Miyuki and glanced over at his friend who then stopped waving and rose from the sofa. She apparently mistook this location for a tropical beach resort.
11
12“It’s been a week, how have you guys been?”
13
14“Hm, not bad…… Speaking of which, Erika, why are you here?”
15
16“To cheer you guys on, of course.”
17
18After a short exchange of greetings, Miyuki asked in a bewildered manner, to which Erika replied frankly.
19
20Of course, Miyuki anticipated this sort of answer but was also unable to accept it.
21
22“But the competition starts two days from now.”
23
24“Yep, I know.”
25
26Erika’s personality veered towards that of a mischievous child who delighted in teasing others, often making it very hard to get to the point.
27
28“Miyuki, I’m leaving first. Erika, see you around.”
29
30Tatsuya immediately elected to abandon further questioning and, leaving Miyuki and Erika in the lobby, moved the overflowing push cart towards the room reserved for the technician team.
31
32“Ah, uh, see you later…… Hold it, at least let me say hi?”
33
34“Sorry, the senpais from the technician team are waiting for Onii-sama. So why are you here two days early?”
35
36Miyuki apologized on behalf of her brother before asking further.
37
38“Tonight’s the meet and greet, right?”
39
40“…………”
41
42“…………”
43
44“…………So?”
45
46Miyuki waited for Erika to reply, but she felt that no matter how long she waited, she still wouldn’t get a full answer, so Miyuki was forced to change the subject.
47
48“I should probably caution you. Unrelated personnel are not permitted access to the dinner, and that includes students.”
49
50“Ah, don’t worry, we got that covered.”
51
52“Ah? You said……”
53
54“Erika, the key to the room…… Eh, Miyuki-san?”
55
56Miyuki wanted to ask “You said something about having it covered?”, but was interrupted by a voice of an approaching young lady.
57
58“Mizuki, you came too?”
59
60“Miyuki-san, good afternoon…… What is it?”
61
62Mizuki heard Miyuki questioning Erika and warmly greeted her, but noticed that Miyuki was staring at her in place of a greeting, causing her to smile awkwardly.
63
64“……Quite conspicuous.”
65
66“Uh…… really?”
67
68Mizuki glanced at herself uneasily. Today, she was wearing an upper garment with thin shoulder straps plus a skirt that was several inches higher above the knees. For some people, she was probably more tempting than Erika.
69
70On first impulse, Miyuki thought something like “Did everyone mistake this for a summer resort?”.
71
72“Erika said not to dress too conservatively, so……”
73
74“Is that so……”
75
76Miyuki wanted to say a few choice words to Erika, but seeing her feign ignorance and turn her head, Miyuki gave this up as a lost cause.
77
78Miyuki could now sympathize why her brother often sighed when dealing with Erika.
79
80“Mizuki, I’m saying this for your benefit, but you might want to get changed. The getup is adorable and suits you perfectly, but I think there’s a better time and place.”
81
82However, Miyuki didn’t just smile and nod. Her personality was slightly more righteous than her brother, and more obstinate as well.
83
84“Is that…… so? ……Really?”
85
86“Yes, you should.”
87
88Mizuki peered at Erika as she asked her, while Miyuki also watched Erika as she nodded in assent.
89
90“Eh~ Really~?”
91
92Erika finally stopped play acting and disagreed with a huff.
93
94“Speaking of room keys, where are you guys staying?”
95
96……This time, it was Miyuki’s turn to ignore that sally.
97
98“Yes.”
99
100Mizuki answered while Erika was fuming by the side, but she didn’t press Miyuki.
101
102During the past four months, Erika learned from their mutual interactions that this beautiful young lady that looked like she would show leniency towards even bugs possessed a strong and ruthless personality.
103
104“I can’t believe there are barred rooms…… No, even more importantly, it’s amazing how the hotel actually let you guys stay. I thought ordinary people are barred from access……”
105
106“Here’s where you call on your connections.”
107
108Her mood restored, Erika revealed the answer without any guilt whatsoever, forcing Miyuki to burst into laughter.
109
110“That’s the Chiba Family for you.”
111
112While her tone was still joking, Miyuki was in no way paying superficial praise, but actually touching upon the truth.
113
114Just as the Ten Master Clans bear the numbers one through ten in their names, the primary families within the Hundred Families such as Chiyoda, Isori, all bore numbers beyond 11 in their names. The size of the number had no correlation with the strength of the family, but the very fact that one possessed a number in their surname directly equated to a superior bloodline and was an excellent indicator of an individual’s potential as a Magician. Magical families that have a number in their names are collectively known as the “Numbered Family System” (This is only one way of estimating ability. Even in First High’s Student Council, only Mayumi herself came from the “Numbered Family System”).
115
116Erika came from the Chiba Family, which was one of the primary families within the “Numbered Family System”.
117
118The Chiba Family was renowned for using personal Speed and Weight Magic in close quarters combat. The Chiba Family’s strength lay not in the fact they could adeptly use spells, but in the new system they pioneered for the training and development of close combat Magicians.
119
120Presently, of the Magicians serving as policemen or infantry in the military, it was rumored that half of them were directly trained under the Chiba Family’s system. This was the case for the navy and air force as well. Any unit that could encounter close combat situations often petitioned the Chiba Family for training.
121
122If solely dependent on connections within active duty troops, the Chiba Family’s influence may eclipse that of the Ten Master Clans.
123
124“But is that OK? I thought Erika loathed using the family as backup……”
125
126“I dislike other people simply seeing me as a ‘daughter of the Chiba Family’. Connections are made to be used, it’s your loss if you ignore it.”
127
128If this was anyone else, this answer could cause a combative atmosphere, but because the two others were Miyuki and Mizuki, they didn’t take it to heart.
129
130“Hehe, you’re right. Now, I should go organize my luggage. I don’t know how you guys are a part of this, but I’ll see you at dinner.”
131
132Miyuki walked towards the elevator with Erika waving at her and Mizuki looking on.
133
134“Hey, Erika, can’t you carry your own bags?”
135
136“Shibata-san, I have your baggage over here. I apologize for bringing it without permission, but there were too many people at the counter.”
137
138Halfway there, Miyuki heard two young men call out to Erika and Mizuki.
139
140One of the voices was familiar, but the other was completely foreign.
141
142So it wasn’t two girls, but two pairs of men and women.
143
144Miyuki secretly smiled without stopping or turning her head.
145
146
147
148
149
150Speaking of which, why is it that Miyuki’s bus arrived two days before the competition begins?
151
152That was because of the banquet being held in the evening.
153
154Since this was a high school event after all, no alcoholic beverages were served. The buffet-style banquet without any prearranged seating for the contestants about to battle it out was almost like a miniature opening ceremony. Compared to the festive aura of the previous years, anxiety reigned supreme this year.
155
156“In reality, I really didn’t want to attend……”
157
158As the Student Council President, this was something that Mayumi couldn’t and shouldn’t say, so Tatsuya politely struck that from the record.
159
160Technician teams were auxiliary members, but counted as official members for the purposes of actual on site activities, so they were also obligated to attend. Tatsuya, who was ill at ease with reception events like banquets, privately agreed with Mayumi’s sentiment.
161
162The dress code for the banquet was each school’s uniforms, so they didn’t have to worry on that account. That being said, the borrowed suit didn’t fit him very well, which raised his resistance towards attending.
163
164“Should we have purchased a new one……?”
165
166His fidgeting had been noticed after all.
167
168Miyuki furrowed her brows in concern as she watched Tatsuya.
169
170“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. Sorry for making you worry.”
171
172This sequence thoroughly shamed Tatsuya, as it was getting difficult to tell who the older sibling was. In addition, this was an official event with mandatory attendance, so one shouldn’t complain that they were uncomfortable or displeased.
173
174“No, Onii-sama, please don’t say that.”
175
176She probably noticed the minute adjustments to Tatsuya’s expression and realized that he had wiped out his depressed mood.
177
178Miyuki smiled happily.
179
180“OK, those siblings over there can stop flirting.”
181
182The slightly teasing words caused Tatsuya to glance aside — strictly speaking, he had to glance downwards — to see Mayumi stifling her smile as she watched them.
183
184“I can’t believe you said flirting…… What’s this?”
185
186On the Internet, Tatsuya had read that some young women have been afflicted with a malady that causes them to see all interactions between different genders as romantic interactions. Truth be told, Tatsuya had several people around him suffering from the same illness, so he really didn’t want to broach that subject.
187
188However, Mayumi seemed to be up to her old tricks and only wanted to needle him a little.
189
190Tatsuya had long since accustomed himself to not receiving a straight answer, but still used his eyes to prompt Mayumi to respond.
191
192But Mayumi’s gaze wasn’t resting on Tatsuya, rather on someone beside him.
193
194At the sight of her trying not to burst out into laughter, Tatsuya followed her line of sight and……
195
196“Miyuki…… Why are you so embarrassed all of a sudden?”
197
198His sister ducked her head in shame.
199
200“Everyone, let’s go.”
201
202Mayumi retracted her teasing attitude and urged everyone onward, her mood excellent for some unknown reason.
203
204On some level, Tatsuya was irritated that he had turned into a device for mood improvement, but upon seeing Mayumi’s retreating figure move away with lighthearted footsteps, he suddenly thought “Ah, forget it”.
205
206
207
208
209
210Of the people participating in the Nine Schools Competition, there were 360 contestants alone and over 400 members if the auxiliaries were added in.
211
212On the surface, the attendance of all members is mandatory, but there were many who found some reason to decline.
213
214Even so, this was still a large scale fellowship event that well exceeded 300 people.
215
216The meeting area had to be large enough to accommodate the large number of guests and servants.
217
218As expected, just the hotel’s employees and the support from the local base were not sufficient to cover everything. There were also many temporary employees that were obviously teenagers specifically hired for this event walking around in servant uniforms, which was not surprising in the least.
219
220However — finding a familiar face among these temporary employees definitely constituted a surprise.
221
222After a short keynote speech — thankfully this speech was short enough not to induce boredom — Tatsuya immediately headed for the dining area when a familiar voice rang out behind him.
223
224When a familiar voice asked “Would you like a drink?”, Tatsuya turned around to find Erika holding a serving tray carrying drinks with one hand.
225
226“So that’s what you meant by having it covered……”
227
228“Ah, you heard from Miyuki? So, surprised?”
229
230“……Very.”
231
232Erika flashed a pleased smile while Tatsuya had no excess processing power to come up with a witty retort, so he merely nodded in response.
233
234“I can’t believe you actually infiltrated here…… Belay that, it’s just like you to do this.”
235
236After all, that’s just what this kind of place is.
237
238Even if they hired hourly interns, they wouldn’t easily hire high school students.
239
240Other than that, there’s an age restriction as well. Even with a banquet where alcoholic beverages are forbidden, they wouldn’t relax the restrictions either. Actually, most of the servants and waitresses circulating the area looked to be in their twenties.
241
242He should probably say “as expected of the Chiba Family”.
243
244But she appeared to have used her connections in the wrong place.
245
246“By the way……”
247
248“Hm? What’s up?”
249
250“Never mind……”
251
252Tatsuya’s tone was muddled, which was entirely unlike him.
253
254After all, it’s probably impolite to say “By the way, you’ve changed a lot” in front of the person in question.
255
256Erika should also be aware that her age was a little different.
257
258Her makeup was considerably more mature.
259
260Even at close range, she looked to be the same age as the other waitresses.
261
262Usually, Erika gave off the impression that she was a lively and beautiful young lady that matched her age perfectly, but her slim figure was also perfectly suited for a more mature look.
263
264(And only her……?)
265
266Tatsuya noticed to his dismay that his thoughts were slightly uncoordinated.
267
268Erika didn’t come alone.
269
270Mizuki should also be here.
271
272Mizuki disliked places with too many people so it was hard to say that she was suited for dealing with customers, so would she be able to serve in this type of situation?
273
274
275
276
277
278“Hey, Erika, your dress is adorable. I see what you meant by you had it handled.”
279
280Miyuki joined the conversation and conveniently covered for the lull in the conversation due to Tatsuya’s silence.
281
282“That’s how it is. Well, isn’t this cute? But Tatsuya-kun seems unwilling to comment on it.”
283
284Erika twirled left and right, causing the Victorian-style servant uniform with a miniskirt to lightly dance back and forth with an unhappy tone in her voice.
285
286With Tatsuya suddenly under siege, his naturally agile mind immediately began to formulate a retaliation, but Miyuki beat him to it.
287
288“Erika, it’s useless to ask Onii-sama for these things.”
289
290Miyuki smiled and shook her head and, compared to Tatsuya, it was Erika who was taken aback as she watched Miyuki.
291
292Miyuki’s comment was not covering for Tatsuya nor denying her words, which completely surprised Erika.
293
294—However, that was only Erika jumping to conclusions too early.
295
296“Onii-sama wouldn’t be affected by external appearances like a woman’s clothes, but admires our innate qualities, so in this type of situation special uniforms hold no interest to him whatsoever.”
297
298Tatsuya believed that Miyuki’s assessment was both overly high and overly low.
299
300In this case, Tatsuya was concerned about his other friends — especially Mizuki, so he wasn’t paying attention to Erika’s garb. Of course, he is also capable of praising women’s fashion and, if the wardrobe was overly risqué, he certainly wouldn’t know where to look.
301
302—No, in this situation, the problem isn’t the clothes themselves, but the personality that lay beneath the clothes.
303
304“Oh, so that’s how it is, Tatsuya-kun isn’t interested in cosplay.”
305
306“This is cosplay?”
307
308“I don’t think so, but I think the guys see me this way.”
309
310The two young maidens left the reticent Tatsuya by the wayside and kept going.
311
312“By guys you mean Saijou-kun?”
313
314“That guy isn’t even capable of voicing such an opinion. Miki was the one who said this was cosplay, but I have already sternly chastised him for that.”
315
316The last sentence that hinted of danger was clearly imprinted in Tatsuya’s ears.
317
318Yet Miyuki didn’t seem to understand.
319
320“Miki?”
321
322When the person one is speaking with suddenly sprouts a stranger’s nickname, it was only natural for Miyuki to fixate on that.
323
324“……Who is that?”
325
326At Miyuki’s question, Erika let out an “Ah” expression.
327
328“That’s right, Miyuki wouldn’t know.”
329
330Erika softly said and bailed before anyone could stop her.
331
332“Nice moves, looks like she has a great sense of balance……”
333
334Seeing Erika weave through the crowd with tray in hand and without spilling a drop, Tatsuya was honestly impressed.
335
336Miyuki thought this comment was a little off topic, but she continued regardless.
337
338“What is going on?”
339
340Actually, Miyuki didn’t expect a straight answer.
341
342It was only because she was out of the loop that she actually asked.
343
344However, her brother actually provided her with a clear answer.
345
346“She’s going to look for Mikihiko.
347
348You’ve probably heard the name Yoshida Mikihiko?”
349
350“That’s Onii-sama’s classmate, correct?”
351
352Miyuki recalled that this name created huge controversy during the announcement for the finals’ scores.
353
354“He grew up with Erika. Miyuki probably hasn’t met Mikihiko, so she likely wanted to introduce the two of you?”
355
356No wonder, that does seem like something Erika would do.
357
358Including taking off without saying another word.
359
360“Miyuki, there you are.”
361
362“Tatsuya-kun is also here.”
363
364As the siblings glanced towards the direction Erika vanished off to, a pair of female students struck up a conversation.
365
366“Shizuku, were you looking for me?”
367
368“Honoka, Shizuku…… You two are always together?”
369
370Speaking of which, Tatsuya had always seen the two of them moving in concert, so this question was only out of curiosity and had no intent of probing deeper.
371
372“That’s because we’re friends, so we have no reason to be apart.”
373
374“That’s right.”
375
376Shizuku answered without any sense of shame, which caused Tatsuya to chuckle wryly at his foolish question.
377
378Starting last month, Tatsuya started to refer to the two of them by name.
379
380The one who “demanded” he do so was Honoka, but from Tatsuya’s perspective, he was pressured into accepting by Shizuku’s overpowering silence.
381
382“And the others?”
383
384Miyuki was the one who asked.
385
386But her tone was slightly odd.
387
388“Over there.”
389
390In the direction that Honoka pointed, a crowd of male students quickly looked elsewhere.
391
392The 1st Year female students in the representation team also stood frozen in the same place.
393
394“They probably want to approach Miyuki, but won’t dare with Tatsuya-kun lurking nearby.”
395
396“What is this, am I a watchdog now……?”
397
398Shizuku’s speculation elicited a helpless sigh from Tatsuya.
399
400There was a high chance she was correct, so he couldn’t just laugh it off.
401
402“Everyone must be in the dark about how to approach Tatsuya-kun.”
403
404Honoka’s words were meant to be comforting, but Tatsuya knew this was highly possible.
405
406He was self-conscious of the fact that he was an “outlier”.
407
408Usually, he was the one who should initiate contact with others, but……
409
410“Bullshit, everyone here is a student of First High and also on the same team……”
411
412This bombshell was dropped by a new voice.
413
414“Chiyoda-senpai.”
415
416Kanon joined Tatsuya’s group with a glass (without alcohol of course) held in one hand.
417
418Also holding a glass, Isori was following right behind her.
419
420“Kanon, even though they know better, the body still refuses to obey, that’s just human nature.”
421
422“Kei, that kind of obstinacy is only allowed in certain venues.”
423
424Kanon and Isori referred to each other directly by name.
425
426After all, since they were already engaged, doing so was perfectly natural.
427
428“Both of you raise good points, but currently there is an even easier solution.”
429
430Tatsuya suspected that both of them were also busybodies, but if he got dragged into a debate over such a trivial subject, he would be quite unhappy with himself.
431
432Unwilling to interfere with the couple’s conversation, Tatsuya sought to deal with this as soon as possible.
433
434“Miyuki, you should meet up with the rest, teamwork is very important.”
435
436“But Onii-sama……”
437
438“See me in the evening, the only roommate I have is a machine.”
439
440Basically, contestants and auxiliaries are assigned double rooms, but Tatsuya is the only 1st Year student and a Course 2 student to boot, therefore Mayumi made this decision so “there would be no cause for concern” and where he’d be “responsible for watching the machinery”, and assigned a two bed, double room (one person in a double room) for Tatsuya to stay.
441
442“Honoka and Shizuku too, drop by if you have the time.”
443
444Miyuki was still somewhat peeved, but she knew very clearly why Tatsuya said this.
445
446“……I understand. Then, Onii-sama, see you in the evening.”
447
448“We’ll call upon you a little later.”
449
450“See you later.”
451
452Miyuki, Honoka, and Shizuku answered in sequence. Tatsuya felt a displeased gaze sweep over him as he smiled and waved goodbye to the three of them, forcing him to turn around.
453
454“What a mature interaction, but I think that’s only delaying the issue.”
455
456Tatsuya and Kanon’s relationship did not exceed that of casual acquaintances.
457
458Kanon had no reason to comment on Tatsuya’s personal relationships, but Tatsuya knew Kanon spoke up out of chivalry, so he opted to face this directly.
459
460“Delaying is fine. That’s because this question doesn’t need to be solved immediately, and time is the best solution to some problems.”
461
462“That……”
463
464Kanon wasn’t able to reply, but given her unwilling expression, this young lady was not the type to give up easily.
465
466“Kanon, Shiba-kun is right, speed is not the best solution to everything in the world.”
467
468“Still, you are definitely lacking some youthful airs.”
469
470Isori’s comment was meant to break the ice rather than directly help Tatsuya, but was ruined by someone else cutting into the conversation.
471
472“Mari-senpai.”
473
474Towards Mari, who had just entered the conversation, Tatsuya didn’t refute her words and merely nodded.
475
476“Isori, Nakajou is looking for you.”
477
478Yet, Mari seemed to have taken Tatsuya’s reaction in account ahead of time and quickly got to the heart of the matter. Looks like she wasn’t here just to mess around with him.
479
480“Excuse me, where is Nakajou-san?”
481
482“Storage vehicle #1. The VIPs are about to speak, so quickly finish what you need to do and drag Nakajou back here. The unimportant VIPs are one thing, but it would be terrible for the school’s reputation if we missed the Patriarch’s words.”
483
484“That’s true, I understand.”
485
486“Mari-senpai, we’re heading out.”
487
488Isori followed his orders and quickly departed the premises with Kanon naturally on his heels. Seeing the two of them leave, Mari turned around to face Tatsuya.
489
490“Looks like the measurements are perfect.”
491
492“Just a little tight under the arms.”
493
494Mari commented as she took in the suit that Tatsuya was wearing and Tatsuya responded while looking down at himself.
495
496“Nothing we can do about that, since this is a backup. Even if the measurements are the same, there’s no way to take all the individual differences into consideration. If you wore a larger size, the waist would look terribly large.”
497
498“That’s true, so there is nothing I can do.”
499
500Mari’s words sounded like she was smiling wryly while her tone sounded like she was shrugging — although she didn’t actually make those motions — so Tatsuya mirrored her as well.
501
502“Wouldn’t it be better to purchase a new one?”
503
504There was no ill intent behind Mari’s words.
505
506“It’s too wasteful to buy a new suit only to wear it twice. If this was a cloth emblem that could be removed when worn then it would be fine, but this……”
507
508As he said this, Tatsuya glanced downwards at his left breast.
509
510At the emblem with the eight petals.
511
512This was a meeting with other schools, so it was integral to identify one another based on school emblem — hence why Tatsuya was forced to wear this uniform.
513
514“Might not just be twice. There’s the thesis competition in the fall, so there’s no way of guaranteeing that you won’t get promoted to Course 1.”
515
516Mari was smiling as she said this, but her eyes were dead serious.
517
518Tatsuya scowled as he replied:
519
520“Even if I am selected for the thesis competition, wearing my own uniform shouldn’t be a problem. Furthermore, there’s no way I can get promoted to Course 1, because to this day there’s no precedent or even a rule for it.”
521
522Tatsuya’s words drew a laugh out of Mari.
523
524“Precedent? I think your current status is already unprecedented, right? History has never seen a Course 2 student like you, so you cannot deny the possibility by saying there’s no precedent for it. Rather than saying unprecedented, you should aim to become that ‘precedent’ and pave the way for future underclassmen like you.”
525
526“…………”
527
528Seeing Tatsuya’s pained expression, Mari once more burst into delighted laughter.
529
530“Well, I’m off to find the brass from the other schools, want to join me?”
531
532“……No thanks, Erika should be looking for me.”
533
534The moment Tatsuya brought up Erika, a flicker of doubt flashed across Mari’s eyes.
535
536This should probably be saved for future ammunition, eh? Such a thought crossed Tatsuya’s mind, but the two of them shared a considerable history, so this was probably inappropriate for joking.
537
538Tatsuya silently watched Mari depart.
539
540“Eh? Where’s Miyuki?”
541
542Just as Tatsuya predicted, Erika returned with Mikihiko in tow.
543
544“I sent her back to the other students. She’ll drop by my room later this evening, so introductions can be made there.”
545
546“Ah, OK.”
547
548The first half of Tatsuya’s words was directed towards Erika, the latter to Mikihiko.
549
550Rather than being one of regret, Mikihiko’s reaction was more like a sigh of relief.
551
552“……No need to force yourself.”
553
554“……Ah?”
555
556He wasn’t immediately aware that Tatsuya was speaking to him.
557
558Hence why Mikihiko’s reaction was half a beat slow.
559
560“Hold on, it’s not like that! It’s true I’m a little nervous, but……”
561
562“Ew~ Guys just love to show off in front of cute girls.”
563
564“Erika is just as beautiful, especially today.”
565
566“Eh? Wait a minute, stop that……”
567
568“So?”
569
570Towards the teasing Erika, Tatsuya struck first by using her own tactics against her, then urged Mikihiko onward.
571
572“Tatsuya, you…… No, I’m just embarrassed to be wearing this at my first meeting.”
573
574Mikihiko stuttered to a stop then adopted an exhausted expression as he shook his head.
575
576Hearing this, Tatsuya carefully scrutinized Mikihiko and Erika’s uniforms again.
577
578Mikihiko was wearing a white collared shirt paired with a black bowtie and vest.
579
580Erika was wearing a black dress that swished back and forth with her white apron and headdress.
581
582Simply put, they weren’t butler and serving girl, they were servant and serving girl.
583
584“I don’t think that’s strange, don’t all the employees wear that?”
585
586All the servants in the room were wearing similar clothes as Mikihiko.
587
588“See, Miki is too self-conscious.”
589
590“My name is Mikihiko.”
591
592It was blatantly obvious from their tone and expressions that they had been down this road before.
593
594Mikihiko seemed very uncomfortable in his current suit. This was probably because he came from a traditional family and detested dressing up as a servant.
595
596“Speaking of which, where are the other two?”
597
598Tatsuya really wanted to know why they were working here, but ultimately decided against it.
599
600“Do you really think Leo would be a good waiter?”
601
602“He should at least know how to control himself……”
603
604Tatsuya tried to subtly defend his friend, but Erika’s laughing expression didn’t falter.
605
606“Mizuki said she didn’t like this uniform, maybe she’s like Miki in this regard?”
607
608“My name is Mikihiko!”
609
610“Yeah, yeah, yeah~”
611
612Rather peeved, Mikihiko voiced his protest, to which Erika casually agreed before turning back to Tatsuya.
613
614“Owing to these reasons, the two of them are working behind the scenes. Leo is doing manual labor in the kitchen and Mizuki is in charge of the dishes.”
615
616Tatsuya didn’t know “which reasons” those were, but was able to follow Erika’s meaning. Probably.
617
618“Because both of them are good with machinery.”
619
620“Yeah, their appearances are very deceiving.”
621
622In the modern age, no matter if it was dock work or dish washing, manpower was very rarely directly applied.
623
624Including all the details, machines could replace all manual labor.
625
626Simply put, the two of them were responsible for operating the automatic systems in the kitchen.
627
628“I was originally on support as well, so why did you call me out here?”
629
630Possibly because Mikihiko was unlike Tatsuya in this regard, as the person in question he was unable to understand why and also unwilling to accept as well.
631
632“Didn’t I explain many times that it must’ve been a clerical error?”
633
634“That’s not an explanation!”
635
636“OK, OK, stop fussing. We’re only interns, but we’re still on the clock. Look, the tray over there is empty.”
637
638“……Erika, I’ll get you for this later.”
639
640Mikihiko left that behind as he walked over to the tables, but in Tatsuya’s ears, those words weren’t “serious” at all.
641
642“Plainly, it was Mikihiko who forgot in the first place……”
643
644Erika grudgingly said this as she watched him leave, but it was hard to decipher her mood based on her voice and expression.
645
646Yet, Tatsuya believed those weren’t Erika’s true feelings.
647
648“……I don’t know if there are any ulterior motives, but shouldn’t you go easier on him?”
649
650Erika didn’t seem to comprehend Tatsuya’s meaning, so she took a while to respond.
651
652“……There isn’t any real ulterior motive. But you’re right, I am being a little spiteful. I knew that Miki wasn’t good in this type of situation, but I still……”
653
654“Wanted to annoy him?”
655
656“Hm~ I guess? He beats around the bush too much, which irritates me whenever I see him like that. Now I can understand why he can’t smile openly, but I cannot acknowledge why he refuses to get angry…… That is being stubborn to the extent of four-legged animals.”
657
658“How kind of you.”
659
660“Please stop.”
661
662Tatsuya was simply sympathizing with her words without any other intentions, but was taken aback by Erika’s unexpectedly fierce reaction.
663
664“Didn’t I just say I was being a little spiteful? Miki and I aren’t here of our own volition, we’re forced to be here by our elders. Even if I look like I’m being kind, in reality we’re just in the same boat.”
665
666Her stubborn attitude was undoubtedly born of an obstinate heart.
667
668“……I’ll skip the details. Not like I can do anything with the answers anyways, so I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that.”
669
670Tatsuya wasn’t about to step into that minefield yet.
671
672“Sorry, just don’t ask…… By the way, Tatsuya-kun.”
673
674Erika didn’t hold it against Tatsuya for not comforting her.
675
676“What is it?”
677
678“Tatsuya-kun…… is very detached.”
679
680Her tone and words were complete opposites of one another and were not critical in the slightest.
681
682“……That was quite the abrupt change in topic.”
683
684“But, I’m very thankful that you’re so detached…… I think. You’re not too gentle, so I can safely vent all I want. Nor do you pity me, so I don’t feel embarrassed…… Thank you.”
685
686The last two words were so quiet that they almost couldn’t be heard.
687
688Seeing Erika flee towards the nearby tables, Tatsuya thought: everyone has their own troubles.
689
690For a buffet with no designated seating for upwards of 400 people, the cuisines could not be set in one central location. The buffet sprawled over the entire ballroom of the hotel’s top floor, with three tables set by the two walls and in the center in the front, middle, and rear for a total of 9 tables. Cuisines suitable for teenagers were constantly being replenished on the serving tables.
691
692Historically, the students from each school usually congregated around one of the tables.
693
694That being said, only small fry were able to focus on eating, but the brass from each school weren’t so relaxed.
695
696At Mayumi’s signal, Miyuki bid farewell to her peers and moved with the Student Council.
697
698As Mayumi and Suzune were greeting the leadership from the other schools — and engaged in ruthless spying, Miyuki was carefully scrutinizing her brother, who was watching Erika, from behind them.
699
700She didn’t make any noise or reveal any expression, but inwardly sighed.
701
702Miyuki esteemed Tatsuya more than anyone else (not only did Miyuki respect Tatsuya more than anyone else, she also rated him higher than anyone else).
703
704She knew her brother wasn’t perfect — but still believed that her brother was, on some level, superhuman.
705
706Miyuki also knew that her brother possessed many glaring flaws.
707
708One of these flaws was that he was unable to believe other people’s good will towards him.
709
710This can be partially blamed on his dullness, in that he was unable to comprehend goodwill directed towards him.
711
712More importantly, Tatsuya honestly questioned why people would think positively of him.
713
714On some level, this was inevitable.
715
716Because his own parents neglected to pour this emotion called “love” into him, and even personally stripped “love” from his mind.
717
718Miyuki knew it would take a miracle for her brother to return her feelings.
719
720Even so, seeing an adorable classmate (even in Miyuki’s eyes, Erika was an undeniable beauty) display an almost affectionate — Miyuki believed this might be “love” — towards him, Tatsuya still watched her go, behind that unyielding mask of logic, causing Miyuki’s heart to ache more than be at ease.
721
722Miyuki believed that her brother didn’t even notice the gaze she was directing towards him.
723
724Or maybe he noticed that she was watching him.
725
726But Tatsuya definitely wasn’t able to comprehend what feelings Miyuki was holding inside — once she thought of this, Miyuki despaired.
727
728—This way, she must scold him sternly in order to calm down.
729
730—Her brother’s overly dim personality would definitely be a stumbling stone on his path to developing meaningful social relations.
731
732—Yes, this was for her brother, a scolding born of love.
733
734Beneath the beatific smile normally seen on statues, Miyuki made this decision.
735
736……There was no way she could have remained ignorant of the looks she drew from her surroundings, but maybe no one could understand the real her.
737
738Mayumi and company were (on the outside) chatting freely with the Student Council members from Third High, who were likely the stiffest opposition to First High’s campaign.
739
740In the rear, the 1st Year students from Third High were whispering to one another.
741
742If they were eavesdropping on their senpais’ analysis of combat strength and strategy, then they would be worthy of the militant nature of Third High and even move their upperclassmen to tears, but……
743
744“Ichijou, look, isn’t that girl rad?”
745
746“Who the heck says rad these days…… In which generation did you attend high school?”
747
748“Shut up, I wasn’t asking you. So, Ichijou, what do you think?”
749
750“Why are you so excited…… It’s no use, that level of beauty is out of your league, so don’t bother trying.”
751
752“Man, would you quit it, even if I can’t, Ichijou should be no problem, right? Because Ichijou’s got the looks and brains and is a member of the Ten Master Clans to boot, surely we can get on his coattails, right?”
753
754“I’m amazed you can speak so brazenly with a straight face……”
755
756In reality, they were conversing in this manner — which was very much like regular highschoolers.
757
758“Masaki, what is it?”
759
760However, the male student in the center of the group did not respond to the enthusiastic endorsement and focused all his attention on the female student in question.
761
762Instead of focusing on his charming visage, his handsome aura stood out and perfectly matched the description of a “young and handsome warrior” in the archaic fashion. Standing near 180 cm in height with a thick set of shoulders, compact waist and slender legs…… 1st Year student Ichijou Masaki of Third High was just as his teammates described, a man whose physical appearance was quite popular with the ladies.
763
764“……Masaki?”
765
766Bewildered, Masaki looked towards the person who called his name. The other person was also a male 1st Year student from Third High whose build was well-trained but not overly tall.
767
768
769
770
771
772“……George, do you know who she is?”
773
774“George” was a nickname, as his outer appearance was thoroughly Asian and his real name Kichijouji Shinkurou was purely Japanese. Upon hearing Masaki’s question, this student immediately replied without further consideration.
775
776“Hm? Oh, I think you can tell from the uniform, she’s a 1st Year student from First High. Her name is Shiba Miyuki, and she’s participating in ‘Icicle Destruction’ and ‘Fairy Dance’, so she must be the 1st Year ace from First High.”
777
778“Whew, so both talented and beautiful, eh?”
779
780Ichijou Masaki ignored his teammate who was bending back in a comical fashion and muttered to himself.
781
782“Shiba Miyuki, eh…..”
783
784This sound caused the male student known as George to turn a curious eye on Masaki.
785
786“It’s quite rare for Masaki to show interest in the ladies, isn’t it?”
787
788The other students expressed their agreement.
789
790“Now that you mention it, that’s quite right.”
791
792“With Ichijou’s merits, usually the ladies approach him directly, so he’s usually not the pursuing one, right?”
793
794“You have no idea how many people are jealous of this fellow.”
795
796This surrounding environment gradually turned into one where “single men were starting to get angry”, but Masaki remained silent.
797
798He would continue to observe Miyuki during several unobtrusive intervals.
799
800His gaze possessed considerable warmth.
801
802
803
804
805
806As the VIPs began speaking, the high school students that were the focal point of the day stopped what they were doing and paid overly serious attention to the adults speaking — or pretended to do so at any rate.
807
808After Erika returned to her station, Tatsuya had no one left to speak with and finally obtained a modicum of peace.
809
810Just taking in the famous figures from the magic community was a sufficient way to spend the time.
811
812Some he beheld for the first time, others had only been seen on TV.
813
814Of course, there were also people he had met before or sat with in the same room, but not conversed with.
815
816Among these people, the one who held most of Tatsuya’s interest was the elder from the Ten Master Clans known as the “Patriarch”.
817
818Kudou Retsu.
819
820He was one of the most important figures from the Ten Master Clans in the 21st century and, until around twenty years ago, was acknowledged to be one of the strongest Magicians in the world.
821
822After this elder, once renowned as one of the strongest, retired from the front lines, he rarely appeared in public events but for some reason chose to appear every year at the Nine Schools Competition. This detail was public knowledge.
823
824Likewise, Tatsuya had never met this man, but had seen him on video.
825
826In his heart, Tatsuya discovered an excitement akin to witnessing a historical figure striding into the light.
827
828After the various VIPs finished encouraging or lecturing the crowd, it was finally Elder Kudou’s turn.
829
830He must be over 90 years old now.
831
832How much of that once astonishing Magic Power still remained?
833
834Did he possess a physical body still capable of wielding magic?
835
836As Tatsuya considered this, the master of ceremonies formally introduced the elder’s name.
837
838Not just Tatsuya, every high school student held their breath as they waited for Elder Kudou to take the stage.
839
840The appearance of this famous figure made Tatsuya forget to breathe out.
841
842The person who appeared beneath the congregated lights was a young, blonde woman wearing a formal gown.
843
844This immediately threw the audience into an uproar.
845
846Tatsuya was not the only one shocked by this.
847
848This incredibly unexpected turnout caused discussions to break out throughout the audience.
849
850Wasn’t Elder Kudou supposed to take the stage?
851
852Why was a young woman appearing in his place?
853
854Did something happen, forcing her to speak in his place?
855
856(—No, that’s not it.)
857
858Tatsuya finally realized the truth.
859
860The woman wasn’t the only person on stage.
861
862An elderly man stood behind her.
863
864Everyone’s attention was only drawn towards the outwardly captivating young lady.
865
866(—Sensory Interference Magic.)
867
868The elder likely invoked a large scale magic that covered the entire meeting place.
869
870By using an obvious distraction to capture everyone’s attention, this sort of “change” doesn’t qualify as phenomenon rewriting, as it was a “phenomenon” that occurred naturally.
871
872The magic’s scale was large enough to impact everyone present at the same time, yet subtle enough to escape detection.
873
874(So this was the man once called the strongest…… No, the “Sly Warlock” hailed as the “pinnacle” and “craftiest” — the magic of Kudou Retsu……)
875
876He must have noticed Tatsuya’s gaze.
877
878The elder behind the young woman cracked a smile.
879
880A smile that would not be out of place on a mischievous young man.
881
882The woman in the formal gown stepped aside after receiving the elder’s quiet instructions.
883
884As the spotlight fell upon the elder, a huge commotion spread throughout the crowd.
885
886Almost everyone believed Elder Kudou materialized out of thin air.
887
888The elder’s eyes once more locked onto Tatsuya.
889
890Tatsuya subtly returned the greeting with his eyes.
891
892The elder’s eyes displayed a very satisfied smile.
893
894“First of all, allow me to express my sincere apologies for creating this subterfuge.”
895
896Even discounting the microphone’s presence, his voice remained loud and clear — in definite contrast to his advanced age.
897
898“This was just a small sideshow that was more like a magic trick than true magic, but based on my observations, only five people detected the truth behind the facade. In other words……”
899
900Many high school students were deeply drawn into the elder’s words and intent behind his words.
901
902“If I was a terrorist planning to destroy you all and smuggled chemical weapons or explosives under the guise of a visitor, only five people would be able to reach out and deny me. That’s just how it is.”
903
904The elder’s words did not possess any particular emphasis or reprimand.
905
906However, a different sort of stillness enveloped the meeting area.
907
908“To our youth studying magic.
909
910Magic is a means, magic itself is not the end goal.
911
912I created this little game hoping to remind everyone of this very point.
913
914The magic I just used was on a large scale, but low in strength.
915
916By Magic Power standards, this belongs to lower level magic.
917
918Yet, everyone succumbed to this weak magic and could not discover my presence, despite knowing that I would appear.
919
920It is vital that you continue to train in magic.
921
922You must diligently raise your Magic Power without relent.
923
924Still, just this is insufficient. I pray that everyone here carves that into their hearts.
925
926An inappropriately used large magic cannot compare to a meticulously prepared and executed small magic.
927
928Remember, everyone, the Nine Schools Competition that begins two days from now is a battlefield that is fought with magic, as well as a battlefield where the use of magic is equally important.
929
930To our youth studying magic.
931
932I highly anticipate what brilliant schemes you will display in this competition.”
933
934The audience burst into applause.
935
936Unfortunately, this applause didn’t spread throughout the audience.
937
938Among the bemused but clapping teenagers, Tatsuya was also applauding. Except, he differed from other youths in that he wore a quiet smile.
939
940To propose that the use of magic was more important than the level of magic ran counter to everything the upper strata of modern magic society was espousing. The value of magic comes from its proper use, which hinted that magic should only be seen as an independent tool.
941
942This old Magician stood near the pinnacle of magical society within the country, but still advised everyone to go against the norms established by modern magic society. From another perspective, this attitude was very irresponsible, because his influence was enough to shake the foundations of modern magic society.
943
944If Kudou Retsu’s speech was only empty words, Tatsuya would have balked, yet this elder used a simple and easy to understand method to demonstrate his point. He used a superlative technique far beyond Tatsuya’s means to use magic as a flexible and agile tool.
945
946
947
948
949
950—So this is the “Patriarch”……
951
952Kokonoe Yakumo, Kazama Harunobu, as well as this Kudou Retsu, this country still contained many Magicians that Tatsuya needed to learn from. Surely there were many other subjects worthy of study, except Tatsuya didn’t know of them yet. This was something he couldn’t learn in the FLT research labs.
953
954And he thought high school would be boring.
955
956Tatsuya ruminated on this at the same time.
957
958
959
960
961
962The banquet was held two days before the main event to preserve one day for the contestants to properly rest and relax.
963
964The technician team and the tactical advisors were busy with the final leg of the preparations, just as the contestants were using their own methods to mentally and physically prepare themselves for the start of the competition tomorrow.
965
966That being said, the 1st Year students would compete on the fourth day of the event, so at this stage excitement and resounding feelings far outweighed anxiety. From an age perspective, they were the ones who usually departed on trips with their peers.
967
968After dinner, Miyuki, Honoka, and Shizuku also visited Tatsuya’s room, but since Tatsuya was engaged in adjusting the Activation Sequences, they quickly called it a night and returned to their own rooms. The itinerary for the Official and Newcomers Divisions differed, so two 1st Year students usually shared a room. Honoka and Shizuku were roommates, while Miyuki shared a room with a young lady named Takigawa Kazumi from Class C. However, since Kazumi’s personality was geared towards athletic club activities and she usually spent her days with the senpais from her club, Miyuki spent most of her time with Honoka and Shizuku in their room.
969
970The hour hand on the clock (for some reason, all the clocks in the hotel were this type) pointed towards the Roman numeral “X”, and the majority of the high school contestants who were waiting for tomorrow to begin had already turned in. Precisely because they understood this, not just Miyuki and company, but all their teammates and 1st Year students from the other schools knew to remain quiet and not cause a ruckus. Even so, their overabundant energies rendered them unable to sleep peacefully like their older peers.
971
972The only thing that three girls would do while burning the midnight oil would be talking to one another.
973
974There are of course exceptions to this rule. From outward appearances, Miyuki and Shizuku should belong to the “exceptions” category, but were unexpectedly “ordinary”.
975
976The recent topics were all related to the Nine Schools Competition, and not all girl talk revolved around fashion and romance, but since these topics frequently cut into the conversation, it was all but inevitable.
977
978As mentioned earlier, the time was approaching 10 o’clock, but it wasn’t lights out in the hotel yet. Hence why when someone knocked on the door, there was no cause for alarm or suspicion.
979
980“Ah, I’ll get that.”
981
982The knocking caused all three to rise and Honoka, who was closest to the door, halted the other two.
983
984“Good evening!”
985
986“Hey, Eimi, everyone, what’s up?”
987
988The person behind the door was a captivating petite girl with red hair that shone with a ruby-like luster. She was Akechi Eimi, one of Miyuki’s teammates, with four other students behind her. In other words, First High’s Newcomers Division Women’s Team was almost all gathered here.
989
990“Uh, you know, there’s an onsen here.”
991
992“……Sorry, you need to speak plainly.”
993
994Honoka didn’t understand why Eimi was so happy as she said this.
995
996“Now that you mention it, this hotel has an artificial onsen beneath it.”
997
998But Miyuki quickly grasped Eimi’s meaning.
999
1000“Yes, as expected of Miyuki, you’re brilliant!”
1001
1002“……I’m sorry, but hearing you say that hardly fills me with joy.”
1003
1004Eimi meant no harm, but after being praised so leisurely, Miyuki felt a headache oncoming.
1005
1006As Miyuki pressed her temple, Eimi made an “Eh?” expression as she tilted her head to one side.
1007
1008“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. So what about this onsen?”
1009
1010At Miyuki’s urging, Eimi broke into an innocent smile.
1011
1012“So, let’s go to the onsen!”
1013
1014Eimi’s sudden — at least in Miyuki’s ears — words caused Miyuki and Honoka to glance at one another.
1015
1016Honoka seemed to share Miyuki’s misgivings.
1017
1018“Is that OK? This is a military facility.”
1019
1020Yet, the person who represented the three of them and asked Eimi was Shizuku situated in the rear.
1021
1022This wasn’t an ordinary hotel — it was one of the facilities attached to the SDF’s exercise grounds. Besides the facilities arranged ahead of time, most of the other areas should have restricted access.
1023
1024“I tried asking for permission and received it. We’re OK until 11.”
1025
1026Eimi easily alleviated Shizuku’s concerns.
1027
1028“As expected of Eimi.”
1029
1030Honoka couldn’t refrain from saying softly.
1031
1032“You should say, thanks for the opportunity, right!”
1033
1034Alas, such words had no effect on the ecstatic Eimi.
1035
1036“Wait, I remember that swimsuits are required in the onsen. I didn’t bring one.”
1037
1038“That’s also no problem, as the hotel will lend us bathing robes as well as towels.”
1039
1040Eimi easily fielded Miyuki’s practical concerns.
1041
1042Given this level of preparation, Miyuki and company had no further reasons to refuse. Honestly, all three of them were slightly interested in the — albeit artificial — onsen.
1043
1044“Then allow us to accompany you. Let me get some clothes, you guys go ahead.”
1045
1046Hearing Miyuki’s reply, Eimi nodded happily.
1047
1048“OK, take your time, no need to hurry.”
1049
1050Miyuki lightly raised a hand and temporarily bid adieu to her teammates.
1051
1052
1053
1054
1055
1056The underground bathhouse (artificial onsen) was completely monopolized by First High’s female 1st Year students.
1057
1058It’s not like they reserved the entire area, more like there weren’t any other guests, so they were in complete control from 10 to 11.
1059
1060The large bathhouse was similar to public bathhouses in that they were intended for similar purposes.
1061
1062However, while this underground artificial onsen was called a large bathhouse, in reality it could only hold 10 people or so. The onsen was originally designed to help treat muscle and joint pain from extensive exercise and heated the salty reisen that ran beneath the hotel to form this medical facility. The primary users were usually higher ranking officers (and middle-aged to boot), and it was never intended to be open to the public. Owing to the fact that only those under the doctor’s orders could visit during specified hours, anyone entering had to rinse themselves off in the shower area and don a swimsuit or bathing robe before entering.
1063
1064—Besides their group, no other group appeared to have applied for permission.
1065
1066Female bathing robes were literally “mini-coats that reached mid-thigh without any pants”. Though maybe describing them as “bathing robes the length of mini-skirts without the belt” sounded sexier? The lack of a belt certainly made it easier to relax in the onsen, but provided even less sense of security than a swimsuit.
1067
1068“Wow……”
1069
1070“W……What is it?”
1071
1072Anyone wearing this would undoubtedly be too ashamed to appear before anyone of the opposite gender, but everyone here was a girl and trustworthy teammates on top of that. However, at Eimi’s explosive breath, Honoka was overcome by a sense of shame and alertness as if a man had seen her.
1073
1074She couldn’t help but wrap her arms tightly around the front of her robe.
1075
1076Eimi’s eyes were glued in that direction — Honoka’s bosom.
1077
1078“How surprising, Honoka cuts a great figure!”
1079
1080Eimi gradually advanced.
1081
1082Honoka kept retreating.
1083
1084Her back quickly encountered the wall of the bathing area.
1085
1086“Honoka.”
1087
1088“What is it?”
1089
1090The predatory aura that swirled around Eimi was almost enough to make Honoka scream.
1091
1092“Can I take a look?”
1093
1094“Of course not!”
1095
1096Eimi’s eyes were laughing, so she was obviously messing around. The question was how far she would take the joke.
1097
1098Honoka quickly glanced around the bathing area for help. Her teammates were either relaxing in the onsen or sitting on the edge soaking their feet. Everyone around her had the same smiling eyes Eimi did, with one exception.
1099
1100“What’s the matter, after all, Honoka’s bust is huge.”
1101
1102“Is that the problem here!”
1103
1104Eimi’s eyes remained smiling, but Honoka could see something lurking in her eyes that told her this wouldn’t end in a joking manner.
1105
1106“Shizuku, save me!”
1107
1108Honoka couldn’t help but appeal for help from Shizuku, “the one exception”.
1109
1110Shizuku slowly rose.
1111
1112“So what?”
1113
1114After saying this, she left the bathing area.
1115
1116“What!”
1117
1118At her best friend’s betrayal, Honoka screamed in pain.
1119
1120Instantly, Shizuku lowered a sorrowful gaze towards her own chest.
1121
1122“After all, Honoka’s bust is huge.”
1123
1124After leaving these incriminating words, she turned and headed into the sauna.
1125
1126The bathing area was filled with Honoka’s shrieks.
1127
1128
1129
1130
1131
1132(What are they fighting over now?)
1133
1134Miyuki could not comprehend what was causing the sounds of water splashing everywhere in the bathing area as she continued to shower. She had already washed off the sweat and dust of the day, but still went through the motions and activated the “Personal Washer” in the shower to thoroughly rinse herself off (from the collar down) before putting on her bathing robe. She wrapped a towel around her silky hair to hold it in place and finally padded into the bathing area that finally quieted down. At this moment, every teammate in the area locked their gaze on Miyuki’s figure.
1135
1136“W……What’s wrong?”
1137
1138Miyuki shrank back as she came to a halt, but no one replied.
1139
1140The number of looks never changed.
1141
1142“Everyone, stop, Miyuki is straight!”
1143
1144For some reason, Honoka said this in a solemn and stirring voice, which shattered the unnatural silence.
1145
1146“Honoka?”
1147
1148Honoka’s words were too vague for Miyuki to comprehend its meaning.
1149
1150“Ah~ Sorry, sorry, accidentally lost track of myself.”
1151
1152Sitting in the innermost corner by the edge of bath was a young lady from Class D named Satomi Subaru who spoke in a gentlemanly tone that would not seem out of place on a young man. This allowed Miyuki to finally make the connection regarding what Honoka was talking about and also understand exactly what the looks directed her way signified.
1153
1154“Hold on…… We’re all girls here, what are you talking about?”
1155
1156Miyuki frantically said and tugged her robe towards the inside of her thighs. This movement actually once more ignited the tense atmosphere within the bathhouse.
1157
1158The moisture left over from the shower interacted with the steam let off by the onsen, causing the thin fabric to cling tightly to the body, revealing Miyuki’s feminine curves as well as the vibrant twin orbs on her chest.
1159
1160The front collar revealed flesh that was dyed to a faint pink.
1161
1162Extending beneath the short hem of the robes was a pair of impeccable, dazzling, and beautiful legs.
1163
1164Especially in Miyuki’s condition, even compared to being completely unclothed, even in a bathing robe that was far less revealing than her swimsuit, this brewed an irresistibly lovable charisma.
1165
1166“……Are all girls, yeah, I understand, but……”
1167
1168“I don’t know how to say this…… But if it’s Miyuki that’s OK.”
1169
1170Everyone whispered in profound agreement.
1171
1172“That’s enough! Now you’re just going too far.”
1173
1174Even at this disadvantage, Miyuki bravely strode into the bath.
1175
1176She gracefully sank into bath and stretched out her legs under everyone’s unblinking gaze.
1177
1178As she lowered herself to a sitting position, the water reached neck height. The front collar swayed to the movement of the water and, for an instant, Miyuki’s nape was revealed.
1179
1180Somewhere, a collective gasp could be heard.
1181
1182This awkward atmosphere was neither joking nor was it intended to cause a scene.
1183
1184
1185
1186
1187
1188If this continues, Miyuki’s chastity might be in danger.
1189
1190“Miyuki, I’m with you!”
1191
1192Fortunately, Honoka splashed down beside Miyuki, disrupting the spider’s web that was closing around the butterfly.
1193
1194“If you don’t stop now, everyone here runs the risk of bathing in frigid water!”
1195
1196Upon hearing this threat, all their teammates finally adopted serious expressions and turned away from watching Miyuki.
1197
1198Even with their eyes elsewhere, they were still consciously drawn to Miyuki.
1199
1200Plainly, there were many young girls present, but no one ventured to speak.
1201
1202On the other hand, Miyuki wanted to protest to Honoka’s words, but felt that rashly proclaiming that “she definitely wouldn’t do anything like that” may be a dangerous move that would upset the delicate balance, so she refrained.
1203
1204“……What happened?”
1205
1206Shizuku, who had hitherto been staying in the sauna by herself, asked innocently as she beheld the awkward atmosphere in the bathhouse.
1207
1208Likely self-reflecting after someone finally asked, the young ladies returned to normal.
1209
1210Once the young girls adopted their regular behavior, the bathhouse was once again filled with the sounds of talk and laughter.
1211
1212The subjects that girls talk about are more than just fashion and romance.
1213
1214Still, fashion and romance were truly two of the most popular subjects.
1215
1216While soaking in the bath, the conversation naturally turned to the males they met during the previous night’s banquet. The primary target were “boys”, but included some “men” and a small group of “older men”. This sounds like the breath of their admiration spanned a large spectrum, but honestly that was how it was:
1217
1218“—So, the bartender behind the counter was quite an interesting old timer.”
1219
1220“Whoa…… That guy’s totally over 40. To think that you’re interested in middle-aged men, I think your life is over……”
1221
1222“Correction, please say interesting gentleman. In my eyes, high school students are all immature kids that are completely undependable.”
1223
1224“Really~? I don’t think all the boys our age are like that, maybe because you’ve been seeing the wrong people?”
1225
1226“Yeah, Isori-senpai looks pretty tolerant, right? More importantly, he looks like a decent guy.”
1227
1228“I feel kind of empty going after someone with a girlfriend already, you know? Also in Isori-senpai’s case, his girlfriend has already advanced to fiancée.”
1229
1230“Speaking of dependable, I guess that has to be Juumonji-senpai?”
1231
1232“Nah, Juumonji-senpai is too dependable. Not only that, he’s also the Ten Master Clans’ future successor.”
1233
1234“Speaking of successors of the Ten Master Clans, there’s the successor for the Ichijou Family from Third High, right?”
1235
1236“Ah, I saw him, he’s pretty hot.”
1237
1238“Yeah, I know you shouldn’t judge boys by outward appearances, but it certainly doesn’t hurt if he is easy on the eyes.”
1239
1240……Just like that.
1241
1242All of a sudden, Eimi suddenly thrust the conversation back to Miyuki, who was sitting in the corner of the bath letting the (mental) exhaustion soak out of her.
1243
1244“Speaking of Ichijou from Third High, he was watching Miyuki with burning eyes.”
1245
1246Eimi was speaking to Miyuki, but Miyuki was unable to respond to these words.
1247
1248“Eh, really?”
1249
1250“Maybe it was love at first sight?”
1251
1252“This is Miyuki we’re talking about, it’s highly possible.”
1253
1254“You should say that it would be strange for boys not to fall in love with Miyuki at first sight, right?”
1255
1256“Maybe they knew each other from long ago.”
1257
1258Everyone listening let out delighted shrieks.
1259
1260“Miyuki, is that true?”
1261
1262Shizuku didn’t join the shrieking and adopted a serious tone — Shizuku’s tone lacked the normal voice inflection, so even if she personally didn’t intend to, she still came across as being solemn — as she asked Miyuki.
1263
1264Miyuki’s response was:
1265
1266“……Allow me to be perfectly clear, I’ve only seen Ichijou-kun in pictures and didn’t even know where he was located during the banquet.”
1267
1268This might qualify as being callous or sheer overkill, and if Third High had heard Miyuki’s response, morale probably would have plummeted. The young girls bursting with expectations were all taken aback upon hearing this answer.
1269
1270Even so, there were always people who refused to surrender.
1271
1272“If that’s the case, what type of guy does Miyuki like? Is it truly like your brother’s type?”
1273
1274The one who reacted to Subaru’s words was not Miyuki, but Honoka instead. Her body tensed momentarily, which was only detected by Shizuku who was sitting beside her.
1275
1276Miyuki displayed an incredibly calm attitude and an almost wordless expression as she answered Subaru.
1277
1278“I have no idea where you think this is going…… But Onii-sama and I are siblings by blood, so I’ve never seen Onii-sama as a romantic partner. Also, I don’t believe there’s anyone else in the entire world that could be the same as Onii-sama.”
1279
1280Hearing Miyuki’s reply, Subaru and Eimi were distinctly disappointed (Subaru’s expression looked a little forced).
1281
1282Afterwards, no one else questioned Miyuki and Tatsuya’s relationship.
1283
1284Yet, within the bath, two girls did not fully accept Miyuki’s answer.
1285
1286In Miyuki’s tone, Honoka and Shizuku read something entirely different from the words “I’ve never seen Onii-sama as a romantic partner”.
1287
1288
1289
1290
1291
1292After Tatsuya dispatched Miyuki and company back to their rooms — though he became the subject of their conversations with their teammates in the underground onsen — he continued adjusting the Activation Sequences in the storage vehicles.
1293
1294“Shiba-kun, it’s about time to call it a night.”
1295
1296Hearing these words, Tatsuya glanced around to find only one other person in the vehicle with him.
1297
1298“It’s that late already?”
1299
1300The time was roughly midnight.
1301
1302Isori revealed a gender neutral smile and nodded at Tatsuya’s words (By the way, Isori’s wardrobe and hairstyle were both neutral, causing Tatsuya to suspect this senpai of his intentionally dressed in a non-masculine manner).
1303
1304“The participants Shiba-kun is responsible for compete on the 4th day, so I think it’s not a good idea to be so tense from the start.”
1305
1306“You’re right.”
1307
1308Tatsuya was on duty for the 1st Year female students in Speed Shooting, Icicle Destruction, and Mirage Bat. This was partially born of Miyuki and company’s wishes, but also because of the 1st Year male students (especially Morisaki) stonewalling him in defiance (Miyuki was participating in Icicle Destruction and Mirage Bat, Honoka in Battle Board and Mirage Bat, and Shizuku in Speed Shooting and Icicle Destruction).
1309
1310The 1st Year Division — the Newcomers Division was set between the 4th and 8th days of the contest.
1311
1312Compared to the auxiliaries in charge of the participants competing tomorrow, Tatsuya had considerably more time on his hands.
1313
1314Kanon was set to participate in Icicle Destruction on the 2nd and 3rd days, but Isori was in charge of participants appearing on stage tomorrow.
1315
1316“Then, senpai, I’m taking my leave.”
1317
1318Tatsuya intentionally avoided inviting Isori to also call it quits and left the storage vehicle by himself.
1319
1320Despite being near midnight, evenings in the height of summer did not have a noticeably lower temperature.
1321
1322Perfect for taking a stroll in T-shirts.
1323
1324Tatsuya opted not to head directly back to his room and strolled around the perimeter of the hotel, where he detected an oddly nervous presence.
1325
1326This presence told him that someone was holding his breath while surveying the premises.
1327
1328Initially, Tatsuya thought this was a thief, but quickly rejected this line of thinking.
1329
1330A presence that desired to hide itself but was unable to, reeked of bloodthirsty impulses.
1331
1332Tatsuya spread out his senses and directly linked to the information dimension — the colossal information body that contained the data for the myriad objects around him.
1333
1334(Three people in total, located near…… The railings near the hotel camouflaged to look like foliage.)
1335
1336Each of them carried handguns and small explosives.
1337
1338Even if they were in the outer periphery of the hotel, they were well within areas under military jurisdiction, and the security around the base definitely wasn’t that relaxed. Pickets and cameras would monitor the entrances and immediately deny all infiltrators and were especially merciless toward armed and dangerous individuals.
1339
1340These guys were malefactors who had penetrated the security perimeter and had even prepared explosives.
1341
1342Despite not having a CAD on hand, they were too dangerous to be ignored.
1343
1344Tatsuya soundlessly began to sprint.
1345
1346His senses captured an ally that was also rapidly approaching the three suspicious individuals.
1347
1348His sneaking skills were not inferior to Tatsuya’s own.
1349
1350According to their starting positions, even though the two of them were approaching the targets at similar velocity — Mikihiko was going to make contact first.
1351
1352As Tatsuya sprinted forward, he also began constructing support magics.
1353
1354His Magic Power was so specialized that he could only use certain magics and, even without a CAD, as long as he was using those magics, he was equal to any other Magician using a CAD in terms of speed, detail and strength.
1355
1356Mikihiko began invoking his magic.
1357
1358He wasn’t using a CAD.
1359
1360The data provided through the information dimension told Tatsuya that this wasn’t an illusion, it was a concept.
1361
1362Mikihiko pulled out three fortune tellers — probably meant to be charms.
1363
1364Mikihiko wasn’t planning on using modern magic, he was using Ancient Magic.
1365
1366Before Tatsuya “knew” this, psions flew through Tatsuya’s hands into the developing technique.
1367
1368Modern magic and Ancient Magic were grounded in the same fundamental theory, which is using interference with the “data” attached to an “existence” and taking one step further to rewrite the “phenomenon”.
1369
1370The difference lay in how the interference worked and was expressed.
1371
1372The magic system that Mikihiko used did not construct the interfering information body (the Magic Sequence) in the Magic Calculation Area, but split this into three steps: add data into the charm in his hand to turn it into a medium, float the now disconnected “material” into the information dimension to morph it into “independent, non-material information body” and control it, then try to rewrite the phenomenon.
1373
1374Compared to the ability of information bodies that can directly interact with phenomena, such as information bodies from modern magic, this system possessed inferior speed and flexibility, but was less susceptible to resistance to phenomenon-rewriting. If this was phenomenon rewriting within certain parameters, Ancient Magic could accomplish large scale effects while using less power than modern magic.
1375
1376For Tatsuya, who could dissect Magic Sequences in an instant, all of these details flashed across his mind in a short instant.
1377
1378He also noticed a trace of distress within Mikihiko’s technique.
1379
1380(He’s not going to make it.)
1381
1382The magic Mikihiko was using had too many unnecessary hurdles, lengthening the casting time to intolerable degrees.
1383
1384Tatsuya set the target for “dissolution” as the handgun in the miscreants’ hands.
1385
1386
1387
1388
1389
1390The reason Mikihiko detected the perilous presence was because he was in the middle of magic training.
1391
1392This was one of the deepest corners in the hotel gardens.
1393
1394Far from any buildings, he found a location in the area surrounding the hotel where no one would come snooping to begin his daily “training”.
1395
1396“Spirits” are an assemblage formed from “concepts” such as “wind, water, fire, earth” and are far removed from individual phenomena. The basic training from Divine Earth Magic (Spirit Magic) is to synchronize oneself with the spirits’ senses.
1397
1398From modern magic’s perspective, spirits are things that have broken away from their actual bodies and are information bodies floating in an ocean of data.
1399
1400They move about as a concept in the information world, assemble together as a conceptual expression, and materialize in the actual world.
1401
1402Rumors say there is a way to detect these “non-material bodies”.
1403
1404Still, through contact with these types of “spirits”, Mikihiko truly felt that they “existed” in the actual world.
1405
1406This was not grounded in theory, but through his perception and feelings.
1407
1408For Mikihiko, spirits truly existed in this location and were existences that possessed consciousness. With this type of contact, spirits were able to inform Mikihiko about all sorts of “details” and “objects”.
1409
1410Just as Mikihiko started this synchronization training, he “learned” that there were people on the outskirts of the hotel.
1411
1412Originally, he thought they were people out on business or patrolling soldiers, so he didn’t pay much attention.
1413
1414It was only after the spirits repeatedly notified him that Mikihiko realized this might be a warning.
1415
1416Synchronized with the spirits, he spread the spirits’ senses towards the direction they warned him.
1417
1418What he caught was a thread of “malice”.
1419
1420Mikihiko’s expression tightened.
1421
1422For a moment, he debated whether he should call for backup or engage by himself.
1423
1424Mikihiko wasn’t confident he could suppress any opponent in his current state. He was reluctant to admit it, but it was true that he wasn’t confident. Thus, he bit his lip and elected to return to the hotel and call it in.
1425
1426However, his emotions protested this logical choice.
1427
1428Something other than logic told him that there wasn’t enough time.
1429
1430The agitation surging through his body was like the spirits warning him to “act quickly”.
1431
1432Rather than head towards the hotel, Mikihiko charged towards the “malice”.
1433
1434He was worried.
1435
1436He questioned whether he was able to overcome the firearms the opponents were carrying.
1437
1438Very few Magicians were able to triumph over firearms in extreme close quarters combat.
1439
1440If there was cover, magic that was unaffected by line of sight or obstacles had the advantage.
1441
1442In situations where cover was not available, Magicians had a hard time countering the speed at which a trigger could be pulled.
1443
1444Still, Mikihiko expelled these concerns as cowardice and forged ahead.
1445
1446Yesterday’s events flashed across his mind.
1447
1448Mikihiko was forced to work as a servant under his father’s orders.
1449
1450Erika said this was due to a clerical error, but Mikihiko knew the truth behind the matter.
1451
1452
1453
1454
1455
1456—Go and behold where you should be standing.
1457
1458Two nights ago, his father said that to him.
1459
1460Working as a servant was only a method to get to his objective.
1461
1462Maybe Mikihiko’s father wanted him to see his peers in glory to shock him out of his current state.
1463
1464Maybe his father wanted to arouse an angry determination.
1465
1466Yet, these words and methods only lodged themselves deep in Mikihiko’s soul as overwhelming humiliation.
1467
1468At this time, Mikihiko wanted to demonstrate that “he wasn’t powerless”.
1469
1470The location was a night sky illuminated by a few sparse stars, but the Yoshida Family’s training methods included nocturnal training in pitch darkness.
1471
1472Even relying only on star light, this was no obstacle whatsoever.
1473
1474As he closed in on the sense of malice that could now readily be identified as human, Mikihiko prepared his talismans.
1475
1476Three targets required three talismans.
1477
1478His targets should have already noticed Mikihiko’s approach.
1479
1480The enmity and malice directed towards Mikihiko verified that these three were the malefactors.
1481
1482No time to hesitate.
1483
1484Enmity had already turned into killing intent.
1485
1486Hesitation would lead to failure.
1487
1488The targets’ identification were not first priority.
1489
1490Mikihiko channeled magic power into the talismans and started invoking his magic.
1491
1492A flashing light appeared in Mikihiko’s right hand, which twinkled in time with the electricity formed above the malefactors’ heads.
1493
1494Lightning would strike them in less than a second.
1495
1496Still, it took less than one second to pull the trigger.
1497
1498Seeing this, Tatsuya immediately made the call and invoked the prepared “dissolution” magic.
1499
1500The three handguns in the three malefactors’ hands fell apart according to the change in their information bodies.
1501
1502Immediately afterwards—
1503
1504The miniature lightning strike threw down all three of the targets.
1505
1506“Who is it!”
1507
1508Mikihiko demanded in a stern voice, not towards the enemies currently lying on the other side of the railing, but to the Magician who came to his aid from behind.
1509
1510Mikihiko understood perfectly.
1511
1512His magic wasn’t going to make it in time.
1513
1514The reason he was uninjured was because another Magician offered his aid.
1515
1516This skirmish forced him to concede that his magic had lost its former alacrity.
1517
1518“It’s me.”
1519
1520“Tatsuya?”
1521
1522From Mikihiko’s breath alone, one could tell that he suffered a terrible blow.
1523
1524However, Tatsuya only made a brief response and didn’t stop before vaulting onto the railing.
1525
1526Using personal Weight Magic to lessen the gravitational pull, he easily flipped over the two meter tall railing.
1527
1528Mikihiko blankly watched him leave before recovering himself and pulling out a new talisman and executed the same Weight Magic.
1529
1530When Mikihiko landed on the far side of the railing, Tatsuya was already kneeling down next to the fallen intruders.
1531
1532“Tatsuya?”
1533
1534This word contained several intermixed questions.
1535
1536Even Mikihiko himself wasn’t sure what he wanted to ask.
1537
1538“They’re not dead. Well done.”
1539
1540Tatsuya appeared to be answering his question regarding the intruders’ status, or he may have seen through Mikihiko’s state of panic and elected to answer in the least confusing manner.
1541
1542“Ah?”
1543
1544Mikihiko didn’t understand why Tatsuya was praising him.
1545
1546He masochistically thought that he should be the one who was taken out.
1547
1548“Limited visibility on the targets, precision large ranged attack on multiple targets, even with capture as first priority, no fatal injuries were inflicted and only one blow was sufficient to deprive mobility. I say this rates as an excellent combat result.”
1549
1550Tatsuya’s words were calm enough to be called callous, but just hearing them alone was enough to know that he was just being polite or comforting.
1551
1552The one Mikihiko couldn’t believe was himself, not Tatsuya.
1553
1554“……But my magic originally wasn’t going to make it in time and, without Tatsuya’s backup, I would have been shot.”
1555
1556The words sprouted from Mikihiko’s mouth were self-derisively beyond his own control.
1557
1558“How foolish.”
1559
1560“……Ah?”
1561
1562However, Tatsuya’s direct reprimand was enough to render Mikihiko unable to continue berating himself.
1563
1564“‘If there was no backup’ is only an assumption. Your magic was successfully able to capture the intruders — that is the only truth.”
1565
1566“…………”
1567
1568Tatsuya’s merciless scolding and subsequent points astounded Mikihiko.
1569
1570“In reality, I did provide support, and your magic was successful, so what do you mean ‘originally’? Mikihiko, what exactly did you think was going to happen?”
1571
1572“That……”
1573
1574“No matter how many opponents there are and how well-trained they are, a Magician should be able to triumph without any backup. I sincerely hope you are not operating under these assumptions?”
1575
1576Mikihiko suddenly felt like the bottom of his stomach was giving out.
1577
1578He understood very clearly how ridiculous the “assumptions” that Tatsuya referred to were.
1579
1580Yet, in the inner depths of his heart, did he never truly stop and consider the assumptions Tatsuya was mentioning?
1581
1582“Seriously…… I’ll intentionally say this again. Mikihiko, you are very foolish.”
1583
1584“Tatsuya……”
1585
1586“Why do you reject yourself to this level?
1587
1588Why do you disparage yourself to this level?
1589
1590What is it that so dissatisfies you?”
1591
1592“……Even if I tried to explain, Tatsuya, you wouldn’t understand. There’s no point in talking about it.”
1593
1594“There may be.”
1595
1596Mikihiko reacted by throwing up a high wall and retreating behind it, but Tatsuya’s ensuing words smashed the wall to bits.
1597
1598“Ah……?”
1599
1600This time it was Mikihiko’s turn to be speechless, while Tatsuya pierced him with a sharp look.
1601
1602“Mikihiko, you’re concerned about the magic activation speed, correct?”
1603
1604“……You heard that from Erika?”
1605
1606“No.”
1607
1608“……Then how do you know?”
1609
1610“Your technique is too verbose.”
1611
1612“……What did you say?”
1613
1614“My point is, the problem isn’t your capability, but the technique itself. This is the underlying reason why you cannot wield magic the way you desire.”
1615
1616“How would you know that!”
1617
1618Mikihiko roared.
1619
1620Because he was in a state of panic.
1621
1622Because he was exasperated.
1623
1624The technique he uses was a product the Yoshida Family had refined over many years by incorporating the aspects of the traditions in Ancient Magic and the results of modern magic.
1625
1626After seeing it once or twice, Tatsuya immediately tossed it out as a blemished product, which threw Mikihiko into a rage.
1627
1628He always rejected this line of thinking as a vain attempt to escape from reality, but after hearing Tatsuya bring up this previously ignored topic, Mikihiko panicked.
1629
1630“I do know. But you don’t need to force yourself to believe me.”
1631
1632Yet, Tatsuya calmly replied to Mikihiko’s furious outburst, forcing Mikihiko to respond with an even more wavering statement.
1633
1634“……What did you say?”
1635
1636Mikihiko used the same words as he did before, but this time the tone was vastly different.
1637
1638“I can comprehend any magic design that I can ‘see’, which allows me to read the details behind any Activation Sequence and to provide an in-depth analysis of the Magic Sequence.”
1639
1640Tatsuya replied with this outrageous answer.
1641
1642Mikihiko’s panic had hit a peak.
1643
1644He had never heard of a Magician capable of such a feat and, if someone with this unique ability truly exists, then half the mysteries facing modern magic theory would be solved in an instant.
1645
1646“……Again, you don’t need to force yourself to believe me.”
1647
1648Tatsuya repeated his earlier words.
1649
1650Mikihiko felt like he was telling him “what follows next is your own problem”.
1651
1652“Let’s table this topic for now. Ignoring that for the moment, we still need to deal with these guys. I’ll keep watch for the moment, could you call security? Or do you want me to go?”
1653
1654Honestly, with Mikihiko’s mental state right now, he was unable to consider whether Tatsuya’s “confession” was true or not, so he desperately clung to the life line thrown at him.
1655
1656“Ah, I’ll go.”
1657
1658“Understood, I’ll wait here.”
1659
1660Mikihiko once more activated his “Leaping” technique and vanished over the railing.
1661
1662On the other hand, Tatsuya briefly considered how to restrict the intruders’ freedom of movement, and ultimately elected to bury them. He could use “Dissolution” to remove the excess dirt, so he needed to use both “Separate” and “Move” magics. Doing so without a CAD was truly a tiresome task, but just like the earlier “Leaping”, Tatsuya had already memorized such a simple Magic Sequence and, as long as he performed them sequentially and not simultaneously, this really didn’t pose a problem.
1663
1664Ironically, this was one advantage gleaned from the artificial virtual Magic Calculation Area currently residing in his consciousness, which was the ability to recall any Magic Sequence stored in his memory.
1665
1666(I’m a devious man.)
1667
1668He held onto the victim’s perspective, but viewed the byproduct as an efficient tool to use.
1669
1670Tatsuya smirked at his unprincipled self and prepared to invoke his magic.
1671
1672—But there appeared to be no need for that.
1673
1674A familiar presence approached, prompting Tatsuya to cancel his magic.
1675
1676Shortly after, the other person initiated the conversation.
1677
1678“Special Lieutenant, your earlier suggestion was truly merciless.”
1679
1680“Major, you heard all that?”
1681
1682Tatsuya didn’t detect Kazama eavesdropping.
1683
1684Which was honestly not that surprising.
1685
1686Kazama had studied under Kokonoe Yakumo longer than Tatsuya had and was considered to be Yakumo’s second best student. Without linking to the information dimension, Tatsuya found it very difficult to trace Kazama’s presence.
1687
1688Tatsuya saluted in greeting, to which Kazama smirked in response.
1689
1690“Isn’t it rare for the usually completely indifferent Special Lieutenant to do such a thing?”
1691
1692“Labeling this one ‘completely indifferent’ is uncalled for.”
1693
1694“Or maybe you sympathize with his plight? That young man shares similar problems as you do.”
1695
1696“This one has long since graduated from that level of concern.”
1697
1698“In other words, you’re someone who’s been around the block?”
1699
1700“……Could you deal with these people?”
1701
1702Kazama revealed a foxy smile as he mercilessly pressed the attack and Tatsuya, who had lost all avenues of retreat, finally managed to change the topic.
1703
1704“Leave that to me, I’ll explain everything to the base CO.”
1705
1706Still, Kazama realized that continuing to pursue this line of questioning served no purpose.
1707
1708He retracted his smile and solemnly nodded towards Tatsuya.
1709
1710“Sorry for troubling you.”
1711
1712“No worries, looks like many unexpected things were added to your plate as well.”
1713
1714“True. But I wonder what these guys were trying to do?”
1715
1716“God knows, handling criminals isn’t in our job description…… Yet they are surprisingly capable and proactive. Tatsuya, be wary.”
1717
1718“Yes, thank you for your concern.”
1719
1720“We’ll talk in detail tomorrow at noon.”
1721
1722“Yes, sir, then allow this one to depart.”
1723
1724“Yeah, goodbye.”
1725
1726The two of them changed from superior and subordinate to two friendly disciples bidding each other farewell.
1727
1728
1729
1730
1731
1732Chapter 5
1733
1734
1735
1736
1737The day after Tatsuya’s unplanned night time excursion.
1738
1739The Nine Schools Competition began without further incident.
1740
1741In the next ten days, the number of spectators alone exceeded 100,000 people. Even though the location was inconvenient, at least 10,000 spectators came every day to watch the contests, and the number of online viewers easily surpassed 100 times this number.
1742
1743While it couldn’t draw the same numbers as popular professional sports games, there was still a large number of people who paid attention to this event. That being said, very few people knew about the details regarding last night’s incident.
1744
1745The participants all possessed first class Magic Power but were still high school students.
1746
1747The malefactors’ attack ended without any meaningful accomplishment, so the military judged that it would not negatively impact the participants. As such, they elected to keep the secret.
1748
1749Rather than calling the opening ceremony glamorous, an orderly impression was more obvious. The magic contests were gaudy enough in their own right, so there was no need for any additional ceremony to embellish the issue, and neither were there tedious speeches from dignitaries. After the school songs from the nine schools were played in succession, the events officially began.
1750
1751The curtains were drawn for the next ten days, where men and women each competed in 5 events for the Official Division as well as the 5 events for men and women in the Newcomers Division for a total of 20 events.
1752
1753The 1st day’s events were the preliminaries and elimination rounds for “Speed Shooting” and the preliminaries for “Battle Board”.
1754
1755The difference in scheduling reflected the time needed for each event.
1756
1757“Onii-sama, the President is about to take the field.”
1758
1759“So our main strength is taking the stage for the first event, though I recall Watanabe-senpai’s preliminary round is the third one?”
1760
1761“Yes.”
1762
1763Tatsuya and company headed towards the Speed Shooting stands to watch Mayumi’s event. From the left, the order was Shizuku, Honoka, Tatsuya, and Miyuki. They were not seated in the participants’ area in the arena proper, but in the regular audience stands.
1764
1765“Speed Shooting” involves using magic to destroy flying targets from 30 meters out within a limited period of time. The key lies in how accurate and how fast one could fire magic outwards, hence the name “Speed Shooting”.
1766
1767The contest was divided into two portions.
1768
1769In the preliminary round, contestants advanced on individual merit based on the number of targets destroyed within five minutes.
1770
1771The preliminary round simultaneously used four shooting galleries to conduct six contests, with the top eight advancing to the Elite Eight.
1772
1773Also, only 24 contestants were allowed to participate.
1774
1775If all nine schools sent three contestants, there would be a total of 27, but three of the nine lost their right to participate due to their performance from the previous year and were only able to dispatch two contestants.
1776
1777Besides “Monolith Code”, all events shared this rule.
1778
1779After the Elite Eight, the event turned into a duel format.
1780
1781There were 100 red and 100 white targets in the arena, with the total number of corresponding targets destroyed determining the victor.
1782
1783“Highly destructive magics can be used during the preliminaries to swiftly destroy a large number of targets in one go, but after the Elite Eight, precision targeting is far more important.”
1784
1785Shizuku nodded at Tatsuya’s words, as Shizuku was the only one among them to participate in the Speed Shooting portion of the Newcomers Division.
1786
1787“Generally speaking, most people use different magics during the preliminary and elimination rounds……”
1788
1789“But President Saegusa is renowned for using the same magic during these two rounds.”
1790
1791In the middle of Tatsuya’s explanation, a young lady behind them cut in.
1792
1793“Erika.”
1794
1795“Hey, Tatsuya-kun.”
1796
1797“Yo.”
1798
1799“Morning.”
1800
1801“Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki-san, Honoka-san, Shizuku-san, good morning everyone.”
1802
1803Seated behind Tatsuya and company, from right to left, were Leo, Erika, Mizuki, and Mikihiko (but the speaking order was Erika, Leo, Mikihiko, and Mizuki).
1804
1805The reason why the four of them found these spots was that they were sitting in the back row.
1806
1807“Aren’t there more spots up front?”
1808
1809“That’s because I saw Tatsuya-kun’s group sitting here, and it’s easier to see everything from the back, right?”
1810
1811“True.”
1812
1813The stands were built like a series of rising stairs, with the higher levels in the back.
1814
1815This is an event involving shooting targets at high speed, so the spectators in the front rows have to possess the same eyesight as the contestants.
1816
1817Even so, the spectators still crowded forward, because—
1818
1819“Because there are an amazing amount of stupid boys.”
1820
1821Erika disdainfully declared in a way that wasn’t altogether joking.
1822
1823“Looks like there are more than teenager boys mixed in.”
1824
1825Tatsuya replied in a sarcastic tone.
1826
1827In other words, for this reason, there were no spare seats in the front rows.
1828
1829“Is this what is called ‘Onee-sama~’? How depressing.”
1830
1831“Don’t be like that, there might be considerable value up front. Even for someone like me who sees the President on a daily basis, she seems like a completely different person now.”
1832
1833“Whoa! Miyuki, what shall we do? Your Onii-sama has fallen for someone else!”
1834
1835At Erika’s ridiculous words, Tatsuya and Miyuki could only wryly smile.
1836
1837The subject of their conversation was……
1838
1839“The ‘Elven Sniper’, quite the suitable title.”
1840
1841“The President dislikes the term, so make sure not to bring it up in front of her.”
1842
1843Tatsuya’s admonishment caused Honoka to shrug in her neck.
1844
1845The teenage boys and girls squeezed into the front rows to admire Mayumi, who was waiting in the first shooting gallery for the contest to begin.
1846
1847Mayumi wore a pair of mufflers over her luminous locks of hair, a pair of transparent goggles, an elastic pair of uniform pants and an upturned tunic that could be easily mistaken for a mini-suit. Paired with a rifle-shaped CAD that was mandatory for all Speed Shooting events, this created the perfect combination of cuteness and heroism as if she was the female lead in an upcoming movie.
1848
1849“There are actually people who use the President as the subject for doujins……”
1850
1851Mizuki softly said this probably because this getup jolted something in her memory.
1852
1853“……That’s the first I’ve heard of that.”
1854
1855However, this came so far out of left field that even Erika was barely able to manage a response in time.
1856
1857“……Mizuki, exactly under what context did you come by this knowledge? If your ‘interests’ lie in that direction, I may have to re-examine our friendship.”
1858
1859Looks like Miyuki and Erika were thinking of the same thing. This outwardly serious voice contained roughly 10% earnestness.
1860
1861“Eh? No, I don’t have those kinds of interests!”
1862
1863Still, Mizuki was undoubtedly the most shaken.
1864
1865“It’s starting.”
1866
1867Mizuki was in a full state of panic at realizing what they were hinting at, but managed to snap out of it and quiet down at Tatsuya’s words.
1868
1869The spectator stands were deathly quiet.
1870
1871The participants were wearing ear muffs, so no amount of audience noise would affect them, but this was a matter of principle.
1872
1873The participants raised their slender, elongated rifles that almost looked like cane-shaped competition-use CADs, while their poise and concentration caused the silenced audience to grip the edge of their seats.
1874
1875The flashing light signaled for them to begin.
1876
1877Targets flew through the sky accompanied by soft firing sounds.
1878
1879“They’re fast……!”
1880
1881Were the soft words that burst out of Shizuku referring to the flight velocity of the targets?
1882
1883—Or was she referring to Mayumi’s magic that was busy smashing targets left and right?
1884
1885Mayumi didn’t raise her head and stood stock still with her CAD aimed forward.
1886
1887This event never relied on using the rifle to shoot bullets, so there was no need to visually line up with the target and the CAD never possessed a muzzle or scope.
1888
1889Rather than presenting arms, her stance was more akin to drawing a bow.
1890
1891The targets shot forth at irregular intervals.
1892
1893A total of a hundred targets in five minutes.
1894
1895On the average, that was one target every 3 seconds.
1896
1897Compared to normal shooting, this was a ridiculously fast pace. Complicating the matter was that sometimes multiple targets shot forth within a tight interval and sometimes, five or six would fly out after a 10 second interval.
1898
1899Mayumi shot down every “individual” target without missing a beat.
1900
1901The five minute contest was over in the blink of an eye.
1902
1903“……She was perfect.”
1904
1905Mayumi removed her protective goggles and ear mufflers as she smiled in response to the spectators’ applause. Seeing her, Tatsuya murmured as if he could think of nothing else to say.
1906
1907“She was using sub-sonic bullets formed from ice particles, correct?”
1908
1909Miyuki asked as she was applauding, prompting Tatsuya to smile and nod.
1910
1911“Correct, I’m surprised you could tell.”
1912
1913“……That was trivial enough that even I could see that……”
1914
1915Erika retorted in a huff, causing Tatsuya to chuckle wryly.
1916
1917“That’s true, seeing the same magic a hundred times certainly makes it easier.”
1918
1919Someone averted their eyes in shame (probably because they couldn’t see it), but Tatsuya elected to pretend he didn’t see them.
1920
1921“One hundred? She didn’t miss once?”
1922
1923Honoka asked Tatsuya in honest surprise, likely brought about by her direct personality.
1924
1925“Correct, the amazing aspect is not the speed of magic invocation or number of times activated, but the precision entailed. Even using Sensory Magic at the same time, the individual still needs to use their brain to process the data. I don’t know if it’s because she’s accumulated enough experience in repeated calculations or is simply that talented…… She is truly worthy of being one of the direct descendants of the Ten Master Clans.”
1926
1927“Did the President use Sensory Magic?”
1928
1929Mizuki exclaimed in surprise, but the difference was that many people mirrored her expression this time.
1930
1931“Long Range Visual Systematic Sensory Magic ‘Multi-Scope’ is not meant to examine non-material bodies or information bodies, but observe a physical object from multiple angles like a visual radar. The President often uses this sort of magic.”
1932
1933Tatsuya’s gaze asked “Didn’t you notice?” to which Mizuki shook her head.
1934
1935“During the school assembly, she would use this magic to ‘watch’ every corner, which is a very rare ability…… Don’t you think that this level of shooting is impossible for the naked eye?”
1936
1937“That’s true.”
1938
1939Shizuku immediately replied. During the competition, she was putting herself in Mayumi’s shoes and considering her options in the shooting gallery.
1940
1941“Still, the President is using Speed-Type Magic to turn air molecules into ice particles then applying acceleration to sub-sonic levels and using Sensory Magic at the same time, right? With Sensory Magic running, and then using deceleration and acceleration back and forth a hundred times, the President has amazing Magic Power.”
1942
1943At this point, the “Magic Power” Leo was talking about did not refer to the “Magic Power” from the technical skills assessment, but the more generic context of having the physical capacity of repeatedly casting spells.
1944
1945A common misunderstanding is that magic is an activity that consumes energy.
1946
1947Phenomena are not rewritten by burning physical energy, but by editing the data surrounding the phenomena.
1948
1949In order to edit the data, a Magic Sequence formed from psions is required, so the number of times magic can be invoked is limited by the difference in the scale of Magic Sequences. The “Magic Power” Leo is talking about here, if likened to an actual concept, would be similar to the mental strain exerted on the body.
1950
1951“The President is using a variant of ‘Hale Particles’. The original ‘Hale Particles’ is already a highly efficient form of magic and with the President’s ability, she could probably cast this 1000 times rather than a paltry 100 times.”
1952
1953Tatsuya’s endless praise towards Mayumi elicited complex expressions from Miyuki and the others.
1954
1955They also acknowledged that Mayumi’s Magic Power was incredible, but hearing Tatsuya, who was usually very critical on all things magic, give such unrestrained praise could not help but arouse some jealousy.
1956
1957On the other hand, Leo was concerned about something else entirely.
1958
1959“Eh, but to create ice in the heat of summer and then accelerate to subsonic levels should require a lot of power. Even if conservation of energy doesn’t wholly apply to magic, I still find it hard to believe Tatsuya’s assessment that you can use such a small amount of magic to achieve such a level of phenomena rewriting.”
1960
1961“While it may not wholly apply, that does not mean they are unrelated.”
1962
1963Tatsuya rose and headed towards the “Battle Board” spectator stands while responding with this mysterious answer.
1964
1965“What do you mean?”
1966
1967Leo chased after Tatsuya and asked again.
1968
1969“Magic is a technique that involves changing phenomena and is not limited by conservation of energy. However, the object being rewritten remains bound by the law of conservation of energy. For example, if you apply Speed Magic to an object, without using magic to maintain its condition, the accelerated object will turn cold, since the objects own heat is being converted to energy of motion; if you cast Heat Magic on a speeding object, without using magic to maintain its velocity, then the target object will slow down, since the object’s energy of motion is being converted to heat. Generally, magic strives to avoid changing unrelated aspects by adding in measures to maintain the status quo, so there’s rarely an opportunity to observe this in action.
1970
1971The laws of physics are very difficult to circumvent and, even when altered by illogical forces like magic, it will attempt to revert back to a logical outcome. Thus, magic that does not break the law of conservation of energy remains a ‘natural’ phenomenon and from a magic perspective, it does not require high interference strength.
1972
1973You should understand by now, right? The magic used to accelerate the ice particles is based on taking the heat that is removed from the frozen particles and converting it into the energy of projectile motion, thus scamming the laws of physics. While this runs counter to the law of entropy and is something that would never occur in nature, it’s a more logical explanation than simply constructing ice particles, accelerating the ice particles with magic, then applying thermodynamics.”
1974
1975“……I get the feeling that I’ve just been conned.”
1976
1977“Leo, magic is an ability used to ‘deftly deceive the world’, remember that.”
1978
1979“In other words, we Magicians are con artists out to ruin the world?”
1980
1981“The stronger the Magician, the more likely he’s a crook.”
1982
1983Tatsuya was utterly serious as he explained all of this, but at Erika and Shizuku’s added commentary, he could only smile in response.
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989“Battle Board” was a contest where the participant used a spindle-shaped surf board that was 285 cm long and 51 cm wide to navigate an artificial waterway. The surf board had no propulsion of its own, so the participants needed to use magic to arrive at the finish line. During the course, attacks on other players themselves or their boards were forbidden, but magic was allowed to be cast on the water’s surface.
1990
1991There was no unified set of rules for this event. This contest was originally designed by the navy to train Magicians, so with magic as a prerequisite, it was impossible for this event to be popularized enough to warrant a unified set of rules.
1992
1993The Battle Board portion of the Nine Schools Competition involved completing three laps around a 3 km long waterway. The waterway possessed straight courses and sharp turns as well as uphill and waterfall portions.
1994
1995Men and women each raced on a separate track, but there were no notable differences in difficulty.
1996
1997The preliminary stage contained six rounds with four contestants each, while the elimination stage contained two rounds with three contestants each, with the four eliminated players competing for third place. The finals were held in a duel format.
1998
1999The average duration of each round was 15 minutes.
2000
2001The highest speed may exceed 30 knots — which is roughly 55~60 km per hour. Atop the surf board, the players had no cover against the incoming wind. Unlike other nautical races that could benefit from being downwind, Battle Board was entirely against the wind. Just dealing with the air resistance alone quickly sapped the players’ endurance.
2002
2003“Female contestants usually have a hard time in this event. Honoka, how are you physically?”
2004
2005“No problems. On Tatsuya-kun’s advice, I’ve been undergoing physical training. After being selected, I’ve also lengthened my hours of sleep.”
2006
2007Unrelated to the Nine Schools Competition, Tatsuya was concerned about Honoka’s physical stamina from the first moment they met and thus advised her to not just undergo magic training, but also physical training as well. Tatsuya merely mentioned this out of hand, but Honoka surprisingly took it to heart.
2008
2009“Honoka really put on some muscle.”
2010
2011“Ew, Miyuki don’t be like that. I don’t want to be a female body builder.”
2012
2013Hearing this two-sided conversation, even Tatsuya laughed aloud.
2014
2015“You see…… Even Tatsuya-kun laughed.”
2016
2017“He’s only laughing because Honoka spoke in an odd manner.”
2018
2019“Now even Shizuku is saying so…… Fine, I know when I’m being excluded. I’m not like the two of you — Tatsuya-kun isn’t willing to take care of my event.”
2020
2021Honoka’s sudden tantrum mystified Tatsuya so much that he couldn’t laugh any more.
2022
2023Exactly why was she gunning for him now?
2024
2025“……I’m responsible for Honoka’s support and maintenance during ‘Mirage Bat’.”
2026
2027At any rate, Tatsuya only responded to her literal complaint.
2028
2029However……
2030
2031“So ‘Battle Board’ isn’t included? Plainly, both of Miyuki and Shizuku’s events are within Tatsuya-kun’s purview……”
2032
2033This seemed to have achieved the opposite effect.
2034
2035“……Instead, I’ve helped you train and strategize, so it’s not like I’m excluding you……”
2036
2037While trying to justify himself, Tatsuya felt himself falling into a sticky predicament and started to stutter.
2038
2039“Tatsuya-kun, Honoka-san isn’t referring to that.”
2040
2041Upon seeing this, Mizuki interrupted, but it didn’t sound like she couldn’t stand this scene any longer.
2042
2043“Onii-sama…… I think you’re being a little too slow.”
2044
2045Following Mizuki, it was Miyuki’s turn.
2046
2047“We’ve discovered Tatsuya-kun’s unexpected weakness.”
2048
2049And Erika next.
2050
2051“Blockhead?”
2052
2053Shizuku also joined in on the attack.
2054
2055Under siege from the women, Tatsuya was struck speechless. He felt that they were being ridiculously illogical, but at the same time he felt that resistance was futile.
2056
2057Not that he got any support from the guys.
2058
2059Until the contest began, Tatsuya could only patiently endure this situation.
2060
2061
2062
2063
2064
2065With the waterway ready and the contestants assuming ready positions, Tatsuya finally escaped.
2066
2067On route, he understood what Miyuki and the others were driving at.
2068
2069That being said, understanding another’s proposal was entirely different from being able to act on it.
2070
2071In the future, he needed to be more prudent and keep his mouth shut — Tatsuya inwardly promised himself as he watched the four contestants float towards the starting line.
2072
2073Being that this is on water, there’s no way to draw lines (not that anyone could even if they wanted to).
2074
2075Four people lined up along the passage, with Mari standing in the middle.
2076
2077The other contestants were kneeling on one knee or both to prepare to charge, only Mari stood straight.
2078
2079This scene primarily reflected the difference in balance between the participants, but from another perspective, Her Majesty the Queen was lording over the other participants (not just the queen, “Her Majesty” the Queen).
2080
2081“Whoa, that woman is just as arrogant as usual……”
2082
2083Hearing Erika’s whisper, Tatsuya felt that she was displaying her enmity “as usual”.
2084
2085Still, he had just vowed to “keep his mouth shut”, so he refrained from commenting.
2086
2087Leo and Mizuki, who were seated at Erika’s sides, also seemed oblivious.
2088
2089The giant screen hanging from the airship in the sky displayed all four of the contestants’ names.
2090
2091Only Mari revealed a fearless grin.
2092
2093She truly is the perfect type to play the antagonist’s role, Tatsuya thought.
2094
2095However, many among the female high school students would disagree with him.
2096
2097When the announcer responsible for identifying the participants proclaimed Mari’s name, the stands — especially the front rows — fairly shook from feminine shrieks.
2098
2099Mari waved in response, which only intensified the screams.
2100
2101“……Looks like our senpai has a crowd of diehard fans.”
2102
2103Compared to the young men who supported Mayumi, the insanity of this group was several times more intense.
2104
2105“Watanabe-senpai cuts a dashing figure, so I can sympathize somewhat.”
2106
2107Miyuki agreed from a bystander’s perspective. Ironically, after the Nine Schools Competition, Miyuki would possess eternally loyal fans from either gender that far outnumbered Mayumi’s male fans and Mari’s female fans. If she could foretell her own future, Miyuki may resonate with the same feeling lurking beneath Mari’s mask as she smiled at her fans, but right now she couldn’t care less.
2108
2109“Battle Board” was a contest held at the height of summer, but the contestants did not wear swimsuits.
2110
2111The bodysuits that tightly covered the entire body bore the emblems of each school.
2112
2113As Mari stood above the water, her hair fluttered as it hung from the hair band keeping it in place, painting a picture that would not be out of place on the cover of a novel about young cavaliers.
2114
2115Erika should have heard Miyuki’s words, but she didn’t immediately respond.
2116
2117“Get set……”
2118
2119The loudspeaker sent out the signal.
2120
2121At the crack of a gun, the race was on.
2122
2123“Self-detonation tactics?”
2124
2125Erika murmured in disbelief.
2126
2127Tatsuya was similarly struck speechless.
2128
2129When the race started, the contestant from Fourth High detonated the water behind them.
2130
2131She probably intended to create waves to disrupt the other players while riding the waves for further propulsion, but……
2132
2133“Ah, she stabilized.”
2134
2135Creating a giant tidal wave was useless if it disrupted your own balance.
2136
2137Mari had successfully charged in the beginning, so she wasn’t affected by the chaos caused by the contestant from Fourth High and was now completely in the lead.
2138
2139Mari’s surf board was sliding over the water’s surface.
2140
2141She probably wasn’t using Move-Type Magic to steer, but treated the board and her physical body as one entity, or even casting magic on two objects simultaneously — her body itself and the board.
2142
2143Regardless of which it was, this required precise target selection for magic.
2144
2145The board clung to the water’s surface and deftly rounded a sharp corner.
2146
2147Her stability was so complete it was like her feet were glued to the board.
2148
2149“So she’s re-calculating Application-Type Fortifying Magic along with Move-Type Magic.”
2150
2151Tatsuya didn’t need to dissect the Magic Sequence. He saw through the mechanism based on Mari’s posture and methods for maintaining balance as she coursed through the water.
2152
2153“Fortifying Magic?”
2154
2155Leo’s ears pricked up at those words and immediately asked.
2156
2157This was an area that Leo specialized in, so there was no way he wasn’t interested.
2158
2159“What’s the target for fortification?”
2160
2161“Senpai stabilized the connection between herself and the board to avoid falling off.”
2162
2163Leo adopted a questioning look probably because he couldn’t follow Tatsuya’s meaning.
2164
2165Naturally, Tatsuya never demanded that he catch on so adroitly.
2166
2167“Fortifying Magic isn’t only used for strengthening an object’s durability, but to stabilize an object’s corresponding location, do you understand so far?”
2168
2169“Of course, because I use it myself.”
2170
2171“Watanabe-senpai cast magic to stabilize her position and connected herself to the board to form one object, then applied Move Magic to this now uniform ‘body’ that consists of herself and the board. In addition, this isn’t a sustained-type magic but alternating between Fortifying Magic and Move Magic at appropriate intervals based on the changes in the terrain to deftly avoid magic overlap.”
2172
2173Owing to the fact this was a magic he specialized in, Leo could understand this was an extremely complex technique.
2174
2175“Wow……”
2176
2177Leo sighed in amazement.
2178
2179On the other hand……
2180
2181“Yet, this method seems to be lacking something…… True, the target of Fortifying Magic isn’t restricted to objects formed from the same material. Hm, given that……”
2182
2183Thanks to his habits as an engineering prodigy, Tatsuya fell into a deep thought that would not be out of place for a mad scientist.
2184
2185“Onii-sama?”
2186
2187Miyuki’s voice roused him from his contemplation.
2188
2189During the brief moment where Tatsuya averted his gaze, Mari’s figure had already disappeared around the blind spot and was lost to sight.
2190
2191Tatsuya vaguely replied with “It’s nothing” and focused his attention back onto the large screen.
2192
2193Mari was gliding up the waterways against the current.
2194
2195“Speed Magic.”
2196
2197From her movements, she must have used a technique that reversed the vectors for acceleration.
2198
2199“And she also used Oscillation-Type Magic, right?”
2200
2201At the same time, she employed magic to create reverse waves to lessen the water resistance.
2202
2203“Nicely played, she’s juggling three to four magics together during re-calculation.”
2204
2205Tatsuya’s praise burst from his mouth.
2206
2207None of the magics were particularly powerful.
2208
2209Yet, the combined effect was unimaginably powerful.
2210
2211Compared to Mayumi, who had raised high speed precision magic to an art form to stun the audience, Mari relied on lightning fast decision making and a wide variety of tools to paint a veritable rainbow of overlapping magics to delight the audience.
2212
2213
2214
2215
2216
2217The two of them had already far exceeded high school quality.
2218
2219After Mari reached the peak, she leaped down the waterfall.
2220
2221The moment Mari splashed down, an obvious tidal wave splashed outwards.
2222
2223The tidal wave generated by Mari not only propelled her forward, but also nearly upset the player in second place who was behind her.
2224
2225“What a strategist……”
2226
2227“That’s just a devious personality revealing itself.”
2228
2229Erika replied with an angry retort to Tatsuya’s whispering. Tatsuya half agreed, so he didn’t make any particular rebuttal. That being said, “a devious personality” was high praise for a strategist.
2230
2231Before the first lap was even finished, Mari’s victory was all but certain.
2232
2233
2234
2235
2236
2237Battle Board’s preliminary stage was slated for today and after lunch — only the fourth through sixth rounds were left. After deciding to watch the semifinals and finals for Speed Shooting, Tatsuya bid farewell to his friends.
2238
2239He returned to the hotel and walked towards the rooms reserved for higher-ranking officers. This is to fulfill the promise he made to Kazama last night.
2240
2241Kazama held the rank of major, but his experiences and the unique nature of the troops under his command granted him treatment above his official rank. In this suite that was normally restricted to colonels and higher, Kazama was enjoying a quick break with the officer cadre while enjoying the tea and snacks ordered from room service.
2242
2243“So you’re here, come, sit.”
2244
2245Tatsuya was brought into the room by the soldiers on duty (not soldiers from this base, but under Kazama’s direct command) and even though Kazama extended a cordial invitation for him to be seated, Tatsuya hesitated upon seeing who the officers were.
2246
2247Tatsuya’s rank “Special Lieutenant” was not a “commissioned officer” but “a non-commissioned officer recognized as a soldier by international standards” (presently, this country’s battalions no longer possessed the “associate officer” system). Soldiers that were not restricted by the military’s ranking system but still maintained the right to participate on the front lines could only be found in the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion’s command structure during active duty. However, even without a built-in ranking system, everyone present was still a superior officer and, more importantly, an elder, so he couldn’t casually accept such an invitation.
2248
2249“Tatsuya, today we’re not treating you as ‘Strategic-Class Magician Special Lieutenant Ooguro Ryuuya’, but as our good friend ‘Shiba Tatsuya’, so being too formal would only be inconvenient.”
2250
2251“It’s also difficult to converse with you standing all the time, so why don’t you take a seat?”
2252
2253At this time, the two officers at the table also motioned for Tatsuya to sit.
2254
2255“Captain Sanada, Captain Yanagi…… Understood, pardon my interruption.”
2256
2257Friendship that transcended age prompted Tatsuya to abandon his overly formal attitude to avoid being impolite. After a round of greetings, he sat directly across from Kazama.
2258
2259They were seated at a round table.
2260
2261The afternoon tea time for the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion was for them to relax and unwind.
2262
2263Even though Tatsuya’s seat was closest to the door, the adults still welcomed him as one of them.
2264
2265“First of all, long time no see. I know we shouldn’t use tea cups for this, but cheers.”
2266
2267“Second Lieutenant Fujibayashi, thank you.”
2268
2269The female officer serving as Kazama’s adjutant — more like secretary — handed him a tea cup, which Tatsuya accepted on a small plate while signaling with his eyes.
2270
2271Today, she was in casual clothes rather than in uniform, which gave off the aura of “a young secretary from a major corporation”.
2272
2273Not just her, but everyone was in suits or casual garb where the shirts didn’t match the jacket.
2274
2275“In reality, we met earlier, but let’s cut Fujibayashi some slack.”
2276
2277“Dr. Yamanaka, you don’t need to force yourself.”
2278
2279“No, I’m not that unsociable to ruin the moment when we raise cups to celebrate our reunion.”
2280
2281“……The doctor’s just looking for a reason to pour some brandy into the teacups, right?”
2282
2283“The situation demands alcohol.”
2284
2285“Really…… I thought ‘doctors not treating themselves’ meant something else entirely……”
2286
2287The one who leisurely replied to Captain Yanagi’s confusion was doctor and first class healer — Combat Medic Yamanaka.
2288
2289Including Kazama, there were 5 people in total who shook their heads in exasperation, which were all the officers from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion who greeted Tatsuya.
2290
2291“Captain Yanagi, Second Lieutenant Fujibayashi, it’s been a while. Captain Sanada, thanks for your recent support.”
2292
2293Tatsuya started off with greeting the two he hadn’t seen for some time, then finished with thanking Captain Sanada who assisted him at the base last month.
2294
2295“No, I’m the one who should be thanking you. Only you are capable of handling ‘Third Eye’s’ long range precision targeting system.”
2296
2297“That’s because that CAD was originally designed for this one to use…… Speaking of which, Doctor Yamanaka, I haven’t received the examination results from last time.”
2298
2299“……Tatsuya, am I the only one being treated differently?”
2300
2301“Doctor…… I don’t think anyone could view a doctor who directly asked for permission to conduct human experimentation in a positive light.”
2302
2303Fujibayashi retorted at Yamanaka’s words.
2304
2305Yamanaka deliberately turned his head to one side.
2306
2307Laughter suffused the round table.
2308
2309Though they claimed that it had been a while, in reality it’s not like they haven’t seen each other for years.
2310
2311Yanagi was the one who had been absent the longest at approximately six months, while Sanada and Yamanaka were last seen about a month ago.
2312
2313The topic naturally turned to a sit rep where they conversed about the criminal organization that may seek to act during the Nine Schools Competition.
2314
2315Just as they had discussed over the phone, the malefactors from last night were part of “No-Head Dragon”. Unfortunately, they still had no information regarding the group’s intent and goals. That being said, any one of the five people here (especially Yamanaka) could easily obtain results if they were in charge of interrogations, but currently they didn’t want to proactively join the investigation.
2316
2317“Still, that was quite the show you put on last night, or were you prepared ahead of time?”
2318
2319“The Major overestimates this one’s abilities, this one only caught wind of their presence while out on a stroll.”
2320
2321“That late?”
2322
2323“Because CAD maintenance ran over time.”
2324
2325Owing to their similar age, the one Tatsuya spoke with the most in this group was of course Second Lieutenant Fujibayashi. Thanks to her military training, she possessed a magnificent figure that most people dared not to look at too openly, yet her amicable attitude and mundane wardrobe and make up allowed Tatsuya to comfortably converse with her.
2326
2327“No wonder you’re participating as a member of the technician team. Do your teammates know about ‘silver’?”
2328
2329“Negative, that remains a secret.”
2330
2331Tatsuya shook his head as he replied to Yamanaka’s question.
2332
2333“Given the class difference, am I the only one who thinks that you serving as a CAD engineer in a high school contest constitutes cheating?”
2334
2335“Captain Sanada, Tatsuya is a bona fide high school student.”
2336
2337Sanada grinned as he brought up a legitimate complaint. Fujibayashi smiled as well as she deflected Sanada’s comment and turned back to Tatsuya.
2338
2339“Why didn’t you enter as a participant? I think that you would enjoy considerable success with your flash cast abilities. If necessary, even excluding ‘Material Burst’, you at least have ‘Mist Dispersal’ to fall back on.”
2340
2341“No, not only are both ‘Material Burst’ and ‘Mist Dispersal’ classified, their destructive power also exceeds the limits set by the competition. In addition, ‘Material Burst’ is only accessible with ‘Third Eye’.”
2342
2343“But you brought the ‘trident’ along, right?”
2344
2345“That’s also against the rules, specifically the ones regarding competition-use CADs. Furthermore, flash cast is one of the Yotsuba Family’s secret techniques.”
2346
2347Tatsuya smiled wryly as he refuted Fujibayashi’s suggestion.
2348
2349Immediately afterwards, Yanagi continued in a helpless tone:
2350
2351“Fujibayashi…… You’re actually suggesting we use Strategic-level ‘disintegration’ Magic — ‘Material Burst’ in a high school competition. I’m calling shenanigans.”
2352
2353“I also don’t believe that there will be an opportunity to use ‘Material Burst’ in the Nine Schools Competition. However, in last year’s competition, the scion of the Juumonji Family used ‘Phalanx’ and the young lady from the Saegusa Family cast ‘Magic Shooter’, so I don’t think using ‘Mist Dispersal’ is out of bounds.”
2354
2355“Fujibayashi-san, the Juumonji Family’s ‘Phalanx’ ability is defensive magic, so there’s no destructive power involved. Likewise, the greatest advantage in the Saegusa Family’s ‘Magic Shooter’ is its sheer flexibility in force applied, so its destructive power also varies. On the other hand, ‘Mist Dispersal’ is indisputably an A-rank magic in destructive power that is able to reduce an object down to its molecular level, so they cannot be compared side by side.”
2356
2357“Aha, Captain Sanada, didn’t you know? Destructive power is only measured in the events of the Nine Schools Competition that could affect the players themselves, so Speed Shooting and Icicle Destruction are not within its jurisdiction. Interestingly enough, the handbook that emphasizes safety first glosses over this point.”
2358
2359The Nine Schools Competition was changed to the current format 10 years ago. Of all the people present who had participated in the Nine Schools Competition, the only one who had fought under the current rules was Fujibayashi, who assisted Second High in claiming the crown in her year.
2360
2361Just as the two of them were about to embark upon a heated debate regarding their specialties, Kazama halted them in their tracks.
2362
2363“Regardless, we cannot reveal any magic that constitutes a military secret before so many witnesses, so there’s no point in discussing this, is there?”
2364
2365Kazama intervened in his subordinates’ debate like a man fighting off a headache.
2366
2367Suddenly, his face assumed an emotionless mask as he turned on Tatsuya in a voice like cold steel:
2368
2369“Speaking of which, Tatsuya, you understand that if you are called upon to serve as a participant……”
2370
2371“Major, this one understands. If forced into a situation where ‘Mist Dispersal’ must be deployed, this one will choose to forfeit and accept his defeat.”
2372
2373Even with the sword still in its scabbard, Tatsuya could still tell the difference between real blades and bokkens. At any rate, seeing Kazama’s serious attitude with a merciless blade lurking behind him, there was no way Tatsuya could misread Kazama’s intention.
2374
2375Kazama and Tatsuya both learned from the same master and there was a definite bond of friendship between the two. Yet, their mutual apprenticeship and friendship were not the first priority in Kazama’s mind. If necessary, Kazama would abandon Tatsuya without any hesitation, and Tatsuya would do likewise.
2376
2377“……However, this one cannot imagine any situation where he would be forced to participate as a player.”
2378
2379“That’s a mental block. So long as you understand the situation.”
2380
2381Among everyone else’s laughter, Kazama and Tatsuya fixed each other with an intense look and ended the conversation.
2382
2383As the saying goes, “only God knows”, but even with this in mind, Tatsuya’s perspective was the more logical possibility. Both of them were of one mind on that point.
2384
2385Nevertheless, neither Kazama nor Tatsuya were completely confident in Tatsuya’s assessment of his own predicament.
2386
2387
2388
2389
2390
2391“Tatsuya-kun, over here, over here!”
2392
2393This was the competition location for the Women’s Speed Shooting event. After bidding farewell to Kazama’s group and leaving their tea break, Tatsuya returned to find the stands bereft of spare seats. As he searched through the crowd for his friends, Erika found him first and called out to him.
2394
2395“The Elite Eight must be that popular.”
2396
2397Tatsuya waded through the crowds and sat down next to Erika.
2398
2399“That’s because the President is on next — the other rounds don’t have nearly as many spectators.”
2400
2401Tatsuya’s words were only his private thoughts murmured aloud, but Miyuki, who was comfortably installed on Tatsuya’s other side, politely responded.
2402
2403This time, the sitting order was like this: Miyuki sat behind Leo, Mizuki was behind Erika, Honoka behind Tatsuya, and Shizuku behind Miyuki.
2404
2405“Honoka, am I in your way?”
2406
2407Tatsuya had hit a growth spurt since entering high school and was now nearly 180 cm (178 cm to be precise), and even with the difference in seating height, he was still worried that he was completely eclipsing Honoka’s view.
2408
2409However, Honoka grinned as she shook her head at Tatsuya, who had turned around to ask.
2410
2411“Is that so…… By the way, where’s Mikihiko?”
2412
2413“He said he wasn’t feeling well, so he went back to his room to rest.”
2414
2415As Erika replied to Tatsuya’s inquiry, her expression clearly added a “how useless” afterthought.
2416
2417“He’s likely affected by anxiety. I would probably faint if I wasn’t wearing my glasses.”
2418
2419Mizuki spoke on Mikihiko’s behalf.
2420
2421No wonder, Tatsuya thought, this is a natural side effect for those who deal with acute senses.
2422
2423He was highly interested in their respective emotional states, but opted to leave it be for now.
2424
2425The instant Mayumi appeared on the shooting platform, a storm of cheers shook the observation area.
2426
2427The screens placed around the observation deck flashed the words “Silence Please”, causing the cheers to die out immediately.
2428
2429With the absence of any sound, the anxiety level spiked.
2430
2431Tatsuya pitied her opponent a little.
2432
2433Regardless of the competition, when facing a superstar, there was always added stress and anxiety.
2434
2435Maybe he was concerned on the opponent’s behalf.
2436
2437As if completely tuning out the spectators’ cheers, Mayumi flicked the safety off for the rifle-shaped CAD and prepared herself for the match.
2438
2439The tournament used lights to signal the start of the match.
2440
2441From the Elite Eight onwards, the contest format resorted to duels. A hundred red targets and a hundred white targets were fired into the air and the victor was decided by who destroyed more of their designated target.
2442
2443Actually, so long as no targets were shot forth by the machine, the round hadn’t started yet.
2444
2445Even so, for Speed Shooting players, the five signal lights remained the horn that sounded the commencement.
2446
2447The first light flashed.
2448
2449The lights gradually increased. Once they hit the peak, porcelain discs began filling the sky.
2450
2451The white discs danced through the sky.
2452
2453Mayumi’s target color was red.
2454
2455The red-tinted targets all shattered the moment they entered firing range.
2456
2457“Impressive……”
2458
2459Tatsuya privately agreed with the sighs coming from behind him.
2460
2461It was truly impressive.
2462
2463From a strategic perspective, this wasn’t the most efficient method.
2464
2465By taking down your own targets, your opponent wouldn’t have to worry about accidentally gifting you points. The opponent could fire at any target they could see.
2466
2467However, Mayumi’s overwhelming power rendered this tactic moot.
2468
2469“Eh?”
2470
2471Honoka let out a gasp.
2472
2473Shizuku made no noise, but from her breathing patterns, she was no less astounded.
2474
2475“The ‘Magic Shooter’…… Is even faster than last year.”
2476
2477Tatsuya’s eyes were locked onto the flying discs and nodded at Miyuki’s words.
2478
2479For red discs obscured by the white discs in the sky, the ice particles shot through them “from below”.
2480
2481They weren’t homing projectiles, as no one would test their luck with such inefficient magics.
2482
2483This long range magic was attacking the red discs with ice particles from locations that were not obstructed by white discs.
2484
2485She wasn’t creating magic bullets, but shooting them — hence the name “Magic Shooter”.
2486
2487There were many magic abilities that could affect targets at long range.
2488
2489In the Speed Shooting contest, Mayumi’s use of bullets to snipe the target was actually the exception. Mainstream tactics involved casting Oscillation-Type Magic on the discs themselves to shatter them, or applying Move-Type Magic to have the discs collide into one another. Magic is not hampered by physical obstacles, so discs that are usually obscured from sight don’t actually require a special skill to destroy.
2490
2491In that case, why was the so-called “Magic Shooter” who specialized in using magic bullets from long distances deployed in this contest? What was her advantage?
2492
2493The answer was that this magic allowed the user to strike from the blind spots outside of her opponent’s casting range.
2494
2495For example, assume that both players are using Oscillation-Type Magic on the discs in the same Speed Shooting round.
2496
2497When the red and white discs are in close proximity, the two magics may interfere with one another and cause an unpredictable result – such as fizzling altogether or releasing ultrasonic shock waves.
2498
2499When casting magic in the same general vicinity as other Magicians on the same long distance targets, one must carefully select the firing position and then apply strong interference.
2500
2501The duel format for Speed Shooting was originally designed to test magic invocation speed and Magic Power, but with Mayumi sniping the targets from beyond her opponent’s firing range, she effectively created a pocket of space where she was casting magic without interference.
2502
2503Her opponent naturally enjoyed the same advantage.
2504
2505In that case, the duel was decided solely on speed and precision targeting.
2506
2507In terms of speed and precision targeting, Mayumi’s Magic Power ranked among the foremost in the world.
2508
2509High school students simply couldn’t compare.
2510
2511
2512
2513
2514
2515The first day’s round of “Speed Shooting” went as everyone predicted, with Mayumi earning a crushing victory in the Women’s Division and the Men’s Division also securing First Place.
2516
2517“Congratulations, President!”
2518
2519Mayumi smiled widely as she nodded to accept Azusa’s praise.
2520
2521“Thank you, Mari also advanced into the semifinals.”
2522
2523She shifted her gaze to the side.
2524
2525“Currently, everything is going according to plan.”
2526
2527In her line of sight, Mari nodded in response.
2528
2529As the night deepened, after catching a bite and some time in the bath, the only thing left was proper rest to restore what was lost during the day, so the female members (including the Public Morals Committee Chief) all congregated in Mayumi’s room.
2530
2531The first day’s events were over and Mayumi still had to compete tomorrow, so they could save the official celebrations until after they seized the crown. Presently, they only raised cups of juice to celebrate.
2532
2533The reason only women were present was because of time constraints. Still, it wasn’t like they were planning on a pajama party, so even if men were present it wouldn’t be an issue.
2534
2535Given that, the reason why only women were present was because –
2536
2537“It got tense for a bit, but Hattori managed to pull through.”
2538
2539Just as Mari’s lifeless words implied, victory for the Men’s Division was not assured. “Speed Shooting” secured First Place as predicted, but the “Battle Board” preliminaries turned out to be a hard fought contest.
2540
2541“Seems like the CAD wasn’t properly adjusted for him. After the round, Kinoshita-senpai and I were both working on it, but……”
2542
2543“It wasn’t finished.”
2544
2545Hearing Azusa’s words, Suzune examined the maintenance reports from all members from her terminal.
2546
2547“Kinoshita’s skills aren’t bad……”
2548
2549“Alas, they’re not exceptional either.”
2550
2551Mayumi stuck up in Kinoshita’s defense, but could only smile bitterly at Mari’s direct analysis. Still, Azusa felt that this assessment was overly critical.
2552
2553“Well…… I don’t think Kinoshita-senpai is at fault here. I feel that Hattori-kun’s been out of sorts since arriving here.”
2554
2555“What I’m about to say may be harsh, but it is also up to the technician to take the player’s mental status into account.”
2556
2557Yet, Mari swiftly rejected this defense.
2558
2559“That may be true…… But……”
2560
2561Mari was right in that this was the technician’s duty, but the player also had a responsibility towards their own mental preparation.
2562
2563Azusa thought of this, but kept it to herself.
2564
2565“OK, Mari. Stop picking on A-chan.”
2566
2567Mari’s logic regarding players and Azusa’s logic regarding technicians weren’t right or wrong, but frankly parallel to one another. This required the leadership to intervene.
2568
2569“Fortunately, Hattori-kun doesn’t have to compete tomorrow, so it’s up to the two of them to work it out…… Still, now the question becomes what are we going to do with the players Kinoshita-kun is responsible for tomorrow?”
2570
2571“Kinoshita-kun is the secondary technician for the Women’s ‘Crowd Ball’. Since he is the backup, I think that we’ll still be OK without him.”
2572
2573“Yeah…… With Izumi there, I think we’ll be OK……”
2574
2575“Isn’t leaving everything to Izumi too risky? There are six locations for Crowd Ball and two people appearing at the same location in the first round, and three people advance during the first round, then all three are in the second round at the same time. While Mayumi can cover for herself, this scenario naturally assumes the two others require CAD maintenance. Even if there is a larger interval between rounds, we still wouldn’t have enough time based on our initial estimates. Wasn’t that the whole point for having assistant technicians in the first place?”
2576
2577Suzune supported Mayumi’s decision but Mari looked reluctant. Her protest was born of the profound understanding of the importance of CAD maintenance and not disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing, but bringing up a valid argument for debate. Assigning shorthanded personnel was just such a difficult task.
2578
2579“Why don’t we pull the Men’s assistant technician, Ishida, over to double as the Women’s assistant technician?”
2580
2581The Women’s competition was in the morning while the Men’s competition was in the afternoon, so Suzune’s suggestion was valid from a scheduling point of view, but Mayumi vetoed it.
2582
2583“If he had to perform maintenance during the morning and afternoon, that’s too heavy of a workload for Ishida-kun. ‘Crowd Ball’ is the event with the highest number of rounds on that day.”
2584
2585“Then, can we call on Shiba-kun, who has no players scheduled for events for the next two days?”
2586
2587After a brief moment of consideration, Mayumi nodded in agreement towards Suzune’s proposal.
2588
2589“……That might be for the best. Then, Miyuki-chan, can you alert Tatsuya-kun for us?”
2590
2591“Of course.”
2592
2593Miyuki smiled as she nodded her head to accept Mayumi’s request.
2594
2595For Miyuki, any opportunity for her Onii-sama to shine was more than welcome.
2596
2597
2598
2599
2600
2601“……No wonder you visited at this hour.”
2602
2603Although they were siblings, this wasn’t the time for young ladies to visit rooms belonging to those of the opposite gender.
2604
2605Tatsuya waved Miyuki to sit on the bed and helplessly murmured.
2606
2607“……Did I inconvenience you, Onii-sama?”
2608
2609Miyuki fidgeted as she watched Tatsuya nervously.
2610
2611“No, thank you for notifying me, but……”
2612
2613Until now, so long as Miyuki had that particular look in her eyes, Tatsuya never took a hard line with her.
2614
2615“Even at a hotel, this isn’t the time for young women to leave their rooms by themselves, right? Also, there’s been a few incidents lately, so suspicious individuals may be lurking in the corridors.”
2616
2617At the very least, this was a military facility, so the security was much more intense than first class civilian hotels.
2618
2619Miyuki felt that this was an exaggeration, but was very pleased that Tatsuya was worried about her.
2620
2621“Yes, Onii-sama, I apologize.”
2622
2623“I’m pretty sure there’s something wrong with smiling and apologizing at the same time……”
2624
2625Tatsuya complained as he also smiled. Rather than calling his earlier words a scolding, they didn’t even qualify as complaints. On top of that, Tatsuya dearly loved Miyuki, so he would never harshly reprimand his little sister.
2626
2627“At any rate, thank you for letting me know, I’ll escort you back to your room.”
2628
2629Tatsuya rose from his chair but Miyuki frantically stood up and waved her hands.
2630
2631“No, I can go back by myself. Isn’t Onii-sama busy right now? I’ve already interrupted your work, so I shouldn’t take up any more of your time……”
2632
2633“While I was in the middle of something, this was more for leisure than anything else, so don’t worry about it.”
2634
2635Tatsuya closed the lid of the notepad terminal as if he wanted to avoid letting his sister see it.
2636
2637“But, wasn’t that a CAD code?”
2638
2639Miyuki wasn’t fluent with hardware, but under Tatsuya’s influence, she had a decent grasp of software specifications.
2640
2641She was unable to fully decipher the meaning with just one glance, but based on the serial numbers and coding language, she could identify the code for Activation Sequences.
2642
2643“This little thing isn’t related to the competition itself, so there’s no problem if I set it aside for now. Also, the code itself is more like a toy than anything else.”
2644
2645“A…… toy?”
2646
2647“I came up with a new idea for a close combat weapon, but there’s almost no practical value in it besides shocking the opponent a little. Even if I completed it, there’s no market for it.”
2648
2649“If that’s the case, it still qualifies as pioneering new magic, right? I don’t think Onii-sama’s inventions are pointless.”
2650
2651“Probably reserved for entertainment purposes…… Anyways, this isn’t particularly important, so there’s no rush to finish. You are, of course, ‘first priority’.”
2652
2653“Oh dear…… Really, Onii-sama, you actually said that I’m ‘more important’……”
2654
2655(Wha?)
2656
2657Seeing his sister clasp her face in both hands and lower her head, Tatsuya plainly felt something odd had occurred.
2658
2659Apparently, his earlier words had gone in a completely mystifying direction.
2660
2661(She got the literal meaning right, but somewhere a fatal language error must have occurred……)
2662
2663This confusion could not be dispelled immediately, but Tatsuya still snapped out of it faster than Miyuki.
2664
2665“……Let’s head out.”
2666
2667“Yes, Onii-sama…… And…… Miyuki is the same as Onii-sama.”
2668
2669“Meaning……?”
2670
2671“Miyuki also sees Onii-sama as the most important person.”
2672
2673“…………”
2674
2675Looks like his sister was still out of it — he hoped.
2676
2677Right now, Tatsuya clung onto that belief.
2678
2679
2680
2681
2682
2683Chapter 6
2684
2685
2686
2687
2688The second day of the Nine Schools Competition.
2689
2690Wearing the jacket of the technician team, Tatsuya stood near First High’s pavilion in the competition area.
2691
2692Since the colors ceremony, this was the second time he wore this jacket (only participants were present for the opening ceremony).
2693
2694Including the suit he wore for the meet and greet, and this jacket, he was unable to dispel that uncomfortable feeling.
2695
2696Still, Tatsuya knew that this was mandatory, so he had to get accustomed to this.
2697
2698“What is it? In a bad mood?”
2699
2700“No, it’s nothing. Why would you think so, President?”
2701
2702Tatsuya solemnly replied to Mayumi’s question, but was inwardly flustered.
2703
2704Tatsuya believed that his poker face was flawless, but was he really so easy to read?
2705
2706“Hm~ I wonder why?”
2707
2708“Hold on, you shouldn’t be asking such a vague question either……”
2709
2710Tatsuya felt powerless, but only mentally.
2711
2712Looks like the reason wasn’t because he was telegraphing his feelings or that his breathing patterns gave him away.
2713
2714However, Mayumi being able to pinpoint Tatsuya’s thoughts without any warning was far more terrifying and almost threatening.
2715
2716“Ignoring that for the moment, is there anything you need, President?”
2717
2718Tatsuya set aside this matter for now — not like he could do anything even if he was concerned — and inquired why Mayumi sought him out before the contest began.
2719
2720“Just checking on your status…… Did you memorize all the data?”
2721
2722The decision to appoint Tatsuya as the assistant technician for the Women’s “Crowd Ball” was made on the spot last night, so in order for Tatsuya to adequately adjust the players’ CADs, he had to hurriedly memorize every player’s psion specifications.
2723
2724“Yes, I did.”
2725
2726“Everyone’s?”
2727
2728“Yes, I did.”
2729
2730After Tatsuya repeated the exact same, brief statement twice, Mayumi stared at him with her eyes wide in shock.
2731
2732“This might seem like hindsight…… But Tatsuya-kun is amazing. You don’t happen to have instantaneous recall or photographic memory, do you?”
2733
2734“Compared to you, I’d rather have a more typical Magic Power.”
2735
2736“From a student’s perspective, that’s an impossible luxury.”
2737
2738Obviously, Mayumi was guaranteed a spot in the magic universities without taking the entrance exams, but she still said this.
2739
2740—Accompanied by her using both hands to rub her puffed up cheeks.
2741
2742“…………”
2743
2744“Hm? What’s wrong?”
2745
2746Tatsuya started massaging his temples using his thumb and index finger while Mayumi slightly tilted her head to one side.
2747
2748“President, are you…… Never mind.”
2749
2750“?”
2751
2752Tatsuya originally wanted to say “Are you actually this way and not acting?”, but forcibly swallowed those words — which was a wise decision.
2753
2754“……Isn’t the contest about to start?”
2755
2756“Indeed, let’s go.”
2757
2758“Ah?”
2759
2760“I said, let’s go?”
2761
2762“……Yeah, you’re right.”
2763
2764CAD calibration was forbidden while the contest was ongoing, but calibration might be necessary immediately after the round was over.
2765
2766That’s why it was perfectly natural for the technician to follow the contestant around rather than waiting by the pavilion — even so, there was no need to proceed into the court at the same time, but Tatsuya walked alongside Mayumi the entire way.
2767
2768“Miyuki-chan is at the observation deck?”
2769
2770This was the first thing she said as they walked together.
2771
2772“She went to watch ‘Icicle Destruction’.”
2773
2774Mayumi’s question didn’t cause Tatsuya to think “Why do you ask?”, but rather “It’s this question again?”.
2775
2776“So…… The two of you actually act independently sometimes.”
2777
2778Tatsuya was careful to keep his expression neutral and not allow his displeasure to show at this answer, whereas Mayumi nodded in an expressive manner.
2779
2780Tatsuya felt somewhat miserable.
2781
2782“……In your eyes, are we attached at the hip?”
2783
2784His expression was probably thoroughly miserable.
2785
2786Mayumi hurriedly shook her hands in denial.
2787
2788“Ah, no, I know that’s not the case. I know that you two are apart while running errands for the Student Council and during class, so, how do I put it…… Perception, it’s all a matter of perception!”
2789
2790“President…… For Magicians, perception is reality.”
2791
2792The increasingly humid and heavy gaze prompted Mayumi to break out into an invisible sweat.
2793
2794The heavy atmosphere persisted until the two of them reached the courts.
2795
2796Once they reached the arena, Tatsuya felt that this would negatively impact morale, so he forcibly reined in his expressions.
2797
2798Yet, when Mayumi took off her cooling jacket (a sports jacket with a built-in cooling system based on thermodynamics), Tatsuya’s poker face almost slipped.
2799
2800“……Are you wearing that in the competition?”
2801
2802“Yes.”
2803
2804Mayumi’s matter of fact nod caused Tatsuya to feel a headache incoming.
2805
2806“Are you really wearing that uniform during the competition?”
2807
2808“Eh, is it strange? ……Does it not suit me?”
2809
2810“…………It suits you perfectly.”
2811
2812“Is that so……? Tee hee, thank you for your compliment.”
2813
2814Mayumi happily started stretching, while Tatsuya carefully scrutinized her one more time for verification.
2815
2816No matter how he looked at it, his eyes didn’t deceive him.
2817
2818Polo shirt paired with miniskirt could only be described as a tennis uniform, which was more attentive to the latest fashions than competitive practicality.
2819
2820Leaning slightly would cause the skirt to sway and reveal the petticoat beneath.
2821
2822“Crowd Ball” was a physically demanding sport.
2823
2824The shooting device uses compressed air to shoot a 6 cm diameter ball with low elasticity which players used rackets or magic to send towards the opposing courts, with the number of goals determining the victor. Each round lasted three minutes in a court encased within a transparent box. Every twenty seconds, another ball would be introduced to the mix with a total of 9 balls in play in the end, leaving the players no time to catch their breath.
2825
2826Players usually wore T-shirts and shorts, though some opted to wear elbow and knee protectors to help with diving.
2827
2828If wielding magic alone, there would be no need for running or wearing protective gear, though players that forgo the racket usually wear more protective gear on the court.
2829
2830Usually, no one would wear clothing that would leave their limbs exposed.
2831
2832(Then again, given who this is, her dictionary probably doesn’t contain the word “impossible”.)
2833
2834Tatsuya arrived at this conclusion after a moment of observation and accepted this facet of reality.
2835
2836“Tatsuya-kun…… Are you contemplating something impolite?”
2837
2838“I wouldn’t dare. You don’t need a racket?”
2839
2840This piercing accusation forced Tatsuya to sidestep quickly and adopt a more formal tone to change the topic.
2841
2842“Yeah, this is my usual style.”
2843
2844For a moment, Tatsuya thought she was referring to the “tennis uniform” style, but Mayumi obviously meant a style that “only relied on magic”.
2845
2846“Which CAD are you using?”
2847
2848“This one.”
2849
2850After Mayumi spoke, she pulled out a handgun-shaped Specialized CAD.
2851
2852The gun barrel was fairly short, hence it was commonly known as the “short model” while a select minority referred to them as the “civilian model” (Tatsuya’s CAD was a “long barrel”, which the select minority referred to as the “carbine model”).
2853
2854Handgun and rifle-type CADs were both equipped with aim modifiers in the gun barrel. The “gun barrel” was actually the location of the targeting reticle for magic calculation (the relative coordinates for the Eidos within the information dimension) that functioned like a motion sensor.
2855
2856The longer the gun barrel of the CAD, the greater the emphasis placed on the aim modifier.
2857
2858On the other hand, for Magicians that only cared about the activation speed of Specialized CADs and didn’t require any aim modification, the short model provided everything they could possibly want.
2859
2860“I recall that the President usually ran Generalized CADs?”
2861
2862“That’s usually the case, but I’m only using one this time.”
2863
2864Mayumi’s comment was very abstract, but Tatsuya correctly interpreted this to mean “Since this contest only requires one magic, I chose a Specialized model”.
2865
2866“Move-Type Magic? Or Reverse Speed Magic?”
2867
2868“Correct, it’s ‘Multiple Bounce’.”
2869
2870Mayumi was carefully stretching, so she didn’t play coy with Tatsuya before answering his question.
2871
2872“Tatsuya-kun, could you give me a hand?”
2873
2874“No problem.”
2875
2876Mayumi sat on the ground with both legs spread and Tatsuya gently pushed her back.
2877
2878With practically no resistance, her chest was pressed against the ground.
2879
2880“Using multiple bounces to take advantage of the kinetic energy vectors…… But wouldn’t relying only on this magic pose a considerable risk? If the inelastic balls lose momentum along the floor or walls, you would have no way of sending them back to the other side.”
2881
2882Tatsuya could feel some body heat flowing across his palm as he softly whispered a warning.
2883
2884“Hm! Hm hm hm…… Whew, I also prepared a few other Speed-Type Magics, but I never resorted to them last year.”
2885
2886She spoke nonchalantly, but this required a significant difference in strength to fuel this confidence.
2887
2888Once again, Tatsuya realized how incredibly powerful Mayumi was compared to everyone else.
2889
2890“That’s fine.”
2891
2892Mayumi stretched to the left and right four times then informed Tatsuya to let go.
2893
2894Tatsuya straightened and backed off a few steps whereas Mayumi closed her legs and raised a hand towards him as she looked at him.
2895
2896Initially, Tatsuya wasn’t certain what Mayumi wanted, but once he noticed her watching him intently with an increasingly displeased expression, he quickly got the message.
2897
2898Tatsuya came around to her front and grasped her outstretched hand.
2899
2900A dainty, delicate hand.
2901
2902With a soft tug, Mayumi rolled handily to her feet.
2903
2904“Thank you.”
2905
2906“No, you’re welcome.”
2907
2908Tatsuya personally felt that his response was very cordial, but for some reason Mayumi was very happy.
2909
2910“Hm~ What a novel feeling.”
2911
2912“Ah?”
2913
2914That comment came out of the blue.
2915
2916Tatsuya replied on reflex and Mayumi smiled in response.
2917
2918“I have older brothers and young sisters, but no younger brother.”
2919
2920“Hm……”
2921
2922Tatsuya was aware of this.
2923
2924Unlike the Yotsuba Family that was shrouded in secrecy, the Saegusa Family was always in the public eye.
2925
2926Every birthday for the children drew crowds of guests to celebrate in grandiose fashion.
2927
2928This only required a cursory investigation of the members of the Saegusa Family, so it wasn’t very difficult.
2929
2930If he remembered correctly, besides two older brothers, she also had a pair of twin sisters in 9th grade.
2931
2932“Tatsuya-kun never treated me differently, right?”
2933
2934“I personally don’t believe I’m pretending to be overly familiar with the President……”
2935
2936Wary of falling into a trap, Tatsuya replied cautiously, but Mayumi laughed lightly.
2937
2938“That’s not what I meant. You wouldn’t be on guard against me, flustered, or uneasy, right?”
2939
2940Ignoring the first one for now, wouldn’t the latter two only occur under conditions that Mayumi had created herself? Tatsuya thought but didn’t verbalize.
2941
2942“You address me with the proper honorifics, but in reality you’re not being overly polite either. I thought you were a cold person, but you still go along with my selfish requests, so I think this is what it would be like to have a younger brother.”
2943
2944Tatsuya involuntarily widened his eyes at Mayumi.
2945
2946Indeed, excluding her height, Mayumi had a well-rounded personality, a surprisingly feminine side and, while it was hard to notice, she did care about others in her own way so she fit the bill for an “older sister” perfectly.
2947
2948Yet, in all honesty, having an older sister like that would probably mean a lifetime of stress.
2949
2950“……Heaven knows, I only have a little sister after all.”
2951
2952“That’s true.”
2953
2954Mayumi smiled serenely as she gazed at Tatsuya. This smile was enough to cause people to suspect she had forgotten the contest altogether.
2955
2956Acutely uncomfortable, Tatsuya looked for an opportunity to escape.
2957
2958“Excuse me, I think I should check on the other players’ status.”
2959
2960“There’s no need.”
2961
2962Unfortunately, with the intercession from a third party, his plan of egress was dashed.
2963
2964“Ara, Izumin.”
2965
2966“Saegusa…… You’re still up to your usual name-calling.”
2967
2968The person who looked like she was fighting off a migraine was a female student wearing the same type of jacket as Tatsuya. She was a 3rd Year student in the technician team — Rika Izumi.
2969
2970“Would you prefer Rika-chan?”
2971
2972“You’re doing this on purpose! Eh, forget it, just call me Izumin.”
2973
2974“So Izumi-senpai, what do you mean by there’s no need?”
2975
2976Tatsuya had already learned this lesson; playing word games with Mayumi was a ceaseless struggle.
2977
2978He completely disregarded Mayumi and Izumi’s exchange and focused only on the first sentence.
2979
2980“Hm? Oh…… Tatsuya-kun, you go ahead and take care of Saegusa’s contest, I’ll handle the other side.”
2981
2982The female student called Izumi did not express a favorable attitude towards Tatsuya’s inclusion on the technician team.
2983
2984Rather than being elitist, her problem likely arose from pride.
2985
2986She probably believed that she was capable of handling the situation even without Tatsuya’s assistance.
2987
2988“Is that so, I understand.”
2989
2990In reality, Tatsuya really wanted to beat a swift retreat, but since the division of labor was so clearly defined, he had no way out.
2991
2992So Tatsuya nodded without making any further comment.
2993
2994“Then it’s up to you.”
2995
2996Izumi left those words as a footnote and quickly departed.
2997
2998“She’s not a bad person……”
2999
3000Mayumi exuded a powerless aura as she watched Izumi’s departing figure, but the soft words that she spoke for Tatsuya’s benefit went in one ear and out the other.
3001
3002Regardless of what course of action Izumi took and how Mayumi tried to defend her, both were utterly immaterial to Tatsuya.
3003
3004
3005
3006
3007
3008“Crowd Ball” was a sport that shared many similarities with tennis and racquetball, but there were no serving rules.
3009
3010Each session lasted three minutes with a three minute break tucked in between sessions, with a total of three sessions per round (the Men’s Division had five sessions).
3011
3012After a signal announced the start of the contest, balls shot forth by compressed air would be released every 20 seconds and an insane flurry of balls would ensue until the ending signal.
3013
3014—Generally, that was the case.
3015
3016However, the contest unfolding before Tatsuya’s eyes was not so.
3017
3018Mayumi’s opponent mirrored her in that they only chose to wield magic.
3019
3020As expected of the participants who signed up for this contest, they had an exceptional grasp of Move-Type Magic.
3021
3022Her opponent seemed to rely on physical movement to complement her perception and hurriedly aimed the short model handgun-shaped CAD that she held in both hands at each ball.
3023
3024The balls caught in the Move-Type Magic changed direction before they fell into her half of the court and flew towards Mayumi’s half of the court in an unnatural arc — and rebounded at double the speed once they passed across the net.
3025
3026Every ball. With no exception.
3027
3028Mayumi stood in the center of the court and held her CAD in both hands before her chest.
3029
3030As she held her CAD as if she were praying, Mayumi’s eyes glinted with a mysterious light as she gazed slightly downwards.
3031
3032Just this alone was sufficient to deny her opponent from scoring a single point.
3033
3034Visually, the distance was roughly 10 cm.
3035
3036That was how far her opponent’s balls were allowed to invade her position.
3037
3038Mayumi’s magic did not make any precise adjustments to the balls.
3039
3040Neither did she aim for her opponent’s blind spots, but purely rejected every ball back towards her opponent. Towards every trajectory that her opponent altered, she retaliated from every angle with what must be an incredibly difficult magic.
3041
3042Yet, the only one relentlessly scoring was Mayumi.
3043
3044The score was a complete landslide without Mayumi yielding a single point.
3045
3046When the whistle sounded for the end of the first session, Mayumi’s opponent powerlessly fell to her knees on the court.
3047
3048This crumbling motion perfectly reflected her opponent’s overwhelming despair.
3049
3050Mayumi appeared perfectly calm and collected as she wielded her magic with a majestic flair, but her emotions were nowhere near as peaceful.
3051
3052Hearing the whistle, she couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief.
3053
3054During this contest, she felt herself fall into a bitter struggle.
3055
3056She wasn’t being conceited, but she knew from a purely objective sense that her Magic Power far outstripped her opponent. As long as she could maintain the course, victory was assured during the next session.
3057
3058The problem lay in the pair of eyes fixed on her from the side of the court.
3059
3060Mayumi was accustomed to the gazes of other people.
3061
3062Since her youth, she had always dwelt in the public eye.
3063
3064No matter if the gazes were filled with pure admiration or hiding dark, jealous, or other naked negative emotions, Mayumi dealt with it as if they were the very oxygen that surrounded her.
3065
3066Nevertheless, the gaze that she endured for the past three minutes was altogether unlike anything she had felt before.
3067
3068As if every inch of her was beneath a microscope.
3069
3070That was not simply someone seeing her naked or something like that (though that was also a major problem in and of itself).
3071
3072The look that Mayumi felt from him — from Tatsuya, was not something so superficial.
3073
3074Not just her skin, but everything beneath — the flesh and bone that made up her physical attributes, her consciousness, emotions, value system, temperament, habits, hobbies, the experiences that made her who she was today, the talent and diligence that supported her thus far — everything that constituted the person “Saegusa Mayumi” was being decrypted and bared beneath the sun. This pair of eyes caused her to feel an unfamiliar sense of dread.
3075
3076This was the first time Tatsuya observed Mayumi’s contest from a close proximity.
3077
3078Still, he should have observed the 1st Year participants under his care multiple times during practice at this distance, yet none of the 1st Year participants complained of being ill at ease.
3079
3080Mayumi believed that none of the younger women could withstand this feeling.
3081
3082In that case, this feeling was either her own misconception, or — something that only she could feel.
3083
3084Right now, she was in the middle of the three minute break where the players would usually towel off the sweat or grab a drink of water.
3085
3086Unfortunately, her bag containing her towel and water was next to Tatsuya.
3087
3088Walking off the court was the same as actively moving towards where Tatsuya was waiting — where he lay in ambush.
3089
3090Mayumi was a little scared of leaving the court.
3091
3092That being said, she couldn’t stay on the court either. Even though she hadn’t moved a muscle during the earlier session, she should definitely take the opportunity to take a break right now. Not only that, she needed to replenish lost moisture and head towards the next court.
3093
3094She wouldn’t have cared if she shocked the Operations Committee Members, but with her position, she couldn’t afford to worry the students that came to cheer her on.
3095
3096Mayumi took a deep breath and expelled all her unease and worry.
3097
3098(Forget it, women need to be courageous!)
3099
3100Mayumi ordered her feet to start walking.
3101
3102“Good work.”
3103
3104At her underclassman handing her a towel, Mayumi felt a sense of disappointment as that nameless dread seemed to fade away like a dream.
3105
3106As usual, any thoughts he had beneath that serious visage were completely obscured by the poker face that even she couldn’t read. This young man gave her a formless and unidentifiable sense of dread, but at the same time provided a miraculous sense of relief that he would never betray her.
3107
3108Her earlier comment about “having a younger brother” was something spontaneous or intended to tease Tatsuya. While phrased as a joke, on some level it reflected Mayumi’s real thoughts.
3109
3110Mayumi came to the conclusion that being afraid of him was ridiculous, so she adopted an obstinate attitude.
3111
3112“Don’t say good work yet, the contest hasn’t ended, so this isn’t the time to relax.”
3113
3114Tatsuya was on the representative team, but he wasn’t a participant himself.
3115
3116He was only on duty before and after the contests and was merely a bystander during the events, so telling him “this isn’t the time to relax” was very odd, but Tatsuya made no mention of it despite noticing this.
3117
3118“No, it’s over.”
3119
3120He was pointing towards a more practical matter.
3121
3122“Ah?”
3123
3124“The opposing participant is unable to continue and, even if she were going to enter the second session, would definitely keel over from exhaustion in the middle. The auxiliaries from the other side are also aware of this, so this round will conclude with their surrender.”
3125
3126Mayumi turned around to find the opposing team’s tactical advisors discussing with the panel of judges about this exact topic.
3127
3128The participant was sprawled on top of a long chair while covered in medical detection equipment.
3129
3130“Psion exhaustion due to continuous magic invocation. Most likely a mistaken assignment. She was a little lacking to be your opponent, President.”
3131
3132“……You understood that much just from seeing that?”
3133
3134“So long as I can ‘see clearly’.”
3135
3136There was no way the panel of judges could hear Tatsuya speak, but the moment he finished speaking, the panel announced that Mayumi’s opponent had withdrawn.
3137
3138Dazed, Mayumi stood stock still without budging, an extremely rare side of her that would normally prompt a laugh. Yet, Tatsuya did not smile, and merely urged Mayumi to start moving.
3139
3140“Let’s return to the pavilion. It’s best to review your CAD and prepare for the next round.”
3141
3142“Yeah, you’re right, I’ll leave that to you.”
3143
3144Right now, Tatsuya was completely in control of the situation, but Mayumi didn’t make any pointless resistance as she followed Tatsuya after picking up her bag.
3145
3146
3147
3148
3149
3150After Tatsuya activated the maintenance device, Mayumi handed him her CAD and plopped down beside him.
3151
3152Not across from him.
3153
3154Mayumi wasn’t wearing her cooling jacket that extended to her knees so she was still in her “tennis uniform” that she wore for the match, but this wasn’t because she was in a teasing mood, rather that Tatsuya was no longer causing her to feel unnaturally cold.
3155
3156The two of them were close enough that their shoulders could rub against one another, but Tatsuya never spared a glance towards her exposed thighs.
3157
3158Nor was Mayumi upset by this.
3159
3160Her concentration was completely devoted to the maintenance device as well as the personal CAD currently attached to the machine.
3161
3162“Don’t you need to measure my current status?”
3163
3164“The duration was only a paltry 10 to 15 minutes, so even if I could rewrite the code, there wouldn’t be any time to test it, so there would be little point in taking the extra time to run measurements.”
3165
3166This occurred quite often during their mutual conversation, but this time Mayumi involuntarily tilted her head.
3167
3168According to what he just said, this sounded like he could get a ballpark estimate completely independent of the machine……
3169
3170“……You can tell visually?”
3171
3172“Of course, surely the President knows as well?”
3173
3174“That……”
3175
3176“The President also knows that as long as they’re Magicians, they can tell whether magic’s activated normally or if a CAD is functioning normally without the use of machines, right?”
3177
3178“This I know.”
3179
3180“On some level, I’m just a little more knowledgeable.”
3181
3182Tatsuya continued to watch the scrolling character strings.
3183
3184Mayumi was very interested in exactly what this “some level” was, but she didn’t dare to disturb an engineer at work to satiate her curiosity.
3185
3186Tatsuya removed the CAD from the maintenance device and turned off the power before inspecting the trigger and Activation Sequence circuit, then personally handed the CAD back to Mayumi.
3187
3188Just as he promised, he never touched the code inside.
3189
3190Mayumi privately heaved a sigh of relief (she thought she managed to hide it, but Tatsuya saw everything), but owing to some reason, after she received the CAD, she curled her finger around the trigger and put it on her thigh.
3191
3192“President…… That’s a little disconcerting, can you not point the muzzle at me?”
3193
3194Strictly speaking, a CAD doesn’t have a “muzzle”.
3195
3196Large, rifle-shaped CADs are usually equipped with image detectors at the front that gives the impression of the “muzzle” from a laser gun, but regardless of whether it was a long or short model, the “gun barrel” was made of metal.
3197
3198Still, the overall design mirrored that of a real firearm, so those that are aware of the danger guns pose would naturally feel uncomfortable staring down the “muzzle”.
3199
3200“Ah, sorry.”
3201
3202Tatsuya wasn’t certain how familiar Mayumi was with this situation, but she frankly apologized and shifted her CAD and left the muzzle pointed at herself.
3203
3204“I should be the one apologizing for troubling you with such trivialities.”
3205
3206“Please don’t concern yourself, this is basic manners after all. So how is it?”
3207
3208Mayumi’s question was once again overly simplified, but Tatsuya had no problems navigating through her cryptic meaning.
3209
3210“I felt that the calibration was well executed. No overclocking, no unnecessary unique features, it was a faithful job done strictly by the rules. There was an overemphasis on stability that led to a more convoluted Activation Sequence in some areas, but taking the President’s Magic Power into consideration, I’d say this garners full marks.”
3211
3212At any rate, this wasn’t the time for needless flattery or nitpicking, so Tatsuya bluntly made his assessment.
3213
3214Tatsuya answered this question with his eyes still watching the Activation Sequence display on the maintenance device, so when he turned around — he discovered Mayumi in a profound state of embarrassment.
3215
3216“Is that so……? Hehehe, that makes me incredibly happy.”
3217
3218The corners of her eyes were dyed pink as she slightly averted her eyes with a bashful smile.
3219
3220Compared to blushing obviously, this reaction was even more awkward.
3221
3222“……Is that so?”
3223
3224The reason why Tatsuya asked was that he was honestly lost on how to respond, but the real question lurking at the bottom of his heart was that Mayumi should have long been inured to hearing such praise on a daily basis.
3225
3226“Indeed, to receive the compliments of someone who usually gives scant praise, isn’t that something worthy of being happy about?”
3227
3228Tatsuya didn’t believe that he was a completely mature adult.
3229
3230From an objective standpoint, he felt that he was still an immature child.
3231
3232That being said, Mayumi’s assessment made him out to be one of the fringe members of society unable to feign politeness, which he thoroughly disagreed with.
3233
3234“……I can be just as polite as anyone else.”
3235
3236However, Tatsuya’s rebuttal only earned a sweet smile from Mayumi that clearly said she saw through his subterfuge.
3237
3238“So you were just being polite just now?”
3239
3240“……No, I wasn’t.”
3241
3242Mayumi’s delighted smile struck Tatsuya in the wrong way, but continuing this conversation served no practical purpose.
3243
3244Also, there was no reason he had to respond in the first place.
3245
3246Unruffled, Tatsuya calmly accepted Mayumi’s smile.
3247
3248
3249
3250
3251
3252Among the events in the Nine Schools Competition, “Crowd Ball” was the event with the most matches this day.
3253
3254In terms of pure number of matches, “Monolith Code” was the one sport among the other six that had the most matches. “Crowd Ball” and “Icicle Destruction” each had five, but “Monolith Code” and “Icicle Destruction” were split across two days, whereas “Crowd Ball” had to finish all 5 matches within half a day.
3255
3256The allotted time was short, but the nature of the event and the fact that each session lasted three minutes with almost continuous magic invocation with no chance to catch a breather combined to create a situation that was in no way less arduous than the other events.
3257
3258Thus, how to gauge the use of Magic Power was absolutely vital for seizing the gold in this event.
3259
3260The goal was, of course, two consecutive victories.
3261
3262During the match, the players weren’t trying to send back every ball haphazardly, but to take into account which shots should be allowed to score in order to properly pace themselves.
3263
3264Mayumi, who could continuously channel her magic throughout the entire session, was undoubtedly an outlier in this situation.
3265
3266Even so, Mayumi didn’t charge forward and rely solely on her strength in battle.
3267
3268She also adopted strategies of her own.
3269
3270Two consecutive victories was absolutely mandatory — this would prevent people from saying “Wait, didn’t she just power through to victory?”
3271
3272By choosing magic that was unsuited to this event by solely rebounding the balls back, this was to avoid exhaustion from continuously replicating magic — this also denied people from claiming that “She’s not actually rationing her Magic Power, right?”
3273
3274Owing to these reasons, her philosophy in battle was to go all out from the start without a trace of hesitation.
3275
3276Yet, when the second round started, Mayumi was struck by a rare sense of confusion.
3277
3278Her status was excellent.
3279
3280Just like earlier, half the round was already over with her opponent unable to score a single point during the first match.
3281
3282Her confusion came from a completely opposite reason.
3283
3284(How……?)
3285
3286True, thanks to her opponent withdrawing from the first round, she had more time to rest than usual.
3287
3288Still, this was a tightly packed schedule with 5 rounds crammed into half a day.
3289
3290Usually, her mental and physical status would be gradually worn down from exhaustion, but they would definitely not show a marked improvement that even she could notice.
3291
3292Thus, there must be some reason behind this highly unusual circumstance.
3293
3294Mayumi could only think of one possible explanation.
3295
3296As soon as the ending whistle sounded—
3297
3298Mayumi decided to interrogate her perfidious underclassman.
3299
3300“Tatsuya-kun, I thought you said you didn’t alter the Activation Sequence?”
3301
3302This was completely opposite from how the first round ended.
3303
3304As soon as the judges confirmed the end of the round, Mayumi stormed to where Tatsuya was on the sidelines.
3305
3306Mayumi’s accusatory appearance caught Tatsuya by surprise, but he still replied back in a calm manner.
3307
3308“I never touched the Activation Sequence and there shouldn’t be any performance issues, unless you noticed something wrong?”
3309
3310“Liar!”
3311
3312Mayumi pointed a finger at Tatsuya’s nose, her whole stance quivered like it was about to give off “Bishi!” sound.
3313
3314“The efficiency of magic construction was significantly higher and, since there was no time to change the hardware, the only possibility is that you altered the software!”
3315
3316“……So the efficiency coefficient wasn’t lower, but higher?”
3317
3318Tatsuya’s clearly befuddled question took the wind out of Mayumi’s sails.
3319
3320“That’s true…… But……”
3321
3322This would be a whole other story if efficiency dropped, but Mayumi finally noticed that her attitude was wholly ridiculous for someone coming to complain that her performance had shown marked improvement.
3323
3324“Regardless, why don’t you take a seat first?”
3325
3326Still wearing a baffled expression, Tatsuya handed her a towel, which Mayumi accepted awkwardly before sitting down with a look of consternation on her face.
3327
3328“The efficiency coefficient rose likely because the garbage was removed.”
3329
3330Tatsuya sat half a body length away from Mayumi and intentionally didn’t watch her as he softly settled her down.
3331
3332“Don’t mess around with me. I was watching you the entire time. You didn’t take apart the CAD for cleaning, nor did you use any cleaning fluids, correct?”
3333
3334Mayumi said petulantly, but Tatsuya replied back patiently.
3335
3336“No, I wasn’t cleaning the hardware, I was removing the unnecessary software.”
3337
3338CAD performance was also affected by the user’s mental condition.
3339
3340If the user didn’t trust the engineer, then this would obviously negatively impact the CAD’s performance.
3341
3342Since he did act without giving prior warning, which meant that he did not go through the informed consent phase, Tatsuya still felt that it was necessary for him to give an in-depth explanation.
3343
3344“The President’s CAD had system files left over from earlier versions of the OS, so I had these removed. While previous system files rarely accumulate these garbage files, that doesn’t mean that they are completely removed either. By completely erasing these files, CAD performance can be improved by a few percentage points. However, this usually would not bring about an immediately noticeable improvement, hence I didn’t inform you beforehand. This just goes to show that the President’s senses are just that refined and I was being overly rash.”
3345
3346“Ah, that…… If that’s all it is, then don’t worry about it.”
3347
3348Tatsuya’s excessive bow and apology prompted Mayumi to frantically wave both her hands.
3349
3350“In that case, this also shows that Tatsuya-kun was dutiful in all regards, so I should be the one apologizing for suspecting you in the first place.”
3351
3352When Tatsuya raised his head, Mayumi was also bowing to him in apology.
3353
3354Tatsuya couldn’t help but note how swiftly she was able to shift gears.
3355
3356“Then, let’s end this conversation here.”
3357
3358He also felt that she was someone who could readily admit her own mistakes.
3359
3360“You’re right.”
3361
3362Must be from a composure born of maturity.
3363
3364“Then, Tatsuya-kun……”
3365
3366Even so, it wasn’t like she was taking the high ground either.
3367
3368“What is it?”
3369
3370“That calibration method…… or do you call it garbage cleanup? Can you teach me later?”
3371
3372No ill intent whatsoever.
3373
3374“No problem, but please focus on your next match.”
3375
3376“Of course, leave that to Onee-san!”
3377
3378At this stage, choosing to adopt an older sister’s attitude could make anyone smile.
3379
3380
3381
3382
3383
3384And so, Mayumi completely denied her opponent from scoring a single point. She won every match 2-0 without yielding a single point and took sole possession of the crown for the Women’s “Crowd Ball”.
3385
3386
3387
3388
3389
3390“Icicle Destruction”, also known simply as “Pillar Knock”, was held in an outdoor arena that was 12 meters long and 24 meters wide. The field was divided into two halves, each with 12 ice pillars that were 1 meter wide and 2 meters tall, with the victor destroying all the pillars in the opposite field first.
3391
3392Thanks to this, “Icicle Destruction” required preparation on a massive scale.
3393
3394Requiring hundreds of huge ice pillars that needed to be kept frozen during the height of summer, it greatly limited the number of arenas, even with the military’s complete support.
3395
3396Owing to the limits on ice production, the Nine Schools Competition could only afford to prepare two arenas for both the Men’s Team and Women’s Team for a total of 4 arenas. Each of the two sites had 12 matches in the first round and six matches in the second round for a total of 18 matches, which was the maximum limit for one day.
3397
3398“Nevertheless, this is a contest that severely depletes Magic Power. If they held every match in one day, many of the players wouldn’t make it. For the single elimination contest on the second day, there’s an extremely short interval between each match. Thus, there is some truth in the saying that ‘Icicle Destruction is won by those with the greatest stamina’.”
3399
3400Tatsuya was lecturing on the details while the one listening and nodding was Shizuku.
3401
3402Miyuki was also present, but if his sister was the only one here, then Tatsuya wouldn’t have to explain at this particular time.
3403
3404The three of them weren’t in the audience stands, but the auxiliary working area.
3405
3406Their goal was to watch Kanon’s match from close proximity to get a first hand experience of what the contest was like.
3407
3408Kanon was busy discussing the final details with Isori, so this wasn’t a good time to interrupt them.
3409
3410Everyone went to watch the Men’s “Crowd Ball” contest.
3411
3412Sayaka came to cheer on Kirihara, Erika chose to accompany her and roped Mizuki into the mix, then Mizuki invited Mikihiko to come along, finally culminating with Mikihiko grabbing Leo. And that’s how it was.
3413
3414After hearing Miyuki’s report, Tatsuya maintained a “what a duplicitous bunch” feeling. As for who among them was duplicitous, some things are better left unsaid.
3415
3416Kanon finally stepped onto the stage.
3417
3418There were two platforms that stood four meters high at the two ends of the arena.
3419
3420The players had to use magic to defend the icicles in their own half of the court while simultaneously destroying their opponent’s icicles.
3421
3422After entering the arena, all restrictions on magic safety were removed, so this was publicly acknowledged to be the most intense of all the magic contests.
3423
3424“Shiba-kun.”
3425
3426After seeing Kanon off to the platform, Isori turned to wave at Tatsuya.
3427
3428“Let’s go too.”
3429
3430Isori invited Miyuki and Shizuku, who brought Tatsuya with them.
3431
3432
3433
3434
3435
3436Behind the platforms where the players stood, there was a special observation deck for support personnel.
3437
3438Here, there were several devices responsible for monitoring the players’ physical condition as well as a large window for viewing the competition.
3439
3440“How’s Chiyoda-senpai’s status?”
3441
3442Tatsuya felt that it was impolite to remain silent, so he supplied an icebreaker question.
3443
3444“She’s very motivated, to the point that I’m a little concerned that she’s too fired up and will lose steam in tomorrow’s matches.”
3445
3446With a smile on his face, Isori answered Tatsuya’s customary question.
3447
3448There was no trace of unease on his face.
3449
3450“I heard that senpai won the first round with the fastest time ever recorded.”
3451
3452“Well, that is Kanon’s personality…… I earnestly hope that she would be a little more prudent, so those watching over her could relax somewhat.”
3453
3454Tatsuya was quite interested in Isori’s wry smile and response.
3455
3456Tatsuya was accompanying Mayumi all through the morning, so of course he missed the first round in the morning.
3457
3458He only knew that Kanon claimed the first round using the least amount of time possible.
3459
3460That being said, while the match time was very short, quite a few of her own icicles had fallen
3461
3462“It’s starting.”
3463
3464Shizuku’s soft voice prompted Tatsuya to direct his gaze back towards the arena.
3465
3466
3467
3468
3469
3470With the shrill sound of the starting whistle, the earth groaned.
3471
3472“Mine Genesis.”
3473
3474This was no Mine Field, this was Mine Genesis.
3475
3476The scene before Tatsuya’s eyes forced him to speak its name.
3477
3478Versatility and speed were the crowning advantages of Modern Magic. Nonetheless, Magicians are also human, so there are fields where they specialize at or are not adept at.
3479
3480Since magic talent is inherited, blood relations within a family naturally share similar aptitudes towards magic fields.
3481
3482The Yotsuba Family, with each family member excelling in a unique area, was a notable exception.
3483
3484Within influential families, besides everyone’s individual names, family members that share a notable skill usually share a second name as well — almost like a special title.
3485
3486Some of the more famous ones include the Juumonji Family’s “Phalanx”.
3487
3488The Ichijou Family’s “Rupture”.
3489
3490The Saegusa Family did not have a system that they did not excel at, so they were ironically referred to as “Omnipotent”.
3491
3492The Chiba Family was known as “Magic Swordsman” — this title referred more to their skills and techniques than any unique talent the family possessed, but was still used to refer to this family as a whole.
3493
3494The Chiyoda Family was known as “Mine Genesis”.
3495
3496The Magicians of the Chiyoda Family specialized in using Long Range Solid Matter Oscillation Systematic Magic, particularly when it comes to using Earthshaker magic.
3497
3498Dirt, rock, sand, cement, all materials were irrelevant.
3499
3500A powerful oscillation could be applied as long as the solid matter was recognized as the “Earth’s surface”. This was the true face of the Chiyoda Family’s specialty “Mine Creation”, with the Chiyoda Family’s title derived from “Mine Creator” = “Mine Genesis”.
3501
3502
3503
3504
3505
3506The opposing field suffered vertical vibrations that ran perpendicular to the epicenter, with two icicles collapsing each time.
3507
3508Her opponent tried to counter with Move-Type Magic “Compulsory Arrest” in an effort to stifle any motion on part of the object, but “Mine Genesis” continued switching targets at a speed that her opponent was unable to match, so by the time five of her twelve pillars had collapsed, her opponent abandoned all pretense of defense and concentrated solely on the attack.
3509
3510“Huh?”
3511
3512“What?”
3513
3514“?”
3515
3516Tatsuya and the others all expressed their astonishment in different ways, whereas Isori smiled wryly from the side.
3517
3518As he watched the pillars on his side collapse without any resistance, he shook his head helplessly.
3519
3520“Should I commend Kanon for going all out or criticize her for being overly reckless…… Her methodology revolves around going for the jugular before she gets KO’ed.”
3521
3522“No, well…… I hardly feel that this is the wrong tactic.”
3523
3524Her opponent had switched from defense to offense, and her resistance was suitably lowered.
3525
3526By the time the number of pillars left on her side dipped to six, Kanon had already collapsed every pillar in her opponent’s territory.
3527
3528“Victory!”
3529
3530Kanon smiled widely as she flashed a victory signal while descending from the platform.
3531
3532The target of her smile was, of course, Isori.
3533
3534Isori’s face plainly said “what am I going to do with you”, but he was wearing the same smile.
3535
3536“How should I describe this……”
3537
3538“Match made in heaven?”
3539
3540Miyuki was reluctant to voice her opinion, but Shizuku had no such compunctions.
3541
3542“You two should say that they understand one another perfectly.”
3543
3544Hearing the two of them, Tatsuya smiled wryly for a completely different reason.
3545
3546Still, Tatsuya also acknowledged that they were a “match made in heaven”.
3547
3548The two of them had a lot of synergy.
3549
3550The player and the auxiliary, even though they didn’t step onto the stage together, the two of them were in the fight as one.
3551
3552Yet — Tatsuya thought.
3553
3554If they were a pair with so much synergy, would Isori be able to fulfill his duties to the utmost when paired with other players?
3555
3556There were 40 players and only 8 technicians.
3557
3558On average, each technician was responsible for five players.
3559
3560Tatsuya was in charge of the 1st Year Women’s Team, but that was still six people, seven if you counted the the impromptu addition in the morning.
3561
3562Once they forged an intense emotional bond with one individual player, could they put forth their all with the other players?
3563
3564Tatsuya was also facing that quandary.
3565
3566Would he really go all in for Shizuku or Honoka the same way he would for Miyuki?
3567
3568“……Shiba-kun, what’s up?”
3569
3570“No, it’s nothing.”
3571
3572It’s not like he could actually ask Isori something like “Do you work so hard for every player?”.
3573
3574Tatsuya replied back in a completely inane and normal manner to muddle through Isori’s question.
3575
3576
3577
3578
3579
3580After securing advancement to the third round, Kanon and company — with Tatsuya, Miyuki and Shizuku in tow — returned to the pavilion in high spirits, only to frown at the dour atmosphere suffusing the camp.
3581
3582“……What happened?”
3583
3584Isori asked Suzune, who was probably the only one who maintained her usual attitude.
3585
3586Suzune turned around to reveal an even more blank emotion than normal.
3587
3588“The Men’s ‘Crowd ball’ event didn’t perform as expected — we’re recalculating the odds right now.”
3589
3590The standings in the Nine Schools Competition were determined by the aggregate score from each event.
3591
3592First Place received 50 points, Second Place received 30 points, and Third Place received 20 points.
3593
3594Fourth Place finishes in “Speed Shooting”, “Battle Board”, and “Mirage Bat” netted 10 points. “Crowd Ball” and “Icicle Destruction” only awarded points to the top three, so the three teams that are eliminated in the third round each receive 5 points.
3595
3596For “Monolith Code”, First Place would receive 100 points, Second Place receives 60 points, and Third Place only gets 40 points, which makes it the single largest event in terms of points.
3597
3598Half the points from the Newcomers Division would be added into the total.
3599
3600This was the score breakdown for the Nine Schools Competition.
3601
3602Anyone not in the top four or six would receive no points, so even if First Place was out of the question, taking Second through Fourth place was still valuable in scoring points to contest the overall victor. According to this breakdown, advancing as many players in as many contests as possible to the single elimination or duel phases was one of the keys to victory.
3603
3604“Not performed as expected means……”
3605
3606“The players were eliminated during the first, second, and third rounds.”
3607
3608Isori asked with trepidation while the voice that answered him was quite indifferent by comparison.
3609
3610“While we held onto next year’s right to compete, this result was thoroughly unexpected.”
3611
3612The voice was largely indifferent likely because the person being questioned was struck heavily by the news.
3613
3614Compared to the other events, the Men’s “Crowd Ball” lineup was certainly lacking in firepower.
3615
3616Regardless of the fact they didn’t possess an ace like the Women’s “Speed Shooting”, “Crowd Ball”, and “Battle Board” or the upcoming Men’s “Icicle Destruction” who was “assured of victory”, they still should possess enough talent to compete for First Place.
3617
3618“The Newcomers Division is a little harder to estimate, but based on our current lead, if the Women’s ‘Battle Board’, Men’s ‘Icicle Destruction’ as well as ‘Mirage Bat’ and ‘Monolith Code’ all seize First Place, we’re still in the clear.”
3619
3620A 2nd Year student from the tactical advisory team made the report.
3621
3622Tatsuya, who was just listening as a bystander, felt that this threshold was a little high.
3623
3624Including both the Men’s and Women’s contests, they wanted to claim First Place in four of the six remaining events in the Official Division.
3625
3626Katsuto and Mari could be relied on to win the gold in their respective events, but based on these calculations, if any accident were to occur, they ran the risk of morale reaching a breaking point.
3627
3628Still — this wasn’t something that Tatsuya had to concern himself with.
3629
3630He was probably overstepping his boundaries by worrying about these things.
3631
3632Compared to the points, Tatsuya personally was more mindful about something else.
3633
3634Kirihara was participating in the Men’s “Crowd Ball” event.
3635
3636Certainly, Kirihara had a reckless side to him, but he also possessed a strong sense of duty.
3637
3638He wouldn’t be depressed because of this turnout, would he……?
3639
3640
3641
3642
3643
3644After the day’s events had drawn to a close, Tatsuya found Kirihara near the hotel’s rest area close to dusk.
3645
3646Outwardly, he looked perfectly normal.
3647
3648Sayaka was sitting next to Kirihara.
3649
3650Kirihara was working hard to keep up a cheerful appearance, but Tatsuya could tell at a glance that he was forcing a smile.
3651
3652“Kirihara-senpai, thanks for your hard work.”
3653
3654“Ho, so it’s Shiba.”
3655
3656Of course, Tatsuya could have chosen to pass by the rest area without saying a word, but he didn’t do so.
3657
3658“I was taken out early in the second round, and quite badly at that.”
3659
3660He was definitely putting on a strong front, but he recovered faster than Tatsuya suspected.
3661
3662Maybe athletes were more accustomed to victory and defeat and were more resilient when it came to dealing with the bitterness of defeat.
3663
3664Tatsuya always lost when he was trading blows with his master so he didn’t have any real “competitive” experience, and could only rely on logic to explain this.
3665
3666Tatsuya was unable to judge whether this was an appropriate moment to offer words of comfort, so he elected to speak the truth.
3667
3668“Senpai was unlucky to draw Third High’s ace that was favored to win the event in the second round and only lost by a grand total of eight points after losing three out of five matches. This favored player was exhausted from the long struggle with senpai and was promptly eliminated in the third round, so this was a Pyrrhic victory for him as well.”
3669
3670“……Man, you’re one blunt guy.”
3671
3672Tatsuya never bothered to sugarcoat the defeat and delivered a cold analysis that didn’t smack of comfort, but Kirihara wasn’t angry.
3673
3674“You never thought that I would be depressed?”
3675
3676Kirihara’s tone and expression were more teasing than anything else.
3677
3678“I did, but I couldn’t think of any consolation.”
3679
3680The scene was dead silent for a few seconds.
3681
3682Kirihara suddenly burst into laughter.
3683
3684And he was laughing to the point that he was bent over the sofa.
3685
3686Enough to thoroughly discomfit Sayaka by his side.
3687
3688Tatsuya continued to watch him without any expression.
3689
3690“Shiba…… You really are an interesting guy. Usually, now would be the time to wear a totally~ awkward expression and quickly pass me pretending not to see me, not the time to actually sit down and talk.”
3691
3692That choice — intentionally overlooking him — was also on the table, but Tatsuya believed that wordlessly passing by wasn’t cordial enough. However, this time it looked like Tatsuya was being a “busybody”.
3693
3694Tatsuya realized that he shouldn’t even be taking how cordial he was into consideration since that didn’t jibe with his personality, but……
3695
3696“Still, I feel a lot better thanks to you. Since you said it was a ‘Pyrrhic victory’, then that must be how it was. This shows that I’ve still got a lot of potential.”
3697
3698……Looks like that wasn’t the case.
3699
3700Whether Kirihara truly believed that was immaterial.
3701
3702Likewise, whether this was truly the result Tatsuya was aiming for was also immaterial.
3703
3704
3705
3706
3707
3708Despite the outcome falling into considerable doubt, the basic personnel duties did not change very much.
3709
3710The ones responsible for odd jobs and errands might claim otherwise, but since Tatsuya was a member of the technician team, the brass from First High wasn’t foolish enough to have him work on menial tasks and run the risk of endangering his original duties.
3711
3712After preparing for the Newcomers Division two days from now, double checking the physical and mental conditions of the players under his care and running a final compatibility test for CADs, today’s work schedule came to a close.
3713
3714Tatsuya received a long package in the mail from the hotel counter and returned to his own room.
3715
3716It wasn’t dinner time yet.
3717
3718There was still ample time left, so Tatsuya opted to test the item in the package.
3719
3720He took a glance at the clock to verify when the dining hall opened.
3721
3722There was still a significant interval until he had to meet up with Miyuki.
3723
3724Tatsuya unpacked the parcel and gazed at the contents within.
3725
3726This was something he called Four Leaves Technology’s CAD Development 3rd Division in the early hours of the morning for.
3727
3728The components were all universal, the shape exceedingly simple, and was assembled to the point that an automatic construction device could do the rest by reading the manual. Even so, the fact that this could be assembled and shipped all within half a day was quite impressive.
3729
3730(I hope Ushiyama-san isn’t pushing himself again……)
3731
3732Should he be saying pushing himself, or pushing his subordinates?
3733
3734Tatsuya took great pains to carefully remind them that this item was “partially out of curiosity”.
3735
3736Regardless, Tatsuya couldn’t “really” turn back the clock, so fussing over these details was useless at this point.
3737
3738After he opened the package and took a look inside, he found a combination seal around a long, thin container. This case was usually intended to transport CADs with the dimensions of a shotgun.
3739
3740Tatsuya punched in the usual code.
3741
3742There was a “sword” inside the box.
3743
3744The item Tatsuya removed from the box had the outward appearance of a long sword with an upgraded hand guard.
3745
3746The entire length measured 70 cm, and 50 cm without the hand guard — that was how it was shaped.
3747
3748There was no blade.
3749
3750This did not refer to the lack of an edge, but the fact that this tool was never forged to be a “sword”.
3751
3752The literal meaning of the words seemed paradoxical, but a better description would be “a metallic bokken forged to look like a long sword”.
3753
3754Or maybe it was “flat rod with an added hand guard”.
3755
3756This item was plainly not any ordinary rod.
3757
3758After thumbing the activation button and upping the psion intake, a familiar feeling passed across Tatsuya’s hand.
3759
3760This item was in the same vein as Erika’s police baton in that it was a weapon that concealed a CAD.
3761
3762The utility was even more restricted than a Specialized CAD and could only provide one Activation Sequence. Erika’s CAD was a Specialized model that retained the ability to switch abilities. In comparison, this was a Specialized CAD that possessed only one function, making it a prototype for “Weaponized Integrated CADs”.
3763
3764Tatsuya measured the distance to the wall to gauge whether he should take a test swing when someone knocked on the door. The perfect timing caused Tatsuya to chuckle wryly as he placed the prototype on the table.
3765
3766There was some time until the arranged meeting time, but given that the presence on the other side of the door did nothing to conceal themselves, he knew that friends had come calling.
3767
3768And this prototype suited that friend very well.
3769
3770Rather than testing this himself, it would be far more interesting to have that guy handle it — Tatsuya thought as he opened the door.
3771
3772“Onii-sama, is this a good time?”
3773
3774The leader and the one who spoke up first was his little sister.
3775
3776Tatsuya pushed the door open and beckoned everyone inside. Erika, who was following Miyuki, came close enough that the two of them were almost touching.
3777
3778Next, Honoka, Shizuku, Mizuki, and Leo came in, with Mikihiko bringing up the rear.
3779
3780Rather than saying ladies first, it would be more appropriate to say this was how the pecking order went.
3781
3782Still, while this was a double room for the sake of storing equipment, it was still a squeeze with so many people piling in at once.
3783
3784Just the chairs and bed weren’t enough, someone even had to sit on the table — which was neatly ordered and not the least bit sloppy, so Tatsuya had no complaints.
3785
3786Erika was the one sitting on the table, so of course she was the one who noticed the “sword” on the table, and it naturally aroused her interest.
3787
3788“Tatsuya-kun, is that…… a blade replica? Except it looks more like a sword.”
3789
3790“Negative.”
3791
3792“Then an iron whip?”
3793
3794“Also negative…… I don’t think the samurai of this country would use weapons like iron whips.”
3795
3796“Who uses the term samurai in this day and age…… Then what is it? ……Ah, is it a Houki?”
3797
3798Erika flipped it over and examined both sides and asked again upon noticing the trigger on the handle.
3799
3800“Correct, to be precise, this is a Weaponized Integrated CAD, commonly known as weaponized calculation devices. The CAD is specifically attuned to use one type of magic only that can also double as a close combat weapon that uses aforementioned magic.”
3801
3802“Wow……”
3803
3804The reason why Erika made this sound wasn’t because the Weaponized Integrated CAD was incredibly rare, but because this was the first time she saw one in the form of a “sword”. Erika wasn’t the only one gazing at the sword in her hand, both Honoka and Shizuku were looking on with deep interest.
3805
3806Miyuki’s face revealed an “Ah, so that’s what it was” expression, clearly because she remembered the conversation from last night.
3807
3808Neither Mizuki nor Mikihiko expressed any interest, probably because they preferred familiar objects rather than foreign materials.
3809
3810Tatsuya glanced at the other person standing to the side and smiled mischievously as he plucked the prototype from Erika’s hands.
3811
3812“Leo.”
3813
3814And tossed it towards Leo, who was standing off to one side with his face averted.
3815
3816“Whoa! Tatsuya, isn’t that kind of dangerous?”
3817
3818In reality, Leo was burning to give it a go, but he feigned disinterest due to his ongoing cold war against his nemesis Erika, so while he was outwardly frantic, he eagerly grabbed hold of the sword hilt.
3819
3820Tatsuya completely ignored his protest and sent a challenging smirk his way.
3821
3822“Want to give it a try?”
3823
3824“Eh, me?”
3825
3826Leo’s mouth split into a wide grin.
3827
3828To the side, Erika wore a “This guy is easy to read……” expression, to which Tatsuya spared only a single glance before directing his attention back to Leo.
3829
3830“This weaponized calculation device was created by merging a striking weapon with the Fortifying Magic that Watanabe-senpai used during the ‘Battle Board’ event, with the blade also serving as a slashing weapon after being reforged, so I think this suits you very well.”
3831
3832“So Tatsuya made this?”
3833
3834“Yes.”
3835
3836“Hold on.”
3837
3838Mikihiko inserted himself into Leo and Tatsuya’s conversation.
3839
3840Initially, he wore an apathetic expression, but he was paying attention to the entire conversation.
3841
3842“Watanabe-senpai’s event was yesterday, so you made this in one day? This doesn’t look like a ready-made product.”
3843
3844“The components themselves are all commonplace. The outer frame is also a generic alloy, so there are no special materials involved.”
3845
3846“But this still isn’t something you can manually forge, right? You shouldn’t have that much spare time……”
3847
3848“Why of course, I only came up with the design, then had a familiar factory construct this using automatic assembly devices.”
3849
3850Miyuki overheard the entire conversation and when she heard the term “familiar factory”, she almost burst into laughter. Thankfully, she regularly prepared several masks for occasions like these, so she didn’t draw any attention to herself or her brother.
3851
3852“So Leo…… Want to give it a try?”
3853
3854Tatsuya’s words were like the sweet whispers of the demon Mephistopheles.
3855
3856Even while knowing something was afoot, the lure was irresistible.
3857
3858“……OK, I’ll be your guinea pig.”
3859
3860“He fell for it.”
3861
3862Shizuku’s soft whisper succinctly reflected everyone’s inner thoughts.
3863
3864
3865
3866
3867
3868Next, Tatsuya pulled out a HMD with light refracting mirrors and a speaker attached.
3869
3870“This is the instruction manual.”
3871
3872Seeing the HMD in front of him, Leo seemed to not comprehend Tatsuya’s words as a question mark sprouted on his head.
3873
3874“Take a look, the user’s manual for the weaponized calculation device is recorded within.”
3875
3876“Ah? Oh……”
3877
3878This object that Tatsuya handed him (more like tossed to him) appeared to have images and sound files stored on it, which included the Weaponized Integrated CAD instruction manuals. Leo let out an “I get it now” expression and accepted the HMD from Tatsuya’s hands.
3879
3880“This counts as a virtual terminal device, right?”
3881
3882Honoka, who asked the question, wasn’t the only one wondering about this.
3883
3884Virtual information terminal devices posed considerable harm to immature Magicians.
3885
3886With this in mind, First High forbade students from using virtual terminal devices.
3887
3888Tatsuya himself insisted on using a material terminal device, but asked his friend to use a virtual terminal device. Even if the device was restricted to visual and hearing, everyone held the same misgivings.
3889
3890“It’s nothing that outrageous, but they do share some similarities.”
3891
3892“……Is this OK?”
3893
3894“Huh? Oh…… You’re referring to the harm caused by the virtual terminal device?”
3895
3896“Uh…… Yeah.”
3897
3898“There’s no need to worry on that account. The risks from virtual terminal devices arise from the user’s inexperience. If used strictly for testing realistic conditions, then it’s actually quite a valuable tool.”
3899
3900“I don’t follow……”
3901
3902Honoka’s tone towards Tatsuya was very polite, but there were traces of Miyuki’s influence mixed in.
3903
3904“Magic is a skill that uses perception to temporarily alter reality. Virtual terminal devices create illusions that people mistake for reality.”
3905
3906Tatsuya’s explanations were always attentive and exhaustive, which possibly was a reflex on his part.
3907
3908“The two of them share the distinction that they project an unnatural phenomenon into reality. On the other hand, by experiencing the phenomenon through the virtual terminal device, there’s no need to expend energy to rewrite reality, nor is there a risk for spell failure. Herein also lies the risk for virtual terminal devices.”
3909
3910Tatsuya temporarily stopped at this point.
3911
3912Because he felt that he was being overly loquacious.
3913
3914However, his friends that were arrayed in front of him wore equal parts understanding and incomprehension on their faces, so he felt that his explanation wasn’t detailed enough and plodded on.
3915
3916“Virtual terminal devices would cause a Magician to hallucinate and believe that they can effortlessly alter reality with no consequence. People incapable of using magic wouldn’t run into this problem in the first place. Skilled Magicians would be able to differentiate what they are capable of, but immature Magicians may confuse the difference between what they experienced in the virtual world with what they can actually accomplish and overestimate their abilities.
3917
3918Once immature Magicians have become accustomed to altering reality without the concepts of hard work or failure, they become unable to reflect upon why they cannot use magic to successfully rewrite reality and lose the ability to think critically and the drive to do so. Hence the popular belief that immature Magicians still studying magic experience harm from using virtual terminal devices.”
3919
3920Tatsuya paused again to survey his friends’ faces.
3921
3922Additional explanations were probably unnecessary, but he’d still conclude as a precaution.
3923
3924“In other words, the problem lies in whether the user believes he or she has accomplished something they were previously unable to. Utilizing virtual terminal devices to test the waters isn’t a problem in and of itself. That type of virtual experience actually benefits the planning phases for constructing Magic Sequences. At the end of the day, it remains extremely challenging to pick out only the benefits, so I feel that a global ban on virtual terminal devices made perfect sense.”
3925
3926“Is that so…… I actually learned a lot from that.”
3927
3928Tatsuya felt that Honoka’s nodding was overly zealous and also believed he said too much.
3929
3930Even if she heavily relied on him, he had no way of responding……
3931
3932Those were Tatsuya’s heartfelt words.
3933
3934
3935
3936
3937
3938The test for the prototype calculation device was set after dinner, using one of the outdoor combat training facilities on the outskirts of the Nine Schools Competition area.
3939
3940Tatsuya didn’t make the arrangements; Erika was the one who called on her connections.
3941
3942Since arriving here, Erika seemed to be frivolously throwing around her family’s influence in a self-destructive manner.
3943
3944Did something happen that caused her mental landscape to change?
3945
3946Speaking of which, Tatsuya recalled that something similar happened during the banquet.
3947
3948Nevertheless, Tatsuya was powerless to act regardless of how worried he was.
3949
3950His own emotions were only façades anyways.
3951
3952It was probably better to look the other way and let an engineer’s curiosity take first priority. This was probably a more honest method to go about it.
3953
3954Tatsuya convinced himself this way and once again warned himself against butting into other people’s business.
3955
3956“Leo, do you understand the mechanics?”
3957
3958Next, he had to focus all his concentration on this test.
3959
3960Even if this was something done during his leisurely time — even if this was an overly simplified way of applying modern magic — this still broke new ground for testing magic and calculation devices.
3961
3962If an accident occurred due to his complacency, the one who would bear the brunt of it would be Leo and not Tatsuya.
3963
3964“Uh, I think so…… But, am I really going to do that?”
3965
3966“That” likely referred to the demonstrated motions he saw within the HMD.
3967
3968Likely was the wrong word to use, since that was the only possibility at this point.
3969
3970“We’re undergoing this test to find out.”
3971
3972“You’re right.”
3973
3974This training facility was 30 minutes away from the hotel by foot.
3975
3976This would pose no problems during the day, but it was night time now.
3977
3978Likewise, city districts would be fine, but they were located in a military training facility in the mountains.
3979
3980Miyuki and Erika stubbornly refused to cooperate, but were finally persuaded to remain at the hotel.
3981
3982Despite this, Tatsuya still remained uneasy, so he called on Honoka to watch Miyuki and Mizuki to keep an eye on Erika.
3983
3984Now, only Tatsuya and Leo were present.
3985
3986“Let’s begin.”
3987
3988“Got it.”
3989
3990Initially, they weren’t going to use the slashing (more like striking) dummy.
3991
3992Right now, they needed to verify the movements of the Weaponized Integrated CAD without performing any physical actions.
3993
3994“Starting now.”
3995
3996Leo thumbed the activation button on the bottom of the hilt.
3997
3998With a “clang” sound, a feathery touch crossed his fingers.
3999
4000He wrapped his index finger around the trigger near the top of the handguard and started supplying psions.
4001
4002Contrary to his physical impression, Leo’s supply of psions wasn’t explosive, but possessed an inexhaustible durability. Correction, maybe that would be the most suitable description for his youthful and energetic side.
4003
4004If a CAD was not calibrated for individual use, there would be practically no assistance in constructing Magic Sequences, so there was a small delay as the Activation Sequence was translated into the Magic Sequence.
4005
4006Approximately 0.6 seconds.
4007
4008Even so, this was still much swifter than during practical skills class.
4009
4010This might be caused by his personal expertise in this field of magic, or the outstanding performance from the CAD and Activation Sequence.
4011
4012Regardless of which one it was or both at the same time, this detail remained unimportant. What was important right now was to observe the activated magic in action and not the time necessary to activate aforementioned magic.
4013
4014“Oh?”
4015
4016Leo gasped, not because the magic was activating, but because the effects of inertia far exceeded his expectations.
4017
4018“Haha, it’s actually floating, how incredible!”
4019
4020
4021
4022
4023
4024Leo revealed a childlike smile and swung the “sword” that had less than one half of the blade still attached.
4025
4026The other half of the blade floating in midair mimicked his motion and swung in a similar arc.
4027
4028“Three, two, one……”
4029
4030“Whoa…….”
4031
4032Leo stopped upon hearing Tatsuya counting down.
4033
4034“Zero.”
4035
4036With the end of the countdown, the blade swiftly reconnected with the “broken” blade and reformed into a complete “sword”.
4037
4038“Tatsuya, that was a complete success.”
4039
4040Leo was wearing a thoroughly delighted expression as he raised a thumb, whereas Tatsuya mirrored his gesture.
4041
4042“Still, I’m impressed that you could come up with something like this. Detaching the blade from the hilt, then using Fortifying Magic to solidify its position and ‘shoot’ out the blade. I still can’t believe I just did that. Now I know Fortifying Magic can also operate by separating objects.”
4043
4044“That is because the core concept behind Fortifying Magic is stabilizing relative positions, and if you ignore all the stereotypes, you find that objects don’t have to be physically connected to one another. In addition, the operational form of this CAD is more like ‘extension’ rather than being ‘shot out’.
4045
4046The blade will only elongate in a linear fashion, since the middle segment is empty space.”
4047
4048“I never thought about that, I’ll just treat this like a really~ long sword.”
4049
4050Just as Leo said, this weaponized calculation device wasn’t like other long range system weapons that required additional energy to control, but was simply matching the motion of the blade while flying at a set distance until the magic lost effect.
4051
4052“Speaking of which, why did the blade come back? I didn’t activate any other magic.”
4053
4054“Oh, that’s simple. That’s an electric current reaction-type recall alloy, so it only separates the moment an electric current is applied to break the connection.”
4055
4056Leo nodded to signify his understanding, since this was a popular design in the modern era.
4057
4058“So if a large force is applied during the state where magic isn’t supplied, this could easily be broken.”
4059
4060“That’s not a problem, we just have to store it in a scabbard when not in use, right?”
4061
4062“That’s true, shall we perform live tests on dummies? Or test the fluctuations during separation?”
4063
4064“Tatsuya, while this thing is separated, is the length adjustable?”
4065
4066“That’s not impossible, but exceedingly difficult. Currently, the Activation Sequence tied to the activation button on the hilt is set as a constant, but that can be easily changed to a variable. The challenge lies in that whenever the length needs to be adjusted, a new magic needs to overwrite the previous one.”
4067
4068“Is that the case?”
4069
4070“If the return speed could be increased, then there’s no need to concern ourselves with the changing distances in between. After all, a real sword can’t elongate itself halfway through the slashing motion.”
4071
4072“Yet Erika seems to be able to accomplish that feat. What do you plan to do?”
4073
4074“Well…… Let’s do a dummy test first.”
4075
4076“Got it.”
4077
4078Tatsuya manipulated a control mechanism that was slightly larger than a notepad and called up three man-sized straw dolls from the ground.
4079
4080“……Oldschool.”
4081
4082“……I wonder whose hobby this is?”
4083
4084Even though regenerating products had become mainstream in modern society, the oddly outdated design still prompted the two of them to exchange a helpless glance.
4085
4086“Regardless…… In terms of sheer specs, they’ll do as slashing targets.”
4087
4088“Straw dolls don’t have any ‘specs’…… But there’s no other choice.”
4089
4090Leo slapped his face lightly with his empty left hand to focus himself, then fell into a stance against the straw dolls.
4091
4092He thumbed the power switch.
4093
4094The blade flew into the sky.
4095
4096Leo swung the weapon with all his strength.
4097
4098Ahead of his right arm, the detached blade built up rotational momentum to a respectable speed before smashing into the straw doll.
4099
4100“Lot of strain on the arm.”
4101
4102Leo looked like his hand had gone numb, but he lightly swung the restored medium length, sword-like weaponized calculation device as he voiced his thoughts.
4103
4104“That’s because while the flying part is physically small and despite the fact that speed can supplement strength somewhat, inertia still remains an issue, so you need extra arm strength to compensate.”
4105
4106“No wonder. So in actual combat, I would need to apply more strength into each of my swings.”
4107
4108Leo acknowledged Tatsuya’s explanations with a nod of his head and aimed at the next target.
4109
4110As he watched Leo fall into another combat stance, Tatsuya thought:
4111
4112(Indeed, even after applying an actual blade, a slight increase in weight would be perfect for combat conditions. Still, this level of power would be appropriate for competition venues.)
4113
4114The thought circulating in Tatsuya’s mind was the restriction on direct contact during “Monolith Code”. This weaponized calculation device had a flying blade, so it bypassed this restriction.
4115
4116(……Not that there’s any connection here.)
4117
4118While he claimed this was strictly a toy, he was still actively considering practical applications. Tatsuya could only secretly laugh at himself.
4119
4120
4121
4122
4123
4124Chapter 7
4125
4126
4127
4128
4129It’s the third day of the Nine Schools Competition.
4130
4131The Men and Women’s “Icicle Destruction” and “Battle Board” were being held today, making this the biggest hurdle of the first half of the Nine Schools Competition.
4132
4133The players from First High that had advanced thus far included two men in “Icicle Destruction”, two men and women in “Battle Board”, and one woman in “Icicle Destruction”.
4134
4135This was not going according to plan, but was still within the acceptable combat parameters.
4136
4137“Hattori-senpai is on first for the Men’s Team, Watanabe-senpai is in the second round for the Women’s Team, Chiyoda-senpai is set for the first round, and Group Leader Juumonji is scheduled for the third round……”
4138
4139Tatsuya felt a headache forming as he surveyed the schedule.
4140
4141Even if the start of the contest didn’t coincide perfectly with the schedule, he could only watch either Hattori’s or Kanon’s event.
4142
4143(Though Hattori-senpai probably doesn’t want me to watch him compete……)
4144
4145That being said, Miyuki and Hattori were both part of the Student Council, so not watching Hattori’s contest was still a problem.
4146
4147“Ah, found you, Tatsuya-kun!”
4148
4149Still, Tatsuya no longer had to concern himself with this, or maybe he no longer had to concern himself period.
4150
4151“President, what’s the matter?”
4152
4153“I was hoping you could help.”
4154
4155Mayumi dragged Tatsuya towards the engineering vehicles.
4156
4157
4158
4159
4160
4161“Onii-sama, it’s about to start!”
4162
4163In the end, Tatsuya barely got away in time to catch the start of Mari’s event.
4164
4165Mari had dropped by when Tatsuya was working and specifically reminded him: “You are going to come watch me, right?” If he stayed away after that, even if he was just a little tardy and missed the opening segment, he would never hear the end of it.
4166
4167Tatsuya thanked his little sister and friends for saving him a spot, then turned to look at the starting line.
4168
4169Looks like he made it just in time.
4170
4171Mari was wearing her customary headband with her hair fluttering as she adopted the set position.
4172
4173There were a total of three contestants in the semifinal round, which would run for two matches.
4174
4175The winners of the two matches would advance to the final round where they would duel one another.
4176
4177The two others were tense with anxiety, but Mari fearlessly awaited the starting signal.
4178
4179The “Get Set” whistle sounded.
4180
4181The audience was dead silent.
4182
4183After a split second, the second whistle rang out.
4184
4185The race was on.
4186
4187
4188
4189
4190
4191The first one out the gate was Mari.
4192
4193Unlike the preliminary round, the one in second was right on her heels.
4194
4195The player in third was only slightly further behind.
4196
4197“They’re tough……!”
4198
4199“No wonder they’re known as ‘Seventh High of the Waves’.”
4200
4201“I remember that they had the same team in last year’s finals.”
4202
4203The billowing waves on the surface were clear evidence that their magic was interfering with one another.
4204
4205Generally, Mari would use her position in the lead to take advantage of the waves to disrupt her opponent behind her, hereby achieving greater effect than the sum of its parts, but the player from Seventh High adeptly maneuvered her board to compensate for her disadvantage in magic.
4206
4207The three players threaded through the snaking aqueduct and rounded the tight corner neck to neck.
4208
4209After passing through there, they entered a passage that couldn’t be seen from the observation deck, so now the action had to be watched through the television screens.
4210
4211Tatsuya glanced towards the widescreen TV that was displaying the images from the sharp turn.
4212
4213“Huh?”
4214
4215A small oddity onscreen grabbed his attention.
4216
4217“Ah!”
4218
4219So Tatsuya accidentally missed this moment.
4220
4221Screams erupted from the stands.
4222
4223Tatsuya frantically looked back.
4224
4225The player from Seventh High had completely lost her balance.
4226
4227“Speed Burst?”
4228
4229Someone shouted out.
4230
4231That’s certainly what it looked like.
4232
4233The player’s board wasn’t gripping the water’s surface.
4234
4235As if in full flight, the player from Seventh High was gliding across the water’s surface and was about to slam straight into the railing.
4236
4237—Under the assumption that no one was in the way.
4238
4239Mari, who had just finished decelerating and was ready to sprint ahead, was directly in the path of the trajectory.
4240
4241Mari faced the railing.
4242
4243Even so, she still kept her head turned behind her, likely because she detected the oncoming presence from the rear.
4244
4245Her following action, could only be described as superlative.
4246
4247Mari canceled her forward acceleration and switched to parallel rotational acceleration, using the waves crashing back from the walls of the aqueduct and her own magic to spin the board halfway around.
4248
4249Next, she used multiple recalculations to use two new magics and prepared to receive the out of control Seventh High player.
4250
4251First she used Move-Type Magic to fling away the player’s board and then applied Weight-Type Inertial Neutralization Magic to prevent herself from crashing into the railing after catching the other player.
4252
4253This would have been enough to avert disaster.
4254
4255If the water’s surface didn’t suddenly dip.
4256
4257It was only a minute difference.
4258
4259However, Mari was in the middle of a high level technique to achieve a 180 degree turnaround.
4260
4261Mari wasn’t a surfing expert, she was just using superb magic and personal buffing to change her stance. The moment her flotation faded, her balance was destroyed as well.
4262
4263Which in turn caused the activating magic to fizzle.
4264
4265She successfully redirected the other player’s board that was hurtling towards her legs.
4266
4267But the Inertial Neutralization Magic didn’t activate, which sent the player from Seventh High careening into Mari.
4268
4269The two of them slammed into the railing together.
4270
4271Shrill shrieks sounded from all around the stands.
4272
4273Immediately, a flag rose to signal a halt to the competition.
4274
4275Tatsuya couldn’t help but rise to his feet.
4276
4277Mari was sandwiched between the railing and the player from Seventh High.
4278
4279It looked like she wasn’t able to successfully erect any protective measures.
4280
4281“Onii-sama!”
4282
4283Completely pale, Miyuki was gazing up at him.
4284
4285“I’ll go take a look, you guys stay here.”
4286
4287Tatsuya had received military and guardian training since youth, which more than qualified him for minor surgical operations.
4288
4289“Understood.”
4290
4291Tatsuya’s steady voice allowed Miyuki to realize that everyone going to take a look would only add to the panic, so she waved her hands to signal their friends to take a seat and nodded her assent towards Tatsuya.
4292
4293Tatsuya charged down the observation deck and threaded through the dense crowds as if performing a magic trick.
4294
4295
4296
4297
4298
4299She did not wake very quickly.
4300
4301There seemed to be a thick cloud hanging over her consciousness, so it was difficult to grasp her surroundings.
4302
4303What was she doing here……?
4304
4305This was the first question that flashed across Mari’s mind as she awoke.
4306
4307“Mari, are you awake? Do you know who I am?”
4308
4309An evil friend — even at this time in the privacy of her mind, Mari still didn’t apply the term “friend” — could be seen in front of her face.
4310
4311Mari knew the literal meaning of the question, but was unable to comprehend why the question was asked, so she murmured in confusion—
4312
4313“Mayumi, what are you talking about? Why would you ask……”
4314
4315—Halfway through her sentence, Mari recalled the reason why Mayumi asked the question as well as her current predicament.
4316
4317“So I’m in the hospital……”
4318
4319“Yes, the hospital at Susono Base. Thank goodness…… Looks like there was no mental damage.”
4320
4321“How long was I out?”
4322
4323There was still a dull throbbing coming from the back of her head, which allowed Mari to realize that she didn’t fall asleep, but was forcefully knocked unconscious after failing to erect defenses in time.
4324
4325“Since just after noon. Ah, don’t get up yet.”
4326
4327Mari wanted to sit herself up, but Mayumi quickly pushed her back down.
4328
4329She didn’t apply a lot of strength, but Mari’s physical mobility was reduced to less than half.
4330
4331“Your ribs are broken and while they’ve used magic to reconnect them, they still need some time to stabilize. I think you know very well that healing magic is ultimately only an emergency measure.”
4332
4333“There’s only the outward appearance of recovery during the stabilization period, rather than instantaneous recovery — don’t worry, I know at least that much.”
4334
4335Mari took the words right out of Mayumi’s mouth as she murmured to herself and sank back down onto the bed.
4336
4337“How long will I be out?”
4338
4339“At least a week for a full recovery, though you are cleared for daily activities after one day of bed rest. Still, to be on the safe side, you are forbidden from strenuous activity for the next ten days.”
4340
4341“Hey, then……!”
4342
4343“You’ll have to withdraw from ‘Mirage Bat’ too. There’s nothing we can do about that.”
4344
4345“Is that so……”
4346
4347Mari sighed and closed her eyes.
4348
4349She reopened them after a short interval.
4350
4351“What was the conclusion of the contest?”
4352
4353“The instigator from Seventh High was banned as punishment with Third and Ninth High advancing to the finals. Kobayakawa-san was highly motivated, so I think we have a chance to seize Third Place.”
4354
4355“Kobayakawa is more than capable so long as she doesn’t mentally handicap herself.”
4356
4357“Indeed. By the way, the player from Seventh High didn’t suffer major injuries, so your efforts weren’t wasted.”
4358
4359“……It doesn’t really count as helping if I’m seriously injured myself.”
4360
4361Mari scowled as she was complaining, though her “pretense” at negativity drew a light laugh from Mayumi.
4362
4363Mayumi averted her head and feigned ignorance.
4364
4365“On the Men’s Team, Hattori-kun advanced to the finals, but Murakami-kun just barely missed out. Juumonji-kun and Kanon-san both advanced to the single elimination portion of ‘Icicle Destruction’ on their respective sides.”
4366
4367“So I’m the only one who couldn’t fulfill her end of the bargain……”
4368
4369“It’s not your fault. Mari, you made the right decision. If you didn’t halt your acceleration, you might have been able to narrowly avoid the collision and advance to the finals, but…… The player from Seventh High would likely have suffered serious injury to the point that her life as a Magician might be over, that’s how dangerous her situation was. Tatsuya-kun also concurs.”
4370
4371“……Hey, why are you bringing up this guy’s name now?”
4372
4373“Because he was the one who escorted you here and stayed on station while you were undergoing treatment.”
4374
4375“What?”
4376
4377“Well, of course we didn’t leave it all to Tatsuya-kun himself…… Shocked?”
4378
4379Mayumi sported a grin while Mari turned around with a miserable expression on her face.
4380
4381It was precisely because she felt a tight knot unraveling inside her that Mayumi’s grin irked her even more.
4382
4383“Naturally, men wouldn’t be present while ladies are changing, so he obediently waited in the corridor while treatment was ongoing. But you better thank him later on. He arrived practically at the same time as the emergency response teams and helped bring you to shore. He also spotted your fractures in one glance and gave the orders for treatment.”
4384
4385“……Who the devil is this guy?”
4386
4387Mari’s eyes were wide with amazement while Mayumi nodded deeply.
4388
4389“How should I put this, he seems very adept at dealing with accidents and victims…… Speaking of which, what’s your status?”
4390
4391“Why are you asking this now…… I have a small headache, but that’s a strictly physical injury, and my head is clear.”
4392
4393“Looks like there’s no trauma…… In that case, let me get this over with now.”
4394
4395“?”
4396
4397Mayumi pinned the still befuddled Mari with a serious look.
4398
4399“What’s with the sudden serious attitude?”
4400
4401“Mari…… At that time, were you hindered by an outsider’s magic?”
4402
4403“What do you mean?”
4404
4405“Just as Mari was about to catch the player from Seventh High, did you lose your balance because a third party maliciously used magic to disrupt the water’s surface? This is what I want to express.”
4406
4407Upon comprehending the intent behind Mayumi’s words, Mari’s eyes glinted with alertness.
4408
4409“……Just before the board started sinking, I did feel an odd vibration near my feet, but I have no idea if that was caused by magic and even less of an idea if it was malicious…… Why would you think that?”
4410
4411“When you lost your balance, the water movements were very unnatural, to the point that there is suspicion that this was caused through illogical means like phenomenon rewriting magic. Yet, neither player from the other schools used this magic, so the only remaining possibility is that an outside third party cast this magic. Tatsuya-kun also concurs. I heard that he’s requesting the recording from the committee in order to analyze the fluctuations on the water’s surface. At least we can find out if this was actually caused by unnatural, foreign forces.”
4412
4413“I would like to call into question why a high school freshman is capable of such an analysis, but let’s table that for now…… Since the other players and I were all using magic, why are we investigating if there were unnatural, foreign forces at work? I for one think this is pointless……”
4414
4415“Tatsuya-kun said that the players’ magic effects could be taken into account as well to determine if outside forces were acting on the situation. Isori-kun also said that he would go help him after the contests were over today, so I think between the two of them, we can find some meaningful answers. Mari, if you can think of anything else, please let me know. This doesn’t just concern us — the overall standings for First High, this may impact the entire Nine Schools Competition and all the magic high schools combined.”
4416
4417“…………”
4418
4419As Mari silently digested this from the bed, Mayumi said “I should go” and departed from the room.
4420
4421Now alone, Mari directed a solemn gaze towards the ceiling.
4422
4423
4424
4425
4426
4427Upon hearing the knocking sounds, Miyuki went to open the door and found a pair of 2nd Year students waiting outside.
4428
4429“Please come in…… Onii-sama, Isori-senpai, and Chiyoda-senpai are here.”
4430
4431Miyuki’s words prompted Tatsuya to stop typing and rise from his chair.
4432
4433“Sorry for calling you here.”
4434
4435“No problem, please don’t worry about that. After all, I was the one who volunteered and couldn’t bring the still active terminal device over here.”
4436
4437Tatsuya nodded slightly in agreement whereas Isori casually waved a hand.
4438
4439After thanking him again, Tatsuya turned towards Kanon.
4440
4441“Chiyoda-senpai, congratulations on winning the gold.”
4442
4443“Thank you. Since Mari-senpai got caught up in that incident, the rest of us have to work harder on her behalf!”
4444
4445Hot-blooded would be the perfect way to describe Kanon with her fists clenched, causing Tatsuya to reevaluate her as dazzling.
4446
4447“So, did we find anything?”
4448
4449“I’ve gone through the recording once and arrived at the conclusion that this is definitely the work of an outside party. Isori-senpai, would you mind verifying this one more time?”
4450
4451“Got it…… As expected of Shiba-kun, that was fast.”
4452
4453Isori accepted the invitation and sat down while using a hand gesture to express his admiration.
4454
4455There was a modest monitor (standard size, 20 inches) on the table that was split into two screens, one displaying the actual recording itself while the other was strictly the outline of what happened.
4456
4457Isori picked up the visual pointer shaped like a monocle with a brain wave supplementary add-on and smoothly unfurled the thin, long C-type metal frame around his head, adjusted the monocle over his right eye, and placed his finger on the buttons near the bottom center of the keyboard.
4458
4459The brain wave supplementary add-on and the visual pointers were originally intended for users to input data without the need to remove their hands from the keyboard, but have since progressed to the point that direct input on the keyboard has become unnecessary.
4460
4461However, Isori chose to use the original function, which was a pure supplement to keyboard input.
4462
4463The actual recording and the model images both started moving under Isori’s direction.
4464
4465He quickly fast forwarded to the moment the incident occurred, then proceeded to play the sequence in slow motion.
4466
4467Above the model images, lines of data described the changes in the water’s surface.
4468
4469Within the scene in question, which was when the water’s surface dipped downward, an unknown quantity arose, signifying that the “power” released could not be explained by magic interference from the three players.
4470
4471Isori paused the image and turned around.
4472
4473“……This is even more troublesome than we imagined.”
4474
4475“Kei, what happened?”
4476
4477“Kanon, you know that in order to prevent outsiders illegally using magic to interfere with the competition, the Nine Schools Competition hired highly skilled counter magic Magicians and stationed them as committee members all over the various arenas, then placed cameras all over the place to observe the situation. Since the network didn’t catch this, I suspected that the culprit acted from a high altitude that exceeds the security network and fired a compressed block of air downwards to cause the dip in the water’s surface. But if that were the case, there’s no way Watanabe-senpai could have missed it and I also realize this is an outrageous hypothesis.
4478
4479Yet, based on Shiba-kun’s analysis, the dip in the water’s surface originated from within the water itself. If someone utilized a Magic Sequence from outside the aqueduct, the security network would immediately pick up on it. The only natural way for the water’s surface to dip downwards would be a leak, so that possibility can also be ruled out. The only possibility remaining is that someone was hiding in the water for this precise moment…… But that’s almost impossible……”
4480
4481“Could Shiba-kun’s analysis be incorrect?”
4482
4483Kanon’s blunt question caused Miyuki to stiffen.
4484
4485“No.”
4486
4487However, before Miyuki could speak, Isori denied Kanon’s assertion.
4488
4489“Shiba-kun’s analysis is flawless, at least it is not within my capability to discern any errors.”
4490
4491Isori and Kanon both lapsed into silence.
4492
4493The silence lasted around two minutes before it was broken by more knocking.
4494
4495Miyuki visually interrogated her brother and only moved to open the door after her brother nodded in agreement.
4496
4497She quickly returned.
4498
4499With two classmates in tow.
4500
4501“Mizuki said that Onii-sama wanted them to come over……”
4502
4503“Sorry for calling the two of you all the way over here.”
4504
4505Tatsuya verified his sister’s question and turned to the two upperclassmen.
4506
4507“Allow me to introduce you: These two are my classmates Yoshida and Shibata. I think you two know these two are Isori-senpai and Chiyoda-senpai from 2nd Year.”
4508
4509Mikihiko and Mizuki were both a little tense and, after a quick round of self introductions from Isori and Kanon, Tatsuya used a concise answer to respond to the five questioning looks sent his way.
4510
4511“I asked the two of them to come and identify our culprit.”
4512
4513This sentence alone was a little too vague for anyone to understand.
4514
4515Tatsuya knew from the get go, so he kept explaining without pausing.
4516
4517“We are now examining the possibility that Watanabe-senpai’s incident was caused by malicious interference from an outside party.”
4518
4519This was for Mikihiko and Mizuki’s benefit.
4520
4521Mikihiko knit his brows while Mizuki revealed an astounded expression.
4522
4523“As Watanabe-senpai was losing her balance, an unnatural dip appeared on the water’s surface, which disrupted the timing for her Inertial Neutralization Magic and forced her to collide with the railing. The change on the water’s surface was almost certainly caused by magic cast from within the water.”
4524
4525Mizuki still hadn’t shaken off her astonishment.
4526
4527Yet, upon hearing Tatsuya’s words, Mikihiko’s eyes took on a hard look.
4528
4529“It is strictly impossible to cast magic on the water from outside the stadium without detection. The possibility that this is caused by delayed magic is also low. Because if that was the case, Kobayakawa-senpai would have detected this in the first race.”
4530
4531Modern magic also had magic that activated after a set delay, but the Magic Sequence must be “recorded” onto the object. Once the delayed magic was cast, the target object would be under the influence of magic rewriting and interfere with the next magic cast on the target object.
4532
4533“If that is the case, then the only possibility remaining is that something hidden in the water cast the magic — this is the conclusion Isori-senpai and I arrived at.”
4534
4535Tatsuya visually sought confirmation from Mikihiko and Mizuki, who both nodded in understanding.
4536
4537“Still, having a living, breathing Magician submerge themselves in water sounds ridiculous. Currently, neither modern magic nor Ancient Magic is able to accomplish this feat flawlessly.”
4538
4539This time, Tatsuya’s words prompted Isori and Kanon to nod in agreement.
4540
4541“If that’s the case, a more suitable hypothesis is that ‘something inhuman’ cast magic while hiding in the waterway.”
4542
4543Isori and Kanon glanced at one another, mirroring each other’s confusion.
4544
4545After a while, Isori finally asked.
4546
4547“……Shiba-kun thinks this may be the work of Spirit Magic?”
4548
4549Tatsuya nodded in response to Isori’s words.
4550
4551Magicians that use modern magic typically use psion surges to identify magic.
4552
4553But SB, or Spiritual Beings, are primarily composed of pushions. Pushions are supplements used to “move” the objects around — precisely like ordering spirits around — this was the current dominant theory.
4554
4555It wasn’t that Magicians couldn’t identify pushions.
4556
4557Yet, in ordinary circumstances, they couldn’t identify them as readily as psions.
4558
4559For example, even though the human senses could detect infrared rays as “warmth”, there was no way to distinguish between colors the same way they could for visible light.
4560
4561Magicians could use their senses to identify active pushions.
4562
4563But had a very difficult time identifying inactive ones.
4564
4565In other words, Magicians using modern magic couldn’t detect dormant Spiritual Beings.
4566
4567If they were using a Spiritual Being planted ahead of time — a type of delayed magic using Spiritual Beings, there was a high probability that they would elude the committee’s detection.
4568
4569“Yoshida is an expert on Spirit Magic and Shibata is especially sensitive towards pushion light.”
4570
4571“Hence why you called the two of them.”
4572
4573Tatsuya once again nodded towards Isori and turned to face Mikihiko.
4574
4575“Mikihiko, I would like your expert opinion. Is there a way for Spiritual Magic to delay activating for several hours and then selectively create a dip in the water’s surface?”
4576
4577“Yes.”
4578
4579Mikihiko immediately replied.
4580
4581“Based on those conditions, all you would have to do is set the start of the second race as the primary condition, then someone’s approach as the second condition and order the water spirit to create a wave or whirlpool. Even if spirits are off the table, a shikigami can accomplish that too.”
4582
4583“Can you do it?”
4584
4585“With enough time to prepare. I cannot do that right this moment, but give me half a month to prepare and repeatedly enter the arena to make the arrangements, I should be able to.”
4586
4587“Would you need to infiltrate the arena the day before?”
4588
4589“No need. As long as I’m familiar with the lay of the land, I can use the ley lines to send the spirits, which is the point of investigating beforehand. However……”
4590
4591“?”
4592
4593“Even if they managed to accomplish this, there’s almost no power to speak of. Spirits are empowered by the user’s emotions and will, so if it was set several hours beforehand, I feel that the only thing lingering would be something like a practical joke at best.”
4594
4595“In other words?”
4596
4597“Even if they could disrupt the water’s surface, they couldn’t use this method to create large enough waves to disrupt Watanabe-senpai’s balance. If the player from Seventh High didn’t happen to lose control at the exact same time, this would be relegated to kid’s play.”
4598
4599For some reason, Tatsuya gave a massive nod at Mikihiko’s words.
4600
4601“That’s only under the assumption that it was an accident in the first place……”
4602
4603“Ah?”
4604
4605Mikihiko was unable to follow Tatsuya’s cryptic words, but Tatsuya didn’t immediately reply and instead turned his gaze on Mizuki.
4606
4607“Mizuki, during Watanabe-senpai’s incident, did you see the movements of the SB?”
4608
4609“……I was wearing my glasses at the time ……Sorry.”
4610
4611“Please don’t say that. You’re right, that’s my mistake. Mizuki, you don’t have to apologize.”
4612
4613Tatsuya bowed his head towards the glum Mizuki and Miyuki also came over to comfort her.
4614
4615“In regards to what we were just talking about……”
4616
4617Tatsuya turned back to Mikihiko.
4618
4619Yet Isori and Kanon both knew these words were also directed towards them.
4620
4621“I feel that the loss of control from the player from Seventh High was not a pure coincidence. Take a look at this.”
4622
4623Tatsuya brought Mikihiko in front of the monitor and restarted the model images.
4624
4625He was also paying attention to Isori and Kanon, who were peeking around to take a look, and stopped the recording shortly before the accident occurred.
4626
4627“The player from Seventh High would normally decelerate at this point.”
4628
4629Then proceeded to advance the recording frame by frame.
4630
4631“But as everyone can see, she was actually continuing to build up speed.”
4632
4633“……You’re right, that is extremely odd.”
4634
4635“Indeed. A Magician who would make such a fundamental mistake has no business being in the Nine Schools Competition.”
4636
4637Tatsuya nodded in agreement with Isori and Kanon’s opinions, then returned the playback to normal speed.
4638
4639“I suspect that the CAD the player from Seventh High was using had been tampered with.”
4640
4641The room was suffused with shock.
4642
4643“This is the first major turn that requires deceleration along the entire route. If the decelerating Activation Sequence was swapped for an accelerating Activation Sequence, an accident here is unavoidable. Based on last year’s results, it is well within predictable boundaries that Watanabe-senpai and the player from Seventh High would be neck to neck at this stage. If my goal was to sabotage them, this would be the perfect opportunity to eliminate two favored candidates for First Place in one fell swoop.”
4644
4645“That sounds reasonable…… But could they tamper with the CAD? And if so, when would they do that?”
4646
4647“Unless there’s a traitor that snuck into Seventh High’s technician team?”
4648
4649Tatsuya slightly shook his head at Isori and Kanon’s questions.
4650
4651“Alas, we have no proof. Even if we petitioned Seventh High to review their CADs, they are guaranteed to rebuff us. Still, I think there’s an opportunity to do so.”
4652
4653“So there really is a traitor?”
4654
4655Tatsuya once more shook his head at Kanon’s speculation, but this time he was noticeably slower.
4656
4657“While there’s no way to properly gauge this possibility…… I think there’s a much higher chance that there is a mole in the committee.”
4658
4659His words stopped there.
4660
4661Isori, Kanon, and Mikihiko were all struck speechless.
4662
4663They all wore skeptical expressions.
4664
4665“……But Onii-sama, assuming there is a mole on the committee, how and when would they tamper with the CADs? Each school jealously guards their own competition-use CADs……”
4666
4667Miyuki would never question Tatsuya’s judgment. She was only assuming her brother’s hypothesis was true and asking for the next step in the puzzle.
4668
4669Tatsuya did not reply directly, but told everyone a publicly known piece of information.
4670
4671“All CADs are guaranteed to leave each school’s control and be turned over to the committee once.”
4672
4673“Ah……!”
4674
4675Miyuki let out a gasp since she had never thought of this. On top of that, she was the only one who gasped, since Isori, Kanon, Mikihiko, and Mizuki were all struck dumb.
4676
4677“Still, there’s no way of telling what their methods are, that is the truly puzzling area……”
4678
4679Just in case, they could not let down their guard even for an instant.
4680
4681Miyuki and Tatsuya, the former who was about to begin her competition and the latter who was responsible for calibrating CADs, carved those words into their hearts.
4682
4683
4684
4685
4686
4687For the third day, First High took First Place in both “Icicle Destruction” contests, Second Place in Men’s “Battle Board”, and Third Place in Women’s “Battle Board”.
4688
4689Third High took Second Place in both “Icicle Destruction” contests as well as First Place in both “Battle Board” contests, so the two schools were much closer than the day before.
4690
4691Before the competition began, Mari had told Tatsuya that the Newcomers Division shouldn’t have an impact on the final result. In this case, she appeared to be mistaken.
4692
4693Tatsuya meticulously examined the CADs for the players he was responsible for and prepared for tomorrow’s Newcomers Division. It was this moment Mayumi sent a message via terminal requesting his presence.
4694
4695Bewildered, he paused his work and thought “What does she need me for at this hour?”. As he headed for the conference room reserved for First High, he ran into Miyuki at the door.
4696
4697“Did the President call for you too, Miyuki?”
4698
4699“Yes, Onii-sama as well?”
4700
4701Tatsuya initially considered that Isori and company would ask him to come and discuss countermeasures against future sabotage, but that wouldn’t explain why Miyuki had also been summoned.
4702
4703“Let’s go inside.”
4704
4705“Yes.”
4706
4707There were some things that could only be discerned after careful thought, and some that couldn’t be discerned no matter how much one thought about it.
4708
4709If pondering posed no benefit, then taking action was the way to go.
4710
4711As the ancients say, pointless pondering is time wasting.
4712
4713“Excuse us.”
4714
4715Tatsuya didn’t want to be mired in such tiresome thoughts — likewise, he didn’t do so by any great principle, but at least he didn’t needlessly worry himself before opening the door.
4716
4717Mayumi, Suzune, and Katsuto were inside — as well as Mari, who should be in bed.
4718
4719“Thanks for your hard work. Are you ready for tomorrow?”
4720
4721“No, I still need some time.”
4722
4723“Is that so…… I’m sorry, I called Tatsuya-kun as well.”
4724
4725According to Mayumi’s guilty words, the primary recipient of these words was Miyuki.
4726
4727“Please, take a seat.”
4728
4729The siblings did so side by side.
4730
4731“There’s a small detail I would like to discuss with you two…… Sorry, it’s no small thing.
4732
4733I asked the two of you to come to discuss something of vital importance.”
4734
4735It seemed like it had been ages since Mayumi’s tone was so serious, causing Tatsuya to perk up a little.
4736
4737“Rin-chan, can you explain?”
4738
4739So she still uses “Rin-chan” even when in a serious mood, Tatsuya thought as he looked towards Suzune.
4740
4741“I think you two are aware of the current standings.”
4742
4743This was obviously a rhetorical question on Suzune’s part, but Tatsuya and Miyuki both nodded anyway.
4744
4745“Although we ran into some unforeseen accidents, our school’s running score is roughly the same as our predictions. Unfortunately, Third High’s score is vastly greater than we anticipated, so the difference between us is a lot less than we had hoped.”
4746
4747At this point, both of the siblings nodded to show that they understood.
4748
4749“That being said, we still possess enough of a lead. Even if we aren’t the overall winner for the Newcomers Division, we can still claim the overall victory so long as we claim First Place for the last ‘Monolith Code’ and the score differential isn’t too large. However, if we fall too far behind Third High, then it may come down to the ‘Mirage Bat’ event from the Official Division.”
4750
4751Everything that Suzune detailed were all assumptions, so was she telling them to perform well during the Newcomers Division?
4752
4753If that’s all it was, there should be no need to call them at this hour…… Tatsuya was quite confused beneath his poker face.
4754
4755“The point total from the Official Division is worth twice as much as the Newcomers Division, so our school’s tactical advisors have arrived at the conclusion that we should make some sacrifices in the Newcomers Division and channel our firepower into the Official Division’s ‘Mirage Bat’.”
4756
4757Tatsuya’s brow twitched. He quickly read between the lines of “some sacrifices in the Newcomers Division”, thus producing minute changes in his poker face.
4758
4759“Yes, Tatsuya-kun, it is exactly as you surmised.”
4760
4761Mayumi adroitly read the fractional changes on Tatsuya’s face and preemptively responded.
4762
4763“Miyuki-san, we ask you to replace Mari in ‘Mirage Bat’ for the Official Division. Tatsuya-kun will continue to serve as Miyuki-san’s technician and compete on the ninth day.”
4764
4765Mayumi’s words clashed with her earlier words, this was no discussion.
4766
4767This was a declaration of what will be done.
4768
4769“But there are other senpais that are only participating in one event, so why was I chosen as a replacement knowing that this would imperil the Newcomers Division?”
4770
4771Miyuki’s voice was steady, not overjoyed that she was suddenly promoted but staying cool and calm as she raised her next question.
4772
4773Her reaction prompted an “Oh?” expression from Mari, even Katsuto was caught slightly off guard.
4774
4775“We believe this way we can maximize our gains.”
4776
4777Suzune’s voice was even calmer as she replied.
4778
4779“The biggest reason is that we did not prepare a backup for ‘Mirage Bat’.”
4780
4781Mari, who was originally the attending player, also joined the ranks of the persuaders.
4782
4783“Even for our school’s representative players, asking them to suddenly compete in the air during the Official Division’s ‘Mirage Bat’ is still a stretch. Compared to this, we have a better chance sending a 1st Year student that has already trained for this. On top of that—”
4784
4785Mari paused here for emphasis.
4786
4787She was a young lady that loved to indulge in histrionics.
4788
4789“Tatsuya-kun, your sister will triumph even in the Official Division, correct?”
4790
4791And struck the weak spot for massive damage.
4792
4793Tatsuya felt that this argument was being a little crafty, but he had no reason to be humble.
4794
4795“Of course.”
4796
4797“Onii-sama……”
4798
4799Tatsuya’s certain answer was given as if he was stating a fact, causing Mari to break into a grin, Katsuto to nod kindly, Mayumi to widen her eyes, Suzune to shift her brows slightly, and Miyuki to duck her head in embarrassment.
4800
4801“Since everyone has esteemed us so highly, I will put forth my all as an engineer. Miyuki, are you willing?”
4802
4803“Y…..Yes!”
4804
4805Miyuki’s beautiful back was straighter than ever as she replied to Tatsuya in an elevated voice.
4806
4807This perfectly conveyed her willingness to charge into the breach.
4808
4809
4810
4811
4812
4813Afterword
4814
4815
4816
4817
4818
4819Firstly, allow me to deeply thank all those who actually choose to pick this book up to read.
4820
4821
4822It has been 3 months since we last met, however I am sure that there are also those [who are meeting me for the first time today], however [these kinds] of words are overly used, therefore please forgive me for using them as well.
4823
4824
4825Now that 《Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei》 volume 3 has been released into the market, and in terms of arcs its the <first> of the second arc, I must apologise for ending it at such a delicate stage, though it’s because I have tentatively set the beginning of volume 4 to be the moment when the first years (that’s the protagonist group) really start to liven things up.
4826
4827
4828The next volume will be the second arc’s <final>, rest assured that there won’t be an <intermediate>, however, conversely the thickness of the volume will be rather spectacular.
4829
4830
4831Although Dengeki Bunko (ASCII Media Works) was willing to accept any level of thicknesses, however it would not be good to do this every time and that is why from the next next volume onwards I will conduct myself better—— however, I simply cannot make such a promise, as it may be too much for me to endure.
4832
4833
4834If you are someone who only reads the afterword after actually finishing the volume, you will know that this arc’s main stage is the inter-school tournament.
4835
4836
4837Using invented magic to compete to decide a winner, to use magic skills to differentiate from each other.
4838
4839
4840Rather, other than just the representatives abilities, the technician team’s skills also largely affects the chances of victory for the whole team.
4841
4842
4843For this, perhaps even more so than ball sports or track and field meets, it is more akin to the relationship found in racing, though unfortunately the wonderful atmosphere that is usually found in World Motorcycle Championship (MotoGP) or Formula One racing (F1) is not present here.
4844
4845
4846……It’s really kind of pitiful that only now do I think of such things, however I guess I can only be contented with adding racing elements into the next Nine Schools Competition then.
4847
4848
4849For example, using sponsors or â—‹â—‹ girls and et cetera, maybe the editor will use this as the type of reference materials to focus their research on (There is no such thing)
4850
4851
4852I will stop the jokes here. Perhaps some of the readers may have already realised but the story line visualised this time is really similar to a certain popular world-class novel’s fourth[2] entry.
4853
4854
4855However, the difference lies in the fact that that popular world-class novel’s fourth entry is about an individual’s competition, whereas my story is about a team competition. In addition to that, the forms of magic are completely different, therefore the competition’s circumstances is in no way similar to each other.
4856
4857
4858Speaking of similarities, I cracked my brains over (how to properly create the settings of a fictional competition), and just like a certain popular world-class novel’s…… fourth entry, maybe I should say that the whole thing is similar to Quidditch.
4859
4860
4861There are not many changes——wrong, I should say that it has already become a modern day type of a Quidditch competition.
4862
4863
4864Weirdly, the Author-sama of a certain (story) seems to not have cracked her mind about how to create such a scene, however I certainly had a headache over this. What I did manage to create is not nearly engaging and appealing enough, perhaps this is my limits as a writer.
4865
4866
4867Each of the competitions rules and regulations aren’t that difficult (there shouldn’t be any……), I hope that all of you will use a light and relaxed mood to [appreciate] the vigorous actions of the students from the Magic High Schools.
4868
4869
4870In the next volume “Nine Schools Competition (II)”, the main protagonist will finally distinguish himself in the competition. And not just in the arena, the protagonist will also have the opportunity to fully showcase his dark hero’s abilities wantonly in the outside world.
4871
4872
4873This kind of (abnormal conduct) may lead to a bipolar disposition, however I hope that you will continue to accompany me onwards in my story.
4874
4875
4876Next, this time I would also like to extend my thanks to all those who were involved in the creation of this light novel.
4877
4878
4879M-sama, thank you giving me so many precise suggestions, especially [When on a trip, of course you need to go to an onsen]. Without this suggestion, the colored illustration as well as the normal novel illustration will not be able to depict such a wonderful scene.
4880
4881
4882Ishida-sama, Stone-sama, I am sorry that I made so many demands. The two of you patiently handled all my complicated and difficult requests, and designed such beautiful and wonderful illustrations for me, and for that I really don’t know how I should thank you guys.
4883
4884
4885Especially the female protaganist’s softening smile (M-sama’s name) which caused me to sprout forbidden feelings for my own creation’s character.
4886
4887
4888Furthermore, I would also like to thank the person in charge of the illustrations’ color schemes, Suenaga-sama, as well as all the other helpers. It is all thanks to the assistance provided by everyone that an even better form of my light novel could be published.
4889
4890
4891And most importantly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the readers who have picked up this book. It is all thanks to your support that the following volumes should also be able to be successfully published.
4892
4893
4894With that, I hope that I will be able to meet you all again in the next volume, “Nine Schools Competition (II)”.
4895
4896
4897
4898
4899
4900(Satou Tsutomu)
4901
4902
4903
4904
4905
4906Illustrations
4907
4908
4909
4910
4911
4912Cover
4913
4914
4915
4916
4917Teaser #1
4918
4919
4920
4921
4922Teaser #2
4923
4924
4925
4926
4927Teaser #3
4928
4929
4930
4931
4932Teaser #4
4933
4934
4935
4936
4937Teaser #5
4938
4939
4940
4941
4942Chapter 1
4943
4944
4945
4946
4947Chapter 1
4948
4949
4950
4951
4952Chapter 3
4953
4954
4955
4956
4957Chapter 4
4958
4959
4960
4961
4962Chapter 4
4963
4964
4965
4966
4967Chapter 4
4968
4969
4970
4971
4972Chapter 4
4973
4974
4975
4976
4977Chapter 5
4978
4979
4980
4981
4982Chapter 6
4983
4984
4985
4986
4987Chapter 6
4988
4989
4990
4991
4992
4993Notes
4994
4995
4996
4997
4998
4999Bokken: A bokken (木剣, bok(u), “wood”, and ken, “sword”) (or a bokutō 木刀, as they are instead called in Japan) is a Japanese wooden swordused for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but is sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi andtantō. Some ornamental bokken are decorated with mother-of-pearl work and elaborate carvings.
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5001Bokken should not be confused with shinai, practice swords made of flexible bamboo.
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5004Magic Eyes / Magical Appearance: Sound the same in Japanese.
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5007Harry Potter Reference: Quite sure that this is referring to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
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5013Did you enjoy the book?
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5017Grab a copy at your local bookstore once localized in your area.