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1魔法科高校の劣等生
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3Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
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5Summer Holiday Chapter
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11Satou Tsutomu
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13Illustrations by Ishida Kana
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19ASCII Media Works / Dengeki Bunko • Tokyo, Japan
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25Copyright © 2012 by Satou Tsutomu
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28Illustration © 2012 by Ishida Kana
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31All rights reserved.
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34Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei / Satou Tsutomu ; [illustrations by Ishida Kana] — digital ed.
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37ISBN: 978-4-04-886522-7
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40Summary: The story follows Tatsuya Shiba, a bodyguard to his sister Miyuki Shiba who is also a candidate to succeed the master clan, Yotsuba. They enroll into First High School which segregates its students based on their magical abilities. Miyuki is enlisted as a first course student and is viewed as one of the best students, while Tatsuya is in the second course and considered to be magically inept. However, Tatsuya’s technical knowledge, combat abilities, and unique magic techniques causes people to view him as an irregular to the school’s standardized rankings.
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43[1. Romance-Magic—Fiction. 2. Magic-Engineer—Fiction. 3. School—Fiction.] I. Title. II. Series: Tsutomu, Satou. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei.
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49ePub by Roah Nosh. Visit the “Onii-sama” page for details.
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55http://polyaness.com
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61Translation by Baka-Tsuki.
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67[Translator: Dreyakis, Sashiko, Joay, Seitsuki, Setsuna86, larethian / Checker: larethian / Editor: Arczyx, ColdFront, Zeru, Genesis, nukie, Wakusie, Chancs, Cliff]
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73Thanks to DCSuper Wikia for the Chibi Mayumi in Summer Dress.
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79Credits to whoever translated the Amelia in Wonderland chapter and the introductory pages (Magic and Magicians).
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85All materials’ copyright reserved by their respective authors and the associated publishers. Please respect their rights.
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88Works will be deleted upon request by copyright holders.
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91Visit the disclaimer page for more details.
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97If you like the book buy it once localized in your area. Support the author.
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103v1.5.5
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109Title
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111Copyright
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113Magic and Magicians
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115Magician | Magic Sequence | Output Processes of Magic Sequences | Magic Systems | Magic Processes | Magic Evaluation Standards (Magic Strength) | Magic Calculation Zone
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117Summer Break
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119The Honour Student’s Supplementary Lesson
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121Amelia in Wonderland[1]
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123Friendship, Trust, and the Dubious Lolicon
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125Memories of Summer
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127Presidential Elections and the Queen
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129Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4
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131Afterword
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133Illustrations
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135Notes
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141Magic and Magicians
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147Magician
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152Shorthand for [Magic Skills Expert]. A generic term for persons capable of using practical-level magic. Whether the magic used is Modern Magic or Ancient Magic, all are [Magic Skills Experts]. However users of Ancient Magic prefer traditional terms like [Sorcerer], [Medium], [Ascetic], or [Ninja] when introducing themselves. It is said that 1 in 1000 teenagers have magical talent and this becomes 1 in 10000 for adults after power loss due to stresses during growth phases, but this is entirely for [practical-level magic]; persons possessing [combat-level magic] are even rarer.
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158Magic Sequence
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163Information bodies meant to temporarily manipulate phenomenon-related information. These are constructed from a magician’s stock psions. Phenomenon-related information are also psion information bodies, so magic sequences alter them like what computer viruses do. The [World] has the recovery strength to maintain temporal continuity, hence a magic sequence’s effectiveness is only temporary. Given that fact, if sufficiently prolonged magic-induced [alteration] is kept up, it can be [established] as [reality] to the [World]. Magical therapy exploits this principle.
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169Output Processes of Magic Sequences
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174Outputting magic sequences obey the following processes.
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176One receives the activation sequence from a CAD. This is called [activation sequence loading].
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178Variables are added to the activation sequence, then both are sent to the magic calculation zone.
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180The magic sequence is constructed from the activation sequence and the variables. This is automatically executed in the magic calculation zone, a black box process even to magicians themselves.
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182The constructed magic sequences are forwarded through the [Route] (it serves as the bottom layer of the conscious and the top layer of the unconscious), and outputted from the [Gate] (the threshold that exists in both conscious and unconscious mind) on to the [Idea].
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184The magic sequences being outputted to the [Idea] alter the Eidos at the specified coordinates, and so rewrite it.
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188In each magic system and magic process, completing these five processes in 0.5 second is the benchmark for a [practical-level] magician.
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194Magic Systems
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199Traditional magic classifies the techniques by applying symbolic elements to the phenomenon being activated. Model classifications include the major four elements ([earth], [water], [fire], [air]), the five rings ([sky] is added to the major four elements), and the wu xing ([wood], [fire], [earth], [metal], [water]). There are even cases when elements such as [light], [dark], [void], [nothingness], [divine], [lunar], [lightning], [mountain], and [valley] were added. Modern magic, with its roots from ESP research, are classified not from the perceived property but from its functionality.
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201Namely,
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203(Acceleration and Gravitation) (Movement and Oscillation)
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205(Convergence and Dispersion) (Absorption and Emission)
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209The above-mentioned is the four-system, eight-type magic taxonomic schema.
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211Of course it is known that there are always exceptions, magics that cannot be classified under modern magic’s four-system eight-type schema. So for example, since the four-system eight-type is focused on functionality, ESP (aka parapsychology, extra-sensory perception) is classified as [Perception magic], separate from the the four-system eight type magics; in this division parapsycholgic approaches are still strong. In terms of scholastic research, the magic systems are finely classified; still [rewriting information that are attached to reality and reflecting those alterations back to reality] is magic’s only truth, and this applies to both classified and unclassified magics.
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217Magic Processes
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222In modern magic the term “magic processes” carry two meanings: one, the very processes to activate magic, and two, the combined singular and multiple magic processing for the purpose of performing the target alterations to reality. For the latter meaning, taking for example magic to relocate an egg from the kitchen to the table, the required processes would be acceleration, movement, acceleration, then movement. Movement magic rewrites an object’s velocity and linear coordinates, and omitting the acceleration processes means an increase in acceleration that ignores a target object’s inertia (this means one shattered egg). Omitting the movement processing and using only acceleration and deceleration processes means the egg will follow a parabolic trajectory, and this requires extremely fine deceleration control. Even with repeated deceleration processing, using movement magic to zero out the velocity is far easier. With these four processes, it becomes the magic of [relocating an egg from the kitchen to the table]. Prevailing view says civilian-use magics requires more processing stages than military-use magics.
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228Magic Evaluation Standards (Magic Strength)
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233Magic through put (how fast one can construct psion information bodies), magic capacity (how big one can construct psion information bodies), and interference strength (how strong one’s magic sequences can rewrite the Eidos). These three together define magic strength. Other main factors like stock psion capacity (limits how many times one can activate magic) or multi-variable processing capability (influences the degrees of freedom for magic) are not counted towards magic strength. Magicians are controlled through a licensing system, and it is the norm for them to be assessed from A-rank to E-rank.
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239Magic Calculation Zone
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244The mental zone when magic sequences are constructed. The wellspring for the ability called magic. It exists in a magician’s unconscious mind, and while magicians are normally aware and make use of it they cannot sense the actual processes that are being performed there. The magic calculation zone is said to be a sealed black box even among magicians.
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250Summer Break
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255“Want to go to the sea?”
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257The one who had asked those words all of a sudden was Shizuku.
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259“By the sea, you mean the beach?”
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261Modern TV phone systems, as a standard, can take up to 10 calls simultaneously. As Miyuki used that system to talk with Shizuku and Honoka and engage in idle chatter, Shizuku gave a brief affirmative “yes”. That answer was a bit short, but even so it seemed to ring a bell with her friend since primary school, Honoka.
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263“Ah, could you mean?”
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265“Yes, that.”
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267But for Miyuki, who had only known them for around four months, this conversation was altogether on a different level.
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269“Could you mean…… what?”
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271At that, both Honoka and Shizuku realized that they had left Miyuki behind, albeit too late. They shared a glance. That being said, on Miyuki’s display she could only see them looking aside. Honoka was then the first to direct her eyes back to Miyuki.
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273“Well you see, Shizuku’s family has a resort in Ogasawara.”
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275“Eh? Shizuku, your family owns a private beach?”
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277“Yeah……”
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279At Miyuki’s question. Shizuku answered briefly again, although this time with a slightly embarrassed expression.
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281Recently, having a villa in the uninhabited island of Ogasawara had become fashionable among the rich, though this had been reproached by ignorant critics misunderstanding intellectual expression as “arrogantly willful destruction of nature.”
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283These uninhabited islands, where the resorts are, were mostly once populated islands, but had been abandoned due to the rough conditions. As these villas were zero emission (energy sources came from sunlight, so if you include energetics they weren’t truly zero emission but still), they were not destructive to nature but rather unashamed valid uses of land. Of course, Miyuki wasn’t blaming Shizuku(’s family) for anything. It was just that even among those households considered wealthy, only a handful possessed villas with their own private beach. That was probably something Shizuku also understood, but even in the case of unjustified criticism she would probably retain a manner of general common sense and feel a subconscious degree of guilt.
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285“My father said to ‘please invite your friends’. It seems he really wants to meet Miyuki and Tatsuya-san.”
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287At Shizuku’s words calibrated to change the mood (this being again something the one who had not known them very long didn’t catch), Honoka mumbled something.
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289“So your father will be there as well this year……”
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291Her expression seemed to be recalling something, most likely memories of a previous vacation she had been on with Shizuku’s father. Perhaps at the very villa they were talking about.
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293“Don’t worry. He’ll only be around for a short while. It seems he has a pile of work, and he’ll probably just be able to spare a few short hours.”
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295Honoka’s somewhat apprehensive face softened in relief at Shizuku’s words. Miyuki felt curiosity at just what could have happened, but she didn’t lose sight of priorities.
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297“I don’t mind, but…… what time?”
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299“It hasn’t been decided yet. We had been thinking whenever it’s convenient for Tatsuya-san.”
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301At Miyuki’s expression saying “I need to ask Onii-sama”, Shizuku understood perfectly well her answer.
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307“……is what we were talking about.”
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309Tatsuya heard of the matter during breakfast the next morning.
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311At first Tatsuya had considered asking “did you guys talk about that all the way until midnight?”, but of course what came out of his mouth was different altogether.
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313“The only ones attending will be Shizuku, Honoka, and ourselves?”
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315“Shizuku said she also wants to invite Erika, Mizuki, Saijou-kun, and Yoshida-kun.”
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317At that Miyuki hesitated slightly,
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319“But they’re not as familiar with them as us, so they wondered if we could be the ones to invite them.”
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321She probably didn’t want to say anything which would bring inconvenience to her brother. Of course, Miyuki didn’t intend to make Tatsuya do anything and was going to contact them herself, but.
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323“I got it. Then, I’ll contact Leo and Mikihiko. For dates, let’s see……”
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325Conversely, Tatsuya also didn’t want to impose on his sister, resulting in a pre-established harmony.
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327Taking a sip of coffee, Tatsuya went over the schedule in his head.
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329“……I’m free next week Friday to Sunday. Every other day is pretty busy.”
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331Summer break for magic high schools runs until the end of August. (For most science and literary high schools it’s mid August, while for most PE and arts high schools it’s mid September.)
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333Tatsuya’s summer break last year and the year before last had been mostly taken up by training with the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
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335(In addition to that last year had been studying — namely, tutoring Miyuki.)
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337This year the first half had been taken up by the Nine Schools Competition, so things were extra tight. Developments involving the soon to be released next month “dedicated magic flight device” were also in motion.
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339This year as well, there was no “break” in his summer break.
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341“So that’s next Friday to Sunday, three days and two nights. I’ll contact Shizuku.”
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343Which was why Miyuki was so fired up about not missing this opportunity. To her it was a little disappointing that she wouldn’t be spending time alone with just her brother, but giving him time to refresh took priority over any of her own desires.
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349It seemed Shizuku really had been leaving her plans open for Tatsuya, as she immediately nodded upon receiving Miyuki’s call. Honoka was contacted by Shizuku, Erika and Mizuki by Miyuki, Leo and Mikihiko by Tatsuya, and whether the fact that everyone was free was a coincidence or not Tatsuya took with a grain of salt.
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351And on the day of travel he had looked on in blank amazement. He had been forced to accompany the ladies out shopping, a very attention grabbing event in the swimsuit section of a large department store; Tatsuya later relegated this memory to a distant drawer in the depths of his mind and welded it shut, hence there was no recollection of that particular event here.
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353For some reason, the specified meeting place was not the airport but the Hayama marina.
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355“Wooow…… that sure is a nice boat.”
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357This time (unlike during the Nine Schools Competition) Erika’s short pants weren’t out of place, so she looked up at the gleaming white hull even as she showed off her sleek shapely legs, her eyes shining.
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359“Doesn’t Erika’s family have a cruiser as well?”
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361As Shizuku questioned her with a slightly embarrassed face (Tatsuya had become quite adept at reading her expressions), Erika shook her head with a wry smile.
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363“We do have a ship, but it can’t really be called a ‘cruiser’…… Heck, I don’t want to call it that.
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365They normally turn the stabilizer off too, so it’s the worst ride ever.”
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367“……don’t tell me, for training?”
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369“Yep.”
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371“You guys really are quite thorough……”
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373Next to Miyuki’s murmur and amazed expression, Mizuki was at a loss as to what kind of face to make, so she just smiled ambiguously.
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375On the other hand,
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377“A Fleming propulsion system is it…… there aren’t any air ducts, so the power doesn’t come from gas turbines. Is it powered by photocatalytic hydrogen plants and fuel cells?”
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379Engrossed as he was in the boyish interest of mechanics, Tatsuya muttered to himself as he observed the propulsion in detail.
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381“There’re also hydrogen storage tanks onboard just in case.”
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383An unexpected answer came. (It wasn’t that the answer itself was unexpected, but rather the fact that an answer came at all.) Looking up, the “captain” of the ship was there.
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385With a Greek hat pulled low over his face and dressed in a jacket with decorative buttons, he was politely munching on a pipe.
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387He simply lacked that stout look slightly.
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389Obesity as a lifestyle disease had been eradicated 20 years earlier thanks to drug treatment, but if cosplaying a captain a bit more girth is desirable.
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391As Tatsuya thought so with a puzzled face, the “captain” extended a handshake. By the way, the pipe he held in his left hand really was a classic pipe. —If you looked closely enough, you’d see it was empty.
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393“You’re Shiba Tatsuya-kun, aren’t you? I am Kitayama Ushio, Shizuku’s father.”
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395He wasn’t quite able to contain his confusion at this franker-than-expected personality, but Tatsuya had far more social experience than most high school students. Rather than succumbing to embarrassment, he returned the greeting flawlessly.
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397“It’s good to meet you, I am Shiba Tatsuya. I have heard much about you. Along with my sister, we are pleased to make your acquaintance.”
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399“It’s good to meet you too.”
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401Taking Shizuku’s father’s proffered hand, Tatsuya intended to squeeze lightly so as to not violate etiquette, but Ushio heartily grabbed Tatsuya’s hand.
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403His grip was unexpectedly firm. Still, compared to Kazama and Yanagi, his hands were more accustomed to desk work. What caught Tatsuya was not the force of his hand but the power in the gaze he directed at him. Those hard-bitten eyes appraised you without making you feel uncomfortable, took the lead, strove with similar luminaries; the eyes of a leader.
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405“……not just a smart-ass good only for his brains. Not just a techie with superficial excellent techniques either.
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407Appearance truly seems superbly dependable.”
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409His murmur would normally be inaudible. As even Tatsuya had to consciously concentrate, that volume of voice was more than quiet enough for consideration. But even if it had been uttered in a normal volume, Tatsuya would not have considered it discourteous. Kitayama Ushio possessed the majesty to honestly appraise the value of the one in front of him.
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411—But.
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413“Yes, it seems Shizuku’s eyes weren’t mistaken. While my daughter, she really does have it together.”
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415At this sudden doting parent remark, Tatsuya ostensibly kept his expression neutral while sighing “so this is the great ‘Kitayama Ushio’ huh……” in his mind.
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417When he had said that he had heard of him earlier, that had not been mere politeness.
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419It’s now normal to use a business name rather than your real name in the management of a company to protect your privacy. His own father does not use his name of “Shiba Tatsurou” but rather the name “Shiibara Tatsurou[2]” in his capacity as head of development at FLT.
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421He had only heard from Shizuku that her father managed a business in passing, but after being told his business name, he had been quite surprised that he was such a bigshot.
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423He had married late (marrying a magician had involved numerous issues and although those were overcome, it had taken years) so he really should have been over 50 or so, but this frank, or rather excessively light air, didn’t seem to make him any more than 40.
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425“—Miyuki!”
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427Giving notice with a glance, Tatsuya called his sister over.
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429Miyuki came over at a trot, immediately assessed the situation, and bowed gracefully to Shizuku’s father.
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431“Pleased to meet you, I am Shiba Miyuki. Thank you so much for inviting us over.”
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433“Thank you for your kind words, milady. I am Kitayama Ushio. Such a lovely greeting from such a beautiful maiden is an unhoped honor both for me and my ship.”
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435At his placing his hand on his chest and giving a deep bow, Miyuki also with a playful smile curtsied in the Western manner.
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437Being faced with a beauty of Miyuki’s stature and bearing, it couldn’t be helped that even Ushio’s jaw slackened a bit.
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439“Ah, father. I don’t think you said any such thing when you met me?”
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441“Dad, it’s undignified so please close your mouth.”
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443However, there was no way that would be tolerated. At Ushio’s hapless appearance, a sudden barrage of words flew from two more ladies who came up.
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445“No no, it’s not like I was opening my mouth or anything……”
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447If he had only been up against his true daughter, he might have been able to make something up, but also being faced with Honoka who he had loved as another daughter since primary school, even this talented businessman floundered. (Incidentally the reason Honoka had been so apprehensive at hearing that Ushio was coming might be due to him seeing her as his daughter, every time they met he had passed not inconsiderable amounts of pocket money on to her.)
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449Gesturing wildly at Erika and the others who were approaching from a distance, he was obviously trying to distract the others from the topic at hand.
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451“—Ooh! You must be new friends of my daughter as well? Welcome. Please enjoy yourselves.
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453Unfortunately I have to go now, but please feel free to relax as if it were your own home.”
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455It was probably out of his depth dealing with his daughter unlike his business partners. His unrest could be discerned from his disjointed words.
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457Watching him rush into a large car with indecent haste and lifting his Greek hat in regret as he sped off, Tatsuya muttered “I think he had at least wanted to sail with his daughter……” in a voice no one could hear.
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463It was around 900 km to the island archipelago where the villa was located.
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465Tatsuya didn’t quite understand what the fun of sailing rather than flying was (it’s not unusual now to privately own VTOL propeller aircraft, and in fact that would be cheaper than a Fleming propelled cruiser), and upon asking Leo and Erika, he was simply told something like “this is the most charming way to travel”. He almost inadvertently retorted “the point of the trip is swimming, not traveling”, but had settled for muttering “these two really are a perfect pair” under his breath.
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467Well, everyone had come along, and no one should be seasick. Taking into account the travel time, they had gathered at 6 am early in the morning. In order to leave as quickly as possible, Tatsuya got on the ship.
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469The deck was even larger than it appeared from outside. There wasn’t a pool or theater or any such extravagant things (this was a “cruiser” not a “luxury liner” after all), but even if eight people got out deck chairs and hung up fishing rods, there would still be plenty of space to spare.
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471—However, since the entire deck was covered by a transparent dome streamlined for air resistance, it would be impossible to actually hang out any lines.
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473“But, when cruising at low speeds the sides are opened.”
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475The one who explained that was the helmsman, as well as the one who had taken care of their belongings, the omni-housekeeper Ms. Kurosawa.
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477From her appearance…… rather than housekeeper, it felt there should be a more appropriate word. She didn’t seem any older than her mid-twenties at most.
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479Though that being said she didn’t give off a soft image, as she seemed more the type to come accompanied by the “snap” SFX; still on the open sea under the blazing sun in mid summer, however much excess rays the dome could be said to cut out, Tatsuya had to wonder if she wasn’t hot in that dress. Or maybe that was just him.
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481Firmly wrapped up in a long sleeved summer jacket as he was, he probably wasn’t quite qualified to be thinking such things.
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483The ship’s design placed the wheelhouse at the bow, the cabins beneath, and the transparent dome extending from the top of the wheelhouse all the way to the back half which was the deck.
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485After confirming all seven passengers were aboard, Kurosawa proceeded straight to the wheelhouse, and soon the ship had left the coast.
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491The weather was calm throughout, and although there were some rough patches, thanks to the stabilizers and motion absorption systems no one on-board suffered motion sickness. At length, the ship eventually made it to the villa at Nakodojima island.
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493The atolls around the island had been devastated by feral goats in the latter half of the last century. After that, efforts to restore an artificial reef were unsuccessful. Later, villas were built, and the red clay that had been dredged up onto the coast were used via private funds to create a pier and sandy beach. This was what the “intellectuals” had been decrying as “destruction of nature”.
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495However, at the time the islands had been inhabited, there had been no destruction and it had been the people who had cleared out the feral goats as well. Did the destruction of nature occur because there were people, or did it occur only after they left?
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497He had been lost in such idle thoughts, but coming back to reality and in the face of the fact that he too had come to play at that very same sandy pier, he had to admit he was in no position to critique.
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499As could be inferred from his monologue, they had already arrived at the beach.
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501The sand was white and the sun dazzling.
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503But the beach was even more dazzling than that.
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505“Tatsuya-kun~, wanna swim?~”
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507“Onii-sama~, the water’s cool and very nice.~”
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509As Erika and Miyuki called out from the beach, Tatsuya, under the shade of a parasol positioned into the beach, shook his hands with a vague smile.
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515—Too dazzling.
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521What was dazzling, by the way, were the swimsuit clad girls frolicking around on the beach.
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523The first to catch one’s eyes would probably be Erika’s flashy colored one-piece. It was a simple design with no frills which brought out and enhanced her slender proportions.
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525Next to her, waving her hands was Miyuki in a floral-print one-piece. Her femininity increased with each passing day, and the bold pattern served to emphasize her vibrant fairy-like charm.
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527The surprise was Mizuki. While her polka-dot patterned separate swimsuit wasn’t as revealing as a bikini, the deep cut at the chest area showed off her ample assets, and it was impossible to link her to her usual docile image. Perhaps because of her narrow shoulders and hips, the slender curve of her waist resulted in a particular attractiveness.
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529Likewise in a separate swimsuit, Honoka had a pareo wrapped around one shoulder giving off an asymmetric style of mature air. If not simply considering size, but curves, this was probably the best proportioned one out of them all.
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531On the other hand, Shizuku was in a girlish swimsuit laden with frills. Even so, however, she continued to wear her grown-up detached expression, the two combining to create a perverted mysterious charm.
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533Staring at this sight made Tatsuya feel peculiarly uncomfortable deep inside, and he shifted his gaze.
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535To the side, flashy waves of water rose.
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537Leo and Mikihiko were having a (swimming) competition.
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539As Tatsuya watched, Leo seemed to be right in his element, while Mikihiko was desperately trying to catch his stride. ……For some inexplicable reason it made him recall a sense of intimacy.
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541Looking further into the distance, towards the horizon, he gradually let his consciousness drift away.
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543For a while, he immersed himself in solitude.
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545Then suddenly, he felt the presence of people.
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547Glancing at the bodies around him — Tatsuya complimented himself for managing not to utter a sound.
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549Five people were bent over looking at his face.
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551This would have been problematic in a normal situation, never mind in swimsuits.
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553“Tatsuya-san, thinking?”
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555Shizuku asked as she bent over him from the front at the waist, her hands on her lap. Looking from this angle, it appeared that Shizuku’s body wasn’t as childlike as he had imagined. Of course, that wasn’t something he said aloud. Likewise, staring was obviously out of the question.
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557“Onii-sama, we finally came all this way to the sea, so won’t you come swim?”
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559“That’s right. Just camping under the parasol like this all day would be a waste.”
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561With Miyuki on the left and Honoka on the right, surrounding him in a similar posture to Shizuku, there was no escape for his eyes wherever he looked.
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563Behind Shizuku, innocently waiting for his reply was Mizuki, and next to her was Erika wearing that evil grin of hers. Leaving things like this would be very bad. With no clear reason why, Tatsuya severely felt so.
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565“Fair enough, I guess I will.”
566
567Getting to his feet and brushing sand off his trunks, he casually removed himself from the line of sight of those five charming figures. While keeping his eyes firmly down, he took off his yacht parka.
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569As the parka hit the sand, the mood visibly changed.
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571Oh crap, Tatsuya thought, but it was already too late.
572
573“Tatsuya-kun, those are……”
574
575Erika couldn’t hide the tension in her voice.
576
577What those were soon became clear. Not just Tatsuya, but Mizuki, Honoka, and Shizuku all readily realized just what Erika had been so nervously surprised about. The eyes of those maidens were glued to “those” on his body.
578
579Underneath the parka hid a body forged of steel. The thickness of the muscle wasn’t anything surprising. It didn’t even quite approach the volume of an adult’s body. But even whilst boyish, the chest and abdominal muscles were heavily toned and firm, almost like a Renaissance sculpture.
580
581There was one feature there that sculptures lacked however — criss-crossing all over the skin were innumerable scars.
582
583Many were cuts.
584
585Just as many were punctures.
586
587There were some minor burn marks in places.
588
589Oddly enough there was no trace of fractures, but even accounting for that it was not a body raised in a usual way.
590
591Mere normal training could never do this.
592
593Nor could simply training until your blood ran.
594
595Only actually being cut, stabbed, and burned, until blood flowed as if under torture, or perhaps the training itself was torture; could produce such a body. Precisely because Erika understood, she didn’t scream out loud.
596
597“Tatsuya-kun… you, just what…”
598
599“Sorry, it’s not something pleasant to look at.”
600
601Returning an irrelevant answer to that unspoken question, Tatsuya averted his eyes from Erika and stretched out for his just discarded parka.
602
603But his hand couldn’t reach it. That which he should have dropped in the sand a moment ago, was now firmly held tight against Miyuki’s chest as she knelt at his feet.
604
605Although his sister, he would not allow his hand to go near a lady’s chest, so his left arm ended up wandering aimlessly through the air. Fortunately, there was no need to worry about retracting it. Because the moment he rose, his left arm was enveloped by Miyuki’s right arm.
606
607“Wah!”
608
609The one who had raised her voice in surprise was Mizuki. In close contact, Miyuki’s chest was pressed against Tatsuya’s arm with only a thin swimsuit between them. At that however, Miyuki showed not a hint of embarrassment.
610
611“Onii-sama, it’s fine.”
612
613Miyuki’s face was faintly red, but it came not from any shame at clinging to him half-naked.
614
615“I know. That every one of these scars, is proof of the pain Onii-sama went through to become stronger than anyone.”
616
617But rather from looking deep into his eyes at such close range.
618
619“So, I don’t think Onii-sama’s body is anything to be ashamed of.”
620
621At Miyuki’s words, Tatsuya’s expression softened slightly. Then, he felt the impact of something soft pressing on his right arm.
622
623Erika gave a low whistle. It wasn’t in ridicule, but rather in praise.
624
625He was pretty sure he already knew who it was, but nonetheless he turned his head to verify the presence wrapped around his right arm.
626
627As expected, it was Honoka. Almost as if competing with Miyuki, she hugged Tatsuya’s arm tight with both hands. Unlike Miyuki, she was wearing a separate swimsuit, so Tatsuya’s arm was touching her soft skin directly. Whether because of that, Honoka’s face was three times as red as Miyuki’s.
628
629“I, I don’t mind either!”
630
631Despite fumbling at the start, she began to talk rapidly after that. Probably as a matter of course, an act which would be natural for lovers being acted upon on someone of the opposite sex, while in a swimsuit, was far too bold. It would be even weirder if she wasn’t this nervous.
632
633Although speaking of weird, what was weirder was Honoka’s actions.
634
635For a teenage girl, no, even a woman rich in life experience, the scars engraved all over Tatsuya’s body should be something hard to face. If there were only a few small ones there might not be any problems, but those scars would normally be associated with events of terror.
636
637Tatsuya could only suppose that removing his parka in front of those girls despite knowing that was a stupid moment of carelessness, perhaps caused by the blazing tropical sun, he thought bitterly.
638
639That aside Erika’s reaction, while rare, was nonetheless understandable. And as far as he was concerned he had long ago given up trying to classify Miyuki’s words and actions with anything that could be considered as “normal”. But what was behind Honoka’s actions was a mystery to him. It was almost as if—
640
641“It’s almost like… being caught between your sister and your girlfriend isn’t it?”
642
643
644
645
646
647“Hey, shh! You can’t say that Mizuki. Things had finally gotten interesting and all.”
648
649Mizuki’s words were likely not desultory, but rather simply her honest thoughts. Tatsuya understood that perfectly well, but he nonetheless wholeheartedly agreed with Erika’s words “you can’t say that”. The second part however he couldn’t agree with at all.
650
651But in between the first and second half of that sentence, Erika’s voice notably changed. Her reservation disappeared. Mizuki’s voice was the same as usual throughout.
652
653With that evil grin Erika backed away slightly from Tatsuya, who was futilely trying to deal with Honoka still wrapped firmly around his arm (he had long since stopped caring about Miyuki).
654
655“Uh, sorry Tatsuya-kun. I showed a strange attitude.”
656
657“No, I don’t mind. So Erika, please don’t mind anything either.”
658
659“Even if you tell me not to… ah, that’s right!”
660
661I’ve just thought of something good, her expression said, as that smile lit up her face once more.
662
663“I will properly show my atonement as well.”
664
665As she said so she hooked the thumb of her right hand under the shoulder strap of her swimsuit and with a wink, lifted it about the width of a finger.
666
667Next to Erika, Mizuki stiffened.
668
669With Honoka still rapidly chattering away without lifting her head, and Miyuki looking up at him with that perfect smile, Tatsuya turned to alternatively look at the two girls still clinging to his arm.
670
671“Let’s go swim.”
672
673With the two of them still firmly attached to his arms, Tatsuya began to awkwardly proceed towards the beach.
674
675Erika puffed out her cheeks, while Mizuki smiled vacantly lost in her own world.
676
677Passing those two and catching up to Tatsuya’s crowd, Shizuku nodded and simply said “well done” to the back of the girl on the right.
678
679
680
681
682
683A brilliant blue sky spread out overhead before Tatsuya. Floating on his back in the calm sea (only his almost submerged face rose over the surface of the water), the only sensation was the lapping of the waves.
684
685Just a while earlier a water fight had ensued, with what could be called “jetstreams” flying everywhere (of course as if by magic, it was decided the enemy was Tatsuya); however, five girls on one guy was too much of a mental strain even for him. If Leo and Mikihiko had been around he might have been able to hang on a little longer, but the two of them must have been engaged in some serious long distance swimming as they were no longer in sight. When he had said “I’ll be off for a bit” and turned his back to those five, Miyuki’s face seemed to be filled with frustration, but as expected she understood his discomfort well.
686
687Now the ladies were playing on a boat. The location was a beach close to where Tatsuya was drifting. Keeping a distance so as not to disturb him but within eye-shot seemed to be a compromise Miyuki, then the rest of the girls, had settled upon.
688
689The happy voices of the girls carried over on the breeze to where he lay. Most of it was not conversation but simply senseless shrieking, yet without even looking by analyzing the pushions they were emitting he could grasp what they were likely to be doing. Honoka and Shizuku were on the boat, Miyuki and Erika in the water around the sides, and Mizuki should be sitting about under a parasol on the beach.
690
691While being rocked by those gentle waves, Tatsuya remembered something. Honoka had said she wasn’t a very good swimmer. Though she was in a boat it wasn’t particularly big, nor was it particularly stable, and he wondered if it was alright for her to come so far out.
692
693That ominous premonition turned out to be right on the money. Whether the power of language or a flag as it’s designated by various people, the idea was that unfortunate possibilities if put into words would transcend theory into reality. That doesn’t simply apply to words uttered from the mouth, but thoughts formed in the mind as well.
694
695A scream suddenly cut through the calm summer air. Tatsuya perceived the capsizing event as information faster than the eye could see, and immediately rose onto the surface of the water and began sprinting full throttle towards the boat. It was a movement technique he would normally never use if others were around to see, but it sure was a heck of a lot faster than swimming.
696
697Running up next to the capsized boat, Tatsuya in one step had continuously been Flash Casting a surface tension amplification magic to achieve an effect like a “water spider”.
698
699Tatsuya dived feet-first into the water. Following Miyuki’s gestures who had dived in earlier, Tatsuya hooked his hand around Honoka’s waist. In an understandable state of panic, Honoka was wildly flailing her limbs, kicking away even as Tatsuya brought her up to the surface of the water.
700
701Above him, Erika had pushed Shizuku back onto the boat. Either Erika or Shizuku had righted the overturned craft. Tatsuya decided to think about just how they had managed that later, and took Honoka towards the boat.
702
703Ever since making it back onto the surface of the water she had calmed somewhat, but she was still in a relatively agitated state. Desperately and unreasonably resisting being led to the boat, she kept pleading “please wait a bit!” and “I beg you!”. However, just by being in the hot water of that summer sea would sap her depleted strength further. Because of her weakened state, it was necessary to have her rest inside the boat. Tatsuya reluctantly shook his head, and forcibly lifted Honoka’s body into the vessel. The momentum propelled half of her body inside, and before she could rise she was restrained by Shizuku. Seeing her up close from the front, Tatsuya suddenly realized why she had been so reluctant.
704
705The swimsuit Honoka had been wearing had probably been designed with fashion foremost in mind, and swimming practicality after.
706
707Her swimsuit was missing the top.
708
709Tatsuya shut his eyes tightly, and wordlessly allowed the gravity from his lift to carry him back down beneath the waves.
710
711A fresh scream rent the peaceful air, as Honoka crouched down and covered her chest with both hands.
712
713
714
715
716
717“Hic, hic, sniff…”
718
719“Uh, uhmm, is there something… Honoka-san, are you alright…?”
720
721Upon reaching the beach she had broken down and began crying in earnest, and in confusion Mizuki who didn’t know what had happened was trying to comfort her. The other three — Shizuku, Erika and Miyuki stood around the two in abject embarrassment.
722
723“Hic… that’s why, hic… I told him… sniff, to waaait…”
724
725Of course, the one who felt the most awkward was Tatsuya. Truth be told, he would have wanted nothing more than to run away.
726
727However, this wasn’t something he could just hide from.
728
729“That, well… Tatsuya-kun was just trying to help…”
730
731Erika’s words naturally had no effect. Miyuki wasn’t able to find words for either party, not even Tatsuya.
732
733“Honoka, I uh… I’m sorry.”
734
735Tatsuya himself had had no malicious intent, and although he held no accountability in that regard, he couldn’t just keep an indifferent face. Thinking so Tatsuya bowed low, as Shizuku whispered something in Honoka’s ear.
736
737“Honoka, you know that Tatsuya-san isn’t to blame.”
738
739A quiet voice only Honoka could hear.
740
741“He gave you plenty of time to fix your clothing after.”
742
743Despite the small volume, and despite the numerous contradictions, Shizuku’s words seemed to have a calming effect.
744
745“This wasn’t exactly according to plan, but…”
746
747However, it also seemed something suspicious had gotten mixed into those comforting words.
748
749“This is a good chance.”
750
751That line was somewhat conspiratorial.
752
753Shizuku had a few more inspirational words with her, then Honoka finally looked up.
754
755“Tatsuya-san… are you really sorry?”
756
757“I am being perfectly sincere. I truly am very sorry.”
758
759As Tatsuya bowed again, Honoka muttered “Then…”
760
761“…just for today, listen to everything I say.”
762
763“Come again?”
764
765At those totally unexpected words, confusion settled on Tatsuya’s face. Honoka didn’t fit the image of someone who would say something like that at all. Not just Tatsuya, but Miyuki and Erika wore similar expressions.
766
767“If you do, I’ll forgive you. Is that ok…?”
768
769Tatsuya and Miyuki exchanged glances.
770
771Miyuki’s crooked smile seemed to suggest “it can’t be helped”.
772
773“…If that’s what you want.”
774
775Although she had said “whatever she says”, he knew she wasn’t a girl who would make malicious requests like in the “King’s game” that was popular several decades ago. As he nodded yes, Honoka happily cried “it’s a promise!” with a broad smile.
776
777
778
779
780
781By the time Leo returned from his looo-o-ong (both in distance and duration) swim, he was just in time for tea on the balcony.
782
783Cold drinks and colorful fruits were arrayed all over the table.
784
785The acting waiter Kurosawa didn’t wear a costume underneath her apron, but a light, mini one-piece. Her shoulders were bare, and her slender limbs peeked out from behind the apron that was larger than the dress itself. The sheer sex appeal it exuded would have instantly attracted the eyes of any teenage male, but today there were four more powerful swimsuits alongside her.
786
787Taking a step back and looking maturely, two were beauties and two had already surpassed the level of the word beauty. For Leo, however, who distinctly felt “food before romance” before these four swimsuit clad forms, not even Kurosawa’s “adult appeal” was a match for him.
788
789But that didn’t mean he was insensitive. Recognizing those four swimsuits, Leo remarked “oh?” as he looked around.
790
791“Where are… Tatsuya and Mitsui?”
792
793“They’re in, the boat, way over there.”
794
795The answer came not from the table, but from behind.
796
797Tired all over and dripping seawater, Mikihiko breathlessly answered as he pointed.
798
799Tatsuya and Honoka were heading out to sea in a retro rowboat.
800
801“…What the heck’s going on?”
802
803“Stuff happened. Yeah, stuff.”
804
805At Leo’s question, Erika answered toothily.
806
807Rather than curt, that expression was almost a sulk, and as she turned away, Leo, rather than being offended had his curiosity piqued further.
808
809Seeing Mikihiko watching the scene with interest, he also immediately looked over to sea.
810
811Wearing a straw hat, Tatsuya’s expression was hidden under its shade and indiscernible.
812
813Honoka held a parasol and had her back turned to them, so her expression likewise couldn’t be seen.
814
815Even so as the small boat receded from the shore, Mikihiko could feel the exceedingly peaceful air they gave.
816
817“…That’s quite the nice atmosphere isn’t it?”
818
819“You two, hey,”
820
821You morons, she left unsaid.
822
823Even as Erika freaked out, a cold air cut through the room from the opposite seat.
824
825Snap snap snap… Mikihiko could hear these ominous sounds coming from the girl sitting next to him, reminiscent of deepest winter.
826
827“Mikihiko-kun, won’t you have a chilled orange?”
828
829Talking affably, Miyuki laughed as she passed a far too cold orange to Mikihiko.
830
831With perfect timing, Kurosawa passed him a spoon.
832
833Mechanically, Mikihiko took the sorbet spoon from her.
834
835Miyuki had another piece of fruit in her hands. Once again, that snap snap snap… sound could be heard, and immediately she was holding a raw mango sorbet. Removing her frozen gaze from the fruit she had been staring at, she offered it to the person across from her with another bright smile.
836
837“Saijou-kun, won’t you have one too?”
838
839“Ah… thanks…”
840
841Leo decided that answer would be for the best.
842
843Miyuki directed her gaze back at the mountain of fruit before her, but perhaps losing interest, glumly looked away.
844
845“Shizuku, I’m sorry, but I feel a bit tired. Could I rest somewhere for a while please?”
846
847“It’s fine, don’t worry. Kurosawa-san?”
848
849“Of course. Miyuki-ojousama, right this way.”
850
851Following Kurosawa, Miyuki slid away into the villa.
852
853Compared to Mizuki’s cringing expression, Shizuku’s signature poker-face was a marked contrast.
854
855
856
857
858
859Dinner was a barbecue.
860
861Eight people gathered harmoniously around the console, with Miyuki perhaps calming down after resting going back and forth between the table and the barbecue.
862
863Before going off to incessantly pester Tatsuya, Honoka happily chatted away with Erika and Shizuku.
864
865Perhaps because of the trauma incurred during teatime, Mizuki sat away from Miyuki and the others, engaging in conversation with Mikihiko.
866
867Leo was wolfing food down with gusto. Kurosawa was almost exclusively serving him.
868
869Of course the groupings weren’t exclusive, with Honoka joining Miyuki’s group sometimes, and Tatsuya getting into a foodfight with Leo.
870
871But somehow — somehow compared to usual, there was an awkward air floating in between them.
872
873
874
875
876
877It was the calm before the storm.
878
879It’s impossible to be sure of what will happen, but something definitely was going to happen — the one who broke that position and raised the curtain, was someone unexpected.
880
881As soon as the card game the five girls had been playing ended in Mizuki’s defeat, Shizuku asked Miyuki “Will you come with me for a bit?”
882
883“…Sure.”
884
885Her confusion lasted only for a second.
886
887Almost immediately, Miyuki was smiling again.
888
889“…Um, are you guys going for a walk? I’ll come too.”
890
891“You can’t Mizuki. You have to go through the punishment game.”
892
893As Mizuki rose to follow after Miyuki, Erika grabbed her by the shirt and pulled her back down.
894
895“Ehhh!? I didn’t hear anything about that!”
896
897“The loser obviously has to go through a punishment game. Anyway with that being said, you two take care.”
898
899Whether reading the air or not Erika subtly bound Mizuki, and pretending not to notice the tensions between them she waved Miyuki and Shizuku off.
900
901The ones who sensed the tense atmosphere weren’t just the ladies. After finishing dinner, Leo grabbed the pudding and took off, probably realizing the situation and Mikihiko, who was unable to concentrate on his game of chess, shot side glances at the girls.
902
903“Checkmate. 10 more moves.”
904
905“Ehh, already!?”
906
907Cried out at Tatsuya’s ruthless sentence.
908
909
910
911
912
913Leaving the villa, they turned left onto the beach.
914
915Shizuku walked on in silence, and Miyuki followed in silence.
916
917They proceeded in that way and when the lights of the villa could no longer be seen, Shizuku turned around.
918
919Her normally expressionless face was tense.
920
921Miyuki simply smiled, but that expression was an archaic smile from which no emotions could be read.
922
923“Sorry for making you accompany me all this way.”
924
925“It’s fine. Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
926
927Even at Miyuki’s prompting however, she couldn’t bring herself to immediately cut to the chase.
928
929After counting 10 rounds of waves washing gently over the shore, Shizuku opened her mouth.
930
931“I want to know.”
932
933“About what?”
934
935“Just how does Miyuki feel about Tatsuya-san?”
936
937At Shizuku’s question without any covering or roundabout approach, without any explanation or reason of intent,
938
939“I love him.”
940
941Miyuki answered in a single word with absolute calm.
942
943“…Is that, as a man?”
944
945Rather, the one who seemed upset was Shizuku. She keeping her cool was probably just another aspect of her personality.
946
947“No.”
948
949Miyuki’s answer came without the slightest hesitation.
950
951Her expression was serene.
952
953“I love and respect Onii-sama more than anyone. But, that’s not as a woman. These feelings I have for my brother are not romantic love. There could never be such a love between him and I.”
954
955Meeting Shizuku’s gaze,
956
957“I’m curious to know, why would you ask such a question of me?”
958
959She gave a sly grin.
960
961“It’s fine. I have no intention to interfere with Honoka whatsoever. …Just so you know, I will feel really jealous though?
962
963So rest assured, although I guess that’s going to be difficult.”
964
965As Miyuki gave a light laugh, Shizuku’s expression seemed to be nearing tears.
966
967“…Why.”
968
969“Why what?”
970
971“Why…do you try to detach yourself like that? I mean, when it’s so evident that you love Tatsuya-san so much.”
972
973Miyuki took a step towards Shizuku.
974
975Shizuku visibly stiffened, but, she didn’t flinch.
976
977Miyuki walked past her in that way, until they were back to back.
978
979“…It’s difficult to explain the relationship between us siblings to someone else. There are too many speculations intertwined. But the feelings I have towards Onii-sama are not so simple as that.”
980
981“…Are you really siblings?”
982
983As Shizuku turned around,
984
985“You’ve asked a pretty well worn question.”
986
987Miyuki answered with her back still turned.
988
989“…I’m sorry.”
990
991“No, I’m not blaming you or anything.”
992
993Shaking her head, Miyuki’s smile was carefree.
994
995“Very well… since you have a friend who really is trying her hardest.”
996
997“I… also think of you as my friend.”
998
999“I know. Which is why you’re so conflicted right? You’re doing your best not to hurt either of us.”
1000
1001At Miyuki’s gentle gaze, Shizuku abashedly looked away.
1002
1003“As I was saying… Onii-sama and I are true siblings. Or at least that’s what it says on the records, and DNA tests have always confirmed that relation.”
1004
1005“But…”
1006
1007“I know what you want to say.”
1008
1009As Shizuku stammered, Miyuki nodded understandingly.
1010
1011“These feelings I have for Onii-sama, even I know it transcends the realm of normal sibling bonds.”
1012
1013Shizuku fell silent in embarrassment.
1014
1015“You know… in truth, I died three years ago.”
1016
1017“Huh?”
1018
1019In light of this confession, not even she could suppress her voice.
1020
1021“Or maybe it’s better to say I should have died? But at that time, I truly could feel my life fading from my body, so I suppose ‘I really did die’ isn’t that inaccurate either.”
1022
1023As Miyuki spoke her smile was so fleeting, and the line “I really did die” delivered with such conviction that Shizuku couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down her spine.
1024
1025“It’s because of Onii-sama that I can stand before you like this. Being able to cry, to laugh, to speak with you right here and now, is all thanks to him. I owe my life to him, and all I have and all I am belong to him alone.”
1026
1027“That’s…”
1028
1029The question “what does that mean?” remained unspoken, and no answer to it came.
1030
1031“The feelings I have for Onii-sama are not romantic love.”
1032
1033The answer she gave instead referred to the second question “as a man?”, and the conviction in her voice was no less than before.
1034
1035“Romantic love, means you want something from that person doesn’t it?”
1036
1037Even if she could have conversely asked Miyuki “isn’t love wanting that person to be yours?”, Shizuku didn’t reply. She believed it wasn’t suitable, and besides,
1038
1039“But, there is nothing I want from Onii-sama. Because I have already received me myself from him.”
1040
1041She instinctively understood Miyuki wasn’t searching for an answer.
1042
1043“I don’t desire anything more from him. I won’t even ask him to accept my feelings. In the end… I guess, love[3] is the only word I could use to describe it.”
1044
1045“…I got it.”
1046
1047At Miyuki’s confession, Shizuku could do nothing but raise the white flag.
1048
1049“Miyuki, you really are the real deal.”
1050
1051“I think it’s a somewhat warped way of looking at things myself.”
1052
1053As Shizuku just shook her head, Miyuki closed one eye and gave a mischievous smile.
1054
1055
1056
1057
1058
1059Soon after Shizuku and Miyuki left, Honoka went to check herself in a mirror. When she left the room, she said she was “going to pick flowers”.
1060
1061While she looked herself over, she ran through the words Shizuku had said. “I’ll take Miyuki outside, so you invite Tatsuya in the meanwhile”.
1062
1063She had immediately known what she meant. Shizuku understood Honoka’s feelings perfectly well without needing to consult her. Truthfully speaking, the capsizing incident earlier had also been something “orchestrated” by Shizuku in an attempt to bring Honoka and Tatsuya together. She had informed him earlier that Honoka was not a good swimmer, and her plan had been that Tatsuya would save her then Honoka could use that as a pretext to approach and thank him. In case Tatsuya didn’t make it in time, she also had a followup plan prepared. What had eventuated was a complete accident, but as a result Honoka had been able to monopolize Tatsuya for the day, so even as Shizuku felt guilty she was also rather happy.
1064
1065Now, Shizuku had set the stage for Honoka’s confession. Apprehensively, Honoka applied a light covering of pale rouge. Touching up her hair and rechecking her attire, Honoka muttered “alright!” as she psyched herself up. According to plan she was to lure Tatsuya away while Miyuki wasn’t here, and Honoka proceeded back in to the living room.
1066
1067She wasn’t even aware that her feet were trembling slightly.
1068
1069
1070
1071
1072
1073Walking next to Tatsuya and stealing a glance at his face every now and then, Honoka was troubled as to when she should start talking.
1074
1075So far everything was going as envisioned. When she had asked him “would you come outside with me for a bit?” he had immediately replied yes, which puzzled her somewhat.
1076
1077In a way, the far too smooth start had shaken her slightly. Tatsuya was silent.
1078
1079Out from the villa they had turned right, and as if to shelter Honoka from the waves Tatsuya had walked on the sea side throughout.
1080
1081Somehow, it felt to Honoka as if he had already guessed her intentions and was avoiding reaching the conclusion.
1082
1083A growing sense of crisis welled up within her that if she didn’t act herself, nothing would be resolved.
1084
1085“Tatsuya-san.”
1086
1087After opening and closing her mouth countless times Honoka finally managed to let out a strained voice, and Tatsuya stopped and turned around.
1088
1089By now the lights of the villa were out of view.
1090
1091Other words which were even now being exchanged that same night were lost to the sound of surf and never reached them.
1092
1093Under the endless starlit sky, accompanied only by the murmur of the waves, Honoka stood looking at Tatsuya face to face.
1094
1095However, she couldn’t proceed. Even as he encouraged her with his eyes, Honoka could only glance aside and start chattering.
1096
1097“I…”
1098
1099At times she would look up, meeting his gaze as if trying to say something, then with a strained expression stammer something out; this process was repeated numerous times.
1100
1101“Yes, what is it?”
1102
1103Tatsuya encouraged her in a softer tone than usual, with softer words than usual.
1104
1105Perhaps encouraged more by his voice than his words,
1106
1107“I… uhm, I… I like you!”
1108
1109These words that Honoka finally managed to squeeze out, after all her hesitation, may have even managed to penetrate through to the other side of the darkness.
1110
1111But Honoka didn’t think about that at all.
1112
1113Right now, to her, the two of them were the only ones in the whole world.
1114
1115“—So how does Tatsuya-san feel about me?”
1116
1117Unable to look him in the eyes Honoka squeezed her eyes tightly shut, yet an answer didn’t come.
1118
1119“…Did I cause you trouble?”
1120
1121Gingerly opening her eyes Honoka asked in a tearful voice, but Tatsuya simply shook his head with a smile.
1122
1123“Not at all. I had a feeling you might say something like this. Though I only realized around afternoon today.”
1124
1125As they looked at each other, Honoka felt she could sense a deep indescribable sadness in his eyes.
1126
1127Preparing herself for the sorrow that was sure to come, Honoka squeezed her hands tightly. But Tatsuya’s response, for better or for worse, was something unexpected entirely.
1128
1129“…You know, Honoka, I’m actually a human missing part of his soul.”
1130
1131“…eh?”
1132
1133“When I was a child, I was involved in a magic accident of sorts… some of my mental functions were erased.”
1134
1135Honoka’s face paled visibly. Her pallor was evident even in the dark night.
1136
1137Her eyes were open wide, and only a “no way…” leaked out as she covered her mouth with her hands.
1138
1139“At that time, I guess, I lost all of what you could call feelings of love. They weren’t sealed, so they can’t be released. They weren’t broken, so they can’t be fixed. That which is lost, cannot be recovered.”
1140
1141Tatsuya spoke casually as if it were someone else’s affair.
1142
1143“I can’t feel love. I can like someone, but I could never fall in love with them. In a way, only the knowledge remains. Searching my mind, I can tell a part is missing.”
1144
1145As Honoka covered her mouth, she didn’t utter anything like “that’s a lie” or “I don’t believe it”. She was literally shocked speechless. Only Tatsuya’s profession rang though her mind.
1146
1147“This may be an underhanded way of speaking, but, I do like you. However, that’s only as a friend. No matter how hard you try, I will never be able to think of you as a special woman. That will definitely be something painful for you — something that will hurt you.”
1148
1149Saying so, a powerless smile drifted across his face.
1150
1151“Which is why I cannot answer your feelings.”
1152
1153Tatsuya fell silent.
1154
1155Honoka likewise.
1156
1157Only the sound of breaking waves filled the dark night.
1158
1159As the tide gradually crept up the shore,
1160
1161and at length, finally reached their feet,
1162
1163Honoka raised her head.
1164
1165“Please don’t be mad… you know, I had thought, Tatsuya-san liked Miyuki. Not as a sister, but as a woman.”
1166
1167“…That’d be a misunderstanding.”
1168
1169“Yes, it seems so. Tatsuya-san is smart, so… if you were lying, you’d definitely be able to come up with something more credible. I’ve never heard of a magic capable of erasing partial features of the mind, yet even so, I believe you. Still, that being said, it also means you’ll never be able to love any other girl right?”
1170
1171Somewhat puzzled at this unexpected turn of events, Tatsuya answered “well, yeah…” with a nod.
1172
1173
1174
1175
1176
1177“…If so, then it’s fine.”
1178
1179“?”
1180
1181“From now on always, Tatsuya-san will never have a lover right? If so, for me to like you, wouldn’t turn into an illicit love right?”
1182
1183“That’s… true, I suppose.”
1184
1185“Then there’s no problem. From now on as well, I’ll continue to like you! Um, until I can like someone else that is!”
1186
1187Her declaration was bright.
1188
1189“…I don’t mind.”
1190
1191Tatsuya nodded with a wry smile.
1192
1193He wasn’t so dull as to not understand why Honoka had purposely added “until she likes someone else”.
1194
1195
1196
1197
1198
1199The sun aggressively asserted itself the next day as well.
1200
1201The temperature was in excess of 30°C from the morning.
1202
1203In that sweaty weather, upon the sandy beach—
1204
1205A fierce scorching battle was being waged.
1206
1207“Onii-sama, my back. Won’t you help me with this sunscreen?”
1208
1209“Tatsuya-san, want some juice?”
1210
1211Or,
1212
1213“Shizuku is lending us her jetski. Want a ride?”
1214
1215“Apparently there’s a nice dive spot just over there, want to go?”
1216
1217And so on, while the others around felt the oppressively heated atmosphere.
1218
1219“Miyuki, you really were holding back yesterday, huh…”
1220
1221“Honoka-san, it seems a great weight has been lifted from you, huh…”
1222
1223As Erika and Mizuki looked on in amazement,
1224
1225“…”
1226
1227Shizuku’s face was troubled,
1228
1229“Well, it seems he really has it tough.”
1230
1231Leo’s face was filled with compassion,
1232
1233“…Yoshida-kun, what’s the matter?”
1234
1235“Eh, no, it’s nothing.”
1236
1237and Mikihiko was — no, well, for the sake of his honour it’d be best not to say.
1238
1239Anyway as their friends each had their own separate thoughts as they gazed their way, Tatsuya alternated between Miyuki and Honoka’s requests, sighing at every turn.
1240
1241When jet skiing, he rode tandem with Miyuki in the passenger seat (afterwards was Honoka).
1242
1243Truth be told, Honoka was actually a fairly competent swimmer — yesterday she had panicked for a different reason — as he went with her via motorboat to the dive spot (Miyuki also came along).
1244
1245After applying sunscreen (or rather reapplying), he had food pushed into his mouth one after the other, like a goose being fed for foie gras (“ahhn’s” accompanied and all).
1246
1247Being caught in this pressure hotter than the Ogasawara air mass (love pressure?), Tatsuya who was being constantly buffeted around in this burning atmosphere…
1248
1249More than yesterday, more than ever, looked forward to being able to relax again.
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255The Honour Student’s Supplementary Lesson
1256
1257
1258
1259
1260Entering into the second half of summer vacation, First High’s campus became rather deserted.
1261
1262With the Nine Schools Competition – a major event of the summer season – drawing to a close, the various athletic clubs fell into a state of self-guided practice. Another week into the future, all the clubs would once again be bustling with activity in order to welcome the new semester, but currently even club activities fell prey to summer vacation.
1263
1264Yet, the place was not completely deserted as a small minority of students still came to engage in individual practice. This was especially the case for Year 1 students, who found it difficult to use the training facilities when certain upperclassmen were present and could now take full advantage of this opportunity to fully employ the facilities.
1265
1266In the sealed practice field for mock battles, the figures of many a Year 1 student could be seen.
1267
1268
1269
1270
1271
1272Someone was running amidst the irregularly erected large, square pillars.
1273
1274With vision so severely limited like this in a room, this was practically a maze even if there were no walls. The intermittent flashes of light as well as the abandoned terrain littered about one’s feet aroused the terror that one might stumble at any moment.
1275
1276Nevertheless, deceleration was out of the question even under these conditions. This was a timed exercise that was in progress. Even if this was individual practice, leaving behind a terrible blemish was unacceptable.
1277
1278The forest of pillars split into a fork in the road.
1279
1280The choice was made in a flash – take the right path. There was an automatic turret set just ahead.
1281
1282As if on reflex, the right hand holding the CAD aimed the “muzzle” and pulled the trigger.
1283
1284The preset Mass-Type Magic for competitive use was triggered.
1285
1286The gravity sensory devices flipped a switch and the automatic turret ceased moving.
1287
1288Cold sweat dripped down his back a little after the fact, but there was no time to ponder this. In order to salvage the time lost when his footsteps came to a halt on reflex, he had to pick up the speed to complete the exercise. Thus, he passed to the side of the motionless automatic turret and corrected his trajectory by following the curve formed by the pillars on the left.
1289
1290At that instant –
1291
1292--His flank suffered a vicious impact.
1293
1294--The alarm signaling his disqualification rang out.
1295
1296
1297
1298
1299
1300Along the racetrack that was illuminated once more, Morisaki grimaced as he glanced down at his body. A red paint pellet was tightly stuck to the right side of the practice uniform worn by the Battler Shooting Club.
1301
1302The pellet could be directly peeled off by hand since it had already dried off, but in order to properly clean the uniform he needed to use the removal fluid stored in the preparation room. Morisaki swiftly headed for the exit in order to avoid obstructing the next user.
1303
1304The sound of him brutally shoving the door open caused the female student performing maintenance on the shooting device used for Guided Shooting to widen her eyes and turn around. (Guided Shooting utilized bullets fired with magic rather than employing gunpowder or compressed air. This was a magic competition that fired small bullets that had a diameter of 2.54 cm (1 in). The shooting device used specifically for Guided Shooting was shaped like a rifle and the stock of the rifle was altered so that there were four channels fixed in place so bullets could be inserted from four different locations and a CAD was mounted within.)
1305
1306“……Morisaki, you’re rude.”
1307
1308This female student – Takigawa Kazumi from Year 1 Class C, stopped working on the shooting device and turned a caring voice towards Morisaki.
1309
1310“Takigawa…… You’re a member from the Guided Shot (Guided Shooting Club). What are you doing here?”
1311
1312“Woah, you actually responded like that.”
1313
1314Just as Takigawa said, Morisaki’s response was “like that” and certainly rubbed others in the wrong way.
1315
1316“I came to look for a few components for the internal CAD and I have received permission from your club leader. That’s why I think there’s no reason for you to ask something like ‘What are you doing here’?”
1317
1318“Hmph…… And this can’t be done in storage?”
1319
1320“So sorry about that. I’m going to say this first, sharing excess components has always been a tradition among the shooting clubs. Morisaki had no idea because you always use your own CAD.”
1321
1322Setting aside members of the Student Council or Public Moral Committee who have been granted the right to carry CADs on campus, “normal club members” had to configure the reserve CADs provided to the various clubs and equipped with restrictions in the Local Positioning System for personal use. Upon entering high school, Morisaki had immediately joined the Public Moral Committee and had always used his own CAD even during club activities, so there was no chance he could have learned about the club’s processes and procedures for CAD maintenance.
1323
1324This rejoinder was normally proof against any rebuttal, but Morisaki only snorted and turned his back on Takigawa. Wholly ignoring her words about “rubbing the wrong way”, he removed the spray can from the cabinet by the wall and sprayed it over his flank. The paint pellet stuck to his side fell off and landed on the ground in one piece. Several similarly red contours lay scattered across the floor.
1325
1326“Morisaki…… How many times has it been now? Aren’t you pushing yourself too much? You should probably call it a day now.”
1327
1328“……Are you worried about me?”
1329
1330“Of course I’m worried about you.”
1331
1332Morisaki rubbed away at the sweat that endlessly dripped from his forehead and spoke with a mocking tone. Takigawa nodded in earnest in reply.
1333
1334“I want to make this perfectly clear. This is not because I’m interested in you, crushing on you, or some sort of malicious joke. I just can’t stand by and say nothing as someone I know collapses in front of me.”
1335
1336“—I’m aware of that.”
1337
1338Heedless of her words, Morisaki left those words as he turned to leave. Takigawa pressed on.
1339
1340“In that case, you should stop here today. Continuing to practice will only pointlessly waste your strength, nor can you derive any personal satisfaction out of it.”
1341
1342Takigawa directly took in the ugly glare Morisaki sent her way without averting her eyes.
1343
1344“—I got it.”
1345
1346The one who looked away first was Morisaki.
1347
1348He ceased to speak and vanished into the men’s changing room.
1349
1350“I can relate to that sort of anxiety, but…… No, I probably can’t understand. After all, ‘he’ and Morisaki are both boys.”
1351
1352Takigawa watched his back disappear and murmured to herself.
1353
1354
1355
1356
1357
1358Morisaki took off the club uniform and changed into a shirt and the school pants. Just as he was about to put on the school uniform for the summer, his eye fell across the embroidered insignia on the pocket that lay over the left bosom.
1359
1360--Four months ago, he took pride in that insignia.
1361
1362--Yet recently, he was usually confounded by a frustration that found no release.
1363
1364This unexplainable frustration continued to erode Morisaki’s heart. Nay, perhaps it was more appropriate to describe this as “a truth he did not wish to explain”.
1365
1366Morisaki forsook wearing the coat and draped it over one shoulder as he walked out of the changing room.
1367
1368He squinted his eyes and raised his gaze towards the blazing sun that illuminated the earth.
1369
1370Even without Takigawa reminding him, Morisaki could feel the anxiety building in him.
1371
1372Still, without her putting it so plainly, Morisaki might still be wasting his time on fruitless self-practice even now. That was something Morisaki comprehended.
1373
1374Next time they met, he should buy her a popsicle, Morisaki thought.
1375
1376His injury from the Nine Schools Competition was deemed as having to take over a month to heal, though thanks to the advent of magical healing, he was the picture of good health. Nevertheless, his body had grown rusty after staying in the hospital for a week and he hadn’t fully recovered to his original level. At least, that was how Morisaki felt about himself.
1377
1378Also……
1379
1380--Forget being boosted by the experience on the grandest stage, his magic skills seemed to have regressed compared to his state before summer vacation—
1381
1382This doubt lurked in the recesses of his heart.
1383
1384Morisaki was aware that this was not a healthy state of mind, but he was unable to beat down his frustration.
1385
1386(After all, there’s no teacher present……)
1387
1388Course 1 students possessed the “privilege” of being individually instructed by the instructors, but this was of course out of the question with no instructor on campus. This went beyond Morisaki, as even the participants of the Nine Schools Competition wouldn’t typically receive instruction during summer vacation and would have to make an appointment for some time after next week.
1389
1390If all he wanted was to learn theory then a simple visit to the library would suffice, but at the moment Morisaki was contemplating how to improve his technical skills. He was not decadent enough to ask for practical experience, but at the very least he wished to improve his magical abilities. That was the thought that dominated Morisaki’s mind.
1391
1392
1393
1394
1395
1396When speaking of the Morisaki Family, the first thing that came to mind was the “Quick Draw” technique.
1397
1398Among the Hundred Families, the Morisaki Family was a side family that did not possess a “number”. Though their magic power was rated as pedestrian, when it came to practicality under specialized conditions, they received high praise thanks to their unique talents. Even when compared to the “Numbered Families”, their talents matched if not exceeded them outright.
1399
1400So, what sort of technique was “Quick Draw”?
1401
1402In reality, this title did not contain any hidden meaning. “Quick Draw” was simply “quick activation”. This technique was designed with one thing in mind – how to activate magic as quickly as possible when employing CADs. Specifically speaking, this was a technique that jumpstarted CAD activity and activation before the CAD had even been raised in hopes of using magic to subdue the opponent before they could release their magic.
1403
1404Strength was a secondary priority.
1405
1406Degree of difficulty was not within the realm of consideration.
1407
1408Even if the strength of the magic was lowered, so long as the attack could be launched first then a successful incapacitation of the enemy could be achieved.
1409
1410After CADs became available at large, the speed of magic activation also increased. This technique was developed with this consideration in mind to utterly maximize speed and its element lay in the development and modification of CAD operation to raise efficiency.
1411
1412In pursuit of speed, the focal point naturally drifted towards Specialized CAD and not Generalized CADs. Specialized CADs in the form of handguns were currently mainstream, so the first developed technique was the motion of swiftly drawing the handgun-shaped CAD and firing.
1413
1414Hence the English name “Quick Draw”.
1415
1416This initial development brought about an unforeseen side effect.
1417
1418From not holding a CAD, which is to say being “completely unarmed”, to striking down the ambusher by activating magic before they could. This technique was highly compatible with Japanese operatives who usually carried concealed arms.
1419
1420American special agents might intentionally brandish a weapon to threaten the attacker, but Japanese agents were asked to conceal their weapons so as to reduce the anxiety level of their principals or related personnel.
1421
1422Owing to the unique nature of this ability, the Morisaki Family frequently accepted bodyguard requests. Their primary clients were civilian corporations that could not always call upon the police or military for personal protection. Although their primary objective remained researching modern magic, the Morisaki Family was better known in society for their side job running a protection agency.
1423
1424Morisaki Shun was the only son of the Morisaki Family’s main branch (there were no other young men in his generation) and had started working in the agency two years ago. As a youth, people were not as wary of him. Rather than serving as a primary accompanying agent, he utilized this to his full advantage and served in a support role and observed the surroundings from the rear while preventing attacks.
1425
1426When the agency was short on manpower, he was always called upon to assist regardless of whether he had the time (even though this was a side job), but recently he had not been asked to undertake any missions. Currently, Morisaki wasn’t interested in conducting practices that had no physical sense of accomplishment as he was more desirous of real (combat) experiences that validated his existence. However, he was not dispatched on a mission today either.
1427
1428After removing his uniform jacket and tossing it aside, Morisaki caught the eyes of the frustrated young man watching him from the mirror.
1429
1430The face belonged to him and no one else.
1431
1432Takigawa’s warning reverberated in his ears.
1433
1434Morisaki was aware that his current mental status was decidedly in poor condition.
1435
1436He needed to switch gears while the warning from other people still dwelt in his mind – he told himself while forcibly suppressing his frantic mood before changing from his uniform into casual wear.
1437
1438
1439
1440
1441
1442Even if this was a spur of the moment outing in the afternoon, he could immediately find four or five companions if he opened his communication device right now.
1443
1444Yet, Morisaki chose to walk the streets by himself.
1445
1446He kept a small CAD hidden in the front pocket on the inside of his vest and kept the smaller, scattered belongings in a backpack slung over one shoulder before hitching a ride on the bus to downtown.
1447
1448His destination was chosen entirely on whim. He did not come here for some specific purpose nor was this Morisaki’s preferred stomping grounds. Strictly speaking, he probably just wanted to will away the hours in a location that wasn’t too noisy but fairly lively at the same time.
1449
1450With so many parks in the area, this location belonged to more than just youngsters. Still, during daylight hours on a day that wasn’t a holiday, the most conspicuous figures were young men and women of high school age enjoying their summer vacation. Most of them wore clothing appropriate for the summer season with an emphasis on cooling off.
1451
1452This was rather refreshing for Morisaki.
1453
1454Even during summer vacation, most students were dressed in accordance with school rules on campus.
1455
1456Male students wore large sleeved tunics and female students wore leggings beneath their dresses. As a rule, both men and women wore jackets on top. Their athletic uniforms had long sleeves and pants while female students wore swimsuits used for competitions that covered everything below the neck.
1457
1458However, cuteness in the form of backless clothing or revealed shoulders was on full display here. Wearing sandals with bare feet was perfectly natural just as miniskirts or shorts that covered the bare minimum areas were nothing out of the ordinary.
1459
1460Morisaki himself was wearing easy-going gear that included a short-sleeved tunic embroidered with flower patterns and the top two buttons unbuttoned.
1461
1462However, he was wearing a vest that opened in front that concealed a CAD.
1463
1464This was the singularly most out of place area.
1465
1466The youth coming and going were not carrying CADs. From the onset, Morisaki never witnessed any young man wearing dark jackets or vests nor did he see any young ladies carrying thick bracelets.
1467
1468Just now, he hadn’t seen a single Magician.
1469
1470It seemed like Morisaki was only able to truly comprehend the cold truth just now that Magicians belonged to a decisive minority.
1471
1472Furthermore, he suddenly felt that “his throat had gone dry”.
1473
1474(……This must be because I was sweating a lot in the morning……)
1475
1476He rationalized this as thirst.
1477
1478Not far from where he was standing stood the terrace of a café.
1479
1480Without further contemplation, Morisaki walked towards the aesthetically pleasing café as if in stark resistance to acknowledging his thoughts and doubts.
1481
1482The rather limited capacity of the café had no empty spaces left.
1483
1484Lacking further options, Morisaki could only take a seat on the terrace that only provided an umbrella’s shade from the sun. Outdoor air conditioning services were not a rarity, but this café was not equipped with one. Given the outer appearance in the style of a small log cabin and the white wood furniture, the café owner was possibly a fan of natural décor.
1485
1486A certain group of people might conceive the café’s style as “fashionable”. Though there was indeed a demand of such in the market, this was wholly dependent on the time of year. As proof of this, the terrace of the café was sparsely populated.
1487
1488Morisaki claimed a corner seat for himself as he held a cup of iced coffee and observed the youth on the streets in a lackadaisical manner.
1489
1490He felt that most of them were young men and women about his age.
1491
1492At least half of them were couples whereas over 90% of the other half were moving as a group. Less than 5% of the crowd were loners like him (though based on mood, he was more of a solitary soldier than a true loner).
1493
1494An ostracized feeling gradually overcame Morisaki as he continued to observe the human beings around him when suddenly the silhouette of a young girl entered his eyes.
1495
1496Just like him, she was by her lonesome self. No, the rarity of this was exponentially higher given that she was female.
1497
1498She wore a sleeveless tunic with a high collar and a pleated skirt that fell to her knees while her bare feet were covered with sandals, a rather neutral wardrobe that was neither coquettish nor mundane.
1499
1500Still, her features defied the term “mundane”.
1501
1502Eight out of ten people, and this number would spike to nine if they were men, would rate her as a “beautiful young lady” or “beautiful woman”.
1503
1504If released from the ponytail that trailed down the front side along her left shoulder, her hair would have fallen to waist length. Her large eyes that were slightly uplifted along the corners flitted about without any effort, giving the impression of a large feline on the prowl. In this case, she was a leopard rather than a tiger or lion.
1505
1506Her face bespoke of an Eastern ancestry but her complexion was that of a Caucasian. Rather than labeling her a leopard, perhaps a snow leopard would be more precise (except that in reality, the snow leopard’s fur was closer to gray than true white).
1507
1508She looked to be two or three years older than Morisaki.
1509
1510Though her features were certainly eye catching, there were quite a few young ladies present whose appearances were more beauteous when it came down to “eye catching”. Morisaki noticed her because of her appearance, but stared at her for an altogether different reason.
1511
1512(She…… must be a Magician, right?)
1513
1514She was not wearing the commonly seen bracelet-shaped CAD.
1515
1516Seeing the bag she carried with her, there was the possibility that she was carrying a handgun-shaped CAD, but there was no way to verify short of popping open his machine.
1517
1518Her appearance gave no indication that she was a Magician, but Morisaki instinctively labeled this girl as someone connected to the magical world.
1519
1520She remained oblivious of Morisaki’s gaze, or at least feigned so, as she walked in front of the café where Morisaki was sitting.
1521
1522Morisaki pursued her figure with his eyes and noticed that there were others also watching her.
1523
1524And not with flirtatious intent.
1525
1526Helping out the family business – an “instinct” gained from his role as support personnel raised the alarm.
1527
1528She was being pursued by gazes with “malice” lurking behind them.
1529
1530Morisaki paid the bill using the terminal on the table and stepped away from his seat as if nothing was out of sorts.
1531
1532Morisaki was not shadowing this girl due to careful contemplation on his part. Morisaki’s experiences were not profound enough to constitute a “workaholic”, but this description was the closest approximation. Truth be told, the fact that she was a beautiful (young) woman certainly had an impact on Morisaki’s choice.
1533
1534This young lady (though she was probably more mature than that appellation) seemed to be on some sort of business as she departed the park area and walked towards the manufacturing streets.
1535
1536Maintaining a prudent distance as he trailed behind her, Morisaki noticed that there were few pedestrians passing by. Although this direction ran counter to the park or other amusement facilities, the rate at which the pedestrians were disappearing could not be explained as mere coincidence.
1537
1538Morisaki recognized that this was unnatural – as if some “unnatural” force was at work.
1539
1540Morisaki was unfamiliar with Ancient Magic, but he believed that Taoism or onmyoshi arts should be able to use some sort of technique to affect the subconscious, causing people to avoid a specific location.
1541
1542In other words, this was the work of Magicians. Ever since Morisaki noticed this young girl, she never showed signs of casting magic. Thus, Morisaki judged that there was someone other than her wielding magic to ward away outsiders.
1543
1544Then, what was the motive behind avoiding other people?
1545
1546Obviously, this wasn’t a confusion engineered to avoid embarrassment. There was no way that would be the reason.
1547
1548Possibilities included kidnaping, robbery, or – sexual assault.
1549
1550In Morisaki’s opinion, assassination in broad daylight was out of the question, but at any rate they were up to no good.
1551
1552The next question was how many people the other side possessed. Based on the broad scale of the magic involved, there couldn’t just be one or two people behind this. Without a clear picture on the opposing manpower, direct confrontation was a choice for fools. As such, the only option was to wait for the opponents to act then catch them by surprise from the flank, temporarily immobilizing the “enemy” and seizing that opportunity to evacuate the girl from the scene.
1553
1554--Morisaki decided on this course of action.
1555
1556However, the speed at which the situation spiraled out of control surpassed Morisaki’s calculations.
1557
1558Morisaki had believed that these miscreants – at least whom he deemed were miscreants – would wait until the young woman reached the deserted factory area before making their move.
1559
1560Even if there were only a few people around, the streets were still under observation from the cameras. Hence Morisaki was certain the events would not play out according to the miscreants’ wishes once the young girl reached the (second generation) Rainbow Bridge.
1561
1562Nevertheless, during the instance that the road was devoid of vehicles and pedestrians, the eyes that followed the young girl transformed into figures that surrounded the girl.
1563
1564“Who…… Who are you guys!?”
1565
1566The young girl screamed at the silently approaching men.
1567
1568Her reaction was rather defiant. Under these circumstances, it wouldn’t be strange for even a male to be stricken with fear and unable to speak freely.
1569
1570Still, based on the fact that the young woman failed to detect that there was no one else around her, she too must have fallen prey to the miscreants’ magic.
1571
1572Morisaki verified that the young woman was not panicking – her state of panic would necessitate a change in plans – and raised his CAD from behind the trees that dotted the sidewalk. Sniping from concealment was not one of the Morisaki Family’s stronger suites, but from an objective perspective, given Morisaki’s traditional responsibilities as a support member in the protective agency, he should be more adept at “Flanking” than “Quick Draw”.
1573
1574There were a total of 6 suspects.
1575
1576He needed to take them all out in one strike to safeguard the young woman.
1577
1578Cold sweat slid down Morisaki’s temple.
1579
1580At some point, his breathing became shallow and hurried. Forcibly adjusting his breathing pattern, Morisaki charged out from behind the trees.
1581
1582As he charged towards the young woman, he squeezed the trigger twice.
1583
1584He dove forward when he saw his targets reach inside their jackets and squeezed the trigger once more in mid-air.
1585
1586In lieu of the nature surrounding the “bodyguard” profession (even a side business still counted as a profession), the Morisaki Family developed a type of a magic that could bring down a target with one blow without inflicting serious damage.
1587
1588He caused the targets to accelerate to the rear then immediately accelerated them forward to nullify the force. By rapidly looping this Move-Type Magic that incorporated two processes, he shook the internal organs of five of the targets – with an emphasis on the brain, causing them to collapse one by one.
1589
1590By the time Morisaki took aim at the sixth target, his heart leaped violently.
1591
1592Directly in front of his eyes was a silencer – the gun’s muzzle.
1593
1594That was no CAD.
1595
1596It was a real gun – an automatic pistol.
1597
1598Morisaki had accounted for the possibility of a magical counterattack, but never expected that someone would possess a firearm.
1599
1600Given their use of magic to clear the area, he had assumed that his targets would lash out with magic.
1601
1602He had erected magical countermeasures ahead of time, but was not prepared to defend against bullets.
1603
1604There was no time to use magic to block the bullets or shift his own body.
1605
1606Morisaki redoubled the efforts in his legs and sought to escape the line of fire.
1607
1608Nonetheless, by the time he gave the order for his muscles to move, the unique cough that accompanied any firearm equipped with a silencer rang out.
1609
1610The muzzle was not aimed at Morisaki.
1611
1612The young girl had grabbed ahold of the hand holding the gun from the side.
1613
1614Morisaki pulled the CAD’s trigger.
1615
1616When the sixth person collapsed to the ground, the young girl seemed to be dragged downwards as she fell to a seat on the road.
1617
1618“Can you stand?”
1619
1620Morisaki ran to the young girl and reached out for her hand without waiting for a response.
1621
1622“We best leave here soon. At any rate, let’s head for the bus station. These guys don’t seem like they want to cause a scene.”
1623
1624The young girl was indeed made of sterner stuff. Despite suffering an ambush, there was no sign of tears or hysterics. After nodding in reply to Morisaki’s words, she grasped his hand and scrambled to her feet.
1625
1626“This way.”
1627
1628“Thank you.”
1629
1630Hand in hand, Morisaki led the young girl on a run towards the train station.
1631
1632Wearing sandals with heels normally prevented running at will, but rather than being pulled along by Morisaki, the young girl was neck to neck with him (Morisaki had obviously lowered his velocity as well).
1633
1634She never let go of his hand.
1635
1636The soft touch of that petite hand spurred the (nominally) chivalrous spirit in Morisaki’s heart.
1637
1638
1639
1640
1641
1642After reaching the bus station, Morisaki proposed that they quit Ariake, but the young girl shook her head.
1643
1644“I have an appointment with someone else here.”
1645
1646“Sending an e-mail message would……”
1647
1648“Owing to a few pressing reasons, I am unable to directly contact the other person.”
1649
1650The young girl raised her eyes and wore a slightly perplexed smile.
1651
1652This bewitching smile caused Morisaki to lose the tenuous control he had over his internal turmoil.
1653
1654“I am very grateful that you saved me.”
1655
1656The young lady turned a blind eye to his furious blush.
1657
1658Morisaki was appreciative of this caring side of hers that was altogether different from his peers.
1659
1660The obligation that men held towards beautiful females – or something of that nature – burned even brighter in Morisaki’s heart.
1661
1662Which is why he found it doubly hard to accept the young woman’s next words that ran counter to his expectations.
1663
1664“However, I think this is far enough. Some other time…… Some other day I would like to find a way to repay the favor. If it’s convenient, could you give me your contact information?”
1665
1666At this point, the young girl revealed a “dismayed” expression. Figuring something was amiss, Morisaki’s entire body tightened, but upon discovering the bashful smile on the young woman’s face, a different sort of anxiety pervaded his frame.
1667
1668“Ah, my apologies. My name is Lin Richardson. I’m attending college in California and traveling at the moment. Please call me Lin.”
1669
1670“I am Morisaki Shun.”
1671
1672Morisaki was intensely thankful that his voice wasn’t amplified when he delivered his name, though it wasn’t like he knew who these thanks should be extended to.
1673
1674“You don’t have to pay me back. After all, you bailed me out when I was in danger earlier. That aside……”
1675
1676Morisaki drew upon duty as his motivation and sought to switch gears from his agitated mood (that being said, claiming that this duty arose from a more romantic motivation would be the most genteel way of putting it). When the enemy possessed the numerical advantage, loitering near the scene of the ambush was not a wise decision. Normally, they should not be leisurely conversing like so.
1677
1678“I do not believe that this incident will end like this. Do you have any inkling as to the cause behind this attack?”
1679
1680Seeing as the optimal decision of “fleeing” was off the table, Morisaki was trying to gather more information to devise a plan of action. For example, factors such as the identity of the enemies, how long until reinforcements arrive, etc. Protection of privacy was also one of the mandatory duties of a bodyguard, but this was subservient to necessity if that information was vital to the principal’s protection.
1681
1682“I’m terribly sorry. I cannot reveal that.”
1683
1684Furthermore, being unable to obtain all the necessary information was not a legitimate reason for failing to complete a protective assignment.
1685
1686“Is that so……? I understand. I will not pry into Lin-san’s personal business. In turn, may I serve as Lin-san’s protection until the arrival of the person who was responsible for meeting you?”
1687
1688Morisaki’s request caused Lin to widen her eyes.
1689
1690“……Why?”
1691
1692“This country has a saying: years of toil for a single moment.”
1693
1694“I have heard of it.”
1695
1696Lin’s tone sounded displeased.
1697
1698“I see, my apologies……”
1699
1700Morisaki awkwardly apologized, but that did not imply that he was backing down.
1701
1702“I chanced upon the scene where Lin-san was almost abducted. This must be a fate of some sorts.”
1703
1704In truth, Morisaki himself did not know why he was so stubborn on this matter. Lin had made her stance very clear. Even if she had not blatantly rejected him, she was hoping that Morisaki ceased to associate with her – that she didn’t want to put him at risk was obvious enough. In spite of this, Morisaki was not of a mind to beat a retreat here.
1705
1706In short, the term “abduction” was based solely from Morisaki’s point of view. There was a possibility that Lin was a young lady of wealth who had gone truant and that these men were dispatched by her parents to bring her home. Assuming this was actually an “abduction”, then this may be related to a major crime and the earlier group of people may belong to an opposing organization. Alternately, they may have been sent to recapture a former member who fled the organization. Regardless, anyone who dared to directly fire their weapon without warning in broad daylight could not possibly be an upstanding citizen. This was the conclusion that Morisaki arrived at – or perhaps unilaterally decided this was so.
1707
1708“……You should have realized just now that this will be very dangerous, correct? You don’t seem like a person who cannot differentiate between reality and games.”
1709
1710Lin’s somewhat befuddled eyes did little to dampen Morisaki’s ardor. The other side consisted of scoundrels who were preying on a fragile, defenseless woman. In that case, it was clear which side Morisaki should support – at least this was what his heart told him.
1711
1712“Lin-san is in far more danger than I am. I would not be lying or exaggerating to say that this country’s law enforcement is quite capable, but the crime rate is not zero. This is especially true for magical police officers handling magic crimes, where the reaction speed is practically lethargic.”
1713
1714“The same could be said for every country.”
1715
1716Lin wore an impish grin as she tried to deflect the statement, but Morisaki was not fooled.
1717
1718“That’s why I believe that Lin-san needs a retinue.”
1719
1720“……And you are volunteering?”
1721
1722With a completely serious expression on his face, Morisaki nodded in agreement to her leading question.
1723
1724“Don’t judge a book by its cover. I have two years of experience as an attache.”
1725
1726“……Aren’t you a high school student?”
1727
1728“I am a Year 1 student at the Magic University-affiliated high school. However, the family business manages a protection agency.”
1729
1730“Oh…… Your name is Morisaki, so you must be from the Morisaki Family then?”
1731
1732Lin only halfheartedly lent an ear to Morisaki up until this point before finally nodding in the affirmative. At the same time, this also implied that Lin belonged in a social stratum that was well versed with a retinue.
1733
1734“But I don’t have any money on me.”
1735
1736“I’m not here to talk about a job. I just don’t want to pretend not to see anything.”
1737
1738“How gentlemanly of you.”
1739
1740Lin laughed lightly, causing Morisaki to avert his eyes in embarrassment.
1741
1742“—I understand. Since you’re so worried, then I place myself in your care.”
1743
1744“—Please leave it to me.”
1745
1746Altering her earlier expression, Lin fixated her eyes on Morisaki, to which he responded with a nod as if bestowed a great honor.
1747
1748“Then there’s no time like the present, is it OK if I made a request right this moment?”
1749
1750“What is your request?”
1751
1752Bodyguards were not butlers, but in order to effectively fulfill their protective duties, establishing rapport with their principal was highly important. So long as the demand was not too ridiculous and did not affect the guard’s mission, then compliance with the principal was a must. This was one of the basic rules for bodyguards in both the east and the west – though “East Side” might be a little different. Morisaki had no idea what this request could entail so he was slightly nervous as he waited for her to continue. Lin smiled in a charming fashion before dropping this line:
1753
1754“Please call me Lin. The next time you call me ‘Lin-san’ will be grounds for immediate dismissal.”
1755
1756
1757
1758
1759
1760“……So Lin isn’t a Magician?”
1761
1762“Yes, though I don’t know how Shun came to that misunderstanding……”
1763
1764Lin smiled in confusion. In comparison to Morisaki who was struggling to lower his guard and still spoke in a stiff tone, Lin freely referred to Morisaki as “Shun” and embraced him as a friend.
1765
1766Was this the poise that came with maturity?
1767
1768Morisaki pondered this as he peeked at Lin’s face.
1769
1770He felt that Lin was a beautiful young woman.
1771
1772Normally, a person’s appearance would be beautified when observed from a distance, but in her case, seeing her from up close was just the same and may be even more bewitching. This might be due to her rich array of expressions that never appeared twice – that was the conclusion Morisaki drew from his limited life experiences.
1773
1774“Ah, maybe it’s because of this?”
1775
1776Lin said this as she pulled a necklace out from before her chest.
1777
1778With the top button left undone, soft cleavage danced in and out of sight. Morisaki’s heart raced at this scene just as blood suffused his face, but Lin appeared to be entirely unaware.
1779
1780“What is that?”
1781
1782“It’s a magic talisman.”
1783
1784“Ah?”
1785
1786“A magic talisman. Wearing this reduces attention from other people. This was made during the age when abductions ran rampant for a variety of reasons and was crafted as a protective charm to ward against being targeted by evildoers…… It’s a bona fide artifact.”
1787
1788Modern magic was created from the research and systemization of Ancient Magic. In that context, Morisaki was aware that among the objects referred to as magic talismans, there was many an “artifact” that could actually release a magical effect.
1789
1790On the other hand, it was also true that fakes which were nothing more than decorations had flooded the market in numbers that were dozens of times greater than the true artifacts. Given that Morisaki was a young Magician who focused solely on modern magic, it should be no surprise that he bore a suspicious impression of objects like “magic talismans”.
1791
1792Yet right now, Morisaki was not questioning Lin’s words.
1793
1794Her smile seemed to dispel the skeptical thoughts being raised in Morisaki’s mind.
1795
1796The question that floated into Morisaki’s brain was another one altogether.
1797
1798“You’re not a Magician but you carry a magic talisman?”
1799
1800When Morisaki asked this question with a perfectly straight face, Lin suddenly wore a flustered expression.
1801
1802“Oh…… Well, this was something a friend gave me to ‘ward away stalkers’.”
1803
1804“Stalkers…… So you ran into something like this in the past?”
1805
1806“Uh…… Well, kind of.”
1807
1808“Then were those guys earlier……? No, I said I wouldn’t pry. Sorry.”
1809
1810Seeing Morisaki abidingly refrain from questioning her any further, Lin secretly heaved a sigh of relief.
1811
1812“……Still, this doesn’t seem to work against those guys any longer.”
1813
1814Morisaki’s attention was already turning to the attackers from earlier.
1815
1816His diligent personality saved Lin just now.
1817
1818“……Nor is it effective against Shun. Are Magicians just special?”
1819
1820This question was angled in a different direction than the dialogue Morisaki was constructing.
1821
1822If asked in the days of old, he would probably have puffed his chest and answered with a nod in the affirmative.
1823
1824He believed he was special. His status as a Magician was a source of great pride, just as he was confident that even among his peers he was a particularly talented Magician. Although the results of the Nine Schools Competition ran counter to his hopes, he was of the belief that had the other team not treacherously broken the rules, he should have been able to achieve results befitting his own confidence without relying on that strategist who only had wily tricks up his sleeve for assistance.
1825
1826However, for some reason, the current Morisaki was unable to affirm Lin’s words.
1827
1828“……I don’t think there’s a great difference, since magic is a human ability after all. Lin’s magic talisman is an object that allows people to use magic powers. In that context, there’s nothing different than a Magician’s arts.”
1829
1830“Hm…… That makes sense when you put it that way. Magicians are human beings just like us.”
1831
1832Lin was unaware that her words formed an opinion that separated “Magicians” and “non-Magicians” into two racial groups.
1833
1834Fortunately, Morisaki missed that nuance.
1835
1836Morisaki was adamant about avoiding areas with few people, so the two of them ultimately spent their time in the restaurant in front of the bus station until the person Lin was waiting for made contact. The one who initiated the conversation was always Lin with Morisaki largely only agreeing with her, but neither felt the time was ill spent.
1837
1838Just as Morisaki expected, they never caught sight of any suspicious individuals afterward. Yet, occasional opportunities allowed him to feel various auras watching them from a distance in all directions.
1839
1840At this point, Lin’s expression suddenly tightened in anxiety as she pulled out her information terminal before Morisaki’s questioning eyes. Apparently, her point of contact had sent her an e-mail.
1841
1842However, how should he explain why Lin tensed instead of relaxing when the person they were waiting for made contact? Morisaki was quite bewildered by this.
1843
1844Could it be that the person they were waiting for was one of Lin’s “enemies”? Morisaki hoped that Lin was at least able to explain that to him – or perhaps come clean.
1845
1846“Directly beneath the Rainbow Bridge.”
1847
1848Lin spoke with a tight expression on her face.
1849
1850“A boat will be dispatched to pick me up.”
1851
1852“……Let’s go.”
1853
1854Directly beneath the Rainbow Bridge that the other individual spoke of probably referred to the square next to the bridge’s foundations. On a normal weekday, that was a location inundated with visitors. Morisaki urged Lin to stand and reached out his hand towards the terminal set on the table’s surface.
1855
1856However, Lin beat him to the punch by a hair and placed her card on top of the terminal first.
1857
1858“Plainly a high school student yet you dare to pick up the tab for an older woman. Far. Too. Brazen.”
1859
1860Using her index finger, Lin punctuated each word with a poke on Morisaki’s forehead, eliciting a furious blush on his part.
1861
1862Lin’s originally tensed face was now exchanged with a composed smile.
1863
1864Taking the main road would be faster, but Morisaki purposefully chose the winding paths leading through the park. He believed that the magic used earlier to ward away pedestrians and vehicles would have a much harder time in the park where most people stood still compared to the constantly moving flow of people on the streets.
1865
1866He was not cognizant that this lengthened the time he spent with Lin.
1867
1868At the very least, his surface thoughts did not venture into this territory.
1869
1870Morisaki also requested that she place her necklace into her purse. Under the current conditions, spells that diverted other people’s attention would only achieve the opposite effect.
1871
1872Logically speaking, this was the right idea. However – this unfortunately brought them to unexpected trouble.
1873
1874Currently, a human wall was erected in front of Morsaki and Lin.
1875
1876The human wall was thick enough that it could even block the free kick from a professional soccer player.
1877
1878Alas, in terms of wardrobe, appearance, and all assorted factors, these individuals were a far cry from the refreshing air found on athletes. To put it bluntly, they looked more like hoodlums.
1879
1880Though there might be a few minute differences here and there, the majority of them wore similar garb. Most of their naked torsos were only covered by leather vests whereas metal rings covered above and below their wrists and elbows.
1881
1882Their vests reminded people of a lizard’s scales and their surface texture reflected the metallic scales that were popular three years ago among the “small crowds”. Compared to the usual bulletproof and anti-piercing fibers, this composite material boasted gigantic leaps in improvement in both protection and shock resistance. However, since the air permeability was terrible, forget wearing this outdoors in summer, even wearing this in a heated indoor environment during winter would cause someone to sweat like a horse, thereby deeming this product a failure. The overwhelming majority of the young men in front of them kept the front unzipped, though even the sleeveless vests looked to be quite warm indeed. Given that this completely defeats the purpose of blocking frontal stabs or shots, the only conclusion that could be drawn was that this was a fashion statement from the past that was stylish but impractical.
1883
1884The metal rings around their wrists utilized EMS – muscle amplifiers that stimulated the muscles through electric currents. Training devices that utilized EMS were an early form of technology that existed back in the 1960s, but in the modern age, other electric currents have been introduced to successfully raise the speed for muscle contraction. These rings were normally used for medicinal purposes during rehabilitation, but could also be used to easily improve punching power, making it a popular choice among disreputable street fighters.
1885
1886Several of the young men wore AR goggles over both eyes. The metallic straps attached to the goggles were covered with sensory devices which appeared to be equipped with light capture processes. These processes normally emitted a directional signal once objects approached within a predetermined distance but were not something that could be wielded at will by casual users. In short, this was also probably a fashion statement.
1887
1888This martial style that emphasized physical appearance was the telltale feature of the delinquent gang who styled themselves “Fight Club”. Standing in front of the two people who came to a halt, the group of young men never stopped leering at them.
1889
1890Not a word was uttered.
1891
1892Morisaki slipped an arm around Lin’s shoulder and sought to retrace their footsteps.
1893
1894Several people let out wolf whistles.
1895
1896The human wall moved with an astonishing level of organization and surrounded the two of them in a veritable human fence.
1897
1898“—We are in a hurry, please let us pass.”
1899
1900“Ah hah, please don’t say that. How about playing with us?”
1901
1902“Yeah, yeah, compared to that little man, we know what the really fun things are.”
1903
1904Lin sought to peacefully defuse the situation, but the young men only tightened the noose while making disgusting sounds that were displeasing to the ear.
1905
1906“We’re really in a hurry—”
1907
1908“It’s no use, these guys never planned to listen our words in the first place.”
1909
1910Morisaki stopped Lin’s continued attempt at persuasion.
1911
1912“Ho ho, telling it like a big man.”
1913
1914“Though it’s true that we’re not here to talk.”
1915
1916Crude laughter drifted in from their surroundings.
1917
1918“Little man, let’s cut to the chase.”
1919
1920“Leave the job of guiding her to us, you’re free to go. Now scram!”
1921
1922A young man who must be the leader of this gang changed his tone from friendly to threatening from the rear of the crowd – which happened to be right in front of these two. He was a head taller than Morisaki and the T-shirt he wore was missing sleeves that appeared to be ripped off, revealing a pair of biceps with thick muscles rising and falling. His arm was covered from hand to shoulder with silver geometric shapes which served the same purpose as the muscle amplifiers in boosting muscle contraction speed (though the results were questionable). A swarthy waist and sturdy thighs clearly denoted a physique that did not belong on someone with a passing fancy.
1923
1924In response to the look that did not stretch the term ugly, Morisaki wore a light smirk on his face.
1925
1926“What’s so funny……?”
1927
1928“Nothing, pardon my manners.”
1929
1930The young man’s low tone grew evening more threatening. However, Morisaki still wore a mocking expression as his choice of words grew scathing.
1931
1932“I could understand if this was Shibuya or Ikebukuro, but I never imaged I could run into endangered species like yourselves in Ariake.”
1933
1934“……What a fascinating guy.”
1935
1936“You should be satisfied with blowing one round of hot air, no? We’re actually pressed for time, so could you let us pass?”
1937
1938“……Looks like you need to learn a lesson in pain.”
1939
1940The young man shifted his weight to the tips of his toes. Seeing this, Morsaki slightly shifted his right shoulder backwards.
1941
1942The vest that opened forward moved slightly.
1943
1944“Takashi-ni, this guy is a Magician!”
1945
1946The movement must have revealed the handle of the CAD being held in the hidden holster. A young man to Morisaki’s right side shouted out a warning.
1947
1948The circle surrounding the two of them backed off a bit. With one notable exception, they had grown fearful.
1949
1950“There’s nothing to be afraid of!”
1951
1952The sole exception – the “Takashi” who served as the leader exhorted his comrades onward.
1953
1954“I know as well, Magician.”
1955
1956The corners of his mouth twisted as he looked down upon Morisaki in a theatrical manner. This didn’t seem like bravado, so perhaps he warranted a tiny hint of praise.
1957
1958“Your guys’ magic is on the same level as guns, right? You would be arrested and imprisoned if you use magic on an unarmed person, right?”
1959
1960Morisaki silently looked upon the young man.
1961
1962The young man continued onward with a gusto.
1963
1964“A Magician who cannot use magic is nothing more than a wooden doll. What did you think that sort of empty hot air was going to do? Ah ha ha ha!”
1965
1966The youth let out a foolish bray of laughter to which Morisaki returned a merciless smile up at him.
1967
1968“You who face extinction, dare you put that to the test?”
1969
1970“……What did you say?”
1971
1972“I said, do you want to test whether we Magicians are nothing more than wooden dolls without our magic, you pretentious scoundrel.”
1973
1974“Ha…… Hey, none of you interfere.”
1975
1976The leader of the endangered species who styled themselves the “Fight Club” turned his face back from a jigsaw mess to his normal expression (as ugly as it was). He raised his fists before spreading his legs to lower his center of gravity, hereby adopting a fighting stance.
1977
1978Seeing this, Morisaki also wiped away the derisive smirk on his face and allowed his backpack to slide off one shoulder. He raised both fists in front of his face and lightly starting hopping in place.
1979
1980“Wooden doll, let’s dance.”
1981
1982“I accept, superficial scum. However, you touch her at your own peril. I will make you all regret being born into this world.”
1983
1984“You’re just a little man, but that mouth of yours…… Has spunk!”
1985
1986That sentence served as a declaration of hostilities.
1987
1988Like a whip, an upward kick was sent hurtling towards Morisaki’s face.
1989
1990In order to protect Lin right behind him, Morisaki could not evade to the back.
1991
1992Instead, he lowered his head to duck beneath the swirling kick.
1993
1994“Takashi” adroitly pulled back the upward kick and sent the leg pummeling downwards to Morisaki’s head.
1995
1996Rather than calling this a hook kick, this was more like an ax kick.
1997
1998Morisaki rose in the direction of his kick and narrowly avoided the blow.
1999
2000The other man’s face changed.
2001
2002The moment the leg touched the ground, he immediately let fly a lightning fast punch.
2003
2004Morisaki deflected it with one hand.
2005
2006Forward kick, mid punch, low kick, mid kick, sweeping kick, revolving elbow…… A swift combination of attacks showed that this young man was not just shooting his mouth and his moves were not just cheap imitations. Based on these movements, he had probably undergone the entire training regime for karate under special tutelage.
2007
2008Yet, all of his blows were being entirely dodged or neutralized by Morisaki.
2009
2010Frustration was starting to mount on “Takashi’s” face.
2011
2012He sought to decide the fight in one blow and telegraphed a long range hook punch towards Morisaki’s chin.
2013
2014Morisaki was not going to let this opening pass by.
2015
2016Stepping forward, he directed a left jab towards “Takashi’s” face.
2017
2018No, the force behind the punch was a direct punch rather than a jab.
2019
2020If his fists have not been thoroughly trained, the force of the punch might readily damage his own hand, but Morisaki never wavered and sent a well-trained right palm strike inside the enemy’s guard.
2021
2022“Takashi” wavered and fell rear first onto the ground.
2023
2024He was utterly astounded at being taken to the floor in two blows by someone who was an entire head shorter than he was.
2025
2026Morisaki sent a mocking smile at the older man looking up at him with “disbelief” written all over his face.
2027
2028“Damn, that was slow. That sort of speed might get you through a street brawl, but you don’t have a chance against us combat Magicians.”
2029
2030The other young man probably could not grasp the meaning behind Morisaki’s declaration.
2031
2032The young man was unable to accept a reality where a Magician who relied entirely on a cheating ability like “magic” somehow possessed greater physical prowess than someone like him who had undergone rigorous training.
2033
2034In systematic magic, there were the Four Great Systems and Eight Major Types, one of which was Acceleration-Type Magic.
2035
2036This sort of magic was not just used to accelerate or decelerate an object, but could also be used on the caster.
2037
2038A Magician who cast personal acceleration magic would normally become accustomed to operating at the upper speed limits of what the senses can handle. This was a speed that could not be comprehended by people without magic.
2039
2040In truth, the speed that professional racers experienced on the race track was a velocity that they frequently encountered at school, on the practice field outside of school, during competitions, and in combat.
2041
2042Blows that professional fights would deem “fast” were practically slow motion in their consciousness.
2043
2044Morisaki picked up his backpack and grasped Lin’s hand.
2045
2046He had no inclination to continue dealing with the “endangered species” who refused to accept reality.
2047
2048Furthermore, even though they hadn’t wasted too much time, there was no denying that this was the longer route.
2049
2050Nonetheless – Lin quickly thrusted away Morisaki’s hand.
2051
2052Before Morisaki’s shocked gaze stood Lin as she seemed to stare in surprise at her own actions.
2053
2054The mind ground to a halt as their limbs seemed to be frozen in time.
2055
2056Seeing Morisaki freeze, the young men reached out their hands towards Lin instead of taking action against him.
2057
2058Grab ahold of her hand, pull her entire body over, and then press a knife against her face – that was probably their plan of action. Yet, this desperation ploy was rendered obsolete before they even reached the phase of pulling Lin over to them.
2059
2060Behavior patterns that had been deeply engrained into his subconscious overcame his brain’s rigidity and spurred Morisaki’s body into action on reflex.
2061
2062In a smooth motion like flowing water, Morisaki drew the CAD from his bosom.
2063
2064By the time the “muzzle” was aimed correctly, the standby phase for the CAD had already been disabled.
2065
2066The time Morisaki spent hesitating over using magic could be measured in milliseconds.
2067
2068The young men were all struck in the head and keeled over on the ground.
2069
2070Some of them fell on soft parts of the body and started to bleed, but Morisaki’s “reflex” never stopped.
2071
2072By the time Morisaki recovered his wits, the only people standing at the scene were her and himself.
2073
2074And one other person.
2075
2076The young man who had his seat glued to the ground was spared being knocked unconscious.
2077
2078Morisaki turned an emotionless eye, one that had not reawakened his feelings, on the young man.
2079
2080“Y…… You damnable monster! Don’t come over here! Don’t come over here!”
2081
2082The youth remained prone on the round and reached a hand into one of his pockets before plucking something out and throwing it.
2083
2084Seeing that the opened switch knife harmlessly flew off into an inconsequential direction, Morisaki once more reached out a hand to Lin.
2085
2086This time – Lin grasped his hand.
2087
2088
2089
2090
2091
2092And so, the two of them silently ran hand-in-hand all the way to the appointed place where the boat should be waiting.
2093
2094There were no further obstacles along the way. As befitting the waterside square in a park, many couples were about. Many spared a glance at the two people that had a carried a different air about them before turning their eyes away as it was none of their business.
2095
2096Lin stood on the small pier where the ferries docked and looked out towards the sea. The hands that connected the two of them naturally parted here.
2097
2098“……Shun.”
2099
2100After a lengthy silence, Lin softly called out to Morisaki.
2101
2102“What is it, Lin?”
2103
2104Lin kept her eyes on the sea and did not turn her head.
2105
2106“Do Magicians…… have a thirst for battle?”
2107
2108Lin did not look at Morisaki’s face and made sure that he could see her face as she asked this question.
2109
2110“Lin?”
2111
2112“Do Magicians…… have a thirst for battle? Do they like hurting others? Do they hunger for danger? Do they desire to display abilities that normal people do not possess?”
2113
2114Lin’s volume was slightly elevated, giving Morisaki the impression she was reprimanding him.
2115
2116“……Are you upset?”
2117
2118“I’m not upset! I’m furious!”
2119
2120In short, she’s upset, right? This thought ran across Morisaki’s mind, but he wasn’t calm enough to actually retort.
2121
2122When Lin turned to face him, her eyes were brimming with tears.
2123
2124“……It is not because Magicians thirst for battle. At the very least, I dislike hurting others.”
2125
2126Lin’s expression and the tears threatening to burst from her eyes put enormous pressure on Morisaki.
2127
2128“Then why did you aggravate him?”
2129
2130“Because that wasn’t someone you can talk down!”
2131
2132Yet, Morisaki had his own reasons. He did not believe he made the wrong decision. Perhaps there was an even better solution, but Morisaki believed that he had also handled the situation fairly well.
2133
2134“In that case, we can still flee! There was no need to defeat everyone, all we had to do was use magic to escape! We also had the option of calling for help. I don’t think that fighting was the only option we had.”
2135
2136“That……”
2137
2138Morisaki was unable to say anything because he knew Lin’s words made sense.
2139
2140But –
2141
2142“Maybe we could have ran away at the time. However, those guys might have called in more companions. Also, there is no way of knowing if the earlier crowd was going to show up either. There was no need to take on unnecessary risk, so if the opportunity presented itself to crush the enemy then it should be taken.”
2143
2144--Even so, he was not going to back down.
2145
2146“Why is fighting the only thing you think about! Why is it that everyone who isn’t with us is against us!?”
2147
2148“Magicians are not superheroes! It’s not like in the TV dramas, where there’s a logical solution for everything!”
2149
2150This principle, along with the fundamentals of the bodyguard business, was drilled into Morisaki by the uncle that was closest to him in age.
2151
2152Magicians are not superheroes.
2153
2154Magicians did not possess the power to do whatever they pleased.
2155
2156Thus, do not hesitate when pulling the trigger.
2157
2158Calmly differentiate between enemy and ally.
2159
2160The techniques of the Morisaki Family and Morisaki Shun the person, neither was strong enough that they were still able to safeguard their target of protection after an enemy had launched their attack.
2161
2162“—I am unable to show mercy to my enemies. I’m not incredible.”
2163
2164“Shun……”
2165
2166When Lin saw Morisaki gritting his teeth with a pained expression his face, the tumultuous emotion in her eyes faded.
2167
2168With a warm expression on her face, she reached out and took hold of Morisaki’s hand.
2169
2170“Lin……”
2171
2172Morisaki allowed Lin to grasp his hand, but didn’t match her gaze as he murmured to himself.
2173
2174“Do you also think…… that Magicians are monsters? Do you believe that Magicians are monsters that wield powers beyond human limits? That Magicians are able to grant any wish like Deus ex machina?”
2175
2176“Shun……”
2177
2178“Magicians…… are also human beings.”
2179
2180“Shun…… are you afraid of fighting?”
2181
2182“……I’m terrified. Regardless of whether its guns, blades, fists, magic…… I’m scared of them all.”
2183
2184“Then why do you fight? You are obviously a high school student, why do you take on a dangerous job like being a bodyguard?”
2185
2186“That’s because…… I possess a power that I was born to carry……”
2187
2188“Shun, I don’t think that you have to do dangerous things simply because you’re a Magician or because you possess magic. Since you’re terrified, then why don’t you just stop……? Magicians are human beings too, right?”
2189
2190Morisaki’s face was clearly faltering.
2191
2192Terror and hope were stirred together among the maze of confusion.
2193
2194With a protective smile, Lin continued to watch over Morisaki.
2195
2196Amid all the couples at this location, their actions were not particularly conspicuous.
2197
2198Still, based on what was about to ensue, the two of them were overly focused on the conversation.
2199
2200Lin was the one who noticed that something was awry.
2201
2202“Shun…… Isn’t this strange?”
2203
2204“Lin?”
2205
2206“I get the feeling that no one has been looking at us for a while……”
2207
2208If this phrase had originated from one of Morisaki’s peers, he would have explained it as being “overly self-aware”. Yet, these words coming from someone as beautiful as Lin carried an entirely different context.
2209
2210“Lin, you aren’t using that necklace, are you?”
2211
2212“Ah? Yeah…… That’s why it’s so strange. I’m plainly not using that, but I feel just like as if I’m using it……”
2213
2214“Lin, sorry.”
2215
2216“Ah!”
2217
2218Morisaki suddenly clasped Lin to his chest.
2219
2220At the same time, he swiftly surveyed their surroundings.
2221
2222Even after performing such an outrageous (in his eyes) motion, no one paid them the slightest heed.
2223
2224No one even glanced at them.
2225
2226Morisaki let go of Lin and began hunting for the hint of magic.
2227
2228Although there was no way to be sure, there was definitely a vague aura enveloping them.
2229
2230“What is it? What’s going on?”
2231
2232“Quiet!”
2233
2234Morisaki dropped his backpack and pulled out a thick bracelet from within before wearing it on his left wrist.
2235
2236Then, he removed an empty holster and hung that from the pocket around the right side of his waist.
2237
2238Completely abandoning the “low-key” approach, he was preparing for battle.
2239
2240As if on cue, men dressed in pitch black and wearing dark sunglasses materialized all around them and half surrounded Morisaki and Lin. This was practically straight out of the urban legends surrounding the MIB.
2241
2242Morisaki gritted his teeth.
2243
2244He should have known ahead of time that the enemy would use mental interference magic.
2245
2246(……The time for regret is later!)
2247
2248Morisaki told himself in encouragement.
2249
2250One of the men in black stepped in front of the two of them.
2251
2252The gaze hidden behind those dark shades was not directed at Lin, but at Morisaki instead.
2253
2254“……We are from the Intelligence Control Agency.”
2255
2256The man pulled out a black card holder with those words.
2257
2258He opened it to show Morisaki.
2259
2260There was indeed the mark of the Department of the Interior’s Intelligence Control Agency inside, as proven by the special print that changed color and shape depending on the light’s refraction. Morisaki was aware that the changing shape carried a hypnotic effect so he immediately averted his gaze after verifying its authenticity.
2261
2262The corners of the man’s mouth twitched upwards as he stored the document in his breast pocket.
2263
2264“We will take responsibility for protecting Miss Richardson. What happens beyond here is official business, so please leave immediately.”
2265
2266Morisaki was on the verge of nodding in reply when he realized Lin behind him had a white-knuckled grip on his vest.
2267
2268“Lin, are you going with them?”
2269
2270Lin furiously shook her head in response to Morisaki’s inquiry.
2271
2272Morisaki turned his eyes forward and gazed into the eyes of the man in black – or more like his sunglasses.
2273
2274“Permit me to refuse.”
2275
2276His conveyance left little room for misinterpretation.
2277
2278“I’ve already said this was official business……”
2279
2280“This is a mission of protection, isn’t it? In that case, you have no right to override the decision of the person in question and enforce your own will on the matter. Or do you all have a warrant? Not that ‘Internal Affairs’ has the right to make arrests, of course.”
2281
2282The man in black revealed a smile that said “you’ve forced my hand” and turned to look to his side.
2283
2284That was the signal.
2285
2286Gun muzzles appeared from the men’s sleeves.
2287
2288Throwing his left arm around Lin’s waist, Morisaki used his right hand to operate the bracelet and jumped for the water’s surface.
2289
2290Lin gave out a shriek.
2291
2292The sounds of compressed air being fired and short needles shredding through the air were covered by her cries.
2293
2294The darts from the tranquilizer rifles passed above the two figures who had leaped to one side.
2295
2296Morisaki activated Move-Type Magic while in mid-air.
2297
2298They stopped falling as they approached sea level and bounded to the next pier.
2299
2300At the same time that he moved Lin to a kneeling position, Morisaki also dropped his own stance and set his bracelet to standby mode.
2301
2302In the next instant, he had pulled out the handgun-shaped CAD from his breast.
2303
2304He had confirmed 8 enemies when they had been surrounded.
2305
2306Of which 2 were Magicians.
2307
2308The enemies’ identities were extinguished from his mind.
2309
2310The sole idea that occupied his thoughts was to protect the young woman behind him.
2311
2312The notion of “escape” never crossed his mind.
2313
2314His fear of battle had already faded.
2315
2316Nor was he afraid of being watched by terrifying eyes.
2317
2318He will strike down the enemy to protect others.
2319
2320That was the only option in his mind.
2321
2322First, Morisaki acted to disable the enemy Magicians and clicked the trigger twice.
2323
2324Following that, one deep groan could be heard.
2325
2326Confirming results. One down and the other warded it off.
2327
2328Morisaki saw the enemy Magician operating a CAD with his fingers.
2329
2330He also saw the muzzle of tranquilizer rifles pointed towards him.
2331
2332With the speed of a stage magician employing his tricks, Morisaki returned the handgun-shaped CAD to the holster around his waist and disabled the standby mode on the bracelet-shaped CAD he wore.
2333
2334He could feel that the enemy’s Acceleration-Type Magic was beginning to have an effect on him.
2335
2336However, Morisaki ignored that magic.
2337
2338He was calling the Activation Sequence for Area of Effect Move-Type Magic.
2339
2340Morisaki used “Stillness” Magic to catch the incoming needles fired by compressed air.
2341
2342Horizontal Acceleration-Type Magic rushed towards Morisaki’s body.
2343
2344His feet left the ground and fell towards the water.
2345
2346Lin stretched out her upper torso and called for Morisaki.
2347
2348The men in black swarmed towards her.
2349
2350The “gun” popped out of the water.
2351
2352Holding the CAD that bore a resemblance to a handgun in his right hand, Morisaki began to float upwards thanks to the breath he inhaled earlier and aimed at the Magician to the enemy’s rear.
2353
2354Magic was activated.
2355
2356The “opposing” Magician was caught off guard by Morisaki’s surprise attack and struck unconscious.
2357
2358Following that, Morisaki once again changed the Specialized CAD in his hand to standby mode and activated the powers set in the Generalized CAD. He sank into the water while operating the number pad and activated Acceleration-Type Magic.
2359
2360Morisaki burst through the water in a manner that would turn a dolphin green with envy, no, that even a dolphin could not hope to match.
2361
2362His wrists overlapped with the right hand over the left as he aimed the Specialized CAD in this manner at the enemy while turning off the power of the Generalized CAD. Pumping his psions into the Specialized CAD, Morisaki pulled the trigger six times in the air.
2363
2364Morisaki was unable to completely neutralize his descending force and had to immediately fall into a roll upon coming into contact with the cement.
2365
2366As his body descended to the earth, all of the men in black collapsed as well.
2367
2368
2369
2370
2371
2372“Shun, Shun! Are you alright?”
2373
2374Lin knelt next to Morisaki as he lay prone on the ground and desperately called out to him.
2375
2376“I’m fine.”
2377
2378Morisaki opened his eyes and nodded. Maintaining his current position, he temporarily regulated his breathing before sitting up.
2379
2380“Ouch!”
2381
2382However, he immediately fell to one knee when he attempted to stand.
2383
2384“Shun?”
2385
2386“It’s nothing…… I just twisted my ankle.”
2387
2388
2389
2390
2391
2392By the time he said this, cold sweat beaded his temple.
2393
2394Lin looked around them for help. The mental interference magic that blocked other people from noticing them had already been disabled. Many sightseers or couples out on a date were watching them from afar.
2395
2396They were just watching them from a sizeable distance with an uncomfortable look in their eyes.
2397
2398Their eyes were focused on Morisaki’s left hand.
2399
2400On the bracelet-shaped CAD that signified his status as a Magician.
2401
2402Lin knew that the people around them were whispering among themselves.
2403
2404Not a single person approached them.
2405
2406Morisaki gave up on trying to stand and sat down with legs splayed out.
2407
2408“Lin, has the appointed boat arrived yet?”
2409
2410“Huh? Ah…… I think it’s that one.”
2411
2412“I see……”
2413
2414A small vessel was drawing closer. It was a swift boat that didn’t draw much water and could be used either on the river or at sea.
2415
2416“I’m sorry, it’s all because of me……”
2417
2418Morisaki said “Don’t worry about it” to the drooping Lin.
2419
2420“Forget about it, so long as Lin is safe and sound. I can finally relax now that I’ve kept my promise.”
2421
2422This was not the sound of bravado, but of earnest satisfaction that welled forth from the heart.
2423
2424“Why……?”
2425
2426“Why indeed……”
2427
2428Morisaki used a reply that was not a reply to answer Lin’s question that was not a question.
2429
2430“Maybe it’s just as Lin said.”
2431
2432Still, even if her question was incomplete, Morisaki largely understood what Lin wanted to ask.
2433
2434“Our magic is a tool developed for battle…… We Magicians were assembled with this in our hearts, so it may be true that we have a thirst for battle and are only tools used for battle.”
2435
2436Morisaki’s soliloquy seemed to have entirely abandoned his own sense of self and prompted tears to appear in Lin’s eyes when she heard this.
2437
2438“I’m sorry, Shun, I’m so sorry……”
2439
2440Lin burst into tears as she lowered her head and repeatedly choked out apologies.
2441
2442“Lin? Why are you apologizing? Why are you crying……?”
2443
2444Bewildered, Morisaki asked Lin the reason behind her tears and apologies, but his mind was calm and at peace to the point that even he was astounded.
2445
2446“I’m sorry. I said something so terrible, I’m sorry……”
2447
2448“Lin?”
2449
2450Morisaki was flabbergasted.
2451
2452He had no idea what to say.
2453
2454Nor did he have any clue what to do.
2455
2456Unfortunately, up until this moment, no one had ever taught him what to do under these circumstances.
2457
2458“Don’t call yourself a tool. Shun always protected me regardless of the danger. Compared to those who only watch other people suffering without lifting a finger, Shun is much more humane.”
2459
2460Morisaki managed to connect Lin’s broken words that came between her sobs –
2461
2462--and his heart swelled with pride.
2463
2464“I’m…… ashamed of myself. Just then, I was exactly like those people in that I also felt somewhere in my heart that Magicians were disgusting and were different creatures than myself. That’s why…… Shun…… I’m sorry……”
2465
2466“Don’t worry about it too much.”
2467
2468Morisaki’s words were spoken in a steady tone. More so than the literal words themselves, this served to help encourage Lin and caused her to raise her head.
2469
2470“I am very satisfied that I was able to assist Lin. For me, today was a very meaningful day.”
2471
2472Just as Morisaki had no idea what Lin was hiding, neither did Lin knew the inner struggles Morisaki was facing.
2473
2474Before a rather perplexed Lin, Morisaki revealed a pleasant smile.
2475
2476“Lin, the boat’s here.”
2477
2478Morisaki’s words prompted Lin to turn her body.
2479
2480Just as he said, the small vessel had docked. Two men wearing suites bowed deeply to Lin.
2481
2482“Lin, please go ahead. I’ll be alright after I sit here a little longer.”
2483
2484“Huh, but……”
2485
2486“Go on. They might attack again later.”
2487
2488“……I know. Shun, thank you very much.”
2489
2490There was no kiss of goodbye.
2491
2492To say that there were no expectations involved would be a lie, but not progressing in that direction may actually be for the better. This fulfilling “reality” would not be tarnished. Rather than pushing himself, this was how Morisaki truly felt.
2493
2494The only regret he had was that he could only sit there and watch her leave.
2495
2496Lin waved from the boat, to which Morisaki raised a hand from his sitting posture in response.
2497
2498This was rather improper, but Morisaki felt that this was probably more like his style.
2499
2500
2501
2502
2503
2504“Meilin-sama, thank goodness you’re alright.”
2505
2506“Yes, that’s because that young man saved me.”
2507
2508On board the vessel that had left the shoreline, Lin wore a radically different and cold expression as she called out a name to one of the men who came to welcome her and nodded in agreement.
2509
2510At this moment, an older gentleman with a head full of white hair appeared.
2511
2512“Meilin-sama…… To visit this country alone at a time like this. Do take heed of your position.”
2513
2514“Are you giving me orders?”
2515
2516“No, your subordinate dares not.”
2517
2518The old man bowed respectfully towards Lin.
2519
2520The older gentleman’s decorum was impeccable, but his attitude was hollow.
2521
2522“Nevertheless, this country’s government appears to fight with us until the end. This time they dared to insult Meilin-sama, I believe equivalent retribution is in order.”
2523
2524“I forbid it.”
2525
2526The old man raised his eyes and put forward this suggestion, but Lin resolutely vetoed it.
2527
2528“It’s true that the Japanese government was both barbaric and rude this time. However, from that young man, I obtained a bond of friendship that is more than enough to compensate. Since you all have chosen a person without any magic like myself as your leader, then I forbid you all from taking action against this country. If you are unwilling to accept that, then I will return to California.”
2529
2530“No, let everything be done in accordance with Meilin-sama’s wishes.”
2531
2532Morisaki was not arrested by Internal Affairs.
2533
2534They were likely also acting beyond the bounds of law. The unconscious men in black were borne away in front of Morisaki’s eyes by their comrades. The agents from Internal Affairs who came to collect their colleagues never spared Morisaki a single glance.
2535
2536As to who Lin was and why she was being targeted a government organization, no one told Morisaki the truth.
2537
2538Lin’s real name was “Sun Meilin”. She was the adopted daughter of “Sun Richardson”, the head of the Hong Kong international crime ring known as “No Head Dragon” – the daughter of the leader’s most beloved mistress – and the new leader chosen by the lucky survivors, but Morisaki never had the opportunity to know that.
2539
2540
2541
2542
2543
2544Amelia in Wonderland
2545
2546
2547
2548
2549On a certain cloudless day in the last third of August, 2095 CE.
2550
2551Standing at the gates to the amusement park awaiting the arrival of her friends was a young girl whose red hair was ruby-like in its brightness and wearing a military style jacket with its many pockets and a miniskirt.
2552
2553The girl’s name was Akechi Eimi, also known as Amelia Goldie, a student of the National Magic University Affiliated First High School.
2554
2555With summer vacation nearing an end, the plan was to come to this amusement park to play around with some fellow first years. As they were in different clubs, normally there were few chances for them to hang out.
2556
2557(It seems I’m a bit too early…)
2558
2559It was still half an hour before the appointed time. That might be expected if it was a date with the opposite gender, but there was likely no one who would come this early when going out to play with friends of the same gender. Eimi herself certainly would not normally come this early. (Incidentally, as Eimi herself had yet to experience such encounters with the opposite gender, there was little meaning behind her supposition).
2560
2561As for why she had ended up here so early, an international phone call she had received this morning was to blame.
2562
2563
2564
2565
2566
2567It was the sound alerting her to an incoming call on her room’s video phone that drew her out from the world of dreams.
2568
2569The digital clock read five o’clock.
2570
2571Thinking “what a nuisance,” Eimi looked at the message window and saw that the caller was her grandmother on her mother’s side, the matron of the renowned Goldie mage family of England and effectively the “number two” in authority.
2572
2573Eimi snapped wide awake.
2574
2575Even if that were not the case, Eimi’s parents were unbelievable people who never rose from bed until a predetermined time, not even if a truck crashed into the house. Consequently, it was an unwritten rule in the Akechi household that Eimi, who did not use a Sound Sleeper device, would handle all early morning callers and visitors.
2576
2577“…It has been a while, Grandmother.”
2578
2579Eimi refrained from saying good morning.
2580
2581“Because I am not properly dressed, please excuse my using voice-only with the call.”
2582
2583[Good morning, Amelia.]
2584
2585It seemed her grandmother was also aware of the time difference, Eimi thought as she heard the greeting.
2586
2587As it was daylight savings time, the difference between here and England was eight hours. Over there, it was now nine o’clock. If one thought about the time here, to be honest, Eimi really wished her grandmother had waited another hour before calling.
2588
2589[It may be very hot over there, but are you keeping healthy? Your body has never been very strong after all.]
2590
2591If you know I’m not very tough, then I wish you would let me sleep a bit more, Eimi sincerely thought. Of course, she did not give voice to that wish.
2592
2593“I’m fine, Grandmother. The heat wave for the past couple days has been subsiding.”
2594
2595This was just some honeyed words so as to provide her elder with some peace of mind. In reality, last week’s heatwave had been absolutely horrible, though this week it was becoming more tolerable.
2596
2597Summer would soon be ending anyway.
2598
2599[Is that so? Don’t push yourself too hard, Amelia.]
2600
2601“Yes, thank you very much, Grandmother.”
2602
2603Even as she replied politely, Eimi’s head tilted to the side. Just as she was wondering why on earth Grandmother had called-
2604
2605[Actually, to avoid the heat, I will be staying at the Swiss mountain villa from next week until the fall. I would be very happy if you would also come, Amelia.]
2606
2607“…Me, go to Switzerland?”
2608
2609The hesitation in Eimi’s response marked her awareness of the invitation’s undertones.
2610
2611[Yes. I have wanted to have a nice, long chat with you for quite some time, Amelia.]
2612
2613“I as well, Grandmother. There are a great many things I would like for you to teach me, but…”
2614
2615But this was impossible. In a little over a week the second term would start.
2616
2617While Eimi was trying to politely decline the invitation with that explanation, her grandmother was not so easily deterred.
2618
2619[If you are worried about school, there is also an excellent magic school in Switzerland. It should be fine if you studied abroad for about half a year? I could handle the arrangements with the school.]
2620
2621Because you’ve known the head of the Magic University for a long time is what you’re saying, Eimi thought impatiently.
2622
2623No one would be surprised that her grandmother was well acquainted with the highest levels of the magic community in Japan.
2624
2625With the restrictive control of overseas magic education, the chances for a magic high school student to study abroad were for all practical purposes nonexistent – at least Eimi had not heard of any such instance – but, with her grandmother, the impossible might well be achieved.
2626
2627At this rate regardless of Eimi’s intent, it looked like she might well find herself studying abroad.
2628
2629While somehow or another halting the discussion here with her emotional appeals was a victory of sorts, after the phone call ended, rather than relief, Eimi felt uneasy.
2630
2631Though she was a grandchild of a daughter married into another family, until now her grandmother had never interfered with her life. While visits tended to require Eimi to be on her best behavior even as she was treated kindly, other than that she had been left to her own devices – until now.
2632
2633Now however some reason had appeared to prompt her grandmother to want to keep her close by.
2634
2635However, without having any knowledge of her grandmother’s reasoning, the endless worrying afflicted upon her head made going back to sleep impossible. As such, Eimi ended up leaving the house well before the meeting time.
2636
2637
2638
2639
2640
2641“Eimi!”
2642
2643When she turned her head toward the call of her name, Eimi saw the girl who was today’s sponsor waving.
2644
2645“Sakura!”
2646
2647As Eimi waved back, the girl trotted over.
2648
2649The girl wearing the (thoroughly) goth loli-esque one-piece dress was Sakurakouji Akaha.
2650
2651This girl’s name was read as Akaha, not Momiji.
2652
2653
2654
2655
2656
2657On the day these two met as classmates,
2658
2659Eimi: Akaha, how do you write that?
2660
2661Akaha: Red leaf, the same as “autumn colors” but pronounced Akaha, you see.
2662
2663Eimi: Hee? So sakura and akaha, that’s cherry blossoms and autumn colors put together. That’s a rather gorgeous name.
2664
2665Akaha: But you know, it’s a shame both are rather ephemeral.
2666
2667Eimi: Aha, the beauty of elegant simplicity, no?
2668
2669Akaha: But you hardly seem the type to have much relation with elegant simplicity. You’re a rather colorful brilliance.
2670
2671The chance to become friends came with the exchange of false laughter after their conversation, making fate rather mysterious.
2672
2673
2674
2675
2676
2677“Sakura, you came with Subaru?”
2678
2679“Ehehe…”
2680
2681Though Eimi’s questioning had no deep meaning, Akaha began laughing nonsensically.
2682
2683Eh, is it possible you actually have that kind of preference? Unbeknownst to Akaha, Eimi made a mental note regarding her.
2684
2685However, as Eimi focused once more on the companion standing next to Akaha, she revised her opinion and felt that she could “understand it a little, probably.”
2686
2687At a glance, there was a handsome young man wearing a summer suit. That image was only further emphasized with the sophisticated under-rim glasses.
2688
2689However, in reality this youth was a androgynous female classmate.
2690
2691Satomi Subaru was by way of a teammate at the Nine Schools Competition – a relatively new friend, but now, their relationship was amiable enough to allow for exchanges such as, “Subaru, you came as a deterrent against skirt-chasers?” or “Milady, it would be a pleasure to escort you.” – Moreover when in the middle of such conversations, the two would smile, no, grin without reserve.
2692
2693“Is something wrong, Eimi?”
2694
2695As Eimi allowed her mind to be filled with fantasies of Akaha’s inclinations, Subaru peered at her face suspiciously. Confronted with the prim and proper facial features of the handsome young man (only in appearance) staring at her up close, Eimi felt her heart racing a little but resolutely refused to let any of her thoughts surface in her behavior, replying “Nothing’s wrong” with a curt shake of the head.
2696
2697“Is that so?”
2698
2699Subaru’s wide grin was galling and Eimi really felt like giving her a good stomp on the foot, but doing so might end up dragging herself into an even more embarrassing situation, so with all her will she pretended not to notice.
2700
2701“That’s a relief. In that case, let’s go in.”
2702
2703Objectively speaking, Eimi’s poker face was rather lacking, but having said her piece Subaru turned away. Knowing when to stop was also one of her charms. However, to be considered “charming” by other girls might well be something Subaru herself would only accept reluctantly.
2704
2705Without further thought on what “a relief” and “that case” was, so as no to waste any more time Eimi made no objections.
2706
2707“Oh yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve been to an amusement park.”
2708
2709When Eimi said this with a lively voice, “Theme park.”
2710
2711For some reason, Akaha interrupted her with a displeased tone.
2712
2713“Eh?”
2714
2715“Theme park. Wonderland isn’t an amusement park, it’s a theme park.”
2716
2717As expected from the repeat customer with the most visits on hand, it seemed Akaha could not help but be more than a little finicky about this amusement, no theme park.
2718
2719“Sorry, sorry, yeah, Wonderland is a theme park.”
2720
2721While Eimi felt there was little difference in either label, that very same feeling meant there was no need to stir things up. Eimi was soon correcting herself to use theme park instead of amusement park. Nevertheless, the irreverent tone and manner of the two did not go unnoticed and with half-lidded eyes Akaha regarded the them with displeasure, but with Subaru and Eimi proceeding through the gate she hurriedly chased after their backs.
2722
2723With that amusing mood, the two went through the gates without having to queue and lost themselves in Wonderland.
2724
2725
2726
2727
2728
2729Wonderland was an amusement park with magic as its theme.
2730
2731Possibly because of that, all the interior fencing and attractions in the premises were arranged like a labyrinth. Furthermore, every attraction also served as some kind of trick house. It was very difficult to leave after entering, even if one did not try out all the attractions. Due to this kind of park layout, rather than “entering” the park, it would be better to say that visitors were “lost” in it.
2732
2733And right now, a certain girl was really lost inside.
2734
2735“Seriously! Forget about Local Positioning System navigation, but what’s with GPS not working either!?”
2736
2737After visiting three attractions, Eimi had somehow lost her two friends and was now grumbling at a portable terminal.
2738
2739[Can’t be helped, right? Isn’t that one of the park’s selling points?]
2740
2741Subaru was the one receiving her vented frustrations.
2742
2743“Even if that’s the case, blocking GPS signals is going way too far!”
2744
2745[Relax. Is there a map display somewhere?]
2746
2747Well-versed in dealing with girls, Subaru (despite being a girl herself) took an approach of gentle appeasement. As a result, Eimi seemed to put aside her annoyed emotions somewhat.
2748
2749“I’ve been searching since a while ago… But let alone a map display, I can’t even find a guide anywhere.”
2750
2751[Really…? Anyway, if worse comes to worst, just light some fireworks and I’ll use my magic to come pick you up.]
2752
2753Subaru’s specialty was Leap magic along with inborn talent for Cognitive Inhibition (her usual flamboyant behavior was apparently a reaction to the skill of “imperceptibility”).
2754
2755Despite possessing skills in Cognitive Inhibition, she was nowhere near the level of First High’s counselor, Ono Haruka, whose true identity was a Public Safety investigator. Nevertheless, it would be an effortless task for her to stroll casually in the air without attracting attention while other park visitors were focused on having fun.
2756
2757On the other hand, Eimi’s personal talent what was known as Artillery Magic under the Movement System, capable of accelerating massive objects to high speed using only a short amount of time. During the Nine School Competition’s Pillars Break event, she had used her own ice pillars as bowling balls to launch into enemy territory, knocking down the opponent’s pillars all at once, thereby displaying her strong-arm tactics. For Eimi, it would not be a difficult task to replace heavy projectiles with compressed masses of air then firing them into the sky to produce explosion noises on the level of fireworks.
2758
2759[Subaru, that’s not allowed. Using magic for such reasons will get us into trouble.]
2760
2761However, Akaha entered the conversation on her own terminal and rejected Subaru’s suggestion.
2762
2763Laws had very strict conditions regulating the use of magic. Indeed, using magic for something as trivial as kids getting lost would definitely entail dealing with the police.
2764
2765[…Can’t be helped, Amy. Can you see the Sage’s Tower?]
2766
2767The Sage’s Tower was Wonderland’s signature attraction and the tallest structure there.
2768
2769“Yes… Just barely.”
2770
2771Eimi turned her head and looked around, finding behind a hedge the pinnacle of the building, constructed from faux white stone.
2772
2773[Then we’ll meet up there.]
2774
2775“Okay, got it.”
2776
2777Ending the conversation, Eimi glared at the Sage’s Tower viciously, as though it had killed her father--well, that might be an exaggeration, but at least the killer of a beloved puppy.
2778
2779
2780
2781
2782
2783Staring at the voice communcations unit on the portable terminal whose call-inprogress light had switched off, Subaru pondered a certain matter.
2784
2785“What’s the matter, Subaru?”
2786
2787Naturally, this behavior made her companion suspicious. In response to Akaha’s question whose tone was split evenly between curiosity and worry, Subaru smiled slightly demurely and said,
2788
2789“Hmm, nothing much… I was just wondering why Amy would end up getting separated from us.”
2790
2791“Because she’s too hyperactive?”
2792
2793“Hold on, that’s…”
2794
2795Akaha had given a blunt answer without thinking, putting Subaru at a loss for words.
2796
2797“It’d be understandable if it happened momentarily, but she didn’t realize until neither of us could get a bead on each other’s location. I think the situation isn’t very normal.”
2798
2799“Hmm~ …Does Amy have no sense of direction?”
2800
2801“…Umm, Sakura, you’re making me very curious how the two of you perceive each other…”
2802
2803
2804
2805
2806
2807Subaru shook her head, trying to dispel the urge to sigh, then made her tone of voice serious.
2808
2809“Putting that aside, Amy doesn’t have a terrible sense of direction. She’s in the hunting club and already acknowledged as a promising first year. Sure, that’d irrelevant if all she did was compete in indoor shooting competitions, but someone with no sense of direction can’t possibly hunt birds and animals in the mountains.”
2810
2811Subaru’s diatribe made Akaha finally realize the possibility that “Eimi was perhaps simply lost.”
2812
2813“Besides, Wonderland is a recreational facility that even children can visit to play. No matter how much it’s made like a maze, it’d be too weird if there were no clues at all for finding friends who got separated or if people who are lost cannot even find a map or a guide.”
2814
2815“You have a point. Since it’s one of the park’s selling points, it wouldn’t hurt to provide some assistance in this area.”
2816
2817Exchanging solemn glances, the two girls made their way to the Sage’s Tower as Subaru suggested.
2818
2819“Anyway, let’s go.”
2820
2821
2822
2823
2824
2825Unlike her friends who were weighted down by burdensome doubts while gradually making their way to the meeting point, Eimi was getting more and more frustrated by her lack of progress in approaching her destination, making her too occupied to think about anything else.
2826
2827Currently, the tower’s pinnacle was still visible so the direction was still clear.
2828
2829But whenever she tried to walk towards it, she would always encounter dead ends that forced her to find detours.
2830
2831Subaru had determined that Eimi “did not have a terrible sense of direction” but that description was far too conservative.
2832
2833To be more precise, her sense of direction was extremely sharp.
2834
2835Eimi’s sense of direction and ability to grasp the landscape made her aware that she was simply going in circles in the same area.
2836
2837Having a visible target that could not be approached, knowing the current situation yet unable to find a way out, this further magnified her frustrations several fold.
2838
2839And now, a thorny hedge of wild roses was blocking Eimi’s path. Exasperated by the numerous dead ends she had lost count already, Eimi reached the limit of her tolerance.
2840
2841Even a boy would have trouble crossing a hedge formed from thorned roses, so a girl would have no way of breaking through.
2842
2843But Eimi was no ordinary girl.
2844
2845(Watch me blow up this hedge…!)
2846
2847Totally vexed, Eimi reached into the pocket of her miniskirt--more precisely, it was a hole in the skirt that looked like a pocket. Reaching for the leather holster strapped to her thigh, she drew out the long and slim terminal-style CAD.
2848
2849Her main CAD was a shotgun model but that was not something to be carrying openly in the streets after all. Still, this backup CAD was more than enough for eliminating this obstruction. Usually operating gun-model CADs with one hand, Eimi used both hands to invoke the activation sequence on this CAD.
2850
2851“Hold on! Akechi-san, are you for real?”
2852
2853However, a voice was heard from behind as though perfectly timed. Eimi was startled as though someone had splashed a bucket of ice water on her head. The magic sequence was dispelled in the middle of its construction.
2854
2855Caught in the act of using magic arbitrarily.
2856
2857More precisely, it was an abortive attempt, but by this stage, Eimi’s intentions were obvious to any magician. Her actions were very unlikely to be overlooked. Also, the other person knew her identity, which made things even worse. Pondering these matters in a mental state of despair, Eimi felt cornered without any way out, even failing to realize that since it was someone who knew her, it might be possible to plead to him to turn a blind eye.
2858
2859Eimi turned around in trepidation but the sight of the completely unexpected figure stunned her, rooting her to the spot.
2860
2861The person who spoke to her was a short clown (short was relative to male norms, he was still taller than Eimi).
2862
2863In circus performances, magic tricks were usually performed by clowns. Hence, using magic as the park theme, it was not surprising that Wonderland had staff dressed as clowns.
2864
2865However, this clown was not wearing a typical baggy clown outfit. The right torso was black while the left torso was white. The right sleeve consisted of irregular horizontal stripes of black and white while the left sleeve had vertical narrow stripes of black and white. The pants were black on the right and white on the left. The vest was white on the right and black on the left in front while the colors were reverse on the back. A very peculiar outfit.
2866
2867He was wearing a white glove on his left and a black glove on the right. Instead of a brimless clown’s hat, he had a wide-brimmed top hat with vertical stripes (black and white as always).
2868
2869Beneath the top hat was a face with a fake expression drawn in black and white.
2870
2871No, it was actually a fake face--A mask.
2872
2873The right side was a crying face with black on a white background while the left side was a smiling face with white on a black background.
2874
2875This eerie atmosphere, rather than a clown, was more like--
2876
2877“--The Phantom?”
2878
2879Eimi was reminded of a certain well-known opera character.
2880
2881“Huh? Akechi-san, what are you talking about?”
2882
2883The familiar voice, speaking friendly words, quickly brought Eimi back to reality.
2884
2885“…Tomitsuka-kun?”
2886
2887“Yes, I’m Tomitsuka-kun.”
2888
2889The clown took off the mask to reveal a familiar face.
2890
2891Tomitsuka Hagane, Year 1 Class B of National Magic University Affiliated First High School.
2892
2893Eimi’s classmate.
2894
2895“Why are you dressed like that?”
2896
2897“This is my part-time job.”
2898
2899Eiri asked in surprise whereas Hagane answered while slowly putting his mask back on.
2900
2901“Job? Why?”
2902
2903First High did not forbid students from working part-time.
2904
2905What Eimi meant by her question was “Why are you working as Wonderland staff, a job that only ordinary students would pick?”
2906
2907Not only was Tomitsuka Hagane a student at a magic high school, he was also a Course 1 student at First High.
2908
2909He was ranked fifth in the year group for both practical skills and theory respectively. His overall grade made him an honors student ranking fourth in the entire year.
2910
2911Due to his specialty in magic being unsuited to the type of events offered, he was not chosen to compete at the Nine Schools Competition. But in the realm of Martial Magic Arts where magic fighting was combined with unarmed combat, he was rumored to be the school’s number one despite his short height and being a first-year student. Eimi had no idea what being number one at First High actually meant in the real world, but undoubtedly, he was an excellent magician (to be).
2912
2913Even as a “seed” or a “sapling,” those who possessed excellent magic skills would not have any trouble at all in finding short-term employment. For magicians, job openings for people with magic skills were ever present and offered better conditions than normal jobs for the most part.
2914
2915Eimi could not imagine the hourly wage for a host staff in this park, but it could not possibly be higher than renumeration for magicians.
2916
2917“It’s family-related.”
2918
2919“…Oh I see.”
2920
2921She was satisfied with this answer.
2922
2923Hundred Families--Tomitsuka.
2924
2925The Tomitsuka was one of the top clans in the Hundred Families. Furthermore, among magicians in the country, they were also top-class in wealth. This probably meant that the Tomitsuka family had invested in either the company managing this park or its parent company, a large construction firm. Asking him to work as park staff probably included handling magic-related situations.
2926
2927If that was the case, Eimi had something to tell Hagane.
2928
2929“Tomitsuka-kun, say, isn’t this going way too far?”
2930
2931“…What’s going way too far?”
2932
2933Eimi suddenly pointed at the hedge and grumbled angrily, causing Hagane to lean back in surprise. Although covered by a mask, his face was probably twitching slightly.
2934
2935“This hedge mechanism! I don’t know anything about ‘recreating a wondrous space,’ but isn’t blocking people’s way with mobile obstacles going too far? Thanks to this design, I’ve been stuck going in circles in the same area for a while now!”
2936
2937However, Hagane’s mental state was reset to a blank piece of paper after hearing Eimi’s accusations.
2938
2939Hagane could not understand her.
2940
2941“Hold on, Akechi-san. There’s no such mechanism in Wonderland.”
2942
2943“Huh?”
2944
2945Expecting to hear some kind of excuse, Eimi’s mouth gaped open in surprise after hearing Hagane’s answer.
2946
2947“Doesn’t that go without saying? The design concept here is ultimately ‘recreating something like a maze’ but not actually a maze. If visitors felt frustrated, then it’s a negative effect on the performance. In the end, if visitors are unable to advance, that would lower the usage rates of park facilities, reducing revenue.”
2948
2949“Eh… But…”
2950
2951“Besides, this area is a construction zone under expansion. Park visitors are not supposed to enter in the first place. Even involved personnel almost never come in here during the daytime. How exactly did you get yourself lost into here?”
2952
2953Eimi almost panicked from hearing the unexpected, but forced her hands and lips to move.
2954
2955“If you ask me where… Basically there.”
2956
2957Eimi pointed at the hedge she had just tried to blow up.
2958
2959“Huh?”
2960
2961“I said, I entered from there! There wasn’t a hedge there until just now!”
2962
2963“…Are you serious?”
2964
2965“I am very serious. Despite how I may look, I’m quite confident in my ability to grasp local geography.”
2966
2967Seeing Eimi’s serious look, Hagane’s gaze suddenly turned sharp behind his mask. Staring straight at the hedge, he made a “hmm…” sound from his throat.
2968
2969A mobile hedge made of thorned wild roses. From what Hagane knew, there were no such mobile obstacle mechanisms in this kind of place. Even if he had missed the detail in briefings, this area was not supplied with electricity, hence it was impossible for mechanical objects to be moving. Just to be on the safe side, Hagane took out an information terminal to confirm testing conditions in the new facility under construction--Indeed, this area did not have any operational facilities.
2970
2971“…Akechi-san, I allow you to continue what you were doing just now.”
2972
2973“What?”
2974
2975This sudden instruction… Or rather, commanding tone, caused Eimi to react predictably.
2976
2977“It’s okay, blow it up… The type of hedge Wonderland uses is an improved thornless variant so that visitors won’t get hurt even if they accidentally bump into them. As far as I know, there shouldn’t be any hedges here.”
2978
2979“I see~”
2980
2981Understanding what Hagane meant, Eimi restarted the magic sequence she had failed to unleash earlier.
2982
2983“Then I won’t hold back… Tomitsuka-kun, you’re taking responsibility for this!”
2984
2985Eimi’s magic activated simultaneously with this blame-shifting declaration.
2986
2987Movement-type magic Exploder.
2988
2989This was magic that caused all objects within the effective range of the “point of impact” to diverge spherically at high speed in an equidistant manner. This magic was capable of blowing obstacles that were collections of multiple objects, like debris or barricades, but would have no effect on a single entity like a wall or a rock.
2990
2991But in this case, Eimi was treating every rose leaf as a different target and had set the effective range relatively wide, allowing Exploder to detonate in the very center of the hedge. Torn apart, the leaves dragged the vines with them, producing a large hole in the center of the hedge.
2992
2993Eimi nodded with satisfaction and was just about to pass through the hole she had made when…
2994
2995“Hold on.”
2996
2997Her classmate’s voice stopped her.
2998
2999“What now?”
3000
3001Feeling as though he was blocking her joy in finally freeing herself from this dead end of a maze, Eimi replied in a displeased voice.
3002
3003“I knew it…”
3004
3005But judging from Hagane’s expression, he was not aware of Eimi’s ruined mood (that being said, his actual face was hidden by the mask) while he kept staring at the hedge wall with the hole in it.
3006
3007“What? WHAT IS GOING ON?”
3008
3009Eimi deliberately lowered her pitch slightly and raised her voice at the same time. Hagane finally seemed to notice her brewing thunderstorm of a temper tantrum and reacted by speaking relatively quickly.
3010
3011“Akechi-san, take a look. This hedge is not rooted. Neither is there a frame for supporting the vines.”
3012
3013“Now that you mention it…”
3014
3015Having been stuck in Britain a number of times (for the short term), Eimi was very familiar with this type of hedge. As a semi-climbing plant, roses could not grow tall without support and were unable to form this kind of wall over two meters tall.
3016
3017“Right, Akechi-san. This wall is supported by magic!”
3018
3019Hagane swiftly inserted his right arm into the hole resulting from Eimi’s explosion.
3020
3021Instantly, the scattered vines converged to devour Hagane’ right arm.
3022
3023In terms of speed, it really was better described as “devoured” rather than “covered” by the vines. The vines, all covered with thorns acting as sharp teeth, were just about to pierce the black and white sleeve, stabbing into Hagane’s right arm--That was what was supposed to happen.
3024
3025“How naive!”
3026
3027However, what ended up torn apart was the magic driving the vines.
3028
3029Releasing a shockwave radially, Hagane’s right arm blew apart the rose barrier.
3030
3031“…What was that?”
3032
3033From Eimi’s view, Hagane had simply released a psion wave.
3034
3035But psions would not affect matter directly.
3036
3037A wave of psions should not be capable of blowing material objects with an impact.
3038
3039“Nothing much, it’s purely acceleration magic. Making the psion wave permeate through contact, I blew away the immobilizing magic that’s supporting the wall, then I activated Explosion.”
3040
3041Explosion was a spell that accelerated all objects within the point of impact’s effective range to uniform speed. It was the twin of Exploder except substituting speed-type magic for movement-type magic.
3042
3043In other words, during the instant when the thorned vines made contact with his arm, Hagane had used non-systematic magic to destroy the immobilizing magic supporting the wall, apparently freeing his arm by reversing the vines’ momentum before their thorns pierced his clothing.
3044
3045“Gram Demolition…?”
3046
3047Eimi whispered in surprise and fear. Forcibly diabling spells using the pressure of a psion wave was non-systematic magic, a type of top-level anti-magic known as Gram Demolition which hardly any magicians used.
3048
3049However, Hagane shook his head with an awkward expression (that said, his face covered by his mask as before).
3050
3051“Well, it’s regrettable… I’m unable to inject enough of a psion wave unless through bodily contact.”
3052
3053This prompted Eimi to recall Hagane’s moniker.
3054
3055His moniker was “Range Zero.” Eimi had heard of this nickname before which made reference to his nonexistent range of fire. Although it teased him for not being proficient in long-distance magic, the nickname also respected his peerless reputation at point blank range. Back when Eimi first heard about this, she had been wondering why he held this other title in addition to his family’s codename without any outstanding accomplishments. After witnessing the scene just now, she finally acknowledged his prowess.
3056
3057A single touch from him would dispel any antimagic protecting the body, exposing it to offensive magic in an unguarded state. Besides, simply injecting a high-density psion wave into the human body was enough to disrupt biological rhythms, rendering the victim unable to stand properly.
3058
3059“…Anyway, enough about my magic…”
3060
3061Hagane had probably misunderstood the meaning of Eimi’s reticence, turning away with an embarrassed look (but because of the mask, his expression… hold on, there’s no need to repeat that anymore), whispering in a voice that was rendered even more unclear by the mask.
3062
3063“We’ve got company. Is their target you, Akechi-san?”
3064
3065It was anyone’s guess whether this just happened to be pure coincidence or if they decided that the fake hedge’s destruction served as the best timing, a group of men, dressed in black clothing, black hats and shades, emerged to surround the two of them.
3066
3067“MIB?”
3068
3069“All I know is that the park doesn’t use these outfits.”
3070
3071Whether Eimi’s exasperated remark or Hagane’s casual comment, neither reflected the gradually tense atmosphere at the scene.
3072
3073Or perhaps they were trying to unsettle the MIB’s intimidating aura.
3074
3075But if that was the case, their attempt ended in failure.
3076
3077The men in black closed in, surrounding them even tighter.
3078
3079Hagane’s airs of playful bantering were gone.
3080
3081For some reason, Eimi returned the CAD in her hand to inside her skirt.
3082
3083Getting a strange feeling, Hagane placed his hand on his face. Instead of taking it off, he was pressing the mask against his face.
3084
3085Eimi instantly understood why he did that. Under pressure, the mask would fit tigher with the shape of the face, improving visibility by presenting larger eyeholes to the eyes.
3086
3087“May I ask what business do you have here?”
3088
3089Hagane asked politely, presumably in consideration of his status as park staff and the possibility tha he had mistaken their relationship.
3090
3091However, he had no expectations for a response.
3092
3093The iron-clad rule in horror movies to incite fear was to refrain from speaking.
3094
3095It applied to real life as well.
3096
3097Arriving all at once, hiding their true identities, sealing off escape routes, applying silent pressure, then negotiating when the target had been worn down mentally and physically. The men in black had faithfully followed this set of procedures up to sealing off escape routes.
3098
3099“Miss Goldie.”
3100
3101But contrary to Hagane’s prediction, one of the men in black spoke up politely.
3102
3103Instead of using “Ms.”, he was using the old-fashioned title of “Miss.”
3104
3105“We have no intention of harming you.”
3106
3107Although the man was speaking in English, not only Eimi but Hagane was also proficient in English conversation.
3108
3109“All we wish is for you to hand over something to us. Naturally, we are not making demands without compensation. In exchange, we will provide something that you will need the most from now on.”
3110
3111“I am afraid that the meaning of your message is lost upon me.”
3112
3113When speaking in English as “Amelia,” Eimi was far more elaborate than when she spoke Japanese as “Eimi.” Perhaps because of that, her dignified airs made her sound almost like a different person. Despite being born in a side branch, she was still part of the prestigious Goldie family, hence such airs were perhaps quite suited to her stature.
3114
3115“Pardon my poor manners. Then I shall be more blunt.”
3116
3117The man remained polite but the men in black surrounding Eimi and Hagane closed in even more, exerting pressure on the two of them.
3118
3119“Miss Goldie, please teach us the spell of the magic projectile, Tathlum. What we will provide in exchange is assistance in stopping future assassins who intend to harm you.”
3120
3121Hagane originally thought that what the men in black wanted was profiting through kidnapping, at most.
3122
3123However, the magnitude of the matter in conversation was far greater than expected, making him miss the chance to speak up or make a move.
3124
3125Eimi responded to the man in black with a stiff tone of voice, but did not tremble.
3126
3127“That magic is the Goldie family’s secret technique, only taught to those recognized as members of the main family. Seeing as I am living as a Japanese far away from the main family, do you truly believe that someone like me would have learned Tathlum?”
3128
3129Indeed, the Goldie family, standing as one of the main authorities on Modern Magic in England, was originally one that passed down Ancient Magic through the generations. Tathlum was the trump card spell they had acquired during the ascent of Modern Magic, involving the rewriting of Ancient Magic into Modern Magic. But no other information was known apart from the fact that it used physical projectiles.
3130
3131At least, Hagane--the Tomitsuka family--had not been able to find any further details.
3132
3133“Rather than believe, we already know.”
3134
3135However, judging from how the man in black responded to Eimi, Hagane surmised that his classmate had already learned Tathlum. As soon as he reached that conclusion, Hagane could hardly suppress the burgeoning curiosity surging in his body.
3136
3137“Through certain channels, we have become privy to the knowledge that Mrs. Goldie has already taught you the spell of Tathlum.”
3138
3139Meanwhile, Eimi reached an almost complete understanding of the background behind the series of events.
3140
3141Her grandmother had taught that magic to her; that was the truth, but it was something that only people within the Goldie family were supposed to know. Eimi had never used Tathlum anywhere outside of the Goldie home but even if outsiders were to see her practicing the magic, they would not be able to identify it as Tathlum.
3142
3143The reason why Tathlum was called a secret technique was due to its activation sequence. Ordinarily speaking, magicians could only recognize magic through their effects or potential effects. Simply judging from the result of rewriting phenomena, it was impossible to distinguish Tathlum from common movementtype magic.
3144
3145But this person knew that she had already learned Tathlum, in other words…
3146
3147(An internal conflict within the family… No wonder grandmother suddenly made that kind of suggestion…)
3148
3149Not recent events but the matter of “early this morning.” As the center of all this, Eimi could not help but feel an urge to laugh at how rapidly things were developing.
3150
3151“Miss Goldie, what are your thoughts? We have received indisputable information that there will be people posing as a threat near you. Pray forgive me for being forward, but your parents are only ordinary magicians. Their power alone is probably insufficient to guarantee your safety.”
3152
3153(So if I refuse, you guys will become the people “posing as a threat near me.”)
3154
3155Eimi sighed lightly.
3156
3157“Why do you wish to obtain that magic spell?”
3158
3159Eimi felt quite sorry for getting Hagane involved, for he was just a classmate.
3160
3161“However, I know the answer already.”
3162
3163These people were not going to back down quietly no matter what.
3164
3165“That spell is legitmate proof of being part of the Goldie family.”
3166
3167In that case, she had to give up on resolving this through peaceful measures.
3168
3169“Even if someone was born in the main family, but was unable to use that spell, they would not be recognized as a member of the main family.”
3170
3171Eimi reached this realization.
3172
3173“Naturally, they would be deprived of the right to inheritance as well.”
3174
3175As soon as Eimi asserted that, murderous intent could instantly be felt coming from the men in black surrounding them.
3176
3177“That sort of thing is so easy to understand.”
3178
3179Eimi switched back to Japanese and taunted, meanwhile preparing for battle.
3180
3181“You decline to cooperate? --What a shame.”
3182
3183The man in black also switched back to Japanese for the latter half of his response.
3184
3185“Capture Miss Goldie. Light injuries are fine. Dispose of the kid.”
3186
3187At the man’s orders, silver light flashed from all of sleeves of the men in black. Slender daggers, the type used for throwing, appeared in the hands of the men in black.
3188
3189There was no way they were adhering to Wonderland style, but they had hidden spring-loaded knife cases in their sleeves.
3190
3191Daggers served two purposes: for melee combat and throwing. These daggers in their hands were weighted towards the tip as throwing weapons. Close-range encirclement combined with throwing daggers all at once was an effective tactic against magicians.
3192
3193Nevertheless, before the daggers could be thrown, the encirclement was already broken.
3194
3195“Dispose of me? Oh please, don’t just decide something so dangerous all on your own.”
3196
3197Before the men in black could throw their daggers, the monochrome clown had already charged at the mob surrounding them.
3198
3199The clown had not approached with speed faster than the naked eye could register.
3200
3201Instead, he had simply run up to his opponenent normally. Although he was fast, anyone could match his speed with a bit of training. While the leader of the men in black was conversing with Eimi, the clown had already started taking action.
3202
3203He had simply evaded attracting attention, like a ghost hidden in shadows.
3204
3205The monochrome masked Hagane pressed his palm lightly against the man in black’s chest.
3206
3207It only looked like a gentle touch.
3208
3209But the man he touched ended up flying backwards ten meters before hitting the concrete ground.
3210
3211The two-toned colors of black and white swirled nimbly.
3212
3213The interplay of light and shadow and the dramatic changes in brightness contributed to blurring outlines.
3214
3215Hagane’s karate chop struck the shoulder of the man in black beside him.
3216
3217An ominous crack was heard.
3218
3219Rather than a heavy chop with the hand, it was merely a light tap--Just a gentle touch.
3220
3221Even so, Hagane’s barehanded chop still shattered the humerus of the man in black’s knife-wielding arm.
3222
3223“Magic Arts!?”
3224
3225The leader of the men in black yelled out in shock.
3226
3227“Magic Arts” was the short form for Martial Magic Arts.
3228
3229Martial Magic Arts consisted of unarmed combat techniques combined with magic.
3230
3231Using points of contact as the points for magic activation, it eliminated the step of inputting location coordinates as variables. This type of “contact magic” was one of the fundamental skills of Martial Magic Arts.
3232
3233Probably reacting to their leader’s voice, the men in black surrounded Hagane and lowered their stances.
3234
3235Seeing the men in black became more cautious--more serious--Hagane smiled fearlessly.
3236
3237“Dear customers, this zone here is not open to the public.”
3238
3239Pretentiously, Hagane held his right hand to his chest while raising his left arm to horizontal and stepping his right foot behind his left foot.
3240
3241“I’m very sorry but I must ask all of you to leave.”
3242
3243Simply going through the motions of a bow.
3244
3245“Or perhaps, shall I lead the way for you all? --To the police station.”
3246
3247Hagane taunted the men in black using a respectful tone of voice.
3248
3249The men in black behind him slowly closed in to attack him. One man attacked, creating an opening in the encirclement. This was precisely what Hagane wanted.
3250
3251Taking action to accommodate the man in black, Hagane turned around and rushed at the attacking man.
3252
3253The man in black was no amateur either.
3254
3255Holding the throwing dagger, he stabbed at Hagane.
3256
3257Instead of targeting the head that could dodge easily, the strike was aimed at the center of the torso--the bottom of the sternum.
3258
3259However, the fluttering of dazzling monochrome colors caused the man in black to lose his aim. Stepping lightly, Hagane dodged the man’s mistimed stab and landed a punch on his lower jaw.
3260
3261This was not real magic but stage magic, using optical illusions of conjuring tricks to produce dizziness.
3262
3263This was an experienced magical dance using the entire body, not something that could be learned in short time.
3264
3265Hagane’s strange attire was not only an outfit worn as part of the theme park’s staff but also a battle outfit with practical combat considerations.
3266
3267Including the leader, the men in black all had their attention focused on Hagane.
3268
3269This was Eimi’s rare chance.
3270
3271Eimi reached into the pockets all over her military-style jacket.
3272
3273What she took out was not a terminal-style CAD.
3274
3275Lifted in front of her playing cards opened in a fan shape in each hand.
3276
3277Holding these cards, Eimi casually swung her hands to the side.
3278
3279Released from her hands, the cards flew through the air.
3280
3281Some of the cards advanced straight forward while others turned and traced out curves.
3282
3283Flying faster than the eye could see, the cards pierced the clothing of the men in black, stabbing into their bodies.
3284
3285Blood splattered.
3286
3287No one suffered a fatal wound, but no one was lightly injured either.
3288
3289
3290
3291
3292
3293“Satisfied now?”
3294
3295Eimi directed her question in Japanese to the leader of the men in black.
3296
3297Confronting the nonstop bleeding without flinching, it was like she had simply knocked over tomato juice or something.
3298
3299“This is the Tathlum you wanted. But just by watching, the spell probably can’t be identified.”
3300
3301“No way… Tathlum is supposed to use small spherical shells instead…”
3302
3303The man probably failed to realize he was using English to answer Japanese.
3304
3305Intense pain did not allow for awareness of such a minor faux pas.
3306
3307Rather, given that he was the only one remaining standing, one should commend him as worthy of being the leader.
3308
3309Nevertheless, Eimi was not impressed with this. Neither did she care.
3310
3311“…So you didn’t even know something of that level? Looks like I said too much.”
3312
3313Eimi’s eyeballs kept turning left and right, reflecting the fact that she was pondering how to pull the wool over people’s eyes. Most likely, she was regretting inside for “telling” them she had used the magic projectile, Tathlum. She had misjudged after getting carried away when she realized her enemy knew about Tathlum’s existence.
3314
3315Whether due to resignation or acceptance, Eimi immediately switched from a troubled look to a strong and cheerful expression.
3316
3317“Uh~ You’re wrong. The choice of projectile for Tathlum depends on the user’s own style. The one who used shells, I remember that was my late great-uncle who passed away last year? Speaking of which, I think he had a grandson who’s two years my senior? I’ve never met this distant cousin, but he’s probably your employer, right?”
3318
3319With one hand akimbo, Eimi waved her other hand at face height while making a gun gesture, chattering nonstop with a tone of “How’s that for a brilliant deduction?” Eimi evidently wanted to dominate the scene with her presence, but unfortunately, the man did not seem intimidated.
3320
3321Ultimately, he did not respond at all.
3322
3323“Excuse me… Akechi-san?”
3324
3325While Eimi was waiting for the man in black to respond, Hagane spoke to her in a slightly cautious tone of voice.
3326
3327“Hmm?”
3328
3329“That guy already fainted.”
3330
3331“Huh?”
3332
3333Despite being unfazed by blood, Eimi frantically ran towards the man in black.
3334
3335“Hold on, answer my question first before you faint!”
3336
3337“Don’t ask for the impossible.”
3338
3339Eimi had rushed right before the stationary man, looking like she wanted to give him a good slap. Thinking he had to stop her if she really acted out (because further attacks could lead to death), Hagane hurried over and remarked with exasperation and relief after seeing her hold back.
3340
3341
3342
3343
3344
3345“Oh… T-Tomitsuka-kun?”
3346
3347Seeing Hagane next to her with a face full of exasperation--but due to wearing a mask (the rest omitted)--Eimi suddenly settled down and looked up at him in an awkward manner, grasping for the right words.
3348
3349Eimi was acting almost like a different person from a minute ago. Even though this thought crossed Hagane’s mind, he felt inexplicably afraid of ignoring her, so he decided to answer.
3350
3351“Yes, Akechi-san, what’s the matter?”
3352
3353“Umm… Sorry for getting you involved!”
3354
3355“Oh, so it’s that.”
3356
3357Eimi swiftly bowed her head and apologized, eliciting a reaction of disappointment from Hagane.
3358
3359“Even as just a part-timer, I am part of Wonderland’s patrolling security. I can’t pretend I never saw a potential kidnapping happening inside the park, even if I abstain from interfering. Besides, it’s clearly our fault that so many suspicious people were able to slip into the premises, so don’t worry about it.”
3360
3361Eimi instantly brightened up after hearing Hagane’s answer.
3362
3363Seeing her so opportunistic, Hagane could not help but smile wryly.
3364
3365Feeling the tension gone, Hagane casually said something inconsequential.
3366
3367“Also, I got the chance to see something rare… So that’s the magic projectile, Tathlum. A delayed spell applied with activation conditions on objects to be used as projectiles. Shooting magic that activates movement magic simply by launching by hand. I don’t know how long the delayed spell can persist, but when faced against enemies, it allows the user to fire single shots, repeated shots, or firing all at once as they please without the need to operate a CAD or construct magic sequences. I see now, it’s definitely a spell worthy of being the prestigious Goldie family’s trump card.”
3368
3369Only after he finished did Tomitsuka notice the change in mood.
3370
3371“…Observing to such an extent after seeing it once, rather, shouldn’t I say ‘As expected of a direct descendent of the Tomitsuka--one of the strongest among the Hundred Families’?”
3372
3373“Oh? Umm… Akechi-san?”
3374
3375“…How regrettable, to think we could’ve been friends…”
3376
3377“Huh? Eh? Why are you using past tense?”
3378
3379“Tomitsuka-kun, let me tell you some good news.”
3380
3381An intense alarm sounded in Hagane’s mind.
3382
3383But for some reason, his feet felt rooted to the ground.
3384
3385“Uh… What…?”
3386
3387“A secret technique is called ‘secret’ because it must be kept confidential at all costs.”
3388
3389“Whoa~! Hold it right there!”
3390
3391The cards in Eimi’s right hand opened in fan shape, causing Hagane to wave his hands in a panic at the sight.
3392
3393Not only that, he also frantically took off his hat and mask.
3394
3395“I won’t tell anyone! I’ll keep it a secret! Read my lips! My face doesn’t look like I’m lying, right!?”
3396
3397He had apparently taken off his mask to deliver these words.
3398
3399Hagane suddenly prostrated himself on the ground, causing Eimi’s pressure to plummet, unable to continue acting serious.
3400
3401“…Jeez, whatever. After all, I got to see an interesting dance just now.”
3402
3403“S-sure~”
3404
3405
3406
3407
3408
3409This time it was Hagane’s turn to sound troubled, still kneeling on the ground.
3410
3411This sound alone was enough for Eimi to conclude that Hagane did not want others to know about his type of conjuring tricks. It was probably the secret trump card that Hagane had innovated on his own. In that case, things were simple.
3412
3413“Very well, let’s keep each other’s secret!”
3414
3415Eimi knelt down (naturally with her legs together to prevent exposing the underside of her miniskirt) to meet Hagane’s gaze at eye level. Hagane immediately smiled shyly and nodded.
3416
3417“Oh, I almost forgot!”
3418
3419Probably feeling relieved, Eimi suddenly stood up and took out her CAD from under her skirt.
3420
3421While Hagane watched in puzzlement, thinking “What’s up?”, she activated a magic spell.
3422
3423This magic manifested its effects in the form of light, heat and odor.
3424
3425The cards buried in the men in black’s bodies suddenly ignited, cauterizing the wounds before turning into ash.
3426
3427“Elimination of evidence and halting the bleeding, done. Now then, part-timer Tomitsuka-kun.”
3428
3429“W-What is it?”
3430
3431Eimi suddenly switched to a coaxing tone of voice, naturally causing Hagane to feel wary.
3432
3433But there existed many things in this world where being wary was still futile.
3434
3435“Injuries occurring in the park premises means that staff is responsible for medical care, right? And if those injured people are carrying illegal weapons, it’s also the staff’s responsibility to call the police, right?”
3436
3437“Akechi-san… Are you trying to shove all the work on me?”
3438
3439“How dare you say that I’ve shoving things on you, of course not! But think about it, I’m just a ‘customer’ today, after all. And my friends are waiting for me.”
3440
3441“…So unfair.”
3442
3443Eimi remained unfazed despite Hagane’s gaze of resentment.
3444
3445“Very well, that’s settled then~ See you in school, Tomitsuka-kun!”
3446
3447Eimi rapidly left the scene with just a turn and a wave of apology. Watching her leave, Hagane’s expression slowly turned from a poker face to a wry smile, finally ending with a long sigh.
3448
3449
3450
3451
3452
3453Eimi finally managed to meet up with Subaru and Akaha. The trio sat down to a lunch of crepes on a bench. When a member of park staff dressed in a vertically striped outfit passed by, Eimi raised a question aimed at no one in particular.
3454
3455“This place is clearly Wonderland so why don’t they dress up as rabbits…?”
3456
3457“Come on… Wouldn’t that lead to copyright problems?”
3458
3459“Hmm? You actually want a bunny boy to serve you, Amy?”
3460
3461“Of course not! Sheesh… I was just thinking, since it’s not every day that one gets to visit a land of wonderment, it’d be better if the staff dressed up to give a more immersive feeling.”
3462
3463“What kind of outfit would feel more immersive?”
3464
3465“Hmm~ …Lemme think, maybe magicians with Venetian style masks or something like that?”
3466
3467Surfacing in Eimi’s mind was a monochrome clown akin to a certain phantom, but she had a feeling that young children would cry in fright if they saw that look, hence she searched her mind for similar images.
3468
3469“Oh, that might not be bad.”
3470
3471“Yes, I agree. Sounds interesting.”
3472
3473Then every time park staff passed by, the girls would enjoy the fun of virtual dressing up in their minds, chatting “not like that, not like this.” Meanwhile, Eimi was secretly contemplating extremely dangerous ideas, from Hagane’s perspective, such as “it might be nice to have Tomitsuka-kun dressed up as a bunny boy.”
3474
3475
3476
3477
3478
3479Friendship, Trust, and the Dubious Lolicon
3480
3481
3482
3483
3484Third High School, which is affiliated with the National Magic University, is located outside Kanazawa City in the Ishikawa Prefecture. Because of the wide scale shift of district lines under the current district system, it is properly called the “former Ishikawa Prefecture,” but people, including the mass media, normally refer to former prefectures and their capitals by their old names. Probably out of habit. It could be that “Ishikawa Prefecture” is also used instead of “The Domain of Kaga” or “The Country of Noto” because “it’s what we’re used to”.
3485
3486It’s not really important.
3487
3488In the reference room of Third High School, located outside Kanazawa City in the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kichijouji Shinkurou stopped working so diligently on his manuscript and did a gigantic stretch. He might be on the brink of ruining it by trying to improve it, so he took off the headset for the brain wave assistant interface and once again made a big arch with his back.
3489
3490He’d been working longer than he’d thought; it would probably be best to make that posture again. The sound of bones cracking back into place continued; the feel of small aches and pains made Kichijouji scowl.
3491
3492Since he was taking a break from writing for now, he turned his face away. There was no window in the reference room since it might potentially be used to inspect the highly confidential documents, but, perhaps for refreshing purpose, on the side of a wall in the small private room was a window-emulating display that switched between different landscapes. The “landscape” he could see from this private room was of a grove of trees deep in the mountains wavering in a gentle wind; Kichijouji was fond of this scene.
3493
3494What he’d been working on was the manuscript he would use for his presentation for “The National High School Magic Theory Thesis Competition sponsored by the Japanese Magic Association” at the end of October. Kichijouji was a world renowned magic researcher as well a first year high school student, so he’d been chosen as a member of Third High School’s representatives. His personal preparations had begun before summer vacation, but ever since the Nine Schools Competition had ended, he had become overzealous about writing his manuscript — even he himself felt so.
3495
3496He was also aware of the reason.
3497
3498It was the rivalry he felt with that boy he met at the Nine Schools Competition, Shiba Tatsuya.
3499
3500Until the Nine Schools Competition, Kichijouji had never felt that he was inferior to anyone around his own age in Magic Theory. In fact, he had almost no memories of ever feeling rivalry with anyone. Aside from the practical side of Magic, the realm outside of magic theory, in terms of owners of brains equal to his own which discovered the “Cardinal Code”, Kichijouji prided himself on being the only one in his age group whose brain was at this level not only within the country, but even if taking the worldwide viewpoint.
3501
3502And, he was not being conceited. In the world of the study of magic, there were currently new scientific findings being announced day by day, but scientific findings that equaled the “Cardinal Code” were no more than once a year at the most. Kichijouji Shinkurou’s achievement was that rare and valuable.
3503
3504However, his vanity had been crushed a number of times in the last Nine Schools Competition. At least, Kichijouji himself felt so.
3505
3506The theoretical is accompanied by the practical, for the first time that had meaning. In the world of magic research, this was a widely supported way of thinking; in this country especially, the concept was common sense and a widely diffused premise.
3507
3508Kichijouji also considered that a natural idea. Magical theory in the end is something for the purpose of using technical skills called magic; a theory that can not be put into practice is ridiculous. If the study of magic is to promote learning, then sooner or later it might advance to include the study of logical concepts to explain reality that were purely mental constructs. However, the modern study of magic was not at that level.
3509
3510And, in regards to the way theory is useful for practice, the technique demonstrated by that guy, First High School First Year — Shiba Tatsuya, had carved a sense of defeat into Kichijouji’s heart. Not just knowledge, not just technique, but the power of the two unified to make him actually feel that the sum was greater than the parts.
3511
3512That left Kichijouji immensely aggravated.
3513
3514Knowledge and technique were the cornerstones of his self-confidence. He who could never win against “them” in power was so useful to “them” that he was an utter necessity, and another person could not outperform him. Therefore, Kichijouji pledged to himself that he would redeem himself from his loss during the Nine Schools Competition at the Thesis Competition. He considered victory over First High School at the Thesis Competition to be the shortest route to regaining his self confidence, which he needed to do.
3515
3516For that reason, directly after the Nine Schools Competition was over, he spent almost every day confined in this reference room working hard composing his presentation speech.
3517
3518Speaking of the aftermath of the Nine Schools Competition.
3519
3520—Ichijou’s state of mind seemed a little off—
3521
3522That phrase fell into Kichijouji’s ears some days rarely, some days frequently.
3523
3524He made no objection to calling Masaki’s condition as off. Kichijouji himself thought so. He was also aware that it was not just his imagination. After all, Kichijouji knew the reason Masaki was “off”.
3525
3526(…Despite that, there isn’t really anything I can do)
3527
3528Kichijouji probably could not be attacked for not being a “true friend”. After all, Masaki was afflicted with a disease that had from old been called “a sickness no doctor can cure” and “not soothed by hot springs therapy”.
3529
3530Kichijouji accepted it. Ichijou Masaki was suffering from “Love Sickness”.
3531
3532
3533
3534
3535
3536“Shiba Miyuki”
3537
3538That was the name of the one Masaki had fallen for.
3539
3540It was inconceivable that the next head of that Ichijou clan could be tormented by love troubles — but he was. Masaki with his brains, good looks and pedigree was the type that did not have to do anything to have a pack of girls after him; the reason for his torment was not anything like him being a neophyte, a complete prude, or a sexual deviant or anything like that — there really was no reason for him not to confess his feelings and end his torment of unrequited love, Kichijouji thought.
3541
3542Even he himself couldn’t keep his heart from beating faster when he recalled that girl’s image.
3543
3544The girl was that lovely. Not like a flesh and blood person, if someone said she was the fantasy of a teenage boy transformed into a three dimensional image by super science, he could just about believe it. Even without relying on a photo, his brain could revive her clear image; once or twice, he had gotten the feeling that she was some sort of dream or product of some wild delusion.
3545
3546Since even he who had no feelings of affection toward her was in this state, Masaki who had fallen in love with her probably couldn’t help becoming more distracted than was usual for him.
3547
3548In his case, she was an unreachable goal that inspire feelings of awe. Thanks to that (probably), the matter ended without inciting hopeless feelings of unrequited love; however, in Masaki’s case, in part due to the potential of actually getting her, the illness had become unnecessarily severe.
3549
3550The name of Shiba Miyuki had special meaning for Kichijouji above and beyond that of being the subject of Masaki’s unrequited love.
3551
3552She was Shiba Tatsuya’s younger sister.
3553
3554The younger sister of the guy he held animosity for held his friend’s heart.
3555
3556The inner workings Kichijouji’s heart were more complex than he knew.
3557
3558
3559
3560
3561
3562“George.”
3563
3564The sun was almost completely past the western horizon with just an edge was passing through when Kichijouji turned around towards the voice that called him just as he was leaving school.
3565
3566“Masaki.”
3567
3568Even without turning around, he had recognized him by voice alone. Before he could turn around, the owner of the name he spoke caught up to him mid-turn.
3569
3570“You’re already leaving, right? If that’s so, let’s go together.”
3571
3572“Sure, if you’re fine with it.”
3573
3574Kichijouji’s remark was another words for “you won’t go out of your way”.
3575
3576Almost every day, Kichijouji returned directly to the school dormitory. In contrast, Masaki made numerous detours hither and thither on his way home. These were not all recreational (though a lot of times he was just playing around), as the number of times that the eldest son of the Ichijou clan had to run around on family business were not few.
3577
3578“Oh, today I don’t really have anything special to do. …All right. George, it’s been awhile so let’s visit my house.”
3579
3580“Wouldn’t there be a problem if I just dropping in without warning?”
3581
3582To his friend’s sudden suggestion, Kichijouji presented a common sense response. However, Masaki lightly laughed it away.
3583
3584“Don’t say anything to imply that we’re not close. Besides, if it’s you, that family of mine will always give a warm welcome.”
3585
3586“Really? Got it. I’ll drop in.”
3587
3588Masaki invited Kichijouji, who lived alone, out of friendship without any guile. However, Kichijouji had reasons for why he could not freely accept the Ichijou family’s good will.
3589
3590In the first place, he did not have any reason to dislike visiting Masaki’s family. Since Masaki was going straight home and he did not need to worry about interfering with any business he had on the way, Kichijouji displayed no real hesitation when he nodded his acceptance of Masaki’s invitation.
3591
3592
3593
3594
3595
3596Masaki’s house was a mere thirty minute walk from school. Commuting to school did not take thirty minutes; walking took thirty minutes. Naturally, the fact that Third High School and the Ichijou mansion were within walking distance of each other was a simple coincidence. There was no background detail like the school being useful to the Ichijou clan or the principal working for them, no matter what was whispered in places. In the first place, Third High School, like the other magic high schools, was a national high school affiliated with the National Magic University. Deciding the placement of high schools was in the jurisdiction of government offices; the Ten Master Clans were ostensibly private citizens so affecting the planning was not within the Ichijou clan’s reach. —The Ten Master Clans would also not use their influence in a matter like this.
3597
3598The thirty minute route took Masaki and Kichijouji twenty-five minutes without hurrying. With the season’s long day already past, the twilight sky was dipped in purple for a while. Since Kichijouji thought that the members of the Ichijou family would not be home yet, he was a little surprised to be hailed as he passed through the gate into the garden.
3599
3600“Ah, Shinkurou-kun, welcome.”
3601
3602The cheerful voice speaking to him had the high pitched soprano of a child.
3603
3604“Akane-chan, hello, pardon me.”
3605
3606The one who greeted Kichijouji with a smile was Masaki’s younger sister, Ichijou Akane. Akane was a sixth year elementary student, but Masaki also had another sister younger than her. Kichijouji had not had many chances to talk to that sister who was a third year elementary student, but Akane had attached herself to him long ago, so whenever he visited the Ichijou residence, she would always pop in to see him at least once whether she was there when he arrived or not. He did not know how serious she was, but she had said “I will become Shinkurou-kun’s bride someday”.
3607
3608The first time he heard this statement, Kichijouji was not all that old; by the third time, he was puzzled. When she first proclaimed her intentions to him two years before, Akane was still a fourth year elementary student at that time and all she was to him was Masaki’s younger sister who would grow to be a vivacious beauty in the future. Kichijouji himself was a second year middle school student at the time; proposals of marriage and the like did not seem all that real to him. On the other hand, he did not hate Akane for any reason and since he felt indebted to the Ichijou family, he could not treat her coldly, so Kichijouji at that time was at a complete loss on how to handle it.
3609
3610He had not received such a clear “confession of love” in about a year, but Akane had teetered on the edges in her words. Kichijouji no longer felt bewildered about the situation, so she might have gradually breached his defenses. Kichijouji himself was unaware of this, however.
3611
3612Well, since Masaki would not accept getting into any situation that made him look like he should receive the slur of lolicon (by that he meant Masaki wouldn’t accept anyone going after his sister while she was still a child), even if the outer gate of the castle had been raised, it was up to Masaki to decide when to raise the inner gate.
3613
3614It seemed like she was just about to leave for practice, so he parted from Akane there. That being said, since Kichijouji probably couldn’t leave until after he dined with them for supper, he would probably meet her again later on.
3615
3616The master of the house, Ichijou Gouki — Masaki’s father, the head of the Ichijou Clan — had not yet returned home. In order to support their position as leaders in the magician community and their personal military potential, the Ten Master Clans and the additional eighteen families managed, and sometimes invested, the assets they had been endowed with to an extent that was not very well known. There were cases of some of them officially being at the “local bigwig” level while unofficially controlling an international corporation effectively (one corporation owned another corporation which owned another corporation…), but the Ichijou clan’s interests were not that widespread. An undersea mining company was the official Ichijou family business. If no irregular situation occurred, Kichijouji knew Gouki would probably return in time for the evening meal.
3617
3618On the other hand, Masaki’s mother was a housewife, but she was absent as well. She was probably out shopping. This was an era where everyday items and food as well could be supplied by online shopping, but women who wanted to look at the actual goods were numerous, especially among the lady of the manor class. Kichijouji felt it wasn’t all that different from online shopping as the goods were still delivered instead of being brought by the shoppers when they went home, but that might be only be the male point of view.
3619
3620The Ichijou mansion was a grand residence roughly ten times the scale of an average separated house residence, but did not employ a lot of live-in maids and other type of servants. When the clan gathered, or when it hosted guests related to the society of magicians, and on similar occasions, they hire people from friendly local inns and restaurants. The garden needed specialized skills which were satisfied by periodically calling on a landscape gardener. In contrast to the families like the Saegusa and Itsuwa, who were fellow Ten Master Clans and surrounded themselves with a large number of servants, they operated under the policy of “if a machine could do it, then a machine would do it” and extensively used home automation.
3621
3622Today, there were no special guests expected. Since there was no need to be polite to anyone in the unpopulated hallway, the two male high school students went straight to Masaki’s room.
3623
3624Masaki’s room was, if you use traditional measurements, a six tatami western style room which is not considered an especially big room by conventional wisdom. But, in accordance with the upper class modern architectural style, the bed, closet and other furnishings could be stored within the wall and accessed by a wall mural, guaranteeing that even a six tatami room would have plenty of space.
3625
3626Completely at home in his friend’s room, Kichijouji stowed the bed away, drew out the counter stool style table from the opposing wall using the mural, and put his butt down on one of the chairs that came with the table.
3627
3628Masaki took two nice and cold glasses of blended tea from the small refrigerator within his room. One was placed in front of Kichijouji, the other remained in his hand as he sat down on the opposite side from Kichijouji.
3629
3630“George, what state is the manuscript in?”
3631
3632“Thank you for your concern, Masaki. It’s all good.”
3633
3634Kichijouji answered the seated Masaki’s inquiry, modestly concealing the confidence in his smiling face.
3635
3636“How about you, Masaki? The gossip I’ve been hearing says that you’ve been doing some reckless things.”
3637
3638Kichijouji had heard a large amount of hearsay about Masaki’s activities after the Nine Schools Competition, especially about Masaki’s extremely difficult training regimen. He could understand Masaki’s motive. Like Kichijouji, who felt defeated by Shiba Tatsuya in CAD application and tuning, Masaki probably felt bitter over the defeat in Monolith Code and wanted payback.
3639
3640“Not so bad. And I’m probably not going to see immediate results.”
3641
3642“That might be true.”
3643
3644Masaki’s voice was carefully casual as he responded to Kichijouji’s question about his mental condition. He was more volatile than expected, but he wasn’t feeling the gloomy implacability he had worried about. Relieved on that point, Kichijouji agreed in a light tone.
3645
3646
3647
3648
3649
3650Immediately after the electronic ping rang, Masaki let loose a groan from his core.
3651
3652“George… it’s time.”
3653
3654“But this is the last one? Is using up time in the middle stage really okay?”
3655
3656Kichijouji asked for confirmation over their monitors that were placed back to back and Masaki gave a weak nod.
3657
3658Both screens suspended the real time battle simulation game. It looked like a still shot of a cityscape where all time and movement had frozen and Masaki switched the image to a bird’s eye view. In that way, he could see how much the monitor encroached on Masaki’s attention. Kichijouji felt like smiling at this friend’s indomitable spirit that was earnestly agonizing over this activity, he consciously keeping his face loose and unsmiling. Naturally, this wasn’t necessary. Since clearly with his eyes so fixated on the monitor, Masaki did not have any ability to pay attention to anything else.
3659
3660Besides, although this game was for fun, it could not be looked at as a mere diversion. The scenarios in this simulation game had been created by the Magic University’s Military Research department; the algorithm had been upgraded by each division of the defense forces, so its urban combat scenarios for magicians were so accurate that it could be used for practice simulations.
3661
3662“…Waiting in ambush there is probably a little too evil. And also, deliberately descending the rope without magic and the rest…”
3663
3664Masaki’s grumbling might have been a monologue. Nevertheless, Kichijouji soon responded to his remarks.
3665
3666“Leaving aside your point about the ambush, haven’t we seen the tactic of deliberately not using magic because it would draw the opponent’s attention recently, Masaki?”
3667
3668Kichijouji’s tone had not changed from conversational, but Masaki’s response was to snap his eyes open and grind his back teeth with great vigor.
3669
3670“That guy…”
3671
3672“Yes. The tactic he used against Second High School in the Newcomers Tournament of Monolith Code.”
3673
3674Masaki used “that guy” and Kichijouji used “he” for the same person, First High School first year Shiba Tatsuya; between the two of them there was no need to verify that they meant the same person.
3675
3676While agreeing to Masaki’s words, Kichijouji opened up the game menu screenshot and chose save and close. After all, he knew Masaki’s mind was no longer on the game.
3677
3678A pause inquiry appeared on Masaki’s monitor. Masaki chose “yes” and extinguished his monitor; like Kichijouji, he shut his notebook style terminal and turned to face him again.
3679
3680The first to open his mouth was Kichijouji.
3681
3682“Masaki, for better or worse I think you overuse Oudou[4].”
3683
3684“That touched a nerve.”
3685
3686At Kichijouji’s point, Masaki made a pained smile and shook his head.
3687
3688“I don’t like saying these things, but for now I want you to listen.”
3689
3690Kichijouji face was slightly stiff as he spoke, and the smile had disappeared from his lips.
3691
3692“I don’t intend to be closed-minded about this matter. What else?”
3693
3694“I know, sorry.”
3695
3696Instead of doing what Masaki said, Kichijouji used words to continue easing the tension.
3697
3698“Oudou is not a bad thing, since Oudou is the most practical and fastest path you can use to reach a destination. Besides, even if I tell you to use a lot of surprise moves and clever tricks, it wouldn’t really suit your personality, Masaki.”
3699
3700“Yeah, that’s probably true.”
3701
3702Once again, Masaki’s face sported a pained smile. This time Kichijouji did not seem to take it as a rebuke and a tinge of laughter entered his voice.
3703
3704“Good. Since that is definitely true, Masaki.”
3705
3706While a smile was on his face, Kichijouji narrowed his eyes even further. In a certain sense, it was a dazzling expression.
3707
3708“Did you mean that as praise?”
3709
3710However, Masaki responded in a tone that made a joke of it; perhaps he didn’t notice, or was pretending not to notice, or possibly there was another explanation.
3711
3712“Relax, since it’s mostly a compliment.”
3713
3714“Mostly, eh.”
3715
3716As if they had it planned for it to happen, the two simultaneously started chuckling.
3717
3718“After all not only is it impossible for Masaki to use the same kind of tactics as he does, it is also probably not necessary.”
3719
3720Immediately after the laughter disappeared, Kichijouji returned to the topic with serious expression on his face.
3721
3722“I think what Masaki must learn is not how to use clever tricks but how to deal with clever tricks.”
3723
3724“…You don’t just mean in simulation games by that, do you?”
3725
3726Kichijouji nodded visibly to the uncertain tone and gaze.
3727
3728“True, I’m not just talking about simulation games. I am going to speak plainly.”
3729
3730As he spoke, Kichijouji temporarily trimmed away any placating phrases.
3731
3732“If all we do is train in a reckless manner, next year’s Nine Schools Competition will probably be the same kind of failure as this year’s was.”
3733
3734There was a small silence until Masaki raised a question to be certain he understood the meaning beneath that remark.
3735
3736“Are you saying my way of doing things is wrong?”
3737
3738“I did not say it was meaningless.”
3739
3740While Kichijouji’s reply was indirect, there was no room for misunderstanding.
3741
3742“If that’s all you train, you’ll need outside help. Training will become your flesh and blood.”
3743
3744But Masaki was not confused by the superficial encouragement. That he intuitively understood what Kichijouji wanted to say was evident by his next words.
3745
3746“But victory and defeat are not determined by strength alone.”
3747
3748Even though he had anticipated them, Kichijouji’s words were a bitter pill for Masaki to swallow.
3749
3750“Masaki. Even now, I believe you are more powerful than Shiba Tatsuya.”