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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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5Enrollment Chapter (II)
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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 © 2011 by Satou Tsutomu
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28Illustration © 2011 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: 978-4-04-870598-1
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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 meticulously crafted by hand by Roah Nosh.
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52Translation by Baka-Tsuki.
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58[Translator: Dreyakis, Sashiko, Joay, Seitsuki, Setsuna86, larethian / Checker: larethian / Editor: Arczyx, ColdFront, Zeru, Genesis, nukie, Wakusie, Chancs, Cliff]
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64All materials’ copyright reserved by their respective authors and the associated publishers. Please respect their rights.
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69Works will be deleted upon request by copyright holders.
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72Visit the disclaimer page for more details.
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78If you like the book buy it once localized in your area. Support the author.
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84v1.5.5
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90Title
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92Copyright
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94Casting Assistant Device
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96Chapter 6
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98Chapter 7
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100Chapter 8
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102Chapter 9
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104Chapter 10
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106Chapter 11
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108Chapter 12
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110Afterword
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112Illustrations
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114Notes
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120Casting Assistant Device
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125Shorthand: CAD. Also known as Device, Assistance, Houki. They vary greatly and exist in two types: general purpose and specialized. Activated in order to cast incantations and charms, mudrā, magic spells; an alternative to the traditional techniques and means found in magic textbooks, it’s an essential device required in order to master modern day magic. Activation ritual speed, and amount of information deployable, is decided by the CAD’s hard disk ability; just how much the refinement and effectiveness of activation can be expanded by is dependent on the performance of the software built into the CAD. Even an inferior performance CAD, by simplifying the activation ritual, can increase the power of the magic processing section, but that is a high level skill and in general, the processing power of the CAD is the primary constraint on how fast magic can be activated.
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129The general purpose CAD places emphasis on diversity; regardless of the combination of systems it can install up to 99 kinds of activation rituals. The bracelet form is the most widely used, but mobile computer type ones are also in circulation, and they are preferred by senior magic masters who dislike having both hands occupied while operating.
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133Specialized CADs emphasize speed at the expense of diversity, and aiming support integrated subsystems are mainstream. The system combination allows the installation of the same activation ritual up to 9 times. They often take the form of handguns and rifles. In the barrel where ammunition would normally go auxiliary sighting systems are incorporated, and CADs with extended “barrels” have had their auxiliary sighting function enhanced. The one possessed by Shiba Tatsuya, a tuned up Silver Horn model “Trident”, is one of these.
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139Chapter 6
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144Just before the school gates closed, in the club headquarters.
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146“The situation is concerning the Kenjutsu Club’s barging in on the Kendo Club’s demonstration for new members.”
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148Tatsuya, having witnessed and experienced the event, provided details concerning the attempted brawl — including how after Mibu Sayaka and Kirihara Takeaki started arguing, he had stepped in their struggle and personally challenged the Kenjutsu club — to the three people standing before him.
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150“Even so, after taking on more than ten opponents, it’s a wonder you’re still so well.”
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152Facing him to the right, the Student Body president, Saegusa Mayumi.
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154“To be exact there were fourteen people. As expected of Kokonoe-sensei’s disciple I guess.”
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156In the center, the one who in a sense is his boss, the Public Morals Committee chief, Watanabe Mari.
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158Laughing interestingly — not in the sense of “strange”, but in the sense of “amusing” — while commenting made her words rather ironic. Though her expression was somewhat insincere, she’s probably praising him.
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160What most impressed Mayumi and Mari was, after overpowering Kirihara, Tatsuya had only defended against the frenzied mob of Kenjutsu club members without attacking. However, Tatsuya had not shown off any techniques worth praising.
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162He seemed to have the skill of an average high school student, but they didn’t know of what level.
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164That was why those attackers fared that much worse than the Yakumo temple students — they had no idea he could manage fourteen opponents at once and sustain no injuries and how valuable that was.
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166Instead, Tatsuya’s awareness was focused on the 3rd Year male student, on the left side.
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168It’s likely that he is the Club Management Group Leader, Juumonji Katsuto. Bearing the number “10” in his name, the eldest child of the Juumonji house.
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170(He looks pretty steep alright…)
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172Standing up, he was about 185 cm. That alone didn’t make him a big man to be looked up upon.
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174Rather, it was the thick chest and broad shoulders and the rippling muscles, easily recognizable even under a uniform.
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176It wasn’t just his physical features; every element that makes up a human seemed to be condensed in him, giving his character an incredibly heavy sense of presence.
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178As expected of one who stands alongside Mayumi and Mari as part of the First High School Big Three, Tatsuya thought, understanding just from his appearance and impression.
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180“You didn’t see the incident’s beginning circumstances?”
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182Being questioned by Mari, who had changed her expression, Tatsuya snapped back to reality. Once again, he recalled the event of the report he had just finished and replied affirmatively to her question.
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184“That’s right. Whether Kirihara-senpai had provoked the Kendo club or the Kendo club had earlier caused some grievance against the Kenjutsu club, we cannot say for certain.”
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186What he had seen was from the point when Mibu and Kirihara had been quarreling. Along with Erika, they were behind the stands and were about to exit the gym when they heard the buzz of an argument breaking out, but they hadn’t heard the contents. By the time he had waded through the crowd and arrived on the scene, both Mibu and Kirihara were at swords’ points already.
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188“Is that why you didn’t act straight away?”
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190That question was from Mayumi.
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192Katsuto seemed to have assumed the listener’s position.
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194“I intended to intervene only if I deemed things became too dangerous. If they only ended up bruising each other, that’s a problem between themselves.”
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196Tatsuya answered Mayumi’s question conditionally.
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198As Mayumi said, Tatsuya had initially taken the attitude of a bystander since he didn’t know who he should stop.
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200You could possibly say that he had the option to simply stop both, but since that would result in him gaining the reputation and notoriety of defeating both of them, that case wasn’t considered.
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202However, that wasn’t the only reason. The duties requested of him by the Public Morals Committee was the prevention of magical violence. Neither Kirihara nor Mibu, when they started sparring, had used magic. Had Kirihara not used the magic “Sonic Blade”, it was likely that Tatsuya would have simply watched until the end.
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204“…Well it’s fine. It’s certainly a fact that we don’t have the personnel to intervene in every fight.”
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206The trouble during recruiting was how club headquarters generally handled things. Mari’s remark was based on that, so neither Mayumi nor Katsuto objected.
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208“Then, what did you do with Kirihara?”
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210“Kirihara’s collarbone was fractured, so I handed him over to the Health Committee. That level of injury was easily healed rapidly with magic. He admitted his error in the infirmary, so I didn’t judge any further action to be required.”
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212The truth was that while the blow Kirihara sustained from the shinai cracked the bone, it was Tatsuya’s slam that broke it. Tatsuya didn’t feel the need to add such an extraneous detail.
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214And as Mari had not actually seen Kirihara’s condition, there would be no way to tell.
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216“Hm… very well. Prosecution is left to the discretion of the apprehender, after all.”
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218Nodding at Tatsuya’s words, Mari turned her eyes towards Katsuto.
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220“It’s as you heard, Juumonji. As the Public Morals Committee head, I don’t intend to bring this matter to the Disciplinary Committee.”
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222“I’m grateful for your leniency. To have used a highly lethal magic such as Sonic Blade in such a place, even though no one got hurt, we had thought that a suspension at least was unavoidable. I’m sure the person in question himself realized that. We’ll give him a full lecture, and make sure he takes this lesson to heart.”
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224“We’ll leave it to you.”
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226Katsuto gave a light bow, which Mari returned.
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228“But, is the Kendo club satisfied with that?”
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230“They share the same offense of provocation. They’re in no position to make a fuss.”
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232Mari brusquely dismissed Mayumi’s concern. Mayumi didn’t refute her. This was a matter under the jurisdiction of the Public Morals Committee chief. The Club Management Group Leader accepted it, and the Student Body president didn’t object. With this, the incident was closed.
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234Tatsuya paid no attention to the exchange. It was not his job to combat the smoldering fires of discontent.
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236“Chief, I’m sorry for being discourteous.”
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238By that, Tatsuya was signaling to Mari that he wanted permission to leave.
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240“Ah, before that, there’s one thing I want to confirm.”
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242Mari also had no intention of detaining Tatsuya from his duties (although that would probably be it for today), so her question was brief.
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244“Was Kirihara the only one who used magic?”
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246“That is correct.”
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248Tatsuya answered Mari’s question simply.
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250To be precise, Kirihara was the only one who successfully activated magic, is what he should have said, but Tatsuya had no intention of going into such a detailed explanation.
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252“I see. Thanks for your hard work.”
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254Receiving permission, Tatsuya turned around and left the club headquarters.
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260After coming out of the club headquarters, Tatsuya turned to head towards the Student Council room.
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262Sunset was only a little while away.
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264However skilled one was at magic, it was improper for a girl to go out alone at this time, and Miyuki had earlier requested Tatsuya to return home with her.
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266His plans were to meet her halfway along the road.
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268The club HQ was in a building separate from the main buildings the Student Council room was in.
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270In order to get from HQ to the Student Council room, it was necessary to leave the campus for a moment (although there was no need to change shoes, the phenomena known as indoor shoes was rarely seen anymore) and walk around to the main entrance, but there were already some familiar faces waiting there.
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272“Ah, good work~”
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274“Onii-sama.”
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276Erika called out first, but it was Miyuki who rushed over to him.
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278The others stared amazed at that unexpected agility.
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280“Thanks for all your efforts. Today was rather tiring wasn’t it.”
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282“It wasn’t a big deal. Good work today as well, Miyuki.”
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284As Miyuki stood before him with both hands clasped onto her bag in front of her, Tatsuya, with a fond look, gently stroked her hair two, three times.
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286Miyuki half closed her eyes in pleasure as she gazed up at her brother, and their eyes met.
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288“I realize that they’re siblings, but you know…”
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290As they walked towards the two, with an embarrassed expression, Leo muttered to himself.
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292“It’s almost like a scene out of a painting…”
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294Beside him, Mizuki, with her face red, stared at the two as if to devour them.
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296At that, Erika narrowed her eyes towards Leo and Mizuki.
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298“Hey, you guys… just what are you expecting from those two?”
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300Shrugging exaggeratedly with both hands extended from her body, shaking her head leisurely from side to side would have looked rather contrived normally, but somehow suited Erika.
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302“As you said, they’re siblings right?”
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304Her expression, along with those lines, seemed to bring the two back to their senses. In a panic, Leo and Mizuki reacted to that incident in an absolutely eloquent manner.
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306“D-D-D-D-Don’t say such obvious things! I, I wasn’t expecting anything at all!”
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308“Y-Y-Yeah that’s right, Erika-chan! D-Don’t say weird things!”
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310“…Yes yes, I’ll leave it at that.”
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312Most likely, if not for Erika’s chaffing retort, both Leo and Mizuki wouldn’t have known where to stop with their misunderstanding.
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314Unaware of Erika’s lone struggle, Tatsuya at long last took his hand from his sister’s head and turned to the three.
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316Miyuki, with a reluctant expression, followed her brother.
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318Seeing that expression, one would definitely get weird delusions.
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320However, Tatsuya made no such colorfully suspicious guise and, with a sincere face, called out to his friends apologetically.
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322“Sorry, I’ve kept you guys.”
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324The delicate atmosphere dispelled, Leo shook his head with a crisp smile.
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326“Don’t be so distant, Tatsuya. There’s no need to apologize.”
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328“I just came from the end of club orientation. I haven’t been waiting at all you know.”
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330Mizuki agreed with a soft smile, and also insisted that she didn’t require an apology.
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332“She’s also just come from her club. Don’t worry about it.”
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334Erika laughed mischievously as usual, and gave a biting remark.
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336Leo, Mizuki, and Erika; each of the three greeted Tatsuya with their own smiling face.
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338Tatsuya immediately perceived that their words were contrary to the truth, but he didn’t want to waste their thoughtfulness.
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340“Since it’s this late already, why don’t we go eat? If it’s under 1000 yen each, it’s on me.”
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342The current value of currency was worth around twice what the denomination would have been 100 years ago.
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344For a high school student, 1000 yen was a bit more than usual, but still reasonable.
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346Instead of swallowing his apology further, he offered an invitation.
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348There wasn’t anyone here who didn’t understand that, or felt the need for any unnecessary reserve.
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354On the next day of the entrance ceremony, the five talked about the days happenings — clubs they joined, boring housekeeping matters, people who asked their names in an attempt to hit on them, all sorts of experiences, but in the end the topic that drew the most interest was the drama involving Tatsuya.
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356“That 2nd Year, Kirihara, he used a rank B lethal magic didn’t he? It’s a wonder you weren’t hurt.”
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358“Even though you say it has lethality, in the end, Sonic Blade is a magic with limited application. Apart from having an untouchable blade, it’s pretty much no different from a sharp sword. It’s not such a difficult magic to deal with.”
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360Responding to a visibly impressed Leo, Tatsuya replied in a tired manner.
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362“But, didn’t you stop someone using it seriously with just your bare hands? Wasn’t that dangerous?”
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364“It’s fine, Mizuki. If it’s Onii-sama, there’s no need to worry.”
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366“You’re considerably calm about this aren’t you, Miyuki?”
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368As Miyuki reassured the now somber Mizuki, Erika drew attention to her unnatural confidence.
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370“Certainly, I can only praise Tatsuya-kun’s prowess in being able to handle more than 10 opponents in melee, but Kirihara-senpai’s weapon was by no means a blunt sword. Rather, it’s more like he ended up slipping out from the midst of all those people.
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372Miyuki, weren’t you worried at all?”
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374Being accused by Erika, Miyuki’s reply was simply,
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376“Of course not. There is no one at all who can defeat Onii-sama.”
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378An answer without the slightest hesitation.
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380“—Uhhm…”
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382Even Erika could only be at a loss for words.
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384She had seen Tatsuya’s techniques up close at that time.
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386Even through her eyes, Erika could tell that Kirihara’s swordsmanship was flawless. And Tatsuya should also have realized that the cutting edge was not inferior to that of a real sword. Not only that, but Tatsuya also hadn’t tensed any part of his body — that showed that he hadn’t felt any anxiety or fear even on a subconscious level — and had reached up faster than Kirihara could bring down the shinai, grabbed the hilt and slammed him down by the wrist with essentially Aikijutsu[1]. No, rather than Aikijutsu, it might be called No Swords style.
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388It was no exaggeration to say that such techniques are on the level of an expert. Long before his current age, Tatsuya had already mastered enough techniques to be called, if not a master, then something very close. Yet even with that, Erika wasn’t able to just confidently shrug things off without worrying.
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390“…I don’t mean to doubt Tatsuya-san’s ability, but Sonic Blade is far from just a normal sword. I mean it emits ultrasonic waves, doesn’t it?”
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392“Come to think of it, I’ve heard of something similar. There are practitioners who wear earplugs in order to block out ultrasound. Although, you’d have to be prepared for that from the start.”
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394“That’s not it. It’s simply that Onii-sama’s Taijutsu is superior.”
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396Miyuki laughed lightly as she replied to Leo and Mizuki’s concerns.
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398“Countering magic rituals is Onii-sama’s specialty.”
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400Erika immediately latched onto Miyuki’s words.
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402“Countering magic rituals? Not just Data Fortification or Zone Interference?”
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404“Yes.”
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406Looking between Miyuki who was nodding proudly and Tatsuya who was chuckling with a look of “it can’t be helped”, Erika could only mutter in shock with an admiring expression.
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408“That’s got to be an amazingly rare skill.”
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410“That’s right. Or at least, it’s not something taught at high school. And even if you’re taught, that doesn’t mean anyone can do it. Erika, just after Onii-sama jumped out, do you remember an illusion as if the ground shook?”
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412“Ye~ah, it wasn’t such a big deal for me, but it seemed like there were numerous students suffering symptoms similar to severe motion sickness. Come to think of it, it wasn’t just at the start, but also fluctuated during the course of the battle…?”
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414“That was Onii-sama’s doing. Onii-sama, you used Cast Jamming, didn’t you?”
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416Faced with Miyuki’s broad smile, Tatsuya could only sigh in resignation.
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418“I’m unable to match you as always, huh.”
419
420“Oh come on. If it’s about Onii-sama, Miyuki knows everything.”
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422“No no no no.”
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424Leo interrupted the two as they exchanged smiles and laughter.
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426“That’s not a conversation between siblings is it? In fact that goes beyond the level of lovers.”
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428“You think?” “Is that so?”
429
430After a second, faced with Tatsuya and Miyuki who were in perfect harmony, Leo fell flat onto the table.
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432“…Trying to throw a tsukkomi[2] against these lovey-dovey siblings will be a difficult task. You stood no chance from the beginning.”
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434To the regretful Erika:
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436“Ahh, I was wrong…”
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438Leo responded remorsefully, while rising.
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440“I’m very much opposed to those words.”
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442Tatsuya objected with a tone one could think was terribly reluctant, and,
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444“It’s not a problem. It’s simply a fact that Onii-sama and I share a strong bond of sibling love.”
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446Miyuki lightly soothed her brother.
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448This time, it was Erika and Leo whose faces hit the table at the same time.
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450“Gahhh!”
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452Leo expressed his feelings with a sound effect similar to a spray of blood.
453
454“That’s because I love and respect Onii-sama more than anyone else in this world.”
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456Miyuki didn’t stop there. In full view of their friends, she nudged her chair closer and snuggled up to Tatsuya, looking up at her brother’s close face with a flushed expression.
457
458“Ahhー I think I’ll goー homeー now.”
459
460With her cheek still firmly pressed to the table, Erika began to sulk.
461
462“Miyuki, there’s no need to get carried away alright? We’re with people who don’t fully understand that we’re just playing around.”
463
464“…” “…” “…”
465
466As Tatsuya smiled wryly while chiding Miyuki, Miyuki, Erika, and Leo’s gaze turned to the one person left.
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468“…Eh? Eh? Playing around?”
469
470Mizuki, whose face was dyed red, began shifting her eyes restlessly at the sudden silence as everyone held their breath.
471
472“…Well, this is pretty much a characteristic of Mizuki.”
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474“Auu…”
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476At Erika’s sympathetic murmur, Mizuki’s face went red for a different reason.
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478“…In any case, you were talking about something like Cast Jamming?”
479
480Not able to put up with the unbearably prickly atmosphere any longer, Leo forcibly returned to the previous topic.
481
482“Since it’s already been revealed, that’s right.”
483
484To Tatsuya, this was a less than desirable subject, but more than that, he too wanted to do something about this atmosphere. With nothing for it, he joined Leo’s conversation.
485
486“Cast Jamming, is it some sort of electromagnetic wave that hinders magic?”
487
488“It’s not exactly electromagnetic.”
489
490“That was a figure of speech!”
491
492At Leo’s retort, Erika smacked him with a straight face, then glanced over at Tatsuya as if nothing had happened.
493
494Cast Jamming is also a magic ritual, but it’s a kind of magic that interferes with the phenomenon-altering mechanism of Eidos. In a broad way of speaking, its nature is similar to that of a magic cancelling system.
495
496There’s a similar magic that disables the opponents magic called “Zone Interference”. This procedure affects a fixed area with the caster at its center without bringing about a change in information, and the technique is such that if the strength of interference is less than that of the defined magic ritual, then the interference will be shut out. In contrast, Cast Jamming scatters vast amounts of meaningless Psion waves, and as such, it is a technique that prevents rituals from affecting Eidos.
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498Zone Interference in a sense does not reserve magic, but rather directly prevents the opponents’ magic, and it is fundamental that the strength of interference be greater than that of the opponents’ magic.
499
500On the other hand, Cast Jamming works by overwhelming a Magician’s data with a large amount of extra data, greatly reducing the speed of a Magician’s data upload to his base station. Therefore, the strength of the interference is not so important. Instead, the Psion noise propagates randomly and rapidly across all the eight varieties of the four Systematic frequencies, and essentially becomes an antennae that blocks all transmissions.
501
502“But for something like that, don’t you need some special kind of stone? Anti… anti something…”
503
504As Erika struggled to remember the remnant of the word, it was a somewhat revived Mizuki who came to her rescue.
505
506“It’s Antinite, Erika-chan. Tatsuya-san, you have Antinite? I thought it was something really expensive.”
507
508Antinite is known to fulfill the same conditions by emitting Psion noise. In theory, it is possible for a magician to evoke noise for Cast Jamming by themselves, but in practice it’s exceedingly difficult.
509
510Unlike Zone Interference, under the influence of Cast Jamming, the user’s own magic would also be affected, since even if the magician in question consciously tries to tune the noise of Cast Jamming, his subconscious would reject it. (Magic processing takes place in the subconsciousness, and thus the actions of the subconscious have priority over the conscious.)
511
512Because of that, it is thought that in order to use Cast Jamming, it’s essential to use Antinite, which satisfies the condition of emitting just Psion noise… but Tatsuya’s reply overturned that common sense.
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514
515
516
517
518“No, I don’t. In the first place, Antinite is a military resource. Price notwithstanding, it’s not something a civilian would be able to obtain.”
519
520“Eh? But, you said you used Cast Jamming…”
521
522It was not just Erika making a confused face as she spoke out, but Leo and Mizuki as well.
523
524“Ahー I’d like to keep this conversation off record alright?”
525
526Giving Tatsuya puzzled looks as he lowered his voice and leaned over the table, the three nonetheless followed suit.
527
528“To be precise, it’s not Cast Jamming. What I used is a practical application of Cast Jamming, ‘Specific Magic Jamming’.”
529
530At Tatsuya’s words, Mizuki’s face blanked out as she blinked a few times.
531
532“Uhmm… there’s such a magic?”
533
534“I don’t think so.”
535
536It was Erika who answered Mizuki’s question directly.
537
538“Then, doesn’t that mean it’s a theoretically new magic?”
539
540Erika’s voice this time carried not so much a nuance of admiration or surprise, but rather total shock.
541
542The number of Magicians who use original magic is not insignificant. There are also numerous expert Magicians who have been devising original magic since childhood. However, that’s just instinctively, and in a way intuitively working out one’s own natural magic, and the Magicians who can devise theoretically entirely new magic are few indeed.
543
544Magic is highly dependent on the subconscious.
545
546Even though it’s simple to work back towards the theory on magic one’s subconscious can use, to make up a new magic theory, even if it’s just a variation of an existing magic, requires a full intimate understanding of the structure and operating principles of that magic.
547
548It’s not exaggerating to say that devising theoretically new magic at a high school age is insane.
549
550“It’s probably more accurate not to say devised, but rather that I discovered it by chance.”
551
552At Erika’s honest reaction, Tatsuya laughed as he answered.
553
554“You guys know that when you use two CADs simultaneously, Psion waves are given out and it’s impossible to use magic in most cases right?”
555
556“Ah, I’ve had that experience!”
557
558Leo nodded at Tatsuya’s words.
559
560“Uwah, how arrogant!”
561
562Erika responded in shock to Leo’s line.
563
564“The hell!”
565
566“Using two CADs at the same time… Were you trying to pull off a parallel cast? Thinking you could do something so high tech, I’m at a loss for words.”
567
568“Shut up. I thought I could! One day, if the conditions are right I’ll definitely be able to do it!”
569
570“No wayー you’re jokingー stop itー”
571
572“…I get that you’re making fun of me, so could you please stop with that tone? It’s incredibly annoying!”
573
574“Y, you two, let’s just listen to Tatsuya-san’s explanation alright? Ne?”
575
576“…”
577
578“…Hmph.”
579
580Erika and Leo looked away from each other.
581
582As Miyuki flusteredly glanced about back and forth between the two, Tatsuya gave a shrug.
583
584“I think that’s pretty much enough about me but… you want me to continue? Well, that’s also fine I guess…
585
586The point is, when using two CADs simultaneously, the incident Psion waves resembling Cast Jamming envelope a Magician and emit Idea containing Eidos phenomena. If you initiate an interference magic activation ritual with one of those CADs, and start a reverse ritual in the other, those two activation rituals will amplify one another without needing to be translated into magic rituals. Then if you release those Psion waves as a Non-Systematic Magic, each CADs developed activation ritual will naturally build up and the two types of magic rituals that are the result can cause interference to some extent.
587
588Even a persistent magic, such as Sonic Blade, cannot be sustained indefinitely with just one magic ritual. After some time, the formula must be recast. So I simply catch it at that point.”
589
590In a small voice, Leo whispered “You gotta be kidding…” The utter lack of inflection along with his stunned look showed that he was utterly serious.
591
592Abruptly, Mizuki began to cough. Because she kept sucking on her straw after her glass became empty, it seemed she’d choked. Once the coughing fit subsided and she regained composure, her expression settled into that of shock.
593
594Erika crinkled her brow and contemplated in silence. From her grim expression, she wasn’t enjoying it much, but it didn’t seem like she was recalling something bad.
595
596“…I have no idea how to actually do it, although I guess I kinda understand the theory behind it. But why is this all off-record? If you patent it, I’m sure it would be very profitable.”
597
598To Leo, who had recovered his faculties somewhat, Tatsuya presented an inscrutable expression.
599
600Tatsuya smiled bitterly as he answered Leo, who was tilting his head, and it was evident that the bitterness ran deep.
601
602“For a start, this technique is still incomplete. It can only be used on magic the opponent is in the midst of casting, and moreover it’s not like they can’t use it, it’s just more difficult. Also, of course I can’t use any magic whatsoever myself. That alone is fatal enough, but moreover, being able to interfere with magic without using Antinite is a problem in itself.”
603
604“…I don’t see how that’s a problem?”
605
606As Leo asked with not so much confusion as dissatisfaction, Erika scolded him in earnest.
607
608“Don’t be an idiot. The reason is huge. In terms of national defense and security, magic is now indispensable. If the ability to disable magic without great magical strength or the exceedingly expensive Antinite became widespread, the foundations of society could crumble.”
609
610“I also believe exactly what Erika said. Within the world, there are supremacists who discriminate against magic, as well as extremists who condemn it. Yet since the production of Antinite is so small, they remain below the surface and are not a real threat. Until a way is found to counter that, I have no intention to publicise this mock Cast Jamming.”
611
612Whether he was finally convinced or not, Leo bowed his head numerous times. For some reason, Mizuki was also nodding her head in a similar fashion.
613
614“That’s amazing… to have thought so far.”
615
616An admiring breath escaped her lips.
617
618“If it were me, I’d probably jump at the chance for fame.”
619
620As Leo continued to sigh, Miyuki smiled softly and gave a modest laugh.
621
622“Onii-sama’s over thinking things a bit, don’t you think? In the first place, being able to read the activation ritual your opponent is in the middle of and projecting CAD interference waves, it’s not like just anyone could do it. But then, my Onii-sama’s like that I suppose.”
623
624“…Are you implying I’m an indecisive, good-for-nothing?”
625
626At his sister’s point, Tatsuya made a face best described as no mercy.
627
628“Who knows? Erika, what do you think?”
629
630With an offhand attitude, Miyuki passed the ball to Erika.
631
632“No idea? I think I’d like to hear Mizuki’s opinion on this.”
633
634Erika, with a deliberate tone, passed the ball to Mizuki.
635
636“Eehh? I, uhm, that is…”
637
638“So no one’s denying it…”
639
640Miyuki averted Tatsuya’s eyes with a cheerful smirk, as Erika hid her face behind a menu and Mizuki’s nervous gaze hovered about everywhere. But no help came from any direction.
641
642
643
644
645
646One week had passed.
647
648For Tatsuya, recruitment week had been like the stormy season.
649
650Within the Public Morals Committee, the busiest person was probably him.
651
652—In addition, his duties had changed slightly from before.
653
654On the first day, he had overpowered Kirihara Takeaki, one whose combat magic had been amongst the most promising in the school.
655
656By the time Tatsuya had stepped in, he had already taken damage from Mibu Sayaka, so there are some who view that as the reason he was taken down so easily, but those who had not known the circumstances of the match were only interested in exaggeratedly touting that a 1st Year student, and a Weed at that, had defeated a regular combatant.
657
658As a result—
659
660“Tatsuya, do you have committee work today as well?”
661
662As Tatsuya got ready, Leo handed him his bag.
663
664“I’m off duty today. Seems I finally get a break.”
665
666“You’ve done a great job huh?”
667
668“That doesn’t make me the least bit happy.”
669
670As Leo stood before Tatsuya, who was sighing in disappointment, he made a face as if barely suppressing a laugh.
671
672“You’re a real famous guy now, Tatsuya. The enigmatic 1st Year student who defeated a swathe of Magicians without magic, you are.”
673
674“What’s up with the ‘enigmatic’…”
675
676“According to one theory I’ve heard, Tatsuya-kun is an assassin sent by the magic deniers.”
677
678Popping her head up unexpectedly, Erika was finishing her preparations to leave as well.
679
680“Who the heck is spreading all these irresponsible rumors…”
681
682“Me~”
683
684“Hey!”
685
686“Just joking of course.”
687
688“Give me a break… that was too much.”
689
690“But, the contents are really true.”
691
692Hearing the particulars of the rumor from Erika, Tatsuya once again let out a sigh.
693
694It’d be nice to think that there wasn’t a single person who would believe such a hoax, but enough had jumped on the bandwagon to almost lend credibility to the stories.
695
696“That was a pretty big sigh just now?”
697
698“Getting all worked up over other people’s affairs… I’ve felt like I was gonna die three times this week already.”
699
700“That’s pretty bad.”
701
702At Leo, who wasn’t even trying to hide his amused expression, Tatsuya had the urge to make a fist, but eventually settled for a third sigh.
703
704The Kenjutsu club’s next ace, 2nd Year Kirihara Takeaki, whose strength was widely viewed as top class, had been defeated by a 1st Year Weed.
705
706As stated earlier, this news had greatly startled the ones who believed in the “perfect” magic evaluation process, and caused a not inconsiderable uproar.
707
708They had directed their unreasonable anger and mutual hostility against Tatsuya, even going as far as to take misguided retaliation.
709
710Meaning that their conflict made him the target of their purge.
711
712Even for those who didn’t know the specifics, it was easy to guess that the Public Morals Committee chief was on Tatsuya’s side, and that both the Student Body president and the Club Management Group Leader would come to his defense.
713
714If so, then what should be done?
715
716At times like this, the established tactic is to make it look like an accident.
717
718Which is what they did.
719
720They would wait for Tatsuya to approach as he went on patrol, then cause a commotion.
721
722When he went to intervene, they’d shoot off magical attacks under the pretense of misaiming.
723
724That was how the pattern pretty much went.
725
726From Tatsuya’s perspective, it simply seemed like disturbances were breaking out one after the other, and they were taking their toll.
727
728Due to his position as a Public Morals Committee member, he couldn’t just pass by, and had to try to settle the situation.
729
730On top of that, magic randomly came flying his way daily. Most of them could be avoided or negated before they took effect, but there were always some that couldn’t be blocked in time.
731
732He had realized that he was being targeted within a day, but until he could find evidence of collusion it was out of his hands, and by the time he did a week had already passed.
733
734In other words, he was constantly only able to escape from their traps.
735
736He had only caught someone red handed on the fourth day, but in the end, that person escaped.
737
738As expected of students from the prestigious First High school, in general, their tricks were successful. It rather felt like they were using all their strength to demonstrate their excellent capabilities at the entirely wrong time, place and purpose, but still.
739
740“…Come to think of it, I’ve come out of that rather well, haven’t I…”
741
742“From today, restrictions on devices will come into effect, so you shouldn’t need to worry anymore, right?”
743
744“I sure hope so.”
745
746At Mizuki’s comforting words, Tatsuya wearily nodded.
747
748
749
750
751
752Even when off from the Student Council, one wasn’t off duty. It was not a shift based system in the first place.
753
754Miyuki had work in the Student Council room today as well.
755
756Yet for the siblings, the concept of leaving the other and going back first simply didn’t exist.
757
758—Looking at it objectively, there wasn’t even any point teasing them with labels such as “brocon” or “siscon” anymore.
759
760Even so,
761
762“I’m terribly sorry, Onii-sama. I’ll be making you wait all this time…”
763
764Just by having these concerns, like feeling guilty for keeping the other waiting, showed that they may still be able to be saved.
765
766“Even if I say something like don’t worry about it, it probably wouldn’t work…”
767
768Laughing affectionately, Tatsuya *pon* *pon* lightly tapped his sister’s head.
769
770Rather than saying tapped, it was probably more accurate to say stroked, and, at the tender chastisement, Miyuki half closed her eyes with a look of utter bliss. Other students were also just happening to be walking back and forth along the corridor on their way home.
771
772Confronted with this scene, which was sure to cause misunderstandings everywhere, there were numerous hostile glances directed at the two headed towards the Student Council room. However, there was a marked difference in the feelings directed at the couple with the too good relationship, with Tatsuya single-handedly soaking up all the animosity.
773
774When walking alongside Miyuki, up until last week, the primary intent behind the malicious gazes would be scorn.
775
776Now, behind the enmity was, with careful discernment, fear.
777
778Not a fear of strength, but a fear of the unknown.
779
780Also, those who should feel less bitter about his “activities”, the Weeds, felt the same way.
781
782Because of that, this became the first time they were called out to by someone unfamiliar.
783
784“Shiba-kun.”
785
786Both Tatsuya and Miyuki looked back at the same time.
787
788In terms of physical specs, Tatsuya far exceeded her.
789
790Yet the reason they reacted at the same time in spite of that was because while Miyuki turned reflexively, Tatsuya had spent a period of time debating whether the voice had been intended for him.
791
792It was somewhat husky, but definitely a female voice.
793
794“Good afternoon. Should I start by saying, pleased to meet you?”
795
796Her semi long hair done in a ponytail, she was a rather attractive girl.
797
798The hairstyle had changed, but her face was somewhat familiar to Tatsuya.
799
800“Ah, nice to meet you too. Mibu-senpai, correct?”
801
802To Tatsuya, she was the 2nd Year student from the Kendo club who had kicked off a whole week of headaches.
803
804The Kendo club had been the other party in the incident that had broken out.
805
806She rapidly approached the stationary Tatsuya without a hint of hesitation.
807
808It could be because she wasn’t the shy type, or not worried since he was an underclassman — or simply because she was taking him lightly.
809
810Regardless, this was strangely less unbelievable than if she had reservations.
811
812Miyuki, despite being a Bloom, had earlier stopped in front of her brother but now moved to the back.
813
814Standing in such a way as to not be in Tatsuya’s view if he needed to focus, yet naturally just within eyeshot, such was her position.
815
816“I’m Mibu Sayaka. In class E, same as Shiba-kun.”
817
818Tatsuya’s eyes were naturally drawn to her left breast.
819
820Sewn onto the green blazer was a green, plain pocket.
821
822The meaning of “same” was rapidly deduced by Tatsuya.
823
824“Thanks for earlier. Even though I was saved by you, I never properly expressed my gratitude.”
825
826Bound by that friendly smile, most males of the same age would immediately be drawn in.
827
828-- These are words that come easily to one well versed in the use of magic, but it would probably be more appropriate to use the literary term that they “contained the power to subtly charm one’s mind”, although when saying literary, it’s referring more to popular literature.
829
830“I wanted to properly thank you, as well as have a little talk with you…
831
832Is it possible for you to accompany me for a bit?”
833
834She was probably well aware of the power of her smile to captivate the male students, whether consciously or subconsciously.
835
836However, as Tatsuya constantly had an all too beautiful little sister by his side, he differed in that slight advantage.
837
838“I can’t now.”
839
840Being rejected so unceremoniously, she didn’t seem so much offended as simply taken aback.
841
842“If 15 minutes later is alright with you…”
843
844At Tatsuya’s follow up line, Sayaka’s expression fell, or rather, she slipped on a blank expression, and after blinking a few times, she finally seemed to take in what had just been said.
845
846“Um, then, I’ll be waiting in the café.”
847
848While the response was totally different to what she had expected, Sayaka at least successfully managed to extract that one promise from Tatsuya.
849
850
851
852
853
854Tatsuya accompanied her only as far as the Student Council room entrance.
855
856If he entered, the possibility of meeting up with Hattori was too high. Since neither would be particularly happy at such turn of events, naturally, Tatsuya simply avoided the Student Council room in which he had no duties.
857
858“I’ll be waiting for you in the library then.”
859
860Up until yesterday, it had been Miyuki waiting for Tatsuya.
861
862Today was the first time for Tatsuya to be waiting for Miyuki, but he had already simulated such a situation even before admission.
863
864He had known that without a doubt, Miyuki would hold some position of office.
865
866Therefore, he was not at a loss as to what to do with his time.
867
868One of the reasons he had originally come to this school was because of the presence of a large amount of private literature one couldn’t access unless they were somehow connected to the National Magic University organization.
869
870“The library is it?”
871
872However Miyuki, who should have known that, questioningly tilted her head to one side. It didn’t help that she seemed to be slightly suspicious.
873
874“…That’s the plan, but why the doubt?”
875
876“No, it’s just that I had thought you now have a meeting with Mibu-senpai at the cafeteria…”
877
878Miyuki’s glance focused on a region around Tatsuya’s throat.
879
880“Miyuki?”
881
882Even at Tatsuya’s call, she didn’t raise her head.
883
884It seemed she wouldn’t meet his gaze.
885
886Rather, she was averting her eyes.
887
888As to why his sister would take such an attitude, Tatsuya was at a total loss.
889
890Thinking rationally, this would be considered sulking, but concerning this particular sister, it couldn’t simply be just that.
891
892Even if he asked, they were standing right in front of the Student Council room, and they were starting to hold people up.
893
894“I won’t be having such a long conversation with her. In any case, she’s probably simply going to try recruit me to her club.”
895
896It felt rather like he was guessing in the entirely wrong direction.
897
898However, a chance to defuse the situation nonetheless appeared.
899
900“…Is that, really all?”
901
902“What?”
903
904“I’m wondering if she’s really only trying to recruit you.
905
906I have a different feeling.
907
908I’m not sure why.
909
910But… Miyuki is worried.
911
912That Onii-sama would have such a reputation makes me very happy… but if your true power is found out, there would be many who flock to you out of self interest or gain.
913
914Surely, those that do not would be the exception.
915
916Please, be very careful.”
917
918It would be a simple matter to laugh that off as needless worry.
919
920If he had not been Shiba Tatsuya.
921
922If she had not been Shiba Miyuki.
923
924“…There’s no need to worry. Whatever happens, I’ll be fine.”
925
926“That’s why! That is exactly what I’m afraid of!”
927
928
929
930
931
932At last, Tatsuya began to faintly understand what was worrying his sister.
933
934“…There won’t be a problem. Whatever happens, I won’t cause any grief.”
935
936“…It’s a promise, Onii-sama.”
937
938“Got it.
939
940…Speaking of which, Miyuki, saying that I have gained a reputation simply from high school committee activities is a bit much.”
941
942“…It’s fine!
943
944There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?
945
946To me, Onii-sama’s name has the best reputation out there!”
947
948As Miyuki spun around and swiped the card reader, her cheeks, hidden by her flowing black hair, seemed to faintly glow with a red tinge.
949
950
951
952
953
954He soon found the one he was to meet up with.
955
956The reason was because Sayaka was standing to the side of the crowd.
957
958“I think it would have been better if you sat down to wait.”
959
960“If I did, then Shiba-kun might not have found me, right? I was the one who invited you. It would be a fault on my part.”
961
962Whether it was a feminine thing or because she was concerned as a senior, this person really didn’t seem to understand herself, Tatsuya thought. She stood out about as much as one possibly could.
963
964Now another troublesome rumor couldn’t help but surface.
965
966To be greeted so eagerly by an upperclassman. As such thoughts emerged, Tatsuya sighed inwardly,
967
968Then again, even if only outwardly, he was not one to carelessly pretend.
969
970Meeting for the first time with a lady, it would be rude to keep her waiting.
971
972“In any case, let’s sit down. We can talk from there.”
973
974“It’s not that crowded, so it would be better to sit after we buy some drinks.”
975
976That was neither a question, nor a suggestion, but an assertion.
977
978He faintly remembered something startling.
979
980However, he didn’t disobey.
981
982Tatsuya got a coffee, while Sayaka had juice; then they sat down face to face at a vacant table.
983
984Sipping at his coffee, Tatsuya sat up with his cup in hand and eyed the opposite seat.
985
986Sayaka was sipping dazedly away through a straw at a bright red liquid.
987
988After finishing off almost two thirds of her drink, she finally looked up.
989
990Their eyes met.
991
992Her expression was vacant, but her cheeks were red.
993
994It almost looked like the juice had come up and dyed her face.
995
996“…Do you like it?”
997
998Tatsuya asked a simple question, but,
999
1000“Uu… What’s wrong with liking sweet things?! You can say I’m childish as much as you want!”
1001
1002Suddenly getting angry… or rather, pouting.
1003
1004If you’re going to get that embarrassed, then you shouldn’t have ordered it in the first place, Tatsuya thought.
1005
1006To properly cover her embarrassment, he felt that it may be somehow necessary to correct her defenselessness.
1007
1008But what he said lay in a different direction.
1009
1010“I like sweet things too. I haven’t had that particular one before, but I often drink juice at home.”
1011
1012“Is that so?”
1013
1014“Yeah”
1015
1016“I see…”
1017
1018That’s not really the case, but the Sayaka who was looking down at her chest right now didn’t seem like an elder. It was quite the different impression from last week.
1019
1020“Um, I’ve been rethinking…
1021
1022Thanks again for last week. It’s thanks to Shiba-kun that I didn’t get seriously injured.”
1023
1024She placed her hands on her knees and, correcting her posture, gave a bow.
1025
1026Whether to say it was something to be expected of a “kendo swordswoman”, she changed notably from the “cute schoolgirl” she was just a while earlier.
1027
1028“You don’t need to thank me. I was just doing my job.”
1029
1030Tatsuya, semi automatically processing his thoughts whilst paying no actual attention, gave a bland reply.
1031
1032“No, it’s not just for stopping Kirihara-kun.”
1033
1034However that formal answer didn’t seem to put off Sayaka.
1035
1036“Despite having such a wild duel, the one who spared not just me and Kirihara-kun from punishment, but both the Kendo and Kenjutsu clubs as well, was due to Shiba-kun’s insistence, wasn’t it?”
1037
1038“The truth is, it wasn’t such a big deal. Apart from Mibu-senpai and Kirihara-senpai, no one else was injured. The subsequent brawl was entirely the fault of the Kenjutsu club, so the Kendo club couldn’t be blamed in the least.”
1039
1040“The reason it wasn’t a big problem was because of you. Anyone else wouldn’t have been able to prevent further injuries to the bystanders. They may have been able to overpower the offender without harm, but even now I still almost can’t believe that you pulled it off without incurring extraneous damage. Even though I think you went easy on them, the Kenjutsu club has plenty to be grateful to you for. Along that point, I hurt Kirihara-kun but… I’ve often heard the excuse, and Shiba-kun may think ‘you’re just a girl’… if I knew martial arts to that degree, it’s something I’d feel as well. The appeal to not suppress your strength, and display your power openly for all to see, would definitely be there.
1041
1042Shiba-kun, do you recall that?”
1043
1044“That’s right. I know what you mean.”
1045
1046—That was a lie.
1047
1048Or at least, half of it was.
1049
1050He had no concept of having practitioned martial arts.
1051
1052What he had learnt was merely the concept of combat. He could see the appeal of gaining the efficaciousness to complete objectives, but had no desire to simply show off that strength in any way.
1053
1054“Right?”
1055
1056However, naturally for Sayaka, who only began speaking with Tatsuya today, there was no way to know that.
1057
1058“There’s no need to make such a big deal.
1059
1060In any case, if too many people had come out injured from that melee, then it’s likely there would have been numerous issues, but the only one who seemed to have had sustained any injuries at all really was just Kirihara-kun. Both Kirihara-kun and I were prepared for the possibility of getting hurt, so that’s not really anyone else’s concern.”
1061
1062That’s incorrect, Tatsuya thought. One of the problems was that Kirihara had broken the rules by using a high risk magic. The principle during recruitment was to let the clubs handle their own troubles internally. If Sayaka and Kirihara had only been swinging shinai at each other, Tatsuya would not have intervened, and it’s likely Mari would not have felt any need to get involved either.
1063
1064This was what he thought, but he didn’t voice it out loud.
1065
1066“And yet, it seems like so many people have a problem with that. Even now, there are many students who keep going on about the incident over and over. The Public Morals Committee is trying to score points or something aren’t they?”
1067
1068“…Actually, I’m also a member of that committee… I apologize.”
1069
1070“Ah, s, sorry! I didn’t mean it like that, honestly!”
1071
1072Looking down at the bowing Tatsuya with a panicked face, Sayaka, who had become flustered all of a sudden, launched into a hurried explanation.
1073
1074“What I wanted to say was, Shiba-kun is different from those people. It’s because of that that you saved me, and uhm, it’s not like I wanted to say bad things about the Public Morals Committee, the only ones I dislike are those guys, and, uh, huh?”
1075
1076Tatsuya had been expressionlessly watching the wildly gesticulating Sayaka.
1077
1078…But his eyes were,
1079
1080filled with laughter.
1081
1082The rambling series of words gradually petered out to a halt until Sayaka was just silently opening and closing her mouth, having finally noticed Tatsuya’s smile, and the embarrassment really started to settle in.
1083
1084“…Hey, Shiba-kun, is actually quite a bully…?”
1085
1086Those were words that were quite familiar.
1087
1088“I don’t possess any such specialized trait.”
1089
1090A little white lie. Then straight back to the point.
1091
1092“In any case, what was it that you wanted to discuss with me?”
1093
1094“…I’ll say it bluntly.”
1095
1096Her lips were forming different sounds, but whether it was because she had resigned herself, or regained her sense of purpose,
1097
1098“Shiba-kun, won’t you join the Kendo club?”
1099
1100Sayaka, at length, cut to her original intention.
1101
1102While this didn’t exceed his expectations, and it could not be denied this was rather anticlimactic in a sense, his answer was already ready. If she had just come out and said it from the start, they could have finished off nice and quickly, but now with a hint of irritation, Tatsuya immediately replied with his prepared answer.
1103
1104“I’m going to have to refuse.”
1105
1106“…Could I please hear the reason?”
1107
1108At that instant answer without even a hint of consideration, Sayaka couldn’t hide her shock.
1109
1110“Let me ask you why you want to recruit me instead. The abilities I possess are completely different to those that are required in kendo. Someone as skilled as Mibu-senpai should definitely know that, right?”
1111
1112His voice held neither roughness nor provocation, but there was a definite edge to it that would not forgive any concealment.
1113
1114Sayaka’s glance wandered away.
1115
1116With such a gesture, it was like she was desperately searching for an escape route.
1117
1118In a sense, that was probably exactly right.
1119
1120At length she uttered a sigh and, with a resigned look, opened her mouth.
1121
1122“At a magic academy, the performance of magic is paramount… I knew that from the start, and I certainly did enroll with that in mind, but for that to be the be all and end all, don’t you think that’s wrong?”
1123
1124“Please go on.”
1125
1126“It’s a certain fact that we’re discriminated against in class. Simply because we have no ability. But, a high school life shouldn’t involve just that. For magic to be prioritized so much over clubs is totally wrong.”
1127
1128From what Tatsuya had seen this week, he could understand that clubs that did not involve the use of magic received unfair treatment. Indeed, the clubs that did received various backings from the school.
1129
1130However, that was a sort of propaganda to raise the profile of the Academy, and done so by the school management.
1131
1132Thinking about it, the passionate girl was not making a distinction between “preferential treatment” and “being snubbed”.
1133
1134However, such a conclusion seemed hasty.
1135
1136“Just because I can’t use magic well, they go as far as to mock my swordsmanship. I can’t stand being disregarded any longer. Everything about me shouldn’t be denied just because of magic.”
1137
1138Without thinking, she took a strong tone.
1139
1140Within those words, was something beyond conviction bordering on obsession. Tatsuya certainly sensed it.
1141
1142While it seemed like she found it uncomfortable to look into Tatsuya’s eyes, she nonetheless cleared her throat and continued.
1143
1144“People like us sought solace in clubs that didn’t require magic. There are also many people who think like this in the Kendo club.
1145
1146This year, we want to create a different club organization and tell the management of our ideas.
1147
1148Magic shouldn’t be everything.
1149
1150For that, won’t Shiba-kun lend us his strength?”
1151
1152“I see…”
1153
1154He had simply considered her an idol, but she was closer to a crusader.
1155
1156Tatsuya laughed at his own blindness.
1157
1158“…Are you making fun of me?”
1159
1160Seems she had misunderstood.
1161
1162If he had left it at that, it would have saved him a lot of trouble later, but Tatsuya went on to say something unnecessary.
1163
1164“Not at all. I was simply laughing at my own ignorance. I had thought of senpai as merely a beautiful Kendo girl, so I couldn’t see beyond…”
1165
1166He had said the latter portion to himself.
1167
1168
1169
1170
1171
1172Since he had entered, he had met one beautiful girl after another who were difficult to deal with, so why was he expecting this one to be normal? He felt like laughing at himself.
1173
1174“Beautiful…”
1175
1176Since his thoughts were facing inwards, Tatsuya rather failed to notice that Sayaka was suspiciously blushing furiously and mumbling.
1177
1178“Mibu-senpai.”
1179
1180“Wha, what?”
1181
1182Stifling the impulse to laugh without even noticing, Tatsuya changed his expression.
1183
1184Sayaka’s voice as she responded was rather heated, but Tatsuya didn’t register it.
1185
1186Then finally, Tatsuya uttered one last unnecessary line.
1187
1188“After telling your thoughts to the school, what would you do then?”
1189
1190“…Eh?”
1191
1192
1193
1194
1195
1196Chapter 7
1197
1198
1199
1200
1201The lunch scene in the Student Council Room had changed a lot compared to the beginning — which was 2 weeks ago.
1202
1203First of all, there was no longer any need for the Dinner Server Module.
1204
1205After Miyuki followed Mari’s lead, now even Mayumi was bringing her own bento.
1206
1207While there was some initial skepticism towards Mayumi’s previously unheard of culinary skills (that suspicion only came from Mari), as her skill level rose, she was now fully immersed in the practice of exchanging desserts.
1208
1209Also, the number of participants had increased.
1210
1211Unless specifically invited, Azusa usually ate with her peers in the classroom. That being the case, she had been summoned to the Student Council Room on a daily basis recently.
1212
1213The willful reason behind this, if it could even be called that, was that apparently having only 1st and 3rd Year students would upset the balance. In the face of this, Azusa could only stew impotently over such a development — which was very like her.
1214
1215For the record, the ratio of men to women was one to four.
1216
1217If balance was actually an issue then the subject was doomed from the start, but this appeared not to be the problem.
1218
1219“Tatsuya-kun.”
1220
1221“Yes, Chief?”
1222
1223Just as everyone had finished eating lunch, Mari called out Tatsuya’s name from across the table. (The seating arrangement was as follows: Miyuki sat next to Tatsuya, Mari was across from him, Mayumi across from Miyuki, and Azusa on Mayumi’s other side.)
1224
1225Mari tried to keep her face free of any facial expression, but could not hide her mischievous smile.
1226
1227Yet, despite having such an expression, she still remained a handsome young lady.
1228
1229“Yesterday, is it true that you were hustling Mibu from 2nd Year?”
1230
1231Thank goodness we already finished eating, Tatsuya thought.
1232
1233If there was still anything in my mouth, that would be a horrible mistake.
1234
1235“Surely using such coarse language like ‘hustling’ is unfitting for a lady such as Senpai.”
1236
1237“Ha ha ha, thanks for the reminder. Tatsuya-kun is probably the only one who sees me as a lady.”
1238
1239“Is that so? To not see his own girlfriend as a lady, it appears that Senpai’s boyfriend isn’t much of a gentleman either.”
1240
1241“That’s not true! Nao is…”
1242
1243At this point, Mari closed her mouth; her expression clearly said “That’s torn it.”
1244
1245“…”
1246
1247Towards his immediate superior — even though it was just the school’s Chief of the Public Moral Committee — Tatsuya’s face remained blank as he stared back.
1248
1249“…”
1250
1251“…”
1252
1253“…Why aren’t you saying anything?”
1254
1255“…Anything you would like to comment on?”
1256
1257In Mari’s peripheral vision, a head of thick, wave-like black hair was bobbing up and down.
1258
1259Even though she didn’t want to, Mari still directed her gaze towards it.
1260
1261Just as she expected.
1262
1263Mayumi’s back was to her as her shoulders shook uncontrollably.
1264
1265She stared at this for half a second.
1266
1267And immediately looked elsewhere.
1268
1269Her eyes caught Tatsuya’s gaze.
1270
1271“…So, is it true that you were ‘hustling’ Mibu from the Kendo Club?”
1272
1273It looked like she was trying to erase the previous scene.
1274
1275Tatsuya glanced behind Mari.
1276
1277Mayumi brought her laughter under control and shrugged her shoulders like an actress.
1278
1279—There was no avoiding it.
1280
1281Here, it’s probably better to go with the flow, Tatsuya thought.
1282
1283“That being said, can we stop using the term ‘hustling’… This sets a poor example for Miyuki…”
1284
1285“…Um, Onii-sama? By any chance, are you mistaken about Miyuki’s age…?”
1286
1287Miyuki reluctantly voiced her objection, but quickly retreated at Tatsuya’s gaze.
1288
1289Once again, silence returned to the scene.
1290
1291Unfortunately, the dice had already been cast.
1292
1293If this were shogi, there might have been some way to avoid it.
1294
1295But given the mood at the scene… Alas, even Tatsuya could do nothing to change it.
1296
1297By definition, perspective was something operated behind the scenes to bring about a certain outcome.
1298
1299“…There was no such thing.”
1300
1301“Oh, is that so?
1302
1303I heard that someone witnessed Mibu blushing furiously in a certain someone’s company.”
1304
1305Tatsuya suddenly felt a cold draft emanating from beside him.
1306
1307“Onii-sama…? Please, what is she talking about?”
1308
1309This was not a misconception. Centered around Miyuki, the room’s temperature was dropping dramatically.
1310
1311“M-magic…?”
1312
1313Azusa yelped in surprise.
1314
1315Modern magic theory has spread to the domain of Superpower research.
1316
1317In other words, one branch of modern magic focuses exclusively on the development of Superpowers.
1318
1319The biggest difference between Ancient Magic and Superpowers is the need for additional activation steps beyond mere thoughts.
1320
1321An example of this would be that modern magics do not require a CAD to activate.
1322
1323At the same time, this does not mean that modern magics are the same as Superpowers.
1324
1325Generally speaking, “Superpower Users” can only use one type; any more would only be variations of the original.
1326
1327“Superpowers” systematized modern magic. By using Activation Sequences as raw materials and Magic Sequences as the method, this allowed the number of different magics to grow exponentially.
1328
1329However, modern magics have also been overly differentiated, so if measured by the same standards as Superpowers, there would only be roughly twenty or thirty types. Even then, this would be an overwhelmingly larger number.
1330
1331Modern Magicians use Magic Sequences to create elaborate magics. At the same time, for Magicians to use multiple types of magics, in addition to using Magic Sequences as a medium, they also need to use their own spirit to adapt to them.
1332
1333Specialized magic, if refined to the point where it is on par with Superpowers wielded by Magicians, could be activated by pure thought without the need for intent or will.
1334
1335However, for Magicians that use dozens of types of magic, to be able to activate magic without intent is pretty much impossible.
1336
1337While Magic Sequences are processed in the subconscious, it still operates with intent, because unintentionally creating a Magical Sequence and subsequently activating it is impossible.
1338
1339If a Magician capable of multiple types of magics unintentionally activated magics…
1340
1341“That phenomena rewriting ability is quite strong…”
1342
1343In response to Mayumi’s murmuring, Tatsuya could only reply with a forced smile.
1344
1345Even after expending the bulk of the “Superpower”, the remainder still had the phenomena rewriting ability to change “reality”.
1346
1347Accidental magic, while a sign of magical immaturity, is also clear evidence of superb magical ability.
1348
1349“Relax, Miyuki. I was just starting to explain. First, rein in your magic.”
1350
1351“I’m terribly sorry…”
1352
1353Hearing her brother’s voice, Miyuki drooped her head in shame as she started to regulate her breathing.
1354
1355The room temperature stopped dropping.
1356
1357“There’s no need for air conditioning in the summer.”
1358
1359“It only takes an instant for the heat of summer to turn into frostbite.”
1360
1361Rather than trying to smooth things over, Mayumi’s comment was phrased as a joke to resettle herself, to which Tatsuya glossed over.
1362
1363Afterwards, Tatsuya conveyed Sayaka’s conversation to everyone present.
1364
1365“It appears that the movements of the Public Moral Committee have caused some level of backlash amongst the students.”
1366
1367Those last words cast a pall of gloom over Mari and Mayumi’s faces.
1368
1369“But, to say that we’re doing this to score points, is this true?
1370
1371At the very least, I have not heard of such a thing in the past week.”
1372
1373“Neither have I.
1374
1375Due to my position, I have not inspected the actual premises, but given the disorderly state of things, it would be more appropriate to say that the Public Moral Committee has been overly lax.”
1376
1377
1378
1379
1380
1381In response to Tatsuya and Miyuki’s comments, Mayumi expressed a forlorn expression while Mari shook her head and replied.
1382
1383“That would be Mibu’s misunderstanding. Maybe she was just overthinking things.
1384
1385The Public Moral Committee is a purely honorary position, meaning there are no achievements or awards to speak of. Just like in actual combat situations, the evaluation of practice maneuvers holds no additive value.”
1386
1387“…That being said, it is true that they hold considerable power on school premises.
1388
1389Especially for students that are dissatisfied with the school system, the Public Moral Committee members responsible for maintaining school rules are no better than being the dogs of those in power.
1390
1391In other words, someone is manipulating this impression from the shadows.”
1392
1393Tatsuya could not feel unsurprised at Mayumi’s words.
1394
1395Unexpectedly, profound words.
1396
1397“Do we know their identity?”
1398
1399For him, this was the logical next step.
1400
1401“Eh? No, because of the source of the rumors, it’s not very easy to find out…”
1402
1403“…If we acted on the individual in question, it is true that we may stop it.”
1404
1405But, to Mayumi and Mari, this was an unexpected line of questioning.
1406
1407Mayumi’s earlier comment was also something she let slip on accident.
1408
1409Tatsuya looked directly into Mayumi’s eyes.
1410
1411Immediately, Mayumi turned aside to avoid his gaze.
1412
1413This was the first time Tatsuya saw Mayumi faltering like this.
1414
1415“What I’m asking is not the identity of the rumormongers, but the identity of the manipulator behind them.”
1416
1417Tatsuya felt something tugging on his sleeve.
1418
1419As he shifted his vision, he found Miyuki tugging his sleeve beneath the table.
1420
1421She was probably hinting that the conversation was too confrontational.
1422
1423However, Tatsuya had no intention of backing down at this point.
1424
1425In his mind, the vision of the individual who fled after attempting to ambush him arose. Also, he could not forget the red and green bracelet that some of the students wore.
1426
1427“For example, a ‘Blanche’-like organization?”
1428
1429Faltering transformed into utter shock.
1430
1431Mayumi, with Mari alongside her, froze.
1432
1433Azusa’s eyes widened as she stared at the two of them.
1434
1435From her reaction, Azusa had no idea what was going on — Tatsuya thought.
1436
1437“How, do you know that name…”
1438
1439“It’s nothing really, since it’s hardly classified information. Even if there is censoring involved, frankly it’s impossible to completely stifle any and all leaks from the source.”
1440
1441From Tatsuya’s perspective, for Mayumi to be shocked to this level was even more amazing.
1442
1443The International Anti-Magic Political Organization “Blanche”.
1444
1445Their manifesto called for an end to political systems that treated Magicians as superior, and eliminating the difference in treatment caused by the presence of magical abilities.
1446
1447However, the idea that this country’s Magicians received preferential treatment from the political system was false.
1448
1449To be precise, since Magicians were treated like tools to be used by the military and other government branches, to say it was “inhumane” treatment would be closer to the truth.
1450
1451This was because when compared to the neighboring country with the highest population in the world, there was no other way to match the sheer difference in the number of troops that could be mobilized besides adopting a quality over quantity approach.
1452
1453It was true that Magicians serving in the military or the government received a higher salary, but that was in compensation for increased labor as well as expended life energy.
1454
1455The criticisms leveled by the Anti-Magic Organizations focused solely on the lack of their own benefits, and thus created anti-establishment organizations, of which “Blanche” was the most active.
1456
1457Thanks to the political freedom guaranteed within this country, criticism directed towards the government was not banned or suppressed.
1458
1459Historically, the Anti-Magic Movement had always been easily linked with criminal activity. In reality, there were several examples of Anti-Magic Organizations delving into terrorism.
1460
1461The present incarnation of Blanche, an organization that put the Department of Public Safety on high alert, was such an example.
1462
1463Also, the bracelet worn by the student that attempted to use magic to ambush Tatsuya bore the emblem belonging to “Egalite”, one of “Blanche’s” subordinate organizations.
1464
1465Presently, there was no direct link between Blanche and Egalite, but using the Blanche name was an effective advertising method for attracting anti-establishment youth.
1466
1467Anyone remotely familiar with the proceedings would know this.
1468
1469The total number of people that had infiltrated the campus was currently unknown, not to mention that the ambushing student may have been the one responsible for all this.
1470
1471However, given that the infiltrators were personnel with actual combat capabilities and not mere ideological sympathizers, it was very likely that they had made extensive preparations for First High.
1472
1473“Nothing positive can come out of trying to cover these things half-heartedly. Hm, I wasn’t criticizing the President, it’s just that the government’s approach is too ineffective.”
1474
1475Despite Tatsuya’s comforting words, Mayumi’s expression did not brighten.
1476
1477“…No, it’s just as Tatsuya-kun said.
1478
1479Since organizations that view Magicians as enemies already exist, no matter how unreasonable they are, rather than using inappropriate methods to cover their existence, we should bring the truth to light and promote information exchange on both sides…
1480
1481We avoided the direct confrontation — no, we escaped from it.”
1482
1483Now, her tone turned self-reproachful.
1484
1485“That can’t be helped.”
1486
1487The liberating response was tinged with a cold tone.
1488
1489“This school is a state-run facility.
1490
1491With our status as students, despite not being actual public servants, we cannot escape the fact that any school-related activities or student council members are limited by governmental policies.”
1492
1493“Eh?”
1494
1495In a voice devoid of warmth, as if the incoming comment could not be properly processed in the brain, Mayumi stared blankly at Tatsuya.
1496
1497“…In other words, given the President’s position, the only thing you can do is deal with this business in secret.”
1498
1499As she stared at Tatsuya, who looked away, Mari bent her lips.
1500
1501“Ho ho, so even Tatsuya-kun has a gentle side.”
1502
1503“But, the one who kept questioning the President was Shiba-kun…” Azusa softly murmured.
1504
1505Mari immediately followed up the attack.
1506
1507“Bring them down then pull them up by yourself, that’s quite the gigolo’s trick. Even Mayumi is not immune to such a display. It looks like we can’t underestimate Tatsuya-kun.”
1508
1509“W-wait, Mari, don’t say such strange things!”
1510
1511“Your face is red, Mayumi.”
1512
1513“Mari!”
1514
1515The Student Council President and Chair of the Public Moral Committee started going back and forth.
1516
1517During this time, Tatsuya looked skywards with an unreadable expression.
1518
1519Even knowing that his sister was coldly gazing at him this entire time, the only thing he could do was pretend not to see it.
1520
1521
1522
1523
1524
1525“Okay… It’s about time to return to class.”
1526
1527“Let’s go, Miyuki.”
1528
1529Tatsuya expressed his intent to return towards the still bickering Mayumi and Mari, and then rose from his seat.
1530
1531Miyuki’s foul mood was thankfully dispelled by Tatsuya’s earnest comforting.
1532
1533Even though he saw a completely red Azusa flee towards the console in the corner of the room, this was not something Tatsuya paid any extra attention to.
1534
1535“Ah, Tatsuya-kun, wait a second.
1536
1537I say, Mayumi, stop, stop, I have something important to say.”
1538
1539“…It’s probably best to wait until after school, then we can have a proper conversation.”
1540
1541“Got it, got it… Really, didn’t think he’d care that much…
1542
1543So Tatsuya-kun, how did you reply in the end?”
1544
1545“I’m the one waiting for a reply, and I will decide after hearing that.”
1546
1547Yesterday in the cafeteria, Sayaka was unable to answer the question Tatsuya posed.
1548
1549—After telling your thoughts to the school, what would you do then?
1550
1551Sayaka could only make an “Ah” or “Oh” type of sound, and was unable to frame a meaningful answer.
1552
1553Thus, Tatsuya left her with some homework.
1554
1555He would listen to her again after she had sorted through her thoughts.
1556
1557“Because of our earlier conversation, I feel that this isn’t something we can ignore.”
1558
1559“—We’re relying on you.”
1560
1561“There’s no need for that. I’m not sure what this is about yet.”
1562
1563“As long as it’s within your capabilities.”
1564
1565“It’s kind of hard to tell whether there are expectations riding on this or not… Forget it, I can accept it if it’s only this level.”
1566
1567This was truly something that couldn’t be ignored, and Tatsuya wasn’t just being polite. In terms of the activities from Anti-Magic Organizations, if it remained only at the systemic level, then there would be no need for him to interfere, but violence directed towards people in important positions was another story. As the representative for all 1st Year Students, there was no guarantee that Miyuki would not be a target. Granted, he didn’t believe that any cheap parlor tricks from criminals could harm Miyuki, but it was better to err on the side of caution.
1568
1569“Within my ability, I shall do my utmost.”
1570
1571As she watched Tatsuya respond and Miyuki bow in departure before leaving, Mari softly muttered to herself.
1572
1573“That, would probably bring about the best result.”
1574
1575
1576
1577
1578
1579Due to the nature of the job, Public Moral Committee members did not need to report to headquarters every day.
1580
1581Even the Chair spends most of her time in the Student Council Room.
1582
1583Because most of the members were selected for their martial skills, work skills and organization were not their forte. Add on the lack of input from management, and this was how the room turned into a disaster zone.
1584
1585Prior to Tatsuya’s intercession during the recruitment week, he was the only one with a background in work skills, and thus — regardless of his desire — this had established his position within the Public Moral Committee.
1586
1587Today, despite being his day off, Tatsuya had been called in by Mari to help organize and write the reports for the recruitment week incidents. —Even though he was called in to help, in reality he was the only one working on it.
1588
1589This situation was truly out of his control.
1590
1591He originally planned to use the time after school to browse the unreleased files stored in the magic universities and affiliated magic high schools using the terminals in the school library, but thanks to this and that, his research had gone nowhere.
1592
1593(At any rate, let’s finish all the reports by today…)
1594
1595Despite knowing that it was meaningless, Tatsuya couldn’t stop himself from sighing. He planned on logging out of the terminal, then meeting up with Miyuki.
1596
1597Just like reading a stopwatch, the screen chimed an incoming message notification.
1598
1599It even included the school emblem.
1600
1601In other words, this was not something that students could ignore — a summoning notification that usually entailed a lesson from the staff.
1602
1603Tatsuya adjusted his posture in the chair and, of course, did not ignore the message and opened it.
1604
1605The sender’s name was “Ono Haruka”.
1606
1607
1608
1609
1610
1611“Sorry for calling you here out of the blue.”
1612
1613“No, I didn’t have anything urgent on my end.”
1614
1615In the Counseling Room, to Haruka’s completely guilt free smile and apology, Tatsuya merely replied blandly.
1616
1617To tell the truth, summoning him actually threw a wrench in his plans.
1618
1619Although it wasn’t urgent, but to refuse Mari’s request and apologize for the inconvenience only led to piling up more work for him.
1620
1621And when he told Miyuki he had to cancel walking home together, while she remained outwardly calm, just thinking about how to calm her mood when he got back was giving him a headache.
1622
1623To top it all off, there was no reason why he needed to see the school counselor.
1624
1625Tatsuya really wished she would tell him why he was called here.
1626
1627“Well? Have you acclimated to school life yet?”
1628
1629She shouldn’t be able to hear Tatsuya’s thoughts — naturally, that was impossible, Tatsuya thought — so Haruka asked a typical question.
1630
1631“No.”
1632
1633On the other hand, Tatsuya gave an atypical answer.
1634
1635“…Have you encountered any difficulties?”
1636
1637“There were a lot of unexpected situations that distracted me from studying.”
1638
1639In other words, get to the damn point and stop wasting my time.
1640
1641Even if she couldn’t hear this voice, she could more or less detect his unfriendly attitude. Haruka’s smile grew a little forced as she crossed her legs.
1642
1643Beneath the mini-skirt, the derriere wrapped in silk stockings could almost be seen.
1644
1645For the two people sitting face to face with one another, there were no obstacles to obstruct vision.
1646
1647According to modern decorum, it was advisable to keep revealed flesh to a minimum.
1648
1649Because women usually wore thick stockings that covered everything beneath their dresses, even when exuding maturity, this sight was quite stimulating to the eyes. (Also, thanks to the advancements in fiber materials, even wearing this during the heat of summer would yield no discomfort.)
1650
1651Speaking of which, she was also wearing a rather open shirt, where the lines of the undergarments could be seen.
1652
1653For a faculty member to wear this in front of a student was overly flirtatious.
1654
1655“…What is it?”
1656
1657Haruka mischievously asked Tatsuya, who had unknowingly been staring at her.
1658
1659He would hurriedly shift his line of sight and reply in a distracted voice — if he was any ordinary man.
1660
1661“From the perspective of the modern dress code,
1662
1663I feel that Ono-sensei’s appearance is slightly overkill.”
1664
1665“I-I’m sorry.”
1666
1667At Tatsuya’s cold gaze and completely unexcited vocal warning, Haruka quickly returned to her ordinary posture.
1668
1669Using temptation to cause the opponent to falter was one of the most common tactics for seizing the initiative in conversations. It was likely that Haruka chose this particular wardrobe with this in mind. But this student (Tatsuya) betrayed no expression as he replied.
1670
1671No way to control him.
1672
1673Haruka was perplexed at her inability to seize the initiative.
1674
1675“So, why was I called here?”
1676
1677Even though it was suppressed, there was still a hint of a reprimand in the tone.
1678
1679It couldn’t be that this attitude was all within his calculation, could it? Haruka thought to herself.
1680
1681He was only sixteen, but precisely because she wanted to avoid this hubris, she forced herself to use a temptation method she was not accustomed to. However, at this point she was forced to abandon this roundabout tactic.
1682
1683Haruka made up her mind and turned to Tatsuya once again.
1684
1685“Today, I wanted to ask Shiba-kun to help with our work.”
1686
1687“Your work, eh?”
1688
1689His intellect was formidable, based on the entrance examination scores alone.
1690
1691Despite that, if she were to cut into the heart of the problem right away, it may put him on guard even more.
1692
1693“Yes, us, as in the work of the Life Counseling Department.”
1694
1695Haruka told him directly, though he probably already saw through it.
1696
1697However, given that she had already said “the work of the Life Counseling Department”, the only thing she could do was finish her sentence.
1698
1699“The mental orientation of the students changes every year.
1700
1701For example, Shiba-kun uses the term ‘myself’ to address yourself.
1702
1703For magical students who aspire to join the military, this isn’t anything strange. Given that, students only referred to themselves as ‘myself’ after the victory at the Okinawa Defense Battle three years ago.
1704
1705Changes in society bring about subtle changes within student personalities. This is especially the case after a major incident, causing individuals to view their age or relation to others differently.”
1706
1707After saying this, Haruka studied the young man’s expression.
1708
1709Tatsuya’s face betrayed no confusion, though it might be more correct to say that her words went in one ear and out the other.
1710
1711“So every year we examine roughly 10% of the students.
1712
1713The goal is to properly examine and counsel the students’ primary impressions and ideologies.”
1714
1715“In other words, we are specimens for observation?”
1716
1717Blunt and straight to the point, but there was no sense of outrage or fury accompanying it.
1718
1719“If that’s all there is, I have no problem with it. However, what is Sensei’s true purpose?”
1720
1721With a slight smile, he responded with his own question.
1722
1723Haruka used every ounce of willpower to resist faltering.
1724
1725“…You think I have an ulterior motive? I’m quite hurt. I’m not that kind of scheming woman, you know?”
1726
1727The coquettish, almost joking tone, rather than being conciliatory, was in fact used to help refocus her panicking self.
1728
1729“For a specimen, I don’t think I fit the mold very well.”
1730
1731“That’s true. I also think that Shiba-kun is not a typical student.
1732
1733But because of this, I hope that you are willing to help.
1734
1735You may be the first example to break the barrier between Course 1 and 2 students, but there’s no guarantee you will be the last.”
1736
1737“…In that case, we’ll treat it like that then.”
1738
1739Haruka relaxed after finally persuading him. Even though he didn’t seem completely convinced, helping complex personalities was part of the job description for counselors, Haruka said to herself — with a hint of escapism.
1740
1741“Looks like my immaturity has caused Shiba-kun to distrust me. Such a shame.
1742
1743…So, do you mind if I ask a few questions?”
1744
1745“Ah, please go ahead.”
1746
1747Even knowing that he was still wary against her, they couldn’t waste any more time.
1748
1749Haruka brought out the prepared questions and went down the list with Tatsuya.
1750
1751
1752
1753
1754
1755Counseling was a line of work that heavily emphasized privacy. Confidentiality was an important part of work. That being said, it was still dependent on the topic involved. A third party may be involved to assist in the matter, but Haruka’s request for assistance was unlikely to touch on the privacy of individuals outside of campus. The fairly straightforward questions involved the events between the day of enrollment and now.
1756
1757Following Tatsuya’s description of the disturbances on campus, Haruka’s response was:
1758
1759“…Thank you very much.
1760
1761Speaking of which, you pulled through fairly well.
1762
1763After going through such intense mental pressure, even suffering a mental breakdown wouldn’t be a surprise.”
1764
1765The opinion was spoken with a doctor-like expression.
1766
1767In reality, Tatsuya used the title “Sensei” because Haruka was a licensed psychologist, but her current capacity should be a student counselor.
1768
1769“From a medical perspective, that may be the case.
1770
1771But even for statistical data, there will be exceptions.”
1772
1773At the assertion that clinical data was nothing more than the byproduct of statistical data, Haruka shamefully averted her gaze.
1774
1775As her gaze drifted, Haruka noticed Tatsuya was gazing at the antique (or maybe wrong era) clock on the wall — of course, this was because Tatsuya intentionally wanted Haruka to notice — and hurriedly shifted her gaze back.
1776
1777“Uh, that’s all I have for today.
1778
1779…Oh yes, while it’s not a question related to counseling…”
1780
1781“What is it?”
1782
1783“Is it true that Shiba-kun was asked out by Mibu-chan from 2nd Year?”
1784
1785“…Truly an unrelated question.”
1786
1787Tatsuya could not hide his dumbfounded expression.
1788
1789Haruka quickly followed up.
1790
1791“If it’s Mibu-chan, then there are some concerns about… Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to divulge them.”
1792
1793“Learning of other people’s privacy would cause me difficulties as well.
1794
1795So, where did Sensei hear these rumors?”
1796
1797“So they’re… rumors?”
1798
1799“Just rumors, or is there something wrong?”
1800
1801“No, nothing at all… Hm, I just wanted to ask you a favor if Shiba-kun decided to go out with Mibu-chan.
1802
1803However, if Shiba-kun isn’t planning on it, then don’t worry about it.”
1804
1805“I’ve already said that the so-called going out was a mere rumor.
1806
1807So, where did these things come from?”
1808
1809At Tatsuya’s repeated question, Haruka dropped her gaze to the floor.
1810
1811“I’m sorry, that’s confidential.”
1812
1813Tatsuya did not pursue.
1814
1815“In that case, I will take my leave.”
1816
1817Rather than pursuing, he chose to stand up from the seat, and headed towards the door without waiting for a reply.
1818
1819“If there’s anything troubling that happens with Mibu-chan, please feel free to discuss it with me.”
1820
1821Haruka’s voice rang out as if she firmly believed in it.
1822
1823Why did it feel like she was assured that “something troubling” will happen.
1824
1825Tatsuya was not interested in the reason behind her faith, so he kept walking without turning around once. His personality wasn’t cute enough to bite at this kind of bait.
1826
1827
1828
1829
1830
1831After dinner, Tatsuya was facing the console in his room when a voice came from the other side of the door.
1832
1833“Onii-sama, it’s Miyuki.”
1834
1835In reality, there were only Tatsuya and Miyuki in the house.
1836
1837Her identity was obvious even if she didn’t say anything after knocking. Simply calling out was sufficient.
1838
1839Even so, Miyuki would still solemnly pronounce her name.
1840
1841As if she wanted to carve her name onto Tatsuya’s heart.
1842
1843As if she was terrified that Tatsuya would forget her name.
1844
1845“Come in.”
1846
1847Tatsuya said while still facing the screen.
1848
1849From outside the doorway, the console appeared to be embedded into the side wall.
1850
1851While swiftly browsing through the long lines of text, Tatsuya also caught his sister’s silhouette through his peripheral vision.
1852
1853“The cake Onii-sama wanted is here… Would you like some tea?”
1854
1855The invitation tinged with a little hesitation was intended to arouse her elder brother’s notice.
1856
1857To Tatsuya, it was only a cake, but this polite attitude was one of his sister’s merits — whether anyone else could display the merit to this level was another story.
1858
1859Also, a hundred years ago no one would use the phrase “the cake is here”, but now this has become a common stock phrase.
1860
1861With the advancements in the logistics system, “carrying around luggage” has become a thing of the past.
1862
1863Even small items such as cake can be delivered free of charge.
1864
1865Of course, for the stores in question, receiving orders and then delivering the goods were weighed against the two advantages of “reducing overstock” and “raising customer flow”, thus leading to the service today.
1866
1867“I’m on my way.”
1868
1869After replying, Tatsuya saved the intelligence on the screen as one of the homepage bookmarks.
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875After savoring Miyuki’s favorite chocolate cake and washing down the remaining sweetness with some bitter coffee, Tatsuya shifted the living room’s console to data viewing mode.
1876
1877“…May I take a look as well?”
1878
1879Tatsuya hadn’t finished eating his cake yet, not to mention Miyuki who was even slower.
1880
1881However, Tatsuya still opened the data files, signifying his assent.
1882
1883“Of course.”
1884
1885Even after doing so, he still gave a clear verification to Miyuki, who was seeking permission, allowing her to sit down.
1886
1887“The subject would not be broached normally during family time, but go ahead. It’s not like this has nothing to do with you, so it’s better for you to know as soon as possible.
1888
1889…No, I mean, you don’t have to be so nervous.”
1890
1891Seeing his sister put down her fork and adopt a proper posture, Tatsuya indicated that there was no such need.
1892
1893At Tatsuya’s bitter smile, Miyuki replied with an embarrassed smile and once again picked up her fork.
1894
1895“Data File, Blanche, Open.”
1896
1897Of course, there was no keyboard on the dinner table used for food.
1898
1899While he didn’t like it, Tatsuya still used voice commands to direct the system to list the files of the investigation results on the screen.
1900
1901“Is this the political organization that engages in anti-magic activities that we talked about during lunch?”
1902
1903“The members call themselves a citizen’s movement. In secret they’re quite the infamous terrorist group.
1904
1905Also, it looks like it’s true that members of this group are active within the school. Subordinate to Blanche is another organization called Egalite. During my time as a Public Moral Committee member, I saw the figure of students that possibly joined Egalite.”
1906
1907Miyuki was initially surprised at Tatsuya’s words, then nodded her head.
1908
1909“Pro Anti-Magic students in a magic high school?”
1910
1911“Your skepticism is natural.”
1912
1913At Miyuki’s confusion, Tatsuya nodded to indicate his agreement.
1914
1915“Not just in First High. People believe that magic schools can help them improve their magic, thus leading them to attend. Whether they are trying to advance themselves or for someone else is another story.
1916
1917Thus, for students at a magic high school to reject magic seems self-contradictory.”
1918
1919Completely self-contradictory. From Tatsuya’s perspective, even though society had applied the inferior label to him, but from the viewpoint of a magical researcher, he had no intention of rejecting magic.
1920
1921“While taking the obvious logical path would make this seem odd…
1922
1923It’s precisely because this organization does follow the ‘obvious logic’ that they are able to spread so fast.”
1924
1925“…Why is that the case?”
1926
1927“If you consider this through the traditional lens, you would only run into a dead end.
1928
1929Rather than staying inside the box, consider this from another angle.
1930
1931The first item for consideration is, why do they proudly wave their anti-magic ideology banners, but never directly reject magic itself.”
1932
1933“Now that you mention it… That’s true.”
1934
1935“Their proposal is to abolish the differences in society caused by magic. Just this, by itself, is an unimpeachable and correct idea.”
1936
1937“…Yes.”
1938
1939“In that case, what is this so called difference?”
1940
1941“An individual’s talent or hard work does not reflect adequate compensation from society…?”
1942
1943“I just said, Miyuki, think outside the box.”
1944
1945As he said this, Tatsuya picked up the remote control from the table, and turned to the screen.
1946
1947There were sixteen different pictures, one of them was brought forward and magnified.
1948
1949“Blanche is a political organization on the surface. Their evidence for Magicians receiving preferential treatment comes from the difference in salaries between Magicians and non-Magicians.
1950
1951The difference they speak of is the difference in mean wages.
1952
1953But that’s nothing more than an average, a single result.
1954
1955They do not consider the extent of hardships that Magicians go through to obtain their high salaries.
1956
1957They also ignore the fact that Magicians are only allowed to work in fields pertaining to magic, even if these backup Magicians would receive lower salaries than ordinary office workers.”
1958
1959Tatsuya’s voice was bland and almost completely emotionless. However, a tiny trace of melancholy could be detected.
1960
1961“No matter how capable or strong, so long as society does not need that magic, monetary compensation and recognition remain impossible.”
1962
1963Miyuki painfully lowered her gaze.
1964
1965Tatsuya stood, paced a few steps, then tenderly placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder.
1966
1967“There is a reason why Magicians have such a high mean salary. That is because society requires certain specialized Magicians.
1968
1969Because there are a small number of outliers that throw off the average, the mean salary becomes so high.
1970
1971Next, for Magicians active on the frontline and capable of contributing to society — no, that’s overly embellishing it. It is because Magicians can provide society some sort of benefit, monetary or otherwise, that grants them larger compensation, and not merely for the fact that they are born Magicians.
1972
1973The world of Magicians is not naive enough to believe that simply being born with magical talent guarantees prosperity.
1974
1975This, I think we are well aware of.
1976
1977Right, Miyuki?”
1978
1979“Yes… Very well aware.”
1980
1981Miyuki nodded as she put her hand atop her elder brother’s hand.
1982
1983“Thus, Blanche proposes to abolish the difference in salaries caused by magic, but in the end is really advocating the abolishment of using magic to obtain monetary compensation.
1984
1985In other words, they are asking Magicians to selflessly contribute to society.”
1986
1987“…That’s quite the self-centered proposal.
1988
1989Everyone needs money to live, regardless of whether or not they can use magic. But, they don’t allow Magicians to use magic for a living, even people who are capable of using magic must use other skills to make a living…
1990
1991In the end, just because they don’t know how to use magic, they don’t want magic to become the measuring stick for a person’s value?
1992
1993Are they saying that it’s okay if Magicians’ hard work cannot receive compensation? It should be obvious that their hard work is not valued…
1994
1995Or do these people not know that simply being born with magical talent is not enough? That using magic requires many years of intense studying and training?”
1996
1997Tatsuya moved away from Miyuki’s back and returned to his seat with a thin smile on his lips.
1998
1999“No, they know.
2000
2001They know, but don’t say it.
2002
2003Because if they don’t say it or think about information that contradicts them, they are able to use equality to lie to themselves and others.
2004
2005Miyuki asked this in the beginning.
2006
2007Why would magic students join the activities of Anti-Magic Organizations like Blanche or Egalite?”
2008
2009“Hm… Is it because they don’t know the real philosophy behind the anti-magic parties?”
2010
2011“People that can’t use magic cannot learn it no matter how hard they try, and thus feel that it is unfair for society to reward Magicians for using magic.
2012
2013Then, how about the students who can use magic, but lack the talent to catch up to the truly outstanding students regardless of their diligence, and in turn are looked down upon — this type of thinking would be perfectly reasonable, right?
2014
2015Differences in talent is not unique to magic. This is apparent in other fields, such as the arts or athletics.
2016
2017Even if they don’t have talent in magic, maybe they have talents in other areas.
2018
2019If they cannot bear to have no talent in magic, then they should find another path.”
2020
2021If someone who was only superficially acquainted with Tatsuya heard these words, they might have thought he was saying this to himself. But Miyuki, the only person present, would never make that kind of mistake.
2022
2023“I believe that people who learn magic reject the ‘differences’ caused by magic, because they are unwilling to abandon magic.
2024
2025Unwilling to give up, but unable to accept being second-rate.
2026
2027Unable to accept the truth that there are people with such talent that are completely beyond their grasp.
2028
2029Unable to accept the possibility that putting in many times more work still puts them out of reach.
2030
2031Thus, they reject using magic as an assessment.
2032
2033The fact is, they know that the people with talent also put in the same amount of work. This is evident before their eyes. But, they choose to ignore this and pile all the responsibility on inborn talent, and reject it.
2034
2035Well… It’s not like I can’t understand that sense of weakness. I have similar thoughts myself.”
2036
2037“There is no such thing!”
2038
2039Miyuki knew that Tatsuya was not really depreciating himself. Even so, Miyuki could not control her own voice.
2040
2041“Onii-sama possesses skills that no other person can emulate, and while you don’t have the same talents as other people, haven’t you still put in exponentially more hard work to get to this point?”
2042
2043Tatsuya did not possess any mundane skills, but possessed talents that far exceeded anyone else’s. This, Miyuki knew better than anyone. And, even if it was Tatsuya himself, Miyuki would allow no one to deny it.
2044
2045“That’s just because I have other talents as well.”
2046
2047“Ah…”
2048
2049But Tatsuya was someone who, while understanding Miyuki’s statement, could still “understand that sense of weakness.” Miyuki blushed when she realized how shallow her rebuttal was.
2050
2051“If someone isn’t talented enough in modern magic, then use some other method to make up the difference.
2052
2053Because that is possible, then they can objectively make an assessment as a third party.
2054
2055If that’s not possible… Then it’s not surprising for them to sink into that delicious fantasy called ‘equality’. Even knowing that it’s all an illusion in the end.”
2056
2057“…”
2058
2059Miyuki could not refute any of her brother’s cold words. She already understood what Tatsuya was trying to express. He was not being sentimental or pitying towards others, merely talking about the “weakness that lies within people”, including himself.
2060
2061“For people without talent, to escape the fact that they cannot compare to others, they loudly sing the praises of equality.
2062
2063For those without magic, to avoid the fact that magic is merely one type of talent, they coat that belief with jealousy.
2064
2065After understanding these basics, what is the purpose of the one inciting them to action behind the scenes?
2066
2067The equality that they are referring to is equal treatment regardless of the presence of magical ability.
2068
2069Abolishing the societal differences caused by magic, is the same as not assigning magic any value.
2070
2071The end result is that magic would lose any and all meaning in society.
2072
2073In a society where magic has no value, magic cannot advance or improve.
2074
2075Standing behind the Magicians and ordinary people who are calling for an end to the differences caused by magic, is a force that plans to abolish magic from this country.”
2076
2077“Then what…?”
2078
2079“Regardless of good or bad, magic is power. Economics is power, technology is power, military strength is power.
2080
2081Magic can become the same power as battleships or fighter jets. Presently, every country is researching magic’s military utility.
2082
2083There are many military spies active around magic skills and information.”
2084
2085“Then, while the initial goal of the anti-magic parties is to abolish magic in this country, the final objective is reduce the nation’s power?”
2086
2087“Most likely.
2088
2089Thus, they would even resort to methods like terrorism.
2090
2091Now, after the nation’s power has been reduced, who stands to benefit the most?”
2092
2093“You mean… Put it that way, behind them is…”
2094
2095“That’s exactly how it is.
2096
2097When it comes to these people, the Ten Master Clans won’t leave them alone.
2098
2099Especially the Yotsuba Clan.
2100
2101So, from now on, we have to be extra careful.”
2102
2103Afterwards, nothing more was said.
2104
2105For these two people, nothing more needed to be said.
2106
2107Her expression completely pale, Miyuki nodded towards her elder brother.
2108
2109
2110
2111
2112
2113Chapter 8
2114
2115
2116
2117
2118With the end of recruitment week, the various enrollment activities came to a close.
2119
2120For Tatsuya’s class, their technical skills curriculum started to get serious.
2121
2122Although the actual magical education was done through the various classes, most students already had some sort of background in magic, as (could be) seen through the technical portion of the entrance examination.
2123
2124This was the basis for how classes were conducted, but even for students with a proper foundation in systemic education, those not adept in combat skills often felt that they could not keep up in class. From a certain perspective, the separation of Course 1 and 2 students was intended to prevent this feeling from negatively affecting the two groups — in other words, abandoning one side.
2125
2126
2127
2128
2129
2130“940 ms. You passed, Tatsuya-kun!”
2131
2132“Finally… This is the third time already. Thank goodness it’s over with.”
2133
2134Tatsuya smiled tiredly at Mizuki, who was excited for him as if she had done it herself.
2135
2136Currently, Tatsuya’s class was practicing technical skills in magic.
2137
2138Today’s lesson involved compiling a single Systematic magic, then activating the magic within the time limit in teams of two.
2139
2140It involved reading the Activation Sequence, then basing what was read and using the Magic Computation Region in the Magician’s subconsciousness to then construct the Magic Sequence and activate it.
2141
2142This was the system for modern magic.
2143
2144What happens in this Scheme — transforming the Activation Sequences, that could be recorded as numbers by machines, into a form of magic that machines could not create in reality, uses a process known in Information Engineering as “compiling”. By quantifying the processes needed for magic invocation, transforming them into Activation Sequences, then using Schemes to revert them back into Magic Sequences, modern magic improved in precision, stability, and variability.
2145
2146The price was that they sacrificed the speed that comes from only using a few words in “Superpowers”.
2147
2148Since the complicated method for constructing Magic Sequences already exists, this was all that could be done.
2149
2150However, while the time lag for constructing Magic Sequences could not be reduced to zero, it could be infinitely reduced to near zero.
2151
2152There is a reason why modern magic emphasizes speed for constructing Magic Sequences.
2153
2154Originally, CADs were only used as storage for recording Activation Sequence numbers, but they quickly became the method for accelerating Magic activation speed.
2155
2156For the CADs used in today’s class, because they had not been adjusted for individual differences, no additional speed boosting mechanisms were added. The purpose of this class was to use this factory condition CAD to undergo high speed compiling training.
2157
2158If one member of the duo could not pass, then both students had to remain. Mizuki passed on her first try, but she let out an explosive sigh and patted her chest in comfort at Tatsuya.
2159
2160“That’s quite surprising. Tatsuya-kun really isn’t good at technical skills…”
2161
2162For today’s topic, “Single Systematic Single Process” magic, from reading the Activation Sequence entirely to actually invoking the magic, an exceptional Magician would only need 500 ms.
2163
2164For Tatsuya, who needed three tries to get under the 1000 ms time limit, even the kindest description could not approach exceptional.
2165
2166“That’s surprising… I thought I’ve said it quite a few times before?”
2167
2168“It’s true that I’ve heard it a few times… but I’ve always thought that was just being humble.
2169
2170Because Tatsuya-kun looks like someone who can do anything, it’s hard to believe that you’re not fluent with technical skills.”
2171
2172Mizuki tilted her head and expressed her heartfelt amazement, to which Tatsuya could only smile wryly — not that there was any other option.
2173
2174“…It might be a little ridiculous to say it myself, but if I had that level of technical skills, I wouldn’t be in this class.”
2175
2176Tatsuya made sure to keep any loathing out of his tone and language. While he did not know how effective it was, Mizuki frankly nodded her head.
2177
2178“That’s true. If Tatsuya-kun were also capable in technical skills… That would give off an overly-perfect, unapproachable vibe.”
2179
2180As she said this, Mizuki expressed a carefree smile.
2181
2182I wonder if I should smile along with her, Tatsuya thought.
2183
2184“However, Tatsuya-kun… don’t you feel, a little unsatisfied?”
2185
2186“…Towards what?”
2187
2188Mizuki bent her head, her expression unreadable. It was because of this that Tatsuya was confused as to how to respond to her.
2189
2190“If you have the talent, but have been evaluated as having no talent, normally this would be quite galling.
2191
2192If it were me, I wouldn’t be surprised if I felt unsatisfied. If I had Tatsuya-kun’s level of skill, I would be furious at being called a Weed… but Tatsuya-kun looks like he doesn’t care…”
2193
2194That was quite a difficult question to answer.
2195
2196Taking Mizuki’s personality into account, it was unlikely she would spread negative rumors or speak to others regarding this subject, but if he didn’t give her an answer that she could accept, it was possible that she may dig deeper into his business.
2197
2198“Execution speed is also a talent.
2199
2200And it’s a rather important factor as well.
2201
2202There are situations where one second can mean the difference between life and death. So my evaluation of being unskilled is not incorrect.”
2203
2204If Mizuki were any other ordinary Course 2 student, this would have been an acceptable answer.
2205
2206But,
2207
2208“If this was an actual combat situation, Tatsuya-kun would have some way to improve invocation speed.”
2209
2210She was someone who possessed special “eyes”.
2211
2212“…What makes you think so?”
2213
2214Even knowing that saying so indicated a confession this was true and that he was capitulating, his wavering brain could not think of a better response.
2215
2216“In the technical portion earlier, each of Tatsuya-kun’s three tries looked like you were forcing yourself.
2217
2218Because my mother is a translator, I’ll use this example: it’s like someone able to use English to think and reply to an English question was forced to use Japanese to reply, and then translate it back into English.
2219
2220From the start, Tatsuya-kun abandoned the complete Magic Sequence and started compiling again, right?
2221
2222When looking at the time, reading the Activation Sequence occurs at the same time as constructing the Magic Sequence.
2223
2224After seeing that, I thought that.
2225
2226It can’t be that, Tatsuya-kun, for magic of this level, you can construct Magic Sequences without looking at the Activation Sequence?”
2227
2228To not use Activation Sequences, also known as skipping CADs altogether, and still use magic at the same speed. In regards to this technique, he had strict orders to keep this a secret.
2229
2230However, it looked like someone saw through this after the first practice.
2231
2232As if his brain had been plunged into cold water, he calmed down.
2233
2234Despite his wariness being raised to the max and his faltering reaching a peak, these only served to restore him to normal.
2235
2236For someone who rarely faltered to this extent, this was a good experience for Tatsuya.
2237
2238“I didn’t think that someone could see this far.
2239
2240That’s quite an impressive pair of eyes.”
2241
2242This time, it was Mizuki who turned pale. As expected, Mizuki was trying to hide the truth about her own “eyes”.
2243
2244That was a slightly evil way to say it as the corners of Tatsuya’s mouth turned upwards. But from Mizuki’s reaction, the chances that his own hidden skill set had been discovered had been drastically reduced.
2245
2246In reality, Tatsuya had another idea. Since she already figured out that he had a technique that bypassed Activation Sequences to use magic, as long as she thought that it wasn’t a personal skill but more of a Systematic one, then everything would be fine. So long as he could sate her sense of curiosity, she would have no further problems.
2247
2248“It’s true. For single systems, it’s faster to directly construct the Magic Sequence.
2249
2250This can only be used for magics with few processes. For me, five processes is my limit.”
2251
2252Processes in modern magic has two meanings: the steps that lead to magic invocation, and the components for magic used in phenomena rewriting.
2253
2254The “five processes in magic” that Tatsuya mentioned here refers to when five magic executions combine to change something.
2255
2256For example, in order to use magic to transfer an egg from the kitchen to the dining table, this requires four steps: Increase Speed (Acceleration), Movement, Reduce Speed (Reverse Acceleration), and Stop (end of movement).
2257
2258Movement magic is a type of magic that changes an object’s speed and path, so if the Increase Speed process was removed, this would cause the object to speed up without regard to inertia, most likely causing the egg to break up.
2259
2260If the Movement process was removed and only relied on Increase and Reduce Speed to move the egg, the egg would shoot out in a linear fashion, thus necessitating complex deceleration to manipulate. Thus, even though another process was added, it’s actually more simple to use a combination of Speed and Movement magics to manipulate movement.
2261
2262In comparison, when using magic that blows away an opponent in anti-personnel combat, only one simple process would be enough. The intent is to cause harm to the enemy, so there’s no need to reduce the impact incurred.
2263
2264“I think that five processes would be sufficient for combat-related magic…”
2265
2266Generally speaking, magic used by civilians required many more processes than combat magic.
2267
2268Just as Mizuki said, magics that involved one to five processes covered over half of the known combat magics.
2269
2270“That’s because I didn’t learn magic for combat reasons.
2271
2272In order to quickly invoke magic with more processes, Activation Sequences are still a must, so I’m not unsatisfied with the fact that my lower technical skills have received the appropriate evaluation.”
2273
2274Tatsuya smiled as he said this, then noticed that for some reason Mizuki was staring at him with teary eyes.
2275
2276Tatsuya suddenly felt that somewhere, somehow, an epic misunderstanding had occurred.
2277
2278Immediately, the result caused by this misunderstanding was displayed before Tatsuya.
2279
2280“That’s amazing! Tatsuya-kun… you are truly worthy of my respect!”
2281
2282With her hands in front of her chest, Mizuki’s delirious voice said something that (for Tatsuya) could not be ignored after being heard.
2283
2284“Ha?”
2285
2286“For most people, they become Magicians simply because they can use magic… but, Tatsuya-kun has his own goals, so he learns magic for that reason…”
2287
2288“Um, well, while that’s true…”
2289
2290“I, have been enlightened!”
2291
2292“That…”
2293
2294“Originally, I learned magic only because I wanted to control this pair of ‘eyes’, and I never considered how to use magic, but from now on, I will seriously consider it!”
2295
2296Uh? Didn’t this woman want to hide her eyes in the first place? While Tatsuya was thinking this, Mizuki’s awe inspiring spirit overwhelmed his urge to retort.
2297
2298“Err, Mizuki-chan?”
2299
2300“It’s true. As long as you have a clear goal, you wouldn’t retreat after encountering such feeble attacks.
2301
2302As long as you can achieve your dream, school grades are merely accessories.
2303
2304This should be what people pursue in life.
2305
2306People need to endlessly chase their dreams…”
2307
2308“My word, Mizuki, what are you so excited about?”
2309
2310Mizuki’s soliloquy — even while class was ongoing — continued until Erika’s retort.
2311
2312Finally noticing her classmates odd gazes (more like blank stares), Mizuki blushed as she dropped her head.
2313
2314Seeing Mizuki like this, Tatsuya adopted a solemn expression to mask what he was feeling inside.
2315
2316
2317
2318
2319
2320A person’s hopes and dreams?
2321
2322It wasn’t something as beautiful as that.
2323
2324From the beginning, he never had a chance at a life that was unrelated to magic.
2325
2326He didn’t become a Magician because he could use magic; he became a Magician precisely because he couldn’t use magic.
2327
2328For him, magic was a curse cast upon him the moment he was born.
2329
2330Even if it was transformed into something that he could accept, to him, it was still a struggle.
2331
2332That being said, if it was as simple as people becoming Magicians simply because they could use magic, then it was not surprising that the bottom feeders amongst Magicians would choose to deny magic.
2333
2334Maybe he had the wrong idea.
2335
2336— Tatsuya suddenly thought this way.
2337
2338
2339
2340
2341
2342It was time for lunch break.
2343
2344In the end, even Tatsuya was persuaded to stay.
2345
2346— Persuaded by Erika and Leo’s begging.
2347
2348“1060 ms… Good, keep it up. Just a little more.”
2349
2350“S-Still so far… I never knew that 0.1 seconds was such a far distance…”
2351
2352“Idiot, you don’t use ‘far’ to measure time. You’re supposed to say ‘long’.”
2353
2354“Erika-chan… 1052 ms.”
2355
2356“Ahhhhh!
2357
2358Don’t say it!
2359
2360I just managed to start thinking positively!”
2361
2362“I-I’m sorry…”
2363
2364“No, it’s OK, Mizuki.
2365
2366No matter how desperate reality is, we can’t choose to escape from it. This, is our destiny…”
2367
2368“…Your boring solo acts are none of my business, but it’s about time to end this horseplay.”
2369
2370The combination of Erika and Leo could not maintain a friendly relationship for more than a second, even in class.
2371
2372So they asked Tatsuya for guidance.
2373
2374“I say, Leo, you’re spending too much time aiming.
2375
2376In this situation, there’s no need for precision targeting.”
2377
2378“While I understand that…”
2379
2380To Leo’s lifeless response, Tatsuya nodded sympathetically.
2381
2382“Well, that’s true…
2383
2384There’s nothing for it, so you might as well use a little trick. Why don’t you settle your aim before reading the Activation Sequence?”
2385
2386“Uh? Is that legal?”
2387
2388“That’s why it’s a trick. There’s no benefit to technical expertise, but in this situation it’s probably the last idea I can think of, not that I wanted to tell you in the first place…”
2389
2390“What! Please, Tatsuya! I don’t care if it’s a masterstroke or a cheat, if it can get me through this, teach it to me!”
2391
2392As he watched Leo begging with both hands clasped above his head, Tatsuya let out a deep sigh.
2393
2394“Don’t say it like that. It’s not like we’re cheating or anything.
2395
2396…Really, I already said that I’m not adept with technical skills. If you need pointers, why not ask an expert?”
2397
2398“Even if you’re not adept, you’re still better than me, right?
2399
2400Also, you are the only one who knows the compiling combination and is able to point out any errors.”
2401
2402“I’ll teach you even without the flattery…
2403
2404Next, it’s Erika’s turn.”
2405
2406“What, what? I don’t care if it’s a masterstroke or cheating or whatever, just give it to me!
2407
2408I’m starving over here.”
2409
2410“I see, so it sounds even worse when the two of you are begging together.
2411
2412Ah~ For Erika… I can’t understand where your problem is exactly.”
2413
2414“Eh?”
2415
2416“To be precise, I don’t understand why you made these mistakes.
2417
2418You should be far better at compiling than I am.”
2419
2420“How can this be?! Tatsuya-kun, don’t abandon me!”
2421
2422As he looked at the teary-eyed — with some parts acting mixed in — Erika with her hands tightly clasped as if in prayer, Tatsuya sighed again.
2423
2424These two are practically mirror images of one another, Tatsuya thought, but did not say it aloud.
2425
2426“Got it, Erika. When you’re reading the Activation Sequence, put your right hand over your left on the board.”
2427
2428“Eh?”
2429
2430Upon hearing this, not just Erika, but Mizuki was also confused.
2431
2432“…Is that all there is to it?”
2433
2434“I’m not completely certain. As for the reason, I’ll explain it if it works.”
2435
2436“Oh, hm… let me try.”
2437
2438Erika temporarily set aside her doubt and turned towards the internally installed CAD.
2439
2440Seeing this, Tatsuya started tutoring Leo.
2441
2442After the flash of Psion light dissipated, a set of numbers about the size of a large ball appeared above. This was the highest pressure calculated through the casting of single system weight magic. The timer began (stopped?) only after the calculated number exceeded the base limit for pressure.
2443
2444“1010 ms.
2445
2446Erika-chan, you improved by 40 ms in one try!
2447
2448You’ve only got a little more left to go.”
2449
2450“Yes!
2451
2452It feels like I’ve got my motivation back!”
2453
2454“1016. Don’t hesitate, Leo. You already know the target location. There’s no need to visually check the target each time.”
2455
2456“I-I understand.
2457
2458Ok, I’ll get it this time!”
2459
2460Tatsuya and Mizuki went to reset the recording devices while Erika and Leo closed their eyes or waved their arms, using a variety of methods to keep up their morale.
2461
2462At this moment, a nervous voice floated in from behind Tatsuya’s back.
2463
2464“Onii-sama, are you busy…?”
2465
2466The owner of the voice was his own sister, and there was no need to turn around to verify this.
2467
2468Erika heard footsteps that belonged to more than one person and turned around.
2469
2470“Miyuki… Along with Mitsui-chan and Kitayama-chan?”
2471
2472“Erika, don’t get distracted.
2473
2474Sorry, Miyuki. We’re almost done. Just give us a second.”
2475
2476“Eh?”
2477
2478“I understand. I’m terribly sorry, Onii-sama.”
2479
2480Miyuki smiled pleasantly and bowed at Tatsuya’s apologetic voice.
2481
2482Feeling as if the pressure had been multiplied many fold for some unknown reason, Leo furrowed his brows.
2483
2484The other two followed Miyuki out the doorway.
2485
2486Seeing this, Tatsuya nodded.
2487
2488“OK, you two, this is it.”
2489
2490Although the voice wasn’t loud, it seemed to stifle any objection.
2491
2492“Yeah!”
2493
2494“OK, let’s finish this!”
2495
2496Their morale at a peak, both of them glanced at the CAD display.
2497
2498“We made it~”
2499
2500Erika’s cheer turned into the bell that finally announced the end of the class.
2501
2502“Whew… Danke[2], Tatsuya.”
2503
2504Tatsuya raised a hand to acknowledge Leo’s thanks, then waved Miyuki in.
2505
2506Her face flushed with happiness, Miyuki walked towards him.
2507
2508In comparison, Miyuki’s classmates were more reserved — Mitsui Honoka and Kitayama Shizuku stepped forward with slight smiles on their faces.
2509
2510“Excellent work, you two.
2511
2512Onii-sama, I’ve brought the goods as you instructed… Is this enough?”
2513
2514Because he was just speaking with Erika and Leo, Tatsuya shook his head at Miyuki’s question.
2515
2516“No, but there’s not much time left anyway, so this is perfect. Good work, Miyuki. Mitsui-san and Kitayama-san as well, thank you for lending a hand. I appreciate it.”
2517
2518Even though they had spoken previously, these two were only Miyuki’s acquaintances, so in Tatsuya’s eyes, they weren’t completely friends yet. Thus, his tone was overly formal.
2519
2520“No! It’s nothing at all!”
2521
2522“Don’t worry about it. Despite looking like this, I’m actually quite strong.”
2523
2524Towards Honoka’s unexpectedly excited answer and Shizuku’s seemingly joking response, Tatsuya once again expressed his thanks and relieved them of their plastic bags.
2525
2526“Catch.”
2527
2528And tossed the items for Erika and Leo to catch, just like that.
2529
2530“What is it?”
2531
2532“Sandwiches…?”
2533
2534The bags contained sandwiches and drinks sold in the school cafeteria.
2535
2536“If we headed for the cafeteria now, we wouldn’t make it in time for the afternoon class.”
2537
2538As he said this, Tatsuya took his prepared bento from Miyuki.
2539
2540“Thank you~ I’m starving.”
2541
2542“Tatsuya, you’re the best!”
2543
2544Smiling wryly at his food-obsessed friends, Tatsuya also took a seat in a nearby chair. At this time, Mizuki’s unwary voice drifted to his ears.
2545
2546“…But, is this okay? Aren’t we prohibited from eating in the classrooms?”
2547
2548“Food is only banned in areas with data terminals.
2549
2550The school rules don’t prohibit eating in classrooms.”
2551
2552“Eh, is that so?”
2553
2554“Hm, you would know this if you seriously read the school rules. I used to think it was prohibited too, so I was a little surprised,” Tatsuya replied, as he pulled out a pair of chopsticks.
2555
2556Mizuki said “In that case”, and reached out a hand.
2557
2558Leo unwrapped the sandwich and took a deep bite.
2559
2560“You didn’t care from the beginning.”
2561
2562Erika retorted as she savored the exquisitely made sandwich.
2563
2564A peaceful table… was actually replaced by several chairs because there was no table as Tatsuya and company started their tardy lunch break.
2565
2566Miyuki and Team Appreciation also joined in with their drinks.
2567
2568“Miyuki-chan, did you already finish eating?”
2569
2570“Yes. Onii-sama said to come over after eating.”
2571
2572At Mizuki’s concerned question, Miyuki replied with this.
2573
2574“Eh, I’m a little surprised. I thought Miyuki would say ‘I won’t begin unless Onii-sama picks up his chopsticks!’ or something like that.”
2575
2576Erika’s comment was accompanied by full blown laughter rather than mere giggling.
2577
2578From her expression, it was clear that she was purely joking. No one present gave it a serious thought.
2579
2580—Except for one person.
2581
2582“Ah, that’s exactly right, Erika.
2583
2584Normally that would be the case, but today was because of Onii-sama’s orders.
2585
2586Of course, I would never do something on my own that would go against Onii-sama.”
2587
2588“…‘Normally’ she would…”
2589
2590“Yep.”
2591
2592“…‘Of course’… Eh?”
2593
2594“Hm, yes?”
2595
2596A cramp developed in Erika’s smile as she watched Miyuki earnestly shake her head. The mood suddenly turned very heavy.
2597
2598As if seeking to dispel this strange atmosphere, Mizuki spoke up at an unnaturally high volume.
2599
2600“Miyuki-chan’s class is also starting in technical practice, right? What’s it like?”
2601
2602Honoka and Shizuku glanced at one another.
2603
2604It was a pair of concerned expressions.
2605
2606Without paying heed to her peers’ attitudes, Miyuki took the straw away from her mouth as she replied.
2607
2608“It should be the same as your class, Mizuki. Using a slow machine and tasked with a boring practice like calculation.”
2609
2610The five people apart from Tatsuya revealed shocked expressions.
2611
2612Her fierce, serpent-like tongue was completely incompatible with her lady-like demeanor.
2613
2614“You appear very displeased.”
2615
2616“Of course I’m displeased. That kind of exercise is only good for practicing alone.”
2617
2618At her elder brother’s teasing words, Miyuki replied in a huff, but her voice was tinged with a flirtatious tone.
2619
2620“Hm… Even teaching hand over hand is bound to have some good and some bad.”
2621
2622“I admit I’m being treated differently. I’m terribly sorry if I’ve upset Erika because of this.”
2623
2624“No, I don’t mind at all.”
2625
2626At Miyuki’s honest apology, Erika lightly waved her hand.
2627
2628“It’s only natural to try and find the students with potential. It’s the same with the dojo that my family runs — those that have no potential are set aside and forgotten.”
2629
2630“Erika-chan’s house is a dojo?”
2631
2632“A little bit of ancient style kenjutsu, although that’s just the side job.”
2633
2634“Ah, that’s why…” Mizuki nodded as if she understood something.
2635
2636She was probably thinking of the time when Erika used a retractable rod to disarm Morisaki’s CAD.
2637
2638“Chiba-san… Thinks that’s only natural?” This time, it was Honoka who interjected with trepidation.
2639
2640“Erika is fine. Actually, please call me that.”
2641
2642“Why are you putting on airs like someone important…” Leo’s amazed retort created a perfect buffering moment for Honoka.
2643
2644“Then, Erika, please call me Honoka.”
2645
2646“OK, OK.
2647
2648That being said, when you said natural, are you referring to when Course 1 students are supervised by teachers, and Course 2 students can’t catch up?”
2649
2650“…Yeah, that.”
2651
2652Honoka hesitated, then nodded.
2653
2654“If it’s that, then of course.”
2655
2656Erika nodded without any hesitation whatsoever.
2657
2658“Because it’s a matter of course, Miyuki and Honoka don’t need to be troubled about it?”
2659
2660“…You’re quite calm about it.” Leo replied in response to Erika’s declaration.
2661
2662“Ah? Is Leo-kun the one who is unsatisfied with the situation?”
2663
2664“No, I just feel that there’s nothing I can do about it…”
2665
2666Leo’s voice was comparatively lackluster.
2667
2668“I see~.
2669
2670I don’t think that ‘there’s nothing I can do’, I think that ‘it’s a matter of fact’ instead.”
2671
2672Erika’s tone was relaxed as she said this.
2673
2674“May I ask your reasoning behind this?”
2675
2676At Honoka’s question, Erika tilted her head.
2677
2678After a short period of silence to collect her thoughts, with her index finger pressed against her temple, she began her reply.
2679
2680“Hm… Because I’ve always thought that it’s so natural up to this point, so it’s hard to explain…
2681
2682For example, in our dojo, the earliest we would teach any techniques to the students would be at least 6 months after enrollment.”
2683
2684“Oh.”
2685
2686Tatsuya nodded his head with interest.
2687
2688Question marks floated above the heads of Honoka, Shizuku, and Mizuki.
2689
2690“In the beginning, the only thing we teach is footwork and practice swings. After we demonstrate once, the rest is up to individual practice.
2691
2692Afterwards, we start teaching those that look like they’ve grasped the proper manner of swinging.”
2693
2694“…Then, wouldn’t there be students that never improve no matter how much time has passed…?”
2695
2696“Yes, that has happened.”
2697
2698Erika nodded in response to Honoka’s question.
2699
2700“Next, those people have to relentlessly practice.
2701
2702Second, if your physical body isn’t suited for waving a sword, then it would be a waste of time to impart any strong techniques anyways.”
2703
2704“Ah…” Mizuki quietly gasped.
2705
2706As she watched Mizuki, Erika continued to speak.
2707
2708“Because of this, the only thing you can do is keep practicing your swings. Watch what other people do, and carve it into your memory.
2709
2710That is because you’re surrounded by specialists of the sword.
2711
2712You’re just wasting your time idling if you wait for someone to teach you.
2713
2714Only the utterly naive would believe that they could receive lessons from the start.
2715
2716Whether it’s the Sensei or assistants, remember that everyone there is someone currently in training.
2717
2718Everyone has their own personal training regimen.
2719
2720Those that cannot learn from the people around them and solely rely on being taught, are utterly delusional.”
2721
2722After she finished speaking, her eyes took on a tempting glint.
2723
2724As he watched Erika become more animated during speaking to the point of lecturing, Tatsuya felt his spirit soar a bit.
2725
2726“…Even though your words were pretty badass, but didn’t you and I need Tatsuya to teach us just now…?”
2727
2728“Ouch!
2729
2730It hurts when you say that.”
2731
2732Erika furrowed her brows at Leo’s point, but her relaxed voice didn’t change.
2733
2734“Those are two different things, apples and oranges… Although there have been situations where the tutor and the tutored were of different levels, which usually ends in disaster.
2735
2736Actually, a real disaster would be where the one being tutored was at a higher level than the tutor.”
2737
2738Tatsuya revealed an evil smirk.
2739
2740“Alas, I guess today qualifies as a true catastrophe then.
2741
2742Erika’s final record was faster than mine by 100 ms.”
2743
2744Erika was suddenly covered in cold sweat.
2745
2746“Uh, no, what I wanted to say wasn’t that…
2747
2748S-Speaking of which, I still don’t understand!
2749
2750Why did overlapping the hands improve my time by so much?”
2751
2752Forcibly changing the subject.
2753
2754Everyone knew she was trying to muddy the waters, but if anyone asked too closely then it would be troublesome, so Tatsuya shrewdly let it slide.
2755
2756“Nothing much. It’s actually quite simple. Erika is used to holding the CAD with one hand.”
2757
2758“Uh?” Although Tatsuya’s “explanation” had just started, Erika already interrupted the proceedings with more questions.
2759
2760“How did you know?” was written clearly all over Erika’s face, but for Tatsuya, this was something that was immediately discernible. After their conflict with Morisaki Shun and taking into account the shape of the CAD, this was a simple result to arrive at. Ignoring Erika’s exaggerated reaction, Tatsuya continued “explaining”.
2761
2762“So I thought, if she put both hands on the CAD board in the classroom, it might be difficult for her to use.”
2763
2764“So that’s why you told her to cover one hand with the other, creating a single handed grip…”
2765
2766Mizuki nodded her head in amazement. She was not the only one with that expression on her face.
2767
2768“Even though there were some posture problems gripping it with one hand, that didn’t matter once she became motivated to grasp it with both hands, meaning the difficulty she encountered was simply a mental block.”
2769
2770“…So that’s why. It looks like Tatsuya-kun can see right through me.”
2771
2772Erika could not resist a wry smile, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
2773
2774“It feels like I’ve lost all my energy…
2775
2776By the way, did Class A use the same CAD?”
2777
2778“Yes.”
2779
2780Miyuki did not hide her disgust as she nodded, prompting Erika’s curiosity.
2781
2782“Just for reference, could you tell me how long you took?”
2783
2784“Eh? Me?”
2785
2786Miyuki’s eyes widened as she pointed at herself and Erika intentionally nodded in an exaggerated motion.
2787
2788Miyuki glanced at Tatsuya.
2789
2790“Go ahead.” Tatsuya nodded with a wry smile.
2791
2792“If Onii-sama says so…”
2793
2794Miyuki hesitated, then agreed.
2795
2796Mizuki, who was closest to the machines, started setting the measuring equipment.
2797
2798As if she were preparing to play the piano, Miyuki lightly placed her fingers on the board.
2799
2800Measurement, start.
2801
2802The remaining psion light flashed across.
2803
2804Mizuki’s face froze.
2805
2806Losing patience at her friend who wasn’t announcing the result, Erika urged her on.
2807
2808“…235 ms…”
2809
2810“Uh…?”
2811
2812“That’s insane…”
2813
2814Their stiff expressions started to spread.
2815
2816“No matter how many times I hear it, it’s still an astounding score…”
2817
2818“Miyuki’s technical abilities are nearing the limit for human reaction speeds.”
2819
2820Even the Class A students could not help but sigh.
2821
2822Only her elder brother didn’t seem surprised.
2823
2824He even looked somewhat disappointed as he wrinkled his brow.
2825
2826“The old models used for education can only do so much. There’s nothing you can do, Miyuki.”
2827
2828“There’s no other choice, I have to use these maladjusted Activation Sequence filled with background noise… It’s really irritating.
2829
2830As expected, my real strength can only be revealed by the CADs maintained by Onii-sama himself.”
2831
2832Halfway between throwing a tantrum and being coquettish, Miyuki lay her head against Tatsuya’s side. Tatsuya gently patted her head like he was comforting a child.
2833
2834Everyone who was watching this scene did not tease them like they usually would.
2835
2836The siblings’ strength and words were displayed before their very eyes.
2837
2838Before the difference displayed by the pair, jealousy was something only idiots would feel.
2839
2840
2841
2842
2843
2844After school, Tatsuya sat in the cafe and stared blankly at the passing students.
2845
2846The mixed atmosphere in the room was likely the reason why the majority of the students frequented this place.
2847
2848According to Mari, the cafe saw the highest amount of traffic shortly after the school term began.
2849
2850After students familiarized themselves with the campus, they begin to seek out places like club rooms, the central quad, or empty classrooms to spend their spare time.
2851
2852Well, since the cafe wasn’t for profit anyways, the loss in traffic was not a major concern.
2853
2854The coffee atop the table had already turned cold.
2855
2856The situation was the exact reverse of their previous meeting.
2857
2858The only detail that was the same was that someone invited the other person.
2859
2860Tatsuya was waiting for Sayaka in order to hear the results of her “homework”.
2861
2862Although he was irritated by the spying gaze looking at him, Tatsuya did not make any distinctive motions. Although he was confident that he could detect the target no matter how hard they hid, publicly subduing the target in the middle of the cafe was inadvisable, so he chose to avoid any violent action and merely pretend to calmly wait without detecting anything.
2863
2864Fifteen minutes after the arranged time.
2865
2866She finally appeared.
2867
2868“I’m sorry! Did you wait very long?”
2869
2870“No worries, I got your message anyways.”
2871
2872That wasn’t merely just being polite.
2873
2874Tatsuya’s terminal did receive Sayaka’s message saying that she would be about ten minutes late.
2875
2876Also, by the time he received the message, it was only five minutes before the appointed time. Since it wasn’t as if there was a major change in the arrangement, no matter if it was ten or twenty minutes, it was only waiting. The fact that he thought this way was probably because he had considerable patience.
2877
2878“Is that so? Thank goodness.
2879
2880I was just thinking what I was going to do if Shiba-kun left.”
2881
2882Sayaka patted her chest in an exaggerated fashion.
2883
2884Looked like today was also the “cute girl” type.
2885
2886Tatsuya tilted his head and thought, in her mind, exactly what was supposed to draw his interest?
2887
2888“What is it?”
2889
2890Sayaka was befuddled.
2891
2892Looks like he accidentally expressed his mental thoughts.
2893
2894“It’s nothing. Just that when senpai turns into a ‘cute girl’, this image greatly differs from the time you’re holding a sword.”
2895
2896“Really, you meanie… Stop picking on me.”
2897
2898She frantically looked elsewhere.
2899
2900Tatsuya was unable to determine whether this was her honest reaction or more acting on her part.
2901
2902Unfortunately, the results were announced before he could arrive at any conclusion.
2903
2904“I’m sorry.”
2905
2906He smiled in apology.
2907
2908This was his acting.
2909
2910Even though he didn’t have too much confidence in it, that is.
2911
2912“Really… Is Tatsuya’s real personality that of a flirt?”
2913
2914“And not of a Magician, at least, not yet.”
2915
2916Taking a sip of cold coffee, Tatsuya turned around. He wasn’t avoiding Sayaka’s gaze, but instead, was looking towards the silhouette hidden amongst the plants.
2917
2918“Watanabe-senpai…”
2919
2920Sayaka sucked in a breath and noticed that figure. But her sound was very light and insufficient to travel to that person.
2921
2922“Oh, Tatsuya-kun.”
2923
2924The first one to respond was Mari. However, it was obvious that her gaze was reprimanding Tatsuya. If he had not specifically directed his gaze over, then she could have approached without drawing notice — since this was the only way she could have erased her own presence.
2925
2926“I’m not being lazy here.”
2927
2928Mari forced a smile at Tatsuya’s reply. It was hard to tell whether Tatsuya’s line meant “he was off duty today” or purely a joke.
2929
2930“Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m reminding you as a committee member since I’m just passing through.”
2931
2932Now that Tatsuya mentioned it this way, Mari’s appearance would seem unnatural. Mari, who did not miss this opportunity to cover this, was quite suave about this as well.
2933
2934“I apologize if I was bothering the two of you. Mibu, sorry.”
2935
2936“No, it’s nothing like that…”
2937
2938Sayaka’s reply to Mari was slightly stiff. Was it because she was nervous responding to an upperclassman, or because of negative feelings towards the Public Moral Committee.
2939
2940Tatsuya felt that (n)either one was incorrect.
2941
2942This impression was only strengthened by the powerful gaze Sayaka directed at Mari’s retreating figure.
2943
2944
2945
2946
2947
2948“So regarding what we talked about last time…”
2949
2950After Mari’s silhouette left the cafe, Sayaka finally started talking about the main subject.
2951
2952Tatsuya was thinking about “Didn’t she say that it’s in my hands now…” or “She specifically came to observe because…” and “Monitoring would be another thing altogether”, but he did not mention them aloud.
2953
2954“In the beginning, merely expressing our ideas to the school was sufficient.”
2955
2956Her arm shook as she clasped her hands into fists beneath the table.
2957
2958“But, as expected, just this is not enough.
2959
2960We want the school to improve the way we are treated.”
2961
2962She’s in quite deep, Tatsuya thought.
2963
2964Was she earnest? Or just saying so because he perked her interest?
2965
2966If this created a ruckus, it may lead to the reverse effect.
2967
2968“In terms of improvement, do you have any concrete changes in mind?”
2969
2970“That is… Everything in terms of treatment.”
2971
2972“Everything, like actual lessons?”
2973
2974“…That’s also one of them.”
2975
2976“The primary difference between Course 1 and 2 would be the presence of instructors, so is senpai suggesting the school increase the number of faculty members?”
2977
2978Such a thing was impossible.
2979
2980Originally, the policy was created precisely because there weren’t enough people capable of effectively using magic.
2981
2982The Course 2 system was a necessary evil to help ensure the number of Magicians and Magic Artificers.
2983
2984“I didn’t plan on taking it so far…”
2985
2986As expected, the returning comment was a lackluster denial.
2987
2988“Then, are you referring to club activities?
2989
2990I recall that the Kendo and Kenjutsu clubs have equal access and privileges to the gymnasium?”
2991
2992According to Tatsuya’s investigation yesterday, the surprising result was that the Kendo and Kenjutsu clubs had an equal amount of days in the gym.
2993
2994“Or, is it problems with the budget?
2995
2996While it is true that clubs affiliated with magic contests receive a higher amount of funding, based on the results of the budget division, this is something commonly seen in normal high schools as well.”
2997
2998“That… Maybe that is…
2999
3000Then, Shiba-kun doesn’t feel dissatisfied?
3001
3002Asides from magic technical skills, no matter if it’s magic theory, ordinary subjects, physical capabilities, or actual combat ability, even if you surpass the Course 1 students in all of these areas, but are labeled a Weed solely on your poor technical score, are you truly able to resign yourself to that?”
3003
3004As he watched Sayaka desperately trying to find words to shore up her argument, Tatsuya felt that he was too harsh.
3005
3006His resignation and regret were completely unrelated to her thoughts.
3007
3008If you want to change, why don’t you use your own thoughts to persuade others?
3009
3010“Of course I’m not resigned.”
3011
3012Then he should,
3013
3014“In that case!”
3015
3016“However, I have no reason to change the school.”
3017
3018Speak of his own thoughts.
3019
3020“What?”
3021
3022“I do not have that many expectations on this state-sponsored school.”
3023
3024These were his true thoughts, without a single hint of hypocrisy.
3025
3026“The only things I want are access to the undisclosed data files stored within the magic universities and related organizations and to graduate from magic high school. Beyond that, I have no further desires.”
3027
3028Sayaka was dumbfounded at Tatsuya’s retaliatory response.
3029
3030“Not to mention that I have no intention of putting the blame for ‘using banned words on campus to hurt others’ or the immaturity of our peers on the school itself.”
3031
3032From the surface, this comment appeared to critique the incorrect ideology leading Course 1 students to refer to Course 2 students as “Weeds”, but in reality, this was a reprimand aimed at those who could not meet their own expectations and sought the easy way out by blaming others for their weakness. Tatsuya let Sayaka clearly understand that.
3033
3034“Alas, it looks like senpai and I have fundamentally different ideologies.”
3035
3036After saying this, Tatsuya rose from his seat.
3037
3038“Wait… Wait a minute!”
3039
3040He turned around and glanced at the still sitting — or maybe, unable to stand — Sayaka, whose face had lost all color, whose eyes searched for support, and raised her head to look at him.
3041
3042This was definitely not a glare, but an earnest, desperate gaze.
3043
3044“How… can you be so calm?
3045
3046What is it that supports Shiba-kun?”
3047
3048“My dream is to develop a Gravity Control-Type Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor.
3049
3050Learning magic is nothing more than a single stepping stone along the way.”
3051
3052Sayaka’s face turned blank.
3053
3054Most likely, she was utterly unable to comprehend Tatsuya’s words.
3055
3056The realization of a Gravity Control-Type Thermonuclear Reactor, along with the “actualization of Generalized Flying-Type Magic”, and the “development of a perpetual motion device based on the model of unlimited inertial expansion” are known collectively as the “Three Great Puzzles of Weight Systematic Magic.”
3057
3058For the future goal of a Course 2 student, this was simply too grandiose of a concept.
3059
3060Tatsuya did not anticipate a mutual understanding, so he said nothing.
3061
3062He no longer paid any attention to Sayaka and, once again, turned and left.
3063
3064
3065
3066
3067
3068A week of peace and quiet passed by.
3069
3070As he went on patrol as a Public Moral Committee member, he no longer encountered the ambushes that cropped up during the recruitment week. It was a peaceful time, just as Mizuki predicted.
3071
3072Finally, Tatsuya obtained a stable high school life — at least, that was how it looked from the surface.
3073
3074This was nothing more than the calm before the storm.
3075
3076
3077
3078
3079
3080One day after class.
3081
3082At this time, students that participated in clubs were heading for the storage compartments to retrieve their uniforms and store their other school equipment, while those that were heading home prepared to leisurely depart.
3083
3084“Attention, fellow students!”
3085
3086A roar came across the loudspeakers.
3087
3088“What the hell is going on!”
3089
3090“Dude, relax. You’re annoying enough as it is, don’t start yelling too.”
3091
3092“….I think Erika-chan needs to calm down too.”
3093
3094Just when many students were milling about in confusion,
3095
3096“—Apologies, fellow students!”
3097
3098The same speech started again from the loudspeakers.
3099
3100“They probably messed up on the volume the first time.”
3101
3102“No, I’m pretty sure now’s not the time to comment on that.”
3103
3104Erika’s keen ears picked up on Tatsuya’s soft muttering, and immediately retorted.
3105
3106Erika-chan is the same too, Mizuki thought, but did not verbalize.
3107
3108“We are, the Aspirants Alliance who wish to abolish the differences within the school.”
3109
3110“Aspirants…”
3111
3112Tatsuya softly repeated the words he heard delivered by a masculine voice over the loudspeakers. Based on the conversation in the cafe last week, this broadcast was most likely what Sayaka referred to as “an attempt to improve treatment”. However, was there a precedent where members of a political club or organization labeled themselves as “aspirants”, Tatsuya’s thoughts unintentionally went on a tangent.
3113
3114“Towards the Student Council and Club Management Group, we demand to negotiate on an even footing.”
3115
3116“I say, don’t you need to be somewhere?”
3117
3118Although she didn’t hear his unpleasant mumbling, Erika’s exuberant voice nagged at the still seated Tatsuya who was staring at the loudspeaker.
3119
3120“That’s true.”
3121
3122While Erika’s attitude was, in a way, prudent, Tatsuya didn’t say anything because what she said was correct.
3123
3124“Inappropriate use of the Public Announcement Room is without question.
3125
3126There should be committee members on their way there right now.”
3127
3128Just as Tatsuya said this, a message arrived at the personal terminal he carried in his pocket, and not the data terminal in the classroom.
3129
3130“Heh, speak of the devil. Then, I’m off.”
3131
3132“Ah, yes, please be careful.”
3133
3134Mizuki rose from her chair and spoke to Tatsuya in a voice filled with unease. Suddenly mindful of his surroundings, Tatsuya took a cursory look around the class. While there were students both in and out of their chairs, very few of them opted to leave the classroom. There were very few students who found the situation interesting like Erika, or, were infected by Leo’s curiosity. The majority of the students wore expressions of restlessness and were contemplating if it was appropriate to leave.
3135
3136
3137
3138
3139
3140“Ah, Onii-sama.”
3141
3142“Miyuki, you’ve been summoned as well?”
3143
3144“Yes, the President said to meet in front of the Public Announcement Room.”
3145
3146Tatsuya met up with Miyuki along the way, and headed towards the Public Announcement Room.
3147
3148However, their pace was not particularly fast.
3149
3150“Is this Blanche’s work?”
3151
3152“Not sure if it’s the organization itself, but it matches their modus operandi.”
3153
3154The two of them continued their conversation until they reached the door to the Public Announcement Room together.
3155
3156Before the doorway, Mari, Katsuto, Suzune, and members of the Public Moral Committee and Club Management Group could be seen.
3157
3158“You’re late.”
3159
3160“My apologies.”
3161
3162Both sides went through the motions for reprimanding and apologies, then started to verify the current situation.
3163
3164The broadcast was probably curtailed by cutting the power.
3165
3166Given that they hadn’t charged in, the door was likely locked. It appeared that their opponents somehow managed to obtain the Master Key.
3167
3168“Isn’t this blatant criminal activity?”
3169
3170Using the ends to justify the means, this type of thinking clearly showed that these guys were model “activists”.
3171
3172“Just so.
3173
3174Thus, we have to be prudent here, so we don’t force them into doing something drastic.”
3175
3176Although Tatsuya was speaking to himself, Suzune still replied.
3177
3178“Even if we approach this prudently, there’s no guarantee that they will back down.
3179
3180I believe that we should take the rougher approach, with the intent of ending this as soon as possible.”
3181
3182Immediately, Mari interrupted.
3183
3184It looks like we’re deadlocked by two competing approaches.
3185
3186For crisis management, this is the worst possible situation.
3187
3188“What does Club Leader Juumonji think?”
3189
3190Tatsuya’s question drew quite a few surprised looks.
3191
3192Tatsuya himself felt that this question did bring a “who’re you to ask questions” feeling, but even then, this was preferable to remaining at an impasse.
3193
3194It’s not like he was an adult.
3195
3196And he didn’t plan on asking adults for assistance in this matter.
3197
3198“I believe that there’s no harm in agreeing to their demands to negotiate.
3199
3200This is only a more radical attempt at what we’ve seen in the past. As long as we calmly refute their claims, we should be able to quell this without further concerns.”
3201
3202“So, we just sit here and wait?”
3203
3204“There’s not enough information to make a call at this point.
3205
3206Although we can’t just ignore illegal activity, on the other hand, unless this is a dire condition, damaging school facilities is also a criminal activity.
3207
3208We’ve petitioned the faculty to use the security system override to open the door, but they’ve refused.”
3209
3210In other words, they didn’t want to forcibly end the issue.
3211
3212Katsuto’s idea ended up paralleling Suzune’s proposal.
3213
3214In that case, there’s nothing else they could do except stay there and wait.
3215
3216At Tatsuya, who saluted briefly before backing away, Mari directed a displeased gaze.
3217
3218While he was not coerced into action by this gaze, he still took out the portable terminal from his pocket and changed it to calling mode.
3219
3220The circumstances forced them to wait, but just waiting in perpetuity was no solution.
3221
3222After five attempts…
3223
3224“Is this Mibu-senpai? This is Shiba.”
3225
3226Whoosh, quite a few looks turned this way.
3227
3228“…So, where are you senpai?”
3229
3230The number of gazes directed towards Tatsuya increased.
3231
3232“Ah, so you’re in the Public Announcement Room, that’s quite… Thank you for your hard work.”
3233
3234Next, Tatsuya furrowed his brows, because a large sound that defied any attempts towards volume control came across the speaker.
3235
3236Because the voice from the other side was almost entirely covered from the other listeners, they could only guess at the conversation.
3237
3238“No, I’m not treating senpai like a fool.
3239
3240Senpai as well, can you please stay calm about the situation… Ah, I’m sorry.
3241
3242Then, shall we cut to the chase?”
3243
3244Mari and Suzune, as well as a few others, perked up their ears in order to catch every one of Tatsuya’s words.
3245
3246“Club Leader Juumonji has agreed to negotiate.
3247
3248As for the opinion of the Student Council President, we haven’t confirmed… no, the President has also agreed.”
3249
3250Seeing Suzune’s hand signal, Tatsuya immediately made the correction.
3251
3252“Speaking of which, I would like to first discuss the negotiation site. Details like date and time… Hm, now. Before the school intercedes… No, I will guarantee senpai’s freedom. We’re not the police, so we have no authority to confine students… Then, that’s all.”
3253
3254Tatsuya pulled out the earplugs and replaced the portable terminal into his pocket before turning to Mari.
3255
3256“Looks like they’re going to come out right away.”
3257
3258“Was that Mibu Sayaka just now?”
3259
3260“Yeah. Earlier, she passed me her personal number to set up a meeting, not guessing that it would come in handy in this situation.”
3261
3262Behind Tatsuya, Miyuki dipped her head slowly. Although it wasn’t obvious enough to make anyone think it as unnatural, but Tatsuya immediately understood that his sister was using her long hair to cover her facial expression.
3263
3264“You do move quickly, do you…”
3265
3266“You misunderstand.”
3267
3268Tatsuya couldn’t tell if Mari’s words were going to end in fortune or misfortune. At any rate, Miyuki wasn’t someone who couldn’t read the mood and would immediately attack Tatsuya’s back in a fit of jealousy.
3269
3270“Compared to that, I think we should prepare a bit.”
3271
3272Tatsuya didn’t turn around (to Miyuki), but focused his attention on urging Mari, Suzune, and Katsuto to action.
3273
3274“Prepare?”
3275
3276What are you talking about? Mari used this expression to look at Tatsuya.
3277
3278What are you asking about? Tatsuya blankly stared back at Mari.
3279
3280“I am, of course, alluding to preparations to arrest all the occupants inside.
3281
3282Given that they managed to steal the keys, it is well within reason that they are also equipped with CADs or other weapons.”
3283
3284“…I say, didn’t you say you would guarantee their freedom?”
3285
3286“I said I would guarantee the freedom of one, Mibu-senpai.
3287
3288Also, I never mentioned that I was negotiating on behalf of the Public Moral Committee.”
3289
3290Not just Mari, but even Suzune and Katsuto were astounded at Tatsuya’s words.
3291
3292Naturally, there was one exception who lightly scolded Tatsuya.
3293
3294“Onii-sama, you’re evil.”
3295
3296“It’s a little too late to say that, Miyuki.”
3297
3298“Ho ho, that’s true.”
3299
3300However, Miyuki’s scolding was delivered with a delighted tone.
3301
3302“That being said, Onii-sama? Regarding the fact that you specifically saved Mibu-senpai’s personal number to your terminal, it’s still not too late now for you to tell me every last detail, is it?”
3303
3304Her face illuminated with by her smile, Miyuki’s pleased voice added this onto the end.
3305
3306
3307
3308
3309
3310“What is the meaning of this?!”
3311
3312Whether it was just as expected or only a matter of course, Tatsuya was being interrogated by Sayaka.
3313
3314Including her, there were five people that had taken control of the Public Announcement Room.
3315
3316As Tatsuya surmised, they all had CADs, but did not prepare any firearms or blades.
3317
3318From Tatsuya’s point of view, despite their determination, the fact that none of them even considered he could be lying, thus ultimately causing them to be treated like amateur wannabes, was a foregone result.
3319
3320Aside from Sayaka, the four others were all arrested by Public Moral Committee members while she was relieved of her CAD.
3321
3322This was because Mari took Tatsuya’s reputation into account.
3323
3324Even though Tatsuya himself felt that verbal agreements were hardly binding in the first place.
3325
3326Sayaka reached out to grab Tatsuya’s collar, but her wrists were intercepted by Tatsuya’s hands.
3327
3328After easily countering the hands that were directed towards his collar, Tatsuya blankly watched Sayaka vent her feelings.
3329
3330“How dare you lie to us!”
3331
3332Watching the furiously struggling Sayaka, Tatsuya simply relaxed his hands.
3333
3334Behind Sayaka, who was menacingly approaching Tatsuya, a voice called out.
3335
3336“Shiba did not lie to you.”
3337
3338Sayaka flinched at the heavy, forceful voice.
3339
3340“Club Leader Juumonji…”
3341
3342“I have heard your demands. I have agreed to negotiate.
3343
3344
3345
3346
3347
3348However, listening to your petition and agreeing with your methods, are two different things.”
3349
3350Sayaka’s fighting spirit disappeared.
3351
3352In front of one responsible for managing all extracurricular activities, Katsuto, and his resolve, Sayaka could only swallow her resentment.
3353
3354“While that’s the case, can’t we just release them?”
3355
3356But at the same time, accompanying the above comment, a petite figure imposed herself between Tatsuya and Sayaka.
3357
3358Her back was to Tatsuya as if to protect him.
3359
3360“Saegusa?”
3361
3362Katsuto asked in astonishment.
3363
3364“However, Mayumi.”
3365
3366Mari disagreed.
3367
3368Nonetheless, Mayumi cut right through them.
3369
3370“I understand what you’re trying to say, Mari.
3371
3372But, if we’re only speaking to Mibu-san alone, there’s no way we can negotiate.
3373
3374As long as they’re still students of the school, there should be no chance that they would run away.”
3375
3376“We definitely won’t run!”
3377
3378At Mayumi’s words, Sayaka reflexively responded back.
3379
3380“I’ve already spoken with the supervising teachers.
3381
3382The Student Council will take responsibility for the theft of the keys as well as the unauthorized use of the loudspeakers.”
3383
3384Mayumi lightly sketched out the reason for her tardiness as well as their current situation.
3385
3386Despite this, Sayaka and her companions did not betray a trace of fear, though if anyone were to weigh the pros and cons, they would come out vastly ahead, Tatsuya thought.
3387
3388“Mibu-san, regarding the topics that we will be negotiating about, I would like to speak with you in private. Could you follow me, please?”
3389
3390“…Yeah, no problem.”
3391
3392“Juumonji-kun, I’ll take my leave.”
3393
3394“I understand.”
3395
3396“Sorry, Mari, I somehow feel that I stole your thunder.”
3397
3398“Mentally, no, I never felt that way. But in reality, this is how it’s supposed to be,
3399
3400So don’t worry about it.”
3401
3402“That’s great.
3403
3404Then, Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki, the two of you can go home now.”
3405
3406“…Then, President, we’ll take our leave.”
3407
3408After a short period of time.
3409
3410The first one to recover was Miyuki.
3411
3412Following his sister’s solemn bow, Tatsuya wordlessly bowed, then left the scene.
3413
3414
3415
3416
3417
3418Chapter 9
3419
3420
3421
3422
3423The next day, Tatsuya and Miyuki left the house a little earlier than usual.
3424
3425Rather than to get to school earlier, they wanted to arrive earlier at the train station.
3426
3427Luckily, they didn’t need to wait for very long at the train station.
3428
3429“Good morning, President.”
3430
3431Amongst women, Mayumi’s figure would definitely be rated as petite, but that did not mean she would be buried within the crowds. Even in a crowd, her unique aura enabled Tatsuya to locate her immediately.
3432
3433“Tatsuya-kun? And Miyuki too. What is it?”
3434
3435Although the situation was obvious, Mayumi was completely blindsided by the possibility of meeting the two of them here, so her attitude did not reflect her usual joking nature and was a more normal reaction.
3436
3437However, today’s purpose was not to surprise Mayumi. Tatsuya skipped the preamble and dived right into the heart of the matter.
3438
3439“I’m very concerned about what happened yesterday after we left. Can you tell me the results of the conversation between President and Mibu-senpai?”
3440
3441At Tatsuya’s request, Mayumi’s eyes widened in shock.
3442
3443“How astounding.”
3444
3445It was not just her expression, but her tone was filled with astonishment as well.
3446
3447“Tatsuya-kun definitely doesn’t seem like the type to care about other people’s business.”
3448
3449“If it was only other people’s business, I couldn’t care less. Unfortunately, the fates have decreed otherwise.”
3450
3451“No wonder.”
3452
3453At Tatsuya’s response, Mayumi nodded in acceptance. Tatsuya was already involved in the business with the “Activists Alliance”. Even if he wanted to keep himself clear of the mess, it was already far beyond the point of no return.
3454
3455He definitely possessed the right to know what was to come, Mayumi thought — even if this wasn’t the case, the results would be announced tomorrow morning anyway.
3456
3457“They asked that Course 1 and 2 students receive equal treatment, but it appears that they never considered how to put this into practice. To be precise, it feels like they want the Student Council to come up with the concrete details. Well, thanks to that, it’s more like a Q&A session now. Originally, we only planned to discuss the negotiation details yesterday, but we ended up with a public forum that will be held in the auditorium tomorrow after school.”
3458
3459“Developments are happening at a breakneck pace…”
3460
3461Tatsuya expressed a dull surprise, since to him this was an inevitable “Is it finally here?” Thus, he wasn’t overly surprised. Tatsuya originally thought that the most effective strategy was to directly confront the members and drag them out to be dealt with, even at the expense of letting some remnants slip through the cracks. That being said, his reaction was probably in the decisive minority. For example, even Miyuki was in a daze at how quickly things were moving along.
3462
3463“While I understand that strategy gives the opponent little time to prepare, this way, we’re also in the same predicament. Who is going to represent the Student Council in the forum?”
3464
3465At Tatsuya’s question, Mayumi revealed a smile that clearly said “Good question”, and pointed to herself.
3466
3467“…So, it’s just going to be the President alone?”
3468
3469Tatsuya’s voice was still skeptical, not to mention Miyuki’s stunned silence.
3470
3471“Although Hanzo-kun will also be onstage, I will be the only one speaking. Just as Tatsuya-kun said, there’s no time to prepare, so if only one person is speaking, there shouldn’t be any concerns about stepping on one another’s toes. I’m also worried about leaving an overly belligerent impression.”
3472
3473“In other words, you definitely won’t lose in a traditional debate?”
3474
3475As Tatsuya said this, Mayumi confidently nodded her head.
3476
3477“There’s another thing,” Mayumi’s light voice was tinged with an air of expectation.
3478
3479“If they truly possess the ability to overcome my arguments, wouldn’t it be wonderful for them to pass it onto the school as well?”
3480
3481In Tatsuya’s ears, Mayumi seemed to be hoping that they’d demolish her side.
3482
3483
3484
3485
3486
3487At the announcement that a completely unprecedented forum was going to be held tomorrow, the Alliance (short for “Activists Alliance for the Abolishment of School-wide Differential Treatment”) suddenly came alive with activity.
3488
3489While it was unfair to say that many factions were involved, it was true that the sight of Alliance members actively stumping for supporters could be seen around campus before, during, and after class.
3490
3491Every one of them wore the white bracelet with green and red stripes. Had they given up on hiding? Or were they unaware of the meaning behind the emblem…? Tatsuya believed it was the latter. Of course, Tatsuya did not support the idea that “the ignorant are not responsible for their crimes”. He believed that responsibility was not measured by awareness, but by actions instead.
3492
3493Despite that, he did not plan on interfering with the Alliance. Trying to gather the highest number of supporters before the “negotiation” was a natural course of action. While he wasn’t unaffiliated with the situation, he wanted nothing to do with emotionally immature high school students that could be easily provoked by passionate words into actions that would hurtle them into the bottomless abyss (decisions that were wrong on multiple levels).
3494
3495On the other hand, if the situation involved people he knew — Tatsuya was also a student at First High; it was improbable for him to know absolutely no one — and attempted to deceive or entice them, he would not remain idle.
3496
3497“Mizuki.”
3498
3499After school, the day before the forum. Tatsuya greeted his classmate, who wore a face of confusion, while she was speaking with a young man who wore that bracelet on his right arm, and was probably a 3rd Year student. Mizuki hugged several books to her chest, which were probably club materials that needed moving. The fact that they were using materials that weren’t digitized was an indication that many students in the Arts clubs probably shared the same interests he did. However, that was a conversation for another day.
3500
3501“Ah, Tatsuya-kun.”
3502
3503Upon recognizing Tatsuya, Mizuki let out a sigh of relief. From her reaction, she had been caught in this tangle for quite some time.
3504
3505First, Tatsuya carefully examined the upperclassman. He had a tall and lean build, with signs of training in martial arts.
3506
3507Regarding his particular body type, Tatsuya had a certain recollection.
3508
3509Without a doubt, he was the one who fled after attempting to magically ambush Tatsuya during the ruckus in recruitment week.
3510
3511“I am Shiba of the Public Moral Committee. Continuing to bother other students may be construed as harassment. Be sure not to overdo it.”
3512
3513Tatsuya had no need to verify the details from Mizuki, and walked directly towards the upperclassman to make this known. Yet, he did not interrogate the student regarding his activities during recruitment week. There was no reason to believe that the upperclassman would answer upon being asked, and badgering him would only achieve the reverse effect. Tatsuya silently imposed himself between Mizuki and the upperclassman and directly confronted him.
3514
3515The opposing side did not wear a flower over his left breast.
3516
3517He wore a small pair of glasses on his face, but they did not appear to be ordinary glasses.
3518
3519“I understand, then I’ll back off.
3520
3521Shibata-san, if you change your mind, could you please let me know? Anytime is fine.”
3522
3523The upperclassman retracted his hand in a very gentlemanly manner, then left by way of the stairs at the end of the hall. Tatsuya took this moment to ask Mizuki what happened before he arrived.
3524
3525“He’s the ace of the Kendo Club. I think his name was Tsukasa Kinoe-kun.
3526
3527…He’s the same as me, someone who is afflicted by ‘oversensitivity to spirit particle emission’, so he asked if I wanted to join a club led by someone who has the same difficulty.”
3528
3529Tatsuya did not expect Mizuki to voluntarily mention her own “eyes”. However, he verified her oversensitivity to spirit particle emission a long time ago, so this was not surprising.
3530
3531“So this was to share each other’s experiences. Did I get that right?”
3532
3533“No, Kinoe-senpai said that after joining the club, his symptoms have improved a lot, so maybe it could help me too…”
3534
3535“That’s…”
3536
3537Ridiculous. Tatsuya did not finish his sentence aloud.
3538
3539Even without saying so, he could tell Mizuki held the same opinion.
3540
3541The only way to lessen the harm from being overly sensitive to magic-based sensations was to carefully control the Inquisitive Sensory Ability. In order to keep that ability properly in hand, the shortest path to success was definitely proper training.
3542
3543For example, even for classes with no supervising teachers, the lessons learned in class were the next closest thing to “proper training”. It was absurd to think that a club established by students could provide a training regime that was more effective than taking classes. Of course, it was another matter altogether if that club was directed by a member of the faculty, but the school system clearly did not have enough teachers already, as evidenced by the Course 1 and 2 system.
3544
3545“Even though I’ve rejected him multiple times in the past on grounds of ‘I’m satisfied with trying my hardest in class’.”
3546
3547“That’s exactly right. There’s no need to hurry. Taking one sure step at a time is a perfectly acceptable choice.”
3548
3549Mizuki nodded towards Tatsuya in manner that said “You’re right”, then walked towards the clubroom.
3550
3551As Tatsuya walked in a different direction than Mizuki’s path, his mind was racing. It was only a coincidence that he caught Mizuki when he did. But, excluding that detail, he didn’t think this was a coincidence. While actively recruiting more club members in name only, or more like “baiting”, their true purpose was to rope in Mizuki as one of their compatriots. Taking into account the skill level of the individual who ambushed Tatsuya before Alliance activities began, this 3rd Year student was the “real deal”. At the very least, he wasn’t someone that was being “baited”, but instead actively “fishing” instead.
3552
3553(The ace of the Kendo Club, Tsukasa Kinoe.)
3554
3555Definitely need to inquire about that upperclassman, Tatsuya thought.
3556
3557
3558
3559
3560
3561After dinner, during a time that’s usually reserved for unwinding any stress incurred over the day, Tatsuya was currently driving a newly purchased electric motorcycle.
3562
3563The destination was Yakumo’s temple.
3564
3565He wasn’t running because this was neither the early morning nor late in the night, and there were many drivers or pedestrians on the road. Use of magic without a legitimate reason was subject to penalties and fines. Even minors couldn’t avoid substantial punishment.
3566
3567Also, driving an electric motorcycle was not illegal any more. In 2095, traffic laws allowed anyone who was a “middle school graduate” to obtain a license for electric motorcycles. The requirements were no longer based on age, but on whether or not the individual had completed compulsory education instead.
3568
3569Around his waist, a soft pair of hands gently wrapped themselves around him. On his back, his sister’s twin orbs were pressed against him. Even though she was still developing, at the very least, from a perfectly objective point of view, they were undoubtedly above average for a fifteen year old (Miyuki was born in March).
3570
3571That being said, Tatsuya’s heart rate did not increase violently. Given that this was his sister by blood, that was only natural.
3572
3573In addition, the ride lasted only ten minutes. No immoral activities, whether mental or physical, occurred along the route to Yakumo’s temple.
3574
3575This time, there was no violent reception from the disciples. The goal of this trip was not for further practice, so there was no need for any sort of grandiose welcome after calling ahead of time to schedule the appointment. The two of them headed directly for the cloister.
3576
3577Yakumo’s room was fashioned after civilian cottages seen in the early half of the 20th century. Actually, it might even be an authentic building from that time, but Tatsuya and Miyuki had no way of knowing for certain.
3578
3579The fact that the temple did not shed a single ray of light around its surroundings was most likely not caused by the age of the building.
3580
3581It wasn not just the exterior, but even the interior of the building allowed no light to pass through. It was pitch black inside the temple, with dense clouds obscuring any source of starlight against the moonless sky while the tall outer walls blocked off the street lamps.
3582
3583It shouldn’t be time for bed yet, unless the monks turned in earlier than usual? That was hard to imagine, considering ninjas that were early to bed and early to rise were unheard of, not to mention there was no reason for him to roll out of bed after they called ahead to schedule the appointment.
3584
3585Miyuki gently reached out a hand towards Tatsuya. The hand was not shaking, and her grip on his sleeve was not very strong. However, for Miyuki, whose nocturnal vision was not nearly as refined as Tatsuya’s, it should come as no surprise that she felt uneasy in the darkness — Well, since it was only a hand, she could do as she pleased. If there was any actual danger, Tatsuya would use his own magic to handle it.
3586
3587The temple interior wasn’t particularly narrow or spacious, so the two of them quickly reached the vestibule leading to the living quarters. There was no sign of a speaker or even a doorbell — this was definitely intentional. Just as Tatsuya was about to open the door and announce their arrival,
3588
3589-- “Tatsuya-kun, this way.”
3590
3591From a completely silent spot not far away, a voice called out to Tatsuya.
3592
3593The hand gripping Tatsuya’s sleeve shook as its owner jumped in surprise while Tatsuya smiled helplessly. Seriously, even at his age, that guy still didn’t tire of childish acts like sneaking around in the darkness and spooking people.
3594
3595That being said, the only frightened person there was Miyuki, since Tatsuya felt practically nothing. On this level, Yakumo’s “plan” was only partially successful — if there was a “plan” in the first place.
3596
3597For a moment, Tatsuya toyed with the idea of turning around with Miyuki and leaving, but tonight he had business to conduct. Tatsuya swallowed his displeasure, and walked towards the source of the voice.
3598
3599Yakumo stood with his waist leaning against the wall with both legs carelessly hanging out.
3600
3601If he were meditating in a normal sitting position, he could easily be mistaken for any other monk, but that precisely was Yakumo’s specialty. Even after being acquainted for two and a half years, Tatsuya still felt that the monk was a hard man to read.
3602
3603“Good evening, Sensei, are you headed to bed?”
3604
3605“Ah, good evening, Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki-kun. How can that be, because no matter how casual I am, there’s no way I’d leave an appointment hanging and go off to bed.”
3606
3607Tatsuya’s complaint was quickly written off by Yakumo. Originally expecting Yakumo to make a big deal out of this, Tatsuya was rather confounded by his response.
3608
3609“Sensei, I apologize for calling at this hour.
3610
3611So… since you aren’t going to sleep, why are the lights out?”
3612
3613“Hm? Ah, that’s just a habit. If there’s no need to, I keep the lights off. I am a ninja after all.”
3614
3615It appeared that Tatsuya was mistaken in his assumption that it was for practical jokes. No matter how many precedents there were, he had to be wary of jumping to conclusions when examining a situation, Tatsuya reflected briefly.
3616
3617Of course, he wouldn’t do something like that in front of Yakumo.
3618
3619Yakumo detected that Tatsuya was questioning his integrity. He squinted at the siblings, then launched into his aimless rambling.
3620
3621“All the same, the spiritual aura that you siblings give off is simply beautiful. Being able to view it in a place without light is even better on the eyes.”
3622
3623“Spiritual aura, you say?”
3624
3625“In your jargon, I think you would call it Pushion light.”
3626
3627Towards Miyuki, who was tilting her head, Yakumo spoke with a singularly serious expression.
3628
3629For him to squint his pair of incredibly narrow eyes was not just simply for show, but to properly capture something that’s normally difficult to see.
3630
3631“Miyuki’s spiritual aura shines forth with immeasurable brilliance without wasting a single drop, while Tatsuya’s aura accurately traces his silhouette. And then, connecting the two…”
3632
3633“Sensei.”
3634
3635Tatsuya immediately cut short Yakumo’s rambling. Yakumo’s squinting eyes returned to normal, his face adopting a sheepish expression.
3636
3637“Sorry, sorry, I forgot this is taboo.”
3638
3639“No, I was the one being impertinent.”
3640
3641Tatsuya slightly dipped his head, signifying that the conversation ended there. Naturally, there was no way Yakumo missed that.
3642
3643“So, what did you need to see me for?”
3644
3645“Actually, there’s something I wanted sensei to look into.”
3646
3647Using this as an introduction, Tatsuya explained to Yakumo regarding the circumstances surrounding Tsukasa Kinoe.
3648
3649“That 3rd Year student is definitely a member of Egalite, though I have reasons to believe that he is also connected to Blanche.
3650
3651Unfortunately, I am uncertain what Blanche hopes to gain from using Tsukasa Kinoe.”
3652
3653“Egalite and Blanche, eh… Just this much wouldn’t be too difficult to find.”
3654
3655At Tatsuya’s request with a question phrased at the end of it, Yakumo frankly nodded. His words would normally be seen as overly proud or self-confident, but from his mouth they appeared almost natural.
3656
3657Of course, Tatsuya knew that for Yakumo, asking him something like investigating the activities of terrorist organizations operating within the country was simply “a piece of cake”.
3658
3659“However, I am a monk, so I cannot step too far into the secular realm.
3660
3661Also, given the depth of the analysis, wouldn’t it be more expedient to ask Kazama-kun? I thought the daughter of the Fujibayashi family was with him too.”
3662
3663“Asking the Colonel would be a little…”
3664
3665“That wouldn’t go well with your aunt, huh.”
3666
3667After a short period of silence, Yakumo curtailed the difficulties Tatsuya voiced — to the very end, Tatsuya could not say it aloud.
3668
3669“If that’s the case, I guess I’m your only shot.”
3670
3671Tatsuya wordlessly bowed his head, not in appreciation towards the acceptance of his request, but in thanks to the other side’s understanding.
3672
3673Yakumo casually waved his hand to signify there was no need for that, then sat down, signaling Tatsuya and Miyuki to do the same.
3674
3675Tatsuya sat next to Yakumo, while the more apprehensive Miyuki sat next to Tatsuya. Seeing this, Yakumo began,
3676
3677“Tsukasa Kinoe, previously known as Kamono Kinoe.”
3678
3679And jumped directly into the explanation.
3680
3681“His parents and grandparents showed no genetic predisposition towards magic. On the surface, a purely ‘mundane’ family, but they’re actually a side branch of the Kamo family. Despite being a side branch, it was a very distant relation, making them no different from a mundane family. Kinoe-kun’s ‘eyes’ most likely reflect an earlier ancestor.”
3682
3683Yakumo’s words seemed as if he had foretold Tatsuya’s request ahead of time, causing Miyuki’s eyes to widen in astonishment, whereas Tatsuya remained impassive.
3684
3685If he was going to be amazed every time this sort of thing happened, there was no way he could have befriended Yakumo.
3686
3687But, only this comment had to be said.
3688
3689“Sensei, have you ever heard of ‘personal privacy’?”
3690
3691“I understand the literal definition.”
3692
3693Clearly not caring that it was his own request that invaded another’s privacy, Tatsuya directly censured Yakumo. In comparison, Yakumo was completely calm as he replied.
3694
3695Both Tatsuya and Yakumo blatantly ignored Miyuki, who had raised a hand in question.
3696
3697“Nonetheless, did you know ahead of time that I would request a background check on Tsukasa Kinoe?”
3698
3699Yet, Tatsuya’s way of changing the subject was clear evidence that he was not completely ignoring his sister.
3700
3701And Yakumo, also treating the earlier situation as if it hadn’t happened, did not object.
3702
3703“No, why I know about him was wholly unrelated to your request.”
3704
3705“…Is there a reason?”
3706
3707“While I am the caretaker of this temple, at the same time, no, once upon a time, I was a ninja.
3708
3709Much like how fish cannot survive away from water, ninjas cannot survive without constantly staying in the information loop.
3710
3711At any rate, if there is a place that needs investigating, or people that are worth checking, I’ve taken a look already.”
3712
3713Tatsuya squinted his eyes.
3714
3715“Our situation as well?”
3716
3717Yakumo laughed heartily.
3718
3719“I’ve inquired into it, but wasn’t able to unearth any noteworthy secrets. The intelligence manipulation surrounding the two of you is truly invincible. Or should I say, worthy of its high reputation.”
3720
3721The air around Tatsuya and Yakumo grew tense.
3722
3723Noticing the volatile atmosphere between the two, Miyuki quickly interjected.
3724
3725“Sensei, regarding the relationship between Kinoe-senpai and Blanche…?”
3726
3727At Miyuki’s utmost effort, both Tatsuya and Yakumo relaxed simultaneously. Neither actually intended to come to blows, content to only glare at one another. The nervousness in the air caused by their fabrication quickly disappeared.
3728
3729“Kinoe-kun’s mother remarried, and the spouse brought with him a child from a former marriage. This adopted brother is the current leader of Blanche’s Japanese branch.
3730
3731In addition, he’s not just a leader in appearances only. He directs the ‘inner’ side’s work as well.”
3732
3733In spite of Yakumo’s calm facade, his response was not such a relaxing thing.
3734
3735“Kinoe-kun probably entered First High at the behest of his adopted elder brother. Most likely it’s to incite the recent activities… But, what they are actually planning to accomplish remains unknown.
3736
3737At any rate, there’s no doubt that they’re up to no good.”
3738
3739“I see…”
3740
3741After listening to Yakumo’s words, Tatsuya thoughtfully nodded.
3742
3743“I’m sorry I wasn’t about to help at such a critical juncture.”
3744
3745“No, this can be used for reference.”
3746
3747This wasn’t merely being polite, since he didn’t anticipate getting all the answers here anyway. Besides, being able to elevate “someone who may be dangerous” into “someone who is definitely dangerous” was profitable enough in its own right. Tomorrow, he should nonchalantly notify Mari that Tsukasa Kinoe needed watching long before the forum would begin — Tatsuya mentally planned out his itinerary.
3748
3749After considering this, Tatsuya suddenly realized there was one more item he needed to discuss.
3750
3751“Speaking of which, sensei. What level is Tsukasa Kinoe’s ‘eyes’ at?”
3752
3753At Tatsuya’s question, Yakumo rubbed his chin and fell into thought.
3754
3755“Yes… He’s probably at the level that can identify any released spiritual motions. He shouldn’t be able to read the spiritual aura hidden within the body.
3756
3757At the very least, he doesn’t possess the same powerful spiritual sight that Tatsuya-kun’s classmate has.”
3758
3759Yakumo’s last sentence caused Tatsuya to furrow his brows.
3760
3761“You investigated Mizuki as well?”
3762
3763Hearing Tatsuya’s question, Yakumo revealed the most mischievous smirk of the night.
3764
3765“Aren’t you interested in her too?”
3766
3767Tatsuya scowled. The fact that Yakumo called him on it meant that he already let it slip, and the fact that he revealed this only showed his naivety.
3768
3769The aforementioned interest was nothing sweet like romance. In a word, it meant that Tatsuya was also wary of Mizuki. Just as Yakumo pointed out, she may have the ability to read the “spiritual aura hidden within the body”.
3770
3771“The results speak for themselves. I don’t think there’s any need to be on guard.”
3772
3773Yakumo was more than satisfied with Tatsuya’s sour expression.
3774
3775He was no longer laughing. Although his bland tone and flighty attitude did not change, his expression was no longer joking.
3776
3777“Even if she could see your spiritual aura, that girl would not be able to understand it.
3778
3779If she were adept enough with magic to read your secrets, then she would not be so troubled over her own ‘eyes’.”
3780
3781That was probably intended to set him at ease. Tatsuya’s mood changed subtly.
3782
3783Although Yakumo never intended it, Tatsuya still felt that he had a fresh understanding of the fact that he was an atypical Magician.
3784
3785
3786
3787
3788
3789Chapter 10
3790
3791
3792
3793
3794The day of the forum quickly arrived.
3795
3796Half the school was congregated in the auditorium.
3797
3798“It’s surprising how many students gathered today.”
3799
3800“I think unexpected would be a better way to describe it.”
3801
3802“There are a lot of idle students around campus… Looks like we should petition the school for a more rigorous curriculum.”
3803
3804“Stop it with the lame jokes, Ichihara…”
3805
3806The order of speech was Miyuki, Tatsuya, Suzune, then Mari.
3807
3808They were staring at the interior of the auditorium from the wings of the stage.
3809
3810Hattori and two others stood near Mayumi.
3811
3812On the opposite wing, there were four 3rd Year students under the watchful eyes of the Public Morals Committee.
3813
3814There was no sign of Sayaka.
3815
3816“So the core members of their mobile forces are elsewhere…?”
3817
3818Mari murmured as if speaking to herself.
3819
3820However, that was only “as if”, and she was obviously not speaking to herself.
3821
3822“I agree.”
3823
3824Incidentally, Tatsuya was thinking the same thing, so his reply was made with that understanding.
3825
3826He made a cursory examination of the grounds.
3827
3828Ratio of Course 1 to Course 2 students was about fifty-fifty. Ignoring Suzune’s sarcasm for a moment, there was a surprisingly large number of students, whether Course 1 or 2, who were deeply concerned about this issue.
3829
3830Among them, about ten students who were members of the Alliance could be identified.
3831
3832None of them appeared to be the ones who invaded the Public Announcement Room.
3833
3834“Even though we have no idea what they’re planning… it’s not like we can actually make a move on them.”
3835
3836That was obvious even without saying it aloud.
3837
3838Usually, they were the ones who made the first move, while we could only react after discerning their objectives.
3839
3840“Just focusing on defense might sound laid back…”
3841
3842“Chief Watanabe, please don’t presume that this will end in violence… It’s starting.”
3843
3844Indignant, Mari looked like she was about to reply, but she directed her gaze towards the stage at Suzune’s words.
3845
3846
3847
3848
3849
3850Since it was a forum-style discussion, it was only natural that they began with the cause of the forum.
3851
3852“President, I have a question regarding this season’s budget allocation for club activities. According to our data, clubs that engage in magic competitions and have a higher percentage of Course 1 students receive significantly greater budgets than clubs directed towards non-magic competitions that have a higher percentage of Course 2 students. This is evidence of Course 1 students receiving blatant favoritism in extracurricular activities as well as classes! If the President truly wishes for equality amongst Course 1 and 2 students, I hope she can address this imbalance.”
3853
3854“The budget allocation for club activities is based on the number of registered club members as well as the group’s accomplishments, which is decided in a meeting between all the club leaders. The generous allocations for clubs involved in magic competitions reflect their positive results in intramural competitions. I’m sure everyone here is also aware that clubs involved in non-magic competitions that have competed with distinction at the national level, such as legball and other clubs, have received similar allocations. The idea that clubs with more Course 1 students are favored is a simple misunderstanding.”
3855
3856Faced with the questions raised by the Alliance, Mayumi represented the Student Council’s rebuttal, and things progressed in this manner.
3857
3858That being said, the Alliance didn’t make any concrete demands. The only item they insisted on was the “equal” allocation of the budget, but they made no move to propose any specific clubs in need of additional allocations.
3859
3860Originally, their purpose was to incite and cajole Tatsuya into joining them.
3861
3862“On every level, Course 2 students are treated worse than Course 1 students. The Student Council has tried to hide this!”
3863
3864“While this criticism is frequently leveled at this office, realistically speaking, do you have any examples to support this? As I mentioned earlier, usage of facilities and the allocation of materials have been equally distributed throughout Classes A to H.”
3865
3866Even if one side’s slogan was meant to whip the crowd into a frenzy, onstage their words were nothing more than unsubstantiated theories. When faced with Mayumi’s counter charge that their argument was nothing more than empty words and unverified data, this groundless slogan quickly floundered.
3867
3868The forum rapidly dissolved into a platform for Mayumi to deliver her speech.
3869
3870“… I cannot deny that the idea of differential treatment that the Alliance refers to exists among our students. However, that is merely the solidification of a sense of superiority and inferiority. This is fundamentally different from the situation where the privileged, fearing the loss of their special rights, act in defense of these rights by instituting systemic segregation.
3871
3872The terms Bloom and Weed are banned by the school, the Student Council, and the Public Morals Committee, but unfortunately, many students still continue using them daily.
3873
3874However, the problem lies not just with Course 1 students calling themselves Blooms and derogatorily labeling Course 2 students as Weeds. The problem is also compounded when Course 2 students refer to themselves as Weeds, continuing the vicious cycle of self-depreciation and resigning themselves to the idea that this is inevitable. This lamentable culture truly exists here.”
3875
3876At this, several hissing sounds arose, but no one could truly repudiate those words.
3877
3878With a bewitching, devilish smile, Mayumi silenced the hisses before adopting a more serious expression as she earnestly defended her position. Before her, the Alliance’s resistance quickly disintegrated.
3879
3880“This wall of consciousness is the true problem.
3881
3882While the difference between Course 1 and 2 students is written into the school system, this only reflects the lack of educators at the national level, and thus was a temporary solution with this background in mind.
3883
3884Should everyone receive a subpar education, or should half the students receive a full education?
3885
3886This school adopted the latter method.
3887
3888It is true that there is a difference in treatment here.
3889
3890This is something that cannot be averted no matter what we do.
3891
3892This is also a mandatory ruling forced onto the students if they choose to study here.
3893
3894But other than this, there is no difference in the system.
3895
3896This might come as a shock to some people, but Course 1 and 2 students enjoy the same curriculum.
3897
3898While there is a difference in pacing, lectures and practical exercises are entirely the same.”
3899
3900It wasn’t just Tatsuya, but even Miyuki was completely amazed by this revelation.
3901
3902Tatsuya involuntarily let out an “Eh…” sound, while Miyuki silently offered her agreement.
3903
3904Seeing this, Suzune’s mouth twitched into a smile.
3905
3906“For extracurricular activities, both the Club Management Group and the Student Council strive to equally assign the rights and access to the facilities.
3907
3908It cannot be denied that there is a higher emphasis placed on clubs with greater membership. Yet, when taking into consideration that everyone should have an equal opportunity, we cannot ignore the fact that not all clubs are on equal footing. This is what we think.
3909
3910This is definitely not the case where extracurricular activities relating to magic competitions receive higher priority.
3911
3912Just now, the Alliance members pointed out that the magic competition clubs receive a considerable slice of the budget.
3913
3914The result is exactly that, except that this allocation takes into account the successes garnered by these activities, as everyone saw on the display.
3915
3916Other than the problem with teachers, the reason behind the separation of Course 1 and 2 students can be clearly explained.
3917
3918I think everyone can understand any situation with a foundation firmly rooted in logic.
3919
3920Although there are other reasons, as we all know, they are all caused by the wall of consciousness that arose between Course 1 and 2 students after the separation.”
3921
3922The hissing started again.
3923
3924This time, it came in two varieties. At the hissing of the Alliance supporters, a noticeable “Alliance members, shut the hell up” aura was welling up near the place where Course 2 students were standing, a clear sign that the tide was turning.
3925
3926“As this school’s Student Council President, I am completely unsatisfied with this situation.
3927
3928Towards this wall that at times incites our students to conflict, I wish to find a way to dispel it.
3929
3930However, this does not imply that the only solution lies in changing the current system. Even if Course 2 students receive differential treatment, applying the same conditions to Course 1 students would solve nothing.
3931
3932It doesn’t matter if you are a Course 1 or 2 student, you are still a student of this school. For the students of this campus, the three years spent here are absolutely irreplaceable to them.”
3933
3934Applause greeted these words. There weren’t enough people to use the term “thunderous applause” to describe the reception, but even then it wasn’t as if the applause was scattered. Among the applauding students, there was no distinction between Course 1 and 2 students.
3935
3936As the applause faded, tranquility returned to the auditorium. Irrespective if they were Course 1 or 2 students, whether they applauded or not, everyone breathlessly awaited Mayumi’s next words as she seemed to tower above them on that podium.
3937
3938The Alliance representative that took the stage with Mayumi could only look on filled with unease and envy.
3939
3940“To eliminate the difference in the system, but without causing that difference to reverse in direction, I think we can all accept the above two points. This is an excellent opportunity and I would like everyone to listen to what I hope to achieve.
3941
3942To tell the truth, the differential treatment between Course 1 and 2 students also lingers in the Student Council.
3943
3944I am referring to the nomination of student council members other than the Student Council President.
3945
3946Under the current system, aside from the President, only Course 1 students may join the Student Council.
3947
3948This ruling can only be changed during the annual Student Council President election, when the Student Body Meeting takes place.
3949
3950I will abolish this ruling when I formally step down as President during the meeting. This is the last service I can render as the President.”
3951
3952It was as if the entire audience let out a breath. The students completely forgot to hiss and were busy whispering to one another. Mayumi silently waited for the chatter to end on its own.
3953
3954“… Only half of my term is over. Even if I wanted to make this an official promise, our hearts and minds cannot be gathered together with force, or it may be more appropriate to say that external force has no business altering them in the first place… Thus, the only thing I wish to do is try and improve the situation, even if only a little.”
3955
3956The auditorium burst into applause.
3957
3958On some level, the atmosphere approached the reception that only idols could induce. Irrespective of whether they were Course 1 or 2 students, they were clearly supporting Mayumi, and not the Alliance.
3959
3960What Mayumi spoke of was rising above prejudice.
3961
3962The activities of the Alliance truly moved in the direction of abolishing inequality on the campus. Nonetheless, this reformation progressed in a fashion vastly different from their expectations.
3963
3964Revolutionaries, in general, are not satisfied with merely achieving their goals.
3965
3966They insist on obtaining their heart’s desire by their own hands.
3967
3968This conclusion, rather than just being unsatisfactory to the Alliance members, would be more troublesome for those that manipulated the situation from the shadows.
3969
3970—Moreover, the one inciting Sayaka’s group from behind the scenes never planned on stopping here.
3971
3972
3973
3974
3975
3976Abruptly, a loud blast rattled the windows of the auditorium, shaking the applauding students from their reverie.
3977
3978The mobilized members of the Public Morals Committee sprang into action.
3979
3980Normally, they never expected their training to actually bear fruit. On orders from their Chief, they swiftly apprehended the Alliance members that were tagged ahead of time.
3981
3982The window shattered as a spindle-shaped object came hurtling in.
3983
3984As soon as the grenade hit the ground, it began spewing out white smoke. Before the white smoke could fully spread out, the grenade was quickly rewound like someone hitting the rewind button on a video cassette player, and quickly disappeared back out the window.
3985
3986Tatsuya let out an appreciative gaze, while Hattori jerked his head away in displeasure.
3987
3988Seeing this, Mayumi started chuckling to one side.
3989
3990Mari pointed one arm towards the entrance.
3991
3992Several invaders wearing gas masks swarmed in, but due to their difference in level, they were quickly subdued.
3993
3994The anticipated surprise attack was quelled according to plan, though no one expected them to use something as over-the-top as explosives and chemical weapons.
3995
3996Thus, the situation was completely brought under control without throwing the auditorium into panic.
3997
3998“I’m going to take a look at the Practical Skills Building.”
3999
4000“Onii-sama, I’m going with you!”
4001
4002“Be careful!”
4003
4004After Mari finished speaking, the siblings headed towards the area where the sound of the blast originated.
4005
4006
4007
4008
4009
4010Due to the need for constant magic supervision, magic schools usually had Magicians staffed as teachers at all times.
4011
4012First High, being the authority in magic schools, boasted a teaching staff composed of first class Magicians.
4013
4014The school alone had the strength to repel the military might of a small nation.
4015
4016Of course, even though there was a conscious understanding that possible attackers did exist, this was still beyond their expectation.
4017
4018A complete lack of danger was the real cause behind the relaxing of the guard.
4019
4020The place to come under attack by the invaders was the Practical Skills Building, as could be seen from its blackened walls and cracked windows. Tatsuya could also hear further blasts, like the sound of small explosives being set off. Facing the flammable liquid that was still burning as it clung stubbornly to the walls, two teachers were engaged in firefighting activities.
4021
4022“What the hell is going on?”
4023
4024The prowling boy responsible for protecting the teachers shouted out as he caught sight of Tatsuya.
4025
4026Miyuki’s fingers began dancing in a beautiful fashion.
4027
4028She single-handedly operated the CAD shaped like a portable terminal.
4029
4030Instantaneously, the Psion Information Aide spread out, completed the design, and activated.
4031
4032The flash was the magical light that could only be seen by “magisters” like Magicians and Magic Engineers.
4033
4034The three men surrounding Leo were immediately blown away. The three of them were wearing electric technician uniforms and were obviously not students nor staff.
4035
4036It was as if they had stepped on a landmine, but Leo who had been in the center of it was left unscathed.
4037
4038This sort of pinpoint selectivity was one of the biggest advantages of magic.
4039
4040“Terrorists have invaded the campus.”
4041
4042While Miyuki conversed with the teachers about the situation, Tatsuya quickly cut to the chase and stated the pertinent details to Leo.
4043
4044“That’s pretty damn serious, huh.”
4045
4046Leo consented to the situation just like that — his agreement was because he understood that this was a chance to join in the subjugation.
4047
4048Right now, the most important matter was the presence of enemies who had to be eliminated.
4049
4050“Leo, your Houki! … Or rather, reinforcements have arrived I guess.”
4051
4052At that moment, Erika appeared on the other side, from the direction of the office. Recognizing the forms of Tatsuya and co, she stopped hurrying.
4053
4054“No worries. You got here in plenty of time.”
4055
4056“There’s plenty to worry about. Like not getting killed and dying.”
4057
4058“What the hell!
4059
4060… No, now isn’t the time for that. Gimme my CAD. Crap, don’t just throw it!”
4061
4062CAD is a type of precision equipment, but would retain its utility even in the midst of complex situations such as these.
4063
4064There would be no problem even if dropped onto a soft surface like tennis courts. Erika threw the CAD with this in mind, so she naturally ignored Leo’s objection. —Even if there was some sort of damage, it was likely that Erika would ignore that too.
4065
4066“Did Tatsuya do this? Or was it Miyuki?”
4067
4068Erika spoke succinctly as her merciless gaze swept over the moaning invaders who were crawling away slowly.
4069
4070“It was Miyuki. I couldn’t have applied it that well.”
4071
4072“It was me. There is no need for Onii-sama to concern himself with such small fry.”
4073
4074Tatsuya and Miyuki beside him spoke up at the same time.
4075
4076“OK, OK, what an envious sibling relationship… Is it really alright to send those guys flying without so much as a warning?”
4077
4078“There’s no need to hold back if they aren’t students.”
4079
4080Tatsuya calmly replied with a comment that subtly changed the direction of the conversation. Hearing this, Erika laughed.
4081
4082“Aha, and I thought high school would be a boring place.”
4083
4084“Scary. So this is what a bloodthirsty woman looks like.”
4085
4086“Shut up.”
4087
4088Erika raised her right hand halfway, but self-consciously pulled back from stabbing forward with the special police baton.
4089
4090“Speaking of which, what are the two of you doing at the Practical Skills Building at this hour?”
4091
4092Unless they were staying after school for additional practice, students usually would not return to the Practical Skills Building after class.
4093
4094This wasn’t a teasing retaliation, but an innocent question instead.
4095
4096“Eh? No, that, well, how do I put it?”
4097
4098“Eh, uh, well, that, what was it again?”
4099
4100That being said, for the two of them to falter this badly was quite the unexpected turnout.
4101
4102“… What are you two doing together?”
4103
4104A serious question.
4105
4106However, no one knew Tatsuya quite as well as Miyuki. As soon as Miyuki saw her elder brother’s serious expression that carefully masked an evil smirk, she quickly figured it out.
4107
4108“The two of us alone?”
4109
4110Erika’s voice could not conceal her astonishment.
4111
4112“That’s a misunderstanding!”
4113
4114It would not be an exaggeration to describe Leo’s response as a roar.
4115
4116“I just came for more practice in practical skills! This woman came afterwards!”
4117
4118“When I came to practice, this brazen fellow was already there.”
4119
4120“What do you mean brazen!”
4121
4122“Ah, I understand. I got it. I won’t take it the wrong way.”
4123
4124At this point, there was no longer any profit in this matter, but Tatsuya was thoroughly satisfied with the reactions elicited from the two of them.
4125
4126Tatsuya quickly curtailed that thought.
4127
4128“Have you found any other trespassers?”
4129
4130“The teachers are guarding the other side. No wonder they’re teachers, seeing as all the trespassers have already been apprehended.”
4131
4132Tatsuya solemnly watched Erika as he said this. Erika pretended as if the earlier interruption hadn’t occurred as she replied back in a heavy tone that was neither solemn nor joking.
4133
4134Leo was able to switch gears fairly quickly as well.
4135
4136“I know coming from me it’s a little sketchy, but those guys were only third-rate Magicians at best. I’ve just never trained in 3 on 1 magics.”
4137
4138Leo tried to downplay what happened, but handling three opponents at the same time was no mean feat.
4139
4140The competency of Tatsuya’s peers had surpassed his original expectations.
4141
4142“Erika, any problems near the Office Buildings?”
4143
4144At Miyuki’s question, Erika nodded.
4145
4146“They looked like they were prepared a long time ago. By the time I got there, the teachers had already subdued the attackers. Probably because all the expensive equipment is over there.”
4147
4148The majority of the valuables were kept in the offices for safekeeping, so it was fairly obvious to see why it would be a tempting target.
4149
4150That being said, the Practical Skills Building only contained outdated CADs.
4151
4152If anything significant should be pointed out for the sake of argumentation, it would be that the heat-resistant, earthquake-proof, and shock-resistant building was only blackened slightly after taking direct hits from grenades. Even if the building was damaged, it would only result in delaying classes by about one month.
4153
4154In other words, in order to completely sabotage the school and prevent the facilities from operating, the logical course of action would be to disable vital equipment that were difficult to replace on a short notice, as well as specimens and research data…
4155
4156“… The labs and library!”
4157
4158“So, the attack over here is a diversion? But the scale is far greater than we imagined. Unless the secret meetings to organize the protests during the forum was in itself the diversion.”
4159
4160Regarding Miyuki’s questions, Tatsuya shook his head.
4161
4162“No, I think they’re all real. Someone may be using the Alliance for their own purposes.”
4163
4164How pitiful, Tatsuya thought but he kept that to himself. If they were accused of this without being given any chance to defend themselves, it would probably be gravely insulting to the ones who truly wanted to change the system for the better.
4165
4166“Let’s table this for now. So, what should we do next?”
4167
4168There were 3 choices.
4169
4170Their first option would be to split their forces.
4171
4172Alternately, they could all head for the Science Building.
4173
4174Or, head for the library.
4175
4176“Their target is the library.”
4177
4178This newly acquired intelligence decided their strategy.
4179
4180“Ono-sensei?”
4181
4182She was wearing a pair of low-heeled boots with a long pair of jeans, with a gleaming sweater tucked inside her jacket.
4183
4184Today’s wardrobe, a getup that emphasized mobility, was quite different from the one she wore several days before.
4185
4186The luster denoted that the fabric was probably a fiber strengthened with bulletproof and anti-blade qualities.
4187
4188Her expression was tense and nervous, giving off an air as if she wasn’t entirely herself.
4189
4190“The enemy’s main force has already penetrated the library.
4191
4192Mibu-san is also in there.”
4193
4194Three gazes focused on Tatsuya.
4195
4196However, Tatsuya’s eyes were fixed on Haruka.
4197
4198Less than a second passed before he spoke.
4199
4200“I’ll explain everything after this is all over, is that acceptable?”
4201
4202“Rejected. Despite me saying that, since I know you’re going in there anyway, may I ask you a favor instead?”
4203
4204“What is it?”
4205
4206Although Haruka had a hesitant expression, she wasn’t stumbling over her words, nor doing anything else that wasted valuable time.
4207
4208“I would like to make a request as Counselor Ono Haruka. Please give Mibu-san a chance. Since last year began, she has been burdened by the dissonance that comes from her status as a valued kendo athlete versus the value assigned to Course 2 students. Even though she’s asked to see me several times… I was incapable of offering her comfort. In the end, that created the opportunity for those guys to get to her.”
4209
4210“Do not spoil her.”
4211
4212Haruka’s request probably came from her sense of professional duty.
4213
4214However, Tatsuya ruthlessly rejected this request.
4215
4216“Come, Miyuki.”
4217
4218“Yes.”
4219
4220“Wait, Tatsuya.”
4221
4222Following that, toward his friends who did not have the heart to refuse her, Tatsuya offered this honest warning.
4223
4224“Being overly sentimental will only bring harm to yourself.”
4225
4226Time was of the essence, so he couldn’t elaborate.
4227
4228Tatsuya delivered this ominous warning as he walked ahead, his back to his friends.
4229
4230
4231
4232
4233
4234In front of the library, small knots of people were still fighting.
4235
4236Beside CADs, the aggressors also carried daggers and other projectile weaponry. While there was a small group of students mixed in, the majority were from the outside — in other words, invaders.
4237
4238The 3rd Year students that anchored the defensive line didn’t have CADs, but possessed an overwhelming advantage in Magic Power.
4239
4240Even without CADs, they could still use magic and handheld weapons to deny the enemy. With this level of skill, no wonder they were the young birds that aimed to become Magicians. (It might be more appropriate to call them young tigers than birds.)
4241
4242Seeing this, Leo was the first to charge in.
4243
4244“Panzer!”
4245
4246With a roar, he plunged into the melee.
4247
4248There was a reason behind that roar.
4249
4250“I guess it takes a rare specimen to differentiate between sounds…”
4251
4252“Onii-sama, just then, did his magic design and spread occur at the same time?”
4253
4254“Hm, they spread out gradually in succession. That is a technique that was popular 10 years ago.”
4255
4256“That guy, even his magic is old school…”
4257
4258Erika snarled furtively, pretending to be ignorant of the fact that her Engravement Magic was also a type of magic prevalent in the past. Thankfully, Leo didn’t catch these words while he was locked in combat.
4259
4260Using a hefty, bracer-shaped CAD worn on his forearm, he blocked the incoming staff and retaliated with his own attack.
4261
4262Originally, a defensive type CAD would have no need to expose any movable parts or sensors on the outside, hence the voice recognition system.
4263
4264That being said…
4265
4266“Considering how he uses it, it’s a miracle that it’s still in one piece!”
4267
4268“The CAD itself must have been enhanced with Fortify Magic.
4269
4270Fortify Magic stabilizes the relative coordinates of molecules within a narrow area.
4271
4272No matter how powerful the force, so long as the relative coordinates are spot on and the outer shell isn’t broken, there’s no chance of the CAD breaking.”
4273
4274“Something that can hold together no matter how violent you are. That type of magic suits him perfectly.”
4275
4276Completely ignoring Erika and company standing off to the side as well as their comments or insults, Leo recklessly charged into battle as if he was venting all of his frustration.
4277
4278His hands, wrapped in a pair of black gloves, shattered stone, rubble, and ice alike, while staves forged of metal and carbon-based resin crumpled before him.
4279
4280Occasionally, contact with a concealed stun baton would emit a small shower of sparks.
4281
4282Daggers that couldn’t be avoided and darts fired from spring mechanisms cunningly worn in the sleeves all bounced off Leo’s white and green school uniform.
4283
4284“So he’s hardened every inch of clothing on him. It’s as if he’s striding around in a full suit of armor.”
4285
4286This was not an exaggeration for magic that one excelled in.
4287
4288Leo’s Fortify Magic simultaneously executed the Activation Sequence as well as the design and invocation stages of the Magic Sequence and spread out in succession while maintaining a constant state of magic renewal.
4289
4290Even with weapons, it was extremely unlikely that these invading terrorists, who were barely a step above complete amateurs in terms of skill, would have any way of penetrating that armor.
4291
4292To top it all off, those fists that would normally be restricted by the limits of the human body were instead strengthened by Speed and Movement Magics, creating a truly terrifying force of sheer destruction.
4293
4294He would easily be accepted as an effective fighting force, even on the front lines of the military, if it was for this type of close quarters combat where the usage of firearms was restricted.
4295
4296“Leo, we’re going on ahead!”
4297
4298“I got it!”
4299
4300Tatsuya left this location in Leo’s hands.
4301
4302
4303
4304
4305
4306Silence greeted them in the library interior.
4307
4308If Haruka was correct, this wasn’t because the attackers had been repulsed, but because the defenders were subdued.
4309
4310Aside from the regular employees, there were also security personnel posted at the library, but they had probably all been eliminated by now.
4311
4312Based on this alone, the skill level of the main force must have been substantially higher.
4313
4314Tatsuya temporarily hid himself in the vestibule, reached out with his searching range and scanned for life signs.
4315
4316There were no indications of any life signs.
4317
4318Modern magic is capable of interfering with natural phenomena and its accompanying signals, which includes the existence of the phenomena and the eidos.
4319
4320All users of modern magic could access the information dimension — the information medium of the universe, the platform that linked all eidos, as defined in the Greek philosophical concept of “information” — in order to identify other eidos.
4321
4322That being said, very few people could clearly identify and differentiate them.
4323
4324What radically separated Tatsuya from ordinary magic users was his incredible aptitude in sensory ability, to the point that he could identify each and every eidos encompassed in the information dimension.
4325
4326“There are four in the Special Browsing Room on the second floor, two at the foot of the stairs, and two at the top…”
4327
4328“Nice. With Tatsuya-kun here, all ambushes become meaningless. In live combat, this is definitely an incredible advantage.”
4329
4330“What are they doing in the Special Browsing Room?”
4331
4332“This is too quiet for their purpose to be destruction. They’re probably trying to steal the classified research materials held by the magic universities. If they are in the Special Browsing Room, they can easily access the unpublished materials that are inaccessible in ordinary browsing areas.”
4333
4334Hearing Tatsuya’s explanation to Miyuki’s question, Erika’s expression turned glum.
4335
4336“Erika, your expression seems to say that this isn’t what you were expecting.”
4337
4338Hearing Miyuki’s question, Erika shrugged her shoulders in an exaggerated manner.
4339
4340“That’s because~, this is a high school revolt, a veritable youth revolution. But now you’re telling me that the truth of the matter is something as boring as stealing research data… Don’t destroy my beautiful dream with such an unpleasant truth! That’s how I feel. What do you think?”
4341
4342“Don’t ask me. By the way, your dream was biased in the first place.”
4343
4344“Didn’t you just answer me?”
4345
4346Ugh, Tatsuya couldn’t deny that. Miyuki hurriedly interjected.
4347
4348“Come on, let’s hurry to the Special Browsing Room. I’ll handle the ambushers.”
4349
4350“No, leave that mission to~ me.”
4351
4352Erika sang out that she would deal with the situation, then charged out of cover before anyone could reply.
4353
4354Silently, she glided over to the foot of the stairs.
4355
4356The retractable police baton with an embedded CAD was already fully extended.
4357
4358The ambushers ended up being ambushed.
4359
4360The second that the police baton struck the enemy, Erika had already passed them.
4361
4362She felled two opponents instantly.
4363
4364In complete contrast to Leo’s brutal approach to combat, she finessed the battle.
4365
4366The sound of their allies hitting the ground finally alerted the guards on top of the stairs that they were under attack.
4367
4368One of them charged straight down, while the other started an Activation Sequence.
4369
4370However, just as the Psions started flashing, the Activation Sequence shattered.
4371
4372The Magician gaped as his magic was denied.
4373
4374The stiffness in his body was very unnatural, and after a second of watching, he lost his balance and toppled down the stairs.
4375
4376“Ah…”
4377
4378“Don’t worry.”
4379
4380Hearing his sister’s cute voice, Tatsuya replied as he returned the pistol-shaped CAD to its holder.
4381
4382Humanoids often make minute adjustments to their center of balance in order to stand upright.
4383
4384Everything was within reason up to this point. Miyuki was probably caught off guard by the person rolling down the stairs.
4385
4386Well, it looked like his collarbone wasn’t fractured, so all he’d get out of that would be a concussion and several broken ribs. That was what he meant by “don’t worry”.
4387
4388On the other side, the attacker was equipped with a bona fide short-sword rather than a dagger as he charged towards Erika.
4389
4390This seemed familiar.
4391
4392It was just like Sayaka’s opponent during the kendo demonstration. A green and white ribbon was tied onto the right wrist that stretched forward to deny Erika. It appeared that the kendo club was the first to be corrupted.
4393
4394“Tch. Tatsuya-kun, we have to hold back against the students, don’t we?”
4395
4396Her voice shook a little since she was asking in the heat of combat.
4397
4398Given the differences in height and wrist strength, this could heavily influence a deadlocked situation.
4399
4400“There’s no need to force yourself to be merciful.”
4401
4402At the same time that he said this, Tatsuya stepped forward,
4403
4404“Ha! I don’t need your help!”
4405
4406Erika stopped him.
4407
4408“I can easily handle this kind of opponent when I’m serious.”
4409
4410She temporarily raised the pressure, then quickly slid to one side.
4411
4412Having switched places with her off-balanced opponent, Erika hurriedly urged Tatsuya onwards.
4413
4414“Leave this place to me!”
4415
4416“Got it!”
4417
4418The boy was wary of being assaulted from both sides, so he dropped to a half crouch.
4419
4420However, in the eyes of Tatsuya and Miyuki, this student had already ceased to exist.
4421
4422Tatsuya forcefully launched off the ground.
4423
4424Miyuki lightly stepped off the floor.
4425
4426Tatsuya leapt onto the walls,
4427
4428While Miyuki flew into the air.
4429
4430Both of them quickly landed on the second floor.
4431
4432“Whew~”
4433
4434Erika whistled in admiration and the Alliance student gaped in shock as Tatsuya and Miyuki charged towards the Special Browsing Room.
4435
4436
4437
4438
4439
4440Sayaka’s mind was a blur as she watched what was going on in front of her.
4441
4442In front of the only terminal that could access the highest level of research — restricted research — in this country, her companions — members of “Blanche” — were currently hacking into the system.
4443
4444Half a year ago, they were introduced by Tsukasa, the ace of the men’s kendo team. For some reason, Tsukasa did not bring Sayaka to Egalite, to which he was affiliated, but to Blanche instead.
4445
4446Originally, Sayaka had no intention of bringing their activities outside of campus, nor did she have any wish to participate in any lawbreaking activity. The only reason she saw them was out of consideration for Tsukasa, who often took care of her. Tsukasa’s older brother, who was the head of Blanche’s Japan branch, told her many things, such as how the differences on campus caused by magical talent could not be resolved. Despite knowing this, Sayaka’s foremost worry remained how Course 2 students were treated differently on campus.
4447
4448In truth, Sayaka really wanted to attend the forum. Not only did she want to attend, but she also dreamt of expressing her opinions. It was only because she was familiar with the details of this mission that she allowed Tsukasa to persuade her otherwise.
4449
4450What the heck was she doing? -- Sayaka thought. Taking the keys without permission, being the accomplice to a break-in… Was this really what she should be doing?
4451
4452Her thoughts were headed in an uncomfortable direction. Realizing this, Sayaka quickly gathered herself back onto the mission in front of her.
4453
4454However, our goal is to abolish the differential treatment brought on by magic, so why do we need the most cutting edge magical research?
4455
4456Tsukasa’s older brother said that publicizing the research results was the first step to abolishment.
4457
4458(That being said, wouldn’t it be meaningless to publicize magic theories to people who can’t use magic…?)
4459
4460The questions that were chasing each other around in her mind once more came to the forefront.
4461
4462For people who couldn’t use magic, magic theory had no point whatsoever.
4463
4464On some level, magic theory was grounded in scientific theory, thus separating it from other mind-based disciplines like theology.
4465
4466If people who wanted the most advanced magic research data truly did exist, wouldn’t they be the ones who could use magic…?
4467
4468(No, research data that can benefit people who can’t use magic must exist, and it is hidden here…)
4469
4470This was the reason she must follow. This reason allowed her to continue on the path she was currently on.
4471
4472However, no matter how many times she repeated it in her heart, she still couldn’t fully accept those words.
4473
4474“… Okay, it’s open.”
4475
4476Someone chattered softly.
4477
4478He hurriedly brought out a Solid Cube used for storage.
4479
4480Her companions — Sayaka detected a strong sense of “desire” imprinted on their faces, causing her to avert her eyes.
4481
4482Towards the door.
4483
4484So, she was the first one to notice.
4485
4486“The door!”
4487
4488Hearing her outburst, the other members turned to look.
4489
4490Before their very eyes, the square doors broke apart and collapsed into the room.
4491
4492“Impossible!”
4493
4494The dismayed gasps that they let out were, based on the situation at hand, actually quite conservative.
4495
4496Objects that have been fortified have eidos that are much harder to manipulate. Even dual reinforced doors that could withstand a krak missile could be destroyed by magic.
4497
4498However, to accomplish that it usually required a complicated Magic Sequence that repeatedly used Mass and Vibrate Magics to dissolve the door. No one could accept that a dual reinforced armor door could be silently destroyed like this.
4499
4500The men froze at this sight that so thoroughly impugned their general understanding of the world. At this moment, the recording Solid Cube shattered in their hands.
4501
4502Immediately afterwards, the hacking terminal dissolved as if caught in a time warp that swiftly returned it into its component parts.
4503
4504Following that, the signal from the Device also halted, rendering the Browsing Room into a dormant state.
4505
4506“I suppose it’s more appropriate to refer to you as industrial spies? Your plans end here.”
4507
4508A familiar figure casually declared this as he strode forward with pistol-shaped Specialized CAD in his right hand that flashed silver with every step.
4509
4510Behind him, a slim figure gracefully followed him with a terminal-shaped CAD held in one hand.
4511
4512Neither sibling allowed a trace of excitement to grace their features, causing them to forget that they were in the middle of a crime scene.
4513
4514“Shiba-kun…”
4515
4516Sayaka softly whispered while someone raised a right hand.
4517
4518It wasn’t a gesture of surrender. It was a male companion pointing a gun at her kohai.
4519
4520This man wasn’t a student from First High.
4521
4522He wasn’t a student at all.
4523
4524He was someone who came along on behalf of Tsukasa’s older brother, their leader.
4525
4526This companion who had been specifically recommended by their leader was obviously intent on committing murder.
4527
4528Sayaka let out a soundless scream of terror.
4529
4530She wanted to stop this, but was unable to cry out. Her hands were frozen.
4531
4532She was going to become an accomplice to murder; Sayaka was so terrified that she shrugged into a ball.
4533
4534However, the bullets that could easily take life were not spat out of the barrel.
4535
4536His right hand tightly gripped the pistol, no, the pistol was stuck to his hand.
4537
4538The man’s right hand was covered in purple swelling.
4539
4540“Please desist from any more foolish actions. For me to be merciful towards those that intend Onii-sama any harm, I don’t think I can do that.”
4541
4542Her voice was deathly quiet, and equally solemn.
4543
4544It was like she was a completely different person.
4545
4546She gave off an aura of invincibility, as if any act to defy her would be fruitless.
4547
4548Just hearing her voice caused resistance to crumble.
4549
4550This time, it was Tatsuya’s cruel words that drifted into the ears of a terrified Sayaka.
4551
4552“This is reality. Mibu-senpai.”
4553
4554“Eh…?”
4555
4556“A world where everyone can be treated equally is inherently impossible. If there were truly an equal world that completely discounted talent and adaptability, then everyone should receive an equally cold reception from the world.
4557
4558In truth, Mibu-senpai already knows this, right?
4559
4560No one is capable of treating everyone equally. That only exists in carefully crafted lies in order to mislead others.”
4561
4562Sayaka’s originally despairing visage tightened.
4563
4564In the blank eyes of her kohai standing before her, she could detect a tiny trace of --
4565
4566“Mibu-senpai, you were only being used so they could steal the unpublished research data stored by the magic universities. This is the truth behind your lofty ideals.”
4567
4568-- Pity?
4569
4570“Why? Why did it turn out like this?”
4571
4572The moment she realized this, the complex emotions within Sayaka burst forth.
4573
4574“Is it wrong to eliminate the differences?
4575
4576Is it wrong to dream of equality?
4577
4578The differences truly exist here!
4579
4580This can’t just be my misunderstanding.
4581
4582I truly was despised.
4583
4584I was exposed before their scornful stares.
4585
4586And I heard all their stupid names for me.
4587
4588To remove all of these, is there something wrong with that?
4589
4590Aren’t you the same?
4591
4592They compared you against your sister’s superlative talents too.
4593
4594You have also gone through that degradation.
4595
4596You have also been labeled an idiotic fool!”
4597
4598Sayaka’s screams seemed to spring forth from within.
4599
4600From within the well of her soul.
4601
4602Yet, none of these piteous cries reached Tatsuya. His heart did not resonate with those words. That was because to Tatsuya, “these things” were simply acceptable aspects of reality.
4603
4604So Tatsuya merely understood the literal “meaning” behind her words as well as the “phenomenon” she was screaming about. Here was a young lady in despair. That was the only thing he took away.
4605
4606The pity that Sayaka thought she saw in his eyes, were merely the delusions brought upon her by her extreme wretchedness.
4607
4608Sayaka’s screams did not reach the young man’s heart — but passed into the heart of the young woman standing next to him.
4609
4610“I will never despise Onii-sama.”
4611
4612She calmly said.
4613
4614However, this voice contained enough emotion to quell Sayaka’s screams — an emotion of raw fury, hidden beneath the layers of calm.
4615
4616“Even if every other human being insults, slanders, despises my brother, the love and respect I bear for Onii-sama will never change.”
4617
4618“… You…”
4619
4620Sayaka was unable to speak.
4621
4622Before Miyuki’s proud declaration, Sayaka was not only struck speechless, but rendered unable to think as well.
4623
4624“The love and respect I bear do not come from the strength of one’s magic.
4625
4626In the eyes of the world, my magic is many times greater than Onii-sama’s.
4627
4628Even then, these things will not influence the love and respect I bear towards Onii-sama in the slightest.
4629
4630Before my feelings towards Onii-sama, all of these things become trivial and meaningless.
4631
4632That is because I know that this only constitutes a small part of Onii-sama.”
4633
4634“…”
4635
4636“Anyone can insult Onii-sama?
4637
4638To me, this is truly insufferable effrontery.
4639
4640
4641
4642
4643
4644“It is true that there are ignorant fools that vilify Onii-sama.”
4645
4646“But at the same time, when compared with the number of such trash, there are just as many, no, many more people who acknowledge Onii-sama’s transcendent talents.”
4647
4648“Mibu-senpai, you are truly a pitiful person.”
4649
4650“What did you say?”
4651
4652Her volume rose slightly.
4653
4654But it was a lifeless voice. It was a voice devoid of both feelings and thoughts.
4655
4656“Aren’t there people that acknowledge you?
4657
4658Is magic the only way people see you?
4659
4660No, that’s impossible.
4661
4662I know of at least one person who doesn’t do this.
4663
4664Do you know who that is?”
4665
4666“…”
4667
4668“Onii-sama has acknowledged you.
4669
4670Your swordsmanship, your beauty.”
4671
4672“… These are only appearances.”
4673
4674“Exactly, these are just appearances.
4675
4676But, isn’t this a part of senpai as well, senpai’s charisma and sense of individuality?”
4677
4678“…”
4679
4680“Of course, appearances are only natural.
4681
4682Including the two meetings at the cafe and the time in front of the Public Announcement Room, this is the fourth time you’ve spoken with Onii-sama.
4683
4684You’ve only met him four times, how much did you expect him to understand?”
4685
4686“That…”
4687
4688“In the end, more so than anyone else, you were the one who saw yourself being treated differently.
4689
4690More than anyone else, you were also the one who viewed yourself as an inferior student and derogatorily used the term ‘Weed’ towards yourself.”
4691
4692Her words were undeniable.
4693
4694No urge to repudiate this argument emerged.
4695
4696This reprimand struck Sayaka like a terrible blow, causing her mind to go blank.
4697
4698Just as her mind ground to a halt,
4699
4700Just as she was about to abandon the will to go on,
4701
4702This soulless shell allowed the devil’s soft hiss to worm in.
4703
4704No, in this case, it was more like the puppeteer’s light whispers.
4705
4706“Mibu, use the ring!”
4707
4708It came from a cowardly man cowering shamelessly behind a 16 year old girl.
4709
4710This man suddenly shouted out.
4711
4712Accompanying this scream, his wrist also swung downwards.
4713
4714A small spark ignited, along with dense white smoke.
4715
4716At the same time, there were several piercing sounds that could not be heard.
4717
4718It was the background noise from the Psions.
4719
4720They were attempting to stop magic from invoking by using Cast Jamming - Sorcery Disruptor.
4721
4722In the smoke, three separate sets of footsteps could be heard.
4723
4724Tatsuya reached out twice.
4725
4726And struck twice with the palm of his hand into the smoke.
4727
4728With his eyes completely closed.
4729
4730There were two meaty sounds of impact, along with the sounds of two bodies hitting the floor.
4731
4732“Miyuki, stop!”
4733
4734When Tatsuya gave out this order.
4735
4736The Magic Sequence Miyuki designed swiftly morphed into another object.
4737
4738It gathered the white smoke together like a tornado.
4739
4740The dust clouds were compressed to the size of ping pong balls, then fell to the ground locked inside triangular ice blocks that materialized out of thin air.
4741
4742Now that vision was no longer obstructed, the room revealed three men lying on the ground.
4743
4744One of them was rolling around on the ground, trying to fight back the hideous pain of frostbite.
4745
4746Two others bore bruises on their faces and lay there unconscious.
4747
4748“Onii-sama, it is alright to let Mibu-senpai go?”
4749
4750Miyuki wondered aloud.
4751
4752She had no doubts regarding whether Tatsuya had any ulterior motives.
4753
4754In Miyuki’s mind, there was little chance for Tatsuya to develop any relationship with women that surpassed sibling banter.
4755
4756Miyuki also clearly understood that Tatsuya was not the type to bring personal feelings into the mix.
4757
4758“I don’t doubt your skills, but there is always the possibility of a mishap when vision is obstructed.
4759
4760I don’t want you to run that risk, so let Erika handle Mibu-senpai.”
4761
4762The fastest point of egress from here would inevitably lead directly to Erika on the first floor. Given Sayaka’s current state, she was in no condition to seek alternate routes.
4763
4764“I don’t think Erika has any vested interest in this…”
4765
4766“Perhaps, if her opponent were anyone other than Mibu-senpai.”
4767
4768Miyuki didn’t really comprehend what it meant to fixate on your opponent.
4769
4770For her, combat was something to be avoided initially, but if pressed, victory overrode all other concerns.
4771
4772It didn’t matter who her opponent was.
4773
4774For her opponent’s identity, a simple label of “enemy” was sufficient, anything else became meaningless.
4775
4776That being said, from a purely intellectual perspective, she acknowledged that there were people out there who placed special meaning on who their opponents were.
4777
4778“Is that so? If it’s Erika, then there should be no problems.”
4779
4780So let’s leave Sayaka to Erika, Miyuki thought as she moved forward to help her elder brother bind the thieves in a way usually reserved for terrorists.
4781
4782
4783
4784
4785
4786Sayaka was now entirely relying on her subconscious for movement.
4787
4788The Antinite ring was her trump card when the time came to escape.
4789
4790Having gone through the education for “Magisters”, she knew the nature and limits of Cast Jamming.
4791
4792No, in regards to the knowledge surrounding this ring, Sayaka knew more about it than your average Magician.
4793
4794This ring did not possess the power to strike down other Magicians.
4795
4796It only had the power to interfere with magic through Cast Jamming. Aside from providing a method for avoiding magic attacks, there was no other purpose.
4797
4798You cannot defeat that 1st Year student.
4799
4800At that time, I witnessed glorious techniques that I’d never seen before.
4801
4802When their leader gave her this ring, he repeatedly cautioned her with the above warning.
4803
4804This ring is used solely for running away.
4805
4806The deeply imprinted scene in her brain and the echoes of those powerful words reverberated in her ears, prompting her limbs to keep moving.
4807
4808There were no footsteps behind her.
4809
4810No one was following her.
4811
4812In her heart, she understood that her companions had been taken down.
4813
4814However, her paralyzed mind would not allow her to make the conscious decision to go back and help them.
4815
4816Her mind consumed by the failure of their plan and the subsequent urge to flee the campus to their temporary base, Sayaka fled through the corridors and headed straight down the stairs.
4817
4818At that moment, her feet came to a dead stop.
4819
4820“Senpai, it’s a pleasure to meet you!”
4821
4822A young woman — probably a 1st Year student, given that she called her “senpai” — was smiling before her with both hands held behind her back.
4823
4824“… Who are you?”
4825
4826Her wariness forced out a sound.
4827
4828However, that 1st Year student’s cheery expression didn’t dim in the slightest.
4829
4830“1st Year, Class E, Chiba Erika.
4831
4832I want to confirm something just in case. You are Mibu Sayaka-senpai, who took silver in last year’s National Middle School Women’s Kendo Competition, correct?”
4833
4834The words struck Sayaka like an invisible blow.
4835
4836The darkest corners of her consciousness and the deepest depths of her heart stung as if struck with a shinai.
4837
4838“… And what of it?”
4839
4840Suppressing the sudden pain, Sayaka replied back.
4841
4842“It’s nothing, nothing at all.
4843
4844I just wanted to be sure.”
4845
4846Erika kept her hands behind her back.
4847
4848However, there were no weak points anywhere on her body.
4849
4850Her slim figure was incapable of blocking the corridor entirely, but there were no detectable “gaps” for a person to pass through anywhere.
4851
4852And on top of that… Were the hands hidden behind her back empty?
4853
4854Is she really not holding anything?
4855
4856“… Suddenly showing up here. You aren’t planning to let me pass.”
4857
4858There was no sign of pursuit to her rear.
4859
4860Be that as it may, given the man in question, concealing his presence was probably a piece of cake.
4861
4862Sayaka reined in her anxious emotions and strove to speak in an even manner.
4863
4864She knew that her chances of breaking through unharmed were zero from the beginning.
4865
4866“Where are you going?”
4867
4868“That’s none of your business.”
4869
4870“You don’t want to answer… is that right?”
4871
4872“Yes.”
4873
4874“Negotiation breakdown.”
4875
4876Erika happily declared.
4877
4878Although the words seemed a little farfetched, but Sayaka knew very well that she never planned on letting her go in the first place.
4879
4880Sayaka quickly glanced left and right.
4881
4882Unfortunately, she didn’t have a weapon on hand.
4883
4884While she was equipped with a CAD, she would have to yield her Cast Jamming in order to use magic.
4885
4886A silvery gray rod appeared in the corner of her vision.
4887
4888It was a stun baton that belonged to one of Sayaka’s companions.
4889
4890The baton was a little shorter than what she was accustomed to, but it would serve as a suitable replacement for her usual weapon.
4891
4892Sayaka slowly lowered her center of gravity.
4893
4894She concentrated all her strength into her feet.
4895
4896And abruptly sprang away.
4897
4898After grabbing the stun baton on the ground, Sayaka fell into a crouch to greet the other woman.
4899
4900On the other hand, Erika just stood there gaping at Sayaka’s antics.
4901
4902“There’s no need to be in such a hurry, I was going to give you time to locate a weapon…”
4903
4904Sayaka flushed.
4905
4906This wasn’t a solo performance! In an effort to hide the awkwardness and embarrassment brought on by her actions, Sayaka glared at Erika and shouted,
4907
4908“Get away from there! Otherwise you’re going to get hurt!”
4909
4910“Self defense established! Well, I never intended to use that excuse anyways,”
4911
4912Erika said in a very excited tone as she brought her hands from behind her to the front.
4913
4914Her right hand held a retractable police baton, while the left carried an actual short-sword.
4915
4916Following that, she casually tossed the weapon in her left hand to one side.
4917
4918“Shall we begin, senpai?”
4919
4920Erika raised her right arm.
4921
4922Sayaka also took a combat stance. Her weapon was pointed directly at her opponent, her right hand placed above her left.
4923
4924On one side, Sayaka with the central two-handed style. On the other, Erika in a half curved stance with the one-handed style.
4925
4926The match started in a flash.
4927
4928Contact was made between the blades, but their swings emitted no sounds.
4929
4930The instant she saw movement, Erika swung her baton at Sayaka’s neck.
4931
4932Sayaka furiously raised her arm.
4933
4934She dashed backwards, reflexively adopting a defensive posture as she was barely able to take this blow. At the same time, her opponent had already looped to her rear.
4935
4936To parry the next blow, Sayaka instinctively raised her baton.
4937
4938The shock of the blow reverberated down the stun baton into her hand. Sayaka was more than ready to close into melee range but her opponent had already retreated out of range.
4939
4940“Personal Speed Magic…?”
4941
4942Sayaka softly murmured.
4943
4944Erika did not reply.
4945
4946“… Just like Watanabe-senpai?”
4947
4948However, her next words stopped Erika cold.
4949
4950Although it was only a momentary hesitation, that was sufficient to shift the momentum.
4951
4952Erika, who once again advanced, was forced to stop by the piercing noise that filled the corridor.
4953
4954This was Psion noise, noise that normal ears could not hear.
4955
4956Seeing Erika’s face contort in discomfort, Sayaka immediately charged.
4957
4958She would not give her opponent an instant to catch her breath.
4959
4960Face, face, forearm, abdomen, diagonal slash, uppercut, face, reverse diagonal slash…
4961
4962This series of sword strikes was obviously not developed solely for kendo training, as it included several techniques from ancient kendo styles.
4963
4964Her attack was as swift as fire.
4965
4966Just as the proverb FÅ«rinkazan dictated, her attack was as fierce as flame.
4967
4968At some point, the Psion noise disappeared.
4969
4970The reason behind this was obvious.
4971
4972In order to activate Cast Jamming, a constant influx of Psions into the Antinite was required.
4973
4974If the influx of Psions stopped, the noise would stop as well.
4975
4976The noise that originally filled the room gradually died away.
4977
4978Because Sayaka had thrown everything she had into her blows, maintaining Cast Jamming was frankly impossible.
4979
4980So long as one was capable of using magic, no matter how fierce or powerful the attack was, nothing could match the speed of magic.
4981
4982While she clearly knew this, Erika didn’t plan on using magic.
4983
4984She probably didn’t have the time to design a Magic Sequence.
4985
4986Erika was a Course 2 student that didn’t excel in compiling technical skills.
4987
4988Even so, Erika’s CAD was a specialized model that was fortified for high speed combat and possessed a form that Erika was well accustomed to.
4989
4990In addition, her Engravement Magic was a type that could still channel Psions even under the effects of Cast Jamming.
4991
4992If she could create enough separation, then she would be able to use magic attacks.
4993
4994However, Erika didn’t try to break away, nor did she press forward.
4995
4996In direct opposition to the high praise of the fierce flame, Sayaka’s attack could only be described as fairly clumsy.
4997
4998On the other hand, Erika was using precise and fluid motions to defuse each of her opponent’s attacks.
4999
5000Her eyes betrayed no trace of agitation.
5001
5002Her breath remained perfectly even.
5003
5004The first one to start breathing raggedly was actually Sayaka, who had expended all her energy on the attack.
5005
5006The momentum reversed in an instant.
5007
5008The attacker and defender roles were swapped.
5009
5010Erika sidestepped her opponent’s final blow, then immediately retaliated against Sayaka’s motionless stun baton.
5011
5012The stun baton, which was by design more fragile than bokkens or staves, snapped upon impact to its base.
5013
5014“…”
5015
5016Sayaka stared weakly at the police baton pointed at her.
5017
5018Her eyes still burned with her fighting spirit.
5019
5020“Please pick it up.”
5021
5022Erika said without moving her weapon.
5023
5024“…”
5025
5026Unable to comprehend her words, Sayaka made no response.
5027
5028“Pick up the short-sword on the ground and show me your true strength.
5029
5030I will shatter the feminine illusion that binds you.”
5031
5032Sayaka ignored the police baton before her eyes and bent her knees.
5033
5034She picked up the short-sword that Erika discarded, then once again fell into a stance.
5035
5036Afterwards, Sayaka remembered something, fell out of her stance and put her left hand atop her right.
5037
5038She removed the flashing bronze ring on her right hand.
5039
5040And threw it to the floor.
5041
5042“I don’t need to rely on that.
5043
5044I will use my own strength to break your technique.”
5045
5046Sayaka removed her uniform jacket.
5047
5048At First High, female students wore sleeveless gowns beneath their uniform jackets.
5049
5050Sayaka’s arms were exposed from the shoulder down, which guaranteed her complete freedom of movement.
5051
5052Sayaka turned the edge of the blade skywards.
5053
5054Slashing with the back of the blade was a method that completely disregarded the structural properties of the weapon, and only served to increase the risk of the blade breaking.
5055
5056Even with this disadvantage, Sayaka was unwilling to allow her hesitation towards murder to dull the speed of the blade’s tip, hence she assumed this position.
5057
5058“I understand.”
5059
5060They stood in the ready position facing one another.
5061
5062“Your techniques seem to come from the same style as Watanabe-senpai.”
5063
5064“Do not speak of my blade in the same sentence as that woman’s sword. We are on completely different levels.”
5065
5066Each side exchanged one sentence, heralding the start of the verbal spar.
5067
5068Thereafter, silence dominated the scene.
5069
5070Silence turned into anxiety, and anxiety turned to urgency.
5071
5072Just as the urgency reached a crescendo, Erika’s figure vanished.
5073
5074The exchange was over in an instant.
5075
5076The crisp sound of metallic contact rang out.
5077
5078It was practically impossible for the naked eye to discern, but Sayaka truly managed to defend herself against one of Erika’s magically accelerated attacks.
5079
5080She managed to hold off the “longsword’s” first attack.
5081
5082The short-sword slid from Sayaka’s nerveless hands.
5083
5084Subsequently, Sayaka pressed her right arm and fell to one knee.
5085
5086“My apologies, senpai.
5087
5088That’s probably a fracture.”
5089
5090“… The bone cracked.
5091
5092It’s fine. I don’t think you were holding back.”
5093
5094“Yes, senpai, you can hold your head up high.
5095
5096That’s because you forced a woman of the Chiba Family to go all out.”
5097
5098“I see… So, you’re a member of the Chiba family.”
5099
5100
5101
5102
5103
5104“That’s the truth of the matter.
5105
5106By the way, Watanabe Mari is a disciple of our family as well.
5107
5108I was the one who oversaw her certification.
5109
5110In terms of pure swordsmanship, I am the superior one.”
5111
5112Hearing this, Sayaka finally smiled.
5113
5114It was a brief, carefree smile.
5115
5116“Is that so…?
5117
5118I say, although the loser has no right to ask for a boon, could you call a stretcher for me?
5119
5120I feel like, my consciousness, is fading, ah…”
5121
5122Sayaka crumpled to the ground.
5123
5124Erika carefully scooped her up.
5125
5126She softly whispered into the ears of the unconscious Sayaka.
5127
5128“Don’t worry, senpai.
5129
5130Because your gentle kohai will take senpai away from here.”
5131
5132
5133
5134
5135
5136“So, you want me to carry Mibu-senpai out of here?”
5137
5138Regarding Tatsuya’s natural question, Erika nodded her head as if she couldn’t care less.
5139
5140“It’s okay, she’s not that heavy.”
5141
5142“No, that’s not the issue.”
5143
5144“Now you can legitimately hug a cute girl to yourself, so why don’t you just happily accept already?”
5145
5146“I have no interest in being happy about such a trivial matter… No, that’s still not the issue.”
5147
5148“… You know, I just had an inkling about this. Is Tatsuya-kun uninterested in women?
5149
5150Like, do you swing in that direction?”
5151
5152“What do you mean by that direction?”
5153
5154“Gay!”
5155
5156“Don’t be ridiculous!
5157
5158That’s why I said this isn’t the issue. We can easily call for a stretcher, so why must I be the one to carry her?”
5159
5160Miyuki laughed merrily at this scene.
5161
5162Tatsuya was simultaneously dealing with his mounting exhaustion while trying to decipher Erika’s logic at the same time. —At this point, he had already half-given up on the inside.
5163
5164“It would obviously make Mibu-senpai very happy!”
5165
5166At some point, Tatsuya stopped replying.
5167
5168While he still felt that the proposal was illogical, he was also resigned to the fact that using logic to convince Erika was going to be an extremely challenging task.
5169
5170The conversation had reached its conclusion, so to speak.
5171
5172“Isn’t this wonderful, Onii-sama?
5173
5174Although her injury isn’t dire, it is true that the earlier she can be treated the better.
5175
5176I think that the most efficient method would probably be for Onii-sama to carry her.
5177
5178At any rate, there’s no use trying to explain it further.
5179
5180Your opponent is Erika, after all.”
5181
5182“Wait, Miyuki, what’s that supposed to mean?”
5183
5184“Yeah, that’s true. Oh, well.”
5185
5186“Wait, Tatsuya-kun, what the heck is this, hitting people when they’re down?
5187
5188Don’t you guys think that going two on one is a little treacherous?”
5189
5190“Ara, I’m obviously Erika’s ally here!”
5191
5192“Lies! Blatant lies!”
5193
5194When faced with Erika’s shouting, Miyuki merely smiled pleasantly in acceptance. With this conversation as the BGM, Tatsuya carefully picked up Sayaka.
5195
5196This action wasn’t an abrupt one, nor did he waver when doing so.
5197
5198It was more like he had no idea where to place his strength to perform this action.
5199
5200“Hm, just as expected, Tatsuya-kun is quite capable.”
5201
5202For some reason, Erika expressed this opinion as she nodded several times. Since responding to her words would only waste more time, Tatsuya decided to start walking.
5203
5204Sayaka’s unconscious face looked like she was in a deep slumber.
5205
5206
5207
5208
5209
5210After learning of the capture of the library infiltrators through the screen of his portable terminal, Tsukasa of the Men’s Kendo Division knew that he had to link up with his older brother, the current head of Blanche’s Japan branch, and seek further instructions. This had to be accomplished in the shortest time frame possible.
5211
5212While technically his older brother, he was only a stepbrother from his father’s second marriage at the end of the day. However, Tsukasa always trusted his older brother as if they were directly related by blood. There was no sense of awkwardness between the two of them after the marriage initially, so how did they get to this point? He just couldn’t recall how.
5213
5214Whenever he thought of this mystery, it was immediately buried beneath other thoughts. The moment Tsukasa thought of this, he shook his head, because now wasn’t the time to consider it. It was too dangerous to use the wireless network for contact. He wasn’t worried about being overheard; he just didn’t want to use such a normal method of communication, but this was a critical situation. Any inbound message, whether wired or wireless, ran the risk of being intercepted, so thinking like this was only natural.
5215
5216Tsukasa wasn’t expecting any problems by leaving campus. Even though this was a critical situation, it was not war time nor was it a period of civil war. There was no way a gunfight would break out on campus. Although people unaffiliated with clubs had to undergo strenuous examination, this generally did not affect students.
5217
5218Tsukasa made his decision based on this assumption, but unfortunately for him, fate had other ideas.
5219
5220“If it isn’t Tsukasa from the kendo club. Are you headed home?”
5221
5222Just as Tsukasa was about to waltz out the main gate, someone called out to him from behind.
5223
5224It wasn’t a friend. He did not know that voice.
5225
5226When he turned around, what stood before him was a swarthy individual of medium height who could be comfortably described as boorish. Like Tsukasa, he was a large, robust 3rd Year student. He wore the emblem of the Public Morals Committee on his wrist.
5227
5228“Tatsumi… Uh, aren’t club activities canceled because of the riots? That’s why I decided to head home!”
5229
5230Faltering due to poor acting would be troublesome. Consciously ordering his body to cooperate, Tsukasa replied back in an even tone.
5231
5232“Is that so? Well, that’s okay. Club activities are probably canceled all around campus.”
5233
5234“Ah, that’s it. So--”
5235
5236Goodbye. The word was on the tip of his tongue, but Tsukasa never got the chance to say it.
5237
5238“Wait a second. There’s something I wanted to ask you.”
5239
5240His heart raced.
5241
5242“Ask me?”
5243
5244Barely managing to contain his wavering, Tsukasa managed to fake an astonished expression.
5245
5246“Yeah, I need to ask you specifically, Tsukasa.”
5247
5248Tatsumi’s voice seemed to fan the flames of Tsukasa’s agitation. Tsukasa felt as if that tone knew everything he was up to.
5249
5250“My Chief has an amazing special technique.”
5251
5252All of a sudden, the conversation changed entirely — at least that’s what it sounded like — but the same sense of wariness from the beginning did not diminish in the slightest.
5253
5254“By manipulating the air currents and adding some enhancements, we can create truth serums without resorting to illegal drugs.”
5255
5256A scream was about to force its way out of his throat, but Tsukasa fought it down.
5257
5258However, he was only wasting his time.
5259
5260“You don’t have to fake any ambivalence, Tsukasa. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?
5261
5262We already have proof, evidence that you ordered them to do these things.”
5263
5264Tsukasa didn’t reply.
5265
5266While he was a Course 2 student weak in technical skills, thanks to his extensive training in kendo he had plenty of confidence in his own Speed Magics. Both of them looked fairly swarthy and Tatsumi was one of the few 3rd Year students capable of putting out some speed, but Tsukasa was confident he had the edge in a pure footrace.
5267
5268All of this was in Tsukasa’s calculations, but his plans were dashed before they came to fruition.
5269
5270“Tsukasa-senpai! Please come with us for a moment!”
5271
5272A somber but powerful voice rang out. To be precise, the owner of this voice was standing directly in his path.
5273
5274“Sawaki… Why the hell are you two here?”
5275
5276Tsukasa hoarsely shouted. When the riots broke out, both of them should have been at the library. Why the heck were two members of the active combat division stationed all the way out here? It was only natural for Tsukasa to wonder about that.
5277
5278“You haven’t noticed yet? Our job is solely to keep an eye on you today, with some support from long range Sensory System personnel. We would’ve wasted our time if you didn’t cave in the end, but we finally figured out your escape route.”
5279
5280As Tatsumi was happily explaining behind him, Tsukasa made the conscious decision to forcibly break through here.
5281
5282The breakthrough would have to occur in Sawaki’s direction. In this situation, returning to campus was suicide.
5283
5284That being said, even though Sawaki was a 2nd Year student, he specialized in a form of magic close combat called Magic Martial Arts. Unarmed, Tsukasa had no chance — in a straight up fight, that is.
5285
5286Tsukasa removed the scarf tied around his right arm.
5287
5288Inside, there was a bronze colored bracelet. The Antinite Bracelet.
5289
5290He activated Cast Jamming.
5291
5292Tsukasa knew that by spreading the Cast Jamming waves, he was alerting their allies to his location. However, this wasn’t the time to worry about that. The most important thing was to break out of the current trap and establish a link with his older brother — this powerful thought dominated Tsukasa’s actions.
5293
5294Tsukasa charged towards Sawaki, who furrowed his brows. At the end of the day, Magic Martial Arts was a technique that used magic to reinforce the physical body, to enable the usage of powerful combat abilities. In a scenario where no magic was used, Sawaki should have no chance of overcoming a kendoist such as himself, even if he was unarmed, without the aid of magic. With this in mind, Tsukasa struck out at Sawaki.
5295
5296Sawaki easily dodged his chop.
5297
5298His flank suffered a furious blow. Sawaki’s elbow dug deeply into Tsukasa’s abdomen.
5299
5300“Tsukasa, you moron, I don’t think you understand.”
5301
5302As Tsukasa collapsed to the ground, Tatsumi said this in a sympathetic manner.
5303
5304“Sawaki is a tough opponent even without magic. There are a lot of people who misunderstand me, though those guys are incapable of doing anything without magic, and are unable to move freely without an unnecessary thing like magic.”
5305
5306Moaning in pain, Tsukasa couldn’t reply. Sawaki silently bound Tsukasa securely.
5307
5308
5309
5310
5311
5312In the Nurse’s Room, they were listening to Sayaka’s side of the story.
5313
5314Her right arm needed treatment, so it was best not to upset her too much. While the school doctor forbade this, it was currently Sayaka who wanted to tell her story.
5315
5316Mayumi, Mari, and Katsuto were all gathered to hear this. The mastermind Tsukasa Kinoe had been captured, and the riot had been suppressed on the surface, but the exact details behind the attack were still unknown. The off-campus invaders that had been captured had already been handed over to the police by the faculty, and thanks to the efforts of the School Council, Club Activities Group and Public Morals Committee, no students were affected.
5317
5318Currently, Tsukasa was in no condition to be interrogated. Taking this into consideration, Sayaka’s confession became the only source of information, so it wasn’t odd for Mayumi and the others to be present.
5319
5320The tale began when Sayaka was first introduced to her other companions.
5321
5322Last year, shortly after Sayaka entered the school, she struck up a conversation with Tsukasa. At that time, there were a lot of sympathizers in the kendo club. It wasn’t just the kendo club, but students were also forming magic training clubs with similar philosophies. It came as a huge shock to discover that the time and scale of the operations far exceeded Mayumi and co.’s expectations. The one who took it hardest was probably Mari. Mayumi, Mari, and Katsuto were all struck differently by this revelation in the beginning.
5323
5324“I’m sorry, I never imagined this could happen, but…”
5325
5326Erika stared intently at the blinking Mari.
5327
5328However, Mari had no time to care about this gaze.
5329
5330“Mibu, is what you said true?”
5331
5332Hearing Mari’s faltering question, Sayaka lowered her head for less than a second.
5333
5334Raising her head, Sayaka nodded calmly, and replied in the same calm manner.
5335
5336“Now that I think about it, I might have been too proud of being called ‘kendo belle’ in middle school.
5337
5338Therefore, shortly after I came to school, I saw Watanabe-senpai’s incredible magic swordsmanship during the club recruitment week. I petitioned for personal lessons from you, but was coldly rebuffed, and that one cut really deep…
5339
5340I couldn’t be your opponent probably because I was a Course 2 student. Once I thought of this, I lost all my motivation.”
5341
5342“Wait… Just a second.
5343
5344Last year’s recruitment week, when I went overboard during the kenjutsu lessons?
5345
5346I remember that incident.
5347
5348I didn’t forget that you petitioned to be my opponent.
5349
5350But, I don’t recall harshly rejecting you?”
5351
5352“It’s common for people to have difficulty understanding the feelings of the rejected.”
5353
5354Erika reprimanded Mari in an ironic tone, who stood there with a solemn expression and head lowered.
5355
5356“Erika, be quiet for a bit.”
5357
5358But she was stopped by Tatsuya.
5359
5360“What? Is Tatsuya-kun on Watanabe-senpai’s side as well?”
5361
5362“I just want you to finish listening to her. You can chew people out or debate about this after you hear everything.”
5363
5364Hearing this rebuke, Erika revealed a displeased expression, but quieted down regardless.
5365
5366After a short period of silence, Sayaka painfully continued.
5367
5368“Senpai, you said that I couldn’t be your opponent, so I shouldn’t waste my time and go seek someone who could match me… To hear this from my respected senpai just after coming to school…”
5369
5370“Wait… No, wait a minute.
5371
5372That’s a misunderstanding, Mibu.”
5373
5374“Eh?”
5375
5376“It’s true that I said that.
5377
5378— I’m sorry, but my swordsmanship can’t compete against yours, so it’s a waste of your time. So that’s why you should go search for a worthy opponent for yourself — that’s all.
5379
5380Wasn’t that how it was?”
5381
5382“Eh, that… Then, if that’s the case…”
5383
5384“In other words, this is why I said ‘I can’t be your opponent’.”
5385
5386“It’s because you are much stronger than me in swordsmanship.”
5387
5388Sayaka wore a slack-jawed expression as Mayumi turned to ask Mari.
5389
5390“Just a moment, Mari.
5391
5392You mean that you turned down Mibu’s request because she was much stronger than you, did I get that right?”
5393
5394“That’s exactly it.
5395
5396While it is true that I have the edge after you add magic into it…
5397
5398The techniques that I’ve learned are all meant to be used in conjunction with magic. I underwent physical and weapons training in order to better grasp how to use my magic more effectively.
5399
5400There’s no way I could be able to stand up to Mibu in terms of pure swordsmanship.”
5401
5402“So… It was my misunderstanding… all along…?”
5403
5404An awkward silence flooded the Nurse’s Office.
5405
5406“I feel like such an idiot…
5407
5408I selfishly misunderstood senpai’s intentions… put myself down…”
5409
5410Only Sayaka’s whimpers prodded the silence.
5411
5412“I don’t think it’s a waste.”
5413
5414Until Tatsuya shattered it with his words.
5415
5416“… Shiba-kun?”
5417
5418Sayaka lifted her head and gazed directly at Tatsuya, who continued to speak in a vague tone.
5419
5420“That was what Erika said after seeing senpai’s techniques.
5421
5422To the best of Erika’s knowledge, you were vastly stronger than the ‘kendo belle’ that took silver in the middle school competition.
5423
5424It might be sad that your new found strength came from resentment and hate.
5425
5426But, it is without question that Mibu-senpai’s swordsmanship improved through your own dedication and diligence.
5427
5428You were not consumed by hatred, nor were you overwhelmed by despair as you spent the last year training yourself to the next level. So I don’t think it was wasted.”
5429
5430“…”
5431
5432“There are many junctures in growing stronger.
5433
5434There are a myriad reasons behind hard work.
5435
5436You only truly waste your time if you deny the hours, hard work, and results that came from what you’ve done, isn’t that right?”
5437
5438“Shiba-kun…”
5439
5440Tears welled up her eyes as Sayaka looked upwards at Tatsuya.
5441
5442However, this time, she smiled.
5443
5444“Shiba-kun, I have a request.”
5445
5446“What is it?”
5447
5448“Can you come a little closer?”
5449
5450“Is this enough?”
5451
5452“A little more.”
5453
5454“Ha.”
5455
5456The atmosphere changed; the once tense atmosphere became fluid.
5457
5458However,
5459
5460“Then, please.”
5461
5462It quickly,
5463
5464“Just stand there and don’t move.”
5465
5466Turned back into a nervous atmosphere.
5467
5468Sayaka tightly gripped Tatsuya’s clothes, and buried her face into Tatsuya’s chest.
5469
5470“Wah, wah…”
5471
5472The sniffling quickly turned into full blown sobbing.
5473
5474Pressed into Tatsuya’s chest, Sayaka was bawling her eyes out.
5475
5476Everyone looked at one another in dismay as Tatsuya wordlessly held her slim shoulders. Seeing this, Miyuki lowered her head.
5477
5478
5479
5480
5481
5482After finally settling down, Sayaka started explaining what she knew about Blanche, the organization that backed the alliance.
5483
5484“Just as you foresaw, Onii-sama.”
5485
5486“It was so accurate that it got boring.”
5487
5488“That’s just how reality is, Chief.
5489
5490However, the real problem comes next.”
5491
5492Tatsuya spoke as if he had already charted out the next course of action.
5493
5494“… Tatsuya-kun, are you planning to fight them?”
5495
5496“That’s an incorrect way to put it. I’m not going to fight them, I am going to annihilate them.”
5497
5498Hearing Mayumi’s trepidation, Tatsuya bluntly replied back with the most incentive method possible.
5499
5500“That’s dangerous! You’ve already gone above and beyond the call of duty for students.”
5501
5502The first one to object was Mari.
5503
5504Even within the confines of the campus, Mari was someone who was constantly doing firefighting, so her sense of danger was particularly sharp, which was only natural given the circumstances.
5505
5506“I object as well. You should leave off-campus cases to the police.”
5507
5508Mayumi solemnly shook her head.
5509
5510However,
5511
5512“Is this before or after we release the details surrounding Mibu-senpai’s attempted robbery and hand her over to the family court’s jurisdiction?”
5513
5514At Tatsuya’s words, Mayumi froze and was unable to utter another word.
5515
5516“I see. So you don’t want the police to intervene.
5517
5518And that’s why this is something you can’t ignore.
5519
5520In order to prevent future repetitions from occurring.
5521
5522Is that right, Shiba?”
5523
5524Katsuto’s burning gaze caught Tatsuya’s eyes.
5525
5526“Your opponents are terrorists. If you let down your guard, you will die.
5527
5528It doesn’t matter if it’s me, Mayumi or Watanabe, we will not let students from this campus run that risk.”
5529
5530“Of course.”
5531
5532Despite that, Tatsuya did not cower before that gaze, and immediately replied.
5533
5534“From the beginning, I never planned to request assistance from the Public Morals Committee or the Club Activities Group.”
5535
5536“… You plan on going alone?”
5537
5538“That was the plan.”
5539
5540“I’m going with you.”
5541
5542Hearing his sister’s immediate answer, Tatsuya revealed a bitter smile.
5543
5544“Me too.”
5545
5546“And me.”
5547
5548Erika and Leo both stepped forward, expressing their intent to join the battle.
5549
5550“Shiba-kun, if you’re doing this on my behalf, I beg you to reconsider.
5551
5552Just as the President said, please leave this to the police.
5553
5554I’ll be alright. I will just be punished for what I’ve done.
5555
5556Compared to that, if Shiba-kun got hurt because of me, I wouldn’t be able to take it.”
5557
5558Sayaka hurriedly tried to stop him, but Tatsuya’s expression was not very welcoming.
5559
5560“This isn’t for Mibu-senpai.”
5561
5562These cold words stopped Sayaka short, causing her to lower her head.
5563
5564“As someone whose personal life has been imperiled by terrorists, I too have a stake in this.
5565
5566I will exterminate any and all sources of harm directed towards Miyuki and myself. This is the highest priority for me.”
5567
5568Was he intentionally shouldering all the responsibility in order to lighten Sayaka’s sense of guilt? — It seemed unlikely, given his current expression. Lacking Miyuki’s insight on her brother’s thoughts, Leo, Erika, Mayumi and Mari concluded that Tatsuya was speaking earnestly from the heart.
5569
5570His piercing, chilly gaze alone was enough to convince them of that.
5571
5572There was no anger, no aroused fighting spirit, just calmly stating his intent to annihilate the terrorists. Before Tatsuya’s confidence — or maybe determination — even Katsuto could say nothing more.
5573
5574“However, Onii-sama, how do we completely exterminate Blanche root and branch?
5575
5576They should have already evacuated from the temporary base that Mibu-senpai spoke of, so I don’t think there will be many clues left behind.”
5577
5578Only Miyuki was able to converse with her brother normally.
5579
5580“That’s true, Tsukasa-senpai would likely say the same thing.
5581
5582Rather than saying no clues were left behind, it would be more appropriate to say that we never had any clues in the first place.”
5583
5584“Then, what should we do?”
5585
5586Although there were no clues to be had, Miyuki continued to question her brother without a trace of dismay on her features.
5587
5588“In order to understand the unknown, the only thing that needs to be done is to ask someone who is familiar with the subject.”
5589
5590“… Someone familiar with the subject?”
5591
5592“Do you have an idea, Tatsuya?”
5593
5594Tatsuya did not reply to Erika and Leo’s questions. He merely opened the doors leading to the exit.
5595
5596“Ono-sensei?”
5597
5598Mayumi smiled in a bemused manner at the sight of Haruka in a pantsuit.
5599
5600“… I can’t believe I was naive enough to try and conceal my presence against Yakumo-sensei’s favorite student…”
5601
5602She forced a smile as she said this in an uncaring tone. Her target was obviously Tatsuya.
5603
5604An apathetic Tatsuya responded in a slightly surprised voice.
5605
5606“You never intended to conceal your presence in the first place.
5607
5608Thanks to all the untruths you’ve spoken, I can’t tell whether you’re telling the truth anymore.”
5609
5610“I will take that into account.”
5611
5612Tatsuya made a welcoming motion to usher her inside, while Haruka slowly paced towards the bedside.
5613
5614She bent down and matched gazes with Sayaka, who was sitting on the bed.
5615
5616“You look like you’re okay…”
5617
5618“Ono-sensei…”
5619
5620“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to offer any assistance.”
5621
5622Sayaka shook her head as Ono-sensei placed a hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes. After a short time, she directed her gaze to the bedside.
5623
5624“Haruka-chan, do you know where Blanche is currently located?”
5625
5626Who are you talking to? -- Ono-sensei decided to forgo her normal playacting.
5627
5628“Haruka-chan?”
5629
5630“Ah? Tatsuya, didn’t you know?”
5631
5632The question itself was obvious, but now that he was on the receiving end, Tatsuya was hesitant on how to field it.
5633
5634“Our classmates refer to sensei as such.
5635
5636Haruka-chan also says she doesn’t mind.”
5637
5638“It’s not everyone, only a portion of the boys.
5639
5640Tatsuya-kun, you’ve been tricked.”
5641
5642“Ah…”
5643
5644This unexpected drama quickly defused the tense atmosphere in the room.
5645
5646That being said, rather than mishandling the situation and causing tensions to rise, this was probably the better alternative, Tatsuya thought to himself. At any rate, this was an explanation he could somewhat accept.
5647
5648“—Then, Ono-sensei.”
5649
5650“You can call me Haruka-chan if you like.”
5651
5652He couldn’t believe that he was in such a predicament because of this woman’s playacting. The only thing Tatsuya could do was rein in his annoyance.
5653
5654“—Ono-sensei, given the situation, you can drop the act.”
5655
5656“No sense of sentimentality whatsoever.”
5657
5658“…”
5659
5660“… Cough.”
5661
5662The opaque gaze directed at Tatsuya was quite clumsy no matter how you sliced it, but after that coughing sound — an overly exaggerated coughing sound — Haruka changed her posture.
5663
5664“Someone get a map. It’s much faster this way.”
5665
5666Tatsuya silently pulled out an information terminal.
5667
5668He opened the screen and set it to map mode.
5669
5670Haruka also pulled out a terminal — much more graceful and suave than Tatsuya’s motion — and set it to directional transmission.
5671
5672After receiving the signal, a flashing light appeared on the map.
5673
5674“… That’s literally right under our noses!”
5675
5676“… Are they mocking us?”
5677
5678The reason behind Leo and Erika’s outrage lay in the fact that the enemy’s lair could be reached by foot within an hour.
5679
5680The image was magnified before switching over to a more detailed layout.
5681
5682The location was the hills outside of the city proper, near the abandoned factories for the chemical dye industry.
5683
5684“… been confirmed that the factory was the hideout of the Eco-Terrorists, which was abandoned when they fled.”
5685
5686Tatsuya was reading the additional notes.
5687
5688“They returned to this location without being detected by law enforcement officials.”
5689
5690“So they’re the same group?”
5691
5692Although phrased as a question, given the looks on Mari and Mayumi’s faces, their inner thoughts were hardly a secret.
5693
5694“Were toxic materials transported to this location during this time period?”
5695
5696“Hm, according to our investigation, there are no BC (biochemical) weapons on site.”
5697
5698Hearing Katsuto’s comment, Haruka nodded.
5699
5700“We should have no problems with transportation.”
5701
5702“Have they detected our magic?”
5703
5704“Even if they did detect us, they wouldn’t change their plans anyways. They’re probably dug in and waiting for us to show up.”
5705
5706Tatsuya referred to himself as “someone who was involved” not because all the victims were students affiliated with First High. The terrorists aimed to seize unpublished magic research and techniques. With that in mind, his own personal technique may also be targeted by the terrorists. Tatsuya inferred that Tsukasa Kinoe ambushed him in the first place to ascertain how effective his technique was.
5707
5708“Full frontal assault?”
5709
5710“That would probably be the tactic the enemy least expects.”
5711
5712Tatsuya didn’t need to say anything. The moment Miyuki announced such a warlike declaration, the two of them had already devised their strategy.
5713
5714Katsuto agreed on this point.
5715
5716“Yes, that is an acceptable tactic. Let me get the car ready.”
5717
5718“Eh? Juumonji-kun is going as well?”
5719
5720Mayumi’s question was probably mirrored in Tatsuya’s thoughts.
5721
5722Katsuto definitely didn’t seem like the type who would bar his subordinates from fighting, only to charge off to the front line on his own.
5723
5724“This is the duty of the Juumonji family who bear the name of the Ten Master Clans.
5725
5726But before that, I am still a student of First High, so there’s no way I could watch this pass by without lifting a finger.
5727
5728I cannot leave this in the hands of the underclassmen alone.”
5729
5730“… Then me too.”
5731
5732“Saegusa, you can’t go.”
5733
5734“Mayumi, the situation would be problematic if the Student Council President wasn’t available.”
5735
5736“… I understand.”
5737
5738It took the two of them combined to barely persuade Mayumi to reluctantly accept their proposal.
5739
5740“Then, if that is the case, Mari, you can’t go either. There may be remnants still lurking on campus. As the Public Morals Committee Chief, leaving your post at this critical juncture would also cause difficulties.”
5741
5742Now it was Mari’s turn to grudgingly accept that condition.
5743
5744Completely ignoring the two women who were glaring at one another, Katsuto turned his gaze on Tatsuya.
5745
5746“Shiba, are you leaving immediately? If we wait any longer, we may be forced to fight in the darkness.”
5747
5748“This won’t take too long. The battle will be over by dusk.”
5749
5750“Is that so?”
5751
5752Katsuto probably saw something in Tatsuya’s adamant attitude.
5753
5754Thus, he didn’t say anything further. He left the Nurse’s Office after mentioning that he’d get the car.
5755
5756“The President and Club Activities Group Leader are both members of the Ten Master Clans, this I know… So what’s Haruka-chan’s background?”
5757
5758“We can talk about that later. Let’s move.”
5759
5760Leo’s overly impetuous question was casually brushed aside by Tatsuya.
5761
5762Immediately following Tatsuya and Miyuki, Leo and Erika left the Nurse’s Office.
5763
5764
5765
5766
5767
5768A large all-terrain vehicle was parked outside the school dormitories.
5769
5770An additional member occupied the passenger seat in the front row.
5771
5772“Yo, Shiba.”
5773
5774“Kirihara-senpai.”
5775
5776“You don’t seem very surprised.”
5777
5778“… No, I’m actually quite surprised.”
5779
5780The primary source of shock came from his greeting, though it must be owed that the flower dangling from his lips helped.
5781
5782“Hey bro, I’m coming too.”
5783
5784“Do as you wish.”
5785
5786Tatsuya was completely unable to comprehend the state of mind necessary for Kirihara to utter those words.
5787
5788Regardless, daylight was burning.
5789
5790And so, Tatsuya got into the all-terrain vehicle, with his sister and friends closely behind.
5791
5792
5793
5794
5795
5796Chapter 11
5797
5798
5799
5800
5801In a world dyed in a madder red,
5802
5803A large all-terrain vehicle reflected the rays of the setting sun as it sped through the city,
5804
5805Before smashing through the main doors leading to the factory.
5806
5807
5808
5809
5810
5811“Nice work, Leo.”
5812
5813“……Nah, that was nothing.”
5814
5815“Man, that was exhausting.”
5816
5817All of a sudden, Leo was asked to encompass the entirety of a large all-terrain vehicle speeding along above 100 kilometers per hour with high level Fortify Magic at the moment of impact, an extremely taxing task that consumed all his reserves.
5818
5819“Shiba, this is your plan. Call it.”
5820
5821Tatsuya accepted the authority and responsibility that Katsuto offered without any hesitation.
5822
5823“Leo, you remain here on guard.
5824
5825Erika, support Leo and take care of anyone trying to flee.”
5826
5827“……Is it okay to not apprehend them?”
5828
5829“There’s no need for such a risky action. To ensure minimal risk, just take them out.
5830
5831Kirihara-senpai and the Group Leader should loop around the left to the back entrance.
5832
5833Miyuki and I will enter here.”
5834
5835“Understood.”
5836
5837“OK, let’s do it. I’ll take care of every single one of the stragglers.”
5838
5839“Tatsuya, be careful.”
5840
5841“Miyuki, don’t force yourself.”
5842
5843Leo and Erika both accepted this arrangement, so they did not reveal any displeased expressions.
5844
5845With blade in hand — but not drawn — Kirihara charged away, with Katsuto leisurely following behind.
5846
5847Tatsuya and Miyuki both walked into the dark interior of the factory with the same ease as if they were entering a convenience store.
5848
5849
5850
5851
5852
5853They encountered the enemy much sooner than expected.
5854
5855Heedless of cover, Tatsuya advanced fearlessly out into the open, where their opponents stood in neat lines in the center of the meeting ground area.
5856
5857“Welcome! Nice to meet you, Shiba Tatsuya-kun!
5858
5859And this hime-sama must be your sister, Miyuki-kun, right?”
5860
5861“You must be the branch commander of Blanche.”
5862
5863Tatsuya coldly interrogated the man who had his arms spread out in an exaggerated welcoming motion.
5864
5865Roughly 30 years of age. Unusually young for this line of work.
5866
5867He wore rimless glasses atop his tall, lanky figure. From his outward appearance, he seemed like some sort of scholar or lawyer.
5868
5869“Oh, forgive my rudeness.
5870
5871Just as you said, I am the commander of Blanche’s Japanese branch, Tsukasa Hajime.”
5872
5873There was no sense of pressure, but that may have been a biased opinion. In Tatsuya’s mind, this man gave off the impression that he was an intellectual of a failed revolution.
5874
5875However, based on those ridiculous actions and mesmerized tone of voice, a glimmer of emotions as dark as the deepest abyss could be detected.
5876
5877“Is that so?”
5878
5879Even though he had seen through his opponent’s wild antics, Tatsuya didn’t flinch. It didn’t matter which of the seven Hells he was in; Tatsuya would’ve already become accustomed to it. He did not need to ascertain the relationship between this man and Tsukasa Kinoe of the Men’s Kendo Club, so all he did was ask this question, then firmly nodded his head.
5880
5881Although he didn’t verbalize it, his attitude was enough to express his intent. Tatsuya removed the silver CAD from its holster.
5882
5883“Hm, a CAD. I thought you would bring firearms at least.
5884
5885That being said, you’re a bold one. You came forward without any heed to nearby cover.
5886
5887No matter what kind of Magician you are, you can still be killed by bullet wounds!”
5888
5889“I am no Magician.”
5890
5891Tatsuya’s reaction was completely unlike someone under the threat of a sniper, causing the Blanche commander to stare at him with widened eyes.
5892
5893“Oh, so that’s how it is. You’re still a student.
5894
5895I forgot that detail after seeing you charge in like that.”
5896
5897“You talk too much.
5898
5899Well, for you to incite these people, there must be some angle behind it.”
5900
5901“For your age, you’re pretty good.
5902
5903Using such a penetrating attitude to view things at your age makes you too rigid. At this rate, you’re going to be an old-timer very quickly.”
5904
5905Ridiculous movements and tone. Along with those self-delusional words.
5906
5907That being said, Tatsuya had no intention of playing along with Tsukasa Hajime’s nonsense.
5908
5909“At any rate, I advise you to surrender.
5910
5911All of you, throw down your weapons and place your hands on your heads.”
5912
5913“Ha ha ha ha, aren’t you a Weed that doesn’t excel in magic?
5914
5915Oh, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t use such a taboo term.
5916
5917But, where exactly does your confidence come from?
5918
5919If you think that magic is the be all and end all, then you’re making a terrible mistake.”
5920
5921As he was laughing, the wildness surrounding Tsukasa Hajime seem to multiply as he raised his right hand.
5922
5923To the left and right, some twenty odd members of Blanche raised their weapons at the same time.
5924
5925Apart from pistols, they also had assault rifles and semi-automatics mixed in.
5926
5927“You have to be equals to even reach the bargaining table, so I’ll give you another chance.
5928
5929Shiba Tatsuya-kun, join us.
5930
5931I heard from my little brother that you can use Cast Jamming without resorting to Antinite. I am very interested in that ability.
5932
5933In regards to this exercise, I have spent a considerable time preparing for it. A lot of time and resources went into indoctrinating those damnable students so they would do my bidding. I am greatly aggravated by the waste of all that time and effort, but if you are willing to join us, I am willing to overlook all that.”
5934
5935His face revealed a frivolous smirk, the wildness tucked behind a mask of righteousness. It was a face that would have inspired terror in Miyuki had Tatsuya not been there. If she wasn’t with Tatsuya, Miyuki undoubtedly would have felt her hackles rise at this man.
5936
5937“As expected, this was your goal.
5938
5939Having Mibu-senpai approach me and ordering your little brother to ambush me was to test the depths of that Cast Jamming ability?”
5940
5941“Hm, I do like smart children.
5942
5943But to understand so much and still waltz into here without a care in the world reveals that you are still a child.
5944
5945Nevertheless, children can still be stubborn.
5946
5947Even when they know they have no chance of winning, they still refuse to obey.”
5948
5949“And what of it?”
5950
5951“Yeah…… Then, let’s do this.”
5952
5953His movements were more like those of a con artist than of a scholar.
5954
5955He threw the fake pair of rimless glasses aside, raised his forehead, and caught Tatsuya’s gaze.
5956
5957“Shiba Tatsuya, become one of our companions!”
5958
5959Tsukasa Hajime’s eyes took on a strange glow.
5960
5961Tatsuya’s already few expressions disappeared, his right hand holding the CAD dropped as if every ounce of strength had been sapped away.
5962
5963“Ha ha ha ha ha, and now you are one of us!”
5964
5965Tsukasa Hajime abandoned any pretense of hiding the wildness about him. Even though the aura about him did not command respect or awe, it was still something worthy of a leader’s mantle.
5966
5967“The first thing you shall do, is to personally execute the little sister that came along with you!
5968
5969To die at the hands of your beloved Onii-sama is probably your fondest wish!”
5970
5971This wasn’t acting any more. He had already become accustomed to giving out orders.
5972
5973Truly, he had already forced many people to obey him.
5974
5975His twisted smile revealed his complete confidence in his own abilities.
5976
5977“……It’s about time to stop with the monkey antics. Anyone who even sees you would be embarrassed on your behalf.”
5978
5979However, that expression was transfixed at Tatsuya’s mocking words.
5980
5981“Consciousness Interference Type Non-Systematic Magic, Evil Eye.
5982
5983Even with that lofty name, the truth is that the light emitted from the eyes sends out hypnotizing waves, using the speed of light to bypass the limits of human sensory abilities, directly influencing the opponent through sight using light wave oscillation type magic.
5984
5985It is merely a tangent from brainwashing techniques, a skill that could be replicated with a projector: hypnotism.
5986
5987While this ability voids the need for lugging a machine about and is able to control an opponent’s consciousness, at the end of the day, that’s all it is.
5988
5989Prior to the formation of the New Soviet Federation, this was a technique that White Russia developed after extensive research.”
5990
5991This wasn’t magic. Tatsuya froze his opponents with his words alone.
5992
5993“Mibu-senpai’s memory was probably rewritten in the same way.”
5994
5995“Onii-sama, if that’s the case……”
5996
5997At his little sister’s wide-eyed question, Tatsuya nodded without any expression on his face.
5998
5999“The errors in Mibu-senpai’s memory were too extreme for it to be entirely natural.
6000
6001If this was brought about by something she had misheard, it is true that this result may occur.
6002
6003However, this sort of misunderstanding should disappear and cool down in time.”
6004
6005“……You, despicable scoundrel.”
6006
6007Miyuki’s proper mouth bit out this furious sentence.
6008
6009Maybe the flames of fury had melted the ice within.
6010
6011“……You, why……”
6012
6013Tsukasa Hajime groaned, speaking as if struggling with asthma. The wild smile was gone from his face. Without it, the only thing that remained was a frail scholar used to giving out orders, but unwilling to dirty his own hands.
6014
6015“What an insipid fellow.”
6016
6017Tatsuya did nothing to cover his biting words.
6018
6019“Using the right hand to remove the glasses to draw attention from the left hand manipulating your CAD. Did you think such cheap tricks would work against me?
6020
6021As long as the Activation Sequence can be seen, then I know what magic you are using and can easily defeat it.
6022
6023For something as trivial as your magic, removing a small portion of the Activation Sequence is sufficient. Without the hypnotism component, Evil Eye is nothing more than a simple light show.”
6024
6025Tatsuya had already lost interest in the con artist whose tricks had been unraveled.
6026
6027“How can this be……? To do this…… Who the hell are you……?”
6028
6029“Speaking of which, ‘you’ refers to two people, right? Being too verbose will remove that monster mask from you as well.”
6030
6031At this time, Tsukasa Hajime finally realized.
6032
6033The youth’s features and muscles slackened only after he judged Tsukasa Hajime’s magic to be completely neutralized.
6034
6035From the very beginning, this young man never considered Tsukasa Hajime to be on the same level as a human being.
6036
6037He didn’t see Tsukasa Hajime as a human. Tsukasa Hajime’s features, name, personality, even consciousness were immaterial to this young man. Tsukasa Hajime finally realized that.
6038
6039For this young man, Tsukasa Hajime was nothing more than an “enemy”. An “obstacle”.
6040
6041And now, after determining the appropriate solution, all that remained was to remove this obstacle.
6042
6043“Fire, damn you all, fire!”
6044
6045This was not the time to act regal or majestic.
6046
6047He didn’t even have time to recognize the confused looks in the eyes of his companions, no, subordinates.
6048
6049Thoroughly consumed by the fear that even primitive animals dread, Tsukasa Hajime gave the order to shoot.
6050
6051But—
6052
6053“W-what……”
6054
6055“What the hell is this?”
6056
6057—Not a single bullet was fired.
6058
6059Full blown panic erupted in the area.
6060
6061With a clatter, the various pistols, rifles and semi-automatics collapsed into pieces.
6062
6063Just as the men squeezed the triggers, their weapons were broken down to their components.
6064
6065In the midst of the chaos,
6066
6067Only Tsukasa Hajime possessed the composure to flee.
6068
6069Not a single one of his companions followed him.
6070
6071“Onii-sama, please pursue immediately.
6072
6073I will handle this.”
6074
6075“Understood.”
6076
6077Tatsuya strode towards the deepest part of the factory.
6078
6079The crowd parted automatically around him.
6080
6081Tatsuya did not pay any attention to them, remaining focused on the fleeing Tsukasa Hajime alone.
6082
6083If they let him pass, the remaining Blanche members could only sit around and wait to be arrested.
6084
6085Only one of these members thought to hurtle the knife in his hand at Tatsuya.
6086
6087The instant that thought crossed his mind.
6088
6089“Foolish plebeian.”
6090
6091Normally, this voice would be both charming and cute, but now it only brought despair.
6092
6093“Just punish them a little.
6094
6095These people aren’t worth any more of your time.”
6096
6097“Yes, Onii-sama.”
6098
6099A statue completely covered in frost tilted and fell over between the two conversing siblings.
6100
6101
6102
6103
6104
6105Only one of them dared to raise a hand towards Miyuki’s Onii-sama.
6106
6107That asinine man was already frozen.
6108
6109However, for her, this level of retribution could be said to be sufficient, but at the same time unsatisfactory.
6110
6111A sufficient reason.
6112
6113An unsatisfactory result.
6114
6115Before the young girl’s slim figure, two rows of men stood there, unable to move at all.
6116
6117Both mentally — and physically.
6118
6119The floor was covered by a solid layer of white frost.
6120
6121The only place that shared the same season as the outer world was a small circle that spread around where the young girl stood.
6122
6123The white mist condensed into a tornado.
6124
6125The frost turned the air bitterly cold.
6126
6127She raised her right hand.
6128
6129In this reality, she stood like the Queen of Ice about to render judgement upon the damned.
6130
6131“You are all very unfortunate.”
6132
6133Her tone was entirely different from usual.
6134
6135However, these words that were filled with majesty, judgement, and authority were in no way incompatible with her appearance.
6136
6137“If you had not raised your hand against Onii-sama, I had planned to go easy on you.”
6138
6139The cold air slowly rose.
6140
6141Gradually, the cold corroded their bodies.
6142
6143The faces of the men were contorted with sheer terror and utter despair.
6144
6145“I am not merciful like my Onii-sama.”
6146
6147The white mist rose to throat level.
6148
6149“Pray. Pray that you will retain your pitiful lives.”
6150
6151The chilling air that utterly covered the men from head to toe abruptly turned the atmosphere solemn.
6152
6153Wide Area Oscillation Speed Magic “Niflheim”.
6154
6155Silent screams permeated the deepening mist.
6156
6157
6158
6159
6160
6161No one lay in ambush.
6162
6163So his opponent already considered whether to split his forces, Tatsuya thought.
6164
6165For Tatsuya, who could readily detect any existences around him, ambushes were meaningless.
6166
6167In the next room, ten remaining members of the terrorist cell were waiting for him.
6168
6169With ten assault rifles.
6170
6171Tatsuya clicked the trigger of his CAD from the other side of the wall.
6172
6173Physical obstacles were no impediment to magic.
6174
6175Tatsuya was only able to freely manipulate two magics. The first was “Decomposition”, which was able to render assault rifles into psions.
6176
6177Panicked sounds were heard once more.
6178
6179Relying on his sensory ability, his magic was able to disassemble not just Magic Sequences, but Activation Sequences as well. It was a side effect from a wholly different magic.
6180
6181Identify the design, decompose the design.
6182
6183As long as it was an object, he could translate the physical object into signals, and then rewrite or erase the base design at his leisure.
6184
6185If it was an Information Body, then he could directly disassemble the design.
6186
6187This was one of the most difficult magics imaginable, able to directly interfere with the design information.
6188
6189And it was because he was born with such an ability, that Tatsuya was unable to use other magics.
6190
6191He was only able to use imitation and theoretical magic.
6192
6193His Magic Calculation Area was completely dominated by those two highly difficult magics.
6194
6195However, he didn’t need diverse magics today.
6196
6197The first peerless magic was already sufficient for him to rule the field of battle.
6198
6199There were no longer any weapons in his opponents’ hands.
6200
6201As Tatsuya advanced into the innermost depths of the room, what greeted him was not bullets, but hollow laughter accompanied by an inaudible sound.
6202
6203“How is it, Magician? This is true Cast Jamming.”
6204
6205That wild laughter no longer possessed the same darkness that threatened to devour one’s consciousness.
6206
6207Tsukasa Hajime’s ridiculous laughter was merely a front.
6208
6209Backed into a corner, the only thing supporting Tsukasa Hajime’s will was the bronze Antinite bracelet worn around his right wrist.
6210
6211The other ten men also wore similar rings on their fingers.
6212
6213Antinite was a military resource limited by its production location.
6214
6215These areas were certain parts of the ancient Aztec Empire, somewhere in the Mayan ruins, central Tibet, the highest peaks of Scotland, and a portion of the high plains of Iran.
6216
6217In other words, only areas with ancient civilizations that dwelt in the mountains could produce Antinite.
6218
6219It was just like manufactured goods that could only be produced at high elevation.
6220
6221“It appears that they’ve prepared quite a large amount of Antinite,” Tatsuya said softly.
6222
6223“The employer is a breakaway faction from the remnants of White Russia. Their backer is the East Asian Union.”
6224
6225Faltering emotions were also passed along.
6226
6227Tedium welled up from the bottom of his heart.
6228
6229Calling them third rate was probably overrating them.
6230
6231Then again, nothing fit the criteria any better.
6232
6233“Kill him!
6234
6235A Magician without any magic is nothing more than a child!”
6236
6237Using his fists would be too much of a hassle, so Tatsuya raised his right arm and squeezed the trigger on his CAD.
6238
6239This wasn’t a gun. It could only fire bullet-like projectiles that were composed of small lasers and electrically-charged particles.
6240
6241Even so, every man that was hit by the shots collapsed with blood spewing from their thighs.
6242
6243There were two small points - one in the front and one in the back.
6244
6245There was a tiny hole the size of a needle that severed the nerves and completely penetrated the thigh.
6246
6247Tatsuya kept squeezing the trigger.
6248
6249Wounds appeared on shoulders and legs as men fell left and right.
6250
6251In the line of fire formed by Tatsuya’s Magic Sequence, the parts that formed the human body, including skin, flesh, nerves, body fluids, bones, and cellular structures were decomposed at a molecular level, creating a piercing hole.
6252
6253He was only able to rewrite a small portion of the entire Information Body.
6254
6255This was one of the most challenging techniques in modern magic. In recompense for using such a precise ability, Tatsuya’s Magic Calculation Area was completely focused on this technique to the exclusion of all others.
6256
6257“Why?”
6258
6259Exactly how many times had this man uttered this line?
6260
6261It seemed excessively foolish to search one’s memory for the answer.
6262
6263“Why are you able to use magic while under Cast Jamming?”
6264
6265Cast Jamming was a type of Non-Systematic Magic able to create psion noise that disrupted other people from casting magic. The psion noise caused by Antinite was designed to interfere with the formation of Magic Sequences.
6266
6267Tatsuya simply decomposed that design and changed the oscillations of the psion noise.
6268
6269Cast Jamming was an obstacle that obstructed the path of Magic Sequences. It was precisely this obstacle that Tatsuya used magic to dissolve.
6270
6271But, it wasn’t only that.
6272
6273The man who used Evil Eye couldn’t even comprehend that.
6274
6275Since he was about to take care of him, there was no time for any explanations.
6276
6277Just then,
6278
6279The wall behind Tsukasa Hajime split open.
6280
6281The oscillating steel reflected light everywhere, releasing tiny sparks of silvery light.
6282
6283This was the edge of oscillation-type magic Sonic Blade.
6284
6285“Eeeek~~!”
6286
6287His hips giving out, Tsukasa Hajime leapt to one side in dismay.
6288
6289
6290
6291
6292
6293The one who took his place was Kirihara Takeaki.
6294
6295Looked like he had charged in from the rear entrance and literally cut his way here.
6296
6297“Yo, were you the one who took all those guys out?”
6298
6299There was no other answer.
6300
6301Before Tatsuya could give his assent, Kirihara nodded several times.
6302
6303“Nicely done, bro.
6304
6305So, who’s this guy?”
6306
6307Kirihara’s gaze was scornful as he jerked a thumb at the man cowering against the wall.
6308
6309“That’s Tsukasa Hajime, the Blanche commander.”
6310
6311“This guy is……?”
6312
6313The change was instantaneous.
6314
6315The fury flowing from every pore on Kirihara’s body would be enough to give Tatsuya pause.
6316
6317“You were the one!
6318
6319The one who deceived Mibu!”
6320
6321“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
6322
6323Seeing the furious Kirihara approach, maybe the fight part of the fight or flight instinct finally kicked in as psion noise several times more potent than before flooded the area.
6324
6325Originally, Kirihara’s Sonic Blade should be rendered useless.
6326
6327Against such a strong dose of Cast Jamming.
6328
6329However,
6330
6331“Because of you, Mibu is!”
6332
6333“Ahhhhhhh!”
6334
6335The blunt edge of Kirihara’s blade sheared off Tsukasa Hajime’s right arm with the Antinite bracelet from the elbow down.
6336
6337Katsuto appeared in the gaping hole in the wall that Kirihara came through.
6338
6339He frowned slightly before starting to manipulate the CAD in his left hand.
6340
6341It was a Generalized CAD shaped like a portable terminal, just like the one Miyuki carried.
6342
6343After a short delay to numb all five senses…
6344
6345There was the acrid smell of burning flesh, accompanied by a halt to the blood loss and the screams.
6346
6347Tsukasa Hajime, foaming at the mouth and wetting himself, fainted.
6348
6349
6350
6351
6352
6353Chapter 12
6354
6355
6356
6357
6358The cleanup of the case was handled by Katsuto.
6359
6360The actions of Tatsuya and co could be construed as excessive self defense at best, or unlicensed use of magic causing injury and attempted murder at worst, but the arm of the law would not extend to them. --
6361
6362The power of the Ten Master Houses ascends beyond that of judicial authorities.
6363
6364Once it was known that talent in modern magic is influenced by one’s genetic predisposition, as a matter of course, lengths were taken to strengthen one’s blood.
6365
6366That means, for countries that systematically classified magic as the form of national power, throughout all these countries in the world, there are already differences from the age when magic was still unknown.
6367
6368Of course, that also applies to this country.
6369
6370The result was the formation of a new group to oversee the magic realm in the country.
6371
6372Those are the 10 Master Houses.
6373
6374Their history is less than a century old, so the hierarchy is still fluid.
6375
6376However, the fact is, in the families called the Ten Master Houses, a barrier has already appeared between them and others, one that is hard to overcome.
6377
6378By repeatedly reinforcing their blood with ties between the Houses, the Ten Master Houses, along with the related 100 Families, possess a marked difference from those who are not of them.
6379
6380The Ten Houses do not stand in the center of politics in any way.
6381
6382They do not have any power on paper.
6383
6384Rather, by using their magic as soldiers, officers, administrators, they are the forefront supporting group of the country.
6385
6386In exchange, instead of visibly possessing power, they gain inviolable ascendancy on the other side of politics.
6387
6388This is the path chosen by modern mages in this country.
6389
6390Currently the two most influential families within the 10 Houses are the Yotsuba and the Saegusa.
6391
6392Coming in at third are the Juumonji.
6393
6394-- In this case involving the eldest child of the Juumonji, ordinary police would not even be considered to be involved. At the close of the incident, Haruka went on a long term business trip.
6395
6396The reason behind her treatment, such as it was, stemmed not from the truth.
6397
6398That person still had not yet given an answer to Leo’s question.
6399
6400Considering a replacement counselor had not yet been appointed; it would seem she planned to come back sometime.
6401
6402As part of the cleanup, the door to the library which Tatsuya had destroyed with “decomposition” was instead said to have been destroyed by the Blanche operatives.
6403
6404Even the school did not pursue the matter further due to the carelessness of the management. —Furthermore, more than half of them did not truly believe that Tatsuya alone could have blown through the composite armor of the door. They also hid the fact that another student had stolen the key.
6405
6406In any case, the presence of First High School students in that place had already been written off.
6407
6408As far as the adults were concerned, Sayaka’s attempted espionage was a non issue.
6409
6410Sayaka had been admitted to the hospital for a while.
6411
6412Although the fracture in her right arm was not something to be hospitalised over, because it was found out that the Blanche leader was a user of the systematic wave vibration magic “Evil Eye”, she was taken in to ensure that there was no remaining mind control influence.
6413
6414Whilst in the hospital, Tatsuya only visited her once. Erika went multiple times, and they became pretty close.
6415
6416The leader of the kendo club, Tsukasa Kinoe, was also considered innocent. This was because he had been under the influence of serious mind control.
6417
6418He wasn’t expelled but took a long leave of absence, the reason being a voluntary withdrawal.
6419
6420From the start he had not wanted to be a mage, but simply suffered impairment to his everyday life due to his hypersensitivity to particle emissions.
6421
6422Tsukasa had attended a magic high school just to learn useful magic in order to keep his magically perceptive eyes in check. After the resolving of the mind control, he went back to what he really had wanted to do - kendo.
6423
6424Tatsuya’s extraordinary magic abilities, with the exception of his comrades who had accompanied him to the abandoned factory, remained largely unknown.
6425
6426Neither Mayumi nor Mari were aware.
6427
6428His friends Mizuki, Honoka, and Shizuku likewise remained ignorant.
6429
6430In truth, both Leo and Erika also didn’t realise the full extent of his power.
6431
6432Tatsuya didn’t know what Katsuto was thinking nor why Kirihara didn’t say a word, but he was grateful all the same.
6433
6434That particular magic of his was, as of now, still unknown to the public.
6435
6436In any case, both Mayumi and Mari vaguely seemed to suspect something.
6437
6438Miyuki was depressed for a week afterwards.
6439
6440On the surface she was the same perfect beauty as ever, but she was seen burying her face in both hands every now and then.
6441
6442She did this to some extent at home too.
6443
6444As expected, it seemed she repented her use of “Niflheim” as having been too much.
6445
6446Fortunately, due to the Blanche members being caught by chance in a cold sleeve (owing to the nature of the magic, the internals of the members had been snap frozen in the blink of an eye, avoiding membrane rupture), it seemed they had not suffered irreplaceable losses to their flesh .
6447
6448During that time, Tatsuya had endlessly comforted Miyuki, until she had come out of her depressed mood such that she could smile again despite her sombre condition.
6449
6450For Tatsuya, school was business as usual, with work for the Public Morals Committee and the Student Council taking up much of his time, but as the entrance period finally drew to a close, he was finally able to settle into a quiet learning environment.
6451
6452
6453
6454
6455
6456It was now May.
6457
6458Today was the day of Sayaka’s discharge.
6459
6460Tatsuya, along with Miyuki, visited the hospital to celebrate. (They had taken leave from their morning classes. One of the major benefits of learning from terminals was the lack of a teacher, granting a greater degree of freedom to students.)
6461
6462In that place was……
6463
6464“Isn’t that Kirihara-senpai?”
6465
6466As Miyuki spoke needlessly, Tatsuya was already aware.
6467
6468Dressed in normal everyday clothes, Sayaka stood in the entrance hall surrounded by family and nurses.
6469
6470In that gaggle, standing next to Sayaka was Kirihara’s face, tinged somewhat with embarrassment, and looking rather nervous.
6471
6472“They seem to be getting along?”
6473
6474Miyuki naturally also knew of the series of events dubbed the “Kendo dispute incident”.
6475
6476Knowing that, and seeing the friendly interaction between Sayaka and Kirihara, was certainly a strange feeling.
6477
6478“It almost seems like Kirihara-senpai had come every day.”
6479
6480“Heh, that’s correct.”
6481
6482Upon turning around to meet that voice which had come out of the blue, he was faced by Erika with a bored look on her face.
6483
6484“Che, as I thought, it really is impossible to surprise you.”
6485
6486“No, I was certainly surprised. I didn’t think Kirihara-senpai had such a diligent character.”
6487
6488“That’s not the point!”
6489
6490Naturally, Tatsuya also knew he was changing the subject, so he simply gave a deceptive smile at Erika’s pout.
6491
6492“Hmph. It’s because you’re always doing sly things like that all the time, you got dumped by Saya as well.”
6493
6494Tatsuya was not terribly concerned about being dumped or such.
6495
6496This was not a boast, but the number of female students who had captured his interest was zero.
6497
6498More importantly—
6499
6500“Erika…… when you say ‘saya’, you’re referring to Mibu-senpai correct?”
6501
6502Miyuki voiced the question slightly faster.
6503
6504“Nn? That’s right”
6505
6506“……You seem to have become quite intimate.”
6507
6508“Leave it to me!”
6509
6510“Leave what?” Was stuck in his throat, but since that seemed likely to devolve the situation further, he decided to leave it be and swallow it.
6511
6512More importantly, they were here on a hospital visit.
6513
6514“Mibu-senpai.”
6515
6516Bringing along Miyuki and Erika in the rear — whether because Erika had suddenly matured, or was uneasy, she seemed excessively anxious — Tatsuya hailed the group of people.
6517
6518“Shiba-kun! You came?”
6519
6520As the crowd dissolved, surprised at this unexpected development and gossiping away with sidelong glances at him, Sayaka emerged and greeted Tatsuya with a wide smile.
6521
6522—Next to her, Kirihara, for a moment, wore a huffy expression, but even that was a pleasant spice to the peaceful day.
6523
6524“Congratulations on your discharge.”
6525
6526Miyuki passed her the bouquet in both hands.
6527
6528At first Tatsuya had intended to follow the custom of modern times, and simply have them sent via delivery, but Miyuki had insisted that “these are something you should deliver with your own hands!” in an unusually firm and strong tone, so pushed by that threatening attitude, he decided to bring them along.
6529
6530The image of Miyuki holding that bouquet was a heart achingly beautiful sight, seemingly far removed from the bleary grey of everyday, and watching Sayaka’s cheerful face as she received the flowers, Tatsuya decided it was a good thing he listened to his sister.
6531
6532“You’re Shiba-kun aren’t you?”
6533
6534Taking a step back and watching the girls talking to each other, Tatsuya was relegated to a background role, when a middle aged man called out to him.
6535
6536Although he had been called by his last name, the target of his gaze meant there was no room for misunderstanding.
6537
6538Judging from his honed body and sharp posture, he was well versed in the martial arts.
6539
6540His features also implied a kinship with Sayaka.
6541
6542“I am Mibu Yuuzou, Sayaka’s father.”
6543
6544“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Shiba Tatsuya.”
6545
6546“I am his sister, Shiba Miyuki. Nice to meet you.”
6547
6548Noticing Tatsuya exchanging greetings, Miyuki came up and bowed politely behind Tatsuya.
6549
6550He seemed to gape a little at her elegant regal manner, but his expression immediately tightened after as befitting a martial artist.
6551
6552It was most likely that Sayaka had taken up swordsmanship from her father.
6553
6554“Miyuki, would you please go look after Erika?”
6555
6556As Tatsuya looked back and spoke, Kirihara had cornered Erika in the talks.
6557
6558“Yes. Oji-sama, I’ll take my leave.”
6559
6560The person whom Miyuki had referred to as “Oji-sama”, Sayaka’s father, couldn’t help seeming slightly upset, but…
6561
6562Somehow he managed an innocuous reply.
6563
6564Of course, both Tatsuya and Miyuki pretended to not have noticed.
6565
6566Once again, Tatsuya turned to face Sayaka’s father.
6567
6568As Sayaka’s father full well understood that Tatsuya had sent Miyuki away so he could have Tatsuya’s undivided attention, he didn’t waste time with any unnecessary preludes.
6569
6570“Shiba-kun, I am in your debt. The reason my daughter was able to recover was thanks to you.”
6571
6572“I didn’t do anything.
6573
6574The ones who convinced Mibu-senpai were Chiba and my sister.
6575
6576Then the ones who gave her strength while she was in hospital were Chiba and Kirihara-senpai.
6577
6578As one who only coldly took her to task, I feel I should be resented, much less deserve thanks.”
6579
6580“If you say that, then I am the one who was unable to take her to task.
6581
6582I knew my daughter was bitter at her lack of progress in magic, but I disregarded it as an unimportant matter. I was blinded by my own belief that evaluation of magic skills and true combat ability were separate things, and I did not truly realise the extent of my daughter’s suffering.
6583
6584Instead, I took cover behind the excuse of being busy, and didn’t face my daughter even as she began associating with a shady company. I’m a failure as a father.
6585
6586I heard from her everything that happened during this incident.
6587
6588She said that listening to your words, she remembered what she had lost long ago.
6589
6590That became the chance for her to wake from her nightmare.
6591
6592My daughter is very grateful to you.
6593
6594She asked me to tell you that your words were not in vain.
6595
6596I’m not fully aware of what that means, but what I do know is that her feelings are genuine.
6597
6598Which is why I want to tell you this.
6599
6600Thank you.”
6601
6602“……Really, there’s nothing to be thankful for.”
6603
6604Tatsuya shook his head slightly in embarrassment, and Sayaka’s father gave a slight chuckle.
6605
6606“……You’re just as Kazama says.”
6607
6608Those words were enough to penetrate even Tatsuya’s coolness.
6609
6610“……You know Major Kazama?”
6611
6612“I am retired now, but we had shared many days in the barracks as comrades together. We’re also the same age. Even now, we are close friends.”
6613
6614He knew that the word “close” didn’t represent the full truth. He knew only too well.
6615
6616A simple friend — even a close friend — was not someone Kazama would talk to about Tatsuya.
6617
6618“Upon finding out that Sayaka held you in high regard, I thought it was divine providence. If possible, I had hoped that a man like you could continue to support Sayaka in the future……”
6619
6620“……I am not a person in any position to support anyone just yet.”
6621
6622“……Then let’s leave it at that.
6623
6624That was just the hopeless ramblings of a parent, so please forget it.
6625
6626And of course I have told no one about the things I heard from Kazama, my daughter included, so rest easy.
6627
6628I just wanted, to you as the person who could, and did indeed save my daughter, to say this one thing.
6629
6630Really, thank you so much.”
6631
6632Saying so, without waiting for a reply — saving Tatsuya the need for any further humble reply — Sayaka’s father went back to rejoin his wife.
6633
6634Shaking his head slightly, putting his considerable disquiet out of his mind, Tatsuya also rejoined his sister.
6635
6636“Ah, Shiba-kun. What did you talk with my dad about?”
6637
6638Immediately, sensing in him a floundering man grasping for a straw, Sayaka spoke to him.
6639
6640It seemed that Miyuki alone was unable to suppress Erika.
6641
6642“I learnt from him that he was a close friend of someone who had taken care of me.”
6643
6644“Eh, is that so?”
6645
6646“Yes, it’s a small world after all.”
6647
6648“It seems there really is a deep connection between Tatsuya-kun and Saya huh?”
6649
6650Erika immediately stepped up to the plate.
6651
6652It seemed that she was in top form today.
6653
6654“Oi, Saya. Why did you switch to Kirihara-senpai from Tatsuya-kun?
6655
6656You liked Tatsuya-kun didn’t you?”
6657
6658“He, hey Eri-chan?”
6659
6660Watching Sayaka getting flustered, Tatsuya thought of something rather different.
6661
6662(Eri-chan is it……)
6663
6664These two are very compatible, Tatsuya thought, as if it were someone else’s business.
6665
6666“Erika, I think you’re getting carried away a bit too much today.”
6667
6668Despite Miyuki’s chiding, she paid no attention whatsoever.
6669
6670It was insufficient to penetrate her peak condition.
6671
6672“In terms of looks, I’m sure Tatsuya-kun comes out on top.”
6673
6674“……You’re a pretty damn insolent woman aren’t you.”
6675
6676“Nevermind. Kirihara-senpai, you don’t even come close,”
6677
6678“……You’re trying to make me cry aren’t you?”
6679
6680“Ma~ybe.
6681
6682Well then Saya, was the deciding factor his faithfulness?
6683
6684Did this guy’s clumsy kindness finally win you over?”
6685
6686Sayaka’s face was bright red from ear to ear.
6687
6688She tried to look away numerous times, but every time Erika would quickly step in front of her — probably even using magic at times — until finally Sayaka looked like she was on the verge of tears.
6689
6690“Erika, that’s enough—”
6691
6692“Already”, he had meant to say.
6693
6694Thinking that, just as he prepared to forcibly intervene,
6695
6696“Yeah…… I guess, it’s as Eri-chan said.”
6697
6698In a weak voice, Sayaka began to confess, and it was too late.
6699
6700It seemed she had hit her stress limit, and all her mental barriers came tumbling down.
6701
6702“I think, I really was in love with Tatsuya-kun……”
6703
6704“Whaaa?”
6705
6706At Sayaka’s confession, for some reason the one who was most surprised was actually Erika.
6707
6708“Because he had a peerless strength, which I had always longed for.
6709
6710But even as I longed, I was scared.”
6711
6712At Miyuki’s look of concern, Tatsuya gave a light smile.
6713
6714For some reason, his sister was convinced he was a man of delicate sensibilities.
6715
6716“However hard I run, I will definitely never catch up to Shiba-kun. To try and become as strong as Shiba-kun, I could run and run forever, and no matter how much I run, I’d never be able to be that strong……
6717
6718This may be disrespectful for Tatsuya-kun, who has so much power, but it’s what I truly think.”
6719
6720“……I know what you mean. There are certainly times when I think of Tatsuya-kun like that.”
6721
6722“Kirihara-kun…… The first time I had a proper conversation with him was when he first came to visit me, but I thought, if it’s him, then even if we fight, we’d always be advancing at the same pace.
6723
6724And so……”
6725
6726“……Thanks[3].”
6727
6728While disagreeing with her goofy turn of phrase, at heart, Tatsuya thought the same as Erika.
6729
6730The Sayaka before him at that time was no longer a “seemingly cute girl”, but truly a “beautiful girl”.
6731
6732“Hey, what about you Kirihara-senpai?
6733
6734From when did you start liking Saya?”
6735
6736“……You’re a nosy woman. That’s not something important.
6737
6738It’s got nothing to do with you anyway.”
6739
6740“That’s right, Erika. It doesn’t matter from when anyway.”
6741
6742Not stopping there, as Erika paused with a question mark over her head, Tatsuya went on to show them all over why so many people had complained he was a terrible person.
6743
6744“What’s important is that Kirihara-senpai is now totally head over heels in love with Mibu-senpai.”
6745
6746“What! You-?”
6747
6748“Ehh……”
6749
6750“I won’t go into details due to privacy, but……
6751
6752Kirihara’s bravery as he faced the leader of Blanche, is something which I think definitely wouldn’t lose to anyone.”
6753
6754“I see……
6755
6756Hey, Tatsuya-kun.”
6757
6758“Yeah?”
6759
6760“Tell me all about it later.”
6761
6762“Chiba, you bastard!
6763
6764Shiba as well, if you tell her about it I’ll definitely know!”
6765
6766“I won’t tell her.”
6767
6768“Eeh, it’s fine right?”
6769
6770“Damn you womaan!”
6771
6772As Kirihara raged and Erika pretended to run about shouting “kyaa kyaa”, Sayaka’s parents, the nurses, and Sayaka herself looked on and laughed warmly.
6773
6774As the two of them began chasing in earnest, and Tatsuya looked on with warm, or rather, lukewarm eyes, Miyuki softly came up to stand beside him.
6775
6776“Onii-sama.”
6777
6778“Yes?”
6779
6780He answered with his gaze fixed on Erika and the others.
6781
6782“Miyuki will follow you always Onii-sama, wherever you may go.
6783
6784Even if you ran away at the speed of sound.
6785
6786Even if you pierced the sky, and ascended to the stars themselves.”
6787
6788“……However you look at it, I’m not about to do something like that.”
6789
6790At that moment, Tatsuya gave a truly warm smile.
6791
6792“For now, I think I’ll keep my feet firmly on the ground rather than aim for the heavens.”
6793
6794Miyuki returned with a mischievous smile.
6795
6796“Shall we head back to school then?”
6797
6798“Yeah. If I don’t get to the afternoon training, I’ll be stuck there all weekend.”
6799
6800Miyuki understood that it was meant as a joke. That was why she could laugh along.
6801
6802
6803
6804
6805
6806Yet, even so, this time, there was something Miyuki had to confirm, that which she had to ask.
6807
6808“Onii-sama…… is school not hard on you? In the first place, with your abilities, you have no real need to go to school yet……
6809
6810You still come, bearing all that contempt and scorn, just for me……”
6811
6812“Miyuki.”
6813
6814Her question was interrupted by Tatsuya’s voice.
6815
6816“I am not attending reluctantly. I understand fully well that everyday is something that can only be experienced at this moment.
6817
6818Being able to be a normal student, with you, is very enjoyable to me.”
6819
6820“Onii-sama……”
6821
6822“And so with that, let’s go back to our normal ‘everyday’ from here.”
6823
6824With a hint of embarrassment, Tatsuya held out his hand to Miyuki.
6825
6826Delightedly, Miyuki took that hand.
6827
6828— At the end of the day, Erika came crying to him about missing the practice in the afternoon, and he really did end up being detained for the weekend.
6829
6830
6831
6832
6833
6834Afterword
6835
6836
6837
6838
6839
6840The fact that you are reading this afterword would mean that this book has already been successfully published. To actually be able to see my own work finally turning into a physical book, I am still in a daze as to whether this is reality or not.
6841
6842
6843As for the reason that I am saying this, it is because this novel is my debut work, and I actually used such a bold method to begin it with by splitting the first arc being split into 2 volumes right from the get go, and what’s more those 2 volumes were to be published in two consecutive months, as I am writing this afterword, I am still unable to see the end of this light novel.
6844
6845
6846The moment I proposed to “release the 2 volumes one after the other”, I knew it was an exceedingly difficult request, therefore when the scheduling was so tight that I had screamed out in complaint to the heavens, I could only say that it was well deserved.
6847
6848
6849However to Stone-sama as well as the rest who were helping out, to get involved in my selfish request, I can only apologise profusely for making such an unreasonable request.
6850
6851
6852Honestly speaking, as someone who is a complete newbie in this industry, to suddenly want to do something like “to be continued in the next volume”, is this kind of outrageous move really okay? I am actually feeling a lot of fear towards this.
6853
6854
6855This novel was originally published on the internet and therefore the number of pages then did not matter, I know that when adapting it into a physical light novel I had to either fasciculate it or prune out some of the content, and I am extremely thankful that I was able to get the permission to “not prune” from Editor-sama, however I still had plenty of concerns.
6856
6857
6858Since this was an irregular product, there will be many uneasy elements that may arise, and I have to recognise that is the case. However it is precisely because there exists such elements, when Editor-sama gave the goal of releasing 2 volumes in consecutive months, I did not say much and just agreed to it…
6859
6860
6861Speaking of irregular things, about the main characters in the story of “Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei”, although they do have a certain degree of difference from others, however they are also an irregular bunch of teenagers.
6862
6863
6864Speaking of which, the concept of the main protagonist, Tatsuya, is “due to being unable to establish a frame work for evaluation, therefore has been branded with the label of being a poor performing student”, the group of people around him also have their irregularities.
6865
6866
6867The other protagonist, the younger sister Miyuki, who is being rated differently, is also the same, although she’s an honors student but she is definitely not ordinary. …However if you, the readers have already read through the book, then in actual fact I didn’t really need to emphasise on this point again.
6868
6869
6870However, for both the male and female protagonist’s groups, with regards to the matter of them belonging in the irregular group, they do not feel uneasy or upset about it. For the protagonists as well as the other major characters, they are already enlightened by the mindset of “so what?”. No, perhaps I should say that they even lack the idea of being enlightened.
6871
6872
6873The rebels will use tough and extreme measures, in order to let themselves be able to advance bravely……and this probably has implications that I look forward to seeing.
6874
6875
6876There is a certain charm in rebels refusing to bow down to the traditional system and fighting desperately to the last drop of blood before finally withering away in defeat. On the other hand, I also find it very difficult to part with the topic of rebels who shout “So what?” and pierce through the high walls of orthodoxy to advance forward.
6877
6878
6879Tatsuya and Miyuki, Leo and Erika, Mayumi and Mari, as well as the many other honor students and poor performing students, using such irregular characters to create a truly exciting and wonderful story…
6880
6881
6882I thought it would be nice if I can write such a story.
6883
6884
6885I guess I will stop talking about my dreams here.
6886
6887
6888To the Ishida-sama who drew such wonderful and beautiful illustrations, and also Stone-sama who patiently handled all my requests, as well as all the others who were involved in the creation of this light novel, really thank you so much, all of you.
6889
6890
6891Especially M-sama, since I had made many unsatisfactory portions here and there, please allow me to sincerely apologise here.
6892
6893
6894And most importantly, I want to sincerely thank all the readers that picked up this book.
6895
6896
6897I hope that I will have the honor of seeing all of you again in the next volume “Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei 3 - Nine Schools Competition (I)”.
6898
6899
6900
6901
6902
6903(Satou Tsutomu)
6904
6905
6906
6907
6908
6909Illustrations
6910
6911
6912
6913
6914
6915Cover
6916
6917
6918
6919
6920Teaser #1
6921
6922
6923
6924
6925Teaser #2
6926
6927
6928
6929
6930Teaser #3
6931
6932
6933
6934
6935Teaser #4
6936
6937
6938
6939
6940Teaser #5
6941
6942
6943
6944
6945Chapter 6
6946
6947
6948
6949
6950Chapter 6
6951
6952
6953
6954
6955Chapter 6
6956
6957
6958
6959
6960Chapter 7
6961
6962
6963
6964
6965Chapter 8
6966
6967
6968
6969
6970Chapter 8
6971
6972
6973
6974
6975Chapter 10
6976
6977
6978
6979
6980Chapter 10
6981
6982
6983
6984
6985Chapter 11
6986
6987
6988
6989
6990Chapter 12
6991
6992
6993
6994
6995
6996Notes
6997
6998
6999
7000
7001
7002Aikijutsu: Like other forms of jujutsu, it emphasizes throwingtechniques and joint manipulations to effectively subdue or injure an attacker. Of particular importance is the timing of a defensive technique either to blend or to neutralize an attack’s effectiveness and to use the force of the attacker’s movement against him. Daitō-ryū is characterized by ample use of atemi, or the striking of vital areas, to set up jointlocking or throwing tactics.
7003
7004
7005Tsukkomi: Boke and tsukkomi are loosely equivalent to the roles of “funny man” or “comic” (boke) and “straight man” (tsukkomi) in the comedy duos of western culture. Outside of owarai, boke is sometimes used in common speech as an insult, similar to “idiot” in English, or baka in Japanese.
7006
7007
7008Dànké: a German word for thanks.
7009
7010
7011Gochisousama: Normally meaning thanks (for a meal), in this context it means thanks for the.. ero information.
7012
7013
7014
7015
7016
7017Did you enjoy the book?
7018
7019
7020
7021Grab a copy at your local bookstore once localized in your area.