4KyvUqJY

1"I would not want you to do something reckless ..."
2
3"Aren't you going to do something reckless?"
4
5 Erika looked like she had nothing to do with it. To this quite obvious facial expression, Miyuki could only respond with a vague smile.
6
7 
8
9 
10
11â—Š â—Š â—Š
12
13 
14
15 
16
17At the National Magic University there was no such thing as interest circles.
18
19 But there are club activities. Most sports clubs had coaches and suffered from an overabundance of participants. In most cases, the career of a magician requires physical strength and mobility, but in the curriculum there is no physical training, so additional classes are important.
20
21 However, not all students attended the clubs. After all club activity wasn't mandatory. Katsuto who in high school was the leader of the Club Management Group, was among those at the National Magic University who didn't join any club.
22
23 Katsuto who is the head of the Juumonji family, decided to return home as soon as possible. Few people went home at this time. Today he'd lingered with the preparation of practice reports, and it was already quite late. Concerned that his affairs were delayed by this unplanned accident, Katsuto walked to the station at an accelerated pace.
24
25"Juumonji-kun!"
26
27 He heard a voice behind him calling out to wait.
28
29 It was a familiar voice that he recognized without turning around. Speaking frankly, it was a person who often interfered with his plans, but for some reason, regardless of family affairs she was the one who could stop him.
30
31 And now Katsuto stopped and looked back.
32
33"Juumonji-kun!"
34
35"Saegusa. I hear you, don't shout like that."
36
37 Mayumi caught up and stopped before Katsuto and smiled shyly. It felt like she had closed one eye and showed her tongue, even though she didn't really do it.
38
39 "Sorry to keep you."
40
41"It's nothing. So what do you want?"
42
43 Without any introduction, he asked about the case.
44
45Such a rude response wasn't because he didn't treat Mayumi like a woman. It just showed that for Katsuto she's a woman with whom he feels at ease.
46
47 "I wanted to ask you something. Can I go in the same cab with you?"
48
49"Aren't we going different directions?"
50
51"It's just an extra 20 minutes home. It's okay."
52
53 The modern system of public transportation for short distances is "personal booths on an electric train" was based on a direct connection between the stations on which loading and disembarking was done. There was no such thing as "loading a passenger halfway between stations".
54
55 But that didn't mean that you cannot go together. If you're lucky, and there is no customer waiting for your booth at the destination station, the remaining passenger will be able to continue to his station. Even if there are other passengers on the station, you just have to wait a bit in the queue.
56
57 The level of privacy inside such personal booths has been perfected. It is almost impossible for a conversation inside the booth to be heard by someone from outside. Entrepreneurs and even simple couples use this feature of the electric booths of an electric train for conducting private conversations.
58
59 Mayumi's invitation to go together was also meant to hold a private conversation. However, the first destination was the station closest to the Saegusa family house.
60
61"Juumonji-kun is such a gentleman."
62
63"Naturally."
64
65 At Mayumi's giggles, Katsuto responded with an acidic face.
66
67"So, what did you want to talk about?"
68
69 Immediately after Katsuto's question, the smile faded from Mayumi's face.
70
71 "Juumonji-kun, you're going to meet Tatsuya-kun, aren't you?"
72
73 "Did you hear about this from your father?"
74
75"Yes, but he didn't say why you're going to meet him."
76
77 Katsuto leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
78
79" I cannot tell you."
80
81"Thank you. I just realized why."
82
83 Katsuto opened his eyes. Mayumi winked at him.
84
85"This could only be because of a Japanese high school student. And all these attempts at secrecy indicate exactly who just as I thought."
86
87 Mayumi said her conclusion without saying a single name. Katsuto was silent.
88
89"Listen, Juumonji-kun."
90
91"... What?"
92
93 Katsuto reluctantly responded, because in Mayumi's voice there were signs that she would ask something obvious.
94
95 "Will you take me with you?"
96
97Katsuto looked at Mayumi with wide-open eyes, but immediately looked back and asked "... Why?"
98
99 "I don't think Tatsuya-kun will obediently accept the request."
100
101"... Well, I think so too."
102
103 "But it's unlikely that after this, Juumonji-kun will simply go home empty-handed."
104
105"......"
106
107"I don't think that Juumonji-kun will lose to Tatsuya-kun. Tatsuya-kun is strong, but he certainly will not be able to reach Juumonji-kun."
108
109"And what?"
110
111 "But I think that Tatsuya-kun will not be defeated so easily either. With Tatsuya-kun's healing magic, he may not stop until he dies."
112
113"Shiba's healing magic... is that strong?"
114
115 Katsuto straightened his crossed arms and looked at Mayumi.
116
117"Yes. More specifically, it's not really a treatment."
118
119 Mayumi caught Katsuto's gaze, and looked into his eyes.
120
121 "So let me go with you to prevent such an outcome."
122
123 "You say you want to help me convince Shiba?"
124
125 "I'm not going to get in your way."
126
127 Looking up from Mayumi, Katsuto took a deep breath.
128
129"If only to participate in the negotiations ... It is true if you are present everything can be resolved peacefully. You are more familiar with Shiba than I am."
130
131 "It sounds a little strange when you're talking about a close acquaintance ... So when will you go to Tatsuya-kun?"
132
133 "If Shiba isn't busy, I thought about next Sunday." I'll be in my car, so I'll take you straight out of the house."
134
135"Ara, thank you."
136
137 Mayumi smiled and turned forward. From this moment, there was no more talk between them, but an awkward atmosphere in the booth didn't arise.
138
139 
140
141 
142
143â—Š â—Š â—Š
144
145 
146
147 
148
149 The day after returning from the security mission on the Enterprise, Lina looked quite sluggish during training.
150
151 "Commander-in-Chief. You seem to be feeling bad? How is your health ...?"
152
153"No, it's nothing like that. I'm sorry I was so sloppy Ben."
154
155 Having finished training and on the way to the barracks she met Stars number Two officer Canopus, who addressed her with a serious face.
156
157"No, everybody has black and white stripes in his life ... Has anything happened to you?"
158
159"Yes. It wasn't like me, I was nervous in front of those two "Apostles", Bezobrazzoff and MacLeod."
160
161"It wasn't a battlefield, but a meeting place. There's nothing wrong with being mentally exhausted from trying to prevent an error in front of foreign guests."
162
163 "... Ben? Are you saying that I'm too inexperienced?"
164
165 "Oh, no, what are you saying?"
166
167 Canopus immediately looked away. Lina felt pressure in her temples.
168
169 "The first thing is to get some rest Commander-in-Chief. Well, I'll go now."
170
171 Canopus showed a reassuring smile and left. Seeing the retreating figure, Lina thought that she couldn't afford to do it, no matter how much she was asked to. She turned and walked to her room.
172
173 Thanks to Canopus she felt much better, but she still couldn't get it off her mind. Even after taking a shower, she didn't feel refreshed.
174
175 She was aware of the reason. The fate of the magicians she saw on the Enterprise affected her feelings.
176
177Prior to this, Lina didn't experience much discomfort or dislike of how magicians were treated as a weapon. Prior to that, she'd strongly considered this question when she was in Japan when she collided with Tatsuya, Miyuki and their friends ... no, when she collided with Tatsuya.
178
179 Lina was sitting in front of the mirror, wrapped only in a towel. She barely realized what she was doing she was so absorbed in her thoughts.
180
181 "Tatsuya wasn't against the fact that magicians were forced to fight." 
182
183 "Tatsuya wasn't against magicians becoming soldiers." 
184
185 "Tatsuya didn't say that he was against magicians becoming weapons." 
186
187 "Tatsuya was against continuing to be a soldier." 
188
189 Listening to her thoughts, she remembered something. One thought occurred in Lina's mind.
190
191 "What is Tatsuya striving for? A world in which magicians don't need to become weapons."
192
193"Maybe I'm remembering wrong? Tatsuya didn't say anything like that."
194
195 However, she felt that this thought was correct. The idea that Tatsuya seeks to create a society where magicians are not forced to become weapons.
196
197When she returned from Japan and was far from Tatsuya, she felt no doubt about this matter. She began again to think that using magic in combat is quite natural for magicians in the army. Therefore, she thought that the idea of a "world in which magicians aren't forced to be a weapon" is some kind of delusion.
198
199 She became a soldier of her own free will. Magicians play the role of weapons of their own free will. Regardless of how it looks from the outside, magicians have the freedom to choose.
200
201 " I thought so before." 
202
203 "Or so I imagined it." 
204
205 "But there ..." 
206
207 "That Enterprise system ..." 
208
209 "As Tatsuya said ..." 
210
211"Right. I need Tatsuya ..."
212
213 Reaching out to the videophone, Lina froze in this pose.
214
215 "What was I trying to do?" 
216
217 "Warn Tatsuya?" 
218
219 "About what?" 
220
221 "The fact that Bezobrazzoff and MacLeod are targeting him?" 
222
223Lina's forehead broke out in sweat after just taking a shower, and an unpleasant chill ran down her back.
224
225"Ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ..."
226
227 The laughter that escaped from Lina's lips was half-unconscious.
228
229 "What the hell was I trying to do?"
230
231 If it wasn't for this laughter, she would be panicking right now.
232
233 It's good that she remembered Tatsuya.
234
235 But she won't be allowed to warn Tatsuya, because this will be considered leaking military secrets. The phone in her room is clearly tapped, so it cannot be used.
236
237 "This shocked me so much." 
238
239 "Finding out that magicians are used like spare parts, as fuel ..." 
240
241 "I thought I understood the limitations of the military's freedom." 
242
243 "I thought I agreed with that."
244
245 "Tatsuya ..." 
246
247 "That's why you said that, huh?"
248
249 Lina remembered the words spoken at the parting that night.
250
251 ("If Lina wants to leave Stars ...") 
252
253 ("If you want to stop being a soldier ...") 
254
255 "Tatsuya: Did you know that I'm not fit to be a soldier ...?" 
256
257 All these thoughts of Lina were now unconscious for her.
258
259 She got up and went to the bathroom again to wash away the sweat and keep warm.
260
261 She took off the towel and put herself under a hot shower.
262
263 By this time Lina didn't even remember what she was thinking while sitting in front of the mirror.
264
265 
266
267 
268
269CHAPTER 7
270
271 
272
273 
274
275Tatsuya received a message from Katsuto on Wednesday night.
276
277The message asked whether it would be convenient for him to meet on Sunday. And it came from the main Yotsuba house. This meant that the request for the meeting wasn't based on the sempai and kohai relations from First High, but was the request of the Juumonji family of the Ten Master Clans to the Yotsuba family of the Ten Master Clans.
278
279"Tatsuya-oniisan, is this an urgent matter?" Kuroba Fumiya asked Tatsuya from the couch at the villa.
280
281At this point Pixie brought two coffees. Tatsuya paid it no attention and answered Fumiya's question.
282
283"No. The head of the Juumonji family is asking permission to come here on Sunday. It was an electronic message transmitted through the main house. Have you heard anything about this Fumiya?"
284
285"No, nothing ..."
286
287Tatsuya reached for a cup of coffee and his eyes advised Fumiya: "Drink before it gets cold."
288
289Fumiya stretched out his hand towards the table with his manicured nails, and with his other hand pushed back the medium length hair hanging over his cheek, and took a sip with his lipstick covered lips.
290
291"I see. It's very rare for Fumiya and Ayako to act separately."
292
293https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mahouka-koukou-no-rettousei/images/8/85/Vol23-LN-Page174.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170923031029
294
295"Nee-san also wanted to see Tatsuya-Niisan, but it was an order."
296
297 Fumiya returned the coffee cup to the table. The skirt was a little wrinkled when he leaned toward the table, and the movement with which he adjusted it was completely automatic.
298
299 "Then tell me what order brought you here? Coming in this fashion was also part of the order?"
300
301 At Tatsuya's words "in this fashion", Fumiya's cheeks flushed. This look made him more attractive than most high school students.
302
303"This is because many people now know my face ..."
304
305"Yes indeed. It would be bad if you contacted me while showing your real face."
306
307 It was understandable. Fumiya became widely known after the Nine Schools Competition last year. It seems that his connection with Yotsuba was no longer a secret, but apparently the main house had not yet planned to officially recognize Fumiya.
308
309Fumiya who wasn't fond of dressing in women's clothes could only be pitied.
310
311"So?" Tatsuya turned to him and asked again.
312
313 Before speaking, Fumiya straightened his back.
314
315"The likelihood of this villa being attacked increased."
316
317 "The Self-Defense Forces?" Tatsuya ask, arching an eyebrow.
318
319"Yes."
320
321 Fumiya couldn't remain as calm. His pretty, well-groomed face was very tense.
322
323"Fumiya, did you only come to tell me about this?"
324
325 Fumiya decided that Tatsuya was trying to tell him "don't be afraid."
326
327"More about that ... the Yotsuba family cannot send reinforcements."
328
329 Fumiya squeezed the hem of his skirt in his hands. He assumed that Tatsuya would be angry.
330
331"It's quite natural."
332
333 "Ha?" But he couldn't understand what Tatsuya said.
334
335The reason is because it's not an internal conflict between the Ten Master Clans. It isn't a good idea to deal with the Self-Defense Forces right now. Putting the family in danger for my sake alone is obviously an unprofitable action.
336
337 "Tatsuya-Niisan... you agree with that !?" Fumiya lost his calm at Tatsuya's cold-blooded logic,.
338
339"Why are you shaking?"
340
341 Tatsuya said that instead of "why are you worried". At those words Fumiya noticed that his hands were shaking, not because he was very worried. He realized that he was seized by fear.
342
343 "All I have to do is deal with this alone."
344
345 Tatsuya spoke as if explaining an elementary mathematical rule, like 2x2 = 4.
346
347 Fumiya's eyes opened wide and his mouth opened slightly. Although he didn't want to, his white teeth and pink tongue, peeping out of the slightly opened lips that were glistening with lipstick, seemed tempting for a man's gaze.
348
349 For a moment Tatsuya looked with pity at his younger cousin who radiated an indescribable maiden charm. But immediately his face returned to a cold-blooded expression.
350
351"Fortunately, I have a suit and a motorcycle."
352
353 It wasn't a simple suit. It was an original flying armored suit developed by the Yotsuba family, and was created to work in conjunction with an armored motorcycle. Fumiya knew that these things were brought to this villa.
354
355"Besides, my Torus, Trident and Lance Head were also brought. And in this mountainous woodland I feel at home, and I cannot feel other people's eyes. If there is an opponent of the "Imakasina *" or "Daitengu" class, then that is another conversation, but until that happens I'm not going to be defeated."
356
357 [In Volume 19, Todo Aoba called Yakumo "the reincarnation of Kasin-koji". "Imakasin" roughly means "Modern Kasin" or "Kasin of our days."]
358
359The mentioned Torus is a CAD with full mind control, Silver Torus. Trident is his favorite CAD in the form of a pistol, Silver Horn custom modification of "Trident".
360
361 And Lance Head is a device for CAD to use the "Baryon Lance."
362
363 Indeed if Tatsuya has such equipment, then until such opponents as "Imakasin" = Kokonee Yakumo or "Daitengu" = Kazama Harunobu appear, then victory is guaranteed to him. Fumiya was sure of this.
364
365Even if there are dozens of enemies. Even if there are hundreds of enemies.
366
367 Fumiya realized that his trembling had stopped.
368
369 
370
371 
372
373 Next to the villa was a taxi. It was the car that Fumiya used (in his female disguise).
374
375 Anyone would have thought that if the taxi had been waiting all this time, the fee would be huge, but Tatsuya didn't think so. He also didn't think that the car was rented. He realized that the driver was from the Kuroba family was wearing his black suit.
376
377 Tatsuya watched Fumiya who was wearing a wide-brimmed hat exit the Villa.
378
379 "I deleted the data from the hidden cameras, so you can safely go home."
380
381 "I'm sorry to trouble you with this."
382
383 Fumiya bowed with a grateful air. In his behavior, there was absolutely no discomfort from wearing women's clothes.
384
385 When Tatsuya said that he "destroyed the data," he meant that he erased the data from the cameras hiding in the vicinity of " spying lovers " (most likely these are people from the military Intelligence Department). Because with the help of a photo you could identify him with facial recognition software, regardless of the fact that he's wearing women's clothes. Fumiya's women's disguise was a method of deceiving only the unaided eye. And his wide-brimmed hat was to hide from the view of the reconnaissance satellite and cameras on the stratospheric platforms.
386
387"Since that message came to me through the main house, then mother should also know its contents. Although I will send a copy of the answer to the main house, but I would like you to verbally convey that I am going to respond with an offer to meet the Juumonji family."
388
389"I understood. Tatsuya-oniisan, then see you."
390
391"Yes. Thank you for your concern."
392
393 Fumiya smiled in response to Tatsuya's gratitude.
394
395 Scenes with farewell hugs and kisses on the cheek didn't occur.*
396
397*Joke of humor from the author. In Japanese, the negation follows at the end of the sentence. Therefore, in the original, the phrase sounds like this: "Fumiya hugged Tatsuya and kissed his cheek on farewell ... no, it didn't happen."*
398
399 
400
401 
402
403â—Š â—Š â—Š
404
405 
406
407 
408
409 At the same time that Fumiya was talking to Tatsuya, Ayako was visiting Miyuki in the apartment in Chofu where she'd recently moved.
410
411 "I heard that you move here on Monday, but it seems that you've already finished moving in."
412
413 Ayako, sitting on the living room turned to Miyuki sitting opposite.
414
415 These apartments were even more spacious than their previous separate house, and they had a great cozy living room.
416
417There wasn't very much luggage, and Minami-chan helped me a lot.
418
419 Miyuki responded to Ayako's flattery by glancing at Minami, who brought tea and sweets.
420
421 "She's pretty skillful, although we're the same age."
422
423 Minami bowed to Ayako's praise and said in a low voice, "Thank you." Minami also understood that Ayako's words were only formal courtesy.
424
425 After finishing serving tea, Minami left the room, closing the door behind her.
426
427 Miyuki and Ayako turned at the same time.
428
429 "Ayako-chan, I wonder what brought you to us today?"
430
431"Today I am a simple messenger, Miyuki-oneesama."
432
433 Two girls exchanged smiles where there was a barely noticeable mixture of tension.
434
435 Now that there was no Tatsuya and Fumiya, who usually limited them. It seemed that the spirit of rivalry would grow forever, but Miyuki still looked away.
436
437 She looked away at the table, took an elegant cup from the tray with an elegant movement, and took a sip of not very hot tea. With a slight lag behind her, Ayako in the same refined manner, scooped out a piece of jelly pastry with a fork.
438
439"Did both of you need something?" Miyuki asked after waiting for Ayako to finish eating.
440
441"Yes, that's right." Ayako answered, silently returning the fork to the saucer.
442
443 "Then tell me."
444
445"The probability that in the coming days the Self-Defense Forces will try to capture Tatsuya-san have increased."
446
447"Why?" Miyuki calmly reacted to Ayako's bold statement about "capture."
448
449 "Aren't you surprised?" Ayako also spoke in an unsurprised voice.
450
451"Because it was quite predictable. Unlike Tatsuya-sama, I don't trust the Self-Defense Forces."
452
453 "I don't think Tatsuya-san became a member of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, because he trusts them."
454
455"Right. But if he met friendly people there, his feelings could change to some extent, couldn't they? Because Tatsuya-sama didn't lose all his emotions."
456
457 Ayako, who wasn't expecting Miyuki to talk about Tatsuya's lost emotions, couldn't find the words for an answer. Nevertheless, Ayako quickly took herself in hand and moved on to the main topic of her visit today.
458
459"Details of the date and time will be reported once we've determined the Self-Defense Forces plans. But that's all we can do."
460
461"... Can you express yourself more clearly?"
462
463 "In other words, it means that neither the main family nor the side branches can help with anything other than information."
464
465"That's what Aunt Maya decided?"
466
467"Yes."
468
469"Understood ..."
470
471 Along with this word, the temperature in the room fell sharply.
472
473 The tea on the table froze, and the surface of the jelly was covered with ice cake.
474
475 The cooling phenomenon wasn't limited to this, the ice also began to appear on Ayako's clothes and hair.
476
477 "Ayako-chan, if you don't really resist it, you'll freeze, won't you?"
478
479 Quiet, kind, soft, like freshly fallen snow, Miyuki reported the obvious.
480
481 "Please continue as long as you wish."
482
483 Although her pale lips trembled, Ayako answered in a firm, strong-willed voice.
484
485"I see." Said Miyuki and the temperature in the room quickly recovered.
486
487 "... Miyuki-sama, what's going on !? Miyuki-sama !?"
488
489 There was an intense knock at the door and a desperate voice from Minami.
490
491 "Minami-chan, you can come in."
492
493"I'm sorry!"
494
495 Minami entered the living room and lost the gift of speech from the horrifying picture before her. Everything in the room was covered with water condensation. Only a small area around Miyuki was untouched. Sitting across from Miyuki, Ayako's clothes and hair were completely drenched, and her face was completely pale.
496
497"Minami-chan, lead Ayako-chan to the bathroom. I'll dry this room."
498
499"S-listen. Ayako-sama, please follow me."
500
501"Thank you."
502
503 Following Minami's invitation, Ayako stood up. She obediently followed Minami, but stopped in front of the door, as if she had planned it in advance.
504
505"Miyuki-oneesama."
506
507 
508
509"What?" Miyuki responded to Ayako's call in a cold voice, and there wasn't a drop of guilt.
510
511 "The way it was, it was like head-sama."
512
513 "... As I mentioned earlier, the Yotsuba will not send reinforcements to Tatsuya-san. The only one who can help Tatsuya-san is you."
514
515 Ayako turned her back on Miyuki.
516
517"I understand."
518
519 Miyuki only responded after Ayako had already disappeared behind the door.
520
521 
522
523 
524
525 "Ayako-sama, are you sure you don't need help?"
526
527Minami asked because once they entered the bathroom dressing room, Ayako slowed her pace, and barely seemed to be able to stand on her feet. She was showing that clothes might be difficult to remove herself. In such a situation, Minami would have offered to help, even if the behavior of the maid had not been imprinted in her mind.
528
529"Everything is fine. Thank you for your concern."
530
531"... Then I will prepare a change ofclothes. Please let me know if you need anything."
532
533"Thank you. I will be grateful to have something to change into." Ayako said, after which she undressed, went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
534
535This door between the dressing room and the bathroom wasn't translucent, as in some houses, but completely concealed what was happening in the bathroom. From the dressing room it was impossible not only to see someone in the bathroom, but it was also impossible to hear any sounds from there. Therefore, Ayako letting hot water out of the shower, settled down on the floor with relief.
536
537 "It was the power of Miyuki-oneesama ... And she wasn't even serious ..." 
538
539 Despite the fact that she kept a calm face, tears appeared in her eyes.
540
541 That cooling wasn't even a conscious activation of magic. It was magical power running wild. Despite this, the cold created by Miyuki didn't have a direct impact on Ayako's body.
542
543 Naturally, Ayako defended her body with data fortification. And yet Miyuki's wild magic completely surrounded Ayako's body, separated from her by a distance of not more than the thickness of the skin.
544
545 The ice was caused not by the condensation of water from the hair itself, but by drawing moisture out of the surrounding air. The same thing happened with the clothes.
546
547 And her own magical defense was helpless against this phenomenon ...
548
549 "It wasn't just a phenomenon modification..." 
550
551 "It was as if the world had voluntarily submitted to Miyuki-oneesama." 
552
553 "It was a magic that seemed to have charmed the mind of the world itself, captivated it and took it under direct control ..." 
554
555 It was something supernatural, different from the magic that Ayako knew. Such a crazy idea arose in her head. Despite the hot shower, Ayako's body felt a cold shiver.
556
557 
558
559 
560
561â—Š â—Š â—Š
562
563 
564
565 
566
567 Thursday, end of May.
568
569 Lieutenant Colonel Kazama of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion received a phone call from Tatsuya.
570
571"Sorry to tear you away from work, Lieutenant Colonel Kazama. This is Shiba Tatsuya."
572
573 "... I thank you for your cooperation in Okinawa."
574
575 Kazama correctly understood the sense that the speaker on the other side of the phone line introduced himself as "Shiba Tatsuya." He guessed that this meant that he didn't call as "Special Officer Ooguro" of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, but as a magician of the Yotsuba family.
576
577 "So, what business did you call about?" He followed up with a leading question.
578
579"I heard that the Self-Defense Forces plan to attack me. Is it true?"
580
581 This unfriendly question was asked in a completely formal tone, as if an artificial intelligence said it.
582
583"This isn't entirely true."
584
585 Kazama didn't need to answer honestly, and had no intention to do it either, but for some reason, answering Tatsuya's question, he couldn't pretend that he didn't know anything.
586
587"Then what is the truth?"
588
589 "The Intelligence Department of the Self-Defense Forces has set its eyes on you. This is the will of the Intelligence Department, and not the decision of the army."
590
591 After answering, Kazama thought about what if he had come under Mental Interference magic but immediately rejected it.
592
593 And the reason wasn't that Tatsuya cannot use Mental Interference magic. He realized that his speech was because of his guilt for passively watching while Tatsuya was in a quandary, as well as unconscious calculation that it was better to speak in some degree honestly to keep Tatsuya.
594
595"In other words, it's an Intelligence Department rebellion?"
596
597 [The word used, which means rebellion, rebellion, betrayal, betrayal.]
598
599 With his tough statement, Tatsuya finally drove him into a corner.
600
601"... You can say so."
602
603 But Tatsuya's words were not wrong. Kazama had to admit this.
604
605Yes, Tatsuya attacked a secret army facility. For this he can in some sense be considered a criminal, and if you consider that he's a "special officer", then he can be considered a rebel.
606
607 However the use of military force without permission to control a civilian is a serious violation. If I consider Tatsuya a rebel, then his crime should be considered in a military court. As Tatsuya said, the fact that the Intelligence Department independently sent out combat force without proper regular procedures was certainly a rebellion.
608
609"In that case, if I defend myself, it will not be a problem for the brigade, will it?"
610
611 This time, Kazama didn't know how to answer.
612
613 The Intelligence Department's plan contradicted both the law and the army. If it leaks to the media, then the army will get a great deal from them, and the leadership will have to resign in full force. If Tatsuya himself wants to keep it a secret, then we must go to meet him.
614
615 However, it will be bad if it looks as if the 1-0-1 brigade gave the go-ahead for the destruction of the executive detachment of the Intelligence Department. "If there were three people it is already a faction" this meant that there were no organizations free from factional struggle. And the Self-Defense Forces were no exception to this rule.
616
617 The reputation of the 1-0-1 brigade was due to the high skill of the brigade commander, and Lieutenant General Saeki helps to avoid interference by bureaucrats and politicians, but there is still a weakness in terms of inter-factional relations. There are even attacks inherent in patriarchal society that Saeki takes too much on herself for being a woman, saying she cannot be trusted.
618
619 Considering that Saeki is among the most influential people of Self-Defense Forces, it is necessary to avoid the possibility that she will be blamed for everything.
620
621 "There will not be any problems for the Independent Magical-Equipped Battalion."
622
623 In the end, Kazama was able to give an answer only within the limits of his responsibility.
624
625 "... I think you understand that the battalion cannot support you. We would like you to do it on your own."
626
627"Of course, I understand."
628
629 For a moment, Kazama had a feeling that Tatsuya had a cruel, inhuman smile.
630
631"It's enough for me that the lieutenant colonel understands the situation. Sorry to trouble you."
632
633"Yes. I wish you a good battle ... huh, that is, good luck."
634
635 There was no need to wish that the battle was strong enough. Tatsuya's victory was predetermined. However, it was necessary luck that this victory didn't worsen the situation even further.
636
637 The video call was cut short before Tatsuya answered Kazama.
638
639 Kazama decided to forget Tatsuya's surreptitious smile.
640
641 The videophone on his desk had the function of automatically recording conversations. If he now includes the reproduction of this conversation, he will be able to understand whether this sinister smile was an illusion, as if turning him into another person.
642
643 So Kazama, without trying to confirm this, just pressed the delete record button.
644
645 
646
647 
648
649â—Š â—Š â—Š
650
651 
652
653 
654
655 Thursday, during lunch. Katsuto sat alone drinking coffee in the cafeteria of the National Magic University when Mayumi showed up.
656
657"Can I sit next to you?"
658
659"Of course. Sit down."
660
661 After answering, Katsuto noticed that on Mayumi tray there isn't anything but a cup of tea.
662
663"Saegusa, have you already had lunch?"
664
665 Katsuto already had a bite, but he realized that he did it pretty quickly. At a dinner party food is usually slowly eaten while conversing, but when he's alone, he eats fast.
666
667 Today it was so. He just finished eating in the dining room and moved to the cafeteria for coffee.
668
669 But even if women usually eat less, it was still too fast.
670
671"Third lecture was canceled, and I went to the canteen early to avoid the crowd during break."
672
673"I see."
674
675 Students of the National Magic University study diligently, because they have a lot to learn. The same applies to Katsuto. In the morning he has absolutely no spare time. In the afternoon there is free time, but this is the privilege of students who have a family job.
676
677"Juumonji-kun, I'm talking about the situation that we discussed earlier."
678
679 When Mayumi sat down, she immediately switched to the main topic. Although this haste wasn't typical for her, it seems that she didn't want anyone to suspect that she would stay here for a long time.
680
681"I received the answer yesterday. Consent was received, as expected." The specific names were not mentioned, but there was no need to explain that the" thing "mentioned was Tatsuya's consent. "So far, everything is going well. Will you be ready at 9 o'clock in the morning?"
682
683"That's fine. Will the meeting be in the afternoon?" In Mayumi's voice it was read that it was unexpected for her.
684
685 "He's still a schoolboy. It will not be a meeting with alcohol. In that case, it's better not to come back later."
686
687Katsuto sounded reason was quite reasonable, and Mayumi didn't have any doubts.
688
689 "But there may be a need to use force? Isn't it better to go after dark?"
690
691 Katsuto didn't stop Mayumi, who said such dangerous words. All the students around them knew that Katsuto is the head of the Juuonji family of the Ten Master Clans, and Mayumi also has a direct line of kinship with one of the Ten Master Clans. The fact that the Ten Master Clans are going somewhere to "use force" wasn't unusual.
692
693 Although the main reason was that they were surrounded by a sound insulation field, because of this not even neighboring tables heard them.
694
695"In the dark, you can make unforeseen errors."
696
697 Mayumi shuddered, realizing what Katsuto had said.
698
699 "Juumonji-kun ... you're pretty serious about this, aren't you?"
700
701 "Indeed, for Tatsuya the probability of victory will increase if instead of an open area it is dark or there are lots of obstacles to hide behind." Katsuto will naturally avoid such a situation. Due to his manner of speech, Mayumi felt that Katsuto was going to crush Tatsuya with all his power.
702
703"This is an opponent, that should be treated seriously." Katsuto answered in a resolute voice at Mayumi's question.
704
705 "Ah ... He's 100% serious ... I cannot possibly cope with one ..." Sweating with a cold sweat (though in the imagination), Mayumi thought.
706
707 
708
709 
710
711â—Š â—Š â—Š
712
713 
714
715 
716
717 On Friday, Miyuki spent the day (even in class) thinking about what she learned from the message from Ayako last night.
718
719 "The day after tomorrow ..." 
720
721"The report referred to the date when Tatsuya would be attacked by the Self-Defense Forces. But other than that, there was something else."
722
723 "If it's only the Self-Defense Forces, Onii-sama, Tatsuya-sama will not lose." 
724
725 "But if they join Juumonji-sempai ..." 
726
727 The message from Ayako said that the Self-Defense Forces would attack during Katsuto's visit.
728
729 "If the fight is one-on-one, he will surely defeat the Juumonji-senpai, but ..." 
730
731 Miyuki took the opposite opinion of Mayumi about the relationship between the strength of Tatsuya and Katsuto. She didn't doubt that Tatsuya was the strongest, and that he would win. But Miyuki also understood that Tatsuya isn't invincible.
732
733 If Katsuto and the Self-Defense Forces unite, then it's impossible to ignore the possibility that Tatsuya, in the end may faint from overloading the Magic Calculation Zone.
734
735 "But even if they don't unite, then having exhausted his strength after the battle with Katsuto he can make an unforeseen mistake."
736
737 "... Still, I'll go too." 
738
739 Miyuki made this decision while working at the Student Council.
740
741 Maya didn't tell Miyuki that she should not go to Tatsuya.
742
743 However, the attempt to go to Tatsuya's aid can be regarded as a protest against the order that they should live separately.
744
745 Ayako then told Miyuki: "Miyuki-oneesama, the only one who can help Tatsuya-san is you", but these were the words of Ayako herself. These words, on the contrary, should be understood in the sense that Maya does not want anyone to help Tatsuya.
746
747But still Miyuki had no choice but to help Tatsuya.
748
749"... That's right, I didn't have to worry about it from the beginning." 
750
751 It does not matter what they think and what they want, Maya, the Yotsuba family, the Self-Defense Forces, the country, the whole world.
752
753 Tatsuya. He's the meaning of her existence. Miyuki once again reminded herself of this.
754
755 
756
757 
758
759 Miyuki was going to the station in the company of Honoka, other members of the Student Council, Shizuku and Kasumi from the disciplinary committee, as well as Shiina and Saburou, when a voice called out behind her.
760
761"Ara, Erika and the others are just now going home? Today we stayed late, and I thought that everyone else had already left."
762
763 As Miyuki said, today the student council work continued until the school closed. The day was long and it was still light, but in the winter at this time the sun would have already gone done. Almost all students, including those engaged in club activities, stayed at school until late.
764
765 "The patrol drove us out."
766
767"We were studying for tests on the cafeteria terrace and didn't even notice how the time flew by ..."
768
769 After Erika's scattered response, Mizuki shyly continued the explanation in response to Miyuki's question.
770
771"Indeed, exams are coming up." Miyuki nodded when she heard Mizuki's answer.
772
773 Regular exams in magic high schools were conducted on both magical theory, and magical practice. Items from the regular course (not related to magic) were evaluated daily without any written tests. In the third year of school, nothing has changed.
774
775Since Mizuki was taking the magic engineering course, the content of her tests was slightly different, but the tests for the first and second course were exactly the same, so it's no surprise that Mikihiko, Erika and Leo worked together.
776
777"And I have never studied group training."
778
779 Shizuku's joke was inaccurate. That is, there wasn't enough words. More specifically, it was supposed to be: "I have never stayed in school after school to work in a company of friends."
780
781"My grades have been improving lately and I've been thinking, maybe I should try to go to the National Magic University?"
782
783 Leo was speaking shyly, not at all worried about such things, that Shizuku's phrase lacked words.
784
785"I don't think I want to go to the National Magic University, but if this idiot gets there and I don't, then I'll be a little ashamed. This inflames the spirit of rivalry in me."
786
787 Erika, as usual, inserted her own joke.
788
789 "Who did you call an idiot!"
790
791"I just wanted to become a smart man? How rude."
792
793"Yes, yes, Erika-chan and Leo-kun, let's finish your love quarrel."
794
795 Mizuki climbed into this comic verbal skirmish between Erika and Leo. Mikihiko, in turn, has decided "not to come nearer to danger".
796
797"This isn't a lovers quarrel!"
798
799"Erika-chan, you're smart enough, so if you start learning as early as possible, then you will succeed."
800
801 Mizuki completely ignored Erika's cry.
802
803 "Shibata-senpai, it was ..." Kasumi said admiringly, and Izumi nodded strongly beside her.
804
805 "... I've already told you. I'm not going to go anywhere after school."
806
807 Erika probably decided that if she argued further, things would get worse, so she answered seriously.
808
809 "My father sent me to high school, and I couldn't object. Well, it turned out to be the right decision, and I'm even a little grateful for that."
810
811 Mizuki looked at Erika with a look in which she tried to convey the message "You don't need to be embarrassed ...". Erika, of course, pretended not to notice.
812
813 "After graduation, I thought I'd go on a "warriors journey."
814
815"What?"
816
817 "A warrior's journey?" Following the surprised Mizuki, repeated Honoka.
818
819"Yeah. I don't want to learn magic, but the real old Kenjutsu styles. I've saved some money and I want to first visit all the master swordsmen of Japan, and then of the whole world ... yes, somehow."
820
821 At the end, Erika laughed, apparently in order to hide her embarrassment but no one else laughed.
822
823 "... But can't you do that after graduating from the National Magic University?" Miyuki asked.
824
825 "Err? No, I don't think so. After graduating from university, I'll be quite grown up." Erika waved her hands in front of her panic stricken face.
826
827"I don't think that age is important. This is a wonderful dream. If Tatsuya-sama allows it we can help so you don't have to waste time working on it."
828
829"No, no, no, and again no!"
830
831 Erika seemed to be getting even more nervous. She probably wanted to escape far away.
832
833"I also think that this is a wonderful dream."
834
835"And I. Also I can become a sponsor."
836
837"No-no-no-no-no-e-e-e ... By the way, Miyuki."
838
839 Honoka and Shizuku continued to embarrass Erika, so she decided to change the subject.
840
841"Is it possible to go to Tatsuya-kun this Sunday? Not just me, but all of us?"
842
843 Erika's words were desperate, and she was followed by Mizuki with relief on her face.
844
845"When we studied a little bit earlier, we came up with this idea."
846
847"We are not on any business, but simply ..."
848
849"Simply, I wanted to see ..."
850
851 Continuing for Mizuki, Mikihiko and Leo explained the circumstances.
852
853 Miyuki felt that tears would appear before her eyes.
854
855 The Yotsuba family still uses Tatsuya. In addition to illegal activities, it receives a solid profit from Taurus Silver.
856
857Tatsuya has also contributed much help to the Self-Defense Forces. It is no exaggeration to say that in October of the year before last, the attack by the Great Asian Alliance was largely repelled thanks to the help of Tatsuya.
858
859 Tatsuya greatly increased the reputation of First High. No one could tell if the school could have won first place in points in the Nine Schools Competition last year without Tatsuya's participation. And the year before last, a lot of victories in the Nine Schools Competition were obviously due to Tatsuya's achievements. The Thesis Competition didn't yield any results, but last year's experiment "Stellar Furnace" compensated for it.
860
861 Although Miyuki didn't consider this prejudiced, it was also not her favoritism. She without a doubt had her own opinion on the contributions he's made.
862
863The core of these achievements were an indisputable fact.
864
865 But, contrary to all this,
866
867 Neither the Yotsuba family,
868
869 Neither the Self-Defense Forces,
870
871 Neither the school,
872
873 No one was going to defend Tatsuya.
874
875 And for the school it was generally a way to take the initiative to "shoot back" from attacks.
876
877 Nevertheless, these friends still ...
878
879"...Excuse me. But this Sunday another guest is coming to see him."
880
881 Therefore, Miyuki thought that we should not involve them in this.
882
883 Restraining her tears, and not even showing that she was ready to cry, she answered with a reserved face.
884
885 Hearing this answer, Erika narrowed her eyes.
886
887"Is this 'guest' undesirable?"
888
889 Miyuki smiled and shook her head.
890
891 "I cannot say exactly ... but this guest is Juumonji-senpai."
892
893 With embarrassment on her face (apparently, this was due to a sense of guilt for saying something she should not have said), Erika mumbled "Ah ~, Juumonji-senpai ...".
894
895 "Therefore, Erika. Please don't even think about doing something strange."
896
897 Erika nodded obediently at Miyuki's warning.
898
899 
900
901 
902
903â—Š â—Š â—Š
904
905 
906
907 
908
909 Raymond S. Clark. A guy who liked to use the title of " Seven Sages" for the sake of fun, was now in a bad mood. It was because he could no longer play with his favorite toy, Hliðskjálf.
910
911 It wasn't that he couldn't use it. His terminal was still working.
912
913 But the other 6 terminals stopped working when the system administrator turned them off. As a result, he couldn't enjoy peeking at what information other users gather.
914
915 But that wasn't all. The fact that he alone could use a system equivalent to clairvoyance completely destroyed the thrill of the game. No matter what he did, there were no penalties for him. Look and listen as much as you want. This was no different from when a child is alone with only with his imagination to play with.
916
917 So it's boring.
918
919 So Raymond asked his father Edward Clark the developer and administrator of Hliðskjálf, to return the right to use the system to the others.
920
921 However, Edward didn't do this and told him to "Wait a bit".
922
923 Raymond didn't argue him. He was well aware that it's better to give up right away.
924
925 Instead, Raymond began to look for a new way to play his game.
926
927 To make it more exciting.
928
929The most exciting part of his game with Hliðskjálf was when he played the role of an "advisor" in the "vampire incident". Although he sometimes played the role of "accuser" or "rescuer," but in such cases he never felt himself part of a global incident.
930
931 He wanted to experience again that same excitement ... no, he wanted to experience something more exciting.
932
933 And something else.
934
935 Since he couldn't experience the thrill associated with the risk of using Hliðskjálf, this time he decided to take this risk on himself.
936
937Except for one exceptional case, Raymond identity has never been revealed.
938
939 In addition, the risk of exposing his identity was almost zero.
940
941 But he decided to break this ban.
942
943 These were Raymond's thoughts.
944
945 Naturally, he wasn't going to do something as foolish as exposing his face for show.
946
947 He was going to change his face and voice with a computer system, and check how much he could hide his identity.
948
949 The "Apostle" of his country, Angie Sirius can change her appearance with magic.
950
951 How much will he be able to become with this system?
952
953 Raymond couldn't suppress this and similar mischievous childish thoughts.
954
955 
956
957 
958
959CHAPTER 8
960
961 
962
963 
964
965Saturday evening.
966
967 The villa where Tatsuya lived had an unexpected guest.
968
969 Feeling their approach with "Elemental Sight" which he wouldn't confuse with anything, Tatsuya got up from the workstation and went to the parking lot in front of the entrance.
970
971 A large sedan with tinted windows stopped smoothly. A young man came from the driver's seat. Simultaneously with it, from the left rear passenger place there was a girl.
972
973 The young man was Hanabishi Hyougo. The girl is Sakurai Minami.
974
975 After leaving, Minami remained standing, holding the door. Hyougo shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
976
977 Soon after holding Minami's hand, a beautiful girl emerged from the back door, as if coming from another world.
978
979 Miyuki raised her head and her black silky hair swung. Tatsuya and Miyuki's eyes met.
980
981"Onii-sama ...!"
982
983 With a voice full of emotion, Miyuki clung to Tatsuya's chest.
984
985 Tatsuya gently caught Miyuki's body, gently hugged her and whispered in her ear.
986
987"You still came."
988
989 "I wanted to see you so badly Onii-sama ..."
990
991"Me too. ... But Miyuki, you were wrong to come here."
992
993 After Tatsuya's words, Miyuki's body quivered slightly, and she reluctantly backed away from him.
994
995"... Tatsuya-sama and I haven't seen each other for a long time."
996
997 Miyuki completely forgot that Hyougo was there. But even without him, in this situation it isn't known where the eyes and ears can hide. With a reserved face, she bowed to Tatsuya.
998
999"Right. Even though it's been less than a week, it seems like we haven't seen each other for a long time."
1000
1001 This response with undisguised emotions was quite unusual for Tatsuya.
1002
1003 
1004
1005 
1006
1007 Having sent Hyougo away after asking him to return tomorrow night, Tatsuya led Miyuki and Minami inside the villa.
1008
1009 Each of them had a small bag of luggage. In actuality the villa wasn't just prepared in advance for Tatsuya's needs, but also changes of clothes for Miyuki and Minami.
1010
1011 Preparing for the trip here, Minami showed disgust on her face when she heard about it from Miyuki.
1012
1013Her personal clothes were placed where she herself does not live, in addition to the place where a person of the opposite sex lives, almost no different from her own age. Although she didn't seriously think that he would be interested in her underwear, she couldn't do anything to get rid of this unpleasant discomfort.
1014
1015Miyuki it seems didn't care at all.
1016
1017 That's why their bags were so light, but when they entered the house, Pixie took them both. Both Miyuki and Minami were strongly against Tatsuya carrying them. More specifically, the non-humanoid robot-porter, managed by Pixie politely took their luggage.
1018
1019 Since the bags were taken away, there was no need to go to the bedroom. So the two girls, following Tatsuya's invitation, sat on the living room sofa.
1020
1021 "You haven't had dinner yet have you? Let me prepare something."
1022
1023 Hearing this from Tatsuya, Minami immediately jumped from the sofa.
1024
1025"Tatsuya-sama, I'll cook."
1026
1027 Her voice was relatively calm, but her eyes were shining with enthusiasm. Seeing this, Tatsuya immediately refused to discourage her.
1028
1029 "... Understood. Pixie, switch the equipment in the kitchen to manual mode."
1030
1031" I refuse."
1032
1033 Pixie's answer was completely unexpected.
1034
1035 If this were due to the impossibility of executing an order (for example, there is no connection with the system), then this could be understood. But it was an obvious lie, since it's known that she has the ability to access the switch to manual mode. But if this is so, then this should apply to some kind of malfunction. According to their programming, no machine can resist the orders of the owner. Realizing that Pixie isn't a simple machine, Tatsuya again gave the order.
1036
1037"It is forbidden to refuse. Pixie, switch the equipment in the kitchen to manual mode. This is an order."
1038
1039"Does the master prefer food cooked by this person?"
1040
1041 Tatsuya felt a headache. After coming to this villa he felt that Pixie had a little increased awareness of her "personality". Although she had just expressed her opinion against Tatsuya's order for the first time, but before that there were many cases when she did something, like making a decision herself before Tatsuya gave her any order.
1042
1043 But that's why you couldn't give her too much freedom.
1044
1045"It's not about preferences. Pixie, it was an order."
1046
1047"... I am obeying."
1048
1049 Perhaps it was only Tatsuya's imagination, because such a function wasn't built into it, namely the displeased voice Pixie had answered when she switched the kitchen equipment into manual mode.
1050
1051"All right. Pixie, enter standby mode."
1052
1053 "Yes."
1054
1055It was already 100% imagination that Pixie looked upset while walking to her place in the corner of the room, where she sat on a chair and froze like a doll.
1056
1057 In contrast to this, Minami happily went to the kitchen. Tatsuya and Miyuki decided to pretend that they didn't hear her whisper "I won."
1058
1059 
1060
1061 
1062
1063 After preparing the meal, serving Tatsuya and Miyuki, cleaning and washing dishes, preparing the bath and bed, Minami, at last, showed that she was satisfied. Recalling that facial expression with a desire to serve the master, Tatsuya brought Pixie out of the waiting mode and left the rest of the work for her. There wasn't any remaining housework, but there was still a security issue, so Pixie didn't complain.
1064
1065 With this, everything will be fine. Tatsuya mentally scolded himself for being "distracted," and turned his gaze to Miyuki, sitting relaxed on the opposite side.
1066
1067 They were not in the living room or in the dining room.
1068
1069 They sat opposite each other at a table on the balcony. (The table was taken to the balcony with the same kind of non-humanoid robot as the robot-porter. This villa used many different robots, but Pixie was the only humanoid among them type.)
1070
1071 It was already after 9 pm, but it wasn't cold outside even in light clothes. The peninsula of Izu is a mountainous area and it's near the end of May so it wasn't hot or cold. The temperature was just perfect and the breeze was refreshing, unlike the urban area.
1072
1073 Miyuki narrowed her eyes and held the hair fluttering in the wind. She had a strange face, but it seems that the change of the location has improved her mood.
1074
1075"Tatsuya-sama, this is a pretty nice place."
1076
1077"Indeed. Another enjoyable season."
1078
1079 Penetrating the darkness of the night, the light emanating from the room fell on Miyuki's white skin. Black silky hair swaying in the wind flowed like flickering stars, and pearly black eyes glittered with their mysterious light.
1080
1081 After one glance at Miyuki, the sense of reality weakened. It was impossible to believe that it exists in the same world as you. Even Tatsuya is now deep in this feeling.
1082
1083 "This inhuman beauty, is it divine or diabolical?"
1084
1085"... Tatsuya-sama, when you look at me like that ... it's embarrassing ..."
1086
1087 Miyuki's voice restored Tatsuya's composure.
1088
1089 Miyuki, sitting on the other side of the table, blushed, lowered her eyes and fingered her knees.
1090
1091 Tatsuya finally realized that he was staring at Miyuki, forgetting about everything.
1092
1093"Sorry. I looked around."
1094
1095 "But that you ... look at you? This is ..."
1096
1097 Miyuki finally blushed and froze. Tatsuya realized that his restraint was broken.
1098
1099 He realized that the one that wanted to meet the most was not Miyuki, but himself.
1100
1101 Tatsuya thought that this is a serious problem, when emotions cannot restrain themselves. At the same time, he felt jealous of people around the world, because the enjoyment of this beauty wasn't limited to them alone.
1102
1103 "You're right, I'm sorry. Since I apologized, could you show me your face?"
1104
1105"... Yes."
1106
1107 Miyuki slowly lifted her face, which still remained blushed. Her raised eyes met Tatsuya's gaze, and she looked away shamefacedly.
1108
1109 "... I need to talk seriously with you about something."
1110
1111 In fact, Tatsuya also felt uncomfortable, but fortunately, it wasn't difficult for him to suppress his emotions.
1112
1113 "... It's good."
1114
1115 What was the feeling in this voice?
1116
1117 Miyuki looked steadily into Tatsuya's eyes, although there were still signs of redness around her eyes.
1118
1119"Did you come today because you know about tomorrow?"
1120
1121"That's right."
1122
1123 Miyuki sighed and asked in return.
1124
1125 "And you, Tatsuya-sama, do you know about the fact that not only Juumonji-sempai will come tomorrow?"
1126
1127"Yes. Fumiya told me."
1128
1129"Here's how ..."
1130
1131 There was a brief silence.
1132
1133 "... Miyuki. I don't want you to do anything dangerous."
1134
1135"I know."
1136
1137Again a short pause.
1138
1139 "I will not get involved in the battle between Tatsuya-sama and Juumonji-senpai."
1140
1141"The purpose of Juumonji-sempai's visit is a conversation."
1142
1143 "Tatsuya-sama you too must understand that this isn't the only thing that will occur."
1144
1145"Yes ... probably."
1146
1147 Tatsuya sighed.
1148
1149 The sigh wasn't because of the predicament, but because of the expectation of an imminent collision.
1150
1151 Tatsuya acknowledged Katsuto as a strong enemy whom he didn't want to fight if there was a choice.
1152
1153"Tatsuya-sama."
1154
1155"What?"
1156
1157"Juumonji-sempai will use that secret technique?"
1158
1159"Who knows, because it shortens the life of the magician."
1160
1161The two recently learned about the trump card of the Juumonji family.
1162
1163 After Katsuto took Tooyama Tsukasa under his protection, the Yotsuba main house realized that the clashes with Katsuto couldn't be avoided and told them the secret of the Juumonji family. For this they remained debtors to Maya.
1164
1165"If he uses it, then I think that even for Tatsuya-sama the battle will be difficult."
1166
1167"Miyuki. You got permission from Maya?"
1168
1169 Tatsuya already knew what Miyuki would say.
1170
1171"No, this is my own decision."
1172
1173 "Stop it. This is my personal battle. It will be hard to convince her."
1174
1175" There's no need to persuade them. I want it myself. I'll take responsibility for myself."
1176
1177 "Miyuki, calm down."
1178
1179 "I'm calm, Tatsuya-sama. No, Onii-sama ..."
1180
1181 Miyuki's perseverance was enough to prevent Tatsuya from inserting a single word in response.
1182
1183"In the end, I'm only the younger sister of Onii-sama. After becoming the next head of the Yotsuba family, I will marry the son of the current head. I will no longer have the opportunity to be associated with Onii-sama like just now ..."
1184
1185 Miyuki broke off because she realized she was going to cry.
1186
1187 "Even if I deserve Maya-sama's anger, I want to at least something to be useful to Onii-sama."
1188
1189 Miyuki hesitated only for a moment. Then she sent her determined eyes to Tatsuya.
1190
1191 "Onii-sama. I will remove your seal."
1192
1193"Miyuki, what are you ...?"
1194
1195 Not "Release" but "Remove."
1196
1197 "I meant exactly what I said. I want to make sure that Onii-sama is never again troubled by this limit imposed by other people.
1198
1199"No, wait. This, of course, isn't impossible, but ..."
1200
1201 Tatsuya got up, not even trying to hide that he was nervous.
1202
1203"It puts a heavy load on users. Not only on those who are sealed, but also those who maintain the seal. Correct Onii-sama?"
1204
1205 However the determination on Miyuki's face made Tatsuya sit back down.
1206
1207 Tatsuya's "Material Burst" is sealed with the Outer-Systematic Mental Interference magic "Pledge" by Tsukuba Toki the head of the Tsukuba family, a side branch of the Yotsuba family. In Tatsuya's case it not only blocks his greatest weapon, but his magical power is cut in half.
1208
1209 "Pledge" is a magic that prohibits specific decision, and limiting the magical power is just a side effect.
1210
1211 The unique feature of this magic is that in order to maintain the effect of mental intervention, the magical power of more than just the user themselves is needed.
1212
1213 When you try to prohibit something, it's meaningless if this effect can manifest only when you look at the object. Even prison guards don't watch prisoners constantly. In addition it's considered inefficient if one magician can control only one person.
1214
1215 Therefore the "Pledge" of a couple of people, the user himself and the subject of use, is usually supported by the magic power of a third person. If the decision-making constraint is non-permanent, then the use subject can do it himself. In the case where it is sometimes necessary to temporarily release the restriction, the third party that's close to the subject provides the magical power.
1216
1217 In the latter case, the "key" for the temporary removal of the restriction is transferred to a third party that provides magical power.
1218
1219When using this key in the user's mind, the "prohibited" entry is rewritten to "temporarily released". To return the "prohibited" status you must again perform the ceremony, in which the owners "key" is reinstalled using the reactivation switch for the original user.
1220
1221 In Tatsuya's case, Miyuki is the owner of the "key". If Miyuki does not reactivate it then Tatsuya's seal will be removed, but the effect of releasing "Pledge" is temporary. As long as Miyuki continues to supply "Pledge" with magical power, the seal will gradually gain strength, so leaving it can be dangerous for Tatsuya.
1222
1223Tatsuya's "Material Burst" was impossible to contain with the magical power of only Tsukuba Toki. For this reason, in the "Pledge" imposed on Tatsuya, the condition that "the Magic Calculation Zone be connected to Miyuki" was added. This is the so-called bilateral relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki in their "Pledge." And that part of the "Pledge", which is imposed on Miyuki herself, can also be temporarily taken down by the "key" she owns, and which she supports with her magical power.
1224
1225 "Pledge" is arranged so that if you stop the supply of magical power from Miyuki, then the effect of the magic will naturally disappear in a short time. However, in the depths of Miyuki's consciousness, the rule "to supply Pledge with magical power" is set forcing her to do this.
1226
1227 Miyuki's words about the "heavy load on users" was not exactly accurate. After all, the user in this case was Tsukuba Toki. And the damage from the load will be given to Miyuki who was forced to supply the magic power for "Pledge" and maintain the seal.
1228
1229 "... I'm glad you want me to be in perfect condition. But still, a temporary release will be enough. Don't take risks of negative consequences from the removal of "Pledge."
1230
1231 "No, Onii-sama. Miyuki cannot stand it any longer. The fact that I am Onii-sama's shackles. I cannot accept the fact that Onii-sama isn't comfortable being my fault."
1232
1233 Miyuki spoke the same way she did on New Year's Eve. As Miyuki said, she couldn't stand it anymore.
1234
1235 I can't tolerate the Yotsuba's family, who even though they've recognized Tatsuya as a member of the main family, but in an emergency situation, she can easily give it up.
1236
1237 Yes, they supply information. But what will that give? The information makes sense when you can cope with the approaching threat in the form of an attack. What the Yotsuba family is doing now looks like someone telling you that a rocket is flying to your city, and says that it's impossible to intercept it.
1238
1239 Of course, Tatsuya isn't a helpless civilian. He has the means to resist. There are abilities, but the strength of one person has its limits.
1240
1241 The Yotsuba family must have enough strength to help Tatsuya. They are not called "Untouchables" for no reason. They must have the strength to resist even the government. And despite all this, he's forced to fight alone, moreover, he's restrained by his shackles. Such cruel treatment angered Miyuki to the core.
1242
1243 "All right, enough."
1244
1245 These were Miyuki's sincere thoughts.
1246
1247"If Maya-sama wants Onii-sama to protect himself with only his power ..."
1248
1249 In Miyuki's eyes, which were blacker than the clear night sky, a colorless fire was lit. With this look, she stared Tatsuya right in the eye.
1250
1251"Then I would like that Onii-sama always had his real power."
1252
1253 Miyuki got up from her chair. To begin with, she wanted to make a temporary withdrawal of the seal.
1254
1255"...I understand" said Tatsuya and got up from his chair. However, he didn't kneel before Miyuki.
1256
1257 "If so, then I, too, accept your determination." ...Come with me." Tatsuya said and went inside the villa.
1258
1259"Y-yes."
1260
1261 Miyuki realized that she was distracted by her own enthusiasm. Disappointed, she followed Tatsuya. In the living room expected by Minami and out of Pixie's standby mode.
1262
1263"Minami. Take a bath with Miyuki."
1264
1265 Not knowing how to respond to such an unexpected order after the tension experienced a moment ago, Miyuki simply stood in wide-eyed silence.
1266
1267 "Together ...?" With embarrassment on her face, Minami repeated, implying that she does not understand the true meaning of the order.
1268
1269"Yes. There is enough space In the bathtub for two people. Help Miyuki thoroughly clean up. But don't use any fragrances or other things with scents this evening."
1270
1271"Yes ..."
1272
1273"Pixie will prepare a change of clothes for Miyuki."
1274
1275 "... In other words, I should help Miyuki-sama change into ready-made clothes?"
1276
1277"That's right."
1278
1279"Yes, Tatsuya-sama. Miyuki-sama, with your permission please follow me."
1280
1281 Minami didn't understand why Tatsuya had ordered this. But the order is an order.
1282
1283 In addition, taking care of Miyuki is exactly what Minami wanted. Usually Miyuki refuses this, but now, using Tatsuya's order as an argument, Minami can "serve" her ...
1284
1285 Fortunately for Minami, she managed to drag Miyuki into the bathroom before the sense of the conversation began to come up.
1286
1287 
1288
1289 
1290
1291 Quite "taking care" of Miyuki, Minami sent her to stay in the bath, and quickly washed herself. When they came out together from the bathroom, Miyuki looked completely exhausted, and Minami was in high spirits with a sense of accomplishment.
1292
1293 The clothes prepared there came as a surprise to Miyuki and Minami.
1294
1295"Minami-chan, is this a white kimono ...?"
1296
1297"White kimono ..."
1298
1299 Miyuki held in her hands an unfolded white kimono, the same as worn by Shinto priestesses.
1300
1301"... And here we seem to have a red hakama."
1302
1303"... It looks like it."
1304
1305 Nearby lay a bright red hakama skirt, which can be called a symbol of the priestess costume.
1306
1307"It seems that there's no underwear under the kimono ... This means that I need to wear this white kimono right away?"
1308
1309"If you directly follow the words of Tatsuya-sama, it seems so."
1310
1311"That's right."
1312
1313 With her face expressing "nothing can be done", Miyuki slipped her hand into the white sleeve. The sensation of the fabric was unexpectedly soft and pleasant.
1314
1315 Then she put on a red hakama. It felt like a normal skirt to the ankle, but wearing it without any underclothes was somehow embarrassing.
1316
1317 When they came out of the bathroom, Tatsuya entered. While he was in the bathroom, they began to dry their hair.
1318
1319 It takes some time to dry Miyuki's long hair. Especially if we take into account Tatsuya's current request "not to use things with a scent." Tatsuya left the bathroom at about the same time that hair care was being completed.
1320
1321"Miyuki, can I enter?"
1322
1323"Yes, please."
1324
1325 Standing in front of the mirror, Miyuki turned to the door.
1326
1327 Tatsuya was in white clothes with short sleeves. On the clothes there were no patterns or drawings. Completely ordinary white fabric.
1328
1329 "Miyuki, follow me. Minami, you can rest now."
1330
1331 Again, without explaining anything, Tatsuya turned his back.
1332
1333 Miyuki and Minami exchanged glances, after which one of them followed Tatsuya.
1334
1335 
1336
1337 
1338
1339 Tatsuya led Miyuki to a room in the traditional Japanese style.
1340
1341 On the floor of the tatami was laid a red square carpet, and on each corner stood a saucer with salt, poured in the form of a hill.
1342
1343 In the middle of the carpet lay a wooden stand. On this stand was a white jug and two small cups of white porcelain.
1344
1345 Tatsuya sat down on his knees in front of this stand.
1346
1347"Miyuki, please sit down."
1348
1349 Following Tatsuya's invitation, Miyuki sat on the opposite side of the stand.
1350
1351"Now I will explain the nature of "Pledge."
1352
1353 The sudden words made Miyuki involuntarily straighten up even more, although she was already sitting upright.
1354
1355"If we're not talking about the effect, but about how the Tsukuba family's "Pledge" is arranged, then this is a spell that forces someone to use the magic that the spell user wants. Forcing them to use magic to control someone's mind. You can call it magic, interfering in the processes of other magic. Thus, it is ineffective for use by those who are not magicians."
1356
1357 Miyuki nodded her understanding.
1358
1359Because of its nature of interference in the processes of magic, "Pledge" is established in the deep layers of consciousness, next to the "Gates". We can say that this system is close in that sense to "Gatekeeper."
1360
1361"To the "Gatekeeper", developed by Onii-sama?"
1362
1363"Right. "Pledge" is a spell that makes use of magic, and "Gatekeeper" is a spell that prohibits using magic. Naturally, their systems are similar."
1364
1365 Miyuki nodded once more.
1366
1367"Therefore "Pledge" can be eliminated using "Gatekeeper."
1368
1369 Tatsuya took the cup from the stand and handed it to Miyuki. Embarrassed, Miyuki took it. With his free hand, Tatsuya removed the lid from the jug, took it and turned to Miyuki.
1370
1371 "Is this ...?"
1372
1373"Don't worry, it's not alcohol."
1374
1375 Miyuki was embarrassed not because she thought he offered her alcohol.
1376
1377 The thing is, she thought that this is the ceremony of "San-san-kudo" *.
1378
1379*San-san-kudo (3-3-9) is a ceremony that is conducted at the time of marriage. The newlyweds alternately make 3 sips from 3 cups with sake.*
1380
1381 Although three cups of different sizes should be prepared for San-ku-kudo, but the atmosphere here was suitable.
1382
1383 Miyuki timidly set the cup and Tatsuya poured a clear liquid.
1384
1385 Miyuki put the cup to her face. There was no smell.
1386
1387 She gathered all her resolve and drained the whole cup in one gulp ... After which her face finally relaxed. Because the liquid didn't have any taste either.
1388
1389"Onii-sama ... what is this?"
1390
1391This water is highly purified. Although it is impossible to achieve a level of ultrapurity(?) due to contact with the container and air, but this is the closest to that level of purity, excluding all other pollution factors.
1392
1393 Tatsuya passed the jug to Miyuki, and she poured water into Tatsuya's cup.
1394
1395 "Um ... Is that a farewell bowl of water?"
1396
1397 "Farewell bowls of water" meant the ritual of parting. Miyuki's voice trembled a little. Not only her voice, but both hands holding the jug trembled as well.
1398
1399"No, it's different. Unless in case the use of clean water will not be an excessive difficulty?" Answered Tatsuya, having drunk clean water from the cup.
1400
1401"Yes, really ..."
1402
1403 Miyuki stopped trembling. Tatsuya returned the cup to the stand. After that, Miyuki first put the jug on the stand, and then the cup.
1404
1405 "It was a ritual to cleanse the body. Of course it's only symbolic. By accepting a pure substance, we increase the purity of the body and mind. If you look for the necessary pure substance, suitable for eating or drinking, and while not harmful to the body, then water is the best candidate."
1406
1407 Tatsuya pushed the stand aside. Now there were no obstacles between Tatsuya and Miyuki.
1408
1409"To interfere with "Pledge" located in the deepest layer of consciousness, we also need to get in touch on the deepest level."
1410
1411"Onii-sama ...?"
1412
1413 What is this, a joke? She wanted to ask, but ...
1414
1415"What?"
1416
1417"...!"
1418
1419 She saw Tatsuya looking at her with an absolutely serious look, and her mind completely emptied, and her face turned red.
1420
1421https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mahouka-koukou-no-rettousei/images/0/0f/Vol23-LN-Page223.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170923031012
1422
1423"Er, this is my ... first time ... and if possible, it's better on the futon ..."
1424
1425 
1426
1427 
1428
1429Turning and trembling all over, Miyuki tried to complain with a thin voice.
1430
1431 Tatsuya's face petrified. Expression of the face showed absolute surprise.
1432
1433 "... I'm sorry!" Tatsuya suddenly bowed low.
1434
1435 "... Um, Onii-sama?" Miyuki asked after she timidly turned her head back and saw Tatsuya.
1436
1437"Please forgive me for misleading you with an ambiguous phrase."
1438
1439 Tatsuya raised his head and met his eyes with Miyuki. There was shame in his eyes, which was very rare.
1440
1441"Speaking about the deep level of contact, it was meant in the spiritual sense ... In this case physical contact will disturb the mind and will interfere."
1442
1443 It took a second in order for Tatsuya's words to leak into Miyuki's mind. After that second, Miyuki tried to run away while covering her face with her hands. Tatsuya quickly reached out and grabbed Miyuki's shoulder.
1444
1445"Let go, please! Onii-sama, I beg you!"
1446
1447"It's my fault! So calm down!"
1448
1449 If he let her go now, then this problem will drag on for a long time ... Tatsuya had that feeling, and he desperately tried to reassure Miyuki.
1450
1451 
1452
1453 
1454
1455 Miyuki managed to regain peace after only 10 minutes of Tatsuya's persuasion.
1456
1457"...I apologize. For this unsightly behavior ..."
1458
1459"... No, I must apologize."
1460
1461 Tatsuya and Miyuki met with a glance. At first both were embarrassed, but in the end, their faces became serious.
1462
1463 "Let's start, Onii-sama." Miyuki was the first to speak.
1464
1465"Ok, we will."
1466
1467 Tatsuya moved closer to Miyuki. When the distance became such that their knees touched each other, their eyes met again.
1468
1469I will now explain the spell.
1470
1471"Yes."
1472
1473"After releasing the seal, Miyuki will cease to supply "Pledge" with magical power."
1474
1475"Yes."
1476
1477"The "Pledge" spell will increase its activity, achieving the purpose of the Pledge. At this time, the true form of magic hiding in the deep layers of consciousness will become visible."
1478
1479"Yes."
1480
1481"Then I attack it with my "Gatekeeper". Though it's in a state mixed with consciousness and because I'm not able to use Mental Interference magic, I cannot get it. However, if the magic sequence appears then I can "decompose" it."
1482
1483"Yes. I rely on you, Onii-sama." Miyuki said while nodding. Staring Tatsuya directly in the eyes, she rose a little. Putting her hands on his shoulders to keep her balance, she put her lips to his forehead.
1484
1485 A flood of psion light erupted. In a raging psion vortex, the power came out of Miyuki's hands.
1486
1487 Tatsuya hugged Miyuki tightly. The warmth and softness of Miyuki's body, separated only by a thin white cloth, were transmitted to Tatsuya. But he wasn't even excited feeling it.
1488
1489 Hugging Miyuki, who was breathing heavily, Tatsuya sent his "Eye" into her.
1490
1491 He concentrated his mind.
1492
1493 Reason is the area that its "Eye" cannot reach. Suffering from excessive concentration that almost deteriorates the mind, Tatsuya directed his "Elemental Sight" at something that he should not be able to "see."
1494
1495 You cannot "see" the mind. But you can "see" the psion information body. Tatsuya was looking for hidden magic in Miyuki that didn't belong to her, and finally found it. His Elemental Sight aimed at the growing strength of the magic sequence of "Pledge."
1496
1497 Tatsuya activated gatekeeper.
1498
1499 This is the "Scattering spell" that targets the "Gate" (this is a kind of "exit" from the subconscious area from which magic sequences are released) of the magician. "Gram Dispersion" decomposes the psion information body, so that it can be called magic, which is a natural enemy of magic.
1500
1501 Even if magic affects the mind, its true form isn't an information body built of cells, but a psion information body. Therefore, it will not be able to avoid " Gram Dispersion."
1502
1503 Having manifested to begin fulfilling Pledge, the sequence of the magic of the "Pledge" showed its true form and was destroyed by Tatsuya's magic.
1504
1505Tatsuya got his freedom.
1506
1507 
1508
1509 
1510
1511CHAPTER 9
1512
1513 
1514
1515 
1516
1517Sunday, morning.
1518
1519As promised Katsuto came by private car to pick up Mayumi from the Saegusa mansion.
1520
1521 Katsuto had an impressive car. Size, power, reliability, everything was present.
1522
1523 Mayumi stared dazedly at this car, which looked as if it had been in the armed conflicts zone of Central Asia.
1524
1525"Juumonji-kun. Did the Self-Defense Forces sell this to you?"
1526
1527This is a normal commercial vehicle.
1528
1529 This SUV really wasn't made to order, nor was it a converted car. It was a special limited edition model modification of an original model, but it was a purely commercial model car. Even if its design was copied from military vehicles.
1530
1531 But Katsuto, subjected to unfair accusations, also had something to ask Mayumi about.
1532
1533 "More importantly Saegusa, why haven't I heard from you that Watanabe was going too."
1534
1535 The look coming from Katsuto, who asked almost the exact same question as last month, was slightly more intense than usual.
1536
1537 Mari, standing next to Mayumi, nodded with a face saying "say something else."
1538
1539 Mayumi pulled a feigned smile, as if saying "what, for example!".
1540
1541"So what? Mari also worries about our kohai."
1542
1543"Hey! Don't say it as if I signed on at will!" Complained Mari, who was taken by surprise at such a shift of responsibility. However, even these words of protest couldn't hide the obvious lie.
1544
1545 "You are yourself Mari, don't be shy about it."
1546
1547"Well, you ..."
1548
1549 Mari couldn't find the words to answer the pretending friendly Mayumi.
1550
1551 "Instead of arguing, let's go! We will not waste time." Taking advantage of the pause, Mayumi offered to continue what they were here for.
1552
1553"That's right ..."
1554
1555 "Nothing is planned for today, but it certainly will be a waste of time if you quarrel here", thought Katsuto and returned to the driver's seat.
1556
1557 With a satisfied face, Mayumi climbed onto the rear passenger seat. Mari followed Mayumi with a resigned face.
1558
1559 
1560
1561 
1562
1563â—Š â—Š â—Š
1564
1565 
1566
1567 
1568
1569 Mayumi who had set off to Izu in such a triumphant mood, quickly came down to earth and was on the way to becoming depressed.
1570
1571"I refuse." This was Tatsuya's answer.
1572
1573 These words were addressed to Katsuto sitting opposite Tatsuya in the villa.
1574
1575 Next to Tatsuya was Miyuki. Her expressionless face turned aside to Mayumi who sat next to Katsuto. Under the pressure of Miyuki's gaze, Mayumi was unable to maintain even the usual polite smile.
1576
1577"Why?"
1578
1579 Terrible voice Katsuto Tatsuya, but Mayumi involuntarily almost jumped from the sofa.
1580
1581 Neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki showed any reaction to such a powerful voice.
1582
1583 "I must ask this. Why do you think that I should participate in "Project Dion" Juumonji-senpai?"
1584
1585 Tatsuya refused Katsuto's request to participate in the American "Project Dion."
1586
1587"Shiba, two years ago I told you that you must join the Ten Master Clans."
1588
1589"Yes, I remember."
1590
1591"The Ten Master Clans is part of the system of mutual aid for the magicians of this country created by Elder Kudo."
1592
1593"I think this isn't part of the system, but its management link, but ... I understand it too."
1594
1595 "I believe that those who have great power, those who have exceptional abilities, also bear the responsibility."
1596
1597 Tatsuya silently waited for him to continue.
1598
1599 "Most magicians don't have much power. If you limit yourself to brute force, most magicians cannot compete with ordinary people who don't know magic, but have studied martial arts."
1600
1601"So it seems because of different methods of evaluation. In addition, those magicians who don't serve in the army or the police are considered ordinary civilians."
1602
1603 "What a sophistry ..." Mari mumbled in an irritated voice, sitting on the side opposite to Mayumi of Katsuto.
1604
1605 However, Tatsuya ignored this statement and Katsuto didn't care either.
1606
1607 "Nnon-magicians think that magicians are a different race, and this isn't limited to our country alone. This can be seen by looking at what is happening around the world."
1608
1609"But not everyone thinks so. Let's skip that part for now."
1610
1611Tatsuya's gaze called out for him to continue.
1612
1613"I completely disagree with the idea that magicians are a different race from people. Don't forget the fact that magicians are a minority. Magicians should be friends and help each other. In this sense, I believe that the Ten Master Clans system created by the elder is correct.
1614
1615"If this mutual assistance by magicians doesn't lead to contempt and exclusion of people who cannot use magic, then I also think that it is correct."
1616
1617"... Do you mean that magicians look down on those incapable of magic, like some elite class looks at commoners?" Mari asked sitting next to Katsuto. The question clearly read the subtext "you think too much."
1618
1619"In the near future it could become true." This time Tatsuya didn't ignore Mari.
1620
1621"Shiba. Entering the Ten Master Clans, you should also give a helping hand to those same magicians." Katsuto ignored both Mari's question and Tatsuya's answer.
1622
1623"Dear head of the Juumonji family. Sorry for being rude, but Tatsuya-sama is a direct descendant of the head of the Yotsuba family." Miyuki said. After talking with Tatsuya last night, Miyuki finally admitted that for the rest of the world "Tatsuya-sama" is her fiancé.
1624
1625 "I know successor-donor of the Yotsuba family. But I think that the Ten Master Clans is a duty, not a pedigree."
1626
1627 Katsuto returned his gaze to Tatsuya.
1628
1629"Magicians who have great power, should help the weak magicians. Public opinion of magicians has been declining every day pushing magicians into a corner. Everything comes to the fact that they will slander us and say that wars only occur because magicians exist."
1630
1631 Katsuto interrupted his speech and looked at Tatsuya's reaction. Seeing that Tatsuya didn't change his expression at all, he continued.
1632
1633 "I'm not going to blame you for that Tactical Class magic. That would be an obvious mistake."
1634
1635 "Tactical Class Magic" was referring to the use of the "Active Air Mine" by a rebel girl in Central Asia. Although this incident led to the cancellation of the Nine Schools Competition which caused a wide-spread public reaction among magic high schools students, but Tatsuya didn't feel a drop of guilt from the very beginning, so now he didn't brow. Katsuto continued to talk while feeling that he had miscalculated a little.
1636
1637"However if you take part in "Project Dion" then we can show everyone that magic isn't just for war. After the New Soviet Union's declaration of participation in the project, Japan can be considered as lagging behind in the peaceful use of magic. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the spread of slander against magicians in our country. Effective measures are needed."
1638
1639"I can understand your concerns Juumonji-sama, but why Tatsuya-sama? There are professors at the National Magic University who are world-renowned authorities."
1640
1641 Katsuto hesitated to answer Miyuki's question. He understood that this was a fair argument. You cannot force one high school student to solve national problems. And yet he tried to give an answer, feeling his debt as the head of the Juumonji family of the Ten Master Clans.
1642
1643"That's because, Miyuki-san ..."
1644
1645 But then Mayumi spoke, ahead of Katsuto.
1646
1647 Katsuto should no longer carry this burden alone. I will take it upon myself to become Miyuki's opponent. This was the course of her thoughts.
1648
1649"... Edward Clark said that Tatsuya-kun is Taurus Silver."
1650
1651"What!?" Mari showed a powerful reaction to Mayumi's words.
1652
1653 Miyuki only frowned slightly. Tatsuya's face didn't have any noticeable movement.
1654
1655 "Even if it's supposedly ..." Miyuki quietly retorted.... "Tatsuya-sama and is Taurus Silver, then what of it?"
1656
1657 "Er ...?" Mayumi looked at Miyuki with an uncomprehending face after saying something completely unexpected.
1658
1659"Even if Tatsuya-sama is Taurus Silver, this does not change the fact that he's a minor high school student."
1660
1661 Silencing Mayumi with these words, she continued on:
1662
1663 "Besides, the Yotsuba family isn't going to admit that Tatsuya-sama is Taurus Silver."
1664
1665 It was a hint that if they decided that Taurus Silver's real identity is Tatsuya, then they should be prepared for a total confrontation with the Yotsuba family.
1666
1667 Miyuki was prepared to simultaneously fight the Saegusa and Juumonji families. But Mayumi wasn't ready to provoke a comprehensive conflict between the Saegusa and Yotsuba families. That was the difference between them at that moment.
1668
1669"Shiba." Katsuto's voice interrupted the silence. "Do you still stubbornly refuse to take part in the project?"
1670
1671"I do. This project has ulterior motives."
1672
1673"And this is a good reason why the magicians of this country will be in a difficult situation?"
1674
1675 "I don't mind if you think that way."
1676
1677From the confrontations of Tatsuya and Katsuto sparks sprang.
1678
1679"I understand. ... If you don't want it that way, then it's inevitable."
1680
1681 Katsuto stood up.
1682
1683"Shiba, let's go outside."
1684
1685 Tatsuya stood up, looking Katsuto in the eye.
1686
1687"Juumonji Katsuto, are you serious?"
1688
1689 Whether from Mayumi, or from Mari, a cry was heard.
1690
1691 The air around him began to get colder. The reason for this wasn't Miyuki. It was the coldness of steel emitted by Tatsuya.
1692
1693"The situation cannot wait. Your refusal isn't accepted."
1694
1695 Whether from Miyuki, or Minami heard a restrained groan.
1696
1697 Katsuto's body exerted pressure, as if exceeding the gravity of the Earth several times.
1698
1699"Fine."
1700
1701 Tatsuya completely discarded the politeness of kohai towards the sempai.
1702
1703"Pixie, my CAD."
1704
1705 
1706
1707"Yes, Master."
1708
1709 On Tatsuya's order, Pixie went to the case with the CAD.
1710
1711"I'll go on ahead."
1712
1713 Katsuto turned his back on Tatsuya and left. He had absolutely no fear of being attacked from behind. Minami hastily ran to open the front door.
1714
1715"Saegusa-sempai, Watanabe-sempai."
1716
1717 Tatsuya softened his voice a little. Thus, these two woke up from their stunned state.
1718
1719"You also need to prepare. Please, go on ahead."
1720
1721 "Do you mind if we help Juumonji-kun ...?"
1722
1723 "It's too late to think about it, isn't?"Tatsuya responded coldly to Mayumi's question.
1724
1725 "You're very arrogant. Won't you regret it?"
1726
1727 "Regardless of what happens, I will not regret it."
1728
1729 On Mari's malicious remark, Tatsuya responded in the same tone as before.
1730
1731 "... Mari, let's go." Mayumi stood up and turned to Mari.
1732
1733"Alright .... Tatsuya-kun, don't forget about those words." Mari said and followed along with Mayumi.
1734
1735 
1736
1737 
1738
1739 The three led by Katsuto stood near the SUV and waited for Tatsuya.
1740
1741 Tatsuya left the villa with Miyuki and Minami. He headed towards Katsuto, but didn't stop as he passed by.
1742
1743"Follow me. We can damage the villa from here." Tatsuya said, passing Katsuto.
1744
1745 When Miyuki and Minami passed by, Katsuto followed them with a small interval. Mayumi and Mari also excitedly went after Katsuto.
1746
1747 
1748
1749 
1750
1751â—Š â—Š â—Š
1752
1753 
1754
1755 
1756
1757 In the shadows of the trees, someone was hiding and watching the developing events between Tatsuya and Katsuto. This man waited until Mari, who was last, went far enough, then brought his wrist with a wristwatch to his mouth.
1758
1759The rat said "Shiba Tatsuya left the villa. Currently heading to a private golf course."
1760
1761There was a built-in microphone in the strap of the wristwatches communication device.
1762
1763The Boar said "Understood. Stop observation and reunite with the main unit. From the built-in dummy glasses of the speaker of the communication device, the answer of his accomplice was heard.
1764
1765"Can't I check the destination?"
1766
1767Monkey is observing the area of thea closed golf course, and if they turn at a fork then Bird is waiting in the other direction.
1768
1769The rat said "Understood."
1770
1771 The person using the code name Rat was a secret agent of the special affairs unit of the National Self-Defense Forces Intelligence Unit.
1772
1773 The detachment planning to attack Tatsuya today consisted mainly of the counterintelligence unit to which Tooyama Tsukasa belonged. However to ensure they didn't lose sight of Tatsuya in the mountains, observers from the special affairs unit were also involved.
1774
1775 The other day, Rat made a mistake when the data from the photo of the girl who visited Tatsuya was damaged. On that issue, it was concluded that this was a camera hardware failure, and no one accused the Rat himself.
1776
1777 But to the Rat living in the world of shadow operations for more than 10 years, it was very worrying.
1778
1779 Although he was able to recover from the memory a portrait of the girl visiting Shiba Tatsuya, but it wasn't suitable for performing facial recognition to reveal their disguise. In fact, they haven't yet been able to establish the identity of this beautiful girl, from whom a strange sense of unfriendliness emanated.
1780
1781 For the Rat, today's mission was a struggle to regain his honor. He really wanted to continue monitoring until the destination was determined.
1782
1783 However, an order was given, and he had no choice. As he was ordered, he left the place to join the main squad.
1784
1785 Because his head was in the clouds, he didn't notice that someone was watching him.
1786
1787 
1788
1789 
1790
1791â—Š â—Š â—Š
1792
1793 
1794
1795 
1796
1797On the Izu Peninsula there were many golf courses that were confiscated during the last World War for use as air defense positions. They would be returned to the original owners after the war ended. But among them there were also golf courses, the management companies of which refused to receive them back, comparing the costs of restoration and possible income.
1798
1799 After the statutory compensation payment, such golf courses became state land, but they remained untouched after the anti-aircraft guns were removed from their positions.
1800
1801 Tatsuya brought Katsuto to one of these closed golf courses.
1802
1803Here they won't need to be distracted by concerns that the buildings will be damaged.
1804
1805 Tatsuya stopped, turned around and said to Katsuto.
1806
1807 "Is it alright that we're in such an open place?"
1808
1809 The point of Katsuto's question was that he considered provocation as an invitation to become an enemy in an open area.
1810
1811"Juumonji-dono wants excuses?"
1812
1813 Tatsuya's response was a standard phrase, but it seems to have worked.
1814
1815"...Good. Shiba, I leave the first move for you."
1816
1817 Simultaneously with those words, Katsuto's barrier magic was deployed and the battle between them began. Katsuto's words were also another provocation: "Try and break my defenses if you can."
1818
1819 Unlike him Tatsuya didn't show any desire to continue fighting with words alone. In this situation, it is better to express your thoughts with magic.
1820
1821 In Tatsuya's right hand appeared a CAD in the form of a pistol. A moment later, the customized Silver Horn "Trident" was already fired at Katsuto.
1822
1823 Around Katsuto a lot of violent outbursts arose.
1824
1825 It was a light invisible to the unaided eye. However everyone present was an excellent magician. There were no people who couldn't see these bursts of psion light.
1826
1827 There were 18 flashes from Tatsuya attacks, and none of these attacks reached Katsuto's body.
1828
1829"Zone Interference", "Data Fortification" and "Psion wall"?
1830
1831"It's commendable that you saw this, but I cannot be defeated with one glance."
1832
1833 Tatsuya's words were only for distraction, but this plan was easily revealed. Tatsuya again activated decomposition magic.
1834
1835 Psion Wall as the name suggests is a magic that surrounds the user's body with a wall of high density psions. Although this magic looks similar to the barrier version of contact gram demolition, but unlike Tomitsuki's innate defense, this structure is created by artificial compression of psions. Therefore, it can be decomposed by Tatsuya's magic.
1836
1837 However, immediately after decomposing the Psion wall, a dome of powerful Zone Interference magic appears in the way. If you expand the Zone Interference Magic, then the shield comes up from the Data Fortification.
1838
1839 Even if you break it, then a new Psion Wall is coming. Zone Interference magic. Further it was expected Data Fortification, but again there was Zone Interference magic. A Psion Wall. Data Fortification. Zone Interference. Data Fortification. A Psion Wall. A Psion Wall. Zone Interference. Data Fortification...
1840
1841 
1842
1843 Thus, three different anti-magic protections were created one after another.
1844
1845 Since they weren't created at the same time, you couldn't erase them in one go.
1846
1847 Due to the lack of a pattern it was impossible to prepare the necessary sequence of several decomposition magics in advance.
1848
1849If several barriers of the same kind are created simultaneously, then Tatsuya can process them as one magic sequence. In other words, he can decompose them at the same time. This isn't limited to magic sequences and psion information bodies. If there are objects with a simple structure and the same properties, then it can recognize them as a single "set" and perform the decomposition of one "set" rather than each object separately.
1850
1851 However, Katsuto's barriers were created one by one, using the destruction of the already deployed barrier as a signal to create the next barrier. But Tatsuya cannot decompose what does not exist yet.
1852
1853 When you find out what will be created, you can destroy the structure that creates this.
1854
1855 But every time this structure, which serves as a "factory," is destroyed, it is reproduced again. If this happens at the same speed as Tatsuya, then his decomposition will not be able to overtake it.
1856
1857 He already knew that his magic was very poorly compatible with the defensive version of Phalanx. Now Tatsuya realized this as a fact.
1858
1859 The outbreaks of psion light accompanying the destruction of barriers ceased. In order to overcome the situation as quickly as possible, Tatsuya stopped his attacks for an instant.
1860
1861 Immediately after this, a two-dimensional wall flew towards Tatsuya.
1862
1863 Magic, which is designed to crush the target, continuously striking with impermeable barriers to the substance.
1864
1865 The attacking version of Phalanx.
1866
1867 And it has already been activated. It already existed. And if it exists, then there is no sequence of magic that Tatsuya cannot decompose.
1868
1869Tatsuya one "shot" erased all 24 layers that make up this magic barrier.
1870
1871"Hou ..."
1872
1873 Katsuto exclaimed out loud, and he grinned. Although he realized that the Attack Phalanx was completely incompatible with Tatsuya's magic, he showed no concern.
1874
1875 Katsuto sat down for a bit. Through his Elemental Sight, Tatsuya saw that Katsuto's Magic Calculation Area was lit by intense psion light.
1876
1877 Overclocking of the Magic Calculation Area.
1878
1879 Ichijou Gouki the head of the Ichijo family showed signs last month of overheating. Once upon a time, Yotsuba Genzo, the former head of the Yotsuba family also lost his life from overheating.
1880
1881 "Attack ...!" 
1882
1883 Tatsuya got ready. Katsuto's huge body flew.
1884
1885 Unfolding the anti-object barrier in a spherical shape in addition to the anti-magic barrier, Katsuto turned into a cannonball and flew forward. Tatsuya extended his left hand forward.
1886
1887 From this palm shot a stream of highly compressed psions.
1888
1889 Gram Demolition.
1890
1891 Having broken the anti-object barrier surrounding Katsuto, and passing through his Zone Interference, the stream of psions demolished the Acceleration magic.
1892
1893 However.
1894
1895 While Katsuto's body was still in the air, the Acceleration magic and the anti-object barrier were restored. No, they were reactivated.
1896
1897 Katsuto was approaching. On the verge of the collision, Tatsuya successfully destroyed the anti-object barrier. ... But he couldn't neutralize the Acceleration magic. Katsuto's shoulder struck Tatsuya's shoulder.
1898
1899 "Tatsuya-sama!" This involuntary cry came not from Miyuki, but from Minami.
1900
1901 Tatsuya's body was thrown back, and he fell in the overgrown weeds. Miyuki clenched her lips, but looked patiently at Tatsuya.
1902
1903 While falling Tatsuya Flash Cast Move-type magic to gain some distance from Katsuto. Katsuto didn't pursue.
1904
1905It wasn't because he had already recognized his victory, but because his goal was to force him to surrender.
1906
1907 "Did you even use magic?" Tatsuya muttered, rising.
1908
1909 After he was thrown back, Tatsuya noticed that just before the blow, Katsuto used Fortification magic on his jacket shoulder.
1910
1911"There is no reason not to use it."
1912
1913 Katsuto again released light from the emitted surplus psions.
1914
1915 Overclocking the magic calculation area, leading to its overheating. Tatsuya knew that Katsuto was doing it consciously.
1916
1917 The trump card of the Juumonji family "Overclocking". *
1918
1919 [Here the author writes in English "overclock", and in previous mentions it is written in Japanese, but the literal translation there is "excessive activation."]
1920
1921 This is a magical technique that allows you to temporarily surpass your own limits by increasing the activity of the magic calculation area and also temporarily increasing your magical power.
1922
1923 This is a magical tactic that allows you to win at the cost of a lifetime as a magician.
1924
1925 This was a curse that haunts the "Capital's Final Defense" that isn't allowed to lose.
1926
1927 Juumonji Kazuki, the previous head of the Juumonji family, lost his magic ability due to the frequent use of overclocking. And it happened right in front of Katsuto. And yet he used this technique to defeat Tatsuya.
1928
1929 Tatsuya decomposed the anti-object barrier flying towards him, and avoided the blow, taking a step to the side. But before Katsuto flew past, his anti-object barrier was redeployed and greatly expanded. Tatsuya was struck again.
1930
1931 
1932
1933 Katsuto approached Tatsuya lying on the ground. Katsuto's right foot pressed down from above. Under his shoe, an anti-object barrier was deployed duplicating the shape of the sole.
1934
1935 Tatsuya escaped this attack at the last moment. However, when he managed to climb to one knee, Tatsuya received a fist from Katsuto. More precisely, it was an attack by the attacking version of Phalanx from a very close distance.
1936
1937 Tatsuya wanted to decompose it, but the fist approaching directly behind it was wrapped in an anti-object barrier and Zone Interference. The Zone Interference prevents the activation of magic for all but its user. Tatsuya's hand which had blocked Katsuto's fist bent in an unnatural direction.
1938
1939 Tatsuya jumped back to avoid the full force of the punch. By the time his feet touched the ground, traces of a fracture were gone. However, immediately after landing his feet weren't firmly on the ground enough to make the next jump.
1940
1941If he had a few fractions of a second more, he could have dodged this. However, Katsuto didn't give him even that much time.
1942
1943 Katsuto's shoulder struck Tatsuya again. Tatsuya's body was thrown back almost 10 meters.
1944
1945 You don't fly away, even when you're hit by a car. The force of the impact was probably equivalent to the impact of a heavy truck.
1946
1947 Tatsuya was lying on the ground with blood spattered around him. It was obvious to see that he had severe internal injuries.
1948
1949 "Tatsuya-kun!" There was a cry from Mayumi, who should be considered an enemy.
1950
1951Miyuki clenched her fists and pressed them to her chest, but silently restrained herself while keeping her eyes on Tatsuya.
1952
1953 Katsuto extended his right hand toward Tatsuya.
1954
1955 "Hey, stop it!"
1956
1957 Ignoring Mari's cry, Katsuto released an attacking version of Phalanx in the direction of Tatsuya who was still lying face down. The two-dimensional barrier, capable of crushing an armored car, flew towards Tatsuya. However, just before touching him the 32-layer barrier disappeared.
1958
1959"What...?" Katsuto said in astonishment. He didn't think that Tatsuya still had the strength to resist.
1960
1961 Tatsuya's hands moved. Pushing away with both hands, he lifted his upper body. And, finally, slowly got up.
1962
1963 There were no traces of blood around his mouth and the blood spots had also disappeared within the overgrown weeds.
1964
1965"Shiba. This is your "Regrowth"? ..."
1966
1967 Katsuto couldn't hide his surprise. However, he quickly regained his composure and deployed the defensive version of Phalanx.
1968
1969 Tatsuya didn't say anything. His expression didn't show any emotion. It was completely lacking in humanity.
1970
1971Tatsuya's left hand stretched towards Katsuto. This hand held the CAD in the form of a pistol. But it was slightly different from the one that was in his lowered right hand.
1972
1973 At the far end of the CAD on its "muzzle", something similar to a sharp spike was attached. A metal spike 15 cm in length.
1974
1975What is this premonition? Katsuto couldn't decide whether to go on the attack. He tried to jump to the side, but Tatsuya pulled the trigger faster.
1976
1977 No one, including Katsuto, could see what happened.
1978
1979 But everyone realized that magic was used.
1980
1981 
1982
1983 
1984
1985"Ghuu ..."
1986
1987 Katsuto fell to his knees.
1988
1989"Juumonji-kun !?"
1990
1991"Juumonji !?" Mayumi and Mari shouted.
1992
1993 With his right hand, Katsuto squeezed what remained of his left arm. The arm was charred at the elbow, the part below the elbow was torn off and it was lying on the ground.
1994
1995"What did you ... do?"
1996
1997 He didn't have to answer. Katsuto knew this, but couldn't help but ask.
1998
1999https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mahouka-koukou-no-rettousei/images/f/f0/Vol23-LN-Page252.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170923030852
2000
2001He couldn't help but ask about what could penetrate his barrier.
2002
2003"Baryon Lance."
2004
2005 However, contrary to Katsuto's expectations, Tatsuya replied.
2006
2007 "It's anti-magic magic that decomposes the spearhead into electrons, protons and neutrons, after which the electrons are absorbed by protons and a neutron beam is released."
2008
2009 "A neutron beam ...? This is a weapon with radioactive contamination, banned by the International Magic Association!" Katsuto overcome the pain and accused Tatsuya.
2010
2011"There is no radiation contamination. No radioactive substance are left. Leaving the fact that the attack was carried out, all the neutrons used for the attack returned to their original position."
2012
2013"Regrowth ...?"
2014
2015"That's right."
2016
2017 Tatsuya again aimed "Baryon Lance" at Katsuto. This time directly at his heart.
2018
2019"Juumonji-dono, give up."
2020
2021"......"
2022
2023"Your Phalanx cannot stop my Baryon Lance."
2024
2025 Tatsuya explained how the Baryon Lance works to encourage Katsuto to surrender.
2026
2027"Juumonji-kun!"
2028
2029 Mayumi activated her CAD. But the activation sequence was frozen during the output.
2030
2031"This is Miyuki-san !?"
2032
2033 Mayumi looked angrily at Miyuki.
2034
2035"Counter-magic "Freeze Gram." Saegusa-sempai, you cannot use your CAD." Miyuki said calmly. Her peaceful face radiated a feeling of love and kindness.
2036
2037"In that case!"
2038
2039 For a modern magician a CAD is an indispensable tool, but this does not mean that it is mandatory for the activation of magic. From the very beginning, modern magic evolved from the supernatural ability to distort reality only by the power of thought. Magicians with great magical power can use magic that they're familiar with even without CAD. This requires only a "spell" of autosuggestion, which stimulates the Magic Calculation Area to create a magic sequence. It takes more time to activate the magic without a CAD.
2040
2041Set: decreasing entropy • density control • phase transition • condensation • transformation of the form of energy • acceleration • sublimation: input! Perform a modification of the phenomenon! Magic "Dry meteor"!
2042
2043If you are able to clearly define a concept with words, and introduce this concept into yourself, then you don't need to say it out loud.
2044
2045But when you're in front of the enemy, it's too slow to do so. This is equivalent to being under attack all this time. Modern magic discarded casting tools and chose CADs to avoid this.
2046
2047 However, Miyuki didn't attack Mayumi while she was casting the spell. Because she didn't need to. Dry meteor wasn't activated.
2048
2049"Such a strong Zone Interference... "
2050
2051"It's useless. I will not let you interfere with Tatsuya-sama." Miyuki announced
2052
2053 Mari ran in silence. In her hand was a battle knife drawn from somewhere. She decided that since magic won't work then she needs to neutralize Miyuki with physical weapons.
2054
2055 The idea was correct. If Miyuki was alone. If Minami corresponded to her appearance as an innocent girl.
2056
2057 Minami stood beside Mari in the way. A gun barrel was pointed at Mari.
2058
2059"Watanabe-sama. Please drop your weapon."
2060
2061 Even in this situation, Minami was polite. Mari clenched her teeth.
2062
2063 Pistols pose a threat to magicians, and even more so in the current situation when it's impossible to use magic because of Miyuki's Zone Interference. The way Minami held the gun in her hand obviously said that she was used to it, and there were no gaps in her defense.
2064
2065 Mari didn't say that it wasn't fair or cowardly. She herself only had a knife, and this girl hid the gun. She understood her naivety. Mari's own pride didn't allow her to turn away from there.
2066
2067"Juumonji! No matter how impressive it was, in the end it's a neutron ray! You can defend yourself with your neutron barrier!"
2068
2069 Instead, she shouted a "don't give up" speech at Katsuto.
2070
2071 But Katsuto continued to remain motionless on his knees.
2072
2073"Unfortunately, the neutron barrier will not protect against Baryon Lance."
2074
2075"What!?" Mari was surprised.
2076
2077"He's bluffing, Juumonji-kun! The neutron barrier is a suitable magic. You can completely stop the neutron beam" Mayumi cried.
2078
2079 To this argument, Tatsuya returned a mysterious answer: "That's why." No, it can be more precisely expressed by these words: "His answer was a mystery for Mayumi and Mari." Because Katsuto already understood the meaning of his words.
2080
2081 The neutron beam has a very high penetrating power. Since the properties of the substance are reflected in the "information", information is also embedded in the neutrons Eidos that its penetration power is high.
2082
2083 Magic is a technology that interferes with a phenomenon through information. It is difficult to block a neutron beam with magic, which is informationally designated as "having a high penetrating power". With it there is a definition of "difficult to block."
2084
2085 At the dawn of its appearance, modern magic was primarily aimed at preventing disasters caused by nuclear fission reactions. Blocking neutron beams was also an inevitable theme in modern magic. A lot of research resources have been poured into the search for ways to block neutron beams using magic.
2086
2087 The result of these studies was the Neutron barrier. This is a perfected magic whose only purpose is to block neutron beams.
2088
2089 To block neutron beams, magicians don't use any other magic except the Neutron barrier. This is the only magic that is suitable for blocking neutron beams. Since the magic has already been perfected, no further spells have been researched, so there is no other example of a spell capable of stopping a neutron beam at this time.
2090
2091The same can be said about the magicians of the Juumonji family.
2092
2093Among the wide range of magic barriers included in Phalanx, only the Neutron barrier can stop neutron beams. Since the only useful spell is known ahead of time, then it cannot escape the fate of being destroyed by Tatsuya, because there is no magic that he cannot "decompose."
2094
2095 In addition to the process of converting the substance of the "Spear tip" into a neutron beam and the process of neutron return by "Regrowth", there is one additional process in Baryon Lance that is responsible for the "decomposition" of the neutron barrier.
2096
2097 Even if you defend yourself with the help of Zone Interference, this won't change anything. The neutron barrier is destroyed simultaneously with the neutralization of the Zone Interference and then the neutron beam reaches its target.
2098
2099 Katsuto had already used the Neutron barrier. The protective version of Phalanx is a magical defense that "can withstand any type of attack." In addition to protecting against high-speed objects, spraying liquids, penetrating gases, sound waves, electromagnetic waves, gravitational waves, psion waves, and so on, it also includes a barrier against neutron rays.
2100
2101 And Tatsuya's Baryon Lance passed through this defense. Both Tatsuya and Katsuto knew that trying to repeat would lead to the same result.
2102
2103"... I admit defeat."
2104
2105"Juumonji-kun !?"
2106
2107"Juumonji!?"
2108
2109 Under the screams of Mayumi and Mari, Katsuto got up and raised his right hand, showing that he was surrendering.
2110
2111 
2112
2113 
2114
2115â—Š â—Š â—Š
2116
2117 
2118
2119 
2120
2121 Watching the battle through binoculars, the intelligence agent code-named "Monkey," was shocked by such an ending. The Intelligence Department expected Katsuto to win after 2 strikes. After that, they planned to kidnap the weakened Tatsuya.
2122
2123 He hurriedly turned on the communication device. It was shut down because of fear of being detected by radio wave detectors. This, as well as the use of the old-fashioned purely optical binoculars these days, was a precaution against the accidental detection of observers.
2124
2125 And even turning on the communication device, he didn't do anything careless, like sending a voice. He only sent pre-determined signals.
2126
2127 The answer came quickly. Permission to interfere.
2128
2129 His soul dropped to his heels. He was a weak magician, and his morale was destroyed by the battle he had just seen. This isn't a level which they can cope with.
2130
2131 "Monkey" belonged to the special issues unit. They couldn't rely on the Tooyama family magic like the counterintelligence unit, even though they belong to the same Intelligence Department. He didn't think that the magic of the Tooyama family, not even one of the Ten Master Clans would help against the magician of the Yotsuba family.
2132
2133 But an order is an order. The monkey rose to go to the main unit. He reassured himself that he wasn't good enough to be ordered to shoot at this monster. He cautiously stepped back so that the figures of Tatsuya and the others disappeared behind the trees, and then turned around, without looking away from that place.
2134
2135 At that moment a multicolored stream swept into his eyes. Light particles of all shades of color that a person can discern have filled his entire field of vision and moved chaotically. His mind went off in an attempt to escape from this insane glimmer.
2136
2137 
2138
2139 
2140
2141â—Š â—Š â—Š
2142
2143 
2144
2145 
2146
2147 Tatsuya and Katsuto looked at each other. Katsuto's left arm has already been restored to its original state by Tatsuya's "Regrowth."
2148
2149"Shiba. What are you going to do with me?" Katsuto asked for the terms of his surrender.
2150
2151"You leave empty-handed and don't return with such conversations anymore." This was Tatsuya's only condition.
2152
2153 "... Understood."
2154
2155 Katsuto decided that it would be appropriate. More precisely, he understood that as the loser he couldn't object.
2156
2157"Shiba. As I said earlier, the situation has reached a state where you cannot delay any longer."
2158
2159 He couldn't help but say this.
2160
2161"The Magic Association will announce that you are Taurus Silver, despite the fact that this will irritate the Yotsuba family. And when this happens, public opinion will force you to take part in the project."
2162
2163 Tatsuya didn't say anything. It was clear that Katsuto didn't return to the previous conversation, but approaches him from the other side.
2164
2165 "If you refuse to participate in the project after that, you can hardly continue to remain in the Japanese magical community, no, in this whole country. I'm sure that even Yotsuba-dono will not be able to protect you."
2166
2167 "Even if this happens, I cannot participate in Project Dion." Tatsuya answered without hesitation.
2168
2169"Why !?" The cry of Mayumi was filled with a misunderstanding emanating from the depths of the soul.
2170
2171"Why are you so stubbornly refusing!? Going to America doesn't mean that you will become a guinea pig there, or you will work for free! In a sense Tatsuya-kun you are the official international representative of Japan. Invited to the project. And "Project Dion" itself is trying to solve the difficulties facing the future of mankind! How can you talk about refusing, setting yourself apart from all of Japan!"
2172
2173"The main advantage of the peaceful use of magic is that magicians themselves should enjoy it." Tatsuya answered Mayumi in the same tone as he had answered Katsuto's words before that. Mayumi became entangled in this game of words.
2174
2175"...What do you mean?" Mari asked when Mayumi couldn't find the words.
2176
2177"Project Dion" has a hidden purpose behind it."
2178
2179"What?"
2180
2181"The official goal is the terraforming of Venus. A hidden goal is the expulsion from the Earth of those magicians who are considered a threat."
2182
2183"...In what sense? Tatsuya-kun, what are you saying ...?" Mayumi wondered.
2184
2185"The more I think about "Project Dion", the more I'm sure that this project is intended more to achieve the hidden goals."
2186
2187"Explain it to us."
2188
2189 Tatsuya decided to respond to Katsuto's request.
2190
2191"According to "Project Dion", in the orbit around Venus, in the asteroid belt, close to the surface of Jupiter, on Ganymede a satellite of Jupiter, many magicians would be placed directly at the stages of the project. Given the current space flight technology, those who will do this work, will not be able to return to Earth for a long time. Even if there is a certain work schedule, then most likely you will have to return to your place of work immediately after recovery.
2192
2193"It's unlikely that it will be so bad ..."
2194
2195"Magicians who meet the requirements of the project are too few in comparison to the number of people required."
2196
2197 Tatsuya rejected Mayumi's objection.
2198
2199"Magicians who are abandoned for the implementation of the projects stages will be victims for the sake of the future of mankind. The scheme in which magicians are used as tools is no different from the current situation, when magicians are used as weapons."
2200
2201 
2202
2203 
2204
2205â—Š â—Š â—Š
2206
2207 
2208
2209 
2210
2211 Receiving instructions from the special affairs unit agent who was watching the battle between Tatsuya and Katsuto, the Tatsuya abduction unit, prepared by the Intelligence Department, began to move.
2212
2213 Among them was Tooyama Tsukasa. She was shocked by Katsuto's defeat, but managed to not show it on her face.
2214
2215 Tsukasa's intuition whispered to her to abandon the operation and retreat. However, the current operation was the decision of the deputy director of the Intelligence Department. She didn't have the authority to stop this operation.
2216
2217 "Katsuto-san does not seem to have lost his fighting power ... the young lady from the Saegusa family will also give us strength in the event of an emergency." 
2218
2219 Deceiving herself with such consolations, she silently moved forward along with the rest of the capturing squad.
2220
2221 The goal (Tatsuya) is on a closed golf course.
2222
2223 Tsukasa and her associates approached not from the side of the road leading to the golf course, but from the mountains surrounding him. Finally, from the top of the mountain they could see the goal. This moment was the beginning of the battle. At that moment, when they stepped on the densely overgrown hillside of the trees, their caution increased extremely.
2224
2225Suddenly, a stream of chaotic color appeared in front of the Intelligence Department agents. The light particles at first glance seemed to shimmer in a random order, actually depicted a color pattern that caused people to fall asleep.
2226
2227 Half of the attacking team fainted. The remaining half somehow managed to avoid this fate with the help of Tsukasa's instantly deployed personal magic barriers that were capable of blocking light magic.
2228
2229 The lieutenant appointed the commander of this attack called for the restoration of positions. However, out of more than thirty people in the platoon, fewer than twenty remained capable. Of the three officers, there was only one left on his feet.
2230
2231 Due to the collapse of the command system, the detachment was disorganized.
2232
2233 She took advantage of this moment for a surprise attack.
2234
2235 From the slope the figure of a small-looking woman rushed at them. No, their small size was an optical illusion. It was a girl with a medium height for a woman.
2236
2237 No one had time to blink an eye. She paid no attention to disturbing tree branches and overcame the distance between them approached the lead soldier, and waved her weapon with a sparkling silver gleam.
2238
2239 This weapon was a sword. Her blade stopped, crashing into the individual shield placed by Tsukasa.
2240
2241 However, the soldier, who didn't have to get a chopping blow, still fell.
2242
2243 "This is that previous hypnotic magic!" 
2244
2245 At the moment when the barrier switched to anti-object mode, light magic attacked a friendly soldier knocking them asleep. Watching him fall, Tsukasa couldn't hide her confusion.
2246
2247But the commanding lieutenant didn't understand this trick, and he didn't hesitate with the decision.
2248
2249"Fire!"
2250
2251By order of the lieutenant, the assault rifles were aimed at the girl. However, before they had time to open fire, the girl was overshadowed by a guy with a large build.
2252
2253 There were the sounds of gunfire and most of the shots hit the guy's body, but he didn't fall. There was no blood either. The bullets bounced off him.
2254
2255"High-powered rifle detachment!"
2256
2257 The lieutenant's voice was close to screaming, but his decision was right.
2258
2259 Pushing aside the conventional assault rifles, 4 soldiers with high-powered rifles designed specifically to fight magicians readied their guns.
2260
2261 The thunder roared, but wasn't not shots of high-powered rifles, nor the sounds of real thunder. A deafening roar shook the air around him. Tsukasa's individual shields protected against sound wave attacks and none of the soldiers received significant damage from this rumble.
2262
2263 But this prevented the execution of the order. 
2264
2265 The rumble didn't just happen once. As if someone was beating a drum, the sounds that shook the air were repeated again and again, as if the god of thunder descended from the ancient paintings.
2266
2267 Even their bodies were shaking so the soldiers didn't notice that it wasn't just air that was shaking. Suddenly the ground under them cracked.
2268
2269 The cracks ran in all directions. Trees began to fall, exposing their roots. The cracks were shallow. But that was enough to cause chaos in the soldiers ranks.
2270
2271"Retreat! Exit the forest!"
2272
2273 After the lieutenant gave the order, the rumble suddenly stopped.
2274
2275 Intelligence officers rarely participated in open area group battles. Usually their field of activity is the urban area. Even when it was planned that there would be a firefight, operations were usually designed with one or two agents, no more. So their running retreat could be called unorganized.
2276
2277 Their legs tangled in the grass. It seemed like the grass itself wrapped around their feet.
2278
2279 Many of them couldn't stay on their feet and fell.
2280
2281 Tsukasa couldn't understand this confusing situation. Although she had information about the positions of the allies still on their feet, she lost the coordinates of the falling soldiers, because they disappeared from her field of vision.
2282
2283The individual shields provided by Tsukasa disappeared at the same time she lost sight of the soldiers.
2284
2285 The rain of lightning struck them, despite the fact that they were in a dense forest. Lightning came not from the sky, but from the spaces between the trees.
2286
2287 We can say that the soldiers who managed to run out of the forest found themselves in a slightly better situation than their colleagues, who had fallen under the lightning. They probably just regretted it.
2288
2289 On top of them came shells with immobilizing nets, to be sure that none of the intelligence agents escaped.
2290
2291 Tsukasa was left alone in the woods and bit her lip when she saw this scene. Her personal barriers didn't miss bullets, bombs, or poisonous gases. However, they don't give the protected partner superhuman physical abilities.
2292
2293 When the entire shield is covered in a net, they cannot escape or resist. Tsukasa couldn't even think that these nets, designed to suppress rebels, could be a natural enemy of her magic.
2294
2295So, there was only one left.
2296
2297 A sword girl with a katana, Chiba Erika turned to Tsukasa.
2298
2299 Tsukasa knew about her approach and about the fact that the way of retreat has already been blocked.
2300
2301"Chiba Erika-san?"
2302
2303"Yes that's right." Erika answered shortly. It wasn't expected by Tsukasa's talkativeness.
2304
2305"I am from the National Self-Defense Forces, Sergeant Tooyama Tsukasa."
2306
2307"Yes? Clearly."
2308
2309 Tsukasa tried to determine whether Erika's disinterested behavior was a real or an acting game, but it didn't work out.
2310
2311"Chiba Erika-san. We were actually on a mission."
2312
2313To begin with, Tsukasa decided to attack with words, ignoring the sword aimed at her.
2314
2315 "Hmm, so what?"
2316
2317 "Attacking, injuring, interfering in official state affairs, breaking the law on carrying weapons ... all these accusations can be applied to you after you've stopped us."
2318
2319 Erika took a deep breath, keeping her eyes on Tsukasa.
2320
2321 "You don't study at all, do you?"
2322
2323 It seems that Erika wasn't even a little scared.
2324
2325"What do you mean?"
2326
2327"Even if you are a soldier of Self-Defense Forces, you need permission and notice to carry weapons with you outside the base and practice grounds. You've a firearm with which there was no notice. Therefore, it is you who violated the law by carrying weapons, not us."
2328
2329"... You know quite a lot for a schoolgirl."
2330
2331 "You used guns without permission during those so-called exercises, didn't you? The police were extremely unhappy about this."
2332
2333 "But you yourself are not a policeman?"
2334
2335 "There are real policemen outside the forest. Although I can say that you already know this."
2336
2337 Saying the last words in a slightly disgruntled voice, Erika lowered her hand with the sword. But from this, she didn't have any weaknesses.
2338
2339 Without any action, she was in the "Intangible Pose" *.
2340
2341 [Another translation option: "Intangible state". Although it sounds pathetic, but it's only a pose in kenjutsu, closed from attacks from all directions.]
2342
2343"The police can request cooperation from civilian magicians to confront the magician-criminals. This is a fairly well-known exception for us, magicians, isn't it?"
2344
2345 A smile appeared on Tsukasa's face. This smile didn't carry in itself anything that could be called emotion.
2346
2347 "Therefore, please obediently let yourself be seized. Or do you want to have a little painful experience?"
2348
2349 "At the moment Erika finished speaking, Tsukasa activated a magic barrier. After that she instantly activated move-type magic. The target of the magic was herself."
2350
2351 Erika didn't panick at all, took a step to the side, avoided Tsukasa flying over her and hit her body flying past her in the torso.
2352
2353 With a sonorous metallic echo, the sword broke. The blade couldn't stand the stress from striking Tsukasa's barrier.
2354
2355 After that, Tsukasa tried to escape to the side of the mountain. But before that her way was blocked by Leo.
2356
2357 In the jump Tsukasa took the pose of a shoulder attack. Leo fortified the position of his body relative to the ground to meet this attack.
2358
2359 Tsukasa hit Leo's body.
2360
2361 Leo didn't move a millimeter, and Tsukasa jumped back. As a result, the effect of the move-type magic was cancelled.
2362
2363 Erika ran smoothly at Tsukasa.
2364
2365 At the same time, she had a stable posture, as if she was walking on a flat highway, and not making her way through the cracks and roots of trees.
2366
2367 Tsukasa got the impression that she would not be able to evade the movement to the left, to the right, or backward.
2368
2369The only thing she could do was to protect herself with a barrier.
2370
2371 To be able to move at any time and not to run into obstacles, Tsukasa built a flat barrier in front of her body.
2372
2373 Erika swung her broken sword. The rest of the blade didn't reach Tsukasa nor her magic barrier.
2374
2375 "She didn't calculate the length of the broken blade, it's unexpected luck, and it's a chance" Tsukasa thought.
2376
2377Erika remained in a pose with the sword lowered. More accurately, she froze in it. She saw Tsukasa intending to run sideways from her, she started moving, taking the first step with her right foot.
2378
2379 The knee of this leg lost its strength and buckled. This didn't just happen with the right foot, but the left leg also suddenly collapsed. Strength disappeared from the whole body.
2380
2381 Tsukasa's body collapsed to the ground.
2382
2383 Erika came out of the fighting stance. Tsukasa looked up at her.
2384
2385 At this point, Tsukasa finally noticed that Erika's broken sword had instead of a material blade, a psion blade that looked like heat shimmer.
2386
2387 The hazy shimmering blade has disappeared.
2388
2389"Ethereal Hidden Sword Technique - Kirikage" Erika muttered
2390
2391 At that moment Tsukasa lost consciousness.
2392
2393 
2394
2395 
2396
2397â—Š â—Š â—Š
2398
2399 
2400
2401 
2402
2403"... The plan where magicians are used as tools is no different from the current situation, when magicians are used as weapons. I would never submit to something like that."
2404
2405 Tatsuya's announcement suppressed Katsuto, Mayumi and Mari. All present understood that Tatsuya is refusing "Project Dion" not because of simple stubbornness.
2406
2407"... But!"
2408
2409 Tatsuya's determination was clear. His convictions were understandable, but that's why Mayumi couldn't remain silent. With tears in her eyes, she couldn't stop her cry.
2410
2411 "Even if Tatsuya-kun's reasoning is correct! Tatsuya-kun will lose his home anyway! Tatsuya-kun will suffer in isolation!"
2412
2413 Tatsuya should not become a victim. It was the cry of Mayumi's heart.
2414
2415 Mayumi wanted to convey the idea that it would be better to pretend that he's participating, even if it's a lie to the people of America, Japan and the whole world. But the voice that came from the forest didn't allow Mayumi to finish speaking.
2416
2417"Tatsuya-kun won't be isolated."
2418
2419 Tatsuya and the rest were now on the smooth field of the former first hole of the closed golf course. To the right was a mountain that preserved the original terrain.
2420
2421 From the dense forest that covered the mountain slope, came four familiar people.
2422
2423 Erika. Leo. Mikihiko. Honoka.
2424
2425 Mizuki and Shizuku also clearly were somewhere nearby, although they didn't show themselves.
2426
2427https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mahouka-koukou-no-rettousei/images/f/f5/Vol23-LN-Page275.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170923030908
2428
2429"Because he has us."
2430
2431 Leo carried a woman on his shoulder. Seeing who it was, Katsuto frowned.
2432
2433 "She's familiar to Juumonji-senpai, isn't she? Could you take care of her?"
2434
2435 Leo fearlessly approached Katsuto and put Tsukasa on the ground next to him.
2436
2437 "W-we will not allow Tatsuya-san's isolation!"
2438
2439 Honoka was tense and couldn't hide her fear, but still collected all her will to say so.
2440
2441 Mikihiko, the last to speak looked Katsuto directly in the eye and said.
2442
2443 "We are Tatsuya's friends. No, not just friends. I owe Tatsuya so much that I will never be able to repay him. Even if Tatsuya becomes a criminal, I will not turn against him for anything. I will not allow Tatsuya's isolation."
2444
2445"Hey hey, Mikihiko. What obligations? We're friends. No other reason's needed."
2446
2447 Leo wrapped his arm around Mikihiko's neck in a friendly manner.
2448
2449"You're right" Mikihiko said with a strained smile.
2450
2451 Katsuto lifted Tsukasa from the ground and turned to Tatsuya.
2452
2453"Shiba. You've good friends. I'm a bit jealous."
2454
2455 Katsuto turned around and went to the off-road vehicle left by the villa.
2456
2457"Juumonji-kun, wait!"
2458
2459 Mayumi hurried after Katsuto.
2460
2461"Well well. Still lost."
2462
2463 Mari shrugged and followed Mayumi.
2464
2465 With a puzzled face, Tatsuya looked at his friends. All of them wore embarrassed smiles. Only Erika tried to turn away, but she couldn't hide a smiling face.
2466
2467 Tatsuya turned to Miyuki. Tears flowed from her eyes, and she tried to wipe them with her fingers.
2468
2469 
2470
2471 
2472
2473CHAPTER 10
2474
2475 
2476
2477 
2478
2479Monday, morning.
2480
2481 Tatsuya was left alone again in the Izu villa. Last night Miyuki returned to her new home in Chofu before it got too late.
2482
2483 He ate Pixie's cooked breakfast and watched the news channel on TV even if most of it he ignored. It felt as if Miyuki were still sitting at the table in front of him.
2484
2485 This morning breakfast should have ended as usual. But this morning the TV gave disappointing news.
2486
2487"This is a special news item."
2488
2489 Hearing the speaker's alarmed voice Tatsuya raised his head.
2490
2491"Please watch this video message first."
2492
2493 The focus of the on-screen picture shifted to the large monitor to the side of the announcer. The monitor turned on and displayed the upper body of a suspicious looking person. At first glance it was difficult to understand whether it was a man or a woman. Not only was their sex indeterminable, but also their age and race.
2494
2495This man was wearing a gray robe with a hood draped over, and his face was covered with a white plastic mask.
2496
2497 The voice of a mysterious person from the monitor's speakers was transmitted in the studio.
2498
2499"I am one of the Seven Sages. With your permission, I'll be called Sage Number One. "
2500
2501 The voice clearly went through electronic processing, and even using supercomputers the original voice cannot be restored.
2502
2503"I would like to tell the truth to the people of Japan."
2504
2505 Despite his fluent Japanese, Tatsuya thought he wasn't Japanese.
2506
2507 Thinking about this and the name "Seven Sages," he remembered the face of one guy. A guy from the " Seven Sages" who sent a videotape at the end of the vampire incident. The name of the guy who was friends with Shizuku while studying abroad, it seemed to be Raymond Clark.
2508
2509 "Clark ..." 
2510
2511 Tatsuya clung to this name, but first of all he decided to see what will happen next in the news.
2512
2513"I wish that the proposed "Project Dione" can be started as soon as possible. For this reason, I also hope for Taurus Silver's participation from Japan. "
2514
2515 Three people were connected to each other in Tatsuya's head.
2516
2517 Edward Clark.
2518
2519Raymond Clark.
2520
2521 The identity of this mysterious person.
2522
2523I want the participation of Taurus Silver, that is, Mr. Shiba Tatsuya. 
2524
2525 The true identity of this mysterious person, "Sage Number One" is Raymond Clark.
2526
2527 Raymond Clark is a relative of Edward Clark.
2528
2529"Taurus Silver is Mr. Shiba Tatsuya, a third-year student from the National Magic University Affiliated First High. People of Japan. I want you to persuade Mr. Shiba Tatsuya."
2530
2531 The video message has ended.
2532
2533 Raymond Clark's participation was unexpected for Tatsuya. He didn't take into account that Raymond would interfere.
2534
2535 He was preparing countermeasures in case the Magic Association discovers the identity of Taurus Silver.
2536
2537 He had measures in case of pressure from the government.
2538
2539 He even considered measures if Edward Clark's patience ran out.
2540
2541 But all these measures will not work in the circumstances.
2542
2543 Tatsuya realized that he's been hunted into a corner.
2544
2545 (To be continued in the "Escape" ark)
2546
2547 
2548
2549 
2550
2551 
2552
2553AFTERWARD
2554
2555 
2556
2557 
2558
2559After the afterword there will be a few more explanations and a storyline, don't forget to read if you don't read the afterwords:
2560
2561 • Explanation of the magic of Erika, Honoka and Mikihiko from Chapter 9-2
2562
2563 • An explanation of how these guys got there at all
2564
2565 
2566
2567It was the 23rd volume in the series, "Isolation." Did you like it?
2568
2569 "Isolation" was an episode I wanted to write as quickly as possible, even from the start of my work on this story.
2570
2571 The name "Isolation" was given from the very beginning of the writing of this volume, but the basis leading to the culmination has not changed until the very debut of this volume.
2572
2573 In short, the main idea was confrontation with "Katsuto, the strongest enemy at the moment." The new magic "Baryon Lance" was conceived for use here.
2574
2575 This episode, among other things, also had to lead to some reflection. When I wrote (Continuation in ...), along with a feeling of complete exhaustion, I got the idea "I finally wrote it ...".
2576
2577 Just because I have never written so well. All the prerequisites for the planned confrontation of those two turned out to be bricks ...
2578
2579 As a result, there were very few corrections. For example, when I wrote an episode with Fumiya's women's dressing, I remarked: "Didn't he show his face in the Nine Schools Competition ...?", So I had to rewrite it a little. ... Well, it really was fun.
2580
2581 As you probably already knew, this arch "Isolation" is one of the culminations of the entire series "The Untrucky Apprentice in the School of Magic." But this isn't the highest culmination.
2582
2583The current confrontation was, one might say, a conflict between the allies. But real enemies are others. Perhaps the readers already had an idea who could become an enemy, corresponding to the "final boss". ... Even if you think so, you are waiting for one more "this is the turn."
2584
2585 Events in history will continue to heat up.
2586
2587 While the main stream of the story is being written, there are also aspects in it that make it unintentional to describe the circumstances and disclose the details behind them. This may seem correct for short novels, but with my writing style, I cannot deny my feeling of lack of explanation. Therefore, I think that I will just add further what I had to miss in this volume. Although many probably don't like superfluous text, I'll still add a few pages after the afterword.
2588
2589 This volume presented a fictional plan for the development of Venus, called the "Project Dion." Hiago Naoyuki-sama from JAXA, Sakurai Naoko-sama from the Japan Space Forum, as well as the author of scientific articles, Kashiwai Isana-sama provided me with a lot of valuable information on this issue. In addition, Kashiwai-sama introduced me to the science fiction writer Fuji Taiyo. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you.
2590
2591I write this afterword right before the movie is released. I myself haven't watched the preliminary show. Although I have only information from the production stage, but I'm sure it will be an interesting sight. It will be an exciting movie, worthy of large screens of cinemas. Everyone who came to the cinema, how do you like it? I believe that you were satisfied.
2592
2593 The name of the next volume is "Escape" *. I think it will be "Escape (part 1)".
2594
2595 [The author's name is written in English. Given his love of ambiguous phrases, it is still unclear how to translate this, "escape," "flight," "salvation." Given the explicit hint of E.S.C.P.E.S, I think it's better to leave it in Latin.]
2596
2597 Ranobeh version of the movie, I'll probably finish it sooner. I'm going to write a "full version", which also includes scenes cut from the theatrical version. However, we haven't yet decided how we will publish this. I'll let you know as soon as it's decided.
2598
2599 So, I sincerely hope to meet you again in the next volume, "Escape". And maybe the next will be "The Girl Calling the Stars (full version)."
2600
2601 © Shadow Cross Section
2602
2603 
2604
2605Concerning Erika's "Techniques of the Hidden Sword," Kirikage (literally the Shadow Section). You could see her for the first time in the theatrical version of "The Girl Calling the Stars". I imported a new magic into the novel, created specifically for the theatrical version of the film.
2606
2607 It refers to non-systemic magic. Having an immaterial blade created from compressed psions, it can cut the psion information body inside the human body.
2608
2609 The psion information body, which is the target of the attack, isn't the Eidos of the human body, but something similar to a form-watching image formed in a natural way, repeating the contours of the body in the material world. There is no strong connection with the essence of Eidos, but advanced masters of martial arts control their body, moving first this "image-watching image."
2610
2611 The cut of the shadow is, it might be said, a dirty trick that uses the surprise effect and cuts the "shadow" of the enemy, depriving him of control of the body.
2612
2613 This technique Erika studied as a means of attacking the psion information body, since she had no means against the Parasites in the ark "Guest." It was a secret technique that only the head of Chiba's family, Chiba Joyiro, could use. But my father didn't teach her. She was able to comprehend it herself, having studied the secret texts.
2614
2615 © Magic, lulling a detachment of capture from the Intelligence Department
2616
2617 The light that put the intelligence squad moving through the forest to attack Tatsuya was the magic of Honoka's "Hypno-Eye."
2618
2619 It was an improved version of The Evil Eye that Honoka already used to lull intelligence officers in volume 11, page 134. Instead of specializing in the magical "sleepy" effect, parameters such as power, range, and number of targets were raised. 
2620
2621 
2622
2623 © Cracked earth and lightning bolts attacking the capture unit from the Intelligence Department
2624
2625 It was the same magic that Mikihiko used against Kichijouji on the Novelty Division's Monolith Code. This is a combination of magic from "Earthquake," "Split Earth," "Wild Hair," and "Descendant of Thunder."
2626
2627 © The reason that Erika and the others were present where this "raid" was conducted
2628
2629 Why Erika and others were able to defeat Tsukasa and the capture squad from the Intelligence Department?
2630
2631 I missed the explanation for this, because I thought that it would have a bad effect on the tempo set at the end of the volume, but after Katsuto, Mayumi and Mari left, there was such a conversation in the villa's living room.
2632
2633 "By the way, Erika, those people who came with you are SMAT from the police?"
2634
2635M? Yes, that's right.
2636
2637 "It's not an accident, is it?" How did you know that today the Self-Defense Forces will come here?
2638
2639 "And we didn't know that it would be Self-Defense Forces ... Miyuki's behavior was a bit unnatural, and I realized that something will happen today."
2640
2641Uh, my behavior?
2642
2643 "Miyuki, you said then that Juumonji-senpai will come today to keep us, isn't it?"
2644
2645Y-yes.
2646
2647 "I mean, did you've to say this?" You could just say, for example, "this isn't the time." But if Juumonji-senpai comes to talk with Tatsuya-kun, then is it not necessary to keep it a secret?
2648
2649Ah ...
2650
2651Then I just obediently agreed. But I realized that something will happen there. I thought that unwanted guests could come in and collect people from the dojo.
2652
2653 With such a prehistory, Erika came to Izu with a squad of police special forces, assembled from the students of the Chiba dojo.
2654
2655 This concludes the additional materials. See you in the next volume "Escape."