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1魔法科高校の劣等生
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3Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
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5Nine Schools Competition Chapter (I)
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11Satou Tsutomu
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13Illustrations by Ishida Kana
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19ASCII Media Works / Dengeki Bunko • Tokyo, Japan
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25Copyright © 2011 by Satou Tsutomu
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28Illustration © 2011 by Ishida Kana
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31All rights reserved.
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34Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei / Satou Tsutomu ; [illustrations by Ishida Kana] — digital ed.
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37ISBN: 978-4-04-870998-9
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40Summary: The story follows Tatsuya Shiba, a bodyguard to his sister Miyuki Shiba who is also a candidate to succeed the master clan, Yotsuba. They enroll into First High School which segregates its students based on their magical abilities. Miyuki is enlisted as a first course student and is viewed as one of the best students, while Tatsuya is in the second course and considered to be magically inept. However, Tatsuya’s technical knowledge, combat abilities, and unique magic techniques causes people to view him as an irregular to the school’s standardized rankings.
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43[1. Romance-Magic—Fiction. 2. Magic-Engineer—Fiction. 3. School—Fiction.] I. Title. II. Series: Tsutomu, Satou. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei.
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49ePub meticulously crafted by hand by Roah Nosh.
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52Translation by Baka-Tsuki.
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58[Translator: Dreyakis, Sashiko, Joay, Seitsuki, Setsuna86, larethian / Checker: larethian / Editor: Arczyx, ColdFront, Zeru, Genesis, nukie, Wakusie, Chancs, Cliff]
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64All materials’ copyright reserved by their respective authors and the associated publishers. Please respect their rights.
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69Works will be deleted upon request by copyright holders.
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72Visit the disclaimer page for more details.
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78If you like the book buy it once localized in your area. Support the author.
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84v1.5.5
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90Title
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92Copyright
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94The Ten Master Clans
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96The Numbers
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98The Missing Numbers (Extra Numbers)
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100Chapter 0
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102Chapter 1
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104Chapter 2
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106Chapter 3
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108Chapter 4
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110Chapter 5
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112Chapter 6
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114Chapter 7
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116Afterword
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118Illustrations
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120Notes
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126The Ten Master Clans
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131These are Japan’s strongest magician families.
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133The basic dogma of the Ten is to maintain an inviolable and unshakable covert government influence, in exchange of disavowing any overt political power. From twenty eight families (Ichijou, Ichinokura, Isshiki, Futatsugi, Nikaidou, Nihei, Mitsuya, Mikadzuki, Yotsuba, Itsuwa, Godou, Itsumi, Mutsuzuka, Rokkaku, Rokugou, Roppongi, Saegusa, Shippou, Tanabata, Nanase, Yatsushiro, Hassaku, Hachiman, Kudou, Kuki, Kuzumi, Juumonji, Tooyama), ten are chosen once every four years in a [Ten Master Clan Selection Session] to carry on the [Ten Master Clan] name. Those unchosen eighteen families are called the [Supporter Eighteen] and act as counsels to each of the chosen ten families. Currently the Ichijou, Futatsugi, Mitsuya, Yotsuba, Itsuwa, Mutsuzuka, Saegusa, Yatsushiro, Kudou, and Juumonji families comprise the Ten Master clans. By chance the numbers one to ten were completed, but this is the first time that occurred since the Ten Master Clan rankings were implemented; until now repeated numbers and/or missing numbers was the norm.
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139The Numbers
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144Just like the Ten Master Clans whose surnames contain the numbers one to ten, the families that comprise the Hundred Families contain the numbers eleven onward in their surnames like 1000Chiyoda, 50Isori, and 1000Chiba. The number value is no indicator of strength, but whether or not a number is in the surname means everything, and is one criterion to guess a magician’s talent. And so the magician families with their number-affixed surnames, Ten Master Clans and the Hundred Families together, are termed the [Numbers].
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150The Missing Numbers (Extra Numbers)
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155These magical families with their [Number] deprived are called the Extra Numbers, AKA the [Extra]. This was branded to magicians, at a time when they were once weaponized guinea pigs and numbers were given to [Success] samples, that did not make the cut. Now the term [Extra Number] itself is formally struck out from common use. And the magician community considers discrimination due to being an [Extra Number] a grave criminal offense.
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161Chapter 0
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166There are currently nine national magic university attached highschools throughout the state.
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168The first highschool is in Kanto (Tokyo). The second highschool is in Kinki (Hyougo). The third highschool is in Hokuriku (Ishikawa). The fourth highschool is in Tokai (Shizuoka). The fifth highschool is in Tohoku (Miyagi). The sixth highschool is in San’in (Shimane). The seventh highschool is in Shikoku (Kochi). The eighth highschool is in Hokkaido. The ninth highschool is in Kyushu (Kumamoto).
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170These are the only magic highschools in the country. It does not refer to the fact that there are only nine highschools attached to the nine national magic universities, but rather that they are the sole nine highschools teaching magic as the main curriculum.
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172To tell the truth, the government is more than keen to increase the number of magic highschools. They are unable to do so because they cannot secure enough mages who go on to become teachers.
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174The first, second and third highschools accept 200 new students a year. The other six can take another 100 each.
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176In total, that’s 1200 entrants. This is the limit to the new number of mages that can be produced per year. It’s approximately equal to the number of youth with eligible levels of magic that appear in the population.
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178But at the same time it’s thought that if more ample educational opportunities could be provided, the possibility that even more youth with late budding magical talent could be discovered is not inconsiderable.
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180The reality however is that the running of just these nine magic highschools fully stretches the human resources of this country. Therefore the only way to address this deficit is to take these 1200 freshmen a year, train them as much as possible, and raise their level to the max. In doing so the number of mages will gradually increase, and in the future it is expected that this positive spiral will eventually fix the dearth of teachers.
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182One of the measures taken for that are competitions at the school level between the nine magic highschools, to fuel the aspirations of the students. The largest of these is the summer Nine Schools Competition.
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184It’s a nationwide magic highschool magic tournament.
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186Every year a selection of magic highschool students from across the country meet, putting their pride on the line, and unfold a story of frustration and glory.
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188With a huge crowd including not only government officials and those interested in magic but also businesses, overseas companies, researchers and scouts, this is the greatest stage for magic highschool students to shine.
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190This year too, soon, the curtains of that momentous event will be raised again.
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196Chapter 1
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201The year 2095 AD, mid July.
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203The week after the first semester’s finals were over for the National Magic University affiliated First High, the students devoted all their energy towards preparing for the Nine Schools Competition during the summer. However, he — Tatsuya Shiba that is — was completely out of tune with such school spirit. This was partially due to the fact that his logical nature overrode his emotions. That being said, the primary reason for his being at school today was because the faculty had summoned him for a meeting in regards to his exam scores.
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205“Tatsuya.”
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207“Leo…… Why is everyone here?”
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209Having finally escaped from the Faculty Room, Tatsuya found his classmates Saijou Leonhart, Chiba Erika, and Shibata Mizuki waiting for him outside.
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211Tatsuya’s little sister Miyuki was part of the Student Council, which was currently in the middle of preparations for the Nine Schools Competition in the School Council Room, so she wasn’t there.
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213As if to replace Miyuki, Miyuki’s classmates Mitsui Honoka and Kitayama Shizuku were there with worried expressions.
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215The Faculty Room was located on the teacher’s floor, which was separate from where the students usually attended classes.
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217However, that did not mean students did not pass by.
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219-- Regardless of whether the passersby were of the same grade or even upperclassmen, everyone snuck glances over at the five people surrounding Tatsuya.
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221Which was only natural.
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223They stood out. A lot.
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225This was not a distinction reserved for today’s situation, this was always the case.
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227Tatsuya had been appointed to the Public Morals Committee even as a Course 2 student and, through his numerous accomplishments during recruitment week, had proved that his selection was no fluke, ultimately resulting in his fame spreading across campus. While his single-handed annihilation of the terrorist organization had not been publicized, his outstanding success during recruitment week was enough to garner quite a lot of attention from his classmates and even female upperclassmen.
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229Erika was a publicly acknowledged beauty.
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231Owing to her constant proximity to Miyuki and Erika, Mizuki’s appearance seemed to pale slightly in comparison. That being said, her elegant and refined beauty was rated quite highly among male upperclassmen.
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233Despite being constantly ridiculed by Erika (or maybe “constantly bickering with” would be better), Leo’s Germanic features and superb athletic abilities identified him as “someone worth noting” among the female population. (The “pure Japanese style” that Leo referred to would be black-haired and black-eyed.)
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235As for Honoka and Shizuku, they were two superb students even among the 1st Year Course 1 students. Their appearance would easily qualify within the boundaries of cuteness (Strictly in terms of appearance, Tatsuya would be the most mundane).
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237Whether they wanted to or not, a group that transcended the Course 1 and 2 boundary and socialized together naturally drew extra attention.
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239Even so, possibly because this cohort’s 1st Year Representative, Student Council member and far famed beauty Miyuki wasn’t here, there were actually significantly fewer onlookers than usual. --
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241The people who paid these glances no heed whatsoever were unexpectedly close by.
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243For example, this man right here.
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245“It should be us asking what you’re up to, right? Why did you get called to the Faculty Room?”
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247Hearing Leo’s question, Tatsuya immediately understood.
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249It appeared that his friend was concerned on his behalf. For a moment, Tatsuya contemplated fabricating a reason to divert them, but he changed his mind upon reflecting that they deserved his honesty.
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251“The teachers interrogated me about the technical skills portion of the exam.”
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253Hearing this, Leo squinted his eyes in displeasure.
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255“……‘Interrogated’ sounds a tad suspicious. So what did they ask about?”
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257“Long story short, they wanted to know if I was tanking the test.”
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259Erika was the first to express her outrage at Tatsuya’s answer.
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261“What the heck? Tatsuya-kun doesn’t benefit in the slightest for doing that. Only a moron would ask that.”
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263Erika’s observation was not wrong, so Tatsuya could only smile back wryly. It was another story altogether if someone cheated to get a higher score, but there was no point in intentionally getting a lower score. This suspicion was just as ridiculous as Erika surmised.
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265“However, I can understand why the teachers think this way.”
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267“Why?”
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269Shizuku’s soft words bewildered Mizuki.
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271“Tatsuya-kun’s scores are just that astounding.”
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273Tatsuya did not preen at Honoka’s answer, but being overly humble might elicit a negative reaction as well. Unable to decide between the two, Tatsuya could only smile wryly again.
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275For First High, the final exams for magic high schools included magic theory examinations based on recall and technical skills examinations.
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277On the other hand, language arts, math, science, sociology and other mundane topics were graded based on daily homework. This was an institution that focused on high quality training for Magicians, so from the school’s perspective, having the students focus too much on subjects outside of magic was redundant. (Tatsuya and company made the distinction between Magicians and Magic Artificers only because their training naturally branched out in two directions. Normally, society would lump Magic Artificers into the same category as Magicians, but would not use “Magic Artificers” to refer to Magic Researchers who could not use magic.)
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279In terms of magic theory, the mandatory classes covered the foundations of magic learning and magic theory on the test; two additional topics were picked from the electives: magic geometry, magic languages, magic botany, and magic architecture, as well as one selected from either magic history or magic systems theory, for a total of five topics.
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281Magic technical skills were measured through application ability (the speed of magic design), magic tolerance (the scale of the Magic Sequence), interference ability (strength of rewriting Eidos), as well as the combined Magic Power given from the culmination of all three, thus resulting in four scores.
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283Students with superlative scores would have their names and ranking publicly announced on the campus website.
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285The 1st Year students’ results had already been announced.
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287Those who had earned the highest combined scores between magic theory and technical skills were completely as expected.
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289First Place: Shiba Miyuki.
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291Second Place: Mitsui Honoka.
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293Third Place: Kitayama Shizuku only a few points behind.
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295The first three were all names from Class A, and it wasn’t until Fourth place that a male student named “Tomitsuka” from Class B appeared. Beyond that, familiar names included Morisaki at Ninth Place. The first twenty spots were all Course 1 students.
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297A glance at the Technical Skills portion would yield the same result. While the placements swapped around a little, the first twenty places were still occupied by Course 1 students.
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299Strictly speaking, First Place was Miyuki, Second Place was Shizuku, Third Place was Morisaki, Fourth was Honoka. Combined score notwithstanding, Class A dominated the Technical Skills portion to the extent that it caused their teachers considerable headache (Class distribution was supposed to be split evenly through A to D, so this sort of academic showing obviously revealed that Class A grasped the materials for the first semester much better than the other three).
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301However, when based solely on the Magic Theory portion, an entirely different and astounding picture revealed itself.
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303First Place: Class E Shiba Tatsuya.
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305Second Place: Class A Shiba Miyuki.
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307Third Place: Class E Yoshida Mikihiko.
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309Honoka was fourth, Shizuku at tenth, Mizuki at seventeenth, Erika in twentieth, while Leo and Morisaki fell out of the rankings.
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311When separating Course 1 and 2 students, the difference in technical skills played a heavy role. However, the general consensus was that students that scored poorly on technical skills would also have a hard time grasping the theory as well. Because of all the complex concepts, it was very hard to understand the theory without perceiving it firsthand.
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313Even so, two of the top three were Course 2 students.
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315That alone was an unprecedented situation, yet Tatsuya’s accomplishment was even more amazing. His average in the theory portion — not the total — was easily a dozen points higher than the second place score, leaving him in sole and undisputed possession of First Place.
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317“Even if theory and technical skills are two different things, there should be a limit.”
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319“But I don’t believe Tatsuya-kun would tank his score.”
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321After Shizuku objectively expressed her opinion, Mizuki countered back in a displeased tone.
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323“Of course Shizuku knows that.”
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325“But the teachers aren’t like us, since we know what kind of person Tatsuya-kun is.”
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327Honoka and Erika both started to smooth things over.
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329“Yeah, they only know us from the other side of the terminal screen……”
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331Just as Leo said, this was a major deficiency in modern education. Even if modern teachers personally came to the lecture hall like teachers from the previous century, it still wouldn’t guarantee that they could fully understand their students.
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333To address this problem, the school had created opinion boxes to replace last century’s office hours system.
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335“……How about asking Haruka-chan?”
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337Counselors handled the situations where students were unsatisfied with the school or other on-campus incidents. Discounting whether the label “Haruka-chan” was appropriate, the suggestion itself bore merit, but Tatsuya sharply shook his head.
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339“I talked with Ono-sensei yesterday. In truth, she informed me about all the major questions they would ask today.”
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341“Such an unreliable teacher.”
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343“Don’t be that way. New counselors don’t possess much in terms of authority anyways.”
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345It was Tatsuya’s turn to smile gently and comfort the irritated Erika.
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347“……Tatsuya-kun must’ve been even harsher than me, right?”
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349As Erika guessed, Tatsuya’s words were considerably more confrontational.
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351“Whoa?”
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353Erika’s precise retort caused Leo to elicit a strange noise.
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355“……What is it?”
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357Erika squinted as she asked.
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359“This woman is actually capable of saying something serious.”
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361Leo widened his eyes as he softly muttered to himself.
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363“Silence!”
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365Erika smacked him with a rolled up notepad.
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367As a matter of fact, even in an age where digital information was so common, notepads were still prevalent. Especially for magic-based schools, during the teaching of magic languages, the very motion of “writing” was in itself an important act. Since teachers primarily used pictures and diagrams in magic geometry, using a notepad to record the drawings was vastly easier compared to using a terminal, so magic high school students were more likely to carry notepads than students from normal schools. That being said, the exact reason why Erika carried around a notepad despite not being in class remained a mystery.
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369“Ow……”
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371Leo was unable to dodge the incoming blow from the notepad and crouched down, holding his head in pain. It wasn’t like he was just sitting there taking the hits without trying to resist, but currently, Erika’s smiting speed was much greater than Leo’s evasion speed, so in this situation, whenever he unilaterally decided to butt in, he would be unilaterally smote.
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373“……You violence addict, my head isn’t a drum!”
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375Leo lodged a serious protest, which was casually ignored by Erika.
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377Probably due to the fact that this scene had endlessly repeated itself over the last three months, Mizuki only let out a helpless smile and left them to it, rather than panicking like she had in the beginning. Also, she used this to redirect the tangent back to the original topic, avoiding any possible escalation of the conflict.
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379“Tatsuya-kun, did you solve the teachers’ misunderstanding?”
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381“Well, yes, on some level.”
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383“On some level?”
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385At Mizuki’s concise question, Tatsuya supplied further details with an unwilling expression on his face.
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387“The teachers understand that I wasn’t intentionally getting them wrong, but they still advised me to transfer.”
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389“Transfer?”
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391“Why? Why would they do that?”
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393Mizuki and Honoka both shouted out with their faces completely pale, while the other three wore similar expressions.
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395“Among the Nine Schools, Fourth High is renowned for their specialty in Magic Research, so the teachers suggested I transfer there. I declined, of course.”
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397Two people let out sighs of relief, while two others looked furious.
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399The former two were Mizuki and Honoka, the latter Leo and Erika.
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401The last member of this conversation wore an unreadable poker face.
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403“……So if someone doesn’t excel in technical skills, then they should join a school that doesn’t emphasize technical skills at all. Isn’t that completely self-contradictory for a school? I can understand if someone’s grades were bad and they couldn’t keep up in class, but that’s obviously not the case with Tatsuya.”
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405“Probably because he’s an eyesore. Maybe Tatsuya-kun knows more about magic than the teachers themselves.”
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407“Relax, you two.”
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409If left alone, Leo and Erika would only feed off each other’s fury, so Tatsuya stepped in to extinguish them.
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411“It’s just as Leo said, barely passing is still passing, so there’s nothing that would necessitate a transfer. It’s possible that the teachers only had my best interests at heart. Regardless, even if that was the case, these best interests possess no empathy, and are solely in place to protect themselves.”
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413Tatsuya’s soft tone did nothing to cover his acidic assessment, causing the originally furious pair to shrink away. This was precisely the cooling effect that Tatsuya aimed for, though the method may be called vile. But alas, the result was not the most ideal.
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415“At the end of the day, I think that teachers shouldn’t be mistaken in the first place.”
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417Just as everyone was hesitant towards what to say next, Shizuku spoke up in a singular manner that was neither supportive nor critical. From the way her comment relaxed the tension caused by Tatsuya’s mocking words, the overall effect would probably be categorized as supportive.
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419“Fourth High doesn’t scoff at technical skills, but when compared to the combat-centric magic that would be expressed in the Nine Schools Competition, they are more interested in further intricate techniques. The more complex the procedures the better.”
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421“Is that so? Shizuku-chan, you know quite a lot about this.”
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423“That’s because my cousin studies at Fourth High.”
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425Hearing Shizuku’s answer to Mizuki, Honoka and the other four people said “So that’s how it is” as they nodded. Given that this came from a student attending Fourth High, this should be a reliable source of information.
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427As everyone professed agreement to these words, they also sprouted considerable mistrust towards the teacher that summoned Tatsuya.
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429However, this group of individuals wouldn’t focus their attentions on a stranger (the teacher) who wasn’t with them at the time.
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431“Speaking of which, it’s almost time for the Nine Schools Competition, right?”
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433Leo probably recalled what Shizuku was saying earlier, to which Tatsuya nodded at his inquiry.
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435“Miyuki is already complaining. There are a lot of things to account for, including vehicles, tools, and uniforms.”
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437“Isn’t Miyuki-chan also participating in the competition? That sounds tough.”
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439Mizuki wasn’t being overly polite, but she was honestly concerned on Miyuki’s behalf.
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441“However, Miyuki should be able to cruise during the newcomers’ competition, so the preparation work should be more intensive.”
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443Erika replied in a manner that half supported and half refuted the earlier sentiment.
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445“Don’t be overconfident. The scion of the Ichijou Family started attending Third High this year.”
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447Shizuku’s objection was a little off the mark. The official and newcomers competitions in the Nine Schools Competition were separated by gender, so there was no way Miyuki would go against the young master from the Ichijou Family.
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449That being said, no one intentionally retorted at this.
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451“Is that so……?”
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453“You say Ichijou, as in Ichijou from the Ten Master Clans?”
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455From their heartfelt expressions of surprise, this appeared to be the first time Erika and Leo found out that someone in their year was descended from the Ten Master Clans. Mizuki didn’t seem too astounded, maybe she knew something about the “scion of the Ichijou Family”.
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457“That might be a tough opponent. That being said, Shizuku you sure know a lot.”
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459“Shizuku is a die hard fan of ‘Monolith Code’, so she watches the Nine Schools Competition every year, right?”
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461Honoka, who knew Shizuku as well as she knew herself, answered Erika’s question.
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463“……Hm, yeah.”
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465Hearing Honoka answer for her, the normally expressionless Shizuku nodded in slight embarrassment. Honoka owed Tatsuya a favor, so it wasn’t surprising for her to be interested in Tatsuya. However, Shizuku was different; she only knew Tatsuya because her best friend Honoka was interested in him, as well as the fact that he was Miyuki’s older brother. Initially, Shizuku had only commented from the periphery, but gradually she had lowered her guard and started expressing herself openly.
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467“Now that you mention it, besides the All-Japanese and the International University Intramural, ‘Monolith Code’ can only be seen at the Nine Schools Competition.”
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469Standing diagonally across from the embarrassed Shizuku, Tatsuya nodded upon hearing Honoka’s answer, wearing an expression that signified that he understood that sentiment.
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471The Nine Schools Competition was an inter-school competition between high schools affiliated with magic universities. In other words, it was an internal competition that happened to be open for public viewing.
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473That was because the Nine Schools Competition was one of the few stages that provided magic competition as entertainment.
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475Every year, a total of 1200 students entered their first year at the nine magic high schools.
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477In comparison, there were anywhere between 1200 and 1500 young men and women of age 15 every year who developed enough magic talent to be accepted.
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479In other words, for the youths that manifested magic talent, if they aimed to become Magicians or Magic Artificers, almost every single one of them would enter one of the nine magic high schools.
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481Hence why the magic competitions at the high school level, besides kenjutsu, martial arts, and a few others, were completely monopolized by the nine magic high schools.
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483In order to allow the general public to better understand and become invested in magic competitions, as well as to further society’s acknowledgement of magic, the Nine Schools Competition had become one of the few major events to propagate these ideas.
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485“Our toughest opponent this year is going to be Third High, right?”
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487“Probably.”
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489Knowing this to be Shizuku’s area of expertise, Erika specifically asked for her opinion. In response, Shizuku simply nodded happily.
490
491“And this year you’re not in the audience, but one of the contestants, right?”
492
493Shizuku was Second Place in technical skills for their year, so even if the official roster hadn’t been publicized yet, Shizuku was like Miyuki in that they were guaranteed to be selected.
494
495“Yeah……”
496
497Hearing Mizuki’s question, Shizuku quietly nodded in response, her face illuminated with motivation.
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503After finals were over, Tatsuya spent almost every afternoon in the HQ of the Public Morals Committee.
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505Immediately after summer vacation, the election for the new Student Council President would be held.
506
507After a new President was elected, a new Public Morals Committee would be selected, along with its new corresponding Chief based on the new elections.
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509According to tradition…… More like according to bad habits, there had never been a smooth transfer between Chiefs of the Committee. More often than not, the unorganized activities record and current members were tossed to the incoming Chief to handle.
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511-- That being said, after Mari took over as Chief during her first year, there would be no problem with the transfer the following year. --
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513However, the 2nd Year students in her Public Morals Committee had insufficient experience, so Mari wished to minimize the confusion during the transfer of power between Chiefs.
514
515—Regarding all the documents necessary for the transfer, Mari tossed that responsibility to Tatsuya.
516
517“I’m starting to think I’m a goody two-shoes……”
518
519“A goody two-shoes that’s bad to the core? I think this dual nature of yours is quite interesting.”
520
521“…………”
522
523This comment was overly pertinent, rendering Tatsuya unable to reply.
524
525“However, this time I’m very grateful for your good side, since without your help, we would only be repeating past disasters.”
526
527Mari comforted him in this way probably because she felt a little guilty seeing Tatsuya silently plugging away at his work.
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529Yet, Tatsuya did not possess split personalities, nor was he merely helping to organize the material. He was the only one organizing the materials.
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531These words achieved no comforting effect whatsoever.
532
533“Even so, you’ve started preparing for the transfer very early?”
534
535Tatsuya asked a piercing question without stopping his hands from their work.
536
537The documents he was preparing would be completed in a week.
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539If no further input of additional details was needed, this would create a two month buffer zone.
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541Also, there was no guarantee that major events or incidents would not occur during this time period.
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543This wasn’t the type of material that should be created as soon as possible.
544
545“Once we start preparing for the Nine Schools Competition, we won’t have the time to compile this. There’s a mountain of things to do, from verifying the roster, training, adjusting equipment, gathering and analyzing data, to devising strategies.”
546
547All these things had nothing to do with Tatsuya.
548
549“……When is the Nine Schools Competition going to be held?”
550
551That being said, cutting off the conversation here would be awkward, so Tatsuya focused all his attention back onto data organization as he asked this.
552
553“Ten days, from August 3rd to the 12th.”
554
555“That’s quite a long time.”
556
557“Hm? You’ve never seen it?”
558
559“Yeah, since I’ve always been busy with errands during summer vacations.”
560
561Tatsuya’s answer thoroughly confounded Mari.
562
563“But according to Mayumi, your little sister goes to see it every year, to the point that she even remembers what events we competed in……”
564
565Tatsuya almost burst out laughing.
566
567“No, it’s not like we’re attached at the hip 365 days a year…… Occasionally we move separately as well.”
568
569“Eh? ……No, that’s true. It’s just that whenever we see the two of you, it’s like you’re always with each other.”
570
571“Speaking of which, we’re usually on our own at school.”
572
573After Tatsuya objectively pointed this out, even if Mari’s expression revealed her incomprehension, she nevertheless still accepted it.
574
575“If that’s the case, no wonder you were completely lost when I started talking about the preparations for the Nine Schools Competition.”
576
577“Yes, to be honest, I don’t even know what competitions are being held. I only know about ‘Monolith Code’ and ‘Mirage Bat’.”
578
579While it was true that he was multitasking between making conversation and creating the data files, this only served as a refresher for Tatsuya. And for Mari, who was currently idle — or more like the one who didn’t want to do anything — this was a good way to pass the time, so Tatsuya was more talkative than usual.
580
581“That’s because those two are the most famous……”
582
583Mari tilted her head, as if she didn’t know where to start. She held her fist before her mouth, as if she were about to cough (but didn’t actually make the coughing sound).
584
585“The contests in the Nine Schools Competition focus on the events in athletic magic contests that require more Magic Power.”
586
587“This I know.”
588
589Tatsuya replied without stopping his fingers from working.
590
591“In the past, they would change the events every competition, but recent years have seen the same contests every year.
592
593There are six contests: ‘Monolith Code’, ‘Mirage Bat’, ‘Icicle Destruction’, ‘Speed Shooting’, ‘Crowd Ball’, and ‘Battle Board’.
594
595Kenjutsu, Chinese magic martial arts and other combat related contests, as well as athletic competitions like gymnastics and basketball are held at a different event.”
596
597“Don’t ‘Crowd Ball’ and ‘Battle Board’ rely heavily on physical abilities?”
598
599“Yes. Magicians are only human, so there’s no reason to undervalue physical capabilities. Even in 1 on 1 duels between Magicians, there are cases where the individual with the superior physical abilities has emerged victorious. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate on this point.”
600
601“That’s true.”
602
603Tatsuya knew this very well, so his agreement with Mari’s words was truly heartfelt.
604
605“Of the six contests, only ‘Monolith Code’ is a team event, the other five are solo acts.”
606
607“Isn’t ‘Crowd Ball’ a two man show?”
608
609“This is where the Nine Schools Competition gets evil. In order to emphasize the importance of Magic Power, this contest has a solo performance rule. I have a booklet that summarizes the rules. Want to take a look?”
610
611“Sure, I’ll take a look later.”
612
613Tatsuya stopped typing and accepted a small booklet from Mari.
614
615“Huh, a hard copy. How strange.”
616
617“Anything related to the Nine Schools Competition wouldn’t be surprising. Virtual terminals would hurt the Magic Power’s conceptual foundation. On the other hand, besides Magicians, there are very few people that actually use substantial terminal devices, and the number of Magicians using virtual terminals has also increased.”
618
619“I see, so that’s why the Nine Schools Competition uses hard copies instead of terminal devices.”
620
621“Eh? So Tatsuya-kun prefers the usage of virtual terminals?”
622
623She probably heard the critical elements in Tatsuya’s undertone.
624
625With Mari’s normally brash manner and her amusing tendency to be “poor at organizing”, it was easy to forget that she was a very perceptive individual.
626
627Tatsuya took this under consideration and selected his words — without stopping his typing motions — more prudently.
628
629“There is some basis that virtual terminals negatively impact Magicians that have not reached maturity. Especially for students under twenty that are still developing their power, I think they should avoid using virtual models. But for adult Magicians whose Magic Power has been fully developed, I don’t feel that there’s any reason to stop them from using virtual models.”
630
631“……That’s another way to look at it. Forcing adults to abandon the efficiency gained from virtual models simply because it poses harm to children seems a little overkill.”
632
633There was a brief lull in the conversation. Tatsuya was busy reviewing the information he inputted on the screen, so he had no way of discerning Mari’s current expression, but he guessed that she would be considering his earlier comment.
634
635No matter how ridiculously she usually acted, there was no way for her to disguise her inner sense of righteousness.
636
637For some reason, that fact caused Tatsuya to smile a bit.
638
639“……We’ve drifted off topic.”
640
641Mari seemed to have arrived at some conclusion of her own, before she turned the conversation back to the Nine Schools Competition without any forewarning.
642
643“The competition is separated into the Official and Newcomers Divisions, each requiring 10 men and women, for a grand total of 40. Only 1st Year students may participate in the Newcomer Division while the Official Division has no restrictions. That being said, each contestant may perform only in two contests, so no 1st Year student has ever competed in the Official Division. Even if it weren’t in the rules, there’s no way for 1st Year students to stand up against the firepower of a 2nd or 3rd Year student.
644
645Until last year, the Newcomers Division was not separated by gender, but from this year onward, both the Official and Newcomers Division will be. Also, until last year, no 1st Year female student had to compete in multiple contests, but that may be unavoidable this year.”
646
647Mari’s words were out of concern for Miyuki, which was obvious without naming her aloud.
648
649Continuously participating in magic competitions was extremely taxing on the female body. Even though Miyuki had undergone training beyond that of a normal person, her physical stature was by nature more feeble. It would probably be best that he provided as much aid as he could, Tatsuya thought.
650
651“Of the six contests, four are not gender specific. ‘Monolith Code’ is men only and ‘mirage Bat’ is women only…… Since ‘monolith Code’ is the only event where live combat is guaranteed, it’s not surprising that the event is men only.”
652
653Mari might have been saying this, but her facial expression clearly didn’t agree.
654
655According to the information Tatsuya gathered from the Public Moral Committee, Mari’s magic specialized in anti-personnel combat, so she must have resented being excluded from this particular event.
656
657“The maximum number of participants per contest is three from each school, with men and women calculated separately. So for both the Official and Newcomers Divisions, five men and women have to select two of the five events while the other five can participate only in one.
658
659As for deciding who competes in which events, that is based on whether skilled contestants should only focus on emerging victorious in one event, or maximizing profit by applying for two events, and then there is considering where the opposing aces will go, and who they will go up against…… Since this is a team-based competition, all of these details are very important.”
660
661“Of course.”
662
663“Besides the contestants, the Nine Schools Competition allows each school to bring four people as tactical advisers, but not every school takes advantage of this option. Our school always brings the maximum amount of personnel each year, but schools such as Third High opt to waive the tactical support when competing, relying solely on their contestants to decide their tactics.”
664
665“Yet, ironically, they are our toughest opponent.”
666
667“We’ve only lost to them twice, once three years ago and the other time seven years ago. The Nine Schools Competition switched to a summer format ten years ago. Since then, there have been 9 competitions. Our school has been the champion five times, Third High twice, and Second High and Ninth High have each won once.”
668
669“I believe this year’s goal is for a three-peat?”
670
671“That’s right. For us 3rd Year students, securing the championship is the true victory.”
672
673Currently, the 3rd Year students at First High were known collectively as “the strongest era”.
674
675Saegusa Mayumi, Juumonji Katsuto, Watanabe Mari.
676
677Two of them were directly connected to the Ten Master Clans, while the third possessed similar talent.
678
679Just the fact that all three of them were in the same year at the same school was an amazing coincidence. In addition, the campus also boasted several students that were qualified for Rank A in high school (they were unable to obtain their licenses due to limited experience, but their raw ability alone was sufficient for their ranking based on international standards).
680
681Even before the official roster for the Nine Schools Competition had been announced, First High was already seen as the favorite to repeat as champions.
682
683Even if the underground gamblers were using the Nine Schools Competition as a setting, no one was taking odds for First High. That was how overwhelmingly powerful their group was.
684
685“I hear that if everything goes according to plan, our school’s victory is a foregone conclusion?”
686
687“Probably. There are no concerns on the contestants’ end. Even taking the Newcomers Division into consideration, as long as there’s no major mishap, we should win off the points from the Official Division. If there were any real concerns, I’d say it would be engineers.”
688
689“Engineers? You mean people responsible for CAD maintenance?”
690
691“Exactly, except the official term from the Nine Schools Competition is Technicians. The CADs used at the Nine Schools Competition must be universally adaptable, so only models that fit the criteria are allowed. On the other hand, there are only restrictions on the hardware itself, there are no restrictions on software. How well individual CADs can be synchronized to the appropriate contestant and whether the maintenance can bring out the contestant’s maximum potential are absolutely decisive in determining victory.”
692
693How fast an Activation Sequence initialized was entirely reliant on the CAD’s hardware, but the efficiency of Magic Sequences was heavily influenced by the design of the CAD’s software. Given that a single second could spell the difference between victory and defeat in athletic competitions, a properly devised software program was of vital importance.
694
695By no means did this imply that the more intricate the design was or the more processes that were used, the better the software became. Software that surpassed the processing power would cause more harm than good by obstructing the hardware itself.
696
697Given that there was a glass ceiling for hardware, the selection and allocation of software became even more important.
698
699Tatsuya believed that, under these conditions, the competition results could change dramatically based on the engineers’ skills.
700
701“Right now, there’s a dearth of talented engineers in 3rd Year when compared to qualified contestants. Mayumi and Juumonji are capable of maintaining their own CADs so they won’t have problems during the competition, but……”
702
703“……”
704
705In other words, Mari did not excel in this category.
706
707Tatsuya accurately read the inference behind Mari’s vague words but, precisely because he understood, he chose to say nothing.
708
709He allowed his attention to drift away from Mari’s small talk and focus back onto the data files.
710
711
712
713
714
715Improvements in central control of public transit had led to the complete overhaul of the trolley system, with trolley cars becoming the primary source of public transportation within the city proper. The cars on the tracks were completely controlled by a central operating room in order to ensure safety, ease of access, and the ability to combat the high volume demanded.
716
717On the other hand, the advancement of the public transportation system had not proceeded as planned. The program for connecting all the highways had already been inputted into the system, but most of the normal roads and expressways within city limits were still controlled by the city and had not reached a national level.
718
719In comparison, the AI for driver assistance had improved dramatically.
720
721As long as they hadn’t been illegally modified, modern cars were incapable of causing accidents even if they tried. (Katsuto’s car was able to directly impact Blanche’s HQ because that was a military model.)
722
723Vehicles exported to other nations also possessed the same AI system, allowing smaller countries to also benefit from this system even though they didn’t have the capability to develop it themselves, which in turn lowered the frequency of accidents even further. From an international standpoint, individual control systems trumped central control systems.
724
725Despite this, there was still a price to pay. New drivers — or to put it bluntly, bad drivers — wouldn’t run the risk of causing accidents, but it was easier for them to cause traffic jams. Even if consecutive crashes could be avoided, there was no avoiding situations where everyone slammed on the brakes, so this result was only natural.
726
727To prevent this — at least on the outside — even if there wasn’t a pressing need for safety, driver’s licenses were still mandatory.
728
729
730
731
732
733Next to his new electric bike, Tatsuya was waiting for his little sister to arrive.
734
735Tatsuya had purchased this bike after obtaining his license in early April. Though the purchase was strictly for practical purposes rather than for joy rides, the bike had still accrued considerable mileage. Even so, Tatsuya regularly maintained the bike every day, so even after two months, the bike was still in mint condition.
736
737“Onii-sama, sorry for the wait.”
738
739Upon hearing the voice, Tatsuya shifted his gaze over as the headlights illuminated his sister’s slim body.
740
741Miyuki’s long hair was done up in a bun while she wore a biker’s suit in the same fashion as Tatsuya’s own. The custom fit suit hugged her curves, hinting at the fullness of her womanly charms.
742
743As Tatsuya put the helmet on Miyuki’s head, Miyuki smoothly lifted her chin. His little sister’s seemingly natural motion caused Tatsuya to wryly grin, but he still buckled on the chin strap for her.
744
745Miyuki shrank her neck as if ticklish, to which Tatsuya responded with a smile as he put on his own helmet before climbing aboard.
746
747He took out his goggles, then motioned Miyuki to hold on tight.
748
749Tatsuya verified that Miyuki was holding on to his waist and that she was pressed against his back before adjusting his goggles and raising the output of the continuous motion device (equivalent to the gas pedal of motor vehicles).
750
751The electric bike that the siblings rode sped away beneath the night sky.
752
753
754
755
756
757Their destination was Yakumo’s temple.
758
759However, the one training tonight was Miyuki and not Tatsuya.
760
761Miyuki had already been selected as a participant in the Nine Schools Competition, so additional preparation was necessary.
762
763The events in the Nine Schools Competition heavily emphasized the need for magic talent, but at the same time did not wholly ignore physical characteristics. In the “Battle Board” event, contestants with faster reflexes and a better sense of balance held the advantage, while the “Crowd Ball” event required a good balance between tactics and stamina.
764
765For Miyuki, who excelled in Speed and Freezing Magics, “Icicle Destruction” was almost specifically designed to show off her talents. Forget the Newcomers Division -- she could probably cruise to victory even in the Official Division.
766
767However, with the individual contests split by gender causing the number of events to increase, Miyuki was also going to participate in the “Mirage Bat” event, where she would have to “use a bat to split open the balls of light floating in the air”.
768
769Miyuki also received martial training from Yakumo alongside Tatsuya, so her frail frame belied her superb physical status. Even so, given that there weren’t many opportunities lately for her to exercise, this training served as a precaution for the main event.
770
771Tatsuya turned off the engine near the entrance before pushing the vehicle into the temple. After leaving the vehicle in the temple garage, the two of them went to greet Yakumo.
772
773At this hour, Yakumo should be doing night training with his disciples.
774
775Just as they expected, as they approached the darkened dojo, they could detect various concealed presences, as well as the occasional footstep that couldn’t be completely muffled and the sounds of bodies hitting the floor.
776
777Tatsuya slowly pried open the ancient doors to avoid distracting the disciples from training.
778
779Even though the door opened without a sound, a kunai still came flying towards them. Tatsuya used the blade-proof and bullet-proof jacket to deflect it before pulling out a lead ball concealed in his biker suit and firing back.
780
781However, Tatsuya’s “marble” (a type of concealed weapon that is hurtled using finger force alone, from the same system as “point ball”) didn’t seem like it hit the target.
782
783“Tatsuya, it looks like your marbles haven’t improved much. Don’t think magic is enough to cut it. You need to practice your projectile weapons as well. However, you made the correct decision in deflecting the kunai rather than catching it.”
784
785There was no detectable presence, only the voice.
786
787Tatsuya didn’t aim right in front of him where the voice came from, but instead fired a second marble towards the rightmost wall.
788
789“Oh ho?”
790
791Accompanying this surprised shout, a force rippled outwards from the spot Tatsuya aimed at.
792
793Tatsuya quickly put an arm around Miyuki and sprang backwards.
794
795A split second later, a pitch black sword wave slashed down vertically from the ceiling above, barely missing Tatsuya’s back by a hair as he covered his little sister.
796
797Tatsuya quickly stepped forward with one foot.
798
799A bokken[1] painted completely black was rendered completely still with Tatsuya firmly stamping on it.
800
801Yakumo abandoned the idea of striking a second time as he let go of his immobile weapon.
802
803“……Sensei, you have such an interesting way of greeting people.”
804
805“……I should be the one saying that. Wasn’t your marble filled with killing intent?”
806
807Master and disciple faced one another in the darkness, before simultaneously breaking out into evil laughter.
808
809Tucked inside Tatsuya’s bosom, Miyuki was blushing furiously. Thankfully, that was difficult to discern in the surrounding darkness — at least that was what Miyuki thought, but Tatsuya had already noticed due to being in contact with her stiff body, while Yakumo had detected this through her erratic breathing.
810
811
812
813
814
815Somewhere within the temple, illuminated by torches in the four corners, in a place usually reserved for homa ceremonies (this temple should have been under Hisanyama’s jurisdiction, but Tatsuya and Miyuki had never seen Yakumo chant sutras or pray to Buddha), the area was faintly lit by blue light, with orbs glowing with a dim red light softly dancing in the sky.
816
817Because this was a temple, any ignorant passerby may have mistaken this scene for the presence of spirits, but fortunately there was no one else around.
818
819A slender, long shadow passed through the blue light, and one orb of light vanished into nothing.
820
821Two orbs, three orbs; the difference in color started to increase.
822
823That mesmerizing figure was chasing the floating orbs at an energetic and unexpected pace, then swiftly bisecting them with the short rod in her hand.
824
825After splitting thirty orbs, Tatsuya signaled Miyuki to take a break.
826
827The interior only contained a square barrier drawn with quicklime that measured about 11 meters on the side. The raw power necessary to form a barrier by only drawing four white lines was nothing short of astounding. Tatsuya brought a large tea cup towards where Yakumo was standing as he brought down the seals.
828
829Normally, Miyuki was the one responsible for bringing tea to the panting Yakumo, but Tatsuya took over that duty today.
830
831That was because tonight, Miyuki was in a similar state (to Yakumo), as she stood on the other side of the white line.
832
833“Sensei, thank you. Not just for lending the location, but also for training my little sister as well.”
834
835After handing the tea to Yakumo, Tatsuya bowed deeply in gratitude, to which Yakumo nodded generously.
836
837“There’s a colossal difference between attacking illusions and striking actual targets. Miyuki is also one of my cute students, so there’s no way I would decline to help.”
838
839There was probably too much emphasis on the word “cute”, but Tatsuya decided to let it slide until after the Nine Schools Competition.
840
841Illusion magic was one area where “ninjutsu” excelled, to the point that the speed, accuracy, and movements of the illusions surpassed those created by modern magics. Modern magic had the advantage in terms of speed of activation and variety of spells available, but within specialized parameters, there were many areas that could not compare with Ancient Magic.
842
843Tatsuya only had access to a few magics, so he was unable to use Yakumo’s illusion “Will O’wisp” to replace projectors.
844
845“Miyuki, should we stop here?”
846
847Tatsuya asked as he handed a drink to his sister who was still panting, but Miyuki shook her head and took a sip to wet her throat.
848
849“If sensei is okay with it, I want to continue.”
850
851“I don’t mind, though shouldn’t Tatsuya also give ‘Will O’wisp’ a try?”
852
853“No, I…… will pass.”
854
855Tatsuya could approximately guess the reason behind Yakumo’s smirk.
856
857Tatsuya briefly entertained the idea of spoiling Yakumo’s fun, but refrained after taking into account that Miyuki’s training took precedence.
858
859“Is that so? Eh, oh well.”
860
861Yakumo revealed a truly regretful expression, but that wasn’t enough to hide his mischievous smirk.
862
863Seeing this, Tatsuya was certain that declining the earlier offer was the right choice.
864
865Yakumo transformed his evil smirk into a kind and approachable smile as he turned back to face Miyuki.
866
867“Then let’s begin.”
868
869“Yes, sensei.”
870
871Miyuki bowed to signal that she was prepared to continue.
872
873Tatsuya had long since recovered their respective tea cups.
874
875Just as Miyuki stood in the middle of the square anchored by bonfires and Yakumo was about to start casting illusions……
876
877“Who’s there?”
878
879Another person’s presence entered the scene.
880
881The one who called out was Tatsuya.
882
883No, the order was actually reversed.
884
885To supplement the training, Tatsuya linked his sensory ability to the information dimension, allowing him to quickly catch wind of a foreign element being introduced into the area. The moment Tatsuya challenged the silent patch of darkness, another person’s presence abruptly materialized.
886
887“Ah, Haruka.”
888
889Yakumo greeted the presence in an unconcerned manner.
890
891Tatsuya and Miyuki were both familiar with this name.
892
893The figure that walked into the flickering light possessed a much more mature aura than Miyuki.
894
895She was the counselor from the Magic University affiliated First High — Ono Haruka.
896
897Likely due to the fact that she was wearing the same dark bodysuit that Miyuki was wearing, it seemed that the curves of her chest and waist were more accentuated than usual.
898
899As Miyuki followed the direction of Tatsuya’s gaze, a trace of concern flashed across her features. However, before she could nudge her brother with her elbow, she noticed the cold, steely gaze in her brother’s eyes and swiftly regained her composure.
900
901The reason why Tatsuya was carefully scrutinizing Haruka’s body was to ascertain Haruka’s physical capabilities.
902
903“Tatsuya, no need to be so wary. Haruka is also one of my students.”
904
905“But you weren’t nearly as kind during my training as compared to Shiba-kun.”
906
907Haruka’s voice was slightly mocking, which jarred against her dangerous appearance that could easily be swallowed in the darkness.
908
909“That being said, I know that sensei is another story, but to think that I was discovered by Shiba-kun, has my technique regressed so much?”
910
911“Haruka, lying to yourself isn’t a good habit. If you lie too often, you will lose track of your own thoughts as well.”
912
913“Shiba-kun said the same thing to me.”
914
915“Oh, looks like I said something unnecessary. Anyways, let’s set this aside for now. Haruka’s cloaking was almost perfect, so there’s no need to stress about that. If you really think that your skills have regressed, that is.”
916
917Haruka revealed a model perfunctory smile and accepted Yakumo’s hinted gaze.
918
919She shouldn’t be able to get off that easily, nor should she have planned to do so in the first place.
920
921Seeing Yakumo’s smirking expression, this was probably how the two of them normally interacted.
922
923“Tatsuya didn’t detect your presence normally. He has a pair of special ‘eyes’ that are different from ours, so if you want to fool him, you need to disguise your presence rather than try to hide it.”
924
925“I see…… I’ll take that under advisement.”
926
927“It’s your turn to answer my question.”
928
929The two of them were acting out a master and disciple discussion using Tatsuya as the subject. Unable to harness his irritation, Tatsuya intentionally broke in with a displeased tone.
930
931“Hm…… It is unfair to give only Haruka information. You don’t mind, right, Haruka?”
932
933Yakumo intentionally let out a “Hm……” sound to create an opening, but given his current attitude, it was obvious that he was calculating when Tatsuya would interrupt them. In response to Yakumo turning the conversation towards her, Haruka immediately shrugged her shoulders and replied,
934
935“Even if I said no, you guys would probably discuss this when I’m not here, right?”
936
937Essentially, Haruka had already given up on hiding.
938
939“Since the person in question has given her consent, then I’ll go ahead…… Haruka is an investigator for Public Safety.”
940
941Yakumo’s explanation was very simple, as just this alone would be sufficient. Even so, Tatsuya hoped that Yakumo would take it a step further.
942
943“Hm? You don’t look very surprised.”
944
945However, Yakumo posed a question of his own.
946
947It appeared that he was expecting the Shiba siblings to be astonished.
948
949Not just Tatsuya, but even Miyuki accepted Haruka’s real identity without batting an eyelid, which surprised Yakumo considerably, or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say that it disappointed Yakumo considerably.
950
951“I have my own information network, so I know that Ono-sensei isn’t military. Ruling that out, the only possibilities were Public Safety (Police Department of Public Safety), Internal Affairs (Cabinet Agency of Data Supervision), or foreign spy.”
952
953Tatsuya’s answer caused Yakumo to furrow his brows.
954
955“Rather than saying information network, it’s more like ‘he’ provided you with that information. Is that okay?…… Given his position, he may be dishonorably discharged for leaking confidential information to a high school student.”
956
957That being said, Yakumo’s perfectly calm expression clearly showed that he wasn’t overly concerned.
958
959“In terms of position, sensei is roughly the same…… So, Ono-sensei is Public Safety’s undercover agent in the guise of a counselor to investigate the anti-government activities centered around Blanche within the First High campus, did I get that right so far?”
960
961“No.”
962
963Tatsuya asked this to verify his hypothesis regarding Haruka.
964
965But Haruka responded with the definite negative.
966
967“It’s true that I’m Public Safety’s undercover agent, but I didn’t disguise myself as a counselor. In chronological order, my current superior approached me while I was thinking about becoming a counselor, and I became a special investigator for Public Safety after I arrived at First High. Two years ago, I spent one year under Yakumo-sensei, so Tatsuya-kun is actually my senior.”
968
969“Even though you only studied for one year, your cloaking ability is quite proficient.”
970
971“That is my magic specialty, even if I can’t use any other magic. This is also the reason why my superior rates me highly.”
972
973“……I see, you’re a BS (Born Specialized) Magician?”
974
975“I dislike that term.”
976
977Haruka pouted and turned her head like a young school girl throwing a tantrum, causing Tatsuya to break into a smile.
978
979BS Magicians, also known as BS ability users, could also be called innate ability users or innate magic specialists. This was because they excelled at a particular ability, but because of this extreme specialization, they were unable to use magic techniques like other Magicians on the same level.
980
981As could be seen from the malicious label “the 101 tricks of BS users”, BS Magicians occupied a lower social stratum than normal Magicians, but their unique ability was practically impossible for other people to imitate. Even if someone could accomplish this, they were unable to replicate the same level of quality BS users were capable of. If properly matched with their specialty, they often outperformed the generic “omnipotent” Magicians.
982
983“Rather than being a jack of all trades, I’d rather be a master of one. However, that’s a matter of Haruka-sensei’s perspective.”
984
985As soon as Tatsuya said this, he realized that the student and counselor positions had been reversed. However, given that this was off campus and they certainly weren’t in class at this hour, this shouldn’t have been a problem.
986
987Probably noticing the same thing, Haruka stopped her tantrum, but she was still unhappy with the situation.
988
989“Shiba-kun, this was a special circumstance, but my identity as a secret investigator remains highly classified, so please don’t tell anyone else.”
990
991Tatsuya’s immediate reaction was that there was little meaning in doing so.
992
993If she was only an undercover agent for Public Safety, the Ten Master Clans would know anyways.
994
995Erika, whose family had close ties with the police, likely knew already.
996
997Likewise, Tatsuya had long since caught on to the fact that Haruka was an agent of some kind, he just hadn’t been certain which organization she was affiliated with.
998
999It was entirely possible that Haruka was the only one who believed her identity was a secret, but Tatsuya didn’t verbalize this.
1000
1001He merely replied to the request in this fashion:
1002
1003“I understand. I’ll keep it under wraps. Though it might be presumptuous to ask for this in return, but if something similar to what occurred in April is on the horizon, could you let me know the details ahead of time?”
1004
1005“……That’s fine. Let’s go with that mutually beneficial relationship.”
1006
1007The two of them shook hands, each nursing their own agenda.
1008
1009
1010
1011
1012
1013It went without saying that besides magic, magic high schools still fielded a full curriculum.
1014
1015This included physical education, which involved using competition to light the flames of youthful ardor to ridiculous levels, a scene that had yet to change.
1016
1017Today’s class activity was football.
1018
1019The encyclopedia’s entry was as follows: This is a sport derived from soccer, with similar rules, that is played on a field surrounded by a large box with numerous tiny holes in it. The only notable differences are that players wear a head protector, and head and hand contact are prohibited. (Also, the competition format where players “compete in a transparent box” was one of the defining characteristics of post-2080 AD athletics.)
1020
1021Occasionally, this contest was also held with magic involved, but generally magic was ruled out, and today was no exception.
1022
1023Football was played with a lightweight, highly resilient ball that bounced off the walls and ceiling. The ball rebounded left and right at high speeds, much like a ping pong ball, as players chased after it in order to make the shot against the opposing goal. It was a sport that demanded both incredible agility and considerable strength. In addition, the highly stimulating exercise was a popular sport for “entertainment”.
1024
1025The female students from 1st Year Classes E and F were currently taking a break and, completely ignoring their own curriculum, were busy cheering on the male students.
1026
1027“Move, move, get outta my way!”
1028
1029Leo was charging towards the ball that no one was covering.
1030
1031The ball used in football was highly dynamic, so it was extremely difficult to dribble with it, hence that action was rarely seen. Generally, the five players on a team used the walls or ceiling to make passes, so the energy expended by recovering the ball often decided victory or defeat.
1032
1033“Tatsuya!”
1034
1035Crossing the entire field, Leo passed the ball to Tatsuya in midfield with the force of a shot.
1036
1037If he tried to trap the ball with his chest or abdomen he might be knocked to the floor, so Tatsuya kicked the ball directly upwards, allowing the ball to lose some its force from the rebound on the ceiling before trapping it neatly beneath his foot.
1038
1039After receiving this pass with machine-like efficiency, Tatsuya sent the ball careening off the wall, using the rebound to pass the ball.
1040
1041Along the axis of the rebound stood another slim youth. Rather than calling him slender, he may have been more accurately described as well-built. Currently, he fearlessly received Tatsuya’s high-speed pass in one motion.
1042
1043And immediately shot on the enemy goal.
1044
1045The electric chime signaled the goal, accompanied by the cheers of the watching female students.
1046
1047“That guy isn’t bad.”
1048
1049Leo bluntly praised the youth as he stood next to Tatsuya.
1050
1051“Yes, accurate prediction of the flight path, and his appearance belies his agility.”
1052
1053Tatsuya was faintly surprised by the boy’s physical abilities which surpassed his expectations. They had been in the same class for 3 months, so today wasn’t the first time they were in physical education together. Tatsuya previously believed that he had an accurate grasp of the boy’s abilities on some level, and his earlier pass was adjusted accordingly, but this person’s — Yoshida Mikihiko’s — actions showed that he was more than meets the eye.
1054
1055There were a mere 25 students in class, so it was natural that everyone knew each other’s names.
1056
1057Also, Tatsuya knew more than just a name.
1058
1059Yoshida Mikihiko came from a prestigious family renowned for Ancient Magic — he was a direct descendant of the Yoshida Family.
1060
1061The Yoshida Family possessed an Outer-Systematic Ancient Magic called “Spirit Magic”, and it was rumored that they passed on their traditional methods of training as well. Given that it was a traditional method of practice, arduous labor was probably at the center of it. If so, members of that family would naturally possess highly capable physical specifications.
1062
1063The cause of Tatsuya’s surprise was that Mikihiko’s appearance gave no hint of this whatsoever.
1064
1065Specialists that excelled in concealing their power always pop up in the most unexpected places……
1066
1067With that in mind, Tatsuya sent the incoming pass spiraling towards the enemy goal.
1068
1069With Tatsuya and company dominating the floor, their team easily cruised to a crushing victory.
1070
1071Tatsuya returned to the observation area and sat down with Leo near Yoshida Mikihiko.
1072
1073“Nicely done.”
1074
1075By the time Tatsuya spoke up, his breathing had become perfectly even.
1076
1077“You guys as well.”
1078
1079Just like Tatsuya, Yoshida Mikihiko’s breathing wasn’t ragged.
1080
1081Tatsuya hadn’t formed social links with every classmate, likely because his personality was the type that usually ignored others. This caused a portion of his peers to see him as a cold individual, so only about half of 1st Year Class E was willing to converse with him. However, Mikihiko was even more extreme in his aloofness and, including himself, Tatsuya had never seen him speak with any of their mutual peers. On enrollment day, he was the first one to leave the classroom by himself. Even Leo, who moved in social circles much broader than Tatsuya had, only nodded to Mikihiko in passing until now.
1082
1083“Yoshida, you’re pretty good. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I was quite surprised.”
1084
1085Mikihiko’s performance seemed to have reminded Leo of something, so he asked Tatsuya — Tatsuya extended the greeting first, but it was Leo who had suggested it — to sit near Mikihiko.
1086
1087Leo’s welcoming tone might have caused some people to think he was being overly familiar.
1088
1089“Mikihiko.”
1090
1091That being said, it seemed that Mikihiko warmed to Leo’s direct attitude.
1092
1093“I don’t like it when people refer to me by my family name, so just call me by name.”
1094
1095Before, he never replied in such a friendly manner.
1096
1097“Okay, then call me Leo.”
1098
1099Even if the number of those full class activities from the previous generation had decreased, it was still strange to have this sort of conversation 3 months into the school year.
1100
1101Mikihiko’s school life was just like that, caused by the towering wall he erected between himself and the rest of the class.
1102
1103Maybe this was only brought on by the exhilaration following strenuous exercise, causing him to be in a more generous mood, but this most definitely was an excellent opportunity.
1104
1105“May I call you Mikihiko too? You can of course refer to me as Tatsuya.”
1106
1107“Okay, Tatsuya.”
1108
1109Mikihiko replied in a comfortable tone, but his expression was slightly embarrassed.
1110
1111“Actually, I wanted to talk to you a long time ago.”
1112
1113Impressions are a curious thing. Sometimes first impressions are impermutable regardless of what you do, but other times a single sentence is sufficient to dramatically change an impression you held until this moment.
1114
1115In Tatsuya’s mind, Mikihiko’s impression turned from “anti-social” to “shy”.
1116
1117“What a coincidence, that makes two of us.”
1118
1119They entered the school as Course 2 students — replacements, but were still able to secure the top and third scores in their entire year. Even if the school emphasized technical skills, it was impossible for the two of them not to take interest in the other.
1120
1121“……Somehow, I feel excluded.”
1122
1123The thing was, first ignoring the fact that Mikihiko didn’t know them very well, Leo didn’t think Tatsuya was interested in this classmate solely on the strength of his scores. Rather, Leo noticed that there was something odd between the two of them, thus leading to the feeling of exclusion.
1124
1125However, Mikihiko’s next sentence swiftly dispelled that notion.
1126
1127“Leo, you worry too much, I wanted to talk to you too.”
1128
1129The reason was not because of any real conversation, but because Mikihiko was at heart a kind person, as could be seen from his comforting words.
1130
1131“No matter how you slice it, anyone with the patience to deal with Erika is a rare find indeed.”
1132
1133It was Mikihiko’s turn to emotionally express himself.
1134
1135“……That’s a little hard to swallow.”
1136
1137Leo’s face grew longer the more he heard Mikihiko talk about Erika like they were a couple, which caused both Tatsuya and Mikihiko to burst out laughing. However, Tatsuya had a few reservations about Mikihiko’s comment as he recalled the reason why Mikihiko drew his attention in the first place.
1138
1139“So Mikihiko, you knew Erika a while back?”
1140
1141There was no ulterior motive behind this question. So when Tatsuya saw Mikihiko’s “Uh oh!” expression, he quickly changed the subject.
1142
1143“Kind of, I guess we’re childhood friends?”
1144
1145“Erika, why the question mark at the end?”
1146
1147Given that the person in question was present, Tatsuya’s concerns quickly faded.
1148
1149“We met when we were ten, so technically we’re not childhood friends. To top it off, not only has he been avoiding me in class, we haven’t seen each other outside of campus for the last six months.”
1150
1151Erika’s answer to Mizuki’s question suddenly thrust her into the middle of Tatsuya and company’s conversation.
1152
1153“Hey, Tatsuya-kun, what do you think?”
1154
1155Afterwards, Erika suddenly sought Tatsuya’s opinion in her usual as-she-pleased manner.
1156
1157“This should count as childhood friends, right?”
1158
1159On some level, given the way Tatsuya responded with no hesitation whatsoever, the same charge could be leveled at him.
1160
1161Yet, the reason why Leo and Mikihiko were unable to utter a single word wasn’t because they were struck speechless by Erika barging in without any consideration to others. Their widened eyes clearly testified to this point.
1162
1163In 2095 AD, fashion and proper decorum demanded that any trace of exposed flesh be covered in public. Since school was considered a public environment, even if it was in summer, women were still obligated to wear jackets and a colorless, impenetrable pair of tights or leggings beneath their dresses.
1164
1165That being said, these rules didn’t apply to athletic uniforms, so athletic clubs suffered no penalty or criticism for revealing their hands or legs with their uniform, and physical education classes were also not bound by this rule. For example, Tatsuya and the other male students were currently wearing shorts that did not extend to their knees while Mizuki was wearing a fairly long pair of rhythm pants, which was the standard uniform for physical education.
1166
1167On the other hand, Erika was……
1168
1169Both of her legs were completely uncovered.
1170
1171From the thighs down, everything was revealed to the sweltering summer air. Her pants had no length to speak of whatsoever. Finally, the T-shirt she wore barely extended over the pants, giving the impression she was wearing only her underwear.
1172
1173Her tight thighs showed no signs of coarse muscle; their reddish tint caused by the sun only served to embellish and accentuate their original white caliber.
1174
1175“Erika, why are you dressed like that?!”
1176
1177Mikihiko finally reclaimed his wits as his voice spiked, though the unavoidable blush on his face had nothing to do with the UV rays the sun was giving off. There were plenty of opportunities to see a pair of legs outside of school, so it wasn’t like Mikihiko was a complete prude, but the “coquettish” air that Erika’s legs were giving off was enough to cause almost any of her male peers to lose their composure.
1178
1179“What? This is the traditional women’s athletic uniform.”
1180
1181It was obvious with a single glance what state Mikihiko’s mind was currently in, except Erika never mentioned it at all as she tilted her head sideways and replied back with a surprised expression on her face. It certainly didn’t look like she was dressed like that solely to tease her childhood friend.
1182
1183“That’s traditional?”
1184
1185That being said, the man of the hour thought this was all to tease him, as could be seen from Mikihiko’s face that colored even more in fury.
1186
1187
1188
1189
1190
1191“Is that so? I thought this was some unique design for the rhythm pants.”
1192
1193Tatsuya interjected to change the pace and to prevent Erika from unintentionally pouring more fuel on the fire.
1194
1195“This isn’t a pair of rhythm pants.”
1196
1197Saying this only changed the victim from Mikihiko to Tatsuya, but one glance at Tatsuya’s stoic face was sufficient to tell that he far surpassed Mikihiko in composure and patience. No, it might be more appropriate to say that Tatsuya wasn’t sensitive enough to fall for Erika’s provocations.
1198
1199“But, these aren’t tennis briefs either, right?”
1200
1201“Even I’m not interested in wearing just the briefs and not the skirt. These are called bloomers.”
1202
1203“Bloomers? Sounds like brooms. Did they used to wear those while cleaning?”
1204
1205“Don’t be stupid! Didn’t I just say these are athletic uniforms for women?!”
1206
1207It was difficult to tell if Tatsuya was intentionally playing ignorant, which put Erika in an awkward position.
1208
1209“Speaking of bloomers, are these it?”
1210
1211Leo finally came around.
1212
1213“During the Age of Immorality, when female high school students received allowances from middle aged men to……”
1214
1215……However, regardless of whether it was for him or Erika, this was undoubtedly a bad time for Leo to recover.
1216
1217“Idiot, shut up!”
1218
1219Beet red, Erika exploded in outrage. At the same time, she raised one foot and furiously kicked Leo in the shin.
1220
1221Leo bent over and grabbed his shin in pain, while Erika pranced around holding one foot.
1222
1223This verbal and physical exchange looked to have ended in mutual defeat.
1224
1225
1226
1227
1228
1229Compared to the earlier — Tatsuya and company’s — contest, this one went back and forth.
1230
1231Both sides repeatedly claimed the lead from the other.
1232
1233The two teams were of equal strength, but were restricted to the caliber of high school students.
1234
1235There were very few female students watching, since they had their own lessons and could only ditch for so long. On top of that, physical education classes differed from magic technical skills class in that most physical education classes had instructors available. (The difference in raw number of teachers available between magic classes and normal classes could be seen here.)
1236
1237“I can’t believe you. Is your brain stuffed with that type of nonsense?”
1238
1239Now, only Erika and Mizuki were present to watch the boys’ contest.
1240
1241“Shut up, that’s what the books say.”
1242
1243At Erika’s scornful look, Leo realized that his position was rather bleak, so he replied rather flippantly and never dared to look her in the eye.
1244
1245Not striking someone while they were down was one of Erika’s merits.
1246
1247“I have no idea what books you’re reading…… Speaking of which, Miki was looking at me in the same way. Is this really that arousing?”
1248
1249Maybe she was just easily distracted.
1250
1251“Erika…… I think you’d be better off wearing rhythm pants too.”
1252
1253Given Mizuki’s reluctant tone, she probably belonged to the “I think but can’t say” category.
1254
1255“That’s true…… It’s not as flexible as I imagined, and a little too tight too.”
1256
1257At that, two male students quickly turned around, but thankfully Erika didn’t notice.
1258
1259“Hm~. When I dug this up in the cabinet, I thought that no one had worn this and the measurements were perfect, but I think I’ll go with Mizuki’s suggestion and change back to rhythm pants.”
1260
1261“Yeah, I think that’s for the best.”
1262
1263This wasn’t exactly what Mizuki was aiming for, but she nodded in emphasis regardless.
1264
1265“Hm?”
1266
1267Mizuki was half a beat late on the uptake, but from a certain perspective that suited her personality perfectly.
1268
1269“By the way, Erika, who is ‘Miki’?”
1270
1271With his head still turned, Mikihiko’s shoulders grew tense, but Erika didn’t notice as she leisurely pointed at his back. (Even if she did notice, would she have opted for a different action? This remained a profound mystery.)
1272
1273“Because he’s Mikihiko, hence Miki.”
1274
1275Mikihiko spun around almost at the same time Erika uttered those words.
1276
1277“What do you mean ‘hence’?”
1278
1279It looked like Mikihiko was unable to ignore this “nickname”.
1280
1281“Why do you ask? Miki is short for Mikihiko.”
1282
1283“I’ve said this countless times! Don’t call me such a feminine name!”
1284
1285Unfortunately, Erika seemed inured to such scolding given the way it bounced off her.
1286
1287“Eh? So you prefer Hiko-kun?”
1288
1289Erika’s face adopted a “Why didn’t you say so earlier?” look as she rounded on Mikihiko.
1290
1291“Why is this happening! Don’t unilaterally decide to shorten other people’s names!”
1292
1293“So you want me to call you Mikihiko? Eh~…… Mikihiko Mikihiko Mikihiko Mikihiko…… That’s too big a mouthful, I don’t want to call you that.”
1294
1295Mikihiko wasn’t the only one who thought this was ridiculous.
1296
1297“Don’t you feel embarrassed by it?”
1298
1299“What do you mean embarrassed?”
1300
1301Erika suddenly bent at the waist.
1302
1303“Mikihiko……”
1304
1305Erika brought her face directly in front of the sitting Mikihiko and softly murmured his name with a melodious voice.
1306
1307His fury forcibly overwritten by other emotions, Mikihiko was struck speechless.
1308
1309“……Who is that?”
1310
1311It wasn’t just the person in question, but even Leo was wavering. Quite the impressive destructive power.
1312
1313“Well? Isn’t it embarrassing?”
1314
1315Erika’s hair seemed to grow at an accelerated rate; she had entered school with her hair cropped short, but after three short months it had already grown to shoulder length. She tucked her hair behind one ear and revealed a delighted smile.
1316
1317No matter how obstinate Mikihiko was, even he wasn’t able to quell his wavering heart.
1318
1319“In…… In that case……”
1320
1321“Ah, stuttering……”
1322
1323Mizuki softly whispered. Her personality was probably the more merciless one.
1324
1325Fortunately, Mikihiko didn’t have the excess mental capacity to hear Mizuki’s words.
1326
1327“Just call me by my family name!”
1328
1329“Eh? I thought Miki hated other people calling him by that?”
1330
1331That comment had been made too rashly.
1332
1333Mikihiko’s face tightened.
1334
1335His red, panicked face and attitude were the same as before.
1336
1337In addition, there was a deep sense of shame tucked beneath the anger.
1338
1339However, Tatsuya felt that Mikihiko currently hid dark emotions that bordered on hatred.
1340
1341“Erika, isn’t it time for you to go?”
1342
1343At the risk of being a busybody, Tatsuya interposed on this conversation and directed Erika’s attention onto himself. Tatsuya discreetly pointed behind him where the coach (the physical education teacher) was glaring over at them.
1344
1345“Shit! Tatsuya-kun, see you around!”
1346
1347“Eh? Erika, wait for me!”
1348
1349Erika hurriedly took off, with Mizuki quickly following.
1350
1351Tatsuya waved at their retreating backs with a wry smile on his face.
1352
1353After an awkward period of silence……
1354
1355“Sorry for dragging you in.”
1356
1357Mikihiko spoke in a soft tone with his head bowed. He appeared to have deep rooted issues with his family and while he consciously knew that they existed, there were still momentary lapses in his self control.
1358
1359“Maybe my interference wasn’t needed.”
1360
1361Tatsuya’s words weren’t merely for comfort, but were spoken from the heart. From what had just transpired, this obviously wasn’t the first time this had occurred, and Erika’s actions may have been to intentionally provoke Mikihiko. Allowing buried frustration and inner emotions to vent may be the best possible way to prevent emotional scars.
1362
1363“No, that’s hardly the case, especially since we’re still in class.”
1364
1365However, the reason Mikihiko spoke of was exactly the reason why Tatsuya interfered. Any course of action had a proper time and place, especially since Tatsuya didn’t want to become mired in Mikihiko’s…… Or maybe Erika and Mikihiko’s ongoing issue.
1366
1367“That being said, Tatsuya is certainly a calm one.”
1368
1369Mikihiko abruptly changed the topic, possibly because he shrewdly detected Tatsuya’s “not interested in getting entangled” mood.
1370
1371“What brought this up?”
1372
1373Given the conversation up until this point, Tatsuya understood that Mikihiko might portray a certain attitude in class, but he was actually very sensitive to others’ moods and emotions. It was just that this change was too abrupt, to the point that any sense of logic was lost.
1374
1375“What do you mean what……?”
1376
1377Mikihiko hadn’t properly formulated his thoughts before speaking up, so he wasn’t able to properly convey his meaning.
1378
1379“Well…… I mean, you saw what Erika was wearing, yet you didn’t bat an eyelid.”
1380
1381Even so, his example was still too vague, or quite a stretch.
1382
1383“……I was somewhat surprised at her dress, but surely it wasn’t exposed enough to qualify for that much of a reaction? I thought that it was certainly more conservative than a swimsuit or rhythm gear.”
1384
1385Tatsuya’s real thoughts were more along the lines of “what the hell is this guy talking about?”, but considering today was the first time they were formally introduced to Mikihiko, and due to the confrontational nature of those words, Tatsuya elected to respond in a more neutral fashion. Anyone who overheard this conversation would certainly have thought that Tatsuya was going on a tangent.
1386
1387“You don’t care because it was less provocative than swimsuits or rhythm gear? Somehow that just strikes me in the wrong way.”
1388
1389From a youthful perspective, Leo’s critique was right on the mark. Though Mikihiko raised the question in the first place, even Leo was offering his own abrasive opinion.
1390
1391“……Tatsuya, you’ve wilted too much. You no longer possess the hallmark of youth.”
1392
1393Possibly because they both suffered Erika’s teasing, the two of them mutually selected Tatsuya to be their next target.
1394
1395“Tatsuya isn’t wilted. The bar is set too high with him. With such a beautiful little sister, the majority of normal girls wouldn’t be able to attract his attention.”
1396
1397“Hm…… You’re probably right, given that this is Miyuki-san we’re talking about? When I saw her for the first time during the enrollment ceremony, I wasn’t just staring dumbly, I was honestly shocked. I can’t believe someone so beautiful actually exists in the world.”
1398
1399“Ho? Tatsuya, he’s got an eye on your cute little sister. As her brother, what do you have to say?”
1400
1401Leo wore a mischievous smile as he interrogated Tatsuya, but the person who answered wasn’t the currently beset Tatsuya, but Mikihiko, who had just been betrayed by his comrade.
1402
1403“Don’t be like that. You’re reading too much into it. I was just talking about it and I have no plans to take the next step, since just thinking about it makes me shake in my boots. If I were looking for a girlfriend, I’d hope I could find a more relaxing and easy-going partner.”
1404
1405Mikihiko’s words led to Leo nodding deeply in agreement — so deeply that his actions looked intentionally exaggerated.
1406
1407“You’re right. Not only that, a hardcore bro-con is hard enough, but to get past the invincible sis-con older brother…… The bar is just too high.”
1408
1409“Leo…… It looks like we need to have another in-depth conversation.”
1410
1411“Uh, no. That would be too terrifying. I don’t want to put my life on the line for something like this.”
1412
1413Tatsuya’s heavy gaze caused Leo to quiver in an overblown fashion.
1414
1415Anyone could tell that Leo was acting, but a portion of the shaking seemed to be genuine, a point that aroused great interest from Mikihiko as he gazed at the two of them.
1416
1417Leo was taller than Tatsuya by a margin.
1418
1419His limbs were also thicker and stronger.
1420
1421From his performance during their team competition, their agility should be roughly equal.
1422
1423Tatsuya was rumored to have studied under a famous ninjutsu sensei, but was he really that capable in a fight?
1424
1425Enough to overcome his deficit in Magic Power?
1426
1427Mikihiko wasn’t aware why he drew Tatsuya’s interest, but he knew from the get go why he was interested in Tatsuya.
1428
1429Mikihiko was interested in the reason behind Tatsuya’s prowess. He was a newly enrolled Course 2 student that could go toe to toe against Course 1 students and triumph. Mikihiko wanted to know how Tatsuya obtained such power.
1430
1431For Mikihiko, he earnestly wanted to find a way for him to bridge the gap in Magic Power.
1432
1433A replacement for the “power” he lost a year ago.
1434
1435Up until one year ago, Mikihiko was held to be a prodigy, the star of tomorrow that the Yoshida family rested their hopes and dreams on.
1436
1437Within the various magics of the Yoshida family that had been passed down, one of the core techniques lay in “Summoning Magic”, a skill that Mikihiko possessed enough talent in to eclipse even his older brother who had inherited the family mantle.
1438
1439From early adolescence until that accident, Mikihiko had always seen himself as one of the strong, and was thus unable to accept his fall from grace.
1440
1441He knew he was being overly anxious, and he also realized he was withdrawing himself. That feeling of being powerless was sapping away his energy, forcing himself deeper and deeper into the corner.
1442
1443This past year, he had been relentlessly pursuing knowledge of the arcane.
1444
1445He had also been practicing martial arts that he had hitherto been lukewarm towards.
1446
1447Even so, he was still unable to fill that sense of loss.
1448
1449So once he learned that Tatsuya was also a student with inferior technical skills and imperfect magic ability, yet was still able to overcome upperclassmen that boasted greater Magic Power, there was no way Mikihiko could not be drawn towards Tatsuya.
1450
1451A close combat technique capable of overcoming a deficiency in Magic Power?
1452
1453Mikihiko wanted to let Tatsuya and Leo compete against one another so he could see with his own eyes.
1454
1455Subconsciously, he also wanted to challenge Tatsuya at one point.
1456
1457“Mikihiko?”
1458
1459“Ah?”
1460
1461That was probably the reason.
1462
1463Hearing his name suddenly called, Mikihiko fell into a combat crouch.
1464
1465Seeing his reaction, both Tatsuya and Leo forced a smile.
1466
1467“Please, is there a need for such a murderous reaction?”
1468
1469“What is it? I was going to say you’ve suddenly gone quiet, then you fall into that stance?”
1470
1471“Ah, no…… I’m sorry, it was nothing.”
1472
1473Mikihiko could only apologize shamefacedly. He originally wasn’t adept at social interaction.
1474
1475The rare friendly atmosphere turned tense and, even though Tatsuya and Leo both tried to lighten the mood, the original cheer never returned even when class ended.
1476
1477
1478
1479
1480
1481For high schools attached to magic universities, the Nine Schools Competition held in summer and the Thesis Competition held in fall were major events. The extravagance of the Nine Schools Competition largely overshadowed the Thesis Competition, making it the single greatest event on the calendar.
1482
1483The Nine Schools Competition was an intramural contest based on athletic magic competitions. (Besides magic competitions, there were riddle events, table top games, timed maze challenges, and even treasure hunts.) First High also had clubs for every occasion, but since competition was fiercest around the Nine Schools Competition itself, participants were not only selected from clubs, but anyone deemed capable of winning was selected as a participant.
1484
1485Thanks to this, preparations for the Nine Schools Competition passed from the Clubs Management Group to the Student Council.
1486
1487“Even so, it’s not like we can ignore the official participants from the clubs. Just deciding who goes on the final roster is going to be a major headache……”
1488
1489Even Mayumi, who usually mesmerized everyone with her radiant smile, seemed to wilt a little today.
1490
1491The fingers that held the chopsticks in her bento seemed boneless as well.
1492
1493Recently, Miyuki was also very busy, but the President not only had to handle executive tasks, but other tiresome tasks that were not present given her usually sunny mood.
1494
1495“Thankfully due to Juumonji’s powerful assistance in this matter, we finally have a roster nailed down.”
1496
1497Today’s lunch and show was Mayumi endlessly complaining about this and that, but it looked like the curtains were finally coming down.
1498
1499Tatsuya’s stomach wasn’t weak enough to be upset by such trivialities, but always eating lunch with this as the background music would have an adverse effect on the nerves, so Tatsuya heaved a small sigh of relief when Mayumi stopped grouching.
1500
1501“However, the engineer problem far outweighs the participant problem……”
1502
1503……Or not.
1504
1505“We still don’t have the right headcount?”
1506
1507Mayumi powerlessly nodded at Mari’s inquiry.
1508
1509“The majority of our students aim to be Magicians, so talented personnel generally gravitate towards technical skills…… Our 3rd Year students are particularly worrisome, with our numbers in the Magic Artificer department reaching dangerous lows. In 2nd Year we have capable people in A-chan and Isori-kun, but our numbers are still insufficient……”
1510
1511“Isori, eh…… That guy specializes in geometry, so he’s stronger in theory rather than maintenance, right?”
1512
1513“We’re long past the point of caring about these things.”
1514
1515It was extremely rare to see both Mayumi and Mari sigh, which said a lot about how serious things were — although using this to evaluate how serious the situation was would be slightly wrong.
1516
1517“Even if Juumonji and I help out, there’s a limit to how much we can do……”
1518
1519“Aren’t the two of you our primary participants as well? If you’re too busy worrying about other people’s CADs and allow that to affect your own events, that’s not something we can joke around with.”
1520
1521“……If Mari could maintain her own CAD, that would lessen the burden a lot.”
1522
1523“……Yeah, we’re in trouble.”
1524
1525Maybe due to exhaustion or some other reason, Mari avoided Mayumi’s earnest gaze and looked elsewhere.
1526
1527The atmosphere in the Student Council Room was borderline hazardous to psychological well being.
1528
1529In order to return to the classroom — that is, to evacuate the premises — Tatsuya signaled Miyuki with a look, then sought a proper opening.
1530
1531“Rin-chan, can you help as an engineer?”
1532
1533Even with the chaos surrounding the preparations for the Nine School Competition, Suzune still hung around in the Student Council Room during lunch and was someone Mayumi never failed to invite.
1534
1535“That’s impossible. My skills would only hamper Nakajou and the others.”
1536
1537But was coldly rebuffed each time.
1538
1539With the apologies to the currently depressed Mayumi, but this was the perfect opportunity to beat a retreat.
1540
1541Tatsuya glanced meaningfully at Miyuki, then rose—
1542
1543“Then…… How about we ask Shiba-kun?”
1544
1545—Just as Tatsuya rose, his escape plan was ruthlessly derailed by Azusa’s unexpected attack.
1546
1547“Hoh?”
1548
1549Mayumi, who originally had her head slumped on the table, abruptly lifted her head and let out an unintelligible sound.
1550
1551Azusa, who up until this moment had been venting her irritation at the large flatscreen terminal in front of her — probably deep in the middle of homework — softly sighed as she hit the power button on her terminal and raised her head.
1552
1553“I heard that Miyuki-chan’s CAD is maintained by Shiba-kun. I’ve seen it before, and its specs rival those of a first-class corporate technician.”
1554
1555Mayumi jumped out of her chair.
1556
1557Her face was suffused with vitality, as if that earlier dejected scene never happened.
1558
1559“Blind spot……!”
1560
1561The gaze Mayumi directed towards Tatsuya was like a hawk eyeing its new found prey.
1562
1563That alone was sufficient for Tatsuya to give up halfway.
1564
1565“You’re right…… I can’t believe I didn’t think of that, how careless.”
1566
1567Now that Mari had joined the fray, he was up a creek without a paddle.
1568
1569“Speaking of which, he also handled the reserve CADs the Committee owns…… But since he’s the only one using them, I never thought about it.”
1570
1571Resistance was futile. Tatsuya was about 90% ready to give up at this point, but surrendering without a fight was against his principles, so Tatsuya attempted some tiny — and most likely fruitless — resistance.
1572
1573“Earlier I heard the Chief talk about the importance of CAD technicians, but there’s no precedent for a 1st Year technician, is there?”
1574
1575“Everything has to start somewhere.”
1576
1577“Traditions are made to be overturned.”
1578
1579Mayumi and Mari immediately returned fire at a furious rate.
1580
1581“The two of you may be ‘progressive thinkers’, but won’t the other participants balk at this? I’m a 1st Year Course 2 student, this would leave a negative impression on many people.”
1582
1583This was a little self-depreciating coming from him, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t true.
1584
1585“For CAD maintenance, mutual trust between Magician and Artificer is extremely important. A CAD’s maximum performance is dictated by the level of the user’s mental state. Using a person like me to maintain CADs would lead to severe participant backlash, so I don’t think I’m a good candidate……”
1586
1587Tatsuya’s logic also had its own merits, causing Mayumi and Mari to exchange a glance.
1588
1589However, regardless of what Tatsuya said, the two of them had already seen through his facade.
1590
1591In order to deliver the final blow to the lazy underclassman that didn’t want to take the hot potato and force him to join, the two of them were visually confirming the order of attack (verbal persuasion).
1592
1593At this time, they received some unexpected reinforcements.
1594
1595“I was hoping that Onii-sama could work with my CAD while I’m participating in the Nine Schools Competition…… Is that okay?”
1596
1597Tatsuya froze at Miyuki’s completely unexpected betrayal.
1598
1599In a Shakespearean drama, Tatsuya’s mood would undoubtedly mirror that of Caesar as he was assassinated — “Et tu, Miyuki (Brutus)”……!
1600
1601“Exactly! Having a trustworthy and competent technician nearby is absolutely integral for participants to rely on. Well said, Miyuki-chan!”
1602
1603Mayumi immediately followed up on the attack.
1604
1605“Yes, if Onii-sama joined the Technician Team, not only I, but Mitsui-san and Kitayama-san could set our minds at ease.”
1606
1607This was the first time that Tatsuya learned those two were entering the Newcomers Division as participants, but he considered them to be the expected candidates.
1608
1609—This was also him trying to escape from reality.
1610
1611Obviously, the battle had been decided.
1612
1613
1614
1615
1616
1617The preparation meeting held after school in the Club Management Center would decide whether Tatsuya officially joined the roster.
1618
1619There might be a tiny ray of hope, but Tatsuya had long since given up.
1620
1621The moment Miyuki assented, Tatsuya had nowhere to run. Under the assumption that his confirmation was in serious jeopardy, he actually had to work hard towards ensuring he was nominated and accepted — these were all within his calculations.
1622
1623No matter what, the situation was utterly depressing.
1624
1625At times like these, people tended to retreat into areas they excelled in.
1626
1627Even if he had an outside chance to be nominated, he still took the time to reflect on what he could do, what areas he excelled at, and re-examined his own sense of worth to properly restore his internal balance as a means of self compensation.
1628
1629This was possibly due to the build up of considerable stress, as it was rare for Tatsuya to fall into this sort of self compensatory trap.
1630
1631Two-thirds of the lunch period had already passed. Miyuki was engrossed in dealing with the piles of documents and homework, while Tatsuya, who was currently idle while waiting for Miyuki, removed the silver CAD from the shoulder holster and started examining the modules in the cartridge, the buttons for switching Activation Sequences, and other movable parts.
1632
1633“Ah, you brought the Silver Horn today as well.”
1634
1635Until now, Azusa was completely focused on her homework, but her sharp eyes caught Tatsuya’s movement as she inched forward.
1636
1637Tatsuya slowly shifted his gaze, not towards Mayumi or Mari, but Suzune.
1638
1639Suzune accurately interpreted Tatsuya’s silent inquiry as she adeptly used her brows and the shrugging of her shoulders to express a helpless emotion. In other words, the current Azusa had completely lost interest in her homework.
1640
1641“Yes, I purchased a new holster, so I would like to get used to it as soon as possible.”
1642
1643Was this what they meant by “being furious after receiving three in the morning, then happy when receiving four in the evening”? Tatsuya was mentally considering this somewhat objective but also very rude train of thought as he shifted his gaze back onto Azusa and responded in a gentle manner. (To supplement, Tatsuya was thinking of what it meant to play fast and loose.)
1644
1645Azusa’s eyes shone brilliantly as she approached him. It seemed that she was not only interested in the CAD itself, but the supplementary equipment as well.
1646
1647“Eh, is it okay if I take a look?”
1648
1649Truthfully speaking, Azusa generally avoided — more like was terrified of — Tatsuya. Precisely because of this impression, Tatsuya wanted to smile wryly. However, given the way Azusa was bouncing around like a small animal and unable to calm down, he probably shouldn’t treat her too poorly.
1650
1651This may be a form of popularity — Tatsuya thought as he removed the jacket he wore even in the heat of summer — with built-in cooling systems, of course — and took off the shoulder holster before handing it to Azusa.
1652
1653“Wow~ It’s an original model for the Silver series.
1654
1655Such an amazing trim would draw incredible lines when drawing and firing.
1656
1657Something that didn’t just cater to high technical skills but also a design that also took the user’s skill into account.
1658
1659Ah, I worship your genius, Silver-sama……”
1660
1661After she received the holster, Azusa was happy enough to almost rub her face against it.
1662
1663Tatsuya was barely able to maintain his poker face.
1664
1665After Azusa meticulously went over every centimeter of the holster — or maybe finally satisfied herself— she returned it to Tatsuya with a pleased smile on her face.
1666
1667“Shiba-kun is also a fan of the Silver series? If based only on price and specs, the Maximilian Speed Shooter, Russ Type-F, or even Sagittarius series developed by FLT (Four Leaves Technology) are better deals, but the individual customization of the Silver series is so good that no one cares about the price!”
1668
1669Tatsuya recalled that Mari once described Azusa as a “Device-otaku”.
1670
1671At the time, he was considerate enough to consider this an exaggeration, but after witnessing her behavior today, he reflected that such a nickname was probably inevitable.
1672
1673From Tatsuya’s perspective, if the contrast between price and performance — efficiency, in other words — was too low, then satisfaction would also drop. Even if that were the case, true performance may differ from official documentation. Simply put, qualitative performance that could not be converted into numerical format was also very important. If one could be “satisfied” without making this sort of analysis, Tatsuya considered that to be nothing more than brand loyalty.
1674
1675That being said, that was a matter of personal values, so if she said she was satisfied, he had no reason to rain on her parade.
1676
1677“No, I actually have a few connections, so I can buy Silver Series at a discount thanks to my work as a beta tester.”
1678
1679The moment Tatsuya said this, Miyuki’s shoulders visibly shook a little as she faced the other way towards the terminal, but no one noticed.
1680
1681“Eh~! Really?”
1682
1683The word “envy” was stamped all over Azusa’s face.
1684
1685This time, even Tatsuya’s expression revealed a little spasm.
1686
1687“……Next time I test the new model, would you like me to get you one as well?”
1688
1689“Eh?
1690
1691Really?
1692
1693Like, really, really?
1694
1695Thanks!”
1696
1697There was no way for him to fit in a response.
1698
1699After Tatsuya was finally able to nod in assent, Azusa grabbed his empty left hand with both of her own and shook it up and down.
1700
1701“……A-chan, relax a little bit.”
1702
1703Mayumi couldn’t watch any longer, temporarily stopping her work on the pile of documents to speak to Azusa.
1704
1705Azusa suddenly stopped.
1706
1707Filled with trepidation, she looked at her hands.
1708
1709Her hands were tightly wound around Tatsuya’s hand. Azusa felt this not only with her sense of touch, but confirmed it visually as well.
1710
1711She slowly raised her head towards Tatsuya, then quickly dodged Tatsuya’s expressionless gaze and looked back at her hands.
1712
1713Azusa let go and jumped back as if her hands had grasped fire.
1714
1715“Sorry, sorry, sorry……!”
1716
1717“Flushed face” wasn’t sufficient to describe Azusa’s current state, since her face was red to the root of her ears. She repeatedly bowed towards Tatsuya in apology.
1718
1719Tatsuya was starting to get really worried that Azusa would keep bowing until she was dizzy, and glanced towards Mayumi for help.
1720
1721“……A-chan, you can stop now. Tatsuya-kun is a little overwhelmed right now.”
1722
1723Mayumi was probably thinking along the same lines as Tatsuya, so she didn’t add to the mayhem (not without cause) and focused on comforting Azusa.
1724
1725Azusa took a deep breath as she was instructed and finally managed to settle down.
1726
1727Mayumi let out a helpless sigh before turning back to her work.
1728
1729Azusa turned an embarrassed smile towards Tatsuya and quickly turned solemn.
1730
1731“Then, Shiba-kun wouldn’t happen to know Taurus Silver in person?”
1732
1733She asked in this manner.
1734
1735—It went without saying that she was doing so to cover her embarrassment.
1736
1737Unfortunately, this question was a very difficult one to answer for Tatsuya.
1738
1739“……No, I’m not entirely certain.”
1740
1741Electric clamors rang out from near the wall.
1742
1743The workstation that Miyuki was using activated the alarm by accident.
1744
1745Everyone hit a typo every once in a while, but it was extremely rare for Miyuki to erroneously activate the alarm.
1746
1747Both Mayumi and Suzune wore an “Eh?” expression while looking at Miyuki who was facing the wall, but Miyuki soldiered onward as if nothing had happened, so the two of them didn’t ask any further and returned to their respective piles.
1748
1749“……Miyuki-chan actually made a mistake, how strange.”
1750
1751“Occasionally, yes.”
1752
1753In comparison, Tatsuya’s response was overly level, but Azusa didn’t notice as she returned to the original — the recent —— conversation.
1754
1755“No matter how much he hides himself, the people in the same lab should know something, right? Unless, he invented everything by himself?”
1756
1757“……No, I’m certain that would be impossible.”
1758
1759“I think so too. Oh yeah, Shiba-kun, can’t you use your ‘connections’ at the lab to get some more information?”
1760
1761“……No, the connections I spoke of aren’t in that category…… Also, FLT keeps most of their corporate secrets under wrap, so I think it’s highly unlikely to get anything out of the lab technicians.”
1762
1763“Oh~ that’s true……”
1764
1765“……I’m sure senpai already knows, but using Informational Manipulative Outersystematic-type magic to uncover secrets is a felony.”
1766
1767“Ah? Nah…… No way, why would I think…… about that kind of thing……”
1768
1769Tatsuya looked at Azusa with his eyes half closed, causing Azusa’s already petite body to shrink even further.
1770
1771“……It’s okay, as long as senpai is clear on that point. I just wanted to remind you.”
1772
1773“Don’t…… don’t worry about it, of course I know about something like that, Ah, ha ha ha……”
1774
1775Seeing that Azusa wasn’t making a metaphor and was actually breaking out into a cold sweat, Tatsuya took his foot off the gas.
1776
1777“Speaking of which, why is Nakajou-senpai so interested in Taurus Silver’s real identity?”
1778
1779The CAD Azusa used wasn’t FLT’s brand either. Even though she obviously wasn’t a Silver Series user, why did she care so much about the identity of the developer?
1780
1781For Tatsuya, this was a perfectly natural question.
1782
1783“Ah?”
1784
1785From Azusa’s expression, she was completely dumbfounded that Tatsuya even asked this question.
1786
1787“Of course I care, Tatsuya-kun, I mean, do you not?
1788
1789This is Taurus Silver.
1790
1791The first person in the world to develop the ‘Loop Cast System’, raising the speed of Activation Sequences for Specialized CADs by twenty percent, he also reduced the variability of wireless models from 3 percent to less than 1 percent. Taurus Silver is just that amazing.
1792
1793Also, rather than guarding his secrets for personal profit, he openly publicizes his findings for the betterment of the magical community as a whole, which makes Taurus Silver even more incredible.
1794
1795He is called the genius engineer that advanced CAD software technology by ten years within one short year, so I think that no one who aims to be a Magic Artificer would be uninterested in him.”
1796
1797This overbearing pressure that was almost synonymous to scolding forced Tatsuya to shrink back. He was completely caught off guard by how much the world had built up “Taurus Silver”.
1798
1799“Excuse my ignorance. As a user, I’m not dissatisfied with the Silver series, I just wasn’t aware that it had such glowing reviews……”
1800
1801“Ah…… That makes sense, Shiba-kun is a tester, so for you, Silver series isn’t all that rare…… Hence why you have a different outlook than I do.”
1802
1803Azusa didn’t completely understand, but allowed herself to be convinced.
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809“Hey, hey, Shiba-kun, let me ask you, what do you think Taurus Silver is like?”
1810
1811A purely inquisitive gaze.
1812
1813Wanting to change the subject, Tatsuya replied back trying to stall for time.
1814
1815“Well…… I wonder how shocking would it be if he turned out to be a Japanese teenager like us.”
1816
1817Once again, electric clamors rang out from near the wall.
1818
1819Miyuki continued to sit in a posture with her back completely straight as she toiled away.
1820
1821—But she didn’t allow anyone to see her current expression.
1822
1823“Speaking of which, A-chan.”
1824
1825“Yes, President, what is it?”
1826
1827In the end, Mayumi finally extended a helping hand towards Tatsuya, who was almost unable to handle Azusa. This might be a little biased, but this was the first time Tatsuya felt like Mayumi was someone dependable. At any rate, Mayumi’s stance was that she wanted Azusa to hurry back to her work on the Student Council.
1828
1829“Weren’t you supposed to finish your homework before the end of lunch?”
1830
1831However, even if this was lending a hand to Tatsuya, this was undoubtedly the knell of doom for Azusa…… That description might be a hyperbole, but Azusa’s expression was just so. The very fact that she was engrossed in talking about Taurus Silver was likely a way for her to escape from reality.
1832
1833“President~”
1834
1835From the way Azusa tearfully implored Mayumi for help, she was likely doomed.
1836
1837“Don’t make such an embarrassing sound.”
1838
1839Mayumi smiled wryly and turned her gaze from the completed inventory invoice towards Azusa.
1840
1841“I can help a little bit, so what’s your assignment?”
1842
1843Mari directed a “You’re pampering her too much” gaze towards Mayumi, who promptly ignored it — more like pretended not to see it — as she smiled towards Azusa.
1844
1845“I’m sorry…… It’s a report on the ‘Three Great Puzzles of Weight Systemic Magic’……”
1846
1847At this, Suzune, Mari, and Tatsuya immediately turned their gazes on the glum Azusa.
1848
1849“……W-what?”
1850
1851Like a deer in the headlights, Azusa shrank into a ball in terror. Her tearful eyes and terrified movements gave the impression that everyone was bullying her, at which Tatsuya turned his eyes away, with Suzune mirroring his thoughts and actions.
1852
1853Only Mari still stared at Azusa.
1854
1855“Ho ho……”
1856
1857Mari watched Azusa with deep interest, though she was more focused on the flat screen terminal in Azusa’s hands.
1858
1859“I was wondering what was puzzling the annual top 5 honor student Nakajou and it turned out to be this.”
1860
1861“Isn’t this the topic they ask every year?”
1862
1863After Mari spoke, Mayumi continued with an uncomprehending expression.
1864
1865“A-chan, what’s this year’s prompt?”
1866
1867Because the prompts were routine, there were already enough prompts that the school was incapable of creating new ideas. This wasn’t just homework, it was also one of the primary essay topics for magic university entrance exams. A cursory search would reveal a bountiful harvest of model answers to this prompt.
1868
1869“The subject of the homework involves how to solve the bottlenecks of the ‘Three Great Puzzles’. The first two I get, but I am unable to explain the reason why Generalized Flying-Type Magic hasn’t been successfully developed……”
1870
1871Hearing this, Suzune nodded with an “I understand” expression on her face.
1872
1873“In other words, Azusa-kun is unable to accept the currently proposed concepts.”
1874
1875“Exactly!”
1876
1877With Suzune able to express her inner thoughts for her, Azusa nodded vigorously.
1878
1879“The foundation for magic that can defy gravity and allow the physical body to float into the air has already been laid down by the Four Great Systemic and the Eight Major Types of Modern Magic and has already entered the practical phase.”
1880
1881“Yes, though injury caused by free fall remains one of the major dangers for Magicians.”
1882
1883Azusa shifted her gaze to Mayumi, who supported her argument.
1884
1885“Magicians adept in Speed and Weight Magics are already capable of leaping dozens of yards at a time, and the world record is held by a Magician who leapt over 100 yards in one try. The record for landing is even greater, with some Magicians able to drop 2000 meters successfully without any equipment.”
1886
1887“If that’s the case, why is Flying-Type Magic…… Free movement in the sky still elusive…… Right?”
1888
1889“To be precise, Generalized Flying-Type Magic that anyone can use remains elusive. There are a handful of Ancient Magic users that can freely fly through the sky.”
1890
1891Suzune added a few details to Mayumi’s explanation.
1892
1893Hearing this, Azusa shook her head, though this was probably an involuntary action.
1894
1895“That type of magic approaches the unique abilities of BS Magicians. Since it can’t be shared, it can’t really be called a technique.
1896
1897Theoretically, you can use Speed and Weight Systemic Magic to nullify the effect of gravity and soar into the sky. In reality, long jump and floating magic have already been developed, so why can’t we fly……?”
1898
1899“Wouldn’t higher level reference tomes contain the answer to this question?”
1900
1901Mayumi visually interrogated Azusa as to why she couldn’t accept the answer chronicled in the books.
1902
1903“Magic Sequences must include an end point, as the effect of overwriting reality is sustained until the ending conditions are met. While a target object is under the effect of magic, if you want to cause a different type of magic to manifest on the target, you need to use magic that has superior phenomena interference ability.
1904
1905When using Flying-Type Magic, every time you adjust speed or height, you aren’t just overwriting the original magic with a new one, you also need a stronger phenomena interference ability. A single Magician is only able to separate the phenomena rewriting ability into ten segments, so he or she can only adjust the flying status ten times before hitting their limit.
1906
1907……This is the publicly acknowledged hurdle to why there’s no practical solution to Flying-Type Magic, right?”
1908
1909Mayumi didn’t ruminate very long before nodding her assent to Azusa’s long-winded explanation.
1910
1911“What, A-chan, you’ve done your research. You’ve organized all your arguments, so what’s the problem?”
1912
1913“According to this line of thinking, the problem lies in the fact that new magic needs to constantly overwrite the currently active magic, correct? If that’s the case, I think that it would be easier to cancel the current magic than activate the new magic.”
1914
1915By now, Azusa had completely shaken off the earlier tearful expression, and was now plunging ahead at a feverish pace. Suzune calmly asked Azusa the next question:
1916
1917“The theory is sound, but from a practical standpoint how would you cancel the active magic?”
1918
1919“Why don’t you insert a condition for ending the magic during the design of the Magic Sequence? In other words, by preemptively entering a small Magic Sequence into the active Magic Sequence, this can be turned into the ending condition for the magic.”
1920
1921Azusa was immersed in her theory while, conversely, Suzune was calmly stating her counter argument.
1922
1923“Unfortunately, Magic Sequences are unable to affect other Magic Sequences. Magic Sequences can only be used to affect the Information Body, even if two types of magic are both trying to influence the same Information Body, only the one with the stronger interference strength would actually manifest, as Magic Sequences don’t possess a strong versus weak relationship.
1924
1925Counter magic that can dissolve Magic Sequences do exist, but that’s high level magic that directly influences the Information Body. This would be okay at the experimental level, but currently there are no Magicians who can freely wield practical levels of Counter Magic.”
1926
1927“Is that so……?”
1928
1929By the time students reached the second semester of their second year, Foundations of Magic class would progress to Applications of Magic. This class started with concepts surrounding “Counter Magic” — magic that nullifies opposing magic — which was what Suzune was explaining right now. Normally, this was something that was taught during the first semester of 3rd Year, which was why Azusa wasn’t familiar with the subject. That being said, to hear the term “Counter Magic” and not be hopelessly lost, Azusa’s knowledge was broad indeed.
1930
1931“However, this is still a worthwhile theory.”
1932
1933Azusa’s emotions bounced between zealous and gloomy. Suzune smiled at her in a gentle and comforting manner.
1934
1935“To cancel magic the moment its effects manifest, I believe this is the correct approach.”
1936
1937“That’s true. Because of the need to rewrite the activated magic, the necessary interference strength becomes a vicious cycle.”
1938
1939Following Suzune, Mayumi also supported Azusa’s theory.
1940
1941“No one has proposed this until this point, but if a new magic can be activated the moment the currently active magic is stopped from affecting the phenomenon, then there shouldn’t be a need for stronger interference strength…… Given that the target is flying in the air, the delay between magics must be reduced to zero, so if a Specialized CAD were used, then in theory the next magic should be activated before the target starts dropping……”
1942
1943Mayumi seemed to be muttering to herself, then abruptly made an “Eh?” sound as she turned her head.
1944
1945“But if it’s just removing the effects of magic, shouldn’t someone have attempted this long ago? In the end, this is like working with ‘Zone Interference’ after the fact.”
1946
1947At Mayumi’s question, Suzune pulled up the search function on the public workstation located in the Student Council Room.
1948
1949“Give me a second…… Last year, England attempted a massive experiment based on the same conceptual design the President spoke of. They wanted to use ‘Post-Event Zone Interference’ to create a practical Flying-Type Magic.”
1950
1951Suzune swiftly located the news articles on magic that contained the information she wanted.
1952
1953“Then, the result was?”
1954
1955The inquiring voice was a little high pitched, likely caused by the excitement bubbling out of her, which proved that Mayumi was still a high school student beyond all doubt.
1956
1957“Complete failure. According to the report, in comparison to the normal situation where magic is repeatedly used, this method only served to increase the demand for interference strength at a geometric rate.”
1958
1959“……Is that so……?”
1960
1961At Suzune’s report that so betrayed her hopes, Mayumi drooped in disappointment.
1962
1963“Did they cite a reason?”
1964
1965“No, the article wasn’t that detailed. President, why do you think it happened?”
1966
1967When asked by Suzune, Mayumi pointed her index finger at her chin and let out a “Hm!” sound as she considered this.
1968
1969“The previous magic should’ve stopped functioning by then…… Tatsuya-kun, what do you think?”
1970
1971The reason Mayumi had asked Tatsuya was to buy time for her to organize her thoughts.
1972
1973She didn’t actually expect him to answer.
1974
1975“The English experiment provided by Ichihara-senpai has a basic conceptual error.”
1976
1977Thus, Tatsuya’s decisive answer completely caught Mayumi offguard.
1978
1979“……Where is the error?”
1980
1981Astounded, Mayumi was barely able to ask her question. Neither boastful nor proud, Tatsuya calmly began his explanation.
1982
1983“Magic Sequences that have not fulfilled their ending requirements will naturally fade with time, but will remain with the target Information Body. When a new magic nullifies the previous magic’s effects, the previous magic looks to be canceled, but in reality is merely being overwritten.”
1984
1985Mayumi, Suzune, Azusa, and even Mari were now staring at Tatsuya outright, but Tatsuya remained unmoved by the pressure of their gaze. He remained expressionless and his tone did not change in the slightest.
1986
1987“Let’s assume the previous magic is called Magic Sequence A, while Magic Sequence B is used to nullify the other one.
1988
1989With the activation of Magic Sequence B, Magic Sequence A loses its phenomenon effect ability. However, even if Magic Sequence A loses its effect, it still remains with the target’s Information Body.
1990
1991Both Magic Sequences A and B are still acting on the target’s Information Body, it’s just that only the effects of Magic Sequence B are visible. Just as Ichihara-senpai said, Magic Sequences can only affect the Information Body and are unable to affect one another. This is true even in Zone Interference. Unless the original Magic Sequence is itself nullified, using Counter Magic would yield the same result.”
1992
1993“……So the English experiment used unnecessary magic that was not part of Flying-Type Magic?”
1994
1995Tatsuya nodded his assent to Mayumi’s question, then continued his explanation.
1996
1997“In other words, every time you make adjustments in flight, you would rewrite the Magic Sequence again. In order to maintain flight, the extra rewrites would pile on, so of course you would rapidly hit the upper limit for phenomenon interference ability. The English scholar who designed this experiment must have been mistaken on the nature of Counter Magic.”
1998
1999The portable terminal that Tatsuya wore in his breast pocket chose this moment to start vibrating, signaling the first warning bell for the end of the lunch period.
2000
2001“Miyuki, let’s return to class.”
2002
2003“Yes, Onii-sama.”
2004
2005Miyuki, whose back was to them the entire time, rose immediately upon being called.
2006
2007Her voice, expression and movements were just as gentle and graceful as usual.
2008
2009Hence Mayumi, Suzune, Mari, and Azusa hadn’t noticed.
2010
2011Couldn’t have noticed.
2012
2013When Miyuki had been seated before the workstation, her back was ramrod straight with pride, and her fingers fairly danced across the keyboard in pleasure.
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019The preparation meeting for the Nine Schools Competition held in the Club Management Headquarters was suffused with a nervous aura from the onset.
2020
2021Students with outstanding performance in the events would receive extra credit for their classes. Just for being one of the official participants, students would receive no homework, extra days off and guaranteed straight A’s.
2022
2023Not only did this apply to participants, but to the students selected as engineers as well.
2024
2025Thanks to the school putting such a high emphasis on the Nine Schools Competition, the students selected as the representatives for the Nine Schools Competition received such incredible rewards. Thus, it was unsurprising that the competition was particularly fierce for the last few slots on the official roster during this meeting.
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031—If Tatsuya had been merely a bystander, he would probably have viewed the mixed feelings of the surrounding students in a compassionate light. However, he was there as a candidate with a giant target on his back, so he could only depressingly keep himself from sighing aloud while praying for this circus to end quickly.
2032
2033It was not that he was wholly uninterested in the Nine Schools Competition.
2034
2035The desire to measure one’s personal skills against other Magicians (saplings) of similar age was markedly different from the hunger he experienced while staying in his father’s lab and the subsequent desire to bring about practical upgrades to CADs, but Tatsuya still had that much left in him.
2036
2037Tatsuya was “constructed” to have less emotion than the average person, but he was still at that headstrong age, so no matter what value his peers assigned him, he wasn’t shriveled enough to completely not care.
2038
2039However, at the same time he had to deal with the pride, jealousy, vanity, disgust, and other related emotions in this meeting. That was what truly filled him with melancholy.
2040
2041Separate from his thoughts — of course — the seats in the conference room were gradually filled. When the last seat was occupied, Mayumi stood before the chairman’s podium.
2042
2043“Then, let’s start the selection meeting for the Nine Schools Competition roster.”
2044
2045The meeting for upperclassmen, club leaders for the various participating clubs, Student Council members (Miyuki remained on station in the Student Council Room) and the Club Management Group members who received the internal notification that they were possible candidates for participant or engineer slots officially began.
2046
2047Tatsuya sat with the various candidates in the visitors section to the side,
2048
2049Any organization that exceeded a certain size would naturally contain bigots that swiftly identified Tatsuya as an outsider.
2050
2051As expected, not long after the meeting began, someone asked what a 1st Year Course 2 student was doing here.
2052
2053That certainly did not imply that no one looked upon Tatsuya kindly.
2054
2055There were actually a surprising number of favorable opinions.
2056
2057The upperclassmen differed from the 1st Year students in that they knew Tatsuya was a special Course 2 student in addition to being a formidable asset to the Public Morals Committee.
2058
2059Despite this, there were still more opposing than supporting, often in the form of negative emotions rather than objective logic, which caused the meeting to deadlock and waste more valuable time.
2060
2061“In summation……”
2062
2063Suddenly, a solemn voice dominated the conference room.
2064
2065The voice was not particularly loud, yet all the squabbles quickly died away as everyone focused on the speaker.
2066
2067Juumonji Katsuto, who had hitherto remained silent, cast his gaze across the room before starting to speak:
2068
2069“In my opinion, the problem lies in that everyone is unfamiliar with what level of skill Shiba possesses. If so, the most efficient solution is to submit that to a live test.”
2070
2071The spacious room was dead silent.
2072
2073This would bring about a simple and effective result that no one would bemoan, but because of the risk involved, no one had dared to propose this course of action.
2074
2075“……That’s not a bad suggestion, but how do we go about it in a practical manner?”
2076
2077“Simply having him perform a maintenance right now would suffice.”
2078
2079Mari broke the silence with her question, to which Katsuto provided a simple answer.
2080
2081“Allow me to be the guinea pig.”
2082
2083The CADs currently on the market had to be intricately synchronized with their respective user after maintenance.
2084
2085If ten Magicians used the same model, there were ten different methods to adjust their CADs.
2086
2087The Activation Sequences provided by the CAD would be directly absorbed into the Magician’s subconscious domain.
2088
2089In other words, a Magician’s mental state was completely defenseless against their own CAD.
2090
2091Recent CAD models were equipped with a function that improved Activation Sequence processing, but at the same time made it easier for them to affect the user’s mental status.
2092
2093If there was a problem during maintenance, not only would magic efficiency decrease, other side effects would include discomfort, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or even major harm such as hallucinations or mental scarring. Thus, the higher the CAD’s capability, the more skilled the maintenance needed to be.
2094
2095For Magicians, voluntarily yielding their CAD to be maintained by an Artificer whose strength was unknown posed a substantial risk.
2096
2097Even if it was Katsuto’s own suggestion, his willingness to offer himself as a test subject showed considerable courage.
2098
2099“No, I was the one who recommended him, so I should take that role.”
2100
2101Mayumi immediately requested to take responsibility likely out of a sense of duty, but from another perspective, this likely implied that she didn’t wholly trust Tatsuya, which was something that Tatsuya easily read between the lines to his discomfort.
2102
2103“Wait, please let me do it.”
2104
2105That being said, the fact that Kirihara was willing to pinch hit caused Tatsuya considerable shock — the mettle displayed by this man was certainly comforting.
2106
2107The school’s CAD maintenance facility open to faculty and students was located in the Technical Skills Building.
2108
2109However, this time they weren’t using the preset maintenance devices in the Practical Skills Building, but bringing the mobile maintenance devices used in the Nine Schools Competition to the conference room to conduct their test.
2110
2111The CAD in question was also one that qualified under the regulations of the Nine Schools Competition.
2112
2113Seeing as how the pre-competition preparations proceeded so smoothly both in materials and procedure, the continuously delayed selection process was a particularly glaring issue.
2114
2115Tatsuya sat before the maintenance device with Kirihara on the other side — but the two of them couldn’t see one another. The members of the Student Council and various clubs leaders crowded around Kirihara.
2116
2117The first step involved activating the school device, a process during which many malicious gazes were focused on Tatsuya’s hand movements, but Tatsuya was long accustomed to working with much more complex devices than the school device, so this was a procedure he could have completed flawlessly in his sleep. He adeptly completed the preparations and adopted a poker face to ward off the abhorring gazes.
2118
2119“My task involves copying Kirihara-senpai’s CAD schematics onto the competition-use CAD, making any necessary adjustments without changing the Activation Sequence, am I correct?”
2120
2121Tatsuya once again verified the test’s contents.
2122
2123“Yes, sorry for bothering you.”
2124
2125Tatsuya on seeing Mayumi nodding shook his head slightly. Not nodding, shaking.
2126
2127“……What is it?”
2128
2129“I wouldn’t advise directly copying the schematics onto a different model CAD…… But there’s nothing for it, so let’s put safety as the first priority.”
2130
2131“?”
2132
2133Mayumi wasn’t the only one dumbfounded. “Copying CAD schematics” was a simple task that occurred when users changed machines, so many other people were also wondering why Tatsuya viewed this as a problem.
2134
2135However, the Technician Team centered around Azusa knew exactly why Tatsuya asked this question. The team members either nodded slightly in agreement or smirked as they prepared to enjoy Tatsuya’s performance.
2136
2137Tatsuya didn’t say anything else and plunged into the maintenance.
2138
2139First, he connected Kirihara’s CAD to the maintenance device.
2140
2141The schematics replication process was semi-automatic, so there was no way to gauge the difference in skill here.
2142
2143However, Tatsuya didn’t just dump the schematics replica directly into the calculation device of the competition-use CAD, but stored it into the processing area of the maintenance device, a move that caused quite a few people to raise their eyebrows.
2144
2145Next he measured Kirihara’s personal psion oscillation nature.
2146
2147Following Tatsuya’s instructions, Kirihara put the headset on his head, then placed both hands on the examination board.
2148
2149This was also normal procedure. If this was an automatic maintenance device, the steps required would be to connect the CAD, then read the psion waves, and the process would automatically complete itself.
2150
2151Generally, students that used the school devices for personal maintenance would adopt that precise procedure.
2152
2153On the other hand, not relying on automatic maintenance and manually making minute adjustments to the CAD’s OS showed an engineer’s true strength.
2154
2155“Thank you senpai, you can take it off now.”
2156
2157Tatsuya indicated that the measurements were concluded and Kirihara removed the headset.
2158
2159Ordinarily, the next step involved connecting the CAD that needed to be modified, then making any adjustments beyond the automatic recommendations. This required a preset CAD to be prepared in advance, then copying all the data onto the destination CAD.
2160
2161Just about everyone in the audience thought that Tatsuya messed up the procedure.
2162
2163As if to prove this point, Tatsuya stared at the monitor without moving a muscle.
2164
2165However, he didn’t give off the air of someone who was hopelessly lost because of a misstep.
2166
2167His gaze was focused to a terrifying degree without giving a hint of that unsteady feeling.
2168
2169Unable to contain her curiosity, Azusa poked her head around Tatsuya’s body to glance at the monitor.
2170
2171“Uh?”
2172
2173Her voice let out an awkward sound that was wholly incompatible with her youthful image.
2174
2175Tatsuya was completely unaffected by this interruption.
2176
2177Mayumi and Mari didn’t dare to ask what was going on, so they both came to Azusa’s side to look at the monitor — and were barely able to contain their gasps.
2178
2179The monitor didn’t display the expected measurement results and graphs, but was filled with character strings scrolling across at high velocity.
2180
2181The two of them were only able to pick out a few numbers here and there; their eyes were wholly unable to keep up with the scrolling pace.
2182
2183The numbers abruptly came to a stop.
2184
2185Roughly a few dozen seconds had elapsed, which was less than 5 minutes since Tatsuya started staring at the screen.
2186
2187After the character strings stopped scrolling, Tatsuya immediately plugged in the competition-use calculation device and swiftly started hitting the keyboard.
2188
2189Many windows started opening and closing.
2190
2191Only Azusa noticed that one of the opened windows was the original document with the recorded measurement results, while another window was the original document that contained the replicated CAD schematics on the maintenance device.
2192
2193Very few people recognized how insanely advanced the procedure unfolding before their eyes truly was, since the majority of the audience was held spellbound at the unheard of speed at which Tatsuya was hitting the keyboard. Even so, Azusa believed that the truly astounding part was the technique Tatsuya displayed when he was directly reading the nature of the psion oscillations from the original document.
2194
2195With that method, the engineer could perfectly allocate the resources within the parameters of the calculation device to best suit the measurement results reflected in the maintenance device. This was a completely manual process wholly independent of the automatic processes provided by the system.
2196
2197Before Azusa’s gaze, the settings temporarily stored in the work area were steadily being rewritten in a flash.
2198
2199The original document still remained on the main screen, but Azusa was barely able to detect the modified settings.
2200
2201This definitely fell within the boundaries of safety. He was really adhering to the “safety is the first priority” condition.
2202
2203This way, it would lower the user’s risk from relying on automatic maintenance, and provide Activation Sequences that exceeded automatic maintenance in efficiency.
2204
2205There was absolutely no need for a practical test.
2206
2207This 1st Year student’s skill far surpassed that of anyone in the Technician Team.
2208
2209Azusa made up her mind right there that she was going to drag Tatsuya onto the team no matter what, objections be damned.
2210
2211
2212
2213
2214
2215Under the condition “without changing the Activation Sequence” the maintenance quickly came to an end.
2216
2217He was so fast that the audience wasn’t thoroughly entertained.
2218
2219The next part was the actual live test.
2220
2221Unnoticed by others, Kirihara’s expression was slightly nervous and tense, but fell within the expected boundaries.
2222
2223In reality, there was no incident, nor was there anything that could even be remotely called an accident.
2224
2225The CAD Tatsuya modified was “completely the same” as Kirihara’s beloved CAD.
2226
2227“Kirihara, how do you feel?”
2228
2229“No problem at all. It’s just like I’m using my own CAD, there’s no incompatible feeling at all.”
2230
2231Kirihara immediately answered Katsuto’s question.
2232
2233Everyone was perfectly clear that this was not an inflated evaluation based on friendship. Given Kirihara and Tatsuya’s past history — Kirihara was forcibly subdued by Tatsuya during the kenjutsu club’s performance during recruitment week in April — people who knew the particulars were aware that there’s no way Kirihara would protect Tatsuya. However, even excluding this “misunderstanding”, everyone who saw the way the magic invocated knew that the CAD was functioning perfectly smoothly.
2234
2235That being said, “able to smoothly invoke magic” was a fairly low criterion and it was hard to see any further results.
2236
2237“……Looks like he has the fundamentals down, but this isn’t enough to qualify him to be one of the school representatives.”
2238
2239“Time spent was pretty average, nothing special.”
2240
2241“He didn’t follow proper procedure, but there may be some reason behind that……”
2242
2243Unsurprisingly, the 2nd Year participants were the first to react negatively to this seemingly normal result.
2244
2245The backlash wasn’t solely from Tatsuya’s unprecedented nomination, but also since he was specifically picked by the President, everyone subconsciously expected him to floor them all with some outstanding technique, so naturally higher expectations led to greater disappointment.
2246
2247“I fully support bringing Shiba-kun onto the team!”
2248
2249Abandoning her usual cowed expression, Azusa furiously countered.
2250
2251“What he just displayed before our eyes was a technique that far surpasses our wildest dreams as high school students. Just the very fact that he doesn’t need to use automatic maintenance and is able to do this entirely manually is already a feat that I cannot accomplish.”
2252
2253“……Even if his technique was amazing, what’s the point if it’s such a mundane result……?”
2254
2255“It only looks mundane, but the contents are completely different! To be able to completely abide within the safety parameters at no loss of efficiency is an incredible accomplishment!”
2256
2257“Nakajou, relax a little bit…… Rather than staying confined within the safety parameters, wouldn’t it be better to take a few chances to raise the efficiency rate?”
2258
2259“That’s…… because they suddenly want to test……”
2260
2261Debate wasn’t one of her strong suits, so her vigor quickly diminished.
2262
2263Just as Azusa was floundering, a male student raised his hand to be recognized, which swiftly brought everyone’s attention onto him.
2264
2265“Kirihara’s personal model boasts superior performance to the competition-use models, but even with this difference, the user was still unable to detect any difference, so I believe this technique deserves high praise.”
2266
2267“Eh? ……Hattori-kun?”
2268
2269Out of the blue, the one who came to the rescue was Hattori.
2270
2271“President, I also support Shiba joining the Technician Team.”
2272
2273“Hanzou-kun?”
2274
2275Mayumi was entirely unable to mask her startled expression.
2276
2277Even faced with the somewhat negative reaction on part of his beloved President, excluding his personal thoughts, Hattori continued fearlessly (on the outside) and graciously extolled his opinion.
2278
2279“The Nine Schools Competition is an event that affects the very reputation of our school, so we should send the best and strongest candidates, without placing too much emphasis on who they are. The engineer’s job is to support the participants so that they can focus exclusively on the events themselves. Just as Nakajou said, for Kirihara to say ‘there’s no incompatible feeling’, I must admit that is a job done admirably well. With our current desperate lack of engineers, this isn’t the time to bemoan that ‘he’s a 1st Year student’ or ‘this is unprecedented’.”
2280
2281Hattori’s words were saturated with verbal barbs, but he strenuously defended his heart-felt position.
2282
2283However, the very fact that Hattori threw in on Tatsuya’s side was a large enough blow to rock the meeting.
2284
2285“I also think that Hattori’s opinion bears merit.
2286
2287The talent Shiba put on display is more than enough to qualify him as one of the school representatives.
2288
2289I also support Shiba joining the Technician Team.”
2290
2291With the opposition stunned into silence and Katsuto’s public declaration of support, Tatsuya’s nomination was certain.
2292
2293
2294
2295
2296
2297Chapter 2
2298
2299
2300
2301
2302After the siblings shared their customary dinner together, the telephone picked this precise moment to start ringing.
2303
2304Speaking of which, as everyone knows, almost all modern telephones were equipped with “web cams”, a detail that third rate social commentators never failed to decry, saying that they aren’t tele“phones” but tele“screens” or some related but meaningless subject. Even with this projected function brought into fruition, they are still referred to as “telephones”.
2305
2306— Back on topic —
2307
2308Miyuki was currently in the kitchen cleaning up.
2309
2310She wasn’t adamant on doing the dishes herself since she could pass them to the HAR, but their household wasn’t equipped with the 3H (Humanoid Home Helper, or simply “Housework robot”) that had just hit the market for mass consumption. The two of them unanimously agreed that having a pair of robot arms extending from the ceiling was more of a hassle than anything, so they were better off cleaning up after themselves.
2311
2312— Miyuki said that if they were too lazy to do even this, their fitness would rapidly decrease.
2313
2314
2315
2316
2317
2318— Once again, back on topic —
2319
2320Simply put, this was the reason why Tatsuya picked up the phone, though occasionally — that’s how it was.
2321
2322“Long time no see…… Did you intend to do that?”
2323
2324“……Wait a minute, I have no idea what you’re talking about…… Long time no see, Special Lieutenant.”
2325
2326Onscreen was a familiar face wearing a very surprised expression.
2327
2328“It’s been two months since we last spoke, but…… If you’re using that title, does that mean this is an encrypted transmission? I can’t believe you can tap into the civilian line every time.”
2329
2330“It’s not that easy, Special Lieutenant. Compared to the standards of an average household, isn’t the security surrounding your house a little too tight?”
2331
2332“That’s because there are a lot of hackers active recently, and the household servers have sensitive information stored within them.”
2333
2334“No wonder. We were almost traced on our end.”
2335
2336“You deserved that. As long as you don’t delve too deeply into the database, the defense system shouldn’t activate.”
2337
2338“I think this serves as an excellent warning shot for my newest switchboard.”
2339
2340Onscreen, the face that had been baptized into coarse leather by long exposure to sunlight and gunpowder revealed a mischievous smile.
2341
2342As he saw this smile, Tatsuya reflected that the man hadn’t aged a day since three years ago.
2343
2344Based on his rank and department, he must deal with a myriad of details daily, but he never betrayed any trace of exhaustion…… As these thoughts chased one another around in his mind, Tatsuya suddenly recalled that the one on the other side of the line — The Army’s 101 Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion CO Major Kazama Harunobu didn’t like to waste unnecessary time on small talk.
2345
2346“Major, what’s on the agenda today?”
2347
2348“That’s right, let’s cut the small talk. Business first.”
2349
2350“Please go ahead.”
2351
2352“Today we completed modifications on the ‘Third Eye’. We upgraded some components to the latest models and updated the software, so I would like you to test it out.”
2353
2354The 101 was pronounced “One Zero One”, and not “One Hundred and First”.
2355
2356This was a primarily magic-based experimental detachment that was separate from the normal chain of command. In addition, the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion was also responsible for the development of cutting edge equipment.
2357
2358Compared to regular military classification, the security clearance for this detachment was five to six levels higher. Accordingly, a regular high school student had no business interacting with such a division, to the point that he or she would be wholly ignorant of its existence.
2359
2360However, due to certain classified events, Tatsuya was actually an official member of Kazama’s division.
2361
2362“Understood. I will report in first thing tomorrow.”
2363
2364“……Wait a second, this isn’t so important that you need to take a day off from school.”
2365
2366“No, next weekend I plan to visit the lab to test out a new calculation device.”
2367
2368“Although I’m in no position to say so…… But ever since you entered high school, you’ve been leading a decisively non-student-like lifestyle.”
2369
2370“I dislike your impression, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”
2371
2372“That’s true…… No matter how busy we get, there’s nothing we can do about it. In that case, meet up at the old place tomorrow morning. I’m sorry I won’t be there, but I will contact Sanada ahead of time.”
2373
2374“Understood.”
2375
2376Tatsuya saluted in acceptance, while Kazama repeated that action on the screen.
2377
2378This type of salute went entirely against regulations, but since Tatsuya was an irregular, the standards were slightly relaxed.
2379
2380“Next subject. Special Lieutenant, rumors say that you are joining this summer’s Nine Schools Competition?”
2381
2382“……Affirmative.”
2383
2384Tatsuya hesitated for a split second, but given the circumstances, the fact that he only hesitated for a “split second” was quite an accomplishment.
2385
2386It was less than three hours after he had been confirmed as a member of the Technician’s Team.
2387
2388Knowing that asking was fruitless, Tatsuya put a lid on his curiosity and refrained from asking how the Major got the word.
2389
2390“The arena is located in southeast sector of the Fuji Exercise Grounds, so this is only customary…… That being said, Tatsuya, stay on your guard.”
2391
2392Kazama’s everyday speech was already abrupt, but today’s seemed even more so than usual.
2393
2394He wasn’t referring to Tatsuya by rank, surname, or alias, but calling him directly by name, which signified that he was warning Tatsuya as an old friend rather than a superior officer. After obtaining the information intercepted by the military’s intelligence network, he wasn’t alerting the police or the general public, but a mere high school student without any social standing. This was highly odd.
2395
2396Tatsuya focused all his attention as he continued to listen.
2397
2398“There are suspicious circumstances surrounding that area, with signs that we have illegal aliens in the area.”
2399
2400“Did someone infiltrate the military’s exercise grounds?”
2401
2402“Quite lamentable indeed. Also, several witnesses claimed seeing East Asian members of an international crime syndicate in the area, which did not occur this time last year. Based on the timing, it’s very likely they have something planned for the Nine Schools Competition.”
2403
2404It’s just a high school intramural competition…… Tatsuya was about to say this aloud, before switching to another tack.
2405
2406Even if they were high school students, this country’s elite young Magicians were about to publicly compete against one another.
2407
2408For example, if there was a major terrorist attack using explosives during the awards ceremony, that would severely impact this country’s talented personnel.
2409
2410“You mentioned an international crime syndicate?”
2411
2412This was not the same type of organization as Blanche (pretending to be an anti-magic political organization) that Tatsuya encountered in April. If this was a criminal syndicate, then they shouldn’t have any interest in causing unnecessary harm. Terrorism was another thing altogether. Kazama was a soldier, so he shouldn’t have had any experience dealing with international crime syndicates.
2413
2414How did he figure out their identity?
2415
2416“I asked Mibu to give me a hand. You probably know him.”
2417
2418“The father of First High’s Year 2 student Mibu Sayaka?”
2419
2420“Exactly. After retiring from the military, Mibu transferred to Internal Affairs (Cabinet Agency of Data Supervision). He’s currently Chief of Foreign Affairs, specifically international crime syndicates.”
2421
2422“……I’m surprised.”
2423
2424Tatsuya wasn’t merely parroting back, he was honestly surprised.
2425
2426Tatsuya was astounded that the Major would reveal the identity of one of his sources of intelligence over the telephone so easily; the Cabinet Agency of Data Supervision generally remained neutral between politics and the military so they weren’t particularly friendly with the military, yet the Major simply asked them for assistance in a clear-cut manner, which also amazed Tatsuya. However, what floored Tatsuya the most was that the daughter of a foreign intelligence expert actually became the accomplice to a terrorist organization affiliated with foreign countries and the father who was the chief of foreign affairs merely turned a blind eye to the situation. Salutary neglect, much?
2427
2428“Criminal syndicates and underground terrorist cells are handled by different departments. Tunnel vision on their own affairs is a common fallacy in government agencies.”
2429
2430The reason why Kazama was able to accurately mirror Tatsuya’s thoughts, rather than due to their long friendship, was more because Kazama could also read between the lines and thus resonate with Tatsuya.
2431
2432“However, information from areas within his expertise is trustworthy. According to Mibu’s calculations, these might be members from the criminal syndicate based out of Hong Kong called ‘No Head Dragon’. Currently, their objective remains unknown and we will let you know as soon as this changes.”
2433
2434“Thank you, Major.”
2435
2436“I won’t see you tomorrow, but we may meet up at Fuji.”
2437
2438“I look forward to that meeting.”
2439
2440“Likewise…… Ho, we talked too long. The new rookie is starting to panic, so it’s about time for me to hang up.”
2441
2442The web police probably detected traces of the network invasion. Based on this assumption, it was too ambiguous for Tatsuya to tell whether he should praise the skills of the web police or lament over the skills of Kazama’s subordinates.
2443
2444“Make sure to greet your sensei for me.”
2445
2446“Understood.”
2447
2448“Goodbye.”
2449
2450Tatsuya wasn’t able to reply before the screen turned blank.
2451
2452“That was probably a broad hint that I should make contact with sensei……”
2453
2454Then, how much was he supposed to reveal? The face of his sensei who owned the title of head monk, but was more appropriately described as “imposter” floated into Tatsuya’s mind as he slightly sighed.
2455
2456
2457
2458
2459
2460“Onii-sama, if you don’t mind, would you like some tea……?”
2461
2462Sometime after closing the door leading to the living room, Miyuki’s voice came floating in.
2463
2464She appeared to be trying to avoid eavesdropping on the conversation, so she waited in the kitchen until Tatsuya finished his conversation.
2465
2466Originally, Miyuki occupied a much more privileged position than Tatsuya and possessed the right to listen in on any military or foreign secrets, but the little sister never exercised that right before her elder brother.
2467
2468Tatsuya silently padded towards the kitchen and opened the door before Miyuki could ask again.
2469
2470As expected, Miyuki stood there stiffly with her eyes wide open, with a tray that had a tea kettle and some silverware and snacks perched on top.
2471
2472“……Onii-sama, please don’t scare me like that, you could’ve said something…… I can’t believe you moved silently just to laugh at Miyuki’s terrified expression. Onii-sama is bullying me.”
2473
2474“Sorry, sorry.”
2475
2476Miyuki turned her head aside with a huff. Tatsuya smiled as he took the tray from her hands while apologizing every step of the way.
2477
2478“But I wasn’t trying to bully you, I just thought that you were carrying something heavy so I rushed over. I certainly don’t want my cute little sister to haul around heavy objects.”
2479
2480“……I know very well that this is a fabrication…… But I’ll just let Onii-sama mislead me this one time.”
2481
2482Even if she maintained her displeased expression, the corners of her mouth relaxed slightly.
2483
2484It only took one word from Onii-sama to calm her down.
2485
2486But Miyuki was perfectly willing.
2487
2488“Black tea today?”
2489
2490“Yes, I bought some excellent summer extract and I thought occasionally having tea would be nice.”
2491
2492Tatsuya nodded in response to Miyuki and returned to the table before sampling the tea cup.
2493
2494“Muscatel, quite rare…… It must’ve taken you some time and effort to get this, right?”
2495
2496“No, it was really a coincidence…… As long as Onii-sama is happy, then that is the highest praise for Miyuki.”
2497
2498Tatsuya slowly took a sip and let out a satisfied smile. Seeing this, Miyuki smiled with a happiness that welled from the bottom of her heart.
2499
2500“Hm, the tea is excellent and the butter biscuits look delicious. Did Miyuki bake these?”
2501
2502“Yes, though…… They don’t look very nice.”
2503
2504“Nonsense, I don’t mind at all, they taste wonderful.”
2505
2506Miyuki ducked her head in embarrassment, but the sight of her Onii-sama raising the butter biscuits and enjoying them was enough to prompt her to raise her head and smile in happiness.
2507
2508Tatsuya didn’t bring up the topic of Kazama’s conversation, and Miyuki didn’t ask.
2509
2510Tatsuya was busy sampling his little sister’s exquisitely prepared snacks and meticulously purchased tea. For Miyuki, just the sight of her Onii-sama’s satisfied expression was more than enough compensation for any arduous task.
2511
2512
2513
2514
2515
2516There’s no need to repeat this, but Miyuki was the publicly acknowledged honor student.
2517
2518Not only was she talented beyond all belief, but she also was extremely diligent.
2519
2520Besides taking care of her Onii-sama’s day-to-day life, she also studied until late in the night.
2521
2522Today also, she studied until near midnight before shutting off the electric monitor and storing it in the table.
2523
2524She wasn’t exhausted yet.
2525
2526According to her experience, it was hard to fall asleep when going to bed in this stimulated state. This could be quickly remedied with the sleeping device, but Onii-sama frowned upon using the technology that nearly 70% of the country uses. Since Tatsuya objected to this technology, Miyuki would have no reason to use it.
2527
2528Then let’s make another cup of tea to change the mood, Miyuki thought.
2529
2530It was totally worth it for her to hunt down the best quality Muscatel, as evidenced by her Onii-sama’s delight with the tea. Simply reflecting on Onii-sama’s smile was more than enough for her to have a wonderful dream, but if she could see it one more time, and maybe even have Onii-sama rub her head, then that would be even better.
2531
2532Miyuki was just heading to the kitchen, when a sudden thought crossed her mind when she stopped in front of the mirror.
2533
2534Miyuki nodded slightly, then a slightly mischievous smirk formed on her face.
2535
2536
2537
2538
2539
2540“Onii-sama, this is Miyuki, I’m coming in with tea.”
2541
2542“Perfect, come in.”
2543
2544Miyuki would bring tea or coffee around this time every night and her brother would usually thank her in an apologetic manner, but tonight he seemed to be waiting for her to appear, which slightly bewildered Miyuki.
2545
2546Regardless, if Onii-sama was waiting for her, that was definitely something that pleased her.
2547
2548“I was just about to go get you—”
2549
2550—He got only that far before silence forcibly swallowed the next word.
2551
2552When she saw her Onii-sama turn around on the chair and stare fixatedly at her, Miyuki felt a small shiver of satisfaction run through her. She carried the tray with one hand while the other lightly clutched the hem of the skirt as she playfully curtseyed.
2553
2554“…………Ah, is this the uniform for ‘Fairy Dance’?”
2555
2556“Indeed, Onii-sama knows very well.”
2557
2558The miniskirt was formed by layers upon layers of dazzling colors that floated together and perfectly matched the tights that covered her beautiful legs along with the bright, leather boots.
2559
2560The outer garment was open down on the back, made of a translucent material whose thickness was hard to tell. The lines were not embroidered, but naturally created by the fabric itself, allowing it to perfectly complement the bosom.
2561
2562Beneath the outer garment was a shirt in the same vein as the leggings. No, maybe it wasn’t a shirt and pair of leggings, but an entire long-sleeved spandex. If there wasn’t the outer covering, it could very well have been mistaken for a figure skater’s uniform.
2563
2564A pair of hair decorations with wings sprouting out the sides held her long silky hair in place, connected by a long thick band seen on most earmuffs.
2565
2566Considering air resistance and chest protection, this gorgeous uniform was undoubtedly the uniform used for “Mirage Bat” — also known as “Fairy Dance”, one of the most anticipated magical events in the Nine Schools Competition.
2567
2568“How does it look?”
2569
2570Miyuki placed the tray on a nearby table before spinning around with a smile.
2571
2572Even though the softly flowing miniskirt was very short, when matched with the fluttering hair dancing in the air it created an aura of impossible grace.
2573
2574“Devastatingly cute, suits you perfectly, and your timing is excellent.”
2575
2576Miyuki stopped twirling when she faced Tatsuya and grabbed with both hands the hem of her skirt in a deep curtsey as Tatsuya complimented her.
2577
2578“Thank you Onii-sama for your praise……?”
2579
2580Miyuki was 100% certain that her elder brother would praise her, so she only prepared one response, as one response was all that was needed.
2581
2582However, she was unable to comprehend what Tatsuya’s last words referred to, so she altered her response to include a question mark at the end.
2583
2584Miyuki straightened her legs and waist before “looking up” to the seated Tatsuya.
2585
2586Just as she was about to direct her gaze towards the usual height to inquire the meaning of “your timing is perfect”, Miyuki quickly realized something was wrong.
2587
2588She just as quickly grasped the reason.
2589
2590Even though Tatsuya was seated, his gaze was still level to his normal standing height.
2591
2592Miyuki swiftly glanced downwards, then swallowed hard.
2593
2594The chair that was supposed to be beneath him — was gone.
2595
2596Tatsuya’s right leg was crossed over his left and his right elbow was directly perpendicular atop the right knee, like he was stretching the upper half of his body forward…… As he sat in mid air.
2597
2598“I also wanted Miyuki to test out this calculation device.”
2599
2600Tatsuya maintained this position as he slid towards Miyuki until he was roughly an arm’s length away before stopping. He then uncrossed his legs and straightened his feet much like how he would rise from a chair.
2601
2602With this series of motions, his physical body naturally returned to earth
2603
2604“……Flying-Type Magic…… Sustained Gravity-Control Type Magic has been completed!”
2605
2606She was only distracted for a split second.
2607
2608Miyuki nearly pounced on her brother as she seized his hand in joy.
2609
2610“Onii-sama, congratulations!”
2611
2612This was one of the magics that Tatsuya had been researching for some time.
2613
2614Among the Four Great Systemic and the Eight Major Types of magic, the first category is the “Speed/Mass” System.
2615
2616This was morphed out of the simplest of Super Powers, commonly acknowledged to be most basic magic in modern systemic magic.
2617
2618That being said, while Flying-Type Magic is theoretically possible under the Speed/Mass Systems — Sustained Gravity-Control Magic, even though the basic proposal existed since the early days of modern magic, it was never successfully developed in official channels before this day.
2619
2620Today during lunch, Flying-Type Magic was the subject of considerable debate. Modern magic’s general consensus was that while the theory was sound, the practical application was impossible.
2621
2622Even so, another cornerstone of modern magic laws was overturned before Miyuki’s eyes.
2623
2624“Once again Onii-sama has turned the impossible possible! To be able to witness this turning point in history, and the fact that the person who accomplished this towering achievement is my elder brother, I am extremely proud to be called your sister!”
2625
2626Her hands tightly clasping Tatsuya’s right hand, Miyuki looked ready to throw her arms around him, while Tatsuya gently covered his sister’s hands with his left.
2627
2628“Thank you, Miyuki. Although they didn’t intend to use it solely towards flying, Ancient Magic has already reached this level of flying capability, but today we took another big step towards realizing the goal.”
2629
2630“The flying abilities of Ancient Magic can only be used by a small minority of Magicians and are a unique ability that depends on the subject, right? However, isn’t Onii-sama’s Flying-Type Magic usable by anyone with sufficient Magic Power?”
2631
2632“At present, I have set that as the first objective. I hope Miyuki will help me test this.”
2633
2634“Delighted to!”
2635
2636Miyuki’s eyes shone as she nodded quickly.
2637
2638
2639
2640
2641
2642After listening to the instructions, Miyuki looked towards the newly maintained CAD in her left hand.
2643
2644Just like Miyuki’s regular CAD, this was a model shaped like a mobile terminal.
2645
2646However, the dimensions were much smaller than Miyuki’s originally tiny model and could be comfortably obscured within her slender palm.
2647
2648The only similarity was the overall shape of the mobile terminal model.
2649
2650This CAD was a Specialized Calculation Device.
2651
2652Miyuki wasn’t familiar with Specialized models, but the operation was simple enough.
2653
2654There was only a power switch and, once activated, the CAD would automatically absorb psions from the user in order to continuously fuel the Activation Sequence until the power was exhausted. On some level, this was a fairly barbaric item.
2655
2656However, the psion consumption rate for the device had been lowered to the absolute minimum.
2657
2658The purpose behind the design was to minimize the stress placed on the user.
2659
2660“Begin test.”
2661
2662Her throat quivered slightly from the overwhelming nervousness she felt.
2663
2664The fact that her hand wasn’t trembling was enough for Miyuki to want to congratulate herself.
2665
2666Even if the test failed, Onii-sama wouldn’t blame her.
2667
2668Rather, Onii-sama would likely redesign the “Flying Calculation Device” from scratch.
2669
2670She refused to allow her own inadequacies to increase her brother’s burden.
2671
2672Miyuki thumbed the CAD’s power switch.
2673
2674She knew without looking that the calculation device was currently absorbing her body’s psions.
2675
2676Even so, the amount was small enough that she had to pay extra attention to detect it.
2677
2678It was only at a slightly elevated level compared to the normal loss of excess psions.
2679
2680By the time she realized this, the Activation Sequence had already been stored into the Magic Calculation Area.
2681
2682Though she was forewarned by Tatsuya’s instructions, the tiny scale of the Activation Sequence still caught her by surprise.
2683
2684With Miyuki’s technical ability, she was able to execute dozens of copies of the same Activation Sequence with ease.
2685
2686Even if the scale was tiny, every critical detail was recorded within.
2687
2688Miyuki felt that this was an Activation Sequence completely stripped of anything unnecessary to boost efficiency to the max.
2689
2690The variables were inputted into the Activation Sequence, beginning Magic Sequence construction.
2691
2692Generally, Magicians wouldn’t pay attention to these phases.
2693
2694Magicians would typically use language formulas or images to properly formulate the desired phenomenon change, and then dive into the subconsciousness.
2695
2696The Magic Calculation Area’s job was to transform the imagined reality into data for the Magic Sequence. The “variables” in the Activation Sequence refer to the portions that must be created from the Magician’s imagination.
2697
2698Magicians can feel the Activation Sequences that have been absorbed into their physical body, just as they are able to sense the Magic Sequence being constructed within them. However, the construction process for Magic Sequences is partially involuntary and is not subject to conscious interference.
2699
2700If this wasn’t the case, based on human limits of understanding and comprehension of data, there would be no way to create Information Bodies capable of influencing reality.
2701
2702Miyuki imaged herself floating to the ceiling’s height.
2703
2704All of a sudden, the bounds of gravity disappeared.
2705
2706Her five senses lost touch with her environment as if her body had phased out of reality, causing Miyuki to panic slightly.
2707
2708That being said, Miyuki’s soul was filled with a delight that far exceeded that paltry sense of panic.
2709
2710She never knew flying was such a liberating experience.
2711
2712She was almost envious of the astronauts that strode across the stars with 80% of this feeling.
2713
2714She also pitied them for having to wear cumbersome space suits in order to enjoy such pleasure.
2715
2716Miyuki earnestly wished to leave this narrow basement and freely soar through the skies.
2717
2718“How is it? Is the Loop System too stressful?”
2719
2720Her brother’s voice quickly pulled Miyuki’s mind back to earth.
2721
2722Miyuki was terribly embarrassed that she was engrossed in the pleasure of flight during such a critical experiment.
2723
2724Even so, this wasn’t the time for self-loathing.
2725
2726Miyuki, you have to step up — Miyuki mentally scolded herself before answering her brother’s question.
2727
2728“No problems whatsoever. There are no headaches or sense of exhaustion.”
2729
2730“Excellent. Next is gradual parallel motion, get used to slowly accelerating yourself, then fly as you please.”
2731
2732“Understood.”
2733
2734Miyuki followed her brother’s instructions and imagined herself slowly floating parallel to the ground.
2735
2736The tiny Activation Sequence automatically spread out and copied itself, constructing the Magic Sequence that changed the direction of gravity to parallel motion.
2737
2738The design behind Flying-Type Magic revolved around using the Loop System to continuously invoke magic.
2739
2740According to this process, as long as new conceptual ideas are not introduced into the Calculation Area, the variables would continuously mirror the original values.
2741
2742With the Activation Sequence added into the self-replicating Non-Systematic Magic data near the final stages of the Magic Sequence construction process and allowing the Activation Sequence to be applied to the Magic Calculation Area, even if the CAD is not being operated, the same Magic Sequence can still be invoked — using the Loop System, that is. Thus, the same Activation Sequence, construction of the Magic Sequence, and the data variables can be endlessly plugged in. This is the truth behind Flying-Type Magic.
2743
2744Taurus Silver’s magnum opus — “Loop System”, was the perfect complement to the Flight Calculation Device that Tatsuya invented.
2745
2746“Is the magic disjointed?”
2747
2748“Not at all. As expected of Onii-sama, the timing is simply perfect.”
2749
2750The key to this system lies in recording the exact times the magic activates.
2751
2752Humans are unsuited for such precise number management, so machines were absolutely necessary to fill this gap.
2753
2754If the design stubbornly refused to take anything besides magic into account, then the system would be simply impossible.
2755
2756Miyuki continued to follow Tatsuya’s directions and incrementally raised the spiraling speed.
2757
2758She used the limited space within the basement to the maximum extent. She turned, maneuvered, and flipped as she danced in the air.
2759
2760The softly floating skirt and long, silky hair followed the outstretched body to display absolutely beautiful curves.
2761
2762At some point, Tatsuya forgot to objectively analyze the situation and simply stood there mesmerized at the wholly unexpected fairy dance.
2763
2764
2765
2766
2767
2768Four Leaves Technology (the literal translation is “Four Leaves Technology”, but the official company records and brand name intentionally used only “Four Leaves”) — often shortened to FLT, had a CAD development center situated in the boondocks, nearly two hours away from Tatsuya’s house by public transit (it was only one and a half hours by electric bike, but they chose to use public transit because of the rain). Tatsuya had long since familiarized himself with this route and, precisely because he was overly familiar, the long and arduous ride only served to irritate him.
2769
2770“Miyuki……?”
2771
2772“Yes, Onii-sama, what is it?”
2773
2774“……Never mind, I apologize. It was nothing.”
2775
2776“Huh……?”
2777
2778Unlike the labs near the main corporate headquarters, whenever Tatsuya came to this lab, Miyuki usually tagged along as well, so she was probably just as familiar with this route. But despite the dismal weather, her outlook remained much like they were on a picnic, causing Tatsuya to inquire to the reason behind that.
2779
2780The reason he cut himself short after starting to ask was because when Tatsuya thought about it, he felt that this was a rather odd question.
2781
2782Of course, Miyuki was quite confused, but her sunny disposition quickly returned, to the point that she was almost humming in joy.
2783
2784However, the two of them had already entered the research lab, so she didn’t actually make any sounds.
2785
2786This was the hub for all corporate related technical research, the veritable beating heart of FLT itself, with all the security that accompanied it. Not only were there cameras watching every angle, the number of deployed security personnel was also astounding.
2787
2788Even so, no one halted Tatsuya and Miyuki.
2789
2790They didn’t even bother to check in at the counter before walking down the window-less corridors that led to the deepest part of the facility.
2791
2792Finally, the two of them arrived at a room with one wall that was covered in windows from the ceiling to the floor.
2793
2794On the other side of the windows, a deep chasm extended nearly half a floor beneath the earth that was large enough to house a hangar.
2795
2796Across this open space was another room with the same observation area.
2797
2798This was the CAD testing center.
2799
2800Over a dozen engineers and researchers were bustling about the office debating or manipulating various measuring devices.
2801
2802“Ah, young master!”
2803
2804Even though everyone was buried in work, someone greeted Tatsuya the moment he stepped into the observation room.
2805
2806Which was quite rare — this was probably the only place — since everyone’s greeting was extended towards Tatsuya and not Miyuki.
2807
2808The name “young master” was initially applied to Tatsuya because he was the son of one of the corporate higher ups with the ability to enter as he pleased, but was now the respected title directed towards their future leader.
2809
2810Tatsuya was slightly embarrassed by this moniker and wished that they would stop referring to him as such, but he knew that everyone called him that out of genuine friendship, so he didn’t force the issue.
2811
2812“Sorry for the bother, where’s Director Ushiyama?”
2813
2814The respectful gazes directed towards her brother made Miyuki glow with pleasure, causing no end of people — there were very few males capable of resisting Miyuki’s smile — to get distracted from their work. Tatsuya allowed Miyuki to accompany him as he interrogated the first researcher in the white lab coat who greeted him.
2815
2816The voice that answered this question came from far behind the crowd.
2817
2818“Looking for me, Master?”
2819
2820A tall but hardly fragile-looking engineer wearing gray work clothes threaded through the crowd.
2821
2822“Director, my apologies for visiting when you’re so busy.”
2823
2824“Wait, Master, please don’t say that.”
2825
2826Tatsuya’s respectful greeting caused the engineer named Ushiyama to color and shake his head.
2827
2828“It is your right to act casual, but these men are your subordinates, so there’s no need to be overly humble like this.”
2829
2830“Not so, everyone here was recruited by our father, so they hardly answer to me……”
2831
2832“What are you saying. You are the far famed ‘Mr. Silver’ himself and we are honored to serve beneath you.”
2833
2834Every engineer and researcher who heard Ushiyama’s voice nodded in agreement.
2835
2836This was Four Leaves Technology’s CAD Development 3rd Division.
2837
2838The development team that created what the world called the “Silver Series”.
2839
2840Currently, it is publicly acknowledged that the “Silver Series” is the defining work of FLT’s technical abilities. Once seen as rebels and renegades, the surplus employees from the technical department that made up the 3rd Division now held considerable sway in FLT after the advent of the Silver Series.
2841
2842Thus, the engineers and researchers here swore eternal loyalty to one of the core developers — Tatsuya, who was “half” of Taurus Silver.
2843
2844“Seriously though, I think that you, ‘Mr. Taurus’, are the actual leader of this group, right? It’s because you were always reluctant to accept the directorship that 3rd Division still doesn’t have managers and group leaders.”
2845
2846“Please don’t say that, I’m not capable of being ‘Mr.’ or ‘Taurus’, I’m just an ordinary engineer who does the grunt work so that your ingenious theories can be facilitated. I’m the one who cannot stand the fact that my name is placed alongside the original developer. I’m not that brazen. It’s just that the young master is still an underage student, so your patent would be a difficult issue, hence why I had to throw my name into the ring.”
2847
2848“……Without Ushiyama-san’s skills, the ‘Loop System’ would be impossible to realize. I am not nearly as capable in terms of hardware knowledge, performance, and creativity, so regardless of whether it’s skills or theory, the only thing that matters is that we are able to complete a model capable of mass consumption, correct?”
2849
2850“Ah~ Stop, just stop. There’s no way I can beat the young master in a debate, so let’s get down to business. You didn’t just pop in to see us, did you?”
2851
2852As Ushiyama scratched his head in surrender, Tatsuya relaxed his solemn expression and let out a deliberate smile.
2853
2854“OK, Ushiyama-san, today’s test subject is this.”
2855
2856Tatsuya intentionally kept his tone and motions casual as he pulled out a CAD shaped like a smart phone. Ushiyama stared at it for more than 10 seconds without blinking at all.
2857
2858This was the T-7 model CAD that Ushiyama prepared for Tatsuya for a specific reason.
2859
2860To upload software into the test model meant that……
2861
2862“Is that…… the Flight Calculation Device?”
2863
2864Ushiyama’s hands shook as he took the CAD from Tatsuya’s hands.
2865
2866“Yes, the testing hardware that I had Ushiyama-san make is already loaded with the Activation Sequence for Sustained Gravity-Control Type Magic. With this test model it was easy to access and manipulate the system, making it very easy to use.”
2867
2868“Then the test……”
2869
2870“As usual, only Miyuki and I have tested it, but we don’t rate as normal Magicians.”
2871
2872Everyone present, and it wasn’t just one or two either, who overheard them sucked in a breath and tensely stared at Ushiyama’s hands.
2873
2874“……Akira, how many T-7 Models do we have in the lab?”
2875
2876Finally, Ushiyama used a fairly calm tone to ask his subordinate.
2877
2878Upon getting the answer “ten”, his half closed eyes abruptly sprang open.
2879
2880“Damn! Only ten? Why weren’t they replaced!
2881
2882What? Order them later, grab every model we currently have plugged into the maintenance machines and copy the system the young master wrote!
2883
2884Hiroshi, summon all the testers! What? Someone is on break?
2885
2886I don’t give a damn!
2887
2888Drag them here by the neck if you have to!
2889
2890Everyone else, stop whatever you’re doing and prepare for precise measurement!
2891
2892Do you guys understand? This is Flying-Type Magic! This will change the history of magic itself!”
2893
2894He was probably using the internal broadcast.
2895
2896Not just in this room, even the testing room on the opposite side burst into action as even the researchers on break started working.
2897
2898
2899
2900
2901
2902This indoor CAD testing facility rivals a large gym in terms of area and height. The communication line hung down from the ceiling and was attached to the back of the testing personnel.
2903
2904The line also doubled as a lifeline if needed.
2905
2906Floating-Type Magic has already become widespread and this facility had also tested that before, but Flying-Type Magic was on a whole different level than Floating-Type Magic, to the extent that their actual designs were fundamentally different. It was also different from leaping and slow-motion descent, a hitherto unknown magic.
2907
2908The tester’s face was pale with anxiety.
2909
2910New magics were usually created from already familiar magics, but no one knows where danger may be lurking.
2911
2912There have been precedents where Magicians lost their lives due to tiny bugs in the Activation Sequence.
2913
2914If they were using a brand new and (until now) unprecedented magic, no amount of caution was enough.
2915
2916The surface changed to a shock-absorbing material and, once the suspension test was cleared, the preparations were finally complete.
2917
2918“Start the test.”
2919
2920After evacuating to the observation room — not just for the safety of the observers, but for the testers as well — Ushiyama gave the order to begin.
2921
2922From below, it was impossible to see what kind of expression the tester wore as he put on his safety helmet.
2923
2924However, the tester, who had amassed extensive experience as the primary tester before reaching age 30, visibly clenched his teeth.
2925
2926Even so, he thumbed the CAD’s power switch without any hesitation.
2927
2928“Confirm lift off.”
2929
2930“According to the measurements, there is no reverse force putting pressure on the ground.”
2931
2932Before the naked eye could make any confirmation, the personnel at the various measuring devices were already reporting in.
2933
2934“Errors in upward acceleration within acceptable parameters.”
2935
2936“CAD performance is stable.”
2937
2938The tester’s body was gradually rising.
2939
2940Now, they could clearly see that his feet had left the ground.
2941
2942The line was sagging, proving that the tester was not hanging from the suspension device.
2943
2944Inside the observation room, excluding the sounds of the machines processing data and reporting back, there wasn’t even the sound of clothes rustling.
2945
2946Everyone forgot to move as they stared at either the scene before their eyes or the values displayed on the measuring devices.
2947
2948“Upward acceleration still dropping…… and zero, now maintaining rising velocity.”
2949
2950The tester gradually rose until he was level with the 3 meter high observation room.
2951
2952“Upward acceleration entering negatives…… Upward velocity has reached zero, confirmed immobile.”
2953
2954Up until this moment, this was still within the boundaries of what Floating-Type Magic could accomplish.
2955
2956“Testing parallel acceleration.”
2957
2958Someone…… More like everyone held their breath.
2959
2960“Halt acceleration, begin 1 meter/second parallel movement.”
2961
2962Without waiting for the measurement reports, it was obvious to the naked eye that the tester was currently moving in the air.
2963
2964“It’s moving……”
2965
2966“He can fly……”
2967
2968The incredulous words only served to confirm that the sight before everyone’s eyes was reality.
2969
2970“This is Tester #1 to observation deck, I’m currently walking in the air…… Belay that…… I’m flying, I’m free……”
2971
2972The surprising transmission from the speakers released the emotions suspended by everyone’s amazement.
2973
2974“Awesome!”
2975
2976“We did it!”
2977
2978“Congratulations, young master!”
2979
2980The observers shouted in joy.
2981
2982The tester was freely tracing flight paths in the sky.
2983
2984Only Tatsuya remained immune to the fiery emotions of the people around him as he calmly observed the expressions around him and accepted their delirious well wishes.
2985
2986
2987
2988
2989
2990“Are you all morons……?”
2991
2992Ushiyama gestured helplessly at the testers that sprawled on the ground due to magic overuse.
2993
2994This test ran massively over schedule and continued until all 9 testers were down and out for the count.
2995
2996It wasn’t that there was a problem with the process, it was because the testers didn’t want to stop.
2997
2998At their request, the communications line that also served as a life line was swapped for wireless communications so they could go completely off script and play hide and seek.
2999
3000“How can you use Sustained-Type Magic for so long!”
3001
3002Modern magic is almost always activated in an instant or over a short period of time.
3003
3004Generally, magics with sustained effects are only valid within a specific time, so there are very few Magicians who can use magics that require constant activation. For example, “Sonic Blade” belongs to the Sustained-Type Magic category, but in reality, most users refresh the activation after each strike.
3005
3006Until recently, magic that requires repetitive activation was seen as unique abilities for select Magicians and it wasn’t until the introduction of the “Loop Cast” system that the automatic replication of Activation Sequences in the Magic Calculation Area became available to the general public.
3007
3008“You are responsible for your own actions, I’m not handing out worker’s comp.”
3009
3010Thankfully, no tester exhibited symptoms of magic deprivation.
3011
3012Since this remained within the boundaries of hilarity, Ushiyama snorted at the protests and walked towards Tatsuya, who was staring intently at the test results.
3013
3014“Is there any area you’re concerned about?”
3015
3016When Tatsuya turned around, his expression was a far cry from satisfied.
3017
3018“Honestly, the areas for improvement are limitless…… But based on the current status, the stress for continuously executing Activation Sequences is still overly high.”
3019
3020For some reason, a knowing expression crossed Ushiyama’s face as he heard this, and he glanced at Tatsuya and Miyuki, who was standing behind her brother.
3021
3022“Of course, when compared to Hime-sama or the young master, these Magicians have a fairly limited psion count.”
3023
3024By Magic Power standards, Tatsuya was on the tail end of Magicians.
3025
3026However, Magic Power standards fluctuate with the advancement of magic and the passage of time.
3027
3028For example, thirty years ago Activation Sequences weren’t as well understood as they are today, so the transition from Activation Sequences to the construction of Magic Sequences was so slow that it cannot be compared to today. Magic Sequence efficiency was also pretty low and, when compared to the current day and age, it required several times more psions to construct an equally effective Magic Sequence.
3029
3030At that time, the standards for power of Magicians emphasized the psion count within the Magician’s body (which included both the physical body and the mental “body”) rather than focusing on the speed of Magic Sequence construction. By the old standards, both Tatsuya and Miyuki’s psion count would rate as top tier.
3031
3032Thanks to the improvements in Activation Sequences, Magic Sequences and CADs, a limited psion count wouldn’t cause the same problems with magic invocation. Excluding “Non-Systematic Magic” techniques that directly released psions, a high psion count is only seen as a beautiful decoration now.
3033
3034That being said, the use of Activation Sequence and construction of Magic Sequences still consumes psions and, even if each consumption is a small amount, hundreds or thousands of incremental amounts still add up to considerable stress on the Magician.
3035
3036“We have to streamline the design for the CAD’s automatic psion absorption to make it more efficient……”
3037
3038“……Let me handle that. If we rely more on the hardware portion than software, that should lessen the load somewhat. We could probably set the timing mechanism as a feedback loop as well.”
3039
3040Ushiyama said this after a moment’s consideration, which Tatsuya responded to with a knowing smile.
3041
3042“I was just about to discuss that with you.”
3043
3044“I’m honored.”
3045
3046Both of them revealed the exact same smile.
3047
3048
3049
3050
3051
3052While there were a few hardware modifications still remaining, all in all the technical portion yielded a satisfactory result. Today’s most important gain was the verification that the average Magician is able to execute Flying-Type Magic with a CAD obtainable on the general market.
3053
3054There was no time to waste. After organizing the results of this experiment, next week he would publicize the details regarding Flying-Type Magic under the name Taurus Silver. Speed was more important than quality here, because the impacts of “first in the world” and “second in the world” were completely different. “First” was also an incredibly powerful tool for dissemination.
3055
3056On the other hand, the CADs specifically designed for Flying-Type Magic would have to be objectively redesigned from scratch, so they would probably hit the market around September (the end of the first half of the fiscal year).
3057
3058With these two objectives established, the meeting adjourned.
3059
3060Tatsuya headed to the rest area to collect the waiting Miyuki and began the long trek home.
3061
3062Despite all the work that needed to be done…… more like he adamantly insisted on sending them off, Ushiyama scratched his head in an awkward manner.
3063
3064“I’m terribly sorry, I did contact the Vice President, but……”
3065
3066Regardless of whether it was during the experiment or after the confirmation of success, the VP in charge of all FLT R&D divisions — Tatsuya and Miyuki’s father never showed up at all, a detail that Ushiyama couldn’t get over.
3067
3068“Don’t worry about it. It’s our day off anyways, and even if he’s at work, he should be at corporate headquarters.”
3069
3070Honestly, from Tatsuya’s point of view, not seeing him was probably for the best.
3071
3072As a matter of fact, Miyuki didn’t want to see him at all.
3073
3074However, that was probably too much information for Ushiyama. Ushiyama knew that the siblings’ father not only held an important position in FLT, but was also the majority shareholder. Even if Ushiyama was a key developmental engineer, the skeletons in the manager’s closet should be kept far away from employees.
3075
3076With this in mind, Tatsuya used this excuse as a response, but that only served to deepen Ushiyama’s guilty expression.
3077
3078“……No, the VP is actually here today……”
3079
3080Even though Tatsuya’s back was facing Miyuki, he could still feel his sister’s emotional turbulence as she frowned.
3081
3082Tatsuya himself actually let out a breath.
3083
3084Thank goodness they didn’t run into their father.
3085
3086“As the VP, he probably doesn’t have the time to check every site personally. I hardly think that he looks down upon R&D.”
3087
3088“No, that I understand. Also, the VP allocated a larger budget to us anyways.”
3089
3090Tatsuya intentionally steered the conversation back on its head and turned around to comfort Ushiyama. It was a shame that he had to treat the even more nervous Ushiyama like this, but Tatsuya also didn’t want dwell on this subject.
3091
3092As usual, fate had other ideas.
3093
3094After the siblings said their goodbyes to Ushiyama and left the research labs, they encountered the people they least wanted to meet at the corridor leading to the threshold of the main area.
3095
3096“Long time no see, Miyuki Ojou-sama.”
3097
3098As the three family members silently stared at one another, the first to speak was actually the fourth person present. This man was known to Tatsuya and Miyuki, but the emphasis was on “known” and not “close”.
3099
3100“It’s been awhile, Aoki-san. I would like to say long time no see as well, but I’m not the only person present.
3101
3102Otou-sama, you look well, thank you for your phone call last time, but I think that occasionally greeting your own son isn’t grounds for divine retribution, is it?”
3103
3104The smooth and lovable voice was tinged with barbs, but her opponent’s skin and defenses were proof against the rose’s thorns.
3105
3106“Ojou-sama, forgive this one’s impertinence, but this Aoki serves as the butler and financial manager for the Yotsuba Family. Your request for me to greet a paltry attendant is against our house rules.”
3107
3108“He is my Onii-sama.”
3109
3110Miyuki was striving to maintain her calm tone, but Tatsuya was very clear that she was reaching her breaking point.
3111
3112“Again, forgive this one’s impertinence, everyone in the house earnestly wishes for Ojou-sama to inherit the Yotsuba Family. He’s only Ojou-sama’s guardian, and thus stands on an entirely different level than your own.”
3113
3114“Hold, Aoki-san, I understand that interjecting here is considered boorish, but choose your words carefully.”
3115
3116Just as Miyuki was about to breakdown and scream, Tatsuya coldly overrode his sister’s words.
3117
3118His voice was chilling to the extreme.
3119
3120Even such contempt found no purchase on Tatsuya’s will.
3121
3122Tatsuya’s heart was “forged” this way.
3123
3124Rather than affronted, Tatsuya was more concerned that Miyuki would hurt herself being enraged on his behalf.
3125
3126“It doesn’t matter. Although you are a mere attendant, you are still Miya-sama’s son, so I am forced to overlook this breach of decorum.”
3127
3128So Tatsuya had no time to deal with his opponent’s haughty attitude.
3129
3130“Earlier, you claimed that all who serve the Yotsuba Family wish for Miyuki to be the next head of the Yotsuba Family. I do believe this is an unfair charge to the other candidates, correct?”
3131
3132In order to avoid letting Miyuki be subjected to the negativity projected towards him any longer, Tatsuya must continuously press the attack, forcing the opponent to yield without allowing Miyuki to interject in any way.
3133
3134“I believe our aunt has not selected a successor, unless you are telling me that you are privy to our aunt’s decision?”
3135
3136The shrewd and capable gentleman in the prime of his years that looked more like a lawyer than a butler was stunned into silence by the sixteen year old youth’s inquiry.
3137
3138“If her will is decided, then I need to begin preparations for Miyuki immediately. This is an excellent opportunity today, so I would be most indebted to you if you can verify this.”
3139
3140Tatsuya’s voice was perfectly even, without a single rise or pitch in his volume.
3141
3142“……Maya-sama has not made a decision.”
3143
3144Aoki answered with a suffering expression on his face.
3145
3146Tatsuya intentionally widened his eyes to express his amazement.
3147
3148“This is astounding! The fourth butler of the Yotsuba Family actually passed on his personal wishes in the guise of the family directive towards the candidates for succession? If so, who here is the one who violated the house rules?”
3149
3150Tatsuya pretended to sigh as Aoki glared furiously at him, his face completely red. Tatsuya judged that Aoki’s position was now untenable, so he prepared to depart with a victorious message.
3151
3152Unfortunately, that judgment was too naive.
3153
3154“……That was no assumption. As we all serve the Yotsuba Family, it is a common feeling that we all possess. Even though we cannot see heart to heart, as long as we aim for the same goal, then we are all on the same wavelength.”
3155
3156This was a fabricated excuse that abandoned all theory and logic. Even so, his opponent still prepared the forbidden poison for the last moment.
3157
3158“You’re nothing more than a heartless, false Magician. You wouldn’t be able to understand.”
3159
3160The moment Aoki spat out this malicious sentiment, the walls were suddenly covered in frost.
3161
3162The air conditioning kicked into overdrive trying to restore the rapidly falling temperature.
3163
3164Swirls of cold air congregated around Miyuki’s feet.
3165
3166However, Tatsuya reached out with one finger on his left hand and, accompanied by the sound of a cassette player rewinding at high speed — a hallucination that only people that can sense magic can hear — the cold air vanished.
3167
3168Miyuki’s face alternated between angry red and green before turning completely pale. Tatsuya gathered his sister into his bosom with one hand before directing a chilling gaze that cut like a blade towards Aoki.
3169
3170“My mother was the very one who created this ‘heartless fake Magician’, the older sister of the Yotsuba Family’s current head Yotsuba Maya, she who was called Yotsuba and now Shiba Miya.
3171
3172She used the forbidden Non-Systematic Magic ‘Mental Design Interference’, forcibly altering the area in the consciousness, most likely to create strong emotions called the limbic system by inputting a Magic Calculation Model, creating an artificial Magician. The one who designed this experiment was Yotsuba Maya, who had recently been appointed the head of the Yotsuba Family, while the one who conducted this experiment on her six year old son that had no magic skills was Shiba Miya.
3173
3174In other words, to apply the word ‘imposter’ to me as the target of the experiment is to call the magic experiment conducted by the current head of the Yotsuba Family and her older sister as a fake. I’m sure you are aware of the consequences?”
3175
3176Tatsuya gently held his beloved little sister who was sobbing into his chest. On the other hand, he continued to mercilessly press the attack on Aoki, who was responsible for driving his little sister into this state.
3177
3178“…………”
3179
3180“Tatsuya, stop.”
3181
3182Tatsuya’s father, who had remained silent until now — Shiba Tatsurou, covered for the immobile Aoki who had been cowed into silence and stepped forward to halt Tatsuya.
3183
3184“Don’t speak poorly of your mother.”
3185
3186But his words were completely off topic.
3187
3188This was done to avoid irritating the main house and to protect himself.
3189
3190This corporation was secretly funded by the Yotsuba Family, so even though he was the majority shareholder thanks to the stocks from his deceased wife, the actual power of attorney still remained in the hands of the Yotsuba Family, hence it wasn’t surprising for him to speak softly around them, but……
3191
3192Tatsuya almost broke into laughter.
3193
3194“Tatsuya, it’s not that I don’t understand why you bear hatred towards your mother……”
3195
3196And, this father couldn’t even read Tatsuya’s expression.
3197
3198Tatsuya truly believed that, for the sake of everyone’s mutual mental health, it was best to leave as quickly as possible.
3199
3200Even so, Tatsuya felt that he needed to add one extra comment before departing.
3201
3202“Otou-san, you misunderstand, I don’t hate my mother.”
3203
3204“Is…… Is that so……”
3205
3206That was all that was necessary.
3207
3208There was no need to tell him the words Tatsuya didn’t say.
3209
3210Tatsuya’s heart did not possess the ability to “hate”.
3211
3212He could not feel any strong emotions like fury, despair, envy, hatred, disgust, gluttony, lust, sloth, and…… love.
3213
3214Never would he forget himself in anger.
3215
3216Neither would he wallow in despair.
3217
3218Nor struggle with envy.
3219
3220Unknown to hatred, nor known to disgust.
3221
3222Or fall in love with women.
3223
3224To hunger, but not gluttonous.
3225
3226To arouse, but not lustful.
3227
3228To tire, but not slothful.
3229
3230The unique magic that only his mother possessed in the entire world erased all the strongest emotions and urges from his heart.
3231
3232He did not hate his mother.
3233
3234Nor was he furious.
3235
3236That was because he was “unable” to enrage and “unable” to hate.
3237
3238The only “emotion” they left for him was intentionally left behind to bind him to the Yotsuba Family with a chain forged of duty.
3239
3240Of course, this was not filial piety.
3241
3242And so, Tatsuya cradled the sobbing Miyuki as they left the premises without a word of goodbye.
3243
3244
3245
3246
3247
3248Chapter 3
3249
3250
3251
3252
3253One of the advantages of having a set classroom at school was that it fostered building interpersonal relationships.
3254
3255Regional proximity and blood relations are both powerful impetus for developing bonds and, regardless of whether they are official or unofficial organizations, serve to differentiate and categorize groups within groups.
3256
3257For the practical application of this sentiment……
3258
3259“Morning, Shiba. I heard about it already, nice going.”
3260
3261“Morning, Shiba-kun, great job.”
3262
3263“Good morning, Shiba-kun, I’m rooting for you.”
3264
3265“Hey, go for it, Shiba.”
3266
3267……And so, even students who normally weren’t very close to him were voluntarily bridging out towards him through greetings and words of encouragement.
3268
3269As soon as Tatsuya entered the classroom on Monday, he received a string of support from his classmates.
3270
3271The reason why they did this was natural: Tatsuya was selected as one of the representatives for the Nine Schools Competition.
3272
3273“The grapevine is quite active.”
3274
3275“Yep. This was only decided last week and there hasn’t even been an official announcement yet.”
3276
3277“Yeah, so where did they get the news?”
3278
3279Leo, Mizuki, and Erika did not appear to be feigning ignorance, so they probably weren’t the culprits.
3280
3281However, it’s not like those responsible were issued gag orders either.
3282
3283At the time, only upperclassmen attended the meeting, so they likely heard the news from their club leaders.
3284
3285“Speaking of which, didn’t they make the announcement today?”
3286
3287Erika tilted her head to one side and asked, at which Tatsuya nodded in a solemn manner.
3288
3289Including the technician team, the official roster for the Nine Schools Competition was finalized last Friday.
3290
3291The original timetable called for the roster to be finalized two weeks ago, so they were obviously several steps behind.
3292
3293The fact that the contestants were already decided may have been a blessing in disguise, since all the competition-use CADs and uniforms that usually took the longest time to prepare had already been assembled. The only bottleneck was that because the engineering candidates hadn’t been settled, all of the maintenance and testing work was yet to be done.
3294
3295Miyuki was a contestant herself, but owing to the constant stream of preparation work she was entirely unavailable. For her, Tatsuya was willing to sacrifice anything, but still couldn’t dispel the notion that he was being railroaded.
3296
3297“I think 5th period will be changed to an assembly, right?”
3298
3299Mizuki said this as she gazed at the terminal screen set into the table before them that listed today’s class schedule.
3300
3301All grades shared the same schedule with three periods in the morning and two in the afternoon.
3302
3303Even so, besides labs, technical skills, and physical education classes, standardized classes (classes set as progression goals) advanced according to the student’s own pace. Modern schools allowed for personalized education to be displayed on the terminal screens in class and did not heavily restrict start and end times.
3304
3305In modern schools, the higher the grade level, the less emphasis was placed on determining class time and break time. The fact that the school changed the entire 5th period into an assembly to properly send off the representatives was a clear sign of how highly the school viewed this event.
3306
3307“Tatsuya-kun will also be onstage during the ceremony, correct?”
3308
3309“Hm, yeah……”
3310
3311Tatsuya stammered out a reply to Mizuki’s question because this was precisely the point of contention that plagued him.
3312
3313“And Tatsuya is the only First Year student, right?”
3314
3315Just as Leo said, the only First Year student accepted into the technician team was Tatsuya.
3316
3317Experience in CAD maintenance was absolutely necessary, so naturally upperclassmen should be the ones selected for the technician team, except that Tatsuya’s skills were vastly different from the masses.
3318
3319Of course, when taking into consideration that he was a pioneering expert in the development of CAD software, he would definitely be overqualified for serving as an engineer in a high school competition.
3320
3321But, regardless of whether they were in his year or higher grades, no one was aware of this detail.
3322
3323Only his sister Miyuki knew.
3324
3325“Those Course 1 students look so~ very~ aggrieved.”
3326
3327The Course 1 students were still smarting from the results of the finals and this selection would only serve to throw more oil on the fire. This was blatantly obvious even without Erika verbalizing it.
3328
3329“But all the contestants are Course 1 students……”
3330
3331That was Tatsuya’s perspective.
3332
3333Since all the contestants for the Newcomers Division were Course 1 students and Tatsuya was only an auxiliary member, no one on the outside would comment on this.
3334
3335—But for the people in question, this was insufficient to comfort the other Course 1 students that aimed to become Magic Artificers.
3336
3337Tatsuya was rarely in a position that aroused jealousy.
3338
3339He also lacked the ability to envy others.
3340
3341His life experiences were not rich enough for him to observe all the minute details.
3342
3343“There’s nothing they can do about it. Jealousy alone isn’t a good enough reason.”
3344
3345So when he heard Mizuki’s piercing comment, Tatsuya was unable to formulate a reply.
3346
3347“Relax, this time no one is going to throw stones or magic at you.”
3348
3349At Erika’s overly extreme method of comforting him, Tatsuya could only smile wryly.
3350
3351
3352
3353
3354
3355After 4th period, Tatsuya reported on time to the backstage, where he was handed a thin jacket by Miyuki, who arrived before him.
3356
3357“This is?”
3358
3359For all intents and purposes, this was a normal jacket, but Tatsuya still wanted to verify that.
3360
3361“This is the uniform for the technician team. Please put that on during the ceremony in place of the actual uniform.”
3362
3363The one who answered was Mayumi.
3364
3365—With the expected answer.
3366
3367Mayumi herself was wearing a western-styled sports jacket.
3368
3369That was probably the uniform for contestants.
3370
3371Miyuki, who was still in her school uniform, let out an expectant smile as she held out the jacket to Tatsuya with both hands.
3372
3373A brief, mischievous urge flashed across his mind, but Tatsuya knew that resistance was futile.
3374
3375Tatsuya frankly removed the jacket of his school uniform and hung it on the coat hanger prepared ahead of time.
3376
3377Next, he slightly bent his knees and allowed Miyuki to help him put on the jacket.
3378
3379Standing behind him, Miyuki tugged the jacket over her brother’s shoulders before looping to the front and adjusting the collar and sleeves. Afterwards, she took a step back to glance over her brother’s torso and letting out a wide, satisfied smile.
3380
3381Tatsuya was largely aware of why his sister was in such a fantastic mood.
3382
3383Her happiness was likely caused by the school emblem embroidered over the jacket’s left breast.
3384
3385The emblem was styled after a flower with eight petals.
3386
3387Miyuki’s uniform had the same emblem over the same location.
3388
3389The emblem of First High.
3390
3391And not a replacement either, but the symbol of a Course 1 student.
3392
3393“Onii-sama, that suits you perfectly……”
3394
3395The intramural competition uniforms were largely the same as the normal ones, which was natural since it was only intended to identify which school the contestants belonged to.
3396
3397However, in Miyuki’s eyes, Tatsuya’s appearance was finally restored to its rightful state.
3398
3399Tatsuya honestly couldn’t care less but it was precisely because he didn’t care that he didn’t want to spoil the mood. There was still some time until the commencement of the ceremony, so Tatsuya waited around wearing the uniform for the technician team.
3400
3401Miyuki was completely mesmerized by the dashing figure Tatsuya cut in his uniform. She remained standing there without tiring in her uniform. Tatsuya gazed around him but failed to catch sight of Miyuki’s western sport jacket. Even with the copious amount of time remaining, Tatsuya still felt that she should get ready as soon as possible.
3402
3403“Don’t you need to change?”
3404
3405“I’m serving as the ceremonial assistant.”
3406
3407Hearing Tatsuya’s question, Miyuki snapped out of her mesmerized expression to reply with her usual smile on her face.
3408
3409In other words, this was the only time that Miyuki was excluded from the participant standing and served instead as the representative for the send-off party…… At least that’s how Tatsuya interpreted Miyuki’s words.
3410
3411“Is that so, that’s quite a heavy responsibility.”
3412
3413“Please don’t remind me…….”
3414
3415There was no way she would shrink at such a marginal duty, but she still employed that weak tone and faltering gaze, prompting Tatsuya to smile softly and lay a hand on his sister’s head.
3416
3417—The surrounding onlookers directed cold gazes towards the two of them.
3418
3419
3420
3421
3422
3423The team members responsible for organizing the so-called send off ceremony got the event started on time, and everything proceeded according to plan.
3424
3425Even if Tatsuya stood onstage, there would be no stones or magic hurtled his way — that was a given.
3426
3427However, for him, this was a very foreign location.
3428
3429The participants and engineers assembled into two lines. Among the technician team, only Tatsuya was an underclassman. All the others were upperclassmen, which naturally lent the feeling that he was the odd man out.
3430
3431Thanks to Tatsuya’s performance during the selection meeting, he was spared the outright hostile or contemptuous gazes on stage.
3432
3433That being said, it wasn’t like the gazes were friendly. Favorable evaluation does not equate to a favorable impression.
3434
3435Regardless of how they looked at it, his acceptance onto the team was an unprecedented elevation and special treatment.
3436
3437To top it all off, Tatsuya was presently garbed in the jacket with the coveted eight petal flower emblem embroidered on it.
3438
3439Surely someone must consider this offensive, which inevitably led to further backlash that he could do nothing about. Beneath the luminous lights, Tatsuya calmly thought about this as if he wasn’t the principal.
3440
3441During this time, they were introducing each contestant in turn on stage.
3442
3443Mayumi was the master of ceremonies.
3444
3445Upon being called, each participant would receive a special medal that concealed the ID crystal needed to enter the competition arena.
3446
3447To improve the presentation, Miyuki was responsible for presenting the medal to each individual.
3448
3449Just the contestants alone numbered 40 people (excluding Miyuki and Mayumi there were 38), so this was a very time-consuming process, but probably owing to her excellent upbringing, Miyuki maintained a sweet smile throughout as she smoothly pinned the medals onto each individual.
3450
3451In such an extreme proximity that they could feel her breath, no male student was immune to Miyuki’s smile as they desperately tried to fight their blushing and shaky expressions.
3452
3453If that was the case, this scene would undoubtedly rouse the ire of the entire female student body, but even the female students that received the medals had succumbed to flushed faces or faltering gazes, so no one in the audience (especially the upperclassmen) was irked and instead smiled in agreement.
3454
3455The medals were not just presented to the participants, but to the auxiliary team as well.
3456
3457After the tactical advisory team was introduced, it was finally the technical support team’s turn.
3458
3459“Somehow I feel a little nervous.”
3460
3461Someone next to him suddenly spoke to him, causing Tatsuya to slightly turn his head.
3462
3463The male student to his flank also turned his head slightly, catching Tatsuya’s gaze directly.
3464
3465The level of Tatsuya’s sight was slightly higher.
3466
3467If he recalled correctly, this was the Year 2 student named Isori Kei. Of course, he was a Course 1 student (and Tatsuya was the only Course 2 student onstage anyways).
3468
3469“Yeah.”
3470
3471He was one of the very few that were openly friendly to Tatsuya.
3472
3473This handsome youth possessed a mild temperament and, coupled with his slender figure, if he exchanged the pants for a dress, would perfectly fit the description of a “tall female student”. However, he was also First Place in Magic Theory for the Year 2 class as well as one of the foremost Magicians with technical skills.
3474
3475As Tatsuya re-examined his “beauty” at close range, he got the distinct impression that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
3476
3477They were still on stage, so the conversation ended there.
3478
3479However, even for a slower individual like Tatsuya, to be able to find one shining light of friendliness in this murky ocean of negativity was enough to lessen the gloomy emotions welling up in his heart.
3480
3481As he felt his depression lighten, he had the excess energy to survey the audience.
3482
3483Since there wasn’t any assigned seating in the audience, the student body naturally split into two, with the Course 1 students in front and the Course 2 students in the rear.
3484
3485That being said, a few outsiders had managed to infiltrate the front half.
3486
3487They probably detected Tatsuya’s gaze.
3488
3489Erika vigorously waved at him from her seat in the third row from the front, which was close enough to be called front row seating.
3490
3491Tatsuya was thoroughly astounded by this.
3492
3493Taking a closer look, Mizuki sat next to Erika, with Leo on her other side and Mikihiko occupying Leo’s other flank. Even the faces behind them were all familiar.
3494
3495In sheer defiance of the disapproving looks sent their way by the surrounding Course 1 students, First Year Class E stormed the front of seating and claimed a section for themselves.
3496
3497As Tatsuya was drawn to their courageous actions, Miyuki arrived in front of him with a small cart before her.
3498
3499Of the 40 contestants, 4 tactical advisors, 8 technicians and removing the master of ceremonies and assistant, there were a total of 50 people on stage. Forty-nine of them had already received their medals.
3500
3501Last, but not least, it was finally the 50th person’s turn.
3502
3503In other words, Tatsuya was up next.
3504
3505Mayumi loudly proclaimed his name.
3506
3507Was Tatsuya over thinking too much, or did she place extra emphasis on his name?
3508
3509
3510
3511
3512
3513Tatsuya stepped forward to acknowledge the announcement.
3514
3515Miyuki revealed a brilliant, melting smile — enough to cause Tatsuya to be worried about his sister’s mental status — and stood before Tatsuya.
3516
3517Miyuki clipped the medal onto Tatsuya’s jacket.
3518
3519At the same time, thunderous applause broke forth.
3520
3521There was no need for any visual confirmation.
3522
3523It was Erika and Leo leading the rest of his classmates in applause.
3524
3525To Mayumi and Miyuki, who were responsible for directing the ceremony, this was an unplanned for ruckus.
3526
3527However, just as the First Year Course 1 students were about to hush the clapping……
3528
3529Mayumi and Miyuki seized the initiative to start clapping from the wings of the stage.
3530
3531After introducing the last representative, the entire assembly started applauding.
3532
3533This perfectly coincided with the applause for the entire team, which spread throughout the auditorium.
3534
3535
3536
3537
3538
3539After the conclusion of the colors ceremony, the entire campus was completely focused on preparing for the Nine Schools Competition.
3540
3541With the events they would be participating in settled, Miyuki spent every day practicing with Shizuku and Honoka until the last second before the campus closed.
3542
3543Tatsuya needed to perform CAD maintenance at the same time he was assisting Miyuki with her tasks, so he was also occupied until late in the day.
3544
3545Both Erika and Leo were affiliated with athletic clubs, so they were also drafted to help deal with the myriad tasks that needed doing.
3546
3547Mizuki was the only one in the literary clubs, so this week she usually waited by herself for everyone else to finish.
3548
3549Last week’s colors ceremony filled her with anxiety.
3550
3551Even though there was no assigned seating, it still took a lot of courage to disregard that unspoken rule.
3552
3553There was no way she could do that alone, though the situation was more like if Erika hadn’t been there, none of their classmates would’ve taken the plunge either.
3554
3555Mizuki acknowledged her own introverted and cowering personality, so she was doubly impressed by and envious of her friend.
3556
3557(But why was Erika striving so hard like that……?)
3558
3559Mizuki was forcibly dragged along by Erika into participating.
3560
3561Of course, she wanted to support Tatsuya as well, but reflecting on the situation, she would be more than satisfied with applauding from the rear.
3562
3563Erika was inclined towards reckless behavior, so her ulterior motive may also be to taunt the Course 1 students.
3564
3565At the same time, Erika was a flighty individual that usually didn’t think things through.
3566
3567In Mizuki’s eyes, she was someone who loved to get in on the action, but rarely was the source of any troublesome business. This could be easily explained if it only involved her best friends like Mizuki, but to be motivated enough to involve all of their classmates, this didn’t seem to fit a practical joker’s state of mind.
3568
3569(So Erika is really like that towards Tatsuya…… Right……?)
3570
3571From Mizuki’s perspective, the male who hit it off the best with Erika was Leo.
3572
3573Erika also had an extensive back story with Mikihiko, who took Third Place in the Theoretical portion of their exams.
3574
3575But Mizuki felt that Erika held something special for Tatsuya that weighed far differently than the others.
3576
3577For some reason, Mizuki refused to assign this feeling Erika had a specific definition in her mind.
3578
3579She arrived at the school entrance less than 5 minutes ago.
3580
3581The time was too short for her to claim that she was tired of waiting.
3582
3583However, this was more than enough time to jolt her thinking.
3584
3585Without any conscious effort, an assortment of things flowed through Mizuki’s mind.
3586
3587This situation would perfectly fit the criteria for being distracted.
3588
3589And so, with her sense unfocused towards any single point, she spread her senses outward and detected a foreign wavelength.
3590
3591Mizuki pondered this for exactly one second.
3592
3593Then she made up her mind to remove her glasses.
3594
3595Instantly, a tidal wave of flowing colors came rushing in.
3596
3597Her vision was filled with colorful lights from a myriad of shades.
3598
3599Mizuki temporarily sustained the pain in her eyes brought on by the excess stimulation.
3600
3601For her, the act of removing her glasses was like walking from pitch darkness into the sun’s radiant rays.
3602
3603The things she usually avoided looking at suddenly became visible.
3604
3605The surplus data gave her a rudderless feeling as her ocular nerves and brain were overloaded by processing all this information.
3606
3607If this happened to the average person, they might’ve been knocked unconscious by this information deluge, but for her, this was “another world” that had been by her side since birth.
3608
3609Even people that were suddenly exposed before the powerful rays of the sun swiftly adapted after a short period of time.
3610
3611For people with dark pupils suitable for intense light, this time would be even shorter.
3612
3613All Mizuki had to do was blink two or three times and her eyes adjusted to be able to see a psion light several dozen times stronger than what the average Magician perceives as well as the pushion light that average Magicians couldn’t even identify.
3614
3615Mizuki cautiously replaced her glasses into the carrying case, then directed her gaze towards the odd vibration from earlier.
3616
3617She swiftly found the frequency that allowed her to penetrate the anti-spirit light lens.
3618
3619The pushion signal that possessed a wavering but regular beat like breathing.
3620
3621Now, even the source of the light could be easily seen.
3622
3623Mizuki advanced towards the Technical Skills Building where the vibration originated from as if drawn to it.
3624
3625The closer she got to the Technical Skills Building, the more she felt the seeping cold air in the surrounding environment.
3626
3627This was the middle of summer, and even if the setting sun was partially blocked by the neighboring hills and cut a horizon that was not altogether “curved”, the temperature was still more than high enough to be sweating.
3628
3629This was an illusion.
3630
3631“Something” was pretending to be cold air, tucked within the folds of the warm summer air.
3632
3633This “something” seemed to order Mizuki to turn back.
3634
3635Like threatening her to desist her advance.
3636
3637However, her feet did not come to a halt.
3638
3639Logic demanded that she turn back, but Mizuki was a member of the magic community and destined to walk side by side with magic, so Mizuki’s instincts instructed her to use her pair of “eyes” to ascertain what this something was.
3640
3641There were very few people in the Technical Skills Building, so there were no sounds of friction or loud laughter.
3642
3643The overhead lights on the ceiling maintained a degree of brightness that made for comfortable browsing of tiny letters.
3644
3645Just as usual.
3646
3647No, this was a school for magic instruction and this was the Technical Skills Building frequented by many individuals.
3648
3649If an incident had occurred, it couldn’t have gone unnoticed by the instructors and upperclassmen.
3650
3651In comparison to ordinary high schools, magic high schools had no place for ghost stories or urban legends.
3652
3653Since no alarm was triggered, that meant that the unusual situation that Mizuki detected was the product of magic.
3654
3655Otherwise — the true spiritual manifestation that could not be detected by modern magic.
3656
3657An ominous feeling wrapped around her heart and caused her back to quiver, but Mizuki pressed forward as if being herded in or dragged in without her control.
3658
3659As Mizuki was led upstairs, she noticed a faint, pleasant smell lingering in the air.
3660
3661She had encountered this fragrance during Magic Medicine class.
3662
3663The fragrance was a combination of many incense woods that produced a sedative effect.
3664
3665She pursed the pulse towards the medicine labs.
3666
3667The irregular pushion lights seemed to be caused by a certain student’s magical experiment.
3668
3669After verifying that this wasn’t a true spiritual manifestation, Mizuki let out a sigh of relief.
3670
3671And so, the sense of curiosity that was lurking behind her wall of unease peeked its head out.
3672
3673One of the fundamental lessons first taught in Magic Technical Skills class is that one must never intrude on another person’s magic experiment site without permission. Unannounced guests run the risk of accidentally triggering the magic area and may even cause the magic to spontaneously burst out of control. The school has repeatedly reminded them that it is extremely dangerous and foolish for Magicians-in-training — such as new students like them — to barge into magic experiments unannounced.
3674
3675However, the current Mizuki had completely forgotten that warning.
3676
3677Mizuki’s misdirected sense of caution prompted her to surreptitiously sneak over and nudge a small crack in the door.
3678
3679She meticulously avoided making any noise and peeked into the room’s interior from the crack.
3680
3681In that instant—
3682
3683Mizuki was barely able to swallow her scream of terror.
3684
3685No, rather than being one of terror, it was simply a scream of surprise.
3686
3687Inside the medicine lab, there were many blue, sky blue, and dark blue orbs dancing through the air.
3688
3689Each orb had an independent “strength” and “consciousness”.
3690
3691Mizuki knew through “visual confirmation” that all things in the natural order possessed differing strengths that did not tilt towards any particular direction, but maintained a constant state of flux. Mizuki was quite familiar with scenes of “strength”-based natural phenomena that congregated as floating orbs. In her “eyes”, the myriad details of the world were similar to the pushion flow that the human consciousness released.
3692
3693However, this was the first time Mizuki felt that the floating congregates possessed a “consciousness”.
3694
3695(Spirits……?)
3696
3697Is this what they call spirits — she thought.
3698
3699Mizuki was deeply moved by this, enough to abandon all other thoughts.
3700
3701And the person who summoned these spirits was—
3702
3703“Yoshida-kun……?”
3704
3705Completely abandoning any caution whatsoever, Mizuki softly murmured.
3706
3707This was an entirely subconscious action.
3708
3709Even so, the one whose name was called was no pushover.
3710
3711Especially because he was situated in a private location where no one would pass by and the fact that someone witnessed his secret “magic”.
3712
3713“Who’s there!”
3714
3715A completely reflexive inquiry.
3716
3717His words were laced with the fury of being discovered, causing the “consciousness” in the “orbs” to react.
3718
3719“Ah!”
3720
3721As the orbs swarmed forward, Mizuki screamed and clenched her eyes shut.
3722
3723Simultaneously, a “strong gust” approached from her flank, forcing her to duck down.
3724
3725But this was a flow of psions that would neither disturb a hair nor rustle her dress.
3726
3727The gust swept back the swarming orbs and protected Mizuki, but she had no way of knowing with her eyes closed.
3728
3729Trembling with trepidation, Mizuki slowly opened her eyes to find Mikihiko hatefully glaring at Tatsuya, who calmly accepted this gaze without expression.
3730
3731“……Mikihiko, relax, I don’t want to throw down with you here.”
3732
3733At Tatsuya’s sudden appearance, Mizuki could only stare with wide eyes from her kneeling position. Before her, Tatsuya had two empty hands raised before him.
3734
3735This was universal for both Magicians and mundanes, a sign that the person in question did not wish to fight.
3736
3737Mikihiko revealed a thoroughly astounded expression and his enmity vanished at the same moment, as if it had never appeared in the first place.
3738
3739This quickly dispelled the tense atmosphere. Mizuki finally shed her frozen posture and rose with a crestfallen Mikihiko in front of her.
3740
3741“……Tatsuya, my apologies, I didn’t mean to do that.”
3742
3743Mikihiko looked like a lost child without a home.
3744
3745All of a sudden, Mizuki felt the urge to “comfort him”, but was anxious because she couldn’t find the appropriate words.
3746
3747Fortunately, they managed to avoid the awkward period of silence.
3748
3749“I don’t mind, so put your mind at ease. At the end of the day, it was Mizuki’s fault for disrupting the caster’s concentration during the magic invocation phase.”
3750
3751“Eh? Me?”
3752
3753Mizuki hurriedly turned around only to find Tatsuya mischievously smirking at her and quickly realized that he wasn’t really scolding her.
3754
3755“No, it’s not her fault.”
3756
3757However, Mikihiko didn’t see it that way.
3758
3759When he rejected Tatsuya’s comment, he spoke in a fairly rapid manner.
3760
3761This was probably because Tatsuya’s comment hit too close to home, causing him to panic slightly.
3762
3763“It is only because of my own inadequacy that I would become frantic at just being called by name…… Also, I’m sorry I forgot something very important. Thanks, Tatsuya. Thanks to you, I didn’t accidentally hurt Shibata-san.”
3764
3765“She would be fine even if I didn’t do anything. Just then, that was Spirit Magic right?”
3766
3767Mikihiko nodded at Tatsuya’s question, but hesitated for some reason.
3768
3769“Based on the Buddhist spirits of heaven and earth, our family calls it ‘Divine Earth Magic’.”
3770
3771Even so, Mikihiko stuck by his guns, probably because this was a non-negotiable point for Magicians.
3772
3773Spirit Magic is a type of Ancient Magic which uses independent Information Bodies commonly called “spirits” to interact with other Information Bodies. Magic studies often refers to this magic as “Spirit Magic”, but also shortens spirits to SB (Spiritual Being), but users generally refer to them as “spirits”.
3774
3775“I don’t have the ability to identify spirits, but I do know that you’re the one controlling the rite. On top of that, Mizuki actually managed to bypass the dispersal ward, so it would be fairly difficult for her not to surprise you.”
3776
3777“How did you know about the ward…… Oh right, Tatsuya also studied Ancient Magic, so you would know if a rite is effective or not…… Looks like you are truly out…… No, you’ve surpassed the limits of my knowledge.”
3778
3779“You can go ahead and say ‘outrageous’.”
3780
3781Tatsuya spoke in a teasing manner, to which Mikihiko replied with a wry smile — the tense corners of his mouth relaxed.
3782
3783“At any rate…… No matter how much you don’t want other people to see you, I think that setting a ward within the school labs also qualifies as an outrageous action.”
3784
3785“True.”
3786
3787Their combined laughter completely erased the previously tense atmosphere.
3788
3789“Just now, were you using summoning magic on natural spirits? This is the first time I’ve seen it.”
3790
3791“……Hiding anything at this point is fruitless. Tatsuya is correct, I was using water spirits to practice summoning magic.”
3792
3793Mikihiko gathered the burning incense wood from the table stove and answered Tatsuya.
3794
3795Beside him, Mizuki was using a cleaning cloth to wipe away the ashes that stuck to the tabletop.
3796
3797Of course, Mikihiko wanted to politely decline this gesture, but Mizuki’s diligence proved particularly stubborn on this point.
3798
3799“Water spirits…… Unfortunately, I only know that they are the congregations of pushions…… Mizuki, what did you see?”
3800
3801“Eh? Ah, me too, the only thing I saw were blue-colored orbs.”
3802
3803Hearing Tatsuya’s question, Mizuki made a vague smile and shook her hands in a wavy manner before her.
3804
3805Because Mizuki was still holding the wet cleaning rag in her hand as she did this, a small portion of the murky water splashed onto Mikihiko’s face, but she was wholly unaware because the question caught her completely off-guard.
3806
3807As Mikihiko himself…… he also seemed unaware.
3808
3809His eyes were wide open as his expression tensed.
3810
3811“Colored……? You can see differences in color……?”
3812
3813“That, uh…… Yes.”
3814
3815Mizuki didn’t understand why Mikihiko wore (from Mizuki’s perspective) a terrified expression, so she answered back in a quavering voice.
3816
3817“For example…… blue, sky blue, or dark blue…… Ah!”
3818
3819Mizuki didn’t dare to look Mikihiko in the eye, so she didn’t stare directly at him as she replied. However, she let out a small cry upon noticing the small droplets of water on Mikihiko’s face.
3820
3821“S-s-sorry! That…… Oh, right, handkerchief, handkerchief.”
3822
3823Mizuki scrambled to get her handkerchief from the school bag to wipe Mikihiko’s face.
3824
3825However, Mikihiko roughly grabbed her extended hand.
3826
3827And dragged the terrified Mizuki right before him.
3828
3829Mikihiko caught the off balance Mizuki and stared at her eyes from such a close proximity that it seemed like he was about to kiss her.
3830
3831“Uh…… This……”
3832
3833Mizuki was so confused and frantic that she was incoherent, but Mikihiko didn’t seem to notice that.
3834
3835Mikihiko just kept staring without batting an eyelid, while the panicking Mizuki didn’t dare to turn around.
3836
3837Without any warning, the two of them just continued to stare at one another.
3838
3839“……If this was a consensual scene then I’d have to excuse myself, but otherwise that may be a slight problem.”
3840
3841“Wah!”
3842
3843“Ah!”
3844
3845The two of them froze like they had forgotten how to breathe, but, likely recovering upon hearing Tatsuya’s innocuous voice, quickly sprang apart.
3846
3847“……I apologize.”
3848
3849“Please…… Please don’t say it like that…… I’m the one who should apologize.”
3850
3851Quite the conundrum.
3852
3853It was fairly obvious why Mikihiko was asking for forgiveness — that was borderline sexual harassment, and he shouldn’t complain even if he got slapped in the face — but why was Mizuki also apologizing?
3854
3855Most likely out of panic. Tatsuya also felt that the atmosphere was putting him off as well.
3856
3857“……Miyuki, Erika and Leo are already at the rendezvous, so if you feel like staying, we can head back first.”
3858
3859“Eh? Ah, Tatsuya-kun, so that’s why you came looking for me…… Wait, ah!”
3860
3861Mizuki seemed to take half a second to process what Tatsuya told her (more like she took half a second to do this from her perspective), let out a cry of shock, then lapsed back into silence. No, she likely had something she wanted to say, but her frozen mouth was incapable of uttering words. It appeared that her distress had caused a blockage in the speech area of her brain.
3862
3863At any rate, this should only be a temporary setback — Tatsuya thought as he put this in the rear view mirror — alas, his expression was a far cry from his usual “poker face” — as he directed his view towards Mikihiko.
3864
3865“So, Mikihiko, what was that all about?”
3866
3867Tatsuya started to dissect Mikihiko’s astounding action with considerable interest.
3868
3869“Sorry, I was just so shocked……”
3870
3871Mikihiko let out a small sigh of relief at the change in topic and quickly took this opportunity to respond to Tatsuya’s query.
3872
3873“Wait, there’s no need to apologize to me. Why were you so surprised?”
3874
3875“Well……”
3876
3877Hearing Tatsuya’s words, Mikihiko once more bowed towards Mizuki.
3878
3879“I’m terribly sorry.
3880
3881That was because I never thought someone could tell the difference in color between spirits……
3882
3883At the thought that you might possess crystal eyes, I simply couldn’t sit still and lost control of myself……
3884
3885I know this just sounds like an excuse, but I definitely didn’t plan anything nefarious.
3886
3887I truly just wanted to verify that fact.”
3888
3889Mikihiko’s earnest apology achieved the desired effect; Mizuki’s frazzled state returned to normal.
3890
3891Just as he said, this was only an excuse.
3892
3893This was entirely on Mikihiko and his unrestrained curiosity and had nothing to do with Mizuki.
3894
3895Even so, at Mikihiko’s desperate explanation, Mizuki responded with both a warm and gentle gaze, signifying that she had already forgiven him.
3896
3897“Yoshida-kun, it’s alright, I was just surprised, that’s all.”
3898
3899After saying this, Mizuki revealed a sweet and relaxing smile and quickly added, “But that would be terribly embarrassing, so please don’t do that again.”
3900
3901His face completely flushed, Mikihiko nodded vigorously.
3902
3903It looked like the earlier attempted sexual harassment had reached a peaceful conclusion and Tatsuya’s satire never occurred, but Tatsuya didn’t want to dwell on that too much.
3904
3905“Speaking of which, Mikihiko, why are you surprised?”
3906
3907Seeing the two of them return to normal, Tatsuya resumed the earlier questioning.
3908
3909“Based on what you said, the ability to identify the colors of the spirits is extremely rare?”
3910
3911Tatsuya possessed the ability to decipher psion information bodies, but did not view the information body as an image during his analysis, so he wasn’t aware whether color identification was special or not. No, the ability to identify pushion information bodies was definitely rare, but Tatsuya could not comprehend why “color identification” had any special meaning.
3912
3913At Tatsuya’s question, Mizuki also looked at Mikihiko with the same look in her eyes. She probably had the same question as well.
3914
3915“Also, what do you mean by crystal eyes? If convenient, can you explain that to us?”
3916
3917Mizuki’s eyes clearly showed that she wanted to know as well.
3918
3919“……Yeah, it’s not like the information is any sort of secret.”
3920
3921Mikihiko’s brief delay before answering clearly hinted that what he was about to say wasn’t so simple. Tatsuya detected that Mikihiko occasionally showed lapses of irresponsibility…… that bordered on self-destructive impulses.
3922
3923“Spirits have colors, and we as Summoning Magicians rely on these colors to identify the different types of spirits.”
3924
3925That being said, Mikihiko seemed very sincere as he began to explain the nuances of Summoning and didn’t give off an irresponsible feeling.
3926
3927“Even so, it’s not like we can actually see the spirit’s color.”
3928
3929Mizuki was confounded.
3930
3931Tatsuya also didn’t follow, but he didn’t immediately ask and merely used his eyes to signal Mikihiko to continue.
3932
3933“In reality, spirits don’t possess set colors at all. The colors that the Magician ‘sees’ change depending on what system or style they belong to.
3934
3935Take my style for example: water spirits are blue.
3936
3937But in Europe, the local style claims that water spirits are purple.
3938
3939On the mainland, the dominant opinion is that the color is a dark blue-ish hue that is almost black.
3940
3941This wasn’t because the vibrations of the spirits differed based on location and magic.
3942
3943It was because the Magicians used different methods of identification, hence why they ‘see’ different colors.”
3944
3945“……In other words, they aren’t identified by sight, but through magic recognition of the vibrations?”
3946
3947“Correct.
3948
3949In order to better identify the spirits, we use colors to categorize the oscillations.
3950
3951You could say that we’ve embellished the spirits a little.
3952
3953So, we each have a method of identifying spirit colors.
3954
3955In my style, water spirits are blue, fire spirits are red, earth spirits are yellow, and wind spirits are green.
3956
3957No difference in shade or brightness.
3958
3959We all apply the same color in our minds, so there’s no discrepancy in hue.
3960
3961So all water spirits are strictly blue.
3962
3963According to this identification system, it’s impossible to see sky blue or dark blue water spirits.”
3964
3965“……But Mizuki saw them.”
3966
3967“She probably felt the discrepancy in hue due to the strength and nature of the water spirits and ‘truly’ saw the spirits color.
3968
3969My style refers to those types of eyes as ‘crystal eyes’.
3970
3971This term is likely used by other styles under different circumstances, but for our style, they refer to the eyes that can see ‘god’.
3972
3973Rumors say that those who can see the colors of the spirits are also able to see where spirits spring forth and congregate, as well as the ‘divine spirits’ of the natural order and the key to accessing those systems.
3974
3975To us, the people with crystal eyes are mikos that can connect to the divine spirit systems.”
3976
3977“In other words, Mizuki is exactly the person you guys are looking for?”
3978
3979“Yes…… But there’s no need to worry. Currently, I don’t have the power to stand against ‘god’. If it was the me from a year ago, I might have arrogantly claimed her for myself, the current me possesses neither the desire nor the mettle to try. That being said, I also won’t reveal to other Magicians that she’s such a critical individual for divine magics. Even if it’s my own brother, I could never bear to simply watch as others ascended to the heights of Divine Earth Magic. I won’t tell anyone about Shibata-san’s crystal eyes.”
3980
3981Mikihiko’s gaze was unyielding.
3982
3983Flecks of madness danced just below the surface.
3984
3985Tatsuya read that as a metamorphosis of his original possessiveness.
3986
3987This wasn’t “claimed for himself”, but “refusal to allow anyone else to do so”.
3988
3989Mikihiko was staring at Mizuki with those kinds of eyes.
3990
3991“……That’s true, I will also keep this a secret.”
3992
3993Based solely on the fact that neither “wished for their friend to be used”, Tatsuya and Mikihiko could agree.
3994
3995So he signaled his agreement by nodding his head.
3996
3997Signaled to Mikihiko.
3998
3999And to Mizuki as well.
4000
4001Mizuki wore an open expression of astonishment at Tatsuya’s motion and quickly responded with a placating smile without comprehending the reason behind it.
4002
4003
4004
4005
4006
4007Chapter 4
4008
4009
4010
4011
4012August 1st.
4013
4014The departure date for the Nine Schools Competition finally arrived.
4015
4016Otaru’s Eighth High and Kumamoto’s Ninth High would leave earlier due to their respective locations, whereas First High, conveniently located on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo, usually departed for the competition dormitories the day before the contest begins.
4017
4018Rather than attaching any strategic importance to this, it was mainly because the remote schools had priority access to the training facilities.
4019
4020The official competition arena was restricted until the day of the competition, so there was no real reason to arrive earlier—
4021
4022“That’s how it is.”
4023
4024“Is that so…… At any rate, thank you for your simple explanation.”
4025
4026Tatsuya wanted to ask Mari, in a tone laden with sarcasm, if there was any reason she was telling him all this, but he patiently waited for her to finish her explanation and quickly shook his head to dispel this ridiculous impulse that wouldn’t serve anyone.
4027
4028The two of them were speaking beneath the blazing sun reigning in the middle of the blue summer sky. Exactly why were they making themselves more heated on this hot and humid day? Even if you asked him, Tatsuya had no answer for that one.
4029
4030This was not in his interest.
4031
4032“Sorry~!”
4033
4034This exclamation was accompanied by the music of sandals lightly tapping on the pavement. Looking towards the sound’s source, Mari let out a sigh and smiled beneath her parasol while Tatsuya, completely heedless of the sun beating down on him, wordlessly checked off the last member of the roster on his terminal device.
4035
4036—One and a half hours late, everyone was finally here.
4037
4038“Mayumi, you’re so slow.”
4039
4040“Sorry, sorry.”
4041
4042Both the reprimand and the apology were just as concise.
4043
4044The two of them proceeded to embark onto the bus as if nothing had occurred.
4045
4046At least, until Mayumi came off the bus empty-handed.
4047
4048“……Did you forget something?”
4049
4050Tatsuya asked, slightly concerned that his poker face was slipping.
4051
4052Spare change of clothes, cosmetics and other living supplies — Miyuki was obviously the one who taught him that cosmetics were a must-have for overnight stays — have already been bundled into the storage compartment, and the checklists mailed from each of the contestants’ families have already been matched with the luggage, so nothing was missing.
4053
4054Even if something was left behind, the dormitories had plenty of spares. This was at most a two hour bus trip, so there shouldn’t be a need for much luggage.
4055
4056“No, it’s not that…… Tatsuya-kun, I apologize that you had to wait so long for me.”
4057
4058“Please don’t concern yourself with that. I’m well aware of your situation.”
4059
4060Mayumi wasn’t tardy because of some preposterous reason like oversleeping or getting the time wrong.
4061
4062Three hours ago, she suddenly sent word that she would be late due to family business.
4063
4064In her message, Mayumi asked for everyone to depart without her and that she would meet them at the destination later. Still, the 3rd Year students unanimously agreed to wait for her, so they asked Mayumi to get here as soon as she could.
4065
4066This wasn’t because she was next in line for the Saegusa Family.
4067
4068She had two older brothers.
4069
4070Even if she was a direct descendant from the Ten Master Clans, Mayumi was the little sister who was still in high school, so there were very few cases where she was responsible for handling family business. That being said, the very fact that the family recalled her the day of the school’s official event clearly hinted that this was extremely important.
4071
4072From Mayumi’s perspective, if the other students set off on time, she could get there at a more leisurely pace rather than hurrying along. However, since everyone — Tatsuya actually disagreed in private — was set on waiting for her, Mayumi was forced to pick up the pace.
4073
4074Thus, Tatsuya was not going to call her out for being one or two hours late.
4075
4076“Isn’t it too hot?”
4077
4078“It’s still in the morning, so it’s OK, and this temperature isn’t bad at all.”
4079
4080Tatsuya was the only 1st Year student in the auxiliaries, so he was responsible for roll call.
4081
4082There were 40 contestants, 4 strategic advisors, and 8 technicians.
4083
4084Of the 12 people that were not contestants, only Tatsuya was a 1st Year student.
4085
4086Of course, there were other auxiliary members besides these 12 people. Not counting the strategy and technician team, there were also 20 volunteers that performed all the busywork, but they already departed for the premises, so there wasn’t even a faculty member present. Only the drivers and the official participants were taking the bus and four cargo vehicles.
4087
4088“But you’re sweating like a horse…… Wait, what? You’re not really sweating that much.”
4089
4090“No, I have at least enough magic to ward off the sweat…… but I’m not gross enough to not sweat at all during the summer.”
4091
4092He was using magic to purify the sweat and releasing it through the skin and clothes.
4093
4094Tatsuya’s intrinsic magic “Dissolution”, in terms of categorization belongs to a derivative of Separation Magic. It was a combination of “Gather”, “Disperse”, “Absorb”, and “Release”, but to be honest, “Release” probably made up the highest percentage.
4095
4096Thus, he was more adept at Release Systematic Magic.
4097
4098“You actually used the word gross……”
4099
4100The word wasn’t particularly odd, but Mayumi smiled brilliantly, as if encountering something especially comical.
4101
4102Must be the season.
4103
4104At this moment, Tatsuya thought her smile was as radiant as the sun.
4105
4106This must have been a hallucination brought on by the sun, the temperature, and the humidity.
4107
4108……The best evidence came from the way Mayumi’s smile instantaneously switched to her usual teasing smile.
4109
4110“By the way, Tatsuya-kun, what do you think of this?”
4111
4112The “this” that she spoke of…… must be the same one Tatsuya had on his mind.
4113
4114Mayumi was referring to the summer dress that she wore.
4115
4116She used both hands to hold the large-brimmed hat and posed, making it very hard to misunderstand.
4117
4118They were only checking in to the dorms today and there were no official activities.
4119
4120Probably because of this, even if it’s a school activity, there was no obligation to wear school uniforms.
4121
4122The 1st Year students including Tatsuya were all garbed in their uniforms, but less than half the 2nd Year students were in uniform, while almost all the 3rd Year students were in casual clothes.
4123
4124With that in mind, taking into account how modern decorum frowned upon skin that was not covered in clothing, the majority of the students were dressed like Mari in long sleeved tunics and pants that were easy to move in.
4125
4126One notable exception was a 2nd Year female student named Chiyoda. She was wearing shorts and long socks that extended to her thighs; it was hard to tell if it was a wardrobe suitable for summer. As for Isori, Chiyoda seemed to have forced him to wear pants that only extended to mid shin with longer socks as well, just as if they were a couple (which, in fact, they were).
4127
4128Among this group, Mayumi’s appearance was very conspicuous.
4129
4130As a matter of fact, she was “extremely conspicuous”.
4131
4132Both her arms and shoulders were revealed in her summer dress.
4133
4134The length was also above her knees.
4135
4136Her bare legs were matched with a pair of high heeled sandals.
4137
4138Her skin was lightly browned, probably because she applied an anti-UV and infrared protection layer. Taking this into account, she technically wasn’t revealing anything, but this skin coloring only served to help people think that she had been sunbathing.
4139
4140“It suits senpai very well.”
4141
4142A daring summer outfit embroidered with flowers truly suited Mayumi perfectly.
4143
4144“Is that so……? Thank you.”
4145
4146The surprised tone coupled with a bashful expression was also a killer combination.
4147
4148“……If only you were slightly embarrassed while complimenting me, then that would be perfect.”
4149
4150The young lady who was 2 years older than Tatsuya extended both arms straight onto her hips and leaned forward to look upwards at him.
4151
4152Though petite, she still possessed average measurements around the bosom and, once squeezed by both arms, a lovely cleavage could be seen.
4153
4154At this point, it almost seemed intentional.
4155
4156“……Looks like a lot of hard work.”
4157
4158“……Ah?”
4159
4160Presently, Tatsuya had no way of knowing what pressing business had detained Mayumi, but she most likely accrued considerable stress.
4161
4162“President, it’s time to go. Please catch some shut-eye during the ride.”
4163
4164—Tatsuya chose to explain himself this way.
4165
4166“Wait, uh…… Tatsuya-kun? Have you misunderstood something?”
4167
4168Tatsuya’s attitude suddenly switched to a comforting one and, combined with his compassionate gaze, threw Mayumi for a loop.
4169
4170
4171
4172
4173
4174“……Seriously, Tatsuya-kun actually thought I’m bipolar. How rude.”
4175
4176In the moving bus, Mayumi angrily puffed out her cheeks, while Suzune, who was sitting beside her in the aisle seat, watched her warmly.
4177
4178“I obviously wanted him to sit next to me, but he fled to another car.”
4179
4180Speaking of which, as a technician team member, Tatsuya was supposed to sit in the storage vehicles, so from an objective point of view — or maybe from a superficial perspective, he wasn’t avoiding Mayumi.
4181
4182“Who does he think I am……”
4183
4184“That was the correct decision.”
4185
4186“Eh, Rin-chan, what did you just say?”
4187
4188Mayumi continued her lively complaints, to which Suzune calmly retorted back.
4189
4190Mayumi was wearing a sweet smile, but her eyes were not smiling. Even though she was wearing such a terrifying smile and superficially — and only superficially — asked in a cheerful tone, this didn’t impact Suzune’s calm expression in the slightest.
4191
4192“I said he made the correct decision, otherwise he might suffer at the President’s hands.”
4193
4194“Wait a minute, that’s too much! Aren’t you taking this a little too far?”
4195
4196Suzune’s utterly serious assessment caused cracks to appear in Mayumi’s steady facade.
4197
4198“There are very few male students that can resist the President’s beauty, and that beauty has a powerful magic of its own.”
4199
4200“……That……”
4201
4202“…………”
4203
4204Likely because Suzune’s expression was overly serious as she said this, Mayumi wasn’t certain if she was being honest or simply poking fun at her — however, for someone who aimed to be a Magician to say “beauty has magic”, this was most likely a joke at her expense.
4205
4206“Still, I hear that Shiba-kun excels at nullifying other people’s magic, so the President’s magical appearance cannot entrance him.”
4207
4208Even if she only heard the sound, Mayumi knew for some reason that Suzune said “magical appearance” and not “magic eyes[1]”.
4209
4210“……Rin-chan!”
4211
4212Mayumi finally realized that she was being teased.
4213
4214“OK, OK, President, please relax.”
4215
4216“You don’t have the right to tell me that!”
4217
4218Her good friend maintained her perfectly serious demeanor despite Mayumi edging closer with an outraged expression on her face, so the only thing she could do was turn her back to Suzune and throw a small tantrum by herself in the corner.
4219
4220Seeing her body hunched together from the side at a certain angle would lead to—
4221
4222“Uh…… President, are you feeling unwell……?”
4223
4224—This.
4225
4226The voice from across the aisle where Suzune sat was both worried and nervous.
4227
4228“Ah? No, it’s not that……”
4229
4230For Mayumi, this was an unexpected misunderstanding.
4231
4232As she was hesitating, Hattori, who had specifically come over to check up on her, misinterpreted the situation even further, or rather, her reaction simply reinforced his preconception.
4233
4234“Shiba mentioned earlier that the President looked tired. Looks like he wasn’t far off the mark. If that guy knew where the boundaries were…… No, this isn’t the time for that subject.”
4235
4236“Uh, Hanzou-kun. I just said, I’m not feeling sick……”
4237
4238“I know the President doesn’t want us to worry and I understand that I should respect that, but forcing yourself beyond your limits wouldn’t do us any favors.”
4239
4240Hattori was completely serious — he was earnestly concerned about Mayumi’s physical condition as he watched her.
4241
4242The reason he was blushing was likely because of Mayumi’s slightly outrageous sitting posture, where her thighs were slightly visible around the edges of the summer dress. However, both her legs were neatly placed together.
4243
4244“Vice President Hattori, where are you looking?”
4245
4246For the record, Hattori was completely focused on Mayumi’s face.
4247
4248He did not look anywhere else, but at the same time, this meant — he was desperately trying to not look anywhere else.
4249
4250He originally came over out of concern for Mayumi, but he hurriedly averted his gaze — likely out of guilt that he did look in that direction, causing Hattori to look incredibly out of sorts.
4251
4252
4253
4254
4255
4256……Given that this alone was enough for him to be guilty and wavering to this degree, only served to prove that he was an honest and innocent teenager.
4257
4258“Ichihara-senpai! I didn’t look there…… No, uh, I just wanted to offer the President a blanket……”
4259
4260Unfortunately, his innocent teenager image only served to be the perfect prey for his senpais.
4261
4262“Vice President Hattori wanted to bring the President a blanket? Then by all means, go ahead.”
4263
4264Suzune revealed an understanding expression as she rose and used her eyes to signal Hattori to hurry up.
4265
4266As for Mayumi, she pitched in by pretending to avert her eyes out of embarrassment and used both her hands to cover her slightly exposed chest.
4267
4268With a spread blanket in both hands, Hattori was rendered completely immobile.
4269
4270A definite trace of mischief could be seen in Mayumi’s eyes.
4271
4272Looks like Mayumi has become even harder to control than ever.
4273
4274……Shiba-kun made the right decision — Suzune thought to herself.
4275
4276He washed his hands of the whole deal.
4277
4278
4279
4280
4281
4282“What the heck are those guys doing……?”
4283
4284Hattori was frozen in place, Mayumi was watching with expectation dancing in her eyes, and Suzune was calmly watching from the sidelines. This awkward three-way caused Mari to sigh and comment in a helpless tone.
4285
4286As usual, Hattori was dancing to Mayumi’s tune. After verifying this, Mari sat back down after rising from her seat (as a matter of fact, her seat was facing Suzune and company’s position from across the aisle).
4287
4288Mari didn’t say this aloud, but she too was concerned on Mayumi’s behalf, but her inability to do anything was more pronounced.
4289
4290“Eh…… Just like old times……”
4291
4292Mari secretly suspected that Hattori was under a lot of stress due to Mayumi’s constant teasing, which in turn brought about his harsh attitude towards Course 2 students, and that led to Mayumi’s headaches regarding her Vice President’s actions and created a vicious cycle. This was something that did not sit well with her.
4293
4294That being said, Mari also knew that Mayumi’s stress level was far heavier than hers.
4295
4296Mari’s family boasted considerable history — rumor said that they were descended from General Watanabe Tsuna from the peaceful eras, although no one knew if this was true — but based on the current standings, they were barely on the fringes of the “Hundred Families”.
4297
4298Mari didn’t know if it was because of a mutation, if her genes skipped a generation or she simply didn’t inherit the bloodline, but at any rate she was the only one in her family with vaunted magic talent. Thus, even though her family had great hopes for her, Mari didn’t have to concern herself with the family rivalries that were abundant in magical society.
4299
4300On the other hand, the Saegusa and Yotsuba Families currently dominated the upper echelons of the Ten Master Clans and while Mayumi wasn’t the next head, she was still a direct descendant and the eldest girl, so even though she was still a high school student, there had been quite a few marriage proposals even before she reached high school (which were not rumors, but grounded in fact).
4301
4302As for Mayumi herself, even compared with the other Magicians within the Ten Master Clans, she still possessed “outstanding” magical talent. She was the subject of intense scrutiny, the veritable rising star of tomorrow among pure bloods.
4303
4304On top of that, she was also the Student Council President, which only added to the things on her plate.
4305
4306No matter how resilient her personality was, her days were by no means a walk in the park.
4307
4308She’s only playing a little bit, Mari thought, so leniency is probably the best approach.
4309
4310While she was considering this, Mari did not add in “from a friend’s perspective”, likely because she also possessed a slightly shameful teasing side to her. But if someone actually said that to her face, Mari would probably knock them to the floor.
4311
4312—Back on topic,
4313
4314Unless the ruckus got out of hand, she wasn’t going to interfere — Hattori seemed to be a willing participant anyways — so after making that somewhat one-sided decision, Mari directed her gaze out the window.
4315
4316She sat in the aisle seat of a two person row.
4317
4318So she had to look at the person sitting in the window seat.
4319
4320“……Mari-senpai, what’s up?”
4321
4322An equally listless female student asked Mari after noticing her gaze.
4323
4324“Hm? No, Kanon, I’m just looking outside.”
4325
4326Mari transferred her focal point from outside to the 2nd Year student sitting next to her, Chiyoda Kanon, who was wearing a handsome smile that was particularly popular among female students.
4327
4328She was an underclassman that Mari especially favored and Mari was actively prepping her to be the next Public Morals Committee Chief.
4329
4330Thanks to Tatsuya (if he heard this, he would strongly protest that he was coerced and not asked), Mari had already prepared the transfer documents just for her. If it wasn’t Kanon, Mari likely wouldn’t even bother.
4331
4332They were both of the Hundred Families, but Kanon belonged to the Chiyoda Family near the pinnacle. Talented Magicians from prestigious families were the true representation of “Hundred Families”.
4333
4334Here, the “Hundred Families” didn’t actually mean the number broke one hundred.
4335
4336Just as the hundreds digit followed the tens digit, the same meaning applied in that they were “families that were second only to the Ten Master Clans”.
4337
4338In addition, the Ten Master Clans did not consist of only ten families. There were a total of 28 families worthy of the name the Ten Master Clans, and whoever possessed the strongest magic (notice that this was not the most talented, but the strongest), the top ten would be collectively known as the Ten Master Clans.
4339
4340Mayumi’s Saegusa Family always boasted a large number of talented Magicians, whereas the Yotsuba Family possessed one of the strongest Magicians in the modern era. The “Demon Lord of the Far East”, the “Midnight Queen”, Yotsuba Maya was the current head of house, which caused both families to be acknowledged as the twin aces of the Ten Master Clans.
4341
4342Currently, the Ten Master Clans consisted of “Ichijou”, “Futatsugi”, “Mitsuya”, “Yotsuba”, “Itsuwa”, “Mutsudzuka”, “Saegusa”, “Yatsushiro”, “Kudou”, and “Juumonji”, which just happened to number from one to ten chronologically. However, this was the first time this had occurred since the Ten Master Clans had been formed, and there have been situations where one or two numbers were either duplicated or missing altogether.
4343
4344The strongest of the strong became the Ten Master Clans, with the other 18 families as replacements, followed closely by the authentic “Hundred Families”.
4345
4346Kanon belonged to the Chiyoda Family, which was one of the Hundred Families. Kanon’s direct attack power rivaled Mari herself and if she had a weapon in hand, her firepower could match Magicians from the Ten Master Clans themselves. No wonder she had the magic worthy of the name of the Chiyoda Family.
4347
4348However, the crowning difference from Mayumi was that Kanon wasn’t listless because she was overwhelmed with family business.
4349
4350Hearing Mari’s response, Kanon softly said “Is that so” and directed her gaze outside, followed with a lazy “Heh……” sigh.
4351
4352This ridiculous response only irritated Mari further.
4353
4354“Kanon……”
4355
4356“Yeah?”
4357
4358Kanon turned around again, but this time she smiled in a fashion completely different from before.
4359
4360Unfortunately, the imitation paled before the original, as Mari smiled back in an equally radiant manner — from a female perspective.
4361
4362“It’s at most two more hours to the dorms, can you not wait for that long?”
4363
4364“Hey, that’s mean! I’m not a child, I can wait for a paltry two or three hours!”
4365
4366At Mari’s casual question, Kanon was suddenly fired up like she was another person.
4367
4368Her middle length hair bobbed as she pouted and complained.
4369
4370“But, but, I thought we would be on the bus together today, so it’s OK if I’m a little upset.”
4371
4372“Haven’t you guys been together…… Even if you’re engaged, counting the time you two have been together, that’s probably longer than ‘that pair’ of Shiba siblings, right?”
4373
4374“It’s impossible to share a bus trip these days, so I was really looking forward to it. I mean, last year I was all alone. And when compared with siblings, of course engaged couples share more time together!”
4375
4376“……Really?”
4377
4378“Of course!”
4379
4380Kanon puffing out her chest — which was slightly insulting and not altogether flattering – declared this to which Mari secretly sighed again.
4381
4382This underclassman was usually decisive and dependable with a strong and active personality, which were qualities Mari admired in the young lady, but……
4383
4384(Every time, the moment she gets to Isori it’s like she’s someone else entirely……)
4385
4386“Speaking of which, why does the technician team have to hitch a different ride! It’s not like they can do anything during the ride, so why are they in a separate car! This bus has enough seats for all of us, and even if that wasn’t the case, we could still charter a double-decker bus!”
4387
4388Kanon seemed to have seized upon the proper venue and started to loudly vent her frustration. At this, Mari could only sigh again.
4389
4390
4391
4392
4393
4394On the bus, there was another young woman who also shared Kanon’s displeasure.
4395
4396—This young lady did not make a fuss like Kanon, which only served to increase her friends’ trepidation.
4397
4398“………….”
4399
4400“……Uh, Miyuki, would you like some tea……?”
4401
4402“Honoka, thank you. However, I’m sorry, but I’m not thirsty right now. I’m not like Onii-sama, who was ordered out into the hot sun to stand watch.”
4403
4404Her voice was both calm and gentle.
4405
4406Just like the chill that someone would feel upon gazing at the fine layer of frost that covered the landscape.
4407
4408“Ah, uh, you’re right.”
4409
4410Honoka quickly agreed as someone on the other side of the aisle sharply nudged her flank.
4411
4412(Why are you reminding her of her brother!)
4413
4414(It’s not like I meant to do that!)
4415
4416Honoka and Shizuku weren’t telepathic but were still able to communicate with their eyes because maybe they both wanted to “do something” for the silently fuming Miyuki?
4417
4418“…….Seriously, since we know who was going to be late, there was no reason for him to wait outside the bus…… Why is Onii-sama always doing so much……”
4419
4420Miyuki finally started to mutter aloud, which only increased the terrifying tension around her.
4421
4422Honoka wanted to flee.
4423
4424At the very least, she wanted to switch places with Shizuku.
4425
4426But if she switched seats at this juncture, she would surely incur Miyuki’s wrath.
4427
4428—Scratch that, Miyuki wouldn’t actually do anything to her friends, but the dangerous feeling surrounding her was enough to cause people to let one’s imagination run wild (speaking of which, the 1st Year female student sitting next to Shizuku was huddled in a ball and keeping her eyes glued outside).
4429
4430“……And he’s sitting in a tiny storage vehicle crowded with equipment…… At least during the trip, I had hoped Onii-sama could get some proper rest……”
4431
4432Shizuku glanced at the terrified Honoka and sighed.
4433
4434Shizuku believed that Miyuki omitted the three words “next to me” (in other words, Shizuku mentally adjusted this to be “Onii-sama could get some proper rest next to me”), but she said something completely different.
4435
4436“Still, Miyuki, this is where I think your older brother is amazing.”
4437
4438Shizuku took the opportunity of starting a conversation to switch seats with Honoka.
4439
4440Honoka clasped both her palms together in thanks, but Shizuku couldn’t see this with her back to her and Miyuki didn’t notice this either.
4441
4442Miyuki was wholly unaware that someone else had caught her muttering to herself, so she was unable to immediately react.
4443
4444Shizuku seized the opening to keep speaking, completely shattering her normally stoic image.
4445
4446“Even if he waited on the bus, I don’t think anyone would actually complain about it, but your brother dutifully fulfilled his mission to ‘verify all contestants had boarded’. It’s true that this seems like an unimportant chore, but he didn’t take this boring task lightly and was able to maintain his composure even though something unexpected happened, which isn’t easy at all. Miyuki’s brother is really amazing.”
4447
4448It was thanks to Shizuku’s personality that she was able to say such a mushy comment aloud. Honoka was more the type to think those thoughts in the privacy of her mind.
4449
4450“……You’re right, Onii-sama is the nicest person in the oddest areas.”
4451
4452Finally, Miyuki was able to contain her embarrassment and the icy pressure around them faded as well.
4453
4454Hiding behind Shizuku, Honoka made a victory sign with her hand.
4455
4456
4457
4458
4459
4460With a few exceptions, human beings chose only to see things they wish to see.
4461
4462More likely, “they chose to ignore objects that they did not want to perceive”.
4463
4464For biological organisms, bad news from the five senses was usually more vital than good news. Objects and situations that were displeasing often caused harm to the physical body, so identifying these threats were integral to survival.
4465
4466However, humans often avert their eyes from what they do not wish to see.
4467
4468For example, even knowing that a weapon of mass destruction was currently aimed at them, they still chose to ignore this aspect of reality.
4469
4470This was especially true for citizens of first world countries that are so removed from struggling for survival in their day to day activities.
4471
4472Even without this exaggerated example, there were countless examples every day where people pretend not to see things that are repulsive and pretend that they didn’t exist.
4473
4474—Such as, the sheer killing intent emanating from a beautiful young lady.
4475
4476Miyuki, who had returned to her usual serene grace, was surrounded by male students.
4477
4478Who, until this moment, did not dare to approach.
4479
4480Miyuki was gorgeous enough to cause anyone to stop in their tracks, so no one dared to crowd her too much, but whenever an opportunity presented itself someone would immediately try to strike up a conversation. The majority of these offenders were 1st Year students, with the occasional 2nd or 3rd Year student.
4481
4482Finally, Mari couldn’t stand it any longer and forcibly relocated Miyuki and the other two to sit behind her.
4483
4484Thus, with Miyuki and the now tranquil Kanon, much happier after venting, occupying the two window seats, Mari sitting beside Kanon, and Katsuto holding down the fort behind Miyuki, peace finally returned to the bus (Mayumi was sleeping soundly, likely satisfied after thoroughly teasing Hattori).
4485
4486While it was pleasurable to speak with people of the same gender, there was something missing.
4487
4488The two young ladies who shared this thought both absently watched the scenery passing by.
4489
4490So Miyuki and Kanon were the first two to discover the situation.
4491
4492“Watch out!”
4493
4494Kanon was the one who shouted out.
4495
4496Following her voice, just about everyone in the car looked out the window on one side of the bus.
4497
4498From the opposite direction, a large vehicle — this was a smaller bus used for leisurely pursuits — was sliding towards them on the ground, scattering sparks everywhere.
4499
4500Someone shouted that the tires burst.
4501
4502Another agitated passenger claimed that the tires fell off.
4503
4504There was no sense of danger in their voices.
4505
4506There was a central divider between the two sides of the highway, further fortified by a protective barrier.
4507
4508Basically, there was no way for the accident to spread over here.
4509
4510In their young and inexperienced eyes, this disaster on the other side was only something to stimulate them.
4511
4512A stimulation — that lasted for one second.
4513
4514Someone shrieked.
4515
4516Maybe more than one person.
4517
4518This was hardly their fault.
4519
4520The large vehicle suddenly spun as it collided with the central divider and, for some reason, flipped into the air towards them.
4521
4522The bus slammed on the brakes, sending everyone careening forward.
4523
4524The screams of pain were likely caused by the students who ignored the safety regulations and failed to buckle their seat belts.
4525
4526The bus stopped.
4527
4528Thankfully, they stopped short of impact.
4529
4530However, the fallen vehicle was still sliding towards the bus while aflame.
4531
4532“Let me shove it back!”
4533
4534“Disappear!”
4535
4536“Halt!”
4537
4538“Oh!”
4539
4540There was no panic aboard the bus, which was something worthy of praise.
4541
4542But that only served to worsen the situation.
4543
4544Without warning, several instances of magic shot forward and all tried to apply the phenomenon rewriting ability at the same time on the same object.
4545
4546The only thing this would achieve would be to scramble all the magics against each other and do nothing to prevent the incoming disaster.
4547
4548“You idiots, stop now!”
4549
4550Mari quickly realized this.
4551
4552Fortunately, everyone was still in the activation process and had not finished yet.
4553
4554So everyone was forced to recall their half-formed magic, leaving a few precious seconds for some sort of meaningful defense.
4555
4556They needed a powerful magic to instantly rewrite the current phenomenon.
4557
4558Everyone gathered on board were the saplings and seeds of future Magicians, but they were all capable of doing this.
4559
4560However — if they were able to logically follow Mari’s orders, they wouldn’t have tried to recklessly use magic.
4561
4562Also, in order to overwrite the original effects of the magic and achieve the desired result, they had to use a stronger magic to forcibly overwrite the currently activated magic—
4563
4564“Juumonji!”
4565
4566Mari summoned a Magician capable of performing this feat.
4567
4568Katsuto was currently readying his magic.
4569
4570But Mari almost despaired at seeing his pale and agitated visage.
4571
4572Mari understood as well.
4573
4574This pocket of space where Magic Sequences were running amok was just like what would happen during “Calculation Interference”.
4575
4576Even Katsuto had no way of handling both the oncoming impact and roaring flames at the same time……
4577
4578“Leave the flames to me!”
4579
4580The slim and beautiful figure of a 1st Year student rose near the window.
4581
4582Her magic was already prepped and ready.
4583
4584Seeing this, Katsuto immediately started designing the Magic Sequence for a fortifying barrier.
4585
4586Yet, regardless of how incredibly talented she was, was this 1st Year student able to use her magic in this veritable storm of psions—?
4587
4588For a second, Mari thought she was hallucinating.
4589
4590She was a Magician fully capable of understanding magic, but she still questioned her own senses there.
4591
4592Just as Miyuki was about to invoke her magic with the flaming metal hulk bearing down on them……
4593
4594The rampaging Magic Sequences all disappeared in an instant.
4595
4596As if waiting for this moment to occur, Miyuki immediately activated her magic.
4597
4598She wasn’t freezing the flaming vehicle nor cutting off the air supply to suffocate the driver (though in this case, the chance that the driver survived was remote), she was efficiently using magic to dramatically lower the temperature to extinguish the flames.
4599
4600Mari could not help but applaud her choice of action.
4601
4602At the same time, this proved that Mari’s magic perception ability was working normally.
4603
4604Katsuto spread out the protective barrier magic — this was a Movement-Type Systematic Magic that creates a force field that renders any object that enters its boundaries immobile — causing the already ruined vehicle to crumple upon impact. Mari looked elsewhere when she heard the sound of impact (Mari trusted that Katsuto’s magic would be able to hold the incoming vehicle).
4605
4606What the heck just happened?
4607
4608The interfering remnants of Magic Sequences suddenly disappeared just before magic was applied to avoid the accident, but what the heck caused that?
4609
4610Was it Mayumi’s magic?
4611
4612Mari immediately rejected this notion that floated into her head.
4613
4614It was true that Mayumi was able to handle the rampant Magic Sequences.
4615
4616However, Mayumi’s Counter Magic (magic deployed specifically against magic) was shaped like psion bullets that used copies of Magic Sequences to tear them apart.
4617
4618That type of magic couldn’t completely annihilate every Magic Sequence down to the last iota.
4619
4620If Mayumi’s magic was synonymous to precision anti-aircraft guns, then the earlier magic (if it was magic at all) was something that would have carpet bombed the entire district. Not a single pillar would be left standing, steel would turn molten, the foundations and cement would scatter everywhere from the explosions, rendering this entire area into complete rubble — that was how violent that attack was.
4621
4622While Mari and Katsuto were both frozen before the primal chaos of the rampaging Magic Sequences, Miyuki seemed to know from the start that this situation would fade and activated her magic without any hesitation.
4623
4624Did she know who cast that “magic”?
4625
4626Hold on, was that magic……?
4627
4628“Is everyone alright?”
4629
4630Mari was staring at the storage vehicle — currently parked behind them — that was following them, and only recovered herself and turned around upon hearing Mayumi’s steady voice.
4631
4632“That was cutting it a little close, but there’s no need for concern. Juumonji and Miyuki-chan’s excellent performances saved us from disaster. Anyone who’s hurt better realize how important safety belts are, so make sure to buckle up next time.”
4633
4634Mayumi added “so long as there isn’t a next time” with a smile, causing laughter to fill the bus.
4635
4636Everyone shook off the intense anxiety and terror and resumed a more relaxed expression.
4637
4638“Juumonji, thanks, you’re just as dependable as ever.”
4639
4640“No…… Thanks to the fire quickly being extinguished, I could focus solely on stopping the vehicle. Also, did Saegusa get rid of the rampant Magic Sequences?”
4641
4642Hearing Katsuto’s question, Mayumi’s eyes drifted awkwardly.
4643
4644“Ah! I only noticed after the bus stopped……”
4645
4646Speaking of which, Mayumi was sleeping up until the moment of the accident.
4647
4648Katsuto also realized this, so he only raised an eyebrow slightly but made no further comment — Katsuto was undoubtedly the most honorable person among the student body leaders.
4649
4650“Ah, Miyuki-chan as well. Your execution was flawless. You were able to use such a narrow window to construct a perfect Magic Sequence. That’s an accomplishment that even us 3rd Year students would be hard pressed to emulate.”
4651
4652Katsuto and Mari both nodded in agreement at Mayumi’s words.
4653
4654All three of them knew very well that being able to correctly choose the appropriate magic and modulate it under such critical circumstances was no small feat.
4655
4656Mayumi’s praise caused Miyuki to blush deeply.
4657
4658“President, I am honored by your praise. However, thanks to Ichihara-senpai’s powerful assistance in halting the bus, I had sufficient time to construct the Magic Sequence, otherwise even I’m afraid that I may have hurried my move in such a trying condition. Ichihara-senpai, thank you.”
4659
4660Miyuki gravely bowed in thanks, to which Suzune silently nodded in response.
4661
4662Kanon, who was sitting in front of Miyuki, turned around in her chair with an utterly gob smacked expression.
4663
4664Mari was also unable to hide her astonishment.
4665
4666Just as Miyuki said, there was no way the bus could’ve come to a halt in time with the brakes alone.
4667
4668The moment the driver slammed on the brakes, it wasn’t hard to imagine someone also using Speed Magic to help out.
4669
4670But Mari only noticed everyone using magic to stop the incoming vehicle and was wholly ignorant of Suzune casting magic to stop the bus.
4671
4672While everyone was preoccupied with visually confirming the danger, she accurately made the correct response.
4673
4674Suzune’s proficiency in magic was said to rival Mari and company, and today she more than sustained that reputation. Also, Miyuki was the only one who detected Suzune’s magic while everyone else remained ignorant; her talent was truly awe-inspiring.
4675
4676“In comparison, you……”
4677
4678“Ow! Mari-senpai, why did you hit me?”
4679
4680Suddenly being knocked atop the head, Kanon complained tearfully.
4681
4682“Stuff it, Kanon, do you have any right to complain? Morisaki and Kitayama both panicked and used magic to complicate the situation, but that’s only to be expected since they’re 1st Year students. But what’s the deal with you as a 2nd Year student panicking first!”
4683
4684“Uh, but my reaction was the fastest, I just didn’t expect anyone else to overlap on magic……”
4685
4686Kanon’s explanation caused both Morisaki and Shizuku to droop in shame.
4687
4688Quite a few others revealed awkward expressions.
4689
4690“Fastest isn’t always better! At least evaluate the situation first, then make some sort of rudimentary communication between each other to avoid ambiguity, alright? On top of that, based on the fact that you still didn’t deactivate your magic even after noticing the conflicting situation proves that you had already lost your objectivity.”
4691
4692“……I was wrong, I’m sorry.”
4693
4694Seeing Kanon’s dejected state, Mari didn’t go any further.
4695
4696Even with this lecture, without the requisite training and experience, it was very difficult to remain calm under those circumstances.
4697
4698When taking that into account, it was even more amazing that Miyuki was able to clearly communicate her decision to extinguish the flames.
4699
4700This wasn’t something that relied on talent alone. Usually, geniuses tend to try and stick out too much, which actually hurts more since it compromises communication.
4701
4702By this definition, Kanon possessed an exemplary genius mentality.
4703
4704Miyuki must have gone through extensive and arduous training.
4705
4706Her serene patience in waiting for the bus to resume moving was perfectly suited for her experiences, or completely unsuitable at the same time.
4707
4708“Speaking of which, Shiba.”
4709
4710“Yes.”
4711
4712Mari called Tatsuya by name, but referred to Miyuki by surname.
4713
4714Generally, she preferred to address others by surname and only called closer companions such as Mayumi, Kanon, and members of the Public Morals Committee by their name. To her, Tatsuya was someone who she was especially close to.
4715
4716“Do you know how those Magic Sequences…… No, never mind, don’t worry about it, you performed magnificently.”
4717
4718“Ah? Thank you for your compliment.”
4719
4720Originally, Mari wanted to ask the question “Do you know who used Counter Magic to erase those Magic Sequences?”
4721
4722In the middle, she ruminated on whether she wanted to know the answer.
4723
4724For some reason, Mari felt that the answer would cause devastating damage to “certain” objects in her immediate vicinity.
4725
4726Outside the window, the male students from the technician team descended from the storage vehicles and commenced rescue operations.
4727
4728That being said, the all-terrain vehicle not only violently struck the protective barrier and flipped through the air, it was also ablaze as well.
4729
4730There was no chance the driver survived.
4731
4732There were no women present, likely because the male students wished to spare them from the sight of the burning corpse.
4733
4734Even though the fire was put out, the possibility that the ethanol-based gasoline would re-ignite was not zero.
4735
4736Behind the 3rd Year students trying to cut out the door, a 1st Year student was using a camera to record the evidence.
4737
4738Realizing that her eyes were continuously following his back, Mari swiftly averted her gaze.
4739
4740
4741
4742
4743
4744After the incident, including the time spent during police interviews and assisting with clean up so that the bus could pass, roughly 30 minutes elapsed since the incident ended. Figure in the delay from the start of the trip, the group arrived at the dorms shortly after noon.
4745
4746From a strictly competitive standpoint, most of the contestants that excel during the Nine Schools Competition eventually join the military.
4747
4748To safeguard their source of talented Magicians, the military heavily invested in the Nine Schools Competition in both the competition arena and the dormitories. Hotels previously reserved for government officials during inspection or visiting foreign dignitaries and their followers were instead allocated for students and related personnel during the Nine Schools Competition.
4749
4750That being said, it wasn’t like the situation was all-encompassing.
4751
4752In the end, the hotel was a military building, so there was no valet parking or suites. Usually, the soldiers on duty at this location would be responsible for these missions, but the Nine Schools Competition was a high school event. So, the students were responsible for carrying their own luggage. The larger devices were left in the storage vehicles for easy access so they didn’t have to be removed, but the smaller tools and CADs had to be shifted from the vehicles to the individual rooms for maintenance.
4753
4754A certain 1st Year student from the technician team quickly accomplished his objectives. Pushing a cart full of luggage forward and being accompanied by a smiling female student walking next to him, a sight that caused Hattori to shake his head with a heavy expression on his face.
4755
4756“Hattori, what’s up? Take a look at your hangdog expression.”
4757
4758Behind him, a warm voice struck up a conversation.
4759
4760“Kirihara…… Nah, it’s nothing.”
4761
4762Hattori turned around and verified that the man was indeed his good friend based on his voice, and reflexively responded with a vague answer.
4763
4764“Really? At least you look like something’s awry.”
4765
4766He probably noticed himself.
4767
4768Hattori didn’t continue to deny Kirihara’s words and let out a masochistic smirk.
4769
4770“I’ve…… lost some confidence.”
4771
4772“Oh please, the competition is the day after tomorrow, what’s with the doom and gloom?”
4773
4774Kirihara was only responsible for “Crowd Ball” on the second day, but Hattori was scheduled for “Battle Board” on the first and third days as well as “Monolith Code” on the ninth and tenth days.
4775
4776Hattori was on a different competition tier than Kirihara and was one of the primary aces for the 2nd Year cohort.
4777
4778If his status was anything short of excellent, this would severely impact the overall team strategy.
4779
4780Thus, it was surprising for Kirihara to panic at this stage.
4781
4782“So why are you so depressed?”
4783
4784In Kirihara’s eyes, Hattori Gyoubu was a studious young man bursting with confidence, or maybe someone who worked arduously to earn that confidence.
4785
4786Just in his second year alone, Hattori possessed the strength just second to the big three. This distinction was not earned on talent alone, although this did feed his arrogance — a point that his friend didn’t try to defend — and was the subject of much misinterpretation, but his diligence matched his abundant talent at the highest level. At least, that was how Kirihara had always seen Hattori.
4787
4788Hard working, talented and accomplished. With these three under his belt, there was no reason why he should suddenly lose the wind in his sails……
4789
4790“Looks like you haven’t noticed, how I envy you……”
4791
4792“What is this? Are you insinuating that I’m stupid?”
4793
4794“No, but I do think you’re slow.”
4795
4796“Hey!”
4797
4798Hattori’s usual mocking smile that was easily misunderstood by others returned.
4799
4800He appeared to have recovered his balance.
4801
4802That Hattori was able to improve his mood by digging Kirihara put a sour taste in Kirihara’s mouth, but at least he wasn’t worried any more.
4803
4804“……This isn’t like you, right? What exactly has dragged you down recently?”
4805
4806Kirihara asked again with the full intention of returning the favor.
4807
4808Hattori was not dull enough to misunderstand his friend’s clumsy concern.
4809
4810“That earlier incident……”
4811
4812“Ah~, that was too close.”
4813
4814“Yeah, and if nothing happened, I think a lot of people would’ve been hurt or even lost their lives.”
4815
4816“But didn’t the President and company handily deal with it? Isn’t worrying about nonexistent injuries a sign of general anxiety? This sort of reverse thinking is harmful to mental health.”
4817
4818Kirihara’s forthright comment caused Hattori to laugh lightly.
4819
4820“Kirihara, I really envy your ability to let it go, but that’s not what I’m considering.”
4821
4822Hattori stopped for a moment then shook his head again.
4823
4824“……At the time, I couldn’t do anything at all.”
4825
4826“That’s because if you acted without thinking, that would only worsen the situation. I think that holding back shows that you maintained a level head during a crisis.”
4827
4828Kirihara’s words were meant to be comforting and not superficial lip service at all. From his objective analysis of the situation, Hattori also acknowledged his words.
4829
4830Even so, Hattori’s expression remained heavy.
4831
4832“However…… Shiba-san adopted the correct choice of action. She chose the appropriate task based on her expertise and did not forget to alert everyone of her actions. Even if the conflicting Magic Sequences did not suddenly disappear before she invoked her magic, she should have been able to team up with Group Leader Juumonji to handle the situation.”
4833
4834“At the time, Chief Watanabe also didn’t act. Given that Shiba-san specializes in Freezing-Type Magic, isn’t this just a matter of magic suitability?”
4835
4836“Watanabe-senpai’s expertise lies in anti-personnel combat, so she was holding back as a method of self-restraint for the benefit of the whole. In that situation, I am able to accomplish more objectives.
4837
4838……No, the question at hand isn’t about Magic Power. Watanabe-senpai instantly made the correct assessment that she was not the correct person to do the job and called on Group Leader Juumonji to assist. Before she even said anything, Group Leader Juumonji already realized that this was a situation he would be called upon and was already constructing his Magic Sequence. They also came to the conclusion that just the Group Leader alone was insufficient to combat this threat, but didn’t panic and use magic haphazardly. Shiba-san calmly determined what she could do and verbalized this to everyone.
4839
4840The problem is not just about strong or weak Magic Powers or the ability to use diverse or powerful magics or simply a technical issue, but as a Magician, are you able to use the appropriate magic in the right circumstances — yes, the problem isn’t ‘magic’ talent, but the ‘magicians’ talent. There is no doubt her Magic Power is staggering and on pure strength alone there’s an 80% chance I would lose to her. However, until today, I’ve never worried about that point, because a Magician’s quality is not measured solely by the level of their Magic Power. But — when compared to my underclassman, I am not only lacking magic talent, but also in talent as a Magician…… This is thoroughly depressing.”
4841
4842Hattori once more turned a glum expression while Kirihara adopted a “what am I going to do with you” look.
4843
4844“Ah~ that’s a matter of life experiences, and that’s where I think that pair of siblings are particularly special.”
4845
4846“Siblings?”
4847
4848His evaluation was not on “her” but “that pair of siblings”, catching Hattori off guard and causing him to look at Kirihara in a quizzical manner.
4849
4850“That brother of hers…… I’m guessing he’s offed someone before.”
4851
4852“Offed?”
4853
4854Hattori’s incredulous voice carried a note of shock.
4855
4856“Yes, he’s killed someone before, and not just one or two people.”
4857
4858“……You don’t actually mean homicide, do you? You’re referring to actual combat experience?”
4859
4860“He does give people that feeling…… You know that my dad was in the marines right?”
4861
4862“Yeah, I remember he had been deployed to Tsushima Island several times?”
4863
4864This felt like an abrupt change in topic, but Hattori didn’t dwell on this point and continued with Kirihara’s conversation.
4865
4866“Dad was only a corporal, but on the other hand, because he was a low-ranking officer, he was deployed to the front lines where he got to know a lot of soldiers who spent their days in the trenches. Occasionally, some of Dad’s old war buddies would come over to my house, and they give off a completely different vibe from normal people. Regardless of whether it’s kenjutsu or shooting, no matter how much we train in combat tactics and martial techniques, the sheer killing intent given off by soldiers who have killed in the heat of combat differs from athletes that haven’t. Do you know the details behind the incident in April?”
4867
4868Another change in topic.
4869
4870“Why did you bring this up…… I heard that was caused by anti-magic terrorists. I only know that the terrorist cell was cleared out by Juumonji.”
4871
4872Hattori was displeased with the abrupt change in direction but kept a lid on his annoyance. Instinctively, he felt this was all connected.
4873
4874“Is that so…… Then I can’t go into too much detail…… Although since it’s you, I think I can take it to this level. I was present at the suppression of the terrorists, as well as the Shiba siblings.”
4875
4876“……Really?”
4877
4878“I can understand why you would ask that, but that’s the truth. There, I think I saw Shiba — the older Shiba’s natural instinct.”
4879
4880“Natural instinct?”
4881
4882Compared to Kirihara’s current words, his voice also carried a tinge of trepidation, which caused Hattori to immediately fire back a question.
4883
4884“Yes, natural instinct, or at least a part of it. It was terrifying. He had the same quality the soldiers on the front line had but his killing intent was several times more intense, like a thick coating of killing intent covering him like a great coat. He was dangerous enough to cause a shiver to run down my spine, enough to make me wonder what a guy like that’s doing in high school.”
4885
4886Kirihara’s mouth may have said this, but his expression seemed very agitated.
4887
4888“……There should be no way to hide his age.”
4889
4890Hattori was feigning naivety. This slightly off-tangent impression was a better gauge of his astonishment than the expression on his face.
4891
4892“This only goes to show that age doesn’t equate to experiences.”
4893
4894Kirihara could understand why his friend was so stunned, but because he had also been in the same position he didn’t make light of Hattori’s tangent and only smiled wryly in reply.
4895
4896Hattori looked to ask again, but this time there was a blatant hesitation in his voice.
4897
4898“……Shiba-san as well?”
4899
4900This hesitation was largely born from an “unable to believe” mentality. On the other hand, Kirihara seemed immune to this thought — probably heavily influenced by his girlfriend since spring — and answered his friend’s question in a frank manner.
4901
4902“I didn’t witness exactly what the sister did, but given that the older brother was willing to bring her to the combat zone, she definitely isn’t an ordinary girl. You know from today that the most beautiful rose has her own thorns, but not only that, she’s probably more like the peacock that possesses both the sharp talons and malevolent beak capable of hunting poisonous serpents, right? Pursuing her is like having a death wish. Ignorance is bliss, eh?”
4903
4904Kirihara’s last two sentences weren’t for Hattori’s ears, but a subtle hint for the hapless male students surrounding Miyuki on the car.
4905
4906“But I never thought that the Hattori with ‘that kind of personality’ would say something like this.”
4907
4908Hattori was still digesting all of this information while Kirihara sent a bemused smirk his way.
4909
4910“……What do you mean?”
4911
4912The hidden meaning behind Kirihara’s smirk rubbed Hattori the wrong way, prompting his displeased rejoinder.
4913
4914However, Kirihara’s delighted smirk was not diminished in the slightest.
4915
4916“A Magician’s quality is not measured by their Magic Power alone, eh? Wouldn’t the President be very pleased upon hearing that you personally said those words?”
4917
4918“Huh……!”
4919
4920Hattori glared darkly at Kirihara.
4921
4922Yet, Kirihara maintained his bright smile, no, thanks to Hattori’s overreaction, his smile grew even wider, which caused Hattori to be the first one to turn aside.
4923
4924“Let’s table quality for the moment, but Magic Power is definitely not the only indicator of strength.”
4925
4926Hattori took a step forward without any warning at all, clearly signifying his intent to leave Kirihara behind. Still, Kirihara ignored this blatant protest and followed Hattori’s footsteps as he continued.
4927
4928“The difference between Blooms and Weeds lies in the difference in technical scores on the entrance exam. Certainly there are Course 1 students who progress rapidly, but there are also people stagnating as well. Take Chiyoda for example, she’s completely different than her arrogant self last summer who rested her laurels on talent. The Course 2 students are the same, and, so long as they don’t self destruct, surely some of them would become stronger? ……No, this isn’t pure speculation, there are quite a few ‘capable’ guys in Course 2 right now, and doubly more so in this year’s batch. Oh by the way, I’m not saying this just because I lost to the older Shiba.”
4929
4930Hattori’s shoulders shook violently.
4931
4932Seeing this, Kirihara thought, “Oh right, this guy also got his ass handed to him on a platter.”
4933
4934“At any rate, I admit that he’s stronger than me right now. But even if that guy is approaching cheating levels in terms of strength, I don’t plan on always admitting defeat. I will continue to train myself and triumph the next time I challenge him. If I give up solely because I’m not as capable now, then I’m always a loser.
4935
4936Currently, many Course 2 students give up because they’re not as capable as others, hence why they’ve never improved. We have no obligation to accept them as our equals. On the other hand, for those that seek greater strength and better themselves along the way, we have no reason to scorn them either.”
4937
4938Hattori still had no response as he quickly advanced towards his own room without a word.
4939
4940Kirihara shrugged and turned to see the pair of siblings who were the topic of their discussion.
4941
4942Not far behind Kirihara, the younger Shiba was solemnly watching her older brother.
4943
4944Seeing this, Kirihara thought, “Let’s hope nothing troublesome happens”.
4945
4946And promptly mocked himself for this random thought.
4947
4948
4949
4950
4951
4952Kirihara’s premonition headed in the direction he least desired and struck his fragile but earnest hope.
4953
4954“Then, according to Onii-sama, that earlier incident was not accidental……?”
4955
4956His sister frowned as she asked this question, to which Tatsuya subtly nodded in reply as he pushed the cart forward.
4957
4958“The vehicle’s trajectory was too unnatural and the investigation yielded the expected results. There were remnants of magic left on the vehicle.”
4959
4960Tatsuya modulated his volume to avoid eavesdroppers and Miyuki emulated her older brother’s soft tones.
4961
4962“But I didn’t see anything……”
4963
4964While the literal meaning of those words were a denial, Miyuki never doubted her brother for a moment.
4965
4966She had a front row seat to the “accident” from the start.
4967
4968And until the last moment, she never felt a trace of the other side using magic.
4969
4970Her brother was different. Miyuki could only see the “present”, but all of the “past” were within her brother’s purview.
4971
4972Miyuki knew that if her brother had determined “there were remnants”, then that was the truth of the matter.
4973
4974“At the time, they used small scale magic within the tightest time frames possible, which is a high level technique designed to avoid leaving remnant psions from the Magic Sequence at the scene. Our opponent was likely an agent who had undergone specialized training, which is all the more pitiful given that he was a sacrifice.”
4975
4976“A…… sacrifice?”
4977
4978That sentence had an ominous meaning, causing Miyuki’s voice to be weaker than she intended.
4979
4980“Magic was used three times during the incident, first the magic that burst the tire, second the magic that caused the vehicle to spin, and the last to apply force diagonally upwards in order to use the protective railing as a launch pad.
4981
4982All three were cast within the vehicle in order to hide the fact that they used magic. In reality, most of the Magicians on hand didn’t detect this, including you as well. ‘At the time’, I was also unaware, that’s how well this was played. Especially the last technique, for the Magician to be aboard a spinning vehicle and still be able to pinpoint the exact moment of impact with the railing must have required intense training.”
4983
4984“Then, the one who used magic was……”
4985
4986“The culprit is the Magician in the driver’s seat. In other words, a suicide attack.”
4987
4988Miyuki stopped short and lowered her head.
4989
4990Her shoulders were slightly trembling.
4991
4992“How despicable……!”
4993
4994This was not an expression of sadness, but fury.
4995
4996His sister did not bear a misguided sense of compassion towards the criminal, but a deep sense of anger at the mastermind who gave the order. Satisfied, Tatsuya nodded.
4997
4998“Criminals and terrorists originally are the scum of the Earth, and their leaders are rarely the type to gamble with their own lives, which can easily be seen from this example. There would be no end if we became enraged every time this occurred. Besides, I’m more concerned with the intent behind all of this.”