CX4veXE3

1“I mean, Tatsuya-kun is even two years younger than me!?”
2
3“I don’t think an age difference of just two years would be a big problem though. …Does he even look younger than you to begin with? You look younger than Tatsuya-kun from my point of view.”
4
5“How rude! If you’re going to say that, then you don’t look any much older than him, you know!”
6
7“In what universe do I look younger than Tatsuya-kun?”
8
9“ ‘Oh, I can’t do this,’ ‘Oh, the terminal isn’t working right,’ ‘Oh, it won’t print out a report.’ You’re always just cozying up to Tatsuya-kun! Actually, isn’t it you who likes Tatsuya-kun more!?”
10
11“I have Shuu, you know!”
12
13“That’s not a reason to like or not like Tatsuya-kun, now is it!”
14
15Mayumi and Mari glared at each other face to face, then immediately averted their eyes.
16
17Both their faces were red. Normally, this would be the scene where they would exchange empty smiles, and move on to a completely different topic from their petty argument.
18
19However, that didn’t happen this time.
20
21Mari ended up flustered from their exchange of inflammatory words, but she immediately recovered her serious composure. A smile could be seen on Mari’s face as her eyes once again fell upon Mayumi.
22
23“Mayumi, what do you really want to do?”
24
25Mayumi, surprised by Mari’s unimaginably serious voice, looked back at Mari.
26
27“What’s with you all of a sudden?”
28
29Mari stared at Mayumi fixedly. That face could not possibly be joking.
30
31“It doesn’t benefit Tatsuya-kun’s sister, but is also holds no real downsides for you, Mayumi.”
32
33“What’re you getting at? I mean, I don’t think of Tatsuya-kun as anyone special…”
34
35“You don’t have to say any more. Just shut up and listen.”
36
37Having heard Mari’s strong words, Mayumi stopped making up excuses.
38
39“I intend to know why you haven’t had a boyfriend up until now. Regarding your lacking pursuit of a relationship between you and the eldest sons of the Juumonji or Itsuwa Families, I understand that it’s a modest protest against the future that was decided for you.”
40
41Mayumi didn’t object to Mari’s statement. It wasn’t that Mari hit the mark with her words, but Mayumi wanted to listen to everything Mari had to say first.
42
43“Didn’t you always tell me you never looked at Juumonji as a possible boyfriend? Is that because he’s the type of partner who would notice right away? Juumonji has always been a fellow Magician from the Juumonji Family to you, not even a fellow student. That’s why he sees you as Mayumi, the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Family, not someone who came from an all-girl’s school.”
44
45Mayumi listened to Mari’s words without saying a word nor showing a reaction. Her expression was reminiscent of a Noh mask.
46
47“You’re looking at him to see if he’s suitable as a member of the Ten Master Clans, not if he’s suitable as a partner. There’s no way feelings of love would arise like that. Respect, maybe, but not love.”
48
49Mari continued to speak, not paying attention to Mayumi’s lack of response.
50
51“But Tatsuya-kun is different, isn’t he? You were first introduced as someone older than him, and gradually came to like him, and then found out he was from the Ten Master Clans. I would like to consider my usage of like to mean affection towards the opposite sex, but I wouldn’t go so far as to imply it. However, you at least like him. Am I wrong?”
52
53“You are not wrong. I don’t think my liking of Tatsuya-kun is love, but everything else is as you said.”
54
55Mayumi answered disinterestedly; Mari nodded.
56
57“Incidentally, the person that you like is the person that they allowed to date the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Family. This would be your first experience.”
58
59“Hmm, that’s right.”
60
61“Well then, what’s your first step? No, wait, that’s not how this should be asked. Mayumi.”
62
63“What?”
64
65“Do you just want to wait without doing anything? Or do you actually want to do something?”
66
67“I don’t want to be passive, but what can I do?”
68
69“I want to tell you, ‘Find the answer yourself,’ but yeah. Well, here’s an idea; you have the chance to confirm how you really feel about Tatsuya-kun.”
70
71Mayumi said, “I know,” then she stopped.
72
73“What do you mean by that?”
74
75“If you know if you have feelings for Tatsuya-kun, you can align your interests with your father’s. You can act like you are being used by your father, but in reality it’d be you who’s actually using him.”
76
77“Using that sly dog, you say… That’s tempting.”
78
79Mayumi stopped short of hinting at an evil smile without realizing it.
80
81“…But that would involve a lot of work.”
82
83“You’ll know that once you actually try dating him, now won’t you?”
84
85“Date someone I don’t like? Rather, someone I’m not sure I like or not?”
86
87Realizing they had almost gone full circle with the denial, Mayumi surrendered and spoke her thoughts.
88
89“That wouldn’t be too weird, would it? Isn’t that a common saying? ‘Let’s start by being friends,’ or something along those lines?”
90
91“That’s not what you’d say to someone you don’t really know. We’re bound to start out as friends with our current relationship. And just what do I do when that fails? Say I dated him, and we went straight to being engaged. I can’t back off with just ‘Turns out being lovers won’t work out’ after going through all of that!”
92
93“So that’s how it is?”
94
95“Of course!”
96
97“I see… Well then, it seems your only choice is to date Tatsuya-kun without his sister finding out.”
98
99“How did you even reach that conclusion!?”
100
101“Didn’t you want to confirm it for yourself? How you feel about Tatsuya-kun?”
102
103“I told you that wasn’t the case…”
104
105“Well then, why are you discussing this with me?”
106
107Mayumi’s expression froze.
108
109“Haven’t you always come to me when you’re troubled? Even though it may be your first time dating someone who’s already engaged, isn’t being unable to solve this on your own the problem? If you think hard enough, shouldn’t you have just declined the proposal? Since he’s already engaged, the situation is borderline impossible as it stands.”
110
111
112
113
114
115“…I did decline. But that sly dog would keep bringing it up again and again.”
116
117“Your father probably has seen through that, you know. The fact you don’t really object to it.”
118
119“……”
120
121“Mayumi. At this rate, you’d just end up going with the flow, indecisive until the end.”
122
123“Even if you say that…”
124
125Mayumi was stumped. She might break down if she went any further than this. Mari pretentiously turned her eyes to the multifunctional military watch wrapped around her left wrist.
126
127“——Our time’s up. Mayumi, you should properly think it over.”
128
129“Yeah. …Thank you, Mari.”
130
131Mari stood up while Mayumi also nonchalantly left her seat.
132
133
134
135
136
137Tatsuya who had just arrived at home saw he had mail, which was unusual and forced a frown out of him. It wasn’t an email, but rather a discrete communication using the message board for First High’s students and alumni.
138
139The sender was Mari.
140
141Tatsuya thought that she might have sent it to the wrong person, but he couldn’t check that without opening the letter. He also thought of opening it using a trick to prevent the read receipt, but it would lead to a more cumbersome after effect. He wouldn’t mind if he didn’t have to meet Mari afterwards, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
142
143Even though he had a hunch this would lead to a meddlesome situation, he opened the message.
144
145The first thing he concluded was the message was, indeed, for him.
146
147The message started out as a simple seasonal greeting, asking about his recent condition, and how he had been doing as of late. It was unexpectedly written in a polite manner. It was probably the result of her military education.
148
149The heart of the mail was very simple.
150
151It was merely a question of whether they could meet the following night.
152
153It would be a good idea to keep this a secret.
154
155Well, normally that would be the case, but now that he had a fiancée, he needed her permission to meet a girl alone.
156
157Without sending a reply, he knocked on the door leading to the room next to his.
158
159“Watanabe-senpai said she wants to meet with Onii-sama?”
160
161Tatsuya saw abundant suspicion in Miyuki’s expression. If it was just a little flicker of doubt, he would write it off as an inevitability, but being distrusted to this extent was totally unexpected.
162
163“I’m as surprised as you are about this sudden invitation. The last time I saw her was during the graduation ceremony.”
164
165Tatsuya was nonchalantly playing the innocent.
166
167“Then what is her intention with this?”
168
169Miyuki didn’t think that Tatsuya was cheating on her, it was actually Mari who she was doubting.
170
171Tatsuya (in Miyuki’s perspective) is a very attractive man. Even though it was known that Mari has a boyfriend, Tatsuya would be a very desirable partner to have in an affair (again, in Miyuki’s perspective).
172
173“It isn’t a love affair.”
174
175He wasn’t only aware of what his sister was thinking, but he also frankly expressed that he saw through her.
176
177Miyuki’s face quickly became red.
178
179While observing his innocent sister, Tatsuya feigned ignorance and continued speaking.
180
181“Chiba Naotsugu-san is a good lover for Watanabe-senpai.”
182
183“…She might have had a fight with him.”
184
185Miyuki hid her embarrassment by stating her opinion with a disgruntled tone.
186
187“If she just wanted to grumble, she would have called Saegusa-senpai, right?”
188
189Miyuki’s easy to understand behavior made Tatsuya chuckle during their exchange.
190
191“…No, actually, it’s the opposite.”
192
193Taken by surprise, she put on a serious, albeit dazzling, expression.
194
195“The opposite… So that means Saegusa-senpai vented to Watanabe-senpai?”
196
197Tatsuya put on a completely serious expression and nodded back to Miyuki’s question.
198
199“It isn’t limited to just Watanabe-senpai. If a First High alumni had something to discuss, considering what’s happened recently, it would most likely be about the Yotsuba Family matter.”
200
201“Ah, that’s right.”
202
203There are also people who give suggestions without considering the time or place, and merely say it for their own convenience. Miyuki’s first thoughts went to that by reflex, but she also understood that there are some exceptions to this.
204
205“Even if you think about it, I’m going to ignore the exceptions we can’t do anything about.”
206
207Miyuki’s thoughts were plainly seen through again by Tatsuya.
208
209“……”
210
211Miyuki’s white skin became vermillion again.
212
213Without concerning himself with her looking at the floor, Tatsuya continued his reasoning.
214
215“If I were to guess as to who will take action regarding the notification given by the Yotsuba Family, the most likely culprits would be those from the Ten Master Clans. I assume that Saegusa-senpai was dragged into a scheme conceived by the Head of the Saegusa Family. Then, the puzzled Saegusa-senpai went to Watanabe-senpai for advice. Considering their relationship, this invitation isn’t a mystery at all.”
216
217“It can’t be!”
218
219Miyuki vigorously lifted up her face which still had a tinge of red to it.
220
221Intense anxiety surfaced on her face.
222
223“Why are you panicking like that?”
224
225He couldn’t understand why Miyuki got panicked, because of that Tatsuya paused his reasoning and asked why.
226
227“Could it be that… the Saegusa Family is scheming to make Onii-sama Senpai’s fiancée?”
228
229Miyuki’s thought took Tatsuya by surprise. This would definitely warrant her concern.
230
231“…No matter how you look at it, isn’t that progressing a little too quick?”
232
233Of course it wasn’t an impossibility, but Tatsuya was of the mindset it wouldn’t happen even if the chance was there. Mayumi’s nature wasn’t one that would be obediently married as a political piece.
234
235“I wonder…”
236
237Miyuki and Mayumi shared that trait, neither would readily become a puppet of their own parent. But if Mayumi shared her father’s decision——it would be a whole different story.
238
239“No, it isn’t like that.”
240
241To shake off her anxiety, she spoke words of denial to herself.
242
243“So then Onii-sama, what are you going to do with Watanabe-senpai’s invitation?”
244
245“I don’t have the luxury of ignoring it. Plus, I’m curious about why she went through so much trouble to contact me.”
246
247Tatsuya nuanced his words to mean “there is no other way” so he could avoid distressing Miyuki.
248
249
250
251
252
253The next day, in the afternoon at 5:55 P.M., Tatsuya visited a café near the National Defense Academy’s Special War Skills Research Department’s auxiliary building.
254
255To make it brief, the Special War Skill Research Department is a course with a curriculum for Magicians focused on research and also training for combat Magicians. They conduct a lot of joint research and also have a secondary building near the Magic University.
256
257The Special War Skill Research Department’s students have been exempted from a dormitory lifestyle. Even so, Mari made the location for their appointment to be near the school building due to military drills they have on Sunday.
258
259Tatsuya arrived 5 minutes before the meeting time. Then at 5:59 P.M., he saw Mari’s figure.
260
261“Hey, sorry to make you wait. It’s been a while Tatsuya-kun.”
262
263“Yes, it has.”
264
265Under the coat, Mari was wearing plain clothes. Her pants-suit combo wasn’t rare in the university, nor in government or company offices.
266
267Chances are that she got it from the National Defense Academy, and it was a uniform.
268
269“I rented a room in this area.”
270
271Mari gave an explanation when she noticed Tatsuya gazing at her clothing. It seems she picked this place not because of being near the school, but rather that it was conveniently close to her place.
272
273“That’s right, we also had a drill today too… I feel bad for calling you out at this hour.”
274
275“Let’s ignore that for now. What’s your business with me?”
276
277Tatsuya wasn’t trying to push Mari away. Just like she had said, it was quite late for a man and woman to be meeting. Since they were close to the National Defense Academy, it wasn’t a strange sight to see students visiting this place… But to avoid misunderstandings, they decided to finish their matters quickly.
278
279“That’s right. We both have classes tomorrow, so let’s save the idle chatter for next time.”
280
281After stating her piece, she ordered a hot coffee from the terminal on top of the shop’s desk.
282
283“But I’d rather not leave with just having water. Please wait a little bit.”
284
285Just as Mari said, she didn’t say anything until her drink arrived. She was planning her words during the lull.
286
287By happenstance, the shop they were meeting at wasn’t an “old school” shop. It didn’t even take a minute from ordering for the completion ring to sound out. Mari came back from the counter and sat in front of Tatsuya, suddenly moving her face close to his.
288
289“Tatsuya, what do you think about Mayumi?”
290
291Without any preface, she whispered a question.
292
293“I think she’s a great Magician. She has talent, and also experience. As for her life and stature, she can separate them well. I have a good impression of her because of that.”
294
295In spite of that sudden question, Tatsuya answered it without any hesitation.
296
297“…You know, I hate that part of you.”
298
299Mari glared at Tatsuya with an annoyed expression. She could tell that he knew what she was getting at, even if he put on a face feigning ignorance.
300
301Tatsuya reacted to Mari’s glare without faltering. She didn’t even put her drink down.
302
303“Why do you want to know about something like that?”
304
305Tatsuya’s expression changed to a frown as he fired a question back.
306
307Mari didn’t answer Tatsuya.
308
309“I’m gonna ask again. What do you think of Mayumi as someone of the opposite gender? Do you like her? Do you dislike her? Please answer seriously.”
310
311“As someone of a different gender, it can’t be explained in such black and white terms.”
312
313“Even so, I want to hear it.”
314
315Tatsuya didn’t have any obligation to answer Mari’s question. With Tatsuya’s current situation, answering would bring him more trouble than merit.
316
317“I will say that I like her.”
318
319But he still answered. Not because of the pressure the girl in front of him was putting out, but rather out of curiosity as to what would come next.
320
321“As someone of the opposite sex right?”
322
323“Yes.”
324
325“I see…”
326
327Tatsuya didn’t have any sensibility on the feeling of “liking someone from the opposite gender.” It wasn’t within the extent of his limited emotional processing. Affection for a member of the opposite sex was of far lower priority than his fondness towards Miyuki. But he didn’t have to explain any of that to Mari.
328
329“Is that affection considered love?”
330
331“It is not. If I must say it, these feelings are more like sexual desire.”
332
333Tatsuya showed no embarrassment when delivering that line. Mari, on the other hand, was blushing.
334
335“Y-you have that kind of desire as well, huh?”
336
337“Mari was quite inexperienced on this topic,” Tatsuya thought. Even though premarital sex was a taboo in this generation, her reaction was very innocent for someone who had been in a relationship for a long time.
338
339Of course, Tatsuya had the common sense to not sexually harass Mari with those words.
340
341“Of course I have it. It’s a primordial desire to preserve one’s own lineage.”
342
343That wasn’t a lie. But Tatsuya didn’t share the whole truth that his upper sexual limit was predetermined. It has no capability to rule over his actions or thoughts. Miya’s Mental Interference Magic ensured this.
344
345Because of that, Tatsuya’s matter of “sexual desire” isn’t about to entice him to make out. This had no need to be said either.
346
347“Watanabe-senpai. You asked me about how I feel towards Saegusa-senpai. What do you plan to do with this information?”
348
349Mari hadn’t recovered from the shock she originally got from Tatsuya.
350
351Having the main subject of their meeting suddenly brought up, she consoled herself to stop her flustering.
352
353“Tatsuya-kun, would you want to try going out with Mayumi?”
354
355“…By going out, you mean like that, right? Does Senpai not know about Miyuki and I?”
356
357Tatsuya’s cold glare disheartened her, but she gathered her courage and continued.
358
359“I know that your little sister is actually your cousin, and you both are engaged to each other.”
360
361“So you should understand that Saegusa-senpai and I shouldn’t be going out.”
362
363Tatsuya’s gaze became even more frigid.
364
365Cooling magic should be his little sister’s domain, but Mari felt his look could freeze her to death. She was screaming internally at herself to stay awake, for some reason she had started hallucinating that falling asleep could cause her to die from frostbite.
366
367“Your engagement is being contested by the Ichijou Family. Isn’t that right?”
368
369“You are quite informed. Did you hear that from Saegusa-senpai?”
370
371The formal objection made by the Ichijou Family shouldn’t have reached her ears. The engagement between Tatsuya and Miyuki was legal——though, if the actual link between Tatsuya and Miyuki got leaked, they would be punished for forgery of official documents——, the Ichijou Family had already caused a scandal in the world of magic. With that in mind, this whole topic has been kept more or less private.
372
373“Oh yeah. Also, Mayumi is in the same situation as well. Hmm, saying this the wrong way will cause misunderstandings… Mayumi is in the same boat as the Ichijou Family’s eldest son. They’re both being ordered to fill the same role.”
374
375The iciness in Tatsuya’s glare vanished. It was replaced with a chill that made Mari shift uncomfortably in her seat.
376
377“That… is a shocking story.”
378
379Tatsuya’s remark was his evaluation of the Saegusa Family’s decision, but his heart was different. He shuddered in amazement at the revelation that Mayumi was made to be a fiancée candidate for Tatsuya. He was awed at Miyuki’s intuition being so spot on. Even though she is still considered a young lady, a female’s intuition is scary… that was the only thought in Tatsuya’s mind.
380
381“I think so too.”
382
383Mari’s casual remarks were welcomed by Tatsuya’s sharp tongue.
384
385“Do you really understand what will happen?”
386
387“What?”
388
389“The one who will be slandered by the public won’t be me, but Saegusa-senpai.”
390
391Mari’s eye suddenly tinged with soft light.
392
393“How kind of you.”
394
395“This amount of concern is normal.”
396
397Tatsuya’s gaze didn’t relax.
398
399“If Mayumi didn’t have feelings for you, I would have dropped this a long time ago. I told her she didn’t have to suffer from this, but she doesn’t understand her own feelings.”
400
401And then? Tatsuya asked back with his eyes.
402
403“Mayumi doesn’t comprehend how she feels about you. She doesn’t know the depth of her affection. No, it’s more like she doesn’t want to admit it. She’s running away from her emotions.”
404
405“Isn’t that because she understands her position in this matter?”
406
407“She does. Mayumi isn’t able to just choose someone based on love interest. Having a lover and being married are different things, so falling in love is pointless. That’s how she feels about it.”
408
409“Are you sure you aren’t overthinking this? There’s certainly a tendency to prevent high level magicians from being single, but it isn’t to the point where you can’t pick your marriage partner.”
410
411“How about you? Your little sister?”
412
413This time Tatsuya stayed silent.
414
415Mari didn’t pursue any further for information about those two.
416
417“I want to make her experience love. It may be an unneeded and meddlesome thing to do, but after thinking about her situation, I don’t want her to just throw in the towel. You’re a guy so you probably don’t understand what I’m getting at.”
418
419“You’re right. I don’t.”
420
421“Ok… well at least just understand this; Mayumi has recognized that she has feelings for you. You might be the first and last love that she has.”
422
423Mari’s words were full of sincerity. She was only thinking about her friend’s feelings.
424
425“You’re overthinking it again.”
426
427But Tatsuya threw that sincerity aside with only those words.
428
429“Tatsuya-kun, you!”
430
431“I don’t know her as well as you do, but Saegusa-senpai doesn’t seem like she’d be that weak.”
432
433Mari’s enraged tongue was stopped by Tatsuya’s objection.
434
435“Give up on this matter. Abandon it. She won’t be seen as an obedient child if she pursues this road. Even if I don’t return her feelings, she would eventually find someone. Right?”
436
437Tatsuya stood up, looking down at Mari who was at a loss for words.
438
439“And above all else, it’s impossible because I am Miyuki’s fiancée.”
440
441The payment for Mari’s drink had already been taken.
442
443And like that, Tatsuya left the shop.
444
445
446
447
448
449Chapter 4
450
451
452
453
454Raymond S. Clark. He’s currently a high school sophomore located in USNA Berkeley, California. He had been one of Shizuku’s classmates during her foreign exchange student program.
455
456The high school he attends differs from a Japanese Magic High School in that it isn’t a facility that specializes in Magic Training. In this school, Magic Studies and Magic Practice are optional subjects. However, even the USNA can’t escape from the cruel lack of teachers related to Magical courses. Since the number of student applicants vastly outnumber the amount of teachers, each and every school comes up with its own entrance exam to select future students. Objectively speaking, Raymond’s school had turned into a “Magic High School”.
457
458That wasn’t implying he was a poor Magician. Among his peers, Raymond was at the top of his class. Still, it wasn’t enough talent to enter the Stars or something similar. His value and talent lay in another area.
459
460That’s how they’re called by the USNA’s Intelligence Agency. In reality, they aren’t so much an organization as they are a group of unaffiliated individuals with the same special ability.
461
462“Hliðskjálf” is the hacking system concealed within the USNA’s worldwide communication interceptor “Echelon III”. Only seven “operators” have access to it. That’s the ability shared between “The Seven Sages”, using Hliðskjálf, which greatly surpasses Echelon III’s legitimate operators, to gather information from anywhere in the world, earning them this title.
463
464Among the seven operators of Hliðskjálf, there was only one person who actually used the title. This person, on a whim, gave information to the USNA about an anti-government organization and introduced himself as one of “The Seven Sages”. This was, of course, none other than Raymond.
465
466Today as well, Raymond was swimming in the sea of information brought to him by using Hliðskjálf. He was a person who was zealous about acquiring knowledge. He also liked to investigate about specific things here and there, but amassing information without a specific topic was closer to being a hobby of his. For Raymond, Hliðskjálf was the greatest of his toys.
467
468That being said, in order to actually use Hliðskjálf, one has to define search parameters first. That is because the nature and the function of Hliðskjálf is to answer questions.
469
470Rays of light became characters as the search conditions were being specified. The terminal of Hliðskjálf was operated by the user’s brain waves and gestures in a VR (Virtual Reality) like environment made possible by the HMD (Head-mounted Display). The camera caught the movement of his fingertips, rays of light were projected in the virtual environment. The operator inputs the search criteria with characters of light, determining the settings with the assistance of their brain waves.
471
472Right now, Raymond was using the broad “Scandal of the USNA Army” terms for his research. A massive amount of information opened in the sky, being displayed in various “windows”. The window in the distance displayed only the titles of articles while the window close-by was displaying their contents. Another window was composed of diagrams with their accompanying text, another contained images, and another was a video. If you directed your eyes on a window, it would come closer, while looking away would send it away. As far as the eye could see, there were innumerable windows in every direction.
473
474Speed reading and memorization were Raymond’s forte. Tens of windows queued up as he progressively carved their contents into his head. However, he unexpectedly stopped this operation. A certain window’s content attracted Raymond’s attention.
475
476(The contents of an old depot for small missiles went missing…?)
477
478It would be no surprise if this fact had made headlines. Sadly, it wasn’t unusual to hear that old weapons that were planned to be scrapped had up and disappeared.
479
480The missiles that went missing were using C-20 (cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) as the main explosive ingredient for an infantry-usable anti-aircraft missile. Even though it had been used quite a bit during the war that lasted until 2020, the progress on nanotechnologies allowing explosions to surpass the previous limits had forced these weapons into obsoletion.
481
482(Still, it’s a well-tried warfare tool… I can’t think of this affair as just a matter of control negligence.)
483
484Raymond licked his lips at the perspective of having found something suspicious. His forté was his fast reading speed and good memory, but he also had some kind of sixth sense for detecting fishy affairs.
485
486For Raymond, the events occurring in the real world were like the grandest shows. The more substantial and serious the event was, the greater his interest became.
487
488He knew full-well that he was no superman. Even if his magical talent was first-class, it wasn’t anywhere near the world’s finest. He knew that he would never be an influential Magician. Nor will he ever become a hero travelling the world. ——No matter how much he wished for it.
489
490Raymond looked at his potential that way. That is why, by lending his power to real heroes, he could feel like he shared in their adventures. He could then enjoy watching the events unfold on the stage he had set.
491
492That’s what he thought, and Hliðskjálf made this a possibility.
493
494It was like Hliðskjálf had been made to allow him to do so.
495
496(Should I start by examining this from the management situation of the depot?)
497
498Even if he finds out where the missing missiles went, he wasn’t sure that this whole thing would end there. No matter the affair, it was always a human’s hand that caused it. Who could’ve put those weapons on the black market? Raymond started a search with a now all too familiar procedure.
499
500
501
502
503
504Before Raymond noticed the disappearance of the old missiles——two days before in fact——this matter had become a problem for the USNA Army. This wasn’t a matter that could remain within the base’s jurisdiction, so the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the USNA’s Intelligence Division had begun an internal investigation.
505
506The reason this matter wasn’t entrusted to the gendarmerie was because they suspected a terrorist organization was involved. Those missiles could be put on the black market and end up in the hands of terrorists. If that disaster became reality, it would mean that once those missiles had been used and their origin discovered, it would provoke a worldwide scandal. The Department of Defense was ready to do anything to prevent that.
507
508However, the investigation had already started six days ago, but it was now January 27th and things had hardly progressed. Despite the fact that it was a Sunday, the Number 2, Colonel Virginia Balance, was present in the office. She had a grim expression as she read the presented report.
509
510There were almost no clues whatsoever that would help in this affair.
511
512She understood from the very beginning that the perpetrators must’ve received inside help. To begin with, it was practically impossible to steal weapons from the military, as old as those weapons were, without the cooperation from the inside. However, even if they somehow managed to bribe the captain of the unit charged with guarding the warehouse, there was no way they could’ve taken the weapons without leaving any trace whatsoever.
513
514The comings and goings of weapons are double, if not triple-checked. In addition to an RFID[2] tag, the warehouses are equipped with biometric sensors, and moreover, it is impossible to open or shut the accesses if you are alone because the need for two people cannot be bypassed. They were investigating if there had been any anomalies in those systems, to no avail.
515
516Virginia was reminded of a point that was particularly perturbing her: how did they notice that something went missing?
517
518The loss of the missiles was noticed by the people responsible for checking stocks. However, if this theft was performed by an organization capable of completely bypassing the security of the warehouse, why didn’t they also falsify the stock records? These were obsolete weapons awaiting disposal. If they had modified the data to make it seem like they had been disposed of, no one would have noticed.
519
520It was as if someone had stolen them and allowed them to notice on purpose. Colonel Virginia genuinely felt that this was the case.
521
522(But then, who could’ve done that, and for what purpose? No, to begin with, who even has the capability to pull something like this off?)
523
524The lack of information made it impossible to reach a conclusion.
525
526Knowing so, Virginia was lost in unnecessary thoughts.
527
528Virginia collected herself at the sound of her phone’s ringtone, signaling a new email. It wasn’t an ordinary email either. It was a communication using a code that only top-level members of the Intelligence Division knew about.
529
530With practiced, machine-like movements of her hands, she transferred the contents of the email to an offline decoder as per procedure. It wouldn’t be readable on a device available due to the masses to prevent sharing information in plain text. When she saw the deciphered message and spotted the name of the sender, Virginia wore an amazed expression.
531
532“The Seven Sages”.
533
534Her eyes glistened as she read the contents. Forgetting to breathe as the pored over the contents, it took a few moments for her to compose herself after reading the email.
535
536“Are these kinds of things even permitted?”
537
538The secret information received from “The Seven Sages” stated that the President’s Assistant of the Deputy Chief of Staff took part in the matter.
539
540And even worse was the motive. If what was written here was true, then all of this was part of a much larger-scale plan that vastly exceeded Virginia’s expectations.
541
542Virginia stretched her hand towards the visiphone when her hand stopped.
543
544She was hesitating about who exactly she should call. No, to be more precise, she had no idea.
545
546To whom she should share this information with, and if she can even trust anyone with this, Virginia was at a loss.
547
548
549
550
551
552Angelina Sirius, High Commander in direct command of the USNA Army’s Magician Force, Stars, was enjoying a rare shopping break.
553
554Of course, she currently wasn’t walking around as the “Strategic-Class Magician Angie Sirius” but as the 17-year-old, Lina.
555
556Instead of going to the nearest town Roswell, Silvia Mercury First, nicknamed Silvie, who was accompanying Lina, strongly recommended that they extend their travel to Albuquerque.
557
558Since their mission last year in Japan, these two have been spending quite a lot of time together. Despite their age difference, Silvie treated Lina as if she was her younger sister. Lina’s utter lack of what could be called a normal girl’s common sense provoked a swirl of emotions inside of her, and she simply could not leave Lina alone.
559
560Today, like prior ones, was Silvie playing dress-up using Lina as the doll. However, Lina was also enjoying herself. Even though her fashion sense was on the questionable side, she like dressing up. To be fair, if the subject’s tastes were fine, there wasn’t much need to improve them.
561
562In this case, Lina didn’t have someone to look pretty for in comparison to Miyuki, which lead to a huge gap.
563
564But putting all of that aside, Lina was going back to the base’s lodging house in a very good mood, carrying her spoils of war. You could say that those were very fulfilling holidays. Even though she didn’t receive any mobilization orders as Sirius, a harsh session of training was waiting for her tomorrow. Today had been pretty refreshing, Lina was quite satisfied.
565
566However, her cheerful mood was immediately blown away by the mail she received on her room’s terminal.
567
568“An encrypted mail!?”
569
570It wasn’t that unusual for her to receive an encrypted mail containing secret orders. However, that a mail using the special encryption code only known of the High Commander, the Chiefs of Staff and the Captains of the Stars, arriving directly on her room’s terminal was a first.
571
572Could it be an emergency? In a mix of impatience and nervousness, Lina was waiting for the decoder to transcribe the contents of the mail.
573
574Shocked feelings surfaced in her expression as she started to read.
575
576“The Seven Sages…?”
577
578The name of the sender was “The Seven Sages”.
579
580“A joke?” was Lina’s first reaction but she dismissed that thought as quickly as it came. There is no way a mere hacker could access the Stars special encryption code. To begin with, the title of “The Seven Sages” wasn’t known by those outside the direct control of the Joint Chiefs of Staff HQ.
581
582Lina hurriedly resumed her reading. A few events without seemingly any relation to her duties were recorded.
583
584“Eh!? The mastermind behind the Parasite event!?”
585
586However, as she reached the end of the mail, information that was strongly connected to Lina started to appear.
587
588Lina had been sent to Japan due to the event that occurred on October 31st, 2095 A.D. She had been sent to uncover the identity of the user of the Strategic-Class Magic that ravaged the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the “Great Bomb” (this was the name given to Material Burst by the USNA). However, once the Stars Members possessed by the Parasites started to desert and flee to Japan, as a part of her High Commander’s duties she ordered their “Disposal”.
589
590Lina was told that the Parasite outbreak was the result of an accident.
591
592Due to that fact, it was supposed to end with the deaths of the affected people. However, if this source was to be trusted, then the Parasite Affair had been purposely started and the perpetrator was responsible for the comrades that Lina was forced to kill. The added despair from her assassination duty would also be the instigator’s fault.
593
594This was definitely something that couldn’t be forgiven.
595
596“…The Mastermind of the Parasites is going to try to perform acts of terrorism in Japan by using old missiles he stole? This can’t be real!?”
597
598After she finished her reading of the mail, Lina found herself instinctively shouting about.
599
600This was information coming from a dubious source. There was no guarantee that it held any truth.
601
602A profiler working for the USNA Army had analyzed “The Seven Sages” and came to the conclusion that they most likely enjoyed the reactions provoked by their whimsical acts. Even if that mail truly came from “The Seven Sages”, Lina couldn’t shrug off the possibility that this was all part of an elaborate plan to play some kind of trick on her.
603
604Despite that, Lina believed this information.
605
606During the last stages of the Parasite Affair of last year, just like today, Lina had received information from someone using the name “The Seven Sages”. At that time, she didn’t have any reason to believe the information given either. But even still, she had believed it was the truth.
607
608This time was the same. Her believing it had no basis. There was no real reason for her to believe it.
609
610However, if she ignored this information and something happened afterwards she would deeply regret it.
611
612Being tricked, being manipulated and becoming a laughingstock wouldn’t compare to that.
613
614If the conspiracy recorded in the mail was the truth and became reality, then the USNA would have a great debt towards Japan. Considering Japan’s current state of tension, if USNA-made weapons were used in terrorist acts… Then it wouldn’t be surprising if Japan accused them of instigating terrorism on their territory.
615
616If you think about the difference in power between the two countries, the possibility of a war happening was rather small. However, that is if we’re only taking conventional war potential in account, and not something like the Strategic-Class Magic responsible for “Scorched Halloween”. If the range of that magic can extend even further than the Pacific Ocean——as another user of Strategic-Class Magic, Lina’s common sense denies the possibility of… the worst could happen.
617
618That is why she believes the information.
619
620Lina was convinced she had to stop this plan from reaching fruition. Not just obstructing, but actually killing the mastermind behind it as well.
621
622However, according to the information provided by “The Seven Sages”, the Mastermind “Jiedo Heigu” had already left the USNA for Japan.
623
624Indeed, it would be difficult for Lina to act outside of her country, let alone in Japan.
625
626Lina decided to consult about this entire scenario with the only person she thought could help.
627
628
629
630
631
632Virginia extended her hand towards the ringing visiphone.
633
634Her posture crumbled for a moment. She quickly recovered and pressed the button to accept the call.
635
636[Colonel, forgive me for calling unannounced.]
637
638Lina appeared on the screen, saluting in her purple-black Stars uniform.
639
640Seeing Lina’s appearance, as if she had just changed in her fresh, tight uniform, Virginia felt slightly nostalgic.
641
642“Major Sirius. Weren’t you on leave today?”
643
644Lina’s expression betrayed her surprise. She struggled to understand why Virginia was aware of her schedule despite the fact that she is not even under her direct command. From Virginia’s point of view, it was part of the course for her to know everything about the movements of a Strategic-Class Magician, one of the “Twelve Apostles”, the strongest magician of the USNA and High Commander of the Stars, Angie Sirius.
645
646“Don’t pay attention to what I just said. So, do you have any business with me?”
647
648Sincerely apologizing for the idle talk, Virginia enquired about the reason of her call.
649
650[Yes. Being blunt I require assistance from the Colonel about a report I received.]
651
652Being urged on by Virginia, Lina began exposing the matter.
653
654“Go on.”
655
656[Understood. To tell you the truth, in the period of time ranging from 0900 hours to 1632 hours when I was out, I received an encrypted message from someone who claimed to be a member of “The Seven Sages”.]
657
658“When you say the Seven Sages, are you talking about ‘those’ ‘Seven Sages’?”
659
660Hiding the shock, she received behind a poker face, Virginia responded so.
661
662[It was indeed the sender’s name. Although, I have no way of knowing whether it is the truth or not.]
663
664“Hmm.”
665
666Virginia nodded and urged Lina to continue through the camera.
667
668[Assuming that the source of information is indeed “The Seven Sages”, the report stated that weapons stolen from our army are going to be used in a terrorist attack. The target would be Japan.]
669
670“What kind of weapon?”
671
672[Infantry-Carried Anti-Aircraft Missiles.]
673
674“…Major, do you think such a case of theft actually occurred?”
675
676[I don’t have a definite answer. However, there are indeed rumors about weapons awaiting disposal being stolen from us.]
677
678Virginia uttered a sigh. If someone like Lina who was pretty much isolated from the regular military troops…
679
680If the information leaked so far that even a “Sheltered Official” such as her was aware of this matter, then that means it wasn’t just the staff in-charge of the weapons’ surveillance whose discipline was lacking.
681
682[Colonel?]
683
684A worried expression started to appear on Lina’s face. Knowing her, she might be thinking that she offended Virginia in some way.
685
686Virginia herself interpreted it so anyway. For her, this was rather vexing.
687
688“No, it’s nothing. Please go on.”
689
690[Understood. Even though there was no mention of a specific target, there were references concerning a Mastermind. The name was Jiedo Heigu. He became a political refugee following Dahan’s ruin, his Chinese name is Gu Jie. His estimated age would be between 60 and 90 years old. Black eyes and white hair, it appears that despite his Eastern Asian lineage, he possesses dark skin. There was a special note mentioning that he might be a survivor of the Kunlunfang Institute.]
691
692“The Kunlunfang Institute? Isn’t that the Magic Research Laboratory of Dahan that was exterminated by the Yotsuba?”
693
694[I think that is indeed the case.]
695
696They couldn’t possibly be thinking of taking revenge on the Yotsuba by using the missiles, could they? Virginia thought, but she immediately dismissed that hypothesis as nonsensical. If the Yotsuba could be dealt with as simply as that, they wouldn’t be feared as “Untouchable” throughout the world.
697
698[Furthermore.]
699
700While Virginia was lost in her thoughts, Lina continued her report.
701
702[It appears that Jiedo Heigu was the Mastermind behind the Parasite Affair.]
703
704Virginia had a look of understanding.
705
706“I see, so this was the main reason of your call.”
707
708Even if her intention was discovered, Lina didn’t cower.
709
710[Colonel. Even if the information about Jiedo Heigu’s relation to the Parasite Affair is the truth, I would like to know his degree of involvement. The deserters might have had no relation to the Parasite Outbreak, and could have been mere pawns. However, if this Jiedo Heigu has even the slightest link to this affair, I cannot overlook it. If I don’t pay him back with my very own hands, I won’t be able to get over it.]
711
712“Major Sirius. Are you telling me you want to go to Japan once more?”
713
714[Affirmative, Colonel.]
715
716Virginia frowned as if taken by a sudden headache.
717
718Allowing Lina to leave the country was a difficult matter. Even under the best circumstances, dispatching magicians to other countries should be done carefully. The degree of difficulty increases by several orders of magnitude if they were talking about the Strategic-Class Magician “Sirius”. One of the Strategic-Class Magicians of the USNA, Roland Bart, had been placed in the British territory of Gibraltar, but even then, there was almost no record of him going out of that base. To the extent that he is purposely called back to the USNA during his vacations.
719
720Having sent Lina in Japan last year was an exception among exceptions.
721
722Lina herself probably understood all of this very well. That is why Virginia also understood what this was about when Lina decided to call her. Moreover, Virginia fully understood Lina’s desire to take revenge on Heigu with her own hands.
723
724“…At this time I cannot give you an answer. Major, you will have to give me some time.”
725
726Lina couldn’t hide her surprise in front of the camera. For her, who thought that she would be immediately rejected, Virginia’s response was going in a surprisingly good direction.
727
728[Yes, I’m counting on you, Colonel.]
729
730The call ended with Lina’s appearance saluting on the screen.
731
732
733
734
735
736Meanwhile, Jiedo Heigu, or Gu Jie, was at sea.
737
738Even though up until a few days ago he had lived on the USNA’s West Coast, he didn’t possess USNA citizenship.
739
740Gu Jie’s homeland was Dahan, a country that had already disappeared.
741
742He used to belong to the Magician Development Institute of Kunlunfang. In the eventuality that Dahan would collapse, the USNA’s government would grant him refugee status, and as such, his social status was currently that of a normal refugee.
743
744However, at the time Gu Jie arrived on the North American continent in 2054, the country’s name was still the USA. Dahan’s collapse occurred in February of the year 2064 A.D., merely a single year after the destruction of the Kunlunfang Institute.
745
746After the collapse of Dahan, rather, the destruction of the Kunlunfang Institute, Gu Jie didn’t seek asylum from North America. He ran away from Dahan.
747
748The Kunlunfang Institute predated the division between the Great Asian Alliance and Dahan, and one could think of it as the main Modern Magic’s research laboratory of the old Eastern Asian region.
749
750However, that wasn’t the entire truth.
751
752The Kunlunfang Institute had earned quite the renown as a laboratory developing Modern Magic. But that wasn’t the only thing they had been working on.
753
754Both Ancient Magic and Modern Magic were being researched.
755
756However, just like the other countries, those two “factions”, so to speak, were at odds.
757
758Originally, the Ninth Institute in Japan was supposed to use the know-how of Ancient Magic to develop Modern Magic. That being said, it wasn’t researching both Ancient Magic and Modern Magic simultaneously. In the end, the Ancient Magic Users revolted, and the rebels also took over the Ninth Institute after the lockdown.
759
760Both groups turned into something similar to organizations, competing for leadership. Ancient Magic and Modern Magic users argued about each and every policy for the Research Laboratories, including objectives, budgets, and human resources.
761
762Even in the Kunlunfang Institute, both Ancient Magic users and Modern Magic users fiercely competed for control.
763
764Despite the fact that the Kunlunfang Institute was the main laboratory of Dahan, the internal dispute continued. No, rather, it intensified and this escalation would bring about a catastrophe before long. The Modern Magic side ended up winning the power struggle and banished the Ancient Magic users from the Institute. This happened in the year 2054.
765
766It was at that time that Gu Jie, as an Ancient Magic User, fled to North America along with his apprentice Zhou Gongjin. That’s why, under normal circumstances, Gu Jie shouldn’t have any grudge towards the Yotsuba nor Japan’s Magicians. The Yotsuba were the ones who crushed the Modern Magician sect, the ones who had taken over the Kunlunfang Institute. They should have been something similar to a “the enemy of my enemy is my ally” existence to Gu Jie.
767
768However, after Dahan’s collapse, Gu Jie decided that the Yotsuba and the Japanese Magic Community were targets for revenge. Exactly what kind of mental thought process led him to that conclusion, no one really knew.
769
770Was it patriotism?
771
772Did he feel like his own revenge of Dahan had been taken away from him?
773
774Was an enemy simply needed to maintain his subordinate’s cohesion?
775
776The only thing that was certain was that Gu Jie constructed a criminal network made up of Dahan’s deserters, that he exerts a powerful control over them and that his only known objective so far is revenge. As for the person in question, nothing else is known.
777
778When he was still alive, Zhou Gongjin had apparently compared his obsession to that of a “vengeful spirit”.
779
780Due to the lack of apparent reason behind his acts, it was impossible to convince him to stop. Having lost his last apprentice, Zhou Gongjin, he decided take matters into his own hands.
781
782However, Gu Jie’s direct, immediate fighting potential was low. Even though he was also a user of Ancient Continental Magic, the Magic that he possessed wasn’t suited for direct confrontation. If we’re talking strictly about duels, Zhou Gongjin was his superior. This was something Gu Jie himself was willing to admit.
783
784Gu Jie was proficient in techniques that used human organs or parts to create magic devices, like with the case of “Sorcery Boosters”, that is, to turn a human into a tool functioning similarly to a “Generator”, and magic for controlling corpses.
785
786He was the practitioner of the side of Magic that concentrated all of its vilest aspects, but ethical questions aside, he really wasn’t the type to fight head on. Actually, he had kept himself to just being a manipulator until now.
787
788For Gu Jie himself to come to Japan was proof that he had been cornered, and had no other choice.
789
790The international Anti-Magic Political Organization that he had been supporting, “Blanche”, had been considerably weakened by the pressure and measures taken by the governments of several nations. As the leader of the criminal syndicate “No Head Dragon”, he had also tried to spread rumors in both Japan and the USNA (with the cooperation of the Great Asian Alliance) but his plan ended in failure as well.
791
792Finally, he lost his envoy in Japan, Zhou Gongjin. Zhou Gongjin had been under Gu Jie’s command for more than 40 years, the last remaining person who had fled Dahan with him. With this loss, Gu Jie was forced to act by himself.
793
794Zhou Gongjin had been killed in October of last year.
795
796It was slightly past mid-January when Gu Jie left from the Los Angeles’ port.
797
798It wasn’t because he was mourning the death of his apprentice, nor because his plan had failed that Gu Jie took more than two months to make his move. It was the result of him waiting for the most appropriate time. Truth be told, he wanted to leave for Japan immediately and retaliate, however, if he failed to, then things would be over once and for all. He was conscious of that fact.
799
800With his magical skills, being too aggressive was impossible. That isn’t to say that his magical skills are nonexistent, but against a first-rate Magician, it was nowhere near sufficient. That was why he first needed weapons.
801
802If Blanche and No Head Dragon had been in a better state, a simple word of his would have done the deal, and a single month would’ve been more than enough to gather the materials.
803
804That would include the arrangements required for a ship that would cross the Pacific Ocean. As things are, he had to set up all of that himself. To be more precise, he found a random punk that he used as a disposable puppet, but since he had to go through the trouble of preparing him as well as giving him various orders, it was basically as if he had done all the work himself. Furthermore, to make it so that this puppet wouldn’t be traced back to him, he embarked it on the boat to get rid of it in the ocean.
805
806“Sir Gu. We can be expected to enter the port of Yokosuka tomorrow morning.”
807
808The captain of the freighter reported so to a Gu Jie who was looking at the sea in front of him. The deck of the freighter was completely covered by solar panels.
809
810“Just as planned.”
811
812Without any trace of exhaustion from the long journey, Gu Jie answered in a firm voice.
813
814Gu Jie is currently 97 years old. His outward appearance however was barely that of someone in his fifties. His hair was completely white, however, the wrinkles, sagging and age spots that one should normally find on someone of his age were inexistent.
815
816“And also, umm… Sir, my reward.”
817
818“I understand. Tomorrow at the morning twilight, I will apply my Magic.”
819
820“Thank you very much! Even after this journey ends, I promise my unwavering loyalty to you, Sir.”
821
822Gu Jie nodded with a pleased expression. Behind this mask however, he had nothing but contempt for the captain.
823
824The reward this captain was talking about. Longevity and perpetual youth.
825
826It was the truth that Gu Jie’s “surgery” could maintain a perpetual youth, his very own face was the proof of that.
827
828However, even if he could guarantee a physical youth, longevity was out of his reach. He couldn’t give genuine immortality.
829
830This surgery of his was a magic developed in the Kunlunfang Institute, and it was the very reason of his presence in the Kunlunfang Institute.
831
832Unsurprisingly, coming from humans with power, the Leaders of Dahan longed for perpetual youth. And while the Modern Magic Users in the Kunlunfang Institute replied that it was impossible, Ancient Magic Users assured them of the opposite. For the Ancient Magic Users whose position had fallen behind Modern Magic in the race of arms that the Kunlunfang Institute advocated, it had been a godsend.
833
834The one who was developing the most promising magic among the Ancient Magic Users group was Gu Jie. Of course, it was his surgery of perpetual youth.
835
836It was in the year 2049 that he used his magic on his own body, like a test subject.
837
838To ascertain whether this magic could be used safely or not, he used it on nine apprentices in the year 2050.
839
840After 5 years had passed, it was confirmed that Gu Jie’s aging had come to a stop. His apprentices didn’t develop any side-effects either, and it was then thought that a magic of perpetual youth had been achieved.
841
842However, there was a drawback in this Magic. Certainly, this “Surgery of Perpetual Youth” appeared to stop the aging. However, if the person the magic is performed on doesn’t have the aptitude, the compensation for staying young is to consume their life force. In other words, one’s lifespan. There had been some cases of sudden death after three to six months.
843
844A magic that acts for eternity is impossible. This holds true for both Modern Magic and Ancient Magic. The surgery of perpetual youth consists of implanting the magic inside of someone who then continually applies it.
845
846This magic had been made specifically for Ancient Magic practitioners.
847
848What would happen if a Magician tried to perform a magic that he has no aptitude for?
849
850What would happen if this magic was used on someone who isn’t even a Magician?
851
852The surgery of perpetual youth gave the one answer to those questions.
853
854When the men of influence from Dahan, who had already received the “Surgery of Perpetual Youth” presented it to their kinsmen, Gu Jie explained to them the flaws in his Magic.
855
856The ensuing result was the purge of the Ancient Magic Users’ group.
857
858Quickly learning the failure of his experiment, Gu Jie took his apprentices and fled to North America.
859
86020 years later, Gu Jie realized that his magic also didn’t prolong one’s longevity either.
861
862He realized it with his own apprentices’ deaths.
863
864In the end, the surgery that he had developed could only stop the degradation of one’s outward appearance. The only reason Gu Jie lived up to this age was that he originally had a long life ahead of him.
865
866It was this kind of imperfect Magic that the freighter’s captain hoped for.
867
868From Gu Jie’s point of view, it was quite a laughable matter.
869
870The one who told the captain about the surgery of perpetual youth was none other than Gu Jie himself. To earn the captain’s cooperation, he had told him “there is a secret art that allows one to conserve his youth until the day of his death”. If you cooperate with me, I will apply this magic on you.
871
872It wasn’t a lie. Without a doubt, this captain will conserve his current youth until his death. Which will probably happen within half a year.
873
874Gu Jie himself was aware that his own time was getting dangerously short.
875
876“I will be pretty busy from tomorrow onwards.”
877
878“I will also help you once we land on Yokosuka. Please, feel free to ask me anything, sir.”
879
880Without any knowledge about his real intentions, the captain stated so in an elated manner.
881
882
883
884
885
886Even though Virginia had asked Lina to give her some time, she went into action pretty quickly.
887
888She left her office the morning of the following day and made arrangements for her journey. Her destination was the Stars Headquarters situated in the city of Roswell, New Mexico.
889
890Wrapping up all the urgent deskwork she had to do for the day, she used the encrypting device at her home to safely transmit the data via email.
891
892This encryption machine had been a gift from Kuroba Ayako, and the recipient of the email was Yotsuba Maya. The content of the email was basically the same as what Lina had reported to her, that an act of terrorism had been planned in Japan using stolen missiles and that the possibility of the mastermind, Jiedo Heigu, being a survivor of the Kunlunfang Institute was high.
893
894Virginia didn’t include the secret information that Lina had shared with her however. That is, an information related to the scandal on the USNA government. Even though Virginia formed an alliance with the Yotsuba Family she did not completely trust them. She had no reason to hesitate on cooperating with them, however, she couldn’t endanger national interests.
895
896The reply from Maya arrived when Virginia was eating. The content of the letter had simple words of gratitude for the information provided.
897
898This kind of message had no real importance for her, but she didn’t particularly mind. That was because this mail’s purpose was simply to seal the deal regarding their alliance.
899
900Finally, after reconfirming the schedule of each Stars Commander, she headed for the bathroom.
901
902
903
904
905
906Maya had received Virginia’s mail at 8:00 A.M., Monday, January 28th, Japan standard time.
907
908“Hayama-san, it appears that remnants of the Kunlunfang Institute are plotting an act of terrorism here in Japan.”
909
910“That is quite the important matter.”
911
912Hayama’s answer was rather neutral. Of course, he was aware of what Maya had gone through in the Kunlunfang Institute. Taking her feelings into account, it was perfectly natural for him to not return a proper answer at once, even if neither anger nor hatred could be felt from Maya’s voice.
913
914“An important matter? A mere stray dog who lost his home?”
915
916However, it wasn’t like Maya was completely emotionless. You could hear slight disdain in her voice.
917
918“Mistress, if there really is a survivor from the Kunlunfang Institute then that means he managed to escape from the previous Head of the Family.”
919
920Hayama lightly reproved her. Maya’s pride, to be more precise.
921
922“We have no idea what sort of unusual talent he might possess. I strongly recommend we stay vigilant.”
923
924“I understand.”
925
926Despite responding so, Maya’s lips curved into a smile full of disdain.
927
928“Still, what are they hoping to achieve with small missiles? Japan is not a zone of conflict after all. Moving around carrying these is practically begging to be captured, don’t you think?”
929
930“During the Yokohama Incident, the guerillas who had concealed themselves in town beforehand had managed to prepare quite a few missiles.”
931
932“That was thanks to the camouflaged warship they had as backup, wasn’t it?”
933
934Objecting on reflex, Maya retorted.
935
936“…Yet, it’s true that there is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully prevent this planned act of terrorism.”
937
938“Even a Magician would die if hit by a missile while in a defenseless condition. Moreover, depending on their objective, we might have to deal with danger in another form altogether. There is a possibility of them dismantling the warheads and using them as bombs too. Back during the times of war, these kinds of suicide bombing attacks were regular occurrences.”
939
940Faced with Hayama’s numerous examples, even Maya couldn’t deny the necessity of dealing with it.
941
942“Understood. Then let’s look for this Jiedo Heigu. A lot of our workforce is focused on the preparation for the Master Clan Conference, however, so we won’t be able to field too much personnel.”
943
944The Master Clan Conference will take place next month, in the beginning of February in 2097. In particular, this period was the reunion of the Ten Master Clans which happens once every 4 years.
945
946The Conference will decide the members of the future Ten Master Clans for a duration of 4 years. There were 28 Houses which had the qualifications to become a Member of the Ten Master Clans, and everyone was in a hurry to perform the final tasks in order to have an advantage for the selection.
947
948The selection will be decided by internal voting, and since only 28 Houses can participate, it will be nothing like large-scale elections or anything. However, it was necessary to make various arrangements as well as finding faults in other Houses to have the best possible odds.
949
950“Should we talk about this matter with the other Houses?”
951
952Maya pondered for a few moments before shaking her head from left to right at Hayama’s suggestion of asking for the cooperation of the other Clans.
953
954“I would rather not be a subject of gossip. Let me think… Alright, spread the rumor that terrorists targeting magicians have infiltrated the country. With this, we should expect them to make the necessary moves.
955
956Could you work on this until lunch?”
957
958“Understood, Mistress. They will be ready in two hours.”
959
960Search and Information Manipulation, giving his words this double—meaning, Hayama politely bowed.
961
962
963
964
965
9669:00 A.M., Japan standard time, January the 28th, Gu Jie’s freighter entered Yokosuka’s port.
967
968Immediately after landing, Gu Jie started to collect the required personnel for his plans. That being said, the arrangements had already been done beforehand. Despite losing the No Head Dragon Organization, Gu Jie had gathered quite the extensive know-how to make deals with the obscure sides of modern society during his days as a mastermind. As long as quality wasn’t a crucial factor, it wasn’t that difficult to gather personnel. No matter how prosperous a society is, unfortunate people exist.
969
970The target had been confirmed even before the landing. Of course, the location for the Ten Master Clans Conference had only been shared between the concerned. However, using Hliðskjálf would allow one to easily uncover that information.
971
972The super-hacking tool, Hliðskjálf. Gu Jie wasn’t the type to qualify anything as “super”, but the fact of the matter is, there wasn’t really any other expression strong enough to describe it.
973
974Hliðskjálf’s information gathering capability was effective worldwide.
975
976Gu Jie was aware that it was impossible to access information which only exists offline, however, in this day and age, information that couldn’t be found using the network was practically non-existent. No matter the complexity of the encryption, Hliðskjálf would decipher it.
977
978Even quantum encrypted transmissions that “cannot be intercepted without possessing the correct decryption key” can be completely overturned and rendered powerless.
979
980Who exactly invented this system? Who, and for what purpose, did this person send me this terminal? Even Gu Jie had first approached it with caution. Especially, when he discovered the hidden drawback in the system after having made a random search.
981
982This drawback became clear all too soon.
983
984Hliðskjálf records everything that the user investigates. The other Operators can also see it.
985
986Still, they have no way of understanding who exactly made the search.
987
988What they know is “what has been searched” and that’s it.
989
990Gu Jie remembered the disappointment he felt back then. That the system’s creator would be able to see what exactly he searched for had been within his expectation. Even though the identities of the seven operators was supposed to remain a mystery with this system, Gu Jie wasn’t the kind of person to take someone’s words as gospel (At least, that’s what he thought of himself). The administrator of this system, the person who most certainly sent this terminal to him, could probably understand who did what. If you were to acknowledge this fact and still wanted to use the terminal, then the fact that other operators could also search your history shouldn’t matter that much.
991
992Gu Jie didn’t have any hesitation in using Hliðskjálf.
993
994Of course, he always had in mind the possibility that the system could be lying. He didn’t use it for every piece of information he wanted, however. There have been plenty of times where he collected information without relying on it, for the reasons stated above. But still, Hliðskjálf was an extremely convenient tool.
995
996The problem he faced this time was that the Ten Master Clans might have predicted an attack if they had heard rumors of someone making investigations on the conference’s location. Gu Jie didn’t underestimate the power of the Ten Master Clans. It was also possible that if a person among the Ten Master Clans also had access to Hliðskjálf, an ambush would be waiting for him. Of course, he was extremely careful as to what keywords he used during his search, and just because things went smoothly up until now didn’t mean that this time would be the same.
997
998Taking this into consideration, he had prepared various plans in the eventuality of an ambush.
999
1000Gu Jie’s purpose wasn’t to assassinate the Heads of the Ten Master Clans. Socially ending the Yotsuba Family that destroyed the Kunlunfang Institute was his goal.
1001
1002While seeing off his dolls who were heading towards the town of Hakone in freight vehicles, Gu Jie sneered at the dark pleasure swelling from within himself. These dolls had been made from various poor citizens of Yokosuka.
1003
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008Even though Lina was slightly surprised at her training’s interruption, she obeyed the orders and headed towards the base’s control room.
1009
1010Her companion was the Commanding Officer of the Stars First Unit, Benjamin Canopus. He was the person Lina was relying on the most, Stars’ Number 2.
1011
1012“Ben, what do you think this is all about?”
1013
1014Canopus shook his head at Lina, whose voice betrayed a certain anxiety.
1015
1016“Truth be told, I have no idea. However, nothing in particular has happened recently so I doubt this is going to be a scolding or anything of the sort.”
1017
1018It wasn’t that rare for Stars Members to break things during their training. Things like training equipment, vehicles, and even facilities.
1019
1020Considering the Stars were training for combat situations, a certain degree of destruction couldn’t be helped, and this was even more valid when Commander-Class personnel were training. Lina had heard various complaints about the budget from the base’s commander.
1021
1022“I-I guess so.”
1023
1024Canopus looked at Lina with a smile while she was mumbling to herself words of encouragement. He had a daughter who was only 2 years younger than Lina, and because of that, he’d sort of developed parental feelings for her.
1025
1026Without knowing that her subordinate was pointing such warm eyes towards her, Lina tightly clenched her fists and was psyching herself up.
1027
1028——Lina was unaware that her childish, cutesy gesture was further prodding Canopus’ feelings.
1029
1030Somehow successfully managing to put her uneasiness in a corner of her heart, she straightened her posture and adopted——or at least she thought she had——a proper expression for someone of the military, then knocked on the door of the Commander’s Room. With a voice signaling her to come in, the lock of the door disengaged. Opening the door for herself, Lina instinctively raised her voice at the unexpected person in the room.
1031
1032“Colonel Balance!?”
1033
1034Right next to the commander of the base, who was behind his desk, was Colonel Virginia Balance sitting in a chair.
1035
1036“Major, what are you doing. Come in.”
1037
1038Ordered by the irritated voice of the base’s commander, Walker, who also had the rank of Colonel, Lina moved in front of the desk in a hurry.
1039
1040Canopus followed Lina with a composed attitude.
1041
1042“Major Sirius, Major Canopus, at ease.”
1043
1044Walker talked to the two people who saluted in front of his desk.
1045
1046“Yes.”
1047
1048Lina and Canopus both adopted the resting pose simultaneously.
1049
1050“Colonel Balance has something to tell to the two of you.”
1051
1052Saying so, Walker stood up.
1053
1054“Then, Colonel Balance.”
1055
1056Virginia stood up from her seat slightly after him.
1057
1058“Colonel Walker. Thank you for allowing us to borrow your room for a few moments.”
1059
1060Walker and Virginia saluted each other, then Walker went out of the room.
1061
1062Locking the door using the remote control, Virginia finally faced Lina.
1063
1064“Major Sirius, even though I think you already figured out the reason for my presence, it’s about yesterday’s matter.”
1065
1066“Yes.”
1067
1068As she said, Lina had guessed that this could be related to the request she had formulated yesterday.
1069
1070“It is unfortunate, however, that the Major’s request cannot be granted.”
1071
1072And the answer was as Lina had expected.
1073
1074“We cannot carelessly allow the High Commander of the Stars, a Strategic-Class Magician to leave the country.”
1075
1076Even though she had become accustomed to this reason, she still couldn’t accept it deep in her heart. Despite the fact that she fulfilled her duty when she was sent to Japan last year, it didn’t change the fact that she really wasn’t fit for such a task.
1077
1078
1079
1080
1081
1082Thinking about it, dealing with a terrorist threat in a friendly nation that was allowed to exist due to her own army’s blunder was, in fact, considered an obligation of Stars. At the very least, those were Lina’s thoughts on the matter. Even more so considering the chances of the Mastermind being a Magician were exceptionally high.
1083
1084“——That is the official reason on the matter, anyhow.”
1085
1086However, Lina’s displeasure at hearing this was about to skyrocket.
1087
1088“The truth is, higher-ups are starting to wonder if the Major holds excess sympathy for Japan. Some are even fearing that the Major would consider exiling herself to Japan. In other words, there is an issue of trust.”
1089
1090“Wait a moment! I have sworn loyalty to this nation, haven’t I?!”
1091
1092“I know.”
1093
1094Virginia nodded with a calm expression at a Lina who instinctively reacted.
1095
1096“I am not doubting the Major’s loyalty. However, the fact you have Japanese lineage, and that you are still only a 17-year-old girl are causing them to doubt your allegiance.”
1097
1098Lina was mortified. For her, having mostly an Anglo-Saxon face, experiencing what basically amounted to racism was a first.
1099
1100Furthermore, considering it wasn’t face-to-face discrimination but instead being whispered behind her back, her head was starting to boil from rage.
1101
1102“I can’t really find any other word than utter stupidity to qualify this.
1103
1104However, it is specifically because such fools exist that we must avoid giving them any chances. Major, you are our nation’s greatest asset.”
1105
1106Still, despite her enraged state of mind, Lina wasn’t so far gone that she forgot her etiquette training and completely ignored the words of a superior. Those remarks had been spoken for her sake.
1107
1108“It is impossible to send Major Sirius to Japan. However, it isn’t like we can just leave this matter unattended.”
1109
1110Virginia took in a breath and put power in her next sentence.
1111
1112“That is why, we will send Major Canopus. Major Sirius, is this alright?”
1113
1114“…Understood. I will be on standby for further orders.”
1115
1116Swallowing her dissatisfaction, she saluted Virginia.
1117
1118Virginia slowly nodded with a “very well”.
1119
1120“In that case I will start to explain in more detail the mission to Major Canopus. Major Sirius, you may leave.”
1121
1122“Yes. Then, pardon me, Colonel.”
1123
1124Even though a part of Lina had wanted to explain things directly to Canopus, she had no confidence that doing so wouldn’t generate jealousy, and that was why she obediently left.
1125
1126
1127
1128
1129
1130“——The situation is as stated above. Major Canopus, do you have any questions?”
1131
1132After having explained to Canopus everything, from the stolen missiles to “The Seven Sages” information, Virginia inquired so.
1133
1134“No, I don’t, Colonel.”
1135
1136It is unknown if there will indeed be an act of terrorism in Japan, and their only source of information had been the suspicious “Seven Sages” as well. Is there any dissatisfaction to being given a mission based on such ambiguous intelligence? That had been the nuance in Virginia’s earlier question, but neither a question nor a complaint came up from Canopus.
1137
1138“I see. In that case, Major Canopus, there is something I would like to ask you.”
1139
1140“Yes, what is it?”
1141
1142Even though Virginia carefully scrutinized Canopus’ expression, not even a brow of his twitched. Feeling relief more than disappointment, Virginia carefully continued.
1143
1144“Major Canopus, no, allow me to call you Major Benjamin Lowes here.”
1145
1146In the middle of Virginia’s question, Canopus’ eyebrows moved ever so slightly.
1147
1148“The Major is blood-related to the Assistant of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Kane Lowes, right?”
1149
1150“Yes. I think the Colonel is already aware but the Assistant of the Deputy Chief of Staff and my father are cousins, and he is my mother’s cousin-in-law.”
1151
1152In other words, he is connected to the Lowes’ Family both by blood and marriage, and with this kind of close relationship it wouldn’t be exaggerated to say he’s part of the upper echelons of society.
1153
1154“To tell you the truth, the information brought to us by ‘The Seven Sages’ isn’t limited to what I talked to you about earlier. I wish it was some kind of mistake but…”
1155
1156Seeing Virginia hesitate, Canopus’ expression moved a little.
1157
1158His expression had a faint “It can’t be?” feeling to it.
1159
1160“It would appear that both the acquisition of the missiles and the terrorists leaving the country with them has been accommodated by the Assistant of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Lowes.”
1161
1162“…Are you saying that the Assistant of the Deputy Chief of Staff has been corrupted by the terrorists?”
1163
1164To Canopus’ question, Virginia shook her head with a gloomy expression.
1165
1166“If that was all there was to it, it wouldn’t be so complicated.”
1167
1168“So that means there are other points of concern?”
1169
1170Virginia frowned before opening her mouth to answer.
1171
1172“Truth be told, the possibility that he and the Deputy Chief of Staff decided to make use of Jiedo Heigu is higher than the corruption hypothesis.”
1173
1174While Canopus couldn’t hide his shock, Virginia decided to ask him something seemingly unrelated to the matter at hand.
1175
1176“Major. What do you think about the Humanist Ideology?”
1177
1178A popular opinion was that “humans have to live only using human abilities”, or at least that is the doctrine that the anti-Magician Catholic cults go by. Again, this was a mere excuse to agitate the anti-Magician sentiment.
1179
1180However, Canopus’ answer would be even more concise.
1181
1182“Mass hysteria. Still, to effectively use this, it would require influence as well as extreme prudence, I think.”
1183
1184“As a Magician yourself, don’t you feel threatened by all of that?”
1185
1186“If it seemed like it was about to escalate then I do think some measures should be thought of. We Magicians have no reason to bow down to false charges after all.”
1187
1188“…You seem to possess pretty radical opinions.”
1189
1190“Colonel, you’re misunderstanding something. I only think that it would be dangerous for the citizens if society didn’t allow them self-defense.
1191
1192Those calumnious would-be victims incite racism and discrimination, something that has a high risk of breaking down any country, ours included, so we shouldn’t take it lightly.”
1193
1194“I understand your stance. But that is not the problem at hand.”
1195
1196While saying this, Virginia had an unpleasant expression.
1197
1198“Lowes, the Assistant of the Deputy Chief of Staff, has a different thought process but appears to have arrived at the same conclusion as you.”
1199
1200Even though Virginia was peering into Canopus’ expression, he kept a cool, if somewhat brazen, expression.
1201
1202“However, this is the country of freedom. It is a necessity to guarantee freedom of speech. No matter how good the cause, we cannot suppress it. At the very least, politicians think so.”
1203
1204“I agree with this, Colonel.”
1205
1206“…That is where the group Lowes belongs to decided to act, and they planned on giving the Humanists a target other than them, another country.”
1207
1208“So that they can perform their act of terrorism in Japan, and feel satisfied enough to not do it here as well?”
1209
1210“Your sarcasm is unneeded, Major. This is something I don’t agree with.”
1211
1212Virginia reproved with a sour look, a Canopus that was wearing a smile full of derision.
1213
1214“Forgive my rudeness, Colonel.”
1215
1216Thinking that he had gone too far, Canopus genuinely apologized.
1217
1218Seeing Canopus apologizing, Virginia realized that she might have been too high-strung herself and decided to resume the conversation.
1219
1220“Putting that aside, if the information given by ‘The Seven Sages’ is to be trusted, Lowes’ group’s objective isn’t even the terrorist act itself.”
1221
1222“In other words?”
1223
1224“It is nigh-impossible to limit the damage of a terrorist bombing to only the planned targets. Citizens will also unfortunately get involved in this.”
1225
1226“That is…”
1227
1228It was the first time since entering this room that Canopus wore such an expression.
1229
1230“With this kind of weaponry, it would be impossible to harm a Magician unless they were taken by surprise. However, if you were to prepare a bomb using tens of those missiles’ destructive power, it would be difficult even for Members of the Ten Master Clans of Japan. Although a high-ranked Magician could definitely survive the explosion with a heatproof barrier, the civilians who happen to be in the area wouldn’t have a chance. If the explosion came from all directions, then even protecting the innocent would be next to impossible. As a result, only the civilians would suffer casualties. This was the scenario envisioned by ‘The Seven Sages’.”
1231
1232“And since Magicians of Japan let innocent civilians die under their very eyes, the Humanists would take them as their new target. Their energy would be concentrated on Japan, thus, the anti-Magician movement in our own country would weaken. Moreover, the risk of Humanists resorting to radical measures out of frustration would decrease, is that it?”
1233
1234“Indeed.”
1235
1236Canopus’ eyes had a sharp light to them.
1237
1238“In that case, my mission will be to restrain Jiedo Heigu’s act of terrorism before it happens?”
1239
1240“What I ask of you is in fact much more than that.”
1241
1242Virginia took a provocative stance.
1243
1244“After last year’s Parasite Affair, the Japanese authorities definitely won’t see us in a good light. It will probably be impossible to capture Heigu on Japanese soil without alerting them. That will lead to an inquiry as to why we captured Heigu, and then they’ll discover the weapons he planned on using had come from us.
1245
1246However, if this act of terrorism actually succeeds, the origin of the used weapons will probably be discovered as well. I think that it would be much more disadvantageous to not stop it beforehand.
1247
1248The difference between losing weapons and having them purchased from a black market by a terrorist versus letting a terrorist steal our weapons is quite vast.”
1249
1250“…So we’re going to let innocent Japanese citizens be massacred?”
1251
1252“I have already secretly warned Japanese Magicians about Jiedo Heigu’s group of terrorists.”
1253
1254It wasn’t as if Canopus could completely agree with Virginia. However, he couldn’t dispute the fact that there was a need for the USNA Army to cover their position. Before being a Magician, Canopus was a military man. This fact was one of the biggest differences between him and the virtuous Lina.
1255
1256“Major. Your duty is not related to the execution of Jiedo Heigu’s act of terrorism, whether it is before it happens or afterwards, your mission is to assassinate him. His plans will probably still be realized even if he is killed, but you need not worry about that. According to ‘The Seven Sages’, Heigu doesn’t seem to be using aerial transports. If he is on the sea, you may use ‘loud’ means to get the work done. Do not allow the Japanese to capture him.”
1257
1258“Understood.”
1259
1260Faced with the image of a saluting Canopus accepting the duty bestowed upon him, Virginia couldn’t help but feel guilty.
1261
1262“Forgive me, Major. Even though we understand this kind of dirty work isn’t part of your duties, considering the possibility of our opponent being a peculiar Magician is high, we need to meet him with an eminent Magician of our own.”
1263
1264Canopus stopped saluting and without putting on a tough act, shook his head.
1265
1266“You need not worry yourself, Colonel. If anything, I would like to express my gratitude for choosing me. I do not want the High Commander… I don’t want Lina to suffer the pain of assassination work, as much as I can help it.”
1267
1268Saluting once again, Canopus left the commander’s room.
1269
1270
1271
1272
1273
1274Canopus arrived at the Japan-USNA Joint-Base of Yokosuka on January 29th, 1800 hours, Japan standard time.
1275
1276Due to the frequent wars throughout the world over a 20-year period, most countries decided to call back all their troops to their respective territories, thus, things like the U.S. Forces’ Bases in Japan had disappeared. However, after the U.S became the USNA, the alliance between them and Japan had continued, but changed. Each country installed bases on their lands, bases that could be used freely by the other nation. The base of Yokosuka was one of those. (That being said, those bases’ activities were close to nonexistent).
1277
1278Of course, the fact that the Stars First Unit Commander, Canopus, came to Japan remained a secret. Immediately after arriving, without even going out of the base, he went on a destroyer ship towards the sea.
1279
1280The warship that Canopus was on headed south, towards the Sagami Bay, and it passed by a small cruiser of 20 meters in the middle of the sea area between the Boso Peninsula and Oshima. Canopus jumped from the destroyer to the small cruiser when the two were close enough. This boat had been camouflaged using Optical Magic which could reflect even infrared rays. Although a faint shadow would probably appear on stratospheric surveillance cameras, discerning its identity should be impossible. With this, Canopus could be smuggled into the country safely.
1281
1282This small cruiser was originally something that the USNA embassy possessed for leisure purposes, thus, to use it for information gathering, its power output and the hull’s outer armor had been reinforced. Of course, cutting-edge sensors had been installed as well. Despite the fact that this cruiser didn’t have many weapons, so long as Canopus was on it, this wouldn’t be a problem at all.
1283
1284Canopus turned the cruiser towards Sagami Bay. The cruiser went south, following the Izu Peninsula, then at Cape Irozaki turned north towards the Suruga Bay. Due in part to the slow speed at which he sailed, it was already nearing midnight when he found the target ship.
1285
1286It was a small freighter which had its deck entirely covered with solar panels. When sailing, the arms on each of the sides of the hull would open up, like a Tobiuo’s wings, and the thin solar films would then increase the power generation. This auxiliary power source uses a photocatalytic hydrogen production model built into a regular fuel cell, and with nearly all the energy required coming from the sun, this type of freighter had become the main transport model in the latter half of the 21st century.
1287
1288This freighter had been mentioned along with the presumed date at which Jiedo Heigu left the USNA. However, this ship was supposed to arrive yesterday in Japan. That is why the ship’s inspection was unnecessary, so they decided to search the port at which it had anchored.
1289
1290“Major, is it that ship?”
1291
1292The captain of the ship who served as an officer in the USNA’s Marine Corps talked to Canopus with a mix of awe and fear in his voice. As a temporary subordinate under his command for this mission, he had been told about Canopus’ background. The Stars were already a unit whose reputation was close to that of legendary, and factor in that he was now talking to one of its best field officers, and you get that result. Albeit, this captain wasn’t aware that “Canopus” the Number 2, was right behind “Sirius”, so he didn’t need to be that tense. If he had been aware of Canopus’ rank, it was quite possible that he wouldn’t have been able to focus on his work to begin with.
1293
1294To the captain’s question, Canopus expressed a bitter smile. Seeing this smile without an ounce of intimidation or malice, the captain’s tension softened a little.
1295
1296“My apologies but ships really aren’t my forté. You guys should have much more expertise on this subject than I do, right?”
1297
1298Understanding that Canopus implicitly asked “Isn’t this something you of all people should bring answers to?”, the captain straightened his spine.
1299
1300“Pardon me, Sir. There is no mistake that this is the ship in question.”
1301
1302“Of course, I will trust you on this matter.”
1303
1304Canopus adopted a serious look and nodded, and a breath of relief escaped from the captain’s lips.
1305
1306“Captain.”
1307
1308“Yes, Major?”
1309
1310The captain answered with a tone fitting of the serious expression Canopus was wearing.
1311
1312“Keep that ship under surveillance. Since Heigu brought this ship all the way from Yokosuka to Numazu, he might be tempted to use it again to escape.”
1313
1314“Understood. I will immediately contact local agents.”
1315
1316“We will continue observing the vessel tonight.”
1317
1318“Major, aren’t you going to the mainland?”
1319
1320“We’re already past the planned time for landing. If we are to successfully complete this mission, we must avoid drawing attention as much as possible.”
1321
1322“Sir, yes, sir!”
1323
1324Nodding silently, Canopus turned his attention towards the freighter.
1325
1326
1327
1328
1329
1330Persuaded by Virginia, Lina graciously decided to give up on going to Japan. She thought that sending Canopus wasn’t a mistake. Thinking about it, if they were to exclude Heavy Metal Burst, he might even be stronger than her, Sirius, since he was a veteran combat Magician. Lina kept repeating to herself that he never failed his duties.
1331
1332Still, Lina had come to a point where it was unbearable to not do anything.
1333
1334“…It’s true, I cannot do anything. I have to obediently remain here.
1335
1336However, if it’s about warning a fri… an acquaintance, then there should be no problem!”
1337
1338Despite the fact that no one was listening to her monologue, she felt the need to hurriedly correct herself before she could utter the word “friend”.
1339
1340Looking left and right with a red face, no matter how you looked at it, it was her excessive self-consciousness.
1341
1342Was she aware that her actions were a bit childish? Lina cleared her throat——which was quite a cutesy act in and of itself anyway——and looked towards the vision console.
1343
1344It was currently two hours past midnight. In other words, that meant Lina had been worrying until that time, but it also meant that it was just six o’clock in Japan. Even though that wasn’t planned at all, it was just what she hoped for.
1345
1346Although she had decided to phone them, if she gave herself the time to hesitate, it would have been too late. Lina psyched herself up in front of the console and dialed Miyuki’s number.
1347
1348After five blips, the screen’s light turned on. Looking at the display, her rival appeared, and compared to a year ago, her beauty had even further increased.
1349
1350[My! Lina, it’s been a while.]
1351
1352Neither envy, fear, reverence nor admiration transpired from her gaze, and she was only looking at the person named “Angelina”. Lina remembered the illusion of the water concealing her heart melting away.
1353
1354“Hello, Miyuki. It’s been awhile indeed. Is everything going well?”
1355
1356[Yes, thanks to you. Did you lose some weight I wonder? Are you alright? Aren’t you busy with your work?]
1357
1358Calling her role as the Stars’ High Commander, the duty of the Sirius, as just “work”. This spontaneous boldness gave Lina pleasant feelings.
1359
1360“My weight actually increased you know? Maybe I became more muscular.”
1361
1362[Hmm… It looks like you did shape up a bit. I’m a little jealous.]
1363
1364“Miyuki… I told you that when someone such as yourself talks like that, it sounds like sarcasm. Moreover, what’s up with you? Getting even more beautiful like that. When are you going to feel satisfied and stop?”
1365
1366[I could say the same to you, it really sounds like sarcasm when you say such things… If it seems like I look beautiful, then it’s only because of Onii-sama.]
1367
1368Lina suddenly had dejected feelings. Really, if the situation had been different… such thoughts wandered in Lina’s head, feelings of disappointment.
1369
1370“…Ah that’s true, Miyuki is now engaged to Tatsuya, right. Congratulations.”
1371
1372[Thank you very much, Lina. Still, the news spread pretty fast it seems.]
1373
1374“Well, we’re talking about the ‘Princess’ of the Yotsuba. It’s normal to bear an interest.”
1375
1376[Is that true? Then could it be that Lina called to congratulate us?]
1377
1378Lina was taken aback by Miyuki’s happy smile. And with this she remembered the purpose of her call.
1379
1380“Umm, no, sorry. It’s not really for that.”
1381
1382Hearing Lina’s apology, Miyuki slightly cocked her head to the side, but rather than being ill-humored, she was puzzled.
1383
1384[Oh my, in that case, is it an important matter?]
1385
1386Lina wanted to ask why Miyuki would show her such a cutesy face, but refrained from doing so and swallowed her retort.
1387
1388“Indeed. It’s probably a very important matter.”
1389
1390[…Would it be better if I called Onii-sama I wonder?]
1391
1392Thinking for less than a second, Lina nodded her head at Miyuki’s proposal.
1393
1394“Yes. It would be better for Tatsuya to hear this as well.”
1395
1396[Please, wait for a moment.]
1397
1398The screen entered suspension mode.
1399
1400It took roughly three seconds for the display to turn on again, and for Miyuki’s beautiful figure to reappear.
1401
1402[Lina, long time no see.]
1403
1404“Yes, Tatsuya. It has been a long time.”
1405
1406Tatsuya was sitting next to Miyuki. To Lina’s surprise, the distance between Tatsuya and Miyuki wasn’t zero.
1407
1408[I guess this would be the time where we slowly talk about how things have been going around each other, but you seem to have important business to talk about. Let’s leave the friendship talk for the next time, then. What did you want to consult us about.]
1409
1410“You haven’t changed, Tatsuya. I must say, I like that straightforward personality of yours.”
1411
1412Immediately after saying this, Lina thought “Damn it”. Using “I like” to qualify an aspect of Tatsuya while Miyuki is right next to him, isn’t that like pouring fuel on the already lit fire that is called “Miyuki’s jealousy”.
1413
1414However, once again unexpectedly, Miyuki remained calm and composed.
1415
1416This was incredibly eerie to Lina.
1417
1418“Umm… Miyuki. Aren’t you angry?”
1419
1420[Eh, about what?]
1421
1422Miyuki replied with a face that explicitly told she had no idea what Lina was talking about.
1423
1424From Miyuki’s point of view, it was natural that other women would be attracted to him, or at least find likeable points about him, so there was no reason to get angry about such trivial matters. Lina wasn’t aware of that fact however.
1425
1426“Well, let’s forget about it.”
1427
1428If she doesn’t care about it then there’s no reason to press the issue.
1429
1430Thanks to that, Lina was able to get down to business.
1431
1432“Tatsuya, Miyuki, do you remember about ‘The Seven Sages’?”
1433
1434Tatsuya and Miyuki looked at each other.
1435
1436[We remember.]
1437
1438The one who answered was Tatsuya.
1439
1440[Have you received some information from those Seven Sages?]
1441
1442While picturing Raymond Clark’s face, Tatsuya asked Lina this question. There should be no way for her to know about “The Seven Sages” identity. Never mind that Raymond was one of them.
1443
1444“Spot on.”
1445
1446As Lina didn’t have any telepathy or unusual mind powers, she couldn’t see what image went through Tatsuya’s mind at the moment. Lina also didn’t have observation powers on a level where she could see through Tatsuya’s poker face.
1447
1448“According to the information we received from them, remnants of Dahan have planned an act of terrorism in Japan.”
1449
1450Having received an answer to her own question, she answered Tatsuya’s.
1451
1452“The Mastermind is someone named Jiedo Heigu. His Chinese name is Gu Jie. He is a presumed surviving Magician from the Kunlunfang Institute… What’s wrong Miyuki?”
1453
1454Miyuki was about to raise her voice but quickly held it in, and having seen that, Lina inquired for the reason of her response.
1455
1456[The name Kunlunfang Institute holds a very special meaning for us… Forgive me for interrupting you.]
1457
1458The truth was that they had heard this name already from Raymond, that he was another member of “The Seven Sages”, Miyuki quickly covered up with a lie as Tatsuya didn’t have any reaction.
1459
1460“Ah, I see…”
1461
1462Lina knew about the connection between the Yotsuba and the Kunlunfang Institute. Considering it normal for the Yotsuba Successor to react vividly at the mention of a “Kunlunfang Institute Survivor”, Lina didn’t press the issue.
1463
1464“You might have already guessed, but we think that the possibility of the Yotsuba being Heigu’s target is pretty high.”
1465
1466[I see. Indeed, this line of thought seems to be the most plausible. Is that the reason Lina contacted Miyuki?]
1467
1468“W-well, yeah, that’s how it is.”
1469
1470Hearing Tatsuya say “I think the same”, Lina started to blush without any particular reason.
1471
1472[It’s true that both Miyuki and I are related to this matter. There is also the possibility that Miyuki would be directly targeted.]
1473
1474“Tatsuya… Don’t talk as if it’s someone else’s problem. There is a possibility that you could become a target as well.”
1475
1476To a Lina who stated so with an amazed voice,
1477
1478[It would be convenient if I was their target.]
1479
1480Tatsuya answered with a fearless expression.
1481
1482“…Well, I guess so. If they make you their target, I guess things would be wrapped up in short order.”
1483
1484Hearing his answer, Lina instinctively consented.
1485
1486Even Lina didn’t understand the extent of Tatsuya’s true power. Even though, at first, she had thought that he was a Magician skilled in Mental-Interference Magic, she came to doubt that assessment during their final battle with the Parasites.
1487
1488In a word, Tatsuya was, and still is a mysterious Magician. However, if anything, Lina couldn’t question his ability. Lina couldn’t even imagine how Magicians who had no choice but to rely on the little missiles they stole would go about dealing Tatsuya.
1489
1490[Lina, what’s wrong? You have the face of someone who just lost all her worries.]
1491
1492Lina violently jumped up at Miyuki casually revealing her thoughts.
1493
1494Why was she feeling so relieved after confirming that Tatsuya wouldn’t be done in so easily.
1495
1496“No, well, you know.”
1497
1498Hampered by the noisy sound her heart was making, she couldn’t form a proper sentence.
1499
1500“You see, how should I say it…”
1501
1502Looking at the wry smile of Tatsuya, Lina remembered how irritating it could be.
1503
1504“Ah, geez! See, to sum up, I just wanted to.”
1505
1506To tell you about Heigu, was what she was about to say, but she managed to seal her lips right before saying it.
1507
1508[I see… In other words, you were in such a hurry to tell us about Heigu that once you did what you called for, you felt relieved, is that it?]
1509
1510“Yeah, that’s right!”
1511
1512Lina showed quite the grand reaction to the figurative lifeboat that Tatsuya sent her.
1513
1514“Ah…”
1515
1516While Lina was rapidly getting redder,
1517
1518[I see. Lina, thank you very much.]
1519
1520Tatsuya ignored it and expressed his thanks to Lina.
1521
1522“Y-you don’t need to thank me! I just thought that if I didn’t tell you guys I’d have trouble sleeping, that’s all! Well then, Tatsuya, Miyuki, good night!”
1523
1524Forgetting the time difference between their countries, Lina cut off the transmission after rapidly saying her goodbye.
1525
1526She violently took off her clothes and slipped between the sheets without even putting on her pajamas.
1527
1528
1529
1530
1531
1532Chapter 5
1533
1534
1535
1536
1537A week had passed since Tatsuya and Miyuki had received that phone call from Lina.
1538
1539Lina’s communication had been last Tuesday, and since today was Monday, six days had passed. There were still no clues about the terrorist attack or Heigu. This was the case not only for Tatsuya, but also Maya and Canopus as well, none of whom had made progress in the search for Heigu.
1540
1541Furthermore, today was February 4th. The Master Clans Conference would be held in two days’ time.
1542
1543The Master Clans Conference is the summit for the Japanese Magic Community. Even for Ancient Magicians who didn’t even accept the Ten Master Clans as the Leaders of Magicians, they couldn’t deny the influence of the Master Clans Conference. Especially this year, the Ten Master Clans Selection Meeting would be held on the second day. It would decide the next Ten Master Clans for the next 4 years, which heightened the Magician’s concerns even more.
1544
1545The students of First High, too, were restless since early morning.
1546
1547Though they were only High School Students, being Magicians themselves, they couldn’t help being concerned. Especially for people who are related to the Ten Master Clans and the 18 Assistant Houses, or people associated with the Ten Master Clans whose probability for selection was low, were anxious to the point of being incapable of concentrating in school.
1548
1549As Miyuki entered Class 2-A, the students reacted by freezing in shock, and silence fell upon the room.
1550
1551“Good morning, Shizuku, Honoka.”
1552
1553Miyuki greeted Shizuku in the seat in front and Honoka standing adjacent to Shizuku. With a greeting, she removed the spell on her classmates.
1554
1555“Miyuki!? Why did you come to school!?”
1556
1557Honoka let out a voice similar to a scream. With that, Class 2-A was filled with the loud buzz of commotion.
1558
1559“Why… Isn’t today a weekday. For a High School Student to come to school is a given, isn’t it? Or since when have I been ostracized by my friends? Or could it be bullying?”
1560
1561Miyuki tilted her head with one hand on her cheek, making a troubled expression.
1562
1563In response to the unexpected counter-attack, Honoka was bewildered.
1564
1565Shizuku too had a face which indicated that she had no idea as to how she could assist her.
1566
1567However, the troubles of the two did not continue for long.
1568
1569“I apologize, that was a joke.”
1570
1571A quick smile slipped out of Miyuki that turned into a giggle.
1572
1573“I thought you would be absent? Today’s the Master Clans Conference after all.”
1574
1575“Y-Yeah!”
1576
1577Honoka who followed-up, anxiously drew closer to Miyuki.
1578
1579“Miyuki, is it fine to not go to the Conference? After all, this time, they’re holding the selection meeting, too? Since you’re the successor, ah…”
1580
1581Honoka covered her mouth with her hand, showing an expression that she messed up.
1582
1583The classmates who heard this, turned away all at once.
1584
1585“Even though I would prefer it if you weren’t so bothered about it…”
1586
1587Miyuki put on a smile of embarrassment. But the classmates who, until recently, were concerned about her, couldn’t help but worry about her attendance.
1588
1589“So Miyuki, is it okay to not go?”
1590
1591Following Miyuki’s statement, Shizuku asked a rather bland question to break the sour mood.
1592
1593“Well, I wasn’t invited to go.”
1594
1595As Miyuki answered while smiling, gazes which seemed to say “Eh?” gathered around her.
1596
1597“I wonder if Honoka and Shizuku don’t know this. The venue of the Master Clans Conference is a secret to everyone except the attendees. For the 18 Assistant Houses attending the Selection Meeting, as of today, they are only informed about the approximate location, with the specifics about the room being used still unknown.”
1598
1599“But Miyuki is…”
1600
1601To Honoka revealing her surprise, Miyuki pleasantly smiled.
1602
1603It paralyzed Honoka’s tongue and throat.
1604
1605“I wasn’t invited. Thus, I don’t even know where the meeting will take place. It’s not that I take no interest in the contents of the meeting but if I don’t even know the general location, there’s no way I can go, right?”
1606
1607“That’s true.”
1608
1609In place of Honoka who had started blushing quietly, Shizuku nodded in agreement to Miyuki’s words.
1610
1611
1612
1613
1614
1615At the same time, something similar was happening in Class 2-E.
1616
1617“Hmm? Tatsuya-san, why did you come to school?”
1618
1619“Good morning, Mizuki. To greet me with such a question in the morning.”
1620
1621“Eh, ah, no, about that… I’m sorry.”
1622
1623It wasn’t that Tatsuya particularly felt uncomfortable but for him to say such a thing was natural. Tatsuya had never taken long periods of absence from school, so to be questioned, “Why did you come to school”, on a Monday, the question coming out of nowhere was nothing less than a rarity.
1624
1625But on this day, it wasn’t just Mizuki who seemed to have forgotten her common sense.
1626
1627“Tatsuya-kun, is it alright for you to come to school!?”
1628
1629Opening the window noisily, Erika cried out loud without any prior greeting.
1630
1631“Erika… why do you all want me to be absent?”
1632
1633The sight of Tatsuya frowning in displeasure, beside an embarrassed Mizuki entered Erika’s sight.
1634
1635“A, ahahahahahahaha.”
1636
1637Realizing her attitude to be a little senseless, she revealed a false smile.
1638
1639Some things were impossible, even for her.
1640
1641“But still, Tatsuya. Isn’t today the start of the Master Clans Conference? Is it fine to not go there?”
1642
1643Fortunately for Erika, she wasn’t the only one who dared to venture into the minefield.
1644
1645“Why would you want to know?”
1646
1647In response to Leo’s question, without trying to play the fool, Tatsuya curiously asked a question of his own.
1648
1649“I think that to not be interested would be strange.”
1650
1651As Erika replied to Tatsuya’s question, Leo nodded his head in agreement.
1652
1653“These two are really getting along now,” Tatsuya thought while putting out another question.
1654
1655“As I said, why? Well, it does seem the amount of interested people is rather numerous but…”
1656
1657While saying that, Tatsuya glanced backwards, and his classmates hurriedly averted their eyes.
1658
1659“If you think that my relation to the Yotsuba Family is a good enough reason, then you would be mistaken. Just because a person is blood-related to the Ten Master Clans does not mean he or she can participate in the Master Clans Conference. For example, as the successor of the Juumonji Family, Juumonji-senpai attending is a given but, Saegusa-senpai is unlikely to be attending.”
1660
1661“…So that’s how it works?”
1662
1663Leo wore a face that lost interest. Conversely, Erika had an expression that seemed to express her content.
1664
1665“Therefore, even if I did know the location of the conference, I’m not interested in going. In the middle of the conference, rather than to be bored waiting, it would be more beneficial to go to school and take lessons.”
1666
1667“But still, aren’t you interested in the contents discussed in the Master Clans Conference?”
1668
1669“I’m not allowed to attend, so even if I wanted to go now, I have no way of doing so. All the results of the conference will be publicized. There’s no way for me to know the process of the discussion.”
1670
1671“Haa… in the end, we only need to follow the announcement huh?”
1672
1673“That is indeed the case.”
1674
1675If the discussion ended here, it would have been resolved under the category of small talk.
1676
1677“In the end, powerless small fry Magicians can only follow something you decided? That sounds like something Ten Master Clans-sama would say.”
1678
1679A loud monologue resounded throughout the quiet classroom which had been listening to Tatsuya.
1680
1681The source was diagonally behind Tatsuya. More accurately, it was diagonally behind Mizuki.
1682
1683“What? You have something you want to say?”
1684
1685Using her sharp eyes, Erika glared at Hirakawa Chiaki, the student who had voiced such words.
1686
1687Chiaki didn’t answer Erika’s question. If that was the extent of her reaction, it would have ended fine. But, Chiaki looked away.
1688
1689Erika’s eyes twitched upwards at the provocation.
1690
1691Erika, who was at the window, walked in through the door. Then, she headed towards Chiaki.
1692
1693“Wait a moment! Chiba-san, calm down!”
1694
1695The one who hastily blocked Erika’s way was a male student.
1696
1697Not yielding to Erika’s spirit, he tried to resolve the situation peacefully as if he was the class rep. The student in question was Tomitsuka, a man who fit the definition of a worry-wart.
1698
1699“Tomitsuka-kun, could you stand down? I have something to say to that girl.”
1700
1701“No, that will definitely end badly!”
1702
1703Tomitsuka, who certainly understood what Erika meant by “something to say”, tried desperately to dissuade Erika.
1704
1705But, as if to ruin his efforts, Chiaki stood up behind Tomitsuka.
1706
1707“Isn’t it true?”
1708
1709“What?”
1710
1711Over the shoulder of Tomitsuka, the two girls glared at each other.
1712
1713“Chiba-san, err, lessons will be starting soon…?”
1714
1715Acting like a shield for Chiaki, Tomitsuka still tried to arbitrate the issue.
1716
1717“There’s still 5 minutes.”
1718
1719But was tragically shot down.
1720
1721“So, Hirakawa-san, answer me?”
1722
1723The intensity of Erika’s gaze was such that it could even cause a grown man to shudder.
1724
1725Chiaki’s knees were currently trembling, but she still bravely replied.
1726
1727“The fact he’s related to the Ten Master Clans! Are you telling me I’m wrong?!”
1728
1729“And? It may be true that Tatsuya-kun is related to the Ten Master Clans, so what? Even if someone’s parents are from the Ten Master Clans, the children aren’t necessarily involved as well.”
1730
1731“Sophistry. Chicanery. Being a member of the Yotsuba Family behind our backs, he hid it and deceived us!”
1732
1733“Perhaps a young girl who was fortunately brought up in a normal household may not know, but children who do not take their parents’ surnames is not a rare occurrence in the Magician Community.”
1734
1735Chiaki’s tongue was tied and she was unable to reply due to the fact she knew Erika was telling the truth. That fact was common knowledge.
1736
1737“Wha-Why…”
1738
1739“Nn? If you have something you want to say, just be out with it.”
1740
1741Erika’s contemptuous tone angered Chiaki. Rage broke any reason left in her.
1742
1743“Chiba-san, why are you getting angry because of that guy!? Do you like him or something!?”
1744
1745The classmates who had been spectating the argument frowned. This was because Chiaki’s reasoning was sorely lacking in dignity for a High School Student. To put it crudely, “Whether someone likes someone or not, what does it matter? Aren’t you being an idiot?” was what they felt.
1746
1747“Are you an idiot?”
1748
1749Erika spoke those thoughts aloud.
1750
1751“Do I like Tatsuya-kun? I’m not so reckless.”
1752
1753Hearing Erika’s objection the students of Class 2-E tilted their necks in puzzlement.
1754
1755“To be a love rival against Miyuki, I’ve seen the horrors it can bring. I’d rather not risk my life in such a dangerous scenario for love.”
1756
1757If Miyuki had heard her, the situation wouldn’t have ended so simply.
1758
1759Even sympathizing with that statement would be dangerous. But, excluding Tatsuya, Chiaki and Tomitsuka——In short the spectating students of Class 2-E——deeply nodded in agreement at Erika’s words.
1760
1761“Ah, to seriously argue against such a dolt, I must look like quite the fool.”
1762
1763Saying that, Erika briskly walked out.
1764
1765“Tatsuya-kun, I’ll be returning. See you next time.”
1766
1767“Ah, see you next time.”
1768
1769Returning a wave to Tatsuya, she smiled and left Class 2-E.
1770
1771The end result was that Chiaki successfully drove off Erika.
1772
1773But Chiaki was left standing and trembling in embarrassment.
1774
1775
1776
1777
1778
1779For High School Students, the conference might seem like something casual, but for the participating adults, the Master Clans Conference is nothing less than a serious duel, which concerned their very lives.
1780
1781The venue was in Hakone, held in a rented conference room in a luxurious hotel. As the start of the meeting approached, the seats of the round table were filled.
1782
1783Casually dressed in a copper brown sweater, that wrapped his tall and sunburnt body, was the cutthroat Head of the Ichijou Family, Ichijou Gouki. Residing in Kanazawa, he had recently celebrated his 42nd birthday a few days ago. His occupation was being a Seabed Mining Company President.
1784
1785With her hair tied up, and donning an elegant kimono, was the Head of the Futatsugi Family, Futatsugi Mai. Residing in Ashiya, 55 years old. She was a major shareholder of a Food Industry Company.
1786
1787Wearing a jacket on top of a polo shirt, coupled with a rough look, was the petite yet athletic middle-aged Head of the Mitsuya Family, Mitsuya Gen. Residing in Atsugi, 53 years old. He, for lack of a nice way of putting it, was an International Arms Dealer.
1788
1789Enveloped in a wine red formal one piece was the beautiful Head of the Yotsuba Family, Yotsuba Maya. No matter how one looked at it she looked to be only 30 years of age, but she is actually 47 years old.
1790
1791Neatly dressed but also having a plain appearance, like an unrefined businessman was the Head of the Itsuwa Family, Itsuwa Isami. Residing in Uwajima, 49 years old. He was the director and the owner, of a Shipping Company.
1792
1793Short, yet straight, brown hair, and wearing a pantsuit, the glamorous woman was the Head of the Mutsuzuka Family, Mutsuzuka Atsuko. Residing in Sendai, 29 years old. She was the owner of a Geothermal Power Plant Excavation Company.
1794
1795Somewhat old fashioned and reminiscent of the elite businessmen of the 1980’s to 1990’s, was the Head of the Saegusa Family, Saegusa Kouichi. Residing in Tokyo, 48 years old. Wearing lightly colored spectacles, even indoors, was a characteristic trait of his. He is a Venture Capitalist.
1796
1797Wearing a three-piece suit without a tie and his hair gathered up, was the Head of the Yatsushiro Family, Yatsushiro Raizou. Residing in Fukuoka, 31 years old. He was a lecturer in at a university and a major shareholder of a Multi-Communication Company.
1798
1799Dressed in an overseas brand three-piece, the white-haired gentleman was the Head of the Kudou Family, Kudou Makoto. Residing in Ikoma, 64 years old. He was the shareholder, investor and creditor of various Military Industrial Companies.
1800
1801The bald man in full formal Japanese attire, a haori hakama, was the Head of the Juumonji Family, Juumonji Kazuki. Residing in Tokyo, 44 years old. He was the owner of a Civil Engineering and Construction Company that has a connection with the National Defense Force.
1802
1803These were the current Ten Master Clans, and their respective Heads. In addition, only Juumonji Kazuki was accompanied by his son, Katsuto.
1804
1805Once all the members were present, the door closed. The one who locked the door was the youngest of them all, Katsuto.
1806
1807“Juumonji-dono, has your condition improved?”
1808
1809The first to speak was the eldest, Kudou Makoto.
1810
1811All Families were equal within the Ten Master Clans. There was no hierarchy of any sort. Such a belief was obvious due to the usage of a round table in the hotel.
1812
1813But to carry out a meeting without a chairperson was unconducive. So among the Family Heads, it had become an unwritten law that the eldest would have the role of facilitating the meeting.
1814
1815Makoto inquiring about Juumonji Kazuki’s health condition was due to the fact that previously he had been absent from the Master Clans Conference, with Katsuto going in his place. For the other Heads, it had been actually 3 years since their last meeting with Kazuki.
1816
1817“In regards to that, I have an announcement to make to everyone.”
1818
1819Hearing Makoto’s words, Kazuki stood up. Speaking while seating was the standard in the Master Clans Conference so his attitude seemed to give the feeling that it was an important announcement.
1820
1821“This may be sudden but, I, Juumonji Kazuki, will use this meeting as a means of handing over the seat of Head of the Juumonji Family to my son Katsuto. With that in mind, I would like all of you present to bear witness.”
1822
1823Exchanging glances with surrounding members, while staring at Kazuki, each Head had varied responses but, not one of them freely chattered.
1824
1825“That is quite a brash thing to say.”
1826
1827Makoto said on behalf of all the other members present.
1828
1829“I have been considering this for quite some time. Having reached adulthood, I believe Katsuto has also been thinking about it. Occupying the seat of the Head and having no ability as a Magician… such a thing, not only speaking for the Juumonji Family, but for the Ten Master Clans, would not be desirable. Thus I’ve made such a decision.”
1830
1831“You mean to say, you can no longer use magic?”
1832
1833The person who asked this was Ichijou Gouki. In the Master Clans Conference, difficult topics that had to be broached were numerous.
1834
1835“Since 3 years ago, I have been suffering from a disease that has caused a decline in my magic power. 2 years ago, I was at the stage where I could no longer fight, as such virtually left all the duties of being Head to Katsuto. And then 3 months ago, I lost all use of my magical abilities.”
1836
1837Kazuki’s explosive message reverberated amongst everyone.
1838
1839“A sickness that causes a decline in magic? This is the first time I heard of such a thing. I know this is impolite but, as a Magician this is a big problem. Do you have more information? Are there no cures?”
1840
1841The person asking was Saegusa Kouichi. For him, when in the Master Clans Conference, talking came first and the debate second.
1842
1843“Saegusa-dono, such a worry is unnecessary. For it is unique to the Juumonji Family.”
1844
1845“Unique only to your family? Are you sure?”
1846
1847“Saegusa-dono.”
1848
1849As Kouichi tried to question further, he was softly chided by Maya.
1850
1851“It would be better if you refrain from asking anything more than that.”
1852
1853“That is true. Do not pry into the business of other families. That is a rule not only followed by the Ten Master Clans, but the Magic Community as a whole. It is as Yotsuba-dono says, shall we cease such questioning? Juumonji-dono has already said that Magicians of other families will not catch such a disease, isn’t that good enough?”
1854
1855Futatsugi Mai followed up on Maya’s opinion. After Kudou Makoto, as the next eldest, she held the role of being the arbitrator during the Master Clans Conference.
1856
1857“Very well, I understand. Juumonji-dono, I apologize for my actions.”
1858
1859Kouichi withdrew quietly. Let alone Maya, he had no reason to be stubborn towards Mai.
1860
1861“No, I don’t really mind it.”
1862
1863As Kouichi replied as such, Kazuki faced Maya and Mai and showed gratitude with his eyes.
1864
1865“Now then, everyone. Are there any opinions about the Juumonji’s Succession?”
1866
1867About Kazuki’s question,
1868
1869“Even without our presence, I know it would be fine for the Juumonji’s Family matters to be settled internally, but… I have no objections. I would happily bear witness to the succession of Katsuto-dono.”
1870
1871“I too have no objections. Rather, I think it’s quite an honor. I would happily be a witness.”
1872
1873As Maya raised her volume, Mutsuzuka Atsuko continued. Atsuko had an admiration for Maya, so often when disputes broke out, she would often take Maya’s side. One of the Yotsuba Branch Families, the Shibata Family’s eldest son, Katsushige commuted to Sendai’s Fifth High School. Such a thing was partially due to the friendliness of Atsuko to Maya.
1874
1875“I have no intention to protest against other family’s succession matters. I wish Katsuto-dono the best of luck in his future role as the Head. It’s unfortunate for Kazuki-dono, but, for putting forth so much effort for the Japanese Magic Community, thank you for your hard work.”
1876
1877Perhaps because of what happened earlier, Kouichi actively showed his support.
1878
1879With both Maya and Kouichi accepting Kazuki’s proposal in concert, the remaining Heads congratulated Katsuto, and gave words of appreciation for Kazuki.
1880
1881“Now Katsuto-dono. As the new Head of the Juumonji Family, please sit in that seat.”
1882
1883Lastly, Makoto prompted Katsuto, recognizing him as the Head of the Juumonji Family.
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889Sent by Katsuto to this room, Kazuki left the room, Katsuto sat in the seat for the Head of the Juumonji Family. With that adjustment, the Master Clans Conference began.
1890
1891“Then Ichijou-dono.”
1892
1893“The mountain recesses of the Hokuriku-San’in regions have seen no movement that might become a problem. There have been no signs observed that the New Soviet Union and the Great Asian Alliance are working on an intrusion.”
1894
1895Prompted by Makoto, Gouki made a report on the observations of the activities of opposing governments.
1896
1897“Mutsuzuka-dono.”
1898
1899“The Tōhoku region has seen no irregularities.”
1900
1901“Futatsugi-dono.”
1902
1903“Hanshin is as usual. Should there be any eyesores, I will immediately set out to clean it up.”
1904
1905“…Futatsugi-dono, be careful. Itsuwa-dono.”
1906
1907“No movements have been observed in the Shikoku region.”
1908
1909“Yatsushiro-dono.”
1910
1911“Much like the Hanshin region, the Kitakyushu region is as usual.”
1912
1913“Is that so? Keep a look out and be careful.”
1914
1915This report was in regards to the activities in the areas which each family was in charge of. The Hokkaidō, Ogasawara and Okinawa regions were under the jurisdiction of the Magicians from the National Defense Forces, even the Ten Master Clans could not raise a hand so easily.
1916
1917Other than those areas, the mountain areas of the Hokuriku-San’in region is under the Ichijou Family, Tōhoku the Mutsuzuka Family, Hanshin-Chūgoku the Futatsugi Family, Shikoku the Itsuwa Family, the Kyushu area excluding Okinawa was under the Yatsushiro Family, and Kyōto—Nara-Shiga-Kii the Kudou Family. Furthermore, the Mitsuya Family actively provided the know-how to the Magicians of the Defense Forces and of the applications of the Third Research Laboratory, while cooperating with the other Houses of the “Three”.
1918
1919The Saegusa Family as well as the Juumonji Family were in charge of the Kantō region, including Izu, while the Yotsuba Family is in charge of Tōkai as well as the Gifu-Nagano Prefectures.
1920
1921“Saegusa-dono.”
1922
1923“The Kantō region has had an increase in anti-Magician activities. It’s not at the level where interference is necessary, but I think sooner or later we will have to make a move. Also, there was some suspicious activity in Yokosuka. Perhaps they are planning sabotage.”
1924
1925“Does Juumonji-dono share the same thoughts?”
1926
1927“In regards to the anti-Magician movement, the Juumonji Family and I share the same opinion as Saegusa-dono. In regards to the saboteur, it is unfortunate, but we couldn’t catch him.”
1928
1929“Hmm. Regarding the so-called Humanists, let’s discuss this later. Then, Yotsuba-dono.”
1930
1931“While absent in Kantō, the Humanists have begun encroaching upon Tōkai. Now then, Saegusa-dono, Juumonji-dono.”
1932
1933“Yotsuba-dono, what is it?”
1934
1935Addressed by Maya, Kouichi answered with a smile. In that smile, elements other than sociability were slightly mixed in. The only time Kouichi would show a fluctuation of any emotion was when the other member of the conversation was Maya.
1936
1937For Maya, she had never directed a gaze of concern towards Kouichi.
1938
1939No matter what, she would always return a look that seemed to say whatever.
1940
1941“There is suspicious activity in Izu. We propose tighter surveillance.”
1942
1943Now was no exception. Glancing coldly and uninterestedly at Kouichi, the eye that seemed to ask why are you looking at me, then only gave a perfunctory reply.
1944
1945“I understand. If you don’t mind, could you explain a little as to what kind of activity it was.”
1946
1947The one who said so in a dignified voice was Katsuto. Though surrounded by seniors, he seemed to be indifferent to such a fact.
1948
1949“I don’t mind. Last week, a small cargo ship that arrived at the Yokosuka Port via the North American route is currently anchored at the Numazu Port. We were observing that cruiser owned by the USNA Embassy. As of now, the embassy’s cruiser disappeared but, our surveillance of the cargo ship is still continued.
1950
1951“Yotsuba-dono, do you know of the whereabouts of the cruiser?”
1952
1953Kouichi posed another question towards Maya.
1954
1955“I don’t know. Perhaps it is at sea.”
1956
1957Though it seemed like Maya gave an irresponsible reply, originally it was supposed to be Kouichi that was responsible for investigating. The Juumonji Family is better suited for combat. so even though both were in charge of the Kanto-Izu region, the Saegusa Family was in charge of the investigation work.
1958
1959“Very well, our family will investigate this issue. With the increase in anti-Magician activity… if that cargo ship has humanist passengers, then the USNA authorities might chase it as well. Numazu is Yotsuba-dono’s territory but, the issue is that ship entered the harbor of Yokosuka. Our family will continue to pursue this as well.”
1960
1961Obviously understanding that, Kouichi summarized the situation flawlessly.
1962
1963“Eh, I look forward to working with you.”
1964
1965Nodding, Maya did not further discuss the topic of Heigu’s boat and Canopus’ cruiser.
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971As the regular reports concluded, the conference room’s atmosphere changed.
1972
1973“Kudou-dono. Firstly, I have something I would like ask about this location.”
1974
1975The remark which heralded trouble was made by Kouichi.
1976
1977“Saegusa-dono, go ahead.”
1978
1979With a sighing expression of patience, Makoto prompted Kouichi to go ahead.
1980
1981“Very well, thank you for sparing me some time.”
1982
1983Saying that, Kouichi faced Maya.
1984
1985Once again, a certain mood drifted from Mutsuzuka Atsuko to Yatsushiro Raizou. Kouichi (with a gentlemanly attitude) turned to Maya, something that could be said to be a familiar sight in the Master Clans Conference.
1986
1987“Yotsuba-dono, congratulations on your decision about your successor.”
1988
1989“Thank you.”
1990
1991Both Kouichi and Maya had fake smiles plastered on their faces.
1992
1993Beneath the façade, Kouichi had a provocative glimmer in his eye, while Maya returned a cold gaze. No matter how one looked at it, both seemed ready to fight.
1994
1995“But, regarding your son’s engagement issue, I’m afraid I cannot agree to that.”
1996
1997“Why? If I remember correctly, personal issues like marriage have no necessity to seek approval from the Master Clans Conference. Am I wrong?”
1998
1999Before any voices of approval could be interleaved, Maya rebutted Kouichi.
2000
2001“Indeed if it was only a marriage, I wouldn’t be saying this. But when the possibility of ruining potential talent exists, it’s a different story.”
2002
2003With the exception of Kouichi and Maya, everyone’s eyes focused on Ichijou Gouki.
2004
2005Gouki’s mouth was twisted into a bent shape, with arms folded. His face seemed to voice his thoughts “In such a place and time…”
2006
2007How does consanguineous marriage impact a Magician’s quality? Such research has not made much progress, and thus is a topic yet to be concluded. Some researchers have claimed it is harmful, while some have claimed it beneficial. But, above the fact that the risk of genetic abnormalities is assumed, it is considered that it is better that marriages with blood relationships too close be avoided. Actually among the Numbers, the law tends to discourage even marriage among cousins.
2008
2009Kudou Makoto interlaced his fingers on the table, closing his eyes. From the side, he looked like he was deep in thought.
2010
2011“It’s just an inclination, it is not forbidden. There are real examples too.”
2012
2013The one who refuted Kouichi in a weary voice was not Maya.
2014
2015“Eh. Just as Yatsushiro-dono said, even among the 28 Houses, there are sanguineous couples. But in that case, they have different mothers. Considering Yotsuba-dono’s current case, it cannot be discussed on an equal basis.”
2016
2017“Even if they weren’t cousins, you can go back to the grandparents and find the father is related by being cousins with the other’s husband. Even when the blood relations are distant, the element of risk still exists in sanguineous marriage, doesn’t it?”
2018
2019This time it was Mutsuzuka Atsuko who refuted Kouichi’s claim.
2020
2021“The risk is never zero. The only question is to what degree, Mutsuzuka-dono.”
2022
2023But, Atsuko’s remark could not cause Kouichi to falter.
2024
2025“The reason I object to the Yotsuba Family’s Successors’ engagement, is that they are monozygotic twins, with very close blood ties. No different from a marriage between half-siblings. Is that not the case?”
2026
2027Atsuko did not reply. Kouichi ignoring his emotional intention, his logic held persuasion.
2028
2029“A marriage between cousins may be recognized by law. But if it becomes a marriage between half-siblings, then it could even be called a circumvention of the law.”
2030
2031“Saegusa-dono, that is going too far.”
2032
2033Futatsugi Mai gently restrained the extreme phrase, circumvention of the law. But, Mai didn’t seem to show any intention to oppose Kouichi’s claim.
2034
2035“Apologies. I’ve indeed gone too far. Please forgive me, Yotsuba-dono.”
2036
2037Maya ignored Kouichi’s apology.
2038
2039“So in the end, what do you want to say Saegusa-dono?”
2040
2041Ignoring everything, she cut straight to the point to seek what Kouichi’s request was.
2042
2043Stopping even Kouichi’s smooth tongue, Kouichi’s face in the direction between Itsuwa Isami and Mutsuzuka Atsuko, staring at Maya.
2044
2045“What I seek is very simple. I believe the successor to the Yotsuba Family, Shiba Miyuki-dono, and Shiba Tatsuya-dono’s engagement should be cancelled.”
2046
2047Maya returned Kouichi’s stare.
2048
2049Both Maya and Kouichi’s line of sight met.
2050
2051Hidden beneath his light colored lenses, the emotion that crossed his remaining left eye was either joy or hatred.
2052
2053“My apologies. May I add in something?”
2054
2055The person who cut into the high tension between the two was Ichijou Gouki.
2056
2057“Yotsuba-dono, though our family has yet to receive an answer from yours, I should admit that what Saegusa-dono has said was influenced by us. As such, could you please consider our request?”
2058
2059“The issue regarding the request for the engagement between your family’s Masaki-dono and Miyuki?”
2060
2061“Yes.”
2062
2063Returning a face of fortitude, Maya languidly sighed deeply.
2064
2065“Masaki-dono is the Ichijou Family’s successor is he not? Miyuki has also been confirmed as the successor of our family. Even if I put aside the fact that it is inappropriate of you to request an engagement when a prior one has been confirmed, what you speak of is impossible.”
2066
2067Maya clearly sought to offend Gouki——or so was her guise——
2068
2069Gouki replied in a chilly tone.
2070
2071“I apologize for being rude. But we too are making a serious request. It is not a joke of any sort.”
2072
2073“A serious request? To seek the hand of my niece who’s already engaged to someone, what part of that is a serious request?”
2074
2075“My son genuinely hopes to tie the knot with Miyuki-dono. If you were to accept our proposal of marriage, then we intend to give Masaki to the Yotsuba Family.”
2076
2077The round table was astir. Carrying the title of “Crimson Prince”, Ichijou Masaki demonstrated a degree of power that’s combat worthy of that title even at the age of 13, also during the 2095 Yokohama Incident, even now as a 17-year-old youth, his reputation as a first-class combat magician is well known throughout the Ten Master Clans.
2078
2079For Gouki to say that it would be fine to let go of such an heir. No matter how one looked at it, the deal was very much favorable to the Yotsuba Family. Since there was no amount of deception in Gouki’s words, even Maya had to recognize the proposition.
2080
2081“Is that so? But I still cannot accept your request.”
2082
2083Although the discomfort disappeared from Maya’s expression, her attitude did not turn cold.
2084
2085“…The reason, may I hear it?”
2086
2087“For Ichijou-dono, as a parent, to hope to fulfill your child’s wishes, that is something I understand as well. But if Ichijou-dono has considered your child’s feelings, then as an aunt, I must also consider my niece’s feelings.”
2088
2089“Miyuki-dono’s feelings?”
2090
2091“Yes. My niece, Miyuki, likes my son Tatsuya. I believe that Tatsuya too cares for Miyuki. I wish to respect both their feelings.”
2092
2093To Maya’s words, Futatsugi Mai and Mutsuzuka Atsuko both deeply nodded. Such words after all resonated more easily with the female gender.
2094
2095“Are Miyuki’s feelings unmovable? Could you perhaps give Masaki a chance?”
2096
2097“A Chance?”
2098
2099“Miyuki-dono likely does not know much about Masaki yet.”
2100
2101“Is that not the same for Masaki-dono? Aside from appearance, your son likely does not know much about Miyuki.”
2102
2103Subtly saying “Masaki was only attracted to her looks” made Gouki feel very ashamed. Despite it being the truth, he was defiant.
2104
2105“Thus, I hope you would give them a chance for them to become acquainted. If both of them get to know each other well, and still she refuses to choose Masaki, then we will give up.”
2106
2107“Ichijou-dono… Are you aware that since earlier, your family has been rather disrespectful to both Miyuki and Tatsuya? Especially towards my son, Tatsuya. What Ichijou-dono is saying can only be interpreted as calling Tatsuya inferior as a man in comparison to Masaki-dono.”
2108
2109Gouki was at a loss of words. He had no intention of saying so but, he may have spoken out as a doting parent.
2110
2111Towards Maya’s harsh words, even Mai, who’s role as the stopper, did not say anything to chide her. This was to say that the majority of the Family Heads felt that Gouki should be accountable for what he said.
2112
2113Then Kouichi who did not think so, once again dredged up his claims.
2114
2115“However if one were to shelve their romantic feelings and look at it objectively, I think an engagement between Masaki-dono and Miyuki-dono would be a good match. More than anything, it would avoid any harm that could come from a sanguineous marriage.”
2116
2117“Saegusa-dono… Are you saying that Miyuki-dono’s feelings are not worthy of consideration?”
2118
2119Mitsuya Gen, who had been silent until then, reproved Kouichi in a bitter voice.
2120
2121But Kouichi did not withdraw.
2122
2123“Suppressing one’s emotions to a degree is necessary, especially as a successor to one of the Ten Master Clans. Is that not the case for everyone here?”
2124
2125No voice of objection gave rise. What Kouichi said, everyone present knew.
2126
2127“Also, Miyuki-dono is still young. If she were to get to know Masaki-dono, she may change her feelings.”
2128
2129“Is that so… chemistry between a man and a woman, if they do not get to know each other, one will never know.”
2130
2131The first voice who supported Kouichi, was Itsuwa Isami.
2132
2133But the one who was most surprised at Isami’s words was most likely Kouichi. Though not apparent in his expression, Kouichi doubted Isami’s intent in his heart.
2134
2135“I too thought it was a good pair, requesting for an engagement with Saegusa-dono’s daughter, but… Mayumi-dono and Hiroshi’s character didn’t mix well, and in the end it did not go anywhere.”
2136
2137As Isami said, right before the Master Clans Conference, the Itsuwa Family broke off talks of marriage.
2138
2139“Kouichi’s claim that an engagement between the Ichijou Family’s Masaki-dono and the Yotsuba Family’s Miyuki-dono is reasonable. Their marriage will bring more and more development to Japan’s Magic Community. Not to mention Ichijou-dono has said he is willing to give the Yotsuba Family Masaki-dono, I don’t think it’s such a bad deal to Yotsuba-dono.”
2140
2141With Isami’s support, the winds began to change. In that instant, the tail wind was definitely blowing for Kouichi and Gouki.
2142
2143But that wind was about to be broken in an instant.
2144
2145“Itsuwa-dono. Our family does not consider or seek benefits from Miyuki’s marriage.”
2146
2147Isami awkwardly looked down. Having realized his intention to induce discussion about short-term gain and loss, Maya flatly rejected him.
2148
2149“I understand your stance; Miyuki is still young. I cannot say that the possibility of her feelings to change is zero. But that is as far as I can say, I think Masaki-dono should put in his own effort to move Miyuki’s heart. If Masaki were steal Miyuki away from Tatsuya, then even I wouldn’t tie up Miyuki. To the Yotsuba Family, we will serve any command from Miyuki, but we may yield regarding the seat of the son-in-law.”
2150
2151“So the engagement is not annulled?”
2152
2153“In exchange, you would not mind if Masaki-dono were to go after Miyuki-dono?”
2154
2155
2156
2157
2158
2159Makoto and Mai confirmed Maya’s meaning.
2160
2161“That interpretation is fine. In the first place, dare I say, that Miyuki and Tatsuya’s marriage is a legitimate thing recognized by the law. It’s not anything that must result in accepting any objection by the law, is it?”
2162
2163To Maya’s words, Mai nodded.
2164
2165“It is certainly as Yotsuba-dono said. Sanguineous marriage does indeed carry some risk. That said, Saegusa-dono’s claim exceeds the scope of decisions that can be made in the Master Clans Conference.”
2166
2167Mai then moved her gaze from Kouichi to Gouki.
2168
2169“Ichijou-dono, is that fine? Yotsuba-dono has said that despite Miyuki-dono’s engagement, she will allow your son to interact with Miyuki-dono. The parents will not interfere with anything beyond that.”
2170
2171“…I understand. I will convey that to my son.”
2172
2173“I too, am fine with that.”
2174
2175Both Gouki and Kouichi decided to lay down arms.
2176
2177“By the way, the allowing of one to date while they have a fiancée also apply to Tatsuya-dono?”
2178
2179Of course, Kouichi was not of the type that would raise the white flag without conditions.
2180
2181Under the gaze of Maya and Mai, Kouichi made a smile.
2182
2183“As Itsuwa-dono has said earlier, the talks for the engagement between Itsuwa Family’s Hirofumi and our Mayumi have broken down. If it goes well, I was hoping for Mayumi to marry Tatsuya-dono.”
2184
2185Kudou Retsu had been once referred to as a “Trickster” due to his magic, but perhaps in terms of personality, Kouichi possessed similar traits.
2186
2187
2188
2189
2190
2191As everyone was tired from the miasma thrown by Kouichi, the Master Clans Conference had a break.
2192
2193Then ten minutes later, this time it was Maya who began with a bombshell.
2194
2195Not an iffy thing like Kouichi’s claim, but a big scandal.
2196
2197“Everyone, I have something I would like to say.”
2198
2199“Oh. An issue raised by Yotsuba-dono is indeed rare. What would it be about.”
2200
2201Encouraged by Makoto, Maya smiled at Kouichi.
2202
2203A shudder ran down the spines of the rest of the Ten Master Clans Heads’. The extent of their antagonism was such that even Katsuto who had yet to see it felt the same.
2204
2205Maya slowly opened her glossy red lips.
2206
2207“Has everyone heard of a man that goes by the name of Zhou Gongjin?”
2208
2209The moment Maya said that, Makoto’s body stiffened. Though Kouichi did not show any reaction but non-reaction was the same as saying that he indeed had knowledge about the subject.
2210
2211“Zhou Gongjin…?”
2212
2213“Yotsuba-dono, isn’t that the famous Zhou Yu of Wu from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms?”
2214
2215Maya shook her head while smiling in response to Mutsuzuka Atsuko and Yatsushiro Raizou’s questions.
2216
2217“Basing his headquarters in Yokohama’s Chinatown, he’s an Ancient Magician born on the continent. Taoists, I believe they were called, correct, Kudou-dono?”
2218
2219“A, aah. Ancient Magicians from the continent are often called as such.”
2220
2221Makoto used all his strength to suppress his body from trembling.
2222
2223“Kudou-dono, what happened? You seem to have a bad complexion.”
2224
2225“No, it’s nothing, Mutsuzuka-dono.”
2226
2227After tilting her head at the suspicious attitude of Makoto, she turned back to Maya’s direction.
2228
2229“So, what about this Zhou Gongjin?”
2230
2231“Anti-Magic International Political Organization ‘Blanche’. Hong Kong based International Crime Syndicate ‘No-Head Dragon’. The sabotage forces of the Great Asian Alliance that caused the Yokohama Incident. And then the incident that took place in the heart of Tokyo, the Vampire Incident which took the world by storm: ‘Parasites’. He is the man who helped orchestrate all of this, the mastermind that brought chaos to our country, or should I say, the mastermind designated to cause trouble in Japan.”
2232
2233The conference room had a bustling atmosphere.
2234
2235It wasn’t that there was an increase in chatter, there were barely ten people in the room. It was not a topic one could freely discuss with those next to them.
2236
2237But even so, the shock that took away the calm and composed attitudes of the Heads of the Ten Master Clans stemmed from Maya’s short speech.
2238
2239“Yotsuba-dono.”
2240
2241Facing Maya, Raizou softly raised his hand. It seemed to be an unintentional habit from university.
2242
2243“Just now you used the word ‘designated’ in past tense, which is to say he has already been disposed of? Or that he has fled the country?”
2244
2245“Assisted by Ichijou Masaki-dono, and Kudou Minoru-dono, Zhou Gongjin was killed by Tatsuya last October.”
2246
2247Makoto expressed a feeling of surprise. He had heard the report from Masaki but he didn’t hear from Minoru.
2248
2249However, the change in his facial expression was not noticed by the other Heads. This was because all eyes were concentrated on Maya, excluding Kouichi, Gouki and Makoto, the Heads were nodding in admiration.
2250
2251“Minoru-dono, which is to say, Kudou-dono’s youngest son?”
2252
2253Makoto barely faked a smile while nodding to Raizou’s question.
2254
2255“The Ichijou Family’s Masaki-dono, the Yotsuba Family’s Tatsuya-dono, and the Kudou Family’s Minoru-dono… how reliable.”
2256
2257Mitsuya Gen broadly complimented.
2258
2259“That’s right. It really brings me joy to hear the next generation is growing up so splendidly. I can believe that the future of Japan’s Magic Community is secure.”
2260
2261Futatsugi Mai accompanied.
2262
2263“Both Juumonji-dono and I feel that, even though they will only be juniors in the next generation, they are indeed reliable.”
2264
2265Mutsuzuka Atsuko’s words invited laughter from the seniors.
2266
2267However the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by Maya’s next words.
2268
2269“Saegusa-dono. Were you in collusion with Zhou Gongjin?”
2270
2271The round table returned to silence.
2272
2273“…Yotsuba-dono, does that claim have a legitimate basis?”
2274
2275Itsuwa Isami squeezed out in a hoarse voice.
2276
2277Kouichi remained silent.
2278
2279“Saegusa-dono. You used your subordinate, Nakura Saburou, to establish contact with Zhou Gongjin, indirectly using Civil Rights Party’s Congressman Kanda to instigate the anti-Magician movement. Do you have any objections?”
2280
2281Kouichi slowly opened his mouth.
2282
2283“Yotsuba-dono, I too, would like to hear the basis of this.”
2284
2285Kouichi and Maya coldly glared at each other.
2286
2287“If I may speak.”
2288
2289In that tense moment, it was the youngest, Katsuto, who spoke up.
2290
2291In spite of the gazes focused on him, Katsuto began his testimony in a calm tone.
2292
2293“The fact that Saegusa-dono instigated the anti-Magician movement is the truth. I heard it from Saegusa-dono himself.”
2294
2295All the gazes on Katsuto, shifted to Kouichi.
2296
2297“Saegusa-dono, do you have any excuses?”
2298
2299Atsuko sharply cross-examined Kouichi.
2300
2301Kouichi had a smile that had a feeling of complacency and calmness.
2302
2303“What Juumonji-dono said is true. What Yotsuba-dono said is somewhat true as well. Just that the order is somewhat mistaken.”
2304
2305“The order? What do you mean?”
2306
2307Gouki spat out. But Kouichi’s smile did not falter.
2308
2309“My subordinate established contact with Zhou Gongjin, only after the anti-Magician movement was more stable after First High’s Stellar Furnace Experiment. Aah, now that we’re on this topic, that too was the achievement of Yotsuba Family’s Tatsuya-dono. That experiment was highly evaluated by Rozen’s Branch, and radically changed the winds. What a spectacular son.”
2310
2311“So, what about it?”
2312
2313Gouki irritatedly rebuked Kouichi.
2314
2315Kouichi did not delay the conversation any longer, or do anything that could irritate Gouki.
2316
2317“When I established contact with Zhou Gongjin, it was to stop the Mass Media’s attempts to target Magicians as a whole. Of course, I had to give something in return, something that would be disadvantageous to Japan’s Magic Community.”
2318
2319“Aa, you’re right. You joined hands with Zhou Gongjin after the instigation of the anti-Magician movement.”
2320
2321Maya frankly admitted Kouichi’s claim.
2322
2323“But the fact that Zhou Gongjin caused so much harm to our country is an indisputable fact. To collaborate with someone like that, is very inappropriate for someone from the Ten Master Clans. Everyone, is that not the case?”
2324
2325The reason Maya wasn’t overly respectful with her words was due to this.
2326
2327“Certainly.”
2328
2329Ichijou Gouki expressed his consent briefly.
2330
2331“It is as Yotsuba-dono said.”
2332
2333Mutsuzuka Atsuko, “Unfortunately, it is as she said.”
2334
2335Yatsushiro Raizou, “Saegusa-dono, at the time, I too said that it would have been better for you to stop.”
2336
2337Juumonji Katsuto, “Saegusa-dono may have had his own ideas but…”
2338
2339Itsuwa Isami, “I cannot defend Saegusa-dono.”
2340
2341Mitsuya Gen, “Saegusa-dono. No matter what your intents were, you crossed a line you should never cross, and collaborated with someone you never should have.”
2342
2343Futatsugi Mai, everyone supported Maya.
2344
2345Kouichi, who was still smiling, was now cornered.
2346
2347Gouki, Atsuko, Raizou, Katsuto, Isami, Gen, Mai’s eyes, all pointed in Kudou Makoto’s direction, who had yet to express his opinion.
2348
2349But what Mai said to Kouichi at the end applied to Makoto as well.
2350
2351Though it could be said that his circumstances were different from Kouichi, he too had been in collusion with Zhou Gongjin.
2352
2353Makoto’s worries were interrupted by a knock on the door.
2354
2355“Would you mind if I enter?”
2356
2357The voice that likely came from the other side of the door was from an old man that all the members knew very well.
2358
2359
2360
2361
2362
2363Sitting closest to the door, Katsuto stood up and looked at the rest.
2364
2365Though there were others who agreed, no one was shaking their head.
2366
2367Katsuto walked to the doorway, and opened the door.
2368
2369Standing behind the door was the retired Kudou Retsu.
2370
2371“Sensei, I haven’t seen you in a long time. Even so, what business do you have today?”
2372
2373Mai invited Retsu in cordially. Katsuto tried to offer his seat but, Retsu smiled and waved his hand.
2374
2375“Apologies but, I overheard the topic at hand.”
2376
2377Retsu immediately cut to the chase.
2378
2379Though there was nobody who would call it into question, it was a rule that the topics of discussion during the Conference were to remain absolutely confidential. The Kudou Family wasn’t the first to use methods to leak the general basis of the conference.
2380
2381“For everyone to hold Kouichi accountable is obvious. But, I would like for that to be put on hold.”
2382
2383Retsu referred to Kouichi not as “Saegusa-dono” but by his first name.
2384
2385By doing so, he made it clear that his intent was not to speak as a former member of the Master Clans Conference but as the Patriarch of Japan’s Magic Community——the speech of an old man who held no authority.
2386
2387“Instigating the anti-Magician movement was something I too discussed with Kouichi. And I did not stop Kouichi.”
2388
2389Glances were exchanged in a flurry across the round table. Excluding Maya, Kouichi and Makoto; Gouki, Mai, Gen, Isami, Atsuko, Raizou, and Katsuto were all contemplating Retsu’s real intentions. Makoto wasn’t even aware of his father’s intentions. The only people who had guessed Retsu’s motive were Maya and Kouichi.
2390
2391“Also, if you’re talking about relations with Zhou Gongjin, then the Kudou Family is not innocent either. Although we did discuss this plan, we hadn’t take any concrete actions. I took the magic provided by Zhou Gongjin to use Parasites as non-human magical weapons, with innocent young people as guinea pigs. If Maya’s son did not stop it, then something irreversible might have occurred.”
2392
2393As Retsu faced Maya, she nodded and faintly smiled. She had intended to strike Kouichi firmly, but she wasn’t driven by that goal. If Retsu wanted to cover for Kouichi, she had no intention of ruining the student-teacher relationship.
2394
2395“If you compare the actions we took, Kouichi’s do not exceed mine in severity.”
2396
2397“But Sensei.”
2398
2399Retsu turned towards Gouki’s direction and signaled for him to stop speaking.
2400
2401“The Kudou Family shall retire from the Ten Master Clans. With that, could you consider this case concluded?”
2402
2403“Senior…”
2404
2405Makoto looked up at his father with a shocked expression.
2406
2407As Retsu made his suggestion, he directed a harsh glance towards his son.
2408
2409“Makoto, you are guilty of directly accommodating Zhou Gongjin. The incident caused by the Taoists sent by Zhou Gongjin has greatly inconvenienced Yotsuba-dono’s son, and Ichijou-dono’s son. For this kind of outcome, you should be speaking up, not me.”
2410
2411“Senior… Father!”
2412
2413“Makoto, I’m disappointed in you.”
2414
2415“Sensei, would that be okay with you?”
2416
2417The one who soothed Retsu was Maya.
2418
2419“If the Kudou Family takes full responsibility for this, then the Yotsuba Family shall consent. It would be fine if Saegusa-dono makes amends with future contributions.”
2420
2421Retsu did not cover for Kouichi just because of their teacher and student relationship. Makoto, his son, would hold higher priority in that case.
2422
2423Currently, the magic group with the most power in Japan isn’t the Nation Defense Force, but actually the Yotsuba Family followed closely by the Saegusa Family. These two Families are the two greatest authorities in the Japanese Magic Community. If the Saegusa Family was to be excluded from the Ten Master Clans, it would be a very undesirable outcome. For the sake of maintaining order, they must remain a part of the Ten Master Clans.
2424
2425To ensure the Ten Master Clans that he created would survive, Retsu covered for Kouichi. Maya seeing through his intentions wasn’t difficult.
2426
2427“If Yotsuba-dono says so…”
2428
2429“It’s certainly true that if the Saegusa Family were to be removed from the Ten Master Clans, the hole left behind would be too great.”
2430
2431Atsuko and Raizou agreed with Maya successively. Yet Kouichi’s only eye still remind cold.
2432
2433There were no voices of objection.
2434
2435Kouichi looked at the circumstances with a poker face that lacked a smile.
2436
2437Maya faced such a Kouichi and gave a smile.
2438
2439“Makoto, let’s go.”
2440
2441Ordered by Retsu, Makoto stood up tardily from the Ten Master Clans seat.
2442
2443“Everyone, excuse us.”
2444
2445Retsu lightly nodded and left the meeting room.
2446
2447Makoto followed behind with drooping shoulders.
2448
2449
2450
2451
2452
2453The door shut with a pattern sound.
2454
2455“Very well then.”
2456
2457As the stopped time began moving, Itsuwa Isami started with a harried voice.
2458
2459“We must decide on a family to replace the Kudou Family.”
2460
2461“Tomorrow is the Selection Meeting. Why not do it then?”
2462
2463Mitsuya Gen objected, “In the event where a vacancy occurs in the Ten Master Clans, a replacement member will be chosen to fill in that role. Even if it would only be a day, the Ten Master Clans should not be in a state where it’s missing any members.”
2464
2465In replacement of Makoto, Futatsugi Mai supported Isami’s suggestion as the next eldest.
2466
2467“Is that so. Who would be a good choice? Any candidates?”
2468
2469Gouki questioned with a helpless expression.
2470
2471“Then.”
2472
2473As Maya said that, all eyes were on her.
2474
2475“How about Shippou-dono? The Head, Takumi-dono is wise, though they have few disciples, they have considerable economic strength.”
2476
2477Gouki, Katsuto and Isami glanced at Kouichi’s face. Though it was well known by the others that the Saegusa Family and the Shippou Family had a bone to pick, Kouichi showed no sign of any reaction.
2478
2479“Shippou-dono… Any other recommendations?”
2480
2481There were no Heads who answered Mai’s question.
2482
2483“Very well, the new member of the Ten Master Clans is decided to be Shippou-dono. Though it will only be for a day but, who shall convey it to Shippou-dono?”
2484
2485“Very well, I shall do so.”
2486
2487Katsuto raised his hand, and exited the conference room to make the call.
2488
2489“Wait a moment, Juumonji-dono.”
2490
2491Mai voiced out when his back was to her.
2492
2493“We shall be taking a break for a while. How about resuming in 30 minutes?”
2494
2495There was no objection to Mai’s words.
2496
2497
2498
2499
2500
2501The next day, February 5th.
2502
2503Right after entering Class 2-E, Tatsuya was visited by Shippou Takuma.
2504
2505“Shippou, is something wrong?”
2506
2507Faster than Tatsuya could ask, a voice filled with curiosity greeted Takuma, and the owner of said voice was the Club Activities’ senior, Tomitsuka.
2508
2509“No, it’s just… I wanted to express my gratitude to Shiba-senpai.”
2510
2511Takuma uncomfortably replied so.
2512
2513Well, such feelings of discomfort were perfectly understandable. It was a well-known fact that Takuma had caused quite the commotion back in April with his series of duels.
2514
2515His recent change of attitude was unanimously acknowledged by not only the freshmen, but even the upperclassmen. Even so, his rudeness to Tatsuya was still fresh in their memory. This was made evident by the numerous inquisitive looks that people gave him whenever he talked to Tatsuya.
2516
2517In addition to this, Erika and Leo also gave him gazes of ill will.
2518
2519Although Mikihiko had come to Class 2-E today, his look bore the same unfavorable feelings as Erika’s and Leo’s.
2520
2521“Gratitude? I don’t remember doing anything worth being thanked for?”
2522
2523What saved Takuma was that Tatsuya apparently didn’t hold a grudge at all. It was quite the opposite in fact, having seen Takuma’s efforts during the Nine Schools Competition, he now had a better opinion of him.
2524
2525“Umm… I heard that Yotsuba-dono recommended my family as a replacement for one of the Ten Master Clans…”
2526
2527“My apologies, but this is the first I’ve heard of it.”
2528
2529Tatsuya wasn’t pretending, he genuinely wasn’t aware of it. To begin with, the fact that a “replacement” was needed meant that one of the current Ten Master Clans had stepped down from their seat. Just what kind of incident had occurred? Tatsuya couldn’t help but wonder.
2530
2531“Even if it’s just as a replacement until a proper selection is made today… I’m still extremely grateful. Thank you very much!”
2532
2533It had probably been extremely embarrassing for him, after immediately finishing his sentence, Takuma went back to his own classroom at full speed.
2534
2535Tatsuya was vaguely aware of the fact that Takuma was sensitive about everything related to the Ten Master Clans.
2536
2537However, to think that it brought him such a level of happiness…
2538
2539Tatsuya was reminded once again of the fact that every person had a different sense of values, and of what was important.
2540
2541
2542
2543
2544
2545Today was the day of the Ten Master Clans Selection Meeting, an event that only took place once every 4 years. Along with the Ten Master Clans, the respective Heads of the 18 Assistant Houses could be seen.
2546
2547Aside from the Kudou Family, everyone was present.
2548
2549“Well then, the Ten Master Clans Selection Meeting can begin.”
2550
2551Following Futatsugi Mai’s declaration, all the members stood up.
2552
2553“First of all, as per the tradition, if anyone present here has an objection or feels dissatisfaction at the current line-up of Members of the Ten Master Clans, please remain standing. If you don’t have any, sit down within the next minute.”
2554
2555The primary voting is a peculiar tradition of the Selection Meeting. Even if only one person remained standing, then papers would be distributed and the ballot would move on to the actual voting. The vote would decide who would become the 10 Houses that would be the most suitable to hold the title of Ten Master Clans, and the counting would be done under the supervision of 3 Members of the current Ten Master Clans as well as 3 Members of the 18 Assistant Houses for a total of 6 Members.
2556
2557However, this would be a “signed vote”. The criteria for choosing the next Ten Master Clans would be the power carried by each House at this point in time. However, “Magical Power” wouldn’t be the only factor in this, for the ability to support the Nation would also be required.
2558
2559Even if you were to vote for an unsuitable House, you wouldn’t lose your Number. However, the following 4 years would have your House bear the penalty, or rather, stigma of not having discerning eyes.
2560
2561Following Mai’s instructions, the first 10 Members around the table returned to their seat.
2562
2563The current Heads of the 18 Assistant Houses also started to sit one by one.
2564
2565When the second hand of the clock had done a 180°, the unexpected happened.
2566
2567The Heads of the Kuki Family and the Kuzumi Family sat down.
2568
2569Those two had been expected to vote for the now dismissed Kudou Family’s inclusion in the new Ten Master Clans, so this action struck a blow to the other members of the 18 Assistant Houses who hadn’t foreseen this turn of events.
2570
2571The members who were still standing up looked at each other.
2572
2573One by one, people sat down as if stopped dead in their tracks.
2574
2575When 50 seconds had elapsed, there was no one left standing.
2576
2577When the one-minute mark was reached, Mai stood up once again.
2578
2579“Then, for the next 4 years, the Ichijou Family, Futatsugi Family, Mitsuya Family, Yotsuba Family, Itsuwa Family, Mutsuzuka Family, Saegusa Family, Shippou Family, Yatsushiro Family and the Juumonji Family will be known as the Ten Master Clans. Everyone, I expect your continued cooperation.”
2580
2581The other nine members of the table stood up, and following Mai’s words, bowed.
2582
2583The 18 Assistant Houses who were surrounding the new Ten Master Clans joined in a round of applause.
2584
2585
2586
2587
2588
2589Once the selection of the new Ten Master Clan ended, it was part of tradition that the 18 Assistant Houses leave to allow the Ten Master Clans to discuss about their new organization and structure. However, when the Heads of the Kuki, and Kuzumi Families tried to leave, Mai called them to a stop.
2590
2591“Kuki-dono, Kuzumi-dono, please wait for a moment.”
2592
2593“Futatsugi-dono?”
2594
2595“Is something the matter?”
2596
2597“There is something I would like to ask of you two. Would you mind giving me a little bit of your time?”
2598
2599The Heads of the Kuki and Kuzumi Families nodded. When the other Members of the 18 Assistant Houses finished retiring, only the Ten Master Clans’ remained, as well as two families bearing the Number “Nine”, for a total of 12 names.
2600
2601“What did you want to ask of us?”
2602
2603“Futatsugi-dono, allow me to take it from here.”
2604
2605The one who stopped Mai had been Shippou Takumi, the newest member of the Ten Master Clans.
2606
2607“Kuki-dono, Kuzumi-dono. Even though my family was bestowed the honor of being part of the Ten Master Clans, quite frankly, we don’t have the numbers that would be required to fulfill our duties. Normally we would have to take the supervision of the Kyoto area in Kudou-dono’s stead, but this is too big a duty for my family in its current state.”
2608
2609“In that case, why don’t you ask for Yotsuba-dono or Futatsugi-dono’s help? If Kyoto is a problem, then Ichijou-dono also has responsibilities towards this area.”
2610
2611Takumi shook his head with a smile at the proposal by the Head of the Kuki Family.
2612
2613“That is also an idea. However, I want the Kudou Family to continue to watch over the Kyoto-Shiga and the Kii Peninsula. Of course, the Shippou Family doesn’t plan on only making demands. I would like every one of the ‘Nine’ to lend my family their strength.”
2614
2615After a moment of wide-eyed surprise, the Heads of the Kuki and Kuzumi Families smiled broadly.
2616
2617“Understood.”
2618
2619“I will consult about this matter with Makoto-sama, we will definitely have a positive answer.”
2620
2621“I’m counting on you.”
2622
2623Takumi bowed deeply, the Heads of both the Kuki and the Kuzumi Families also bowed politely.
2624
2625
2626
2627
2628
2629After their departure, a somewhat relaxed mood drifted in the conference room.
2630
2631“Well then, let’s continue the Master Clans Conference.”
2632
2633“A counter-plan to the Humanist ideology right?”
2634
2635Mai’s words invited this question.
2636
2637“No, before that we have to talk about this suspicious ship spotted near Izu.”
2638
2639The one who had interrupted was Gouki.
2640
2641“Ichijou-dono… There’s no hurry now is there?”
2642
2643Although Isami reproved him with a shocked expression,
2644
2645“If it is a terrorist ship, I can’t imagine the other side will keep waiting.”
2646
2647Gouki didn’t yield.
2648
2649“I don’t mind, Itsuwa-dono.”
2650
2651The one who answered with this was Kouichi, who had regained his usual composure overnight.
2652
2653“Then let’s hear more about this matter.”
2654
2655Although Kouichi’s attitude was the same as ever, it appeared that Gouki didn’t want to associate with him anymore. For someone like Gouki, secret communication with the enemy was an inexcusable act.
2656
2657“There was no reaction when searching for a Magician on the freighter Yotsuba-dono gave us coordinates for. Neither weapons nor ammunition were found on board.”
2658
2659“Did you find anything?”
2660
2661“There is a possibility that explosives were being transported. Since it’s also possible that the ship will be used for escape purposes, we plan on keeping it under observation.”
2662
2663“How about the USNA’s movements?”
2664
2665Taking Gouki’s momentum, this time it was Katsuto’s turn to question Kouichi.
2666
2667“An agent has been dispatched. In other words, the group that has betrayed the USNA has been found out, but they’re not being that tactful about things. It’s quite possible that this duty wasn’t an order from the USNA Government itself.”
2668
2669“In other words, a favorite hunter of theirs is on the prowl, hiding somewhere?”
2670
2671“The cruiser that Yotsuba-dono received information on was confirmed as outside of territorial waters. He could unexpectedly be hiding out there.”
2672
2673Hearing Kouichi’s answer, Isami wore a pensive expression.
2674
2675“If it’s at sea, should I go and poke around? It should be possible to camouflage it into an accident using the natural disaster excuse.”
2676
2677“The problem isn’t so much the hunter from the USNA, but the terrorists that have infiltrated our country.”
2678
2679At Isami’s proposal, Atsuko brought forth a diametrically opposite opinion.
2680
2681“That is certainly the case. We have no evidence of their presence at the moment, but we also don’t have any evidence of their absence. It’s really worrying that we don’t even know if they’re lurking about.”
2682
2683Raizou was supporting Atsuko’s argument.
2684
2685“They might even be targeting this very Master Clans Conference for all we know.”
2686
2687This must have been a pure coincidence.
2688
2689However, it was the truth.
2690
2691Immediately after Raizou had said this, an overpowering sound accompanied by powerful vibrations invaded the conference room.
2692
2693
2694
2695
2696
2697February 5th, 2097 A.D., 10:33 A.M.
2698
2699It was currently break time between second and third period at First High.
2700
2701A buzzing sound came from Tatsuya’s pocket as he was heading towards the Practice Room, it was an emergency signal.
2702
2703Taking out his terminal and confirming the contents, you could read on his face that something terrible had just happened.
2704
2705“Sorry, go on ahead without me!”
2706
2707Tatsuya left his classmates, among which was Mizuki, and dashed towards the Practice Room.
2708
2709Tatsuya, who had received his teacher Jennifer Smith’s blessing to leave early, met Miyuki on the way towards the main gate.
2710
2711“Onii-sama also received the emergency signal?”
2712
2713Miyuki, whose face had lost all trace of color, asked Tatsuya with a short sentence.
2714
2715“Let’s go.”
2716
2717Tatsuya answered with an even shorter sentence.
2718
2719Although Miyuki had nodded and was about to hasten her pace, a voice called her from the behind.
2720
2721Minami came out of the entrance, accompanied by her classmate Saegusa Kasumi, as well as her sister Izumi and last but not least, Shippou Takuma. All of them were related to the Ten Master Clans. All of them, with the exception of Minami, were blood-related to the Ten Master Clans.
2722
2723“Miyuki-senpai.”
2724
2725Izumi ran towards Miyuki.
2726
2727“Izumi-chan, too.”
2728
2729“So it wasn’t a false alarm then!”
2730
2731Miyuki nodded to her question.
2732
2733Izumi started to tremble uncontrollably.
2734
2735“We’re going to see what happened for ourselves. What about all of you.”
2736
2737Tatsuya, who was just a step away, asked the freshmen.
2738
2739“I’m coming too.”
2740
2741Takuma immediately answered so.
2742
2743“We’re going as well.”
2744
2745Kasumi grasped her trembling sister’s hand.
2746
2747Minami came closer to Miyuki. So that she could shield her at a moment’s notice.
2748
2749Leading the group, Tatsuya and the five other people hastened towards the station.
2750
2751
2752
2753
2754
2755During the same time, at Third High.
2756
2757“Masaki, what happened!”
2758
2759Masaki had dashed out of the classroom after having asked permission to leave early. Kichijouji, who had run after him until he was out of breath, asked such.
2760
2761“My old man has been attacked.”
2762
2763Regretting even the time spent looking back, Masaki answered.
2764
2765“An attack? But… Right about now it should still be in the middle of the Master Clans Conf…”
2766
2767“I’m saying that the Master Clans Conference was the victim of a terrorist attack.”
2768
2769“What did you say!”
2770
2771Seeing Kichijouji at a loss for words, Masaki turned around.
2772
2773“I can’t be sure about what exactly happened from the emergency signal alone. I only know that he’s still alive. I’m heading there by helicopter. I’m counting on you to watch over Akane and the others.”
2774
2775“A-alright, I get it! Be careful, Masaki.”
2776
2777“Yeah, I know.”
2778
2779Masaki wasn’t heading home, he was heading towards the company heliport.
2780
2781
2782
2783
2784
2785Simultaneously, at the Magic University.
2786
2787“Saegusa-san, something the matter.”
2788
2789During a lesson that was in the form of a debate, the female teacher called out to Mayumi.
2790
2791“My apologies, Sensei. Could I borrow your ear for a moment.”
2792
2793With a dark expression floating on her face, Mayumi walked with quick—steps towards the teacher’s desk.
2794
2795She discreetly showed the teacher her terminal which was still displaying the emergency signal.
2796
2797Just as the teacher was about to raise her voice, she managed to keep it under control with a gesture, she then brought her ear close.
2798
2799“I recall the people in my family were rather anxious. My older brothers might even attempt to go on-site, I would like to go back home and try to have everyone settle down.”
2800
2801The teacher nodded with a serious look.
2802
2803Not letting her classmates feel any ambiguity, Mayumi announced with a smile and a slightly apologetic expression that she had to leave for familial business.
2804
2805
2806
2807
2808
2809The explosion had occurred right behind the conference room’s doors, crimson flames licked the walls.
2810
2811However, those flames were extinguished at once.
2812
2813“Juumonji-dono, exemplary.”
2814
2815Not a single member of the Master Clans Conference had a bruise. Both the heat and the impact were completely hampered by Katsuto’s heatproof shield.
2816
2817“Mutsuzuka-dono as well, as expected.”
2818
2819The erasure of the flames was caused by Mutsuzuka Atsuko’s Heat Manipulation. For the Magicians of the “Six”, putting out a flame that couldn’t even melt steel was child’s play.
2820
2821“We should probably head towards the exit. If we get buried alive, it’ll be too much of a bother to escape.”
2822
2823While Futatsugi Mai was prohibiting the oxidation of the structure from the heat so there would be no spreading of poisonous fumes, she made that comment with a composed voice.
2824
2825“Agreed. It seems like a considerably large-scale suicide-bombing operation has begun.”
2826
2827While Mitsuya Gen had several magics’ on standby, he nodded to Mai’s words.
2828
2829“Puppet terrorists! Such a terrible thing they’ve done.”
2830
2831Gouki clicked his tongue intensely upon seeing the suicide bombing continue. Puppet terrorism was basically suicide bombing using humans as puppets to perform the act. Using Magic or drugs to make human dolls out of human beings, there were also ways to deprive someone of self-control with magic.
2832
2833What Gouki sensed was the latter, a magic that controlled the flesh. He felt slow-moving presences in the first floor’s lobby, as well as the corridors of every floor, it seemed to be going downward.
2834
2835Although the Ichijou family and the Magicians of the “One” were skilled in Magic that interfered with the flesh and body, magic that manipulates the movement of the body has always been forbidden. There have been examples of “losing one’s number” for those who ignored that law. That is why even if Gouki understood what exactly was happening, he didn’t know how to stop this wicked thing known as Puppet Terrorism.
2836
2837“This is bad.”
2838
2839Sensing that the floor was about to collapse, Yatsushiro Raizou executed Gravity-Control Magic. It wasn’t comparable to the one used for Flight Magic, and lifting an area of this size which lost all support required tremendous effort.
2840
2841“Let’s make haste.”
2842
2843Everyone nodded to Kouichi’s words, Maya, Mai and Atsuko left the room, the ten Magicians aimed for the outside as a group.
2844
2845
2846
2847
2848
2849Aiming at the bombers who were roaming around in the corridors,
2850
2851Ichijou Gouki unleashed “Rupture”.
2852
2853“They aren’t suicide bombers. They’re just manipulated corpses carrying bombs.”
2854
2855The flow of insults that Gouki, who had just blown off a corpse’s arm to obstruct the detonation procedure, was spitting in an angry voice, surpassing the others’ expectations.
2856
2857To prevent getting buried due to the crumbling floor, the leaders of the Ten Master Clans decided to go to the rooftop and jump off from there while disposing of the occasional corpse bomber they encountered.
2858
2859It was Mitsuya Gen and Saegusa Kouichi who were the fastest in taking action towards the bombers. There was a technique that originally allowed one to perform up to a maximum of nine different Magic Sequences at the same time, then store them to allow a simultaneous, instantaneous release of all of them. “Speed-Loader”, using Kouichi’s “Octet” allowed him to maintain 8 different Magics from 4 different Systems on standby and select which Magic he needed to deal with a wide variety of situations instantly. The walking corpses could not even hope to approach them.
2860
2861The odd time an explosion couldn’t be prevented, the multi-layered defensive wall “Phalanx” was the perfect tool.
2862
2863Raizou’s Gravity-Control Magic was there to prevent the ground from suddenly falling under their feet.
2864
2865Atsuko’s Heat Manipulation Magic could erase any fire.
2866
2867Futatsugi Mai would remove the poisonous fumes, Maya was acting as a flashlight in those lightless corridors once the flames were put out.
2868
2869Itsuwa Isami and Shippou Takumi didn’t have a chance to do anything.
2870
2871It was impossible for those bomb-carrying corpses to kill or even wound any of them.
2872
2873The Family Heads had already noticed this fact.
2874
2875“It’s going to be tough finding a countermeasure to the Media.”
2876
2877Gen complained all the while making Swiss cheese out of the corpses.
2878
2879“I guess we have no way of deceiving them at all.”
2880
2881While putting out a wall of flames, Atsuko made a comment with a tone of resignation.
2882
2883“Although we managed to get a photograph of the fact that it was corpses who were holding the bombs… I think revealing this to the public would have quite the negative effect.”
2884
2885Isami, who had given up on any hope of getting a turn at doing anything, he agreed while taking photos.
2886
2887“Still, I doubt purposely injuring ourselves would help much, if at all.”
2888
2889Hearing Maya’s point, Raizou shrugged his shoulders.
2890
2891“Shall we hide until the flames of their fury cool down.”
2892
2893Raizou’s comment which might have been either a joke or a serious statement, no voice of objection came.
2894
2895
2896
2897
2898
2899February 5th, 2097 A.D., 10:30 A.M.
2900
2901The number of victims of the Hakone XXXX Hotel’s terror bombings came out to be 22, and it became a disaster with as many as 34 casualties.
2902
2903Furthermore, the number of uninjured people was 33. The number of Magicians among them was 27.
2904
2905The harshest criticism came from the public opinions of those who claimed that the Magicians had prioritized their own well-being above that of others.
2906
2907
2908
2909
2910
2911(Electronic version of the newspaper dating from February 6th 2097 A.D.)
2912
2913
2914
2915
2916
2917Afterword
2918
2919
2920
2921
2922
2923Have you enjoyed, “Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei” Volume 17 “Master Clans Conference Arc” <Part 1>? This time around action wasn’t a factor, instead I tried to introduce plenty of love-hate components. (Lie) Not all of the men and woman are pessimistic about the establishment of the Class One couple. I think the majority is rather “glad” and would congratulate the two of them, and those who are on the side of “They are stuck together willfully” will think that it’s common. As for the couple themselves, if people think about them living as an established couple later on, it would probably be best to have them give their blessings.
2924
2925
2926But due to people being friends, acquaintances, and perhaps something that should be expected from a rival’s grief, it isn’t rare for “lover” relationships to be formed. They’re certainly present within today’s world. Surely the majority lies in this direction for fictional worlds.
2927
2928
2929However, speaking of established couples who were urged by their parents… How’s this: I think the author himself should become engaged before they officially become a couple. Well with the case (Refrained due to Spoilers), the person himself might be thankful since he has a clear mind to do as such. There are tons of late-bloomers though.
2930
2931
2932But I think (Refrained to due Spoilers) is an extreme nuisance. One’s true feelings get set aside.
2933
2934
2935Although it was slightly different from the previous illustrations, Lina had appeared in the storyline for around one year now. She is an easy character to write so I really want to include her a lot more… as of now, she has yet to depart from America. Even though she’s appeared on stage for a while, perhaps it will take form this time. Too bad.
2936
2937
2938Well, the next book will be “Master Clans Conference (II)”. This section will be made up of three parts just like the “Visitors Arc”. The content will be similar to that of the “Visitors Arc”. You might say that the games “Out of Order” and “Lost Zero” are similar.
2939
2940
2941…Since I won’t try to “not spoil anything anymore”, please look forward to enjoying the next book “Master Clans Conference Arc (II)”.
2942
2943
2944
2945
2946
2947(Satou Tsutomu)
2948
2949
2950
2951
2952
2953Illustrations
2954
2955
2956
2957
2958
2959Cover
2960
2961
2962
2963
2964Teaser #1
2965
2966
2967
2968
2969Teaser #2
2970
2971
2972
2973
2974Teaser #3
2975
2976
2977
2978
2979Teaser #4
2980
2981
2982
2983
2984Teaser #5
2985
2986
2987
2988
2989Chapter 1
2990
2991
2992
2993
2994Chapter 2
2995
2996
2997
2998
2999Chapter 3
3000
3001
3002
3003
3004Chapter 3
3005
3006
3007
3008
3009Chapter 4
3010
3011
3012
3013
3014Chapter 5
3015
3016
3017
3018
3019Chapter 5
3020
3021
3022
3023
3024Advert
3025
3026
3027
3028
3029
3030Notes
3031
3032
3033
3034
3035
3036Boku (僕): Is a masculine form of 私 (watashi). It is mostly used by males, especially those in their youth, but tomboys are known to use the word as well.
3037
3038
3039RFID: RFID stands for Radio-Frequency IDentification. The acronym refers to small electronic devices that consist of a small chip and an antenna. The chip typically is capable of carrying 2,000 bytes of data or less.
3040
3041The RFID device serves the same purpose as a bar code or a magnetic strip on the back of a credit card or ATM card; it provides a unique identifier for that object. And, just as a bar code or magnetic strip must be scanned to get the information, the RFID device must be scanned to retrieve the identifying information.
3042
3043
3044
3045
3046
3047Did you enjoy the book?
3048
3049
3050
3051Grab a copy at your local bookstore once localized in your area.