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1[One]
2It was an unheard event.
3June 18th 2097, early in the morning on Tuesday.
4An uproar was created by the members of STARS, a magical unit under the direct
5command of the Joint Staff Headquarters of the USNA Army, at the STARS headquarters
6located on the outskirts of Roswell, New Mexico.
7This wasn't a one man job. STARS are divided into twelve units, and each unit has a First
8Class Star Captain.
9Three of the twelve units caused unrest and were led by their Commander.
10Luckily, only a few senior officers participated in the uprising. But this did not lessen the
11situation.
12â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
13Lina came to Japan 71 hours ago.
14At the STARS headquarters, where Lina had escaped from, the battle between the STARS
15members was still going on.
16STARS classify their soldiers as First-Class Stars, Second-Class Stars, Constellations,
17Planetary and Satellite Class. Members of STARS, who are the strongest, focus more on
18fighting than on magic.
19Those who tried to kill Lina were - Captain of the 3rd Unit, Alexander Arcturus, First
20Lieutenant of the 3rd Unit, Jacob Regulus, Captain of the 4th Unit Charlotte Vega, and
21Second-Lieutenant of the 4th Unit, Leila Deneb.
22Those who helped Lina escape were - Major Benjamin Canopus, Second-Lieutenant Ralph
23Algol, and Second-Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfak.
24Among them, Mirfak had left the base with her, using the prototype for a Flying Car.
25Therefore Canopus was facing three people, Arcturus, Regulus and Vega.
26And Deneb, who was pursuing Lina until she escaped, was busy with Algol.
27"Leila!"
28Deneb was going after Algol after she fell from the loading platform of the prototype, which
29was carrying Lina. Vega screamed when she saw Lina leave. She also jumped out into the
30street to go after her, who had escaped from the warehouse storing the prototype, but she
31could not ignore Canopus and remained here.
32"Major Canopus! Don't you know that Major Sirius is a traitor?"
33Canopus didn’t know if those lines from Vega were used to confuse him, or because she
34seriously believed this. He thought that these were probably the last of the parasites, but that
35was only him guessing.
36Second Lieutenant of the 11th Unit, Ariana Lee Shaula claimed that members from the 3rd,
376th and 11th Unit, excluding herself, had become parasites. She was saved because of her
38mental defence due to her affinity with Mental Interference Type magic. As part of this, her
39ability to notice parasitic magic waves was also high. Canopus thought her guess was
40reliable.
41As Shaula said, Vega and Deneb of the 4th Unit are not parasites. But if this uprising is led
42by a parasite, Vega, who isn’t a parasite, was still likely to listen to this information.
43It's no secret that Vega is not friendly with Lina. Many of STARS also understand that this is
44due to jealousy.
45It may be because of the influence of Vega, but Lieutenant Deneb from the 4th Unit also
46rebelled against Lina. Likewise, Lieutenant Spica from the 4th Unit does not take such a
47blatant position as Vega and Deneb, but it was not so difficult to see that their internal
48thoughts are similar.
49Perhaps this feeling was being exploited.
50Military personnel should not act through sympathy. Personnel is trained to be tough at any
51time.
52However, people are weak to their own interests.
53If a good reason is given, someone will easily be deceived.
54He may not have had the same emotions as them, but he could understand the source of
55their reaction.
56It wasn’t easy for Canopus to understand this, but he had seen many examples of it before.
57"A Captain should not say that a Major betrayed STARS! Captain Vega, your actions are
58worrying!”
59Therefore, through replying to Vega, he expressed that they were not being convincing.
60Vega's answer was ‘Double Press’, a Weight Type magic. This is a magic that can apply
61pressure from two different directions at the same time and is usually used on opposite sides
62in order to compress a target from both sides. Canopus countered using ‘Press’, also a
63Weight Type magic, thus defeated Vega’s magic. Instead of canceling the magic itself, he
64defeated the other's magic by identifying the magic and conflicting the event by modifying it..
65"... ..."
66A surprised sound came out of the Vega’s mouth. Reversing the effect of magic of the
67enemy by making its definition fail are included in the training of STARS. Of course she
68knew that. However, in order to deliberately create a ‘faulty definition’, it is necessary to read
69the enemy’s magic and accurately predict the magic used by the enemy, either by releasing
70magic at the appropriate coordinates or by using the enemy.
71The first, albeit not very precise, requires some difficulty.
72The latter means that he needs to read the enemy, that is, to accurately follow and know
73what they are doing.
74The surprise that Vega showed was an opportunity for Canopus.
75To stop Vega, Canopus closed the gap between them. He didn’t want to cut her using
76‘Molecular Divider’, but to deprive her of her freedom using a blow at close range.
77But Canopus stopped at his fourth step.
78Having just enough time to look behind him, he put up a ‘Mirror Shield’ diagonally behind
79him.
80His shield works against high-energy weapons like the laser light bullet fired by Regulus.
81The laser bullet he reflected caught Regulus's face.
82Shocked, he could feel the cold sweat on his back.
83Regulus was in a hurry and moved with his armed device.
84Until now, Regulus had not been actively attacked by Canopus. Was Canopus unable to find
85Regulus' location or was he simply prioritising Vega or Arcturus?
86Regulus attacks with a sniper.
87However, the current Regulus is under pressure.
88Regulus’ specialty is "laser sniping". When using this ability to shoot a shot, the enemy
89magician knows where he is. Immediately after an attack, the risk of being discovered by the
90enemy is the same as when firing live ammunition, but it is less dense than ordinary magic,
91making it capable to be shot from far away, even to the point where the eyes can’t see.
92Regulus understands the flaw in his magic well. Every time he shot, he needs to run away
93from that place with a rifle-shaped weapon.
94It was true that he hadn’t gotten attacked, except by Canopus’ counterattack.
95But this counterattack weakened his mind.
96The light bullet that hit Canopus' 'Mirror Shield', has long since been cancelled by Regulus.
97Regulus had to calm down.
98Needless to say, laser light moves at the speed of light. The time it takes between departure
99and arrival is practically zero, and it is already too late to block or reflect the laser using a
100shield if it has already been shot.
101There are two types of shields against energy bullets.
102One blocks energy above a certain amount. This is the usual type.
103The other reflects electromagnetic waves. ‘Mirror Shield’ is this type.
104For laser bullets, the latter is more effective. ‘Mirror Shield’ reflects only the light that is
105coming in, it doesn’t do anything with the light going out. Even the usual anti-energy shield
106will not interfere with the attacks of ‘Laser sniping’.
107In principle, it is possible to block the bullets of energy, by using ‘Mirror Shield’ immediately
108before shooting. ‘Laser Sniping’ has an inevitable temporary lag because of the initial Magic
109Invocation. So if you deploy Mirror Shield right after activating Laser Sniping, it can be
110blocked.
111Lina's ‘Mirror Shield’ is capable of deflecting projectiles straight to the ground in order to
112spare allies from being hit by the recoil. Canopus’ ‘Mirror Shield’ is able to reflect the
113projectiles at nearly a 180-degree angle. The reason why the angle of reflection is not clear
114is because there is a bit of ‘movement’ in magic. If it were to be described in degrees, it
115would be something like ‘180 degrees plus or minus three degrees’. If there was no
116movement, Regulus would have been hit.
117He felt fear of being shot by the laser he fired.
118This was gradually damaging Regulus mental strength.
119Lieutenant Leila Deneb and Captain Ralph Algor from the First Unit were having a martial art
120match in a place two hundred meters from the storehouse where Canopus and Vega were
121located. Deneb jumped on the vehicle that was carrying Lina, by using Movement Type
122magic, but was blocked by Algol, who was hiding on the loading dock, and they both fell on
123various types of joints.
124Deneb and Algor almost simultaneously got up and began a useless battle without asking
125any questions. Deneb believes that Algor is collaborating with the ‘Traitorous Sirius’ ─ which
126is true except for the ‘Traitorous’ part ─ So Deneb's judgment was not mistaken, which is
127what he was thinking. Algol was satisfied and didn’t pay any attention to any other enemies
128or his allies, just on his fight.
129Deneb aimed with the gun in his right hand and pulled the trigger.
130But at that moment Algol was no longer in his line of fire. He had instantly turned the
131distance of ten meters into zero, capturing the knife that Deneb held.
132Algol grabbed the big combat knife. The knife had a blade that was about 30 centimeters
133long and unlike a survival knife, this one’s thick top had no ordinary shape. The long handle
134was curved at the top, to attach itself to the opponent’s knife.
135Deneb and Algol both prefer the same type of magic battles.
136They were well prepared for the battle, using high speed Movement Type Magic. And Deneb
137was already using levitating magic.
138This is a flight magic technique developed by Taurus Silver. Flying magic is a technique that
139allowed free flight, continuing to periodically activate Gravity Control Type magic in less than
140one second. STARS applied this to their Movement Type magic.
141When constantly activating Movement Type magic in a very short time. If the destination of
142the movement is not defined, the Movement Type magic is automatically destroyed without
143showing any of its effects but this Gravity Control magic can carry the user along a linear
144trajectory in whichever direction the user wants to move. With this technology, STARS
145managed to solve the problem of CAD delays that prevents sudden movement from which
146the melee magician suffers.
147Thus, Deneb, who was in a state where she could move at any time with the help of this
148technique, could have been hit if she had thought about attacking Algol. However, Deneb got
149Algol’s knife in the blade guard held in her left hand.
150Even if she stepped back using Movement Type Magic, Algor, using the same technology,
151would catch her in the next moment. She also thought that it would still be difficult, even if
152she avoided it. But more than that, warlike feelings prevailed in Deneb.
153Deneb believed in the betrayal of Lina from the bottom of her heart. She was desperately
154disgusted with Lina's name ‘Sirius’.
155The title ‘Sirius’ is a symbol of The Military Magician of the USNA. The betrayal of Sirius is a
156disgrace to the pride of a magician belonging to the USNA troops. Deneb was incredibly
157angry, but was also misunderstanding the situation.
158Deneb aimed her pistol at Algol.
159Algol's left hand stretched, and Deneb's pistol was caught between the blade of the knife
160and the handle of the knife held in the other hand. A forward-curved long handle usually
161wasn’t seen in a normal combat knife.
162Before Algol could get to her wrist, Deneb freed her hand from his grip.
163Deneb retreated a few meters before letting the gun fall to the ground.
164Algor had a surprised voice and told her,
165"What is this!"
166"Ha ha ha ha! I guess a knife can also be used like that!"
167A knife with a long handle is a special object, used to intercept the attacks of the enemy.
168Algol was focused on the knife.
169"But this is!"
170“Ha ha ha ha ha! A half gun, half knife! ”
171Algol moved, leaving residual images behind. The next moment he appeared on the side of
172Deneb.
173Algol cut diagonally with his knife.
174Deneb's right hand was empty. She tried to catch Algol with the knife in her left hand.
175The left hand of Algol delicately changed its trajectory.
176He deliberately faced his knife to that of Deneb’s.
177Getting rid of the knife and making it useless.
178The tip of the knife, which Algol had in his right hand, pointed at Deneb’s left flank, which has
179become wounded.
180Deneb's face was horrified.
181Canopus was unable to observe the battle of his subordinates. Even if he knew the situation,
182helping them is impossible.
183At the moment, the situation was chaotic. Being one on three, they did not want to waste
184their numerical advantage.
185Negate the Gravity Type magic by using the same magic.
186Reflect Regulus’ ‘Laser Sniping’ using ‘Mirror Shield’.
187Intercepting Arcturus’ 'Dancing Blades' with 'Molecular Divider'.
188Violent face-to-face fighting continues with the three First-Class members.
189It was a tough battle, even with the skill of Canopus.
190If it were a real war, he might not have had any difficulties so far.
191If Canopus was serious, he could have already won.
192Although Captains have the same basic abilities, Major Canopus and Captain Vega differ in
193their Class abilities. Canopus is a man who was supposed to be stronger than even the
194previous Sirius in the event of a battle on land. Vega has no chance of winning a direct fight,
195in which each other's figure is visible. In fact, Vega's face had already been unclearly hidden
196ever since his fight against Lina.
197Regulus was also an opponent of Canopus: "He cannot be ignored, but he is not a
198significant threat."
199The ‘Laser Sniping’ used by Regulus has a structural flaw that takes about one second from
200activation to launch.
201And Regulus also happens to rarely use other magic besides ‘Laser Sniping’. While Regulus
202does narrow down the range of tactics that he can use, if you use Canopus’ skill, it is not
203difficult to simultaneously confront Vega.
204Even when fighting Regulus and Vega, and with the handicap that ‘He Can't Fight Seriously’,
205this battle would have ended in a victory for Canopus in a short time. But that would be true
206if it was only the two of them.
207Arcturus was a powerful enemy.
208Captain of the 3rd Unit, Alexander Arcturus. A Magician who acquired both the modern
209magic of STARS and the Ancient Magic of the indigenous peoples of North America — both
210with high affinity. Although he could not use Spirit Magic because he was assimilated with
211the parasite, he received a net gain in fighting power, by completely using the force of the
212parasite.
213Canopus blocked the light bullets of Regulus and urgently went after Vega.
214However, Canopus was forced to retreat by a strong wind.
215This was because of Arcturus.
216The killing power is low. Although this is magic aimed at destroying the enemy's position, in
217order to escape from a local gust of wind with a diameter of 2 meters and 60 meters per
218second, Canopus had to dodge by more than 5 meters.
219Going after the dodging Canopus, was not an arrow, but something more dangerous.
220‘Dancing Blades’ made from obsidian, are sharply designed and shaped.
221Usually, Dancing Blades uses an embedded knife-shaped CAD. That is why it is so easy
222and accurate that you can do it with a single Magic Activation.
223But this does not mean that the weapons used for Dancing Blades is limited to CADs. The
224one creating the magic is the magician, not the CAD. This is an absolute principle that does
225not change in any magic.
226First, ‘Dancing Blades’ is a magic that uses the weight of the object to make it move, and
227any weapon that has this can be used. It doesn’t even have to be a knife. Realistically, even
228a stone on the side of the road could be the ‘bullet’ of the ‘Dancing Blades’.
229Four object simultaneously came to Canopus with different trajectories. All of them were
230knocked down by ‘Molecular Divider’.
231Obsidian, cut in half, fell to the ground. The object defined as the object for ‘Dancing Blades’,
232was compromised, and the magic was forcibly interrupted due to the collapse of the
233definition.
234But the attack of Arcturus did not end there. Using his magic, Arcturus moved after every
235attack he made, making it difficult for Canopus to find him.
236When the wind blew, bird-like feathers danced around in the shape of an Eagle’s head.
237These are feathered darts made from synthetic fibers and titanium needles. These ultrathin,
238high strength fiber don’t just cut the human skin, but also any protective skin depending on
239speed.
240Dozens of feathers rode the wind and attacked Canopus. Arcturus specializes in Spirit Magic
241and Movement Type Magic. In particular, it is his ability to incorporate these magics to create
242and control an airflow. These feathers were not being controlled, but rather they just followed
243the air stream.
244‘Molecular Divider’ can not interfere with gas. As each feather got blown away by the wind,
245they couldn’t be knocked away.
246Canopus fought with magic that explodes a great amount of compressed air. He forces the
247wind away, which doubled as a protective shield, and he once again rushed Vega.
248Regulus just looked behind him to see the back of Canopus.
249Is it because his attack look aggressive that they cannot overcome the three to one
250stalemate?
251Such an assumption emerged in Regulus' brain.
252A large machine, which is used for training, danced in the air.
253This was done by the Gravity Control Type Magic of Vega.
254Canopus can do this as well since it belongs to the Weight Type Magic System. Even when
255the CAD system is in operation, he should be able to do it while staying on the same
256position. But his mind was currently focused on the large machine flying towards him.
257So Regulus decided to take action.
258Armed with an integrated CAD in the form of a rifle, he pulled the trigger.
259From starting the Activation Sequence to the Magic Activation took around 2 seconds.
260Although this weapon uses a specialized type CAD, it was still quite fast.
261Initially, Laser Sniping was a technique Regulus was good at, making him surpass the usual
262magic speed and power, combined with the enhanced performance of exclusive CAD
263systems. Under the influence of the parasite, this improved even further.
264However, the time required to amplify the bullet used for the laser beam is mechanical, not
265physical so it cannot be shortened. This time can be reduced by starting with a higher level
266of Laser energy, which is possible if you improve the power to change an event by becoming
267a parasite.
268But for this to happen, should Regulus have to change his already existing armed devices to
269allow for higher power consumption. Or should a completely new armed device be created?
270Three days ago, Regulus became a parasite. In just three days he was unable upgrade the
271devices he prefers.
272However, if Canopus is currently occupied with Vega, he shouldn’t be able to counterattack
273the attack even if it has a temporary delay. This is what Regulus was thinking.
274But just before that, when he was about to launch a laser bullet.
275Canopus disappeared from Regulus’ scope.
276He hadn’t gone invisible.
277Instead of the silhouette of a man, his view was being obstructed.
278Something was reflected on the hangar, where Regulus himself was hiding.
279The laser had been fired.
280It’s impossible to deal with energy bullets coming at you at the speed of light if you are
281unprepared.
282Having been perfectly reflected by hundred and eighty degrees, the energy bullets destroyed
283the armed device, and burning fragments came in to his right eye.
284Screaming furiously, Regulus retired from the battle.
285(Back to Canopus)
286When he heard Regulus’ scream, Canopus knew what had happened.
287He didn’t ignore Regulus. When he approached Vega to take her out, Regulus attacking him
288was inevitable. Canopus simply did not try to hide himself, which Regulus had expected.
289But no doubt the battle will become easier with this. Regulus’ magic is nothing to be ignorant
290of, and now instead of a 1 versus 3, it became a 1 versus 2.
291Immediately after that, he heard two noises in his eardrum.
292Moving his eyes in the direction of where the sound came from. He retreated at the same
293time and went away from Vega. This was an act of security, which he had made
294unconsciously.
295There he saw Algol and Deneb both fall.
296In his heart, Canopus screamed out to Algol because he felt responsible.
297Because Deneb was not the only one who staggered and collapsed. Algol also collapsed
298next to her. He looked the same as Deneb after their fight, but from a distance it became
299clear that he was trying not to excessively hurt her.
300From Canopus’ position, it wasn’t possible to see Algol's back which was stained with blood.
301No, if you look carefully, you could probably see, but in a situation where you have to be
302wary of the attacks of the enemy, you don’t have the luxury to check.
303But he realized that a new enemy had attacked Algol.
304This is because his opponent was aiming at himself.
305The force field of a thin, sharp, deformed ‘Molecular Divider’ extended to Canopus.
306He cut off the force field with the same magic.
307(Lieutenant Spica!)
308Before even seeing the enemy who released this magic, he already knew the identity of the
309operator.
310A modified version of his ‘Molecular Divider’, ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’ is only used by one
311person in STARS.
312The First Lieutenant of the 4th Unit of the STARS, Zoe Spica.
313Beyond Canopus’ line of sight, a woman, who wore the military uniform in the summer
314despite it being early in the morning, pointed at Canopus with her right hand.
315A metal, non-curved nail was attached to the tip of her extended index finger. She kind of
316looked like a Japanese singer pointing at a crowd, but it was her stance when using
317‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’.
318Again, the narrow molecular destruction force field extended to Canopus. But instead of it
319being narrow and having a limited range, this ‘Molecular Divider’ could also be used at mid
320range, thus expanding its range.
321Canopus once again cut off the head of the attack while also cutting Vega’s gravitational
322field, which he tried to do with his own version of ‘Molecular Divider’.
323No, the expression ‘Molecular Divider’ cutting the ‘Gravity Control Magic’ could be
324misleading. Gravity Control is a magi’"Molecular Divider’ also changes the nature of space.
325Both magic collapsed due to a collision between Event Modifications that ‘change only the
326gravitational field in normal space’ and ‘change only the electromagnetic properties of
327normal space’.
328At that moment, the ‘Molecular Divider’ of Canopus was also interrupted. Because Arcturus’
329Tomahawk was approaching him.
330Canopus jumped off to the side with full force and activated ‘Molecular Divider’.
331Tomahawk destroyed the residual image of Canopus.
332Tomahawk, turned over in the air and continued to go after Canopus, who was now standing
333on the ground once more.
334Initially this was not possible for ‘Dancing Blades’. ‘Dancing Blades’ is a magic that allows
335you to pre-program the trajectory of an object in advance, but not the ability to remotely
336control the object.
337By applying Spirit Magic, he could create a kind of interactive state with a weapon, making it
338able to give it his thoughts and rewrite the new ‘blades’ by doing this. This was the original
339skill of Arcturus, the magician holding magic of both ancient and modern times.
340The increase in power usage that comes with rewriting magic definitions cannot be avoided.
341The trajectory can only be changed a maximum of five times. However, the trajectory itself
342does not have to be a straight line, or a parabola, because ‘Dancing Blades’ is able to move
343up and down, and turn around. With a normal weapon like a grenade, one would not be able
344to take out all their enemies, but if you could even change the trajectory of something just
345three times, not even the full five, then it would be far more potent.
346Because of the parasite in Arcturus, he cannot use Spirit Magic. However, even though he
347has lost his ability to access independent Information bodies, which is defined as the ‘spirit’,
348this did not mean he lost his ability to use Ancient Magic. His Ancient Magic skills that do not
349use independent Information bodies have improved, because of his assimilation with the
350parasite.
351Canopus intercepted the attacking Tomahawk with a sharp blow with his knee.
352No matter the speed, the swing itself barely had any power. So it was more like swinging
353with a stick than with a sword.
354However, Tomahawk, which was magically strengthened by Arcturus’ thought, fell apart.
355The blade similar to a Japanese sword could not cut everything easily. Canopus’ original
356device did not cut similarly to a normal steel blade. The blade is simply the guiding tool, the
357blade that actually cuts is made out of magic. If the force that divides the intermolecular
358binding can be formed, then the vague shape of the blade doesn’t matter.
359Tomahawk, that was divided into two parts, ceased to fly above the ground.
360Even if it is being controlled through thought, if it loses its form, it will return to being a
361regular armed device, making the magic fail.
362His pursuit of Arcturus was interrupted. Since ‘Dancing Blades’ requires material objects as a
363carrier, there is a limit to the number of ‘bullets’ that can be prepared in advance. Arcturus
364called forth such ‘bullets’.
365Canopus could not find out the place where Arcturus was hiding. However, Arcturus’
366temporary attack had disappeared - this was a prime opportunity to reduce the enemy’s
367combat power.
368Now the enemies that Canopus focused on were Vega and Spica.
369Spika’s ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’ had the same characteristics as that of Canopus’. But it
370is only natural that it only has limited impact when the enemy knows its workings.
371Canopus decided to focus on Vega, who was the more problematic enemy in the first place.
372Canopus released a plasma bullet of air as a pretext so Spika would have to deal with that,
373but he also hit Vega with ‘Molecular Divider’.
374Vega, even when wary of ‘Molecular Divider’, was completely defeated, and then she got hit
375by the plasma bullets. Canopus did not increase the plasma density too much as to avoid
376fatal injuries, but it was still powerful enough to temporarily paralyze her entire body.
377Vega fell on her back. She did not seem to have completely fainted, but it seemed that she
378was unable to move her limbs freely.
379Canopus looks back at Spica. He was going to finish off Spica and finally take Arcturus on in
380a one on one.
381But what Canopus saw, was not just the silhouette of Spica, but also other people.
382"Major Canopus, I want you to stop your resistance."
383A new figure came into his sight.
384Second Lieutenants Ian Bellatrix and Samuel Alnilam.
385Two members of the 6th Unit in STARS, who got infected by parasites in the Micro-Black
386Hole experiment that was held the other day, were seen dragging the wounded and
387unconscious Algol who was in bad shape.
388Spica was surprised. For her, this reinforcement was surprising.
389"... ... Are you referring to a hostage?"
390Canopus spoke to Arcturus in a tone that did not hide his disgusted feelings.
391“We had captured Shaula beforehand.”
392Arcturus did not answer his question, but instead extended his other hand.
393“Major Canopus, your goal is to allow Major Sirius to escape, your goal has been
394accomplished, do you still think this battle that only increases the amount of injuries is
395smart?”
396"It was you who caused senseless turbulence."
397Canopus answered by condemning the silent Arcturus.
398But reasoning doesn’t apply to people taken over by parasites, and Canopus knew this.
399Canopus took out his Japanese looking armed device in the form of a sword.
400"...Stand down."
401"We guarantee your safety."
402"Only for my body?"
403To the sarcastic question of Canopus, Arcturus replied with a funny look.
404“I do not plan to make you part of our group.”
405â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
406Contrary to the expectations of Canopus, he was not taken to a prison cell, but to a separate
407room, which the senior officer of another department used when they visited the base.
408Of course, his weapons, including his armed devices, were taken, but escaping does not
409seem to be difficult. CAD is a must-have tool for modern magic users, but it is not necessary
410when conjuring magic. Although there are ways to make magic more difficult to use, a
411general method of making magic unusable has not been developed. Although he had heard
412stories about the possibility of preventing Magical Invocation of others by using a special
413magic related to Mental Interference Magic.
414However, Canopus did not leave the room, so as not to escape. No food was brought to him
415for several hours, so he spent the night alone with just mineral water, which was in an
416equipped refrigerator.
417When the messenger came to get him, it was already at 21:00.
418He appeared between Lieutenant Bellatrix and Lieutenant Alnilam and appeared in the office
419of the Colonel.
420There is a chair in front of the Colonel’s table.
421Surrounding Canopus were on one side, Arcturus and Vega and on the other was Major
422Capella from the 5th Unit, who sat there with a muzzle aimed at his face.
423"Major Canopus, wait.”
424Following the words of the Colonel of the base, Walker, Canopus sat down in front of the
425table after saluting.
426“Well, Major Canopus, it seems like your alleged injuries were worth it since you managed to
427help Ralph Hardy Mirfak get out of the base.”
428Canopus' face contained a surprised expression.
429Walker expected such a reaction.
430"Surrounding Major Sirius’ departure, this was done through formal military facilities and
431directed by Colonel Balance, so it isn’t your fault."
432In other words, it was not possible to ask Lina to return.
433The surprised expression disappeared from Canopus' face and he regained his poker face.
434“I think you know that the higher ups have agreed to take out the Japanese Strategic Class
435Magician, Shiba Tatsuya.”
436"I am aware of this."
437Dothey want to eliminate Tatsuya as a threat to us, or include him in the USNA’s global
438strategy, taking the risk that he could be threat? The higher ups of the USNA army could all
439agree that these were the main two options.
440“But you can understand that his Strategic Class Magic is too strong and should not be
441used”
442"............"
443To Walker's speech, Canopus responded with silence.
444Walker lightly touched his eyebrows, but immediately returned to the original administrative
445view and resumed with the conversation.
446“I think we should eliminate Tatsuya, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega also agree”
447“Colonel, their states of health should cause serious concern.”
448But Canopus was unable to spark any form of suspicion in Walker.
449"Major Canopus, it is true that they have become parasites, but their loyalty to this country
450has not changed. That is my core belief."
451When he was looked at, Arcturus clearly turned his face.
452“As for the treatment of Captain Arcturus, it is currently under review.”
453Walker did not listen to the warning of Canopus.
454At this point, Canopus was convinced that Walker was mentally being controlled by a
455parasite. Instead of it being a complete psychological take over, which would turn their
456partner into a puppet, a part of his thinking was definitely being influenced. By influencing the
457mind and stimulating the desire and crisis that he felt, Walker could be controlled as to their
458liking. ── Canopus suggested so.
459“Major, it seems that you cannot approve the killing of Tatsuya.”
460"Even if him becoming an enemy is inevitable, we should not take cowardly measures such
461as assassination."
462“... ...But do you think such a naive thought should actually be followed upon?”
463“I don't think it makes sense to deny naive thoughts.”
464Canopus did not disagree with using dirty tactics. There are things that cannot be solved by
465just talking. Canopus knows about this to a certain extent from his own experience, so he
466doesn't need to say this.
467But pride is necessary. If you indulge yourself with the unlimited use of the excuse ‘because
468it is necessary’, the army will quickly turn into a group that simply focuses on violence. These
469were Canopus’ thoughts.
470"...Major Canopus. Do you want to take a plea deal?"
471Walker didn’t bother trying to convince Canopus and changed the subject.
472"Is this about the court cases?"
473"That's right."
474The interrogation of the higher ups found that he did not participate in any illegal bidding.
475Afterwards, after Walker confirmed this, the tension that Canopus felt started to drop.
476Walker continued on about the plea deal by expanding its range.
477“If this becomes a military-legislative conference, headquarters will have to come as well.
478This is inevitable if we consider the special nature of our division. If a military council were to
479convene in current times, it will surely lead to quarreling between the opposing parties,
480hindering the impact any military operation can have.”
481Canopus wanted to disagree with Walker's assumptions.
482Of course, it can come to this. Nevertheless, the likelihood that this situation will lead to the
483council becoming dysfunctional is low. The higher ups are not so stupid.
484Usually Canopus would have told him this. But when he took his current position into
485account, he couldn’t afford to give a negative opinion.
486“If you recognize the injuries you gave to Lieutenant Regulus, we will consider Lieutenant
487Mirfak to have went missing because of the mission he is taking, and we will also promise to
488reduce the punishment for Lieutenant Algol and Shaula.”
489"What punishment will I specifically get?"
490Canopus already started defending himself.
491“A one-year prison sentence.”
492This is a pretty harsh punishment for justice. However, given that the parasite is disturbing
493Walker, Canopus believed that imprisonment, which can physically distance him from them,
494would be convenient for them.
495"In addition, we will treat the punishment as a penalty during an undercover mission, so it will
496not scratch your military history and won’t harm your family."
497"...Well, I have two conditions."
498“Fine. Let's make it an even trade.”
499Walker's voice was unexpectedly soft. Was his subconscious mind resisting the thought
500manipulation or was he trying to avoid breaking the deal because of Canopus’ combat
501value?
502Both were probable theories.
503“I want to be imprisoned in Midway Prison.”
504"... Why?"
505Walker had a perplexed expression. The military prisons on Midway Island are the most
506unpopular, and are completely isolated from society - a place where criminals with highest
507offenses are sent to.
508"Isn't that more comfortable for the Colonel?"
509Canopus felt this was ironic because it allows him to not worry about being disturbed.
510Walker momentarily made an angry face, but that offensive expression disappeared almost
511immediately.
512“Well, let me decide after hearing what your other condition is?”
513“Lieutenant Algol and Shaula, I would like it for them to come with me.”
514"Won’t they both be offended by going to Midway prison?"
515"Will they be punished there?"
516Canopus did not move because of the disgust he felt with Walker.
517"─ ─ I accept your terms and will meet you halfway with Capelle being your guard till you get
518there.”
519Erase that expression on your face, that’s what Walker was trying to tell him.
520After this conversation, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega smiled.
521Major Capella, who was sitting across from them, was always capricious.
522The imprisonment of Canopus, Algol and Shaula was officially accepted on the next day to
523happen as soon as possible.
524Many people felt suspicious about this abnormally fast decision that was made by the
525Pentagon.
526But there were none who tried to prevent this decision, including Colonel Balance.
527[Two]
528Sunday morning, June 23rd, 2097.
529Angie Sirius, the High Captain of ‘STARS’ whose real name is Angelina Kudou Shields was
530currently on board of a small VTOL plane.
531Angelina, commonly known as Lina, fled from the base of their headquarters because of the
532members that had assimilated with parasites and she was therefore branded a rebel.
533She fled to Japan under the direction of Colonel Balance and with the help of the Kuroba
534family, who she stayed with for a couple of days, but last night she spent it in Tatsuya’s and
535Miyuki’s apartment.
536But now she was moving to a new place where she could hide. Miyaki Island was located
537around 90 kilometers to the north of the South Sea, and about 50 kilometers to the east of
538Miyake-jima. This small island is also called the ‘Newest Island of the 21st Century’ because
539it was formed because of the activities of an underwater volcano in the first year of the 21st
540century. Despite it being small, the area has grown to be about 8 square kilometers, which is
541almost the same size as Tokyo.
542This island has become a new shelter for Lina.
543Miyaki Island is the private property of the Yotsuba Family, but to be precise, it is owned by a
544real estate company controlled by the Yotsuba. Regardless of the technicalities, it still has
545the same result.
546There is a special story behind the acquiry of the island by the Yotsuba family.
547Originally, this was a supply base for the Japanese Navy. But due to volcanic activity, it was
548abandoned in the 2050’s . After the end of WWII, it became a secret prison exclusively for
549military magicians and was entrusted to the Yotsuba Family as they were the only ones
550capable of managing magicians of such military caliber.
551The Yotsuba acquired Miyaki island, while also taking over the secret prison.
552However, the prison was relocated to a different side of the island because of volcanic
553activity on the eastern side of the island. The place of transfer was decided on some time
554ago, and finally, as of last month, the transfer of prisoners was completed and the facilities
555were refurbished.
556Also on the eastern side of the island, which was not used as a prison anymore, a plan was
557made for constructing buildings that were going to be used for magical research. Although
558the construction was supposed to start in April, the power plant that uses the Thermonuclear
559Fusion Reactor that was designed by Tatsuya will also be built in the area.
560Another small VTOL came that carried Tatsuya and Miyuki. Despite the main reason for
561visiting being that he wanted to check up on Lina, Tatsuya also wanted to inspect the place
562where the plant was going to be built.
563At the end of last month, he had decided to implement his ESCAPES plan here. Tatsuya
564visited Miyaki island several times to understand both the topography and the climate to
565check if he had chosen the right spot. He was sure that it was necessary to check whether or
566not there were any environmental conditions that he was unaware of.
567“Thank you, Miyuki-san, Shields-san, we will be landing soon.”
568Hyougo, who was controlling the compact VTOL, informed them. In this VTOL there currently
569were six people, with the exception of the pilot, and there is no partition between the pilot
570and passengers. The voice of Hyougo came right to Tatsuya.
571“It's pretty broad, it also has an unusual infrastructure which is quite unexpected.”
572Lina, who saw the island for the first time, gave her impression of what she saw.
573"Well ... this has changed a lot."
574Miyuki had been here in the past, so she could not hide her surprise of the scenes before
575her.
576"You have been on this island?"
577"Well, four years ago."
578When she visited four years ago, there were only prisons in the coastal zone in the west,
579and most of the island was rocky and sandy.
580However, the now more developed Miyaki island has airfields with short runways in the
581northern part of the island, geothermal power stations in the center and more than 10
582middle-class buildings in the eastern part.
583Tatsuya was also struck by surprise, but for different reasons then Miyuki.
584(... is that a stone refinement plant?)
585(There is also an advanced computerised building in the center...)
586Tatsuya found a building with the characteristics similar to the FLT laboratory in Tokyo.
587And suddenly he was convinced.
588A new Yotsuba home will be built on this island.
589Maya didn’t tell Tatsuya the full plan.
590Only that the new plant for his ESCAPES project will be built on Miyaki island.
591So, the part of the plan that included building the second home of the Yotsuba here was
592unknown to him.
593It seems that the Yotsuba house is trying to build a private research laboratory here next to
594the upcoming open experimental facility. And, perhaps, among the researchers gathered
595here for the ESCAPES project, they are thinking of including particularly prominent people
596from the Yotsuba house, to achieve even further development of magical technology.
597A small VTOL landed on the helipad. The runway here is not long enough for large aircrafts
598to land and take off, but if it’s a VTOL or a compact aircraft with less than 50 passengers, it
599can take off and land sufficiently. The Yotsuba were serious about the development of this
600island.
601As expected, there were no trains or monorails. The four were driving a self-propelled
602vehicle prepared by the Mashiba, one of the branch families of the Yotsuba clan that runs
603the prison, which was on the west side of the island.
604They walked around the volcano, where there was little activity going on, and arrived at the
605residential district for prison management. On the way there, as before, they saw cliffs of
606lava, and the coast, filled with stones. The development of the island seemed to have a
607strong focus on the east side of the island.
608About half of the prisoners were left here, and a large part of the management staff has also
609left this part of the island. This was bound to happen when most of the guards moved on to
610the new prison.
611Personnel management facilities remained full. The residential buildings were also ready to
612be occupied.
613"Ho.... This is more like an apartment, not a hotel."
614They got the impression that Lina was looking through the room with satisfaction. So
615Tatsuya and Miyuki had no objections to her first impression.
616"Food can also be purchased in the refrigerators and warehouses, you also don’t have to
617worry about clothing for the foreseeable future."
618"...OK."
619Lina looked suspicious because she was worried that Tatsuya only picked things men enjoy
620to see. However, Mirfak, who is her subordinate and also a man, would not have done such
621things, so her worries may be unnecessary.
622“This facility area doesn’t only have places for residency but also convenience stores,
623training rooms, rest rooms, etc. do you wish to look at them?”
624She assumed that this was just a warehouse that at times could be used by the prison staff.
625Tatsuya asked Lina for what she wanted to do with his eyes. Today's visit is to ask the
626manager if they can use the prison on Miyaki island as a shelter for Lina. Lina thought that
627she had no choice in the matter, but that was her misunderstanding. If Lina had said, ‘I don’t
628like it’, the Yotsuba house would have prepared a different shelter.
629"... Can you show me around?"
630Even here, Lina misunderstood that she had no right to refuse. She was going to hold off on
631the inevitable tour but she ended up agreeing to it anyways.
632"Hey... Tatsuya, are you sure I can live here?"
633This was the first thing Lina said after they had returned to her room
634"That would certainly be the best."
635Although she felt that it was strange to respond, Lina still told the other side in order keep the
636conversation going:
637"It would be nice to say that I dislike it ..."
638Lina's voice sounded tired. This was probably mental fatigue, not physical fatigue, probably
639from all the surprises she has gotten this day.
640She never felt so luxurious as she feels now with all of the services available to her.
641Because she could get anything she wanted.
642There is nothing she could think of that could cause any inconvenience she may have in the
643future.
644Same for this room. Apart from the fact that she can't leave the area, she finds it more
645comfortable than her place at the STARS headquarters. This was not what Lina imagined
646after her life threatening situation.
647"Besides, I guess I’m glad that you showed me something like that...?"
648Lina's eyes had been moving around uncontrollably.
649The places she visited with her host as a guest wasn’t just the prison facility. She also got to
650see the laboratory that was under construction.
651Bypassing the personnel manager, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Lina headed to the eastern part of
652the island, where they were going to use a helicopter. Not only when they wanted to tour the
653facilities, but whenever it came to transportation for Tatsuya, Hyougo took the initiative to
654take care of it himself. In the two months that Hyougo served Tatsuya, it seems he has
655found something that is worth dedicating his loyalty to Tatsuya.
656The place where they went was a factory for processing induction stones, which was the
657only thing Lina could focus her eyes on when they flew by.
658The induction stone is the heart of the CAD system. Its main method of manufacturing is
659widely known. Technology related to CADs, developed as a military technology, was not
660protected by a patent but was not completely open to the public. However, technological
661leaks have become more common, because of spying between developers, which no longer
662made them confidential.
663However, this is the only technology used for the basic induction stones and although these
664induction stones can be manufactured using these published methods, it was still difficult to
665produce high level induction stones.
666The induction stone is the component meant to connect the psion and electrical signals.
667However, not all induction stones convert these signals the same and they have to be
668adjusted depending on the design, and the efficiency will also change during its final check.
669An induction stone may differ in its efficiency to convert signal, so an induction stone, that
670was produced in a different way, may have a higher rate of converting signals. Some stones
671are able to convert weaker signals, while others may have the ability to accurately reproduce
672a signal.
673For example, Rosen MagiCraft from Germany, McGregor Wand from the UK, America's
674Maximilian Device were companies that were highly appreciated for their general level of
675their induction stones, in that order, but in terms of their ability to accurately reproduce the
676signal, the Japanese FLT is considered the leading global company. ── And the
677characteristics of all induction stones made directly by the military and national research
678institutions were not known in detail.
679The design of an induction stone is a serious intellectual asset of every company and
680country. It was unheard to show the production factory of induction stones to outsiders
681because this was considered to be the common sense for the magic industry. Lina's words
682about ‘such things’ reflected this ‘common sense’.
683“If you understand this, wouldn't you be indifferent about getting closer to it?”
684"... I don’t want to be separated, and I want to see everything from the beginning to the end."
685Lina tried complaining about it. However, her tone lacked the strength.
686She did not know how long she needed to hide on this island.
687If the delays in her current conversation would last for too long, all tension would disappear.
688And if she wasn’t correctly paying attention, any information might go past her and could
689cause unnecessary problems in the future.
690Lina could not completely deny that she was given many resources.
691"That's right."
692He easily accepted what Lina said and looked back in the direction of the facilities.
693The facility manager gave us a glance and gave us an envelope, which Tatsuya took with his
694hands.
695"Lina, this is the key to your room"
696"Oh, thanks ..."
697Lina opened the envelope and looked at what was inside.
698A gold key card could be seen.
699“With this card you can freely use all the amenities on the island, including food and
700shopping, reissuing one would be possible even if it got lost, but that would be a little
701troublesome.”
702"I understand, I will be careful."
703Lina took the card with both hands.
704“If you need anything, call me with the fixed terminal in your room, you can use it to contact
705me, Miyuki, Ayako or the Yotsuba Family.”
706"Ok."
707"What else do you want to do?"
708“I don’t know, but I'll call you if I need something.”
709"Please do that."
710Tatsuya returned to Miyuki.
711Miyuki, who was standing behind Tatsuya at an angle, stepped forward.
712"Well, Lina, soon... I'll be back to see you again."
713"Yes, that’s right, thank you very much."
714Lina shook her hand at her, while also looking a little shy.
715Miyuki smiled and turned around for a bit.
716â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
717"Tatsuya-san, there is something that I would like you to see."
718Tatsuya, who was planning on heading to the parking lot, was followed by Hyougo who
719followed him.
720Today he didn’t have any other plans besides taking a tour around the island. So Tatsuya
721answered: “That’s fine.” and he instructed Hyougo to take him to the warehouse.
722The place where Hyougo brought Tatsuya along with Miyuki to was a garage next to the
723runway.
724There was only one peculiar four-wheeled car that was painted blue.
725"This is an unusual design, not that of your average car ..."
726As Tatsuya said, the center of the car’s body was part of the engine, because the engine
727wouldn’t fit otherwise. In the case of a hydrogen engine or an ethanol engine, it could have
728been designed to be in the middle of the car, but in the case of an electric vehicle, it was
729important to place it either at the front or back wheels, but still, this was definitely a
730self-propelling car with electrical driving features.
731“This car is an ‘Air Car’.”
732"... Do you mean that this machine has incorporated Flying Type magic in it?"
733He had no base for his suspicions, but when he focused his eyes on Hyougo, it seems like
734he was correct.
735“The development itself was something that was launched two years ago along with your
736flying motorcycle Wingless, but it was finally completed."
737Indeed, Tatsuya had developed a new Magic Sequence for flying magic that could be used
738for heavy objects back in April. Nevertheless, he had been busy with various things, such as
739Miyuki’s succession as the next Head of the family, which he had already put in a corner of
740his consciousness.
741“Since this vehicle has already been registered as a self-propelled vehicle for use on public
742roads, it can be used in daily life.”
743"Can it also be used for getting to this island?"
744"Of course, I will come to get you as soon as you call."
745He answered with a subtle expression, but Tatsuya didn’t think that this was going to be a
746problem from the very beginning.
747"Onii-sama, do you want to try it out?"
748Miyuki recommended that he’d make a test drive.
749"No, let's stop for today."
750Tatsuya shook his head, with a bit of hesitation. However, he was not interested in the ‘air
751car’ at the moment.
752"I will check it out tomorrow."
753"Of course, then I shall explain the workings of the machine when the time comes."
754Tatsuya hated that Miyuki would be left unattended for during the trial run. Tatsuya decided
755that testing the Air Car would come when Miyuki was away.
756â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
757When Tatsuya and the others were visiting Miyaki Island.
758Despite it being a Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense
759suffered from a turbulence.
760There was a confidential demand made by the USNA to Japan via a diplomatic route.
761It was a request for cooperation to search for Major Angie Sirius, who fled to Japan. It was
762decided that if she were to be found, she would be protected by and transferred to the
763embassy.
764The Japanese government protested against the USNA for having such a high-ranking
765officer enter without prior notice. Though it was argued that her visit wasn’t for military
766purposes, and even if it was a lie, it was clear that no one could be blamed anymore.
767The Japanese government promised the USNA to search and protect Angie Sirius.
768“Although the demands of the United States are bold, they also seem to be good at the
769same time, but will the 101st Brigade be required to get involved?”
770“Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, I'm too tired for this, can you just stop playing ignorant?”
771"Sorry."
772Despite his response, he still had an amused face.
773However, simply by moving his facial muscles, ironic feelings were flowing from his pupils.
774As the person in question whose face suffered from mental fatigue ─In other words, Saeki
775glared at Kazuma with a look of exhaustion.
776However, no further apology came from Kazama.
777Saeki was the one who took the initiative.
778"I know that Major Sirius is being protected by the Yotsuba family."
779"Have you heard that from them?"
780“It was more of a warning than a message.”
781"Angie Sirius is under their protection, the Defense Forces aren’t allowed to get involved… is
782what you are trying to say...?"
783"It looks like that’s the case."
784Seaki nodded with a bitter expression. This time, Kazama was in sync with her.
785"Do you think Special Officer Ooguro is involved?"
786"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel, I think so."
787Tatsuya, as ‘Special Officer Ooguro’, and Lina as ‘Angie Sirius’, when regarding the
788exchanges that occurred between them, both Seaki and Kazama knew about what took
789place in the winter of last year.
790The USNA’s nationally recognized Strategic-Class Magician ‘Angie Sirius’. The only reasons
791why the Yotsuba Family would want to protect her was because of Tatsuya’s involvement.
792That was Kazama’s reasoning. ── Though his reasoning isn’t wrong, it is unlikely that
793Kazama, who doesn’t know about the connection between the Yotsuba Family and Colonel
794Balance, would think so.
795"Special Officer Ooguro… no, are you going to request for Tatsuya to handover Major
796Sirius?"
797“Ultimately, she will be handed over to the USNA.”
798Despite Saeki giving a formal answer, it didn’t answer Kazama’s question. However,
799Kazama was fully aware of Saeki’s true intentions with this response.
800In other words, it will take some time before she will be handed over.
801The plan is to use Lina as a bargaining chip.
802Sirius is a nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician. One of the trump cards belonging
803to the USNA.
804The US military’s trump card can’t just be Sirius alone, but when it ends up in the hands of
805the enemy, it can become quite the threatening situation.
806Getting it back ─ or disposing of it ─ if so, there is a possibility of drawing out a small
807concession.
808"... Why did Sirius end up abandoning the USNA?"
809Strategic-Class Magicians are individuals who may become a threat to the state. They need
810to be carefully managed to such an extent that such things won’t happen.
811Kazama’s question was reasonable.
812“Unfortunately, detailed information is not available.”
813The National Defense Forces have also released spies to the United States. Despite the fact
814that they are in an alliance with one another, this wouldn’t mean that they wouldn’t engage in
815intelligence gathering activities. People who think that an alliance is something eternal and
816absolute are not suitable for military or political affairs.
817However, that same awareness can be applied to both sides. Just as Japan is wary of
818American spies, even more so, America is also wary of Japan’s spying activities. Information
819related to the escape of a nationally recognized Strategic-Class Magician isn’t supposed to
820be easy to obtain.
821“Is it dangerous to go out without knowing the circumstances?”
822“It is, that’s why I want you to ask him yourself.”
823Get Sirius and ask questions later, that’s what she was thinking .
824Kazama learned of a vague danger associated with the idea given by his superior officer, but
825wasn’t able to explain his reasoning.
826"I’ll ask Tatsuya if I’m able to meet Sirius."
827"Why do you need to ask?"
828He wasn’t able to understand what she wanted to say and wondered.
829She conveyed the order, ignoring Kazama’s confusion.
830"Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, order Special Officer Ooguro to hand over Major Angie Sirius."
831"What should we do if Tatsuya refuses?"
832"We should try to avoid any tough measures. However, the will of the National Defense
833Forces is that Sirius cannot be kept inside the country. Please tell him that so there’s no
834room for misunderstanding."
835In other words, even if the government or foreign forces try to take Sirius, the 101st Brigade
836won’t lend its power to Tatsuya.
837"I understand."
838He had never expected Tatsuya to rely on them.
839Also, he understood in theory that genuine soldiers aren’t candidates the same as foreign
840officials are whom the government would admit asylum for.
841But at the same time, Kazama did not think that this was the correct answer.
842â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
843It was late in the afternoon, but Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had just returned from Miyaki
844Island and got home, immediately went to see Minami.
845Along the way, they passed through quite a few magicians from the Juumonji Family, but
846Tatsuya pretended not to notice. It also seemed like it was their main priority to capture
847Minoru, and not to protect Minami.
848“I want you to keep a close eye on the hospital ward.”
849Miyuki, on the other hand, voiced her displeasure in the lack of protection around Minami’s
850room.
851When Tatsuya knocked on the door of the room, any dissatisfaction Miyuki had,
852disappeared.
853"Could we enter Minami?"
854“Yes”
855“Don’t”
856“Is Miyuki-senpai with you?”
857Confusion was all over Miyuki and Tatsuya’s faces.
858All they heard were answers from three different people.
859They opened the door after hearing Minami’s consent.
860Looking near the bed, it was easy to see who were in the room.
861The first was Kasumi, who was near the bed and was donning a disgruntled face, probably
862because she saw Tatsuya.
863Izumi expressed her joy with a full smile, probably because she saw Miyuki.
864They were the Saegusa Twins, who were their underclassmen in high school.
865"Izumi-chan, did you come to visit Minami-chan as well?"
866“Yes, when my classmates are hospitalized, I just can’t stop thinking about them being
867away.”
868The role of the Saegusa Family was decided upon during the meeting between the
869families. It was decided that they were the ones to intercept and capture Minoru. What
870became clear is that protecting Minami was not a part of this.
871"Thank you for being so considerate."
872So Miyuki responded with a beautiful smile.
873It wasn’t really necessary, but they came for Minami. Anyways, these two came to see
874Minami as a classmate, not because of the missions assigned to the Saegusa Family.
875Because of this, Miyuki actually felt grateful for them being here.
876"Wow! You are too kind..."
877Izumi let out a shy, but impressed voice. It could be said that this was more about her being
878happy, than sad. It was a bit overdramatic, but the feelings behind it were true.
879Neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki gave her a disappointed look. Minami was sitting on her bed,
880pleasantly surprised by her words. And only Kasumi, the twin sister, looked at her with a cold
881gaze.
882Tatsuya walked towards Minami and sat next to her.
883Behind Tatsuya was Miyuki, and behind her was Izumi.
884As a result, they had switched places with Kasumi and Izumi.
885"So Minami, how are you?"
886He stood next to her bed. There was a chair placed next to her bad, but it had a pillow in it
887with her leg resting on that pillow, so neither he nor Miyuki sat down.
888"Yes, I think I’m gradually getting better."
889It wasn’t clear if her sense of touch had fully returned, but could he be sure of this when he
890hadn’t done a complete check up?
891It is clear that she has recovered some of her strength, since she no longer requires the help
892of the auxiliary exoskeleton— an auxiliary, wearable type of power device that was designed
893for medical use. However, her sense of touch can’t be measured by only looking from the
894outside.
895"That’s good..."
896When she heard that Minami’s symptoms had improved, Miyuki could finally remove the
897hand that was clutched to her chest and she exhaled.
898"Is this true?"
899Tatsuya also relaxed his mouth a little.
900“Maybe it won’t become worse, but please stay a bit more patient and wait till you’re fully
901recovered.”
902"Yes."
903Although he didn’t know if Minami was actually going to listen to his advise, but at least from
904the surface it looked like she wasn’t lying.
905"What has the doctor said?"
906“That I can leave the hospital in about two weeks.”
907To Miyuki’s question, Minami responded with a calm tone.
908"Does this include rehabilitation?"
909"I have not heard anything about this."
910If she stays here two more weeks, she’ll have been hospitalized for about a month. Tatsuya
911wondered if he should bring PIxie back home in order to help Minami.
912"Is that so? But if rehabilitation is necessary, then we can help you at home, can we not?”
913There is no need to help her, but he added this quickly afterwards so Miyuki wouldn’t be
914bothered.
915“We will help you with everything”
916"That’s too much!"
917This time Minami was in a bit of a panic.
918Maybe because of the situation, but when he heard that Minami’s reaction was the same as
919before, Tatsuya realized that she had somewhat recovered.
920“I don’t want to bother you, so..."
921"So..."
922Miyuki and Minami didn’t really know what to say.
923So an unexpected offer came from Izumi.
924“Miyuki-senpai, if you don't mind, I would like to help with her rehabilitation after her
925discharge.”
926"Izumi-chan?"
927"Sure, if you don’t mind."
928When you consider it, Izumi’s intentions weren’t evil, probably. In the end Tatsuya didn’t
929mention it.
930Izumi saw Minami as a classmate and she wouldn’t use that as a chance to get inside
931Miyuki’s house.
932"Izumi...you’re not trying to use this as a chance to get inside of the President’s house... are
933you?"
934However, Kasumi didn’t refrain from asking the question.
935“That is out of the question! How could you think of such nonsense!"
936Afterwards, Izumi’s voice and face both looked upset.
937Izumi opened her eyes and looked at Kasumi.
938Izumi didn’t look completely defeated, but she was definitely averting her eyes from Kasumi.
939“....President, when Izumi is coming to your house, I shall accompany her.”
940Miyuki replied with ‘Thank you both’ and an ambiguous smile to Kasumi's words.
941The two of them left the chamber, probably to get Izumi away from Miyuki.
942The three people watch as the twin sisters leave and they all had a similar smile on their
943face while doing so.
944Although they were a bit much, you can’t hate them for it. That was the kind of smile they
945had.
946Minami's classmates are some nice girls. However, to her, Izumi can be perceived as
947someone that can be loved, but she can also be a bit over the top.
948Tatsuya took a chair from the corner of the room and sat down.
949Miyuki sat on a stool that was originally next to the bed.
950"Still, I am grateful that they came to visit you..."
951Miyuki wasn’t the only one who thought this.
952Tatsuya completely agreed with it.
953To the Saegusa, Minami was just being used as a bait.
954This should not be condemned. This was a decision made during the meeting between the
955Ten Master Clans, and if you think about, the Saegusa Family shouldn’t have even been
956involved in the matter.
957Koichi was thinking about his own position among the Clans, so he decided to help out.
958However, the Saegusa will help Minami. So this was the right thing to do in their position.
959"The two of them aren’t suited for it."
960Tatsuya didn’t explain what he meant with the word ‘it’, but neither Miyuki nor Minami failed
961to understand what he meant.
962Neither Kasumi nor Izumi are suitable for the Ten Master Clans. Their sister Mayumi is a
963little more suited for being in it, but that’s because she gives more priority to her position and
964responsibilities. However, Kasumi and Izumi aren’t as focused on status, rather they focus
965more on kindness.
966In short, it isn’t necessarily ‘bad’.
967"I don’t think it‘s bad, I envy them a little."
968The word that Miyuki had let out was evidence that she felt the same as Tatsuya, who was
969thinking the same way.
970"By the way, Minami"
971He suddenly changed the subject.
972"Yes, what is it?"
973Although he suddenly said her name, Minami wasn’t surprised at all.
974"Have there been any abnormalities up until now?"
975"Are you asking if Minoru has made contact with me since then?"
976"That is part of it."
977"I have not seen any suspicious visitors appear."
978As soon as Minami added: “I also haven’t seen him in my mind” Tatsuya said,
979“I don’t think Minoru has given up, maybe he is preparing something? For example, he could
980be collecting teammates."
981Miyuki looked a bit hectic when she looked at Tatsuya’s face
982"The possibility exists."
983It’s been a week since the last raid. In the meantime, he has not touched the bait that had
984been set out.
985Although he hasn’t been able to confirm it, it seems like Minoru has inherited the knowledge
986of Zhou Gongjin.
987Every family that holds the number ‘Nine, including the Kudou family, rarely discusses things
988with other families, making it difficult to gather allies. However, it would be possible to do this
989by using the underground networked that had been created by Zhou.
990“Maybe I should ask our aunt about a way to seal parasites.”
991Miyuki and Minami both weren’t completely sure what Tatsuya was thinking.
992When Tatsuya mentioned a technique to seal parasites, Minami wasn’t completely sure what
993he meant.
994But Miyuki had a suspicion.
995"Onii-sama... do you think Minoru-kun is going to increase the number of parasites he has?
996Like what was done in the incident during last winter?"
997"I do not think that Minoru would attack people at random, but I think he will try to acquire
998more power to overcome his current obstacles, be it through other people or through
999something not human.”
1000Miyuki couldn’t deny Tatsuya’s guesses. And not just Miyuki, Minami also couldn’t deny it. Of
1001course there was a voice in the back of their head telling them he’s wrong, but this wasn’t
1002because of Tatsuya being wrong, but rather their own human weakness.
1003“Onii-sama, I have been thinking about this but ... Shouldn't you also warn Erika and the
1004others about this?”
1005"... Yes, that would be smart."
1006Tatsuya wore a difficult face.
1007Erika, Leo and Mikihiko had met Minoru last fall. To them, he was not an enemy, but a
1008friend. They wouldn’t be alarmed if he were to suddenly appear before their eyes..
1009Minoru can hide the presence of the parasite itself. Perhaps Mikihiko would be able to notice
1010its presence, but Erika and Leo were more likely to be deceived.
1011In the end, they decided that these three people should be informed.
1012"Like them, I would have also been deceived... Should I tell them myself?"
1013“No, I’ll do it, but I’m going to be testing the Air-Car tomorrow, so please wait for me at
1014Einebrise after school.”
1015"... Are you sure?"
1016It was as if Miyuki was asking her Master for permission, because he was busy with fighting
1017the world.
1018“The risk of being overheard will definitely be lower than if we were to talk at school, it may
1019be possible to ask the owner to lend us his help.”
1020"The owner ...?"
1021The real purpose behind Einebrise is to gather and sell information, and the owner himself is
1022also involved in the acquiry of information, but Tatsuya did not know the specifics.
1023However, Tatsuya was convinced that the owner wouldn’t be stubborn. He could notice that
1024the owner listens to the hierarchy of society, which Miyuki wasn’t all too familiar with.
1025"No, I understand."
1026Miyuki did not know what the owner was truly like. If this was necessary, then Tatsuya would
1027have told her. It didn’t need to be explained to her, because she figured it wasn’t necessary
1028for her to know.
1029“I will be waiting at Einebrise with Erika and the others… Oh Onii-sama, should I also tell
1030Mizuki, Honoka and Shizuku to come?"
1031“I don’t want the number of people to know to increase too much, but… it would also be risky
1032to leave them alone… fine, please invite them all to come.”
1033"Of course."
1034Miyuki had discussed everything with Tatsuya, and then they looked at Minami.
1035"... What is it?"
1036Turning their eyes to her, Minami felt a bit anxious, because they were staring at her, without
1037opening their mouth to speak.
1038"Although it may be a bit sudden..."
1039It was Miyuki who was going to ask Minami.
1040"What do you, Minami-chan, think of Minoru-kun?"
1041"What ...?"
1042It was like Minami’s face stopped working.
1043Her thoughts were temporarily paralyzed by the unexpected question.
1044"It seems that Minoru-kun seems to like Minami-chan."
1045"He likes ..."
1046Her thinking ability was currently impaired, so Minami could only mutter a few words.
1047"Minami doesn’t like him?"
1048"Do I like him?!"
1049Minami raised her outraged voice. It seems like her level of excitement got so high that she
1050was starting to regain consciousness.
1051“I never thought about him in that way!”
1052"You just didn't think about it?"
1053In his own words, Tatsuya wondered about Minami’s response.
1054“So is it that you don’t care about him or that you haven’t thought about it?”
1055"We aren’t that curious about it."
1056"............"
1057She could not understand what Tatsuya and Miyuki were trying to say.
1058She did not understand any of this.
1059"We’re not demanding an answer, but if you like Minoru ... ...."
1060"You must decide what you wants to do."
1061"If so ... are you prepared to fight Minoru?"
1062Minami herself was confused, but at the same time, she wore a sad face.
1063"We have to fight."
1064Tatsuya’s reply also had a strong tone.
1065"I think I want to try to defeat Minoru without killing him as much as possible, but I won’t be
1066the only one looking for him."
1067Minami became quiet and small.
1068Minami didn’t know that she was being used as bait by the Clans and the Saegusa Family.
1069However, she at least knew that she was involved in the mission to capture him.
1070She didn’t forget about Izumi who was talking about becoming her ‘escort’, but because she
1071grew up in an unusual environment, she merely believed that her visit and her actions were
1072just her acting as a classmate.
1073“In addition, Minoru is strong, the reality is that trying to catch him would be a naive dream.”
1074"So I have no say in the matter."
1075“In the head, the answer is obvious, but what about the answer in your heart?”
1076"............"
1077The question that Minami could not answer.
1078“This is what I’m trying to say: Minami, Minoru gave up being human to save you, but he did
1079this without your consent, so you don’t need to comply.”
1080"............"
1081"However, it will not be so easy to capture him; you know Minoru."
1082".... Yes"
1083Minami was quiet and tried to hide her face, because she knew what they were trying to say.
1084"If you like him, that’s natural, you are human, so you don’t need to be ashamed of
1085anything."
1086Miyuki held Minami’s hands.
1087"...... Yes"
1088Minami lifted her face and smiled faintly at Miyuki.
1089"But if you do not have special feelings for Minoru-kun, then I would like you to make that
1090decision."
1091“Prepare to not be disturbed, when Minoru could be taken out in front of you.”
1092She ended her speech.
1093Tatsuya did not want Miyuki to say the word ‘kill’.
1094"If I told you that I... I like him… Then I would like you to capture him without killing him."
1095Tatsuya showed a little bit of sadness and crouched.
1096"In this case, the likelihood of casualties appearing, will increase."
1097Minami’s complexion changed.
1098"I apologize! I shouldn’t have said that!"
1099"Minami, calm down"
1100Miyuki, who was next to Minami on the bed, was trying to support her.
1101Minami sat there on the bed and tried to apologize. It seems like she has not recovered
1102enough to make any sudden movements.
1103“I don’t think that was a stupid comment, even I don’t completely understand the feelings I
1104currently have even though I was able to a long time ago.”
1105"That’s not true!"
1106Miyuki exclaimed this while looking at Tatsuya with strong will in her eyes.
1107"I don’t know if I have any special emotions for him."
1108It was clear that Minami hadn’t really thought about it, and what she said was merely what
1109she had just thought of. But even if we were to point this out, Minami would have denied it.
1110"I understand."
1111So in the end, Minami was overwhelmed by the question and was unable to correctly answer
1112Tatsuya.
1113[Three]
1114Monday, June 24th.
1115Like Tatsuya had planned in his schedule yesterday, today he was going to visit Miyaki
1116Island again.
1117The main purpose of his visit was to test the ‘Air-Car’, but there wasn’t anything very special
1118about the testing. This was because it worked as predicted. ── In addition, in this case, the
1119‘Air’ in Air-Car was misleading, technically it would be ‘flying’, but they used ‘air’ as to avoid
1120any confusion in names, even though it doesn’t really use the air to fly.
1121"I did not expect that it could dive underwater."
1122“The engineers have said that the level of airtightness of the vehicle should not cause any
1123problems, even if it were to go into outer space. Its flight height exceeds 6000 kilometers in
1124terms of still being able to function, but because of the gravity of the Earth affecting the car’s
1125body, it seems that it stops working. "
1126"I probably won’t go underwater unless it’s necessary."
1127To the excessive speculations, which Hyougo had given him, Tatsuya couldn’t help but
1128smile.
1129"The two-door style also increases its airtightness because it reduces the amount of
1130openings, right?"
1131The door of the car does not open like a regular door, but it has a design that allows you to
1132slide the doors backwards. In addition, the window glass is thick and tinted. And its overall
1133design also improves its airtightness.
1134“There is also another point to it, since normal airplanes can only be used on land, low
1135altitudes and above sea, it can still come in handy in some situations.”
1136"Like I said, I don’t intend to go up into the stratosphere or dive into the sea in the Air-Car,
1137unless I need to."
1138“Although I’m a bit more old-fashioned, it will still suffice as the main method between Japan
1139and the Island, especially when using the walking on water mode.”
1140“Is this a mode that automatically elevates the vehicle tens of centimeters above the
1141ground?”
1142"Yes, when considering this, a license for a small boat to navigate the ocean should be
1143enough, so we won’t have to worry about the government taking action."
1144Tatsuya was 18 years old, and he had already acquired a license for small vessels without
1145water restrictions, as well as a license for a 4-wheeled vehicle. It goes without saying that
1146the license to operate the vessel should not be an aerial vehicle, but if its water mode is
1147being used, it should basically act like a boat or hovercraft, which could be argued that it can
1148be used by Tatsuya.
1149"Understood."
1150If anything happens, he could just fly away. Tatsuya, lacking in legal reasoning, was thinking
1151in such a way.
1152"Hey."
1153A voice came from the side, and when he turned around, he saw Lina standing a couple of
1154meters away.
1155"Lina, what's wrong?"
1156The master of the voice was Lina, who was forced to observe the testing of the car.
1157"Can I really go after this?"
1158"I don’t really understand what you’re trying to say...."
1159"What you have just shown me is a secret military-type vehicle."
1160"Lina, what are you talking about?"
1161Tatsuya looked back at Lina with a strange look.
1162“Since the Yotsuba is a private organisation, the Air-Car does not fall under ‘Military
1163secrets’.”
1164“What are you saying! Even if it isn’t an army, that won’t change the fact that it is a military
1165organization! ”
1166“That is a misunderstanding - we are not a military organization, we could resort to violence
1167if compensation was given, but that is only our secondary job, the Yotsuba family primarily is
1168a research organization.”
1169"What kind of a joke is that? For someone to be feared around the world for their side job!?"
1170“They don’t have to be afraid of the possibility of this happening to them.”
1171"You have the power to destroy a fleet, a base and a port all with one attack!"
1172"This is my personal strength, not that of the Yotsuba family."
1173Lina, with wide opened eyes, stared at Tatsuya and didn’t know what to think.
1174Lina couldn’t believe what Tatsuya had just said, when he declared the power to kill tens of
1175thousands as his own. He is essentially taking full responsibility for killing that many people
1176without trying to share the burden.
1177The responsibility can be divided. ‘Scorched Halloween’ is an incident that occurred during a
1178military conflict. The use of Strategic Class Magic was decided by the military, and the
1179responsibility could be said to lie with the boss.
1180However, even if that were the case, he still says that that power belongs to him, so the
1181result would only be attributed to him.
1182No matter who is responsible, the result still remains the same.
1183Tens of thousands of people died.
1184(Or maybe Tatsuya doesn't think about this....?)
1185(No, such a thing is impossible.)
1186Tatsuya is not one of those people who ignore reality. They hadn’t known each other for
1187long, but Lina did understand Tatsuya to a certain degree. Tatsuya accepting the fact that he
1188is a mass murderer, that would be insane…..
1189"...It isn’t a military secret and I can leave you whenever I want, is that so..."
1190Lina decided to drop the topic. She is also a Strategic Class Magician, so if she continued
1191digging they could come to a topic that she’d rather not talk about.
1192"Anyways, Tatsuya, I have a favor."
1193"If I can grant you it depends on the favor itself, so let’s discuss it first."
1194They currently were in a warehouse, or since the Air-Car, which is registered as a
1195four-wheeled self propelled vehicle -- With a legal license plate -- is stored here, we should
1196call it a ‘garage’. But it is quite big, so a ‘hangar’ would also work.
1197There was a table in the corner of the building used for recreational means with four chairs
1198around it. So Tatsuya went to the table and Lina followed him.
1199Hyougo drew a chair backwards and looked at Lina.
1200Tatsuya was sitting on the other side. Lina couldn’t help it, so she sat down on the chair that
1201was prepared by Hyougo.
1202Hyougo then served Tatsuya and Lina tea.
1203Tatsuya thanked him for his help and then turned to Lina.
1204"So what do you want?"
1205Although she still was a bit hesitant, she refrained from showing that.
1206"I’m not a prisoner, right?"
1207"Of course."
1208“If you could, I would like you to give me back the CADs that I gave you when I came here. ”
1209"Why?"
1210Lina was looking forward to this question, but when it came to actually answering it she
1211lacked some of the energy.
1212"I don’t feel safe being unarmed."
1213Depending on the mood of those who hear it, this disturbing dialogue could be interpreted as
1214hostile. But in the current situation, when she was being protected by this person, she
1215wouldn’t try to imply such a thing.
1216But Lina wasn’t able to come up with a convincing reason, because she was worried that
1217she didn’t want to lie to herself and to the others, even though they probably wouldn’t get
1218mad.
1219In addition, she thought that they could take advantage of her in several ways. These were
1220the things Lina was thinking about. But if she said these things, her face would definitely
1221become red.
1222"Being separated from them shouldn’t be uncomfortable."
1223"This is a matter of my feelings!"
1224In response to Lina's strong attitude, Tatsuya could do nothing but laugh. In short, Lina gave
1225in to Tatsuya, but he didn’t think about taking advantage of it.
1226"Well, I think I can understand"
1227"Finally!"
1228"But I cannot agree on this request."
1229"What do you mean?"
1230“We cannot allow the USNA Army's CADs to be used in Japan, there is a possibility that they
1231have built a tracking device into it without your knowing.”
1232"Wow....."
1233Lina returned with a comical reaction. However, she was serious about it.
1234“However, I have prepared alternative CAD systems for you.”
1235Hearing Tatsuya’s words, Lina was surprised.
1236"Eh? You were prepared, did you prepare them in advance?"
1237“I'm trying my hardest to protect you, but my opponent is the USNA. So use it for self-
1238defense.”
1239"Tatsuya ... you’re a terrible person..."
1240Lina was looking at him with tired eyes.
1241“We didn't keep it a secret, Lina was just being impatient.”
1242Tatsuya gave a quick response to Lina’s eyes
1243“You’re too much, but I guess I prefer that over this being a tense situation.”
1244Lina's argument would have sounded very profound, but she would be more convincing if
1245she didn’t have a red face.
1246"There is a CAD adjustment facility here, so we can do it there."
1247"...Are you going to be doing the adjusting?"
1248"Don’t worry, I’m more than used to it."
1249"Ah... I remember, Tatsuya was part of ‘Taurus Silver’. "
1250"That's true."
1251He got up.
1252Lina finished her tea and chased after Tatsuya, who had already left the table.
1253â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1254Lina and I moved from the Air-Car hanger to the adjustment facility which was next to it,
1255while also being near the stone refinement facility. However, they didn’t use the Air-Car to
1256get there, but rather an SUV with a hydrogen engine.
1257"I think I will have Lina use this."
1258Before entering the control room, Lina was taken to a small room that looked like a meeting
1259room. Here, Tatsuya showed her a gold choker along with a silver bracelet.
1260"It doesn’t have buttons...... Maybe this is FLT’s thought-controlled device?"
1261"You are well informed."
1262Tatsuya praised Lina, but she didn’t seem to pay attention to the flattery.
1263"In the States, FLT’s device has been quite the popular topic..."
1264The CAD, which works without the usage of buttons, was first commercialized by Rosen
1265MagiCraft in Germany, and then immediately in Japan. So a third company has yet to
1266appear. At present, only Rosen and FLT produce these CAD systems, but FLT’s version of
1267the fully thought controlled CAD has been dominating the market as of late.
1268“The USNA has tried to make their own version, but none have been as good. How does it
1269work?”
1270Lina's confession was unexpected to Tatsuya. They were supposed to have the scientist
1271who designed the Brionac with them. Tatsuya doesn’t know their name, as he doesn’t know
1272who it is, but their scientific knowledge is clearly shown when looking at the Brionac.
1273If you have such technical capabilities, you should be able to develop CADs using thought. It
1274can be argued that it won’t be long till they develop one and release it on the market.
1275But Tatsuya stopped thinking about that and answered her question.
1276“The FLT CAD system uses already developed, advanced contactless technologies that
1277have already been commercialized.”
1278"Does it work using a Psion wave?"
1279"That's right. Because it doesn’t need to function like a Specialized CAD, it can be done
1280using one type of Activation Sequence. This is a Non-Systemic formula for Magic Activation,
1281which bypasses many hindrances.”
1282"Is that the only thing?"
1283“This limits the output to just one type, making it act like a switch. We can say that the thing
1284making it works is the choker, but it isn’t the thing casting the magic."
1285"This is the same mechanism as a Weaponized-Integrated CAD."
1286When Lina pointed this out, Tatsuya confirmed this.
1287"The choker is structured in such a way that it acts as an auxiliary device to the bracelet."
1288"So, how can I differentiate what I want to cast?"
1289“All you need to do is incorporate the magic number you wish to use as a variable into the
1290non-systematic magic formula, and the desired formula will be transferred to the bracelet
1291CAD."
1292(T/N: This whole explanation was incredibly vague to me so I tried to make it as
1293understandable as possible.)
1294"...... In other words, just by thinking ‘What magic number do I want to use?’ it will activate?"
1295"Roughly speaking, that is correct."
1296Lina was excited because magicians who engage in hand-to-hand combat usually find
1297manipulating a CAD to be a hindrance.
1298CAD is a tool used to speed up the activation of Magic. By creating a Magic Sequence using
1299a CAD, a magicians gained the ability to deal with a large number of soldiers armed with
1300firearms.
1301However, this made your operating speed the decider between victory and defeat on the
1302battlefield. A Specialized CAD can cover these shortcomings, but this would leave out a
1303plethora of other types of magic which needed to be used.
1304FLT's fully thought operated CAD was a tool specifically made to solve these issues. Their
1305devices, unlike those of Rosen, use two separate devices that work in conjunction with each
1306other. While this may seem to be an inconvenience to use two devices, it also means that
1307you don’t have to use your hands at all to manipulate the CAD.
1308“You seem to like it. The device can be connected with four CAD systems, but at least one of
1309them needs to be a general type.”
1310“Clearly."
1311He thought that there was a possibility that the ability to manipulate both the general and
1312specialized type CAD using one device could have gone over Lina’s head, so he mentioned
1313it anyways.
1314It isn’t easy to be able to distinguish between the general and specialized type.
1315So he couldn’t predict what Lina would say when he mentioned it.
1316Tatsuya went straight to the CAD adjustment room, while Lina moved to the changing room
1317right next to it. This facility also has the regular device that uses the headset and the hand
1318panel, but Tatsuya found that when using a brand new CAD it should be measured using the
1319bed-type measuring device. Lina had gone to change her clothes to prepare for this.
1320"Tatsuya, this... why"
1321Lina, who entered from the dressing room, was wearing a long white shirt without buttons,
1322that stopped at around 15 centimeters above the knee, exposing a part of her thighs.
1323Her hair wasn’t tied up and fell down her back, she was also wearing slippers that you would
1324find being used in hospitals. She was also crossing her arms around her chest, while acting
1325a bit shy and hesitant.
1326"...Is this alright?"
1327"What is alright?"
1328"...What I’m wearing?"
1329Lina was blushing and turned away because of the shame she felt after thinking about her
1330question.
1331Of course, even if you show such a cure figure, Tatsuya's attitude wouldn’t change.
1332"Haven’t you used this type of measuring device?"
1333“It was obligated that we should take more precise measurements once a month.”
1334This means that STARS have a similar machine on base, but once a month isn’t enough in
1335Tatsuya’s opinion. Miyuki, who’s magic power is still growing requires more precise
1336measurements at more frequent intervals. While it will be less frequent for those in their
1337twenties, and even more so for those above their thirties. These were Tatsuya’s thoughts.
1338"Would you wear a bathing suit during these measurements?"
1339"That isn’t going to make me wear a bikini, but..."
1340"I don’t care about that."
1341Lina was still hesitating a bit. If you thought about it normally, it wouldn’t be more
1342embarrassing to wear a long T-shirt over a swimsuit which shows of a person’s bodily shape.
1343Why is she so flustered... When thinking about it, Tatsuya could only guess
1344Maybe Lina wasn’t wearing anything under her shirt...?
1345When he told her to change, Tatsuya never ordered her to ‘take off her underwear’, and
1346there isn’t anyone in this facility that would have told her this.
1347But if you are Lina, who thought that underwear is normal when you use a bed type
1348measuring device...Given that she was handed a long T-shirt, she might have thought that ‘I
1349have to take them off’.
1350"...It’s fine like this."
1351However, he couldn’t tell Lina that ‘underwear can be worn’ right in her face. Saying such
1352things makes both of them embarrassed. But Lina would be even more ashamed. It may be
1353better to just let it go and ignore it.
1354"Well, please lie down over there."
1355Tatsuya was being more aware of his tone than usual.
1356During the examination, his suspicions deepened even further that she hadn’t worn any
1357underwear. Tatsuya’s eyes caught evidence of it through the thin cloth, but he did not stare.
1358That is why Lina did not notice. Without causing any meaningless trouble, the adjustment
1359was completed successfully.
1360On Lina’s neck, a choker-type device hung. No, because the device perfectly went around
1361her neck with no excess material, the better expression would be ‘fit’. The golden glow it
1362gave off was the same color as that of her hair, and it looked good on Lina. At first glance, it
1363looks like a luxurious necklace, but it goes without saying that it isn’t one. Lina also noticed
1364this, but she didn’t seem to care.
1365“I will be coming back tomorrow, so tell me then if there are any inconveniences.”
1366"OK".
1367Lina raised her right hand and responded to Tatsuya, with a silver bracelet on her other
1368wrist.
1369"Sorry to cut you off, but the car is ready."
1370"I understand."
1371He had a bitter smile on his face and went to the hanger, where Tatsuya started the Air-Car
1372The car body, floating a few dozen centimeters from the ground, flew over the sea while
1373maintaining its relative height.
1374â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1375When Tatsuya entered Einebrise which was close to First High, Miyuki and his friends
1376immediately spotted him.
1377"Oh, Tatsuya, come here."
1378"Tatsuya-san, we’ve been waiting!"
1379Erika and Honoka, welcomed Tatsuya at the same time.
1380He slightly raised his hand and answered them, and then sat in the chair next to Miyuki.
1381There are no other customers in the store. Before Tatsuya came there, Miyuki had already
1382‘made reservations’.
1383"It was just a favor, Tatsuya-san."
1384The owner put a small glass pot on the counter with iced coffee in it. Honoka quickly got up
1385to get the pot and brought it back to their table.
1386While Tatsuya started to talk, the owner said: “Call me when you’re going to leave” and
1387retreated to the back of the store.
1388Ever since Tatsuya entered the cafe, he noticed magic that prevents eavesdropping. It was
1389comparable to a sound barrier.
1390Everyone thought that this was necessary.
1391Everyone knew that Tatsuya wasn’t here for idle chit-chat, so it seems that the content is
1392important.
1393“I was being careful with the owner around, so let's move on to the main subject.”
1394Tatsuya told them while Honoka was pouring coffee into his cup.
1395The eyes and ears of his friends were all turned towards Tatsuya.
1396"Minoru has become a parasite."
1397Tatsuya suddenly stated the topic of the conversation.
1398“What?” “You’re lying” “Are you serious?”
1399Erika, Leo and Mikihiko, who were acquainted with Minoru, rose up one after another.
1400"...Minoru, as in Minoru-kun who was Second High’s representative at the Thesis
1401Competition?"
1402"That's right."
1403Mikihiko, who was calmly replied to by Tatsuya, was surprised.
1404"...Why should that be?"
1405Erika gave Tatsuya a sharp look.
1406She had no doubt that Tatsuya was telling the truth. She tried to be skeptical, but it was just
1407matter of how these things work.
1408“Why, I’m not sure, but I know that Minoru has abandoned his humanity and has become a
1409parasite.”
1410"Can you tell us what you know so far?"
1411Leo had calmed himself down immediately. However, his curiosity wasn’t inferior to Erika’s in
1412any way.
1413We need to know ── This was being said by his eyes.
1414Although this is rarely seen in Leo, it didn’t change what Tatsuya was going to do. From the
1415very beginning he intended to tell them about the origin of Minoru becoming a parasite.
1416"Him becoming one has to with the reason why Minami is hospitalized."
1417"...Why does that have to do with anything?”
1418"The reason for Minami being hospitalized has to do with her suffering significant damage to
1419her Magic Calculation Area, which mean that she can’t fully recover."
1420This fact that Tatsuya has just confided in them, didn’t only surprise Leo, who asked the
1421question, but also everyone beside Miyuki.
1422"Now there is no concern for her life, but when activating powerful magic, the symptoms can
1423definitely get worse."
1424"...Oh."
1425Leo, who was lost for words, could only muster this much. Minami is a member of the
1426Mountaineering Club, which Leo is also a part of. Among them, after Tatsuya and Miyuki, he
1427felt closest to her.
1428"I don’t want to explain everything, but there is one more thing I need to talk to you guys
1429about."
1430"...Why did you have to go and say that...”
1431When you look at Leo, who was gritting his teeth, it did not look as if he was convinced by
1432Tatsuya’s words. But he also showed great composure even in this situation.
1433"Minoru became a parasite as a means to treat Minami."
1434"Wait, Tatsuya."
1435Mikihiko wasn’t able to say this next line immediately.
1436"...Then what you’re saying is that, Minoru-san was trying to use a parasite to treat Minami,
1437and used himself as a guinea pig?"
1438"That’s what he told me himself."
1439"That idiot….That’s insane."
1440Mikihiko fell into an quiet state.
1441"I'm serious."
1442Tatsuya was ruthless in his explanation.
1443“In short, he tried to get Minami to do it as well?”
1444Erika anticipated what Tatsuya was trying to say.
1445"Minoru tried, but Tatsuya managed to fend him off, right?"
1446Leo added another question on top of the other.
1447"Yes, I managed to get rid of him the first time."
1448"Tatsuya, you... could you lose?"
1449"I will try not to, but he is not such an easy opponent."
1450Even before that question, Tatsuya never claimed that ‘he couldn’t lose’.
1451"That is, you won’t be beaten, but you mean that you might not be able to protect Minami,
1452isn’t it?"
1453"That's right."
1454Erika's words highlighted the truth,
1455"But there is one more thing I want you to know about."
1456Then, he continued.
1457“Erika, Leo, Mikihiko. I think there is a chance that he will come in contact with you in order
1458to get to Minami.”
1459"Does he want to make us his cooperators?"
1460"If we’re talking about people that he knows that also know Minami, you guys are most likely
1461to comply."
1462"...Well, it’s true that if you hadn’t told me, I would have probably helped him."
1463Leo was the first to admit it.
1464"I wish to help Minami."
1465Erika also agreed.
1466"It is surprising that Minoru-san is a parasite, I guess it is hard to distinguish a person from a
1467parasite."
1468However, Mikihiko had a dissatisfied expression. It seems that his inability to distinguish
1469demons from people hurts his pride as an Ancient magician.
1470"I also didn’t know that he was a parasite until he revealed his identity himself"
1471"...Right."
1472Although you could say he is better than Tatsuya at this area, he couldn’t really say he was
1473much better.
1474“Your ability to sense parasites may be higher than mine, but the Kudou family has magic
1475that let’s them disguise their Information Body. And even though he has become a parasite,
1476he still has the magic of ‘9’."
1477“No, no matter what anyone might say, I’m not sure if I can sense them better than you, so I
1478understand that I need to stay vigilant.”
1479"I know I can trust you."
1480"By the way ..."
1481Erika had a ‘I'm bored’-look.
1482"What?"
1483Tatsuya did not ignore her.
1484"Did the parasite Minoru use come from the same place the ones before did?"
1485"No way, were we invaded by the United States again?"
1486“No, this is one of the parasite we sealed last time. The Kudou family had taken one from the
1487ones we sealed before.”
1488Answering the question of Erika, Tatsuya told her this first.
1489"...In fact, Lina has come to Japan."
1490After hesitating, Tatsuya finally decided to reveal this secret.
1491"Lina is here?"
1492"Onii-sama​."
1493Honoka and Miyuki raised a surprised voice.
1494Honoki’s astonishment is purely because Lina is visiting Japan.
1495Miyuki, on the other hand, was surprised that Tatsuya didn’t keep that a secret, even though
1496they are his friends. Despite the fact that she was in public, her surprise was great enough
1497for her to mutter ‘Onii-sama’.
1498Fortunately, Erika and others had also experienced a strong shock, so no one noticed that it
1499was strange for Miyuki to call Tatsuya her brother, and not her fiancé.
1500"Lina’s visit to Japan has to do with the recurrence of parasites in the USNA."
1501The power of this massive bomb that he just dropped was so great that no one found a way
1502to respond.
1503"Parasites in America..."
1504These were the only words Mikihiko could muster. The remaining four people, Erika, Mizuki,
1505Leo, Honoka, were lost for words.
1506"The parasites I just told you about have no real connection to current situation, at the
1507moment, but if these newly developed parasites from the USNA were to invade Japan, it
1508could mean that they may get involved in our current fight against Minoru."
1509“Okay... Is there a way to disable these parasites? If you needed my strength, then..."
1510"I shall ask the former Head of the Kudou family for seals that we can use on the parasites."
1511"That honorable Kudou is an old man, isn’t he?"
1512"Former Head....?"
1513Erika and Leo point out the connection between the Kudou and Minoru and questioned his
1514reliability.
1515"It is possible that I won’t like the techniques he will offer, so in that case, I shall rely on you,
1516Mikihiko."
1517Tatsuya doesn’t want to rely on the techniques of the Kudou, because it is likely that Minoru
1518is already familiar with those methods.
1519Undoubtedly, the Kudou family has magic that can seal parasites. Otherwise they wouldn’t
1520have been able to create the Parasite Dolls.
1521But Minoru is also a Kudou magician. Of course, he may know the technique used to capture
1522the parasites. Even now he could be trying to find a way against this method. No, any
1523countermeasures may have already been completed. This was Tatsuya’s thinking.
1524"At that time, use me in any way you’d like."
1525Mikihiko was empowered by Tatsuya’s confidence in him.
1526Measures against demons - the mission of an Ancient magician. Such a conviction was held
1527in Mikihiko’s heart.
1528â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1529Tatsuya didn’t come to Einebrise using his amphibious car ‘Air-Car’. Once the Air-Car he
1530used to come back from Miyaki Island was placed in the garage of his apartment, he came
1531to the nearest station using public transportation. Naturally, this was also the way he
1532returned home.
1533Neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki had much to say. It’s not impossible to be wary of
1534eavesdropping in their current respective positions, but that isn’t the main issue. As they
1535talked intensively before he arrived at Einebrise, the reason for his tense feelings grew
1536stronger.
1537Although it is rare for these two people to come home without talking to each other, returning
1538to their own house helped them relax. When Miyuki talked about the events that happened
1539at school, Tatsuya talked about his impression of the Air-Car and when Miyuki asked about
1540the drive the usual atmosphere returned.
1541However, the atmosphere was killed by a phone call.
1542It wasn’t the call itself, rather it contents.
1543“-- In other words, the place where Angie Sirius requested protection, the National Defense
1544Forces wishes for her to be transferred from there?”
1545"I don’t want to get into a dispute."
1546On the video phone screen, Kazama moved his hands to appease Tatsuya.
1547"To hide Major Sirius who is a soldier of the USNA in a private organization, it goes without
1548saying that the National Defense Forces can’t accept that.”
1549"That is reasonable. However why is Lieutenant Colonel telling me such an obvious story
1550that I already know?"
1551“Tatsuya, I know that you’re protecting Major Sirous. The Yotsuba Family informed me of it."
1552So it’s useless to feign ignorance… Kazama said this with a gaze.
1553"Please make your request to the Main House."
1554Although Tatsuya remained indifferent. He didn’t affirm nor deny what Kazama said, nor did
1555he nod upon the request.
1556Kazama’s stern eyes became visible towards Tatsuya’s non-cooperative attitude.
1557"Special Officer Ooguro."
1558From Kazama’s words, the friendly tone aimed at his younger friend disappeared.
1559"Even if your position has improved within the Yotsuba Family, the contract between the
1560National Defense Forces and the Yotsuba Family concerning you is still valid."
1561Tatsuya silently looked at the middle of the display.
1562“With the exception of being Shiba Miyuki-sama’s escort, you must give priority to the orders
1563of the National Defense Forces.”
1564"Lieutenant Colonel Kazama. I’m not sheltering Major Sirius. If you are saying that the
1565Yotsuba Family are protecting Angie Sirius, please send your request to the Main House.”
1566"What?"
1567From Tatsuya's voice, Kazama was surprised.
1568“In addition to accompanying Miyuki, the Yotsuba Family also recognizes the priority order
1569established with the National Defense Forces, as this is the contract that was established
1570between the Yotsuba and the Defense Forces. However, there is no agreement that I must
1571obey the army."
1572"Special Officer, are you betraying the army?"
1573“The position of the Special Officer was given to me by the Defense Forces when they
1574needed me. The only thing I’ve done was swear an oath when I joined the command of the
1575army five years ago in Okinawa."
1576"......Tatsuya. The Defense Forces can’t allow a civilian to protect Angie Sirius. You need to
1577understand this."
1578"I do not have Major Sirius, again, if you are trying to say that the Yotsuba Family is
1579protecting Angie Sirius, please make a request to the Main House."
1580In the end, both Tatsuya and Kazama avoided a definite breakdown.
1581This was the result of mutual recognition of the other’s value.
1582â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1583The new building that had recently become the home of Tatsuya and Miyuki, was built as the
1584Tokyo headquarters for Yotsuba Family. It not only included residential areas, but also
1585included various other facilities. One such example is a room for magic training in the cellar.
1586There was no other person in this room. There is a reason for this, it’s because it was
1587already late at night and he used his title as ‘son of the Family Head’ -whether or not this is
1588true-.
1589Tatsuya was going to use this room to develop a magic to seal parasites. While he could
1590learn a method from Maya, or the Kudou Family, it would most likely be a technique that he
1591himself couldn’t use. Even if his position in the Yotsuba Family has improved, it didn’t mean
1592he could use magic other than ‘Decomposition’ and ‘Regrowth’.
1593Tatsuya, however, did not give up on the possibilities he had. Of course, he couldn’t use the
1594usual magic, except for ‘Decomposition’ and ‘Regrowth’. But by using his Artificial Magic
1595Calculation Area, he could imitate magic at a lower level of power.
1596But this is when you’re talking about magic in the modern sense.
1597Traditionally, the ability to manipulate psions to change an event, was considered magic.
1598Tatsuya’s ability to manipulate psions is only second to certain other gifted magicians, but it
1599still surpasses ‘first-class’ magicians.
1600The body of a parasite is actually a Pushion Information Body. So there is no possibility to
1601directly manipulate it.
1602However, the parasite hangs around in the body, and when it loses its pushion core, it will
1603stop working. A pushion is the particle that is formed through thought and emotion, and at
1604the same time it is the particle that binds the physical body to the non-physical spirit. So the
1605spirit gives commands to the body, and in reverse, the body gives information to the spirit.
1606In other words, its existence interferes with the thought that the mind is an Information Body.
1607Outer-Systemic Magic, which directly interferes with the spirit, is activated by using a Magic
1608Sequence that also uses spirits. This is indirect evidence that it can interact with an
1609Information Body.
1610So Tatsuya was wondering if he could find a way to seal a parasite, an information body,
1611using Outer-Systemic Magic.
1612If you manage to only hit the parasite with it, any physical damage would be avoided. At
1613least this is what he came to know when he was up against parasites that weren’t in an
1614assimilated body.
1615The Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet, which he created to harm the parasites that were
1616assimilated with people, could weaken the parasite, but wasn’t able to completely
1617incapacitate them.
1618(......I can’t get a clear image.)
1619After using several objects, which he had used previous times to get an idea, he came to the
1620conclusion that he didn’t know what it was supposed to look like. So he felt that he needed
1621something.
1622(If I could practice with the real thing, it might be a little different...)
1623As far as he knows, the Yotsuba and Kudou families have actual parasites. The Yotsuba’s
1624are used for experimentation, while those of the Kudou were used for the Parasite Dolls.
1625(Although I probably can’t borrow any, if I remain here, it’s likely that I won’t be able come up
1626with a proper method.)
1627.
1628However, it is also needs to be a proper technique. Because if it ends up being subpar, it will
1629be useless. Staying here might also become a waste of time.
1630(...Do I have to ask Master for help?)
1631He didn’t want to be indebted to Yakumo, but this wasn’t the right situation to be stubborn.
1632Tatsuya decided that he was going to visit Yakumo’s temple tomorrow.
1633â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1634Early Tuesday morning, June 25th.
1635Tatsuya visited Yakumo’s temple after a long time.
1636He hadn’t contacted him in advance, so he wasn’t going to complain if Yakumo wasn’t here.
1637However, an unexpected reception was waiting for Tatsuya.
1638Despite his new home in Chofu not being that far away from the temple, Tatsuya took the
1639opportunity and used his bike ‘Wingless’. He didn’t wear ordinary biking clothes, but rather
1640his ‘Freed Suit‘ which was developed by the Yotsuba. He didn’t bring his specialized CAD
1641this time but planned to use his fully-thought operated CAD that is integrated into his ‘Freed
1642Suit’.
1643Despite the fact that he had just passed the gates, the usual fight with the disciples didn’t
1644take place.
1645There were no signs of anyone being here.
1646Immediately after Tatsuya thought it was suspicious, something finally came to him and hit
1647him.
1648However, the thing that attacked him wasn’t something physical.
1649And it was also showing its hostility.
1650He intercepted the hit using ‘Gram Dispersion’.
1651Gram dispersion deconstructed the structure of the attack.
1652(An independent entity.... is it a ‘familiar’ or a naturally occurring ‘evil spirit’?)
1653In a rare case in the world, an entity with a dense psion structure can arise. Tatsuya had
1654learned this from an Ancient Magician who trained him while he was at the Yotsuba Family
1655house.
1656Usually, independent information bodies don’t have the ability to intervene with events
1657because they are just a mass of psions, but when that amount exceeds a certain level, they
1658will be able to. The Magician that taught him would also call them God, fearful of calling them
1659a Demon. Using them they developed magic that could change events using an independent
1660information body which now is known as Spirit Magic and Summoning Magic. This is what
1661the Yotsuba magician had taught him.
1662The independent information body, which had been blocked by Tatsuya, changed directions
1663and attacked again.
1664Tatsuya realized that there were two things attacking him.
1665This ‘spirit’ is an independent informational body made up of ‘wind’.
1666And the other ‘spirit’ is controlled by human will.
1667(Is it his doing?)
1668But the hostility of the spirit is far too serious. The attacking power of the independent
1669information body is at the level that it would be deadly for even Tatsuya. Thinking about
1670trying to eliminate the threat in front of him, Tatsuya went in to destroy the ‘wind spirit’ itself.
1671However, he discarded that thought shortly after, without releasing his ‘Decomposition’
1672magic.
1673He didn’t stop the battle, because he thought that Yakumo was controlling it.
1674Instead Tatsuya decided to use Non-Systemic Magic and began to compress psions in his
1675hand.
1676The compressed psions became a kind of net, with small grids in it.
1677He threw the ‘net’ at the ‘wind spirit’. It tangled the ‘spirit’ up for just a second and it then tore
1678the net apart.
1679The spirit that escaped its restraints continued to attack, turning itself into a ‘wind blade’.
1680Tatsuya quickly jumped to the side.
1681Red blood flowed from his left arm, and the clothing near his shoulder was ripped open.
1682The ‘opponent’ is a transparent air blade. Even when he tried to avoid it, he couldn’t do this
1683completely. But it clearly was abundantly powerful and if he hadn’t been wearing his bullet-
1684and shockproof ‘Freed Suit’, his left arm would have been torn off.
1685But the suit was torn and stained with blood for only a second.
1686He had already healed from his wounds and his clothing was back to the way it was before
1687the fight. This was the effect of Tatsuya’s ‘Regrowth’.
1688If he was facing an actual magician, this moment could have created an opening. However,
1689the ‘spirit of the wind’ kept attacking without a moment’s rest. Was this ‘Continued Attacking’
1690natural for the spirit, or did the operator know about his abilities?
1691Once again, the wind blade was coming towards him.
1692He opened his right hand to face the independent information body and formed a shield in
1693front of him.
1694Hitting the shield of highly compressed psions, the wind spirit was blocked. Giving up on the
1695air blade, the independent information body returned to its original form.
1696It failed to tear up another part of his ‘Freed Suit’.
1697Tatsuya closed and squeezed his right hand together.
1698Psions gathered around the wind spirit.
1699The independent information body was being surrounded by a psion cloud.
1700This cloud, which was growing to such an extent that it currently was about the size of a
1701large passenger car, then became the size of a ball that could fit in the palm of his hand.
1702This spherical ball with a substance that is invisible to the naked eye looked like a crystal
1703ball. The ‘spirit of the wind’ was now confined in it.
1704He sighed, while making sure that the ‘spirit’ had not left the ball.
1705Tatsuya began to check his surroundings, but his momentary lapse of attention gave the
1706wind spirit an opportunity.
1707The moment was almost instantaneous.
1708It began to release a large amount of pressure, from the inside of the ball.
1709Tatsuya threw the sphere in his hand straight up.
1710Lowering his right hand and using his moment to raise his left hand.
1711The ball burst open. The ‘spirit of the wind’ had exploded itself.
1712The shock wave created by it went right above Tatsuya’s head and spread throughout the
1713area, making ripples in the sky.
1714"Are you okay?"
1715A shadow suddenly emerged behind him. The famous ‘Ninjutsu’, the head Priest of this
1716temple, Kokonoe Yakumo, was applauding and talking to him.
1717"If you would have payed a little more attention, the ball would have been completed."
1718"Master, good morning."
1719"Oh, good morning, Tatsuya-kun."
1720And he is the adversary whom he visited in search of advice this morning.
1721"So, why are you visiting your master today, Tatsuya?"
1722As if nothing had happened, he asked a question as to continue the conversation.
1723“It’s about what you did just now.”
1724Yakumo responded with a bitter smile.
1725"Have you come to learn how to seal parasites?"
1726"Do you already know the situation about Minoru?"
1727"I also know that new parasites have appeared in the USNA, which will be more annoying
1728than before."
1729"Excuse me... so... can you tell me the sealing technique?"
1730"No, I can’t teach you it."
1731Yakumo’s ‘playful’ reply, depending on the receiver, could make someone explode out of
1732anger.
1733"Is that true?"
1734However, Tatsuya tried to dig deeper.
1735Although Tatsuya calls Yakumo his ‘Master’, he isn’t one of his students in the art of
1736‘ninjutsu’. So Tatsuya has always been asking Yakumo for favors. But he has no actual right
1737to learn magic from him.
1738"Have I taught you anything so far? Previously, you almost had it all by yourself, so I can’t
1739believe you did that well on your first attempt. "
1740At the same time, he didn’t turn him away.
1741“Is the ball a thing that is just used to push the independent information body inwards and
1742keep it there?”
1743“Are you sure you applied the technique properly?”
1744"So, you can seal a parasite with it?"
1745"You managed to single out the wind spirit from my technique; I think that is enough to
1746capture the parasites."
1747Although it depends on Yakumo’s mood, he would advise him on how to train his technique.
1748But considering that he isn’t a student, he should be glad with this much help.
1749"Then why didn’t you stop when I captured it just now and before it exploded?”
1750"It doesn’t matter, if we had continued for another ten hours, you wouldn’t have been able to
1751stop the self-destructing."
1752"Is it because we need more time?"
1753"No, no, practicing repeatedly isn’t the important thing when training the ball, rather it’s more
1754about the technique itself."
1755Tatsuya couldn’t ask him for further explanation. Tatsuya and Yakumo have known each
1756other for five years. Tatsuya knew what he was like and also knew that it was impossible to
1757receive any more clues.
1758"I understand... I will try to invent that myself."
1759“When you do, try practicing with the help of the second son of the Yoshide family.”
1760With the amount of knowledge he has gained this morning, Tatsuya was more than satisfied,
1761because it was more than he had expected.
1762[Four]
1763"I want to see Miyuki-senpai's face..."
1764"What are you saying?.. You just met her this afternoon in the Student Council Room."
1765"But Kasumi-chan, isn’t it better to have tea time together while we just wait here?"
1766The mansion where Tatsuya and Miyuki lived wasn’t that far from the hospital where Minami
1767was admitted. Quite the distance to walk, but using a car it would take less than 5 minutes.
1768Since she heard that from Minami, she quite often grumbled like that.
1769"I don't want to go. He’s at the Prez's house."
1770And that's Kasumi's answer. Somehow, it has become her typical answer.
1771Both of them were in small restaurant beside Chofu-Aoba Hospital where Minami was being
1772treated. Ever since their role was decided after the last Ten Master Clan conference, the
1773Saegusa have been reserving this restaurant. This restaurant’s business model made it only
1774available for reservation in the first place, so having a temporary base in this restaurant is
1775the most suitable course of action that didn't disrupt its economic activity.
1776The Saegusa's role was to ambush and capture the parasite, Minoru. In case capturing him
1777proves difficult, they were permitted to execute him instead.
1778The Ten Master Clans decided that letting a parasite loose in society was a sin and that
1779killing the culprit is something that couldn't be avoided. Both Kasumi and Izumi didn't want
1780to kill him if they could, but they're convinced that if he was to be left like that, killing him is
1781something that couldn't be helped. Tatsuya thought that those two weren't suitable to be a
1782member of the Ten Master Clan’s, but now there is no doubt. They're definitely educated as
1783a Ten Master Clan members.
1784"Anyway, will he really come?"
1785They weren't debating the issue of whether to kill Minoru or how to capture him, they had
1786already accepted that this is something unavoidable.
1787"I think he will."
1788"Really? ...Even Minoru isn't that foolish."
1789"I think he is even smarter than Kasumi-chan."
1790"It's true that Minoru is smarter than me, but Izumi's school rank isn’t much different from
1791mine!"
1792"Then I don't have to help you with general-study homework anymore, right?"
1793"W-wait! That's unfair! We're not talking about that!"
1794"You said that’s unfair..."
1795"What I wanted to say was even Minoru should be wary about the ambush!"
1796Kasumi said that before Izumi finished her line.
1797Izumi chuckled and stopped teasing her twin sister.
1798"That's obvious. Maybe he even knows that we're staking out here."
1799Kasumi felt relieved that Izumi stop teasing her with saying "right?" to her.
1800"Even so, I think Minoru will still come."
1801"Eh? Why?"
1802"It's because he’s had a sickly body since childhood. He doesn't have much attachment to
1803things."
1804"...Right. I remember he often said that he wanted to be more selfish."
1805Kasumi and Izumi didn't meet Minoru that often. Also, compared to other children they knew,
1806his personality wasn't so attached to things.
1807From their point of view, Minoru lacked the willfulness of a child.
1808"With that kind of personality, Minoru even discarded his humanity for Sakurai-san. That
1809intense feeling... Unfortunately, we won't able to understand it. What I can understand is that
1810he definitely won't give up."
1811"So, Izumi doesn't know it too..."
1812"Right. As a girl, that's really unfortunate."
1813"Girl... Yeah, Izumi is a girl but I think that feeling should be the same whether you’re a boy
1814or a girl. Leaving aside feelings matter, the most obvious problem is Sakurai-san is guarded
1815by the Yotsuba, Juumonji, and Saegusa, right? Will he really come despite the enemies? Or
1816is he that blinded by love?"
1817"Kasumi-chan, being 'blinded by love' isn't like that."
1818"Eh? Is that so? Isn't it feelings of love that makes one lose their reasoning and common
1819sense?"
1820"The dictionary indeed worded it like that. To lose reason means to lose the ability to know
1821the opponents' weakness. To lose common sense means to lose the ability to reflect one
1822self’s position with themself, their opponent, and their family in society.”
1823"Oh, so it's like that."
1824"What makes me think that Minoru will still come despite knowing about the ambush is not
1825because he's losing himself in a panic.”
1826"...So, why?”
1827"Because Minoru-kun definitely..."
1828Izumi then tried to hide her voice. Not only with her voice volume, but her expression clearly
1829meant "Something that can’t be said loudly."
1830"He's not scared of the Yotsuba, Juumonji, and Saegusa. That's what I think."
1831"...Minoru-kun wasn't such an overly-confident person from what I know."
1832Maybe it was because of Izumi, she also spoke with a low volume voice.
1833"With his ability, it isn't necessarily overly-confident."
1834"That's... Well if it's us (the Saegusa family), maybe he could do it."
1835"The current Minoru-kun, has the parasite’s power. In addition, whether or not it’s true, he
1836even has a mainland ancient magician’s ghost."
1837"...Isn’t that ghost part too far-fetched?"
1838"...Anyways."
1839Even Izumi didn't really believe in the case where he absorbed Zhou Gongjin. She didn't
1840thread down Kasumi's objection.
1841"I believe Minoru has definitely become stronger.”
1842But at the same time, she didn't express the necessary things to emphasize their vigilance
1843against Minoru.
1844In the end, it wasn't clear whether Kasumi agrees or disagrees with Izumi.
1845"Izumi-chan, Kasumi-chan, he's here!"
1846The two stopped their discussion the moment Mayumi called out to the both of them.
1847"What about Sakurai-san?!"
1848Kasumi asked Mayumi whose voice she heard from the back of gallery-room door about
1849Minami's safety.
1850It seemed that instead of Izumi, who worked together in Student Council Room, Kasumi was
1851closer to Minami as her classmate. Or maybe, it's that Kasumi was just a simple person.
1852"It's okay. He will be captured before sneaking into hospital."
1853"By the Juumonji Family?"
1854Izumi asked that. But if she didn't ask it, Kasumi would.
1855"No, by our subordinates."
1856Kasumi was like ‘good job’ with her facial expression and the light of her eyes. But then she
1857expressed something with her eyebrow after she heard that
1858“It seems they couldn’t hold their feet for even one second. Currently, the Juumonji Family
1859are moving towards the scene. They should somehow be able to hold him back. They
1860contacted their father but it's taking some time before he's able to come to the scene.
1861Juumonji-kun already notified them but he won't be there for another in 5 minutes."
1862"In other words, our role is to hold him back, right?"
1863Kasumi and Izumi weren’t just passively listening to what Mayumi was saying. They were
1864taking out their bracelet CADs and putting them on their wrists, communication-goggle to
1865their eyes, donning protective vests ー with bullet-protection, slash-protection, and
1866impact-mitigation feature protection.
1867"Preparation complete."
1868"Me too."
1869"Okay. Let's go."
1870Mayumi fully opened the remaining half of the already opened door and went to the scene
1871with Kasumi and Izumi following her.
1872â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1873When Mayumi and the twins arrived at the scene, the fighting had already ended.
1874There were four magicians laying down on the road. Kasumi and Izumi got closer in order to
1875check their pulses and breathing.
1876"They're alive!"
1877"This side too. They aren't heavily wounded."
1878"Where did Minoru-kun go?"
1879"The last time we saw him, he was heading to the right lane. We were both ordered to
1880protect them here."
1881The right lane had no gate that lead to hospital. Whether he wanted to break the window or
1882sneak from the rooftop. In any case, Mayumi thought it's obvious that Minoru didn't run away.
1883"Okay. I'm joining the chase too. You two, please go back to your post."
1884The two magicians that Mayumi asked were from the Juumonji Family. All the magicians that
1885were lying down on the road were from the Saegusa Family.
1886"Please do so."
1887The magicians from the Juumonji Family bowed and went back to the front of the hospital
1888back door. The task that was given to them was to prevent any intrusion. They came here to
1889help the Saegusa Family, but considering their task, their current position was too far from
1890hospital back door.
1891"Please look after these two."
1892"Onee-chan, are you going alone?!"
1893"That's dangerous!"
1894Kasumi and Izumi wanted to stop their sister, but Mayumi answered with a serious face.
1895"We can’t just leave injured people here. Even though it's not a critical injury, they are
1896unconscious. Also, there’s no guarantee that Minoru won't come back to hospital back door."
1897Leading people to believe where he went and then strengthen the least guarded posts. That
1898was a common pattern. Those two couldn't refute what their sister said.
1899"...Roger that, onee-chan.”
1900"Onee-sama, please be careful."
1901"Yeah, you too."
1902Putting her goggles back on, Mayumi went towards the right lane of the hospital road.
1903â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1904A sudden surge of magic is what Mayumi chased after, running along the road leading to
1905hospital.
1906Lightning sparks flashed through the air.
1907The distance is about 50 meters. The night sky was filled with a thick cloud, releasing
1908lightning from the darkness.
1909The target was two magicians. They were people who Juumonji had introduced to her.
1910One of them was wounded and bled from one of his feet. He crouched to cover the wound.
1911The other guarded and deployed a magic barrier to defend from the lightning attack.
1912Usually, the release-type magic would end after being blocked. Modern magic attacked from
1913the starting point to the target’s position in order to make it effective, regardless of the
1914opponent's magic phenomenon rewriting. And it's only for that.
1915But this lightning wasn't simply just a flow of electricity. It flowed at a slant for several meters,
1916giving off the impression of a snake. It wasn't breaching the magic barrier but crawling
1917around it from the top to the side.
1918Giving form to the phenomenon. In exchange for using high resource magic by mimicking
1919lifeform movement, it's a technique that also gave the magic a high degree of control. It’s an
1920ancient magic technique which is not available in modern magic. In this case, the dispersed
1921lightning kept being re-used.
1922It was definitely a high-level technique, but no matter how you looked at it, it seemed more
1923effective to have several lightning strikes. Mayumi, who looked at that moving on top of the
1924magic barrier as if it were a snake, immediately realized that it was just her perception.
1925The magicians from the Juumonji Family’s magic made the barrier in the form of half-sphere
1926dome. Even as it crawled to the side, it wouldn't breach the barrier. But when she thought
1927the lightning-snake was ineffective, it made a ring on the outer barrier and bit its own tail,
1928fixing itself in that position.
1929After seeing this, Mayumi finally understood the target of this magic. This magic was to stop
1930them.
1931Just looking at the effect of the lightning snake, it would be ineffective against a magic
1932barrier. But if the barrier was cancelled, the people who took shelter within it would be
1933immediately attacked by lightning.
1934The lightning snake seemed to make a ring on top of the barrier but instead, it fixed itself to
1935this position. If the barrier caster wanted to move the barrier around, he would have to fight
1936with the lightning snake.
1937There was one more lightning attack from the cloud. There was more to it than just the first
1938attack. It continuously made three attacks.
1939The lightning attacks also took the form of a snake and joined the siege against the Juumonji
1940magicians trapped in the magic barrier.
1941The magic barrier was tied up with three encirclements. The first lightning snake has
1942disappeared but the consequent attacks dropped to six different positions and entangled
1943themselves to encircle the magic barrier.
1944Mayumi shot a psion-bullet to lightning's target position.
1945Mayumi's psion-bullet was just like Tatsuya's Gram Demolition but with less power.
1946However, her skill for precision when shooting a target is second to none. She lived up to her
1947nickname precisely as the ‘The world’s leading expert at casting remote precision magic’.
1948Mayumi's psion-bullet precisely got to the position of the established platform. It's the
1949singularity (or discontinuity) caused by long range magic invocation. Mayumi's psion-bullet
1950took down that information body’s structure platform.
1951Mayumi's magic, other than four systematic and eight types of modern magic, her
1952psion-bullet which classified as non-systematic magic, along with her special inborn sensory
1953magic. Long range visual sensory magic ‘Multiscope’. It's classified as magic, but in
1954Mayumi's case, its ability was an inborn specialty to her. It can also be used as an ‘ESP’ or
1955extrasensory perception, which is a superpower type of magic.
1956For her, this was an exception. ESP had the same root as magic. However, for many people,
1957wielding magic and ESP at the same time should be impossible. ESP, by just using thoughts
1958to rewrite phenomenon and bend it to its caster's will. In exchange, it's limited to several
1959patterns of phenomenon rewriting. Modern magic has been achieved by adjusting the
1960functions of the mind used from supernatural powers so that they can be applied to a variety
1961of event modifications. But other than using thoughts, it depended on many other factors and
1962steps to invoke magic.
1963Looking at a similar viewpoint, Tatsuya's ‘Regrowth’ and ‘Decomposition’ are close to
1964superpowers. With the limitation of the inability to invoke other patterns of phenomenon
1965rewriting, it too matched Tatsuya's situation. Just like the explanation of superpower/ESP
1966before, Tatsuya's ability to rewrite phenomenon was limited to things while his inability of
1967phenomenon rewriting versatility fit the description of superpower/ESP holder.
1968But Mayumi was able to use both. She might be classified as another irregular magician just
1969like Tatsuya.
1970Mayumi was currently using her ‘Multiscope’ in full power. The information currents that
1971flowed to her from different angles placed a huge burden in her mind. Since the full power
1972usage would make her mind misty, even in just several minutes, she rarely used it like that.
1973She used it despite knowing the consequences because she believed Minoru was hiding
1974around that area.
1975No matter the irrelevance of distance when it comes to casting magic, usually it's impossible
1976to have such a high density and high technique lightning attack invoked from afar. He must
1977be around here.
1978(Found him!)
1979Did her tenacity yield results?
1980Or did her strong thoughts show the result.
1981Within her unique power, ‘Multiscope’, she saw the back of a boy.
1982She didn't see his face. Even though it was only his back, there's a shadow of someone who
1983was both beautiful and suspicious.
1984Mayumi moved her viewpoint to see the face for confirmation.
1985Just when she ‘saw’ the face, whether it's a coincidence or he felt the sight, he turned to the
1986side.
1987However, that single moment was enough.
1988Mayumi ran her fingers across her CAD that was on her wrist.
1989The magic she invoked was the same as her nickname, ‘Magic Sniper’,
1990She created platforms in the air and from there, invoked bullets of dry ice. (EN: platforms:
1991mid-air gun batteries)
1992Three platforms which all fired at Minoru.
1993Using long range sight, she was sure that she got Minoru.
1994Mayumi then found he wasn't there.
1995Mayumi's ‘Multiscope’ didn't lose track of Minoru.
1996He was in the air.
1997Mayumi created new platforms and invoked dry ice once more.
1998But the shadow in the air used complicated steps to dodge most of bullets.
1999Minoru landed on the hospital rooftop.
2000Mayumi left only the bird-eyes view angle from her ‘Multiscope’, and prepared magic that
2001would capture Minoru as she leapt to a higher floor.
2002Mayumi left her allies who were still trapped by the lightning-snakes and headed to hospital
2003rooftop.
2004â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2005"Will Onee-chan okay?"
2006"Even if the opponent is Minoru-kun, Onee-sama won't be easily defeated..."
2007Kasumi asked and Izumi replied without much confidence but regardless, there was no sign
2008of her uneasiness. Voice-volume wise, she wasn't worried.
2009Currently, the strongest Saegusa magician was probably Mayumi. Their father, Kouichi
2010never really compared their children in term of power so it isn't known for sure. But
2011compared to their brothers, it's proven that Mayumi was the most powerful. Even if Kasumi
2012and Izumi fought together against Mayumi, they still couldn't win. Using their combined
2013power and their trump card, ‘Multiplicative magic’, they still wouldn't be able to win.
2014They were nonchalantly talking because other than talking and guarding around the area,
2015there wasn’t really anything to do. Their father’s subordinates had their emergency treatment
2016already. After all, they weren’t fatally wounded in the first place. Looking externally, there
2017wasn't any indication that they broke their bones. There’s one who hit his head but there's no
2018brain damage. The part where it's swollen was iced down and instead of seeking treatment
2019from the ambulance, they were waiting for the relief team to arrive. They didn't say it loudly,
2020but if the relief team came too late, they would bring those two to the hospital instead. Both
2021of them were thinking the same thing.
2022"Anyways, they're still not coming."
2023"Not coming indeed..."
2024Soon enough, those two became impatient. It was obvious from Kasumi’s appearance, but
2025Izumi too had a fickle personality. Maybe it was Izumi who often went at her own pace.
2026Whatever it is, they were at their limit as far as patience was concerned.
2027They both looked at each other to confirm whether or not they had the same thought.
2028Just like they confirmed with each other, both of them headed to the hospital backdoor
2029together. As they were asked to help carry the injured, at that very time, they shouted a
2030different word.
2031"Look out!”
2032Instead, the warning proved to be counterproductive. The two people guarding the backdoor
2033looked at Kasumi and Izumi instead.
2034They were distracted as magic was casted from the darkness.
2035Blazing Sparks fell from the sky above. Magic that forcibly draws electrons out in the
2036extreme, ‘Spark’. It seemed like basic release-type magic but required high phenomenon
2037rewriting power. For common magicians, the quality of a spell is usually very low. Having
2038ionization of vapor gas within a fixed volume is the best they could do.
2039On the other hand, the ‘Spark’ that attacked these two people engulfed them and entirely
2040converted to plasma. Precisely, it engulfed them from chest to foot while their heads were
2041left unharmed. They lost control of their body, convulsed and laid down on ground.
2042"Who's there?!"
2043Kasumi shouted that while invoking magic. An intense flare shone through the coiling
2044darkness between the street lights.
2045She shouted ‘who’ but she was convinced that it was Minoru. If it wasn't Minoru and instead,
2046another person, she wouldn’t have been as surprised to shout like that.
2047The bright flare that should take away his resistance power, against the flare, but Minoru just
2048narrowed his eyes without covering them with his hand.
2049The strong light made a shadow of him, which emphasized his inhumane beauty.
2050"Minoru, stay still!"
2051Kasumi invoked ‘Freeze Air Bullet’. The air cooled down and compressed, then used as a
2052bullet as it loses its heat.
2053Like Mayumi's favorite magic, ‘Dry Meteor’, but instead of using carbon dioxide, it was just
2054using air. Although the compound element uses nitrogen and oxygen as the main ingredient
2055to make the freezing point lower than carbon dioxide, the compressed bullet has a different
2056effect than dry ice bullet.
2057Simultaneously, Izumi deployed zone interference around them for defence.
2058The flare's light went out and once again, Minoru's body sunk into darkness.
2059Kasumi's ‘Freeze Air Bullet’ hits a magic barrier and was crushed. The air that was confined
2060using magic expanded, along with a sudden temperature drop by several tens of degrees
2061below freezing.
2062But that sudden temperature drop also couldn't enter Minoru's magic barrier. The invisibility
2063of the magic barrier was lost when the air became mist and latched onto the magic barrier. It
2064was known then that Minoru's magic barrier had a fixed hardness.
2065Minoru attacked at the same time that Kasumi's ‘Freeze Air Bullet’ was crushed. The zone
2066interference that Izumi deployed worked. Zone interference wasn't magic. It's a defense
2067technique that uses one’s own phenomenon rewriting power used continuously.
2068If the enemy casted magic on it, they should have hard time getting past it.
2069Izumi was using her full power to neutralize Minoru's magic. But her effort was easily
2070overcome.
2071An electrical discharge was moving through the air. Just like the attack on the Juumonji
2072people, ‘Spark’, however this time the power was toned down due to Izumi's zone
2073interference.
2074But even so, the enemy's magic wasn’t less dangerous. The spark discharge from plasma
2075attacked Kazumi and Izumi.
2076Kasumi diverted the plasma as a way to defend themselves from Minoru's attack.
2077"Izumi, are you okay?!"
2078Running to Izumi who had lost the battle of zone interference, Kasumi held Izumi.
2079Izumi grabs Kasumi's hands which held her shoulder.
2080"Kasumi-chan, we can't do this separately."
2081"I know, Izumi."
2082Kasumi didn't misunderstand what Izumi wanted to say.
2083In this situation, it was 2 vs 1, they weren’t attacking one by one. They're fighting with
2084cooperation.
2085What Izumi meant wasn't simply a number advantage. They weren’t fighting as two people
2086but rather combining their power into one. Unless they did that, they wouldn't have any
2087chance at defeating Minoru. And Kasumi understood her perfectly.
2088The twins entangled their fingers. Kasumi's right hand and Izumi's left hand, perfectly
2089matching their palms.
2090The twins then faced each other as their other hands did the same.
2091From Kasumi's left hand to Izumi's right hand, psions flowed in.
2092From Izumi's left hand to Kasumi's right hand, psions flowed in.
2093From their locked hands, two people’s psions circulated in their bodies.
2094Minoru invoked magic above the twins.
2095But Minoru's magic failed. The zone interference around the twins defended them with
2096incomparable strength as opposed to before.
2097"Get ready.”
2098Izumi whispered.
2099"Leave it to me!"
2100Kasumi answered.
2101Izumi operated her thought operated CAD on her wrist.
2102This ‘multiplicative magic’ didn't decide who the main or who the sub is. In many cases, it
2103was Kasumi who invoked magic while Izumi created zone interference. But in this
2104‘Multiplicative Magic’, even if the roles are reversed, the effect is still the same.
2105A light source appeared within the darkness. Minoru’s body is illuminated by the light but it
2106isn’t strong enough to blind him. It only served as an illumination.
2107Minoru made a confused expression. Confused because such magic didn't have any
2108attacking power.
2109Of course, this was only preparation. It is a procedure that makes it easier for targeting the
2110magic.
2111Next, magic was invoked. Minoru didn't just stay still but the confusion made his decisions
2112slower. This time, Izumi was faster.
2113There was sudden gust swirling above Minoru. The air, while keeping it at current
2114temperature, was being compressed in an instant.
2115Izumi didn't shoot that compressed air at Minoru but released it downward.
2116Due to adiabatic expansion, the air flowed with a sudden temperature drop and attacked
2117Minoru.
2118‘Cold Storm’, Izumi created her new magic because of her admiration towards Miyuki and
2119her freezing magic.
2120"Ouch, so cold!"
2121"Sorry!"
2122Izumi answered her with a stiff face. It's because both of them felt the cold. She has only just
2123learned ‘Cold Storm’ so she hadn't perfected the defense for it.
2124"It's okay. So, did we get him?"
2125Kasumi didn't have to ask Izumi because Izumi was also looking closely at Minoru.
2126Minoru, under the light, just stood there.
2127No movement.
2128But he didn't go down either.
2129If he didn't have any more power, it would be strange for him to not have fallen down. If his
2130body became rigid, it's still impossible for him to stand still like that.
2131"Kasumi-chan, once more!"
2132At the same time Izumi shouted that, there's a change in Minoru.
2133The frost that overwhelmed his hair and his shirt suddenly disappeared.
2134Even with the disappearance of the frost, he was entirely dry.
2135Minoru stretched his right hand to Izumi.
2136"Let's go!"
2137Kasumi shouted that to Izumi impatiently. But unlike before, it's Kasumi who took the
2138initiative. Compound element which consist of 90% nitrogen, blew towards Minoru.
2139‘Nitrogen Storm’. Magic that reduces oxygen concentration to an extreme and blows the air
2140to induce oxygen-deficiency syndrome.
2141Minoru defended against ‘Nitrogen Storm’ with his shield and neutralized the downstream
2142draft.
2143"ーーーー"
2144Izumi saw Minoru move his lips. Kasumi didn't realize it and because of the downstream,
2145Izumi didn't hear what he said.
2146But somehow, Izumi knew that Minoru said ‘This time it’s my turn.’
2147Izumi felt the sudden magic invocation. At the same time, there was a breeze blowing.
2148Izumi then impatiently deployed an anti-physical barrier.
2149The wind stopped at the outer barrier. However, it started blowing again from inside the
2150barrier. There's no way wind could slip the anti-physical barrier. Kasumi and Izumi were
2151already too late when they felt the wind.
2152Kasumi starts to collapse.
2153Izumi was shocked and tried to hold Kasumi. She was purposely holding her breath but due
2154to this, she started to inhale again.
2155After that, Izumi's consciousness was engulfed in darkness.
2156Before Izumi and Kasumi dropped down on the road, something invisible caught their
2157bodies. With that, they were put down gently on the road.
2158The one who caught and also made them unconscious was Minoru. Using move-type magic
2159to stop them and weight-type magic to cancel out gravity. Using convergence-type magic to
2160decrease oxygen concentration. This is basically the same as ‘Nitrogen Storm’ that is used
2161by the twins. These two magics weren't used to break through the twin's defense, but he
2162made use of the same type of magic to make it harder for the enemy to recognize the attack.
2163This technique was something he got from Zhou Gongjin.
2164Minoru increased the oxygen concentration and blew the air into twin's nose. This was a way
2165to forcefully send oxygen into their lungs.
2166Those two coughed and started to breathe normally again.
2167Minoru used the following magic. Against the twins, who are now in a half-conscious state
2168and lacked the power to resist, he used ancient magic to make them sleep. Those two
2169closed their eyes. Their breathing was normal which was the opposite from when they were
2170unconscious.
2171Minoru breathed a sigh of relief after seeing that. He had no intention to harm those two.
2172Even he was reluctant to use offensive magic.
2173He knew why the Ten Master Clans wanted to catch and subjugate him. But he didn't have
2174any intention to antagonize them into a direct conflict.
2175All he wanted was to just save Minami. After confirming Minami's will, he would make
2176Minami a parasite if she accepted. And then both of them would hide and live in peace. He
2177would happily return her to the Yotsuba too, if that’s what she wanted. He believed that the
2178Yotsuba would stand to protect their kin, whatever the other clans complained about. That's
2179why, whatever the attack, he wanted to solve it as peacefully as possible. Toward Kasumi
2180and Izumi, who were his childhood friends, he was in distress when it came to attacking
2181them. He wanted to attack them with the least painful attack and defeat them. The pain he
2182caused could be treated simply with an emergency kit and he didn't think that was an
2183acquittal from his guilty feeling.
2184With the persistent bad after-taste, he headed towards the hospitals backdoor.’
2185His intention was to kidnap Minami so there's no sugar-coated word for that. Today, he
2186intended to bring her with him regardless of her will. After all, he thought that there was no
2187time to convince her otherwise. He calculated that Tatsuya should already be on his way
2188here.
2189Minoru stretched his hand to grab the hospital backdoor handle but he suddenly leapt
2190backward a great distance.
2191Dry ice bullets shot through his afterimage.
2192"Minoru-kun, surrender!"
2193Minoru looked above where the voice came from.
2194"So, the illusion has broken down..."
2195Minoru whispered that in response. Mayumi was looking down at Minoru from the rooftop of
2196the hospital.
2197â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2198Mayumi, who chased after Minoru, jumped up to the rooftop.
2199She arrived at opposite edge of rooftop.
2200The moon and stars couldn't be seen because of the dense clouds. From this height, one
2201could see the clouds in the center of the city due to the city lights. With this dimmed light,
2202Minoru could be seen rising upward.
2203Minoru still had his back to Mayumi.
2204Even when she emitted psions as a sign for her to attack, Minoru still didn't face her.
2205"Minoru-kun, stay still! If you don't resist, nothing will happen to you! Your problem, I will
2206listen to you about it!"
2207Even after Mayumi shouted that, Minoru didn't react. Let alone preparing to attack, he didn't
2208even try to defend.
2209Mayumi was at a loss. Even she was hesitating to attack a defenseless enemy.
2210But she couldn't just let this slide. Minoru had become a parasite. She hasn’t confirmed with
2211her own eyes but she didn't believe Tatsuya would lie. She just didn't think Tatsuya had a
2212bad personality, bad enough to lie about this. And a parasite couldn't be left like that.
2213"Minoru-kun, put down your CAD and raise your hands up!"
2214Mayumi decided to press Minoru to surrender.
2215Minoru reacted for the first time. He only moved his body to side and looked at Mayumi. His
2216side face showed a suspicious, wicked and also unworldly beauty smile towards Mayumi.
2217Correction, not unworldly but inhuman.
2218Mayumi didn't doubt the fact that Minoru became a parasite.
2219But this time, she really was convinced that Minoru changed and became an inhuman
2220existence.
2221She no longer hesitated.
2222From twelve established platforms, she created them to corner Minoru, and they unleashed
2223dry ice bullets.
2224Shoulder, chest, stomach, hip, thigh pierced by bullets ー no, they slipped through.
2225(Illusion!? So this is "Parade"!?)
2226‘Parade’. Kudou's magic that created a fake existence in the information dimension in order
2227to disorient the enemy's magic attack.
2228After their role was decided, Mayumi was told about this magic from her father, Kouchi.
2229Just what she heard, she couldn't really differentiate between real and fake. Mayumi, with
2230‘Magic Sniper’, saw Minoru from 6 different angles. But there was no difference from all
2231angles.
2232(If I can't find his real body, then!)
2233Mayumi's favorite magic was long range precision sniping. If the target couldn't be found,
2234she couldn't use it.
2235But she's not only ‘The most outstanding long-range precision sniping magic user’ but she
2236also had the ‘Versatile’ nickname, the eldest daughter of Saegusa, the strongest of them.
2237Mayumi couldn't use a ‘pinpoint’ attack.
2238(‘Parade’ is magic that creates a phantom in one's position around that area in order to slip
2239through enemy's magic...)
2240Mayumi heard about ‘Parade’s’ characteristics.
2241(Then, Minoru's real body should be around this rooftop!)
2242Mayumi prepared other magic. She used magic one step before it changed to be dry ice,
2243‘Dry Blizzard’.
2244Area of effect magic that made carbon dioxide within 3 meters upward and hailed down at
2245negative eighty degrees Celsius.
2246It covered about two-thirds of the rooftop area. But even with that attack, Minoru didn't show
2247any indication of having been damaged.
2248However, Mayumi only used that to narrow down her target. Mayumi shrunk her makeshift
2249cage to lock down the vapor gas. It was to prevent the vapor from leaking out.
2250Within that, the dry ice sublimated instantaneously.
2251The carbon dioxide concentration was high and it made the temperature several tens below
2252zero degrees Celsius as it covered half of rooftop.
2253Mayumi gradually let the gas leak while narrowing down the cage. She simultaneously
2254sharpened her mind to that area.
2255If Minoru was within that area, he would have to defend himself. Even if he could fake his
2256information, he shouldn't be able to fake the singularity created by magic invocation. ーThat's
2257what Mayumi thought.
2258But the opposite of what she deduced, there was no indication of magic invocation.
2259In exchange, she found out that familiar powerful magic was invoked on the ground.
2260The position where the magic was invoked was the hospital backdoor. It was her sisters.
2261It was Kasumi and Izumi’s ‘multiplicative magic’.
2262(ーI've been deceived!)
2263Mayumi finally realized the gimmick. Minoru's real target was to enter from the hospital
2264backdoor. Minoru's illusion was a dummy to make her distance herself from the backdoor.
2265The illusion feature was a full virtual projection, isolated magic platform, and maybe with
2266magical sense jamming. Without wavelengths from the powerful ‘multiplicative magic’,
2267there's no way to know about that psion isolation wall.
2268Mayumi left the vapor gas cage as it was and ran to the backdoor of the hospital.
2269(Kasumi-chan, Izumi-chan!)
2270Mayumi made an effort to not shout. Kasumi and Izumi were taken down. The worst possible
2271prediction was becoming reality.
2272But now, her priority was to capture Minoru. At least, if she didn't repel him, her sisters
2273couldn't be treated.
2274The target was Minoru who held his hand to grab the door handle.
2275Mayumi secured a large amount of carbon dioxide on the rooftop and shot dry ice bullets.
2276Minoru leapt back a large distance. Mayumi's attack only hit his afterimage.
2277"Minoru-kun, surrender!"
2278As Mayumi shouted that, Minoru looked above.
2279Minoru didn't answer and he didn't make any sign of obeying Mayumi.
2280Mayumi didn't hesitate to shoot him with dry ice bullets.
2281(Again?!)
2282Her attack passed through Minoru's body and broke down as they hit the ground. This was
2283Parade. Mayumi knew it immediately.
2284Mayumi compressed carbon dioxide without making it fixed. Ten meters into the air within
2285four directions made a sphere with a diameter of ten meters.
2286She threw that sphere at Minoru.
2287As soon as it touched the road surface, the ten-meter air ball expanded in a five-meter
2288radius.
2289It didn't scatter more than that. Her sisters were outside of its radius. Mayumi didn't forget to
2290make sure of that.
2291The carbon dioxide concentration was about mid-level poison. If the parasite has the same
2292functionality as a human, then the parasite should have to inhale this air. Minoru shouldn't be
2293able to evade that.
2294Mayumi made a weak breeze within that half-sphere. It wasn't even at the level of a gentle
2295wind. Its direction wasn't in one direction either. It looked random, but actually, it was a
2296complex regulated weak air draft.
2297That current stopped at a certain point. At a height of one hundred seventy to one hundred
2298eighty centimeters and at a width of fifty centimeters. About Minoru's size.
2299Mayumi made the platform within that half-sphere dome and concentrated fire to that point.
2300Minoru's hidden presence started to appear.
2301Within the dimmed city’s light, a boy was seen standing there.
2302Parade was broken.
2303Mayumi increased the power and density of her shooting. She prepared an abundance of
2304carbon dioxide for the next attacks. The bullets that were previously used sublimated and
2305have become a new resource.
2306Unexpectedly, Minoru raised his right hand.
2307Mayumi wondered if it's a sign for surrender.
2308Within that motion, it couldn't be said it didn't result in some sort of opening.
2309That's why, Minoru's counter-attack was carried out regardless of Mayumi’s circumstances.
2310Minoru's illusion that was hit by Mayumi's ‘Dry Blizzard’ already disappeared.
2311Mayumi didn't look at the disappeared illusion anymore.
2312That's why she didn't realize that there was large shadow that appeared in its place.
2313The shadow had four legs.
2314The neck and head formed, with a narrow tail on its opposite side. That silhouette looked just
2315like a tiger.
2316Fangs grew from its open mouth and released thunder instead of a roar.
2317Mayumi was disrupted and looked at it.
2318The shadow beast that was cladded with thunder was already in front of her.
2319Mayumi couldn't do anything as the beast pushed her down.
2320The beast bit Mayumi with its fangs.
2321Blood didn't gush out from Mayumi's body because she was attacked by an electrical
2322discharge which made her unconscious.
2323Mayumi's body, which seemed like it had been snapped, was wobbling.
2324"Oh no!"
2325Minoru shouted it.
2326"Mayumi-san!"
2327Mayumi's body was falling down.
2328Minoru was thinking about saving her as he started to invoke gravity control magic in order
2329to catch her.
2330But before he could deploy his magic, a person caught Mayumi's body as she fell.
2331Mayumi falling down was completely outside of Minoru's calculation.
2332He impatiently tried to deploy magic to save Mayumi.
2333But before he did that, she was saved by a person with an imposing physique.
2334Mayumi's body was held in mid-air as that person was controlling gravity and inertia to land
2335on the road’s surface without making any noise. That person literally shut out all noise when
2336landing. But in Minoru's mind, he heard it as if the landing made the earth tremble.
2337"Juumonji-san..."
2338That person was the current head of Juumonji Family, Juumonji Katsuto.
2339Katsuto shows his back to Minoru while still holding Mayumi.
2340He gently put Mayumi's body on the road.
2341Minoru didn't attack Katsuto from behind. --No, he couldn't.
2342He was overwhelmed with Katsuto's back as if he wanted to say, ‘Wait a minute.’
2343Katsuto stood up and turned around.
2344Minoru activated Parade at once and left only his illusion.
2345But even if he evaded, it would be meaningless.
2346An invisible wall came out from Katsuto. With the size of two tatami, about one-point-eight
2347meters in length and width, a hardened transparent magic wall chased Minoru fiercely.
2348Minoru impatiently leapt to the right.
2349The wall didn't affect anything except physical objects and it didn't give any influence on
2350physical energy. But because of this ‘solid objects won't be able to pass through this invisible
2351wall’ feature, it's known that illusions don't exist in the physical space. Katsuto's wall broke
2352down Minoru's illusion and grazed Minoru's body as he disappeared into darkness.
2353Having evaded Katsuto's attack, Minoru prepared for his next magic. By absorbing Zhou
2354Gongjin, Minoru used his newly found magic to mislead direction, Ghost Walker.
2355At the same time, he ran to the left. If Ghost Walker succeeded, Katsuto would see him
2356running in the opposite direction.
2357But his magic only worked for two seconds. He was stopped by an anti-physical wall.
2358(Ghost Walker is not effective?)
2359Minoru thought that but immediately knew it's his misunderstanding.
2360Katsuto's magic wall had a width-diameter of four meters and a height of two meters in the
2361form of a dome.
2362The wall that closed off all directions.
2363Magic that mislead one’s direction like Ghost Walker became useless.
2364From above, the wall descended. The cylindrical cover was dropping downward.
2365Against the pressing magic wall encirclement, Minoru deployed an anti-physical barrier to
2366resist.
2367Against the wall with a width-diameter of four meters, he focused all of his might on his
2368shield size of fifty centimeters.
2369Katsuto's wall and Minoru's shield broke simultaneously.
2370Minoru leapt to escape the ‘cage’.
2371The moment he landed, his one thigh was pierced. Katsuto, who had the nickname ‘Iron
2372Wall’, attacked Minoru. Katsuto dispersed his power to a wide area wall as Minoru was just
2373barely able to offset the power difference by countering him with a concentrated small area
2374wall/shield. In order to combat such fighting power, Minoru was required to use a great
2375amount of his own magic power.
2376But Minoru didn't have time to wait for his power to recover.
2377Katsuto also wasn't so naive to give Minoru a break.
2378Before the consequent attack came, Minoru already invoked his magic.
2379‘Cloudless Thunder’.
2380Among his favorite release-type magic, this magic was the most powerful anti-personnel
2381magic. For the already exhausted Minoru, this magic wasn't something that he should use
2382lightly. In spite of that, any half-hearted attack wouldn't be effective against Katsuto.
2383A large amount of air molecules was changed to plasma. Then, an electron shower fell
2384towards Katsuto.
2385But it didn't reach Katsuto.
2386Just in that small lapse of time, the surge of negative ions were obstructed by a magic
2387barrier.
2388That was within Minoru's calculation.
2389It wasn't a bluff. Minoru knew from the start that Cloudless Thunder wouldn't be able to
2390damage Katsuto. This way, Katsuto would stop his continuous attack for a moment and he
2391would then use this opportunity to take the initiative.
2392(What do you say to this one!)
2393Minoru took out a talisman ー Commanding Sign, and it started emitting black light from his
2394pocket towards Katsuto.
2395From Commanding Sign, a black beast with four legs leapt out and attacked Katsuto.
2396It was a Shadow Beast that Zhou Gongjin used as offensive magic which was arranged to
2397resemble western ancient magic, a ‘Hellhound’. If classified with modern magic, it could be
2398said to be an outer-systematic magic because the damage would come from its fangs and
2399claws which would result in creating the fact of wounding the victim.
2400(This is an astral-side attack of outer-systematic magic. An Anti-physical shield wouldn't be
2401effective!)
2402The black compound body was coming to attack Katsuto.
2403But the jet-black Shadow Beast didn't touch Katsuto's body as it disappeared the moment it
2404touched a magic wall.
2405(...Juumonji's magic wall contains a feature that not only defends against any physical
2406phenomenon, but also includes one to maintain the original phenomenon.)
2407Minoru didn't panic with this result and instead, he calmly analyzed it.
2408Juumonji's magic wall, Phalanx. Instead of the defense power it had, Minoru was warier for
2409its zone interference power.
2410The caster was able to deny any phenomenon rewriting that occurred within the interference
2411zone.
2412Illusion and compound bodes too, were magic that projected an image. Without power that
2413overcame Katsuto's power, it wouldn't able to pass through Katsuto's barrier. Even though
2414Minoru had adsorbed Zhou Gongjin's technique and the speed invocation that came with his
2415parasite body, his power was still the same as before. Minoru possessed strong
2416phenomenon rewriting power but unfortunately, it was still not enough to breach Katsuto's
2417barrier.
2418Minoru scattered his clones and nimbly ran around. This wasn't Parade but just illusion
2419magic. The reason for that was to preserve his power. As Katsuto was distracted, he invoked
2420several magic.
2421ーSpark, Cloudless Thunder, Plasma Bullet, Hot-wind Blade.
2422The magic he is most used to.
2423ーNitrogen Storm, Dry Blizzard.
2424Using the Saegusa siblings’ magic to surprise Katsuto, Minoru was using various magic’s to
2425attack.
2426Regardless, all of his attacks couldn't breach Katsuto’s barriers.
2427And within the small time span in-between those attacks, he deployed offensive type
2428Phalanx.
2429Not concentrating at one point but instead, scattering to all the phantoms.
2430One of them successfully hit Minoru.
2431Offensive type Phalanx was a pinpoint invisible barrier that deployed continuously to attack
2432and breach the enemy defense. If it was only one, it wouldn’t be much different from
2433weight-type magic. Minoru used an anti-physical barrier to offset Katsuto's attack.
2434Because of the offensive-type Phalanx. He couldn't use Ghost Walker.
2435Minoru released his shield and at the same time, he invoked acceleration magic.
2436Katsuto’s attack-type barrier deflects off of Minoru’s body.
2437Minoru held the pain that almost made him lose consciousness and used the momentum
2438from the impact to fly upward.
2439Several bones broke, with his internals heavily wounded, Minoru casted anti-gravity magic
2440on himself.
2441Minoru ascended into the darkness using the momentum.
2442Despite his wounds, he broke through the low altitude of clouds to escape.
2443â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2444Mayumi and the Saegusa twins were taken to the hospital where Minami was. When Miyuki
2445and Tatsuya arrived, Kasumi and Izumi were still asleep. Mayumi had never completely lost
2446consciousness so she was already awake, so she was just lying on her bed and talking,
2447because this was the only thing she was able to do.
2448"In any case, it seems that no one died."
2449"I think Minoru didn’t mean to cause any serious harm."
2450Mayumi had a self deprecating smile when she heard these words.
2451"...Minoru's goal is to get Minami-chan, he doesn’t want to get in a serious confrontation with
2452us, probably."
2453"If you had been his opponent, you wouldn’t have lost."
2454Miyuki’s attempt to comfort her with were matched with a harsh and sad reply.
2455"Senpai...."
2456"...Sorry, I wasn’t strong enough."
2457Mayumi finally seemed to notice that she was venting her own frustration too much.
2458"No... I think it's not necessarily a bad thing to lose."
2459Mayumi's face showed that she had a hard time replying to Miyuki.
2460"...Have you ever lost before Miyuki?"
2461"...Yes, I have...but..."
2462"Sorry, I said something odd."
2463"By the way, is Minoru still being followed?"
2464Tatsuya decided to change the subject because of the awkward atmosphere.
2465"Yes, the Juumonji Family is still in pursuit."
2466Mayumi was glad to be able to say this, so she responded happily to Tatsuya’s question.
2467"Juumonji-kun said so.."
2468Mayumi had calmed down a little. She wasn’t being mocked for her defeat and she also
2469didn’t have any regrets.
2470"In the end, Minoru’s attack.... Katsuto managed to fight him off without getting hit, so we’ll
2471just have to be glad with that."
2472"Although Juumonji-san’s skills are definitely excellent… I think his fight would have been
2473more difficult if it was just him on his own."
2474Mayumi raised her head when she heard Miyuki.
2475"We can assume that after his battle with Kasumi-chan and Izumi-chan, and then with
2476Mayumi-senpai, Minoru-kun was considerably exhausted, and there is no doubt that
2477Juumonji’s fight would have been much more difficult for him.”
2478“Really... Is that so? Yes, you’re right, Miyuki-san, thank you.”
2479Mayumi smiled at Miyuki, and Miyuki answered with a small bow.
2480â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2481When Kasumi and Izumi woke up, Tatsuya and Miyuki spoke to the both of them
2482before returning home. They didn’t get to see Minami. It was already evening and
2483Minami was sleeping due to exhaustion because of her rehabilitation.
2484"It seems the twins have gone home."
2485Looking at the screen of the mobile terminal in the living room, Tatsuya told Miyuki about
2486what he had read.
2487"It seems to me that if someone would leave the hospital without even staying for one
2488night...isn’t that a bit too fast?"
2489“Maybe they weren’t able to have a good night’s rest when they know that the Yotsuba ‘own’
2490the hospital, and not their own Saegusa Family.”
2491"Well, yes that may be true..."
2492To that reply, Miyuki gave Tatsuya a bitter smile.
2493As a result, Tatsuya also started smiling. Perhaps she thought that her ‘reply’ was a ‘failure’.
2494"By the way, Onii-sama, do you think they would be able to capture Minoru-kun?"
2495In her consciousness, Miyuki thought that ‘she had to change the topic’. However, even now,
2496Miyuki was still very concerned about the possibility of catching Minoru.
2497"It will be difficult."
2498His answer was concise and pessimistic.
2499This wasn’t because of the power that Minoru has acquired. ─
2500“The magic that Juumonji uses is suitable for basic protection, which is indicated by his
2501nicknames as ‘the iron wall’ or ‘the Capital’s Final Defense’. Although its power is
2502unparalleled in interception and reflection, it is unsuitable for work that requires tracking and
2503capturing.”
2504"When you say that, I remember that they weren’t used to track the parasites during the
2505original Vampire situation."
2506“Everyone has their strong and weak points, don’t they, so maybe Juumonji is better for the
2507actual fight rather than trying to catch him?”
2508"Oh, Onii-sama, I don’t think they are the same thing."
2509"...I know you do."
2510Tatsuya laughed a bit, and Miyuki responded with a smile
2511“Besides that, what do you think of Minoru.”
2512The joking smile that Tatsuya had on his face disappeared.
2513Miyuki also had a subtle expression.
2514“In order to invade the hospital, he was limited as to not cause any damage to the hospital
2515itself. When you take this policy into consideration, his only possible ways of entering would
2516be the main entrance, the back doors, or to enter from the roof. He would have probably
2517gone through the roof, which Juumonji could have used to lure him into a trap."
2518“However, when he uses ‘Parade’ and ‘Ghost Walker’, magic that both disguise the user,
2519wouldn’t that have made it difficult to grasp his position?"
2520“For Juumonji, it isn’t necessary to know where Minoru is exactly.”
2521"...Huh, what does that mean?"
2522“The barrier magic that Juumonji uses doesn’t just protect the inside from what happens on
2523the outside, it can also be used as a means to restrict him in- and outside of his barriers.”
2524Miyuki, holding her hand in front of her mouth, let out an audible ‘Ah’.
2525“I don’t know the exact details of how big Juumonji can make his barriers, so I don’t know if it
2526can become tens of meters in size. But by predicting his actions and surrounding the area,
2527Minoru wouldn’t be able to escape from his ‘Guard’.”
2528"So, as long as you know where he is coming from, Juumonji can do it..."
2529“He can be caught regardless of any magical camouflage that he is using.”
2530“However, in situations where it is difficult to grasp his location, it would be hard to act as a
2531‘Guard’.”
2532"I think so too. So unless my reasoning is wrong, it would be hardly possible to capture
2533Minoru if he is trying to escape.”
2534When he said those words, he had a bitter smile on his face because he thought of the
2535severity of the situation.
2536"Of course, the same story goes for me, when he tries to escape using the combination of
2537‘Parade’ and ‘Ghost Walker’.”
2538"Is that so...?"
2539“The quickest way to capture him might be to add extra manpower, as to create an
2540appropriate ‘net’... Maybe the Saegusa Family and the Kudou Family could help us in this
2541endeavor.’
2542â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2543"That was difficult..."
2544He sat down and signed with both relief and regret.
2545It was only ten minutes ago that he was able to get away from the pursuit unit led by the
2546Juumonji Family.
2547Because of the healing ability he had gained from the parasite, his wounds had already been
2548cured.
2549Minoru’s thought that he could have done this on his own, but when he saw Juumonji, he
2550was convinced that he had to ‘run away’.
2551However, he is currently still being disguised by ‘Parade’. Although it is something that would
2552definitely keep him hidden, he couldn’t be too sure that he had escaped his pursuers. But it
2553also seems like nobody is able to see through his ‘Parade’ using the security cameras.
2554Nevertheless, despite the fact that he wasn’t completely safe, he felt that he could at least let
2555go of his stress, giving Minoru enough time to look back on today’s failure.
2556He didn’t intend to underestimate the Ten Master Clans, however, the results from tonight
2557clearly showed that he had. He believed that it was possible for him to take Minami all by
2558himself.
2559In reality, he couldn’t even make it into the hospital. He was able to take out the three sister
2560of the Saegusa Family, but the head of the Juumonji Family prevented him from getting
2561Minami.
2562Mayumi, Kasumi and Izumi were not easily defeated. It might have seemed like a crushing
2563victory, because he did it in a relatively short time, but all of them were much stronger than
2564he had anticipated.
2565Both Kasumi and Izumi shouldn’t have given him such a hard time if they were by
2566themselves. Even if they both faced him together it shouldn’t have been a threat.
2567But the moment the two used ‘Multiplicative Magic’, it had pushed him into a corner.
2568Izumi’s magic, ‘Cold Storm’, which made her own body freeze, was enough to make him to
2569lose his sense of security. If the parasite he had absorbed didn’t have a healing ability, then
2570he probably would have been held back at this stage.
2571Even if he had known about ‘Cold Storm’, and that his opponents were good at this magic,
2572he couldn’t have come up with a counter to it that easily.
2573Mayumi was even stronger than Kasumi and Izumi. It was completely unexpected that she
2574would be able to defeat his ‘Ghost Walker’.
2575He had no idea that she was that capable.
2576And lastly, Juumonji Katsuto. He didn’t know much about him. He was familiar with him
2577because they had shared mere greetings in the past, but that was it.
2578He really was just like an ‘iron wall’. Even now, when he was looking back on the fight, he
2579didn’t know how he would be able to beat Katsuto.
2580His fight against the Saegusa sisters before that was no excuse.
2581Of course, those battles had exhausted him.
2582However, he predicted that they would come and therefore decided to attack today.
2583And although he was exhausted after his fight with Mayumi, he wasn’t sure how he would be
2584able to go through that man. He didn’t think that he would lose, but he also didn’t think that
2585he could beat him
2586(...For me, Tatsuya may be an even stronger opponent...)
2587The abilities of ‘Phalanx’ completely invalidate any illusions and tricks.
2588His tactics were limited to ‘fighting him at range’ and ‘attacking him head on’’.
2589── I can't do this alone.
2590Minoru was depressed while riding the train back to his hideout.
2591[Five]
2592The day after Minoru attacked the hospital, Tatsuya received a call from Maya.
2593He boarded a VTOL that Hyougo was driving and then through the underground passage
2594which leads to the Main House. When Tatsuya arrived, it was just about to be noon at the
2595Yotsuba Villa.
2596"We’re here early."
2597Getting called here early isn’t strange, what is strange is that Maya personally called him and
2598not through a third party.
2599“In fact, we have received important information from our Pentagon collaborators and I wish
2600to discuss this information with you.”
2601Even if there were any changed within the USNA, the Pentagon will remain the same as it
2602was.
2603"I didn’t know that we had any collaborators from within the Pentagon."
2604Ayako never informed Tatsuya about Colonel Balance. She clearly distinguished her love for
2605Tatsuya from her professional morality as an information gatherer of the Yotsuba Family.
2606“I will introduce them to Tatsuya in due time.”
2607Although Tatsuya’s status as being the son of the Family Head was recognized, he still
2608hasn’t been informed of the Yotsuba Family’s dealings.
2609"That’s okay."
2610"Yes."
2611After these words from Maya, they went back to the topic at hand.
2612"They say STARS have sent out an execution team.”
2613"Execution, not capture, that seems a bit surprising."
2614It was almost certain that STARS would send out a tracking team to locate Lina. It has been
2615a week since she has escaped, if anything Tatsuya thought this response time was rather
2616delayed. But for the purpose of the mission to be an assassination, that was
2617unexpected. Lina is a nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician, and while the USNA
2618has one of the strongest military forces, she is still a valuable asset.
2619“It wasn’t the Pentagon’s decision.”
2620“Is STARS using their own authority?”
2621"That is how it was understood."
2622“The USNA seems to be having a serious internal conflict, isn't it?”
2623"Yes, that is correct."
2624Tatsuya is still unaware of what kind of confrontation it is, but if STARS see Lina as a
2625nuisance, then it is inevitable that they would want to assassinate her for her betrayal. It was
2626clear that Maya had more information about the USNA’s internal affairs but didn’t feel it was
2627necessary to explain it here on the spot.
2628“Do you know the exact route of their intrusion?”
2629“If you knew, would you be able to handle it?”
2630Maya answered Tatsuya’s question with another question.
2631“If you insist, I will take care of it.”
2632Tatsuya didn’t hesitate in his reply. Maya couldn’t help but smile when she heard his answer.
2633Both of them would show no hesitation when it comes to murder.
2634STARS were trying to attempt an illegal act of assassination in Japan, otherwise known as a
2635sovereign state. So on the contrary, if you were to kill them, would they have any right to
2636complain? Perhaps these were Tatsuya’s and Maya’s true thoughts.
2637“Unfortunately, we have not been able to determine their invasion route, but we know when
2638they will be arriving.”
2639"What time?"
2640"This evening."
2641"...Well, I guess I know why we don’t have the time to investigate."
2642"That's right."
2643Tatsuya’s current bitter face was strange, but could be explained by Maya saying these
2644things with an elegant voice and holding her hand in front of her mouth.
2645“...We aren’t completely prepared. We have set up surveillance and guards at the airports
2646and air force bases, however, making a show out of it might draw unnecessary attention to
2647the situation. Also, we haven’t done anything to prevent them from coming through the sea,
2648because I think them coming this way is unlikely."
2649“Is there a problem with us being at the airports outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area?”
2650He quickly pointed out the concern he had and brought it up.
2651"That's right."
2652Maya had no intention of tricking me. At the same time, she didn’t give off the
2653impression that she was impressed. I guess it’s natural for me to figure out things to this
2654degree.
2655"I cannot tell you everything, so let’s just say that if something happens, you will go there
2656immediately."
2657"Understood."
2658Tatsuya did not object to this arrangement.
2659"Well then, do you have anything else you need to know?"
2660Although this was quite unexpected for her to say, Tatsuya did not panic.
2661"Should I eliminate them?"
2662"Normally, this would be okay, but ...I think the government will have a different opinion."
2663"I understand. I will try to capture as many of them as possible.”
2664"Yes, please do so."
2665When Maya rose, it was a sign that she was done with meeting.
2666Tatsuya got up and bowed to Maya at a 45 degree angle.
2667â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2668After escaping from the Juumonji pursuit team led by Katsuto, Minoru got off the train and
2669entered a private café. He waited to see if he was still being pursued or not.
2670Instead of it being a cafe where he was treated by staff and seeing other guests in the cafe,
2671it was a fully automatized cafe full of service robots. These monitored everything using the
2672cameras in their eye.
2673However, since Minoru changed his face using magic, he won’t get caught by the cameras.
2674In the first place, trying to avoid cameras in the modern world is near impossible when going
2675to public places.
2676In addition to offering drinks and snacks, this private cafe also offered access to several
2677network services and limited video software. However, Minoru did not order anything
2678besides drinks.
2679In order to kill time, he decided to use a device that he had acquired. According to the
2680knowledge gained from Zhou, this device gives the user vague information that can be used
2681to such an extent that it can be used to predict future events. However, getting a perfect
2682prediction is near impossible.
2683He took a cloth out of his bag that was around his waist.The cloth had five colors on it,
2684green, red, yellow, white and blue.
2685The device told Minoru a number of abstract words, including ‘good fortune’, ‘south-west’,
2686‘island, ’‘sky’ and ‘port’.
2687(The sky and the port could be referring to airports, then if you take ‘south-west’ into
2688account, as well as ‘island’… is it referring to an airport near an island south-west of here? If
2689so, which airport?)
2690Two airports that came to mind were likely candidates to Minoru. This was just his intuition,
2691not actual solid proof, but he still chose his destination.
2692The next thing he wanted to know was the ‘time’. The results: ‘Night’ and ‘Today’.
2693He still had some time to spare but he didn’t have the exact location. So, he decided to make
2694his preparations and headed out early.
2695Minoru left the cafe and went to a private train that went to the airport.
2696â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2697The sun was just setting in Kansai when it was already later than 7 PM.
2698Had the sky been clear, it would still be faintly light out. However, due to cloud coverage, it
2699became dark fairly quickly.
2700A direct flights from Los Angeles had just arrived at Kansai International Airport. One man
2701and a boy exited the plane. There were other American Passengers as well but this
2702Anglo-Saxon appearance was quite inconspicuous.
2703The information that Maya had told Tatsuya was correct. The only mistake was that this was
2704not an execution team but a team sent in advance. A young man wearing dark glasses, well
2705if you looked closely you could see that he had a prosthetic eye. This was Lieutenant Jacob
2706Regulus. The only person sent from STARS.
2707Raymond Clark was the boy who was with him. This visit wasn’t an order given to him by his
2708father. It was decided through ‘discussion’ with the parasites.
2709Raymond became a parasite with a distorted obsession to bring Tatsuya down. With that
2710strong desire, he took the initiative of ordering the parasites to assassinate Tatsuya.
2711"It seems that there is a train station."
2712Raymond, who used a fake passport to get through customs and had arrived in the lobby,
2713pointed this out to him.
2714("Do you want to use the train?")
2715Regulus asked this through telepathy.
2716"You idiot!"
2717Raymond warned him by actually speaking to stop him from using telepathy.
2718"Oh, I'm sorry."
2719Regulus apologized to Raymond.
2720By using telepathy, you don’t have to worry about microphones or audio capturing devices.
2721But on the other hand, you have risk of magicians or other ‘supernatural beings’ being able
2722to notice you.
2723A microphone has a limited effective distance. If you know who you are looking, you can
2724catch their voice even if they are far away if you filter the sound by the voice you’re
2725searching for. But if you don’t know who you’re looking for, it’s impossible.
2726On the other hand, telepathy has no restrictions in terms of distance. The extent to which a
2727person can catch it depends on their ability, but it is technically the same as magic in which it
2728is not bound by physical distance.
2729But the number of people that can talk telepathically is very small, and it would be very easy
2730to pick up on their true identity if they continued to speak this way.
2731So before they left the USNA, they had a talk and decided not to use telepathy. However,
2732telepathy is a natural form of communication for parasites. He had accidentally used
2733telepathy because he wanted to speak to Raymond. So he was definitely in the wrong.
2734And their lack of vigilance was caught.
2735â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2736“This is the police force at the Kansai Airport. We have just caught a telepathic transmission.
2737It appears that the likely suspects are the ones that have just arrived from the USNA”
2738One of the magicians that belonged to the police force, Kurosawa, that came to support the
2739airport’s security detected Regulus’ telepathy and had immediately made a request to the
2740command center.
2741"Could you please confirm this... The magician you are speaking of is not included in the
2742passenger registry. It could be that he used a fake passport. Kurosawa, could you describe
2743the individual?"
2744“There are two people. One twenty-year-old man and an adolescent boy. Both white. The
2745man is wearing sunglasses and has gray hair. The boy has blond hair. The person using the
2746telepathy was the gray-haired individual. It also seems like they are heading for the train
2747platform."
2748“Understood. Please keep watching them and don’t lose sight of them. Also, please try to
2749take a picture of them to confirm their identity.”
2750"OK."
2751â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2752"Raymond, we are being followed by the police.”
2753"What!?"
2754Regulus was the first one to notice that they were being tailed.
2755It would seem that an undercover policeman is following them, but Raymond wasn’t able to
2756notice because he wasn’t familiar with investigation and being chased.
2757"Sorry, I think my use of telepathy screwed us."
2758However, Regulus is an elite magician form the USNA’s STARS. Moreover, he is a sniper,
2759which requires good observation skills that can be used during a mission. So he was able to
2760quickly determine that they were being followed.
2761"What do we do, Ray?"
2762"We have nothing to work with, so our options are limited."
2763"True. Even we couldn’t have sneaked weapons with us."
2764Even if he was from STARS, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think that he could take a
2765weapon into another country. So being unarmed, the only thing they could do was to go the
2766USNA’s embassy here in Tokyo.
2767"Do you have your passport on you?"
2768"I do."
2769Raymond answered Regulus' question with a hesitating voice.
2770"Fine, let’s run for it!"
2771They left their suitcases behind.
2772â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2773“Two people who we suspect to be illegally immigrated magicians have left their suitcases
2774and have started to flee.”
2775The policemen informed Kurosawa.
2776The policemen who were monitoring the two people did this using a communication device.
2777"Track them. Send me a photo of their luggage. Then bring it here.”
2778"Understood".
2779The policeman controlling the information terminal during this operation sent a photograph of
2780the suitcase to be used as evidence.
2781“Data collected.”
2782"Permission to use magic while in pursuit."
2783“Granted.”
2784As soon as they heard these words, the policemen were in hot pursuit.
2785â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2786"Stop right there!"
2787An uniformed police officer jumped through the air and was quickly approaching them.
2788Regulus, who had noticed first, warned Raymond.
2789"Are you out of your mind?"
2790Why does this Japanese officer make such a flashy move in the middle of a big crowd of
2791civilians! This was a completely unexpected event for Regulus.
2792It is rare for this movie-like scene to play out, especially since Japan and the USNA have
2793similar standards that includes using magic as inconspicuously as possible while in public,
2794on the grounds that it might have a psychological effect on them.
2795But this situation was difficult to circumvent, even if it had been known in advance.
2796Raymond was making gestures to the policeman.
2797The policeman was suddenly blown away. This was due to Raymond’s power of
2798psychokinesis which he obtained after becoming a parasite.
2799"Raymond!"
2800"There is no way around it!"
2801Regulus stopped blaming him.
2802Of course, they didn’t have a choice, so was this the only thing they could do?
2803They had disguised themselves as immigrants to hide their ability to use magic and so they
2804could enter the country without any problems.
2805There was signs of magic activation. It seems that the policeman, who they had thought they
2806had gotten rid off, was already back. What’s more, there were signs of other people that
2807were ready to capture them. This was probably the support sent by the police.
2808He turned around. He had never thought that their first step to invading Japan would be like
2809this. The airport is in a metropolitan area. They had chosen this airport because they
2810wouldn’t stand out much here. However, them being caught was his mistake, but even then
2811who could have expected that it would come to this.
2812We hadn’t asked for support from our local collaborators, we were reckless, to think we could
2813enter this country so easily.
2814Such regret went through Regulus' mind.
2815However, this wasn’t the time to think about this.
2816"Raymond, I’m going to go through the encirclement."
2817Regulus used self-acceleration magic and made a dash through the crowd.
2818Raymond followed him closely behind him using the same magic.
2819They arrived at a taxi, which could also be used as a guide.
2820"Steal the taxi."
2821"Alright!"
2822Raymond responded positively to Regulus’ instructions.
2823Regulus was already ready for battle. He was a First-Class magician that belonged to
2824STARS, the strongest magical unit in the world. So he wasn’t afraid of the cops. Raymond
2825was neither a soldier nor a police officer, but he is simply someone ‘who isn’t afraid’, which
2826also works in the current situation.
2827They had quickly decided to take the taxi, while also expecting some resistance from the
2828driver.
2829However, when they looked back at the taxi, it had turned into a large, luxury, black
2830passenger car. It seems that it had been disguised.
2831("Get in!")
2832Raymond and Regulus look at each other. The voice now was broadcasted telepathically, as
2833it became evident that it was from another parasite.
2834Raymond followed Regulus.
2835Regulus rushed to the black car and opened the back door.
2836Raymond opened the passenger door.
2837When the two entered, the large sedan immediately started driving.
2838A strong magic was covering the entire self-propelled car.
2839"Is this.. ‘Parade’?"
2840Regulus muttered in telepathy.
2841"Yes, but please refrain from using telepathy."
2842Regulus stared at the back of a boy who was sitting in front of him.
2843And then he became surprised.
2844He almost forgot to breathe.
2845He had never dreamed that such a beautiful boy really existed.
2846If we’re just talking about beauty, his face wouldn’t lose to that of Angie Sirius - Lina.
2847However, Lina’s beauty exudes a sort of friendliness that is easy to approach while this boy
2848gave off the impression of being difficult to approach.
2849But the beauty of this person wasn’t that of a simple boy, but of a model-like man.
2850He wondered if angels could even have such beauty… Regulus also wondered if he was
2851daydreaming too much.
2852"There is a possibility that we can’t completely disguise our telepathy."
2853The boy didn’t seem to care about Regulus’ piercing gaze and continued on. He was
2854probably used to being looked at like that.
2855“Oh, I'm sorry, you’ve saved us, thank you.”
2856They slightly lowered their head, while sitting.
2857“My name is Jacob Regulus."
2858He noticed that he hadn’t introduced himself and did this in a panic. I noticed that I did not
2859introduce myself, and in a panic I gave him a taste.
2860"My name is Kudou Minoru."
2861"I'm Raymond Clark."
2862Raymond was looking around and decided to join in on the conversation.
2863"The Kudou, as in the Kudou from the Ten Master Clans? "
2864Raymond was quite knowledgeable thanks to Hliðskjálf.
2865"Yes, and you are a member of the ‘Clarks’ that are responsible for the Dione Project?"
2866"Yes, yes... I’m that Raymond."
2867"Okay... by the way, do you have somewhere you want me to take you?"
2868When Minoru mentioned this, Regulus was knitting his brows.
2869"... The police have probably gone to the hotel we booked."
2870"Well, both of your passports are useless now."
2871Regulus showed a surprised face, he had already thought that they had been photographed
2872and that their fake passports had become invalid. However, he couldn’t believe someone
2873else would have already thought about the same thing.
2874“Should I prepare a place to stay and new passports for you guys? Of course they would
2875show your American citizenship when you entered the country.”
2876To Minoru’s proposal, Regulus was more vigilant than ‘grateful’.
2877"I thank you for saving us, but why are you trying to help us?"
2878To the Regulus’ question, Minoru had a cold, but happy smile on his face.
2879"Because I am one of you."
2880Regulus had considered this as well. However, he didn’t think this was the only reason.
2881“Besides, there is something that I want you to help me with.”
2882"I'm sorry, what?"
2883Raymond wasn’t as vigilant as Regulus.
2884For a parasite, Raymond thought that this was strange. Parasites are all pieces of the same
2885consciousness, because of this, they also have the same goal. So it is impossible to have
2886different thoughts that vary from the general consensus.
2887"There is a girl that ‘I want to be with’.”
2888"A lover?"
2889It was as if Raymond’s eyes started to shine when he heard this topic.
2890“No, it is currently only one-sided… I don’t plan to forcibly take her. So I will give up if she
2891doesn’t want me.”
2892"Wow.... You’re pretty patient, huh... I can respect that."
2893When it came to Minoru, Regulus was somewhat skeptical.
2894The idea of ​​abandoning a companion is one of the primary instincts of a parasite. So this
2895was more like the human mentality than that of his own.
2896Furthermore, Regulus wasn’t able to read his thoughts or feelings like he could do normally
2897with the other parasites.
2898There is no doubt that Minoru is a parasite, that goes without question.
2899However, Minoru is clearly different from us
2900To Regulus, this was something he was sure of.
2901â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2902The illegal immigrants using telepathy broke through the police siege and fled the scene. It
2903was reported to the Futatsugi Family through the police, and this information was shared to
2904the Ten Master Clans.
2905"Was it at Kansai?"
2906In the middle of the night, just before the date was going to change, Tatsuya received a
2907phone call from the Main House.
2908"Yes. The Kuroba Family has taken charge of the search. So you can go about your normal
2909duties in Tokyo and Miyaki Island as usual.”
2910“If the illegal immigrants are from STARS, they will probably be targeting Lina. Okay, I
2911understand."
2912“We will send you the photographs of the immigrants that the police has taken. One of the
2913suspects is Raymond Clark. "
2914That was surprising
2915"What does Raymond Clark have to do with it?"
2916"It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but from the psion observation data that we have obtained, it
2917seems like Raymond Clark is a parasite."
2918“Have you been able to discern the parasites using a radar?”
2919“This is the result of our research.”
2920“Of course, it is thanks to Tatsuya-san that we were able to obtain the parasite that we use in
2921our experiments.”
2922After the ‘Vampire Incident’, in last February, he had managed to seal a parasite during the
2923Steeplechase event and had handed it over to the Yotsuba. Tatsuya thought that this
2924situation was rather ironic, but didn’t mention it.
2925Besides, for Tatsuya, there is no reason to say this. In the end, all that matters is that they
2926managed to develop a way to track the parasites.
2927"Can’t you find Minoru using this method?"
2928“We are adjusting the radar that Kurebayashi created for Kudou Minoru. Please wait a little
2929longer."
2930Kurebayashi is the third butler of the Yotsuba Family and is the general manager of the
2931Yotsuba Family’s technical department. He is also an excellent magician and was one of
2932Tatsuya’s first teachers who taught him about magical engineering.
2933"I understand, I expect nothing less from you."
2934“Your words are too much for me. By the way, has Major Sirius been doing well?"
2935"It seems that she hasn’t gotten bored yet."
2936"Is that so. If she requires anything, let me know and I shall take care of it."
2937"I'll tell Lina that."
2938"Goodbye."
2939After that simple goodbye was said, the screen got dark.
2940He wasn’t in the living room, but in his own room. It was early in the morning so Miyuki was
2941still in bed.
2942He was the only one that was relevant to the situation, so Miyuki didn’t need to be there.
2943Instead he was thinking about speaking with Ayako.
2944Thinking about it, the other immigrant must have been someone that belongs to STARS.
2945So it is natural, that given the distribution of the roles in the Yotsuba Family. It is likely that
2946Ayako will become involved in the situation.
2947Both Ayaka and Fumiya are good at information gathering. But unlike him, they still have to
2948attend school. However, if they were to choose, he felt that the mission would be given
2949priority over school.
2950It didn’t really matter if they came for Tatsuya. His ‘Elemental sight’ is a magic that goes
2951along perfectly with searching. So this should made the search for the parasites far easier.
2952Rather, it can be said that it was made for it.
2953The problem is that Ayako has no real defense she can use against parasites.
2954She can damage the host of the parasite like normal, but that won’t do any damage to the
2955parasite’s real body.
2956If she was facing a member of STARS, then she would be fine. But even if the situation is
2957unfavorable, she would be able to run away.
2958(However, if they encounter Minoru...)
2959(... Maybe I am thinking too much.)
2960The Kuroba Family was only ordered to search for the parasites and the STARS members
2961that entered Japan illegally. They aren’t searching for Minoru.
2962Tatsuya wasn’t aware that the advance team had already joined up with Minoru.
2963â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2964Minoru took Raymond and Regulus to Chinatown. It was a small area. Before the war, this
2965city was one of many in Japan, but after the war, it was the only one that remained.
2966This base wasn’t like a beach, so, open to the public. Those who worked there didn’t care if
2967ownership of the base had changed, they simply obeyed without asking any questions. They
2968were satisfied with their current owner, especially when he had the ‘key’ that could open the
2969main gates. And after he had gained Zhou’s knowledge, he was also in possession of the
2970‘key’.
2971Another thing that was odd about the building was that it also looked like a normal Chinese
2972building.
2973It was the next day already, Thursday June 27th, when Minoru was discussing things with
2974Raymond and Regulus.
2975"... Our goal is to find the whereabouts of Major Sirius, who has temporarily escaped."
2976Minoru had asked Regulus about this matter. But he didn’t answer immediately since they
2977weren’t using telepathy.
2978“If it is possible, I would like to take on Major Sirius on my own. It will be difficult, so I will wait
2979for my companions to arrive.”
2980"Are they in Japan already?"
2981“They will arrive in four days, on the 1st of July, at night at the Zama Military base. The only
2982problem with this strategy is that the Japanese have been strictly controlling the area since
2983last February. When they arrive, they won’t be able to move immediately, because they need
2984to find some information first.”
2985The event that they are referring to last February is the assassination mission that was given
2986to Canopus to eliminate Gu Jie, so that he couldn’t be taken by the Japanese. After this
2987incident, the military officers there have tightened their defence and have put extra security
2988and surveillance on all of the USNA’s movements in Japan.
2989"I understand, I will try to find the place where Major Sirius is."
2990“I thought that Haruaki was the eldest son of the Kudou, who will also be its future Head, so
2991how much authority do you truly have?”
2992This was something Raymond said while sitting from the side.
2993“You are very well informed; did you learn that through the Hliðskjálf?”
2994Raymond was shocked to hear this statement.
2995“You know about Hliðskjálf?”
2996An ambiguous smile was seen. For a regular person, this smile wasn’t so much ‘funny’ but
2997rather ‘mysterious’.
2998"I also have various sources of information"
2999"............"
3000"Thanks for your collaboration.”
3001Raymond settled down with a strange face, next, Regulus went back to the initial
3002conversation.
3003"So, what can we do for you, to get you your girlfriend back?"
3004"If you were able to, I would ask you… But..."
3005He had a bitter smile.
3006Regulus, on the contrary, was offended. He thought his abilities were not to be taken lightly.
3007But even when he thought this, he knew that there must have been a reason behind it.
3008"She is a member of the Yotsuba Family."
3009Regulus had to be sure, so he asked in a serious tone.
3010"When you say Yotsuba, do you mean ‘that’ Yotsuba?"
3011“Yes, I am talking about the ‘Untouchables’, that Yotsuba. Although she is only a servant,
3012she is the assistant of the next Head of the Yotsuba Family.”
3013Raymond muttered: “A friend of Miyuki...?”, But no one commented.
3014"She is currently in a hospital in Tokyo, but the Ten Master Clans have been guarding the
3015area to catch me, who has become a parasite."
3016“Does this mean that not only Yotsuba, but also the other Ten Master Clans are there?”
3017"Yes."
3018Minoru answered Regulus’ question without hesitation.
3019"In particular, the Families there are the Saegusa and the Juumonji."
3020Last night, although he did end up getting hurt, he still thought of a way to get past the
3021Saegusa and the Juumonji.
3022“The problem isn’t the Juumonji or the Saegusa… but Tatsuya-san... you know him, don’t
3023you?”
3024Regulus: "Oh, I know."
3025Raymond wanted to say something, but he decided to listen to the rest of the story.
3026"I know how to get past the Saegusa and the Juumonji, but when Tatsuya gets there, I can’t
3027get to her."
3028The other day, it was a draw. Yet, Minoru knows for himself that Tatsuya wasn’t serious. If
3029they both had the intention to kill each other, then he didn’t have the confidence to beat
3030Tatsuya. It was the opposite. He felt that, the more he faced him, the worse the fight would
3031become for him.
3032However, if he does fight Tatsuya seriously, it will not help his chances in convincing Minami.
3033This dilemma befell on Minoru.
3034In addition, there was something else which Minoru hadn’t thought about.
3035They drawed last time. However, by doing so, Tatsuya can invent magic that is very effective
3036against parasites.
3037Although he had learned a lot by obtaining the knowledge of Zhou. But he had nothing that
3038was completely new. On the other hand, Tatsuya has the Yotsuba, the Fourth Research
3039Institute and Japan’s main Ancient magician, Kokonoe Yakumo.
3040Deep down, what Minoru is really afraid of isn’t just Tatsuya’s power, but also the people
3041around him.
3042"Well, do you want us to face Tatsuya?"
3043This question about Tatsuya was next to be asked by Regulus.
3044“You don’t need to knock him down, the only thing you need to do is keep him busy and
3045drag him away to somewhere while I go and take her.”
3046"So you want us to act as bait?"
3047"That's right."
3048"This is ridiculous!"
3049This was Raymond.
3050"You need to get rid off Tatsuya, otherwise, if we do it, it will provoke him to come searching
3051for us!"
3052Raymond's hysterical tone got Minoru thinking.
3053“None of that matter, because I will have the parasite transplanted in her by the end of that
3054day or I will give her back to the Yotsuba family.”
3055But the tone which explained this to Raymond remained calm.
3056"Don’t be lazy! If you really like this girl, don’t half-ass it!”
3057"Hey, Raymond..."
3058Regulus tried to calm Raymond down. However, his voice did not reach Raymond’s ears.
3059"Don’t let everything in this world hold you back and bother you!"
3060"Raymond, calm down!"
3061Regulus strongly pulled Raymond's shoulder back and forcibly shut him up.
3062"Sorry, Minoru."
3063"No, I don’t mind."
3064As he said, Minoru didn’t seem to care about Raymond’s outburst, at least on the surface.
3065“I also think that Tatsuya is an opponent who needs to be defeated, but for now, let’s give
3066priority to Minoru’s goal.”
3067"I would be glad if you did that."
3068"Okay… but if I get the chance where I can take him out, you wouldn’t mind, right?”
3069"Yes, that’s fine”
3070The answer Minoru gave to Regulus, was given after a slight delay.
3071â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3072On this day, Tatsuya spent some time in the morning on Miyaki Island and then went to First
3073High School in the afternoon.
3074While the lessons were still going on, he went to the library, but after school he didn’t go to
3075the Student Council Room, but to the Public Morals Committee Headquarters.
3076"Mikihiko, are you here?"
3077"Since when have you been at school?"
3078Mikihiko was surprise because he hadn’t seen him around.
3079"Since noon."
3080While he was answering Mikihiko, a little shadow tried to silently pass him.
3081"Kasumi, how are you doing?"
3082Tatsuya asked her.
3083She quickly stopped her feet.
3084"...I’m fine, sorry for worrying you.”
3085"Okay, that’s good."
3086Kasumi bowed her head to Tatsuya and quickly left the headquarters.
3087"...Did something happen?"
3088It was natural for Mikihiko to wonder about the scene that had just played out in front of him.
3089"It wasn’t anything too serious, anyways I want to ask you for a favor."
3090"And you’re asking me...?"
3091"Oh, you still remember what you said the other day, don’t you?"
3092Mikihiko’s complexion changed. So Tatsuya’s favor has to do with parasites.
3093"...Yes I do."
3094“The day before yesterday, Minoru showed up at the hospital where Minami has been
3095hospitalized.”
3096"Well then..."
3097Then, Mikihiko’s eyes opened wide.
3098He quickly locked the door of the headquarters and set up a barrier that also ‘closed’ the
3099room.
3100“...Now that’s taken care of, Tatsuya, let's sit down and talk. "
3101"Okay."
3102Mikihiko and Tatsuya sat across from each other at a long table.
3103"Uh... That day, did Kasumi fight with Minoru?"
3104“Yes, no one had any major injuries, but she slept for awhile because of magic. The only
3105thing we were worried about were the consequences of that magic, because they were
3106rendered unconscious by oxygen deficiency, but this didn’t seem to have any long term
3107effects."
3108"Okay..."
3109Tatsuya himself was relieved, that, after he was done with his explanation, Mikihiko was also
3110satisfied with the story and likewise felt relieved.
3111“So what do you want me to do? If you want me to help catch Minoru-san, then I’d be happy
3112to help."
3113Mikihiko had a firm belief from the very beginning that dealing with parasites is a job for an
3114Ancient Magician.
3115"I may ask you to help me with the parasites later, but for now I would like you to help me
3116with some magic practice."
3117"Helping with practice?"
3118Tatsuya explains the contents of the training and that he would like to practice it here at
3119school.
3120“Since you only have time off after school, can we do it after you’re finished with your
3121Committee duties?”
3122"What are you talking about?"
3123Tatsuya was a bit confused.
3124Tatsuya knows that these duties are important for her sister.
3125So for him, he thought that everyone would think of these duties similarly.
3126However, Mikihiko’s thoughts on the importance of extracurricular activities in high school
3127were clearly different, making Mikihiko smile strangely.
3128“I don’t know what you think, but I think your training is more important then my work at the
3129Public Moral Committee, and it’s about time for me to decide on my successor anyways, so
3130this is the perfect opportunity.”
3131Thus, Mikihiko had accepted Tatsuya’s request.
3132â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3133Generally, it is found that magicians can work either in daylight or at night. But parasites do
3134have a preference.
3135They prefer not to be in the sunlight, kind of like a vampire, so they sleep during the day and
3136work in the night, especially if nothing important needs to be done.
3137Also, they don’t experience jet lag. Regulus was interested to know about what had changed
3138after becoming a parasite. But since he isn’t a scientist, he wouldn’t know the real
3139difference. He was merely interested in it at the moment and decided to go to bed.
3140At this time, the door to his room opened and he could hear a knock, but he already knew
3141who it was.
3142When Regulus slightly opened the door, Raymond stood there, alone, which he had
3143expected.
3144"Can I come in?"
3145"Of course."
3146Honestly, he didn’t really like the time, but it seems like his visit was about something
3147important. Regulus thought this and then fully opened the door.
3148"So what is it?"
3149"It’s about Minoru."
3150“What’s wrong with him? I didn’t see him make any particularly suspicious movements. ”
3151"Is that true?"
3152It seems that Regulus' words weren’t enough to convince Raymond.
3153"Minoru is strange."
3154"Why’s that?"
3155Raymond had only said a few words. But he needed time to think about what he wanted to
3156say next.
3157"...Our telepathy isn’t able to communicate beyond national boundaries."
3158"And?"
3159"However, when our telepathy is shared, then we should share the same intentions, even for
3160other parasites, this should be the same. But he is different."
3161Raymond and Regulus became parasites after the micro-black hole experiment that was
3162conducted this month.
3163On the other hand, Minoru became one by modifying a parasite that was created during the
3164black hole experiment that was conducted a couple of years ago.
3165But, despite the fact they are both parasites, the same creatures. But they weren’t. This
3166wasn’t merely Raymond’s intuition, but he could actually feel it.
3167In addition, the parasite that is being used by Minoru, originated from the same laboratory in
3168Dallas. So their origin shouldn’t be that different.
3169"Raymond, what do you want to say?"
3170“Why does Minoru disagree with us?"
3171Raymond responded to the question of Regulus.
3172"... Is this about Shiba Tatsuya?"
3173“Yes, our intentions were all to eliminate Shiba Tatsuya, but Minoru didn’t agree?”
3174“We haven’t discarded the idea of eliminating Tatsuya, we’re merely rearranging our
3175priorities.”
3176"But it isn’t that too simple of an explanation, we had already decided that his elimination
3177was our top priority."
3178“When we discussed this we were still in the States, and, like you said, our telepathy can’t
3179cross national borders.”
3180Raymond got silent when he was confronted with his own logic.
3181“We are united with each other through our intentions, desires and will.”
3182This conversation shows the different sides to a parasite. The one side shows the parasite
3183before it fuses with a person, the other shows the parasite before the person it has inhabited
3184starts to erode.
3185"The strong will of Minoru leads him to save the woman he loves, so it isn’t surprising that
3186this is his top priority."
3187“I can’t believe that! Our main goal should be Tatsuya!”
3188"You shouldn’t say it like that...."
3189Regulus, like Raymond, believes that Tatsuya should be neutralized. But this is because
3190Regulus himself thinks that they need to eliminate the ‘Strategic Class Magic that is a threat
3191to their country’.
3192Raymond originally had the opinion that he wanted to ‘forget about Tatsuya’ and not ‘kill
3193Tatsuya. This opinion was affected by the strong intent of the STARS members, who
3194recognized that his ‘Material Burst’ is a threat that should be removed.
3195While the parasites have united with similar goals, their reasons can differ. It is certain that
3196the individual with the strongest ‘wish’ will take the initiative but this doesn’t mean that all the
3197parasites are governed by this ‘wish’. For example, Minoru’s involvement in this operation
3198does mean that Regulus and Raymond will not be ignored if he takes the initiative.
3199"...I understand, then I will discuss this topic with Minoru through telepathy.”
3200"...If you think so, then that’s fine.”
3201Last night they had confirmed that Minoru could hear their telepathy. So if Raymond,
3202Regulus and Minoru could all hear it, then when Minoru and Raymond were talking, Regulus
3203could also listen-in.
3204This is the characteristic of someone that was going to take the initiative so Regulus has no
3205reason to stop Raymond.
3206â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3207Minoru suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. This wasn’t because of his biological
3208clock. He was awakened by a unexpected voice, that he heard in the depths of his heart.
3209(── Wake up, Minoru/we.)
3210When he was awakened, he had little smile on his face.
3211(Raymond? Why?)
3212Minoru also didn’t recognize him as ‘we’ like the other parasite do.
3213(You aren’t surprised? I think this is the first time we’ve talked in this collective
3214consciousness.)
3215(This is the first time I’ve spoken here, but it isn’t the first time I’ve heard your voice.)
3216(That can’t be.)
3217Minoru laughed at Raymond’s surprise
3218(I thought telepathy didn't cross national boundaries?)
3219Minoru wasn’t going to mock the other side for his surprise. This was proof that his intentions
3220hadn’t been interfered by Raymond and the others.
3221(That thought is wrong. Telepathy can even cross borders. It’s just that your intentions don’t
3222influence me. Abroad telepathy is useful, but I just don’t belong to your consciousness. This
3223mysterious restriction weirdly enough doesn’t occur when humans use telepathy.)
3224(I didn’t knew about such a thing...)
3225(It is possible that when the parasite and the human fuse, the human’s consciousness won’t
3226be overwritten.)
3227Raymond wasn’t the only one that remained silent. In the collective consciousness, Regulus
3228was also surprised.
3229(It doesn’t matter now, even if I am connected with your consciousness. I wonder, does this
3230have anything to do with my intentions differing from those of yours?)
3231(Why... Where are the parasites who were previously in this country not with you/us?)
3232(There is one other parasite. But he is completely sealed away, still, from time to time, I can
3233still hear him screaming while he is being used as a lab rat. I want to go and rescue him, but
3234that would be impossible for me.)
3235The parasite he is talking about has been sealed away by the Yotsuba Family. Their Mental
3236Interference Magic that has sealed it is dangerous for parasites. Plus, he couldn’t figure out
3237where the parasite was being held.
3238It was like this screaming was warning sign.
3239To make sure no else tries to come rescue him.
3240(No, I/we don’t think that’s stupid, we understand.)
3241Since he wasn’t hiding his thoughts, this reaction was genuine. This was probably
3242Raymond’s voice of reason coming through.
3243(You understand?)
3244Again, he asked the question. But really, Raymond wanted to make Minoru talk more, so
3245naturally he asked more questions.
3246(We are separate beings, we all have our individual thoughts, but our goals should be the
3247same.)
3248Minoru understood but disagreed.
3249Minoru knew what kind of person Raymond was.
3250But Minoru still refused.
3251He didn’t want to become a parasite, but he needs one for his goals. So the only reason he
3252uses one is to treat Minami.
3253He didn’t want to be rude to Raymond by continuously disagreeing. But Raymond keeps
3254saying ‘we’ and Minoru just doesn’t want himself to be included in that.
3255(We're going to kill Tatsuya, I/we all have this common intention!)
3256Finally, their true intent came out.
3257These weren’t the thoughts of just Raymond and Regulus. They didn’t seem to notice
3258themselves, but their consciousness was still connected to the ones still in the USNA, even
3259though they didn’t think this was possible.
3260This was a statement. In one moment, the various different thoughts all became one and
3261were directed at the ears of Minoru.
3262Among them, the intention to eliminate Tatsuya was the most dominant.
3263It wasn’t just Raymond, but also the members of STARS who recognizes the threat of
3264Tatsuya’s Strategic Class Magic.
3265However, Minoru confronted this massive wave of thoughts that came towards him and
3266instead of submitting, he reminded himself of his own, strong ‘desire’.
3267He has no intention to leave Minami the way she is right now. He just wants to save her from
3268her fate. This was the reason that he abandoned his humanity.
3269Because of someone other than himself, he had changed.
3270Personality is formed by nature. Desire and impulse are the base of your spirit. How to
3271control it, what to do, what to not do, what to forgive, are all connected to society and the
3272people you are with. And if you listen to the desires of the people around you, you change.
3273In doing so, you throw away the thing limiting you, and become someone that can help
3274others── With greed at its core, Minoru was able to maintain his ‘self’ even though it wasn’t
3275‘for himself’ but for ‘someone else’s sake’.
3276It was a long battle.
3277It was also an instant battle.
3278In the world of the mind, there is no duration of time. The time had several points in it, so it
3279wasn’t a chronological line. Therefore, the battle was both ‘long’ and ‘instant’.
3280At the end of the eternal battle that happened in a single moment, Minoru was the one left
3281standing.
3282(Raymond, you’ll help me, won’t you? First, we’ll get Minami. Tatsuya comes after that.)
3283(I/We will obey Minoru’s will.)
3284Minoru continued to be himself until the end.
3285But, you couldn’t say that he was completely the same.
3286Human beings will be affected if they continue to hear the same thing a dozen times or even
3287a hundred times. Even if you deny it, your empathy will gradually decrease.
3288This was not related to human weakness. He had continued to be himself, even if he isn’t
3289human, by reminding himself of his goal that he originally.
3290But even so, he had been exposed to hundreds of whispers to get rid of Tatsuya.
3291(We will deal with Tatsuya-san afterwards.)
3292Before he knew it, Minoru’s consciousness had also changed and had deteriorated.
3293[Six]
3294There was some trouble with the entry of illegal immigrants through the Kansai International
3295Airport and yet, Japan was mostly peaceful.
3296Though a fierce battle took place between Minoru and Raymond in the spiritual dimension,
3297the general public was none the wiser.
3298The recent aggressive protests from anti-magic organizations are in a lull.
3299The handing over of Major Sirius to the USNA wasn't strictly required, whereas the Great
3300Asian Union couldn't afford to meddle with the Nansei Islands section. On the surface,
3301matters pertaining to diplomacy were quiet despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the
3302Ministry of Defense both feeling uneasy.
3303Regarding the Great Asian Union, something that would shake the world was announced on
3304Friday, June 28​th​.
3305Miyuki and Tatsuya heard the news that shocked the world.
3306"Breaking news!"
3307While having breakfast in the morning right before school, they turned back to the tense
3308voice that had come from the newscaster.
3309They put down their chopsticks and faced the TV.
3310"For an, as of right now, unknown reason, the Great Asian Union and the New Soviet Union
3311are at war."
3312Miyuki was completely shocked. If she still had her chopsticks in her hands, she would have
3313surely dropped them on the ground.
3314On the other hand, Tatsuya who had also put his chopsticks down was listening to the news
3315seriously.
3316“Late last night, the Great Asian Union invaded along the Lake Khanka border, where they
3317started advancing south towards Ussuriysk. The New Soviet Union mobilized the military in
3318the Far East that was stationed in Vladivostok. They collided 30 kilometers from Ussuriysk
3319and the battle still continues."
3320Miyuki looked at Tatsuya with awkward movement.
3321"Onii-sama, this seems like a very serious matter..."
3322He looked away from the TV and into the eyes of Miyuki.
3323"This is a military clash that has occurred in an area close to Japan, so the impact on
3324our country will be inevitable."
3325Tatsuya’s voice had a tension that was different from usual.
3326The newscaster reappeared in front of the camera.
3327“The aim of the Great Asian Union is to capture the southernmost part of the Primorsky Krai
3328Region. The region, especially Vladivostok, is geopolitical meaningful to them as it allows
3329them to remove the threat of a knife at their throat and paves the safe removal of the threat
3330to the Goryeo Autonomous Region."
3331A map was being displayed on the TV. When they saw this, the words of the caster became
3332that much more convincing.
3333“Why is Vladivostok being aimed for via this current route, so invading down south, when the
3334forces in the Goryeo Autonomous Region are closer and could have been mobilized?"
3335“The Great Asian Union have suffered a massive loss to their naval forces because of the
3336Yokohama Incident, they haven't recovered enough to attack Vladivostok from the south;
3337though if forced to they would use the navy from there which is indispensable."
3338"That’s correct."
3339To the explanation of the caster, Tatsuya agreed.
3340“Have the Great Asian Union been preparing for an invasion ever since this moment?”
3341“I think the Great Asian Union had started preparations for a full-scale attack more than a
3342year ago. Basically, after the Nichia Peace Treaty was signed, which was beneficial to
3343Japan. In addition, a rumor that had been going around the last few days via military officials
3344mentioned that the central government of the Great Asian Union needed a military
3345achievement to restore its prestige."
3346"...?"
3347The news correspondent seen on the news feed was now discussing the military capabilities
3348of both countries.
3349“The New Soviet Union has Dr. Bezobrazov, a nationally recognized Strategic Class Magic,
3350who has been rumoured to be deceased or has at least been inactive in his work.”
3351"I hadn’t thought about that."
3352At the time, Tatsuya had a sneaky smile, but this disappeared when he saw Miyuki, who was
3353still completely serious about the situation.
3354“If we take the military capabilities of both countries into consideration, the New Soviet Union
3355wins in terms of quality and the Great Asian Union wins in terms of quantity. In addition, the
3356military forces of the New Soviet Union are widely spread out in East Asia, Central Asia and
3357Eastern Europe. The Siberian military is located further north than the rest of the troops. The
3358Great Asian Union calculated that so long as the opposing Strategic-Class Magician isn't
3359able to fight, then they have enough forces to attain victory.”
3360“To which extent do you have information that indicates that Dr. Bezobrazov won’t be part of
3361this war?"
3362“It’s impossible to say with complete certainty. It has only been a week since magic, that
3363looked like the New Soviet Union’s Strategic Class Magic, had been seen at Tokyo’s First
3364High, and we haven’t heard a thing about it since.”
3365“A story has also been going around that the strong magic that had been used on the Izu
3366Peninsula in the beginning of this month was also associated with the New Soviet Union.”
3367"That's true. These unexpected attacks could have been committed by Igor. I think there is a
3368reasonable likelihood that Dr. Bezobrazov was involved in the situation."
3369“The fact is that Dr. Bezobrazov, who was trying to call for world peace using the Dione
3370Project, was a participant in an unexpected attack on the Izu Peninsula …”
3371“Do you expect this to have any influence on the future?"
3372The assistant, who hadn’t said anything before, was panicking a little. Maybe the director
3373had instructed him to ‘not discuss the Dione Project’.
3374"That's right."
3375The newscaster, like the assistant, was trying to change the topic.
3376“The Great Asian Union’s army will engage in battle before the Siberian troops will arrive. In
3377other words, the outcome of the battle will depend on its length.”
3378“Then, does the New Soviet Union want to turn this into an endurance race until
3379their reinforcements get there?"
3380The newscaster finally got back to the previous topic, so the Dione Project topic was
3381forgotten about.
3382"I think so".
3383"Will the Great Asian Union use Strategic Class Magic?"
3384“I think it might be the time to truly introduce Liu Li Lei, to not just the battle, but to the whole
3385world.”
3386Even though discussion about the current story continues, Tatsuya and Miyuki left as he
3387escorts her to school from the house.
3388Although Miyuki was also worried that they were going to be a bit late. She was also
3389wondering how Tatsuya was going to be spending his time during school, when he’s free.
3390"Onii-sama, what are you going to be doing today?"
3391So Miyuki decided to ask Tatsuya.
3392"I haven’t received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, so I’ll go to FLT."
3393"You aren’t going to see Lina?"
3394“I could.”
3395This was undoubtedly because of the conflict that has just occurred between the Great Asian
3396Union and the New Soviet Union. So Miyuki was anxious.
3397â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3398And Tatsuya’s expectations were right.
3399"It is regrettable how the situation from before that damaged the trust we have in one
3400another still continues. However, as you know, an emergency has occurred. Will you be
3401coming to the base any time soon?”
3402"I will."
3403To Kazama, the request seems to have gone well, with Tatsuya nodding in reply after he
3404had just returned to his apartment.
3405Even if Tatsuya were to fight against the National Defense Forces, nothing would come of it
3406and that in such a case, there isn’t a reason to fuss over such a matter.
3407"I regret my previous actions."
3408He didn’t know what Tatsuya’s true feelings were on the matter, but nevertheless, he
3409lowered his head while saying these words.
3410â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3411At the same time Tatsuya was watching the news about the military conflict going on in the
3412Far East, Minoru, who had won the fierce battle the night before, didn't imitate as if he had
3413gone to sleep. Both Raymond and Regulus hadn't awoken yet, due in part because of the
3414nature of the Parasites and not because of jet lag.
3415"They should probably listen to this...."
3416This may lead to opportunities, is what Minoru was thinking.
3417(If the military conflict is prolonged, the Ten Master Clans would have to move their attention
3418to the Sea of Japan, where if something were to happen in the southern portion of the sea,
3419they'd end up having to deal with it instead of focusing on me...)
3420If the TV commentator is right, the war was triggered by Tatsuya's counterattack on Igor,
3421which gravely harmed him.
3422(It’s ironic that Tatsuya’s ruthless response to Igor’s actions has given us this opportunity.)
3423Minami, who was injured by an attack of Igor and the influence of Igor's defeat which still
3424floats about, could cause Tatsuya to lose his chance to defend Minami.
3425Minoru agreed with Raymond’s reasoning.
3426â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3427Tatsuya cancelled his scheduled visit to Miyaki Island and FLT and headed towards
3428Kasumigaura Base, the Headquarters of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
3429Of course, Tatsuya reported this to Maya, whom he talked to directly, in which she thought it
3430would be a good thing that relations with the National Defense Forces restored. This was
3431partially because it would be difficult to let go of the ability where the National Defense Force
3432could mobilize soldiers in great number.
3433"Lieutenant, I have arrived."
3434After he had arrived, Tatsuya greeted Kazama.
3435With Fujibayashi present as his adjutant, Kazama also saluted to Tatsuya.
3436"The main reason for my coming here today is because I want to hear about Bezobrazov.”
3437When the villa in Izu was attacked, Tatsuya found out that Kazama knew that the individual
3438responsible that was taken care of wasn't Igor. However, what happened as a result of the
3439attack on First High wasn't reported to the military. It was reported to the Main House.
3440Tatsuya never spoke again about the information, whether or not it was passed on from the
3441Yotsuba Family to the National Defense Forces, which it eventually wasn’t.
3442“I didn’t attack Igor directly, instead I decomposed a large CAD that was in operation, so it is
3443possible that he received some damage.”
3444"Are you talking about the train-type CAD that you mentioned the other day?"
3445"That's right."
3446“If you destroy these CADs while someone is connected to them, could it make them suffer
3447from mental damage through their Magic Calculation Area? And if so, was Bezobrazov
3448connected to his CAD and thus received damage?"
3449"That is likely, since we have not seen any signs of ‘Tuman Bomba’ being used since then.”
3450"Hmm..."
3451Kazama decided that it would be a good idea to remember this.
3452"...So what do you think, how great is the probability that Igor has died?"
3453"I’d say it isn’t even a single percent."
3454"So, basically, it’s zero?"
3455"Rephrasing it like that is okay."
3456After saying this, Tatsuya added that ‘The likelihood of any accidental deaths having
3457occurred was non-existent.’
3458“So do you think that after some time, Bezobrazov will be able to reappear during the
3459invasion by the Great Asian Union?”
3460“If the military leadership of the New Soviet Union thought that they themselves, without
3461Bezobrazov, were able to see sufficient battle results as of right now, they would have done
3462so already, but they know that they can’t without him.”
3463"How long do you think it will take for him to recover?"
3464"Going off our previous encounters when I forcibly disconnected him from his CAD, I’d say it
3465would take ten to twenty days for him to recover."
3466Today is Friday.
3467The attack from Tuman Bomba on First High took place the Thursday before.
3468“So another attack can be expected in a few days, or another week.”
3469"I would think so."
3470"...I understood."
3471Tatsuya didn’t come here today just for this, he also wanted to discuss something else.
3472"Lieutenant, I also have something that I want to talk about."
3473"Go ahead."
3474"As you may already know, parasites have come to this country again."
3475“I know, we’re talking about the one from the Kudou family, right?”
3476"New parasites have appeared in the USNA."
3477"What...?"
3478Doesn’t it seem like the National Defense Forces have no knowledge of what has transpired
3479in the USNA?
3480In any case, he didn’t want to waste any time.
3481"There was a rebellion within STARS at their base headquarters the week before and it’s a
3482fact that members of STARS have been possessed by parasites."
3483"...Is this information you have heard from Major Sirius?"
3484"No. We were given this information by Angelina Kudou Shields’ relative, Kudou Retsu."
3485Tatsuya again insisted that he didn’t have ‘Major Sirius’.
3486"...Really...”
3487They still hadn’t restored their relationship enough for this to be told.
3488"And, apparently, it seems that at least two parasites have infiltrated Japan."
3489"What..."
3490This surprised Kazama even further.
3491“The police who were standing guard at the Kansai International Airport detected illegal
3492immigrants using telepathy, and these two passengers were on a direct flight to Japan. And I
3493think that one of them is an infected member of STARS."
3494"... I need to tell Her Excellency(Saeki).”
3495"I think that would be wise."
3496The police in the Hanshin area didn't keep the information to themselves. It was reported to
3497the National Police Agency, where it was then reported to the Ten Master Clans. Whether
3498the police would share information with the military is a subtle thing. At times, it’s not a good
3499thing for the police to borrow the power of the National Defense Forces. So in all likelihood,
3500there was a high possibility of Saeki eventually purchasing the detailed information through a
3501private route.
3502"So who is the other person?"
3503"The other part of the duo is Raymond Clark."
3504"...Is that true?"
3505“I have confirmed this with a photo taken by the police, so there is no mistake.”
3506"Lieutenant."
3507Fujibayashi, who had previously stood silently in the back, opened her mouth, when she got
3508a ‘weird’ reaction.
3509"Is this Raymond Clark related to Edward Clark?"
3510“Yes, he is the son of Edward Clark, the creator of Project Dione.”
3511Tatsuya once again told them what he knew.
3512“He is one of the ‘Seven Sages’ who uses the information collection system ‘Hliðskjálf’,
3513which is the backdoor to Echelon III. He also used this system to reveal my identity as
3514Taurus Silver.”
3515“...Wait, Special Officer, this is far too much information, my head can’t keep up with this.”
3516"The main topic starts now."
3517Tatsuya ruthlessly refused her, and in a way whispering: ‘I won’t let you take a break’.
3518"Continue on."
3519"So, I, as a member of the Yotsuba Family, request for cooperation with the National
3520Defense Forces’ Independent Magic-Equipped."
3521Their eyes emitted a strong light, when they heard that he made the request as a
3522representative of the Yotsuba Family.
3523"We believe that it is highly likely that the parasites that have entered Japan are going to
3524collaborate with Minoru."
3525When she heard Minoru’s name, all blood vanished from Fuyibayashi’s face. It was likely
3526that she already knew about Minoru, but in the end, Tatsuya felt that there was no need to
3527take her feelings into consideration.
3528"Moreover, it is unlikely that only one person from STARS have been sent to Japan to
3529conduct illegal activities."
3530When mentioning this, Tatsuya excluded Raymond from this number of people.
3531He isn’t taking Raymond lightly, he predicts that when Raymond became a parasite, he
3532gained power that can’t be ignored.
3533Tatsuya just doesn’t think he is one of them, and they will only use the power of STARS.
3534“We should send reinforcement there without fail, so that we can be in the immediate area.”
3535"I think so too."
3536His guess was logical, so there was no objection.
3537"Minoru’s goal is definitely to get Minami, who is one of our members."
3538Tatsuya shifted the focus of the discussion from STARS to Minoru.
3539“If STARS were to join Minoru in going after Minami, it’s possible that she can't be defended
3540with the power of the Yotsuba Family alone.”
3541"Do you wish for us to send soldiers for support?"
3542"No. If STARS attempted to invade either the military bases in Zama or Yokosuka, would the
3543military be able to stop their intrusion?"
3544The Yotsuba Family monitors the private and metropolitan airports and air bases.
3545But it’s only the National Defense Forces who can monitor outside of this area, for even if
3546they can't get inside, it would take time and effort to do so in the current situation.
3547Whereas its more reasonable to trouble the military to monitor the bases to prevent the
3548intrusion of foreign troops for illegal activities, for it is something that should be easier for
3549them to do since they’re allies.
3550“─ I understand. I will pass this military order on to Her Excellency.”
3551The reason that he didn’t demand any alternate conditions from Tatsuya was because he
3552understood that this should be the work of the National Defense Forces.
3553"By the way, what do you think about the recent war?"
3554"Do you mean who I think will win or lose?"
3555“That's right."
3556"The New Soviet Union will win."
3557Tatsuya didn’t show any doubt, and he replied immediately. He had time to think about it
3558before he came to the base.
3559"Please tell me your reasoning."
3560“The invasion of the Great Asian Union is based off uncertain information about the absence
3561of Igor. But this very thought is wrong. The moment he joins the battle, the morale of the
3562soldiers of the Great Asian Union will fall."
3563More specifically, this is the moment Tuman Bomba will be used.
3564He didn’t need to say this, because they already understood this.
3565"Hm... so you don’t think the possibility exist that the conflict will be settled before
3566Bezobrazov returns?"
3567“There is no definite difference between the military forces of the two sides, whether it be the
3568military of the New Soviet Union deployed in the Far East or that of the Great Asian Union's
3569military. Even then, if the Great Asian Unions were to use ‘Thunderclap Tower’, it would be
3570difficult to win in such a short period of time and that only time would tell who would be
3571victorious.”
3572Furthermore, ‘Thunderclap Tower’ is a magic attack that was used by their previous
3573nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician. Its destructiveness can be compared to
3574‘Scorched Halloween’ ─ ‘Material Burst’ ─, but Liu Li Lei, the granddaughter of the previous
3575user of this magic, Liu Yunde, also uses this Strategic Class Magic, making her the Great
3576Asian Union’s newest nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician.
3577"If the New Soviet Union were victorious, they would try to invade Japan ─"
3578As he said this, he looked straight into Tatsuya’s eyes.
3579"Can the National Defense Forces depend on you if that time comes?"
3580“No problem, you can count on me.”
3581Even at a time like this, Tatsuya didn’t hesitate.
3582When he needed the power of Toudou Aobo, he had made an agreement to deter any
3583military campaigns of other countries. So even if Kazama hadn’t asked him as a member of
3584the 101st Brigade, he would have still taken the necessary measures.
3585But he did not need to say this. It was a good opportunity to make it look like Kazama was
3586‘borrowing’ his power.
3587â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3588The day after the invasion into the territories of the New Soviet Union by the Great Asian
3589Union.
3590In the New Soviet Union's coastal region of the Far East, the New Soviet Union's forces were
3591on the retreat.
3592The world was paying attention to the conflict and among them, it’s said that Japan has been
3593observing with strong interest and vigilance.
3594The rules prohibiting the use of nuclear weapons since World War III by the International
3595Magic Association are still in effect.
3596The International Magic Association would only intervene when ‘dirty nuclear weapons’ are
3597going to be used. These specifically are biological weapons and chemical weapons that
3598pollute the environment, large-scale bombs that produce harmful residues, and
3599thermobaric explosives that release harmful substances. Modern war is mainly based on
3600old-fashioned bullets, bombs that clear debris, and expensive ‘environmentally friendly’
3601high-power explosives. If the military can afford them, electromagnetic weapons and laser
3602weapons will also be utilized.
3603In other words, you could say that old-fashioned weapons are still mainstream. But what is
3604also common, is that a war can take a long time if fought against a ‘decent’ army. In this
3605case, ‘decent’ would mean ‘stable’.
3606Thus, in order for one side to defeat the other in a short period of time, weapons that the
3607other side don't possess are needed.
3608The source of victory is Liu Li Lei, the user of ‘Thunderclap Tower’, a Strategic-Class Magic.
3609The Great Asian Union predicted that the Strategic Class Magician from the New Soviet
3610Union couldn’t make a move, which is exactly what the military experts had also deduced.
3611However, victory wasn't settled in just one day. The Great Asian Union introduced their
3612Strategic Class Magician on the first day to promote dominance on the battlefield. However,
3613‘Thunderclap Tower’ isn't a magic that can encompass every battlefield. Even with the
3614existence of such a magic, its use is difficult to utilize in land battles where the enemy is
3615approaching friendly forces.
3616As such, Strategic-Class Magic isn’t always as convenient as other people in the world
3617believe.
3618Today is Saturday. In contrast to the previous time period where this day was for leisure,
3619some middle and high schools are still open on these days.
3620First High is one of these high schools. Tatsuya had dropped Miyuki off at school in the
3621morning and Minami was still in the hospital with no set date for her release by the Yotsuba
3622Family. Despite Tatsuya no longer being a ‘Guardian’, he still accompanies Miyuki to school
3623as a bodyguard.
3624Even though Tatsuya doesn't need to be in close physical proximity to Miyuki in order to
3625protect her, he still feels weary about Igor's attack from the time before. Therefore, escorting
3626her is an effective countermeasure every morning, and because of his strong personality, he
3627likes doing it.
3628After escorting her to First High, Tatsuya went back home to change out of his school
3629uniform and into more rough clothes. He then took the air-car straight to Miyaki Island. His
3630first goal was the magical research laboratory, as he was worried about keeping his eyes off
3631Lina for too long.
3632Sure enough, Lina had gotten bored already.
3633"...Tatsuya. What are you doing?"
3634"Creating a new magic."
3635It was for no particular reason─ to Tatsuya ─ that Lina came to the place where he was
3636working.
3637"You’re only using a computer?"
3638“Is that surprising? Doesn’t the engineer who created the ‘Brionac’ also do something
3639similar?”
3640Brionac is a magical weapon that uses the FAE theory as the basis of its workings to make
3641the Strategic Class Magic ‘Heavy Metal Burst’ able to work in close range combat.
3642In Japanese, it is called the theory of controlling phenomenon after they have been created,
3643but Free After Execution is a better way of expressing it. The phenomenon produced as a
3644result being transformed by magic is already a phenomenon that was not originally in this
3645world, and immediately after transformation, the shackles of the laws of physics are loose.
3646This is also the theory behind his Baryon Lance, but Baryon Lance was created with the
3647Brionac as a reference. Tatsuya felt strongly about the creator of the Brionac as his
3648opponent and deep within his heart he would like to meet this person.
3649“Surely Abby is also remodeling magic at her own desk.”
3650Is the engineer who developed the Brionac an ‘Abby?’ ── Tatsuya secretly wrote down the
3651name in the notepad in his heart.
3652"Although when you create a new magic, don't you repeatedly experiment?"
3653The engineer, seems to still be still creating new magic. ── Tatsuya also adds this to the
3654notepad in his heart.
3655"Even this magic, is not created from scratch."
3656Every time Tatsuya would hear about ‘Abby’ the engineer, he would get interested, all while
3657answering Lina's questions.
3658“Since I had the opportunity to see Tuman Bomba a while ago, so I thought that I could apply
3659it to another magic that we can use as well, since Tuman Bomba is too complex to use
3660easily.”
3661Tatsuya ment this in the sense that ‘it cannot be used easily because a large machine is
3662required’, but Lina interpreted it as ‘the amount of magical power required is too high so it
3663can’t be easily used’.
3664But her interpretation wasn’t wrong either.
3665"...Eh?! Wait a minute… The magic you are trying to create, is it a Strategic-Class Magic?"
3666After a single beat, Lina spoke out of tone.
3667"The classification is as such."
3668Whether Tatsuya had gotten used to it, there was no such thing as him laughing out loud.
3669"Amazing."
3670Lina's shoulders sharply rise while laughing, "I'm amazed."
3671"Great Bomb... No, I wonder if it's 'Material Burst'. Even though you also have a deterrent
3672magic, are you trying to acquire a new Strategic-Class Magic? Are you going to become a
3673Demon King?"
3674"Is Lina a gamer?"
3675"Even if you don't play g-games, everyone knows what a ‘Demon King’ is of course!"
3676The number of people who wish to treat him as a Demon King have increased, and Tatsuya
3677was starting to get a little tired of it.
3678"I myself won't be using the magic."
3679"Eh, is that so?"
3680"It's as you say, Lina. Strategic-Class Magic, it's not enough to have one. Such a thing, even
3681though it’s useless due to its limited use, it comes with a catch the size of a mountain."
3682"I know."
3683Lina ignored the context and strongly agreed.
3684"When it's completed, it will be used by another magician."
3685Tatsuya hid his wry smile with a seemingly plausible expression.
3686"I know that there are those who can use it. If his or her name were mentioned, they would
3687become a new Apostle’ and the current amount of depressing things will decrease a little."
3688"Well."
3689Lina was too distracted by his ‘shamelessness’ to be able to pay attention to the essentials.
3690A new nationally recognized Strategic-Class Magician is to be born in Japan and in one
3691sentence: It will bring great change to the military balance of the world.
3692â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3693Tatsuya only stayed on Miyaki Island during the morning.
3694The new Strategic-Class Magic isn't complete yet. Tatsuya doesn't think so highly of himself,
3695that he thinks he has the ability to create a new magic in a day or two. Besides, he has a
3696new magic that's far more important to complete than the new Strategic-Class Magic.
3697“I would like to train with you today.”
3698"That’s fine."
3699Saturday afternoon, in the exercise forest after school.
3700With Mikihiko as his partner, Tatsuya wants to work on completing the ‘Seal Ball’ that
3701Yakumo had suggested.
3702The magic would compress the parasites that are expelled from the body and confine them
3703in the mind.
3704The magic would compress the parasites that are expelled from the body and confine them
3705within the mind. The ‘Seal Ball’ is a physical seal by means of having the parasite confined
3706by getting sucked into it like a curse; where the spirit of the parasite is decomposed and then
3707incinerated. Even then, further steps in the process are required. But once trapped,
3708Tatsuya's job is finished and an expert can take over.
3709Overall, the training itself is self-explanatory.
3710Mikihiko summons spirits and deliberately pours in power to create a runaway state. Tatsuya
3711would then go and restrain them with Non-Systematic Magic to compress the spirit, putting it
3712into a stable, frozen state. In addition, the Information Body is covered with Psions that are
3713then mixed with the spirit, combining everything together.
3714Is it like trying to contain radioactive waste by surrounding it with glass?
3715A separate container, an object for sealing, needs to be prepared beforehand. Thus,
3716enabling the preservation and storage of the parasite that would then later be separated
3717from the container, and then processed thus rendering it harmless. This prevents the
3718parasite from flying away and eroding the mind of other humans.
3719"I can feel that I’m getting closer."
3720Tatsuya had started on Thursday and was far from completing the magic. He was getting
3721there little by little while tinkering with it.
3722"Is that so?"
3723Tatsuya doesn't respond to the praise that was given to him by like he always does, but he
3724still recognizes that the magic has progressed since his time compared to when he visited
3725Yakumo.
3726"Yes, I’m sure of it."
3727"...There’s no point in being negative. I will help you as much as you want."
3728"As much as I want..."
3729Tatsuya wasn’t dissatisfied with these words and they continued training.
3730Thanks to the help of his friend, Tatsuya managed to get to even closer to the completion of
3731the ‘Seal Ball’.
3732[Seven]
3733It was Sunday morning when Tatsuya received word from Fujibayashi.
3734"Special Officer. The USNA military has notified us that a transport plane from Hawaii will
3735arrive at the Zama Base tomorrow. They used their agreement for the search of Major Sirius
3736with us to make the arrangement."
3737“Well it seems like we have no time to rest.”
3738"I guess you could say that."
3739As expected of STARS, they used their agreement with Japan in order to send more
3740reinforcements to find Lina. However, given the fact that this request came directly from
3741STARS shows that the influence of the parasites has grown considerably within the USNA.
3742Fujibayashi had a very concerned look on her face.
3743"Well, please tell me when you would like me to go there."
3744“Special Officer. No... Tatsuya. Do you really plan to take them all on by yourself?"
3745"It will be okay if I go alone, I have been working with someone to perfect a countermeasure
3746that can be used against parasites.”
3747"Is that person from the Yotsuba Family? Or one of your school friends...?"
3748“My family is focusing on something else.”
3749Tatsuya didn’t give a clear answer, he didn’t want them to bother his friend that he needed.
3750Although he had come closer, ‘Seal Ball’ is still unfinished, so he still needs someone that
3751can capture the parasite itself.
3752Fujibayashi decided to just drop it.
3753She thought Tatsuya had no intention to tell them anything, but that he ‘will catch the
3754parasites’.
3755"...When will you be there?"
3756"As soon as they get there tomorrow, immediately after their arrival."
3757"Okay… Tatsuya, please be careful. If you need any support, Major Yanagi will be on
3758standby."
3759"I understand, if support is needed, I will be counting on him."
3760Saying this, Tatsuya tried to make the mood less dire.
3761However, Fujibayashi understood what he truly meant.
3762Tatsuya won’t be relying on their support.
3763"Yes. But I hope that won’t be necessary. ”
3764She didn’t want to leave this situation up to luck. It was her job to trust her own judgement to
3765make sure her troops would succeed.
3766Still, she couldn’t force herself to say any of this.
3767Having finished the conversation with Fujibayashi, Tatsuya decided to leave.
3768Even while she was there during the call, Miyuki was still uncertain on some areas.
3769“Onii-sama... What should I be doing tomorrow?”
3770Six months ago, the old Miyuki would have never had asked this. She would have expected
3771to either tag along with Tatsuya or make up an excuse to join him no matter what. But
3772Miyuki has since realized that she is one of Tatsuya’s weaknesses and she doesn’t wish to
3773be a burden to him anymore.
3774“Look after Minami.”
3775This was Tatsuya’s decision. He doesn’t believe that Miyuki needs to fight against STARS
3776It’s not that he thinks she is inferior to them, because he knew she wouldn’t be beaten by the
3777top of STARS.
3778However, he doesn’t want her to take any unnecessary risks. This was the true intention
3779behind Tatsuya’s words.
3780If you attack, it is inevitable that you will also be attacked.
3781So not getting involved is the best solution.
3782However, the situation with Minoru is different. If she defends Minami from Minoru, it won’t
3783get her involved with the USNA.
3784This would also mean that the USNA’s parasites won’t go after Miyuki.
3785“We still haven’t confirmed Minoru’s whereabouts. I want you to keep an eye on things at the
3786hospital, while I am fighting another battle.”
3787“Understood.”
3788Miyuki had heard what he had said.
3789However, she knew what his real intentions were.
3790Miyuki also understood that she didn’t want to bother him while he is completing his mission.
3791"Onii-sama, I will do as you say."
3792Having understood this, Miyuki promised to follow Tatsuya’s instructions.
3793â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3794Minoru, who had left Regulus and Raymond behind, headed to Nara alone. Zhou still has
3795some connections in Nara that Minoru was able to use. Last autumn, he had collaborated
3796with Tatsuya to uncover a part of it, but the power of ‘wealth’ was still useful for ‘ordinary
3797people’, who posses no magical power.
3798Minoru is currently residing in a private house that belongs to such an ‘ordinary person’.
3799"He really was a strong opponent...."
3800Thinking about Zhou, Minoru started to talk to himself.
3801Like Minoru said, he really was a formidable opponent.
3802But now because of him, Minoru was able to move around comfortably.
3803He made it as far as he could safely, but he is now about to enter the territory of the Kudou
3804Family, who are waiting for him.
3805His destination was the Ninth Research Institute, or rather the 9th institute used for magical
3806research, the place where the magic of the magicians of ‘9’ has come from.
3807Here, he intended to take more of the sealed parasite dolls that have been kept here.
3808After the fight against the Saegusa and Juumonji families, Minoru strongly realized his
3809limitations. Even though he made an agreement with Raymond and Regulus, they had their
3810own work to do, but two extra men won’t make that big of a difference. And he also wanted
3811to have his own people.
3812So, Minoru realized that he should use the parasite dolls.
3813Even though the production of the parasite dolls was stopped, because of the ethical
3814reasons behind it, since a parasite doll, like the name suggests, is a parasite and something
3815that dangerous shouldn’t be used as a magician, this didn’t mean that the Kudou Family
3816stopped perfecting the ones they already had.
3817The parasite dolls, which were damaged during its test, were repaired and sealed in the
3818warehouse of the former Ninth Institute. Even if they were sealed, he could just unseal them,
3819but the problem lies with trying to escape, which would be difficult to do with just his own
3820power.
3821Even after the Kudou Family stepped down from the Ten Master Clans, the Ninth Institute
3822still remained under their control.
3823Even if they don’t know that Minoru would go for the dolls, the former Ninth Institute will still
3824be heavily guarded by the Kudou Family.
3825His grandfather Kudou Retsu must be waiting for him.
3826If you don’t enter a tiger’s den, you can’t get its cub.
3827And the former Ninth Institute is definitely a ‘tiger’s den’.
3828â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3829The head of the Yotsuba Family, Yotsuba Maya, entrusted the investigation of the illegal
3830immigrants to the Kuroba Family.
3831Kuroba Mitsugu, the family head of the Kuroba Family had two excellent twins.
3832The older sister, Kuroba Ayako. And the younger brother Kuroba Fumiya.
3833They were both second year students at Fourth High School and go to school on the
3834weekdays.
3835When Maya asked them to lead the investigation, they thought that ‘If the task is given to us
3836by the Main House, we can give it priority over school’.
3837But they weren’t having a lot of luck with the current guessing game that they were playing.
3838Sunday, June 30th.
3839Ayako and Fumiya had come to Kansai International Airport.
3840"We haven’t gotten any good leads."
3841"Even when we looked at the identity of the illegal immigrants who had been photographed,
3842they barely had any information about what happened after the fight."
3843Ayako, who had no real gratitude for the work the police had done, listed her problems with
3844them to her younger brother.
3845Their direct contact in the case was Kurosawa, the person who discovered Regulus and
3846Raymond. After they had dined with him and learned about what happened during and after
3847the time of their discovery, it was up to them to continue their search.
3848By the way, the one who invited them to dinner was Kurosawa himself.
3849"It seems like you knew that police officer from before, didn’t you?"
3850"It was just a coincidence that I knew Kurosawa from before.”
3851Her familiarity with him has to with a previous mission.
3852Ayako stayed near Tatsuya for a month during the summer holiday when she was in junior
3853high school three years ago. In this vacation, she was in a school that was for girls of the
3854same age.
3855Of course, work was involved. It was a disgusting investigation.
3856Ayako had finally completed her mission to clear out an unlawful criminal organization that
3857was brainwashing upper-class children to turn them into their operatives. At the time,
3858Kurosawa was still in training but was also investigating this case. That’s when they met.
3859The dinner bill was paid by the Kuroba Family. After leaving the police station, the two of
3860them were having tea alone.
3861"But in the end, this didn’t give us any clues, did it?"
3862"It wasn’t without any clues."
3863Fumiya asked Ayako to explain with an impressed expression.
3864“The two men suddenly disappeared from sight after they closed in on a manned taxi and
3865none of the people pursuing them had seen them enter a passenger car. And while the men
3866were recorded leaving, they had a different appearance than what was recorded at the
3867airport. When that car drove off, the cameras outside of the airport didn’t see that same taxi
3868again."
3869Fumiya interrupted his sister and looked in the eyes.
3870"Does this look like a situation where magic has been used?"
3871"...The Kudou Family’s ‘Parade’."
3872“Yes, and there is only one person from the Kudou Family who would cooperate with
3873parasites.”
3874"He became a parasite the other day and fought with the Yotsuba. Kudou Minoru, it can only
3875be him."
3876Ayako answered Fumiya, and she was convinced that this was the correct answer.
3877“The illegal immigrants are people from STARS that have come to Japan.”
3878To Fumiya’s claim, Ayako showed agreement.
3879Fumiya and Ayako reported their hypothesis that the STARS members that invaded the
3880country were being helped by Minoru of the Kudou to their father, who is the head of their
3881family.
3882As a result, their father told them to stop investigating, then he instructed them to return and
3883to go to the former Ninth Institute to give them this information and to patrol the area at night.
3884Needless to say, they were giving priority to going to the Institute.
3885"...Anyways, I wonder if the Kudou Family is going to help us?"
3886While they were in the car heading to the Institute, Fumiya unconsciously let out her
3887skepticism. They were in a car, not a taxi, one their family used. Fumiya and Ayako had left
3888the convenience of their home to go live in an apartment. They didn’t go to Kansai by train
3889today, but they used a car that they had taken when they left their family’s home. It took
3890some extra time, but this was natural when you consider that the Institute was located in a
3891rather awkward place outside of the city.
3892"I hope we get to speak with His Excellency, and not with his son."
3893These words by Fumiya were more like a monologue, but Ayako still answered him.
3894In addition, the ‘son’ refers to current head of the Kudou Family, and the father of Kudou
3895Minoru. His Excellency refers to Kudou Retsu.
3896He is revered as the leader of the Japanese magical world, and is given the title of
3897‘Patriarch’, but Tatsuya hates this name and calls him ‘His Excellency’. He also used to be
3898the general of the National Defense Forces.
3899Ayako and Fumiya used to call him the ‘Patriarch’, but when they heard that Tatsuya calls
3900him ‘His Excellency’, they also started calling him this.
3901Since they used a car and not the train, and because they hadn’t had dinner, it was already
3902dark when they arrived at the former Ninth Institute. They currently were in the sunniest
3903period of the year, but the sky before the rain season is always cloudy, which prevents any
3904sunlight from going through.
3905Like they had thought, Kudou Retsu had been waiting for them, and he had immediately
3906responded to Ayako’s offer and let them in.
3907Ayako and Fumiya walked to the living room. In a short amount of time, they had explained
3908why they came to the former Institute, despite it being a Sunday.
3909"There is currently some tension in our family, especially when we think about what Minoru
3910has done..."
3911Among his grandchildren, he liked Minoru the most. But he felt sad that, although he was
3912blessed with magical talent, he wasn’t able to demonstrate it because of his health.
3913Perhaps other grandchildren wouldn’t like to hear this.
3914But maybe they already know this.
3915From an objective point of view, it cannot be said that Retsu gave everyone in his family an
3916adequate amount of love. Perhaps in the Kudou Family, he had only directed his love to
3917Minoru.
3918"It's already late. Would you like to have dinner here?"
3919Having finished their conversation, he made a suggestion to Ayako and Fumiya. The two
3920may have felt sorry for him that he was alone in such a situation and Ayako felt that Fumiya
3921also wanted to. So she didn’t have the courage to refuse them.
3922"I’d gladly get some food ready for you."
3923"...Thank you. Then we shall accompany you."
3924In the end, Ayako accepted his invitation as to not hurt their feelings.
3925â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3926(The sun will be setting soon...)
3927Minoru was hiding in the shadows, while observing the Ninth Institute from a distance.
3928The area was now completely dark, because the sun was about to set.
3929And thick clouds covered the sky.
3930Indeed, this really made him look like a demon.
3931When a person meets a demon and gets defeated, the demon becomes stronger.
3932Minoru started to go over the operation and his objective.
3933There are currently only a few Ancient magicians with the ability to bind parasites to a body
3934in Nara. Most of them were magicians who came here with the help of Zhou and his
3935connections. Since he wasn’t around anymore, they decided to head back to the mainland.
3936Tatsuya and Katsuto have no way of completely binding a parasite. They may have some
3937other means to subdue one of them, but in that case it would escape by using the method of
3938igniting itself. This self-destruction does destroy the body, but the parasite itself will not be
3939destroyed. This was also part of the reason why he wanted to get more parasites.
3940Minoru walked to the front gate of the Institute.
3941Normally the attack he was about to use was suicidal.
3942But even if he had used it, he wouldn’t die because his body would be able to heal him.
3943Using magical power beyond your own limit while also using this magic at point-blank
3944range.
3945Instead of getting a wound that could kill him if left unattended, he demonstrated his power
3946by breaking the gate with only one blow.
3947â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3948Ayako and Fumiya who had just finished their meal looked towards the direction of the Ninth
3949Institute.
3950Retsu did as well but it was only Fumiya that jumped up.
3951"Why isn't the proximity alarm working?"
3952In other words: ‘Why isn’t the alarm warning us that a suspicious person is approaching?’
3953"... Could it be related?"
3954When no one else said anything, he answered his own question.
3955There was a magic barrier that was supposed to be practically undetectable.
3956The field interferes with magical waves. It covers a vast area around the Institute and about
3957half of the outside area. They realized how serious the situation was.
3958“It is a cover-up barrier which was setup by some of the best of Japan.”
3959"Your Excellency, I think Minoru has arrived."
3960It was Fumiya who reminded Retsu why the barrier could have been turned off.
3961“If it is Minoru, his aim must be the Parasite Dolls.”
3962“Do you mean the humanoid weapons that were tested at last year’s Steeplechase Event?”
3963“Did you know?”
3964“Yes, I had some involvement in it.”
3965Ayako turned it into a quick interrogation.
3966"Oh, then that would make this somewhat easier."
3967After answering Ayako’s first question, Retsu started monologuing about the past:
3968“Was Fumiya the one that stopped us that time...? Well, sorry, the parasite dolls are sealed
3969in the warehouse on the north side, could you help me? I will come as soon as I have
3970finished checking up on the situation on the inside of the institute.”
3971"We understand."
3972There was no real reason for the two of them to obey him.
3973However, Kudou Minoru is also an enemy of the Yotsuba Family.
3974If Minoru is going for the parasite dolls, then his aim must be to build up his own military
3975strength by getting extra followers.
3976So it is the natural duty of the Yotsuba Family to prevent an enemy from obtaining more
3977military strength.
3978"Let's go, sis!"
3979"Okay."
3980Ayako agreed to Fumiya’s plan of action.
3981â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3982The security of the former Ninth Institute was not an opponent that Minoru could take lightly.
3983But ──
3984(This is nothing compared to Mayumi-san and Juumonji-san.)
3985It only took a short while but Minoru arrived at the warehouse where the sealed parasite
3986dolls were kept.
3987The other day, when he became a parasite, this kind of lock wasn’t here. He saw the electric
3988lock and felt that he had been careless.
3989(── No, wait.)
3990Just to be sure, he decided to take a couple of steps from the gate that leads to his new
3991helpers to make sure he couldn’t get hurt, and released ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ that he
3992had gotten from Zhou.
3993‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ got near the electric lock.
3994Immediately after that, a powerful electrical discharge could be seen near the lock.
3995(... That is dangerous)
3996It seems like the current voltage is strong enough to be able to kill someone.
3997Even Minoru, if he had accidentally touched it, he would have been incapacitated for a while.
3998(You wouldn’t be able to activate any protection magic fast enough if you were to be
3999attacked by this… Is that the intended purpose?)
4000Perhaps it had been set up by his grandfather, Kudou Retsu.
4001As expected of the former ‘best in the world’.
4002Nevertheless, Minoru noticed that the electrical current had destroyed part of the console so
4003he decided to use ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ again, and again he created some distance.
4004Being close to such a high electrical current still is very dangerous. However, the console
4005had been damaged by the previous discharge, so his ‘Silkworms’ could enter now.
4006He once again used ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’.
4007The electronic circuit of the console that was used for the electric current had indeed been
4008destroyed.
4009The silkworms were able to activate the signal to open the door, and they were Minoru’s
4010invitation inside.
4011At the same time when he passed through the door, Minoru’s afterimage was attacked.
4012Unlike the other day, it seems like they had also placed guards inside of the warehouse.
4013Moreover, these weren’t one or two people. Instead, he felt the presence of 5 or 6 people,
4014coming for his head.
4015(It’s great that they thought this far ahead, but this won’t be enough to stop me.)
4016In his mind, as someone from the Kudou Family, he felt that he couldn’t kill these people.
4017The battle was over in less than a minute.
4018The all six magicians had lost consciousness.
4019â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4020Fumiya and Ayako did not go directly to the warehouse, like they said they would.
4021Instead they went to a nearby parking lot where their personal vehicle was parked that they
4022used to get here.
4023Fumiya grabs his CAD that best brings out his ‘Direct Pain’.
4024"Young master."
4025“Kudou Minoru has shown up! Contact the Yotsuba Family head and my father, after that,
4026wait here and make sure we can leave if necessary!”
4027"I understand."
4028Without further instructions, the black clothed young man turned away, having understood
4029his purpose.
4030Fumiya took the black knuckle-duster from the glove compartment near the back seat.
4031He put it on his right hand.
4032Slightly changing, this specialized CAD fit perfectly inside of his hand.
4033"Sister, if you will!"
4034"I understand."
4035Ayako points to the north side of the site.
4036"That'll be enough."
4037From their current position to the warehouse.
4038"I will go by roof."
4039"Well, my older sister shouldn’t push herself too much."
4040"I will remain vigilant."
4041Fumiya have her an anxious smile, and then Ayako sent him away using ‘Mock
4042Teleportation’.
4043Fumiya disappeared.
4044And he almost instantly appeared again on the roof which was 8 meters away.
4045â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4046Minoru sensed powerful magic being used towards the warehouse.
4047(Mock Teleportation?)
4048It isn’t a magic used for direct attacks but more often used to send fighters to certain
4049locations faster.
4050Someone was on the roof.
4051However, Minoru didn’t care about that and instead focused on the magic he was working
4052on.
4053"──Done!"
4054Suddenly, he said this.
4055Immediately after that, a hole appeared in the ceiling of the warehouse.
4056The material, able to withstand explosives, was destroyed by his magic in mere seconds.
4057The magic he was using is called ‘Oxidation Decay’, this kind of magic is a specialty for him.
4058It removes electrons from solids and deprives them of intermolecular bonding. Although it’s
4059power wasn’t as great as when Minoru used it himself, with his new abilities through the
4060parasite, the magic has become more practical to use.
4061“Kuroba Fumiya!”
4062Minoru watches as this figure jumped to the other side of the hole he just made. He
4063recognized him from the last year’s Rookie Monolith Code event.
4064Fumiya didn’t respond to Minoru and thrusted his fist out forward.
4065(A knuckle-duster?)
4066A black painted glove was attached to his fist, but he was more than ten meters away.
4067Minoru was confused and didn’t know what Fumiya was doing.
4068Suddenly, Minoru was struck by immense pain.
4069(Was I struck in the stomach somehow?)
4070Minoru changed the controls of his body, more directly, the connection between the brain
4071and the nervous system in order to cut off the pain.
4072(The pain won’t go away!)
4073However, his abdomen is still in pain.
4074(This is bad!)
4075Feeling threatened by this unknown attack, Minoru fired off a series of ionized air bullets
4076called ‘Plasma Bullets’ at Fumiya.
4077However, Fumiya quickly shot down all of the ‘Plasma Bullets’, and once again thrust his
4078right hand towards Minoru.
4079"Goodbye!"
4080Feeling an incredible amount of pain, Minoru put his right hand over his right eye.
4081He had a pain in his right eye that felt like it had been crushed, but this sensation didn’t line
4082up with his findings that his eye was fine.
4083Minoru kneels down in pain.
4084(I lost?)
4085His head was filled with the feeling of defeat.
4086How could this happen?
4087Without any ‘hope’, and in order to achieve his goal, Minoru used a spell that was basically a
4088self-destruction spell.
4089â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4090Fumiya’s ‘Direct Pain’, which directly damages the mind, was very effective against
4091parasites.
4092It was unexpected that he couldn’t defeat Minoru with one blow, but he was kneeling down
4093with two shots. Even if someone was looking at this from the outside, it would have been
4094clearly shown that Fumiya was one step away from victory.
4095However, when Fumiya was about to launch his third ‘Direct Pain’, he felt a strong sense of
4096danger.
4097It wasn’t just his intuition, he could tell that a large area around the warehouse was caught
4098up in Minoru’s magic.
4099(Really!? NOx Out!?)
4100Fumiya yelled this in his heart.
4101‘NOx Out’ is a magic that causes NOx, or nitrogen oxide, to appear around him.
4102Specifically, it is an absorption magic that forces oxygen and nitrogen in the air to combine.
4103The compounds produced nitrogen dioxide, which is extremely toxic, and is mainly used with
4104magic to create nitrogen monoxide. However, nitrogen monoxide is also toxic. If you breathe
4105it in, you lose consciousness in a few minutes. Because of this feature, it is called ‘NOx Out’
4106or ‘Knockout.
4107The effect of this magic on humans is not only a loss of consciousness due to nitric oxide. By
4108consuming a large amount of oxygen in the air it also creates an oxygen-deficient condition.
4109In enclosed spaces, this magic can cause a large amount of damage.
4110Minoru designated the whole warehouse in his range and released his magic. He didn’t need
4111to specify any safe zones around him, which one would normally do.
4112(Are you trying to commit suicide!?)
4113Fumiya felt insulted, but he had yet to take in the fact that parasites could rely on their vitality
4114and healing power when they used this ‘repulsive tactic’.
4115He went to the entrance and pressed the button to open the door. He was lucky that Minoru
4116had only destroyed the external console, and that the system on the inside was fine.
4117The door’s logistics worked without a problem and it opened smoothly.
4118When Fumiya jumped out of the warehouse, he still moved away by about twenty meters
4119just to be safe.
4120â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4121Minoru’s body had stopped working after the nitrogen monoxide affected his central nervous
4122system and he was exposed to oxygen deficiency. But the parasite within him did not lose its
4123ability to recognize what was going on around him.
4124(You guys, go!)
4125Minoru ordered the sixteen parasites to start fighting.
4126Minoru has just released all their seals. They were only frozen in the first place, so once
4127unfrozen they were ready for combat.
4128In the meantime Minoru returned the nitrogen oxide in the warehouse back to normal oxygen
4129and nitrogen.
4130When the air became breathable, his healing ability started working automatically.
4131He collapsed face down and began to raise himself with his own hands.
4132“If I had been a human being, I would have been defeated.”
4133Minoru muttered this in a bitter and weak voice.
4134â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4135It took Ayako only a minute to travel fifty meters.
4136Their true enemy was in a one on one battle.
4137But it seems like there were also other magicians here. These were Ancient magicians from
4138the mainland.
4139Ayako’s ability is not suited for direct confrontations. Her ability to use wide-area magic is
4140great, but this isn’t the right situation for it.
4141Nevertheless, she wasn’t about to hide or run away. She is capable enough to support the
4142magicians fighting alongside her.
4143She cut off the enemies who were attacking one by one, and she took a breath. These
4144fighters weren’t necessarily weak, but they were decently competent. Ayako thought that the
4145minimum requirement needed to defeat her would be competence.
4146There were also some fighting alongside of her. There was one person, who was facing
4147seven enemies. However, those seven people weren’t fighting at the same time, and they
4148kept getting knocked down one by one. They had no cooperation at all.
4149In addition, the attack patterns of the enemies were all the same. Ancient magic is a type of
4150magic that is an expert at controlling the opponent’s five sense, and beating them with a
4151surprise attack that they couldn’t block. But this magic still loses to modern magic in terms of
4152speed.
4153The leader of the enemies is probably using this. Nonetheless, Ayako was being attacked by
4154a variety of things, such as fireballs, electrical shocks that emit light, and wind that can
4155influence the air currents.
4156"I wonder if they are being controlled?"
4157Magic, which deprives the enemy of their own ego to turn them into a slave for battle, exists
4158in the Yotsuba Family. The fact that their leader can control them to such an extent shows
4159his aptitude.
4160She made herself remember that Kudou Minoru has the ability of hypnotic suggestion. She
4161made a mental note and resumed her battle.
4162But before she could even take three steps, Fumiya was seen jumping out of the warehouse.
4163The parasite doll leading the attack on him was a female doll.
4164Ayako knew her.
4165It wasn’t a combat magician.
4166A parasite doll. A human-like existence that uses demonic magic.
4167A number of parasite dolls followed the female doll and attacked Fumiya.
4168Another group split off and faced Ayako.
4169â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4170Fumiya shouldn’t be trying to defeat the parasite dolls. Minoru is the one who is in control of
4171the group. These dolls are an autonomous weapon, so if you were to defeat Minoru, you can
4172overwrite their previous orders with the help of the Ninth Institute.
4173However, even if Fumiya tried to slip past the parasite dolls in order to get to Minoru, the
4174parasite dolls would not allow it.
4175As soon as he jumped in the air in order to escape, two parasite dolls followed after him at
4176an even greater speed. Fumiya noticing the signs of magic, jumped to the side, but the
4177parasite dolls took notice of his movements and mirrored his own actions.
4178These parasites specialize in specific magics. In respect to that, they are closer to being
4179supernatural-power users than magicians. The mobility of one of these parasite dolls is
4180specialized and clearly surpasses Fumiya’s skills.
4181(Can they feel pain?)
4182Fumiya launches ‘Direct Pain’ at the approaching parasite doll.
4183But there was no change in the behavior of the parasite doll.
4184(Did I miss?)
4185Fumiya was feeling frustrated.
4186In this interval, two parasites caught up with him.
4187One of the parasite dolls waved their left hand, and steel threads extend out from inside its
4188wrist.
4189Fumiya reflexively cast a shield to deflect the attack.
4190The steel threads, hidden in the darkness, wound around Fumiya from above the shield.
4191The other parasite had a spear type weapon, but at the end it had two separate blades with
4192a narrow space in between.
4193Light appeared between the two blades.
4194The parasite doll threw the short spear that was simultaneously releasing an electric
4195discharge.
4196Fumiya headed straight towards the parasite doll that casted the steel threads.
4197The threads loosen as he gets closer, and by rotating himself counter-clockwise, he
4198unwound the steel threads.
4199The other parasite doll is coming up from behind Fumiya, with their blades drawn.
4200Fumiya leans forward to avoid the blades, but in the next moment the parasite doll with the
4201steel threads wrapped its arms around Fumiya.
4202The parasite doll falls to the ground with its arms still wrapped around Fumiya.
4203Fumiya tried to use ‘Direct Pain’ on the parasite that clung to him.
4204But──
4205Again, it had no effect.
4206(This won’t work on them!?)
4207Fumiya finally figured it out, his ‘Direct Pain’ is a magic that directly attacks the mind and
4208makes the body feel pain. The parasite dolls cannot feel this pain, because it is housed
4209inside a humanoid machine, with no pain receptors.
4210Before the impact Fumiya casted ‘Inertia Control’ but it was insufficient. He was only able to
4211reduce the damage enough to avoid fracturing any bones.
4212“Fumiya!”
4213Ayako’s desperate scream stopped Fumiya from thinking about his current situation. When
4214he looked in Ayako’s direction, she was completely surrounded by three parasite dolls.
4215Her ‘Mock Teleportation’ has no function that allows you to slip through physical obstacles,
4216so she is unable to get away.
4217Ayako had called out to him because she was concerned about his fall, even though she
4218herself was in danger.
4219“Get out of my way!”
4220Fumiya was boiling with anger.
4221So he yelled out to her.
4222Fumiya was able to shake off the parasite doll attached to him but using ‘Acceleration
4223Magic’, the other parasite doll was struck in the face as Fumiya passed by it.
4224"That was a warning!"
4225He cut the face of the parasite with a knife he had in his hand. His CAD has two parts, the
4226one is used for his actual CAD, the other part can be used to carry a weapon.
4227He didn’t chase the parasite that he had just stunned.
4228Instead, he activated self-acceleration magic.
4229He quickly reached one of the parasite dolls that was surrounding his sister.
4230Right before his fist made contact, a repulsion field was cast on that parasite doll. This
4231ended up destroying it’s core.
4232With the source of its power turned off, the doll stopped working.
4233The parasite was shaking silently and then continued to fall down.
4234Fumiya, who had broken a part of their setup, pushed through using his knuckle-duster CAD,
4235and stretched his hand towards Ayako.
4236"Ayako, we’re going to leave!"
4237Turning around, Ayako noticed that she was no longer being contained.
4238Ayako used this opening to cast ‘Mock Teleportation’, and they both disappeared from the
4239area.
4240And right before Fumiya left, he thought he heard Minoru scream.
4241â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4242Minoru recovered from his paralysis with the healing powers of the parasite inside him. He
4243now turns his attention to the outside of the warehouse.
4244The battle continues, and it’s clear that none of the parasite dolls have been destroyed yet. It
4245seems that using the parasite dolls against Fumiya was the right call. Minoru’s goal today
4246was to strengthen his fighting force, so he has no need to win the fight. He plans to make his
4247escape with ‘Ghost Walker’ while the parasite dolls keep his opponent occupied.
4248Minoru heads towards the entrance of the warehouse, and suddenly feels sluggish as if he
4249was drunk.
4250(Is ‘NOx Out’ still in effect? No, that’s not it.)
4251Minoru doubted so, but this is without a doubt a symptom of nitric oxide, and it was magic
4252used by someone other than himself.
4253‘NOx Out’ is normally a very small scale magic, so this would need to be in effect in the
4254vicinity of Minoru’s head. He had perfected this intricate magic without it being taught to him
4255by others.
4256Minoru generated a descending air current and blew the nitrogen oxide and oxygen
4257deficiency that was occurring around him. And as he searched for the magician who
4258attacked him, he senses someone near him.
4259“Grandfather!”
4260The man stood not more than two meters away from Minoru.
4261Minoru couldn’t believe that Retsu was able to appear so close to him without him realizing
4262it.
4263“I didn’t expect that you would be able to notice me… it truly is regrettable.”
4264Retsu was behaving as if he wasn’t in front of an enemy.
4265“I didn’t really appreciate you, did I?”
4266Retsu was filled with remorse and sorrow.
4267“I don’t think you have realized your worth. You never really understood what you were
4268looking for.”
4269“I loved you.”
4270“I felt sorry for you.”
4271“I thought, at least, that I must protect you.”
4272“But…..”
4273He turned and lifted his face, as if to look at the sky.
4274It seemed like he was trying to stop himself from tearing up.
4275"I must have been mistaken."
4276The words telling him the opposite couldn’t leave Minoru’s lips.
4277── That’s not it grandfather.
4278── You have done nothing wrong grandfather.
4279In the end, however, he couldn’t say this.
4280He felt that he is no longer able to talk to his grandfather like that when he is no longer
4281human.
4282“I know you were the kind of person that wished to accomplish something in your life, rather
4283than stay sick in bed. My affection for you must have felt like a burden to you.”
4284"............"
4285"But, Minoru..."
4286His tone suddenly changed.
4287"I can’t accept the way you are now!”
4288His regret has become his enemy, and his enemy can’t be left alone.
4289"I can’t call you a human anymore, and I will not overlook the existence of this demon that
4290looks to take revenge on this world."
4291"Grandpa, I'm still me!"
4292He had no intention to harm the world. But as Retsu spoke, he was unable to keep quiet.
4293“The Ten Master Clans have decided to capture you without killing you, but if you are to be
4294imprisoned, it is likely that you will be treated like an experimental animal. It would be too
4295much for me to bear.”
4296Minoru was shocked to hear all of this from his grandfather.
4297He also understood his grandfather’s intentions.
4298“It's a pity, but your grandfather will be your guide to the netherworld.”
4299Signs of magic could be sensed.
4300Minoru’s human heart tried to accept what was coming.
4301But his spirit as a parasite refused to perish.
4302Minoru suddenly regained consciousness. Or it might be better to say that he has regained
4303his sense of reality.
4304It felt like he had been sleeping, while standing.
4305The fighting was still going on outside the warehouse.
4306The time spent listening to his grandfather didn’t seem like it lasted more than a few minutes.
4307He looked around his own body.
4308His clothes were covered with burns and tears, but his wounds were already healed, so even
4309now the parasite’s healing power was doing its work.
4310He looked up.
4311In a direct line in front of him.
4312A lone figure was lying on the floor of the dark warehouse.
4313Who is that? Was the first thing that came to mind.
4314But he got a response quickly after that.
4315"Grandfather!​"
4316He yelled and ran up to him.
4317Although he fell on his stomach, he quickly grabbed him with his hands.
4318But no matter how much he tried to move his shoulders and wake him up.
4319He knew.
4320My grandfather is dead.
4321I killed him.
4322"NOOO!"
4323A scream came out of his mouth.
4324Minoru’s heart was in anguish.
4325His heart felt as if it was breaking, because he recognized the horrible fruits of his labour.
4326Minoru, who attacked the Ninth Institute, left the institute with fifteen parasite dolls.
4327What was left behind, was a piece of Minoru’s heart and a former great magician ──
4328It was the corpse of Kudou Retsu.
4329â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4330“His Excellency Kudou has died….”
4331Tatsuya learned about what happened at the Ninth Institute late that night when Fumiya
4332called him.
4333"Yes… I couldn’t do anything...."
4334"That’s wrong, Fumiya."
4335Tatsuya wanted to try to calm Fumiya down.
4336Tatsuya’s words is what Fumiya needed.
4337To Tatsuya, it didn’t seem like he had done anything wrong.
4338"You did well, in addition to fighting Minoru, you also had to deal with a group of parasite
4339dolls, so your retreat was inevitable."
4340"... Is that true?"
4341"Yes."
4342"... Thank you, Tatsuya-san."
4343“Don’t worry too much about His Excellency. This was originally an issue for the Kudou
4344Family, and that there is no need for the Yotsuba Family to take responsibility for what
4345happened at the former Institute.”
4346"Okay..."
4347Then Ayako, who also came on screen, also reacted to the words of consolation.
4348This call was taken in Tatsuya’s room, so Miyuki wasn’t here to hear the news.
4349It was already late in the evening so he decided to tell her tomorrow.
4350Tatsuya also wanted to analyze the information given to him while it was still fresh in his
4351mind.
4352──Minoru stole fifteen parasite dolls.
4353Tatsuya is familiar with the parasite dolls’ fighting abilities. They can share a single will with
4354their telepathic abilities, and become a stronger fighting force when they work together.
4355Moreover, it is the parasite Minoru, who has these same abilities and is leading the group. It
4356isn’t too hard to imagine, but this will not be an easy opponent to deal with.
4357[Eight]
4358On Monday at First High, the entire school and possibly all Magical High Schools are
4359mourning the death of Kudou Retsu, respected as an ‘Old Master’ whom was a symbolic
4360existence to the Japanese Magic Community.
4361Earlier in the day, during lunch, Tatsuya was at a lunch table discussing about Kudou Retsu
4362with his friends.
4363"I didn’t know that he was sick..."
4364After Mizuki said this, Honoka tried to change the topic.
4365"Did you know, Tatsuya-san?"
4366"No, I didn't and even when I was talking on the visi-phone with him I didn’t notice that he
4367had a special condition."
4368The cause of death was announced to have been death from illness, as it would be a
4369plausible reason, since it couldn't be said that he was killed by his grandchild because the
4370child would be made out to be a monster by others.
4371"Is that so...?"
4372"Are you and Miyuki going to attend the funeral?"
4373To Erika's question, Miyuki opened her eyes.
4374"I haven’t heard anything about that… But why would we?"
4375"Since you are a member of the Ten Master Clans, and Tatsuya is your fiance, I don’t think it
4376would be weird for you guys to be invited to the funeral."
4377"Oh, I see, I forgot about that."
4378Leo’s expression showed that he was convinced of Erika’s reasoning.
4379"If I am invited, I will attend, but it would be to pay my respect to him for helping me during
4380the Nine Schools Competition two years ago."
4381Tatsuya was talking about the time he assaulted a member of the board who was trying to
4382use ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ on Miyuki’s CAD.
4383In fact, there was another big problem during last year’s Competition, but he hadn’t ever
4384talked about it, so it was unnecessary to mention it now.
4385"Ah, that is important ..."
4386When this situation was mentioned, Shizuku remembered what had happened two years
4387ago during the Nine Schools Competition.
4388She remembered how she was defeated by Miyuki.
4389But the topic of the Nine Schools Competition isn’t a happy one. This year’s Competition was
4390canceled, and it can’t be said that Tatsuya was uninvolved in the matter.
4391“The Competition may have been canceled this year, but in a sense it also gives us the
4392opportunity to mourn the Master.”
4393However, the girl that mentioned this wouldn’t really care about this ─ No, Erika may have
4394been trying to say the opposite.
4395“Rather, it would be the opposite, because he liked the Nine Schools Competition.”
4396Thus, Tatsuya and Erika had the same line of thought.
4397Lunch break had ended and everyone was getting up from their chairs.
4398"Hey Miyuki, Tatsuya?"
4399Erika wanted to talk to Tatsuya and Miyuki about something.
4400"What is it?"
4401"Uhm"
4402Erika had a dry mouth when she wanted to respond to Miyuki’s question.
4403She immediately realized that it was difficult to ask them this in front of everyone.
4404“If you want to talk, use the headquarters of the Public Morals Committee. No one should be
4405there currently.”
4406Mikihiko mentioned this.
4407He seemed to have an idea about what Erika was trying to ask.
4408"Let’s go, Miyuki."
4409"Okay Onii-sama, Erika, shall we go?”
4410Tatsuya got Miyuki, and Miyuki got Erika.
4411"Okay."
4412Naturally, Erika had no problem with this idea.
4413As Mikihiko said, the headquarters was empty.
4414Using the key belonging to the Student Council President that Miyuki has. She, Erika and
4415Tatsuya entered the room.
4416Miyuki then created a sound insulation field that covers the entire room.
4417They sit down at the long table and it’s completely clean going of Mikihiko's personality to
4418keep things tidy compared to the mess that existed when Tatsuya had first entered the room.
4419Then Erika started talking,
4420"I heard about what you’re doing tonight from Mikihiko."
4421Miyuki turned around and looked at Tatsuya’s face, who was sitting next to her. He didn’t
4422look particularly surprised and just sat there.
4423"What will you be doing, Miyuki?"
4424She wanted to know what Miyuki will be doing tonight, because this was something Erika
4425didn’t know and was interested in.
4426"I will accompany Minami-chan until Onii-sama returns."
4427"To watch out for Minoru?"
4428"Yes."
4429"Then I want to do that too."
4430Erika wanted to go. Not as a guide, but to fight.
4431"Can I come?"
4432She knew that she was asking a lot from them.
4433"To Minami?"
4434"Yes."
4435"Tonight?"
4436"Yes."
4437Erika continued to speak quickly after this.
4438"I know Leo will be near Mikihiko in order to protect him so he wouldn’t be defenseless."
4439Tatsuya hadn’t heard this part of the story from neither Leo nor Mikihiko. Perhaps they were
4440going to mention this to him after school.
4441"Do you really understand what you would be doing?"
4442"Of course."
4443He knew that Erika can be both brave and reckless, so Tatsuya treats her like Leo.
4444"If you really understand what you’re getting yourself into, then I would like your help.”
4445Erika, who anticipated Tatsuya to be opposing her request, was somewhat surprised.
4446Erica looked from Tatsuya to Miyuki.
4447"How about you?"
4448“Erika: I'm not used to fighting, like Onii-sama, so I can’t protect everyone, even if you are in
4449a tough spot, are you still fine with that?”
4450"No, on the contrary, I wasn’t going to be protecting you either."
4451"...So what do you think, Onii-sama?"
4452Miyuki left the decision to Tatsuya.
4453“What Erika does, doesn’t really bother me.”
4454Tatsuya looked at Erika.
4455"Are you prepared for what’s to come?"
4456"Of course."
4457To Tatsuya’s provocation, Erika responded with a fearless smile.
4458This was a bluff made by Tatsuya. He didn’t believe that Minoru would be making a move on
4459the hospital anyways based off the events of the day before.
4460The ones at a higher risk will be Mikihiko and Leo.
4461â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4462That night, near midnight, a starry sky was out.
4463The moon hasn’t come out yet. But it was supposed to come out at around midnight.
4464Tatsuya is at a parking lot, at a large park two roads across from Zama Base. It’s on the
4465other side of the base where the base isn't visible from the parking lot.
4466"Leo, are you good?"
4467Tatsuya saw Mikihiko and Leo arrive together and he just asked this even though he wasn’t
4468really worried.
4469"You don’t need to worry about Mikihiko, so don’t force yourself for my sake too much,
4470okay?"
4471Leo, who was listening to Tatsuya, seemed displeased.
4472“Originally, I didn't want to involve you and Mikihiko.”
4473"But you need us?"
4474To this question from Mikihiko, Tatsuya reluctantly had to admit that he was right.
4475Mikihiko would have probably been a little more subtle and say something like,
4476"If I was alone, and if you were busy, I could still be attacked, but with Leo there, that risk
4477would disappear."
4478Though Mikihiko uses distance magic, by use of a spell, if he were to get attacked in a
4479counterattack it would be up to Leo to get involved.
4480"I didn’t have a choice."
4481He knew that complaining now was useless. He had already confirmed Leo’s resolve after
4482school.
4483In addition, it could be troublesome if he needs to be concerned about Mikihiko while moving
4484around the base, so having someone protect him is perfect ── And at the moment, Tatsuya
4485finds Leo more reliable than the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
4486“I will rely on you this time, Leo, so protect Mikihiko for me, okay.”
4487"Yeah, leave it to me."
4488"Oh, I will."
4489He got on his motorcycle. Both the ‘Freed Suit’ and the motorcycle ‘Wingless’ that Tatsuya is
4490wearing and riding are developed by the Yotsuba Family. The strategy for this night is
4491supposed to be unrelated to the 101​st​Brigade. Though reinforcements have been deployed,
4492they won't appear unless a real emergency appears, otherwise they are set-up in hidden
4493positions.
4494"I’ll be back."
4495He closed the visor of his helmet and started his motorcycle.
4496A USNA military transport airplane had just arrived and it has slowly been moving down the
4497runway. Fujibayashi had looked before at the arrival and departure records and found
4498nothing and that no other military aircraft had landed in over a week and that this is the only
4499one.
4500(It’s about time they came.)
4501A parasite was definitely on board of the plane. Like Minoru, they emit an unfamiliar wave
4502pattern. But is it really the same?
4503(Four parasites in total, less than I expected but only one of them stands out because it
4504posses a high level of magical power....)
4505Tatsuya, who was observing with Elemental Sight, did all of this while on his motorcycle
4506along the road beside the base and chosed to switch ‘Wingless’ to its flight function before
4507the parasites got off the plane.
4508â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4509Getting off the transport aircraft that landed at Zama Base is Alexander Arcturus, the
4510Captain of the STARS' Third Unit.
4511(Have we been spotted...?)
4512One of the people in the vehicle, Arcturus, started to monologue. He didn’t say this out loud,
4513but in his heart.
4514He can feel that there's movement nearby, but can't make visual contact within his line of
4515sight.
4516If he is being watched by a magician, this could explain it.
4517So he used the magic, ‘Multi-scope’, that allows the user to monitor the area without blind
4518spots from various angles, and it’s made out to seem like a number of relay cameras in the
4519air. It is the same as being monitored simultaneously by multiple magicians, though this
4520doesn't mean that there is no particular direction.
4521Arcturus now felt something but he wasn’t able to discern what it was or from where it came.
4522However, he could still feel it.
4523It seemed as if he was staring at a God or Devil.....
4524This was probably the reason that he was distracted by this ‘gaze.’
4525"What is it?"
4526“Is that a motorcycle or….​”
4527Arcturus was not aware of the approach of a strange flying object, until one of his
4528co-passengers told him.
4529A small silhouette could be seen on a monitor in the plane.
4530When the alert system automatically used its automatic zoom and night vision function, they
4531saw that an ‘object’ was approaching their vehicle.
4532A motorcycle was flying across the sky, with the shadow of a single person on it.
4533The person raised their arm that looked like it was holding a handgun.
4534Suddenly a hole appeared in their transport vehicle.
4535The person then jumped off the bike.
4536Jumping off its motorcycle onto their vehicle, and then into the cabin through the hole that he
4537had created.
4538Moments later, the alarm system inside of the plane went off.
4539â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4540Tatsuya who was flying towards the transport aircraft pulled out his specialized-type
4541handgun CAD from his suit holster.
4542His ‘Silver Horn Custom Trident’
4543He used his ‘favorite CAD’ to activate ‘Decomposition’.
4544He created a hole just large enough for him to jump through into the plane.
4545He switched his ‘Wingless’ to its autopilot mode, and jumped into the hole.
4546Landing on the floor of the plane in a slightly prone position. Immediately after this, the hole
4547in the wall of the transport plane disappeared.
4548It was repaired with ‘Regrowth’.
4549He locked himself in the room of the plane to not let any Parasites out.
4550An American soldier in the cabin who was sitting there didn’t know what to do and neither did
4551Tatsuya immediately.
4552But this soldier was a parasite.
4553Tatsuya rushed at the parasite who was closest to him.
4554He holstered both CADs.
4555He had a thin, short, needle-like knife that he held with his right hand with a fine patterns
4556carved onto the narrow blade.
4557The parasite, who Tatsuya was going for, started to activate magic to try to fight back.
4558Then Tatsuya stuck out his left fist, not the fist holding the knife.
4559But before impacting the parasite, the left fist that was clenched before, now opened.
4560At point blank range, the parasite was defeated with an ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’,
4561The parasite let out a scream.
4562And it was then pierced under its left clavicle that Tatsuya had held in his right hand.
4563â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4564"It’s coming... !!"
4565In the parking lot, two roads across from the base, a seal that Mikihiko had prepared
4566reacted.
4567This seal allows him to find out that a parasite was nearby.
4568The thin, short, needle-like knife Tatsuya had, was a tool that has a curse on its blade.
4569In Mikihiko's left hand is a fan, the item paired with the cursed knife.
4570He pulls out a charm that's reacting in his right hand and activates a sealing technique.
4571â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4572The parasite that had been convulsing, stopped as if it were like a puppet whose strings had
4573been cut.
4574The parasite collapsed on the floor still with the knife pierced under its clavicle.
4575The inside of the body had been disturbed by the Psions from the ‘Armor-Piercing Psion
4576Bullet’, meanwhile the sealing technique was causing the spiritual and physical links to start
4577trembling as it was flowing in.
4578Even if the knife were removed, the sealing technique couldn't be removed since it’s been
4579engraved into the bone.
4580With the magic skills of Mikihiko, he was able to have the parasite remain asleep in a state of
4581suspended motion.
4582Did we just hear our colleague scream?
4583All the American soldiers reached for their waist all at once immediately.
4584They all reached for their guns without any hesitation.
4585Tatsuya then decomposed more than 20 assault carbine and submachine guns at the same
4586time.
4587Once they lost their guns, in their heart, the American soldiers drew a blank.
4588Tatsuya then went on to ‘process’ the second parasite during this time, and thus the
4589repeated convulsions and weakness appeared when it was being sealed.
4590He then moved onto the only owner of the magical power that was alarming.
4591â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4592Arcturus couldn't understand what was going on in front of him.
4593Suddenly a hole opened up inside of the transport vehicle and disappeared as if he was
4594dreaming.
4595However, the attacker who jumped through the hole hadn’t disappeared.
4596A distance away, newly added colleagues, former Stardust members were sealed in a short
4597time.
4598Those from Stardust with an experimental body are just awaiting death.
4599They were supposed to escaped from their inevitable deaths when they became parasites.
4600The friendly soldiers on-board aimed their guns at the intruder.
4601They weren't parasites, but to them it looked as if the intruder had killed one of their own
4602even if he was just in a sealed state.
4603The number of muzzles pointed at the intruder was over 20. No one would be able to escape
4604from them within such a narrow plane. Even if one were to be wearing a bulletproof vest, at
4605this range, they wouldn't be okay when shot at.
4606Then, at that moment, a powerful magic was used throughout the cabin, it wasn't just
4607powerful, it was accurate, with no waste, a truly pristine magic.
4608More than 20 assault carbine and submachine guns fell apart into pieces. The magazines
4609spit out bullets and those rolled out over the floor. No bullets were fired from the guns.
4610Once again, the unexpected situation that Arcturus was seeing, was the killing of his friends
4611by once again, a marvelous magic.
4612Then Arcturus took out his Tomahawk to slash at the intruder.
4613His forte is to fight at mid-range with ‘Dancing Blades’. Though he is originally well-known for
4614his use of Spirit Magic to remotely control weapons to attack his enemies, for this, magic of
4615the Mental-Interference System isn't great for direct attacks. Fighting in such a narrow space
4616as a magician isn't good.
4617But he isn't a weak ‘magician’ that can only use magic. He was inexperienced in melee
4618combat with a Tomahawk until he had joined STARS.
4619Wielding his Tomahawk, grasping it and swinging it down in intervals.
4620He thought that even though the intruder wouldn't be defeated with a single blow, they
4621wouldn't be able to avoid the timing of the swings.
4622However, not only did the intruder not get hit, they disappeared from right in front of
4623Arcturus.
4624He then turned to look at his back.
4625What Arcturus saw was a scene where he saw that his third friend was grabbed and a knife
4626was stabbed under their left clavicle with the intruder’s right hand. He then saw that his
4627friend’s body started to convulse.
4628── Thus, his last companion had also been sealed.
4629It wasn't the intruder in front of him that was using magic to seal them.
4630Even if he were to defeat the intruder in front of him, the sealing wouldn’t be stopped.
4631This thought flashed through Arcturus’ mind.
4632Arcturus threw the Tomahawk in his hand.
4633The Tomahawk broke through the wall of the transport vehicle and flew into the sky.
4634â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4635Tatsuya looked back at the signs of a strong magic.
4636The third seal had completed and there was nothing more to do beyond that and it was only
4637natural for him to go after the final and strongest Parasite.
4638However, the magic from the fourth person wasn't directed at him.
4639Unbelievably, the Tomahawk broke through the wall of the plane and flew out into the night’s
4640sky.
4641Wondering what the person was trying to do, Tatsuya used his Elemental Sight to trace the
4642Tomahawk.
4643He then pulled out his knife to attack the person, his opponent being Alexander Arcturus, the
4644Captain of the STARS' Third Unit.
4645When consciously releasing Elemental Sight, the information appears in Tatsuya's ‘eyes’.
4646Unlike with Lina and Minoru, he doesn't possess the ability to camouflage his information
4647body.
4648He attacked Arcturus' knife that was coming at him.
4649His ‘Freed Suit’ includes a fully thought-operated CAD that was attached to his CAD
4650holsters.
4651At point blank range, Tatsuya ‘decomposed’ Arcturus’ knife into sand.
4652An ordinary soldier, not a magician nor a parasite appeared behind Tatsuya.
4653Tatsuya turned his body and threw the solder at Arcturus from where he was standing.
4654Arcturus catches the soldier.
4655Tatsuya then releases a penetrating shock-wave from his fist upon the back of the soldier.
4656In martial arts, Tatsuya’s technique is but an imitation of that of a master but his also
4657incorporates magic.
4658Even if it was an imitation, this still made the power same.
4659Arcturus’ bulky body, at 185 centimeters tall, was knocked back.
4660Tatsuya reaches out, pulling the soldier by the neck with his right hand and then, in reaction,
4661thrust out his left hand at Arcturus.
4662An ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’ was in his hand.
4663Arcturus gasped.
4664Stretching out the fourth dagger with his right hand, Tatsuya tried to pierce Arcturus’ left
4665clavicle.
4666But Arcturus’ left hand blocked it.
4667Though the ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’ is effective, it wasn't enough to make Arcturus lose
4668his combat strength.
4669In fact, he started to collect plasma in his right hand.
4670This would result in Lightning strikes that are used in Ancient magic.
4671(So since you are still able to counterattack, does this mean you still have some kind of
4672independency from the parasite?)
4673Before the electric shock was released from Arcturus’ right hand,
4674Tatsuya struck out his left hand at Arcturus’ solar plexus again.
4675Arcturus started to collapse.
4676The electricity that was once in his right hand, had disappeared.
4677Once again Tatsuya had repelled Arcturus, managing to allow him to pierce under the left
4678clavicle with the knife in his right hand.
4679Confirming the operation of the sealing technique.
4680Tatsuya then escapes from the transport through a hole in the floor, without confirming the
4681results with the naked eye.
4682â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4683"Something’s coming!"
4684While raining his voice, Mikihiko tensed up.
4685Leo fully focused his five sense while asking, “what?”
4686Then he caught the sound of something cutting through the wind.
4687An object was approaching at high-speed.
4688Even at this speed it wasn’t as fast as a bullet or missile, but it still exceeded 200 km/hr.
4689It was still moving quicker than a baseball that’s been hit or even slightly faster than a tennis
4690ball that’s been served at high-speed.
4691Leo had decided to apply his experience in dealing with such speeds.
4692Leo's eyes grasp that a Tomahawk, the something that Mikihiko yelled about, was
4693approaching.
4694It was a rotating Tomahawk.
4695In the corner of his eyes, he also caught the appearance of several soldiers that were hiding.
4696But Leo did not wait for them.
4697It was an instinctive behavior for him to stand out in front of the Tomahawk for Mikihiko.
4698This wasn’t his survival instinct.
4699But his fighting instinct.
4700"Siegfried!"
4701Leo hardened himself.
4702Extending both hands of his hands towards the object, his hand was able to grasp the
4703Tomahawk, thus intercepting Arcturus’ ‘Dancing Blades’.
4704The product an Ancient Magician strengthened, Leo was able to catch this with his
4705reinforced body when using Siegfried.
4706As a result, Leo's Convergent Reinforcement Magic was able to overcome the trump card of
4707Alexander Arcturus, the Captain of STARS' Third Unit.
4708Leo confirmed that he had completely stopped Tomahawk; Leo then got down to the ground.
4709However, he did not release the Tomahawk that he was holding at the top of the blade and
4710at the handle.
4711Mikihiko didn't notice that Leo had become his shield.
4712He concentrated on sealing the parasites. It must have been due to him being convinced
4713that Leo would protect him.
4714Thus, Arcturus who tried to intrude through Zama Base was sealed along with three other
4715parasites.
4716â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4717An aircraft carrier made port at Yokosuka Base where the USNA’s Armed Forces are
4718stationed.
4719They arrived at night due to departing for training in advance, which is what was reported
4720to the Japanese side.
4721But they had not been notified of this.
4722The state-of-the-art multi-seat VTOL fighter was on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier.
4723The Japanese army did not know that this was a plane launched from a super-large sized
4724submarine with a flight deck.
4725The Japanese military wasn't informed of this and didn't know that the aircraft that was
4726supposed to have a radar interception officer and a weapons system officer, instead had
4727several female officers aboard the multi-seat fighter aircraft.
4728These three women were,
4729Charlotte Vega
4730Zoe Spica
4731Leila Deneb
4732The female officers from STARS were turned into parasites after Lina left the USNA. They
4733infiltrated the Yokosuka Base on Monday night of July 1​st​, 2097.