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1	CHAPTER ONE
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5	This news reached Japan at about 7 am on April 1, 2097.
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7	Tatsuya and Miyuki arrived yesterday from Okinawa, watched an emergency news release sitting at the dinner table.
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9	 - ... This is not an April Fool's joke?
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11	 - The usual third-rate jokes would be more appropriate. - Frowning, Tatsuya answered Miyuki, who asked in a frightened, unbelieving voice.
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13	 Using the remote control, Tatsuya divided the monitor screen in the dining room into 4 parts. Each part of the screen showed news with subtitles on different channels. Everywhere it was talking about the same bad news.
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15	 - ... Apparently, it's still not a joke.
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17	 The area of Santa Cruz in the territory of the former Bolivia in South America, local time on March 31, 17:00. In a battle between the Brazilian army and independent armed guerrillas, which continued uninterruptedly for three months, the embattled Brazilian army used Strategic Class Magic "Synchronized Linear Fusion".
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19	 - The scale of the explosion is estimated at several kilotons? ... The problem is, in what situation was the magic used. If around a mountain or a desert, then the damage was limited only by the fighting forces.
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21	 "What if they used it near urban areas or refugee camps ...?"
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23	 - In this area there are often fights, therefore there should not be many civilians.
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25	 Immediately after Tatsuya answered Miyuki, the news showed an official message from the Brazilian army.
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27	 - ... The epicenter of the explosion was in the center of the ghost town, in which guerrillas were based. About 1000 dead, only members of the armed partisan organization became victims. - Tatsuya read the text from the screen with a grim face. His face was not pale, but his eyes expressed despair. Under the fixed gaze of Miyuki and Minami, who are looking at this uneasy expression, Tatsuya continued his evasive tone in an uncharacteristic manner. - I did not think that "Synchronized Linear Fusion" would be released for such a quantity of enemy.
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29	 - ... Then, the actual number of victims ...
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31	 - At the moment I can only say that there are more of them. However, there is no doubt that among the victims there are not only the guerrillas of the battle.
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35	- How so!? Miyuki was indignant at Tatsuya's suggestion. Sitting opposite, Tatsuya stretched out his right hand and laid it on Miyuki's left hand. Miyuki did not become enthusiastic, as usual in such a situation. But to some extent the anxiety passed.
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37	- Because the division of guerrillas combat forces and civilians in this case is ambiguous. For example, in the regular army, supply teams are also considered to be a combat force, but people providing partisan supplies are generally classified as civilians. - Having said this, Tatsuya raised his hand from Miyuki's hand to her head.
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39	"Even if we worry about them, there's nothing we can do now." - Tatsuya slightly patted Miyuki's hair. It was a rough movement with such a gentle hand. Fixing her hair, Miyuki looked at Tatsuya relaxed and clearly was happy. Seeing that Miyuki had calmed down, Tatsuya again looked at the monitor showing the news.
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41	"Despite everything, Brazil seems to have easily recognized the use of Strategic Class Magic ..." Tatsuya muttered, talking to himself. It was just an expression of doubt, but for Miyuki it sounded like an ominous prediction that "an era is coming when Strategic Class Magic will be used quite often." Miyuki felt the chill run over her back growing into a small tremor all over her body.
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45	â—Š â—Š â—Š
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48
49	 9 am. Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami came to school, despite the fact that there were spring holidays. Although Tatsuya was worried about getting further information about the use of Strategic Class Magic, but, unfortunately, they had a planned schedule. Because of their stay in Okinawa until yesterday, the meeting to prepare the entrance ceremony for the school was postponed.
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51	 With the graduation of previous high school students, and with the start of the new academic year, in a few days Tatsuya and his peers will become pupils of the third, final year. In October of last year, the new school board of First High was, as usual, assembled from the most well-known and top-ranking students on the list of pupils.
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53	 But this did not mean that Tatsuya had strong emotions about this. He did not have to suffer a sense of responsibility, like Miyuki. He could only hope as much as possible that there would be no problems.
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55	When they entered the school board room Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami were already expecting Izumi, Kasumi and a first-grader who will represent the newcomers of this year. Kasumi was as a replacement for the head of the disciplinary committee, who could not come.
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57	It seems that the representative of the newcomers, Mitsuya Shiina, was familiar with Izumi and Kasumi for a long time, because they were talking lively when the three entered, headed by Tatsuya.
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59	 "Miyuki-senpai, have not seen each other!" Ah ... Today you are beautiful, as always ... No, you have become much more beautiful ...
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61	But at the same moment, when Izumi noticed Miyuki's appearance, she jumped up from the chair she was sitting on.
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63	 "Good morning, Izumi-chan." Thank you for doing various things in my absence. - Miyuki was taken by surprise by the enthusiastic greeting of Izumi, but she could skillfully reply with gratitude with a smile on her face.
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65	 "Miyuki-senpai, these are undeserved words of praise!" Ah, is it true that such happiness happened to me? ... - These were not just words, Izumi was literally ready to faint.
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67	 "Izumi-chan, you're exaggerating." - Miyuki smiled and lightly rebuked Izumi. Miyuki knew already from personal experience, what it is not to stop, until she herself will say a couple of such words.
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69	 "Kasumi-chan, and good morning to you." Thank you for your work on replacing Yoshida-kun.
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71	 - Good morning, President, Shiba-senpaii, Sakurai-san. "Unlike the twin sister in the clouds, Kasumi responded with a polite greeting to the proper junior high school student. After Tatsuya's and Minami's answer, amidst the awkward silence that arose, Miyuki drew attention to the new one.
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73	 - Good morning. It's nice to meet you, Mitsuya-san. I am Shiba Miyuki, the president of the school board of First High.
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75	 - Good morning. My name is Mitsuya Shiina. Nice to meet you. - Shiina with a strain on her face bowed to the wide-smiling Miyuki. Dark brown lush airy hair slightly jumped, and it became clear that she was wearing headphones. Raising his head with a face expressing the cry "A ~ ...!", Shiina tried to remove her headphones in panic. But Miyuki took the initiative.
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77	 - All is well. I know about your situation.
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79	 - ... Sorry. I will make sure that this does not stand out at the inauguration ceremony. "She looked shyly, looking at the floor. However, not only Miyuki, but also Tatsuya and Minami did not blame her for being impolite for wearing headphones before the high school students she had just entered. Not even talking about Kasumi and Izumi, whom she had known before, everyone here knew about the "situation" of Shiina.
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81	 Shiina does not listen to music or radio. Her headphones are some kind of earplugs. These "headphones" were made in the style of a head hoop with ears covering the ears. However, unlike the usual closing ears from the external sounds of the headphones, these had built-in microphones on the outside of each cup, and the speakers inside. She used this device because she was not able to withstand loud sounds.
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83	 It was slightly different from hypersensitivity. In her case, the rumor was really beyond the limits of just sensitivity. Shiina will hear in the form of sound, even the smallest air swing, which can never be heard by ordinary people.
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85	Like Mizuki's hypersensitivity to pushions, her "symptom" manifested itself with the development of magical power, so it is believed that it is associated with magical susceptibility.
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87	 However, unlike Mizuki, Shiina perceives not psion or pushion waves, but a real physical sound.
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89	 She does not have problems with controlling magical feelings.
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91	 The magic scientists who diagnosed her came to the conclusion that "she is constantly unconsciously using magic that amplifies hearing," but there was no sign of magic. And attempts to suppress the amplified hearing magically ended with side effects, like blocking all magical perception.
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93	 Such a solution would be suitable for normal daily life, but for a magician this was a significant drawback.
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95	 Eventually, having received sound isolating headphones, which with the help of a microphone and a speaker automatically adjust external sound to an acceptable level, Shiina was able to combine everyday life with the life of a magician.
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97	 When Shiina goes to official events, she uses headphones hidden in her hair with a neck strap. However, the built-in microphone and speaker still have a certain weight and load their ears for a long time, so using headphones with a head hoop is still easier for her.
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99	 - At the admission ceremony it will be better to wear something that is not striking. But for the usual daily wearing at school, I think, is quite suitable. In our school there is no person, including teachers, who would reproach you for this. So do not worry, including right now.
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101	 - Yes ... Thank you very much, Shiba-senpai.
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103	 Tatsuya picked up the words to smoothly translate the conversation to the topic of the meeting. He also had a goal to say that you can use headphones "permanently". Since this was a delicate topic, which, if the words were not chosen correctly, could sound too harsh, he decided not to let Miyuki say it.
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105	 However, Shiina seems to have embraced Tatsuya as caring about her, and bowed with an apologetic smile. In Tatsuya's eyes, this bow was, although not the same as that of Miyuki, but still pretty handsome.
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107	 And yet, Tatsuya's speech was able to remove some of Shiina's anxiety from the thought "I'm to blame." The preparatory meeting for the opening ceremony, which began after that, was held in a peaceful atmosphere.
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109	- I think that this speech is quite suitable as an official response.
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111	 - Good. - Shiina agreed with Miyuki's words.
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113	Her expression was hard to read, because she was not used to such things.
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115	- If you are not sure what to remember, then you can take the text with you.
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117	- No, it's okay ... probably.
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119	"Miyuki-senpai, there will be no problems." Because Shiina-chan has a good memory.
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121	She smiled modestly after these words of Izumi. Thus, the meeting with Shiina continued smoothly and ended in two-thirds of the planned time. Probably because during the absence of Miyuki, Izumi was well prepared. She also had a good grasp of the routine, and did not have to repeat what she had already said. Apparently, she had already heard in advance from Kasumi and Izumi about what would be discussed at this meeting.
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123	She is also from the Ten Master Clans, but of a different age. Shiina seems to be quite familiar with Kasumi and Izumi, probably because the main houses of their families are located in the same central district of the capital. Shiina has a rather big age difference from the other brothers and sisters of the Mitsuya family, so perhaps she had more motivation for new acquaintances with her peers.
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125	Thus, the meeting with Shiina ended at 11 o'clock. But for Miyuki and other high school students there was still much to do at the school. And for Shiina today's responsibilities are over.
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127	"Shiina-chan, good work." That's enough for today.
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129	"Actually, Shiina and I were going to have dinner together, but it's still a bit early."
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131	After Izumi's words, Kasumi said this with the expression "what a nuisance" and smirked at Shiina. To which Shiina responded with her tense smile.
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133	"Um ... I did something in honor of meeting all of you ..."
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135	Saying this, Shiina took out a picnic basket from the sports bag that was next to her.
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137	Shiina opened the lid of the basket. There lay piled in perfect order "pancake sandwiches" the size of a palm, each of which was wrapped in a separate sheet of paper. For convenience, so that the contents could protrude and not spoil the hand, round pancakes were folded in half, covering themselves with a filling in the form of cream and fruit.
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139	- Uwaa, today also looks appetizing! "As Kasumi, who was cheered up, noticed, and the shape, color, and swirling smell skillfully evoked the appetite.
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141	"Shiina-chan is really good at making sweets." - said Izumi, smiling with a glance in the basket. - Miyuki-senpai, she put so much effort, do you want to try?
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143	"If you do not mind, of course." - After the words Izumi offered Shiina with a timid smile.
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145	Seeing Tatsuya showing her eyes with consent, Miyuki said:
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147	"Thank you, Mitsuya-san." Then, if you suggest, I'll try.
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149	She took a pancake and brought it to her mouth.
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151	- Delicious. - Miyuki smiled at Shiina, and there was not a trace of her cream on her lips and teeth from the freshly baked pancake.
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153	"Um, Shiba-senpai, do you want to?" Or do not you like sweet things? - A slightly reddened Shiina suggested to Tatsuya.
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155	- I'll try.
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157	Tatsuya took a pancake and ate it in two bites. Tatsuya's face which was covered with chocolate cream, had received a napkin from Pixie to wipe his lips, and a drink to wash it down, at least did not show that he was overzealous. Stress from the face of Shiina passed.
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159	- Minami, try too.
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161	After Tatsuya's words, Minami stretched her hand to the basket. And as if at a signal, after that Izumi, Kasumi and Shiina herself had taken from the basket a "pancake sandwich."
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169	Realizing that the anxiety was in vain, and the home-made sweets were unexpectedly popular, Shiina walked from school with an easy gait. Her thoughts, before meeting with Miyuki, filled with tension and anxiety, were now full of optimism in the spirit of "We got along unexpectedly well."
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171	"Perhaps from the very beginning it was not worth it to be afraid that this president of the school council is the heir of the Yotsuba family."
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173	 Even entering the same Ten Master Clans, the Yotsuba family was considered exceptional. The world community of the family Yotsuba and Saegusa are regarded as two equivalent pearls of the magical world of Japan, but Yotsuba still outperforms in real magical abilities. The Saegusa family only looks like it's standing with the Yotsuba shoulder to shoulder because of their ability to solve political issues by numerical superiority. ... All this Shiina heard from her older sisters and brothers.
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175	 That's why she was so afraid of the first meeting with Miyuki, imagining what a terrible witch she would turn out to be.
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177	Miyuki's appearance Shiina had seen before. She attended the Nine Schools Competition in the past and the year before.
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179	 However, her too beautiful appearance caused Shiina's impression "I don't think she's human." And too strong magic inspired fear of the kind "she is beyond the limits of humans."
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181	In January of this year, when Shiina learned that Shiba Miyuki actually is in directly related with the Yotsuba and is an heiress, she was not at all surprised at this. On the contrary, she was completely convinced of this. The heiress of the "Demon of the Far East" should be a true "Demonic Princess". This and similar thoughts naturally came to mind.
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183	However, during the face to face conversation this impression seemed completely inappropriate. Not to mention beauty, elegance and greatness were not at all like ordinary people. It was the image of a princess, no, even a queen. Shiina did not feel today any demonic evil, which fear she was prejudiced. Except for incredible beauty and strength, everything else was normal. She was discouraged, not seeing the eccentric characteristic of powerful magicians.
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185	But concern about relations has not completely disappeared. Another person from the Yotsuba, Tatsuya, evoked from her an incomprehensible sense of fear and mystery. However, Shiina felt that he, too, was not a threat to her.
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187	 "Until we become enemies."
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189	 "It will be very good if you manage to make friends with them."
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191	 "While the Mitsuya family does not commit any foolishness against the Yotsuba family, there's nothing to fear."
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193	Having come to this conclusion, Shiina relaxed.
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195	After all the anxiety and stress, she was even a little in high spirits.
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197	- Shiina. - She almost jumped from surprise when she was called after she left the school gate.
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199	 - Saburou-kun ...!
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201	 She could not avoid the increased tone of voice, although otherwise unseemly behavior was not noticeable.
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203	 "Shiina, good work." - However, it seems, it did not worry the guy with long hair who called her, which was now a rare phenomenon. At least, he showed no excitement.
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205	 "Have you waited all this time?" I told you that you can come home sooner.
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207	 - You finished faster than expected. Besides, I, like security, cannot leave you as a mistress, and go home.
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209	 "The guards say, despite the fact that ..." Shiina looked puzzled at the looking sullen fellow.
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211	The name of this guy is Yaguruma Saburou. She and Shiina were born with a difference of 2 days and are close friends of childhood since birth. By the way, Shiina was born before.
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213	The Yaguruma family has a lineage of magicians of ancient magic, but for more than 30 years they have been maintaining a mercenary relationship with the Mitsuya family. Because of their birthday, it was decided that the boy Saburou will become an escort for Shiina. However, this agreement was canceled even before entering the high school of magic.
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215	 Because the magical power of Saburou did not develop to the expected level.
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217	 Together with Shiina, he became a pupil of First High. However, he entered the second course.
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219	 Saburou's parents advised their son to enter another, ordinary school. Saburou has one older brother and one older sister, but they both did not attend magic high school. The magic of the Yaguruma family from the very beginning did not meet the requirements of the formation of modern magic.
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221	 The older brother and sister learn magic from their grandparents, they were allocated a room in the Third Research Institute which is still open for this purpose.
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223	 However, in spite of everything, Saburou stubbornly wanted to enter First High to be near and protect Shiina. However, Saburou did not have the most necessary component in this situation - a magical talent. His predisposition to magic was meager not only as a magician of modern magic, but also for a magician of ancient magic.
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225	 But still Saburou was able to enter First High . Although he said that "it's because I cannot live like an ordinary person," it was clear to all of his family and the Mitsuya family that it was for Shiina.
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227	 As a result, even though Saburou did not receive a duty to protect Shiina, he was even allowed to go with her to the same school. That is, he was allowed to be with her, as before.
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229	 "So, how did it go?" Saburou asked his childhood friend, ignoring her words meaning "do not need to be guarded" (in fact, she did not mean it, but Saburou understood them so.)
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231	 - How did it go?
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233	 However, Shiina could not understand what this rather abstract question was about. Although they were friends of childhood, it was not always possible to understand each other with a half-word.
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235	 - Well, it's ... the most.
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237	 However, it seemed that Saburou thought that it would be quite natural to understand him even without details. For the first time, wondering what exactly he should ask, Saburou looked terribly irritated.
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239	 "Uh ... I meant how a meeting with people from the Yotsuba family was." Shiina, I've been so worried about you all morning.
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241	 "Oh, then it's all right." Apart from Shiba-senpai, President Shiba herself is a kind person.
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243	 - Not to mention? Is everything alright?
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245	 Saburou more alarmed, about the words about Tatsuya than worried about Miyuki. After all, Shiina is a beautiful innocent girl. In Saburou's opinion, there is no man who does not take an interest in such a beautiful girl, no matter how beautiful his lover is. So the words, like "apart from Shiba-senpai," inevitably caused him anxiety.
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247	 - What's normal? Are you about Shiba-senpai?
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249	 - Yes. If he looks dangerous, it's better not to meet him alone ...
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251	 For Saburou it was a very serious conversation.
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253	 However, Shiina laughed a little, as if she heard a silly joke.
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255	 - Saburou-kun, I would not go to a meeting, where I will be alone with any man, not just with Shiba-senpai.
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257	 Saburou wanted to say "I did not mean it" in protest. However, Shiina continued in a whisper earlier than he had done it.
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259	"But you are so worried about me, are not you?" Thank you.
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261	 - E-Naturally, I'm worried about Shiina. I'm your guard, after all. - Saburou shyly looked away, and responded in a quarrelsome tone. She smiled secretly, when Saburou could not see. However, aloud she did not comment on this self-imposed assignment of herself as an escort.
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269	Because of the unexpected morning snack from Shiina, the dinner was late, and Tatsuya ordered Pixie to include news on the monitor about the use of "Synchronized Linear Fusion".
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271	 Kasumi and Izumi did not object. It seems that everyone was interested in this major incident. When the wall display, usually divided into small parts, began to display the full news on the whole screen, all four except Tatsuya, involuntarily stopped their chopsticks.
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273	 - On other channels • About the same • content. - Pixie did not speak with the telepathic voice of Parasite, but through the speaker of the robotic body, and her speech was intermittent. Unlike magical engineering, in this area Tatsuya was, after all, an amateur, so the way of communication was so imperfect.
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275	 But this was quite enough for understanding the communication. Tatsuya nodded in response to Pixie and looked again at the screen.
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277	 But even if you did not look at the screen, the necessary information came through your ears.
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279	The latest data on the victims, voiced by the news anchor, were about 9,000 dead and 3,000 wounded.
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281	 This was significantly different from what was said in the morning news release. In the morning they said that there were only about 1000 victims, such differences are common in almost every case, when the number of victims increases as the situation becomes clearer. Such a big difference clearly shows an attempt to hide the truth, as well as the fact that this attempt failed.
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283	 The true meaning of using weapons of mass destruction should be in suppressing the desire to resist a large number of victims. Therefore, the understatement of the number of victims is a rather contradictory act, which may indicate that people in the Brazilian government are not united in their opinions. Or, perhaps, they will expose this as "counted victims of the implicit type"?
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285	 Recently, it is rare to see that the scale of the damage reached 12,000 people (unless you consider "Scorched Halloween," of course), but, regardless of this, Tatsuya was concerned about the poor balance between the killed and the wounded.
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287	 Tatsuya did not know what kind of magic it was - "Synchronized Linear Fusion", and how it is arranged. But he knew what it looks like and what effect it has.
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289	Heavy Metal Burst. Leviathan. Tuman Bomba. Army of Terra. Thunderclap Tower. Abyss. Synchronized Linear Fusion. Agni - Down-burst. Ozone circle. Bahamut.
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291	 Of the 10 types of Strategic Class Magic used by thirteen different magicians, only the "Tuman-bomb" of Igor Andreivitch Bezobrazzoff from the New Soviet Union still has no effects and appearance. For the others it is known how they look when activated and what effect they have (for some, only one of these two points is known).
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293	"Synchronized Linear Fusion" magic, the nature of which is fairly well known among all the published Strategic Class Magic. On the active demonstrations conducted by the Brazilian army, one can understand that the activation state can be easily recognized. In other words, the activation process is so noticeable that it's hard to hide.
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295	 "Synchronized Linear Fusion" accelerates high-density hydrogen plasma clouds, separated horizontally by a distance of several kilometers to several tens of kilometers, are accelerated towards each other. The clouds collide in the middle of the region, which is the target of the attack, which causes a nuclear fusion reaction there, as a result of which the target is destroyed by thermal and shock waves.
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297	 In order to obtain power comparable with the Strategic Class, each of the innumerable protons of a plasma cloud must collide with another proton almost simultaneously. Although fundamental information is not known about how this accuracy is achieved, it clearly has the same effect as a pure hydrogen thermonuclear bomb. The destructive force is inversely proportional to the cube of the distance to the epicenter. In other words, as the distance from the collision point of the plasma cloud increases, the destruction power drops sharply.
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299	 But in this case, the number of dead significantly exceeds the number of wounded.
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301	 Usually, in areas with a low population density, the wounded should be much greater than the dead. It's not a question, if it was aimed at the accumulation of enemy forces. Although there is a problem of humanity, there should be no claims to the magician who applied it for military purposes.
302
303	 But what will happen if you aim it at the center of a large refugee camp?
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305	 This time the battlefield was the Santa Cruz area in the territory of the former Bolivia. Mired in a global conflict, also known as the Third World War, once Brazil occupied this territory, there was a strong armed guerrilla movement. Even at this time, irregular battles between the Brazilian army and guerillas continue, and as a result, many people become refugees. That is, refugees could potentially become victims of this battle. In the fight against enemies who are guerillas, this is inevitable. Unfortunately, it was a possible strategy. And if such an uncompromising mass slaughter was intentional, then not only those who ordered, but also the performers will not be able to avoid conviction.
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307	 It will be fortunate if in this situation the target for criticism will only be the Brazilian military Strategic Class Magician, Miguel Diaz. However, there is also the possibility that all magicians will be labeled as "enemies of humanity" as a whole. Tatsuya felt that the realization of such an opportunity made him dejected.
308
309	Despite the fact that the dinner was over and the news was off, the school boardroom was shrouded in a gloomy mood, but the work on the preparation for the receipt ceremony was progressing without delay. Not only Tatsuya and Miyuki, but also Kasumi, Izumi and Minami demonstrated their steadfastness.
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311	- Let's finish this for today. - When Miyuki announced the end of work for today, the time was about 16 hours.
312
313	"Um, Miyuki-senpai." - Preparing for home care, Izumi hesitantly spoke with Miyuki.
314
315	"What is it, Izumi-chan?"
316
317	"Is everything okay with Mitsui-senpai?" Maybe you should go and see her ...
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319	Honoka was absent today due to illness. She caught a cold immediately after her return from Kumejima to Tokyo. No matter how southern the Okinawa archipelago is, it was too early to go there in a swimsuit.
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321	"She must get better if she's alone all day." Also, a message came with a request to refrain from visiting her.
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325	If Honoka said this herself, then Miyuki would be worried that she "pretends to be strong." However, this message was from Shizuku. Since Shizuku will never do bad for Honoka, Miyuki thought that you can trust the words that she will be cured in one day.
326
327	Besides, if Izumi goes to visit, then naturally Miyuki will go with her, and this will mean Tatsuya's inevitable presence with her. Miyuki thought that she would not want Tatsuya to see her, lying with an inadvertently caught cold, as if she were lying with a serious illness. She was sure that Honoka had the same opinion.
328
329	- That's how it is ...
330
331	- I think if tomorrow it does not get better, then let's go visit her. Izumi-chan also wants to go?
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333	- I can go with you!?
334
335	- Yes, of course.
336
337	- I understand! I will certainly go!
338
339	Although in the end, almost nothing has changed, but Miyuki felt relieved that Izumi could be distracted by this. As a result, Izumi's gloomy mood, caused by news of the massive victims of Strategic Class Magic, has been slightly improved.
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343	â—Š â—Š â—Š
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346
347	 Miyuki somehow managed to distract her mind from the shock caused by using "Synchronized Linear Fusion", but she could not get rid of the thought that "people who cannot use magic" will consider magicians to be dangerous.
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349	 For an anti-magic movement, this can be an event that will help spread their countless complaints to society. Despite the fact that people were afraid of magical power, there were a large number of magicians controlled by the government. However, since the government has officially recognized the use of Strategic Class Magic, the fears of people who cannot use magic have come true.
350
351	 The Japanese government did not disclose any details of the attack that destroyed the naval base of the Great Asian Alliance in late October 2095. And on official requests of other countries through diplomatic channels, and requests for disclosure of details from the media, the answer was a refusal with the same words: "military secrets."
352
353	 From the situation it was obvious that Strategic Class Magic was used for this mass destruction, but the Japanese government did not recognize this. It was natural to hide the existence of the "Strategic Class Magician, a special officer named Ooguro Ryuuya," which could become a trump card in any war, but at the same time, in fact, there was no sense in justifying the use of the Magic of Mass Destruction / Mass Murder in a real war. If you confirm this, then likelihood of being attacked by Strategic Class Magic of other countries will also increase.
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355	 Even if it is such a "secret" that everyone knows, for the interested party it is still very important not to recognize it. Do not recognize officially - then do not use it openly. Even on October 31, 2095, despite using it in an emergency, a strong psychological load was required to make a final decision.
356
357	 Accordingly, similar officially opened weapons of mass destruction, too, there are similar obstacles to use. Like the principles "we do not want to use weapons of mass destruction." The use of Strategic Class Magic in real combat also obeyed these principles.
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359	 But this time, it is obvious that the Brazilian army used Strategic Class Magic, with an attitude toward it, like any other weapon.
360
361	Although they themselves did not say this, such an easy recognition of the use of "Synchronized Linear Fusion" is equivalent to such a statement. And the decisive factor of agreement was the fact that this magic is difficult to hide. The Brazilian government simply decided that using Strategic Class Magic as a means of resolving disputes is acceptable. Therefore, they made an official statement recognizing the use of ""Synchronized Linear Fusion"."
362
363	 "Scorched Halloween" greatly shattered the psychological barriers of the various armies of the world, preventing the use of Strategic Class Magic. And in this particular case, political barriers finally collapsed. Those who understood this reacted more aggressively than before.
364
365
366
367
368
369	United States of North America (USNA), New Mexico, a neighborhood of the city of Roswell. Local time: 15:00, 1 April. In Japan, it's now 6:00, April 2.
370
371	 "The uprising in Mexico !?" - There was a cry of a young girl at the headquarters of "Stars", a magician's corps subordinated directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the army of the USNA. "Even for an April Fools' joke, the quality is very bad, Sylvie.
372
373	Major Angelina Sirius, the commander-in-chief of the Stars, with a strained smile looked at the assistant who had become her friend since the time of the secret operation in Japan, the warrant officer Sylvia Mercury First.
374
375	 Lina hoped that Sylvia with an apologetic smile would say something like "oh, I was discovered?".
376
377	 However, Sylvia did not smile at all, and with a serious face said:
378
379	 - Commander-in-chief, it's true.
380
381	 - ... In fact?
382
383	 - At 9:50 local time, in Monterrey, North Mexico, there were riots caused by an anti-magic organization. The state troops were sent to suppress the insurrection, but suddenly a part of them opened fire on their own. As I understand, they decided to join the rioters. However, the shots, as it turned out, were precautionary, and there were no casualties. - Sylvia said in a business tone who was afraid to ask Lina.
384
385	 Incidentally, "the state of Northern Mexico" is an administrative entity created when Mexico was absorbed by the USNA. The territory of the former Mexico was reorganized, forming three new states. South Mexico, located around the city of Mexico City. East Mexico, located from the isthmus of Tehuantepec to the Yucatán Peninsula. Northern Mexico, covering the rest of the territory in the north, including the California Peninsula.
386
387	 - Government troops joined the rebels !? How did it come to this ...
388
389	 "It seemed like a bad idea to send a detachment of Wiz Guard along with state troops."
390
391	 - They sent a detachment of Wiz Guard, consisting of low-level magicians, to suppress the anti-magic mutiny !? Yes, this is how to add oil to the fire!
392
393	Regular National Guard troops of each state, maintaining security, do not have magician units in their composition. But on the other hand, the federal government established the internal security service "Wiz Guard", which gathered soldiers who were low-level magicians who did not qualify for "Stars". Because of this initial difference, the two organizations never got along well with each other. And in addition to this, they sent magicians of the "Wiz Guard" to eliminate the revolt against the magicians. Therefore, the question arose, did someone in the government consciously want to increase the turmoil?
394
395	 "Who!" Who gave this order !? What was he thinking about !?
396
397	 "I do not know from what level the intention came to give the order to send the Wiz Guard." However, it is obvious to me that the situation has exceeded the expectations of these people.
398
399	 - ... In what sense? - Lina cooled slightly, continuing to respond in an uninterested tone to Sylvia. After surprise and anger, she suddenly began to show a calm attitude to the issue.
400
401	 - A group of soldiers who crossed over to the side of the rebels, from the very beginning were negatively inclined towards magicians. Initially sympathizing with the anti-magic organization, they wanted to solve this issue peacefully. It seems they came to an understanding with the party that organized this riot.
402
403	 "The Wiz Guard dragged in there went to such measures only because ...?"
404
405	 - Yes, unfortunately.
406
407	 - Is the Commander of the Wiz Guard - an idiot, or what?
408
409	 Sylvia did not reproach Lina with her thoughts aloud. Because Sylvia herself had a similar opinion. Given that the name "Magician Guard" [Wiz Guard] was short for "Magician Guard", and the word magician bears the meaning of "good sage", one could not deny their sense of losing their "name."
410
411	 [note. trans: .: Volche Guard is somehow pathetic sounds, changed in the reduction of the magician to the magician ...]
412
413	 - Suppose that there was resistance from those outside of the Wiz Guard. But at a point when the Wiz Guard squad crossed the line, not only the members of the anti-magic movement, but also the local citizens began to join the riots, and at the moment the large administrative body of Monterrey has already fallen into the hands of the insurgents.
414
415	Between Roswell and Monterrey there is a 1 hour time difference. Monterrey is now 16 hours, that is, since the beginning of the riots, it has already been 6 hours. Both the National Guard and the Wiz Guard took about 4-5 hours to arrive in the field, so it appears that the administrative authorities were captured about an hour ago.
416
417	 - How so ...
418
419	For some time, Lina could not accept Sylvia's last words.
420
421	 "... So the Joint Chiefs of Staff wants us to suppress this insurrection?" - With a wary face, Lina asked about her mission, still gazing at Sylvia.
422
423	- No, as expected, the headquarters did not order anything reckless.
424
425	 Hearing this, Lina slightly relaxed her tense face.
426
427	 The stars are not a unit responsible for maintaining public security. Even if their job is to get rid of the magician-deserters, their main task is to confront foreign troops. Therefore, it is unlikely that they will be assigned such a task to suppress the uprising. Hearing this, Lina felt relieved that she would not have to harm the citizens of her own country, the USNA.
428
429	However, this small sense of relief immediately passed.
430
431	- The order of the main headquarters is to save the detachment from the rioting crowd, before everything becomes too bad for the Wiz Guard. At the same time, civilian damage, including rioters, is required to be minimized.
432
433	 - As if it's so easy ... Thank you, though they do not make you harm your citizens.
434
435	 Putting her hand to her forehead, Lina tried to console herself. She was glad that she would not need to send a muzzle or blade to the same Americans (they were former Mexicans, and now they are real Americans), although she was well aware that the complexity of the mission is significantly increasing.
436
437	 - Commander Walker was ordered to immediately organize a meeting, which will also consider the candidates to send.
438
439	 Colonel Paul Walker is the commander of this base. The Stars Commander-in-Chief is Lina, but Commander Walker can control the Stars from the point of view of non-magical subordination.
440
441	 "Colonel?" And where is he?
442
443	 - Waiting in the office of the commander of the base. Major Canopus is also due to arrive soon.
444
445	 Canopus is the commander of the First Corps of the Stars, and next to Lina is the Second Number in the Stars.
446
447	"Has Ben called you yet?" I understand. Tell the commander that I'll be there in 5 minutes.
448
449	Being a high-class magician, but not yet having enough experience and skills in her short career as a military leader, Lina relied heavily on Canopus in matters of command and control. Quite frankly, on such an important issue she could not have solved anything without his advice. If Walker did not do this, then Lina herself would have called Canopus.
450
451	 "Yes, Commander-in-Chief." - Sylvia saluted and left the locker room. Having removed the dirty fighting clothes after training and left in a T-shirt, Lina hurried to continue dressing.
452
453
454
455
456
457	The capital of the German federation, Berlin. Local time: 10:30, April 3. In Japan, it's 17:30 the same day.
458
459	 At the University of Berlin (renamed from the Free University of Berlin), students formed two groups of demonstrators, a group for the boycott of magicians and a group for co-existence with magicians. These groups got involved in a conflict on campus territory.
460
461	 The use of violence and brute force has not yet been reached. While both sides are relatively calm and simply insulting each other. But with their enthusiasm, this at any moment can turn into a fight. It cannot be denied that this could eventually evolve into a real armed clash. In addition, for the magicians themselves, it was inconvenient not only for the claims of the anti-magicians, but also for the defenders in the style of "we must accept the magicians."
462
463	 Professor Karl Schmidt looked with bitterness on her face from her laboratory at this quarrel, which had no logical arguments. But she looked through the monitor, and not through the window. It is not known what would have happened, show it to their face in the window. It can come not only with a bullet, but with a gun shell. Professor Schmidt knew this from the personal experience of the past few months.
464
465	 Immediately after she looked away from the monitor, the video call indicator blinked. Schmidt did not use the remote control of the voice, but pressed the answer button on the console with her hand.
466
467	- Good morning, Professor Schmidt. How are you?
468
469	 "Professor MacLeod ... I have not seen you for a long time." Thank God, you're still healthy.
470
471	A small pause after the name of the interlocutor emerged due to the surprise of a call from a person whom she had not seen for a long time. However, she quickly regained her usual facial expression
472
473	 - And you, Professor, how are you?
474
475	- Age already affects me, but fortunately, there are no special problems yet. And by the way, Professor Schmidt, as I said before, my current place of work is not a university, so I'm now not a professor. - MacLeod did not protest seriously. It was a kind of joke, and his face on the screen showed a polite smile.
476
477	 "In our country, Herr MacLeod, your proficiency is still valid." I think that at this university professors will be happy to accept you at any time. - However, Schmidt did not even smile and did not break her serious tone.
478
479	- I think our British University will also receive you at any time, madam. - MacLeod did not try to offend. But in his straightforward phrase, there was a slight feeling of an admixture of some kind of anxiety, which had not existed before.- There seems to be something terrible happening at the University of Berlin.
480
481	 - You already know? ... - She said this Schmidt looked not surprised, but ashamed.
482
483	- The news has even reached here. Now even the broadcast from the scene of events.
484
485	 - At the university, after all, they decided to refuse an interview ... - Schmidt expressed disagreement, not believing. However, people who are shooting cannot be connected with MacLeod, so there is no point in making a claim to him.
486
487	 - Freedom of access to information is one of the basic principles of democracy. Even if there is no way to interview, there are always many interesting things that the camera will see.
488
489	Schmidt sighed in front of the camera. She knew from the beginning that it was pointless to be angry with MacLeod.
490
491	- Professor. Have you called me to discuss the importance of the existence of the media? "However, Schmidt felt that valuable research time was groundlessly spent talking about the trouble she already knows about.
492
493	 - I'm sorry. It looks like we are a little distracted by the empty chatter. - MacLeod understood that she was serious. His figure on the screen straightened.- Professor Schmidt. Would you like to escape to Britain?
494
495	- Professor ...
496
497	 - This is not a joke. I seriously invite you. - MacLeod interrupted Schmidt, speaking with concern, with a serious voice.
498
499	"You have a bad temper, if you are not joking." People like you or I cannot afford to flee to another country.
500
501	Carla Schmidt is the same as MacLeod, a Strategic Class Magician, officially open to the public. One of the Thirteen Apostles. It is the backbone of all defense of its country. After the events of "Scorched Halloween," its value was recognized even more. Until October 31, 2095, she might still have thought about fleeing. But now, when a year and a half has passed since this major incident, the government will not allow the departure of the Strategic Class Magician from the country to which he belongs.
502
503	- I think in Germany, madam, you are not very comfortable right now.
504
505	"... you are absolutely right, professor."
506
507	 - Sorry. However, if you are aware of the situation, you must first think about yourself. Among young people, support for the principles of parties with racist ideas like "magicians are inferior people, and their rights should be limited."
508
509	MacLeod interrupted his speech, because he saw that Schmidt frowned. She was unbearable with the idea that the citizens of her country, the Germans, in their stupid youth are being led to incitement and abandon logical thinking. But she did not stop MacLeod's speech.
510
511	- While the military is expanding its influence, under which magicians should be given in full for the sake of the country, and magic is considered an instrument, magic researchers seriously engaged in peaceful research, like you, Madame, lose their destiny, do not they?
512
513	 Schmidt could not object to what MacLeod said. Her silence meant agreement.
514
515	- Fortunately, in my country, extremist ideas against magic were sorted out at an early stage, and there is practically no conflict between citizens on this ground.
516
517	 - Did not your country isolate the adherents of anti-magic ideas at the local level?
518
519	- So it is. For those who cannot live together, the best solution is to change the place of residence.
520
521	 For Schmidt her words were absolute sarcasm, but this did not work for MacLeod.
522
523	- But this is also a temporary measure. Once they accept coexistence, they can return to their original homes at any time. In our UK, the name of His Majesty the King, both magicians and non-magicians are given the same opportunities.
524
525	 The proposal of MacLeod sounded very attractive for the current Karla Schmidt.
526
527	 - ... A wonderful story, however, I still cannot leave my country.
528
529	 Probably, that's why she could refuse it. The stories with too good circumstances always have another, dark side. The situation that surrounded her, the world in which she lived, left such a lesson in the depths of her heart.
530
531	- I see. At the moment it's still ok, I guess. However, if your life as a researcher becomes really difficult, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I will never think badly about your request.
532
533	 - Thanks for your words. Well, then, all the best.
534
535	 Avoiding to hear MacLeod's answer, Schmidt quickly turned off the videophone. On the way back to the table, her gaze fell on the monitor, showing the situation outside. Next to the building where her laboratory was located, the students have already begun to fight.
536
537
538
539
540
541	The new Soviet Union, the Black Sea base. Local Time: 11:00, 4 April. In Japan, it's 17:00 the same day.
542
543	 Lieutenant-General Leonid Kondrachenko met a special guest from Moscow.
544
545	 "Your Excellency, we have not met each other."
546
547	 - Welcome. Dr. Bezobrazzoff, glad to see you.
548
549	 Kondrachenko's visitor was a man who, at a relatively young age (slightly over forty), had already been recognized as a leading researcher of magic at the Academy of Sciences of the New Soviet Union. It was Igor Andreivitch Bezobrazzoff, who was also one of the "Thirteen Apostles", the officially disclosed Strategic Class Magicians . Although officially he was an ordinary scientist, it was rumored that his voice in the country is on par with the Minister of Defense.
550
551	 Speaking about special people, Kondrachenko also took a unique position in the Black Sea base. He is authorized to freely use the personnel and supply of this base, while not being its commander. The commander of the base has the same as his rank of Lieutenant-General, therefore Kondrachenko is not obliged to obey him either. According to the conventional military system, Kondrachenko must report directly to the Minister of Defense, but in reality only the Prime Minister can give him orders.
552
553	 (The new Soviet Union did not adopt the presidential system, the supreme power is held by the Prime Minister of the Union government.)
554
555	 Kondrachenko invited Bezobrazzoff to his private office. To be precise, it is in the reception room arranged on the basis of his personal residence. The Kondrachenko Residence possessed a luxurious layout and design comparable to the level of luxury rooms of first-class international hotels, and the service organized by the base's staff was at the level of the employees of the above-mentioned first-class hotels.
556
557	 Although there was one inconvenience, the total absence of women. Kondrachenko was not gay, and the pretty low-ranking subordinate bases, dressed up by servants, did not provoke him.
558
559	 - The doctor after all that is not drinking?
560
561	 "I apologize for the mistake." - With an apologetic face answered Bezobrazzoff on Kondrachenko's question.
562
563	 - What do you like. I myself have not been very tolerant of alcohol lately.
564
565	 He laughed, and Kondrachenko snapped his finger twice. Soon the subordinate appeared and brought a small samovar (kettle-water heater), two tea cups and two small bowls with jam (fruit broth with sugar).
566
567	 Pouring the brewed tea from the tea pot set on the top of the samovar, the subordinate set the cup and bowl with jam to Bezobrazzoff. Serving Kondrachenko in the same way, putting the samovar between them, and having received an approving nod from his master, the subordinate retired from the waiting room.
568
569	 Kondrachenko did not taste tea, poured hot water into a cup from a samovar, put a little jam in his mouth and took a sip of tea. Ugly, after having tasted the tea and jam on the palate, also added some hot water to the cup. Taking the cups in hand, the two looked at each other again.
570
571	 "So ... Can I find out the reason for your visit, Doctor?"
572
573	 "Perhaps this is exactly what you thought, Your Excellency."
574
575	 When he heard Bezobrazzoff's answer, Kondrachenko frowned. He made this expression for the first time in his entire meeting with Bezobrazzoff today.
576
577	- Is it because of the riot that took place yesterday at our base? But we have already solved this problem.
578
579	 - I know. If I was worried about this, I would have come to the commander of the base, not to your Excellency.
580
581	 - Indeed so. Kondrachenko took off his gloomy expression from his face with a gray beard. - Then, I wonder, what did you want to ask?
582
583	 After Kondrachenko's question, Bezobrazzoff showed slight indecision.
584
585	 - ... I am a researcher of magic, not a policeman.
586
587	 - Of course, I understand. "Kondrachenko said to Bezobrazzoff who in a mournful tone, answered with a clear voice, unusual for his age. Perhaps, here his special manner of speech affected. Bezobrazzoff got rid of the hesitation and moved on to the main topic.
588
589	 - So, I'm not here because of the search for the perpetrators of the mutiny. I'm here to find out if magic was involved in yesterday's riots.
590
591	 - In other words, do you suspect that this is the work of a foreign or opposition magician? Do you think the incitement of a mutiny, no, the insurrection was made with the help of psychic interference magic?
592
593	 - I would not say that I came to this conclusion. However, there is such a possibility, I suppose. Of the nine Strategic Class Magicians in our country, only two are open to the outside world: Your Excellency and I. In my opinion, it's hard to imagine a Strategic Class Magician, officially announced to the whole world who will stick to the base, to which he is affixed.
594
595	 "I do not think I'm willing to accept the usefulness of those worsened clone copies that cannot even leave the sterile room without protective clothing, but I understand your concern." However, your suspicions are superfluous.
596
597	 - True? - Accidentally escaped from Bezobrazzoff. Kondrachenko looked at him with a stern face.
598
599	 - Do you want to say, my intuition cannot be trusted?
600
601	 - I apologize. I did not mean anything like that.
602
603	 In response to the reprimand Kondrachenko, Bezobrazzoff guiltily lowered his head.
604
605	 "... The reason for your suspicion doctor, is that you probably suspect the involvement of" Dracula."
606
607	 Since Bezobrazzoff instantly apologized, then Kondrachenko also went to meet him.
608
609	 - What an insight, I'm surprised.
610
611	 This was a hit in the top ten, and Bezobrazzoff could only raise the white flag. "Dracula", which Kondrachenko mentioned, is the code name of a Romanian magician specializing in secret murders and sabotage. He is not just an expert on illegal operations, even his real name is unknown. There are even rumors that he is a hidden Strategic Class Magician, but there is no confirmation. This Black Sea base was not far from the Romanian border (the Black Sea base and the base of the Black Sea Fleet are two different bases). Therefore, when Bezobrazzoff heard about the riots on the Black Sea base, the first idea was precisely the participation of Dracula.
612
613	 - To be honest, I'm also surprised.
614
615	 - What? Bezobrazzoff opened his mouth in surprise. Seeing this, Kondrachenko grinned quite a bit.
616
617	 "Thus, the soldiers who organized the riots were carefully studied for traces of the magic of mental intervention. As for the instigators of the riot, I personally conducted an investigation.
618
619	 - I see ... Apparently, I was unnecessarily worried.
620
621	 - Please do not worry. I understand that the doctor is also under the influence of these Kremlin panties. ... Well, it's true, between us.
622
623	 - I understand.
624
625	Kondrachenko and Bezobrazzoff had the same smiles of a mischievous child on their faces. A calm atmosphere returned between them.
626
627	 "But your Excellency." If yesterday's riots are not connected with the sabotage of foreign forces or the opposition, should not they be afraid of repeating it?
628
629	 - This is a conflict between soldiers based on the relationship of magicians and non-magicians.
630
631	 Bezobrazzoff nodded in agreement with Kondrachenko's words.
632
633	 - In America and Japan, the anti-magic movement has spread, fueled by complaints and dissatisfaction with social inequality. However, in our Union there is no social inequality.
634
635	 Actually, it was "not supposed to exist," but Kondrachenko and Bezobrazzoff themselves considered such reservations superfluous.
636
637	 - There was another point in yesterday's riot of supporters of the anti-magic movement.
638
639	 - Exactly. Soldiers who are not magicians feel uneasy. In the near future it is expected that only magicians will be active in the army, so they are afraid that they will become unnecessary.
640
641	 With an understanding face, Bezobrazzoff expressed his agreement with Kondrachenko's words.
642
643	 - In fact, it is impossible to organize an army consisting of magicians alone. Even if we organize a separate magical military unit, we will not be able to find as many magicians as possible to cover the entire personnel.
644
645	 "But for soldiers to understand this, they need to go to the real battlefield."
646
647	 Bezobrazzoff again expressed his agreement with Kondrachenko's remarks.
648
649	 - Then, let's organize such an opportunity.
650
651	 "Wow ... Doctor, do you have a specific place to attack?" - Kondrachenko looked steadily at Bezobrazzoff's gaze, which you cannot tell what he is already over 70.
652
653	 - Unfortunately, in Europe there is no suitable place for the transfer of soldiers. - Under this look he apologized not only in words, but also cringed all over. But this turned out to be unnecessary worry.
654
655	 - About the military situation in Europe, doctor, I know much better than you.
656
657	- Really. I'm sorry.
658
659	 - In other words, if not Europe, then ... Far East?
660
661	 - Yes. Bezobrazzoff cautiously agreed with Kondrachenko's suggestion. - Just the other day an incident occurred in which the junior officers of the Hong Kong army with a group of their subordinates deserted from the army and fled the Great Asian Alliance.
662
663	 - Interesting. This is the first time I heard of it.
664
665	 "I only recently found out myself." Further, in order to catch these deserters, the Great Asian Alliance cooperated with the army of Japan.
666
667	 - Did deserters plan any kind of subversive activity in Japan ...?
668
669	 - Correct. But they have already been defeated.
670
671	 - That's it, that's understandable. Finally, having resolved their long-standing hostility, the Great Asian Alliance and Japan, showing each other and all the others their cooperation, use this to ease tensions. If you think so, then this is quite natural. There are no people or organizations that could live in a constant state of war. We will use this.
672
673	 Stroking his long gray beard, Kondrachenko nodded several times.
674
675	 "I will suggest this to the Kremlin when I return to Moscow." If the operation is approved, I think I will be able to include in it the subordinates of your Excellency.
676
677	 "This will be a good test for the soldiers." Doctor, then I ask you to do this for me.
678
679	 Kondrachenko bowed slightly to Bezobrazzoff. It was difficult for him to walk, since his knee was damaged and he used a cane. Of course, Bezobrazzoff understood this well, and with a smile bowed in reply to the old general, showing his consent.
680
681
682
683	â—Š â—Š â—Š
684
685
686
687	Saturday, April 6, 2097. At the Magic University in Tokyo, the induction ceremony was successfully completed.
688
689	However, the coastal region of Hokuriku was shrouded in tension, which made the whole body tremble. The reason for this was the appearance of a suspicious vessel, seen yesterday in the coastal waters of Sado.
690
691	 Five years ago, at the same time, when the Great Asian Alliance invaded Okinawa, the New Soviet Union landed a small detachment on Sado Island. Even if it is said that the detachment is small, it was enough to destroy the local garrison and capture the most important objects of the island. Many civilians were victims at that time. Kichijouji's parents, who were employees of the magic research lab on this island, were also killed during the battles.
692
693	 The New Soviet Union has not yet acknowledged that the troops that landed in Sado belonged to their country. However, local residents did not care why the government of the New Soviet Union pretends to be fools.
694
695	We will not let them devastate our native lands again. Be it an army of another country, be it an armed grouping of an organization.
696
697	 Every volunteer who helped to break the invasion at that time, swore in his own heart. And now they came together to fulfill the oath of that time.
698
699	Among the newly assembled volunteers were also those who five years ago did not yet have the strength to resist the enemies. They also vowed with those who fought then, risking their lives. Among them was Kichijouji, who lost his parents at a time when the land of Sado was trampled by the shoes of unidentified armed men.
700
701	"George, calm down."
702
703	Kichijouji could not dismiss the thought of revenge. The discovered suspicious ship, undoubtedly, also belonged to the New Soviet Union.
704
705	- These are my words, Masaki. "However, at least in appearance, Kichijouji controlled his emotions."
706
707	"... Since you say so, everything seems to be in order." - standing next to him Masaki felt relief.
708
709	- Team, are you ready !? - Ichijou Gouki, the head of the Ichijou family, the acting commander of the volunteer squad, turned to the soldiers, asking for their readiness.
710
711	- Yes, yes! - All the volunteers shouted in a single rush. Masaki and Kichijouji also unleashed a full war cry.
712
713	- Well! Team, go!
714
715	 - Oh, oh!
716
717	One hundred and nine magicians with a war cry began landing on three so-called seabed exploration vessels, but in fact they are armored ships belonging to the Ichijou family. At this point, most of the male magicians that the Ichijou family can mobilize have gathered.
718
719	 The ships they sat on were not military missile carriers, but armadillos of the old style (because these were private ships). Although the case was in the old style, new equipment technologies gave speed at the modern level. Unfortunately, they had a disadvantage - low maneuverability.
720
721	 From missiles and shells they can be protected by magic. But something like a machine gun for a magician - rather troublesome problems. So using an armored ship to transport a group of magicians was a reasonable choice.
722
723	 Three ships left the port.
724
725	 Of the three ships of this "fleet", two will land people on the island of Sado. And the third will go to the side of a suspicious ship at sea. Yesterday, a stratospheric camera recorded the entrance of a suspicious ship into the territorial waters of Japan off the coast of Sado.
726
727	 At the moment, this ship returned to the open sea (meaning: came out of territorial waters). The ship cannot be captured, since the right to pursue was not officially recorded, and it does not violate Japan's economic interests, so it was planned to keep it under control, just getting close to it. But if they attack, then it will be a different conversation.
728
729	 After leaving the port, Gouki turned to the guy standing next to him.
730
731	 "Shinkurou, are you okay?"
732
733	 Kichijouji and Masaki were on the same ship as Gouki.
734
735	- Y-yes! All is well!
736
737	- Are not you afraid?
738
739	"... To be honest, I'm a little afraid."
740
741	- This is normal. "Gouki nodded in satisfaction, replying to Kichijouji. You cannot rely on normal judgment when in a state of anger, hatred or numb with fear. Without courage, only quick death awaits in the battle. Gouki did not want this fate for those who followed him into battle.
742
743	Then he turned to his son.
744
745	- Masaki.
746
747	- Yes.
748
749	- Of course, you will not be afraid?
750
751	- I know. I will not show fear.
752
753	I'm not "not scared," but "I will not show fear." Gouki grinned at Masaki's response.
754
755	- Good. For you it will be normal on the advanced positions of the vanguard. Shiba Tatsuya-dono from the Yotsuba family recently demonstrated combat feats in the waters of the Okinawa archipelago. Play is prohibited!
756
757	 - I understand.
758
759	 Tatsuya's participation in preventing the diversion of an artificial island in the waters of Kumetzim, the Okinawa archipelago, was kept secret. However, a review of the incident was revealed to each of the chapters of the Ten Master Clans. There is an obligation to notify the other Master Clans in the event that one of these Clans participated in a magical battle. This is a measure intended to limit the abuse of magic for personal purposes.
760
761	 Although it cannot be said that this rule is protected from bad faith (for example, details of the use of magic in combat are usually concealed), but this time it was a joint operation with the military, and the Yotsuba family immediately told the other nine families some facts .
762
763	 Initially, this information is only for the heads of families. For example, Kasumi, Izumi, Shippou Takuma and Mitsuya Shiina did not hear about it from their parents. However, Gouki reported this to Masaki that same evening.
764
765	 Naturally, this was done to motivate his son. And it was not necessary to say that Gouki was on target. From the next day after the story, Masaki gave himself entirely to training and even now was full of morale.
766
767	 As already mentioned, one of the three ships that left the port was approaching a suspicious vessel. His task was to control the actions of the enemy and try to force him to attack. If the other side attacks, then under the pretext of a counterattack it will be possible to attack in response even in neutral waters.
768
769	And this dangerous role of bait took over the ship on which was Gouki on. Many were against such a strategy. No, it would not be an exaggeration to say that everyone except Gouki and Masaki opposed this. Number One and Number Two of the Ichijou family rushes to the most dangerous place on the same ship. Everyone who is aware of the importance of risk diversification must say that this is recklessness.
770
771	However, Gouki did not listen to the persuasion of his subordinates. "Is not the strongest and the most likely survivor to be in the vanguard of the fighting ranks?" - These were the words of Gouki.
772
773	He is the organizer of a squad of volunteers. He had no intention of creating an army.
774
775	 For Gouki, his subordinates were those whom he must protect. Paraphrasing, they were like family to him. When protecting citizens and national interests, the army always inevitably lost soldiers. However, the Ten Master Clans are an organization that defends the interests of magicians, and their subordinate magicians are also citizens of this country. Unlike soldiers who are not considered civilians in wartime, they must be protected, for the Ichijou family, her subordinate magicians, even during the battle, are "comrades" whom she must protect. At least, Gouki thought so. Masaki also adopted his father's beliefs.
776
777	 But the ideas of Gouki and Masaki had a rational explanation. From the point of view of focusing the force, it is wise to send magicians Number One and Number Two to the necessary places of battle.
778
779	 In addition, even for the Ichijou family of the Ten Master Clans, it was a challenge to find enough magicians with sea battle skills.
780
781	 As a rule, magic effects one event, one object, and requires a high level of skills to designate only a part of the object when the event changes. Magic with an effect on an area that changes an event in a certain space, for the same reason, is considered more complex than point magic, which designates a specific object.
782
783	 The special magic of the Ichijou family is "Rupture". This is magic, almost instantly evaporates liquids. The goal may not only be fluid in the human body or inside a machine. Seawater can also be exposed to a "rupture". For the magician of the Ichijou family, the surface of the sea is like a warehouse of endless ammunition.
784
785	 But no matter how good a magician is, it's impossible to make all the sea water magic. In order to really blow up seawater, some part of the sea must be mentally cut from the general mass and designated as the goal of magic.
786
787	 This problem concerns not only the "gap". To use sea water as a means of attack, no one can escape the obstacles that "it is necessary to specify only a part of the object." Shells from sea water are more difficult to make than air bullets, because, unlike air, water is visible and connects the mind with the sensation that "this is one huge object that is everywhere." The magic of liquid evaporation is a useful technique in a sea battle, however, the magicians who can use it in real combat are unexpectedly few.
788
789	 On one ship from the Gouki were collected magicians who mastered such a skill. This was another reason why Masaki got on the same ship as Gouki.
790
791	 In any case, the stage of discussion of the formulations has passed. Changing the plan at this point will lead to confusion.
792
793	 Having reached Sado, the fleet was divided into 2 groups, 2 ships in the first, and 1 ship in the second. Two ships circled the island from the south and landed at the port of Ryotsu, which is on the eastern shore. And the ship from Gouki and Masaki continued to go to the north, not turning off.
794
795	An unknown ship was discovered 50 nautical miles north of Sado. But nothing can be done while it is away from territorial waters.
796
797	 In addition, Gouki's ship is primarily a private vessel. Strictly speaking, he does not have the authority to intercept and search. From the very beginning, he was ready for illegal actions (piracy).
798
799	 But still, he was not going to suddenly sink this ship.
800
801	 Military power was enough for this. Gouki's ship did not carry weapons, but the combat power of the magicians on board the ship over compensated for the lack of weapons. No, for Gouki alone, it would not be difficult to sink one warship.
802
803	 The Strategic Class Magician is defined by the expression: "A user of magic who can destroy a city or fleet with one magic challenge."
804
805	 If you replace "one magic challenge" with "one battle" in this expression, then this definition is suitable for Gouki. With the Ichijou family "Rupture", which is good in destroying not only human bodies, but also machines, it can easily sink five or even ten warships in a row. And if the enemy does not have a magician comparable in strength to the Ten Master Clans, then Gouki alone can destroy a whole fleet.
806
807	 On this side, the nearby volunteers had less risk. But Gouki who guided them, instead of sinking the ship without any unnecessary questions, decided to go on a close battle with the enemy in order to find out his identity.
808
809	 Five years ago, when he was evacuated from Sado, the New Soviet Union completely denied any involvement. There were no prisoners from Japan, and there was nothing on the corpses that would help prove the identity, so the New Soviet Union could not be blamed.
810
811	Despite the fact that the invasion troops were discarded, from a diplomatic point of view, this incident ended in defeat for Japan. It was this bitter memory that made Gouki choose such a risky plan.
812
813	- Is the enemy ship moving? - When the suspicious ship was in sight, Gouki cried out a question he had asked many times before.
814
815	"It's not moving!" - The answer of the subordinate was the same.
816
817	There was no radiation of active radars, no increase in heat emission by the inclusion of an engine. There were also no signs of guns aiming or missiles launching. The suspicious ship was suspiciously quiet.
818
819	It was impossible to say that there was no movement at all. Gouki was sure of that. In any case, they were already approaching the distance where you can see with the naked eye.
820
821	The suspicious ship looked like a small cargo ship. Small by the standards of cargo ships, because its size exceeded the size of the destroyer. There were no signs of weapons on board, but everyone remembered the example of a disguised ship in the Yokohama incident. The volunteers did not lose their vigilance for a second.
822
823	However, there was no point coming here just to see.
824
825	"Reconnaissance squad, go ahead!" - Gouki finally made the decision.
826
827	 - There!
828
829	Masaki cheerfully answered the order. Like the four young men standing behind him.
830
831	 For convenience, Gouki called it "reconnaissance squad", but in fact it was the vanguard sent to gain total control over the enemy ship. The members of the detachment, not even mentioning their fighting strength, were chosen on the basis of defense and maneuvering abilities that will help survive even in an extremely desperate situation.
832
833	 "Masaki, be careful."
834
835	 Kichijouji did not behave like a man who dissuaded me at the moment when the order was already sent. He received the role of supporting the withdrawal of troops in the event of an emergency, and will follow the movements of the "reconnaissance squad" through information obtained from the stratospheric chamber.
836
837	 "I rely on your support, George."
838
839	 Kichijouji nodded to Masaki counting on him.
840
841	 Masaki stretched out his lips in a smile and jumped off the deck into the sea. He did not dive. His feet did not sink below sea level. Immediately, as their feet touched the waves, Masaki and four people behind him, as if nothing had happened, ran on the water towards the suspicious ship.
842
843
844
845	 While running on the water there were no attacks aimed at them. Five people led by Masaki quickly reached the target ship and jumped onto the deck one by one. Of course, it's good if the enemy is hiding, but even here they were not attacked.
846
847	 - What's happening? George, do you see anything?
848
849	 Masaki, who sensed something wrong, stood in a position near the edge, where he could be evacuated at any time, and contacted Kichijouji.
850
851	- The camera did not detect human silhouettes. Judging by the data collected from observation, the ship looks unmanned.
852
853	 Kichijouji checked not only the information from the stratospheric camera, but also watched the communication channel with the sensors installed in the equipment of Masaki and other volunteers. Consequently, his answer meant that there were no threats found. This response helped Masaki slightly ease tension.
854
855	- ... Wait, Masaki. Your sensors found a gas leak there. - However, the words of the strained Kichijouji, quickly spoken, quickly restored vigilance to him. Instead of commissioning a subordinate, he checked his sensor himself. Although it was a simple multi-purpose detector in the form of a wristwatch, it could clearly show the concentration of flammable gas in the air above the ship.
856
857	 - Everyone raise barriers and evacuate the ship.
858
859	The detected gas was propane. It was probably chosen because it is colorless and odorless, and also heavier than air and slowly dissipated. However, it was an inferior trap. Although it is said that it is difficult to dissipate, even a light wind will quickly blow this gas out just like any light methane.
860
861	In addition, even if the entire ship is filled with propane gas, its expected combustion power is insufficient to break through the barrier magic of the elite Ichijou family fighters. Also, propane gas has a very low upper explosive threshold (the upper limit of concentration, beyond which gas will not explode), so it is not suitable for attack. And the lower explosive limit is so low that you cannot think of anything other than the effect of surprise, annoying enemies.
862
863	That's why Masaki's instructions did not have a hint of urgency.
864
865	Meanwhile, the gas spread to the side of Gouki's ship. They have already heard about the gas through wireless communication.
866
867	Perhaps it was a trap.
868
869	That's why the relaxed Gouki looked at the water's surface with astonishment.
870
871	- On the surface of the sea, signs of the activation of magic ...!
872
873	Kichijouji could not finish his sentence. Until that moment, there were no signs of a magical attack. But now the Gouki's ship was surrounded by a huge number of magic sequences activated on the surface of the sea. All of them were activated simultaneously at the same time as they appeared.
874
875	 "Father!"
876
877	 Standing on the surface of the sea, Masaki also noticed signs of activation of magic. The next moment, right before his eyes, the sea exploded. There was multiple simultaneous explosions, similar to a blasted minefield, strewn with mines without spaces.
878
879	 Thrown back by a sudden rush of air from the blast wave, Masaki's group fell into the water. Masaki's overview was hampered by the emergence of water sprays, steam and rain from sea water.
880
881	 - Damn!
882
883	 Calling the air flow, Masaki returned to the surface of the sea.
884
885	 - Father!
886
887	 The sight of the ship has not changed. The armor, which was considered obsolete, turned out to be not for sight. It seems that the magic barriers were not enough, and the ship was badly damaged. Damage to the front of the deck was minor. This meant that the newest developed multi-layered barriers were able to withstand the blast. Masaki intuitively was sure that his father used defensive magic.
888
889	 However, his relief did not last long.
890
891	 -Masaki, Masaki! With Gouki-san ...! - From the dynamics of the communicator, the confused voice of Kichijouji burst out and reached Masaki's ears.
892
893	 Feeling the ominous cold running down his spine, Masaki shouted into the microphone.
894
895	 "George!" What about my father !?
896
897	- It's awful! Return fast, faster!
898
899	 - Got it!
900
901	 Masaki, completely forgetting about the command of his subordinates, rushed to the side of an armored ship. Fortunately, there was no attack from the suspicious ship. And the remnants of the explosive gas were thrown back by the blast wave.
902
903
904
905	â—Š â—Š â—Š
906
907
908
909	Tomorrow, April 7, the admission ceremony to the Nine Schools of Magic will take place. Miyuki, as the president of the school board, expects a lot of different work. Not only welcome introductory speech on behalf of all current students, but also management of the progress of the whole ceremony, meeting with guests and much more.
910
911	 Other behind-the-scenes work can be shared with other members of the school board. Therefore, Tatsuya for a while will work separately from Miyuki, and for him it will not be "just Sunday."
912
913	 In addition, since Miyuki was declared the next head of the Yotsuba family, the entertainment time of the guests will undoubtedly decrease. Last year, many "guests" with evil intentions ran after her, but now, having learned that she is a magician of Yotsuba, the number of brave souls overwhelmed with such a desire will be greatly reduced.
914
915	 Given this future responsibility of Miyuki, Tatsuya wanted to give her the opportunity to rest as soon as possible. But after learning the contents of the secret message that came after dinner, he could no longer say that it would work. When he finished reading the letter in his room, Tatsuya pressed the intercom button for Miyuki's room.
916
917	When Miyuki entered the living room and sat on the couch, Tatsuya ordered Minami to close the window. This room had high sound insulation, completely blocking sounds for external listeners. Peeping, of course, also was impossible.
918
919	Seeing Tatsuya's more cautious behavior than usual, Miyuki realized that the "question is not easy" and straightened up.
920
921	- Sorry, that at such a time.
922
923	- No, you did not interrupt anything. So, Onii-sama ... Is this something from Maya-sama?
924
925	During dinner, about an hour ago, Tatsuya told her "today you must finish your work early and have a rest". She was going to take a bath at the moment when he called her on intercom. She was not dissatisfied with this. If Tatsuya said that he has something to say - this is a top priority for Miyuki.
926
927	If Tatsuya calls, then whenever it happens, wherever she is, whatever she does, she will hurry to him. Regardless of whether this is possible or not, Miyuki will always have this feeling.
928
929	On the other hand, Tatsuya will never abuse the feelings of Miyuki. Tatsuya also puts Miyuki as a priority at anytime, anywhere, and in any situation. Although this interruption of the affairs of Miyuki often contradicts her will, she knows that all these decisions are made on the basis of the notion "everything is done for the sake of Miyuki." In the case of Tatsuya, this is not even "within the limits", but "always". It is also not an exaggeration to add the word "absolutely."
930
931	Therefore, Miyuki thought, what was so impossible that the head of Yotsuba could ask for, that could be more important than tomorrow's arrival ceremony?
932
933
934
935	 - Yes, this is a report from the head of the family, and there are no orders for us.
936
937	 - Report ...?
938
939	Not an order, not a notice, not another attempt at communication, but a report. Although she was declared the heiress of Yotsuba, until now it was only a formality. It is unlikely that the position of Maya and the heads of branch families will change so suddenly. In other words, there was important information. Miyuki realized this. And her thoughts were not wrong.
940
941	 - This afternoon, the head of the Ichijou family, Ichijou Gouki-dono fell into the trap of the enemy and is now in serious condition. He is conscious, but it seems he cannot move normally. Also, it says that it seems he did not get physical damage. The head of the family suggested that the magic calculation zone was paralyzed by overload.
942
943	 Miyuki turned petrified, covering her mouth with her hands and opening her eyes wide. Minami was so surprised that she could not even change her expression.
944
945	- They were trying to seize a ship of unknown origin, from which hostile actions were expected. During the attempted capture, they were subjected to a powerful explosion caused by magic. Ichijou-dono unfolded a four-layered magic barrier to protect his people and barely kept the onslaught of this force to the last remaining layer. Thus, the report concluded that serious damage to the magic calculation zone was caused by the destruction of three layers of a large-scale barrier covering more than a hundred people.
946
947	 "More than a hundred people ..." Minami whispered in a startled voice, still holding the same petrified face. Since barrier magic was her strong point, she was well aware of how terrible this load was.
948
949	 "The Ichijou family is not as strong in defensive magic as the Juumonji family. The choice of the technique of simultaneous multilayered barriers was completely unreasonable.
950
951	 "Onii-sama ..." Miyuki whispered anxiously, watching Tatsuya indifferently utter his words. She thought that he remembered about her - Honami, who burned her life with an overload, using the magic of a large-scale barrier.
952
953	 Sakurai Honami. Miya's guardian, mother to Tatsuya and Miyuki, as well as genetically aunt Minami. A woman with the same face as Minami, with the same appearance that she will have when she grows up. Five years ago, having given all her strength, she defended Tatsuya from large-scale shelling from warships.
954
955	 Discuss the situation, similar to the death of Honami in front of the girl who is her exact copy ... It's like opening the lid of painful memories. Miyuki thought that since she feels this way herself, then her brother just suffers even more.
956
957	"... Miyuki, I'm sorry." I think I reminded you of sad events.
958
959	 However, Tatsuya seems to have misunderstood the essence of Miyuki's suffering. No ... is it wrong? Really?
960
961	But Miyuki's suspicions were immediately discarded.
962
963	"We cannot do without recognizing such things in our situation. Tatsuya's voice was not disturbed by the memories of old times. "Judging only by magical skills, Ichijou from Third High can become the head of the family right now." However, magical power alone is not enough for the status of the head of the Ichijou family responsible for defending part of the coast of the Sea of Japan.
964
965	After this explanation Tatsuya, Miyuki thought that, finally, she realized the seriousness of the situation. Five years ago, the key role in repulsing the attack of an unknown enemy in an incident involving an invasion of Sado was played not by the army, but by volunteers gathered from the subordinates of the Ichijou family. The presence of the Ichijou family in the defense of the coast of the Sea of Japan from Hokuriku to Tohoku is so great.
966
967	The Ichijou family not has only excellent magical abilities, but also leadership, under the influence of which they received many subordinate magicians in the Hokuriku region and the western half of Tohoku. These magicians supplemented their fighting power of the defense army, dispersed from Okinawa and Kyushu to Hokkaido. When the head of the Ichijou family is immobilized, this is not only a problem for the Ten Master Clans, but also a huge hole in the organization of the country's defense.
968
969	- Of course, the Ichijou family should also have countermeasures for the case when the head is temporarily absent. Without a doubt, the families of Ithinkour and Issiki will strengthen their support. However, it seems, the Yotsuba will not be allowed to sit idle.
970
971	- So, we also have to help?
972
973	- At the moment, we just sent Yuuka-san to treat Ichijou-dono. Tatsuya answered Miyuki's question in a not very confident voice. Perhaps he believes that this is not the end. However, Miyuki was now more concerned with what he had said, rather than his pessimistic expectation.
974
975	- I did not know that Yuuka-san can treat magicians.
976
977	- Yuuka-san is studying in postgraduate study the phenomenon of deterioration of the performance of the magic calculation zone by excessive use of magic, the so-called "overheating of the calculation zone of magic."
978
979	- That's it ...
980
981	"The head of the family seems to be actively supporting this study." After all, for a gifted magician, the phenomenon of overheating of the magic calculation zone is a threat to life, and not just to magical skills. But even without the order of the head of the family, she could not remain indifferent.
982
983	For Tatsuya's generation, the only example of the loss of life from the "overheating magic calculation zone" was Honami, but in the Yotsuba family there were many victims of this phenomenon, including the previous head of the family, Yotsuba Ganzo. The development of methods for the therapy of this problem was also conducted at the time of the previous head of the family.
984
985	This is not only the Yotsuba family. The magic technique, which is the trump card of the Juumonji family, also has the prerequisites to cause "overheating of the magic calculation zone". Juumonji Kazuki, the previous head of the Juumonji family, lost his magician's ability because of this. The Juumonji family investigated methods for preventing overheating.
986
987	In fact, the study of this problem involved magical researchers not only the families of Yotsuba and Juumonji. The magic calculation zone still remains a "black box", the device of which has not been clarified, and outside the families of Yotsuba and Juumonji, the "overheating of the magic calculation zone" is still at the stage when there is still discussion whether it exists at all.
988
989	Therefore, according to the available theories, it immediately became clear what happened to Ichijou Gouki, albeit at the hypothesis level.
990
991	"Among the many magicians of the Tsukuba family, specializing in extra-systemic magic, Yuuka-san is excellent in techniques of interference in the mind. Both-uh, apparently, came to the conclusion that if it was Yuuka-san, then it would be possible to cure Ichijou-dono.
992
993	Not control thoughts and work on consciousness, but magic, interfering with the mind itself. Its representatives, the magic of "interference in the structure of the mind", which was used only by Miya, Miyuki's "Cocytus", and Tsukuba's "Pledge" - are also magic that changes events in the mind.
994
995	Unlike Miyuki's magic, which causes compulsory absolute freezing of the mind, "Pledge" is a technique that limits the work of the mind. Yuuka-san is good at this kind of magic, so perhaps she will be able to speed up the recovery of the magic calculation area located in the subconscious area. Therefore, the choice of the head of Yotsuba was fully justified.
996
997	"But if it does not work out, will not the Yotsuba's position worsen?"
998
999	- Yuuka-san is not officially related to the Yotsuba family. She will introduce herself as a researcher of magic, capable of treatment, which the Yotsuba family found.
1000
1001	- ...
1002
1003	In other words, in which case, it can get rid of it. The fact that Miyuki hesitated and could not say anything, was proof that he could not treat this heartlessly. We can say that she is too naive for the successor of Yotsuba, but Tatsuya did not even think to deny such kindness of Miyuki.
1004
1005	- In addition, the Yotsuba family offered Ichijou-dono treatment with good intentions. The other side will not lose anything, therefore the idea of help cannot be criticized, even if it proves to be unsuccessful.
1006
1007	"... Really." - Miyuki spoke in a tone that read an attempt to convince herself of power. Hearing this, Tatsuya tried to forcefully change the subject.
1008
1009	- We are a bit distracted from the topic. Currently, the head of the family plans to limit the support only by sending Yuuka-san. However, I do not think that this will end.
1010
1011	In fact, this was not a "distraction from the topic," but Miyuki did not seem to notice this. Minami made a slightly suspect frowning face. However, this feeling quickly disappeared.
1012
1013	- There is also a possibility that I will be ordered to intercept the armed forces.
1014
1015	- Order from the military !? "Miyuki's raised voice meant that it would be a violation of the contract between the Yotsuba family and the army."
1016
1017	"From the head of the family." "However, Tatsuya's response was even more amazing."
1018
1019	- ... But after all, Onii-sama is my guardian!
1020
1021	- It should be borne in mind that this status changed when I was appointed by the suitor Miyuki.
1022
1023	- This is ...
1024
1025	Miyuki felt guilty that Tatsuya was bound by the duties of her guard. However, while he is her guardian, he cannot be forced to assign another job. Justified by this rule, she, at least, could distract Tatsuya from this sense of guilt.
1026
1027	And then Tatsuya tells her that this excuse no longer works. Hearing this, Miyuki was shocked more than when Tatsuya told her that his work could be dangerous.
1028
1029	- Do not worry. I used to say. Only you, Miyuki, really can hurt me.
1030
1031	These words from Tatsuya showed Miyuki that he did not understand the reason why she turned pale. Miyuki was not upset that Tatsuya would go to the battlefield, but because no more justification could be used, that Tatsuya was her guard. But since Tatsuya "promised" not to get any injuries, Miyuki calmed down a little.
1032
1033	- I, too, am still sure of what I said earlier. Onii-sama will not lose to anyone.
1034
1035	- Clear. Tatsuya replied, catching Miyuki's piercing gaze.
1036
1037	Minami, watching this pair from the side, for some reason did not feel the usual disgust in such cases. Unlike the usual state, Minami was now fascinated by the unshakable mutual trust of two people.
1038
1039	"However, the number of cases where I will have to leave Miyuki for a while will probably increase." Minami.
1040
1041	- Y-yes! - Minami reacted too violently, slightly stumbling and raising her voice, because Tatsuya was slightly out of consciousness from this story.
1042
1043	Tatsuya ignored this too energetic answer from Minami, only slightly raising his eyebrows.
1044
1045	"In such cases, I entrust Miyuki's protection to you."
1046
1047	"Please rely on me."
1048
1049	The protection of Miyuki is the purpose of Minami even without Tatsuya's words. He himself must understand this. But Minami was well aware of the meaning of why this order was again spoken out loud.
1050
1051	"Miyuki, I will not take you with me to the battlefield."
1052
1053	- ... I understand. - And in the voice and on Miyuki's face the words "what a nuisance" was read, but she was not stupid enough to not understand Tatsuya's train of thought. - Miyuki will follow what Oni-most said ... no, I will follow Tatsuya-sama's order.
1054
1055	As a result, having shown a weak sign of discontent, she changed her words to show that she speaks not as a younger sister, but as a bride.
1056
1057
1058
1059	 â—Š â—Š â—Š
1060
1061
1062
1063	The information that the head of the Ichijou family had fallen into the enemy's trap fell not only on the Yotsuba family. Perhaps the Ichijou family wanted to hide it, but among the "28 Houses" it spread throughout the day. However, there was a difference in the accuracy of the information, even among the Ten Master Clans.
1064
1065	 Having learned from his father, Koichi, about the misfortune that struck the head of the Ichijou family, immediately upon returning to her room, Mayumi received an incoming call from Katsuto.
1066
1067	- I apologize for calling at this late hour.
1068
1069	 "I think it's so late to call, it's definitely not in the style of Juumonji-kun, but it's okay, because I can guess the topic of the conversation." Is this an incident with the Ichijou family?
1070
1071	- That's right. It will be easier, once you guessed it.
1072
1073	 All magicians of the Juumonji family have tremendous power, but their number is very small. In comparison with the Saegusa and Mitsuya families based in the same center in Tokyo, one can say that they have almost no outstanding magicians at all. In addition, the abilities of the Juumonji family are considered only suitable for battle.
1074
1075	 Therefore, they lag behind other families in terms of gathering information. In case of an emergency, Katsuto uses personal connections with the Saegusa family to obtain information. In the past, there have already been examples of this.
1076
1077	 "I just heard it from my father." You're just in time. So, Juumonji-kun, what do you already know?
1078
1079	- I heard that a ship of unknown origin entered territorial waters, and then left and stopped, instead of leaving. Taking measures to seize it, Ichijou-dono was trapped by the enemy in the form of a sudden explosion and seriously wounded.
1080
1081	 The information available to Katsuto was rough, but Mayumi did not rate the Juumonji family low. Instead, she felt frustrated that her father had learned so much detail, although the incident happened only today.
1082
1083	 "Only one inaccuracy." Ichijou-dono was not physically injured. The main symptom is that he is in a state of a strong weakness so that he cannot get up. The family suspect that the reason may be excessive use of magic.
1084
1085	 - Excessive use of magic? ...
1086
1087	 "Juumonji-kun, what is it?" - Seeing that Katsuto's face tensed, Mayumi frowned in suspicion.
1088
1089	- No, nothing. Do you have any details about the explosion that Ichijou-dono got into? - Katsuto moved the conversation into another direction without answering Mayumi's question. She understood this, but did not interrogate him.
1090
1091	- The result of the analysis of sensors from the stratospheric platform says that it seems that this was an explosion of a large amount of explosive gas, a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. I can only assume long-range magic that generates gas and controls its ignition.
1092
1093	 - Ignition ... Maybe this is the work of "Pyro" Igor Andreivitch Bezobrazzoff ...?
1094
1095	"You think it could be Strategic Class Magic "Tuman Bomba"? It cannot be ...
1096
1097	Mayumi with a smile rejected Katsuto's assumption. However, it was felt that this smile was very strained.
1098
1099	 - ... Really. I do not think that Strategic Class Magic would be used to attack a single ship.
1100
1101	Katsuto agreed, saying the last phrase as if to himself. He realized that he denied such a possibility on too weak a basis.
1102
1103	- Right. Juumonji-kun, you exaggerate.
1104
1105	Mayumi also understood the precariousness of this reason. She looked away from this analysis almost unconsciously.
1106
1107	 - In any case, then it was an attack of unknown magic?
1108
1109	- That's right.
1110
1111
1112
1113	 - ... This is a serious situation.
1114
1115	- Yes. ... Apparently, therefore, my older brother said that he wanted to talk with Juumonji-kun. "Mayumi said, slightly hesitant after agreeing to Katsuto's words.
1116
1117	 - Tomokazu-dono? ... Understood. Tell him I'm ready at any time.
1118
1119	- It's okay that I told you this, but will the convenience be adjusted to our family?
1120
1121	 - Here's how? Then, how about tomorrow night? I leave the choice of place on Tomokazu-dono.
1122
1123	"I think it will be okay." Then, I'll contact you tomorrow afternoon to report the place.
1124
1125	 - Thank you. Also, thank you for providing information on the Ichijou-dono incident.
1126
1127	Katsuto bowed on the screen. This interrupted the connection. It looked like a lack of good manners, but it was an act of self-defense to avoid pincering Mayumi.
1128
1129	- ... Only such measures will be smart against the habit, which cannot be remedied. - The voice sighing and cursing on the extinct screen Mayumi, obviously, was fun.
1130
1131
1132
1133	CHAPTER TWO
1134
1135
1136
1137	The 7th of April, 2097. Today, in the nine schools of magic concurrently, is the admission ceremony.
1138
1139	 Three members of the school board, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami, came to school 2 hours before the ceremony.
1140
1141	 Entering the backstage of the assembly hall, they met Mikihiko, Izumi, Kasumi and Mitsuya Shiina waiting for them.
1142
1143	 - Good morning everyone. - Not Tatsuya, the president of the school council Miyuki first welcomed the schoolchildren who came earlier.
1144
1145	 "Good morning, Miyuki-senpai!" Today, too, you are even more ...
1146
1147	 - Yes, yes, stop, stop. Good morning, President Shiba, Shiba-senpaii, Sakurai-san.
1148
1149	 This morning Izumi's tension was also ready to jump, but Kasumi prevented this, interrupting it. Miyuki, with a smile in which there was not a trace of surprise, greeted Kasumi and Izumi in turn, then turned to Shiina.
1150
1151	 - Mitsuya-san, I made you wait?
1152
1153	 - No, nothing like that. I just came, sooner than I needed to ... "Shiina waved her head, showing a denial. In this action was the charm of a pretty little animal.
1154
1155	 She was short, below Kasumi and Izumi. Obviously, above the former president of Azusa, but at the same time she was similar to the atmosphere Azusa created around herself, and not by a physique. But just looking adult, she did not feel that weakness. At least that's how she saw Tatsuya.
1156
1157	 When she waved her head, hidden headphones with neck straps appeared from under the swaying lush air hair. Their color was the same as that of the hair - olive brown. She had previously said at the meeting that she would take something less noticeable. Perhaps this is for her routine, because it looked very neat.
1158
1159	 "It feels like a daughter raised in a good family," thought Tatsuya.
1160
1161	 - Before going to the final meeting, Mitsuya-san, can I ask you something?
1162
1163	 - Ah ~ ... yes. What is it, Shiba-senpai? "She could not hide the tension on her face, but still answered, looking Tatsuya straight in the eyes. Tatsuya revised his assessment of Shiina in the depths of her mind.
1164
1165	 - Is a guy with long hair gathered behind in a ponytail, standing outside the assembly hall your friend?
1166
1167	 Hearing Tatsuya's words, Minami's expression "Eh?" Appeared. Like Miyuki's guard, she was going to follow the neighborhood. Guys with long hair at the present time - a rarity. She thought that such a guy would have noticed.
1168
1169	 "Long hair ... Ah ~, are you talking about Saburou-kun?" "However, Shiina seems to understand who he is talking about."
1170
1171	 "His name is Saburou-kun?" He hides himself rather skillfully.
1172
1173	 - I think, undoubtedly, that this guy is my friend, Yaguruma Saburou-kun. "I" from "bow with arrows", "guruma" from "wheel", the first part of the name, as "samurai", and "ro", as in the name "Jiro", "Yaguruma Saburou." In any case ... oh, this Saburou-kun, why was he hiding? - Shiina frowned in embarrassment, and in her voice read the subtext "there's absolutely nothing you can do about it."
1174
1175	 [note. trans.: Shiina lists the hieroglyphs of the surname and name Saburou, explaining how to write them using the example of known words. A common practice for the Japanese with an oral explanation of spelling.]
1176
1177	 - Judging by your words, you are not just acquaintances? It seems that you are quite close friends.
1178
1179	 - This is because we have been friends since childhood.
1180
1181	 Shiina's cheeks blushed slightly, and she looked away from Tatsuya. This expression of a person with lowered eyes, undoubtedly, made the others suspect the presence of a romantic relationship. However, Tatsuya guessed from Shiina's behavior that a guy named Yaguruma Saburou was an escort assigned to her by the Mitsuya family.
1182
1183	 Of course, he did not say anything, so as not to interfere in the internal affairs of another of the Ten Master Clans. This was because Tatsuya did not know about his poor ability to evaluate others.
1184
1185	 - Today, both the cafeteria and the canteen are closed, there is more than an hour left before the opening of the assembly hall, and newcomers will be admitted to the school building only after the admission ceremony. He can wait here.
1186
1187	 What Tatsuya said, in fact, was good intentions (or sympathy), based on personal experience two years ago. He noticed that there was no emblem on the chest of that guy.
1188
1189	 - Everything is fine. After all, Saburou-kun is surprisingly self-assured ... that is, adamant. However, thanks for your concern.
1190
1191	 - I see.
1192
1193	 Almost simultaneously with Tatsuya's answer, Honoka burst into the room, hastily apologizing:
1194
1195	 - Sorry for being late!
1196
1197	Miyuki told Honoka that she was just in time, and Tatsuya turned to everyone:
1198
1199	 - Let's begin the final check.
1200
1201
1202
1203	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1204
1205
1206
1207	The reception ceremony ended in a solemn atmosphere and without problems. Undoubtedly, the calm atmosphere was caused by the curiosity of newcomers, parents and guests regarding the members of the school board.
1208
1209	 They were particularly interested in Miyuki the president of the school council. After all, it's about the school where they go. In addition to the most reckless newcomers and their parents, everyone always pays attention to First High . Therefore, most students knew that the current president of the school board of First High is the heir of the same Yotsuba family.
1210
1211	Miyuki also collected the views of most of those who saw her in the images and broadcasts from the Nine Schools Competition. But again, they remained in a state of disbelief of the unearthly beauty seen by the living and the awareness of a direct relationship with the Yotsuba family. Simple novices and their parents could not resist the pressure created by the beauty of Miyuki and the imagination of the Yotsuba family.
1212
1213	And the "uneasy" parents, too, could not ease the tension from the hidden unlimited magical power of Miyuki and the possibility of having an ominous hidden power in Tatsuya who is always with her.
1214
1215	 The only moment of diminished atmosphere was the time of reading the representative newcomers address by Shiina. It was impossible to praise the "fluency" of the speech, calling it "gorgeous." Often stammering, she somehow found the strength to continue, and after completing the reading, leaving with a sense of accomplishment, she looked like "giving all her strength."
1216
1217	However, it was so touching for the thick-skinned "guests" that they surrounded and stopped Shiina, who seemed to them to be the correct freshman, innocent and unreliable. Compared with Miyuki two years ago, Shiina was released much faster. (The situation seems different when the representative is a guy, because last year there was no such performance.)
1218
1219	Also, as Tatsuya had suggested last night, Miyuki was not vigorously affiliated with the guests. Long held by Miyuki last year, Congressman Ueno, this year retreated at the very beginning.
1220
1221	 Thanks to this, the time of conversations with Shiina ended earlier than expected.
1222
1223	 - Shiina-chan.
1224
1225	 - Izumi-san?
1226
1227	 Waiting for the crowd around Shiina to begin to thin, Izumi called her. The ring of guests around Shiina dissolved naturally.
1228
1229	 Among the people associated with magic, it was widely known that Izumi was the youngest daughter of the Saegusa family. She was also Koichi's most beloved daughter. The betrayal of Saegusa Koichi at the Conference of the Master Clans was ordered to remain silent. For people connected with magic outside the "28 Houses" the Saegusa family is still the pearl of the magical world of Japan, along with the family of Yotsuba. Among the guests invited to the ceremony of entering First High of Guests, there was no one who had the courage to disappoint the Saegusa family.
1230
1231	 - It was a perfect response.
1232
1233	 - Thank you very much ... So, what do you have for me? - Despite the shyness of the compliment to Izumi, Shiina firmly asked why she called her. Izumi knew that in spite of the fluffy atmosphere, Shiina was pretty smart. Therefore, she was not surprised by this guess of Shiina.
1234
1235	 "I need to discuss with you one question, so will you give me some time?"
1236
1237	 - Yes, I do not mind. Izumi-san, should I go with you?
1238
1239	 - Yes please. By the way, do you not want to call Saburou-kun?
1240
1241	- After the inauguration ceremony there will be a conversation with the school board, Saburou-kun should also know this. - Shiina did not show a drop of excitement when she heard the name of a childhood friend that was suddenly mentioned.
1242
1243	The place where Izumi took Shiina was the room of the school board. There they were expected by Miyuki and Minami.
1244
1245	- Mitsuya-san, thank you for coming.
1246
1247	Miyuki rose from the chair of the school board president, and headed for the meeting table. Izumi placed Shiina opposite Miyuki.
1248
1249	"First, sit down, please." - Smiling, Miyuki pointed to the place opposite. Looking at Izumi's face, Shiina crouched timidly. After that Minami and Izumi sat down on each side of Miyuki.
1250
1251	A cup of tea was put before Shiina. After trying to thank, she saw that it was a 3H (Humanoid Home Helper), and rounded her eyes.
1252
1253	"Surprised?" This 3H "Pixie" belongs to my fiancé and helps with the different routine affairs of the school board.
1254
1255	 Miyuki smiled to ease the strain of Shiina.
1256
1257	 Shiina was fascinated for a while with this smile. Quickly pulling herself together, she showed an embarrassed smile. But on the face it was visible, that pressure became less.
1258
1259	 "I think you've heard from Vice President Saegusa about the custom of the school board of this school."
1260
1261	 - Yes, I understand what you mean.
1262
1263	 Shiina confirmed what Miyuki had said. To be honest, the question Miyuki was about to ask was already decided informally between Shiina and Izumi. Shiina's call here was only a necessary formality.
1264
1265	 - Clear. Then, considering this, I will ask. Do you want to become a member of the school board?
1266
1267	 "It's a great honor for me." I respectfully ask you to let me work with you.
1268
1269	 Miyuki slightly relaxed her face. She was not worried about the refusal, like last year, because Izumi had already told her about the consent. However, she could not calm down until the issue was really resolved.
1270
1271	 Miyuki also realized that she had, you might say, a similar problem in her time, and this also caused calm.
1272
1273	"In that case, starting tomorrow, Mitsuya-san starts working as a secretary of the school board." About the details of the work you can learn from Sakurai-san.
1274
1275	 - I am Secretary of Sakurai Minami. Mitsuya-san, I will be happy to work with you.
1276
1277
1278
1279	 Following the words of Miyuki, Minami bowed and introduced herself.
1280
1281	 "Please take care of me!"
1282
1283	Apparently, because of the excitement of the seniors, Shiina greatly nervous, bowed timidly.
1284
1285	"Um, President, Sakurai-senpai." I do not mind if you just call me Shiina. - She suggested.
1286
1287	 "I understand, Shiina-chan." Will it work?
1288
1289	 - Yes, please.
1290
1291	 Such a friendly response from Miyuki helped Shiina finally relax.
1292
1293
1294
1295	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1296
1297
1298
1299	With the issuance of ID cards, the first part of the receipt ceremony was completed. For first-year students, they opened a school building, despite the fact that it was Sunday.
1300
1301	Many newcomers went to see their classrooms and make friends with classmates whom they will spend together this year. The other students got bored together and went off to eat. This description suited most freshmen.
1302
1303	But, as they say, any rule has exceptions. This year, too, was a student, not suitable for templates.
1304
1305	 After completing the formalities of the inauguration ceremony, Tatsuya left the assembly hall, leaving the cleaning and locking of the doors to the staff of the school and teachers. With him were also Mikihiko, Honoka and Shizuku. Mikihiko, as head of the disciplinary committee, listened to the final report from each member of the committee. Honoka, as a representative of the school board, checked the equipment. And Shizuku, quite simply, left to compose the company Honoka.
1306
1307	 From the entrance to the assembly hall to the entrance to the building of the school go not far. Passing this small path, Mikihiko suddenly stopped with an amazed face.
1308
1309	 - Mikihiko, what happened?
1310
1311	 - ... Did someone use a spell?
1312
1313
1314
1315	 Hearing Mikihiko's answer to Tatsuya's question, the accompanying Honoka and Shizuku exchanged glances.
1316
1317	 - A ancient magic spell?
1318
1319	 "It looks like ... Maybe it's Vigilance." This is a spell that collects sounds from a specified remote location.
1320
1321	 - An eavesdropping spell?
1322
1323	 - Hmm, well, in principle it is true ...
1324
1325	 Shizuku did not know how to react to Mikihiko's sluggish speech, joke or scold. However, he quickly revived.
1326
1327	 - It seems that he trained a lot. The level of skill is quite high. But the output power of the spell is low. Is this deliberate containment of strength or lack of ability ...?
1328
1329	 - High skill with meager abilities?
1330
1331	 - Tatsuya, do you know anything?
1332
1333	 Tatsuya's voice showed that he thought he might know the identity of the user of this technique. But he did not answer the question of Mikihiko.
1334
1335	 "Do you know where he is?"
1336
1337	 Hearing Tatsuya's question, Mikihiko closed his eyes. Then he slowly began to turn his head, as if looking around. After making a third of the turnover, Mikihiko opened his eyes and answered with a confident voice Tatsuya's question:
1338
1339	- It seems that somewhere in the vicinity of a small sports hall number 1.
1340
1341	- Tatsuya-san ... Today, after the ceremony did not a small gym open?
1342
1343	 Tatsuya agreed with Honoka:
1344
1345	- Correct. Club activities are also absent at the weekend. In any case, let's go and look at the place.
1346
1347	Better to see once than hear a hundred times. No one objected to Tatsuya's opinion.
1348
1349
1350
1351	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1352
1353
1354
1355	At this time in the room of the school board passed a tea party. Despite the fact that it was time for Shiina to go home, she stayed here, waiting for Tatsuya and Honoka to greet them again.
1356
1357	 - By the way, Shiina-chan.
1358
1359	Waiting for a pause in a lively conversation about the high school days between Izumi and Shiina, Miyuki set the cup of coffee on the table and spoke to Shiina.
1360
1361	- Yes, president?
1362
1363	 Shiina turned to Miyuki with a very tense face. At this point, she was absolutely not ready for this.
1364
1365	- Someone has recently tried to penetrate this room with perception magic, is not this the childhood friend of the kun Shiina-chan? It seems that his name was Yaguruma Saburou-kun.
1366
1367	 Miyuki smiled in a friendly way. But there was a mysterious light in her eyes.
1368
1369	 - Er?
1370
1371	 On the one hand, she was depressed by Miyuki's gaze. But more than this, Shiina was shocked by what she heard from Miyuki. After a brief stupor, Shiina quickly took off her headphones with a quick movement of her hand.
1372
1373	 "Shiina-chan, that's okay!"
1374
1375	 Izumi panicked when she saw this. Miyuki looked calmly at Shiina, understanding why she had done it. Trying to speak with Shiina, Miyuki stopped Minami with a gesture of a finger attached to her lips.
1376
1377	 The rumor(?) and magic perception of Shiina are not related to each other. This is different from Mizuki, who uses aura-blocking glasses to contain the power of her magic perception. However, Shiina felt that removing earplugs (headphones with volume control) would exacerbate the perception of external magical waves. Without headphones that physically weaken the sound, Shiina cannot lead everyday life.
1378
1379	 Forced adjustment of the hearing by magic will spoil the magic perception, which will make the use of magic difficult. When she wears headphones, there is no problem with using magic, but she becomes insensitive to external magic interference. Therefore, she did not notice the perception magic aimed at the school board room. The dilemma of Shiina (in this case we can say "three" lemma) could not be solved, except that the surrounding people tried not to make noise.
1380
1381
1382
1383	 Shiina, with half-closed eyes, concentrating her mind, looked for a while as if listening to barely noticeable sounds, and soon after that she opened her eyes.
1384
1385	 "Saburou-kun, what are you doing ...!" There was more anger in her voice than surprise. In addition, this anger was caused by shame.
1386
1387	 "Shiina-chan, I think you'd better wear headphones first." - said Miyuki, after which the part of anger disappeared from the face of Shiina. Instead, her cheeks instantly turned red. Wearing the headphones hanging around the neck again, the still red Shiina looked away shyly to the floor.
1388
1389	 "Um, sorry ... For the impolite behavior of my friend ..." she said in a fading, fading voice.
1390
1391	 "Do not worry about that." To all important places, including the school board room, especially strict protective measures are applied.
1392
1393	 Not immediately realizing what Miyuki said, Shiina showed her hesitant face for a while.
1394
1395	 - ... Protective measures, is it something like a barrier?
1396
1397	 - The principle of action is very similar. Two years ago in our school there was one small incident, and since then we have concluded a contract with a specialist to enhance security.
1398
1399	 Thinking for a few seconds about the "little incident," Shiina finally understood something and gave an ambiguous "Hmm ...". The older sister told Siena what happened in First High 2 years ago. She was shocked to hear that Miyuki called the invasion of armed terrorists a "small" incident.
1400
1401	 - Is Yaguruma-kun - bodyguard of Shiina-chan?
1402
1403	However, with Miyuki's next question, the oppressive pressure of Shiina was dispelled.
1404
1405	 - Yes, no, that is, it's a bit different ...
1406
1407	 This time the senseless answer of the agitated Shiina made Miyuki think. Izumi at that moment, looking with pity at Shiina came to the rescue.
1408
1409	 - Miyuki-sempai, Yaguruma is a family completely subordinate to the Mitsuya family, and all her people combine the work of servants and bodyguards. Saburou-kun was to become Shiina-chan's personal bodyguard, because they are of the same age, but they refused him to enter the senior school after that. Correct, Shiina-chan?
1410
1411	 - Y-yes, this is ...
1412
1413	Shiina's evasiveness was due to the fact that she did not want the reason to be heard. Even in a place where he does not hear (eavesdropping is impossible, according to the president of the school board), she could not say aloud that he was removed from the position of guard because of the lack of magical talent. Shiina knew that this decision was very painful for Saburou.
1414
1415	 "That's how ... In other words, is Shiina-chan incapable of controlling Yaguruma-kun's behavior?"
1416
1417	 - Ah, yes.
1418
1419	 But Miyuki's question was unexpected for Shiina. Having said "this is a problem ...", Miyuki became thoughtful.
1420
1421	"In that case, unauthorized use of magic is considered a personal decision of Yaguruma-kun ... In that case, one cannot hope for mitigating circumstances."
1422
1423	This remark of Miyuki left no room for misunderstanding. Therefore, Shiina could not say a word.
1424
1425	"Even if you subtract that the attempt of magic failed ... To show such a poor discipline at the very beginning of the semester ... What do you think, Izumi-chan?"
1426
1427	Shiina stared at Miyuki, who turned to Izumi, stunned. She did not stop them.
1428
1429	- Since I know him a little, I would ask for condescending measures for him ... On the other hand, I think we cannot answer too gently. Because other students are adversely affected by the realization that those involved in the Ten Master Clans can go unpunished, violating school rules.
1430
1431	- Please wait a bit!
1432
1433	She rose sharply. Her words spoken in a hurry were difficult to make out, but she was able to draw the attention of Miyuki and Izumi.
1434
1435	- Saburou-kun did not agree with this! So he did something so stupid! - When Miyuki looked at her, Shiina continued to speak in an agitated tone.
1436
1437	- "I did not agree with this"? Do you mean that he did not agree that he was removed from the position of your bodyguard?
1438
1439	 - ... Right. - With a confused face, Shiina answered Miyuki's question. Following a slightly receding wave of excitement, a wave of shame swept over her.
1440
1441	"In other words, did Yaguruma-kun try to find out the state of the school council room with the aim of ensuring the security of Shiina-chan?" "Miyuki said this not to tease Shiina.
1442
1443	 - Right. The main reason for the incident is that the Mitsuya family could not convince Saburou-kun. We had to convince him correct. Therefore, if he acted for me, then it is my duty to stop him. It's incompetence for me as a leader. Saburou-kun will receive a severe reprimand from me, and this will not happen again. "She spoke with caution, avoiding words she could not say. - Therefore, please, only this time, forgive Saburou-kun for his stupid act!
1444
1445	 - Shiina-chan. Do you understand the meaning of your recognition of responsibility for Saburou-kun?
1446
1447	 And in Miyuki's voice, in behavior and eyes, there was softness and kindness. However, to answer this question, Shiina had to collect all her will power.
1448
1449	 "... I understand."
1450
1451	 "Izumi-chan, what do you think?" I believe we can trust Shiina-chan.
1452
1453	 - I also think that this time it will be ok. - Izumi answered with a smile. With this smile, she was more like her father Koichi than her older sister Mayumi.
1454
1455	 - Many thanks! Shiina bowed deeply. She understood the meaning of the words "this time," uttered by Izumi.
1456
1457
1458
1459	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1460
1461
1462
1463	 Tatsuya and the other three stopped in front of the small gymnasium number 1.
1464
1465	 "What about the spell?"
1466
1467	 "Still active." I think, just behind this wall. - Mikihiko replied honestly to Tatsuya's question.
1468
1469	 "... But, without asking me, Tatsuya, you do know yourself, do not you?" - Also he added.
1470
1471	 - I do not want to use extra power.
1472
1473	 Mikihiko did not object to Tatsuya's seemingly selfish words. Mikihiko had enough knowledge to understand that Tatsuya does not speak this way because of laziness.
1474
1475	 The beholder will see. This was clear even without quotations from famous philosophers. A magician who looks with perception magic, will feel the magical power invested in such a look.
1476
1477	If there is a huge difference in magical skills, you can monitor the enemy and not be seen, but with any magic, the risk will not be zero. Even Tatsuya's Elemental Sight can be seen if the enemy knows such a technique. If Mikihiko is able to recognize the enemy, Tatsuya does not need to take risks.
1478
1479	 - Tatsuya-san, then, what will you do?
1480
1481	 "Can you catch him?"
1482
1483	 Although Honoka and Shizuku did not fully understand Mikihiko, they seemed to think that it was not worth creating problems if their friend had already taken up this matter. They asked Tatsuya what he would do with the violator of school rules. ... It seems they were not completely aware that in this case, the first one they should ask is the head of the disciplinary committee, that is, Mikihiko.
1484
1485
1486
1487	 Tatsuya glanced at Mikihiko, but it seemed that it did not bother him. Therefore, without saying anything superfluous, he told these three his plan.
1488
1489
1490
1491	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1492
1493
1494
1495	"... Someone is approaching."
1496
1497	 A freshman, enrolled in First High , Yaguruma Saburou returned his consciousness, directed to the room of the school board, back to the back of the small gym No. 1.
1498
1499	"These presence signs ... two, no, three people?"
1500
1501	 Perception magic does not overwrite Eidos (unless it is the type that strengthens its own five senses), so it is difficult for other people to perceive it. But this does not mean that there is no trace at all. Saburou knew it very well. Even just aiming "Vigilance" on the school boardroom room had the risk of being accused of unauthorized use of magic. He did not plan to take on further risks.
1502
1503	 Based on reading the signs available without magic, Saburou believed that three magicians approach him. Two of them are women. They were definitely students, not teachers. And they did not hide their presence at all. But the remaining one man ably controlled the signs of his presence. It was not like he was sneaking, hiding his presence. It seemed that he controlled his signs naturally, unconsciously. This is a significant skill. It could be one of the teachers.
1504
1505	"I used perception magic, which is difficult to notice to others, besides it was an ancient magic that detectors do not pick up well, but an experienced First High employee can well guess" , "thought Saburou.
1506
1507	 The probability that these three are simply being inspected, he ruled out from the very beginning. Unfortunately, the stated goal in the form of monitoring possible threats to Shiina was not realized. His "Vigilance", in the end, could not get through the barrier surrounding the school boardroom.
1508
1509	"It seems that magic schools not only use modern magic spells" , - came to mind. Saburou reluctantly admitted this. However, he will not hear what Shiina is talking about, even if he strengthens the "rumor" even more. Keeping quiet judgment, and knowing that it's time to retreat, Saburou escaped.
1510
1511	 ... I intended to escape.
1512
1513
1514
1515	Without making a sound, Saburou left the place where he was hiding. Naturally, he went in the opposite direction from the approaching people. Walking along the wall of the gym, he was going with an innocent look to the alley passing there. However, he was forced to stop without going a couple of steps.
1516
1517	"What !?"
1518
1519	 He barely managed to suppress a cry in amazement. But it did not make any sense.
1520
1521	 "Are you new?" I felt in these areas unauthorized use of magic. I would like to listen to what you say, so please come with me.
1522
1523	 A high school student whose presence was not felt until he faced him face to face. Saburou knew that face. In addition to him, there were many newcomers who knew this person and name.
1524
1525	 A member of the school board. The super-engineer of the Nine Schools Competition. The key participant in the "Stellar Furnace" experiment. And also the groom of the next head of the Yotsuba family.
1526
1527	"Shiba Tatsuya!"
1528
1529	 Saburou was an extremely cautious man. He quickly untied the thread that held his hair with his ponytail. And he hid his face in the long hair. Then he activated the ancient magic of the Skanda high-speed movement, and tried to escape from Tatsuya.
1530
1531	 - Wait.
1532
1533	 The voice Tatsuya called to Saburou was not that strong. At least, the forces to hold back the legs of the fleeing was not there. The movements of Saburou's legs were delayed by a psion projectile shot with this voice.
1534
1535	 Countermagic, Gram Demolition.
1536
1537	 It was, quite simply, a psion cannon. If the entire body is subjected to the psion stream, then the magic that is in the process of activation is also canceled, but the physical control of the body is paralyzed.
1538
1539	 The legs no longer held. The balance of the whole body was disturbed.
1540
1541	 During the fall, Saburou was barely able to regain some freedom of movement to fall, without getting injured. Although the fall looked awkward, but it helped to avoid injuries.
1542
1543
1544
1545	"Damn, move!"
1546
1547	 Swearing in his mind at his body, Saburou tried to regain control of himself. He knew why his limbs did not obey him. Therefore, he was not afraid of the sudden onset of paralysis, and therefore he was overly impatient.
1548
1549	 The muscles contract, following the signal transmitted along the nerves. So all people are arranged, magicians have no differences in this. But for people like Saburou, that's not all.
1550
1551	 The muscles perform the command that the brain gave. There is a slight delay in time until the nerve passes the command. This delay is a few fractions of a second, which does not interfere with daily life. This is usually not even recognized.
1552
1553	 But for those who have sharpened their minds in order to feel this moment, the time stretching between the intention and the performance is a terrible and unpleasant moment of inconvenience. The increased concentration of the mind seems to stretch the time, and, seeing the approaching attack of the enemy, you feel regret that you can neither avoid nor prevent it, because the intention has not yet reached the limb. No, it's good if you can at least realize your annoyance. After all, this moment can also bring an end.
1554
1555	 Those who could overcome the sense of a gap between intentions and actions, developed various techniques for a more free movement. One of these techniques instead of transmitting commands to the muscles with the help of nerve impulses, uses psions to convey intentions directly to the body.
1556
1557	 This technique is a kind of non-systematic magic, but people who can master it are not limited to magicians. It cannot be said that anyone can learn this, because in any technique everything depends heavily on the availability of talent. However, if you train in the right way, you can achieve mastery even without magical talent. There are many people who, not knowing that this is actually non-systematic magic, mastered it in the form of a martial arts skill.
1558
1559	 Therefore, deprived by magic talent Saburou willingly studied martial arts. As a result, he already mastered this technique at a high level. By today, he could already, without using magic, move on par with or even faster than magicians using self-acceleration magic.
1560
1561	 But this time it had the opposite consequences. From the interruption received by Tatsuya's spell, not only was the self-acceleration magic forcibly canceled, but Saburou also lost physical control over the body, because it was carried out with the help of psions.
1562
1563	"Grab me? Are you coming here for this?"
1564
1565	He himself fell, and the enemy was already a step away from him. Saburou understood that he was in a position from which he could not escape under ordinary circumstances. However, he did not give up.
1566
1567	 After regaining control a little, he lifted his head and looked around looking for a suitable stone. Neither on the surface of the elastic water-permeable pavement nor on the lawn of the adjacent territory was there any stones desired by Saburou. However, he found a thick branch lying at the base of one of the trees.
1568
1569	 Apparently, it broke off at some point. Not bad, one of the tips is sharp.
1570
1571	"Great, it will do."
1572
1573	 Saburou concentrated his mind on a branch. He was not going to cause serious injury. He wanted to escape from this place, taking advantage of the moment of confusion caused by a slight poke. But before the "power" of Saburou worked, he was again swept by the psion stream.
1574
1575	A second Gram Demolition.
1576
1577	 It struck not the branch on which "force" was supposed to act, but Saburou himself.
1578
1579	"Are you kidding !? Is it usually a final blow from such a situation ...?"
1580
1581	 Finally, the restored control of the body was again lost with a second blow, and Saburou's clouded consciousness fell into darkness.
1582
1583
1584
1585	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1586
1587
1588
1589	"... Ruthless as usual Tatsuya,. Was it necessary to use Gram Demolition for the second time? - Mikihiko asked in a half-joking tone when they met again after they split up in front of the small gym.
1590
1591	"He seemed to have a rather troublesome ability."
1592
1593	 - Ability?
1594
1595	Mikihiko was puzzled why Tatsuya used the expression "ability", not "magic." However, Tatsuya did not answer this question.
1596
1597	 - But he unexpectedly for me lost consciousness... It seems that he has a pretty strong susceptibility to psions.
1598
1599	"Tatsuya-san, will everything be all right?" Maybe it's better to take him to the school infirmary?
1600
1601	 With this question of Honoka, Mikihiko's interest also shifted to Saburou's state.
1602
1603	 - If the susceptibility to psions is especially high, then, Tatsuya, it's a bad thing? In addition, Tatsuya's interruption of spells causes a shock, as if struck in the gong next to the ear.
1604
1605	 "You're creating a bad reputation for me." I adjusted the output power. Well ... this time, really, everything got out of hand.
1606
1607	 - Tatsuya !? - Mikihiko with a nervous voice reacted to the recognition of Tatsuya.
1608
1609	 Tatsuya, on the contrary, remained cool, despite the fact that he did.
1610
1611	 "I think he's asleep now, not fainted." To be sure, let's take him to the school infirmary.
1612
1613	 Tatsuya deftly lifted Saburou's body and put it on his shoulder. Not Mikihiko, nor Honoka, nor Shizuku began to joke about the way he looked, understood the difference between fainting and sleeping.
1614
1615
1616
1617	 â—Š â—Š â—Š
1618
1619
1620
1621	 When Saburou opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the face of a childhood friend looking at him.
1622
1623	 - Saburou-kun. Thank God you woke up.
1624
1625	 In a tear-stained, smiling face, then the shade of anxiety manifested itself, then disappeared.
1626
1627	 "... Shiina, I'm fine."
1628
1629	He did not understand the current situation and could not remember how he went to bed, but immediately got up to show that he was okay. Because for him the first priority was to eliminate Shiina's alarm.
1630
1631	 "Does it hurt anywhere?" The look is not clouded? Do you hear me normally?
1632
1633	 - Does not hurt anywhere, eyes and ears are normal.
1634
1635	 Shiina calmed down a little when she heard Saburou's report. Yes a little". Saburou thought that the anxiety in her was not yet completely eliminated.
1636
1637	 - Thank God. Then ...
1638
1639	However, what is this pressure, felt by Shiina, looking as if something else is disturbing her? Saburou's back was covered with an unpleasant sweat, while he expected that he would hear from his childhood friend.
1640
1641	- Saburou-kun, do not shy away.
1642
1643	Saburou thought, did he Correct hear what Shiina said. He not only did not understand why Shiina spoke inappropriately for her soft personality, but also did not have time to figure out what was going on.
1644
1645	The subsequent behavior of Shiina was generally incomprehensible to the perplexed Saburou. She swung her right hand and slapped Saburou. From the cheek Saburou heard a loud slap.
1646
1647	 Saburou saw the movement of Shiina, and could easily evade. It would be better to say that he did not have problems with this. But in his mind, there was not even such an option as evasion.
1648
1649	 Tears began to appear in Shiina's eyes.
1650
1651	 - For what...? - Saburou wonderingly asked Shiina, who looked as if she would at any moment be roaring.
1652
1653	 "... Why did you try to do something stupid, like eavesdropping?" - Instead of an answer, from Shiina there was a counter question. Not even from the content of the question, but from this trembling voice, Saburou could not utter words. - I look so helpless ...?
1654
1655	- Shiina ...
1656
1657	Saburou could not answer "yes" or "no". Helpless or not, he intended to eliminate the dangers that threatened her. But if he voices his real intentions, Shiina will take them for a positive response. On the other hand, if he responds negatively to Shiina, he will lose the reason to be with her side by side.
1658
1659	Shiina looked tearfully at her childhood friend, who called her name and fell silent.
1660
1661	- Saburou-kun. - She said a little sad, but accusing voice. It was not pretense, so the young man could not stop feeling guilty. Of course, this greatly affected Saburou's feelings. He was still silent, not because he was stubborn, but because he did not know what he could say without blurting out too much.
1662
1663	She looked steadily, Saburou stared.
1664
1665	The first to give up (or just tired) is Shiina.
1666
1667	"... You know, I promised the president-san." To take responsibility for Saburou-kun.
1668
1669	These words had a dramatic effect.
1670
1671	- Th ...!?
1672
1673	Saburou looked at Siena with a panic on his face.
1674
1675	- Why did Shiina become responsible !?
1676
1677	- And you yourself, Saburou-kun, why are you so worried?
1678
1679	Saburou again could not say anything. But this time he could not take his eyes off.
1680
1681	- What's wrong with assuming responsibility?
1682
1683	- This is ...
1684
1685	"You did something bad just because you thought I would not take responsibility!"
1686
1687	There was nothing to justify. Shiina came straight to the point.
1688
1689	- Eavesdropping in a room of the school board with the help of unauthorized use of magic - this is in fact threatening to be removed from the class? I do not want Saburou-kun to do this!
1690
1691	- ... I understand. Sorry.
1692
1693	Saburou could do nothing except to say it and bow. He understood why he was removed from the position of guardian of Shiina. His feelings were not convinced, but he understood the reason.
1694
1695	His actions, taken to ensure the security of Shiina, are, after all, only complacency. Saburou was aware of this. There was no question of disturbing Shiina with her own problems. Since he already harmed her, you could say that he takes the investigation for the reason.
1696
1697	"So ... like Shiina's father said, will I have to keep a distance from you?" - Asked Saburou, with difficulty pronouncing the words. He will not be disappointed if he does. But if the refusal is received from Shiina herself, he will surrender. It was Saburou's thoughts at that moment.
1698
1699	"It's too late."
1700
1701	But Shiina's answer was something completely unexpected for Saburou.
1702
1703	- Late ... how is it?
1704
1705	"Have not I told you lately?" I promised President Shiba. That I will be responsible for everything related to Saburou-kun.
1706
1707	Saburou realized that this time he really blundered. However, he could not simply answer "Yes, is that how it is?" and accept this.
1708
1709	- I did not ask for this!
1710
1711	- He did not ask!
1712
1713	Saburou reflexively screamed, but was interrupted by another brisk cry, accompanied by a menacing face.
1714
1715	"But will this help !?
1716
1717	Shiina was worried more and more.
1718
1719	"After all, if I had not said this, Saburou-kun would have been punished with suspension from the day after the reception!
1720
1721	Saburou did not make a sound in response to the hysterical cries of Shiina.
1722
1723	"I'll be watching Saburou-kun!" If Saburou-kun does something bad, I will have to take responsibility! So no more stupid acts like today! Do you understand !?
1724
1725	"Um, yes." - Again responding instinctively, Saburou showed devotion.
1726
1727	- ... Good. Then, shall we go home?
1728
1729	On the other hand, speaking out, Shiina felt better. As if an evil demon had disappeared from her, and she, as usual, smiled at Saburou.
1730
1731
1732
1733
1734
1735	CHAPTER THREE
1736
1737
1738
1739	The seventh of April, 2097, late evening after the First High entrance ceremony. Tatsuya visited the headquarters of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion.
1740
1741	 Last night he received a call. Despite the fact that Tatsuya openly complained about a really tight schedule, looking insane when Fujibayashi from the monitor screen said that there is an important conversation that cannot be transmitted over the telephone line, he had to go there. Returning home from the admission ceremony, Tatsuya immediately went to Kasumigaura on his favorite electric bike.
1742
1743	 The base of Kasumigaura was shrouded in an atmosphere of activity. Despite the late time, people and vehicles came and went.
1744
1745	 Even in the usually crowded headquarters of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion, on the way to the commander's office, he met several officers and soldiers. In addition to this, Tatsuya felt that people are actively moving around this building. As if preparing for an invasion is under way.
1746
1747	"No, it's clearly not" as if "" , "thought Tatsuya before asking permission to enter the commander's office.
1748
1749	 - Please, come in.
1750
1751	"Do not" enter ", but" please, come in "?"
1752
1753	 Perhaps there could be only another formulation, which has no deep meaning.
1754
1755	However, for some reason, Tatsuya was concerned about this insignificant difference.
1756
1757	- I'm sorry.
1758
1759	Tatsuya temporarily hid this feeling of apprehension, and went forward to Kazama.
1760
1761	"I'm sorry that at such a time, and so urgently." However, given the importance of this case, I found it necessary to explain everything personally.
1762
1763	- Explain?
1764
1765	- Yes. First of all, please. - Kazama pointed to the sofa pulled out from the storage state.
1766
1767	Tatsuya without hesitation sat on the edge of the three-seater sofa. Kazama stood up, walked around the table, went to Tatsuya and sat opposite him.
1768
1769	- Our battalion, - Without any entry, Kazama immediately moved on to the main topic. - Tomorrow morning operates in Hokkaido.
1770
1771	 "The impression of preparing for action was not a mistake" , - Tatsuya thought, but refrained from interrupting Kazama's speech.
1772
1773	 - We are an advanced group. Depending on the situation, all brigade troops can be sent.
1774
1775	 But when he heard of such an inevitable situation, he could no longer remain silent. In addition, he thought that nothing would be inappropriate.
1776
1777	 "Does that mean there are signs of an invasion?"
1778
1779	 - That's right.
1780
1781	 - Do you think that the case in Sado was a diversion?
1782
1783	 Under the case in Sado, Ichijou's wounded Gouki was trapped on a suspicious ship.
1784
1785	- Correct. We believe that this time the aim of the New Soviet Union is to invade Hokkaido.
1786
1787	 - We?
1788
1789	 "As you thought, this is the opinion of Commander Saeki."
1790
1791	"Really" , "Tatsuya agreed in his mind.
1792
1793	 "The headquarters prediction for the purpose of the enemy was probably divided between Hokuriku and Hokkaido, so far Hokuriku is the majority? That is why the order to be nominated as support was issued not to the Tohoku division, but to the brigade 1-0-1 with its strong mobile unit" - Tatsuya understood.
1794
1795	 "In this situation, we will lose contact with you for some time." If there is a situation like the Yokohama incident, then it will be difficult to help.
1796
1797	- I understand you.
1798
1799	 Indeed, if something happens like what happened 2 years ago, without the help of Kazama it will be very painful. Tatsuya also agreed with this.
1800
1801	 But Kazama would not call Tatsuya, only to warn him about it. Tatsuya understood this and expected the following words.
1802
1803	 - In addition, depending on the situation change, it may be possible that we will ask for your cooperation.
1804
1805	 In the words "there may be a possibility" Tatsuya felt some unnaturalness.
1806
1807	 - Do you suggest that I go to Hokkaido?
1808
1809	 - No, I'm talking about the case when we ask you to give your power from here .
1810
1811	 On this phrase, he realized the reason why Kazama speaks with such caution.
1812
1813	 - Are you talking about "Material Burst"?
1814
1815	 - Not only about "Material Burst". Commander Saeki took into account the possibility of covering the attack with ultra-long magic with the help of the Third Eye.
1816
1817	 - Got it.
1818
1819	 This "understood" meant "awareness," not "consent." Tatsuya will not get help from the battalion. The battalion uses the power of Tatsuya. That's what happens if we simplify and generalize what Kazama said. In principle, this is the original essence of the army. However, now they were not in that position.
1820
1821	 "Since I am also a member of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion, I will act if I get the order."
1822
1823	 Tatsuya stood up and saluted Kazama.
1824
1825	 His words were not a lie. However, the phrase "at the moment" was omitted. Kazama, without getting up, nodded to Tatsuya. In the person looking at Tatsuya from the bottom of Kazama it was evident that he understood the missed phrase.
1826
1827
1828
1829
1830
1831	 During the meeting between Kazama and Tatsuya, they were not alone. Behind Kazama, the commander's assistant Fujibayashi stood during the talking the whole time, without uttering a word. Conducting an outgoing Tatsuya, Fujibayashi hesitantly spoke only when the door completely closed, and there was no risk of being heard.
1832
1833	 "... The commander, maybe it was worth explaining the situation to Tatsuya-kun?" Now he may feel distrust of us.
1834
1835	 - Do you mean that we betrayed Tatsuya?
1836
1837	 Such a radical approach of Kazama frightened Fujibayashi. But she did not stop.
1838
1839	 "I do not think I was betrayed, but perhaps he feels that he can be abandoned."
1840
1841	 "Abandoned?" In general, you're right.
1842
1843	 - Commander ...
1844
1845	 There was a note of reproach in Fujibayashi's voice, because she believed that this rash remark would not be true.
1846
1847	 "I'm sorry." "Although no one else heard them, Kazama also thought that it was inappropriate. So he apologized. - However, this is the originally conceived distance between the army and the Ten Master Clans. Despite Tatsuya's return to the main ranks of the Yotsuba family, our relations with him continued unchanged.
1848
1849	 "I do not think there are any inconveniences here." He is an extremely valuable military force.
1850
1851	 - A Strategic Class Magician, which in Japan there are only two, and around the world, according to rough estimates, about fifty. Of course, its power is indispensable for the defense of Japan. That's why we need to keep extra distance.
1852
1853	 The words of Kazama did not convince Fujibayashi. This was evident from her behavior. However, this topic was not raised for the first time in the current conversation between them. With Sanada, Yanagi and Yamanaka, this has already been discussed many times.
1854
1855	 "We've become too close to Tatsuya." During the recent operation in Okinawa, the harmful influence was obvious. Since we are too close, we rely too much on Tatsuya's strength, which should be our joker. If he were not there, we would not have been able to easily find the enemy main forces and neutralize their agents.
1856
1857	 "... And that's why we should not have friendly relations with Tatsuya-kun?"
1858
1859	 - It was normal, while Tatsuya was just a guardian in the Yotsuba. However, since the Yotsuba family recognized Tatsuya as a main member, we could not ignore the possibility of "seceding" from Tatsuya. When the interests of the Yotsuba family and the army conflict, tell me, will Tatsuya choose the army?
1860
1861	 "... Even Yotsuba cannot do without state protection." Tatsuya-kun understands this. I do not think that he will choose that way to confront the state.
1862
1863	 - If the interests of the state and the army will, as usual, coincide.
1864
1865	Fujibayashi realized that her reasoning was only a substitute for concepts. Therefore, when she was told this, the desire to object was lost.
1866
1867	- Take, for example, a preemptive strike by Strategic Class Magic. This, of course, can be realized in the interests of the army. But this will not necessarily be in the interest of the state. "Material Burst" is a weapon with absolute superiority not only in its strength, but also in speed and range, however, destroying enemy troops, we only worsen the situation around our country.
1868
1869	 This is possible not only in theory. For example, in South America, despite the fact that the Brazilian army has defeated the armies of all surrounding countries, but even now, when all states except Brazil have disintegrated, it cannot avoid permanent regional conflicts. That is why it is said that the war that swept the whole world once, in South America, has not ended until now.
1870
1871	 "The most terrible thing is that with the deepening of our friendship with Tatsuya, the army leadership increasingly harbors the illusion that "Material Burst" can be used at any time. With the use of "Synchronized Linear Fusion", the psychological barriers that inhibit the use of Strategic Class Magic have become even weaker. If we do not keep a distance from Tatsuya, then surely there will be those who want to use "Material Burst".
1872
1873	 Kazama spoke in a tone that resembled a teacher explaining to students.
1874
1875	"... But should not we at least tell Tatsuya-kun our real intentions?"
1876
1877	This was the only thing that Fujibayashi could object, because Kazama had the same concern about real intentions.
1878
1879	"To cause Tatsuya to distrust the army?" I think it's a good idea that it's better to take it on than to give a bad impression about the whole army.
1880
1881	The conversation ended in the same place as those similar to him, which occurred during the last few days.
1882
1883
1884
1885	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1886
1887
1888
1889	 At the same time, when Tatsuya visited the headquarters of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion, Katsuto had a private conversation with Saegusa Tomokazu. The meeting place chosen was an elite restaurant in the center of Tokyo. It was an institution often used by big politicians and businessmen, but correct sitting on tatami in the room, Katsuto absolutely did not feel inappropriate. He waited at the ebony table for only one minute. Then Tomokazu appeared.
1890
1891	 "I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Said Tomokazu, bowing, and sat opposite Katsuto. It seemed that he was uncomfortable, it seems, unlike Katsuto, he was unaccustomed to formal sitting on the floor.
1892
1893	 "Please relax your legs and sit as comfortable." - Immediately said Katsuto.
1894
1895	 - Thank you. Then, I will take advantage of your proposal ...
1896
1897	 Tomokazu got up from his knees and sat cross-legged. Katsuto himself remained in a formal pose on his knees. Because of the initial difference in physique, the figure of Katsuto towered over Tomokazu. However, neither Katsuto nor Tomokazu showed that they are worried about this.
1898
1899	 After exchanging a few simple phrases and refreshing themselves with soft drinks, both immediately went into the discussion mode. This does not mean that they did it simultaneously. The first to begin was Katsuto.
1900
1901	 - Saegusa-san. I heard from your younger sister that you want to discuss something with me.
1902
1903	 - Really. Let's get down to business. Juumonji-san, how do you think, how do we deal with the current wave of hostility toward magicians?
1904
1905	 Katsuto expressed surprise at this delicate formulation of Tomokazu, slightly raised his eyebrows.
1906
1907	 - Not just what I think about this, but how do I think about it? In other words, Saegusa-san, do you think that you need to actively combat the anti-magic movement?
1908
1909	 - Right. - Tomokazu directly recognized this, not denying and not evading. It can be said that in this area he was not very similar to his father Koichi. "When some damage is done, we lose position and can no longer catch up."
1910
1911	"You mean that irreparable things can happen if you turn a blind eye to aggressive propaganda against magicians?" Which crisis in particular, do you think can happen?
1912
1913	"I fear that, in addition to acts of terrorism superior to what happened in Hakone, kidnappings and murders of children who have not yet mastered magic can begin.
1914
1915	- Do you think that people who are not magicians will also be drawn into waves of crimes?
1916
1917	- Yes. - confirmed Tomokazu and again asked the same question Katsuto. - What should we do to avoid this?
1918
1919
1920
1921	"... I cannot think straightaway." No, I do not think I can come up with a good countermeasure alone, even taking time to think it over. "Honestly, without pretense," Katsuto confessed. This was expected, given his character.
1922
1923	- Actually, I do not know either. "However, the fact that Tomokazu surrendered so quickly and easily, even for Katsuto, who knew a little the temperament of Saegusa Tomokazu, was quite unexpected. "It will be too difficult to develop countermeasures alone." Even if you come up with a good idea, it will not be possible to implement it by the forces of one family.
1924
1925	 - ... Indeed, we cannot separately combat the current anti-magic movement.
1926
1927	 Tomokazu showed relief on his face after hearing Katsuto's consent.
1928
1929	"It's not an actor's game, he's not as strong as his father Koichi, so unlike Koichi, he can be trusted" , "thought Katsuto.
1930
1931	 "I think that to solve this problem, we need to bring together not only the Ten Master Clans, but also most other magicians, and join forces in response.
1932
1933	 - Saegusa-san believes that we should organize a general meeting of the Japan Magic Association?
1934
1935	 - No. Tomokazu shook his head at Katsuto's question. "Even if we suddenly gather a large crowd, we cannot reach conclusions beyond the general theory." In addition, even if we gather people at the level of heads of families, it will be impossible to conduct a fruitful discussion without knowing each other's intentions.
1936
1937	 "So, what are you talking about?" I think if people representing the point of view of each of the families does not participate, the probability of ending the discussion with a simple idea will be higher.
1938
1939	 In response to Katsuto's reasoning, Tomokazu nodded strongly, showing something like "I thought so."
1940
1941	 - Therefore, I think, how about collecting not the heads of families or people of their age, but the youth of the age of the announced heirs? Starting, primarily with the "28 Houses", how about increasing the participants by connecting the "Numbers" from a hundred families?
1942
1943	"Not a bad idea" , - thought Katsuto.
1944
1945	 From the position of the head of the family, Katsuto understood how his thinking style had changed. He realized that now he first thinks not about the optimality and the best outcome, but about whether realization is possible at all. Simply put, his flexibility of thinking has worsened.
1946
1947	 The idealist's thinking can completely ignore the possibility of implementation, which will increase the risk of confusing the situation. Therefore, if we collect direct descendants of the main lines of families who, not being limited in thinking by the heads of their families, will be able to not be distracted by the possibility of implementation, then by combining their minds, they may be able to give constructive proposals for the Conference of the Master Clans. Although the idea was not bad, at the same time it seemed too vague.
1948
1949	 "If it's about the next chapters of families, then I do not fit that requirement."
1950
1951	 Tomokazu was very surprised at these words.
1952
1953	 - No, since Juumonji-san is young, but if the essence is the gathering of young people ...
1954
1955	 - So, you determine the acceptability of participation by age? Then, below what age do you plan to set a limit? Of course, Saegusa-san suits the requirements, does not it?
1956
1957	 - Y-yes. Indeed ... For example, will we take those who are under 30 years of age?
1958
1959	 - If up to 30 years, then, for example, Mutsuzuka-dono has the right to participate, and Yatsushiro-dono no longer falls into the list?
1960
1961	 Sweating with a cold sweat, Tomokazu somehow managed to gather his thoughts.
1962
1963	- Somewhere there should be a restriction? Yatsushiro-dono has a younger brother-san in the next assistants, so I think there will be no problems.
1964
1965	- I believe that, of course, the restriction is necessary. Katsuto nodded with a serious face. But this answer did not help Tomokazu relieve tension. - I understood. I will help you as much as I can. - However, after hearing the continuation, Tomokazu instantly relaxed.
1966
1967
1968
1969	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1970
1971
1972
1973	The day after the admission ceremony at First High was generally calm, but sometimes you could see the puzzled ignorance of the newcomers.
1974
1975	 It would be a lie to say that he was not worried about the piercing looks of the new first-years who came to the school, because two years ago he himself was in that position. Thinking about this, Tatsuya kept self-control. Speaking of agitation, it was only for the time of waiting for a practical experiment, and it will naturally disappear when its turn comes.
1976
1977	 It's been the second year since the founding of the Faculty of Magic Engineering, on which Tatsuya was registered. Last year, teachers were not appointed until the last moment, and the curriculum was not fully approved. Therefore, last year's first years during the period of class review (excursion) did not conduct a single lesson. Although this year and for the first time met visitors in this way ..., but even Tatsuya did not expect that he will meet so many newcomers.
1978
1979	 First High was initially in good balance collecting candidates for magicians and magical engineers. It was a simple coincidence that in Mayumi's generation there were so few candidates for magical engineers. However, "good balance" in this case means "not a critical number in terms of the overall ratio," because the number of magical engineers in the total number of people with magical abilities is less than magicians who are considered "not magical engineers."
1980
1981	 Even the first years who came to study, not all sought to become magical engineers. Nevertheless, the fact that the Faculty of Magic Engineering attracted this attention was undoubtedly for the most part due to the influence of the "Stellar Furnace" experiment conducted last year.
1982
1983	 Thinking about this, Tatsuya waited his turn. The task of this practical lesson was to create a tin ball of the correct form with the help of a previously constructed sequence of magic, without changing it during execution. This is an exercise to create a sequence of magic that encompasses all processes from beginning to end.
1984
1985	 Here is the sequence of creating the shape of the ball. Melt the tin, neutralize gravity, and with the help of surface tension, the shape of the ball is formed by itself. Without distorting the resulting spherical shape of the liquid tin, cool it until it hardens. Done.
1986
1987	 However, gravity, which must be neutralized, is not only earthly gravitation. Although the gravity emanating from the mass of the experimenter and the observers can be ignored, one cannot ignore the attraction of the sun and the moon.
1988
1989	Since after a complete blockage of the Earth's attraction, the ball ceases to participate in the rotational motion, then we must also correct this moment, maintaining a relative shift in rotation around the Earth.
1990
1991	Also, to prevent distortion of the shape by air currents and other defects, it is necessary to make a vacuum around the liquid tin.
1992
1993	If the cooling process is not uniform, there will be a difference in the shrinkage coefficient, and here too, distortion may occur.
1994
1995	Instead of rewriting the information in "being a ball of the right form", recycling the substance into the shape of the right ball in a given sequence is advanced training that teaches magic control accuracy.
1996
1997	 In total, there were five experimental setups. Each student was given 10 minutes each. During this time, you need to write an activation sequence in the editor, program the CAD, run the magic and complete the experiment. Composite modules are prepared for building the activation sequence, but students can freely choose to use or not use them.
1998
1999	 Since the content of the assignment was previously reported, the students prepared their activation sequences in advance. However, it was forbidden to bring them to the practice room. Students must create magic by writing an activation sequence using their memory and mind.
2000
2001	Creating an activation sequence in the editor was displayed on a large screen hanging from the ceiling. But then you might think that this will help others cheat by spying, but the school thought this up, and organized the students in the order where those from whom the best results are expected are at the end of the list. Even if you try to imitate, having peeked at someone else's activation sequence, then as a result, magic is not activated due to a logical failure. If someone has the skills to be able to replicate the sequence, the idea of the school was to evaluate such an ability as excellent craftsmanship.
2002
2003	 Tatsuya was in the very last group. He watched the actions of classmates 45 minutes from the beginning of the lesson.
2004
2005	 Although this does not mean that the information from the students was not useful, but he prepared his activation sequence yesterday. Now, if you add new ideas, things can only get worse.
2006
2007	 When the presentation of the metal balls made by the previous group was completed (the accuracy of the finished tin ball is the most significant in the scoring), Tatsuya went to the installation for the experiment. Unintentionally, he glanced around the location of the fact-finding exercise. Either the atmosphere was such, or the game of reason, but it seemed to him that the number of first years was constantly growing.
2008
2009	 An electronic signal indicated the beginning of the task. If you finish within the allotted time, the speed does not affect the estimate, however, in order to ensure fairness, since a time limit is set, the editor is locked until a signal sounds.
2010
2011	 Tatsuya began, as usual, to enter the activation sequence using only the keyboard. He was not in a hurry.
2012
2013	 He knew that for today's task, the established ten minutes would be enough.
2014
2015	 On the monitor, symbolic lines of the activation sequence floated before him. The same picture in real time was displayed on a large display suspended from the ceiling.
2016
2017	 A little commotion began. Although among the newcomers and there were no inconsiderate people who raised their voices too loud, but even this behavior could not be called good manners. Also among the voices came the silent warning voice of the teacher.
2018
2019	 In addition, among the whisperers were not only visited by a group of spectators. The voices of classmates were also mixed with this noise. Classmates, who had to have seen many times already, that like Tatsuya writes the activation sequence, apparently were tempted by the behavior of first years.
2020
2021
2022
2023	 These slightly confused thoughts Tatsuya immediately threw out of his head. Eliminating unnecessary information from consciousness, he invested all his resources in the construction of magic.
2024
2025	 Tatsuya's fingers on the keyboard stopped. A large display that controls its installation for the experiment showed the process of copying the activation sequence from the editor to the CAD, in the form of a 3D strip.
2026
2027	 Tatsuya was the fastest of the last group of five people in achieving readiness for using the activation sequence. From the experimental installation one away from him, Tatsuya's profile drilled Hirakawa Chiaki's annoyed gaze, but he completely ignored it, and activated the CAD.
2028
2029	 The skills required for this task (as well as for the tasks of the Faculty of Magic Engineering in general) are not speed, not power, and not the interference strength in an event. A ability to accurately build complex sequences of magic.
2030
2031	 Of course, this does not mean that the power and interference strength is completely unnecessary, but they can only add the process of acceleration to the magic sequence. Although the magic sequence will be longer (not much), but since the theme of the task is not the speed of magic activation, therefore, the extra time spent should not be a problem.
2032
2033	 The tin bar, lying two meters in front of Tatsuya, took off, began to melt and lose its shape. Becoming liquid, the metal immediately took a spherical shape. Beginners from the viewing spots stared at this process. The other four of the final group have also switched to the stage of magic activation, but the eyes of the freshmen were chained to Tatsuya's model.
2034
2035	From the table next to Tatsuya's experimental setup, there was a metallic echo - this tin, formed into a sphere, has already returned to the table. The first to complete the magic was Tomitsuka. Tatsuya's model was still in the process of cooling.
2036
2037	 Even when the second person (Chiaki) finished, Tatsuya did not show impatience. This experiment originally assumed that you cannot change anything in the middle of the process. After activating the magic, the student who started it can only look. Tatsuya silently looked at the metal ball, hardening in a weightless vacuum.
2038
2039	 The solidification of the tin ball completed, it returned to the stand on the table. There was no sound of falling. This indicated that the process was completely controlled by magic until the ball returned to the table. Tatsuya finished today's task with the third in the last group of five, with the remaining time of one minute and thirty seconds.
2040
2041
2042
2043	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2044
2045
2046
2047	This year at class 3E, Jennifer Smith became the practice instructor again. The practice ended before the end of the allotted time, and Jennifer called Tatsuya into the teaching room.
2048
2049	 "Shiba-kun is also in the school board, so I will speak briefly.
2050
2051	 Now almost the end of the fifth lesson. Immediately after this, after classes, Tatsuya will have to go to the school boardroom. Jennifer was aware of this.
2052
2053	 "It's still early for this, but what topic would Shiba-kun like to voice in the Thesis Competition this year?"
2054
2055	 She was referring to the "National High School Magic Thesis Competition ", which is held on the last Sunday of October. This year it will be on October 27th. It is still very time-consuming, and a meeting for the representative of the school will be held only in June. Therefore, the question was not hasty.
2056
2057	 - I have not decided yet. "That's why Tatsuya was not at all surprised and answered so briefly. He had not even decide whether to participate at all in the Thesis, but now there was no need to mention it. Although with Magic already had to apply for a qualifying meeting, this did not mean that he could easily reject this proposal.
2058
2059	 - Here's how? Great.
2060
2061	 - Excellent?
2062
2063	"Excellent, that did not start training, or what?" , - could not understand the essence of Tatsuya. His question was completely justified, although he just asked again.
2064
2065	 Jennifer did not show excitement, probably because, to some extent, she predicted that the meaning would be called into question. It would be nice if she explained everything in detail from the very beginning, however, she may have her own plans.
2066
2067	 - Yes. In fact, I can say to Shiba-kun.
2068
2069	 - This is due to the choice of topic for theses competition?
2070
2071	 - That's right.
2072
2073	 Prior to this moment, Tatsuya's expectations had already been reduced to two options.
2074
2075	Either she will ask you to choose a specific question related to the "Stellar Furnace" (Magic sequences for a thermonuclear fusion reactor with constant gravity control), or ask not to touch the theme of the "Stellar Furnace" at the Competition altogether.
2076
2077	- Please, choose a topic other than "Stellar Furnace", as a theme for the Contest.
2078
2079	Waiting Tatsuya worked at 50%.
2080
2081	- Got it.
2082
2083	Jennifer looked with suspicion on the quickly agreeing Tatsuya.
2084
2085	- ... You do not even ask the reason?
2086
2087	"I fully understand the danger of the Stellar Furnace." I thought that this would be an unacceptable topic for the Contest.
2088
2089	- Really? Apparently, my intervention was superfluous.
2090
2091	In fact, Tatsuya had other motives, but the current explanation convinced Jennifer.
2092
2093	It is unacceptable for dissertations announcements at the Competition. Tatsuya actually thought so. However, not because it is dangerous. "Stellar Furnace" was the central link in the plan for the release of magicians, on which Tatsuya was thinking. He was worried that imitators might appear and patent before him.
2094
2095	- By the way, it seems that Kento-kun was transferred to Magic Engineering, just as he wanted. Though late, but congratulations. - In these words, Tatsuya did not have a deep meaning. He just wanted to change the subject. In addition, although he said "By the way", but having the authority as a member of the school board to see the list of students, Tatsuya knew about the transfer to Magic Engineering of Jennifer's son, Kento, back in early March, when the results of the transfer exam in Magic Engineering appeared.
2096
2097	 - Thank you. "Apparently, because it touched on Jennifer's son, she smiled, losing her usual unflappable expression. - Even this year there was a high passing score, and in the next exam competition will increase even more.
2098
2099	This unexpected speech by Jennifer contained information unfamiliar to Tatsuya. It was just chatter, but his curiosity was awakened.
2100
2101	 - We've just finished the arrival ceremony, and there are already signs of this?
2102
2103	 On Jennifer's face surfaced a barely noticeable expression "here's the devil," apparently this was something that cannot be reported to students. However, she quickly changed her mind, deciding that "no need to keep it a secret." She answered Tatsuya's doubts as simply as she could.
2104
2105	 - At the entrance examinations this year, compared to the results of the previous years, there were a lot of people who showed high scores for magic engineering. Among the newcomers are also many students with excellent skills in this direction, and their number is in much greater proportion, compared with previous years.
2106
2107	 Tatsuya soon realized something. It seems his feeling that there were too many spectators in a practical lesson was not a mistake. The reason was illuminated by Jennifer before Tatsuya brought it up with her.
2108
2109	 - As expected, last year's experiment "Stellar Furnace" had a big impact. It seems that the students who would normally choose Fourth High decided to enter our school. Therefore apparently this year the pass mark on the exams was raised.
2110
2111	 - I see. To do something so bad ... was inappropriate.
2112
2113	 - You should take into account that the level of newcomers has risen.
2114
2115	 After the return of the answer, which was either a joke or a serious one, Jennifer gave Tatsuya permission to leave with the words "the conversation is over."
2116
2117
2118
2119	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2120
2121
2122
2123	 From an objective point of view, the conversation time with Jennifer was not long. When Tatsuya opened the door to the school boardroom, only Pixie was inside.
2124
2125	 Connected to the security system of the school boardroom room (and not only her) Pixie must have noticed the entrance of Tatsuya. However, she did not meet Tatsuya. Of course, something, like "You have returned Master," was also not said.
2126
2127	 Tatsuya took his seat and launched the terminal. The startup process was instantaneous, so he immediately went to work.
2128
2129	 Having made sure that there are no instructions for it, Pixie moved and stood opposite the dining processor. The original function of 3H is the "wireless humanoid interface of home automation". They are usually used for centralized management of something like vacuum cleaners, kitchen stoves, air conditioners, etc. Automation for stores, having the same basic structure, but different scale, can also be controlled by updating the firmware. The dining processor, installed in the school board room, was a professional model for business use, but Pixie easily managed it remotely.
2130
2131	 The lunch processor came into motion at the same moment that Pixie stood in front of him. Coffee was released from the depths of the dining processor for Pixie to Tatsuya. The coffee was heated automatically, but this machine could be called her third and fourth hands. The heated coffee had a taste that was finely adjusted in accordance with Tatsuya's preference. Tatsuya no longer ordered chilled coffee, so Pixie returned to the waiting chair.
2132
2133	 Immediately after Pixie sat down, the school boardroom admitted second-year students Izumi and Minami. Izumi saw that Tatsuya was present, and, it seems, thought that Miyuki had also come. But when she saw the vacant seat of the president of the school board, she showed an undisguised disappointment on her face. On the other hand, Minami, seeing Tatsuya's coffee cup standing on the table, felt a slight displeasure.
2134
2135	 Fortunately, the complaints of both quickly evaporated.
2136
2137	 "Tatsuya-san, are you here already?"
2138
2139	- Izumi-chan and Minami-chan are also fast.
2140
2141	Miyuki and Honoka arrived before Izumi and Minami managed to take their seats.
2142
2143	Minami, instead of starting her terminal, went to make tea. Pixie holds in her hands various devices in the room of the school board, except information equipment, but this does not mean that she blocks them. On request, manual operation is possible. Minami made black tea for four people, including herself. There were no ulterior motives that it was not coffee, probably.
2144
2145	Another member of the school board, just enrolled in the school and the school board of Shiina, seems a bit late.
2146
2147
2148
2149	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2150
2151
2152
2153	Shiina was late not because the classes were delayed. Today and tomorrow begins attending specialized courses (magic training and practice). Second course students who do not have teachers, can freely attend classes, and first course students do everything according to the instruction of the practice teacher. Although this was not an established rule, but at least among the first course students, there was no one willing to "get off the rails" immediately after the reception.
2154
2155	 Since the teacher who controls the visit is in all classes A through D, they do not have such a thing as extended time or overlapping schedules. On the contrary, following from the idea that it takes time to learn what is seen with their own eyes, the students should return to classes from the overview classes before, after which they will have free time.
2156
2157	 This principle was also used in the last lesson of the first day. In the case of class A, after the review tour there was still more than 10 minutes. The lesson ended quickly, and the usual thought at this point is that you can quickly come to the school board room, however this excess of time resulted in a harmful effect.
2158
2159	 Yesterday Shiina was invited to the school board room after the inauguration ceremony, and, after talking about joining the school board, they went home alone with Saburou. The classmates did not have the opportunity to talk quietly with Shiina. Today, at lunchtime, Shiina went to eat with her classmates, but they ate more than they talked, so they did not talk too much. It was also awkward to make noise under the eyes of high school students.
2160
2161	 Classmates from Class A very much wanted to establish an "acquaintance" with Shiina.
2162
2163	 A representative of this year's newcomers. The only person this year who is in direct relationship with the Ten Master Clans. However, despite all these titles, it seemed that the main reason that classmates of both sexes crowded around Shiina was that she was a beautiful girl, attractive even for her sex.
2164
2165	 For first years, Miyuki's a third-year student, and besides being the next head of the Yotsuba family, was a woman whose outrageous beauty inspired fear. It was a level when you froze in fear, just met with glances. Around Kasumi and Izumi, there was also an atmosphere that they could not just be called. Especially Izumi, despite the fact that she looked affable, she felt some nervousness and shyness. And the direct descendant of the Mitsuya family, Shiina, did not have similar difficulties for rapprochement.
2166
2167	 As soon as the teacher left the classroom, Shiina was immediately surrounded by classmates and could not move. This continued even after the end of the classes with the same strong pressure.
2168
2169	 Shiina was troubled by the time. She did not forget that she should go to the school boardroom. But by nature, she is a company loving personality. It can be said that this is a rarity for a woman from the Ten Master Clans. Perhaps it is also influenced by the fact that she is the youngest child in the family, separated by age among seven brothers and sisters.
2170
2171	 For Shiina, who was worried that she would be avoided because she was from the Ten Master Clans, this kind of environment by classmates was a pleasant situation. Honestly, she considered herself guilty, that she gathered all the attention of others, except for the moment that the current situation was close to how she imagined her daily life as a high school student, thinking: "It would be so good."
2172
2173	"I do not want to be avoided and made comments for the fact that I cannot read the situation," - I thought Shiina and could not talk about the school board in any way. But her faithful childhood friend rescued her from this goodwill prison.
2174
2175	 - Shiina-Ojou-sama!
2176
2177	[note. Translated as "young lady" or "daughter of a wealthy family". Like any Onii-sama, left as is, as it is difficult to convey the Japanese mentality by translating this word.]
2178
2179	 On a loud voice from the entrance to the classroom, with puzzled faces, not only the classmates of the A class that surrounded Shiina, turned around. Shiina herself looked inquiringly. No, Shiina looked just the most puzzled.
2180
2181	 "It's time for you to go to the school board!"
2182
2183	 Suddenly, Saburou's eccentric behavior aroused little interest, but the impatient voice of the other person made him realize that "it's time for her to go."
2184
2185	 "The school board?" A ~, already so much time!
2186
2187	 Shiina's classmates also finally realized that they were delaying her.
2188
2189	 "I'm sorry, Mitsuya-san." Hey guys! Let her pass!
2190
2191	 - Mitsuya-san, forgive us for this?
2192
2193	 They, too, did not have malicious intent, detaining Shiina. They were unconsciously engrossed in the conversation.
2194
2195	 The first-formers simply did not have the courage to interfere with the activities of the school board immediately after entering the school, so classmates apologized one by one to Shiina.
2196
2197	 - No, I'm also very sorry. I'll see you tomorrow.
2198
2199	 Shiina waved her hand in a friendly way, left the ring of her classmates and walked briskly toward Saburou waiting at the open door.
2200
2201	 Shiina quickly ran up the stairs, Saburou followed at her heels. On the way from the third floor to the next landing, Shiina started talking with Saburou.
2202
2203
2204
2205
2206
2207	 - Saburou-kun, thank you.
2208
2209	 - It's my pleasure. I know perfectly well that in such a situation Shiina cannot object to other people.
2210
2211	 "Of course it is, but ..." Saburou answered, Shiina was displeased. There was a feeling that her cheeks were puffed up. But, realizing that he was absolutely right, she did not object.
2212
2213	"... More than that, Saburou-kun, what was that?"
2214
2215	Although this was a direct translation of the topic, she was also curious about what it was like for Ojou-sama's unusual treatment.
2216
2217	- What, what was it?
2218
2219	- Well, what, what did you say "Shiina-Ojou-sama" for ...
2220
2221	- And what's wrong with that? "Saburou did not pretend to be a fool." - Is not it an obvious fact that you are an "Ojou-sama"?
2222
2223	For Saburou, the appeal of "Shiina-Ojou-sama" was as natural as the treatment of "Shiina" without nominal suffixes. Saburou's parents were not people who opposed friendly relations with the employer's daughter, but they taught the son to see the differences and not be irresponsible.
2224
2225	Shiina did not seem to agree with Saburou's answer, but she did not have any thoughts that could be refuted. She more than understood that in the company of magicians she is none other than "Ojou-sama." Because of the absence, than to object, the pressure on her cheeks increased even more. However, she believed that it would be too childish, really pout, and refrained from doing so.
2226
2227	 - ... Anyway, thanks for that. That's enough about all this.
2228
2229	 It seems, instead of demonstrating the complaint with an expression of a person, Shiina decided to show that she was offended by her voice and actions.
2230
2231	 Having said this, reaching the fourth floor, she defiantly turned away from Saburou and went to the school board room, burned by his gaze.
2232
2233
2234
2235
2236
2237	Left behind by Shiina, Saburou stopped in the middle of the stairs and sighed.
2238
2239	 Saburou thought that such a childlike behavior of Shiina is quite an attractive feature. Also, he was glad that, not showing such a trait to anyone but him, even to his family, she proved by this that she completely trusts him.
2240
2241	 However, Saburou's present behavior was puzzled. Shiina went away without any instructions for him. In other words, left him free to act. But for Saburou, "freedom", in most cases, was a nuisance that he could not cope with without knowing what to do.
2242
2243	 When you cannot do anything without an order, it's like being a slave or a robot. Even he knew it was bad. But this did not mean that he acts by following orders 24 hours a day. On the contrary, right up until a few days ago, he spent almost all the time in training, occasionally interrupting small-scale work.
2244
2245	Nevertheless, if Shiina is within sight, then there is nothing to worry about the time spent. Saburou always decided what to do to himself, on the basis of the fact that he is the guard of Shiina. It was the basis of his identity to be the protector of Shiina. ... Until half a year ago.
2246
2247
2248
2249	When he was informed that he had been removed from the post of guardian, due to lack of talent. He was not angry at anyone. At parents, too, there was no point in getting angry. First of all, he would not even know Shiina if he were born at another time, so it's completely illogical to be angry with his parents.
2250
2251	In addition, Saburou did not give up yet. He was aware of the lack of power at the moment, but he believed that talent and ability were not the same thing. If there is not enough strength, then we'll sharpen our skills to compensate for this. He decided so.
2252
2253	He did not know what, specifically, he should do. Perhaps it was teenage prejudice. It was worth noting that his heart was not broken when he was deprived of his identity. His parents also thought so and allowed him to go to First High .
2254
2255	But then it was just a conversation about the possibility. Now Saburou is not allowed to directly serve Shiina. Therefore, he committed a gross error yesterday, thinking that he must observe from afar.
2256
2257	Without ideas of what to do next, he by inertia went up the stairs. He did not even think about returning home early. Accompanying Shiina on her way to and from school is one of the few privileges that were left to him. In search of a place to kill time, Saburou went to the roof.
2258
2259	On the roof of First High was a real mini-garden. Various flowers and herbs (as a remedy against insects) grew in flower beds made in the form of steps, which were closed with a case for the winter, and benches were placed in the free space between the flower beds.
2260
2261	The weather today was clear and windless. Despite the fact that it was an April evening, the roof was quite warm. It was comfortable, as if immersed in warm, and not in hot or cold water.
2262
2263	Such weather caused drowsiness.
2264
2265	On a bench of the roof the thoroughbred cat was dozing. Saburou suddenly stopped and stared at the picture before him.
2266
2267	Slender relaxed body. Hair of medium length with a bizarre, slightly light color. A beautiful face was visible, even if it was half hidden in her hand, used like a pillow, and her eyes were closed. This student was really like a thoroughbred cat.
2268
2269	She looked older than Shiina. Most likely, a high school student. On his shoulder, there was neither a logo with eight petals, nor emblems in the form of an eight-pointed gear. ... It was the same as Saburou himself.
2270
2271	In other words, it was sempai from the second course.
2272
2273	Saburou was fascinated by the look of a sleeping high school student for almost ten seconds before he could regain composure. The first thing he thought was, "Maybe it's better to wake her up?"
2274
2275
2276
2277	 The season only changed in April. Although it's warm now, the air will cool down quickly in the evening. The wind can blow. If you sleep on the roof in such conditions, you can catch a cold.
2278
2279	 However, when he was about to wake her up, it occurred to him that this situation could lead to a misunderstanding. Right now only he and this sempai were on the roof. When she wakes up, she may mistake him for some pervert. Or for a fetishist, who loves to spy on the sleeping schoolgirls. You cannot call this a 100% error (although only for 10 seconds, but Saburou was fascinated by the sight of this high school student), but if such a delusion emerges, it will be a big problem.
2280
2281	 Saburou stopped the foot he had entered for a step and began to retreat very slowly and quietly back. To avoid the possible consideration of him as a pervert, he tore his eyes from the high school student and turned toward the door leading to the school staircase.
2282
2283	 - No need to run away, it's okay.
2284
2285	 On the side, from the bench to which he had just looked, a voice was heard. Caught unawares by a well-chosen moment, Saburou froze in place. At first, barely raising her head, now the high school student rose and sat.
2286
2287	 Not caring about Saburou's suspicious behavior, the student stretched herself properly. In this, too, there was something feline. However, by lowering her arms raised while stretching, she looked at Saburou with a look that contained the power of a panther or a tigress, not a cat.
2288
2289	" I did not take you for a pervert." You were worried that I would catch a cold and want to wake up?
2290
2291	- Y-yes, em ...
2292
2293	The explanation fell exactly on the target, why not only the language, but Saburou's whole body refused to obey.
2294
2295	- Hmm ...
2296
2297	Studying his gaze, the student nodded with a understanding sort of face.
2298
2299	Saburou felt very uncomfortable. The senpai, who opened her eyes, was much prettier than he imagined when he saw the sleeping face. She was full of energy and full of cheerful charm. Although he was concerned about the reaction to just staring at such a beauty, this girl was not only a cutie, but she also had a gaze that pierced to the bone.
2300
2301	Not to the depths of my soul. It was the power of a master's look that you do not expect to see in a girl, and who at first sight sees the level of your strength and abilities, character, strengths and weaknesses.
2302
2303	 "... She, if I'm not mistaken ..."
2304
2305
2306
2307	The name suddenly arose in the mind of the reflecting Saburou.
2308
2309	- Um ...
2310
2311	 - Um, what?
2312
2313	"I'm sorry if I make a mistake!" Tell me, and the name of the senpai case is not Chiba Erika-san !?
2314
2315	 Hearing Saburou's question, Erika widened her eyes first, and then narrowed her interest.
2316
2317	 "Ho-ho ... Do you know me, then?" And the very name of something?
2318
2319	 - I'm sorry! Saburou unconsciously straightened up. Not because of the fact that he is a high school student. Not the head, but the body ordered to treat Erika with utmost courtesy. - Class 1G, Yaguruma Saburou.
2320
2321	 - First-grader Yaguruma, then. As you have already said, I am Chiba Erika from class 3F. If you know about me, then you are keen on kenjutsu? I suppose you specialize in short weapons, such as a knife.
2322
2323	 By Erika's explanation, Saburou was more impressed than wary. He thought, if she really could see the learned techniques of the enemy with one glance, then it definitely was a level higher than his instructor, from whom he trained in hand-to-hand fighting. Saburou, who had recognized the well-known Erika for a long time, only now understood this.
2324
2325	 "Such insight, this one underestimated you." This one is fond of self-defense methods using folding knives and short clubs.
2326
2327	 [note. He spoke in a very formal tone, belittling himself to such an extent that he speaks of himself in the third person.]
2328
2329	 Hearing Saburou's too formal tone, Erika scratched her head awkwardly.
2330
2331	 - These formalities ... From such a way to talk to the interlocutor will be uncomfortable.
2332
2333	 "Uh, it's ... I'm sorry."
2334
2335	 - I do not need to be so formal with me. And do not need any "this", "I" [ore] completely off. What you usually use.
2336
2337	 - Did you understand even this? ...
2338
2339	This time, what Saburou admired (about the "usually use"), was told by Erika at random. But Erika did not bother to correct Saburou's thoughts.
2340
2341	 "By the way, you said you're working on self-defense skills, but ... I do not think so." Even if your self-defense is really self-defense, it is not meant to protect you. Some dark skills that will become a shield that protects the master. Is it not?
2342
2343	 This question was asked confidently, almost in the affirmative.
2344
2345	 - Did you grasp even this ...?
2346
2347	 Saburou said the same words, but in a different tone. The previous words sounded simply with surprise, and this time it was a shock in the form of "I cannot believe it."
2348
2349	The stunned Saburou on the other hand, Erika frowned for a moment, but immediately made a face like "I do not care."
2350
2351	 - Well, I also teach some techniques in my parents' house.
2352
2353	 When Saburou heard this, a light appeared in his eyes. It was a light that could only be called a "burning flame."
2354
2355	 - Chiba-senpai. I think this will be impertinent, but could you teach me?
2356
2357	 After reading in Saburou's eyes a strong thirst, no, thirsting for strength, Erika broke away from the back of the bench. It was worth it to straighten up, as the air filled the chilling atmosphere. Saburou stared at this change with wide eyes.
2358
2359	 - What do you want me to teach you?
2360
2361	 The language of Saburou, who was shy from all these surprises, was already normal. Now the obstacle for Saburou was a dry throat. Having moistened his dry throat, swallowing saliva, Saburou, having collected all his willpower, answered Erika's question:
2362
2363	 - ... Ways how to become stronger.
2364
2365	 - Why do you want to become stronger?
2366
2367	 The drying of the throat only intensified. Saburou, almost coughing from this dryness, again swallowed saliva and through his strength spoke in a hoarse voice.
2368
2369	 - Because I want to be able to protect this person with my own hands.
2370
2371	 - With your own hands, then?
2372
2373	Erika closed her eyes and smiled cynically.
2374
2375	"It's not good, to be honest."
2376
2377	Opening her eyes, she looked at Saburou with a satisfied grin.
2378
2379	- Good. I'll keep you company.
2380
2381	Erika jumped up from the bench and headed for the exit from the roof.
2382
2383	- Come after me. - Said Erika, looking back over his shoulder at Saburou, who was confused by her abrupt actions.
2384
2385
2386
2387	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2388
2389
2390
2391	 The place where Erika was going was a small gym No. 2, the so-called "Arena". It had a wooden floor covering, and now there was a joint training of clubs kenjutsu and kendo.
2392
2393	 - Hmm, well, here. Aizu-kun!
2394
2395	 The pupil Erika was looking for watched the whole picture from the corner of the room. She bowed and entered the wooden floor and walked along the wall to this pupil. Saburou did the same bow, and followed Erika uncertainly.
2396
2397	 - Chiba-san.
2398
2399	The president of the kenjutsu club, Aizu Ikuo turned to Erika and bowed. And then he went back to watching the training.
2400
2401	- Can I distract you for a little while? I would like to borrow a part of the training hall.
2402
2403	 "I do not mind, but, if possible, will you join us?" If strangers are injured, club management and the disciplinary committee will make a fuss. With each passing day, it becomes increasingly difficult to hide such things.
2404
2405	- You will not need to hide anything.
2406
2407	 - For Chiba-san, everything, maybe, is in order, but for the members of the club you cannot say that ...
2408
2409	 "We'll talk about this another time." In addition, today I brought you to the club beginner.
2410
2411	 With a cry of "Uh-huh?" in an elevated voice, Saburou intervened.
2412
2413	 - ... He himself, it seems, does not really agree.
2414
2415	 - Um, no ...
2416
2417	 Saburou was confused, looking at the head of the Kenjutsu club.
2418
2419	 "Yaguruma, did you want to join another club?" - These words of Erika carried a lot of pressure.
2420
2421	 - No, but, family work ... - This was not an excuse. The duties for the protection of Shiina were abolished, but being a subordinate of the Mitsuya family, he still had the possibility that some work would come about which it would be impossible to talk about.
2422
2423	 - This is normal. His name is Yaguruma-kun, you say? First-year?
2424
2425	 - Ah, yes.
2426
2427	 - In our club kenjutsu there are many same, as you, doing family work. If you properly inform about such things, then no one will be condemned for missing the club activities. - However, when the head of the club said this, there was a feeling that you need to join this club. - Well, I do not mean that you need to immediately make the absolute decision to enter. After all, did Chiba-san bring you without explaining anything? You should make a decision by carefully thinking.
2428
2429	 - ... Thank you very much.
2430
2431	 As a result, it seems that it was not coercion. Realizing that the head of the kenjutsu club was a sensible person, Saburou breathed a sigh of relief.
2432
2433	 "Aizu-kun, you're too soft!" "There was a voice that animated Saburou's alarm. The owner of these words was behind him. And it was not Erika, but someone close to her in strength.
2434
2435	 Realizing that someone was hiding behind him unnoticed, Saburou turned nervously. There was a little girl, dressed in kendo gear. Looking at the panicking Saburou, she tilted her head inquiringly, as if asking: "Hmm?". No malice or hostility was felt at all. Perhaps that's why he did not notice her, but Saburou decided that he relaxed and clenched his teeth.
2436
2437	Surprisingly looking at the worried Saburou, this student looked at President Aizu.
2438
2439	- Aizu-kun, to miss the long-awaited beginner right from under the nose, this is unworthy for the president behavior!
2440
2441	The student pressed Aizu not aggressively, but in a tone, a bit childish for the high school student.
2442
2443	"Saito, even if you say so, we cannot force."
2444
2445	Student ... vice-president of the club kenjutsu and concurrently president of the female department, Saitou Yayoi shook her indexed finger, as if to say "you did not understand."
2446
2447	- Ts-ts-ts [* clicks tongue *], Aizu-kun, you do not understand.
2448
2449	No, not only "as if to say", she actually said it. At the same time accompanying shaking with onomatopoeia.
2450
2451	- Uwaa, as the page ...
2452
2453	- Erika! I'm not strictly speaking!
2454
2455	Hearing Erika's words, repeating what was on the mind of the surrounding members of the club, Saitou Yayoi returned her gaze to Aizu.
2456
2457	"Aizu-kun, you must not force it, but ask!" For example, cause a sense of weakness from what the sempai so persuasively convinces, and take advantage of this!
2458
2459	- No, will it become of this ...
2460
2461	- It will!
2462
2463	After interrupting Aizu's suggestion with a loud voice, Yayoi turned to Saburou. She did not hesitate to reduce the distance between them. Saburou could not retreat, behind was a wall.
2464
2465	- And so, beginner-kun! Uh ...
2466
2467	- Yaguruma-kun. - Aizu whispered the role of a prompter.
2468
2469	- Okay, Yaguruma-kun!
2470
2471	Yayoi took Saburou's hand. Saburou for some reason did not shrink from either of Yayoi's hands, clinging to his right hand. ... Probably could not follow the developments.
2472
2473	Yayoi, in turn, clutching his hand tightly, gazing happily at him with wide-open eyes.
2474
2475	"Yaguruma-kun, are you good at this?" You must enter the kenjutsu club by all means.
2476
2477
2478
2479
2480
2481Yayoi's supporters, frankly speaking, looked out of control to Saburou. If there was an enemy before him, he could easily shake it and escape. However, he was ashamed of rude behavior towards a high school student, moreover, to a girl who does not show any malicious intent.
2482
2483	 - Set in clubs will begin the day after tomorrow. It is necessary to follow the rules.
2484
2485	Erika wedged in between them. With one hand, she pressed Yayoi on both hands, clinging to Saburou's right hand. Yayoi easily released Saburou's hand.
2486
2487	Saburou did not understand what had happened. But Yayoi, it seems, did not interest this technique at all.
2488
2489	- Erika, hearing from you about the observance of the rules is a bit weird.
2490
2491	- Yes Yes. Now we will start training with Yaguruma, so you can postpone complaints and invitations for later?
2492
2493	Erika responded with an appropriate way of looking at her with Yayoi's children's eyes.
2494
2495	- Training? You're from a tennis club! In addition, if you have time to play with the first year, then first ask permission for me!
2496
2497	- I already received permission from President Aizu.
2498
2499	Yayoi immediately stared at Aizu, and then returned her gaze, which contained a dumb question "what's wrong?". Of course, it was already too late to make a problem out of the fact that Erika is so free to visit kenjutsu and kendo clubs.
2500
2501	"Besides, we did not come to play." - Erika evenly interrupted glimpses of the president and vice-president of the club kenjutsu. From this voice, Saburou felt a cold shiver. Yayoi looked at Erika with a serious face, and Aizu twisted his eyebrows irritatedly.