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1[One] 
2It was an unheard event. 
3June 18th 2097, early in the morning on Tuesday. 
4An uproar was created by the members of STARS, a magical unit under the direct command of the Joint Staff Headquarters of the USNA Army, at the STARS headquarters located on the outskirts of Roswell, New Mexico. 
5This wasn't a one man job. STARS are divided into twelve units, and each unit has a First Class Star Captain. 
6Three of the twelve units caused unrest and were led by their Commander. 
7Luckily, only a few senior officers participated in the uprising. But this did not lessen the situation. 
8â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
9Lina came to Japan 71 hours ago. 
10At the STARS headquarters, where Lina had escaped from, the battle between the STARS members was still going on. 
11STARS classify their soldiers as First-Class Stars, Second-Class Stars, Constellations, Planetary and Satellite Class. Members of STARS, who are the strongest, focus more on fighting than on magic. 
12Those who tried to kill Lina were - Captain of the 3rd Unit, Alexander Arcturus, First Lieutenant of the 3rd Unit, Jacob Regulus, Captain of the 4th Unit Charlotte Vega, and Second-Lieutenant of the 4th Unit, Leila Deneb. 
13Those who helped Lina escape were - Major Benjamin Canopus, Second-Lieutenant Ralph Algol, and Second-Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfak. 
14Among them, Mirfak had left the base with her, using the prototype for a Flying Car. 
15Therefore Canopus was facing three people, Arcturus, Regulus and Vega. 
16And Deneb, who was pursuing Lina until she escaped, was busy with Algol. 
17"Leila!" 
18
19 
20 
21 
22 
23Deneb was going after Algol after she fell from the loading platform of the prototype, which was carrying Lina.  Vega screamed when she saw Lina leave. She also jumped out into the street to go after her, who had escaped from the warehouse storing the prototype, but she could not ignore Canopus and remained here. 
24 
25"Major Canopus! Don't you know that Major Sirius is a traitor?" 
26 
27Canopus didn’t know if those lines from Vega were used to confuse him, or because she seriously believed this. He thought that these were probably the last of the parasites, but that was only him guessing. 
28 
29Second Lieutenant of the 11th Unit, Ariana Lee Shaula claimed that members from the 3rd, 6th and 11th Unit, excluding herself, had become parasites. She was saved because of her mental defence due to her affinity with Mental Interference Type magic. As part of this, her ability to notice parasitic magic waves was also high. Canopus thought her guess was reliable. 
30 
31As Shaula said, Vega and Deneb of the 4th Unit are not parasites.  But if this uprising is led by a parasite, Vega, who isn’t a parasite, was still likely to listen to this information. 
32 
33It's no secret that Vega is not friendly with Lina. Many of STARS also understand that this is due to jealousy. 
34 
35It may be because of the influence of Vega, but Lieutenant Deneb from the 4th Unit also rebelled against Lina. Likewise, Lieutenant Spica from the 4th Unit does not take such a blatant position as Vega and Deneb, but it was not so difficult to see that their internal thoughts are similar. 
36 
37Perhaps this feeling was being exploited. 
38 
39Military personnel should not act through sympathy. Personnel is trained to be tough at any time. 
40 
41However, people are weak to their own interests. 
42 
43If a good reason is given, someone will easily be deceived. 
44 
45He may not have had the same emotions as them, but he could understand the source of their reaction. 
46 
47It wasn’t easy for Canopus to understand this, but he had seen many examples of it before. 
48 
49"A Captain should not say that a Major betrayed STARS! Captain Vega, your actions are worrying!” 
50 
51Therefore, through replying to Vega, he expressed that they were not being convincing. 
52Vega's answer was ‘Double Press’, a Weight Type magic. This is a magic that can apply pressure from two different directions at the same time and is usually used on opposite sides in order to compress a target from both sides. Canopus countered using ‘Press’, also a Weight Type magic, thus defeated Vega’s magic. Instead of canceling the magic itself, he defeated the other's magic by identifying the magic and conflicting the event by modifying it.. 
53"... ..." 
54A surprised sound came out of the Vega’s mouth. Reversing the effect of magic of the enemy by making its definition fail are included in the training of STARS. Of course she knew that. However, in order to deliberately create a ‘faulty definition’, it is necessary to read the enemy’s magic and accurately predict the magic used by the enemy, either by releasing magic at the appropriate coordinates or by using the enemy. 
55The first, albeit not very precise, requires some difficulty. 
56The latter means that he needs to read the enemy, that is, to accurately follow and know what they are doing. 
57The surprise that Vega showed was an opportunity for Canopus. 
58To stop Vega, Canopus closed the gap between them. He didn’t want to cut her using ‘Molecular Divider’, but to deprive her of her freedom using a blow at close range. 
59But Canopus stopped at his fourth step. 
60Having just enough time to look behind him, he put up a ‘Mirror Shield’ diagonally behind him. 
61His shield works against high-energy weapons like the laser light bullet fired by Regulus. 
62The laser bullet he reflected caught Regulus's face. 
63Shocked, he could feel the cold sweat on his back. 
64Regulus was in a hurry and moved with his armed device. 
65Until now, Regulus had not been actively attacked by Canopus. Was Canopus unable to find Regulus' location or was he simply prioritising Vega or Arcturus? 
66Regulus attacks with a sniper. 
67However, the current Regulus is under pressure. 
68Regulus’ specialty is "laser sniping". When using this ability to shoot a shot, the enemy magician knows where he is. Immediately after an attack, the risk of being discovered by the enemy is the same as when firing live ammunition, but it is less dense than ordinary magic, making it capable to be shot from far away, even to the point where the eyes can’t see.  
69Regulus understands the flaw in his magic well. Every time he shot, he needs to run away from that place with a rifle-shaped weapon. 
70It was true that he hadn’t gotten attacked, except by Canopus’ counterattack. 
71But this counterattack weakened his mind. 
72The light bullet that hit Canopus' 'Mirror Shield', has long since been cancelled by Regulus. 
73Regulus had to calm down. 
74Needless to say, laser light moves at the speed of light. The time it takes between departure and arrival is practically zero, and it is already too late to block or reflect the laser using a shield if it has already been shot. 
75There are two types of shields against energy bullets. 
76One blocks energy above a certain amount. This is the usual type. 
77The other reflects electromagnetic waves. ‘Mirror Shield’ is this type. 
78For laser bullets, the latter is more effective. ‘Mirror Shield’ reflects only the light that is coming in, it doesn’t do anything with the light going out. Even the usual anti-energy shield will not interfere with the attacks of ‘Laser sniping’. 
79In principle, it is possible to block the bullets of energy, by using ‘Mirror Shield’ immediately before shooting. ‘Laser Sniping’ has an inevitable temporary lag because of the initial Magic Invocation. So if you deploy Mirror Shield right after activating Laser Sniping, it can be blocked. 
80Lina's ‘Mirror Shield’ is capable of deflecting projectiles straight to the ground in order to spare allies from being hit by the recoil. Canopus’ ‘Mirror Shield’ is able to reflect the projectiles at nearly a 180-degree angle. The reason why the angle of reflection is not clear is because there is a bit of ‘movement’ in magic. If it were to be described in degrees, it would be something like ‘180 degrees plus or minus three degrees’. If there was no movement, Regulus would have been hit.  
81He felt fear of being shot by the laser he fired. 
82This was gradually damaging Regulus mental strength. 
83Lieutenant Leila Deneb and Captain Ralph Algor from the First Unit were having a martial art match in a place two hundred meters from the storehouse where Canopus and Vega were located. Deneb jumped on the vehicle that was carrying Lina, by using Movement Type magic, but was blocked by Algol, who was hiding on the loading dock, and they both fell on various types of joints. 
84Deneb and Algor almost simultaneously got up and began a useless battle without asking any questions. Deneb believes that Algor is collaborating with the ‘Traitorous Sirius’  ─ which is true except for the ‘Traitorous’ part ─ So Deneb's judgment was not mistaken, which is what he was thinking. Algol was satisfied and didn’t pay any attention to any other enemies or his allies, just on his fight. 
85Deneb aimed with the gun in his right hand and pulled the trigger. 
86But at that moment Algol was no longer in his line of fire. He had instantly turned the distance of ten meters into zero, capturing the knife that Deneb held. 
87Algol grabbed the big combat knife. The knife had a blade that was about 30 centimeters long and unlike a survival knife, this one’s thick top had no ordinary shape. The long handle was curved at the top, to attach itself to the opponent’s knife.  
88Deneb and Algol both prefer the same type of magic battles. 
89They were well prepared for the battle, using high speed Movement Type Magic. And Deneb was already using levitating magic. 
90This is a flight magic technique developed by Taurus Silver.  Flying magic is a technique that allowed free flight, continuing to periodically activate Gravity Control Type magic in less than one second. STARS applied this to their Movement Type magic. 
91When constantly activating Movement Type magic in a very short time. If the destination of the movement is not defined, the Movement Type magic is automatically destroyed without showing any of its effects but this Gravity Control magic can carry the user along a linear trajectory in whichever direction the user wants to move. With this technology, STARS managed to solve the problem of CAD delays that prevents sudden movement from which the melee magician suffers. 
92Thus, Deneb, who was in a state where she could move at any time with the help of this technique, could have been hit if she had thought about attacking Algol. However, Deneb got Algol’s knife in the blade guard held in her left hand. 
93Even if she stepped back using Movement Type Magic, Algor, using the same technology, would catch her in the next moment. She also thought that it would still be difficult, even if she avoided it. But more than that, warlike feelings prevailed in Deneb. 
94Deneb believed in the betrayal of Lina from the bottom of her heart. She was desperately disgusted with Lina's name ‘Sirius’. 
95The title ‘Sirius’ is a symbol of The Military Magician of the USNA.  The betrayal of Sirius is a disgrace to the pride of a magician belonging to the USNA troops. Deneb was incredibly angry, but was also misunderstanding the situation. 
96Deneb aimed her pistol at Algol. 
97Algol's left hand stretched, and Deneb's pistol was caught between the blade of the knife and the handle of the knife held in the other hand. A forward-curved long handle usually wasn’t seen in a normal combat knife.  
98Before Algol could get to her wrist, Deneb freed her hand from his grip. 
99Deneb retreated a few meters before letting the gun fall to the ground. 
100Algor had a surprised voice and told her, 
101"What is this!" 
102"Ha ha ha ha! I guess a knife can also be used like that!" 
103A knife with a long handle is a special object, used to intercept the attacks of the enemy. 
104Algol was focused on the knife. 
105"But this is!" 
106“Ha ha ha ha ha! A half gun, half knife! ” 
107Algol moved, leaving residual images behind. The next moment he appeared on the side of Deneb. 
108Algol cut diagonally with his knife. 
109Deneb's right hand was empty. She tried to catch Algol with the knife in her left hand. 
110The left hand of Algol delicately changed its trajectory. 
111He deliberately faced his knife to that of Deneb’s. 
112Getting rid of the knife and making it useless. 
113The tip of the knife, which Algol had in his right hand, pointed at Deneb’s left flank, which has become wounded. 
114
115 Deneb's face was horrified.   Canopus was unable to observe the battle of his subordinates. Even if he knew the situation, helping them is impossible. 
116 
117At the moment, the situation was chaotic. Being one on three, they did not want to waste their numerical advantage. 
118 
119Negate the Gravity Type magic by using the same magic. 
120 
121Reflect Regulus’ ‘Laser Sniping’ using ‘Mirror Shield’. 
122 
123Intercepting Arcturus’ 'Dancing Blades' with 'Molecular Divider'. 
124 
125Violent face-to-face fighting continues with the three First-Class members. 
126 
127It was a tough battle, even with the skill of Canopus. 
128 
129If it were a real war, he might not have had any difficulties so far. 
130 
131If Canopus was serious, he could have already won. 
132 
133Although Captains have the same basic abilities, Major Canopus and Captain Vega differ in their Class abilities. Canopus is a man who was supposed to be stronger than even the previous Sirius in the event of a battle on land. Vega has no chance of winning a direct fight, in which each other's figure is visible. In fact, Vega's face had already been unclearly hidden ever since his fight against Lina. 
134 
135Regulus was also an opponent of Canopus: "He cannot be ignored, but he is not a significant threat."  
136 
137The ‘Laser Sniping’ used by Regulus has a structural flaw that takes about one second from activation to launch. 
138 
139And Regulus also happens to rarely use other magic besides ‘Laser Sniping’. While Regulus does narrow down the range of tactics that he can use, if you use Canopus’ skill, it is not difficult to simultaneously confront Vega. 
140 
141Even when fighting Regulus and Vega, and with the handicap that ‘He Can't Fight Seriously’, this battle would have ended in a victory for Canopus in a short time. But that would be true if it was only the two of them. 
142 
143Arcturus was a powerful enemy. 
144 
145Captain of the 3rd Unit, Alexander Arcturus. A Magician who acquired both the modern magic of STARS and the Ancient Magic of the indigenous peoples of North America — both with high affinity. Although he could not use Spirit Magic because he was assimilated with the parasite, he received a net gain in fighting power, by completely using the force of the parasite. 
146 
147Canopus blocked the light bullets of Regulus and urgently went after Vega. 
148 
149However, Canopus was forced to retreat by a strong wind. 
150 
151This was because of Arcturus. 
152 
153The killing power is low. Although this is magic aimed at destroying the enemy's position, in order to escape from a local gust of wind with a diameter of 2 meters and 60 meters per second, Canopus had to dodge by more than 5 meters. 
154 
155Going after the dodging Canopus, was not an arrow, but something more dangerous.  
156 
157‘Dancing Blades’ made from obsidian, are sharply designed and shaped. 
158 
159Usually, Dancing Blades uses an embedded knife-shaped CAD. That is why it is so easy and accurate that you can do it with a single Magic Activation. 
160 
161But this does not mean that the weapons used for Dancing Blades is limited to CADs. The one creating the magic is the magician, not the CAD. This is an absolute principle that does not change in any magic. 
162 
163First, ‘Dancing Blades’ is a magic that uses the weight of the object to make it move, and any weapon that has this can be used. It doesn’t even have to be a knife. Realistically, even a stone on the side of the road could be the ‘bullet’ of the ‘Dancing Blades’. 
164 
165Four object simultaneously came to Canopus with different trajectories. All of them were knocked down by ‘Molecular Divider’. 
166 
167Obsidian, cut in half, fell to the ground. The object defined as the object for ‘Dancing Blades’, was compromised, and the magic was forcibly interrupted due to the collapse of the definition.  
168 
169But the attack of Arcturus did not end there. Using his magic, Arcturus moved after every attack he made, making it difficult for Canopus to find him. 
170 
171When the wind blew, bird-like feathers danced around in the shape of an Eagle’s head.  These are feathered darts made from synthetic fibers and titanium needles. These ultrathin, high strength fiber don’t just cut the human skin, but also any protective skin depending on speed.  
172 
173Dozens of feathers rode the wind and attacked Canopus. Arcturus specializes in Spirit Magic and Movement Type Magic. In particular, it is his ability to incorporate these magics to create and control an airflow. These feathers were not being controlled, but rather they just followed the air stream.  
174 
175‘Molecular Divider’ can not interfere with gas. As each feather got blown away by the wind, they couldn’t be knocked away. 
176 
177Canopus fought with magic that explodes a great amount of compressed air. He forces the wind away, which doubled as a protective shield, and he once again rushed Vega.   Regulus just looked behind him to see the back of Canopus. 
178 
179Is it because his attack look aggressive that they cannot overcome the three to one stalemate?  
180 
181Such an assumption emerged in Regulus' brain.  
182 
183A large machine, which is used for training, danced in the air. 
184 
185This was done by the Gravity Control Type Magic of Vega. 
186 
187Canopus can do this as well since it belongs to the Weight Type Magic System. Even when the CAD system is in operation, he should be able to do it while staying on the same position. But his mind was currently focused on the large machine flying towards him.  
188 
189So Regulus decided to take action. 
190 
191Armed with an integrated CAD in the form of a rifle, he pulled the trigger. 
192 
193From starting the Activation Sequence to the Magic Activation took around 2 seconds. Although this weapon uses a specialized type CAD, it was still quite fast.  
194 
195Initially, Laser Sniping was a technique Regulus was good at, making him surpass the usual magic speed and power, combined with the enhanced performance of exclusive CAD systems. Under the influence of the parasite, this improved even further.  
196 
197However, the time required to amplify the bullet used for the laser beam is mechanical, not physical so it cannot be shortened. This time can be reduced by starting with a higher level of Laser energy, which is possible if you improve the power to change an event by becoming a parasite.  
198 
199But for this to happen, should Regulus have to change his already existing armed devices to allow for higher power consumption. Or should a completely new armed device be created?  
200 
201Three days ago, Regulus became a parasite. In just three days he was unable upgrade the devices he prefers. 
202 
203However, if Canopus is currently occupied with Vega, he shouldn’t be able to counterattack the attack even if it has a temporary delay. This is what Regulus was thinking.  But just before that, when he was about to launch a laser bullet. 
204 
205Canopus disappeared from Regulus’ scope. 
206 
207He hadn’t gone invisible. 
208 
209Instead of the silhouette of a man, his view was being obstructed. 
210 
211Something was reflected on the hangar, where Regulus himself was hiding. 
212 
213The laser had been fired. 
214 
215It’s impossible to deal with energy bullets coming at you at the speed of light if you are unprepared. 
216 
217Having been perfectly reflected by hundred and eighty degrees, the energy bullets destroyed the armed device, and burning fragments came in to his right eye. 
218 
219Screaming furiously, Regulus retired from the battle.   (Back to Canopus) 
220 
221When he heard Regulus’ scream, Canopus knew what had happened. 
222 
223He didn’t ignore Regulus. When he approached Vega to take her out, Regulus attacking him was inevitable. Canopus simply did not try to hide himself, which Regulus had expected.   But no doubt the battle will become easier with this. Regulus’ magic is nothing to be ignorant of, and now instead of a 1 versus 3, it became a 1 versus 2.  
224 
225Immediately after that, he heard two noises in his eardrum. 
226 
227Moving his eyes in the direction of where the sound came from. He retreated at the same time and went away from Vega. This was an act of security, which he had made unconsciously.  
228 
229There he saw Algol and Deneb both fall. 
230 
231In his heart, Canopus screamed out to Algol because he felt responsible. 
232 
233Because Deneb was not the only one who staggered and collapsed. Algol also collapsed next to her. He looked the same as Deneb after their fight, but from a distance it became clear that he was trying not to excessively hurt her. 
234From Canopus’ position, it wasn’t possible to see Algol's back which was stained with blood. No, if you look carefully, you could probably see, but in a situation where you have to be wary of the attacks of the enemy, you don’t have the luxury to check.  
235But he realized that a new enemy had attacked Algol. 
236This is because his opponent was aiming at himself. 
237The force field of a thin, sharp, deformed ‘Molecular Divider’ extended to Canopus. 
238He cut off the force field with the same magic. 
239(Lieutenant Spica!) 
240Before even seeing the enemy who released this magic, he already knew the identity of the operator. 
241A modified version of his ‘Molecular Divider’, ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’ is only used by one person in STARS. 
242The First Lieutenant of the 4th Unit of the STARS, Zoe Spica. 
243Beyond Canopus’ line of sight, a woman, who wore the military uniform in the summer despite it being early in the morning, pointed at Canopus with her right hand. 
244A metal, non-curved nail was attached to the tip of her extended index finger. She kind of looked like a Japanese singer pointing at a crowd, but it was her stance when using ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’.  
245Again, the narrow molecular destruction force field extended to Canopus. But instead of it being narrow and having a limited range, this ‘Molecular Divider’ could also be used at mid range, thus expanding its range.  
246Canopus once again cut off the head of the attack while also cutting Vega’s gravitational field, which he tried to do with his own version of ‘Molecular Divider’. 
247No, the expression ‘Molecular Divider’ cutting the ‘Gravity Control Magic’ could be misleading. Gravity Control is a magi’"Molecular Divider’ also changes the nature of space. Both magic collapsed due to a collision between Event Modifications that ‘change only the gravitational field in normal space’ and ‘change only the electromagnetic properties of normal space’.  
248At that moment, the ‘Molecular Divider’ of Canopus was also interrupted. Because Arcturus’ Tomahawk was approaching him. 
249 
250Canopus jumped off to the side with full force and activated ‘Molecular Divider’. 
251 
252Tomahawk destroyed the residual image of Canopus. 
253 
254Tomahawk, turned over in the air and continued to go after Canopus, who was now standing on the ground once more. 
255 
256Initially this was not possible for ‘Dancing Blades’. ‘Dancing Blades’ is a magic that allows you to pre-program the trajectory of an object in advance, but not the ability to remotely control the object.  
257 
258By applying Spirit Magic, he could create a kind of interactive state with a weapon, making it able to give it his thoughts and rewrite the new ‘blades’ by doing this. This was the original skill of Arcturus, the magician holding magic of both ancient and modern times.  
259 
260The increase in power usage that comes with rewriting magic definitions cannot be avoided. The trajectory can only be changed a maximum of five times. However, the trajectory itself does not have to be a straight line, or a parabola, because ‘Dancing Blades’ is able to move up and down, and turn around. With a normal weapon like a grenade, one would not be able to take out all their enemies, but if you could even change the trajectory of something just three times, not even the full five, then it would be far more potent.    Because of the parasite in Arcturus, he cannot use Spirit Magic. However, even though he has lost his ability to access independent Information bodies, which is defined as the ‘spirit’, this did not mean he lost his ability to use Ancient Magic. His Ancient Magic skills that do not use independent Information bodies have improved, because of his assimilation with the parasite.  
261 
262Canopus intercepted the attacking Tomahawk with a sharp blow with his knee. 
263 
264No matter the speed, the swing itself barely had any power. So it was more like swinging with a stick than with a sword. 
265 
266However, Tomahawk, which was magically strengthened by Arcturus’ thought, fell apart. 
267 
268The blade similar to a Japanese sword could not cut everything easily. Canopus’ original device did not cut similarly to a normal steel blade. The blade is simply the guiding tool, the blade that actually cuts is made out of magic. If the force that divides the intermolecular binding can be formed, then the vague shape of the blade doesn’t matter.  
269 
270Tomahawk, that was divided into two parts, ceased to fly above the ground. 
271 
272Even if it is being controlled through thought, if it loses its form, it will return to being a regular armed device, making the magic fail. 
273 
274His pursuit of Arcturus was interrupted. Since ‘Dancing Blades’ requires material objects as a carrier, there is a limit to the number of ‘bullets’ that can be prepared in advance. Arcturus called forth such ‘bullets’.  
275 
276Canopus could not find out the place where Arcturus was hiding. However, Arcturus’ temporary attack had disappeared - this was a prime opportunity to reduce the enemy’s combat power.  
277 
278Now the enemies that Canopus focused on were Vega and Spica. 
279 
280Spika’s ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’ had the same characteristics as that of Canopus’. But it is only natural that it only has limited impact when the enemy knows its workings. 
281 
282Canopus decided to focus on Vega, who was the more problematic enemy in the first place. 
283 
284Canopus released a plasma bullet of air as a pretext so Spika would have to deal with that, but he also hit Vega with ‘Molecular Divider’. 
285 
286Vega, even when wary of ‘Molecular Divider’, was completely defeated, and then she got hit by the plasma bullets. Canopus did not increase the plasma density too much as to avoid fatal injuries, but it was still powerful enough to temporarily paralyze her entire body.  
287 
288Vega fell on her back. She did not seem to have completely fainted, but it seemed that she was unable to move her limbs freely.  
289 
290Canopus looks back at Spica. He was going to finish off Spica and finally take Arcturus on in a one on one.  
291 
292But what Canopus saw, was not just the silhouette of Spica, but also other people. 
293 
294"Major Canopus, I want you to stop your resistance." 
295 
296A new figure came into his sight. 
297 
298Second Lieutenants Ian Bellatrix and Samuel Alnilam. 
299 
300Two members of the 6th Unit in STARS, who got infected by parasites in the Micro-Black Hole experiment that was held the other day, were seen dragging the wounded and unconscious Algol who was in bad shape. 
301 
302Spica was surprised. For her, this reinforcement was surprising.  
303 
304"... ... Are you referring to a hostage?" 
305Canopus spoke to Arcturus in a tone that did not hide his disgusted feelings. 
306“We had captured Shaula beforehand.” 
307Arcturus did not answer his question, but instead extended his other hand. 
308“Major Canopus, your goal is to allow Major Sirius to escape, your goal has been accomplished, do you still think this battle that only increases the amount of injuries is smart?” 
309"It was you who caused senseless turbulence." 
310Canopus answered by condemning the silent Arcturus.  
311But reasoning doesn’t apply to people taken over by parasites, and Canopus knew this. 
312Canopus took out his Japanese looking armed device in the form of a sword. 
313"...Stand down." 
314"We guarantee your safety." 
315"Only for my body?" 
316To the sarcastic question of Canopus, Arcturus replied with a funny look. 
317“I do not plan to make you part of our group.” 
318â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
319Contrary to the expectations of Canopus, he was not taken to a prison cell, but to a separate room, which the senior officer of another department used when they visited the base. 
320Of course, his weapons, including his armed devices, were taken, but escaping does not seem to be difficult. CAD is a must-have tool for modern magic users, but it is not necessary when conjuring magic. Although there are ways to make magic more difficult to use, a general method of making magic unusable has not been developed. Although he had heard stories about the possibility of preventing Magical Invocation of others by using a special magic related to Mental Interference Magic.  
321However, Canopus did not leave the room, so as not to escape. No food was brought to him for several hours, so he spent the night alone with just mineral water, which was in an equipped refrigerator.  
322When the messenger came to get him, it was already at 21:00. 
323He appeared between Lieutenant Bellatrix and Lieutenant Alnilam and appeared in the office of the Colonel. 
324There is a chair in front of the Colonel’s table. 
325Surrounding Canopus were on one side, Arcturus and Vega and on the other was Major Capella from the 5th Unit, who sat there with a muzzle aimed at his face. 
326"Major Canopus, wait.” 
327Following the words of the Colonel of the base, Walker, Canopus sat down in front of the table after saluting. 
328“Well, Major Canopus, it seems like your alleged injuries were worth it since you managed to help Ralph Hardy Mirfak get out of the base.” 
329Canopus' face contained a surprised expression. 
330Walker expected such a reaction. 
331"Surrounding Major Sirius’ departure, this was done through formal military facilities and directed by Colonel Balance, so it isn’t your fault." 
332In other words, it was not possible to ask Lina to return. 
333The surprised expression disappeared from Canopus' face and he regained his poker face. 
334“I think you know that the higher ups have agreed to take out the Japanese Strategic Class Magician, Shiba Tatsuya.” 
335"I am aware of this." 
336Dothey want to eliminate Tatsuya as a threat to us, or include him in the USNA’s global strategy, taking the risk that he could be threat? The higher ups of the USNA army could all agree that these were the main two options.  
337“But you can understand that his Strategic Class Magic is too strong and should not be used” 
338"............" 
339To Walker's speech, Canopus responded with silence. 
340Walker lightly touched his eyebrows, but immediately returned to the original administrative view and resumed with the conversation. 
341
342 “I think we should eliminate Tatsuya, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega also agree” 
343 
344“Colonel, their states of health should cause serious concern.” 
345 
346But Canopus was unable to spark any form of suspicion in Walker.  
347 
348"Major Canopus, it is true that they have become parasites, but their loyalty to this country has not changed. That is my core belief." 
349 
350When he was looked at, Arcturus clearly turned his face. 
351 
352“As for the treatment of Captain Arcturus, it is currently under review.” 
353 
354Walker did not listen to the warning of Canopus. 
355 
356At this point, Canopus was convinced that Walker was mentally being controlled by a parasite. Instead of it being a complete psychological take over, which would turn their partner into a puppet, a part of his thinking was definitely being influenced. By influencing the mind and stimulating the desire and crisis that he felt, Walker could be controlled as to their liking. ── Canopus suggested so.  
357 
358“Major, it seems that you cannot approve the killing of Tatsuya.” 
359 
360"Even if him becoming an enemy is inevitable, we should not take cowardly measures such as assassination." 
361 
362“... ...But do you think such a naive thought should actually be followed upon?” 
363 
364“I don't think it makes sense to deny naive thoughts.” 
365 
366Canopus did not disagree with using dirty tactics. There are things that cannot be solved by just talking. Canopus knows about this to a certain extent from his own experience, so he doesn't need to say this.  
367 
368But pride is necessary. If you indulge yourself with the unlimited use of the excuse ‘because it is necessary’, the army will quickly turn into a group that simply focuses on violence. These were Canopus’ thoughts.  
369 
370"...Major Canopus. Do you want to take a plea deal?" 
371 
372Walker didn’t bother trying to convince Canopus and changed the subject. 
373 
374"Is this about the court cases?" 
375 
376"That's right." 
377The interrogation of the higher ups found that he did not participate in any illegal bidding. 
378Afterwards, after Walker confirmed this, the tension that Canopus felt started to drop.  
379Walker continued on about the plea deal by expanding its range. 
380“If this becomes a military-legislative conference, headquarters will have to come as well. This is inevitable if we consider the special nature of our division. If a military council were to convene in current times, it will surely lead to quarreling between the opposing parties, hindering the impact any military operation can have.” 
381Canopus wanted to disagree with Walker's assumptions. 
382Of course, it can come to this. Nevertheless, the likelihood that this situation will lead to the council becoming dysfunctional is low. The higher ups are not so stupid.  
383Usually Canopus would have told him this. But when he took his current position into account, he couldn’t afford to give a negative opinion. 
384“If you recognize the injuries you gave to Lieutenant Regulus, we will consider Lieutenant Mirfak to have went missing because of the mission he is taking, and we will also promise to reduce the punishment for Lieutenant Algol and Shaula.” 
385"What punishment will I specifically get?" 
386Canopus already started defending himself. 
387“A one-year prison sentence.” 
388This is a pretty harsh punishment for justice. However, given that the parasite is disturbing Walker, Canopus believed that imprisonment, which can physically distance him from them, would be convenient for them. 
389"In addition, we will treat the punishment as a penalty during an undercover mission, so it will not scratch your military history and won’t harm your family." 
390"...Well, I have two conditions." 
391“Fine. Let's make it an even trade.” 
392Walker's voice was unexpectedly soft. Was his subconscious mind resisting the thought manipulation or was he trying to avoid breaking the deal because of Canopus’ combat value? 
393Both were probable theories. 
394
395 “I want to be imprisoned in Midway Prison.” 
396 
397"... Why?" 
398 
399Walker had a perplexed expression. The military prisons on Midway Island are the most unpopular, and are completely isolated from society - a place where criminals with highest offenses are sent to. 
400 
401"Isn't that more comfortable for the Colonel?" 
402 
403Canopus felt this was ironic because it allows him to not worry about being disturbed. 
404 
405Walker momentarily made an angry face, but that offensive expression disappeared almost immediately. 
406 
407“Well, let me decide after hearing what your other condition is?” 
408 
409“Lieutenant Algol and Shaula, I would like it for them to come with me.” 
410 
411"Won’t they both be offended by going to Midway prison?" 
412 
413"Will they be punished there?" 
414 
415Canopus did not move because of the disgust he felt with Walker. 
416 
417"─ ─ I accept your terms and will meet you halfway with Capelle being your guard till you get there.” 
418 
419Erase that expression on your face, that’s what Walker was trying to tell him. 
420 
421After this conversation, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega smiled. 
422 
423Major Capella, who was sitting across from them, was always capricious.   The imprisonment of Canopus, Algol and Shaula was officially accepted on the next day to happen as soon as possible. 
424 
425Many people felt suspicious about this abnormally fast decision that was made by the Pentagon. 
426 
427But there were none who tried to prevent this decision, including Colonel Balance.     
428 
429 
430[Two]   Sunday morning, June 23rd, 2097. 
431 
432Angie Sirius, the High Captain of ‘STARS’ whose real name is Angelina Kudou Shields was currently on board of a small VTOL plane.  
433 
434Angelina, commonly known as Lina, fled from the base of their headquarters because of the members that had assimilated with parasites and she was therefore branded a rebel.  
435 
436She fled to Japan under the direction of Colonel Balance and with the help of the Kuroba family, who she stayed with for a couple of days, but last night she spent it in Tatsuya’s and Miyuki’s apartment.  
437 
438But now she was moving to a new place where she could hide. Miyaki Island was located around 90 kilometers to the north of the South Sea, and about 50 kilometers to the east of Miyake-jima. This small island is also called the ‘Newest Island of the 21st Century’ because it was formed because of the activities of an underwater volcano in the first year of the 21st century. Despite it being small, the area has grown to be about 8 square kilometers, which is almost the same size as Tokyo.  
439 
440This island has become a new shelter for Lina. 
441 
442Miyaki Island is the private property of the Yotsuba Family, but to be precise, it is owned by a real estate company controlled by the Yotsuba. Regardless of the technicalities, it still has the same result.  
443 
444There is a special story behind the acquiry of the island by the Yotsuba family. 
445 
446Originally, this was a supply base for the Japanese Navy. But due to volcanic activity, it was abandoned in the 2050’s . After the end of WWII, it became a secret prison exclusively for military magicians and was entrusted to the Yotsuba Family as they were the only ones capable of managing magicians of such military caliber.  
447 
448The Yotsuba acquired Miyaki island, while also taking over the secret prison. 
449 
450However, the prison was relocated to a different side of the island because of volcanic activity on the eastern side of the island. The place of transfer was decided on some time ago, and finally, as of last month, the transfer of prisoners was completed and the facilities were refurbished. 
451 
452Also on the eastern side of the island, which was not used as a prison anymore, a plan was made for constructing buildings that were going to be used for magical research. Although the construction was supposed to start in April, the power plant that uses the Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor that was designed by Tatsuya will also be built in the area.  
453Another small VTOL came that carried Tatsuya and Miyuki. Despite the main reason for visiting being that he wanted to check up on Lina, Tatsuya also wanted to inspect the place where the plant was going to be built. 
454At the end of last month, he had decided to implement his ESCAPES plan here. Tatsuya visited Miyaki island several times to understand both the topography and the climate to check if he had chosen the right spot. He was sure that it was necessary to check whether or not there were any environmental conditions that he was unaware of.  
455“Thank you, Miyuki-san, Shields-san, we will be landing soon.” 
456Hyougo, who was controlling the compact VTOL, informed them. In this VTOL there currently were six people, with the exception of the pilot, and there is no partition between the pilot and passengers. The voice of Hyougo came right to Tatsuya. 
457“It's pretty broad, it also has an unusual infrastructure which is quite unexpected.” 
458Lina, who saw the island for the first time, gave her impression of what she saw. 
459"Well ... this has changed a lot." 
460Miyuki had been here in the past, so she could not hide her surprise of the scenes before her. 
461"You have been on this island?" 
462"Well, four years ago." 
463When she visited four years ago, there were only prisons in the coastal zone in the west, and most of the island was rocky and sandy. 
464However, the now more developed Miyaki island has airfields with short runways in the northern part of the island, geothermal power stations in the center and more than 10 middle-class buildings in the eastern part. 
465Tatsuya was also struck by surprise, but for different reasons then Miyuki.
466(... is that a stone refinement plant?) 
467(There is also an advanced computerised building in the center...) 
468Tatsuya found a building with the characteristics similar to the FLT laboratory in Tokyo. 
469And suddenly he was convinced. 
470A new Yotsuba home will be built on this island. 
471
472 Maya didn’t tell Tatsuya the full plan. 
473 
474Only that the new plant for his ESCAPES project will be built on Miyaki island. 
475 
476So, the part of the plan that included building the second home of the Yotsuba here was unknown to him. 
477 
478It seems that the Yotsuba house is trying to build a private research laboratory here next to the upcoming open experimental facility. And, perhaps, among the researchers gathered here for the ESCAPES project, they are thinking of including particularly prominent people from the Yotsuba house, to achieve even further development of magical technology.  
479 
480A small VTOL landed on the helipad. The runway here is not long enough for large aircrafts to land and take off, but if it’s a VTOL or a compact aircraft with less than 50 passengers, it can take off and land sufficiently. The Yotsuba were serious about the development of this island.  
481 
482As expected, there were no trains or monorails. The four were driving a self-propelled vehicle prepared by the Mashiba, one of the branch families of the Yotsuba clan that runs the prison, which was on the west side of the island.  
483 
484They walked around the volcano, where there was little activity going on, and arrived at the residential district for prison management. On the way there, as before, they saw cliffs of lava, and the coast, filled with stones. The development of the island seemed to have a strong focus on the east side of the island.  
485 
486About half of the prisoners were left here, and a large part of the management staff has also left this part of the island. This was bound to happen when most of the guards moved on to the new prison. 
487 
488Personnel management facilities remained full. The residential buildings were also ready to be occupied.  
489 
490"Ho.... This is more like an apartment, not a hotel." 
491 
492They got the impression that Lina was looking through the room with satisfaction. So Tatsuya and Miyuki had no objections to her first impression.  
493 
494"Food can also be purchased in the refrigerators and warehouses, you also don’t have to worry about clothing for the foreseeable future." 
495 
496"...OK." 
497 
498Lina looked suspicious because she was worried that Tatsuya only picked things men enjoy to see. However, Mirfak, who is her subordinate and also a man, would not have done such things, so her worries may be unnecessary.  
499 
500“This facility area doesn’t only have places for residency but also convenience stores, training rooms, rest rooms, etc. do you wish to look at them?” 
501 
502She assumed that this was just a warehouse that at times could be used by the prison staff. 
503 
504Tatsuya asked Lina for what she wanted to do with his eyes. Today's visit is to ask the manager if they can use the prison on Miyaki island as a shelter for Lina. Lina thought that she had no choice in the matter, but that was her misunderstanding. If Lina had said, ‘I don’t like it’, the Yotsuba house would have prepared a different shelter.  
505 
506"... Can you show me around?" 
507 
508Even here, Lina misunderstood that she had no right to refuse. She was going to hold off on the inevitable tour but she ended up agreeing to it anyways.    "Hey... Tatsuya, are you sure I can live here?" 
509 
510This was the first thing Lina said after they had returned to her room 
511 
512"That would certainly be the best." 
513 
514Although she felt that it was strange to respond, Lina still told the other side in order keep the conversation going: 
515 
516"It would be nice to say that I dislike it ..." 
517 
518Lina's voice sounded tired. This was probably mental fatigue, not physical fatigue, probably from all the surprises she has gotten this day. 
519 
520She never felt so luxurious as she feels now with all of the services available to her. 
521 
522Because she could get anything she wanted. 
523 
524There is nothing she could think of that could cause any inconvenience she may have in the future. 
525 
526Same for this room. Apart from the fact that she can't leave the area, she finds it more comfortable than her place at the STARS headquarters. This was not what Lina imagined after her life threatening situation.  
527 
528"Besides, I guess I’m glad that you showed me something like that...?" 
529 
530Lina's eyes had been moving around uncontrollably. 
531The places she visited with her host as a guest wasn’t just the prison facility. She also got to see the laboratory that was under construction. 
532Bypassing the personnel manager, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Lina headed to the eastern part of the island, where they were going to use a helicopter. Not only when they wanted to tour the facilities, but whenever it came to transportation for Tatsuya, Hyougo took the initiative to take care of it himself. In the two months that Hyougo served Tatsuya, it seems he has found something that is worth dedicating his loyalty to Tatsuya.  
533The place where they went was a factory for processing induction stones, which was the only thing Lina could focus her eyes on when they flew by. 
534The induction stone is the heart of the CAD system. Its main method of manufacturing is widely known. Technology related to CADs, developed as a military technology, was not protected by a patent but was not completely open to the public. However, technological leaks have become more common, because of spying between developers, which no longer made them confidential. 
535However, this is the only technology used for the basic induction stones and although these induction stones can be manufactured using these published methods, it was still difficult to produce high level induction stones. 
536The induction stone is the component meant to connect the psion and electrical signals. However, not all induction stones convert these signals the same and they have to be adjusted depending on the design, and the efficiency will also change during its final check. 
537An induction stone may differ in its efficiency to convert signal, so an induction stone, that was produced in a different way, may have a higher rate of converting signals. Some stones are able to convert weaker signals, while others may have the ability to accurately reproduce a signal.  
538For example, Rosen MagiCraft from Germany, McGregor Wand from the UK, America's Maximilian Device were companies that were highly appreciated for their general level of their induction stones, in that order, but in terms of their ability to accurately reproduce the signal, the Japanese FLT is considered the leading global company. ── And the characteristics of all induction stones made directly by the military and national research institutions were not known in detail.  
539The design of an induction stone is a serious intellectual asset of every company and country. It was unheard to show the production factory of induction stones to outsiders because this was considered to be the common sense for the magic industry. Lina's words about ‘such things’ reflected this ‘common sense’.  
540“If you understand this, wouldn't you be indifferent about getting closer to it?” 
541
542 "... I don’t want to be separated, and I want to see everything from the beginning to the end." 
543 
544Lina tried complaining about it. However, her tone lacked the strength.  
545 
546She did not know how long she needed to hide on this island. 
547 
548If the delays in her current conversation would last for too long, all tension would disappear.  
549 
550And if she wasn’t correctly paying attention, any information might go past her and could cause unnecessary problems in the future. 
551 
552Lina could not completely deny that she was given many resources. 
553 
554"That's right." 
555 
556He easily accepted what Lina said and looked back in the direction of the facilities. 
557 
558The facility manager gave us a glance and gave us an envelope, which Tatsuya took with his hands. 
559 
560"Lina, this is the key to your room" 
561 
562"Oh, thanks ..." 
563 
564Lina opened the envelope and looked at what was inside. 
565 
566A gold key card could be seen. 
567 
568“With this card you can freely use all the amenities on the island, including food and shopping, reissuing one would be possible even if it got lost, but that would be a little troublesome.” 
569 
570"I understand, I will be careful." 
571 
572Lina took the card with both hands. 
573 
574“If you need anything, call me with the fixed terminal in your room, you can use it to contact me, Miyuki, Ayako or the Yotsuba Family.” 
575 
576"Ok." 
577 
578"What else do you want to do?" 
579 
580“I don’t know, but I'll call you if I need something.” 
581 
582"Please do that." 
583 
584Tatsuya returned to Miyuki. 
585 
586Miyuki, who was standing behind Tatsuya at an angle, stepped forward. 
587 
588"Well, Lina, soon... I'll be back to see you again." 
589 
590"Yes, that’s right, thank you very much." 
591 
592Lina shook her hand at her, while also looking a little shy. 
593 
594Miyuki smiled and turned around for a bit.                                                                      â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   "Tatsuya-san, there is something that I would like you to see." 
595 
596Tatsuya, who was planning on heading to the parking lot, was followed by Hyougo who followed him. 
597 
598Today he didn’t have any other plans besides taking a tour around the island. So Tatsuya answered: “That’s fine.” and he instructed Hyougo to take him to the warehouse.  
599 
600The place where Hyougo brought Tatsuya along with Miyuki to was a garage next to the runway.  
601 
602There was only one peculiar four-wheeled car that was painted blue.  
603 
604"This is an unusual design, not that of your average car ..." 
605 
606As Tatsuya said, the center of the car’s body was part of the engine, because the engine wouldn’t fit otherwise. In the case of a hydrogen engine or an ethanol engine, it could have been designed to be in the middle of the car, but in the case of an electric vehicle, it was important to place it either at the front or back wheels, but still, this was definitely a self-propelling car with electrical driving features.  
607 
608“This car is an ‘Air Car’.” 
609 
610"... Do you mean that this machine has incorporated Flying Type magic in it?" 
611 
612He had no base for his suspicions, but when he focused his eyes on Hyougo, it seems like he was correct. 
613 
614“The development itself was something that was launched two years ago along with your flying motorcycle Wingless, but it was finally completed." 
615
616 
617 
618 
619Indeed, Tatsuya had developed a new Magic Sequence for flying magic that could be used for heavy objects back in April. Nevertheless, he had been busy with various things, such as Miyuki’s succession as the next Head of the family, which he had already put in a corner of his consciousness.  
620“Since this vehicle has already been registered as a self-propelled vehicle for use on public roads, it can be used in daily life.” 
621"Can it also be used for getting to this island?" 
622"Of course, I will come to get you as soon as you call." 
623He answered with a subtle expression, but Tatsuya didn’t think that this was going to be a problem from the very beginning. 
624"Onii-sama, do you want to try it out?" 
625Miyuki recommended that he’d make a test drive. 
626"No, let's stop for today." 
627Tatsuya shook his head, with a bit of hesitation. However, he was not interested in the ‘air car’ at the moment.  
628"I will check it out tomorrow." 
629"Of course, then I shall explain the workings of the machine when the time comes." 
630Tatsuya hated that Miyuki would be left unattended for during the trial run. Tatsuya decided that testing the Air Car would come when Miyuki was away. 
631â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
632When Tatsuya and the others were visiting Miyaki Island. 
633Despite it being a Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense suffered from a turbulence. 
634There was a confidential demand made by the USNA to Japan via a diplomatic route. 
635It was a request for cooperation to search for Major Angie Sirius, who fled to Japan. It was decided that if she were to be found, she would be protected by and transferred to the embassy.  
636The Japanese government protested against the USNA for having such a high-ranking officer enter without prior notice. Though it was argued that her visit wasn’t for military purposes, and even if it was a lie, it was clear that no one could be blamed anymore.  
637The Japanese government promised the USNA to search and protect Angie Sirius. 
638“Although the demands of the United States are bold, they also seem to be good at the same time, but will the 101st Brigade be required to get involved?” 
639“Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, I'm too tired for this, can you just stop playing ignorant?” 
640"Sorry." 
641Despite his response, he still had an amused face.  
642However, simply by moving his facial muscles, ironic feelings were flowing from his pupils. 
643As the person in question whose face suffered from mental fatigue ─In other words, Saeki glared at Kazuma with a look of exhaustion. 
644However, no further apology came from Kazama. 
645Saeki was the one who took the initiative. 
646"I know that Major Sirius is being protected by the Yotsuba family." 
647"Have you heard that from them?" 
648“It was more of a warning than a message.” 
649"Angie Sirius is under their protection, the Defense Forces aren’t allowed to get involved… is what you are trying to say...?" 
650"It looks like that’s the case." 
651Seaki nodded with a bitter expression. This time, Kazama was in sync with her. 
652"Do you think Special Officer Ooguro is involved?" 
653"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel, I think so." 
654Tatsuya, as ‘Special Officer Ooguro’, and Lina as ‘Angie Sirius’, when regarding the exchanges that occurred between them, both Seaki and Kazama knew about what took place in the winter of last year. 
655The USNA’s nationally recognized Strategic-Class Magician ‘Angie Sirius’. The only reasons why the Yotsuba Family would want to protect her was because of Tatsuya’s involvement. That was Kazama’s reasoning.  ── Though his reasoning isn’t wrong, it is unlikely that 
656Kazama, who doesn’t know about the connection between the Yotsuba Family and Colonel Balance, would think so. 
657"Special Officer Ooguro… no, are you going to request for Tatsuya to handover Major Sirius?" 
658“Ultimately, she will be handed over to the USNA.” 
659Despite Saeki giving a formal answer, it didn’t answer Kazama’s question. However, Kazama was fully aware of Saeki’s true intentions with this response. 
660In other words, it will take some time before she will be handed over. 
661The plan is to use Lina as a bargaining chip. 
662Sirius is a nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician. One of the trump cards belonging to the USNA. 
663The US military’s trump card can’t just be Sirius alone, but when it ends up in the hands of the enemy, it can become quite the threatening situation. 
664Getting it back ─ or disposing of it ─ if so, there is a possibility of drawing out a small concession. 
665"... Why did Sirius end up abandoning the USNA?" 
666Strategic-Class Magicians are individuals who may become a threat to the state. They need to be carefully managed to such an extent that such things won’t happen.  
667Kazama’s question was reasonable. 
668“Unfortunately, detailed information is not available.” 
669The National Defense Forces have also released spies to the United States. Despite the fact that they are in an alliance with one another, this wouldn’t mean that they wouldn’t engage in intelligence gathering activities. People who think that an alliance is something eternal and absolute are not suitable for military or political affairs.  
670However, that same awareness can be applied to both sides. Just as Japan is wary of American spies, even more so, America is also wary of Japan’s spying activities. Information related to the escape of a nationally recognized Strategic-Class Magician isn’t supposed to be easy to obtain. 
671“Is it dangerous to go out without knowing the circumstances?” 
672“It is, that’s why I want you to ask him yourself.” 
673
674 Get Sirius and ask questions later, that’s what she was thinking .  
675 
676Kazama learned of a vague danger associated with the idea given by his superior officer, but wasn’t able to explain his reasoning. 
677 
678"I’ll ask Tatsuya if I’m able to meet Sirius." 
679 
680"Why do you need to ask?" 
681 
682He wasn’t able to understand what she wanted to say and wondered. 
683 
684She conveyed the order, ignoring Kazama’s confusion. 
685 
686"Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, order Special Officer Ooguro to hand over Major Angie Sirius." 
687 
688"What should we do if Tatsuya refuses?" 
689 
690"We should try to avoid any tough measures. However, the will of the National Defense Forces is that Sirius cannot be kept inside the country. Please tell him that so there’s no room for misunderstanding." 
691 
692In other words, even if the government or foreign forces try to take Sirius, the 101st Brigade won’t lend its power to Tatsuya. 
693 
694"I understand." 
695 
696He had never expected Tatsuya to rely on them. 
697 
698Also, he understood in theory that genuine soldiers aren’t candidates the same as foreign officials are whom the government would admit asylum for.  
699 
700But at the same time, Kazama did not think that this was the correct answer.                                                                      â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   It was late in the afternoon, but Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had just returned from Miyaki Island  and got home, immediately went to see Minami. 
701 
702Along the way, they passed through quite a few magicians from the Juumonji Family, but Tatsuya pretended not to notice. It also seemed like it was their main priority to capture Minoru, and not to protect Minami. 
703 
704“I want you to keep a close eye on the hospital ward.” 
705 
706Miyuki, on the other hand, voiced her displeasure in the lack of protection around Minami’s room. 
707When Tatsuya knocked on the door of the room, any dissatisfaction Miyuki had, disappeared.  
708"Could we enter Minami?" 
709“Yes”
710“Don’t” 
711“Is Miyuki-senpai with you?” 
712Confusion was all over Miyuki and Tatsuya’s faces. All they heard were answers from three different people. They opened the door after hearing Minami’s consent. Looking near the bed, it was easy to see who were in the room. 
713The first was Kasumi, who was near the bed and was donning a disgruntled face, probably because she saw Tatsuya. 
714Izumi expressed her joy with a full smile, probably because she saw Miyuki. 
715They were the Saegusa Twins, who were their underclassmen in high school. 
716"Izumi-chan, did you come to visit Minami-chan as well?" 
717“Yes, when my classmates are hospitalized, I just can’t stop thinking about them being away.” 
718The role of the Saegusa Family was decided upon during the meeting between the families. It was decided that they were the ones to intercept and capture Minoru. What became clear is that protecting Minami was not a part of this.  
719"Thank you for being so considerate." 
720So Miyuki responded with a beautiful smile. 
721It wasn’t really necessary, but they came for Minami. Anyways, these two came to see Minami as a classmate, not because of the missions assigned to the Saegusa Family. Because of this, Miyuki actually felt grateful for them being here. 
722"Wow! You are too kind..." 
723Izumi let out a shy, but impressed voice. It could be said that this was more about her being happy, than sad. It was a bit overdramatic, but the feelings behind it were true. 
724
725 Neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki gave her a disappointed look. Minami was sitting on her bed, pleasantly surprised by her words. And only Kasumi, the twin sister, looked at her with a cold gaze.  
726 
727Tatsuya walked towards Minami and sat next to her. 
728 
729Behind Tatsuya was Miyuki, and behind her was Izumi.  
730 
731As a result, they had switched places with Kasumi and Izumi. 
732 
733"So Minami, how are you?" 
734 
735He stood next to her bed. There was a chair placed next to her bad, but it had a pillow in it with her leg resting on that pillow, so neither he nor Miyuki sat down. 
736 
737"Yes, I think I’m gradually getting better." 
738 
739It wasn’t clear if her sense of touch had fully returned, but could he be sure of this when he hadn’t done a complete check up? 
740 
741It is clear that she has recovered some of her strength, since she no longer requires the help of the auxiliary exoskeleton— an auxiliary, wearable type of power device that was designed for medical use. However, her sense of touch can’t be measured by only looking from the outside.  
742 
743"That’s good..." 
744 
745When she heard that Minami’s symptoms had improved, Miyuki could finally remove the hand that was clutched to her chest and she exhaled. 
746 
747"Is this true?" 
748 
749Tatsuya also relaxed his mouth a little. 
750 
751“Maybe it won’t become worse, but please stay a bit more patient and wait till you’re fully recovered.” 
752 
753"Yes." 
754 
755Although he didn’t know if Minami was actually going to listen to his advise, but at least from the surface it looked like she wasn’t lying. 
756 
757"What has the doctor said?" 
758 
759“That I can leave the hospital in about two weeks.” 
760
761 To Miyuki’s question, Minami responded with a calm tone. 
762 
763"Does this include rehabilitation?" 
764 
765"I have not heard anything about this." 
766 
767If she stays here two more weeks, she’ll have been hospitalized for about a month. Tatsuya wondered if he should bring PIxie back home in order to help Minami. 
768 
769"Is that so? But if rehabilitation is necessary, then we can help you at home, can we not?” 
770 
771There is no need to help her, but he added this quickly afterwards so Miyuki wouldn’t be bothered. 
772 
773“We will help you with everything” 
774 
775"That’s too much!" 
776 
777This time Minami was in a bit of a panic. 
778 
779Maybe because of the situation, but when he heard that Minami’s reaction was the same as before, Tatsuya realized that she had somewhat recovered. 
780 
781“I don’t want to bother you, so..." 
782 
783"So..." 
784 
785Miyuki and Minami didn’t really know what to say. 
786 
787So an unexpected offer came from Izumi. 
788 
789“Miyuki-senpai, if you don't mind, I would like to help with her rehabilitation after her discharge.” 
790 
791"Izumi-chan?" 
792 
793"Sure, if you don’t mind." 
794 
795When you consider it, Izumi’s intentions weren’t evil, probably. In the end Tatsuya didn’t mention it.   Izumi saw Minami as a classmate and she wouldn’t use that as a chance to get inside Miyuki’s house. 
796 
797"Izumi...you’re not trying to use this as a chance to get inside of the President’s house... are you?" 
798 
799However, Kasumi didn’t refrain from asking the question. 
800 
801“That is out of the question! How could you think of such nonsense!" 
802 
803Afterwards, Izumi’s voice and face both looked upset.  
804 
805Izumi opened her eyes and looked at Kasumi. 
806 
807Izumi didn’t look completely defeated, but she was definitely averting her eyes from Kasumi. 
808 
809“....President, when Izumi is coming to your house, I shall accompany her.” 
810 
811Miyuki replied with ‘Thank you both’ and an ambiguous smile to Kasumi's words. 
812 
813The two of them left the chamber, probably to get Izumi away from Miyuki.   The three people watch as the twin sisters leave and they all had a similar smile on their face while doing so. 
814 
815Although they were a bit much, you can’t hate them for it. That was the kind of smile they had.  
816 
817Minami's classmates are some nice girls. However, to her, Izumi can be perceived as someone that can be loved, but she can also be a bit over the top.  
818 
819Tatsuya took a chair from the corner of the room and sat down. 
820 
821Miyuki sat on a stool that was originally next to the bed. 
822 
823"Still, I am grateful that they came to visit you..." 
824 
825Miyuki wasn’t the only one who thought this. 
826 
827Tatsuya completely agreed with it. 
828 
829To the Saegusa, Minami was just being used as a bait. 
830 
831This should not be condemned. This was a decision made during the meeting between the Ten Master Clans, and if you think about, the Saegusa Family shouldn’t have even been involved in the matter. 
832 
833Koichi was thinking about his own position among the Clans, so he decided to help out. However, the Saegusa will help Minami. So this was the right thing to do in their position. 
834
835 "The two of them aren’t suited for it." 
836 
837Tatsuya didn’t explain what he meant with the word ‘it’, but neither Miyuki nor Minami failed to understand what he meant. 
838 
839Neither Kasumi nor Izumi are suitable for the Ten Master Clans. Their sister Mayumi is a little more suited for being in it, but that’s because she gives more priority to her position and responsibilities. However, Kasumi and Izumi aren’t as focused on status, rather they focus more on kindness.  
840 
841In short, it isn’t necessarily ‘bad’. 
842 
843"I don’t think it‘s bad, I envy them a little." 
844 
845The word that Miyuki had let out was evidence that she felt the same as Tatsuya, who was thinking the same way. 
846 
847"By the way, Minami" 
848 
849He suddenly changed the subject. 
850 
851"Yes, what is it?" 
852 
853Although he suddenly said her name, Minami wasn’t surprised at all. 
854 
855"Have there been any abnormalities up until now?" 
856 
857"Are you asking if Minoru has made contact with me since then?" 
858 
859"That is part of it." 
860 
861"I have not seen any suspicious visitors appear." 
862 
863As soon as Minami added: “I also haven’t seen him in my mind” Tatsuya said, 
864 
865“I don’t think Minoru has given up, maybe he is preparing something? For example, he could be collecting teammates." 
866 
867Miyuki looked a bit hectic when she looked at Tatsuya’s face 
868 
869"The possibility exists." 
870 
871It’s been a week since the last raid. In the meantime, he has not touched the bait that had been set out. 
872 
873Although he hasn’t been able to confirm it, it seems like Minoru has inherited the knowledge of Zhou Gongjin. 
874Every family that holds the number ‘Nine, including the Kudou family, rarely discusses things with other families, making it difficult to gather allies. However, it would be possible to do this by using the underground networked that had been created by Zhou. 
875“Maybe I should ask our aunt about a way to seal parasites.” 
876Miyuki and Minami both weren’t completely sure what Tatsuya was thinking. 
877When Tatsuya mentioned a technique to seal parasites, Minami wasn’t completely sure what he meant. 
878But Miyuki had a suspicion. 
879"Onii-sama... do you think Minoru-kun is going to increase the number of parasites he has? Like what was done in the incident during last winter?" 
880"I do not think that Minoru would attack people at random, but I think he will try to acquire more power to overcome his current obstacles, be it through other people or through something not human.” 
881Miyuki couldn’t deny Tatsuya’s guesses. And not just Miyuki, Minami also couldn’t deny it. Of course there was a voice in the back of their head telling them he’s wrong, but this wasn’t because of Tatsuya being wrong, but rather their own human weakness. 
882“Onii-sama, I have been thinking about this but ... Shouldn't you also warn Erika and the others about this?” 
883"... Yes, that would be smart." 
884Tatsuya wore a difficult face. 
885Erika, Leo and Mikihiko had met Minoru last fall. To them, he was not an enemy, but a friend. They wouldn’t be alarmed if he were to suddenly appear before their eyes..  
886Minoru can hide the presence of the parasite itself. Perhaps Mikihiko would be able to notice its presence, but Erika and Leo were more likely to be deceived. 
887In the end, they decided that these three people should be informed. 
888"Like them, I would have also been deceived... Should I tell them myself?" 
889“No, I’ll do it, but I’m going to be testing the Air-Car tomorrow, so please wait for me at Einebrise after school.” 
890"... Are you sure?" 
891It was as if Miyuki was asking her Master for permission, because he was busy with fighting the world. 
892“The risk of being overheard will definitely be lower than if we were to talk at school, it may be possible to ask the owner to lend us his help.” 
893"The owner ...?" 
894The real purpose behind Einebrise is to gather and sell information, and the owner himself is also involved in the acquiry of information, but Tatsuya did not know the specifics.  
895However, Tatsuya was convinced that the owner wouldn’t be stubborn. He could notice that the owner listens to the hierarchy of society, which Miyuki wasn’t all too familiar with. 
896"No, I understand." 
897Miyuki did not know what the owner was truly like. If this was necessary, then Tatsuya would have told her. It didn’t need to be explained to her, because she figured it wasn’t necessary for her to know. 
898“I will be waiting at Einebrise with Erika and the others… Oh Onii-sama, should I also tell Mizuki, Honoka and Shizuku to come?" 
899“I don’t want the number of people to know to increase too much, but… it would also be risky to leave them alone… fine, please invite them all to come.” 
900"Of course." 
901Miyuki had discussed everything with Tatsuya, and then they looked at Minami. 
902"... What is it?" 
903Turning their eyes to her, Minami felt a bit anxious, because they were staring at her, without opening their mouth to speak. 
904"Although it may be a bit sudden..." 
905It was Miyuki who was going to ask Minami. 
906"What do you, Minami-chan, think of Minoru-kun?" 
907"What ...?" 
908It was like Minami’s face stopped working. 
909Her thoughts were temporarily paralyzed by the unexpected question. 
910"It seems that Minoru-kun seems to like Minami-chan." 
911"He likes ..." 
912Her thinking ability was currently impaired, so Minami could only mutter a few words. 
913"Minami doesn’t like him?" 
914"Do I like him?!" 
915Minami raised her outraged voice. It seems like her level of excitement got so high that she was starting to regain consciousness. 
916“I never thought about him in that way!” 
917"You just didn't think about it?" 
918In his own words, Tatsuya wondered about Minami’s response. 
919“So is it that you don’t care about him or that you haven’t thought about it?” 
920"We aren’t that curious about it." 
921"............" 
922She could not understand what Tatsuya and Miyuki were trying to say. 
923She did not understand any of this. 
924"We’re not demanding an answer, but if you like Minoru ... ...." 
925"You must decide what you wants to do." 
926"If so ... are you prepared to fight Minoru?" 
927Minami herself was confused, but at the same time, she wore a sad face. 
928"We have to fight." 
929Tatsuya’s reply also had a strong tone. 
930"I think I want to try to defeat Minoru without killing him as much as possible, but I won’t be the only one looking for him." 
931Minami became quiet and small. 
932Minami didn’t know that she was being used as bait by the Clans and the Saegusa Family. However, she at least knew that she was involved in the mission to capture him.  
933She didn’t forget about Izumi who was talking about becoming her ‘escort’, but because she grew up in an unusual environment, she merely believed that her visit and her actions were just her acting as a classmate. 
934“In addition, Minoru is strong, the reality is that trying to catch him would be a naive dream.” 
935"So I have no say in the matter." 
936“In the head, the answer is obvious, but what about the answer in your heart?” 
937"............" 
938The question that Minami could not answer. 
939“This is what I’m trying to say: Minami, Minoru gave up being human to save you, but he did this without your consent, so you don’t need to comply.” 
940"............" 
941"However, it will not be so easy to capture him; you know Minoru." 
942".... Yes" 
943Minami was quiet and tried to hide her face, because she knew what they were trying to say. 
944"If you like him, that’s natural, you are human, so you don’t need to be ashamed of anything." 
945Miyuki held Minami’s hands. 
946"...... Yes" 
947Minami lifted her face and smiled faintly at Miyuki. 
948"But if you do not have special feelings for Minoru-kun, then I would like you to make that decision." 
949“Prepare to not be disturbed, when Minoru could be taken out in front of you.” 
950
951 She ended her speech. 
952 
953Tatsuya did not want Miyuki to say the word ‘kill’. 
954 
955"If I told you that I... I like him… Then I would like you to capture him without killing him." 
956 
957Tatsuya showed a little bit of sadness and crouched. 
958 
959"In this case, the likelihood of casualties appearing, will increase." 
960 
961Minami’s complexion changed. 
962 
963"I apologize! I shouldn’t have said that!" 
964 
965"Minami, calm down" 
966 
967Miyuki, who was next to Minami on the bed, was trying to support her.  
968 
969Minami sat there on the bed and tried to apologize. It seems like she has not recovered enough to make any sudden movements.  
970 
971“I don’t think that was a stupid comment, even I don’t completely understand the feelings I currently have even though I was able to a long time ago.” 
972 
973"That’s not true!" 
974 
975Miyuki exclaimed this while looking at Tatsuya with strong will in her eyes. 
976 
977"I don’t know if I have any special emotions for him." 
978 
979It was clear that Minami hadn’t really thought about it, and what she said was merely what she had just thought of. But even if we were to point this out, Minami would have denied it.  
980 
981"I understand." 
982 
983So in the end, Minami was overwhelmed by the question and was unable to correctly answer Tatsuya. 
984 
985[Three]   Monday, June 24th. 
986 
987Like Tatsuya had planned in his schedule yesterday, today he was going to visit Miyaki Island again. 
988 
989The main purpose of his visit was to test the ‘Air-Car’, but there wasn’t anything very special about the testing. This was because it worked as predicted. ── In addition, in this case, the ‘Air’ in Air-Car was misleading, technically it would be ‘flying’, but they used ‘air’ as to avoid any confusion in names, even though it doesn’t really use the air to fly. 
990 
991"I did not expect that it could dive underwater." 
992 
993“The engineers have said that the level of airtightness of the vehicle should not cause any problems, even if it were to go into outer space. Its flight height exceeds 6000 kilometers in terms of still being able to function, but because of the gravity of the Earth affecting the car’s body, it seems that it stops working. " 
994 
995"I probably won’t go underwater unless it’s necessary." 
996 
997To the excessive speculations, which Hyougo had given him, Tatsuya couldn’t help but smile. 
998 
999"The two-door style also increases its airtightness because it reduces the amount of openings, right?" 
1000 
1001The door of the car does not open like a regular door, but it has a design that allows you to slide the doors backwards. In addition, the window glass is thick and tinted. And its overall design also improves its airtightness.  
1002 
1003“There is also another point to it, since normal airplanes can only be used on land, low altitudes and above sea, it can still come in handy in some situations.” 
1004 
1005"Like I said, I don’t intend to go up into the stratosphere or dive into the sea in the Air-Car, unless I need to." 
1006 
1007“Although I’m a bit more old-fashioned, it will still suffice as the main method between Japan and the Island, especially when using the walking on water mode.” 
1008 
1009“Is this a mode that automatically elevates the vehicle tens of centimeters above the ground?” 
1010 
1011"Yes, when considering this, a license for a small boat to navigate the ocean should be enough, so we won’t have to worry about the government taking action." 
1012 
1013Tatsuya was 18 years old, and he had already acquired a license for small vessels without water restrictions, as well as a license for a 4-wheeled vehicle. It goes without saying that the license to operate the vessel should not be an aerial vehicle, but if its water mode is being used, it should basically act like a boat or hovercraft, which could be argued that it can be used by Tatsuya. 
1014 
1015"Understood." 
1016
1017 If anything happens, he could just fly away. Tatsuya, lacking in legal reasoning, was thinking in such a way. 
1018 
1019"Hey." 
1020 
1021A voice came from the side, and when he turned around, he saw Lina standing a couple of meters away. 
1022 
1023"Lina, what's wrong?" 
1024 
1025The master of the voice was Lina, who was forced to observe the testing of the car. 
1026 
1027"Can I really go after this?" 
1028 
1029"I don’t really understand what you’re trying to say...." 
1030 
1031"What you have just shown me is a secret military-type vehicle." 
1032 
1033"Lina, what are you talking about?" 
1034 
1035Tatsuya looked back at Lina with a strange look. 
1036 
1037“Since the Yotsuba is a private organisation, the Air-Car does not fall under ‘Military secrets’.” 
1038 
1039“What are you saying! Even if it isn’t an army, that won’t change the fact that it is a military organization! ” 
1040 
1041“That is a misunderstanding - we are not a military organization, we could resort to violence if compensation was given, but that is only our secondary job, the Yotsuba family primarily is a research organization.” 
1042 
1043"What kind of a joke is that? For someone to be feared around the world for their side job!?" 
1044 
1045“They don’t have to be afraid of the possibility of this happening to them.” 
1046 
1047"You have the power to destroy a fleet, a base and a port all with one attack!" 
1048 
1049"This is my personal strength, not that of the Yotsuba family." 
1050 
1051Lina, with wide opened eyes, stared at Tatsuya and didn’t know what to think. 
1052 
1053Lina couldn’t believe what Tatsuya had just said, when he declared the power to kill tens of thousands as his own. He is essentially taking full responsibility for killing that many people without trying to share the burden. 
1054
1055 The responsibility can be divided. ‘Scorched Halloween’ is an incident that occurred during a military conflict. The use of Strategic Class Magic was decided by the military, and the responsibility could be said to lie with the boss.   However, even if that were the case, he still says that that power belongs to him, so the result would only be attributed to him. 
1056 
1057No matter who is responsible, the result still remains the same. 
1058 
1059Tens of thousands of people died. 
1060 
1061(Or maybe Tatsuya doesn't think about this....?) 
1062 
1063(No, such a thing is impossible.) 
1064 
1065Tatsuya is not one of those people who ignore reality. They hadn’t known each other for long, but Lina did understand Tatsuya to a certain degree. Tatsuya accepting the fact that he is a mass murderer, that would be insane….. 
1066 
1067"...It isn’t a military secret and I can leave you whenever I want, is that so..." 
1068 
1069Lina decided to drop the topic. She is also a Strategic Class Magician, so if she continued digging they could come to a topic that she’d rather not talk about. 
1070 
1071"Anyways, Tatsuya, I have a favor." 
1072 
1073"If I can grant you it depends on the favor itself, so let’s discuss it first." 
1074 
1075They currently were in a warehouse, or since the Air-Car, which is registered as a four-wheeled self propelled vehicle -- With a legal license plate -- is stored here, we should call it a ‘garage’. But it is quite big, so a ‘hangar’ would also work. 
1076 
1077There was a table in the corner of the building used for recreational means with four chairs around it. So Tatsuya went to the table and Lina followed him. 
1078 
1079Hyougo drew a chair backwards and looked at Lina. 
1080 
1081Tatsuya was sitting on the other side. Lina couldn’t help it, so she sat down on the chair that was prepared by Hyougo. 
1082 
1083Hyougo then served Tatsuya and Lina tea. 
1084 
1085Tatsuya thanked him for his help and then turned to Lina. 
1086 
1087"So what do you want?" 
1088
1089 Although she still was a bit hesitant, she refrained from showing that.  
1090 
1091"I’m not a prisoner, right?" 
1092 
1093"Of course." 
1094 
1095“If you could, I would like you to give me back the CADs that I gave you when I came here. ” 
1096 
1097"Why?" 
1098 
1099Lina was looking forward to this question, but when it came to actually answering it she lacked some of the energy. 
1100 
1101"I don’t feel safe being unarmed." 
1102 
1103Depending on the mood of those who hear it, this disturbing dialogue could be interpreted as hostile. But in the current situation, when she was being protected by this person, she wouldn’t try to imply such a thing.  
1104 
1105But Lina wasn’t able to come up with a convincing reason, because she was worried that she didn’t want to lie to herself and to the others, even though they probably wouldn’t get mad. 
1106 
1107In addition, she thought that they could take advantage of her in several ways. These were the things Lina was thinking about. But if she said these things, her face would definitely become red. 
1108 
1109"Being separated from them shouldn’t be uncomfortable." 
1110 
1111"This is a matter of my feelings!" 
1112 
1113In response to Lina's strong attitude, Tatsuya could do nothing but laugh. In short, Lina gave in to Tatsuya, but he didn’t think about taking advantage of it.    "Well, I think I can understand" 
1114 
1115"Finally!" 
1116 
1117"But I cannot agree on this request." 
1118 
1119"What do you mean?" 
1120 
1121“We cannot allow the USNA Army's CADs to be used in Japan, there is a possibility that they have built a tracking device into it without your knowing.” 
1122 
1123"Wow....." 
1124Lina returned with a comical reaction. However, she was serious about it. 
1125“However, I have prepared alternative CAD systems for you.” 
1126Hearing Tatsuya’s words, Lina was surprised. 
1127"Eh? You were prepared, did you prepare them in advance?" 
1128“I'm trying my hardest to protect you, but my opponent is the USNA. So use it for selfdefense.” 
1129"Tatsuya ... you’re a terrible person..." 
1130Lina was looking at him with tired eyes. 
1131“We didn't keep it a secret, Lina was just being impatient.” 
1132Tatsuya gave a quick response to Lina’s eyes 
1133“You’re too much, but I guess I prefer that over this being a tense situation.” 
1134Lina's argument would have sounded very profound, but she would be more convincing if she didn’t have a red face. 
1135"There is a CAD adjustment facility here, so we can do it there." 
1136"...Are you going to be doing the adjusting?" 
1137"Don’t worry, I’m more than used to it." 
1138"Ah... I remember, Tatsuya was part of ‘Taurus Silver’. " 
1139"That's true." 
1140He got up. 
1141Lina finished her tea and chased after Tatsuya, who had already left the table. 
1142â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1143Lina and I moved from the Air-Car hanger to the adjustment facility which was next to it, while also being near the stone refinement facility. However, they didn’t use the Air-Car to get there, but rather an SUV with a hydrogen engine.  
1144"I think I will have Lina use this." 
1145Before entering the control room, Lina was taken to a small room that looked like a meeting room. Here, Tatsuya showed her a gold choker along with a silver bracelet. 
1146"It doesn’t have buttons...... Maybe this is FLT’s thought-controlled device?" 
1147"You are well informed." 
1148Tatsuya praised Lina, but she didn’t seem to pay attention to the flattery. 
1149"In the States, FLT’s device has been quite the popular topic..." 
1150The CAD, which works without the usage of buttons, was first commercialized by Rosen MagiCraft in Germany, and then immediately in Japan. So a third company has yet to appear. At present, only Rosen and FLT produce these CAD systems, but FLT’s version of the fully thought controlled CAD has been dominating the market as of late.  
1151“The USNA has tried to make their own version, but none have been as good. How does it work?” 
1152Lina's confession was unexpected to Tatsuya. They were supposed to have the scientist who designed the Brionac with them. Tatsuya doesn’t know their name, as he doesn’t know who it is, but their scientific knowledge is clearly shown when looking at the Brionac. 
1153If you have such technical capabilities, you should be able to develop CADs using thought. It can be argued that it won’t be long till they develop one and release it on the market.  
1154But Tatsuya stopped thinking about that and answered her question. 
1155“The FLT CAD system uses already developed, advanced contactless technologies that have already been commercialized.” 
1156"Does it work using a Psion wave?" 
1157"That's right. Because it doesn’t need to function like a Specialized CAD, it can be done using one type of Activation Sequence. This is a Non-Systemic formula for Magic Activation, which bypasses many hindrances.” 
1158"Is that the only thing?" 
1159“This limits the output to just one type, making it act like a switch. We can say that the thing making it works is the choker, but it isn’t the thing casting the magic." 
1160"This is the same mechanism as a Weaponized-Integrated CAD." 
1161When Lina pointed this out, Tatsuya confirmed this. 
1162"The choker is structured in such a way that it acts as an auxiliary device to the bracelet." 
1163"So, how can I differentiate what I want to cast?" 
1164“All you need to do is incorporate the magic number you wish to use as a variable into the non-systematic magic formula, and the desired formula will be transferred to the bracelet CAD." 
1165(T/N: This whole explanation was incredibly vague to me so I tried to make it as understandable as possible.) 
1166"...... In other words, just by thinking ‘What magic number do I want to use?’ it will activate?" 
1167"Roughly speaking, that is correct." 
1168Lina was excited because magicians who engage in hand-to-hand combat usually find manipulating a CAD to be a hindrance. 
1169CAD is a tool used to speed up the activation of Magic. By creating a Magic Sequence using a CAD, a magicians gained the ability to deal with a large number of soldiers armed with firearms. 
1170However, this made your operating speed the decider between victory and defeat on the battlefield. A Specialized CAD can cover these shortcomings, but this would leave out a plethora of other types of magic which needed to be used. 
1171FLT's fully thought operated CAD was a tool specifically made to solve these issues. Their devices, unlike those of Rosen, use two separate devices that work in conjunction with each other. While this may seem to be an inconvenience to use two devices, it also means that you don’t have to use your hands at all to manipulate the CAD. 
1172“You seem to like it. The device can be connected with four CAD systems, but at least one of them needs to be a general type.” 
1173“Clearly." 
1174He thought that there was a possibility that the ability to manipulate both the general and specialized type CAD using one device could have gone over Lina’s head, so he mentioned it anyways. 
1175It isn’t easy to be able to distinguish between the general and specialized type. 
1176So he couldn’t predict what Lina would say when he mentioned it. 
1177Tatsuya went straight to the CAD adjustment room, while Lina moved to the changing room right next to it. This facility also has the regular device that uses the headset and the hand panel, but Tatsuya found that when using a brand new CAD it should be measured using the bed-type measuring device. Lina had gone to change her clothes to prepare for this. 
1178"Tatsuya, this... why" 
1179Lina, who entered from the dressing room, was wearing a long white shirt without buttons, that stopped at around 15 centimeters above the knee, exposing a part of her thighs.  
1180Her hair wasn’t tied up and fell down her back, she was also wearing slippers that you would find being used in hospitals. She was also crossing her arms around her chest, while acting a bit shy and hesitant. 
1181"...Is this alright?" 
1182"What is alright?" 
1183"...What I’m wearing?" 
1184Lina was blushing and turned away because of the shame she felt after thinking about her question. 
1185Of course, even if you show such a cure figure, Tatsuya's attitude wouldn’t change. 
1186"Haven’t you used this type of measuring device?" 
1187“It was obligated that we should take more precise measurements once a month.” 
1188This means that STARS have a similar machine on base, but once a month isn’t enough in Tatsuya’s opinion. Miyuki, who’s magic power is still growing requires more precise measurements at more frequent intervals. While it will be less frequent for those in their twenties, and even more so for those above their thirties. These were Tatsuya’s thoughts. 
1189"Would you wear a bathing suit during these measurements?" 
1190"That isn’t going to make me wear a bikini, but..." 
1191"I don’t care about that." 
1192Lina was still hesitating a bit. If you thought about it normally, it wouldn’t be more embarrassing to wear a long T-shirt over a swimsuit which shows of a person’s bodily shape. 
1193Why is she so flustered... When thinking about it, Tatsuya could only guess 
1194Maybe Lina wasn’t wearing anything under her shirt...? 
1195
1196 When he told her to change, Tatsuya never ordered her to ‘take off her underwear’, and there isn’t anyone in this facility that would have told her this. 
1197 
1198But if you are Lina, who thought that underwear is normal when you use a bed type measuring device...Given that she was handed a long T-shirt, she might have thought that ‘I have to take them off’.   "...It’s fine like this." 
1199 
1200However, he couldn’t tell Lina that ‘underwear can be worn’ right in her face. Saying such things makes both of them embarrassed. But Lina would be even more ashamed. It may be better to just let it go and ignore it. 
1201 
1202"Well, please lie down over there." 
1203 
1204Tatsuya was being more aware of his tone than usual. 
1205 
1206During the examination, his suspicions deepened even further that she hadn’t worn any underwear. Tatsuya’s eyes caught evidence of it through the thin cloth, but he did not stare.  
1207 
1208That is why Lina did not notice. Without causing any meaningless trouble, the adjustment was completed successfully.  
1209 
1210On Lina’s neck, a choker-type device hung. No, because the device perfectly went around her neck with no excess material, the better expression would be ‘fit’. The golden glow it gave off was the same color as that of her hair, and it looked good on Lina. At first glance, it looks like a luxurious necklace, but it goes without saying that it isn’t one. Lina also noticed this, but she didn’t seem to care.    “I will be coming back tomorrow, so tell me then if there are any inconveniences.” 
1211 
1212"OK". 
1213 
1214Lina raised her right hand and responded to Tatsuya, with a silver bracelet on her other wrist.  
1215 
1216"Sorry to cut you off, but the car is ready." 
1217 
1218"I understand." 
1219 
1220He had a bitter smile on his face and went to the hanger, where Tatsuya started the Air-Car  
1221 
1222The car body, floating a few dozen centimeters from the ground, flew over the sea while maintaining its relative height. 
1223 
1224    
1225â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1226When Tatsuya entered Einebrise which was close to First High, Miyuki and his friends immediately spotted him. 
1227"Oh, Tatsuya, come here." 
1228"Tatsuya-san, we’ve been waiting!" 
1229Erika and Honoka, welcomed Tatsuya at the same time. 
1230He slightly raised his hand and answered them, and then sat in the chair next to Miyuki. 
1231There are no other customers in the store. Before Tatsuya came there, Miyuki had already ‘made reservations’. 
1232"It was just a favor, Tatsuya-san." 
1233The owner put a small glass pot on the counter with iced coffee in it. Honoka quickly got up to get the pot and brought it back to their table. 
1234While Tatsuya started to talk, the owner said: “Call me when you’re going to leave” and retreated to the back of the store. 
1235Ever since Tatsuya entered the cafe, he noticed magic that prevents eavesdropping. It was comparable to a sound barrier. 
1236Everyone thought that this was necessary. 
1237Everyone knew that Tatsuya wasn’t here for idle chit-chat, so it seems that the content is important. 
1238“I was being careful with the owner around, so let's move on to the main subject.” 
1239Tatsuya told them while Honoka was pouring coffee into his cup. 
1240The eyes and ears of his friends were all turned towards Tatsuya. 
1241"Minoru has become a parasite." 
1242Tatsuya suddenly stated the topic of the conversation. 
1243“What?” “You’re lying” “Are you serious?” 
1244Erika, Leo and Mikihiko, who were acquainted with Minoru, rose up one after another. 
1245 
1246"...Minoru, as in Minoru-kun who was Second High’s representative at the Thesis Competition?"  
1247 
1248"That's right." 
1249 
1250Mikihiko, who was calmly replied to by Tatsuya, was surprised. 
1251 
1252"...Why should that be?" 
1253 
1254Erika gave Tatsuya a sharp look. 
1255 
1256She had no doubt that Tatsuya was telling the truth. She tried to be skeptical, but it was just matter of how these things work. 
1257 
1258“Why, I’m not sure, but I know that Minoru has abandoned his humanity and has become a parasite.” 
1259 
1260"Can you tell us what you know so far?" 
1261 
1262Leo had calmed himself down immediately. However, his curiosity wasn’t inferior to Erika’s in any way.  
1263 
1264We need to know ── This was being said by his eyes.  
1265 
1266Although this is rarely seen in Leo, it didn’t change what Tatsuya was going to do. From the very beginning he intended to tell them about the origin of Minoru becoming a parasite. 
1267 
1268"Him becoming one has to with the reason why Minami is hospitalized." 
1269 
1270"...Why does that have to do with anything?” 
1271 
1272"The reason for Minami being hospitalized has to do with her suffering significant damage to her Magic Calculation Area, which mean that she can’t fully recover." 
1273 
1274This fact that Tatsuya has just confided in them, didn’t only surprise Leo, who asked the question, but also everyone beside Miyuki. 
1275 
1276"Now there is no concern for her life, but when activating powerful magic, the symptoms can definitely get worse." 
1277 
1278"...Oh." 
1279 
1280Leo, who was lost for words, could only muster this much. Minami is a member of the Mountaineering Club, which Leo is also a part of. Among them, after Tatsuya and Miyuki, he felt closest to her.  
1281 
1282"I don’t want to explain everything, but there is one more thing I need to talk to you guys about." 
1283 
1284"...Why did you have to go and say that...” 
1285 
1286When you look at Leo, who was gritting his teeth, it did not look as if he was convinced by Tatsuya’s words. But he also showed great composure even in this situation.  
1287 
1288"Minoru became a parasite as a means to treat Minami." 
1289 
1290"Wait, Tatsuya." 
1291 
1292Mikihiko wasn’t able to say this next line immediately. 
1293 
1294"...Then what you’re saying is that, Minoru-san was trying to use a parasite to treat Minami, and used himself as a guinea pig?" 
1295 
1296"That’s what he told me himself." 
1297 
1298"That idiot….That’s insane." 
1299 
1300Mikihiko fell into an quiet state. 
1301 
1302"I'm serious." 
1303 
1304Tatsuya was ruthless in his explanation. 
1305 
1306“In short, he tried to get Minami to do it as well?” 
1307 
1308Erika anticipated what Tatsuya was trying to say. 
1309 
1310"Minoru tried, but Tatsuya managed to fend him off, right?" 
1311 
1312Leo added another question on top of the other. 
1313 
1314"Yes, I managed to get rid of him the first time." 
1315 
1316"Tatsuya, you... could you lose?" 
1317 
1318"I will try not to, but he is not such an easy opponent." 
1319 
1320Even before that question, Tatsuya never claimed that ‘he couldn’t lose’. 
1321
1322 "That is, you won’t be beaten, but you mean that you might not be able to protect Minami, isn’t it?" 
1323 
1324"That's right." 
1325 
1326Erika's words highlighted the truth, 
1327 
1328"But there is one more thing I want you to know about." 
1329 
1330Then, he continued. 
1331 
1332“Erika, Leo, Mikihiko. I think there is a chance that he will come in contact with you in order to get to Minami.” 
1333 
1334"Does he want to make us his cooperators?" 
1335 
1336"If we’re talking about people that he knows that also know Minami, you guys are most likely to comply." 
1337 
1338"...Well, it’s true that if you hadn’t told me, I would have probably helped him." 
1339 
1340Leo was the first to admit it. 
1341 
1342"I wish to help Minami." 
1343 
1344Erika also agreed. 
1345 
1346"It is surprising that Minoru-san is a parasite, I guess it is hard to distinguish a person from a parasite." 
1347 
1348However, Mikihiko had a dissatisfied expression. It seems that his inability to distinguish demons from people hurts his pride as an Ancient magician.  
1349 
1350"I also didn’t know that he was a parasite until he revealed his identity himself" 
1351 
1352"...Right." 
1353 
1354Although you could say he is better than Tatsuya at this area, he couldn’t really say he was much better. “Your ability to sense parasites may be higher than mine, but the Kudou family has magic that let’s them disguise their Information Body. And even though he has become a parasite, he still has the magic of ‘9’." 
1355 
1356“No, no matter what anyone might say, I’m not sure if I can sense them better than you, so I understand that I need to stay vigilant.” 
1357
1358 "I know I can trust you." 
1359 
1360"By the way ..." 
1361 
1362Erika had a ‘I'm bored’-look. 
1363 
1364"What?" 
1365 
1366Tatsuya did not ignore her. 
1367 
1368"Did the parasite Minoru use come from the same place the ones before did?" 
1369 
1370"No way, were we invaded by the United States again?" 
1371 
1372“No, this is one of the parasite we sealed last time. The Kudou family had taken one from the ones we sealed before.” 
1373 
1374Answering the question of Erika, Tatsuya told her this first. 
1375 
1376"...In fact, Lina has come to Japan." 
1377 
1378After hesitating, Tatsuya finally decided to reveal this secret. 
1379 
1380"Lina is here?" 
1381 "Onii-sama​." 
1382 Honoka and Miyuki raised a surprised voice. 
1383 
1384Honoki’s astonishment is purely because Lina is visiting Japan. 
1385 
1386Miyuki, on the other hand, was surprised that Tatsuya didn’t keep that a secret, even though they are his friends. Despite the fact that she was in public, her surprise was great enough for her to mutter ‘Onii-sama’. 
1387 
1388Fortunately, Erika and others had also experienced a strong shock, so no one noticed that it was strange for Miyuki to call Tatsuya her brother, and not her fiancé. 
1389 
1390"Lina’s visit to Japan has to do with the recurrence of parasites in the USNA." 
1391 
1392The power of this massive bomb that he just dropped was so great that no one found a way to respond. 
1393 
1394"Parasites in America..." 
1395 
1396These were the only words Mikihiko could muster. The remaining four people, Erika, Mizuki, Leo, Honoka, were lost for words.  
1397 
1398"The parasites I just told you about have no real connection to current situation, at the moment, but if these newly developed parasites from the USNA were to invade Japan, it could mean that they may get involved in our current fight against Minoru." 
1399 
1400“Okay... Is there a way to disable these parasites? If you needed my strength, then..." 
1401 
1402"I shall ask the former Head of the Kudou family for seals that we can use on the parasites." 
1403 
1404"That honorable Kudou is an old man, isn’t he?" 
1405 
1406"Former Head....?" 
1407 
1408Erika and Leo point out the connection between the Kudou and Minoru and questioned his reliability. 
1409 
1410"It is possible that I won’t like the techniques he will offer, so in that case, I shall rely on you, Mikihiko." 
1411 
1412Tatsuya doesn’t want to rely on the techniques of the Kudou, because it is likely that Minoru is already familiar with those methods. 
1413 
1414Undoubtedly, the Kudou family has magic that can seal parasites. Otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to create the Parasite Dolls. 
1415 
1416But Minoru is also a Kudou magician. Of course, he may know the technique used to capture the parasites. Even now he could be trying to find a way against this method. No, any countermeasures may have already been completed. This was Tatsuya’s thinking.  
1417 
1418"At that time, use me in any way you’d like." 
1419 
1420Mikihiko was empowered by Tatsuya’s confidence in him. 
1421 
1422Measures against demons - the mission of an Ancient magician. Such a conviction was held in Mikihiko’s heart.                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   Tatsuya didn’t come to Einebrise using his amphibious car ‘Air-Car’. Once the Air-Car he used to come back from Miyaki Island was placed in the garage of his apartment, he came to the nearest station using public transportation. Naturally, this was also the way he returned home. 
1423 
1424Neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki had much to say.  It’s not impossible to be wary of eavesdropping in their current respective positions, but that isn’t the main issue. As they talked intensively before he arrived at Einebrise, the reason for his tense feelings grew stronger.  
1425 
1426Although it is rare for these two people to come home without talking to each other, returning to their own house helped them relax. When Miyuki talked about the events that happened at school, Tatsuya talked about his impression of the Air-Car and when Miyuki asked about the drive the usual atmosphere returned. 
1427 
1428However, the atmosphere was killed by a phone call. 
1429 
1430It wasn’t the call itself, rather it contents. 
1431 
1432“-- In other words, the place where Angie Sirius requested protection, the National Defense Forces wishes for her to be transferred from there?” 
1433 
1434"I don’t want to get into a dispute." 
1435 
1436On the video phone screen, Kazama moved his hands to appease Tatsuya. 
1437 
1438"To hide Major Sirius who is a soldier of the USNA in a private organization, it goes without saying that the National Defense Forces can’t accept that.” 
1439 
1440"That is reasonable. However why is Lieutenant Colonel telling me such an obvious story that I already know?" 
1441 
1442“Tatsuya, I know that you’re protecting Major Sirous. The Yotsuba Family informed me of it."  
1443 
1444So it’s useless to feign ignorance… Kazama said this with a gaze.  
1445 
1446"Please make your request to the Main House." 
1447 
1448Although Tatsuya remained indifferent. He didn’t affirm nor deny what Kazama said, nor did he nod upon the request.  
1449 
1450Kazama’s stern eyes became visible towards Tatsuya’s non-cooperative attitude. 
1451 
1452"Special Officer Ooguro." 
1453 
1454From Kazama’s words, the friendly tone aimed at his younger friend disappeared. 
1455 
1456"Even if your position has improved within the Yotsuba Family, the contract between the National Defense Forces and the Yotsuba Family concerning you is still valid." 
1457 
1458Tatsuya silently looked at the middle of the display. 
1459
1460 “With the exception of being Shiba Miyuki-sama’s escort, you must give priority to the orders of the National Defense Forces.” 
1461 
1462"Lieutenant Colonel Kazama. I’m not sheltering Major Sirius. If you are saying that the Yotsuba Family are protecting Angie Sirius, please send your request to the Main House.” 
1463 
1464"What?"  
1465 
1466From Tatsuya's voice, Kazama was surprised. 
1467 
1468“In addition to accompanying Miyuki, the Yotsuba Family also recognizes the priority order established with the National Defense Forces, as this is the contract that was established between the Yotsuba and the Defense Forces. However, there is no agreement that I must obey the army." 
1469 
1470"Special Officer, are you betraying the army?"  
1471 
1472“The position of the Special Officer was given to me by the Defense Forces when they needed me. The only thing I’ve done was swear an oath when I joined the command of the army five years ago in Okinawa." 
1473 
1474"......Tatsuya. The Defense Forces can’t allow a civilian to protect Angie Sirius. You need to understand this."  
1475 
1476"I do not have Major Sirius, again, if you are trying to say that the Yotsuba Family is protecting Angie Sirius, please make a request to the Main House." 
1477 
1478In the end, both Tatsuya and Kazama avoided a definite breakdown.  
1479 
1480This was the result of mutual recognition of the other’s value.                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   The new building that had recently become the home of Tatsuya and Miyuki, was built as the Tokyo headquarters for Yotsuba Family. It not only included residential areas, but also included various other facilities. One such example is a room for magic training in the cellar. 
1481 
1482There was no other person in this room. There is a reason for this, it’s because it was already late at night and he used his title as ‘son of the Family Head’ -whether or not this is true-. 
1483 
1484Tatsuya was going to use this room to develop a magic to seal parasites. While he could learn a method from Maya, or the Kudou Family, it would most likely be a technique that he himself couldn’t use. Even if his position in the Yotsuba Family has improved, it didn’t mean he could use magic other than ‘Decomposition’ and ‘Regrowth’.  
1485
1486 Tatsuya, however, did not give up on the possibilities he had. Of course, he couldn’t use the usual magic, except for ‘Decomposition’ and ‘Regrowth’. But by using his Artificial Magic Calculation Area, he could imitate magic at a lower level of power. 
1487 
1488But this is when you’re talking about magic in the modern sense. 
1489 
1490Traditionally, the ability to manipulate psions to change an event, was considered magic. Tatsuya’s ability to manipulate psions is only second to certain other gifted magicians, but it still surpasses ‘first-class’ magicians. 
1491 
1492The body of a parasite is actually a Pushion Information Body. So there is no possibility to directly manipulate it.  
1493 
1494However, the parasite hangs around in the body, and when it loses its pushion core, it will stop working. A pushion is the particle that is formed through thought and emotion, and at the same time it is the particle that binds the physical body to the non-physical spirit. So the spirit gives commands to the body, and in reverse, the body gives information to the spirit.  
1495 
1496In other words, its existence interferes with the thought that the mind is an Information Body. 
1497 
1498Outer-Systemic Magic, which directly interferes with the spirit, is activated by using a Magic Sequence that also uses spirits. This is indirect evidence that it can interact with an Information Body. 
1499 
1500So Tatsuya was wondering if he could find a way to seal a parasite, an information body, using Outer-Systemic Magic. 
1501 
1502If you manage to only hit the parasite with it, any physical damage would be avoided. At least this is what he came to know when he was up against parasites that weren’t in an assimilated body. 
1503 
1504The Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet, which he created to harm the parasites that were assimilated with people, could weaken the parasite, but wasn’t able to completely incapacitate them. 
1505 
1506(......I can’t get a clear image.) 
1507 
1508After using several objects, which he had used previous times to get an idea, he came to the conclusion that he didn’t know what it was supposed to look like. So he felt that he needed something. 
1509 
1510(If I could practice with the real thing, it might be a little different...) 
1511 
1512As far as he knows, the Yotsuba and Kudou families have actual parasites. The Yotsuba’s are used for experimentation, while those of the Kudou were used for the Parasite Dolls. 
1513
1514 (Although I probably can’t borrow any, if I remain here, it’s likely that I won’t be able come up with a proper method.) . However, it is also needs to be a proper technique. Because if it ends up being subpar, it will be useless. Staying here might also become a waste of time. 
1515 
1516(...Do I have to ask Master for help?) 
1517 
1518He didn’t want to be indebted to Yakumo, but this wasn’t the right situation to be stubborn. Tatsuya decided that he was going to visit Yakumo’s temple tomorrow.                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   Early Tuesday morning, June 25th. 
1519 
1520Tatsuya visited Yakumo’s temple after a long time. 
1521 
1522He hadn’t contacted him in advance, so he wasn’t going to complain if Yakumo wasn’t here. 
1523 
1524However, an unexpected reception was waiting for Tatsuya.   Despite his new home in Chofu not being that far away from the temple, Tatsuya took the opportunity and used his bike ‘Wingless’. He didn’t wear ordinary biking clothes, but rather his ‘Freed Suit‘ which was developed by the Yotsuba. He didn’t bring his specialized CAD this time but planned to use his fully-thought operated CAD that is integrated into his ‘Freed Suit’. 
1525 
1526Despite the fact that he had just passed the gates, the usual fight with the disciples didn’t take place.  
1527 
1528There were no signs of anyone being here. 
1529 
1530Immediately after Tatsuya thought it was suspicious, something finally came to him and hit him. 
1531 
1532However, the thing that attacked him wasn’t something physical. 
1533 
1534And it was also showing its hostility. 
1535 
1536He intercepted the hit using ‘Gram Dispersion’. 
1537 
1538Gram dispersion deconstructed the structure of the attack. 
1539 
1540(An independent entity.... is it a ‘familiar’ or a naturally occurring ‘evil spirit’?) 
1541 
1542In a rare case in the world, an entity with a dense psion structure can arise. Tatsuya had learned this from an Ancient Magician who trained him while he was at the Yotsuba Family house. 
1543 
1544Usually, independent information bodies don’t have the ability to intervene with events because they are just a mass of psions, but when that amount exceeds a certain level, they will be able to. The Magician that taught him would also call them God, fearful of calling them a Demon. Using them they developed magic that could change events using an independent information body which now is known as Spirit Magic and Summoning Magic. This is what the Yotsuba magician had taught him. 
1545 
1546The independent information body, which had been blocked by Tatsuya, changed directions and attacked again. 
1547 
1548Tatsuya realized that there were two things attacking him. 
1549 
1550This ‘spirit’ is an independent informational body made up of ‘wind’. 
1551 
1552And the other ‘spirit’ is controlled by human will. 
1553 
1554(Is it his doing?) 
1555 
1556But the hostility of the spirit is far too serious. The attacking power of the independent information body is at the level that it would be deadly for even Tatsuya. Thinking about trying to eliminate the threat in front of him, Tatsuya went in to destroy the ‘wind spirit’ itself. However, he discarded that thought shortly after, without releasing his ‘Decomposition’ magic. 
1557 
1558He didn’t stop the battle, because he thought that Yakumo was controlling it. 
1559 
1560Instead Tatsuya decided to use Non-Systemic Magic and began to compress psions in his hand. 
1561 
1562The compressed psions became a kind of net, with small grids in it. 
1563 
1564He threw the ‘net’ at the ‘wind spirit’. It tangled the ‘spirit’ up for just a second and it then tore the net apart. 
1565 
1566The spirit that escaped its restraints continued to attack, turning itself into a ‘wind blade’. 
1567 
1568Tatsuya quickly jumped to the side. 
1569 
1570Red blood flowed from his left arm, and the clothing near his shoulder was ripped open. 
1571 
1572The ‘opponent’ is a transparent air blade. Even when he tried to avoid it, he couldn’t do this completely. But it clearly was abundantly powerful and if he hadn’t been wearing his bullet- and shockproof ‘Freed Suit’, his left arm would have been torn off.  
1573 
1574But the suit was torn and stained with blood for only a second. 
1575 
1576He had already healed from his wounds and his clothing was back to the way it was before the fight. This was the effect of Tatsuya’s ‘Regrowth’. 
1577 
1578If he was facing an actual magician, this moment could have created an opening. However, the ‘spirit of the wind’ kept attacking without a moment’s rest. Was this ‘Continued Attacking’ natural for the spirit, or did the operator know about his abilities? 
1579 
1580Once again, the wind blade was coming towards him. 
1581 
1582He opened his right hand to face the independent information body and formed a shield in front of him. 
1583 
1584Hitting the shield of highly compressed psions, the wind spirit was blocked. Giving up on the air blade, the independent information body returned to its original form. 
1585 
1586It failed to tear up another part of his ‘Freed Suit’. 
1587 
1588Tatsuya closed and squeezed his right hand together. 
1589 
1590Psions gathered around the wind spirit. 
1591 
1592The independent information body was being surrounded by a psion cloud. 
1593 
1594This cloud, which was growing to such an extent that it currently was about the size of a large passenger car, then became the size of a ball that could fit in the palm of his hand. 
1595 
1596This spherical ball with a substance that is invisible to the naked eye looked like a crystal ball. The ‘spirit of the wind’ was now confined in it.  
1597 
1598He sighed, while making sure that the ‘spirit’ had not left the ball. 
1599 
1600Tatsuya began to check his surroundings, but his momentary lapse of attention gave the wind spirit an opportunity. 
1601 
1602The moment was almost instantaneous. 
1603 
1604It began to release a large amount of pressure, from the inside of the ball. 
1605 
1606Tatsuya threw the sphere in his hand straight up. 
1607 
1608Lowering his right hand and using his moment to raise his left hand. 
1609 
1610The ball burst open. The ‘spirit of the wind’ had exploded itself. 
1611 
1612The shock wave created by it went right above Tatsuya’s head and spread throughout the area, making ripples in the sky. 
1613
1614 
1615 
1616 
1617 
1618"Are you okay?" 
1619 
1620A shadow suddenly emerged behind him. The famous ‘Ninjutsu’, the head Priest of this temple, Kokonoe Yakumo, was applauding and talking to him. 
1621 
1622"If you would have payed a little more attention, the ball would have been completed." 
1623 
1624"Master, good morning." 
1625 
1626"Oh, good morning, Tatsuya-kun." 
1627 
1628And he is the adversary whom he visited in search of advice this morning. 
1629 
1630"So, why are you visiting your master today, Tatsuya?" 
1631 
1632As if nothing had happened, he asked a question as to continue the conversation. 
1633 
1634“It’s about what you did just now.” 
1635 
1636Yakumo responded with a bitter smile. 
1637 
1638"Have you come to learn how to seal parasites?" 
1639 
1640"Do you already know the situation about Minoru?" 
1641 
1642"I also know that new parasites have appeared in the USNA, which will be more annoying than before." 
1643 
1644"Excuse me... so... can you tell me the sealing technique?" 
1645 
1646"No, I can’t teach you it." 
1647 
1648Yakumo’s ‘playful’ reply, depending on the receiver, could make someone explode out of anger.  
1649 
1650"Is that true?" 
1651 
1652However, Tatsuya tried to dig deeper. 
1653 
1654Although Tatsuya calls Yakumo his ‘Master’, he isn’t one of his students in the art of ‘ninjutsu’. So Tatsuya has always been asking Yakumo for favors. But he has no actual right to learn magic from him. 
1655 
1656"Have I taught you anything so far? Previously, you almost had it all by yourself, so I can’t believe you did that well on your first attempt. " 
1657 
1658At the same time, he didn’t turn him away. 
1659 
1660“Is the ball a thing that is just used to push the independent information body inwards and keep it there?” 
1661 
1662“Are you sure you applied the technique properly?” 
1663 
1664"So, you can seal a parasite with it?" 
1665 
1666"You managed to single out the wind spirit from my technique; I think that is enough to capture the parasites."  
1667 
1668Although it depends on Yakumo’s mood, he would advise him on how to train his technique. But considering that he isn’t a student, he should be glad with this much help. 
1669 
1670"Then why didn’t you stop when I captured it just now and before it exploded?” 
1671 
1672"It doesn’t matter, if we had continued for another ten hours, you wouldn’t have been able to stop the self-destructing." 
1673 
1674"Is it because we need more time?" 
1675 
1676"No, no, practicing repeatedly isn’t the important thing when training the ball, rather it’s more about the technique itself." 
1677 
1678Tatsuya couldn’t ask him for further explanation. Tatsuya and Yakumo have known each other for five years. Tatsuya knew what he was like and also knew that it was impossible to receive any more clues.   "I understand... I will try to invent that myself." 
1679 
1680“When you do, try practicing with the help of the second son of the Yoshide family.” 
1681 
1682With the amount of knowledge he has gained this morning, Tatsuya was more than satisfied, because it was more than he had expected. 
1683 
1684[Four]   "I want to see Miyuki-senpai's face..." 
1685 
1686"What are you saying?.. You just met her this afternoon in the Student Council Room." 
1687 
1688"But Kasumi-chan, isn’t it better to have tea time together while we just wait here?" 
1689 
1690The mansion where Tatsuya and Miyuki lived wasn’t that far from the hospital where Minami was admitted. Quite the distance to walk, but using a car it would take less than 5 minutes. Since she heard that from Minami, she quite often grumbled like that. 
1691"I don't want to go. He’s at the Prez's house." 
1692And that's Kasumi's answer. Somehow, it has become her typical answer. 
1693Both of them were in small restaurant beside Chofu-Aoba Hospital where Minami was being treated. Ever since their role was decided after the last Ten Master Clan conference, the Saegusa have been reserving this restaurant. This restaurant’s business model made it only available for reservation in the first place, so having a temporary base in this restaurant is the most suitable course of action that didn't disrupt its economic activity. 
1694The Saegusa's role was to ambush and capture the parasite, Minoru. In case capturing him proves difficult, they were permitted to execute him instead. 
1695The Ten Master Clans decided that letting a parasite loose in society was a sin and that killing the culprit is something that couldn't be avoided. Both Kasumi and Izumi didn't want to kill him if they could, but they're convinced that if he was to be left like that, killing him is something that couldn't be helped. Tatsuya thought that those two weren't suitable to be a member of the Ten Master Clan’s, but now there is no doubt. They're definitely educated as a Ten Master Clan members. 
1696"Anyway, will he really come?" 
1697They weren't debating the issue of whether to kill Minoru or how to capture him, they had already accepted that this is something unavoidable. 
1698"I think he will." 
1699"Really? ...Even Minoru isn't that foolish." 
1700"I think he is even smarter than Kasumi-chan." 
1701"It's true that Minoru is smarter than me, but Izumi's school rank isn’t much different from mine!" 
1702"Then I don't have to help you with general-study homework anymore, right?" 
1703"W-wait! That's unfair! We're not talking about that!" 
1704"You said that’s unfair..." 
1705"What I wanted to say was even Minoru should be wary about the ambush!" 
1706Kasumi said that before Izumi finished her line. 
1707
1708 Izumi chuckled and stopped teasing her twin sister. 
1709 
1710"That's obvious. Maybe he even knows that we're staking out here." 
1711 
1712Kasumi felt relieved that Izumi stop teasing her with saying "right?" to her. 
1713 
1714"Even so, I think Minoru will still come." 
1715 
1716"Eh? Why?" 
1717 
1718"It's because he’s had a sickly body since childhood. He doesn't have much attachment to things." 
1719 
1720"...Right. I remember he often said that he wanted to be more selfish." 
1721 
1722Kasumi and Izumi didn't meet Minoru that often. Also, compared to other children they knew, his personality wasn't so attached to things. 
1723 
1724From their point of view, Minoru lacked the willfulness of a child. 
1725 
1726"With that kind of personality, Minoru even discarded his humanity for Sakurai-san. That intense feeling... Unfortunately, we won't able to understand it. What I can understand is that he definitely won't give up." 
1727 
1728"So, Izumi doesn't know it too..." 
1729 
1730"Right. As a girl, that's really unfortunate." 
1731 
1732"Girl... Yeah, Izumi is a girl but I think that feeling should be the same whether you’re a boy or a girl. Leaving aside feelings matter, the most obvious problem is Sakurai-san is guarded by the Yotsuba, Juumonji, and Saegusa, right? Will he really come despite the enemies? Or is he that blinded by love?" 
1733 
1734"Kasumi-chan, being 'blinded by love' isn't like that." 
1735 
1736"Eh? Is that so? Isn't it feelings of love that makes one lose their reasoning and common sense?" 
1737 
1738"The dictionary indeed worded it like that. To lose reason means to lose the ability to know the opponents' weakness. To lose common sense means to lose the ability to reflect one self’s position with themself, their opponent, and their family in society.” 
1739 
1740"Oh, so it's like that." 
1741 
1742"What makes me think that Minoru will still come despite knowing about the ambush is not because he's losing himself in a panic.” 
1743 
1744"...So, why?” 
1745 
1746"Because Minoru-kun definitely..." 
1747 
1748Izumi then tried to hide her voice. Not only with her voice volume, but her expression clearly meant "Something that can’t be said loudly." 
1749 
1750"He's not scared of the Yotsuba, Juumonji, and Saegusa. That's what I think." 
1751 
1752"...Minoru-kun wasn't such an overly-confident person from what I know." 
1753 
1754Maybe it was because of Izumi, she also spoke with a low volume voice. 
1755 
1756"With his ability, it isn't necessarily overly-confident." 
1757 
1758"That's... Well if it's us (the Saegusa family), maybe he could do it." 
1759 
1760"The current Minoru-kun, has the parasite’s power. In addition, whether or not it’s true, he even has a mainland ancient magician’s ghost." 
1761 
1762"...Isn’t that ghost part too far-fetched?" 
1763 
1764"...Anyways." 
1765 
1766Even Izumi didn't really believe in the case where he absorbed Zhou Gongjin. She didn't thread down Kasumi's objection. 
1767 
1768"I believe Minoru has definitely become stronger.” 
1769 
1770But at the same time, she didn't express the necessary things to emphasize their vigilance against Minoru. 
1771 
1772In the end, it wasn't clear whether Kasumi agrees or disagrees with Izumi. 
1773 
1774"Izumi-chan, Kasumi-chan, he's here!" 
1775 
1776The two stopped their discussion the moment Mayumi called out to the both of them. 
1777 
1778"What about Sakurai-san?!" 
1779 
1780Kasumi asked Mayumi whose voice she heard from the back of gallery-room door about Minami's safety. 
1781 
1782It seemed that instead of Izumi, who worked together in Student Council Room, Kasumi was closer to Minami as her classmate. Or maybe, it's that Kasumi was just a simple person. 
1783"It's okay. He will be captured before sneaking into hospital." 
1784"By the Juumonji Family?" 
1785Izumi asked that. But if she didn't ask it, Kasumi would. 
1786"No, by our subordinates." 
1787Kasumi was like ‘good job’ with her facial expression and the light of her eyes. But then she expressed something with her eyebrow after she heard that  
1788“It seems they couldn’t hold their feet for even one second. Currently, the Juumonji Family are moving towards the scene. They should somehow be able to hold him back. They contacted their father but it's taking some time before he's able to come to the scene. Juumonji-kun already notified them but he won't be there for another in 5 minutes." 
1789"In other words, our role is to hold him back, right?" 
1790Kasumi and Izumi weren’t just passively listening to what Mayumi was saying. They were taking out their bracelet CADs and putting them on their wrists, communication-goggle to their eyes, donning protective vests ー with bullet-protection, slash-protection, and impact-mitigation feature protection. 
1791"Preparation complete." 
1792"Me too."  
1793"Okay. Let's go."  
1794Mayumi fully opened the remaining half of the already opened door and went to the scene with Kasumi and Izumi following her. 
1795◇◇ ◇
1796When Mayumi and the twins arrived at the scene, the fighting had already ended. 
1797There were four magicians laying down on the road. Kasumi and Izumi got closer in order to check their pulses and breathing. 
1798"They're alive!" 
1799"This side too. They aren't heavily wounded." 
1800"Where did Minoru-kun go?" 
1801"The last time we saw him, he was heading to the right lane. We were both ordered to protect them here." 
1802The right lane had no gate that lead to hospital. Whether he wanted to break the window or sneak from the rooftop. In any case, Mayumi thought it's obvious that Minoru didn't run away. 
1803"Okay. I'm joining the chase too. You two, please go back to your post." 
1804The two magicians that Mayumi asked were from the Juumonji Family. All the magicians that were lying down on the road were from the Saegusa Family. 
1805"Please do so." 
1806The magicians from the Juumonji Family bowed and went back to the front of the hospital back door. The task that was given to them was to prevent any intrusion. They came here to help the Saegusa Family, but considering their task, their current position was too far from hospital back door. 
1807"Please look after these two." 
1808"Onee-chan, are you going alone?!" 
1809"That's dangerous!" 
1810Kasumi and Izumi wanted to stop their sister, but Mayumi answered with a serious face. 
1811"We can’t just leave injured people here. Even though it's not a critical injury, they are unconscious. Also, there’s no guarantee that Minoru won't come back to hospital back door." 
1812Leading people to believe where he went and then strengthen the least guarded posts. That was a common pattern. Those two couldn't refute what their sister said. 
1813"...Roger that, onee-chan.” 
1814"Onee-sama, please be careful." 
1815"Yeah, you too." 
1816Putting her goggles back on, Mayumi went towards the right lane of the hospital road. 
1817â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1818A sudden surge of magic is what Mayumi chased after, running along the road leading to hospital. 
1819
1820 Lightning sparks flashed through the air. 
1821 
1822The distance is about 50 meters. The night sky was filled with a thick cloud, releasing lightning from the darkness. 
1823 
1824The target was two magicians. They were people who Juumonji had introduced to her. 
1825 
1826One of them was wounded and bled from one of his feet. He crouched to cover the wound. 
1827 
1828The other guarded and deployed a magic barrier to defend from the lightning attack. 
1829 
1830Usually, the release-type magic would end after being blocked. Modern magic attacked from the starting point to the target’s position in order to make it effective, regardless of the opponent's magic phenomenon rewriting. And it's only for that. 
1831 
1832But this lightning wasn't simply just a flow of electricity. It flowed at a slant for several meters, giving off the impression of a snake. It wasn't breaching the magic barrier but crawling around it from the top to the side. 
1833 
1834Giving form to the phenomenon. In exchange for using high resource magic by mimicking lifeform movement, it's a technique that also gave the magic a high degree of control. It’s an ancient magic technique which is not available in modern magic. In this case, the dispersed lightning kept being re-used. 
1835 
1836It was definitely a high-level technique, but no matter how you looked at it, it seemed more effective to have several lightning strikes. Mayumi, who looked at that moving on top of the magic barrier as if it were a snake, immediately realized that it was just her perception. 
1837 
1838The magicians from the Juumonji Family’s magic made the barrier in the form of half-sphere dome. Even as it crawled to the side, it wouldn't breach the barrier. But when she thought the lightning-snake was ineffective, it made a ring on the outer barrier and bit its own tail, fixing itself in that position. 
1839 
1840After seeing this, Mayumi finally understood the target of this magic. This magic was to stop them. Just looking at the effect of the lightning snake, it would be ineffective against a magic barrier. But if the barrier was cancelled, the people who took shelter within it would be immediately attacked by lightning. 
1841 
1842The lightning snake seemed to make a ring on top of the barrier but instead, it fixed itself to this position. If the barrier caster wanted to move the barrier around, he would have to fight with the lightning snake. 
1843 
1844There was one more lightning attack from the cloud. There was more to it than just the first attack. It continuously made three attacks. 
1845
1846 The lightning attacks also took the form of a snake and joined the siege against the Juumonji magicians trapped in the magic barrier. 
1847 
1848The magic barrier was tied up with three encirclements. The first lightning snake has disappeared but the consequent attacks dropped to six different positions and entangled themselves to encircle the magic barrier. 
1849 
1850Mayumi shot a psion-bullet to lightning's target position. 
1851 
1852Mayumi's psion-bullet was just like Tatsuya's Gram Demolition but with less power. 
1853 
1854However, her skill for precision when shooting a target is second to none. She lived up to her nickname precisely as the ‘The world’s leading expert at casting remote precision magic’. 
1855 
1856Mayumi's psion-bullet precisely got to the position of the established platform. It's the singularity (or discontinuity) caused by long range magic invocation. Mayumi's psion-bullet took down that information body’s structure platform. 
1857 
1858Mayumi's magic, other than four systematic and eight types of modern magic, her psion-bullet which classified as non-systematic magic, along with her special inborn sensory magic. Long range visual sensory magic ‘Multiscope’. It's classified as magic, but in Mayumi's case, its ability was an inborn specialty to her. It can also be used as an ‘ESP’ or extrasensory perception, which is a superpower type of magic. 
1859 
1860For her, this was an exception. ESP had the same root as magic. However, for many people, wielding magic and ESP at the same time should be impossible. ESP, by just using thoughts to rewrite phenomenon and bend it to its caster's will. In exchange, it's limited to several patterns of phenomenon rewriting. Modern magic has been achieved by adjusting the functions of the mind used from supernatural powers so that they can be applied to a variety of event modifications. But other than using thoughts, it depended on many other factors and steps to invoke magic. 
1861 
1862Looking at a similar viewpoint, Tatsuya's ‘Regrowth’ and ‘Decomposition’ are close to superpowers. With the limitation of the inability to invoke other patterns of phenomenon rewriting, it too matched Tatsuya's situation. Just like the explanation of superpower/ESP before, Tatsuya's ability to rewrite phenomenon was limited to things while his inability of phenomenon rewriting versatility fit the description of superpower/ESP holder. 
1863 
1864But Mayumi was able to use both. She might be classified as another irregular magician just like Tatsuya. 
1865 
1866Mayumi was currently using her ‘Multiscope’ in full power. The information currents that flowed to her from different angles placed a huge burden in her mind. Since the full power usage would make her mind misty, even in just several minutes, she rarely used it like that. 
1867She used it despite knowing the consequences because she believed Minoru was hiding around that area. 
1868 
1869No matter the irrelevance of distance when it comes to casting magic, usually it's impossible to have such a high density and high technique lightning attack invoked from afar. He must be around here. 
1870 
1871(Found him!) 
1872 
1873Did her tenacity yield results? 
1874 
1875Or did her strong thoughts show the result. 
1876 
1877Within her unique power, ‘Multiscope’, she saw the back of a boy. 
1878 
1879She didn't see his face. Even though it was only his back, there's a shadow of someone who was both beautiful and suspicious. 
1880 
1881Mayumi moved her viewpoint to see the face for confirmation. 
1882 
1883Just when she ‘saw’ the face, whether it's a coincidence or he felt the sight, he turned to the side. 
1884 
1885However, that single moment was enough. 
1886 
1887Mayumi ran her fingers across her CAD that was on her wrist. 
1888 
1889The magic she invoked was the same as her nickname, ‘Magic Sniper’, 
1890 
1891She created platforms in the air and from there, invoked bullets of dry ice. (EN: platforms: mid-air gun batteries) 
1892 
1893Three platforms which all fired at Minoru. 
1894 
1895Using long range sight, she was sure that she got Minoru. 
1896 
1897Mayumi then found he wasn't there. 
1898 
1899Mayumi's ‘Multiscope’ didn't lose track of Minoru. 
1900 
1901He was in the air. 
1902 
1903Mayumi created new platforms and invoked dry ice once more. 
1904 
1905But the shadow in the air used complicated steps to dodge most of bullets. 
1906 
1907Minoru landed on the hospital rooftop. 
1908Mayumi left only the bird-eyes view angle from her ‘Multiscope’, and prepared magic that would capture Minoru as she leapt to a higher floor. 
1909Mayumi left her allies who were still trapped by the lightning-snakes and headed to hospital rooftop. 
1910â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
1911"Will Onee-chan okay?" 
1912"Even if the opponent is Minoru-kun, Onee-sama won't be easily defeated..." 
1913Kasumi asked and Izumi replied without much confidence but regardless, there was no sign of her uneasiness. Voice-volume wise, she wasn't worried. 
1914Currently, the strongest Saegusa magician was probably Mayumi. Their father, Kouichi never really compared their children in term of power so it isn't known for sure. But compared to their brothers, it's proven that Mayumi was the most powerful. Even if Kasumi and Izumi fought together against Mayumi, they still couldn't win. Using their combined power and their trump card, ‘Multiplicative magic’, they still wouldn't be able to win. 
1915They were nonchalantly talking because other than talking and guarding around the area, there wasn’t really anything to do. Their father’s subordinates had their emergency treatment already. After all, they weren’t fatally wounded in the first place. Looking externally, there wasn't any indication that they broke their bones. There’s one who hit his head but there's no brain damage. The part where it's swollen was iced down and instead of seeking treatment from the ambulance, they were waiting for the relief team to arrive. They didn't say it loudly, but if the relief team came too late, they would bring those two to the hospital instead. Both of them were thinking the same thing. 
1916"Anyways, they're still not coming." 
1917"Not coming indeed..." 
1918Soon enough, those two became impatient. It was obvious from Kasumi’s appearance, but Izumi too had a fickle personality. Maybe it was Izumi who often went at her own pace. Whatever it is, they were at their limit as far as patience was concerned. They both looked at each other to confirm whether or not they had the same thought. Just like they confirmed with each other, both of them headed to the hospital backdoor together. As they were asked to help carry the injured, at that very time, they shouted a different word. 
1919"Look out!” 
1920
1921 Instead, the warning proved to be counterproductive. The two people guarding the backdoor looked at Kasumi and Izumi instead. 
1922 
1923They were distracted as magic was casted from the darkness. 
1924 
1925Blazing Sparks fell from the sky above. Magic that forcibly draws electrons out in the extreme, ‘Spark’. It seemed like basic release-type magic but required high phenomenon rewriting power. For common magicians, the quality of a spell is usually very low. Having ionization of vapor gas within a fixed volume is the best they could do. 
1926 
1927On the other hand, the ‘Spark’ that attacked these two people engulfed them and entirely converted to plasma. Precisely, it engulfed them from chest to foot while their heads were left unharmed. They lost control of their body, convulsed and laid down on ground. 
1928 
1929"Who's there?!" 
1930 
1931Kasumi shouted that while invoking magic. An intense flare shone through the coiling darkness between the street lights. 
1932 
1933She shouted ‘who’ but she was convinced that it was Minoru. If it wasn't Minoru and instead, another person, she wouldn’t have been as surprised to shout like that. 
1934 
1935The bright flare that should take away his resistance power, against the flare, but Minoru just narrowed his eyes without covering them with his hand. 
1936 
1937The strong light made a shadow of him, which emphasized his inhumane beauty. 
1938 
1939"Minoru, stay still!" 
1940 
1941Kasumi invoked ‘Freeze Air Bullet’. The air cooled down and compressed, then used as a bullet as it loses its heat. 
1942 
1943Like Mayumi's favorite magic, ‘Dry Meteor’, but instead of using carbon dioxide, it was just using air. Although the compound element uses nitrogen and oxygen as the main ingredient to make the freezing point lower than carbon dioxide, the compressed bullet has a different effect than dry ice bullet. 
1944 
1945Simultaneously, Izumi deployed zone interference around them for defence. 
1946 
1947The flare's light went out and once again, Minoru's body sunk into darkness. 
1948 
1949Kasumi's ‘Freeze Air Bullet’ hits a magic barrier and was crushed. The air that was confined using magic expanded, along with a sudden temperature drop by several tens of degrees below freezing. 
1950 
1951But that sudden temperature drop also couldn't enter Minoru's magic barrier. The invisibility of the magic barrier was lost when the air became mist and latched onto the magic barrier. It was known then that Minoru's magic barrier had a fixed hardness. 
1952 
1953Minoru attacked at the same time that Kasumi's ‘Freeze Air Bullet’ was crushed. The zone interference that Izumi deployed worked. Zone interference wasn't magic. It's a defense technique that uses one’s own phenomenon rewriting power used continuously. 
1954 
1955If the enemy casted magic on it, they should have hard time getting past it. 
1956 
1957Izumi was using her full power to neutralize Minoru's magic. But her effort was easily overcome. 
1958 
1959An electrical discharge was moving through the air. Just like the attack on the Juumonji people, ‘Spark’, however this time the power was toned down due to Izumi's zone interference. 
1960 
1961But even so, the enemy's magic wasn’t less dangerous. The spark discharge from plasma attacked Kazumi and Izumi. 
1962 
1963Kasumi diverted the plasma as a way to defend themselves from Minoru's attack. 
1964 
1965"Izumi, are you okay?!" 
1966 
1967Running to Izumi who had lost the battle of zone interference, Kasumi held Izumi. 
1968 
1969Izumi grabs Kasumi's hands which held her shoulder. 
1970 
1971"Kasumi-chan, we can't do this separately." 
1972 
1973"I know, Izumi." 
1974 
1975Kasumi didn't misunderstand what Izumi wanted to say. 
1976 
1977In this situation, it was 2 vs 1, they weren’t attacking one by one. They're fighting with cooperation. 
1978 
1979What Izumi meant wasn't simply a number advantage. They weren’t fighting as two people but rather combining their power into one. Unless they did that, they wouldn't have any chance at defeating Minoru. And Kasumi understood her perfectly. 
1980 
1981The twins entangled their fingers. Kasumi's right hand and Izumi's left hand, perfectly matching their palms. 
1982 
1983The twins then faced each other as their other hands did the same. 
1984 
1985From Kasumi's left hand to Izumi's right hand, psions flowed in. 
1986 
1987From Izumi's left hand to Kasumi's right hand, psions flowed in. 
1988 
1989From their locked hands, two people’s psions circulated in their bodies. 
1990 
1991Minoru invoked magic above the twins. 
1992 
1993But Minoru's magic failed. The zone interference around the twins defended them with incomparable strength as opposed to before. 
1994 
1995"Get ready.” 
1996 
1997Izumi whispered. 
1998 
1999"Leave it to me!" 
2000 
2001Kasumi answered. 
2002 
2003Izumi operated her thought operated CAD on her wrist. 
2004 
2005This ‘multiplicative magic’ didn't decide who the main or who the sub is. In many cases, it was Kasumi who invoked magic while Izumi created zone interference. But in this ‘Multiplicative Magic’, even if the roles are reversed, the effect is still the same. 
2006 
2007A light source appeared within the darkness. Minoru’s body is illuminated by the light but it isn’t strong enough to blind him. It only served as an illumination. 
2008 
2009Minoru made a confused expression. Confused because such magic didn't have any attacking power. 
2010 
2011Of course, this was only preparation. It is a procedure that makes it easier for targeting the magic. 
2012 
2013Next, magic was invoked. Minoru didn't just stay still but the confusion made his decisions slower. This time, Izumi was faster. 
2014 
2015There was sudden gust swirling above Minoru. The air, while keeping it at current temperature, was being compressed in an instant. 
2016 
2017Izumi didn't shoot that compressed air at Minoru but released it downward. 
2018 
2019Due to adiabatic expansion, the air flowed with a sudden temperature drop and attacked Minoru. 
2020 
2021‘Cold Storm’, Izumi created her new magic because of her admiration towards Miyuki and her freezing magic. 
2022 
2023"Ouch, so cold!" 
2024 
2025"Sorry!" 
2026 
2027Izumi answered her with a stiff face. It's because both of them felt the cold. She has only just learned ‘Cold Storm’ so she hadn't perfected the defense for it. 
2028 
2029"It's okay. So, did we get him?" 
2030 
2031Kasumi didn't have to ask Izumi because Izumi was also looking closely at Minoru. 
2032 
2033Minoru, under the light, just stood there. 
2034 
2035No movement. 
2036 
2037But he didn't go down either. 
2038 
2039If he didn't have any more power, it would be strange for him to not have fallen down. If his body became rigid, it's still impossible for him to stand still like that. 
2040 
2041"Kasumi-chan, once more!" 
2042 
2043At the same time Izumi shouted that, there's a change in Minoru. 
2044 
2045The frost that overwhelmed his hair and his shirt suddenly disappeared. 
2046 
2047Even with the disappearance of the frost, he was entirely dry. 
2048 
2049Minoru stretched his right hand to Izumi. 
2050 
2051"Let's go!" 
2052 
2053Kasumi shouted that to Izumi impatiently. But unlike before, it's Kasumi who took the initiative. Compound element which consist of 90% nitrogen, blew towards Minoru. 
2054 
2055‘Nitrogen Storm’. Magic that reduces oxygen concentration to an extreme and blows the air to induce oxygen-deficiency syndrome. 
2056 
2057Minoru defended against ‘Nitrogen Storm’ with his shield and neutralized the downstream draft. 
2058 
2059"ーーーー" 
2060 
2061
2062 
2063 
2064 
2065 
2066Izumi saw Minoru move his lips. Kasumi didn't realize it and because of the downstream,  
2067 
2068Izumi didn't hear what he said. 
2069 
2070But somehow, Izumi knew that Minoru said ‘This time it’s my turn.’ 
2071 
2072Izumi felt the sudden magic invocation. At the same time, there was a breeze blowing. 
2073 
2074Izumi then impatiently deployed an anti-physical barrier. 
2075 
2076The wind stopped at the outer barrier. However, it started blowing again from inside the barrier. There's no way wind could slip the anti-physical barrier. Kasumi and Izumi were already too late when they felt the wind. 
2077 
2078Kasumi starts to collapse. 
2079 
2080Izumi was shocked and tried to hold Kasumi. She was purposely holding her breath but due to this, she started to inhale again. 
2081 
2082After that, Izumi's consciousness was engulfed in darkness. 
2083 
2084Before Izumi and Kasumi dropped down on the road, something invisible caught their bodies. With that, they were put down gently on the road. 
2085 
2086The one who caught and also made them unconscious was Minoru. Using move-type magic to stop them and weight-type magic to cancel out gravity. Using convergence-type magic to decrease oxygen concentration. This is basically the same as ‘Nitrogen Storm’ that is used by the twins. These two magics weren't used to break through the twin's defense, but he made use of the same type of magic to make it harder for the enemy to recognize the attack. This technique was something he got from Zhou Gongjin. 
2087 
2088Minoru increased the oxygen concentration and blew the air into twin's nose. This was a way to forcefully send oxygen into their lungs. 
2089 
2090Those two coughed and started to breathe normally again. 
2091 
2092Minoru used the following magic. Against the twins, who are now in a half-conscious state and lacked the power to resist, he used ancient magic to make them sleep. Those two closed their eyes. Their breathing was normal which was the opposite from when they were unconscious. 
2093 
2094Minoru breathed a sigh of relief after seeing that. He had no intention to harm those two. Even he was reluctant to use offensive magic. 
2095 
2096He knew why the Ten Master Clans wanted to catch and subjugate him. But he didn't have any intention to antagonize them into a direct conflict. 
2097
2098 All he wanted was to just save Minami. After confirming Minami's will, he would make Minami a parasite if she accepted. And then both of them would hide and live in peace. He would happily return her to the Yotsuba too, if that’s what she wanted. He believed that the Yotsuba would stand to protect their kin, whatever the other clans complained about. That's why, whatever the attack, he wanted to solve it as peacefully as possible. Toward Kasumi and Izumi, who were his childhood friends, he was in distress when it came to attacking them. He wanted to attack them with the least painful attack and defeat them. The pain he caused could be treated simply with an emergency kit and he didn't think that was an acquittal from his guilty feeling. 
2099 
2100With the persistent bad after-taste, he headed towards the hospitals backdoor.’ His intention was to kidnap Minami so there's no sugar-coated word for that. Today, he intended to bring her with him regardless of her will. After all, he thought that there was no time to convince her otherwise. He calculated that Tatsuya should already be on his way here. 
2101 
2102Minoru stretched his hand to grab the hospital backdoor handle but he suddenly leapt backward a great distance. 
2103 
2104Dry ice bullets shot through his afterimage. 
2105 
2106"Minoru-kun, surrender!" 
2107 
2108Minoru looked above where the voice came from. 
2109 
2110"So, the illusion has broken down..." 
2111 
2112Minoru whispered that in response. Mayumi was looking down at Minoru from the rooftop of the hospital. 
2113 
2114                                                                     â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   Mayumi, who chased after Minoru, jumped up to the rooftop. 
2115 
2116She arrived at opposite edge of rooftop. 
2117 
2118The moon and stars couldn't be seen because of the dense clouds. From this height, one could see the clouds in the center of the city due to the city lights. With this dimmed light, Minoru could be seen rising upward. 
2119 
2120Minoru still had his back to Mayumi. 
2121 
2122Even when she emitted psions as a sign for her to attack, Minoru still didn't face her. 
2123 
2124"Minoru-kun, stay still! If you don't resist, nothing will happen to you! Your problem, I will listen to you about it!" 
2125 
2126Even after Mayumi shouted that, Minoru didn't react. Let alone preparing to attack, he didn't even try to defend. 
2127 
2128Mayumi was at a loss. Even she was hesitating to attack a defenseless enemy. 
2129 
2130But she couldn't just let this slide. Minoru had become a parasite. She hasn’t confirmed with her own eyes but she didn't believe Tatsuya would lie. She just didn't think Tatsuya had a bad personality, bad enough to lie about this. And a parasite couldn't be left like that. 
2131 
2132"Minoru-kun, put down your CAD and raise your hands up!" 
2133 
2134Mayumi decided to press Minoru to surrender. 
2135 
2136Minoru reacted for the first time. He only moved his body to side and looked at Mayumi. His side face showed a suspicious, wicked and also unworldly beauty smile towards Mayumi. 
2137 
2138Correction, not unworldly but inhuman. 
2139 
2140Mayumi didn't doubt the fact that Minoru became a parasite. 
2141 
2142But this time, she really was convinced that Minoru changed and became an inhuman existence. 
2143 
2144She no longer hesitated. 
2145 
2146From twelve established platforms, she created them to corner Minoru, and they unleashed dry ice bullets. 
2147 
2148Shoulder, chest, stomach, hip, thigh pierced by bullets ー no, they slipped through. 
2149 
2150(Illusion!? So this is "Parade"!?) 
2151 
2152‘Parade’. Kudou's magic that created a fake existence in the information dimension in order to disorient the enemy's magic attack. 
2153 
2154After their role was decided, Mayumi was told about this magic from her father, Kouchi. Just what she heard, she couldn't really differentiate between real and fake. Mayumi, with ‘Magic Sniper’, saw Minoru from 6 different angles. But there was no difference from all angles. 
2155 
2156(If I can't find his real body, then!) 
2157 
2158Mayumi's favorite magic was long range precision sniping. If the target couldn't be found, she couldn't use it. 
2159 
2160But she's not only ‘The most outstanding long-range precision sniping magic user’ but she also had the ‘Versatile’ nickname, the eldest daughter of Saegusa, the strongest of them.  
2161 
2162Mayumi couldn't use a ‘pinpoint’ attack. 
2163 
2164(‘Parade’ is magic that creates a phantom in one's position around that area in order to slip through enemy's magic...) 
2165 
2166Mayumi heard about ‘Parade’s’ characteristics. 
2167 
2168(Then, Minoru's real body should be around this rooftop!) 
2169 
2170Mayumi prepared other magic. She used magic one step before it changed to be dry ice, ‘Dry Blizzard’. 
2171 
2172Area of effect magic that made carbon dioxide within 3 meters upward and hailed down at negative eighty degrees Celsius. 
2173 
2174It covered about two-thirds of the rooftop area. But even with that attack, Minoru didn't show any indication of having been damaged. 
2175 
2176However, Mayumi only used that to narrow down her target. Mayumi shrunk her makeshift cage to lock down the vapor gas. It was to prevent the vapor from leaking out. 
2177 
2178Within that, the dry ice sublimated instantaneously. 
2179 
2180The carbon dioxide concentration was high and it made the temperature several tens below zero degrees Celsius as it covered half of rooftop. 
2181 
2182Mayumi gradually let the gas leak while narrowing down the cage. She simultaneously sharpened her mind to that area. 
2183 
2184If Minoru was within that area, he would have to defend himself. Even if he could fake his information, he shouldn't be able to fake the singularity created by magic invocation. ーThat's what Mayumi thought. 
2185 
2186But the opposite of what she deduced, there was no indication of magic invocation. In exchange, she found out that familiar powerful magic was invoked on the ground. The position where the magic was invoked was the hospital backdoor. It was her sisters. 
2187 
2188It was Kasumi and Izumi’s ‘multiplicative magic’. 
2189 
2190(ーI've been deceived!) 
2191
2192 Mayumi finally realized the gimmick. Minoru's real target was to enter from the hospital backdoor. Minoru's illusion was a dummy to make her distance herself from the backdoor. The illusion feature was a full virtual projection, isolated magic platform, and maybe with magical sense jamming. Without wavelengths from the powerful ‘multiplicative magic’, there's no way to know about that psion isolation wall. 
2193 
2194Mayumi left the vapor gas cage as it was and ran to the backdoor of the hospital. 
2195 
2196(Kasumi-chan, Izumi-chan!) 
2197 
2198Mayumi made an effort to not shout. Kasumi and Izumi were taken down. The worst possible prediction was becoming reality. 
2199 
2200But now, her priority was to capture Minoru. At least, if she didn't repel him, her sisters couldn't be treated. 
2201 
2202The target was Minoru who held his hand to grab the door handle. 
2203 
2204Mayumi secured a large amount of carbon dioxide on the rooftop and shot dry ice bullets. 
2205 
2206Minoru leapt back a large distance. Mayumi's attack only hit his afterimage. 
2207 
2208"Minoru-kun, surrender!" 
2209 
2210As Mayumi shouted that, Minoru looked above. 
2211 
2212Minoru didn't answer and he didn't make any sign of obeying Mayumi. 
2213 
2214Mayumi didn't hesitate to shoot him with dry ice bullets. 
2215 
2216(Again?!) 
2217 
2218Her attack passed through Minoru's body and broke down as they hit the ground. This was Parade. Mayumi knew it immediately. 
2219 
2220Mayumi compressed carbon dioxide without making it fixed. Ten meters into the air within four directions made a sphere with a diameter of ten meters. 
2221 
2222She threw that sphere at Minoru. 
2223 
2224As soon as it touched the road surface, the ten-meter air ball expanded in a five-meter radius. 
2225 
2226It didn't scatter more than that. Her sisters were outside of its radius. Mayumi didn't forget to make sure of that. 
2227
2228 The carbon dioxide concentration was about mid-level poison. If the parasite has the same functionality as a human, then the parasite should have to inhale this air. Minoru shouldn't be able to evade that. 
2229 
2230Mayumi made a weak breeze within that half-sphere. It wasn't even at the level of a gentle wind. Its direction wasn't in one direction either. It looked random, but actually, it was a complex regulated weak air draft. 
2231 
2232That current stopped at a certain point. At a height of one hundred seventy to one hundred eighty centimeters and at a width of fifty centimeters. About Minoru's size. 
2233 
2234Mayumi made the platform within that half-sphere dome and concentrated fire to that point. Minoru's hidden presence started to appear. 
2235 
2236Within the dimmed city’s light, a boy was seen standing there. 
2237 
2238Parade was broken. 
2239 
2240Mayumi increased the power and density of her shooting. She prepared an abundance of carbon dioxide for the next attacks. The bullets that were previously used sublimated and have become a new resource. 
2241 
2242Unexpectedly, Minoru raised his right hand. 
2243 
2244Mayumi wondered if it's a sign for surrender. 
2245 
2246Within that motion, it couldn't be said it didn't result in some sort of opening. 
2247 
2248That's why, Minoru's counter-attack was carried out regardless of Mayumi’s circumstances. 
2249 
2250Minoru's illusion that was hit by Mayumi's ‘Dry Blizzard’ already disappeared. 
2251 
2252Mayumi didn't look at the disappeared illusion anymore. 
2253 
2254That's why she didn't realize that there was large shadow that appeared in its place. 
2255 
2256The shadow had four legs. 
2257 
2258The neck and head formed, with a narrow tail on its opposite side. That silhouette looked just like a tiger. 
2259 
2260Fangs grew from its open mouth and released thunder instead of a roar. 
2261 
2262Mayumi was disrupted and looked at it. 
2263 
2264The shadow beast that was cladded with thunder was already in front of her. 
2265 
2266Mayumi couldn't do anything as the beast pushed her down. 
2267 
2268The beast bit Mayumi with its fangs. 
2269 
2270Blood didn't gush out from Mayumi's body because she was attacked by an electrical  discharge which made her unconscious. 
2271 
2272Mayumi's body, which seemed like it had been snapped, was wobbling. 
2273 
2274"Oh no!" 
2275 
2276Minoru shouted it. 
2277 
2278"Mayumi-san!" 
2279 
2280Mayumi's body was falling down. 
2281 
2282Minoru was thinking about saving her as he started to invoke gravity control magic in order to catch her. 
2283 
2284But before he could deploy his magic, a person caught Mayumi's body as she fell. 
2285 
2286Mayumi falling down was completely outside of Minoru's calculation. 
2287 
2288He impatiently tried to deploy magic to save Mayumi. 
2289 
2290But before he did that, she was saved by a person with an imposing physique. 
2291 
2292Mayumi's body was held in mid-air as that person was controlling gravity and inertia to land on the road’s surface without making any noise. That person literally shut out all noise when landing. But in Minoru's mind, he heard it as if the landing made the earth tremble. 
2293 
2294"Juumonji-san..." 
2295 
2296That person was the current head of Juumonji Family, Juumonji Katsuto. 
2297 
2298Katsuto shows his back to Minoru while still holding Mayumi. 
2299 
2300He gently put Mayumi's body on the road. 
2301 
2302Minoru didn't attack Katsuto from behind. --No, he couldn't. 
2303 
2304He was overwhelmed with Katsuto's back as if he wanted to say, ‘Wait a minute.’ 
2305 
2306
2307 
2308 
2309 
2310 
2311Katsuto stood up and turned around. 
2312 
2313Minoru activated Parade at once and left only his illusion. 
2314 
2315But even if he evaded, it would be meaningless. 
2316 
2317An invisible wall came out from Katsuto. With the size of two tatami, about one-point-eight meters in length and width, a hardened transparent magic wall chased Minoru fiercely. Minoru impatiently leapt to the right. 
2318 
2319The wall didn't affect anything except physical objects and it didn't give any influence on physical energy. But because of this ‘solid objects won't be able to pass through this invisible wall’ feature, it's known that illusions don't exist in the physical space. Katsuto's wall broke down Minoru's illusion and grazed Minoru's body as he disappeared into darkness. 
2320 
2321Having evaded Katsuto's attack, Minoru prepared for his next magic. By absorbing Zhou Gongjin, Minoru used his newly found magic to mislead direction, Ghost Walker. 
2322 
2323At the same time, he ran to the left. If Ghost Walker succeeded, Katsuto would see him running in the opposite direction. 
2324 
2325But his magic only worked for two seconds. He was stopped by an anti-physical wall. 
2326 
2327(Ghost Walker is not effective?) 
2328 
2329Minoru thought that but immediately knew it's his misunderstanding. 
2330 
2331Katsuto's magic wall had a width-diameter of four meters and a height of two meters in the form of a dome. 
2332 
2333The wall that closed off all directions. Magic that mislead one’s direction like Ghost Walker became useless. 
2334 
2335From above, the wall descended. The cylindrical cover was dropping downward. 
2336 
2337Against the pressing magic wall encirclement, Minoru deployed an anti-physical barrier to resist. 
2338 
2339Against the wall with a width-diameter of four meters, he focused all of his might on his shield size of fifty centimeters. 
2340 
2341Katsuto's wall and Minoru's shield broke simultaneously. 
2342 
2343Minoru leapt to escape the ‘cage’. 
2344 
2345The moment he landed, his one thigh was pierced. Katsuto, who had the nickname ‘Iron Wall’, attacked Minoru. Katsuto dispersed his power to a wide area wall as Minoru was just barely able to offset the power difference by countering him with a concentrated small area wall/shield. In order to combat such fighting power, Minoru was required to use a great amount of his own magic power. 
2346 
2347But Minoru didn't have time to wait for his power to recover. 
2348 
2349Katsuto also wasn't so naive to give Minoru a break. 
2350 
2351Before the consequent attack came, Minoru already invoked his magic. 
2352 
2353‘Cloudless Thunder’. 
2354 
2355Among his favorite release-type magic, this magic was the most powerful anti-personnel magic. For the already exhausted Minoru, this magic wasn't something that he should use lightly. In spite of that, any half-hearted attack wouldn't be effective against Katsuto. 
2356 
2357A large amount of air molecules was changed to plasma. Then, an electron shower fell towards Katsuto. 
2358 
2359But it didn't reach Katsuto. 
2360 
2361Just in that small lapse of time, the surge of negative ions were obstructed by a magic barrier. 
2362 
2363That was within Minoru's calculation. 
2364 
2365It wasn't a bluff. Minoru knew from the start that Cloudless Thunder wouldn't be able to damage Katsuto. This way, Katsuto would stop his continuous attack for a moment and he would then use this opportunity to take the initiative. 
2366 
2367(What do you say to this one!) 
2368 
2369Minoru took out a talisman ー Commanding Sign, and it started emitting black light from his pocket towards Katsuto. 
2370 
2371From Commanding Sign, a black beast with four legs leapt out and attacked Katsuto. 
2372 
2373It was a Shadow Beast that Zhou Gongjin used as offensive magic which was arranged to resemble western ancient magic, a ‘Hellhound’. If classified with modern magic, it could be said to be an outer-systematic magic because the damage would come from its fangs and claws which would result in creating the fact of wounding the victim. 
2374 
2375(This is an astral-side attack of outer-systematic magic. An Anti-physical shield wouldn't be effective!) 
2376
2377 The black compound body was coming to attack Katsuto. 
2378 
2379But the jet-black Shadow Beast didn't touch Katsuto's body as it disappeared the moment it touched a magic wall. 
2380 
2381(...Juumonji's magic wall contains a feature that not only defends against any physical phenomenon, but also includes one to maintain the original phenomenon.) 
2382 
2383Minoru didn't panic with this result and instead, he calmly analyzed it. 
2384 
2385Juumonji's magic wall, Phalanx. Instead of the defense power it had, Minoru was warier for its zone interference power. 
2386 
2387The caster was able to deny any phenomenon rewriting that occurred within the interference zone. 
2388 
2389Illusion and compound bodes too, were magic that projected an image. Without power that overcame Katsuto's power, it wouldn't able to pass through Katsuto's barrier. Even though Minoru had adsorbed Zhou Gongjin's technique and the speed invocation that came with his parasite body, his power was still the same as before. Minoru possessed strong phenomenon rewriting power but unfortunately, it was still not enough to breach Katsuto's barrier. 
2390 
2391Minoru scattered his clones and nimbly ran around. This wasn't Parade but just illusion magic. The reason for that was to preserve his power. As Katsuto was distracted, he invoked several magic. 
2392 
2393ーSpark, Cloudless Thunder, Plasma Bullet, Hot-wind Blade. 
2394 
2395The magic he is most used to. 
2396 
2397ーNitrogen Storm, Dry Blizzard. 
2398 
2399Using the Saegusa siblings’ magic to surprise Katsuto, Minoru was using various magic’s to attack. 
2400 
2401Regardless, all of his attacks couldn't breach Katsuto’s barriers. 
2402 
2403And within the small time span in-between those attacks, he deployed offensive type Phalanx. 
2404 
2405Not concentrating at one point but instead, scattering to all the phantoms. 
2406 
2407One of them successfully hit Minoru. 
2408 
2409Offensive type Phalanx was a pinpoint invisible barrier that deployed continuously to attack and breach the enemy defense. If it was only one, it wouldn’t be much different from weight-type magic. Minoru used an anti-physical barrier to offset Katsuto's attack. 
2410 
2411Because of the offensive-type Phalanx. He couldn't use Ghost Walker. 
2412 
2413Minoru released his shield and at the same time, he invoked acceleration magic. 
2414 
2415Katsuto’s attack-type barrier deflects off of Minoru’s body. 
2416 
2417Minoru held the pain that almost made him lose consciousness and used the momentum from the impact to fly upward. 
2418 
2419Several bones broke, with his internals heavily wounded, Minoru casted anti-gravity magic on himself. 
2420 
2421Minoru ascended into the darkness using the momentum. 
2422 
2423Despite his wounds, he broke through the low altitude of clouds to escape. 
2424 
2425                                                                     â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   Mayumi and the Saegusa twins were taken to the hospital where Minami was. When Miyuki and Tatsuya arrived, Kasumi and Izumi were still asleep. Mayumi had never completely lost consciousness so she was already awake, so she was just lying on her bed and talking, because this was the only thing she was able to do. 
2426 
2427"In any case, it seems that no one died." 
2428 
2429"I think Minoru didn’t mean to cause any serious harm." 
2430 
2431Mayumi had a self deprecating smile when she heard these words. 
2432 
2433"...Minoru's goal is to get Minami-chan, he doesn’t want to get in a serious confrontation with us, probably." 
2434 
2435"If you had been his opponent, you wouldn’t have lost." 
2436 
2437Miyuki’s attempt to comfort her with were matched with a harsh and sad reply. 
2438 
2439"Senpai...." 
2440 
2441"...Sorry, I wasn’t strong enough." 
2442 
2443Mayumi finally seemed to notice that she was venting her own frustration too much. 
2444"No... I think it's not necessarily a bad thing to lose." 
2445Mayumi's face showed that she had a hard time replying to Miyuki. 
2446"...Have you ever lost before Miyuki?" 
2447"...Yes, I have...but..." 
2448"Sorry, I said something odd." 
2449"By the way, is Minoru still being followed?" 
2450Tatsuya decided to change the subject because of the awkward atmosphere. 
2451"Yes, the Juumonji Family is still in pursuit." 
2452Mayumi was glad to be able to say this, so she responded happily to Tatsuya’s question. 
2453"Juumonji-kun said so.." 
2454Mayumi had calmed down a little. She wasn’t being mocked for her defeat and she also didn’t have any regrets.  
2455"In the end, Minoru’s attack.... Katsuto managed to fight him off without getting hit, so we’ll just have to be glad with that." 
2456"Although Juumonji-san’s skills are definitely excellent… I think his fight would have been more difficult if it was just him on his own." 
2457Mayumi raised her head when she heard Miyuki. 
2458"We can assume that after his battle with Kasumi-chan and Izumi-chan, and then with Mayumi-senpai, Minoru-kun was considerably exhausted, and there is no doubt that Juumonji’s fight would have been much more difficult for him.” 
2459“Really... Is that so? Yes, you’re right, Miyuki-san, thank you.” 
2460Mayumi smiled at Miyuki, and Miyuki answered with a small bow. 
2461â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2462When Kasumi and Izumi woke up, Tatsuya and Miyuki spoke to the both of them before returning home. They didn’t get to see Minami. It was already evening and Minami was sleeping due to exhaustion because of her rehabilitation. 
2463"It seems the twins have gone home." 
2464 
2465Looking at the screen of the mobile terminal in the living room, Tatsuya told Miyuki about what he had read. 
2466 
2467"It seems to me that if someone would leave the hospital without even staying for one night...isn’t that a bit too fast?" 
2468 
2469“Maybe they weren’t able to have a good night’s rest when they know that the Yotsuba ‘own’ the hospital, and not their own Saegusa Family.” 
2470 
2471"Well, yes that may be true..." 
2472 
2473To that reply, Miyuki gave Tatsuya a bitter smile. 
2474 
2475As a result, Tatsuya also started smiling. Perhaps she thought that her ‘reply’ was a ‘failure’.  
2476 
2477"By the way, Onii-sama, do you think they would be able to capture Minoru-kun?" 
2478 
2479In her consciousness, Miyuki thought that ‘she had to change the topic’. However, even now, Miyuki was still very concerned about the possibility of catching Minoru. 
2480 
2481"It will be difficult." 
2482 
2483His answer was concise and pessimistic. 
2484 
2485This wasn’t because of the power that Minoru has acquired. ─  
2486 
2487“The magic that Juumonji uses is suitable for basic protection, which is indicated by his nicknames as ‘the iron wall’ or ‘the Capital’s Final Defense’. Although its power is unparalleled in interception and reflection, it is unsuitable for work that requires tracking and capturing.” 
2488 
2489"When you say that, I remember that they weren’t used to track the parasites during the original Vampire situation." 
2490 
2491“Everyone has their strong and weak points, don’t they, so maybe Juumonji is better for the actual fight rather than trying to catch him?” 
2492 
2493"Oh, Onii-sama, I don’t think they are the same thing." 
2494 
2495"...I know you do." 
2496 
2497Tatsuya laughed a bit, and Miyuki responded with a smile 
2498 
2499“Besides that, what do you think of Minoru.” 
2500
2501 The joking smile that Tatsuya had on his face disappeared. 
2502 
2503Miyuki also had a subtle expression. 
2504 
2505“In order to invade the hospital, he was limited as to not cause any damage to the hospital itself. When you take this policy into consideration, his only possible ways of entering would be the main entrance, the back doors, or to enter from the roof. He would have probably gone through the roof, which Juumonji could have used to lure him into a trap." 
2506 
2507“However, when he uses ‘Parade’ and ‘Ghost Walker’, magic that both disguise the user, wouldn’t that have made it difficult to grasp his position?" 
2508 
2509“For Juumonji, it isn’t necessary to know where Minoru is exactly.” 
2510 
2511"...Huh, what does that mean?" 
2512 
2513“The barrier magic that Juumonji uses doesn’t just protect the inside from what happens on the outside, it can also be used as a means to restrict him in- and outside of his barriers.” 
2514 
2515Miyuki, holding her hand in front of her mouth, let out an audible ‘Ah’. 
2516 
2517“I don’t know the exact details of how big Juumonji can make his barriers, so I don’t know if it can become tens of meters in size. But by predicting his actions and surrounding the area, Minoru wouldn’t be able to escape from his ‘Guard’.” 
2518 
2519"So, as long as you know where he is coming from, Juumonji can do it..." 
2520 
2521“He can be caught regardless of any magical camouflage that he is using.” 
2522 
2523“However, in situations where it is difficult to grasp his location, it would be hard to act as a ‘Guard’.” 
2524 
2525"I think so too. So unless my reasoning is wrong, it would be hardly possible to capture Minoru if he is trying to escape.” 
2526 
2527When he said those words, he had a bitter smile on his face because he thought of the severity of the situation. 
2528 
2529"Of course, the same story goes for me, when he tries to escape using the combination of ‘Parade’ and ‘Ghost Walker’.” 
2530 
2531"Is that so...?" 
2532 
2533“The quickest way to capture him might be to add extra manpower, as to create an appropriate ‘net’... Maybe the Saegusa Family and the Kudou Family could help us in this endeavor.’                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   "That was difficult..." 
2534 
2535He sat down and signed with both relief and regret. 
2536 
2537It was only ten minutes ago that he was able to get away from the pursuit unit led by the Juumonji Family. 
2538 
2539Because of the healing ability he had gained from the parasite, his wounds had already been cured. 
2540 
2541Minoru’s thought that he could have done this on his own, but when he saw Juumonji, he was convinced that he had to ‘run away’. 
2542 
2543However, he is currently still being disguised by ‘Parade’. Although it is something that would definitely keep him hidden, he couldn’t be too sure that he had escaped his pursuers. But it also seems like nobody is able to see through his ‘Parade’ using the security cameras.  
2544 
2545Nevertheless, despite the fact that he wasn’t completely safe, he felt that he could at least let go of his stress, giving Minoru enough time to look back on today’s failure. 
2546 
2547He didn’t intend to underestimate the Ten Master Clans, however, the results from tonight clearly showed that he had. He believed that it was possible for him to take Minami all by himself. 
2548 
2549In reality, he couldn’t even make it into the hospital. He was able to take out the three sister of the Saegusa Family, but the head of the Juumonji Family prevented him from getting Minami.  
2550 
2551Mayumi, Kasumi and Izumi were not easily defeated. It might have seemed like a crushing victory, because he did it in a relatively short time, but all of them were much stronger than he had anticipated. 
2552 
2553Both Kasumi and Izumi shouldn’t have given him such a hard time if they were by themselves. Even if they both faced him together it shouldn’t have been a threat.  
2554 
2555But the moment the two used ‘Multiplicative Magic’, it had pushed him into a corner. 
2556 
2557Izumi’s magic, ‘Cold Storm’, which made her own body freeze, was enough to make him to lose his sense of security. If the parasite he had absorbed didn’t have a healing ability, then he probably would have been held back at this stage. 
2558
2559 Even if he had known about ‘Cold Storm’, and that his opponents were good at this magic, he couldn’t have come up with a counter to it that easily. 
2560 
2561Mayumi was even stronger than Kasumi and Izumi. It was completely unexpected that she would be able to defeat his ‘Ghost Walker’. 
2562 
2563He had no idea that she was that capable.  
2564 
2565And lastly, Juumonji Katsuto. He didn’t know much about him. He was familiar with him because they had shared mere greetings in the past, but that was it.  
2566 
2567He really was just like an ‘iron wall’. Even now, when he was looking back on the fight, he didn’t know how he would be able to beat Katsuto. 
2568 
2569His fight against the Saegusa sisters before that was no excuse. 
2570 
2571Of course, those battles had exhausted him. 
2572 
2573However, he predicted that they would come and therefore decided to attack today. 
2574 
2575And although he was exhausted after his fight with Mayumi, he wasn’t sure how he would be able to go through that man. He didn’t think that he would lose, but he also didn’t think that he could beat him 
2576 
2577(...For me, Tatsuya may be an even stronger opponent...) 
2578 
2579The abilities of ‘Phalanx’ completely invalidate any illusions and tricks.  
2580 
2581His tactics were limited to ‘fighting him at range’ and ‘attacking him head on’’.   ── I can't do this alone.   Minoru was depressed while riding the train back to his hideout. 
2582 
2583[Five]   The day after Minoru attacked the hospital, Tatsuya received a call from Maya. 
2584 
2585He boarded a VTOL that Hyougo was driving and then through the underground passage which leads to the Main House. When Tatsuya arrived, it was just about to be noon at the Yotsuba Villa.  
2586 
2587"We’re here early." 
2588 
2589Getting called here early isn’t strange, what is strange is that Maya personally called him and not through a third party. 
2590 
2591“In fact, we have received important information from our Pentagon collaborators and I wish to discuss this information with you.” 
2592 
2593Even if there were any changed within the USNA, the Pentagon will remain the same as it was.  
2594 
2595"I didn’t know that we had any collaborators from within the Pentagon." 
2596 
2597Ayako never informed Tatsuya about Colonel Balance. She clearly distinguished her love for Tatsuya from her professional morality as an information gatherer of the Yotsuba Family. 
2598 
2599“I will introduce them to Tatsuya in due time.” 
2600 
2601Although Tatsuya’s status as being the son of the Family Head was recognized, he still hasn’t been informed of the Yotsuba Family’s dealings. 
2602 
2603"That’s okay." 
2604 
2605"Yes." 
2606 
2607After these words from Maya, they went back to the topic at hand. 
2608 
2609"They say STARS have sent out an execution team.” 
2610 
2611"Execution, not capture, that seems a bit surprising." 
2612 
2613It was almost certain that STARS would send out a tracking team to locate Lina. It has been a week since she has escaped, if anything Tatsuya thought this response time was rather delayed. But for the purpose of the mission to be an assassination, that was  unexpected. Lina is a nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician, and while the USNA has one of the strongest military forces, she is still a valuable asset. 
2614 
2615“It wasn’t the Pentagon’s decision.” 
2616 
2617“Is STARS using their own authority?” 
2618 
2619"That is how it was understood." 
2620 
2621“The USNA seems to be having a serious internal conflict, isn't it?” 
2622 
2623"Yes, that is correct." 
2624 
2625Tatsuya is still unaware of what kind of confrontation it is, but if STARS see Lina as a nuisance, then it is inevitable that they would want to assassinate her for her betrayal. It was clear that Maya had more information about the USNA’s internal affairs but didn’t feel it was necessary to explain it here on the spot. 
2626“Do you know the exact route of their intrusion?” 
2627“If you knew, would you be able to handle it?” 
2628Maya answered Tatsuya’s question with another question. 
2629“If you insist, I will take care of it.” 
2630Tatsuya didn’t hesitate in his reply. Maya couldn’t help but smile when she heard his answer. Both of them would show no hesitation when it comes to murder. 
2631STARS were trying to attempt an illegal act of assassination in Japan, otherwise known as a sovereign state. So on the contrary, if you were to kill them, would they have any right to complain? Perhaps these were Tatsuya’s and Maya’s true thoughts. 
2632“Unfortunately, we have not been able to determine their invasion route, but we know when they will be arriving.” 
2633"What time?" 
2634"This evening." 
2635"...Well, I guess I know why we don’t have the time to investigate." 
2636"That's right." 
2637Tatsuya’s current bitter face was strange, but could be explained by Maya saying these things with an elegant voice and holding her hand in front of her mouth.  
2638“...We aren’t completely prepared. We have set up surveillance and guards at the airports and air force bases, however, making a show out of it might draw unnecessary attention to the situation. Also, we haven’t done anything to prevent them from coming through the sea, because I think them coming this way is unlikely." 
2639“Is there a problem with us being at the airports outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area?” 
2640He quickly pointed out the concern he had and brought it up. 
2641"That's right." 
2642Maya had no intention of tricking me. At the same time, she didn’t give off the impression that she was impressed. I guess it’s natural for me to figure out things to this degree. 
2643"I cannot tell you everything, so let’s just say that if something happens, you will go there immediately." 
2644"Understood." 
2645Tatsuya did not object to this arrangement. 
2646"Well then, do you have anything else you need to know?" 
2647Although this was quite unexpected for her to say, Tatsuya did not panic.  
2648"Should I eliminate them?" 
2649"Normally, this would be okay, but ...I think the government will have a different opinion." 
2650"I understand. I will try to capture as many of them as possible.” 
2651"Yes, please do so." 
2652When Maya rose, it was a sign that she was done with meeting. 
2653Tatsuya got up and bowed to Maya at a 45 degree angle. â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2654After escaping from the Juumonji pursuit team led by Katsuto, Minoru got off the train and entered a private café. He waited to see if he was still being pursued or not. 
2655Instead of it being a cafe where he was treated by staff and seeing other guests in the cafe, it was a fully automatized cafe full of service robots. These monitored everything using the cameras in their eye. 
2656However, since Minoru changed his face using magic, he won’t get caught by the cameras. In the first place, trying to avoid cameras in the modern world is near impossible when going to public places. 
2657In addition to offering drinks and snacks, this private cafe also offered access to several network services and limited video software. However, Minoru did not order anything besides drinks.  
2658In order to kill time, he decided to use a device that he had acquired. According to the knowledge gained from Zhou, this device gives the user vague information that can be used 
2659to such an extent that it can be used to predict future events. However, getting a perfect prediction is near impossible. 
2660 
2661He took a cloth out of his bag that was around his waist.The cloth had five colors on it, green, red, yellow, white and blue.  
2662 
2663The device told Minoru a number of abstract words, including ‘good fortune’, ‘south-west’, ‘island, ’‘sky’ and ‘port’. 
2664 
2665(The sky and the port could be referring to airports, then if you take ‘south-west’ into account, as well as ‘island’… is it referring to an airport near an island south-west of here? If so, which airport?) 
2666 
2667Two airports that came to mind were likely candidates to Minoru. This was just his intuition, not actual solid proof, but he still chose his destination. 
2668 
2669The next thing he wanted to know was the ‘time’. The results: ‘Night’ and ‘Today’. 
2670 
2671He still had some time to spare but he didn’t have the exact location. So, he decided to make his preparations and headed out early. 
2672 
2673Minoru left the cafe and went to a private train that went to the airport. 
2674 
2675                                                                   â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   The sun was just setting in Kansai when it was already later than 7 PM. 
2676 
2677Had the sky been clear, it would still be faintly light out. However, due to cloud coverage, it became dark fairly quickly. 
2678 
2679A direct flights from Los Angeles had just arrived at Kansai International Airport. One man and a boy exited the plane. There were other American Passengers as well but this Anglo-Saxon appearance was quite inconspicuous. 
2680 
2681The information that Maya had told Tatsuya was correct. The only mistake was that this was not an execution team but a team sent in advance. A young man wearing dark glasses, well if you looked closely you could see that he had a prosthetic eye. This was Lieutenant Jacob Regulus. The only person sent from STARS. 
2682 
2683Raymond Clark was the boy who was with him. This visit wasn’t an order given to him by his father. It was decided through ‘discussion’ with the parasites. 
2684 
2685Raymond became a parasite with a distorted obsession to bring Tatsuya down. With that strong desire, he took the initiative of ordering the parasites to assassinate Tatsuya. 
2686 
2687"It seems that there is a train station." 
2688Raymond, who used a fake passport to get through customs and had arrived in the lobby, pointed this out to him. 
2689("Do you want to use the train?") 
2690Regulus asked this through telepathy. 
2691"You idiot!" 
2692Raymond warned him by actually speaking to stop him from using telepathy. 
2693"Oh, I'm sorry." 
2694Regulus apologized to Raymond. 
2695By using telepathy, you don’t have to worry about microphones or audio capturing devices. But on the other hand, you have risk of magicians or other ‘supernatural beings’ being able to notice you. 
2696A microphone has a limited effective distance. If you know who you are looking, you can catch their voice even if they are far away if you filter the sound by the voice you’re searching for. But if you don’t know who you’re looking for, it’s impossible.  
2697On the other hand, telepathy has no restrictions in terms of distance. The extent to which a person can catch it depends on their ability, but it is technically the same as magic in which it is not bound by physical distance.  
2698But the number of people that can talk telepathically is very small, and it would be very easy to pick up on their true identity if they continued to speak this way. 
2699So before they left the USNA, they had a talk and decided not to use telepathy. However, telepathy is a natural form of communication for parasites. He had accidentally used telepathy because he wanted to speak to Raymond. So he was definitely in the wrong. 
2700And their lack of vigilance was caught. 
2701â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2702“This is the police force at the Kansai Airport. We have just caught a telepathic transmission. It appears that the likely suspects are the ones that have just arrived from the USNA” 
2703One of the magicians that belonged to the police force, Kurosawa, that came to support the airport’s security detected Regulus’ telepathy and had immediately made a request to the command center.  
2704"Could you please confirm this... The magician you are speaking of is not included in the passenger registry. It could be that he used a fake passport. Kurosawa, could you describe the individual?"  
2705“There are two people. One twenty-year-old man and an adolescent boy. Both white. The man is wearing sunglasses and has gray hair. The boy has blond hair. The person using the telepathy was the gray-haired individual. It also seems like they are heading for the train platform." 
2706“Understood. Please keep watching them and don’t lose sight of them. Also, please try to take a picture of them to confirm their identity.”  
2707"OK." 
2708â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2709"Raymond, we are being followed by the police.” 
2710"What!?" 
2711Regulus was the first one to notice that they were being tailed. 
2712It would seem that an undercover policeman is following them, but Raymond wasn’t able to notice because he wasn’t familiar with investigation and being chased. 
2713"Sorry, I think my use of telepathy screwed us." 
2714However, Regulus is an elite magician form the USNA’s STARS. Moreover, he is a sniper, which requires good observation skills that can be used during a mission. So he was able to quickly determine that they were being followed. 
2715"What do we do, Ray?" 
2716"We have nothing to work with, so our options are limited." 
2717"True. Even we couldn’t have sneaked weapons with us." 
2718Even if he was from STARS, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think that he could take a weapon into another country. So being unarmed, the only thing they could do was to go the USNA’s embassy here in Tokyo. 
2719"Do you have your passport on you?" 
2720"I do." 
2721Raymond answered Regulus' question with a hesitating voice. 
2722"Fine, let’s run for it!" 
2723 
2724They left their suitcases behind.                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   “Two people who we suspect to be illegally immigrated magicians have left their suitcases and have started to flee.” 
2725 
2726The policemen informed Kurosawa. 
2727 
2728The policemen who were monitoring the two people did this using a communication device. 
2729 
2730"Track them. Send me a photo of their luggage. Then bring it here.”  
2731 
2732"Understood". 
2733 
2734The policeman controlling the information terminal during this operation sent a photograph of the suitcase to be used as evidence. 
2735 
2736“Data collected.” 
2737 
2738"Permission to use magic while in pursuit." 
2739 
2740“Granted.” 
2741 
2742As soon as they heard these words, the policemen were in hot pursuit.                                                                      â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   "Stop right there!" 
2743 
2744An uniformed police officer jumped through the air and was quickly approaching them. 
2745 
2746Regulus, who had noticed first, warned Raymond. 
2747 
2748"Are you out of your mind?" 
2749 
2750Why does this Japanese officer make such a flashy move in the middle of a big crowd of civilians! This was a completely unexpected event for Regulus.  
2751 
2752It is rare for this movie-like scene to play out, especially since Japan and the USNA have similar standards that includes using magic as inconspicuously as possible while in public, on the grounds that it might have a psychological effect on them.  
2753 
2754But this situation was difficult to circumvent, even if it had been known in advance. 
2755Raymond was making gestures to the policeman. 
2756The policeman was suddenly blown away. This was due to Raymond’s power of psychokinesis which he obtained after becoming a parasite. 
2757"Raymond!" 
2758"There is no way around it!" 
2759Regulus stopped blaming him.
2760Of course, they didn’t have a choice, so was this the only thing they could do? 
2761They had disguised themselves as immigrants to hide their ability to use magic and so they could enter the country without any problems.  
2762There was signs of magic activation. It seems that the policeman, who they had thought they had gotten rid off, was already back. What’s more, there were signs of other people that were ready to capture them. This was probably the support sent by the police. 
2763He turned around. He had never thought that their first step to invading Japan would be like this. The airport is in a metropolitan area. They had chosen this airport because they wouldn’t stand out much here. However, them being caught was his mistake, but even then who could have expected that it would come to this. 
2764We hadn’t asked for support from our local collaborators, we were reckless, to think we could enter this country so easily. 
2765Such regret went through Regulus' mind. 
2766However, this wasn’t the time to think about this. 
2767"Raymond, I’m going to go through the encirclement." 
2768Regulus used self-acceleration magic and made a dash through the crowd. 
2769Raymond followed him closely behind him using the same magic. 
2770They arrived at a taxi, which could also be used as a guide. 
2771"Steal the taxi." 
2772"Alright!" 
2773Raymond responded positively to Regulus’ instructions. 
2774Regulus was already ready for battle. He was a First-Class magician that belonged to STARS, the strongest magical unit in the world. So he wasn’t afraid of the cops. Raymond was neither a soldier nor a police officer, but he is simply someone ‘who isn’t afraid’, which also works in the current situation. 
2775They had quickly decided to take the taxi, while also expecting some resistance from the driver. 
2776However, when they looked back at the taxi, it had turned into a large, luxury, black passenger car. It seems that it had been disguised.  
2777("Get in!") 
2778Raymond and Regulus look at each other. The voice now was broadcasted telepathically, as it became evident that it was from another parasite. 
2779Raymond followed Regulus. 
2780Regulus rushed to the black car and opened the back door. 
2781Raymond opened the passenger door. 
2782When the two entered, the large sedan immediately started driving. 
2783A strong magic was covering the entire self-propelled car. 
2784"Is this.. ‘Parade’?"  
2785Regulus muttered in telepathy. 
2786"Yes, but please refrain from using telepathy." 
2787Regulus stared at the back of a boy who was sitting in front of him. 
2788And then he became surprised. 
2789He almost forgot to breathe. 
2790He had never dreamed that such a beautiful boy really existed. 
2791If we’re just talking about beauty, his face wouldn’t lose to that of Angie Sirius - Lina. 
2792However, Lina’s beauty exudes a sort of friendliness that is easy to approach while this boy gave off the impression of being difficult to approach. 
2793But the beauty of this person wasn’t that of a simple boy, but of a model-like man. 
2794He wondered if angels could even have such beauty… Regulus also wondered if he was daydreaming too much. 
2795"There is a possibility that we can’t completely disguise our telepathy." 
2796The boy didn’t seem to care about Regulus’ piercing gaze and continued on. He was probably used to being looked at like that. 
2797“Oh, I'm sorry, you’ve saved us, thank you.” 
2798They slightly lowered their head, while sitting. 
2799“My name is Jacob Regulus." 
2800He noticed that he hadn’t introduced himself and did this in a panic. I noticed that I did not introduce myself, and in a panic I gave him a taste.  
2801"My name is Kudou Minoru." 
2802"I'm Raymond Clark." 
2803Raymond was looking around and decided to join in on the conversation. 
2804"The Kudou, as in the Kudou from the Ten Master Clans? " 
2805Raymond was quite knowledgeable thanks to Hliðskjálf. 
2806"Yes, and you are a member of the ‘Clarks’ that are responsible for the Dione Project?" 
2807"Yes, yes...  I’m that Raymond." 
2808"Okay... by the way, do you have somewhere you want me to take you?" 
2809When Minoru mentioned this, Regulus was knitting his brows. 
2810"... The police have probably gone to the hotel we booked." 
2811"Well, both of your passports are useless now." 
2812Regulus showed a surprised face, he had already thought that they had been photographed and that their fake passports had become invalid. However, he couldn’t believe someone else would have already thought about the same thing. 
2813“Should I prepare a place to stay and new passports for you guys? Of course they would show your American citizenship when you entered the country.” 
2814To Minoru’s proposal, Regulus was more vigilant than ‘grateful’. 
2815"I thank you for saving us, but why are you trying to help us?" 
2816To the Regulus’ question, Minoru had a cold, but happy smile on his face. 
2817"Because I am one of you." 
2818Regulus had considered this as well. However, he didn’t think this was the only reason. 
2819“Besides, there is something that I want you to help me with.” 
2820"I'm sorry, what?" 
2821Raymond wasn’t as vigilant as Regulus. 
2822For a parasite, Raymond thought that this was strange. Parasites are all pieces of the same consciousness, because of this, they also have the same goal. So it is impossible to have different thoughts that vary from the general consensus. 
2823"There is a girl that ‘I want to be with’.” 
2824"A lover?" 
2825It was as if Raymond’s eyes started to shine when he heard this topic. 
2826“No, it is currently only one-sided… I don’t plan to forcibly take her. So I will give up if she doesn’t want me.” 
2827"Wow.... You’re pretty patient, huh... I can respect that." 
2828When it came to Minoru, Regulus was somewhat skeptical. The idea of ​​abandoning a companion is one of the primary instincts of a parasite. So this was more like the human mentality than that of his own. 
2829Furthermore, Regulus wasn’t able to read his thoughts or feelings like he could do normally with the other parasites. 
2830There is no doubt that Minoru is a parasite, that goes without question. 
2831However, Minoru is clearly different from us 
2832To Regulus, this was something he was sure of. 
2833â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2834The illegal immigrants using telepathy broke through the police siege and fled the scene. It was reported to the Futatsugi Family through the police, and this information was shared to the Ten Master Clans. 
2835"Was it at Kansai?" 
2836In the middle of the night, just before the date was going to change, Tatsuya received a phone call from the Main House. 
2837"Yes. The Kuroba Family has taken charge of the search. So you can go about your normal duties in Tokyo and Miyaki Island as usual.”  
2838“If the illegal immigrants are from STARS, they will probably be targeting Lina. Okay, I understand." 
2839“We will send you the photographs of the immigrants that the police has taken. One of the suspects is Raymond Clark. "  
2840That was surprising 
2841"What does Raymond Clark have to do with it?" 
2842"It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but from the psion observation data that we have obtained, it seems like Raymond Clark is a parasite." 
2843“Have you been able to discern the parasites using a radar?” 
2844“This is the result of our research.” 
2845“Of course, it is thanks to Tatsuya-san that we were able to obtain the parasite that we use in our experiments.” 
2846After the ‘Vampire Incident’, in last February, he had managed to seal a parasite during the Steeplechase event and had handed it over to the Yotsuba. Tatsuya thought that this situation was rather ironic, but didn’t mention it. 
2847Besides, for Tatsuya, there is no reason to say this. In the end, all that matters is that they managed to develop a way to track the parasites.  
2848"Can’t you find Minoru using this method?" 
2849“We are adjusting the radar that Kurebayashi created for Kudou Minoru. Please wait a little longer."  
2850Kurebayashi is the third butler of the Yotsuba Family and is the general manager of the Yotsuba Family’s technical department. He is also an excellent magician and was one of Tatsuya’s first teachers who taught him about magical engineering. 
2851"I understand, I expect nothing less from you." 
2852“Your words are too much for me. By the way, has Major Sirius been doing well?" 
2853"It seems that she hasn’t gotten bored yet." 
2854"Is that so. If she requires anything, let me know and I shall take care of it."  
2855"I'll tell Lina that." 
2856"Goodbye." 
2857After that simple goodbye was said, the screen got dark. 
2858He wasn’t in the living room, but in his own room. It was early in the morning so Miyuki was still in bed. 
2859He was the only one that was relevant to the situation, so Miyuki didn’t need to be there. Instead he was thinking about speaking with Ayako. 
2860Thinking about it, the other immigrant must have been someone that belongs to STARS. 
2861So it is natural, that given the distribution of the roles in the Yotsuba Family. It is likely that Ayako will become involved in the situation. 
2862Both Ayaka and Fumiya are good at information gathering. But unlike him, they still have to attend school. However, if they were to choose, he felt that the mission would be given priority over school. 
2863It didn’t really matter if they came for Tatsuya. His ‘Elemental sight’ is a magic that goes along perfectly with searching. So this should made the search for the parasites far easier. Rather, it can be said that it was made for it.  
2864The problem is that Ayako has no real defense she can use against parasites. 
2865She can damage the host of the parasite like normal, but that won’t do any damage to the parasite’s real body. 
2866If she was facing a member of STARS, then she would be fine. But even if the situation is unfavorable, she would be able to run away. 
2867(However, if they encounter Minoru...) 
2868(... Maybe I am thinking too much.) 
2869The Kuroba Family was only ordered to search for the parasites and the STARS members that entered Japan illegally. They aren’t searching for Minoru. 
2870Tatsuya wasn’t aware that the advance team had already joined up with Minoru. 
2871â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
2872Minoru took Raymond and Regulus to Chinatown. It was a small area. Before the war, this city was one of many in Japan, but after the war, it was the only one that remained. 
2873This base wasn’t like a beach, so, open to the public. Those who worked there didn’t care if ownership of the base had changed, they simply obeyed without asking any questions. They were satisfied with their current owner, especially when he had the ‘key’ that could open the main gates. And after he had gained Zhou’s knowledge, he was also in possession of the ‘key’. 
2874Another thing that was odd about the building was that it also looked like a normal Chinese building.  
2875It was the next day already, Thursday June 27th, when Minoru was discussing things with Raymond and Regulus. 
2876"... Our goal is to find the whereabouts of Major Sirius, who has temporarily escaped." 
2877Minoru had asked Regulus about this matter. But he didn’t answer immediately since they weren’t using telepathy. 
2878“If it is possible, I would like to take on Major Sirius on my own. It will be difficult, so I will wait for my companions to arrive.” 
2879"Are they in Japan already?" 
2880“They will arrive in four days, on the 1st of July, at night at the Zama Military base. The only problem with this strategy is that the Japanese have been strictly controlling the area since last February. When they arrive, they won’t be able to move immediately, because they need to find some information first.” 
2881
2882 
2883 
2884The event that they are referring to last February is the assassination mission that was given to Canopus to eliminate Gu Jie, so that he couldn’t be taken by the Japanese. After this 
2885incident, the military officers there have tightened their defence and have put extra security and surveillance on all of the USNA’s movements in Japan. 
2886 
2887"I understand, I will try to find the place where Major Sirius is." 
2888 
2889“I thought that Haruaki was the eldest son of the Kudou, who will also be its future Head, so how much authority do you truly have?” 
2890 
2891This was something Raymond said while sitting from the side. 
2892 
2893“You are very well informed; did you learn that through the Hliðskjálf?” 
2894 
2895Raymond was shocked to hear this statement. 
2896 
2897“You know about Hliðskjálf?” 
2898 
2899An ambiguous smile was seen. For a regular person, this smile wasn’t so much ‘funny’ but rather ‘mysterious’. 
2900 
2901"I also have various sources of information" 
2902 
2903"............" 
2904 
2905"Thanks for your collaboration.” 
2906 
2907Raymond settled down with a strange face, next, Regulus went back to the initial conversation. 
2908 
2909"So, what can we do for you, to get you your girlfriend back?" 
2910 
2911"If you were able to, I would ask you… But..." 
2912 
2913He had a bitter smile. 
2914 
2915Regulus, on the contrary, was offended. He thought his abilities were not to be taken lightly. 
2916 
2917But even when he thought this, he knew that there must have been a reason behind it. 
2918 
2919"She is a member of the Yotsuba Family." 
2920 
2921Regulus had to be sure, so he asked in a serious tone. 
2922 
2923"When you say Yotsuba, do you mean ‘that’ Yotsuba?" 
2924 
2925“Yes, I am talking about the ‘Untouchables’, that Yotsuba. Although she is only a servant, she is the assistant of the next Head of the Yotsuba Family.” 
2926Raymond muttered: “A friend of Miyuki...?”, But no one commented. 
2927"She is currently in a hospital in Tokyo, but the Ten Master Clans have been guarding the area to catch me, who has become a parasite." 
2928“Does this mean that not only Yotsuba, but also the other Ten Master Clans are there?” 
2929"Yes." 
2930Minoru answered Regulus’ question without hesitation.  
2931"In particular, the Families there are the Saegusa and the Juumonji." 
2932Last night, although he did end up getting hurt, he still thought of a way to get past the Saegusa and the Juumonji. 
2933“The problem isn’t the Juumonji or the Saegusa… but Tatsuya-san... you know him, don’t you?” 
2934Regulus: "Oh, I know." 
2935Raymond wanted to say something, but he decided to listen to the rest of the story. 
2936"I know how to get past the Saegusa and the Juumonji, but when Tatsuya gets there, I can’t get to her." 
2937The other day, it was a draw. Yet, Minoru knows for himself that Tatsuya wasn’t serious. If they both had the intention to kill each other, then he didn’t have the confidence to beat Tatsuya. It was the opposite. He felt that, the more he faced him, the worse the fight would become for him.  
2938However, if he does fight Tatsuya seriously, it will not help his chances in convincing Minami. 
2939This dilemma befell on Minoru. 
2940In addition, there was something else which Minoru hadn’t thought about. 
2941They drawed last time. However, by doing so, Tatsuya can invent magic that is very effective against parasites. 
2942Although he had learned a lot by obtaining the knowledge of Zhou. But he had nothing that was completely new. On the other hand, Tatsuya has the Yotsuba, the Fourth Research Institute and Japan’s main Ancient magician, Kokonoe Yakumo. 
2943Deep down, what Minoru is really afraid of isn’t just Tatsuya’s power, but also the people around him. 
2944"Well, do you want us to face Tatsuya?" 
2945This question about Tatsuya was next to be asked by Regulus. 
2946“You don’t need to knock him down, the only thing you need to do is keep him busy and drag him away to somewhere while I go and take her.” 
2947"So you want us to act as bait?" 
2948"That's right." 
2949"This is ridiculous!" 
2950This was Raymond. 
2951"You need to get rid off Tatsuya, otherwise, if we do it, it will provoke him to come searching for us!" 
2952Raymond's hysterical tone got Minoru thinking. 
2953“None of that matter, because I will have the parasite transplanted in her by the end of that day or I will give her back to the Yotsuba family.” 
2954But the tone which explained this to Raymond remained calm. 
2955"Don’t be lazy! If you really like this girl, don’t half-ass it!” 
2956"Hey, Raymond..." 
2957Regulus tried to calm Raymond down. However, his voice did not reach Raymond’s ears. 
2958"Don’t let everything in this world hold you back and bother you!" 
2959"Raymond, calm down!" 
2960Regulus strongly pulled Raymond's shoulder back and forcibly shut him up. 
2961"Sorry, Minoru." 
2962"No, I don’t mind." 
2963As he said, Minoru didn’t seem to care about Raymond’s outburst, at least on the surface. 
2964“I also think that Tatsuya is an opponent who needs to be defeated, but for now, let’s give priority to Minoru’s goal.” 
2965"I would be glad if you did that." 
2966 
2967"Okay… but if I get the chance where I can take him out, you wouldn’t mind, right?” 
2968 
2969"Yes, that’s fine” 
2970 
2971The answer Minoru gave to Regulus, was given after a slight delay.                                                                      â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   On this day, Tatsuya spent some time in the morning on Miyaki Island and then went to First High School in the afternoon. 
2972 
2973While the lessons were still going on, he went to the library, but after school he didn’t go to the Student Council Room, but to the Public Morals Committee Headquarters. 
2974 
2975"Mikihiko, are you here?" 
2976 
2977"Since when have you been at school?" 
2978 
2979Mikihiko was surprise because he hadn’t seen him around. 
2980 
2981"Since noon." 
2982 
2983While he was answering Mikihiko, a little shadow tried to silently pass him. 
2984 
2985"Kasumi, how are you doing?" 
2986 
2987Tatsuya asked her. 
2988 
2989She quickly stopped her feet. 
2990 
2991"...I’m fine, sorry for worrying you.” 
2992 
2993"Okay, that’s good." 
2994 
2995Kasumi bowed her head to Tatsuya and quickly left the headquarters. 
2996 
2997"...Did something happen?" 
2998 
2999It was natural for Mikihiko to wonder about the scene that had just played out in front of him. 
3000 
3001"It wasn’t anything too serious, anyways I want to ask you for a favor." 
3002 
3003"And you’re asking me...?" 
3004 
3005"Oh, you still remember what you said the other day, don’t you?" 
3006Mikihiko’s complexion changed. So Tatsuya’s favor has to do with parasites. 
3007"...Yes I do." 
3008“The day before yesterday, Minoru showed up at the hospital where Minami has been hospitalized.” 
3009"Well then..." 
3010Then, Mikihiko’s eyes opened wide. 
3011He quickly locked the door of the headquarters and set up a barrier that also ‘closed’ the room.  
3012“...Now that’s taken care of, Tatsuya, let's sit down and talk. " 
3013"Okay." 
3014Mikihiko and Tatsuya sat across from each other at a long table. 
3015"Uh... That day, did Kasumi fight with Minoru?" 
3016“Yes, no one had any major injuries, but she slept for awhile because of magic. The only thing we were worried about were the consequences of that magic, because they were rendered unconscious by oxygen deficiency, but this didn’t seem to have any long term effects." 
3017"Okay..." 
3018Tatsuya himself was relieved, that, after he was done with his explanation, Mikihiko was also satisfied with the story and likewise felt relieved. 
3019“So what do you want me to do? If you want me to help catch Minoru-san, then I’d be happy to help." 
3020Mikihiko had a firm belief from the very beginning that dealing with parasites is a job for an Ancient Magician. 
3021"I may ask you to help me with the parasites later, but for now I would like you to help me with some magic practice." 
3022"Helping with practice?" 
3023Tatsuya explains the contents of the training and that he would like to practice it here at school. 
3024“Since you only have time off after school, can we do it after you’re finished with your Committee duties?” 
3025"What are you talking about?" 
3026Tatsuya was a bit confused. 
3027Tatsuya knows that these duties are important for her sister. 
3028So for him, he thought that everyone would think of these duties similarly. 
3029However, Mikihiko’s thoughts on the importance of extracurricular activities in high school were clearly different, making Mikihiko smile strangely. 
3030“I don’t know what you think, but I think your training is more important then my work at the Public Moral Committee, and it’s about time for me to decide on my successor anyways, so this is the perfect opportunity.” 
3031Thus, Mikihiko had accepted Tatsuya’s request. 
3032â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3033Generally, it is found that magicians can work either in daylight or at night. But parasites do have a preference. 
3034They prefer not to be in the sunlight, kind of like a vampire, so they sleep during the day and work in the night, especially if nothing important needs to be done. 
3035Also, they don’t experience jet lag. Regulus was interested to know about what had changed after becoming a parasite. But since he isn’t a scientist, he wouldn’t know the real difference. He was merely interested in it at the moment and decided to go to bed. 
3036At this time, the door to his room opened and he could hear a knock, but he already knew who it was. 
3037When Regulus slightly opened the door, Raymond stood there, alone, which he had expected. 
3038"Can I come in?" 
3039"Of course." 
3040Honestly, he didn’t really like the time, but it seems like his visit was about something important. Regulus thought this and then fully opened the door. 
3041"So what is it?" 
3042"It’s about Minoru." 
3043“What’s wrong with him? I didn’t see him make any particularly suspicious movements. ” 
3044"Is that true?" 
3045It seems that Regulus' words weren’t enough to convince Raymond. 
3046"Minoru is strange." 
3047"Why’s that?" 
3048Raymond had only said a few words. But he needed time to think about what he wanted to say next.  
3049"...Our telepathy isn’t able to communicate beyond national boundaries." 
3050"And?" 
3051"However, when our telepathy is shared, then we should share the same intentions, even for other parasites, this should be the same. But he is different." 
3052Raymond and Regulus became parasites after the micro-black hole experiment that was conducted this month. 
3053On the other hand, Minoru became one by modifying a parasite that was created during the black hole experiment that was conducted a couple of years ago. 
3054But, despite the fact they are both parasites, the same creatures. But they weren’t. This wasn’t merely Raymond’s intuition, but he could actually feel it. 
3055In addition, the parasite that is being used by Minoru, originated from the same laboratory in Dallas. So their origin shouldn’t be that different. 
3056"Raymond, what do you want to say?" 
3057“Why does Minoru disagree with us?" 
3058Raymond responded to the question of Regulus. 
3059"... Is this about Shiba Tatsuya?" 
3060
3061 “Yes, our intentions were all to eliminate Shiba Tatsuya, but Minoru didn’t agree?” 
3062 
3063“We haven’t discarded the idea of eliminating Tatsuya, we’re merely rearranging our priorities.” 
3064 
3065"But it isn’t that too simple of an explanation, we had already decided that his elimination was our top priority." 
3066 
3067“When we discussed this we were still in the States, and, like you said, our telepathy can’t cross national borders.” 
3068 
3069Raymond got silent when he was confronted with his own logic. 
3070 
3071“We are united with each other through our intentions, desires and will.” 
3072 
3073This conversation shows the different sides to a parasite. The one side shows the parasite before it fuses with a person, the other shows the parasite before the person it has inhabited starts to erode. 
3074 
3075"The strong will of Minoru leads him to save the woman he loves, so it isn’t surprising that this is his top priority." 
3076 
3077“I can’t believe that! Our main goal should be Tatsuya!” 
3078 
3079"You shouldn’t say it like that...." 
3080 
3081Regulus, like Raymond, believes that Tatsuya should be neutralized. But this is because  Regulus himself thinks that they need to eliminate the ‘Strategic Class Magic that is a threat to their country’. 
3082 
3083Raymond originally had the opinion that he wanted to ‘forget about Tatsuya’ and not ‘kill Tatsuya. This opinion was affected by the strong intent of the STARS members, who recognized that his ‘Material Burst’ is a threat that should be removed. 
3084 
3085While the parasites have united with similar goals, their reasons can differ. It is certain that the individual with the strongest ‘wish’ will take the initiative but this doesn’t mean that all the parasites are governed by this ‘wish’. For example, Minoru’s involvement in this operation does mean that Regulus and Raymond will not be ignored if he takes the initiative. 
3086 
3087"...I understand, then I will discuss this topic with Minoru through telepathy.” 
3088 
3089"...If you think so, then that’s fine.” 
3090 
3091Last night they had confirmed that Minoru could hear their telepathy. So if Raymond, Regulus and Minoru could all hear it, then when Minoru and Raymond were talking, Regulus could also listen-in. 
3092This is the characteristic of someone that was going to take the initiative so Regulus has no reason to stop Raymond. 
3093â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3094Minoru suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. This wasn’t because of his biological clock. He was awakened by a unexpected voice, that he heard in the depths of his heart.  
3095(── Wake up, Minoru/we.) 
3096When he was awakened, he had little smile on his face. 
3097(Raymond? Why?) 
3098Minoru also didn’t recognize him as ‘we’ like the other parasite do. 
3099(You aren’t surprised? I think this is the first time we’ve talked in this collective consciousness.) 
3100(This is the first time I’ve spoken here, but it isn’t the first time I’ve heard your voice.) 
3101(That can’t be.) 
3102Minoru laughed at Raymond’s surprise 
3103(I thought telepathy didn't cross national boundaries?) 
3104Minoru wasn’t going to mock the other side for his surprise. This was proof that his intentions hadn’t been interfered by Raymond and the others.  
3105(That thought is wrong. Telepathy can even cross borders. It’s just that your intentions don’t influence me. Abroad telepathy is useful, but I just don’t belong to your consciousness. This mysterious restriction weirdly enough doesn’t occur when humans use telepathy.)
3106(I didn’t knew about such a thing...)
3107 
3108(It is possible that when the parasite and the human fuse, the human’s consciousness won’t be overwritten.) 
3109Raymond wasn’t the only one that remained silent. In the collective consciousness, Regulus was also surprised. 
3110(It doesn’t matter now, even if I am connected with your consciousness. I wonder, does this have anything to do with my intentions differing from those of yours?) 
3111(Why... Where are the parasites who were previously in this country not with you/us?) 
3112(There is one other parasite. But he is completely sealed away, still, from time to time, I can still hear him screaming while he is being used as a lab rat. I want to go and rescue him, but that would be impossible for me.) 
3113The parasite he is talking about has been sealed away by the Yotsuba Family. Their Mental Interference Magic that has sealed it is dangerous for parasites. Plus, he couldn’t figure out where the parasite was being held. 
3114It was like this screaming was warning sign. 
3115To make sure no else tries to come rescue him. 
3116(No, I/we don’t think that’s stupid, we understand.) 
3117Since he wasn’t hiding his thoughts, this reaction was genuine. This was probably Raymond’s voice of reason coming through. 
3118(You understand?) 
3119Again, he asked the question. But really, Raymond wanted to make Minoru talk more, so naturally he asked more questions. 
3120(We are separate beings, we all have our individual thoughts, but our goals should be the same.) 
3121Minoru understood but disagreed. 
3122Minoru knew what kind of person Raymond was. 
3123But Minoru still refused. 
3124He didn’t want to become a parasite, but he needs one for his goals. So the only reason he uses one is to treat Minami. 
3125He didn’t want to be rude to Raymond by continuously disagreeing. But Raymond keeps saying ‘we’ and Minoru just doesn’t want himself to be included in that. 
3126(We're going to kill Tatsuya, I/we all have this common intention!) 
3127Finally, their true intent came out. 
3128These weren’t the thoughts of just Raymond and Regulus. They didn’t seem to notice themselves, but their consciousness was still connected to the ones still in the USNA, even though they didn’t think this was possible. 
3129This was a statement. In one moment, the various different thoughts all became one and were directed at the ears of Minoru. 
3130Among them, the intention to eliminate Tatsuya was the most dominant. 
3131It wasn’t just Raymond, but also the members of STARS who recognizes the threat of Tatsuya’s Strategic Class Magic.  
3132However, Minoru confronted this massive wave of thoughts that came towards him and instead of submitting, he reminded himself of his own, strong ‘desire’. 
3133He has no intention to leave Minami the way she is right now. He just wants to save her from her fate. This was the reason that he abandoned his humanity. 
3134Because of someone other than himself, he had changed. 
3135Personality is formed by nature. Desire and impulse are the base of your spirit. How to control it, what to do, what to not do, what to forgive, are all connected to society and the people you are with. And if you listen to the desires of the people around you, you change. 
3136In doing so, you throw away the thing limiting you, and become someone that can help others── With greed at its core, Minoru was able to maintain his ‘self’ even though it wasn’t ‘for himself’ but for ‘someone else’s sake’. 
3137It was a long battle. 
3138It was also an instant battle. 
3139In the world of the mind, there is no duration of time. The time had several points in it, so it wasn’t a chronological line. Therefore, the battle was both ‘long’ and ‘instant’. 
3140At the end of the eternal battle that happened in a single moment, Minoru was the one left standing.  
3141(Raymond, you’ll help me, won’t you? First, we’ll get Minami. Tatsuya comes after that.) 
3142(I/We will obey Minoru’s will.) 
3143Minoru continued to be himself until the end. 
3144But, you couldn’t say that he was completely the same. 
3145Human beings will be affected if they continue to hear the same thing a dozen times or even a hundred times. Even if you deny it, your empathy will gradually decrease. 
3146 
3147This was not related to human weakness. He had continued to be himself, even if he isn’t human, by reminding himself of his goal that he originally. 
3148 
3149But even so, he had been exposed to hundreds of whispers to get rid of Tatsuya. 
3150 
3151(We will deal with Tatsuya-san afterwards.) 
3152 
3153Before he knew it, Minoru’s consciousness had also changed and had deteriorated.   [Six]   There was some trouble with the entry of illegal immigrants through the Kansai International Airport and yet, Japan was mostly peaceful. 
3154 
3155Though a fierce battle took place between Minoru and Raymond in the spiritual dimension, the general public was none the wiser. 
3156 
3157The recent aggressive protests from anti-magic organizations are in a lull. 
3158 
3159The handing over of Major Sirius to the USNA wasn't strictly required, whereas the Great Asian Union couldn't afford to meddle with the Nansei Islands section. On the surface, matters pertaining to diplomacy were quiet despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense both feeling uneasy.  
3160 
3161Regarding the Great Asian Union, something that would shake the world was announced on Friday, June 28​th​. 
3162 Miyuki and Tatsuya heard the news that shocked the world.   "Breaking news!" 
3163 
3164While having breakfast in the morning right before school, they turned back to the tense voice that had come from the newscaster. 
3165 
3166They put down their chopsticks and faced the TV. 
3167 
3168"For an, as of right now, unknown reason, the Great Asian Union and the New Soviet Union are at war." 
3169 
3170Miyuki was completely shocked. If she still had her chopsticks in her hands, she would have surely dropped them on the ground. 
3171 
3172On the other hand, Tatsuya who had also put his chopsticks down was listening to the news seriously. 
3173 
3174“Late last night, the Great Asian Union invaded along the Lake Khanka border, where they started advancing south towards Ussuriysk. The New Soviet Union mobilized the military in the Far East that was stationed in Vladivostok. They collided 30 kilometers from Ussuriysk and the battle still continues."  
3175 
3176Miyuki looked at Tatsuya with awkward movement. 
3177 
3178"Onii-sama, this seems like a very serious matter..." 
3179 
3180He looked away from the TV and into the eyes of Miyuki. 
3181 
3182"This is a military clash that has occurred in an area close to Japan, so the impact on  our country will be inevitable." 
3183 
3184Tatsuya’s voice had a tension that was different from usual. 
3185 
3186The newscaster reappeared in front of the camera. 
3187 
3188“The aim of the Great Asian Union is to capture the southernmost part of the Primorsky Krai Region. The region, especially Vladivostok, is geopolitical meaningful to them as it allows them to remove the threat of a knife at their throat and paves the safe removal of the threat to the Goryeo Autonomous Region."  
3189 
3190A map was being displayed on the TV. When they saw this, the words of the caster became that much more convincing. 
3191 
3192“Why is Vladivostok being aimed for via this current route, so invading down south, when the forces in the Goryeo Autonomous Region are closer and could have been mobilized?"  
3193 
3194“The Great Asian Union have suffered a massive loss to their naval forces because of the Yokohama Incident, they haven't recovered enough to attack Vladivostok from the south; though if forced to they would use the navy from there which is indispensable."  
3195 
3196"That’s correct." 
3197 
3198To the explanation of the caster, Tatsuya agreed. 
3199 
3200“Have the Great Asian Union been preparing for an invasion ever since this moment?” 
3201 
3202“I think the Great Asian Union had started preparations for a full-scale attack more than a year ago. Basically, after the Nichia Peace Treaty was signed, which was beneficial to Japan. In addition, a rumor that had been going around the last few days via military officials 
3203mentioned that the central government of the Great Asian Union needed a military achievement to restore its prestige."  
3204 
3205"...?"  
3206 
3207The news correspondent seen on the news feed was now discussing the military capabilities of both countries. 
3208 
3209“The New Soviet Union has Dr. Bezobrazov, a nationally recognized Strategic Class Magic, who has been rumoured to be deceased or has at least been inactive in his work.” 
3210 
3211"I hadn’t thought about that." 
3212 
3213At the time, Tatsuya had a sneaky smile, but this disappeared when he saw Miyuki, who was still completely serious about the situation.  
3214 
3215“If we take the military capabilities of both countries into consideration, the New Soviet Union wins in terms of quality and the Great Asian Union wins in terms of quantity. In addition, the military forces of the New Soviet Union are widely spread out in East Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The Siberian military is located further north than the rest of the troops. The Great Asian Union calculated that so long as the opposing Strategic-Class Magician isn't able to fight, then they have enough forces to attain victory.”  
3216 
3217“To which extent do you have information that indicates that Dr. Bezobrazov won’t be part of this war?"  
3218 
3219“It’s impossible to say with complete certainty. It has only been a week since magic, that looked like the New Soviet Union’s Strategic Class Magic, had been seen at Tokyo’s First High, and we haven’t heard a thing about it since.”  
3220 
3221“A story has also been going around that the strong magic that had been used on the Izu Peninsula in the beginning of this month was also associated with the New Soviet Union.” 
3222 
3223"That's true. These unexpected attacks could have been committed by Igor. I think there is a reasonable likelihood that Dr. Bezobrazov was involved in the situation."  
3224 
3225“The fact is that Dr. Bezobrazov, who was trying to call for world peace using the Dione Project, was a participant in an unexpected attack on the Izu Peninsula …” 
3226 
3227“Do you expect this to have any influence on the future?"  
3228 
3229The assistant, who hadn’t said anything before, was panicking a little. Maybe the director had instructed him to ‘not discuss the Dione Project’.  
3230 
3231"That's right." 
3232 
3233The newscaster, like the assistant, was trying to change the topic.  
3234 
3235“The Great Asian Union’s army will engage in battle before the Siberian troops will arrive. In other words, the outcome of the battle will depend on its length.” 
3236 
3237“Then, does the New Soviet Union want to turn this into an endurance race until  their reinforcements get there?"  
3238 
3239The newscaster finally got back to the previous topic, so the Dione Project topic was forgotten about. 
3240 
3241"I think so". 
3242 
3243"Will the Great Asian Union use Strategic Class Magic?" 
3244 
3245“I think it might be the time to truly introduce Liu Li Lei, to not just the battle, but to the whole world.” 
3246 
3247Even though discussion about the current story continues, Tatsuya and Miyuki left as he escorts her to school from the house. 
3248 
3249Although Miyuki was also worried that they were going to be a bit late. She was also wondering how Tatsuya was going to be spending his time during school, when he’s free. 
3250 
3251"Onii-sama, what are you going to be doing today?" 
3252 
3253So Miyuki decided to ask Tatsuya. 
3254 
3255"I haven’t received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, so I’ll go to FLT." 
3256 
3257"You aren’t going to see Lina?" 
3258 
3259“I could.” 
3260 
3261This was undoubtedly because of the conflict that has just occurred between the Great Asian Union and the New Soviet Union. So Miyuki was anxious.                                                                       ◇ ◇ ◇   And Tatsuya’s expectations were right. 
3262 
3263"It is regrettable how the situation from before that damaged the trust we have in one another still continues. However, as you know, an emergency has occurred. Will you be coming to the base any time soon?” 
3264 
3265"I will." 
3266To Kazama, the request seems to have gone well, with Tatsuya nodding in reply after he had just returned to his apartment. 
3267Even if Tatsuya were to fight against the National Defense Forces, nothing would come of it and that in such a case, there isn’t a reason to fuss over such a matter.  
3268"I regret my previous actions." 
3269He didn’t know what Tatsuya’s true feelings were on the matter, but nevertheless, he lowered his head while saying these words. 
3270â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3271At the same time Tatsuya was watching the news about the military conflict going on in the Far East, Minoru, who had won the fierce battle the night before, didn't imitate as if he had gone to sleep. Both Raymond and Regulus hadn't awoken yet, due in part because of the nature of the Parasites and not because of jet lag.  
3272"They should probably listen to this...." 
3273This may lead to opportunities, is what Minoru was thinking. 
3274(If the military conflict is prolonged, the Ten Master Clans would have to move their attention to the Sea of Japan, where if something were to happen in the southern portion of the sea, they'd end up having to deal with it instead of focusing on me...) 
3275If the TV commentator is right, the war was triggered by Tatsuya's counterattack on Igor, which gravely harmed him.  
3276(It’s ironic that Tatsuya’s ruthless response to Igor’s actions has given us this opportunity.) 
3277Minami, who was injured by an attack of Igor and the influence of Igor's defeat which still floats about, could cause Tatsuya to lose his chance to defend Minami. 
3278Minoru agreed with Raymond’s reasoning. 
3279â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3280Tatsuya cancelled his scheduled visit to Miyaki Island and FLT and headed towards Kasumigaura Base, the Headquarters of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. 
3281Of course, Tatsuya reported this to Maya, whom he talked to directly, in which she thought it would be a good thing that relations with the National Defense Forces restored. This was partially because it would be difficult to let go of the ability where the National Defense Force could mobilize soldiers in great number. 
3282
3283 "Lieutenant, I have arrived." 
3284 
3285After he had arrived, Tatsuya greeted Kazama.  
3286 
3287With Fujibayashi present as his adjutant, Kazama also saluted to Tatsuya. 
3288 
3289"The main reason for my coming here today is because I want to hear about Bezobrazov.” 
3290 
3291When the villa in Izu was attacked, Tatsuya found out that Kazama knew that the individual responsible that was taken care of wasn't Igor. However, what happened as a result of the attack on First High wasn't reported to the military. It was reported to the Main House.  
3292 
3293Tatsuya never spoke again about the information, whether or not it was passed on from the Yotsuba Family to the National Defense Forces, which it eventually wasn’t.  
3294 
3295“I didn’t attack Igor directly, instead I decomposed a large CAD that was in operation, so it is possible that he received some damage.” 
3296 
3297"Are you talking about the train-type CAD that you mentioned the other day?" 
3298 
3299"That's right." 
3300 
3301“If you destroy these CADs while someone is connected to them, could it make them suffer from mental damage through their Magic Calculation Area? And if so, was Bezobrazov connected to his CAD and thus received damage?" 
3302 
3303"That is likely, since we have not seen any signs of ‘Tuman Bomba’ being used since then.” 
3304 
3305"Hmm..." 
3306 
3307Kazama decided that it would be a good idea to remember this. 
3308 
3309"...So what do you think, how great is the probability that Igor has died?" 
3310 
3311"I’d say it isn’t even a single percent." 
3312 
3313"So, basically, it’s zero?" 
3314 
3315"Rephrasing it like that is okay." 
3316 
3317After saying this, Tatsuya added that ‘The likelihood of any accidental deaths having occurred was non-existent.’ 
3318 
3319“So do you think that after some time, Bezobrazov will be able to reappear during the invasion by the Great Asian Union?” 
3320
3321 “If the military leadership of the New Soviet Union thought that they themselves, without Bezobrazov, were able to see sufficient battle results as of right now, they would have done so already, but they know that they can’t without him.” 
3322 
3323"How long do you think it will take for him to recover?" 
3324 
3325"Going off our previous encounters when I forcibly disconnected him from his CAD, I’d say it would take ten to twenty days for him to recover." 
3326 
3327Today is Friday. 
3328 
3329The attack from Tuman Bomba on First High took place the Thursday before. 
3330 
3331“So another attack can be expected in a few days, or another week.” 
3332 
3333"I would think so." 
3334 
3335"...I understood." 
3336 
3337Tatsuya didn’t come here today just for this, he also wanted to discuss something else.  
3338 
3339"Lieutenant, I also have something that I want to talk about." 
3340 
3341"Go ahead." 
3342 
3343"As you may already know, parasites have come to this country again." 
3344 
3345“I know, we’re talking about the one from the Kudou family, right?” 
3346 
3347"New parasites have appeared in the USNA." 
3348 
3349"What...?" 
3350 
3351Doesn’t it seem like the National Defense Forces have no knowledge of what has transpired in the USNA? 
3352 
3353In any case, he didn’t want to waste any time. 
3354 
3355"There was a rebellion within STARS at their base headquarters the week before and it’s a fact that members of STARS have been possessed by parasites." 
3356 
3357"...Is this information you have heard from Major Sirius?" 
3358 
3359"No. We were given this information by Angelina Kudou Shields’ relative, Kudou Retsu." 
3360 
3361Tatsuya again insisted that he didn’t have ‘Major Sirius’. 
3362 
3363"...Really...” 
3364 
3365They still hadn’t restored their relationship enough for this to be told. 
3366 
3367"And, apparently, it seems that at least two parasites have infiltrated Japan." 
3368 
3369"What..." 
3370 
3371This surprised Kazama even further. 
3372 
3373“The police who were standing guard at the Kansai International Airport detected illegal immigrants using telepathy, and these two passengers were on a direct flight to Japan. And I think that one of them is an infected member of STARS." 
3374 
3375"... I need to tell Her Excellency(Saeki).” 
3376 
3377"I think that would be wise." 
3378 
3379The police in the Hanshin area didn't keep the information to themselves. It was reported to the National Police Agency, where it was then reported to the Ten Master Clans. Whether the police would share information with the military is a subtle thing. At times, it’s not a good thing for the police to borrow the power of the National Defense Forces. So in all likelihood, there was a high possibility of Saeki eventually purchasing the detailed information through a private route. 
3380 
3381"So who is the other person?" 
3382 
3383"The other part of the duo is Raymond Clark." 
3384 
3385"...Is that true?" 
3386 
3387“I have confirmed this with a photo taken by the police, so there is no mistake.” 
3388 
3389"Lieutenant." 
3390 
3391Fujibayashi, who had previously stood silently in the back, opened her mouth, when she got a ‘weird’ reaction. 
3392 
3393"Is this Raymond Clark related to Edward Clark?" 
3394 
3395“Yes, he is the son of Edward Clark, the creator of Project Dione.” 
3396 
3397Tatsuya once again told them what he knew. 
3398 
3399“He is one of the ‘Seven Sages’ who uses the information collection system ‘Hliðskjálf’, which is the backdoor to Echelon III. He also used this system to reveal my identity as Taurus Silver.” 
3400 
3401“...Wait, Special Officer, this is far too much information, my head can’t keep up with this.”  
3402 
3403"The main topic starts now." 
3404 
3405Tatsuya ruthlessly refused her, and in a way whispering: ‘I won’t let you take a break’. 
3406 
3407"Continue on." 
3408 
3409"So, I, as a member of the Yotsuba Family, request for cooperation with the National Defense Forces’ Independent Magic-Equipped." 
3410 
3411Their eyes emitted a strong light, when they heard that he made the request as a representative of the Yotsuba Family. 
3412 
3413"We believe that it is highly likely that the parasites that have entered Japan are going to collaborate with Minoru." 
3414 
3415When she heard Minoru’s name, all blood vanished from Fuyibayashi’s face. It was likely that she already knew about Minoru, but in the end, Tatsuya felt that there was no need to take her feelings into consideration. 
3416 
3417"Moreover, it is unlikely that only one person from STARS have been sent to Japan to conduct illegal activities." 
3418 
3419When mentioning this, Tatsuya excluded Raymond from this number of people. 
3420 
3421He isn’t taking Raymond lightly, he predicts that when Raymond became a parasite, he gained power that can’t be ignored. 
3422 
3423Tatsuya just doesn’t think he is one of them, and they will only use the power of STARS. 
3424 
3425“We should send reinforcement there without fail, so that we can be in the immediate area.” 
3426 
3427"I think so too." 
3428 
3429His guess was logical, so there was no objection. 
3430 
3431"Minoru’s goal is definitely to get Minami, who is one of our members." 
3432 
3433Tatsuya shifted the focus of the discussion from STARS to Minoru. 
3434 
3435“If STARS were to join Minoru in going after Minami, it’s possible that she can't be defended with the power of the Yotsuba Family alone.” 
3436"Do you wish for us to send soldiers for support?" 
3437"No. If STARS attempted to invade either the military bases in Zama or Yokosuka, would the military be able to stop their intrusion?" 
3438The Yotsuba Family monitors the private and metropolitan airports and air bases. 
3439But it’s only the National Defense Forces who can monitor outside of this area, for even if they can't get inside, it would take time and effort to do so in the current situation. 
3440Whereas its more reasonable to trouble the military to monitor the bases to prevent the intrusion of foreign troops for illegal activities, for it is something that should be easier for them to do since they’re allies. 
3441“─ I understand. I will pass this military order on to Her Excellency.” 
3442The reason that he didn’t demand any alternate conditions from Tatsuya was because he understood that this should be the work of the National Defense Forces. 
3443"By the way, what do you think about the recent war?" 
3444"Do you mean who I think will win or lose?" 
3445“That's right." 
3446"The New Soviet Union will win." 
3447Tatsuya didn’t show any doubt, and he replied immediately. He had time to think about it before he came to the base. 
3448"Please tell me your reasoning." 
3449“The invasion of the Great Asian Union is based off uncertain information about the absence of Igor. But this very thought is wrong. The moment he joins the battle, the morale of the soldiers of the Great Asian Union will fall." 
3450More specifically, this is the moment Tuman Bomba will be used. 
3451He didn’t need to say this, because they already understood this. 
3452"Hm... so you don’t think the possibility exist that the conflict will be settled before Bezobrazov returns?" 
3453“There is no definite difference between the military forces of the two sides, whether it be the military of the New Soviet Union deployed in the Far East or that of the Great Asian Union's military. Even then, if the Great Asian Unions were to use ‘Thunderclap Tower’, it would be difficult to win in such a short period of time and that only time would tell who would be victorious.” 
3454Furthermore, ‘Thunderclap Tower’ is a magic attack that was used by their previous nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician. Its destructiveness can be compared to ‘Scorched Halloween’ ─  ‘Material Burst’ ─, but Liu Li Lei, the granddaughter of the previous user of this magic, Liu Yunde, also uses this Strategic Class Magic, making her the Great Asian Union’s newest nationally recognized Strategic Class Magician. 
3455"If the New Soviet Union were victorious, they would try to invade Japan ─" 
3456As he said this, he looked straight into Tatsuya’s eyes. 
3457"Can the National Defense Forces depend on you if that time comes?" 
3458“No problem, you can count on me.” 
3459Even at a time like this, Tatsuya didn’t hesitate. 
3460When he needed the power of Toudou Aobo, he had made an agreement to deter any military campaigns of other countries. So even if Kazama hadn’t asked him as a member of the 101st Brigade, he would have still taken the necessary measures.  
3461But he did not need to say this. It was a good opportunity to make it look like Kazama was ‘borrowing’ his power. 
3462â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3463The day after the invasion into the territories of the New Soviet Union by the Great Asian Union. 
3464In the New Soviet Union's coastal region of the Far East, the New Soviet Union's forces were on the retreat. 
3465The world was paying attention to the conflict and among them, it’s said that Japan has been observing with strong interest and vigilance. 
3466The rules prohibiting the use of nuclear weapons since World War III by the International Magic Association are still in effect.  
3467The International Magic Association would only intervene when ‘dirty nuclear weapons’ are going to be used. These specifically are biological weapons and chemical weapons that pollute the environment, large-scale bombs that produce harmful residues, and 
3468thermobaric explosives that release harmful substances. Modern war is mainly based on old-fashioned bullets, bombs that clear debris, and expensive ‘environmentally friendly’ high-power explosives. If the military can afford them, electromagnetic weapons and laser weapons will also be utilized. 
3469In other words, you could say that old-fashioned weapons are still mainstream. But what is also common, is that a war can take a long time if fought against a ‘decent’ army. In this case, ‘decent’ would mean ‘stable’. 
3470Thus, in order for one side to defeat the other in a short period of time, weapons that the other side don't possess are needed. 
3471The source of victory is Liu Li Lei, the user of ‘Thunderclap Tower’, a Strategic-Class Magic. 
3472The Great Asian Union predicted that the Strategic Class Magician from the New Soviet Union couldn’t make a move, which is exactly what the military experts had also deduced. 
3473However, victory wasn't settled in just one day. The Great Asian Union introduced their Strategic Class Magician on the first day to promote dominance on the battlefield. However, ‘Thunderclap Tower’ isn't a magic that can encompass every battlefield. Even with the existence of such a magic, its use is difficult to utilize in land battles where the enemy is approaching friendly forces. 
3474As such, Strategic-Class Magic isn’t always as convenient as other people in the world believe. 
3475Today is Saturday. In contrast to the previous time period where this day was for leisure, some middle and high schools are still open on these days. 
3476First High is one of these high schools. Tatsuya had dropped Miyuki off at school in the morning and Minami was still in the hospital with no set date for her release by the Yotsuba Family. Despite Tatsuya no longer being a ‘Guardian’, he still accompanies Miyuki to school as a bodyguard. 
3477Even though Tatsuya doesn't need to be in close physical proximity to Miyuki in order to protect her, he still feels weary about Igor's attack from the time before. Therefore, escorting her is an effective countermeasure every morning, and because of his strong personality, he likes doing it. 
3478After escorting her to First High, Tatsuya went back home to change out of his school uniform and into more rough clothes. He then took the air-car straight to Miyaki Island. His first goal was the magical research laboratory, as he was worried about keeping his eyes off Lina for too long. 
3479Sure enough, Lina had gotten bored already.
3480 
3481"...Tatsuya. What are you doing?" 
3482
3483 "Creating a new magic." 
3484 
3485It was for no particular reason─ to Tatsuya ─ that Lina came to the place where he was working. 
3486 
3487"You’re only using a computer?" 
3488 
3489“Is that surprising? Doesn’t the engineer who created the ‘Brionac’ also do something similar?” 
3490 
3491Brionac is a magical weapon that uses the FAE theory as the basis of its workings to make the Strategic Class Magic ‘Heavy Metal Burst’ able to work in close range combat. 
3492 
3493In Japanese, it is called the theory of controlling phenomenon after they have been created, but Free After Execution is a better way of expressing it. The phenomenon produced as a result being transformed by magic is already a phenomenon that was not originally in this world, and immediately after transformation, the shackles of the laws of physics are loose.  
3494 
3495This is also the theory behind his Baryon Lance, but Baryon Lance was created with the Brionac as a reference. Tatsuya felt strongly about the creator of the Brionac as his opponent and deep within his heart he would like to meet this person. 
3496 
3497“Surely Abby is also remodeling magic at her own desk.” 
3498 
3499Is the engineer who developed the Brionac an ‘Abby?’ ── Tatsuya secretly wrote down the name in the notepad in his heart. 
3500 
3501"Although when you create a new magic, don't you repeatedly experiment?"  
3502 
3503The engineer, seems to still be still creating new magic. ── Tatsuya also adds this to the notepad in his heart. 
3504 
3505"Even this magic, is not created from scratch."  
3506 
3507Every time Tatsuya would hear about ‘Abby’ the engineer, he would get interested, all while answering Lina's questions. 
3508 
3509“Since I had the opportunity to see Tuman Bomba a while ago, so I thought that I could apply it to another magic that we can use as well, since Tuman Bomba is too complex to use easily.” 
3510 
3511Tatsuya ment this in the sense that ‘it cannot be used easily because a large machine is required’, but Lina interpreted it as ‘the amount of magical power required is too high so it can’t be easily used’. 
3512 
3513But her interpretation wasn’t wrong either. 
3514 
3515"...Eh?! Wait a minute… The magic you are trying to create, is it a Strategic-Class Magic?"  
3516 
3517After a single beat, Lina spoke out of tone. 
3518 
3519"The classification is as such." 
3520 
3521Whether Tatsuya had gotten used to it, there was no such thing as him laughing out loud. 
3522 
3523"Amazing." 
3524 
3525Lina's shoulders sharply rise while laughing, "I'm amazed." 
3526 
3527"Great Bomb... No, I wonder if it's 'Material Burst'. Even though you also have a deterrent magic, are you trying to acquire a new Strategic-Class Magic? Are you going to become a Demon King?"  
3528 
3529"Is Lina a gamer?"  
3530 
3531"Even if you don't play g-games, everyone knows what a ‘Demon King’ is of course!"  
3532 
3533The number of people who wish to treat him as a Demon King have increased, and Tatsuya was starting to get a little tired of it. 
3534 
3535"I myself won't be using the magic."  
3536 
3537"Eh, is that so?"  
3538 
3539"It's as you say, Lina. Strategic-Class Magic, it's not enough to have one. Such a thing, even though it’s useless due to its limited use, it comes with a catch the size of a mountain."  
3540 
3541"I know."  
3542 
3543Lina ignored the context and strongly agreed. 
3544 
3545"When it's completed, it will be used by another magician."  
3546 
3547Tatsuya hid his wry smile with a seemingly plausible expression. 
3548 
3549"I know that there are those who can use it. If his or her name were mentioned, they would become a new Apostle’ and the current amount of depressing things will decrease a little."  
3550 
3551"Well."  
3552 
3553Lina was too distracted by his ‘shamelessness’ to be able to pay attention to the essentials. 
3554
3555 A new nationally recognized Strategic-Class Magician is to be born in Japan and in one sentence: It will bring great change to the military balance of the world.                                                                      â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   Tatsuya only stayed on Miyaki Island during the morning. 
3556 
3557The new Strategic-Class Magic isn't complete yet. Tatsuya doesn't think so highly of himself, that he thinks he has the ability to create a new magic in a day or two. Besides, he has a new magic that's far more important to complete than the new Strategic-Class Magic. 
3558 
3559“I would like to train with you today.” 
3560 
3561"That’s fine." 
3562 
3563Saturday afternoon, in the exercise forest after school. 
3564 
3565With Mikihiko as his partner, Tatsuya wants to work on completing the ‘Seal Ball’ that Yakumo had suggested. 
3566 
3567The magic would compress the parasites that are expelled from the body and confine them in the mind. 
3568 
3569The magic would compress the parasites that are expelled from the body and confine them within the mind. The ‘Seal Ball’ is a physical seal by means of having the parasite confined by getting sucked into it like a curse; where the spirit of the parasite is decomposed and then incinerated. Even then, further steps in the process are required. But once trapped, Tatsuya's job is finished and an expert can take over.  
3570 
3571Overall, the training itself is self-explanatory. 
3572 
3573Mikihiko summons spirits and deliberately pours in power to create a runaway state. Tatsuya would then go and restrain them with Non-Systematic Magic to compress the spirit, putting it into a stable, frozen state. In addition, the Information Body is covered with Psions that are then mixed with the spirit, combining everything together. 
3574 
3575Is it like trying to contain radioactive waste by surrounding it with glass? 
3576 
3577A separate container, an object for sealing, needs to be prepared beforehand. Thus, enabling the preservation and storage of the parasite that would then later be separated from the container, and then processed thus rendering it harmless. This prevents the parasite from flying away and eroding the mind of other humans. 
3578 
3579"I can feel that I’m getting closer." 
3580 
3581Tatsuya had started on Thursday and was far from completing the magic. He was getting there little by little while tinkering with it. 
3582 
3583"Is that so?" 
3584 
3585Tatsuya doesn't respond to the praise that was given to him by like he always does, but he still recognizes that the magic has progressed since his time compared to when he visited Yakumo. 
3586 
3587"Yes, I’m sure of it." 
3588 
3589"...There’s no point in being negative. I will help you as much as you want." 
3590 
3591"As much as I want..." 
3592 
3593Tatsuya wasn’t dissatisfied with these words and they continued training. 
3594 
3595Thanks to the help of his friend, Tatsuya managed to get to even closer to the completion of the ‘Seal Ball’.     [Seven]   It was Sunday morning when Tatsuya received word from Fujibayashi. 
3596 
3597"Special Officer. The USNA military has notified us that a transport plane from Hawaii will arrive at the Zama Base tomorrow. They used their agreement for the search of Major Sirius with us to make the arrangement."  
3598 
3599“Well it seems like we have no time to rest.” 
3600 
3601"I guess you could say that." 
3602 
3603As expected of STARS, they used their agreement with Japan in order to send more reinforcements to find Lina. However, given the fact that this request came directly from STARS shows that the influence of the parasites has grown considerably within the USNA.  
3604 
3605Fujibayashi had a very concerned look on her face. 
3606 
3607"Well, please tell me when you would like me to go there." 
3608 
3609“Special Officer. No... Tatsuya. Do you really plan to take them all on by yourself?"  
3610 
3611"It will be okay if I go alone, I have been working with someone to perfect a countermeasure that can be used against parasites.” 
3612 
3613"Is that person from the Yotsuba Family? Or one of your school friends...?"  
3614“My family is focusing on something else.” 
3615Tatsuya didn’t give a clear answer, he didn’t want them to bother his friend that he needed. Although he had come closer, ‘Seal Ball’ is still unfinished, so he still needs someone that can capture the parasite itself. 
3616Fujibayashi decided to just drop it. 
3617She thought Tatsuya had no intention to tell them anything, but that he ‘will catch the parasites’. 
3618"...When will you be there?"  
3619"As soon as they get there tomorrow, immediately after their arrival." 
3620"Okay… Tatsuya, please be careful. If you need any support, Major Yanagi will be on standby."  
3621"I understand, if support is needed, I will be counting on him." 
3622Saying this, Tatsuya tried to make the mood less dire. 
3623However, Fujibayashi understood what he truly meant. 
3624Tatsuya won’t be relying on their support. 
3625"Yes. But I hope that won’t be necessary. ”  
3626She didn’t want to leave this situation up to luck. It was her job to trust her own judgement to make sure her troops would succeed. 
3627Still, she couldn’t force herself to say any of this. 
3628Having finished the conversation with Fujibayashi, Tatsuya decided to leave. 
3629Even while she was there during the call, Miyuki was still uncertain on some areas. 
3630“Onii-sama... What should I be doing tomorrow?” 
3631Six months ago, the old Miyuki would have never had asked this. She would have expected to either tag along with Tatsuya or make up an excuse to join him no matter what. But Miyuki has since realized that she is one of Tatsuya’s weaknesses and she doesn’t wish to be a burden to him anymore. 
3632“Look after Minami.” 
3633
3634 This was Tatsuya’s decision. He doesn’t believe that Miyuki needs to fight against STARS 
3635 
3636It’s not that he thinks she is inferior to them, because he knew she wouldn’t be beaten by the top of STARS. 
3637 
3638However, he doesn’t want her to take any unnecessary risks. This was the true intention behind Tatsuya’s words. 
3639 
3640If you attack, it is inevitable that you will also be attacked. 
3641 
3642So not getting involved is the best solution. 
3643 
3644However, the situation with Minoru is different. If she defends Minami from Minoru, it won’t get her involved with the USNA. 
3645 
3646This would also mean that the USNA’s parasites won’t go after Miyuki. 
3647 
3648“We still haven’t confirmed Minoru’s whereabouts. I want you to keep an eye on things at the hospital, while I am fighting another battle.” 
3649 
3650“Understood.” 
3651 
3652Miyuki had heard what he had said. 
3653 
3654However, she knew what his real intentions were. 
3655 
3656Miyuki also understood that she didn’t want to bother him while he is completing his mission. 
3657 
3658"Onii-sama, I will do as you say." 
3659 
3660Having understood this, Miyuki promised to follow Tatsuya’s instructions.                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   Minoru, who had left Regulus and Raymond behind, headed to Nara alone. Zhou still has some connections in Nara that Minoru was able to use. Last autumn, he had collaborated with Tatsuya to uncover a part of it, but the power of ‘wealth’ was still useful for ‘ordinary people’, who posses no magical power. 
3661 
3662Minoru is currently residing in a private house that belongs to such an ‘ordinary person’. 
3663 
3664"He really was a strong opponent...." 
3665 
3666Thinking about Zhou, Minoru started to talk to himself. 
3667 
3668Like Minoru said, he really was a formidable opponent. 
3669 
3670But now because of him, Minoru was able to move around comfortably. 
3671 
3672He made it as far as he could safely, but he is now about to enter the territory of the Kudou Family, who are waiting for him. 
3673 
3674His destination was the Ninth Research Institute, or rather the 9th institute used for magical research, the place where the magic of the magicians of ‘9’ has come from. 
3675 
3676Here, he intended to take more of the sealed parasite dolls that have been kept here. 
3677 
3678After the fight against the Saegusa and Juumonji families, Minoru strongly realized his limitations. Even though he made an agreement with Raymond and Regulus, they had their own work to do, but two extra men won’t make that big of a difference. And he also wanted to have his own people. 
3679 
3680So, Minoru realized that he should use the parasite dolls. 
3681 
3682Even though the production of the parasite dolls was stopped, because of the ethical reasons behind it, since a parasite doll, like the name suggests, is a parasite and something that dangerous shouldn’t be used as a magician, this didn’t mean that the Kudou Family stopped perfecting the ones they already had.  
3683 
3684The parasite dolls, which were damaged during its test, were repaired and sealed in the warehouse of the former Ninth Institute. Even if they were sealed, he could just unseal them, but the problem lies with trying to escape, which would be difficult to do with just his own power. 
3685 
3686Even after the Kudou Family stepped down from the Ten Master Clans, the Ninth Institute still remained under their control. 
3687 
3688Even if they don’t know that Minoru would go for the dolls, the former Ninth Institute will still be heavily guarded by the Kudou Family.  
3689 
3690His grandfather Kudou Retsu must be waiting for him.   If you don’t enter a tiger’s den, you can’t get its cub.   And the former Ninth Institute is definitely a ‘tiger’s den’.                                                                      ◇ ◇ ◇   The head of the Yotsuba Family, Yotsuba Maya, entrusted the investigation of the illegal immigrants to the Kuroba Family.  
3691 
3692Kuroba Mitsugu, the family head of the Kuroba Family had two excellent twins. 
3693The older sister, Kuroba Ayako. And the younger brother Kuroba Fumiya. 
3694They were both second year students at Fourth High School and go to school on the weekdays. 
3695When Maya asked them to lead the investigation, they thought that ‘If the task is given to us by the Main House, we can give it priority over school’. 
3696But they weren’t having a lot of luck with the current guessing game that they were playing. 
3697Sunday, June 30th. 
3698Ayako and Fumiya had come to Kansai International Airport. 
3699"We haven’t gotten any good leads." 
3700"Even when we looked at the identity of the illegal immigrants who had been photographed, they barely had any information about what happened after the fight." 
3701Ayako, who had no real gratitude for the work the police had done, listed her problems with them to her younger brother. 
3702Their direct contact in the case was Kurosawa, the person who discovered Regulus and Raymond. After they had dined with him and learned about what happened during and after the time of their discovery, it was up to them to continue their search. 
3703By the way, the one who invited them to dinner was Kurosawa himself. 
3704"It seems like you knew that police officer from before, didn’t you?" 
3705"It was just a coincidence that I knew Kurosawa from before.” 
3706Her familiarity with him has to with a previous mission. 
3707Ayako stayed near Tatsuya for a month during the summer holiday when she was in junior high school three years ago. In this vacation, she was in a school that was for girls of the same age. 
3708Of course, work was involved. It was a disgusting investigation. 
3709Ayako had finally completed her mission to clear out an unlawful criminal organization that was brainwashing upper-class children to turn them into their operatives. At the time, Kurosawa was still in training but was also investigating this case. That’s when they met. 
3710The dinner bill was paid by the Kuroba Family. After leaving the police station, the two of them were having tea alone.  
3711"But in the end, this didn’t give us any clues, did it?" 
3712"It wasn’t without any clues." 
3713Fumiya asked Ayako to explain with an impressed expression. 
3714“The two men suddenly disappeared from sight after they closed in on a manned taxi and none of the people pursuing them had seen them enter a passenger car. And while the men were recorded leaving, they had a different appearance than what was recorded at the airport. When that car drove off, the cameras outside of the airport didn’t see that same taxi again." 
3715Fumiya interrupted his sister and looked in the eyes. 
3716"Does this look like a situation where magic has been used?" 
3717"...The Kudou Family’s ‘Parade’." 
3718“Yes, and there is only one person from the Kudou Family who would cooperate with parasites.” 
3719"He became a parasite the other day and fought with the Yotsuba. Kudou Minoru, it can only be him." 
3720Ayako answered Fumiya, and she was convinced that this was the correct answer. 
3721“The illegal immigrants are people from STARS that have come to Japan.” 
3722To Fumiya’s claim, Ayako showed agreement. 
3723Fumiya and Ayako reported their hypothesis that the STARS members that invaded the country were being helped by Minoru of the Kudou to their father, who is the head of their family. 
3724As a result, their father told them to stop investigating, then he instructed them to return and to go to the former Ninth Institute to give them this information and to patrol the area at night. 
3725Needless to say, they were giving priority to going to the Institute. 
3726"...Anyways, I wonder if the Kudou Family is going to help us?" 
3727While they were in the car heading to the Institute, Fumiya unconsciously let out her skepticism. They were in a car, not a taxi, one their family used. Fumiya and Ayako had left 
3728the convenience of their home to go live in an apartment. They didn’t go to Kansai by train today, but they used a car that they had taken when they left their family’s home. It took some extra time, but this was natural when you consider that the Institute was located in a rather awkward place outside of the city. 
3729"I hope we get to speak with His Excellency, and not with his son." 
3730These words by Fumiya were more like a monologue, but Ayako still answered him. 
3731In addition, the ‘son’ refers to current head of the Kudou Family, and the father of Kudou Minoru. His Excellency refers to Kudou Retsu. 
3732He is revered as the leader of the Japanese magical world, and is given the title of ‘Patriarch’, but Tatsuya hates this name and calls him ‘His Excellency’. He also used to be the general of the National Defense Forces. 
3733Ayako and Fumiya used to call him the ‘Patriarch’, but when they heard that Tatsuya calls him ‘His Excellency’, they also started calling him this. 
3734Since they used a car and not the train, and because they hadn’t had dinner, it was already dark when they arrived at the former Ninth Institute. They currently were in the sunniest period of the year, but the sky before the rain season is always cloudy, which prevents any sunlight from going through. 
3735Like they had thought, Kudou Retsu had been waiting for them, and he had immediately responded to Ayako’s offer and let them in. 
3736Ayako and Fumiya walked to the living room. In a short amount of time, they had explained why they came to the former Institute, despite it being a Sunday. 
3737"There is currently some tension in our family, especially when we think about what Minoru has done..." 
3738Among his grandchildren, he liked Minoru the most. But he felt sad that, although he was blessed with magical talent, he wasn’t able to demonstrate it because of his health. 
3739Perhaps other grandchildren wouldn’t like to hear this. 
3740But maybe they already know this. 
3741From an objective point of view, it cannot be said that Retsu gave everyone in his family an adequate amount of love. Perhaps in the Kudou Family, he had only directed his love to Minoru. 
3742"It's already late. Would you like to have dinner here?" 
3743Having finished their conversation, he made a suggestion to Ayako and Fumiya. The two may have felt sorry for him that he was alone in such a situation and Ayako felt that Fumiya also wanted to. So she didn’t have the courage to refuse them.  
3744"I’d gladly get some food ready for you." 
3745"...Thank you. Then we shall accompany you." 
3746In the end, Ayako accepted his invitation as to not hurt their feelings. 
3747â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3748(The sun will be setting soon...) 
3749Minoru was hiding in the shadows, while observing the Ninth Institute from a distance. 
3750The area was now completely dark, because the sun was about to set. 
3751And thick clouds covered the sky. 
3752Indeed, this really made him look like a demon. 
3753When a person meets a demon and gets defeated, the demon becomes stronger. 
3754Minoru started to go over the operation and his objective. 
3755There are currently only a few Ancient magicians with the ability to bind parasites to a body in Nara. Most of them were magicians who came here with the help of Zhou and his connections. Since he wasn’t around anymore, they decided to head back to the mainland.  
3756Tatsuya and Katsuto have no way of completely binding a parasite. They may have some other means to subdue one of them, but in that case it would escape by using the method of igniting itself. This self-destruction does destroy the body, but the parasite itself will not be destroyed. This was also part of the reason why he wanted to get more parasites.  
3757Minoru walked to the front gate of the Institute. 
3758Normally the attack he was about to use was suicidal. 
3759But even if he had used it, he wouldn’t die because his body would be able to heal him.
3760 Using magical power beyond your own limit while also using this magic at point-blank range. 
3761Instead of getting a wound that could kill him if left unattended, he demonstrated his power by breaking the gate with only one blow. â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3762Ayako and Fumiya who had just finished their meal looked towards the direction of the Ninth Institute.  
3763Retsu did as well but it was only Fumiya that jumped up. 
3764"Why isn't the proximity alarm working?" 
3765In other words: ‘Why isn’t the alarm warning us that a suspicious person is approaching?’ 
3766"... Could it be related?" 
3767When no one else said anything, he answered his own question. 
3768There was a magic barrier that was supposed to be practically undetectable. 
3769The field interferes with magical waves. It covers a vast area around the Institute and about half of the outside area. They realized how serious the situation was.  
3770“It is a cover-up barrier which was setup by some of the best of Japan.” 
3771"Your Excellency, I think Minoru has arrived." 
3772It was Fumiya who reminded Retsu why the barrier could have been turned off. 
3773“If it is Minoru, his aim must be the Parasite Dolls.”  
3774“Do you mean the humanoid weapons that were tested at last year’s Steeplechase Event?” 
3775“Did you know?”  
3776“Yes, I had some involvement in it.”  
3777Ayako turned it into a quick interrogation. 
3778"Oh, then that would make this somewhat easier." 
3779After answering Ayako’s first question, Retsu started monologuing about the past: 
3780“Was Fumiya the one that stopped us that time...? Well, sorry, the parasite dolls are sealed in the warehouse on the north side, could you help me? I will come as soon as I have finished checking up on the situation on the inside of the institute.” 
3781"We understand." 
3782There was no real reason for the two of them to obey him. 
3783However, Kudou Minoru is also an enemy of the Yotsuba Family. 
3784If Minoru is going for the parasite dolls, then his aim must be to build up his own military strength by getting extra followers.  
3785So it is the natural duty of the Yotsuba Family to prevent an enemy from obtaining more military strength. 
3786"Let's go, sis!" 
3787"Okay." 
3788Ayako agreed to Fumiya’s plan of action. 
3789â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3790The security of the former Ninth Institute was not an opponent that Minoru could take lightly. But ── 
3791(This is nothing compared to Mayumi-san and Juumonji-san.) 
3792It only took a short while but Minoru arrived at the warehouse where the sealed parasite dolls were kept. 
3793The other day, when he became a parasite, this kind of lock wasn’t here. He saw the electric lock and felt that he had been careless. 
3794(── No, wait.) 
3795Just to be sure, he decided to take a couple of steps from the gate that leads to his new helpers to make sure he couldn’t get hurt, and released ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ that he had gotten from Zhou. 
3796‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ got near the electric lock. 
3797Immediately after that, a powerful electrical discharge could be seen near the lock. 
3798(... That is dangerous) 
3799It seems like the current voltage is strong enough to be able to kill someone. 
3800Even Minoru, if he had accidentally touched it, he would have been incapacitated for a while. 
3801(You wouldn’t be able to activate any protection magic fast enough if you were to be attacked by this… Is that the intended purpose?) 
3802Perhaps it had been set up by his grandfather, Kudou Retsu. 
3803As expected of the former ‘best in the world’. 
3804Nevertheless, Minoru noticed that the electrical current had destroyed part of the console so he decided to use ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ again, and again he created some distance. Being close to such a high electrical current still is very dangerous. However, the console had been damaged by the previous discharge, so his ‘Silkworms’ could enter now. 
3805He once again used ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’. 
3806The electronic circuit of the console that was used for the electric current had indeed been destroyed. 
3807The silkworms were able to activate the signal to open the door, and they were Minoru’s invitation inside. 
3808At the same time when he passed through the door, Minoru’s afterimage was attacked. 
3809Unlike the other day, it seems like they had also placed guards inside of the warehouse. 
3810Moreover, these weren’t one or two people. Instead, he felt the presence of 5 or 6 people, coming for his head.  
3811(It’s great that they thought this far ahead, but this won’t be enough to stop me.) 
3812In his mind, as someone from the Kudou Family, he felt that he couldn’t kill these people. 
3813The battle was over in less than a minute. 
3814The all six magicians had lost consciousness. 
3815â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3816Fumiya and Ayako did not go directly to the warehouse, like they said they would. 
3817Instead they went to a nearby parking lot where their personal vehicle was parked that they used to get here. 
3818Fumiya grabs his CAD that best brings out his ‘Direct Pain’. 
3819"Young master." 
3820“Kudou Minoru has shown up! Contact the Yotsuba Family head and my father, after that, wait here and make sure we can leave if necessary!” 
3821"I understand." 
3822 
3823Without further instructions, the black clothed young man turned away, having understood his purpose. 
3824 
3825Fumiya took the black knuckle-duster from the glove compartment near the back seat. 
3826 
3827He put it on his right hand. 
3828 
3829Slightly changing, this specialized CAD fit perfectly inside of his hand. 
3830 
3831"Sister, if you will!" 
3832 
3833"I understand." 
3834 
3835Ayako points to the north side of the site. 
3836 
3837"That'll be enough." 
3838 
3839From their current position to the warehouse. 
3840 
3841"I will go by roof." 
3842 
3843"Well, my older sister shouldn’t push herself too much." 
3844 
3845"I will remain vigilant." 
3846 
3847Fumiya have her an anxious smile, and then Ayako sent him away using ‘Mock Teleportation’. 
3848 
3849Fumiya disappeared. 
3850 
3851And he almost instantly appeared again on the roof which was 8 meters away.                                                                       â—‡ â—‡ â—‡   Minoru sensed powerful magic being used towards the warehouse. 
3852 
3853(Mock Teleportation?) 
3854 
3855It isn’t a magic used for direct attacks but more often used to send fighters to certain locations faster. 
3856 
3857Someone was on the roof. 
3858 
3859However, Minoru didn’t care about that and instead focused on the magic he was working on. 
3860"──Done!" 
3861Suddenly, he said this. 
3862Immediately after that, a hole appeared in the ceiling of the warehouse. 
3863The material, able to withstand explosives, was destroyed by his magic in mere seconds. 
3864The magic he was using is called ‘Oxidation Decay’, this kind of magic is a specialty for him. It removes electrons from solids and deprives them of intermolecular bonding. Although it’s power wasn’t as great as when Minoru used it himself, with his new abilities through the parasite, the magic has become more practical to use.  
3865“Kuroba Fumiya!” 
3866Minoru watches as this figure jumped to the other side of the hole he just made. He recognized him from the last year’s Rookie Monolith Code event. 
3867Fumiya didn’t respond to Minoru and thrusted his fist out forward. 
3868(A knuckle-duster?) 
3869A black painted glove was attached to his fist, but he was more than ten meters away. Minoru was confused and didn’t know what Fumiya was doing. 
3870Suddenly, Minoru was struck by immense pain. 
3871(Was I struck in the stomach somehow?) 
3872Minoru changed the controls of his body, more directly, the connection between the brain and the nervous system in order to cut off the pain. 
3873(The pain won’t go away!) 
3874However, his abdomen is still in pain. 
3875(This is bad!) 
3876Feeling threatened by this unknown attack, Minoru fired off a series of ionized air bullets called ‘Plasma Bullets’ at Fumiya. 
3877However, Fumiya quickly shot down all of the ‘Plasma Bullets’, and once again thrust his right hand towards Minoru. 
3878"Goodbye!" 
3879Feeling an incredible amount of pain, Minoru put his right hand over his right eye. 
3880He had a pain in his right eye that felt like it had been crushed, but this sensation didn’t line up with his findings that his eye was fine. 
3881Minoru kneels down in pain. 
3882(I lost?) 
3883His head was filled with the feeling of defeat. 
3884How could this happen? 
3885Without any ‘hope’, and in order to achieve his goal, Minoru used a spell that was basically a self-destruction spell. 
3886â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3887Fumiya’s ‘Direct Pain’, which directly damages the mind, was very effective against parasites. 
3888It was unexpected that he couldn’t defeat Minoru with one blow, but he was kneeling down with two shots. Even if someone was looking at this from the outside, it would have been clearly shown that Fumiya was one step away from victory. 
3889However, when Fumiya was about to launch his third ‘Direct Pain’, he felt a strong sense of danger.  
3890It wasn’t just his intuition, he could tell that a large area around the warehouse was caught up in Minoru’s magic. 
3891(Really!? NOx Out!?) 
3892Fumiya yelled this in his heart. 
3893‘NOx Out’ is a magic that causes NOx, or nitrogen oxide, to appear around him. 
3894Specifically, it is an absorption magic that forces oxygen and nitrogen in the air to combine. The compounds produced nitrogen dioxide, which is extremely toxic, and is mainly used with magic to create nitrogen monoxide. However, nitrogen monoxide is also toxic. If you breathe it in, you lose consciousness in a few minutes. Because of this feature, it is called ‘NOx Out’ or ‘Knockout. 
3895The effect of this magic on humans is not only a loss of consciousness due to nitric oxide. By consuming a large amount of oxygen in the air it also creates an oxygen-deficient condition. In enclosed spaces, this magic can cause a large amount of damage. 
3896Minoru designated the whole warehouse in his range and released his magic. He didn’t need to specify any safe zones around him, which one would normally do. 
3897(Are you trying to commit suicide!?) 
3898Fumiya felt insulted, but he had yet to take in the fact that parasites could rely on their vitality and healing power when they used this ‘repulsive tactic’. 
3899He went to the entrance and pressed the button to open the door. He was lucky that Minoru had only destroyed the external console, and that the system on the inside was fine. 
3900The door’s logistics worked without a problem and it opened smoothly. 
3901When Fumiya jumped out of the warehouse, he still moved away by about twenty meters just to be safe. 
3902â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3903Minoru’s body had stopped working after the nitrogen monoxide affected his central nervous system and he was exposed to oxygen deficiency. But the parasite within him did not lose its ability to recognize what was going on around him. 
3904(You guys, go!) 
3905Minoru ordered the sixteen parasites to start fighting. 
3906Minoru has just released all their seals. They were only frozen in the first place, so once unfrozen they were ready for combat.  
3907In the meantime Minoru returned the nitrogen oxide in the warehouse back to normal oxygen and nitrogen. 
3908When the air became breathable, his healing ability started working automatically. 
3909He collapsed face down and began to raise himself with his own hands. 
3910“If I had been a human being, I would have been defeated.” 
3911Minoru muttered this in a bitter and weak voice. 
3912â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3913It took Ayako only a minute to travel fifty meters. 
3914Their true enemy was in a one on one battle. 
3915But it seems like there were also other magicians here. These were Ancient magicians from the mainland. 
3916Ayako’s ability is not suited for direct confrontations. Her ability to use wide-area magic is great, but this isn’t the right situation for it.  
3917Nevertheless, she wasn’t about to hide or run away. She is capable enough to support the magicians fighting alongside her. 
3918She cut off the enemies who were attacking one by one, and she took a breath. These fighters weren’t necessarily weak, but they were decently competent. Ayako thought that the minimum requirement needed to defeat her would be competence. 
3919There were also some fighting alongside of her. There was one person, who was facing seven enemies. However, those seven people weren’t fighting at the same time, and they kept getting knocked down one by one. They had no cooperation at all.  
3920In addition, the attack patterns of the enemies were all the same. Ancient magic is a type of magic that is an expert at controlling the opponent’s five sense, and beating them with a surprise attack that they couldn’t block. But this magic still loses to modern magic in terms of speed.  
3921The leader of the enemies is probably using this. Nonetheless, Ayako was being attacked by a variety of things, such as fireballs, electrical shocks that emit light, and wind that can influence the air currents. 
3922"I wonder if they are being controlled?" 
3923Magic, which deprives the enemy of their own ego to turn them into a slave for battle, exists in the Yotsuba Family. The fact that their leader can control them to such an extent shows his aptitude.  
3924She made herself remember that Kudou Minoru has the ability of hypnotic suggestion. She made a mental note and resumed her battle. 
3925But before she could even take three steps, Fumiya was seen jumping out of the warehouse. 
3926The parasite doll leading the attack on him was a female doll. 
3927Ayako knew her. 
3928It wasn’t a combat magician. 
3929A parasite doll. A human-like existence that uses demonic magic. 
3930A number of parasite dolls followed the female doll and attacked Fumiya. 
3931Another group split off and faced Ayako. 
3932â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3933Fumiya shouldn’t be trying to defeat the parasite dolls. Minoru is the one who is in control of the group. These dolls are an autonomous weapon, so if you were to defeat Minoru, you can overwrite their previous orders with the help of the Ninth Institute. 
3934However, even if Fumiya tried to slip past the parasite dolls in order to get to Minoru, the parasite dolls would not allow it. 
3935As soon as he jumped in the air in order to escape, two parasite dolls followed after him at an even greater speed. Fumiya noticing the signs of magic, jumped to the side, but the parasite dolls took notice of his movements and mirrored his own actions. 
3936These parasites specialize in specific magics. In respect to that, they are closer to being supernatural-power users than magicians. The mobility of one of these parasite dolls is specialized and clearly surpasses Fumiya’s skills. 
3937(Can they feel pain?) 
3938Fumiya launches ‘Direct Pain’ at the approaching parasite doll. 
3939But there was no change in the behavior of the parasite doll.  
3940(Did I miss?) 
3941Fumiya was feeling frustrated. 
3942In this interval, two parasites caught up with him. 
3943One of the parasite dolls waved their left hand, and steel threads extend out from inside its wrist. 
3944Fumiya reflexively cast a shield to deflect the attack.  The steel threads, hidden in the darkness, wound around Fumiya from above the shield. 
3945The other parasite had a spear type weapon, but at the end it had two separate blades with a narrow space in between. 
3946Light appeared between the two blades. 
3947The parasite doll threw the short spear that was simultaneously releasing an electric discharge. 
3948Fumiya headed straight towards the parasite doll that casted the steel threads. 
3949The threads loosen as he gets closer, and by rotating himself counter-clockwise, he unwound the steel threads. 
3950The other parasite doll is coming up from behind Fumiya, with their blades drawn. 
3951Fumiya leans forward to avoid the blades, but in the next moment the parasite doll with the steel threads wrapped its arms around Fumiya. 
3952The parasite doll falls to the ground with its arms still wrapped around Fumiya. 
3953Fumiya tried to use ‘Direct Pain’ on the parasite that clung to him.  
3954But── 
3955Again, it had no effect. 
3956(This won’t work on them!?) 
3957Fumiya finally figured it out, his ‘Direct Pain’ is a magic that directly attacks the mind and makes the body feel pain. The parasite dolls cannot feel this pain, because it is housed inside a humanoid machine, with no pain receptors. 
3958Before the impact Fumiya casted ‘Inertia Control’ but it was insufficient. He was only able to reduce the damage enough to avoid fracturing any bones. 
3959“Fumiya!” 
3960Ayako’s desperate scream stopped Fumiya from thinking about his current situation. When he looked in Ayako’s direction, she was completely surrounded by three parasite dolls. 
3961Her ‘Mock Teleportation’ has no function that allows you to slip through physical obstacles, so she is unable to get away.  
3962Ayako had called out to him because she was concerned about his fall, even though she herself was in danger. 
3963“Get out of my way!” 
3964Fumiya was boiling with anger. 
3965So he yelled out to her. 
3966Fumiya was able to shake off the parasite doll attached to him but using ‘Acceleration Magic’, the other parasite doll was struck in the face as Fumiya passed by it. 
3967"That was a warning!" 
3968He cut the face of the parasite with a knife he had in his hand. His CAD has two parts, the one is used for his actual CAD, the other part can be used to carry a weapon. 
3969He didn’t chase the parasite that he had just stunned. 
3970Instead, he activated self-acceleration magic. 
3971He quickly reached one of the parasite dolls that was surrounding his sister. 
3972Right before his fist made contact, a repulsion field was cast on that parasite doll. This ended up destroying it’s core. 
3973With the source of its power turned off, the doll stopped working. 
3974The parasite was shaking silently and then continued to fall down. 
3975Fumiya, who had broken a part of their setup, pushed through using his knuckle-duster CAD, and stretched his hand towards Ayako.  
3976"Ayako, we’re going to leave!" 
3977Turning around, Ayako noticed that she was no longer being contained. 
3978Ayako used this opening to cast ‘Mock Teleportation’, and they both disappeared from the area.  
3979And right before Fumiya left, he thought he heard Minoru scream. 
3980â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
3981Minoru recovered from his paralysis with the healing powers of the parasite inside him. He now turns his attention to the outside of the warehouse. 
3982The battle continues, and it’s clear that none of the parasite dolls have been destroyed yet. It seems that using the parasite dolls against Fumiya was the right call. Minoru’s goal today was to strengthen his fighting force, so he has no need to win the fight. He plans to make his escape with ‘Ghost Walker’ while the parasite dolls keep his opponent occupied. 
3983Minoru heads towards the entrance of the warehouse, and suddenly feels sluggish as if he was drunk. 
3984(Is ‘NOx Out’ still in effect? No, that’s not it.) 
3985Minoru doubted so, but this is without a doubt a symptom of nitric oxide, and it was magic used by someone other than himself.  
3986‘NOx Out’ is normally a very small scale magic, so this would need to be in effect in the vicinity of Minoru’s head. He had perfected this intricate magic without it being taught to him by others. 
3987Minoru generated a descending air current and blew the nitrogen oxide and oxygen deficiency that was occurring around him. And as he searched for the magician who attacked him, he senses someone near him. 
3988“Grandfather!” 
3989The man stood not more than two meters away from Minoru. 
3990Minoru couldn’t believe that Retsu was able to appear so close to him without him realizing it. 
3991“I didn’t expect that you would be able to notice me… it truly is regrettable.” 
3992Retsu was behaving as if he wasn’t in front of an enemy. 
3993“I didn’t really appreciate you, did I?”  
3994Retsu was filled with remorse and sorrow. 
3995“I don’t think you have realized your worth. You never really understood what you were looking for.”  
3996“I loved you.”  
3997“I felt sorry for you.”  
3998“I thought, at least, that I must protect you.” 
3999“But…..” 
4000He turned and lifted his face, as if to look at the sky. 
4001It seemed like he was trying to stop himself from tearing up. 
4002"I must have been mistaken." 
4003The words telling him the opposite couldn’t leave Minoru’s lips. 
4004── That’s not it grandfather. 
4005── You have done nothing wrong grandfather. 
4006In the end, however, he couldn’t say this. 
4007He felt that he is no longer able to talk to his grandfather like that when he is no longer human. 
4008“I know you were the kind of person that wished to accomplish something in your life, rather than stay sick in bed. My affection for you must have felt like a burden to you.” 
4009"............" 
4010"But, Minoru..." 
4011His tone suddenly changed. 
4012"I can’t accept the way you are now!” 
4013His regret has become his enemy, and his enemy can’t be left alone. 
4014"I can’t call you a human anymore, and I will not overlook the existence of this demon that looks to take revenge on this world." 
4015"Grandpa, I'm still me!" 
4016He had no intention to harm the world. But as Retsu spoke, he was unable to keep quiet. 
4017“The Ten Master Clans have decided to capture you without killing you, but if you are to be imprisoned, it is likely that you will be treated like an experimental animal. It would be too much for me to bear.” 
4018Minoru was shocked to hear all of this from his grandfather. 
4019He also understood his grandfather’s intentions. 
4020“It's a pity, but your grandfather will be your guide to the netherworld.” 
4021Signs of magic could be sensed. 
4022Minoru’s human heart tried to accept what was coming. 
4023But his spirit as a parasite refused to perish. 
4024Minoru suddenly regained consciousness. Or it might be better to say that he has regained his sense of reality. 
4025It felt like he had been sleeping, while standing. 
4026The fighting was still going on outside the warehouse. 
4027The time spent listening to his grandfather didn’t seem like it lasted more than a few minutes. 
4028He looked around his own body. 
4029His clothes were covered with burns and tears, but his wounds were already healed, so even now the parasite’s healing power was doing its work. 
4030He looked up. 
4031In a direct line in front of him. 
4032A lone figure was lying on the floor of the dark warehouse. 
4033Who is that? Was the first thing that came to mind.  
4034But he got a response quickly after that. "Grandfather!​" 
4035He yelled and ran up to him. 
4036Although he fell on his stomach, he quickly grabbed him with his hands. 
4037But no matter how much he tried to move his shoulders and wake him up. 
4038He knew. 
4039My grandfather is dead. 
4040I killed him. 
4041"NOOO!" 
4042A scream came out of his mouth. 
4043Minoru’s heart was in anguish. 
4044His heart felt as if it was breaking, because he recognized the horrible fruits of his labour. 
4045Minoru, who attacked the Ninth Institute, left the institute with fifteen parasite dolls. 
4046What was left behind, was a piece of Minoru’s heart and a former great magician ── 
4047It was the corpse of Kudou Retsu. 
4048â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4049“His Excellency Kudou has died….” 
4050Tatsuya learned about what happened at the Ninth Institute late that night when Fumiya called him. 
4051"Yes… I couldn’t do anything...." 
4052"That’s wrong, Fumiya." 
4053Tatsuya wanted to try to calm Fumiya down. 
4054Tatsuya’s words is what Fumiya needed. 
4055To Tatsuya, it didn’t seem like he had done anything wrong. 
4056"You did well, in addition to fighting Minoru, you also had to deal with a group of parasite dolls, so your retreat was inevitable." 
4057"... Is that true?" 
4058"Yes." 
4059"... Thank you, Tatsuya-san." 
4060“Don’t worry too much about His Excellency. This was originally an issue for the Kudou Family, and that there is no need for the Yotsuba Family to take responsibility for what happened at the former Institute.” 
4061"Okay..." 
4062Then Ayako, who also came on screen, also reacted to the words of consolation. 
4063This call was taken in Tatsuya’s room, so Miyuki wasn’t here to hear the news.  
4064It was already late in the evening so he decided to tell her tomorrow.  
4065Tatsuya also wanted to analyze the information given to him while it was still fresh in his mind. 
4066──Minoru stole fifteen parasite dolls. 
4067Tatsuya is familiar with the parasite dolls’ fighting abilities. They can share a single will with their telepathic abilities, and become a stronger fighting force when they work together. 
4068Moreover, it is the parasite Minoru, who has these same abilities and is leading the group. It isn’t too hard to imagine, but this will not be an easy opponent to deal with. 
4069[Eight] 
4070On Monday at First High, the entire school and possibly all Magical High Schools are mourning the death of Kudou Retsu, respected as an ‘Old Master’ whom was a symbolic existence to the Japanese Magic Community. 
4071Earlier in the day, during lunch, Tatsuya was at a lunch table discussing about Kudou Retsu with his friends. 
4072"I didn’t know that he was sick..." 
4073After Mizuki said this, Honoka tried to change the topic. 
4074"Did you know, Tatsuya-san?" 
4075"No, I didn't and even when I was talking on the visi-phone with him I didn’t notice that he had a special condition." 
4076The cause of death was announced to have been death from illness, as it would be a plausible reason, since it couldn't be said that he was killed by his grandchild because the child would be made out to be a monster by others. 
4077"Is that so...?" 
4078"Are you and Miyuki going to attend the funeral?" 
4079To Erika's question, Miyuki opened her eyes. 
4080"I haven’t heard anything about that… But why would we?" 
4081"Since you are a member of the Ten Master Clans, and Tatsuya is your fiance, I don’t think it would be weird for you guys to be invited to the funeral." 
4082"Oh, I see, I forgot about that." 
4083Leo’s expression showed that he was convinced of Erika’s reasoning. 
4084"If I am invited, I will attend, but it would be to pay my respect to him for helping me during the Nine Schools Competition two years ago." 
4085Tatsuya was talking about the time he assaulted a member of the board who was trying to use ‘Golden Electron Silkworms’ on Miyuki’s CAD.  
4086In fact, there was another big problem during last year’s Competition, but he hadn’t ever talked about it, so it was unnecessary to mention it now. 
4087"Ah, that is important ..." 
4088When this situation was mentioned, Shizuku remembered what had happened two years ago during the Nine Schools Competition. 
4089She remembered how she was defeated by Miyuki. 
4090But the topic of the Nine Schools Competition isn’t a happy one. This year’s Competition was canceled, and it can’t be said that Tatsuya was uninvolved in the matter. 
4091“The Competition may have been canceled this year, but in a sense it also gives us the opportunity to mourn the Master.” 
4092However, the girl that mentioned this wouldn’t really care about this ─ No, Erika may have been trying to say the opposite.  
4093“Rather, it would be the opposite, because he liked the Nine Schools Competition.” 
4094Thus, Tatsuya and Erika had the same line of thought. 
4095Lunch break had ended and everyone was getting up from their chairs. 
4096"Hey Miyuki, Tatsuya?" 
4097Erika wanted to talk to Tatsuya and Miyuki about something.  
4098"What is it?" 
4099"Uhm" 
4100Erika had a dry mouth when she wanted to respond to Miyuki’s question. 
4101She immediately realized that it was difficult to ask them this in front of everyone.  
4102“If you want to talk, use the headquarters of the Public Morals Committee. No one should be there currently.” 
4103Mikihiko mentioned this. 
4104He seemed to have an idea about what Erika was trying to ask. 
4105"Let’s go, Miyuki." 
4106"Okay Onii-sama, Erika, shall we go?” 
4107Tatsuya got Miyuki, and Miyuki got Erika. 
4108"Okay." 
4109Naturally, Erika had no problem with this idea. 
4110As Mikihiko said, the headquarters was empty. 
4111Using the key belonging to the Student Council President that Miyuki has. She, Erika and Tatsuya entered the room. 
4112Miyuki then created a sound insulation field that covers the entire room. 
4113They sit down at the long table and it’s completely clean going of Mikihiko's personality to keep things tidy compared to the mess that existed when Tatsuya had first entered the room. 
4114Then Erika started talking, 
4115"I heard about what you’re doing tonight from Mikihiko." 
4116Miyuki turned around and looked at Tatsuya’s face, who was sitting next to her. He didn’t look particularly surprised and just sat there. 
4117"What will you be doing, Miyuki?" 
4118She wanted to know what Miyuki will be doing tonight, because this was something Erika didn’t know and was interested in. 
4119"I will accompany Minami-chan until Onii-sama returns." 
4120"To watch out for Minoru?" 
4121"Yes." 
4122"Then I want to do that too." 
4123Erika wanted to go. Not as a guide, but to fight. 
4124"Can I come?" 
4125She knew that she was asking a lot from them. 
4126"To Minami?" 
4127"Yes." 
4128"Tonight?" 
4129"Yes." 
4130Erika continued to speak quickly after this. 
4131"I know Leo will be near Mikihiko in order to protect him so he wouldn’t be defenseless." 
4132Tatsuya hadn’t heard this part of the story from neither Leo nor Mikihiko. Perhaps they were going to mention this to him after school. 
4133"Do you really understand what you would be doing?" 
4134"Of course." 
4135He knew that Erika can be both brave and reckless, so Tatsuya treats her like Leo. 
4136"If you really understand what you’re getting yourself into, then I would like your help.” 
4137Erika, who anticipated Tatsuya to be opposing her request, was somewhat surprised. 
4138Erica looked from Tatsuya to Miyuki. 
4139"How about you?" 
4140“Erika: I'm not used to fighting, like Onii-sama, so I can’t protect everyone, even if you are in a tough spot, are you still fine with that?” 
4141"No, on the contrary, I wasn’t going to be protecting you either." 
4142"...So what do you think, Onii-sama?" 
4143Miyuki left the decision to Tatsuya. 
4144“What Erika does, doesn’t really bother me.” 
4145Tatsuya looked at Erika. 
4146"Are you prepared for what’s to come?" 
4147"Of course." 
4148To Tatsuya’s provocation, Erika responded with a fearless smile. 
4149This was a bluff made by Tatsuya. He didn’t believe that Minoru would be making a move on the hospital anyways based off the events of the day before.  
4150The ones at a higher risk will be Mikihiko and Leo. 
4151â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4152That night, near midnight, a starry sky was out. 
4153The moon hasn’t come out yet. But it was supposed to come out at around midnight. 
4154Tatsuya is at a parking lot, at a large park two roads across from Zama Base. It’s on the other side of the base where the base isn't visible from the parking lot. 
4155"Leo, are you good?" 
4156Tatsuya saw Mikihiko and Leo arrive together and he just asked this even though he wasn’t really worried. 
4157"You don’t need to worry about Mikihiko, so don’t force yourself for my sake too much, okay?" 
4158Leo, who was listening to Tatsuya, seemed displeased. 
4159“Originally, I didn't want to involve you and Mikihiko.” 
4160"But you need us?" 
4161To this question from Mikihiko, Tatsuya reluctantly had to admit that he was right. 
4162Mikihiko would have probably been a little more subtle and say something like, 
4163"If I was alone, and if you were busy, I could still be attacked, but with Leo there, that risk would disappear." 
4164Though Mikihiko uses distance magic, by use of a spell, if he were to get attacked in a counterattack it would be up to Leo to get involved. 
4165"I didn’t have a choice." 
4166He knew that complaining now was useless. He had already confirmed Leo’s resolve after school. 
4167In addition, it could be troublesome if he needs to be concerned about Mikihiko while moving around the base, so having someone protect him is perfect ── And at the moment, Tatsuya finds Leo more reliable than the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. 
4168“I will rely on you this time, Leo, so protect Mikihiko for me, okay.” 
4169"Yeah, leave it to me." 
4170"Oh, I will." 
4171He got on his motorcycle. Both the ‘Freed Suit’ and the motorcycle ‘Wingless’ that Tatsuya is wearing and riding are developed by the Yotsuba Family. The strategy for this night is supposed to be unrelated to the 101​st​ Brigade. Though reinforcements have been deployed, they won't appear unless a real emergency appears, otherwise they are set-up in hidden positions.  
4172"I’ll be back." 
4173He closed the visor of his helmet and started his motorcycle. 
4174A USNA military transport airplane had just arrived and it has slowly been moving down the runway. Fujibayashi had looked before at the arrival and departure records and found nothing and that no other military aircraft had landed in over a week and that this is the only one. 
4175(It’s about time they came.) 
4176A parasite was definitely on board of the plane. Like Minoru, they emit an unfamiliar wave pattern. But is it really the same? 
4177(Four parasites in total, less than I expected but only one of them stands out because it posses a high level of magical power....) 
4178Tatsuya, who was observing with Elemental Sight, did all of this while on his motorcycle along the road beside the base and chosed to switch ‘Wingless’ to its flight function before the parasites got off the plane. 
4179â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4180 Getting off the transport aircraft that landed at Zama Base is Alexander Arcturus, the Captain of the STARS' Third Unit. 
4181(Have we been spotted...?) 
4182One of the people in the vehicle, Arcturus, started to monologue. He didn’t say this out loud, but in his heart.  
4183He can feel that there's movement nearby, but can't make visual contact within his line of sight. 
4184If he is being watched by a magician, this could explain it. 
4185So he used the magic, ‘Multi-scope’, that allows the user to monitor the area without blind spots from various angles, and it’s made out to seem like a number of relay cameras in the air. It is the same as being monitored simultaneously by multiple magicians, though this doesn't mean that there is no particular direction. 
4186Arcturus now felt something but he wasn’t able to discern what it was or from where it came. 
4187However, he could still feel it. 
4188It seemed as if he was staring at a God or Devil..... 
4189This was probably the reason that he was distracted by this ‘gaze.’ 
4190"What is it?" “Is that a motorcycle or….​” Arcturus was not aware of the approach of a strange flying object, until one of his co-passengers told him. 
4191A small silhouette could be seen on a monitor in the plane. 
4192When the alert system automatically used its automatic zoom and night vision function, they saw that an ‘object’ was approaching their vehicle. 
4193A motorcycle was flying across the sky, with the shadow of a single person on it. 
4194The person raised their arm that looked like it was holding a handgun. 
4195Suddenly a hole appeared in their transport vehicle. 
4196The person then jumped off the bike. 
4197Jumping off its motorcycle onto their vehicle, and then into the cabin through the hole that he had created. 
4198Moments later, the alarm system inside of the plane went off. 
4199â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4200Tatsuya who was flying towards the transport aircraft pulled out his specialized-type handgun CAD from his suit holster. 
4201His ‘Silver Horn Custom Trident’ 
4202He used his ‘favorite CAD’ to activate ‘Decomposition’. 
4203He created a hole just large enough for him to jump through into the plane. 
4204He switched his ‘Wingless’ to its autopilot mode, and jumped into the hole. 
4205Landing on the floor of the plane in a slightly prone position. Immediately after this, the hole in the wall of the transport plane disappeared.  
4206It was repaired with ‘Regrowth’. 
4207He locked himself in the room of the plane to not let any Parasites out. 
4208An American soldier in the cabin who was sitting there didn’t know what to do and neither did Tatsuya immediately. 
4209But this soldier was a parasite. 
4210Tatsuya rushed at the parasite who was closest to him. 
4211He holstered both CADs. 
4212He had a thin, short, needle-like knife that he held with his right hand with a fine patterns carved onto the narrow blade. 
4213The parasite, who Tatsuya was going for, started to activate magic to try to fight back.
4214Then Tatsuya stuck out his left fist, not the fist holding the knife. 
4215But before impacting the parasite, the left fist that was clenched before, now opened. 
4216At point blank range, the parasite was defeated with an ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’, 
4217The parasite let out a scream. 
4218And it was then pierced under its left clavicle that Tatsuya had held in his right hand. â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4219
4220 
4221 
4222 
4223 
4224"It’s coming... !!" 
4225In the parking lot, two roads across from the base, a seal that Mikihiko had prepared reacted. 
4226This seal allows him to find out that a parasite was nearby. 
4227The thin, short, needle-like knife Tatsuya had, was a tool that has a curse on its blade. 
4228In Mikihiko's left hand is a fan, the item paired with the cursed knife. 
4229He pulls out a charm that's reacting in his right hand and activates a sealing technique. 
4230â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4231The parasite that had been convulsing, stopped as if it were like a puppet whose strings had been cut.  
4232The parasite collapsed on the floor still with the knife pierced under its clavicle. 
4233The inside of the body had been disturbed by the Psions from the ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’, meanwhile the sealing technique was causing the spiritual and physical links to start trembling as it was flowing in.  
4234Even if the knife were removed, the sealing technique couldn't be removed since it’s been engraved into the bone.  
4235With the magic skills of Mikihiko, he was able to have the parasite remain asleep in a state of suspended motion. 
4236Did we just hear our colleague scream? 
4237All the American soldiers reached for their waist all at once immediately. 
4238They all reached for their guns without any hesitation.
4239 
4240Tatsuya then decomposed more than 20 assault carbine and submachine guns at the same time.  
4241Once they lost their guns, in their heart, the American soldiers drew a blank. 
4242Tatsuya then went on to ‘process’ the second parasite during this time, and thus the repeated convulsions and weakness appeared when it was being sealed.  
4243He then moved onto the only owner of the magical power that was alarming. â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4244Arcturus couldn't understand what was going on in front of him. 
4245Suddenly a hole opened up inside of the transport vehicle and disappeared as if he was dreaming. 
4246However, the attacker who jumped through the hole hadn’t disappeared. 
4247A distance away, newly added colleagues, former Stardust members were sealed in a short time. 
4248Those from Stardust with an experimental body are just awaiting death. 
4249They were supposed to escaped from their inevitable deaths when they became parasites. 
4250The friendly soldiers on-board aimed their guns at the intruder.  
4251They weren't parasites, but to them it looked as if the intruder had killed one of their own even if he was just in a sealed state.  
4252The number of muzzles pointed at the intruder was over 20. No one would be able to escape from them within such a narrow plane. Even if one were to be wearing a bulletproof vest, at this range, they wouldn't be okay when shot at.  
4253Then, at that moment, a powerful magic was used throughout the cabin, it wasn't just powerful, it was accurate, with no waste, a truly pristine magic. 
4254More than 20 assault carbine and submachine guns fell apart into pieces. The magazines spit out bullets and those rolled out over the floor. No bullets were fired from the guns.  
4255Once again, the unexpected situation that Arcturus was seeing, was the killing of his friends by once again, a marvelous magic. 
4256Then Arcturus took out his Tomahawk to slash at the intruder. 
4257His forte is to fight at mid-range with ‘Dancing Blades’. Though he is originally well-known for his use of Spirit Magic to remotely control weapons to attack his enemies, for this, magic of the Mental-Interference System isn't great for direct attacks. Fighting in such a narrow space as a magician isn't good. 
4258But he isn't a weak ‘magician’ that can only use magic. He was inexperienced in melee combat with a Tomahawk until he had joined STARS. 
4259Wielding his Tomahawk, grasping it and swinging it down in intervals. 
4260He thought that even though the intruder wouldn't be defeated with a single blow, they wouldn't be able to avoid the timing of the swings.  
4261However, not only did the intruder not get hit, they disappeared from right in front of Arcturus. 
4262He then turned to look at his back. 
4263What Arcturus saw was a scene where he saw that his third friend was grabbed and a knife was stabbed under their left clavicle with the intruder’s right hand. He then saw that his friend’s body started to convulse. 
4264── Thus, his last companion had also been sealed. 
4265It wasn't the intruder in front of him that was using magic to seal them. 
4266Even if he were to defeat the intruder in front of him, the sealing wouldn’t be stopped. 
4267This thought flashed through Arcturus’ mind. 
4268Arcturus threw the Tomahawk in his hand. 
4269The Tomahawk broke through the wall of the transport vehicle and flew into the sky. 
4270â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4271Tatsuya looked back at the signs of a strong magic. 
4272The third seal had completed and there was nothing more to do beyond that and it was only natural for him to go after the final and strongest Parasite.  
4273However, the magic from the fourth person wasn't directed at him. 
4274Unbelievably, the Tomahawk broke through the wall of the plane and flew out into the night’s sky.  
4275Wondering what the person was trying to do, Tatsuya used his Elemental Sight to trace the Tomahawk.  
4276He then pulled out his knife to attack the person, his opponent being Alexander Arcturus, the Captain of the STARS' Third Unit. 
4277When consciously releasing Elemental Sight, the information appears in Tatsuya's ‘eyes’. 
4278Unlike with Lina and Minoru, he doesn't possess the ability to camouflage his information body. 
4279He attacked Arcturus' knife that was coming at him. 
4280His ‘Freed Suit’ includes a fully thought-operated CAD that was attached to his CAD holsters. 
4281At point blank range, Tatsuya ‘decomposed’ Arcturus’ knife into sand.  
4282An ordinary soldier, not a magician nor a parasite appeared behind Tatsuya.  
4283Tatsuya turned his body and threw the solder at Arcturus from where he was standing. 
4284Arcturus catches the soldier. 
4285Tatsuya then releases a penetrating shock-wave from his fist upon the back of the soldier. 
4286In martial arts, Tatsuya’s technique is but an imitation of that of a master but his also incorporates magic. 
4287Even if it was an imitation, this still made the power same.  
4288Arcturus’ bulky body, at 185 centimeters tall, was knocked back. 
4289Tatsuya reaches out, pulling the soldier by the neck with his right hand and then, in reaction, thrust out his left hand at Arcturus. 
4290An ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’ was in his hand. 
4291Arcturus gasped. 
4292Stretching out the fourth dagger with his right hand, Tatsuya tried to pierce Arcturus’ left clavicle. 
4293But Arcturus’ left hand blocked it. 
4294Though the ‘Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet’ is effective, it wasn't enough to make Arcturus lose his combat strength.  
4295In fact, he started to collect plasma in his right hand. 
4296This would result in Lightning strikes that are used in Ancient magic. 
4297(So since you are still able to counterattack, does this mean you still have some kind of independency from the parasite?) 
4298Before the electric shock was released from Arcturus’ right hand, 
4299Tatsuya struck out his left hand at Arcturus’ solar plexus again. 
4300Arcturus started to collapse. 
4301The electricity that was once in his right hand, had disappeared. 
4302Once again Tatsuya had repelled Arcturus, managing to allow him to pierce under the left clavicle with the knife in his right hand. 
4303Confirming the operation of the sealing technique. 
4304Tatsuya then escapes from the transport through a hole in the floor, without confirming the results with the naked eye. 
4305â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4306"Something’s coming!" 
4307While raining his voice, Mikihiko tensed up. 
4308Leo fully focused his five sense while asking, “what?” 
4309Then he caught the sound of something cutting through the wind. 
4310An object was approaching at high-speed. 
4311Even at this speed it wasn’t as fast as a bullet or missile, but it still exceeded 200 km/hr. 
4312It was still moving quicker than a baseball that’s been hit or even slightly faster than a tennis ball that’s been served at high-speed. 
4313Leo had decided to apply his experience in dealing with such speeds. 
4314Leo's eyes grasp that a Tomahawk, the something that Mikihiko yelled about, was approaching. 
4315It was a rotating Tomahawk. 
4316In the corner of his eyes, he also caught the appearance of several soldiers that were hiding. 
4317But Leo did not wait for them. 
4318It was an instinctive behavior for him to stand out in front of the Tomahawk for Mikihiko. 
4319This wasn’t his survival instinct. 
4320But his fighting instinct. 
4321"Siegfried!" 
4322Leo hardened himself. 
4323Extending both hands of his hands towards the object, his hand was able to grasp the Tomahawk, thus intercepting Arcturus’ ‘Dancing Blades’. 
4324The product an Ancient Magician strengthened, Leo was able to catch this with his reinforced body when using Siegfried.  
4325As a result, Leo's Convergent Reinforcement Magic was able to overcome the trump card of Alexander Arcturus, the Captain of STARS' Third Unit. 
4326Leo confirmed that he had completely stopped Tomahawk; Leo then got down to the ground. 
4327However, he did not release the Tomahawk that he was holding at the top of the blade and at the handle. 
4328Mikihiko didn't notice that Leo had become his shield. 
4329He concentrated on sealing the parasites. It must have been due to him being convinced that Leo would protect him. 
4330Thus, Arcturus who tried to intrude through Zama Base was sealed along with three other parasites. 
4331â—‡ â—‡ â—‡
4332An aircraft carrier made port at Yokosuka Base where the USNA’s Armed Forces are stationed. 
4333 
4334They arrived at night due to departing for training in advance, which is what was reported to the Japanese side. 
4335But they had not been notified of this. 
4336The state-of-the-art multi-seat VTOL fighter was on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier. 
4337The Japanese army did not know that this was a plane launched from a super-large sized submarine with a flight deck.  
4338The Japanese military wasn't informed of this and didn't know that the aircraft that was supposed to have a radar interception officer and a weapons system officer, instead had several female officers aboard the multi-seat fighter aircraft. 
4339These three women were, 
4340Charlotte Vega Zoe Spica Leila Deneb 
4341The female officers from STARS were turned into parasites after Lina left the USNA. They infiltrated the Yokosuka Base on Monday night of July 1​st​, 2097.