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1魔法科高校の劣等生
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3Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
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5Yokohama Disturbance Chapter (I)
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11Satou Tsutomu
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13Illustrations by Ishida Kana
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19ASCII Media Works / Dengeki Bunko • Tokyo, Japan
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25Copyright © 2012 by Satou Tsutomu
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28Illustration © 2012 by Ishida Kana
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31All rights reserved.
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34Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei / Satou Tsutomu ; [illustrations by Ishida Kana] — digital ed.
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37ISBN: 978-4-04-886700-9
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40Summary: The story follows Tatsuya Shiba, a bodyguard to his sister Miyuki Shiba who is also a candidate to succeed the master clan, Yotsuba. They enroll into First High School which segregates its students based on their magical abilities. Miyuki is enlisted as a first course student and is viewed as one of the best students, while Tatsuya is in the second course and considered to be magically inept. However, Tatsuya’s technical knowledge, combat abilities, and unique magic techniques causes people to view him as an irregular to the school’s standardized rankings.
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43[1. Romance-Magic—Fiction. 2. Magic-Engineer—Fiction. 3. School—Fiction.] I. Title. II. Series: Tsutomu, Satou. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei.
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49ePub meticulously crafted by hand by Roah Nosh.
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52Translation by Baka-Tsuki.
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58[Translator: Dreyakis, Sashiko, Joay, Seitsuki, Setsuna86, larethian / Checker: larethian / Editor: Arczyx, ColdFront, Zeru, Genesis, nukie, Wakusie, Chancs, Cliff]
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64All materials’ copyright reserved by their respective authors and the associated publishers. Please respect their rights.
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69Works will be deleted upon request by copyright holders.
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72Visit the disclaimer page for more details.
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78If you like the book buy it once localized in your area. Support the author.
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84v1.5.5
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90Title
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92Copyright
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94Chapter 1
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96Chapter 2
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98Chapter 3
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100Chapter 4
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102Chapter 5
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104Chapter 6
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106Chapter 7
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108Afterword
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110Illustrations
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112Notes
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118Chapter 1
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123It was October of 2095. In order to achieve ’round-the-clock operation, harbor facilities have already been upgraded to automatic services, so there was essentially no one present. The vast majority of the personnel clocked in during the daytime, and, aside from a few security personnel, only machines were active at night processing the incoming and outbound ships as well as unloading cargo.
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125With the reduction in personnel, each harbor was being redeveloped to prevent illegal immigration, and was set at a prudent distance from the duty-free areas and city streets, thus prohibiting the sailors from coming ashore in those areas.
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127During the night, when only the automatic services were in operation, the areas forbidden to all ships extended beyond the shoreline for the duty-free zone. Passengers who wished to disembark had to wait until the morning when the dock personnel arrived. Therefore, there should have been no one present during the middle of the night.
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133However, around midnight, a group of people concealing their presence appeared at the Yokohama Wharf.
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135“We have illegal aliens of unknown nationality coming ashore from the small cargo ship in Cargo Pier 5. All personnel, converge on Cargo Pier 5 immediately.”
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137Once the directions came over the intercom, two plain-clothed detectives glanced at one another and broke into a run. Yet, their expressions were diametrically opposed.
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139“Ah ha, so they were there.”
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141“This isn’t the time to complain, Inspector!”
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143“But, Inagaki-kun.”
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145“Shut up and run!”
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147“I’m your superior.”
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149“But I’m older than you.”
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151“Ah ah.”
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153While returning an appropriate response to his older subordinate, Inspector Chiba Toshikazu quickened his footsteps. There were 700 meters between Pier 5 and Pier 3, where they were stationed at. No matter how hard they tried, this was still a two minute journey at least. Despite their bantering, Inspector Chiba and Assistant Inspector Inagaki arrived in 30 seconds.
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155This wasn’t a normal human’s speed.
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157Neither of them were normal humans. They were both Magicians.
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159“We are really undermanned.”
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161“Nothing we can do. Only police officers who are Magicians can handle criminals who wield magic.”
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163“In reality, it’s not, entirely, like that!”
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165As he said these unmotivated words, Inspector Chiba sprang into the air.
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167He was holding a bokken that was approximately one meter in length.
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169In midair, Inspector Chiba waved his bokken like a leaf soaring through the wind, and passed cleanly over the crowd of illegal aliens who were firing three round bursts from assault rifles with silencers attached. Setting aside his leg strength, no one would be able to achieve this sort of trajectory through the air without the aid of magic.
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171That irregular trajectory threw off the aim of all the illegal aliens who were trying to provide covering fire.
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173Towards the three Magicians standing in the back of the crowd hurtling long range magic attacks, Inspector Chiba slashed a spiraling attack.
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175Using Move-Type Magic that blatantly ignored gravity and inertia to avoid the aim of enemy magic attacks, Chiba used his bokken to knock them all out in turn.
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177On the other side of the crowd, Inagaki was using his handgun to take out the gunners.
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179Once Chiba joined the fray from the flank, over ten foreigners were suppressed within the blink of an eye.
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181While other small-scale conflicts broke out in other areas, they were quickly handled before the two could get there and offer assistance.
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183“Inspector, take the helm!”
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185“Eh~, me?”
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187“Stop dilly dallying!”
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189Seeing these partners, it was obviously the subordinate who was more proactive on the job. (More like his superior was too lacking in professionalism.) Even so, it’s not like he could bail on the scene right now.
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191“OK, OK. Then, Inagaki-kun, stop the boat for me.”
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193“…If I do that, I might sink this thing.”
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195“No worries. The captain will take full responsibility.”
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197“…Wow, he’s not taking the responsibility himself…”
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199He shrugged in disappointment while continuing to load bullets into his handgun.
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201His left hand pressed the switch on the handle and the targeting scope attached to the barrel of the handgun lit up.
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203Immediately afterwards, he used the Weaponized Integrated CAD — a revolver-shaped weaponized calculation device in the handle — and a Specialized CAD in the actual body began the Activation Sequence.
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205At the same time as he squeezed the trigger, the Magic Sequence kicked in.
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207Using Move and Weight Compound Magic to stabilize the trajectory and increase penetration, a metallic bullet traced the trajectory set by the Magic Sequence and pierced through the stern of the small ship moored off the coast.
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209A second and third gunshot rang through the night. The foam sprouting from the stern weakened. Based on the ship’s external appearance, the shots had successfully penetrated the accelerator on board.
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211“Nicely done.”
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213Leisurely praising his subordinate, a sound came from Chiba’s hand like a lock being undone.
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215Apparently, the bokken he was carrying was actually a sword cane.
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217With a brilliant blade of cold steel in hand, Chiba dashed towards the floating ship with an agility that matched Yoshitsune himself as he skipped over 8 ships in a row.
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219He swung his blade at the parked ship and rent the metallic cargo door in two.
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221The secret sword technique “Iron Breaker” from the Hundred Families’ Chiba Family.
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223This technique did not view the sword to be cast from iron and steel, but identified the “sword” itself as a concept and applied Move-Type Magic to the slashing motion with the aid of the Magic Sequence.
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225A “sword” identified as a singular concept turned into a molecular blade that couldn’t be shattered, blunted, or broken as it cut through all resistance along the slashing axis.
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227Once more swinging his blade to clear a path, the Chiba Family’s heir, Chiba Toshikazu, pressed on alone.
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233“Nice work, Inspector.”
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235“Seriously, this is what they call wasting your time and energy.”
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237The sky was already turning lighter as Inspector Chiba groused complaints as if the situation had nothing to do with him. Likewise, he didn’t berate his subordinate who was obviously trying to hold back gales of laughter.
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239After bravely charging into the ship, he found that there was no one on board.
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241It appeared that the illegal aliens had already evacuated from the bottom of the ship, leaving the gate open to allow water to flood in. The leisurely pace the boat was sinking at was exacerbated by the opening Chiba left behind for the wind to flow through, increasing the rate the boat sank at, and it was currently completely submerged in water.
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243“Looks like we don’t have any clues to which direction the miscreants fled.”
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245“However, their final destination is blatantly obvious.”
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247The young man who almost went down with the ship shrugged his shoulders at what his older subordinate wanted to say and gazed eastward towards the rising sun.
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253Directly before Inspector Chiba’s eyes was the wharf, which wasn’t far away, along with the renowned streets of Yokohama known throughout the nation.
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255A large well was situated in the backyard of one of the nameless restaurants along the streets. Despite the early hours, three well-dressed men were standing around it.
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257One of them was approximately in his twenties.
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259One of them appeared particularly handsome. Of course, this wasn’t in a feminine manner, but because he came from a line of breeding and prosperity. The well with an attached pulley he was watching was not meant for consumption but for firefighting instead.
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261The wall of the well directly below the pulley suddenly crumbled without warning. A soaked man squirmed out of the gaping hole followed by 15 others.
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263The middle-aged man who emerged last from the well bowed to the young man in greeting with a humble smile on his face. The young man put his right hand over his left breast and returned a slight bow.
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265“Everyone, please go get changed. Breakfast has already been prepared.”
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267In regards to the young man’s words,
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269“Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Zhou.”
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271The middle-aged man replied in a tone devoid of gratitude.
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273Still, the young man smiled regardless of the other side’s rude tone, and led the 16 men into the building.
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279The first new Student Council for the National Magic University affiliated First High had started roughly a week ago.
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281Currently, Tatsuya and his peers from Class E arrived at the cafeteria for their lunch break.
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283He had dined in the Student Council Room before, but that was Mayumi (largely) abusing her power.
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285In addition, he didn’t plan on making it a habit to eat lunch in the Student Council Room every day. With the new Student Council in session, Tatsuya also came to the cafeteria to eat.
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287However, a natural result of this was that Miyuki also started dining in the cafeteria. Add in their mutual friends, and a lively luncheon had become a regular event since the start of October.
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289That being said, since Tatsuya, Erika, Leo, Mizuki, and Mikihiko were in a different class than Miyuki, Honoka, and Shizuku, the first group that arrived would reserve a table. Today, Tatsuya and company seemed to be waiting for Miyuki’s group.
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291“Sorry for the wait, everyone.”
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293“No worries; good work today.”
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295They waited for approximately ten minutes after Miyuki sent word ahead of time to Tatsuya that she would be delayed due to Student Council business. Seeing Miyuki intentionally bow in apology in front of him, Tatsuya smiled as he reassured her as was well. Completely heedless of this eye-catching behavior, Honoka seemed to receive some sort of signal and also huddled down as she spoke to Tatsuya.
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297“My apologies, Tatsuya-kun. They were late because of me.”
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299After the night of confession at Ogasawara during their summer vacation, Honoka’s responses and facial expressions towards Tatsuya had only intensified. Naturally, Tatsuya was aware of this, but he chose not to mention this. Now, if he wanted to be more proactive about this, he should probably smile a little — even a wry one would do — but Honoka’s frail and oversensitive reactions might make it seem like Tatsuya was intentionally abusing her, which wasn’t good for her mental state anyway. Hence, he didn’t have a good solution at this moment. It’s not like he could explain every time that this was born out of a misunderstanding, so Tatsuya simply gave up on the current situation and took a completely passive stance.
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301“Please don’t be concerned on that account. Anyone who just started a new job usually encounters a few difficulties.”
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303In Tatsuya’s eyes, Honoka believed that her personal mistake led to everyone’s disappointment, and that was why she seemed so down. Did she really believe she was incapable? While Tatsuya didn’t believe that for a second, he still diligently tried to reassure Honoka with comforting words.
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305“Yeah, no need to worry about that.”
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307“It’s only been a week.”
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309Erika and Leo unexpectedly displayed their sensitive sides and chimed in along with Tatsuya.
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311Seeing everyone wearing a “Don’t worry about it” smile, Honoka sat down with trepidation.
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313“However, today really wasn’t Honoka’s fault, Onii-sama. The Faculty Office suddenly asked to see ‘all the records from two years ago,’ so we had to bring up all the data from the Student Council Room before third period ended. We even got Shizuku to help us.”
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315Miyuki smiled as she also provided support, but, for some reason, this made Honoka shrink even more on her chair.
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317“But…didn’t Miyuki find it very quickly; meaning I’m the one who’s lacking…”
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319“Me too. If Honoka’s a turtle, then I’m a snail.”
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321Shizuku’s comment didn’t have any ulterior meaning.
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323“…After all, Miyuki had been using this system since April. Honoka just joined the Student Council, and Shizuku is an outsider… Miyuki has a giant head start on you in terms of experience. It can’t be helped if you take some time to get used to the system.”
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325So Tatsuya directed his comment towards Honoka’s nonmalicious description as a “turtle,” and once again reassured Honoka and Shizuku.
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327Still, based on the aforementioned comment, with the election of the new Student Council, Honoka had also joined the executives on the council.
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329The new Student Council consisted of President Nakajou Azusa, Vice President Shiba Miyuki, Secretary Mitsui Honoka, and Accountant Isori Kei. (First High’s Accountant also comprised the “supervisor” role and was traditionally appointed by the President.)
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331In reality, Azusa privately offered Tatsuya the role of Vice President. Of course, Tatsuya immediately turned her down, but the one who fought against this even more fiercely than himself was the new Chairperson for the Public Moral Committee, Kanon.
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333Her words were, “If Shiba-kun left, then the board’s paperwork simply can’t be finished”.
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335Kanon directly pronounced this declaration in front of Azusa and Tatsuya, but when he heard this, Tatsuya was “flabbergasted.”
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337By all rights, he was on active duty and not a pencil pusher.
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339Scratch that, technically, all members of the Public Moral Committee were on active duty, and were all responsible for doing paperwork.
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341That was how Mari wrote it on the transfer papers she handed to Kanon.
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343Tatsuya personally recorded the documentation, so there could have been no mistake.
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345However, Azusa nodded seriously at Kanon’s announcement.
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347Tatsuya had a headache brewing at the “misunderstanding” of these two upperclassmen. Still, even without Tatsuya’s thoughts on the matter, Azusa pressed for Tatsuya to join the Student Council despite Kanon’s resistance. To state it plainly, she didn’t have the confidence to hold Miyuki at bay without Tatsuya, but it wasn’t like Miyuki could leave the Student Council either.
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349Tatsuya’s head was seriously starting to hurt now.
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351In the end, they completely disregarded the person in question as Azusa and Kanon hammered out a compromise. Tatsuya would remain with the Public Moral Committee until the end of the school year, and would transfer to the Student Council in April. To the end, they never sought Tatsuya’s opinion…
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353(…My head hurts just thinking about that.)
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355The moment he said, “…just joined the Student Council,” he remembered what happened a year ago and the headache associated with it.
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357Instinctively, he followed the gaze on him and found Miyuki watching him with concerned eyes.
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359Mentally sighing at his sister’s sensitivity, Tatsuya visually signaled for her not to worry and moved his chopsticks again.
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365“Onii-sama, are you here?”
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367After school, Tatsuya visited the reference room in the basement of the library. Hearing his sister call out to him, he pulled himself out of the world of numbers and data and returned to reality.
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369“Miyuki, I’m over here.”
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371Tatsuya raised his head from the terminal he was reading and waved Miyuki over.
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373Wireless communication was impossible in this reference room. Not only would the walls absorb the majority of the electronic waves, there were also signal dampeners in place.
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375The goal, of course, was to prevent data theft.
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377This reference room contained information deemed unsuitable to be published, highly dangerous materials, or papers containing ideas and concepts that went against mainstream beliefs and could easily influence students negatively. These documents were physically stored in the magic universities before transporting digital copies here and stored in independent databases separated from the outside world. In theory, the files could be freely accessed, but removing them was absolutely forbidden. Of course, making private copies of these protected files was also forbidden.
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379Given the nature of the materials in question, the overwhelming majority was not pertinent to class, very few individuals actually used this resource. It was more appropriate to say that the usual volume of traffic was zero. However, in the past half a month, Tatsuya had set a new record for visiting the reference room.
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381Even though he waved Miyuki over, Tatsuya didn’t leave the terminal. Miyuki understood why, so she walked over to Tatsuya’s side.
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383“What are you looking at?”
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385Arriving at Tatsuya’s side, Miyuki was drawn towards the screen he was gazing at and couldn’t help but ask.
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387“Data records on Alexandrite.”
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389In regards to Miyuki’s question, Tatsuya replied without hesitation just as usual. No matter how he treated others, Tatsuya had nothing to hide from Miyuki. The subject of this investigation was also something that Miyuki was well versed in.
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391“Have you been looking for alchemical documents this entire time…?”
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393Right now, he hadn’t divulged the connection between that topic and the purpose behind it to Miyuki, hence her current state of confusion.
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395“I want to understand the basis behind alchemy, but just the nature and creation process of the ‘Philosopher’s Stone.’ Of course, there are plenty of documents citing the creation of a Philosopher’s Stone as the definitive goal in alchemy.”
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397“Transmutation… You’re not thinking of challenging this area, are you.”
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399For modern magic, transmutation currently remains an impossible task. While Flying-Type Magic was also once thought to be impossible, the actualization of transmutation exists on a completely different level of difficulty. Miyuki once heard Tatsuya say, “There is a very low possibility of actually achieving true transmutation.”
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401“Of course not.”
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403At Miyuki’s question, Tatsuya laughed lightly in denial.
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405“In the narrowest sense, the Philosopher’s Stone differs from the medicinal field and is the catalyst that transmutes poor metals to precious metals. Right now, what material the catalyst is created from is secondary to its purpose as the tool to activate spells.”
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407“If the Philosopher’s Stone is a catalyst similar to the catalysts we use on a daily basis, then……”
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409“According to legend, transmuting poor metals to precious metals is only possible with the Philosopher’s Stone. If no other magical process is required to achieve transmutation beyond possessing the stone, then the conclusion must be that the Philosopher’s Stone possesses the ability to store Magic Sequences.”
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411“Storing Magic Sequences?”
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413Seeing Miyuki stare at him wide-eyed in shock, the smile had long since faded from Tatsuya’s face.
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415“Since many Magicians were invited to test Flying-Type Magic before it hit the market, even if there were some adjustments, the actualization of Flying-Type Magic already established the key for the continuous activation of Gravity Control-Type Magic.”
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417Tatsuya released the Activation Sequence for Flying-Type Magic at no charge precisely to take advantage of this point. General consensus stated that once a party obtained access to a spell, they would immediately put it to use. Especially for devices already equipped with this Activation Sequence, the sooner it could be obtained the better. Besides the requests to FLT for Flying-Type equipment from corporations within the country, countries with friendly relations like the USNA, also made similar petitions. From the observation data, FLT received copious research data from many high class Magicians using Gravity-Type magic, which eventually fell into Tatsuya’s hands.
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419“Gravity Control-Type Magic is a viable solution to sustainable nuclear fusion, but that becomes meaningless if a Magician is required to constantly supply magic. This would be like saying a Magician is a component of the nuclear fusion reactor and simply a weapon component.”
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421Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic was one of the three great hurdles in Gravity-Type Magic leading up to the development of a thermonuclear fusion reactor. Here, Tatsuya was raising one possible solution to this problem.
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423This was too deep for Miyuki to comprehend completely, but she got the overall gist of what her brother was suggesting.
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425“Magicians are essential for the initial activation, but, at the same time, the system doesn’t completely bind the Magician in place. To achieve this, magic needs to be sustained at a rate that can be calculated by days as a unit, which requires a method of storing the Magic Sequence that can sustain magic without having a Magician present. While both options are worth pursuing, from a safety perspective the latter is the more viable proposal.”
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427“So that’s why you are researching the Philosopher’s Stone.”
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429The general consensus that Tatsuya spoke of wasn’t just a pipe dream, a point that he was perfectly well aware of. Thus, he felt slightly awkward when Miyuki adopted an utterly trusting expression as she nodded deeply at his words. With that feeling, Tatsuya changed topics.
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431“Speaking of which, Miyuki, did you need me for something?”
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433Even though this question was phrased to cover his own discomfiture, his remark was dead on the money.
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435“Ah! That’s it! Onii-sama, Ichihara-senpai was looking for you. She wanted to talk to you about next month’s thesis competition.”
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437“Where is she?”
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439Tatsuya didn’t ask for any specifics as he shut down the reading terminal. That being said, he bore some part of the responsibility for leading the conversation into another direction, so he was in no position to ask that, especially given their lack of time.
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441“She’s in the preparation room for Magic Geometry. She said she would wait for you near Tsuzura-sensei’s desk.”
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443“Got it. Sorry about this, Miyuki, but please return the keys for me.”
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445“Please leave that to me.”
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447Tatsuya rose from the chair and handed the keycard to Miyuki. Miyuki happily took the keycard from her Onii-sama like a delighted puppy that was bestowed a prize.
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449Seeing his sister reveal that sort of expression without a hint of shame, Tatsuya didn’t choose to reprimand or complain as his face softened. Objectively speaking, he was forced to admit that he spoiled his sister too much.
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455Tsuzura Kazuo, the Magic Geometry instructor for the National Magic University affiliated First High, was responsible for technical skills instruction for Year 2 Class B. He was a visiting professor lent to First High from the National Magic University.
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457As a prodigy who obtained the rank of professor in the Magic University at a young age, he drew considerable spite for his overly free attitude towards research, and was forcibly relocated to the school to “earn some experience as an educator.”
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459Still, the man in question didn’t mind in the slightest and was even overjoyed that he could now “pursue research, unfettered, and without further concerns.” Precisely because of his personality, not only did he adopt a cold attitude to the friction between Course 1 and 2 students, he even wished for the students to completely abandon this differentiation altogether — except he may have neglected the students’ own opinions.
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461His family hailed from one of the Hundred Families, and was granted the right to use a number in the Tsuzura name (Tsu refers to twenty). The Tsuzura and Isori Families both produced many exceptional researchers who freely exchanged research findings and remained national authorities in the field. Even Hattori’s favored Compound Magic bore fruit after tutelage under Tsuzura-sensei.
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463…That was Tatsuya’s impression of Tsuzura-sensei.
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465By the numbers, Tsuzura-sensei was undoubtedly an oddball. Regardless of whether this was true or false — Tatsuya was quickly about to experience the man’s true face.
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471By the time Tatsuya reached the preparation room for Magic Geometry, Tsuzura-sensei was the only instructor present.
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473Most likely because they felt ill at ease in this room, Tatsuya thought.
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475The instructors hired by this school were all exceptionally talented.
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477Of course these people also took great pride in their personal abilities, but when compared to a prodigy who earned his position as the assistant professor in the Magic University during his twenties, anyone’s confidence would take a hit. The more someone relied on their personal talent, the more they felt pressured by someone who displayed an even greater talent and ability.
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479He could sympathize with that feeling; except this feeling manifested in areas other than magic.
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481Setting aside whether Tatsuya’s speculation was correct, it remained an undeniable truth that there were no other instructors present save Tsuzura.
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483The three people waiting for him in the Magic Geometry preparation room were Tsuzura, Suzune, and Isori.
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485“You know about the thesis competition hosted by the Magic Association held at the end of the month, correct?”
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487After exchanging greetings, Tsuzura cut to the chase.
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489“I am unfamiliar with the details.”
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491At this conservative answer that held something back, Tsuzura nodded slightly.
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493“The Thesis Competition isn’t as conspicuous as the Nine Schools Competition, so it’s not surprising that a Year 1 student like yourself remains ignorant of the details. Likewise, in terms of numbers, the Nine Schools Competition requires a large body of 52 members to participate, while the Thesis Competition only needs a small team of three.”
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495The sheer difference in numbers may be shocking, but after calmly taking into account this only involved writing a thesis and its subsequent presentation, they simply didn’t need very many people for this task. If all they needed was extra hands to help develop the props for the report, anyone on campus would do, so they wouldn’t be specifically invited to join the team. Too many chiefs in one building would actually make it harder to get things done.
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497The fact that only three students from the entire school were selected came as a small surprise, but was well within the limits of common sense, Tatsuya ruminated.
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499“Now, then onto the main subject. Shiba-kun, can we count on you to represent First High in this year’s Thesis Competition?”
500
501Naturally, Tatsuya wasn’t able to respond immediately. After all, this question more or less came out of the blue.
502
503“…You want me to join?”
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505Even though Tsuzura’s words left little room for mistake, Tatsuya couldn’t help but ask back on reflex.
506
507The “National High School Magic Theory Thesis Competition,” hosted by the Japanese Magic Association.
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509Despite the name implying all high schools in the country, in reality the only high schools providing official education in magic theory were the nine high schools affiliated with the magic university, so this was really a competition between those nine schools. If the Nine Schools Competition was a “practical” contest, then the Thesis Competition was undoubtedly the “literary” complement.
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511“Exactly, you.”
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513This slightly polite tone was probably his personality coming into play. Tsuzura adopted a dramatic pose as he nodded in reply.
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515“Originally, we planned to have Ichihara-san and Isori-kun, as well as Hirakawa-san from Year 3 Class C… Unfortunately, Hirakawa-san has hit a rough patch recently, and even submitted a withdraw petition last week. The good news is that we managed to persuade her otherwise, but she’s still in no condition to compete now. Thus, we came to you.”
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517Tatsuya was vaguely familiar with the name Hirakawa from Year 3 Class C.
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519The technician responsible for CAD calibration in the sabotaged Mirage Bat event of the Nine Schools Competition for Kobayakawa seemed to be a Year 3 female student named Hirakawa.
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521“But why pick a Year 1 student like myself? Aren’t the representatives decided by the Thesis Selection Committee?”
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523Tatsuya finally recalled the rumor spreading around the start of June regarding the selection of the thesis team.
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525Since that was during the last stages leading up to the development of Flying-Type Magic, he didn’t have the spare time to devote to other details, especially scenarios that might drag him into the limelight, so he quickly forgot about it.
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527“After taking into consideration that the report preparations need to be finished simultaneously, you are the best candidate. Ichihara-san will share the details.”
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529After supplying a simplistic answer to Tatsuya’s question, Tsuzura swiftly left the room.
530
531At the time, Tatsuya never agreed to this proposal. Apparently, the rumors that he didn’t care about students’ opinions were true. Nevertheless, Tatsuya didn’t appear to possess the power to veto this decision. Originally, he thought he was only being called in to help collect data, but that appeared to be a miscalculation. Still, no matter how he complained, that wasn’t going to help his current situation. In order to understand the situation, Tatsuya turned back to Suzune.
532
533“I was the one who recommended Shiba-kun. I rejected all the other substitutes.”
534
535(Ugh, rejected means…)
536
537In response to Tatsuya’s inquiring glance, Suzune dropped this bombshell.
538
539“…Surely every applicant spent considerable time and effort in their respective proposals, so I imagine a lot of people would be put out that someone like me, who didn’t even submit an application, was selected. Think about the people who were slightly behind Ichihara-senpai, Isori-senpai, and Hirakawa-senpai, and what they would think.”
540
541“Sekimoto-kun is out of the question. He’s not suited for this task.”
542
543Tatsuya didn’t have anyone in mind as he voiced his objection, but Suzune immediately launched into comment that bordered on a personal attack.
544
545“Speaking of Sekimoto, are you referring to Sekimoto Isao-senpai from the Public Moral Committee?”
546
547In order to prevent this from actually descending to that level, Tatsuya intentionally verified his identity.
548
549“Hm, yeah… He and I come from radically different directions.”
550
551As expected, Suzune simply felt that she went too far and reined herself in, as Tatsuya had hoped.
552
553At this time, Isori interjected into their conversation.
554
555“As sensei said, though the thesis composition and report preparation are done by a team of three; if all three are split by differing opinions, then they would never agree on the thesis’s direction, so it is integral that the task is split between one primary writer and two assistants. On this point, our school has decided that Ichihara-senpai will be the primary writer.”
556
557At Isori’s explanation, Tatsuya nodded his head in agreement on two points. Differentiating between primary and supporting parties was mandatory, just as appointing the Year 3 student Suzune to be the primary also made sense.
558
559“In other words… I am more suitable for the topic that Ichihara-senpai has in mind?”
560
561That was the most likely possibility, given their current conversation, but what exactly allowed her to make that call? Plainly, Tatsuya had yet to attach his name to any thesis or dissertation.
562
563“My thesis topic is the ‘possibility of developing a Gravity Control-Type Magic thermonuclear fusion reactor’.”
564
565Tatsuya’s eyes widened at Suzune’s words.
566
567“Indeed, this is the same as Shiba-kun’s research topic.”
568
569While he felt that a high school student using “research topic” was a little overkill, it was true that sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic thermonuclear fusion reactor was also one of the objectives Tatsuya was pursuing. On top of that, he was still playing this close to the chest, so he shouldn’t have raised this with anyone else yet…
570
571“…I see. The one spying on us at the time was Ichihara-senpai.”
572
573“I dislike the term spying. Please refer to this as watching with interest.”
574
575This far surpassed mere observation and bordered on outright eavesdropping, but Tatsuya didn’t make an issue of it.
576
577During the incident with the anti-magic terrorist cell in April, Tatsuya had detected someone watching his two interactions with Mibu Sayaka, but he didn’t seek to identify the observer. Since the results spoke for themselves, there was no point making a fuss over this now.
578
579
580
581
582
583“There are less than three weeks until the official commencement of the Thesis Competition. I believe that the only one who can provide adequate assistance now would be Shiba-kun, who also has a vested interest on the topic.”
584
585“Did you ever entertain the possibility…that I was just using that as an example with Mibu-senpai?”
586
587“I believe I am a sufficient judge of character to think otherwise.”
588
589Tatsuya mentally and physically smiled in a wry manner at how highly he was esteemed.
590
591“I understand. Since I stand to benefit as well, allow me to render my assistance.”
592
593On one hand, Tatsuya wasn’t joking about the benefits on his end. On the other hand, Tatsuya was intrigued by whether Suzune’s proposal could actually solve one of the Three Great Puzzles, which would be all the better if his own design could be of use in some way.
594
595“Then, what should I do now?”
596
597“First, I would like to explain the Thesis Competition in detail. I hope Isori-kun has no objections, seeing as you’ve already heard all this.”
598
599“No problem. You go ahead, Ichihara-senpai.”
600
601Using her eyes to thank Isori, who had nodded slightly in assent, Suzune removed three portable blackboards from the retractable shelf and handed each of them one, keeping one for herself.
602
603Portable blackboards were electric papers with wireless communication that allowed the user to view magnified presentation materials from the size of a normal piece of paper with one hand, without resorting to projectors in small conference rooms. Naturally, the frames contained color, but the display for texts and documents often utilized white letters on a black background, which was why the term “blackboard” was used.
604
605Suzune attached her own data terminal to the blackboard and brought up the handbook for the Thesis Competition.
606
607“As Shiba-kun surmised, the Thesis Competition is a platform to disseminate the research findings from Magic Theory and Magic Engineering at the high school level. Not only does this publicize the fruits of high school education, some of the students will also get the opportunity to present their research findings to the world at large. In addition, representatives from the Department of Magic Research will be on hand, and any thesis recorded into the Magic Encyclopedia will be adopted by the universities and corporations as well.”
608
609Tatsuya observed the data streaming from the screen as he listened to Suzune’s voice.
610
611“Usually, the date is set for the last Sunday each October. The location switches between Kyoto and Yokohama. The reason is, supposedly, because the main HQ for the Japanese Magic Association is located in Kyoto, while its primary branch in the Kantou region is in Yokohama. This year, the event will be held in the Yokohama International Conference Center.”
612
613Tatsuya mentally ran through the calendar. Thankfully, he had nothing planned for the last Sunday in October, which was October 30th.
614
615“Only individuals who were recommended by the magic high schools affiliated with the National Magic University or passed the thesis preliminaries in each school are allowed to attend. Currently, there is no precedent for someone to present their findings without being recommended. While the rules open the Magic Theory Thesis Competition to all high school students in the nation, this is the reason why so far this has been exclusively for magic high schools.”
616
617Hearing Suzune’s explanation, Tatsuya couldn’t help but add in a few words of surprise.
618
619“So there’s no precedent for a team to advance without receiving a school recommendation?”
620
621“…Shiba-kun. I think it’s harder for normal high school students to compose a thesis that can be delivered in 30 minutes than it is for them to appear in Monolith Code or Mirage Bat.”
622
623“Isori-kun is correct. Even from our perspective, without the aid from the Student Council and Club Groups, there’s no way we can do it with just the three of us.”
624
625Tatsuya, who was used to writing technical guides, mentally murmured “Is that so?”, but didn’t verbalize his disagreement.
626
627“The topic is up to us, but under the obvious condition that it shall not run counter to the public good and morality. Two years ago, a student proposed the theoretical development of a magic that could replace weapons of mass destruction, and was quickly censored by inspectors ahead of time.”
628
629“Was someone seriously that audacious…”
630
631Isori’s eyes widened as he groaned at that. This must be the first time he heard of such a thing.
632
633Tatsuya understood what he meant. At the same time, he who was capable of wielding magic that surpassed weapons of mass destruction was in no position to point fingers at that particular student. However, just as he was inwardly mocking himself, another question floated into his head.
634
635“…Censored ahead of time by the inspectors implies that particular thesis wasn’t publicized, correct? Since that paper remained under wraps, how did Ichihara-senpai learn about this?”
636
637Tatsuya didn’t even think twice before asking that question, which for some reason cast an awkward silence over the group.
638
639Suzune unconsciously turned away with a complex and miserable expression on her face.
640
641No, if you don’t want to answer; these words were on Tatsuya’s lips when she sighed and replied back.
642
643“…The one who wrote that paper was our school’s Student Council President from three terms ago.”
644
645(Holy… Did our school have that kind of character…)
646
647Hearing Suzune’s explanation, Tatsuya could only marvel in silence. Since the Thesis Competition was held right after the new Student Council session began, and Suzune joined the brass during the latter half of her first year, it was hardly surprising that she was privy to these details. Given Suzune’s current facial expression, evidently this previous Student Council President had many other “legendary” deeds.
648
649“[Ahem…] Owing to that precedent, all final drafts, materials, reports, and blueprints must be turned over to the Magic Association ahead of time.”
650
651Next to Suzune who had intentionally cleared her throat, Isori seemed to comprehend something as he nodded, possibly because this was the first time he heard all the details.
652
653“The deadline is the Sunday two weeks from now. Though the materials have to be submitted to the Kantou branch of the Magic Association, the school will take responsibility for that. Taking into account the time Tsuzura-sensei needs to examine the contents, ideally we should have everything done by next week Wednesday.”
654
655Even if they could finish the report preparation after turning in their materials, that left only ten days to compose the thesis itself. Given the remaining time, this was indeed a tight schedule. Still, why did they need Tsuzura to look it over? There should be many instructors on campus with a wealth of experience who were old hands at devising textbooks for magic education.
656
657At this question that could not be verbalized (as insulting as it was to Tsuzura-sensei), Isori shrewdly answered aloud.
658
659“Tsuzura-sensei is the instructor responsible for this year’s competition. Not only does he have to help out with the preparations for the Thesis Competition, he also has to deal with troublesome tasks like preparations for magic experiments. Generally, these things are left for younger teachers to do.”
660
661“Despite his youth, Tsuzura-sensei is an extremely capable individual. We are very fortunate that we are able to receive instruction that far surpasses what we would normally receive in class.”
662
663Doubly so for a Course 2 student, like himself, that normally has no chance of being personally instructed by the faculty. Not that Tatsuya actually said this.
664
665Since the two of them — forget surpass, half the student body wasn’t qualified for actual instruction — had conveniently failed to notice this, there was no need to remind them again.
666
667After detailing a few specific areas that demanded special attention, Suzune’s explanation drew to a close.
668
669
670
671
672
673Chapter 2
674
675
676
677
678Modern short distance public transportation was developed along the lines of carpooling, with large scale public transportation being replaced by smaller systems that accommodated fewer individuals.
679
680Thirty years ago, this plan started spreading among the large metropolises as well as 80% of the medium sized cities and suburbs. The remaining 20% utilized private cars and had no need for public transportation.
681
682In terms of going to school or work, large buses and cable cars that could transport large amounts of people had gone out of style, so the scene where high school students took the bus to and from school has almost become non-existent.
683
684While Tatsuya really only went to school accompanied by Miyuki, he still shared the walk from the bus stop to the school with his friends. Even though he arrived later than usual to school, the usual crowd was still on hand waiting for him.
685
686The predominant itinerary involved a simple walk to school, but sometimes they would make a quick detour to a cafe or fast food restaurant. Along the approximately one kilometer path to school, there were countless stores that boasted dining, books, school supplies, clothes, and especially materials related to magic education. Students and teachers from First High were not the only ones to frequent this area, since many customers took the tram from far away to come and shop here.
687
688Within one of the more orthodox cafes where they were frequent fliers, eight people were sitting together.
689
690
691
692
693
694“Eh? Tatsuya’s been selected as one of the representatives for the Thesis Competition?”
695
696Today’s detour was because Mikihiko asked why Tatsuya was summoned to the Magic Geometry lab. Seeing Mikihiko burning with questions while they were waiting for the waitress, Tatsuya couldn’t help but notice a side to his friend as he briefly elaborated on the details.
697
698Hence Mikihiko’s reaction was embodied by the previous comment.
699
700Since he had already told Miyuki and Honoka when he picked them up from the Student Council Room yesterday, there were five people including Mikihiko who sat there with stunned expressions.
701
702“Wait, I thought we only send three representatives from the entire school to the Thesis Competition.”
703
704“Yep.”
705
706At Mizuki’s wide-eyed question, Tatsuya calmly replied with a decisive answer. Their two expressions were like night and day.
707
708“Just a ‘yep’…… Tatsuya-kun is completely lackadaisical about this.”
709
710Mizuki was struck speechless while Erika stared blankly. On the other side, Leo supplied an amused smile.
711
712“For Tatsuya, that would be only natural.”
713
714“There’s never been a case where we sent a Year 1 student out for the Thesis Competition.”
715
716“Not like it’s impossible either, eh? Even the faculty can’t ignore the genius who invented a brand new magic among us.”
717
718Hearing Shizuku’s counter argument, Leo smiled and added a rebuttal of his own.
719
720“Let’s stop it there with the genius talk.”
721
722Rather than being embarrassed by that title, Tatsuya felt an irritation like someone poking him with a needle.
723
724“Tatsuya really dislikes people calling him a genius……”
725
726“Because that term is too casual.”
727
728At Honoka’s amazed comment that was neither mocking nor filled with ulterior meanings, Miyuki replied in place of Tatsuya.
729
730Tatsuya could only chuckle wryly at his sister’s reply, though he had to admit she was right on the money.
731
732“No, that’s still incredible!”
733
734Likely noticing the mood taking a turn for the worse, Mikihiko quickly chimed in to restore the balance.
735
736“The winning thesis from the competition will be published annually in ‘Super Nature’, while a considerable amount of attention is still directed towards Second Place and below.”
737
738“Super Nature” is a British research journal that is held to be the highest authority on modern magic. Unfortunately, the journal also contained themes on dictatorship that were inappropriate for high school students. Fortunately, everyone here who had read the journal, including Mikihiko, Tatsuya, and Miyuki, were all quite familiar with the name.
739
740“Ah, but…… There isn’t a whole lot of time left.”
741
742Mikihiko’s euphoric mood swiftly turned to worry as he stated this.
743
744Shouldn’t Mikihiko also pay attention to these sudden mood swings? Tatsuya thought in surprise. Regardless, he kept these thoughts to himself as he nodded at Mikihiko’s question.
745
746“We have exactly 9 days until the school turns in our paper.”
747
748“That’s it!? That’s right around the corner!”
749
750“There’s no problem at all. At the end of the day, I’m only in a supporting role. The lead writer has been working on this since before summer vacation.”
751
752Seeing Honoka’s electrified expression, Tatsuya reassured her with a smile as he waved his hand a little. At Tatsuya’s answer, Honoka relaxed into a “You’re right” expression and heaved a sigh of relief.
753
754“Even so, the fact remains that this is a pressing deadline. Did something unexpected happen?”
755
756“One of the supporting upperclassmen’s physical condition suddenly worsened.”
757
758Miyuki wrinkled her brows as she queried Tatsuya, who maintained his earlier smile as he replied with a simple answer. Even though he didn’t cut into the heart of the matter, there really was nothing to hide even if pressed.
759
760Yet, Miyuki didn’t seem wholly satisfied with Tatsuya’s overly simplistic answer.
761
762“That’s quite unfortunate, but even so this is certainly a last minute change.”
763
764The reason apparently wasn’t why this situation occurred, but a mood issue.
765
766“Indeed, even if the entire thesis had to be done from scratch, Onii-sama would still be the best candidate.”
767
768Nonetheless, given that Tatsuya’s situation had already turned into reality, Miyuki was only looking for a reason to convince herself, which was perfectly in tune with her character. In Tatsuya’s eyes, even though Miyuki’s comment was fairly accurate, she was still thinking too highly of herself with this unconditional acceptance.
769
770“That’s not entirely the case. We would have quite the conundrum on our hands if I was utterly unfamiliar with the field of Ichihara-senpai’s topic, but fortunately that isn’t the case.”
771
772Thus, Tatsuya adopted a “smile and deny” tactic, but Miyuki didn’t seem very happy with her brother’s stance. Just as she was thinking of an appropriate rejoinder, a new question sprouted out from beside her.
773
774“Hey, so what is the topic?”
775
776Curious, Leo leaned forward as he asked this question. Despite the fact that all the young ladies watched him coldly with eyes that clearly said “Would you understand even if he told you?”, the man asking the question and the one answering him both ignored them.
777
778“Technical Difficulties and Solutions to Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor.”
779
780“……I can’t even imagine that.”
781
782The questioner immediately retorted back, a prompt reflection of his current predicament.
783
784“……That’s quite the grandiose topic. Isn’t that one of the ‘Three Great Puzzles in Weight Systematic Magic’?” Mikihiko groaned with a complex expression. To his side,
785
786“Since Tatsuya was asked to join, I thought the thesis would be related to CAD processes.”
787
788Mizuki expressed her thoughts on the matter.
789
790“Ah, I thought so too.”
791
792“Kei-senpai is also a member…… I think that this topic may be simply too difficult to have a chance at victory.”
793
794Shizuku and Erika shared Mizuki’s opinion. Apparently, his friends were concerned on his behalf that this topic would prove too challenging for Tatsuya and high school students in general.
795
796Which made perfect sense, since the Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor was not labeled one of the Three Great Puzzles just for nothing. In this situation, Tatsuya could only smile and muddle through.
797
798However, among all the smiling faces, only Miyuki wasn’t really smiling.
799
800Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
801
802Only she, who understood the significance of Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors, could truly appreciate how serious her brother was.
803
804
805
806
807
808The siblings split from their friends at the station. They returned home to find a small limousine parked in their parking spot, which prompted the two of them to exchange a glance.
809
810Tatsuya stepped forward and opened the door.
811
812Seeing the rare designer label high heels in the threshold, Tatsuya gently cradled Miyuki’s shoulders as she stood there in utter silence with a stiff expression on her face.
813
814As he supported Miyuki and stepped through the door, a light tapping of slippers rapidly approaching could be heard.
815
816“—Welcome back. The two of you are always on such good terms.”
817
818Hearing these mocking tones, Tatsuya swiftly narrowed his eyes as his hand that was holding his sister’s shaking shoulders tightened their grip a fraction.
819
820“It’s been quite a while, Sayuri-san.”
821
822Tatsuya’s chilly voice was a perfect match for his cool gaze.
823
824This time, it was the petite woman who welcomed them who shook a little.
825
826“Hm, hm. Well, that’s because I always wanted to be close to the office.”
827
828“Is that so.”
829
830Tatsuya nodded curtly at their stepmother who hadn’t stepped foot in this house for 9 months — in the siblings’ eyes, she was “their father’s second wife” — Shiba Sayuri.
831
832Despite coming home, this household did not possess her room or bedding since after her marriage to their father, she had settled down with him in a suite in an upscale apartment complex five minutes from FLT headquarters and dwelt in married bliss together. Tatsuya only intended to slightly needle Sayuri for the fact that she had never lived here after marrying their father and her usage of this location as home.
833
834Seeing their father’s second wife’s expression darken at the sarcasm, Miyuki actually composed herself. With her brother’s arm still around her, she slightly shifted around, utterly ignoring any other gazes on her as she pressed closer to Tatsuya’s slightly lowered face.
835
836Normally, even with just the two of them, Miyuki would never commit such an embarrassing action that was wholly incompatible with her image. At this point, Miyuki had completely entered a state where bystanders held no meaning.
837
838“I shall begin preparations for dinner immediately, Onii-sama. Anything in particular you would like?”
839
840“Anything you make will be fine. There’s no need to hurry, so you best get changed first.”
841
842Tatsuya didn’t even bother to glance at Sayuri, instead devoting his entire attention to Miyuki. At her brother’s response, Miyuki revealed an ecstatic smile.
843
844“I understand, though I wonder if there’s something you had in mind. So long as it’s Onii-sama’s wish, Miyuki is willing to do anything.”
845
846“Hey, don’t get too worked up.”
847
848Tatsuya lightly poked her forehead before Miyuki shrugged her head down and lightly sprang up to the second floor.
849
850
851
852
853
854“So, what may I do for you today?”
855
856Once Miyuki’s figure disappeared, Tatsuya reopened the conversation with Sayuri, who seemed stuck between a rock and a hard place.
857
858Afterwards, he stepped quickly into the living room and took a seat on a nearby sofa, and once again called out to the hesitant Sayuri.
859
860“Could we get a move on, since I would like to finish before my sister returns.”
861
862Sayuri creased her brows at these curt words, but she still took a seat opposite Tatsuya.
863
864“Looks like you two still aren’t very welcoming towards me.”
865
866As if realizing that further acting was pointless, Sayuri’s attitude abruptly changed when she sat down.
867
868Completely heedless of Tatsuya’s gaze, she set one leg over another and leaned back on the sofa.
869
870Her casual clothes devoid of any makeup was likely her researcher’s calling showing through, so Tatsuya didn’t have to worry about where to leave his eyes. Of course, even if Sayuri was wearing a tight miniskirt, Tatsuya likely wouldn’t bat an eyelid.
871
872“Miyuki may think that way. After all, it’s only natural for her to be somewhat resentful if her father remarried less than half a year after her mother died. Even though she may act like an adult, she’s really just a 15 year old young girl.”
873
874“……And you?”
875
876“I am incapable of such an emotional reaction. That was the way I was forged.”
877
878“……Well, forget it, regardless of whether that’s true or not, that’s no longer in my hands. Even so, if we were to talk about that, I hope that you can seriously listen to him, since it was only half a year for you two, but a whole 16 years for me.”
879
880Despite her youthful appearance, she was actually the same age as their father. Tatsuya was contemplating these rude concepts like the public enemy of women.
881
882She, Shiba Sayuri, was originally known as Furuha Sayuri and was Shiba Tatsurou’s lover before his marriage with Yotsuba Miya. Rumor had it that the Yotsuba interposed to seize a prized genetic advantage and forcibly cut them apart. Tatsuya could read between the lines of her hatred even if she didn’t verbalize them.
883
884Still, that was an issue between her and their birth parents and was unrelated to the siblings. Since she had maintained an affair with their father while Miya was still alive, she would receive no pity from him.
885
886“So, what’s the occasion that brought you all the way out here?”
887
888Sayuri originally intended to naturally drift into the main subject, so Tatsuya’s direct inquiry caught her off guard and finally shook off the unnatural vibes around their conversation.
889
890“……Then, let’s cut right to the chase. The company labs require your assistance. If possible, we hope you will drop out from high school.”
891
892“Impossible. During Miyuki’s enrollment at First High, I am unable to fulfill my mission as a guardian if I am not a student at First High.”
893
894A ridiculous demand warranted a flat refusal from Tatsuya.
895
896“Even if you’re not a student, other guardians could be made available.”
897
898“There is a shortage of Magicians in every field. Even the Yotsuba Family would be hard pressed to replace a guardian on such short notice.”
899
900“In other words, you are the finest candidate?”
901
902“When only restricted to Miyuki’s protection, that is indeed the case.”
903
904This was a conversation that had occurred multiple times in the past.
905
906Whew, Sayuri heaved a great sigh that didn’t seem theatrical.
907
908“……I doubt any company has enough surplus to allow someone as talented as you, to simply play around.”
909
910“Play around? I do believe I have made powerful contributions to the company as well. A few days ago, the company received an order from the USNA Navy for a large quantity of Flying-Type devices, which boosted the quarterly profits by 20% compared to last quarter.”
911
912At Tatsuya’s combative words, Sayuri couldn’t help but reveal a regretful expression.
913
914That was because she had no rebuttal for Tatsuya’s words.
915
916It was public knowledge that FLT originally wasn’t a manufacturer for CAD products, but a provider for spare parts used for Magic Engineering. Their ascent to the pinnacle of CAD development and production around the globe was largely in thanks to the Silver Series and Tatsuya by extension. With the introduction of Flying-Type Devices, FLT had become the innovator that pioneered the next paradigm shift in the world of Specialized CADs. For Sayuri, who originally entered the company as a researcher and was elevated to management despite having no major accomplishments to her name, this was a towering feat that rendered jealousy meaningless.
917
918Still, those were Sayuri’s personal feelings on the matter. As she replied with an “Ah, is that so,” she also brought up the reason why she couldn’t leave just yet.
919
920“……At the very least, can you help analyze this item for me?”
921
922Sayuri pulled out a large jewel box from her bag and carefully opened the lid.
923
924There was a half-translucent crimson crystal in the middle.
925
926“……A relic from the Magatama class.”
927
928From the perspective of Magic Researchers, “relics” were OOParts that contained a magical nature that had unidentifiable artificial components, yet formed naturally under highly challenging conditions. For example, “Antinite” that contained “Cast Jamming” could be classified as a type of relic.
929
930Also, true relics — such as a Magatama — like this one usually never fell into the hands of a researcher.
931
932“Where was this unearthed?”
933
934“I do not know.”
935
936“I see, this came from the JSDF.”
937
938Given its status as the preeminent domestic manufacturer, FLT received many contracts from the military.
939
940“In terms of analysis, don’t tell me you’re asking for something preposterous like duplicating this Magatama, are you?”
941
942Seeing Sayuri’s stiff expression, Tatsuya could only sigh.
943
944“Who came up with such a reckless decision? Don’t you have any idea how ridiculous it is to attempt to synthesize relics with modern science and technology?”
945
946OOParts is short for “Out Of Place Artifacts”. Essentially, these were “items that did not belong in this time” and were “objects that exceeded the level of science from when it was unearthed” and were simply unable to be developed with technology at the time.
947
948However, precisely because this was something that surpassed modern science, the greatly exaggerated term “relic” was used.
949
950“……The JSDF demanded that we accept the task. Refusal was not an option.”
951
952Not like management’s decision was impossible to comprehend. Not just FLT, corporations in the magic industry by nature served in the public sector and could be broadly painted as a war industry.
953
954
955
956
957
958Only individuals with practical magic skills would purchase products of magic engineering like CADs, but Magicians held a much smaller share of the market than other industries.
959
960Given the scarcity of Magicians, this was only to be expected.
961
962Currently, the number of people in magic related fields or students studying magic at the high school and collegiate level totaled roughly 30,000 people.
963
964In other words, even if every single one of them purchased a new CAD every year, the total turnover rate would still be 30,000. In reality, the duration time tended to be on the longer side since it was common practice for a Magician to own five or six CADs. Regardless, it didn’t change the fact that the market remained quite narrow.
965
966Also, based on the national policy of promoting magic, magic support devices needed to be sold at a low price. In practice, CAD prices were limited to a level well within the purchasing power of a normal household so they could purchase one for their child that was entering high school as a celebratory present. This sort of independent industry was hard to develop scale and design.
967
968Thus, the nation heavily subsidized the magic industry.
969
970For example, the nation subsidized 90% of CAD sales.
971
972The products sold at the public level were 10% of the price used in exchanges between companies.
973
974In addition, using research grants as an excuse, the nation paid large sums to private corporations each year for research.
975
976Even the largest corporations in the field like Maximilian and Rozen were unable to deny their respective governments. That was the fate of magic industries.
977
978“However, the JSDF should be aware of the meaning behind the relic label. So long as the item has been identified as a relic, they should know that artificial synthesis is no longer possible, so why make this ludicrous demand?”
979
980There was a pregnant pause before Sayuri finally opened her mouth to respond.
981
982“Recently, research has discovered that Magatama possesses the ability to store Magic Sequences.”
983
984Despite the hesitant answer, this was enough to bring a swift change to Tatsuya’s expression.
985
986“Has this been proven to be a fact?”
987
988Suppressing the burning desire in his voice was the limit of Tatsuya’s acting capabilities. Fortunately, Sayuri seemed to miss Tatsuya’s profound interest in relics.
989
990“It’s still in the theoretical phase. Still, the military’s movements have already produced fairly reliable observation data.”
991
992Tatsuya nodded gravely.
993
994“If this is true, then there’s no way the military would leave that alone, which is completely within reason.”
995
996Storage capacity for Magic Sequences was not restricted to only Tatsuya’s goal. If Magic Sequence storage can be spread to the public level, autonomous and self-sustaining magic devices would no longer be a pipe dream. Even troops without Magicians could equip magic weapons. Since Magatamas had the power to store Magic Sequences, successful mass replication would provide a massive supply of magic weaponry.
997
998“But given FLT’s recent gains, there shouldn’t be a need to take the road less traveled.”
999
1000Given the project’s importance, once accepting this task, a simple “cannot be done” would not suffice.
1001
1002“The die has been cast.”
1003
1004“Even without any chance for success?”
1005
1006Considering that the key to relic replication remained unknown, this was a colossal risk.
1007
1008“We have a small chance. By using your magic, analysis is still possible.”
1009
1010Tatsuya couldn’t help but laugh at Sayuri finally laying all her cards on the table. In the end, she wasn’t here for his brain, but his unique ability.
1011
1012Just as she always had.
1013
1014“Even using my power does not guarantee successful replication. ……If you insist, then please send the specimen to the R&D Third Division. I drop by there on a regular basis.”
1015
1016In reality, this didn’t really affect Tatsuya either way. While it was true that Tatsuya required additional insight on how to preserve Magic Sequences, his goal was only limited to grasping the methodology behind this. Magatama replication was only secondary, so he didn’t want to overly burden the researchers in the office. The bottom line was that scheduling was difficult to come by on their part, so it’s not like they could do whatever they pleased.
1017
1018“…………”
1019
1020However, this was not a proposal that Sayuri could stomach. Her position demanded that she take into account the departmental rivalries within FLT. The R&D Third Division simply couldn’t win additional fame and recognition. Also, an infinitely more important and preposterous reason was that neither her nor her husband could afford to allow “Taurus Silver”, Tatsuya himself, any more speaking power. Surely the other labs could surpass Tatsuya’s achievements, right? Given Tatsuya’s large following — to the point that a decisive majority of the Third Division sided with him, maybe their accomplishments would be put on his tab as well. (That was Sayuri’s private suspicion.)
1021
1022Unable to accept Tatsuya’s proposal, Sayuri clenched her teeth.
1023
1024“Or, would you prefer to leave the specimen here?”
1025
1026Tatsuya’s words provided a glimmer of hope for the conflicted Sayuri and became the impetus she seized upon to escape this quandary.
1027
1028“There’s no need!”
1029
1030Nonetheless, rather than choosing to compromise, she chose to break off entirely. For her, under no condition would she allow the relic replication to occur away from the office — away from her ability to claim all credit for the accomplishment. Leaving the specimen behind was a ridiculous notion that was synonymous to allowing Tatsuya to pluck this prize from her hands. In actuality, she was the one who originally made the outrageous request to challenge something that “had no successful precedent”, but the present Sayuri had lost all objectivity.
1031
1032Her ire fully roused, Sayuri rose from her seat.
1033
1034“I understand now. Seeking your assistance was a mistake in the first place!”
1035
1036Placing the jewel box back into her bag, Sayuri departed in a huff.
1037
1038As Sayuri swiftly walked down the hall, Tatsuya was literally right on her heels. By the time she reached the threshold and was putting on her shoes, Tatsuya adopted a tone typically reserved for customer service.
1039
1040“Since you are carrying valuables, would you like me to accompany you to the station?”
1041
1042“No need, I’ll drive.”
1043
1044“As you wish. Do be careful.”
1045
1046Tatsuya was not displeased by his stepmother’s barb and courteously bowed.
1047
1048
1049
1050
1051
1052“Miyuki.”
1053
1054Tatsuya called out to her from the threshold. Wearing a sleeveless mini-dress, Miyuki timidly descended from the stairs.
1055
1056Her pearly arms revealed a light pink that ran to her shoulders, a product of her own embarrassment at her attire rather than caused by cosmetics.
1057
1058“Onii-sama, well…… I sincerely apologize for my childish behavior.”
1059
1060Despite her personal avowal of her childish behavior, in reality this was more like some sort of display of close affection. Naturally, Miyuki was ignorant of this point as she stood there with her skin bared before Tatsuya’s eyes. No matter what she said, she surely must have put considerable thought into this charming display.
1061
1062Tatsuya gently stroked his sister’s face though she didn’t dare to match his gaze before his fingertips dipped south towards the chin. Suddenly, his index finger swiftly tilted her face upwards.
1063
1064This simple action caused Miyuki’s enchantingly white skin to flush completely red from her shoulders to her bosom. Her silky long hair gently swayed as her eyes were filled with a dazzling luminescence for an altogether irresistible package.
1065
1066“Uh, this……”
1067
1068Their posture seemed to lead up to a kiss, forcing Miyuki to bashfully avert her eyes.
1069
1070Yet Tatsuya’s fingers once more stretched towards her face.
1071
1072Mesmerized, Miyuki closed her eyes.
1073
1074And then,
1075
1076“—Ah!?”
1077
1078A muffled cry of pain rang out for a short duration.
1079
1080“W-What was that for?”
1081
1082“Punishment.”
1083
1084Seeing his sister blush and fall back a step (a perfectly natural response to someone suddenly pinching her nose), Tatsuya smiled as he replied.
1085
1086“Oh…… Onii-sama is a meanie.”
1087
1088Miyuki sulkily pouted and turned her face aside while maintaining her charming posture. At this, Tatsuya’s expression softened as he continued to smile.
1089
1090“I’m stepping out for a bit. Make sure to lock the doors until I return.”
1091
1092“Onii-sama?”
1093
1094At her brother’s mysterious instructions to watch the house, Miyuki’s expression tightened as she inquired to the reason.
1095
1096“I’m going to pursue a certain woman who lacks a sense of danger.”
1097
1098Tatsuya picked up the uniform coat he just took off as Miyuki frowned in displeasure.
1099
1100“……Exactly how much trouble is that person planning on putting Onii-sama through.”
1101
1102“Unfortunately, I can’t just leave her to her own devices. Sayuri is holding a relic that may hold the key to Magic Sequence storage.”
1103
1104Tatsuya removed his tie and handed it to Miyuki as he elaborated on the real motive behind his “pursuit”.
1105
1106Miyuki seemed to comprehend this somewhat but still crinkled her brows afterwards.
1107
1108“If that’s the case then there’s nothing for it. Please be careful, Onii-sama.”
1109
1110Miyuki recalled their conversation after school in the reference room. She would not use her dislike of her father’s lover to bar her brother’s decisions. She did not say “don’t go”, nor did she say “there’s no need to go”, but merely removed Tatsuya’s heavy coat from the hanger in silence.
1111
1112After throwing on the coat with Miyuki’s assistance, Tatsuya removed a pair of gloves and a helmet from the storage compartment in the threshold and pulled on a pair of riding boots. Tatsuya nodded to Miyuki, who had put her hands side by side in front of herself and bowed deeply to send him off, and said, “I’m off.”
1113
1114
1115
1116
1117
1118In the speeding vehicle that was automatically directing itself, Sayuri felt an exhaustive pressure pound down on her like twice the weight of gravity.
1119
1120If she had to say something, it would be a regretful “I still did it……”
1121
1122After reaching the managerial level, she thought that she had already become accustomed to wheeling and dealing. However, she still heaved a depressed sigh at her headstrong and impulsive behavior.
1123
1124In principle, the young man was by all rights her son, but every time she was before him she found it hard to maintain her composure.
1125
1126She was perfectly well aware of the reason behind this.
1127
1128Because he was the son of her rival.
1129
1130Paired with an engineer’s ability and achievements.
1131
1132Complete with unreadable eyes and unfathomable emotions.
1133
1134Under his eyes, she wasn’t seen as a human being, but simply a specimen under a microscope and relegated to the status of an item.
1135
1136Just the way he viewed his own role as a tool, but Sayuri was unaware of that.
1137
1138What she did know was that this contract demanded his cooperation, but her own impatience had made this significantly more difficult. Silently, she redirected her gaze out the window and heaved a heavy sigh.
1139
1140As she raised her eyes, she noticed that traffic had strangely decreased.
1141
1142She hadn’t seen any cars coming from the opposite direction since a while back,
1143
1144And even though this was a residential sector, the hour wasn’t too late yet.
1145
1146Her inner frustration was submerged by a trace of unease.
1147
1148She called up the screen for traffic information. The display informed her that other cars had been rerouted along a different path to avoid a stalled vehicle on the road.
1149
1150Which was a legitimate reason in its own right, letting Sayuri let out a breath of relief.
1151
1152
1153
1154
1155
1156Chasing Sayuri’s vehicle through traffic on a large electric motorcycle, Tatsuya also noticed the drop in traffic.
1157
1158The message he received through the headset in his helmet was the same information Sayuri saw on her display.
1159
1160Nevertheless, Tatsuya did not find any benign news within.
1161
1162The information that cars were rerouted due to a stalled vehicle wasn’t suspicious in its own right.
1163
1164Tatsuya had seen first hand exactly how difficult it was to infiltrate the traffic control system when he saw Sanada and Fujibayashi hacking into the system on the scene.
1165
1166Still, Tatsuya wasn’t optimistic enough to believe every single car was diverted from the road that led from Tatsuya’s house to the station. That sort of thing only happened when multiple cars were stalled on the road.
1167
1168It wasn’t particularly difficult to identify vehicle locations within the control system.
1169
1170Especially since commuter vehicles available for public transportation continuously broadcast signals to prevent thieves from using them as escape tools.
1171
1172Likewise, identifying the signal wasn’t any sort of classified secret.
1173
1174Since he left the house, Tatsuya was already homing in on Sayuri’s vehicle.
1175
1176Finally catching sight of his stepmother’s car, he also discovered another manually operated vehicle independent of traffic control that was tailing her.
1177
1178
1179
1180
1181
1182A shrill alarm sounded from the vehicle’s display.
1183
1184The display informed her that a manually operated vehicle was closing in.
1185
1186Yet, Sayuri wasn’t overly concerned.
1187
1188Even in this age, there still existed people who took pleasure in driving themselves.
1189
1190As an engineer, she was aware that drivers could modify their cars to be independent of the traffic control system’s influence.
1191
1192Thus, she paid little heed to the car closing in from behind.
1193
1194As such, Sayuri leaned back into her seat and switched off the piercing alarm.
1195
1196
1197
1198
1199
1200Seeing the black manually operated car pick up speed, Tatsuya stepped on the gas as well. In terms of acceleration, Tatsuya’s motorcycle had the edge.
1201
1202Still, based on proximity and respective speed, the black manually operated car would reach Sayuri’s vehicle first.
1203
1204In reaction to the manually operated car that suddenly closed in instead of passing by, Sayuri’s car activated its collision avoidance system.
1205
1206Near her car that came to an emergency stop, two men descended from the manually operated car.
1207
1208This was an overly brazen action along the streets with wireless surveillance systems. However, given the situation, the suspects were probably illegal aliens, since normal citizens and immigrants would immediately be identified from their images.
1209
1210Tatsuya raised the lights to the max and pointed them at the two men trying to break open the car door.
1211
1212Descending from the motorcycle with the lights still on, Tatsuya rushed towards the men.
1213
1214Tatsuya pulled out the CAD in his chest pocket with his right hand while the men covered their faces to avert the light. A second later, one man used a pistol while the other sent his fists flying towards Tatsuya.
1215
1216Under the light from the motorcycle, the man’s fist wore a bronze ring that glimmered lightly on one finger.
1217
1218From the ring, a shrill psionic noise could be heard.
1219
1220This was magic interference waves known as “Cast Jamming” coming from the “Antinite”.
1221
1222One of them focused on nullifying enemy magic while the other used the gun to finish off the enemy.
1223
1224Of course, if their opponent was any run of the mill Magician.
1225
1226The muzzle was aimed at Tatsuya. The target was the heart, at a range where evasion was altogether impossible, and a clear killing intent could be felt.
1227
1228Yet the man failed to squeeze the trigger.
1229
1230Before he could do so, Tatsuya already hit the trigger on his CAD.
1231
1232The pistol collapsed into pieces in the man’s hands.
1233
1234One of the men, or maybe even both of them, started yelling in excitement, but given the distance, he wasn’t sure what they were saying. He could only hear the term “Cast Jamming”, which likely signified their surprise that “Cast Jamming” had no effect, or maybe they were expressing their astonishment that the pistol was shattered despite the presence of magic interference waves.
1235
1236Still, regardless of how it was, that was no longer Tatsuya’s concern. Even if he was hindered in an unexpected way, his actions would not change. Tatsuya once more pulled the trigger.
1237
1238The man who once held the gun let out a cry of pain and fell to the ground. He pressed his thigh and began rolling on the ground.
1239
1240Next, the man with the ring pressed his shoulder. He couldn’t contain his moans of pain and doubled over as he broke out into a cold sweat before losing consciousness. Since he was pierced by a force resembling tiny needles that annihilated skin, flesh, blood vessels, nerves, and bones, the sudden pain must have overcome his ability to stay conscious.
1241
1242Decomposition Magic — Mist Dispersion could decompose any human body part.
1243
1244So where on the human body would a piercing attack generate enough shock to surpass a man’s consciousness?
1245
1246Where must the attack land to cut off feeling from the four limbs?
1247
1248Indifferent to whether it was his own flesh or that of others, Tatsuya was extremely knowledgeable on the matter.
1249
1250He slipped around the two men on the ground and approached the black, manually operated vehicle.
1251
1252Tatsuya kept his CAD aimed at the car, but didn’t pull the trigger.
1253
1254Hydrogen fueled cars contained the fuel in compressed states, so carelessly attacking would trigger a gigantic explosion. Of course, normally there are protocols to avoid ignition, but it was a fact that some chose to remove the safety features to create suicide attacks.
1255
1256If Miyuki was present then there was no need to worry about an explosion, but unfortunately she was minding the house. The right side of the road was covered by a wide expanse of the river, but the left side was filled with residential buildings. Taking the nearby households into account, Tatsuya judged that he couldn’t force the issue.
1257
1258Strictly speaking, this decision was overly negligent.
1259
1260Suddenly, killing intent mushroomed forth above him from the right.
1261
1262Tatsuya took evasive action on reflex.
1263
1264There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in his motion.
1265
1266Even so, he could not avoid the bullet that flew at supersonic speed.
1267
1268He felt a burning pain in his breast,
1269
1270Where the bullet had pierced through his left breast.
1271
1272The impact from the bullet caused his body to fly through the air.
1273
1274The enemy’s sniping attack was incredibly accurate.
1275
1276Even if he avoided a fatal attack, the blow still pierced his lung.
1277
1278Given how late he heard the gunshot, the attack must have been made from an extreme distance. If Tatsuya hadn’t taken evasive action, the bullet would have pierced his heart.
1279
1280Conservatively speaking, this was an incredibly skilled sniper.
1281
1282Tatsuya used the inertia from the falling motion to roll and take cover behind Sayuri’s car.
1283
1284The wound from the attack had already healed itself. Normally, even fatal injuries would disappear in a flash so long as his magic was active.
1285
1286Still, that did not mean he could not feel pain.
1287
1288The extreme pain from the impact of the bullet as well as the bullet leaving his body still threw Tatsuya into a cold sweat.
1289
1290However, this was not the time to focus on something like that.
1291
1292Tatsuya needed to pinpoint his attacker’s position.
1293
1294Given the direction and angle of the attack as well as the placement of the surrounding buildings that could serve as obstacles, the sniper’s location was probably one of the industrial buildings from across the river.
1295
1296Roughly 1000 meters from his current position.
1297
1298Taking into consideration that the bullet could easily penetrate the human body and open such a tiny hole, the weapon was probably using sabot rounds.
1299
1300The car’s exterior was made of synthetic wood, so this wasn’t going to last very long as a cover.
1301
1302The trickier part came from the fact that the sniper wasn’t using magic.
1303
1304No matter what sort of magic was used, there would be a trace of magic left behind that Tatsuya could use to swiftly ascertain his opponent’s location.
1305
1306However, if his opponent was strictly sticking to shooting, this distance made it much harder for him to rely on Elemental Sight.
1307
1308The two men who had collapsed on the ground lightly floated in the air.
1309
1310The car door on the black vehicle opened and rudely sucked their bodies inside.
1311
1312It was a simple act to nullify the Move-Type Magic that was recovering the two men, but right now removing the sniper’s threat was higher priority.
1313
1314He re-examined the data from the bullet that went through his body.
1315
1316Tatsuya ran data analysis again and went over the bullet data again.
1317
1318Bodily fluids.
1319
1320Physical resistance.
1321
1322Effects from the wind.
1323
1324Gravity.
1325
1326Air compression at the time of the shot.
1327
1328The variables from the bullet were compressed into a single message and returned to Tatsuya.
1329
1330He identified the target’s information at the time of attack.
1331
1332Tatsuya turned back the clock and read the bullet’s trajectory, the sniper’s information and the very memory of the “world”.
1333
1334From present into the past.
1335
1336Then,
1337
1338From past into present.
1339
1340Using the sniper’s firing point as the origin, he searched the myriad, transient data within the “world” of the information dimension for the desired target.
1341
1342Within his mind, Tatsuya locked in on the sniper’s Eidos — separating that particular one from the masses the same way he always did.
1343
1344He also knew that his opponent was aiming here and preparing to fire again.
1345
1346The second shot hadn’t arrived because the sniper was reloading and changing the armor penetration rounds used earlier to rounds that could penetrate objects that the enemy was taking cover behind, hence the huge delay.
1347
1348Tatsuya saw through this because he held every scrap of data about this sniper in the palm of his hand.
1349
1350He had to say he was quite fortunate.
1351
1352As he thought this, Tatsuya activated the magic to completely decompose the human body.
1353
1354
1355
1356
1357
1358Ten minutes after the black car fled, Tatsuya judged that there was no further danger and stood up from behind the car.
1359
1360Peeking into the car’s interior, he found Sayuri had already fainted. Since the car hadn’t activated after all this time, which was perfectly predictable, there was no need for concern.
1361
1362Her body was surrounded by air bags on all sides, which served as a buffer all around her. This was an excellent example of the safety features kicking in to prevent the driver’s body from suffering physical injury, as this arrangement could protect them from any type of shock.
1363
1364In that case, she likely fainted due to the mental shock from this event.
1365
1366At any rate, she was someone connected to the Yotsuba Family, so she should be able to endure some degree of incidents. Yet her current predicament looked just like an average person, right? Tatsuya couldn’t help but ruminate on this.
1367
1368Once the reusable air bags were tucked away, the automatic vehicle restarted itself.
1369
1370Covering the slowly moving vehicle from behind, Tatsuya followed on his motorcycle.
1371
1372
1373
1374
1375
1376By the time they reached the station, Sayuri had already regained consciousness. Her face was a little pale, but she displayed no sign of panic. Of course, Tatsuya was riding a motorcycle behind her during the entire trip, so he had no idea what expression was on her face anyway. After seeing her to the station, Sayuri forced Tatsuya to accept the box that contained the Magatama. Tatsuya felt that Sayuri’s stubborn and relentless appearance exemplified her personality perfectly.
1377
1378After Sayuri left, Tatsuya headed directly for the phone after returning home. He didn’t use a mobile phone at the station for fear of eavesdroppers.
1379
1380“Don’t worry about the cameras on route. We’ve already started taking steps.”
1381
1382“Thank you very much, Major.”
1383
1384The phone was a direct line to the HQ of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
1385
1386As someone who was forced to conceal his identity as one of the primary combatants for the Yotsuba Family within the Ten Master Clans as well as his alias as a Special Lieutenant within the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, the first order of business for Tatsuya was to ensure that his identity wasn’t exposed by the cameras.
1387
1388Tatsuya straightened and saluted Kazama’s image on the display.
1389
1390“Still, I must say that our opponents are behaving quite recklessly. Even though this isn’t the heart of the city, they still fired within the city proper.”
1391
1392“While I cannot deny that I was overly careless, I must admit that our opponents are quite skilled.”
1393
1394“They did not use magic, correct?”
1395
1396“Affirmative.”
1397
1398Using magic to guide the bullet trajectory undoubtedly would cause a side effect from phenomenon rewriting.
1399
1400Likewise, using sensory enhancement magic would also reveal their location due to the psion waves.
1401
1402So long as they used magic, there was no way to hide themselves from Tatsuya.
1403
1404Kazama was well aware of Tatsuya’s capabilities.
1405
1406“Yes, during nocturnal conditions and only relying on a scope, they still successfully sniped from nearly a kilometer out.”
1407
1408Kazama was glancing downwards on the screen, likely looking at the map for the sniper’s location. Tatsuya didn’t completely understand all the nuances regarding sniping; Kazama was much more familiar with the details. Seems like Kazama had found some sort of clue that Tatsuya hadn’t discovered, so even though he hadn’t seen it, he could grasp the details just from Tatsuya’s report.
1409
1410“There are a limited number of organizations around the world that can dispatch snipers of this quality. We might actually narrow this down rather quickly.”
1411
1412“Then we’re relying on you.”
1413
1414Offense was the greatest defense, referring to the concept that by rendering an opponent powerless, one would remove the threat of attack. Since they had already crossed blades once, so long as neither side presses forward, a peaceful solution was not impossible for Tatsuya.
1415
1416“Hm? Give me a second. ……There’s a new report coming in. We’ve found the car.”
1417
1418Even though the black car had covered its license plate, this degree of subterfuge could not fool the cameras along the streets set for defensive purposes. So long as they knew when and where the vehicle passed by, unique features could always be identified.
1419
1420“Since the investigation has already begun, how about letting it start from this end?”
1421
1422“As you wish.”
1423
1424At Kazama’s question of verification, Tatsuya immediately nodded in response.
1425
1426Tatsuya didn’t quibble over details like whether he had to personally capture his escaped opponents.
1427
1428
1429
1430
1431
1432Owing to the unexpected live action sequence, dinner was slightly later than usual. Still, Miyuki didn’t seem irritated in the slightest as she pranced around in a pink apron with frills as she prepared dinner.
1433
1434“That apron……?”
1435
1436“You noticed?”
1437
1438Hearing the words that slipped from his mouth, Miyuki smiled and turned her head.
1439
1440The apron Miyuki was wearing was simplistic but adult in its design.
1441
1442While Tatsuya didn’t know whether this was merely a young lady’s interest, this was the first time he beheld such a fantastically adorable apron.
1443
1444“This was what you just bought today?”
1445
1446Before splitting at the station, Miyuki had been pulled into a store catering to young women by Mizuki and Erika.
1447
1448Tatsuya lounged on the chair as he waited for them, only to have them appear much sooner than expected. When asked what they bought, Erika only said that it was a “secret”, so he didn’t receive a real answer.
1449
1450“Mizuki said she needed a new apron so I bought one as well. This doesn’t look strange on me, does it?”
1451
1452Since this was considerably different than her usual fashion, Miyuki watched Tatsuya with worried eyes.
1453
1454Though it was a simple matter to pass on a compliment, Tatsuya took this opportunity to seriously evaluate his sister’s attire.
1455
1456Given that the apron’s length was the same as her skirt, it gave off the impression that she was wearing a single dress.
1457
1458And a mini-skirt apron to boot.
1459
1460The two straps looped over the shoulders and crossed over the back along with a wide strap tied around the waist with an adorable butterfly knot, complete with a pair of thighs charmingly exposed from the bottom.
1461
1462Definitely not a getup that can be shown to anyone else, Tatsuya thought.
1463
1464
1465
1466
1467
1468“It suits you perfectly. In fact, I plan on putting you in a glass display case for personal perusal.”
1469
1470He realized that his choice of words was slightly odd.
1471
1472“Onii-sama’s ideas are just a smidgen strange.”
1473
1474Just listening to her words might sound like she was surprised, but her expression clearly signified that she was trying to hide her embarrassment.
1475
1476Still, Tatsuya didn’t point this out to Miyuki and merely smiled as he picked up the chopsticks.
1477
1478After dinner, the two siblings moved from the dinner table to the living room. After setting down a cup of coffee on the table before the sofa Tatsuya was occupying, Miyuki left her cup on the table and sat beside her brother.
1479
1480“Speaking of which, why did that person visit us today? Did she bring a specimen for Magic Sequence storage?”
1481
1482After finding a spot to sit, Miyuki sat with her legs closed and placed her hands on top of one another over them as she asked Tatsuya with eyes brimming with curiosity.
1483
1484“She wanted to find out if Magic Sequence storage was possible.”
1485
1486Since this was an expected question, Tatsuya already prepared an answer.
1487
1488“Asking for help, just like before.”
1489
1490Not like he was relying on half truths to muddle through this.
1491
1492“Still, this job may be a little more interesting.”
1493
1494“Has the contract already been accepted?”
1495
1496Miyuki’s question was just going through the motions, she had already understood through her brother’s earlier words that this task was unavoidable.
1497
1498“Given that the specimen is sitting right here, seems likely.”
1499
1500Tatsuya’s gaze shifted to one corner of the table.
1501
1502The jewel box that Sayuri brought sat there innocuously.
1503
1504Sayuri forced Tatsuya to hold onto the box in fear of further enemy attack.
1505
1506“So this is the specimen? Does it possess the power to store Magic Sequences?”
1507
1508What is it? At the wordless inquiry, Tatsuya opened the box.
1509
1510“A relic of the Magatama-class.”
1511
1512Keeping an eye on Miyuki, Tatsuya unveiled the item’s true identity.
1513
1514Her hands flew to her face as Miyuki stared wide-eyed at Tatsuya.
1515
1516“Why does that woman have something like this?”
1517
1518“It was a request from the military. I believe they asked us to replicate this.”
1519
1520“That’s ridiculous.”
1521
1522While Miyuki didn’t have the same depth of understanding as Tatsuya regarding how outrageous the replication of relics was, she still understood that this was a preposterous request.
1523
1524Magic Sequences influenced the Eidos of an object in order to temporarily rewrite the information surrounding the object based on the conditions described within the Magic Sequence — this was magic. For example, an orb that is outwardly red contains an Eidos that “primarily reflected red light” and is “circularly shaped”. If a Magic Sequence containing the condition “primarily reflecting blue light” influenced the Eidos, then the orb would turn blue. Since the Magic Sequence overwrote the Eidos on the object, the conditions within the Magic Sequence would temporarily replace the characteristics of the object. This effect would persist until the conditions from the Magic Sequence fades away.
1525
1526Though the Magic Sequence occupied a central role in the invocation of magic, using magic to preserve Magic Sequences remained impossible.
1527
1528Still, if the item itself possessed the ability to replicate the effects from the altered phenomenon and the Magic Sequence could be replicated, then the effects from magic would persist ad infinitum. In other words, copying the altered phenomenon and the Magic Sequence would become possible.
1529
1530Which would preserve the characteristics of the Magic Sequence as well as the characteristics of the magical effects.
1531
1532Logically speaking, if Magic Sequences that changed the temperature could be preserved, then high temperatures measuring in the hundreds of degrees or cold temperatures that were dozens of degrees below zero could be achieved without any input. Likewise, replication of Speed Magic that was preserved could create actual perpetual motion machines.
1533
1534“Just possessing the ability to store Magic Sequences alone is insufficient to replace Magicians, since the Magic Sequences stored within these devices can only be activated through magic. While I have little stake in replicating the Magatama itself, if this item is truly able to store Magic Sequences, then understanding that process becomes absolutely integral.”
1535
1536“If it’s Onii-sama, then anything is possible.”
1537
1538At some point, Miyuki scooted over until she was directly next to Tatsuya and laid her head against Tatsuya’s shoulder. She gently reassured Tatsuya, who sat there with a chilly expression on his face as he spoke.
1539
1540
1541
1542
1543
1544Miyuki’s policy demanded that she did everything within her power to cover all the household chores that pertained to Tatsuya without leaving them to machinery, but even she wasn’t such a stickler that she washed the dishes herself.
1545
1546She was still a student, with her own pile of mandatory assignments, so some level of compromise was unavoidable.
1547
1548The plates and utensils from dinner were left to the HAR to dispose of as Miyuki began her homework.
1549
1550Despite being known as a magic high school, all other subjects besides magic were not mandatory.
1551
1552There were no regular tests, but daily homework was highly emphasized.
1553
1554Today, her homework assignment was mathematics. Strictly speaking, this was not one of her strong suits.
1555
1556Stuck on a question that bedeviled her from the beginning, Miyuki allowed her attention to drift from the screen before her.
1557
1558This was the age where the man-machine interface could easily process these problems, so no one save for mathematical researchers would actually work out problems by themselves. Yet, mathematical logic powerfully aided the development and formation of new magic, hence her brother had stringent instructions regarding this subject, and so cutting corners was not an option.
1559
1560Miyuki heaved a bored “Whew”.
1561
1562At times like these, she envied her omnipotent brother.
1563
1564Maybe I should ask Onii-sama to teach me, she idly thought before frantically shaking her head furiously.
1565
1566Right now, Tatsuya was probably deep into analyzing that relic.
1567
1568Her very presence alone bound Tatsuya’s freedom, so she definitely couldn’t bother him anymore, Miyuki thought.
1569
1570The sole reason Tatsuya entered First High was because Miyuki enrolled in First High, at least this was how Miyuki interpreted the situation.
1571
1572A diploma from a magic high school was a prerequisite for attending the National Magic University, but there were always exceptions; especially, talented individuals who might have discovered a “Cardinal Code” would immediately qualify for the examination process even without a magic high school diploma. So long as Tatsuya wished to do so, he would immediately obtain that right and simply passing the examination would not trouble him in the slightest.
1573
1574Miyuki knew that her brother’s goal lay in the graduate level research programs within the magic universities, so the life of a high school student was actually a considerable detour for him.
1575
1576The reason Tatsuya was forced to do so was because he was Miyuki’s guardian.
1577
1578The guardians of the Yotsuba Family bore the duty of preserving their primary’s life even at the cost of their own. This title came from the combat slaves that once rescued a young woman from the Yotsuba Family from enemy attack and were responsible for preserving the Yotsuba bloodline.
1579
1580On the surface, this mission differed little from ordinary bodyguards, but temporarily hired bodyguards were fundamentally different from guardians. While the Yotsuba guardians were not selected from birth, once selected, their term was for life. Though they were the same as bodyguards in that they served for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, guardians did not possess the right to resign from their duties. Since guardians were only relieved when their primary was released from protection, to this day, without exception, Yotsuba guardians had done their duty until the day they died.
1581
1582Tatsuya possessed a certain degree of freedom by virtue of the fact that he could still protect his primary even away from the house. Magic was not restricted by physical distance or obstacles. There was no telepathic connection between the two, but Tatsuya was able to unconsciously monitor Miyuki’s surroundings through his “Idea Identification Vision”. In other words, it may be more accurate to say that he had cast magic to keep an eye on her.
1583
1584Nevertheless, even Tatsuya wasn’t able to use magic while sleeping.
1585
1586Even if distance was no hindrance, their everyday lives needed to synchronize to some degree.
1587
1588During holidays and long vacations, Miyuki could still match Tatsuya’s activities, but in school Tatsuya had to link with Miyuki, so they had to accommodate the high school schedule. Also, though magic wasn’t affected by physical distance, a closer proximity made it far easier to react to possible danger.
1589
1590However, in the end, all of these were only true under the condition that Miyuki does not dismiss Tatsuya from his duties as a guardian.
1591
1592Once Miyuki would dismiss Tatsuya, surely another guardian, likely of the same age and gender, would be dispatched to her. Even if the number of Magicians was limited, Miyuki was still one of the more promising candidates for the next head of the Yotsuba Family.
1593
1594Of course, Miyuki hoped to retain Tatsuya as her guardian for reasons that went beyond her own stubbornness.
1595
1596Within the Yotsuba Family, a guardian’s mission held the highest priority.
1597
1598While serving as Miyuki’s guardian, he wouldn’t be assigned any meaningless tasks. Nor would he receive any dirty jobs.
1599
1600Even their father and his new wife couldn’t press the issue on the surface.
1601
1602They could not insist that Tatsuya help them in their work.
1603
1604Even with all these considerations in mind, she still wished for her brother to attend the same school she did — the bottom line was that she herself was unable to separate herself from that dependence on her brother, something that Miyuki was aware of.
1605
1606Again, Miyuki heaved a deep sigh.
1607
1608Her frazzled mind was incapable of deciphering the answer, just as she was unable to solve the homework question before her.
1609
1610Actually, even if she didn’t need him to guide her through every step, all she needed to do was ask her brother for help. By the time Miyuki thought of this, 30 minutes had already passed.
1611
1612
1613
1614
1615
1616Chapter 3
1617
1618
1619
1620
1621The next day after school.
1622
1623In order to acquire the documents necessary for their presentation, Tatsuya arrived at the library.
1624
1625In truth, he really wanted to focus on the analysis of the specimen (Magatama-class relic), but neither could he mail it in for the Thesis Competition preparations (assistance).
1626
1627Despite its name, the library had already been completely digitized, with actual tomes of paper becoming the decisive minority. Furthermore, a significant portion of the materials could be accessed online, so there was no particular need to visit the library, except that the materials required by the thesis team belonged to the restricted archives that could not be removed from it. Searching for a spare seat in the depths of the reading area, Tatsuya accidentally ran into a familiar face.
1628
1629“Ara, if it isn’t Tatsuya-kun.”
1630
1631“Saegusa-senpai, are you in the middle of the ‘Fall of Studying’?”
1632
1633The last time he ran into Mayumi was approximately a week ago, so he could hardly say “long time no see”.
1634
1635At Tatsuya’s immediate reply, even though Mayumi had expected the question, she still pouted in vexation.
1636
1637“I say, Tatsuya-kun…… I am a Year 3 student after all.”
1638
1639“This…… I know.”
1640
1641Tatsuya was bewildered by this perfectly obvious statement that was delivered gravely.
1642
1643“The first thing that comes to mind for Year 3 students are college entrance exams, correct? How is it that you never considered I need to prepare for the exams…… Do I look that carefree to you?”
1644
1645Mayumi’s words only served to confuse Tatsuya even more.
1646
1647“……Saegusa-senpai, didn’t you receive the recommendation?”
1648
1649Excellent grades, service as the Student Council President, renowned for her participation and many victories in magic competitions.
1650
1651If she wasn’t recommended, then who else could qualify for a recommendation.
1652
1653Still, Mayumi’s answer surpassed Tatsuya’s expectations.
1654
1655“Ah? Doesn’t Tatsuya-kun know? I declined the recommendation. It is an unwritten tradition for the members of the Student Council to decline the recommendation.”
1656
1657“……First I’ve heard of this.”
1658
1659“Every year, each school recommends 10 students to the magic university, that’s how it was decided~. Compared to other schools, our school has a higher percentage of students that take the entrance exams, so in order to more efficiently utilize the recommendation system, that’s how we decided to go about it.”
1660
1661“In other words, we let the students on the borderline take first priority for recommendations, did I get that right?”
1662
1663“That may be going a little too far…… But, that’s pretty much it.”
1664
1665“That’s……”
1666
1667On some level this made perfect sense, but he still felt that there was something wrong with this system.
1668
1669Despite these thoughts roaming through Tatsuya’s head, he decided to drop the matter upon seeing Mayumi sitting there without any perplexity on her face.
1670
1671Seeing Tatsuya hum and haw, Mayumi tilted her head to one side with a “Hm?” before her attention was caught elsewhere.
1672
1673“Speaking of which, why is Tatsuya-kun here?”
1674
1675Tatsuya was slightly put out by Mayumi’s surprised tone — at the very least he frequented the library much more often than Mayumi did — however, there was no need to belabor that point.
1676
1677“I am here to gather materials for the Thesis Competition.”
1678
1679“Ah, that’s right, you were selected to help Rin-chan.”
1680
1681(……Help, eh.)
1682
1683That must be the case from another person’s perspective, Tatsuya thought.
1684
1685Although this was also a group activity, unlike Monolith Code with the option to put an individual’s talents on full display, there was no way to identify individual contribution in the thesis itself.
1686
1687It was hardly odd to believe that everyone besides the primary speaker were only assistants.
1688
1689“……Oh, standing there and talking would bother every one else. Come on in.”
1690
1691As she said this, Mayumi pointed at the reading booth she just came out of.
1692
1693“Aren’t you using it?”
1694
1695Despite the fact that retaking the booth after returning it was against the rules, it’s not like he could just stand outside the door.
1696
1697Tatsuya nodded without further hesitation.
1698
1699
1700
1701
1702
1703The reading booth was originally designed for one user and while two people felt a little tight, three people would be completely out of the question. Even if Mayumi belonged on the petite side of her gender, Tatsuya’s physical stature was undoubtedly above average among his Year 1 peers. Despite not being particularly swarthy, his wide shoulders still took up considerable seating space. Hence Tatsuya sat near the end of the seat shoulder to shoulder with Mayumi, who took a seat on the backup stool.
1704
1705He was alone in a tiny room with a beautiful young lady.
1706
1707However, even under these conditions, Tatsuya was neither overly excited nor filled with trepidation. Owing to past experiences, he had already learned how to handle Mayumi. (As for her pride as a “beautiful woman”, well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.)
1708
1709At Tatsuya smoothly operating the terminal despite their close proximity without a care in the world, Mayumi didn’t become anxious or display a disappointed expression. Frankly, she continued their interrupted conversation in a wholly unguarded fashion.
1710
1711“I know it’s a bit sudden for Tatsuya-kun, but good luck, OK?”
1712
1713“……True, it was a little sudden.”
1714
1715Tatsuya was slightly off kilter at Mayumi’s seemingly natural words that came without any premonition, but once he connected these words with their earlier conversation, he was fortunately able to avoid asking “For what?”.
1716
1717“But that’s not something that Saegusa-senpai would worry about, right?”
1718
1719He replied carelessly while his eyes were focused on the screen.
1720
1721“That may be true. Still, this topic is more important to Rin-chan than taking First Place in the Thesis Competition.”
1722
1723“Now that you mention it, did senpai talk to you about serving as a substitute?”
1724
1725“That’s definitely not a topic I can handle. Also, I’m not that handy with sustaining magic with complex processes.”
1726
1727The question and answer provided didn’t entirely match up, but Suzune was likely aware of what areas Mayumi excelled at, hence she removed her name from the replacements roster, Tatsuya explained to himself.
1728
1729“It’s unfortunate. Rin-chan helped me out quite a bit, but now I can’t give her a hand.”
1730
1731He was unsure whether she was muttering to herself or towards him. While he thought about reassuring Mayumi, who wore a pained expression on her face, ultimately he chose to silently plug away and keep searching for data.
1732
1733“So I really hope Tatsuya-kun will try his best, since Tatsuya-kun can definitely provide powerful assistance to Rin-chan.”
1734
1735“Does Ichihara-senpai have any particular thoughts about this topic?”
1736
1737Tatsuya asked this question more out of curiosity than because he was motivated by her encouragement.
1738
1739“On some level, this is the first step to realizing Rin-chan’s dream.”
1740
1741Tatsuya didn’t dig deeper into Mayumi’s formless words.
1742
1743Even if Suzune had a dream, surely that had nothing to do with him.
1744
1745Regardless of Tatsuya’s thoughts on the matter, Mayumi didn’t stop there.
1746
1747“Raising the social standing for Magicians. She aimed not to change their social standing through political pressure, but through economic necessity. By turning magic into an irreplaceable aspect in the economy, Magicians would be truly free of their fate as humanoid weapons. According to Rin-chan, Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor is the key step towards this goal. This thesis is precisely the first step for that purpose.”
1748
1749Tatsuya couldn’t help but turn his head at this.
1750
1751Under his widened eyes, even Mayumi shrank back a little.
1752
1753“Hm, what is it?”
1754
1755“That’s astounding. I never thought that Ichihara-senpai was contemplating the exact same thing.”
1756
1757“Eh? Tatsuya-kun too?”
1758
1759In all honesty, Suzune and Tatsuya couldn’t be credited with the idea of using economic utility to raise Magicians’ social standing. Despite the paltry number of supporters, this notion had already been around for at least twenty years. The only technicality was that there had hitherto been no sign of success.
1760
1761Currently, the primary usage for Magicians remained strictly military.
1762
1763With the global situation gradually stabilizing, practical mobilization of weaponry had decreased as well.
1764
1765Still, innovations for Magicians — and not the magic sort — were still dominated by military purposes in the 90% tier.
1766
1767At the current progression, all of this had yet to change.
1768
1769The overwhelming majority of magic for domestic purposes could be replaced by machinery.
1770
1771Temperature control and physical acceleration couldn’t match the same superb effect from magic, but if restricted to the level for public consumption, then non-magic technology could still be viable. There was no need to use magic.
1772
1773Nor did advanced automatons need to be replaced by Magicians. Magic was not required for operation or organization.
1774
1775So far, no result that could only be produced by magic had supplanted the versatility of modern science, so “using economic advantages to liberate Magicians” remained empty words from idealists.
1776
1777On the other hand, the concept for Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors didn’t come from Tatsuya’s group either.
1778
1779In this regard, research had begun 50 years ago to use magic to actualize thermonuclear fusion reactors.
1780
1781Nevertheless, this research had been forgotten in this day and age.
1782
1783After judging that repeatedly activating Gravity Control-type Magic to maintain a thermonuclear fusion reactor rated as one of the “Three Great Puzzles for Gravity Magic”, most developed countries already used solar energy to address their energy problems, so presently there was no sign of energy shortage.
1784
1785Those who placed their hopes on using Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Reactors to raise the social standing of Magicians had practically gone extinct in the latter half of the 21st century.
1786
1787“I can’t believe I found someone who shared such radical beliefs.”
1788
1789Seeing Tatsuya wear an admiring expression rather than shock, Mayumi stared at him for some unknown reason.
1790
1791“……Hm, that’s wonderful. So you share the same interests as Rin-chan.”
1792
1793Not only her eyes, even her tone was irked.
1794
1795“Ah, no, I hardly think that it’s a question of whether Ichihara-senpai and I share the same interests…… Our methodology is completely different.”
1796
1797What is she so upset about, Tatsuya thought as he replied in a fashion like someone plucking an excuse out of nowhere.
1798
1799“But the basic concept is the same, right? Tatsuya-kun, in reality, Rin-chan’s more your type, huh?”
1800
1801“Ha?”
1802
1803“Even with such an alluring young lady next to you, yet you show no signs of even trying. Well, Onee-san is sorry that she has such an adolescent figure.”
1804
1805What was this person talking about? Those were Tatsuya’s unfiltered feelings.
1806
1807Speaking of which, even if they shared the same topic, it was hardly a guarantee that they were companions and more likely that they were opponents. Despite her petite figure, Mayumi didn’t boast an adolescent physique at all, more like an intriguing figure filled with mature charm.
1808
1809There were too many misunderstandings that demanded his immediate attention, but Tatsuya was at a loss as to where to begin.
1810
1811“I have no exhibitionist tendencies. I would never do anything to a woman before all these cameras here.”
1812
1813Tatsuya was quite befuddled.
1814
1815The first answer that came to his mind after the cobwebs didn’t appear to fit very well.
1816
1817“Eh……?”
1818
1819At Tatsuya’s apparently profound, but actually completely careless words, Mayumi started fidgeting in place and her eyes started drifting around.
1820
1821
1822
1823
1824
1825“Well, then, what if there weren’t any cameras or people here? Let’s say, for example, if it was just the two of us alone in a hotel room?”
1826
1827“If that’s senpai’s invitation to dine, then I shall gladly ‘dig in’ without hesitation.”
1828
1829With a clatter, Mayumi sprang away from her stool, blushing furiously and pressed against the wall to pull as far back as possible from Tatsuya in the narrow room. Seeing this, Tatsuya suddenly realized the double entendre in his words.
1830
1831Still, saying anything else would just dig himself deeper, so Tatsuya took it as a fortunate sign that he managed to stop there. He turned his gaze from Mayumi and concentrated on gathering the necessary data for the project.
1832
1833On the other hand, Mayumi, who should have felt threatened by Tatsuya’s response, chose to remain in the reading booth for some mysterious reason.
1834
1835
1836
1837
1838
1839During the evening three days before the thesis was due, Tatsuya was going over the numbers at his private work station when he noticed that the home server was under attack.
1840
1841There were simultaneous attacks from multiple channels, signifying that this hacking attempt was not done by an amateur.
1842
1843This was done by specialists specifically to data mine the construct.
1844
1845There was a high possibility that this was not by chance, but a specific attack on this household’s IP address.
1846
1847No matter how many times they were beaten back, they continued pressing forward.
1848
1849Quite the determined bunch indeed.
1850
1851Looks like we have to switch to another IP address, Tatsuya groaned to himself as he sighed while activating the tracer.
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857During lunch break the next day.
1858
1859Tatsuya stopped by the Counseling Room.
1860
1861His target was obviously Haruka.
1862
1863Of course, the subject of this conversation wasn’t something trivial like teenage worries or fancies.
1864
1865“……Unfortunately, the link was cut in the middle. Hence the source of the attack was not uncovered.”
1866
1867Haruka did nothing to hide her unwillingness to help — more like intentionally put that on full display — despite the fact that this wasn’t an attitude a counselor should display. Nonetheless, after taking into account that Tatsuya’s business had nothing to do with counseling and their history, this was hardly Haruka’s fault.
1868
1869“……And then? I’ll say this ahead of time, I’m not capable of tracing them over the web.”
1870
1871Hearing that highly exasperated voice, Tatsuya almost burst into laughter. Still, doing so would undoubtedly rouse her ire, so he made sure to wipe that off his face.
1872
1873“Naturally, I’m aware of sensei’s strengths, nor do I plan to venture into such troublesome territory.”
1874
1875“Then what do you want?”
1876
1877A wary expression spread across Haruka’s face.
1878
1879Whenever Tatsuya looked like he was about to cut into a serious conversation, she had to suspect that he had some ulterior motive up his sleeve. That was a lesson she had already learned by now.
1880
1881“Regarding organizations that have recently been secretly trafficking in magic intel, could you elaborate on anything within your purview?”
1882
1883Seeing Tatsuya adopt a “friendly” smile with a placating attitude, Haruka furrowed her brows in displeasure.
1884
1885“……I say, Shiba-kun. You do know I have to maintain confidentiality, correct?”
1886
1887“Naturally.”
1888
1889“…………”
1890
1891Haruka’s mouth pressed into a thin line and stopped.
1892
1893She probably wanted to say “Brazen little……”, Tatsuya thought.
1894
1895As to why, he himself thought this way.
1896
1897That being said, it’s not like that comment stung him.
1898
1899“……From the end of last month to the first days of this one, several illegal aliens managed to infiltrate Yokohama and the surrounding environs.”
1900
1901In a tone that one could almost hear her sighing in, Haruka began anew.
1902
1903Once enthralled by sweet temptation, escaping its grasp became difficult. For people working in the intelligence field, this was one of the rudimentary lessons.
1904
1905Can’t believe she fell for that…… Haruka’s heart was filled with regret.
1906
1907“Despite the county police and coast guard combining their efforts, they don’t have much to show for it. At the same time, both ‘Maximilian’ and ‘Rozen’ suffered thefts.”
1908
1909Maximilian and Rozen were the top of the line in global CAD production. In other words, their goal lay in the production facilities for magic devices.
1910
1911“Hard to think this is a sheer coincidence.”
1912
1913“Right now there is no confirmation that this was done by the same group. Shiba-kun, I advise you to avoid submitting the thesis online and bring a hard copy instead.”
1914
1915Only her last words were spoken with any sincerity.
1916
1917Haruka diverted her gaze to her desk as Tatsuya sought to verify her intentions.
1918
1919This was a sign that she didn’t wish to continue the conversation.
1920
1921Tatsuya knew better than to push onward.
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927After school at the HQ for the Public Moral Committee, Tatsuya was conveying last night’s events to Isori.
1928
1929“……So, there was no loss?”
1930
1931“Nothing really happened.”
1932
1933Tatsuya raised a hand to stop Isori, who had risen in concern, as he smiled wryly and shook his head.
1934
1935Isori was someone who could instantly transform into a “neutral, beautiful young lady” simply by changing a set of uniforms, so having him approach unnecessarily was still an uncomfortable experience.
1936
1937Of course, since these opinions couldn’t be expressed, he had to ensure that he didn’t unconsciously tilt backwards.
1938
1939“Compared to that, anything happen at your residence, Isori-senpai?”
1940
1941Isori started before furrowing his brows and lowering his voice.
1942
1943“You mean that the hacker’s goal was……”
1944
1945His soft voice oddly contained a hint of feminine charm.
1946
1947Rumor had it that the man once despaired over the small number of male friends, but apparently that wasn’t because they disliked him and was more likely they kept him at arm’s length for a reason…… Contrary to the words he spoke, these thoughts were running through Tatsuya’s mind.
1948
1949“Given the hacker’s modus operandi, their target is likely the research files associated with a magic thesis. Based on the timing, we cannot rule out that this is related to the competition itself.”
1950
1951Actually, based on the time frame, another reason boasted a higher probability, but that information was too sensitive for him to be that open about it.
1952
1953Also, prudence harmed no one.
1954
1955Tatsuya’s words caused Isori’s brows to bunch together, displaying an expression that he was considering whether there were any premonitions lying down that path.
1956
1957“Right now, there aren’t any clues on the table…… Still, I think we should inform Ichihara-senpai about what happened.”
1958
1959“You’re right.”
1960
1961Tatsuya originally planned to do just that, so he immediately nodded in assent at Isori’s proposal.
1962
1963“Kei, sorry for the wait~.”
1964
1965A delighted voice that ended with a trill interrupted their conversation.
1966
1967Needless to say, the one who sat beside Isori with a flourish without waiting for a response and latched onto his arm before flirting with him was Kanon.
1968
1969“Tatsuya-kun, long time no see.”
1970
1971With a wry smile that said, what am I going to do with her, Mari also arrived and greeted Tatsuya.
1972
1973While questioning whether 10 days constitutes “long time no see”, after considering that they used to meet every school day up until last month, this did give off the impression that they hadn’t seen each other for some time.
1974
1975“Indeed. Long time no see.”
1976
1977Tatsuya rose and gave Mari his seat.
1978
1979“Oh, thank you.”
1980
1981Mari didn’t bother to decline and sat with a smile.
1982
1983As usual, she was still a vibrant, handsome woman, Tatsuya thought as he said “You’re welcome”, and pulled up another chair to sit next to Mari.
1984
1985“So, Tatsuya-kun, how is Kanon handling her new responsibilities?”
1986
1987And Mari promptly dropped this bombshell.
1988
1989Well, the former Chief inquiring on the effectiveness of the acting Chief was still within expectations, but if she and Isori were present, this conversation topic became a little awkward.
1990
1991“Mari nee-san!?”
1992
1993Then again, the sight of Kanon panicking swiftly illuminated the reasoning behind that question.
1994
1995Quite the pleasant upperclassman-underclassman relationship, no?
1996
1997“Since we don’t run patrols together, I’m not familiar with the particulars, but……”
1998
1999Given the hilarious potential, Tatsuya decided to put on an act.
2000
2001“She is very well organized and specializes in throwing out unnecessary junk. At times, she seems overly decisive.”
2002
2003Tatsuya finished speaking with a perfectly serious expression and a tone with no voice inflections whatsoever, prompting both Mari and Kanon to squirm in their seats. Mari did so because she was well aware of her own deficiencies in organizational skills, while Kanon was reflecting on the numerous times she tossed something that shouldn’t have been thrown away and had been forced to retrieve them.
2004
2005Tatsuya’s comments weren’t just directed to Kanon since Mari plainly read between the lines of his words, but Isori was hopelessly lost.
2006
2007Isori directed an outwardly solemn, but actually gentle reminder to Kanon.
2008
2009“……Despite Shiba-kun’s words, doesn’t Kanon have a lot of things on her plate too? Relying on me is one thing, but everything else has been handed over to Shiba-kun.”
2010
2011“……So I’m not good at those things. I’m a firm believer in division of labor.”
2012
2013Her tantrum and flirtatious behavior were a world of difference from her usual — whenever Isori was not around — fiery attitude. Seeing this, both Tatsuya and Mari chuckled wryly.
2014
2015“OK, we can talk about everything else some other time……”
2016
2017That’s about enough of that, Tatsuya thought as he turned over a new leaf as he urged Mari to “cut to the chase”.
2018
2019“OK, let’s leave it at that. Actually, I came to discuss security for the Thesis Competition.”
2020
2021“Security? Is the Public Moral Committee on duty?”
2022
2023“Exactly.”
2024
2025Having students serve as “security” for extracurricular activities was odd to say the least, but Tatsuya seemed to be the only one ill at ease. That was probably because this was the case every year.
2026
2027“Even though we’re called security, we don’t actually provide guards for the site itself. The Magic Association will dispatch specialists for that purpose.”
2028
2029Rather than dodging the question, Mari provided an explanation before the question could be asked.
2030
2031“The topic I want to discuss would be personal bodyguards for the team members as well as guards to watch over the report materials and supplies. After all, the Thesis Competition contains restricted information that ‘may not be publicized to personnel unrelated to the magic universities’. This is public knowledge. Owing to these reasons, participants for the Thesis Competition are often the target of industrial spies.”
2032
2033Tatsuya was slightly surprised by this oddly appropriate topic. Even though this fell within his projected predictions, he still couldn’t contain his astonishment.
2034
2035“……Such as breaking into household servers?”
2036
2037“……No, this is at the high school level after all…… Despite calling them spies, they are only small timers trying to make some money off this event. There’s no precedent for someone hacking in to steal information……”
2038
2039That makes perfect sense, Tatsuya thought as he heard Mari’s answer.
2040
2041In modern age, network intrusion was a serious felony. Stealing information through the network warranted heavier punishment than normal theft and belonged in the same category as homicide. At the same time, network protection had also improved substantially, making this an unprofitable venture for professional criminals.
2042
2043Then the hackers from last night were indeed from…… As Tatsuya drifted into his thoughts, Mari’s words picked up steam.
2044
2045“Instead, we should say that security is required to prevent theft and burglary. Four years ago, there was a precedent where one of the speakers was attacked en route. Following that, each school arranged for guards to accompany key personnel in the weeks approaching the event.”
2046
2047Luckily, Tatsuya was able to focus in time before the conversation concluded.
2048
2049“Of course, our school also follows this practice every year. The guards are selected from the Public Moral Committee and the Club Activities Group, though each principal will pick from this group.”
2050
2051“I will be responsible for Kei.”
2052
2053Of course! Kanon interrupted.
2054
2055Quite the amusing reaction, Tatsuya thought, but this time he didn’t break into a wry smile or break into laughter.
2056
2057“……Well, looks like Isori has no complaints, so let’s go with that. Of course, that includes an assistant…… Kanon, don’t kick aside your teammates, OK?”
2058
2059“Hey! No one is going to do something like that. I’m not that childish.”
2060
2061Seeing that pout and puffed up cheeks, Kanon’s words “not that childish” were a little hard to take at face value, but three warm gazes chose to overlook the words “not that childish”.
2062
2063“Ichihara decided to take Hattori and Kirihara as her guards.”
2064
2065“The Club Activities Group Leader himself, eh?”
2066
2067“I thought Hattori couldn’t even look Ichihara in the eye?”
2068
2069Mari replied to Tatsuya’s blandly voiced question with a mischievous smirk.
2070
2071“Next…… Is what are we going to do with you.”
2072
2073“There’s no need.”
2074
2075Mari maintained her devilish smirk as she spoke, to which Tatsuya replied immediately in the negative.
2076
2077“Meh, that’s also true.”
2078
2079Likewise, Mari didn’t have any intention of convincing Tatsuya otherwise.
2080
2081“There’s no point in surrounding you with guards, since there’s a higher chance of them getting in the way. I understand, so I’ll pass that along to Hattori.”
2082
2083At Mari’s response, Tatsuya finally asked a question.
2084
2085“Speaking of which, why is Watanabe-senpai here?”
2086
2087There was no particular reason behind this question. Tatsuya was curious as to why the current Chief Kanon wasn’t coordinating this, but the previous Chief Mari was coordinating between the Public Moral Committee and Club Activities Group.
2088
2089“……Uh, there’s no real reason……”
2090
2091At Mari’s vague mumbling, Tatsuya face colored in ire.
2092
2093He clearly received the signal at how much they were overly protected as Mari twisted to one side in embarrassment.
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099The products in First High’s student store had far surpassed the level of “high school student stores”.
2100
2101Still, each of the nine magic high schools was like this, so as to provide materials related to magic studies not sold in normal stores to reduce student stress and raise necessary supplies to meet the rising demand.
2102
2103In the end, this was still a small student store on campus, so if there was an item that simply couldn’t be obtained on campus, then students still had to go off campus to obtain them.
2104
2105In this area, all nine magic high schools were also the same, as stores had sprouted along the nearby streets leading to the high schools to provide materials, notebooks, books, and miscellaneous items that could not be purchased in the student store.
2106
2107As mentioned above, the stores lined along the streets near First High had a plethora of selections available.
2108
2109Tatsuya and Isori were purchasing slides for the 3-D projector in one of the shops in front of the station. The deadline for the project was tomorrow, so they couldn’t afford to wait for the student store to get new merchandise.
2110
2111“Plainly, we would be fine without the senpais accompanying us……”
2112
2113The reason that Tatsuya still said this halfway through the trip was partially because he was apologetic that the upperclassmen had to tag along the entire time, and partially to suppress Kanon, who latched onto her lover heedless of other people watching them.
2114
2115Clearly, the grass was greener on the other side, while the reverse was also true. Possibly, the bystanders had a more objective view of the situation.
2116
2117Since Kanon was the only one flirting whereas Isori seemed entirely at a loss what to do, the pair was not completely hopeless yet.
2118
2119Speaking of which, Miyuki was still on campus. Kanon had a legitimate reason in serving as Isori’s protection, but even if this was a temporary jaunt, Miyuki didn’t have the luxury of abandoning her responsibilities in the Student Council and following her brother. Currently, precisely because she was well aware that Kanon was with them, she was hammering away at the terminal with great irritation.
2120
2121“No, leaving everything to Shiba-kun would be bad form. Also, I want to verify the products as well.”
2122
2123Basically, the overly diligent Isori’s reply was only to be expected.
2124
2125At this point, Tatsuya didn’t think he could just send the two of them packing either. His earlier comment was both a mild complaint and also an attempt to clear out the slightly feminine laughter that needled the ears. He could relax after making the conscious decision to block all this out, which was one area that Tatsuya excelled in.
2126
2127Afterwards, using an incredibly slow pace that wasted another 5 minutes, they finally arrived at the shop.
2128
2129Tatsuya swiftly made all the necessary purchases and let Isori know that “I’m waiting outside”, before stepping out of the store.
2130
2131Finally able to catch some peace and quiet, Tatsuya noticed that someone was spying on him.
2132
2133There was no sign that someone was shadowing him. Even if he had been harassed by sweet whispers expected from a high school couple, he didn’t lower his guard.
2134
2135However, even if they weren’t Tatsuya, anyone would notice such an obvious gaze.
2136
2137This store was along the shortest route from the school to the station and was almost on the station’s doorstep. If someone was waiting in ambush at the front of the station, it would be a simple task to identify students on their way home, so he estimated that they must have been camping here since much earlier. Although their figure remained hidden, their rampant hostility signified that they were up to some deviltry. On the other hand, in terms of sheer wariness, this level was altogether childish compared to the sniping attack Tatsuya weathered two days ago.
2138
2139As he debated over what action to take, Isori and Kanon came out with their purchases.
2140
2141“Sorry for the wait…… What happened?”
2142
2143Tatsuya could only sigh in appreciation at Isori’s ability to sense something was off the moment he stepped out of the store and ask him the cause of it.
2144
2145He wasn’t wearing such an opaque expression.
2146
2147As evidenced by Kanon tilting her head to one side with a “Huh?” expression on her face.
2148
2149Isori was an expert on magic utilizing delayed activation conditions, but these observation skills probably coincided more with sensory systematic magic.
2150
2151“Nothing, we’re being observed, so I was thinking of how to respond.”
2152
2153There was no need to hide this detail, so Tatsuya directly answered Isori’s question.
2154
2155Still, he wasn’t able to finish that answer.
2156
2157“Observed? By spies!?”
2158
2159Tatsuya remained thinking, because Kanon interjected before he could say “how to respond”.
2160
2161And very loudly too.
2162
2163That was like telling their opponent to “bail now” and, as expected, the observation was cut short as whoever was responsible quickly departed.
2164
2165Yet, Kanon was worthy of being Mari’s chosen successor.
2166
2167After a simple “where?” to Tatsuya, she immediately sped off in the direction Tatsuya’s eyes pointed towards.
2168
2169“Kanon, magic!”
2170
2171“I know! Have faith in me, Kei.”
2172
2173He reminded her precisely because he didn’t completely believe her, but Isori was half a beat slower than Kanon, so he could only stand there with her emergency replacement, Tatsuya, and helplessly watch her rapidly departing figure.
2174
2175
2176
2177
2178
2179As well as being in the top tier of Magicians around the world, Kanon was also a member of the cross country club.
2180
2181She didn’t have the same leg strength as a top flight athlete who didn’t know magic, but she was a match for any ordinary high school student, even the boys as well.
2182
2183With her skirt flying, Kanon immediately noticed the petite figure fleeing the area from the corner of her eye.
2184
2185That young girl was wearing the same school uniform she was wearing.
2186
2187She was surprised by this turnout, but acting was always her stronger suit and Kanon’s philosophy was always decisive action without waffling over the details. Although she didn’t hear any convincing evidence on Tatsuya’s part that this was her culprit, Kanon never let up on her pursuit.
2188
2189The distance was rapidly shrinking. By the time there were 10 meters between them, the fleeing young girl turned to look.
2190
2191Revealing a face not covered by a mask nor wearing dark shades to disguise her features.
2192
2193The young girl didn’t intend to catch Kanon’s eyes, but that was the result forged through chance.
2194
2195By the time Kanon noticed that the young girl had drawn a small device, the young girl turned towards a new direction and held the device between the two of them.
2196
2197Not good, Kanon thought.
2198
2199On reflex, she halted her footsteps and shut her eyes.
2200
2201Despite raising her hands to protect her face, she knew that this was a futile gesture.
2202
2203Through the cracks in her arms, a burning, violent flash could be seen through the eyelids.
2204
2205Several curious bystanders who were watching the two of them screamed in pain.
2206
2207Kanon closed her left eye that couldn’t be fully protected from the flash and opened her right eye that managed to avoid any damage.
2208
2209The young girl was fleeing on a scooter.
2210
2211Kanon extended her right arm to the left wrist.
2212
2213The bracelet around her wrist began to absorb psions and began spreading the Activation Sequence according to the instructions she was inputting into the CAD.
2214
2215However, before Kanon could complete the Activation Sequence, psion pellets that materialized suddenly behind her shattered it.
2216
2217“What are you doing!?”
2218
2219“Kanon, don’t!”
2220
2221Both occurred at the exact same time.
2222
2223As Kanon whirled around and Isori rushed forward, their words overlapped with one another.
2224
2225Behind Isori, Tatsuya stood there with a handgun-shaped CAD raised.
2226
2227Isori arrived where Kanon, who stood there stiffly in shock at her lover’s shout, was standing.
2228
2229While running towards her, Isori had already finished constructing the Magic Sequence.
2230
2231Towards the fleeing scooter that continued forward, he invoked the Release Systematic Magic “Road Extension”.
2232
2233The wheels on the scooter, which had just started to egress from the scene, suddenly started skidding.
2234
2235No matter how hard the engine pushed, there was no way to advance.
2236
2237Despite the open path before her, she was unable to escape this linear maze.
2238
2239The secret lay in Coulomb’s Law[1]. By altering the electrons between the tires and road, he had reduced the friction to nearly zero. The mere description of the magic was simple enough, but the calculations necessary to actually realize this Magic Sequence were absolutely terrifying.
2240
2241At the same time, he used magic to increase the gyroscopic effect to prevent the vehicle from falling over and any early acceleration had been devoured by Coulomb’s Law, so the scooter the young girl was riding was effectively stranded.
2242
2243There was no way for her to escape.
2244
2245Isori, Kanon, and Tatsuya all thought this was a foregone conclusion, which was a perfectly natural and expected judgment. From a common sense perspective, there was no way to escape this trap.
2246
2247But they didn’t know one thing.
2248
2249This young lady was a complete amateur when it came down to reckless behavior.
2250
2251Once an amateur was forced into desperate straits, they often decide upon a ridiculous course of action.
2252
2253If an act of desperation was all she had left, then surely the ending was already written, except desperate measures had a habit of succeeding in desperate times.
2254
2255The young girl thumbed the button on the end of the left side of the handle that was covered by a plastic lid.
2256
2257Normal scooters don’t have a button there.
2258
2259The button was covered by a lid like the ones seen on a fire alarm that could only be used once. This button married the “one use only” function to the “abandon after use” function.
2260
2261Abruptly, the back of the seat exploded.
2262
2263The back of the seat went flying, revealing two twin-linked rockets that began spewing flame.
2264
2265The scooter sprang forward with a kick.
2266
2267The young girl riding the scooter frantically clung to the handle when her body started tilting backwards.
2268
2269Speechless, Tatsuya could only watch the rapidly diminishing figure.
2270
2271She never let go of the handle possibly because some sort of function was built into the glove. So she had planned ahead to this point, Tatsuya thought.
2272
2273Still, your average person wouldn’t choose to attach rockets propelled by rocket fuel beneath their seat.
2274
2275The fuel amount could be estimated based on the amount of time the rocket was lit, so if the scooter tipped over and ignited, the ensuing explosion would undoubtedly kill any innocent bystanders nearby.
2276
2277It was a veritable miracle that the scooter didn’t fall over and kept moving forward after the rockets were ignited.
2278
2279Usually, sudden acceleration would lead to an abrupt loss of control and the subsequent crash.
2280
2281If not for the magics that increased gyroscopic force and also reduced tire friction to practically zero, that was the most likely result.
2282
2283If they had used Kanon’s magic instead of Isori’s magic to stop her, the scooter would definitely have fallen over and caused a tragedy.
2284
2285“……What was that child thinking……”
2286
2287“……I think we should say that we’re both pretty lucky……”
2288
2289It appeared that both his senpais were thinking along the same lines Tatsuya was.
2290
2291
2292
2293
2294
2295After abandoning the modified scooter, the young girl sucked in great gasps of air as she squirmed into the van prepared by her collaborator ahead of time.
2296
2297She never imagined that having flames sprout out from a close proximity would be such a terrifying event.
2298
2299While driving the scooter, she had the impression that her skirt, the back of her shirt and her hair were burning the entire time.
2300
2301The driver of the van remained silent.
2302
2303There were no words of comfort for her.
2304
2305Which was only to be expected.
2306
2307They weren’t companions. They were merely collaborators.
2308
2309The young girl tightly hugged her arms.
2310
2311On top of the seat painted a dull gray by the tinted windows, the young girl sat there motionlessly.
2312
2313Shortly afterward, her terror gradually faded until only regret gnawed at her heart.
2314
2315She had been overcome by her flight instinct, but coldly examining the facts told her that this was not necessary.
2316
2317After all, the only thing she had done was watching that man.
2318
2319Her guilty conscience stole her ability to think objectively. As she became aware of this, the young girl was consumed with an irresistible fury at her own failings.
2320
2321She also became aware that she was not suited for this line of work.
2322
2323She was publicly acknowledged to be the indoor type and she didn’t feel any need to change any of that.
2324
2325Her dear older sister was also like that.
2326
2327Her scholarly older sister was her role model, but since she wasn’t as talented as her sister, she chose a path that suited her interest in working with machinery.
2328
2329So what was she doing with these suspicious individuals, she asked herself.
2330
2331She immediately reached an answer.
2332
2333From the depths of her heart.
2334
2335It was all because she could never forgive that man.
2336
2337She cared not for the rewards of her labor.
2338
2339So long as she could see a regretful expression pass over that man’s face, that alone would be sufficient.
2340
2341The young girl suddenly broke into laughter.
2342
2343That was because she remembered that she had seized the initiative today.
2344
2345Even though she didn’t have the luxury to watch the rear view mirror, he must have sat there stunned as he could only watch her successfully get away……
2346
2347The young girl’s laughter was as dark as it was masochistic, with a trace of obsession tucked within.
2348
2349With each breath of laughter, the young girl’s heart fractured a little more.
2350
2351Not like there was anyone on board who was going to stop her.
2352
2353
2354
2355
2356
2357Inside one of the old buildings sitting in the outskirts of Tokyo, several older display screens were set up in a room within an office that appeared to be an office of commerce on the outside. Several men garbed in different attires stood before these screens and were intently watching the display.
2358
2359One middle-aged man with a dark cloud over his face gestured at the young girl laughing madly on the screen that linked to the interior of the van and spoke up.
2360
2361“Is that girl going to be OK?”
2362
2363The man cared little for her well-being. He was only wondering if the young girl’s idiocy would be traced back to them.
2364
2365“Mr. Zhou arranged for the driver, so we would be above suspicion even if something did occur.”
2366
2367“Why exactly are we trusting this young middle man again?”
2368
2369The young man’s face floated across his mind as another man spoke up in displeasure.
2370
2371—Not only was he an irritating factor, he was also completely untrustworthy.
2372
2373That was this man’s undisguised feelings.
2374
2375“What of the relic?”
2376
2377To sweep aside the jittery atmosphere, the man changed the topic. One of his subordinates before the monitor displays immediately replied back.
2378
2379“We have discovered no signs that it has left the FLT office. Current location is unknown.”
2380
2381“Hm…… Four Leaves, eh? What an irksome name, is it connected to the Yotsuba Family in any way?”
2382
2383“Yes, but after extensive investigation, no link was discovered. Also, this country likes to use Yotsuba or Yatsuha in their company names.”
2384
2385“That makes this a little difficult.”
2386
2387The man’s words were infused with disgust, hatred and irritation, but at the same time, the voice could not hide his fear.
2388
2389The Yatsuha name was associated with the Four Great Systems and Eight Major Types in modern magic as well as the Garbhako’sa-Dhatu Mandala, so modern corporations delighted in using that name. Still, there was another meaning behind the Yotsuba name. Using the name of the Yotsuba Family from the Ten Master Clans was considered a taboo by individuals affiliated with magic. If Japanese corporations used the Yotsuba name, both intelligence and criminal organizations feared to rouse the Yotsuba Family’s wrath by harming their assets. Since the Yotsuba Family hadn’t declared otherwise, there were many corporations who “pretended” to be affiliated with the Yotsuba Family.
2390
2391Even though this was but a cheap parlor trick, that did not mean there were no effects. Currently, their side had already expended considerable time and energy to guard against the Yotsuba Family’s detection, a fact that brought a bitter expression to the man’s face when he remembered this.
2392
2393“Don’t relax the surveillance on Sayuri. Do we have any intel on the family she visited two nights ago?”
2394
2395At the man’s question, another subordinate spoke up.
2396
2397“Her husband’s son and daughter from his first marriage reside there.”
2398
2399“Was it just to placate her stepchildren?”
2400
2401After adopting a “How boring” expression at his subordinate’s response, the man resumed asking in a businesslike manner.
2402
2403“What’s their background?”
2404
2405“Both of them are Year 1 students at the Magic University-affiliated First High.”
2406
2407However, that answer roused the man’s interest.
2408
2409“Names?”
2410
2411“The older brother is called Shiba Tatsuya, the sister is called Shiba Miyuki.”
2412
2413“Shiba Tatsuya?”
2414
2415Just as the man was searching his memory for this familiar name, the subordinate monitoring the van spoke up.
2416
2417“He is the target of our collaborator’s vendetta.”
2418
2419“I see, magic university affiliated high school? ……What a coincidence.”
2420
2421After considering this for a few seconds, the man couldn’t help but break into a smirk as he gave new orders.
2422
2423“Add the Magic University-affiliated First High to the list of observation targets. If necessary, pull men from other projects. Also, provide additional reinforcements for that girl and tell her the easiest path to vengeance lays through leaking critical information. And give that child a weapon as well.”
2424
2425The orders were fired off one at a time.
2426
2427“Captain Lu!”
2428
2429“Yes, sir!”
2430
2431“You are in command. Any meddlesome interlopers are to immediately be disposed of!”
2432
2433After giving his last orders to a bulky youth, the man departed from the room.
2434
2435
2436
2437
2438
2439Chapter 4
2440
2441
2442
2443
2444Today was the deadline to turn in the thesis, presentation draft, and materials to the school.
2445
2446Suzune, Isori, and Tatsuya had no interest in trying to slapdash the job the day before the deadline, so they had produced the data disc the day before.
2447
2448During the lunch break, they gathered to go over the final checklist that was not directed towards the contents within, but examining the context and manner of presentation of the major points. After passing their inspection, they accepted Haruka’s suggestion and Suzune personally handed the data disc to Tsudzura.
2449
2450“Does Ono-sensei’s advice to not turn in the thesis online have anything to do with yesterday’s incident?”
2451
2452After finishing the portion he was responsible for, Isori asked in a blank manner.
2453
2454“Possibly.”
2455
2456After finishing his task (even the burden allotted to a Year 1 student was by no means light), Tatsuya replied in a whisper to avoid distracting Suzune.
2457
2458“It would be far simpler to hack from on campus to get a glimpse of the network.”
2459
2460“Even then that’s quite challenging.”
2461
2462Isori shrugged at Tatsuya’s point.
2463
2464At the same time, accompanied by the typing sounds on a traditional keyboard — the sound from Suzune’s favored traditional keyboard — Suzune turned back this way.
2465
2466“Was it really a student from our school?”
2467
2468After finishing her inspection, Suzune organized the materials and joined the conversation.
2469
2470“No, that remains a ‘maybe’.”
2471
2472“Even the uniform wouldn’t be that difficult to obtain if they tried.”
2473
2474Hearing Tatsuya and Isori’s replies, Suzune fell into thought.
2475
2476“Isori-kun and Chiyoda-san should have access to the student roster.”
2477
2478Isori was a member of the Student Council and Kanon was the Chief of the Public Moral Committee, so they had the power to review the student roster. Of course, the amount of private information available was zero, so they could only make a cursory inspection of mug shots and full photos.
2479
2480“Kanon was the only one who got a partial glimpse from the side of the face, so we have to be careful we don’t exclude the suspect. Also, with nearly 300 female students on campus, there’s no way to identify our target if we can’t narrow it down to a manageable number.”
2481
2482Isori wasn’t referring to this as a hypothetical situation.
2483
2484In reality, these were Kanon’s words after attempting that this morning.
2485
2486“Yesterday, the only thing we could say is that one side was chasing the other. Even if we know who the culprit was, the only thing we could do is put her under surveillance, which is the same thing as doing nothing.”
2487
2488Suzune and Isori were aware of what Tatsuya was saying.
2489
2490Monitoring students that haven’t broken any rules — technically, using a flashbang while escaping could constitute a problem — may lead to accusations of stalking.
2491
2492At this stage, there was nothing they could do except be on their guard.
2493
2494
2495
2496
2497
2498By the time Tatsuya returned to class, Erika already took over his seat.
2499
2500“Ah, you’re really early today.”
2501
2502She quickly discovered Tatsuya’s presence and rose from the chair.
2503
2504She wasn’t impudent enough to keep sitting there. After Tatsuya sat down, she sat on the edge of the desk itself, which was exercising considerable restraint on her part.
2505
2506“What were you guys talking about?”
2507
2508Still, just as Erika observed, he was quite early today.
2509
2510He didn’t immediately face towards the terminal, but struck up a conversation with Mizuki, who sat next to him.
2511
2512The conversation target was Mizuki because she wore an uneasy expression on her face.
2513
2514“She said she felt someone watching her.”
2515
2516However, the one who answered was Erika.
2517
2518“Watching her?”
2519
2520At his renewed question, Mizuki hesitantly nodded.
2521
2522“Early in the day, I felt an annoying gaze on me. A nauseating gaze that’s lurking in the darkness somewhere.”
2523
2524“A stalker perhaps?”
2525
2526“That is impossible. I’m not a worthwhile target to be pursued.”
2527
2528The likeliest possibility was presented first, but Mizuki shot that one down by repeatedly shaking her head as if to dispel a ridiculous notion.
2529
2530“I’m not the target. I think I’m just part of a much larger web being cast out.”
2531
2532Her vague words were likely because she wasn’t able to express herself very well.
2533
2534On the other hand, Tatsuya knew perfectly what she was trying to convey.
2535
2536“In other words, the target isn’t a single student, but many students and professors or even the school at large. Is that what you mean?”
2537
2538“Ah, uh…… That may be my mistake too.”
2539
2540The uncertain attitude was also one facet of her personality. Since they had no evidence, there was nothing for it.
2541
2542“No, I think Shibata-san is onto something.”
2543
2544Yet, as if to shore up Mizuki’s flagging confidence, Mikihiko arrived and spoke in the affirmative.
2545
2546“Since yesterday morning, the spirits on campus have been thrown into an unnatural uproar. I think someone must have thrown down a Shiki.”
2547
2548Since Erika occupied Tatsuya’s seat, Leo didn’t keep turning around like he usually did. However, he whirled around after hearing Mikihiko’s words.
2549
2550“Shiki, as in a shikigami from SB Magic?”
2551
2552Mikihiko nodded at Leo’s inquiry.
2553
2554“It’s a little difficult to tell since they used a different type than we do, but there’s definitely a Magician of unknown origin snooping around here.”
2555
2556“It’s not that rare of an occurrence, is it?”
2557
2558Erika’s skepticism also held merit.
2559
2560Even though this was a high school, they were still affiliated with the magic universities and had access to many important documents. With so many talented Magicians in its faculty, First High was often the target of individuals who homed in on magic abilities.
2561
2562“Generally speaking, if they are blocked by the defensive magics hung on the walls, they usually don’t come back the same day. But this opponent continues his assault no matter how many times they’ve been beaten back. The fact that they’re searching for something isn’t surprising, but this is the first time I’ve seen such sheer obstinacy since coming to school here.”
2563
2564Mikihiko responded to Erika’s rather tactful objection with a confident rejoinder of his own.
2565
2566“……Mikihiko, just then, you said they used a different sort of magic than we did, correct?”
2567
2568“Indeed I did.”
2569
2570Mikihiko was quite concerned by Tatsuya’s choice of words and nervously confirmed Tatsuya’s question.
2571
2572“Are you saying a shikigami from a different branch of the Shinto System? Or are you saying that it’s fundamentally different from this country’s Ancient Magic?”
2573
2574He had no idea that the contents of such a carelessly phrased sentence could be mined from another direction; Mikihiko’s expression grew solemn.
2575
2576“I think that’s not a magic spell from our country.”
2577
2578“Hey, are you talking about foreign spies?”
2579
2580“Isn’t that the exact point he’s making?”
2581
2582Leo’s wide-eyed stare completely contrasted against Erika’s light words, but in reality both of them were on the same wavelength.
2583
2584“Such conspicuous behavior.”
2585
2586“They’re doing whatever they please. What the heck are the police doing?”
2587
2588Thanks to Tatsuya’s words, Erika directed her ire towards the law enforcement.
2589
2590Rather than being outraged at public officials slacking on the job, she appeared to be scolding her family members instead, which prompted an “Ah?” thought from both Tatsuya and Mikihiko.
2591
2592
2593
2594
2595
2596Meanwhile, Inspector Chiba of the Kanagawa Prefecture Police — more like exiled from the main office to the Kanagawa Prefecture Police Department — sneezed as if on cue.
2597
2598“……What’s wrong, Inspector? You suddenly look agitated.”
2599
2600Sergeant Inagaki, who was currently investigating the illegal entry incident at the Yokohama Harbor, directed a look at his immediate superior’s suspicious action.
2601
2602“Ah, for some reason I feel cold all of a sudden.”
2603
2604“Are you OK? We’re busy enough as it is, don’t even try to pretend to be ill.”
2605
2606“What do you mean pretend to be ill, you……”
2607
2608Inspector Chiba’s voice had a tinge of a reprimand mixed in, which Inagaki promptly ignored.
2609
2610“Inagaki-kun, you should at least respect the chain of command.”
2611
2612At Chiba’s words, Inagaki gave him a skeptical look.
2613
2614“You’re in no position to say that” was written all over his face, but the words that came out of his mouth were entirely different.
2615
2616“Compared to that, do we need to continue taking testimonials? I doubt we’ll find any more witnesses even if we go further.”
2617
2618Inagaki had a point there. After many days of recording testimonies, they received no new information on those who penetrated the border.
2619
2620Chiba wore a self-depreciating grin as he looked at Inagaki, whom he saw more as a partner than a subordinate.
2621
2622“Of course there are witnesses, it’s just that they choose to remain silent.”
2623
2624“Inspector, you mean……”
2625
2626Inagaki seemed to pick out something from his superior’s delicate tone as his eyes sharpened.
2627
2628“Hey, don’t scare anybody.”
2629
2630“I think the Inspector is the terrifying one. Did you notice something?”
2631
2632“Relax, I didn’t do anything off the book. Well, they say snakes go through snake paths, so let’s take a look at the snake’s den.”
2633
2634Hearing Chiba’s proposal, Inagaki wore an unwilling expression.
2635
2636“Backdoor dealings are still against the law……”
2637
2638“I think this still falls within acceptable parameters, right? Not like this is the time to worry over small details like that.”
2639
2640“Uh…… Is that so?”
2641
2642As Inagaki was nodding and looking for a counter argument, Chiba had already taken a seat in the driver’s seat of the plainclothes police car parked in the free parking area. After verifying that his partner had climbed on board, Chiba took the car towards the high class residential sector dominated by foreigners.
2643
2644
2645
2646
2647
2648The destination for the plainclothes patrol car carrying Inspector Chiba and Sergeant Inagaki was the parking lot for a cafe located in the Yokohama Hills area. After Chiba turned off the engine, Inagaki turned a sour face on him.
2649
2650“Inspector, I have nothing against taking a break here and there, but weren’t we headed for the ‘snake’s den’?”
2651
2652At his subordinate who was leveling a hard look at him that blatantly accused him of being lazy, Inspector Chiba responded with a regretful expression.
2653
2654“This is the ‘snake’s den’.”
2655
2656“Ah?”
2657
2658After hurriedly catching up to his superior who had already disembarked and was locking the door with a remote, Inagaki looked over the cafe once more as he stood next to Chiba.
2659
2660At first glance, this was a quiet, peaceful cafe. The quaint windows modeled after a cabin in the mountains had a pair of shutters that were currently open and not trying to hide anything at all.
2661
2662“Ah, calling him a snake would be disrespectful to the owner. The owner’s intelligence network is quite sophisticated and he doesn’t have a criminal record either.”
2663
2664“Are you saying he’s a big fish that we haven’t pinned anything on yet?”
2665
2666“I think he would prefer the term professional businessman over a big fish.”
2667
2668Inspector Chiba lightly shrugged and opened the “Rotterbart” doors.
2669
2670
2671
2672
2673
2674Thanks to its proximity to tourist locations, there were quite a few customers present, even though it was already past the time for usual luncheon.
2675
2676Still, the place wasn’t very rowdy.
2677
2678The mood within the cafe seemed to reflect the owner’s personality as each of the customers sat there quietly enjoying their drinks. All present belonged to a slightly older generation. Any assumption that they were all tourists would be incorrect, as the majority of them appeared to be regular patrons who favored this establishment in particular.
2679
2680Chiba sat in the second chair in one corner of the counter (Inagaki occupied the first) and ordered two cups of coffee from the owner.
2681
2682The owner appeared to be a businessman on the outside, but Chiba knew very well that he hadn’t abandoned his other trade either. Still, the conversation was stillborn before the coffee arrived and just sitting there seemed to be a waste of time, so he took this opportunity to glance around the place.
2683
2684Off to the side of the counter, a coffee mug that had just been used sat there likely because the customer had just left in a hurry so the owner didn’t have time to recover the mug. What a shame that such a wonderful coffee was just wasted like that. As he ruminated over this idea in boredom, Chiba suddenly discovered that while he was fixated on the coffee mug, the customer he thought had departed in a hurry had returned.
2685
2686The one who sat down next to the counter was a young woman roughly Chiba’s age.
2687
2688He kept his face forward while surreptitiously glancing at the woman’s features.
2689
2690At first glance, she didn’t possess incredible beauty. She wore a plain tunic and skirt, but upon closer inspection, she possessed delicate facial features and an outstanding figure.
2691
2692This gave Chiba the feeling that she intentionally applied a small amount of makeup.
2693
2694After drinking in these details, he wordlessly shifted his gaze forward.
2695
2696He should be calling himself out on his idiocy.
2697
2698His excuse for not asking a few questions in a professional capacity was because of her inconspicuous appearance, but his actions just now were practically outright flirting.
2699
2700Inagaki’s suspicious gaze was starting to hurt.
2701
2702The owner behaved as his cool appearance suggested and continued to silently prepare the coffee.
2703
2704Chiba could only sit there and wait for the coffee to be served.
2705
2706At this time, an unexpected laughter broke the silence.
2707
2708He could only use his eyes to verify this, but just as he expected, her shoulders were shaking as she bowed her head forward.
2709
2710“……I apologize. I was still thinking of how to handle a conversation, then you just went ahead and sat there. So it’s true that you’re not adept at handling women, O heir of the Chiba Family?”
2711
2712Inspector Chiba was astounded, and not because she was dead on regarding his personality.
2713
2714Nor was it a major secret that he was the heir of the Chiba Family.
2715
2716Still, he never tried to proactively publicize his identity or picture through public relations.
2717
2718In terms of publicized information, his brother Naotsugu far surpassed him.
2719
2720Besides criminals or those affiliated with the police, anyone able to tell that he was Chiba Toshikazu on sight would have to hail from a select group of the world’s population.
2721
2722Namely, people who wielded magic in live combat.
2723
2724“You are……”
2725
2726“Pleased to meet you, Inspector Chiba. You may call me Fujibayashi Kyouko.”
2727
2728This time Chiba was truly struck speechless.
2729
2730The daughter of the Fujibayashi Family renowned for their prowess in Ancient Magic and granddaughter of Kudou Retsu, one of the elders in the Japanese magic community, stood before him smiling without reserve.
2731
2732
2733
2734
2735
2736It had been a long time since Tatsuya’s party of eight had passed through the school gates together.
2737
2738“Tatsuya-kun, have you finished all the preparations for the Thesis Competition?”
2739
2740Even though the eight of them hadn’t congregated recently, the one who first asked this question for some unknown reason was Honoka, who attended the Student Council with Miyuki and departed with Tatsuya on a daily basis.
2741
2742“I can only say we’ve finished this stage. Right now, we still have to worry about the minute details like preparing the models for the presentation and assorted adjustments.”
2743
2744“Sounds tough. Speaking of which, Mizuki’s helping out with the model production, right?”
2745
2746Erika didn’t belong to either the Student Council or the Club Activities Group, yet was still curiously well informed as she shook her ponytail back and forth as she looked towards Mizuki.
2747
2748“Ah, yes. I’m helping out a Year 2 senpai. Even though I’m not really doing anything.”
2749
2750“We left the model entirely to Isori-senpai, so it makes sense that Year 2 students make up the bulk of the production personnel.”
2751
2752“Hm~, so what does Tatsuya do?”
2753
2754Leo took this opportunity to ask Tatsuya, who had voiced his support for Mizuki.
2755
2756“I perform calibration for the magic techniques used during the presentation.”
2757
2758“……Isn’t it usually the other way around?”
2759
2760“Really? In terms of producing objects, I think Isori-senpai’s several leagues ahead of me.”
2761
2762“Well, Kei-senpai does fit the ‘alchemist’ impression more than a ‘magister’. I guess this is the right tool for the job.”
2763
2764Seeing Tatsuya tilt his head, Erika wryly smiled and expressed her agreement.
2765
2766“Alchemist? RPG?”
2767
2768Shizuku continued to keep her head tilted to one side.
2769
2770“Using that as an analogy, what class would Tatsuya be?”
2771
2772Suddenly, Mizuki sprouted this question.
2773
2774“He would be a mad scientist of course.” [Erika] “That’s not from an RPG.” [Shizuku] “Then, maybe a sage dwelling in the remote lands far removed from civilization that imparts a secret technique.” [Erika] “A martial sage then.” [Leo] “An evil wizard scheming to conquer the world?” [Erika] “I think a Demon King would be more suitable.” [Mikihiko] “No, no, no, after defeating the Demon King, turns out I’m the real man behind the man~. Doesn’t he fit being the Final Boss who bars the main character’s way?” [Leo] “How come everyone doesn’t think he fits the hero?” [Honoka] “Forget it, Honoka. I do give off an evil vibe after all.” [Tatsuya] “Onii-sama, strength alone is the true justice.” [Miyuki] “Oh snap, as expected of the Demon King’s sister!” [Erika]
2775
2776……And thus, a vibrant discussion began.
2777
2778
2779
2780
2781
2782Even though they were walking along and bickering as students do, Tatsuya never let down his guard.
2783
2784After reaching the intersection that leads to a few small stores, Tatsuya turned to face the direction where he felt someone watching him.
2785
2786“Want to head over there?”
2787
2788In response to Tatsuya’s suggestion to take a detour and incur more time spent to handle the pursuit,
2789
2790“Agreed!”
2791
2792“Tatsuya will probably be very busy starting tomorrow.”
2793
2794“Indeed. Let’s grab a cup of tea.”
2795
2796Erika, Leo, and Mikihiko’s responses seemed a little too eager. They likely each had their own agenda in mind.
2797
2798Tatsuya feigned ignorance and pushed open the door that led to the “Eine Brise” Cafe.
2799
2800Unfortunately, their usual two tables that seated four people each weren’t available to be joined together, so the eight of them crowded around the counter and the table that stood closest.
2801
2802The ones next to the counter were Tatsuya, Miyuki, Honoka, and Mizuki (In order of seating, there was Mizuki, Miyuki, Tatsuya, and Honoka).
2803
2804At the table, Erika sat with Shizuku while Leo and Mikihiko shared the other side.
2805
2806From an outsider’s perspective, Tatsuya would undoubtedly be the scoundrel with a harem of several beauties serving him.
2807
2808“Ah~, welcome, welcome. Seems you’re just as popular as usual, Tatsuya-kun.”
2809
2810Eh, forget outsiders, even the owner of the establishment who was familiar with their group cast a cold gaze from the other side of the counter.
2811
2812“I’m sure the owner would be just as popular if you would just shave off that beard.”
2813
2814Tatsuya intentionally retaliated with the taboo word popular.
2815
2816“That’s true, Owner. That beard is a darn waste and makes you look rather old.”
2817
2818Thanks to Mizuki’s innocent nature, she naturally provided supporting fire.
2819
2820“Old, eh…… Mizuki-chan certainly doesn’t hold anything back.”
2821
2822His beard definitely qualified as a mess. The owner sighed deeply while gently brushing his beard in order.
2823
2824Despite the gray coloring, the owner wasn’t nearly as ancient as Mizuki made him out to be.
2825
2826More like he was quite young actually. Certainly he wasn’t yet 30 years of age.
2827
2828His hair color and beard were both gray, likely due to genetics. After all, the owner was a quarter German (“Eine Brise” meant “slight wind” in German, which warmed Leo’s heart enough to make him a frequent patron).
2829
2830Still, the only feature that marked his foreign lineage was his hair color, as his pupils were black and his face was thin and angular in the Asian fashion. Even though he had the gentle aura of a handsome male, the owner seemed to be very particular about his appearance and took great pains to cultivate his beard and hair to create a more masculine image.
2831
2832Nevertheless, Tatsuya and company felt that the beard didn’t suit him very well, but the scent of coffee more than compensated for that. Of course, all eight of them ordered coffee.
2833
2834“Eh…… So you’re appearing in the Thesis Competition.”
2835
2836While the water was on the broil, the owner inquired the reason why they hadn’t frequented here recently and responded with an appropriately exaggerated nod.
2837
2838“You’re quite capable despite your Year 1 student status.”
2839
2840The owner’s feelings weren’t just idle talk to pass the time. Speaking of which, even though the owner didn’t have any magic talent of his own, the very fact that he opened a store on the road to the magic high school implied that he knew a few details regarding the world of Magicians. Occasionally during their idle conversations, he could surprise Tatsuya and the others with news or trivia that they didn’t know about before.
2841
2842“It’s Yokohama’s turn to host the event this year, right? My old house is in Yokohama. The setting will be in the International Conference Center like usual, eh? That’s quite close to my house.”
2843
2844The owner continued to speak as he used this opportunity to pour the coffee from the kettle into the mugs.
2845
2846“Where’s your old house in Yokohama?”
2847
2848Mizuki asked this question as she took the coffee for four people from the owner on a tray in place of a waitress.
2849
2850“There’s a cafe called ‘Rotbart’ halfway up the Yokohama Hills.”
2851
2852“So your old house is also a cafe.”
2853
2854“Indeed. If you get a chance, make sure you stop by. I would love to hear an unreserved opinion on who serves a better cup of coffee between my father and I.”
2855
2856“Owner, you’re a heck of a salesman.”
2857
2858Shizuku returned the tray in place of Mizuki and offered a direct retort that caused both sides of the counter to burst into laughter.
2859
2860
2861
2862
2863
2864By the time Tatsuya’s mug was down to its last third, Erika had already drained her cup in one gulp and silently placed the mug back (a sign of excellent upbringing on her part) and rose to her feet.
2865
2866“Erika-chan?”
2867
2868“I need to use the restroom.”
2869
2870After replying to Mizuki, who had raised her head in question, she lightly walked towards the back of the store.
2871
2872“Oh!”
2873
2874Afterwards, Leo immediately pressed a hand to his pocket and stood up.
2875
2876“Sorry, phone call.”
2877
2878Leo stepped outside after dropping that line.
2879
2880“Mikihiko, what are you doing?”
2881
2882Tatsuya’s gaze returned from Leo’s oddly polite behavior to rest on the notebook (more like a small journal) that lay open next to Mikihiko’s hand.
2883
2884“Uh, well, there’s a few things I have to write down so I don’t forget them.”
2885
2886As Mikihiko replied back, the hand holding a pen never stopped moving.
2887
2888“You’ll be discovered if your movement is too obvious, so make sure to dial it down.”
2889
2890After Tatsuya said this and swept a razor sharp glance behind Mikihiko’s back — and not his surroundings — he kept his back to the counter and continued sipping his coffee like nothing happened.
2891
2892
2893
2894
2895
2896“Old man, want to have some fun?”
2897
2898Even though this was an alley with sparse traffic, the man almost dropped the drink in his hand upon hearing these words before the sun had even set.
2899
2900Turning around, he found a young girl with a ponytail that could be described as “beautiful” in a heartbeat standing at the intersection where he was keeping an eye on the cafe’s backdoor. She kept both hands held behind her back as she smiled happily.
2901
2902However, upon recognizing her face, the man became anxious for a wholly different reason.
2903
2904“What are you talking about? You should be more careful with yourself.”
2905
2906“Ah? I just said ‘have some fun’. What exactly did you take that for?”
2907
2908The young girl continued to wear an innocent smile as she tilted her head to one side. There was no doubt about it, she was one of the people close to his surveillance target.
2909
2910“Don’t mock adults. Now stop messing around and go home.”
2911
2912He was mentally sweating buckets, so all he could do was put on his game face and continue to act like “an adult annoyed by a child’s antics and about to leave”.
2913
2914“The sun is about to set. If you stay in a place with little traffic like this, you risk running into the phantom killer.”
2915
2916As he said this, the man turned his back on the young girl.
2917
2918Only to stop dead in his tracks.
2919
2920“……By phantom killer, you mean someone like me?”
2921
2922Directly in front of him, a bulky youth chuckled while smacking his fist that was covered with a black glove into his other hand that also wore a black glove.
2923
2924“Didn’t you know? Phantom killers refer to ‘magicians who just happen to be “passing through” ’.”
2925
2926Within the young girl’s happy reply to the young man, the man began to feel increasingly uneasy and turned around again.
2927
2928The young girl wielded a retractable police baton and fell into a combat stance.
2929
2930She smoothly raised the police baton in her hand, but that simplistic motion caused an overpowering pressure to resonate from the young woman in an instant.
2931
2932If he had lowered his guard, that “pressure” would have sent the man to his knees…… From this, he knew what that was.
2933
2934That was her fighting spirit.
2935
2936Not killing intent, the wish to crush the life from one’s opponent, but a pure desire to seek combat.
2937
2938“Scary…… So you’re the type of woman who only reveals her true nature in these kinds of places.”
2939
2940He heard a voice merrily commenting on the situation.
2941
2942Despite his inability to verify the conditions behind him, he believed that the young man must have made this remark with a grin on his face.
2943
2944“Help! Thieves!”
2945
2946There was no way for him to escape. If that was the case, the man decided he might as well call for help.
2947
2948He possessed a modicum of ability.
2949
2950Even if he wasn’t the most talented individual, he didn’t believe that he could be vanquished by fifteen or sixteen year olds.
2951
2952Regardless, he was currently in the middle of an assignment, so he chose to avoid confrontations if possible, given that squaring off against them served no benefit towards his mission parameters.
2953
2954“Wow~, how weak……”
2955
2956“No, no, I think you should praise his decisive judgment, right?”
2957
2958The action the man chose seemed to gravely disappoint the young girl.
2959
2960But the young girl didn’t let go of the police baton, nor did the young man drop his raised fists.
2961
2962—Afterward, nobody came to answer the man’s calls for help.
2963
2964“Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that it’s useless for you to call for help, OK? After all, no one drops by this area.”
2965
2966“More like no one can even approach. We’ve already set up a barrier around here with our ‘understanding’ as the foundation, so you’re not leaving here without knocking us out, got it?”
2967
2968Hearing the girl’s words, the man finally realized that nobody had passed by since the start of their confrontation.
2969
2970They found out.
2971
2972He was out of options.
2973
2974The man retrieved the cup he dropped earlier and drew to his full height.
2975
2976Wearing a thin jacket, he raised his hands like he was protecting his head — which was what they thought until he suddenly turned towards Leo and dropped his left arm to a 90 degree angle at the height of his stomach.
2977
2978“Hmph…… The boxing stance known as the Hitman Style? I thought you actually carried weapons of some sort……”
2979
2980“You idiot, just because he didn’t pull one out doesn’t mean he’s not carrying one!”
2981
2982Hearing the warning Erika threw out, the man clucked his tongue.
2983
2984Still, beyond that, he didn’t appear to be overly anxious.
2985
2986He didn’t have any need to keep up pretenses.
2987
2988There was no time for that.
2989
2990The cowardly middle-aged man who was just screaming had warped into an experienced fighter who was closing in on Leo.
2991
2992His lowered arm whipped towards Leo and landed blows like rain falling to the earth.
2993
2994The bullet-like punches came crashing towards Leo’s face.
2995
2996The continuous chain of attacks persisted without pause, which gave proof to the fact that this man was a wolf and not a sheep.
2997
2998However, neither Leo nor Erika was surprised by this turnout.
2999
3000Through Erika’s insight developed through long years of training and Leo’s natural instincts, they already detected that the man’s real nature was that of a wolf, no, a highly-trained hunting hound.
3001
3002With astonishing speed.
3003
3004Matched with incredible power.
3005
3006And most importantly, the ability to move at a speed that surpassed human physical abilities without a trace of magic usage.
3007
3008He had launched dozens of punches in less than 10 seconds without leaving any room for retaliation, so Leo could only move his arms left and right to defend himself.
3009
3010Finally, there was a chink in Leo’s defenses and a fist bypassed Leo’s defenses and crashed straight into his face.
3011
3012Pow, with a sound of a rubber balloon bursting, Leo went flying backwards.
3013
3014Without wasting any time to verify the result, the man immediately swiftly whirled around.
3015
3016Using the centripetal force when turning around, he flung a flying dagger towards Erika.
3017
3018Clang, the crisp sound of metallic impact.
3019
3020Erika used her police baton to deflect the dagger.
3021
3022Since she swung her police baton from inside to out, there was an opening in her forward defenses.
3023
3024Without missing a beat, the man’s left fist swung towards Erika’s face. However, the police baton pulled back to defend at a speed that surpassed the man’s fist, so he pulled back.
3025
3026Not only did he pull back the punch, the man’s entire body jumped backwards. —Yet, in the next instant.
3027
3028“Gah!”
3029
3030The man’s back took a direct hit from a powerful shoulder tackle and he went face first into the ground.
3031
3032“……Ouch, that hurt. This guy isn’t a normal human being. Still, I didn’t feel any machinery during contact…… Maybe he’s using medicinal enhancements?”
3033
3034After applying a tackle from behind, Leo rubbed his chin where he took the hit and murmured at the man stretched out on the ground without letting down his guard.
3035
3036“……You’re in no position to talk. Just then, you definitely took a solid blow to the face.”
3037
3038Compared to the groaning man who was trying to find purchase with his hands, Erika seemed to be more wary of Leo as she said this.
3039
3040“Of course. After all, as a Magician, a fourth of me is thanks to the research labs. I have no inclination to say that this is entirely due to my natural genes.”
3041
3042Leo chuckled wryly at Erika’s piercing gaze and ruthlessly kicked at the prone man’s limbs.
3043
3044“Ooph!”
3045
3046“Stay down. We don’t want your life. We just want to know why you’re following us around.”
3047
3048Leo spared a glance at Erika to find her utterly shocked at his barbaric behavior wholly unlike that of a normal person before raising a foot off the ground.
3049
3050The implication was obvious.
3051
3052“……Wait a second…… I got it, I surrender…… Originally, I never…… was your enemy…… It’s not worth…… getting killed over……”
3053
3054“That’s true. If it wasn’t the two of us here, your attack would have killed us for sure.”
3055
3056“Aren’t you…… the same……”
3057
3058Coughing in between his words, the man sat up.
3059
3060“If I hadn’t strengthened my flesh, that hit would’ve ruptured my internal organs.”
3061
3062The pain must have largely passed, seeing as how the man still sat on the ground but was able to speak more fluently.
3063
3064“If I didn’t think you were enhanced, I wouldn’t have done that in the first place.”
3065
3066Leo’s tone wasn’t concerned in the slightest.
3067
3068“Regardless, since you’re not our enemy, then give us the low down. You can’t expect us to keep this barrier up forever.”
3069
3070“OK. It’s not my intent to draw attention to myself anyways.”
3071
3072The man seemed to look past all this and sighed in relief.
3073
3074“Start with your name, since you already know ours at this point.”
3075
3076“Jiro Marshall.”
3077
3078The man answered Leo’s question, but there was no way to tell if this was his true name or not.
3079
3080“I am unable to reveal any details regarding my identity, but I can say that I am not affiliated with any government organization. That is all.”
3081
3082“So you’re black ops.”
3083
3084Again, the man didn’t affirm nor deny.
3085
3086“……And then? Since you won’t tell the truth even if we asked, then why don’t you talk about your purpose as well as the current situation?”
3087
3088“My task is to monitor the magic high school students and prevent cutting edge magic technology from falling into the hands of the East. I am to take action in the event that magic technology that could constitute a military threat is leaked to the East.”
3089
3090At Leo’s impatient urging, the man who called himself Jiro replied back in a business-like manner.
3091
3092The East was a term favored by USNA intelligence agents and military personnel after the last great war. Even Leo and Erika were familiar with knowledge on that level.
3093
3094That being said, this did not prove the man’s connection with the USNA intelligence community. In order to confuse his affiliation, he may have intentionally used terms specific to a certain region.
3095
3096“At the very least, your employer isn’t someone in this country, right? Why bother with all this?”
3097
3098Hearing the skeptical implication behind Leo’s words, the man shook his head like he was saying “Seriously……”.
3099
3100“And here I thought this country’s peaceful naiveté had been cured, though I guess I can’t apply the same standard to teenagers…… Military balance across the globe isn’t just one country’s problem. If this country’s technical expertise was handed to the East, then the West’s technological advantage may be lost. Regardless of whether it’s the New Soviet Union whose interest lies in improving existing Magic Sequences or the Pan Asian Alliance who emphasizes restoration of old magics over advancing modern magic, everyone is searching for new practical applications of technology in magic engineering for military purposes. Not just this country, but the USNA and the nations of Western Europe have seen large increases in spies that target magic engineering. Even your school has become the target of the East as well.”
3101
3102“Peaceful naiveté is an old term from decades ago, and if you really wanted to creepy peeper then you should be more cautious. Didn’t we easily discover that you were following us?”
3103
3104Irritated by the man’s smug attitude, Erika ruthlessly attacked the man, but she didn’t object to the actual contents of the man’s message.
3105
3106“Exactly. I’m not a spy, I’m just tasked with stopping their activities. Since I’m not your enemy, there’s no conflict of interest here.”
3107
3108The man stood up and made a show of brushing off the dirt.
3109
3110Mockingly — in reality, sarcasm probably made up 30% — the man delicately brushed his pant leg before straightening up.
3111
3112In his hand was a pistol that could easily be hidden in the palm of his hand. The muzzle was pointed at Erika.
3113
3114“Tch!”
3115
3116“You!”
3117
3118“The fact that I didn’t pull this out earlier is proof that I’m not an enemy.”
3119
3120“……Things might get a little hairy if you used a gun. Lots of evidence will be left behind.”
3121
3122At Erika’s furious words, the man smiled meaningfully.
3123
3124“That’s true as well. Next, I’ve said everything that needs to be said, so allow me to bid adieu. May I trouble you to alert your companions to take down the barrier?”
3125
3126Despite his bantering tone and attitude, there were no weaknesses to exploit in his stance. It would be suicidal for Erika and Leo to press the issue here.
3127
3128With the advancements in CADs, modern magic could achieve speeds that rivaled firearms on some level. Still, this didn’t mean that they were “faster than guns”, nor were they even “as fast as guns”. When compared to firearms that could fire bullets that pass through the human body with the click of a trigger, modern magic still had to go through the process of reading the Activation Sequence and constructing the Magic Sequence. Though magic had more versatility than firearms, possessed superior firepower and could even provide cover against bullets, that was only under the condition that the speed differential wasn’t a problem. When faced with the situation that one bullet could be fatal or render someone unable to keep fighting, “a speed differential on some level” became the difference between victory and defeat. And that was the situation they were faced with right now.
3129
3130Mikihiko was probably monitoring the situation here with magic the entire time. Before Erika and Leo could reply, Mikihiko already disabled the barrier.
3131
3132“—And thus I bid you farewell. Oh yes. Allow me to give you two one final suggestion. Please convey to your companions to be wary of their surroundings at all times. Even on campus, don’t let down your guard.”
3133
3134As he said this, the man removed a small canister from his coat pocket.
3135
3136After pressing a button on the canister, he threw it into the middle of the triangle that the three of them formed.
3137
3138Erika and Leo both leaped backwards at the same time.
3139
3140With a small explosion, a dense, white smoke rapidly spread outwards.
3141
3142The two of them closed their eyes and covered their mouths and only opened them after judging that there was no poison involved. By that time, the man who called himself Jiro Marshall had long gone.
3143
3144
3145
3146
3147
3148At the Rotbart Cafe in the Yokohama Hills, Inspector Chiba and Fujibayashi were still deep in their conversation. Something had piqued Fujibayashi’s fancy, causing her to chatter on to the point that Chiba never had an opportunity to get down to business with the owner. Still, owing to Fujibayashi’s skillful verbatim, Chiba was highly invested in the conversation as well. On some level, Chiba didn’t feel that speaking with her interfered with the investigation, but his partner Inagaki certainly didn’t seem nearly as interested.
3149
3150Just as Chiba was about to completely forget the reason why he came here, Fujibayashi’s cellphone rang. Despite the sound not being loud enough to disrupt anyone else, Chiba still heard it from his seat next to her.
3151
3152Fujibayashi pulled a smartphone from her bag and glanced at the subject heading. After perusing the message, she turned around and flashed Chiba a secret smile. That smile perfectly displayed her dazzling features that simply put her ordinary makeup to shame.
3153
3154Chiba’s pulse spiked to a rate wholly unbefitting of his age.
3155
3156“My apologies, Inspector, may I take my leave for a moment?”
3157
3158Even though Fujibayashi’s eyes never hinted at any ulterior motive or hidden meaning, Chiba was immediately able to grasp that Fujibayashi had work to attend to.
3159
3160“—Oh, of course, by all means.”
3161
3162She rose from her seat and nodded in greeting to Chiba, passed her credit card to the owner and left for her electric car that was in the parking lot.
3163
3164
3165
3166
3167
3168Taking a seat behind the wheel, Fujibayashi switched the smartphone display over to the dashboard screen.
3169
3170Cars that had adopted the palm pilot control schematic had no need for steering wheels. This was a natural course of events for a system that incorporated acceleration, deceleration, and directional control entirely. The palm pilot control schematic was used to create a more direct driving experience and especially to avoid blind spots by switching the traditional dashboard for a varied control panel (such as a larger display monitor with multiple functions). With a few extra modifications in place, technological prowess in the car could match that of a workstation at home.
3171
3172However, Fujibayashi’s personal vehicle was equipped with a system a level, maybe several levels higher. Although this was a small two seat sports car, it had the same processing power as that of a combat command vehicle. Equipped with a highly sensitive and powerful communication device, whenever Fujibayashi added her magic to the mix, the sheer electronic warfare capabilities at its disposal certainly deserved the title “Electronic Combat Vehicle”.
3173
3174“Looks like Tatsuya’s friends ran into a little bit of trouble.”
3175
3176She wasn’t unconsciously murmuring to herself, but using that specific term to target her magic. By using Tatsuya’s “connections” as markers, she was overlapping the information dimension with the electronic intelligence network.
3177
3178“Yoshida Mikihiko, the one-time prodigy of the Yoshida Family. Even though there’s some degree of improvement since his adolescent years, I still wish he would pay more attention on the streets.”
3179
3180Names are a symbol of the actual body, so once the name was spoken, then one could home in on the actual body. Closely related individuals, essentially people who are closer on a mental scale, can be used as markers for magic by setting their movement, status, and names as specific variables.
3181
3182“Even Ancient Magic will leave traces in the observation system.”
3183
3184Compared to modern magic, Ancient Magic, especially SB Magic, was much more difficult to capture by the cameras of the observation system. The difficulty wasn’t that it was harder to catch the magic being invoked since the cameras would still record it, but determining who was the one wielding the magic in the first place. The emergency mission that Fujibayashi was currently tasked with was to overwrite the areas where the magic was recorded.
3185
3186Even though erasing recordings for the improper use of magic wasn’t within Fujibayashi’s job description, she knew very well that it was integral that the people surrounding Tatsuya didn’t stand out too much. If there were too many flags being raised, the prey would be on guard and no longer continue its pursuit. In other words, Kazama and company were using Tatsuya as bait—
3187
3188(—On that point, I doubt you would mind.)
3189
3190With these words in mind, the “Electron Sorceress” activated her unique ability.
3191
3192
3193
3194
3195
3196The operative from an unknown country called Jiro Marshall stopped running after using his enhanced legs to run the distance between bus stops. He stopped running at such a dangerous speed that would draw attention to himself not because he judged it to be safe.
3197
3198Actually, it was the exact opposite.
3199
3200Even though he was running at a pace that no one could match no matter how hard they trained, something was continuously following behind him. He hadn’t verified what that “something” was, but Jiro Marshall was strongly suspicious whether that “something” was even human.
3201
3202There was no need to check whether it was the pair of teenagers from before. He was not a moron who allowed his opponents who he was in a standoff with to follow him without his knowledge. Regardless of whether his pursuer was a Magician or an enhanced human being, the likeliest possibility was that this was an enemy. As a solo operative, Marshall didn’t have a team for this mission. Even if he received unexpected reinforcements, he would still receive a message ahead of time to avoid friendly fire. However, since the start of this mission, he never received any intel of this sort.
3203
3204(—Where are you hiding?)
3205
3206Marshall slightly lowered his head to concentrate on listening and, using his extensive expertise, searched for the “aura” that was the most critical aspect of three dimensional sound. There was no way he could fail to detect the man following, no, pursuing him. Even if that guy was hidden, he should still be able to find him, Marshall thought.
3207
3208Unfortunately, his prediction was entirely incorrect.
3209
3210Suddenly detecting an unexpected “aura”, Jiro Marshall abruptly raised his head.
3211
3212Directly in front of him, a young man stood there in silence.
3213
3214Just now, he realized that any noise in front of him had been entirely muffled. Marshall was only able to physically detect the danger thanks to his instincts.
3215
3216The man was exceptionally tall and well built, but his figure was East Asian. He wore a plain grab that consisted of a pair of gray sports pants and a gray jacket with a black jersey beneath. His features were not particularly eye-catching or ugly. From appearances, he was undoubtedly human — but Marshall had the inkling he was squaring off against a man eating beast.
3217
3218
3219
3220
3221
3222Seeing the young man’s face, Marshall suddenly recalled where he knew him.
3223
3224“The Devouring Tiger!”
3225
3226In reality, it wasn’t that they had met before, since this was the first time he saw the man face to face.
3227
3228“Lu Gonghu……”
3229
3230The name of his opponent that unconsciously slipped from his lips headed the list of targets that he had to watch out for during his mission briefing. Rumored to be the one credited with the highest number of kills in melee combat from the Pan Asian Alliance, he was an S-ranked individual from the Pan Asian Alliance Special Ops.
3231
3232By the time Marshall recovered his wits, he had already raised his right hand to aim the gun at Lu Gonghu. Born of reflex honed by countless hours of training, Marshall’s body had long since surpassed his mental facilities.
3233
3234However, Marshall’s finger never clicked the trigger.
3235
3236Faster than even his reflexes, Lu Gonghu’s fingers already pierced Marshall’s wrist. The inside of his wrist pierced by the other man’s thumb, the handgun slipped from Marshall’s hand to the ground.
3237
3238Marshall could only blankly watch his handgun fall to the earth.
3239
3240When was his wrist pierced? No, speaking of which, when did Lu Gonghu stand right next to him?
3241
3242Marshall never caught a glimpse of Lu Gonghu’s movement.
3243
3244As Marshall’s consciousness was wallowing in the pain that overwhelmed his surprise, his life had already fallen into eternal darkness.
3245
3246
3247
3248
3249
3250Lu Gonghu swiftly retracted his right hand from where it was embedded in Marshall’s throat.
3251
3252Even though his fingers were stained blood red, very little blood escaped from the wound.
3253
3254Using his left hand that was free of any blood, Lu Gonghu removed a stack of paper from his chest pocket and carefully wiped away the bloodstains on his right hand.
3255
3256Afterwards, he flung the papers soaked in Marshall’s blood onto the corpse. During the descent, the paper spread out to a handkerchief’s size and fell onto Marshall’s corpse.
3257
3258The blood soaked paper suddenly ignited into flames that were redder than blood. The flames started from the center of the paper and spread outwards in a circular fashion.
3259
3260Nothing existed within the inside of the circle. No matter if it was the ashes from the burnt paper, the clothes that covered the corpse, or even flesh, nothing remained.
3261
3262After the flames consumed the paper, they began spreading across the corpse.
3263
3264And so, the circular flames completely devoured the corpse.
3265
3266Seeing the corpse vanish, Lu Gonghu turned to leave.
3267
3268There was nary a human presence at the scene. Regardless of whether it was voices or footsteps, there was no trace that someone had ever been there.
3269
3270The only thing that witnessed this scene was the broken camera that swayed near the intersection.
3271
3272
3273
3274
3275
3276Chapter 5
3277
3278
3279
3280
3281Miyuki was somewhat surprised to see the ugly look that Erika wore when everyone showed up for the arranged lunch meeting in the cafeteria.
3282
3283“Erika, is yesterday’s incident still weighing on your mind?”
3284
3285Until the moment they separated at the bus station, Erika was extremely irritated that the suspected special agent from USNA intelligence got the last laugh during the final moments. Even though she didn’t verbalize her displeasure, her attitude was apparent from a glance.
3286
3287This was already an incredibly frank admission on her part considering her usual antics where she used a mischievous smile to hide her true feelings. It was simply unheard of for her to brood on this until the second day.
3288
3289At Miyuki’s question, Erika’s answer was half confirming and half dissenting.
3290
3291“It’s not simply because we could only watch as he got away.”
3292
3293The words, watch as he got away, seemed to denote her frustration, but apparently that wasn’t the full story.
3294
3295“That guy’s words were really worrisome…… Don’t let down your guard even on campus, doesn’t that mean that some of the students……”
3296
3297Mikihiko and Honoka didn’t participate in the incident back in April so they weren’t able to follow, but Tatsuya and Miyuki immediately grasped what was on Erika’s mind.
3298
3299At the time, Sayaka had been an unwitting pawn for foreign agents posing as terrorists.
3300
3301Even now, Sayaka was unable to put that behind her.
3302
3303“If we’re putting on an encore for that unpleasant business, please count me out……”
3304
3305Tatsuya was both in the know and understood those feelings, so he made a comment that ran counter to his personality in an effort to take care of Erika’s mood.
3306
3307“Still, it’s not like we can arrest them if they haven’t even done anything yet.”
3308
3309“That may be true……”
3310
3311Her sulky tone hinted that she hadn’t fully accepted this, but at least he successfully defused her intent to do some snooping around on her own, Tatsuya thought.
3312
3313Speaking of which, though Erika wasn’t a “goody two shoes” by any stretch, when something pertaining to one of her close friends arose, she would “change the subject” even when there wasn’t a direct connection.
3314
3315“Yet, isn’t it to our disadvantage to always be reacting? That’s not a problem if it’s a head-on assault, but theft would be……”
3316
3317“Not like we can always worry about something like that……”
3318
3319Tatsuya smiled and shook his head at Leo and Mikihiko’s concerns.
3320
3321“Since we don’t carry that data in a terminal on us, there’s no danger of physical theft. Originally, it would be strange to worry about theft or burglary on campus, no? Well, discreet photographs aren’t out of the question, but that issue wouldn’t be restricted to this competition only. To steal data from on campus, it would be more convenient to go after the documents hidden behind lower safeguards, but we’re not that silly. Is it possible that we have been misinformed by a suspicious individual?”
3322
3323“Is that so…… But we still need to guard against the other person directly spying on you yesterday, so be careful.”
3324
3325“I know.”
3326
3327Even though Mikihiko’s words were largely bucking against Tatsuya’s explanation, he looked like he was satisfied with that answer.
3328
3329Still, in Tatsuya’s eyes, Erika and Leo both gave him the impression that they remained silent because they wanted to say something more, but were unable to come up with any arguments of their own.
3330
3331
3332
3333
3334
3335Compared to the 52 representatives selected for the Nine Schools Competition, the Thesis Competition only had three. —The difference in scale was so great that the event almost seemed pointless. Even so, the Thesis Competition was seen as an important event that rivaled the Nine Schools Competition itself.
3336
3337One of the reasons was that this event was actually another stage for the nine magic high schools to determine a victor. Especially for schools that obtained undesirable results in the Nine Schools Competition, the desire to erase their old shame became a powerful motivator.
3338
3339Another reason was that many students were able to participate beyond the selected three representatives.
3340
3341The greatest difference between the debate and research competitions for non-magic high schools and the “National High School Students Magic Thesis Competition” was that a live demonstration was incorporated into the presentation.
3342
3343In addition to the thesis presentation, a fully functional magic device was required to display the actual manifestation of the magic. Even though the presentation only required a model, this was no simple child’s toy that could be stuck together with glue and papers. The device needed to run reliably, or at least mimic reality — this was the Thesis Competition for magic high schools.
3344
3345For this, the design of the magic device and the support systems involved, the controlling software, outer frame, required conditions and target production, testing personnel and supporting testers, individuals in charge of safety…… Near the actual deadline for the competition, the Technical Club and Arts Club would naturally join in. Even clubs that work on purely theoretical ideas and students with outstanding grades would be mobilized for the success of the official competition.
3346
3347The total number of participants for the report preparation exceeded that of the Nine Schools Competition.
3348
3349Since the official competition was set for the Sunday two weeks from now, not only was the campus filled with sounds of machinery and magic activating, “Self Design” and “Self Study” sprouted up to squeeze more time in. The open area in the quad was swiftly filled to capacity by prototypes, calculation devices, and other machinery. Even consolation squads formed by female volunteers loaded with drinks and snacks entered the fray. In order to support these consolation squads, the Robotics Research Club chipped in the Humanoid Home Helpers as well.
3350
3351“Ah, there they are.”
3352
3353The person Erika was looking for stood amid the ruckus.
3354
3355“Hey—, Tatsuya-kun—”
3356
3357Next to Erika, who was shouting while waving her arms back and forth, Leo turned his body in another direction. Mikihiko chose to simply move two meters behind Erika to a safe distance. The two of them were probably pretending not to know her.
3358
3359“Erika-chan, please don’t bother everyone……”
3360
3361Mizuki wasn’t as brazen as Leo, so she still tugged at her friend’s sleeve despite knowing this would do nothing. —As expected, there was no effect.
3362
3363Seeing Erika waltz over, Tatsuya stopped his hands and smiled wryly as if to say “what can I do”, but there were of course people who were visibly displeased by the interruption to the experiment.
3364
3365“Chiba…… You, should probably take a look at your surroundings.”
3366
3367As one of the guards on station, Kirihara was one of the unhappy ones.
3368
3369“Eh~, Sayaka is observing too?”
3370
3371However, Erika’s response, or more like her conversation target, was directed to Sayaka, who was standing next to Kirihara.
3372
3373“What do I even say……”
3374
3375“Erika……”
3376
3377Kirihara spoke weakly while Sayaka had a wry smile of her own. Given that he didn’t fly into a rage, Kirihara must have matured somewhat.
3378
3379“You don’t look like you’re just here to observe, Erika. What’s up?”
3380
3381Still, seeing that the other upperclassmen besides Kirihara were about to burst out, Tatsuya quickly seized the initiative.
3382
3383“Mizuki got called in to help, so I tagged along.”
3384
3385Erika was always someone who did things her way, but that does not imply she was slow in any way. Noticing the warning, she didn’t waste any time with her response.
3386
3387So that’s why, Tatsuya thought as he shifted his gaze to Mizuki, who was frantically apologizing to her senpais from the Arts Club.
3388
3389“Erika, over here.”
3390
3391Using this opportunity, as strange as it sounds, Miyuki reached out and pulled Erika into the crowd of observers.
3392
3393Sayaka also left Kirihara’s side and sidled along Erika, while the interrupted activation of the magic device was restarted on Isori’s signal.
3394
3395“What experiment are they doing? It looks like a giant light bulb.”
3396
3397A transparent globe with a 120 mm diameter was supported on a stand with four legs, which did give the impression of being a giant light bulb. Of course, in this age, “light bulbs” had long since been retired from household use, so Mizuki tilted her head in confusion at Erika’s opinion.
3398
3399“That is the Low Temperature Ionic Generator we’re using for the presentation.”
3400
3401Miyuki obviously knew what a “light bulb” was, but she didn’t pay attention to Erika’s joke and directly answered her question.
3402
3403“Low temperature? Weren’t we going for thermonuclear fusion?”
3404
3405Mikihiko, who had also adopted Leo’s approach of pretending not to know one another, heard an unexpected term that forced him to abandon this pretense. (Speaking of which, Mikihiko still used formal speech when addressing Miyuki.)
3406
3407Erika also seemed to remember her physics lessons and a question mark mushroomed over her head after a beat.
3408
3409“Thermonuclear fusion is a type of reaction, so high temperature is required for the entire process.”
3410
3411“…………”
3412
3413“……My apologies, Yoshida-kun. I am unfamiliar with the details as well, please consult Onii-sama for a more in depth explanation.”
3414
3415Seeing Mikihiko’s blank look, Miyuki added on that last sentence, prompting Mikihiko to say “please don’t bother” and furiously shake his head back and forth, sending his hair flying.
3416
3417With a diminutive look at Mikihiko, Erika and Sayaka whispered quietly to one another. They frantically shut their traps when Miyuki leveled a smile in their direction (which didn’t reach her eyes).
3418
3419From the start, Leo’s eyes blazed with curiosity as he silently stared at the experimental device.
3420
3421In the midst of the unconscious silence, Isori sent Suzune a signal.
3422
3423Suzune started supplying psions to the large, control board-shaped CAD that Tatsuya was operating.
3424
3425The CAD functioned at a much higher strength and speed than the normal smaller CADs that were carried around and multiple complex Magic Sequences were being activated.
3426
3427Under high pressure, hydrogen broke down into ions and the separated ions struck against the glass to emit light. Although this was only the simple effect of electricity caused by high pressure, they had already achieved electron separation without providing energy. In addition, in order to allow the electrons to break away from atomic attraction and move towards the outer perimeter, a highly complex spell had to be constantly sustained to change the Eidos.
3428
3429“……So it really is a light bulb?”
3430
3431Erika’s rude comment that slipped from her lips was fortunately covered by the cheers of “Excellent!”, “First phase successful!” and other related celebratory words. The others were the same, with Miyuki smiling quietly as if success was the only possible result, while Leo had two fists tightly clenched before his chest, Mikihiko gripped his arms and nodded, and Sayaka clapped as she jumped with joy.
3432
3433The glass container continued to give off light for 10 seconds.
3434
3435By the time the light faded, the excitement also wore off.
3436
3437That was because they only finished with the largest piece and many more components still needed to be put together. The helpers that congregated for the experiment dispersed back to their stations, but Erika noticed Sayaka was staring in a certain corner.
3438
3439“Saya, what’s up?”
3440
3441“That child……”
3442
3443She didn’t reply and murmured to herself.
3444
3445“Hey, what’s going on!?”
3446
3447“Hey, Mibu!?”
3448
3449In order to catch up to Sayaka, who suddenly burst into a run, both Erika and Kirihara also started sprinting.
3450
3451Leo was only a half a step behind them.
3452
3453Wide-eyed with shock, Miyuki could only watch them leave until she noticed the female student with twin ponytails that Sayaka was chasing.
3454
3455
3456
3457
3458
3459“Hold it right there!”
3460
3461Hearing someone call out for her to stop from behind, or maybe because she realized she couldn’t outrun the pursuit, the female student opted to come to a halt on the grass in the courtyard.
3462
3463“What is it?”
3464
3465Turning around, the question in response was a little stiff. In a sense, her tone gave off a fearless impression.
3466
3467“You are, a Year 1 student, correct?”
3468
3469There were no distinctions for grade level on First High’s uniforms.
3470
3471Sayaka’s question was based off the other student’s face and physical form.
3472
3473“Indeed. Mibu Sayaka from Year 2 Class E. I am also a Course 2 student like yourself.”
3474
3475The only difference was the lack of the school emblem, the distinction between Course 1 and 2 students.
3476
3477“……Year 1 Class G, Hirakawa Chiaki.”
3478
3479Upon being asked by an upperclassman to identify herself, the female student unwillingly gave her name.
3480
3481She could hear more footsteps coming to a stop behind her.
3482
3483Erika and the others caught up.
3484
3485And heard that earlier self-introduction.
3486
3487Immediately, she heard Kirihara murmur “Hirakawa?”
3488
3489Sayaka was not familiar with that surname, but Kirihara had heard of it.
3490
3491Still, the reason why Sayaka couldn’t let this Year 1 student go wasn’t because of her name, so she didn’t mind even if she had never heard of this name before.
3492
3493Sayaka didn’t have the leisure to worry about things like that.
3494
3495“Hirakawa-san, the device you’re carrying…… That’s a wireless password decoder, isn’t it?”
3496
3497Hearing Sayaka’s accusation, Hirakawa Chiaki turned pale and hurriedly hid the terminal in her hand behind her back.
3498
3499“I know even if you don’t admit it. That’s because I’ve used the same model before.”
3500
3501Chiaki’s eyes widened in astonishment at Sayaka’s words.
3502
3503Password decoders were malware devices used to steal passwords and, unlike the literal meaning, were also machines used to automatically break into verification systems and steal information. There were no legal uses for that item. In other words, used the same model before implied……
3504
3505“……That’s right. I was also the cat’s paw for spies.”
3506
3507A miserable expression spread across Sayaka’s face, but even then she continued to press onward as she stared at Chiaki.
3508
3509“That’s why I must warn you. Stop now. The longer you’re with them, the more painful it will become.”
3510
3511“……No matter how much I suffer, that’s none of senpai’s business.”
3512
3513Chiaki turned her face to one side and replied in a cold tone.
3514
3515An obvious rejection.
3516
3517However, Sayaka did not shrink back at Chiaki’s cold reception.
3518
3519“There’s no way I can just watch and do nothing!”
3520
3521Sayaka’s tone hardened and her eyes turned fiery as she suddenly roared at Chiaki.
3522
3523“Even though it’s been half a year, I still can’t stop myself from shaking at times. I don’t even realize that I’ve bit my lip open, or pierced my palm with my nails.”
3524
3525Sayaka was actually shaking as she said this.
3526
3527“Even though I don’t know who you’re mixed in with, this I know for sure. They will never take your needs into consideration. They will only use you, then promptly abandon you.”
3528
3529Sayaka’s voice was filled with sincerity. She was not being hypocritical, these were her true feelings laid bare.
3530
3531Nevertheless, the hatred that dwelt in Chiaki’s heart ran much deeper than Sayaka imagined.
3532
3533“Of course I know that!”
3534
3535That self-destructive voice and hate-filled eyes made Sayaka stop cold.
3536
3537“It’s obvious that the mafia and terrorists don’t give a darn about the people they’re using. Senpai linked up with these people even without fully understanding that? My apologies for my rudeness, but senpai is so very childish.”
3538
3539Those bitter words clearly conveyed to Sayaka that this Year 1 student was completely different than she was.
3540
3541Sayaka had a goal she was aiming for, but was taken advantage of when she wasn’t sure what path to take.
3542
3543It was true that she was hopelessly naive. Sayaka never planned to deny that point.
3544
3545Still, Sayaka didn’t believe that this Year 1 student was any more mature than she was.
3546
3547Even if she could achieve her heart’s desire after joining up with criminals, what would she do afterwards? What then? Would she return to high school as if nothing had happened, or actually continue acting as a member of a criminal organization? Sayaka knew that this Year 1 student never even took her future into consideration.
3548
3549Right now, she was only stubbornly refusing to listen to anyone else’s words.
3550
3551“Even if you continue on this self-destructive path you will obtain absolutely nothing. Nothing will remain behind!?”
3552
3553However, Sayaka wasn’t going to back down. There were some things that needed to be stopped, by force if necessary. This was something she learned first hand.
3554
3555“Senpai wouldn’t understand. I’m not teaming up with those guys because I want to get something.”
3556
3557Regardless, the answer she received was almost naturally a powerful rejection.
3558
3559She’s refusing to be persuaded, Sayaka faintly realized. That’s because she too was once like that.
3560
3561Persuasion can be saved for later. If they let her escape now, this child will never be able to return to “this side” again. With this in mind, a slightly forceful approach couldn’t be avoided. —Sayaka made her decision.
3562
3563“Kirihara-kun.”
3564
3565“Ah.”
3566
3567Kirihara immediately grasped Sayaka’s intention.
3568
3569Unfortunately, neither of them were carrying heat, but they weren’t particularly worried.
3570
3571This Year 1 student had no experience in martial arts or close combat. Both of them possessed the ability to tell this at a glance.
3572
3573If they both attacked at the same time, the takedown should be fairly simple.
3574
3575Objectively speaking, Sayaka and Kirihara’s judgement would be correct. —Under the condition that their opponent was unarmed.
3576
3577The instant Sayaka and Kirihara advanced together, Chiaki hurtled a small container.
3578
3579“Get down!”
3580
3581Erika was the first one to notice.
3582
3583Both of them flung their arms up on reflex.
3584
3585A furious flash passed through the gaps in the arms to scour the eyes through the eyelids.
3586
3587If anyone could still keep their vision through the blazing light, they would notice that Chiaki’s eyelids were painted black.
3588
3589She used light screen paint disguised as mascara and eyeliner to blunt the effects of the flash bang.
3590
3591Chiaki pointed her right arm at Sayaka. A spring-loaded dart came flying from her sleeve.
3592
3593Erika successfully blocked the flash and managed to deflect the fusiform dart with a tree branch she grabbed somewhere.
3594
3595A light purple smoke emitted from the broken dart.
3596
3597The second after Erika threw the tree branch, she quickly flung away Sayaka and used her shirt sleeve to cover her mouth. Kirihara, who hadn’t entirely recovered from the flash bang’s effects, directly breathed in the spreading smoke that was rapidly turning transparent. He swayed briefly, then collapsed to the floor in a boneless heap.
3598
3599(Nerve gas!?)
3600
3601Erika didn’t verbalize this as she mentally clucked her tongue.
3602
3603Their opponents were better prepared than they thought.
3604
3605Since they were forbidden from carrying CADs on campus, personal speed buffing wasn’t going to be very efficient.
3606
3607Despite their numerical advantage, the difference between weapons and no weapons was insurmountable. Under the situation where the enemy weapons remained unknown, they couldn’t strike recklessly—
3608
3609—However, there was a man present who didn’t subscribe to that theory. Crouched in the grass (the result of Erika warning to get down), Leo suddenly rushed at Chiaki.
3610
3611Faced with that sort of pressure, Chiaki couldn’t suppress a scream.
3612
3613She frantically pointed her right arm at Leo.
3614
3615Maybe the darts were a repeating model, or maybe there were other weapons prepared.
3616
3617There was no way to tell at this stage.
3618
3619Suddenly, Leo’s figure disappeared from Chiaki’s vision.
3620
3621Chiaki stood there transfixed for a moment before her waist was subjected to a powerful impact, causing her to helplessly fall backwards and culminating in her losing consciousness when the back of her head hit the ground.
3622
3623“……Did I overdo it?”
3624
3625Leo had used both arms to tackle Chiaki to the ground, then rose slightly and turned his head to ask.
3626
3627“Yeah. ……Speaking of which, hurry up and get up this instant. You look like you’re going to rape her.”
3628
3629“Idi……! Don’t even joke about that!”
3630
3631“Yes, yes, I know.”
3632
3633Erika’s gaze was dead serious as she watched Leo look up at her in shock.
3634
3635That gaze was the same as a professional gambler gauging the merits of a thoroughbred at the derby.
3636
3637
3638
3639
3640
3641Hearing that an incident broke out, Kanon (as the Public Moral Committee Chief) hurried to the infirmary and sighed when she found an unconscious Year 1 student in bed and a pair of Year 2 students seeking treatment.
3642
3643“You guys went too far……”
3644
3645Hearing Sayaka’s explanations of the proceedings, Kanon sighed once more.
3646
3647It wasn’t Kirihara and Sayaka’s intention to be told “going too far” by Kanon, who was prone to doing so herself, but since the person in question was unconscious due to a blow to the back of the head, they weren’t in any position to refute that.
3648
3649“So what did she do? Based on your earlier words, the only thing she was doing was holding an illegal electronic device, so I don’t think she broke any laws or school rules.”
3650
3651This was also an indefensible point.
3652
3653On one hand, there was the earnest Sayaka and on the other hand, there was Kirihara who couldn’t come up with a defense.
3654
3655Still, there was someone present who wasn’t so easily cowed by these strong words.
3656
3657“Isn’t holding an illegal hacking tool enough grounds for an arrest?”
3658
3659Faced with Erika’s provocative words, Kanon watched her with piercing eyes.
3660
3661“……I’m saying that going overboard is the issue here. Crime and punishment need to be carefully balanced.”
3662
3663“That’s nothing~, not like we caught her because she needed to be punished. I just wanted to protect a peer that’s being used by filthy adults.”
3664
3665“So you protected your peer by knocking her out. She was struck in the head.”
3666
3667“There’s nothing we can do if she pulls out a concealed weapon and resists. I’m not naive enough to help other people even at the cost of personal injury.”
3668
3669Kanon and Erika glared furiously at one another.
3670
3671Seeing this explosive situation unfold, Sayaka started to panic slightly. However, since the doctor on duty who should have interposed chose not to, she couldn’t just jump in.
3672
3673“Anyways, Chief Chiyoda, we’ll leave everything to you.”
3674
3675The one who interjected was Leo, who was leaning against the wall.
3676
3677“Let’s go.”
3678
3679“Hey, what’s with you all of a sudden?”
3680
3681Erika, who was being tugged away by the collar, directed her ire towards Leo.
3682
3683Still, she wasn’t glaring at him this time.
3684
3685For an instant, Leo wore an irked expression, then swiftly turned around.
3686
3687“Everything afterwards is a job for the Public Moral Committee members. I don’t care how you guys take care of it, I can only try to prevent any problems from spilling over to Tatsuya, Mizuki, and Mikihiko.”
3688
3689“Just wait a second!”
3690
3691Erika shouted as she chased after the departing Leo as she too left from the infirmary.
3692
3693
3694
3695
3696
3697After the sounds of the noisy Year 1 students (which included a particularly irksome Year 1 student) faded, Kanon finally calmed down.
3698
3699She once again studied the face of the Year 1 student lying on the bed. Even though the face poked something in Kanon’s memory, she was still unconscious and unable to verify any of her suspicions. Just like that, Kanon turned to the doctor.
3700
3701“Sensei, what is this child’s status?”
3702
3703Hearing Kanon’s question, Dr. Yasuyado Satomi smiled gently.
3704
3705“Don’t worry. There are no abnormalities in the brain or skull. She’ll wake up in time.”
3706
3707Yasuyado was a doctor with unique abilities who could see the abnormalities within the body through physical radiation. She could make a more accurate diagnosis than high tech equipment at normal hospitals by simply looking at the subject.
3708
3709If she said there was no problem, then it was safe to relax.
3710
3711“Sorry for bothering you, but could you please let me know when this child regains consciousness.”
3712
3713“Of course? Ah, but don’t complain if this child runs away, OK? I have no combat ability whatsoever.”
3714
3715Seeing Yasuyado’s half joking answer, Kanon smiled and nodded.
3716
3717“Sensei surely wouldn’t allow an injured student to just run around.”
3718
3719And so, Kanon led Sayaka and Kirihara, who had already finished treatment, and departed from the infirmary.
3720
3721
3722
3723
3724
3725Kanon was both the Chief of the Public Moral Committee and Isori’s guard at the same time.
3726
3727Since the Thesis Competition adopted a format where one principal was guarded by several bodyguards, Isori’s guards also included another Year 2 male student besides Kanon, but Kanon showed no signs of allowing anyone else in.
3728
3729Hence her goal was to return to the courtyard where the experiment was ongoing while she waited for the Year 1 student, whose testimony they required, to wake up.
3730
3731There, she found the same irksome Year 1 student — in other words, Erika — embroiled in another incident. A dark faced young man was reminding Erika to pay attention, whereas Erika was heedlessly whistling with a carefree attitude.
3732
3733Despite the oncoming headache, she couldn’t pretend to not see this either, so Kanon called a nearby Committee member to verify what happened.
3734
3735“So, Shiba-kun, what the heck happened here?”
3736
3737While Tatsuya was one of Kanon’s subordinates in the Public Moral Committee, currently he served as one of the team representatives in charge of the experiment.
3738
3739Whether she was a bodyguard or not, Kanon shouldn’t have suddenly asked a question of Tatsuya, who was busily typing away at the keyboard, but Kanon didn’t realize that right now.
3740
3741As expected, Miyuki arched a fine eyebrow from her position behind Tatsuya, but Tatsuya didn’t display a troubled expression and merely halted the scrolling frames and turned his head around.
3742
3743“Erika and Leo loitering around seems to have incurred Sekimoto-senpai’s displeasure.”
3744
3745After hearing this and verifying the situation once more, she found that indeed more disapproving gazes were sent towards Sekimoto rather than Erika.
3746
3747Completely fed up, Kanon approached the bickering duo.
3748
3749“……Sekimoto-senpai, what’s the matter?”
3750
3751Public Moral Committee members didn’t have a term of office, so they kept their positions unless they personally resigned. Using the changing of the guard in the Student Council as a reason, both Mari and Tatsumi had handed in their resignations while Sekimoto remained with the committee.
3752
3753Currently, he was the only Year 3 student in the Public Moral Committee.
3754
3755“Chiyoda…… No, it’s nothing in particular. They’re neither Public Moral Committee members nor helpers sent by clubs and simply loitering around, so I want them to make sure not to obstruct the bodyguards.”
3756
3757Even though this wasn’t her personality, Kanon really wanted to hug her head and heave a long sigh. Why was this senpai rocking the surface like this, those were her unadulterated feelings.
3758
3759“……In preparation for next year or even the year after, there is no reason to prevent Year 1 students from learning from this experience. If they are causing problems for the guards, we as the guards will make sure to take note of that. Sekimoto-senpai, since you haven’t been selected as one of the substitute guards this year, please leave this area to us.”
3760
3761At Kanon’s words, Sekimoto’s eyes sharpened, but Kanon never gave him a chance to respond and turned over to Erika.
3762
3763“Can you two leave now? From another perspective, your earlier actions could be constituted as violence from four people against one person.”
3764
3765Seeing Kanon trying to use the earlier incident to keep this one under wraps at an early stage, Erika smirked coldly.
3766
3767Realizing that she was scrambling for a reason, Kanon felt the blood rush to her head at Erika’s smile.
3768
3769Still, the situation would only worsen if she cut loose right now.
3770
3771Before Kanon, who was clenching her teeth, Erika frankly turned around.
3772
3773“I guess it’s about time to go. Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki, see you tomorrow.”
3774
3775“……I should go too. See ya, Tatsuya.”
3776
3777Seeing both Year 1 students obediently depart, Kanon let out a sigh of relief.
3778
3779At this time, her terminal vibrated to let her know a new message had arrived.
3780
3781After examining the contents, she completely ignored what Sekimoto was about to say and doubled back to the infirmary.
3782
3783“Ah, Kanon, wait up.”
3784
3785Isori, who was currently collecting the data results into an information terminal, frantically chased after her. Although this was plainly abandoning his duties for the experiment, no one present could fault him for that.
3786
3787
3788
3789
3790
3791Sekimoto peered with interest at the terminal monitor that Isori abandoned. Yet, a hand reached over from the side and pressed the power switch for the monitor.
3792
3793“Ichihara.”
3794
3795“And here I thought Sekimoto-kun had little interest in practical research.”
3796
3797Facing Sekimoto’s angry expression, Suzune replied with a cold poker face.
3798
3799“……I always believed that it was important to emphasize the basic theories such as Cardinal Codes and spell improvement, which is not to say I’m not interested in practical skills.”
3800
3801“I never intended to slight the basic theories. I feel that in order to reduce the risk accompanying practical use, careful validation of the basic theories is far more important than theoretical research.”
3802
3803“Validation and research is fundamentally different. Research is creation itself. Validation will not push the envelope.”
3804
3805“Research that has no meaning to humanity has no value. Only theories that are of practical use can be called theories.”
3806
3807“Even if they appear to be pointless, researching basic theories will undoubtedly lead to incredible results.”
3808
3809“There is no point in rejecting the small advancements of today to look at the fruits of tomorrow. The future is built on the foundation forged by incremental, practical advances.”
3810
3811Seeing the two of them that were outwardly calm, but actually extremely stubborn as they continued to bicker, Tatsuya suddenly remembered something from the other side of the screen.
3812
3813He seemed to recall a rumor that Sekimoto didn’t place fourth in the school’s internal assessment for the Thesis Competition, but second place right behind Suzune. At the time, he felt that Suzune plainly rejected him out of a sense of enmity.
3814
3815Back then, he was confounded as to why Suzune resolutely refused to allow Sekimoto to join the Thesis Competition, but seeing the two of them going at it like this solved that mystery. In Tatsuya’s eyes, Sekimoto seemed to be the more combative one, as if Sekimoto himself believed that he should be the representative for the Thesis Competition.
3816
3817Being overly proud frequently caused one to lose their senses. Currently, it looked like they couldn’t suavely persuade Sekimoto. At the current rate, they would never finish in time. Next time, he might even take direct action. Still, that didn’t guarantee that this action would be peaceful or even legal.
3818
3819
3820
3821
3822
3823— Hopefully, nothing troublesome would ensue —
3824
3825Although Tatsuya had a strong premonition that such a wish would never happen, he still earnestly desired that such a thing would never come to pass.
3826
3827
3828
3829
3830
3831After leaving the school gates, Leo silently followed behind Erika.
3832
3833Even so, he didn’t intend to walk home with her.
3834
3835There was only one route from the school to the bus station.
3836
3837It was only he had no pressing business that forced him to move ahead of her.
3838
3839Leo believed that Erika was the same way.
3840
3841It was pure coincidence that they were walking in the same direction at the same pace.
3842
3843“Leo.”
3844
3845Hence he came to a surprised stop when she called out his name.
3846
3847Erika also halted her footsteps.
3848
3849“Do you have some time today?”