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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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5Ancient City Insurrection Chapter (II)
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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 © 2015 by Satou Tsutomu
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28Illustration © 2015 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: 978-4-04-869167-3
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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 by Roah Nosh. Visit the “Onii-sama” page for details.
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55http://polyaness.com
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61Translation by oniisama-TL.
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67[Leader (Recruitment, PR): M.R / Editors: C KA M N W S (MIA) N Anon / Proofreader: L Y / Translation checkers: D M W K KA / Translators: Y T R ]
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73All materials’ copyright reserved by their respective authors and the associated publishers. Please respect their rights.
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78Works will be deleted upon request by copyright holders.
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81If you like the book buy it once localized in your area. Support the author.
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87v1.5.5
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93Title
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95Copyright
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97Synopsis of the Previous Volume
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99Chapter 6
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101Chapter 7
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103Chapter 8
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105Chapter 9
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107Chapter 10
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109Afterword
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111Illustrations
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113Notes
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119Synopsis of the Previous Volume
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124Sunday, late September of 2096 AD, the National Magic High Schools will hold the Thesis Competition. The Kuroba twins paid a visit to Tatsuya’s place. They brought a letter from the Yotsuba Family Head, Yotsuba Maya. The content of the letter was a request of cooperation for the pursuit of Zhou Gongjin, the mastermind of the Yokohama Incident. It wasn’t an order, but a request. In order to chase the traditionalists who hid in Nara, Tatsuya visited the Kudou family manor in Nara. Over there, Tatsuya and company met with a boy who was as beautiful as Miyuki named, Kudou Minoru.
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126With his guidance Tatsuya explored the territory of Zhou Gongjin’s traditionalists and of the magicians from the continent with Taoist backgrounds. Meanwhile, the Saegusa family head, Saegusa Kouichi, felt that he’d been betrayed and sent Nakura to assassinate Zhou. Nakura went to Kyoto, and had engaged in combat against Zhou. He was defeated and died.
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128After receiving the news that her bodyguard suddenly died, Mayumi began to move in order to search for the truth.
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134Chapter 6
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139October 15th, 2096, after school, two weeks before the Thesis Competition, First High School was full of commotion due to the preparations. Despite that, the current buzz was due to something else entirely different.
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141They were talking about a sudden visitor. The students from second and third years’ were familiar with this visitor; even the freshmen could hardly miss the presence of the popular OG[1].
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143The person in question, Saegusa Mayumi, was walking towards the guest room. The school seemed to have decided to treat her as a member of the Ten Master Clans instead of as the former Student Council President; a daughter of the Saegusa family. Mayumi requested to see Tatsuya alone. This was due to the nature of her request.
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145“I’m sorry, Tatsuya-kun. I thought it was best to come to First High to talk to you…”
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147Mayumi expressed her thoughts and bowed; probably, because she noticed the commotion she had caused. Most likely not because she heard the rumors, since her skill of perception was through sight, not by hearing. While walking to the guest room the commotion from everyone in sight could be heard. By now, they’ve become the subject of curiosity and speculation. It’s hardly possible for her to not be aware of the situation.
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149“No, please don’t worry.”
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151Tatsuya had his share of being gossiped about due to his position and ability. But, his answer was not meant to be consolation for Mayumi. Certainly, the fact that she came to visit the school meant that there would be rumors going on for 75 days[2]. Still, it’s better than to be disturbed at home. There was a mountain of things that he didn’t want to show to a member of the Ten Master Clans in his house. Of course, he said it casually but he couldn’t ignore the risks of Mayumi ever seeing them.
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153It is more convenient for Tatsuya that Mayumi chose to come to school rather than his house. It would be quite easy for her to obtain his address, but she blatantly chose to be gossiped about. Though Tatsuya could hardly care about such baseless rumors. And yet, she chose to come to school; she must have been considerate of Tatsuya. —He reached this conclusion based on her actions.
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155“How do you do?”
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157Mayumi seemed to be quite tense, unbefitting of her character.
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159Tatsuya thought, despite being tense, she didn’t forget to start with words of greeting. It’s hard to say that such an extent was required.
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161At this rate, there’s a chance of wasting time. With that in mind, Tatsuya decided to take the lead.
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163“This year, I won’t be as busy, since I’m only in charge of the security for the event day itself.”
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165“Is-is that so? It’s surprising for you to not join the competition team.”
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167“That’s why, depending on your request, I might be able to assist you.”
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169Tatsuya didn’t think that Mayumi came just to see him. They don’t have that sort of “intimate relationship” where the other party could be convinced with words like “I came to meet you because I wanted to see you”. This is not to say that they have a normal Senpai-kouhai relationship, but for her to come to meet Tatsuya there must be something that she wanted to ask for.
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171“…You’re right. You can’t help it even if it’s a waste of time.”
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173Mayumi’s eyes were still hesitating. But as he had said, at this rate they will only waste their time. Both Mayumi and Tatsuya couldn’t possibly have an unlimited amount of free time. Since she visited Tatsuya with something on her mind, there’s no way she would leave First High dejectedly without even delivering her request.
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175“I wonder if Tatsuya-kun remembers Nakura-san.”
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177“Yes, my condolences.”
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179“Please don’t be concerned. Tatsuya-kun, you know about what happened to him?”
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181“I saw the local news.”
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183“Did you collect such information for the Thesis Competition security preparation?”
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185“Well, something along those lines.”
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187“…Then.”
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189Mayumi paused for a split second, not to avoid the main issue, but to shake the last bit of hesitation.
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191“Do you know about his cause of death?”
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193“Only that he was murdered.”
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195“I guess that’s the extent of the published information.”
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197A bitter smile floated on Mayumi’s lips, unexpectedly letting out her feelings.
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199“You’re right. Nakura-san was murdered, and I don’t know who the culprit is.” Tatsuya showed slight confusion at her words.
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201“You’re not looking into it?”
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203“My father…”
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205Mayumi stopped briefly, but she decided to discard her hesitation.
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207“My father knows who killed Nakura-san.”
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209Tatsuya didn’t hide his astonishment.
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211“Did your father admit this?”
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213“No. But I’m sure he knows; at the very least he has an idea. Nakura-san had been ordered by my father to go on a secret mission in Kyoto.”
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215“A secret mission in Kyoto, huh…”
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217If you used the familiar expression “undercover work” to Tatsuya, that will be referred to as illegal work.
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219“I didn’t get to hear this directly either. My father didn’t say anything besides ‘a certain work’. I was told that ‘I don’t need to know’.”
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221“I see.”
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223That was the same as saying “Let him do the dirty work”. Tatsuya thought that perhaps Saegusa Kouichi has no intention to hide it.
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225“So then Senpai, what do you want to do?”
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227Mayumi had hoped that this question would never arise. However, Tatsuya immediately asked it and stared into her eyes, making her wince her eyes for a little while.
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229Yet, Mayumi didn’t want to silently face down. She was empowered by her sense of duty and righteousness and spoke to Tatsuya face to face.
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231“I want to know the truth.”
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233“Do you want to identify the culprit?”
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235“Yes.”
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237There was a slight delay before she answered. But that didn’t mean that Mayumi was hesitating, she was just trying to calm her heart down before it started beating faster.
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239“I’ll say it upfront. My relationship with Nakura-san was never a close one.”
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241Hearing Mayumi’s confession, Tatsuya was amazed. However, he quickly suppressed his mouth so as to urge her to continue.
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243“My relationship with Nakura-san was strictly business-based. I never thought of him as more than a bodyguard.”
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245“Even so, you still want to search for the culprit? Even though the risk is hardly small.” Tatsuya tried tolightly provoke Mayumi.
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247He received a piercing stare in reply.
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249“Don’t take me wrong. I’m not doing this out of sympathy.”
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251“Then why?”
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253“My bodyguard was killed in one of the Saegusa Family’s missions. Though I know that he was not ordered to die, it was a job with a high risk of death so the result is the same. I don’t want to avert my eyes from the truth. As a member of the Saegusa Family, at the very least I want to know the truth.”
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255“How commendable.” Tatsuya sighed.
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257Mayumi lifted her eyebrows.
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259“But.”
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261Even when she raised her voice, Tatsuya continued with a cold tone.
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263“In the end, it’s only for your own self-satisfaction, Senpai you should understand this as well.”
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265“Hmph, that’s right. But, there’s nothing wrong with self-satisfaction, right?”
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267That was not a voice of desperation, but one filled with strong will, even Tatsuya couldn’t immediately think of words of rebuttal.
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269“In my current state, I can’t do anything. I’m not satisfied with myself. I can’t proudly bear myself as the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Family.”
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271“As the eldest daughter of the Saegusa… is it.”
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273“Yes, for better or for worse, it is my position. I don’t want to run away from my responsibility.
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275That’s why I’d like to confirm the doubt in my heart. I wonder if this is weird.”
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277“No, I don’t think it’s weird.”
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279Mayumi’s words were both enviable and repulsive to Tatsuya.
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281Miyuki had not yet been introduced as a direct descendant of the Yotsuba. Instead, she was forced to hide her identity. But, Tatsuya also never thought that being a Yotsuba was a good thing or something to be proud of to begin with, yet to be unable to reveal your true self is a sad situation. These were all Tatsuya’s thoughts, instead of feelings.
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283His sister was forced to hide the pride of her birth. Tatsuya envied Mayumi for her presence, in the light of Miyuki’s own existence.
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285“I see, then what’s the connection with me? Even if you ask me to find the culprit, I don’t have the ‘know-how’ to become a detective, nor have I helped in the investigation previously.
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287Unfortunately, I think I can’t be of service to you.”
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289However, despite his demeanor, Tatsuya truly wished that he could help her. But it was an impossible task, even for him. He didn’t have any means of finding out the whereabouts of the killer whose name was unknown. Even the idea of doing that tired him.
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291“Wait!”
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293Despite the frank rejection from Tatsuya, Mayumi stopped him when he was about to leave his seat.
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295“There’s a high chance that the culprit was involved in the Yokohama Incident!” Those uttered words, made Tatsuya fail to leave the sofa.
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297“The same culprit as in the Yokohama Incident, you said?” Tatsuya shouldn’t have worn a surprised face.
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299But what Mayumi thought had little to do with his amazement.
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301“Seems like Nakura-san had done some research on the mastermind of the Yokohama Incident in Chinatown recently.”
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303She probably thought that she was able to draw Tatsuya’s attention. Her reasoning was flawed, since Tatsuya unmistakably had no interest in the topic.
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305“You’re well-informed.”
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307“That person never left my side when on bodyguard duty. Lately, he’d been bringing many souvenirs from Chinatown. I wonder if he was mistaken about my age… I was wondering if Nakura-san wanted to give me hints about the mission, so now I’m intrigued by them.”
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309“I see.”
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311Mayumi might not have realized, but that remark was thought-provoking.
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313Nakura’s employer was Saegusa Kouichi, and his relationship with Mayumi was strictly business-based so he’s basically an outsider.
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315To leave the dirty work to the bodyguard of his eldest daughter, a subordinate that had been trusted to such an extent had left hints to another party about what he had been forced to do.
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317Seems like Saegusa Kouichi didn’t have full control over his subordinate.
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319Or, in a truer sense, there are no subordinates that could be called loyal confidants of the Saegusa Family.
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321——This might bring about a bigger meaning in the future.
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323Tatsuya stopped thinking about the internal conditions of the Saegusa Family.
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325“It might be as you’ve said. Nakura-san’s work was related to the Chinatown in Yokohama. But to deduce that from such weak evidence, I think there might be a chance that it was completely unrelated to the Yokohama Incident.”
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327At this point Tatsuya thought that he could actually use Mayumi’s help for his problem. Even though she didn’t possess physical prowess, her combat ability had been proven on the battlefield at Yokohama. Moreover, she is much more mobile as a college student when compared to Miyuki and Minami who were still attending high school.
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329His objection was intended to cool Mayumi’s head. It was possible that Mayumi was influenced by her feelings too much to consider the possibility of her own misconception. If she still insisted in asking for Tatsuya’s cooperation based on those conclusions, Tatsuya would have just proceeded from her assumption.
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331“Well, that might be true…”
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333Apparently she was thinking about the thing that Tatsuya pointed out. Mayumi timidly took a peek at Tatsuya.
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335“Then… Tatsuya-kun thinks that ‘the culprit being related to the Yokohama Incident’ was my misunderstanding!?”
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337But it was only for a few seconds, before Mayumi took a stronger stance against Tatsuya’s “so what” attitude.
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339“I didn’t mean that.”
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341Tatsuya appeased Mayumi with a fake smile.
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343“It was only because I’m afraid that your preconception of the truth is being clouded by your strong feelings.”
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345Mayumi puffed up her cheeks… Despite becoming a college student, this expression still had its own deadweight.
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347“Preconception and perception are two different things.”
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349These glaring words from Mayumi were delivered to Tatsuya’s ears just fine. However, Tatsuya chose to treat them as self-monologue. Hence, he paid no further attention to them.
350
351“…I understand such a thing.”
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353However, she returned these words to Tatsuya with firm eyes.
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355“Do you understand the danger?”
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357Tatsuya has been waiting for the chance to drop this line.
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359“Yes. Even so, I still want to do something.”
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361From her answer just now, the uncertain feeling had completely disappeared.
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363“That’s why, Tatsuya. Please lend me your strength.”
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365However, it didn’t seem to affect Tatsuya. It was convenient for him if he took up this matter as a response to the strong request of Mayumi’s.
366
367“——I understand.”
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369Mayumi showed a relieved expression with a smile.
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371Tatsuya was feeling the same, despite not showing it on his face.
372
373“Specifically, what do you want me to do?”
374
375“Tatsuya-kun, are you going to Kyoto for a preliminary inspection with the guard?”
376
377“Yes, this upcoming weekend.”
378
379“I’d like to ask for you to accompany me for a while on that day. Let’s go to the scene where Nakura-san was killed.”
380
381After delivering her last request, Mayumi returned a question.
382
383“Will that suffice?”
384
385Depending on the situation, Tatsuya could spare a little time to accompany her. However, that question was a set up to know her full intention.
386
387“Even I understand, you know…”
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389Although Tatsuya couldn’t care less about others so long as it didn’t interfere with his priority, he wouldn’t go so far as to ignore others’ feelings. It was not a pleasant feeling to see his close friend fall for his words.
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391“As a daughter of the Saegusa Family, I still don’t have the ability to support myself. I have no means to move people regardless of my talent as a magician, I couldn’t ask you to do the work of the police by looking for the criminal, either.”
392
393Her remarks about her powerless self were right on the spot so Tatsuya didn’t offer a single word of comfort. He was able to retaliate when the No Head Dragon messed with him with the help of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. He was able to intervene with the Parasite Doll plan by the help of Kokonoe Yakumo, and the Mobile Suits from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
394
395Which also shows that, by no means was Tatsuya’s individual power able to tackle all the problems he had. He never forgot this fact. When he learnt the limit of an individual’s power, he couldn’t think of any rebuttal.
396
397“Just as Tatsuya-kun said in the beginning. At the end, this is for my own self-satisfaction. It might be foolish to run into danger for such a thing. Yet…”
398
399“Understood.”
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401Tatsuya repeated the same words, blocking Mayumi’s words.
402
403“Then, Sunday the 21st. Please select the exact timing and location to fit your schedule.”
404
405“…Thanks, Tatsuya-kun.”
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407Mayumi bowed her head low while sitting on the sofa.
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409“Then, I will email the details for the time and venue tomorrow.”
410
411“Can I ask one more thing?”
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413Mayumi was about to leave her seat when Tatsuya said this.
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415“Has Nakura-san’s body been cremated?”
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417“Uh, yeah.”
418
419“Do you have anything left from what he was wearing at the time he passed away? For example, his clothes.”
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421“The police requested those, since they want to store them as evidence. Furthermore, Nakura-san has no relatives, so I thought it might help to catch the criminal even a little if I handed them over.”
422
423“Is it possible to have short access to those materials?”
424
425“…I can try to ask the detective who gave me his contact information.” Tatsuya slightly lowered his head as response to Mayumi’s answer.
426
427Because she looked like she had something to say, Tatsuya urged her to speak with his eyes.
428
429“I’m sorry. I didn’t think that I would get so sensitive.”
430
431“I will cooperate as much as possible, so long as it’s possible.”
432
433After saying so, Tatsuya stood up in order to prevent Mayumi from repeating her “thank you” gesture.
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435During this short period, he had considered that Nakura might have been killed by Zhou. It was not so absurd to hypothesize that Saegusa Kouichi had Nakura Saburou investigate Zhou. And there was even a possibility where the Head of the Saegusa Family had a collusion planned with Zhou.
436
437He did think that Nakura’s death was connected to Zhou Gongjin so there might be a lead to his whereabouts there. Therefore, he did not need Mayumi’s words of gratitude.
438
439After sending Mayumi up to the gate, Tatsuya went to the Student Council room.
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441
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443
444
445For some reason, the current Public Morals Committee Chief was there with the Student Council Officers, there was even the presence of the previous Club Leader.
446
447“Onii-sama, thank you for your hard work.”
448
449“Ah, sorry for my tardiness.”
450
451Miyuki rose and gave him a hand gesture to sit with a smile, before Tatsuya headed to his desk. He noticed the edgy stares on him, and chose not to react to them.
452
453“Shiba-senpai.”
454
455The one who started the conversation was Izumi, who had been fighting to face her terminal right after Tatsuya entered the Student Council room.
456
457“Do you have anything you want to ask?”
458
459On the surface, Tatsuya’s question was very reasonable and superficial. In fact, the expected dialogue was most probably started because she wanted to know what had happened in the meeting just now.
460
461“That’s not it!”
462
463And there was nothing going out of his prediction.
464
465“Onee-sama, no, has my sister gone back?”
466
467“She has. Did you perhaps have something for her?”
468
469“No, that’s not the case. But, that, I just wonder what kind of business forced my sister to take up your valuable time.”
470
471The meaning behind Izumi’s words was clear as day. She wanted to know what kind of a conversation her sister just had with Tatsuya.
472
473“Please don’t let it bother you. There’s no need for you to worry.”
474
475However, Tatsuya played with his opponent, by avoiding the expected focus of the conversation.
476
477“I’m not worrying about Senpai!”
478
479As a result, Izumi retorted back frantically. Then, she blushed after receiving smiles from the upperclassmen, as per the usual pattern.
480
481The one who helped take over the matter from the dismayed and red-faced Izumi was Miyuki. She unmistakably did so while taking a peek at her brother; she was curious about the closed meeting between Tatsuya and Mayumi. No, it would be better to say that she was the one who wanted to know the most.
482
483“Then, Onii-sama. What did you talk about with Saegusa-senpai? I hope you don’t mind sharing it with us?”
484
485Immediately after Miyuki asked so, there were signs of people preparing to hear the answer. Tatsuya looked around the room; nobody in the room diverted their eyes while waiting for his answer.
486
487“It seems like Senpai also has a matter to settle in Kyoto.”
488
489At the same time, Izumi’s body was trembling. Her head was down, so her expression couldn’t be seen, but Tatsuya could easily guess that she was thinking about Nakura. However, he decided that it would be counterproductive to voice some comfort for Izumi here. Hence, he continued with his words, while pretending that he did not notice anything.
490
491“She said that she’d like to accompany us in the preliminary inspection. I denied her request after she refused to explain the reason behind it, but she had a comparatively serious face on her.”
492
493Hattori sighed a little after hearing Tatsuya conclude his answer. He must have been having the same concern.
494
495However, he was not letting Tatsuya off the hook; he took up a harsh tone towards Tatsuya.
496
497“Shiba, why did you deny her request when you don’t have any urgent errands? The preliminary security inspection is only to look around to see the state of the city, right? You should be able to make some time for her that wouldn’t hinder your activities.”
498
499Tatsuya had assumed that this question would arise. Honestly, he thought that a good young man would have a hard time accompanying her. Not that he meant to ridicule her, rather he was saying that out of favor. He tightened his lips consciously to refrain himself from saying so.
500
501However, another person followed up in blaming him.
502
503“Tatsuya-san, I also think so.”
504
505Hattori’s response was in line with Tatsuya’s plan, but it was unexpected for Honoka to agree with Hattori.
506
507“Although she had Ichihara-senpai and Juumonji-senpai at Magic University, she purposely chose to come to First High. Doesn’t that show how much she relies on you?” Without knowing what the reason behind Honoka’s words was, Tatsuya couldn’t reply immediately.
508
509There was no merit for Honoka if Tatsuya and Mayumi were to meet up in Kyoto. Even if Miyuki was jealous of others, Mayumi might still try to use the chance, since Miyuki was his real sister. She should have discerned that Minami was also taking a step back from Tatsuya as usual.
510
511Chances were——while it might be rude to Honoka——she might be purely feeling sympathy for Mayumi.
512
513“Tatsuya, wouldn’t it be fine if you spare some time for her?”
514
515“…That’s right.”
516
517Even Mikihiko made that suggestion. Tatsuya could no longer act that he was not doing something bad. Even Mikihiko didn’t know that the true purpose of the trip was to arrest Zhou Gongjin, he was only told that there was a certain “Traditionalist” group in Kyoto who conspired to make more trouble. He still acted as if he was stubbornly against Mayumi’s cooperation request and gave off the feeling of being forced to do it, despite the real situation he was facing.
518
519Moreover, this development was also convenient for Tatsuya. They had just given him a valid reason to spend time with Mayumi, so there was no need to disguise their meeting as coincidence. In reality, Tatsuya didn’t expect for her to be very useful. However, even the addition of a single person was better for manpower. Tatsuya believed that the request he received was not only to search for Zhou Gongjin, but also to take care of him once he’s found. However, the content of Maya’s request was “cooperation for capture”; if he couldn’t locate him first, there was no way to capture him. To do so, it was necessary to act like he was looking for Zhou. That was why he gathered a lot of people.
520
521“I shall apologize first, although it would be a little awkward for me to contact Senpai. Izumi, do you mind if I contact her?”
522
523“Why do you ask me such a thing?”
524
525Izumi asked with an annoyed voice. She was alarmed by that question as Tatsuya treated her like she had a sister complex.
526
527“Izumi is Saegusa-senpai’s sibling after all.”
528
529However, even for Tatsuya, it was not possible to act that cold towards an underclassman girl.
530
531“You don’t need my permission. Please act as per your discretion.”
532
533Izumi replied to Tatsuya with a cute face, despite receiving such an uncute remark from Tatsuya.
534
535
536
537
538
539Near the border of the former Nagano Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture, a nameless village exists in a narrow valley surrounded by the mountains. This village which has never been listed on the map is the home of the infamous Yotsuba Family.
540
541In the center of the village, there is a conspicuously large single-story Manor of the Yotsuba. In the main room within the house, Yotsuba Maya, the head of the family received a report from her butler, Hayama.
542
543“…Seems like all the facts are pointing to Nara.”
544
545“The JSDF Intelligence Bureau…”
546
547Mockery floated from the shiny red lips of Maya. It was not too vulgar; instead her expression was rather noble.
548
549“I have also searched for the department that did the intervention in the investigation report, in case they’re being an obstacle.”
550
551“I don’t mind. The JSDF has their own problems, right? The issue is almost settled, so I’ll turn a blind eye.”
552
553The old butler bowed reverently as an exaggeration. In Maya’s eyes, the JSDF was a huge underdog, Hayama had no doubt about this.
554
555“More importantly, about Tatsuya-san.”
556
557Maya’s interest immediately shifted from the JSDF. Since they were talking about Tatsuya originally, it was natural to get back to the topic.
558
559“He should be working really hard at this moment, right?”
560
561“Yes. Particularly due to the secret development of the new magic, I couldn’t think of any other possibility.”
562
563“New magic… Is it going to be a short-range physical attack, or should we make another guess?”
564
565“If you don’t mind my conjecture.”
566
567“I don’t mind hearing what you have in mind, Hayama-san.” Maya did not hide her curiosity, and asked Hayama.
568
569It is not rare for Maya to leave the negotiations to her subordinate but that’s the way it goes in this family. However, she doesn’t just idly spend spare time every day. She also certainly does not indulge in game sprees. As one of the Yotsuba, the most important challenge is magic improvement. Hence, she spent a great deal of time in researching magic.
570
571For her, the rumors that Tatsuya is developing a new magic, is a story that intrigued her curiosity.
572
573“If he derived the new magic from Angie Sirius’ Brionac, and judging from the name he gave to the new magic ‘Baryon Lance’, it seems to be a magic that emits canon particles by decomposing the substance to proton-neutron levels.”
574
575“I wonder if it’s a chargeable particle cannon.”
576
577“If that’s the case, it’s not a new magic but a reproduction of Brionac, Tatsuya-dono must have known that. Though there is still a high possibility of a neutron-based cannon.”
578
579“A neutron gun… Neutron barrier is already seen as magic in the realm of perfection, Tatsuya-san has surely taken this fact into account as well.”
580
581Maya who has been enjoying her time making such conjectures, suddenly showed a worried face.
582
583“…‘Baryon Lance’. It’s neither a ‘Launcher’, nor a ‘Cannon’, not even a ‘Gun’, I wonder why it is a ‘Lance’?”
584
585Hayama was also curious about that part, but it seems like the answer had been decided before the question was asked.
586
587“I don’t know to such an extent. But he said that he would show the new magic when he visits during the New Year’s Meeting.”
588
589Perceiving that there’s not much left to be said, Maya wisely preferred to observe rather than over speculate. However, the bad impression still lasted, and made her throw a spiteful question.
590
591“Why didn’t I ask for more details? I wonder if that child is really obedient, so I thought that testing him would be a good idea.”
592
593“With all due respect, in order to achieve your purpose, you don’t need to make sure to such an extent.”
594
595This, however, might have a boomerang effect for Maya. At Hayama’s word, Maya shrugged in a barely visible gesture.
596
597“I never thought that much in relation to that purpose.”
598
599Seeing Hayama’s eyes fixed on her, Maya felt that there was a need for a valid excuse.
600
601“It isn’t because he’s my nephew. If I were to reject that child, it wouldn’t be profitable for the Yotsuba.”
602
603“I think the reason of being your nephew is fine.”
604
605“Hayama-san.”
606
607“Pardon my rudeness.”
608
609At Maya’s call to own up to his mistake, Hayama reverently bowed. However, it was not for an apology. If that was the case, he would have used phrases like “I’ve said too much” or “Please forgive my insolence”.
610
611Since Hayama did not retract his statement by saying it was “insolence”, as a result, Maya faintly blushed at his statement.
612
613
614
615
616
617“Hayama-san.”
618
619Hayama had resigned from Maya’s room, and was about to go to his residence, and in the middle of the garden, he heard a voice from behind.
620
621His presence couldn’t be felt, there was no unbalance. In this village, it was not unusual for one to have a skill such as assimilating their presence in the wind and even the darkness.
622
623Besides, the voice which called from behind was familiar for Hayama.
624
625“Kuroba-sama. Pardon me for not noticing your presence.”
626
627At the very least, he felt obliged to say this much in sarcasm.
628
629The defeated Kuroba Mitsugu wore an uncomfortable face, of course, he was not angered by this much of sarcasm.
630
631“No, I was rude too for not unmasking my presence.”
632
633Hayama didn’t care whether Mitsugu’s words were truth or lie. It was highly likely because his profession devoted him to be in the shadows, on the other hand, he thought that it was also possible that he was extremely used to the state of stealth on every work-related occasion.
634
635“No, please don’t be concerned with such a trivial thing.”
636
637However, it was a good thing, regardless of the situation. If Kuroba Mitsugu seriously hid his presence, even Hayama couldn’t discern him by his eyes. He was also not provoked by the fact that Mitsugu’s ability was excellent and he was able at his job. Moreover, the Kuroba Family is one of the strongest branches of the Yotsuba. So long as they’re loyal to the head, Hayama should still serve them. If he couldn’t withstand the master’s whims, he would have been disqualified as a butler.
638
639“And, Kuroba-sama. To what do I owe this patronage?”
640
641“Well, I have something in mind, but… I want to talk to you for a while.”
642
643Hayama raised his eyebrow. He showed a somewhat discomfited face, but it was a deliberate emotional expression.
644
645“Do you want to talk… about that?” Hayama smiled politely.
646
647Mitsugu hurriedly shook his hands in denial.
648
649“No, no, please take the words at face value. I’d like to ask about something that I need your consultation in.”
650
651“Oh, dear, please forgive my rudeness.”
652
653Hayama carefully bowed in the darkness. It was as if there wasn’t a hint of hesitation.
654
655“Then, this way please.”
656
657Hayama led Mitsugu to the Main House, from where he had just left. As a butler of the Yotsuba Family, he had been given the discretion to use the waiting room of the Main House quite freely. Otherwise, he could always claim that the Head of the Kuroba family was using the room; there shouldn’t be any complaints for him when doing so. If they were about to continue their conversation, they could always confirm later.
658
659However, Mitsugu did not follow Hayama’s lead.
660
661“No, if Hayama-san doesn’t mind, we can talk here.”
662
663Hayama halted his step and turned back, to direct a quizzical gaze to Mitsugu.
664
665Mitsugu was ignoring the fact that he was acting suspiciously.
666
667“Hayama-san, you have been talking with the Head about that man——aren’t you worried about Zhou Gongjin?”
668
669Hearing Mitsugu’s words, Hayama nodded with a sense of revelation.
670
671“It’s natural to be curious about a job that was left to your care.”
672
673“Ah, no…”
674
675At his own words being distorted into the worst meaning, Mitsugu hurriedly followed up with a rebuttal.
676
677“However, please don’t worry.”
678
679But, Hayama did not spare him any chance.
680
681“I’m sure you’ve heard that, Miyuki-sama’s guardian has been requested to take care of this issue in your stead.”
682
683Mitsugu frowned deeply.
684
685“I know.”
686
687He knew the fact that Tatsuya was going to handle the matter long before his children visited him in September. It all started on that day in August. Mitsugu had seen Tatsuya’s abominable prowess. Certainly, he felt some level of gratitude that he would not be one-armed, but that his pride was deeply damaged was also a fact.
688
689“I was just giving the progress report. I wonder if it’s why Miyuki is the likely candidate for the next head position. That way, we eliminate the possibility of him revolting against the Yotsuba. All of these things must be identified for the future of the Yotsuba Family.”
690
691Mitsugu revealed increasing discomfort, Hayama acted like he didn’t catch that.
692
693“It is extremely important, though I know it is disrespectful towards Kuroba-sama, I was allowed to use this matter to determine his loyalty.”
694
695“That man can’t possibly have any loyalty towards the Yotsuba Family.”
696
697Mitsugu threw out those words in spite. Both his words and expression, had never been shown in front of Miyuki and Tatsuya.
698
699“Kuroba-sama, I have no idea of what you have in mind for such assertiveness, but…” Hayama sought for permission to continue with his eyes.
700
701But, Mitsugu silenced him with a gaze instead.
702
703Hayama chose to ignore that and spun his answer in a tone that was aloof. Perhaps, no other man was able to utter such harsh words.
704
705“Is the reason you distrust Tatsuya-dono related to the possibility of him finding out that the family tried to kill him as soon as he was born?”
706
707“Hayama!”
708
709Mitsugu threw off his politeness towards Hayama.
710
711That action was initiated by the people in Mitsugu’s generation. Besides the seven families affiliated to Yotsuba: “Shiiba”, “Mashiba”, “Shibata”, “Kuroba”, “Mugura”, “Tsukuba” and “Shizuka”; only Hayama knows about this fact. Even those who inherited the blood of the Yotsuba who are less than 20 years old have never been informed. Therefore, Kuroba Mitsugu lost his composure involuntarily.
712
713Hayama expelled the killing intent that was directed at him with a polite smile.
714
715“That way, he would be tamed and loyal to the Yotsuba Family, and I’m sure you know that this will be needed for the future. Although there were times when my lady didn’t realize this. That’s why she left the rest to Miyuki-sama’s care.”
716
717Mitsugu clenched his hand and grit the back of his teeth.
718
719Mitsugu started the conversation to explore such a possibility, but inevitably, it has changed into condemnation from Hayama.
720
721“Kuroba-sama. Your worries are unwarranted. Only real action has meaning. Even if you pretend to obey, and you planned to betray secretly, if in the end, you were not able to betray, the result is the same and is more profitable. A tool does not need to be loyal. For a weapon, there’s no need to have a heart.”
722
723“Bastard, do you think of magicians as weapons…!?”
724
725“You might be forgetting the fact that I’m also a magician.”
726
727He’s also quite able compared to the other servants, thus, Hayama laughed casually.
728
729Mitsugu was trapped in heavy silence.
730
731“A weapon doesn’t hold any fear. A weapon doesn’t feel any anxiety. However, for one to kill an innocent person just because of the fear of their potential, perhaps the one whose heart has become a weapon was really a better person.”
732
733Those words wedged deeply into Mitsugu’s mind. Hayama bowed and left the scene.
734
735
736
737
738
739Friday, October 19th, 10 days before this year’s Thesis Competition. Today, the preparations for the presentation finally reached its last stage.
740
741This year, there were no suspicious activities on the school grounds, unlike last year. Last year was an exception, it can be said that this year’s procedures were normal. Therefore, there was no need of extra manpower and the work was still able to progress towards completion as expected.
742
743Tatsuya and company were also kept in peace. Perhaps, due to the hard work of Yakumo’s disciples, or maybe through the undercover mercenary troops that were arranged by Butler Hanabishi. Hanabishi was the number two servant of the Yotsuba; he was responsible for various arrangements involving the underground business of the Yotsuba Family——in other words, the butler in charge——including the arrangements of required personnel. He should not have made any mistakes in his work.
744
745The magicians in the Yotsuba Family were actually not many in number. Even not limiting it to only magicians related by blood to the Yotsuba compared to the other Ten Master Clans Families like the Saegusa or even Ichijou the number of magicians they could deploy was indeed “small”.
746
747Although the number of Yotsuba Magicians was small, they won in terms of ability, these results had been proven. However, there were times where numbers were important, for such cases the Yotsuba had an organized network of disposable outsiders to collaborate with them.
748
749The Yotsuba Family was often asked to purge those who conspired against the nation. To capture rebel organizations or magicians that worked towards that goal. It didn’t mean taking action only on magicians that took direct hostile action against the nation, so long as a magician was aiding a foreign military force with the intent to harm this nation it was enough.
750
751This work had become an important source of income for the Yotsuba Family. Not just financially, Yotsuba’s combatants had been trained through this work as well. It was also a means to brainwash the captured rebellious magicians.
752
753The No Head Dragon was using “Generators” without the consent of the magician. However, the Yotsuba knew very well that consciousness and emotion had a direct link to the power of magic.
754
755They did classic brainwashing to their enemies. Earnestly imprinting the fear of death for defying the Yotsuba. An ideology of fear. In other words, those who weren’t afraid of death couldn’t be affected by this magic. Then, the Yotsuba would offer a deal to those who feared death, “Depending on your work, we’ll let you free.”
756
757Then, those mercenary magician troops undertook missions in order to get their lives as a reward, being used by the Yotsuba in a variety of jobs. The escort mission this time was to latch onto magicians that showed unusual activity and to conduct a thorough search. It was work that required a number of people as indicated by the Yotsuba putting the stock of brainwashed magicians to use. Thanks to those arrangements, Tatsuya’s friends and even First High itself was completely undisturbed.
758
759Even with the pretext of being busy with work for the Thesis Competition the girls couldn’t afford to remain in school until late at night. Although it seemed to be gender discrimination between men and women, only the boys were permitted to stay and work until night after the gates closed.
760
761It was soon time for the gates to close today as well and the Student Council members had begun to clean up. However, since they weren’t using paper now in terms of returning the documents into the cabinet the “cleaning up” process was quite different when compared to one hundred years ago. There was less movement and no rush or noise involved in the process and it could be done almost immediately.
762
763“…Miyuki-senpai, I will excuse myself now.”
764
765Tomorrow is Saturday, Miyuki will be going to Kyoto and be absent from school. She had applied for extension time from school to prepare things for the Student Council who will be covering her work tomorrow. That was why Izumi went out first.
766
767“Izumi-chan, I’m counting on you for tomorrow and the day after.”
768
769“It’s an honor. I’ll do it to the best of my ability!”
770
771Izumi had been fidgeting by the door before answering back in high-spirits due to Miyuki’s reply.
772
773“Seems like Miyuki has grown accustomed to handling Izumi-chan.” Honoka stood up from her terminal and gave a wry smile.
774
775“You have talent to be a wicked woman.”
776
777Shizuku who came to the Student Council room to go back with Honoka capitalized this chance. It was a phrase that she couldn’t say if she was to be objective but since Miyuki knew there was no malice she only retorted with a laugh.
778
779“There’s no such thing as wicked or virtuous if the opponent is a girl, right?”
780
781“…Miyuki, you’re cold.”
782
783Even though Shizuku tried to sigh earnestly, Miyuki did not laugh.
784
785
786
787
788
789Shizuku’s role in this year’s Thesis Competition was to escort the main presenter Azusa, but Honoka tagged along even now. From the station onwards, it was just the two of them but they were with Azusa up to the station. No, actually, there were bodyguards watching them from behind, however they tried to keep out of Shizuku’s and Honoka’s sight. At the very least, she was alone with Honoka in the individual train compartment.
790
791“Hey, Shizuku.”
792
793While waiting in line for the individual compartment train, Honoka spoke to Shizuku with her head down. “What.”
794
795However, Shizuku had no idea what Honoka was concerned about. A two-seater vehicle stopped in front of them, while Shizuku was staring at Honoka with a puzzled and curious expression.
796
797They boarded the train after lightly bowing to the three people beside them who had waited for a four-seater vehicle. Honoka asked again, when Shizuku was specifying the path to their destination.
798
799“Umm… I wonder if it’s ok.”
800
801“What is?”
802
803“Well, Nakajo-senpai’s escort…”
804
805“Ah, about that.”
806
807Shizuku relaxed her shoulders with a “that’s it?” expression.
808
809“I was told by Nakajou-senpai.”
810
811“That she’s going to be escorted only by Chikura-senpai?”
812
813Since they’re best friends, Shizuku added in the part that was omitted by Honoka herself.
814
815“Is it better to have someone from the same grade as a guard after all?”
816
817“Yeah… I can understand what you mean. There are also some underclassmen that don’t act reserved around her too.”
818
819“Kazumi and Izumi are exceptions though.”
820
821“Ah, well… I feel that even Minami-chan has some kind of a wall around her.”
822
823“Well.”
824
825Shizuku showed her agreement to Honoka with that word. Originally, she was the one who argued that it was easier to connect with the students from the same grade, so it was an expected response from her.
826
827“And, I’m sure she’ll be ok with Chikura-senpai.”
828
829“Hmm? Ah, because Chikura-senpai’s magic is suitable for being a guard.”
830
831“Yup.”
832
833After suddenly being told that it would be fine, Honoka couldn’t say anything more. As expected of a best friend, with the little hints that Shizuku gave to her, she was able to find out the meaning behind those words.
834
835Chikura Asako’s magic specialty was “Vector Inversion”. As long as the original direction of the shot was known in advance, it was possible for her to intercept and repel objects such as rifle bullets. The problem of being caught by surprise was not exclusive to Asako and something most magicians struggled with. It was very powerful when being aimed at by guns.
836
837Moreover, her magic was not exclusively for deterring projectiles. In the case of a human opponent, it also repelled momentum. It was very useful against masses with high speed as long as it didn’t exceed 200 km/h.
838
839As Honoka said, Chikura Asako has one of the most suitable magic properties as a guard among the First High escort members.
840
841“Anyway, are you ok, Honoka?”
842
843“Eh… about what?”
844
845Shizuku stared at Honoka who answered with such a naïve face.
846
847A message was projected onto the window, alerting that they were about to reach the station.
848
849Shizuku said “We’ll continue later”, and faced forward.
850
851
852
853
854
855Shizuku resumed the topic, while taking a bath after the meal.
856
857“Honoka, are you ok?”
858
859“Eh, did you say something? Wait a minute.”
860
861Honoka was washing her hair, and turned her head towards the hot bath where Shizuku was immersing herself.
862
863“Never mind, come here after you’re done with your hair.”
864
865“Wait, just a bit more.”
866
867Honoka rinsed her hair again from the shampoo, before taking out a towel from the storage rack covered with tarpaulin. She wiped her hair to absorb the moisture, put the wet towel in the laundry bag, and turned to get a bottle of conditioner.
868
869“Should I do it for you?”
870
871“No, I’m fine. If I asked you to do this, you’d do it carefully, and end up taking too much time.”
872
873“Isn’t it ok? Let me do it.”
874
875Shizuku got out of the bathtub. Hot water was dripping off her as she pushed to seize the rinse bottle from Honoka.
876
877“Honoka, your hair is so straight and beautiful. How envious.” Shizuku sighed while stroking Honoka’s wet hair.
878
879“It’s nothing much… compared to Miyuki.”
880
881She was stating the obvious praise, before facing down due to embarrassment.
882
883“There’s no point in comparing with Miyuki.”
884
885Against Shizuku’s serious rebuttal, she awkwardly laughed with the expression of “well, you have a point”.
886
887Shizuku opened Honoka’s banded hair, and gently rinsed it.
888
889“Anyway, I prefer Honoka’s hair.”
890
891“Eehh!? That’s just favoritism, rather, you’re just too biased towards your friend.”
892
893However, Shizuku’s next reply astounded Honoka; Shizuku said “It’s natural to be biased since we’re friends”.
894
895“Moreover, Miyuki’s hair color is too heavy for my taste.” In contrast, Shizuku showed an uncommon eloquence.
896
897“I prefer Honoka’s bright colored hair.”
898
899“I-I see… Thanks.”
900
901Honoka said the last word with a small voice, barely reaching Shizuku’s ears.
902
903For a moment, Shizuku applied conditioner to Honoka’s hair in silence, Honoka also entrusted her hair to Shizuku in silence.
904
905Shizuku took the showerhead into her hands.
906
907Honoka closed her eyes.
908
909Shizuku evenly showered Honoka’s hair with hot water and the conditioner was rinsed away by the water pressure.
910
911Shizuku resumed the earlier topic from the bathtub and it was after she finished washing Honoka’s hair, as she promised.
912
913Honoka and Shizuku entered the bathtub face to face. The bathroom in Shizuku’s house was spacious; the room itself was about twice as large as in a general household despite not being the main bathroom. The bathtub also corresponded in size; it could comfortably fit two people together.
914
915“Honoka.”
916
917“Yeah?”
918
919“Are you alright?”
920
921“Eh, about what? You were asking the same thing earlier…”
922
923Shizuku stared at Honoka’s face again from the water’s surface.
924
925Apparently, Honoka was trying to play dumb, at any rate, Shizuku was determined and dropped the question again.
926
927“Are you fine with staying back in Tokyo? Don’t you want to join the trip to Kyoto?” Honoka froze and gasped.
928
929The temperature of the hot water had not changed. However, Honoka’s body and face were frigid, as if the temperature had dropped.
930
931“That’s…”
932
933“Sorry, I was insensitive.”
934
935Shizuku looked away from Honoka who had gone pale even on the lips.
936
937“…It’s ok. Shizuku, you have been cheering for me after all, I think it’s natural for you to wonder.”
938
939After saying, “wait a minute”, Honoka took a series of deep breaths. She regained her composure along with the complexion of her face.
940
941“Fuu… Shizuku, I’m fine now. Look here?”
942
943Urged by Honoka, Shizuku returned her line of sight. They were facing each other once again.
944
945“Truthfully, I wanted to go to Kyoto together with Tatsuya-san. It doesn’t even need to be the two of us exclusively. I don’t even mind if we go together with Miyuki. As long as I can be with him, it’s good enough.”
946
947“…Then, why?”
948
949“I don’t want to be a hindrance.”
950
951Shizuku stared at Honoka, after hearing the unexpected answer.
952
953Honoka smiled powerlessly with a lonely look.
954
955“Shizuku too must have realized, right? Tatsuya even instructed me not to come to the Thesis Competition and stay in Shizuku’s house instead.”
956
957A light of understanding showed up in Shizuku’s eyes.
958
959“Tatsuya was really worried about us too. Anyone who aims for the Thesis Competition materials couldn’t be just a petty thief, he must be quite an opponent. Like last year, I think they were quite a formidable opponent.”
960
961“Honoka, do you think that Tatsuya-san is making his move due to a mission?” Shizuku dropped both of her shoulders, before embracing them while trembling.
962
963Honoka waded through the hot bath and settled beside Shizuku.
964
965Thus, the both of them sat side by side, even though the space in the bathtub allowed them to do so it was still cramped after all.
966
967Their bodies were in close contact with each other, Honoka held Shizuku by the shoulders.
968
969Shizuku lowered her hands, which had been clamping on her own shoulders.
970
971“Yup… I think Tatsuya is on a mission for the JSDF. Moreover, I think the opponent is a formidable large-scale organization. There are possibilities that we could be taken as hostages too.”
972
973“Is that why he requested you to be protected by a bodyguard?”
974
975“It’s not just us. The fact that I was made an escort was because Shizuku is also a possible target, together with me. Mizuki is protected by Yoshida-kun for the same reason. Since Yoshida-kun’s skill is on a professional level.”
976
977“That’s a side benefit.”
978
979“Right.”
980
981The two of them laughed while taking off their bath towels.
982
983However, Honoka’s laughter soon stopped.
984
985By the time that Honoka had lost her laughter, Shizuku had also stopped laughing.
986
987“Even for this Kyoto trip, I’m sure that the preliminary security inspection is only a practicality. He must have a separate goal in mind. It’s also possible that it’s going to be rough. After all, the ones asked to join for the trip are experts in combat. Even Minami-chan has her barrier magic that would be very useful in an emergency.”
988
989“I think you’re quite skilled yourself.”
990
991“No, I’m useless. I can only help from a distance, if it’s a close-range attack I would only be a hindrance to Tatsuya…”
992
993Speaking strictly on a general magician level, Honoka’s combat power was not low. It could even be said that she was one of the top on a high school level. However, when compared to Miyuki or Tatsuya whose combat ability ranked as first-class or even higher among military magicians, even Shizuku as her close friend couldn’t offer words of consolation.
994
995“That’s why, its fine.”
996
997Honoka felt uncomfortable looking at her best friend casting her head down in silence.
998
999Honoka embraced the top half of Shizuku’s face that was above the hot water, to her chest.
1000
1001“Fu-Onoka, can- brea-”
1002
1003“Hyaa!?”
1004
1005Honoka released Shizuku’s head with a scream.
1006
1007After Shizuku was freed, she took a deep breath with her nose and mouth.
1008
1009She didn’t stare at Honoka’s bitter face but at her chest instead.
1010
1011“So-sorry!”
1012
1013Honoka stuck out her hand on top of the water while apologizing.
1014
1015The two of them let out a “pu” sound at the same time.
1016
1017The awkwardness vanished into thin air instantly.
1018
1019“Shizuku, I’m sorry.”
1020
1021“It’s ok, I’m sorry too.”
1022
1023“No, Shizuku, you were thinking about my feelings. So you don’t need to say sorry.” Honoka said so with a carefree smile.
1024
1025“Honestly, I really want to go to Kyoto. Yet, I don’t want to be a hindrance for everyone. That’s why, I’ll properly stay back in Tokyo this time. I did think that Tatsuya-san doesn’t want me to realize this, so I pretend. I’m staying back here, just as he wanted me to.” Shizuku smiled warmly towards Honoka’s words.
1026
1027“Honoka, you’re a good girl.”
1028
1029Honoka’s calmness crumbled in the blink of an eye.
1030
1031“Wha-what are you saying!?”
1032
1033“If I was a boy, I wouldn’t leave Honoka alone.”
1034
1035“Umm… Shizuku-san!? Your eyes look dangerous now!?”
1036
1037“You have good style… You also look approachable and cute.” Shizuku’s thin, slick fingers stroked Honoka’s jaw.
1038
1039
1040
1041
1042
1043“Shi, Shizuku!? Somehow you are acting like Eimi!?”
1044
1045“Hmph. I have a bigger chest than Eimi.”
1046
1047“That’s not the point!”
1048
1049“Do you mean that the difference is negligible when compared to yours?”
1050
1051“I said no such thing!”
1052
1053“Show it to me.”
1054
1055“Kyaaa!”
1056
1057“…I knew this, but this is absurd.”
1058
1059“Wai-, Shizuku, please, sto-”
1060
1061It was hard to record in detail what happened this time. The only thing known was that they had both gotten their heads very hot in the bath.
1062
1063
1064
1065
1066
1067Chapter 7
1068
1069
1070
1071
1072Saturday morning, October 20th.
1073
1074The arts school still held on to the five days system, but the six-day systems are more commonly used in high schools nowadays. Certainly, Magic High school conducts the curriculum from Monday to Saturday.
1075
1076Unlike their usual routine of going to school and facing the terminal in the classroom, Tatsuya was going to Kyoto with Miyuki and Minami.
1077
1078They didn’t skip school. It was a public holiday. This time, under the cover of preparing for the Thesis Competition they were going by trailer rather than the express train.
1079
1080Simply put, a trailer is a two-story combination train, with cabinets for passengers at the first floor and amenities space on the second floor. Speed-wise, it wasn’t a lot inferior to the express train, since it was powered by linear motors.
1081
1082The wheels were made of metal, running on a metal rail. It leaves a sense of “railway” when compared to an express train or an individual compartment train.
1083
1084Before the ride, the individual type train was parked in the trailer by a parking mechanism. As the Individual compartment train has a higher speed than the trailer, it approaches the trailer from behind. The mechanism then scoops up the compartment from behind. The mechanism itself was housed inside the trailer and attached by a slider. Thus, the passengers from each individual compartment train were able to board the trailer for longer, inter-city rides. It was possible to have such a system as the wheels of individual compartment trains were only for support and not attached to the vehicle body.
1085
1086Tatsuya and company boarded the trailer and immediately after, headed to the amenities space of the second story. The first floor seemed to be a waste because even though it was excellent for privacy there was very little space to stretch out.
1087
1088Fortunately, the relax chair was vacant. Tatsuya and Miyuki sat side by side, and Minami sat opposite Miyuki after she rotated the seat in front of her.
1089
1090“Do you want something to drink?”
1091
1092Tatsuya pulled out the order terminal from the armrest and asked Miyuki while showing the screen her.
1093
1094“…Sorry to trouble you, Onii-sama. I’ll go with this.”
1095
1096While Tatsuya excused himself to place the orders, Miyuki operated the terminal by herself. Tatsuya also tried showing the screen to Minami, but Minami had already taken out the terminal from her seat. It was as if she was declaring that “I’d rather have my own than Tatsuya’s”, Tatsuya returned back to his terminal with a laugh. Minami got a little annoyed when she saw that, while dispensing her order.
1097
1098The drinks arrived in less than a minute. A robotic arm that had been moving through the ceiling lowered the tray for the three of them. This is the same type of mechanism that is used in ordinary households, HAR (Home Automation Robot).
1099
1100Reusable resin cups were handed over to Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami in that order, before the arm returned back to the ceiling. The three of them had a mouthful to moisten their throats and then put the cups on their side table.
1101
1102It was immediately after, that a voice called Tatsuya from behind.
1103
1104“Huh? Tatsuya-kun?”
1105
1106Tatsuya and company put down their cups, because they were aware that she was approaching them.
1107
1108“Morning, Erika.”
1109
1110The one who greeted her was Miyuki.
1111
1112“I didn’t expect you to be in this trailer as well.”
1113
1114Erika sat down in front of Tatsuya, and Tatsuya continued the conversation.
1115
1116“What a great coincidence.”
1117
1118Erika nodded while showing a little surprise. Intra-city trailers ran at regular intervals, those who were traveling for long distances often got placed in the closest trailers. The control is done by a traffic control system, so the passengers who ride the trailer have no say in choosing.
1119
1120However, it is not such a surprising situation. If they have the same destination and the same estimated time of arrival they’ll always be merged into the same trailer, thus, the possibility of getting into the same vehicle was quite high. Erika boarded from a trailer soon after Tatsuya and company hence, there was a high probability that they would meet inside.
1121
1122Following Tatsuya and company, Erika also ordered a drink and had a big stretch in the relax chair.
1123
1124“Yup, as expected, it’s nice to be able to stretch my limbs.”
1125
1126“Do you feel it’s cramped in the narrow compartment train?”
1127
1128Although there were individual cabin trains that were made according to body size, there were people who would still feel the narrowness. Miyuki assessed from Erika’s attitude that she was that type.
1129
1130“Hmm? It’s not like that. I’ve also been disciplined to sit in a narrow room for hours.”
1131
1132“So there’s such a discipline in swordsmanship.”
1133
1134Surprisingly, Miyuki’s amazement was met with a bitter frown from Erika.
1135
1136“That shitty father forced me to do it as a part of swordsmanship training.”
1137
1138Tatsuya and Miyuki exchanged a glance at the choice of words of the young lady in front of them. Erika might be seemingly boisterous, but she was actually brought up as a respectable lady. Putting aside the “baka aniki” name-calling of her brother, she shouldn’t have used bad words such as “shitty father”.
1139
1140“So it wasn’t an art of the sword?”
1141
1142She eventually made eye contact due to her curiosity, and saw that Erika wasn’t in the mood to answer the question. Both of them alike, do not want anyone to find out about their family situation.
1143
1144Therefore, Miyuki asked this instead. From Erika’s words, she concluded that it must be some form of a “lesson”. She felt that it was befitting of Erika rather than the opposite.
1145
1146“It’s a tea ceremony.”
1147
1148If one thought about it, Miyuki’s amazement was a fitting expression in response to Erika’s answer.
1149
1150“I think it’s not so rare to combine tea ceremony and martial arts.”
1151
1152However, Tatsuya followed up a split second later, making Erika fail to notice that Miyuki was speechlessly surprised.
1153
1154“Well. I’m pretty sure my father needed it as a head of the family, but I don’t think he needed to force his children right?”
1155
1156“Well, you’re not wrong either.”
1157
1158“But I think you were too harsh, Erika.”
1159
1160The rebooted Miyuki came to interrupt with a smile.
1161
1162“The tea ceremony disciples are mostly girls. Wouldn’t it be hard on your brother too?”
1163
1164“On the other hand, I think it’s not weird for Erika to do a tea ceremony.” At Tatsuya’s new comment, Erika shifted her eyes.
1165
1166“Eh, I wonder. Don’t you feel uncomfortable with me handling tea?”
1167
1168“There’s no way that could be true. I’ve been invited to Miyuki’s class twice, I think the atmosphere suits Erika well.”
1169
1170“I’m sure Miyuki wouldn’t think that…”
1171
1172A smile that slipped from Erika’s lips while she was facing away, made Tatsuya leak a giggle. It was obvious that she was hiding her embarrassment while pretending to sulk.
1173
1174
1175
1176
1177
1178When they arrived at Kyoto Station, Leo and Mikihiko had been waiting for them in the ticket lounge. As expected, it wasn’t by chance that the two of them took the same trailer. They knew that Erika was going to take the trailer, and chose to take the individual compartment train.
1179
1180There were six people meeting up at Kyoto Station and they immediately started proceeding to the hotel. However, as they started walking, Tatsuya halted and looked back, sensing the presence of someone he knew closing in.
1181
1182“Tatsuya-san, Miyuki-san, Minami-san.”
1183
1184“Ara, Minoru-kun?”
1185
1186He was rapidly approaching them when Miyuki called him, she met him two weeks ago. The youngest of the Kudou Family, Kudou Minoru.
1187
1188Tatsuya and company realized, and he also probably realized. His name was being called without hesitation and his face was brimming with a smile.
1189
1190There was amazement coming from Tatsuya’s right side. At a glance, Erika’s eyes were wide open and in a round shape. Even her mouth was a little open; she must have been quite surprised.
1191
1192“How surprising.”
1193
1194While thinking that, words of admittance flew out.
1195
1196“He looks like a boy version of Miyuki… I never thought that there’d be anyone else with this kind of a perfect face besides Miyuki.”
1197
1198Tatsuya consented to her opinion, but it was not a comment to be made in the presence of the specified person.
1199
1200“Minoru, did you come to fetch us? Didn’t we plan for you to wait at the hotel?”
1201
1202“Yes, that was the plan but it doesn’t take much time to get here, so I decided to come over.”
1203
1204Thank goodness we didn’t miss him that would honestly only turn into a bitter situation, Tatsuya decided to keep this in his own heart.
1205
1206Instead, he chose to introduce him to the others who were still not acquainted with Minoru.
1207
1208“This is your first time meeting them right?”
1209
1210By them, he was referring to his friends who were lining up to his right. Miyuki was on his left side, while Minami was behind him.
1211
1212“This is the Kudou Family’s son, Kudou Minoru.”
1213
1214“Nice to meet you. I’m a freshman from Second High, Kudou Minoru.”
1215
1216After Tatsuya’s words, Minoru introduced himself. Not as a member of the “Kudou Family”, but as a common “High School Freshman”. He chose to be a high school student rather than a member of the Ten Master Clans.
1217
1218“I’m a sophomore at First High, Chiba Erika. Nice to meet you.”
1219
1220Erika quick to reign in her shock was the first one to introduce herself.
1221
1222“I’m Saijou Leonhart. Also a sophomore at First High.”
1223
1224“Yoshida Mikihiko. I’m a sophomore at First High as well. Nice to meet you, Kudou-kun.”
1225
1226“Nice to meet you too.”
1227
1228Minoru’s eyebrows moved slightly when hearing Erika’s and Mikihiko’s name, he must have realized that they were the descendants of Chiba swordsmen and Yoshida spell users. He doesn’t seem to have good enough interpersonal skills to hide what’s on his mind, even with his outlandish talent in magic.
1229
1230“Well, we only have a small age gap.”
1231
1232“Minoru. We’re going to put down our luggage at the hotel first, do you want to tag along?”
1233
1234“Yes, please let me do so. We can use the time to talk about something.”
1235
1236“That’s right.”
1237
1238Tatsuya turned his steps towards the commuter landing again. Miyuki was by his side, and his friends followed behind. Both Minoru and Minami also followed Tatsuya.
1239
1240Despite it being a little early to check in, the luggage could be deposited at the hotel without a problem. This practice has not changed from the old days.
1241
1242
1243
1244
1245
1246The seven people in Tatsuya’s group, including Minoru, initially headed towards the new Kyoto International Convention Hall, which was the venue for the Thesis Competition. It was rebuilt from a facility called, Kyoto International Conference Center that existed before the war. However, it was renamed as the New International Convention Center, two decades after the war ended.
1247
1248It was a natural location that was originally surrounded by lakes and mountains, and it hasn’t changed even after the rebuilding process. Construction of such large-scale commerce facilities was virtually banned, also farther away there was a small stadium that had been demolished due to its old age and was changed into a large park.
1249
1250As opposed to the terrain in the Yokohama Incident last year, with the exception of one hotel adjacent to the Convention Center, there were no high-rise buildings that foreigners could sabotage in the vicinity of the New International Convention Center. Houses in the surrounding area were mostly two-stories high. It’s highly unlikely that a large number of people could hide in the vicinity without being discovered.
1251
1252“…But on the other hand, it was easier for a few people to hide here.”
1253
1254“Is it? I think homeless people wouldn’t hide at a mountain though.” Erika raised a question to Mikihiko’s opinion.
1255
1256“It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’d sleep on the mountain. They might only hide during the day right? Isn’t that the reason we came here to search the area?”
1257
1258At Leo’s rebuttal, Erika repeatedly blinked. She hid the fact that she was about to say the same line, and noticed that he was not convinced.
1259
1260“Moreover, there isn’t any need to camp in the mountains.”
1261
1262Erika followed up and made Mikihiko fall into silence, she hadn’t planned to do so, but Mikihiko tried to point out something.
1263
1264“If it’s only two or three people, they can also be hiding in a private house. Ancient spells can hypnotize people and those in the vicinity wouldn’t even realize that they were there.”
1265
1266“Ah, locals. Traditional Magic can likely do that.”
1267
1268Were you keeping quiet because you were skeptical, Erika chimed innocently.
1269
1270“Anyway why don’t we split up and take a look at the surroundings first? I should be able to detect if any barrier is put up.”
1271
1272Tatsuya who had remained silent until that point made a proposal.
1273
1274“No, that’s inefficient.”
1275
1276Although he had nothing specific in mind, Mikihiko answered Tatsuya instantly.
1277
1278“If they’re hiding as a small group inside a barrier, you wouldn’t be able to detect their presence from the outside; you’d be vulnerable to their attacks. Not that I doubt Tatsuya and Miyuki-san’s ability, it’s just impossible to walk around blindly to search for their presence unless you’re blessed with an abundance of luck. We have no time to waste to rely on such a chance.” Tatsuya naturally nodded.
1279
1280“I see. Then, what should we do?”
1281
1282“I’ll try to explore with my Shiki.”
1283
1284He answered Tatsuya and then faced Erika and Leo.
1285
1286“Erika and Leo, would you help me?”
1287
1288“What should we do?”
1289
1290Leo replied with a very enthusiastic look on his face.
1291
1292“I’ll be vulnerable when I use my Shikigami and they will focus their attention on me. I want you to stay vigilant of the surroundings.”
1293
1294“Leave it to me.”
1295
1296In answer to Mikihiko, Leo nodded with a smile.
1297
1298“…No choice. Very well, I’ll protect you.”
1299
1300Erika disguised her face with a non-caring expression, yet her fighting spirit betrayed her face and her voice.
1301
1302“I’m in your care. Next for Tatsuya’s group.”
1303
1304After giving instructions to Erika and Leo——the two frowned thinking “stiffy” or felt “brackish”——Mikihiko faced Tatsuya again.
1305
1306“Tatsuya, Miyuki-san and Sakurai-san, as we discussed last week, why don’t you take a look around the city. Umm.”
1307
1308Mikihiko was giving Minoru, who was standing beside Minami a puzzled look.
1309
1310“I will guide you guys. Last year, Second High also suffered the same trouble after all.”
1311
1312“Minoru is Fujibayashi-san’s cousin.”
1313
1314Mikihiko, Erika, and Leo were in that location on October 30th last year. Tatsuya was revealed to be a secret military officer and they’d been forced to protect the secret. They remembered the name of the beautiful officer who accompanied them to Sakuragicho Station.
1315
1316“Aaa…”
1317
1318“Hmm… So you’re her relative.”
1319
1320“Oh, so that’s the edge.”
1321
1322Judging from the three reactions, they must have understood that they “must not spread” the relationship between Tatsuya and Minoru.
1323
1324“Umm, this is within our territory after all. If you intend to search for him in Kyoto, I can at least guide you around the region.
1325
1326The three of them interpreted “consultation with Fujibayashi” as “consultation of mission with the JSDF”, Tatsuya uttered those words as to amplify the misunderstanding.
1327
1328“I see.”
1329
1330Mikihiko said “I see” as he was nearing his limit in pretending to be calm.
1331
1332“Then, Tatsuya, I’ll leave that to you.”
1333
1334“Ah, you too.”
1335
1336“Yoshida-kun, Saijou-kun, Erika, see you later.”
1337
1338“Yeah, at the hotel.”
1339
1340Erika answered Miyuki in a loud voice, the seven of them split into two groups.
1341
1342
1343
1344
1345
1346Tatsuya’s group headed towards a well-known temple in the northeast suburbs of Kyoto, the Sanzen-in Temple. However, Tatsuya had no plans to tour the precinct. He hadn’t come here to go sightseeing. This was the place where Zhou Gongjin was last spotted.
1347
1348Originally, he was preconditioned by the view of the New International Convention Center, which made the city central look similar to his own neighborhood. However, now that he went to other areas, he had a more cohesive image of coziness in regards to Kyoto.
1349
1350According to the information he obtained from Hayama, Kuroba’s Intelligence troops had skimmed for Zhou Gongjin’s whereabouts between the area of “the tomb of the Great Emperor Toba” and “the tomb of Emperor Juntoku”. As expected, they were not allowed to step into the area surrounding the tombs. The path leading to the tombs’ was complemented with a small downstream river.
1351
1352He had the impression that Zhou had fled to the mountain when he first heard the information, however, the clues hinted that Zhou had escaped to normal local houses in the tourist area. By matching the landscape with the map, he could pinpointed that Zhou fled in the direction of “Otonashi Falls”, when Tatsuya remembered his opponent, he shook his head.
1353
1354That direction pointed towards a Northeast orientation. Combining all of the information obtained thus far, it was a kind of foolish to think that an ancient magician would move in that direction. At first glance, the area boasted an overgrown forest dense with trees, which gave a sense of magic really flourishing there, but its true value was probably shown in large crowds.
1355
1356If there wasn’t anyone here, I should be able to detect his presence.
1357
1358However, in this crowd, it was impossible to search for someone without being derailed from one’s sense of direction. In other words, if he couldn’t recognize the other party, he wouldn’t be able to spot the other party.
1359
1360Before coming here, Tatsuya had guessed that Zhou lurked around in places deep within the mountain while avoiding people. However, he changed his mind when he saw the real location. From this downstream, it showed that he fled towards the village rather than the mountains, hiding in the city with a lot of people instead of secluding himself.
1361
1362“The clues about his destination are pointing to Mt. Kurama, the place where the nearest traditionalist base is located, Tatsuya-san, do you want to go there?”
1363
1364Minoru asked Tatsuya on the short bridge over the Ritsu River. Miyuki and Minami also looked at him, while he shook his head. “No, let’s head back to the city.”
1365
1366“So he is in the city?”
1367
1368Minoru asked with slight surprise.
1369
1370“Onii-sama, are you thinking that Zhou Gongjin is hiding in a place with a lot of people?” Tatsuya nodded as an affirmation to Miyuki’s question.
1371
1372“I see. To hide a tree within a forest.”
1373
1374Minoru seemed to have a different idea than Tatsuya, yet he did not dare to correct Tatsuya.
1375
1376“There are some traditionalist bases with a huge number of visitors such as… The peripheral of Kiyomizu Tera, the neighbourhood of Kinkakuji, and also the pavilion of Tenryuji.”
1377
1378“That’s surprisingly few.”
1379
1380Even though he had heard from Minoru that the traditionalist factions were spread throughout Nara and Kyoto, Mikihiko was saying that Kyoto was the home of the traditionalists. From other various sources of information, Tatsuya had his preconception that the traditionalist faction was concentrated in Kyoto.
1381
1382“Kyoto’s sect carefully passed down the real traditions, so it’s stronger than Nara. Any new faction that copies the name is pushed aside into the mountain area.”
1383
1384“Do you mean, they’re labeling themselves as ‘traditionalists’ because they have a complex towards the traditionalists?”
1385
1386Minami was amazed with the bad impression that was uttered by Tatsuya. Of course, this was not shown to Miyuki. Although she thought that this much of amazement shouldn’t make her master throw a fit, but Minami chose to avoid unnecessary friction.
1387
1388——Infact, Miyuki and Tatsuya both noticed.
1389
1390Nevertheless, Minoru was not the same as Minami, he seemed to be able to receive Tatsuya’s question.
1391
1392“I don’t know. As you know, the traditionalists were formed by the ancient magicians who participated in the Ninth Research Institute. Their goal is to retaliate against the former Ninth Institute members, and all the houses that carry ‘Nine’ in their names.”
1393
1394It was not unreasonable to say that the traditionalists became emotionally attached to resentment, which might lead to retaliation. They were convinced to particiapte in the Ninth Research Laboratory, and were assisting with the development of Modern Magic instead of furthering their own skills.
1395
1396The slogan of Ninth Institute was fusion of modern and Ancient Magic, the real meaning was incorporating the Ancient Magic spells, adopting them to the Modern Magic Activation Sequence, they were not told of this secret. Upon the completion of the research, they were told that the research was for the purpose of establishing the Ninth Research Laboratory. They were given money in return, and only the people from the facilities gained social status, there was never any arrangement made to provide them with new magic.
1397
1398“A secret art for a secret art”, it could be said that it was their own narrow mindedness, thinking that it would naturally be granted and could even be deemed as a childish attitude.
1399
1400“Yet, why do they choose to leave their birthplace of Nara and become scattered in Kyoto… I can’t comprehend this action.”
1401
1402“Really? Motivation aside, I understand their reason for leaving Nara.”
1403
1404“Eh?”
1405
1406At Tatsuya’s frank reply, Minoru opened his eyes wide.
1407
1408“The Traditionalist sect is not a unified organization. You were the one who told me about this.”
1409
1410“Ye-yes. I certainly said so.”
1411
1412“Then, wouldn’t the difference in attitude towards the former Ninth Laboratory also vary? Those who strongly resent the ‘Nine’ stayed behind in Nara. While waiting for an opportunity to retaliate for the past three decades.”
1413
1414“How foolish… If only they applied their passion in a more constructive way, some of their practicioners might even excel at the national academic level.”
1415
1416“Well, don’t put it like that.”
1417
1418To appease the disgusted Miyuki, Tatsuya gently brushed her head with his finger, revealing her dazzling hair.
1419
1420“There aren’t many people who can persevere and continue to look forward in any situation, right? At the very least, if we look around us.”
1421
1422The image of his father and his current wife flashed across Tatsuya’s mind.
1423
1424“…I see.”
1425
1426Miyuki nodded. Her smile must have sunken a little because she imagined the same face as Tatsuya did.
1427
1428Tatsuya lightly ruffled Miyuki’s hair with his hand.
1429
1430Miyuki looked up at Tatsuya with inflated cheeks. Nevertheless, her eyes were laughing.
1431
1432Tatsuya removed his hand from Miyuki’s hair with a laugh.
1433
1434“Although the remaining members in Nara, have a backwards purpose, their actions are still in sync with their original goal.”
1435
1436Miyuki wore a mystified face.
1437
1438Of course, Tatsuya was not about to tease her over such a thing.
1439
1440“Those who transferred their base to Kyoto, were afraid of the houses from the ‘former Ninth Research Laboratory’, despite having ill feelings against the former Ninth Institiute.”
1441
1442“Scared, is it? But, whether it’s Kudou, Kuki or even the Kuzumi, I don’t think we’ve ever actually carried out any attack on the ancient magicians who were collaborating with the research…”
1443
1444Minoru refuted with little confidence. It had happened before he was born, he also hesitated to ask for the complete story. Hence, his knowledge only came from basic hearsay, which led him to act this way. “I do think so too. There were magicians of the ‘Nine’ who were also used in the experiments. But it was natural for the ancient magicians to think of themselves as victims, to avoid their consciousness as perpetrators. At the same time they were fellow subjects within the Ninth Research Laboratory, and it shouldn’t have brought upon such hostility.”
1445
1446Minoru’s eyes regained their composure after shaking anxiously. It was only Tatsuya’s guess, but he was still relieved by the results of his remark.
1447
1448“I think there are some ancient magicians who were afraid of their own shadows. Since the former Ninth Research Institude was operated by the government, it is reasonable for them to target their resentments towards the government. However, the traditionalists defined the houses of ‘Nine’, who came from the same Laboratory as their enemy. They should have understood that they were asking the wrong party for apologies.”
1449
1450After hearing those words, Minoru contemplated on them like a monk. ——Rather than actually posing like a Rodan sclupter, his sight was focused on an indeterminated line of nothingness.
1451
1452“Whether they did not like the stigma of being rebels, or simply because they did not have the courage to rise against the government… Either way, because they understood their own resentment of the ‘Nine’ as something unreasonable I wonder if they also hadn’t feared being exposed to an unreasonable attack. They themselves should have known the power of the magicians created by the former Ninth Laboratory. Thus, they did not dare to make a frontal attack against the magicians of the ‘Nine’. If they do so, they would receive counterattacks, from the magic of the ‘Nine’ that they had cooperated to make.”
1453
1454Tatsuya must have thought that it was amusing, as he smiled wickedly.
1455
1456“Alternatively, they were no longer united after the withdrawal. At first, the leaders of each sect might have been expedient in soothing the younger magicians who had extreme discontent. When it no longer posed a concern, the hardliners who continued to resent the Ninth Laboratory stayed back in Nara, while the rest left for Kyoto. Surprisingly, the difference in locations might be mere pretense, their differences might have been something as simple as stance. Were all traditionalists faithful to ‘one true tradition’?” The last question was posed to Minoru.
1457
1458“Well… The previous ancient magicians who participated in the Ninth Research Laboratory, came from more than one sect.”
1459
1460Minoru nodded to Tatsuya’s speculation.
1461
1462“Just for that trivial reason, are they going to continue their petty harassment for decades?”
1463
1464Rather than “couldn’t believe”, Miyuki wore a “didn’t want to believe” face while facing Tatsuya.
1465
1466“Petty harassment, can’t be helped if it was repetitive, since they managed to come all this way.”
1467
1468Tatsuya implied that, had they taken a more decisive hostile action, they would have been crushed long ago.
1469
1470Miyuki seemed to have caught that well.
1471
1472The one who was puzzled by Tatsuya’s answer was Minami.
1473
1474“But, Tatsuya nii-sama.”
1475
1476There might not be any need to pretend in front of Minoru, but Minami was using the designation just in case.
1477
1478“I also think that it likely happened as you’ve said, but…”
1479
1480She had no choice but to be hesitant here due to her position. However, Minami was driven by her sense of duty, and did not run from her words.
1481
1482“If that was the truth, why did the traditionalists in Kyoto hire a number of foreigners to make such a disaster in Japan?”
1483
1484Minoru thought that she had pointed out a sharp observation.
1485
1486Yet, Tatsuya did not delay in answering her.
1487
1488“Although this is just my conjecture, I wonder if they didn’t want to take some real action.
1489
1490However, they’ve invested so heavily in Zhou Gongjin that they neglect public welfare.
1491
1492There must be a reason why they haven’t cut their connection to him.
1493
1494Regarding this matter, Minoru also knew the details, the traditionalists received a supply of exiled Houjutsu users from Zhou Gongjin. It might look like the traditionalists had helped Zhou from a public point of view, but the fact is, they are cooperating with each other to enhance the strength of the traditionalists.”
1495
1496Tatsuya turned to face Minoru and gave him a nod.
1497
1498“The recent incident in Nara Park, was also done by a mixture of assailants with a Houjutsu user from the continent. Within the traditionalist sect, exiled houjutsu users have gained a certain level of importance. At least to an extent, that the organization cannot endure the infighting if they were to revolt.”
1499
1500Minami bowed to Tatsuya in silence. Any sign of doubt was eliminated.
1501
1502Tatsuya returned a small nod and faced Minoru.
1503
1504“We’ve made a long detour in our conversation, this is why I wanted to explore those sites within the city. Our destinations are Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji and Tenryuuji, these three.”
1505
1506“Yes, you are right.”
1507
1508Tatsuya did not retrieve his information terminal, but spread a map in his head instead.
1509
1510“Kinkakuji and Tenryuuji are in the same direction, Kiyomizu Temple is in the opposite direction.”
1511
1512“At this rate, it would be better to merge with Yoshida-kun’s group.” Miyuki proposed so while looking at her information terminal.
1513
1514Indeed, from their current location, whether they went ahead to Kinkakuji and Tenryuuji, or to Kiyomizu Temple, it was closer to the New International Convention Center.
1515
1516However, Tatsuya shook his head.
1517
1518“It’s trully regrettable that we have such a limited amount of time. Even after Minoru narrowed down the search area, we are still only four people. And there is still a possibility of him hiding in Kyoto City as I mentioned.”
1519
1520In the first place, it was an indisputable fact that four people was too small a number to search for a hiding opponent. A famous detective could only resolve the case if the criminal was before his eyes, however, in order to find a hiding suspect, more people were needed.
1521
1522Unfortunately, neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki could use their magic, due to the wide range surveillance cameras. And there was no way that Tatsuya would have acted if they could be traced by a camera.
1523
1524“I understand. Then, where should we head to?”
1525
1526He must have decided the answer. Tatsuya answered Miyuki readily.
1527
1528“Kiyomizu Temple. After that, let’s take a look at Kinkakuji and Tenryuji as well.”
1529
1530
1531
1532
1533
1534After splitting up from Tatsuya, Mikihiko was walking around the neighborhood of the New International Convention Center, while using a flashy searching spell as they discussed last week. There was a wide green park, a large lake and lush woodlands surrounding the Convention Center and it was often used by foreigners.
1535
1536Erika and Leo were chatting with each other, while following Mikihiko from behind but they didn’t neglect their vigilance due to the escort role they’d been given.
1537
1538The situation changed at about the same time as Tatsuya decide to go to Kiyomizu Temple. It was during the observation of the opposing bank of Takaragaike Lake near the competition venue.
1539
1540The presence of killing intent rose up around the woods of Satoyama. Mikihiko realized it first, followed by Erika and Leo.
1541
1542“They’re here.”
1543
1544Erika rushed to Mikihiko’s left side, as if to look at his face under the tilting parasol——it was supposed to be camouflage and make them look like a sweet couple who were whispering to each other.
1545
1546“From within the mountain?”
1547
1548Leo thrust his neck in-between the gap of Erika and Mikihiko to whisper in a low voice. Whether being glued to each other or dating each other, they acted quite well.
1549
1550“The presence was pointing to the mountain, but it doesn’t guarantee that they’re the only enemy.
1551
1552There’s a probability that the attackers might not be human. Watch out.”
1553
1554Unfortunately, Mikihiko was not as carefree as the other two, he looked back with a discomforted frown, noting what Leo said.
1555
1556
1557
1558
1559
1560“Only brats, they have some kind of a love triangle relationship.”
1561
1562“I can’t see it as anything but students with love troubles, is it worth the risk to go out and attack them?”
1563
1564These were the conversations of the nine men who were hiding below the grove, looking down at Mikihiko and company.
1565
1566They were talking normally. Their voices were barely audible but they used a communication device that incorporated magic to read the movement of the lips, the conversation could be understood even without it emitting sounds. This method was at risk to eavesdropping, even before intercepting the conversation since there’s a chance that the radio waves is discovered.
1567
1568Thus, they took some precautions whenever they encountered this type of a situation, Erika and Leo would act as a couple that had no care about the world, just living a normal peaceful everyday life.
1569
1570However, some of them were still alert.
1571
1572“I’ve been observing that boy for a while, he was using a Shiki. He’s the descendant of the Yoshida Family. We can’t just leave him alone.”
1573
1574Those words raised the alertness of his companions.
1575
1576“Hasn’t the second son of the Yoshida lost his power?”
1577
1578His voice rose as he asked about this, the middle aged man that seemed to be the leader of the group chided him with a harsh tone.
1579
1580“That’s outdated. Yoshida Mikihiko has regained his strength and has become even stronger than the first son.” The atmosphere tightened.
1581
1582“We’re going to confirm that. We won’t kill him, a light injury will do for now.”
1583
1584Although the man who was rebuked was not convinced, he remained silent. He took out a small scroll from his chest, small enough to be held in his palm.
1585
1586The other seven including the leader followed suit. A white haired traditionalist watched in silence without making any action.
1587
1588
1589
1590
1591
1592“Ha!”
1593
1594The first one to respond to the enemy attack was Erika. The parasol in her hand swung hurriedly at the presence that approached them from behind. The removable attachment of the umbrella was thrown in defense against the blue onibi[3]. Unhindered by the umbrella the blue onibi rained down around them as Erika shot them down with a weapon disguised as the umbrella handle.
1595
1596A second and third waves of the onibi came in rapid succession, a thin silver rod intercepted from time to time, it was not an iron stick nor a gold stick, and it was a thin silver rod armament device.
1597
1598This armament device was lent to Erika specifically for this Kyoto trip, it was made by FLT’s 3rd Division with an activation spell that emphasized speed rather than weight, a movement type spell. The weapon does not only accelerate the body but the weapon itself as well. Hence, in order to keep up with the device the user has to put additional strain on the arm and it can create unnecessary weight in the arms with the risk of hurting the bone. However, Erika experienced nothing of the sort and had mastered its usage well.
1599
1600The onibi rain ceased. However, it was not the end of the attacks.
1601
1602Following the flutter of red and yellow colored leaves, came blades of wind. Although Erika had no difficulties in tackling the onibi, she wondered if she could intercept a blade made of wind with no shape or color.
1603
1604A fearless smile crept up her lips, however, she returned to her normal stance once she heard “leave it to me” from someone behind her.
1605
1606Erika left the wind blades to Mikihiko.
1607
1608He chose to use a metal fan charm to activate a wind-blade magic of the same type as the enemy.
1609
1610A number of sparks could be seen in the air. Mikihiko’s blades deflected every single one of the enemy’s, despite being on the defensive.
1611
1612Erika’s and Mikihiko’s attention was focused on the next attack coming from the sky.
1613
1614Behind them, the shadows of trees on the ground took the shape of a person.
1615
1616A creature with a black shape rose from the ground.
1617
1618Without any sound and blending its presence with the surroundings the shadow approached Mikihiko from the back.
1619
1620“Uryaaa!”
1621
1622Leo yelled at the shadow. He raised his fist, hammering down on a man in a black sweater.
1623
1624Before being taken down by Leo, he reduced the impact by flinging himself backwards and then escaping with a somersault.
1625
1626“Are these guys’ ninjas?”
1627
1628After some observation, the black-looking sweater was a dark-green color. Even the color of the pants was the same. It was different from the traditional ninja costume, as if being modernized as a commonly worn outfit. However, judging from the Kunai[4] in his right hand and the scroll in his left hand the enemy was indeed a ninja.
1629
1630Three more, five more human-shadows showed up. Leo didn’t get the chance to see where they came from.
1631
1632“Hehe, interesting.”
1633
1634However, it didn’t affect his fighting spirit. Leo had no bad habits of seeking out formidable opponents but as long as the opponent was strong, he had the tendency to get hot-blooded.
1635
1636It might be due to the genes that he inherited from his grandfather as he was produced as a biological weapon. Leo himself, occasionally thought so.
1637
1638However, it was his way of exaggerating things in his mind.
1639
1640——Which was why.
1641
1642It was still much better than being anxious about losing even before the fight. Once the mind is defeated, it became impossible to even flee from the scene. That was what he thought.
1643
1644When his mind is defeated, it was the same as forfeiting his life. He’d only flee, when he thought that he needed to flee.
1645
1646He didn’t flee because he hadn’t given up. Was the natural response of seeing a tiger bearing his fangs, not to run? He wasn’t running away, regardless of what he thought but in an emergency he wouldn’t give up his survival.
1647
1648——I rejected that kind of a pathetic death. I live to fight.
1649
1650The ninja’s in sweaters spread out around Leo. Consciously or not, they were retreating away from him.
1651
1652At Leo’s side, a hand was struck accompanied by a cry of pain.
1653
1654The ninja who met Erika’s Silver rod crouched down and held his broken arm. In that instant, the other ninja who was approaching Erika chose to jump away from her in order to escape. With those two factors in mind, she didn’t have to be worried about another attack from the ninja. “Leo, even though you’re hot headed, you need to keep your consciousness clear. You’re not fighting alone, you know.”
1655
1656After Erika said that, Leo noticed an attack was coming from the side.
1657
1658“Sorry, thanks for saving me.”
1659
1660The sounds of the blades of wind colliding caused sparks to scatter, which was heard by Leo.
1661
1662“You’re in the wrong too, Mikihiko. Why do you end up protecting your escorts.”
1663
1664“It’s going both ways. Aren’t you protecting me from the enemy’s surprise attacks from the shadows?
1665
1666“Ok, let’s go with that.”
1667
1668Leo took out a knuckleduster from his pocket. Even though it looked like a fashion apparel plastic toy, it served as a good disguise from the police.
1669
1670So long as it’s in contact with him.
1671
1672An activation spell started to develop around his left wrist and was absorbed into it.
1673
1674It was not the usual voice activated CAD.
1675
1676It was a fully thought operated CAD from the German CAD manufacturer, Rozen, one of the latest works of the Magi Kraft Division. Leo obtained this CAD through a certain connection— —though it was more as a form of an apology and it was only recently that he had mastered its usage.
1677
1678However, this mission required weapons which were less noticeable.
1679
1680Erika had an armament device disguised into a parasol, for this very purpose.
1681
1682Since his usual CAD has a “ready-to-fight” image, Leo opted to bring this CAD for this trip.
1683
1684Even though the actual deployment speed depends on the hardware, the efficiency depends on the magic sequence or in other words, the software. The state-of-art thought-operated CAD showed the high processing speed by filling in the time lag of the thinking process. Tatsuya himself had optimized the Magic Sequence to prune the inefficiency in the software without any change in the expected result.
1685
1686The knuckleduster was of a synthetic resin with cemented carbide reinforcement.
1687
1688The activation spell was also set to be a successive output.
1689
1690This time even the long sleeved shirt and jeans, were complemented with the highest grade bulletproof material.
1691
1692“Well, then. Let’s get started.”
1693
1694Leo produced a bam sound when both of his fists met each other.
1695
1696“Let me take care of the enemy on this side.”
1697
1698Erika took a stance and swung her silver armament device.
1699
1700“I’ll assist you.”
1701
1702Mikihiko opened a fan-shaped magic instrument.
1703
1704“Here I go, oraaa.”
1705
1706Leo was heading towards the enemy with a loud cry.
1707
1708Naturally, the Ninjutsu user opponents didn’t just wait silently.
1709
1710Leaves swirled up in front of Leo, obstructing his view. It goes without saying that it was an unnatural phenomenon. It was magic that manipulates the wind to lift and swirl the leaves.
1711
1712The technique itself was not deadly. However, it was enough to make Leo halt his feet to cover his face with his arm.
1713
1714There was a light shock to his arm, chest and thigh. It was a Kunai attack from the enemy.
1715
1716The Kunai that were shot were unexpectedly fast, still their weight had been far too little against Leo’s reinforcement magic.
1717
1718A gust of wind blew.
1719
1720From behind Leo.
1721
1722
1723
1724
1725
1726Mikhiko’s magic cleared up their vision.
1727
1728The Ninjutsu user that stood before them ate his scroll and his hands, which were empty after throwing the Kunai, was making hand seals[5].
1729
1730Even Leo could understand that the enemy in front of them was not a ninja like in the storybooks but a traditionalist magician with real presence and power. This was one of the well-known stereotypes giving a clear “image of a monk”, ruining his tension.
1731
1732Although it didn’t affect his rush, for a moment Leo himself was disturbed.
1733
1734The chest of the Ninjutsu user bulged and deflated at once.
1735
1736A loud sound was produced, and Leo was struck with dizziness.
1737
1738The scroll that he swallowed earlier was a whistle in disguise. It was not just a normal whistle, it was a magic instrument for sensory organ interference via sound.
1739
1740The Ninjutsu user took out his knife from its sheath. It was a knife instead of a Katana, even a “Ninja” couldn’t resist modernization.
1741
1742He must have been confident in his own skill. There wasn’t a moment of hesitation before he pounced on Leo.
1743
1744His miscalculation was that, Leo’s flesh was not of some ordinary man. The general evaluation of Leo’s magical talent is somewhat low, however his physical ability is outstanding. Even with an obstructed sense of balance, Leo keeps his muscles in control with the help of the other senses.
1745
1746The enemy thrusted his knife, Leo raised his right hand, wearing his knuckleduster and met the knife, as a result the knife was dropped in the impact.
1747
1748And he struck down the enemy with a left hook.
1749
1750Leo’s fist just crushed the jaw of the Ninjutsu user.
1751
1752“Yabeee[6]!”
1753
1754That word was involuntarily spoken out, indicating his incorrect regret of failing to go easy on the enemy. Although his naiveté was a disadvantage; Leo had the ability to fill the gap.
1755
1756Behind the man who was defeated, the next enemy showed up. The man stuck out his mouth at Leo. Leo laid down in that instant.
1757
1758The man spewed out flames from his mouth.
1759
1760A fan of flames passed by Leo’s head, however, the trajectory of the flame was reversed in the air and the opponent was late to notice.
1761
1762The fire-breather fell while rubbing his burnt face. The U-turn movement of the flame was due to Mikihiko’s magic.
1763
1764Behind Leo, Mikihiko scowled at the fog that he had created. However, Mikihiko didn’t hesitate for the next attack. He was already preparing the next spell to be activated.
1765
1766As Erika herself said, she had to help Leo from being sandwiched by two Ninjutsu users. Her CAD had less weight in its blows when compared to her usual katana but the speed is greater. At the next moment, the body of the Ninjutsu user who had dropped his knife split into two.
1767
1768“Bunshin[7]!?”
1769
1770Erika raised her voice in surprise, the Ninjutsu user split himself into two and held a kunai, wearing a smug face at the same time.
1771
1772However, the situation was quickly overturned.
1773
1774One of the Bunshins disappeared and now there was only a single person. As it could be seen from the expression of the Ninjutsu user, it wasn’t going according to plan. Mikihiko’s spirit magic broke his Ninjutsu spell.
1775
1776Erika wasn’t going to miss this chance.
1777
1778Four silver trajectories were drawn in the sky.
1779
1780Both the hands and feet of the Ninjutsu users were broken to the bone and they were lying on the ground before a weak lightning struck them.
1781
1782The lightning had been prepared to attack all of the enemies.
1783
1784Mikihiko delivered a lightning magic to the eight Ninjutsu users who had already lost their combat strength, and knocked them unconscious.
1785
1786Mikihiko let out a big sigh.
1787
1788“Is this the end?”
1789
1790Leo looked around while saying this.
1791
1792Meanwhile, Erika took down the remaining prey.
1793
1794“There’s no sign of reinforcements.”
1795
1796Leo took a deep breath after hearing her.
1797
1798“We just fought ninjas.”
1799
1800Leo laughed. Even though he knew of their existence, he’d never thought he could exchange blows with one.
1801
1802“They are Ninjutsu users. They are not that rare. Because they live in a world where old-fashioned magic is preferred after all.”
1803
1804Yet, Erika didn’t join in on Leo’s laughter, and curtly replied so. “You’re right. Moreover, this isn’t so far off Iga and Koga, the base of Ancient Magic; even Mt. Kurama has turned into a center of Ninjutsu users. I wonder if these guys are from the same faction.”
1805
1806Mikihiko supported Erika’s claim.
1807
1808“Hmph, it’s probable. How interesting. I never get bored whenever I’m with you guys.”
1809
1810Leo didn’t get offended. Rather, he seemed to have enjoyed the situation.
1811
1812“Wait a second, I got dragged into this problem thanks to Tatsuya.”
1813
1814This is Tatsuya-kun’s fault, rather it was thanks to Tatsuya-kun. Although she pretended to complain, Erika’s real feelings were the same as Leo’s.
1815
1816“No difference.”
1817
1818Leo smiled wryly. Beside him, Mikihiko also threw in a wry smile.
1819
1820“By the way, what should we do with them? Leave them to the police?”
1821
1822Erika had no hesitation to call the police. Not because of her connection to the police but due to the fact that she acknowledged their authority.
1823
1824“The Police, huh.”
1825
1826Seems like Leo has something against the police. However, he didn’t blatantly reject Erika’s proposal.
1827
1828“I wonder if that’s for the best…”
1829
1830Mikihiko agreed to Erika’s proposal, he took out his information terminal with the hand that didn’t carry an auxiliary device. He intended to contact “110” on his own.
1831
1832However, his finger stopped as he attempted to start the voice call.
1833
1834He unconsciously stopped his movement from tapping on the pocket terminal.
1835
1836He glared into the woods while holding his fan-shaped device. Mikihiko released a mass of Psion’s. He sent his Shikigami to search the area.
1837
1838“Enemy?”
1839
1840Mikihiko didn’t have time to answer Leo’s question.
1841
1842“Look!”
1843
1844Mikihiko started his activation sequence, as Erika cried out.
1845
1846Erika’s eyes were directed to the pond.
1847
1848Leo and Mikihiko saw it as well.
1849
1850From the pond, four beasts formed from the water jumped out.
1851
1852“Kasei-tai[8]!?” Leo shouted.
1853
1854“No! Kugutsu-shiki-oni[9] shaped with water, a type of golem! It has a real substance!” While shouting to answer them, Mikihiko stared at the monster without blinking.
1855
1856“Reirei? Gouyu? Chouyuu? Even Fusho?” Mikihiko spoke with a dazzled voice.
1857
1858A striped cow that resembled a tiger, Reirei.
1859
1860Wild boar with a human face, Gouyu.
1861
1862Chouyuu was a monkey with four arms.
1863
1864And Fusho, a deer with four horns.
1865
1866These were all smaller versions of the beasts from the continent, which were said to cause floods. This was clearly the deed of the traditionalists from the continent.
1867
1868“What are these guys!?”
1869
1870“The enemy’s magic! Nothing else matters besides that, right!”
1871
1872Shouting back to Leo, Erika swung her Silver rod against the closest Kugutsu-shiki-oni to her. The enemy was not out of reach.
1873
1874The thin blade emitted Psion’s when it touched at the edge.
1875
1876It cut off the magic spell that sustained the golem. A water-shaped beast usually returned to water upon scattering.
1877
1878However, there was no time to put their guard down.
1879
1880The beasts weren’t only those four.
1881
1882Reirei, Gouyu, Chouyuu and Fusho landed one after another in the pond. Creepy evil appearance aside, the monsters were about the size of a parlor dog, so it didn’t look to be very threatening.
1883
1884However, they weren’t quite as harmless as a parlor dog. Beside the fact that the opponents are magical creatures, they didn’t know if the monsters had any hidden powers.
1885
1886“Firstly, let’s retreat fro-?”
1887
1888Erika was left speechless before finishing her proposal of escape.
1889
1890The miniature beasts went to the defeated Ninjutsu users on the ground instead of their group.
1891
1892“Is it not an enemy?”
1893
1894Erika wasn’t the only one trapped in surprise. Putting Leo who had no long-distance attacks aside, even Mikihiko has also forgotten his magic activation.
1895
1896“Tsk!?”
1897
1898The three stared at what’s happening and gasped in unison.
1899
1900The miniature beasts whose bodies were formed of water, began to devour the bodies of the living Ninjutsu users that couldn’t move due to injuries.
1901
1902“Don’t kid with me!”
1903
1904Erika reigned in her surprise and started to wield his silver rod again.
1905
1906Mikihiko was shaken out of his paralysis by Erika’s voice, he started a flame spell.
1907
1908The Psion blade tore out the Kugutsu-shiki-oni, the flame ruined the Magic Sequence that sustained the monsters.
1909
1910All of the monsters returned into water.
1911
1912Leo worriedly approached the Ninjutsu users who were groaning in pain. He had activated reinforcement magic earlier, but due to the shock, the damages on their faces and necks was unavoidable.
1913
1914“Uugh.”
1915
1916When he crouched down to get closer, that was the first cry he made. “It does look hideous, but it doesn’t seem like it had reached their bones yet.” Leo straightened his waist to face Erika and Mikihiko.
1917
1918“And everyone is alive.”
1919
1920Even though their eyes and throats were numb, their vital signs seemed to be fine. Mikihiko put on a relieved expression when he heard that.
1921
1922However, Erika was still on high alert.
1923
1924“Strange.”
1925
1926“What is?”
1927
1928Her unusual appearance made Mikihiko nervous again.
1929
1930“Why does the water not soak into the ground?”
1931
1932The ground is not paved here. Hence, the water that had formed the golem should soak into the soil naturally.
1933
1934In contrast, the water mixed with blood was flowing back to the pond.
1935
1936“Uwogh!?”
1937
1938Leo jumped back reflexively to distance himself. Even though jumping four meters far without a run-up, preliminary action, nor magic, showed that his jump force was amazing, but Erika and Mikihiko weren’t paying attention to it.
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944They immediately noticed the unnatural movement of the water, the movement of the water which was mixed with the blood, suddenly started rapidly gaining momentum. Leo reacted quickly by retracting his footing from the flow of blood and water.
1945
1946“What in the world…”
1947
1948“Enemy magic!”
1949
1950Erika’s puzzled question was answered by Mikihiko, with a warning at the same time.
1951
1952But, it might not have been needed in the first place. The phenomenon which occurred in front of their eyes, could be observed by Erika and Leo. The water in the pond was swirling.
1953
1954Gently, at first, and then increasing in speed.
1955
1956Then, from the center of the whirlpool came a torrent of sound, it was a serpent made out of mud, rearing its neck.
1957
1958“Souryuu[10]!”
1959
1960It was a giant snake with nine human faces. The large specter[11] of the continent named as the evil god of the flood, “Kyoe”. When the Souryuu appeared in the land, the water would rot and unexpectedly ruin the soil[12].
1961
1962“Get away!”
1963
1964Seeing that the nine of them started to open their mouths, Mikihiko shouted to Erika and Leo.
1965
1966At the same time, he expanded the wind barrier.
1967
1968From the mouth, narrow muddy water flowed out one after another.
1969
1970The two of them, then, tried to avoid a direct hit from the streams.
1971
1972The splashes that rebounded from the ground were blown away by the wind barrier which was swirling around the three of them.
1973
1974However, the Ninjutsu users who were unable to move, couldn’t avoid the aftermath of the attack.
1975
1976A bitter voice rang out from the defeated men who lay on the ground when the miniature monster spat out the mud.
1977
1978The body parts that were bathed in the muddy water from the Souryuu’s mouth melted.
1979
1980“Acid!?”
1981
1982“No, it’s a corrosive curse.”
1983
1984Mikihiko denied Erika’s words.
1985
1986“Be careful! Unlike acid, it doesn’t only melt the part that came in contact with the liquid.” Even though they had not received any injuries from this attack, but they didn’t doubt Mikihiko’s words, especially after seeing what happened to the Ninjutsu users.
1987
1988“Argh. Where’s the operator!?”
1989
1990If he was able to manipulate this much, the operator should have been in the vicinity.
1991
1992No, the idea was spot on. The presence of the operator was detected a little while ago from within the forest. Unmistakably, he was the one who manipulated this monster. However, the Shikigami that he dispatched earlier hadn’t reported anything. Is it a sign of his skill, or special equipment, for example a Buddhist charm to disorient magician’s senses using a Kimon Tonkou.
1993
1994Even with Erika’s and Leo’s physical skill, it took a lot of effort to avoid the uninterrupted stream of muddy water from the nine mouths. Mikihiko also had his hands occupied putting up barriers in order to avoid direct hits, he couldn’t afford to activate a new Shikigami.
1995
1996“Erika, Leo, let’s retreat from here!”
1997
1998“I agree with you wholeheartedly, but!”
1999
2000“How are we going to do that!?”
2001
2002Mikihiko clenched the back of his teeth at Erika’s retort.
2003
2004There is a way. The power of a puppet from folklore could be increased based on its lore. Therefore, there are cases where the magician wasn’t able to hold against the amplification of the magic, borrowed from a higher individual from folklore, which resulted in the cancellation of the entire spell. Even if not, in the end the control of the spell would depend on the power of the magician.
2005
2006Although it was fake, Souryuu belongs to the water kin. The highest level of spirit among the water kin was a spell for “Dragon” (Can I do this?).
2007
2008I should be able to do it now.
2009
2010However, the hesitation remained.
2011
2012That was the magic that caused Mikihiko to fall into a slump and made him think that he “lost his power”.
2013
2014——In the end, Mikihiko didn’t have the chance to decide. He no longer needed to make that decision.
2015
2016An intense light of Psion’s appeared before the three, the snake that carried nine heads, was enveloped by it.
2017
2018From the information body, a Magic Sequence formed. The virtual magic area appeared suddenly in the information body with defined coordinates, instead of bombardments of ballistics.
2019
2020The body of the snake with nine human faces exploded.
2021
2022As a result, the Magic Sequence at the core of the Kugutsu-shiki-oni was blown away, which means that the magic information that formed the beast itself has been shattered.
2023
2024The water that splattered in the aftermath wasn’t cursed. It returned to being ordinary water from the pond. The corrosion that was occurring on the bodies of Ninjutsu users also stopped.
2025
2026“Are you alright?”
2027
2028The three of them were worried, and thinking “what just happened?”. The answer was right before their eyes.
2029
2030The black slim pants and dark red jacket, with black boots, it was the uniform of Third High School. Moreover, the boy held a red gun-shaped CAD in his right hand. Upon seeing that appearance, the three of them recognized him instantly.
2031
2032“Ichijou Masaki.”
2033
2034Leo said his name in surprise.
2035
2036The Ace of Third High, from the Ten Master Clans. Ichijou’s first son stood before the three.
2037
2038Masaki looked around, wary of ambushers——observing if there was any sign of magic being activated. He decided to tone down his tension after a while of not finding any enemies lurking around.
2039
2040In front of him, there were eight defeated humans who had suffered serious injuries. Masaki also perceived that they weren’t the victims, but the attackers who had been defeated, and since they couldn’t move, there was no meaning for Mikihiko to check on their situation.
2041
2042
2043
2044
2045
2046“Hmm? You’re from First High…”
2047
2048Masaki remembered Leo’s and Mikihiko’s face from last year’s Monolith Code.
2049
2050“Yoshida Mikihiko. Ichijou-kun, thanks for your help.”
2051
2052However, he didn’t seem to remember their names. When Mikihiko introduced himself, Masaki’s face was relieved.
2053
2054“No, you’re welcome. As a magician from the Ten Master Clans, I cannot afford to overlook that malicious magic. Please don’t mind it.”
2055
2056“At any rate, you saved us. That was quite close.”
2057
2058“Ah, no… by the way, what was that?”
2059
2060The sudden change of the topic might have been caused by his embarrassment. If that’s the case, Masaki has a different personality than Tatsuya, in that he is “shy”——However, the subject of comparing them might not be appropriate at this time.
2061
2062“Kugutsu-shiki-oni with blood as an offering to shape a monster from water, a type of golem magic.”
2063
2064“So it’s Ancient Magic?”
2065
2066“It’s a technique called Houjutsushi[13], which is commonly used by magicians from the continent.”
2067
2068Hearing the exchange between Masaki and Mikihiko, Erika interrupted with a displeased voice.
2069
2070“Hey, can we do the lecture after? That Houjutsushi might still out there somewhere.”
2071
2072Masaki looked around quickly with an alarmed expression. He seemed to have forgotten that possibility. On the other hand, Mikihiko shook his head as response to Erika’s words.
2073
2074“No, there’s no possibility of that.”
2075
2076“How can you be so sure!”
2077
2078Mikihiko tried to open his mouth several times, before shaking his head again.
2079
2080“It’s better to just see the real condition instead of hearing my words. Let’s go and see.”
2081
2082“Judging from your words, have we incapacitated the Houjutsushi operator?
2083
2084Instead of answering Leo’s question with words, Mikihiko nodded.
2085
2086“Do you know his whereabouts?”
2087
2088Involuntarily, Masaki was about to open his mouth to interpose.
2089
2090“Are you coming, Ichijou-kun?”
2091
2092He was invited instead, Masaki nodded at that invitation.
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098They went uphill to the forest. It didn’t take much effort for the four of them to walk that path. They hadn’t even dropped a single globule of sweat as they discovered the Houjutsu user that they were looking for.
2099
2100“As I thought. I understood what would happen, but it’s still not a pleasant feeling.” The Houjutsu operator had fallen with his face facing down the soil.
2101
2102“Is he dead…?”
2103
2104Much to Masaki’s surprise, Leo had no fear that he could get attacked and squatted down next to the white-haired head of the Houjutsu operator to touch his neck.
2105
2106“…There’s no pulse. He’s dead.”
2107
2108Expressionlessly, Leo seemed to be indifferent. He was not so insensible as to smile while reporting in front of the corpse, this was the most appropriate attitude that he could think of. However, that meekness disappeared as soon as the corpse jerked.
2109
2110Erika let out a piercing scream. Even for her, it was an inevitable shock after seeing the contorted face of the corpse.
2111
2112“It’s the result of the broken spell. Ancient Magic of this system manipulates the puppet with the spirit of the operator, their consciousness keeps being connected after the magic has been activated.”
2113
2114“Hoo. Once Modern Magic is activated, there would be no backflow of information. Ancient Magic Sequences seem to be quite different when compared to Modern Magic.”
2115
2116Hearing Mikihiko’s words, Masaki involuntarily opened his mouth. Immediately after the explanation, he released the meaning behind Mikihiko’s description.
2117
2118“In other words, this guy received the damage after I destroyed the spell that connects him to that monster, which led to damaging his spirit…?”
2119
2120“It’s not your fault. The magician must have understood the risks of this magic. Especially, if he wanted to manipulate such a huge Kugutsu-shiki-oni. Naturally, the consequences are multiplied. Cold as it seems, that was the exchange made by the operator.”
2121
2122“So, it’s that kind of a power.”
2123
2124This was not the first time Masaki saw dead people——even for killing, this was not his first time either. He had claimed the lives of others, though he was just forced to do that. Even now, “Rupturing” the monster of water was the right decision.
2125
2126Nevertheless, even with his experiences, he still couldn’t react cold heartedly, especially when he saw the brutal look of this old man.
2127
2128“…Sorry, Yoshida. For making you anxious.”
2129
2130“Don’t mind it. You helped us after all.”
2131
2132Masaki forced a smile, Mikihiko also shook his hand with a smile.
2133
2134“Ichijou-kun, please leave the explaining to the police to us.”
2135
2136Mikihiko was intending to let Masaki go, however Masaki did not agree with his words.
2137
2138“No, I’ll go too. On the other hand, the girl over there, umm.”
2139
2140“My name is Chiba Erika. Don’t worry about me. Since I’m used to these kinds of things.”
2141
2142Masaki stared at her stiffly in response to those words. However, when he thought that his reaction was rude, he immediately reigned himself in.
2143
2144“I see. You’re from the Chiba Family?”
2145
2146“I’m Chiba Erika, a sophomore at First High.”
2147
2148At Erika’s nonchalant reply, Masaki lightly batted his eyes. With the exception of his sister, he almost never received cold treatment from girls around his age.
2149
2150“Pardon my rudeness. I’m Ichijou Masaki, a sophomore at Third High.”
2151
2152Then, it reminded Leo that he hadn’t done any introduction, so he identified himself while trying to tone down the awkwardness.
2153
2154“Pleased to make your acquaintance. First High, second year, Saijou Leonhart.”
2155
2156Just like that, he probably managed to dispel the awkwardness, and it did seem that the target behaved the way he intended——Leo introduced himself to Masaki.
2157
2158“Ichijou, you must have prior engagements, right? Don’t hold yourself back for us, we can handle this by ourselves now.”
2159
2160“Don’t mind it. I came to Kyoto alone. I came for the preliminary inspection in this city for the Thesis Competition to avoid an incident like last year. So, I can afford the time.”
2161
2162“Huh? Actually, we are here for that as well. Umm, let’s report to the police first.”
2163
2164Leo said that as a follow up,
2165
2166“Ah, Hello. My name is Chiba Erika, sophomore at National Magic First High School. I’d like to talk to the magic crime division. We were attacked by some magicians… the location is…” When they heard her voice, Leo and Masaki looked at each other with a wry smile.
2167
2168
2169
2170
2171
2172While Mikihiko’s group was fighting the enemy at the opposite side of the Kyoto New International Convention Center helped by Masaki, Tatsuya’s party steadily approached Kiyomizu Temple.
2173
2174There was no deep reson behind Tatsuya choosing to visit Kiyomizu temple first. If there was a reason, it was due to the thought that there was “something” hidden behind its exterior.
2175
2176From the foundations of the first Shogun, its involvement in Sakanoueno Tamuramaro, the episode of pacifying the Kanto region by magic, it was a land with history. Also, the deep involvement the Minister of Justice had with religions from the north, Tatsuya packed and marked some knowledge of Kyoto.
2177
2178The Minister of Justice had yet to realize the common ground with Modern Magic Theory. ——
2179
2180Looking from a childs point of view, Tatsuya had no other way to understand “zen” besides as “wisdom”.
2181
2182At any rate, it wasn’t his priority to believe in a higher existence, he didn’t see any point in selecting one of the three choices whose existences he couldn’t see.
2183
2184Mt. Otowa was a long hill up to Kiyomizu Temple. Hence, they decided to take the commuter halfway, and walk from Takaya. Actually, Minoru was not so sure of the specific place and said, “there is a base of traditionalists nearby”. So, they decided to walk slowly while examining as if there was a suspicious building.
2185
2186The bustling atmosphere hadn’t changed from the previous century. Even though the number of foreign tourists had reduced significantly during the global war, but under the new “Rediscover Japan” program, the number of tourists had been increasing again. However, there wasn’t any influx of Japanese citizens going overseas.
2187
2188Moreover, at superficial level, the peace had been regained. The hill was crowded by people with different skin colors, different hair colors, worshippers with different eye colors.
2189
2190“What an amazing crowd…”
2191
2192Those words leaked involuntarily from Tatsuya,
2193
2194“Tokyo has more people, doesn’t it?” Minoru answered in wonder.
2195
2196At that very moment, a pile up and slip accident occurred. This was due to the admiration of Minoru by multiple female tourists. ——And amazingly, it didn’t exclusively happen only to “young” women.
2197
2198Tatsuya’s group had been avoiding crowded places previously, he didn’t want Miyuki and Minami to be caught in an accident. He sensed a cold gaze on them but it was pretty far behind, it was quite fortunate to have the distance to check and balance with each other.
2199
2200Nevertheless, Miyuki stuck perfectly by Tatsuya’s side, she would never be swayed by the multitude of people even when they suddenly surged in. Should that happen, Tatsuya would protect her with his power.
2201
2202Even so, after he made sure of Miyuki’s safety, he answered Minoru’s question.
2203
2204“Even in Tokyo, the place that we live in is quite quiet. And there’s not as much traffic either.”
2205
2206“I don’t think that’s the case… Does it maybe look that way due to the smaller space?
2207
2208“Certainly, there are cases like that.”
2209
2210Tatsuya was talking about occupant density rather than the total number of people just now, but he chose to stop arguing, since it was not related to the task at hand.
2211
2212“By the way, Minoru, can we make our first destination, Kiyomizu Temple?”
2213
2214“Yes. There is a close walking path here, it stands out since it is inside the forest. I think they might be disguised as a souvenir shop or as a cafeteria.”
2215
2216“Meaning, there’s hardly any need to enter.”
2217
2218Soon Tatsuya was glared at with intense pressure, like thick snow clouds hanging heavily over his head. It didn’t seem to be a misconception.
2219
2220Tatsuya turned around to his left. “Onii-sama, is there something?” Miyuki gracefully smiled there.
2221
2222Was it my imagination… Other boys would think that way.
2223
2224However, Tatsuya would not be deceived by such a thing. He looked at Miyuki firmly without showing a hint of doubt.
2225
2226“Do you want to inspect it?”
2227
2228Miyuki’s eyes swam. But only for a moment.
2229
2230“Since we are here.”
2231
2232The meaning was straightforward, no matter how he worded it.
2233
2234Tatsuya was thinking that he might need to reschedule today’s appointment.
2235
2236“Kiyomizu no butai kara tobioriru[14]”, overlooking Kyoto city from the infamous Kiyomizu Temple sure brought back the idiom. Tatsuya set his eyes slightly in the direction of the city and hazily detected Psion light from the magicians on land. So long as one was a magician, he could see the hint of light, even more so with Elemental Sight, which focused on Psion detection in unseen places. It could process a great amount of data in an unlimited amount of time until he found the desired result. However, Tatsuya hadn’t met Zhou Gongjin yet, just the photo was not enough.
2237
2238To stop the meaningless sightseeing, Tatsuya spoke to Minoru who was similarly looking down at the city.
2239
2240Did you get anything?
2241
2242“No, at most just miscellaneous gazes… How about on your end, Tatsuya-san?”
2243
2244“Likewise.”
2245
2246After saying so, Tatsuya turned to Miyuki and Minami.
2247
2248Two people leaned lightly on the handrail, looking down below. Both of them were not the type to make a fuss, but the height might make others fidgety. However, from Tatsuya’s perspective, they could be seen as innocently enjoying their time, and forgetting the task at hand for a while.
2249
2250“I’ve checked all the gazes that were directed towards Miyuki, but I didn’t find anything suspicious.”
2251
2252“A-All of them?”
2253
2254“Ah, nothing inexcusable, there have been a lot of gazes directed at you as well Minoru. It is highly possible that they’re not related to the task at hand.”
2255
2256“That… I’m sorry to cause you extra work.”
2257
2258The countless worldly desired gazes upon Miyuki came from men.
2259
2260While almost the same amount of gazes were received by Minoru from the women.
2261
2262Minoru was also conscious of this. It was not a narcissistic attitude, but an objective fact. Minoru also understood that it only increased the magnitude of information that needed to be processed.
2263
2264“No, I’m used to it.”
2265
2266However, for Tatsuya, this is a daily task with no need of extra strength to tackle it. Still, he was only filtering the waves of gazes towards Miyuki. In this case, there were possible hostilities directed at himself, and also the gazes bestowed upon Minoru, even Tatsuya himself had no confidence in telling them apart.
2267
2268And what was more troublesome is that Minoru was probably recognized as an enemy by the traditionalists.
2269
2270“There might not be much meaning to continue like this.”
2271
2272After Tatsuya said that, Minoru’s chest fell. He must have blamed himself for causing this situation, he had the look of a jumpy puppy that had been scolded.
2273
2274If there are strong emotions, he couldn’t help but notice them, even if those feelings were not intended for him. That moved the feelings of the younger boy.
2275
2276“Ah, no, it’s not your fault. You have been very helpful today. However, the leads are just poorer than expected.”
2277
2278Minoru smiled shyly after hearing Tatsuya’s words.
2279
2280The rattling sounds of the handrail and pillars as well as the footsteps was heard. Tatsuya didn’t need to see what happened, he already had an idea of what was going on.
2281
2282However, Miyuki was curious of that conversation. She moved her sights to them, and immediately decided on what to do.
2283
2284Miyuki came closer to Tatsuya and Minoru. She scolded Tatsuya and covered for Minoru.
2285
2286“Onii-sama, please don’t bully Minoru-kun.”
2287
2288He wouldn’t take offense to that, but she was adding fuel directly into the fire.
2289
2290No, the result was a reversion of what she intended to.
2291
2292A beautiful girl protecting a beautiful boy.
2293
2294The men who gazed at Miyuki, the women who gazed at Minoru, froze at once.
2295
2296The strange atmosphere was seen as an attraction by the worshippers and tourists alike.
2297
2298Regardless of what they were doing, everyone’s eyes stopped all the same.
2299
2300Time had stopped at Kiyomizu Temple.
2301
2302Tatsuya looked at his surroundings and was confused by the situation. He felt that it was a big exaggeration, but he couldn’t deny the reality of what happened before his eyes.
2303
2304The female tourists, stared at Minoru. However, there were a few exceptions.
2305
2306The male tourists, stared at Miyuki. Although, there were some exceptions from female tourists that also stared at Miyuki. What a bunch of freaks, Tatsuya cursed in his head. He was a man that had a broken moral compass, to the extent that he didn’t feel guilty about murder but had common ethics regarding sexual love with the same sex. He was fine with it being platonic but disliked physical lust.
2307
2308It was also uncomfortable because it did not suit the place——it didn’t affect anything because the object of those stares was not him, but someone he knew——Tatsuya thought of a way to escape this place as soon as possible.
2309
2310Hence, he was determined to investigate the suspect again. It was best to avoid problems before they grew entangled later on.
2311
2312Along the way, Tatsuya spotted the foreign gaze.
2313
2314It was not abnormal, but foreign.
2315
2316The man, stared at Minoru.
2317
2318He was stiff, as other people. Just, flavorless, desireless, admiration less, more towards disgust.
2319
2320That man’s face expressed “Why do I need to spy on this kind of a kid”.
2321
2322(Isn’t this an insult to my great achievements?)
2323
2324This time, Tatsuya’s mind wandered and thought of such words.
2325
2326“Minoru, Miyuki, Minami. Let’s move on.”
2327
2328Tatsuya did not wait for their replies before advancing along the path they were treading on earlier.
2329
2330Miyuki understood Tatsuya’s intention immediately, she followed her brother in silence.
2331
2332Minami showed a puzzled expression for a split second, but chose to follow after Miyuki soon after.
2333
2334However, Minoru could not understand him without asking. He hurried himself to catch up with Minami, while Miyuki was walking by Tatsuya’s side.
2335
2336“Tatsuya-san, why did you suddenly…?”
2337
2338So long as he didn’t use magic to stalk them, it was possible for Minoru to not detect him.
2339
2340Judging from his appearance, he couldn’t help but become desensitized towards people’s stares.
2341
2342Most likely, the man who watched Minoru was not a magician, instead of just not using magic. We were wary of traditionalist magicians, so a non-magician private detective might escape our notice. Tatsuya thought that this was quite an interesting point of view.
2343
2344Tatsuya took out his information terminal and stylus from his pocket instead of answering Minoru. He ran the stylus at the screen from end to end. His handwriting had been converted into digital characters. Minoru read what was written on the display.
2345
2346“I found a person who seems to be tailing us. Pretend that you aren’t aware of him to lure him out.”
2347
2348Minoru wore a confused expression after he heard the instruction, since he mistook it with “I’ve noticed but I don’t know which one”. However, he immediately understood that the meaning was “I noticed him, but I wasn’t able to determine the stalker”, Minoru began to act restlessly looking left and right.
2349
2350Frankly speaking, it was a poor performance. Tatsuya reaffirmed his thoughts of, “as expected, it seems like he hasn’t received any other training besides magic”, after giving Minoru a side glance. Putting that aside, the “unaware pretending” seemed to make the stalker think that his target wasn’t even “pretending to be aware”. Whether it came from the confidence of his skills, or simply showing his second-rate abilities. The man that had been marked by Tatsuya, was tailing Minoru while maintaining a certain distance.
2351
2352Tatsuya got off from the path leading from the “inner shrine” to “Otowa Falls”, and was waiting at the fork leading to “Koyasu Tower”.
2353
2354He looked back at Miyuki and the others. It was natural to consult whether or not to catch the stalker that had entered his field of vision.
2355
2356He stopped the same way as Tatsuya had thought. The stalker took out a small camera, and started to look at the scene of the main hall from below. It was not particularly strange for a tourist to do so. However, it is natural to keep taking pictures from the same composition. He was not aware of Tatsuya’s prying eyes. The man advanced his step to “Otowa Falls”.
2357
2358“Hey, you.”
2359
2360Tatsuya soared out a posing displeased voice to his back.
2361
2362The stalker ran away shaken. However, he pretended not to notice while taking off from the scene.
2363
2364“Can’t you hear me, you over there!”
2365
2366Tatsuya closed in the distance with the stalker quickly. Originally, Tatsuya’s face was already sharp, in addition to that, Tatsuya wore an angry face. The tourists in the surrounding fixed their eyes on them.
2367
2368“Do-do you need anything from me?”
2369
2370The stalker looked back at Tatsuya with a timid look. At first glance, it looked like a good citizen was entangled by bad students. The stalker’s acting of being a timid-looking citizen deserved to get a passing grade. If Tatsuya was alone, the bystanders would have become his ally.
2371
2372“Didn’t you just record us on your spy camera?”
2373
2374In this one phrase, the hostilities of the people inside the gallery were converging on the stalker. It was a high possibility, considering that Miyuki was such a beautiful girl and Minoru also a beautiful boy, nobody doubted that such a middle-aged man would stalk them.
2375
2376“Baseless accusations! On what grounds.”
2377
2378The man shouted his innocence, but the situation was unfavorable for him and gradually tightening around him. The bystanders seemed to have noticed the camera that he brought, the stalker frantically shoved the small camera into his bag. His behavior made everyone more suspicious of him as a voyeur suspect.
2379
2380“Whether it was a baseless accusation, we’ll let the security guards deal with you.”
2381
2382Tatsuya bluntly said so. And the gallery’s bystanders were completely allied with Tatsuya.
2383
2384The stalker started running and stumbled through the crowd. He must have thought he could completely elude Tatusya.
2385
2386Less than 10 meters to the gate, Tatsuya overcame the bitter guy.
2387
2388Tatsuya dragged the stalker back. However, Minoru interrupted when he was about to report the man to the gallery’s security guard, saying “This person also has a life, it’s too pitiful to hand him over to the police for this matter”.
2389
2390The man made a timid look, fretfully switching between looking at Tatsuya and looking down.
2391
2392Tatsuya stared back at him expressionlessly.
2393
2394The man faltered in his gaze, as if he was looking at an inorganic substance.
2395
2396“What are you going to do with me?”
2397
2398“We’re going to deal with you personally.”
2399
2400After hearing Tatsuya’s reply, the stalker’s face filled with suspicion[15].
2401
2402“Are you aware that this is contrary to professional ethics? Who is your employer?”
2403
2404The man’s eyes swam left to right frantically. As if looking for an escape route. It was not like Tatsuya’s group was threatening the man, but Tatsuya chose to lead the man to an abandoned gate.
2405
2406“…What do you want.”
2407
2408One of Tatsuya’s assumptions was that, the man had chosen to “play dumb”.
2409
2410“Do you know that he is a direct descendant of the Ten Master Clans, the pinnacle of Japan’s magician community?”
2411
2412The eyes of the man were not upset. But were as good as white when he knew this.
2413
2414“Your employer knew that we are magicians. That was the reason he employed a non-magician detective.”
2415
2416Tatsuya stretched out his hand with his watch while saying so.
2417
2418The man’s body was trembling visibly. Tatsuya still wore the face which lacked any emotion, only with a smile on his lips.
2419
2420“Unauthorized use of magic could end with you being punished!”
2421
2422Miyuki laughed gracefully. She was thinking that may be the man who was at the “end of his rope”.
2423
2424However, in the eyes of the stalker, it was perceived as a smile of a ruthless witch.
2425
2426Magicians CAD’s and equipment were as familiar to the non-magic community as OOPARTS. The general public’s knowledge about magic was limited to preconceptions such as “using magic with a tool that is wrapped around the arm”. Thus, the misunderstanding of Tatsuya’s gesture with his watch as preparation for using magic was understandable.
2427
2428“I will only ask once more.”
2429
2430Tatsuya activated his Psion’s. This stage of release wouldn’t even be considered as magic by the sensor. However, the Psion wave emitted might reveal the true character of non-magicians due to the mental pressure.
2431
2432“Where is your employer?”
2433
2434The man didn’t answer. Even if he was just being obstinate, he had great professionalism.
2435
2436Yet, he was reaching his limit. A man could not withstand the fear of the unknown for too long. One may be able to withstand fear from a defined source, however, when one was faced with an unknown source of fear, it could easily cause panic.
2437
2438“I see, how regrettable.”
2439
2440Tatsuya moved his fingers towards the wristwatch. The multi-function watch was linked to the information terminal but it was only information equipment. They couldn’t possibly assist in invoking magic——
2441
2442“I got it! I’ll tell you.”
2443
2444This man wasn’t a magician, so he wasn’t supposed to be able to understand.
2445
2446
2447
2448
2449
2450“Is it here?”
2451
2452The mentally shattered man had guided them to a certain tofu shop near the shrine.
2453
2454“Ah, I’m not lying.”
2455
2456The man quickly spoke, while clinging his eyes to Tatsuya.
2457
2458“Hey? Isn’t this good enough? I’m just a humble private investigator, as that boy over there stated, I was just doing a request to report on what you were doing after you came to this area. I don’t know anything more besides that.”
2459
2460“Compared to that, you seem to know the house of the employer quite well.”
2461
2462If this kind of request was put out, one wouldn’t disclose their identity. At least, this is what I would do, was what Tatsuya was thinking about.
2463
2464“Well, I don’t want to cross over onto the dangerous path. The detective industry today is not so carefree.”
2465
2466“It’s a tough world.”
2467
2468“My goodness, it truly is…”
2469
2470Tatsuya let out a small laugh. The detective wasn’t a priestly man. It was likely he wasn’t suitable for honest work but he might be good at information gathering.
2471
2472“I understand. Good work.”
2473
2474The man wore an unbelieving expression. He did not expect to hear that phrase since he was being interrogated.
2475
2476“…Is that fine?”
2477
2478“I just said so.”
2479
2480“Wouldn’t you cut my head from the back or something.”
2481
2482“You’ve been watching too much drama.”
2483
2484Tatsuya answered with a wry smile at the amazed voice. It seemed to have relieved the opponent even though neither the attitude nor the expression belonged to that of a teenaged boy.
2485
2486“I-I see. Then.”
2487
2488However, what Tatsuya didn’t say was showed that he wasn’t good with people.
2489
2490“I know what you’re thinking. It’s easy to figure out where you live, it’s better to talk now, if you still have something to say.”
2491
2492The man’s face was clouded with fear.
2493
2494“E-even for a magician, such a thing is…”
2495
2496“Why do you think so?”
2497
2498The man shook his head quickly in desperation.
2499
2500“I’m not lying! It’s the truth, believe me!”
2501
2502“If you’re not lying, then you don’t need to be so frightened.”
2503
2504The man seemed to be tripping on his own legs as he ran down the slope towards the shrine.
2505
2506Minoru had been taken aback by Tatsuya’s handling of that man, Miyuki chided in about his tone after Tatsuya was done with the stalker.
2507
2508“Onii-sama, didn’t your prank go too far?”
2509
2510Tatsuya looked back with a “how regrettable” look on his face.
2511
2512“I didn’t have any intention to prank him. I didn’t even think that I would be able to force him to speak using magic. In the first place, I have no affinity with Mental Interference Magic.”
2513
2514“Was that the reason you acted with a threatening attitude?”
2515
2516“That’s right.”
2517
2518“…However, it did seem like you enjoyed it quite a bit.”
2519
2520“That would be counter-productive right? Anyway, we need to get in first.”
2521
2522Miyuki was still insisting on her opinion, but Tatsuya went off to the store without waiting for her.
2523
2524
2525
2526
2527
2528“Welcome!”
2529
2530A cheerful voice welcomed Tatsuya. It was a clerk in a kimono, she was in her late twenties to early thirties. Although Tatsuya thought that a more composed attitude would suit the local better, he wondered if that was his own prejudice.
2531
2532“Table for four?”
2533
2534Tatsuya was about to shake his head lightly and say “no” to the clerk, but accompanying Miyuki and Minami as they were watching some souvenir enthusiastically, he realized that it was already lunch time.
2535
2536Furthermore, when Tatsuya checked the Eidos, it seemed like there were magicians at the back of the shop. For some reason, they didn’t seem to hide themselves. Thus, Tatsuya concluded that they would not escape while their group was having their meal.
2537
2538“Yes.”
2539
2540With his nod, the clerk replied with her cheerful voice, saying “this way, please”. Tatsuya thought——impressive professionalism, not to give over-attention to Minoru, the three others followed Tatsuya from behind. The waitress guided them to a tatami seat.
2541
2542“Is this one alright?”
2543
2544Although Tatsuya preferred a modern table setting, as far as he saw, they were all fully occupied. He turned to see the eyes of his companions, to check for any disagreement. Tatsuya, then, agreed to be seated there.
2545
2546“Please call us if you’ve decided on your order.” Tatsuya nodded, and the waitress withdrew.
2547
2548“For now, should we just try to have a meal first?”
2549
2550“Umm, is this okay?”
2551
2552Minoru wore a worried expression while asking Tatsuya.
2553
2554“The way I see it, this place is a legitimate façade for their business.”
2555
2556“But.”
2557
2558“If the food is poisoned, I would surely notice that. Moreover, I managed to get a glimpse of the employer of the stalker just now. If he tries to escape, I’d see him immediately.” Minoru gasped in surprise.
2559
2560“Tatsuya-san, you sure can do anything.”
2561
2562Tatsuya could only wryly smile at the honest remark.
2563
2564“I can’t do a lot of things. More importantly, how did you manage to believe in what I said so easily?”
2565
2566“I can’t believe that.”
2567
2568He was still thinking about the “I can’t do a lot of things” phrase too deeply,
2569
2570“I mean, of course I believe you.”
2571
2572He meant to ask “Is it okay to believe you?” but ended up answering Tatsuya’s query, Minoru hastily rephrased his words.
2573
2574Miyuki leaked out a small laugh and smiled.
2575
2576Minoru blushed openly.
2577
2578“Miyuki nee-sama.”
2579
2580Unusually, Minami used a voice as if chiding Miyuki.
2581
2582“I’m so sorry, Minoru-kun. This happened because there were no boys with normal reactions like Minoru-kun around Onii-sama and I.”
2583
2584“The way you said that, makes it sound like I’m the abnormal one.”
2585
2586At Tatsuya’s instant reply, Miyuki laughed more happily and consciously.
2587
2588“Onii-sama. You sounded as if you were normal, for once.” Tatsuya looked at Minoru and shrugged his shoulders.
2589
2590Still blushing, Minoru also began to laugh.
2591
2592Tatsuya and Minoru ordered Yudoufu[16], while Miyuki and Minami ordered Yuba nabe[17].
2593
2594Speaking of Yudoufu, Tatsuya had been preoccupied with the thought of Nanzen-ji[18], but he was convinced that it was just a lack of research on his part as response to Minoru’s explanation. In the first place, he didn’t come here for touring, so there was no purpose of researching that much.
2595
2596They took their time, and enjoyed their lunch. Tatsuya made some corrections to today’s schedule in his mind. The main course was the Yuba nabe. The warm soy milk and noodles on the surface of the bamboo skewer. The process itself took a significant amount of time. Had he realized, he would have surely asked them to order something else, but it was already too late. In the end, it took them more than one hour after they came in to the store before finally contacting the waitress.
2597
2598“Actually, Kudou-san from Ikoma has come to introduce himself, should I call your husband?”
2599
2600“Kudou-sama from Ikoma, you said? Please wait while we proceed to call the manager.”
2601
2602First, he addressed himself with an appropriate pseudonym, to request for the shop manager. He wondered if this occurrence was rather common, as the waitress retracted immediately without raising any questions.
2603
2604They were not kept waiting for too long.
2605
2606“Customer, I have brought the appetizer. Sorry to make you wait.”
2607
2608“Thank you.”
2609
2610Without saying anything condescending to the clerk, Tatsuya rose from his cushion.
2611
2612Though it was not a parlour, the waiting room was a combination between East and West. There was no sofa and table, instead wooden chairs with a backrest were accompanied by a lacquered table. Everyone there understood that the furniture was much more expensive than a high-grade sofa.
2613
2614The shop manager——the man was an ancient magician, and he was not sitting on a chair. He closed the sliding door, before bowing deeply. He didn’t show any hostility towards them.
2615
2616Tatsuya wasn’t sure if the hat he wore was a tea master’s costume or a courtesy to dress appropriate to greet his customers. Without further reading into it, he sat down on the left as suggested.
2617
2618The table was for six people, so there were some left over seats after all of them sat down. Tatsuya sat in the middle, with Minoru sitting behind him, and Miyuki at his side, and the seat in front of the door was taken by Minami.
2619
2620They faced the manager once more. His face was covered with noticeable wrinkles making him seem to be in his early fifties. Although appearance could not be relied on too much, as there were magicians who aged particularly fast, in the first place, age was not an important factor. Someone could only stand as a leader of an organization due to his capability, it was the same even for the non-magic organizations. In fact, neither Tatsuya, Minoru nor Miyuki had ever worried about the age of the opponent.
2621
2622“I never thought that I would have the chance to see a member of the Kudou Family.”
2623
2624The traditionalist magician, suddenly cut in. He didn’t even pry into Tatsuya’s groups’ identity. If Tatsuya must say, he was frank, however, Tatsuya saw a lack of leeway. “I will not ask where you come from. So please excuse me from introduction.” Miyuki and Minami thought that it was common sense, however.
2625
2626Tatsuya, on the contrary, narrowed his eyes with a wary face to discern his true intention.
2627
2628“…Does that mean you don’t have any harmful intent towards us?”
2629
2630“I have no more intention of making trouble to the people affiliated with the ‘Nine’.”
2631
2632“Pardon my rudeness, but you are a member of the ‘traditionalists’, right?” The tea master magician sighed.
2633
2634“Yes, I am traditionalist shaman.”
2635
2636“Shaman?”
2637
2638The one who reeled after hearing such unexpected words was Minoru rather than Tatsuya.
2639
2640“Up to half of the Buddhist monks were not accustomed to Shugenja[19] nor Onmyoji[20].”
2641
2642The self-proclaimed shaman said so with a slight snort. Traces of pride were visible in his eyes, and he soon stopped his hesitation and depressing attitude.
2643
2644“So then, aren’t the traditionalists formed out of hatred towards the former members of Laboratory Nine, including the magicians from the Kudou Family? To begin with, wasn’t the traditionalist faction formed in hostility against the former Ninth Research Institute?”
2645
2646Tatsuya returned to the original topic. It was beneficial for Tatsuya to meet this man in such a circumstance.
2647
2648“In the beginning, I was also angered by the way the Ninth Institute handled the matter. I thought someday I would avenge my hatred. Compared to my peers, my anger was particularly intense, so some sects raised me as a leader of a shrine which I’ve never belonged to.”
2649
2650“It was as if you are not the real leader in charge.”
2651
2652“I had thought of it… Although, to this day, I haven’t told anyone.”
2653
2654Tatsuya detected his unwillingness to discuss the matter, and waited in silence for the next word.
2655
2656“At first, I was thinking of serious retaliation. Although it was almost impossible. However, it was only due to the fact that the Ninth Institute was using me, it’s not that I had any intention of betraying my motherland.”
2657
2658“While on the topic, why did you accept the exiled Houjutsu users?” The elderly magician nodded at Tatsuya’s question.
2659
2660“I have not kept up the way of Nara. After they decided to become shishi shinchuu nomushi[21], …By drawing in the spells from the continent. For a Japanese magician to lay their loyalties outside of Japan, no, I can even say that they do not have a hint of loyalty towards their homeland.”
2661
2662Minoru was down casted at the shaman’s words, unmistakably, because he knew what his predecessor had done.
2663
2664“Did they have any other choice then, when their own country’s ideology was incompatible with their beliefs?”
2665
2666The shaman seriously shook his head at Tatsuya’s mindless words.
2667
2668“Loyalty is not a matter of ideology. It is a matter of sentiment.” Tatsuya nodded lightly at that statement.
2669
2670“I see. That’s why you cut off connection with the traditionalists at Nara, because you wanted to stop the hostility towards the former Ninth Research Institute.”
2671
2672“Yes. Time is a great healer. It heals all wounds. Even though it used to be unbearable.”
2673
2674“I think there are wounds that wouldn’t heal with time, but.”
2675
2676“The unhealing wounds, are only wounds that revive a fresh scratch in the place where it was about to heal, and it adds up before long. Unless you continue to pour fuel over a fire, it will disappear before long, it is a similar situation.” Tatsuya sighed naturally.
2677
2678“Let’s stop with the abstract philosophy at this point.”
2679
2680He proceeded to look into the eyes of the elderly magician.
2681
2682“What should we do to make you think that we aren’t your enemy?”
2683
2684Against Tatsuya’s statement that he couldn’t believe empty words, this time the elderly magician sighed earnestly.
2685
2686“From what I can see, you are not even 20 yet, what kind of education led you to wither like this.”
2687
2688Miyuki and Minami subtly changed their facial expressions. Certainly, Tatsuya had not reached 20 years of age yet, however the phrase “not even 20 yet” was not usually used to address a high school student.
2689
2690However, the person in question, Tatsuya, did not seem to be bothered at all.
2691
2692“Isn’t it because of your realistic approach that you’re having this conversation with us?”
2693
2694The shop manager, who was a traditionalist, sighed with a gesture that made it seem like he could age a few years at that instance.
2695
2696“I’m beginning to think that my judgement was not a mistake. People said that he is a skillfull detective, but in the end, it’s all just a rumour, or it was too much for him to be an opponent of the Kudou Family’s.”
2697
2698Tatsuya did not think that the deployment of the detective was masterful. However, he was thinking that he should comment about something. He decided to comment about a more pragmatic matter.
2699
2700“Earlier, you said that you couldn’t accept the risk of employing the Houjutsu users. Can you show that it wasn’t just empty words?”
2701
2702“May I know what you’ll need it for?”
2703
2704“We are looking for a magician who was fleeing from Yokohama. His name is Zhou Gongjin. He has brought numerous disastrous misfortunes to this country.” The shaman looked up with an understanding notion.
2705
2706“——I understand. I will assist you with the information I have.”
2707
2708“Please do.”
2709
2710Tatsuya replied so, to pressure him, rather than showing that he was impatient.
2711
2712“The man you are looking for, Zhou Gongjin, is not within the city of Kyoto. The last time we confirmed his whereabouts was Friday, October 12th at the ‘bamboo forest’ near Tenryuji in the north, it was near the site of the original Buddhist sect. He seemed to be moving south, but there was no clue of him going south from Uji.”
2713
2714However, the clues received from the self-proclaimed shaman, weren’t so detailed.
2715
2716“Do you know why they didn’t come south from Uji?”
2717
2718“They purposely did not cross the Uji River. There was a barrier laid in Uji to protect Kyoto.” For the first time today, Tatsuya was earnestly amazed.
2719
2720“Is the whole length of the Uji River covered with a barrier? How did you manage to lay such an extensive barrier?”
2721
2722Miyuki asked that question in place of her speechless brother. However, her question stimulated Tatsuya, an answer flashed in Tatsuya’s mind.
2723
2724“——No, it’s not only limited to the Uji River, the Uji River itself became a medium for the barrier right? If you mixed your magic with the water of the river, the river itself would have the magical effect.”
2725
2726“Amazing! 90 marks for that!”
2727
2728The elderly shaman struck a broad smile. His eyes saw Tatsuya as an equal, only this time he stared at a child with an adult’s eye, as a veteran magician, he saw that Tatsuya could be a good student.
2729
2730“——The remaining ten points, rather than mixing something in the river, the deterioration of water in the river itself——has it been consecrated beforehand?”
2731
2732“Oooh! How fast, although you are still a high school student. As expected, from a direct descendant of the Kudou Family.”
2733
2734At Minoru’s supporting opinion, the elderly magician divulged lightly.
2735
2736“The origin of the barrier is at Amagase Dam. We purified all the river water there. Of course, we didn’t actually purify all the water in the dam. In order to do so, we would need to have 100 magicians stuck at that place for every instance.”
2737
2738That was impossible to do, Tatsuya and Minoru understood that well.
2739
2740“However, it is only possible to create a barrier as strong as the extent of the purified water. At best, it was useful to alarm of the existence of an enemy beyond the river. However, it differed from the mechanical alarm, where you can have different settings for each operator to read the information. Moreover, it can be set to react to specific individuals.”
2741
2742“In other words, you are one of the operators of the Uji River barrier.” The shaman gave a nod at Tatsuya.
2743
2744“It was a complete coincidence that I was taught to control the spell of that ward. It is possible that the other operators do not know that I am one of the operators. I don’t know the other operators either. However, that is not a problem this time.”
2745
2746The elderly magician cut his words there, leaving the feeling that he still had more to say. He must have thought that he had not withered yet, as he unconsciously attempted to show that to his younger audience.
2747
2748“With that barrier, Yamashiro and Yamato would not be shaken. As for me, since the day Zhou Gongjin appeared in Kyoto, I have watched the barrier from the time when he would tread beneath it again.”
2749
2750“For what purpose?”
2751
2752“That man is a dangerous existence for this country.”
2753
2754The traditionalist leader answered Tatsuya’s question clearly.
2755
2756“Although I just said that ‘time will heal all wounds’, to be honest, even now I have not discarded all of my ill feelings towards the former Ninth Institute. Had you guys stormed in and interrogated me instead, I would never have discussed about the barrier or Zhou Gongjin’s whereabouts in this way.”
2757
2758The shaman looked at Minoru, Tatsuya, Miyuki, Minami one by one, before fixing his eyes on Tatsuya.
2759
2760“However, you have kept the minimum courtesy. I must say that you were fairly hasty from my point of view, but I would not want to shed blood unnecessarily.”
2761
2762This coincidence was truly a blessing, Tatsuya thought while listening to the shaman’s words.
2763
2764Tatsuya didn’t press further into the store, since Miyuki and Minami had wanted to eat lunch. The reason why there wasn’t any blood spilt was due to the fact that Mikihiko, a barrier operator, was not together with them.
2765
2766Of course, he didn’t honestly say so. That would not have been honesty, but foolish honesty.
2767
2768“Thank you for your valuable information.”
2769
2770“Another thing, please be wary of the parties at Kurama and Arashiyama. It seems like they have completely merged with magicians from the continent.”
2771
2772Tatsuya bowed and rose. Miyuki followed her brother with a short delay.
2773
2774Minoru and Minami bowed their heads and got up hurriedly. The elderly magician saw that with a smile in his face.
2775
2776
2777
2778
2779
2780When they left the store, the sun had begun to shift. Although there was still time before sunset, it would soon be dark during this season as the days began to shorten. Especially on the west side, this trend could clearly be observed. There was a sense of accomplishment and not the empty feeling of going on a fool’s errand, and certainly there wasn’t much time left today either.
2781
2782“What should we do now?”
2783
2784On the downslope approach to the shrine, Minoru asked Tatsuya. If he believed the words of the shaman, it meant that Zhou Gongjin had already left this area.
2785
2786“The northern side of the Uji River is too wide of an area to search with five people. We need more clues.”
2787
2788“Then, shall we head to Arashiyama?”
2789
2790“I think so…”
2791
2792At this instance, Tatsuya recalled the news reporting about the murder of Saegusa Mayumi’s bodyguard. The place of the incident had been written as being the Katsura River.
2793
2794Tomorrow, he would investigate the murder scene with Mayumi. Mayumi had asked the police if she could collect some of Nakura-san’s belongings, but even if she managed to get those things, the most important thing to do was to visit the crime scene. The lead was in Arashiyama, and it was certainly a good option to examine the area, however his time was limited to one night. He also thought that it would be counter-productive to search in the same area for two consecutive days.
2795
2796“Let’s investigate Arashiyama tomorrow, for now, let’s head back to Kinkakuji.”
2797
2798“I understand. I’ll contact Kyoko nee-san regarding the Uji matter.”
2799
2800“That’s good. Please do.”
2801
2802While the attention of the crowd had not changed after the lunch——they were still focused on Miyuki and Minoru——Tatsuya’s group decided to take the commuter from Sakanoshita.
2803
2804
2805
2806
2807
2808Mikihiko, Erika, Leo and Masaki just finished the questioning process with the police, they were released under the recognition of legitimate self-defense. Undeniably, the Chiba name was also one of the strongest decisive factors in acquitting the records from the pre-installed street cameras in the area. Although it was harder to detect Ancient Magic by sensors, the fact was, only the operator would have difficulties, the scene was still recorded in the same way. One can easily state that magicians had showed up, both ancient and modern alike, it wasn’t possible to escape from the Psion radar associated sensor in conjunction with the camera.
2809
2810After quite some time, the questioning ended, the four of them returned to the New International Convention Center.
2811
2812“What are we going to do next? I don’t feel like anything else is going to happen today, should we do another search of the perimeter?”
2813
2814Mikihiko quickly shook his head at Leo’s question.
2815
2816“No, let’s go back to the hotel for today.”
2817
2818“That’s right. Don’t listen to the fool, nobody will come out again for today.”
2819
2820“Agh? Who did you call a fool!”
2821
2822“I wonder~ Who was it? Anyway, why are you angry?”
2823
2824“Thi-, of, oh, wel-…”
2825
2826Leo glared at Erika, Erika looked away with a relaxed face.
2827
2828Masaki had asked Mikihiko “Should we say something?”, but Mikihiko shook his head. “Just leave them alone”.
2829
2830“By the way, Ichijou-kun, which hotel are you staying at?”
2831
2832Mikihiko seemed to be uncomfortable in the silence, and asked Masaki about another topic.
2833
2834“Ah, the KK Hotel.”
2835
2836Masaki seemed to be taken aback by the sudden question, but he dutifully answered.
2837
2838“I see~ We’re staying at the CR Hotel.”
2839
2840“Really? Aren’t they next to each other?”
2841
2842“Yeah, what an amazing coincidence. Is Kichijouji-kun at the hotel?”
2843
2844If Tatsuya was the one who asked this question, Mikihiko would obtain a sigh as an answer. He would say “There are times when Miyuki and I are apart” with an additional amazed tone put in.
2845
2846However, Masaki politely answered Mikihiko’s question.
2847
2848“No, I’ve said this earlier, I came here alone. George is concentrating on the preparations for the competition. He is one of the representatives of Third High.”
2849
2850“I see.”
2851
2852The representatives of the Thesis Competition were to be extremely devoted to the preparations of the presentation, so Mikihiko, Erika as well as Leo didn’t ask about Kichijouji any further.
2853
2854“We are going to go back to our hotel, Ichijou-kun, how about you?”
2855
2856“Let’s see…”
2857
2858Masaki wasn’t really taking a pause to think. He was also thinking to check out different places like Tatsuya, in other words, he still wanted to look around other places. However, he couldn’t split up since he came alone, unlike Tatsuya’s group. He also didn’t need a guide. He visited Kyoto quite frequently, since it didn’t take a long time from where he lived. Hence, there was no need of a guide for navigation purposes, however there were enemies that he wasn’t aware of, who made him run around the area.
2859
2860However, he spent a significant amount of time in police interrogation, the troublesome process had killed off his motivation to do anything else for the day.
2861
2862“I shall go back to my hotel as well.”
2863
2864“Then, why don’t we go together?”
2865
2866While he thought that it was a little blunt, Mikihiko invited Masaki to get into the same commuter as them.
2867
2868“We have just the perfect number here, right?”
2869
2870Mikihiko and company had seen that Erika had stopped teasing Leo for a change of pace, and suddenly they were talking about other topics.
2871
2872Masaki’s incongruous attitude recalled the confusion. Apparently he wasn’t thinking to join them and wanted to decline Mikihiko politely.
2873
2874“No, actually I rode a bike here.”
2875
2876“Oh, Ichijou-kun also rides a bike?”
2877
2878There were a lot of girls that showed interest when Masaki rode on his bike. Many of them had a longing to ride together with him, Masaki was aware of this vaguely. However, he didn’t understand the reason.
2879
2880Even in this era, the bike had retained its form. The two seater robot starter with two seats arranged side by side was popular in itself, but the circumstances still favored the classic arrangement which allowed a girl to cling on to the boy’s back, it stimulated a girls dream.
2881
2882“Me too?”
2883
2884However, Erika’s interest was clearly different from those “dreams of girls” that he remembered.
2885
2886“Tatsuya-kun… Umm… You know Shiba Tatsuya right? Tatsuya-kun also rides one, it was quite cool.”
2887
2888“He does?”
2889
2890An image immediately floated in Masaki’s mind. A boy drove a bike with a girl on his back. She was not straddling him, it was rather elegant. The girl’s hand encircled the boy’s waist, and the girl’s body was completely glued to the boy’s back.
2891
2892The face behind the helmet was Tatsuya. The girl, was Miyuki, of course. Masaki was involuntarily divulged in his imagination.
2893
2894His focus was shifted from the boy’s face. The smoke shield gradually rose. Masaki’s face changed. He could feel Miyuki’s tender body on his back…
2895
2896“What are you thinking?”
2897
2898With her curious voice, Erika forced Masaki to end his imagination abruptly.
2899
2900“N-No. It’s nothing.”
2901
2902Masaki frantically shook his head, while tightening his face. Erika looked at him with a pair of evil eyes, it was impossible not to notice, and he looked at Mikihiko’s face.
2903
2904“Since that’s the case, why don’t you follow us from behind?”
2905
2906“Of course, I don’t mind doing that…”
2907
2908Mikihiko thought, what exactly happened, but he didn’t voice his thought.
2909
2910Erika who had diverted her eyes was also putting up a puzzled face like Leo.
2911
2912Leo faced Erika and shrugged his shoulders lightly.
2913
2914
2915
2916
2917
2918They also visited Kinkakuji just to be sure, they didn’t get any results even after checking the surrounding area. Tatsuya’s group went back to the hotel early, with a sense of futility as they didn’t even find the sites of the traditionalists.
2919
2920The hotel where Tatsuya’s group stayed, was close to the Kyoto New International Convention Center, the venue of the Thesis Competition. Although it was inconvenient, the First High Thesis Competition members and staff were expected to stay here, the pretext they used this time was to check the security of the venue. Even though some students would come and stay here to cheer for their schools representative, it was not unusual for them to stay at the nearby temple or shrine.
2921
2922It should be noted that Minoru spent his time at the inn. Although there wasn’t any need for this, considering the travel time to his home was short, it seemed to be the correct decision, since Minoru was sick.
2923
2924Since magicians are severely constrained in their private travel to go abroad at a younger age, it was normal to travel with friends within the country. However, Minoru found it hard to travel for a long period due to his weaker constitution, on top of that, he also didn’t have any friends who were close enough to be a companion. This time, even though Tatsuya didn’t come to Kyoto to play, the family had thought that this was a good opportunity for Minoru.
2925
2926By the way, the room was supposed to be shared between Tatsuya’s group. Minoru was an addon, but it wasn’t so much different with three or four people inside, since the room he reserved for the boys was of a two to five person occupancy.
2927
2928Tatsuya was about to check in while taking the luggage that had been stored in the lobby, he saw familiar figures in the group from the entrance when he was walking to the counter. Although they hadn’t made any arrangement to meet up, it was not so strange, as it was a high time to return to the hotel.
2929
2930However, Tatsuya found an unexpected face in it, he couldn’t help but raise his voice.
2931
2932“Ichijou.”
2933
2934“Shiba-san.”
2935
2936The person in question should have reacted the same way. However, Masaki didn’t raise his voice.
2937
2938Tatsuya and Miyuki looked at each other, Tatsuya smiled wryly while Miyuki responded with her smile.
2939
2940“Long time no see. Ichijou-san, you’ve come to Kyoto as well.”
2941
2942“It’s been a long time. I’m on a preliminary check for next week’s Thesis Competition.” Masaki transformed into a naïve boy in front of Miyuki as usual.
2943
2944“I see. So are we.”
2945
2946“Yes, I heard so from Yoshida-kun and the others.”
2947
2948Nevertheless, he had become more familiar or working hard, for the conversation to go smoother.
2949
2950“Did you meet Yoshida-kun’s group by the New International Convention Center?”
2951
2952He had difficulty saying that he helped them from danger, as it sounded like he was boasting. Masaki let Mikihiko answer the question. “He helped us when things got dangerous.” Yet, the answer came from Erika instead.
2953
2954Masaki and Mikihiko, even Leo gave a wry smile. Since Masaki asked the others to answer, he didn’t feel any discomfort. However, he thought that this freedom suits this girl very much, Masaki had understood that about Erika this much.
2955
2956“Please tell us the full story in the room.”
2957
2958Tatsuya try to refrain from chattering. Unexpectedly, Masaki noticed first, and Erika nodded in agreement.
2959
2960“Ichijou, are you staying at this hotel as well?”
2961
2962Miyuki asked Masaki in a roundabout way for the sake of Masaki’s convenience.
2963
2964“No, I’m staying at the neighbouring KK Hotel. However, I think I want to know the details and circumstances first.”
2965
2966Masaki parked his bike before following Mikihiko’s group again, he was concerned about the circumstances behind the previous attack. He thought of the same thing as Tatsuya.
2967
2968“Then, let’s talk in our room.” Leo encouraged so.
2969
2970“Then, I’ll fetch the luggage~.”
2971
2972“Wait a minute.”
2973
2974After giving the answer, Erika and Leo went to the front desk. Mikihiko chased them from behind.
2975
2976Masaki didn’t know that Tatsuya was a part of the JSDF. So the explanation must be done well to cover that part up. Erika, Leo and Mikihiko thought so.
2977
2978
2979
2980
2981
2982“The perpetrator of the Yokohama Incident last year, which involved the invasion of the Great Asian Alliance magicians has been detected in Kyoto. I’ve come to Kyoto on a mission to search for that person.”
2983
2984“Mission!? Shiba, who are…?”
2985
2986“I am a student from the National University Affiliated First High School, at the same time, also a member of the 101 Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion from the JSDF as a secret military officer.”
2987
2988However, Tatsuya himself gave away the secret information easily, which made the three people shocked.
2989
2990“What… The.”
2991
2992Even though Masaki was the man to be the next head of the Ichijou Family, it didn’t keep him from being surprised.
2993
2994Yet, he had not allowed the words “you’re lying” to escape his mouth. He immediately absorbed those words as the truth.
2995
2996He was refrained by Miyuki’s serious look, she was seated next to Tatsuya. “Ichijou. I don’t need to say this, but this is a top military secret.”
2997
2998Masaki could only nod since he didn’t manage to skip the shock.
2999
3000Erika’s eyes stared into the far distance. She was thinking, “This was Tatsuya-kun’s plan…” and “I was forced to be involved in his circumstances, in the same way…”
3001
3002“According to their information network, it seems that there is a possibility for a disturbance to arise during the Thesis Competition. Mikihiko and the others have been asked to ensure the safety of the competition.”
3003
3004This was the first time Erika and Leo heard this. The purpose of this trip was to specifically seek out an enemy magician, rather than a mere preliminary inspection, they could have received grievous injuries from the enemy’s attack, had they lowered their guard, they’d surely have died.
3005
3006Yet, the two of them took in this story calmly. Had they been told about this earlier, they would have declined this trip. Both of them thought of this at the same time, and shook their heads in denial.
3007
3008Perhaps, the most upset one this time was Masaki.
3009
3010“Do you know the name of the person who had… guided the invasion army?”
3011
3012Even so, Masaki still asked the most important question. He stared at Mikihiko strongly, while expecting the answer from Tatsuya. Mikihiko, too, still hadn’t known about this information.
3013
3014“He is called, Zhou Gongjin. He appears to be in his early twenties. However, his real age is unknown. He has long hair, and his appearance is as it looks in this picture. He is a user of the Kimon Tonkouno-jutsu.”
3015
3016Surprisingly, Tatsuya gave his name upfront.
3017
3018“You said, Zhou Gongjin!?”
3019
3020Masaki raised his voice, it seemed to be more of a surprised for him than Mikihiko.
3021
3022“Ichijou, do you know Zhou Gongjin?”
3023
3024At Tatsuya’s returned question. Masaki was still surprised.
3025
3026“Ah, ah… I see, so it’s him. It’s him!”
3027
3028A fire of anger had started to light in Masaki’s eyes. The fire swirled into a flame.
3029
3030“What happened?”
3031
3032This wasn’t only a coincidence. He was reacting with a considerable level of boiling anger. “…Last year in Yokohama, part of the invasion force fled to Chinatown. I led the siege against them.”
3033
3034Tatsuya had asked to read the Yokohama Incident reports, yet he had never heard about this story. Masaki didn’t mean to hide it, it was simply due to unorganized information. Though Tatsuya secretly thought to get a glance of that record once more.
3035
3036But now, it was his turn to listen to Masaki’s story.
3037
3038“Contrary to my expectations, the gate to Chinatown was immediately opened. The invasion force was handed over to us, restrained, by the young man who was in front of the residents and identified himself as…”
3039
3040Masaki gritted and tightened his teeth.
3041
3042Tatsuya spoke the name in Masaki’s stead.
3043
3044“Zhou Gongjin, huh.”
3045
3046“Yes. He said that it was his real name while laughing…”
3047
3048Masaki shut his mouth. Since he could understand his feelings, he didn’t voice out anything this time.
3049
3050“What kind of magic is Kimon Tonkouno-jutsu?”
3051
3052The one who changed the topic was Erika. Albeit coming from her pure curiosity, no doubt, she did it with Masaki in mind.
3053
3054Moreover, it was necessary to keep and share information about the enemy’s magic.
3055
3056“It is the Kimon Tonkou[22] from divination arts, right?” Mikihoko asked, looking for confirmation.
3057
3058“Yes. It is a magic art from the continent, the art of Kimon Tonkou, in essence is Spirit Interference Magic that derails orientation.” The one who answered was Minoru.
3059
3060“Derails orientation? Like, you wouldn’t know up or down in the water? Or it makes you drown?
3061
3062Minoru showed an impressed expression at Leo’s question. That idea, was so novel that it didn’t even cross Minoru’s mind.
3063
3064“You certainly can use it that way, but the main usage is to disrupt the consciousness of the individual, to cause psychological damage that he isn’t keeping up in time, despite seeing the culprit, or being led to wander endlessly through a camp of piled up stones.”
3065
3066“…Kudou-kun.”
3067
3068“You can call me Minoru, Ichijou-san.”
3069
3070The introduction between Minoru and Ichijou ended immediately after they entered this room. He also proposed the same way to address him to Masaki, since he was younger than Masaki, he preferred to be called by his name instead.
3071
3072“Understood. Minoru-kun.”
3073
3074However, Masaki refrained himself from overstepping since it didn’t look manly. “Isn’t that similar to the legend of Shokatsu Koumei[23] from the Three Kingdoms?” After he called Minoru by his given name, he proceeded to ask so.
3075
3076“Yes. The Ninth Research Institute didn’t only study the Ancient Magic of Japan, but also that of the continent.”
3077
3078Tatsuya thought that it was a given. The magician’s development institute was the most sought activities during the 20 years warring period. Since the foreign Magic Sequence such as “Golden Electron Silkworms” had become a real threat, it was natural to examine it.
3079
3080From the former researchers of the Ninth Institute, Shokatsu Koumei have a high likelihood in mastering the Houjutsu of Kimon Tonkou, the report seemed to be concluded as such.
3081
3082Erika wore an impressed face to Leo’s analogy of the unexpected celebrity. Since Tatsuya had no interest in military losses, he tried to shift the conversation back on track before it deviated too far.
3083
3084“Kimon Tonkou is not only a large-scale spell, isn’t it considered a high skill for personal combatants? I think we’d rather be worried of this instead.”
3085
3086“For example?”
3087
3088Tatsuya didn’t retort “think yourself” at Masaki’s question.
3089
3090“Anyway when one side has stopped their movements while exchanging blows due to him losing the sight of the opponent during a battle, changing location vigorously will lead to a fatal gap.” However, before he reached the end of his explanation.
3091
3092“I see. If our orientation were derailed, we wouldn’t even know which direction we’d be facing.”
3093
3094With Masaki as his counterpart, any further explanation wasn’t needed.
3095
3096“At the same time, it was also probable that his own allies would be affected by the spell, and lose their sense of direction. Kimon Tonkou might cause them to lose sight of their own enemy.”
3097
3098“That is also a possibility. Miyuki.”
3099
3100Miyuki opened her mouth promptly after her brother’s reply.
3101
3102“Ichijou-san. I was confronted with the same Kimon Tonkou of spell at the Kanto branch of the Magic Association by someone called Chen Xiangshan.”
3103
3104“Is this true?”
3105
3106“Yes. However, I was only looking at the surveillance monitor, certainly I wasn’t able to see him closing in when I walked down the corridor. I should have been looking at the same scene from the monitor’s, yet only the monitor was reflecting the correct situation.”
3107
3108“How do you beat that magic, Shiba-san?”
3109
3110Tatsuya glared at Masaki after his query and said “as expected” in his mind. Asking “how” instead of “why”. Although it was not pointless to ask “why”, but the most important thing in the combat was to ask “how”.
3111
3112“I was together with a friend who has a pair of special eyes. I received directions and timing from her, and was waiting for the door to open.”
3113
3114Masaki had fallen into his thoughts. Tatsuya waited for him to open his mouth again. “That means… Kimon Tonkou isn’t really independent of time? The essence of the magic is to direct the opponents consciousness to a particular direction, or interfering with the mind as to avoid their awareness. However, if we know at which point they would reach at a certain time, I think we could predetermine the direction in advance, we can prepare our minds and resist the mental interference induction.”
3115
3116“As expected of you, Ichijou-san.”
3117
3118Minoru spoke of praise after hearing Masaki’s reasoning.
3119
3120“Not only does it interfere with orientation, but one’s sense of timing as well, it’s a combination of Mental Interference Magic. It is the most logical explanation so far.” Minoru looked for affirmation, and turned to Tatsuya.
3121
3122Tatsuya nodded lightly to Minoru.
3123
3124“Enough with the interpretation of the magic art, Ichijou, can you think of any specifics in responding to this?”
3125
3126“Then, we must not rely on our senses to predict the movement of the opponent.”
3127
3128“About a specific method, each of us should think of a way on our own.”
3129
3130Tatsuya pretended to issue a lifeboat to Masaki, as a follow up of the Kimon Tonkou conversation. Tatsuya had heard from Kuroba Mitsugu that Kimon Tonkou was useless against opponents at a visible close range, it certainly made sense to talk about methods to disable this magic.
3131
3132“Let’s halt the discussion of Kimon Tonkou here, regarding today’s incident. The battle you’ve won with the help of Ichijou, Mikihiko has been using Shikigami to detect the ‘traditionalists’ who are harboring Zhou Gongjin, I think they were trying to investigate us, and ended up attacking us by mistake.”
3133
3134“Not only that, Tatsuya.”
3135
3136After Tatsuya finished explaining to Masaki, Mikihiko opened his mouth.
3137
3138Both Tatsuya and Masaki turned their faces to Mikihiko. Of course neither Miyuki, Minami nor Minoru were at the scene.
3139
3140“The enemy who attacked us was a Ninjutsu user. Most probably, from Mt. Kurama, they’ve absorbed the Houjutsu users from the continent as their center. Isn’t Zhou Gongjin hiding over there? He might have taken over the traditionalists’ sect now after firstly being sheltered by them.”
3141
3142“Not the traditionalist’s sect, but a part of the sect.”
3143
3144This time, Mikihiko gave Tatsuya a “What do you mean?” look. Erika, Leo, and Masakai followed after.
3145
3146“Actually, it’s still a little early for us to say. The clues are also a little weak, but we’ve narrowed down the possible area where Zhou Gongjin might hiding.”
3147
3148Before Mikihiko could even show his amazement, Tatsuya talked about the traditionalists “shaman” whom he met around Kiyomizu Temple.
3149
3150“To have installed such a barrier… As expected of the land of the old traditionalist magicians.” Mikihiko responded as such when he heard about the Uji River barrier.
3151
3152“The southern part of the old capital means… South of Fushimi, from the Uji River onwards. It’s still quite a huge area for a detailed search.”
3153
3154“In the first place, can we believe that old man’s words?”
3155
3156Masaki and Erika had raised an, “in the first place” question.
3157
3158“It’s still much easier than searching all over Kyoto vaguely. Moreover, we knew of his hiding place up to last week right? If you check that place, you can easily find out if you can trust that old man right.”
3159
3160Leo returned a positive opinion, Tatsuya showed a wry smile favourably.
3161
3162“The fact that Zhou Gongjin hid at Mt. Arashi and the evidence that the traditionalist magicians provided at Kiyomizu Temple is undeniable. I have some theory’s that mix some lies with the truth to make his story credible.”
3163
3164Erika directed a wicked smile at Leo.
3165
3166Before Leo had the chance to react, Tatsuya continued speaking.
3167
3168“However, I agree with Leo’s opinion that we can believe the information about Zhou’s hiding place at Mt. Arashi. If it was the truth, it is a great lead, if it was a lie, we still can keep the confusion to a minimum.”
3169
3170“Then, Onii-sama, are we all going to Mt. Arashi tomorrow?”
3171
3172Surprisingly, Tatsuya shook his head before answering Miyuki’s question.
3173
3174“If we all go together, we’ll attract attention, the safety of the competition also cannot be neglected. Mikihiko, Leo, and Erika will do the same thing as today, look for suspicious individuals in the venue’s surrounding, please investigate if there are places where criminals and terrorists can lurk around.”
3175
3176“…Understood, Tatsuya.”
3177
3178Mikihiko didn’t seem to be fully convinced, yet he couldn’t afford to neglect the safety of the students who would participate in the Thesis Competition as First High’s Public Morals Committee Chief.
3179
3180“I have asked my family to file a complaint against those who were at Mt. Kurama for today’s attack. They also reported this to our affiliates in Kyoto. About this attack from Mt. Kurama, and also some dogmatic strife within their sect, I would think it might become a checks and balances system for the future.”
3181
3182“First of all, what kind of situation was it?”
3183
3184Tatsuya hadn’t heard the details about the attack, it was quite late in the conversation to ask this kind of question.
3185
3186“Now that I remember, I haven’t shared the details with you.” Mikihiko spoke with a “damn it” facial expression.
3187
3188Mikihiko described that Masaki helped them when they were attacked by the puppets used by the Ninjutsu users from the continent, while occasionally asking for confirmation from Erika and Leo.
3189
3190“…Did they use the blood of the defeated Ninjutsu user to shape the golem from water? From what you’ve said, the Ninjutsu users were also likely have been deceived by the Hojutsu users.” Minoru turned immediately, curious of the answer to Tatsuya’s question.
3191
3192“I think so too. Yoshida-san you have the power in you, blood in particular has an important meaning for ancient magicians. When you use it to generate magic, it would act as an offering, I don’t think that the ritual could be complied with lightly without any side effects.”
3193
3194“Then I’ll make this short.”
3195
3196Masaki opened his mouth this time.
3197
3198“The shaman at Kiyomizu seems to hint that the ancient magicians have become minions of magicians from the continent, they were being deceived rather than forced to surrender by force, so it’s good as long as we can find proof that they’re being deceived. Regardless, it might still be impossible to make them our ally, so long as their hostility stops, it’s good enough.” Tatsuya nodded at Masaki’s proposal.
3199
3200“The greater the commotion is, it will also reduce the chance of Zhou Gongjin from escaping. I think it’s better to crush the enemy while spreading confusion and speculation about him.”
3201
3202“It’s our loss if he manages to create mayhem like last year, are these all or nothing conditions?” Masaki threw in the question to Tatsuya.
3203
3204“I’m fine with acting as a representative from the Kudou Family, however, I don’t think that I alone can represent the houses of ‘Nine’ to stimulate such a big population of both the traditionalist magicians and the ancient magicians in Kyoto.”
3205
3206“You’re right. You’ll provide an excuse for the traditionalists that way, it’s best to avoid that.”
3207
3208Minoru spoke with a regretful tone, and was comforted by Miyuki who supported his decision.
3209
3210“The complaint from the Yoshida Family will probably be a just a constraint for the traditionalists. Regardless of what we do next, if they plan to become violent, they will do so.” Mikihiko nodded in agreement with those words.
3211
3212“That’s right… Understood. Then, we will do the same thing as today, to look around the perimeter of the competition venue. We should focus towards the residential area, just to be sure.”
3213
3214“What should I do?”
3215
3216Masaki asked Tatsuya. Tatsuya couldn’t respond to his “What should I do” question with a “Do as you like”, even when he had no power to dictate Masaki. However, the situation would turn murky if he actually said that.
3217
3218Anyway, Masaki’s feelings were obvious, he was glancing at the shimmering Miyuki.
3219
3220“Ichijou-san, we encourage you to accompany us if you’re willing to.”
3221
3222Miyuki answered proactively for her brother. It was due to the fact that she was asked to accompany them instead of asking permission to join them. —— Nevertheless, Masaki thought that she was very motivated, yet, she didn’t have a hint of such thoughts.
3223
3224“Yes, please leave it to me!”
3225
3226With this, the course of action for tomorrow was decided.
3227
3228
3229
3230
3231
3232Chapter 8
3233
3234
3235
3236
3237The next day, Sunday, October 21st. The investigation scheduled for the day continued in two groups. Yet, Mikihiko was in a better spirits than yesterday, since his friend had revealed the true purpose of this trip.
3238
3239Tatsuya, Miyuki, Minami were going with Masaki and Minoru to Mt. Arashi, while Mikihiko, Erika and Leo were going to Takaragaike, towards Matsugasaki. The eight of them planned to gather at the hotel early in the morning.
3240
3241However, the situation took an unexpected turn.
3242
3243“…I’m sorry, Tatsuya-san.”
3244
3245Minoru said so from the futon with a pitiful voice. He suddenly had a fever this morning, it was a completely unpredictable situation.
3246
3247“Don’t mind it. It’s not your fault, Minoru.”
3248
3249“Nevertheless… I feel really pathetic.”
3250
3251Hanging onto words of consideration from Tatsuya, Minoru frowned as contrary to the hotness of his face.
3252
3253“Minoru, you don’t need to blame yourself. You’ve done well so far.”
3254
3255The only ones who were in the room were Tatsuya and Minoru. The other members with exception of the two had been waiting in the lobby.
3256
3257“I’ve heard that you have a weak constitution. That is not of your will, I was willing to receive your help with understanding of this possibility.” Minoru averted his eyes from Tatsuya.
3258
3259“You’ve helped enough. We wouldn’t have been able to go to that shaman’s place yesterday, were it not for your help.”
3260
3261“…Really?”
3262
3263While averting his face in front of Tatsuya, Minoru answered with a weak voice.
3264
3265“I do really think so.”
3266
3267Minoru returned his line of sight to Tatsuya timidly.
3268
3269Tatsuya’s expression was surly as usual. He did not wear a compassionate smile, nor the fake smile that was full of lies in his face. Tatsuya’s face was as sincere as his words.
3270
3271“You have been very helpful, you should not force yourself now. That way, you’d be more helpful in the case of an emergency later on.”
3272
3273“Am I still… Tatsuya-san’s friend?”
3274
3275“At any rate, we won’t reach Zhou Gongjin’s place today. We’ll need your power by then. That’s why, you can rest for today.”
3276
3277“…Understood.”
3278
3279Minoru smiled weakly. Although he was still depressed, at least he had stopped blaming himself. ”I’m going to let Minami stay behind. She can do universal household chores. Feel free to rely on her, since Minami will also enjoy doing so.”
3280
3281Minoru showed an embarrassed expression. He probably had other reasons than a fever for the blush on his face. Perhaps, he was ashamed to receive help from someone who rejoiced over it.
3282
3283“Please watch our belongings while we are away.”
3284
3285This did not mean that they would immediately go back to Tokyo after their investigation, it was only until they came back here again.
3286
3287“Leave it to me.”
3288
3289Minoru seemed to understand Tatsuya’s kindness, he floated a smile.
3290
3291
3292
3293
3294
3295After Tatsuya went out from the room, he met with Minami who had been standing there alone, and talked to her.
3296
3297“Sorry to trouble you, please take care of him.”
3298
3299“It is no trouble at all. This is part of my job. Please leave Minoru-sama in my care.”