vFbsqWTd

1
2To some degree, his objective was to bring Mikihiko’s reactivated spirit into enemy territory.
3
4His earlier magic should have alerted the defender to his presence.
5
6The most desirable outcome was for the defender to leave the monolith and climb to his level.
7
8Tatsuya silently began to move.
9
10Through his “contracted” spirit, Mikihiko detected that Tatsuya also successfully “summoned”.
11
12(Seriously, how are you a Course 2 student, Tatsuya……?)
13
14This thought formed in one corner of his mind as Mikihiko concentrated on the far away spirit.
15
16In reality, in magic terms, distance posed no real barrier. For the giant information dimension, physical distance wasn’t even an issue.
17
18Originally, only Nonsystematic Magic that directly fired psions without using the information dimension would be restricted by physical distance.
19
20Yet, human beings are limited by the five senses as well as their experiences.
21
22If the physical distance was very large, there would be a “distant” perception.
23
24This perception of distance becomes a magic’s “range”.
25
26With that knowledge in mind, magic also becomes less effective.
27
28Thus, for casting magic on remote targets, the key lay in the perception that the target was right before the caster.
29
30On this point, Spiritual Magic referred to the connection between caster and spirit — once synchronized, they could feel the proximity of the spirit. In other words, Spirit Magic was something that could easily circumvent the range issues for magic.
31
32—Just like this.
33
34(……I see him.)
35
36Visual Tuning.
37
38He wasn’t summoning the spirit over and reading the recorded information. Instead, he was using the connection through the information dimension to directly receive the visual information through the active spirit. This was known as Spirit Magic’s “Sense Tuning”. When restricted to vision only in order to promote clarity, this technique was known as “Visual Tuning”.
39
40“Found him, Tatsuya!”
41
42Yet, next came the tricky part.
43
44Mikihiko was maintaining the connection to two spirits — the one following Tatsuya and the other on Leo, as he transmitted this to Tatsuya.
45
46
47
48
49
50(That was fast…… So he found it already.)
51
52Spirit Magic was quite convenient, he thought leisurely as he heightened the tension in his body.
53
54No matter how you described it, he was concealing himself by hanging from the ceiling.
55
56Probably because the building was intentionally set in a state of construction, there were many exposed air vents inter-crossed over the room where Second High’s monolith was located. Tatsuya hung from one of them and watched the defender cautiously poke his head around beneath him.
57
58He must have detected the source of the signal, but he never imagined that his opponent was lurking in ambush above him.
59
60Maybe not, Tatsuya thought.
61
62In his eyes, the defender’s extreme agitation created this tunnel vision.
63
64His breathing was ragged likely because he ran up the flights of stairs.
65
66He certainly didn’t feel like someone suited for defense. At this juncture, he was supposed to be cheered at his opponent’s ineptitude, as pity would most definitely be hypocritical.
67
68He toyed with the idea of letting the defender pass, but he ultimately chose to release his grip, twisting in the air to prepare for his landing and pulling out the CAD from his right at the same time.
69
70He squeezed the trigger immediately upon hitting the ground.
71
72The defender didn’t even have a chance to turn his head.
73
74The activated magic was simply a psion shock wave. For a few seconds, the technique would incapacitate him by creating concussion-like symptoms.
75
76In combat, a few precious seconds was the difference between life and death, but this was a competition that forbade direct contact. Tatsuya kept an eye on his unbalanced opponent and ran towards the target Mikihiko pinpointed for him.
77
78It took him less than 10 seconds to pass two rooms and reach his destination.
79
80Noticing that the defender was finally on the move, Tatsuya pointed his CAD directly at his feet.
81
82Each floor was three and a half meters high.
83
84There were approximately seven meters between the third and fifth floors.
85
86This was well within the firing range of the “key”.
87
88He squeezed the trigger.
89
90A subtle change in Eidos traveled along his hands.
91
92Prudently, Tatsuya took the stairs opposite from where he came and descended to the next floor.
93
94
95
96
97
98With his sight synchronized with the spirit, Mikihiko easily saw the code carved within the monolith.
99
100He looked away.
101
102Right now, Leo hadn’t made contact with the enemy yet.
103
104Mikihiko prayed for a little luck as he started to input the code he visually received from the spirit.
105
106When the ending whistle sounded, Tatsuya was busy dodging the “Kamaitachi[2]” magic the defender was shooting at him.
107
108Leo had his back to the monolith and was prepared to throw everything he had into one last charge.
109
110“Whew…… That went down to the wire!”
111
112Mayumi let out a satisfied breath of relief to which Mari responded with a displeased disposition.
113
114“That guy…… Was he screwing around near the end?”
115
116“Eh? Really?”
117
118“He should easily be able to avoid those attacks…… Why didn’t he eliminate his opponent?”
119
120“I’m sure he has his reasons.”
121
122Mari glared at Tatsuya with a peeved expression on her face while Mayumi calmly rebuffed her words.
123
124“What do you mean? He used ‘Resonance’ during the last match and something else to take out Hattori. Shouldn’t he have more tricks up his sleeve?”
125
126“Supposedly, he cannot use the magic he used against Hanzou-kun because the hardware requirements for the competition-use CAD are unable to execute his abilities. Likewise, wasn’t his ‘Resonance’ attack from the last match unable to completely silence his opponent?
127
128Mari, have you forgotten?
129
130Yesterday, we forced Tatsuya-kun into the replacement’s role, so he only had one night to prepare! In that one night, he had to calibrate Saijou-kun and Yoshida-kun’s CADs and also had to iron out a strategy that took full advantage of their talents……
131
132I can understand that Mari’s irritation comes from the fact that you hold Tatsuya-kun in high esteem. However, I think it is irresponsible to have towering expectations without giving him the necessary time to meet those expectations.”
133
134“Well…… OK……”
135
136Mari nodded slightly, signifying she was reflecting on her words. Suddenly, she paused.
137
138“……Speaking of which, Mayumi.”
139
140“Yeah, what’s up!”
141
142Feeling an icy aura of vengeance manifesting, Mayumi couldn’t help but shiver.
143
144Still, this may be exactly what Mari was looking for.
145
146“You were quite ready to come to Tatsuya-kun’s defense!”
147
148“Wha!? No, what are……”
149
150“No need to be ashamed about it. However…… I think even you would be in for a hard fight against that sis-con level……”
151
152“I already said that wasn’t it!”
153
154
155
156
157
158While Mari’s objection was derailed by a tangent during a typical conversation (more like nitpicking) for female high school students, those sentiments were echoed by someone else with another perspective among the audience.
159
160“In the end, he only used ‘Gram Demolition’, ‘Resonance’, ‘Phantom Blow’, and Weight-Type Magic, eh…… I can understand not using ‘Decomposition’, but isn’t he skimping too much by not using Flash Cast or Elemental Sight?”
161
162“Sensei, you should know that he has reasons for keeping those under wraps, right?”
163
164“But, Fujibayashi…… Forget Flash Cast for now, even if he used ‘Eyes of the Spirits’, none of those third-rate Magicians watching him would have any idea what he just did.”
165
166Dr. Yamanaka and Lieutenant Fujibayashi from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion were deep in conversation in the audience stands. If someone familiar with the concepts overheard their conversation, they would undoubtedly leap out of their chair in surprise. Yet, since they were wearing inconspicuous summer clothes, these two could easily have been mistaken for a couple — which was impossible, since they looked like a doctor and his nurse (In Japanese, “sensei” could be used to address a teacher or doctor). If anyone overheard a series of foreign terms, they would probably think they were specific terms from psychology or a related field. No one around them paid them any particular heed.
167
168“Despite this, if someone saw what should not be seen, this would raise a warning flag among the sharper spectators. Compared to Sensory Magic, ‘Elemental Sight’ is more like a Superpower. Based on the situation, it may draw more attention than even ‘Decomposition’.”
169
170The “Eyes of the Spirits” they were talking about — “Elemental Sight” referred to Tatsuya’s ability to identify the “landscape (color)” of the information dimension.
171
172Each of the Four Major Systems and Eight Major Types of magic projected Magic Sequences onto the Eidos through the information dimension.
173
174Thus, Magicians who wield modern magic have the ability to link to the information dimension. By connecting to the information dimension and verifying its “existence” — Tatsuya’s senses could be said to expand the field.
175
176And…… this “expansion” had dire consequences.
177
178Anything with a physical body in this world had their Eidos imprinted in the information dimension.
179
180Also, this wasn’t done through the five senses, or as if he could “see through” this expanded information dimension and the subsystem’s signals to pull out the targets he needed. Rather, he was able to identify each and every Eidos and target them separately.
181
182In other words, no one could escape from his Elemental Sight.
183
184The term “Eyes of the Spirits” was actually a misnomer that became part of the technical jargon due to its long service.
185
186The first scholars who translated this term initially used the adjective “Elemental”, but that was mistaken to mean the noun “Elemental”, giving rise to “Eyes of the Elementals”, which was shortened to “Eyes of the Spirits”. Of course, there were many people who caught onto the mistake, but since “Eyes of the Spirits” was more magically inclined than “Elemental Sight”, the name stuck. This was a slightly unscientific way of approaching the issue, but that was the reason why the term was never corrected.
187
188While this “mistake” was the source of much friction between specialists and non-specialists…… Regarding the fact that no one stepped forward to correct the issue, the jury was still out on whether this was mystifying or worthy of despairing over.
189
190— Back to main line —
191
192Yamanaka knew exactly what Fujibayashi was talking about. Elemental Sight was the same as “Mist Dispersal” in that they were both highly classified.
193
194Despite this, Yamanaka was still reluctant to accept that.
195
196“Since he’s not allowed to disclose this, we’re probably in the same boat……”
197
198They were neither simple nor innocent enough to simply come and support Tatsuya. Nor was Tatsuya fragile enough to painfully publicize that which was forbidden before everyone present. On this point, Yamanaka, Fujibayashi, Kazama, Sanada, and Yanagi were all perfectly clear. Nonetheless, there were always exceptions. If a catastrophe broke out and classified magic was forced out into the open before public eyes, they had to be on hand to handle the situation. That was why they were here bending all their focus and energy towards Tatsuya’s match.
199
200Thus, they had no right to criticize the Yotsuba Family’s clandestine nature, which was precisely Yamanaka’s point. Regardless of how much Yamanaka wanted to see Tatsuya cut loose and show the world a move or two, there was nothing to be done.
201
202“Still, I think that he may get around to Flash Cast. Against the ‘Prince’ or the ‘Cardinal’, I don’t think even he could handle them with such a weak CAD.”
203
204As if finally soothing Yamanaka’s demands, Fujibayashi ended the conversation there.
205
206
207
208
209
210Not all the audience members were focused on Tatsuya alone.
211
212A considerable amount of people were watching Leo. Especially because he was the first one to wield a Weaponized-Integrated CAD in this competition that both dazzled and bewildered the audience.
213
214Likewise, several spectators were also watching Mikihiko, who had accurately “seen through” the 512 character code from range. Among the crowd of spectators who remained oblivious to what happened, one childhood friend was the exception.
215
216“Really, Miki…… You’re just like you were before.”
217
218“Eh, what is the same as before, Erika-chan?”
219
220Mizuki tilted her head in interest at Erika’s involuntary muttering. Erika vaguely replied back to muddle the issue, then fell deep into her own thoughts.
221
222Erika and Mikihiko’s relationship went back farther than Mizuki realized, so of course she knew exactly what Mikihiko was doing.
223
224While Sense Tuning was by no means a small feat, before his unfortunate accident, the so-called “prodigy” Mikihiko could use that as easily as he breathed the very air itself. Nevertheless, after that incident occurred, he was never able to freely wield magic the way he used to.
225
226(Seriously…… Your mental trauma had long since healed.)
227
228Occasionally, people would say that physical injuries were easy to heal, but mental wounds closed slowly.
229
230In reality, physical injuries were also separated between those that could be saved, and those that couldn’t.
231
232At the same time, mental trauma should be the same.
233
234(Miki…… Did you notice? Today, you are just like you were at your peak!)
235
236Erika didn’t possess the power to identify spirits, nor was she equipped with the eyes to see the spirits themselves.
237
238Thus, she was unable to directly confirm whether Spiritual Magic had succeeded. That being said, she was a daughter of the Chiba Family, renowned for endlessly training in anti-personnel magic combat.
239
240Based on the minute and subtle changes in motion, line of sight, and expression, it was possible to identify to some degree when someone used magic, what they were targeting, and whether they succeeded.
241
242The daughter of the Chiba Family used her pair of “Swordsman’s Eyes” to behold that Mikihiko had cast his desired magic at long last.
243
244(Unbelievable…… Hurry up and realize this. You’ve already recovered!)
245
246Presently, Mikihiko had recovered his “ability” but not his “confidence.”
247
248She could read that much from his stolid expression. This was the product of many years of forced interaction during their childhood years.
249
250Now, all he needed to do was renew his confidence. All he had to do was believe in himself—
251
252“……Erika-chan, what’s wrong? Erika-chan!”
253
254“Eh? What?”
255
256“What do you mean ‘Eh? What?’. What’s up with you shutting yourself away all of a sudden? Are you worried about something?”
257
258“Eh, yeah, now that you mention it, I am a little worried. Didn’t I just say this one was close? Hopefully, the next match will be A-OK~.”
259
260Mizuki was successfully misled by her words and started talking about “Speaking of which”, “Next time”, “We’ll cheer them on”. Setting Mizuki aside for now, Erika once again delved into her inner sanctum.
261
262
263
264
265
266The seeding for the elimination round had been announced.
267
268For the first match of the semifinal round, Third High was up against Eighth High.
269
270In the second match, it was First High vs. Ninth High.
271
272The results for the rotating preliminaries were First Place: Third High, Second Place: First High, Third Place: Eighth High, and Fourth Place: Ninth High. According to the rules, the semifinals should have pitted Third High vs. Ninth High and First High vs. Eighth High, but since First High already crossed swords with Eighth High in the preliminaries, they made another exception here.
273
274The elimination round would begin in the afternoon.
275
276While Tatsuya’s match was the second one in the afternoon, they couldn’t afford to miss out on Third High’s match.
277
278It was still a little early for lunch, so Tatsuya carried a bento box and accompanied Miyuki back to the hotel.
279
280—It didn’t appear that they could enjoy their lunch in peace at the pavilion.
281
282Leo and Mikihiko had already evacuated back to their rooms to avoid the chaos.
283
284Even though Honoka wanted to join them, if her presence caused an endless stream of well-wishers from their cohort to tag along, then fleeing the pavilion became meaningless. Shizuku stopped her by whispering this in her ear.
285
286Finally shaking off the intrigued gazes — the majority were warm looks directed towards Miyuki — the siblings quickly moved away from the competition area and found a rare scene waiting for them in the hotel’s lobby.
287
288“Hm?”
289
290“Wow……”
291
292In the corner of the lobby, Mari was standing there with an embarrassed flush on her face.
293
294Next to her, a slightly older young man was standing there.
295
296Definitely less than a ten year difference. He was probably in his early to mid-twenties.
297
298The siblings both knew that Mari was rumored to have an older lover.
299
300Was this young man her partner?
301
302He had a medium build without being overly tall, though he was slightly taller than Tatsuya. As could be attested by other people around him, his lanky build wasn’t that of an athlete, but someone who has gone through martial and combat training. This was an obvious distinction in the siblings’ eyes.
303
304According to conventional wisdom, his delicate features labeled him a beautiful young man. While Mari’s features were more neutral, she still qualified as a beautiful young woman. The two of them were a match made in heaven.
305
306Suddenly, Tatsuya slowed down his pace.
307
308“Onii-sama?”
309
310Miyuki, who was half a step ahead now, turned her head to look at him.
311
312Tatsuya was not playing a joke, nor was he planning anything devious like eavesdropping.
313
314The young man’s face was slightly familiar. After searching his memory for a moment, he stopped completely.
315
316“……As expected of the Nine Schools Competition. You can expect to meet celebrities everywhere.”
317
318Now he was interested in their conversation. This thought only flashed through Tatsuya’s mind briefly because he was well aware that this situation called for prudence.
319
320“Do you know him?”
321
322“He rates as an international celebrity.”
323
324At his side, Miyuki urged him to answer. Tatsuya originally planned to answer as they walked.
325
326Still, while he stopped to recollect his thoughts, he didn’t dare to actually “obstruct the date”, but another fearless challenger appeared. A shrill voice caused both Tatsuya and Miyuki to halt their footsteps.
327
328“Nii-sama! What are you doing here?!”
329
330A familiar voice in a completely unfamiliar polite tone of voice addressed the young man.
331
332“Nii-sama? Then this person is Erika’s……?”
333
334Miyuki switched her gaze from Erika, who was stomping towards the young man, to Tatsuya in hopes of confirmation.
335
336“If my memory serves, he should be her second brother. The ‘Chiba Kirin[1]’, Chiba Naotsugu. Currently studying at the University of National Defense, and reputed to be one of the finest magic close combat specialists in the world within a range of three meters.”
337
338“So he’s that amazing. ……But, I would think that having such an older brother would be a great source of pride for Erika, but this open animosity seems out of sorts.”
339
340“Correct. While there are rumors that Naotsugu is an apostate within the Chiba Family…… Yet I hardly find Erika the type to be a stickler for the ‘formalities’.”
341
342“Indeed……”
343
344As the siblings were discussing this, Erika was in the process of tearing her brother a new one. -- And wholly ignoring Mari to one side.
345
346“Nii-sama should be in Thailand serving as a swordsmanship trainer until next week! Why are you here now!?”
347
348Erika was already burning with fury.
349
350Normally, she was indifferent to the coming and goings of other people and the world at large. Today, this scene was certainly a surprise.
351
352“Erika…… Settle down a little.”
353
354The young man — Chiba Naotsugu sought to calm his sister’s towering fury, but this seemed to have no effect on Erika’s animation.
355
356“How can you tell me to settle down! I have no idea what Onii-sama would do, but I could never imagine that Nii-sama would abandon his post!”
357
358“That’s not it, calm down…… I didn’t return by abandoning my post……”
359
360Chiba Naotsugu appeared to be at odds with his fame, given his weak, or maybe gentle, disposition. In front of his little sister’s agitation that showed no signs of diminishing before a crowd, he never scolded her and couldn’t muster any defense save for a few excuses.
361
362“Ho…… Is that so. Then as you said, cooperating with the Thai Royal Magicians and serving as a swordsmanship instructor was my complete misunderstanding?”
363
364“Well, no, that part is just as Erika said…… But I didn’t go AWOL, I was granted furlough……”
365
366“Really. Since you had to put a diplomatic mission involving Japan and Thailand on hold, this surely must be a mission of absolute importance.
367
368In that case, what is so important and demanding that Nii-sama was forced to return home and appear at a hotel reserved for a high school competition?”
369
370In Tatsuya’s eyes, Erika’s tone may have improved, but her mood had plummeted straight down.
371
372Naotsugu likely noticed this too.
373
374As evidence of this fact, his face started cramping.
375
376“No, it’s not diplomatic or anything that grave…… It was only an exchange of goodwill for military officer candidates about to receive their postings, so it’s nothing more than a university student exchange activity……”
377
378“Nii-sama!”
379
380“Present!”
381
382“Goodwill exchange or not, student exchange activity or not, isn’t that still an official mission?! That’s not a reason for you to be lax on your duties!”
383
384“Yes, just as you say!”
385
386
387
388
389
390Seeing one of the world’s finest reduced to such a state, Tatsuya could only gape in shock.
391
392“……I’ve certainly heard of being hen-pecked, but I have no recollection of someone being whipped by his little sister……”
393
394Feeling that the sight was too much for him, Tatsuya averted his gaze to find Mizuki fidgeting anxiously to one side. After waving her over, Mizuki seemed to relax somewhat and skitter over.
395
396“Tatsuya-kun…… What’s up with Erika-chan?”
397
398“Seriously, what’s going on……?”
399
400Hearing Mizuki’s question, Tatsuya could only shake his head in bewilderment.
401
402“Onii-sama, I believe Erika is venting?”
403
404Miyuki could barely contain her laughter bubbling up from within and gave Tatsuya this vague answer.
405
406“Venting? Venting what?”
407
408“You’ll find out very soon.”
409
410More and more mystified, Tatsuya and company could only keep watching as this “sibling fight” turned a new corner.
411
412“Nii-sama, don’t tell me that you abandoned your post because you wanted to see this woman, did you?”
413
414“Again, I already said I didn’t abandon my post……”
415
416“I don’t want to hear that!”
417
418Erika ruthlessly curtailed her brother’s words and glared at Mari, who she had (likely consciously) ignored until now, before turning back to Naotsugu.
419
420“Really, how appalling…… Nii-sama, known as the Chiba Kirin, would actually abandon his duty for this kind of woman……”
421
422“……Erika, at the very least, I am still your senpai at school. I don’t recall slighting you in any way to deserve being called ‘this kind of woman’?”
423
424Up to this point, Mari patiently endured in silence, but finally broke her silence to interject.
425
426Yet Erika completely ignored Mari’s words.
427
428“Speaking of which, I do believe that Nii-sama fell from grace after starting a relationship with this woman. A swordsman that mastered the Arts of the Thousand Blades neglected to practice his training and became infatuated with those petty magic tricks……”
429
430“Erika!”
431
432For Naotsugu, that must be a taboo subject. He shed his gentle nature like an actor removing a mask. Faced with this blistering castigation, Erika quivered in shock.
433
434“In order to hone the talent, one must always absorb new techniques.
435
436This is what I believe and have always done.
437
438This has nothing to do with Mari.
439
440After hearing Mari got hurt, I was the one who could not sit still.
441
442Even so, Mari told me that it’s fine if I couldn’t make it.
443
444In spite of this, from the very start, as a daughter of the Chiba Family, you should be ashamed of your behavior!”
445
446“…………”
447
448She bit her lip in silence, but even so, Erika never shifted her gaze from Naotsugu.
449
450“Come, Erika. Apologize to Mari.”
451
452“……Never.”
453
454“Erika!”
455
456“I refuse! It’s true that Nii-sama dropped his official task to come here! And all because of that woman!”
457
458Once again, the tables turned.
459
460“I’ll never budge on this point! Nii-sama started to degenerate after going out with that woman!”
461
462Erika swiftly pivoted and fled from her brother with rapid footsteps.
463
464
465
466
467
468“Erika-chan, hold up, Erika-chan!”
469
470By the time she reached the elevator — and completely out of sight of the lobby, Erika finally turned around to face Mizuki’s voice.
471
472Then, she opened her mouth to form an “Oh”.
473
474“……Tatsuya-kun. Miyuki as well…… Don’t tell me both of you heard that?”
475
476Her tone and expression were both typical of Erika.
477
478Yet, Tatsuya’s instincts told him that Erika was barely holding back her tears.
479
480“I apologize…… We didn’t mean to.”
481
482“Tatsuya-kun, this time you foot the bill.”
483
484“What!? ……Fine, you win. Please be merciful.”
485
486“Negotiations complete.”
487
488Erika revealed her usual flighty and carefree smile.
489
490Given that she had already adopted her usual facade, if Tatsuya overly pampered her, she would only raise her guard, which would defeat the entire purpose.
491
492“Erika, have you eaten lunch?”
493
494“Hm? It’s still early…… Eh, OK. I haven’t eaten yet, so let’s go together.”
495
496At Miyuki’s question, Erika gave a noncommittal answer.
497
498“Onii-sama?”
499
500“Fine. We were going to eat in the room anyway. If you don’t mind, would you like to join us?”
501
502“Sure, I’ll go! Mizuki, want to come too?”
503
504“OK, then excuse me.”
505
506“Please, you’re not a bother at all.”
507
508“Eh? That’s not what I meant!”
509
510
511
512
513
514“Seriously…… Tatsuya-kun, picking on others is too much.”
515
516Mizuki was still in a bad mood because she was used as a tool to lighten the mood.
517
518However, she wasn’t really holding it against him, this point was obvious. Tatsuya smiled wryly as he took a large bite out of his sandwich.
519
520Mizuki and Tatsuya both pretended to be oblivious to what happened earlier, so they didn’t raise the subject again.
521
522“Then…… Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki, Mizuki, do you guys have anything you wanted to ask me about?”
523
524Still, the person in question — Erika, was ready to reopen Pandora’s Box.
525
526“The person going out with Watanabe-senpai seems to be Erika’s older brother.”
527
528Miyuki was the only one who deftly answered the conversation in a carefree manner.
529
530“Yep. That stupid brother of mine, it’s both pitiful and infuriating at the same time that he’s been conned by that woman……”
531
532“Isn’t he a world-class swordsman? Even if you don’t praise him, I don’t think you should refer to him as ‘stupid brother of mine’, right?”
533
534“Eh? ……Ah, so that’s how it is. If it’s Tatsuya-kun, it wouldn’t be surprising if you knew about Naotsugu Nii-san.”
535
536“E-ri-ka. Even though you’re with us, you don’t have to change your words, OK? Isn’t it Naotsugu Nii-sama?”
537
538“Ah~, forget about that! That’s totally not like me!”
539
540Erika wrapped her hands around her head and buried her head into the bed.
541
542Apparently, the term “decorous” caused her no end of embarrassment.
543
544……Compared to that, he was hoping that she would be more embarrassed about burying her head into a pillow that a man uses. Tatsuya thought worriedly.
545
546“OK, OK. So Erika likes Naotsugu-san.”
547
548“…………”
549
550Erika wasn’t the only one who froze.
551
552Miyuki’s frost bomb instantly turned Tatsuya and Mizuki into ice cubes.
553
554“……No way in hell!”
555
556Erika leaped to her feet and screamed.
557
558Owing to the fact that her face was buried in the pillow as she started to reply, the only words they heard was “in hell”. To be able to respond so swiftly in that situation was certainly worthy of praise.
559
560Miyuki laughed merrily as if a cornered beast had let out a furious, but easily understood, bellow.
561
562And dropped an even more explosive bomb.
563
564“So, Erika. You turned out to have a Brother Complex!”
565
566“Wha……”
567
568Erika gaped at that.
569
570The following explosion far surpassed her critical point.
571
572“I don’t want to hear that from you! You hardcore bro-con girl!”
573
574—As to what happened afterwards, Tatsuya and Mizuki kept that to themselves.
575
576
577
578
579
580“……Hey, Tatsuya, you’re looking pretty bad, eh? Are you alright?”
581
582“Somehow, you look exhausted……”
583
584When Tatsuya arrived at the audience stands, the first thing he heard was Leo and Mikihiko commenting on him.
585
586“I’m a little tired. It’s nothing really, it’s more emotional exhaustion than mental stress. I’ll be fine if I concentrate during the match.”
587
588Tatsuya waved his hands in a casual manner. On the other side, Miyuki and Erika sat down as if nothing had occurred.
589
590Behind them, Mizuki’s actions were slightly suspicious, but neither Leo nor Mikihiko noticed, since all of their focus was on the upcoming match.
591
592“……Sorry. Looks like we’re letting Tatsuya draw all the fire.”
593
594Mikihiko kindly (intentionally?) misinterpreted this.
595
596“No, that’s hardly the case. Relax, don’t worry about it.”
597
598While the words “that’s hardly the case” meant nothing of the sort, the fact that Tatsuya chose to respond in a dubious manner showed that he also possessed a slightly twisted personality.
599
600“As long as you’re alright. Tatsuya really took it too far last round, so don’t push yourself!”
601
602“I’ll keep that in mind.”
603
604I am not worthy of such a kindhearted friend, Tatsuya thought.
605
606“I’m keeping tabs on that as well, so don’t worry about it.”
607
608He never intended to have such an honest friend worry about him. Hence, Tatsuya made an earnest effort to nod his head in agreement.
609
610Still, once the match began, how grave his face became was no longer important.
611
612Their attention — of course, Tatsuya included — was currently drawn away by the match between Third and Eighth High in the “rocky” setting.
613
614Surpassing all their expectations, the match was a complete landslide.
615
616Actually, it may be more appropriate to describe this as a solo performance.
617
618Following the “Open Field”, the Karst-like “Boulders” had the least amount of obstacles in the setting. While there were large boulders jutting out across the area, their difference in height wasn’t noticeable, nor were there any trees to obstruct vision.
619
620One player moved out of Third High’s field and leisurely paced from between the boulders.
621
622Heedless of any hostile fire, Ichijou Masaki “advanced” while disdaining to rely on any cover.
623
624Nor was Eighth High just standing there helplessly as they continuously unleashed magic on Masaki’s position. Even the attacker who was advancing on Third High’s position from the shadows of the boulders was pouring on the fire.
625
626Even so.
627
628Masaki’s pace faltered not.
629
630The rocky fragments hurtled by Move-Type Magic were thrown away by even stronger Move-Type Magic.
631
632Weight-Type and Oscillation-Type Magic fired at him were nullified by a wide area interference barrier that extended in a one meter radius around him.
633
634As if mocking the “pointless gestures”, Masaki’s pace was slow and leisurely.
635
636“……‘Armor of Interference’, eh. Move-Type Wide Area Interference should be the Juumonji Family’s specialty.”
637
638Leo and Mikihiko were both struck speechless by this overpowering might. On the other hand, Tatsuya was the master of himself as he praised Masaki’s strengths.
639
640“To be able to freely wield this type of magic without breathing raggedly likely requires more than a large capacity within the magic calculation area. Looks like he’s very adept at ‘cyclical breathing’. I guess that should be called innate talent.”
641
642When continuously using the same magic, cyclical breathing referred to the space between when one magic ends and the next one begins. The less overlap between the first and second magic, the less stress was placed on the Magician. Magicians who excelled in shortening the dead time between the two were known as “adept at cyclical breathing”.
643
644Miyuki was also a Magician “adept at cyclical breathing”, but in Tatsuya’s eyes, Masaki possessed a talent that rivaled Miyuki’s.
645
646In face of the unyielding defense, the attacker from Eighth High stopped his assault.
647
648He frantically hid and charged towards Third High’s position.
649
650He gave up on bringing down Masaki and chose to assault the enemy’s monolith in hopes of pulling out a victory from the jaws of defeat.
651
652Alas, his choice was overly reckless.
653
654Probably because it was made in a panic.
655
656With his attention completely in front of him and exposing his defenseless back, how could someone like Masaki let this opportunity simply pass by?
657
658After suffering a point blank explosive shock wave, the attacker from Eighth was flung face first into the dirt.
659
660“Convergence-Systematic ‘Bias Release’. Simply using compression and release would be sufficient…… He’s certainly someone who likes to put on a show.”
661
662“Bias Release, right? I’ve never heard of that magic.”
663
664“That’s because it’s a highly convoluted and inefficient, second rate magic.
665
666For example, it’s like pumping air into one side of a can and sealing it, then opening the other end towards the target. Compared with normal air, that sort of concentrated compressed air would strike with greater force and higher control over the direction of the force, so these are some possible advantages. But if it’s only to increase the output, it would be far better to simply increase the amount of compression. If he wanted to add vectors to the attack, then direct contact with the compressed air would be sufficient.
667
668……No, he’s trying to decrease the power of the blow, hence he used a combination of the two.
669
670Being overpowered is truly a hassle in this circumstance.”
671
672Tatsuya revealed an ironic smirk.
673
674Miyuki gave him a look that said “Isn’t Onii-sama the same way?”, but he pretended to be oblivious.
675
676While Tatsuya was explaining the mechanics, Masaki continued to close in on Eighth High’s position.
677
678Likely arriving at the conclusion that simply waiting was no solution, the two remaining defenders combined their strength to challenge Masaki.
679
680The boulders split apart and rushed towards Masaki.
681
682The Release-Systematic Magic used by the players from Eighth High set off a shower of electrons from the minerals, causing sparks to erupt around Masaki’s feet.
683
684Regardless of the scale of the former or the difficulty level of the latter, both were of the highest caliber magic — which was no exaggeration.
685
686When Tatsuya’s team dueled Eighth High, their victory only appeared easy because they never gave their opponent the chance to put their best foot forward. If it was a head-to-head shootout, the battle undoubtedly would have been a very stiff contest.
687
688However, Masaki easily nullified their full frontal combined assault.
689
690The scattered fragments were flung away by a sphere of reverse vectors centered around Masaki, while the electric discharge was suppressed before it even started.
691
692A block of air hammered into the players from Eighth High.
693
694Upon contact with the released compressed air, the two of them were swiftly and easily incapacitated.
695
696The ending signal sounded immediately.
697
698For the entire duration of the match, Kichijouji and their other teammate stood stock still in Third High’s field and contributed nothing to the overall result.
699
700
701
702
703
704“He has far exceeded our expectations, this ‘Prince’ of the Ichijou Family……”
705
706Mayumi said to Katsuto as she shifted her gaze away from the screen.
707
708Her usual companion Mari wasn’t present.
709
710Currently, Mari was preoccupied to the point that “whoever disturbed her would rue that day”.
711
712Originally, she should have been confined to bed rest, but Mayumi and the other members of the brass turned a blind eye.
713
714“Somehow I feel that he’s very similar to Juumonji-kun.”
715
716Even if someone said they were similar, this would probably be a hard sentiment for Katsuto to respond to.
717
718As expected, before he was able to reply, Suzune had joined the conversation already.
719
720“That may be intentional. The combat dogma for the Ichijou Family revolves around proactively controlling the initiative through medium to long range bombardment. Today in the rotating preliminaries, he used long distance attacks to annihilate the defenders. I don’t have a real basis for this but…… I think this may be Ichijou-kun throwing down the gauntlet.”
721
722“A challenge?”
723
724At Mayumi tilting her head, Katsuto answered her.
725
726“I’m not certain if he’s conscious of my style, but I think he’s calling out Shiba to ‘trade shots with him if he dares’.”
727
728“Hm…… I can understand that feeling.”
729
730Mayumi’s expression seemed to say: how childish.
731
732Tatsuya’s strengths lay in mobility, analysis, and his ability to surprise.
733
734Compared to his Magic Power, it was his combat ability that was more striking, which the two matches today clearly testified to.
735
736How could Tatsuya be taken in by such blatant baiting, Mayumi thought.
737
738Yet, Katsuto didn’t receive that wordless communication, so he continued onward.
739
740“Shiba will most likely accept that challenge.”
741
742“Eh? Tatsuya-kun?”
743
744“At the original distance, he has no chance of victory. This may be his only opportunity.”
745
746
747
748
749
750“I don’t believe it, that’s simply……”
751
752In the audience stands far from the main pavilion, of course there was no way for Katsuto’s opinion to reach Tatsuya’s ears. Nonetheless, Katsuto’s point was mirrored in Tatsuya’s mind.
753
754He was also aware that this may be Third High’s, and Kichijouji Shinkurou’s in particular, real intention: to reveal the only way for him to emerge victorious while at the same time forcing a direct confrontation.
755
756The tricky part was, besides accepting their opponent’s invitation, First High didn’t have any other options that had a higher chance for victory.
757
758(Well played, “Cardinal George”……)
759
760“Seriously, what kind of defensive ability is that!”
761
762“In the end, the only thing we caught a glimpse of was Ichijou-kun, which was our mistake. This way, we have no way to plan for our encounter.”
763
764Leo and Mikihiko must have misinterpreted Tatsuya’s comment.
765
766The two of them seemed to be overwhelmed by Masaki’s strength, but at least they were better off than he was. He was in the process of being devoured slowly by this quicksand hell, so they undoubtedly suffered less mental stress than he did.
767
768“In regards to Kichijouji-kun, I have a rough estimate. I have no idea about the third person though.”
769
770“Oh, really?”
771
772Tatsuya proceeded to correct their misinterpretation.
773
774“The ‘Cardinal Code’ that Kichijouji Shinkurou discovered is a fundamental code used in Weight-Type Magic and he appeared in Speed Shooting.
775
776Thus, his favored magic would probably be ‘Invisible Bullet’, which applies increased weight to select points.”
777
778“Cardinal Code?”
779
780“So he’s not altering the target’s Eidos but only applying increased weight to a certain portion, but is that possible?”
781
782“Well…… Looks like this explanation will take some time, is that fine?”
783
784At Tatsuya’s query, Leo hesitated briefly, but Mikihiko immediately nodded.
785
786“Within Magic Sequence research, there is a theory known as the ‘Cardinal Code Hypothesis’.
787
788There is considerable popular support behind this theory. There are the Four Great Systems and Eight Major Types, ‘Speed’, ‘Weight’, ‘Movement’, ‘Oscillation’, ‘Convergence’, ‘Dispersal’, ‘Absorption’, and ‘Release’ as well as their corresponding positive and negative poles for a total of 16 fundamental Magic Sequences. This theory believes that, through the various combinations of these 16 Magic Sequences, any magic from any of the major systems can be created.
789
790Meanwhile, the Magic Sequence that serves as the basic building block is called the ‘Cardinal Code’.
791
792In summation…… It is capable of constructing any and all the Systematic magics. Strictly on this point, the theory is incorrect, but the ‘Cardinal Code’ truly exists.”
793
794“……The theory is incorrect but the code exists?”
795
796“……Sorry, you lost me.”
797
798Faced with Mikihiko and Leo’s responses, Tatsuya waved his hand as if to say “Don’t be hasty”.
799
800“Calm down, let me go over it again slowly.
801
802There is magic within the Four Great Systems that cannot be created by the 16 ‘Cardinal Codes’ no matter what combination you try, hence the Cardinal Code theory is incorrect. Then again, based on its fundamental principles, there does exist a Magic Sequence that is capable of being a building block.
803
804Within modern magic, certain effects will take place after redefining the status of an object after phenomenon rewriting.
805
806While the driving force behind the change has been defined within the Magic Sequence, this driving force would not exist without a definition of what happens after the magic has affected the target.
807
808However, Cardinal Codes are able to create the driving force themselves.
809
810In other words, Cardinal Codes are Magic Sequences that literally define ‘Speed’, ‘Weight’, ‘Movement’, ‘Oscillation’, ‘Convergence’, ‘Dispersal’, ‘Absorption’, and ‘Release’.
811
812Thus, rather than having an overall effect on the Eidos themselves, these act on a single object — and render them possible.
813
814Currently, the only discovered Cardinal Code on record is the one from Weight-Type Magic.
815
816And the one responsible for that discovery is Kichijouji Shinkurou of Third High — ‘Cardinal George’.”
817
818Hearing the last few words, Mikihiko displayed a cowed expression.
819
820“Kichijouji Shinkurou, no wonder I thought that name sounded familiar…… So he’s ‘Cardinal George’!”
821
822Seeing his face, Tatsuya thought: “Damn it.” Regardless, he had already said the words, so there was nothing he could do about it.
823
824“Exactly. So Ichijou-kun isn’t the only one we have to be on guard against. While it is true that talented researchers are not necessarily talented users, so long as he is capable of wielding the ‘Cardinal Code’, he will be a fearsome opponent.”
825
826Magic that relies on the Cardinal Code has no need to define the altered phenomenon that is mandatory in normal magic because the driving force itself has been defined. Under this condition — where force is applied unilaterally, the magic that directly involved Tatsuya in Monolith Code, “Battering Ram”, and “Invisible Bullet” share the same characteristics, but “Battering Ram” required additional force — especially on the point of attack — in order to rewrite the entire phenomenon. Compared to that, “Invisible Bullet” had no need to rewrite the surface that force was applied on — regardless of whether it was a wall, the surface, or even the human body. “Invisible Bullet” was a magic that directly improved the force itself.
827
828Since it was not rewriting the entire Eidos, the Magic Sequence needed to rewrite only the necessary portion is naturally going to be smaller. Because this was not altering the Eidos of the target itself, “Data Fortification” — abilities that defended against rewriting the Eidos — was unable to defend against it.
829
830Smaller Magic Sequences and the ability to influence the Eidos in spite of Data Fortification makes this a powerful advantage for using this type of magic.
831
832“Fortunately, ‘Invisible Bullet’ was hampered by the absolute necessity of visual confirmation. Rather than relying on the Eidos, a direct confirmation of the object was a necessary, but ironic, handicap. Owing to this handicap, cover was a useful defense against the attacks from ‘Invisible Bullet’. While Wide Area Interference is viable, Data Fortification is no defense, so be very careful!”
833
834“Got it. I will be extra careful.”
835
836“Ho…… I still don’t understand one point.”
837
838After Mikihiko nodded in understanding, Leo politely opened his mouth.
839
840“What is it Leo?”
841
842“This doesn’t really have anything to do with the match…… Tatsuya, earlier you said something about ‘there are magics that cannot be constructed by the 16 Cardinal Codes’, right? In other words, Tatsuya knows all 16 of the Cardinal Codes?”
843
844Though his attitude and tone might claim otherwise, Leo was no fool in his own right.
845
846Setting aside general knowledge, he was still highly intelligent.
847
848Tatsuya was well aware of this, but was still caught by surprise by this keen statement.
849
850“……Currently, Kichijouji Shinkurou is the only one who has discovered a Cardinal Code. I only know that there are magics within the Four Major Systems that cannot be created by the Cardinal Code Hypothesis.”
851
852“Onii-sama, isn’t it time to go?”
853
854Leo opened his mouth — he wanted to ask another question but was interrupted by Miyuki.
855
856“You’re right. They’re about to announce the setting for the next match. Let’s return to the pavilion.”
857
858Upon rising, Tatsuya’s figure denied any more follow up questions.
859
860
861
862
863
864The match against Ninth High was set in a “Valley” setting.
865
866The layout of the arena was an artificial valley shaped like a Japanese “<”. If the water was moving, there would be a difference between being upriver or downriver, hence rather than being referred to as a valley, this was also described as a long “<” shaped lake surrounded by cliffs. No, it wasn’t deep enough to be a lake (the greatest depth was only 50 cm or so), so maybe it should be called a “<” shaped “pond”.
867
868This match was the perfect stage for Mikihiko’s solo performance.
869
870A white fog covered the entire length of the arena.
871
872From the side of the completely blinded audience came a loud shushing noise before all returned to silence.
873
874After all, for the audience to be so affected by the magic competition and the sheer difficulty of maintaining this magic was quite telling on who owned the advantage.
875
876In addition, the First High players were only covered by light fog whereas the players from Ninth High were enshrouded in a dense fog.
877
878Under the effect of the mist, the players from Ninth High had great difficulty approaching the First High monolith.
879
880They repeatedly sought to dispel the mist, but after several half-successful attempts to blow the mist away, the pure white cover swiftly returned to rob them of their sight as if mocking their efforts.
881
882Even if they summoned the wind to blow away the mist, the replacement air was still filled with mist, making this a pointless gesture. Also, any attempt to raise the temperature only prompted the “lake” to evaporate and increase the unpleasantness.
883
884The Ancient Magic responsible for creating this “Barrier” of mist was unrelated to the level of moisture and simply congregated the vapor in the air. Even if the temperature was raised, this would only increase the amount of water vapor and make the mist even thicker. “Barrier” Magic naturally included the “Sealing” concept, so even manipulating the air currents would only cycle the air filled with mist.
885
886Fundamentally, trying to sustain magic on a vague target was one of the weaker areas of modern magic.
887
888In order to use modern magic to dispel this “Magical Mist”, they had to identify the magic that Mikihiko used to create this area — “Barrier”, otherwise no countermeasure would be effective. The new students from Ninth High appeared to be lacking in their knowledge of Ancient Magic.
889
890Besides having a slightly denser cloud of artificial mist hanging over the area, there was nothing that surpassed the laws of nature.
891
892Since there was no paradoxical effect, there were no signs of the magic weakening. Likewise, there was no effect that locked people in place.
893
894The only aspect directly being restricted was visibility and subsequently, mobility.
895
896The attackers from Ninth High advanced along the cliffs with trepidation. Tatsuya took a quick glance before diving into the mist and easily arriving at Ninth High’s position.
897
898The mist intentionally became thinner around his immediate position, which wasn’t a problem to maintain if he was only walking quickly. Then again, even if there was zero visibility, that would pose little problem to Tatsuya anyway.
899
900Here, he didn’t have to worry about the audience watching him, so he could freely use his vision to identify the entities around him.
901
902Looping behind the unsuspecting defender from Ninth High, Tatsuya fired the “key” into the monolith.
903
904Upon hearing the “outer lid” of the monolith falling away, the defender frantically whirled around, but Tatsuya had long since evacuated.
905
906This time, Tatsuya didn’t need to summon the spirits.
907
908Mikihiko was the one controlling the spirit that upheld the barrier of mist. Within this mist, nothing could escape Mikihiko’s “eyes”.
909
910The match between First and Ninth High ended in First High’s victory without a single shot being fired.
911
912
913
914
915
916The finals would take place after the compensatory round.
917
918Regardless of how long matches lasted, each match for Monolith Code never exceeded 30 minutes. Thus, the finals were comfortably set for 3:30 PM, which was two hours from now.
919
920Tatsuya was in charge of CAD calibration, so he opted to stay in the competition area for the next two hours, but Mikihiko and Leo needed to blow off some steam, so they left the competition area.
921
922—There’s no way he could last if he saw those siblings sticking together like glue again. Maybe that was the reason why……
923
924They arranged to meet up one hour before the match, so how they spent their time until then was their personal choice.
925
926Leo said he wanted to grab a bite from the cafeteria before heading back to his room to rest.
927
928Mikihiko wasn’t as gluttonous, so he elected to visit the tourism room on the highest floor of the hotel.
929
930The hotel was erected near the Fuji Exercise Grounds, so the tourism room had a direct view of Mt. Fuji.
931
932The “Divine Earth Magic” of the Yoshida Family was Ancient Magic that belonged to the Shinto System and more specifically the branch concerned with Earth Deities within the Shinto System (deification of the country).
933
934Mt. Fuji had a special meaning for Magicians who used Ancient Magic from the Shinto system.
935
936The god enshrined at Mt. Fuji was joined with one of the heavenly gods, so Mt. Fuji was worshiped by both heaven and earth denominations.
937
938Even excluding this religious meaning, “Spiritual Mt. Fuji” was a locale that powerful magics revolved around.
939
940Walking out onto the exposed balcony of the tourism room was like bathing in the mountain’s aura. Mikihiko had this in mind as he ascended to the highest level, but there was an unexpected individual waiting for him.
941
942“Ah, Mikihiko-kun, why are you here?”
943
944The one turned to ask him was Erika, who was wearing a straw hat to shade herself from the sun as she placed her elbows on the railing and gazed upward towards Mt. Fuji.
945
946“I came to see Mt. Fuji…… Erika, why are you here alone?”
947
948As Mikihiko said, the tourism room — including the exposed balcony on the highest level — was empty save for Erika’s presence.
949
950No, Mikihiko was here now, so the amount doubled.
951
952This was only natural, considering all the visitors today would naturally be here for the Nine Schools Competition.
953
954Even though it was the break period, the match for Third Place was about to start soon. Besides Mikihiko, who had a special reason for visiting, anyone choosing to visit this tourism room that could only see Mt. Fuji now must have brain damage.
955
956“I probably wanted to be alone for a while.”
957
958Seeing Erika turn her gaze back to the scenery and the loneliness accompanying her face, Mikihiko felt a little flustered.
959
960This was hardly the time to retreat or just stand there, so he had no choice — at least his consciousness told him he “had no choice” — but to sidle along Erika.
961
962“Mikihiko-kun.”
963
964Erika spoke with her gaze still fixated on Japan’s highest mountain.
965
966“Eh, what?”
967
968—Something’s awry.
969
970“Don’t you feel it?”
971
972“Eh?”
973
974“You came to bathe in the aura of the mountain, right? Are you properly soaking it in?”
975
976Though the words were the same, her voice was altogether different.
977
978It was as if her tone was just as usual, but still different at the same time.
979
980Leaning against the railing, Erika’s expression was incredibly earnest, more sincere than any time in the past four months, nay, the last couple years.
981
982The last time he saw this expression was before she cut her hair short, when it was even longer than when she allowed it to grow out last spring. Two years ago, she never loosened her grip on the sword in her hand……
983
984“……Mikihiko-kun?”
985
986“Ah, sorry. Uh, yeah, just as Erika said.”
987
988Mikihiko stammered a reply and finally realized what was wrong.
989
990— Erika was calling him “Mikihiko” —
991
992“I came to soak in the aura.”
993
994“Not that.”
995
996“Eh?”
997
998“I’m not asking that. ……Are you properly feeling the aura around the mountain?”
999
1000Stupefied by her oddly intent gaze, Mikihiko braced himself and adjusted his breathing.
1001
1002He expelled all the air within his lungs and breathed deep.
1003
1004Maintaining a proper pace was important, but imagination was even more so.
1005
1006He was taking in and releasing the air in controlled motions.
1007
1008And he wasn’t breathing in and expelling, but expelling and then breathing.
1009
1010After taking two or three breaths Mikihiko’s body was suffused with power. This wasn’t like the “crumbs” from psions or pushions, but was something closer to the original oscillations of the waves, also known as a “power” called “prana”.
1011
1012Mikihiko perfectly absorbed the prana surrounding the peaks. After verifying this with her own eyes, Erika let out a restrained smile that was wholly unlike her.
1013
1014—A somewhat lonely smile.
1015
1016“Erika……?”
1017
1018“See, you still have it in you!”
1019
1020“……I’m sorry, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
1021
1022This wouldn’t be the first time someone had spouted some abstract comment without sparing a thought towards others, but today, Mikihiko felt that it was more like his fault for not understanding her.
1023
1024“Mikihiko-kun, have you noticed? Today, you were able to wield magic like before the incident, when you were known as the ‘prodigy of the Yoshida Family’!”
1025
1026“Eh?”
1027
1028“No, you’re not the same as before, you have made great strides compared to then. Regardless of whether it was Sense Tuning, the barrier of Mist, the absorption of prana, they have become as natural as breathing for you.”
1029
1030He didn’t say: how is it possible.
1031
1032Likewise, Mikihiko didn’t say, why would you say that.
1033
1034He was well aware what sort of “eye” the “Swordsman of Chiba” Erika possessed.
1035
1036“Isn’t that wonderful!”
1037
1038With a sudden “pah” and a slap on the back, Mikihiko nearly staggered.
1039
1040“In this state, Miki has nothing to fear from Third High! Go get them!”
1041
1042“My name is Mikihiko!”
1043
1044Erika suddenly reverted to her usual state and departed without a reply. Mikihiko finally relaxed as he called out his usual response to her retreating back.
1045
1046Exactly why he did so or what he was concerned about did not cross Mikihiko’s mind.
1047
1048
1049
1050
1051
1052Tatsuya, who should be stuck with his sister like glue (that was only the wild mass guessing from their teammates), was summoned to the entrance of the grounds shortly after the two departed.
1053
1054“Ono-sensei, thank you for your hard work.”
1055
1056Haruka was the one who called him out here.
1057
1058“Hey, saying thank you for your hard work to an elder…… You’re aware of what you’re saying, right?”
1059
1060At Tatsuya’s mischievous smirk, Haruka’s shoulders drooped helplessly.
1061
1062“……I guess that’s what my position has turned into…… A supporting actor whose secrets have been exposed, only to be buried within the ‘ignorant masses’……”
1063
1064“What are you talking about. You’re spouting nonsense.”
1065
1066“No worries. I’m a nonsensical woman anyway.”
1067
1068“……I think it’s about time you returned what I placed in your keeping. I don’t have much time.”
1069
1070Seeing Tatsuya reach out a hand, Haruka playfully sighed.
1071
1072Even if she didn’t say it, her expression clearly said: “Can’t you cooperate a little.” Despite this, she understood that time was of the essence, so she obediently handed the electric carrier (carry-on baggage with electric wheels attached to facilitate movement) over to Tatsuya.
1073
1074“Seriously…… I really wish someone would actually reward me a little. I’m a life counselor, not an errand boy.”
1075
1076“Our sensei was the one who asked Ono-sensei to do this, not me. Still…… Let me think for a moment. If you’re unhappy with these trivial tasks, allow me to ask you something more in line with your actual job.”
1077
1078“No, it’s not like I wanted an actual task.”
1079
1080“It’s tax-free income…… You really don’t want it?”
1081
1082Haruka’s eyes sparkled with an easily understood wavering.
1083
1084……Is this sort of kind disposition (and not “personality”) truly suited for intelligence work? Tatsuya watched her in a taunting manner.
1085
1086He didn’t have to wait very long.
1087
1088“……I give up. It’s our duty to assist students deviating from the right path. This isn’t the time to say I’m off duty or I haven’t got the time.”
1089
1090So, she was looking for an excuse to make this easier on herself, Tatsuya thought.
1091
1092However—
1093
1094“Alas, that’s not the task I had in mind. I’m referring to your other line of work.”
1095
1096“……What exactly do you want me to do?”
1097
1098Haruka was immediately on high alert.
1099
1100Is it really alright for her to be this transparent? This time, Tatsuya was seriously concerned.
1101
1102Forget it, even if she messed up by feigning silliness and punished with “this” and “that”, those were not related to him in any way.
1103
1104“No Head Dragon…… I want to know the current HQ for the Hong Kong International Criminal Organization ‘No Head Dragon’.”
1105
1106Haruka frantically glanced around them and closed in on Tatsuya as if she was going to hug him.
1107
1108“How do you know about No Head Dragon!?”
1109
1110While her tone was agitated, Haruka didn’t forget to lower her volume as she asked him. Still, even if she asked, this wasn’t a question he could answer. Tatsuya’s relationship with Kazama and the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion was still classified. That was a direct order from their aunt, the current head of the Yotsuba Family. Even if he answered with something like “I heard it from somewhere else”, there was no guarantee that some trace of this relationship could not be exposed.
1111
1112“It’s only natural that I would investigate the culprits intending to do me harm.”
1113
1114Hence Tatsuya chose this vague answer that could be applied towards anything. Nevertheless, Haruka correctly interpreted this to mean the recent obstructions in the Nine Schools Competition.
1115
1116“……What devilry are you up to now? ‘Public Safety’ and ‘Internal Affairs’ have both been mobilized for this case. There’s no need for Shiba-kun to act on this!”
1117
1118Haruka was still whispering. From their posture, any bystander would mistake this for a troublesome relationship.
1119
1120Miyuki posed no difficulty, so long as Honoka, Shizuku, or any of the others didn’t see them, Tatsuya thought.
1121
1122“Currently, there are no wheels in motion. Still, if retaliation becomes necessary, but the enemy’s location remains unknown, that would be a little troubling. ……Speaking of which, I think our current proximity may cause some misunderstanding.”
1123
1124Haruka quickly jerked back.
1125
1126Maybe this came from an elder’s pride, but she was using a placating smile to cover her internal discomfiture.
1127
1128It’s about time to seriously advise her to abandon the intelligence work, Tatsuya thought.
1129
1130……That being said, he never thought of retracting his request.
1131
1132“……Insurance, is it?”
1133
1134“That interpretation would be acceptable.”
1135
1136After carefully examining him, she swiftly nodded.
1137
1138“……Understood. Give me one day.”
1139
1140“Impressive! You only need one day?”
1141
1142This was pure, worry-free praise.
1143
1144Haruka was someone who wore her heart on her sleeve and could only smile in embarrassment.
1145
1146
1147
1148
1149
1150As Tatsuya dragged the electric carrier back to the pavilion, the students on duty all gazed at him with interest. Completely ignoring the fact that he was the center of attention, Tatsuya retrieved something from the bag.
1151
1152“……Wind breakers?”
1153
1154Mayumi approached Tatsuya with nary a thought and asked as she examined the object in his hands.
1155
1156“No, these are mantles.”
1157
1158Tatsuya raised the black fabric and unfurled them.
1159
1160It was a Western mantle that would extend to the floor even on someone of his height.
1161
1162“Those too?”
1163
1164“Those are robes.”
1165
1166After depositing the black mantle on the table, this time he pulled out a gray fabric. This one was a long robe with a hood attached.
1167
1168“What…… exactly are you going to do with these?”
1169
1170There were “?” marks floating all over the pavilion. Only Miyuki could tell at first glance and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
1171
1172“That’s for the match. Thankfully, they made it in time.”
1173
1174“Onii-sama, wouldn’t that be against the rules?”
1175
1176Setting aside the completely confused Mayumi and the others, Miyuki asked Tatsuya with a degree of seriousness.
1177
1178“I don’t believe there will be a problem since we handed in the CADs in time. The rule book didn’t say that we are forbidden from wearing uniforms inscribed with magic themselves.”
1179
1180Hearing his answer to Miyuki, the number of “?” marks on Mayumi’s head increased by one as she asked Tatsuya.
1181
1182“Magic inscriptions?”
1183
1184“Correct. This is done by combining the principle of Engraving Magic with the mediums from Ancient Magic. The mantle and robe include enchantments that facilitate the user using magic.”
1185
1186“Supplementary effects…… There should be no problem if no specific technique was incorporated within……”
1187
1188Feeling Mayumi’s gaze, Suzune nodded as she replied.
1189
1190“There is no violation here. Specifically, there isn’t a rule for something that complex.”
1191
1192“If there is a problem, we can just abandon them. It’s not like we cannot give battle without them.”
1193
1194Mayumi slightly creased her eyebrows as Tatsuya turned around.
1195
1196“Hey, Tatsuya-kun.”
1197
1198Her anxiety far outweighed the unease in her voice.
1199
1200“Since we’re still in the competition, everyone has kept a lid on the celebratory mood. The moment we advanced to the finals, our victory in the Newcomers Division was already assured. So please, don’t push yourself too much!”
1201
1202“Understood.”
1203
1204Even without her saying so, Tatsuya had already largely given up on this match.
1205
1206—Because at this time, we haven’t……
1207
1208
1209
1210
1211
1212After leaving the examination of the mantles and robes to Isori (the Isori Family were renowned for their expertise in Engraving Magic, not that Isori himself hid his personal interest either), Tatsuya left the pavilion to relax himself.
1213
1214When he was appointed as one of the substitutes, the mission he received from Mayumi was to clinch First High’s victory in the Newcomers Division.
1215
1216The moment they advanced to the finals of Monolith Code — in other words, right now, Tatsuya had already accomplished his objective.
1217
1218He was carefully warming up to prevent injury during the match.
1219
1220Bruises or scratches were meaningless to him, but if there was a major fracture or artery being severed, he had to take precautions against his classified abilities automatically activating.
1221
1222Even if he could voluntarily halt the process, whether he could do so in time was another story. His personal restoration ability would immediately complete the repair processes in the blink of an eye.
1223
1224The Nine Schools Competition was being recorded. Even if no one could consciously catch the instant this occurred, future playbacks could still capture the moment.
1225
1226As if reminding himself all over again, he continued to work through his exercises. During this, Miyuki also left the pavilion, but seeing as she wasn’t on urgent business, Tatsuya allowed himself to finish his calisthenics.
1227
1228“Onii-sama, please take this towel.”
1229
1230She handed him a sublimely wet and cold towel.
1231
1232Miyuki had been standing for a considerable amount of time in the blazing summer heat, yet the towel felt as if it was freshly removed from the icebox…… Upon learning that this was her area of expertise, this fact was no longer surprising.
1233
1234By paying attention to all the minute details, she was certainly a sister who pampered him, Tatsuya thought.
1235
1236In normal circumstances, hordes of men would undoubtedly pursue her at the cost of their lives.
1237
1238No, even in the present, his sister was still probably capable of sending men to their doom with a word. Even setting himself aside, though he would probably be the first man into the breach, Tatsuya felt a slight chill as he considered his sister’s future.
1239
1240“Onii-sama, is there something on my face?”
1241
1242Even though she didn’t seriously believe that something was on her face, Miyuki had no other way of interrogating her brother who was watching her with an indecipherable expression.
1243
1244—Tatsuya didn’t answer. Answering would only muddy the issue.
1245
1246“Onii-sama……”
1247
1248At Tatsuya muddling through the question, Miyuki didn’t press onward.
1249
1250“……It’s almost time for the finals. Our next opponent will be a difficult one……”
1251
1252“……Indeed.”
1253
1254Bluffing was irrelevant at this point.
1255
1256Even if this wasn’t a competition and live battle instead, with both sides going all out without restrains, Tatsuya had no confidence that he could “triumph” over the two of them at the same time, nay even if he was against Ichijou Masaki alone.
1257
1258“Under a state of restricted power and ability …… for one who belongs to the side that restricts such as myself, to go and say such a thing is illogical, and may arouse your displeasure, but……”
1259
1260Miyuki hesitated briefly as she slowly drooped her head, losing her nerve to speak each time.
1261
1262Then, she resolutely raised her head and shyly declared.
1263
1264“……Even so, I have faith that Onii-sama will not lose to anyone!”
1265
1266Without waiting for Tatsuya’s reply, she turned back to the pavilion with the lightness of a sparrow. Watching his sister’s departing figure, Tatsuya stood there for some time.
1267
1268(Seriously, as you will……)
1269
1270As Miyuki herself said, she was one of the key cogs within the system that limited Tatsuya’s abilities.
1271
1272One of the key reasons behind why he was unable to use his true strength to display his indomitable might was undoubtedly Miyuki.
1273
1274That being said, Tatsuya didn’t believe — that Miyuki was so willful.
1275
1276Faith that he would not lose to anyone was the hope of she who wished of him to remain unbeatable.
1277
1278Tatsuya’s intellect was not mature enough to completely understand the subtleties behind this.
1279
1280Yet, Tatsuya could understand these feelings.
1281
1282Maybe he should say he was able to understand it only because Miyuki was the one who made the wish of him.
1283
1284This was not someone giving orders or instructions, but a mental characteristic that was naturally expressing itself.
1285
1286As you will, referred to exactly that.
1287
1288Defeat was no longer an option in the next match.
1289
1290But as the saying goes, easier said than done.
1291
1292No matter how he calculated the matter, the odds were stacked against him. Tatsuya couldn’t help but sigh at this.
1293
1294
1295
1296
1297
1298After the end of the consolation game, the setting for the final match was announced to be the “Open Field”.
1299
1300Hearing this, both sides had equally illuminating reactions.
1301
1302In Third High’s pavilion, there were even cheers of victory.
1303
1304“You called it, George.”
1305
1306“We got lucky, Masaki.”
1307
1308While they managed to rein in their reactions to the news, the two of them failed to hide their elated smiles.
1309
1310“Now it comes down to whether that guy takes the bait……”
1311
1312“He will. On the open fields with no cover whatsoever, he has no other options aside from throwing down in a one-on-one shootout.”
1313
1314“He’ll try to break through there because that guy has ‘Gram Demolition’ as a trump card, eh……”
1315
1316“Precisely, Masaki.
1317
1318While his tactics smack of ambushes and surprise, in reality everything is founded on a complex series of calculations.
1319
1320If he knows that there are no direct countermeasures, he may still choose the road less traveled and elect to spring out a surprise attack.
1321
1322However, since he can still use ‘Gram Demolition’ as a direct counter, logically, he would choose the avenue of attack that has the highest chance of success.”
1323
1324“While you will suppress the defender and the guerrilla.”
1325
1326“The defender isn’t the problem. His Fortifying Magic seems legit, but there’s nothing else to write home about.
1327
1328The guerrilla player…… Seems to specialize in Ancient Magic. Based on his name, he’s most likely a Magician from the ‘Yoshida Family’. The fact that he remains a complete mystery does give one pause, but when compared to Ancient Magic, modern magic owns the decisive edge in speed. Without any cover on the open plains, this is definitely in our advantage.”
1329
1330“Furthermore, you still have an ace in the hole with the ‘Cardinal Code’.”
1331
1332“Unfortunately, our opponents seized the Newcomers Division crown from us…… But at the very least, Monolith Code will belong to us!”
1333
1334“Exactly, leave it to me!”
1335
1336Hearing Kichijouji’s words, Masaki nodded boldly.
1337
1338
1339
1340
1341
1342“The ‘Open Plains’ without a hint of cover…… This will be a harsh battle, Onii-sama.”
1343
1344Miyuki’s words exemplified the thoughts running through everyone who came to cheer them on.
1345
1346“No, it’s far better than the valley or urban settings. We would never stop if we started grousing.”
1347
1348His words not only bewildered Miyuki, even his teammates — Leo and Mikihiko turned around in confusion, prompting Tatsuya to launch into another explanation.
1349
1350“The Ichijou Family’s ‘Rupture’ is a technique that transforms liquids into gas, using the expanding force to wreak havoc.
1351
1352For members of the Ichijou Family, using water vapor to initiate explosive attacks is the simplest of tricks.
1353
1354For Ichijou-kun, the valley arena is synonymous to preparing a gigantic keg of explosives for him. Likewise, an urban setting would be filled with water pipes.
1355
1356On the other hand, the open plains have no fluids that can be turned into ‘explosives’. Even the ‘Prince’ himself wouldn’t be able to call up water from underground to create explosions.
1357
1358Of course, the woodlands or rocky areas would be more preferable…… But we should be thankful that it wasn’t the valley, which would be the bleakest condition for us.”
1359
1360While the Year 1 students all wore a “So that’s how it is” expression, the upperclassmen still wore grim faces.
1361
1362“……Still, you’re still forced to fight on an open field with no cover against a Magician who specializes in bombardment, so this disadvantage remains.”
1363
1364“Shiba, do you have a plan?”
1365
1366After Mayumi’s question, Hattori also spoke up.
1367
1368Hattori actively striking up a conversation with Tatsuya was an incredibly rare event.
1369
1370Similarly, Tatsuya wasn’t able to completely hide his shock at this turnout, hence his response was half a beat slow.
1371
1372“If they insist on using their original tactics, honestly I don’t see how we can turn that around…… However, Ichijou-kun seems to be particularly fixated on my presence. If I can get into close combat range, then I have a few options.”
1373
1374“Isn’t close quarters combat forbidden?”
1375
1376“I’m in the clear so long as I don’t touch him. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.”
1377
1378At Kirihara’s question, Tatsuya smiled without much confidence.
1379
1380
1381
1382
1383
1384The finals for the Newcomers Division Monolith Code.
1385
1386While it could be said that the arrival of the players drew a huge clamor from the audience, it would be more in line with the truth to say that confused squabbling reigned supreme among the audience.
1387
1388Exposed beneath a myriad of curious stares, Mikihiko adjusted his hood and pulled it down even tighter.
1389
1390On the other side, Leo wasn’t wearing a hood as he tried his hardest to duck his face and use the robe’s collar to cover himself.
1391
1392“Well…… So our getup is hilarious after all.”
1393
1394“The usage is just how I explained.”
1395
1396The abrupt answer was like the final nail on the coffin, clearly signifying “Resistance is futile”.
1397
1398“……Why us……”
1399
1400Mikihiko bemoaned this fact to the only person not wearing the mantle and robe — Tatsuya.
1401
1402“As the vanguard, there’s no point in wearing anything that would obstruct physical movement.”
1403
1404Regardless, Mikihiko’s objection was easily turned aside by combat practicality.
1405
1406“That scoundrel…… She must be laughing herself silly now……”
1407
1408Leo didn’t clarify exactly “who” he was talking about, but for the two other people present, nothing else needed to be said.
1409
1410
1411
1412
1413
1414“Ahahahahahah…… My, my sides are killing me~. What is that, WHAT is THAT! Ahahahahaha……”
1415
1416Just as the three of them surmised, Erika was roaring in laughter in the stands.
1417
1418“Erika-chan, please stop……”
1419
1420After Mizuki tried several times to bashfully persuade her, Erika’s laughter finally dropped to a level that was more normal.
1421
1422“……Ah~, I’m dying. No wonder everyone’s eyes are drawn to the things that Tatsuya-kun thinks up.”
1423
1424“……I think Erika’s the one who’s being watched right now.”
1425
1426Next to Erika, Mizuki shyly hunkered down.
1427
1428“Sorry, sorry. I just couldn’t help myself there. I promise to stop messing around now, so cheer up, OK Mizuki?”
1429
1430“Seriously…… Please do!”
1431
1432After she could feel the gazes (she didn’t have the courage to visually verify this) around her stabbing towards her turn back to the arena, Mizuki finally raised her head.
1433
1434“But, what exactly is that?”
1435
1436Since there were no obstructions on the open plains, the audience could directly view the entire arena. Even so, the distance was still far enough that details were hard to make out, so everyone was watching the large screens for details on the players’ expressions, just like in the other competitions.
1437
1438
1439
1440
1441
1442Erika was watching the images on the main screen that depicted Mikihiko and Leo standing in First High’s territory.
1443
1444After watching for a few more seconds, she shook her head as if to say “might as well raise both arms now”.
1445
1446“Nope. I still can’t tell what they’re trying to do. Since this is Tatsuya-kun after all, I’m sure he’s not just doing this for show.”
1447
1448“……Lots of ‘spirits’ are gathering on Yoshida-kun’s robes……”
1449
1450“Huh?”
1451
1452An unexpected response answered her murmuring. Erika turned to one side and sucked in a breath as she saw Mizuki remove her glasses and an incredible light dancing in her eyes.
1453
1454While a minority in the audience believed that Leo and Mikihiko’s garb was out of date or from the wrong century, very few people laughed outright in derision. The thought that dominated the minds in the audience was what were the “robes” and “mantles” being used for.
1455
1456Still, for their opponents, they couldn’t just use the word “curiosity” to wave it off.
1457
1458“Are they just doing this for show?”
1459
1460Hearing their teammate’s speculation, Masaki and Kichijouji both shook their heads.
1461
1462“That guy knows George’s background…… Is this his solution to ‘Invisible Bullet’?”
1463
1464“It’s true that my magic doesn’t have much in terms of penetrating power…… Still, it’s not so simple that a mere piece of cloth can stand against it, so it’s hard to believe that he would rely on such an amateurish countermeasure.”
1465
1466“Or this is done to make us think there is some strategy at work here?”
1467
1468“That possibility is not altogether zero, yet……”
1469
1470Masaki’s words became vague.
1471
1472“……I don’t understand. Was he saving this all this time for this moment……”
1473
1474Kichijouji bit his lip. It was precisely because he prided himself on his intellect that he was particularly frustrated.
1475
1476“We advance recklessly, but forcing ourselves to contemplate something that cannot be discovered now is pointless. There is always some degree of risk when using force to win.”
1477
1478In order to cut through Kichijouji’s befuddlement, Masaki spoke up in a forcible tone.
1479
1480Despite this, Masaki himself wasn’t immune to this perplexity.
1481
1482What aroused curiosity from the audience was nothing short of a source of great wariness to the enemy.
1483
1484
1485
1486
1487
1488The players and auxiliaries were oblivious to this, but there was another reason behind the ruckus.
1489
1490The reason came from the observation deck near the board chairman’s room.
1491
1492A completely unforeseen visitor had arrived.
1493
1494“Kudou-sensei! Why are you here?”
1495
1496Elder Kudou, who usually watched the matches from the screens in the VIP lounge near the main headquarters, had personally come to the visitors’ observation deck.
1497
1498“Even I like to occasionally come here for a look.”
1499
1500Kudou Retsu nodded generously to the board members that all stood to welcome him and sat in the leather chair that was hastily prepared for him.
1501
1502“Of course, it is our honor to host you here, but……”
1503
1504But, why now? In face of this silent query, Elder Kudou frankly replied.
1505
1506“It’s nothing really. I just noticed a rather interesting young man.”
1507
1508The moment before the match begins was undoubtedly the time when a player was at their most nervous. No matter how confident they were or how great their odds were all things became questionable at this time. This was no playoff that was the best of a series, this was single elimination where everything came down to the line in one match, so it was only natural to be uneasy at being uncertain of their opponent’s strength.
1509
1510That being said, their nervousness vanished the moment the starting signal sounded.
1511
1512Once the battle was initiated, there was no room for further doubt.
1513
1514
1515
1516
1517
1518Once the signal was lit, both sides began bombarding one another.
1519
1520They were using long range magic attacks.
1521
1522The audience was overjoyed at this result; whereas, the supporters in First High’s stands were shocked into silence.
1523
1524There were approximately 600 meters between the two fields.
1525
1526The distance was shorter than the woodlands or valley settings, but in terms of range for firearms, this was still a stretch for the effective firing range of assault weapons. This was the range for sniper rifles.
1527
1528At the same time, both sides were firing at one another with CADs shaped like automatics as they steadily approached one another step by step.
1529
1530Tatsuya was dual-wielding twin pistols just as he was during the preliminary and semifinal rounds.
1531
1532On the other side, Masaki had swapped out the Generalized CAD he used during the semifinals for a Specialized CAD.
1533
1534While the CAD in Tatsuya’s right hand was responsible for intercepting enemy attacks, the CAD in his left was retaliating. Realizing this, Masaki abandoned his defense and concentrated on attacking.
1535
1536The ensuing result was,
1537
1538The originally disparate gulf in firepower widened even further.
1539
1540Compared to Masaki’s “shots” that possessed the power to decisively end the engagement, Tatsuya’s “shots” could do nothing aside from trying to tie up his opponent.
1541
1542However, his attacks were not telling. This level of Oscillation-Type Magic was too weak to rate actual defense, as a Magician’s unconscious Data Fortification would protect themselves.
1543
1544The number of attacks was also overwhelmingly inferior.
1545
1546Despite having many tricks up his sleeve, Tatsuya was undoubtedly weaker in terms of pure technical skills. Yet, not only was he exposing himself to his opponent’s attacks, he was accurately shooting down each of the incoming attacks at a distance that the naked eye could barely ascertain. Just this point alone was awe inspiring.
1547
1548“Such courage!”
1549
1550A nameless Year 3 male student quietly gasped.
1551
1552“Is he really a Course 2 student?”
1553
1554A female player asked one of her teammates.
1555
1556The upperclassmen were expressing their surprise not because of the strength of his magic, but because he maintained his mental concentration despite suffering severe bombardment from his opponent.
1557
1558Yet — Mayumi, Katsuto, Suzune, Azusa, Hattori…… Each of them wore grim faces.
1559
1560Right now, both sides were still feeling each other out, but every step Tatsuya took forward put him more and more on the defensive and subsequently, he was retaliating less and less. This point was blatantly obvious to all of them.
1561
1562
1563
1564
1565
1566Compared to the players and members of First High, Kichijouji felt an altogether different shock in Third High’s territory.
1567
1568Tatsuya was currently using Oscillation-Type Magic.
1569
1570Yet, in the three matches leading up to this moment, Tatsuya was using Nonsystematic and Weight-Type Magic.
1571
1572(He managed to alter the design of his Activation Sequence in a mere two hours……?)
1573
1574Kichijouji shook his head to dispel the cobwebs.
1575
1576No matter how skilled his CAD calibration skills were, the calibration process had no bearing on the match itself.
1577
1578What determined the outcome was only how he chose to wield the result of his calibrations.
1579
1580This was not the time to appreciate his calibration speed. That was the “perplexity” that may lead to an accident in battle—
1581
1582“Proceed as we discussed, I’m heading out!”
1583
1584“Understood, leave the rear to me!”
1585
1586He hadn’t even noticed his hubris towards the enemy team before his eyes. Kichijouji looped around Masaki’s rear and charged towards First High’s territory.
1587
1588
1589
1590
1591
1592Since Kichijouji charged out of allied territory, the match had entered a new phase. Nonetheless, the audience’s attention was largely still focused on Tatsuya and Masaki’s ongoing struggle.
1593
1594To be able to endlessly release powerful magic, Masaki’s talent was truly worthy of praise.
1595
1596Regardless, Tatsuya’s “Gram Demolition” that unerringly struck down Masaki’s magic was even more moving.
1597
1598Few members of the audience were aware of high level Counter Magic like “Gram Demolition”. “Gram Demolition” demanded an excessive psion count, so even researchers specializing in the field had few opportunities to catch a glimpse of this magic.
1599
1600Even without knowledge on the subject, the large screen that displayed the psion movements clearly showed the scene of brilliant psion shells striking, shattering, and then erasing the Compression-Type Magic Sequences.
1601
1602This was a glorious, dreamlike image that set one’s heart aflame.
1603
1604Magicians who could perceive the psions and the spectators who possessed latent magic talent had no need for the large screen and could only bow before the psions wildly dancing in a storm of magic before their eyes.
1605
1606Unbound by reason or logic, they were held spellbound by this spectacular air show.
1607
1608
1609
1610
1611
1612Presently, Tatsuya focused all his attention on shutting down each of Masaki’s attacks.
1613
1614Even so, he still took note of Kichijouji emerging from Third High’s position.
1615
1616Like a chain reaction — in reality this was a direct result of seeing Kichijouji’s advance, Tatsuya’s hitherto steady pace accelerated to a run.
1617
1618Masaki didn’t panic in the slightest at Tatsuya’s change of pace and calmly launched Compression-Type Magic at Tatsuya.
1619
1620His run failed to adopt any evasive maneuvers.
1621
1622It’s not like his opponent was using his eyes to aim, so that degree of evasion was meaningless.
1623
1624As he ran forward, Tatsuya concentrated on the mass of energy formed to alter the Eidos in the air and sent a bullet made of psions — “Gram Demolition” straight into the mass, shattering Masaki’s magic before it could materialize.
1625
1626Nonetheless — with the distance between them drawing ever closer, aiming was more simplistic. While physical distance was not a direct factor, the closer the physical target was, the easier it became to perceive its proximity and existence.
1627
1628Especially when aiming air-like objects that are not usually visible. The closer the target was, the easier it became to take aim.
1629
1630Of course, in this situation, the only target at hand was Tatsuya himself.
1631
1632Fifty meters from Masaki, Tatsuya ground to a halt and was unable to completely nullify Masaki’s attacks.
1633
1634The compressed air that Tatsuya failed to bring down came crashing towards Tatsuya.
1635
1636Tatsuya relied on his five senses to detect their trajectory and deftly used his physical techniques to avoid them as he continued to advance towards Masaki.
1637
1638Unable to advance straight forward, the dozens of yards between them became an insurmountable wall for Tatsuya.
1639
1640
1641
1642
1643
1644“So, he’s finally reached the point where he can’t hold back any more.”
1645
1646Seeing Tatsuya forced into a corner, Yamanaka actually remarked happily.
1647
1648“Please be serious, sensei. Even Tatsuya-kun can’t rely on only his five senses to completely detect the early warning signs of magic invocation and Invisible Bullet. Given the current situation, we can still use a ‘sixth sense‘ as an excuse in place of ‘Eye of the Spirits’.”
1649
1650At Fujibayashi’s vigorous defense, Yamanaka smiled devilishly.
1651
1652“Really? That’s true, while he can fool those third and fourth rate scrubs…… It’s hard to imagine he could pull a fast one under the eyes of that gentleman.”
1653
1654Yamanaka’s line of sight was resting on Elder Kudou, who was watching the match with abundant interest from his seat in the chairman’s lounge.
1655
1656Fujibayashi only spared him a quick glance before switching back to Tatsuya.
1657
1658
1659
1660
1661
1662Kichijouji was looping around the fringe of the arena as he advanced towards First High’s monolith. When he came within 100 meters of First High’s territory, Leo barred his path.
1663
1664Finding it odd that the defender was so far forward, Kichijouji fired off an “Invisible Bullet” as he ruminated on this.
1665
1666No, more like he was about to fire.
1667
1668“Wha?”
1669
1670In front of him, a black wall obscured his gaze. Leo had removed his mantle and held it unfurled before him.
1671
1672A metallic plate flashed towards Kichijouji’s flank like a storm of blades.
1673
1674Facing the flying blade from the Weaponized Integrated CAD, Kichijouji immediately activated Move-Type Magic and sprang backwards to avoid the blow.
1675
1676On its heels, a powerful gust chased after him.
1677
1678Kichijouji used Weight-Type Magic to reduce inertia his body was suffering and used the force of the wind to reduce the gust attack.
1679
1680(How meddlesome!)
1681
1682Kichijouji muttered in his mind and aimed the “Invisible Bullet” at Mikihiko.
1683
1684He chose to first remove this irksome fire support.
1685
1686However, the moment his gaze fell across the gray robes, he was suddenly unable to detect the target’s proximity.
1687
1688Like a heat wave disrupting the focal point of a camera, the gray figure became fuzzy and hard to grasp.
1689
1690(Illusions!?)
1691
1692They had taken advantage of the fact that “Invisible Bullet” required visual confirmation. The moment Kichijouji realized this, he also detected the blade of the “Mini Communicator” slashing downwards at his head. Unable to dodge, he could only close his eyes and await the impact.
1693
1694“Gah!”
1695
1696Yet, Leo was the one who cried out in pain as if all the air had been forcibly expelled from his lungs.
1697
1698The blade Leo swung was sent off target and buried itself into the earth. Leo was flung aside by the blast and crumpled to the floor.
1699
1700“Masaki!”
1701
1702He was saved! Sparing the words of thanks, Kichijouji called out the name of his protector.
1703
1704Kichijouji, who had completely fallen into the enemy’s trap, was plucked out of danger by Masaki, who was still bombarding Tatsuya’s position.
1705
1706His fingers quickly danced across the screen of his CAD as Kichijouji brought up Weight-Type Magic.
1707
1708The force of gravity abruptly intensified, sending Mikihiko “plummeting” downwards helplessly.
1709
1710Kichijouji abandoned fixating on his favorite magic and poured on the magic to crush Mikihiko into the earth.
1711
1712Completely suppressed, Mikihiko could only expel the crushed air out of his mouth.
1713
1714Tatsuya did not idly watch this scene pass by.
1715
1716The split second that Masaki diverted his attention to Kichijouji, Tatsuya immediately closed the gap to within 5 meters.
1717
1718For someone with Tatsuya’s physical skills, this was but a paltry display of his prowess.
1719
1720Yet, his target still remained one step away.
1721
1722Masaki’s face clearly betrayed his agitation.
1723
1724Rather than being a panic brought on by terror, the instincts of a soldier who had survived the battlefield told him he was in danger.
1725
1726A continuous chain of sixteen compressed air bullets, far surpassing the limits laid down by the rules, came swarming towards Tatsuya.
1727
1728The Counter Magic Gram Demolition was a technique that used compressed psions as bullets to forcibly eradicate Magic Sequences.
1729
1730Due to its forceful nature, this was a highly inefficient technique.
1731
1732Unknown to the common man, Magic Sequences also differed in strength.
1733
1734The Magic Sequences forged by someone of Masaki’s caliber could not be so easily disassembled, so overwhelming force was used to forcibly annihilate it, which required an outrageous amount of compressed psions. Even for Tatsuya, this was not an inconsiderable sum, though it was far beyond what an average Magician could produce even if they spent the entire day working at it.
1735
1736Yet in this instant, he had to dispel 16 shots.
1737
1738Even though Tatsuya instantly made the call that Gram Demolition wasn’t going to make it in time, he resolutely refused to use “Decomposition”. He stubbornly stuck to his orders to keep classified magic under wraps.
1739
1740He hid the fact that he was capable of “decomposing” information structures through “Gram Dispersal” and met the attack with “Gram Demolition”.
1741
1742The ensuing result was a given.
1743
1744After bringing down 14 of the shots, the last two hits struck home on Tatsuya’s body.
1745
1746
1747
1748
1749
1750Seeing Tatsuya begin to crumple towards his feet, Masaki spat out “Shit!” in deep regret.
1751
1752While in a complete flight or fight mode, he had released magic that surpassed the rules for destructive power. He realized this point the moment he released his magic.
1753
1754This was only a few seconds after the fact, so the panel of judges might not have noticed yet.
1755
1756The red flag hadn’t been raised yet, but he was profoundly aware that he was about to be disqualified for violating the rules.
1757
1758That realization caused precious seconds to slip from Masaki’s hands.
1759
1760His mind was completely blank as he concluded that there was nothing he could do to avert that.
1761
1762
1763
1764
1765
1766[Multiple rib fracture. Liver ruptured. Massive internal bleeding.]
1767
1768[Combat level dropping below optimal conditions]
1769
1770[Auto Restoration Ability \ Auto Activate]
1771
1772[Magic Sequence \ Uploading]
1773
1774[Core · Eidos · Data \ Retrieving from storage]
1775
1776[Restoration \ Commence — Complete]
1777
1778
1779
1780
1781
1782—This sequence was completed even before Tatsuya could even consciously realize this.
1783
1784Subconscious signal processing vastly outstripped conscious signal processing in terms of speed.
1785
1786By the time he realized he was collapsing, his flesh had already been restored.
1787
1788Within easy grasp of his fingers, a pair of motionless legs could be seen.
1789
1790Tatsuya had no clue why Masaki stood there frozen and completely defenseless.
1791
1792Currently, that reason did not concern him.
1793
1794Before he even took the time to dwell on that subject, his body had already risen to its feet.
1795
1796He took a step forward with his right foot and stretched his right arm past Masaki’s face that was appalled with shock.
1797
1798The right hand that stabbed forth was never intended to strike Masaki, and just as it passed Masaki’s ear an explosion that was on the same level as a flash bang sprang from Tatsuya’s right hand.
1799
1800The roar rendered the observation deck utterly silent.
1801
1802Even Kichijouji, who was still locked in combat, couldn’t help but stop his actions and turn to look.
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808On Tatsuya’s right hand, his thumb was pressed tightly against the tip of his index finger as he held his inter-crossed fingers before him.
1809
1810Under the gaze of the all the players, judges, spectators, and supporters, Masaki sank to the floor while Tatsuya powerlessly fell to his knees.
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816“What? What the heck just happened?”
1817
1818Her face and voice unified in complete panic, Mayumi inquired of her neighbors.
1819
1820No one answered her.
1821
1822Neither Suzune nor Azusa could answer Mayumi’s question.
1823
1824“……He snapped his fingers and then amplified the volume.”
1825
1826The answer came from Katsuto, who was directly across from Suzune.
1827
1828“……That sounds about right. He simply amplified the sound wave. Such a cacophony would likely rupture his eardrums and the semicircular canals, thus incapacitating Ichijou-kun. Certainly well within the confines of the rules.”
1829
1830Suzune said after Katsuto.
1831
1832“While the sound was amplified many decibels higher, the magic that was used earlier was solely from the Oscillation System. That’s why Tatsuya-kun, who doesn’t excel in activating magic at high speeds, could still accomplish this in such a swift manner.”
1833
1834“That was obvious right from the start! Anyone could tell that from seeing the right hand!”
1835
1836However, Mayumi’s mood seemed to blacken even more at these explanations.
1837
1838“I am asking why was Tatsuya-kun able to rise after sustaining Ichijou-kun’s attacks that should have crippled him!
1839
1840Wasn’t Tatsuya-kun taken out right there!?
1841
1842His counter with ‘Gram Demolition’ was clearly not in time, right!?
1843
1844He should have taken at least two hits!
1845
1846So why has Tatsuya-kun taken damage that is beyond the maximum threshold for destruction and is still able to continue to fight!?”
1847
1848“Saegusa, calm down!”
1849
1850Mayumi took the news that Tatsuya might have sustained terrible injuries extremely poorly, as evidenced by her ashen face. Katsuto tried to calm her in a solemn voice.
1851
1852“I saw the same scene, but the truth of the matter is that Shiba stood on his feet and moved in a manner that someone with grievous injuries is simply incapable of and defeated the enemy. Based on his current appearance, he appears to have suffered damage from the sound attack he released and not any other major injury.”
1853
1854“But……”
1855
1856“Isn’t Shiba an expert in antiquated martial arts? Rumor has it that the older styles contained physical arts that could strengthen the body and techniques that could mitigate blows directed towards the body. This is probably something similar to that.”
1857
1858“…………”
1859
1860Even though she wasn’t entirely convinced of the veracity of Katsuto’s words, Mayumi still recovered her calm.
1861
1862“Our knowledge does not make up the entirety of the world. Magic is not the only ‘miracle’ out there.
1863
1864In addition, the match isn’t over yet.”
1865
1866“……You’re absolutely correct. I apologize, Juumonji-kun. Sorry, Rin-chan.”
1867
1868As Mayumi was reconciling with Suzune, the battle entered a new phase.
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874“No matter when I see his Self-Restoration, the sight always impresses me to no end.”
1875
1876Fujibayashi turned a half skeptical look at Yamanaka, who was happily remarking on the situation — albeit with an appropriately lowered volume to account for the crowd around them.
1877
1878“……Did you really see Self-Restoration actually activating? I, for one, didn’t see the psion waves generated by spell activation.”
1879
1880“Neither did I. I doubt Kudou-sama noticed either. That being said, the speed of his Self-Restoration ability has long since surpassed the realms of human cognition speeds.”
1881
1882After reaching this point, Yamanaka finally noticed Fujibayashi glaring severely at him.
1883
1884“Ah, no — I didn’t see anything. Of course I didn’t see Shiba Tatsuya-kun use some sort of theoretically impossible Self-Restoration ability. Seriously, his endurance is superhuman. How interesting!”
1885
1886Yamanaka said lightly while indulging in delighted laughter. Fujibayashi stared at him in perplexity.
1887
1888“Regardless, please don’t call him in so you can run experiments on him. He’s one of the only two people in this country, and rumored to be among the 50 or so precious assets with Strategic-Class abilities!”
1889
1890“Somehow, I don’t think he’s such a weakling that he’d fall apart after one or two experiments.”
1891
1892“Whether he would fall apart is not the problem here!”
1893
1894At this merciless scolding, Yamanaka quickly shrank his neck in.
1895
1896“Fine, but no matter how we slice it…… He used that thing, just like Fujibayashi said he would.”
1897
1898“Indeed, Ichijou-kun is simply too tough an opponent with a low quality CAD. I think that even Flash Cast would be legitimate here.”
1899
1900“Single Systematic Flash Cast, eh. Oh well, at least he managed to keep our secrets.”
1901
1902The ones who wanted Flash Cast to remain a secret were the Yotsuba Family and not the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. This ability was considered too unethical for even the military to adopt.
1903
1904The Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion labeled Tatsuya’s original magic as classified. Even in the direst straits, Tatsuya stuck to his guns and never used “Decomposition”, only activating his Personal Restoration ability, which was something that no one could identify even if they saw it anyway. This way, Tatsuya only drew the attention of the masses. Otherwise, from the military’s perspective, a prized military asset like Tatsuya should be constantly protected from the influence of foreign elements.
1905
1906At the same time, that would also severely limit his personal freedom. If the situation developed in that direction, the military would be forced to consider opposing, no, flat out countermeasures against Tatsuya. While his words were irksome, Yamanaka actually heaved a sigh of relief at the current outcome.
1907
1908“The CAD in his left hand is calibrated for Oscillation-Type Magic precisely to cover for this. He’s just as prudent as always.”
1909
1910“If that’s a high school student, there is something seriously wrong with this world. But, Flash Cast…… If he was an enemy, that sort of speed would be a terrifying threat.”
1911
1912Fujibayashi expressed her sincere acknowledgement of Yamanaka’s words.
1913
1914“Indeed…… That’s practically brainwashing the brain into carving the images of the Activation Sequences into memory, then directly recalling the Activation Sequence from memory without the aid of a CAD. This ability completely bypasses the need for the CAD to spread and read the Activation Sequences……
1915
1916In his situation, the calculation area in his consciousness has taken this to the next level. By being able to construct Magic Sequences from memory, he also avoids the time needed to construct Magic Sequences in real time…… This way, he has absolutely replaced the deficit in processing speed.”
1917
1918“More like made up for and then some. Do we even have someone in the troop that can beat the speed he just displayed? Even Yanagi, who shares the same systematic talent, is only barely able to match him.”
1919
1920“……True, I can’t think of anyone else.”
1921
1922The two of them were no longer watching the match.
1923
1924They were solely focused on Tatsuya, who was still kneeling on the ground.
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930Kichijouji was utterly panic stricken.
1931
1932He could not believe the scene that lay before his eyes.
1933
1934Masaki was stretched out on the ground.
1935
1936Even though his opponent, Tatsuya, was also kneeling on the floor, light still dwelt within his eyes.
1937
1938In other words……
1939
1940(Masaki, lost……?)
1941
1942This was an altogether unbelievable sight.
1943
1944An implausibility that simply couldn’t occur.
1945
1946Originally, even if there was a minuscule chance the team could lose, the possibility that Masaki would fall was practically zero.
1947
1948“Kichijouji, watch out!”
1949
1950Kichijouji snapped out of it upon hearing his teammate calling out to him from their original position and activated “Lightning Rod” magic on reflex.
1951
1952The grass became the focal point of the lightning attack and grounded out the electrical force.
1953
1954Kichijouji finally realized that his opponent, who should have been crushed into the ground by Weight-Type Magic, was panting as the long robe whipped about him and glaring at him.
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960When the roar reached his ears, Mikihiko had no idea what had just happened.
1961
1962He didn’t have the leisure to personally witness his surroundings.
1963
1964Still, when the pressure forcing him into the ground suddenly vanished, he quickly rolled to a safe distance and got to his feet and spontaneously adopted evasive maneuvers.
1965
1966Then, he finally took a good look around him.
1967
1968Leo had been knocked unconscious.
1969
1970Tatsuya was on both knees. Even though he hadn’t fallen, he didn’t look like he could continue.
1971
1972And next to him, Ichijou Masaki stretched out his full length on the ground.
1973
1974(You did it, Tatsuya!)
1975
1976Mikihiko once thought that Tatsuya could find a way through anything; yet on the other hand, he also felt: “Even Tatsuya is……” Fired up by the achievement before his eyes, Mikihiko leaped up with renewed vigor.
1977
1978Not that Mikihiko’s condition was any better.
1979
1980Maybe, he was the worst off of the three.
1981
1982A sharp, stabbing pain accompanied each laborious breath.
1983
1984Even if the ribs weren’t broken, he probably couldn’t avoid minor fractures.
1985
1986Due to the exorbitant amount of time under stress, he was a little light-headed right now.
1987
1988His back was still in pain from being violently thrown to the ground. Mikihiko cursed the hardness of the earth despite the grass in the privacy of his mind.
1989
1990However — he was not about to surrender.
1991
1992In the worst case scenario, he still had to go one on two.
1993
1994No, fear had no place in his heart, this was the savage truth of reality. Even so — defeat was not an option.
1995
1996Tatsuya conquered the “Crimson Prince”.
1997
1998At the very least, he was going to show him that he could take down “Cardinal George” — it was this “obstinacy” that drove Mikihiko to stand on shaky legs.
1999
2000He manipulated his CAD to release a lightning attack. At the same time, he channeled magic into the gray robe he wore — psions that had been digitized.
2001
2002His image was consumed by the spirits of “shadow” hidden in his robe.
2003
2004Shadows are not synonymous with darkness.
2005
2006The outline of an object could be traced by its shadow.
2007
2008As independent information bodies of “shadow,” the spirits of shadow could disrupt the light and darkness that made up the silhouette in order to hamper an opponent’s ability to identify and aim at the target.
2009
2010The spell originally belonged to the Yoshida Family and him by extension, but Tatsuya was the one who provided the robe as supplement, rewrote the software of the CAD to its current peak condition, and suggested that he use this spell to distort his image.
2011
2012It was all thanks to Tatsuya that he could come close to matching his previous self — though Erika believed that he had surpassed his past — in terms of magic.
2013
2014For someone with his family background and history to be forced into such degrading tasks was the ultimate humiliation, and Tatsuya was the one who gave him the opportunity to prove his mettle on the battlefield.
2015
2016Along the way to the finals, Tatsuya was also the integral cog that made their advancement possible.
2017
2018At this rate, at the end of all things, all the laurels would fall on Tatsuya.
2019
2020Upon realizing this, Mikihiko bit his lip and funneled new life into his wavering legs.
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026—I will not rely on Tatsuya for everything!
2027
2028—My pride forbids me from doing so!
2029
2030—No matter what it takes, I will have my vengeance!
2031
2032—Kichijouji Shinkurou, how you have dragged me into the mud!
2033
2034—Come, allow me to return the favor!
2035
2036
2037
2038
2039
2040These were the proud, grandiose, and arrogant words that Mikihiko spoke to himself.
2041
2042Tatsuya said it already.
2043
2044He already told me.
2045
2046It is not you, Mikihiko, who is lacking. It is the spell itself.
2047
2048Then—
2049
2050(Tatsuya, allow me to prove the truth of your words!)
2051
2052He ignored the magic that shot around his body.
2053
2054Shadow magic had displaced an illusion of himself several steps away for the enemy to shoot at.
2055
2056Putting faith in his own abilities, Mikihiko typed a long string of commands into the large smart phone-shaped CAD hidden in the inside of his robe.
2057
2058Next, he took his right hand off the CAD and slapped the earth next to his feet.
2059
2060Most Generalized CADs use two numbers and a confirmation key for a total of three keys to begin an Activation Sequence.
2061
2062Higher quality models, especially the high tech smartphone ones, had features that included auto complete and selection of high efficiency magics, so one key stroke was all that was necessary to activate magic.
2063
2064Yet today, Mikihiko hit over 15 keystrokes.
2065
2066That was 5 times as many moves as the usual Generalized CAD needs for magic invocation.
2067
2068Nevertheless, Mikihiko used a fraction of the normal time to complete the steps for Ancient Magic.
2069
2070Since the number of key strokes for each Activation Sequence was the same, Mikihiko had no need to hit any extra keys. He wasn’t planning on combining five magics into one Magic Sequence, he was setting for the continuous activation of five magics.
2071
2072This was a technique that unfolded in increments.
2073
2074It wasn’t a simple Magic Sequence that had five magics crammed inside. Inside the code for each magic, there lay instructions to begin constructing the next Magic Sequence.
2075
2076Each magic would verify the surrounding conditions and pass that onto the next spell, which was a mandatory and critical step for all Magicians who wielded Spirit Magic.
2077
2078This continuous chain of movements didn’t require individual verification, but would process everything in a single, uninterrupted string.
2079
2080That was the answer that Tatsuya gave Mikihiko.
2081
2082
2083
2084
2085
2086The earth groaned beneath his hands.
2087
2088Kichijouji was aware that the groaning was not caused by the Ancient Magic user striking the earth with his hands, but because he had activated Oscillation-Type Magic in the ground.
2089
2090In spite of this, the “Magister”-like appearance and movements as well as their accompanying effect was sufficient to allow Kichijouji to mistakenly perceive that “the earth shook when the palm struck the ground”.
2091
2092Cracks formed in the earth beneath Mikihiko’s hands and rushed towards the location where Kichijouji had lost his balance.
2093
2094The ground was not physically tearing apart, but was being separated by the force exerted within. Theoretically, this was a concept he understood.
2095
2096But for unknown reasons, his mental calculations seemed to have lost touch with reality.
2097
2098Kichijouji used a combination of Weight-Type and Move-Type Magic and sought to escape through the air.
2099
2100However, his feet were unable to leave the earth.
2101
2102Grass was firmly wrapped around his ankles.
2103
2104—He didn’t know of any magic that could command the plants like animals.
2105
2106His heart wavered at the idea of being attacked by unknown magic.
2107
2108This was done by simply commanding the air currents that brushed over the earth’s surface to create the image that the grass had wrapped around the target. Yet, Magicians who were only familiar with Systematic Magics would never believe that this was simply a “coincidental” — instead of actually changing the direction of the currents, all that was necessary was the perception of being “entangled” — brush of air.
2109
2110The cracks in the earth arrived beneath his feet.
2111
2112Kichijouji could almost feel the grass pulling him into the earth.
2113
2114These were all illusions.
2115
2116In order to escape from these illusions, Kichijouji gathered every ounce of Magic Power at his command into a leaping spell.
2117
2118—And completely ignored the possibility that all this was unnecessary.
2119
2120He had no need to tear through the cumbersome grass to jump to such a height.
2121
2122Kichijouji was overcome with relief at escaping the mossy hell that had risen to his chin by springing into the sky. In this particular moment, his consciousness had completely overlooked Mikihiko’s presence. The opponent whom he was locked in battle with currently did not exist within his attention.
2123
2124This was the decisive opening.
2125
2126Mikihiko had continuously activated 5 magics.
2127
2128“Earthshaker”, “Earth Splitter”, “Wild Hair”, “Ant Hell”.
2129
2130Those were the first four spells that Mikihiko used.
2131
2132And for his last attack, “Thunder Child”, this one was going to swat Kichijouji from the heavens as it came hurtling down from above.
2133
2134
2135
2136
2137
2138“You bastard!”
2139
2140Using his hands to hold him up, Mikihiko confirmed the kill shot. At this time, magic launched by the last member from Third High came flying towards him.
2141
2142Dirt and dust piled atop one another as they came rolling forward, also known as Move-Type Magic “Land Tsunami”.
2143
2144Compared to the original conception of the magic, this was really a downscaled Land Tsunami. Maybe it was because the user wasn’t well versed in this magic, or he toned down the firepower because of the rules.
2145
2146Nonetheless, for Mikihiko, who had already sustained considerable damage from Kichijouji, this spell had sufficient power to finish him off.
2147
2148He might be able to summon the spirits still burrowed in the earth to repel the oncoming dirt, Mikihiko thought — then swiftly gave up.
2149
2150Alas, he didn’t have much Magic Power left.
2151
2152While it was called Spirit Magic, the “spirits” themselves didn’t actually possess any power. Spirits were ultimately information bodies and nothing more than mediums used to influence the Eidos.
2153
2154So, we still lost…… He thought as he watched the earth rush towards him. Suddenly, Mikihiko’s vision was obscured by darkness.
2155
2156With the heavy sound of something colliding into a metal wall, the earth returned to its original position.
2157
2158Mikihiko raised his head towards the black flying object that blocked his view.
2159
2160There, he found his teammate waving his hands and shouting at him.
2161
2162The flying edge of the Weaponized Integrated CAD had traveled a long distance to take out Third High’s last player.
2163
2164
2165
2166
2167
2168“……Did we win?”
2169
2170“……Yeah, we did.”
2171
2172Mayumi asked as if muttering to herself, to which Suzune replied in the same manner.
2173
2174That became the signal.
2175
2176No one knew who started cheering.
2177
2178One person set off two others, then four people, eight people, the chain reaction continued onward.
2179
2180Finally culminating in an explosion.
2181
2182First High’s disorderly cries seemed to merge together and sent the observation deck rocking.
2183
2184This was a pure and innocent expression of emotion.
2185
2186It was a sound that both serenaded the victors and bestowed the crushing blow of judgment towards the defeated.
2187
2188However, this reckless celebration quickly tapered away.
2189
2190Meanwhile, in the front row of First High’s supporters.
2191
2192The figure of a young lady could be seen as she clasped both hands to her mouth as she watched the arena with tears of joy trickling down her cheeks.
2193
2194Seeing her brother stagger to his feet and wave at her, she was at a loss for words and could only gaze at him.
2195
2196As if to support her, the applause gradually spread around her.
2197
2198Shortly afterward, the applause spread from the stands for First High’s supporters and spread across the entire stadium, regardless of whether they were friend or foe to form a clapping tide of praise.
2199
2200—The entire stadium was enveloped in warm applause.
2201
2202
2203
2204
2205
2206Even Tatsuya couldn’t help but be embarrassed by the unexpected shower of applause.
2207
2208Tatsuya took off his helmet and walked to the two others. Leo and Mikihiko were both waiting for him, neither one of them sparing a glance at the audience stands.
2209
2210“……Speaking of which, you stole all the limelight. Were you waiting for that to happen?”
2211
2212The first thing Tatsuya said as he approached was this accusation of being a glory hound. Yet, regardless of whether it was the recipient Leo, Mikihiko who heard this, or Tatsuya who spoke up, everyone knew this was only to hide their awkwardness.
2213
2214“No way. I was really out of it for a while. That’s the first time I’ve taken such a hit since taking a hit from a large motorcycle two years ago.”
2215
2216“What? You took a hit from a large motorcycle?”
2217
2218Mikihiko asked with an “Are you joking?” expression, but Leo nodded his head earnestly.
2219
2220“Yeah, that one hurt a lot. There was some kid behind me so I couldn’t dodge, so I just decided to bite the bullet and pow! Just like that…… Still got hurt though, since I got away with three fractured ribs. Fortunately, this one wasn’t as bad as last time.”
2221
2222“Uh…… Leo? Just in case, I just want to make sure that you used Fortifying Magic to defend against the compressed air pellets, right……?”
2223
2224“Eh~, I’m sorry to say that all my concentration was focused on attacking…… So as you can see, I didn’t have any defenses in place. Ah! How embarrassing.”
2225
2226Mikihiko’s face was flooded with question marks. Bluntly speaking, he was openly gaping, but fortunately no one was on hand to laugh at his expense, since the large screen had switched to view the entire arena overhead and was unable to capture any details of the players’ expressions.
2227
2228“Then, you’re telling me…… You just took Ichijou-kun’s magic attacks?”
2229
2230“I was defenseless, right? That’s why it took me so long to get up. Hm? Mikihiko, you broke your lip. Are you OK?”
2231
2232“Ah…… Yeah, I’m OK…… Sorta.”
2233
2234Mikihiko could only stand there stupefied at this disjointed conversation and unbelievable confession. However, Leo was in an excellent mood, so he didn’t pay much attention to Mikihiko’s bewilderment.
2235
2236“Speaking of which, Tatsuya, you OK?”
2237
2238“Hm? Sorry, could you repeat that?”
2239
2240“I said, Tatsuya, you OK?”
2241
2242“Ah…… Eardrums are ruptured on one side. Right now my ears aren’t doing too well. Compared to that, Mikihiko, what’s wrong with you? You look like you’ve seen a UFO.”
2243
2244Mikihiko was currently engaged in a mental struggle over “Was he the strange one, no, that’s impossible”.
2245
2246“Uh, Tatsuya, you didn’t hear…… our earlier conversation, did you?”
2247
2248“I’m sorry. I’m reading lips right now to get a hint of what’s going on. I did however catch the part about Leo getting hit by a large motorcycle.”
2249
2250“……So, do you have any questions for him?”
2251
2252As if trying to end his mental struggle once and for all and prove that he was perfectly normal, Mikihiko asked Tatsuya with considerable trepidation, but……
2253
2254“Questions? About what?”
2255
2256Tatsuya’s answer sent Mikihiko looking skyward in despair.
2257
2258“Mikihiko, what’s the matter? Don’t be so melancholy. We won! We are the champions, the champions!”
2259
2260“You’re right……”
2261
2262Mikihiko suddenly looked exhausted, which was perfectly natural considering Leo was perfectly at ease and Tatsuya seemed to mirror that sentiment.
2263
2264Seeing those two, Mikihiko thought.
2265
2266In the end, the final gasp was not decided by Magic Power or spells, but by physical endurance.
2267
2268Upon seeing the two others finally give in to the undying applause and stand there side by side, shoulder to shoulder, as they waved back in response despite their embarrassment, Mikihiko was painfully aware that: “I need to train a lot more……”
2269
2270
2271
2272
2273
2274Chapter 11
2275
2276
2277
2278
2279The celebrations for both the Newcomers Division and overall victories happened at the same time.
2280
2281The three replacements who took First Place and were directly responsible for the triumph in the Newcomers Division were all injured in the finals, so this wasn’t exactly the time for reckless celebration. Even with that in mind, the real reason was even though overall victory was assured, preparations still needed to be made for tomorrow’s Mirage Bat event, hence they didn’t have time to really celebrate.
2282
2283Thanks to First High’s newcomers turning the table, the difference in score between First and Third High grew even further.
2284
2285Currently, the difference was 140 points.
2286
2287For tomorrow’s Mirage Bat event, First Place earned 50 points, Second Place received 30 points, Third Place gets 20 points, and Fourth Place nabbed 10 points.
2288
2289For tomorrow’s preliminary round and the finals for Monolith Code, First Place obtained 100 points, Second Place received 60 points, with Third and Fourth Place each receiving 40 points.
2290
2291Based on tomorrow’s result, First High’s overall victory might become a certainty before reaching the final day.
2292
2293The players and technicians were overwhelmed with work trying to procure the essentials (such as the uniforms and CADs for the Monolith Code players), so any member with time on their hands was also thrown into the fray.
2294
2295Tatsuya intentionally avoided using “Restoration” on his ruptured right eardrum and received the usual medical treatment from the infirmary. Afterwards, he used Self Restoration to fully repair the damage and covered it up with the medical patch issued to him. Currently, he was alone with Miyuki and busy preparing for tomorrow.
2296
2297None of the other team members, especially the upperclassmen, knew that he had fully recovered, so they were still in the throes of worry. While Tatsuya felt slightly guilty about deceiving them, he had his reasons as well. In atonement, he chose to silently endure the discomfort caused by wearing the ear protector in the scorching heat of summer. —He was quite aware that such a trivial matter did not constitute as atonement.
2298
2299Still, even though they were “overwhelmed with work”, this could not compare to the sheer madness from the day before.
2300
2301Scratch that, maybe it wasn’t even close.
2302
2303Yesterday evening, he had to fully equip two people from scratch — three, including himself — CADs included, which created a level of frantic industry rarely seen in this field.
2304
2305Although Miyuki had switched from the Newcomers Division to the Official Division, she was originally slated for Mirage Bat anyway, so her preparations proceeded apace. Events outside of their control had cost them a day, but that wouldn’t affect the outcome by much.
2306
2307“Don’t force yourself, Tatsuya-kun, take a break. You already pushed yourself too hard yesterday.”
2308
2309“Miyuki-chan, you too. If you always work so hard, we’ll never stop incurring injuries.”
2310
2311Tatsuya expertly completed the CAD examination. Along with Miyuki, he was practically forcibly expelled by Mayumi and Suzune, drawing today’s activities to a close.
2312
2313
2314
2315
2316
2317Elsewhere, at this time during the same night, another group of people were plagued by insomnia as they were backed into a corner.
2318
2319“At this point, First High’s victory is practically written on the wall…”
2320
2321“Fuck that! Do you want to give up? Do you want to sit down and die?!”
2322
2323“If First High wins like this, we’re going to lose over a billion. In U.S. dollars!”
2324
2325“We’d be better off dead in the face of that kind of loss! HQ was never interested in this plan because upon failure, the loss in capital would be enormous. We were the ones who forced this plan through. Now, if we’re lucky we would be turned into ‘Generators’, and anyone unworthy would become ‘Boosters’ to slave away for the organization until the day we die.”
2326
2327The men sitting around the table turned fearful gazes on the four frozen men standing in the four corners of the room.
2328
2329“Without this plan, we might not be able to meet our quotas… but I think we overreached ourselves.”
2330
2331“This isn’t the time to say that! …In that case, let’s do it, by any means possible!”
2332
2333“He’s right! We already spent considerable energy forcing the favored candidates to lose their matches. By now, we shouldn’t hesitate to adopt more brutal tactics. Even if our customers are suspicious, so long as we don’t leave any evidence behind, those are only empty accusations at the end. Now, we go all the way or bust!”
2334
2335“Send agents to the assistants. For tomorrow’s Mirage Bat, force all of First High’s players to withdraw — by any means possible!”
2336
2337“They won’t die if they’re lucky. Otherwise, I guess they weren’t lucky.”
2338
2339The men looked at one another with maniacal smiles on their faces, their thoughts in accord.
2340
2341
2342
2343
2344
2345The ninth day of the Nine Schools Competition. The pleasant weather that lasted until yesterday took a turn for the worse, with thick clouds that hinted of rain covering the skies. It was a dark and overcast day.
2346
2347Still, there was no blinding sunlight with the dark clouds in the sky, creating perfect conditions for Mirage Bat. For the players, Miyuki included, this forecast was undoubtedly “excellent weather”.
2348
2349“While this is an ideal condition for Mirage Bat… Yet I somehow feel that this is the harbinger of conflict.”
2350
2351Hearing Tatsuya murmuring to himself as he watched the skies, Miyuki creased her brows.
2352
2353“Is something else going to happen…?”
2354
2355“Since their goal remains a mystery… No evidence of something afoot does not guarantee that nothing will occur. Regardless, Miyuki doesn’t need to worry. No matter what happens, only you, I will protect to the absolute end.”
2356
2357Tatsuya’s words had no superfluous meaning.
2358
2359For Tatsuya, his sole purpose was to safeguard Miyuki.
2360
2361To be brutally honest, in Tatsuya’s mind, sacrificing the other players was nothing more than a method to the madness.
2362
2363However — Tatsuya probably gave thanks that no one was around to overhear their conversation.
2364
2365If a third party was present… If someone saw Tatsuya watching the sky and, out of his sight range, Miyuki drooping her head in embarrassment while wearing a thoroughly delighted smile as she drifted towards him, they might report the siblings for the crime of “homicide by headaches”.
2366
2367
2368
2369
2370
2371Miyuki was set to appear in the second match.
2372
2373Actually, appearing in the first match with the maximum amount of rest was the best case. But now that Tatsuya thought about it, not everything goes their way, so they should be thankful that she wasn’t scheduled for the third match.
2374
2375The two of them chose to observe the first match from the auxiliary observation deck on the side.
2376
2377While there was a 45 minute break between the first and second matches, moving from the main audience stands to the competition arena was a waste of time.
2378
2379The players from the other schools apparently thought the same, given the way they were congregated around one side of the arena.
2380
2381“Kobayakawa-senpai looks pretty fired up!”
2382
2383That was Miyuki’s assessment of their senpai, who was one of the players waiting on one of the upraised circular pillars in the middle of the lake for the starting signal.
2384
2385That was Tatsuya’s opinion as well.
2386
2387However, Mari once complained that Kobayakawa was an unstable individual. Now that he thought about it, since this might be the decisive match that clinched First High’s overall victory, it was probably impossible to tell her to relax.
2388
2389Still, the bottom line was that victory or defeat was entirely up to her, but there didn’t seem to be any problems, Tatsuya thought.
2390
2391Under the combined gaze of the audience, related personnel, and fellow teammates, the starting signal rang out.
2392
2393The first match turned into flurry of activity to decide the standings, but Kobayakawa maintained a slim lead.
2394
2395Breathless, Erika could finally let out a sigh of relief and turned to speak to her neighbor Mizuki — only to find her friend staring at the scene with widened eyes thoroughly unlike her.
2396
2397“Mizuki… Is it OK for you to take off your glasses?”
2398
2399Magicians who were oversensitive to pushion light wore special glasses to inhibit the effects of pushion light as well as to avoid becoming emotionally stimulated by active pushions. In the current situation, taking off her glasses in such a furious event surely brought incredible stress on her spirit.
2400
2401“In truth… It’s a little uncomfortable.”
2402
2403Erika noticed that Mizuki’s hands that were holding her glasses on her thighs shook from time to time.
2404
2405“But, I don’t think that always evading the issue is the answer.”
2406
2407“…I don’t think Mizuki is evading the issue at all.”
2408
2409Erika had heard Mizuki’s reason for attending magic high school numerous times.
2410
2411Of course, the predominant reason was to be able to take advantage of this rare talent. Specifically, she hoped to enroll in the magic universities as a Magic Artificer.
2412
2413Yet at the same time, she also wished to learn how to control this pair of “eyes” that often saw simply too much. Within the limits set for Course 2 students, she wished to receive the fullest amount of training.
2414
2415While still immature, but precisely because she saw this as her “strength”, this certainly did not qualify as running away. And precisely because it wasn’t fully developed yet, Erika believed that using supporting tools and equipment was the right approach.
2416
2417Precisely because of this.
2418
2419“Rome wasn’t built in one day. Likewise, you won’t fully control your abilities in one shot and, though I shouldn’t be the one to say this, doing so usually ruins your body as well. Mizuki, this could cause irreparable damage!”
2420
2421That’s why she chose such a stern lecture.
2422
2423“Yeah… But, if I avert my eyes at a time something that I must see is visible, I think that’s also incorrect…”
2424
2425In spite of this, Mizuki still kept her glasses on her lap.
2426
2427“When Watanabe-senpai was injured, if I was watching carefully, I might have provided some assistance to Tatsuya-kun and the others.”
2428
2429“…So this time, you’re keeping watch in case another incident occurs?”
2430
2431“Exactly. You know…… I think Miyuki will be perfectly fine. That’s because if something was wrong with Miyuki, there’s no way that could escape Tatsuya-kun’s eyes. However, he’s simply unable to handle all the other players today. In addition, he was overworked yesterday. So if…”
2432
2433“If the other players ran into trouble, Tatsuya-kun wouldn’t just sit there twiddling his thumbs either. That’s most likely the case… He looks cold on the outside, but he’s a good guy on the inside.”
2434
2435“Tatsuya-kun’s warmth comes from looking after his friends…!”
2436
2437“Yes, yes, I got it!”
2438
2439(If not towards his “friends”, he would definitely be the sort to make the coldest, most objective decisions.)
2440
2441Erika kept that thought to herself. She pressed both palms together in front of her and sought to comfort the slightly annoyed Mizuki.
2442
2443Mikihiko, who was sitting on Mizuki’s other side, interjected upon hearing their conversation.
2444
2445“I understand Erika’s concerns towards Shibata-san and share the same belief that Tatsuya has. Shibata-san’s ‘eyes’ are undeniably the most reliable tool to prevent someone using Spiritual Magic to hinder the competition. Since we have a barrier erected around us to dampen the effects of pushion light, I don’t think any residual after effects will linger.”
2446
2447Hearing the unnatural eagerness within Mikihiko’s words (according to Erika), Erika revealed a mischievous smirk.
2448
2449“Hm~…? So Miki will protect Mizuki now?
2450
2451If something happens to Mizuki, Miki will take full responsibility now?
2452
2453Of course, that’s the type of responsibility men will take for women, right?”
2454
2455“Wha, this isn’t the time to talk about that!”
2456
2457Beet red, Mikihiko’s furious rebuttal wholly ignored his usual objection to his nickname.
2458
2459Speaking of Mizuki, she was also blushing a deep red and seemed to be at a loss for words.
2460
2461“…You truly are an evil woman!”
2462
2463On the other hand, Erika utterly ignored the sighs and annoyed scoldings coming from the other side of her seat.
2464
2465Between Leo, who was currently being ignored, and Erika, who was feigning ignorance, the usual lively conversation started. At this time, the bell for the second round started.
2466
2467Both of them wore an “unsatisfied” expression and used their facial expressions to convey their meaning while shutting their mouths to avoid distracting the players and the other members of the audience.
2468
2469Afterwards, shortly after the second round began, that incident happened.
2470
2471
2472
2473
2474
2475Both Kobayakawa and another player leaped at the same time towards a green orb in the sky.
2476
2477Unfortunately, the other player reached the target first.
2478
2479Kobayakawa used magic to stop her leaping momentum.
2480
2481Her body came to a stop in the air.
2482
2483Next, she sought to use magic to return to her starting location, but found another player had already landed at that location.
2484
2485Unruffled, she decided on the closest landing spot and switched the Magic Sequence to land there.
2486
2487However, her body that was supposed to move in a diagonal pattern — fell directly downwards through gravity’s influence.
2488
2489Even the spectators in the audience could see Kobayakawa’s expression falter as she began to fall.
2490
2491Shock.
2492
2493Panic.
2494
2495Terror.
2496
2497The magic that was supposed to support her failed to activate.
2498
2499Magic had supported her life to this day, yet suddenly betrayed her at this critical moment. She forgot to even struggle as she plummeted towards the surface of the lake.
2500
2501Even though it was the water’s surface, this was still a 10 meter fall.
2502
2503If the landing was poor, this might be fatal.
2504
2505Nor did Kobayakawa appear to take any stance to prepare for landing.
2506
2507Fortunately, this was an athletic competition with two or three layers of safeguards in place. There were emergency responses in place if a player suddenly lost control of their magic and began to fall.
2508
2509The staff on hand immediately released Speed-Type Magic.
2510
2511From the moment Kobayakawa started to fall until the staff used magic to catch her body, probably less than a second had elapsed.
2512
2513Still, she was less than half way from the water’s surface.
2514
2515This was more than enough to completely crush her confidence.
2516
2517
2518
2519
2520
2521With pitying eyes, Tatsuya watched them carry away his unconscious senpai on a stretcher.
2522
2523The greatest reason why young men and women lost their ability to use magic was because of hazardous situations caused by magic failure and the subsequent distrust towards magic in general.
2524
2525Magic is a power that deceives the world.
2526
2527Magic itself exists outside the truth of the world, hence the deception.
2528
2529Even so, if everyone could use their “eyes” to see magic like Tatsuya, then they could easily believe this deceptive yet truthful power.
2530
2531Nevertheless, for most Magicians (especially the chicks and saplings), magic was an immutable, invisible existence. Even if they could see the psions, they couldn’t see how magic was interacting with their world. In short, they were clueless beyond theoretical knowledge.
2532
2533— When I’m using magic, is this really my own power —
2534
2535Every Magician-in-training came across this question during their education. No, this suspicion. Once magic failed to materialize, resulting in danger that relied on magic to avert, this suspicion rapidly turned into belief.
2536
2537— See, magic doesn’t exist —
2538
2539This belief.
2540
2541Once this idea was implanted into a Magician, magic would forever be out of their reach.
2542
2543Magic was such a fragile existence that balanced on the tips of the mental scales.
2544
2545(…Kobayakawa-senpai is likely broken for life.)
2546
2547As if to comfort the utterly pale Miyuki, Tatsuya cradled her shoulders into his chest as he murmured to himself.
2548
2549When in gravity’s grasp and at the moment of inception, Kobayakawa’s expression was covered with terror.
2550
2551It was someone else. Even if he made that distinction, realizing that someone had forever lost their precious abilities certainly left a bitter after taste.
2552
2553As if pressing a burning brand to the gaping wound, his messaging terminal in the chest pocket started vibrating and arrested his melancholy.
2554
2555Miyuki, who was pressed tightly against him, turned a shocked expression towards Tatsuya. He calmly removed the fold up device and pressed it to his ear.
2556
2557“Tatsuya, it’s me, Mikihiko. Got a moment?”
2558
2559“…Ah, no problem.”
2560
2561Even though the lights clearly showed that the sound wave interference module on the device was working, Tatsuya still lowered his volume.
2562
2563“Unfortunately, during the earlier incident, I was unable to detect any magic at work.”
2564
2565“Is that so…”
2566
2567“Sorry for disappointing you…”
2568
2569“Please don’t worry on that account, I failed to notice anything either.”
2570
2571“However, Shibata-san has something she wants to say to you.”
2572
2573“Mizuki? You mean, her glasses were off?”
2574
2575Tatsuya’s tone contained a level of astonishment that wasn’t feigned.
2576
2577Yet, Mikihiko didn’t immediately reply,
2578
2579“Tatsuya-kun, this is Mizuki.”
2580
2581Because someone else had taken hold of the phone.
2582
2583“Mizuki, did you see anything?”
2584
2585Are you OK? Those words were stuck in Tatsuya’s throat.
2586
2587Still, Tatsuya believed that this would be trampling over Mizuki’s good intentions.
2588
2589As someone affiliated with magic, she made the conscious decision to use her “vision”.
2590
2591Then, inquiring about the results was what a member of the magic world like him should respond with, Tatsuya thought.
2592
2593“Yes, well… On Kobayakawa-senpai’s right arm… maybe near where she was wearing her CAD, I saw a light, no, more like a ‘spirit’ bursting apart.”
2594
2595“Really… You saw that. So, you said this ‘spirit’ burst apart?”
2596
2597“Uh…… Yes, that’s the feeling I got. Like a really old electronic scattering sparks everywhere, something like that……”
2598
2599“I see. So that’s it, I get it now… So that’s how they did it.”
2600
2601Tatsuya got a muddled image of what snare their “enemies” laid for them.
2602
2603“Uh, Tatsuya-kun…?”
2604
2605Apparently, his nodding movement could be detected through his voice over the phone.
2606
2607A somewhat hesitant, but very hopeful voice (from Mizuki) traveled across the other end of the line.
2608
2609“Excellent find, Mizuki. This is an invaluable piece of information!”
2610
2611“Thank you, you are very welcome!”
2612
2613Before Mizuki could ask her burning questions, Tatsuya replied first. Afterwards, Mizuki’s anxious voice came back over the line.
2614
2615
2616
2617
2618
2619Unfortunately, in the first match, First High was forced to withdraw in the middle.
2620
2621Tatsuya departed First High’s pavilion that was currently suffused in a gloomy aura and made his way to the CAD examination pavilion staffed by the board.
2622
2623He left Miyuki in the player’s resting area — even in the pavilion, it still counted as a “room”.
2624
2625Based on the modus operandi, it seemed highly unlikely that they would strike in two consecutive matches, and they hadn’t directly assaulted the players themselves. On the other hand, players usually focused all their attention on the upcoming match rather than worrying about details like mechanical inspections and the sort. Tatsuya adopted a similar line of reasoning with his companions.
2626
2627CAD examination was a procedure that had been repeated numerous times in the past few days and should be the area of least hassle or concern. However, his optimism died the moment he plugged the CAD into the examination device.
2628
2629This behavior was completely impulsive.
2630
2631The moment the board member took the CAD from his hands and connected it to the examination device and started operating the controls,
2632
2633Instantly, he detected the anomaly, and by the time he realized this…
2634
2635His hand had already dragged the man across the table and thrown him violently to the floor.
2636
2637A pained shriek rang out.
2638
2639Immediately afterward, an angry roar — to be precise, it was the guard who let out this angry roar — rapidly approached.
2640
2641But, even hearing this sound was insufficient to halt his intentions.
2642
2643A suffocating aura of killing intent stopped the footsteps in their tracks and draped the scene in silence.
2644
2645This was the manifestation of the last remaining remnant of his “sincerity” (emotion-wise).
2646
2647“…You’ve severely underestimated me!”
2648
2649The painful groan was likely a biological reaction because of the increased force from the kneecap pressed down on his chest.
2650
2651The board member that was thrown to the floor was so terrified of Tatsuya’s demonic aura that his teeth weren’t even chattering and could only lay there with spasms breaking out over his face.
2652
2653“Did you seriously think that you could tamper with Miyuki’s personal effects and not rouse my ire?”
2654
2655Despite hearing this, any third party unaware of his family situation could not comprehend his meaning.
2656
2657At the same time, even if that was the case, no one would fail to understand—
2658
2659The sinister smile on his lips.
2660
2661The board member who was on the receiving end of this violence had touched that which cannot be touched — the scales of the dragon.
2662
2663Completely ignoring the crowd around him, Tatsuya coldly spoke to the man crumpled on the floor.
2664
2665“What did you plant inside Miyuki’s CAD during the examination? That’s not a typical virus!”
2666
2667The man’s face shook even harder now. This level of terror and despair went beyond someone looking Death in the eye. This was the face of the condemned being read their sins in the depths of hell.
2668
2669“So, this is how you tamper with the CAD software. Owing to the rules of the competition, no CAD can avoid coming through this bottleneck.”
2670
2671In the crowd of security personnel who arrived to subdue Tatsuya, the foremost one overheard Tatsuya’s muttering and sucked in a breath. He turned his gaze on the man responsible for CAD examination who was currently subdued by Tatsuya. The officer’s eyes gradually switched from watching a victim to gazing at a potential suspect.
2672
2673“Still, you aren’t the only one responsible for all the shenanigans during this competition, are you?”
2674
2675Under Tatsuya’s knees, tears trickled out of the corner of the man’s eyes as he weakly shook his head.
2676
2677“Oh? You choose silence?”
2678
2679Tatsuya expressively formed the fingers of his right into a karate chop before the man’s eyes.
2680
2681The finger tips approached the man like the fangs of a snake.
2682
2683Tatsuya’s right hand slowly stalked towards the fallen man’s throat.
2684
2685Seeing this, everyone present was mesmerized by the sight and, for some reason, they were all thinking about the same thing.
2686
2687They were visualizing the same event.
2688
2689The young man’s fingers would easily tear through this piteous sinner’s skin, gouge out the throat, and pass merciless judgment amid a sea of blood…
2690
2691“What is going on here?”
2692
2693Just before this tragedy could play out to its inevitable conclusion, an elder’s composed voice released everyone from their stasis.
2694
2695There was no sense of intimidation or majesty; instead, the voice passed over them like a spring breeze as it swallowed the towering murderous intent and neutralized it.
2696
2697“—Kudou-sama!”
2698
2699His demons exorcised, Tatsuya reined in his demonic aura, retracted his hand and knees before rising to bow towards Elder Kudou.
2700
2701“My terrible apologies. I have disturbed you with an unsightly display.”
2702
2703“You are — First High’s Shiba-kun. Yesterday’s match left an indelible impression. So, what’s going on here?”
2704
2705Feeling Tatsuya retract his fangs, someone sought to arrest the young man responsible for this chaos, but a colleague in the front ranks who overheard Tatsuya’s words restrained him.
2706
2707“Due to the illegal activities directed towards our school’s CADs, I am currently interrogating the apprehended suspect.”
2708
2709“Is that so.”
2710
2711Anyone who had been held in place by his demonic aura and murderous intent knew this was a lie.
2712
2713Interrogate wasn’t going to cut it.
2714
2715However, Elder Kudou chose not to pursue that issue and merely inclined his head at Tatsuya’s words.
2716
2717“This is the CAD that was tampered with?”
2718
2719“Correct.”
2720
2721The old Magician once known as the “wiliest” removed the CAD from the examination device and held it before his eyes before nodding in agreement.
2722
2723“…Indeed, an abnormality is present. I’ve seen this before. While I was still in the service, during the battles in the East China Seas, the Magicians in the Guangdong Army used this sort of Golden Electron Silkworms.”
2724
2725As he said this, he directed a chilling gaze towards the man on the ground.
2726
2727This cold voice sent the man crawling backwards.
2728
2729“Golden Electron Silkworms pass across connections to invade electronic devices. It’s a SB magic that disables precision weaponry.”
2730
2731SB Magic was the name given to magic that used self-regulated immaterial existences, also known as “spirits”, as a medium. Elder Kudou briefly recalled his experiences and slowly unmasked this magic.
2732
2733“The silkworms don’t rewrite the process itself. Instead, they interfere with the output signal and may even alter the signal. This delays the spell activation by hampering the electronic mechanism without triggering the OS or anti-virus programs. Prior to identifying the Golden Electron Silkworms, our forces suffered terribly under its effects… Were you aware of this?”
2734
2735“No.”
2736
2737At Elder Kudou’s inquiry, Tatsuya avoided any unnecessary movement and maintained an “at-ease” stance as he replied verbally.
2738
2739“This is the first I’ve heard of the term Golden Electron Silkworms. However, I immediately detected a foreign element intruding on the system I designed.”
2740
2741“I see.”
2742
2743Hearing Tatsuya’s words, Elder Kudou revealed a delighted smile.
2744
2745Still, by the time he turned his gaze on the perpetrator, this smile had morphed into a predatory smile that a veteran Magician of a hundred battles turned on a hapless foe.
2746
2747“Now, where did you come across the spell for Golden Electron Silkworms…?”
2748
2749With a screech, the spy attempted to flee the scene, but was quickly brought down by the guards who originally came to arrest Tatsuya.
2750
2751
2752
2753
2754
2755“Well, Shiba-kun. It’s about time for you to return to the stadium. Just use the backup CADs for now. Since this kind of situation has occurred, there’s no need for further examinations. Speaking of which, board chairman?”
2756
2757At these sudden summons, one of the older gentlemen behind him — that being said, he was still a dozen years younger than Elder Kudou — hurriedly nodded his head.
2758
2759“For such an unsavory individual to infiltrate the staff is a scandal of unprecedented proportions. Afterwards, I would like to hear your explanation.”
2760
2761The chairman looked ready to faint, but still managed to reply in the affirmative. Elder Kudou turned from his band of followers and once more turned a delighted gaze towards Tatsuya.
2762
2763“Shiba Tatsuya-kun, I would like to speak with you sooner or later.”
2764
2765“Definitely, if the opportunity beckons—”
2766
2767“Indeed, allow me to look forward to this ‘opportunity’.”
2768
2769This was the first encounter between Tatsuya and Kudou Retsu.
2770
2771
2772
2773
2774
2775Upon returning to First High’s pavilion, Tatsuya was acutely aware that the looks sent his way had developed minute, yet definitive, changes.
2776
2777—Maybe, he should say they have “reverted to their original state”.
2778
2779The reason he said minute was because they were trying, but failed, to hide their subtle glances. They felt guilty about seeing him in a different light, yet could not suppress the wavering in their hearts.
2780
2781Tatsuya was no fool.
2782
2783His emotions were merely skewed in a certain direction, with one particular half becoming especially sensitive.
2784
2785Hence, he was slow to accept good intentions.
2786
2787Yet very adept at picking up hostility.
2788
2789Currently, he was very accustomed to reading the glances thrown his way. It was the bewilderment, terror, and avoidance one experienced when encountering an unidentified outlier.
2790
2791“Onii-sama…”
2792
2793Among them, one young lady did not shun him and approached him with subdued voice and expression.
2794
2795“Sorry, I made you worry.”
2796
2797That was the only gaze that plucked his heartstrings.
2798
2799“How can that be! Wasn’t Onii-sama enraged on my behalf?”
2800
2801At the same time as she shook her head vigorously, her brushed hair parted slightly.
2802
2803“That was fast. Have you heard the details?”
2804
2805Tatsuya gently adjusted the loose strands and caressed his sister’s head. Shyly, Miyuki dipped her head, but still answered her brother’s question clearly.
2806
2807“No. That’s because, whenever Onii-sama is actually furious… It’s always because of me…”
2808
2809Her clear answer trailed off into a sob. Tatsuya used one hand to stroke his sister’s face and gently raised her head.
2810
2811“…Exactly. I will only anger for your sake.
2812
2813But, Miyuki. It is perfectly natural for an older brother to be furious for a young sister.
2814
2815In my heart, that is the last scrap of something ‘perfectly natural’.
2816
2817So, Miyuki, you don’t have to be so sad.”
2818
2819Tatsuya released his right hand and pulled out a handkerchief, which he used to dab at the tear corners of his sister’s eyes.
2820
2821“Besides… Wouldn’t it be a shame for your tears to ruin such a beautiful make up job? Today is an auspicious day when you will ascend to the stage.”
2822
2823“Don’t say that… Seriously, Onii-sama. I’m not the only one competing today. This is called blatant favoritism!”
2824
2825In spite of the wry smile, the brilliancy of Miyuki’s smile was second to none.
2826
2827At least, that’s how Tatsuya saw it.
2828
2829Seeing his sister’s smile restored, Tatsuya was satisfied and at ease. His hands dropped from his sister’s face to her shoulder as he directed them inside. When he lifted his head to look at the pavilion, he suddenly felt another subtle change in looks he was receiving. This time, the change was in a more interesting direction.
2830
2831Hidden within the secret glances in their direction,
2832
2833Was a lukewarm gaze that was both irritated but unable to take their eyes off of them.
2834
2835“Ah, Tatsuya-kun.”
2836
2837Presently, as if the Student Council President spoke on behalf of all the students present, Mayumi used an especially cold voice and gaze to welcome Tatsuya.
2838
2839“When I heard from the board that ‘one of the students from your school abruptly assaulted someone’, I was at wit’s end trying to figure out what happened… So, apparently a certain sis-con brother flew into a rage when someone attempted to act against his beloved little sister!”
2840
2841While this wasn’t a very flattering way to describe the circumstances, Tatsuya got the distinct feeling of someone in the path of a tornado and feeling the cold wind nipping at him. Realizing that he was in a completely inferior situation, Tatsuya helplessly chose to make a tactical retreat.
2842
2843Thus, he quickly retreated into the work room allotted for technicians.
2844
2845This way, Tatsuya finally managed to avoid being ostracized within First High, though whether this result was brought about by his own will… Even he was not able to say.
2846
2847
2848
2849
2850
2851The day broke over a darkened sky and showed no signs of turning for the better by the time the second match started around 9:30 AM.
2852
2853“It’s a fine day today… Hopefully, this will continue into the evening.”
2854
2855“Might get sunny around the evening.”
2856
2857“Though starlight presents its own challenges… Oh well, still better than a rainy day.”
2858
2859The siblings’ conversation seemed to assume that advancing beyond the preliminaries was a statement of fact. However, Azusa, who was sitting in a nearby chair, seemed completely “indifferent” with this.
2860
2861Generally, the difference in strength between Year 1 and Year 2 students exceeded the difference between Year 2 and Year 3 students. This was because customized magic education officially began at the high school level.
2862
2863Thus, if not present during the Newcomers Division, rarely do Year 1 students appear in the Official Division. Usually, players that were suddenly promoted to the Official Division from the Newcomers Division had a tough time getting through the preliminaries, not to mention placing in the standings.
2864
2865That being said—
2866
2867(That sort of common sense probably doesn’t apply to Miyuki… And on top of that, there’s Shiba-kun as well.)
2868
2869Excluding her more timid nature, Azusa was undoubtedly one of the top tier Magicians (chicks) in her cohort. The fact that she was selected as one of the brass within First High despite her weaker personality was a testament to her skills.
2870
2871Yet in Azusa’s eyes, Miyuki possessed the power to challenge for First Place.
2872
2873Just the sister alone was already a formidable opponent with superlative skills, now there was an older brother who was fully supporting her.
2874
2875Even Mari, the favored champion, would be hard pressed to defeat her even in peak condition.
2876
2877While Azusa was contemplating these other details, in reality, she was the technician responsible for the third match, which is why she was here so early to help make any final CAD adjustments and system diagnostics.
2878
2879The Official Division’s Monolith Code and Mirage Bat were the final two gender exclusive events in the Nine Schools Competition, so each school’s personnel were busy preparing for the events.
2880
2881First High chose to pair one player with one technician to handle these two events.
2882
2883To be brutally honest, as a Technician, Tatsuya was also Azusa’s opponent.
2884
2885However — before the first shot was fired, regardless of who won or lost, Azusa’s will to compete had completely evaporated.
2886
2887The earlier incident.
2888
2889The board sent word that Tatsuya assaulted some of the staff. Upon learning this, she was more “terrified” than shocked.
2890
2891Rather than being surprised, somewhere in her heart she knew — “if it was him”.
2892
2893Even though they were nothing more than recent, casual acquaintances, Azusa believed that “he wasn’t the type to act violently without cause”. On the other hand, if he did have a reason, he wasn’t the sort to hold back.
2894
2895This readiness to resort to unbridled savagery chilled Azusa to the core.
2896
2897A considerable proportion of magic usage fell within the purview of the military, both in terms of military strength and active deterrents. Azusa was perfectly clear on this point. But regardless of whether it was the military or public safety, this was still an institutionalized “violence”. In order to activate this “violence”, the responsibility was divvied between the decision maker, the one who gave the orders, the executors, and the supervisors.
2898
2899Yet, he was willing to make the decision, execute, and bear the full responsibility.
2900
2901Perhaps, he wouldn’t even bat an eyelid if the man had to die — executed with his own hands.
2902
2903She was absolutely terrified of that ice-cold heart forged of steel.
2904
2905The shock came afterwards, when he shared the details behind his actions.
2906
2907He came across illegal CAD modifications and apprehended the culprit on site.
2908
2909The tear-stricken, tortured expression on Hirakawa, the Year 3 student who served as Kobayakawa’s Technician, was deeply imprinted into Azusa’s eyes. That sort of harrowing regret was easy to imagine and could resonate with anyone.
2910
2911She hadn’t noticed that the CAD was tampered with. Due to this, a player suffered a major accident, culminating in an exceptional peer possibly bidding farewell to her powers forever and being doomed to a broken life. In the face of that, she… If she was in Hirakawa’s shoes, she might have fled the scene and cried herself to sleep in her hotel room, Azusa thought.
2912
2913It was an undeniable fact that Tatsuya was a Course 2 student and, at the same time, a “dunce”.
2914
2915His technical scores hovered just above passing.
2916
2917During the skill examinations after school commenced, roughly five students failed every year, so even if his grades were closer to “pretty terrible” instead of “fairly poor”, there was nothing to be done.
2918
2919Yet, the reality was — when excluding the “strength” based on artificial conditions like examinations and based solely on the Magician’s ability to adapt fluidly to various situations, his assessment was completely inverted.
2920
2921Regardless of whether it was development, analysis, calibration, or combat.
2922
2923His strength went “beyond” First-Class.
2924
2925Even if they didn’t exclude his Magic Power and assessed him based on his ability to apply Magic, he was the true “valedictorian” worthy of standing at the top of the pyramid.
2926
2927Then—
2928
2929(Our “grades”… “Course 1 students”, what of these? What’s the point of differentiating between “Course 1 students” and “Course 2 students”?)
2930
2931During the Nine Schools Competition, after watching Tatsuya at a close proximity, Azusa started seriously considering this question.
2932
2933And remained bewildered.
2934
2935That was the unease coming from her faltering values system, hitherto unchallenged and held to be truth, which had suddenly become vague and untrustworthy.
2936
2937Azusa never held herself as an elitist who took pride in her “Bloom” status and derogatorily looked down at the Course 2 students as “Weeds”.
2938
2939At least, she wasn’t conscious of it.
2940
2941Despite this — her exceptional magical talent and her identity as a skilled magic high school student — she still took “pride” in these labels.
2942
2943For Magicians groping their way through life, confidence in their own magical abilities was synonymous to the courage that sustained them throughout their journey to blaze a new path as Magicians. Even if Azusa wasn’t consciously aware of this point, the fact remained that her confidence as a Magician undeniably supported her throughout her life.
2944
2945This wasn’t restricted to just magic. For youngsters, anyone would be greatly uneasy about such murky concepts like “tomorrow” or the “future” precisely because they lacked the “experience” or “track record”, hence they relied on their “self-confidence” and “self-esteem”.
2946
2947For Azusa, those things (“self-confidence” or “self-esteem”) originated from her “magic” and ultimately gave her status as a “talented student within the magic high schools”. To be precise, her self-confidence and self-esteem were born out of her “magic grades”.
2948
2949That being said, both self-confidence and self-esteem could only wilt before the spectacle that was Tatsuya.
2950
2951Her test scores as a Year 1 student were plainly superior, but regardless of whether as a combat Magician, Magic Artificer, or even Magic Researcher, she never got the inkling that she was better in any way. Even her own unique talents, which she privately felt could rival even Mayumi or Mari, paled in front of Tatsuya.
2952
2953Still, Azusa felt that she didn’t need to stress out over this feeling of self-abasement.
2954
2955She was more than 90% sure that Tatsuya was “him”.
2956
2957—Against “him”, feeling inadequate was only natural.
2958
2959—Against “him”, feeling diminished was ludicrous.
2960
2961Azusa used this to convince herself.
2962
2963(But everyone doesn’t know yet…)
2964
2965Precisely because no one knew, this feeling became more prominent,
2966
2967Became more obvious.
2968
2969Surely the other Year 1 students in his cohort felt the same.
2970
2971As a Course 1 student who was outshone by a Course 2 student — what did their “grades” even signify?
2972
2973“A-chan, it’s best not to dwell on that for too long!”
2974
2975Azusa was startled when someone suddenly greeted her from behind and swiftly turned around to find Mayumi smiling wryly at her.
2976
2977“That thing, is spe·ci·al.”
2978
2979Despite referring to her underclassman as a “thing”, her tone was quite warm.
2980
2981“There will be some children who simply cannot accept this…… But as high school students, they must learn to accept things that they do not agree with. Even if it’s true that Course 2 students cannot match Course 1 students in technical skills, it is also true that Tatsuya-kun has surpassed our level.”
2982
2983“Eh? But…”
2984
2985Hearing these shocking words, Azusa was struck speechless.
2986
2987True, Tatsuya’s level was above her, Azusa thought. —Even if she was against “him”, she was forced to admit she would have some regrets.
2988
2989But Mayumi’s level was also superb, and Azusa didn’t think she would lose to Tatsuya in any way.
2990
2991“It’s not like I’m completely out of his league.”
2992
2993Maybe seeing through Azusa’s bewilderment, Mayumi smiled wryly once more.
2994
2995“From an aggregate magic perspective, I should have the edge. If it turned into a shootout, so long as I keep a wide berth, I can still do it.”
2996
2997After downplaying her words, Mayumi’s expression eased somewhat.
2998
2999“However, there are areas where I am unquestionably behind. For CAD related skills, even though I’m not far behind, I’m definitely no match for him. Unfortunately, he also holds all the cards in terms of magic knowledge.”
3000
3001Mayumi added carelessly, as if the upperclassmen’s complete loss of face didn’t concern her in the slightest.
3002
3003“Everyone is proficient and lacking in different areas, so there’s rarely someone who’s superior in every single way. When I say Tatsuya’s level is higher, I mean that his knowledge and skills in magic engineering are unrivaled.”
3004
3005Mayumi caught Azusa’s eye in order to carefully examine Azusa’s gaze.
3006
3007“On the other hand, regardless of whether it is myself or A-chan, both of us tower over Tatsuya-kun in magic technical ability, so there’s no reason to be so depressed. The contents of the magic skills examination each possess their purpose, just as the test scores are not representative of a person’s value, test scores are only one part of a person’s value.”
3008
3009Azusa wordlessly listened to Mayumi’s words.
3010
3011“Then again, heh…”
3012
3013Whew, this time Mayumi actually let out a sigh.
3014
3015“Those that fully believe in ‘their own superiority’ tend to be unwilling to accept that they cannot surpass someone in every way. They even forgot that the actual difference between Course 1 and 2 students originally arose because they needed to differentiate the grades for those who passed the entrance exam and who could receive instruction.”
3016
3017Somewhere, somehow, Azusa’s eyes widened. Her mind had gone completely blank at Mayumi’s unexpected words.
3018
3019What did she mean forget? This was the first time she had ever heard that the difference between Course 1 and 2 students was caused by educational differences.
3020
3021“In the end, it was still a uniform issue… In the beginning, it was simply because the number of students exceeded expectations and they couldn’t change all the embroidery in time……”
3022
3023“Eh, really?”
3024
3025“Huh? You didn’t know?”
3026
3027Hearing the real story for the first time, Azusa received a wholly different shock than before and remained silent. Hearing Mayumi murmur, “Really, it appears that not many people know……”, Azusa could only keep nodding.
3028
3029“Did you know that First High used to accept 100 students each year? They had to accept more Magicians to follow international standards, so First High increased their student body size. The government at the time must have wanted immediate results. Adding new students at the beginning of the next school year would have been fine, but in reality, they added more students in the middle of the term.
3030
3031However, the school was unable to increase the number of educators in the middle of the term. So, their temporary solution was to teach the theoretical knowledge to the students who joined in the middle of the term, then begin technical instruction during the second year. This became the Course 2 student system.
3032
3033However, once the Course 2 students enrolled, there was an error in the orders for school uniforms. Because of this, the Year 1 students who were temporarily set as Course 2 students had to suffer the indignity of wearing uniforms without the school emblems. This led to an unexpected misunderstanding…… The Course 2 student system was meant to be a placeholder until they could enter the next level. They were simply students who were enrolled after the original spots were already filled. Yet, they were gradually seen as replacements. Also, the plan that called for increased students ultimately failed to provide the adequate instructors, resulting in the misinterpreted ‘replacement treatment’ eventually becoming reality. This is the true face of the Course 2 student system.
3034
3035The uniforms also suffered the same fate. In order to cover up the error, no one bothered to correct the issue after the original plan was scrapped. This is the truth behind the matter. In hindsight, creating two different uniforms was a complete waste…… Since everything is done automatically until the school emblems are affixed, it would be cheaper to have one uniform design even if the measurements differ.”
3036
3037Once she started, the words just wouldn’t stop.
3038
3039Azusa’s sincere opinion after hearing Mayumi’s explanation changed drastically.
3040
3041The deep antagonism between “Blooms” and “Weeds” that had caused numerous instances of friction actually originated from such a trivial matter.
3042
3043These words definitely must be kept from Miyuki, Azusa thought — the outcome was too terrifying to imagine.
3044
3045“…Please, don’t tell Miyuki-chan?”
3046
3047Mayumi seemed to arrive at the same conclusion.
3048
3049Azusa nodded in agreement without another word.
3050
3051
3052
3053
3054
3055Miyuki was wholly unaware of the fact that she was seen as a dangerous individual by two senpais on the Student Council. She was standing in the arena and happily waiting for Mirage Bat to begin.
3056
3057That was because this was the first time in the Nine Schools Competition that her brother’s time and energy were solely devoted to her.
3058
3059Normally, by the time they returned home, their lives were restricted to each other.
3060
3061There was limitless time for the two of them to be alone.
3062
3063Yet in the dorms of the Nine Schools Competition, this was impossible.
3064
3065Not that her unfulfilled desire was bursting from the seams (at least, that’s what she thought), but after spending such a long time in a suppressed state, her joy was magnified in this instance.
3066
3067In the box reserved for related personnel, her brother was watching her.
3068
3069And watching only her.
3070
3071Somehow, she felt that she could soar into the skies without the aid of magic.
3072
3073She rendered the naked, lustful gazes directed towards her uniform that left none of her curves to imagination into oblivion. There was no reason to care because all stares other than Tatsuya’s own were nothing more than trash. Turning the audience into beans — or even onions and carrots — was a widely known tactic that was rather useless to people who suffered from stage fright (anyone capable of turning people into beans wouldn’t have stage fright in the first place). Yet for Miyuki, she honestly believed that all gazes other than from Tatsuya alone were utterly meaningless.
3074
3075She knew very well that her brother admired well-taught and cultured individuals regardless of gender as she adopted a truly impeccable posture.
3076
3077With such an incredibly beautiful young lady falling into a dancer’s pose, many young men within the audience alternated sighs as their emotions ran rampant. At this rate, they were going to have to call for the stretchers before the match even began.
3078
3079Possibly under the influence of the audience’s warm reception, despite the sheer impossibility of this, the signal for the commencement of the match did go off a few seconds early.
3080
3081
3082
3083
3084
3085Miyuki’s frame lightly soared into the sky.
3086
3087Every player for Mirage Bat prepared two uniforms.
3088
3089One was a brightly colored uniform that could be seen beneath the brightest rays of the sun.
3090
3091The other was a colorful uniform that glowed beneath the night sky.
3092
3093The reason behind the designs was to prevent midair collisions between players and it became an unwritten rule based on previous experience.
3094
3095The primary color that covered Miyuki was a deep magenta.
3096
3097A tiny shade off and this would be a helplessly coarse color, but Miyuki wore this with an aura of nobility.
3098
3099Neither did the cosmetics with UV protection take away from her elegance.
3100
3101Her fair and graceful form was still developing, but when she extended her slim limbs, this painted a glorious vision of her beautifully curved bosom and slender waist, all of this combining to give off intimate charm of a blooming flower rather than a sheer animal desire.
3102
3103No two ways about it, her beauty was breathtaking.
3104
3105No one was going to second anyone anything as they all leaped towards the targets. Among them all, only one person could be worthy of the term “floating”.
3106
3107Miyuki captured everyone’s gaze once more.
3108
3109If this match was judged by the beauty of dance alone, she was unquestionably First Place.
3110
3111Yet, as expected of the Official Division with its numerous aces, the Nine Schools Competition could not be underestimated.
3112
3113
3114
3115
3116
3117“Someone is actually leading against Miyuki-chan…”
3118
3119When the signal sounded to end the first round, Mizuki held her breath and seemed to expel out a series of “disbelieving” words.
3120
3121“The player from Second High who is first place… Even if she isn’t a BS Magician, but plainly, she has refined the ‘Leaping’ spell into a specialized magic spell…”
3122
3123“Not just that. She also takes her trajectory into account and neatly obstructs Miyuki’s path. Rather than calling her an expert in ‘Leaping’, she’s more like an expert in ‘Mirage Bat’, right?”
3124
3125Mikihiko and Erika both shared Mizuki’s shock while they offered their own opinions.
3126
3127“That’s because the player from Second High was another favored candidate to take the crown alongside Watanabe-senpai…”
3128
3129“Can’t say anything about being noticed after that conspicuous display. Also, the pride of the Year 3 students is on the line.”
3130
3131Honoka and Shizuku, who were in the normal audience stands today, each expressed their agreement from different perspectives.
3132
3133“However, this is not the end.”
3134
3135Leo’s bright declaration seemed to blow the depressed air around them to the four corners of the earth.
3136
3137
3138
3139
3140
3141In the next round, Miyuki managed to make up for lost ground and exited the second round in First Place.
3142
3143However, her lead was slim. Miyuki still had strength within her, but her opponent appeared to be making adjustments for the third round as well.
3144
3145Victory was still uncertain.
3146
3147While it has been said that magic has become more constrained due to a limited number of combinations, for someone to be able to fight Miyuki to a standstill at the high school level surprised Tatsuya to no end.
3148
3149“This country is so small yet so broad at the same time…”
3150
3151Tatsuya muttered to himself in front of Miyuki, who was busy regulating her breathing.
3152
3153Instead of watching his sister, he directed his gaze towards Second High’s box.
3154
3155…Just then, someone suddenly yanked his sleeve.
3156
3157Looking down, he found Miyuki standing from her chair and watching him with eyes that shone with a brilliant glint.
3158
3159“—Onii-sama, may I use that?”
3160
3161Her eyes, her voice, and her slim fingers that clung to his sleeve sent the message, “I don’t want to lose”.
3162
3163She wasn’t just a beautiful, adorable “doll”. Tatsuya delighted in seeing her expression that carried such a powerful will.
3164
3165Her mouth naturally parted and her eyes narrowed slightly.
3166
3167“…Of course. All is as you will.”
3168
3169He originally prepared that as the ace in the hole for the finals.
3170
3171Still, Tatsuya abandoned his original game plan and nodded his assent.
3172
3173
3174
3175
3176
3177“Eh? Miyuki’s CAD has changed.”
3178
3179Seeing Miyuki standing on the field of the final round, Erika was the first to notice the change.
3180
3181Until now, Miyuki held her usual smartphone-shaped CAD, yet now she wore a bracelet-shaped CAD on her right wrist.
3182
3183“But, she looks like she’s holding a CAD in her left hand too…”
3184
3185Mikihiko also took a look. In their group of friends who were mystified by this turn of events, Honoka was the only one who nodded emphatically.
3186
3187“Yes… Miyuki wanted to try that long ago…”
3188
3189“That?”
3190
3191Hearing Shizuku’s question, Honoka replied back with a longing expression that was mixed with frustration.
3192
3193“The secret weapon Tatsuya-kun prepared only for Miyuki. A secret weapon that Tatsuya-kun devised that only Miyuki can control. This will be a shocker… Definitely! Everyone present here, without a single exception!”
3194
3195What exactly is it — before Shizuku could make her inquiry, the signal sounded for the start of the third round.
3196
3197
3198
3199
3200
3201The bracelet on her right wrist was only the back up. The real one was the smartphone-shaped Specialized CAD held in her left hand.
3202
3203The simplistic command interface only contained the on and off buttons. Once the starting signal went off, Miyuki swiftly tapped the on switch.
3204
3205A tiny Activation Sequence started spreading out.
3206
3207The sequence never halted nor paused as it repeatedly began processing automatically.
3208
3209Following that, Miyuki’s body started floating into the air.
3210
3211The player from Second High was directly in her path.
3212
3213Her trajectory would place her to Miyuki’s lower left.
3214
3215Owing to her opponent’s faster rising speed, Miyuki would end up crashing into her if she continued forward.
3216
3217Miyuki used her accelerated flying speed to avoid the collision.
3218
3219The audience raised a clamour after Miyuki eliminated the orb and slightly turned in place as she became still in mid-air.
3220
3221During her leap, she had applied additional Magic Power to accelerate again.
3222
3223The gasps from the audience only reflected their cursory understanding of the basics of magic.
3224
3225However, Miyuki paused briefly in the air then immediately proceeded towards the next target without landing. Once this scene was imprinted into their eyes, the cheers were shocked into silence.
3226
3227Two, three, four…
3228
3229The other players who had to continuously jump back and forth across the 10 meter height had no way of competing against Miyuki, who only had to move parallel to the earth.
3230
3231After she had seized the fifth point, the audience’s frozen vocal cords finally started to thaw.
3232
3233“Flying-Type Magic…?”
3234
3235Some unidentified individual murmured aloud.
3236
3237Even the players could only stare in amazement as they gaped at the skies.
3238
3239With the players not even making any jumping or landing sounds, this soft grumble reverberated throughout the silent arena.
3240
3241With bat in hand, Miyuki’s appearance took on that of an avenging angel of heaven, but never lost her grace and beauty.
3242
3243“Taurus Silver’s…?”
3244
3245The whispering started a chain reaction,
3246
3247“Bullshit, how can that be…”
3248
3249“That was just released last month…”
3250
3251And quickly rippled through the crowd.
3252
3253“But that…”
3254
3255“No doubt about it, that’s Flying-Type Magic…”
3256
3257Without a single exception, everyone’s eyes were glued to the young lady dancing through the skies.
3258
3259In the skies, a fairy was waltzing over the lake.
3260
3261Her arms spread out to maintain her balance and her lovely legs swayed lightly to change her stance as if the spring breeze itself was her dancing partner.
3262
3263Actually flying through the skies was nothing short of revolutionizing modern magic, and no one was more appropriate to perform this miraculous feat said to be “impossible” than this beautiful young lady before them… Surpassing age, gender, and even the enmity, all were mesmerized by the young girl dancing through the sky.
3264
3265They were all touched by this magic that simply went beyond modern or ancient magic.
3266
3267By the time the ending signal sounded, this spellbinding magic wasn’t dispelled until the young lady landed before them.
3268
3269—In Mirage Bat’s preliminary round, first arena, second match, Miyuki stormed into the finals by a dominating lead.
3270
3271
3272
3273
3274
3275The audience finally recovered their wits when the players started leaving the arena.
3276
3277The players did not depart in sequence.
3278
3279At the end of the match, the players closest to the exit left first.
3280
3281Miyuki, who landed in the center of the lake, was the third out of the four people to leave.
3282
3283After extending a deep bow towards First High’s supporters in the stands, Miyuki lightly leaped into the air and flew across the sky towards the exit like a figure skater gliding across the ice.
3284
3285Her graceful motions prompted a thunderous applause from the audience.
3286
3287In the stands, numerous individuals could be seen frantically typing away on their portable messaging terminals.
3288
3289Some were overly excited to the point that they sent scattered spittle as they shouted into the microphone; others had to repeatedly shout the same words over and over into the phone, yet still wound up with a headache because of the speaker on the other line; still others furiously ran their fingers through their hair as if mad while their fingers danced across the keyboard; there were others who jotted down their thoughts on erasable boards… All sorts of people used a myriad ways to convey their amazing experience to others who were not present.
3290
3291Among them, one strange, expressionless man was staring at the messages from the HMD. However, no one seemed to remark on his presence.
3292
3293
3294
3295
3296
3297“Number 17 has reported in. The target from the second match has passed the preliminary round.”
3298
3299“…It’s the opponent who saw through Golden Electron Silkworms. This is the expected result… But things are looking grim.”
3300
3301“Not just that. The target also used Flying-Type Magic!”
3302
3303“Bullshit, how can that be possible!?”
3304
3305“If the target is exhausted then we lucked out… Was that too optimistic?”
3306
3307“I don’t think this is the time to quibble over the methods, right?”
3308
3309“I agree. One hundred deaths or so would be enough. The competition would be forced to end prematurely.”
3310
3311“Once the competition ends, we would have to return the original bets. While there will be some loss, that’s well within our limits.”
3312
3313“Won’t our customers balk at this? Setting aside the guys from our line of work, those weapon merchants will be a hassle. Those guys maintain close relationships with various governments around the globe.”
3314
3315“It doesn’t matter what excuse we give to the customers. Currently, rather than worrying about the merchants of death, we should be more concerned about the organization’s purging.”
3316
3317“Exactly… Will it be OK just leaving this to Number 17?”
3318
3319“People with only a modicum of ability are no match for a ‘Generator’. Unfortunately, no weapons could be brought in, but Number 17 is a high speed model. Once the limiter is removed, that thing can easily kill anywhere between 100 and 200 people with its bare hands.”
3320
3321“So we are all in accord…? Then remove the limiter.”
3322
3323
3324
3325
3326
3327Once the tide of enthusiasm ebbed, the man removed the CAD and slowly rose in a crowd that was slowly departing for other matches.
3328
3329The exposed eyes give off an “emotionless” impression.
3330
3331No, this wasn’t a blank expression, wasn’t this like he lacked emotions in the first place?
3332
3333It was an utterly lifeless “expression”.
3334
3335Suddenly, the man’s body started shaking.
3336
3337In a flash, he activated personal Speed-Type Magic.
3338
3339Before the Magicians around him could detect the charged magic aura, the man pounced towards the man who just passed by him.
3340
3341His outstretched fingers plunged downwards like claws towards the unprotected back.
3342
3343—Afterwards, the stage switched to the exterior of the observation deck without anyone being the wiser.
3344
3345
3346
3347
3348
3349By the time that man, “Generator” Number 17, had grasped the situation, he was only three meters off the ground.
3350
3351The first target he chose after receiving the kill order had managed to avoid his attack even though his back was facing him. Even if this was a full frontal assault, this reaction speed was not something mere human cognition could accomplish.
3352
3353Through personal Speed-Type Magic, Magicians could surpass the physical movement limits of flesh.
3354
3355Yet magical acceleration ultimately was only physical and not directly accelerating — biological reactions, signal relay for the nervous system, the brain’s processing ability — the mental processing speed itself.
3356
3357Human senses surpassed physical motion, so it was possible to mentally control physical movements that have been accelerated beyond normal limits. However, the reverse was not true. In other words, Magicians were still biological organisms with upper limits. While magical acceleration had no glass ceiling in terms of magic, there was still a finite amount that the brain could command.
3358
3359In that case, his accelerated movements coupled with chemically enhanced mental processing abilities shouldn’t be something that normal humans — even humans who could wield magic were ultimately mortal — should be able to handle.
3360
3361Yet the reality was that his stabbing forearm was caught and used as a fulcrum to throw Number 17 into the air using his downward force as added momentum.
3362
3363Just like he was doing a somersault over a horse, he went heads over heels in the air. During the instant he was upside down, a powerful force smashed Number 17 past the railing of the observation deck and sent him hurtling out of the arena.
3364
3365This was Move-Type Magic that intentionally omitted the accelerated processes.
3366
3367He was almost knocked unconscious by the blow and by the time he recovered his senses, he had nearly reached the end of the trajectory and was about to collide with the ground from a height of 20 meters.
3368
3369Normally, this situation called for an individual to huddle into a ball or flail about in a panic as they helplessly plummeted to the earth, but this man was a “Generator”.
3370
3371He was a reconstructed individual — created through a combination of surgery and magically crafted medicinal herbs, hereby eradicating free will and emotions and completely controlling all thoughts and flushing all unnecessary thoughts that might obstruct magic activation.
3372
3373A biological weapon forged to wield magic in the heat of battle.
3374
3375A Magician re-purposed to be a tool for using magic, a “Generator”.
3376
3377Terror and panic held no meaning to tools.
3378
3379Number 17 calmly — more like coldly applied Inertia Neutralization Magic.
3380
3381Casting deceleration right now would be like hitting the emergency brakes, but injuries would be unavoidable. Compared to that, reducing inertia could help mitigate some of the damage caused by the severe shock upon contact. This was the result of almost instantaneous calculation.
3382
3383The magical herb’s effects not only adjusted personal consciousness, emotions and perception, they also improved physical mobility. By using the elasticity within his feet as well as the muscles within his thighs and arms, he completely absorbed the shock from his fall.
3384
3385“You were able to make it in time even under those conditions. You do have a few tricks up your sleeve.”
3386
3387On all four limbs, Number 17 raised his face towards the source of the voice and found the man who had thrown him into the air.
3388
3389
3390
3391
3392
3393“Who are you? …No, never mind. Not like you can answer anyways.”
3394
3395Captain Yanagi of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion let out a dismissive smile and peered down at Number 17, who was still crouched on the ground.
3396
3397“Your physical abilities can’t be from magic alone. Are you an augmented human?”
3398
3399Seeing his opponent adopt a combat stance even after being flung over the railings from the height of a medium sized building, Yanagi’s tone was laced with mockery and amazement alike.
3400
3401“Yanagi-kun was the one who said there’s no need to answer. Also, the other guy probably doesn’t want to talk to a guy who also jumped from the same height but didn’t need to use his hands to cushion himself, right?”
3402
3403Number 17 whirled around like a four legged carnivore.
3404
3405Having appeared sometime during this exchange, Captain Sanada Shigeru of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion stood there as if to cut off his retreat.
3406
3407Despite this, if he actually chose to flee, Number 17 could still probably accomplish this with ease.
3408
3409In terms of sheer speed, “Generator” Number 17 surpassed the two men from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
3410
3411However, the order Number 17 received was “massacre the spectators”. For a “Generator” with no emotions and thoughts, the only thing that determined his actions were orders from the organization.
3412
3413In accordance with these orders, Number 17 once again pounced towards the “spectator” Yanagi.
3414
3415Before Number 17 could touch him, Yanagi raised his right hand.
3416
3417Even though Number 17 had the edge in speed, he chose to not avoid this hand.
3418
3419Number 17 lowered his center of gravity and charged as if being led, sending his head crashing into Yanagi’s palm.
3420
3421Yanagi and Number 17 passed each other by a hair.
3422
3423Number 17 was flung back to his starting position without even touching a hair on Yanagi’s body.
3424
3425“That was a rhetorical question. I was just talking to myself.”
3426
3427Yanagi nonchalantly replied to Sanada.
3428
3429“Let’s just leave it at that. However, that amazes me every time. Was that the application of ‘Revolution’ right there?”
3430
3431By predicting an opponent’s application of force and combining physical techniques with magic to lure, amplify, and flip. That’s how Yanagi used his favored technique to send Number 17 flying.
3432
3433“I’ve said this a lot of times, this isn’t ‘Revolution’. This is ‘Return’. ‘Revolution’ is the spell, ‘Return’ relies on internal ki. There are also a few differences in practice. Originally, my approach was nothing more than an imitation anyways. A true ‘Return’ requires no magic.”
3434
3435“Well, that’s starting to infringe on the meaning of our existence. Should I inform the major?”
3436
3437“…Cut the chitchat, we need to take this guy down, lend me a hand!”
3438
3439“Yeah… Then, let’s have a go at it. Even though I want to say that, Fujibayashi-san already has this guy locked down with ‘Thunder Needle’.”
3440
3441“…You two are on such good terms with one another!”
3442
3443The sound of high heels tapping the ground accompanied Sanada’s words as the figure of Lieutenant Fujibayashi Kyouko from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion appeared. She was wearing a skintight military uniform reserved for supporting personnel that was wholly unsuited for combat. She was literally the ideal prey, the perfect point to break through the ring of hunters.
3444
3445Yet, Number 17 could only quiver and shake as he shook uncontrollably, giving no sign that he was capable of further resistance.
3446
3447That was because his entire body was peppered with numerous hair-like needles and it was through there that the electric current flowed through him.
3448
3449Needless to say, it was Fujibayashi’s magic that fired out the needles and released the electricity.
3450
3451“Fujibayashi, your eyesight should be pretty good.”
3452
3453“Rather than her eyesight, I think it’s a matter of sensitivity. Do you need me to recommend a good life counselor?”
3454
3455“See, aren’t you two simply birds of a feather?”
3456
3457Separated by Number 17, Yanagi and Sanada glanced at one another.
3458
3459They both frowned almost simultaneously.
3460
3461
3462
3463
3464
3465Completely unaware of the dangerous situation behind the scenes, Tatsuya leisurely returned to his hotel room and ate an early lunch.
3466
3467After the match, while Miyuki was showering, the board requested to inspect the CAD with Flying-Type Magic installed upon it with nary a guilty look in his direction. For a brief instant, he toyed with the idea using Elder Kudou’s name to terrorize the poor fellow, but such mischievous behavior like pretending to know a higher authority to pick on the weak was a pastime unbecoming of him, so he discarded that idea and obediently handed over the CAD.
3468
3469Other than that, he wasn’t party to any strange circumstances.
3470
3471While he was conscious of the vast amount of stares directed towards his sister and himself, so long as the vermin posed no direct threat, the best approach was to leave them alone.
3472
3473After handing the CAD over, Tatsuya opted to return to his personal area.
3474
3475Even if he knew about Sanada and Yanagi’s surreptitious intervention to avoid a massacre, Tatsuya’s actions likely wouldn’t differ by much. To be blunt, even if dozens of foreign spectators were slain, Tatsuya probably couldn’t care less.
3476
3477To be precise, even if a senpai from the same school was sacrificed, his emotional reaction would not surpass that of slight “regret”. Thus, it was hard to imagine he would choose to act.
3478
3479Miyuki’s slightly sorrowful expression expressed that which could not be said through her voice or attitude.
3480
3481Needless to say, he was in the middle of it.
3482
3483Long story short, Miyuki, who was always meticulously looking after him, was currently standing before Tatsuya.
3484
3485“While always being neat and tidy is one of Onii-sama’s merits, I still wish that you occasionally leave a small mess to bring out the value of looking after you.”
3486
3487Today, Miyuki’s mood was buoyant. Currently, she was humming a light tune and wearing a delighted smile as she merrily wiped down the table with a cloth. This was the direct consequence of being unable to look after her brother for nearly a week.
3488
3489“Miyuki, is there anything you would like me to do for you?”
3490
3491There was no deeper meaning to this question after lunch. He was only doing so out of a sense of obligation.
3492
3493“Something I want Onii-sama to do?”
3494
3495Nevertheless, Miyuki’s eyes widened as she fell into deep contemplation with a joyous expression on her face. Seeing this unexpectedly intense reaction, Tatsuya sensed he may have made a grave error.
3496
3497Miyuki tapped her fingers against her chin and tilted her head this way and that in thought until, having thought of something, she blushed furiously as she peeked up at Tatsuya’s face from the chair to his side.
3498
3499“…Go ahead and tell me.”
3500
3501Even though there were traces of a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, Tatsuya still gently urged her on. Filled with trepidation, Miyuki opened her mouth.
3502
3503“You said earlier that I should take a nap after lunch until the finals…”
3504
3505“Indeed, while not absolutely critical, you should sleep for a little bit if you can. Even if you cannot fall asleep, just lying there would be fine.
3506
3507Don’t tell me you don’t want to take a nap? Giving your body time to rest is integral.”
3508
3509“Yes, of course I will listen to Onii-sama’s instructions… But, that…”
3510
3511“Hm?”
3512
3513“Um… If possible, can you stay with me… Please…”
3514
3515In the end, she was highly embarrassed.
3516
3517Completely red, Miyuki’s head drooped.
3518
3519“…Miyuki is such a spoiled child.”
3520
3521“…Can’t I? Miyuki just wants to be spoiled by Onii-sama!”
3522
3523“…Of course. However, I will draw the line at singing a lullaby, OK?”
3524
3525Miyuki slowly raised her eyes to Tatsuya while she used her hand to try and quell her violently beating heart.
3526
3527Her pearly skin was a deep red from the gaps between her dark hair to the roots of her ears.
3528
3529
3530
3531
3532
3533Despite their sibling relationship, they were still young adults in the spring of their lives, so using the same bed was totally out of the question.
3534
3535Fortunately, even though the room had only one official occupant, this was originally a double room. The machinery that took up the majority of the space had been shifted to the competition grounds.
3536
3537Tatsuya unfolded the bed from the wall and swiftly arranged it for Miyuki’s use. This was almost entirely automatic, so there was no need to call room service. (Given that this was no normal hotel, the question remained whether they would show up even if summoned.)
3538
3539Once Miyuki dove under the covers, Tatsuya pulled up a chair and sat down beside the bed.
3540
3541Miyuki shyly smiled as she watched him. In return, Tatsuya also smiled as he gently caressed his sister’s silken hair.
3542
3543Less than a minute later, Miyuki was well on her way to the Garden of Hypnos.
3544
3545
3546
3547
3548
3549Four hours passed after Miyuki fell asleep, but Tatsuya did not budge from the bedside. It was as if he was loyally fulfilling Miyuki’s expectations for him to remain by her side, yet Tatsuya never felt this was a trial.
3550
3551Miyuki was sound asleep, her sleeping face expressing her overwhelming relief. Upon realizing that this was an expression of the complete trust she had in him, his heart grew a little warmer along with his embarrassment.
3552
3553Even if they were siblings, Tatsuya and Miyuki only started living together three years ago. In other words, they became bona fide siblings only three years ago. Before that fateful summer three years ago, even if they were living under the same roof, they practically never interacted with one another. Their current proximity was something strictly forbidden by their mother just as she denied any normal sibling interaction. Still, that may have been something decided by the Yotsuba Family.
3554
3555Tatsuya had no intention of sprouting any complaints on that regard. It’s not like that function remained within his mental landscape. However, lacking any childhood memories about being treated like a family member was still galling, so saying that he was displeased would be right on the mark.
3556
3557The adolescent years were accompanied by impulsive anger, tears, falls, mistakes and other embarrassing memories if known by other family members. Yet for Tatsuya, who never enjoyed the luxury of these memories, Miyuki became a “beautiful girl one year younger than he was” by default. Since he was forced to see her in an impartial light from the onset, Tatsuya was well aware that she was a classy, beautiful young girl from the start.
3558
3559In spite of this, the affection that sprouted forth from the depths of his heart only identified Miyuki as a young sister. The only true emotion that dwelt in the realm of his consciousness was the familial love he bore for his sister.
3560
3561No memories, only affection. Occasionally, Tatsuya would ruminate that memory loss probably felt akin to this. Of course, he was also aware that he didn’t qualify for that condition.
3562
3563It was an unconditional affection unfettered by memories of any sort.
3564
3565Precisely because of this, Tatsuya blindly, fiercely and desperately loved Miyuki. His other emotional impulses could not be expressed through fury or hatred. Only his love for Miyuki was truly spontaneous and absolute.
3566
3567Tatsuya was wholly unaware of this. It wasn’t that he forgot himself, but because this was the result of cold, hard calculations that his actions became unstoppable. Once he determined something was necessary, he wouldn’t even stop to contemplate “Is this necessary”. Even if he would weigh the cost and benefits, social norms wouldn’t even break his stride.
3568
3569Tatsuya picked up the smartphone placed on the coffee table. Since Miyuki fell asleep, he once more went over the coded message that Fujibayashi sent him. Within the message, there were details concerning the truth behind the interference during Mirage Bat as well as the mass murder attempt on the spectators after the end of the second match.
3570
3571For Tatsuya, this was simply unforgivable. Those who plotted Miyuki’s fall deserved to die a thousand times over.
3572
3573Tatsuya stored the smartphone in his breast pocket, rose from his chair, and peered over the edge of the bed.
3574
3575He softly caressed Miyuki’s hair.
3576
3577Miyuki placed her hand over Tatsuya’s own.
3578
3579“Miyuki?”
3580
3581No response. She wasn’t awake yet.
3582
3583Miyuki turned on her side and naturally slid Tatsuya’s hand onto her face.
3584
3585Seeing that sleeping face flushed with happiness, Tatsuya also smiled.
3586
3587Behind that smile, he made the conscious decision to defend this peaceful, sleeping face no matter what the cost.
3588
3589This was not determination, but a conscious decision.
3590
3591
3592
3593
3594
3595By the time the finals rolled around, the morning weather had given way to a clear night sky.
3596
3597The light of the hanging moon outshone the stars’ brilliance.
3598
3599For those who had to identify lit orbs from below, these were not ideal circumstances.
3600
3601“How is your condition?”
3602
3603“Flawless, Onii-sama. My energy is completely restored, so I would like to use Flying-Type Magic from the get go.”
3604
3605“As you wish. Fly to your heart’s content!”
3606
3607“Yes!”
3608
3609Tatsuya gave her a thumb’s up as he watched Miyuki bound towards the competition arena.
3610
3611
3612
3613
3614
3615“Miyuki-chan’s in a good mood!”
3616
3617Azusa, who had entered the box as an auxiliary member, commented to Tatsuya as she watched Miyuki standing on one of the landing platforms in the lake.
3618
3619Unfortunately, the player Azusa was responsible for had fallen short.
3620
3621First High, Second High, Third High, Fifth High, Sixth High, and Ninth High each contributed one contestant to the finals.
3622
3623No school had multiple players in the final round.
3624
3625As the final women’s competition, each school was ready to give it their all.
3626
3627Excluding Mari, who was still in the hospital, every heavyweight in the women’s division was present on stage.
3628
3629Since Third High only advanced one player into the finals, so long as Miyuki placed within the top three, First High’s overall victory was a foregone conclusion. Even the supporters were going all out.
3630
3631“Pleasantly facing a competition is a good thing. Looks like Tatsuya-kun made doubly sure of that.”
3632
3633On the other side, Mayumi spoke up with a smile on her face. Her words shouldn’t have any deeper meaning, but that smile seemed to signify something that she didn’t want Tatsuya to know about.
3634
3635“I hear that Miyuki-chan didn’t use the ‘Sleep Dock’. Did she get enough rest?”
3636
3637At Suzune’s innocuous question, Tatsuya fought to keep his poker face.
3638
3639“Five hours should be enough.”
3640
3641“Really, must have been a deep sleep then. Did she sleep on a bed in the hotel?”
3642
3643Tatsuya was speechless. One couldn’t help but suspect that the speaker knew all along as she intentionally made this piercing query.
3644
3645“Ah, it’s starting!”
3646
3647Fortunately, before the silence turned awkward, everyone’s attention was drawn towards the arena.
3648
3649At this point, he should seriously give thanks for Azusa’s innocent personality.
3650
3651The lightly colored uniforms were brilliantly lit up by the wavering reflections of light from the lake’s surface.
3652
3653Among them, Miyuki’s choice of a uniform fashioned after the shade of sakura blossoms was particularly eye-catching, and not only because she stunned everyone by casting “Flying-Type Magic” in the preliminary round.
3654
3655In the faltering light, the audience closely followed her with their eyes in fear that her figure would vanish into the shadows if they blinked.
3656
3657Mirage Bat, also known as Fairy Dance.
3658
3659The term “fairy” has been overused when applied to young ladies, but probably no one would claim that describing Miyuki as “fey-like” was too cliché.
3660
3661The ruckus died down like the ebbing tide.
3662
3663There was no need for the event personnel to wave their messages to signal the crowd to quiet.
3664
3665Before everyone’s breathless gaze, the finals for Mirage Bat commenced.
3666
3667
3668
3669
3670
3671When the start signal went off, six young women flew into the sky together.
3672
3673They did not leap off the ground. None of them bothered to look for a landing spot.
3674
3675“Flying-Type Magic!? All the other schools!?”
3676
3677“As expected of the Nine Schools Competition. They figured out the Activation Sequence for Flying-Type Magic within a mere six to seven hours.”
3678
3679On the heels of Azusa’s surprised shriek, Tatsuya murmured words of admiration.
3680
3681That being said, Tatsuya actually wasn’t really astounded.
3682
3683The board likely chose to leak the spell details to the other schools.
3684
3685Probably as retaliation for Tatsuya’s assertion that the board was guilty of illegal activities.
3686
3687Since the CAD was stored there, he had taken this possibility into account.
3688
3689“Seems like each school is following Taurus Silver’s publicized details to the letter.”
3690
3691Suzune wrinkled her brows as she watched the sky.
3692
3693“……How ludicrous. This isn’t a technique that can be mastered the first time you activate this. Compared to player safety, victory seems to be more important……”
3694
3695Mayumi said with a disgusted expression.
3696
3697“That’s no problem at all. If they used that technique directly, even if something went sideways, the ‘safety device’ should kick in.”
3698
3699Tatsuya’s voice was quite relaxed as if he was saying: “Wait and see!”
3700
3701
3702
3703
3704
3705Six young ladies danced in the air.
3706
3707This was a Fairy Dance befitting its name.
3708
3709The audience was deeply drawn to the lines crossing in the sky as they watched, mesmerized.
3710
3711However, as the audience gradually calmed, they were shocked by an unexpected wrinkle in the match.
3712
3713They were all flying through the night sky.
3714
3715From a magic perspective, it was difficult to tell the difference in skill with Flying-Type Magic.
3716
3717Yet, the only one scoring was the player from First High.
3718
3719None of her opponents could keep up with her pace.
3720
3721Speed, fluidity, grace.
3722
3723She turned in air, drifted parallel to the ground, dove and rose.
3724
3725Before that free and lovable dancing, the others alternated between trailing behind her or simply getting out of her way.
3726
3727At some point, the dancing fairies had fallen into clearly defined roles, with one leading ballerina and five supporting dancers.
3728
3729
3730
3731
3732
3733Miyuki was honestly caught off guard by her competitors using Flying-Type Magic.
3734
3735Well, only a little.
3736
3737The Flying-Type Magic that her brother developed could only reach its full potential if it was a spell that “anyone could use”. On this point, Miyuki knew this better than anyone.
3738
3739Still, something that anyone could use was inherently different from something that everyone could use in the same way.
3740
3741Before the match, her brother had already warned her about the possibility of other schools also using Flying-Type Magic.
3742
3743Her brother warned her with a smile on his lips.
3744
3745At the time, that must have been because he had faith that no one surpassed her in terms of knowing the intricacies of this magic, Miyuki thought.
3746
3747Buoyed by that faith, Miyuki danced through the skies at will.
3748
3749Below her, the exhausted players fell one by one.
3750
3751
3752
3753
3754
3755When the first player lost their balance and wavered in the sky, the audience shrieked in terror.
3756
3757Yet, seeing the player gradually descend to the ground, the spectators breathed a sigh of relief. They just witnessed a crash landing in the preliminaries. Compared to the audience, the board was probably even more relieved.
3758
3759Of course, this was because there was a “safety device” built into Flying-Type Magic.
3760
3761When the influx of psions from the spell caster dipped below half, the “Variable” portion of the Activation Sequence automatically switched to a soft landing at 1/10th of gravity.
3762
3763In First High’s box, Tatsuya finally relaxed as he thought, “Thank goodness they didn’t add any oddities to the program”.
3764
3765He couldn’t believe that they were proving the safety values of Flying-Type Magic at the Nine Schools Competition with so many witnesses.
3766
3767Might as well use this for this month’s promotional purposes. Internally, Tatsuya reveled in an evil smile. Before his eyes, another player had dropped off the stage.
3768
3769
3770
3771
3772
3773In the end, two people bowed out of the first round.
3774
3775These two also withdrew from the match.
3776
3777During the second round, another person withdrew.
3778
3779There were only three individuals in the final round.
3780
3781By this stage, so long as Miyuki didn’t withdraw, First High’s overall victory was guaranteed.
3782
3783The most reliable tactic was to stand somewhere and simply not do anything.
3784
3785Still, within First High’s box, no one advised her to take the “reliable” route.
3786
3787Currently, the score was a complete landslide.
3788
3789Needless to say, it was in Miyuki’s favor.
3790
3791Though the overall victory was extremely important, no one in First High felt that they needed to sacrifice personal victories either.
3792
3793Supported by faith and cheers, Miyuki danced through the sky in the final round.
3794
3795Even if she couldn’t see it, she could clearly feel her brother’s protective eyes on her.
3796
3797Miyuki understood that so long as that existed, her wings shall not fail.
3798
3799Her unpinned wings spread out and blended together with the other lights.
3800
3801Soon afterwards,
3802
3803Two players sucked in ragged breaths as they knelt on the landing spots in the lake.
3804
3805The sole actor left in the night sky, Miyuki continued to perform the Fairy Dance.
3806
3807Before her outstretched hand, the last orb vanished into oblivion.
3808
3809One beat of silence.
3810
3811One frame of stillness.
3812
3813The bell signaling the end of the match was drowned beneath a storm of applause.
3814
3815
3816
3817
3818
3819Chapter 12
3820
3821
3822
3823
3824First High clinched the overall victory before the final day and decided to postpone the celebration until tomorrow. (Again? Anyone who said this was promptly ignored.)
3825
3826Tomorrow, the finals for the Official Division’s Monolith Code, one of the most popular draws of the Nine Schools Competition, would commence.
3827
3828First High’s representatives advanced to the finals after taking first in the preliminary round. Neither the players nor the auxiliaries had the time to attend the party.
3829
3830However, since there was only one event remaining, it was also true that most of the members had plenty of time on their hands.
3831
3832As Miyuki powerfully contributed to First High’s overall victory with her performance in Mirage Bat, this time she was the center of the celebratory tea party held in the conference room.
3833
3834Mayumi and Suzune hosted the event, with the female players making up the majority of those in attendance. That being said, it’s not like there were no boys present. The uninjured Year 1 male students were congregated in a corner and holding their cups in a dejected manner. (The Year 2 and 3 male students were busy preparing for tomorrow’s contest.)
3835
3836Not only were Mikihiko and Leo present, Erika and Mizuki could be seen as well. Mayumi likely had another purpose in mind. (Erika tried her utmost to decline, but was forcibly conscripted by Miyuki.)
3837
3838Yet, for some reason, there was no trace of Tatsuya.
3839
3840“…So, he said not to wake him until morning?”
3841
3842“Yes.”
3843
3844“That’s no surprise.”
3845
3846“Since he’s been quite active lately…”
3847
3848As the Year 1 female students were in a group discussing a certain young man (they were Erika, Miyuki, Shizuku and Honoka), a Year 2 couple approached.
3849
3850“Hm? Your brother went to bed already?”
3851
3852It was Kanon and Isori.
3853
3854“Indeed, he said he was quite exhausted.”
3855
3856“That… would be true. And he’s injured as well.”
3857
3858Hearing Miyuki’s answer, Isori nodded deeply. Once he raised his eyes and looked towards Miyuki, his eyes slightly widened.
3859
3860“Hm? Isn’t this Erika?”
3861
3862“Kei-senpai, have you completed the calibrations for tomorrow?”
3863
3864“No, taking a breather… Though it’s more like Kanon dragged me out.”
3865
3866Isori could only smile wryly at these slightly mocking words. Next to him, Kanon wore a slightly irritated expression which was not completely caused by the earlier verbal exchange. There appeared to be something deeper as well.
3867
3868“…Ah, Erika knows Isori-senpai?”
3869
3870“Chalk it up to family relations.”
3871
3872Still, Erika didn’t hold Kanon’s mood against her, or more like intentionally pretended not to notice, as she turned to Miyuki.
3873
3874“The Chiba Family is greatly indebted to the Isori Family.”
3875
3876“That’s certainly not true!”
3877
3878“No need to be shy, that’s just how it is, objectively.”
3879
3880Seeing Isori frantically shake his head, Erika adopted a more teasing tone.
3881
3882“My CAD was also developed by the Isori Family. Speaking of which, didn’t Isori-senpai make it for me?”
3883
3884Speaking of which, Erika pulled out her CAD that was shaped like a retractable police baton out of nowhere.
3885
3886“Well, I guess… But only the ‘Engraving’ portion.”
3887
3888“You designed the Engraving spell yourself? That’s incredible…”
3889
3890“Kei is a genius!”
3891
3892When Mizuki expressed her sincere admiration, Kanon was so proud that she momentarily forgot her displeasure. Isori could only shyly murmur once more: “That’s definitely not true.”
3893
3894
3895
3896
3897
3898By the time his absence had ceased to be a topic of conversation, Tatsuya slipped out of the hotel and advanced towards the parking garage reserved for officers on base. The other party was already there waiting for him.
3899
3900“How rude, to leave a woman waiting!”
3901
3902“My apologies.”
3903
3904This was hardly the time and place, but since he was in the wrong — less on the gender issue, more on his tardiness — Tatsuya frankly apologized when scolded.
3905
3906Maybe she was disappointed that Tatsuya didn’t offer any excuses, but Haruka didn’t complain as she gestured for Tatsuya to get in the car she was leaning against.
3907
3908After Tatsuya slid into the passenger seat, Haruka sat behind the wheel.
3909
3910Both the interior and exterior of the vehicle remained darkened.
3911
3912Haruka didn’t bother to glance at the ignition and directly pulled out a smartphone from the storing space on the door.
3913
3914Seeing this, Tatsuya also pulled out a terminal from his jacket pocket.
3915
3916This was not the uniform for the auxiliaries, but a pitch black jacket with two bulges beneath the armpits, which Haruka pretended to be oblivious to.
3917
3918“Just the map data is sufficient?”
3919
3920“If you have the list of members, can you pass those to me as well?”
3921
3922Haruka sighed. Tatsuya started sending data towards her terminal.
3923
3924Seeing the display, Haruka’s eyes widened in shock.
3925
3926“Is that not enough?”
3927
3928“No, that’s quite enough!”
3929
3930Haruka hid her expression and manipulated her own terminal.
3931
3932Tatsuya skimmed over the data sent to him and said.
3933
3934“Much obliged.”
3935
3936Just as Tatsuya slightly nodded and was about to press the button to open the car door,
3937
3938“This is insurance, isn’t it?”
3939
3940Haruka asked stiffly.
3941
3942“Indeed it is.”
3943
3944By the time this concise answer passed to Haruka’s ears, Tatsuya’s back was already facing her.
3945
3946
3947
3948
3949
3950As he watched Haruka drive the electric double-door sports car through the main exit, Tatsuya removed the gauze covering his right ear and headed towards another car. Before he could tap on the window, the car door on the passenger side automatically opened. Inside, a woman near Haruka’s age sat in the driver’s seat.
3951
3952“Who was that woman?”
3953
3954“Agent from Public Safety.”
3955
3956Tatsuya easily revealed Haruka’s identity and smirked at Fujibayashi.
3957
3958“Though she insists that her day job is that of a life counselor.”
3959
3960Fujibayashi burst into laughter.
3961
3962“So she’s a part-time agent.”
3963
3964“I think she’s fine on the ability end. Compared to seasoned veterans, rookies fresh out the door tend to be more reliable. They usually stick to confidentiality down to the letter, so I feel safer asking them for temp work. At any rate…… Accepting side jobs is slightly unethical, but money talks and merit walks — I guess that’s just how it is.”
3965
3966Hearing Tatsuya nonchalantly speak such bleak words, Fujibayashi squinted at him — her eyes remained calm.
3967
3968“Sometimes, why do I get the feeling that you should be 10 years older?”
3969
3970“I feel that this has nothing to do with age and everything to do with experience. After all, I’ve accumulated varied experiences of all sorts here and there.”
3971
3972Emphasis placed on the term varied. Hearing this, Fujibayashi casually averted her gaze from Tatsuya.
3973
3974Tatsuya didn’t anticipate any particularly special response.
3975
3976He removed the connection cable from the dashboard compartment and smoothly operated the touch screen on the passenger’s seat and transferred the map data he obtained from Haruka into the navigation system.
3977
3978“…I wonder if I can report this as overtime…”
3979
3980“I think this certainly qualifies.”
3981
3982“The labor laws hardly apply to people like us!”
3983
3984Despite elastic employment becoming mainstream, some laws still stubbornly survived the times. At being prompted to retread familiar territory, Fujibayashi didn’t even bother to force a smile and merely shot Tatsuya a look and shifted the stick forward.
3985
3986The commonly seen electric car employed by the masses shifted into silent run, a feature not detailed in the instruction manual, and slipped away in the darkness.
3987
3988
3989
3990
3991
3992Meanwhile, the one who ordered Fujibayashi into the field was entertaining an unexpected guest.
3993
3994“Please come in, sir.”
3995
3996The individual in question, who was not being welcomed by the soldiers on duty but by Kazama himself, was Elder Kudou.
3997
3998Back when the old man was in the service, the rule that the “Ten Master Clans shall not assume high roles in government” had not been established yet.
3999
4000That was because this rule was put into effect after experiencing a series of circumstances involving Kudou himself that ultimately led to the establishment of this rule.
4001
4002When he retired, Elder Kudou held the rank of major general. Kazama’s greeting was not out of respect for his status as an elder of the Ten Master Clans, but done in regards to his rank based on military protocol.
4003
4004Kazama was a B-ranked Magician and also a member of the magical community that had the Ten Master Clans at the pinnacle. That being said, he identified himself as a Magician using the Ancient Magic “Ninjutsu”, so he had a rather chilly relationship with the Ten Master Clans, who were the epitome of modern magic. (Naturally, his relationship with his subordinates within the battalion was another story altogether.)
4005
4006Thus — assuming this was the right way to put it — Kazama’s attitude might be respectful, but never surpassed the boundaries of being mere “formalities”.
4007
4008“You’re dismissed.”
4009
4010“Yes, sir!”
4011
4012Kazama ordered the soldiers on duty who brought the tea out of the room and redirected his gaze to Elder Kudou.
4013
4014“So what may I do for you today? Fujibayashi is in the field right now and not present.”
4015
4016“I certainly don’t believe that seeing my granddaughter requires going through her superiors… It’s nothing really, I hear that it’s rare for you to come from Tsuchiura, so I came to see you.”
4017
4018“I’m honored.”
4019
4020Seeing Kazama use the word honored but fail to express any respectful attitude, Kudou smiled wryly.
4021
4022“You still dislike the Ten Master Clans that much.”
4023
4024“I’ve said that was a misunderstanding.”
4025
4026“And I’ve said there’s no need to hide it. Magicians who wield Ancient Magic like you are ‘humans’ who have inherited the wisdom of the ages, unlike us, who are Magicians forged to be humanoid weapons. It’s perfectly understandable for there to be some resentment.”
4027
4028Kazama’s brows furrowed when he heard the word “human” being elongated on purpose.
4029
4030“…Turning ourselves into weapons is exactly the same thing the ancient Magicians did to themselves. There’s no great difference between you and I. If I do bear any resentment, that would be directed to humanity in general. I believe that this idea is something forced down the throats of children and the younger generation.”
4031
4032“Hm… So you took him in?”
4033
4034Kudou calmly rebutted Kazama’s fiery words.
4035
4036“…Him, as in?”
4037
4038“Shiba Tatsuya-kun. Isn’t he the son of Miya whom you acquired from the Yotsuba Family three years ago?”
4039
4040“………”
4041
4042Instead of being struck speechless, Kazama’s silence would be more aptly described as “highly irritated”.
4043
4044“It’s hardly surprising that I would know about it, right? Three years ago, I was conveniently the chairman of the committee for the Ten Master Clans and currently remain a magic advisor to national defense. Also, though it was for a short period of time, both Maya and Miya were my students.”
4045
4046“Then you should also know this. The Yotsuba Family has not relinquished their hold on Tatsuya. He remains a Yotsuba guardian. Only under the conditions that his role as a guardian is not compromised is Shiba Tatsuya allowed to participate in military missions. Besides guardian responsibilities, the Yotsuba Clan is not allowed to assert their precedence. That is the agreement we have with the Yotsuba Family.”
4047
4048“Don’t you feel that it’s a waste?”
4049
4050“What do you mean by a waste?”
4051
4052Seeing Kudou lean forward and ask in a conspiring manner, Kazama feigned ignorance as he replied.
4053
4054Elder Kudou did not fly into a rage and merely smirked.
4055
4056“Yesterday’s match was quite entertaining. While I hear that it was the only successful example, I didn’t imagine that it would be that powerful.”
4057
4058Retired Major General Kudou watched Major Kazama’s eyes like a hawk.
4059
4060“Sometime in the future, he will become our country’s invaluable military asset along with the scion of the Ichijou Family. Relegating such a superb individual to a mere private bodyguard, wouldn’t you consider that to be a waste?”
4061
4062“…Sir, do you wish to weaken the Yotsuba Family?”
4063
4064“Since it’s you, I’ll be blunt.”
4065
4066At Kazama’s question, Kudou maintained his thin smile and nodded.
4067
4068“Through a series of checks and balances, we prevent the possibility of Magicians losing control of themselves. This is written within the design behind the Ten Master Clans.”
4069
4070Kazama’s silence implied that, for him, Kudou’s words were all known facts.
4071
4072“However, at this current progression, the Yotsuba Family will become too powerful. At Shiba Tatsuya-kun and his sister’s current growth rate, in the near future, Maya will still be around, Shiba Miyuki will become Yotsuba Miyuki with Shiba Tatsuya continuing as her guardian. In this scenario, the Yotsuba Family may become an existence that will eclipse the Ten Master Clans. Nay…”
4073
4074Here, Elder Kudou paused and shook his head.
4075
4076“Even in our current predicament, based on the fact that they possess unique abilities unmatched by other families and have a select but extremely powerful group of Magicians, the Yotsuba Family are already a special entity within the Ten Master Clans.”
4077
4078Hearing Kudou’s words, Kazama wore a sarcastic smirk.
4079
4080“That’s precisely because they loyally obeyed your directive in creating ‘Magicians who are humanoid weapons’. From a pure combat perspective, it is only natural that they are so special.”
4081
4082“And therein lies the difficulty.
4083
4084Just as you say, Major Kazama.
4085
4086They originally existed to develop new weapons, but they are no longer like that.
4087
4088Something that only exists as a weapon will someday be excluded from the world of men.”
4089
4090“Sir!”
4091
4092Kazama curtailed Elder Kudou’s emphatic words.
4093
4094“Sir, just as you know the details on my side, so too do I know a few things on your side. I know the real reason why you are so interested in Tatsuya’s situation.”
4095
4096This time, it was Kudou’s turn to fall silent.
4097
4098“Thus, please allow me to make a suggestion and a correction.”
4099
4100“…Please do.”
4101
4102“I believe that there is no need to pity Tatsuya. He is not a docile lab rat to be pitied. Rather, he is someone who is reluctant to be viewed in that lens.”
4103
4104“That’s your suggestion?”
4105
4106“Indeed. Now for the correction… It’s not the near future. Tatsuya is already an invaluable asset within the military. Saying this may seem like I’m promoting my own men, but in terms of military power, Tatsuya is on an entirely different level than Ichijou.
4107
4108For point defense situations, Ichijou Masaki rivals an entire armored battallion’s combat strength.
4109
4110Yet, Tatsuya alone possesses the might of a strategic warhead.
4111
4112His magic is restricted by several layers of limiters and is a bona fide strategic weapon.
4113
4114And handing all the responsibility to him alone seems to be an overly heavy and cruel burden.”
4115
4116
4117
4118
4119
4120In the car speeding towards the east, Tatsuya did not double over and sneeze repeatedly.
4121
4122The electric car that Fujibayashi was driving — to be precise, Fujibayashi’s car that was being directed by the navigational system, was coursing east along the central highway and reached Yokohama before midnight.
4123
4124North of Yokohama Harbor in the east side of town, a sprawling Chinatown still bordered the high rise since the end of the 21st century (despite the multiple military conflicts between Japan and China). It was here that the car carrying the two of them came to a halt.
4125
4126“…We know hostile agents are crawling around over here, yet I don’t see any lock down or security checkpoints. What are the politicians thinking?”
4127
4128Fujibayashi gazed at the streets in Chinatown and muttered in frustration. Next to her, Tatsuya merely shrugged.
4129
4130“That’s because on the surface, this area is one of the primary headquarters for politically oppressed Chinese who fled the country.”
4131
4132“That’s a blatant lie!”
4133
4134“That’s why I said on the surface.”
4135
4136“Everything should have a limit. While we technically won, since no treaty was formally signed, from a legal standpoint, we are still on a war footing with the Great Asian Alliance and are only in a ceasefire right now. Everyone knows that this is a nest for spy activity, but no one wants to deal with it.”
4137
4138“Then again, maybe the number of ‘people’ is rising right now.”
4139
4140In contrast to Fujibayashi’s nattering, Tatsuya replied in an easy manner.
4141
4142Fujibayashi heard — or thought she did — something deeper in that answer and widened her eyes as she stared at Tatsuya.
4143
4144“…Do you know something?”
4145
4146“No, simply a wish, that’s all.”
4147
4148As if signaling an end to the conversation, Tatsuya turned his back to her.
4149
4150The current direction he was facing led him to the highest building in the city.
4151
4152The cost for construction was staggering, but from a physical perspective, it was indeed the tallest skyscraper.
4153
4154Until the middle of the century, this area was known as “Harbor View Park”. Now, with three towering skyscrapers built in the area, one could see Yokohama Harbor and the sea from there.
4155
4156The building’s name was the “Yokohama Bay Tower”, which the residents affectionately shortened to “Bay Tower”. It included hotels, shopping centers, civilian offices, television stations and related facilities. The community for Magicians known as the “Japanese Magic Association” also set their eastern branch here rather than in Tokyo. (Main HQ was in Kyoto.)
4157
4158Claiming that this tower was only for civilian use was a mere cover that even the citizens in the area could see through. Since this tower was in a perfect location to keep an eye on all the ships entering Tokyo Bay, this building also housed the offices for National Defense and the naval police disguised as civilian companies.
4159
4160It was rumored that the Magic Association’s eastern branch was in the building so that they could join the defense if an incident occurred. — Yet regardless of whether it was Tatsuya or Fujibayashi, both knew that this was no “rumor”, but cold, hard “fact”.
4161
4162“Lieutenant, thank you.”
4163
4164“Looks like I really should apply for overtime.”
4165
4166The time was near midnight.
4167
4168Fujibayashi placed a small information terminal on an emergency exit that was normally only accessible from the inside and was not covered by security personnel. Her other hand fiddled with the CAD.
4169
4170The door mechanism originally didn’t have a connection port or data jack, so Fujibayashi used a hacking program to gain access to the door by modifying the electric conductivity of the door.
4171
4172Thanks to Fujibayashi’s interference, the internal surveillance systems failed to detect their presence.
4173
4174
4175
4176
4177
4178On top of the highest floor in the Yokohama Grand Hotel — financed by backers out of Hong Kong and built in Chinatown in the first half of the century and had no correlation to the hotel before reconstruction — there was another floor that most customers were oblivious to where men were frantically preparing to move out of a room.
4179
4180This room was originally reserved for the eastern branch of the Hong Kong-based criminal organization “No Head Dragon” and served as their operational HQ for eastern Japan.
4181
4182The Hong Kong financier who ran this hotel had been compromised by No Head Dragon long ago, hence referring to this place as the operational HQ for criminal activity wasn’t so far off the mark.
4183
4184Even calling this moving would be a stretch, as the only things being shifted around were account books that weren’t recorded into devices. Since these were highly classified account books that couldn’t be recorded into systems with extensive safety parameters, they couldn’t simply be handed off to minions to be packed. This was why several middle-aged (and approaching the twilight of their years) men were using silk handkerchiefs to mop away their sweat as they clumsily lugged around luggage with hands covered in jewels and rings. If an outsider was present, they would have found the scene to be exceedingly comical.
4185
4186Of course, for the people in question, this was no laughing matter.
4187
4188“Damn it… We’ve still got more!”
4189
4190One of them stopped working and started cursing furiously.
4191
4192“Speaking of which, I can’t believe the Generator was taken out without inflicting any damage…”
4193
4194“That was completely unexpected. We didn’t think that Japanese special forces would shamelessly crawl out of the ground.”
4195
4196“Thus forcing us to try and evacuate in the middle of the night.”
4197
4198“They’re so full of themselves after just winning one battle…”
4199
4200Everyone present wished to express the words hidden in their heart to help vent their anxiety.
4201
4202“One day, we will avenge ourselves upon the Japanese military, but first we must get rid of that kid.”
4203
4204“You’re talking about the son of a bitch who ruined our entire plan?”
4205
4206“Shiba Tatsuya right? Who is this guy?”
4207
4208“Well… We don’t know all the details. We could only find his name, address, school, and appearance. Forget family situation, we couldn’t even get a list of family members. Only thing we know about his parents is that they are employed, all others remain in the dark. Likewise, we have no personal data beyond normal every day trivialities.”
4209
4210“The hell? This country counts as one of the countries with extensive personal databases on the international stage. Even looking at the civilian databases should yield at least some data, isn’t this extremely odd?”
4211
4212“Maybe we should see this as instead of classifying personal data, anything related to ‘Shiba Tatsuya’ has been systematically erased. I can’t think of any other possibility.”
4213
4214The high-ranking members at the No Head Dragon eastern Japanese branch peered at their compatriot who spoke up and wordlessly glanced at one another.
4215
4216“…Maybe he’s not an ordinary high school student…?”
4217
4218“If they wanted to systematically alter every personal database at the civilian level, this would require exceptional clearance at the highest level. Otherwise, they need the influence to intervene at the highest level of government.”
4219
4220“Seriously, who is it…?”
4221
4222They stopped packing their luggage. Suddenly, they heard muffled screams.
4223
4224In the corners of the room, four men could be seen.
4225
4226They were the Generators lent to the eastern Japanese branch to serve as personal defenses.
4227
4228In order to protect against foreign attack, they provided four different types of magic defenses. The Generator responsible for Data Fortification on the walls was precisely the source of these screams.
4229
4230The reason was blatantly obvious.
4231
4232The south facing wall had a gaping hole in it.
4233
4234This was not caused by a collision, incision, or even a crack in the wall. The only remnants were the steel bars and structure hanging loosely with some puffs of yellow dust and settling cement.
4235
4236The screams were caused by the destruction of Data Fortification and the subsequent feedback to the caster.
4237
4238Still, the painful sounds only lasted for a few seconds.
4239
4240The brass swiftly noticed the cause of the screams.
4241
4242No Head Dragon was not simply a criminal organization, they were a criminal organization that abused magic.
4243
4244In order to rise to the upper echelon, an individual must fulfill the condition of being a Magician.
4245
4246They had to manipulate and identify magic.
4247
4248Hence they were able to comprehend what unfolded before their eyes.
4249
4250The Eidos surrounding the Generator who let out those piteous screams — this was a Magician’s natural defense that unconsciously spread out to automatically protect oneself with Data Fortification — had been stripped away.
4251
4252No, the impression was more like the armor was being evaporated.
4253
4254In the next instant, the Generator’s whole body was suffused by static-like contour and started fading.
4255
4256At this time, the space the Generator’s body used to occupy burst into a small flame.
4257
4258Before the sprinklers could come alive, the small flame intermixed with orange, blue, and purple swiftly disappeared.
4259
4260What fell to the rug was simply ashes.
4261
4262The Generator’s entire body disappeared and this was all that remained.
4263
4264The brass was so terrified that they forgot to scream.
4265
4266They peered at one another with horrified expressions.
4267
4268All of a sudden, the telephone rang.
4269
4270The sound came from the hidden land line that only the brass had access to.
4271
4272One of them picked up the phone with extreme trepidation.
4273
4274There was no image. Only the sound came across the display monitor.
4275
4276“Hello, everyone from ‘No Head Dragon’s’ eastern Japanese branch!”
4277
4278The voice that came across the speaker was that of a young man — a teenager.
4279
4280
4281
4282
4283
4284Tatsuya and Fujibayashi ascended to the roof of the northern building of the Yokohama Bay Tower.
4285
4286Here, along with the broadcasting antenna for the television station, there was also a wireless communication device.
4287
4288Fujibayashi connected her terminal to the wireless communication device and rapidly tapped the screen.
4289
4290“…OK, we’re in. I’ve rerouted every wireless communication through here.”
4291
4292“As expected of the ‘Electron Sorceress’. This point remains immune to imitation regardless of what I try.”
4293
4294“Thanks. I would be in serious trouble if someone could imitate me so easily.”
4295
4296Fujibayashi adopted a superficial smile that obviously didn’t come from the heart.
4297
4298“Have we already cut the line?”
4299
4300“Captain Sanada already has that end covered.”
4301
4302Tatsuya pulled out the speaker attached to the information terminal with his left hand. After punching in the number Fujibayashi passed to him, he pressed the last key to enable voice communication.
4303
4304He removed a pair of riding goggles from his jacket pocket.
4305
4306Next, he pulled out a long-barreled CAD from his left shoulder holster.
4307
4308This was a Specialized CAD shaped like an automatic pistol that was modeled after the Silver Series Long-models.
4309
4310He stood before the protective railing and slightly raised his right hand.
4311
4312The “muzzle” of the CAD was aimed at the Yokohama Grand Hotel far off near the bottom of the hill.
4313
4314“…So that is a ‘Generator’?”
4315
4316“Yes, definitely. This is the first time we’ve captured one, but it’s characteristics perfectly match the intelligence report.”
4317
4318There was a solid kilometer from the top of the Yokohama Bay Tower to the Grand Hotel’s roof.
4319
4320Tatsuya adopted a shooting posture with a pistol-shaped CAD, so of course there wasn’t a scope attached.
4321
4322Even so, Fujibayashi never asked: “Can you see it?”
4323
4324That was because she understood perfectly that, of course Tatsuya could see it.
4325
4326Fujibayashi used an altogether different method of observation than Tatsuya, but even she was perfectly clear on who the Magicians and who the Generators in the room were.
4327
4328“Magic tools that have been stripped of their sense of self. So this is the end that awaits all Magicians developed as humanoid weapons…”
4329
4330“………”
4331
4332“…I spoke too much, I apologize.”
4333
4334Feeling Fujibayashi’s cold and disapproving gaze, Tatsuya hastily made amends and apologized.
4335
4336Not all Magicians wished to be used as weapons, so his comment was indeed out of line.
4337
4338Despite his apology, Tatsuya did not deny that he did resonate with the feeling somewhat.
4339
4340There are indeed similarities between the way he and the Generators conducted their lives, Tatsuya thought.
4341
4342Precisely because of this, within the remnants of the emotions left to him, the dominant emotion he felt was disgust.
4343
4344They were a harmful, unpleasant existence.
4345
4346Tatsuya never hesitated when destroying such a “device”.
4347
4348Silver Horn Custom, “Trident”.
4349
4350This was Tatsuya’s favored instrument, that which brought out the finest of his magic. Tatsuya squeezed the Trident’s trigger.
4351
4352His original magic, the military secret “Decomposition” activated.
4353
4354This spell broke the wall’s basic components into powder.
4355
4356By creating a physical hole in the wall that served as medium, he opened a hole in the “sealed” concept that protected the room from the effect of external magic.
4357
4358Tatsuya’s “view” of the interior had never been clearer.
4359
4360When the activated magic was forcibly destroyed, the Generator shook from the blow.
4361
4362Under normal circumstances, the Magician wouldn’t suffer from the feedback even if the magic was destroyed.
4363
4364This was likely a by-product of their inability to consciously terminate or halt magic by themselves.
4365
4366He coldly surveyed the scene while his attacks — killing intent did not falter.
4367
4368He noticed that one of the Generators released Wide Area Interference to protect the five members of the brass while the three others adopted Wide Area Interference to defend themselves.
4369
4370He squeezed the Trident’s trigger.
4371
4372He set the “Wide Area Interference” from the Generator injured by the wall’s collapse, the “outer shell of the Eidos”, and “flesh” as the variables and plugged them into the Magic Sequence.
4373
4374The processes for all three magics were completed in a split second with no time lag in between.
4375
4376The first process decomposed the target’s protective Wide Area Interference.
4377
4378The second process decomposed the target’s Data Fortification used to protect the body.
4379
4380The third process decomposed the flesh down to the atomic level.
4381
4382The decomposition was so complete that it was no longer recognizable as a biological entity and left no traces that this was a living being. Proteins were broken down into hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur; the bones were rendered down to phosphorus, oxygen, and calcium; everything including blood, the nervous system, stored nutrients, even waste was decomposed down to the molecules and ions.
4383
4384The lighter elements, with hydrogen at their head, escaped through the hole in the outer wall to the outside.
4385
4386The flammable elements interacted with oxygen and burst into flames.
4387
4388
4389
4390
4391
4392This scene was so surreal that it seemed like the human body spontaneously ignited.
4393
4394Yet, the reality was that it had vanished rather than being consumed by the flames.
4395
4396He had incorporated three consecutive Decomposition magics into one Magic Sequence and completely annihilated a Magician’s flesh and body along with its naturally occurring magic protect barrier.
4397
4398“Trident… Seriously, this must be what they call having your hair stand on end…”
4399
4400This was the Specialized CAD specifically customized to activate three consecutive magics.
4401
4402Within the Magic Encyclopedia, the term “Trident” was allocated to another magic.
4403
4404However, within the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, “Trident” referred to this merciless triple Decomposition magic as well as the CAD that optimized the process.
4405
4406Tatsuya didn’t hold Fujibayashi’s trepidation or words that slipped out of her mouth against her and merely keyed the waiting information terminal and linked to voice communication.
4407
4408Once they invaded the wireless communication device, the authentication system in the dedicated line lost all meaning.
4409
4410“Hello, everyone from ‘No Head Dragon’s’ eastern Japanese branch!”
4411
4412Tatsuya spoke in an unnaturally cheery voice.
4413
4414
4415
4416
4417
4418The executive who picked up the phone failed to hide his befuddlement as he glanced at his peers.
4419
4420This was a line reserved for executive use only, as well as a direct line to the main HQ. Only a branch chief or executives from the main HQ would know of this line, as ordinary members were unable to access this line. There weren’t any teenage executives in No Head Dragon. Heck, there weren’t even twenty year old executives in the organization.
4421
4422“…Who are you?”
4423
4424The voice didn’t contain an interrogator’s edge. Was this because he was quaking on the inside after watching a human body disintegrate into the aether?
4425
4426“Much obliged for your work at Fuji.”
4427
4428The voice belonged to a teenage youth, but the tone was unmistakably adult.
4429
4430“Allow me to return the favor.”
4431
4432When these words fell, the Wide Area Interference protecting the brass disappeared without a trace.
4433
4434Not only the man who was holding the phone, but everyone still in possession of their wits beside the magic devices glanced towards one corner on reflex.
4435
4436Before their eyes, a dimly lit flame ignited and swiftly vanished.
4437
4438The sprinklers reacted to the multiple heat sources and inundated the area with high pressured spray.
4439
4440The Generator that should be standing there had vanished without a trace.
4441
4442“Where? Number 14, where did that come from?”
4443
4444One of the executives stammered his words in reverse order.
4445
4446Magicians are able to detect what magic was being used and where the attack came from based on the effects of phenomenon rewriting. Normally, there would be no way that they could fail to detect where such a powerful magic that could reduce a human body down to the atomic level came from when the target was so close to them.
4447
4448Even if they couldn’t accurately pinpoint the distance, they should at least be able to locate which direction the caster was in — yet this executive had completely panicked and was unable to do anything.
4449
4450Compared to those who knew no fear — Generators had already lost their ability to falter, so they remained stolid in the face of their comrade’s destruction.
4451
4452Number 14’s slow, plodding movement pointed towards the broken hole in the wall.
4453
4454Across the street was the highest point on this street.
4455
4456Another executive quickly snatched up a sniper rifle.
4457
4458After raising the optical lens to his eye, he raised the magnification.
4459
4460On the rooftop of the Yokohama Bay Tower, a youth was partially visible beneath the illuminating moonlight.
4461
4462He raised the magnification to the max.
4463
4464Even though he couldn’t see the youth’s features because of the riding goggles in the way, he could see the exposed lips smirk at him.
4465
4466Seeing that twisted smirk, the man immediately screamed and fell to the floor.
4467
4468His eye had been slashed by the shattered lens from the scope.
4469
4470Still, the men didn’t have the leisure time to worry about their moaning comrade who clutched at his eye.
4471
4472“Number 14, Number 16, kill him!”
4473
4474More than one voice ordered the Generators to retaliate.
4475
4476However—
4477
4478“Unable to comply.”
4479
4480“Not within range.”
4481
4482Machines cannot accomplish the impossible.
4483
4484They were designed to wield magic stably under any condition. With this in mind, Generators didn’t possess the function to use their full potential and surpass their limits.
4485
4486“Don’t you dare talk back to me! Attack!”
4487
4488At Number 14 and Number 16 simultaneously answering in the negative without any inflection in their voice, the executive on the ground clutching his eye spat back furiously.
4489
4490The response came through the phone.
4491
4492“Did you really believe I would give you the chance?”
4493
4494Number 14 and Number 16 were both consumed by static.
4495
4496Both of them followed their comrade to hell.
4497
4498“Stop issuing orders to your tools. Why not take up the sword yourself?”
4499
4500Before the words traveled over the phone, a slightly mocking laughter could be heard.
4501
4502Nevertheless, the men didn’t seem to have the strength to rouse themselves to a fury.
4503
4504That was a distance at which the naked eye couldn’t even make out if someone was there.
4505
4506No one present had the ability to use magic against someone who was both unidentifiable and out of range.
4507
4508One man sprinted for the land line.
4509
4510The others frantically brought up the wireless phones within their terminals.
4511
4512Yet, the land line only bleeped back a disconnected signal,
4513
4514Nor were the wireless phones working either.
4515
4516“Don’t bother. Right now I’m the only one you can speak with.”
4517
4518The same voice traveled along the original phone.
4519
4520“How is this possible? Even the wireless signal… How did he…”
4521
4522“All I did was converge the electronic waves. As to how I did this, there’s no need for you to know.”
4523
4524They understood perfectly well the meaning behind his words.
4525
4526Still, all those words did was solidify their sense of dread.
4527
4528“Now, let’s cut to the chase.”
4529
4530With this diabolical declaration, the man clutching one eye was surrounded with static.
4531
4532The man’s face twisted in utter despair.
4533
4534His face remained twisted — as he turned into ashes.
4535
4536Since the sprinklers had already inundated the room thrice with water, there was no longer any spontaneous combustion.
4537
4538The men watched with frozen expressions their comrade who was denied even a funeral pyre.
4539
4540One man desperately made for the exit.
4541
4542Static swarmed around from behind him as his outline came apart and he vanished.
4543
4544The last three remaining members of the No Head Dragon’s eastern Japanese branch finally realized that their lives were held in the palm of a demon.
4545
4546They couldn’t help but arrive at this epiphany.
4547
4548“Wait… Please wait a second!”
4549
4550The man who served as the chief of the eastern Japanese branch seized the phone and shouted into the speaker.
4551
4552“For what?”
4553
4554
4555
4556
4557
4558He hadn’t actually thought his words through.
4559
4560He didn’t believe his opponent was going to let him go.
4561
4562No one who could eradicate men like mere numbers possessed a merciful disposition.
4563
4564Still, contrary to expectations, a response came down the line.
4565
4566“We, we swear to never interfere with the Nine Schools Competition again!”
4567
4568“The Nine Schools Competition ends tomorrow.”
4569
4570“Not just the Nine Schools Competition! We will leave the country tomorrow! We will never again step foot into this country!”
4571
4572“Even if you leave, others will still come back, right?”
4573
4574“No Head Dragon will abandon Japan completely! Not just eastern Japan, but western Japan as well!”
4575
4576“Do you have the power to make such a promise, Douglas Huang?”
4577
4578The moment the opposing side called out his name, the man’s heart almost stopped from the blow. Even so, Huang desperately kept speaking.
4579
4580“I am the boss’s confidant! The boss can’t simply ignore my words!”
4581
4582“In what way?”
4583
4584“I once saved the boss’s life! You owe the man who saved you a favor, that is our custom!”
4585
4586“So you plan to use that ‘favor’ to bargain for your life.”
4587
4588Two looks shot towards Huang.
4589
4590They contained the hatred and killing intent reserved for traitors.
4591
4592However, Huang didn’t have the time to worry about that.
4593
4594“Didn’t you plan to use that favor to win back your life from your boss?”
4595
4596“No! The boss wouldn’t abandon me even if I didn’t do that!”
4597
4598“So you claim you have that much influence?”
4599
4600“Indeed!”
4601
4602“By what do you make this claim?”
4603
4604“That…”
4605
4606“No Head Dragon — the headless dragon. That name does not originate from your own organization, but was applied to you by other organizations because your leader never appears before the subordinates. Even those that require personal punishment are first rendered unconscious before being taken to a private room. Quite the thorough process indeed.”
4607
4608Huang was consumed by a fear that was altogether different from the terror that came from death or being disintegrated.
4609
4610He knew too much about his situation.
4611
4612Whose tail did he tread on this time.
4613
4614“Since you have so much influence, surely you must have seen the leader?”
4615
4616Regardless, he didn’t have time to contemplate this.
4617
4618In order to live, he must follow the path that this demon had pointed out to him.
4619
4620“I have been granted an audience.”
4621
4622“What is your leader’s name?”
4623
4624Huang shut his trap.
4625
4626That was the deepest secret within the organization.
4627
4628The terror and loyalty that have been engraved upon his soul through the passage of the years overrode the terror before his eyes.
4629
4630But only for a moment.
4631
4632“James!?”
4633
4634Another one of his companions disappeared from this earth.
4635
4636A destruction so complete that he wasn’t even permitted to die as a human being.
4637
4638This reminded him of the blasphemy that their leader used to execute the damned and sent a similar chill up his spine.
4639
4640“So that was James Zhu, eh. My apologies to the Interpol agents pursuing him across the globe.”
4641
4642“Wait…”
4643
4644“Is it your turn now, Douglas Huang?”
4645
4646“Please wait! …Our boss’s name is Richard Sun!”
4647
4648“And his public persona?”
4649
4650“…Sun Gongming.”
4651
4652“Address?”
4653
4654Hong Kong’s upper class residential sector, name of the office building, frequented nightclubs, Huang held nothing back.
4655
4656“…That is everything I know.”
4657
4658“And my questions come to a close. Thank you very much.”
4659
4660“Then, you believe me?”
4661
4662“Ah, you are undoubtedly one of No Head Dragon’s leader, Richard Sun’s confidants.”
4663
4664Brought to the brink of extermination, Huang’s entire body seemed to sag as his expression sang of his deliverance.
4665
4666This recently revived hope,
4667
4668“Gregori!”
4669
4670Was swiftly crushed with the annihilation of his last remaining comrade.
4671
4672“…Why!? We took no lives. We didn’t even kill anyone!”
4673
4674
4675
4676
4677
4678“…We didn’t even kill anyone!”
4679
4680A rather logical defense sprouted through the other side of the phone.
4681
4682But that was merely the result.
4683
4684They conspired to commit mass murder, but their plans were derailed by Yanagi, Sanada, and Fujibayashi.
4685
4686Yet Tatsuya didn’t point this out.
4687
4688“And why does that concern me?”
4689
4690“What…?”
4691
4692“How many you have slain or let live means nothing to me!”
4693
4694Tatsuya had reached the end of his tether in playing out this lifeless performance, so he was no longer disguising his voice.
4695
4696He had already obtained all the intel he wanted, so there was no need to play out this farce any longer.
4697
4698“You dared to touch that which cannot be touched.
4699
4700You dared to sully my scales.
4701
4702For that alone you all deserve to perish!”
4703
4704“…You demon!”
4705
4706“You are the ones to thank for unshackling the demon, Douglas Huang. Consciousness may be the force that propels strength, but emotions take that strength one step further.”
4707
4708Next to the speaker, Tatsuya lightly laughed at himself.
4709
4710His laughter mixed with the evening wind and accompanied the cold words of damnation that devoured all hope.
4711
4712“You have touched upon my last remaining emotion and thanks to you, I finally unleashed the ‘Power of the Demon’.”
4713
4714“You say the Power of the Demon…? This magic, it cannot be, Demon Right!?”
4715
4716That statement became Huang’s last words.
4717
4718Huang’s voice cut off from there.
4719
4720The entity that made up Douglas Huang was utterly extinguished from this world.
4721
4722
4723
4724
4725
4726Chapter 13
4727
4728
4729
4730
4731The last day of the Nine Schools Competition dawned.
4732
4733The only event slated for today was Monolith Code. The first match for the elimination round would begin at 9 AM, and the second match held at 10 AM. At 1 PM, the consolation match for Third Place would be held, followed by the final match at 2 PM.
4734
4735The awards and closing ceremonies would begin at 3:30 PM, with the Nine Schools Competition officially coming to a close at 5 PM.
4736
4737The competition officially ended at that time because there was still a banquet to be held at 7 PM.
4738
4739Differing from the meet and greet before the opening ceremony, the banquet after the closing ceremony was the real opportunity for the schools to mingle and interact with one another.
4740
4741Also, this banquet annually saw the birth of several couples in long distance relationships.
4742
4743This was not only a chance for high school students to meet one another, but also an excellent opportunity to interact with famous figures in the magical community. Year 3 students especially took care to take advantage of these two areas as much as possible.
4744
4745Yet, for the four schools that advanced to the elimination round, those details could wait until after the event.
4746
4747None of the schools were in any hurry.
4748
4749Everything that could be done had been done, so both the players and the auxiliaries were calmly waiting for the beginning of the competition.
4750
4751First High’s pavilion was no exception. Centered around Katsuto, who was calmly sitting there with his eyes closed, there were plenty of anxious individuals or those struggling to contain their excitement as players and members all waited for the summons to the first match.
4752
4753There were the three players, Juumonji Katsuto, Tatsumi Koutarou, and Hattori Gyoubu along with the three technicians that accompanied them. Isori was also among their number.
4754
4755Off to the side, the brass could be seen centered around the Student Council members like Mayumi, Mari, Suzune, and Azusa.
4756
4757Kanon headed the Year 2 and 3 players.
4758
4759Those that were unable to enter the pavilion waited eagerly in the supporting stands for the players to appear.
4760
4761Nonetheless, regardless of where one cast their eyes, Tatsuya’s figure remained elusive.
4762
4763
4764
4765
4766
4767“Is it OK if you don’t go to support them?”
4768
4769“……There’s still some time left.”
4770
4771Hearing Fujibayashi’s question, Tatsuya gulped down his food and replied.
4772
4773Based on his instructions last night, Tatsuya reported to Kazama’s room after breakfast.
4774
4775However, the owner of the room had disappeared for some secret rendezvous in the morning. While he was waiting, he sat down and accepted Fujibayashi’s invitation to a second breakfast. —He was a developing teenager with a ravenous appetite, so sandwiches with a few sweets were nothing for him.
4776
4777Within the boundaries of decorum, they chatted as they gathered up the plates. At this time, Kazama returned with Sanada and Yanagi in tow. He returned a vague salute to Tatsuya and Fujibayashi, who both stood and saluted him, before waving them to take a seat. Kazama sat directly across from Tatsuya, Yanagi took a seat next to Fujibayashi, and Sanada grabbed a chair next to Tatsuya. (Tatsuya already heard from Fujibayashi that Yamanaka had already returned to Kasumigaura Base — which had already been upgraded from station to base.)
4778
4779“Good work last night.”
4780
4781After briefly exchanging greetings, Kazama spoke up.
4782
4783“No, I should be the one thanking you. I apologize for troubling everyone with personal business.”
4784
4785“This is hardly a personal matter for you. Speaking of which, I was also attacked.”
4786
4787“Also, we obtained critical combat data last night. Beeline range roughly 1200 meters. It is very rare to obtain data for long range magic that successfully sniped human targets at this range. For someone like you who excels in extreme long distance precision attacks and OTH (over the horizon) sniping, this distance may not be satisfactory, but I am very pleased with this observation data.”
4788
4789Yanagi and Sanada both reassured Tatsuya when he stood up and bowed.
4790
4791“Just so. Also, Internal Affairs and Public Safety were both exceptionally pleased with our gift last night. You successfully completed your mission, so don’t worry if it was a little personal.”
4792
4793Accepting Tatsuya’s salute, Kazama left it at that.
4794
4795“……However, is the intel surrounding the leader of a criminal organization that valuable?”
4796
4797Last night, he intentionally reached out to the criminals with a mocking tone despite the fact that this behavior ran against his personality because those were Kazama’s orders.
4798
4799“That’s because this is no simple criminal organization.”
4800
4801“…………”
4802
4803“Tatsuya-kun, how familiar are you with the ‘Sorcery Booster’?”
4804
4805At Tatsuya’s wordless interrogation, Sanada opened his mouth.
4806
4807“I’ve heard the name before. That is a breakthrough Magic Amplifier introduced by criminal organizations within the past few years. To be honest, I find this highly suspicious……”
4808
4809“Magic Amplifiers do exist. On some level, referring to it as a ‘breakthrough Magic Amplifier’ is absolutely correct.”
4810
4811“Speaking of which, is it possible to amplify magic to that degree?”
4812
4813While he didn’t believe that this was the kind of situation where Sanada would discuss groundless rumors at length, Tatsuya still found it difficult to dispel the “dubious” first impression.
4814
4815Even though Magic Sequences were a “signal” that included processes from the Magician that were ultimately sent to the target Eidos, they were not wholly unrelated to the amplification process.
4816
4817However, the processes from the Magic Sequences shifted in the information dimension, so the signals from the Magic Sequence did not progress from the Magician to the Eidos directly.
4818
4819The first question of the day…… originated from exactly where was the Magic Sequence constructed by Magicians amplified.
4820
4821“This is not amplification in the classical sense. Let me think…… Allow me to put it this way, this doesn’t merely provide a blueprint for the Magic Sequence, it’s a CAD that possesses a self-restoring blueprint built into the Magic Sequence that assists in the construction process. Through this, Magic Sequences of this scale are rendered possible by surpassing a Magician’s original capacity.”
4822
4823“That…… Rather than calling it a ‘Booster’, the term ‘Memory Capacitor’ may be closer to the mark.”
4824
4825“Possibly.”
4826
4827Maybe Tatsuya’s comment hit the nail on the head, because Sanada burst into a chain of laughter.
4828
4829“……It’s hardly surprising if the terminology doesn’t match its purpose. No Head Dragon is one of the primary distributors of this Booster. This tool runs into a little trouble when procuring raw materials, since legal corporations are unable to manufacture these things. Even nations run a significant risk if this is brought to light. In reality, No Head Dragon monopolized the supply for Sorcery Boosters.”
4830
4831“Then, do we need the leader’s intel to procure Sorcery Boosters?”
4832
4833“Negative. We need the target’s intel in order to permanently halt the production and distribution of these Boosters.
4834
4835This is not something that should exist in the world in the first place. I would never use it, nor do I want anyone in the force to do so. —Tatsuya-kun knows how the Induction Stone in the center of the CAD is produced, right?”
4836
4837Induction Stones refer to the component that transforms psion waves into electric signals and vice versa. Tatsuya was bewildered at the abrupt change in conversation and nodded in assent.
4838
4839“Induction Stones are created from a crystallization of neurons chemically synthesized from the molecular level. Since the differences in structure may impact the conversion ratio, the emphasis is placed on the structural composition rather than the physical characteristics of the neurons. That being said, currently there are no reports of successful developments of Induction Stones without relying on artificial materials.”
4840
4841Hearing Tatsuya’s response, Sanada nodded in satisfaction.
4842
4843“You are correct. However, the Booster’s core contains an Induction Stone that is not forged from artificial neurons.”
4844
4845“Then what is it……”
4846
4847“A human brain.”
4848
4849Sanada’s answer silenced Tatsuya.
4850
4851“To be precise, it’s a Magician’s brain.”
4852
4853“……But when they used neurons from animals, the remaining psion particles in the brain should interfere with the user’s ability to achieve induction. This should also be true when using a human brain.”
4854
4855The reason Tatsuya was struck speechless did not arise from the unethical nature of their discussion.
4856
4857He was well versed in the cases at the dawn of CAD development where they conducted experiments on animals and humans.
4858
4859The results from these experiments that blatantly ignored ethics, conscience, and beliefs established the technique for chemical synthesis of Induction Stones.
4860
4861Nevertheless, No Head Dragon managed to overturn these conventional beliefs.
4862
4863Tatsuya was astounded by this turn about.
4864
4865“They are completely different from normal Induction Stones. Each Booster is specifically designed to use one type of magic, so the type of magic differs based on the specs for the Boosters. Still, scaling on some level could be achieved. Based on our estimates, remnant thoughts left over from the production process may play a role in altering the type of magic. By creating the same powerful emotions during the production process, similar Boosters can be created.”
4866
4867“……Such as introducing massive pain to the brain to provoke overwhelming fear, am I correct?”
4868
4869“Most likely.”
4870
4871“……It’s the same concept as curses.”
4872
4873“I agree. Boosters may have been born from the same basis as curses. Even though we use magic as weapons and added Magicians to the military hierarchy, our goal was to create a prototype unit rather than using Magicians as mere parts. I am a Magician as well. Along with Captain Sanada, Captain Yanagi, Lieutenant Fujibayashi, all units and personnel in the unit are basically Magicians. Generators are still tolerable, but creating and disseminating things like Boosters is absolutely unforgivable.”
4874
4875“Setting aside the emotional perspective of the problem, capacity enhancers like Sorcery Boosters also pose a threat to the military. Since the North American Intelligence Agency (NAIA) shares this view, they have already reached out to Internal Affairs. Mibu extends his thanks, Tatsuya.”
4876
4877Kazama supplied this final piece as the conversation drew to an end.
4878
4879
4880
4881
4882
4883Once Tatsuya arrived at the spectator stands and began looking for an empty spot, a small block of ice came hurtling towards him from the front.
4884
4885He frantically caught the ball of ice and, by the time he lowered his hand, his eyes caught Miyuki looking back at him.
4886
4887Abandoning all pretense of not noticing her, Tatsuya obediently advanced to the front row where an empty seat waited for him.
4888
4889“……Such a violent greeting.”
4890
4891“That’s because Onii-sama pretended not to notice us!”
4892
4893……Tatsuya had no rejoinder for that.
4894
4895Well, the real reason he pretended not to notice was to avoid doing anything else that would draw attention to himself from the audience, but he clearly understood that this excuse would not fly with his sister.
4896
4897Still, that reason was largely for Miyuki’s benefit. Given the expressions on the faces of their peers and upperclassmen, this was most definitely not the case for them. —Lukewarm expressions of pity would please no one.
4898
4899“Oh, the players are coming.”
4900
4901“You were just in time, Tatsuya-kun.”
4902
4903The one who answered Tatsuya wasn’t Miyuki, but Honoka who was sitting on her other side. Miyuki was busy putting on a smiling face to dispel the lukewarm gazes sent their way. In order to make up for the lost opportunity to speak, she edged closer to Tatsuya as she sat down.
4904
4905The first match of the elimination round pitted First High against Ninth, coincidentally the same line up as the Newcomers Division.
4906
4907Ninth High likely hoped to avenge their defeat here. All three players displayed high morale.
4908
4909In comparison, First High’s three players presented three different images.
4910
4911Katsuto remained impassive, Tatsumi’s thoughts remained a mystery, while Hattori wore a serious expression as he eyed the enemy team with a challenging glint in his eyes.
4912
4913Their completely normal appearance brought on an aura of reassurance.
4914
4915“Compared to us, they certainly give off a relaxing feel…… Such is how people are on another level.”
4916
4917“Nonsense! I never doubted that Onii-sama would triumph!”
4918
4919“Your group performed admirably, Tatsuya-kun! You were all courageous and honorable in the extreme.”
4920
4921Tatsuya didn’t mean anything in particular with his comment, but he was a little lost when they provoked immediate words of reassurance or encouragement.
4922
4923Still, they kept their voices down since the match was about to begin in order to avoid attention, but that didn’t guarantee they would be successful all the time. That’s why they say watch what you say. Mindful of this, Tatsuya chased away these distractions from his mind and concentrated all his attention on the match.
4924
4925—Shizuku staring at him with a displeased expression may also have played a small part in that.
4926
4927—Unrelated to this drama, the match began.
4928
4929
4930
4931
4932
4933The match took place in a Karst-like “Boulder” setting.
4934
4935With the starting buzzer, Hattori emerged out of First High’s territory.
4936
4937With a liberal mix of Leaping Magic, he stormed towards the enemy territory with a speed that simply couldn’t be done with pure legwork.
4938
4939Ninth High’s response was extremely sluggish.
4940
4941Displaying high morale counted in their favor, but First High seized the initiative.
4942
4943Seeing their blazing fervor, Ninth High probably planned to launch a preemptive strike.
4944
4945However, with their opponent’s unexpected charge, their delayed response was filled with doubt.
4946
4947They debated over whether they should immediately take out the attacker and capture a numerical advantage.
4948
4949Or, should they leave the retaliation to the defender and proceed towards the enemy territory as planned.
4950
4951First High’s objective was precisely to sow the seeds of doubt in their minds.
4952
4953Hattori stopped halfway between the two areas and began to release magic towards the three players from Ninth High who were still dragging their feet.
4954
4955With the rising air currents, white mist formed over the heads of the players from Ninth High. The mist swiftly coalesced and fell downwards as if unable to support its own weight.
4956
4957Hail formed from dry ice crashed downwards.
4958
4959Convergence-Release-Move Compound Systematic Magic “Dry Blizzard”.
4960
4961This was the basic form of the spell that Mayumi used during Speed Shooting.
4962
4963This magic took the heat energy (latent heat) released when lowering carbon dioxide to solidifying temperature and turning solid and transformed it into the kinetic energy for dry ice pellets, so the higher the temperature, the greater the velocity. Released from the outer periphery of the defensive perimeter — boulders provided no cover from dry ice pellets released directly overhead. Since they were all wearing protective helmets, ice blocks the size of the fingertip wouldn’t cause any major injury, but multiple hits could lead to a mild concussion.
4964
4965At the current rate, their inability to retaliate would lead to their demise, so one of the players from Ninth High spread out a magical protective barrier over their heads to protect them — an imaginary obstruction that would reduce the speed of the descending particles to zero.
4966
4967The shield formed by that player would only reduce the speed to zero once. After the particle came to a stop in the air, gravity would once again pull it down to the earth. The dry ice Hattori created was formed from freezing the surrounding air and causing the moisture to solidify so they would fall to the earth like a drizzle on top of the players from Ninth High and the surrounding boulders. Once the misty air absorbed the released carbon dioxide, this formed a continuous layer of fog.
4968
4969Due to the boulders surrounding the immediate area, it was very difficult for the fog to migrate anywhere other than Ninth High’s position.
4970
4971Even though the fog wasn’t thick enough to hinder visibility, having the entire body suffused in wet, cold air was certainly going to be unpleasant. Another player started venting the air current in hopes of dispelling the side effects of Dry Blizzard.
4972
4973However, Hattori had already activated his next magic.
4974
4975His spell used the friction caused by slightly vibrating the dust particles in the ground to alter the electrical current in the dirt, then amplifying and releasing the charge.
4976
4977While one of the Year 1 students from Eighth High also attempted the same type of magic in a similar setting, the sheer strength and practiced motion of the same spell were like night and day.
4978
4979A crescent shape seeming to trace Ninth High’s magic defensive perimeter began to glow in an area that was roughly five meters wide.
4980
4981Countless flashes of light intermixed with one another like a herd of small snakes swarming forward.
4982
4983Regardless of whether it was the ground mixed with sand, the loosely growing grass, or even the rolling stones, anything covered by the fog of carbon dioxide became charged by the moisture.
4984
4985The electric snake outside the magic defense barrier ignored the magic and dove straight for the player from Ninth High.
4986
4987Compound Magic, “Slithering Thunders”.
4988
4989Compound Magics are not simply magics that have multiple spells woven into one Magic Sequence. Rather, it is a combination of the effects of multiple magics where the aggregate whole provides a greater effect than the sum of its parts.
4990
4991Hattori was not renowned for using exceptionally strong magic, unparalleled processing speed, or multi-casting. Instead, Hattori was an incredibly versatile Magician who could stably choose from an assortment of magic to fit any scenario; herein lay his advantage.
4992
4993With so many different assortments at his disposal, Compound Magic greatly benefited from his versatility, and was a perfect method to bring out Hattori’s potential.
4994
4995One of the three players from Ninth High leaped into the air to escape the electric current.
4996
4997Unfortunately, the players responsible for the defensive barrier overhead and venting the air currents were half a beat slow in switching to Leaping Magic.
4998
4999The electric light ensnared the players’ feet.
5000
5001Even though the protective boots were insulated, the protective vest itself was not. (High insulation would hamper air permeability.)
5002
5003The fog that was inundated with carbon dioxide clung to the players’ bodies.
5004
5005The player who was wielding wind magic was able to quickly switch targets and sought to use the wind to blow away the moisture in order to lessen the blow. Unfortunately, his compatriot who was holding the magic defense barrier wasn’t so fortunate and suffered a direct hit from “Slithering Thunders”.
5006
5007Next to the player who collapsed on the ground, his companion fell to one knee.
5008
5009He gave up on his immobile leg and maintained this position to wield his CAD.
5010
5011Someone cried out in pain in the air.
5012
5013The player who had leaped into the air to avoid the electric attack was struck by an invisible hammer and crashed back to earth.
5014
5015Tatsumi Koutarou, who used Single Systematic Magic but specialized in interference strength, had cast Speed-Type Magic on him. By instantly applying downwards gravitational pull, the opposing player immediately hit the deck.
5016
5017At the same time, the player from Ninth High activated Convergence Magic.
5018
5019It was unknown whether he was unaware of his companion’s predicament or whether this was as expected of a team that advanced to the elimination round.
5020
5021Hattori was the target of the compressed air pellets being fired. Besides special circumstances like being underwater or in a vacuum, air existed in almost every scenario, hence its combat application was a popular choice.
5022
5023Thanks to the rules limiting attack options and destructive power, Monolith Code largely favored compressed air pellet attacks.
5024
5025The highly compressed air pellets that formed outside of Hattori’s defensive perimeter — shattered into pieces against an invisible wall that materialized before Hattori.
5026
5027Hattori was not the cause of that.
5028
5029That was Katsuto casting “Reflector” from 400 meters behind him.
5030
5031This Area of Effect Magic ignored solids, fluids, and gases and created a force field that reversed motion vectors.
5032
5033Compared to normal Targeting Magic, Area of Effect Magic was even more challenging.
5034
5035The difficulty comes from the blurring of the lines.
5036
5037The difference between changing a target’s properties and the properties of an empty space was practically nonexistent. The difficulty arises when trying to differentiate between which areas needed to be rewritten and which areas cannot be.
5038
5039For targets such as walls, ceilings and railings, the partitions can be seen easily. However, trying to create a distinction in the outdoors for a special location was many times more difficult.
5040
5041Still, if this was offensive magic, the difficulty can be lessened by setting targeting parameters within the Activation Sequence.
5042
5043On the other hand, defensive magic was restricted in that it had to fulfill all the conditions without knowing the nature and distance of enemy attacks as well as having limits on area, volume, and shape.
5044
5045Such as a shield to protect yourself.
5046
5047Or a wall to defend your teammates.
5048
5049By setting the Magician as the origin, a respective distance could be plotted to the target.
5050
5051Generally, this was as far as one got.
5052
5053However, Katsuto set Hattori as the protective target in an outdoor setting with no reference points without the need for supporting tools. He had created a perfect “Reflector” from 400 meters out.
5054
5055This was an outstanding spatial awareness.
5056
5057The Juumonji Family took the next step to hone their natural talents in spatial awareness. Their ability to wield multiple types of Area of Effect defensive magic has earned them the title “Stonewall”.
5058
5059Hattori activated his next magic.
5060
5061Against the attacks from Ninth High, he didn’t even bother to defend himself.
5062
5063The construction of this Magic Sequence was wholly dependent on Katsuto’s unquestionable ability to defend him from enemy attack.
5064
5065The dust on the ground took to the skies.
5066
5067Sand was sent spiraling into the air by the wind.
5068
5069Ten meters ahead of Hattori, the dust storm grew in strength and speed as it advanced upon the opposing player before falling upon him in fury.
5070
5071Speed-Convergence Compound Magic, “Linear Sandstorm”.
5072
5073With the first dust particle raised into the air as the center, this Area of Effect offensive magic constructed layers and layers of complexity around the center as it spun around.
5074
5075The converging sandstorm knocked the player from Ninth High to the floor.
5076
5077
5078
5079
5080
5081“That match was at an incredibly high level……”
5082
5083Tatsuya used the ending signal as a BGM and said in exhilaration.
5084
5085The match itself was a completely one-sided affair.
5086
5087His comment on level was in regards to the magic used as well as its application.
5088
5089Especially Hattori, whose skillful use of magic techniques was enough to prompt him to hope “Miyuki learns a thing or two from him”. (He didn’t say “he could learn something”, because he had arrived at the conclusion that he was incapable of imitating that level of skill.)
5090
5091Tatsuya never overly underestimated Hattori. Even though he had defeated the man in a match, that was only because he seized the initiative and got under his guard. Tatsuya recognized this from a completely objective perspective.
5092
5093Compared to Magic Power, his magic application was even more skillful. Tatsuya already had an inkling of this given his many opportunities to see Hattori in action.
5094
5095Still, that earlier display of might honestly exceeded his expectations.
5096
5097(I am still a long ways off from getting an accurate read on others……)
5098
5099“Next match will be the finals.”
5100
5101Utterly ignorant of Tatsuya’s mental struggles, Honoka innocently opened up.
5102
5103For her, it was only natural that the Student Council Vice President boasted great skill.
5104
5105The word “natural” shook Tatsuya out of his reverie.
5106
5107Isn’t it only natural to not read others accurately? He was only a high school student after all.
5108
5109Tatsuya’s mental status was still stuck in his persona as the Special Lieutenant from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion from last night and it was only now that he reverted to the high school student Shiba Tatsuya.
5110
5111“The finals begin at 1 PM, and it’s a little early for lunch……”
5112
5113“Will you take us for a few cold drinks, Onii-sama?”
5114
5115“Agreed. Ice cream would be even better.”
5116
5117Hearing Miyuki’s suggestion, Shizuku swiftly assented.
5118
5119He had no duties as a technician today.
5120
5121Nor did he have to worry about any hindrances from any criminal organizations.
5122
5123Occasionally, it wasn’t bad to indulge in the life of a high school student — Tatsuya thought and made his decision.
5124
5125“I saw a concession truck earlier, would that be acceptable?”
5126
5127“Yes, let’s go!”
5128
5129Tatsuya tossed aside any thoughts regarding how others would see one young man leading three beautiful young ladies and led Miyuki and company to the ice cream concession area.
5130
5131
5132
5133
5134
5135The finals for Monolith Code was set for the “Valley”.
5136
5137In order to pass along the board’s decision, Mayumi visited the players’ resting area.
5138
5139Surely a simple matter like passing the word along didn’t necessitate the Student Council President’s appearance.
5140
5141In reality, if that’s all there was, Mayumi probably wouldn’t show up in person.
5142
5143“Juumonji-kun, are you here?”
5144
5145After speaking into the intercom near the entrance, someone immediately replied with “Right away”.
5146
5147Shortly afterwards, Katsuto appeared wearing a vest and protective leggings as he used his head to raise the cloth hanging over the doorway.
5148
5149“Apologies for my wardrobe.”
5150
5151“Don’t worry. It’s not like you’re indecent.”
5152
5153Katsuto was covered in the scent of alcohol.
5154
5155And not because he was drinking.
5156
5157That must be because his deodorant contained alcoholic content. He delayed coming out immediately probably to spare Mayumi the scent of sweat clinging to him. While he wasn’t a feminist of any sort, he was undeniably a gentleman. It was just like Katsuto to notice all the small details without mentioning anything aloud, Mayumi thought.
5158
5159“So, what is it?”
5160
5161Mayumi had set aside her official business and was busy ruminating over nonsensical things when Katsuto’s question shook her back to reality.
5162
5163“The setting for the finals has been decided. Can you come with me for a minute?”
5164
5165If this was all there was, one sentence would have been sufficient.
5166
5167Yet, Katsuto didn’t ask “why” or “what for” as he quietly followed behind Mayumi.
5168
5169
5170
5171
5172
5173Mayumi led Katsuto to the same room where she spoke with Tatsuya three days ago.
5174
5175Just like three days ago, she erected a soundproof barrier and started speaking quietly with the already seated Katsuto.
5176
5177“Father sent a coded missive. Apparently, this is the directive from the clan meeting.”
5178
5179“Ho?”
5180
5181“Looks like Juumonji-kun hasn’t received it yet, right?”
5182
5183“Correct.”
5184
5185Though Katsuto’s response was unexpected, but coded missives from the clan meetings generally took a considerable time alone to decipher. The Juumonji Family must have felt that even though this was the break time between matches, the captain being absent for a long period of time would rouse suspicion. That was Mayumi’s take on the situation.
5186
5187Mayumi and Katsuto were on a different footing than the other members on the team.
5188
5189This difference was not because they were the Student Council President and Club Group Leader, but because their social standing was inherently different.
5190
5191Mayumi was a direct descendant of one of the current Ten Master Clans.
5192
5193Katsuto’s standing was even more unique.
5194
5195Not only was he a direct descendant, but, unlike Mayumi, he was also the heir of the Juumonji Family.
5196
5197Among all the students in the Nine Schools Competition, only Masaki could stand on equal footing with Katsuto.
5198
5199“Two days ago, didn’t Tatsuya-kun defeat Ichijou-kun?”
5200
5201“……So what?”
5202
5203Katsuto’s question wasn’t “why are you bringing this up”, but “so what”.
5204
5205Nay, in reality his question was a mere formality.
5206
5207“The Ten Master Clans stand at the pinnacle of this country’s Magicians.
5208
5209Magicians who bear the name of the Ten Master Clans must be the strongest Magicians in the country.”
5210
5211Mayumi’s voice contained an ironic tone. The ideas she was expressing were not her own, but came from her father, and by extension were the “doctrine” handed down by the clan meeting. She probably believed otherwise, but right now the clan meeting’s “doctrine” overrode her own personal philosophy.
5212
5213“Even a high school game cannot allow people to suspect that the power of the Ten Master Clans is anything but absolute. That’s probably what they’re driving at.”
5214
5215“But, that match can’t simply be dismissed as fun and games.”
5216
5217The rebuttal was only words, but the tone was relaxed and light.
5218
5219“In other words, the clan meeting asked for a match to aggrandize the might of the Ten Master Clans, did I get that right?”
5220
5221“Yes…… I just don’t want to force such a ridiculous burden onto Juumonji-kun.”
5222
5223“Nay…… Rather, this is a duty that naturally falls to the next heir of the Juumonji Family like myself. Sorry for causing you so much worry.”
5224
5225“That’s nothing really……”
5226
5227Likely due to her terrible mood, Mayumi rarely cut loose with a barrage of sincere grousing.
5228
5229“Seriously, this is ludicrous…… Even if Tatsuya-kun was a side branch, so long as he had the bloodline of the Ten Master Clans, then he wouldn’t be embroiled in this third-rate farce……”
5230
5231Katsuto didn’t comment on Mayumi’s complaints.
5232
5233“Just leave it to me.”
5234
5235He didn’t show any outward sign of emotion as he calmly replied.
5236
5237
5238
5239
5240
5241First High was against Third High for the Monolith Code finals.
5242
5243The back stories behind this match up were legion, to the point that it could even be called a “fateful showdown”, but the finals were even more one-sided than the semifinals.
5244
5245Maybe it was just karma.
5246
5247Everything Masaki did to Eighth High in the Newcomers Division was returned with interest.
5248
5249The setting for this match was the “Valley”.
5250
5251From the get go, anything that utilized the terrain, such as flying icicles, falling rocks, or even boiling spray, was sent hurtling towards Katsuto in an endless stream.
5252
5253However, Katsuto’s barrier reflected all the attacks.
5254
5255Every motion vector was reversed.
5256
5257Electromagnetic waves (including light) were refracted.
5258
5259Molecular oscillation was adjusted back to a stable value.
5260
5261Psion intrusion was denied.
5262
5263All attacks were obstructed by the multi-layered defensive barrier.
5264
5265Nothing could stop Katsuto’s advance.
5266
5267Multi-layer Move-Type Defensive Magic “Phalanx”.
5268
5269This magic, while putting the real value of the Magicians from the Juumonji Family on full display, was not simply a sustained magic barrier, but a multi-layered barrier that continuously refreshed itself.
5270
5271This was just like a dense formation of heavy infantry that marched as one to increase the group’s defensive power and then translate that power into offense.
5272
5273Once the foremost rank of soldiers fell, the next rank would immediately fill in and maintain the defense. This magic inherited the name from that ancient formation and displayed defensive prowess and suffocating pressure worthy of its lofty name.
5274
5275Katsuto was situated in a narrow arena as he steadily advanced step by step towards the enemy’s position.
5276
5277The players from Third High couldn’t ignore or avoid him.
5278
5279If they let up on the attack, surely they would be instantly engulfed by a decisive attack……
5280
5281Each step increased the pressure a little more, forcing them to cling onto that belief and urged them to press the assault.
5282
5283Though they were unable to penetrate that wall, they should still have exhausted the defender somewhat. Yet compared to the three panting players from Third High, there was nary a sign of fatigue on Katsuto’s part.
5284
5285When there were only a paltry 10 meters or so between the two sides, Katsuto finally came to a stop.
5286
5287He stopped his slow, plodding advance, and bunched all his energy together to kick off the floor.
5288
5289A boulder-like body flew through the air while parallel to the ground.
5290
5291He cast Speed-Move Magic on himself, then adopted a shoulder tackle position as he crashed into the enemy players. His impermeable barrier remained active the entire time.
5292
5293One of the players from Third High was sent flying by the sudden impact against this indomitable barrier.
5294
5295Katsuto’s gigantic frame didn’t stop for even a second before changing course for the next enemy.
5296
5297Before this insurmountable barrier and the overwhelming interference strength attached to it, magical defenses and momentum shifting became meaningless.
5298
5299The players from Third High were helplessly smashed aside as the Monolith Code finals drew to a close.
5300
5301This complete victory served to crown First High’s overall victory with a fresh crown of laurels.
5302
5303
5304
5305
5306
5307Seeing Katsuto raise his hands in response to the applause, Tatsuya and his friends also applauded, but were all unable to speak.
5308
5309Dominant was no longer sufficient to describe what just happened.
5310
5311Besides terrifying and tremendous, no other words would suffice.
5312
5313The tactic itself was simple.
5314
5315Simple enough to describe this as a trial by brute force.
5316
5317Yet that magic — was not “simply” brute force.
5318
5319He continuously cycled between the Four Great Systems and Eight Major Types at irregular intervals while creating new barriers — an awe-inspiring “difficult” brute force.
5320
5321“Amazing…… So that’s the Juumonji Family’s ‘Phalanx’, eh……”
5322
5323Besides ordinary expressions, even Miyuki had nothing left to say.
5324
5325This showed that she was shocked by what just happened.
5326
5327He could understand that sentiment.
5328
5329But disagreed with her words.
5330
5331“No…… I doubt that’s the original ‘Phalanx’.”
5332
5333Multi-layered Defensive Magic “Phalanx” was practically another name for the Juumonji Family.
5334
5335However, most people never got a chance to catch a glimpse of this magic.
5336
5337That’s because, in general, there was no need to create a barrier that defended against all major systems and types of magic.
5338
5339Under the condition that multiple Magicians were attacking the same target, more attacks would lead to an increase in the variability in the types of attack magic and increase the risk for magic interference. All of this was well known.
5340
5341It wasn’t that Tatsuya had beheld this magic before.
5342
5343In the earlier match, the multi-layered barrier that Katsuto cast did include magic from all systems and types of magic.
5344
5345That truly was “Phalanx”.
5346
5347Still, Tatsuya wasn’t able to accept this conjecture so easily.
5348
5349“That final attack…… It’s likely that was the original usage of ‘Phalanx’.”
5350
5351Rather than calling this a leap of logic, this was closer to his intuition.
5352
5353Even if he believed that the real Phalanx was reserved for something far more terrifying.
5354
5355“If Onii-sama says so, then that must be how it is. In that case…… Juumonji-senpai certainly has an intimidating power.”
5356
5357Tatsuya agreed.
5358
5359While he was clapping in appreciation, Tatsuya suddenly felt Katsuto’s eyes sweep over him.
5360
5361Katsuto raised his fist to the heavens and basked in his victory.
5362
5363Tatsuya saw that, for an instant, Katsuto’s gaze matched his own and, in that instant, he revealed a wide smile.
5364
5365I am stronger than you — that was the declaration Tatsuya read from Katsuto’s eyes.
5366
5367The grace of kings that forced one to their knees without resorting to brute force.
5368
5369But at the end of the day, that was only political sophistry.
5370
5371Before battle was even joined, the awesome might of absolute terror that forced their opponents to abandon their swords and any hope of resistance was the true mark of kings.
5372
5373Katsuto, he who returned the cheers of victory, understood the value of that power and how to utilize it. He carried the majesty of a monarch.
5374
5375
5376
5377
5378
5379Chapter 14
5380
5381
5382
5383
5384In stark contrast to the atmosphere two weeks ago (or to be exact 12 days ago), the hall was filled with a peaceful air.
5385
5386While it’s easy to proclaim a neutral spirit, it’s not so easy in practice, and it would be a lie to say that there were none with the thoughts of victory or defeat occupying their mind.
5387
5388But now, the fierce competitions of the past 10 days were over.
5389
5390The dress code for the festivities was their usual uniforms.
5391
5392Once again forced to take up his ill-fitting blazer, he thought, “At least if it comes to dancing will this be better?” A thought which had ended up similar to that of digging his own grave.
5393
5394“Popular, huh?”
5395
5396Coming up to him with an evil smile was Mari, who had been officially discharged one day earlier.
5397
5398“Thank you. To tell the truth, I’d far rather be taking it easy.”
5399
5400As if saying it couldn’t be helped, Tatsuya glanced over at his sister, who was surrounded by a crowd two, three layers deep.
5401
5402Fellow students, event organizers, base officials who provided the venue, the executives of companies that sponsored the tournament.
5403
5404Those were inevitable, but with the inclusion of media professionals (production companies, commercial companies, talent agencies) also dressed up as officials, it made one feel like asking what’s the big idea? to the organizers of the party.
5405
5406Truthfully he would have liked nothing more than to forcefully put those noisy and rude people away, but with a shrewd (frosty?) look, Suzune had warned him against such an approach, so he kept a low profile for the moment.
5407
5408“I’m not talking about your sister.”
5409
5410Hearing Tatsuya’s natural reply, Mari chuckled sadly.
5411
5412“The one I’m referring to is you, Tatsuya-kun.”
5413
5414From Mari’s point of view, Tatsuya made a tired face.
5415
5416Although nowhere comparable to the crowd around Miyuki, Tatsuya had been constantly sought out from the start as well.
5417
5418Most of them were unacquainted adults.
5419
5420It wasn’t that he had never seen them before.
5421
5422Due to his work at his father’s company, despite his age, he knew the faces of businessmen quite well.
5423
5424Still, it was only on the level of a “high school student”.
5425
5426As a resident of the laboratory, he was not necessarily involved on the business side, but compared to general employees in the same industry he had far more contact than “just a little”.
5427
5428Of those who had come to talk with him, he knew more than half of them by sight.
5429
5430“Wasn’t that the president of Rozen’s Japanese branch? This would be the first time he talked to a high school student huh?”
5431
5432“I wouldn’t know. It’s also my first time here at the Nine Schools Competition after all.”
5433
5434“Fair enough.”
5435
5436As Mari gave her wicked grin, Tatsuya felt a twinge of annoyance. —In the threshold of around 80% or so.
5437
5438“……Well, there’s no helping it. I don’t know why you’re so reluctant, but just as you can tell a fake gem simply by looking at it, when you see the real deal you can immediately tell that too.”
5439
5440“……”
5441
5442“Don’t put on such a dissatisfied face. The dance is about to start soon. From there on, it’s students only. Just be patient a little longer.”
5443
5444Tapping his shoulder, Mari walked over to the drinks table.
5445
5446She seemed to be in a good mood for some reason.
5447
5448Far more impressive was that despite pushing herself as always even after being wounded, she now seemed to have made a full recovery.
5449
5450(So a lover has that kind of effect huh……)
5451
5452Although he himself had no experience, Tatsuya couldn’t help but say so to himself.
5453
5454Around a minute after that, she left the party with Naotsugu, and Tatsuya uncharacteristically was left to ponder on such things.
5455
5456Doing so, he felt like sighing.
5457
5458To be certain, very soon, the time allocated for adults to work their tricks on the innocent would be over.
5459
5460Yet even so his mind was heavy. The reason was the dance.
5461
5462
5463
5464
5465
5466Truth be told, students like Tatsuya were the exception.
5467
5468As the bigwigs left, the venue seemed to relax, and a carefree atmosphere filled the air.
5469
5470The soft sound of wind and string instruments began to flow.
5471
5472At the enthusiasm of the organizers who had prepared an evening of live music, the young men immediately responded.
5473
5474Making full use of the trials they had gone through, they took the hands of the girls they had grown closer to, and proceeded to the center of the hall.
5475
5476It was unfortunate they weren’t in dresses, but such a fact was utterly irrelevant to them.
5477
5478The common dress code for the girls of the nine schools was a silk organdy inner gown (worn under their jacket), which fluttered gently as they moved.
5479
5480As expected, Miyuki was being swarmed by boys both from school and from without.
5481
5482It seemed no one was capable of staying away.
5483
5484Because she was surrounded up until the last minute, she probably hadn’t been able to get a single word out.
5485
5486Unlike Tatsuya, Miyuki had been firmly taught manners on how to act at a ball (“it’s not a ‘dance party’!”), so provided proper procedure was observed she was unlikely to refuse a dance partner (naturally, that didn’t mean she’d dance with just anyone), but rather it seemed the boys were being embarrassed on their own.
5487
5488From within that crowd, Tatsuya’s familiar face became visible to Miyuki.
5489
5490Or rather than saying familiar face, it might be better to say companion.
5491
5492Leaving the wall, Tatsuya advanced to the edge of the crowd.
5493
5494He was by no means slender, but he skillfully slipped through the press to stand by Miyuki’s side.
5495
5496“It’s been two days huh, Ichijou Masaki.”
5497
5498“Ah, Shiba Tatsuya.”
5499
5500The two exchanged easygoing greetings.
5501
5502They didn’t consider themselves friends, yet at the same time, they didn’t think that they needed stiff formalities either.
5503
5504“Is your ear alright?”
5505
5506“It’s fine, it’s nothing worth being concerned about.”
5507
5508“Is that so.”
5509
5510At Tatsuya’s (intended) politeness, Masaki returned a quip which could hardly be called amiable. Well, for him who suffered defeat in what by all means should have been a victory, he couldn’t really be expected to happily accept concern from the winners. Although his tone was ambiguous, it certainly held a dismissive air.
5511
5512Becoming aware of Miyuki’s cold gaze turned in his direction, Masaki’s heart sank in dismay.
5513
5514“Eh, ah…… Ah? Shiba!?”
5515
5516He suddenly called out Tatsuya’s last name, causing Tatsuya to make a “is this guy alright?” face.
5517
5518“Are you, her brother!?”
5519
5520
5521
5522
5523
5524Masaki’s words caused Tatsuya no end of weariness.
5525
5526“……Are you telling me you only realized just now? Seriously?”
5527
5528His amazed face implying “I think I understand?”, Masaki stood frozen.
5529
5530A modest laugh was heard.
5531
5532Covering her mouth, Miyuki turned away.
5533
5534“……Ichijou-san, you weren’t able to tell Onii-sama and I were siblings?”
5535
5536Miyuki’s voice as she spoke to Masaki, as she suppressed her laughter, seemed somehow happy.
5537
5538“Eh, no, that um…… yes.”
5539
5540As Masaki gave up trying to find an excuse, Miyuki looked on with a smile.
5541
5542He wasn’t quite sure what had caught her interest, but it seemed to him that Ichijou had suddenly become sensible in Miyuki’s eyes.
5543
5544That being said, it only meant he was now considered on the level to be a possible dance candidate.
5545
5546“You can’t just stay standing here forever, so Miyuki, why don’t you go dance with Ichijou?”
5547
5548At Tatsuya’s words (or more precisely the “dance with Ichijou” part), Masaki looked up sharply.
5549
5550His eyes shone in anticipation.
5551
5552After Miyuki’s giggling bout subsided, she tilted her head in Masaki’s direction as if asking “what will you do?”.
5553
5554“Could you please……accompany me for two songs?”
5555
5556With a reverential voice, Masaki bowed deferentially to Miyuki.
5557
5558“Please take care of me as well.”
5559
5560Returning the bow, Miyuki took Masaki’s proffered hand.
5561
5562As he took his position, Masaki’s face was glowing as he nodded to Tatsuya in thanks.
5563
5564Seeing that, Tatsuya thought “what a mercenary guy”.
5565
5566
5567
5568
5569
5570The romantic comedy Masaki was acting out was no concern to Tatsuya. (As long as Miyuki was “alright” with it.)
5571
5572That was why he was able to accept it so easily.
5573
5574When it came to himself however, even in the best of conditions, he was unable to deal with such things.
5575
5576At this moment, catching a glimpse of his hesitant shifty form, he was acutely aware of his own immaturity.
5577
5578“Sir, at a time like this, it’s best for the man to take the lead.”
5579
5580Honoka alone was too much for him to handle, how could he be blamed for wanting to run away from this whole mess? He wanted to complain to this newcomer. —But that didn’t come out.
5581
5582“Erika……why are you a waitress?”
5583
5584“But I’ve been doing this since the beginning.”
5585
5586Tatsuya’s complaint was airily brushed aside.
5587
5588Leo and Mikihiko, as participants, had been invited to the party. Both Erika and Mizuki, perhaps treated as part of the staff, were along as well. But the four of them weren’t participating, preferring rather to attend as part-time workers.
5589
5590Mikihiko was as per his wishes working in the kitchen, but Erika was moving up and down the hall dressed in a fluttering waitress costume.
5591
5592“……Then I really don’t think you should be wasting time in a place like this.”
5593
5594“Giving appropriate advice to our guests is also part of the job description.”
5595
5596Being answered with such a straight face, Tatsuya felt the urge to apply palm to face. Her “work” aside, Tatsuya knew there was another reason for Erika’s words.
5597
5598Honoka was waiting for Tatsuya’s invitation.
5599
5600He knew exactly where she was without needing to be told.
5601
5602But he had absolutely no idea what to do after that.
5603
5604After all, he had no experience whatsoever in “inviting” a woman.
5605
5606“Sir? There really isn’t any need to think so hard about all this.”
5607
5608Erika had only been here for her amusement earlier, but gradually a note of amazement crept into her voice.
5609
5610At this rate though, that amazement would soon turn to irritation.
5611
5612Thinking that would be a bit, no absolutely unbearable, Tatsuya decided to bite the bullet.
5613
5614“……Honoka.”
5615
5616“Yes!”
5617
5618Tatsuya made his preparations.
5619
5620“……want to dance?”
5621
5622It took a comparatively long time to get those words out, due to his lack of self-confidence.
5623
5624“Gladly!”
5625
5626Yet, Honoka seemed more than happy enough.
5627
5628
5629
5630
5631
5632After that, Tatsuya was put through his paces with Shizuku, then Eimi, then Mayumi, until finally he slumped against the wall exhausted.
5633
5634Mayumi was particularly tough.
5635
5636Her sense of rhythm was quite unique.
5637
5638Even as a compliment, it couldn’t be said that Tatsuya was a terribly good dancer. Since he had never practiced, it was only to be expected. However, he never made a fumble such as stepping on his partner’s foot. On the contrary, his steps were impeccable.
5639
5640During their dance, Shizuku had muttered that he “danced like a dance machine,” words which could be taken as a compliment or not either way.
5641
5642Stringing together observed behavior then reproducing and adding some bits Tatsuya’s dancing was, beauty or elegance aside, perfectly and technically accurate.
5643
5644In a sense however, Mayumi was the exact opposite.
5645
5646Her execution and steps were completely off.
5647
5648Rather than tone-deaf however, it was more that she had an ingenious sense, such that despite her movements being subtly off for each sound, her dance still elegantly moved along with the flow of the song.
5649
5650Because of that, Tatsuya was forced to match both Mayumi and the music, going along with the rhythm of the two and shunting his steps as necessary.
5651
5652Any normal person would simply try and match their partner and simply hope everything works out one way or another, but since his body didn’t know the dance and Tatsuya was simply reproducing the movements in his head, doing something like that was too much.
5653
5654Yet even after Mayumi left Tatsuya exhausted, going off to look for another partner in high spirits, numerous girls started hanging out before him meaningfully.
5655
5656He wasn’t nearly comparable to Miyuki, who after her dance drew partners like a shining star, but after his success in Monolith Code there were quite a few girls who took an interest in him.
5657
5658Looking at his drained appearance however, they uniformly gave him sympathetic looks.
5659
5660Unfortunately for him, although he himself probably didn’t realize, just as he was considering going back to his room, with impeccable timing a glass was held out in front of him.
5661
5662“Tha……thank you.”
5663
5664He suddenly stopped talking, because that person was completely unexpected.
5665
5666“You seem tired.”
5667
5668“……haah.”
5669
5670“You don’t attend events like this often?”
5671
5672“That’s……it’s as you say. This may be presumptuous, but Chairman doesn’t seem like the type who bothers with this much either.”
5673
5674“I’ve gotten over it.”
5675
5676The person speaking to him was Katsuto.
5677
5678He held a non-alcoholic beer in his hands.
5679
5680Somehow feeling like he had to go along with him, Tatsuya took a drink from the glass he was passed.
5681
5682But the real deal came after.
5683
5684“Shiba, come with me for a bit.”
5685
5686Handing his empty glass to a waitress passing by (not Erika), Katsuto turned around.
5687
5688It meant he wouldn’t take no as a response.
5689
5690Dropping off his empty glass the same way, Tatsuya followed.
5691
5692
5693
5694
5695
5696In the same garden where they had caught the intruder on the opening night of the tournament, the two of them silently stood there with not another figure in sight.
5697
5698It wasn’t a complete silence.
5699
5700It seems someone had opened a window.
5701
5702The sound of music could faintly be heard.
5703
5704That soft sound lent the atmosphere a serene air.
5705
5706“Is this alright? I think the celebrations are about to begin soon.”
5707
5708As Katsuto stopped with his back facing him, Tatsuya threw a casual remark.
5709
5710After the party, a victory celebration in honour of First High was scheduled.
5711
5712This privilege was given to whichever school won the overall championship.
5713
5714As both an executive and key player, Katsuto’s attendance was of course mandatory.
5715
5716“Have no concern. We’ll be done shortly.”
5717
5718Looking back, Katsuto replied.
5719
5720Did he mean this wasn’t a weighty matter?
5721
5722If that had been the case, there should have been no need to take him out from the midst of the party.
5723
5724Or perhaps — he simply meant it wouldn’t take long.
5725
5726……From the looks of things, Katsuto meant the latter.
5727
5728“Shiba, are you from the Ten Families?”
5729
5730At that sudden question, Tatsuya was almost put on the defensive.
5731
5732Not in the sense of being lost for words, but rather preparing for battle.
5733
5734It was still forbidden for his identity to be leaked out at this stage.
5735
5736“No. I’m not.”
5737
5738Katsuto’s look indicated he would not forgive any dishonesty.
5739
5740The reason Tatsuya was able to deny Katsuto’s assertion however, was because that was true.
5741
5742He was not one of them. Even though the blood of the Ten ran through his veins, he was never considered one of them.
5743
5744It was a simple fact.
5745
5746“—I see.”
5747
5748After watching Tatsuya in anticipation for a while, Katsuto nodded impassively.
5749
5750Tatsuya did not know whether Katsuto had been convinced with his answer.
5751
5752“Then, as discussed in a family meeting, here’s my advice to you as the vice representative of the Juumonji house.
5753
5754Shiba, you should join the Ten Families.”
5755
5756“……”
5757
5758“Hm……how about the Saegusa?”
5759
5760“……by how about, would you be referring to, how about marrying in? Or the like?”
5761
5762“Indeed.”
5763
5764Katsuto’s magic “Phalanx”, as opposed to Tatsuya’s original magic “Decomposition”, are like natural enemies.
5765
5766The moment one barrier is pierced through, another takes its place.
5767
5768It would be endless.
5769
5770Whilst watching the finals, Tatsuya recalled the unpleasantness of what would be a war of attrition should it come to it……but these words now, utterly unexpected, brought with them a whole new set of horrors.
5771
5772—This senpai is without a doubt, my natural enemy.
5773
5774—In many, many ways.
5775
5776“……in regards to being President Saegusa’s partner, was Chairman Juumonji’s name not considered as well?”
5777
5778“That was certainly brought up too.”
5779
5780“……is President Saegusa not your type?”
5781
5782“No? Well Saegusa does have, cute charms, in her own way.”
5783
5784“……”
5785
5786Tatsuya could no longer find a reply.
5787
5788“Ah, Shiba, are you perhaps concerned about her age? Mm……then how about Saegusa’s little sisters?
5789
5790The last time I saw them was two years ago, I’m sure the two of them have grown up to be splendid ladies.”
5791
5792“……Unlike the President and Chairman I’m just a simple high school student, so all these talks of engagement and marriage are a bit much.”
5793
5794“Is that so?”
5795
5796Katsuto lightly turned his head.
5797
5798“……However, you should not have too much of a relaxed attitude to all this. Winning against one of the next heads of the Ten Families in a head on confrontation is not something as simple as you’d think.”
5799
5800I don’t want to be told that by you! Tatsuya almost retorted.
5801
5802Tatsuya’s confrontation with Masaki had been precipitated by Katsuto in the end after all.
5803
5804“……I suppose I’ll be heading back. Shiba, don’t take too long.”
5805
5806Rather than not believing, it was more that he didn’t want to believe—
5807
5808(That guy……don’t tell me, that was all “spur of the moment”……?)
5809
5810Watching his back as he pompously returned to the hall, what a terrifying person Tatsuya thought.
5811
5812
5813
5814
5815
5816“Onii-sama?”
5817
5818As Tatsuya stood stunned in the dark night, his sister’s voice brought him back.
5819
5820“What’s the matter? This is quite rare, for you to be so out of it to not even notice me approaching.”
5821
5822“Nothing……I just saw something strange……”
5823
5824“Something strange?”
5825
5826“Ah, no, don’t worry about it.”
5827
5828“?”
5829
5830Tatsuya’s words didn’t match the situation, but Miyuki simply tilted her head and didn’t pursue any further.
5831
5832“……The party’s about to end.”
5833
5834“The celebration is next huh……”
5835
5836Feeling somewhat pressed, Tatsuya reflectively frowned.
5837
5838“I guess there’s no way for me to pass on that……”
5839
5840Miyuki covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.
5841
5842“You’ll just have to accept it. Even if you go back to your room, you’ll just be assaulted by Honoka and Erika.”
5843
5844“I get Honoka, but……”
5845
5846“Erika’s been captured by the Chairman.”
5847
5848With a suspicious laugh, Miyuki added that the Chairman was quite something.
5849
5850
5851
5852
5853
5854“Not to mention……”
5855
5856Her face was still smiling, but her bright voice was tempered by the seriousness in her eyes as she gazed at Tatsuya.
5857
5858“I won’t let Onii-sama escape.”
5859
5860Tatsuya sighed deeply.
5861
5862Suddenly, Miyuki tilted her ear.
5863
5864“……the last song is beginning.”
5865
5866“Is that so?”
5867
5868Tatsuya had also noticed the song change. He wasn’t aware it was the final piece however.
5869
5870“Onii-sama, won’t you join me for the last dance?”
5871
5872Under a dome of moonlight and starlight, wearing a clear smile even Tatsuya rarely saw, Miyuki bowed gracefully.
5873
5874That beautiful smile brooked no resistance.
5875
5876“……Then, shall we head back before the song finishes?”
5877
5878“No, that would be a waste of time.”
5879
5880Miyuki took Tatsuya’s hand.
5881
5882“We can hear the performance from here just fine.”
5883
5884Taking a deep breath, she huddled closer to him.
5885
5886“These shoes should be alright even on grass.”
5887
5888Wordlessly, Tatsuya placed a hand around Miyuki’s back.
5889
5890As if entrusting herself to his care, Miyuki placed her hand on Tatsuya’s shoulder.
5891
5892Their bodies touched.
5893
5894Gently wrapping his hand around her back and deeply embracing her, Tatsuya took a step.
5895
5896The two figures spun under an endless starlit sky.
5897
5898As they spun, Tatsuya’s face was all Miyuki could see.
5899
5900Miyuki’s face was all Tatsuya could see.
5901
5902The scenery, the stars, the moon, and the darkness,
5903
5904In all this wide world which was revolving around them, Tatsuya and Miyuki were the only ones in it.
5905
5906
5907
5908
5909
5910Afterword
5911
5912
5913
5914
5915
5916This is a story that is purely fictional.
5917
5918
5919The stage that the story is set in is very similar to the real world.
5920
5921
5922Although real or historical figures, organizations, countries, districts as well as other names which have significance or names that make reference to something are used, even if the names are similar, there is still no relevance with the real world whatsoever.
5923
5924
5925Of course, although such a thing is obvious, unknowingly, I just wanted to put this out there, and this turned into the 4th volume.
5926
5927
5928Did you, the readers, enjoy it?
5929
5930
5931When I use names that exist as proper names in reality, a small part of my consciousness hesitates because I feel uneasy about killing off all the enemy characters.
5932
5933
5934…However, I totally understand that saying this feels like a complete lie, therefore I think I should just stop right here.
5935
5936
5937Speaking of proper nouns, I’m really inept at creating names for characters from foreign countries.
5938
5939
5940It is precisely because the story is set in a stage that is really similar to the real world that there are even more troublesome matters to consider.
5941
5942
5943Western European names still have plenty of reference materials so it’s still fine, however what if it’s names from Southeast Asia, India, Persia, Africa, or even South America… What am I to do then?
5944
5945
5946Currently, it seems like it will not turn into a problem, however one day I will definitely hit a bottleneck.
5947
5948
5949I wonder if there are any good methods to solve this?
5950
5951
5952…Alright I will stop all my nonsensical complaints here, next I would like to give my thanks to all those who were involved in the making of this book.
5953
5954
5955To M-sama, thank you for always giving me excellent and appropriate suggestions. M-sama’s suggestions have allowed me to make the siblings image that much more well developed.
5956
5957
5958Ishida-sama, Stone-sama, the extremely tight publishing schedules also gave you guys lots of trouble.
5959
5960
5961The pre-orders for this volume were quite substantial as well…… I cannot fully express my gratitude for that.
5962
5963
5964Suenaga-sama also worried endlessly about the scheduling aspects of this volume.
5965
5966
5967Once again, to all those who participated in the creation of this book, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.
5968
5969
5970Following up from last month, I would like to sincerely thank all those who are reading this afterword right now.
5971
5972
5973It is all thanks to the support of you readers that the 5th volume can also be successfully published. What is coming out in the upcoming volume 5 will be short stories.
5974
5975
5976There will be a total of 6 short stories. Amongst them, there are 2 “newly written works”. As the other 4 have not been published in commercial magazines yet, it would be more appropriate for all of them to be dubbed as “new works” instead of “newly written works”.
5977
5978
5979Both of the new works will be interludes of the daily episodes of their lives. It can be considered as the peaceful times before the brutal battle that is to come. Please look forward to it!
5980
5981
5982Well, I sincerely look forward to seeing you all once again in the next volume.
5983
5984
5985Thank you so much.
5986
5987
5988
5989
5990
5991(Satou Tsutomu)
5992
5993
5994
5995
5996
5997Illustrations
5998
5999
6000
6001
6002
6003Cover
6004
6005
6006
6007
6008Teaser #1
6009
6010
6011
6012
6013Teaser #2
6014
6015
6016
6017
6018Teaser #3
6019
6020
6021
6022
6023Teaser #4
6024
6025
6026
6027
6028Teaser #5
6029
6030
6031
6032
6033Chapter 8
6034
6035
6036
6037
6038Chapter 8
6039
6040
6041
6042
6043Chapter 9
6044
6045
6046
6047
6048Chapter 9
6049
6050
6051
6052
6053Chapter 9
6054
6055
6056
6057
6058Chapter 10
6059
6060
6061
6062
6063Chapter 10
6064
6065
6066
6067
6068Chapter 12
6069
6070
6071
6072
6073Chapter 14
6074
6075
6076
6077
6078Chapter 14
6079
6080
6081
6082
6083Chapter 14
6084
6085
6086
6087
6088
6089Notes
6090
6091
6092
6093
6094
6095Qilin: Is a mythical hooved chimerical creature known in Chinese and other East Asian cultures, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. It is a good omen thought to occasion prosperity or serenity.
6096
6097
6098
6099
6100Kamaitachi: Is a Japanese yōkai often told about in the Kōshin’etsu region, or can also refer to the strange events that this creature causes. They appear riding on dust devils, and they cut people using the nails on both their hands that are like sickles. One would receive a sharp wound from it, but there is no pain.
6101
6102
6103
6104
6105
6106Did you enjoy the book?
6107
6108
6109
6110Grab a copy at your local bookstore once localized in your area.