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1	CHAPTER 1
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7	 Yokohama, April 14, 2097, a branch of the Kanto Japanese Magical Association. The meeting, which brought together young people from the Ten Master Clans and Eighteen Assistant Houses, was completed before noon as planned.
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9	It finished without any results.
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11	 When the end of the meeting was announced, the first person who hurried to leave the conference room was Tatsuya.
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13	 - Yotsuba-dono, please wait!
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15	 But hearing a voice from behind him, he stopped and turned around.
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17	 Tatsuya's name is not "Yotsuba". But he did not act like a child who ignored going to him for that reason.
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19	 "What, Saegusa-san?"
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21	 However, instead of the traditional style for the Ten Master Clans of the Saegusa-dono, Tatsuya responded to the ordinary Saegusa-san.
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23	 To Tatsuya's question "what?", given with unconcealed impatience in his voice and on his face, Saegusa Tomokazu replied:
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25	 - For those who visited, we prepared a modest meal after the meeting. Will Yotsuba-dono join us?
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27	 Naturally, Tatsuya knew the schedule of the meeting.
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29	 - I'm sorry. I already said earlier that after meeting, I have an urgent matter.
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31	 Indeed, when he left the conference hall, he stated that he had "one thing to do."
32
33	 "But it's not going to take much time ..."
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35	 - Unfortunately, the tight schedule does not allow me to accept this tempting offer.
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37	 Tatsuya could understand Tomokazu's desire to detain him. But he himself had his own circumstances. He did not do this to annoy Tomokazu.
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39	 - Saegusa-san, all the best.
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41	 - Shiba-sama. - Tatsuya, bowing to Tomokazu, this time the voice of a young woman called out.
42
43	 - Yes, what is it?
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45	 She was an employee of the Magical Association. Upon recognizing Tomokazu, she showed slight indecision, but quickly restored the behavior of the official employee of the person.
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47	 - A VTOL arrived on the roof to pick you up.
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49	 - On the roof? I understand.
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51	 He had not previously been informed that transportation would be sent for him, but he thought it would be faster to go and see than to think about it. Having once again bowed to Tomokazu, Tatsuya followed the employee.
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53	 On the roof, he expected a small VTOL with built-in rotary rotors in the wings. It was a small plane for 6 seats, not counting the pilot. Standing next to the plane, a young man in a double-breasted suit bowed courteously to Tatsuya.
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55	 - Tatsuya-sama, here please.
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57	 He had a very polite manner of speech. The use of the Tatsuya-sama greeting said that he was a Yotsuba man. They met for the first time, but Tatsuya knew who this young man was.
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59	 - Pleased to meet you. As it seems, you already know, I am Shiba Tatsuya.
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61	 - Oh, I sincerely apologize. My name is Hanabishi Hyougo. Humbly happy to meet you.
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63	 Looking at the exaggerated gesticulation of the apologetic young man, Tatsuya mentally nodded. As he guessed, this young man turned out to be the son of Hanabishi the butler.
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65	 Among the servants of the Yotsuba family, Hanabishi was the No. 2 ranked butler after Hayama. He was responsible for personnel and equipment for illegal activities related to combat operations. Tatsuya heard that his eldest son is being trained in the British PMC (private military company) under an assumed name, but apparently he has already returned from there.
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67	 "Today I have an important role to play: bring Tatsuya-sama and Miyuki-sama to their place. First, I ask you to take a seat inside.
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69	 - I got it. I rely on you.
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71	 Tatsuya unlocked the back door of the VTOL with the Yotsuba electronic key and went inside. It was a procedure for identifying a person. Not showing embarrassment that the door was opened in this way, but rather expressing a face showing that he is so used to it, Hanabishi Hyougo courteously closed the door behind Tatsuya.
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77	 The manned VTOL landed on a helicopter pad located on the roof of a ten-story building, recently built in Tefu.
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79	 The first three floors of this building were occupied by offices, and from the fourth to the tenth were living quarters. However, Tatsuya did not remember this building. It was unnecessary to say that it was not a destination.
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81	 As soon as the turbines and the wind stopped, three people appeared from the penthouse. Two young girls and a woman who looked about 30 years old. Tatsuya first thought that landing on this building was for charging (this VTOL was on electric motors), but it turned out that he was wrong.
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83	 Tatsuya opened the door from the inside and extended a hand to the girls to help him up.
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85	 - Thank you, Tatsuya-sama.
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87	The two girls were Miyuki and Minami. It was planned that they would wait for Tatsuya's return home, but apparently on instructions from the main house, they were brought here.
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89	 - It's my pleasure. Have you been waiting for me for a long time?
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91	 "Fifteen minutes." But the waiting room it was quite comfortable.
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93	 It seems that this penthouse was a recreation area for users of this helipad.
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95	 - It's clear.
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97	 - Tatsuya-sama. Thanks for waiting. - Tatsuya nodded in response to Minami. Entering the plane after Miyuki, she closed the door and said that you can go.
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99	 "Hanabishi-san, please." - Nodding Minami's eyes, Tatsuya turned to Hanabishi.
100
101	 "Yes."
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103	 Minami looked surprised, because she did not know Hyougo in person. For the return a few days ago in Yotsuba Hyougo, such a reaction as Minami was familiar. Even without introducing himself to Minami, he started the engines and started taking off.
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105	 The small VTOL in which Tatsuya's group was flying did not fly directly to the hidden village of Yotsuba, but landed on a helicopter pad near the Kobutizawa railway station.
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107	 - Here please.
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109	 Hyougo led Tatsuya and the girls in the direction of the control building. Tatsuya thought that they would cross the building to a car that would take them to the main house. Under that assumption he was not mistaken, but the route turned out to be different. Instead of going through the control building to the road, they entered the staff elevator.
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111	 Gathering doubtful looks, Hyougo opened the door of the emergency control panel with an old-fashioned iron key. The elevator doors closed at the same time, as if on command. Behind the panel door was a biometric sensor. Hyougo put his right hand to it. After a brief pause, the elevator car began to go down.
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113	 "We're going down a long way ..." With a little alarm in her voice, Miyuki spoke to Tatsuya.
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115	 "We're heading for the floor, located 80 meters underground." - explained Hyougo. Immediately after his words, the elevator began to slow down. Soon the elevator car stopped and the doors opened.
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117	 Leaving the elevator, they were in a large spacious room. In addition, an underground tunnel lit by an artificial light was visible. Nearby was a large-sized sedan car, looking very expensive and upscale. The driver's seat was empty. Hyougo opened the back door, and invited Miyuki and Tatsuya to sit down. Hyougo himself took the driver's seat, and, confirming that Minami had boarded the passenger seat beside him, led the car.
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119	 "This underground tunnel leads directly to Honmour." Unfortunately, the view behind the window leaves much to be desired, but we will arrive very quickly.
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121	 Monotonously passing lights of the artificial tunnel showed that this huge dark sedan rushed forward at a speed inaccessible on public roads. As Hyougo said, within ten minutes they reached the helipad to the main house.
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127	â—Š â—Š â—Š
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132
133	The Chiba family dojo was located near the border between Tokyo and Kawasaki. Among the students there were many people working on the weekdays, so on Sunday the dojo looked more lively.
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135	 And on weekdays at noon, there were usually no students at all. Attending magic High School Erika was also a rare guest, coming only on weekends.
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137	 After the loss of the eldest son of the family, Toshikazuu, and until now, the training in the dojo passed in a depressed mood. You can even say in a tragic atmosphere. However, with the arrival of Erika, the heavy atmosphere shifted a little towards improving the mood. After all, Erika certainly had a talent in raising the mood.
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139	 And the two guys brought by Erika also had a role in the formation of the fighting spirit.
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141	 - Oria-a!
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143	 - Ghu-y!
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145	 There was the sound of a heavy fall to the floor. Everyone looked in the direction of this sound and found a man with a long hair falling on his back and moaning. Before him stood a guy with a large build breathing heavily.
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147	 - Saburou, do you need to rest?
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149	 - I can continue!
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151	 Saburou jumped to his feet. He shook slightly, but with an effort of will he tensed and pretended that he had not suffered any damage.
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153	 "Saijou-senpai, please, once again!"
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155	 - Wow. - Answered Leo bent over in a bow at 90 degrees Saburou. -Saburou himself asks Erika. Can I continue?
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157	 - Of course. I mean, keep going while you can stand up.
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159	 Grinning, Leo looked at Saburou. He looked at Erika with a very serious face. Continuing to grin, Leo looked at Erika again.
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161	 - "While you can stand" and treats me?
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163	 - Show yourself in a bad light before a junior high school student.
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165	 - Understood-understood.
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167	 Leo shrugged, seeing that there was not a hint of a joke in Erika's voice and voice. Then, turning from a rack with a shinai in one hand he faced Saburou. Saburou instantly responded the same.
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169	 He had the same stance with a one-handed grip, but the weapons were different.
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171	Leo's shinai was longer than usual, and played the role of an odachi.
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173	 On the other hand, the Saburou's shinai corresponded to the length of the Wakizashi.
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175	 The length of the weapon is not an undeniable advantage or disadvantage. However, an indisputable fact is also that for each combat style, the use of a suitable weapon is required. It is generally believed that a long weapon is well suited for a preemptive strike. And for users of short swords, the favorite tactic is to evade enemy attack and then approach them.
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177	 However, this time the first who started to act was Saburou. He immediately went on offense with Leo.
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179	 Naturally, Leo did not even have to simply watch the enemy in his thoughts. With a quick movement of his right hand, he slashed from top to bottom exactly at the moment when Saburou entered the zone of the long shinai.
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181	 Saburou could not evade the blow being struck from the previously prepared position of the sword. Not only the speed, but also the power of this blow exceeded even the blow with the two-handed sword of an ordinary man, so he decided to parry the blow, helping the second hand.
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183	 One hand against two hands. But despite this counterattack, Leo's stand was not broken for a single moment. Like the covering wave, the pressure of the sword swept over Saburou.
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185	 Despite the fact that it was still a bamboo shinai, its heaviness from the long swing of Leo, began to push back Saburou who lost his balance.
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187	 And then a training sword the size of a knife suddenly attached to Saburou's belt came into motion by itself. Yes, Saburou did not abandon him. It broke out from behind Saburou's belt and rushed to Leo's face.
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189	 Leo stopped the onslaught with a shinai and repulsed the knife with the base of the blade. However, the small knife that looked unreliable did not fall to the floor. Little, in comparison with the form of Leo's odeati shinai, the blade suddenly went in different directions and surrounded Leo from two sides.
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191	 Yes. At some point, the knife flying in the air split into 2 parts. Leo's face tightened. Instead of knifing, he stepped forward. The distance became too short for the style of dressing. Even the most verified shinai movements will now be ineffective.
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193	 However, this was not a kendo match. Although they have shinai in their hands, no one forces them to treat them like a real sword.
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195	 Leo added his left hand to the grasp of his shinai, which he held only with his right hand. Now he held the shinai like a spear.
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197	 Saburou, meanwhile, left the previous blow to the side. Rotating in the air the knives suddenly fell to the floor, like puppets, which cut the ropes.
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199	 Nevertheless, Saburou's evasion shifted him too far. He came out of a point considered too close for the style.
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203	 Finally, the time has come when the distance turned out to be ideal. Leo's warrior nature simply could not allow him to miss this moment.
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205	 - Seiya-ah!
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207	Leo swung the shinai from top to bottom. Saburou tried to parry the inevitable strike coming from the maximum possible distance. Standing on one knee, he threw up a short shinai over his head, holding it with both hands.
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209	 Their fighting spirit was so blazing that the bamboo swords seemed real. The Odachi was approaching exactly in the middle of the wakizashi...
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211	 And this blow overwhelmed not only the short sword, but also the body that he covered.
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213	 Saburou fell down. Even though the blow was on the shinai, and despite the fact that most of Leo's blow went to the blocked shinai, he did a lot of damage.
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215	 Leo looked at Erika with a guilty face. But Erika looked at Saburou with a stern, cold stare.
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217	 - Heal, please.
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219	 - Yes, Erika-Odzosan.
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221	 A man of about thirty came running to them. Kneeling in front of the head of the lying Saburou, he activated his CAD.
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223	 After that, he put both hands on Saburou's forehead. Healing magic was activated. The big red lump on Saburou's forehead immediately disappeared.
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225	 Healing magic was a technique that deceived the world, forcing it to believe that the target human body was not injured. The fake result manifested itself immediately. However, after a while, the world will notice that it was deceived. Therefore, before the effect of "Healing" disappears, a new "Healing" must be imposed. The essence of therapeutic magic is to maintain the cured condition until the real treatment is performed.
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227	 In other words, after using healing magic, those on whom it was imposed can continue to fight, as if they did not receive any injuries at all, as long as the effect of healing magic is active.
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229	 Saburou quickly woke up and stood up.
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231	 - To stand.
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233	 Rising, he tried to continue the fight. However, Erika's voice caused Saburou to freeze.
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235	 "Yaguruma, that's enough for today." If you continue, the consequences can be disastrous.
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237	 - ... I understand.
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239	 Saburou, who did not have enough magical power to be considered fit for an escort in the Ten Master Clans, still had enough knowledge about magic, as he had an education worthy of serving a Mitsuya family. Therefore, he also knew the limitations of healing magic.
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241	 - ...Many thanks. - Saburou turned to Leo and bowed.
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243	 Bowing to Erika, he lifted his leg slightly to take a step.
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245	 - Wait. Why are you leaving? There is no need to rush so much.
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247	 Erika readily read Saburou's intention. This reproach of Erika made him sharply turn his foot on the floor of the dojo.
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249	 Erika motioned to him to understand that he wanted him to sit down. In order not to disturb other students, Saburou went to the wall and sat down on his knees. Erika sat in front of him in Japanese style, and Leo sat on the side in Turkish.
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251	 "Yaguruma would have won if he had not stopped psychokinetic control."
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253	 - Would it be a draw with simultaneous attacks? - Leo objected to the sudden withdrawal of Erika.
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255	 - Simultaneous, you say? - Erika did not unequivocally deny it. - But your attack Yaguruma landed on the wakizashi. On the other hand, you did not have protection from Yaguruma's knife, did you? In this case, you would definitely bleed.
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257	 Leo did not object, but he still did not look fully convinced. But Erika did not care anymore, and she turned to Saburou.
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259	 - It seems that Yaguruma thinks that his psychokinesis is useless, because it does not allow moving heavy things. Even a small blade weighing 100 grams can kill a person if you send it to a vulnerable point. There are very few magicians who know how to create object-directed barriers, and magicians who can maintain such protective magic for a long time are even fewer. Yaguruma's skill is effective not only as a deterrent. It can also be used as a weapon capable of inflicting a decisive blow. Here's what you need to understand first.
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261	 - I understand.
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263	 Saburou answered Erika immediately. However, Leo, who was sitting on his side, realized that this answer was rather reflexive rather than said with complete certainty. But it would be more accurate to say that Erika, who was sitting across from him, looking straight into his eyes, simply would not have allowed him to leave the answer.
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265	 "Then do not understand, but believe." In your strength.
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267	 Not having anything to say to Erika, Saburou clenched his teeth. Even without her words, he himself believed in his strength. He trained just because he believed that he had the strength to become a shield to Shiina. However, the brutal reality told him that this is not enough.
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269	 Believing once again after belief already betrayed him. It was not an easy task.
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275	â—Š â—Š â—Š
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281	About an hour after leaving the Kanto branch of the Magic Association in Yokohama. Tatsuya arrived at the main house of the Yotsuba in less than half of the planned time.
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283	 "Miyuki-sama, Tatsuya-sama, the lady is waiting for you." Please follow me.
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285	 Only Tatsuya, who arrived in the main house, met Hayama himself. Hayama is the main servant in the hierarchy of the main house of the Yotsuba, and also the confidant of the head of the family, Maya. His presence was a way to show that the status of the heiress and her fiance are not just titles in words.
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287	 Miyuki followed Hayama, Minami followed her. Hyougo followed Tatsuya behind him.
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289	 With Minami everything is clear, but for Tatsuya it was unexpected that Hayama did not say anything to Hyougo. Was Hyougo only a simple escort who knew how to fly an airplane?
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291	 Before he could ask this question, Tatsuya found out that they had come to the dining room. The same room where the candidates were gathered at the New Year's meeting, and where Miyuki was named the next head.
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293	 Shibata Katsushige. Tsukuba Yuka. Twins Kuroba Fumiya and Ayako. They were the same faces present as at the New Year's meeting. However, unlike the previous time, the head of the Yotsuba family, Maya, was already in place.
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295	 - We apologize for keeping you waiting.
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297	 - You are not late, so do not apologize. First of all, take a seat.
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299	 Maya quietly responded to Tatsuya's apologies.
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301	 "Thank you." I'm sorry.
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303	 Tatsuya slightly bowed, and Miyuki followed him with a full bow.
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305	 Tatsuya looked at Miyuki's place, thinking that it was necessary to push back her chair, but found it already prepared by Minami. Nodding to the eye of Tatsuya looking at her, assisted Miyuki.
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307	 Hyougo put forward Tatsuya's chair.
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309	 "Perhaps the head of the family regards Hyougo as a candidate for a personal servant for me?" - Such a thought came to Tatsuya's mind.
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311	 However, now was not the time to be distracted by the reasons for Hyougo's presence. Tatsuya focused on Maya.
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313	 Maya looked at Hayama standing behind her. In response to this, Hayama rang a bell in his hand, it was not clear from where it came from.
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315	 No sooner had the echo of the ringing sounded, and, as if waiting in advance, the maid came into the dining room, pushing the cart before her.
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317	 It was already late for dinner, but Tatsuya's group was called up to the main house without having had time to grab a bite.
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319	 Before Tatsuya and Miyuki was arranged a variety of light snacks.
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321	 More snacks are not given to anyone else, not even Minami. Although the girl behind Miyuki was sorry, but for her it would be an insult to her official duty if she started to eat here.
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323	 Tatsuya, who understood this, with permission from Maya, started eating. Miyuki also followed the example of her brother.
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325	 Of course, they did not go away from talking, focusing on food. They participated in a conversation between Maya, Yuka and Ayako, periodically responding. Having finished eating, they waited until the dishes were cleaned, after which they felt that the atmosphere around Maya had changed.
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327	 Tatsuya and Miyuki immediately straightened their backs.
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329	 - So ... Now I'd like to hear about the events on Saikashin Island.
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331	 - Good.
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333	Tatsuya responded to Maya's request. He briefly summarized the events on the main island of Okinawa, Koumé Island, and also on an artificial island and its environment.
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335	 - Agents of the Australian Army, Captain James J. Johnson and Captain Jasmine Williams, were eventually transferred to Miyakijima.
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337	 "I've already heard about these two." Good work.
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339	 Miyakijima is a small island formed as a result of underwater volcanic activity in 2001, the year of the snake, and was 50 kilometers east of the island of Miyakejima.
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341	 The name Miyakijima [巳 焼 島] was derived from the original name of the neighboring island of Miyakejima [三 宅 島], which was recorded as Goyakidzima [御 焼 島], with the first character [御] replaced by [巳 (snake)], in honor of the year of the snake in which he appeared.
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343	 It was also sometimes called the "New Island of the 21st Century," because it appeared in the first year of the 21st century.
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345	 During the 20-year-old World War III, there appeared the base of the defense forces. However, due to repeated volcanic eruptions, in the 2050s the base was abandoned, and at the moment the island is used as a prison for magician-criminals.
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347	 With the assistance of Toudou Aoba, this island in fact became the private property of the Yotsuba family. In fact, the owner is a certain company engaged in real estate, however, through the chain of owners, the Yotsuba family holds the bulk of the shares.
348
349	 In other words, the Miyakijima prison is an object entrusted to the Yotsuba family that is designed to secretly isolate dangerous magicians. Maya has free access to viewing data about prisoners sent there. Tatsuya mentioned Johnson and Jasmine, because he personally accompanied them there.
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351	 "Miyakijima?" Was it not planned to reconstruct it as a place for experiments? - Asked Shibata Katsushige. After Miyuki was declared the next head of the family, he decided to tackle the affairs of his branch family, and began to work in the Ministry of Defense. So he knew about some of the projects promoted by the Yotsuba family.
352
353	 - It's not a problem. Soon we are going to get rid of them.
354
355	 Hearing Maya's answer, Katsushige slightly frowned. Among the young people present at the table, this was the strongest reaction. But there was no one who didn't understand what Maya meant by the word "get rid". But despite this, not only Tatsuya and Yuka, but Miyuki and Fumiya listened to this with disinterested persons, as if they were saying "That's how it is?". And Ayako did not react at all to this part of the conversation.
356
357	 - Head-sama. Miyakijima is the place where Miyuki onee-sama was trained in using Niflheim? So the object for experiments, being built there, will be designed to test large scale magic in the open air?
358
359	Ayako was interested in a new place for testing. As she said, during the high school days, Miyuki used the land of the island of Miyakijima as a training ground for the development of the Niflheim casting.
360
361	Then this island was considered just a prison for dangerous magicians. But only a small western part of the island was used for this purpose. Continuing underwater volcanic activity increased the area of the island from the frozen lava to 8 square kilometers. This is roughly equivalent to the Tokyo area, Kunitati. So there was plenty of room for practicing cooling magic over a wide area.
362
363	- Although this is not yet the final decision ... Okay, probably, you can already tell.
364
365	Maya seems to be really thinking, not trying to give the words importance.
366
367	- Are the buildings here very old?
368
369	Everyone, including Tatsuya, nodded in response to Maya's question. The equipment used by the Yotsuba family for the most part consisted of what was left of the Fourth Laboratory after World War III. Although preventive maintenance and repairs were performed on a regular basis, no one could deny that in general the equipment was out of date and incompatible with the modern era.
370
371	"However, just sorting out the existing equipment and replacing it with a new one will be very difficult.
372
373	This time, only Tatsuya and Katsushige nodded. Among the equipment received in wartime there were many rare components, of which replacements are almost impossible to find. Fears that after a complete update of the equipment some studies may be interrupted, were quite understandable.
374
375	 - That's why I thought it would be better to build a new experimental facility on Miyakijima.
376
377	 "So you got the army's consent to abolish the jail entrusted to us?" Yuka asked. Unlike Katsushige, she was not informed about this plan.
378
379	 - Officially, it will still function for some time. Also, new facilities will be nominally called defense laboratories.
380
381	 - Would it be a problem that the so-called defense forces laboratories will in fact be the property of the Yotsuba family?
382
383	 - All the details are already negotiated.
384
385	It seems that, without considering it necessary to explain what kind of negotiations they were, Maya looked from Yuka to Tatsuya.
386
387	 "Better let's hear the continuation of Tatsuya-san's report." It seems that it was called " Gatekeeper". Tatsuya-san's magic that neutralizes magicians. Can it be used by other magicians other than you?
388
389	 "The sequence of magic still needs improvement, but magicians with a good predisposition to mental interference magic, in theory, will be able to use it right now."
390
391	 In addition to Maya, Yuka and Fumiya showed great interest. Among the living members of the Yotsuba family, these two had the highest abilities in mental interference magic. Although their skills were still inferior to their parents' generation, in terms of talent and potential, the two competed for 1-2 place among the whole family.
392
393	 - Could you translate it into code?
394
395	 - I brought it with me.
396
397	 Coding created the description of magic through the activation sequence. In most cases, a new magic is created in the magician's imagination. At the moment, this is the biggest obstacle and bottleneck for those who want to share magic skills, because specialized skills are required to describe the magic algorithm in the form of an activation sequence.
398
399	 However, for Tatsuya to develop the code for the activation sequence of the new magic, there was no difficulty. Maya knew this, so she asked about the availability of the ready activation sequence.
400
401	 - I see. Will you transfer it later to Hayama-san?
402
403	 - Of course.
404
405	 - Yuka-san. Take a copy of the activation sequence from Hayama-san.
406
407	 - I understand.
408
409	 - I think further improvement of Gatekeeper can be entrusted to the Tsukuba family. Tatsuya-san, do you mind?
410
411	 - Of course, I do not mind.
412
413	 Tatsuya from the very beginning did not intend to keep "Gatekeeper" a secret. Because he knew that she could not hurt the magicians, who had an order of magnitude higher than the usual psion reserve, such as Miyuki and himself. He did not want to disclose it to everyone, but he intended to share it with the Yotsuba, at least.
414
415	 However, Tatsuya did not have a predisposition to mental interference. He used "Gatekeeper" with the help of his other ability. He himself was not suitable for working with mental interference magic. Therefore, the decision to leave further work on improving the magic to the Tsukuba family, which has many users of mental interference magic, looked reasonable. Thinking it over, Tatsuya nodded.
416
417	 Only Fumiya had a slightly disappointed face, but apart from Tatsuya, no one else said anything. It seems that everyone decided that the events in Okinawa should not be discussed anymore.
418
419	 - So ... - After taking a sip of tea, Maya continued, changing the subject. - Further, I would like to hear details about today's meeting.
420
421	 - Of course.
422
423	 When Tatsuya's story reached the point where he mentioned that they wanted to make Miyuki an advertising face that would work on the image of the magicians to improve public opinion, an atmosphere of indignation began to build around Fumiya and Ayako.
424
425	 "Already many people treat us like friends. Is it not better, at last, to show the world its seriousness? "Yuka said sarcastically. The word "peace" used by her meant "magic world," that is, the world community of magicians.
426
427	 "Whether we like it or not, we do not need any unnecessary actions. Katsushige responded briefly to Yuka's words. Although he was thinking in the opposite direction, it was clear that his feelings were also hurt.
428
429	 - Tatsuya-san, the Yotsuba family supports your decision. We simply ignore this and all subsequent plans trying to use Miyuki-san.
430
431	There was no irritation or anger in Maya's voice. However, there was no room for misunderstanding in her words.
432
433	- You are not even worried about a possible confrontation with the other 27 houses?
434
435	Even under the pressure of Tatsuya's difficult question,
436
437	- Yes.
438
439	Maya answered quickly and without hesitation. Perhaps Maya in advance foresaw the plan of Saegusa Tomokazu, that is, the Saegusa family.
440
441	- Can we just ignore it? - Asked Fumiya. It seems that he meant whether it would be normal not to respond with counter actions to attack opponents.
442
443	"Of course, we will not sit quietly if they attack us."
444
445	Maya's answer implied a ban on creating conflicts first. However, Tatsuya's behavior at today's meeting, where he refused to cooperate, fell under Maya's policy of ignoring it, because it was clearly provoked by the other side. You can even say that he was forced to do it by force.
446
447	- But do not relax. I think you understand that we are not invincible. It cannot be said for sure that a Yotsuba magician will absolutely always defeat the magician's of another family.
448
449	Although it was not read by face, it was not difficult to guess that everyone was thinking that "it's too late to say that". However, one could not say that in their minds there were no such arrogant thoughts as "we will never lose."
450
451	 - Special attention should be paid to the families Juumonji and Tooyama. And also Kudo Minoru.
452
453	 Most did not understand what she meant. Only Tatsuya and Katsushige were not surprised by Maya's words.
454
455	 - Kudo Minoru ... Second-grader from Second High? Is he such a formidable opponent?
456
457	 "Last fall, he helped in Zhou Gongjin's case, and he is undoubtedly an enemy, demanding special vigilance. - Tatsuya answered Yuka's question. But he was surprised by the answer Katsushige, and not Yuka. He read the report on the case of Zhou Gongjin and knew about Minoru's cooperation. Indeed, there he was rated as a magician with high combat performance. Perhaps its danger at the level of Yuki or Fumiya.
458
459	 But Katsushige did not think that Tatsuya would lead him by the nose, saying that the enemy "requires vigilance."
460
461	 Nevertheless, he showed no doubts. Doubt in the abilities of Minoru means doubt in the words of Maya. If the first time you can still get forgiveness, but the second time you cannot wait for mercy. Katsushige could not have known this. But that's why his doubt was not lost, and firmly entrenched in his mind.
462
463	 - I saw the strength of the Juumonji family during the Yokohama incident. Does the Tooyama family have the same level of strength?
464
465	 It seems that Miyuki decided to change the subject to stop Katsushige, who at any moment could say something superfluous.
466
467	 - The official line of research for the Tenth Laboratory is "magic with a large coverage area, creating virtual structures," but the real goal was to create magicians, which will be the last line of defense of the central government. The "products" of these studies, the Juumonji and Tooyama families, received combat power, placing them on a completely different level than the rest of the 25 houses.
468
469	 When Maya talked about 25 houses, it was not a mistake in her calculations. Among the 28 houses, the Juumonji, Tooyama and Yotsuba families were those they consider "different."
470
471	 - The last line of defense of the central government? Not the entire capital?
472
473	 From the published results of the Tenth Laboratory's research, one can easily remember the key phrase: "In case of emergency, the magicians of the Juumonji family will be the last line of defense of the capital." This means that if the magicians of the Juumonji family are on guard, they will be able to prevent even a direct attack on the capital. This was the basis of Miyuki's doubt.
474
475	 The magic of the multiple barriers of the Juumonji family is not very suitable against infantry, but manifests itself fully against mobile troops, aviation and missile weapons. Their powerful magic barriers boast of the power to stop not only artillery shells and large bombs, but also hypersonic missiles and even tactical nuclear weapons (although they are in fact prohibited).
476
477	There is no need to encircle the entire metropolitan area with a barrier. It is enough to form a barrier on the trajectory of the projectile's flight. If it's a bomb, then you can wrap it with a barrier that will absorb the explosion. And such accuracy, speed and strength are possessed by the magicians of the Juumonji family.
478
479	 Their characteristics are enough to "protect the city from attack," so they can be called "the last defense line of the capital."
480
481	 However, Maya said that the real purpose of the Tenth Laboratory is "the last line of defense of the central government." If this is not just a play on words, then the magic that the Tooyama family possesses will be different from the magic of the Juumonji family.
482
483	 - Yes. It seems that Miyuki-san does not know. The magic of the Tooyama family is designed to protect people.
484
485	 "I did not know either." So, the magic of the Tooyama family is designed for personal protection?
486
487	 Asked by Yuka, Maya shook her head imperturbably.
488
489	 - Not personal. To protect a group of people, it creates for everyone an individual barrier. This is the magic of the Tooyama family.
490
491	 - Simultaneous targeting? Or is it a Multiple Casting?
492
493	 - I do not currently know such details. - With a smile Maya answered the question of the interested Fumiya.
494
495	 Tatsuya felt that further questions to Maya might turn out to be something bad.
496
497
498
499	 - I understood. We will interact with Juumonji, Tooyama and Kudo Minoru with extreme caution.
500
501	 He intervened in the ongoing conversation, bowing his head showing his consent. Perhaps Katsushige like Tatsuya, realized the danger so he did not continue to talk about the magic of the Tooyama family.
502
503	 - And yet, is it really good to adopt a policy of one-sided confrontation? I cannot accept the plan to use Miyuki-san as an advertisement, but I do not think that completely refusing to cooperate with other families in the fight against anti-magic movement is a good idea.
504
505	 Instead, he expressed concern about the appointed policy of disobedience.
506
507	 - If there is nothing more, there will be no confrontation ... But cooperation is impossible, until the other side apologizes? Because they wanted to use the next head of our family. This is the limit.
508
509	Katsushige responded to Yuka's speech with a surprised face.
510
511	 "Yuka-san ... Why are you so belligerent?" Setting the conditions is, of course, good, but when it comes to isolation, the balance will clearly not be in our favor.
512
513	 - Is it true? - Those who expressed their disagreement with Katsushige's rather judicious opinion were Fumiya, not Yuka. - Isolation from the whole of society is undoubtedly fatal. However, will isolation only from the society of magicians somehow harm us? Moreover, the conversation is about the problem of isolation only within the framework of the 28 houses, which are only a small part of the magical community. There is no reason to be afraid of such isolation.
514
515	 Fumiya's arguments proved to be compelling. It seems that this was the thinking of a young inexperienced person when unnecessary details were discarded.
516
517	 "Society", which provides the Yotsuba family with the products of civilization, is indispensable. And the magical skills necessary for their existence, like magicians, they have enough of their own. The Yotsuba family had the power to defend itself only by themselves, even in the event of a conflict with the Stars from the USNA, which have a reputation as the world's strongest magician unit.
518
519	 "In case of emergency, even if it comes to total war with other Numbers, all the forces of the main and branch families should be thrown to the support of Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san."
520
521	 "My instructions do not change." Completely ignore all plans for turning the next head into an idol. In case of an attack, you can answer at your discretion.
522
523	 It is unclear whether she supported the last utterance of Fumiya, but with these words, Maya put an end to the discussion of this problem.
524
525
526
527
528
529	â—Š â—Š â—Š
530
531
532
533
534
535	 His shoulders rose and fell to the beat of his heavy breathing. The legs almost did not obey and could hardly stand on the floor. However, the light of fighting spirit has not yet extinguished in the eyes of Saburou standing in front of Erika. These eyes were not looking with malice. They just watched.
536
537	 Erika's lips curved in a smile. And the next moment her silhouette disappeared. The image of the knife fell from Saburou's belt.
538
539	 A dull sound was heard twice to the left of Saburou.
540
541	 Starting to move to the right, Saburou turned to the left. A wooden sword with a length of wakizashi, which he held in his right hand, he exposed in front of his face.
542
543	 Erika's wooden sword touched the wrist of this right hand.
544
545	 - Well, it's much better than before.
546
547	 After Erika lowered her wooden sword, Saburou also left the fighting stance.
548
549	 There was no pain from the received impact. After fights began with Leo, a long training with Erika was only now completed.
550
551	 This could be called an additional occupation. Erika tried to attack at a level of strength just slightly above Saburou's skills, and Saburou, using his psychokinesis, tried to slow Erika's moves and get a chance to counterattack. And this has been repeated many times.
552
553	 Since he did not receive any real blows, there was also no need for medical magic. However, he had to constantly move all this time, so now all the muscles of his body ached from spasms.
554
555	 "Okay, we'll finish up for today." I will not tolerate negligent work.
556
557	 - ... Thank you very much!
558
559	 Because of fatigue, the language of the bowed Saburou twisted, and his words sounded like "Spa ... shoee."
560
561	 When he lifted his head, Erika had already disappeared from the dojo. It looks like she went to the shower.
562
563	 Saburou's body collapsed to the floor, as if he had been paralyzed. Leo seated in the vicinity, looking at the half-chilled Saburou, thought about Erika.
564
565	 The training that Erika appointed Saburou was not her style at all. Leo could not tell what was going on, but it was clearly different from the approach to his training technique "Usub Kagero."
566
567	 Erika took Saburou's help very seriously. She wanted to give him the power, not skills.
568
569	 At least, so it seemed Leo.
570
571	 And this, in Leo's opinion, was not in the style of Erika.
572
573
574
575
576
577	 Leo came to the Chiba dojo, because he was asked to become an opponent of Saburou in training. Leo himself believed that it was rather "forced", rather than "asked." Therefore, since Saburou's training ended, he no longer had any reason to remain here. Leo said goodbye to Saburou who was still unable to get up, and went to the shower room for the dojo pupils.
578
579	 The last time Leo was deceived and he came across Erika in the bathroom. At that time, the compensation for seeing Erika's body wrapped in a towel was such that, compared to her, the cauldron in hell would seem like a cool bath. Although he thought that he was lucky enough to get rid of it easily, he swore to himself that "the second time it will never happen again."
580
581	 In the distant past, the dojo adhered to the rules of "taking a cold bath when sweating," but in the present era, a modern hot shower is simply irreplaceable. The huge Chiba family dojo has a shower room, where there are ten fully enclosed shower cabins in a row.
582
583	 The problem is that there is no division for the male and female parts (and most of the students are men), but there is no reason to worry about spying, since the cabins are locked from the inside, and there is enough room to change. In addition, women were allowed to use the bathroom of the main building, so the shower room of the dojo in fact was used mostly by men.
584
585	 Only one booth was occupied. Not caring about this, Leo walked into the next booth with a bag of change clothes in his hand.
586
587	Without much fuss, in automatic mode, it took him about three minutes. Just standing, smeared with all the universal liquid soap-shampoo and quickly washed off the sweat. He massaged his hair with his fingers, and while washing his face with his hands, the rest he left to the shower machine, thereby he quickly finished taking a shower.
588
589	 But the automatic shower cabin was only in the washing of the body. Drying off and changing clothes were also necessary. Having included these actions in the total calculation, he left the shower cubicle 5 minutes after entering.
590
591	 On the opposite side of the shower walls was a mirror, and next to it was a simple dressing table. Leo usually just wiped his hair, but today he suddenly wanted to use a hairdryer.
592
593	 Now he was in a T-shirt and shorts. The jacket remained in the locker in the dojo. Now, in the middle of April, on the street in this form it will be pretty cool, however here, in the shower room it was warm, because the air conditioner worked.
594
595	 Perhaps, because of the relaxed atmosphere, he succumbed to the temptation. Standing in front of the mirror, he strained his biceps. The kind of strong hand was enough to satisfy the pride of the young guy.
596
597	 Feeling better, Leo, who had only strained his right hand, added a left to her. He puffed out his chest and bent his elbows over his shoulders and stood in the most famous pose, called "Double biceps in front".
598
599	 Then he put his hands on his waist, and straightening his shoulders, stood in the pose "Wide back muscles in front."
600
601	 The developed latissimus muscles of the back formed the shape of an inverted triangle (the shape of the letter V).
602
603	 Then, slightly bending forward, taking his fists slightly forward from the waist, straining at the same time the muscles of the arms, chest, shoulders and neck, this was the "Most Muscular" pose.
604
605	 Leo returned to the original pose with one right hand raised, looked at that hand and sighed contentedly.
606
607	 - ... What are you doing?
608
609	 - Ueeaa !?
610
611	 Leo, who had lost his alertness, did not notice Erika reflected in the mirror until she spoke.
612
613	 - Yes, and took a hair dryer.
614
615	 Leo, who was flushed, hurried to turn away. In addition to the thought that he was found in this shameful activity, there was something else.
616
617	 - T-why are you in this form !?
618
619	 Leo simply could not look directly at the reflection of Erika in the mirror in such an unseemly appearance for a girl.
620
621	 She was wearing a T-shirt, the length of which was barely enough to cover her breasts. And from below there were only short tight shorts, covering the legs only slightly at the base of the thighs. The slender waist, arms and legs, as well as the skin on the top of the chest (so called "décolleté zone"), reddening from the rush of blood, were completely naked.
622
623	 "Ha-ha?" It's a normal look when you get out of the shower. All the necessary clothes are on me.
624
625	 - E-this I understand! N-But why are you here ...!?
626
627	 - Why not? I was too lazy to go to the main building.
628
629	 Saying this in a tired voice, Erika sat on a stool next to Leo and held out her hand to the fan.
630
631	 "Well, do not you want to dry your hair quickly now?" It looks like your wonderful behavior has already subsided.
632
633	 - N-no, I, perhaps, I'll go!
634
635	 Leo threw the hair dryer in a sharp movement, quickly turned and walked towards the exit from the shower. Seeing the departing Leo, Erika shrugged her shoulders. Having finished drying her hair, she threw a robe over her T-shirt and shorts and went to the extension, which plays the role of her room.
636
637
638
639
640
641	â—Š â—Š â—Š
642
643
644
645
646
647	 At a meeting that continued with tea drinking, the theme of Tatsuya's report flowed into the story of a magical attack that was supposedly "Tuman Bomba."
648
649	 - That is, even Tatsuya-kun could not recognize the user of this magic?
650
651	 - Yes. - Tatsuya confirmed Katsushige's guess.
652
653	 "But if this magic was "Tuman Bomba, "then ..." Katsushige thought for a moment, then expressed his thoughts. "... This means that the New Soviet Union has really begun to implement the ultra-long-range auxiliary targeting system in practice."
654
655	 - Auxiliary targeting system in ultra-long range ... Like the Third Eye, used for the Material Burst?
656
657	 Katsushige nodded to the inquiring Yuka.
658
659	 "Although, because of the supposed properties of this magic, the accuracy of aiming, like the Third Eye, is not needed." On the other hand, it seems to me that the computing power of just one magician will not be enough to compute the copying of an infinite number of magic sequences, changing the values of variables for simultaneous activation. I think they use a complex system that includes a large computer that helps with calculations.
660
661	 After the first sentence, the rest he spoke, turning to Maya.
662
663	 - Really. Tatsuya-san, what do you think?
664
665	 "I think that's a reasonable assumption." Moreover, when using a large CAD that has such integrated functions that allow all variables to be preliminarily entered into the activation sequence, the load on the magician must be heavily reduced.
666
667	- That is, the magician will only have to count the ready activation sequence?
668
669	 - Even reading the activation sequence can be automated.
670
671	 - Does all this really reduce the burden on the magician? - Yuka expressed her doubt about the discussion of Maya and Tatsuya. - After all, if magic is activated by automated reading of the activation sequence, then the magician can get into a situation when the finished magic will exceed his capabilities?
672
673	 - Magic, beyond their abilities, simply will not activate. Although, if you use the "Sorcery Booster", then, perhaps, it will. - There was no hesitation in the voice of Tatsuya responding to Yuka.
674
675	 - Speaking about the amplifier, did you mean " Sorcery Booster", which was distributed by the Hong Kong mafia? Was not the organization that produced them destroyed?
676
677	 - This does not mean that the manufacturing method was lost. Well, all this of course is just guesses.
678
679	 - That's right.
680
681	 It seemed that Yuka still wants to say something, but the tone of Maya's response made her retreat.
682
683	 - I'm also interested in how this magic works, but there is a more urgent question ...
684
685	 Finishing her sentence, Maya looked at Miyuki with the question "Is it interesting, did she understand?" in the view. Perhaps there was some teaching lesson for the next head.
686
687	 "I think the most urgent task is how to protect ourselves from magic, which is supposedly "Tuman Bomba. "
688
689	 Fortunately, Tatsuya had already told her about it last night, so Miyuki was not troubled to answer. Maya nodded in satisfaction. She did not know that Miyuki's answer was actually overheard from Tatsuya, or she did not care that you can get answers by fraud.
690
691	 "To begin with, let's put aside the question of whether the magic that generates a detonating gas and explodes it is a Tuman Bomba." How would Miyuki-san defend herself against this magic?
692
693	 About this Tatsuya also gave her a lecture, only on the way here on VTOL, not last night.
694
695	 - If you can predict the activation time, then I think it can be stopped by the "Freeze Flame". But to catch the right moment is a rather difficult task ...
696
697	 "Freeze Flame" is magic that prevents a fire, keeping the temperature of the target object below a certain level. Even if the "Tuman Bomba" magic combines hydrogen and oxygen without application of heat, the synthesis still releases heat, which can be stopped by the "Freeze Flame", which is precisely designed to prevent heating.
698
699	 - Understood. What about Katsushige-san?
700
701	 - Hmm ... I think, depending on the scale of the attack, I can get by using the "Density Manipulation" to isolate the oxygen from the hydrogen immediately after their creation, thereby causing an error in the logic of the attacking magic and forcing it to fail activation.
702
703	 - What does Fumiya-san think?
704
705	 "I think I will not be able to do anything other than trying to protect myself with a barrier, but my sister's "Perfect Diffusion" will probably be able to prevent the activation of the magic.
706
707	 One by one, the so-called detoxification facilities gradually created an optimistic atmosphere.
708
709	 - It is theoretically possible to neutralize with the help of "Density Manipulation" and prevent activation with the help of "Perfect Diffusion", but ...
710
711	 At this point, Tatsuya intervened with criticism.
712
713	 "As Miyuki said, the main problem is whether the moment of activation of the enemies magic can be guessed. This high-speed distribution of magic sequences by copying, I for convenience called "Chain Casting". I believe that it will be quite difficult to have time to call up your magic before the end of the call of enemy magic.
714
715	 - However after all this, supposedly Tuman Bomba requires water on the whole area of the attack zone? On the sea or the lake everything is clear, but on land it is necessary to create first a fog or a puddle of water? I think, in this case, to some extent it is possible to predict the attack in advance.
716
717	 This time, Yuka spoke in an unexpectedly serious tone. However, Tatsuya refuted these arguments without saying anything superfluous.
718
719	 "If I were the user of that magic, I would just wait for a rainy day." We are in Japan, not in the desert in the Middle East. Finding the opportunity will be easy.
720
721	 Yuka only shrugged her shoulders. Tatsuya could not understand whether she expresses any meaning in this, or does not think about anything at all. He only worried for a moment, and decided to give up thinking about it.
722
723	 - Chain Casting copying is extremely fast. If the right moment cannot be precisely determined, it is better to be protected by barrier magic if possible.
724
725	 When the words "Barrier Magic" sounded, the views of all those present, except Tatsuya and Miyuki, involuntarily rushed behind Miyuki's back. Standing there and kept silent all the time Minami cringed under the gaze of five people.
726
727
728
729
730
731	â—Š â—Š â—Š
732
733
734
735
736
737	After returning home and entering his room, Leo immediately went to the videophone. He could not get rid of the thoughts that haunted him all the way home, and could not suppress the desire to talk with someone.
738
739	 After a long call waiting, an image appeared on the screen of the videophone. There was an interior of the room in Japanese style. Given that the owner of the room is a schoolboy, one could call it "a study room," but because of the availability of bookcases that reach to the ceiling and are completely stuffed with paper books unusual for this time, this room was more like a "library."
740
741	- Leo, a call from you is quite a rare occurrence. - Mikihiko said from the screen of the videoconference.
742
743	 - Oh, Mikihiko. Did I interrupt you?
744
745	- ... Did something happen?
746
747	 Seeing Leo's unusually depressed expression, Mikihiko also changed in the face.
748
749	 - Yes, I wanted to hear someone's opinion on one issue ...
750
751	 The atmosphere of seriousness was transmitted even through the display. However, at this point something completely unexpected happened.
752
753	- Yoshida-kun, in the bathroom ... Ah, I'm sorry.
754
755	On the side of Mikihiko, the microphone caught the girl's voice calling from far away (possibly from the entrance to the library). But that was not all. At the very edge of the display, partially appeared the figure of a girl who looked in the doorway, in which Leo recognized Mizuki.
756
757	- Excuse me! I interrupted you!
758
759	- Wait! Leo, you're wrong! You've misunderstood everything!
760
761	The panicking Leo trying to turn off the video, he tried to stop the even more panicky Mikihiko.
762
763	"... I do not know what I misunderstood." I do not think you called to your house to do something n-indecent.
764
765	- Wh-What does it mean n-n-indecent !?
766
767	- N-well, that's it. Between a man and a woman ...
768
769	- I would not do anything like that! I would not be so rude to Shibata-san!
770
771	- Yes, I said that I do not think you did it!
772
773	- Yoshida-kun, did you say something about me ...?
774
775	Mizuki reappeared at the door at a time when the confusion between Leo and Mikihiko reached the limit. However, unlike the previous time, not only Mizuki appeared on the screen.
776
777	- Mizuki-and, for a long time?
778
779	This time, Mizuki did not just look in the room, and entered her, and behind her was another girl.
780
781	 Leo remembered the face of this girl. It was his classmate who is a member of the Arts Club.
782
783	- Ah. Yoshida-kun is talking on the phone. Then we will postpone the work on the ice sculpture and do something else. Because there is not much time left.
784
785	 This schoolgirl took Mizuki's hand and dragged her along.
786
787	 - ... I suppose that other members of the art club also came? - Waiting until the girls disappeared from the screen, Leo asked.
788
789	- That's right. Shibata-san and I are not alone here alone. So do not say stupid things.
790
791	 "Did he mean that something could happen if they were only two?" - Thought Leo. However, he decided that continuing to talk about it would be rude.
792
793	 - Sorry.
794
795	- ... Come on. Tell me, what did you want to hear about my opinion?
796
797	 Leo felt relieved that his misunderstanding did not turn into a conflict, and the conversation returned to the original theme. And then he remembered why he even called.
798
799	 - Yes. The problem is not that big, but ...
800
801	- I'm listening.
802
803	 - Have you noticed Erika's strange behavior lately?
804
805	- Erika? What happened?
806
807	 - Not that something with it was radiant ... You see, today Erika called me to the dojo in her house.
808
809	- To the dojo?
810
811	 - Yes. And she says this: "I want you to help me with one first-grader." I was supposed to help Erika in training the technique of "Usub Kagero," and to look at the first-grader who liked her was interesting too.
812
813	- Erika attracted by first-grader ... Likely you are talking about Yaguruma-kun?
814
815	 - Mikihiko, do you know about Saburou?
816
817	- I saw him a little after the ceremony ... And indeed, there are rumors that Erika trains Yaguruma-kun. And what's wrong?
818
819	 "It feels like Erika ... well, somehow is too hard on training.
820
821	- ... Yes, this is unusual for her.
822
823	 Mikihiko, who knows Erika's approach to training "you want to learn technique - do it yourself," was slightly puzzled by these words of Leo.
824
825	 - In my case, it can be said, there was also an exception. But Saburou's teaching is even fundamentally different from mine. From the very first glance, it is felt that this is not a learning technique, but an attempt to become stronger.
826
827	- This is really ... not like Erika.
828
829	 The face of the viewer from Mikihiko's screen became serious. Knowing him for a long time, Leo knew that this betrays his strong sense of alarm.
830
831	 - ... And then, after that, I came across her in the shower room.
832
833	- ... And?
834
835	 Trying to speak, suppressing indecision, he created a long pause in the conversation. And Leo and Mikihiko did unnaturally serious faces.
836
837	 "I meant the shower room of the dojo. The one that students usually use.
838
839	- ... Yeah, I get it. And what?
840
841	 - After the shower, Erika went out in short T-shirt and shorts. With a naked stomach, just like in a swimsuit.
842
843	- Leo, this sounds quite safe ...
844
845	 My whole body was trembling, and it was not shaking with excitement.
846
847	 - Mikihiko, do you also think so?
848
849	- Uh, what are you talking about?
850
851	 Seeing Leo's suddenly serious expression looking straight at the camera, Mikihiko rounded his eyes and froze in that form.
852
853	 - I'm not talking about the fact that I saw her naked or in one underwear. And about the fact that it's not strange that she did not care that a guy saw her figure, covered only in a couple of places, after she came out of the shower? Was it pretending, did she really care?
854
855	- It's ... more like your misunderstanding, Leo. Erika herself said that for her this situation is normal?
856
857	 - I think so too. That's why it's strange.
858
859	- ......
860
861	 Mikihiko could neither confirm nor disprove Leo's remark. Because he realized that the situation could be much more serious than he first thought.
862
863	 "Is she overextending herself too much?" After the death of her older brother, she looked calm, but it seems, in fact, she is very hurt?
864
865	- I think so, but ... Are you saying this has something to do with the current state of Erika?
866
867	 "It's just a guess, but ... Is not it like she wants revenge?"
868
869	- Revenge ... For Toshikazuu-san?
870
871	 Leo silently nodded in response to the question of Mikihiko.
872
873	- But to whom? After all, the criminals responsible for the attack in Hakone who killed Toshikazuu-san are already dead?
874
875	 For the rest of society, the search for those responsible for the attack in Hakone is still underway. However, the lost the eldest son of the Chiba family was partially revealed the truth. Leo and Mikihiko also were briefed on the incident, except for classified information.
876
877	 "Is not it ... Tatsuya?"
878
879	- Uh ...?
880
881	Hearing this completely unexpected opinion, Mikihiko lost his speech. However, immediately taking himself in hand, he began to deny.
882
883	- Tatsuya is not to blame. Perhaps, those who stopped Toshikazu-san were Tatsuya, but ... it was he who freed Toshikazu-san from the dark magic. The people of the Chiba family should be grateful to Tatsuya.
884
885	 - Mikihiko, this is the reason. Emotions are in fact what constantly goes against the mind?
886
887	 Mikihiko again could not find anything to say.
888
889	 "However, I do not think Erika wants anything, like Tatsuya's death."
890
891	- Do not say such dangerous words ...!
892
893	 - Sorry sorry. I wanted to ask you if Erika would do something so self-willed. What do you think? In any case, in our company, you've known her the longest.
894
895	- Willfully ...?
896
897	 - Well, you understand me ... I mean, she wants to defeat Tatsuya at any cost. Even so much that he rejects her femininity, if only to stun him.
898
899	- ... Are you exaggerating? - Mikihiko muttered with a shocked face. But then he shook his head.- I believe that she did not think about such extreme measures, but ... and to say that our fears are totally unfounded, too.
900
901	 Leo looked silently at Mikihiko from the screen of the videophone.
902
903	- Let's watch Erika for a while.
904
905	 - Yes, that's right.
906
907	 Having said this, Leo smiled unintentionally and shrugged his shoulders.
908
909	 - Well, if Erika is going to use me for something, then I have no particular choice.
910
911	 A small smile appeared on the face of Mikihiko that was displayed on the screen.
912
913	- Yes, you are a good couple.
914
915	 - Stop it.
916
917	 Leo frowned, as if he thought something unpleasant.
918
919
920
921
922
923	â—Š â—Š â—Š
924
925
926
927
928
929	Minoru, invited to the house of Saegusa, in addition to a late lunch, was also invited to dinner.
930
931	 - I sent a message to your onii-san.
932
933	 - Many thanks, Mayumi-san.
934
935	 - We can also provide a helicopter for delivery home.
936
937	 "Thank you, Kasumi-san." I'm taking you up on your word.
938
939	 Saying this, Minoru looked shyly around.
940
941	 "What is it, Minoru-kun?" Do not worry.
942
943	 "No, nothing ... Izumi-san, is your father at home?"
944
945	 Laying the table has already been completed. The dishes were prepared for four: Minoru, Mayumi, Kasumi and Izumi. The place of Koichi was not prepared. Koichi did not show up for lunch either. Minoru is not that I wanted to talk about something with him, but thought it necessary to at least greet him properly.
946
947	 - It seems that he went somewhere without telling anyone anything.
948
949	 Minoru answered the question not by Izumi, which he asked, but by Mayumi, having previously specified from the servants.
950
951	 - They seem to be having dinner with my older brother together outside the house. I'm sorry that I will not be able to greet you.
952
953	 - No, it's worth it to apologize. I should have welcomed you when we first arrived.
954
955	 "As Izumi-chan has already said, you do not have to worry about such things." Because Minoru-kun is our guest.
956
957	 "Haha ... thank you very much."
958
959	 Minoru relaxed slightly. He laughed because it was rare for him to relax in this way. Usually, Minoru's daily life is full of tense moments.
960
961	 Outstanding magical power and a weak body, which constantly drives him to bed, gave Minoru pain that he could not live up to his expectations. His exceptional intellect and even his beauty, mercilessly piercing the eyes of other people, exerted strong pressure on him.
962
963	 Despite the presence of talent. Despite the availability of abilities.
964
965	 Only a weak body prevents him from fulfilling his duties. These are the thoughts of Minoru himself that pushed himself into a corner.
966
967	 I cannot perform the duties that must be performed.
968
969	 The feeling of guilt for this made Minoru adopt a lifestyle with uncertain behavior towards the surrounding people.
970
971	 He was able to relax in the company of the Saegusa sisters because they were not worried about his beauty.
972
973	 Minoru was surprised and grateful that they looked at him as a friend, for the first time after seeing him for a long time.
974
975	 Although they had behaved this way before, but until now it was not natural. He could not understand why. For him it was not clear that the reason was that they were accustomed to the even more perfect beauty of Miyuki.
976
977	 It was inevitable. After all, Minoru was first impressed by Miyuki as an "outstanding magician", and beauty was secondary. In addition, it was because people close to Miyuki also showed an interest in Minoru's appearance.
978
979	 In this regard, Minoru recalled "the girl next to Miyuki, looking at his face."
980
981	 A slight smile surfaced on his face as he remembered how the blushing Minami ran away from him, lying in bed. Remembering her, he did not feel any discomfort.
982
983	 The views of the opposite sex directed at him for Minoru were oppressive and overwhelmingly gloomy. It was always like this, but, remembering Minami, he felt warmly.
984
985	 She seemed sweet to him, charming. Minoru had such feelings for the first time.
986
987	 - ... Minoru-kun, what happened? You are noticeably cheerful.
988
989	 - Oh, I'm sorry. I remember something pleasant ...
990
991	 Minoru's cheeks slightly reddened. He was embarrassed by the possible ambiguous meaning of his smiling face, which the girls saw.
992
993	 "At such moments, Minoru looks like an ordinary boy. Kasumi said with a smile. To hear from these sisters say that he was "ordinary" for Minoru was a refreshing taste of a sense of comfort.
994
995
996
997
998
999	"... By the way, have the wounded students already recovered?"
1000
1001	 Dinner began with innocuous topics, however, unfortunately, it was not possible to finish with secular conversations alone. Because it had bothered them ever since they heard, and they had to be sure. Mayumi asked about the condition of the Second High students who were seriously injured as a result of the "Humanists" attack on their way home from school.
1002
1003	 - Fortunately, there were no difficulties, all of them have completely recovered.
1004
1005	 - Thank God ...
1006
1007	 Izumi sighed with relief. She was also attacked by fanatics from the anti-magic movement, although she herself did not suffer. So the sufferings of the pupils of the other school were not alien to her.
1008
1009	 - And what about the "Humanists"? The charges were not pursued?
1010
1011	 Minoru smiled with restraint when he heard Kasumi's question.
1012
1013	 "That's all right." Taking into account the serious injuries, it was concluded that the use of magic was justified.
1014
1015	 - Well, it was quite natural. By the way, were the attackers arrested?
1016
1017	 If the self-defense of students of Second High was recognized as legitimate, then all severity of the prosecution was to be transferred to the "Humanists". Under the intense gaze of Kasumi thinking so, Minoru's expression took on an apologetic look.
1018
1019	 - The attackers ... were diagnosed that their mind was clouded with drugs, and as a result they were aquitted.
1020
1021	 - How so! The pupils of Second High suffered greatly from their actions! Is it justified by insanity to apply to such serious crimes!?
1022
1023	 "... I've also heard a couple of conversations." Since the pupils of Second High are magicians, they should not be badly injured from attacks by ordinary people. In fact, there are no complications from injuries, so it was not a serious crime ... that's the case.
1024
1025	 - What now, if the victim is a magician, then the criminal is not to blame !?
1026
1027	 "Are you saying that laws apply to us magicians, and ordinary citizens unequally?" - Izumi in a voice besieged with sarcasm, exploded in the wrath of Kasumi. This argument of the sister had nothing to refute not only Kasumi, but also Mayumi.
1028
1029	 - You're right.
1030
1031	 Minoru also agreed. More precisely, on this occasion he resented even more Izumi.
1032
1033	 - If it were so, the coexistence of people and magicians would be impossible.
1034
1035	 But Saegusa' sisters did not hear this whisper. If they found out about his despair about this, then in the future it could deliver some problems ...
1036
1037
1038
1039
1040
1041	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1042
1043
1044
1045
1046
1047	 Tatsuya's group returned to Tokyo at 8 pm. The place of return turned out to be the roof of the building in Tofu, on which they met the day on the way to the main house. From the small VTOL, six came out: Tatsuya, Miyuki, Minami, as well as Katsushige, Kotona and Kanata.
1048
1049	 - Tatsuya-sama, on this I have to say goodbye to you.
1050
1051	 - Thank you very much, Hanabishi-san.
1052
1053	 "These are undeserved words." Please call me Hyougo. Now, I beg your pardon, I will wait for our next meeting.
1054
1055	 Tatsuya did not ask Hyougo which meeting he had in mind, but only escaped the departing VTOL.
1056
1057	 - Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki-san.
1058
1059	 Hearing the voice of Katsushige, Tatsuya turned around. Miyuki looked at Katsushige with caution.
1060
1061	 - Have you two heard about this building?
1062
1063	 Neither Katsushige, nor Kotona, nor Kanata showed any concern with the suspicion read in Miyuki's glance. Katsushige asked the question in a formal, polite tone.
1064
1065	- I can assume that this is the property of the Yotsuba family, but ...
1066
1067	 With a face expressing that the answer is only partially correct, Katsushige nodded at Tatsuya's answer.
1068
1069	 - This building was built to move the headquarters of the Yotsuba family to Tokyo.
1070
1071	- Earlier I was wondering if such a plan exists. It seems there is.
1072
1073	"The whole living area will be occupied by Yotsuba's people." The apartments will also be used as temporary accommodation for battles participants.
1074
1075	- Clear. That's why the structure of the building resembles a fortress.
1076
1077	This building was located in the middle of a large undeveloped site. It is not difficult to guess that this site played the role of a "serf trench" and was stuffed with a large number of protective systems.
1078
1079	The office part up to the third floor had absolutely no windows, and its lighting was organized by a fiber-optic structure. Residential areas, located from floors 4 and above, instead of windows for the most part had balconies, so it was difficult to see the interior from outside.
1080
1081	Completely covering the top floor and the roof, the protective fence was installed not to protect it from falls, but to protect it from outside penetration. Instead of the blinds on the windows, armor plates may be provided.
1082
1083	 - We too will soon move here.
1084
1085	 - It's clear.
1086
1087	 Katsushige's words were not unexpected. They did not just build it all. To grant the residence to the next head of the branch family is reasonable in many senses.
1088
1089	 "Tatsuya-san, you will also move here."
1090
1091	 However, Kotona's words which continued beyond Katsushige, were unexpected.
1092
1093	 - But there is nothing to worry about, because a complete replacement of the training equipment is already under way.
1094
1095	 "Did she both say that?" - Instead of Tatsuya hovering in surprise, Kotona was asked by Miyuki.
1096
1097	 - Yes.
1098
1099	 - That's what they asked us to convey. - Following Kotona's nod, Katsushige added, after which these three (including Kanata) entered the building.
1100
1101
1102
1103
1104
1105	 Having settled on the couch in the living room at home, Tatsuya and Miyuki first chose the topic of the discussion, which was reported by Katsushige.
1106
1107	 - Onii-sama, did you know about this?
1108
1109	The question was expected. Without any hesitation in using Onii-sama's appeal, Miyuki asked Tatsuya about moving. It seems that Tatsuya would become Tatsuya-most definitely, for Miyuki she still needs some time.
1110
1111	- I remember that I heard something about moving to the Yotsuba base in Tokyo. But I did not think that this would happen so soon.
1112
1113	For Tatsuya, this also turned out to be a surprise, which he admitted to Miyuki.
1114
1115	"Perhaps both of us believe it necessary to strengthen our security with you."
1116
1117	- Does this mean that someone has aimed at us?
1118
1119	The face of Minami, who came with tea, became tense.
1120
1121	"Perhaps it is." However, I think this is a preparation for the fact that Yotsuba's people in the future may have more chances of being disturbed.
1122
1123	- Are you thinking about confrontation with the other 27 houses?
1124
1125	- Not only the 27 houses.
1126
1127	"Do ... do you mean a protest against the government?"
1128
1129	According to Miyuki's voice, it was noticeable that she began to lose her composure.
1130
1131	 - No. Since the government is not a monolithic structure, it should not become a confrontation with state power. But if this happens, then those who pull the trigger will not be both, uh, and I.
1132
1133	 - Onii-sama ...
1134
1135	 Tatsuya gently stroked Miyuki's hand, not concealing her anxiety. Feeling Tatsuya's hand, Miyuki's fingers relaxed a little.
1136
1137	 - I think that both sides have no intention of a conflict with the Japanese government. But the probability of a conflict with the self-defense forces is not zero.
1138
1139	 Miyuki again tensed, hands clenched into fists. With a smile, saying "Everything will be fine," Tatsuya gently stroked Miyuki on the head.
1140
1141	 "Do not worry, I will not let it reach a full-scale armed battle."
1142
1143	 "... Miyuki is happy to hear that."
1144
1145	 Miyuki took advantage of the moment and clung to Tatsuya. Looking at this, Minami did not want to run away this time, as usual, but also felt that the worry was disappearing.
1146
1147
1148
1149
1150
1151	CHAPTER 2
1152
1153
1154
1155
1156
1157	The day after the meeting of young people from the "28 houses", the Mitsuya family met an unexpected guest.
1158
1159	 The name of this guest was Tooyama Tsukasa. On the lists of the military she was registered as a junior officer of the army of defense, Tooyama Tsukasa. Tooyama's name was not only used as an external cover, but was actually registered in all documents, like the real one.
1160
1161	 This was not just a violation of some unspoken rules, but a full-fledged crime, but no one blamed her for this. Because it is the policy of the army, to hide the use of the strength of the Tooyama family. The magic of the Tooyama family was hidden by the authorities because of its nature.
1162
1163	 It seems that power-hungry people wanted to keep it a secret from the civilians and have it ready to help key government members in case of emergency.
1164
1165	 On the other hand, the Mitsuya family, besides the management of the Third Laboratory and associated with the Ten Master Clans of Affairs, also dealt with the sale of weapons. Therefore, like arms dealers, and not like magicians, they had connections leading to the shady side of this world.
1166
1167	 As an exception to the family that has the genealogy of powerful magicians, the Mitsuya family, with the tacit consent of the government, is negotiating with foreign forces, so family members often secretly travel to other countries. And the information obtained in this way can be useful for the army. Also, secretly supplying weapons to foreign armed groups, they are intermediaries who promote the military actions desired by the Japanese government.
1168
1169	 Relationships between the Mitsuya family and the military are not mutually beneficial. In these relations, the army receives much more benefits. Nevertheless, even the only advantage that they are allies of the self-defense forces, gives them the right to be aware of the intentions of the army. Magicians and government are not equal in status.
1170
1171	 Tsukasa is a magician from the same 28 houses. Since the Tooyama family cannot be selected as one of the Ten Master Clans, its rank among the 28 houses is lower than that of the Mitsuya family. However, with Tooyama Tsukasa, deeply connected with the top of the self-defense forces, the Mitsuya family could not scornfully disregard her. On the contrary, the relationship between the Mitsuya family, the army and Tsukasa was such that they had to at least listen to it to some extent. The acquaintance of Shiina and Tsukasa happened precisely as a result of these relations, in which the Mitsuya family was to help the Tooyama family.
1172
1173	 The adults from the Mitsuya family, who knew the truth about these relations, naturally, were unfriendly towards Tsukasa. Tsukasa herself understood this perfectly, but she did not care at all that they did not like her.
1174
1175	 "I'm sorry to bother you when you're so busy."
1176
1177	 - No, do not worry. So, what business do you have for us today?
1178
1179	 In response to the formal greeting of Tsukasa, the head of the family, Mitsuya Gen, immediately went on to the question of the visit. In his words the thought of "quickly finish the business and go away" was clearly read. The elder son Motoharu, who was present here, looked reproachfully at his father, but Gen did not pay attention to this look. All his attention was focused on Tsukasa.
1180
1181	 - I heard about yesterday's meeting.
1182
1183	 However, Tsukasa did not seem to intend to end the conversation quickly.
1184
1185	 - ... That's it. - Muttered Gen with a helpless voice.
1186
1187	 "I thought that Tooyama-san would also come there."
1188
1189	 If he had left it to his father, he could have reached a quarrel. With this feeling, Motoharu sitting next to him a polite voice intervened in the conversation.
1190
1191	 - The younger brother is busy with family affairs.
1192
1193	 With her usual glued on polite smile, Tsukasa answered with words, which you cannot name the answer. Since Motoharu was also familiar with the circumstances of the Tooyama family, he did not elaborate on the details of this strange answer and decided to continue the conversation:
1194
1195	 - So, what's going on with yesterday's meeting?
1196
1197	 - In such a very friendly atmosphere, you all strengthened your friendship.
1198
1199	 - Yes, it was ...
1200
1201	 - But unfortunately, in the end some people violated this harmony.
1202
1203	 - ... Everything was not so serious.
1204
1205	 - Here's how? - To Tsukasa's words Motoharu answered with an icy glance. - It seems that the man from Yotsuba did not stay for dinner after the meeting.
1206
1207	 - It seems that he had a previously planned arrangement.
1208
1209	 Motoharu tried to protect Tatsuya from being drawn into a conflict between the Tooyama and Yotsuba families. If it is decided that Tatsuya violates the unity of magicians, the Mitsuya family will have to cooperate with Tsukasa to solve this problem.
1210
1211	But it was a futile attempt.
1212
1213	 "We are also concerned about the attitude of Shiba Tatsuya-san, who refuses to cooperate."
1214
1215	 The opinion of Tsukasa was determined from the very beginning.
1216
1217	- By we do you mean the National Defense Forces?
1218
1219	 - Right. This is our area of responsibility, and we consider it necessary to verify whether Shiba Tatsuya impedes public safety.
1220
1221	 - Shiba Tatsuya-dono is not military. The army does not have such powers. Even the Ten Master Clans, even the Tooyama family, should not have the authority to check the people of the Yotsuba family. - Feeling that he can no longer remain silent, before this left the conversation with his son, Gen, inserted his words.
1222
1223	 However, these arguments did not confuse Tsukasa.
1224
1225	 - There is no authority, but you can check it out, right?
1226
1227	 Tsukasa smiled broadly at Gen. In this smile there was not a single drop of friendliness.
1228
1229	 - ... And what does Tooyama-san want from us?
1230
1231	 He decided that Tsukasa wants them to help her with some of her next tricky plan. To the question of Gen, in which the consent was already read, Tsukasa responded with a polite smile.
1232
1233	 "I would like to take Shiina-chan for a short time to participate in our exercises."
1234
1235	 Without giving anything to say who began to change in the face of Gen, Tsukasa immediately continued.
1236
1237	 "Even if they say" teachings, "nothing dangerous will be there. In addition, I already received the consent of Shiina-chan.
1238
1239	 "When did you ..." muttered the shocked Motoharu, and Gen irritatedly clucked his tongue. He did not care that it was impolite.
1240
1241	 "In any case, I do not have the right to forbid it."
1242
1243	 - This is not true. I would like Mitsuya-san to collaborate on his own.
1244
1245	 Seeing Tsukasa's face, in which the provocation was clearly being read, Gen again clucked his tongue. It was nothing more than a manifestation of submission.
1246
1247
1248
1249
1250
1251	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257	 In First High, after graduation.
1258
1259	 Entering the school boardroom, Tatsuya, with the permission of Miyuki, went to the repair room of the Robotics Club.
1260
1261	 Not on patrol. Sometimes he also occupied the Robotics Club room for Pixie's service, but today he did not go there for that.
1262
1263	 "Senpai, I'm sorry for disturbing you for something like this."
1264
1265	 Here he came to call on Shippou Takuma.
1266
1267	 - Nothing. Is there a secret conversation?
1268
1269	 - Secret, you say ...? I just did not want the president to hear about it ...
1270
1271	 - Tell me. - Tatsuya called on to continue to hesitate to tell Takuma.
1272
1273	 - This is about what happened after yesterday sempai went home.
1274
1275	 - Are you talking about lunch after the meeting? I believe my evil words caused a resurgence of indignation?
1276
1277	 - No, there was no indignation ...
1278
1279	 In other words, it means that all the same it was said about Tatsuya's antagonizing.
1280
1281	 - Sempai knew that his words would cause dissatisfaction to the other people present, and still decided to confront the current atmosphere of the meeting? Why did you drive yourself into a disadvantageous position by your behavior?
1282
1283	 Tatsuya was not obliged to answer Takuma's question. There was no sense of duty either.
1284
1285	 - Even if the strong begin to respect the weak, the fear of the weak will not disappear until we abandon the very power threatening the weak.
1286
1287	 However, at his whim, Tatsuya decided not to deny him boldly came with the question.
1288
1289	 - ... Do you mean that ordinary people will be afraid and envious because we are magicians?
1290
1291	 "People who are not magicians do not necessarily envy magicians." But fear is usually inevitable. Because for unarmed people, we are the ones who always carry weapons.
1292
1293	 - ... And so you objected to the appeal to society? Because the effect will not be good?
1294
1295	 "The reason for my refusal was that it was quite obvious that they wanted to force the next head of the Yotsuba family to take the burden.
1296
1297	 - If there were intentions, like to force her to bear the main burden ... Indeed, I think the way to bring the discussion to this was rather straightforward.
1298
1299	First, Takuma turned to his feelings, and spoke in defense of people unknown to him. But now, he expressed criticism of the methods of Tomokazu and the Saegusa family, apparently recalling some previous events relating to them.
1300
1301	 - Shippou. I think you also understand that even if we have good intentions, we cannot always wait for the same from opponents.
1302
1303	 - It seems ... it is. I think I understand.
1304
1305	"Even if magicians conscientiously serve non-magicians, not everyone will appreciate it." I think that the probability that accumulated envy will grow into a flared hostility is not just a pessimist's nightmare.
1306
1307	 - Is this pessimistic belief too much? But this ...
1308
1309	 Takuma wanted to say that this is an exaggeration. But he could not utter these words. Because at that moment he noticed that this is a self-deception when he denies it as impossible.
1310
1311	 - Of course, if my bride becomes an advertising idol, then you can expect some success. Still, she is beautiful, no matter what she says. In advertising, you do not need to use the "law of three B", because beauty alone is enough as an influence force.
1312
1313	 Law 3B is an experimentally derived rule that shows that the use of Beauty, Children and Beast for advertising is very attractive to the public and easily gives a positive impression. And the use of beauty is not limited to advertising. Men tend to weaken before beautiful women, and women - in front of beautiful men. But in the case of Miyuki, this is a beauty that surpasses personal preferences, and can have an impact not only on the opposite sex, but also on women.
1314
1315	 - However, the higher the effectiveness of advertising activities, the more stubborn people who do not like it. It can even reach fanaticism. If everything goes, as the Saegusa family expects, then Miyuki becomes the target of fanatics. I cannot allow such an obviously dastardly plan. Even to argue about this is outrageous.
1316
1317	 "... I understand, to some extent, what the sempai thinks." But was it normal to talk about it in that situation? I think it was a bad decision, enter into a dispute, and finish it without explaining anything.
1318
1319	 "In your opinion, Shippou, there's truth."
1320
1321	 He was right. But Tatsuya carefully thought everything through before going to such actions.
1322
1323	 - However, if I started arguing with the Saegusa family at that moment, it would bring even more hostility to me. Thus, the Saegusa family would still retain face, making me a bad guy.
1324
1325	 Takuma listened in silence, slapping his eyes. He did not even think about this point of view.
1326
1327	 "I do not mind helping magicians with society." I just think that we must take into account the risks associated with this. Extremists can take dangerous actions if they decide that society does not support them. For the sake of trying to "destroy the evil," they can go to suicide bomber attacks.
1328
1329	 - Evil ...?
1330
1331	 - Imagine that there were some strong outsiders. Since they are strangers, no one will consider them their defenders. People will not know if they will harm them. But they will understand that they will not be able to defend themselves. And it does not matter whether these opponents really think to harm them. But only for the reason that they can be in danger, unless people will not want the existence of these opponents to stop? And if you think about how to call this existence, then, I think, it will just be "evil."
1332
1333	 - For supporters of the anti-magic movement, magicians are... "evil"?
1334
1335	 - It seems so to me. I do not mean that magicians are absolutely strong in everything, but in terms of harm, they are certainly one of the strongest. And the weak do not trust the strong. And in this they are right. After all, a strong one can trample a weak one at any moment.
1336
1337	 - So the weak call the strong as evil ...? To escape from fear of ignorance when they are trampled?
1338
1339	 That is, Tatsuya wanted to avoid Miyuki becoming a symbol of this "evil". After all these explanations, Takuma finally began to understand what Tatsuya was worried about.
1340
1341	 - The situation cannot be solved by the oppression of the weak. As long as there are strong people, like us. We cannot stop being strong to solve this conflict. Magic is the natural power of a magician. The magician cannot get rid of the power of magic.
1342
1343	 - Sempai ... do you think that the coexistence of magicians and non-magicians is impossible?
1344
1345	 - Coexistence with a partner who does not want coexistence is an extremely difficult task.
1346
1347	After answering the tautology*, Tatsuya left. But Takuma did not feel cheated by Tatsuya.
1348
1349	[*]a phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words
1350
1351
1352
1353
1354
1355	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1356
1357
1358
1359
1360
1361	 The sun was already deep in the west, and the time was coming to go home from school. Leo, who ended up clubbing, went to a cafe to quench his hunger.
1362
1363	 By exchanging greetings along the way (sociable Leo knew more than two-thirds of the total number of pupils of the 2nd and 3rd years of schooling), he went to an automated counter and exchanged a food voucher with a built-in chip for a sandwich. As he took a drink of plain water. He looked around the cafe for a free table and found a first-grader he had recently dealt with.
1364
1365	 "Saburou, can I sit with you?"
1366
1367	 "Sai-si-senpai!" Please.
1368
1369	 Immersed in his thoughts and staring at an empty cup of coffee, Saburou, when he heard the voice, finally noticed Leo. To Saburou's troubled tone, Leo said "I apologize for the disturbance" and sat opposite him.
1370
1371	 - Are you waiting for someone?
1372
1373	 - Yes, Shiina.
1374
1375	 Hearing Saburou's answer, Leo thought: "Was it worth asking?". Becoming his opponent in training, he learned about Saburou's situation. Even about the fact that before entering First High he was dismissed from the position of bodyguard.
1376
1377	 Leo did not feel uncomfortable about this, but decided to change the subject.
1378
1379	 - Did you train with Erika today?
1380
1381	 - Yes ...
1382
1383	 He did not have any bruises, but on closer examination, it was noticeable that Saburou was severely drained. It's clear that he worries if he will be able to protect his childhood friend on his way home in such a state, but Leo decided that this does not concern him. When Saburou was removed from the post of guard, of course, she should have been appointed a substitute. And the responsibility should be borne by those people, not Saburou. Until Saburou returns to the defense of Shiina.
1384
1385	 - I am very grateful to her. For the fact that she trains an inexperienced person like me ...
1386
1387	 - I think, you cannot worry about this. Because she likes it.
1388
1389	 - It is, but when you say it, it sounds somehow disgusting.
1390
1391	 - Ova-ah !? Suddenly he heard the voice of the one under discussion, Leo jumped upright in the chair. Erika was standing right behind Leo. From his place Saburou could see her appearance. But despite this, Saburou was surprised no less than Leo. - Wiped the presence and crept up! You Th, ninja or what?
1392
1393	 "The technique of erasing ones presence is not only used by ninjas. This is an indispensable skill for attacking melee fighters.
1394
1395	 "It's an absolute lie, is not it ...?" Leo groaned and fell on a chair, as if he had lost all his strength. On this comical scene with Leo falling apart in the chair, a chuckle sounded from behind Erika's back.
1396
1397	 "Oh, is Mizuki here too?"
1398
1399	 - I just came.
1400
1401	 Seated opposite Leo, Saburou fussed. From the appearance of an unfamiliar girl from the third year he felt uneasy.
1402
1403	 - Saburou.
1404
1405	Erika having managed to make the first movement, Saburou stopped, who with his whole appearance showed that he wants to escape.
1406
1407	 - This is Shibata Mizuki. Unlike us, she is an ordinary peaceful pupil First High, so you cannot involve her in all sorts of dangerous things.
1408
1409	 - I would not do anything like that ...
1410
1411	 Saburou involuntarily stood up and began to protest. But then he remembered that he had to do something.
1412
1413	 "Uh, nice to meet you." My name is Yaguruma Saburou.
1414
1415	 Saburou made a bow with the entire upper body, bent at the waist.
1416
1417	 Realizing what his behavior was with excitement, Mizuki did not say too much and laughed.
1418
1419	 - My name is Shibata Mizuki. Glad to meet you.
1420
1421	 From her emanated a warm, kind atmosphere, which somehow reminded him of Shiina.
1422
1423	 "... Yaguruma, why are you blushing?"
1424
1425	 - I'm not red!
1426
1427	 "Do not even think about it." Because Mizuki is the girl of Miki.
1428
1429	 - E-Erika-chan !?
1430
1431	 - My name is Mikihiko.
1432
1433	 The agitated Mizuki, who tried to protest, was interrupted by Mikihiko's standard phrase who entered the cafe a second ago.
1434
1435	 "... And?" What about me?
1436
1437	 It seems that in the noise of the chatter of many visitors to the cafe he caught only the "Miki" he knew, and did not understand what the conversation was about. This proves that, despite the protest, in the depths of consciousness he takes the nickname "Miki".
1438
1439	 Smiling Erika did not have time to answer Mikihiko.
1440
1441	 - Nothing!
1442
1443	Because it was ahead of Mizuki's cry.
1444
1445	 - Sh-Shibata-san?
1446
1447	 - And ...
1448
1449	 Mikihiko was dumbfounded, Mizuki blushed. Erika shrugged, looking at the two who had fallen into this ridiculous situation.
1450
1451	 - Miki. Is it normal that the head of the disciplinary committee skips school in such a place?
1452
1453	 Erika thought that continuing to joke about Mizuki is bad form, and she decided to change the subject.
1454
1455	 It seems, understanding the purpose of Erika, Mikihiko scowled his face.
1456
1457	 "It's almost time to go home." It's okay if you leave a little early.
1458
1459	 His tone of voice this time was not tense, but he felt lightheaded.
1460
1461	 - Aha, extra time ... During the spring battle of the disciplinary committee, the newcomers clubs recruitment week.
1462
1463	 - This year, because there are much less problems than in the past. Things are now much easier.
1464
1465	 Is this true?
1466
1467	 There was an unexpected question from Mizuki, who had almost lost her face. She herself did not participate in the recruitment of newcomers, this was done by other members of her club, so she was not aware of what kind of struggle was going on this year.
1468
1469	 "Miyuki's influence, after all?" Even if you do not take into account the name of Yotsuba, at the induction ceremony, newcomers also realized that Miyuki is not an ordinary person.
1470
1471	 A bitter smile came up on Mikihiko's face in response to the words that said this with Erika's sly grin.
1472
1473	 - And of course, the fact that Tatsuya is looking after everything helps too. Regardless of which incident occurred, Tatsuya's appearance on the spot makes any of the 2nd and 3rd year students stop and look at him.
1474
1475	 - Tatsuya-san, in my opinion, is not at all a terrible person ...
1476
1477	 Mikihiko nodded, saying "true" in response to Mizuki's opinion.
1478
1479	 - Tatsuya in particular does not try to intimidate anyone at all. But they cannot ignore him. His presence, so to speak ... In any case, this is how people feel at first sight.
1480
1481	 "What kind of person is Shiba-sempai?" Saburou suddenly asked who had sat silently after trying to escape. After experiencing a painful encounter with Tatsuya on the day of his arrival, Saburou did not blame him for it. In fact, he was not interested in details about Tatsuya. Saburou just wanted to learn something about the guy who is next to Shiina in the school board.
1482
1483	 This question was addressed not to Mikihiko, but to everyone present. The four third-graders looked at each other and chose who would answer by their eyes.
1484
1485	 "He's an outstanding man." I think his knowledge of magic has long exceeded the level of the university. - The first to say Mikihiko.
1486
1487	 - He is strong. In school, strength and scale do not really play a role, but in a real battle he is very strong. In addition, I feel that there is still more unknown force hidden in it. - followed by Erika.
1488
1489	 - Tatsuya's power is not only in magic. I have confidence in my physical strength, but with Tatsuya I do not compete. I do not think that I will stand up against him. - After them added Leo.
1490
1491	 "Yes, but he's not a terrible person after all." He behaves like a gentleman, and not as a tyrant. - Deciding that the other three exaggerate, saying this, Mizuki wanted to protect the missing Tatsuya. "But what Yaguruma-kun wants to know is a little different, is not it?" What exactly did you want to know? - She asked Saburou.
1492
1493	 Not expecting a counter question, Saburou could not answer her. Or, perhaps, he himself did not understand what he wanted to know.
1494
1495	"If you wanted to know about the character and temperament ..." Erika threw him a life line. - He is a person who does not hesitate when it is necessary to prioritize. When his priorities are set, then at least threaten, even persuade, even cry, though tempted, he will be unshakable. He will not worry. In a sense, one can rely on him more than anyone else, but in another sense, he is a man more heartless than anyone.
1496
1497	Leo and Mikihiko looked discouraged. Mizuki could only squeeze out "Erika-chan ...", but Erika continued, as if it did not concern her.
1498
1499	 - Miyuki is the main priority of Tatsuya-kun. This is the truth about his steadfastness. If he has to choose whose life to save, one Miyuki or all of us with you, Tatsuya-kun will not hesitate to choose Miyuki.
1500
1501	 - Hey ...
1502
1503	 - Erika, that's a bit ...
1504
1505	 Trying to object to Erika, Leo and Mikihiko could not find the words. Because whatever the words, they both understood that Erika was right. According to this silence, Saburou, who heard about what happened at yesterday's meeting of young people from the Ten Master Clans, understood: "That's why Shiba-sempai went to such recklessness."
1506
1507
1508
1509
1510
1511	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1512
1513
1514
1515
1516
1517	 On his way home in a separate cab of an electric train, Saburou told Shiina about what he heard in the cafe from Erika and the others.
1518
1519	 "Ha-ha, so yesterday's behavior of the sempai was for such a reason?"
1520
1521	 About the young people's meeting, Shiina knew exactly the same as Saburou. It would be more accurate to say: "Saburou knew as much as Shiina." When the eldest son of the Mitsuya family told his younger brothers and sisters about what was said at the meeting, Saburou was there as the guest to listen to Shiina.
1522
1523	 - Well, there's nothing to be done. - Such were the impressions of Shiina from the story of Saburou.
1524
1525	 - Cannot be helped?
1526
1527	 Saburou could not understand how she came to this conclusion.
1528
1529	 "He did not want to flaunt his bride, in love with him." I think this is quite obvious.
1530
1531	 "But about the necessary contribution of the Ten Master Clans for the sake of the magical world ... did he not even think about it?"
1532
1533	 Seeing in the middle of his sentence that Shiina's mood was spoiled, Saburou wanted to interrupt, but eventually decided to finish the sentence. Because he noticed that before he had finished, there was no point in stopping.
1534
1535	 - What did you say? It's disgusting.
1536
1537	 Annoyed at Saburou's words, Shiina's voice exploded in the enclosed space of the booth.
1538
1539	 "Wh-what's disgusting ...?"
1540
1541	 "Saburou-kun, do you think that since this is the Ten Master Clanss, then they should be patient enough to make a show of themselves?" And did you know that behind these idols the reporters are running around, and they can simply forget about privacy?
1542
1543	 - No, such reporters disappeared several decades ago. Now you can be called to account, even if you talk about such matters. Besides, aren't most of the current idols a 3D avatar?
1544
1545	 - In addition to idol-avatars, there are people. In addition, reporters are not the only problem, which also must always be remembered.
1546
1547	She looked at Saburou with an offended face.
1548
1549	 - ... You can just stay away from the reporters. Now they do not have anything to do with this.
1550
1551	 - Something Saburou-kun was obsessed with reporters.
1552
1553	 Although Shiina first mentioned them as an example, but Saburou continued to uselessly cling to them as an argument.
1554
1555	 - At yesterday's meeting, no one said that President Shiba's personal life would be sacrificed? That Shiba-senpai reaction was too radical?
1556
1557	 - This is true. But, if I were a guy, I would not want my beloved to become a *kyangyaru.
1558
1559	[*] The Japanese term "Kyangyaru" (abbreviated from the English campaign girl) - means girls who act as advertisers of various events or goods. They are shot in advertising and conduct a variety of public activities.
1560
1561
1562
1563	 - Kyangyaru... She will not be asked to wear a swimsuit or a short skirt ...
1564
1565	 - At first perhaps, it will. But later, I think such requests will start coming. After all, President Shiba is so beautiful.
1566
1567	 Shiina inclined her head and looked from below into Saburou's eyes.
1568
1569	 - Saburou-kun, would you not want to look at the president in a suit "tight mini"? With legs open or in thin stockings.
1570
1571	 Saburou did not answer Shiina's question, he could not say a word at all.
1572
1573	 - ... The vulgar.
1574
1575
1576
1577
1578
1579	 - Did not Shiina talk about this?
1580
1581	 Under a look of unfounded contempt, Saburou could not protest much.
1582
1583	 - In the idea of using the president in advertising, after all, there is an expectation of using not only magical power, but also using female charm? Then, if the media will ask for a "costume that the audience wants," then I think it will not be possible to refuse. From such a beauty as the president, they will want only sexuality. And media employees who do not do this can be called incompetent.
1584
1585	 - ... Not all men are so disorganized.
1586
1587	 "But you still want to see it, yes?"
1588
1589	 Saburou felt very awkward. On such a question it was difficult to answer the interlocutor of the opposite sex. In addition, it was difficult to answer "yes" or "no" when the interlocutor herself is "beautiful", and yes even "a childhood friend who knows a lot about him."
1590
1591	 Answering "yes" was too embarrassing, and the answer "no" would be immediately exposed as a lie. In other words, Shiina came straight to the top ten with her question.
1592
1593	 - I think, for such things, candidates should be selected. Because this is the Ten Master Clans, there should be no compulsion on the part of others. In addition, when a person does not call himself, but the assembled crowd tries to force him - is this not a villainy? Am I not right?
1594
1595	 - ... No, I think you're right.
1596
1597	 Shiina did not blame Saburou. However, he more and more wanted to escape every second.
1598
1599	 "I do not want to speak ill of my older brother, but ... I do not think Shiba-sempai is wrong."
1600
1601	 Before Saburou had time to say anything else, he was interrupted by this unexpected conclusion of Shiina. But now he felt that his childhood friend really was right.
1602
1603
1604
1605
1606
1607	CHAPTER 3
1608
1609
1610
1611
1612
1613	The morning of the second day after the meeting that brought together the representatives of the next generation of the Ten Master Clans.
1614
1615	 Tatsuya, who finished the morning training, was called by his sparring partner Yakumo.
1616
1617	 "What is it, Master?"
1618
1619	 - Tatsuya-kun, it seems, really smelled of fried.
1620
1621	 - Did you smell fried?
1622
1623	 - The military intelligence department came into motion.
1624
1625	 "Intelligence department?" - Tatsuya asked with unconcealed surprise.
1626
1627	 The fact that the intelligence department is plotting something in itself was not a surprise. After all, it's job was to weave intrigues.
1628
1629	 Undoubtedly, it was amazing that Yakumo was aware of the intelligence department's movement, but this information was not enough to understand what kind of movement it was. Tatsuya often came across situations in which it was clear to him that Yakumo was more competent in such matters than the Intelligence Department of the Self-Defense Forces.
1630
1631	 The reason that he did not hide his surprise was that Yakumo gave him a concrete warning.
1632
1633	 - This time they did not aim directly at you. But the consequences of their deeds can soon become a problem for Tatsuya-kun and others.
1634
1635	 - And what exactly will happen ... you cannot tell me?
1636
1637	 "If you do something, the situation will get worse." No, the incident can, of course, be prevented, but for you it will be inconvenient.
1638
1639	 - I understood. I will not interfere.
1640
1641	 Easily giving an unbiased answer to Tatsuya, Yakumo responded with a big smile:
1642
1643	 - Okay, then I'll tell you.
1644
1645	 - Ha-a?
1646
1647	 "You'd better finish your training as early as possible." About countermeasures for the future should also think about.
1648
1649	 Having said this, Yakumo dragged Tatsuya into the main building of the temple.
1650
1651
1652
1653
1654
1655	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1656
1657
1658
1659
1660
1661	 It happened the same evening in the area of Makuhari New City Center.
1662
1663	 Late in the evening the Japanese plant of the American equipment manufacturer "Maximilian Devices" was attacked.
1664
1665	 The plant was not deserted. More precisely, as the plant worked only in part of the premises in the territory. At the urging of the USNA Army, this plant was built as an operational center owned by the USNA.
1666
1667	 On this secret base of the USNA Army, a member of the Stars magician unit under the control of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the USNA, a planetary magician with the codename "First" in her code name (which showed that she was the best among the owners of the code name of the same planet ), warrant officer Silvia Mercury fought with despair, corroding her heart.
1668
1669	 - No images from the surveillance cameras.
1670
1671	 - This is not good. The interference is too strong, it is impossible to contact our country.
1672
1673	 "Why do they use so much interference near the city center?" Are the attackers - the Japanese army!?
1674
1675	 Listening to the conversation of the base commander with his subordinates, Sylvia tried to understand the situation, using her special magic, which can be called her superpower.
1676
1677	- Charlie Leader says half of the detachment has already fallen! Request support!
1678
1679	 - Headquarters, accepted. Bravo Leader, is there any way to help Charlie?
1680
1681	- Bravo Leader, accepted. However, we are also in combat now. It is not known whether we can unite with Charlie!
1682
1683	Sylvia's specialization - a magic "Voice Transmission."
1684
1685	 It recognizes information about air vibrations from the target's voice, copies it, and reproduces it directly inside their ear canal.
1686
1687	First of all, it is "Remote hearing", which can be used, both for communication and for listening. It allows you to hear the voice of the target regardless of distance and obstacles.
1688
1689	 And yet, this "Remote voice", which recognizes information about the vibrations of the air from your voice, copies it, and reproduces directly inside the ear canal of the target.
1690
1691	 Simultaneous use of these two magics is an ability that can replace intercoms in the case when radio communication is difficult.
1692
1693	 Managing this magic, Sylvia was not the commander of a detachment of magicians, but performed the work of a control officer.
1694
1695	 - Accepted. Delta Leader, Charlie requests support.
1696
1697	- Delta Leader says! We would also not support the support. Who the hell are these guys ... Uwaah!
1698
1699	 - Delta Leader, what happened !? Delta Leader!
1700
1701	 The situation was worse than ever. From the very beginning, the magicians chosen for this mission were far from being called elite in combat skills. It could not be said that the Stars class classified as combat personnel, the class of Satellites, also involved in this operation, is suitable for protection against direct enemy attack, because it was chosen for alleged guerrilla warfare within the city.
1702
1703	 The task of the Planetary class, which includes Sylvia, is support from the rear and sabotage activities. Compared to the classes of stars and satellites, in direct combat they are weak.
1704
1705	 On the other hand, the attacking magicians had the impression that they were all the perfect match for melee type. Their magic, using a small number of processes, focused on speed instead of power.
1706
1707	 They were armed with so-called compact rifles for small-caliber ammunition. In addition to high-performance silencers, it seems that noise cancellation magic was used, which made no sound at all.
1708
1709	 Perhaps it was a weapon with a built-in CAD.
1710
1711	 Many of them fought with katanas or throwing knives as the main weapon. Perhaps due to the proximity of residential urban areas, the enemy detachment acted according to the concept of a surprise attack and the rapid capture of points.
1712
1713	 - ... To all the detachments, prepare for retreat. - With bitterness in his voice, the commander voiced his decision to leave the base. Sylvia agreed with this decision. However, it seems that this decision was taken too late.
1714
1715	 Immediately after pressing the data erasure button set to start the emergency procedure for leaving the base, the door that should be locked was severed with a loud noise.
1716
1717	 Soldiers defending the command center opened fire at the entrance from rifles with increased power, created for battles against magicians. However, all bullets were stopped by anti-objective barriers deployed by enemy soldiers.
1718
1719	 - Impossible!
1720
1721	 It's unclear, who gave the cry, the commander, or his assistant.
1722
1723	 Sylvia could understand what the screamer felt. High-powered rifles were weapons manufactured, neglecting cost and durability, with only one purpose - to shoot through magician anti-object barriers. Despite the fact that the body of this expensive weapon was wearing out in just one battle, it had the power to justify a high price. Even among the Stars, the only ones who could say for sure that they could defend themselves against a high-powered rifle were only fighters of the First Star Magnitude class. That is, from the bullets of ordinary soldiers who do not have magical abilities, even the soldiers of the Second Star magnitude class, who had passed all the necessary training, could suffer.
1724
1725	However, all intruding enemy soldiers showed that they are able to protect themselves from bullets of high-power rifles.
1726
1727	 This meant that, at least according to the level of protection, they were all combat magicians comparable to Stars of the First Star Magnitude class.
1728
1729	 Among servicemen from all over the world, it was generally recognized that the military power of the Japanese army was significant. In addition, Lina warned Sylvia about this right before the mission.
1730
1731	 However, she could not hide her surprise.
1732
1733	"Did they include special elite troops in the detachment, even on an ordinary working mission? Or are they the ordinary troops of the Japanese army ...?"
1734
1735	 During that short time, while she stood in a stupor, the defensive detachment was completely destroyed. All the units sent to the interception were also silent.
1736
1737	 Suddenly, a line of soldiers holding Sylvia and other officers in the sights of compact rifles parted, and a young woman soldier came out because of them. No, unlike other soldiers who did not have insignia, on their form, if it's true, there were signs that her rank was Sergeant.
1738
1739	 - I'm from the Intelligence Department of the National Army of Self-Defense, the counterintelligence unit of the capital region, the sergeant-major Tooyama Tsukasa. Who is the commander here?
1740
1741	 - J. Subordinated to the Stars of the USNA, a detachment of special magicians, first lieutenant Gary Jupiter.
1742
1743	 Tsukasa's eyes slightly rounded. In Japan, it was also known that the code name "Jupiter" was a special code that was given not only for the ability of the magician, but also for military merit.
1744
1745	 - I think if the first lieutenant-dono has the code Jupiter, then he already realized that the next battle is meaningless. Surrender, please.
1746
1747	 Gary gritted his teeth in annoyance.
1748
1749	 - ... Can you guarantee the security of my subordinates?
1750
1751	 However, even if he did not say so, as Tsukasa mentioned, they all have lost the ability to resist. They had no options.
1752
1753	 - You are violators caught in illegal activities. I think you should understand that in your situation you cannot demand treatment as prisoners of war.
1754
1755	 Gary tried to start an argument. But Tsukasa continued faster than he said anything.
1756
1757	 "However, we do not intend to harm a friendly military country." Earlier we also used only special paralyzing bullets.
1758
1759	 - ... Can we be sure of this?
1760
1761	 - Please.
1762
1763	 At the direction of Gary, a member of the command post checked the condition of the nearby soldier from the defense detachment. Sylvia also checked the pulse of a soldier who had fallen next to her and examined the wounds.
1764
1765	 As Tsukasa said, the wounds were nothing more than bruises.
1766
1767	 - First lieutenant-dono, you are convinced?
1768
1769	 - ... Yes.
1770
1771	 "All of you will be arrested right now, and if you do not take hostile actions, like attempts to escape, I promise you that you will soon return home."
1772
1773	 Gary understood why a completely natural deterrent condition such as "do not try to escape" was voiced. But was afraid to ask about it out loud, thinking that it might end badly.
1774
1775	 - Thank you for your humane attitude. "In the end," Gary said, and commanded them to lay down their arms.
1776
1777
1778
1779
1780
1781	â—Š â—Š â—Š
1782
1783
1784
1785
1786
1787	 The Headquarters of Stars learned about the loss of the base in the Makuhari district of Shintosin 3 hours after the incident.
1788
1789	 - Commander, this is Major Sirius.
1790
1791	 Lina rushed to the commander's office as soon as she learned this bad news.
1792
1793	 - Come in.
1794
1795	Despite the fact that the visit was not scheduled, the base commander, Colonel Walker, allowed Lina to enter.
1796
1797	 - I'm sorry.
1798
1799	 Entering inside, Lina rounded her eyes. There was not only Colonel Walker. Next to him sat Colonel Balance.
1800
1801	 "So, Major, what have you got?" - Asked Walker. Lina only saluted and did not say anything.
1802
1803	 - That's right.
1804
1805	 Although she squeezed out a formal answer, but to continue, she needed to gather strength, taking another breath.
1806
1807	 - I heard that a detachment penetrating into Tokyo was attacked.
1808
1809	 - It's true.
1810
1811	 Walker did not hesitate to confirm what Lina said.
1812
1813	 "I'm assuming that all members of the detachment are arrested."
1814
1815	 - It's not clear yet. But at the moment it is known that there were no corpses left.
1816
1817	 Lina clenched her teeth. She understood that the absence of bodies cannot be used to judge survival. She could only believe that Sylvia and the others were alive.
1818
1819	 - While bodies are not found, it is necessary to consider them, as alive.
1820
1821	 "Well, that's also true." And what?
1822
1823	 Only now did Lina focus on her intention.
1824
1825	 "... Please send me to the rescue operation."
1826
1827	 - You, the valuable commander in chief of Stars, want to personally go to Japan to rescue captured soldiers?
1828
1829	 To Walker's question, pronounced slowly, word for word, to convey seriousness,
1830
1831	 - Yes.
1832
1833	 Lina did not hesitate to give a positive answer.
1834
1835	 - Sorry, but I cannot allow this.
1836
1837	 Those who easily answered "no" to a determined Lina were not Walker, but Balance.
1838
1839	 - Colonel!
1840
1841	 "The major says that she can easily save them?" But where exactly do you intend to save them?
1842
1843	 - I do not think it will be easy!
1844
1845	 - So you are looking for a long-term stay in Japan? I think the major understands that this is an impracticable situation.
1846
1847	 Lina struggled against the pressure of Balance's indifferent look.
1848
1849	 "I'm not going to waste time saving them."
1850
1851	 "How are you going to locate the detainees?" We do not even know who our opponent is.
1852
1853	 - ... We will ask for cooperation from a local.
1854
1855	 To talk about this, she needed to collect all her courage. These were words for which one could be suspected of having a connection with the Japanese government or the armed forces if evil intent had been discovered in them.
1856
1857	 Lina was ready to go even to this to save Sylvia.
1858
1859	 - Wow ... Is there someone in mind?
1860
1861	 - ... During my previous mission in Japan, I met a ninja with outstanding skills. Initially, we were at enmity, but then reconciled.
1862
1863	 "Is this the" Priest Yakumo" which you mentioned in your report?
1864
1865	 - That's right.
1866
1867	 - How do you get the consent to cooperate with this person? After all, he is a self-proclaimed "hermit" and money will not be enough to arouse his interest in the negotiations.
1868
1869	 - This is ...
1870
1871	 - Okay, say, the priest Yakumo's cooperation would have been obtained ...
1872
1873	 Balance rose, walked over and stood directly in front of Lina.
1874
1875	 "But we cannot send you abroad." Last year's mission was an exception to the exception.
1876
1877	 - ... There is.
1878
1879	 - Do not worry.
1880
1881	 Balance laid her hand on Lena's shoulder. Through this palm was transmitted not only physical warmth, but also spiritual.
1882
1883	 - You are soldiers who report directly to the main headquarters. The General Staff never refuses to send troops. We always, without exception, never abandon troops. That's why I came to this meeting.
1884
1885	 Sylvia, caught in a distant Japan, separated by the Pacific Ocean, cannot be saved, even if we spend a hundred meetings here in New Mexico.
1886
1887	 - Thank you very much, I rely on you. - Because of military discipline Lina could only leave, having answered so.
1888
1889	 At that moment, she somehow remembered Tatsuya's words.
1890
1891	"If Lina wants to leave the Stars ..."
1892
1893	"If you want to stop being a soldier, I think I could help."
1894
1895	 This was the night that the parasites were killed. Tatsuya said then that Lina might want to leave the army. It was like the belief that Lina is not suitable for military service.
1896
1897	 Despite the fact that it was obvious, Lina could not understand why she remembered about it.
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903	CHAPTER 4
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909	The Magic University had a special training program, but otherwise it differed little from other universities. If you look at the uniqueness of the atmosphere, then in the schools of magic assigned to the university, it is much more different from ordinary schools.
1910
1911	 In the afternoon the dining room was crowded with idle students, who had free time. Communicating among themselves, they did not talk about fashion or food, most of the topics of conversation were related to magic. Nevertheless, the students seemed to be having fun. Even the fact that they are magicians living in such a troubled time could not prevent young people from enjoying youth and freedom.
1912
1913	 However, not all students in the dining room were busy with conversations. There were those who read books quietly, and those who were absorbed in their thoughts. For example, a lonely Katsuto, who looked worried.
1914
1915	 "Hello, Juumonji-kun." Can I sit with you?
1916
1917	 And there were quite a few such students who interfered with the aforementioned people.
1918
1919	 - Saegusa?
1920
1921	 However, only Saegusa Mayumi was the only one who could come up to interrupt (?) Katsuto, known throughout the university, as the head of the Juumonji family, and also supporting the corresponding image.
1922
1923	 - Of course. Sit down.
1924
1925	 - Then I'll use your suggestion.
1926
1927	 Featuring a complete lack of manners, Mayumi sat opposite Katsuto.
1928
1929	 ... From such behavior, a wave of rumors, such as "The head of the Juumonji family and the eldest daughter of the Saegusa family will soon get married!", spread without stopping. Although Mayumi did not like rumors about herself, she had a principle of not noticing them.
1930
1931	 - Juumonji-kun, you seem to be worried about something?
1932
1933	 - No ...
1934
1935	 Responding with a negative, Katsuto looked irritably at Mayumi. This view read "do not go to me in such a place." But, unfortunately, Katsuto's desire was not transmitted to Mayumi.
1936
1937	 - It's because of the Sunday meeting?
1938
1939	 Katsuto unconsciously moved his eyes to either side. The head remained motionless so that the surrounding students could not understand that they were wary.
1940
1941	 - Everything is fine. I put up the soundproofing field. "However, Mayumi did not seem to understand Katsuto's alertness level."
1942
1943	 - ... Saegusa, do not you know about the technique of reading on the lips?
1944
1945	 "Chet-no-e-na-gu-bam * [1]?" Telepathy?
1946
1947	 - ... Not at all. In any case, do not talk about it here.
1948
1949	 - Mmm ...
1950
1951	 Mayumi showed that she was thinking, putting her index finger to her chin, and looking upwards. Although it did not fit her child's image, but she radiated cunning from the very beginning.
1952
1953	 - I got it. - With a smile Mayumi answered. Katsuto half-instinctively prepared to defend himself. - And where then it is possible?
1954
1955	 Katsuto's intuition did not fail him.
1956
1957	 - ... Do you want so much to get into this business?
1958
1959	 "It's a shame to hear such words." Does not this at least superficially concern me? Or am I, in your opinion, not "young people from the Ten Master Clans"?
1960
1961	 "... Understood." Do you know the "Serenity" cafe, near the station?
1962
1963	 - I think I know it.
1964
1965	 "Then how about a meeting there on the second floor at 5:30?"
1966
1967	 - I got it. Sorry for bothering you. Well, I've got to run.
1968
1969	 Saying this, Mayumi stood up.
1970
1971	 Only now did Katsuto notice that Mayumi did not order a drink, or anything else.
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977	On the way home, Mayumi went into an old-fashioned cafe. It was called "Serenity". It seems like it meant "a place where silence resides" * [2].
1978
1979	 - Hmm ... "People who love silence, we are waiting for you"? Is this their orientation? Very straightforward.
1980
1981	 "And it's true ..." answered a completely indifferent voice. Mayumi was not alone.
1982
1983	 "What is it, Mari?" You look a bit tired.
1984
1985	 - I do not just look, I'm really tired.
1986
1987	 - What, old age came early ~?
1988
1989	 - Unlike the Magic University, the Defense Academy has a big workload on the body!
1990
1991	 Students of the Defense Academy, in addition to basic training and combat practice, are required to attend special martial arts courses designed for combat magicians. Today, Mari was completely exhausted. In fact, now she wanted to take a quick bath and jump into bed. Because of this course of special martial arts, she was freed from the restrictions present in the hostel, so she could afford such a luxury.
1992
1993	 - Okay, let's go faster. We are waiting for an important conversation?
1994
1995	"Apparently, Mari just wants to sit down fast", - thought Mayumi.
1996
1997	 - That's right.
1998
1999	 The voice of Mayumi felt the care of an elderly woman.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005	 When Mayumi told the waitress that they had a meeting here, she told them to go to the second floor. It seems that Katsuto was already there.
2006
2007	 On the second floor there were four separate rooms. All the doors were closed. The location of the windows did not allow for spying. While Mayumi was puzzled at what door to knock, the near right door opened.
2008
2009	 - Saegusa. Come in. - Called Katsuto holding the door. Mayumi and Mari walked past him into the room.
2010
2011	 Inside there was only one table for four people. At first Mayumi thought that this was not suitable for a cafe, but after looking closely, she saw that the windows were double glazed, and the floor, ceiling and walls were soundproofed. It was like a place for private conversations. She realized that this is a separate paid room.
2012
2013	 - Watanabe also came ...?
2014
2015	 Offering the girls to sit down, Katsuto sat himself and sighed.
2016
2017	 - I would very much like to keep this conversation private.
2018
2019	 "Then should I leave?" Mayumi brought me here by force. - Without trying to argue, Mari stood up.
2020
2021	 - No, really. You yourself said that the conversation is important?
2022
2023	 Mayumi pulled her by the sleeve, and Mari sat down again. Reluctantly, she ordered coffee through the console on the table. Mayumi ordered tea with milk after her. After the waitress who brought the drinks left, Mayumi looked again at Katsuto.
2024
2025	 - So ... What is troubling Juumonji-kun - this is something about Tatsuya-kun?
2026
2027	 - That's right.
2028
2029	 Katsuto decided that there was no point in hiding it. He calmly nodded to Mayumi's question.
2030
2031	 "What are they talking about?" - A question mark surfaced over Mari's head. But she did not impatiently ask about it. She decided to wait, because in any case she will hear everything along the way.
2032
2033	 - I don't think Mari knows, but last Sunday a meeting was held, which brought together young people from the Ten Master Clans. It is said "young", but a restriction "up to 30 years" was established.
2034
2035	 - I heard about the meeting. There they discussed what to do with extremists who aimed at magicians?
2036
2037	 - They did not talk about measures against extremists.
2038
2039
2040
2041	 Katsuto said in a tired voice that Mari's answer was only partially correct.
2042
2043	 - At this meeting, it was discussed how we, magicians should react to the anti-magic sentiments spread in the society.
2044
2045	 "Is that not... meaningless?" I still understand the fight against criminals, but can you make those people who already have their own opinion "love magicians"?
2046
2047	 Although Mari herself is from the Watanabe Family, but she does not belong to the mainstream community of magicians. Her connection with the society of magicians, known as the "magic world", is weak. In comparison with people like Mayumi, her life values are closer to ordinary soldiers.
2048
2049	 "We cannot get it, but can we ask for it?" Having told in his address that magicians are useful to society, is it not possible to reduce hostility?
2050
2051	 - Who knows ... with excessive obsession, you can get the opposite effect.
2052
2053	 At the moment when the conversation Mayumi and Mari was ready to grow into an exchange of meaningless arguments, Katsuto intervened.
2054
2055	- Maybe Watanabe is right, but that day during the meeting the idea similar to Saegusa words, met the support of the majority of those present.
2056
2057	 - Hmm ... Well, as an idea, it can be approached. But what exactly do you need to do? Send Mayumi to speak on TV?
2058
2059	 - Mari! Why me !?
2060
2061	 - Because of good looks, of course.
2062
2063	 - What? Are you saying that I'm a hypocrite?
2064
2065	 - Regardless of the reasons, this turned out to be the plan.
2066
2067	 When the conversation was ready to turn into a verbal skirmish, Katsuto again intervened.
2068
2069	 - But the plan, which gathered a large number of support votes, suggested making the successor-dono of the Yotsuba family the magicians representative.
2070
2071	 "The younger sister ... that is, Shiba's bride?" And she was at a meeting?
2072
2073	 - No. Shiba came alone.
2074
2075	 "Tatsuya-kun?" Yes, it's not good.
2076
2077	 Mari quickly understood everything. More precisely, rejected this plan.
2078
2079	 "The excessively caring Tatsuya-kun will not allow his bride to do such things. Does Tatsuya-kun allow Shiba Miyuki to be publicly displayed?
2080
2081	 - Right. This is what happened at the meeting. Thus, everything ended in an unpleasant atmosphere. In the end, Tatsuya-kun refused to participate in the dinner after the meeting and gathered the hostility of the participants.
2082
2083	 Hearing what Mayumi said, Mari was surprised.
2084
2085	 - All of them? Was there no one who would support Tatsuya-kun?
2086
2087	 - There were no participants who showed that they are on Shiba's side.
2088
2089	 From Katsuto's answer, Mari's face appeared an annoying expression.
2090
2091	 - Psychological pressure? This is an unhealthy approach. Looking at such a scene, magicians seem like ordinary people.
2092
2093	 - Of course. Magicians can only use magic, and otherwise they are ordinary people.
2094
2095	 "I was close to exposing Yotsuba's successor-dono. I think Shiba had reason to resist this.
2096
2097	 Katsuto returned the conversation, which had gone elsewhere.
2098
2099	 "The problem is that because of Shiba's isolation, the Yotsuba family can turn to a way of refusing to cooperate."
2100
2101	 "Hey, when you say it, it looks like the parent's interference in the quarrel of the children ..."
2102
2103	 - Mari now that Tatsuya-kun is the bridegroom of the next head and the son of the current head of the Yotsuba family. When Juumonji-kun says something, he never exaggerates.
2104
2105	 Mari leaned back in her chair and sighed heavily.
2106
2107	 - How complicated is the world of politics and aristocracy.
2108
2109	 - Since blood relationship is essential, the appearance of an aristocratic system is inevitable. But I want to believe that this will not look like a feudal class society, but as a secular society with blood relationship, which was in the ancient city-states.
2110
2111	 - In my opinion, it will be even worse. Because society, as in the ancient city-states, presupposes the existence of slavery.
2112
2113	 - Ara. And if you replace the ancient slaves with machines, it will not be inhumane?
2114
2115	 - Saegusa, Watanabe, stop. The conversation will not move from place to place, as long as you constantly leave the topic.
2116
2117	 "... I'm sorry."
2118
2119	 "... I'm sorry."
2120
2121	Katsuto sighed slightly, looking at his guiltily bowing friends.
2122
2123	 "In any case, something needs to be done about this situation, when Shiba is seen as isolated from the other 28 houses." At the top of the magical world of Japan at the moment are the Ten Master Clans, but this does not mean that no one is dissatisfied with this.
2124
2125	 - If the Yotsuba family leaves the system of the Ten Master Clans, then everything can come to the fact that they form a new faction ... Is this what Juumonji-kun is worried about?
2126
2127	 With an acidic face, Katsuto nodded at Mayumi's question.
2128
2129	 - Nevertheless, the conversation now does not mean that someone should apologize. Neither party violated the rules. Both Shiba and the other participants spoke in accordance with the established goal of the meeting, and acted quite logically.
2130
2131	 Katsuto looked in turn at Mayumi and Mari.
2132
2133	 "Since you tried so hard to make this conversation happen, then let me hear your opinion."
2134
2135	 - Really ...
2136
2137	 Mari was the first to react to Katsuto's question.
2138
2139	 - If the problem is that the meeting was broken, how about holding it again?
2140
2141	 Mari's proposal was unexpected for Katsuto. He looked at her silently for a while. And then Mayumi spoke.
2142
2143	 - But under what pretext?
2144
2145	 "It was a meeting to counter anti-magic sentiments, was not it?" If so, then this time it would be nice to call a meeting to discuss more concrete measures.
2146
2147	 - Now, after the meeting ended with quarreling and separation from each other, how many families will accept the invitation?
2148
2149	 - Precisely because there was a quarrel and separation. The Sunday meeting was organized by the Juumonji family?
2150
2151	 Marie looked at Katsuto. He nodded with the words: "Yes, that's right."
2152
2153	 - Initially, were specific measures defined at this meeting?
2154
2155	 - No. The original goal was to have a free exchange of views.
2156
2157	 - In other words, the real goal was to help establish interaction between young people. Is it not obvious that the participants, at a minimum, should act, suspecting others of hidden intentions?
2158
2159	 - Yes ... So it is.
2160
2161	 Agreeing, Mayumi sighed, lamenting the thoughtlessness of her brother, because of which plans to strengthen friendship were violated.
2162
2163	 - In such a situation, I would not be able to calmly support the nomination of the next head of Yotsuba as an advertising idol. This is the same as if the personnel of the military base would have said: "And let's make the daughter of the base commander the base mascot for advertisements of this base." If a person wants to do it himself, then it's okay, but when a person has not even been asked his opinion, this is undoubtedly a problem. Read the atmosphere - that's what I wanted to say.
2164
2165	 The example of Mari was imbued with military metaphors, but Mayumi and Katsuto understood what she was saying.
2166
2167	 - Well, about reading the atmosphere, this phrase can be attributed to Tatsuya-kun. With the influence of the Yotsuba family, you could get away from this problem later. Frankly, it was stupid to resist this directly. With this approach, he is still a child.
2168
2169	"Tatsuya-kun ... child?" - Having experienced a strong sense of discrepancy, Mayumi half-unconsciously, questioned with doubt.
2170
2171	 - No, Shiba most likely specifically objected. He does not care about the hostility of the rest of the 27 houses, except for Yotsuba. It looks like it was a demonstration of this intention.
2172
2173	 - It's already ... To begin with, Tatsuya-kun still had to give in.
2174
2175	 "It's true, but ... Even if the next meeting takes place, Tatsuya-kun's absence will be meaningless, not to mention that it can have the opposite effect."
2176
2177	 "Hmm ..." Katsuto thought a little, sighing slightly. He also thought about what would be best if Tatsuya could compromise. It's just that he did not think about the meaning or reasons for that act.
2178
2179	 - How about the fact that the three of us try to convince him? - Guessing Katsuto's concern, Mayumi suddenly made a proposal.
2180
2181	 - The three of us?
2182
2183	 - Yes. For example, let's say to him that it is necessary that Juumonji-kun retain face. In this case, Tatsuya-kun can and will agree.
2184
2185	 - ... And do I need to be there for this?
2186
2187	 "Hey, is he not your friend?"
2188
2189	 - Well, for starters, I'm not from the 28 houses ...
2190
2191	 Mari voiced that she was simply confused, not refusing. Mayumi's face, whose cheeks had just been inflated, was transformed.
2192
2193	 - It does not matter ~. Because alone, I cannot support the conversation between Juumonji-kun and Tatsuya-kun.
2194
2195	 - Mayumi, well, you ...
2196
2197	 Mari put a hand to her forehead and sighed.
2198
2199	 - ... Good. I have already gone too far. Juumonji, will this suit you?
2200
2201	 Katsuto's head was packed with too much, and he could not quickly answer this question.
2202
2203	 - As a result of the disappointing meeting, the Juumonji family was in a position close to losing their reputation. I do not know about Tatsuya-kun, but other participants should be concerned about this.
2204
2205	 At the Mari's words Mayumi, she reacted with a face that says "exactly!".
2206
2207	 "Therefore, if Juumonji-kun sends an invitation calling for another discussion, other families will have no choice but to agree."
2208
2209	 "And Tatsuya-kun, as Mayumi said, we will convince the three of us." No, using Juumonji's honor as a shield, Mayumi and I try to convince Tatsuya-kun, and with him, if possible, and his bride.
2210
2211	 - Miyuki-san, too?
2212
2213	 - Shiba's bride ... For some reason it's difficult for me to say that. Are you worried about being with Shiba's former sister? Still, she is involved in all this. In addition, I think that Tatsuya-kun will behave more mature when the former sister is around. In a sense he will behave more moderately.
2214
2215	 "And really ... I'll contact Tatsuya-kun myself." Juumonji-kun, are you satisfied with this?
2216
2217	 - Yes. I count on you.
2218
2219	 "If possible, let's meet on Saturday." On weekdays it will be hard for me.
2220
2221	 "Why not Sunday?" - Mayumi asked in a teasing tone.
2222
2223	 - Next Sunday I'm leaving for training at an open training ground.
2224
2225	 - ... It's hard for you.
2226
2227	 Hearing the answer of a close friend, she changed her tantalizing tone to a sympathetic one.
2228
2229	 - Thank you for your concern.
2230
2231	 On the faces of Mayumi and Katsuto there were bitter smiles. Thus, they showed that they understand what it is doing.
2232
2233
2234
2235
2236
2237	CHAPTER 5
2238
2239
2240
2241
2242
2243	In addition to the magical education that Miyuki received at magic high school, she also attended various lessons for girls from noble families. Miyuki having a good memory, most of the lessons (for example, Japanese and Western dances, Ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremonies) were mastered before the end of secondary school, and now only attended a general school for children from elite families once a week.
2244
2245	 The day of the week could be chosen at your discretion. In order not to become the target of the kidnappers, the visit schedule was drawn up a month in advance, but perhaps it was not completely meaningless. These were measures not for Miyuki, but for the other helpless children who are not magicians.
2246
2247	 "Minami, I'm counting on you."
2248
2249	 "Yes, Tatsuya-sama." Even if you need to give your life for the safety of Miyuki-sama.
2250
2251	 This school forbid entry to men. Tatsuya could not enter even under the pretext of escort. He used to transfer the duty of an escort to school guards at the entrance, but with the advent of Minami, he began to entrust Miyuki to her.
2252
2253	 Visiting this school was also planned to be completed before the summer. This was planned because of the approaching entrance examinations to the Magic University, but under the current circumstances, when everyday life is becoming more complicated, the schedule also had to be revised and accelerated.
2254
2255	 To, as usual, kill the time before Miyuki's lessons end, Tatsuya went to the nearest cafe.
2256
2257	 He voluntarily tried not to approach the family restaurant next door which caused problems during the vampire incident. In order to wait a while, there were other suitable establishments.
2258
2259	"... Such a pace, suitable for this institution, seems to soon disappear."
2260
2261	 Tatsuya paid through the machine and left the cafe, leaving more than half the coffee in the cup. Because he did not want to interfere with the cafe. Last time there was no real damage, like broken windows or injured visitors. This time Tatsuya also planned to finish everything so that the problem affected only one of them.
2262
2263	 The hostile presence he caught was very similar to the last time. If he had not heard about it in advance from Yakumo, he probably, would have fallen into confusion.
2264
2265	 In confusion from the question of why the magicians of the USNA army are again attacking him.
2266
2267
2268
2269
2270
2271	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2272
2273
2274
2275
2276
2277	- Deserters have discovered A's goal.
2278
2279	 - Continue to observe. Did the removal of civilians cause problems?
2280
2281	- The civilian operation zone is free.
2282
2283	 Listening to the conversation between the place of events and the commander of the operation, Tooyama Tsukasa silently smiled. At the moment, the operation went smoothly.
2284
2285	"There are no problems with the control of the puppets yet." It's a pity that the Puppet Law* does not work on the Satellites class, but it's also not bad, because the response became better."
2286
2287	The strategy of this operation was developed by Tsukasa. The commander present here was a lieutenant, but Tsukasa was the real power, which was only in the rank of sergeant-major. Through a secret agreement between the self-defense forces and the family of Tooyama, she had a strong influence on the head of the intelligence department.
2288
2289	 Tsukasa deliberately reproduced the situation that occurred in February last year, when Tatsuya was attacked by Lina and "Brionac". This was done to confuse Tatsuya with thoughts about the similarity with that situation. While it seemed that it worked.
2290
2291	"The absence of the main part of the situation in the person of Angie Sirius is compensated by the absence of an assistant in the person of Chiba Naotsugu, therefore, as a result, this situation should be approximately the same." Boy from the Yotsuba family, justify my expectations. "
2292
2293
2294
2295	 Tsukasa quietly watched the development of the situation with her invariably glued on smile.
2296
2297
2298
2299
2300
2301	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2302
2303
2304
2305
2306
2307	"Twelve enemies, without firearms? Strange."
2308
2309	 Tatsuya read information about his enemies around him through the information dimension.
2310
2311	"They look like last year's "Star Dust", but there's a strange noise in the information body."
2312
2313	 It was Eidos' familiar body, ready to break. However, this noise seems to have been a trace of an exotic psion information body.
2314
2315	"It seems like the magic of manipulating the corpses of Gu Jie ... but these guys are not corpses. Instead of just controlling the mind, they surgically intervened or drug-injected the brain, deprived them of their will, and instead built in ancient magic spells to control their actions ... so what? "
2316
2317	"Not lucky for them", - Tatsuya muttered mentally.
2318
2319	"Now I want them to return home peacefully."
2320
2321	 From Yakumo at that time he recognized two things.
2322
2323	 First, about the fact that the intelligence department of the national self-defense forces is going to allow a mobile detachment of the USNA army to invade the Tokyo suburbs.
2324
2325	 Secondly, the captured soldiers of the army of the USNA intelligence department plans to collide with Tatsuya and Miyuki.
2326
2327	 He was not of the purpose it is being done for, or what they want to know.
2328
2329	 Tatsuya too, did not try to ask for more information. The information already received was already something that could not be known, so the knowledge that a surprise attack was planned could be considered a kind of scam. It was not a test that required honesty, so cheating could not be considered something bad.
2330
2331	 Tatsuya decided to go in a direction where there were more passers-by. Not because he decided to attract unrelated people. And to provoke the people who planned this situation.
2332
2333	 However, after leaving the cafe, Tatsuya noticed that there were no passers-by. It seems that by adjusting the accident or street lights, they redirected pedestrian traffic. I wonder how indecisive the information department will be if it is possible to involve civilians in the case?
2334
2335	 Tatsuya thought that if he suddenly goes to a side where there are a lot of people, then he will force them to start acting before they reach the crowd. Accelerating the time of the collision, Tatsuya tried to break the plans of the "enemy."
2336
2337	 Is the enemy, as Yakumo said, the intelligence department of the national self-defense forces? Or did Yakumo lie?
2338
2339	 For Tatsuya, this was more important than the battle itself.
2340
2341
2342
2343
2344
2345	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2346
2347
2348
2349
2350
2351	 - The direction of the movement of target A is a large number of people. Commander, there is a possibility that isolation from civilians will not be accomplished in due measure.
2352
2353	 Analyzing information from the scene the soldier reported to the lieutenant of the commander of the operation.
2354
2355	 - ... It's unavoidable. Start the puppets! - The commander reluctantly gave the order.
2356
2357	 Tsukasa, who only watched the developments, was also a little disappointed. The situation came from the planned route. Lying on the palm of the hand, the situation was ready to come off this palm.
2358
2359	 However, at the same time, the idea was born that this is why it is worth trying. At least she has already managed to understand that a guy named Shiba Tatsuya is not an idealist with the rule "I must protect civilians at all costs."
2360
2361	 - Puppets came into contact with target A. The operation goes into phase 2.
2362
2363	 According to the plan, the escaped soldiers of the American Army attacked target A, that is Tatsuya. They were members of the "Star Dust" magician unit, subordinated to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the USNA Army, who became part of Tsukasa's plan, losing their free will from ancient magic "The Puppet Law." Magical soldiers who did not get into the Stars, and agreed to take measures to increase their strength by not living as "ordinary people", were reprogrammed and now received a command to attack Tatsuya.
2364
2365	"Does not use " long-range magic"?"
2366
2367	 Tsukasa, using the access legally left, watched through the street cameras for the events that were taking place. She was a little surprised that Tatsuya did not use long-range magic to deliver a preemptive strike.
2368
2369	Although Tatsuya had a good physique for the Japanese, the attacking soldiers of the American Army had growth and muscle mass at least equal to him, and even higher than him. With such superiority in numbers, it would be common practice to try to keep the enemy at a distance from afar by the distance.
2370
2371	"Knows that he's under the supervision of ...?"
2372
2373	The probability of this was not so small that it could be ignored. Those magician's accustomed to illegally using magic in the city must be honed by intuition, suggesting that his use of magic can be observed. There was no scientific justification for this, but many believed that this was so. Tsukasa was also one of those who support this superstition.
2374
2375	"There is no such record in the intelligence database, but it seems likely that Shiba Tatsuya is already taking part in the illegal activities of the Yotsuba family."
2376
2377	 At a time when Tsukasa was reflecting on this, the battle between Tatsuya and Stardust turned into puppets began on the street Freed from passersby.
2378
2379	 The puppet soldier waved a huge knife, aiming at Tatsuya's tendons. If you use a numerical advantage, usually tactics first involves weakening the enemies combat potential.
2380
2381	 The intelligence department did not provide firearms to puppets. It seems that they feared accidental damage from stray bullets.
2382
2383	 When both sides do not have magical means of attack, the battle becomes close combat using knives, clubs, or your own extremities. However, both Tatsuya and Star Dust were magicians. Becoming puppets, they have not lost their magical abilities. Tsukasa and other members of the Intelligence Department expected that the battle would evolve according to a scenario of fighting with magic with some unreachable distance for close combat.
2384
2385	 However, the very first attack, which laid the foundation for the battle, was a swing of a knife. But this does not mean that magic was not used at all. Movement of the puppets knife was accelerated by magic.
2386
2387	 This attack did not hit Tatsuya. Tsukasa, who looked through the street cameras, also could not understand exactly how Tatsuya was behind the puppet. If there was still a human will in the puppet, he would be shocked with thoughts, like "when did he have time?".
2388
2389	 Tatsuya struck with the edge of the palm over the back of the puppet.
2390
2391	 The body of the puppet, as if theatrical, fell forward. Tsukasa, in a hurry, looked at the readout of the psion sensor attached to the street camera. No signs of using magic were detected by the sensors.
2392
2393	"... It looks like there are ways to use magic without detection by psion sensors."
2394
2395	 Cut down the enemy only by a blow to the back of the head. This cannot be done in the usual way. Without the use of special techniques, everything can end only with complications from a trauma received from a strong blow.
2396
2397	 A technique was used to stun a person with a blow without any preparation for the accumulation of force. So Tsukasa considered, rather than suggesting that this third-year student in high school can possess such physical techniques, it seemed that he was using the magic technique of deceiving sensors that suited the name Yotsuba.
2398
2399	 Not upset by the fall of his accomplice, the other puppets attacked Tatsuya. They did not know fear not because they became puppets. The law of the puppets, used by Tsukasa, only took away free will and inserted orders into the mind. If feelings of loyalty or belonging can still be erased, then those used for self-preservation, the functions of the mind, like fear, cannot be erased. These guys did not know fear because when they became Star Dust, their body was not only redone, but their mind was rebuilt.
2400
2401	 Tsukasa did not consider this inhumane. Like many people in her industry, she also used magic to manipulate people, brainwashing them and making them do what she wants.
2402
2403	 The fact that she now frowned, was for another reason.
2404
2405	 The display showed the battle of one Tatsuya against twelve, or rather already against nine people. It must have looked like a bad situation, in which one person is surrounded by a crowd. But instead, the puppet soldiers with the brainwashed magic fell to the ground one by one.
2406
2407	 - Commander. At this rate, target A will be released earlier than a separate unit will come into contact with target B
2408
2409	 It seems that other employees noticed this almost at the same time as she did.
2410
2411	 In February last year, the USNA army could not capture Tatsuya with the help of a detachment, including Star Dust and a magician, supposedly Angie Sirius.
2412
2413	 Knowing this, not only Tsukasa, but other members of the intelligence department understood that Tatsuya could not defeat the Star Dust alone.
2414
2415	The role of the puppets in this phase of the operation was to detain Tatsuya. Victory over him is not needed. Tsukasa's goal was to gather information about Tatsuya, but such a result did not work here. With this operation it was planned to obtain data on Tatsuya's fighting power, however, in fact, Tsukasa wanted to learn something else.
2416
2417	 - Hurry to attack target B.
2418
2419	 - Puppets are completely destroyed. Target A left the scene.
2420
2421	 Immediately after the commander gave the order, the remaining four American soldiers fell down. Tsukasa raised Tatsuya's abilities in melee two ranks higher than expected. The psion sensor did not catch the use of Tatsuya magic until the very end.
2422
2423
2424
2425
2426
2427	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2428
2429
2430
2431
2432
2433	 At the etiquette school, which Miyuki visited, only girls from respected families were gathered. Simply put, only girls from high society who can afford a huge tuition fee could go there.
2434
2435	 The security was appropriately, serious. Women with a level of skills sufficient to ensure that at least private criminal organizations could not do anything were employed. That's why the feelings of every parent (but not all of them) entrusted their daughters with them, having established the outdated rule of the "ban on men."
2436
2437	 However, this evening it is time to be destroyed by this "myth of security."
2438
2439	 - All of you, calm down, please!
2440
2441	 The lecturer who raised her voice to shout over the howling siren, panicked even more students.
2442
2443	 - Please evacuate to the safe room in accordance with the emergency manual! The safe room is reliable. Calm down and quickly evacuate, please!
2444
2445	 It's the screaming female lecturer who should have calmed down more than anyone else.
2446
2447	 A total of ten pupils (10 today was by chance, usually a different number) whispered to their separately hired family guards. Among the pupils, except Miyuki, there was only one magician, but among the guardians they were all magician's.
2448
2449	 - Miyuki-sama, what are we going to do?
2450
2451	 - In a safe room, I see only the future of a cornered rat.
2452
2453	 Miyuki smiled confusedly.
2454
2455	 "However, to disturb the rest of the people from school with a problem that only affects us ... For now we obediently abide by the sensei's instructions." In case of emergency, Minami-chan, you will protect us if anyone approaches. You must hold out until Tatsuya-sama comes to pick us up?
2456
2457	 "As you like."
2458
2459	 Deciding what to do next, Miyuki began to act quickly. Turning to the students standing next to her: "Come along", she, without waiting for an answer went to the place indicated on the school plan as a safe room.
2460
2461	 The other students, their personal guards and the lecturer, followed Miyuki, who went behind Minami.
2462
2463
2464
2465
2466
2467	 School guards fought valiantly. At least it seemed to Miyuki. But the current situation developed in the enemies favor.
2468
2469	 Suddenly an electric shock attack flew from the side of the passage ... but was stopped by Minami's shield. The anti-object barrier stopped the electric shock attack because it was not an air discharge, but a thin wire, over which an electric current was launched.
2470
2471	 "Minami-chan, she understood well." As expected.
2472
2473	 - Thank you.
2474
2475	 Miyuki praised Minami for blocking this attack not as a barrier against electricity, but as an anti-object barrier. This was a manifestation of a high level of mastery of the magician, when, without wasting time on the high complexity of magic, the nature of the magic of the enemy became clear and immediately activated the appropriate magic for defense.
2476
2477	 From the magician's of the guard following them, came expressions of surprise and understanding.
2478
2479	 Surprise was associated with the age of Minami. And understanding with the personality of Miyuki.
2480
2481	 Surprised at the skill and experience of Minami, unusual at her age, but remembering that she was entrusted to guard the next head of the Yotsuba family, they realized that high skill would be natural in this case.
2482
2483	 The other accompanying "Ojou-sama" guards also did not play the fool. Attackers came not only in front. Side attacks were a rarity, because almost all the way was down a direct corridor, but behind the magic came not one or two times.
2484
2485	 - Covering from the rear, I wonder what house they work for? I cannot remember to see them here. Minami-chan, do you know them?
2486
2487	 Looking back at the very end of the walking group of people, Miyuki asked Minami, looking at the reflected enemy attacks of two women about twenty years old.
2488
2489	"I think it's Tsunashima-sama." The guard appeared as Tsunaga-san.
2490
2491	 - Tsunashima-san and Tsunaga-san ... I'm sorry, but I do not remember hearing about them.
2492
2493	 It's not as good as Tatsuya's, but Miyuki's memory was also excellent. It is unlikely that she would forget the names of the pupils with whom she studied. The surname of the magician, if he was from the Stamy Semey(?), she would also know.
2494
2495	 - Tsunaga-san said that they started attending classes quite recently.
2496
2497	 "How?" ... It was unlucky for them to immediately encounter such a sudden catastrophe.
2498
2499	 Listening to a carefree conversation, it would seem to many that they relaxed, but these two quickly moved forward, in the course of the matter, rebuffing the suddenly appearing offenders.
2500
2501	Protected by Miyuki and Minami at the head of the column, and Tsunashima and Tsunaga from the rear, the students (plus a personal guard and lecturer) arrived in a safe room.
2502
2503	 Miyuki and Minami had to wait at the door for Tsunashima and her escort, Tsunaga, who were fighting off attacks from intruders. Not because they thought they had a duty to help. And simply because, Miyuki was stronger than anyone else. Stronger than all escort guards, stronger than all the intruders.
2504
2505	 Minami took a CAD from her handbag in the form of a mobile terminal and gave it to Miyuki. Until then, Miyuki used a CAD with full mind control, which is completely invisible to an external observer.
2506
2507	 Miyuki took a more familiar CAD with a smile, turned it on, and ran her finger across the screen.
2508
2509	 Behind the fleeing students and their guards, two black intruders were already prepared to release magic, but were thrown back. The delay was below the recognition limit.
2510
2511	 Tsunashima involuntarily froze at this overwhelming magical power. However, Tsunaga, who had not lost her composure, dragged her into a safe room.
2512
2513	 At the other end of the corridor, there were also intruders. Frowning at the thought of how many more of them there are, Miyuki prepared to re-activate the CAD.
2514
2515	 Space around them filled with psion noise. Reflecting the light of the corridor lamps, a brass ring flashed.
2516
2517	 The intruders used "Cast Jamming".
2518
2519	 "Miyuki-sama!" Minami tried to close Miyuki. In her right hand she was already holding a small but reliable combat knife.
2520
2521	 "Do not worry, it's all right, Minami-chan." "Unlike Minami's painfully frowning face, Miyuki remained calm. "It's a good opportunity to test the new magic that Tatsuya-sama gave me."
2522
2523	 Fearlessly stepping forward against two big men rushing along the corridor, Miyuki activated her CAD and released two magics sequentially.
2524
2525	 And at the same time psion noise was frozen.
2526
2527	 The next moment, after the psion waves became calm, those two men were already frozen. Frozen not in the sense of being frozen. It was "Frozen" in the sense of a complete stoppage of movement. Minami's bulging eyes looked at Miyuki, who frowned, hoping that defenselessly falling bodies that could not help themselves with their hands would fall without injury.
2528
2529	 The surprise was not due to magic, which neutralized those two magicians at the same time. Her surprise was from the magic that stopped the previously released psion noise, which prevents the activation of magic.
2530
2531	 "Cast Jamming", which is currently actively used in practice, is considered the most effective means of obstructing magic.
2532
2533	 Although this requires a rare mineral called Antinite (it is believed that this is not a natural mineral, but is an artifact a relic of prehistoric civilization), but with it even a person who cannot use magic will almost certainly be able to prevent the activation of magic.
2534
2535	 For people who are not magicians, this is the strongest weapon to counter magicians. And Miyuki showed how she, on the contrary, destroys "Psion Noise."
2536
2537	 - Counter-magic "Freeze Gram". Counter-magic which Onii-sama, that is Tatsuya-sama created for me. It cannot stop any magic, like "Gram Demolition" or "Gram Dispersion", but it's enough for "Cast Jamming".
2538
2539	Miyuki did not show this with her face, but her mood increased significantly. So much so that she inadvertently called Tatsuya "Onii-sama", while explaining.
2540
2541	 Freeze Gram was an enhanced version of Zone Interference. It could neutralize such types of magic as non-systemic magic, area of effect magic, as well as any magic that has not yet been activated. It is not capable of eliminating magic that has a specific purpose, but, as Miyuki said, "Psion Noise", being a subset of non-systematic magic, was easily neutralized.
2542
2543	 "It's left ... less than ten people." In my opinion, eight.
2544
2545	 - I think so too.
2546
2547	 Minami nodded, feeling a strong desire for confirmation in Miyuki's voice.
2548
2549	 "Then ... We'll leave the next defense to the local guards, and we'll wait for the arrival of Tatsuya-sama."
2550
2551	 "Yes."
2552
2553	 Miyuki and Minami entered the safe room. Miyuki sat on one of the sofas along the wall, and Minami closed the door to the safe room and stayed with her, ready at any time to activate barrier magic.
2554
2555
2556
2557
2558
2559	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2560
2561
2562
2563
2564
2565	 When Tatsuya arrived at the school, less than ten minutes had passed since he was attacked. From the moment Miyuki entered the safe room, it took about five minutes.
2566
2567	 Tatsuya did not receive a message that the school was attacked. The jamming of communications by invaders was organized at a level impossible unless the intelligence department was involved.
2568
2569	 From Yakumo, there was also no information that they would also aim at Miyuki.
2570
2571	 During the attack on himself, he did not have any conclusions that it was a diversionary maneuver.
2572
2573	 He came here only because his main priority is to guarantee the safety of Miyuki.
2574
2575	 There were no more battles at school.
2576
2577	 However, it was evident at first glance that a forced invasion occurred.
2578
2579	 Looking at it, Tatsuya was not alarmed. He knew that there was not a scratch on Miyuki, even without seeing her with the naked eye. Because he was "always seeing and defending her view."
2580
2581	 He could find out where Miyuki was, simply sending his consciousness to "information dimension." At the same time, he learned that within the region of a radius of ten meters around Miyuki there are many signs of someone's presence.
2582
2583	 The location of Miyuki he recognized with Elemental Sight.
2584
2585	 And he defined the location of invaders with a technique that reads signs of a presence.
2586
2587	 The accuracy of the information in the first case was an order of magnitude higher, but in the current situation, when the presence tags were not particularly hidden, there were no errors in reading the presence.
2588
2589	 Absolutely not worried, Tatsuya entered the forbidden for men, but already trampled by them flower garden.
2590
2591
2592
2593
2594
2595	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2596
2597
2598
2599
2600
2601	"Although we deviated greatly from the plan, it all worked."
2602
2603	 Looking at the image from the hacked school surveillance camera, Tsukasa ordered herself to cheer up.
2604
2605	 Distorted feelings that make you consider yourself a third party. And also a serious defect of the human being, when, as a result of a lack of self-identity, carelessly treat the actions necessary for life support, such as eating or sleeping.
2606
2607	 This was the price that the Tooyama family paid for its strength.
2608
2609	 Not only puppets from Star Dust, but her personal subordinates were sent to the school.
2610
2611	 - Commander.
2612
2613	 "What is it, Sergeant Major?"
2614
2615	 "I'm thinking of joining the operation." Is it okay if I leave my post?
2616
2617	 "... Understood." I'll authorize it.
2618
2619	 The lieutenant commander frowned doubtfully, but remembering what the higher officers said when giving him this task, he gave permission to Tsukasa.
2620
2621	 He was then told: "Maximally satisfy the requests of Sergeant Tooyama."
2622
2623	 He wanted her to go quickly, because she was incapacitating the system of subordination. Therefore, he granted Tsukasa's request to leave.
2624
2625	 - Many thanks.
2626
2627	 Tsukasa saluted the lieutenant with an impenetrable face, over which she could not understand whether she knew that he considered her a nuisance.
2628
2629
2630
2631
2632
2633	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2634
2635
2636
2637
2638
2639	 Tatsuya did not know that the room in which Miyuki was hiding - the so-called "safe room", but he suspected that this would be a room of this kind. But this was not the reason for his calmness. Not paying attention to the guards lying on the floor of the corridors, Tatsuya was heading straight to the safe room.
2640
2641	 Along the way, he did not encounter the enemy.
2642
2643	 All those who attacked the school gathered at the safe room and tried to break open its heavy door.
2644
2645	 Tatsuya pushed himself away from the floor soundlessly. It was a jump not upwards, but forward, for a quick reduction in the distance from the offenders.
2646
2647	 The enemy noticed Tatsuya before he approached a sufficient distance for close combat. They did not panic because their mind was suppressed. Attackers tried to apply the skills obtained during their training in Star Dust. They switched to Tatsuya the purpose of the movement magic, which they were ready to launch at the door.
2648
2649	 Earlier than this magic is activated, Tatsuya fired a compressed psion projectile from his right hand.
2650
2651	 It was a magic trick he did not know in the last battle with the USNA army in February of last year, an Armor-Piercing Psion Bullet.
2652
2653	Initially, this magic was created to inflict damage on the true body of the information life form called a "Parasite", but now he often used it to attack the psion information body inside the human body. Its effectiveness has already been tested on the powerful psion armor of Tomitsuka Hagane, which could absorb other's magical attacks.
2654
2655	 Star Dust soldiers, who do not have a dense psion veil, like Tomitsuka, flew backward, as if they had received a large-caliber projectile in the chest.
2656
2657	 Psions do not have physical striking force. However, in humans and animals in the body there is a psion network that repeats the shape of the body. That is why, with the help of psion influence, it is possible to move your body at a speed exceeding the reaction speed.
2658
2659	 Tatsuya fired shells of compressed psions, one by one. The owner of the vision, seeing the psion, would see how he shoots from the palms the luminous energy balls.
2660
2661	 Having received a blow to the psion information body that copies the structure of the physical body, the human mind tells the physical body to reproduce the damage in the form of an illusion that such damage is actually obtained. In fact, such a spell exists in non-systemic magic. It is called "Phantom Blow". Tatsuya decided not to use "Decomposition" to damage the bodies of opponents, but to neutralize them with Armor-Piercing Psion Bullets so that they could feel the illusion of attacking the "Phantom Blow".
2662
2663	He did this to confuse the people watching him. If the military is involved, it was natural to think that the internal surveillance cameras were hacked. Tatsuya came to the same conclusion.
2664
2665	 If he had not heard the story of Yakumo, he would have dealt with the enemies much faster. Therefore, he had to think about such troublesome things, such as reducing the battle to close combat. But he had to switch from melee to psion shell attacks, because he was noticed before he could make contact with the enemy. He did not want to disclose his capabilities for as long as possible, at least until he learns the intentions of the self-defense forces.
2666
2667	 There were eight attackers in front of the door. All of them were already lying on the floor.
2668
2669	 There was no counterattack, the preemptive attack by Tatsuya put an end to the battle. If the enemy had a firearm, it would be a little more complicated. Tatsuya again felt that it was suspicious.
2670
2671	 Magicians of the United States prefer small arms with a built-in CAD. Their way of fighting was to increase the magic of their own attack on the weapon itself by introducing a CAD into this weapon. Tatsuya heard that they prefer a combination of various small arms. In fact, during the attack last year, from the very beginning Star Dust had integrated CAD based on submachine guns.
2672
2673	 Why now they were unarmed? The self-defense forces, or rather the intelligence department, easily had to have enough money to supply them with weapons. They were disposable brainwashed agents of another country. Even if the police found this out, the story would end so that no one would recognize anything from them.
2674
2675	 Tatsuya felt that the other side might consider that he was not fighting at full strength.
2676
2677	 He felt an unpleasant feeling that he was being trapped. But in a situation where you do not know what it will be, you cannot avoid it. Tatsuya began to wait for Miyuki and others to open the door from the inside, realizing that someone is watching through the cameras after the situation.
2678
2679
2680
2681
2682
2683	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2684
2685
2686
2687
2688
2689	 All the puppets were cut down by Tatsuya. Tsukasa confirmed this in a separate room from the command post.
2690
2691	 In the safe room there were no surveillance cameras. To her regret, Tsukasa did not know what the next head of the Yotsuba family (in other words, Miyuki), and her guard, who had escaped there, were doing.
2692
2693	 But now the invaders are eliminated from the outside, and they must open the door and exit.
2694
2695	 And there will be a chance.
2696
2697	 She checked the magic circuit, which establishes a connection between her and her subordinates.
2698
2699	 The connection status is satisfactory.
2700
2701	 Even if she used ancient magic called "Puppet Law", she was not a user of Outer-Systematic Magic interfering with people's minds. She was a magician from the Tooyama family, whose people received zonal magic developed in the Tenth Laboratory, generating magic barriers in the form of strong virtual structures.
2702
2703	 Even with a magical connection, Tsukasa could not read the mind of the person on the other side. She could not receive the flow of information from the five senses, and could not directly control the will. At the moment she could only count the location of the other side of the magical connection. It was a link only to determine the coordinates in the information dimension.
2704
2705	 The most important thing is that this was enough for the user of the magic of the Tooyama family.
2706
2707	 If you need physical information about sounds, conditions, and something similar, then you can simply use wireless equipment. The equipment for secret listening and surveillance used by the intelligence department was not useless garbage refusing to work at muffling or physical obstacles.
2708
2709	The key to the activation of magic was the coordinates in the information dimension. This can no longer be obtained by electronic equipment. Also there were rumors about the existence of magicians and magic support systems that can match the resulting video image from anywhere in the world with the corresponding coordinates in the information dimension. However, Tsukasa considered these rumors fiction.
2710
2711	 The help system for aiming specialized CAD also reinforces the senses to the maximum, so that they can reach information about the distance.
2712
2713	But the owners of the Elemental Sight, directly looking at the information dimension, are probably able to calculate the coordinates in the information dimension based on the video image. However, there must also be restrictions. For example, there is a limit to the distance that a person can really feel. Infinite space exists only in the abstract concept. And the breadth of knowledge of man has limits.
2714
2715	 There cannot exist such people who violate logic, who, ignoring the harsh reality of physical distance, can concentrate consciousness on the information body in the information dimension only on the basis of knowledge obtained from the image. Tsukasa thought so with an eye on her own shortcomings.
2716
2717	 But this thought did not cause her any inconvenience. With the magic that the Tooyama family possessed, the role given to it did not require concentrating on a goal that is at an extremely long distance only with the help of a video image.
2718
2719	 This mission also did not require such things.
2720
2721	 She concentrated her mind on the image from hacked surveillance cameras to provide proper support to her subordinates.
2722
2723
2724
2725
2726
2727	â—Š â—Š â—Š
2728
2729
2730
2731
2732
2733	 The door, decorated with old-fashioned ornaments, opened before Tatsuya, slipping sideways and entering the wall. To hide his playful mood, Tatsuya pulled a bitter smile on his face. He realized that unlawful offenders (Tatsuya did not notice that he was also an illegal violator) could not open the door, because they tried to push and pull it.
2734
2735	 Right outside the door stood Minami. Upon recognizing Tatsuya, she bowed politely. From inside the room, Miyuki approached them with an elegant step. She did not hurry, apparently understanding that she was under the sights of other people.
2736
2737	 - Many thanks for saving us from danger.
2738
2739	 In appearance, this situation was not particularly dangerous, it was just words of politeness.
2740
2741	 "It looks like you are more than safe."
2742
2743	 "Because Tatsuya-sama got there so quickly."
2744
2745	 This time it was not a formal phrase, but the true feelings of Miyuki. She did not doubt that Tatsuya would come to help her, but when she really saw his face, she began to overflow with growing delight.
2746
2747	 Moreover, Miyuki was happy that Tatsuya came much ahead of her expectations. She openly radiated this feeling.
2748
2749	 It was unconstrained. It could be said that she emitted an aura of happiness. Somehow, without any words, the room was filled with an atmosphere of immobility.
2750
2751	 The first who woke up from this sweet prison, there was another pair of magicians, a master and a servant.
2752
2753	 - Sorry, thanks for saving us from the danger. Shiba-sama, please accept my apologies that I too thank you so late.
2754
2755	 Polite speech sounded a bit awkward. For some reason, he had the impression of an acting game.
2756
2757	 "My name is Tsunashima." This is Tsunaga. Tsunaga-san, thank you too.
2758
2759	 Following the direction of Tsunashima-jo, Tsunaga went ahead. She moved from Tsunashima to Miyuki.
2760
2761	 Tatsuya instantly switched from a stationary state to maximum speed. He pushed Tsunaga back with his hands.
2762
2763	 Tsunaga, who was trying to grab Miyuki, clasped her hands around her neck, fell, flipped over from the blow.
2764
2765	 - Do not move!
2766
2767	 - Minami!
2768
2769	 There were simultaneous voices of Tsunashima and Tatsuya.
2770
2771	 Tsunashima grabbed the unfortunate student and put a knife to her neck.
2772
2773	 Minami, following Tatsuya's orders, dragged Miyuki back, and took her place, closing it with her back.
2774
2775	 Tatsuya called Minami for this.
2776
2777	 "If you move, I cannot vouch for the safety of this ..."
2778
2779	 "That I do not vouch for the safety of this unfortunate girl," Tsunashima probably wanted to say.
2780
2781	 However, Tatsuya completely ignored her words. He released magic at Tsunaga who attempted to harm Miyuki.
2782
2783	 Miyuki and Minami were not the only ones who heard the illusion of the sound of broken glass.
2784
2785	 It was the "sound" of destroying the magic barrier.
2786
2787	 Falling, Tsunaga surrounded herself with a barrier. This was laid out by the magic of Tatsuya.
2788
2789	 Without revealing it on his face, Tatsuya remembered his big suspicion.
2790
2791	When he pushed Tsunaga away, his hand felt something else besides her body. At that moment, a magic barrier was unfolded in an instant, which he wiped out with the decomposition magic activated from his palm. After that, slightly pushing his hand, he added to the attack a small psion wave with a high compression ratio.
2792
2793	 The Barrier magic collapsed, and it was expected that under the Tatsuya psion stream, the further creation of magic should not happen. Psions of another magician - an extraneous "stream." The psions flowing through the body and the magic calculation zone existing in the subconscious are separated from each other, but are not completely independent. When the activation sequence is output from the CAD, it is read by the area of magic calculation area, passing through the body through the psion network. When there is something foreign, like a stream of strange psions, the activation of magic right after that should be impossible.
2794
2795	 But despite this, Tsunaga tried to get up and deployed a magic barrier. If you look in chronological order, you could see that the magic was built right after the infusion of Tatsuya psions. The use of magic is not necessarily impossible when the body is paralyzed, but she did not seem to be a magician who can do it.
2796
2797	 While Tatsuya was putting his filled with doubt mind in order, he was not idle. He raised his right hand and released a narrow stream of psions into the still lying Tsunaga.
2798
2799	 Gram Demolition.
2800
2801	 Initially, it was used to blow off the sequence of magic, but if you use the stream of psion elevated permeability, then it shows an effect similar to the infusion of psions upon contact.
2802
2803	 Tsunaga's body jerked again, after which it finally stopped moving. It looks like she lost consciousness. If she hit her head or had a load on her heart, then there is a chance that she might die. Despite the fact that the consequences can become unpleasant, he still used the enhanced long-range version of Gram Demolition, and it looks like it worked.
2804
2805	 Reflecting on this, Tatsuya stepped in the direction of Tsunashima.
2806
2807	 Blood ran from the neck of the hostage. But it was not "overflowing with a fountain", but only leaked out a little. The balanced use of force in such a situation indicated that her appearance and experience do not match, or that she passed special training.
2808
2809	 But, to her regret, it did not matter.
2810
2811	 In this place for Tatsuya, only Miyuki mattered as a hostage. Using Minami's life as a shield, he preferred neutralizing the enemy.
2812
2813	 Although Minami can repel most enemies, but if Miyuki were still taken hostage, he would, rather counteract magic, without worrying about the safety of the enemy, would simply turn him into a puddle. Undoubtedly, the tactic of taking the hostage against Tatsuya was not the smartest choice.
2814
2815	 Tatsuya tried to shoot a psion shell in a magician, who called herself Tsunashima. But at that moment he noticed that Tsunashima and the hostage were surrounded by a magic barrier.
2816
2817	 Tatsuya could not help but wonder. In a woman who called herself Tsunashima, there were no signs of activation of barrier magic.
2818
2819	"From where?"
2820
2821	 Someone formed a magic barrier around this magician. The other did not come to mind.
2822
2823	 The magic barrier disappeared.
2824
2825
2826
2827
2828
2829Tatsuya's left hand extended to Tsunashima's knife. It was worth it to grab the blade of the knife with his hand, as it dissipated into dust.