Published at 26th of March 2019 2:11 am

Volume 11, Chapter 17

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Even though she had no way to view the spirits true body, Lina sensed that 'that' had perished. The mass of 'information' had stopped--frozen, then crumbled. If being able to manipulate Psions within the dimension of information is the norm for magicians, there was no way a magician of the highest calibre like the 'Sirius' would not notice the collapse of such a high amount of Psions.

"Lunar magic.....?"

And although she herself could not use Mental Interference magic, by using her magic sensitivity it was possible to guess from the result what sort of magic had been used.

Lunar magic is what English speaking magicians use to refer to a particular branch of mental interference magic, that which specifically targets and directly damages the spirit, and is named for one of the most famous Outer-systematic mental attack magics 'Lunar Strike'.

Lunar Strike, of the magics outside the Mental Interference system unusually has its processes formulated out; since it is used by Stars of the 'First Class stars' rank then in the event that they became the enemy, the method of counteracting it was taught.

Of course Lina had seen Lunar Strike countless times and thus although it was her first time seeing Cocytus and she did not fully understand it's mechanisms, she was able to deduce that it had causes fatal damage to the spirit.

That, and that the caster had been Miyuki.

"Lunar magic of this power......Miyuki, you

......no, just what are you two siblings?"

Still on the ground, Lina muttered.

If she had used this magic during their duel...... thoughts like that did not fully materialise in her mind. Shock still took up too much of her thought processes for now.

Actually, Miyuki was in a similar state.

Half lost in ecstasy, she was still firmly held in Tatsuya's embrace. In addition to that she had gone all out with her magic for the first time in a while, as well as having seen the world through Tatsuya's eyes; she was likely still drunk with it all.

The two who were previously in a bad mood were now in a state of insanity(?); this was a chance. Tatsuya took the communication unit from his ear, and switched it off.

"Lina, do not reveal what you saw just now."

Looking down at her, his voice was low and intimidating. "W-what, suddenly......"

If she had been her normal self, such overbearing methods would have been counterproductive. But as Tatsuya expected, Lina was not her normal self.

She had been under enormous stress, and now with the disappearance of the target which had been such a tense load on her she had fallen into a state of collapse. It was a perfect condition for 'persuasion'.

"In return, we'll pledge to keep the identity of Angie Sirius secret. This applies not just to me and Miyuki, but everyone else involved in the incident today."

Lina gave no reply.

Blue eyes jittered between Tatsuya's. Gradually, he could see cognitive processes coming back.

Duty.

Suspicion.

Defensiveness,

Vindication.

Various thoughts flickered through her eyes, as within her (psychologically) rationalisation dawned. Tatsuya wasn't particularly skilled in psychoanalysis nor was he a telepath so he wasn't perfectly clear, but he intuitively knew that Lina was trying to convince herself somehow.

Her conflict didn't last very long.

"I have no choice in the matter do I?"

"It's not like that."

Tatsuya refuted her resigned words. He didn't elaborate on the consequences of her refusing either however.

Suspicion nurtures anxiety. Those unspoken words, or rather his unspoken action, were the final push.

"Fine...... if it keeps you quiet, it's not a bad deal for me. I'll remain silent about you two. ......

No one will listen to what I have to say anyway."

That last phrase was mouthed quietly, so Tatsuya didn't hear. He didn't ask for clarification.

He was carrying Miyuki who was still limp; when she suddenly came to and started wriggling around he told her 'calm down' as they turned away from Lina.

Only faced away, not moving.

Immediately before Lina could call out in suspicion to Tatsuya, "Lina"

Tatsuya called out to Lina instead. "Is there something else?"

From her words alone it could be interpreted that Lina was still annoyed, but her voice was not as sullen as her words.

The air of being cornered a while ago had disappeared.

"If you wish to retire from the Stars......"

"Eh?"

"If you ever wish to quit being a soldier, I think I could help. No, it's not that I have any power, but there are people I know who could be of service."

"Tatsuya? Just, what are you saying?"

Lina didn't angrily burst out 'it's none of your business' or laugh out 'don't be a fool'.

"It's not that I particularly want to quit the Stars...... to stop being the

'Sirius'."

She simply answered in wonder. "I see."

Without looking back, Tatsuya curtly replied, then began to walk. "Wait, Tatsuya! Why did you say such a thing!?"

Not turning around to Lina who called out in a loud voice, "Sorry, I said something strange."

He merely spoke those words, and proceeded on.

The mechanical doll accompanying him likewise took no notice of Lina.

Only Miyuki still held in Tatsuya's arms looked back over his shoulder, giving Lina an anxious look.

◊ ◊ ◊

As Tatsuya's form disappeared into the dark night, Lina returned to herself with a sigh.

Realising she had simply been motionless staring at Tatsuya's back, she rose from the ground in a hurry.

Why had her eyes been so resolutely following his back......the moment such thoughts entered into her mind, Lina vigorously shook her head.

(It's just because he said something so weird. That's obviously it!) Unconsciously, she had been fixed on his form all the while.

As soon as she was aware of her own actions, she also became aware of her flushed cheeks and the racing of her heart.

The fact was she had merely been dragged into a 'misunderstanding' of her own making, but having in a sense fallen into his trap Lina was in no position to make a sober objective analysis. She was now being held captive in a psychological state similar to the suspension bridge effect.

In order to deflect the mortifying thought of 'love' from her consciousness, Lina desperately searched for anything else to think about. As a result, her mind fixated on his last question. Tatsuya's puzzling proposal.

Wondering just why would he say such a thing, Lina tilted her head.

Was it because her face, her form, being attacked by monsters and having to dispose of her fellow countrymen, seemed to be in pain?

If that was the case then he was mistaken, Lina thought.

Being forced to turn her hand against her 'family' certainly caused her chest to ache.

Yet Lina believed her actions were merciful. That she was bringing salvation.

She had long since learned that human's dignity was something precious.

--It was difficult work, yet someone had to do it. --She would not run from it.

--If a powerful magician fell to evil, then the only one who could oppose them was the strongest, Sirius, in other words only she herself......

(......Only she herself?)

Having never overthought the matter, Lina's thinking now stumbled.

Disposing of those fallen magicians before they gave birth to new victims. As the strongest, she was indeed the most suited for the task.

There had been no doubt in her mind--until now. She now knew that was not an absolute.

Even if she didn't do it, those two would.

Even if she hadn't put herself through all the pain, the guilt of killing her brothers, those two would--

(I see......that's why I was so lost, so impatient.)

The cobwebs which had clouded her mind for most of the month, now melted away as if the sun had dawned.

Even if she herself doesn't do it, someone else would.

For Lina, it was like discovering something unimaginable.

She realised that her future she had thought to be decided, unchangeable, was something she could choose for herself. The straight road she had always thought to lie before her, suddenly branched--and with it came came both anxiety and hope.

Having finally awakened from her illusion, Lina was kept wrapped in confusion for a while.

◊ ◊ ◊

Tatsuya's destination was the location of the two previously sealed Parasites. But someone had already gotten there before.

Two groups faced against each other.

One was a black clad group, led by an old man deeply wrinkled with years yet standing firm.

The other was also black clad, led by a young lady in a black one piece dress.

Although facing each other, it didn't mean they were hostile. The group lead by the girl, and any rate, showed no hostility towards the group led by the old man. That was probably because the girl, their leader, herself showed no hostility towards him.

Rather, the girl looked at the old man with respect. --At least, apparently.

"Your Excellency Kudou, it is an honour to see you."

The girl came forward and curtsied gracefully. Despite the elegance however, there was no modesty. The light within her eyes was far too strong for that.

"My name is Kurobane Ayako. I am but a lowly member of the Yotsuba, and I serve at our Head, Maya's, convenience.

Raising her head, Ayako gave a playful smile. A provocative yet withdrawn, enigmatic smile.

As expected however, Kudou Retsu did not rise to the bait.

"A representative of the Yotsuba, is it. You seem solid, despite your youth. It appears you already know about me. Or should I introduce myself regardless?"

Close--although not in terms of friendly--with Maya, Kudou was publicly of the same status, a fellow Head of one of the Ten Master Clans. The way he said 'Yotsuba', and the way he now looked upon Ayako who was of age with his grandchildren, was as an 'adversary'.

"No, that will not be necessary."

A light befitting his intentions dwelled within Kudou's eyes. Yet before that, Ayako's cutesy yet fearless attitude didn't break.

"By the way Your Excellency, we don't have much time, so there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

At her hasty, or rather determined attitude, the Kudou elder showed no sign of discomfort. He didn't think things were as rushed as that, but since he also wished to conclude things quickly he went along with it.

"Go ahead."

"My thanks."

At the old man's liberality Ayako gave another theatrical bow, then looked straight into his eyes.

"I'm afraid that Your Excellency's objective, the beings called Parasites sealed here which you had intended to bring back, have also been tasked to be retrieved by us as per my Head's orders."

"Hou."

The light in Kudou's eyes increased in sharpness and intensity.

At that light a hint of trepidation crept into Ayako's face, yet she rebounded with a firm smile immediately.

"--By happy circumstance however, there appear to be two sealed vessels. How about this, one for Your Excellency, and one for us?"

Maintaining her firm smile, Ayako looked into the old man's eyes and awaited his answer.

Kudou laughed unexpectedly.

Loudly, and in enjoyment.

"Oh my......indeed. And you are yet but a junior high student."

Ayako had not told Kudou her age. His words implied that he had already pre-investigated her before she ever introduced herself.

There was no sign of disturbance in Ayako this time. It was her attitude that it was little wonder Kudou Retsu would have examined even a Yotsuba pawn such as herself.

Having herself known that Kudou Retsu would be taking to the field, that he would know of her was no surprise.

"Very well. Let us get along and go with one each."

"Thank you very much, Your Excellency."

Without changing her expression, Ayako patted her chest in relief.

She had no illusions as to her own magic strength. While she was not restricted in her magic like Tatsuya, she was not as universal as Miyuki either. She was a magician with defined strengths and weaknesses. And short range, direct combat magic was decidedly not one of her strengths.

She did not believe for a moment she could have hoped to take on one who was once lauded as the 'world's most skilled'.

Ayako gave silent thanks that by chance there had been two. And--

(Tatsuya san, I was able to perform my duty safely thanks to you.)

Even if Tatsuya hadn't agreed to cooperate, there wouldn't have been a time to request it anyway; Ayako slyly muttered in her mind.

◊ ◊ ◊

In Tatsuya's arms, Miyuki huddled herself.

However much she pleaded, Tatsuya would not put her down. Miyuki was not particularly petite for a lady, and was of a moderate weight. However much Tatsuya was trained there was no way the weight would not eventually be felt, but Tatsuya's arms cradling Miyuki wavered not in the slightest. Rather, he was carrying her so carefully that Miyuki did not feel any swaying despite the unevenness of the ground.

From their everyday conduct and behaviour, Miyuki would be the natural suspect for initiating skinship. Miyuki now however didn't even cling to Tatsuya's neck; she merely clasped her hands to her chest and withstood the shame.

The silence, was painful.

Not bitter; yet her chest ached.

It felt as if her breathing would stop, and her heart burst--from the perspective of others it would no doubt be a surprising 'overreaction', but Miyuki herself was desperately searching for 'something to talk about' in her overheating mind.

"Onii sama, about Lina?" This was what came out.

Tatsuya had shown beyond ordinary care towards Lina. At least, far beyond that of a mere friend.

Because she understood, truthfully Miyuki had not wanted to bring the topic up with her brother.

But now nothing else came to mind. "Yeah?"

"Lina...... did she seriously take Onii sama's words to heart?"

Besides, Miyuki was also worried about her.

"I don't know. There's no way I could. I'm not her after all."

Somewhere under Tatsuya's tone was the feeling that it was unnecessary meddling.

Of course Miyuki knew her brother's words had been anything but. Even in Miyuki's eyes, the impulsive yet good-hearted Lina was ill- suited for the military. It may have not been her place, but looking at Lina she felt extremely conflicted.

"Lina has her own circumstances. Not being able to find her way is not something limited to her alone."

"Yet Onii sama, you had reached out to her right......? Why?"

"Why, what?"

Miyuki was well aware that they were stepping into uncharted territory. If they were to stop, it had to be now.

But Miyuki did not stop.

"Onii sama

......why did you feel you had to help Lina? Is it because...... you have special feelings concerning her?"

Tatsuya's eyes widened upon hearing his sister's words, but it was only for a moment.

"You seem to be misunderstanding things in various ways......"

Tatsuya gave a wry smile. But his expression wasn't very serious. At least, he seemed to be trying to answer his sister's question in good faith.

"As you say, this is the first time I've interacted with someone like Lina. Until now, everyone in the military was much older than me, and they had all chosen their path."

One by one, he carefully went over the misconceptions.

"The feelings I have towards Lina are not the kind you think. Bluntly speaking, I simply think it'd be convenient in the future if Lina were to leave the Stars. If possible not just exit the army, but move here. Naturalising as a Japanese citizen would be best."

No lies could be felt in Tatsuya's words. This close together, they could sense each other. Miyuki was confident she would be able to detect any falsehood in her brother's speech.

"Of course, it's not like I feel no sympathy. In a sense, Lina and I are very similar. You could say that we're in the same category."

Tatsuya's eyes were far away.

"Both Lina and I were placed 'where we are now' by no will of our own. And although I can at least say that I 'selected' to come to First High, Lina probably didn't even have that trivial choice."

Although his eyes were fixed on Miyuki, his gaze was somewhere further.

"I took the choice I was not granted. I discarded the 'role' I had been assigned, and leaped from the stage I was given. If Lina had hoped for something similar, as someone who was the same place as her I thought I would like to lend her my strength......"

As Tatsuya hesitated, his eyes shifted their focus back to Miyuki and he smiled uncomfortably.

"In any case, it seems it was rather, unnecessary?" There was a reason for the turbulence in Tatsuya's tone.

Up to now Miyuki had been huddled in Tatsuya's arms, yet now she embraced him tightly

Without thinking, Tatsuya released his hold on his sister.

That being said he didn't suddenly drop her but gently let her down, probably something subconsciously ingrained into his body.

Even as she touched the ground, Miyuki's arms never left Tatsuya's neck.

"It wasn't unnecessary...... Onii sama's care will definitely someday, someday soon, reach Lina."

Tatsuya felt his sister's words flow into him, seeping into his chest.

"I mean after this incident, Lina must definitely be *doubting who she is now*. She's a bit simple, but Lina is a smart girl. Having been this deeply involved with Onii sama, there's no way no questions would not enter her mind."

"'Simple' is rather cruel."

Miyuki looked up, and moved her arms to Tatsuya's shoulders. The siblings laughed together, then peacefully walked side by side.

Despite being a machine, or because of being a machine, having read the mood (?) Pixie had turned into a literal doll, and followed in silence.

◊ ◊ ◊

Even the heartwarming air between the siblings couldn't help but change upon seeing this.

The place where they had first sealed the Parasites was empty. The two sealed Parasites had been taken away by someone.

"I'm sorry, Tatsuya san......

I didn't intend to look away."

"......

Tatsuya san, I'm so sorry!"

"Tatsuya, please don't blame Shibata san and Mitsui san. I can guarantee that they didn't slack off. I didn't notice at all that the sealed 'vessels' had been taken away. Even though it was my seal......"

"You guys, don't blame yourselves. I don't mind at all."

Hearing that completely discouraged voice, self-hating voice and regretful voice issuing from the communication device, Tatsuya strove to reply with a bright tone.

"Tatsuya san......"

They possibly misunderstood it as him trying to cheer them up. Tatsuya's attitude had not merely been out of consideration towards them; he truly wasn't concerned.

......He was amazed however.

"We got blindsided, but all it means is that they one-upped us this one time. We hadn't really considered what to do with them after the capture anyway, so there's no point being caught up in it forever."

As Tatsuya said, they hadn't made any plans about what to do 'after the capture'. They had only vaguely considered 'maybe we'll ship them off to Mikihiko's place', as they themselves had no use for the sealed Parasites whatsoever.

Meaning, the ones who had carried them off at least had something to do with them.If it were them, all they might end up doing was accidentally release the Parasites.

(But, well...... were they aiming for this?)

"Onii sama?"

It seemed she was misunderstanding his silence. At Miyuki's anxious inquiry, Tatsuya shook his hand in reassurance.

From his state, Miyuki knew Tatsuya was making a guess as to the culprits. If he traced back, he could probably track them down she thought.

--Certainly, Tatsuya had used his 'vision'. He knew approximately what had happened here.

However before that, one of the 'culprits' had left a message here for Tatsuya.

The reason he was so listless was primarily because of that.

A gust of wind blew, and stirred up the dead leave not stuck to the soil.

Mixed amongst them were black feathers*, probably from a crow, and were captured by Tatsuya's own two eyes.

*Kurobane (黒羽) - black feather just like the name Kuroba

◊ ◊ ◊

When Tatsuya rejoined the duo of Erika and Leo, both Naotsugu and the Sword Corps had already withdrawn.

They patted each other's backs, didn't pry deeply into what had happened, and went back.

Pixie was left in the school garage.

In order to enter the school after jumping the fence they had to return to the main gate, but neither Leo nor Erika said 'it's a bother, I'm going home'.

After joining with Mikihiko and the others, the seven of them left school as a group.

Such a large group leaving school at this time received no little suspicion from the gate guard as they exited, but they had prepared an excuse beforehand, and thanks to the dazzling smiles from the girls they left without a severe questioning.

And so, the long night ended.

The events of tonight, the people, demons and spirits, signaled the dawn of a new history in the contention of those who vied from the shadows, yet Tatsuya himself was little aware of this at the time.

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