Published at 26th of March 2019 2:11 am

Volume 12, Chapter 14

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Thursday, April 26th. While riding the train to school, Tatsuya wore a slight “Oh?” expression when he engaged in his customary practice of pulling out the information terminal and scanning the news.

“Onii-sama, is there something on the news that drew your attention?”

The alteration in his facial expression was minute as usual, but as usual, even this was not enough to escape Miyuki’s eyes.

Sitting in a seat across from Miyuki, Minami raised her head. Any emotional expression on her part was more cautious and not a true poker face. The gaze Minami sent Tatsuya’s way also declared her interest in the question Miyuki posed for Tatsuya.

“It’s just regarding the experiment you two helped out with yesterday.”

Tatsuya turned his face towards Miyuki sitting by his side and spoke in a volume sufficient to allow Minami sitting diagonally across from him to hear.

“I had already anticipated that both positive and negative news would appear today. However, I feel that there are more positive responses than negative.”

Miyuki’s eyes and expression clearly asked “What is strange about that?” as she urged Tatsuya onward.

“Setting aside the national congressmen who have an ear to the wind, I didn’t think that a demonstration of that level could cause reporters from major newspapers to capitulate. Here I thought they would stubbornly continue to compose more news with one-sided appraisal. To be honest, I had planned to use this line as a trap for those manipulating public opinion.”

Hearing Tatsuya’s confession, Miyuki’s eyes widened as if to say “Really”. “Now that we’re at this point…… However, Onii-sama, you’re evil.”

Though Miyuki was not earnestly criticizing him, Tatsuya had long since come to the conclusion that he had no other choice but to chuckle wryly in situations like these. –On the other hand, Minami seemed honestly stunned.

“As I suspected, the writing in these articles is simply ridiculous……”

As he said this, Tatsuya showed Miyuki the screen of the information terminal he was holding. The headline was “Magic high school students challenging water explosion experiments” and, compared to major newspapers, this smacked even more of yellow journalism aimed at inciting the entire city.

“Even I could not predict this.”

While saying this, Tatsuya removed the displayed news article and another chain of articles appeared on the information terminal’s screen.

“—Challenge of youth, facing the 22nd century – eh? Looks be a special bulletin from this newsgroup. Are they writing about what happened yesterday?”

Miyuki must have shared Tatsuya’s surprise as she tilted her head to ask him. This bulletin was organized by subject and contained the positive news about the revolutionary undertakings attempted by the youth. This was clearly incompatible with the subject of inciting anti-magic sentiment.

“Ah. Yesterday, a reporter from this newsgroup also came, so it should come as no surprise that this was posted. Yet, I recall that this bulletin was completely covered by the anti-magic movement until yesterday……”

“Have they had a change of heart thanks to Onii-sama’s Stellar Furnace?”

In comparison to the absolutely bewildered expression on Tatsuya’s face, Miyuki’s tone seemed to imply that this was perfectly natural.

“……That is a possibility if this reporter was interested in novel things or this resonated personally with them. Given that this is a bulletin, it does not necessarily preclude the possibility that everyone in the editorial department also shares this sentiment.”

Tatsuya understood that organizations were things that could not be closely united and the greater the organization, the greater the inclination of fracturing, and he also had personal experience in this matter. There were situations where one department went off the rails in regards to the company’s policy, so Tatsuya tentatively accepted this outcome for the moment.

In truth, things were not so simple. Among the major newspapers that were uniformly anti-magic, yesterday’s experiment did prove to be one of the catalysts that caused the appearance of perspectives in support of magic. The fact that a national congressman was surprised and acknowledged the magic high school students was also a newsworthy event for more than a few newscasters, but of course that wasn’t all that happened.

Tsuzura’s recording of Congressman Kanda’s declaration was passed along to the congressman himself thanks to an assistant from his time at the Magic University. In addition, there was also a roundabout request to slightly curb his activities. A major reason why this recording wasn’t shown on the newspapers was of course thanks to the reporters working for him.

Furthermore, Principal Momoyama lodged a serious complaint with the upper echelons of the opposition party in regards to the unannounced visitation on campus with reporters in tow, forcing Congressman Kanda and other congressmen also in the anti-magic camp to temporarily lower the scale of their activities. From a certain perspective, Principal Momoyama made full use of Tatsuya’s little ploy.

In addition, there was also supporting fire coming from the private sector. “Hey, look, Tatsuya. This interview is still being shown.”

During lunch in the cafeteria, Leo pointed his index finger at the recommended news image being displayed on the wall monitor. Without bothering to look in the direction Leo was pointing, Tatsuya continued to silently dine.

“It’s quite rare for the Rosen side to voluntarily appear on the news in Japan, Onii-sama.”

However, just because he could ignore Leo, that didn’t mean that Tatsuya was able to deny Miyuki.

“Given that someone bearing the Rosen name has been assigned to Japan, a major policy change may be afoot.”

Paying heed to avoid looking towards Erika and Mikihiko, Tatsuya replied in a carefree manner.

Of the 16 widescreen monitors on the wall, four of them were broadcasting the interview with Einst Rosen, CEO of Rosen Magicraft’s Japanese branch. On the screen, Einst Rosen was answering the newscaster’s questions in fluent Japanese.

“—I never thought that high school students would be able to wield such high level magic. I am astounded by the level of Japanese magical techniques.”

“Isn’t he applauding you guys?” “…………”

Completely unlike her usual flair, Erika had remained silent since the very beginning. In comparison, though this was not exactly the right way to put it, Tatsuya once again ignored Leo’s merry attempt to engage him in conversation.

“After seeing the successful experiment conducted by students at First High yesterday, I caught a glimpse of how the techniques and possibilities of magic can bring about greater prosperity to mankind.”

“Incredible. He even said the prosperity of mankind.”

Seeing Shizuku frankly express, without any ulterior motive, her amazement to this recognition, Tatsuya once again blandly replied “That was thanks to everyone’s hard work”.

“Hm, both Miyuki and Honoka were amazing.” “I, I didn’t do anything that impressive……”

Watching the ruckus brewing between Shizuku and Honoka, Tatsuya was caught between contemplating “what is Rosen’s goal here?” and surprised that “they appear to be wise enough to make sure that the names of the high school students were not revealed”.

◊ ◊ ◊

Though unexpected, the various positive responses garnered by the Stellar

Furnace experiment significantly lifted the spirits of the students at First High. Even if they were not the ones responsible, they were still students at the same school acknowledged by society. Even if this was a superficial manner, the desire to be recognized at their tender age was satisfied upon recognition being bestowed on the group they belonged to.

During 5th period, or shortly after the end of the last period after lunch. In Year 1 Class A, Takuma was preparing to head for Club Activities Group after class when an unpleasant conversation resounded in his ear for the umpteenth time. The topics his female classmates were conversing about were the CEO of Rosen Magicraft’s Japanese branch, Einst Rosen, as well as the comments the CEO made yesterday. Other female students in class were also clamoring to join the experiment. Takuma suddenly rose to his feet, without paying any heed towards masking his agitated mood. Noticing Takuma’s sudden, sinister burst, the chatting girls halted their conversation.

The reason behind his attitude was because the class’s atmosphere was too giddy. Plainly, students from Class A had not directly participated in yesterday’s experiment. Kasumi and Minami were from Class C, Izumi was from Class B, and Class A didn’t send any supporting personnel to operate the machines. That being said, after receiving high marks from the cadre of a world-famous corporation, almost all of the students were as excited as if they were the ones responsible for this feat. That is to say, every student save Takuma himself.

Damn it, while that thought ran through Takuma’s mind, he was unable to finely control his own emotions at this time. Praise directed towards the Saegusa Family – that was what he believed – or whatever it was had exhausted all of Takuma’s patience. Finally, without any word to excuse himself, Takuma left the classroom as if fleeing.

Takuma’s rotten mood failed to dissipate even during his time at the Club Group Activities HQ. His techniques were a mess thanks to his lack of concentration, causing his stress to amplify as he failed at things that normally posed no challenge to him. After school, Takuma’s agitation had reached a peak.

For Takuma, today was an unlucky day.

After retrieving his own CAD from storage in the office, Takuma ran into Kasumi wearing her Public Moral Committee bracelet in the school quad on the way home.

After club invitation week, members of the Public Moral Committee returned to duties by shift. Generally, patrols were conducted by one person alone, and this was no exception even for new students, thus Kasumi was alone. After taking the time into account, she was probably on her way back to headquarters. This is why there was nothing odd in Kasumi passing a cursory glance over Takuma before passing by him. In all likelihood, what transpired next was the product of Takuma’s inferiority complex.

“Looks like everything is going according to plan, Saegusa.” Takuma believed that Kasumi was mocking him. “……What are you referring to?”

Kasumi coming to a stop and turning around with a shocked look on her face was not an act.

However, in the eyes of Takuma and with all the leftover stress from his father’s careful reminder from two nights ago, Kasumi was playing dumb.

Continuing along this misunderstanding, Takuma vented all of his frustration on Kasumi.

“I’m talking about yesterday’s public experiment. Haven’t you even won the attention of the Rosen branch CEO?”

“Public experiment? Shippou-kun, is there a misunderstanding somewhere?”

Kasumi was most definitely not a young girl of genteel personality. Even if she pretended to be an obedient child, her nature was that of someone who got into fights easily. Never taking the dark and treacherous route, she was someone who walked beneath the daylight. Here, she had no intention of hiding her displeasure at the malice lurking within Takuma’s words.

“Stop playing dumb. You knew ahead of time that a national congressman hostile to Magicians was coming, so that’s why you put on a show yesterday, right? You clearly took advantage of Shiba-senpai and successfully bolstered your own fame.”

“You said took advantage of? Don’t even think of bullsh*tting your way into this.”

Kasumi’s response grew coarse. Although Takuma’s point regarding their forewarning about Congressman Kanda’s arrival was true, Takuma also fully believed in his speculation.

“How careless of me. That guy’s reputation goes beyond this school and extends even into the 9 schools. As expected of the Saegusa, leaving nothing to chance. After your older sister, are you the one to seduce him? After all, you siblings are unimpeachable when it comes to appearances.”

“Stop joking around!”

Kasumi suddenly exploded. This force was sufficient to silence Takuma for a while. Still, blood rushed to Kasumi’s head for only a second.

“…...Seduce, eh. The Shippou line of thinking is certainly debased. We, the Saegusa, haven’t even considered something like seduction. You aren’t too bad looking yourself, so why don’t you go serve as some Magician’s gigolo? Though, anyone who would want a gigolo in this day and age would probably have to be a lecherous entertainer.”

This time, it was Takuma’s turn to color in fury.

Kasumi’s metaphor did not contain a more profound meaning. The term lecherous entertainer referred to the recent news heatedly talked about over the porn websites about the liaison between a certain veteran actress and a young man that Kasumi heard a passing reference to. She wasn’t using the term “gigolo” specifically because it referred to a mature woman’s younger lover, but merely because she wanted to borrow the term from the headlines.

However, for Takuma, that term seemed to be mocking his relationship with Sawamura Maki.

“……Are you picking a fight with me, Saegusa?”

“I believe it was you, Shippou, who fired the first shot. Furthermore, have you already forgotten? I have already said that I will fully play along until

I grind you into the dust, until you never dare to pick a fight with the Saegusa again.”

Takuma and Kasumi glared at one another. Both their respective right hands grabbed their left sleeves. Both of them used the same bracelet- shaped CADs. The two of them had far surpassed the point of no return.

“You two over there! What do you think you’re doing!?” “You two, drop your hands now!”

Nevertheless, just as the two of them were about to manipulate their CADs, voices originating from behind them called out for them to stop.

The voice behind Takuma belonged to a male student.

The voice to the rear of Kasumi came from a female student.

Takuma pulled back the left sleeve with his right hand as he turned around. On the other hand, Kasumi dropped her right hand and turned.

In Takuma’s field of vision, a slightly familiar-looking upperclassman reached his right hand towards his left breast with a serious expression.

He was planning on pulling out the pistol-shaped CAD stored in the shoulder holster, Takuma judged.

Takuma’s counterattack was all reflex.

His right hand touched the CAD’s power switch.

The upperclassman who was his opponent also drew his CAD. I won, just as Takuma thought this,

Wobbling from being struck by concussive waves from the front and back of his body, Takuma was knocked unconscious as he fell to his knees.

Detecting the signs of magic being activated behind her, Kasumi couldn’t help but turn around. While she understood that unnecessary movement in her current predicament was not a wise choice, she couldn’t ignore the activation of combat magic even if the target was not herself.

The ones who planned on using magic were the opponent she was previously in a standoff with, Shippou Takuma, and the Public Moral

Committee member, Morisaki-senpai – by the time Kasumi realized this, magic had already been activated.

The first one to activate was Morisaki’s magic. Although the influence of Takuma’s Data Fortification lowered the strength quite a bit, Morisaki was still able to activate magic that caused severe shaking in front and behind the body, so from the standpoint of interrupting Takuma’s attack, he was entirely successful.

“Drawless……”

Slightly shocked, Kasumi involuntarily murmured this. It was obvious that Takuma was quicker at preparing his CAD. Specialized CADs were faster than Generalized CADs, but under those circumstances, Takuma still should have been faster regardless of the speed difference between Specialized and Generalized CADs. That was because Morisaki should have had to follow the “draw, aim” process.

Yet, prior to drawing the CAD from the holster, Morisaki had already used his own senses to aim the prepared magic. This was a high level technique for pistol-shaped CADs known as “Drawless”. Since there was an assistance device built in that “activated in the direction that the CAD was pointed in”, it was very difficult to fire pistol-shaped CADs without drawing them. Nonetheless, Morisaki did this perfectly without sacrificing the Specialized CAD’s advantage in speed.

In truth, Kasumi didn’t rate Morisaki really highly in her book. Both the scale of Magic Sequences and strength of interference were only average, it was his deployment speed that was faster, and only that alone. She once harbored the doubt as to why someone like him who clearly only possessed this degree of talent was selected into the Public Moral Committee, but at this moment, Kasumi could only frankly admit that she didn’t have a good eye for people.

Even now, her belief that Morisaki only had average Magic Power remained unchanged. Unrelated to the Magic Power that one was born with, this level of technique should come naturally to an upperclassman, Kasumi thought.

(I too need to work even harder.)

Internally buoyed with motivation, Kasumi clenched her fists, “Kasumi.”

But when a flat voice called out her name from behind her, Kasumi’s body immediately tightened as if she jumped.

“Kitayama-senpai……”

Directly before her abashed self, Shizuku stared at Kasumi with a dark expression on her face.

After being brought back to the Public Moral Committee headquarters by Morisaki and Shizuku, Kasumi and Takuma felt like they were sitting on pins and needles. Members of the Public Moral Committee present included the chief, Kanon, as well as Morisaki and Shizuku, who had brought them here (Shizuku was not on duty today, but was coincidentally dragged into this). The Club Activities Group were represented by the head, Hattori, and the executive officer, Tomitsuka, as well as the representative from the Student Council, Tatsuya, here for some unknown reason.

“Kasumi, as a member of the Public Moral Committee, what the hell were you doing? And you were even on patrol……”

Kanon deeply sighed whereas Kasumi averted her gaze in shame.

“Shippou, you are aware that unauthorized use of magic is against school rules, correct? Using magic after getting into a fight is already a serious enough infraction, then you went ahead and attacked the Public Moral Committee member trying to defuse the situation……”

Tomitsuka’s sigh passed into the ears of Takuma as he sat there tightly with his eyes gazing straight ahead.

“At any rate, I feel that there is a need to get the whole story first.” After hearing Hattori’s words, Kanon nodded unhappily.

“Seriously…… And here I thought we would be free of any hassle after club invitation week......”

Kanon rudely scratched her head while dipping it before raising her head to gaze sharply at Kasumi and Takuma.

“I will say this first. Kasumi’s case was attempted, so expulsion is off the table, there is still the possibility of suspension. Although also an attempted case, Shippou’s case belongs to the worst offenses for CAD related infractions and can result in expulsion.”

Takuma received Kanon’s declaration without moving a muscle. In order to prevent his body from trembling, he forced his body to stand.

“I want you both to keep that in mind as you speak. Now, what was the cause for all this?”

Kanon looked towards Kasumi’s side first. “Shippou-kun insulted the Saegusa Family.” Kanon turned her eyes towards Takuma.

“I received unforgiveable slander from Saegusa.”

Both Kasumi and Takuma refused to look at one another. “Ha…… Hattori, how do you want to handle this incident?”

Upon hearing Kanon’s words, Hattori opened his tightly closed eyes.

“Shippou belongs to the Club Activities Group. I do not have the confidence that I can make an unbiased decision.”

“If you say that, isn’t Kasumi a member of the Public Moral Committee?”

“Then let’s have a third party that is not the Club Activities Group or the Public Moral Committee, the Student Council, make the decision.”

With both Kanon and Hattori looking at him, Tatsuya inwardly sighed loudly. This was a sigh that everything was happening exactly how he had foreseen it. The fact of the matter was that he was only here as the representative of the Student Council because Azusa fled after getting a premonition that something troublesome was on the horizon. Isori also secured his own avenue of retreat by giving off a smile that said “the representative of the Student Council should be the Student Council Vice President”. While there was one other Student Council Vice President, Tatsuya was unwilling to push this task onto his sister, so he could come here with the determination to do his duty. In short, he had mentally composed himself to handle this irksome business the moment he had stepped into the room.

“I think it would be better if they were allowed to fight it out.” Hattori’s brows moved slightly.

“Eh, then, we’re letting the two of them go?”

Kanon asked back in shock, but Hattori said nothing. Tatsuya had an inkling to what his thoughts on the matter were, but that was not something to be verbalized.

“Since there’s no way to discuss an appropriate solution, then strength will decide this. I heard from the previous Chief of the Public Moral Committee that this was school’s recommendation.”

Tomitsuka displayed astonishment at Tatsuya’s declaration, but Kanon and Hattori both wore looks that all this was natural. Speaking of which, Shizuku was looking off to the side with a sleepy expression, an expression that wished that all of this would end quickly.

“While unauthorized use of magic is a major infraction, there is no need to penalize students who only attempted it. Isn’t this a common occurrence among new students?”

This time, it was Morisaki’s turn to avert his eyes with a bitter expression on his face, but fortunately no one followed up with any barbs.

“I think that since both sides have put their honor on the line, using strength to determine the outcome would leave no cause for complaint.”

“I think that the Vice President’s idea is sound, Hattori?”

After listening to Tatsuya’s opinion, Kanon immediately asked Hattori without thinking about it.

“I have no objection. Shiba, we will rely on you for the procedural forms.” “Understood.”

Tatsuya nodded at Hattori’s words and walked towards the direct staircase in order to obtain Azusa’s confirmation letter.

“Shiba-senpai.”

Behind him, Takuma spoke up.

“Shippou, anything you’re unsatisfied with?”

Tomitsuka was the one who issued the reprimand.

“No! But if I’m going to have a match with Saegusa, I have a request.”

Takuma was in no position to dictate terms, a fact he was well aware of himself.

“Go ahead.”

Thus Kanon urged him to speak on quickly.

“I wish for my opponent to not be Saegusa Kasumi, but Saegusa Kasumi and Saegusa Izumi both at the same time.”

“Shippou, are you looking down on me?”

Setting aside whether or not she was using the correct courtesy while surrounded by upperclassmen, Kasumi’s inquiry was a legitimate one.

“Reason being?”

Still, when she heard Tatsuya’s question for Takuma, Kasumi temporarily shut her mouth and listened carefully.

“This is a match that puts pride on the line for the Shippou and Saegusa Families. Furthermore, isn’t it public knowledge that “the Saegusa twins can only reveal their true strength when both are gathered together”?”

“So a victory achieved without both of them being present is not a true victory?”

“Exactly.”

Tatsuya momentarily stopped speaking before turning towards Kasumi.

“That is Shippou-kun’s position. Do you have any objections if that is the case, Kasumi?”

“Nothing at all. I will make him regret this dearly.” “Then, so shall it be.”

With that, Tatsuya walked towards the staircase leading to the Student Council Room.

After returning with the permission slip carrying the seal of the Student Council President, Tatsuya was followed by Izumi and, for some unknown reason, Miyuki and Honoka. “Chief, please press your seal here.”

“Eh, the seal? ……Where did I put that?”

Behind the panicky Kanon, Shizuku pulled out a small box carrying important items from the book cabinet. Clearly hiding her abashment behind a mask of courtesy, Kanon received the small box and pressed the seal on the permission slip.

As if to dispel the awkward atmosphere, Hattori coughed loudly. “Where should we select as the grounds?”

“Please conduct this in Practice Room #2.”

Honoka was the one who answered the question Hattori directed at Tatsuya. Everyone here knew that she had come here with the passkey for Practice Room #2 without any verbal confirmation.

“Is Shiba-san the referee?”

This question came from Tomitsuka. It seemed that from the very beginning, he was highly curious as to why Miyuki was here for all this.

“No, I’m just the witness.”

Miyuki smiled as she denied Tomitsuka’s hypothesis. “Then, the judge will be Tatsuya-kun?”

Shizuku’s question was phrased towards Tatsuya himself, but Kanon interrupted before Tatsuya could reply.

“That’s fine.”

“I have no objection.”

Hattori followed on the heels of Kanon’s words. Neither of them appeared interested in Tatsuya’s opinion on the matter.

“—Let’s go. We don’t have much time until the school closes.”

The one who proposed this match was Tatsuya, so there was no way they would allow him to say “No”. Tatsuya could only resist the urge to sigh as he urged everyone to move.

The ones who relocated to Practice Room #2 included the participants of this duel that was framed as a match, Takuma, Kasumi, and Izumi. Also present was Tatsuya in the capacity as the referee, Miyuki as the witness, and Honoka as the holder of the keys (passkeys). Rounding out the 8 people were Tomitsuka from the Club Activities Group and Shizuku from the Public Moral Committee. –Morisaki should have been here as a witness considering the duty shift of the Public Moral Committee, but Shizuku volunteered to be his replacement.

Faced with these witnesses, Takuma felt somewhat confused. Based on his knowledge, Tatsuya and Miyuki were in the Saegusa camp. With both the referee and witness on the enemy’s side, forget a stacked battle, this was going to be an uphill battle the entire way.

On the other hand, both Honoka and Shizuku were talented individuals whom Takuma wished to call upon for assistance in order to regain the Shippou Family’s rightful place. Takuma’s simple line of logic told him that if he could impress the two of them with his might here, they would be easier to persuade later down the line. –Well, this was nothing to knock a 15 year old young man for, seeing as Takuma’s mental age matched his real age. Broadly speaking, it was Tatsuya’s group that didn't seem like youngsters befitting their age.

A completely unfavorable position, as well as the rewards involved if he could beat the odds and obtain victory.

Faced with both Saegusa sisters, Takuma’s confusion only sharpened his fighting spirit.

On the other hand, Kasumi and Izumi weren't as invested as Takuma. Kasumi was just here because of Takuma’s one-sided meddling, though that was probably a falsehood, whereas Izumi felt like she had been roped along for the ride. Neither of them bore any particular feelings for the Shippou Family. To them, it was just irritating to be viewed hostilely, and so long as he kept to himself, they cared not the slightest that he had higher grades or was selected as the student representative.

In essence, neither of them cared for worldly status or reputation. Though they liked to be praised and detested being looked down upon, they were not the type to plot for their gain. On some level, this could be described as those blessed by the heavens lack nothing, but this wasn't because they wished for it either.

The two of them were of one accord when it came to “drawing a period on this irritating business”. For this, they needed to utterly crush him to the point that he would never dare to give provocation again. With this determination in mind, the two of them squared off against Takuma.

Practice Room #2 was even longer than the Practice Room #3 where Tatsuya faced off against Hattori one year ago. This was a classroom designed to use medium-range magic. The area extending one meter from the walls was colored in red.

Takuma stood in the blue area while Kasumi and Izumi stood in the yellow area.

Takuma was dressed in his usual school uniform and carried a pristinely bound book under his left armpit.

Kasumi and Izumi had changed into practice uniforms that maximized ease of movement, work clothes with long sleeves and pants made from heavy fabric. Typically, a sleeveless jacket with absorption properties would be worn on top of these clothes that would be worn during Outside Technical Exercises at the artificial forest behind the mountain, but right now neither of them wore this jacket. The skintight work clothes they wore perfectly displayed their delicate curves, but Tomitsuka appeared to be the only one present who had no idea where to look.

“The rules for this match forbid physical contact.”

Tatsuya made this declaration as he stood at the dividing line between blue and yellow areas. Forbidding physical contact referred to the rule that bodily contact was forbidden during this match, a common occurrence for matches between those of different genders unless special circumstances were involved (typically, matches between women also adopted this rule).

“I believe both sides already know this, but I will go over the rules again right now. Both sides are not allowed to step outside their colored areas. Either stepping into your opponent’s area or the red area would constitute defeat. You are forbidden from physically touching your opponent’s body. This rule also extends to contact by weapons. However......”

As he said this, Tatsuya sneaked a peek at Takuma’s face.

“Using long-range magic to manipulate weapons does not constitute an infraction.”

However, Tatsuya swiftly turned his gaze to a more neutral position between the two sides.

“Finally, fatal strikes or attacks that cause irrecoverable damage to your opponent are strictly forbidden. If I judge the situation to be at risk, I will forcibly end the match.”

For an instant, Takuma wore a derisive expression, which must be because he thought “bring it on if you can”. Though Tatsuya, Miyuki, Honoka, and Shizuku all noticed this, no one scolded Takuma for his disrespectful attitude.

“Then, both sides, prepare yourselves.”

Kasumi and Izumi shifted to the center of their area.

Takuma never moved from his position near the dividing line and let the book he held beneath his armpit flutter to the ground by his feet.

Tatsuya alternately switched his eyes between the three of their faces. As one, all three of them nodded.

Retreating to the wall, Tatsuya raised his right fist over his head before swinging it down forcefully.

With a flash of psions, they released their magic.

The ones launching magic attacks were Takuma and Kasumi, while Izumi was focused completely on defense with Zone Interference.

Alone as he was, Takuma was forced to attack and defend whereas Kasumi could focus entirely on offense.

The conditions clearly favored Kasumi. “What do you think?”

Shizuku whispered to Honoka.

“They appear to be even now, I think…...”

Honoka’s whispered response was not filled with confidence.

Kasumi primarily relied on Move-Type Magic, setting Takuma himself as the target for the blocks of air sent flying towards him. This strategy aimed at forcing her opponent out of bounds to win. For defense, Takuma relied on Data Fortification and physical obstacles.

On the other side, Takuma used Oscillation-Type Magic to directly counterattack, but once deterred by Izumi’s Zone Interference, he switched strategies to firing compressed air bullets gathered in his hands. This was a popular magic known as “Air Bullet” and, given its popularity, its effectiveness was guaranteed. However, Izumi’s Zone Interference was broader than he imagined and the Air Bullet immediately dissipated once entering her Zone of Interference, making it very difficult to land an effective attack.

“I get the feeling that Kasumi-chan doesn’t want to hurt Shippou-kun. That’s why the scope of her attacks has been restricted.”

“Indeed.”

“Shippou-kun, on the other hand…… Doesn’t look like he’s completely grasped how to use Air Bullet.” “Wouldn’t it be the same for Izumi?”

“Yeah. Without putting the entire room under her dominion like Miyuki does, using Zone of Interference alone is insufficient to completely block Air Bullet. The two of them are so inherently talented that they have neglected to put in the necessary hard work to perfect their skills.”

“They are new students after all.”

“That’s true. We were more or less just like them before the Nine Schools Competition.”

Although he was unable to hear Honoka and Shizuku’s conversation, Takuma was deeply conscious of the fact that “this can’t continue like this”. He frantically tried to settle his agitated heart and desperately searched for an opening while deploying his magic.

He didn’t feel that his Magic Power was inferior to theirs. He wouldn’t lose even 2-on-1 and he had the confidence that victory was his the moment he played his trump card. However, Takuma was aware that there was a high risk of injury to his opponents if he unleashed his trump card. Even though he was an upperclassman at First High, he didn’t believe that Tatsuya, who wasn’t a member of the 28 families, could stop his magic in time, but there was still the chance of him losing because he broke the rules. This was the source of Takuma’s hesitation.

However. (Not good!)

He was trying to think while operating magic in a combat situation. As expected, this was not going to work.

He used “Dissipate” on the block of air aimed at his back. After exchanging blows thus far, Takuma had more or less grasped the differences between him and his opponents. Kasumi had the edge when it came to scale of magic, chaining spells, and versatility. Takuma was stronger than Kasumi when it came to interference strength, but he was at an impasse with Izumi in that regard.

Since his interference strength was stronger and the Magic Sequence itself was fairly simple, Takuma was able to activate “Dissipate” in a short period of time and nullify Kasumi’s “Wind Hammer” at the last second. Regardless, air released from its compressed state buffeted Takuma’s back like a strong wind. Wind Hammer’s air compression was far lower than Air Bullet. While the released air was not sufficient to deal any damage to Takuma’s flesh, it was still enough to cause his posture to buckle. Takuma’s body tilted forward, causing the accuracy of his magic to drop.

The numerous variables behind Air Bullet included size of the bullet, degree of air compression, speed of the bullet as a fixed rate once incorporated into the Activation Sequence, direction of the shot, and farthest possible range, all subject to change depending on the amount dictated by the Magician. Although direction didn’t require verification with the naked eye, line of sight was publicly acknowledged to be the easier approach to aiming.

This was why Takuma’s Air Bullets began firing towards a lower angle. A lengthy distance away from Izumi’s feet, one of the bullets along its trajectory was caught by the Zone of Interference and released from its compressed state before impacting on the ground and rolling to Izumi’s feet.

With a small shriek, Izumi’s body was shaken by the wind. The unexpected wind surge caused her to lose her balance. Seeing this, Takuma immediately realized his error. It was only now that he realized that the Zone of Interference nullified the compression of the air and continuously applied acceleration, but did absolutely nothing to remove the kinetic energy of the air.

The sphere of empty air that had been neutralized in mid-air expanded outwards in all directions. In short, the ones near the ground that were expanding met resistance from the ground which limited the expansion directions. The kinetic energy of the forward motion was incorporated into the air currents expanding downwards to turn into a surge of wind blowing towards his opponents.

(In other words, I just have to keep shooting in directions that will only nullify the magic and not the attack itself!)

Takuma formed 7 Air Bullets in the space in front of him. They were formed at the points of a hexagon with one of them in the center. The one in the center fired first, followed swiftly by the other 6 bullets with nary a lapse in time.

The Shippou’s magic – magic devised by the 7th Research Lab was called Herd Control. Here, the term herd does not refer to a group of biological organisms, but instead referred to a group that was connected together without any rules. Multiple independent objects, or even phenomena, were manipulated together as if they were one body.

More than just causing several hundred ice pellets to land, this Herd Control could also be used on techniques aimed at one target. For the eldest son of the Shippou Family, causing 7 Air Bullets to fire together was a piece of cake.

The first bullet fell on Izumi’s Zone of Interference and detonated. However, the expanding air was immediately surrounded by the following 6 bullets and pressed forward again. In the end, the Air Bullets gradually lowered the density of the air until wind shrapnel rushed towards Izumi. “Ah!?”

Izumi did not call out because she was struck by the wind shrapnel, but cried out after being suddenly pushed to one side. The speed that Kasumi lunged at Izumi was obviously the result of magic. She must have altered the Move-Type Magic originally targeting Takuma to herself, ignoring the increased burden that the body brought on by the acceleration process of Move-Type Magic. This was the same even if it was her own magic, just as the side being pushed aside will also suffer the same harm. My chance has come, Takuma thought.

Takuma clapped his hands in front of his chest. Within his area, the nature of sound altered. The sound of Takuma’s clapping was amplified in volume and the sound waves were gathered together before being released at Kasumi.

Even if the Zone of Interference nullified the magic, the amplified volume would remain unchanged. Even if the gathered sound waves would spread somewhat, there should still be enough sound to rival a concussion grenade detonating at close range striking towards Kasumi. That should be more than enough to render her unconscious, or at least that was the plan.

Yet, Takuma’s sound wave attack was severed by the vacuum fault Izumi erected.

Air had been sucked away by the vacuum fault. The rush of wind accompanying the cacophony made a mess of Kasumi and Izumi’s hair. Kasumi’s short locks were one thing, but Izumi’s longer tresses were left in a chaotic state, yet all she did was lightly comb a hand through her hair and all was well.

“Kasumi-chan, are you OK?”

Raising her torso slightly, Izumi asked Kasumi, who was still pressing down on top of her.

“Thanks, Izumi. That was a close one just now.”

Kasumi replied back as she shifted her body away from Izumi.

Right now, Takuma continued to launch his attacks. Exchanging defensive duties, Kasumi and Izumi were barely able to hold him off.

Nonetheless, neither of them betrayed any hint of unease on their faces. “We appear to have underestimated this guy.”

“I don’t know about the term underestimate, but that appears to be the case.”

“This will be bad if it continues on like this.” “However, you don’t plan on losing, do you?” “Of course. Izumi, we’re going to use that.” “Yeah, Kasumi-chan. Just like usual.”

“I will shoot.” “I will raise.” “Counting down.” “Three.” “Two.” “One.” “Roles assigned!”

Immediately after Kasumi shouted out, the force of the magic roaring towards Takuma spiked exponentially.

Takuma immediately raised his phenomena interference strength around his back, head, and flanks. Detecting the harbinger of a hitherto incomparably powerful magic, Takuma channeled all of his offense into defense.

He felt that the magic targeted air molecules while gathering and moving them – so this must be a magic that controlled the air currents, but he had no time to continue observing. Instinct told him to erect an all directional, sealed barrier and Takuma was able to finish his defensive barrier first only because the design of the Magic Sequence for this magic was far less complex than the magic Kasumi and Izumi were about to invoke.

In the narrow framework of the classroom, a furious tornado began brewing. By the time the wind pressed down on top of his head and his entire body, the wind was everywhere around his back and sides. He was almost blown away along with the sealed barrier around him. With a barrier around him, the surface area impacted by the wind grew just as the pressure sustained would increase as well. Even with that being said, he couldn’t decrease the permeability or lower the size of the barrier. As a Magician, Takuma noticed that the level of nitrogen within the wind buffeting him had increased.

This was a magic that raised the level of nitrogen in the air as well as magic that moved blocks of air around. A combination of Gather-Type and Move-Type Magic, “Suffocating Turbulence”. A single breath of this air that was heavily deficient in oxygen would immediately render someone unconscious due to lack of oxygen. If he lowered the barrier to prevent being blown away by the turbulence, then he would immediately start running short of oxygen.

Beneath Takuma’s feet where he furiously stamped to right himself, the sound of the pristinely bound book’s pages being blown furiously by the wind could be heard as the pages continuously flapped in the wind. The book itself had not been blown away because the wind from the magic only blew at a height above the knees. The pristinely bound book that Takuma carried was a particularly heavy tome. Takuma looked at the back of the book that was printed with the same geometric symbols from the first page to the last and decided to use his trump card.

“This is…… Suffocating Turbulence?”

“Correct.”

In the face of Miyuki’s both shocked and amazed question, Tatsuya gave a concise confirmation.

“To be able to fluently wield such a high level magic, I guess I should say as expected of Saegusa-senpai’s younger sisters.”

“Still a little rough around the edges, but impressive nonetheless.”

On the level of neutralizing an opponent by using magic to induce a lack of oxygen, this magic probably belonged to the same category as Mayumi’s anti-personnel trump card “Dry Meteor”. Kasumi and Izumi probably devised this trump card due to Mayumi’s influence. Still, in terms of magic difficulty, Suffocating Turbulence was far more difficult than Dry Meteor. Though it was a hassle to gather a large amount of dry ice particles laced with carbon dioxide in the air beforehand, Suffocating Turbulence required constant maintenance of the molecular composition in the air as well as careful control of the air currents, rendering this an extremely difficult magic.

Kasumi and Izumi’s control of the air currents for Suffocating Turbulence was far too coarse, which was why Tatsuya said “still a little rough around the edges”, but this was definitely a high level magic that could not be seen at the high school level.

“So this is multiplicative magic…… No wonder people say that “the

Saegusa twins can only reveal their true strength when both are gathered together”.”

Strictly speaking, until this point Kasumi and Izumi had been using fundamental magic and only resorted to high level magic when pressed into a tight spot. As the one responsible for attacking, Kasumi didn’t use this spell not because she was unwilling or she was going easy on her opponent, but because Suffocating Turbulence was too difficult for Kasumi to use by herself.

Saegusa Kasumi and Saegusa Izumi bore the name “Saegusa twins” because of the special connotation behind that name as well as the unique characteristic that only the two of them had. It is only through their complete cooperation that they are able to use high powered, and highly difficult, magic that either one of them would not be able to on their own.

People who were not Magicians would think nothing of this, but this was an atypical phenomenon for Magicians. There existed large scale, high level magical techniques that relied on multiple Magicians casting the same spell. This was especially the case in Ancient Magic, though actual examples were quite few, but certainly not rare when it came to techniques passed down from generation to generation. However, this sort of magic ritual required chanting, worship, dance or similar mediums that used all 5 senses.

When multiple Magicians use the same magic at the same time, Magic Power was not additive. In this situation, only the spell of the Magician with the greatest Magic Power would activate, while the Magic Power from other Magicians would actually interfere with phenomena alteration. Magical rituals conducted by multiple individuals required consensus among Magicians to not overlap their Magic Sequences in order cast more complex or even gigantic Magic Sequences. Its major selling point or defining characteristic was allotting specific goals to each individual Magician, or even a task to be repeated over and over.

Yet Kasumi and Izumi were able to increase their Magic Power simply by using normal magic through usual assistance from their CADs. In addition, the two of them were not components of a Magic Sequence, but combined to form a single, greater Magic Power.

Kasumi loved to hurtle Magic Sequences at the target and Izumi gave it interference strength. Their Magic Power was multiplied rather than added together when casting magic. To be able to accomplish this, not only did their bodies have to contain the same hereditary genes, their mentality and unique magic calculation area had to be the same. Takuma might have determined that Kasumi was stronger in invocation speed and scale of design for Magic Sequences while Izumi was stronger in interference strength, that was actually a misunderstanding. The reason he was led to believe so was because that’s how Kasumi and Izumi wielded their magic, so the result would be the same even if they swapped roles.

This was purely a coincidence that could not even be replicated through genetic medication. This was the secret behind the power of the “Saegusa twins”.

Holding his breath and standing firm, Takuma fell to one knee and closed the book that was about to be blown to tatters by the wind. Immediately, Takuma once more opened the cover of the pristinely bound book. In that instant, every page within the book took to the skies like snowflakes fluttering in the wind.

The book Takuma brought contained 720 pages of foldable B5 paper. The book was 182mm wide and 256mm long (standard B5 paper was 182mm by 257mm). Excluding the 2mm on each page covered by the book covers (where the book was bound), the rest of the page was cut into little squares that were 4mm by 4mm. At that size, every two pages (one sheet) contained 2880 pieces. At 720 pages or 360 sheets, there was a total of 1,036,800 pieces of paper.

More than a million small paper squares flew along the turbulence like snowflakes towards the twins. Needless to say, those 4m by 4m squares weren’t just simple pieces of paper. Anyone who could capture those countless pieces of paper in their eyes could tell that those pieces of paper were not bending in the wind, like numerous thin, square-shaped blades with the hardiness of glass. At first glance, the million odd blades were dancing along without any organization whatsoever, but they were truly gathering around Kasumi and Izumi.

Kasumi and Izumi, as well as Tatsuya and Miyuki, knew very well that all of these paper snowflakes were being manipulated by man. They who knew the Shippou Family’s magic naturally knew what this magic was.

One of the trump cards of the Shippou Family, “Million Edge”. A magic that used Herd Control to manipulate over a million pieces of paper that turned into sharp blades to eviscerate the foe.

The twins continued to control Suffocating Turbulence as they employed another magic. By slamming blocks of air with large amounts of oxygen into the paper snowflakes, they were using adiabatic compression to create heated wind that surpassed paper’s burning point to ignite the paper blades.

This was an alternate form of “Heated Turbulence”. This was a type of magic that was another level higher than simply creating adiabatic compressed air blocks. They had activated this magic while Suffocating Turbulence was ongoing, but this was still within the boundaries of their abilities right now. The main subject of the 3rd Research Lab was the control of multiple magics at the same time. The 3rd Research Lab originally intended to test the boundary of how many magics could be activated at the same time as well as raising that boundary as part of their Magician Augmentation Project. Among the Magician Development Labs, the 3rd Research Lab was a rarity in that they were open with their findings, allowing the 10th Research Lab to also benefit from this finding. For the Juumonji Family that had mastered Phalanx, this helped them incorporate more magic and resulted in the ability to use multiple magics. As for the Saegusa Family Magicians who moved to the 7th Research Lab, even if it was high level magic, using two or three of them at the same time was no difficult task.

The tornado that disallowed any breathing devoured Takuma as the air that was heated above 500 degrees Celsius was about to burn the paper squares into a crisp.

Bathed in the heat that surpassed their burning point, the million odd blades under Takuma’s will were protected by magic as they thirsted for Kasumi and Izumi’s blood.

At this rate, Takuma would keel over due to oxygen deprivation and Kasumi and Izumi would be slashed to pieces by the countless blades that had not been burned up. It was readily apparent that the conclusion would leave both sides with permanent injuries.

“That’s far enough!” Tatsuya moved his right arm.

In his outstretched hand, a silver CAD flashed brilliantly. That was the pistol-shaped Specialized CAD, Silver Horn.

The Magic Sequences were torn to shreds and a surge of psions scattered those broken remnants.

As for Tatsuya’s voice declaring a halt to the match, who knew if that traveled to the consciousness of those three in battle?

In the midst of the silence brought on by the disappearance of magic, regardless of whether it was Takuma, Kasumi, Izumi, no one could understand what had happened as they stood there in a daze. As for whether everyone present was clueless as to what happened – that was not the case. In a word, the only ones who stood there dumbly were the three participants of this match, the three Year 1 students.

While Tomitsuka’s eyes had widened, he wasn’t wearing an expression of someone who had suffered a severe shock. Though there was some element of astonishment, it would be more appropriate to say that was an expression of awe after realizing what had occurred. As for the other three,

Miyuki, Honoka, and Shizuku all wore expressions that said “just as we expected from Tatsuya”.

In reality, only Miyuki alone truly understood what had just happened here. Still, the three Year 1 students could not even comprehend the fact that “Tatsuya’s Counter Magic had just nullified the magics coming from Takuma, Kasumi, and Izumi in an instant”.

“This match has resulted in both sides forfeiting the right to continue.”

As the referee, Tatsuya pronounced his judgment. At this time, the Year 1 students finally recovered from their frozen status.

“What the heck is going on!?”

The first one to question Tatsuya was Kasumi.

“I should have said this at the beginning of the match. Fatal strikes or attacks that cause irrecoverable damage to your opponent are strictly forbidden. If I judge the situation to be at risk, I will forcibly end the match.”

“Then, the result of the match is?”

Izumi was for more composed than her twin sibling, but her tone was harsher than usual as she asked her question.

“Both sides have lost the right to continue, ergo both sides have lost.”

This was not a draw, but a mutual defeat. Tatsuya intentionally said it this way to imply “there will not be another match”, but whether Izumi and company were able to understand the nuances remained unknown.

“But, Shiba-senpai, I believe that Suffocating Turbulence is different than Million Edge in that this is neither a fatal magic nor would it leave a lingering repercussion.”

Izumi meant that “Wasn’t Shippou-kun the one who lost because he broke the rules?”, a detail that Takuma immediately picked up on. Takuma was about to reply immediately, but Tatsuya beat him to the punch.

“Indeed, if the power is carefully controlled, then Suffocating Turbulence will not leave any serious repercussions on your opponent. However, Izumi, you two did not have that fine level of control.”

With Tatsuya visually interrogating with a “Is that not so?” look, neither of the twins spoke up.

“That is not the case!”

In place of the twins, which was not entirely the case, it was Takuma’s turn to contest Tatsuya’s decision.

“We would have determined the outcome prior to that happening!”

A spark – not out of delight, but out of interest – of interest flashed in Tatsuya’s eyes.

“Then you are saying that you believe you won?” “Indeed.”

Fearless in the face of Tatsuya’s cold gaze, Takuma continued arrogantly onward.

“The Saegusas’ Heated Turbulence failed to stop Million Edge. Before the Suffocating Turbulence could have breached my sealed barrier, I would have been able to attack the Saegusas!”

A trace of satire slipped into Tatsuya’s chilly gaze.

“Which is to say that had I not interfered, hundreds upon thousands of paper strips filled with burning heat would have shredded the delicate flesh of a pair of Year 1 female students. Is that the gist of what you are trying to say?”

Around them, there were at least two people who were trying to fight down their laughter.

Takuma flushed. The redness of his face was so apparent that anyone could see it.

“In that case, Shippou, this match ends in your defeat due to rules infraction.”

Before the excited Takuma could explode, Tatsuya made this declaration in a voice so cold that it was almost cruel. This was Takuma’s defeat. Before a steely voice that was cold as ice, even Takuma himself hesitated as to how he should argue this.

“I will not allow you to say that you are ignorant of what happens to those who take a hit from Million Edge dead on.”

Takuma was about to open his mouth and say something, but Tatsuya never intended to give him a chance to defend himself.

“Allowing an attack that is completely overkill is synonymous to allowing a mutual slaughter. Under the rules of this match, that is not allowed.”

“Then!”

Takuma appeared to be trying to free himself from the tremendous pressure being exerted on him by Tatsuya and fired back with more fervor than was necessary. Just squeezing out such a simple word plainly cost him a lot of energy.

“So you are saying that from the very beginning, once I used Million Edge I would lose!?”

“If you are unable to control its power, then that is the same as breaking the rules.”

“How can that be, that’s ridiculous!”

Tatsuya remained calm and collected while facing the enraged Takuma, an attitude that only served to fan the flames of Takuma’s fury. Seeing his agitated state, not only was his senior at the Club Activities Group, Tomitsuka, worried about him, even Takuma’s opponent up until this point, Kasumi, also shared that concern.

“That’s practically denying me my trump card even before the match has started! Isn’t that an extremely unfair match!?”

“Everyone’s conditions were the same. For the Saegusa siblings, high powered magic was also forbidden.”

Still, they were the only two who cared to debate the results. The Year 2 female students – Miyuki, Shizuku, and Honoka all watched Takuma with compassionate eyes.

“Bullsh*t! They don’t have magic that is powerful enough to be banned!”

“Suffocating Turbulence carries more than enough firepower. I didn't stop them in the beginning because they had controlled its power to within acceptable parameters.”

Takuma was struck speechless after Tatsuya spoke in a voice that couldn't even be called unpleasant by the widest of margins. Not only did he feel this from the cold gaze leveled at him from Tatsuya, Takuma felt that even the female upperclassmen were laughing at him. He frantically wracked his brain for a counterargument.

“However, Shippou, you were unable to finely control the strength of Million Edge.”

“That’s bullsh*t, I had perfect control of the spell!”

Takuma’s response was completely groundless and was only his reflex willfully using his emotions to make his decision. All of the Year 2 students present knew very well that Takuma could not completely control Million Edge.

If Tatsuya were to not only declare his own decision but also ask Miyuki, Shizuku, Honoka, and Tomitsuka to all voice their opinions, Takuma would have no choice but to concede. Setting aside Tatsuya’s people for the moment, if even Tomitsuka supported Tatsuya’s decision, then undoubtedly Takuma would have a hard time stubbornly sticking to his guns.

“I am the referee of this match, and I will determine victory or defeat. I should have said this in the beginning.”

Yet, Tatsuya failed to do so. Victory or defeat was determined by the referee. Tatsuya felt that there was no need to change that rule.

“—Ah, I get it! So you’re saying that the use of Million Edge constitutes overkill! Then you should have said so in the very beginning! If I knew that Million Edge was against the rules, I would have chosen another strategy!”

Takuma was ignorant of the fact that he was throwing a tantrum like a little child.

The gaze Tomitsuka leveled at Takuma changed from concerned to uneasy.

The look Miyuki directed towards Takuma switched from compassionate to piercing.

Nevertheless, Tatsuya continued to use cold logic to deal with Takuma’s ruckus.

“Stop sulking, Shippou. You were unable to control its power because you’re still immature. Regardless of whether it was forbidden, the inability to fulfill the requirements proves that you are still lacking.”

“You’re a Weed. You have no right to say that!”

The classroom suddenly…… fell silent. That silence was suffused with an almost painful anxiety.

Takuma’s originally flushed face now went deathly pale. He had never planned to go so far. It was almost as if all of his blood had rushed to his head, thus leading him to say something he could never take back.

Shizuku and Honoka had turned pale for another reason altogether. That was because they were fearful of the winter storm that was about to ravage this entire room. Fortunately, prior to that occurrence, Tatsuya opened his mouth.

“Are you displeased with what I said?”

Takuma also noticed that his statement was inappropriate on two fronts. “Weed” was a term that was taboo on campus. Furthermore, Tatsuya was an “exception” who had been promoted to Magic Engineering from Course 2 due to outstanding talent. Takuma thought furiously in order to recover from that blunder, but he had already been pressed into a corner and unable to restore his cool, so no solution came to his mind. Even so, Takuma still didn’t shut his mouth.

“Hmph…… I’m displeased only because of the unfair adjudication! The

Saegusas were able to control Suffocating Turbulence and I was unable to control Million Edge. Isn't that too much of a bias impression on Shiba- senpai’s part? I controlled Million Edge perfectly! Shiba-senpai is clearly favoring the Saegusa!”

“Shippou…… Your words are at odds with one another.”

Takuma allowed his emotions free reign as he allowed his mouth run wild like a child throwing a tantrum. The stunned voice that reprimanded the present Takuma came not from Tatsuya, but from Tomitsuka.

“If that situation had continued, your magic would have dealt damage to the Saegusa siblings that surpassed the bounds of this match. Didn't you already admit that?”

“That’s because the Saegusas used Heated Turbulence!”

Takuma’s words were not entirely illogical. Unfortunately, in this circumstance, these words only sounded like he was shedding responsibility.

“Enough, Shippou.”

An emotionless voice inserted itself into Shippou and Tomitsuka’s conversation.

Those words were issued from Kasumi’s lips.

“To be unwilling to admit defeat to this degree, let’s just call it your win.” “Kasumi-chan, is that really OK?”

Among those present that felt varying degrees of surprise, the one who asked Kasumi this was the one who knew her the best, Izumi.

“Yeah~, now that I think about it, we shouldn’t get so heated about something like this. No matter how you look at it, using multiplicative magic in an unofficial school match along with a combination of Suffocating Turbulence and Heated Turbulence is just plain overkill. Shiba-senpai is right about that.”

Just like her words, Kasumi appeared to have completely calmed down.

Not only did the look they sent Takuma not contain a trace of enmity, it was absolutely carefree.

“……If that’s what Kasumi-chan wants.”

Izumi easily accepted Kasumi’s words. Originally, she was only here to help out her older twin sister. Since Kasumi said that was fine, then Izumi wasn’t going to be a stickler for the result.

Takuma looked like he was unable to decide whether to speak or not. Although he wanted to angrily shout “Don’t be ridiculous!”, he also felt that was too shameful. In the end, no shout came from him. As he fell silent thanks to this unexpected shock, he was able to reclaim a level of rationality.

Kasumi walked towards Tatsuya with Izumi following behind her. “Shiba-senpai, I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Kasumi and Izumi both bowed to Tatsuya. The fact that 70% of Izumi’s attention was placed on Miyuki could probably be chalked up as her adorable part.

--While Takuma gritted his teeth and watched this scene. “Still, can I say something?”

Of course, just apologizing at the end of it all was not Kasumi’s style. Nay, it was more like not facing off against Tatsuya here was not Kasumi’s style.

“What is it?”

Unlike the expression he wore while conversing with Takuma, Tatsuya wore a wry smile here.

“I – we never lost control of our magic. Forcibly stopping the match there was the wrong call on senpai’s part.”

After spilling all of those words with a resolute look in her eye, Kasumi left the practice room without waiting for Tatsuya’s reply.

“Um, well.”

Switching back and forth between Kasumi’s back and Tatsuya’s face, Izumi was truly (and quite rarely) bewildered.

“Izumi.”

“Eh!”

Though this was plainly not completely unexpected, Izumi still jumped and went ramrod straight when Tatsuya called her name. Immediately afterward, Izumi lowered her head in shame at being tongue-tied.

Tatsuya never teased Izumi or put on a solemn expression. Instead, he continued speaking with a gentle expression.

“Please send a message to Kasumi for me. If she is unsatisfied, I am always willing to be the opponent for the two of you. That’s all.”

Was this because she was astounded? Izumi’s eyes widened. Still, Izumi immediately understood that Tatsuya was saying this because he was taking Kasumi’s feelings into account. This departed greatly from her previous impression of Tatsuya.

“……I understand, senpai. Thank you.”

Izumi replied to Tatsuya as she bowed deeply to Tatsuya without going too far or too shallow. When Izumi raised her head, she remained where she was for some reason.

“What is it?”

Tatsuya asked this question to Izumi. For the first time, Izumi gave Tatsuya a smile that came from the bottom of her heart.

“I think I’ve changed my mind a little about senpai. You do have areas that make you seem like Miyuki Onee-sama’s older brother.”

This went far beyond retort worthy and the might of this line rivaled that of a train wreck. In spite of this, probably because this was far too honest to wield a forked tongue against, Tatsuya said nothing as he watched Izumi leave with an “Excuse me” and another short bow.

After Kasumi and Izumi left the practice room, Takuma continued to stand there without a word. In the eyes of the Year 2 students, he had been abandoned, but Takuma himself didn’t think that way.

“Shiba-senpai.”

At least from his perspective, he had hoped to speak to Tatsuya without anyone else present, which was why he stayed behind.

“Is there anything else you want to say?”

Tatsuya voice remained chilly, but no one called him “immature”. Anyone who heard of the conversation that had occurred in this room would definitely lay the blame at Takuma’s feet. In truth, Takuma also thought this way after recovering his rationality. Yet, at the same time, he decided against apologizing because he felt that it was far too late to do that. Excluding his behavioral blunder, he was determined to reclaim his lost face.

“I still haven’t accepted this!”

“Still haven’t accepted what?”

“That I lost because I broke the rules.” “Shippou!”

Unable to hold it in any longer, Tomitsuka thundered at Takuma. However, Takuma kept his eyes locked on Tatsuya and never spared Tomitsuka a glance.

“What is your wish?”

Tatsuya was in position to seriously deny Takuma’s objection. In the first place, this match was designed to protect Kasumi and Takuma from the serious breach in school rules they had incurred. Protection was especially the case for Takuma, seeing as he committed the greater infraction that ran the risk of expulsion. Even if this was favoritism or a mummer’s farce, Takuma was in no position to make demands.

Even so, Tatsuya still inquired as to the source of Takuma’s dissatisfaction. Rather than calling Tatsuya a gentle soul, it would be more appropriate to say that he was the type who didn’t want to procrastinate when dealing with troublesome issues.

“Please allow me to prove it!” “Prove what?”

“Prove that I can control Million Edge perfectly.” “And how would you do that?”

“Please duel me. I will use Million Edge and force senpai to surrender without harming you!”

Takuma’s words caused Miyuki to lift a delicate eyebrow. Nevertheless, white darkness failed to suffocate the classroom.

Before her emotions could explode, there came the sounds of a furious impact and a human body hitting the floor. This unexpected turnout put a hold on Miyuki’s anger.

The one who fell to the floor was Takuma. The one who struck him down was Tomitsuka.

“……Tomitsuka-senpai?”

Towards a completely bewildered Takuma who was propping himself up with his hands,

“Shippou, don’t press your luck!”

Tomitsuka roared in absolute fury. Maybe Tomisuka’s face was originally unpleasant to look at, though not to the degree that he should be described as having the face of an enraged ghoul, this time he was truly livid.

“From the very start you’ve been sprouting these arrogant and disingenuous words…… Who the hell do you think you are? Huh? Or are you saying that the 28 families are allowed to behave like that?” “I…… I didn’t mean that.”

Takuma remained sitting on the ground as he seemed to mutter to himself. He maintained his posture of only sitting up with his upper body undoubtedly because this incredible shock had robbed him of any thought towards standing up.

Takuma truly never noticed. He never really noticed at all. Fixated on a place within the Ten Master Clans, he always looked upwards and never downwards. No, even if he did lower his head he never truly looked.

Just as Takuma never acknowledged the value of the Shippou Family absent its place among the Ten Master Clans, so too did he unwittingly look down upon the Magicians who didn’t even have the right to join the Ten Master Clans just as he derisively viewed his own father.

“Shippou. If you say you want to prove yourself, then I will be your opponent! Or are you saying that I’m not good enough for you? That “Range Zero”, the Tomitsuka trash of the Hundred Families, doesn’t have what it takes to be your opponent!?”

Maybe because he was completely overcome by Tomitsuka’s imposing manner, but Takuma kept crawling backwards on the ground. Was Tomitsuka about to press the attack home, or was Takuma about to demonstrate “how to flee with your tail between your legs”? Regardless of which one it was, the atmosphere in the practice room was filled eminent violence.

“Tomitsuka-kun, please relax.”

Just the situation became touch and go, Miyuki’s clear voice caused the atmosphere to calm down.

“Without approval from the Student Council President and the Public Moral Committee Chief, no duels are to be permitted. In addition, doesn’t Shippou-kun also need time to consider? And surely time to prepare the medium required to activate Million Edge, correct?”

“……That’s true. My apologies.”

Owing to Miyuki’s reprimand, Tomitsuka was slightly ashamed of his temporarily inflamed passions.

“Shippou-kun, can you stand?”

In place of Tomitsuka, who had retreated to corner, Honoka walked in front of Takuma. Though she was still upset with Takuma’s rude display towards Tatsuya, she wasn’t going to abandon an underclassman on the ground because of that. Based on that point alone, one could tell that Honoka was far too kind.

“I’m fine!”

Takuma swiftly scrambled to his feet. His face was red because a girl he was trying to draw to his camp had seen him discomfited – that was how Takuma chose to view this.

“Shippou, I have no inclination to play along with you. Tomitsuka, if you want to have a match with Shippou, it would be best if you spoke with Hattori first.”

“Eh? Ah, you’re right.”

Tomitsuka’s response started strong but faded down the stretch. Takuma stared in sullen silence at Tatsuya.

“Honoka, I’m sorry, could I bother you to lock the door?” “Of course, Tatsuya-kun.”

Tatsuya was surrounded by an aura of “don’t trouble me any further” as he swiftly departed.

With only Miyuki in tow.

Unfortunately, Tatsuya wasn’t able to escape so easily.

It was approximately 15 minutes since Honoka locked the doors and returned to the Student Council Room. Just as Tatsuya got to his feet and was about to head for home, the doorbell to the Student Council Room rang.

“I’ll get it. Please come in.” “Excuse me.”

After Azusa used the remote to disengage the lock, the one who came through the door was the Head of the Club Activities Group, Hattori.

Rather than saying he had a bad feeling, it was more appropriate to say that Tatsuya was sure something terrible was about to happen as he straightened in his chair.

Highly displeased, or maybe with a bitter scowl, Hattori walked towards Azusa.

Sitting at the desk, there was no hint of trepidation from Azusa’s part, a detail that surprised Tatsuya quite a bit.

“Nakajou, this is very difficult for me to say, or maybe I should say this is ridiculous……”

“Hattori-kun, what is the matter?”

In Azusa’s shoes, that was all she could say.

“I’m sorry, I need to request another permission slip for a match.” “Again!? Who is it this time?”

Under these circumstances, the fact that Hattori said nothing defamatory about anyone was a testament to his character.

At the very least, he had a better sense of duty than Tatsuya, who had already foreseen this possibility and had chosen to protect himself by not reporting anything.

“It’s Tomitsuka and Shippou.” “Shippou-kun again……?”

The deep creases in between Hattori’s brows indicated that he was of the same sentiment as Azusa.

“……I felt that there were a few problems with his attitude when he refused to join the Student Council. This time is the same and, to be honest, I think that he needs a serious beating to help him reflect.”

Miyuki and Honoka both nodded at this, but Hattori didn’t see them.

“Still, it’s a shame about his talent. I feel that if he was just a little more humble, he could be capable of great things.”

Again, Hattori missed the visual conversation between Miyuki and Honoka that went something like this “What do you think?” “Unlikely”.

“I think that in order to take him down a notch, making him suffer a little would be far more effective than chewing him out.”

“So that’s the reason behind this match…… Will Tomitsuka-kun be OK as the opponent? If it’s for that sort of reason, wouldn’t Sawaki-kun or even you yourself, Hattori-kun, be a little better?”

With Katsuto, Mayumi and Mari graduating, the strongest students on the surface at First High turned into Hattori and Sawaki. (“Turned into” was just how the students phrased it, as there was no elimination tournament to determine this.)

“I considered teaching him a lesson myself, but Tomitsuka strongly requested for him to do it. Thus far, Tomitsuka has been responsible for training Shippou and he is definitely more than capable of doing this. Thus, this time I want to hand it over to him.”

“Is this really going to be OK?”

Isori had been sitting quietly by listening to Hattori up until now and lent his support.

“Tomitsuka-kun is very strong. Just as Hattori-kun said, he is definitely more than capable.”

Owing to the respective specialties of the two families, there was a substantial relationship between the Tomitsuka and Isori Families. Though their private relationship wasn’t close, there was nothing strange about Isori Kei knowing the limits of Tomitsuka Hagane’s might.

“Furthermore, Tomitsuka-kun has an earnest personality. Even under those circumstances, his personality didn’t become twisted. I think that it is unlikely that there would be an unwelcome result if we allowed him to have a match with Shippou-kun.”

Azusa knew about this, which was why she easily accepted Isori’s suggestion.

“What day do you want to request? The school is about to close today so that’s out of the question.”

In response to Azusa’s question, Hattori had prepared an answer ahead of time.

“Two days from now.”

“Is it OK if it’s not tomorrow?”

“That’s because I don’t want him to use continuous battles as an excuse. Leaving a day to prepare in between would be better.”

“Two days from now would be Saturday. I’m not sure the practice rooms will still be open after school……”

Azusa said this as she opened up the screen regarding facilities requests.

“Ah, there’s an opening at 3pm in Practice Room #3. Would one hour be enough?”

“Can you keep two hours open?” “Hm~, no problem.”

Although she was a little surprised at Hattori’s request, Azusa still did as he requested and completed the scheduling request.

“Then, I will grant the permission slip ahead of time.” “Sorry for bothering you.”

Hattori nodded to Azusa in thanks. Azusa snickered happily. “……What’s so funny?”

“I feel that Hattori-kun is becoming more like Juumonji-senpai.”

To Azusa, this was undoubtedly praise. However, Hattori personally felt that he and Katsuto were two entirely different types of people. From his perspective, this was like saying he was imitating Katsuto to help bridge the gap between the two of them, something that definitely put him in an odd mood.

◊ ◊ ◊

At the entrance to the living room, Miyuki was watching her brother sitting on the sofa after he had changed into casual clothes with worried eyes.

On the way home from school, Tatsuya seemed to be thinking about something. Still, this was just Miyuki’s personal feelings on the matter as Tatsuya’s attitude was no different than usual. He would respond any time he was asked. Not only would he respond when prompted, he also asked Minami for her thoughts on school life as well as whether today’s events were circulating among the Year 1 students.

However, despite everything appearing to be normal, Tatsuya was unquestionably troubled by something, Miyuki sincerely believed. This was not whether she had observation skills, but the idea that her brother was troubled by something was passed to her heart.

This might be what they call a heart-to-heart connection.

Miyuki strongly felt that this was a recent development. At times she felt like this was telepathy, and at other times she didn’t. No matter what the truth behind this feeling was, Miyuki was overjoyed at this turnout. Just being able to feel connected to her brother’s heart filled Miyuki with happiness.

For Miyuki, to be able to detect her brother’s troubles was something to be cheerful about. However, precisely because of this, Miyuki paid extra heed to what Tatsuya was troubled about. Since she knew that her brother was upset, there was no way Miyuki would pretend to be oblivious.

“Onii-sama.”

In the end, Miyuki elected to ask him directly. Even if their hearts were connected, this wasn’t telepathy, so there was no way to read each other’s thoughts. Yet, even if she did have the power of telepathy, the idea of reading her brother’s thoughts was so preposterous to Miyuki that she would never do this. Even if there was something she could accomplish with her power, she could not serve as her brother’s strength if she did not know what to do. (As a side note, in the 21st century, research has proven that telepathy can only read superficial thoughts that had been converted into words.)

After receiving her brother’s permission, Miyuki sat directly across from Tatsuya and questioned Tatsuya with a quibbling expression on her face (that she was unaware of).

“Onii-sama, is something on your mind?”

Even if this was a direct strike, this sort of questioning was probably a little too direct. Even Tatsuya looked at his sister with a dumbfounded expression, though that might be precisely the reason why he didn’t try to muddy the issue.

“I’m just a little concerned about the circumstances surrounding Shippou.”

“……Onii-sama. If you ever feel that you’re unable to forgive his insolence, please let me know.”

“Wait, wait, Miyuki. Don’t be so hasty.”

Seeing the malicious glint flashing in the depths of Miyuki’s eyes that bordered on killing intent, Tatsuya frantically waved his hand left and right.

“Though it is true that guys’ attitude is very rude, I don’t mind in the slightest. Furthermore, when it comes to taking attitude with our elders, I’m in no position to say anything.”

“Nothing of the sort. Onii-sama is always the model of impeccable behavior.”

Although Tatsuya knew that this sort of response from Miyuki was practically reflex now, he wasn’t going to debate this point now.

“What concerns me is why Shippou is pushing himself so hard. Refusing to join the Student Council, tangling with the Saegusa Family, even willing to antagonize upperclassmen.”

“Isn’t this because he never thinks about anything?”

Hearing his sister’s fiery opinion, Tatsuya couldn’t help but laugh even though he knew that she was being serious.

“No, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Shippou has a powerful drive to elevate himself. Seeing him, I feel that he’s not someone who would be hung up about not being part of the Ten Master Clans.”

“……But if that’s the case then this doesn’t make sense. Normally, people would want to get into the Student Council to forge relationships.” “I also think that would be normal.”

Miyuki seemed to have a revelation as she covered a corner of her mouth with one hand.

“Then, do you mean there’s something abnormal in the background? Is that what Onii-sama believes?”

“Well, that may be the case……”

Just as Tatsuya was hesitant about speaking, Minami stepped into the living room accompanied by a verbalized “Excuse me”.

In her hands, she held a tray holding several coffee mugs.

Seeing this, Miyuki wore an “Oh no” expression. Miyuki darted a malevolent expression at Minami, but Minami naturally averted her gaze as if she had not seen it.

“I brought the coffee.” “Ah, thank you.”

Though Tatsuya was aware of the ongoing visual hostilities, he made no foolish venture to proactively intercede on this subject.

“That’s right, I also wanted to hear Minami’s opinion on this. Could you please take a seat?”

The reason Tatsuya said this was not because Minami was better than Miyuki at speculation.

Miyuki had been too heavily influenced by Tatsuya’s cognitive style. Her perspective on anything would share Tatsuya’s inclination on the subject. Tatsuya highly regarded this as a method to fill in the gaps of his own analysis, but now he wanted to hear the opinion from another perspective.

“Very well.”

Despite saying this, Minami failed to sit down and remained standing by the table side. In her, Tatsuya saw a rigid adherence to professionalism, so he didn’t waste any time pressing the issue.

“Minami, what is your impression of Shippou Takuma?”

“He is a foolish person who is unable to discern his own worth.” Minami’s reply contained no trace of hesitation.

Across from Minami, Miyuki nodded her head with enthusiasm. Seeing this from the corner of his eye, Tatsuya reflected that “he asked the question poorly” and treated the ensuing headache as a misconception (not that it was really a physical headache anyways).

“—And the reason why you think this is?” Tatsuya opted to listen to her rationale first.

In regards to this question, Minami again made no hesitation before answering.

“He’s like a mad dog. He bites while completely disregarding the difference in his opponent’s strength or the stakes. That sort of universal attacking stance is almost like he believes that he’s the strongest or he must be the strongest.”

Minami appeared to be quite outraged with Takuma as she atypically invested a lot of words to describe her opinion.

“Must be the strongest, eh……”

Though he had no way of telling how deeply Minami had thought of this, Tatsuya felt that her line of thinking might unexpectedly be the right one.

“So who is the one responsible for inciting him so?”

Tatsuya’s question was directed to neither Miyuki nor Minami. This was only to help organize his own thinking much like talking to oneself, but Miyuki misunderstood him.

“Incite…… Is it the educational policy of the Shippou Family? Like the eldest son of the Shippou Family must be stronger than anyone…… Or something like that.”

Strictly speaking, Miyuki’s hypothesis was more in line with the Yotsuba’s modus operandi. However, the three people present had so long been immersed in the Yotsuba doctrine that they remained unaware of this detail.

“No, I heard rumors that the head of the Shippou Family, Shippou Takumi, has a personality that is prudent enough to be called a little cowardly. If this is the Shippou Family’s policy, then even ignoring their true feelings for the moment, they should be a little more focused on self-preservation.”

“Tatsuya Onii-sama. I believe that rather than saying that Shippou Takuma has been incited onward, it may be more appropriate to say that this is the result of showering him with flattery.”

Miyuki was the one who reacted to Minami’s phrase.

“So there’s someone who doesn’t share Shippou-kun’s interests and is trying to use him?”

“I haven’t thought much on this level…… But I think what Miyuki Onee- sama said is correct.”

Next to where Miyuki was nodding in agreement with Minami’s words, Tatsuya also nodded internally. A crueler way of assessing Takuma was that he was being played for a fool. That was the sentence that came from Tatsuya’s heart when he thought about the series of events Takuma instigated.

“Definitely something to be concerned about. So what is their goal……

Maybe we should investigate?” “Are you going to ask sensei?”

Miyuki asked if they were going to call on Yakumo, then, “Need to send a line to Kuroba-sama?”

Minami proposed activating the Kuroba, “No.”

To which Tatsuya shook his head to both ideas.

“I do not want to bother sensei over such a vague topic, nor can we ask for Oba-sama’s assistance. That being said, going solo is……”

Tatsuya shook his head as if to dispel the cobwebs.

“Leaving him alone gives me a bad premonition…… There’s nothing I can do, we can only wait and see for the moment.”

Though this was a very passive conclusion, Tatsuya could not think of any other alternative. If an act of violence occurred in front of him then he alone would be sufficient to handle it, but investigations required time and manpower. This was another case altogether with a hacker of Sanada or Fujibayashi’s skills, but right now he did not possess such abilities. Tatsuya honestly decided to give up, but……

The god (devil?) of trouble appeared to have chosen him to be their herald.

Just as Tatsuya finished his coffee and rose to his feet, the telephone rang. Checking the caller ID displayed on the monitor, Tatsuya furrowed his eyebrows in surprise. The one who called was Fujibayashi Kyouko.

“Hello, this is Shiba.”

Cooperating with his response, the monitor in the living room began to function like video call in action.

“Tatsuya-kun, good evening. It shouldn’t be time for dinner yet. Do you have time to talk right now?”

“Yes, that’s no problem.”

As he replied back, Tatsuya signaled towards the other two next to him. “Ah, both Miyuki and Minami-chan are welcome to listen in.”

That was normally the signal for the two of them to leave, but Fujibayashi acted first to have them stay. Was she trying to drag the two of them in, Tatsuya’s might be overthinking this, but he was alarmed at how knowledgeable Fujibayashi’s tone was when talking about Minami.

“In reality, this is in regards to the ruckus caused by the eldest son of the Shippou Family today.”

“Please wait a moment.”

Tatsuya interrupted Fujibayashi mid-sentence. The important news she was talking about was not something that he could just honestly accept from her without questioning.

“How do you know about this? Unlike the selection for the Nine Schools Competition, this wasn’t publicized at all. Don’t tell me you sent an agent to infiltrate First High?”

Hearing Tatsuya’s question, Fujibayashi’s expression was that of someone trying hard not to laugh.

“Looks like I should give her a reward. After all, Tatsuya-kun hasn’t noticed that he’s under observation.”

“Observing me, eh……”

Tatsuya wore a slightly darkened expression as he asked this.

“Hm~, actually a little different. Not observing you, but observing the people around you. Looks like she has faithfully adhered to the orders not to observe you or Miyuki. That’s probably why she has escaped Tatsuya- kun’s notice until now.”

“Why…… No, because I’m a Strategic-class Magician, right?”

“Why of course, isn’t that obvious? How could the military just leave a Strategic-class Magician all defenseless like that?”

Completely free of guilt, Fujibayashi readily admitted to checking in on him.

“Let’s just assume I asked who it is.”

“Of course, there’s no way I can tell you.”

Tatsuya sighed and gave up pursuing this subject. Originally, Tatsuya wasn’t exactly a member of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion with no strings attached. In addition, regardless of whether they were companions, he could understand the logic behind taking heed of a Strategic-class Magician’s movements.

“I understand…… So, what about Shippou?”

Seeing Tatsuya setting aside this conversation and wearing an expression as if the conversation up to this point had never happened, Fujibayashi adopted the same expression she wore when this phone call began.

“I’m just thinking, you wouldn’t happen to want to know who’s their support, would you?”

Just as before, she said a phrase that hinted that she overheard everything Tatsuya and company had just been discussing.

“…...Why would you think that?”

However, even against Fujibayashi, Tatsuya wasn’t so lax that he missed the bugs planted in his own house. And even if his house had been tapped, Fujibayashi and her commander wouldn’t be so stupid as to allow Tatsuya to catch wind of this.

The Shippou Family was one of the 18 replacement families that supported the Ten Master Clans. There was someone out there heavily influencing the son who would be inheriting that family. That existence was an unstable element that could not be ignored by the Independent Magic- Equipped Battalion that saw magic as a critical element in national defense. Alternately, they had already obtained detailed information.

In regards to Tatsuya’s question, she gave of the two answers he was expecting.

“Because I am interested.”

However, accepting this answer literally was quite dangerous. This was not entirely a lie, but at the same, it was not the entire truth.

“Then, want to go looking with me? I just wanted to propose that.” Still, her proposal was exactly what he was looking for. “Specifically speaking, what do I do?”

“Leave observing his dwelling to me. I was hoping Tatsuya-kun could pay a visit to Shippou-kun’s supporter.”

“I was actually hoping you would make that arrangement…… But why?”

“Because based on our jurisdiction, we should not be interfering with affairs within the nation. If it’s Tatsuya-kun, then can’t you use the excuse of an upperclassman at school acting out of concern for an underclassman? However, even under those circumstances, it’s not like we can ask a student to do something dangerous like that.”

But I’m OK!? A retort like that never materialized in Tatsuya’s mind. “I understand. If that’s the case please allow me to offer my services.”

“I will contact you immediately if we detect any movement. Then Miyuki, based on the above conversation, I will be borrowing Tatsuya for a little bit.”

Hearing Miyuki’s flabbergasted confirmation, Fujibayashi said her goodbyes to Minami as she hung up the phone.

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