Published at 26th of March 2019 2:12 am

Volume 24, Chapter 3

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

On Monday, when Raymond Clark in the form of “the first sage ” performed on TV, the population’s interest in Taurus Silver rose sharply. But the next day the interest began to away, and today, on Wednesday, it has ceased to be a topic for discussion among ordinary people.

There are no people who do not know the famous Taurus silver in the magic. However, those who can use magic make up only one thousandth from the adult population. But this does not mean that 99.99% of people live without magic, because some people have to do with magic in the role of engineers, managers, politicians, soldiers and other civil servants, even without the ability to use magic in practice.

In recent years, even people who are engaged in magic began to appear, while speaking for Antimagizm.

Quite a few citizens indirectly benefit from the use of magic for public order, national defense and disaster response. However, most people still live without a direct relationship to magic.

Magic is not a necessary factor for the life of modern society. At least in a social environment where you can live peacefully. Thus, even if the innocent magicians (better to say whose guilt is unknown) and harassed, they treat it indifferently. Being indifferent, you will not feel guilty.

Even if one Alvin, known as Taurus Silver, tries to impose a future contrary to his will, for ordinary people it was no more than one of the TRETESORTNYH articles in the newspapers.

In the evening, when Tatsuya arrived at the temple of Kjutjodzi, this situation still remained unchanged.

18:45. Tatsuya left the train booth at a stop in front of the steps leading to the gates of the Kjutjodzi temple.

Nobody was with him. To come alone was one of the conditions that Tatsuo todo Aoba.

The Tatsuya from the booth looked slowly on the sides. Although he consciously acted so conspicuously to check… I mean, to show that he’s checking that there’s some kind of security around here, and that he’s on the lookout, but he really couldn’t find any signs of the observers.

The signs of persecution were, but they disappeared just before he arrived at the foot of this hill, so it seems he was not mistaken.

It wasn’t a coincidence. Perhaps the disciples of Yakumo (or even Yakumo himself) took care of it. As Yakumo does not trust the reception of the guests (even if it is not invited guests) to inexperienced people making mistakes, Tatsuya decided that he did not need to worry about it.

Whom he should worry about—it’s about himself. Even Yakumo should not interfere with a personal conversation with the famous Todo Aoboj, a secret player in the backstage arena of political and business world. But you can’t be completely sure of that. Perhaps this place was chosen to check out the Tacuju.

Given this opportunity, he arrived 15 minutes early just in case. But if Yakumo is serious, it is extremely doubtful that so much time is enough. With thought, no matter how overzealous, Tatsuya went up the stone steps.

Unfortunately, Tatsuya fears have come true.

Roughly in the middle of the path along the stone steps, the space around suddenly contorted. He was shown the illusion that the ladder began to increase… No, that he himself began to shrink.

He realized that his consciousness was affected by magic. This characteristic continuous effect was the peculiarity of ancient magic. Modern magic, on the contrary, gave importance to speed, and it did not have such features as long action to maintain the effect.

Now Tatsuya saw his real field of view and illusory picture overlapping each other. This was because Tatsuya, pushing out an interruption of spells trying to penetrate his mind a sequence of magic, reads the contents of these sequences of magic.

Even with magic acting on the Mind (Pushionovoe information body), the sequence of magic was in the form of a Psionovogo information body. Although Tatsuya was not able to use the magic of psychic intervention, but if the sequence of magic is in a state where the activation is not yet complete, he could defend against the magic of the enemy or even intervene in the spell. The magic caused him to take time to activate, which was his hand. If it were not Tatsuya, he would already become a prisoner of illusion.

But he did not fall under the magic of illusions. This should have already been known Sotvorivšemu this magic Yakumo. Kokonoje Yakumo was not a naïve adversary, continuing to use those methods that have already shown that they do not work. Once does not work Genjutsu *, then go to the next…

[The same magic of illusions, just apparently a term from ancient magic.]

“… Physical attack “It happened at the same time as Tatsuya said it to himself. On two sides he was attacked by cutting vortexes.

These were not vacuum blades. It was magic, which, supporting in the air crushed stone powder, uplotnjonnyj in the form of ultra plates, sent them to the flight with high speed.

On the edges of the stone steps there was no hedges, there was a grove. Tatsuya instantly decomposed four flying blades, flown from the darkness, which was literally nothing recently.

Of course, the Yakumo attack should not have ended with this. A man named Kokonoje Yakumo was not so kind as to (even when he is not serious) to finish a case with two types of attack, Genjutsu and cutting vortexes.

The stone steps, which now went Tatsuya, were not so long. This evening was cloudless and the moon shone. He was to be able to see the temple Gate even at night, but now everything in front was filled with impenetrable darkness.

And from this darkness flew arrows.

Sounds closed not heard. He could not feel the signs of magic, damped sound, and the signs of magic workflow arrows. Was it a magic trick to let out arrows without a sound, or a bow made to not make a sound when shooting?

Sending this thought to the far corner of the mind, Tatsuya sent the bulk of the consciousness to the rain of the arrows.

He laid out all the arrows as one aggregate. Applying magic, Tatsuya finally noticed that the arrows are intangible.

“Magic of false information bodies!? “It was not a simple illusion. It was Genjutsu, influencing the information dimension and Obmanyvajushhee vision, “seeing ”

“Information “. This is a magic of the same type as the “Parade ” in which Lina is good.

It was a trick to expect that the attack would be something tangible.

Tatsuya aggravated all five senses and ran up the stone steps. There were signs of presence in front.

Tatsuya not stop and did not slowly and cautiously move forward, but at the same time could not suppress in itself a sense of surprise, that carries out so directly.

In this battle, now Tatsuya first discovered the location of the enemy.

Sharpened hearing caught the sounds of rustling clothes.

Heightened smell of incense, which was impregnated clothing.

Heightened sight noticed the contour of the figure, which came out of the darkness. The figure was above him on the ladder.

Being below, Tatsuya was in a clearly disadvantaged position. Tatsuya jumped.

When he was at the same height as the enemy, he pulled his leg forward in the blow, without fear that the situation would become uncomfortable.

The enemy curved the upper part of the body and dodged from the kick in the jump Tatsuya. Flying past the remaining enemy, Tatsuya landed on a stone stage.

Now Tatsuya was higher. But now Tatsuya was in an insecure position, rotated back to the enemy.

Heightened touch caught the airflow. The enemy’s attack was on the back. Using an instant call, Tatsuya activated the magic of motion.

The magic activated with an instant call had a small scale and a low power. Only the speed could be called the only advantage. But if you need to move only 60 centimeters, then with the instantaneous call parameters, it was not a problem. and to evade the enemy’s fist, the distance of 60 centimeters is also enough.

When the enemy’s direct punch overcame a distance of 30 centimeters, the Tatsuya was already 2 degrees higher. The enemy’s attack ended in a blunder. Tatsuya turned around and prepared to attack at the same time as the enemy began to move forward.

The edge of the palm of the Tatsuya was at the enemy’s neck. The enemy’s

Fist (Yakumo) was at Boca Tatsuya. Both of them stopped their hands on the verge without causing a blow.

Master. It was a pretty rude greeting.

It’s almost time. Come along. His Excellency is waiting.

Tatsuya looked at the watch. They showed 18:50. It’s only been five minutes since he started climbing the stone steps. Tatsuya didn’t think he could fight Yakumo in just such a short time. It seems that Yakumo himself has chosen how long it will take.

Although Tatsuya limited itself so as not to cause damage to the environment, but in this battle Tatsuya was serious. However, Yakumo was able to act so as to take the schedule into account. With a little regret, Tatsuya realized that he was still far from Yakumo.

When Tatsuya entered the main hall of the temple, there was no dust on his suit. All consequences “pranks ” Yakumo have been removed “recovery “.

Yakumo led him into the inner room. Todo Aoba expected in the side room, which led the passage to the right of the main premises of the temple (where there is an altar of deity, which pray in the temple).

He had a suitable shave head for a Buddhist temple. However, he was wearing a high-class business suit, clearly sewn to order. He ease held his back straight, his shoulders were wide, and the lower part of the body was also a dense physique. Drjahlenie from old age was already noticeable, but when he was young, he was undoubtedly a strong guy.

But at the same time, on his head, just below his bald barest distinctive feature.

These bulging eyes under thick gray eyebrows. His face is not beautiful, it could be called Majestic. However, its turbid-white left eye caused a strange feeling of oppression of the interlocutor. This left eye created an impression of heterogeneity.

Tatsuya also paid attention to this left eye. He realized that he had already met this old man in this temple in January of this year, the 4th number, to be more precise. And not quite met, he only saw Todo from his back when he was leaving the temple. Todo then turned and looked at Tacuju with his murky white eye, but said nothing and left.

“Can I start introducing myself?”

“asked Tatsuya after sitting down on his knees and bowed.

At first he thought it would be better to sit quietly until Yakumo to present him, but then he felt that in this case he would be captured in the blink of an eye by the opponent’s pace.

Authorize.

The answer Todo would sound like a anachronism if he were to be said by another person, not by him. But the voice of Todo perfectly fit his manner of speech.

Nice to meet you. My name is Shiba Tatsuya. It is a great honor for me to meet you.

“I am todo Aoba. Jocuba Tatsuya, I’ve been looking forward to seeing you.

Todo called Tacuju “Jocuboj tacuej ” instead of “Shiboj tacuej “. Tatsuya, who was still in the bow, did not reacted on these words.

You can raise your head. Permission to answer directly.

Tatsuya straightened out like he was told. He did not took look, but looked todo straight in the eye. So he interpreted the meaning of the “direct response authorization “. But neither Todo himself nor yakumo him for that reproached.

I heard from Maya. That you want to explain something to me.

Yes.

Tatsuya didn’t use such standard phrases, like, “Could you give me your time? ” or “Could you listen to me? “. He intuitively understood that todo not need such formalities.

I’m listening to you. “And Todo, indeed, immediately asked to go to the main topic.

-In short, I have a plan to build a plant that produces energy resources using magic.

Tatsuya said this as a preface, and began explaining the details of the “project escapes “. Todo not interrupt Tacuju and listened to his whole story to the end.

Clear. “Todo said after Tatsuya finished the story, saying he wanted to have a press conference as a means of retaliation in an information war announced by two Clarks, Edward and Raymond.

“Then, can you allow me to go out in front of the media?

I have permission. You can also use my connections to ask others for cooperation.

Thank you very much.

Although Tatsuya said so, he felt no joy but vigilance. He alerted that everything went too well.

Consent was not to be unconditional. There must have been some conditions. He was afraid he would be put in some impossible conditions.

By the way, I want to ask you something.

What’s that?

Tatsuya answered, without changing the expression of his face, but he could not get rid of the feeling that he was trying to evade the question.

Todo may have noticed the alarm Tatsuya, but did not take advantage of it.

“In your explanation, you mentioned that you are not looking for political power.

Yes.

More precisely, he said that he is not going to ask for more powers, if it does not interfere with the work of the plant, but he was not required to demand political power, so did not dare to correct the said Todo.

I’m not just talking about the power plant. The power you possess is incomparable to anything in your power. It’s not just that it exceeds the limits expendable for one person. In fact, this is not something that may be allowed to organizations other than the state.

Tatsuya didn’t mind that. He himself seriously considered the same as Todo said. But despite this, Tatsuya was not going to give up his power or trust her to anyone.

“Why do you use this power?” What do you want to achieve with this force?

A happy life.

Tatsuya responded immediately without showing any hesitation. Hearing this answer, Todo clearly frowned eyebrows.

“Are you saying that this undeserved power for one man is only used for one’s own sake? And that you are not interested in the welfare of society and the preservation of the state?

“A happy life is impossible without the well-being of society. Also, I believe that at the current stage of human development, the existence of States is absolutely necessary for the maintenance of public order.

“I mean, do you mind giving your power to the state for your own well- being?”

-I would not use such arrogant phrases as “giving power “… But if you look from the standpoint of public order and national Defence, you, Your Excellency, have rightly said.

That’s good. Jocuba Tatsuya.

Todo again called Tacuju “Jocuba Tatsuya “. They sat opposite each other and looked into each other’s eyes. Seeing the expression of the face of Todo, Tatsuya realized that he was not mistaken, and said so intentionally.

I want you to do what I used to do. Be the deterrent force of this country.

The words of Todo puzzled Tacuju.

“In what sense to be deterrent force? Does he want me to officially announce that I am a user of magic “explosion of matter “? But it cannot be called “the same as before.”

—… You want me to declare myself a Wizard of strategic class? -Tatsuya decided not to waste time, rewinding his thoughts in a deadlock, and directly asked Todo about his intentions.

-Now it is not necessary. But if you need to, do it.

Does that mean that in case of a military threat, I have to confront her? Like in the fall of 19th year?

At the end of October 19th, Tatsuya destroyed the fleet of the Great Asian alliance with the magic of strategic class. Does it mean that he will have to play this role again in the future?

“Deterrent power is the ability to avoid the threat of becoming a reality. The ability to confront a military threat that has become a reality is a conventional military force, not a deterrent force. The power of deterrence is something that is desirable should not be used.

But it probably wasn’t what Todo wanted.

You don’t understand?

“It’s a shame to admit it, but it is.

In fact, he didn’t fully understand what Todo said. But Tatsuya decided not to speculate, but just to ask the right answer.

There’s nothing complicated for you. It is enough to deter other countries instillinging fear in them.

“Understandable “,-mentally agreed Tatsuya. This was roughly the same as the conclusion he came to.

Apparently, Todo wanted Tatsuya to play the role of the Demon King. But not the king of demons, as in the RPG, which must destroy the hero. And such a transcendental being, like the god of calamities, who’s you a cataclysm if you raise your hand.

“Your Excellency has previously said that it is desirable that deterrent force should not be used. But to scare the enemy, because you need to show their strength?

-If there is a need to demonstrate, reuse will be inevitable. I’ll leave that decision behind you.

And it seems that he will not have to choose the remedy. Tatsuya recently wondered whether deterrent force was a necessary evil.

To change the activity of magicians from military sphere to civil. As a result, that part of the military force, which is piled on the shoulders of magicians, will be reduced.

Magic is a force that is somehow unrelated to the amount of material resources. The wizards that provide combat power are the aspect that even small countries can confront large countries with many resources.

If the magicians ‘ fighting power is not grasped, small countries will likely not be able to confront large countries. Unfortunately, it is easy to predict a future in which the world will plunge into the era of war if the four major world powers notice it and begin to absorb the world. And if the world is again enveloped in the fire of war, the wizards will start using them as weapons. Trying to improve the lives of magicians is a vicious cycle.

Perhaps to avoid such a future, he will inevitably have to become a deterrent force, replacing the lost fighting power of magicians who have gone into the civil sphere. Tatsuya thought so before he heard this demand todo.

If Tatsuya becomes a deterrent force, then “Project escapes ” — the first step to releasing magicians from fate to be a weapon — will receive not only the tacit approval of Todo, but also his support. Tatsuya had no reason to refuse.

“As Your Excellency wishes.

Tatsuya expressed his intention to accept the proposal todo indirect expression.

Are you sure? -For the first time spoke Yakumo, who until now only silently listened to the conversation Tatsuya and Todo. “In this case, you will be lonely.

I don’t mind.

Tatsuya really needs only one person. If this man is near, he will never feel lonely. The feelings of Tatsuya were arranged in this way.

And he knew that this man, Miyuki, would never leave him. Even death will not be able to separate Tacuju and Miyuki. Because he won’t let that happen.

Separateness from other people was not for Tatsuya cause for concern. Warning Yakumo not frightened Tacuju.

The conversation is over.

It seemed that Yakumo still had something to say. However, Todo forcibly interrupted this belief (for the TODO itself it was an intervention).

“Your Excellency. Why should I start?

Tatsuya not going to talk to Yakumo. As he realized that Yakumo was worried about him, he decided to avoid quarrels that could ruin the relationship in the future.

I’m not going to give you any specific instructions. Do what you think you need.

The words of Todo did not mean the granting of unlimited powers. Vice versa. This meant that TODO would not be responsible, no matter what happened. Responsibility for any problems would fall on Tacuju.

I accept your offer. “Considering it fair, Tatsuya answered Todo.

Behind-the-scenes leaders never took responsibility in case of any problems. The burden of guilt has always been on the direct performers. Todo couldn’t even mention it.

Well. In that case, I’ll also talk to my friends. It was a useful time.

Thus Todo notified that the meeting is over.

-In that case, can I leave you?

You can go.

Tatsuya deeply bowed, touching the forehead of the floor, and then stood up. He sat on the bare floor (tatami) from the beginning, the seat cushion (BUD) was not provided. Holding his face down, not to look at the interlocutor down, Tatsuya turned his back to Todo and went out.

Seeing Tacuju to the gate of the temple, Yakumo returned back. Todo waited for him no longer in the posture in which he took Tacuju. Yakumo replaced Todo his cooled tea. Waiting, while Todo drinks tea, Yakumo sat in front of him.

-And what do you really think about this conversation?

As a sponsor of the Jocuba family, Todo Aoba had access to detailed information about Tatsuo. It’s impossible for Todo not to see this information. He also exhaustively studied the information on Tatsuo from external sources. Yakumo asked about the impression of their real meeting.

He’s more broken than I expected.

Yakumo counted this answer todo “interesting “.

Have you been disappointed?

-even if it is broken, it does not mean that it cannot be used. For example, even if the weapon has a broken fuse, the bullet will still fly out if you pull the trigger.

-it depends on how to use?

“Although there is a danger.

Todo looked into Yakumo eyes. This murky white left eye looked directly into the Yakumo soul.

“It seems that Your Excellency’s power of Sight has not acted upon him.

— … Forgive me. It was unconscious.

No, I don’t mind.

Todo Aoba hails from the Charmers family. If the data about his pedigree were true, it was one of the oldest families of supernatural powers in Japan.

But Yakumo knew that Todo Aoba not be able to make full use of his “eye,” because instead of honing his skill as a caster, he chose the way of fulfilling his family’s responsibility to control the casters. If he said it was unconscious, it is true, not an excuse. Yakumo easily accepted the apology todo.

“Like you said, I couldn’t look deep into the heart of Jocuby Tatsuya. Jocuba, too, were able to create something interesting.

-although it happened accidentally, but it is the final “Product “.

Its response Yakumo paraphrasing the expression used Todo.

Right. “Todo couldn’t resist a stretched smile. However, he immediately returned a serious face. Kokonoje Yakumo. I want to ask you something.

Yes, what is it?

There was still a light smile on Yakumo’s face.

“In an emergency, will you be able to kill Jocubu Tacuju by your own power?”

However, having heard the question Todo, Yakumo, as expected, could not continue to smile.

-Hmm… Based on the experience of the previous test, I would say that the odds of winning are about 60%. If we include the outcome when we knock out each other at the same time *, we will get 70%.

[The author uses the term from Kendo, which means a draw at simultaneous strikes. As I understand it, yakumo means that an additional 10% will be found if he is trying to tacuju the cost of his own life.]

Under the previous test, he meant the battle on the stone steps. This wicked joke seems to have had such a hidden meaning.

-Even with all your skill is 30% chance to leave with nothing?

Todo was genuinely surprised. But the answer Yakumo not yet finished.

No, the remaining 30% means my own defeat. The battle between this inept monk and him can not end with escape.

—… Are you saying that even you, known as the reincarnation of Casin Koji, can not escape?

-Six months ago I would be able to escape… Yes, and now the odds are just the same 60%. A year later, this inept monk will not be able to do it at all.

— Even so…?

Such goggle kind of todo, probably, has not shown to anybody, except Yakumo. Although the fact that Todo gave a slack to Yakumo was also due to the fact that he was really shocked.

“Judging by the abilities surpassing this inept monk, there is nothing to be surprised about. Among the young people with whom this inept monk is familiar, there is only one person who can resist him. And if you look around the world, these people will not get more than the fingers on two hands.

— … Terrible times have come.

And that’s true. … Your Excellency, another seagull?

Let.

Yakumo took a cup from Todo and went to the stove. Skillful movements he quickly brewed tea, and then carelessly suffered the cup back. The old man Todo as carelessly, ignoring the rules of decency, brought the cup to his mouth and slowly drank.

Thank you for the treat.

“Don’t be grateful.

Oh, yes. For some reason, only your skills of brewing tea do not improve.

On the arrogant words todo Yakumo answered only the curve of a smile.

I’ll come.

Todo up.

I’ll take you. “said Yakumo, not getting up.

You don’t have to. “Without turning around,” said the old man Todo, and opened the sliding door.

When Tatsuya returned to the villa in Izu from the temple of Kjutjodzi, it was already around 10 o’clock in the evening. As soon as he returned, he went to the background, but he wasn’t going to call Maya. Time was already late. He only wanted to convey a short message that “Consent received “, through Hajamu or his assistant Sirakavu.

— … Tatsuya-san, did you want something?

However, on the screen of the background for some reason suddenly appeared immediately Maya. Like she was waiting for a phone call.

Sorry about late. I just got back from the Kjutjodzi temple.

He reflexively responded with an uninteresting formal phrase, but Maya did not expect a witty answer from him.

Clear. Good work. Met His Excellency?

Yes. I got a project permit.

“clearly…” Maya slightly screwed eyes and looked at the Tacuju looking. — and what was demanded in return?

Apparently, Maya also thought from the very beginning that in order to get support todo need to give something in return. The fact that she did not tell him in advance meant that she believed that Tatsuya would do it anyway, so there would be no real harm, and you could not worry much.

“I was asked to act as a deterrent force against other countries.

—in such a sense, that now, when from Tatsuya-Sana one after another all turned away, it is necessary to declare officially about itself?

Maya’s delusion was the same as that of Tatsuya. That’s why it didn’t arouse a smile. Tatsuya thought she really believed that.

No. No need to officially announce now. His Excellency said that he left all decisions to me.

Everything on you? Oh, my… It’s a serious responsibility.

Maya’s thoughts were on the same path as Tatsuya. Was it because it has a rational process of thinking, or because Tatsuya in general is very similar to Maya…? These were the experiences that now occur at Tatsuya in the far corner of consciousness.

—… In any case, the main thing is that His Excellency’s consent has been received. You can hold a press conference without changing the schedule.

Thank you very much.

Maya felt relieved after the consent of Todo was received. Tatsuya also felt relieved when he received the promise of Maya. The experiences that will be used by someone seem to be the same at the top and bottom, when there is, in reality, someone else.

By the way, Tatsuya-san, do you remember the conversation about Mijakidzimu?

In order to catch the suddenly smenivshejsja topic of conversation, Tatsuya threw away all the superfluous thoughts and concentrated consciousness.

Is this a conversation that was in the middle of April? When did you say that a new research center would be built on Mijakidzime?

Yes, that’s what I mean. I was thinking of partially changing this plan to draw attention to the plant from the Tatsuya-Sana project.

Tatsuya couldn’t answer quickly.

“I also discussed it with hajamoj-dignity. I think this is the best place for the Tatsuya-Sana project. How do you like that?

— … Using the word “attract “, you mean third-party business partners?

Not showing on the face the feeling of alertness that all this seems too convenient for him, Tatsuya first of all asked a question that seemed harmless. Upon hearing the question, the Maya smiled with a happy expression of the face, as if he were saying, “Well, what he noticed.”

“With the current scale of the project, only our own subsidiaries will suffice to implement it, but I believe that with the prospect of the future it is better to attract third-party assistants from the very beginning.

In this matter Tatsuya had the same opinion. If you run the factory only with companies associated with Jocuboj, it is highly probable that the magicians involved there will also be only those who are under the patronage of Jocuby. Then it will not be a “release of magicians “, but only “a new project Jocuby “.

-The area of the island is small, so, even if it becomes a virtual autonomous region, those who will raise from this noise, there is not so much.

With this opinion Tatsuya also agreed. Although the area of 8 square kilometers, in fact, was comparable to a small town, but those who raise the noise of the “Mutant rebellion ” or “the Kingdom of Magicians ” will be a bit.

“Well, how do you like that?

I think I should be grateful.

-In this case, we begin to perform?

Yes. I’m counting on you.

Tatsuya had a vague sense of concern that his plan could be used for some other purpose. But he convinced himself that it is necessary to give priority attention to the promotion of the project.

CEO “Hokuzan groups “, Kitayama Ushio ( “Business name ” — Kitakata Ushio), had a great influence not only in business circles, but also in politics. It was not uncommon for him to hold meetings with the Government, but in most cases, his schedule is adjusted according to the circumstances, even if the schedule is planned in advance.

But that day, on the last Thursday of May, Kitayama Ushio was quite unexpectedly invited to a luxurious Japanese-style restaurant.

He canceled all other plans and went to this restaurant because the invited partner was someone he could not ignore.

Todo Aoba. The circle of people who knew the name of this shadow influential man was limited. Unlike the famous “Traders of influence “, Todo Aoba never openly went on stage. But those who benefited from his name were aware that his abilities were undeniable.

Fortunately, Ushio never threatened the shadow activity of Todo. However, the founder of a rapidly growing company, which competed with Ushio, lost all his property as a result of underestimated the influence of Todo. He received a long prison term for the ordinary crime, which in normal case could not cause such problems, and was deprived of the right to start a new business. Ushio considered it an obvious demonstration to the rest.

-It is a great honor for me to be invited by you.

I’m sorry I called you so suddenly.

Todo Aobe was already 60, and the age of Kitajamy Ushio was in the first half of the fifth ten. Tone Todo was a little rough, but given the age of both, it did not sound unnatural. But the difference in their attitude reflected not the difference in their age, but the difference in the type of influence (political influence and economic power) that they owned.

First Todo and Ushio killed a little time behind the usual secular conversation. But Todo Aoba, it seems, was not so tactless as to suddenly call one of the country’s largest businessmen to just chat.

He was just worried about the eyes and ears of the waiter serving them. The institutions used by such people as TODO, not only expensive, not only provide tasty food and drinks, but their employees also perfectly observe “the rule of three monkeys ” ( “do not look “, “do not listen “, “do not say “). Perhaps the man who survived in the world of wiles and intrigues, simply could not give up the superfluous vigilance.

“I called you today because…” After all, Todo began to speak when the delicacies and sake on the table were over. — … That I want you to support the business of a young man.

-Do you mean to invest in the novice business of this young man?

Such inquiries were not uncommon for Ushio. But he was interested in it, because such a request was made now personally from Todo.

“And who is this amazing man who has earned the attention of your holiness?”

You already know this guy. His official name from the family register is Shiba Tatsuya.

—… Shiba-kun? “After a long pause, Ushio was able to speak only that. To hear this name from the mouth of Todo was quite unexpected for him. — then this new business is something related to his inventions as silver Taurus? or something related to a thermonuclear reactor?

Second. Shiba Tatsuya tries to release the wizards from the role of weapons, giving them work to produce energy.

Realized. I’m in the business.

This time the answer was immediate. So much so that even todo a little confused.

Don’t you have to think about it?

Even after this offer, there was no doubt in Ushio.

“Your Excellency must know that my wife and daughter are also magicians. My wife has been forced to live as a “weapon” for a long time, even though she has now retired.

Of course, Todo knew about Beni, the wife of Ushio, and his daughter Shizuku. He looked forward to continuing the story.

“But if the war begins, not only my wife, but my daughter will be sent to the battlefield. If it comes to a full-blown war, the wizards, useless in the workplace, can force to become a combat force. I’m afraid of that.

—but if we talk about the benefits, besides the war, there is still a project, announced by the nearing States.

Naturally, Todo not really offered to cooperate with “Project Dion “. These words were intended to understand how Ushio is serious in his statement.

“I don’t want to sacrifice my wife and daughter. This is more terrible than forced military use.

Hou. Why do you think that?

This question was no longer a test of Ushio, it proceeded from a real curiosity.

—The essence of the “project Dion “-In the expulsion of the wizards in space. I do not know whether it is the will of America, the intrigue of Edward Clark, or is done for some other reason, but it seems they want to expel Shibu-kun from the earth. But the damage is not the only one. If the project is launched, the involved wizards will no longer be able to live on Earth. The earth will cease to be their home. This is the project.

The answer Ushio coincided with the conclusion that Tatsuya made. And most likely, Ushio and Tatsuya are not exceptions. Probably, there are many people who came to such conclusions, housholder the veil of fairy tales, enveloping this project.

Right.

Frankly speaking, Todo also noticed the hidden target of the Dion project.

-On the other hand, according to the project Sheba Tatsuya, the area where magicians will feel at home will only expand. Energy production is necessary even during wartime. On the contrary, its importance is growing. When the plant Sheba Tatsuya will be included in the state system of power supply, they will not make such nonsense, as throwing magicians on the front, causing a lack of energy. Well thought out. and Todo most valued “project escapes ” Tatsuya for creating a compromise relationship between the supply of combat power and the supply of energy, which will create a situation when it becomes impossible to use magicians as weapons.

In terms of national defence, this is an unacceptable situation. But if it only ended on this, it is for this reason Todo would have destroyed the project Tatsuya.

But Tatsuya agreed to become a deterrent force.

If the system of energy production with the nucleus in the form of a star reactor spreads to the whole world, other countries will lose the fighting power of magicians, and the relative military power of Japan with a Trump in the form of an explosion of matter will only increase.

Although it was not yet clear whether someone comparable to Tacuej to be a deterrent force would be born in the next generation, but at that time let it care rulers that time. Since Todo lived in the present, he took responsibility for the present. He has not overestimated himself enough to be responsible for the future.

Agree.

Ushio not particularly worried about the lack of combat power of magicians. He wasn’t a politician. He believed that if there is no magical combat force, it can be compensated by conventional combat force. His company was not engaged in weapons, but if there was such a need to protect the family, he would without any doubt begin to fully join his company in the military industry.

Could you tell me more about the Sheba-kun project?

The Tatsuya project corresponded to his interests. Ushio decided to meet him. Usually whenever his family is concerned, his thinking lapsed suspicious. However, in such matters, Todo was not going to deceive him, and this should not be a problem.

You’ll ask him for details.

But now he could not deny that he overtried in his doubts.

Really. Sorry for the rudeness.

Realizing this, Ushio sincerely bowed. Cool his head, he sent his consciousness to what he really had to check out here.

“Your Excellency. I wanted to ask you something.

What’s that?

-What is the position of the Government regarding its project?

Now the whole world welcomes “project Dion “. There is no country that has officially taken a young position. He was afraid that the launch of the plan, opposing the “project Dion “, can be regarded as a diplomatic negative phenomenon. Todo Aoba also understood it well.

“The Japanese government will not intervene.

He clearly made his position clear by saying this.

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