Chapter 145

The opening party for the Nine Schools Competition was on the 2nd this year, with the competition properly starting on the 5th and finally ending on the 15th. This meant that the competition schedule would last 11 days, one more than last year.

Although the number of days had changed, the venue hadn't. First High's competition group set out on the day of the opening party at 8am as usual. The large bus and engineering van headed for the hotel next to the venue.

The group was comprised of 12 men and 12 women for the main division, 9 men and 9 women for the newcomers division, 8 technical staff and 4 strategists for a total of 54, two more than last year. This was due to the change in competition rules. However, even with the increase there was room to spare in the large bus. Last year all the technical staff had ridden in the van, but this year four were in the van and four in the bus. Two of the four technicians in the bus were Tatsuya and Isori. Since they served as strategists on top of their technician work, they should have been included in the bus as part of the operative staff anyway, but the ones who had insisted on the two's inclusion could easily be guessed.

There were two freshman additions to the technical team this year, one boy and one girl. The male, Smith Kent, was focused on Tatsuya as he moved about, while the female shot Tatsuya cold looks.

"Why is that guy taking a maid robot to the Nine Schools Competition?"

Kasumi murmured venomously while staring at Pixie, who was situated at the rear hatch of their work vehicle.

"Kasumi-chan, it's rude to Shiba-senpai to call him 'that guy'. And it's not a maid robot. It's a Humanoid Home Helper."

Izumi chided Kasumi nervously. For a while, Kasumi's attitude towards Tatsuya had seemed to have been improving, but ever since that event before the tests, Kasumi's stance had increasingly hardened.

Not even Izumi knew why Kasumi disliked Tatsuya so much. The incident had been more than half Kasumi's own fault after all. Even though Izumi felt Tatsuya's retort had been a bit too sharp, it wasn't the reason behind their bad compatibility, which was why Izumi didn't comment on Kasumi's snarking itself.

She simply didn't want her elder twin sister's comments to be overheard by Miyuki. Miyuki held a deep respect for Tatsuya to say the least, and would not lightly brush off such words as a joke. In short, Izumi's warning of Kasumi was simply and egotistically motivated by not wanting to leave a bad impression on her dear senpai.

"Maid robot or 3H or whatever. It's the same thing."

Fortunately, Kasumi was unaware of her younger twin's dark thoughts. This wasn't because Kasumi was dull, or pure, but because her mind was so bent on denouncing Tatsuya.

"If all he needed was a HAR interface, there was no need to make it look like a cute, little girl."

"The appearance of the 3H is modeled on a 25 year old. Calling that a little girl is somewhat..."

"T-that's not the problem! I'm saying there's no need to make it so pretty! The main users of HARs are girls, so having it look like some plain Oba-san is good enough!"

Izumi didn't quite agree with Kasumi that aesthetics were unimportant, but since she thought Kasumi had a point this time, she didn't argue. ...Not that anything she said would have reached through Kasumi's hot-headed state anyway.

"In the end, the reason 3Hs are made to look so pretty is to cater to perverted guys who think, 'I want to be taken care of by a beautiful girl!' To bring something like that to the Nine Schools Competition..."

"Kasumi."

Kasumi was so engrossed in her spiel that she never noticed the senior approaching her from behind until she was called. Jerking upright, she timidly looked around.

"What are you so worked up about?" An inquisitive face looked back. "N-no, nothing."

"Oh? Well, we're about to leave."

Kasumi sighed with relief as it seemed her speech just then hadn't been overheard. Looking around, it appeared most of their seniors and fellow juniors had already gotten on the bus.

"I'm sorry, Kitayama-senpai!"

"We've caused you trouble."

It seemed she had come to call on her fellow Public Morals Committee member and Izumi by coincidence. With a grateful look, the twins sneaked onto the back half of the bus.

◊ ◊ ◊

This year there were neither any unpleasantries on the bus nor accidents, and the delegation from First High arrived at the hotel safely. No minor troubles occurred either, as everything went according to plan, and now the opening party was approaching.

Tatsuya had already entered the venue. Unlike last year, he was in his own uniform. Gazing at the eight spoked gear emblem now adorning his uniform, Miyuki smiled happily.

"Miyuki, what are you smiling at?"

Although limited to Miyuki, Tatsuya could immediately tell whether she had on a fake or genuine smile. Upon seeing his sister suddenly in such a joyous mood, Tatsuya asked that question.

"The Magic Engineering uniform looks good on you, Onii-sama. I'm happy."

"What, that again? You've been looking at it for four months now, haven't you?"

Tatsuya looked slightly taken aback. —Behind Miyuki, Minami eyed him coldly in a 'what is this person seriously saying?' way, but in this place she was the minority.

"I think so as well, Tatsuya-san!"

"Me too."

Enthusiastically (competitively?) Honoka spoke her assent, while Shizuku likewise chimed in.

"Yeah. I guess it's because the last one was borrowed. It somehow doesn't feel like you came properly last year."

Eimi nodded in agreement to Subaru's words. It appeared all of the second year female competitors were of one mind with Miyuki.

The main competition had competitors not only from second year but third year as well. Having taken last year's Newcomers Division by storm, the current second years were five of the twelve women's representatives.

Miyuki was in Ice Pillars Break solo, Shizuku in pairs with Kanon, Honoka and Subaru in Mirage Bat, and Eimi part of the Rower and Gunner pair. Tatsuya was surrounded by these five plus the first year Minami. Although Tatsuya himself would deny it, from an outsider's perspective it looked like he had quite the harem. Furthermore, his fellow second years Tomitsuka and Morisaki, as well as Mikihiko, who was selected for Monolith Code, had been nabbed by their PMC and club activities senior Sawaki and were sequestered amongst the third years.

Tatsuya was not particularly bad with women. In fact, they didn't really bother him at all. But as expected, being the lone male within that group of six females, all of them stunning to boot, was rather agitating, even for him. At the previous opening party, Subaru and Eimi had kept their distance and not approached, so that was a change. From Subaru's remark earlier however, they had been checking him out even then.

In order to avoid overly staring at the ladies, Tatsuya swept his eyes around the hall. Within, he spotted an 'acquaintance', who was likewise surrounded by girls.

He also seemed to pick up on Tatsuya. Perhaps he sensed his gaze. Towing a gaggle of schoolgirls wearing the same uniform of Third High in his wake, Ichijou Masaki approached Tatsuya.

Tatsuya likewise walked forwards, as if to greet him. Honoka and Eimi naturally moved aside, and Tatsuya and Masaki met with accompanying schoolgirls behind them. —However, Masaki was not the sole male, as the figure of Kichijouji Shinkurou stood beside him.

"...It's been a while, Shiba-san."

The first words Masaki spoke, however, were directed towards Miyuki. "Yes. It has been a long time, Ichijou-san."

As Ichijou smiled tensely with considerable effort, and while Miyuki responded with a stunning fake smile, everyone eyed each other awkwardly. Before that dampened atmosphere settled in, Kichijouji followed up.

"Not since Yokohama. It's good to see you haven't changed, Shiba Tatsuya-kun."

"It's good to see you're doing well, Kichijouji."

Although it seemed like his words were blunt, Tatsuya responded with a friendly expression, then turned to face the one beside him.

"You too, Ichijou. You were outstanding at Yokohama. Truly the Crimson Prince."

"...Please don't say that."

Being called his nickname by Tatsuya in his dead serious voice, Masaki subtly frowned.

"You don't like it? I'm not making fun of you or anything."

"I'm just against ostentation. Simply Ichijou is fine, right?"

"Alright."

Obediently — or rather, innocently — Tatsuya nodded. At that, Masaki seemed slightly taken aback. Just what it was he found so surprising, he did not say.

"By the way Shiba...oh, do you mind being called that way?"

"No problem."

Around them, the girls from First and Third High had already begun intermingling. There was a hint of reservation on the part of the Third High girls (who they were wary of was obvious), but harmonious chatter prevailed. To that backdrop of girls' voices, Masaki lowered his tone of voice and spoke to Tatsuya.

"Don't you think something's strange about this year's Nine Schools Competition?" Although this was a fairly abrupt topic, Masaki's expression was serious.

Kichijouji's likewise.

"Is it that strange? I only really know about last year's Nine Schools Competition, so I can't tell."

Tatsuya's words were only half the tale. In fact, he had a suspicion as to what it was Masaki was referring to. However, Tatsuya couldn't be sure. He decided he needed to hear Masaki out more clearly first.

"I can understand the changes to the games."

"It's assumable that the Nine Schools Competition management guidelines do call for the events to change."

It seemed Kichijouji likewise didn't intend to just step back after introductions, joining the conversation.

"A trend towards more militant events is also evident, but given the situation in recent years, that's almost reasonable."

"The last event however, Steeplechase Cross Country, stands out."

"Right. That's going too far — it's of a completely different nature."

"Originally, it was an Army training exercise for forest warfare. Naming it as an event is curious already. While there's been little information disclosed and the only details I have are sketchy...an area of four kilometers is something even active troops rarely use, and seems more to be for large scale exercises."

"Putting that in a competition for high school magicians, and on the tiring final day at that, there are too many risks."

"Furthermore, all second and third years will be participating. It's not compulsory, but seeing how all players who finish within an hour net points for their school, there aren't likely going to be any sitting out."

"There's more. This isn't a nice way to put it, but the Nine Schools Competition is a kind of show. It cannot be denied that aspects of the Nine Schools Competition are spectacles for magicians to appeal to society."

"But you cannot spectate any part of Steeplechase Cross Country whatsoever. Even in the forest stage of Monolith Code, it's possible to watch the offense and defense occurring around the monoliths. The same cannot be said for SCCC."

"If the intent isn't for the spectators or TV broadcast, I can only conclude that there's a different purpose."

"For such an event to be allowed and carried out, I feel that this Nine Schools Competition is not simply for us magic high school students to contest our skills, but has again been encroached upon by another will."

Listening to Masaki and Kichijouji, Tatsuya was impressed.

He had been prompted by the message from an unknown sender to investigate into the depths of this year's Nine Schools Competition. But these two, likely of their own cognisance, had detected the factors intervening behind the scenes.

"Are those the investigative results of the Ichijou family?"

"Nn? No, that's a bit...do you think that's necessary?"

"If you have concerns and a means to investigate, it's better to do so. Well, if you have no resources to spare in devoting to this matter, that's a different story."

That was Tatsuya's answer to Masaki's question. He had no intention of provocation, but it couldn't be helped if his way of speaking caused Masaki to take it as so.

"Of course we do for something of this scale! What I meant was if there was a need to go so far!"

"The phrase 'there are some things best left unknown' is a lie. While plenty of troubles have arisen due to lack of knowledge, I have never heard of a case where excess intel interfered. Have you ever had such an experience, Ichijou?"

"No, but compared to that, this is...

"

"There are 12 more days until the last day of the Nine Schools Competition and the Steeplechase event. I won't say it's plenty, but I won't say it's at the point to give up as nothing can be done either."

"Masaki, in this I think Shiba-kun's right."

Kichijouji spoke out in appeasement to Masaki, who stood with his lips pursed. "Our hands are full now, but I think Gouki-san may be able to find something out."

Gouki-san was the name of the Ichijou head, or Masaki's father. Kichijouji's words were supporting Tatsuya's.

"...Got it. I'll explain to the family."

Masaki spoke not to Kichijouji, but to Tatsuya.

While Tatsuya, Masaki and Kichijouji had their super serious talk that was somewhat unfitting for a party, the First and Third high schoolgirls enjoyed their conversation without disturbing them. It was then that they were hailed by a male student from Fourth high.

"Shizuku-san."

"Harumi-niisan."

Two voices replied back. Honoka also knew the youth, Naruse Harumi, and the two exchanged nods.

At Shizuku calling him 'niisan', Miyuki recalled that Shizuku's cousin attended

Fourth high. As she recollected, she was able to divert her attention from the Fourth high juniors who followed behind him and feigned ignorance.

After leaving the group and exchanging words with her cousin, nodding several times, Shizuku came back to Miyuki.

"Miyuki, I have a favor to ask."

Shizuku's expression was slightly apologetic. "What is it?"

"My cousin would like to introduce his kouhai to Tatsuya-san."

"To Onii-sama?"

While wearing a quizzical expression, Miyuki thought 'so that's why they came'.

"Yes. My cousin is in Fourth high, but his kouhai had heard about Tatsuya-san and wanted to meet him."

Each magic high school had its own focus. First and Second high taught along international standards. Third high had a militaristic tradition and focused on magic as a means of combat. Conversely, Fourth high was inclined towards magic craftsmanship and engineering of the sort that would be practiced in laboratories.

"It will be up to Onii-sama, but I don't think he will be against it."

With that, Miyuki went over to Tatsuya. Conveniently, the talk with Masaki and Kichijouji was winding down.

"Onii-sama, are you free? Some juniors from Fourth high said they would like to meet you."

"Me? Ah, alright."

Masaki and Kichijouji nodded, convinced for a different reason from Tatsuya's realization. That was how much 'Fourth High' and 'Tatsuya's track record' were compatible.

"Ichijou-san, Kichijouji-san, is it alright if we borrow Onii-sama for a bit?"

"I-it's fine. No problem. We have just finished up."

Miyuki smiled gracefully to Masaki, who got flustered again at being spoken to by her, bowed, and then led Tatsuya to where Shizuku was waiting.

"Later, Ichijou."

No reply came to Tatsuya's parting remark. Masaki's consciousness was utterly fixated on Miyuki's smile.

"I am Kuroba Fumiya. Pleased to meet you, Shiba-senpai."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Kuroba Ayako. We are twins, with Fumiya being the younger. It's a pleasure, Shiba-senpai."

Being introduced by Shizuku's cousin, Fumiya and Ayako greeted Tatsuya as if 'for the first time'. There was nothing unnatural at all about their introductions.

"Good to meet you, I'm Shiba Tatsuya." Likewise, Tatsuya was the same.

"However, I'm from First high; I'm not your senpai."

"Even if the school is different, Shiba-san is our senpai in magic."

"Although we're from Fourth high, our technical abilities aren't very good. Yet if it's ok with you, could we look to you for guidance? Both me and my brother have been very impressed by Shiba-senpai's skills."

Of course, this was all to make it easier for Ayako and Fumiya to contact Tatsuya. This was why Miyuki made no move which could have ruined the acting of the two, and since they had no confidence in pretending to be other people, they came as themselves.

"During the Nine Schools Competition will be impossible, but if there are other opportunities I have no problems."

"Really!?"

"Thank you very much. By all means."

For the two of them, particularly the male Fumiya, to avoid talking with the beauty Miyuki was only natural, but this too was to facilitate the illusion of their first meeting. Having safely made the impression that they and Tatsuya were strangers, they went back to the Fourth high group.

The party followed a buffet format with no allocated seats, but, as it was like this every year, each school had their own general area. When Masaki went back to Third high's table, the Third high schoolgirls followed after him.

It was almost time for the introduction of the guests. With no more acquaintances to chat with, Tatsuya likewise returned to First high's table with the other girls.

"Tatsuya, who were those Fourth high students?"

As he arrived, Mikihiko slid up next to him and inquired. "The two first years?"

Of course Tatsuya had noticed him. He therefore didn't let out any sign of surprise at that sudden hail, but responded naturally.

"Yes

...those two, they identified themselves as 'Kuroba', didn't they?"

"You were lip reading?"

Tatsuya's voice held a hint of reproach. Of course, it was intentional. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

On the other hand, Mikihiko's guilt-ridden voice held no deception. His earnest temperament meant that he would probably have felt bad whether he actually did or not.

"It's fine. It's not like we talked about anything sensitive." Receiving Tatsuya's acquittal, Mikihiko looked relieved. His expression soon darkened again, however.

"Is there something bothering you about those two?"

Passing Tatsuya a glass of water, Mikihiko hesitantly opened his mouth.

"This is a rumor that started around spring...that there's a separate family under the Yotsuba called Kuroba. Even amongst the subordinate branches of the Yotsuba, the Kuroba are particularly strong."

"This spring is pretty sudden...you think those two are related to the Yotsuba?"

"I'm not 100% certain."

"While Kuroba is indeed a rare name, you nonetheless can't rule out there being others, right?"

"In that case the name Yotsuba isn't particularly rare itself."

Tatsuya's makeshift reasoning was crushed by Mikihiko using the same logic.

Going further might simply cement that view in his eyes. Thinking so, Tatsuya shifted angles.

"I see. So are you saying I should stay away from them?"

"That's not... well, a bit. At the least, you shouldn't take the initiative to approach them."

"So it's fine if they approach me?"

"Trouble always finds you, so it can't be helped."

Tatsuya felt that was quite mean. He considered returning the sarcasm, but unfortunately didn't quite get the chance. The floor lighting switched as the introduction of the guests began.

First there was a short greeting by the base commander who had provided the venue for the Nine Schools Competition — more like a briefing — then the Magic Association director and chancellor of the national Magic Universities took to the stage one after the other. After this eminent lineup that highschoolers normally wouldn't have the opportunity to see, Kudou Retsu should have rounded out the session with his annual greeting.

However this year concluded without the usual "elder's address". Murmurs started up at this unexpected turn of events. Not just amongst the students, but the guests as well. The students of First high were no exception. However, there were also students exceptionally discussing the reason — or circumstance — behind this occurrence.

"Apparently the elder is not well."

As Honoka looked left and right with a confused expression, Shizuku came up from behind and spoke to her.

"Shizuku, really?"

She nodded to Honoka, who turned around looking surprised. "I heard it over there."

Shizuku turned towards where an invited MP was conversing with a Magic Association secretary. Just which one had it been. ...Either one was just as likely, decided Miyuki, who was listening in by the side.

◊ ◊ ◊

Among First High female players, five of them were 2nd years, seven were 3rd years. Each hotel room could accommodate two. And so it was possible to pair a 3rd year and a 2nd year together (while at it, there were nine female 1st years so there was an odd man out, but since there was a 1st year female tech staff chosen this year for apprenticeship purposes, this made them even at ten and avoided sharing rooms with upperclassmen).

Room assignments for 2nd years were Honoka and Shizuku for one room, Eimi and Subaru for another. *It was decided* that the 2nd year odd-man out Miyuki would go with 3rd year odd-man out Kanon.

For tech staff, three were 3rd year males, one 3rd year female, one 2nd year male, one 2nd year female, one 1st year male and one 1st year female. They would form pairs with one third year pairing up with one second year. As a result, *it was decided* that Tatsuya would share with Isori.

And for that something amiss had occurred.

There were no nighttime roll calls in the 9SC accommodations. Being a military facility, there were night sentries patrolling about, but none would enter the rooms. And so Miyuki and Kanon shared a room. Tatsuya and Isori shared another. It wasn't much of a problem. At least the First High representatives, 1st years excluded, thought of it as reasonable. And standing in front of Tatsuya, having retired from the party, wasn't Isori but Miyuki.

"Elder Kudou was absent this time, right?"

Miyuki was sitting upright on the bed, talking with Tatsuya who was changing clothes; on her lap was a suitcase with her change of clothes inside. Whether she was here for a simple chat or here only to play was not an issue.

"From what Shizuku had learned, his condition seems to have worsened ..."

"Must be a cover up. Well, even if some abnormality may come to his physical, mental, or emotional state, there's a separate reason for skipping the party."

Taken literally, Kudou Retsu had gone insane. Miyuki was astounded at Tatsuya's conclusion. Though the siblings were the only ones in the room, it was plainly an unrestrained ruthless remark against the head of Japan's magic community.

But speaking of being astounded, the truth was that Tatsuya was by far strongly and vehemently exasperated at Miyuki. No matter how much she was begged by Kanon, no matter that Kanon and Isori were engaged, Tatsuya thought there was something wrong with the *helping hand* to allow a young lad and lass to spend the night together before getting married.

In his thoughts, there was no running from the fact that he would be staying in the same room with Miyuki. Forget running, even resistance would be futile. Tatsuya's biggest worry was that if word of this got out, his sister's reputation would be damaged. On the other hand, he thought it was convenient to have Miyuki stay in the same room instead of Isori. That was the reason he didn't drive Miyuki out.

"...Even so, using sickness as an excuse meant he has shut himself in at his home. Or at least he shouldn't have come here. We don't know what he's planning, but it's convenient without Kudou Retsu."

And at an already advanced age of ninety years old, he shouldn't be able to produce magic or have the stamina for it like before, but even so he was still a menace as he was well known before as the [world's most skillful]. His briefly shown skills a year back -- his continuously cast mental interference magic that enveloped the hall during the pre-competition festivities, and his insight that would *recognize* with only a look the electron silkworm hidden within a competition CAD -- would show that his [world's most skillful] title was no bygone title. When taking him on, he was an opponent not to be underestimated, not on open battle, but especially on attacking the weak points. No, he was a master even Tatsuya might fall behind even if he was not being taken lightly. While Tatsuya didn't take the Kudou magicians lightly, he especially felt at ease without Retsu.

"Miyuki, I'm going."

Tatsuya, dressed in all black, said it to Miyuki. While he wanted a stealth suit or a mobile suit variant with stealth enhancing functions, Tatsuya knew he was asking for too much.

"Take care."

On hearing Tatsuya's voice, Miyuki stood up from the bed and answered that to him. Not saying "I'm coming with you" meant she knew her limits and was controlling herself.

Truth is her eyes were imploring him to let her come with him, but Tatsuya pretended he didn't notice that.

"Miyuki, remember that you're not supposed to stay in this room. Should you ever be exposed, just follow Chiyoda-senpai's lead at all costs and explain everything properly."

What Tatsuya said was neither lying, nor passing the buck. But his bluntness in instigating her to pass the burden to their upperclassmen was at this time so funny that Miyuki slipped out a smile.

Tatsuya was trying to investigate the course for the Steeplechase Cross-country. Of course, he thought that the P weapons -- Parasite dolls -- weren't already deployed.

He thought that if he could scout out the local terrain, he could guess where the traps were set and where the troops would lay an ambush.

However, Tatsuya could not slip into the course.

(With the security this heavy, why did they allow the No Head Dragons to slip in last year?)

As he observed the security systems that were so densely spread out not even an ant could go in, Tatsuya tut-tutted mentally. And he immediately found out his own fallacy.

(Well that happened last year...)

In the old days, regular troops letting crime syndicates invade their base would be facing the firing squad. And the base commanders would probably experience shame so bad death would be good for them. He was sure that the paranoid and strict security watch was a result of last year's incident.

He cautiously widened his *field of vision* to prevent detection by military magicians. Tatsuya's *eyesight* wasn't the kind that would alert the psion radars; he was probably concerned that he was under watch by ESPers who could sense his ability. Silently, so he could break off access always, he penetrated the world with his perception.

At the edge of his widened field of vision, recognizable *existences* were spotted. What Tatsuya saw were not images, but information. Structural information of corporeal bodies was converted by the unconscious mind into signals the conscious mind could easily comprehend. Its coordinates in the physical dimension remained unchanged. Physically, they were closing in, yet information- wise they were still afar. It told him it was *her* high-level camouflage technique. I would expect no less from her, Tatsuya silently praised as he walked towards the *pair*. Halfway on, he called out towards the shadows in the night.

"Ayako, Fumiya."

There were signs of surprise at being suddenly apprehended. Immediately after, the surrounding shadows melded into solid bodies. With his eyes well attuned to darkness, Tatsuya recognized there the figures of a wide-eyed Ayako and a glad- looking Fumiya.

"Tatsuya-san, please don't startle us."

"I had no intentions of doing that."

"Then please don't call us out in such a scary voice."

Ayako's protests were mixed with reasonable seriousness. Her shortened breaths felt signs of relief, while her eyes seemed reflective, soaked a bit with tears.

Tatsuya didn't show any objections at Ayako's self-reproaching words. There were surely not in a battle, but his mental state might as well be in one. Even Tatsuya knew that he spoke too rough for comfort.

"So you're here to see the course?" Even so he didn't apologize.

"...Yes. But the security is pretty tight."

"And we weren't able to get in."

What Ayako hesitated to say was filled in by Fumiya in her stead. "You weren't able to get in even with Ayako's magic?"

Totally caught by surprise, Tatsuya let out the unspeakable question. "Ah, no, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to reproach you."

On seeing Ayako hang her head in shame, Tatsuya this time immediately apologized.

More than Tatsuya being surprised, it was understandable without asking much why Ayako was regretful.

Ayako had a forte -- the unique magic [Perfect Diffusion], aka [PD (Perfect Darkness)]. A magic that leveled out the target area's gaseous, fluid, and physical energy distributions to the point of non-detection.

Categorically [PD] belonged to convergence-type magic. Since it could be recorded into an activation sequence it means it was a normal magic. However, it was safe to say that ordinary magicians could only use [PD]'s weaker version [Diffusion] with difficulty. Tatsuya knew only Ayako could cast [PD].

For example, if sound is to be [leveled off], both voice and music will be totally leveled off into white noise where it's impossible to decode their meanings. However, the sound, in other words the generated sound itself, could not be hidden. This is still on the level of [Diffusion].

When a sound-deadening leveling-off zone has been spread out, the [Diffusion] magic finally becomes [PD]. Ayako's magic activation speed and interference strength were inferior compared to Miyuki's. However, she could spread out event interference zones larger than Miyuki's, and for this it was praised as the Yotsuba's greatest ability.

It's on dimly-lit outdoors at night where Ayako can fully unleash her specialty. She can selectively and instantaneously level off her own or her allies' reflection and emitted electromagnetic waves, melding into the darkness. By leveling off audio waves and air current variations, she can evade auditory and olfactory detection. And so she assimilated them into the night. Her code-name [Yoru] was based on one character of her first name, and at the same time it designated her unique perfect diffusion magic.

"Did you also come here to check it out, Tatsuya-niisan?"

Fumiya raising that question was not meant to divert the conversation from Ayako. He was really thinking whether Tatsuya could do it when it was impossible for him and Ayako.

Tatsuya's [Decomposition] and Ayako's [PD] were similar in terms of event alteration. Decomposing materials into base elements, when viewed from a different aspect, is destroying material structure and scattering out the base elements into disarray. One can say Decomposition magic is [PD] with added depth and reduced scale.

And in truth, the one who made Ayako able to use her PD magic was Tatsuya when he was still under training at the Yotsuba main house. At that time Tatsuya was still in elementary, yet he had already mastered using Decomposition and *Self-Restoration* magics and was completing his combat training along with the adults. It was usual practice for a Kuroba magician to spar with him. And so Tatsuya showed to Ayako, at that time still at a loss over what her special ability was and undergoing magic training with one of her father's lackeys, an *easily comprehensible* demonstration of Decomposition.

He knew from his *Elemental Sight* that she possessed a similar magic special ability as his own. And so a still-young Tatsuya, intending to make her his own *comrade*, showed Ayako how to cast a [PD] which was based on [Decomposition].

Ayako's [PD] was similar to what Tatsuya had taught to her. And because of Tatsuya, it's no overstatement that she established her name, *Kuroba* Ayako, among the Yotsuba magicians.

Therefore Ayako never looked down on Tatsuya as a mere *Guardian*. And this was one of the reasons Fumiya adored him. At the same time, this became one of the causes for the Kuroba twins to *overestimate* him.

"Yes. But I too couldn't get in and was troubled by that."

Tatsuya's specialties were combat and assassinations. His skill in slipping behind enemy lines was almost top notch, but those were taught by Yakumo; inborn ability-wise he was no match for her. Whatever place Ayako couldn't get in should be a place Tatsuya cannot slip into without being detected either.

"I see..."

Fumiya muttered, his discouragement evident.

"Shall we try one more time? If Onii-san joins forces with us, it's possible."

And yet he was suggesting something positive --- even though the chances were nil.

"No, forcing our way in and making a fuss of ourselves would be the worst case scenario. I daresay we should quietly slip away for now."

"A wise action."

The answer to Tatsuya came neither from Fumiya nor from Ayako. "Who's there!?"

A slender shadow floated up from the forests in answer to Ayako's sharp challenge. "Master, would you please show yourself in a more mundane manner?"

The shadow, true to Tatsuya's sighs and grumbling, was Yakumo. "It is as Tatsuya-kun said, it's best that we withdraw for tonight."

Without even answering Tatsuya's objections, Yakumo followed up on his own words.

"...Tatsuya-san, is that person...?"

Having realized Yakumo's identity, Ayako asked Tatsuya as she lowered her guard. "Yeah, it is he you're thinking of, Ayako."

"Then he's *that* Yakumo-sensei."

This time it was Fumiya who strongly assented. For those two -- the next- generation bearers of the Kuroba, Yotsuba's intelligence branch -- the name Yakumo carried great significance.

"Well then, Master, did you find something?" Yakumo shook his head at Tatsuya's inquiry. "Nope. Nothing is laid down on the course."

"You were able to get into the course!?"

Ayako reflexively raised her voice, then slapped her mouth shut in panic. Calmed down by her childish gesture, Tatsuya faintly smiled. But then he quickly wiped it off and turned round on Yakumo.

"We gave up to the security systems, so what you did was masterful."

Tatsuya took a glance at Ayako's visage. As he expected, she was showing a bitter expression, but she had no signs of self-reproach.

"No no no, it's nothing much."

On the other hand, Yakumo felt triumphant with his unbroken pride. Fine for his age, Tatsuya thought, but that Yakumo might have done it deliberately to bring out Ayako's consciousness and send it my way, thought Tatsuya as he changed his mind.

"Well then, what's the situation inside? Although you did say there's nothing there."

If it was passive sensors then Ayako's magic could nullify them, no problem. The problem was the active sensors. Saying that Tatsuya wasn't bothered how by Yakumo managed to cheat all kinds of sensors there would be a lie. But it was clear that it was no use prying it from him. There was no way Yakumo would just simply show his hand. Besides, Tatsuya thought that the main objective must take priority.

"It is as you've said. For now only the *normal obstacles* were planted there as planned; it's a *normal* artificially forested training grounds."

"So you can't surmise where the Parasite Dolls will be planted."

"Can't do it. Nothing would change even if we knew where they will be planted. This is how it was constructed."

"So that means the Parasite Dolls are at least capable of independent and continuous operation in this terrain."

"That much says that they are created specifically for combat."

In the end, tonight's hotel sneak-out looked like a bust. Tatsuya gave thanks to Yakumo, bade goodnight to Fumiya and Ayako, and they returned to their respective hotels.

◊ ◊ ◊

It was a night when Tatsuya, the Kurobas, and Yakumo went on fools' errands; the situation nevertheless advanced without stopping. The situation may occur onsite, but at the same time the preparations were done at a different place.

Reveille came early and lights out came late for JSDF 101st brigade commander Maj. Gen. Saeki. A person having a lengthy staff officer duty imposed rashly by his superiors was laughable, but it was no laughing matter to her subordinates. The battalion staff would report up their favorite phrase [bringing back peace quickly is a general's job], but Saeki wasn't on the habit of replying back [the current situation is an emergency to a general]. Even today she was at the commander's room late at night, poring over summary reports from the battalion she dispatched to the 9SC.

Her preference of paper reports a result of her stressing confidentiality, she was reading unclassified reports over a modern display. On seeing the visi-phone's incoming call signal at its corner, Saeki scowled.

Her 101st brigade held no area of responsibility. It was unthinkable to get a call over the brigade commander's line from the JSDF HQ apart from emergencies like surprise attacks. Getting a call from the Defense Ministry was even more unthinkable. Just who the hell would make a phone call ...Suspicious, Saeki answered the call.

["Elder Saeki, pardon us for calling you at this unholy hour."]

Displayed on-screen was a gentleman even older than her. Saeki knew who that old man was.

"Hayama-san of the Yotsuba, right? It's been a while."

["Oh my, it's an honor for the most esteemed general, Elder Saeki, to remember a lowly servant like me."]

Saeki silently muttered ["What lowly servant?"] without change in her expression. What she knew of Hayama, needless to say, was his relationship to Tatsuya, whom the Independent Magic Battalion had taken under its wing. Should they *pull out* Tatsuya, Saeki would have consented to a direct negotiation, delegating to Kazama as her point man. In that case, the actual other negotiating party would be Hayama. Saeki meeting face to face with Maya would definitely be limited to an exchange of pleasantries. She was sure this old man would be the one to set up a negotiation between the Yotsuba and the 101st brigade.

["We disturbed you today at this hour to discuss something which we prefer to be kept between us. If it bothers you then we can set another date."]

While Saeki was committing her thoughts to memory, Hayama again asked her about convenient time. About to impulsively reject him, Saeki hastily stopped short of voicing it out.

"Let's hear it out."

["Thank you very much. Well then my mistress will take over."] Before she could comprehend those words, Saeki gulped. Respectfully bowing onscreen, Hayama's figure then disappeared. ["Good to see you, Elder Saeki."]

What was shown onscreen was a belle dressed in a deep crimson dress that could be mistaken for ebony. Those good looks remained virtually unchanged since three years and ten months ago.

"--- Yotsuba-san, it's been a long time since we last met."

An unexpected chill ran across Saeki's back. It was Yotsuba Maya, head of house Yotsuba. Saeki knew very well from her long career in intel analysis not only Maya's own power, but the power the [Yotsuba] possessed.

["I'm aware that Elder Saeki is busy at the moment, so I'll make my business brief."]

Not only was Maya's tone polite, it was also friendly. Her gentle smiling face, more youthful than her actual age suggested, had totally none of those dreadful impressions.

However, Saeki forced all the incoming information she saw and heard into data within her memories. Magic range and physical range had no direct relation. Whether magic will hit or not is not decided on physical ranges but on how far the information reaches. In truth, the last head of house Yotsuba and Maya's father, Yotsuba Genzou, showed himself on camera to transmit his trick and bring down opponents. And by just being connected in this video link, perhaps Yotsuba Maya could kill her. When she faced superiors and high officials, Saeki would come unfazed by favors and threats. But against someone who probably and literally held her life and death in the palm of their hand, she had no choice but to be very careful.

"--- What kind of business?"

["On the plot that Elder Saeki's brigade is about to get into."]

Saeki managing to get through this without a change of her expression was because of her steel nerves. But had she not braced herself in advance, she might have been shaking out of control.

["A charade of a terror plot was being planned at the National Magic Goodwill Magic Games Tournament, specifically at the stage for Steeplechase Cross- country."]

"... And you know its mastermind?"

And is it reliable? That question didn't came out from Saeki. Even if it wasn't Maya who said it, this was something not worth joking.

["The group with Col. Sakai of JSDF GHQ as the core, the so-called anti-Great Asia Alliance hardliners are the masterminds of this plot, or so the rumor goes."]

Maya lightly chuckled as she said that. What was said was nothing but a suggestion that the real mastermind was someone else, but Saeki nevertheless didn't inquire further. It was clear that asking wouldn't get her answers.

["And the role assigned to Your Excellency's brigade would be that plot's executors."]

"I have no intention of committing such skulduggery though."

To say that Saeki wasn't pissed would be a lie. She wasn't going to be so stupid that she'd jump into what was obviously a trap. And she believed her subordinates were not that stupid.

["We thought so too. And for that very reason we ask for your time."]

Maya was probably complimenting. But Saeki was in no thankful mood. Even if she was the world's strongest magician, Maya was over ten years younger than Saeki. Not to mention that plots like the one talked about now were Saeki's specialty. The information given was a godsend, but Maya's arrogant attitude stank to high heaven.

And most of all, she wouldn't stick out her neck for that. Saeki was too savvy for that.

"Well then, just what do you want to talk about?" ["They intend to drag my kin also into their plots."] "... You mean Officer Ooguro, right?"

["An impressive insight. Based on that child's *disposition*, that's something unavoidable."]

The sigh that got out onscreen was seen not as a performance but as something for real. Saeki too thought that she and Maya were similar in opinion.

["It's just that we have no intentions of playing out what was assigned to us."] "Should I put a stop to him?"

["No. Leaving that aside, the plot was so painstakingly prepared, I wonder if the hardliners *really* are the masterminds."]

Saeki stared hard at Maya's face onscreen. But even with her insight she couldn't pry out Maya's true intentions.

As always, it's not true that they didn't know anything. It was clear that for some reason the Yotsuba were eager to wreck Col. Sakai's group.

Even Saeki had felt scandalized for quite some time by the hardliners. True, if war broke out, they'd win against the Great Asian Alliance. However, the world wasn't only comprised of Japan and the GAA. Once she supported Kazama for the very same reason. The anti-GAA faction during the Great Indochina Wars and the anti- GAA faction that showed up today being considered as two sides of the same coin was an oversimplification. One must consider that military action is but one factor in multilateral diplomacy.

Saeki never thought that [the military must stay out of domestic and foreign affairs]. It was expected for them to follow orders, but she believed that until the orders were lifted there is no need for self-control. Even so, Saeki thought that Col. Sakai's faction deviated from what is acceptable for military personnel.

But this was strictly an internal affair for the JSDF. There should be neither necessity nor merit for the Yotsuba to purge them. Saeki knew well that they had no lust for power. She was one of the few top brass with a direct connection to the Yotsuba. The Yotsuba wielded their power that was based on their personal interests only for self-defense and retribution; that much Saeki was sure to affirm.

There must be a hidden influence behind the Yotsuba that wanted to wipe out the hardliners.

And she couldn't ask those questions in this very place, now. ["Because of that, we would ask for your cooperation."] Way ahead of an inquiry, a request ended up right before her. "You're asking me to ... unleash our weapons?"

["No, to tie up loose ends. It's because we cannot bear to show ourselves."]

Those were brazen words, even though it was spoken in a mild manner. It was because it was a request to a JSDF major general to go ransack within the JSDF and to do its cleanup.

"And what do I get in return?"

But Saeki kept her emotions shut; she was asking what she would gain. Maya enigmatically smiled at Saeki's inquiry.

["The influence of the Ten Master Clans towards the JSDF would be diminished."]

What Maya said about the [Ten Master Clans] wasn't about all of the families; it was understood that it referred to Kudou Retsu himself.

Saeki shut her eyes to get away from Maya's smile. After contemplating, she nodded.

"Was that wise, Mistress?"

Hayama asked this to Maya after her negotiations with Saeki were completed. "About what?"

Maya's answer was yet another question while she comprehended the question's aims.

If it wasn't Hayama he would have been shut down here and now. But such underhanded mouth-shutting tactic wouldn't work against the butler.

"Elder Kudou's hand still hasn't come out from the realm of speculation."

"And that's why I didn't bring up Sensei's name. And besides,"

After shamelessly boasting, Maya showed an evil smile.

"If that's the case then we have nothing concrete against the hardliners' farce terror plot."

Hayama, remaining expressionless, merely nodded.

"Perhaps those are false accusations. However, saying that much is unavoidable. After all, it was them that gave the order to purge the hardliners."

At the butler's words, Maya nodded with her evil smile from before.

"Indeed, we cannot go against our sponsor's intentions. If it weren't for this, we would have to resort to violent means."

Between them the mood was that of henchmen, rather than master and servant.

"If that's the case, even the secret maneuvers of the one called Zhou Gongjin would be convenient. Thinking for Tatsuya-dono's cover-up would be troubling though."

"A flashy show like last year would be worrisome. I wish he'd be at least more obedient *for six more months, until we greet the new year.*"

As Maya said those words, she pompously sighed.

"It's true that sparks come flying in Miyuki-san's way, but we can't tell him to cease his actions."

"Mistress, you think Elder Saeki will give her support to Tatsuya-dono?"

"It's all right, we cannot stop them. After all, we can only lend a hand. Only the JSDF has the courage to carelessly handle that child who has become the most unfortunate and worst magic weapon."

For we do not have the courage for that. Hayama thought he heard her mutter those unspeakable words.

◊ ◊ ◊

It was the afternoon following the eve of the party. Invited to have lunch with Honoka and Shizuku in their room – not in Tatsuya's room, but in Honoka's – Tatsuya, who along with Miyuki made four people returning to the hotel, heard the voice of a friend in the lobby crowded with students who had come to cheer on the competitors.

"Yahoo."

It was a situation eerily similar to last year, but this year the clothing was very docile. Specifically, Erika was sporting a sleeveless overshirt and three-quarters' length pants look as she waved her hand.

"So you're here to cheer us on."

"Naturally. Ah, two other people are coming."

As she was speaking, Leo walked up behind her.

"Hey, you, carry your own luggage yourself…. Tatsuya, what's up?"

In his hands he carried a bag, but amazingly enough, it seemed to be Erika's bag.

"Erika-chan, the key…ah, Tatsuya-san, Miyuki-san, Honoka-san, Shizuku-san, good afternoon."

Furthermore, from behind Leo, Mizuki appeared hauling a newscaster-looking travel bag.

"Lunch?"

"Not yet."

Tatsuya frankly asked and Erika concisely answered. "Did you also call Mikihiko?"

For that number of people, a double room was cramped. Tatsuya and company moved toward the terrace seating of the café reserved for the Nine Schools' Competition teams.

Because it was already past the peak time, the eight people did not have to wait to secure seating. As they were settling down, Mikihiko suddenly asked a question.

"It seems that it was later than planned; did something happen?"

The one Mikihiko asked was Mizuki. However, in response to those words, the first to respond was Erika.

"Ehh…."

"Wh-what!"

In response to the sadistic smile that Erika turned toward him, Mikihiko backed away. However, that interaction was a mistake; it was too late.

"Since you heard about the plans from Mizuki."

"I received an email. That's all."

Mikihiko replied back hurriedly. On this occasion, though, the mask of impatience he wore had an adverse effect.

"Ehh? Miki, you exchanged email addresses with Mizuki?"

"We exchanged email addresses. Because we're friends."

At Mikihiko's brusque response, Erika turned her gaze toward Leo, who was sitting next to him.

"You, do you have Mizuki's email address?"

"No. Since it's not necessary."

In the present day, thanks to video chat, group chat has become widespread; therefore, in the case that one wanted to send a character-based communication, using group-only accessible message boards was typical. Email's superiority was in transmitting large amounts of data and the ability to send finely-targeted secret messages. – By the way, the fact is that Tatsuya knew Erika and Mizuki's email addresses, but Mikihiko had not been informed of that. Being made to misunderstand that knowing girls' addresses was akin to something to be ashamed about, Mikihiko's face turned completely red.

And as for Erika, by now her smile had spread over her whole face. Next to Mikihiko, Mizuki had a similarly red face and averted eyes. (In order to clear any misunderstandings, they were seated around two round tables they had placed together, the order being Erika, Mizuki, Mikihiko, Leo, Shizuku, Honoka, Tatsuya, Miyuki.)

Mikihiko, who could not bear the situation, finally exploded.

"What a misunderstanding you're making! I'm not the only one who received Shibata-san's email address. Miyuki-san and Mitsui-san and Kitayama-san got it as well!"

However, getting worked up only sunk him deeper and deeper into the quagmire. "Tatsuya-kun?"

"Not me."

Mikihiko turned upon Tatsuya a look that said "Traitor", but such a false charge didn't perturb Tatsuya at all.

"By the way, Erika."

However, it wasn't because of Mikihiko, but rather because he could see that Mizuki's limit appeared to be approaching, that Tatsuya changed the subject.

"Is it really correct to say you were late?" At Tatsuya's question, Erika frowned. "Yeah, well."

For the land transportation system nowadays, which had resolved the issue of structural congestion, to have exceeded the arrival time by more than a measurement error, meant that along the way there must have been some trouble. Being unable to ignore trouble to that extent should have been an unpleasant thing. Erika's awareness turned away from Mikihiko.

"The bus encountered demonstrators at the entrance to the base." Seeing this chance of release, Mizuki immediately spoke up. "Demonstration?"

It seems the reason Honoka asked Mizuki was because the hotel was quite a distance from the base's entrance, so that they would not know even if a considerably loud racket occurred. "Yeah, those…humanists."

Mizuki's response was for all present – only Tatsuya and company weren't at that place. Erika and Leo had also encountered that situation, and a fed up look came across their faces.

"It's always that, that."

Erika's voice was filled with undisguised ill-humor.

"The majority of magic high students are entering the army and making a mistake, wake up, the army's just using you – say those guys. Really, it's none of your business, after all."

While speaking, Erika gradually grew more excited and angry. In contrast to her, Leo's memories were also unpleasant, but he said nothing.

"Approximately what majority! What meaning is there in adding together high school graduates' university entrance rate and university graduates' employment rate? Since that ratio was calculated from different populations, you can't add, subtract, multiply, or divide it, please understand at least that much!"

Though it was quite unpleasant, Erika was unusually logical. If her emotions were left to their own devices, they would go on indefinitely. Tatsuya reluctantly began the process of putting out the fires.

"For things like demonstrations and propaganda speeches, the necessary thing is not accuracy but impact. They too know that it's sophistry. Moreover, forty-five percent of magic university graduates have some connection with the national defense force before finding employment. That's certainly a considerably high rate, so claims like that can't be helped."

"What! Tatsuya-kun, are you on their side?"

"Me? Impossible."

Tatsuya's bitter smile had an "I, who've already joined the military?" meaning. "That's so, isn't it? Sorry…."

Of course Erika understood that. That he had no other alternatives, Erika vaguely suspected.

"At any rate, Miki."

"My name is Mikihiko."

Mikihiko read Erika's intention behind daring him to bring back his former catch phrase as saying 'let's change the mood'.

"You, is it still 'Shibata-san'? Even though, since you call Miyuki 'Miyuki-san', it should also be fine to call Mizuki by her name."

"That's completely off topic!"

However, because of Erika, Mikihiko's solicitude was poorly returned.