Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Volume 14 - Ch 5

This chapter is updated by Novels.pl

October 12th, Friday. With half a month remaining until the Thesis Competition on October 28th, the hustle and bustle within the school abruptly increased. The Kyoto Thesis Competition was said to be dedicated to pure theory, expectations were that the operational details wouldnt be as extensive as last years, but in the end, it turned into a tremendous commotion.

As the presenter, Isori personally took command and entered the fray to manage the preparations. Hattori was in command of the security team and was zealous in training them. Honoka and Izumi were working together to get a handle on the arrangements to travel to Kyoto.

Of course, neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki were playing around. As Student Council President, Miyuki was responsible for keeping an eye on the progress of the entire operation and dispatching help to portions where it was bogging down. The help in most cases was Tatsuya. He participated in presentation preparations, he took part in the training of the security team and when Miyuki, Honoka and Izumi couldn't be in multiple places, he took care of the Student Council business and he also flitted about as Miyukis aide.

When Mikihiko finally came to the Student Council room, Tatsuya had tied up his exhausting work long enough to take a break, just around the time the school gate was closing after school.

Pardon me.

It seemed like Mikihiko was not yet used to using the connecting staircase between the student Council room and Public Morals headquarters. There was a distinct difference between him and the carefree Shizuku who came in with him (additionally, Shizuku was in the midst of guarding Azusa). Youre right on time, Mikihiko

Although Tatsuya called out to him in a lighthearted tone, Mikihiko nervousness wasnt that easily dispelled.

Well then...Since I was able to see how busy you were, there was no way I was going to be later than I promised

Hearing that statement, Miyuki let out a laugh that somehow exuded recognition.

It would be a relief if everyone was as earnest as Yoshida kun

Feeling that this was the calm before the storm, Tatsuya urged Mikihiko to get down to business.

Mikihiko, shall we begin the briefing right away

Yes, lets

Perhaps, Mikihiko got the same impression, he spread out the huge roll of electronic paper, he had in his hand onto the conference table.

A map of the city of Kyoto emerged on the electronic paper that almost completely covered the table.

Todays briefing is regarding the preliminary report on the security of the actual location

In a formal tone, Mikihiko begun his explanation.

Regarding security on the actual day, the former head of club activities, Hattori has been assigned to proceed with the arrangements. Hattori senpai is also personally overseeing the briefing of the other schools and I think its fine to leave it to him, right

Is it alright not to have invited Hattori senpai to this meeting?

The one who nodded in answer to Honokas question as if to say it was fine was not Mikihiko but Tatsuya.

An agreement was reached with former chairman Hattori, that it would be fine if he was merely notified of the results of the briefing. Right, Chief Yoshida

It is as Secretarial Chief Shiba says

Mikihiko seemed to have trouble saying the title, Secretarial Chief. However, he didnt have the nerve to ignore the official title in front of Miyuki.

Former chairman Hattori said it was fine for him not to take part in todays briefing. Since all were doing is gathering information. Doesnt all he need to do is use the resulting data

Perhaps, he couldn't ignore his uneasiness with speaking in a formal manner; Mikihiko carelessly lapsed into an informal friendly manner.

Its about time to get to the essentials

Perhaps, Tatsuya also found that easier, he immediately matched that mode of speaking.

Okay. So, please look over here

Although, his tone was friendly, this was the way he always spoke to Miyuki.

This is the site, the New International Convention Center

Thats pretty much in the outskirts of the city

Looking at the map, Izumi stated her opinion undiffidently.

It seems like theres a strong feeling in the area about not wanting to have conventions in the middle of the city

After answering Izumis question while smiling ironically, Mikihikos face stiffened.

Unlike last year, the volume of traffic in the area is not that much. So it can be seen that there arent too many places where criminals, subversives and the like can ambush us. However, because the area is so rural, it is extremely easy to conceal the preparations to do so

Mikihiko temporarily enlarged the vicinity of the convention center before, replacing it with the map of the entire city of Kyoto.

And, even if there is not a close hiding place; I also believe that there are potential locations that can be converted to a base not too far away

As had been arranged beforehand, Miyuki broke in during the pause in the conversation.

In short, it is your opinion, Yoshida kun, that a much wider area than the vicinity of the site should be investigated?

Yes. No way do we want a repeat of last year

Without a moments delay, Tatsuya let loose the second round of covering fire.

Agreed. Although we are nothing more than high school students, we still need to do everything we can

Tatsuya garnered gazes filled with surprise. In any case, Honoka, Izumi and Minami who knew the hidden details turned their eyes toward him without intending to but, right now, it was important that Honoka and Izumi not develop any lingering suspicions about what the people who left were doing.

So, Mikihiko. who are you going to send on the preliminary investigation?

Ill go

Is it alright for the Public Morals Chief to be absent from school?

I intend to entrust the school to Kitayama of the guard detail. Also I wish Tatsuya to come

No problem. Its probably necessary for at least one member of the security team to check over the actual site

Tatsuya followed up with a nod; Miyuki raised her hand.

Oniisama, is it alright if I go with you?

You, the Student council president

Tatsuya asked the question without becoming visibly paler. Acting in these kinds of conditions was more of a specialty of Miyukis.

I wish to set up an appointment check out the hotel, the cheering squads are staying at personally. I wish to confirm that there is a shelter, they can be evacuated to if the unlikely occurs

Miyuki, I can do that

Honoka, dont you have transportation, reservations, and individual requests to take care of? I am only overseeing the general operation, I dont have any other specific job

Oh, alright..

A Disappointed Honoka yielded.

Izumi seemed to want to say something as she listened to Miyuki and Honokas exchange but, Miyuki turned to her before she spoke.

Izumi chan while I am on my trip to Kyoto, wont you to take my place and run things for me as the Vice President

Please, leave it to me. Use me to the fullest

It goes without saying, Izumi actually wanted to go with Miyuki to Kyoto as well. Having been asked by her esteemed Miyuki herself to be her proxy, she wasnt able to say no. Rather, Izumi was the type of the girl who would be all excited over Miyuki senpai asked me to do something for her!

Whats the schedule?

It would be a little tight but, how about a 2 day and 1 night trip on the weekend before the Thesis Competition, the 20th to the 21th?

Its a good plan, have you already pinned down the accommodations

No, I thought wed decide on that now

I see. Minami

Tatsuyas calling out to Minami was the last of their planned moves.

Yes

In spite of explaining this scenario to Minami as well, she was not very surprised. She always seemed more composed than suited her age.

Sorry, but will you make the hotel reservations for me. If you can make it the hotel, we are staying in the day before the Thesis Competition. For four people: me, Miyuki, Mikihiko, and you, Minami

Me, as well?

Uh, huh. You will help Miyuki over there for me

Regret passed over Izumis face in response to Tatsuyas statement. She was probably thinking she wanted to be running around supporting Miyuki herself. However, she had already accepted the job of being Miyukis stand in. If Tatsuya had been the one who had asked her, Izumi would probably have easily withdrawn her previous agreement. However, it was impossible for Izumi to even think of abandoning a task Miyuki had asked her to do.

It was time for the school gates to close, Tatsuya was slightly ahead Honoka whom he was escorting in leaving the student council room. They were going to where Shizuku who was guarding Azusa who was directing the construction of the presentation device was.

Along the way, they linked up with Mikihiko who was done with locking up Public Morals headquarters and the three went to the experiment building.

Aside from the work Isori was overseeing the auditorium, Azusa was making a console CAD that would compare the experiments effects.

Shizuku!

Honoka called out to Shizuku. For some reason, Chikura Tomoko and Sayaka who were on Azusas security detail with Shizuku and Kirihara who was supposed to be guarding Carey, all turned to look at Tatsuya.

Shiba, whats up? We should have put in the requests to work overtime

As expected, Kirihara had already stopped calling him Shiba Ani. Tatsuya was Shiba and Miyuki was President. It could be called the most proper way of addressing them.

Certainly, the overtime requests were accepted but, its still bad for female students to stay late into the night at school

....but

Kirihara notified Sayaka that they were leaving soon with a glance backward. Apparently, Sayaka felt the need to be willful about it.

Whats up?

As the mood was on the verge of turning uncomfortable, Shizuku asked Honoka that. She probably intended to switch the topic of conversation since she could read the mood but, Tatsuya and Mikihiko had a different matter to discuss with Shizuku.

Kitayama san, I want to ask you a little favor

Ask me?

Mikihiko broached the matter while fighting the urge to snicker at the classically exaggerated puppet like head tilt she made.

As it happens, we discussed going to Kyoto and for a look around before the Thesis Competition

To prepare for something like last year?

When Shizuku heard the words Look around, she grasped the unstated reason.

Right. For two days, we intend to check out various matters on a 2 day 1 night stay starting the 21st. Will you act as Public Morals Chief for me for those 2 days

For some reason, Shizuku looked toward Honoka instead of the bowing Mikihiko.

What about you, Honoka?

eh, Im.staying here?

Hmmmm.

Shizukus focus switched to Tatsuya.

Are you going, Tatsuya san?

Uh, huh

Shizuku thought about it for a moment then, said Okay to Mikihiko.

Thank you. Thats a relief

Your welcome

As she spoke, her eyes were not looking toward the still bowing Mikihiko but toward Honoka who was avoiding looking at Tatsuya.

Inside the cabinet on the way home, Tatsuya was reading web news articles when his face changed to a Say what? type of expression.

Oniisama, is something wrong?

Miyuki who was sitting next to him noticed immediately and questioned him.

Ah, this news

Tatsuya turned the information terminal toward Miyuki. A local Kyoto news article was displayed there. It seems like Tatsuya had already started collecting information.

The article contained a full report on the body of a murdered man discovered at a famous sightseeing spot.

It was discovered this morning, the victims Nakura Sanburo san...Oniisama, this person!?

Miyuki also readily understood the reason for Tatsuyas reaction.

Someone you know?

That was a natural question, Minami did not recognize the name.

If it is not somebody with the same name, this is the magician that serves as Saegusa Mayumis bodyguard

Minamis eyes widened.

It is the same gentleman, right?

I dont know, there isnt a picture

Although that is what he said but, Tatsuya intuitively believed that this victim was the elderly magician that was Mayumis guard.

If it is the same gentleman...could it be a coincidence?

The question, Miyuki voiced was the same one that Tatsuya and Minami were grappling with.

A magician of the Saegusa Clan was killed in Kyoto where it was likely Zhou Gongjin was in hiding. Additionally, his body indicated the death had been violent.

Normally, it would be unthinkable to write the condition of the body in an article; perhaps, it was because it was the result of magic combat.

A magician who was likely an extra yet skilled enough to be entrusted with guarding the eldest daughter of the Saegusa clan had been killed in magic combat. Even skills to that extent could be overcome. Like by that man who deeply wounded Kuroba Mitsugu and break thru the Kuroba Execution squads perimeter and escape.

There was no way Tatsuya could consider this a coincidence.

The one who was most surprised to see the news that Nakura had been killed was unmistakably her.

Otousama, please explain this!

Having been informed that Kouichi had returned home, Mayumi went into his study uninvited.

Nakura san has been killed, what does this mean!?

Both hands gesturing wildly in front of the grandiose desk, she pressed Kouichi who sat beyond it for answers.

How do you know Nakura was killed?

There was a call from the police asking about his background!

You took it? What about school

They couldnt contact Otousama or my Oniisamas so, they moved on to me!

Dolts...what were you doing

Kouichi let out a reproachful murmur at his sons mistakes while ignoring his own. Listening to this, Mayumi became even more incensed.

That kind of thing doesnt matter!

Her father and the elder of her brothers disappearances and the younger of her brothers pretending that he wasnt home were normal occurrences and as far as she was concerned completely trivial.

Enough, please stop dodging! They said Nakura san killed, what does that mean!?

It means what it says, right? Nakura was killed. A good man has died

That isnt what Im asking! Why was Nakura san killed in Kyoto!?

Theres no reason for you to know

Kouichi coldly rebuffed his daughter. However, Mayumi did not flinch from something of this degree, she was not a weak Ojousama.

Nakura san is my bodyguard. I should meet the qualifications of knowing

The tone had become subdued but, deep within fierier emotions swirled. One probably did not have to be Kouichi to know that. Since he knew his daughters character, he was aware some degree of compromise was necessary.

Nakura was dispatched to Kyoto to do certain work. He probably got entangled in some trouble there

Certain work? What was that

An important task for the Saegusa clan of the Ten Master Clans

I got that! What was the task!?

You dont need to know

However, Kouichi would not acknowledge a need for a greater degree of compromise than that.

That was communicated to Mayumi as well. She realized questioning him even further was futile.

.....understood. Excuse me

Feeling a great deal of mistrust for her father, Mayumi left the study.

However, Mayumi had not given up on her quest for the truth.

To tell the truth, Mayumi and Nakura hadnt really been that friendly. Nakuras manner was normally courteous to Mayumi and always that of a servant. Mayumi hadnt known him well, he had made her feel uneasy.

Even so, for a nonshort period of time, he was someone she had known that had accompanied her in her movements and had been killed. Moreover, he had died due to a task set by her own father.

Mayumi completely disbelieved her fathers words, He probably got entangled in some trouble there. She was convinced that he had not been dragged into something while he was working but rather he was killed because he was working.

However, that was nothing more than Mayumis intuition, just now she had nothing to base it on. She acknowledged that herself.

Whats up, Mayumi. You have been breathing out sighs for some time now. Besides, you seem somewhat dispirited. Is something wrong?

eh? No, Mari. Its nothing

It doesnt look like nothing but...if it is really nothing then put it out of your mind. Youve been thinking about it for a while now

Oh, I have!?

Flustered, Mayumi sat up straight and fixed her gaping collar and straightened the cuffs of her sleeves.

They were at the Magic Universitys cafe, it was the time between the morning and afternoon lectures also known as lunchtime. It was a period of time when a lot of students gathered together after finishing their meals, this was not a time when the sight of the honored daughter of the Saegusa Clan of the Ten Master Clans appearing somewhat listless would go unnoticed.

By the way, Mari being here did not mean she was skipping out on her Defense College educational regime. There were special military skills research classes at the Magic Universityto put it simply, there were classes to educate magicians to be officersunder this system the Defense College would send over a chosen student once a week to take part in the lectures with those accepted into the lecture course. Mari had been chosen and today was the day of the lecture.

Mayumi temporarily looked as if nothing was wrong but she couldnt keep it up for long. Probably because she felt secure in front of a friend she hadnt seen in a while. Mayumi forcibly stopped herself when she realized she was sighing deeply again.

Mari, theres something I want to consult you about

Mayumi put both elbows on the table and concealed her mouth with her hands as she spoke to Mari. It was an illmannered pose but it was the easiest way to prevent her lips from being read. It was allowed to use a soundproofing field in the cafe but, magic that obstructed the light because you didnt want to be seen wasnt permitted.

What is it?

Mari made the same pose. The poses deepened the impression that they were discussing secrets to the spectators.

Mari, do you remember Nakura san?

Thats your bodyguard, right? What about him

He was killed

Killed, you say, oh no...when?

Mari had been about to ask how can speak about it looking so calm? but, she looked into Mayumis eyes and saw the grief and anger swirling together in them and changed her question as she spoke.

The day before yesterday, perhaps in the middle of the night. The Kyoto police contacted me yesterday

Kyoto? So it wasnt someone aiming for you?

Uh, huh

I see..

Mari somehow stopped herself from letting out a sigh of relief without thinking. She was feigning calm but deep in her heart she was wavering at one step away from panic. If someone was gunning for Mayumi, what could she do...the thought whirled. Knowing that for now, it was an absurd fear allowed Mari to grieve for the deceased.

Its unfortunate.you have my condolences

Thank you

A solemn air flowed between the pair. In these wordless moments, they were probably offering up silent prayers for the deceased.

So, what was the cause of death? Was it an accident?

Murder

Mari already expected that answer. For someone employed as a bodyguard by the Ten Master Clans that was a normal risk.

But, I dont know the reason

Before her eyes, her friend was using all her strength to bear the weighty emotions that were bursting out. Even before she was asked that by Mari, one did not eyes to see that.

Father wont tell me anything more than he sent him to Kyoto on business. What business, what kind of job, everything is unclear. At any rate, Im sure it was some kind of shady job but even so why did he lose his life.

A sound of something being swallowed could be heard from Mayumis throat. Unmistakably, it was a fit of crying.

Its not that I want to avenge him or something

Mayumi somehow quieted her emotions and with that calm, she continued to talk with a voice that showed her strong will.

Its nothing like that but somehow I cant just let it go. I feel that its something I shouldnt leave it as it is

What..do you have some basis for your thinking?

While she was overwhelmed by Mayumis determination, Mari made a rational point.

Right now, nothing. This is nothing more than my intuition. But, I cant ignore it. I cant help feeling anxious

I..still dont have much unoccupied time

The Magic University and the Defense College were not all that far apartto be exact, the Magic University and the special tactics research department annex were not that far apart. Also, since the secrets and inherent magics of magic students had to be concealed, student housing had to be in approved dormitories; it wasnt that hard for them to meet.

However, as Mari implied, there was no freedom in the Defense Colleges curriculum as there was in Magic Universitys. It could be said with the multiple required courses, a first year student didnt have room in their life to do anything else. As much as Mari wished that she could help her friend with her worries that was impossible with her schedule.

...how about consulting with Juumonji or Tatsuya kun?

Unexpectedlyshe offered up a name, Mayumi hadnt thought of, her eyes widened and she blinked rapidly, many times.

I can understand Juumonjikun but why Tatsuya kun?

Isnt this years Thesis Competition in Kyoto?

Mayumi sensed that Mari wasnt really answering a question with a question.

The Competition is at most a two day one night stay, right? Besides hell be busy, he wouldnt have the free time to do anything else, right?

That stuff happened just last year. Wouldnt they do their own investigation of the area?

Yes, they might do that. But, Tatsuya kun would probably be helping with the presentations preparations and theres also the student council work. When hes so busy, to expressly ask him to meet with me.what?

Mayumi became aware that Mari was looking at her with a stunned look.

We have this and that to do as well. Wouldnt it be fine to just ask him?

Overwhelmed by the common sense, Mayumi couldnt come up with even the fragment of a rebuttal.

Anyway, why have you only been worried about his situation? Isnt the first thing to do to get Juumonji kuns cooperation? Juumonji is already a college student so isnt he more likely to be accommodating than Tatsuya kun the high school student and as for which would be more reliable, I think for sure that it would be Juumonji kun

Ththats..were both members of the Ten Master Clans, I dont want the problems of the Saegusa Clan to cause trouble for the Juumonji Clan

Mari didnt hear Mayumis excuse. She was able to hear the sound but, her mind completely ignored it.

Mayumi, I dont believe it but

Whwhat?

Maris expression was not the mischievous smile one would wear when teasing a good friend, her face was subtly serious showing her earnest and genuine concern for Mayumi.

You couldnt possibly be genuinely in love with him?

It took some time for Maris words to penetrate Mayumis consciousness.

By him.Tatsuyakun!?

Idiot, youre too loud!

Since Mayumi had put up a soundproof field, her words didnt leak out but, Maris look was so menacing it made her forget that.

Thats impossible! Right, impossible! Seriously, me be in lololo..

Mari fixated cool eyes on her mumbling friend.

Mayumi, if you could see yourself now would you really be able to declare its impossible?

That is..

Mayumis voice trailed off from lack of confidence.

However, she didnt end it there. Resolutely, she looked up and puffed out her chest.

No, that is really impossible. Whats impossible is impossible

...youre awfully confident but, your statements really lack persuasive power

Tatsuya kun is a reliable boy. Like a little brother. Right, a little brother. A little brother!

No, isnt that wrong? After all, you and him are not blood related, right?

Yes, Its an elder sisters right to be helped by her little brother! Alright, Ill get Tatsuya to help me dig for the truth. First, Ill check the train schedule for going to Tokyo

No, you should.

Faced with the strangely confused Mayumi, Mari plopped down with an exhausted look.

October,14th Sunday. Tatsuya visited the Yokohama branch office of the Magic Association.

Tatsuya informed the reception desk of his name and told them that he had an appointment.

He was already waiting in the interview room.

Hayama san, its been a while since we have spoken. I have not kept you waiting have I?

No, you are right on time, Tatsuyadono. Since I was the one who summoned you, it is only natural that I arrived first. Please, do not trouble yourself about it any further

Tatsuya bowed and stood on the opposite side from Hayama.

As if they had agreed on the timing beforehand, the pair sat down at the same time. The slight firmness of the cushion maintained the feeling of tension that was the impression, Tatsuya harbored on the sofa.

Your business is a matter to do with the current job?

Tatsuya set the conversation off.

Yes. About the attack you incurred a few days in Nara and the rest. You were not injured?

I am fine. Miyuki and the others did not receive even the lightest wound. I am thankful for your concern

That is good. Well, fellows of that level dont have much of a chance to slow Tatsuya down. By the way, have you identified those people?

I do not know how reliable it is at this point. Theres interference in my access to the military information division, I cannot investigate the details

Hoo, the information division

They were exchanging jabs mixed with truth and lies. Tatsuya was not telling him everything he knew and Hayama was also probably concealing things. No, if it was limited to this conversation, it was more like Hayama hadnt said anything.

I am sorry . But for that reason, I have not made enough progress that I am able to give you a report

No, no. Both Okusama and myself view securing the cooperation of the Kudou Clan as a major accomplishment in itself

Tatsuya observed Hayamas face as much as he could get away with without being rude. Was the line about Miya being impressed, the truth or mere lip service; it was unfortunate but, the power of Tatsuyas eyes were unable to determine that.

So, it would be fine for me to assume that my progress toward the current objective is satisfactory

It is sufficient

For now, he had secured freedom of movement; for Tatsuya, that was nothing but good.

On the Kuroba front, have they acquired any new information?

There are no developments there

The shortest answer possible perhaps to keep from granting Tatsuya any material to make conjectures from. Those distrustful thoughts floated across Tatsuyas mind.

Well, Tatsuyadono. I will be going now, I will tell Okusama what you said in order to ask her honored opinion

huh That was probably to be expected. There was no way it would end with him only asking about the progress of the investigation.

Regarding Okusama, shall she hear from me that Tatsuyadono does not require reinforcements

Reinforcements, hmm.

Those words were outside his calculations so Tatsuya could not immediately reply. Maya sending him reinforcements was not something, Tatsuya had even considered.

However, this is a good opportunity, thought Tatsuya. He had actually intended to to someone dispatched from Mikitsugu's area secretly from Maya or Hayama but, taking advantage of a request to Maya for reinforcements was probably the best way to avoid future trouble.

Hayama san. When the notice of this duty was delivered were Fumiya and his sister directed to purposely overlook a tail?

Hayama cocked his head with a serious face at Tatsuyas words.

Really? I gave no such directive but.

Hayama didnt appear befuddled. However, there had been such a directive that was clear from looking at the resulting situation.

Ahh, come to think of it, Hanabishikun struck up a conversation with Fumiyadono about something

Hanabishi san, hmm

A Yotsuba Clan employee of the second rank. A magician that the Yotsuba had headhunted from outside, His magical power was ordinary but he was a former serviceman with extensive combat experience. He was in charge of fine tuning scheduling and providing equipment for illegal operations related to magic requested by the Yotsuba Clan. Another way to put it would be he was the butler that served as the Yotsubas control tower.

However, I believe Hanabishi san would not issue such a directive on his own initiative

I am sorry. Not even I know more than that

That was a lie. Mayas trusted retainer would not be unaware of such an important matter as information concerning Tatsuya and Miyuki being leaked. Never mind Tatsuya, Miyuki was a candidate to be the next clan head.

However, he had declared that I do not know which left Tatsuya no way of pressing him further. Tatsuya changed his attack plan.

I see. Nevertheless, I believe Fumiya was unmistakably followed. Man made Spirits were able to investigate our home and we were attacked in the area in front of the station

Something like that..Tatsuyadono, its inexcusable. I will listen to Hanabishikuns explanation

No, since whats done is done is does not really matter, however

Then?

As a matter of fact, underlings of the Traditionalist have been haunting the vicinity of classmates of mine and Miyuki

Hmm...that would be worrying for Tatsuyadono and Miyukisama as well

Yes. For now, I have been coping with it through the good will of the Kitayama family and the Kyuuchou temple but can you recommend to Obaue that she lend me a hand

I see, freeing oneself from worry is a standard tactic. Miyasama would also wish you to free of hindrances

Please. I do not wish to take up more of the Masters time

The unspoken implication of that statement was the threat that more of Yakumos intervention will be permitted which could cause problems, Hayama should understand that. Tatsuya thought that both the Yotsuba and Yakumo should understand that he wanted this for both their sakes but, he did not state that openly.

By the way, Tatsuyadono, about Kyuuchou temple

Hayama abruptly changed the topic, this might be his way of proclaiming that he did not wish to pursue the issue further.

Recently, you have been engaged in developing new magic at the Kyuuchou temple, Tatsuyadono

You are well informed

The surprise that showed on Tatsuyas face was not an act. When the heck did they find out, by what means, Tatsuya had absolutely no idea.

Simple deduction. We have information regarding what is inside the basement of Kyuuchou temple

I see, so that was what is called a trick question

Tatsuya showed an expression of regret but that was an act. He was relieved now that he knew his information concealment hadnt been penetrated and it was a good time to reveal the development of his new magic anyway. This could be called a good opportunity to do what was known as lobbing a ball to keep a runner on base.

It is as you have said I have borrowed the basement of the Kyuuchou temple to engage in the creation of a new attack magic

Do you mind if I inquire as to what type?

Of course not. I have no secrets from Obaue

Tatsuyas face proclaimed his innocence as he answered Hayamas question with a bold face lie.

The magic I am in the midst of developing is a close range physical attack spell. I believe you have gone through the report concerning the Brionac used by Angie Sirius of the STARS

So you are trying to reproduce the Brionac

There are minor differences in the theory but that is the basic concept. The truth is I had a match at First High in April with an opponent on whom Mist Dispersion wouldnt work

The Tomitsuka Clans Range Zero

So you are aware of it. I had an epiphany then. As Miyukis Guardian, I urgently need a repulsion magic for use against opponents on whom decomposition will not work

Perhaps, Tatsuyas feeling resonated with him; Hayama bowed his head deeply in agreement.

An excellent endeavour

If this magic is perfected, I should probably not only be able to pierce the psion armor of Range Zero but the Juumonji Clans Phalanx. I think I will be able to unveil it at the next Shougatsu

For an instant, Hayama sunk into silence with a grave look. But his gentle butlers smile was restored so quickly that one would think that had been an illusion.

Is the name of the magic been decided, yet

It has not been perfected yet, so only a temporary one..

If you may

When it is completed for unveiling, I intend to give it the name Baryon Lance

...how interesting. I will look forward to being able to see it with Miyukisama at Shougatsu

As he spoke, Hayama got up.

Tatsuya also felt it was a suitable time.

So on the matter of guarding our school friends, please take care of it

Please perform your duties with dispatch as well, Tatsuyadono

Tatsuya made a bow to Hayama and left the interview room.

The shaking of hands did not exist between these two.

October 15th, Monday.

First High was deep in the middle of the tumult of preparing for the Thesis Competition.which covered a different commotion.

The news that the former student council president and the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Clan of the Ten Master Clans, Saegusa Mayumi had requested a meeting with Shiba Tatsuya had captured the interest of the students.

In the midst of the students irresponsibly exchanging rumors, there were many students who were unable to take the news with a calm heart.

Like the former, chairman Hattori Gyobu.

Or the student council treasurer Mitsui Honoka.

And Miyuki who was both the student council president and Tatsuyas sister who felt an indescribable uneasiness as she watched the pair disappear into the reception room.