Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Volume 31 - Ch 4

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Oahu, Hawaii, noon on July 29 th , local time. July 30 th at 7:00 AM Japan time.

Edward Clark, Brazilian Strategic-Class Magician Miguel Diaz, his brother Antonio Diaz, as well as several Parasites set sail for Japan on the amphibious assault ship Guam, accompanied by two destroyers.

The Japanese militarys intelligence department learned about the departure of the Guam. However, they had no information regarding Clark or any additional crew members .

They also didnt know that the target of the attack was Japan. At that point, the Japanese military thought that the goal of the Guam was just an ordinary military training exercise.

In contrast to the Japanese military, the New Soviet Union intelligence department got wind of Edward Clark and Miguel Diaz being aboard the amphibious assault ship Guam. The intelligence found out only this; however, Bezobrazov, who was staying in Khabarovsk, correctly speculated based on that information that the Guams mission was the elimination of Shiba Tatsuya.

Bezobrazovs authority in the New Soviet Union wasnt damaged despite suffering the painful defeat from Tatsuya. So even his words, supported by nothing except speculations, had enough power to set the army in motion.

The Command of the Eastern Military District in Khabarovsk [13] , following Bezobrazovs advice, sent the state-of-the-art missile submarine Kutuzov from the Kamchatka Peninsula and began preparing for the launch of supersonic missiles stationed at the Birobidzhan base. Both of their targets were Miyakijima in Japan.

Thus, concerning the surprise attack on Miyakijima, Bezobrazov had outdone Edward Clark and the Japanese military. However, even with Bezobrazovs intellect, it wasnt possible to guess about the events unfolding in Mainland America, which will shake the foundations of the strategy against Japan.

The headquarters of the Stars ? the Magician Corps under the direct command of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the USNA Armed Forces ? located in a suburb of Roswell, New Mexico Which is not the former Walker Air Force Base, famous for the Roswell Incident.

New Mexico local time: July 29 th at 5:00 PM; Japan time: July 30 th at 7:00 AM.

A small VTOL arrived at the Stars headquarters.

That aircraft clearly belonged to the USNA Armed Forces , but the bases personnel werent informed of this visit beforehand and fell into confusion at its sudden landing.

Marshalers [14] and maintenance personnel, who had to work at an unscheduled hour, were fussing around the small aircraft with discontent and anxiety, which landed without informing the base of the purpose for its visit.

Under those gazes, an officer in his prime descended from the aircraft.

Which caused a stir among the staff.

The stir changed to agitation when a figure of a young woman appeared next from the cabin.

Both of those people were well known to the bases personnel.

The first tall man to come down was Major Benjamin Canopus, captain of the Stars First Unit.

The second red-haired, masked woman was Major Angie Sirius, head-captain of the Stars.

The staff were exchanging whispers, something like Is that really them?

However their chaotic uproar suddenly died down after the appearance of the third person.

Colonel Walker. Im afraid your assertions arent convincing enough to refute Major Sirius accusations.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff took a deep breath and started to announce the judgment.

Colonel. From this point, youre relieved from your duty as the Stars base commander. You will report to the Internal Inspection Office tomorrow at noon.

? Yes Sir.

Walker must still have had pride and dignity inside him because he responded with that with his back straight.

Upon seeing his manly behavior, the three top-brass members nodded with satisfaction . Then, on the monitor screen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed his gaze to Canopus, who was standing behind Lina.

Major Canopus. With the authority of the Joint Chiefs of Staff we cancel the imprisonment sentence imposed on you. In that regard, I proclaim that from this moment forward, the Majors honor is restored.

I am grateful to you.

The chairman nodded toward Canopus and turned his eyes to Lina.

Major Sirius. Until an official successor is decided, Id like to entrust you the post of the base commander in addition to the head-captain.

With all due respect, Sir Chairman, I still lack the experience necessary to be the base commander.

So you declare your lack of experience? Thats brave.

Sir acting base commander. Please accept this.

Lina took out a letter from her pocket and handed it to Canopus. It had the inscription: Notice of Resignation.

Head-captain, what is this!?

Only Canopus had a moment of panic. Curtis, it seemed, was told about it beforehand.

This rebellion was organized entirely by the Parasites, but its also true that my presence was a trigger. Im not fit to be the head-captain of the Stars.

So you want to take responsibility and resign!?

Thats just an excuse.

What?

Seeing Canopus stunned face, Lina leaked a small giggle.

I was twelve years old when I became a regular member of the Stars. Two years prior, I was scouted by the army and entered the training center.

Canopus, on the other hand, didnt feel like giggling.

Its been about eight years since my admission to the training center, and Ive spent that time knowing nothing but the military world.

As Lina was telling it calmly, Canopus face became more and more stiff.

Except for those three months last winter.

Canopus understood without additional explanation that the three months were the days spent in Japan during her previous visit there.

Ben, I got tired of hunting deserters and felony magicians long ago. But exactly at that time, I was able to realize that I dont really want to deal with the punishment of criminals anymore.

Lina

Canopus asked her by her name and not with head-captain.

And when I went to Japan again, I could no longer lie to myself. Thats why Im going to make those two people take responsibility after giving me excessive wisdom.

Im fully aware that this is irresponsible, but could you overlook this whim of a young girl?

What are you going to do after resigning from the military?

While asking this, Canopus was convinced that Lina was going back to Japan.

The loss of a Strategic-Class Magician to another country.

For a person involved in military affairs, that was totally unacceptable.

But Canopus had no intention to blame or stop her.

I want to enjoy what little remains of my high school life in Japan.

Against Canopus question, Lina answered with a carefree sincere smile.

- Good. Thats good. Lina, I wish with all my heart that the everyday life waiting for you is joyful and happy.

With his heartfelt blessing, Canopus received Angie Sirius Notice of Resignation.

This way, Edward Clarks operation of invading Miyakijima had lost its backers in the form of the Stars & Stardust, as well as the source of fresh fighting power - the Parasites .