Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Volume 31 - Ch 8

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August 4 th 2097 AD.

This day, the world was reminded of magics power once again.

The power, with which one magician can overwhelm even a large country.

August 4 th 8 AM.

The amphibious assault ship Guam crossed a line 24 nautical miles from the coast of Miyakijima. Guam then continued sailing to the west. One of two accompanying destroyers ? Hull ? reduced its speed, while the second one ? Ross ? sped up and changed direction to the southwest.

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces, who identified these two destroyers as the amphibious assault ships escort, were confused by that change. Someone even wondered if it was just their misunderstanding that the USNAs ships intended to attack Miyakijima.

While the Self-Defense Forces were in a state of confusion, the owners of Miyakijima (the Yotsuba family) werent confused.

8:20 AM. On Miyakijimas west coast, at the former monitoring facility that had prevented felony magicians from escaping and has now been converted into a command room for the private security on the island, an officer at this command post responsible for monitoring the sea reported in a tense voice :

Guam will enter into our territorial waters soon. At their current speed itll take them about 5 minutes.

The intercepting squad is ready for battle. ? Reported through radio by Tsutsumi Kanata, guardian of Shibata Katsushige, who was tasked with command of the defense by Maya.

Kanata, calm down a little. The sortie begins only after the opponent makes their first move .

Katsushige felt Kanatas impatience in his voice from the speakers and reminded the latter to not make a false start.

I know, Master. I havent forgotten that we need a justification for our self-defense against an attack.

Kanatas tone used for the pronunciation of master sounded in no way serious, like summoning some keeper of a coffee-shop, but there was no doubt about his loyalty to Katsushige. So instead of repeating the warning, Katsushige turned his eyes toward the main screen, which extended over the entire wall in front of him.

There was no window in this command room. The main screen, which usually showed the outside view, was now displaying a variety of information about the islands surroundings. Katsushige now stared at the displayed USNA warships data with concentration from above his multi-function Commanders Seat.

Guam has slowed down.

After reading this on the main screen at the same time as the operators report, Katsushige manipulated the intercom built into the Commanders Seat.

Tatsuya-kun, the enemy ships have made their move. Could you come to the command room with Miyuki-san? ? Katsushige said over the intercom.

Parting with Tatsuya after breakfast, Miyuki led Minami, Erika, Leo, and Mikihiko to a shelter located on the underground floor of the residential building.

Even though it was called an underground shelter, it was as spacious and well-maintained as the above-ground floors. The room was equipped with 4 large-scale displays showing the entire territory of the island. With the presence of all kinds of amenities for a comfortable stay, this shelter was even better than any of the guest rooms above.

As for now, nothing unusual has been seen on the island.

The only difference from usual was that civilians (who werent combat personnel of the Yotsuba family) were evacuated from the plant construction site located on the east coast.

But today was Sunday, when the plant construction and test operations were stopped anyway.

However, there were dispatched reinforcement combatants in place of the evacuated scientists and engineers. Actually, there were more people than usual.

The USNA warships werent in sight yet. The cameras available from the shelter only showed the coast with some limited range. Specifically, its [cameras] perspective was limited by the skyline 8 kilometers off the shore and 5 meters above sea level. Meaning, the territorial waters borderline, located 12 nautical miles (?22 kilometers) off shore, wasnt in the field of view of the cameras.

Although the image from the cameras cannot be called peaceful, it hasnt escalated the feeling of tension yet. That was probably why Erika got bored, took her eyes off from the display, and turned to Miyuki.

How close are the enemy ships?

Minami-chan, do you know?

Miyuki redirected Erikas inquiry to Minami.

Three kilometers from our territorial waters.

Minami wasnt sitting on a chair, but standing before a console for centralized control of all equipment in this room. Using a keyboard on the information terminal, she received a response from the Military Affairs Information System located in the command room. It wasnt possible to make that kind of search from rooms for civilian accommodation in this shelter. It was only possible because this place was intended as a VIP room used by the next head of the family.

Three kilometers from our territorial waters means to the coast. Its about umm

Its about twenty-five kilometers, Saijou-senpai. ? Minami politely answered after Leo invited himself into the conversation.

Twenty-five kilometers. Its still outside the launchers range.

By launchers Leo meant Fleming Launchers that had been used as a warships main weapon for ground bombardment during the previous war. Fleming Launchers are able to launch large bombs using an electromagnetic launching mechanism, which commonly have a range of 20 kilometers.

But its in range to use missiles, if they have them.

This time, Mikihiko responded to Leos line.

If they arent shooting yet, it means theyre planning on landing. Sakurai-san, what type of ship is approaching ? destroyer or landing?

Minami glanced at Miyuki.

Receiving a confirmative nod from Miyuki, Minami answered Mikihikos question with: Its an amphibious assault ship.

I see, its indeed a landing operation. Instead of indiscriminate bombing , theyre specifically targeting Tatsuya.

Hearing Mikihikos guess, Erika snorted as if to mock them.

Anyway, theyll switch to indiscriminate bombardment soon. As if they would succeed with assassinating Tatsuya.

No one objected to her. Leo and Mikihiko made a nod with convinced faces. While Miyuki showed only an inhumanely beautiful smile .

The conversation ended here. As if waiting for a lull in the conversation, the door of the room opened suddenly.

Tatsuya-sama.

Miyuki, who had stood up even before the three-fold sliding door had fully opened, welcomed Tatsuya with a polite bow. Minami, who was slightly late, also hurried to give him a bow .

No one there was surprised at Miyukis quick reaction. Even if it seemed so mysterious or irrational coming from another persons perspective, for Tatsuya and Miyukis friends , it wasnt so surprising anymore .

Erika, Leo, and Mikihiko were already accustomed to this incomprehensible ability to detect each other. Even through the door, that was made of gamma-ray shielding alloy covered by synthetic polymers that had a neutron shielding .

Miyuki, Katsushige-san is calling. Come with me.

Tatsuya didnt even look at his friends and addressed only Miyuki, but none of them complained. This was because there was an atmosphere around Tatsuya, as if forcing it to be taken for granted.

Tatsuya was wearing an ultramarine blue colored flight armor suit, which at first glance could easily be mistaken for black. This was another version of the Freed Suit developed by the Yotsuba family. This suit, along with a helmet, covered the entire body in armor, and now only the face shield of his helmet was raised.

The Freed Suit, used by Tatsuya before, could be called the Civilian Version with a design that looked like an unusual riding suit which one could wear even downtown and not seem suspicious.

In contrast [with the Civilian Version], now he was obviously wearing a combat suit emphasizing the armor on vital points, and there was also a handle of the melee knife exposed on one side. As opposed to the Civilian Version, it should be called the Soldier Version. This suit breaks many regulations allowed for civilians, and if the authorities caught one wearing this, theyre going to be treated as criminals. But whether the authorities would be able to arrest him or not is another question.

As this appearance clearly indicated that the battle was approaching, Erika and the others naturally thought that Tatsuya came to get Miyuki for something related to intercepting the enemy.

Erika, Leo, and Mikihiko.

However, Tatsuya didnt forget or ignore those three.

You guys stay here. If theres something you want, Minami will take care of it for you. Dont rush out into battle with the enemy.

After Tatsuya made his statement loud and clear, Erika and Leo just shrugged their shoulders. Their reaction was equal to the confession dont expect us to be obedient.

Mikihiko. Keep an eye on them for me.

Ah, yeah. I understand.

After putting pressure on Mikihiko , Tatsuya left the room with Miyuki.

Mikihiko was the one forced to take responsibility in this situation solely because of the character traits of the 3 of them.

When Tatsuya entered the command room, Katsushige was changing out of his summer blazer and into a combat jacket (which had bulletproof, blade-proof, resistant to chemical weapons, and explosion-proof functions).

Katsushiges trousers were made from the same material. It was similar to a flight armor suit, but in contrast to Tatsuyas one-piece jumpsuit-type, it consisted of two parts. Both of its parts were pressed down by the jackets elastic belt, providing some airtightness, though not with the efficiency of the Freed Suit or military Mobile Suit.

Nevertheless, it had the functionality needed for high-speed movements during short distances. It was sufficient for Katsushige who, unlike Tatsuya, was able to protect himself with magic alone.

Sorry I made you wait.

After locking up the belt and zipping the jackets collar, Katsushige turned around and replied:

No, Im sorry for suddenly calling you while [dressed] like this.

With this, the greeting was over.

Actually, the amphibious assault ship Guam stopped just before it entered territorial waters.

They refrained from such unproductive things like competing for an apology and immediately proceeded to the main topic.

Id like to hear your opinion about the enemys intention.

Please tell me about the destroyers status.

Tatsuya asked back instead of answering Katsushiges question.

The destroyer Hull stopped about thirty kilometers east off the island, while Ross is heading west at around fifty knots alongside the islands southern border.

Guam seems to be waiting for Ross to get into position.

Upon hearing Katsushiges answer, Tatsuya immediately expressed what he thought Katsushige would say next .

Are they going to do a pinch attack with the two destroyers from east and west? But Ross and Hull are just naval melee escort ships mainly equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weaponry. They may have some missiles loaded which can be used for bombardment, but considering its capacity, there wont be many. Unless they are going to use nuclear missiles Are they planning to launch a nuclear attack?

They very likely wont use nuclear missiles. I dont think that the USNA government would turn a blind eye to it.

Tatsuyas answer had another meaning.

Katsushige didnt miss it.

Are you saying that the enemy is prepared to use large-scale magic that is comparable to a nuclear attack?

Its just a guess.

Even if its so, it doesnt mean that we can sink them with a preemptive strike.

Miyuki and I will be preparing for long-range magic attacks from the destroyers.

Tatsuya glanced over his shoulder towards Miyuki.

Miyuki nodded confidently.

Okay. Ill leave that to Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-san. Meanwhile, I will repel the landing forces at the coast, as planned.

After telling this to Tatsuya, Katsushige turned to Miyuki:

Miyuki-san, please sit here.

Saying that, Katsushige encouraged Miyuki to take the Commanders Seat.

Isnt that seat entrusted to Katsushige-san from Oba-sama?

I got permission from the familys head yesterday.

But

Miyuki, just accept it thankfully. This Commanders Seat has the functionality you need.

Tatsuya added some advice to Miyuki who was hesitating. No, it was more like instructions rather than advice.

If Onii-sama, that is, Tatsuya-sama, says so

Because of his unexpected advice, Miyuki inadvertently called Tatsuya Onii-sama, but fortunately, neither Katsushige nor anyone else in the command room found this to be strange.

Right before she was going to take the Commanders Seat, Miyuki made eye contact with Katsushige once more.

What about Katsushige-san?

Ill take command from a mobile command base on the northeast coast.

The mobile command base that he referred to was an armored van with a built-in Tactical Data-Link System connected to the computer in the command room.

With a flight device it wont take much time to get there. Besides, its certainly more convenient to be near the site.

I understand, please be careful.

Thank you.

Katsushige left the command room with his helmet under his arm.

Miyuki sat down on the Commanders Seat and looked up at Tatsuya standing by her side.

Tatsuya-sama, please tell me about the functions of this seat.

Strictly speaking, this desk has a special function , not the seat.

Desk?

Miyuki made a dubious look.

That was only to be expected. There was nothing in front of the Commanders Seat thats installed on a circular platform and elevated one foot higher from the surrounding floor. Miyukis sitting figure was now in sight of the surrounding staff from head to toe.

Its faster to show you rather than explain it to you. ? Said Tatsuya and moved behind her diagonally to the right.

Miyuki followed Tatsuya with her eyes, while still having a dubious expression.

Tatsuya stretched his right hand over Miyukis shoulder toward the inner side of the right armrest.

Miyuki froze because it felt like an attempt to hug her from behind.

Tatsuyas right hand pushed an inconspicuous button that was placed on the armrests inner side.

Then he removed his hand and straightened up.

Immediately after that, the wall that surrounded the back of the seat in a circular arc began to move from the left side of Miyuki to the front. After passing half of the circle and stopping before the Commanders Seat, the wall started moving toward the seat.

Approaching a distance of 10 centimeters in front of Miyukis hands , the arc wall transformed into a desk, surrounding the seat in an arc from the armrests base on either side.

This is?

Surprised with this exaggerated gimmick, Miyuki rounded her eyes.

I honestly think theyve been playing around too much

Seeing Tatsuya smile wryly, she realized that it probably wasnt his design.

The engineer responsible for reconstructing this room was probably a special effects maniac or something like that.

Miyuki seemed relieved to know that Tatsuya also felt that this gimmick was strange.

So, what useful functions does it have?

Here.

Tatsuya, who escaped outside the moving desk, reached out and touched a button that appeared on the table from Miyukis right side.

The outer side of the table opened, and a mechanical arm resembling a microphone stand extended out in front of Miyuki.

Tatsuya-sama, what is this?

Miyuki, do you have the CAD that I gave you last night?

Of course.

Miyuki took out a CAD in the form of a compact handgun from her purse placed on her lap.

Insert the CAD here.

The tip of the arm that Tatsuya pointed to was shaped like a small pistol rack . When a gun-shaped device is inserted there, its barrel is automatically clamped on both sides, thereby fixing it in place. The handle remains outside, so the CAD can be controlled even when its installed on the rack o f the arm.

This arm has the function of expanding the CAD aiming assistance. If you aim the muzzle (when the CAD is set on the arm) to any image on the main screen, the Tactical Computer in this command room will transmit data on the targets position in a format suitable for the Activation Sequence to the CAD. Needles to say, your CAD is already compatible with this system, so it can receive and utilize the Tactical Data. While sitting here, you can freely aim at any object within a fifty kilometer radius, as if youre seeing it with the naked eye.

Just like Tatsuya-sama does with Elemental Sight?

Miyuki already realized that this system was designed specifically for her. Tatsuya who has Elemental Sight doesnt need such a system. Actually, Tatsuya doesnt even need Third Eye as an extended CAD with additional aim-assistance. With only a broadcast or satellite image, its enough for Tatsuya to aim at the target. One could tell that this system acted as a [technological] replacement to the process of acquiring positional information, like Elemental Sight does.

If you are asking if other magicians with this system could imitate Tatsuya ? it would be impossible. Ordinary magicians couldnt apply magic to any distant object or area, located 10 kilometers away, even having location data in the form of an Activation Sequence. That would require magic power comparable to the Thirteen Apostles such as Bezobrazov of the New Soviet Union , or like the amount of magic power that Miyuki possesses.

With increased performance of the Enemy Search System connected to the Tactical Computer, its possible to even reach the other side of the earth. As for the current system, a fifty kilometer radius is the limit.

But who installed this system here? Miyuki didnt think it was created based on Tatsuyas idea because hed be against making magicians part of the weapon system . At the very least, Tatsuya would never consider using Miyuki as a part of a weapon.

Then it was probably Maya who ordered the installation of this equipment, and to use Miyuki for military purposes

Miyuki stopped thinking further. Who conceived all this? What are their motives? For now, it doesnt matter. The main thing is that this system will be helpful in the upcoming battle.

Thanks to this system, Miyuki will be able to help Tatsuya.

I understand. I will master this system so that I can be useful to Tatsuya-sama.

Miyuki, for the time being, decided to think about it from this perspective.

8:50 AM. Finally, the amphibious assault ship Guam has started military actions. Small high-speed boats descended from the hull to the sea surface through the stern slipways one by one. And those were nt landing crafts for unloading military equipment, but assault boats [20] intent on delivering combatants carrying weapons.

There were six such boats in total. In addition to the crew, each boat carried 50 fighters, totaling 300 people ? about two companies. This was rather small if we take into account that the Guam was capable of delivering more than 1,000 soldiers. But given that the operation was unofficial, anyone who knew the current circumstances would applaud the fact that they were able to gather so many people.

The assault boats werent departing sequentially, but launched simultaneously after all 6 of them were on the seas surface. Nevertheless, they didnt arrange into a formation. Those boats spread out and started advancing separately toward the east coast of Miyakijima. They seemingly didnt arrange into a formation, so as to not concentrate their attack on a narrow space, while their simultaneous start was to avoid the boats being destroyed one by one.

Even so, that was just six small boats. In theory, two companies should have enough troops to take an 8 square kilometer island. However, if they are distributed between 6 boats with a capacity of 50 people, the defending side should be able to sink them if it has 20-30 magicians capable of using long-range attack magic. Moreover, these magicians dont necessarily have to be users of powerful magic, such as Tatsuya or Miyuki.

Even without resorting to magic, if the coastal defense was equipped with modern anti-naval weaponry, those boats wouldnt even have time to get to the shore.

Even the captain of the landing ship Guam, who belonged to the USNA Armed Forces, had to understand that to some degree. As if to confirm this, simultaneously with the launching assault boats, unmanned attack fighters flew off the deck of the Guam.

They were about 5 meters long ? slightly larger than a small truck. For weaponry, they had only machine-guns (12.7 mm caliber ) with the size of a high-caliber sniper rifle. It would be better to call them Gun Pod Drones instead of unmanned fighters.

They had single-type jet engine and canard type clipped delta wings with winglets, while their fuselage shape were similar to HiMAT [21] ? the unmanned experimental aircrafts from the second half of the last century.

These drones rely on a tactical philosophy of using quantity and mobility for eliminating light-armored aerial forces, infantry, and unarmored vehicles. Thanks to their small size, they can be loaded in large quantities on board landing ships, which have smaller hangars than aircraft carriers. For each boat, six drones were dispatched for air support. Plus eight drones were left circling above the Guam as its guard.

Shibata Katsushige, who took position in a hollow on the other side of a hill along the coastal road, and kept track of the enemys movements in real time through an information link between the command vehicle and the command room.

The enemys assault boats penetrated deep into territorial waters, and were visible from the coastline even with the naked eye.

Dont attack yet.

As expected, he failed to see the structure of the Pushion Information Bodies.

However, Tatsuya was already used to recognizing (seeing + analyzing) the Psion Information Bodies holding Parasites in this world, so he could feel their existence at the level of there is something there.

He loaded and launched the Activation Sequence for Astral Dispersion from the CAD integrated into his suit.

Now he was able to construct this magic as easily and naturally as Mist Dispersion.

Tatsuya raised his right hand above his head. He didnt use the gun-shaped CAD because the Parasites dont exist in the material dimension and arent directly related to physical existence. Tatsuya knew from personal experience that in such cases, the aiming assistance function in specialized CADs is instead a hindrance.

( The magic for decomposing the structure, supporting Psion Information Bodies, Astral Dispersion activate . )

Aiming his mental sight towards all seven spiritual life forms, he waved his hand down in a horizontal position.

Astral Dispersion activated.

The True Bodies of the Parasites were drawn into an invisible vortex. Apparently, this vortex was a kind of dimensional passage leading to the world in which the Parasites originally existed. After the destruction of the Psion Information Bodies, serving as the anchor that holds the Parasites in our world, the True Bodies of the Parasites were literally dragged into the world they should be in.

Seven Parasites disappeared.

They ceased to exist in both the Material and Information Dimensions that make up our universe.

The Parasites were destroyed by Tatsuyas magic.

The video footage that was shown in the shelter switched to another place to prevent Erika and the others from seeing Astral Dispersion.

In particular, this magic shouldnt be shown to Mikihiko. This was the general opinion of both Maya and the technical experts of the Yotsuba Main House.

Astral Dispersion is a magic that interferes with the mind, albeit indirectly. The Yotsuba Main House still hadnt finished its analysis on it. They thought that if magicians of ancient magic came to know about that spell , they could develop variations of it that could pose a threat to the Yotsuba family.

To preserve this secret, not only was Minami given the corresponding order, but the Video-Streaming System was also programmed to automatically switch the footage after the destruction of the Parasites physical bodies.

Perhaps the strongest enemies from the USNA military storming Miyakijima were in an assault boat led by Captain Orlando Rigel, captain of the Stars Sixth Unit.

During the platoons formation for this surprise attack, the USNA military didnt evenly divide the available military forces. Rigels men from the Stars Sixth Unit (Lieutenant Ian Bellatrix and Lieutenant Samuel Alnilam) were also present in his current platoon. All of them originally specialized in fighting together as one battle group ? this was probably taken into consideration, but they also decided to gather together the only Stellar -class members of Stars who joined this mission . The result was an overwhelming superiority in fighting strength compared to the other attacking platoons .

Despite that, the landing party commanded by Captain Rigel failed to advance further along the coastal road.

Because the path of Rigel, Bellatrix, and Alnilam got blocked by Shibata Katsushige.

So strong.

Mikihiko expressed his admiration while watching the footage on the display that had been switched to another place.

Hes definitely not your average fighter ? Muttered Leo after him.

Erika just stared at the display silently.

At the moment, the display was showing a battle involving a defense squad commanded by Katsushige, who had left the mobile base.

Sakurai. Who is this man? Does the Yotsuba family have such strong people?

Shibata Katsushige-sama is the next head of one of the Yotsubas branch families. Its said that his power is in the top ten among the whole clan.

Woah! Someone from the Yotsuba top ten. That makes sense. I can feel a little relieved.

Leo responded to Minamis answer with a relieved voice.

You say it so casually. His power is in the top ten means there are nine more people in the Yotsuba family that have at least the same power level as that man. I dont feel relieved at all.

But the relaxed atmosphere disappeared in an instant with Erikas words, which broke her silence . The reason why Leo didnt argue was probably because he agreed with Erikas comment.

But I still dont get it. With such strength, they couldve repelled the enemy before they even approached the shore. But they didnt ? why?

Or maybe his thoughts focused on another point.

Perhaps, it was done on purpose.

This time it wasnt Minami who responded to Leos question, but Erika.

I also think so.

Mikihiko supported Erikas speculation.

Why?

To establish an alibi.

What? Leo responded doubtfully to Erikas reply .

After all, we were specially left as witnesses to attest that they counterattacked in self-defense only after the unlawful invasion. Mikihiko turned around and explained to Leo. Mikihikos expression was so serious like he was boxed into a corner.

But hadnt we ourselves volunteered to be witnesses? Although this is really annoying, its not like we can complain.

Erika replied with a dry laugh. She didnt avert her eyes from the footage for even a moment. Leo and Mikihiko from this moment on also didnt turn away.

Rigel failed to suppress his impatience because the [enemys] fierce resistance exceeded all expectations.

As a Parasite, his agitation was transmitted to Bellatrix, Alnilam, and the other Parasites.

Its unacceptable for a commander to show such feelings to his subordinates. Even knowing that, he felt more and more impatient.

Instead of the closest landing site on the assault boats course, which was the west coast of Miyakijima, he chose the road along the north coast. The target of their current mission wasnt the plant construction area on the islands east side, but the assassination of the magician, who was supposedly on the west side of the island.

If they landed at the harbor on the east coast, they would have to pass between many buildings (constructed as well as under construction). There would also be many obstacles that could hide an interception unit.

However, landing on the west coast wasnt a good idea either. The buildings on the west coast were previously known to be used as a prison for magicians, so it had been fortified and completed with guns as measures against escapes.

On the other hand, the north coast was only a roadway connecting the old prison facility on the west with the Stellar Furnace plant on the east, which provided good vantage points. If one lands there, they wouldnt need to worry about ambushes or facing the artillery bombardment from the naval defense system. It was also highly possible that the target himself would come to intercept them.

Taking that into consideration, Rigel had chosen a point on the west of the north coast as the landing site. It was hard to pass through the wave-breakers, but they werent confronted with barrage fire or any magic [attacks], so their boat safely reached the shore.

Prior to disembarking, everything went too smoothly. At this point, they should have suspected that it was somehow too easy.

The moment when the whole landing party (except the boats operating crew) went down the embankment and stood on the road, shock waves mixed with gravel struck them.

What was released towards them was the most popular attack magic ? compressed air bullets. But there were small pieces of solidified lava mixed into the mass of compressed air. When the compressed air bullets collided with the ground, the compression was canceled [the air expanded at an explosive rate]. There appeared to be blasts of gravel being blown away by the shock waves.

On the battlefield, they often used similar techniques to increase their magic attack power . Most often, nails or small pieces of scrap metal are added to the air mass. This island for the most part was made of solidified lava; therefore, it was possible to prepare any amount of gravel. And the use of already solidified, rather than molten, lava could even be called a humane act.

However, with this attack, about half of the landing party lost their combat effectiveness. The ones who remained were the magicians who sensed the signs of magic in time and raised their shields, as well as the Parasites who were capable of ignoring injuries from blows with gravel. Although, the non-magician soldiers were completely incapacitated. There were few killed, but all the wounded, who received multiple hits with pieces of solidified lava throughout the body, lay there and moaned while bleeding.

Rigel, however, didnt care about the killed soldiers . As mentioned earlier, this place was an excellent vantage point. During the landing, there were no visible enemy figures because they were hiding in a hole dug out beyond the hill. But now, after the enemy got out of the trench to attack, they could already be seen.

Rigel ordered the platoon to counterattack, and he himself also released magic at the enemy.

However, his magic was stopped by a tall young magician who stood in the vanguard of the intercepting squad.

Rigels height was about 175 cm, while one of his subordinates, Lieutenant Alnilam, was 183 cm, his other subordinate, Second Lieutenant Bellatrix, was 184 cm .

But the young man who stopped his magic was even taller. Perhaps his height was close to 190 cm. He was noticeably taller than the rest of the enemies. Besides, the enemies stood on a hillside that towered above their current position. For Rigel, it undoubtedly looked like some insurmountable obstacle.

What damn magic power!

Bellatrixs cursing reached Rigels ears. Rigel was now experiencing exactly the same feelings.

Now, Alnilam also joined their attacks, and already 3 of them were firing at the enemy with magic. However, the protection of the young magician wasnt letting up. On the contrary, despite being three against one, Rigel, Bellatrix, and Alnilam were constantly forced to interrupt their attacks and switch to defending themselves from the magic of the young magician who regularly found the right time to shoot something at them during pauses.

(I / we will use Thunder. Together.)

(Roger.)

(Roger.)

Synchronizing their actions through the Parasites shared consciousness, Rigel, Bellatrix, and Alnilam shoot at the young magician ? Katsushige ? with a Systematic Release-type magic called Thunder.

Unlike Mimas (a Satellite-class member of the Stars), these three werent significantly affected by the negative effects of being infected by one of the Parasites (must be because they were members of a higher, Stellar-class) and werent as severely limited in the types of magic, which they were able to use.

Well, they were affected negatively, but only a little. Perhaps that disadvantage had almost no effect [on them] because all three were originally able to use many types of magic.

Anyway, those three chose the same magic and were able to not only avoid any reduction of power because of the interference of Magic Sequences, but were also able to amplify its power.

Unfortunately, the combined effect wasnt multiplicative in power, but simply added together. Even so, the lightning strike, with power almost 3 times higher than a single attack, came at Katsushige from above.

Katsushige diverted the lightning strike.

Without moving a single step or shifting his torso aside, he altered the distribution of the airs electrical resistance, causing the electron beam to divert and flow into the ground some distance away from him.

Then, at the moment when the lightning disappeared, Katsushiges counterattack reached Rigels team.

All three of them suddenly felt the sense of pressure on their entire body. After each of them reflexively deployed a pressure-resistant shield, they realized why they had felt pressure ? the atmospheric pressure surrounding them was increasing.

Immediately after they deployed the shields, as if reacting to this, the atmospheric pressure sharply rose even higher.

(Deploying Cooling Zone.)

(Deploying Cooling Zone.)

(Deploying Cooling Zone.)