Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Volume 32 - Ch 1

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Sunday, August 4, 2097 AD.

The newest island belonging to the Izu Archipelago was attacked by a foreign armed group.

The island's name was "Miyakijima".

According to the official statement, the armed group that attacked the island was allegedly a mixed group consisting of a USNA navy unit, deceived by a Soviet agent and dispatched by a fake order, plus a saboteur squad formed by the efforts of agents from the NSU right on the territory of the USNA.

Even if it were true, the fact remains that the ships and soldiers belonging to the USNA navy attacked Japanese territory. If this situation goes on as it is, the USNA's reputation, will worsen its relations with not only Japan the evaluation of the USNA by the international community will also deteriorate to "an untrustworthy nation that treacherously launches surprise attacks on its allies".

First of all, the USNA officially dispatched a high ranking official, the Secretary of Defense, to Japan in order to control this situation More precisely that was the case, at least officially.

Certainly, reconciliation with the Japanese government was one of the purposes of Secretary of Defense Liam Spencer's visit to Japan, but in truth, that was hardly his main objective. For that matter, it was not Spencer, who had a leading role during this visit to Japan.

Five days after the incident. While the USNA Secretary of Defense and the Prime Minister of Japan were creating a harmonious atmosphere in front of the press, the talks between true protagonists had begun unnoticed behind that main stage.

Friday, August 9th. Early this morning, Tatsuya returned to Tokyo from Miyakijima for the first time in twenty days in order to answer the invitation of the USNA Secretary of Defense's assistant, Jeffrey James.

Two days ago, Tatsuya received a letter from the White House through Lina. To put it better, it was an offer of reconciliation to Tatsuya. At worst, it was an attempt to pull Tatsuya onto the USNA's side and use him.

Tatsuya accepted the USNA's offer. Whether they mean well or not, the implications are still the same. Friendly relationships are of more use. It was the same on Tatsuya's side. Irrespective of Japan's foreign policy, Tatsuya has hit the Great Asian Union and the New Soviet Union with a serious blow, so it's natural to be seen as hostile. If he can build a friendly relationship with the USNA, even if they have an ulterior motive, to him it's a big win.

Tatsuya wrote the reply of acceptance on the spot when he received the letter and had Lina deliver his answer yesterday, on the morning of August 8th. Also, yesterday evening, he received a phone call from Lina saying, "The Secretary of Defense's aid wants to meet with you tomorrow."

As a meeting place, Jeffrey James appointed his room in the same hotel, where the delegation of the Secretary of Defense was staying. It's a fairly high grade room, though not as luxurious as the suite used by the Secretary himself. This reception indicated the substantial status of Jeffrey James.

Alt. variant

The [area] outside and inside this room was tightly strengthened by guards with/of combat professionals, who looked like former or active members of Special Forces, and each of them was clearly a veteran in their field. However, Tatsuya showed no fear and entered the room while being welcomed to do so.

At that time, no body check was performed. Tatsuya wasn't the only one with confidence. He didn't know whether this was a sign of their confidence in their fighting power or confidence against his position.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Jeffrey James. Please call me JJ. You don't need to use "Mr.""

JJ, or Jeffrey James, who invited Tatsuya, welcomed him with a very friendly attitude. Tatsuya didn't feel intimidated despite the fact that he was two meters tall, had wide shoulders, and a thick chest.

"I'm Shiba Tatsuya. I'm fine with only Tatsuya. Needless to say, neither "san", "sama", or "dono" is necessary."

This kind of familiarity wasn't something that Tatsuya preferred. However, in this situation, Tatsuya returned the self-introduction in the same style as the opponent.

"Okay, Tatsuya. Thank you for your willingness to accept this invitation on such short notice."

"It's only natural for me to visit because otherwise it would take precious time away from the Secretary of Defense's aide. It's not a big distance either."

The expression of JJ subtly changed. Specifically, his right eyebrow went up and down slightly. However, JJ did not let Tatsuya read what kind of feeling it reflected. It looks like he's thirty years old at best, but maybe he's actually older. Or is his appearance much older than his actual age?

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Tatsuya, do you have any requests for a drink?"

"Then I'll have coffee, black."

This time, a clear surprised expression passed JJ's face. Wasn't the attitude of making a request without reservation against the stereotypical image of Japanese people? Or was it the daringness that showed that he wasn't worried about his drink being spiked?

Although it wasn't what Tatsuya intended, the short time that JJ spent to regain his thoughts also worked for Tatsuya. Coffee for two people arrived, and the conversation resumed in a flat atmosphere where neither party had the initiative.

"Now, Tatsuya. Let's get into the main subject."

"JJ, my intentions were stated in the reply that I sent through Miss Shields. Was there anything that was unclear?"

At the invitation of JJ, Tatsuya returned with a light jab.

"No, thank you for your willingness to agree with this offer. To be honest, it was more than we expected."

JJ responded to Tatsuya's lines with a lower profile than expected. If such an attitude was taken, Tatsuya couldn't say anything careless.

Tatsuya was even more cautious and carefully selected his next words.

"I don't want to antagonize your country. I think this is the individual responsibility of Edward Clark."

"Is that what you think of the Dione plan?"

"Yes."

Tatsuya and JJ watch each other in silence for about 3 seconds.

"That's good. It was worth coming to Japan just to find out that there was no serious misunderstanding of our question."

JJ naturally exhaled.

"For me, it was worth it to know that the USNA didn't have any hostility towards me."

Tatsuya responded with a ceremonial smile.

"We hope to strengthen our friendship with you."

Tatsuya urged JJ to continue with his eyes.

"Tatsuya Would you mind coming to America?"

"Master."

And only Tatsuya raised the question.

"Even if you didn't ask it, I would explain it properly."

Under the reproachful gaze of of Tatsuya and Miyuki, Yakumo smiled.

"It is the subdued parasite that holds Minami-kun's magic skill under control. By sinking the parasite that was sealed into the depths of the consciousness, you can say that it's barring the magic calculation area."

"Subdued parasites?"

Tatsuya wondered whether such a thing is possible.

"Can you do it too?"

Yakumo responded by saying, "What are you saying?"

"The basic principle is the same as for "seal spheres". It does confine it, so it cannot move freely. The technique used on the parasites possessed by Minami-kun is more skillful."

"Sensei, aren't you worried about the seal breaking?"

Miyuki asked in a pleading tone.

"It's not just a seal This parasite is in a state of being bound by the command "Do nothing, stay there. Don't move". Unlike the seal that forces it to confine itself by ignoring the demon's will, I think it's okay as long as the controlling subordination relationship continues.''

This answer was not for what Miyuki asked for.

"How long will this relationship last?"

There is magic that causes irreversible changes, but there is no magic that has a permanent effect. For example, Miyuki's "Cocytus" irreversibly inactivates the mind, but does not continue to force the frozen state.

"When the effect is about to expire, I think the caster will come to fix it."

"Does that mean that it won't hold for much longer?"

Miyuki nervously asked.

"So Minoru will come after Minami?"

Before Yakumo answered Miyuki's question, Tatsuya asked another question.

"I think that's what he intends to do. Once the seal is released, the parasite will start eroding Minami-kun. If he planned to allow that to happen, he wouldn't have used such a troublesome technique from the start. Otherwise, wouldn't it be better for Kudou Minoru's purpose to disregard Minami-kun's will and fully make her a parasite.

"What is Minoru's purpose?"