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Magian Company Chapter (III) is the 3rd volume of the Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei Light Novel Sequel.

Synopsis[]

Shiba Tatsuya’s strongest magic is released once more! Meanwhile, a storm of love at the Magic University!?

Mayumi and Ryousuke head towards the USNA for the sake of negotiating the cooperation of FEHR. The trip comes at a time where foreign talented magicians are being prevented from travelling abroad.

The Intelligence Department sees this as a provocation to the National Defence Force, which has been asked to refrain from taking action, and therefore requests assistance from the Senate, the shadow organization that controls the country.

However, as Tatsuya remains behind he has a plan. In order to establish the freedom of magicians and to show the significance of the existence of magic, Tatsuya's most powerful magic Material Burst is released――

Meanwhile, there is a change in the mood on campus at the Magic University. With Lina travelling to the United States, Tatsuya will be at Miyuki's side more often as her escort. A certain man and woman are anxious about this...

Chapter 1: Historical Ruins[]

Spoiler
FEHR is a political organization, based in Vancouver, which aims to protect the human rights of magicians.

In the first half of June 2100 A.D. There was a bit of a commotion about to begin at FEHR’s headquarters, though its leader, Lena Fehr, managed to suppress it for the most part.

The cause, her subordinate Louis had returned visibly injured, though not seriously so, which is confirmed by Charlotte Gagnon, a former FBI agent and licensed attorney who acts as Lena’s legal advisor and emotional support.

Louis Roux is FEHR’s sub-leader, a former Frenchman of African descent who turned 30 years old this year and became a naturalized USNA citizen when he was 18 years old, and one of the cofounders of FEHR.

Louis confirms he got injured due to messing up when observing FAIR.

Lena had sent him to Mt Shasta due to being concerned they were doing something illegal which could damage the reputation of magicians and wanted to make sure that any illegal acts committed by FAIR would be attributed to FAIR alone and couldn’t use used against magicians as a whole.

Louis gives his report. Stating they haven’t been confirmed to have broken the law yet, but they are all but guaranteed to start an illegal excavation soon due to finding some historical ruins, which would be protected by federal law if the discovery went public.

Charlotte confirms this would definitely be something the media and anti-magic advocates could attack them with.

Lena suggests reporting their existence, but Louis reports there is no physical evidence of them because they were discovered by means of witchcraft, specifically that of Laura Simon who is the right-hand person of Rocky Dean, the head of FAIR.

Lena asks what was found inside, but Louis can only say it seems to be something Laura Simon thinks is more valuable than a Relic.

The three discuss possible actions, but Louis is too injured to redeploy, and clairvoyance is risky due the potential to be detected and counterattacked. Louis offers to redeploy, just using illusions made with the spell Doppelgänger. However, but to Laura Simon being a witch, Louis is a poor matchup, so Lena stops him.

They decide to send a Private Detective, a non-magician from Seattle instead.

Chapter 2: Strategy[]

Spoiler
June 15th, Tokyo.

The deputy director of the National Defense Army’s Intelligence Department along with the section chiefs of each section were gathered for an unofficial meeting.

Informal meetings like this are only called if there is an emergency situation.

Deputy Director Inukai of the Army Intelligence Department who officially announced the start of the meeting. Inukai had formally been the section chief of Section 10, which is the direct partner of the Tooyama Family from the Eighteen Assistant Houses.

Inukai reports that Mayumi has applied for a visa to visit the USNA with Tookami Ryousuke. He states this is not illegal, but it does go against convention due to the potential issues that can arise.

The section chief of Section 10 adds that Mayumi being a direct descendant of the Saegusa Family is also a big issue due to the Saegusa Family being seen as cooperative with the government and military, yet their daughter has joined up with the Yotsuba Family to go against the current policy.

Section Chief Onda of the First Section asks if it is confirmed the Yotsuba are involved.

Inukai asks Onda’s opinion and after laying out the composition of the Magian Company, he brings up Toudou Rina, formally Angelina Kudou Shields before she naturalized.

Inukai confirms he knows of her, and that she is likely Angie Sirius.

Onda brings the conversation back to his point, that Lina’s adoptive father is Toudou Aoba.

Inukai realizes his mistake, and confirms that he understands that Aoba is a member of the Senate.

There was a small commotion, it appears the majority present were not aware of the Senate.

Onda goes on to point out if the Senate are involved, it makes sense for the Yotsuba and Saegusa to go against policy. He goes on to say they need to find out what the Senate’s intention is, is it a monolithic decision, or just one by Toudou personally.

Inukai agrees and confirms that if it is Toudou’s personal decision, they need to get the rest of the Senate to deal with it.

As those present cannot approach the Senate, they suggest the retired General Saionji.

Inukai asks if anyone else has any thoughts, and the section chief of Section 10 mentions that even if a magician must go to the USNA it cannot be a member of the Ten Master Clans, and so suggests approaching the head of the Saegusa family. Onda cannot see an issue with a change in the person going and so Inukai decided to have the Minister of Defence do the duty.

◇ ◇ ◇

The Army Intelligence Department moved quickly and on the afternoon of June 16th, Saegusa Kouichi was called to the minister’s office at the Ministry of Defence.

Minister Furusawa is a young politician in his early 40’s. Furusawa had been confident but Kouichi’s clear refusal of the request to have his daughter refrain from traveling left Furusawa without any leeway to object.

Kouichi asks if Mayumi is under some suspicion of a crime serious enough to restrict her freedom to travel.

Furusawa tried to counter by pointing out the convention magicians refrain from travelling, but because he has no legal basis to prevent Mayumi’s trip, Kouichi overturns every argument, and the minister is forced to concede to Kouichi’s objection.

◇ ◇ ◇

On the evening of the day that he was called by the Minister of Defence, Kouichi visited the restaurant where Tatsuya, Masaki, and Mayumi had their private conversation with each other a few days prior.

He arrives to find Tatsuya waiting for him.

After some pleasantries Tatsuya thanks Kouichi for siding with them over Mayumi’s trip and expresses his surprise.

Kouichi explains though he agrees on being cooperative, that doesn’t mean he will obey blindly, commenting he thinks it is time for magicians to stop being so tolerant.

They discuss the current situation and how Tatsuya’s views it is that a major issue is that magians don’t have the economic base to be self-reliant, making need to coexist with the majority is essential. Kouichi brings up the division of labour and how the restriction on movement is likely more to keep magicians reliant on the government by denying access to overseas markets. Kouichi ends by saying accessing these markets is something they need for economic independence, so Mayumi’s business trip is a good opportunity.

The pair agree to work together for the common good while having nothing to do with one another.

◇ ◇ ◇

June 17th, evening. Army Intelligence Department Deputy Director Inukai was accompanied by retired Army General Saionji to a hotel a short distance away from the city center.

After a short wait, the third member of their meeting arrives with his bodyguard.

Kashiwa Kazutaka, one of the elders of the Senate, the shadow powers of Japan, is an elderly gentleman in his late 70’s. He is mild mannered, quiet, and scholarly.

At Kashiwa’s prompting, Saionji explains the Senate does not stop magicians from going abroad, though he does indicate he feels Toudou may be too attached to Tatsuya’s group.

Inukai breaks etiquette and requests the Elder’s wisdom to maintain order.

Kashiwa tells them that harming Tatsuya and Miyuki is not allowed, but there are other things that can be targeted, stating that, ‘as long as one is human, even if they were to possess the power of a demon, the number of things that they can do is limited.’

Hearing that, Inukai understood exactly what was being suggested and Kashiwa’s true nature as one of the powerful people who control Japan from the 'shadows'.

Feeling sympathetic to Inukai, who was at a loss of how to proceed, Kashiwa offers to write a letter of introduction to someone who can help.

◇ ◇ ◇

Around the same time as the three were meeting, Tatsuya had invited Lina to his home so that she could inform him of her preparations for her trip to the USNA.

Lina is usually here anyway, the real reason being Miyuki’s cooking. Miyuki doesn’t mind since Lina is an invaluable friend. The pair being ‘equals’ who are too powerful, which has separated them from their weaker peers. And because they aren’t rivals in love, they are comfortable with one another.

Normally, the pair would chat, but today’s business is about work as Lina is to return to the USNA temporarily at Tatsuya’s request as a secret bodyguard for Mayumi on her trip to the USNA to minimize the risk of interference.

Lina reports that, with the help of her friend Benjamin Canopus, she made contact with Senator Curtis to make the arrangements.

Lina’s nationalization is considered internally as a means of deception to monitor Shiba Tatsuya, so she was able to get an ID and passport from Stars and will use a military transport plane to depart and return to Japan. The passport is a backup for if she needs to reenter as a US citizen. Tatsuya states he’ll have Minoru pick her up with the Takachiho, Minoru’s residential space station, in the worst-case scenario.

Miyuki joins them, bringing coffee.

Lina confirms the dates, with Mayumi leaving on the 26th, so she’ll leave on Sunday the 27th.

The conversation turns to the Intelligence Department’s interference. Tatsuya states Saegusa Kouichi won’t interfere as he wants to access foreign business markets.

Miyuki states the military is unlikely to back down, and Tatsuya agrees.

Miyuki asks what Tatsuya is planning.

Tatsuya states he will use Material Burst to resolve things.

Lina and Miyuki are initially shocked as this exceeds their expectations, but Tatsuya reassures them that he won’t be targeting the Earth and that his intent to to remind people what magic is really for.

◇ ◇ ◇

Friday, June 18th. Tatsuya is working at the Magian Company instead of attending class.

At 2pm he has a meeting with Fujibayashi to discuss making preparations for his demonstration.

After discussing the targeting data, Tatsuya casually mentions Kyouko was seen going out with Hanabishi Hyougo the other day.

Kyouko denies that the pair are dating whilst blushing, saying it was for work.

Tatsuya insists she need not hide it as it would be fine, but Kyouko insists she was just giving him advice at a state-of-the-art technological convention for civilian consumers.

Despite her excuses, Tatsuya continues giving her a suspicious look.

[ILLUSTRATION 1]

Chapter 3: Warning[]

Spoiler

Late evening. Friday, June the eighteenth.

Tatsuya visits Kokonoe Temple at Yakumo’s behest.

There is no ill will from the battle between them three years earlier and the pair still spar from time to time.

Upon arriving, Tatsuya is informed by Yakumo that the temple has received a problematic request that has him at wits end and will be an issue for the pair. Yakumo explains that they received a request from Kashiwa Kazutaka, one of the four elders in the Senate, so the request cannot be ignored.

Yakumo then tells Tatsuya that the National Defence Army’s Intelligence Department has asked the temple to curse Tatsuya’s friends to make them weaken them and make diseases and accidents more likely and eventually leave them bedridden.

He then states that Miyuki, Lina, Shizuku and Honoka should be safe, but the others could be targeted as they appear to want hostages. Tatsuya asks if taking out the practitioner would be an issue, and Yakumo advises against it as it could start a war with the Ogamiyas.

Tatsuya realises the summons was to prevent such a civil war.

The conversation ends with Tatsuya agreeing to Yakumo’s suggestion to discuss the issue with Mikihiko.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next day, Tatsuya goes to his morning classes at the university. After the first period ends, Tatsuya heads to the Magic Geometry building to see Mikihiko.

He finds Mikihiko chatting with Erika. Confirming they can skip second period, Tatsuya asks to speak to the pair.

◇ ◇ ◇

Tatsuya leads the pair to the ‘Unidentified Magic Research Society’, which has had additional security features secretly installed. There, Tatsuya explains the situation, though he doesn’t mention the Senate itself.

Mikihiko immediately realises what type of magician will be sent and concludes a woman is more likely to be the target. Erika and Mizuki are concluded to be the most likely targets, though Honoka and Shizuku cannot be considered entirely safe.

Mikihiko asks Erika to come to his home after class and informs Tatsuya he will deal with the sorcerer and protect Erika and Mizuki and leave the rest to Tatsuya himself.

◇ ◇ ◇

Mikihiko is furious as he leaves. Erika stops him to discuss the situation, making it clear that it isn’t Tatsuya’s fault. Mikihiko confirms this and makes it clear he is angry is because Mizuki, an innocent, is being targeted. Erika points out that attacking Tatsuya himself is basically impossible, and because they got the warning they can protect her.

◇ ◇ ◇

Shortly after Mikihiko and Erika leave, the Kuroba twins arrive to speak with Tatsuya at his behest.

After some sibling banter, Tatsuya informs the pair of the situation with Army Intelligence Department with the support of one of the Senate’s Four Great Elders, Kashiwa Kazutaka. The twins wonder if Kashiwa is assisting due to Kurenai Anzu's capture and Tasuya agrees it is possible. He then asks to task the Kuroba Family with a job, the surveillance on Izayoi Shirabe to see if he is involved with the planned hexing. The reason being to assess how serious Kashiwa is in retaliating by seeing if he deploys his strongest pawns, the Izayoi Family.

Having heard the details, the twins agree to deploy a surveillance team.

Chapter 4: Internal Division[]

Spoiler

Tuesday the Fifteenth of June. Not everyone in the military is against Mayumi’s trip. At Independent Magic-Equipped Regiment’s Narashiro Base, Sergeant Major Watanabe Mari is summoned to the commander’s office by Colonel Kazuma.

Kazuma informs Mari that she is to accompany a civilian to the USNA, Saegusa Mayumi specifically.

Mari is shocked and upon receiving permission, asks if a magician at Mayumi’s level is even allowed to leave the country. Kazuma states there is no law against it, but the risk of obduction do require special consideration.

Specifically, the restrictions are to avoid a repeat of the Yotsuba rampage in Dahan back in 2062. Though this is a taboo subject in mainstream magician education, it is pointedly taught at the National Defence Academy.

The meeting concludes with Kazuma stating that the military has no right to interfere and stop the departure, but they do need to protect Japan’s people, including the magicians.

Mari enthusiastically accepts the mission.

◇ ◇ ◇

Mayumi is unaware of the plot surrounding her trip and has eagerly preparing for it, even returning to her parent’s house in Tokyo to do so.

She is due to leave on the twenty-sixth.

On the evening of the nineteenth, Mayumi receives an email from Mari asking if she can visit tomorrow afternoon. As she will be away for a week, Mayumi decides it’s a good opportunity to meet up and agrees.

On Sunday the twentieth, Mari arrives at the mansion at noon.

The pair exchange pleasantries and they catch up over a meal.

As the pair enjoy post meal tea, Mari brings up the trip and tells Mayumi that she has been ordered to escort her on her trip to the USNA and asks for permission to join her. Mayumi asks why she is getting an escort, and Mari explains it is because Mayumi is a high-level magician and that makes her a target for a lot of organisations, both criminal and national. Mayumi brings up that she is breaking convention by going abroad, and Mari admits that is basically the main reason for the escort.

Mayumi asks if it wouldn’t be easier to stop her going, and Mari points out that cannot happen as there is no law prohibiting the trip so it would be improper for the army to stop her. Mayumi compliments Mari on becoming an exemplary soldier, despite only being enlisted a short time. But Mari confesses she is just reiterating what her superior officer said.

Having heard that it is the superior officer saying it would be immoral to stop the trip with no legal basis, Mayumi decides she can trust Mari’s superior and agrees to Mari acting as her escort.

Chapter 5: The Significance of the Existence of Magic[]

Spoiler

June Twentieth, evening. At the Yotsuba family’s Tokyo headquarters in Chofu, Tatsuya is meeting with Fujibayashi Hiroto.

Hirito is Kyouko’s uncle and a ninjutsu user sworn as Tatsuya’s vassal. His codename is Daimon, which is an alternate reading of the kanji in his name.

Hirito reports to Tatsuya that Mari had visited Mayumi to seek permission to accompany her as a guard. Tatsuya ponders if Kazuma supports the trip but orders Hirito not to investigate.

Tatsuya does not trust Hirito as fully as Kyouko and so keeps matters formal.

Tatsuya is grateful that Mari is going and because it’s her, he is confident it isn’t part of the Intelligence Department’s plot.

As Tatsuya dismisses Hirito, Kyouko arrives. Unlike Hirito, Kyouko is more warmly received.

Kyouko reports on the comet’s latest data, as acquired from Spaceguard through legal channels, as well as it’s precise position. The pair discuss the details of the comet and speculate on why its existence has not been publicly revealed. Tatsuya concludes by saying this comet is likely the best option they will have.

◇ ◇ ◇

Despite the late hour, Tatsuya flies his Air Car to Miyakishima, along with Lina and Miyuki due to Miyuki’s insistence.

Tatsuya is making the trip to ‘see’ the comet so that it will be easier to use his magic on it.

At midnight, Tatsuya stands atop the ‘Virtual Satellite Elevator’ connected to the ‘Takachiho’ station in a freed suit.

Due to a breakthrough in unravelling the true nature of the ‘Event Interference Force’, Tatsuya can now use magic with his AMCA on the level of the average magician.

However, he was still limited in output due to his MCA being overspecialised, so he couldn’t use the magic of the elevator to reach orbit personally. He needed to use Lina and Miyuki’s power which is why he allowed her to come despite the island’s personnel being able to operate the elevator’s magic.

Upon receiving confirmation from Minoru that they are ready, Miyuki activates the elevator and sends Tatsuya into orbit.

◇ ◇ ◇

Tatsuya ascends near instantly and finds himself outside the orbital residence satellite facility, the Takachiho.

Boarding the Takachiho, Tatsuya is greeted Minami who leads him to the command centre.

There, Minoru reports they have identified the target comet and asks Tatsuya to verify it.

The comet is being tracked by an infrared laser. Despite the laser being at the speed of light, there is a thirty-minute time delay due to the distance.

Tatsuya asks for the data to be relayed to him and heads back outside for a first-hand look.

Using the data in conjunction with his visor, Tatsuya creates an ‘informational path’ with the comment and his ‘eyes’ make visual contact with Elemental Sight. This will allow him to observe the comet at any time going forwards.

◇ ◇ ◇

Tatsuya returns to the ground at 1am with Minoru’s assistance and finds Miyuki and Lina waiting.

Miyuki reveals she had Minami let her know when he would return so she could meet him. Tatsuya realises this is why Minami insisted he have tea before returning.

Before thinks get to intimate, Lina asks how things went and Tatsuya confirms he has the targeting data and can fire at any time.

◇ ◇ ◇

Monday the twenty-first of June. Despite being a weekday, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Lina have remained on Miyakeshima.

The three are in the command-and-control centre with Fujibayashi Kyouko who confirms the message is ready. Tatsuya gives the order, and the message is sent at 10:30am, with settings to allow playback only until 5pm.

◇ ◇ ◇

10:40am. The Ministry of Defence was in a panic, trying to deal with a message that arrived out of nowhere, completely disregarding their firewall.

In modern times, there are ways to make video and audio files cause physiological damage and implant suggestions from simply viewing them. As such there are measures in place to quarantine such files for inspection.

And that system had been effortlessly breached.

Moreover, the message was from Shiba Tatsuya and had reached many of the top military officials including the Minister of Defence. And the disarray was caused by a lack of consensus on how to respond.

Legal action was not an option as there is no evidence of unauthorised access, the logs just show it as an ordinary email. The logs showed the firewalls conveniently crashed at the time it was sent, and there is no evidence Tatsuya was involved in the crash.

The contents also contain nothing illegal.

It basically said, ‘tomorrow at 4am, observe the nights sky at these coordinates. Don’t use direct observation or you may go blind.’

At 1pm, Inukai and Onda were summoned to the Director’s private room in the Army Intelligence Department to report on their findings.

Inukai reports nothing suspicious was found, no malware and no tampering. He also reports that the point of origin was Tatsuya’s old home in Fuchu City where they lived three years earlier. And though the point of origin is believed to be elsewhere, they couldn’t find any evidence of anything illegal.

The director turns to Onda, who reports the coordinates match a recently discovered comet. Though the specific details of the comet are unknown, it is expected to pass by the Earth at the close range of 1.5million kilometres in a month’s time.

Hearing this, the director realises this is only four times the distance to the moon, which is dangerously close in astronomical terms.

Onda affirms that they have decided there is almost no risk of a collision and explains that it has not been kept quiet, rather the comet reflects so little light they were late in noticing it. Onda also confirms he made sure to ensure the media were kept in the dark and are following strict information controls.

The director orders Onda to monitor the situation closely and ensure it isn’t leaked to avoid a panic.

Inukai brings up that Tatsuya must know, but no one knows if he is planning something.

◇ ◇ ◇

Miyuki and Lina remained on Miyakishima with Tatsuya for the upcoming demonstration.

The three are enjoying an early dinner in the island’s villa.

Lina asks for the details of the plan, having been left out of the loop, as well as the original purpose of Material Burst.

Tatsuya counters with a question, asking what Heavy Metal Burst is for, and after some though she replies that she doesn’t know and is left wondering if it needs a specific reason.

Tatsuya returns to the topic and states Material Burst is overkill for the battlefield, so he has decided to find a proper use for it rather than sealing it away. And because it cannot be used as an energy source due to being too destructive, the use has to be something that destructive power can be used for.

Destruction for destruction's sake, for a purpose other than destruction itself.

However, on the Earth there is no viable target, but in space there is; the prevention of disasters caused by the collision of the Earth with other celestial bodies. So, Tatsuya decided this would be Material Burst’s primary purpose.

Miyuki then asks if the demonstration’s goal is to show the majority the value of Magians by offering a solution to the long-term risk of astronomical collisions.

Tatsuya corrects her, stating that the main purpose is that in order to avoid such catastrophes, Magians and the majority need to cooperate on a global scale.

Chapter 6: A Show of Power[]

Spoiler

Tuesday, June twenty-second. 3am. Tatsuya is standing on the top floor of the Yotsuba owned administration building upon Miyakishima.

The walls and ceiling of this floor composed a dome-shaped display similar to a planetarium, which Tatsuya is using as a target monitor.

In his hands is the Yotsuba’s CAD optimized for Material Burst, the ‘Third Eye II’.

Tatsuya uses Elemental Sight to lock onto the comet.

Tatsuya then checks the time and Hanabishi Hyougo advises that the time is 3:21am.

Miyuki suggests taking a break, having made tea for the occasion.

As Tatsuya starts to drink, Lina arrives and joins them. Hyougo provides Lina a coffee from a separate pot from Miyuki’s, addressing her by her official name, Rina.

Lina notices the CAD and asks if the last time he used the spell was Scorched Halloween, five years prior. Tatsuya confirms it has been used since (a reference to the events of the movie) though he doesn’t give a clear answer.

The conversation turns to University and Miyuki mentions that Honoka has been acting strangely recently and Lina agrees.

Before Tatsuya can interject, Hyougo informs him that it is time.

Tatsuya’s mind completely focuses on the task at hand and takes position.

It is 3:43am. The comet is three-hundred million kilometres, or one-thousand light seconds away. Meaning that the comets destruction will be visible to those on Earth in sixteen minutes and forty seconds.

Therefore, at 3:43:20, the impact can be observed at exactly 4am.

Hyougo counts Tatsuya down from ten seconds. At one, Tatsuya pulls the trigger.

The spell triggers over one second and then activates instantaneously.

Upon having Material Burst cast upon it, the comet is blown away and ejected from its former orbit.

◇ ◇ ◇

At the Ministry of Defence, and despite the early hour, the Administrative Vice-Minister, the Chief of the Joint Military Command, and numerous other officials in a conference room, though Furusawa, the Minister of Defence, had yet to arrive.

They were watching a monitor connected to the largest astronomical observatory in Japan, and it was displaying the target coordinates.

The room is silent as they await the clock striking 4am.

And then, at 4am, the room descended into confusion.

◇ ◇ ◇

After casting the spell, Tatsuya and the others move to the command centre to observe the results.

Disintegration of the comet is confirmed, as it the change in trajectory of the debris.

◇ ◇ ◇

Thirty minutes afterwards, Section Chief Onda reads out a report stating that the comet appears to have been destroyed by intense heat upon its surface, and the remaining debris redirected to a trajectory leading outside of the system.

The Chief of the Staff Headquarters asks Onda if that means that the comet with the potential to cause severe damage to the Earth has been destroyed.

Onda confirms it.

The Chief of the Staff then asks if this means Shiba Tatsuya used his Strategic-Class Magic to blow a celestial body out of the solar system. Onda confirms it is the most likely cause, though his tone makes it clear he is struggling to believe it.

The last thing said before the room falls into silence comes from the Director of the Policy Bureau who, in his shock, mutters that this is almost like an act of a god and wonders if Tatsuya is really human.

◇ ◇ ◇

After blowing up the comet, Tatsuya slept until 8:40am.

However, he couldn’t get up as Miyuki was cradling his arm in her sleep. Though the couple sleep together like this often, they have not yet crossed the like, likely due to their previous relationship as siblings.

However, as Tatsuya decided to let her sleep, Miyuki stirs and offers to make breakfast.

At 11am, Tatsuya decides to call the direct line of the Chief of the General Staff.

◇ ◇ ◇

Director-General Akiyama was alone in his office when Tatsuya’s call came through. He has been here trying to gather his thoughts since the demonstration and had ordered his second to turn away all visitors and calls.

The call comes through on the direct line, and upon finding out the call is from Tatsuya, Akiyama nearly jumps out of his chair in shock. Tatsuya first confirms that Akiyama saw the comet’s destruction.

Akiyama asks what Tatsuya’s intentions are.

Tatsuya states his main objective was to demonstrate a means of preventing disasters caused by celestial collisions via the cooperation of scientific and magic technologies. Tatsuya elaborates that without a competent observatory, it may have been too late to act when the objects come into range of conventional telescopes.

Akiyama asks why when all he should need is the targeting data.

Tatsuya affirms this is true for anywhere on Earth or the moon, but for something tens of millions of kilometres away, Tatsuya will need to go into space to verify the object personally.

Hearing Tatsuya confirm he can strike anywhere sends a shiver down Akiyama’s spine.

Tatsuya goes on to say that to use magic to its best effect at mitigating disasters, magians need to be able to freely move to where they are needed, working with scientists on a global scale.

Akiyama asks if this is a demand for freedom of movement for magicians.

Tatsuya points out they already have freedom of movement, clarifying he is talking about avoiding avoidable disasters in the future. Tatsuya then ends the call.

Akiyama thinks over what was said, which basically amounted to neglecting the rights of magicians, could very well be choosing to sit by and watch as a meteorite falls on Tokyo.

That afternoon, an emergency meeting of the military’s leadership was called. Thereupon, Akiyama stated that cooperation with magicians had now become more essential than ever. Furusawa then states that there is no law restricting a magician’s movements and made it clear not only not to interfere with Mayumi’s trip, but that the intelligence departments interference should not have happened in the first place.

Chapter 7: A Distinction[]

Spoiler

It was 6pm on the twenty second when Tatsuya and company returned home to Chofu. The late hour was due to their workloads on Miyakishima.

Upon arriving, the Kuroba twins call for permission to visit and so Tatsuya makes a reservation for five in a private room in the restaurant on the third floor of the building.

The twins had been ordered to monitor Izayoi Shirabe.

Fumiya reports that Izayoi Shirabe appears to have made no moves of note as yet.

Tatsuya states that as matters have been settled, they can end the surveillance.

Now the comet had been destroyed, all that was left was to wait and see, so he can now keep an eye on things himself.

Fumiya, however, insists on continuing the investigation. Tatsuya nots that Fumiya feels Izayoi Shirabe is a person to watch out for.

Tatsuya agrees to leave it to them. With that settled they have a friendly dinner.

◇ ◇ ◇

The Intelligence Department’s plan to hex Tatsuya’s friends had been officially called off, but doing so when Kashiwa Kazutaka, one of the Four Great Elders, was involved was not so simple.

Inukai requests for a meeting with Kashiwa Kazutaka to explain the situation and apologize via his lawyer, but he doesn’t get a favourable response.

After the call, Inukai cancels his day’s appointments and heads out to see the former Esoteric Buddhist monk set to perform the hex.

Though respectable organisations allow members to learn forbidden arts for the sake of countering them, they will not tolerate their use. As such, excommunication is a natural step for those who do.

However, society does have a demand for such practices, and to meet that need there are powerful sorcerers living hidden in seclusion behind powerful magic.

This was why Kashiwa's letter of introduction was needed. And because it was needed, he had to be careful in how he handled the situation so as not to compromise the referrer's reputation.

Inukai feels uncertain, and that he is somehow being tested.

Inukai doesn’t know the sorcerer's name, only their location and a codename, Hoshi.

Inuaki meets with ‘Hoshi’ and he asks for an update on the hex.

Hoshi reports that the preparations have been completed, and that he will begin tonight.

Inukai confirms that ‘Hoshi’ should begin as soon as possible.

◇ ◇ ◇

2am, June twenty-forth. Mikihiko senses the hex incoming, having stayed up in full attire with a gomaike in preparation to counter.

He first confirms that Mizuki and Erika, who had been staying at Mikihiko's house since Tatsuya's warning, are indeed the targets.

Mikihiko counters the hex and the caster collapses, crying out in pain as he faints.

◇ ◇ ◇

June twenty-fourth. At the National Magic University campus, Erika runs up to Miyuki and Lina and asks to join them for lunch.

After chatting over the meal, Miyuki erects a sound barrier for privacy and Erika asks them to let Tatsuya know that she and Mizuki had targeted by a curse last night.

The pair reacted as if to say, “finally.”

Erika reports that Miki countered immediately so nothing happened.

Lina lets slip that they ignored Tatsuya’s warning, leading Erika to ask if pair knew what was happening. But Miyuki ignores the question and just agrees to pass on the message with assurances that they will handle it.

◇ ◇ ◇

Miyuki informs Tatsuya over dinner.

Tatsuya summons Hyougo after the meal and the pair discuss the matter in the conference room on the second floor.

Tatsuya informs him that the hex went ahead and asks for the identity of the key figure in the Intelligence Department.

Hyougo reports that it is Deputy Director Inukai, an inactive administrative officer according to the official Army staff register, who oversees the extra-legal operations.

The pair discuss a response, deciding to send Fujibayashi Hiroto to send a personal warning. Hyougo initially begins to object but quickly agrees after taking into account that as a Fujibayashi, Hiroto was not a Yotsuba and as such, is a disposable pawn.

◇ ◇ ◇

Inukai lives alone in an ordinary condominium. This may seem like a security risk, but the home has only the bare essentials and his household terminal couldn’t even connect to his workplace. Even his mobile has only the barest minimum of functions. Not even additional security features that might expose his identity.

As such, it was easy for Hiroto to break in.

June twenty-fifth. Well past midnight. Hiroto breaks in via the balcony, and immediately realises something is wrong. Normally he would have left at this point, but he had been sent to deliver a message.

Being extremely stealthy, Hiroto enters the room and senses another person in the next room. As he goes to open the door, the door to the next room opens, revealing a figure with absolutely zero presence.

◇ ◇ ◇

Later that morning, Hiroto gives his report to Tatsuya.

He avoided a fight with the man, who he recognised as Major Yanagi. The two were skilled enough to recognise each other, despite the lack of light.

Hiroto comments he was lucky as he likely couldn’t have won had a fight broke out.

Hiroto then reports that he identified Inukai’s body and passes on a message from Yanagi; “The reckless actions of the National Defence Force have been put to an end by the National Defence Force itself. We hope this will convince you.”

Tatsuya considers this an uncharacteristic overreaction by Kazuma, but Hiroto suggests that this is them taking clear responsibility.

Later that day, Hyougo reports on the Minister of Defence’s decision, that interference would not be tolerated.

Hearing that the curse was a violation of that order, Tatsuya decides to let the matter lie.

◇ ◇ ◇

Saturday, June twenty-sixth. Mayumi and Ryousuke boarded a flight from Tokyo Bay Maritime International Airport for the Vancouver International Airport in the USNA.

And, on the following day, a transport plane with Lina on board took off from Zama Base.

—Case 1: Ichijou Masaki— Camouflaged Love[]

Spoiler

Monday, June the twenty-eighth. Unusually, Tatsuya and Miyuki are attending the Magic University without Lina.

Lina has been serving as Miyuki’s bodyguard even after nationalising as Rina Toudou, having prioritised her sense of duty after defecting and remained at Miyuki’s side. As such, her livelihood is guaranteed as compensation as payment for services rendered.

With Lina away, it was only natural for Tatsuya to return to Miyuki’s side.

That said, to the students at the university seeing Miyuki walking arm-in-arm with Tatsuya was a bit of a culture shock.

◇ ◇ ◇

Noon. Tatsuya and Miyuki are heading to lunch off campus.

Near the gates, the pai encounter Ichijou Masaki and Kichijouji Shinkurou, along with a number of female students.

Masaki exchanges pleasantries with Miyuki and suggests they all go for lunch but Tatsuya and Miyuki decline.

After the Shiba couple has left, Shinkurou asks Masaki why he invited the Shibas, and scolds him for being rude to everyone present. Shinkurou goes on to point out that Masaki acts strangely whenever Miyuki is around, and it’s getting worse

The leader of the accompanying girl’s, Tsuruga Kirie, an alumnus of Third High and a relative of Masaki’s on his mother’s side, begins to speak up and Masaki quickly apologises to everyone.

◇ ◇ ◇

After a few days, everyone has gotten used to Tatsuya’s presence at the university.

Masaki learned of the fact that Lina had returned to the USNA for a week from a friend, the news having circulated amongst the students.

Masaki wasn’t really interested in the conversation about Lina and wasn’t paying much attention. When he is suddenly brought into the conversation, he responds a bit too fiercely and has to make an excuse about the Master Clans objecting if the USNA tried to force Lina to remain there after she naturalised as a Japanese citizen.

After class, rattled by the conversation at lunch, who heads off to find someone who would know more about the situation.

On the way, he encounters Kirie with her classmates. Seeing her so relaxed, unlike when she is around Masaki with her followers, made him feel sad. They’d known each other a long time which is why he’d noticed the change after she enrolled at the university, when she stopped being self-conscious around him.

Making sure as to avoid her, Masaki looks for Tatsuya and Miyuki.

He found the pair in Higashiyama’s seminar room on a break.

Masaki asks Tatsuya if he can have a word and the pair step into the corridor.

Masaki asks about Lina, but Tatsuya flat out lies and says Lina is in Japan. Lina had travelled illegally so on paper she was still in the country. As such, Tatsuya even tells Masaki to check the departure records if need be. Tatsuya then clarifies, saying Miyuki said Lina was running an errand for the USNA, which is likely what caused the misunderstanding.

Masaki starts to pry, but Tatsuya shoots him down.

Masaki then asks to confirm when Lina will return. Tatsuya asks if he has any business with Lina, and when Masaki doesn’t, Tatsuya calls out Masaki’s intentions being related to his no longer being at the university and makes it clear he is not interested in another fist fight.

◇ ◇ ◇

Tsuruga Kirie was waiting outside the building for Masaki.

The relationship between Masaki and Kirie is complicated, but in short, Masaki and Kirie are second cousins via Masaki’s maternal grandfather.

Masaki asks why she followed him, and she denies it, she just intuitively knew they’d meet here, based on a superpower-like ability from her being from the Tsugura Family, a descendant of an ancient bloodline dating back to the days of the Yamato Imperial Court.

Kirie clearly has something she wants to discuss, so the pair head out to a coffee shop about a five-minute walk away from the university.

The pair order drinks and once they’d settled, Masaki gets down to business and asks what Kirie wants. Kirie asks why he avoided her earlier. Masaki tried to deny it, so Kirie asks if he finds her unpleasant. Masaki denies it so strongly he shocks even himself over the force of his reaction and quickly apologises.

Fortunately, it hadn’t been loud enough to disturb the other guests.

Kirie says she is relieved that she isn’t viewed as a nuisance. This causes Masaki to look away with both embarrassment and guilt.

◇ ◇ ◇

Masaki and Miyuki share the same first period lecture on a Saturday.

Unlike normal universities, the Magic University has few recorded lectures. Though the lectures are archived, they are filmed live for the archive. This is due to a policy of not neglecting question and answer discussion sessions, even for large lectures.

Masaki usually arrives early and takes his preferred seat, one with an unobstructed view of Miyuki’s preferred desk. However, today he greets Miyuki and takes the seat next to her, causally asking if Tatsuya is not present.

The only reason he is so bold today is because both Tatsuya and Lina are absent. Lina doesn’t let Masaki near Miyuki, and he doesn’t even want to go near them when Miyuki and Tatsuya are together.

Miyuki states that Tatsuya was called by Higashiyama Kazutoki, Tatsuya's and Miyuki's seminar advisor, so would be absent for the lecture.

◇ ◇ ◇

After the lecture, Miyuki heads off to pick up Tatsuya.

As the pair head off to the next lecture arm-in-arm, Miyuki brings up Masaki and complains about his weird behaviour towards her, almost like he sees her as an object in the sense that he doesn't see her as a real living person, but not like some sort of possession, as though it’s enough just to look and nothing more.

Bewildered, the pair walk on, Tatsuya tries to make sense of a man who tried to break up an engagement in the past based on infatuation but he, nor Miyuki, can really make much sense of Masaki’s actions.

Seeing Miyuki is troubled, Tatsuya decides that this situation needs resolving.

◇ ◇ ◇

Saturday lectures end after the second lecture at noon, though most students will have seminars and club activities afterwards.

Tatsuya and Miyuki are heading out for lunch when they once again encounter Masaki and his friends at the gate.

Masaki greets Miyuki again, but Shinkurou interjects and comments that Tatsuya seems to be in a rush and Tatsuya agrees, preventing Masaki’s usual invite.

Tatsuya notices that Shinkurou seems to have a plan, but decides it is best not to interfere.

◇ ◇ ◇

After the Shiba couple leave, Shinkurou asks to speak to Masaki alone.

Masaki tries to brush it off, but Shinkurou firmly insists so Masaki reluctantly agrees and apologises to Kirie and the others.

Sensing the mood, the girls don’t make a fuss and head out while Masaki and Shinkurou head towards the cafeteria.

Masaki applies sound insulation and asks Shinkurou what is wrong, genuinely puzzled.

Shinkurou states the issue is how Masaki is acting towards Miyuki, pointing out that Masaki’s strange behaviour started around when Kirie started at the university.

Masaki’s expression makes it clear that Shinkurou hit a nerve, but he won’t admit it.

Shinkurou calls Masaki out on it, making clear he knows that Masaki knows what the issue is and can no longer remain silent.

Shinkurou tells Masaki to stop before he ends up doing something even more shameful, calling Masaki out for deliberately acting like a pick-up artist. Shinkurou doesn’t ask why, but makes it clear he is also being disrespectful to Miyuki by acting like a stalker.

Masaki refutes this, saying he does like Miyuki, but Shinkurou calls him out by saying it’s not in a romantic sense, more like worship. A one-sided affection he cannot help but feel.

Masaki admits he knows that Miyuki has no feelings for him.

Shinkurou once again tells Masaki to stop, and when he only agrees to think about it, Shinkurou asks Masaki why he is playing the fool, but Masaki won’t answer.

◇ ◇ ◇

That evening, at the residence of the Ichijou Family in Kanazawa.

Akane, who is now a second year at Third High, receives an email from Shinkurou and eagerly calls him back, much to his surprise at the immediate turnaround.

At Akane’s prompting, Shinkurou gets down to business and asks if Akane knows Kirie. Akane says she does as their family is close but then immediately panics thinking Shinkurou might have a crush on Kirie and asks if he is cheating on her.

Shinkurou says she is misunderstanding and asks if there is something going on between Kirie and Masaki.

Relieved, Akane starts to explain the complex family relationship connecting Kirie and Masaki through the Isshiki family. She then goes on to explain that the genes of Kirie’s Tsuruga Family are very compatible with the Isshiki Family. Further explaining that because of that, both the Isshiki Family and Tsuruga Family are pushing to get Masaki and Kirie into a relationship because of their genetic compatibility.

Akane tells Shinkurou that they even pushed for an engagement, but Masaki wasn’t on board. And because the attempt to push an engagement between Masaki and Miyuki hasn’t been settled, both the Isshiki Family and Tsuruga Family are limited in how much they can push the issue despite getting impatient.

Shinkurou, however believes the issue between Miyuki and Masaki is settled, having heard about the fist fight that took place at First High’s graduation. Masaki’s loss in the fight is the source of Shinkurou’s attitude, labelling Masaki’s antics those of a disgraceful pick-up artist.

Akane points out that the Yotsuba never gave an official reply.

Shinkurou points out that the likely intend to ignore it completely, given how rude it was.

However, even if most people assume the matter is settled, the fact that it hasn’t been formally rejected means that officially the proposal is still pending. This makes it difficult for other families to make formal proposals towards Masaki.

Akane comments that Kirie likely likes Masaki so the situation must be pretty hard on her.

Shinkurou is not convinced, having not sensed anything back at school, but Akane comments that it is likely because back then Masaki probably seemed out of her league to Kirie.

Akane goes on to explain that Kirie wouldn’t be able to give up, making the situation all the more difficult on Kirie.

Finally getting a grasp on the situation, Shinkurou thanks Akane and she leaves the matter in his hands.

◇ ◇ ◇

Sunday, July the fourth. Shinkurou calls Masaki in to the university.

At an isolated corner of the campus, Shinkurou faces off with Masaki.

Shinkurou gets straight to the point, the situation with Kirie, asking if Masaki wants to avoid marrying her and is trying to make Kirie dislike him.

Masaki doesn’t answer, so Shinkurou tells him to reject Kirie directly if that is the case.

Masaki tries to avoid the discussion, leading Shinkurou tells him he is being cruel to Kirie and that both he and Akane are worried about him.

Eventually, as Shinkurou won’t back down, Masaki opens up.

After confirming that Shinkurou understands the family situation, he asks what Shinkurou thinks about marriage based solely on genetic compatibility.

Given the history of magic, it is not a clearcut issue especially when arranged marriage is likely the most humane option to develop magicians compared to many of the others. But Shinkurou states he cannot understand how a woman feels about it but says if it were him forced to marry a man for the sake of making better magicians, he would likely feel like it was terrible.

They discuss the role of a man, and how it ends after fertilisation, but for the woman the ordeal doesn’t end there as they have to endure the pregnancy. The conversation turns to artificial wombs and how their use has remained low despite the low risks of using one against the extreme burden of pregnancy on the woman, concluding that the reason must be something they as men cannot understand.

Shinkurou asks Masaki if he is trying to make Kirie dislike him out of pity for the woman’s role in this.

Masaki states he believes it would be better if he and Kirie hate one another, but the Tsuruga Family nor the Isshiki Family wouldn’t back down even if that were the case. He goes on to state that a union between him and Miyuki would be much more promising for the creation of offspring with superlative talent is higher than for him and Kirie. As such, the two families are forced to hold back while he is still chasing Miyuki, at least until she marries Tatsuya.

Masaki concludes that while he is still not over Miyuki, Kirie might have chance to meet and marry someone else of her choosing.

Hearing this, Shinkurou realises there might still be hope and tells Masaki that according to Akane, Kirie likes him.

Masaki denies it, saying Akane has misunderstood; Saying that Kirie doesn’t like him, she is just too attentive to others and is likely just complying with her families wishes.

However, Kirie suddenly calls out and tells him it wasn’t a misunderstanding.

At this point, Masaki realises that Shinkurou set him up.

Kirie is angry and lays into Masaki, demanding he stop deciding how she feels for himself and after making it clear she never said she disliked him, Kirie confesses to Masaki, saying that she loves him.

Masaki is so overwhelmed by the sudden confession that he cannot give a reply, so Shinkurou ends up bailing him out by saying that the two should talk it out, and then takes his leave.

◇ ◇ ◇

Left alone together, Masaki decides to head somewhere cooler and goes with Kirie to coffee shop off campus.

Both feeling overwhelmed, the pair walk in silence, blissfully unaware of the three pairs of eyes upon them, watching from the shadows.

Arriving at the coffee shop and Masaki laments his choosing somewhere so busy where they couldn’t even deploy a sound barrier while Kirie is getting their drinks.

After a moment, Masaki begins to talk but ends up chocking on his drink out of nerves.

Fortunately, the mistake broke the tension.

Masaki then tells Kirie that although he finds her likable, he doesn’t see her romantically.

Kirie asks if it is because of Miyuki, and when he says it is she tells him she heard the conversation with Shinkurou earlier.

They discuss the situation with Miyuki and Kirie ends by telling Masaki that she thinks that because Miyuki is so radiant, Masaki has been blinded to the other women around him which is why he is no longer showing interest in them.

Masaki agrees that she might have a point.

Kirie then suggests they try dating. She will try to become a woman he can love, and if it doesn’t work then they can break up.

Masaki feels this is dishonest, but Kirie pushes by saying it is what she wants.

Before Masaki can agree, they are interrupted by a girl speaking Chinese and wearing a Third High uniform. It is Liú Lìlěi, now Ichijou Reira after her adoption into a Ichijou branch family, along with Akane and Shinkurou.

Masaki and Kirie are shocked, but Akane tells them that Reira has something to say.

Reira then confesses, saying if he will be dating then he can just go out with her.

Masaki objects, saying that if she is objecting to him and Kirie dating on a trial basis then doing so with her also doesn’t make sense.

Reira counters by asking him to date her for real, as her love is also real.

Kirie objects, saying she also really loves Masaki.

The five are causing a scene, so Shinkurou interjects and suggests they resume the conversation at another time.

Masaki agrees and practically runs to the cashier to pay.

◇ ◇ ◇

The morning of July fifth. Lina has retuned and is by Miyuki’s side.

Lina notices Masaki with a group of people and quickly prepared herself to shoo him away, but he simply greets Miyuki, and upon receiving a reply, heads off.

This surprises Lina and Miyuki.

While Lina wonder’s what is wrong, Miyuki wonders if Kirie has made any progress since she and Masaki seem closer now.

—Case 2: Mitsui Honoka— Lost Love[]

Spoiler

Shippou Takuma made a deal with the actress Sawamura Maki after the February 2097 terrorist bombing of the Master Clans Conference. In exchange for her family’s aid in countering the anti-magic sentiment in the media, Takuma would owe her a favour. Maki came to have Takuma repay the favour, and he finally finished repaying her on June twenty-ninth, 2100.

The first of July. For the first time in a while, Takuma attended the Magic University unburdened. Though he had been attending some classes, the time constrictions had caused his grades to suffer so Takuma is looking forward to focusing on his studies going forward.

Takuma is greeted by Senkawa who had been Takuma’s teammate in the monolith code at the Nine Schools Competition, as well as his closest friend at the university.

When asked, Takuma confirms that filming has finished.

The movie had been written with Takuma in mind for the lead role and used real magic during filming, which was one of its selling points. For Takuma, it also helped a number of magicians with weak magic find work in the industry. After a two-month intensive acting course and ten months of filming, the shooting had finally ended.

Takuma informs Senkawa that the film should release in December and discussed the film all the way to the lecture hall.

The first lecture of the day was on magic criminal law. This topic was of particular interest to Takuma as it was a secret ambition of his to open a law firm dedicated to magicians alongside tsking over the family business.

Takuma asks about things on campus and Senkawa informs Takuma of Lina’s absence and Tatsuya’s presence for the week, and that the couple are lovey-dovey as ever.

Senkawa then mentions that Honoka seems to have a male admirer of late, one Torii Matomo, who they had played against in Monolithic Code during in the Nine Schools Competition of their third year. Takuma’s team had finished second, only losing to Fumiya’s team in the final.

The final match against the Ninth High School ended with a hard-fought victory for Takuma. Torii Matomo was the opponent from Ninth High from that time.

Senkawa notices that Takuma seems bothered by this, but Honoka and Shizuku arrived.

Matomo walks over to Honoka as the pair watch, but Honoka seems more annoyed than pleased by Matomo’s advances whilst Shizuku outright ignores him.

◇ ◇ ◇

Takuma has liked Honoka since his first year at First High, after the fight with Tomitsuka Hagane.

The reason he has never made a move on her is due to the mistake he made when unintentionally tried to take advantage of Honoka's vulnerable emotional state from the shock from the announcement of Tatsuya and Miyuki's engagement.

On top of that is the fact that Honoka has not given up on Tatsuya is also a relief as it means she is not going to fall for another man. There is also the fact Takuma isn’t sure if his feelings are truly love.

Seeing Matomo making advances stirred Takuma into action.

◇ ◇ ◇

Honoka shoots out of the lecture hall when the lecture ends.

Takuma calls out to Shizuku. She knew that Magic Law was his major, so she isn’t surprised to see him. Takuma tells Shizuku he wanted to speak to her about Honoka. Shizuku agrees and sends a quick message before heading out with Takuma.

Shizuku leads Takuma to the underground station where they get into a large car with a chauffeur. Shizuku then orders the chauffer to drive around the block for ten minutes.

Takuma is a little confused by the car, but Shizuku explains it’s for privacy before prompting Takuma to continue.

Takuma brings up the events of January 2098, when Shizuku had scolded him, and asks if it is okay for him to approach Honoka now, mentioning he had been holding off to wait and see, but doesn’t want to miss his chance because of that.

Shizuku tells him to do as he pleases, stating she has no right to interfere, making it clear she will not hinder nor help.

◇ ◇ ◇

After parting ways with Takuma, Shizuku met up with Honoka at the entrance to the cafeteria.

Honoka asks why Shizuku was late, and Shizuku deflects by asking if Honoka found Tatsuya and the others. Honoka states she didn’t, though she’d wanted to eat with everyone.

Shizuku suggests hosting a dinner party, but Honoka declines

Shizuku confirms that Honoka seems to finally getting over Tatsuya, but she is unsure of the reason so cannot decide if it is a good or bad thing.

Honoka again asks Shizuku why she was late, and Shizuku simply states she was giving some relationship advice. Honoka pushes for more information but Shizuku keeps quiet.

◇ ◇ ◇

Honoka is an outstandingly beautiful woman, with an amazing figure. To the point there is no shortage of men making passes at her.

However, Torii Matomo’s motive was the emotional imprinting of her Elemental bloodline.

Matomo didn’t know about Honoka in his high school years as he didn’t participate in the Nine Schools Competition until after she had graduated. And due to the curriculum, he didn't actually meet Honoka until his second year at the university.

Seeing her up close, he immediately knew she was an Element of the ‘Light’ type. Matomo could tell intuitively because he too is an Element of the ‘Wind’ type.

He initially approached to see if she’d also know he was an Element, but quickly fell for her.

He then found out his love rival is the Shiba Tatsuya, a man who is a cut above all others when it comes to instilling fear in both enemies and friends alike.

However, though this is enough to deter most men, but Matomo was hell-bent on rescuing Honoka from her unrequited love.

Lunchtime on Friday. Takuma was ready act and asks to Tatsuya, Miyuki and Honoka for lunch. Tasuya greets him and asks about the movie. However, after the brief exchange, Honoka apologises and tells him the spare seat is for Shizuku. Takuma quickly backs down without a fight and heads off.

Takuma repeatedly approached Honoka for the rest of the day between classes.

◇ ◇ ◇

Saturday the third of July. Takuma headed to the cafeteria after his second class and finds Honoka outside, waiting alone restlessly.

Before Takuma can call out, Matomo arrives and asks Honoka to join him for lunch.

Honoka hesitates to agree and, understanding Honoka’s hesitance, Takuma intervenes and tells her Tatsuya left via the north gate and asks if Shizuku is coming.

When Honoka confirms that Shizuku is coming, Takuma suggests they get a table before they all fill up and invites Matomo to take the last seat.

Matomo agrees if Honoka okays it, recognising Takuma as his rival. Shizuku arrives before things can escalate and the boys find a table.

◇ ◇ ◇

In Shizuku’s room in the Kitayama mansion, Shizuku teases Honoka over Takuma and Matomo fighting over her before getting serious and asking if Honoka is afraid Tatsuya will misunderstand.

Honoka denies it, saying Tatsuya wouldn’t misunderstand, but she clearly doesn’t believe it herself.

Shizuku comments that Honoka has been acting strangely all year.

Shizuku has had her suspicions that it felt like something is out of place for a while.

Shizuku goes on to say Honoka has been taking a forced approach almost as if you wanted to be rejected by Tatsuya, despite numerous warnings from Shizuku. After cornering Honoka so she cannot feign ignorance, Shizuku states bear to watch this continue anymore.

Honoka breaks down into tears apologising and Shizuku comes over and holds her until she stops.

Honoka then opens up, admitting that she wants Tatsuya to outright reject her and goes on to explain the fact that Miyuki would always come first, and the fact that Tatsuya doesn’t even lust after her as a woman didn’t hurt like she was expecting it to, like it should.

So, despite knowing she loves Tatsuya, Honoka wondered if it were really still romantic love. Explaining it definitely was once, but at some point it would appear to have changed.

Honoka ends by saying if she is going to lose, she wants to be properly rejected and bring things to a close for both her and Tatsuya. However, she wondered if it would be okay to be that selfish.

Seeing Honoka is unsure of what to do, Shizuku makes a proposal. To simply ask Tatsuya to reject her. Honoka is reluctant to ask Tatsuya to reject her just so she can move on, but after some discussion she agrees to speak to him on Monday.

Shizuku assures her that things will work out.

◇ ◇ ◇

Monday, July the fifth. Lina returns to campus, replacing Tatsuya.

After exchanging greetings with Miyuki and Lina, Honoka and Shizuku, who had been waiting for Tatsuya, parted ways with the pair.

Takuma and Matomo arrive and greet Honoka.

Shizuku tells Honoka they’ll have to wait until Tatsuya returns to campus, and suggests she toy with the two junior boys in the meantime.

Honoka is not sure if Shizuku is joking, but she appears to be genuinely against the idea.

Seeing Takuma and Matomo enthusiasm, she makes an effort to greet the pair with a smile.

Seeing Honoka skilfully handling her juniors, Shizuku mutters within her mind that Honoka won't be able to find a new love unless she puts her feelings for Tatsuya to rest, while both feeling sorry for the two boys, and thinking they’ll be a good distraction for Honoka in the meantime.

Epilogue: Returnees[]

Spoiler

Monday, July the fifth. Upon their return from the USNA, Mayumi and Ryousuke return to the Industrial Magic Academy after a single day’s rest, though reporting to Tatsuya is their only job for the day.

At 9:10am, the pair head to Tatsuya’s office and Mayumi gives her report.

Lena Fehr is interested in a partnership with Magian Society on the condition that she and Tatsuya have a discussion about it first, giving him the provided contact information.

Mayumi then moves on to mention is encountered Ono Haruka in the USNA.

Tatsuya was aware she worked for Public Security and had had to flee during a serious internal power struggle with the help of Kononoe Yakumo. HE hadn’t known she had fled abroad.

Mayumi reports she was working for a detective agency in Seattle on a case for FEHR. Tatsuya concludes that this is likely something he should investigate.

◇ ◇ ◇

Lina returned the day after Mayumi and Ryousuke and attended the Magic University, despite her jet lag.

It had only been a week, but a lot had changed in her absence, including Ichijou Masaki’s change in heart. Miyuki asks if anything happened abroad, and Lina gives a vague answer, leading Miyuki to realise there will be a long discussion to come at home.

◇ ◇ ◇

After giving the report to Tatsuya, Mayumi left whereas Ryousuke remained at the academy.

At 4pm, he returns to Tatsuya’s office, and Tatsuya realises there was ore to discuss that Ryousuke didn’t want Mayumi to hear. Ryousuke confirms this and mentions he was waiting for it to be morning in the USNA.

An astral projection of Lena FEHR appears next to Ryousuke.

Lena first apologises for appearing unbidden, and then asks him to listen to the situation in the USNA, and for his assistance.

Tatsuya agrees as he wanted to learn more anyway, so he will hear her out.

Lena then states the matter began when FAIR sent a survey team to Mount Shasta. She then explains what is happening in the USNA, what is due to happen, with some speculation on her part.

Gallery[]

Click on the images to enlargen them.


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