Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei (Manga) Master Clans Conference Arc

Spoiler Alert: This page contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei Shizoku Kaigi-hen (魔法科高校の劣等生 入学編) is the manga adaption of the 'Master Clans Conference Arc' from the 17^th to the 19^th light novels. The adaptation is by Takeda Hasumi (竹田羽角). It is serialising in GFantasy, beginning it's run in March 2020 and is currently ongoing.

The arc was on hiatus due to the mangaka's health. 竹田先生は、早く元気になりますように！ (Get well soon, Takeda-sensei!) until September 27, 2023 where Volume 7 is released.

Volumes

Volume 1

Volume 1 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese September 10^th, 2020; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757568396; English TBA

At the Yotsuba New Year's gathering, Miyuki was named as the successor whilst Tatsuya was named her fiancé. Tatsuya and Miyuki's non-sibling relationship and engagement are now public knowledge. Among the shocked students the most shocked are those that knew the siblings.

Meanwhile, the Ten Master Clans selection meeting, followed by magicians all over the world, is due to take place at a hotel in Hakone.

Volume 2

Volume 2 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese December 26^th, 2020; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757570177; English TBA

The mastermind has attacked!! The target is Japan!?

Information reaches Lina of the USNA from someone who calls himself one of the "Seven Sages." Lina learns of a terrorist plot against Japan by the mastermind behind the "Parasite Incident" and contacts the Shiba siblings, but...

The second volume of the comic version of the popular episode depicting the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki is now available!!

Volume 3

Volume 3 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese June 25^th, 2021; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757573383; English TBA

The Ten Master Clans Conference venue is attacked!! The Ten Master Clans Selection Meeing was finally held. Shortly after the birth of the new Ten Master Clans, Hakone Hotel becomes the target of a suicide bomber by someone...! Volume 3 of the manga version of the popular episode depicting the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki is now available!!

Volume 4

Volume 4 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese December 27^th, 2021; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757576551; English TBA

Four families fight together!! In the wake of the terrorist attack on the Ten Master Clans Selection Council, the condemnation of magicians by Humanists has expanded in society. Taking the situation seriously, the Ten Master Clans begin their own pursuit of the mastermind behind the terrorist attack. Those selected for the mission were Tatsuya, Katsuto, Masaki, and Mayumi.

The latest comic version of the original volume 17, 18, and 19 episodes depicting the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki is now available!!

Volume 5

Volume 5 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese June 27^th, 2022; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757579934; English TBA

The Crimson Prince is coming! Tatsuya, Katsuto, Masaki, and Mayumi begin a joint investigation into the terrorist attack on the Ten Master Clans Selection Meeting. Furthermore, with the help of the head of the Ichijou family, the Crimson Prince Masaki Ichijo temporarily studies at First High School. He even ends up sharing school life with Tatsuya and Miyuki...?

Up-and-coming artist Takeda Haku has adapted the episodes of the original volumes 17, 18, and 19, which depict the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki, into manga!

Volume 6

Volume 6 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese March 27^th, 2023; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757584914; English TBA

Tatsuya and the Kuroba Twins vs. Gu Jie! Tatsuya attacks the hideout of Gu Jie, the ringleader of the terrorist attack on the Ten Master Clans Selection Meeting, but an outsider intervenes and the situation turns into a battle. Meanwhile, February 14th - Valentines Day has arrived at First High School, and there is a special atmosphere among the students... Up-and-coming artist Takeda Haku has adapted the episodes of the original volumes 17, 18, and 19, which depict the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki, into manga!

Volume 7

Volume 7 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese September 27^th, 2023; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757588158; English TBA

In the wake of the terrorist attack on the Ten Master Clans Conference Selection Meeting, a movement to condemn magicians is heating up. In the end, even Miyuki, who is on her way home from school, gets caught up in the anti-magician demonstration. Meanwhile, Erika's half-brother, Inspector Toshikazu Chiba, is investigating a terrorist incident when his direct subordinate suddenly disappears... Up-and-coming artist Takeda Haku has adapted the episodes of the original volumes 17, 18, and 19, which depict the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki, into manga!

Volume 8

Volume 8 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese March 27^th, 2024; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757591271; English TBA

Shiba Tatsuya, unseals his power! The search for Gu Jie, the perpetrator of the terrorist attack on the Ten Master Clans, has been difficult. In order to overcome the current situation, Tatsuya calls Miyuki to the underground laboratory of his home. What awaits for Miyuki after she purified herself...?

Volume 9

Volume 9 Cover

• Release Date: Japanese November 27^th, 2024; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757595361; English TBA

Tatsuya and Masaki are pursuing the terrorist Gu Jie. Tatsuya engages in a one-on-one battle with Chiba Toshikazu, who has been turned into an enemy puppet. Meanwhile, Masaki tries to capture Gu Jie as he tries to escape by sea, but...!? The final volume of the Manga version of the episodes from volumes 17, 18, and 19 of the original work, which depicts the new relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki, is here!!

Ichijou Masaki Diary

Ichijou Masaki Diary Cover

• Release Date: Japanese November 27^th, 2024; English TBA
• ISBN: Japanese ISBN-13 9784757595378; English TBA

The Crimson Prince Challenges the Goddess!! A terrorist bombing strikes the Ten Master Clans Selection Conference. In order to investigate the incident, Ichijou Masaki, the eldest son of the Ichijou family, one of the Ten Master Clans, known as the Crimson Prince, temporarily transfers from Third High School to First High School. This also means becoming classmates with the goddess he admires, Shiba Miyuki... The episode "Ichijo Masaki's School Transfer Diary," from Volume 19 of the original manga, has been adapted into a comic by Takeda Hankaku, the author of "The Master Clans Conference Arc"!!

Chapters

Chapter

Title

01

Respective Thoughts

The news released from the Yotsuba family about Miyuki being the heir and Tatsuya here fiancé has spread. Ichijou Masaki is shocked when he is informed by his father, Ichijou Gouki, on the second of January. Masaki objects saying the two are siblings, but his father informs him they are actually cousins. Gouki then asks Masaki about his feelings towards Miyuki, which flusters Masaki, but he admits to liking Miyuki. Ichijou Gouki then decides to help Masaki realize his feelings. The following day, Saegusa Koichi tells his daughters the news, leaving them equally shocked. Koichi asks his daughters what they think of Tatsuya. Mayumi gets embarrassed and says he was a good junior. Izumi, however, gets pensive and explains Tatsuya is different to others, like he’s in another world. At Koichi’s prompting, she tells her father she couldn’t handle him as a partner and let’s slip a hint to her crush on Miyuki. Koichi returns his attention to Mayumi and presses her and suggests she try to approach Tatsuya as the marriage was one-sidedly decided by the Yotsuba. Honoka is visiting Shizuku when she’s told the news. Initially thinking it’s a joke she tried to play it off but upon realizing it’s the truth Honoka gets upset and tries to run away, knocking Shizuku down when she tries to stop her, soiling her dress. Honoka apologizes and the pair go to Shizuku’s room where Honoka breaks down in tears. There Shizuku gives Honoka her three choices, give up, try to steal Tatsuya, or become a mistress. Shizuku recommends the first. Honoka resolves to keep trying until it’s too late.

02

Fiancée

The Ichijou have made an objection against Miyuki and Tatsuya’s wedding through the Magic Association and proposed Miyuki enter a marriage with Ichijou Masaki instead. Saegusa Kouichi call’s Ichijou Gouki to discuss the objection and propose they work together under the pretense that he would like to have Mayumi marry Tatsuya. Gouki asks about Mayumi’s current marriage candidate from the Itsuwa family but Kouichi reports it isn’t going well. Kouichi’s mind flashes back to his conversation with his daughters when he suggested it to them. Kasumi was angry at the idea and was reprimanded by Izumi, taking a more tactful approach, explained that it would be inappropriate, which Mayumi whole heartedly agreed with. Returning to the conversation, Kouichi states he’s still negotiating with his daughters so can’t move forward himself. Ichijou Gouki thanks him for his assistance and they agree to cooperate. The Shiba couple visit Kokonoe Yakumo at his temple. Kokonoe tells them he’s heard the news, commenting the news has spread wide. He congratulates them on the engagement, embarrassing Miyuki, and asks what the truth is and Tatsuya deflects the question by saying it was before he was born. As the pair are leaving Kokonoe tells Tatsuya to be prepared for even more rigorous training, making it clear its business as usual, a great relief for the Shiba couple. Later Tatsuya visits Kazuma at his unit’s headquarters. Tatsuya exchanges pleasantries with Kazuma and Fujibayashi, who is also present. Kazuma asks if their relationship will continue as before now Tatsuya has a new identity. Tatsuya says it will for the time being. Kazuma warns Tatsuya they are expecting some large-scale military engagements to occur in the coming year. After the meeting Tatsuya has a coffee with Fujibayashi in the mess hall. She comments on Tatsuya being uncomfortable and he points out he hates being the centre of attention, to which she point’s out he’s in for a rough time. Tatsuya makes a passing comment he didn’t have the option to refuse, leading Fujibayashi to ask about the wedding. Tatsuya explains he’s feeling conflicted as his mind can’t just switch tracks from sister to fiancée but as she needs a fiancée it’s harder to resist. This hits a nerve with Fujibayashi, who hasn’t moved on from her late fiancée.

03

New Semester

The eighth of January. t First High, the Shiba’s have been called in to speak with the Principle over the revelation they are actually cousins. The dean Yaosaka asks how the mistake on the registry was missed for seventeen years and Tatsuya states it’s likely due to his father’s disinterest. Principle Monoyama is clearly displeased and states they won’t take action against an innocent party but to ensure their parents know such errors can lead to expulsion before reminding them they will now be seen as a couple so they need to moderate their behaviour, the dean stating a lot was previously overlooked due to their prior status as siblings. Reaching his classroom Tatsuya is greeted by Erika and Leo. Leo states he’s over the initial shock, so the revelation is all fine with him. This surprises Tatsuya as Leo isn’t from one of the numbered families. Entering the class, he finds his other classmates, Mizuki included, clearly avoiding him and afraid. At the start of lunch, having been avoided by everyone, not even being asked for help as had usually been happening, nor Mikihiko visit. Telling Mizuki where he’s going Tatsuya heads to the Student Council Room to find Honoka and Shizuku there but Miyuki absent. Using his senses, he finds her on the roof and the pair have the lunch Miyuki prepared in advance, unbeknown to Tatsuya who had suggested they eat separately after the earlier warning. Miyuki picks up some of Tatsuya’s lunch to feed him but ends up self-destructing with embarrassment when he eats it. Tatsuya then suggests they find somewhere else to eat from tomorrow. After eating lunch, the conversation turns to the current situation in the school and Miyuki confirms it was the same for her with not even Honoka or Shizuku speaking to her, though given time it will all likely blow over. After school the pair receive a call from Yotsuba Maya who informs them of the objection filed by the Ichijou family and the engagement proposal from Ichijou Masaki, which Miyuki fiercely rejects. Tatsuya beings to reprimand Miyuki for her outburst but Maya takes Miyuki’s side saying the Ichijou are at fault. She goes on to say it’s too early to reject the proposal at this point, but they need not worry and should just carry on as usual. The next day Minami is surrounded by her classmates asking questions about her and the Shiba couple. She gives safe answers, clarifying the couple don’t engage in illicit relations and is a servant. The girls are intimidated into stopping by Saegusa Kasumi, who is thanked by Minami. After class Kasumi invites Minami to walk with her. When the reach the stairs to part ways Minami asks why Kasumi helped her when they weren’t friends, to which Kasumi replies she’s been on the receiving end before so knows how awkward it can be. On the twelfth of January, Erika, Leo, Mizuki and Mikihiko are having lunch in the cafeteria. As Mikihiko gets up to leave he’s stopped by Erika.

04

Door to Emotion

Erika tells Mikihiko to wait for Mizuki to finish her lunch and he sits back down. Once Mizuki is finished she demands to know why Mikihiko is avoiding Tatsuya, something even Leo has noticed. When he refuses to answer she states it’s just because Tatsuya is from the Yotsuba. Miki says it’s part of the reason but he’s also upset that Tatsuya didn’t tell them. Leo points out he likely couldn’t tell them, which Erika follows up by saying had they heard from Tatsuya, nothing would be different, because Miki fears the Yotsuba name. Miki if Erika is and she affirms she’s terrified too, but she can get over it because they are friends. Even if she fears them, she trusts Tatsuya, and adds all of them have secrets. Leo states he knows Tatsuya is dangerous, but he can be trusted. Erika admits she needed time to adjust when she first found out but not three or four days. The conversation ends with Mikihiko and Mizuki agreeing to try and get over it. Honoka is currently avoiding the student council as although she’s made up her mind about Tatsuya, she knows not how to deal with Miyuki, so is using her duties to visit the clubs about their budgets and is trying to visit Igarashi to improve her mood. She arrives at the Club Committee Room and is met by Shippou Takuma, who tells her Igarashi has stepped out. Takuma calls him and confirms he’s returning so Honoka decides to wait. While waiting her mind returns to the Shiba couple and ends up worrying if Tatsuya does her work Miyuki will think Honoka is no longer needed. Noticing the state Honoka is in, Takuma asks what’s wrong and when she tries to deny it, he realises the truth and tells her she should give up on Tatsuya.

05

Determination

Takuma confronts Honoka about the situation with Tatsuya and tells her she should just give up on him, though Honoka won’t listen. He tries to push on, having been attracted to Honoka since the situation at the start of the year, but before he can Igarashi and Shizuku arrive. Shizuku misunderstands and accuses Takuma of making a pass at Honoka and the pair leave. Honoka visits Shizuku’s house after school and Shizuku tells her the situation cannot continue as Honoka’s distress has been showing on her face all week to the point everyone knows. Honoka dienes it and so Shizuku tells her to prove it on Monday. Tatsuya visits FLT on Sunday to work on the ESCAPES project. Despite initially intended as a means to escape the Yotsuba and support himself afterwards, Tatsuya has continued the project as a means for magicians to provide for themselves without reliance on the military, though his age is presenting issues to the projects viability. Monday morning at First High, Mizuki makes a point of greeting Tatsuya, much to Erika’s delight. At the beginning of lunch Honoka calls out to Miyuki and asks her to join her in the Student Council Room. They summon Tatsuya and the three, along with Shizuku have lunch. Upon finishing, Honoka declares she won’t give up on Tatsuya and Miyuki makes it clear she won’t yield, leaving Tatsuya unsure how to respond. After school Kasumi noticed the changed atmosphere within the student council and asks Izumi about it and it’s made clear not to ask with a swift denial. Mikihiko arrives and delivers a report detailing that a number of female students are being followed by stalkers and having unsolicited photos taken of them. Tatsuya says it’s likely a humanist group. Tatsuya calls to Minami and they discuss the situation, which has escalated to several students being abused, but despite reports to the police, nothing has been done so far. They decide to give out an advisory to make sure the students know to be careful and not to overreact and be branded a criminal. Tatsuya is concerned for Miyuki’s safety in all this.

06

True Feelings

January 19th. The Saegusa twins are chatting while having lunch in the school cafeteria. The conversation turns to the bad atmosphere in the school centred on the recent revelations about the Shiba cousins and comment that people should stop making a fuss over it. The conversation moves on to the Student Council and Izumi states the Shiba cousins and Honoka are being mature about the situation and that Miyuki has stopped being so clingy with Tatsuya since the engagement so people should stop spreading rumours. The comment leaves the students nearby looking awkward. Later, at the Magic University, Mayumi has meet up with Mari who is laughing her head off at the fact Mayumi’s father wants her to marry Tatsuya and asks why Mayumi brought it up. Mayumi asks how much Mari knows, and Mari states the details revealed to the public. That the Shiba siblings are actually cousins and direct descendants of the Yotsuba family, that Miyuki is the next head and that they pair are engaged. Mayumi tells her there is more and explains how the Ichijou objected and have proposed Masaki marry Miyuki instead on grounds the genes could be damaged from the close genetic relationship. That said they speculate it might be in part because Masaki seems to like Miyuki. Mari then asks if her fathers desire to have Mayumi marry Tatsuya is because she likes him. Mayumi blushes and vehemently denies it saying he’s just trying to annoy the Yotsuba. Mari isn’t convinced and points out he’s a good match for a ‘daughter of the Saegusa’. Mayumi counters saying Mari likes him more which she denies. Taking a moment to calm down, the pair resume to conversation with Mari explain her opinion of why Mayumi has failed to make progress with Juumonji Katsuto or Itsuwa Hirofumi. That in part it’s rebellion but also because she sees then as rivals and as members of the Ten Master Clans and not as fellow students, so feelings have never had a chance to blossom. But this isn’t the case with Tatsuya, who she knew as a fellow student before she knew he was from the Yotsuba clan. She suggests going along with her father’s plan as it means dating someone that she likes so she can use her father for a change. Mayumi says Tatsuya is engaged so it’s not appropriate, and she declined when her father suggested it. Mari is out of time and tells Mayumi to at least think on it as she leaves. Tatsuya receives a message from Mari asking him to meet up. When he tells Miyuki, she gets upset thinking there is an ulterior motive, since in her opinion he’d be a prime choice for having an affair. Tatsuya says that’s not it, making it clear he knew what she was thinking, to her embarrassment. He goes on to say he thinks it’s likely about them being Yotsuba’s and that Mayumi vented to her friend about a scheme of her fathers to make use of the situation. Miyuki becomes very emotional at the thought and tells Tatsuya that the Saegusa’s head may want to have Tatsuya marry Mayumi. Tatsuya thinks that’s a leap and they end with him saying he’d meet with Mari, much to Miyuki’s clear displeasure. The next day Tatsuya meets with Mari and they get straight to business. Mari asks what Tatsuya thinks of Mayumi and he gives a matter of fact assessment of her as an excellent magician, to her annoyance. She clarifies she means how does he see Mayumi as a woman. Tatsuya states he has no feelings for her but is sexually attracted to Mayumi, his bluntness embarrasses Mari. Tatsuya asks why she’s asking, and she asks if he’ll court Mayumi. This earns a very cold stare from Tatsuya as he asks whether she knows about him and Miyuki. Mari confirms she knows they are engaged and about the objection from the Ichijou. Tatsuya is stare is even colder as she states then she should know why he can’t court Mayumi. Mari goes on to explain Mayumi is being pressured into courting him. Tatsuya points out if he agreed it would be Mayumi that will be slandered, not him. Mari is pleased that Tatsuya cares for Mayumi enough to say that and says she wouldn’t have considered this if Mayumi wasn’t interested in Tatsuya, even if she herself won’t admit it because she wants Mayumi to experience love. Tatsuya says he isn’t the only person she has a chance to love and refuses to comply as he is already Miyuki’s fiancée. That said he takes his leave.

07

Conspiracy

It’s the twenty-third of January. Raymond Clarke makes use of his Hlidskjalf terminal and discovers the USNA’s missing missiles. Lina returns home from doing some shopping with Sylvia on the twenty-seventh and finds a message is waiting for her on her computer. Lina see’s the message is sent from ‘one of the seven sages’ and opens it to find a packet of intel about the stolen missiles and that the mastermind of the parasite incident was planning to use them for terrorism. Lina gets changed into her uniform and calls Colonel Balance to inform her of what she’d received and asks for confirmation of the contents. Balance affirms that ordinance due for disposal is missing and explains that Gu Jie is likely a survivor of the Kunlunfang Institute. Lina brings up that he was behind the parasite incident and asks for permission to deploy to Japan. Balance says she needs time before she can give a response to the request. Meanwhile, Gu Jie is on a ship sailing towards Japan. He had been a researcher at the Kulunfang Institute until to disagreements between the modern and ancient magicians escalated to the point the ancient magicians were driven out. At that time, Gu Jie fled to the USNA. But after the destruction of the Institute by the Yotsuba, they and the Japanese magician community became the targets of his revenge, but his own combat power is low. This is why he used groups like Blanche and No Head Dragon. The ships captain reports that they should arrive tomorrow. Back in the USNA, Colonel Balance uses the device she was given to make contact with the Yotsuba to keep her end of the deal to share intelligence.

08

Cause and Effect

Dahan 2062. A bloodied and battered Saegusa Kouichi can only watch as Yotsuba Maya is kidnapped by the Kunlunfang Institute where she is broken and experimented on. In retaliation, they Yotsuba swear revenge on the perpetrators. Maya is rescued by her sister Miya is forced to use her magic to remove the emotional trauma, leaving Maya empty, all her memories converted into mere data. The Yotsuba Main House, 2097. Maya tells Hayama about the pending terrorist attack by a survivor of the Kunlunfang Institute. Hayama comments they should be cautious is the man was skilled enough to escape the purge. Maya wonders what they intend to a achieve with a handful of missiles and Hayama comments they could be used to target magicians or worse, turned into bombs for suicide bombings. Maya decided to look for Jiedo Heigu with the limited personal available, the rest busy preparing for the upcoming Master Clans Conference. Maya decides to have Hayama spread the news that terrorists targeting magicians have infiltrated the country to inform the other families indirectly. January twenty-seventh. Jiedo Heigu has reached Japan and used Hliðskjálf to get the location of the Master Clans Conference and begins preparing to strike the Ten Master Clans using his zombies to get revenge on the Yotsuba. In the USNA Lina and Canopus head to see Balance, though Lina is unsure what it is about, though Canopus realises why she’s nervous and reassures her destroying things in training is to be expected, perking her up. That pair arrive and Balance informs Lina she won’t be sent to Japan as the higher-ups are worried that she has excess sympathy for Japan and question her loyalty. Lina protests and Balance assures her it’s not her sentiment but because of Lina’s lineage and age, others are concerned. Balance then states that’s why Canopus will be sent instead. After Lina takes her leave, Balance then asks Canopus about his relationship to Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff. Canopus confirms they are blood related. Balance then explains the Deputy Chief of Staff is implicated in accommodating the terrorists to acquire the missiles in order to use him to deal with a bigger issue. They then discuss the Humanist movement which could threaten the country’s stability and that the Deputy Chief of Staff ‘s aim is to give the terrorists a target outside the USNA while protecting freedom of speech domestically. Both Balance and Canopus are opposed to this. They speculate the plan is for magicians to survive the attack but civilians to get caught up and not be protected, which the humanists can use and will draw the attention onto the magicians in the Japanese community. Balance then states her orders to Canopus. Assassinate Jiedo Heigu to cover up the source of the bombs. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after the terrorist attack. Later, Lina mulls over the situation and decides it would be ok to warn the Shiba couple, though she’s too embarrassed to call them friends. Miyuki answers and the pair exchange pleasantries. When Lina brings up that Miyuki seems even more beautiful now, Miyuki credits it to Tatsuya. This prompts Lina to congratulate the pair on their engagement. Miyuki remarks that news travels fast and Lina points out news about the Yotsuba’s princess after all. Miyuki is elated thinking Lina is calling to congratulate them. Lina tells her she called to discuss an important matter and Miyuki goes to fetch Tatsuya to listen as well, leaving the call on hold.

09

Master Clans Conference 1

After a few moments, Miyuki returns with Tatsuya and after some pleasantries Lina gets to the point, the sages have informed her that Jiedo Heigu a survivor of the Kunlunfang Institute is planning a terrorist attack on Japan. Miyuki reacts to the name due to the family’s history with them. Lina warns them they may be a target, though Tatsuya only shows concern for Miyuki. Tatsuya’s confidence reassures Lina, something Miyuki notices leading Lina to get embarrassed. Tatsuya thanks Lina for her warning and Lina ends the call in a fluster before calling it a night. February fourth. Miyuki goes to class, much to the shock of her classmates as today is the day the Master Clan’s Conference starts. Miyuki explains that she won’t attend unless she is called and doesn’t even know the location which is kept secret. Tatsuya is encountering the same, with Mizuki to flustered to ask him so it is Erika who asks why he’s at school. Tatsuya fails to see why anyone cares and explains he has no business attending, nor would Mayumi though Katsuto might. Tatsuya points out he cannot attend as the location isn’t disclosed and the results will be publicised, so he won’t know anything until then. Hirakawa Chiaki shoots her mouth off complaining small fries must blindly obey the clans. This annoys Erika who goes over to her. Tomitsuka tries to intercede but Chiaki doesn’t back down at the dispute escalates with Chiaki bringing up that Tatsuya hid that he was a Yotsuba but Erika counters not bearing the parent’s name isn’t uncommon in magician families. Chiaki refutes by asking if Erika is angry because she likes Tatsuya and Erika counters pointing out she’s seen what that would entail and she’s not going to risk her life for love. Erika then leaves a frustrated Chiaki and returns to her classroom. Elsewhere the leaders of the Ten Master Clans gather at the meeting place, with only the Juumonji having an additional person, Katsuto, present for the meeting. Kudou Makato asks why Katsuto is present and Juumonji Kazuki explains that he has lost his magic and is stepping down and his son will be taking over as of this meeting. Saegusa Kouichi tries to press for more information but is chided by Yotsuba Maya for prying into the affairs of the other families and Futatsugi Mai backs her up. Kouichi apologies. Returning to the business at hand and with words of support from the other houses, Juumonji Katsuto takes his father’s seat.

10

Master Clans Conference 2

The Master Clans Conference gets underway with the respective clans giving reports on the situation within their jurisdictions. There were no major reports until Saegusa Kouichi reported that there is an increase in anti-magician activities in the Kanto region, which Katsuto confirms. Maya interjects that there is an increase in activity of the Humanists in Tokai. She then reports that there is suspicious activity in Izu, elaborating that two suspicious ships have been sighted with one docked in Izu for over a week. Saegusa agrees to investigate. With the reposts settled, Kouichi asks for permission to have some time and Kudou Makato agrees, to the bemusement of the others. Kouichi launches straight in and brings up the Yotsuba succession and voiced his objection to the engagement. Maya points out she doesn’t need approval from the clans and Kouichi counters saying they can because there is a risk to the genes due to the close genetic relationship between Miyuki and Tatsuya due to their mother’s being twins saying it is borderline illegal as they are practically half-siblings. Mai reprimands Kouichi for going to far and Maya ignores his apology telling him to get to the point. Kouichi states that he wants the engagement annulled and a heavy atmosphere descends upon the meeting. At this point Ichijou Gouki interjects and brings up his request to engage his son Masaki to Miyuki. Maya expresses her displeasure at the request when Miyuki is already engaged. Gouki explains it is a serious request to the point he intends to give his son, the Crimson Prince, to the Yotsuba. Maya declines, saying she must consider Miyuki’s feelings and she and Tatsuya like each other. Gouki counters Miyuki and Masaki don’t know each other well and her feeling may change and asks his son to be given a chance. Maya counters saying his son only likes her looks. Gouki doesn’t back down and requests they get to know each other and if they do and it doesn’t work out, he’ll back down then. Maya retorts that Gouki is being extremely rude to both Miyuki and Tatsuya, especially to Tatsuya. This silences Gouki but Kouichi takes over saying that if they forget the feelings of the people involved then it’s a good match and as members of the Ten Master Clans, they have to make sacrifices. The first to support Kouichi is Itsuwa Isami saying they cannot know if there is chemistry if they don’t get to know one another, pointing out how the relationship between his son and Mayumi didn’t go anywhere despite it being a good match. He then goes on to say an engagement between Masaki and Miyuki would bring more benefits. Maya retorts by stating she doesn’t seek benefits from Miyuki’s engagement. Maya then goes on to say she’ll allow Masaki to approach Miyuki and if he can win her over then she’ll allow her to choose Masaki over Tatsuya, but the engagement stands. After Maya reconfirms her meaning Mai takes over finalising the decision. The Yotsuba will allow Masaki to interact with Miyuki despite the engagement and the parents will not interfere further. Kouichi and Gouki agree to the compromise. With that settled, Kouichi immediately asks if that also applies to Tatsuya, bringing up that the engagement between Hiroshi and Mayumi fell through and would like for Mayumi to marry Tatsuya. Sick of Kouichi’s bile, Mai calls for a break. After the break, Maya takes the lead after receiving permission form Makoto. Maya’s smile sends a chill down the spines of the other attendees as she brings up Zhou Gongjin while looking at Saegusa Kouichi.

11

Master Clans Conference 3

The break over, Maya brings up Zhou Gongjin. Not everyone knows who he is, so Maya explains he is a Taoist Ancient Magician born on the continent and based in Yokohama. She then has Kudou Makoto confirm, which he does whilst looking so ill the others take notice. Maya then goes on to explain that Zhou was the mastermind behind all the recent incidents in Japan including Blanche, No-Head Dragon, aiding the Great Asian Union forces in the Yokohama Incident and the recent Parasite incident. Picking up on her phrasing, Raizou asks if this means he has fled or has been dealt with. Maya states that Zhou was killed by Tatsuya with the aid of Ichijou Masaki and Kudou Minoru in October. Kudou is left surprised as Minoru had not informed him whilst the other heads praise the three, pleased the next generation is proving reliable. Maya then kills the atmosphere by asking Kouichi if he was colluding with Zhou, stating he used his subordinate, Nakura Saburou, to establish contact with Zhou Gongjin, indirectly via Congressman Kanda to instigate the Anti-Magician Movement. Kouichi asks for her proof, but Katsuto interjects and testifies it is the truth as he heard it from Kouichi himself. Hearing this the other heads turn on Kouichi demanding an explanation. Kouichi says it’s true, although the details are wrong, explaining he only made contact after the movements establishment and then tries to deflect the conversation with the Stellar Furnace experiment, but Gouki stops him doing so. Kouichi them states he made contact after then to stop the mass media attacking magicians as a whole and admits he had to make an exchange unfavourable to the magic community. Maya interjects, admitting he colluded after the group’s formation, but states Zhou harmed Japan and colluding with him is inappropriate for one of the Ten Master Clans. The other seven heads all agree, and Mai condemns Kouichi’s actions. Mai is about to speak to Makoto but there is a sudden knock at the door. Kudou Retsu asks permission to enter. Retsu admits he overheard the conversation and asks them to delay Kouichi’s judgement, using his first name to make it clear he is speaking as the old master and not as a former member. Retsu then admits he knew of the incident before hand and failed to dissuade Kouichi from doing so. He then also admits the Kudou also had ties to Zhou leading to them using parasites as non-human magic weapons, with the Yotsuba having to step in to stop the test on Japan’s young people. Kudou states their crime is no greater than Kouichi’s so states the Kudou will leave the master clans in exchange for the case being closed. Makoto tries to object but Retsu scolds him, stating he should have been the one confessing and taking responsibility. Maya steps in and states it’s ok with her if the Kudou want to take responsibility, stating the Saegusa can work off the debt with future contributions. Maya realises Retsu is protecting the Ten Master Clan system. The Yotsuba are the most powerful magician group in Japan followed by the Saegusa, were the latter removed, it would be a disaster. With Maya’s assent the matter is settled and Retsu and Makoto leave. The conversation then turns to who is to replace the Kudou family and Maya suggests the Shippou Family. There are no objections so as the matter is settled, Mai calls for the next break. At First High, Tatsuya is chatting to Erika and Leo when Shippou Takuma comes to talk to him. Initially on guard Takuma explains he is here to thank Tatsuya as Maya suggested the Shippou as a replacement in the clan conference. Tatsuya explains he had no part in it, but Takuma insists on thanking Tatsuya and leaves elated.

12

Master Clans Conference 4

A suspicious man enters the hotel as the second day of the Master Clans Conference gets underway with the selection meeting in which the leaders of the Eighteen Assistant houses are also present for the vote, though the Kudou family’s seat is empty. The vote gets underway and although some of the families are surprised when the Kuki and Kuzumi families from the ‘Nines’ show no opposition despite being expected to support the removed Kudou families, the vote concludes with the Shippou family formally replacing the Kudou family in the clan conference. The vote over the heads of the Assistant Houses take their leave but the heads of the Kuki and Kuzumi are stopped by Mai. Shippou Takumi then speaks with them and explains that normally he would take over the Kyoto region from the Kudou but explains the Shippou currently lack the manpower and asks if they would lend him their aid as he’s like Kyoto to be supervised by the ‘Nines’, and makes no demands. This pleases the pair and they advise they will discuss it with Kudou Makoto and get back to him, though they expect a positive response. The heads of the Kuki and Kuzumi leave and as they take the elevator on the left, the suspicious man from earlier arrives on the floor in the elevator on the right. With the vote settled the members of the Ten Master Clans resume the conference proper. Initially the topic of countering the ‘Humanists’ is raised but Ichijou Gouki turns the topic to the suspicious ship seen of the coast of Izu. Itsuwa is annoyed by the sudden shift but Saegusa Kouichi supports the shift and Gouki explains they investigated but there were no magicians or weapons onboard, but it may have contained explosives. He goes on to say they may use the boat as an escape route so they will continue monitoring it. The conversation moves the USNA agents and it’s confirmed there are some, but they might not be the main force, given their conduct, meaning someone more elite may be lurking. Isumi points out the terrorists are the concern, not the USNA’s hunters. As Raizou supports this line of thought, commenting even this conference could be being targeted, as the suspicious man arrives outside the room and detonates a suicide bomb. At First High, Tatsuya receives a message while on break and immediately dashes off, his conduct making it clear to the others something bad has happened. Tatsuya speaks to his teacher and then heads outside where he meets with Miyuki and as the pair begin to head out, they are joined by the Saegusa twins, Shippou Takuma and Minami, the realisation it’s not a false alarm visibly shakes Izumi. The six all quickly then leave the school. Meanwhile, at Third High, Kichijouji is told about the terrorist attack by Ichijou Masaki as he rushes from school. Masaki tells Kichijouji he is heading out on a helicopter and tells him to look after his sisters. At the Magic University, Saegusa Mayumi also receives a notification. She informs the teacher and quickly takes her leave.

13

Terrorism

The heads of the Ten Master Clans were protected by the blast by Juumonji Katsuto’s Phalanx spell, and the flames extinguished by Mutsuzuka Atsuko’s magic, Heat Manipulation. Futatsugi Mai suggests they leave promptly and Mitsuya Gen advises the building is full of puppet bombers, using magically controlled humans to commit suicide bombings, an inhumane and taboo magic. Sensing the floor is about to collapse, Yatsushiro Raizou uses gravity magtic to stabilise the floor while the family heads quickly make their exit, heading for the roof and planning to jump off to avoid getting buried in rubble. The ten magicians progress through the hotel, not holding back on the bombers after discovering they are animated corpses and not living people. Their relatively easy progress making it clear that the attackers couldn’t even harm them giving them a foreboding feeling dealing with the media will be a nightmare. Upon reaching the roof, the ten magicians escape the building unharmed. The attack is reported on the news later that day. - 9 dead, 22 injured and more casualties are expected to be found later. - At the time of the bombing magicians were meeting in the building. - No injuries have been reported from amongst the magicians.

14

The Future

Tatsuya and the others from First High to arrive to see the aftermath of the terrorist attack. Miyuki is about to try and help with magic, but Tatsuya stops her saying they should leave it to the experts. The group search for their parents and upon spotting them the Saegusa twins rush towards them, with Takuma close behind though much calmer. Seeing the situation, with their parents being questioned, Miyuki asks Tatsuya’s opinion and he advises them should watch over the other three for the time being. Heading over, he stops Izumi from making a scene as she demands to know why their parents are being questioned, having to restrain her to do so. Tatsuya then apologises to the officer and leads the others away, pulling Izumi by her hand to do so. As the six wait, Tatsuya reflects on the situation, noting the officers around Maya and the others does make them look like suspects. However, he doesn’t care. All that matters is Maya is alive as though Miyuki has been named the next family head, though he could maintain it his own position is not secure without Maya. Though he has allies they cannot be called sponsors. Reflecting that Maya is on a level that is a threat to Tatsuya, but her body is that of a normal person. He’d been prepared to do what was necessary to save her. As he’s thinking this, Ichijou Masaki arrives and Tatsuya calls him over. Masaki greets Miyuki and she informs him their parents are being questioned. Masaki heads over to the adults whilst Juumonji Katsuto heads over to Tatsuya and the others. Juumonji greets Tatsuya and tells them the questioning isn’t over, but he came over to update them. He then formally greets Shippou Takuma as it’s their first meeting. Juumonji then explains the situation. Their parents are all fine but there has been a terrorist bombing, but they are unsure of the target though it appears it may have been the clan conference. Kasumi asks why they are being questioned and Katsuto explains it was because they were present from start to finish, but they are not suspected but wonder if their presence could be a factor. Tatsuya comments they think like the anti-magic faction and Miyuki asks if she thinks there are Humanists within the officers, but Tatsuya says it’s unlikely as it’s too low key. Katsuto challenges Miyuki slipping and calling Tatsuya ‘Onii-sama’ but Tatsuya simply states the change in their relationship is new to them so it’s hard to adjust. Saegusa Tomikazu arrives and upon concluding they have no further questions, Katsuto heads over to Tomikazu, followed by the Saegusa twins. Miyuki returns the conversation to Tatsuya’s earlier remark and they discuss the possibility of anti-magic sentiments in the police force but Tatsuya says it’s unlikely they’ve been corrupted by policies or ideals of that type at this point but it could be a concern for the future but unless a way to counter magic without magic surfaces, the government would have to act before it reached that point. Tatsuya then comments that the fallout of this incident will depend on media coverage, but many will likely blame magicians regardless. This saddens Miyuki, as they are all Japanese citizens, and she points out that not all the media will criticise magicians, as was proven back in April. Tatsuya reflects the situation is worse this time but simply states the clans cannot sit idly this time. Tatsuya ends the conversation by pointing out they have confirmed Maya is alive and well so they can leave. As the Shiba couple and Minami begin to leave, Takuma stops then, and starts to bring up what they were discussing but decides to stop midway and lets the three leave. Elsewhere, the mastermind Gu Jie was watching the news and celebrated his success. The explosives didn’t set of the alarms as they were considered ‘obsolete’ so the shields didn’t trigger. The zombies he used didn’t get detected either. And as expected the leaders of the Master Clans protected themselves and not others so the casualties hadn’t been curbed, likely being below twenty than the achieved fifty. The casualties were collateral damage to the attack on the clans, which was the message he desired to send to the masses. His aim to take away their home the way the Yotsuba took away his.

15

Manhunt

In the USNA’s Embassy, Canopus is watching the bombing on the news and was lamenting that he had to let innocents suffer due to his mission preventing him from acting as he needed to keep a low profile and couldn’t even give a warning. His mission is to lure Heigu out to open sea and eliminate him there. At the Magic Association, the leaders of the Ten Master Clans meet while their children who’d gone to the bombing site wait outside. Discussing the bombing, the family heads discuss their options, concluding trying to control the media would backfire if done too hastily. Raizou points out they are also victims. The general consensus is that they need to act but cannot go overboard. Mai asks Katsuto his opinion and he agrees the media cannot be controlled so he suggests openly declaring their position and denouncing the attack via the association. The other heads quickly agree to the proposal; they will denounce the attack and announce their intention to fully support the apprehension of the perpetrator responsible. Kouichi then goes on to say they should try to use the media to continually remind people the terrorists are the bad ones here to at least ease the worsening sentiment. He also mentions capturing the perpetrator as a scapegoat would be in their best interest. Gouki opposes, saying they should follow procedure and they’d need permission to act. Saegusa points out they are unlikely to get approval and Gouki then says if more attacks occur while they are searching then the situation will only get worse for the Ten Master Clans. Maya interjects and states they cannot idly sit by while attacked and must mobilise their strength. However, she also sees Gouki’s concerns and doesn’t think they should be directly involved with the search and should instead focus on preventing more attacks. Atsuko asks if they should dispatch someone to look for the terrorist and Maya immediately says she’s sending Tatsuya. Gouki suggests Masaki instead. Mai objects, saying the pair are still students and the time this task would require will be great and she doesn’t want to sacrifice their studies for this. Maya thanks Mia for her concern but explains that with support from the Yotsuba he won’t even need a month. Mai pushes her concern, given Tatsuya’s age but the other leaders were well aware of his involvement in the Balance incident, the Yokohama Disturbance and hunting Zhou Gongjin. Kouichi interjects and suggests his son, Tomikazu, should lead the operation. Kouichi explains Tomikazu has already finished his education and the area of the bombing is in the Saegusa family’s jurisdiction. Kouichi suggests Katsuto could lead the operation instead if they are unhappy with Tomikazu. There is some resistance to Kouichi’s suggestion, but Maya agrees it is their territory and Katsuto agrees to take the mantle of the operation. Maya and Gouki both offer the aid of their sons should he need it and Katsuto graciously accepts. Katsuto then clarifies Masaki and Tatsuya will operate under his command directly. The discussion concludes with the Juumonji and Saegusa cooperating with one another to capture the terrorists with support from Tatsuya and Masaki. The meeting moves on to the location of the terrorists and Gouki explains the corpse manipulation technique used has a maximum range of ten kilometres, so they have to be in Japan. The meeting ends and in the helicopter on the way home Gouki informs Masaki of the plan and that he’ll need to take some time off school. He also tells him Tatsuya will be participating. At the Shiba residence the Shiba couple are studying at home until they receive a call from Maya. After some pleasantries, Maya orders him to neutralise the terrorist. Maya then informs him of the cooperation between the clans with Saegusa forces and lead by Katsuto. Maya then tells him Masaki will be involved, to Miyuki’s chagrin. Maya goes on to say it shouldn’t take to long as they know the target’s name. She explains Gu Jie, or Jiedo Heigu in English, is a survivor of the Kunlunfang Institute and gives a basic description. Maya then says tracking him falls to Tatsuya’s eyes once he makes contact. Tatsuya agrees. Once the call ends, Maya asks if they have any leads and Hayama reports they don’t. Hayama asks if Maya is regretting not acting on the intel they received before and Maya admits it. Hayama reports the Yotsuba are not invincible so lamenting will not help. Maya agrees and says it will take time and retires to bed. February 6th, at Kokonoe’s Temple, Tatsuya is undergoing his usual warm up with Yakumo’s students. Upon finishing, Yakumo goes to speak to Tatsuya and Tatsuya asks him to teach him how to counter the Ghost Walker spell.

16

Collaboration

Tatsuya asks Kokonoe to teach him how to break Ghost Walker. Kokonoe is reluctant, and Tatsuya affirms he understands why. Tatsuya then reflects on the technique and how Zhou Gongjin would have escaped had Nakura’s blood needles not given Zhou away. They discuss the situation and Kokonoe admits though he cannot teach an outsider, it would not be a breach if he did not teach it directly and goes on to explain Tatsuya is likely compatible with Ancient Magic as his ‘spirit’ is strong and should be adapt with psion manipulation. Kokonoe then unleashes an attack which disorientates Tatsuya, but it is quickly repelled. Kokonoe admits he is impressed it was broken so quickly and explains it was essentially a primitive version of Ghost Walker. Tatsuya thanks Kokonoe for his help. Later, during lunch at Frist High, the statement of the terrorists behind the bombing is read out on the news. It states the aim is to rid the world of magic and they were targeting the Ten Master Clans who protected themselves to escape while abandoning the civilians before going on to state that more will die while magic exists in Japan. The newscaster then summarises the casualties, 22 dead, 34 injured and of the 33 who were saved, 27 were magicians. A guest politician then goes on to say that the magicians should have prioritised human lives. Hearing this, Erika, Mikihiko and Leo are all appalled and Tatsuya makes a wry remark. They comment on the fact the Ten Master Clans are not being outright blamed as it would work in the terrorist’s favour, but all present a fearful of the implications this will have with Honoka commenting on the events of April. That night, Tatsuya visited the Juumonji mansion. There he is greeted by Katsuto and they head to a room where Mayumi is waiting and the three sit down. Once tea has been served, the Katsuto apologises to them for calling them here. Katsuto’s bashful look makes Mayumi nearly burst out in laughter. Tatsuya quickly takes control of the situation and they get down to business. Katsuto asks the pair to assist him in the terrorist hunt. Tatsuya affirms he has received the order. Katsuto tells Mayumi her cooperation is optional, so he is asking as a friend, and asks her to act as a liaison between their respective forces. Mayumi agrees. That settled the three discuss their plan of action going ahead and they decide to meet regularly in person to exchange information. All parties agree.

17

Favours

Ichijou Gouki meets with the principle of Third High, Maeda Chizuru over a meal. Chizuru became the principle there after leaving the military and was Gouki’s senior at school. Getting tight to the point, Gouki brings up the recent terrorist attack and explains Masaki will be participating in the terrorist hunt lead by Juumonji Katsuto and asks he be given leave from the school. Chizuru states she cannot give special treatment and instead suggests he ask for a favour from the principle of First High. Gouki is initially confused but Chizuru elaborates, explaining as both schools are affiliated with the Magic University, information exchange is feasible so Masaki could transfer temporarily and take theory classes at First High, and only have to skip his practical classes. They agree the transfer can be until the ninth of March. Gouki thanks Chizuru for her cooperation. February Seventh. At First High, the students are watching the news to see the fall out of the terrorist attack and the media’s baist view against magicians. In the student council room, Chiyoda Kanon starts quite vocally criticising the Ten Master Clans for handling the situation poorly. This irritates Izumi who points out that the magicians present were civilians and asks why some of the general public should prioritise other members of the general public over themselves. Kanon flips and gets really angry and has to be stopped by Isori. Miyuki steps in and asks Izumi to get hot drinks for everyone, a subtle way of saying go and cool off, and Minami accompanies her. Once the pair leave, Isori scolds Kanon and points out the members of the clans had no responsibility to save others, especially at the expense of themselves. Kanon sees that she was in the wrong and when Izumi returns, the pair apologise to one another. After school, Shippou Takuma, frustrated with the situation, visits the actress Sawamura Maki. After some pleasantries, the two get down to business over coffee, though Maki remains playful. This ends when Takuma lowers his head and asks for a favour as Maki is thrown by the shock of him doing this. Takuma goes on to explain he needs help related to the recent terrorist attack as if things go unchecked, Magicians could lose their rights and be targeted. Maki realises he wants her fathers help, not hers. When Takuma says he couldn’t think of anyone else who could help but her, she agrees, but states he will return the favour, saying he will repay her with anything within his power to do so.

18

Investigation

Kuroba Mitsugu and Yoshimi visit the morgue where the bodies from the bombing are being kept. Once they are alone, Mitsugu has Yoshimi use their magic to read the residual thoughts of the deceased using a skill called ‘Memory of the Dead’ which reads the residual psion information bodies in a target corpse. After checking several corpses, Yoshimi finds the memory she was looking for, a vision of a building. The pair then quietly leave. Chiba Toshikazu and Inagaki are starting their investigation and Toshikazu is shocked all the perpetrators are dead, even the ones without wounds and not only that, but the autopsies also said they were all dead for at least a day beforehand, and up to ten if properly preserved. As they have no real leads and need a specialist, the pair heads to Roter Wald in the hope of finding an informant. Arriving at the café, Toshikazu checks for Fujibayashi Kyouko but she is not there. Toshikazu orders two coffees as she and Inagaki take their seats. While waiting for their drinks, Kyouko arrives and she and Toshikazu exchange pleasantries as she takes a seat. Toshikazu then asks Kyouko if she knows about ancient magic. Before answering she prompts him to ask his question of the proprietor, so Toshikazu passes the owner a note and gets a written response. Upon finishing their drinks, the three get up to leave, with Toshikazu paying for all three. The amount includes payment for the info but is a little too much, but Toshikazu says to carry it over until the next visit. On the road, Inagaki follows Kyouko’s car where she and Toshikazu are having a discussion. They discuss the situation with the bombing and Toshikazu confirms that no sensors were tripped so the perpetrators were not stopped. He goes on to mention that they were already dead, leading Kyouko to realises he wants to ask about the ‘Doll Makers’, a sect of ancient magicians who use forbidden arts that control corpses. She then warns Toshikazu that the Oumi Kazukiyo has deep ties to Dahan.

19

Snow

Tatsuya is waiting at the entrance to the Magic University when Mayumi runs up to him five minutes late. After some banter, Mayumi leads Tatsuya to the meeting venue uneventfully. Mayumi explains the venue is invitation only and reserved so there is no concern of other guests while conversing as they make their way to Juumonji Katsuto’s table. As they sit down, Mayumi naturally sits at Tatsuya’s side. Tatsuya doesn’t think she means anything by it, but it brings the meeting with Mari to mind. Tatsuya mulls over the situation with his engagement to Miyuki, Mari’s actions and his feelings towards Mayumi. Rationalising Miyuki is his absolute limit and that he cannot love Mayumi, Tatsuya appreciates Mayumi’s conduct, with her acting like she is unaffected by the situation. Katsuto gets straight to business, and Mayumi goes first, reporting that they only know the terrorists came from the America and likely landed in Yokosuka. Tatsuya then reports that the Yotsuba have intel from the USNA revealing that the mastermind is Gu Jie, formally of Dahan, and gives a short description. Tatsuya was told to reveal this so the Saegusa could also investigate Gu Jie. Deciding to act on the information, the three decide to enlist the aid of the police and focus the search on the area between Yokosuka and Hakone. The meeting over, Katsuto invites them to eat but Tatsuya declines, as does Mayumi. They agree to meet here again tomorrow. As the two leave, Katsuto asks Tatsuya to escort Mayumi as it is late out. Mayumi is reluctant fearing rumours spreading but cannot decline due to the risk of being targeted by the terrorists. The pair walk to the station, Mayumi feeling very aware of the situation, when it suddenly starts snowing. Tatsuya takes out his umbrella, but upon learning Mayumi hasn’t got one, tries to give her his, but the pair end up sharing instead as a compromise. When Tatsuya gets home, he is greeted by Miyuki who upon taking Tatsuya’s coat, smells Mayumi’s perfume.

20

Escape

Miyuki, despite having detected Mayumi’s perfume, says nothing due to her insecurities about their current relationship. A sister will be family for life but an engagement can be broken and Miyuki believes that should Tatsuya leave her she couldn’t go on, the fear of which keeping her silent. Miyuki informs Tatsuya has a message from Hayama and they discuss it over dinner when she informs him that Gu Jie is believed to be in Kamakura. Meanwhile, Gu Jie has become aware of the Yotsuba’s pursuit through Hliðskjálf and is relocating. He leaves behind three zombies to ‘greet’ any pursuers. In the USNA, Raymond Clarke is also using Hliðskjálf to monitor the situation but is holding back from acting until a ‘hero’ comes forth to stop the ‘baddies’ from escaping. Despite the fact he could prevent things like the bombing from happening, he won’t as he likes to play a game where he helps the ‘hero’ with information, a game he cannot play if things are prevented. Unhappy that Ju Gie is ‘cheating’ by using Hliðskjálf, Raymond sends a request to the system administrator to delete Gu Jie’s account. February Ninth. Tatsuya meets with Yoshimi early in the morning and heads for the target location. It has been surrounded by a Yotsuba task force who were waiting for Tatsuya to arrive. Though the Kuroba found the site, another family is sieging the location because the zombies are immune to MI Magic. Confirming it is the right building, Tatsuya takes aim at the house using Elemental Sight to scan it. He immediately tells the others to defend themselves. As the building goes up in flames, he warns the others that there are three ‘Generators’ inside. Yoshimi asks for the corpses to be left intact as Tatsuya readies himself to deal with the three personally.

21

Generators

The villa in flames, Tatsuya tells Yoshimi that he will handle it himself. Yoshimi messages the other operatives to fall back. As they do, they are attacked by the magic ‘Ignition’, but Tatsuya quickly dispels it before turning his attention to the burning building and carefully causes it to collapse to put out the fire without damaging the surroundings. The three armoured Generators climb from the rubble and attack Tatsuya, but he dispels their spells and casts ‘Trident’ to neutralise all three in moments. The fight over, Yoshimi and the operatives close in on the bodies. Suddenly Tatsuya senses magic emanating from the corpses and the three spring to life and attack. Tatsuya quickly disables all three before they can land a blow on the others. The fight finally over, Tatsuya leaves, leaving the corpses to the others. In Hakone, Inspector Chiba Toshikazu is there working with other officers to look for clues on the terrorists when he receives an unexpected call from Fujibayashi Kyouko. After some pleasantries she casually asks if how the meeting with the dollmaker was and if he’s had any headaches since the meeting. Toshikazu explains that he got a very dull lecture but is otherwise fine. After the call, Toshikazu notices Inagaki looking unwell. Inagaki comments he is tired but is otherwise fine.

22

Devious

Fujibayashi ends her call with Chiba Toshikazu. Her colleague reports to Kazuma that there is no sign of Toshikazu being under the influence of mental interference. Once the officer leaves, Fujibayashi asks if this was a good idea, using a Chiba as bait to check if Oumi Kazukiyo, the Doll Maker, was involved. Kazuma states it was an order and that the unit will not investigate the bombing because they cannot be seen to support the Ten Master Clans. Upon being dismissed, Fujibayashi reflects on the situation and her guilt, as well as feeling lonely due to Toshikazu’s lack of interest in her despite his previous enthusiasm. Sunday, February tenth. The Shiba couple are visiting the Kitayama mansion on Shizuku’s invitation. The pair are led to the room in which Shizuku is receiving them by a maid. Upon arriving the three exchange pleasantries, with a slight awkward air when Honoka is mentioned, but the three quickly settle to their tea. Miyuki lets slip an ‘onii-sama’ (brother) which Shizuku questions. Miyuki tries to explain it was force of habit as she’s been calling him that since middle school, which makes the situation more awkward as Miyuki then cannot explain why that was. The awkward silence is broken when Shizuku’s father arrives, and Tatsuya quickly realises the invite was actually from him. The Shiba couple exchange pleasantries with him and then Ushio gets down to business, stating he wasn’t to discuss the hate campaign against magicians.

23

Mass Media Countermeasures

Shizuku’s father explains he is concerned for his family’s safety due to the fall out of the bombing and wants to know how the clans will deal with it. Tatsuya explains he and Miyuki are not in a position to know the specifics about what is happening, but confirms he is joining the manhunt for the mastermind but knows nothing of any plans to counter the anti-magician sentiments. Shizuku’s father offers to help with the media, but Tatsuya states he cannot make agreements on behalf of the clans or the Yotsuba and advises against the Kitayama taking action as it could cause them to be targeted. Tatsuya ends by saying that he will ask for hep should the students be targeted, but otherwise they can only realistically suggest the students be prudent for the time being. Elsewhere, Saegusa Kouichi meets with Congressman Kouzuke to discuss the anti-magic sentiments in the media. Kouzuke initqally believes Kouichi wants to act against the media, but Kouichi explains what he actually wants is for Kouzuke to make sure that the facts are not twisted if things turn violent and young magicians are targeted. Kouzuke is concerned Kouichi plans to sacrifice students for the sake of reversing public opinion, but Kouichi simply points out nothing can be done until something happens, and he just wants to ensure it is dealt with fairly if it does. The eleventh of February. Minami and the Shiba coupe arrive at school to find the students are abuzz about something. Upon reaching class 2-E, Tatsuya is told by Mizuki that Ichijou Masaki is at First High.

24

The Price Arrives

Tatsuya ponders on Ichijou Masaki’s presence at First High, and Erika arrives and explains that he was seen entering the principal’s office. Meanwhile, in Class 2-A, Masaki is introduced by the vice-principal, who explains Masaki will be staying at First High for the month and will be participating in their classes. Miyuki is less that pleased. At lunch, Erika comments she is surprised Masaki isn’t sticking to Miyuki, but Mikihiko points out that he cannot do so like Lina did due to being a man. The conversation turns to Lina, and they discuss how she was a good match for Miyuki in both looks and magic until a casual remark from Tatsuya kills the conversation dead. Mikihiko returns to the topic of Masaki, and they confirm he is only at First High temporarily, with Tatsuya explaining he is to join the terrorist hunt. Mikihiko offers to help but Tatsuya tells him to focus on the anti-magician movement, as the students could be targeted. Mikihiko confirms the number of harassments has increased and resolves to focus on it so Tatsuya can focus on the terrorist hunt. After classes, Tatsuya visits Class 2-A. There he invites Masaki to the meetings with Katsuto and Mayumi and gives him the details. His business concluded, Tatsuya and Miyuki head to the student council room.

25

The Matter of Miyuki

Tatsuya attends the day’s meeting with Katsuto, Mayumi and Masaki. With nothing new to report, the meeting ends and Tatsuya heads home. In the commuter, Tatsuya thinks about Miyuki and her forced smiles, and decides that they need to talk. Upon getting home, Tatsuya hesitates to enter as he frets over the situation until Miyuki notices and opens the door and noticing, asks what is wrong. Tatsuya reassures her and scolds himself. After dinner, Tatsuya has Miyuki join him and he tells her he is worried about her. But before they can start talking, Maya calls. Maya informs Tatsuya that the Yotsuba’s communications were hacked, despite the high level of security, so they’ll be taking measures to counter. Maya then ends the call by warning Tatsuya of the Saegusa plot of Kouichi’s to have Mayumi spend time with him. Tatsuya says he will be careful. The call ends and Tatsuya is left even more concerned about Miyuki who is silent.

26

Practice

February Twelfth. Tatsuya is coming back from training when he sees Yoshimi, who gives him an envelope. At home, Tatsuya passed the message to Miyuki after he has read it. the message reveals Gu Jie is receiving help from someone in the JSDF. Later, at school, Class 1-A are in a practical session and the teacher is having Ichijou join. Seeing Miyuki alone, he asks if they can partner up, much to the lament of the other boys. The pair undertake the exercise, with Miyuki completing it immediately. Ichijou tries and passes, but only due to the countdown. Vexed, he feels even worse hearing Honoka and Shizuku celebrating Honoka’s performance. Later, Honoka comes over and invites Masaki to join them for lunch. Masaki checks it is okay with Miyuki, who agrees though she doesn’t seem to pleased.

27

Stratagy

After receiving Tatsuya’s permission, Miyuki and company join Tatsuya’s group for lunch in the cafeteria with Ichijou Masaki in tow. As they eat, Erika brings up the terrorist hunt. Tatsuya comments that it’s too soon for results. Miyuki apologises for Erika and teases Masaki over Tatsuya’s complimenting him. Honoka then acts on her plan, monopolising Tatsuya so that Miyuki is forced to focus on Masaki to try and close the gap between them. That evening, Tatsuya heads to the headquarters of the 101st Magic Equipped Battalion to see Kazuma. Having seen Gu Jie’s antics in Kamakura, Tatsuya has decided that they cannot delay in bringing the man down. Upon meeting Kazuma, Tatsuya explains he came in person as it appears their communications have been intercepted. Tatsuya then gives it to Kazuma straight. The special forces in Zama Base appear to have been compromised, informing Kazuma of the encounter with the Generators in Kamakura which should have been in Zama Base. The two discuss the situation in detail, and it concludes with Tatsuya stating Gu Jie is located in a location near the base so there may be an issue if things escalate. Tatsuya makes it clear, he will use lethal force and erase even JSDF forces should things escalate to the point of them getting involved. Kazuma reluctantly gives his approval. Tatsuya heads to the rendezvous point to meet with the Kuroba twins and their forces.

28

The Operation Commences

Tatsuya meets up with the Kuroba twins and Yoshimi and after exchanging some banter, Tatsuya getting into the parked van to gear up. After putting on Yotsuba equipment, which is on par with the military’s Mobile Suits, Tatsuya leads the Kuroba troops towards the target location. Tatsuya and the Kuroba twins scout out the target building, the location of which Yoshimi’s magic had extracted from one of the dead Generators. Using his Elemental Sight, Tatsuya detects nine people inside the hospital: -Five are normal people, likely the hospital staff. -One, likely the director, has magic distorting his mind. -Two Generators. -And one person who’s strange EDIOS data was closer to human than a Generator, his age data was especially noticeable. Realising the data corruption was similar to that of Zhou Gongjin, Tatsuya identifies the ninth person as the target; Gu Jie. The target identified, the Yotsuba personnel cut the power and Ayako teleports herself, Fumiya and Tatsuya onto the roof. Tatsuya heads inside while the twins are to hold the roof for extraction.

29	Locked On
	Tatsuya infiltrates the hospital and uses Elemental Sight to track Gu Jie. While in pursuit, Tatsuya is ambushed by two Generators. A fierce melee ensues, and Tatsuya quickly kills the pair. Resuming the chase, Tatsuya catches up to Gu Jie outside as he is boarding an ambulance. However, before Tatsuya can disable it, he is hit by sniper fire from the USNA.

30

Interference

Three hours before the Yotsuba strike, Canopus landed at the nearby joint army base and negotiated with the base commander for them to overlook his unit’s actions in dealing with some deserters from the USNA. He also requests the use of the five stolen Generator soldiers to cover up their theft. Back in the present, Tatsuya is hit by a sniper shot to the shoulder. He quickly dodges away and regenerates as two soldiers approach from the sky. Tatsuya quickly neutralises them, being careful to hide his true magic. After the fight, Tatsuya checks the area and realises the Kuroba twins are engaged and rushes to assist. On the roof, soldiers start falling from the sky to attack the twins. Fumiya quickly takes out the first two and Ayako puts up a barrier to protect them. Gas is used which allows the enemy to form up and use Cast Jamming devices on the twins. The twins persevere by overpowering the Cast Jamming, but Fumiya is injured while trying to go on the offensive. Pushed onto the defensive, the twins try to think of a plan but two shots suddenly ring out and the Cast Jamming stops. Ayako turns to see that Tatsuya has arrived.

31

Fruitless Effort

Having taken care of the civilians with sleeping gas, Tatsuya arrives on the roof and quickly neutralises the attackers before him while Fumiya takes out the rest. The fight over, Tatsuya quickly heals Fumiya and then moves on to cover up their magic. The fight over, the three head inside to collect the Generators. Meanwhile Canopus orders his men to wait to retrieve the bodies until after the Yotsuba leave. They continue monitoring Gu Jie but did not act against him per Canopus’s orders. Two days later. Tatsuya has reported the situation and Major Kazuma is investigating the interference but there has been no news. Meanwhile, Masaki is battling the frustration of not being able commit fully to the hunt as if he skips school, his father and Principle Maeda would lose face. As he moves to leave the room after class, several girls all give him various packages before running off. Bewildered, Shizuku explains that it is Valentine’s Day.

32

Valentine's Day

Masaki joins Tatsuya and the others for lunch. The conversation quickly turns to the amount of Chocolate Masaki received, until Erika and Leo start bickering. After classes end, Tatsuya is heading out to continue his terrorist hunt when he is stopped by Honoka, and she offers him chocolate. Tatsuya makes it clear that he is engaged to Miyuki, but Honoka insists so he takes them. Shizuku gives Tatsuya her chocolates in a bag and he is quickly swarmed by the girls he helped at the Nine Schools Competition. That evening, after the meeting with Katsuto and Mayumi, Tatsuya returns home to find Miyuki waiting for him like a dutiful wife. However, Tatsuya senses something is wrong, and he quickly realises it’s about the chocolates and he quickly assures her that he didn’t receive any from Mayumi and explains that he made it clear that they were engaged when he took Honoka’s, though it might have been better to refuse. They eat dinner with Minami but just as Tatsuya is about to leave, Miyuki asks him to remain a moment and Minami brings over a large plate covered with a cake dome. Miyuki then states that she isn’t sure whether accepting Honoka’s chocolates was the right thing to do or not but makes it clear that if he is to concern himself with her then Tatsuya needs to keep it in moderation as she’d prefer not to have to do anything unnecessary. Miyuki then uncovers the chocolate cake she made for Tatsuya for Valentine’s Day. Tatsuya’s simple remark that he was looking forward to Miyuki’s chocolates leaves her blushing as she goes to make coffee.

33

Dark Clouds

The Fifteenth of February 2097. A protest against magic has started outside the Magic University. The riot police have been called to protect the campus, but members of the crowd are deliberately faking police brutality to further incite tensions. The students at First High are watching the protest on the news during their lunch break. Tatsuya and his friends are discussing the situation as the twenty-fourth arrest is reported. Erika points out that they can use the cameras to track people down later where necessary so there is no point going overboard right now. As the side being attacked, all feel a bit disheartened. The feed cuts to a lawyer who is criticising the police which really incites Erika but Mikihiko points out that the number of voices parroting the lawyer are likely now few. Later that day, at the station, Chiba Toshikazu and Inagaki discuss the protest earlier where things had escalated when a protestor tried to use a crowbar to assault an officer and Inagaki had to block the attack, which injured his arm, and supress the man with magic. Inagaki has a really bad headache, which leaves Toshikazu wondering if he took a blow to the head, but Inagaki assures him it’s just a headache. That evening, Mayumi watches a debate about the protests on TV with her father. On one side of the debate is Congressman Kanda who says the police were going overboard and magic should be more heavily regulated. One the defence is Congressman Ueno who is providing a balanced and objective assessment of the situation. Assessing the debate, the pair fear that Ueno lacks the charisma to really sway the public, so the more passionate and radical Kanda is more likely to be listened to. In the end, Kouichi decides to wait and see for now. Shippou Takuma, having also watched the news, decides to call the actress Sawamura Maki and thanks her for her father’s allowing his network to air Ueno’s side of the debate. Takuma promises Maki a future favour in gratitude. Elsewhere, Gu Jie is dissatisfied with the level of the anti-magic sentiment attained. The plan had been for the public to turn on the magicians, who would in turn offer up the Ten Master Clans as a scapegoat. The plan was then to have them remove the Yotsuba from society. However, though there was now an opening, the situation would die down before anything could be done. Gu Jie was cast out of the Kunlungfang Institute in Dahan decades earlier, but before he could get his revenge, the Yotsuba wiped them out. So now he turned his hate to the ones who robbed him of his revenge, to make them suffer like he had suffered. Robbed of his access to Hliðskjálf, Gu Jie ponders his next move when he recalls a magic seal carved onto a magician of promising potential by his subordinate. The Sixteenth of February. Tatsuya returns to the Student Council Room after hearing of an incident at Second High and asks for the details. Miyuki explains that some female students were attacked by thugs and got injured when other students protected them with magic but used too much power. They then receive a video call from Kudou Minoru.