ead. "You weren't able to get in even with Ayako's magic?"

Totally caught by surprise, Tatsuya let out the unspeakable question. "Ah, no, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to reproach you."

On seeing Ayako hang her head in shame, Tatsuya this time immediately apologized.

More than Tatsuya being surprised, it was understandable without asking much why Ayako was regretful.

Ayako had a forte -- the unique magic [Perfect Diffusion], aka [PD (Perfect Darkness)]. A magic that leveled out the target area's gaseous, fluid, and physical energy distributions to the point of non-detection.

Categorically [PD] belonged to convergence-type magic. Since it could be recorded into an activation sequence it means it was a normal magic. However, it was safe to say that ordinary magicians could only use [PD]'s weaker version [Diffusion] with difficulty. Tatsuya knew only Ayako could cast [PD].

For example, if sound is to be [leveled off], both voice and music will be totally leveled off into white noise where it's impossible to decode their meanings. However, the sound, in other words the generated sound itself, could not be hidden. This is still on the level of [Diffusion].

When a sound-deadening leveling-off zone has been spread out, the [Diffusion] magic finally becomes [PD]. Ayako's magic activation speed and interference strength were inferior compared to Miyuki's. However, she could spread out event interference zones larger than Miyuki's, and for this it was praised as the Yotsuba's greatest ability.

It's on dimly-lit outdoors at night where Ayako can fully unleash her specialty. She can selectively and instantaneously level off her own or her allies' reflection and emitted electromagnetic waves, melding into the darkness. By leveling off audio waves and air current variations, she can evade auditory and olfactory detection. And so she assimilated them into the night. Her code-name [Yoru] was based on one character of her first name, and at the same time it designated her unique perfect diffusion magic.

"Did you also come here to check it out, Tatsuya-niisan?"

Fumiya raising that question was not meant to divert the conversation from Ayako. He was really thinking whether Tatsuya could do it when it was impossible for him and Ayako.

Tatsuya's [Decomposition] and Ayako's [PD] were similar in terms of event alteration. Decomposing materials into base elements, when viewed from a different aspect, is destroying material structure and scattering out the base elements into disarray. One can say Decomposition magic is [PD] with added depth and reduced scale.

And in truth, the one who made Ayako able to use her PD magic was Tatsuya when he was still under training at the Yotsuba main house. At that time Tatsuya was still in elementary, yet he had already mastered using Decomposition and *Self-Restoration* magics and was completing his combat training along with the adults. It was usual practice for a Kuroba magician to spar with him. And so Tatsuya showed to Ayako, at that time still at a loss over what her special ability was and undergoing magic training with one of her father's lackeys, an *easily comprehensible* demonstration of Decomposition.

He knew from his *Elemental Sight* that she possessed a similar magic special ability as his own. And so a still-young Tatsuya, intending to make her his own *comrade*, showed Ayako how to cast a [PD] which was based on [Decomposition].

Ayako's [PD] was similar to what Tatsuya had taught to her. And because of Tatsuya, it's no overstatement that she established her name, *Kuroba* Ayako, among the Yotsuba magicians.

Therefore Ayako never looked down on Tatsuya as a mere *Guardian*. And this was one of the reasons Fumiya adored him. At the same time, this became one of the causes for the Kuroba twins to *overestimate* him.

"Yes. But I too couldn't get in and was troubled by that."

Tatsuya's specialties were combat and assassinations. His skill in slipping behind enemy lines was almost top notch, but those were taught by Yakumo; inborn ability-wise he was no match for her. Whatever place Ayako couldn't get in should be a place Tatsuya cannot slip into without being detected either.

"I see..."

Fumiya muttered, his discouragement evident.

"Shall we try one more time? If Onii-san joins forces with us, it's possible."

And yet he was suggesting something positive --- even though the chances were nil.

"No, forcing our way in and making a fuss of ourselves would be the worst case scenario. I daresay we should quietly slip away for now."

"A wise action."

The answer to Tatsuya came neither from Fumiya nor from Ayako. "Who's there!?"

A slender shadow floated up from the forests in answer to Ayako's sharp challenge. "Master, would you please show yourself in a more mundane manner?"

The shadow, true to Tatsuya's sighs and grumbling, was Yakumo. "It is as Tatsuya-kun said, it's best that we withdraw for tonight."

Without even answering Tatsuya's objections, Yakumo followed up on his own words.

"...Tatsuya-san, is that person...?"

Having realized Yakumo's identity, Ayako asked Tatsuya as she lowered her guard. "Yeah, it is he you're thinking of, Ayako."

"Then he's *that* Yakumo-sensei."

This time it was Fumiya who strongly assented. For those two -- the next- generation bearers of the Kuroba, Yotsuba's intelligence branch -- the name Yakumo carried great significance.

"Well then, Master, did you find something?" Yakumo shook his head at Tatsuya's inquiry. "Nope. Nothing is laid down on the course."

"You were able to get into the course!?"

Ayako reflexively raised her voice, then slapped her mouth shut in panic. Calmed down by her childish gesture, Tatsuya faintly smiled. But then he quickly wiped it off and turned round on Yakumo.

"We gave up to the security systems, so what you did was masterful."

Tatsuya took a glance at Ayako's visage. As he expected, she was showing a bitter expression, but she had no signs of self-reproach.

"No no no, it's nothing much."

On the other hand, Yakumo felt triumphant with his unbroken pride. Fine for his age, Tatsuya thought, but that Yakumo might have done it deliberately to bring out Ayako's consciousness and send it my way, thought Tatsuya as he changed his mind.

"Well then, what's the situation inside? Although you did say there's nothing there."

If it was passive sensors then Ayako's magic could nullify them, no problem. The problem was the active sensors. Saying that Tatsuya wasn't bothered how by Yakumo managed to cheat all kinds of sensors there would be a lie. But it was clear that it was no use prying it from him. There was no way Yakumo would just simply show his hand. Besides, Tatsuya thought that the main objective must take priority.

"It is as you've said. For now only the *normal obstacles* were planted there as planned; it's a *normal* artificially forested training grounds."

"So you can't surmise where the Parasite Dolls will be planted."

"Can't do it. Nothing would change even if we knew where they will be planted. This is how it was constructed."

"So that means the Parasite Dolls are at least capable of independent and continuous operation in this terrain."

"That much says that they are created specifically for combat."

In the end, tonight's hotel sneak-out looked like a bust. Tatsuya gave thanks to Yakumo, bade goodnight to Fumiya and Ayako, and they returned to their respective hotels.

? ? ?

It was a night when Tatsuya, the Kurobas, and Yakumo went on fools' errands; the situation nevertheless advanced without stopping. The situation may occur onsite, but at the same time the preparations were done at a different place.

Reveille came early and lights out came late for JSDF 101st brigade commander Maj. Gen. Saeki. A person having a lengthy staff officer duty imposed rashly by his superiors was laughable, but it was no laughing matter to her subordinates. The battalion staff would report up their favorite phrase [bringing back peace quickly is a general's job], but Saeki wasn't on the habit of replying back [the current situation is an emergency to a general]. Even today she was at the commander's room late at night, poring over summary reports from the battalion she dispatched to the 9SC.

Her preference of paper reports a result of her stressing confidentiality, she was reading unclassified reports over a modern display. On seeing the visi-phone's incoming call signal at its corner, Saeki scowled.

Her 101st brigade held no area of responsibility. It was unthinkable to get a call over the brigade commander's line from the JSDF HQ apart from emergencies like surprise attacks. Getting a call from the Defense Ministry was even more unthinkable. Just who the hell would make a phone call ...Suspicious, Saeki answered the call.

["Elder Saeki, pardon us for calling you at this unholy hour."]

Displayed on-screen was a gentleman even older than her. Saeki knew who that old man was.

"Hayama-san of the Yotsuba, right? It's been a while."

["Oh my, it's an honor for the most esteemed general, Elder Saeki, to remember a lowly servant like me."]

Saeki silently muttered ["What lowly servant?"] without change in her expression. What she knew of Hayama, needless to say, was his relationship to Tatsuya, whom the Independent Magic Battalion had taken under its wing. Should they *pull out* Tatsuya, Saeki would have consented to a direct negotiation, delegating to Kazama as her point man. In that case, the actual other negotiating party would be Hayama. Saeki meeting face to face with Maya would definitely be limited to an exchange of pleasantries. She was sure this old man would be the one to set up a negotiation between the Yotsuba and the 101st brigade.

["We disturbed you today at this hour to discuss something which we prefer to be kept between us. If it bothers you then we can set another date."]

While Saeki was committing her thoughts to memory, Hayama again asked her about convenient time. About to impulsively reject him, Saeki hastily stopped short of voicing it out.

"Let's hear it out."

["Thank you very much. Well then my mistress will take over."] Before she could comprehend those words, Saeki gulped. Respectfully bowing onscreen, Hayama's figure then disappeared. ["Good to see you, Elder Saeki."]

What was shown onscreen was a belle dressed in a deep crimson dress that could be mistaken for ebony. Those good looks remained virtually unchanged since three years and ten months ago.

"--- Yotsuba-san, it's been a long time since we last met."

An unexpected chill ran across Saeki's back. It was Yotsuba Maya, head of house Yotsuba. Saeki knew very well from her long career in intel analysis not only Maya's own power, but the power the [Yotsuba] possessed.

["I'm aware that Elder Saeki is busy at the moment, so I'll make my business brief."]

Not only was Maya's tone polite, it was also friendly. Her gentle smiling face, more youthful than her actual age suggested, had totally none of those dreadful impressions.

However, Saeki forced all the incoming information she saw and heard into data within her memories. Magic range and physical range had no direct relation. Whether magic will hit or not is not decided on physical ranges but on how far the information reaches. In truth, the last head of house Yotsuba and Maya's father, Yotsuba Genzou, showed himself on camera to transmit his trick and bring down opponents. And by just being connected in this video link, perhaps Yotsuba Maya could kill her. When she faced superiors and high officials, Saeki would come unfazed by favors and threats. But against someone who probably and literally held her life and death in the palm of their hand, she had no choice but to be very careful.

"--- What kind of business?"

["On the plot that Elder Saeki's brigade is about to get into."]

Saeki managing to get through this without a change of her expression was because of her steel nerves. But had she not braced herself in advance, she might have been shaking out of control.

["A charade of a terror plot was being planned at the National Magic Goodwill Magic Games Tournament, specifically at the stage for Steeplechase Cross- country."]

"... And you know its mastermind?"

And is it reliable? That question didn't came out from Saeki. Even if it wasn't Maya who said it, this was something not worth joking.

["The group with Col. Sakai of JSDF GHQ as the core, the so-called anti-Great Asia Alliance hardliners are the masterminds of this plot, or so the rumor goes."]

Maya lightly chuckled as she said that. What was said was nothing but a suggestion that the real mastermind was someone else, but Saeki nevertheless didn't inquire further. It was clear that asking wouldn't get her answers.

["And the role assigned to Your Excellency's brigade would be that plot's executors."]

"I have no intention of committing such skulduggery though."

To say that Saeki wasn't pissed would be a lie. She wasn't going to be so stupid that she'd jump into what was obviously a trap. And she believed her subordinates were not that stupid.

["We thought so too. And for that very reason we ask for your time."]

Maya was probably complimenting. But Saeki was in no thankful mood. Even if she was the world's strongest magician, Maya was over ten years younger than Saeki. Not to mention that plots like the one talked about now were Saeki's specialty. The information given was a godsend, but Maya's arrogant attitude stank to high heaven.

And most of all, she wouldn't stick out her neck for that. Saeki was too savvy for that.

"Well then, just what do you want to talk about?" ["They intend to drag my kin also into their plots."] "... You mean Officer Ooguro, right?"

["An impressive insight. Based on that child's *disposition*, that's something unavoidable."]

The sigh that got out onscreen was seen not as a performance but as something for real. Saeki too thought that she and Maya were similar in opinion.

["It's just that we have no intentions of playing out what was assigned to us."] "Should I put a stop to him?"

["No. Leaving that aside, the plot was so painstakingly prepared, I wonder if the hardliners *really* are the masterminds."]

Saeki stared hard at Maya's face onscreen. But even with her insight she couldn't pry out Maya's true intentions.

As always, it's not true that they didn't know anything. It was clear that for some reason the Yotsuba were eager to wreck Col. Sakai's group.

Even Saeki had felt scandalized for quite some time by the hardliners. True, if war broke out, they'd win against the Great Asian Alliance. However, the world wasn't only comprised of Japan and the GAA. Once she supported Kazama for the very same reason. The anti-GAA faction during the Great Indochina Wars and the anti- GAA faction that showed up today being considered as two sides of the same coin was an oversimplification. One must consider that military action is but one factor in multilateral diplomacy.

Saeki never thought that [the military must stay out of domestic and foreign affairs]. It was expected for them to follow orders, but she believed that until the orders were lifted there is no need for self-control. Even so, Saeki thought that Col. Sakai's faction deviated from what is acceptable for military personnel.

But this was strictly an internal affair for the JSDF. There should be neither necessity nor merit for the Yotsuba to purge them. Saeki knew well that they had no lust for power. She was one of the few top brass with a direct connection to the Yotsuba. The Yotsuba wielded their power that was based on their personal interests only for self-defense and retribution; that much Saeki was sure to affirm.

There must be a hidden influence behind the Yotsuba that wanted to wipe out the hardliners.

And she couldn't ask those questions in this very place, now. ["Because of that, we would ask for your cooperation."] Way ahead of an inquiry, a request ended up right before her. "You're asking me to ... unleash our weapons?"

["No, to tie up loose ends. It's because we cannot bear to show ourselves."]

Those were brazen words, even though it was spoken in a mild manner. It was because it was a request to a JSDF major general to go ransack within the JSDF and to do its cleanup.

"And what do I get in return?"

But Saeki kept her emotions shut; she was asking what she would gain. Maya enigmatically smiled at Saeki's inquiry.

["The influence of the Ten Master Clans towards the JSDF would be diminished."]

What Maya said about the [Ten Master Clans] wasn't about all of the families; it was understood that it referred to Kudou Retsu himself.

Saeki shut her eyes to get away from Maya's smile. After contemplating, she nodded.

"Was that wise, Mistress?"

Hayama asked this to Maya after her negotiations with Saeki were completed. "About what?"

Maya's answer was yet another question while she comprehended the question's aims.

If it wasn't Hayama he would have been shut down here and now. But such underhanded mouth-shutting tactic wouldn't work against the butler.

"Elder Kudou's hand still hasn't come out from the realm of speculation."

"And that's why I didn't bring up Sensei's name. And besides,"

After shamelessly boasting, Maya showed an evil smile.

"If that's the case then we have nothing concrete against the hardliners' farce terror plot."

Hayama, remaining expressionless, merely nodded.

"Perhaps those are false accusations. However, saying that much is unavoidable. After all, it was them that gave the order to purge the hardliners."

At the butler's words, Maya nodded with her evil smile from before.

"Indeed, we cannot go against our sponsor's intentions. If it weren't for this, we would have to resort to violent means."

Between them the mood was that of henchmen, rather than master and servant.

"If that's the case, even the secret maneuvers of the one called Zhou Gongjin would be convenient. Thinking for Tatsuya-dono's cover-up would be troubling though."

"A flashy show like last year would be worrisome. I wish he'd be at least more obedient *for six more months, until we greet the new year.*"

As Maya said those words, she pompously sighed.

"It's true that sparks come flying in Miyuki-san's way, but we can't tell him to cease his actions."

"Mistress, you think Elder Saeki will give her support to Tatsuya-dono?"

"It's all right, we cannot stop them. After all, we can only lend a hand. Only the JSDF has the courage to carelessly handle that child who has become the most unfortunate and worst magic weapon."

For we do not have the courage for that. Hayama thought he heard her mutter those unspeakable words.

? ? ?

It was the afternoon following the eve of the party. Invited to have lunch with Honoka and Shizuku in their room – not in Tatsuya’s room, but in Honoka’s – Tatsuya, who along with Miyuki made four people returning to the hotel, heard the voice of a friend in the lobby crowded with students who had come to cheer on the competitors.

“Yahoo.”

It was a situation eerily similar to last year, but this year the clothing was very docile. Specifically, Erika was sporting a sleeveless overshirt and three-quarters’ length pants look as she waved her hand.

“So you’re here to cheer us on.”

“Naturally. Ah, two other people are coming.”

As she was speaking, Leo walked up behind her.

“Hey, you, carry your own luggage yourself... Tatsuya, what’s up?”

In his hands he carried a bag, but amazingly enough, it seemed to be Erika’s bag.

“Erika-chan, the key..ah, Tatsuya-san, Miyuki-san, Honoka-san, Shizuku-san, good afternoon.”

Furthermore, from behind Leo, Mizuki appeared hauling a newscaster-looking travel bag.

“Lunch?”

“Not yet.”

Tatsuya frankly asked and Erika concisely answered. “Did you also call Mikihiko?”

For that number of people, a double room was cramped. Tatsuya and company moved toward the terrace seating of the café reserved for the Nine Schools’ Competition teams.

Because it was already past the peak time, the eight people did not have to wait to secure seating. As they were settling down, Mikihiko suddenly asked a question.

“It seems that it was later than planned; did something happen?”

The one Mikihiko asked was Mizuki. However, in response to those words, the first to respond was Erika.

“Ehh...”

“Wh-what!”

In response to the sadistic smile that Erika turned toward him, Mikihiko backed away. However, that interaction was a mistake; it was too late.

“Since you heard about the plans from Mizuki.”

“I received an email. That’s all.”

Mikihiko replied back hurriedly. On this occasion, though, the mask of impatience he wore had an adverse effect.

“Ehh? Miki, you exchanged email addresses with Mizuki?”

“We exchanged email addresses. Because we’re friends.”

At Mikihiko’s brusque response, Erika turned her gaze toward Leo, who was sitting next to him.

“You, do you have Mizuki’s email address?”

“No. Since it’s not necessary.”

In the present day, thanks to video chat, group chat has become widespread; therefore, in the case that one wanted to send a character-based communication, using group-only accessible message boards was typical. Email’s superiority was in transmitting large amounts of data and the ability to send finely-targeted secret messages. – By the way, the fact is that Tatsuya knew Erika and Mizuki’s email addresses, but Mikihiko had not been informed of that. Being made to misunderstand that knowing girls’ addresses was akin to something to be ashamed about, Mikihiko’s face turned completely red.

And as for Erika, by now her smile had spread over her whole face. Next to Mikihiko, Mizuki had a similarly red face and averted eyes. (In order to clear any misunderstandings, they were seated around two round tables they had placed together, the order being Erika, Mizuki, Mikihiko, Leo, Shizuku, Honoka, Tatsuya, Miyuki.)

Mikihiko, who could not bear the situation, finally exploded.

“What a misunderstanding you’re making! I’m not the only one who received Shibata-san’s email address. Miyuki-san and Mitsui-san and Kitayama-san got it as well!”

However, getting worked up only sunk him deeper and deeper into the quagmire. “Tatsuya-kun?”

“Not me.”

Mikihiko turned upon Tatsuya a look that said “Traitor”, but such a false charge didn't perturb Tatsuya at all.

“By the way, Erika.”

However, it wasn’t because of Mikihiko, but rather because he could see that Mizuki’s limit appeared to be approaching, that Tatsuya changed the subject.

“Is it really correct to say you were late?” At Tatsuya’s question, Erika frowned. “Yeah, well.”

For the land transportation system nowadays, which had resolved the issue of structural congestion, to have exceeded the arrival time by more than a measurement error, meant that along the way there must have been some trouble. Being unable to ignore trouble to that extent should have been an unpleasant thing. Erika’s awareness turned away from Mikihiko.

“The bus encountered demonstrators at the entrance to the base.” Seeing this chance of release, Mizuki immediately spoke up. “Demonstration?”

It seems the reason Honoka asked Mizuki was because the hotel was quite a distance from the base’s entrance, so that they would not know even if a considerably loud racket occurred. “Yeah, those..humanists.”

Mizuki’s response was for all present – only Tatsuya and company weren’t at that place. Erika and Leo had also encountered that situation, and a fed up look came across their faces.

“It’s always that, that.”

Erika’s voice was filled with undisguised ill-humor.

“The majority of magic high students are entering the army and making a mistake, wake up, the army’s just using you – say those guys. Really, it’s none of your business, after all.”

While speaking, Erika gradually grew more excited and angry. In contrast to her, Leo’s memories were also unpleasant, but he said nothing.

“Approximately what majority! What meaning is there in adding together high school graduates’ university entrance rate and university graduates’ employment rate? Since that ratio was calculated from different populations, you can’t add, subtract, multiply, or divide it, please understand at least that much!”

Though it was quite unpleasant, Erika was unusually logical. If her emotions were left to their own devices, they would go on indefinitely. Tatsuya reluctantly began the process of putting out the fires.

“For things like demonstrations and propaganda speeches, the necessary thing is not accuracy but impact. They too know that it’s sophistry. Moreover, forty-five percent of magic university graduates have some connection with the national defense force before finding employment. That’s certainly a considerably high rate, so claims like that can’t be helped.”

“What! Tatsuya-kun, are you on their side?”

“Me? Impossible.”

Tatsuya’s bitter smile had an “I, who’ve already joined the military?” meaning. “That’s so, isn’t it? Sorry...”

Of course Erika understood that. That he had no other alternatives, Erika vaguely suspected.

“At any rate, Miki.”

“My name is Mikihiko.”

Mikihiko read Erika’s intention behind daring him to bring back his former catch phrase as saying ‘let’s change the mood’.

“You, is it still ‘Shibata-san’? Even though, since you call Miyuki ‘Miyuki-san’, it should also be fine to call Mizuki by her name.”

“That’s completely off topic!”

However, because of Erika, Mikihiko’s solicitude was poorly returned.