the offense. All we have to do on this side is accept.”

Even her brother Toshikazu had no idea if she was being truthful or prevaricating.

The only thing for sure was that Erika was dead serious, that’s all.

? ? ?

At the same time that Tatsuya was visiting Leo, Lina arrived at the Tokyo branch for Maximilian Devices. This was where Michaela Honda was working under the alias Mia Honda, and also one of the secret meeting grounds for the unit hunting for the deserters.

Even if not to the degree of magic university students, it wasn’t particularly rare to see magic high school students visit CAD manufacturing sites. A letter of introduction from the embassy and First High’s uniform enabled Lina to pass through all security and enter a conference room, where she met the two Stardust members she rescued last night in a nick of time, who were dressed in tight skirts and tunics.

“Major, thank you for the save last night.” “At ease.”

Lina gestured for the two saluting members to sit before she also took a seat on the sofa. After closing her eyes and breathing deeply out, a pair of golden eyes opened beneath flaming red hair.

A completely different color than Angelina Kudou Shields, and a completely different face.

Still, neither of the two Stardust members betrayed any surprise on their faces. This golden eyed young girl with a cold face was their Angie Sirius.

“You two, what is the extent of your injuries from last night?” “Mostly healed. It will not affect our mission.”

Hearing the hunters refer to themselves as mere tools, Lina, no, Angie Sirius wrinkled her brows, but that only served to deepen the cruel impression on her cold features rather than betraying her displeasure.

“Is that right. Then give me your sit rep.” “Yes, ma’am.”

Lina herself felt that those words didn’t convey the complete picture, but it looks like the other side got the hint.

“After picking up the trail on Demus Second, we utilized Cast Jammer based on the target’s profile. However, Cast Jammer failed to have any effect on Demus Second.”

“Did he affect Cast Jammer’s operation?”

“Negative, Cast Jammer was functioning normally. Based on Demus Second’s words, he no longer requires a CAD.”

“No longer requires a CAD.... Does that mean Sgt. Sullivan has achieved spiritualization?” “I concur.”

In response to Lina’s suspicion, the hunters replied in the affirmative.

“The current Demus Second did not need a cad to use Trajectory Alteration.”

“So no other magic was used.” “Affirmative.”

“In addition, Demus Second possesses superior physical capabilities than our augmented bodies.”

The deserters physical prowess had increased was fresh intelligence. Lina slightly turned this over in her head before carefully asking the two of them the next question.

“Has Sgt. Sullivan’s psion wave signature changed?” “At least, we’re still able to identify it.”

“During my pursuit of Sgt. Sullivan, I suspect he made contact with his comrades. However, I was unable to observe that person’s psion wave signature.”

“....My apologies. We detected no other psion wave signature save for the Major and Demus Second.”

Lina closed her eyes and considered this for a moment.

“....Looks like our old data is no longer reliable. From today onward, continue surveillance on any deserters that you found the trail for and do not engage. Wait for me to arrive before engaging.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Returning the salute of the two Stardust members who had risen to their feet, Lina quitted the conference room.

In the halls of the Tokyo branch for Maximillian Devices, Silvia was waiting for Lina.

“High Commander, this way.”

Hearing this, the red haired, golden eyed Lina followed Silvia. Their destination was the women’s changing room for the employees.

“This way, Major. I’ve already ascertained the premises are empty.”

Following Silvia after she unlocked the door, Lina swiftly glanced around the changing room and only let out a sigh of relief after hearing the lock on the door click home.

Her hair and irises changed color.

The red hair turned blonde and the golden eyes returned to their azure hue.

“As expected, this way is much easier. Compared to keeping “Parade” up, hiding the ability to use magic is much harder.”

“Major, there’s no time. Please change before the employees return.” Silvia immediately started nagging the relaxed Lina.

Lina shrugged her neck and started speaking to Silvia as she was changing.

“Looks like the pursuit unit couldn’t identify the psion wave signature of the person in the white mask either.”

“Really.... Looks like there are massive individual power level differences between the deserters.”

Maybe it was because she already had a premonition of what Lina was going to say, but Silvia’s voice wasn’t very amazed. Still, a dismayed aura hung around her shoulders.

“Speaking of which, why are they attacking the Japanese?”

Dressed in her underwear, Lina asked Silvia as she reached for her First High uniform.

“What do you mean by why?”

Unable to ascertain the intent of the question, Silvia returned a confused question.

“They are currently being pursued. Normally, wouldn’t they try to hide their presence as much as possible?”

“Ah, so that’s what you mean.”

At this point, Silvia finally understood what threw Lina for a loop. What Lina really wanted to ask was why the deserters were running the risk of revealing their location in order to attack Japanese people.

“I don’t know either, except....”

“Except what?”

After changing her stockings for a pair of underpants and in the middle of putting on her gown, Lina urged her to keep speaking.

“I just feel that there is a connection between this and the new power they have been granted.”

“New power.... You mean the vampire’s ability to remove blood without leaving any wounds?”

With the outer jacket and gown in place, Lina kept up her questions while fussing over her hair.

“While I’m not sure if we should call them vampires, but.... Lina, what are you doing?”

Just as Silvia was trying to organize her thoughts, her gaze once again drifted over to Lina.

Only to find the beautiful young woman with blond hair using both hands to lightly life the two sides of her inner gown before the mirror as she struck a few poses.

“Eh, no, this is......”

Seeing her superior officer quickly recover her posture and drop her head while blushing the entire way, Silvia could only heave a deep sigh.