Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Magian Company - Volume 5 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

[Infiltration]

"I have verified the situation. As long as you don't get too close to the Kazakhstan border, there should be no problems."

August 7th. So informed Chandrasekhar at the breakfast table. That information was apparently directed solely at Evelyn.

"So I'm free to head for Samarkand?"

Just as pretty much everyone present expected, Evelyn was the first to jump to a response.

"Yes. However, please let me hire a guide to accompany you."

"Will this accompaniment be someone from your military…?" Lena was asking.

"I'll ask Arya. She is trained in the military, but she's not an officer herself."

"Isn't Ms. Shastri your personal bodyguard, Doctor?"

Evelyn asked, unable to mask her wariness. Watching from the other end of the table, Tatsuya was mildly taken aback at how she appeared to be even more inexperienced than Lina when she showed up at First High.

"Arya is just my student. I do have proper escorts."

"You do?!"

Evelyn looks around in a hurry. Probably trying to find said "proper escorts".

"Do not worry. I have asked them to stay by the entrance."

Evelyn stopped her scurrying around looking understandably embarrassed.

Hearing a muffled noise, she turned to see Lina holding her hand over her mouth. Most likely trying to keep a boisterous laugh from escaping.

Evelyn shoots Lina a pointed glare.

Lina plays it cool.

Tatsuya didn't hear how Lina's interrogation with Evelyn proceeded, but in his eyes, it was clear that there was an emotional conflict between the two. Now, it's a question whether it's a lack of compatibility or simply disliking people that remember oneself?

He was a bit worried that a new personal grudge might be brewing at this point.

"How does the earliest flight tomorrow sound to you?" Chandrasekhar asked Lena.

"That will be perfect!"

But, as expected, it was Evelyn who responded at the moment's notice, without taking her eyes off of Lina, even now.

Her hurry was almost as if any further delay would kill her.

◇ ◇ ◇

After breakfast, Arya immediately paid a visit to Lena's room.

"I'll be a pleasure to accompany you, please call me Arya."

"The pleasure is all mine, Arya."

Lena sat at 2 years older than the 28-year-old Arya. Her age showed in her receptive smile and she shook Arya's hand without showing any signs of nervousness despite the semblance of a gap in their apparent age.

Arya was unconsciously struck by the saintly smile flashed by Lena.

"──?"

Lena tilts her head.

Recovering with a gasp, Arya hastily takes Lena's right.

"…How do you prefer to be called, Ms. Fehr…?" Then she asked.

"Me? Lena is─"

She was about to complete with "fine", stopping at the sound of a knock on the door.

"Milady, may I come in?"

The voice of Louis Roux came from the other side.

"I'm sorry, could you please come back in a moment?"

Lena broke the handshake and answered Louis behind the door.

Even with a raised voice, she kept her delivery pleasant. It was not perfectly clear, but it was soft, like a woodwind instrument.

"Forgive me, now where. ─Excuse me?"

Once she returned her attention to Arya, the same looked as if she had been convinced of something.

"I see, how about 'Milady ', then? Would that be fine if I called you that as well?" Lena wondered as Arya nodded her head in satisfaction and gave her response.

"Please call me Lena!"

Lena appealed to Arya as she shook her head side to side in haste not unlike a young girl. 

◇ ◇ ◇

On the following day, Lena and her entourage, plus Arya, departed for Samarkand in the morning. Evelyn was in such high spirits that one could seriously believe her excuse of being there for pleasure.

They left the house early in the morning headed for the Hyderabad International Airport. After seeing them off, Tatsuya's group began their own flurry of packing. Their luggage consisted of not only what they had brought originally, but also some travel goods that Hyougo went and bought in Hyderabad to avoid notice from Lena's group.

Along with the arrangements of the tickets to Samarkand for Lena, or rather for Evelyn, Chandrasekhar was simultaneously working on Tatsuya's trip to Bukhara.

They would take the same air route to Uzbekistan as Lena's party, with the difference that Tatsuya would not be flying from Hyderabad International Airport, which is reserved for commercial flights, but from military-exclusive Begumpet Airport, which is reserved for military planes. Rather than a move to avoid crossing paths with Lena and Evelyn, it was the fact they are heading to an air force base.

"I'm very sorry, I wish I could accompany you…"

"No, that's fine. I'm very grateful for your hospitality and your help to this point."

Tatsuya thanked Chandrasekhar who accompanied them out to the gate to see them off, and then left her residence.

Tatsuya thanked Chandrasekhar who saw them off at the gate, and departed from her mansion.

The transport plane with Tatsuya and his company onboard arrived at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Force Base that evening. Despite its classification, the place is reserved for use by high-ranking officers. Compared to the previous flight to USNA last month, the ride was much more comfortable.

Upon arrival, Tatsuya and his group were taken to a hotel a short distance from the base. The excuse given was the fear of becoming collateral damage in the event of a military attack in the area surrounding the base, but it was transparent that they did so out of a desire not to accommodate outsiders on the base.

Not to say that anyone in Tatsuya's group took offense to this.

If anything, they considered it a matter of course.

For the most part, it would be incongruous to have a foreigner staying inside or in the immediate vicinity of the base. Being introduced as a VIP by Chandrasekhar didn't change the fact that Tatsuya was a foreign combat magician. Caution was justified.

It wasn't as if Tatsuya and the others had been treated with disdain by the military. Less than an hour after checking in, they received an invitation to dinner.

The location is a restaurant near the base. The host was General Lars Singh.

Tatsuya and Hyougo opted for the standard dark suit and tie, whereas Miyuki and Lina donned their shalwar kameez (a loose-fitting shirt and wide pants), gifted by Chandrasekhar for the occasion. For the sake of clarity, they did not wear a dupatta (shawl).

Lars Singh, for his part, came in his dress uniform of the IPU federal army. His entourage was equally clad in military uniform; ready for dispatch at a moment's notice. The absence of alcoholic beverages on the table was probably a measure to ensure readiness. The religious precepts in Uzbekistan concerning alcohol consumption are traditionally not that strict.

The subject of Tibet wasn’t raised at the dinner table. The conversation centered on recent internal events within the IPU and complaints about warlords of the former Iranian military. A number of questions were also directed at Tatsuya concerning the battle that took place in Miyakishima three years ago.

While he didn't consider that Miyakishima battle to be an appropriate aperitif, Tatsuya was gracious enough to share his side of the story with the table.

Of course, the magic he used wasn’t included in his description. He instead focused on his use of the flying combat suit. He illustrated with his own experience how useful the flying combat suit can prove to be in an urban environment, sparking much interest among General Singh and his subordinates.

His second encounter with Lars Singh ended on a positive note, after which they agreed on an appointment for a follow-up meeting tomorrow.

◇ ◇ ◇

Immediately after checking into the hotel in Samarkand, Evelyn went her separate ways from Lena.

She didn't receive any criticism for self-indulgences or heartlessness. After all, from the beginning, her association with Lena was intended to be a cover for her entry into the IPU. Her duty was to find and extract the Shambhala artifacts and bring them back to her home country.

There was no room for sympathy. Evelyn herself has been under a lot of stress over the past three days, from Lina revealing her true identity to the"scoop" from Tatsuya that was triumphantly reported to her superiors, only to be dismissed out of hand.

For Evelyn, who had been walking along the prodigy path all her life and had never known any setbacks, it wasn’t surprising that this situation has left her psychologically disturbed. ─For Evelyn, and for herself, that is.

Perhaps, or rather definitely, Evelyn was in a hurry. She did not return to the hotel after sunset. As a result, Lena was unable to discuss with Evelyn about the course of action for the future.

For her part, Lena would prefer not to be away from the Vancouver headquarters for too long with the FAIR leader still missing. However, they couldn't return by their desire alone.

(If only Second Lieutenant Taylor would give us permission to go home…)

(It would be best for both of us, she would also be free to move around…)

"Lena, you seem to be troubled by something, are you worried about Ms. Taylor?"

Those thoughts might have surfaced on her face as irritation, causing Arya to call out to her in concern.

Lena knew the worry she was causing. But she couldn't simply reveal the truth. Although Chandrasekhar assured that "military training" was all the involvement Arya had, chances were good that she was a military officer of the IPU. There was no way she could confess to helping a USNA magician officer gain unauthorized entry into the country.

"Well, yes, in a way…"

Lena tries to cover up with a fake smile.

She wasn’t sure how Arya took that, but her expression took on an increasingly worried look.

"…Lena, I don't believe we should be worried about Ms. Taylor. I personally… I'm not sure if she has an official military background or not, but she is a combat magician with formal military training, right?"

From Arya's perspective, even if you took her age and inexperience out of the equation, there are still too many flaws in Evelyn's game. That's why, although unsure of whether she has "official military background or not," it was still obvious to her that Evelyn was a talented combat magician.

"I choose not to pry into the profession or background of the magicians who ask to join us. …But of course, I do not welcome active criminals."

Arya's suggestion of "she might be a combat magician" had the effect of a question, to which Lena responded deliberately and slowly, with a clear pronunciation accompanied by an archaic smile.

To tell the truth, there was great consternation behind that smile. As a result, the final product barely had any depth to it. Thus, her "false smile" came out as an "archaic smile".

Furthermore, her overly conscious efforts to keep her tone of voice from being affected by her turmoil produced a more flat delivery than necessary.

Furthermore, her overly conscious efforts to keep her tone of voice from being affected by her turmoil produced a more calm and measured delivery than necessary.

─The scene reflected in Arya's eyes was that of an embodiment of the "Safeguarding of the Magician's Human Rights" ideology.

To put it bluntly, a gross misinterpretation.

However, Arya did not have the insight or the incentive to rectify it herself at this time.

◇ ◇ ◇

In the eastern Mexican state of USNA in the pre-great war area of Central America (spanning from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to the Yucatán Peninsula), it was almost lunch time. And so lunch was being served to both crew and passengers aboard the small cargo ship departing from Richmond, California.

Said "passenger", in spite of being a cargo ship, means that she is a stowaway. Laura Simon, sub-leader of FAIR, came aboard under the auspices of "Lü Dongbin", a member of "Bāxiān" special magician operations unit of the GAU military, to travel this far south along the western coast of the continent.

The leader, Rocky Dean, remains in hiding in Richmond. Required funds for the hiding have been provided by the GAU through Lü Dongbin. As the saying goes, "money is the key that opens all doors", and with sufficient capital, one can get by with almost anything. This is especially true in societies where the rights of citizens are so heavily protected.

Laura's choice of transport has to do with the warrant on her head, which makes it difficult for her to take an airplane. Even with the help of Bāxiān, it would have been difficult to get a wanted person out of the country without causing a commotion.

The course would take Laura through the Tehuantepec Canal ─ the so-called "Second Panama Canal" that was dug not in Nicaragua but in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec ─ into the Gulf of Mexico, and then to the Caribbean Sea.

Her destination is the Maiquetía Airport on the Caribbean coast of the former Venezuela, officially known as Simon Bolívar International Airport prior to WWIII.

The local government that administers the area and waters north of Caracas, the capital of the former Venezuela, is under the sway of the GAU. Their "sway" doesn't go so far as to include the dispatch of military forces or the deployment of missiles in the region. An act that USNA would be sure not to take kindly.

The region itself remains outside the reach of USNA officials. From Maiquetía Airport, it is possible for Laura to board an airplane.

First, she would be landing in Singapore. From there, she would use a forged passport to enter Japan. That was the plan of Lü Dongbin as he accompanied Laura on her trip.

◇ ◇ ◇

On the morning of August 9th, Tatsuya was once again invited by General Lars Singh for a visit to the Karshi-Khanabad Air Force Base. He was accompanied by Hyougo alone, with Miyuki and Lina staying behind at the hotel.

"─A collaborator of mine paid a sightseeing visit to Lhasa and noticed a number of objects emitting waves akin to Relics beneath the hill on which the Potala Palace stands."

Here is how Tatsuya described the discovery of the deposits in Lhasa.

"A japanese in Lhasa?"

General Singh makes no attempt to hide his surprise. Not due to an inability to play the game of masks, probably just a negotiating maneuver. At least that's how Tatsuya interpreted it.

"He is not Japanese."

"So the Yotsuba reach extends to more than just Japan… Was tourism really their only interest?"

"I admit that the intention was to gather information, but not regarding Relics."

"So it was by chance that he found it?"

"That is correct, sir."

Singh didn't push the issue any further since he couldn't find any falsehood in Tatsuya's words.

Strictly speaking, Tatsuya did not lie; Minoru was presumed dead and had lost his

Japanese citizenship, and his purpose in descending to Tibet was to find the ruins of the Shambhala. There might be Relics in said Shambhala, but he wasn't looking for Relics in Tibet.

Details were left unspoken, as Tatsuya didn't find them necessary to make his point. This is how you play your hands in the bargaining game.

"How credible is this theory of numerous Relics buried under the Potala Palace?"

"I cannot tell if they are buried or in storage, but I don't doubt their existence."

"So that collaborator of yours who infiltrated in Lhasa is that good."

"Their overall magical skills are certainly greater than mine."

This was also Tatsuya's honest opinion. His only argument for his victory over Minoru was that he was more adept and experienced in combat beyond magic.

"Hm… If you say so much, you have a strong point in these Relics being there. ─And you are willing to let us have a monopoly on it?"

Lars Singh's question made Tatsuya smile, as it sounded that his proposal baffled him as "unthinkable".

"There is virtually no hope of me obtaining it, and I would much prefer in your hands than it to fall into the hands of the GAU."

"In that, I must agree."

The veteran general, who physically looked no worse for wear, broke into a broad smile.

But that smile faded shortly after, replaced by a penetrating gaze at Tatsuya.

"One last thing, I'd like you to answer me frankly."

"What is it, sir?"

Of course, that charm did nothing to disarm Tatsuya in any way.

He looked straight back into Lars Singh's eyes.

"Is it your plan to have us bash our heads against the GAU over Tibet?" Tatsuya's expression took on a puzzled tone, but without the smile.

"I am aware that your country and the GAU have been fighting over Tibet for a long time now… but it's not like you were retreating from Tibet at this point, is that correct?

".…Yes, that's true. Forgive me, that was an inadequate question." General Singh let out a wry smile at Tatsuya's rebuttal.

◇ ◇ ◇

Since the hotel where Tatsuya and entourage were lodging was frequented by many wealthy foreigners, the military seemed to be very considerate about protecting the privacy of its guests.

The IPU claims to be the liberal movement as opposed to the GAU. A move most likely to avoid accusations of a "surveillance society" from foreign countries.

Thanks to this, Tatsuya's group was able to slip out of the hotel as planned.

Early in the morning of the next day, after the smooth conclusion of the meeting with General Lars Singh, Tatsuya accompanied Miyuki, Lina and Hyougo left the city of Karshi in a self-driving car that Chandrasekhar had arranged for them at the hotel. Driving on without stopping, they arrived at Kagan, shortly prior to Bukhara, before daybreak.

"What now, Tatsuya? Should we get a hotel for now?"

Lina asked Tatsuya as the car with Hyougo behind the wheel pulled up on the outskirts of Kagan.

The self-drive car Chandrasekhar had arranged was a wagon-type camper, but it was too small to accommodate four, two women and two men. It would be fine if it were just Tatsuya and Miyuki, but not with Lina and Hyougo also riding along. The hotel was the most sensible option.

"First we need to get what we need."

"What do we need?"

"Tatsuya-sama, even if you say so, how would we…" Lina and Miyuki asked respectively.

Tatsuya took out a device about the size of a small comms unit from his luggage and got out of the car.

Everyone followed.

Tatsuya had the car parked next to a flat, open space. It looked like a suitable camping spot.

But camping was naturally not on Tatsuya's mind.

He made a quick horizontal swing of his right arm, the one not holding the machine. A split moment before that, there was an output of an activation sequence around his right wrist. Fleeting as it was, neither Miyuki nor Lina missed it.

So when they witnessed the change that occurred the next moment, they were not surprised, as they knew that "Tatsuya must have used magic."

As soon as Tatsuya waved his arm, the land in front of him was leveled into a circle about 20 meters in diameter.

Next, Tatsuya operated the small device in his left hand.

They knew the device was a CAD, as it received psions and outputs an Activation Sequence. It would be too small to be a communication device, but as a CAD device, it is quite large. Surely that accounts for an significant increase in computing power required for the output of the activation sequence, which suggests that Tatsuya must be attempting to perform a rather sophisticated magic.

The magic was immediately activated in front of the fascinated eyes of Miyuki and Lina.

A line of light ran across the flat, leveled soil.

Not natural light. Streaks of Psion light .

Countless streaks of psion light intersected, painting intricate geometric patterns on the ground.

"…Is this a magic circle?"

Miyuki asked, and Tatsuya nodded, "That's right."

"I don't get the purpose, though… Guidance? No, that's not right…"

Lina mumbles, unclear as to whether this is a question or a soliloquy.

"Good guess."

Even if it was a soliloquy, Tatsuya responded regardless.

"This magic circle aids in magic targeting. A magician activates a magic aiming at this magic circle and will perceive the 'distance' as close, even if it's a completely unfamiliar place."

A magic's success rate, and the event interference power required, is not dictated by the physical distance, but it is by the informational, or perceptual distance. The rates of a successful activation increase if the caster is familiar with the target area or object, even if it's far enough to be out of sight. The inverse is true if the details of the target area or object are not well understood, even if said target is at arm's length.

By having the magic circle he drew as a target, Tatsuya meant that magic could be used on unknown spots and buildings just as well as on places familiar to the caster.

"Tatsuya-sama. Could this be for─"

Before Miyuki could conclude her deduction, the answer fell in front of them.

A figure stood on the magic circle drawn by Tatsuya. Neither Miyuki nor Lina were surprised by its instantaneous emergence.

A figure stood on the magic circle drawn by Tatsuya. Neither Miyuki nor Lina were surprised by its instantaneous emergence. It was clear to both that it was the result of [Mock-Teleportation]." Nor was there the question of "where did they come from." The answer was clear when they saw her face.

"Good morning, sir, madam."

A girl, in a short-sleeved one-piece dress adorned with an apron, politely bows to Tatsuya directly in front of her.

"It was you who came, Minami. Thanks for your time."

The one that aimed at the magic circle and came down from the satellite orbit was Minami.

"Since this is an important delivery, I have asked Minoru-sama to assist me from Takachiho."

"Assist with what?"

LIna directed her question to Miyuki at her side instead of to Minami.

"I think Minoru-kun operated the [Virtual Satellite Elevator] with Takachiho and brought Minami-chan down here."

The [Virtual Satellite Elevator] is a specially tailored instance of [Mock-Teleportation] in the format of an engraved magic circle designed for travel between the Takachiho in satellite orbit and the ground.

"Minoru-kun is probably taking care of her way back as well." Miyuki's answer elicits a small tilt of Lina's head.

"I thought Minami could use the [Virtual Satellite Elevator] by herself."

"Wouldn't it be safer to focus on shielding yourself while having someone else send you?"

This time, Miyuki received a nod of agreement.

During the process of [Mock-Teleportation], the moving person or object is encased in a cocoon of air. This means that built-in to the [Mock-Teleportation] sequence is a function to protect the target object from the vacuum with a shield. Assuming no obstacles, that is.

Moving while shielding with anti-object barriers means a simultaneous activation of [Mock-Teleportation] and [Anti-object Barrier], which is far more demanding than the moving process alone.

Minami post-parasitization parameters considered, it would not be too much of a heavy burden, but it's at that point that Minoru's consideration for her comes into play. Or perhaps pampering would be a better word.

Tatsuya and Minami stood by Miyuki and Lina's question-and-answer session. Neither added anything, partly because Miyuki's answer was correct, but mainly because they were handling the package delivery, the main task at hand.

Minami carried a large suitcase, which was passed to Tatsuya, who took it from her hand and handed it to Hyougo without checking its contents. The latter carried it into the camper.

"Package received, please pass my thanks to Minoru as well."

"If there is any problem, I will bring a replacement immediately."

"I'm sure it will be fine, but thank you."

"Okay. Then, Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama and Lina-sama, if you will excuse me." Minami bowed respectfully.

"Minami, thanks again."

"Until later, Minami-chan. Let's have a nice cup of tea next time."

When Minami raised her face, Lina showed her appreciation and Miyuki bade her farewell.

Minami bowed once more and stood back at the center of the still operational magic circle.

The elegantly controlled magic sequence took hold of Minami, and her body soared into the sky, and the space beyond, faster than the eyes could follow.

◇ ◇ ◇

"So, what did you ask for, Tatsuya?"

With Minami now back in space, and seeing Tatsuya erase the magic circle, Lina frees the curiosity she had been bottling up till now. Miyuki had the same question in her mind, she wasn't about to blame Lina for her haste.

"You'll know once you've seen it." With that, Tatsuya walked to the camper.

Lina quietly followed suit.

And so did Miyuki.

Back in the car, Miyuki and Lina are sitting side by side on the long seat, across the table from Tatsuya.

At Tatsuya's command, Hyougo pulls out a cloth folded into a square and a large face shield looking object from the suitcase on the floor and places them on the table.

"What's this?"

"It's a skintight spacesuit."

As the name suggests, a skintight garment is a type of clothing that adheres closely to the body. A typical example is a skintight dress that accentuates curves of the body.

The advantage to the regular spacesuit is that it also prevents any gas exchange with the environment, such as air escaping into the vacuum of space, while not interfering with the body's movement.

"Space suit? This? Where's the helmet?"

"You don't need a hard helmet to shield from cosmic rays, ultraviolet rays, and other harmful elements. As long as it is airtight, a hood or mask will suffice."

"Is this what is for…?"

Lina didn't look entirely convinced, but there were no further questions from her.

"Tatsuya-sama, did you arrange spacesuits because you are planning to use Takachiho for this mission?"

Lina closes her mouth and Miyuki opens her.

"That's the plan, even though you two will be in spacesuits, the magic shield should be enough protection. But I asked for it just in case."

"I can only see three here…"

"I'm sorry, But I'll have to ask Hyougo-san to stay on the ground."

"Worry not, I have some work to do on the ground myself." Said Hyougo with an added smile.

"Besides, if it's just me, I have friends here and in neighboring countries who can shelter me."

"Is that really so…?"

Miyuki could not help but be impressed by the extent of Hyougo's connections.

◇ ◇ ◇

Evelyn managed successfully to get into Samarkand, finding ruins she had no clue where they were by herself was another thing. Neither Canopus, who sent her here, or Evelyn herself believed from the start that such a thing was conceivable.

Once she reached Samarkand, the first thing she had to do was to make contact with a USNA informant who was working in Uzbekistan. There is a USNA legation in the former capital of Tashkent, which is linked to Samarkand by a high-speed rail line. Therefore, it wasn’t difficult for the USNA to get an informant to Samarkand.

In fact, Canopus, the commander-in-chief of the Stars, has no serious intention of looking for the ruins of Shambhala. In his pragmatic view, even in the scenario of finding Relic or superior artifacts, it was simply not worth risking friction between the friendly relationship with the IPU and the USNA by trying to bring them back to the USNA.

Moreover, Evelyn did not have any special abilities suited to searching for archaeological sites. She wasn't even particularly well suited for ordinary search missions, for that matter.

Besides her exceptional magical ability of being able to interfere in a very small area, Evelyn is not very good at extending her magical perception over a wide area. In essence, she is totally unsuitable for searching ruins.

Though she would take issue if she knew for a fact, the search for Shambhala was more of an "incidental" affair. This mission has as its main objective to allow Evelyn to gain some experience. She was to make the most appropriate decisions and take action without the assistance of a superior or a senior. It was, so to speak, a hands-on exercise.

Under this consideration, the informant Evelyn made contact with wasn’t exactly the finest one could hope to find.

Not in terms of competence, just in terms of the capacity to respond to unforeseen contingencies.

This may have been partly to blame for the situation Evelyn finds herself in on her third day in Samarkand.

From the moment they arrived in the city, Evelyn had acted separately from Lena. She spent the morning wandering around the city's historical sites, guided by the information agent posing as a tourist guide.

Many of Samarkand's historic landmarks have a post-Islamic influence. Evelyn felt that it was unlikely that the structures on the surface would contain any clues to Shambhala. Nevertheless, religious constructions are often built on top of ones related to pagan religions ─ or simply, preceding religions ─ in a way to discredit the previous religion in favor of the new one. Even if there were no remaining clues on the surface, she thought that by standing in the place, she might be able to learn something.

She was aware that this was grasping at straws, but she couldn't extract anything more than "the area between Samarkand and Bukhara" from the analysis of the "White Tablet" alone. And she had no other ideas on where to look for it.

It was while she was waiting for her meal at a restaurant that she noticed something unusual.

"…Doesn't it feel like we're being watched?"

Evelyn asked in a whisper to the information officer seated across from her.

"It seems like we're being monitored."

"I'm not sure if Americans stand out that much here for that…"

Evelyn has chocolate brown hair and dark blue eyes. Not a very unusual pairing in Central Asia. And since she wears clothing that hides her body shape and a stole over her head to protect her from dust, it's hard to imagine her figure was what stood out about her. Being a middle-aged man of Iranian descent, the information officer playing guide was indistinguishable from a local. Their likelihood of attracting attention because of their appearance was low from the onset.

"Who are they?"

"They don't seem to be IPU authorities."

Asked by Evelyn for his opinion, the officer replied with a cautious tone.

Truth be told, the information officer had no idea himself who was watching them. The remark about not being an IPU agent was sheer speculation. Yet this man was entrenched in the mistaken notion that a support staff member should not alarm the combatants with the vagueness of the reports. Nay, he was implementing a perversion of the words from the manual.

"A foreign agent, then? Is it the NSU? Or maybe the GAU? Oh no way, Japan?" "Please calm down, Second Lieutenant. We don't want to make a scene here." Evelyn shut her mouth after being chided in a low voice.

"Anyway, for now, let's get over our meal like there is nothing wrong and get out of this place."

Evelyn nodded her head in agreement with the man's words.

After finishing lunch at a slower pace than usual to work on the illusion that she wasn’t panicking, Evelyn left the restaurant. She followed the guidance of the information officer to a minor historical landmark that wasn’t so popular, i.e. with not many people around.

"Are they tagging along?"

Evelyn asks the informant if they are still on their tail.

"There are more of them now." His answer was blunt.

"We will intercept them. What about the location?"

With that, Evelyn pulls a tablet-shaped CAD from her shoulder pouch, turns it on, and tucks it into a hidden pocket she's created in the left side of her poncho-like, loose-fitting shirt. While doing so, she switched the pouch that was previously hanging on one side back to a diagonal sling.

The CAD she took out of the pouch is fully thought-operated. She could use it with no problem even if it was tucked away in her pocket.

"Mind you, there may be some I missed."

"The ones you know are good enough."

At the informant's weak reply, in what reeks like an attempt to evade responsibility, Evelyn suppresses her irritation and exempts them from the blame.

"Behind the second building on the right rear, behind the third monument on the left rear…"

Like that, the informant relied on the position of a total of four pursuers.

Evelyn fired her magic at all four of them at once.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Sir, may I have a word?"

On the commander's desk, in the commander's office of the Karshi-Khanabad air base he was assigned command, General Lars Singh received the message in a whisper from one of his staff members.

"─What magician combatants do we have available and ready to move immediately?" Asked the general in a strong tone his adjutant after hearing the staff officer.

"[Alioth] and [Phecda] of the Saptarishi  are on standby at the base."

[Saptarishi], the name of the special operations magician unit in the IPU federal army, name that is also a reference to the seven rishis (seven sages) in Hindu mythology, similar to the [Bāxiān] of the GAU.

With the difference that, whereas [Bāxiān] uses the name of the individuals of the legendary Xians as their codenames, the [Saptarishi] takes on the western designations of the bodies composing the Big Dipper as its codenames.

For one thing, in the legend, "Saptarishi" was originally identified with the stars of the Big Dipper, which is also known as the "Plough or the Saptarishi". But a more important reason is the fact that the IPU consists of India and Iran simultaneously as a federal state.

The seven members that make up the Saptarishi are magicians from the Indian region.

And, as their prime objective is to be ready for what comes from the East ─ that is, the GAU. Inevitably, their area of operation will almost always be in India and its vicinity. As such, the naming of the unit is based on Hindu mythology, not without some strong opposition from the faction of the former Iranian government.

"Send the two of them immediately to Samarkand. Some idiot from who knows where is carrying out a magical battle in the middle of the city. Suppress it before any civilian is harmed."

"Understood, sir!"

As [Saptarishi]'s primary area of operations is in India, it is effectively under the command of the same Lars Singh who is in control of the former Indian Army. It's still under the direct control of the Commander-in-Chief of the federal army, to official capacity, however. A request for mobilization has to be made at least as a formality.

It was to make one,if not just for the sake of appearances, that the adjutant left the commander's office at a brisk pace.

◇ ◇ ◇

Evelyn fired a volley of high-pressure bullets at the pitch-black four-legged beast, which looked like a three-dimensional shadow dog. It was her original's [Pressure Bullet] magic, a high pressure version of the "Cardinal Code" discovered by Kichijouji Shinkurou of Japan.

It is basically the same magic as Kichijouji Shinkurou [Invisible Bullet], except that the [Pressure Bullet] is made for rapid-fire in its design. It is not a full-automatic continuous fire, but it's able to fire in semi-automatic fashion. It takes on a type of delayed-activation system, in which several "bullets'' are held on standby, ready to be fired upon any target at any given time.

Hit by the pressure bullets, the shadow beast faded and disappeared. She is immediately exposed to the next attack, however. This time a shadow of a crow.

"How long do we have to run?"

Whined Evelyn, shooting down the shadow crow as they ran. She had been on the run for more than thirty minutes already. If she was in a movie or show, she would have a vehicle conveniently set up, but they had to run the opposite direction, losing their own vehicle as a result of the enemy's attack. It was becoming impossible to ignore the physical exhaustion.

"Attacks with chemical simulacrum. This can only be the GAU's operatives."

Entrusting to Evelyn the task of intercepting the attacks, the intelligence officer explained with a knowing look.

"I can tell that! Can you forget that and please tell me where the real one is?"

"I'm sorry, I can't. The enemy is moving too fast for me to be able to track it."

"Useless machine! Are they on bikes or something?! I hope they crash and die!"

Evelyn swore at the portable Psion detector and cursed at her enemies who, unlike her, were having an easy time with their vehicles.

She had been limiting herself to using only less powerful magic ever since she had commenced her escape. She had to be careful not to cause damage to civilians or buildings owing to the nature of this mission.

Although Evelyn cannot use Strategic-Class Magic, she has a good repertoire of magic of the tactical level. Among them was an augmented version of Active Air Mine, able to destroy solid matter in a one-kilometer radius. Her version was even more powerful and far-reaching than the Active Air Mine used three years earlier in the shore region of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa.

If she used it, she could probably catch all the magicians in hiding. On the downside, the city and its inhabitants will be caught up in the process.

The reality of having no choice but to run away, despite having a surefire solution, made Evelyn even more frustrated.

◇ ◇ ◇

Arya was with Lena at the hotel when they heard the news of an altercation between magicians taking place in Samarkand. Being an enlisted magician in the reserves of the federal army, Arya received a message warning her to "stay out of it".

Firstly, it should be stressed her status as a reserve, and not an active member of the military, but there is also great merit in the fact of the large magnitude and power of the magics that she is able to use. Even without a formal recognition as a Strategic-Class Magician, the rumors that Arya might be able to use [Agni Downburst], are known by most officers who are in a position to manage the combat magicians.

"Lena, may I have a moment?"

In the lounge where they were enjoying tea at leisure, Arya brought her face close to Lena's and whispered.

"Arya, is there something wrong?"

"I have something I'd like to discuss with you in private. Could we go back to the room?" "Sure."

It was no bother for Lena. Their small order of teacakes was already disposed of. She rose from her chair and they left the teapot about one-third full behind.

"A battle between magicians in the middle of the city, you say?"

Lena listened to Arya's words with an expression as if it wasn't registering properly. She wasn't a radical optimist, who thinks it's impossible for this type of fight to break out in an urban area. To the contrary, her concern was to the commotion it may cause with the outbreak of an urban conflict.

"Just what you heard, an urban conflict, although the damage has been limited. This tells me that both sides may be limiting themselves to magic with narrowed-down effects."

"So they are trying to fight in a way to avoid harming civilians? Still…" Lena's eyebrows knit, heavy with concern.

"…Yeah. We don't know for how long it will stay that way."

Perhaps caught in the same train of thought, melancholy crossed Arya's features as well. But she quickly regained her composure and proceeded with her words. Here was the point she was trying to make.

"─Actually, one of the parties in this skirmish is probably Ms. Taylor.

"Eh. Really!?"

Whether by surprise or anxiety, Lena's frowning eyebrows shot up and her eyes widened as she looked back at Arya.

"It's a possibility."

"A very high one, though, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Hearing Arya's answer, Lena stood up briskly from the bed she was sitting on.

"Lena?"

Arya also got up from her chair.

"I have to go find Ms. Taylor!"

"Huh? No, I'm sure we can't leave things as they are, but…"

"Urban combat is absurd. I have to stop her at once! Arya, can I ask for your help?"

Arya felt a newfound eagerness to help as Lena asked quite calmly for her assistance.

"Yes, I will help you."

Arya was taken by Lena's girlish appearance, and the virtuous innocent belief in the goodness of others associated with that outlook.

Arya was touched by Lena's maidenly nature at this moment.

◇ ◇ ◇

In the morning, after taking lodging in Bukhara, Tatsuya's group started their activities after noon.

The three of them, Hyougo aside, donned with the recognition-inhibiting magic [Aidoneus] stored in an Artificial Relic, started out by looking around the city center.

Since going by foot would be inefficient, they bought bicycles at the first bazaar they found. It used to be said that bicycles in Uzbekistan did not have brakes, true or not, they do nowadays. In anticipation of riding a bike or motorcycle, both Miyuki and Lina chose wide pants for the day.

After riding around for about an hour, they took a break at a café called " Chai Hana". During this time, they noticed the monitoring had suddenly dropped.

They all were aware of the fact that they had been watched from the moment they left the hotel. It wasn't due to people knowing who they were. Were that the case, the surveillance would have been much stricter.

[Aidoneus] is a magic that prevents recognition without disguising the person's face or figure. The magic only works on the face and figure, with no effect on clothing. And Tatsuya's party did not bother to dress like locals, on the assumption that they would be less exposed if they were dressed as tourists.

The ongoing tensions on the border with Kazakhstan likely made the locals more wary of foreigners.

"…Something happened?"

Noting the sudden absence of surveillance, Miyuki was understandably concerned.

"There must be some sort of trouble going on somewhere else." Tatsuya answers Miyuki's question in a placating tone.

"You mean in another city?"

Next question came from Lina.

"There is no sign of a commotion nearby, at least."

Although not categorically, Tatsuya indirectly confirms Lina's words.

"I'll look into it. Please give me a moment."

Hyougo said as he stood up with a satellite communication handset in his hand.

Five minutes later, Hyougo was back at the table.

"It's precisely as Tatsuya-sama suspected."

Retaking his seat, Hyougo promptly began his report.

"There is a small battle between Mageists in Samarkand that has been ongoing for about an hour now. I believe they are moving personnel to contain it."

"Have they discovered foreign agents?"

"No, Miyuki-sama, it is not a battle between mageists from the IPU and foreigners, both sides in this one are foreigners."

Hyougo shook his head at Miyuki's question.

"A collision between agents…? How did it even end up with a small-scale battle?" Lina wondered to herself.

"I have yet to receive confirmation, but it appears that it sums up to Evelyn Taylor being chased by operatives of the GAU."

"What is that woman doing…"

An exasperated murmur escapes Lina with the additional information.

"We can at least be thankful for the relaxing of the surveillance, that's good for us."

"That's right. Makes it easier on our investigation."

Tatsuya coldly pointed out the pros for them, gaining a nod of agreement from Miyuki.

◇ ◇ ◇

Lena left the hotel accompanied by Arya and Louis Roux. There was a car rental about five minutes away, where Arya rented a small car.

Arya took the wheel of the car. Samarkand is reasonably urbanized, but it has yet to implement an automatic driving control system, so they needed a driver. And while Arya was not familiar with Uzbekistan, she was used to the IPU's traffic rules and regulations.

Louis was in the front passenger seat. Lena had wanted that seat, but had to relent on objections from both Arya and Louis.

In the back seat, Lena is sitting with her eyelids half-closed and her hands interlocked in front of her waist in what could be described as a "prayer" posture.

"…Head towards about 60 degrees to the right. From there, hold on for about a mile.

Lena informs while keeping her eyes half-closed.

Following her directions, Arya stepped on the gas pedal.

With each of the three next directions from Lena, Arya respectively shifted her route. About five minutes and a half after the third course change, the small car with these three people on board plunged right into the middle of the magical battle.

A pack of black dog-like figures approached from the left side of the car.

Seeing their close approach, Louis, in the passenger seat, exclaimed in his mind, "I'll not make it in time!"

But the pack of black beasts vanished into dust by shots fired from the right side of the car.

"There's Ms. Taylor!"

Lena shouted, pointing to the corner of the building where the magic bullets came from.

Seeing it in her rearview mirror, Arya swerved sharply to the right.

At the same time, she enveloped the self-propelled vehicle in zone interference.

The strategic-class magician's event interference forces the shadow swarm of horseflies back into nothingness.

The self-propelled vehicle comes to a grinding halt.

Beside it is the building Evelyn was hiding behind.

She was alone. No sign of the intelligence officer who accompanied her. Did they get separated in the process of escaping, or did they deliberately choose to split up? Or perhaps was she ─ left behind?

"Ms. Taylor, please get in!"

Lena shouts out as she opens the door.

A hesitant expression takes over Evelyn's face.

The enemy magician commanding the simulacrum familiars did not miss the opportunity.

A small hawk, made of paper instead of shadow, attacks Evelyn.

Lena was the first to notice it.

She uses magic to diffuse the focus in the consciousness on the part of the magic that moves the bird-of-prey.

Mental interference magic [Diffuser].

It targets an individual. This magic relaxes mental tension through the mediation of the subject the target is concentrating on.

Lena's magic is by nature benevolent to people.

Kindness, however, can sometimes be a great hindrance in some occasions.

[Diffuser] exerted on the focus of their consciousness that was the familiar, drained its caster of their tension, causing the magic to collapse.

As Gentle as is strong.

Strong not to harm, but strong to avoid harm.

Arya was moved as she witnessed this magic.

By the time Alioth and Phecda of Saptarishi arrived in Samarkand from the

Karshi-Khanabad air base, the skirmish between magicians was already resolved.

Both parties to the conflict were already gone, and their identities remained unknown.

Fearing further escalation in a subsequent urban conflict, Alioth and Phecda were forced to temporarily remain in Samarkand.

◇ ◇ ◇

Their first day in Bukhara consisted of just a single round of the city center.

Despite the lack of progress, Tatsuya did not feel particularly discouraged or impatient.

For how remote and secluded the city is, Bukhara has been inhabited by many ancient populations. If it were so easy, traces of Shambhala would have been discovered ages ago.

And since their survey started only in the afternoon, their first goal was to get a rough grasp of the geography of the area. The full-scale investigation will start tomorrow.

At the hotel, they took two twin rooms; Tatsuya and Hyougo with one and Miyuki and Lina with the other. There were no particular complaints from Miyuki about this arrangement.

Returning to their room soon after dinner at the hotel restaurant, they received a call on their satellite phone. A signal relay has been left by the window in case of an urgent call from Japan.

The caller was Fujibayashi.

[Laura Simon of FAIR smuggled into Japan today.] This was the subject of the sudden report.

"They found her pretty quick for someone who isn't on the international wanted list."

FAIR's Rocky Dean and Laura Simons nationwide wanted by the USNA. But their names have yet to make it into the international list. They may have committed illegal immigration because they have not gone through the proper exit procedures, but it still wasn't at the stage where it would be relevant for the Japanese judicial authorities to make any effort to find them.

[I added the Laura Simons data to the facial recognition system just in case, and it ended up with a hit. The image is unclear, so I can't say for certain, but I can place the match rate at over eighty percent.]

"We can assume she at least took some minimal measures, so 80% is pretty certain."

Unclear images may not necessarily mean out of focus. That would be unthinkable with today's imaging technology. And if yet it is, it either means that she is using an electronic device that interferes with the capture, or she is using some kind of make-up with a paint that confuses the image sensor, or she may have other means of disrupting the facial recognition process.

"So, where was she found?"

[At Kansai International Airport, the Makinohara Service Area in the Tokyo-Nagoya Expressway, and then at the Atsugi Interchange Exit.

"So Atsugi, not Machida…"

If she went to Machida, she could be aiming at the FLT lab where the Artificial Relic is produced. But in Atsugi, there is the undeniable possibility that the target is the Makouin in Izu.

[She may have taken into account the possibility of being spotted and is trying to obscure objective.]

Tatsuya concurred with Fujibayashi's reasoning, "I agree."

[I am of the opinion that the target is, regardless, the FLT Third Development Division's lab. I would like to suggest concentrating our security on that side]

"I agree that's the appropriate response… In that case, please tell Hiroto-san to join Takara-san's personal security."

[Understood.]

Fujibayashi Hiroto, Tatsuya's own subordinate, and half-brother of Fujibayashi Kyoko's late father, Fujibayashi Nagamasa. Making him Kyouko's uncle, even if he is only two years older than Kyouko.

Three years ago, during Tatsuya and Minoru's rivalry over Minami, Nagamasa committed a betrayal of trust against Tatsuya during his pursuit of Minoru. In atonement for his treachery, Hiroto's individual was surrendered to Tatsuya.

The Makouin is scheduled to open next month with Takara, the brother of the head of the Yatsushiro Family of the Ten Master Clans, as the institute's dean. If something were to happen to Takara, the brunt of the responsibility would not be confined to Tatsuya alone, it could lead to friction between the Yotsuba and Yatsushiro families. In the event of Makouin becoming a target, measures to ensure Takara's safety are imperative.

"As for the 3rd Development Section, let's have Saegusa-san and Tookami-san join the security detail. Instruct both of them to please station in the Machida office."

The Magian Company's headquarters is in Machida, right beside the FLT Development Section 3 building. If they are at the headquarters, they will be able to respond quickly in the event of an attack to the lab.

Tatsuya would preferably leave the task to Fumiya and Ayako. Unfortunately the Kuroba Family had their hands full with other important matters at the moment, matters that have been occupying them both since the beginning of the summer vacation.

[Understood. I'll ask them to help with the piled up work at the headquarters.]

The Magian Company headquarters, established in April, has a permanent office staff. As a result of Tatsuya and Miyuki's constant absence, however, the progress of the work has been slow. Despite Fujibayashi's repeated attempts to remind Tatsuya of this issue, he had made no effort to take the matter at heart, preferring to continue with his own research.

"…Please do so."

One wonders if at that moment any feelings of remorse over his negligence passed through Tatsuya's mind.

Or perhaps it was relief he felt from having his pendings forced upon him.

Surely, even the man himself couldn't tell.

◇ ◇ ◇

Mayumi and Ryousuke are both employees working for Magian Company. Both with similar circumstances involving earnestly requesting to be hired. Although not quite in line with the "Salaryman's woes", they were both on assignment in Izu today, only to be suddenly asked to be in Machida the next day, leaving them with no choice but to comply.

They had been given a good reason to do so. It was highly likely that the same Criminal Mageist syndicate that attempted to steal Artificial Relic in April would be having another attempt.

"…Tookami-san, are you familiar with Laura Simons from FAIR?"

Asked Mayumi while making a list of office automation equipment that needed to be replenished to Ryousuke, who was on the other side of the low partition.

"I know her. Not to say we are particularly in the friendliest of terms, though."

Answered Ryousuke as he operated the office layout software. Mayumi didn't come to learn about his recent venture to Mt. Shasta to save his fellow FEHR member.

"I heard she's one of the leaders of FAIR. What kind of mageist is she?"

"She's not just one of them, she's the sub-leader. I hear she's also the lover of the leader, Rocky Dean."

Ryousuke began by correcting part of Mayumi's understanding.

"Lover…"

There was no blush from Mayumi, instead a light frown.

Not responding to that in particular, Ryousuke continues his answer.

"Laura Simons is a type of ancient-style magician, the ones we call witches"

Just as "magician" has been given "mageist" as an alternative, there are also new names for the terms "ancient-style magician" and "modern magician". But, since it's

English-based and a bit lengthy and unwieldy, it's rarely used in Japanese conversation.

"Speaking of witches… Don't they specialize in interfering with 'human' related phenomena?"

Mayumi pulls out her knowledge of "witches" that she learned in college. Her major at the University of Magical Sciences was in the typology and characteristics of magicians.

"I don't know the details of her skills, I just know she's one tough person to go up against."

There was real substance behind his voice as he replied with a stern expression.

"If you don't mind me asking… Have you fought her before?" With that, Mayumi couldn't help but ask.

"Ah, no, no… There's no way. This is just something that is well known in the Vancouver magician community…"

Ryousuke's excuse was far from smooth.

Mayumi gives him a skeptical look.

"…So there is such a community of magicians over there, too?"

She eventually let it go and muttered to herself in self-admonishment.

◇ ◇ ◇

The FLT lab was attacked that night.

It came as a surprise to them that she took action the day after she was spotted; not only for Mayumi and Ryousuke, but Fujibayashi and even Tatsuya, who was still in Uzbekistan, were expecting her to take a few days to prepare.

Not to say they were caught off guard. This is the first day of vigilance. Even with the "Today, already?" feeling, there was no slackening of guard from weariness or complacency. Mayumi was at a nearby hotel arranged by Fujibayashi at the time, but Ryousuke was waiting in the office nap room at the company.

So as soon as the lab's alarm reached his terminal in the middle of the night, Ryousuke jumped out of bed.

He pulled on the work pants he had hung next to his bed, wrapped the CAD around his wrists, threw on a tactical vest over his long-sleeved shirt, and slipped on a pair of boots. All ready in less than three minutes, Ryousuke rushed out of the nap room.

It was raining outside. Not particularly heavy, but one you would typically take an umbrella for.

But Ryousuke was already running out into the gloomy rain, not caring about getting wet.

According to the real-time feed coming to his terminal, the burglar was stuck on the ground floor by the security shutters. They had not yet downed the security room. In fact, there was no sign of an actual assault.

(Is this a cover…? Or…)

If the burglar had a plan, Ryousuke surely wasn't catching on to it. After a brief hesitation, he decided to follow the manual.

The decision of the security reinforcement was made suddenly last night, and yet Fujibayashi had a thorough manual with a course of action as of this morning.

(There is no call for assistance from the first floor control room. So, I have to─)

Ryousuke headed for the emergency exit on the side of the building. That doorway is usually closed.

Behind that door was a fire escape led up directly to the second floor. It's on this second floor that the Artificial Relic manufacturing facility is located.

In order to enter the manufacturing room, a key that is kept in the control room on the second floor is required . This is one of the measures taken to enhance security after FAIR's Criminal Mageist duo "Janus" gained access to the facility in early May.

According to Fujibayashi's manual, he was to go upstairs via the fire escape without unlocking the security shutters and follow the procedures to secure the control room.

Reaching into the hidden pocket of his tactical vest with his right hand, there was a card key for the emergency exit. But when his fingers touched it, he did not grab it, preferring instead to move his right hand to another inside pocket.

From there he drew an extendable baton at the same time he turned his body around with great energy.

By turning around, he was no longer the subject of a surprise attack, but the attacker as he charged head-on at the security guard swinging his extendable baton.

Batons collide, both bending greatly out of shape.

Ryousuke happily threw away his.

While the security guard raises his bent baton.

His eyes meet the guard's. Ryousuke could tell, in that instant, that he is being controlled.

He grabs the man's wrist with his left hand and twists his arm. The guard does not fall, he pitches forward but holds himself up.

Ryousuke reaches under the man's chin with his right hand, inside the neck guard, and squeezes an artery with his finger.

The guard's body loses strength. He experienced the so-called "fainting" from a carotid sinus syncope.

The man falls to the wet ground. Ryousuke did not have the leisure to lay him down gently to avoid any injury. He was currently surrounded by the guards who were supposed to be his colleagues.

Four security guards surrounded Ryousuke. There were six guards stationed on the first floor.

One of them must be still holed up in the control room, and the five here were on patrol when they were turned into puppets.

"Laura Simons, you damned witch! Stop hiding and show yourself!"

Ryousuke yelled in frustration. Laura was the one controlling the guards, Ryousuke was sure of it.

[You know, Tookami, I learned that your shields are quite troublesome.]

Laura replied. But her voice came as if it had fallen from the sky or sprung up from the earth. It was unclear which direction it was coming from.

And not just the voice.

She's close, he could feel it. But he had absolutely no idea exactly where she was lurking.

[Aren't your shielded fists stronger than steel? Why don't you use those fists on your friends here who are only being controlled?]

A mocking taunt. The words make Ryousuke hesitate to use [Reactive Armor].

[Tokami, let's make a deal. Open that door there and I'll let these men go.]

"Do you think I'll buy into that obvious lie!"

[Nonsense. Witches don't lie. Unlike you, modern magicians, we value our words]

Ryousuke isn't familiar with the intricacies of ancient magic. In fact, magic as a whole.

He could only vaguely understand the meaning of her "valuing words'' line. Therefore, it was not much help for him to judge her words to be any truthful.

"…Just the door?"

This question was a clear show of his uncertainty.

[I'm not suggesting that you have to move aside for us to pass as well.]

Laura assures him with clear-cut punctuation. Whether she meant it or lied, there are no doubts about her line.

Ryousuke's heart was inclined towards accepting Laura's proposal.

But then.

"Sorry for the wait!"

Along with the call, white chunks mingled with the falling rain in its path from the sky. It was too dark for Ryousuke to make out what they were.

Four objects the size of golf balls. Four chunks of dry ice.

The masses' trajectories aligned precisely with the faces of each of the manipulated security guards. Then, just short of collision, they were gone.

Like puppets with severed strings, the guards surrounding Ryousuke now lay down on the ground.

"Saegusa-san, what was that…?"

Ryousuke asks the owner of the voice, a raincoat-clad Mayumi. He couldn't make out how the guards collapsed.

Surely it wasn't the impact with that white mass ─ chunk of dry ice. Ryousuke knows how a person falls over from a blow. They did not fall because of that. Besides, the objects never touched the guards in the first place. It became smoke once it got close to their faces and disappeared.

"I'll tell you later."

Answered Mayumi, holding back explanations, as she rushed to stand beside him in front of the emergence exit. She knew from experience not to reveal your hand in front of the enemy.

Needless to say, the dry ice that fell from the sky was the result of Mayumi's magic.

Her signature magic [Dry Meteor].

It gathers the small amount of carbon dioxide that exists in the atmosphere into dry ice, and sublimates it in front of the target's face. The intake of a sudden, high concentration of carbon dioxide can easily lead to CO2 poisoning.

Although the unconsciousness as a direct result of Dry Meteor is more heavily attributed to the hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) than to the carbon dioxide poisoning, both effects can be lethal in their own right.

Of course, Mayumi makes the necessary adjustments in her magic so that this does not happen. So she did with this instance of [Dry Meteor] fired at the guards, decreasing its potency so that it would be guaranteed non-lethal.

"More importantly, could you tell me the situation?"

She inquired, and Ryousuke was also quick not to let his curiosity blind him of the situation.

"As you can see, all but one of the guards in charge of the first floor have been taken by the enemy, but the control room is secure. There is no sign of intrusion on the second floor. And they ambushed me here."

"So they are trying to get in through the emergency exit. Could the building's plants have leaked?"

Information about the lab's emergency exit was not disclosed to public sources. Mayumi suspected that the reason the burglars were lying in ambush here was that information might have been leaked in some way.

"She probably got it from one of the security guards who they took control of." Ryousuke's theory disagreed with Mayumi's.

"The person who was controlling the guard was Laura Simons. I'm sorry, but I can't tell where she's hiding."

He couldn't elaborate further on that, and proceeded with unconcealed frustration in his voice.

[But I can see you two, you know. Let's be done with this, get out of the way.'"

Laura follows up on the conversation. Trying to solve her problems not only with her words, but also with a magic that disposes people of their will ─ not consciousness.

"Hmm… Some sort of gas attack then."

Unfortunately for Laura, her attempt with the magically conveyed "disarming scent" was blocked by the magic shield Mayumi had deployed.

Learning from the hard experience of the attack by the New Humanity Front, Mayumi came with a previously deployed magic shield that selectively blocks gasses not contained in normal breathing air.

A gust of wind sweeps in. Mayumi's downdraft magic, casted in parallel with her magic shield, blows away the "scent" sent by Laura along with the raindrops.

"─Found you!"

Shortly after Mayumi's mutter, the rainwater pooling on the road surface coalesces into icicles floating in the air. It is much easier to make ice bullets in an environment with water in abundance than it is to scrape up carbon dioxide into dry ice. Besides, carbon dioxide is soluble in water. Technically, the amount of carbon dioxide that reacts with the raindrops is negligible, but the notion that "carbon dioxide dissolves in water" nevertheless reduces the effectiveness of the magic.

The reduced effect of the earlier [Dry Meteor] on the guards was convenient for its intended purpose. The target changed, and the situation changed, now ice will replace dry ice as a purely offensive tool.

Hailstone barrage magic [Hail Storm].

Ice crystals, each roughly one centimeter in diameter, fly up in a cluster.

At a roadside zelkova tree reaching over 20 meters high.

The hailstorm permeated its treetops.

Like rain falling on water, the hail left ripples where it struck.

The haze that had assimilated with the black clouds in the night sky cleared.

Two figures appeared, floating beyond the treetops.

A man and a woman

"Laura Simons!"

Ryousuke exclaims at the sight of the woman.

"So that's FAIR's sub-leader…"

Ryousuke's exclamation tells Mayumi who the woman is.

(But who is that man…?)

A middle-aged man floats in the air, holding her beside him with an arm around Laura's waist. A first guess would put him as a member of FAIR under Laura's command. But to Mayumi's eyes, that didn't look to be the case.

(What is this… Is this like the presence of a powerful person as they say…?)

Laura certainly had an aura of eeriness about her as well. But to Mayumi's intuition, the man was much more threatening.

"…I will deal with the guy. Saegusa you take Laura Simons."

Ryousuke glares at the man, who releases his arms from around Laura's waist, she too untangles her hands from around the man's neck and moves away from him. "Oh, young lady, I wonder if you, not Tokami, will be able to accommodate me." Said Laura, casting a clear derisive undertone at Mayumi.

"Oh my, I'm afraid I have no duty to welcome an uninvited guest. If I would, I'd rather have you leave."

Mayumi was not so bellicose to bite in every opportunity of a dispute. Perhaps it was the condescension in Laura's attitude that did it for her, Mayumi was more than happy to oblige, and she responded in matching contempt for her counterpart.

"…Let's hear your name, my lass. Feel honored that I may remember if I am so inclined."

"I'm hardly the age of being called a lass. I wonder if I could say the same about you, you do certainly look good for a woman of your age.

"Drop dead─"

A high-pitched, shrill "sound" that could neither be described as a song nor a prayer wrenched out of Laura's throat.

"Witches" interfere with "human" phenomena. This includes skills to alter one's own body. The "sound" that Laura has just emitted was a contracted chanting skill that she and other witches have developed in recent years to compensate for the shortcomings of spell chanting, namely the time required to bring about an effect.

Via modification of their own throats, they can vocalize multiple "sounds" at the same time. The compounded, superimposed phonemes form signs of magical value, fulfilling much of the same function as an activation sequence issued by a CAD.

Reconstructing the essence of the sound she emitted into words, it says, "Descend from Heavenly Scorpion, O Messenger of Pluto. O exalted One, with whom wrath, lamentation, and resentment are written in fresh blood. Grant those who have wronged and shamed thy servant retribution by Thy Authority."

The name of the magic is [Azrael], the angel of death. It brings about the paralysis of the heart of a single person within range of the "sound." A hex that interferes with "human" phenomena to induce a heart attack.

Its name and incantation would probably be frowned upon by the followers of what Europeans call "paganism". It evidences the true wickedness "witches" possess in how willing they are to commit such sacrilege to others.

"Too bad. Too late."

But even with all her ingenuity, it still cannot keep up with the speed of modern magic.

Mayumi simultaneously activated [Zone Interference] and [Data Fortification] at the same time as she whispered. Simultaneous activation of different types of magic is still a major focus at the still operational Third Research Institute. Same institute the Saegusa Family came from. Bearing the name "三枝" with the same "Saegusa'' reading originally, they were transferred on to the Seventh Research Institute as a Number. The ease of the Saegusa's ability to quickly and smoothly invoke the two contrasting magics was due to the magical skills the family acquired from their time at the Third Institute.

Even if it's magic from a "witch," the principle of action remains the same. It doesn't matter if it's a person or an employed information body who constructs the magic sequence, magic is still a "temporary overwriting of the Eidos." Be it witches' or any other, if the interference strength of [Zone Interference] and/or [Data Fortification] is superior, then the magic will fail.

So was with Laura's [Azrael], which failed to surmount Mayumi's magic defense.

Mayumi launches another [Hail Storm] at Laura.

Laura managed a large leap back of more than 10 meters to avoid it.

But she could go no further. Behind her was the trunk of the zelkova tree.

If she had fired ice pellets at that moment, Mayumi's victory would have been assured. She is known for her mastery of long-range precision magic marksmanship. She would never miss a shot at this distance.

She opted, however, for dry ice bullets instead. Even if the hail missed vital points, it would still result in a bloodshed. She attempted to incapacitate Laura without spilling blood with [Dry Meteor].

Modern magic excels in speed of activation. But the time it took to switch magics; the time it took to decide which magic, a window of opportunity Laura took to fight back. The product of this equation was enough for Laura to activate the slower ancient-style magic.

Laura's body shook, dimmed, and assimilated into the bark of the zelkova tree. That is, but an effect brought about by magic to look as if so.

A fact that Mayumi was quick to catch on to, resulting in no surprise. But she could not avoid feeling upset. Her own naivete allowed her victory to tumble out of her grasp, and the regret of this caused a stir in Mayumi's heart.

She hurriedly looked for Laura. Mayumi also had a remote perception ability of her own, called [Multiscope]. Ability that allows its user to observe a given scene in real time from multiple viewpoints, unimpeded by physical obstacles. With this agility she attempted to locate Laura.

[Multiscope], however, is limited to seeing what would be visible in the presence of light, regardless of distance or obstructions. You could not use it to see what cannot be seen even with the presence of light.

Less so with the magic that Laura is using, based on the same principle as Kimon Tonkou, in which, to any gaze directed at you is imprinted with the suggestion that "you cannot see" her. The stronger the intent is to see, the deeper one falls into the trap. Making this magic a terrible match for [Multiscope].

Mayumi felt the walls of Data Fortification she had applied to herself being pecked at. It was the effect of an attempted magical attack.

She doesn't feel like her walls are being breached just yet. But being pinned in the defensive is a recipe for failure. Mayumi was aware of this principle.

But she couldn't attack unless she could perceive her opponents. Indiscriminate wide area bombardment magic is not her forte. All she could do for the time being was to defend herself and wait for the right opportunity.

Mayumi retreated until the back of her raincoat was against the wall of the lab, diverting the concentration of her [Zone Interference] in front of her, and adding three additional layers of [Data Fortification].

The enemy Ryousuke's faced looked younger than his first impressions. From afar, he seemed to be somewhere in his late thirties to early forties, but now, face-to-face, he appears to be only around thirty years old.

His physique reflected more of the younger alternative. Differences in physical fitness will result in different ways of fighting. Although the differences between that of a man in his thirties and one older than that are not so great of a miscalculation, Ryousuke chose to recompose himself.

The man brings out a knife from inside a gray summer jacket he is wearing.

"Lü Dongbin."

Was the words the man muttered as he switched the knife into an overhand grip. Ryousuke didn't catch what it meant at first.

"Your name."

This next question, in English, helped him understand that it was the man's name. He didn't immediately connect it with an introduction due to his unfamiliarity with Chinese people's names.

He never knew any Chinese when he was in Hokkaido or in Vancouver. The people in Vancouver of Han Chinese and Chinese descent usually use naturalized names.

So naturally, Ryousuke had no idea that "Lü Dongbin" was a reading of "呂洞賓", the name of a legendary Xian.

"Tookami Ryousuke."

Ryousuke's concession to the request was inconsequential in his opinion. It was just his name. Unbeknownst to him, Ryousuke did not know that one's name was enough of a means of attack for some ancient -style magicians.

Lü Dongbin was not very good at hexes using names. Deadly curses is actually more of a specialty of the IPU's "Saptarishi," whom "Bāxiān'' is up against. But, knowing a person's name is a key that helps locating him or her more easily. By giving his codename and asking Ryousuke's his name, Lü Dongbin was following his practice when it comes to melee combat.

Seeing the knife ready with Lü Dongbin, Ryousuke adopts a stance with his fist raised in front of the right side of his body. Unfortunately, the extendable baton he ruined earlier was the only weapon he had prepared.

Instead, he activates [Reactive Armor] at this stage, knowing from the sensation in his skin that Lü Dongbin is not someone he can let his guard down even for a moment.

Ryousuke and Lü Dongbin glared at each other. Beside them, Laura and Mayumi were facing each other at a short distance.

The exchange of verbal barbs turned into an exchange of magical attacks as Laura's hexes bounced off Mayumi and Mayumi's ice bullets pounded the pavement.

That was the cue. Lü Dongbin closed the gap, knife drawn. The speed was alarming, but still not so fast to lose sight.

The knife was held in the right hand, Ryousuke tried to swing it outward with his left hand.

But Lü Dongbin retracted his hand just prior and Ryousuke sliced through the air.

Lü Dongbin angled the withdrawn knife and thrust it out.

A stab to the stomach.

Ryousuke struck the inner side of Lü Dongbin's right forearm with his right palm, deflecting the thrust. He then stepped forward and thrust his right elbow into his opponent's chest.

But there was no feedback. Lü Dongbin drew back his left leg and threw his body out, killing the impact of the elbow strike. Next he aimed his right hand with the knife at Ryousuke's neck.

Ryousuke relaxed his right knee, rotating downwards to his left and catching Lü Dongbin's right hand with his left. He couldn't control the force while he was under [Reactive Armor], but he didn't care about it in this situation.

He reached out to grasp the arm with the intention of crushing it, but he only caught the sleeve of the jacket. Holding onto it anyway, Ryousuke hurled Lü Dongbin over his body with his momentum.

The sleeve ripped open, and Lü Dongbin was sent flying into the air. Whether he was thrown or threw himself, he landed on the wet surface in a motion reminiscent of a cat.

Ryousuke raised up smoothly back on his feet as well without a moment's delay.

Ryousuke and Lü Dongbin once again glared at each other.

Laura's attacks hit Mayumi one after another. Meanwhile, Mayumi is unable to figure out Laura's position.

(If this continues…)

Mayumi was mentally cornered.

Not that there was nothing she could do. Even if she couldn't figure out where Laura was hiding, she could still find a way to attack her.

Just because wide area offensive magic is not Mayumi's forte, does not mean that she cannot use it.

(…Damn! Again…)

Laura's attacks are gradually increasing in strength. The intervals between attacks are growing, but this also indicates that the opponent is confident enough to take the time to prepare for the attack.

Mayumi does not have any techniques to shield specifically against mental interference magic or hexes. She could only use heavy handed tactics such as [Zone Interference] and [Data Fortification] to get the job done. It is, so to speak, a feat of strength. Since they are not very efficient in comparison, the wear and tear is very acute.

The power of the enemy's magic is increasing, and she is getting exhausted. It's clear how it will end if things continue as they are now. And Mayumi couldn't just take that kind of outcome in stride.

"Tookami-san, are you using that shield of yours?

Mayumi shouted without turning to look at Ryousuke.

"Yes!"

Was the only answer she got. Apparently Ryousuke is in no better position than she is.

I'm sorry, you're struggling there too, Mayumi thought. But she had already made up her mind.

"I'll say it up front. I'm sorry!"

So Mayumi loudly apologized for what she was about to do.

Mayumi asked if he had his [Reactive Armor] shield on all of a sudden, but Ryousuke didn't even have the leisure to turn and look at her. He was too busy trying to fend off Lü Dongbin's four blades. He could not take his eyes off for even a second.

Lü Dongbin throws a dagger. Ryousuke swings his neck to avoid the blade flying toward his face.

But he did not stop there. He backsteps to dodge the knife swinging horizontally and jumps sideways with the foot he landed on.

The dagger he had just avoided went backwards and passed right where his neck was.

In the miss of that one, another blade attempts at Ryousuke's chest. He swatted it away with his left hand, covered in individual armor magic. Just as the blade is about to hit the ground, it leaps back up, aiming for Ryousuke's throat.

Lü Dongbin's magic was controlling knives and daggers remotely. He did not just send the blades flying, but coordinated them in tandem with his technique with the knives in his hands.

Ryousuke noticed that the knives were controlled remotely via a virtual string, and that Lü Dongbin's technique was a magical equivalent of rope-dart wielding. This weaponry technique from the East Asian continent involves the use of a rope attached to the base of a throwable blade, or "dart". In this case a magical thread was playing the role of the rope.

Since the string doesn't physically exist, the trajectory of the blade cannot be disrupted by twisting or cutting the rope, as is the case with a normal rope dart. The fact the tip of the blade can be turned in any direction is also inherent to this version with magic.

Although it may be less flexible than the flying knives freely with Psychokinesis, it is definitely more troublesome when used in conjunction with a proper knife-wielding technique.

So far none of the blades had the power to pierce [Reactive Armor].

But there is no guarantee that nothing will happen even if it hits. He can't also ignore the possibility it was a feint to make him let his guard down.

It was at that point, he couldn't turn around at that time, even if someone called out to him. "Yes" was all he could manage.

And it seems to have sufficed for Mayumi, too.

Just after his reply, an apology followed by a powerful magical sign blanketed the sky above. Ryousuke was involuntarily thrown off guard, but fortunately, so was Lü Dongbin. The momentum of his magically manipulated blades weakened as well.

And then, from the sky rained a barrage of hailstones.

Mayumi only received one short word, but it was clear, and left no room for misunderstanding.

First, she used a Movement Magic to pull the five fallen guards into a two-meter radius circle around her. Then she built up a new [Hail Storm] magic sequence.

The target is a circle with a radius of 20 meters, excluding the area two meters from herself. A donut-shaped area with a hole in it, or rather a bagel-shaped area. That's the two-dimensional sighting with a viewpoint overhead.

With her habitual practice of three-dimensional aiming from a multi-viewpoint remote sight, Mayumi is not very good at wide-area attacks with two-dimensional aiming. But again, just because she "doesn't feel comfortable" or "isn't good at it" doesn't mean she "can't do it".

Raindrops falling, moisture fills the air, and water soaks the pavement.

From all which ice bullets form and shoot down from the sky.

Not only did the hailstones pound the pavement, they punched shallow holes all over the place. The resulting collateral damage is another reason why Mayumi hesitates to use wide-area indiscriminate magic.

Ryousuke's whole body also got caught in the hailstorm. Yet, he does not seem to be in any particular pain. The ice bullets drilling into the road's pavement are probably no match for his Reactive Armor.

His opponent, Lü Dongbin, sheltered under the zelkova tree. But the hail also covered the shade of the zelkova tree.

They didn't come from just the sky above, but also from the water pooling on the ground. So too from the dew dripping from the leaves of the trees. No shelter from the rain will help against [Hail Storm].

From a distance, Lü Dongbin appears unharmed. The holes in his clothes suggest that he may have used some kind of magic to harden his skin.

And then there was a scream from behind the zelkova where Lü Dongbin was sheltering.

Mayumi pointed her [Multiscope] at the back side of the tree.

There she found Laura crouched down, covering her head with both arms. Blood was pouring from both, which told Mayumi that her attack had dealt an effective blow.

Confirming was all she could do, as pain seared through Mayumi's arms. Letting out an anguished moan before letting her body slump forward. Staggering in pain, she barely managed to hold on before falling to her knees.

With her vision, blurred by tears, she could find no wounds. There was only the pain of being punctured.

（What…? Is…?)

She could guess it was some kind of counterattack by Laura. But couldn't muster what exactly.

This is a witch's auto-retaliatory magic [Erinyes]. It works much like an older form of "Hex Reversal," in which a magic sequence is projected outwards, reflecting back pain inflicted on the user.

By default, this magic would inflict pain ─ phantom pain that would actually manifest wounds of the same degree ─ equivalent to those experienced by the user's own body. Fortunately for Mayumi, in this case, given the wide-area and indiscriminate nature of Hail Storm, Laura was not directly targeted by the magic. As a result, the pain was only partially transmitted to Mayumi.

It was still enough pain to prevent Mayumi from pushing her offensive.

A staggering Laura stumbled away.

There wasn't energy left in Mayumi to try to track her whereabouts with the [Multiscope].

The hail descended like bullets in what was less a hailstorm and more a barrage of ice bullets.

It lasted for no more than ten seconds.

To Ryousuke it felt like he was being sprayed with gunfire for over a hundred times longer than that.

The road left scattered with broken branches and strewn with countless small holes along the road surface. No doubt this area will need a total repaving job.

No doubt the aftermath of the vertical barrage of ice. The barks of the roadside trees had been scrapped, but not a single one had fallen.

Ryousuke himself was not damaged at all. His [Reactive Armor] completely covered him from the barrage of ice. He reflexively stopped at the time, but he would be able to move without hindrance even under that hailstorm if he had the mind to do so.

Frustration overcame Ryousuke at the late realization.

He was completely distracted from his enemy in the hailstorm. The enemy's blade could be reaching him right at this very moment ─ the realization of such danger shot through Ryousuke's mind.

He frantically searched for Lü Dongbin. Fortunately, less than half of the streetlights had been broken by the hailstorm. The light was sparse, but there was still some dim visibility.

Lü Dongbin was in a defensive posture with his back against a roadside tree, his face shielded by his arms and his body curled up. It was too dark to make out the details, but he could see him, that was his chance.

His body was already moving as soon as he felt that. With a single breath, Ryousuke closed the seven or eight meters distance from the tree to which Lü Dongbin had his back on.

He must have sensed it, because Lü Dongbin dropped his defensive posture and raised his head. He then threw his knife, as well as his dagger at Ryousuke.

Ryousuke didn't dodge.

Ryousuke's magic shield bounced back the two blades thrown at close range.

Perhaps Lü Dongbin was expecting that Ryousuke would continue the usual evasive maneuvers. When Ryousuke pressed forward, his reaction was delayed for a moment.

Lü Dongbin still managed to thrust the knife in his right hand at Ryousuke's right arm as he lunged forward.

Ryousuke interrupted his thrust and opened his right fist to knock Lü Dongbin's right hand away.

Lü Dongbin responded immediately with a knife attack with his left hand.

Ryousuke backslap Lü Dongbin's left arm with his right hand while planting his outstretched right foot even harder on the ground.

He then jabbed his left fist out.

He aimed at the "Dan-chou " pressure point in the center of the chest.

His enemy didn't let him get to the vital point so easily.

As a result of Lü Dongbin's evasive action of twisting his upper body, Ryousuke's first landed slightly to the left of the sternum, in the opponent's right chest.

The feeling of broken ribs coursed through his left fist.

At the strong feeling of discomfort, Ryousuke's movements stopped.

He usually does not feel anything tactile while wearing [Reactive Armor]. He could feel resistance and pressure through the magic armor, but not sense breaking his opponent's bones.

(Did the [Reactive Armor] deactivate…!?)

Of course, he didn't deactivate it by himself.

Even though he is in the middle of a battle, his individual armor magic has been canceled.

It did not break.

Ryousuke's Reactive Armor was canceled from the outside, against his will!

Lü Dongbin's left arm, knife in hand, moved.

Reacting to this, Ryousuke tried to lower his right arm to block it.

But he was too late.

The knife pierced Ryousuke's right side.

It moved to push in deeper, but his right arm got in the way, preventing it.

Lü Dongbin let his left hand go off the knife and staggered out of the position between Ryousuke and the street tree.

Lü Dongbin escapes with his hand clutched to his right chest.

The speed of his escape was by no means fast. His steps were erratic.

But Ryousuke could only hold his right side with his hand, unable to move from his position.