Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 13.5 - SS - Chapter 4.2

Chapter 2

Difficulties associated not only with training for the competition continued every day. And finally, the evening came on August 2. Tomorrow - departure to the Tournament of nine schools.

Fumia and Ayako received new directions from Maya.

“... We must play an introduction to Tatsuya-niisan at a banquet in honor of the opening of the Nine School Tournament ...?”

“This is not such a difficult task.” The goal is also easy to understand.

In the living room of the apartment, rented for these two while studying at the Fourth school, Fumiya read the order that came in the form of a text message to his mobile information terminal. Across from him, Ayako answered him without taking her eyes off her terminal.

- Yeah.

Fumia agreed with the phrase "the goal is easy to understand." By showing the participants in the banquet that Fumiya and Ayako were meeting Tatsuya for the first time, they will give the impression that Tatsuya is not related to Fumiya and Ayako, who bear the surname Kuroba, which may be related to the Yotsuba family, and therefore not related and to the Yotsub family itself.

“But I do not know if it will be possible to create a situation so that the acquaintance looks natural?” Besides the fact that Tatsuya-niisan is from another school, he also belongs to the official division, and we to the division of beginners. How can we approach Tatsue-niisan without causing suspicion?

Looking at Fumiya, her head puzzled, Ayako smiled broadly.

- I think it will not be so difficult.

“Nee-san, do you have any good idea?” - asked Fumiya with doubt in his voice. But Ayako did not bother.

- Leave it to me.

Seeing Ayako's confidence, Fumiya decided, like his sister, and said, leave it to her. Ayako had the image of a simple emotional girl with a catchy appearance, but in reality she was serious, smart and responsible, and at the same time did not like to lose. Fumiya knew this very well, as well as the fact that these qualities Ayako more than once helped them during missions. It would definitely be a great idea how to get in touch with Tatsuya, pretending to be unfamiliar. Fumiya came to this conclusion and changed the subject.

- By the way, is the magic for the "Illusory Stars" ready? Although today it is probably too late to ask.

Hearing Fumiya's question, Ayako made a surprised face.

- Yeah, asking this only today, it's a little ... Since tomorrow I’m going to the Nine Schools Tournament, it means she cannot be ready, right? And what were you going to do if I answered "not yet"?

“What was you going to do ...?” I would try harder to work for the two of us ...

Fumiya did not know what to answer, because he himself realized that he had missed this moment and asked too late.

In contrast to the saddened Fumia, Ayako smiled rather.

- Hmm ... Fumiya, you seem to be very confident in yourself.

“Nee-san, you're the same.” You will properly complete the task, and not just take part in the competition, but you will surely win. After all, our goal has only changed from “win quietly” to “win as noticeably as possible”.

Fumia's face was wary of the fact that he was afraid to say something superfluous, but he answered clearly and without hesitation.

- Did you manage to combine Phantom Strike and Direct Pain?

- Yes, there are no problems with this.

Fumiya nodded so hard that it could be mistaken for a bluff.

Seeing this, Ayako smiled slightly. It was not a condescending smile, but a kind smile of a sister to her brother.

- I'm happy about it.

Fumia also smiled relaxedly.

- I also.

After that, they began to discuss what they would do tomorrow.

◊ ◊ ◊

Some time after the start of the banquet in honor of the start of the Tournament of nine schools, the students of the Fourth school gathered in one group in the corner of the banquet hall.

Each year, the Fourth School was invariably the weakest participant in the Nine School Tournament. In pride in their magic, they were not inferior to other schools, but some shyness was present in them.

Among this group, Ayako stood out the most. And that was inevitable. There were many wizards who stood out for their appearance, but Ayako's catchy appearance attracted the most views. Pupils from other schools also looked at her dazzling face, and looked for the opportunity to speak with her.

But, unfortunately, Ayako herself did not want to stand out like that. However, she herself began a conversation with a third grader from her own school, Naruse Harumi.

“I'm sorry, Naruse-senpai.” I want to ask for one inconvenient service.

Harumi was very surprised when Ayako spoke to him while he was talking with classmates.

“Kuroba-san, is this something urgent?”

“Yes, please forgive me for researching personal information, but do you, Naruse-senpai, seem to have a relative in First School?”

Ayako showed a seductive smile to an unusual schoolgirl, and Harumi's face turned red.

- Oh yes. My cousin goes to first school.

Harumi tried hard to suppress his excitement, but judging by his appearance, he didn’t do it very well. And his classmates looked at him with teasing glances.

From the girls to Ayako there was no particularly pronounced hostility, such as "she behaves defiantly" or "she shows off in front of the guys."

Firstly, Harumi was not a popular guy. In fact, he showed great promise both as a magician and as an engineer of magic, and, being the nephew of the rich man’s wife, had certain connections. And secondly, because of his too modest appearance and obsession with magic, classmates preferred to stay away from him, which was subsequently transferred to the students a year and two years younger.

But besides this, hostile views were also not sent to Ayako because the girls from the Fourth School, even in training for the Nine School Tournament, realized that Ayako was one of those people whose appearance was misleading about their character. Therefore, on the contrary, they were extremely curious about what Ayako had to do with this Harumi.

- Why do you ask? - asked Harumi Ayako, not noticing the surrounding looks.

Ayako noticed these looks, but answered with such a smile, as if she were not embarrassed.

“It's just that there is a person in First School with whom I would like to talk ... And your cousin-san could introduce us.”

- Talk to someone?

- Yes. Senpai probably knows him too. His name is Shiba Tatsuya-san.

“Ah, that super engineer.”

Harumi knew the name Tatsui. It will be more accurate to say that only a few first-graders did not know the name "Shiba Tatsuya" from the entire staff of the Fourth School. For students of the Fourth School, who attach great importance to the technological aspect of magical science, the “magic” and “miracles” that Tatsuya showed last year were unforgettable.

“Kuroba-san, are you his fan?”

The admiration of a beautiful girl, like Ayako, a student at another school could not make any guy happy. But there was no jealousy in Harumi's voice. At that moment, he thought that the admiration of any student of the Fourth School “Shiba Tatsuya” was inevitable.

- No, I ask not for myself, but for Fumiya ...

When Ayako said this, he saw diagonally behind Fumiya diagonally behind her.

Catching Harumi's gaze on himself, Fumiya shyly averted his eyes. It was not an acting game, but the real reaction of Fumiya. The fact that Fumiya admired Tatsuya was true, and he felt awkward because everyone knew that. Ayako's words sounded even more convincing because of this.

- I understood. I'll try to talk.

For the sake of a pretty Kohai girl, Harumi was ready to get out of her skin. And the request itself was not so complicated. He also considered Fumiya to be “pretty,” however, it goes without saying that this was not the reason for his enthusiasm.

Harumi looked around the banquet room in search of Shizuku. He found her relatively quickly. She was not far from the table, at which representatives of the First School gather annually. However, right next to her, the target of Shiba Tatsuya had a serious conversation with the “Prince” and the “Cardinal” from the Third School.

For Harumi, this was definitely an obstacle, but he could not retreat when he had already made a promise. He gathered his courage and went to Shizuku. Ayako and Fumiya did not receive any signal, but without hesitation followed Harumi.

- Shizuku-san.

- Cousin Harumi-san.

Harumi spoke from the side, and Shizuku turned around. Honoka, who was next to Shizuku, also knew Harumi. Thanks to this, he was able to feel at ease.

- Long time no see.

They were a short distance from the main group of First School students, so Harumi allowed himself to turn in a slightly familiar tone.

- I think so too. Did you want something?

Reflecting on the constant civility of the cousin, Harumi realized that he himself was rather impolite. So he answered, showing an awkward smile.

- In fact, it was not me who wanted, but my kohai. Harumi said and turned back.

Shizuku turned her gaze in that direction. Ayako standing there politely bowed, and Fumiya nodded slightly.

“They said they would like to speak with Shiba Tatsuya-san.”

Shizuku's expression barely changed (so weakly that only his closest friends could notice it) by surprise.

- Tatsuyu-san? Not Miyuki?

She probably heard her name spoken. Therefore, Miyuki turned toward Harumi.

Seeing this unearthly beauty in the flesh with his own eyes, Harumi was not just fascinated, but he felt such a shock as if it had been struck by lightning. However, supported by a sense of duty to the kohai waiting behind him, he somehow managed to pull himself together and nodded to Shizuku's question.

- Yes, it was with Shiba Tatsuya-san. Well, we are the “technological Fourth school.”

- That's it.

Harumi on the move came up with an excuse, and put it in the form of a stupid joke. Shizuku nodded in understanding. The orientation of the Fourth School was known to her.

“Therefore, Shizuku-san, would it make it difficult for you to introduce them to each other?”

- I'm not against.

Shizuku nodded and went to the First School group.

There she spoke with Miyuki, after which Miyuki quickly went to Tatsuya.

Harumi watched impatiently as Miyuki exchanged words with Tatsuya and Masaki.

Soon Tatsuya said goodbye to Masaki, and went in their direction. Seeing this, Harumi breathed a sigh of relief from a sense of accomplishment.

Tatsuya stopped in front of Harumi. Harumi, realizing that he was dumbfounded by the sight of Miyuki, who came up with Tatsuya, encouraged himself to take the last step in his "work", and spoke to Tatsuya.

- Fourth school, third year of study, Naruse Harumi. Sorry to interrupt your conversation.

- First school, second year of study, Shiba Tatsuya. Do not worry, at that time the conversation with Ichijou-kun was already over.

Harumi's tension eased a bit, because Tatsuya’s speech style was much softer than he had imagined.

"Still ... he's a cool guy."

Harumi thought, realizing that tension had completely disappeared. The guy who answered him was not particularly beautiful, and his harsh features did not have grace. His figure with a straight posture had no flaws. There was an atmosphere of calm around him, one that made you think positively about him from the very first meeting, as if saying: no matter what happens, he will help in everything.

"Now I also understand why Kuroba-kun admires him."

Nodding mentally, Harumi turned to the main question.

- Thank you for coming. The fact is that my kohai said they want to talk to you.

As if expecting these words from Harumi, Fumiya and Ayako went out and stood in front of Tatsuya.

- My name is Kuroba Fumiya. Nice to meet you, Shiba-senpai.

“Nice to meet you, my name is Kuroba Ayako.” I am the older twin sister of Fumia. Thanks for your time, Shiba-senpai.

With parting words, Harumi, Fumiya and Ayako "introduced themselves" to Tatsuya. Their "nice to meet you" did not sound feigned.

- Glad to meet you, my name is Shiba Tatsuya.

Like the words of Tatsui.

“However, I am a student of First School.” Therefore, I am not your senpai.

“Even if we have different schools, Shiba-san is our senpai in magic.”

“Although we are from the Fourth School, our technical skills are not very good.” If you do not mind, can I ask you to teach us? Both I and my brother are very impressed with your skill, Shiba-senpai.

Of course, this whole scene was played in order to simplify the further connection of Fumiya and Ayako with Tatsuya. Therefore, Miyuki did not say anything and did not interfere in their acting. And she herself was not the first to start a conversation with them, because she was not sure of the correctness of such an action.

This pretext was very convenient to facilitate the conversation between Fumiya and Ayako with Tatsuya.

- During the Tournament of nine schools it will be impossible, but I do not mind if the opportunity arises at another time.

- Truth!?

- Many thanks. I look forward to it.

Although the fact that they avoided communicating with Miyuki's distinguished beauty was unnatural behavior, especially for the guy Fumiya, but it was not something that would ruin their performance. For example, Harumi, who watched this scene from the closest distance, did not notice any catch.

Having successfully created the impression that they were not familiar with Tatsuya, Fumiya and Ayako returned to the group of the Fourth School.

◊ ◊ ◊

The banquet that had passed in the evening was over, and soon it was time for sleep. The lights went out in the lobby and corridors. Fumia and Ayako, with the help of lulling gas, euthanized first-graders, who got them in pairs in the rooms (of course, they were housed separately by sex), after which they met in the back of the hotel garden.

“Fumiya, you are just in time.”

“You too, Nee-san.”

Although the details of their emotions on their faces were slightly different, they smiled at each other, took off lightweight zipped jackets draped over them, and turned them inside out.

Double-sided jackets from light gray, close to white, turned into dark gray, close to black. Fumiya did everything normally, and Ayako put her hair under her jacket before fastening the zipper. Thanks to this "transformation", their silhouettes now easily merged with the darkness.

- Okay, let's go. Nee-san, your move.

- Accepted.

Along with this frivolous response, Ayako activated her special Absolute Lubrication magic, also known as AS. This time, the silhouettes of the two truly melted into the darkness of the night.

Fumiya and Ayako received three orders from Maya: “Stand out at the Nine Schools Tournament”, “Try not to have the final confidence that they are Yotsuba people”, and “Create an impression among people around them that they are not familiar with Tatsuya.” But it also implied that, as the wizards of the Kuroba family, they had to conduct intelligence. It was necessary to collect information about the details of the upcoming testing of the effectiveness of "Weapon P" = parasite dolls. Unlike Fumiya, Ayako was already closely involved in this investigation. And they did not intend to give up this work only because at the Tournament of nine schools they were entrusted with another, parallel mission.

The aim of the study was the cross-country route with obstacles. It was known that parasite dolls were going to test on the last day at the venue of the "Cross". That is, they will be tested on high school students of magic. However, the field for this competition was very extensive - four kilometers long and wide. The well-known information saying "it will be during the Cross-country with obstacles" did not allow to determine a specific place.

It was also not known how many of them are involved in testing. Even if they left the intervention in the testing itself for other agents (Fumiya and Ayako were sure that Tatsuya would eventually play this role), the two wanted to at least find out the exact places where the parasite dolls would be located, as well as their numbers.

However, they had to stop right in front of the entrance to the Cross-Country Course.

- Come on?

- ... You can’t. The terrain is too tightly covered by active sensors. I can’t find a gap to get inside.

Ayako AS is magic that scatters and aligns electromagnetic and sound waves, as well as air currents. Due to this feature, Ayako was sensitive to deviations of electromagnetic and sound waves propagating in the air surrounding her. Her sensitivity was not as advanced as that of Honoka, who could perceive the oscillations of light waves even before they became visible light. However, she could feel the already existing waves in a very wide range. The 4x4-kilometer Cross Country obstacle course was well within this range. (But she could not feel the location of the immovable solids.)

Her perception told her that the entire area of ​​the route, as if by a dome, was covered by a network of sensors that capture electromagnetic and sound waves, as well as infrared rays. Everything was controlled so carefully that even a small animal, like a cat, could not slip through.

“If the sensors were passive, then there would be no problem ... but they went so far as to set up so many expensive active sensors.”

As Ayako said, her speakers could easily be fooled by passive sensors that perceive only those electromagnetic and sound waves that the intruder emits. In fact, the speaker could neutralize active reflective sensors, which themselves emit electromagnetic waves and inaudible sound, and pick up the signal reflected from the intruder.

However, there were also active blocking type sensors that send infrared rays and ultrasonic waves from the transmitter to the receiver, and perceive the intruder if he gets in the way of the signal, blocking it. And the process of "blurring" these infrared rays or ultrasonic waves can be perceived by observers as something abnormal.

“We're not backing down for fear of being caught by the sensor?” After all, there are only cameras and microphones installed? Therefore, if you quickly slip through, then, even if they learn about the fact of the invasion, they still will not be able to determine the identity.

Ayako was moved by the zeal with which Fumiya expressed her proposal, but in the end she only shook her head.

- ... Better end on this. There is no need to complicate the situation before our performance.

By "performance" she immediately meant their "performance at the Tournament of Nine Schools" and their "performance on the test parasite dolls." Last year, too, was an incident - the intervention of the "Headless Dragon." If an incomprehensible intruder is found at the venue of the Tournament of nine schools, then even if the Tournament itself is not canceled, then, of course, various activities will be difficult. This will create difficulties not only for their activities, but also for Tatsui.

- I understood.

The fact that Fumiya proposed such a seemingly reckless plan, and that he obeyed Ayako's decision, was due to the difference in the tasks they performed on missions. Fumiya usually entered the battle with Direct Pain, while Ayako supported penetration and retreat using Pseudo-teleportation and AS. Due to such a distribution of roles between the twins, Ayako took the initiative at the stage of exploring the site of penetration, and Fumiya during active operations on the spot.

- ... Now we have no choice but to retreat.

- Ayako, Fumiya.

At that moment, when Ayako was about to answer “True” to Fumiya’s words, her heart suddenly stopped from a sudden voice.

- Tatsuya-niisan! - Restrained, but joyfully said Fumiya. Ayako also understood who was the master of this voice.

“Tatsuya-san ... don't scare me like that, please.”

There were tears in the corners of Ayako's eyes.

- I did not want.

Tatsuya was already accustomed to the dark, so he noticed this, but his voice was not very guilty, and his answer could be called a formal apology only with a stretch.

“Then don't speak in such a terrible voice, okay?”

Although she understood that this was not the case, she meant that she could instinctively attack him.

“Have you also come to see the route?”

Tatsuya did not make excuses or apologize.

An ordinary girl would be angry at a lack of politeness. But Ayako was a girl who considered this character trait Tatsui beautiful, who did not attach the slightest importance to female tears and put the highest priority on the task.

- ...Yes. But the security here is serious.

Ayako's mood changed very quickly. Taking the example of Tatsui, she focused all her attention on the mission.

“We can't get in there.” - Added Fumiya to the words of his sister. From the very beginning, he had neither surprise nor questions about why Tatsuya was here. And he did not need to spend time changing moods, like Ayako.

“You couldn't even do Ayako magic?”

There was surprise in Tatsui's voice. Ayako realized that this was because he praised her magic, so she could not contain her chagrin.

- Ah, no, I'm sorry. I don't blame you for anything.

Given Ayako’s pride, Tatsuya apologized this time.

Ayako realized that he had read this change in her expression, which showed annoyance, but initially she wanted to stay calm. She felt ashamed of the fact that she had just decided to focus on the mission, but had lost her composure from one phrase spoken unintentionally.

“Tatsuya-niisan, did you come to do the research too?”

Fumiya changed the subject not because he was worried about Ayako. Ayako also understood that this was done only to determine what to do next. But she, of course, was grateful for the timeliness. Ayako mentally thanked her younger brother for this.

- Yes. But I also can’t get through.

“That's how it is ...” Fumiya muttered, not hiding his gloom.

- Let's try again? If we and Nii-san join forces, then ...

Fumiya made a constructive proposal to Tatsue. Although there was no concrete plan in it.

- No, unreasonable actions from which noise may rise is the worst option. Now it’s better for us to calmly retreat.

Judging by Ayako’s condition, this was obvious, so Tatsuya rejected Fumiya’s offer.

- Correctly. - Tatsue answered neither Fumiya nor Ayako.

- Who is there!?

In response to Ayako's sharp call, a slender human silhouette emerged from the forest.

A silhouette like a dark ninja drowning in darkness ... that is, it was a ninja. Neither Fumiya nor Ayako for some reason could not make out this man in detail. He was not wearing a hood or mask, but the twins could not recognize either the outlines of the face, nor the details of the face, nor even the approximate age.

- Master, could you appear more normal? Tatsuya sighed and complained about this silhouette.

Fumiya and Ayako only unconsciously blinked their eyes.

Along with Tatsuya's complaint, this person suddenly became clearly visible facial features.

“As Tatsuya-kun said, it would be better to backtrack for today.” - Ignoring Tatsui's complaint, Yakumo continued his initial words.

“... Tatsuya-san, is that really ...?” - Realizing that it was Yakumo, Ayako eased her wariness and asked Tatsuya.

“Yes, Ayako, this is the one you thought about.”

“So this is the same Kokonoe Yakumo-sensei?”

This time, Fumia nodded emotionally. For these two, on whose shoulders lay responsibility for the next generation of Kuroba, the Yotsuba intelligence unit, the name Yakumo was of great importance.

“So, master, have you found anything?” - Tatsuya asked, not paying attention to the emotions of Fumiya and Ayako.

Yakumo shook his head.

- No. Nothing has been set on the route yet.

- You were able to get there !? Ayako unconsciously raised her voice, after which she covered her mouth with panic in a panic. This childish behavior softened Tatsui's mood, and he smiled slightly. However, he immediately removed that smile and turned to Yakumo.

“As expected of you.” And we surrendered because of the security system.

Tatsuya glanced at Ayako with a side vision. She knew that he was worried about her.

Indeed, it was an annoying fact for her that Yakumo easily made his way (she decided that it was easier for Yakumo because there were absolutely no bruises and other signs on his clothes that he had gone through any difficulties) through the system security that was too tough for her.

But besides this, Ayako also concealed admiration and wariness in front of Yakumo's skill. When Fumiya and Ayako inherit the Kurob family, will they be able to surpass this "shinobi"? Such a thought now occupied Ayako’s head.

Therefore, if Tatsuya now sympathized with Ayako, then it was useless. But even considering this futility, Ayako was glad of it.

Meanwhile, Tatsuya’s conversation with Yakumo continued, but in the end it became clear that there were no clues. Although this sortie was a waste of time, Fumiya was glad to see Tatsuya alone, and Ayako felt the benefits of Tatsuya worrying about her.

Waving Tatsue a goodbye, Yakumo vanished into darkness. Neither Fumiya nor Ayako could understand how Yakumo left this place, but they did not regret it. They both understood in general terms what the difference in skill between them and Yakumo was at the moment. It was a hell of a gap, causing only envy. It only fomented their ambitions.

Tatsuya turned to his brother and sister, who now mentally vowed to strengthen their training.

“Fumiya, Ayako.”

The voice was quiet, but rather tense.

- Yes?

- What?

From this, the behavior of these two also naturally changed. In fact, Fumiya and Ayako should not have obeyed Tatsuyu. Nobody forced them to this, the twins came to such behavior on their own, spontaneously.

“I will do this.” And you focus on the Nine School Tournament.

Tatsui's words for them meant "don't interfere anymore." Such words should have greatly offended the pride of the wizards of the Kuroba family.

- Got it.

“Well, since Tatsuya-san says that.”

Without showing the slightest displeasure, both Fumiya and Ayako nodded in response to Tatsui's order.