The venue of the Nine Schools Tournament was located on the territory of the national self-defense forces, but not only the self-defense forces monitored what was happening in this territory. There were also intelligence and other secret services. But they could not act openly because of the recent sharp criticism regarding violations of moral principles. The army looked at this secret activity through their fingers, as if saying to them "you are yours."
The security operator, Ono Haruka, was also one of these undercover agents who entered the venue of the Nine School Tournament. She also had a consultant position at First School, so it may have been easier for her than for other agents.
Despite this, the situation itself was not without difficulties, and intelligence work did not go smoothly and smoothly, as desired.
This time, her duties (she herself called it a part-time job) included monitoring foreign guests. Japan did not want to spoil relations with these partners, and had to show them the existence of exclusive freedom of action, but at the same time prevent the leakage of secret data from the country.
If it is impossible to limit activity in an explicit way, then it remains only to secretly observe. Each person invited to the Tournament of nine schools of a foreign official, scientist or representative of a foreign company had two to three or even more observers.
Haruki's “target” was Ernst Rosen, director of the Japanese branch of Rosen Magicraft, a leading manufacturer of magic equipment.
At least this time a simple task , Haruka thought when she received this mission.
The scale of the magic equipment market is rather small, and, judging only by the number of sales, Rosen Magicraft is not such a large company. However, the value of magic in the military sphere continued to increase. Its significance for the state and the army was at the level of warships and heavy military equipment, and maybe already exceeded this level. And after the scorched Halloween that shook last year, the use of magic only increased.
Therefore, it was inevitable that the self-defense forces could not afford to give Ernst Rosen freedom of action. And it was required to follow him secretly, and at the same time not for a moment to keep an eye on him.
But despite the fact that the head of Haruka drew attention to this, she was quite optimistic. Ernst was not just the director of the Japanese branch, but a person as close as possible to the direct family line of the Rosen family. According to rumors, he was also a candidate for the post of director of the company's head office.
Such a person should not commit anything criminal that would lead to diplomatic problems.
At least, she decided so without any reason.
"Well, I'm a fool ..."
But on the very first day of the Nine School Tournament, Haruka realized how naive she was.
Of all the possible options, Ernst got into a skirmish with the First School student, who was the main (as she herself claimed) Haruka's place of work.
Violence and unauthorized use of magic.
Violence was understood to mean that Leo unilaterally hit Ernst, and unauthorized use of magic meant the use of barrier magic to protect himself from this violence. At first glance, it was legitimate self-defense, and Ernst has nothing to blame.
However, the fact that Ernst called Leo for a conversation in a closed room means that the Rosen are hiding something.
Haruka knew that Erica was the great-granddaughter of previous President Rosen, and that Leo was a descendant of one of the first improved people developed in Germany. She realized that because Bastian Rosen had passed away, the question of inheritance would arise. But Haruka did not think that the problems associated with this issue would arise here. Haruka could not even imagine that the director of the Japanese branch of Rosen Magicraft might have disagreements with the Japanese high school student. She subconsciously decided for herself that Ernst Rosen should be a person with a more mature, gentlemanly character.
“And I thought it would be easier this year because I don’t intersect with Shiba-kun ...” Haruka complained in a whisper. Before the start of the Nine School Tournament, she asked the authorities "so that other agents would watch Tatsuya and Miyuki."
She insisted that they knew her by sight and would have extra suspicion when she saw her not far from herself.
“These two are not ordinary students of the school of magic,” such desperate complaints on her part were ultimately successful, and the public security department sent additional operators. (However, Tatsuya easily avoided observing these "additional agents of the public security service," and as a result, they never found out about his "backroom activities.")
Haruka was instead directed to watch Ernst Rosen. As she just said, she thought she was very lucky with this mission. But it was worth, as they say, to open the lid and look inside ...
"He called from Germany improved people of the new model and, in addition to them, the latest magic equipment that has not yet gone on sale ... That is, he did not even think about how to solve this matter peacefully?"
Haruka, looking at the data collected using her unique ability, was at a loss and did not know what other problems can now be expected from this case, into which she was drawn into without asking if she wants it.
◊ ◊ ◊
Tuesday evening, August 14th.
Pupils of the first school celebrated today's victory in the Monolith Code.
Their overexcited state was a reaction to the accumulated stress from the fact that the struggle in the current Tournament of nine schools was very difficult and fierce. Earlier, the First School allowed the Third School to temporarily break away by as much as 100 points. The long-awaited change of position took place yesterday when, after winning the Illusory Stars, they overtook the Third School. But if today they lost to the Third School in the Monolith Code, then the difference in points would be reduced to 15.
But in the end, First School was in first place, and Third was in second. The gap between them widened to 95 points. This difference in points was almost the opposite of the maximum gap that the Third School had at the end of the third day of the competition.
But this did not mean that the common victory had already been decided. The Third School still had a chance to regain leadership. But if we take into account the ability and strength of both sides, then the probability of this was negligible. Therefore, the students of the First School were already in a festive mood.
And it was not limited only to players and technicians. The disciples who came to cheer for their own were also overcome with glee. After dinner, everyone talked about how hard the fight was, about tomorrow too, meeting expectations, and about their expectations of a successful performance by the players.
However, in any place, at any time and in any situation, there are always exceptions.
For example, Tatsuya escaped from a group of representatives of his school, and had a secret conversation with Fujibayashi Kyoko in the presence of Kokonoe Yakumo.
For example, Erica secretly visited Leo's room, it seems, so that Mizuki or other friends could not find her.
Leo stayed in a cramped single room. He was completely unsuitable for crowded noisy companies. So now only Leo and Erica were in the room together. But it’s not even worth saying that Erica’s goal was not a secret date.
“Rosen talked to you after that?”
- I didn’t speak.
- I see ...
- So what about you?
- And with me too.
This solitude of Erica with Leo had the risk of causing serious misunderstanding among their friends. But Erica took this risk because she was concerned about the activities of Ernst Rosen. Although Ernst forced her to make contact with him on the evening of the first day of the Nine School Tournament, but after that he did not appear before Erica or Leo. He did not send his subordinates with messages either.
- I don’t think he was joking then ...
Erica gave Rosen the desired answer, so his interest in her should be lost. However, the interest that arose in Leo, which flowed into an attempt to lure to his side, was not supposed to end that evening.
“It would be nice if it were all a joke.” I have a simple matter with him, but here it was completely different from a love conversation.
- Love talk? Well you ...
The phrase "love conversation" Leo frowned. But he did not continue to find fault with words that were not related to the main topic of discussion.
- The requirement for you is also not an easy issue to resolve. This is a matter of money, and it cannot be "simple", as you say, especially since it is not the inheritance of an ordinary person. No matter how much you tell them that you do not need it, they cannot just take it and believe it.
“And yet, this is just a simple matter of money.” Even if the amount is large.
When Erica said this, her gaze expressed that she considered this a complete idiocy, but immediately after that she abruptly changed and looked at Leo with a serious look.
- But he wanted to “hire” you obviously for military purposes. He should not give up after one failure.
Leo and Erica exchanged information about what proposal they received from Rosen.
That Erica is the great-granddaughter of the previous head of the Rosen family, and that she can inherit part of his inheritance.
And that Leo inherited the genes of an improved man created by the Rosenes, and that he was asked to collaborate in improving the currently improved people. ... Of course, he was silent about the moment when he was offered Eric as a reward.
Leo had his own reasons, but Erica also did not immediately decide to reveal her connection with the Rosen.
She did not know that Leo had already heard about this from Ernst. But there was a chance that Ernst might somehow take advantage of each other's ignorance of the circumstances between the two. Erica came to this conclusion and proposed to unite.
- Most likely, his true goals do not take into account your own intentions.
- Will apply brute force ...? You have a terrible fantasy, not at all funny.
- Scared?
- Yes.
Leo nodded in response to Erica's provocative question, not even trying to pretend to be strong.
“Maybe because my friends may be drawn into my problems.”
- It will not happen.
Leo's answer did not surprise Eric. Instead, she indifferently rejected his concern.
- The adversary is a family that owns a large company with a high social status. When such people do something rude that does not correspond to their status, then later, when this is revealed, they can receive serious damage.
“And so you think that they will not use crude methods?”
- If it was on their territory, we could apply, but we are now in Japan. I am not saying that they will not be able to do this here, but the price for it will be too high.
- In the end, it all came down to counting money?
- The enemy is a businessman. It’s natural for him.
Oddly enough, but it seems that the crude logic of Erica convinced Leo.
- So, if he attacks, then "secretly so that no one knows about it"?
- For example, you can put to sleep and pick up.
Erica, who was still smiling sarcastically, paused and took a serious look.
“It is interesting if they still haven’t done anything, does this mean that they will begin to act only after we return home?” Perhaps they decided so, because now we are in the army.
“It seems so.” However. It is also likely that they want us to think so, lose their vigilance, and then they will attack.
Upon hearing Leo’s suggestion, Erica blinked several times.
- ... What is the matter with you, what a surprised face.
- Surprised ... I just did not expect that you could think of something like that.
- Well, you ...
In response to Erica’s harsh words, Leo was not angry, but rather softened.
“Ah, I'm not making a fool of you.” I'm seriously impressed.
- This is "making a fool"!
He also said these words not hot-tempered, but playfully.
- OK OK. In any case, there is some truth to what you said. From now on, let's not for a second lose our vigilance.
“Can't we do anything else?” It’s impossible for us to go on the attack ourselves, right?
“It's a pity, but it is so ...” Eric shrugged, expressing agreement with Leo.
◊ ◊ ◊
Ernst Rosen had his own plan, but he didn’t just calm down during the Nine Schools Tournament.
His surveillance was too intense, and he could not afford to act recklessly.
The intensity of surveillance increased on the morning of August 6. If you look at time, then the reason, obviously, was in his contact with Saizo Leonhart and Chiba Erika.
Ernst was forced to admit that he was naive in assessing the capabilities of Japanese intelligence services. Although this happened in a closed room and did not attract anyone's attention, they were quickly able to establish that Ernst was the cause of the problems.
At that time, he was checking the room and did not find any listening devices or hidden cameras. He could not understand how they could find out what was going on in a closed room. Therefore, he could not afford negligent actions.
But today, August 15, the Tournament of nine schools this year ends. He could no longer endure.
Erika and Leo's guess that Ernst would use force methods was true, but their assumption that he would avoid battles in the army was erroneous. Ernst decided to finish everything at the military base instead of moving the business to urban areas.
Rosen Magicraft was a manufacturer of magic equipment, but since its founding they have had a large bias in the production of ammunition and other goods for the military. The SSIMA Maximilian Devices were in the same position from this point of view. In Japan, the self-defense forces also had extensive connections, and, for example, the public security police in cities did not have similar powers. Therefore, it was possible to infiltrate the territory of the military base of self-defense forces using various data obtained from intelligence.
Ernst looked forward to it.
- Director.
Should one take the risk of hostile attitude of the Japanese authorities in order to get Saijo Leonhart?
When Ernst was lost in thought after breakfast, the same woman secretary who worked on Erica’s case came to him with a report.
- In the Japanese army, there were internal disagreements? Are you sure?
- Yes, director. There can be no mistake.
- I see ...
Perhaps this is a chance.
Ernst quickly scrolled that thought through his mind.
- Call Linda and Emma.
- Good.
Shortly after the secretary left, two young women appeared in front of Ernst.
Both looked about 20-25 years old. Both were about 170 centimeters tall and had slender, muscular figures. Eye color was also the same - brown. And even the hair was cut short equally and had the same silver light shade.
They did not look as much as the twins, but for strangers they looked very similar to each other. Most who saw them thought they were either twins or sisters close in age.
And this was not an erroneous proposition.
“Linda Warheight has arrived.”
“Emma Warheit has arrived.”
These two were not sisters born of the same mother, but we can say that they were sisters genetically.
Inside the Rosen company, they were called the Warburg Sisters.
They were improved people of the latest Burg Folge model. To create them, the eggs of the same woman and the sperm of the same man were taken. Fertilized eggs underwent genetic modification according to the same pattern. The fruits were grown in artificial uterus of the same type. And they were “born” with a difference of less than a month. They were the two most successful instances among the version of improved people, called "models of the third type."
Linda was “born” from an artificial uterus first, so she was an “older sister”, and Emma was a “younger”.
However, there was no sisterly love between them. In public, they called each other "Emma" and "sister", but that was just for the sake of sight. In fact, they considered each other only work partners and rivals.
- You two, today there will be one more task for you.
They were called from Germany under the pretext of protecting Ernst.
“Hm, or should I say that you are returning to your original work?”
But in fact, they arrived in Japan as part of a battle group in order to capture Saijo Leonhart.
- Finally, the time has come? - with hope in a voice asked Emma.
Because of its characteristics, Burg Folge was often used in security missions when important people were to be escorted. However, this time, as they were told, they were to participate in the operation to capture the same improved wizard as they were. Emma broke out loud her thoughts when she heard the words "original work" because she really hoped that in this mission she would finally be able to fully demonstrate all her abilities.
- Right. - Ernst’s answer met Emma’s expectations.
- You were able to get rid of the observation of the Japanese army?
Linda also could not hide the increase in morale from the upcoming battle with the first type of model ... more precisely, from the opportunity to prove that they, the third type of model, are better than the outdated model of the first type. The second type of Burg Folge was developed along the path of impairing the abilities of the "super soldier" (compared with the first type) in order to increase the stability of vitality. The third type was the latest version, combining good stability of vitality and good abilities of a super soldier, but when compared only in combat abilities, it was believed that he was inferior in this to the first type.
Leo was not a model of the first type as such, because it was mixed with the blood of unimproved people, moreover, not wizards. But the fact that he inherited the features of the first type was recognized not only by Ernst, but also by Rosen engineers. The Warburg sisters believed that if they defeated Leo, then the comparative assessment of the first and third types would be revised.
But even Linda, who was more prudent than Emma, found it difficult to simply observe the situation and to this day restrain her activities.
- In the Japanese army, internal disagreements arose. There is practically no chance that they will develop into a large-scale conflict, but they will encounter difficulties when they eliminate the consequences. During the Tournament of nine schools, we did not do anything suspicious. Therefore, I believe that immediately after the end of the competition, all the staff watching us will be sent to work with that conflict.
Most of what Ernst said was his guess, but Linda did not doubt his words. Of course, Emma too.
“Will we ignore surveillance sent by services other than the Japanese army?”
This question of Emma had no other meaning than to confirm.
- If you can get away from observing the army on the territory of a military base, then you can handle this too.
Linda and Emma, facing Ernst, sat up straight in the rack.
- Today, after the end of the competition, we will lure Saizo Leonhart to a deserted place. And you grab it.
- There is. - Linda answered Ernst's order in a calm tone.
- Permission to use Phantom Anzug (ghost costume) in this mission.
- I understand you! Emma answered with emotion on her face.
◊ ◊ ◊
August 15. The last day of the Nine Schools Tournament of 2096, 9:25 a.m.
Five minutes before the start of the morning competition, the female Cross with obstacles, Mikihiko appeared in the places allocated to the First School in the spectator stands.
- Ah, Yoshida-kun?
It seems that Mizuki was the first to notice Mikihiko, because she was sitting in her place, facing the entrance through which he entered.
“Good morning, Shibata-san.” Mikihiko said, stopping next to Mizuki. After that, he looked around the audience and sighed.
- Late I came ... there are no places at all.
As Mikihiko said, the entire audience platform of the First School was packed to capacity by students and school staff. If the First School in this competition does not lose too many points, then its overall victory will be decided. Therefore, many came to cheer for their school.
- Mikihiko, change?
On the opposite side of Mizuki and Erica, Leo turned to Mikihiko.
- No, everything is okay.
Shaking his head, Mikihiko stopped Leo standing up, and sat right on the step of the aisle.
Because of the bewildered Mizuki, Erika, who was sitting next to her, looked out and turned to Mikihiko.
- Mikey, why did you come to the spectator podium? Do players have the privilege of looking at monitors in a tent?
An ambiguous smile surfaced on Mikihiko's face, and he looked at Erica.
“It is, but it’s somehow inconvenient for me to be there.”
Erica knew about the shy nature of Mikihiko, so she did not ask why. The members of the Monolith Code team were high school students, and he was not particularly familiar with the second-graders, nor with the engineers of the team, with the exception of one person.
“Where's Tatsuya-kun?” - Asked Eric instead of the question "why."
- He returned to his room to rest after he had finished setting up for the female players.
Mizuki was very surprised at Mikihiko's answer.
- Uh, is everything okay with him?
“I think he was just tired.” This can be understood, because yesterday it was fully loaded, and today in the morning I already set up for five people. But he still has to answer for the daytime competition.
At Cross-Country, which starts at 2 p.m., Tatsuya will only be responsible for Mikihiko. The balance between morning and afternoon was broken, but this distribution was the result of the fact that he accepted the wishes of the female players who asked to become their engineer.
“This is Tatsuya, so everything will be alright if he skips this morning and rests.”
- In the afternoon he has only responsibility for Miki, this is not such a big load.
First, Leo, and then Eric was encouraged by Mikihiko, taking care of his condition as a player.
- Well, if that be so ...
Mikihiko gave an evasive answer. There was also an ambiguous smile on her face. Honestly, Mikihiko believed that, in extreme cases, he would be able to do the tune himself.
Not only Mikihiko could not take a seat on the chair. The start time was approaching, but the audience kept coming. The passage was so crowded with people that it looked like a crowd on the descent into the subway in the last century.
The clock on the large display, suspended on a zeppelin floating in the air, showed 9:29.
- Finally, the time has come.
Leo's eyes shone in anticipation.
- I wonder how this race will go.
“In truth, I don't know what to expect.” I don’t even know what obstacles await there.
Mikihiko shook his head, answering Erica's question.
The obstacle course was a competition introduced only this year. Initially, it was a competition that was present only in army training, and almost nothing was publicly told about it, so no one could even imagine what could happen there.
“I hope there is nothing dangerous there.” - Expressed her concern about the Mizuki race.
They sent there underage students, beginning wizards.
Despite the fact that their safety should be guaranteed, she could not get rid of anxiety.
In such a whirlpool of expectations and worries, the second hand on a clock hanging in the sky reached the top of the dial. And at the same time, forty-one starting pistols gave a signal to start the race.
5 minutes have passed since the start. At the moment, the participants are moving forward, mainly gathered in groups of schools.
- In 5 minutes 1 kilometer? Is it fast pace or not?
Leo answered Mikihiko's question.
- Despite the fact that they go through the forest, it is rather slow. Of course, for speed using magic.
- Speed - 12 kilometers per hour. It is possible without magic, but even just moving through an unknown forest is already a difficult task.
“There are still traps there, so this is no longer just a forest.” The players seemed to appreciate the situation well.
“In addition, their field of vision is worse than expected.” I think they have set for themselves the speed at which you can safely advance, and adhere to it.
Erica expressed her impressions of the race with a slightly different point of view from Mikihiko. Leo and Mikihiko nodded in agreement with her words.
- If there were no cameras there, then we would not know what was happening there ... No, it seems that the network of cameras has a lot of blind spots, and if an attacker lurks along the route, they might not notice him.
“Erica-chan, don't say such terrible things.” Mizuki said with a trembling voice in response to Erica's casual muttering.
- Sorry Sorry. - Erika apologized to Mizuki, realizing that her thoughts had suffered in the wrong steppe.
At the next moment, cries were heard here and there: "Ah!"
Reacting to the voice, they looked up at the display, and saw that he was showing Canon covered in a layer of dirt.
In addition, she plunged into the mud on her chest. It was not clear what she was thinking and what she was feeling, because she lowered her head in shame and her face was not visible.
Canon pulled both hands out of the mud. And the next moment, a puddle of mud exploded.
The display showed how Canon turned towards the finish line.
And the camera microphone caught her scream.
- ... Yes, you are kidding me! What kind of military training is this !? - She cried out from the heart.
However, First School students could not help laughing, despite their sympathetic faces.
Erica and Mizuki were no exception. Therefore, Erica’s dangerous assumption was forgotten before the competition ended.
◊ ◊ ◊
Cross-country obstacles, girls competition. The winner is Miyuki. The best achievements of other participants from the First school: Canon came second, Honoka fifth, and Shizuku sixth.
Competitions guys. The winner is Ichijo Masaki from the Third School. Results of participants from the First school: Mikihiko finished second, Hattori the third.
As a result, for the fourth year in a row, First School took the crown for a common victory.
Realizing that this year was again a difficult struggle, a group of representatives of the First School was engulfed in a festive atmosphere even before the celebration itself. Leo thought that not only players and engineers would celebrate the victory, but training partners like him and Eric, too, would be dragged there.
Leo had no dislike for the festive fun. On the contrary, he was one of those who like it.
However, he did not feel worthy of an invitation, because he believed that he had made not so much a contribution to the victory.
Perhaps he even envied the competitors who were given the opportunity to get on the "battlefield". Perhaps that is why he unconsciously limited himself so that this envy would not flare up in him.
The celebration, which was the privilege of the winning school, was held after the evening banquet in honor of the closing of the Tournament.
Leo slipped out of the hotel shortly before the start of the dance party.
He had one hobby that was not very suitable for him. More precisely, not a hobby, but a habit.
The habit of wandering around without a goal, just where your eyes look.
Not walking, not running, not noisy company, but quiet night walks.
As night time approached, he woke up to want to wander aimlessly through the streets.
Now there was a time that still could not be called late at night, but today Leo somehow felt a strong desire to leave earlier than usual.
In search of a deserted place, he went into the depths of the forest, drowning in darkness.
People associated with autonomous magical weapons, "parasite dolls," deliberately weakened their guard in an artificial forest, hoping that this would help eliminate evidence faster.
Leo, who did not know about this, thinking that he was lucky that no one had stopped him, went deep into the forest, which was used as a cross-country route with obstacles.
◊ ◊ ◊
Ernst was quickly informed that Leo had crept out of the hotel.
According to the action plan, he was going to lure Leo into a deserted place during the evening banquet, but for Ernst it was much more preferable that he himself separated from the crowd.
But it was not clear where he would go. In this case, you can not choose a place and organize preparations there.
Ernst gave the Warburg sisters orders to pursue Leo. Adding that they should grab him in a place where no one bothers them.
After ascertaining that Leo was heading into the artificial forest, the Warburg sisters headed for the Rosen Magicraft mobile laboratory.
To change into a Phantom Anzug (ghost costume).
Phantom Anzug is a high mobility equipment for infantry. From this point of view, he was the same as the Mobile Suit. The helmet was of a different shape, but other parts of the costume did not differ much in appearance.
Mobile Suit, playing the role of a kind of personal combat helicopter, and focusing on speed and range of movement, was used as a powerful striking force. And in Phantom Anzug, emphasis was placed on the effectiveness of anti-detection systems and jamming functions of sensors. It was supposed to be used in battles with an environment where there are many obstacles, for example, inside buildings or in forests, as well as in secretive missions of penetration and sabotage.
- Linda Warburg, Emma Warburg. Check out the functionality of Phantom Anzug.
To prevent hacker attacks, Phantom Anzug was designed to work autonomously. Wireless communication with the outside world was only in the form of voice communication. The tactical data transfer function was not provided.
At the direction of the mobile lab engineer, Linda and Emma launched a self-diagnostic function for the costumes worn on them.
- No problems were found for all functions.
“I have no problem either.”
Linda and Emma reported on the diagnostic results that were displayed on their helmet displays.
- Well. In that case, good luck in the battle.
After parting words of the engineer, a couple of girls left the mobile laboratory and advanced on their mission.
Linda and Emma activated the stealth function of their Phantom Anzug, slipped through the surveillance network of the military base, and entered the territory of the artificial forest in search of Leo.
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