Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 26 - Invasion - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

It was an unthinkable incident.

Early in the morning of Tuesday, June 18th, 2097.

In the base headquarters of the magic unit supervised by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Stars, located in the outskirts of Roswell, New Mexico, members of the Star class staged a revolt.

It was not just the rebellion of one of the members. The Stars are divided into twelve troops, each led by a Commander of the first-class.

Commanders of three of these twelve troops spearheaded the start of the rebellion.

Regardless of whether it could be called luck, only a few of the leaders participated in the rebellion. However, that does not mean the situation was trivial.

71 hours before Lina arrived at Tatsuya’s and Miyuki’s house.

At the Stars headquarters from where Lina escaped, the battle between her fellow Star class soldiers continued.

In addition to ordinary classes, the soldiers of Stars are divided according to their magical power: Star of the first-class, Star of the second-class, Constellation class, Planet class and Satellite class. The comrades, who are the strongest among those of the Star classes, were not training. They were fighting with magic seriously.

Those who tried to assassinate Lina – Commander of the 3rd Unit Captain Alexander Arcturus, 3rd Unit first-class Star First Lieutenant Jacob Regulus, Commander of the 4th Unit Captain Charlotte Vega and 4th Unit first-class Star Second Lieutenant Leila Deneb.

Those who assisted Lina in her escape – Commander of the 1st Unit Major Benjamin Canopus, 1st Unit second-class Star Second Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfak and 1st Unit second-class Star Second Lieutenant Ralph Algol.

From these, Mirfak gave Lina a ride on a pickup truck – an experimental vehicle – and is escaping from the base with her.

Canopus is fighting three people, Arcturus, Regulus and Vega, all by himself.

And Deneb, who chased Lina until just before she escaped, was knocked off the truck by Algol.

“Leila!”

After falling from the cargo bed of the pickup truck Lina was in, Deneb and Leila wrestled in their fall. Upon seeing this, Vega shouted. She had also rushed outside in pursuit of Lina shortly after she escaped from the experimental vehicle warehouse, but she could not ignore Canopus and stayed there.

“Major Canopus! Are you not aware of Major Sirius’ betrayal!?”

Canopus didn’t know whether Vega’s words were excuses for rebellion or if she truly believed them. Probably the latter, but he knew that was nothing more than his conjecture.

11th Unit Second Lieutenant Ariana Lee Shaula declared that the 3rd Unit, the 5th Unit and the star class members of the 11th Unit, excluding Shaula herself, were converted to parasites. She excels at protection against Mental Interference Magic. A part of it comes from her abnormally high ability to sense Pushion waves. As such, Canopus considers her guess to be reliable.

If what Shaula says is correct, Vega and Deneb of the 4th Unit are not affected by parasites. So, if the rebellion was caused by the initiative of parasites, it is very likely that Vega is being manipulated by fake information provided by those who were converted.

It is not a secret that Vega does not approve of Lina. Many members of the Stars understand that this is due to jealously.

Whether it is Vega’s influence, 4th Unit’s Second Lieutenant Deneb is also defiant towards Lina. Similarly, despite 4th Unit’s First Lieutenant Spica not sharing the same degree of blatant attitude as Vega and Deneb, it is not very hard to see that her real thoughts are similar.

Perhaps those emotions were being used.

Military personnel should not let their emotions lead their actions. Officers are trained to be good at controlling themselves at any time.

But people are weak when it comes to a cause.

Given a good reason, it’s easy to deceive oneself.

Oneself is not moved by emotions, but by following the cause.

One allows themselves such excuses.

Canopus is not just understanding it in his mind. Up until now, he has seen many such examples.

“The Head Commander would not betray the Stars! Captain Vega, your actions are nothing but mutiny!”

So, while replying to Vega, he indicated that her words would not persuade him.

Vega’s response was Weight-Type Magic ‘Double Press’. This magic generates two repulsive gravitational fields and simultaneously applies pressure from two directions. The most common usage is to generate the fields on opposite sides of the target, in order to flatten it.

Canopus used 2 Weight-Type Magics ‘Press‘ simultaneously, cancelling out Vega’s magic. The magic itself was not cancelled, but the definition of contradictory event modifications caused mutual breakdown of the magics.

“Wha...”

Sounds of surprise escaped from Vega’s mouth. Invalidation of the opponent’s magic by definition breakdown is a technique that is incorporated in the Stars training. Naturally, she should be aware of it. But to intentionally create a definition breakdown to gain an advantage over the opponent you have to either read their magic and wait until they create their own magic to release your magic at the appropriate coordinates, or make an accurate prediction of magic the opponent will use.

For the former, even if it’s not the same as Gram Dispersion, it has the same kind of difficulty.

The latter means the opponent’s, that is, Vega’s hand was being read.

Vega’s visible loss of composure was an opportunity for Canopus.

Turning towards Vega, Canopus closed the distance. He did not slash using ‘Molecular Divider‘, as his plan was to take her body’s freedom by showering her with an electric shock from close range.

But Canopus stopped his feet on the fourth step.

Unwillingly looking behind, he deployed a slanted ‘Mirror Shield‘ to his right rear.

His anti-high energy ray weapon shield repelled Regulus’ laser bullets.

The laser bullet Regulus shot grazed on his own face.

Cold sweat slowly spread on his back.

In a rush, Regulus – It would be a lie to say he was not becoming flustered – carried his armed device and moved.

Up until now, Regulus has not actively received any attack from Canopus. Is Canopus unable to find Regulus position, or is he putting priority in Vega and Arcturus?

It is Regulus who is attacking with a sniper.

But Regulus was also being pressured.

Due to the nature of Regulus’ specialty ‘Laser Sniping’, firing a shot will alert the opponent magician of his location. Immediately after the attack, there is a risk that the opposing magician will be able to discern his position if live ammunition is used, so compared to normal magic which can be used to attack from the opposing side of an obstacle where it can’t be seen, it can be said that it is lacking in its secrecy.

Regulus understands his specialty’s weakness very well. After every shot he took, he carried his rifle-shaped armed device and immediately ran away.

Use of magic for movement was kept to a minimum. Anyhow, in order to not be caught by the opponent – in this case, Canopus – he needed to change his shooting position by more than a certain amount of distance.

There is no doubt that it is worth doing to prevent any attacks other than counterattacks from Canopus.

But those counterattacks chase Regulus mentally.

For some time now, the laser bullets that returned from Canopus’ ‘Mirror Shield’ have often been grazing Regulus’ body.

It goes without saying that laser light is travelling at the speed of light. Naturally, the energy bullet returned is also travelling at the speed of light. The time lag between shooting and arrival of the reflected light is basically zero, so there is no time to block it by creating a reflection shield.

There are two main types of defensive shields against energy bullets.

The first blocks energy above a certain amount. This is the normal kind of defensive shield.

The other one reflects electromagnetic waves. ‘Mirror Shield’ belongs to this kind.

The latter is more effective against laser bullets. ‘Mirror Shield’ only reflects light from the outside, it does not block light coming out from the inside. Even with the shield deployed, attacks with ‘Laser Sniping’ will not be obstructed.

However, the aftermath of the event modification from generating a shield can be sensed. It’s like loudly announcing your location to your opponents. In that case it ceases to be ‘Sniping’ and simply becomes ‘long range attack’.

In theory, it is possible to block the returning energy bullets by deploying a ‘Mirror Shield’ just before shooting. There is an inevitable delay between the invocation of the ‘Laser Sniping’ magic and the shot. Therefore, there is no real harm in deploying ‘Mirror Shield’ and immediately after invoking ‘Laser Sniping’.

However, unfortunately, Regulus’ armed device was not prepared with this Activation Sequence. Without the Activation Sequence for ‘Mirror Shield’, it is impossible to deploy it instantaneously. After unification with a parasite the ability to control energy bullet magic has increased, but there is no such benefit when it comes to forming shield techniques.

If he was shooting Lina, there would also be no issue over not forming a shield against reflected light. Lina’s ‘Mirror Shield’ was set in such a way that regardless of the laser’s angle of incidence, the reflected light will hit the ground two meters in front of her to protect against damage caused by someone else’s stray bullet. This is a very advanced technique, but it is undeniably generous for a soldier as it doesn’t threaten the enemy.

and it nullifies all threat from opposing soldiers.

On the other hand, Canopus’ ‘Mirror Shield’ is set to reflect laser bullets by changing their direction by an angle of approximately 180 degrees. As it is not strictly 180 degrees, Regulus has avoided a direct hit so far, but there is no guarantee that his luck will last much longer. The angle of reflection is not strict because of ‘vibration’ involved in the definition of magic, and not because it is set for 178 or 179 degrees. If it were to be represented in mathematical terms, it would be ‘180 plus or minus 3 degrees’. When the calculation error becomes zero, the laser bullets will be returned straight to Regulus.

The fear of being shot by a laser you fired yourself.

Slowly but steadily, it cut down Regulus’ spirit.

About 200 meters away from the confrontation between Canopus and Vega in front of the experimental vehicle warehouse, 4th Unit’s Second Lieutenant Leila Deneb and 1st Unit’s Second Lieutenant Ralph Algol were engaging in a one-on-one fight. Deneb had jumped onto the vehicle Lina was in using Movement-Type Magic, but Algol, who was hiding in the cargo bed, fought her off and fell together with her.

Deneb and Algol stood up almost at the same time and began fighting without any discussion. Deneb thinks Algol is supporting ‘Sirius’ betrayal’ -- except for the ‘betrayal’ part, Deneb’s judgement is not incorrect -- and started slashing Algol, who was willing to fight back regardless of the relationships involved.

Deneb aimed a long barrel pistol in her right hand and pulled the trigger.

But it was already too late, Algol was not in her line of sight anymore. He instantly closed the 10-meter distance and held Deneb at knifepoint.

Algol brandished a large combat knife. The length of the single-edge blade was one foot (about 30cm). Unlike a survival knife, its thick back was not sawed. Its curved blade was attached to a long hilt, perhaps to catch the opponent’s knife and take it. It doesn’t seem to be a magician’s equipment, but a genuine fighter knife favored as a specialized weapon.

Deneb and Algol are the same type of battle magician.

Their specialty is the use of high-speed movement magic. And Deneb was already in conditions to invoke magic continuously to move herself.

This is an application of the flight magic developed by Taurus Silver. Flight magic is a technique that allows free flight by successively invoking Gravity-Type Magic invocations, each lasting less than one second. This was reapplied for the Stars’ movement magic.

Successive invocations of very short movement magics. Particularly, the destination is undefined unless consciously set and the movement magic is automatically cancelled without showing any effect, so the magic will move the body in a linear trajectory only there is intention to move. With this technique, the Stars solved the problem of the time lag in CAD operation hindering sudden movement that affected magicians engaged in close-quarters combat.

Therefore, Deneb, who has become able to use this technique to use movement magic at all times, thought she could evade Algol’s attacks. But Algol was able to catch the knuckle guard of the knife in her left hand.

Even if she retreated with movement magic, Algol was able to use the same technique in the next instant, catching up with her. She came to the conclusion that it would just repeat the same situation even if she avoided it. But more than that, Deneb’s mind was strongly dominated by militant feelings.

Deneb believed in Lina’s betrayal from the bottom of her heart. She strongly resented Lina and considered her breach of trust to dishonor the name ‘Sirius’.

The title ‘Sirius’ is the symbol of the military magicians of her home country, USNA. The betrayal of the ‘Sirius’ is a dishonor to the pride of magicians of the USNA army. Deneb’s righteous indignation - though a misunderstanding - was driven by such feelings.

Deneb aimed the gun on her right hand towards Algol.

Algol’s left hand rose and, with an underhand grip on his knife’s blade and hilt, he caught the pistol Deneb was holding. The long hilt that curves forward is not usually seen on a combat knife. It is similar to a main-gauche [1]  or a Sai [2] .

Algol twisted the knife that tightly secured Deneb’s pistol.

Deneb released her hand from the grip before her wrist was crushed.

Deneb retreated several meters before the pistol fell on the ground.

As he saw the situation unfold, Algol talked in a strange voice.

“What is that!”

“Hyahahahahahahaa! This knife can be used like this too!”

This knife with long hilt was custom-made for the purpose of catching enemy specialized weapons. Even in this sense it was similar to a main-gauche. Algol’s eccentric fixation towards knifes became clear.

“You Ripper!” [3]

“Hyaahaahaahaahaa! Things like guns and knives are so foolish!”

Algol’s body vanished, leaving behind an afterimage. In the next instant, he appeared to the side of Deneb.

Algol, holding his knife with a reverse grip, slashed diagonally.

Deneb’s right hand was empty. As such, she tried to stop Algol’s slashing attack with the knife on her left hand.

Algol’s left hand subtly changed its trajectory.

He striked Deneb’s knife’s blade with his own knife on purpose.

Then he slid his knife down, creating a situation where the knifes are locked.

Algol pointed the tip of the knife towards the left side of Deneb’s abdomen, which was practically defenseless.

In Deneb’s face, the influence of impatience and fear was reflected.

Canopus had no time to thoroughly observe the battles of his subordinates. Even if he understood the situation, providing backup was impossible.

Right now, the battle was evenly matched. But it is a one-on-three battle, the numerical disadvantage is undeniable.

Vega’s gravity magic was cancelled by using the same kind of magic.

Regulus’ ‘Laser Sniping’ was reflected by ‘Mirror Shield’.

Arcturus’ ‘Dancing Blades’ was intercepted by ‘Molecular Divider’

The fierce battle against the three members of the first-class Stars continued.

This was a hard fight, even for someone of Canopus’ caliber.

If this was a real war, he may not have had any trouble until now.

If Canopus was serious, he would have already killed Vega.

Although Commanders are equal in rank, Major Canopus outclasses Captain Vega in terms of ability. It is rumored that since the previous ‘Sirius’, there was nobody stronger than Canopus at close-quarters land combat. As such, Vega had no chance in a direct confrontation where both parties could see each other. Indeed, while against Lina it could not be seen, Vega’s face now occasionally displayed the color of impatience.

Regulus too was an opponent that Canopus could not ignore, but he was not a substantial threat. Regulus’ ‘Laser Sniping’ has the structural disadvantage in that it requires about a second between invocation and the shot.

This shouldn’t be the only card on Regulus’ hand, but for some reason he hasn’t been using any magic other than ‘Laser Sniping’. As long as Regulus limits the range of magic he uses by himself, Canopus has the ability to confront him and Vega at the same time without difficulty.

Even with both Regulus and Vega and the inability to fight for real, this battle would have ended in Canopus’ victory in a short time. Even with the two of them, there was no doubt.

But Arcturus was a formidable opponent.

Commander of the 3rd Unit of the Stars, Captain Alexander Arcturus. A battle magician who is learning mainstream modern magic at Stars as well as the Ancient Magic of the indigenes of the North American continent - Spirit Magic - both at a high level. Though parasite assimilation has made him unable to use Spirit Magic, being able to pull out the power of the parasite to its full extent was a more than adequate substitute.

Canopus repelled Regulus’ laser bullets and urgently rushed to Vega.

But a rush of wind from his side forced Canopus to step back.

It was Arcturus’ ‘Wind Hammer’.

Its killing power is low. Though the purpose of the magic is to disturb an opponent’s balance, Canopus had to move back more than 5 meters in order to dodge the localized gust of wind travelling at 60 meters per second in a 2-meter-wide diameter.

After Canopus’ retreat, stone arrowheads flew towards him. Not arrows. Just the arrowheads. Pointy, sharpened and properly shaped obsidian arrowheads from ‘Dancing Blades’.

Normally, ‘Dancing Blades’ uses knife-shaped weapons integrated with the CAD. Reason is that there is certainty that it can be done in one action from magic invocation to launch.

But that doesn’t mean ‘Dancing Blades’ must use special weapon devices. The entity that invokes the magic is the magician, not the CAD. This is a principle that doesn’t change regardless of the magic.

To begin with, ‘Dancing Blades’ is a magic that manipulates the flight trajectory of a throwing weapon, the weapon itself can be anything. It doesn’t even have to necessarily be an edged tool. At its extreme, even rocks at the roadside can be ‘bullets’ for ‘Dancing Blades’.

Four arrowheads attacked simultaneously from different trajectories. All of them were shot down by ‘Molecular Divider’ extending from Canopus’ katana-like armed device.

The obsidian arrowheads, split into two pieces, fell on the ground. The defined shape of the objects used in ‘Dancing Blades’ was modified, causing the forced termination of the magic due to definition breakdown.

But Arcturus’ attack did not end. Because of Arcturus unleashing out magic in rapid succession, Canopus is unable to discern his hiding place.

The wind blew, and bird feathers danced. The feathers of the bald eagle - though just an imitation. Feather-shaped darts, made of synthetic fibers and titanium needles. Super fine, high strength fibers that can cut not just human skin but also leather protection, depending on their speed.

Dozens of feathers rode the wind and started to attack Canopus. Arcturus’ specialties are Spirit Magic and Movement-Type Magic. He is especially proficient at techniques that manipulate airflow. The feathers are not being manipulated by herd control, they just fly with the air current.

‘Molecular Divider’ is not able to interfere with gas. Given that each feather is being controlled by the wind, knocking them down with an armed device is meaningless.

Canopus fought by using the magic ‘Blast’ to explode the compressed atmosphere. Protecting himself from the blast using an anti-fluid shield, Canopus rushed to Vega once again.

Regulus was observing Canopus from just behind him.

He can’t overcome the three-on-one disadvantage because his attacks look forced? Such guesses came to Regulus’ mind.

A large scrapped car that had been setup up for training danced in the air.

It was Vega’s gravity control magic.

Canopus knocked it down with Weight-Type Magic. Even while running, Canopus shows no disturbance in his CAD operation. Still, he turned around to be fully conscious of the large vehicle flying towards him.

Regulus made a decision.

Armed with his rifle-shaped integrated CAD, he pulled the trigger.

From reading the Activation Sequence until the magic was invoked, 0.2 seconds elapsed. Even for a specialized CAD this was quite fast.

From the start, Regulus was an expert in ‘Laser Sniping’, and the technique’s power and speed were further amplified by the specialized CAD’s performance. Magic invocation speed improved even further under the influence of the parasite.

However, amplification of laser bullets is a physical and mechanical process that cannot be sped up. The time can be shortened by generating a higher energy laser beam from the start, which is possible if you increase the event interference with parasites.

But to achieve this, Regulus’ armed device has to be remodeled to use higher energy. Or maybe create a new armed device altogether.

It has been only three days since Regulus became a parasite. It was not possible to upgrade the armed device in just three days.

Nevertheless, Vega has taken Canopus’ attention now, Regulus will not be counterattacked by a delayed attack. That was his prediction.

But, exactly before the laser bullet was about to be fired.

Canopus’ retreating figure vanished from Regulus’ scope.

He did not become transparent.

The silhouette of a person was replaced with the appearance of a cut landscape.

It was being projected in the hangar where Regulus was hiding.

A laser bullet was fired.

It is impossible to deal with energy bullets returning at the speed of light by looking at them.

Inverted 180 degrees, the accurately reflected energy bullet destroyed Regulus’ armed device, and burning fragments crushed his right eye.

Loudly screaming, Regulus retired from the battle.

(First one.)

Canopus muttered to himself upon hearing Regulus’ screams.

He did not specifically mean to set Regulus up for a trap. He wanted to get close to Vega to neutralize her without causing serious injuries, but he didn’t want to be on guard for Regulus’ counterattacks. Canopus just didn’t narrow his field of vision like Regulus expected him to.

But with this the battle will certainly become easier. Put simply, without Regulus’ magic, it went from a one-on-three to a one-on-two, a big difference.

Immediately after he pondered this, two cries of pain striked Canopus’ eardrum.

He turned his eyes towards the direction the voice came from. At the same time, he retreated and increased his distance to Vega. This action for the sake of guaranteeing safety was an unconscious choice.

There, Algol was sticking his knife into Deneb’s side.

That’s excessive, Canopus harshly reprimanded Algol in his mind.

But Deneb was not the only one who staggered and collapsed. Algol’s body also leaned forward and fell. Even from a distance it was evident that he was not attacking, as it looked like he was pushing down.

From Canopus’ position it was not possible to see that Algol’s back is covered in blood. No, perhaps if he were to look closely, he would understand, but while in this situation where he is on alert for enemy attacks, he could not spare the time.

But he understood that Algol had been attacked by a new enemy.

Because that enemy was now aiming at him.

The gravitational field of the thin, sharp, spear-like deformed ‘Molecular Divider’ extended towards Canopus.

He used the same magic to clear away the gravitational field.

(Lieutenant Spica!)

Even before visual confirmation of the opponent who released the magic, he knew the identity of the caster.

Among the Stars, there is only one user of this modified version of ‘Molecular Divider’, ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’.

Stars’ 4th Unit’s first-class Star, First Lieutenant Zoe Spica.

Directly in Canopus’ line of sight, a woman who, despite being early in the morning, was properly dressed in the summer uniform, stretched her right arm straight ahead to point at Canopus.

A straight, metallic nail was attached to the tip of her extended index finger. It was a Japanese anki [4]  similar to a ‘cat’s paw’ [5] , which acted as the sights for ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’.

A thin and sharp gravitational field of molecular destruction once again extended towards Canopus. As an exchange for narrowing the attack, the medium range of the ‘Molecular Divider’ was extended.

For a second time, Canopus cut off Vega’s spear, who used a gravitational field to keep him from retaliating with his katana.

No, to say that ‘Molecular Divider’ cut off the ‘Gravity Control-Type Magic’ would be misleading. Gravity Control is magic that modifies a property of space called distortion degree. ‘Molecular Divider’ too modifies this property of space. Both magics collapsed, as the event modifications ‘Modify only the gravitational field of normal space’ and ‘Modify only the electromagnetic properties of normal space’ collided.

At that moment, Canopus’ ‘Molecular Divider’ was also in an interrupted state.

Arcturus’ tomahawk closed in.

Canopus jumped sideways with all his strength while reactivating ‘Molecular Divider’.

The Tomahawk cut apart Canopus’ afterimage.

The tomahawk started turning around in mid-air and attacked Canopus who stood up after rolling on the dry ground of the practice field.

This attack cannot possibly be ‘Dancing Blades’. ‘Dancing Blades’ is a magic that pre-programs the flight trajectory of the thrown weapons, it should be unable to remotely control the specialized weapon.

Using Spirit Magic, a kind of divine state was created during which ‘thoughts’ were put into the weapon, and through this new path ‘Dancing Blades’ was overwritten. This was an ability unique to Arcturus, who is both a Modern Magician and an Ancient Magician.

This does not circumvent the requirement of higher interference power to overwrite the different magic definition. There is a limit of five times for the creation of new trajectories. However, the trajectories created are not straight lines nor parabolas, the ‘Dancing Blades’ can ascend, descend, and turn at will. By throwing them once, even if trajectory is only changed three times instead of five, most enemies will not escape.

Because of Arcturus’ parasitization, he is unable to use Spirit Magic. However, just because he lost the ability to access ‘spirits’ defined as independent Information Bodies, that doesn’t mean that Ancient Magic techniques are also lost. Rather, the assimilation of the parasite has improved his Ancient Magic abilities that don’t use independent information bodies.

Canopus intercepted the attacking tomahawk by slashing while standing on his knee.

Regardless of the speed, a swing has no strength in this position. The blade was not even raised. It was more like wielding a stick than a katana.

Nevertheless, the tomahawk magically reinforced by Arcturus’ thoughts was split in half by Canopus’ slash.

It was not cut by the katana-like blade. The purpose of Canopus’ armed device was not to slash with a steel blade. The blade is a simple guiding tool, the magical sword is the one responsible for cutting. If the intermolecular binding inversion force field is formed correctly, there will be no harm even if the blade’s inclination is slightly off.

Split into two, the tomahawk stopped flying and fell to the ground.

Even if thought is put into the weapon with this divine state, it is the same as a normal armed device in that the magic will fail if the defined shape is lost.

Arcturus’ pursuit came to an end. Since ‘Dancing Blades’ requires the use of tangible objects, the number of ‘bullets’ that can be prepared in advance is limited. Arcturus was ‘out of bullets’.

Canopus has not yet been able to find where Arcturus is hiding. But Arcturus’ temporary cease fire was an opportunity to erase the enemy’s combat power.

Currently, the opponents Canopus sees are both Vega and Spica.

Relentless slaughter is the nature of Spica’s ‘Molecular Divider - Javelin’, but it is not difficult to deal with if you are aware of the technique’s nature, since it shows no effect beyond the narrow line it is pointed at.

Canopus decided to disable Vega first, as she is the more troublesome opponent.

He released diversion magic towards Spica, then slashed Vega with ‘Molecular Divider’, or pretended to, releasing ionized air bullets instead.

Vega, who was cautious of the ‘Molecular Divider’, was unprepared to receive the direct blow from the plasma bullets. Canopus didn’t raise the density of the plasma much to avoid fatal wounds, but it was still enough power to paralyze the whole body temporarily.

Vega fell on her back. Maybe she hasn’t completely fainted, but it doesn’t look like she has freedom in her limbs.

Canopus looks back to Spica. He was going to settle things with Spica to bring it to a one-on-one.

But in Canopus line of sight was not only Spica’s slender silhouette but also Arcturus’ thick body.

“Major Canopus, I want you to stop resisting.”

The silhouette of new people entered his vision.

Second Lieutenant Ian Bellatrix and Second Lieutenant Samuel Alnilam.

The two members of the Stars’ 6th Unit who had parasitized in the micro-black hole experiment a few days before were dragging an unconscious and badly wounded Algol by both his arms.

Spica’s eyes were wide open. To her, reinforcements were unexpected.

“...Is that a hostage?”

While addressing Arcturus, Canopus’ tone did not conceal his disgust.

“I secured Second Lieutenant Shaula not long ago.”

Without answering Canopus’ question, Arcturus played his cards.

“Major Canopus. Your goal was to let Major Sirius escape. This goal has been achieved. Do you not think extending this fight and increasing injuries is meaningless?”

“It is you who started this senseless rebellion.”

To Canopus’ accusation, Arcturus responded with silence.

This kind of logic does not work against parasitized opponents, but Canopus also knew that from the start.

Canopus dropped his katana-like armed device.

“...surrender.”

“I guarantee your physical safety.”

“Only the body?”

To Canopus’ ironic remark,

“I do not intend to make you a comrade.”

Arcturus replied, showing no interest in his countenance.

Contrary to his expectations, Canopus was not accompanied to a solitary confinement cell, but to the private room used by a senior officer from another department whenever they visited the base.

Of course weapons, including the armed device, were taken, but it seems like breaking out isn’t too hard. Right now, it can be said that CADs are an indispensable tool for a user of modern magic, but it’s not absolutely essential for the use of magic. Even if there are ways to make using magic more difficult, general techniques that make magic completely unusable still haven’t been developed. Canopus also heard discussions about the potential to obstruct other people’s magic invocations using special Mental Interference Type techniques, but at least no members of the Stars can use magic like this.

But Canopus did not leave the room let alone escape. Food was not taken to him for many hours, so until evening arrived he only had the mineral water that was in the provisions refrigerator.

It was past 21:00 when he was summoned by a messenger.

He came to the Commander’s room and stood between Second Lieutenant Bellatrix and Second Lieutenant Alnilam.

In front of the Commander’s desk there was one chair.

Arcturus and Vega were seated in a similar chair near one wall, and Major Capella of the 5th Unit sat near the wall on the other side with a stern expression.

“Major Canopus, take a sit.”

Following Base Commander Walker’s words, Canopus saluted and sat on the chair in front of the desk.

“Now. Major Canopus, you assisted in Second Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfak’s desertion, and are suspected of inflicting injuries.”

Feelings of surprise were shown on Canopus’ face.

Walker expected this reaction.

“Concerning Major Sirius’ trip, official military documents are being prepared. As expected, Colonel Balance really is great.”

In other words, it appears that there is no chance Lina will be blamed for the crime.

The feelings of surprised disappeared from Canopus’ face, returning to his poker face.

“I think you too are aware of the higher-up’s split opinion regarding Japan’s Strategic-Class magician, Shiba Tatsuya.”

“I am aware of it.”

To eliminate Tatsuya as a threat, or to use this threat and incorporate it into USNA’s global strategy? The higher-ups of the USNA army held both of these opinions in equal numbers. The assassination faction roughly matches those who consider Japan as a competitor in the western Pacific Ocean, and the use faction almost overlaps with those who consider the alliance with Japan and Japan’s influence as a gateway to expand in the Pacific and obstruct the Great Union and the New Soviet Union.

“But you should be able to understand that the Strategic-Class Magic is excessively powerful and that it is impossible to use.”

“......”

Canopus could only respond to Walker’s speech with silence.

Walker scowled lightly and immediately returned to his original administrative expression and continued the speech.

“I also think Shiba Tatsuya should be eliminated. Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega also share this opinion.”

“Commander, there are serious concerns regarding their health.”

Arcturus himself responded to Canopus’ indirect complaint.

“Major Canopus. It is correct that this body has been promoted to a parasite, but our loyalty towards our country has not changed. That spirit will always be my core.”

On the other side of Arcturus, Capella visibly displayed a grimace.

“Regarding the treatment of Captain Arcturus, it is currently under consideration.”

Walker did not listen to Canopus’ warning.

At this point, Canopus was convinced that Walker is under the parasite’s mental interference. Thought suggestion, and not mind interference that turns one into a puppet. By paralyzing his reasoning, the person is encouraged to embrace their original desires and sense of danger, Walker fell into a daze, and was tricked into being controlled exactly as one wants without realizing he is being manipulated. - Such was Canopus guess.

“Major. It seems you can’t approve the assassination of Shiba Tatsuya.”

“Even if hostility is inevitable, measures like assassination is something we shouldn’t do.”

“...Such lip service is unacceptable in this world, I think you know that well?”

“I must deny that this is a case of lip service.”

Canopus didn’t deny the dirty means themselves. There are things that can’t be resolved in accordance following official stances.

To that extent, Canopus knew from experience without being told.

But brakes are necessary. If you pamper yourself by limitlessly applying the excuse “necessary”, the army will immediately degenerate into a mere violent group. This was also Canopus’ self-admonishment.

“...Major Canopus. Do you want a deal?”

Walker gave up on persuading Canopus and changed the topic.

“A plea bargain?”

“Exactly.”

Canopus’ interrogation was a lifeline [6]  to avoid an illegal bargain. But with Walker’s quick declaration, Canopus’ tension was unconsciously relaxed.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Walker set the pace of the deal.

“If it becomes a court-martial, the General Staff Headquarters will intervene. This is inevitable given the special circumstances of our force. If a trial is started with Major’s current state of affairs, the courtroom will be a place for arguments between the Shiba Tatsuya elimination and use factions, and it will certainly amplify the antagonism from both sides. It is concerning that this may have a serious negative effect on army operations.”

Canopus spoke no differing opinion than that of Walker’s conjecture.

The situation is certainly likely to develop. But the possibility that the conflict will lead to army malfunction is extremely low. The higher-ups are not that foolish.

Usually, Canopus would have offered a rebuttal. But once the superior officer took hold of the initiative, even if you know they are insane, it was hard to present opposing opinions.

“If you confess to the accidental injury of Second Lieutenant Regulus, Second Lieutenant Mirfak will be deemed as missing in action rather than a deserter. Second Lieutenant Algol and Second Lieutenant Shaula will also get a reduced punishment.”

“—Exactly what kind of punishment is this?”

Canopus had already understood any protest would have no effect.

“Imprisonment for one year.”

A prison sentence is quite heavy for a plea bargain. But taking into consideration the fact that he is nothing but a nuisance to the parasites, Canopus thought using the imprisonment to physically distance himself from them might be convenient.

“Also, the duration of the punishment will be processed as an infiltration mission. Your military record will not be stained, and we will give consideration for your family’s worries as well”

“...I understand. But I have two more conditions.”

“Name them, we will try to respond to them as much as possible.”

Walker’s stance was unexpectedly soft. Is the subconscious resisting the thought suggestion, or is he recognizing Canopus’ value as a military asset to try to avoid communication breakdown?

Both were likely stories.

“I want my prison sentence to be carried out in Midway Prison.”

“...Is that okay?”

Walker examined Canopus’ expression looking for his true intentions. The military prison on Midway Atoll was extremely unpopular and isolated from society – in other words, it was a place for the imprisonment of felons.

“Is that not more convenient for the Commander as well?

You’ll live without worrying about a nuisance such as myself, Canopus spoke with irony.

Walker’s face scowled for a moment, but he immediately erased the displeasure from his face.

“I understand. We’ll take care of the arrangements. And what is the other condition?”

“Please give Second Lieutenant Algol and Second Lieutenant Shaula identical measures.”

“Will they protect Midway’s military prison as well?”

“They’re being given sentences as well, aren’t they?”

Canopus was completely unfazed by Walker’s tasteless remark.

“—The deal is settled. Major Capella will escort you to Midway.”

Erasing his facial expression, Walker announced.

Seating close to the wall, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega displayed satisfied smiles. On the other side, Major Capella showed his displeasure from start to end.

The imprisonment of Canopus, Algol and Shaula was officially decided the following day.

Many people in the Pentagon expressed suspicion at the strangely quickly process.

But people who contested the decision, including Colonel Balance, did not exist.