Directly ahead of the front entrance, assault rifles and magic were exchanging fire.
The attacking mobile forces all had East Asian faces. They wore high collared tunics and lanky cargo pants of varying colors, much like the terrorists who invaded the conference hall. They were equipped with normal assault rifles and high powered rifles to handle Magicians.
The ones who engaged the mobile forces were professional Magicians employed by the Magic Association.
However, given the fact that the front entrance was breached, the situation was not in their favor.
The mobile forces originally had the numerical advantage and now had anti-Magician armament, which was why several combat Magicians, who were typically a target that infantry with normal load outs could not approach, were lying wounded on the ground.
Advancing forward, Tatsuya stopped in the shaded areas near the main entrance. Behind him, Miyuki also came to a halt. Yet behind them, the next two people following them were full of vigor and about to charge forward.
"Halt! Those are high powered bullets used against Magicians!"
He shouted at Erika as she was about to pass by him,
"Oof!"
And forcibly dragged Leo back by the collar.
"......How merciless, Tatsuya."
"But thanks to you, I'm still breathing."
A beat later, the other four people arrived. Mikihiko seemed appreciative of Tatsuya's violent gesture and even a little envious while Shizuku replied in her usual bland tone. Tatsuya was quite thankful for his friends that remained calm even under these conditions, but before a wry smile made its way across his face, he turned his eyes towards his sister.
"Miyuki, silence the guns."
Hearing Tatsuya's words, all of his friends revealed a "Hm?" expression of shock.
"As you command. But Onii-sama, in order to handle so many people......"
For some reason, Miyuki's reply contained a degree of embarrassment that was utterly alien to this situation.
Exactly what was the cause of her embarrassment, this new enigma caused everyone to tilt their heads.
"I understand."
Tatsuya's next gesture immediately solved this riddle.
Miyuki gently wrapped her right-hand fingers around Tatsuya's outstretched left hand.
No matter what angle one looked it, that embarrassed expression should not be something a sister wore when facing her brother.
But before anyone could raise the question, Miyuki's expression turned solemn, an expression befitting a Magician.
Her left hand moved in a natural manner difficult to detect and gripped the CAD.
Tatsuya slowly raised his right hand parallel to the ground and pointed to the mobile forces from his hiding spot.
The next instant, Miyuki's magic activated.
It was a magic that could freeze fire.
Oscillation Speed-Type Wide Area Magic "Freeze Flame".
"Freeze Flame" was a wide area conceptual magic that prevented anything from burning.
This magic could suppress the temperature of targets within a certain threshold.
At the end of the day, firearms rely on gunpowder — in other words, burning gunpowder to create the force necessary to propel the bullet. The detonation that ignited the gunpowder was also a type of burning. Generally, the concept was that burning a target would raise the temperature, but if the flammable object could be prevented from heating up, then ignition would become impossible. Thus, firearms that have been subjected to "Freeze Flame", regardless of whether they were guns or cannons would be silenced so long as they relied on gunpowder or explosives.
There were roughly 30 men left in the guerrilla unit.
Miyuki's upper limit for mass targeting was approximately 16.
She set 30 odd assault rifles as the target for two volleys of "Freeze Flame".
Before ascertaining the result, Tatsuya had already charged from where he hid behind the doorway.
In a flash, he was already in the mobile forces' formation and waving both hands with a magic edge.
The terrifying image of someone chopping through human flesh with their bare hands was all the more shocking because the magic being used remained a mystery. Thus, in comparison to their allies being shot, this scene terrorized the enemy even more.
Despite their difficult situation owing to the inoperable rifles, the mobile forces initially still acted decisively and drew blades to engage, but their morale was completely crushed by the time the fifth person had been cut down.
They watched Tatsuya with the same eyes they would use on a monster.
He rejected long range magic attacks and intentionally opted for close quarters combat magic with its degree of risk not only to avoid letting his friends discover the truth behind his magic, but also to sow panic among his enemies.
Being seen as the devil incarnate was precisely what Tatsuya wanted.
On the flank of the irregular force whose morale was in tatters, a silver wind flew across with a speed that the eye could barely follow.
Everywhere the wind passed over, blood and flesh flew as an enemy trooper died on the spot.
The kodachi, nay, based on its length the weapon should be a wakizashi.
The true image of the chilling silver wind was this short sword.
Swapping her usual Weaponized Integrated CAD in the shape of a police baton for a wakizashi without the guard, Erika activated personal Speed-Type Magic and took aim at the mobile force's jugular.
She, like Tatsuya, was not someone who hesitated when taking the life of an enemy. For her, this wasn't the first time. And besides that, someone like her who wielded a weapon designed to take life and trained in techniques to do so, she knew the dangers brought on by hesitation. Under the condition that the enemy seeks your life, any hesitation towards returning the favor in kind would be arrogant and foolish in the extreme. Erika was an ardent believer in this.
Mikihiko also shared similar sentiments. Nurtured in a family whose values system over the generations considered magic to be a weapon, he had no delusions about the original purpose and usage of magic.
"Tatsuya, Erika!"
Hearing Mikihiko's voice from behind, both of them quickly sprang aside.
What came from behind was the true wind.
Sharp razor winds mercilessly tore through and eviscerated the soldiers' skin.
After leaving the remnants of the enemy for the Magicians on duty to handle, Tatsuya and Erika returned to their companions for now.
"There was no opportunity to do anything......"
Tatsuya patted the gloomy Leo on the back in encouragement (to which Leo sullenly crouched), raised a thumbs up at Mikihiko before smiling slightly towards Honoka and Mizuki, who were plainly trying to resist their urge to retch and whose eyes bore traces of fear.
"My apologies. This may be a little too extreme for you guys, Honoka."
"—No, it's OK."
Honoka firmly nodded her head, which was probably her affection at work.
Regardless of the reason, keeping her composure deserved top marks.
Fear or avoidance could wait until they have extricated themselves from this situation, those were Tatsuya's true feelings.
"Mizuki?"
"Ah...... I'm fine as well."
Miyuki's soft question caused Mizuki's originally stiff expression to break into a smile. She was a smart girl. She fully understood that this wasn't a normal situation.
"Speaking of which, Erika, how did you bring that kind of weapon here? I don't think that length can fit in a bag, can it?"
Nonetheless, scenes of death were not something that a person could immediately adjust to and the subsequent shock would not fade immediately.
He intentionally changed the topic to an unimportant one to give the two of them time to settle down.
"Hm, I don't think that's enough?"
Afterwards, using a more amicable tone than usual to reply, Erika also seemed to have caught on to Tatsuya's intentions.
"And how about this......?"
"Ho, seriously......."
The expressive sigh that sprouted from Tatsuya's lips was no act.
Somewhere along the way, Honoka and Mizuki had their eyes drawn there, and even Miyuki, Shizuku, and Mikihiko widened their eyes.
Still, there was a little mechanism worthy of such astonishment.
Erika pressed the power button on the hilt and the thin, razor sharp blade shrank into a round baton.
"Cool, eh? This is the memory blade that the police plan to put into the field starting next year."
"Now that you mention it, the Chiba Family also makes close combat weapons......"
"Strictly speaking, that's the chief source of income."
Although this wasn't a hilarious exchange, their light and swift interchange was sufficient to allow Mizuki and the others to recover themselves.
"......So, what's the next step?"
Leo had also learned to read the mood.
They weren't going to make it, he hinted with his words as he asked Tatsuya for further instructions.
"We require additional information. Erika said there appears to be a major incident in process that far surpasses our expectations. Aimless action may be like sinking into the quagmire."
—They needed to obtain necessary intel from the Magic Association.
The main and side branches for the Magic Association had secret lines reserved for the Ten Master Clans and Tatsuya held the authority to directly access the Yotsuba Family line. Once linked to that line, even top secret information from Joint Chiefs was at his disposal.
If Tatsuya was alone, he would be able to reach the Kantou branch of the Magic Association in the Bay Hills Tower in approximately ten minutes despite the fighting in the streets. He wasn't engaged in high speed running exercises every morning for nothing.
However, Miyuki would be unable to keep up with Tatsuya's pace without roller skates or Flying-Type Magic. Leo, Erika, and Mikihiko might be capable, but one look at Honoka, Shizuku, and Mizuki told him that this was beyond them.
"How about the VIP conference room?"
As Tatsuya subconsciously creased his eyebrows, Shizuku made this proposal as she pointed at the building they just exited.
"The VIP conference room?"
Tatsuya didn't know of such a facility. He knew of the VIP waiting room, but this shouldn't be a slip of words. Also, the room Tatsuya had in mind was a mere waiting room and only possessed a standard phone line.
"Yeah. That's the room reserved for cabinet members and financial group leaders, so a lot of information can be accessed there."
"There's actually such a room?"
"That's because this conference room isn't open to the public."
"......It's amazing that you would know about it."
Erika's comment was wholly admiration, to which Shizuku bashfully replied with a hint of delight.
"I know the ID key and access codes as well."
"Incredible......"
"Uncle really spoils Shizuku."
Honoka's interjection caused Tatsuya to nod his head as if to say "that makes sense". That particular father would definitely do that.
Given that this is a room for "Kitayama Ushio", they would definitely be able to tap into the police and coast guard's communications.
"Shizuku, please lead the way."
Hearing Tatsuya's words, Shizuku nodded vigorously, which for her was a rarely seen overreaction.
After using Shizuku's access code to enter the VIP conference room and examining the police map data on the monitors, they found that the entire shore was flagged as red and dangerous. In addition, the red danger zones were rapidly expanding in land.
The enemy's numbers remained unknown. Still, based on their invading pace, they had undoubtedly invested a significant amount of troops. There were several hundred at the bare minimum, Tatsuya estimated, probably company strength around 600 to 800 men. The situation was deteriorating far beyond initial estimations, causing Tatsuya to crease his brows again.
"What the heck is this!"
"That's going too far."
"So many people...... How did this happen?"
Owing to his friends' exaggerated reactions, his dark visage did not attract any attention.
"Onii-sama......"
Although he wasn't conspicuous, there was no way Miyuki would remain oblivious. His mental waves would directly cause his sister to waver because their hearts were connected as one.
Repeatedly caressing his sister's head as her eyes shimmered with unease, Tatsuya turned to his friends.
"I think everyone understands the situation without going into the details and the situation is dire. If we waste too much time here, we will be captured before the JSDF arrives. That being said, escape will not be an easy prospect. At least going by land won't be with all traffic system offline."
"In other words, we go by sea?"
Tatsuya shook his head at Leo's question.
"That would be a slim hope. The mobilized ships are likely unable to accommodate all the evacuees."
"So we head to the shelter?"
Tatsuya nodded at Mikihiko's proposal, but he didn't appear to be very confident.
"That's probably more practical...... The infrastructure is fairly sturdy, but that won't help if the building itself is destroyed."
"So, let's take the underground tunnel."
Although Erika urged him onward as if she wanted to rush out the door, Tatsuya replied back with "please wait".
"No, don't go underground. Go above."
"Eh, why? ......Ah, that's why."
Seeing Erika comprehend the reason why before any explanation was necessary, Tatsuya couldn't help but think "As expected of a famous family skilled in combat magic".
Still, his "please wait" referred to more than that.
"Also, can you give me a little time?"
"That's not a problem...... But what for?"
Seeing Tatsuya ask for further delay despite knowing better than anyone that every second was precious, Honoka tilted her head and asked for the reason. While this question was built on the prerequisite that "Yes" was the answer, this was her way of expressing her emotions to Tatsuya.
"I want to delete the data on the demonstration devices."
"Ah, yes. That might also be one of the enemy's goals."
Everyone nodded at Mikihiko's added note.
"Shiba, Yoshida."
Tatsuya and Mikihiko led the group along the way from the elevator to the back stage and were called to a stop by a heavy voice that came from the abdomen.
Tatsuya and Mikihiko only knew one person who could speak with such a vigorous voice.
"Juumonji-senpai."
Turning their heads, they found Juumonji Katsuto advancing with Hattori and Sawaki following him. All three wore Kevlar with light bulletproof plates. The fact that Katsuto, with his powerful magic barrier ability, was wearing personal body armor was sufficient to drive home how dire the situation was.
"Everyone else is together. Did you guys not evacuate in time?"
In other words, they should "quickly evacuate".
"Just in case, we are going to delete the data on the demonstration devices to prevent theft. In regards to everyone else, I think moving as one group is preferable to splitting up."
In order to hide the fact that they literally hacked into a secret conference room, Tatsuya hesitated briefly over how to explain his companions before going with that white lie. (The first half was true.)
"But the other students have already gone into the underground tunnel."
That was Hattori's comment.
"What's wrong with the underground tunnel?"
Deftly noting the subtle change when Tatsuya creased his eyebrows, Sawaki immediately asked.
"I can't say that it's wrong...... But the underground tunnel doesn't lead directly to the shelter so there is a possibility they will run into other organizations. Possibly."
"You mean there's a chance they will walk into a fight!?"
Before Tatsuya could finish, Hattori immediately exploded with a question. No, although phrased as a question, in reality he already reached an answer.
"Freedom of movement will be restricted in the underground tunnel. Unable to hide or flee, the chance of being forced into a head-on confrontation definitely exists. Thus I opted to advance above ground."
Katsuto's decision was swift.
"Hattori, Sawaki, go after Nakajou now."
"Yes."
"Got it."
Seeing the two of them sprint off, Katsuto glanced at Tatsuya. There was a hint of a reprimand in that look.
"Shiba, when compared to your cunning, it appears that your actions are a little too cautious."
Of course, Tatsuya got the drift of what Katsuto was driving at. Still, he didn't just frankly accept it either. At any rate, he made no rebuttal.
"No need to say anything else. Let's move."
"Understood."
This time, Katsuto was following Tatsuya.
Acknowledging the need in Tatsuya's aim, Katsuto chose to assist in this endeavour. This was something Tatsuya comprehended without a word being spoken.
"What are you people doing!?"
Returning to the backstage with the demonstration devices, Tatsuya's opening comment completely set himself aside. Here, not only Suzune and Isori failed to evacuate and were crowded around the device, but there was also Mayumi, Mari, Kanon, Kirihara, and Sayaka nearby standing on guard.
"Data deletion."
What they were doing was plainly obvious. The real question Tatsuya wanted to ask was "why are you still here". Tatsuya had no response for Suzune's literal answer.
"Saegusa, you guys didn't evacuate?"
"Rin-chan and Isori-kun are both doing their best, how can we just leave them and flee first?"
Katsuto verbalized Tatsuya's thoughts but was also rendered speechless by that perfectly natural response.
"We'll handle this one. We'll leave the one in the resting area to you, Shiba-kun."
"If you can, please destroy the models left behind by the other schools as well."
"After finishing here we'll also head for the resting area. We'll decide our next step there."
After receiving Isori, Kanon, and Mari's request (order?), Tatsuya and Katsuto turned around.
By the time Tatsuya finished combing the resting areas of the other schools with Miyuki accompanying him and returned (he didn't bring anyone else because he didn't want other people to see him decompose the data specifics, leaving behind an empty storage device), Suzune and the others had finished their work in the backstage and have already returned to the resting area.
"Welcome back. That was fast."
"And the result?"
"All data on the remaining devices has been destroyed."
In regards to the question from the engaged couple, Isori and Kanon, Tatsuya replied in this manner.
"Eh...... How did you do that?"
Though this was the expected result, astonishment was unavoidable. Seeing Kanon wear this expression as she pressed her next question, Tatsuya replied simply.
"That's a secret."
"Kanon, you cannot inquire about other Magicians' spell work. That is against the rules, remember?"
The one who spoke up was none other than Isori.
Kanon was plainly unwilling to drop the issue, but still obediently backed down.
"So, now we have to decide what to do next."
After saying this, Mari looked towards Mayumi.
"There is only one hostile vessel invading the harbor. Currently, no other enemy vessels have been discovered in Tokyo Bay. Although the enemy numbers on land have yet to be identified, the enemy has a stranglehold on the entire shoreline. Land-based communications are practically completely disabled, another thing we have to thank the mobile forces for."
"What is their goal?"
Mayumi and Mari exchanged a glance at Isori's question.
"Right now, we can only guess......"
Mayumi was the one who answered.
"By targeting Yokohama for their attack, they must be aiming for the sole possible target in Yokohama. Strictly speaking, Kyoto is the same."
"The side branch of the Magic Association."
Kanon interjected before she could finish.
"To be precise, the target is the main Magic Association database. Since all major data is compiled in Kyoto and Yokohama, we also have to take into consideration that many specialists and scholars are gathered here for the Thesis Competition."
Mayumi chuckled wryly at Kanon's anxious attitude and added a few pointers of her own.
"When does the rescue ship arrive?"
In response to Mari's question or more like what she wanted to verify, Mayumi's answer was not very positive.
"The coast guard's cargo ship needs another ten minutes to arrive. However, based on the number of people that gathered and need to be evacuated, the ship will not have sufficient capacity to carry them all."
Mayumi's information was on par with the details that Tatsuya and company received upstairs. In other words, there would definitely be people unable to evacuate.
"Nakajou-san and the others who headed for the shelter unfortunately made Shiba-kun's fears a reality. They ran into mobile forces en route and have been bogged down. However, since the enemy numbers are quite few, they should be able to run them off after not too long according to Nakajou-san's last transmission."
After Mayumi, Suzune continued to speak.
"The situation is as everyone heard. While we don't know how much room is left at the shelter, we're going to be too late for the boat. In that case, I believe we can only head for the shelter. What does everyone else think?"
Mayumi, Mari, Suzune.
Isori, Kanon, Sayaka.
Tatsuya, Miyuki, Erika, Leo, Mikihiko, Mizuki, Honoka, Shizuku.
There were the above 14 people here.
Katsuto had taken Kirihara, who originally stayed to protect Suzune, and went to verify if anyone else hadn't escaped in time.
The three Year 3 students kept their mouths shut.
Probably because they wanted to hear their underclassmen's thoughts.
That being said, their thoughts were all in accord with Mari.
"......I also agree with Mari-nee's opinion."
The Year 2 students like Kanon probably thought they didn't have any other choice.
All the Year 1 students turned their eyes towards Tatsuya.
With Mari's interrogative eyes on him, his eyes...... were watching an entirely different direction.
Faster than the eye could follow, he raised a silver CAD.
"Onii-sama!?" "Tatsuya-kun!?"
As if in response to Miyuki and Mayumi's questions, Tatsuya aimed at the wall and pulled the trigger.
Tatsuya never forgot for a single moment that there were many witnesses present.
However, there was no time to ensure secrecy at this point.
It was pure coincidence that he was able to notice this.
Maybe this was the instincts that Yakumo honed in him talking. Yakumo repeatedly taught Tatsuya not to overly rely on "Elemental Sight" and that looked to pay dividends now.
Engulfed in a powerful sense of danger, Tatsuya extended his "sight" beyond the wall to read the signal that a large physical object was barreling down on them.
If Katsuto was present, the outcome might be different.
If enemy soldiers rushed in, he could leave it to Mayumi or Mari.
Time permitting, he could also let Miyuki handle it.
Yet, in this instant, only Tatsuya's magic was able to handle the incoming large armored truck.
Height 4 meters, width 3 meters, total weight 30 tons.
Enlarging the scope another level to accommodate the uniform rise of the street and placing the entire large truck with armor plating in his targeting hairs, Tatsuya activated Decomposition Magic "Mist Dispersal".
In a flash, the large truck faded into dust.
The driver was ejected from the suddenly vanishing driver's seat and rolled straight forward to collide into the wall.
Thanks to inertia, the remnants of metallic and resin dust hitting the wall of the conference center were all that remained of that large truck's passage.
A few minor lacerations were found on the outside of the wall, but internally, no damage was incurred.
Yet, the world was not so convenient that no one detected what just happened.
"......Just now, what......?"
Mayumi's terrified question caused Tatsuya to want to cluck his tongue. Mayumi seemed to have noticed what just happened exactly like he worried she would.
Along his line of sight, she must have used Sensory-Type Magic "Multi Scope" to look beyond the wall. However, fortunately — this was only deferring the question — there was no need to answer that question.
Mayumi's expanding vision caused her face to turn pale for another reason.
Also expanding his sight, Tatsuya grasped the reason why.
Looks like the people remaining in the conference hall have been identified by the enemy as dangerous personnel, Tatsuya thought.
Since the soldiers invading the conference hall had been captured and the battle at the entrance turned into a rout, the objective shifted from capture to eradication.
Part of his consciousness was coldly analyzing the situation as if he had no part in it while the remaining energy was channeled towards magic that could meet a rain of guided missiles.
Nevertheless, this time there was no need for Tatsuya to do anything.
The wall of the room they were standing in was covered by multiple layers of magic barriers.
Before the missiles could hit the wall, sonic waves fired from the flank detonated all the missiles en route.
"Sorry for the wait."
Hearing a sudden voice from the outside, both Tatsuya and Mayumi reined in their sight to the range of the naked eye.
As if waiting for this cue — although he really wanted to believe she had better character than that — a woman entered the waiting room.
"Eh? Eh? This can't be. Kyouko-nee?"
"Long time no see, Mayumi."
Suddenly appearing, Fujibayashi smiled and greeted Mayumi like an old friend.
Katsuto ran into a rain of missiles because he detected the presence of powerful magic at the place.
Magicians could detect the usage of magic based on reactions to changes in phenomena.
Yet, this magic almost engendered no reaction whatsoever.
Despite this, Katsuto clearly understood that the "world" underwent massive change.
Not using the five senses to read the "meaning" was not a skill unique to Tatsuya.
Katsuto used magic to manipulate space, so he was exceptionally sensitive to changes in spatial distribution.
Distribution of matter was one of the core elements to basic spatial manipulation.
Katsuto was able to use his senses and the changes in spatial distribution to grasp physical movement and changes.
Through those senses, Katsuto detected that a massive physical object, though not as large as a building but sufficient to be gigantic by human standards, had vanished in an instant.
Katsuto had never encountered such a change in phenomenon on such a scale with this degree of stability.
Rather than being threatened by this feeling, curiosity prompted Katsuto to halt searching for people who hadn't fled and leaped towards the scene where matter dissipated.
Seeing that massive body, it was hard to imagine that he was also very adept in high speed Move-Type Magic. Leaving Kirihara behind at the original location, he slid through the sky through his leap and arrived at the outer wall of the resting area thanks to his momentum.
Was this fortunate or unfortunate?
For Mayumi and Mari, this was definitely fortunate.
As to what Katsuto thought himself, there was no way to know without asking him.
Just as he arrived Katsuto was subjected to a warm welcome from the guided missiles.
Katsuto's response was almost pure reflex.
He instantaneously erected several physical barriers that were impermeable to air particles and could handle temperatures exceeding 20000 degrees.
The shock waves from the missiles that mysteriously detonated in mid air didn't even scratch the outer walls covered by Katsuto's barrier.
Katsuto looked in the direction where the shock waves that detonated the missiles came from.
There was an army captain standing on an open top military car carrying something that looked like a missile launcher.
"Super Sonic Launcher...... Are you from 101?"
Katsuto called out towards the military vehicle headed his way. (Although it seemed a little odd, he was still a high school student, so he addressed the adult in a respectful tone.)
The car must be equipped with a fusion mechanical system and slid soundlessly forward until the captain descended with a picturesque smile and saluted Katsuto.
"JSDF 101 Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, Captain, Sanada Shigeru. As expected of the heir of the Juumonji Family, you do know about us. Please excuse my rudeness."
Katsuto's brow twitched.
Such a simple reaction was exemplary mental fortitude for an 18 year old young man.
"Excuse me. I think both sides have much to discuss."
"......I should be the one apologizing."
"A thousand apologies. Then, my lord heir of the Juumonji Family, let's go inside."
Sanada said as he headed for the conference hall.
Katsuto had no idea what the man needed from him, but since this soldier knew about the hidden family situation surrounding the Juumonji Family, he was not someone Katsuto could let his guard down around.
The two men advanced one after another into the nearest entrance of the conference hall.
Fujibayashi did not come alone.
Behind her figure decked out in combat fatigues (she was not wearing a dress and brand name shoes but long pants and boots), another man in his prime wearing the uniform of the JSDF with a major's pins came in.
This major came before the bemused Tatsuya, who stood there stiffly, and came to a halt with his hands behind his back.
"Special Lieutenant, your information classification has been temporarily disabled."
Standing by his side, Fujibayashi spoke to Tatsuya.
Confusion vanished from Tatsuya's face as he came to attention and saluted the man in front of him.
At that pose, everyone besides Miyuki, including the recently entered Katsuto, could only gape in shock.
The soldier returned Tatsuya's salute, saw Katsuto's figure, and walked towards him.
"I am JSDF Major Kazama Harunobu. I apologize for being unable to reveal my unit."
Sanada already reported their unit designation earlier, so Kazama only said this because he was aware that Mayumi and Erika might hear this.
"So you must be that Major Kazama. I am the Juumonji Family's representative to the Master Clan Conference, Juumonji Katsuto."
In response to Kazama's self introduction, Katsuto also revealed the name known throughout the world of Magicians.
Kazama saluted and turned to place both Katsuto and Tatsuya into his line of sight.
"Fujibayashi, please explain to everyone the current situation."
"Yes, sir. Currently, our forces stationed at Tsuchiya are engaging the enemy invaders. Also, we have battalions advancing from Tsurumi and Fujisawa. The Kantou branch of the Magic Association has also formed volunteers to aid in the defense."
"Thank you. Then, Special Lieutenant."
After issuing a concise thank you to Fujibayashi, Kazama called out "Special Lieutenant" as he turned to Tatsuya.
"We have just received orders. Owing to special circumstances, our unit that was originally advancing to Tsuchiya are also to aid in the defensive effort. Under special assignment regulations of the JSDF, you are also mobilized."
Mayumi and Mari both opened their mouths but Kazama silenced them both with a look.
"The JSDF requests and requires that everyone here keep the Special Lieutenant's position confidential. This is a classified secret concerning national defense, so please understand."
Compared to the severe words and solemn tone, the strength of that gaze was sufficient to cause Mayumi, Mari, and Kanon to abandon all resistance.
"Special Lieutenant, the Mobile Suit you designed has already been prepared on the trailer. Let's hurry."
Tatsuya nodded at Sanada's words and briefly turned to his friends.
"My apologies, but it's just as you heard. Everyone head to the shelter with the senpais."
"Special Lieutenant, my squad and I will provide protection for everyone here."
Fujibayashi added in her two cents to Tatsuya as he bowed his head to his friends.
Although their numbers were few, Tatsuya was deeply appreciative that she was able to delegate precious assets for his friends and to the major for doing his utmost to accommodate him.
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
"Understood. Do your best out there, Special Lieutenant."
Saluting Fujibayashi, Tatsuya followed Kazama outside.
Setting aside the peers he apologized to, Tatsuya didn't mention anything about the upperclassmen. Maybe it was because they could read the atmosphere or simply out of shock, but no one called out to Tatsuya regardless of whether they were his peers or upperclassmen.
"Onii-sama, please hold."
However, his sister Miyuki called out to him, a myriad of emotions warring across her face.
Reading the inquisitive look from Tatsuya, Kazama nodded and left first.
Miyuki stood before Tatsuya and stretched her hands out towards his face.
Her aim was not to detain him.
Miyuki knew about his standing and duties just as well as Tatsuya himself.
What Miyuki feared most was to get in Tatsuya's way.
Currently, there was an objective that Miyuki sought to accomplish.
She did not possess the authority to do so.
Yet Miyuki opted to bear the full responsibility on her own discretion. She already made up her mind to remove her brother's shackles.
Tatsuya read that determination from his sister's eyes.
Greeting his sister's upraised gaze, Tatsuya's expression was bewildered, understanding and grateful as he nodded before falling to one knee before Miyuki. —Just as a knight bows before his princess.
Miyuki held that face in both hands and lifted her brother's face, whose eyes were closed, towards herself.
Miyuki bent at the waist.
And bestowed upon her brother's forehead,
A deep kiss.
After his sister's lips departed, the hands pressed against his face fell away and Tatsuya bowed his head once more.
Transformation descended immediately.
A violent array of photons, enough to sear the eyes, burst from Tatsuya's body.
These were no photons, but psions wrapped in physical light.
Tatsuya opened his eyes and rose to his feet.
Staggeringly active psions coursed around him.
The conqueror has come, armored by the storms and commanding lightning.
Although that violent array of light retracted, the voluminous psions still swirled calmly around him.
Anyone would have lurched one or two steps away from Tatsuya, but Miyuki only smiled benignly, lifted her dress and dropped into a deep curtsey.
"May you conquer all before you."
"I'm off."
With his sister's emotional eyes watching him, Tatsuya stepped onto the Yokohama streets that had been transformed into a battlefield and went off to war.
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