This chapter is updated by Novels.pl
It was 10 P.M. by the ti Tatsuya and Miyuki arrived ho after their dinner with Katsuto, Mayumi, and Masaki.
Although it wasnt a particularly late hour for a high schooler, Minami was still awake to welco them.
Welco back.
Minami wore her maid uniform to greet Tatsuya and Miyuki at the front door.
Were back. Did any news co in?
Minami hesitated for a mont at Tatsuyas query.
There were no calls from the Main House, Kuroba-sama, or Tsukuba- sama.
Tatsuya was waiting for them to contact him about the results of the investigation on the magician that he had tracked down. However, there was a hint of another matter from Minamis tone.
Ill listen to you in the living room.
Understood.
Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami entered the living room. Tatsuya and Miyuki sat down on the sofa while Minami stood to deliver the news of the event that transpired while they were gone
There was an ergency ssage from First High.
Ergency ssage?
Yes, Miyuki-sama. Although the contents are not very pressing, it had to be sent before the end of the day so it was marked as urgent.
So, whats the announcent?
The school will be closed until Saturday, the 23rd, although the closure might be extended.
Once Tatsuyas query was answered, the siblings were visibly surprised. Thats quite sudden.
After the incident at Second High, such an incident took place here today. Its understandable for the school to take these asures.
Tatsuya felt the sa as Miyuki. So, he made up a sowhat plausible reason and settled on that.
I see Still, this is troubleso.
Miyuki put her hand on her cheek and sighed softly.
How so?
At Tatsuya's inquiry, Miyuki subtly averted her gaze in a slightly embarrassed manner.
Due to the riot that happened after school, I headed back ho directly from the police station and left so personal items in my school locker.
Tatsuya had judged based on Miyukis expression that the personal item was sothing that she didnt want anyone else to see.
Shall we get it tomorrow then?
Miyuki looked at Tatsuya with a surprised expression.
But, Onii-sama, isnt the school going to be closed?
Its just to get so personal items. If we really cant get in, it should be fine for us to leave it then, right?
Miyuki didnt say `it isnt sothing that important. I see.
Miyuki was undeniably concerned. However, she decided to take Tatsuyas offer to accompany her instead.
Tatsuya didnt go out again that night. He knew where the remote attack that used SBs originated from. Going to the scene was an option, but Tatsuya decided to use another thod.
Miyuki, do you have so ti?
As the hour approached midnight, when it was ti to go to sleep, Tatsuya knocked on Miyukis door.
Ah, yes. Please wait a mont.
He received a flustered response from the other side of the door. He sensed soone moving around in a hurried manner, and Miyuki showed her face before long.
Please co in, Onii-sama.
Miyuki was slightly flushed. Probably because she found her attire, which was just a housecoat over her negligee, to be embarrassing. However, she hadnt closed the front of her housecoat. It wasnt because she didnt have the ti.
Tatsuya candidly walked into the room with Miyukis invitation, even though she was only in her nightclothes.
Please take a seat wherever youd like.
No, Im fine here.
However, Tatsuya stopped just inside the entrance and didnt move further inside.
Onii-sama?
Miyuki, I know this will sound strange, but
Yes?
Miyuki tilted her head at Tatsuyas unexpectedly roundabout way of talking.
Can you wake up early tomorrow?
Why was he struggling so much to say just that? While wondering about that, Miyuki naturally answered, Yes.
Yes, I dont mind. But at what ti exactly would you like
to wake up?
Tatsuyas answer went beyond her expectations.
Id like you to co to the underground laboratory around 4:00 AM.
Thats pretty early.
Ah, Im sorry
No, I dont mind at all!
Due to her surprise, she unintentionally gave a straightforward response to Tatsuya, but she imdiately took back her words that could be taken as dissatisfaction. Since she was worried about appearing as if she was unhappy with Tatsuya, she spoke louder than necessary.
I see.
Tatsuya was slightly surprised at her excited reply, but his expression soon returned to one that concealed his hesitation.
Onii-sama, theres sothing else you want to talk about, right? Please, go ahead.
As she moved closer and questioned him, all she could think about was how she didnt want to make Tatsuya hate her.
Her untied housecoat fluttered open, and the swell of her bare breasts were visible to Tatsuya through her negligee.
Tatsuya raised his line of sight so that he wouldn't be able to see anything below Miyukis shoulders, and answered her question while enduring his discomfort.
Before coming to the laboratory, please take a bath. Even a shower would be fine, but please cleanse your body before coming.
Okay.
Miyuki answered in a shrill voice. However, she didnt notice since she was worried that Tatsuya might hear her pounding heartbeat.
As for your attire, please wear a housecoat over your underwear, no, swimsuit.
Miyuki was so shocked, she felt as though her heart would explode.
Yes. I-Is it for tuning a CAD?
Since it was the laboratory, she knew that it could be the only reason. However, she asked him that on purpose to suppress her excitent.
No, not for that.
Tatsuya looked away while saying that. His behavior astonished Miyuki.
That brother of hers was actually being shy!?
Ill tell you what well be doing then. Im sorry, but Im counting on you.
Tatsuya said that rapidly while diverting his eyes as he left Miyukis room.
As soon as the door closed, Miyuki sank weakly to the floor. Her hands felt hot against her cheeks.
While strongly thinking to herself, I must wake up by 3:00 AM, she scolded her weak legs and headed to bed. Although she felt that going to sleep was impossible, she told herself that it would be outrageous to show up looking awful due to the lack of sleep, and forced herself to sleep.
She might have passed out from overthinking, but this was better compared to being unable to sleep due to her excitent.
Regardless of the fact that she had only slept for three hours, Miyuki woke up at 3:00 A.M. She washed her body conscientiously and put on fresh underwear. Over it, she wore a housecoat with the belt tied. After all, Tatsuya did tell her to wear a swimsuit, but she had a feeling that underwear would be more appropriate for this situation.
She brushed her hair many tis in front of the dressing table. Despite the fact that Miyukis hair never got entangled and it was enough to comb it only once, she brushed through it plenty.
The costics caught her eyes, but she decided not to use any makeup. This was because she thought that Tatsuya didnt want it on her. She also used a shampoo that will leave no fragrance, and she didnt want to put on any adornnts. This was how Miyuki interpreted Tatsuyas statent, I want you to cleanse your body.
Miyuki headed for the laboratory in the basent before 4:00 AM. It was the room where they first tested the flying device.
Its Miyuki.
Please enter.
Miyuki took one deep breath and opened the laboratory door. Miyuki unintentionally stopped, but entered the room soon after and closed the door.
Her surprise at Tatsuyas appearance stopped her in her tracks. Tatsuya wore nothing but a tight half-pants type bathing trunks.
Even though there was heating in the hallway, it felt even warr inside. For sure, the temperature had been adjusted so that it wasnt cold with just swimsuits alone.
Miyuki hesitated for a mont.
She loosened her belt, then let her housecoat slip to the floor.
Now, it was Tatsuyas turn to hold his breath. He had thought Miyuki would be wearing a swimsuit that was similar to a one-piece design that barely showed any skin under the housecoat.
But in reality
Miyuki was wearing a set of white underwear that was made of mostly lace. Most of her skin was visible through the fabric.
If the color had been red or black, the design would have provoked strong sexual appeal. However, white underwear gave off an elegant impression. Of course, the atmosphere that Miyuki herself created must have had a big impact too. In addition to what she had on her body.
Onii-sama?
Miyuki, whose cheeks were blushed in embarrassnt
upon close inspection, it was not only the area around her eyes and cheeks, but also everything from her neck to her breasts had turned slightly flushed
she diverted her gaze slightly downwards as she spoke to Tatsuya.
Please, tell
what you want
to do
For example, even if she was commanded take off your underwear, Miyuki would not defy it. Her voice indicated her readiness.
Before we get to the main point, listen to
for a bit.
Of course.
Tatsuya started talking to Miyuki while they stood about two ters apart, facing each other.
As you know, my eyes cant see the future. I do not have the convenient ability to automatically select what I want to know in the unconscious area and project it into consciousness. The law of causality dictates that I have to select everything consciously. Otherwise, it would be crazy to expect to get to the information I am looking for.
I think that it is an amazing ability, being able to reliably get the information youre consciously looking for.
Tatsuya didnt show humbleness at Miyukis praise.
Certainly, but it takes ti to filter information like this. Selecting information consciously is more reliable than unconsciously. Furthermore, at the rate that I have to follow the genealogical tree of cause and effect for this clairvoyance, it is certain that we will need more resources in the future.
Do you an magical resources?
Attention, concentration, perseverance, multi-layered cognitive capability these are not only related to magic. It is not inconvenient to lump them together with magic-related resources. In fact, that would make it easier for a person to understand.
OK, I will understand it as such.
As she was drawn into Tatsuyas story, it didnt take long until Miyuki stopped averting her gaze.
After a nod to Miyuki, who looked at him with enthusiasm, Tatsuya continued his explanation.
Now well move on to discussing the not so well-known details. Lets start with the current mission. I saw the target Gu Jie in Zama. Thereafter, no ties could be connected to Gu Jie, even without new cause and effect relations. Using only the information directly related to Gu Jie himself, we should be able to locate him. Even still, we need to gather sufficient resources.
Are your magic-related resources insufficient? Is there any way I can assist you?
No, if I pour all my resources into it I can find a specific individual using special structure information within the country. It wouldnt even need 100% of it. I think that allocating 70% of my resources to Elental Sight is sufficient.
While hearing that, Miyuki knitted her eyebrows suspiciously. But within 5 seconds, she opened her eyes with a startled expression.
So you cant find him as you cant allocate enough hyper-perception resources. Is this because you are spending those resources as my guardian!?
Tatsuya nodded with a bitter expression.
I am always allocating half of my Elental Sight resources for you.
However far she is away, Tatsuyas magic removes threats towards Miyuki.
He is capable of such a thing because Tatsuya always sees Miyuki.
Always ans twenty-four hours a day without exaggeration. However, he is watching her with his unconscious sight while sleeping. He continues to see and check if a crisis is approaching Miyuki.
Tatsuya is confident that he will wake up imdiately, however deep his sleep may be.
No, that has nothing to do with confidence. It is a system that works with 100% reliability.
Because of that, what is normally possible can sotis not be done because of a shortage of resources. This was the case right now.
Onii-sama, please release the resources you set aside for
right now! I am here. There is no reason to watch
with Elental Sight now!
It was only natural for her character that Miyuki said this. Tatsuya was saying that he was unable to complete his mission because of her. Even if it was soone other than Miyuki, they would insist on the sa thing.
I cannot do that.
Tatsuya shook his head.
Why? There are no enemies here. This room is in the basent and surrounded by thick walls. Its a place difficult to penetrate from the outside, even with magic. For example, even if we are attacked with magic, because of the large quantity of sensors installed for experints you will imdiately notice that. I think you know that even better than , Onii-sama.
Your reasoning is correct.
Bashfully
Miyuki stared at Tatsuya who seed to be embarrassed with question marks in her eyes while waiting for him to continue.
That is correct but I cant do that because of emotional issues that I have.
Miyuki stopped breathing. The question marks floating in her eyes turned entirely into exclamation marks.
Miyuki. I am anxious to take my eyes off you. Even if my eyes leave you for one hundredth of a second, I am thinking about everything I could possibly not see about you that makes
crazy.
Onii-sama
Miyuki forces herself to breathe. She barely managed to say that one word.
Tatsuya has only one genuine emotion left. The love for his little sister Miyuki. Miyuki also knows this from hearing it from their mother.
But it is the first ti Tatsuya himself told Miyuki that he loves her so strongly that its making him crazy.
I understand the logic. You're right next to , so even if I were to take my "eyes" off you, I would notice right away if sothing happened. Moreover, you are not so weak that you would be injured just because I took my eyes off you for a second or two. It's different from that ti in Okinawa. I understand that as well.
Tatsuya averted his eyes from Miyuki and sighed in a self-mocking manner.
However, even if I agree with your reasoning, my emotions are not convinced. If I leave Gu Jie alone, things like today will happen again. As a result, I know that the risk of you being exposed to violence will increase. To resolve this situation I understand that I should concentrate my Elental Sight ability on Gu Jie. This is where my emotions get in the way.
Tatsuya pointed to his heart with the thumb of his right hand and shook his head as if he found himself to be in a pitiful state.
I feel like I learned for the first ti that emotions are such a troubleso thing.
Miyuki rushed over to unburden Tatsuya by wrapping his right hand and squeezing it.
Is there anything I can do for you?
Tatsuya made eye contact with Miyuki.
Tatsuya looks deep into Miyukis eyes. Yes. Miyuki, please lend
a hand.
Yes, anything you want!
This ti Miyuki completely forgot her sha temporarily. Because of this mood, Tatsuya was a little embarrassed.
I asked myself why I cant take my eyes from you and found one answer.
While he was questioned by Miyukis look, Tatsuya suppressed his bashfulness and voiced his conclusion.
What frightens
is probably the fact that I cannot feel certain that you are safe.
But Onii-sama. Miyuki is right here.
Miyuki could not understand why Tatsuya said that he couldn't feel certain about it, even though he could see that she was right in front of him.
The naked eye can only see light and shadow.
But there is no other way. What is it that Tatsuya was looking at with his eyes? There is nobody besides Tatsuya who knew the answer to that.
If you usually see with nothing but the naked eye, only seeing light and shadow would be enough to relieve the anxiety. However, this is a problem because I always look at you with my different eyes.
The information that can be read by Tatsuyas hyper-perception far exceeds the signals that can be acquired through the five senses. Tatsuya is constantly observing Miyuki with that hyper-perception, his Spirit Eyes. Compared to other people, objects, and landscapes Miyuki is an existence with a by far deeper and overwhelming substance, that for Tatsuya cant be perceived just by the five senses.
It might be an exaggeration to say that Tatsuya saw people other than Miyuki as shadow figures on a cave wall, but maybe he felt that they were like superficial images.
By only watching with the naked eye I dont have the feeling that you are safe. This is obstructing the release of the resources.
Tatsuya lays his left hand on Miyukis hands that are squeezing his right hand.
Therefore, Miyuki. Let
feel relieved.
Miyuki, entranced by Tatsuyas look, was unaware she was nodding.
Tatsuya was sitting just in his swim wear with his legs crossed in the middle of the laboratory. It was neither the full-lotus position, nor the half-lotus position. It was just a relaxed seating position.
No, saying just would be an understatent. Miyuki was wearing only a bra and panties decorated with lace, so she turned her back to Tatsuyas body and had sat down on his crossed legs.
Tatsuya wrapped his arms around Miyukis body. He held her left hand with his right and her right hand with his left. As if the position was made to declare I will never let you go.
Miyukis body was tensed and she was looking down. Her skin, not only the face but her whole body, was slightly red up to the tips of the toes. She is not bright red like a ripe tomato because her excitent and tension were keeping a miraculous balance. To all appearances, it looked like it was bad for her health.
Miyuki.
Tatsuya spoke into Miyukis ear. The heat of his breath tickled her earlobe.
Please relax a bit more.
Contrary to Tatsuyas words, Miyuki put more strength in her hands held by him.
T-Thats impossible!
Miyuki replied in a strangled whisper. She couldn't scream because she was having trouble breathing properly.
The hands holding hers were big and manly.
The arms passed by her body were tightened firmly and strong.
From Tatsuyas chest, that was glued to her back, the body heat of a person that is both an older brother and fianc was transmitted.
Is that violently pounding heartbeat coming from Tatsuyas heart or her own? Miyuki couldnt differentiate anymore.
Your temperature has increased a little. Calm down.
Miyuki was so embarrassed that she almost died. At least, she wanted to hide her face with both hands. In the current state where her left and right hand was restrained this was not possible. It was comforting at least that he could not see her face because she turned her back to him.
However, it was definitely not unpleasant. Rather, Miyuki was delighted that she was hugged like this.
Therefore she was even more embarrassed.
Even though they're not doing anything particularly indecent
Miyuki beca frantic and told herself so. She was without doubt a well brought-up girl, but as an average 2nd year student in high school
limited as it may be, she had so knowledge about those topics anyways.
Only wearing underwear while participating in physical contact with a mber of the opposite sex was unladylike, but this was an extre case for sure, wasnt it? Though, she was being hugged from behind.
Tatsuyas hands are connected to Miyukis hands.
Miyukis hands are connected to Tatsuyas hands.
There is no trace of caressing between Tatsuya and Miyuki. And yet
(My body seems to be lting away together with my heart)
Even though her mind had effectively shut down, she remained conscious.
Tatsuyas whispering voice crept into Miyukis ear.
The softness of your skin and the warmth of your body can even be felt with closed eyes. You are certainly in my arms.
I am here. Here, where I am protected by Onii-sama.
The words crossed her lips without thinking.
Right, Onii-sama?
You dont need to worry about a thing.
Feel free to do as you please.
Please use all of your power as you see fit.
It might have been a kind of trance-like state.
A prophecy given by a shrine maiden who is possessed by a god. It was sothing similar to that.
Miyukis words pulled the trigger on Tatsuyas power.
The resources focused on Miyuki beca free.
Tatsuyas eyes are dashing through the information sea to look for answers.
He is traversing back and forth the genealogical tree of cause and effect, repeating a process of trial and error many tis in one mont
And finally, he caught the figure of the enemy.
The ringleader of the Hakone terror attack, the ancient magician who manipulated corpses coming from the forr Dahan, Gu Jie was dragged out from the garden of sleep by a sudden piercing gaze.
He did not know from where he was watched. It was neither from the inside nor the outside of this room
As if the gaze he had been seen with ca not from this world, but from beyond.
Gu Jie deployed a spell blocking formation before attempting to identify the true identity of that gaze. It was a counter magic improved by the Kunlunfang Institute to just get the result without actually tracing the Ursa Major in the Pacing the Big Dipper Taoist ritual. This thod prevents the intrusion of SBs, but its defense capabilities against modern magic are limited. He did not know if it would repel the attack that must certainly follow after the gaze.
An instant after he braced himself, the defense formation was destroyed by a bullet-like Psion burst that was focused into a single point.
Gu Jie constructed a new defensive barrier in a hurry. Gu Jie held his breath for a while.
There was no follow-up attack. Any sign of the gaze disappeared.
Gu Jie exhaled in a sigh of relief and checked the damage that he had taken. He felt no pain anywhere in his body, but there were plenty of magic spells that could shave away a person's lifespan without said person feeling a thing.
But strangely, no matter how much Gu Jie, who was well-versed in such deadly curses searched, he could not find an injury caused by the recent attack. There were no signs that a delayed effect or conditional activation type magic had been used either.
It was eerie that he couldn't understand the effect of the attack, but that would have to wait until later. It was certain that this location had been exposed through so unknown ans. He imdiately decided to move to a different location.
Miyuki regained her sanity when a strong magic sign was emitted from Tatsuyas body. Before she could beco captivated in sha again, Tatsuya let go of her hands and loosened his arms to free Miyuki.
Miyuki got quickly up from him with caution so Tatsuya wouldnt feel uncomfortable.
Miyuki stiffened when she sensed Tatsuya standing up behind her, but the expected, or rather hoped for, embrace failed to happen. Tatsuya simply walked right past Miyuki.
Tatsuya stopped in front of the door. He spoke without turning back to Miyuki, who was looking at his back.
Thank you, Miyuki.
The tremors that ran through Miyuki's body were not caused by the cold.
Was Miyuki able to help you?
Miyuki asked this with a voice hoarse from pleasure.
Yes, of course.
Tatsuya answered without turning around and chuckled.
Lets get dressed before we have a detailed conversation.
Miyuki's face turned deep red, and she put her hands over her breasts and squatted down on the spot to calm down.
Tatsuya kept his back turned to her and left the laboratory.
It wasnt even 5 AM yet, but Miyuki didnt feel like going back to bed now. Even though she was a little sweaty, Miyuki decided to take a shower after she listened to Tatsuya. She changed into a house coat, not the uniform.
When she ca to the dining room, Tatsuya had been waiting in training wear at the table.
Good morning, Miyuki-sama.
Morning, Minami-chan.
Not only Tatsuya was there. Was it because of her professionalism that Minami was completely ard in maid clothes?
Are you fine with tea?
Yes, thank you.
After Miyuki sat down on the opposite side of Tatsuya, a freshly poured hot green tea was offered to her. The reviving taste cleared and awakened her mind.
Minami, its fine for now. Rest a little.
I will do that, Tatsuya-sama.
Minami bowed and left the dining room. Tatsuyas words were not because of worry for her. She didnt resist because she understood that he could not talk in front of her.
Tatsuya waited until Minami completely left the dining room, before he turned to Miyuki.
Miyuki.
Yes, Onii-sama?
Miyukis already straight back tensed even more. When being spoken to by Tatsuya, Miyuki vividly recalled the heat of their bare skin touching. Miyukis tongue and body were tied by the tension of her embarrassnt.
Sorry about earlier.
But under Tatsuyas worried look for her, Miyukis tension soon lted and then disappeared.
I am happy that Miyuki could help Onii-sama, no, rather not being a burden for Onii-sama.
Miyuki shook her head sideways with small movents without taking her eyes off Tatsuya and smiled bewitchingly.
Rather than talking about that. Onii-sama, what was the result?
To make sure Tatsuya couldnt delay any longer, she changed the topic to the mission at hand.
Tatsuya did not let Miyukis solicitude go to waste. I caught him for sure.
Then is it already settled?
Miyuki wasn't conscious of it, but she did not consider killing people to be taboo. Or rather, she did not consider Tatsuya killing another person to be taboo.
Any person killed by Tatsuya without a doubt deserved to die.
Her personality had grown twisted in this manner over ti, without her being aware of it.
No, I did not erase him.
When he caught the information of a being, physical distance didnt matter for Tatsuya. Both creatures and non-creatures, humans included, can be turned into dust and erased. Tatsuya understood precisely what Miyuki ant with settled and shook his head to that question.
May I know the reason?
Miyukis question didnt criticize Tatsuyas decision. She was purely interested in the reason. Miyuki didnt understand the reason for the commiseration for Gu Jie.
The goal of this mission is not to kill the enemy. It is to show the society that the terror attack incident was settled.
Even though Tatsuyas answer was indirect, but that much was sufficient for Miyuki.
Do you an that it is impossible to accomplish the mission when you erase the mastermind secretly?
Exactly. Oba-ue told
that she didnt care if he was alive or dead. But of course it is best to capture him alive. Even if I kill him I have to show where I cornered him and need to leave a corpse.
That ans you will have to kill him in a manner where people can still tell that he is the mastermind behind the terror incident.
Tatsuya nods at Miyukis words.
Miyuki was glad that Tatsuya accepted this as correct, but suddenly opened her eyes wide.
Then, do you have the free ti to keep
company here right now? You located his whereabouts with a lot of effort. Shouldnt we go out to capture him imdiately?
Tatsuya showed the impatient Miyuki a composed smile.
Its OK. I marked him earlier.
A mark?
Yes. With the thod I learned when I took down Zhou Gongjin.
When he was in Kyoto to pursue Zhou Gongjin, Tatsuya was not able to break Zhous Ghost Walker by himself. Zhou Gongjin did not escape because before that Nakura was defeated in a fight with Zhou and the blood that was controlled by Nakura, to be more precise the blood having Nakuras desire in it, revealed Zhou Gongjins position.
Tatsuya has no technique to transfer his blood. As a substitute for blood, he developed a magic technique that creates a signal bullet which can be traced over several days. The bullet consisted of a high amount of condensed Psions which he learned to make as a counterasure against the parasites. He can keep track of the geographical coordinates with this magic and when he cos close to the them. Tatsuya can completely void Ghost Walker with the spirit manipulation technique he learned from Yakumo afterwards.
There was no opportunity in Zama, but I surely shot it earlier. I can locate the whereabouts of Gu Jie without investing more resources.
At last Tatsuya declared this.
He is going to catch him.
Miyuki didnt doubt his words.
Tatsuya went out to Kyuuchouji Temple to train as he normally did, but he wasnt delaying the mission due to pride or conceit.
As he explained to Miyuki, this mission was not just about simply capturing or killing the mastermind. Arrangents to organize a search party needed to be made first. It was still too early to contact the involved people.
Until it was ti to move, he went to Yakumos temple for his usual training.
However, after the usual bout of sparring, they had a slightly different conversation than usual.
Tatsuya-kun, how is your mission going?
Yakumo asked this in a small talk tone while they were drinking tea brought by a disciple on the floor in the main temple building.
Not good.
Tatsuya answered and omitted saying until yesterday.
In spite of that, you don't seem particularly worried.
Yakumo asked this not suspiciously, but cheerfully.
Its none of my business after all.
The words he didnt say this ti were, until the day before yesterday. When Miyuki was attacked by anti-magic supporters, the capture and obliteration of the mastermind, Gu Jie, beca Tatsuyas top priority.
None of your business Regardless, you seem to be working diligently.
Because its my mission. I cant refuse.
Ignoring Yakumos face that was twisted into a grin, Tatsuya asked a question in return.
However, this is unusual. Master cares about my mission?
This is not unusual. Wasnt I helping you with various things up until now like the vampire incident or the parasite doll incident?
In other words, does that an that this is a situation that Master cant ignore this ti?
Even if you are a monk you are not completely freed from matters of the world. Its awful.
Tatsuya failed to see any degree of discomfort that could be described as awful from the expression of the carefree answering Yakumo.
Then could you please help
with the search of Gu Jie, the ancient magician from the forr Dahan, who is the mastermind of the terror attack?
Tatsuya found the idea of being led around in circles in this manner sowhat distasteful, so he brazenly tried asking Yakumo for support. He had said this sarcastically, assuming that it would be refused.
All right.
So when the imdiate response was a nod, Tatsuya wasnt able to respond for a mont.
Whats wrong with you? It seems like you are sohow surprised.
Of course, Tatsuya was aware that it would be his defeat if he didn't manage to stay calm. So he obediently raised the white flag. It was a defeat either way.
I was surprised. Because I thought that you surely wouldnt agree imdiately.
Its rely cooperation. Just to help a little.
Tatsuya could not see what Yakumo was really thinking behind that carefree smiling expression he was wearing as usual.
Then I will think about what I would like to request from you.
Thats fine. I will lend you my power to the extent Im capable of. Oh, but don't go asking
to teach you any techniques any more.
I know.
At this ti Tatsuya was unaware that he had been tricked into allowing Yakumo to intervene.
After Tatsuya returned from training, he changed into his school uniform and went to school as usual.
They hadnt forgotten that the school was closed from today to the weekend. Miyukis and Minamis personal items were left at school because they returned ho imdiately after the police interrogation yesterday. They were going to collect these.
There is no need to bring textbooks and notebooks to and from school unlike one hundred years ago. But changing clothes for P.E. as well as practice and club activities were necessary.
If they dont want to take care of the details, they can pay a low price to the school for cleaning changing clothes. Even though female students would entrust their uniform to the company, none of them would hand over their underwear for cleaning.
Besides, girls tended to carry various things around anyways. Male students mostly ca to school empty-handed, whereas girls would bring so personal items of different sizes.
The gates were shut because the school was closed, but the procedure to enter the school went smoothly since they were wearing the proper uniform, brought their student IDs and had a legitimate reason. They arrived at school without being attacked nor delayed by a demonstration. In that case well be ho again soon, the trio thought.
This expectation itself was not wrong. Its just that there was an unexpected person in the school.
Shiba-san!
Ichijou-san?
In the classroom of class 2A, Masaki was going to the desk by himself.
Are you studying?
Miyuki spontaneously asked that question even though the answer was obvious. It was too surprising to see a person alone with an open terminal for online studies in the classroom while the school is closed.
Uh, yes.
Masaki also realized that his current appearance might be interpreted as strange, he replies to Miyukis question with a forced smile.
Because there are still lessons at Third High today
Oh.
For now, even though they were surprised by it at first, Tatsuya as well as Miyuki were convinced by his explanation. Masaki had been given a seat at First High so he could take the classroom lessons of Third High. Its a seat rather than being enrolled. Naturally, their school being closed had no bearing on the state of Third High.
Masaki had a forced smile for Miyukis surprise which could be called a reasonable reaction.
Since Third High seems to be closed from tomorrow onwards as well, I think today Im going to leave in the afternoon.
In that case, wouldnt it have been better to take a break today? These lines were on the tip of his tongue, but he didnt voice them after all.
Because precisely at that ti, the terminal Masaki was using made a warning sound. Masaki returned his eyes to the terminal with an Oops expression. To not disturb Masaki, Miyuki went with quiet footsteps through the classroom to the lockers in the back and silently took out her baggage.
Miyuki walked to a spot diagonally across from Masaki, bowed once, and silently left the classroom along with Tatsuya.
They didnt encounter any trouble on their way back from First High. Rather than feeling it was ominous, Tatsuya felt a sense of disappointnt. Although, Tatsuya also thought that the activists had enough common sense to not cause disturbances at the sa location for two consecutive days.
Due to this, Tatsuya was able to focus on the original search activity, and there was no reason for him to harbor dissatisfaction. Based on the information that Masaki was only available from the afternoon onwards, Tatsuya made arrangents for the pursuit of Gu Jie.
Tatsuya-kun, you've tracked down the ringleader, haven't you?
Yes. So ti ago I got a ssage from our parents house.
I see
Mayumi made a frustrated expression on the visiphones screen in reaction to Tatsuyas lie. She was feeling imnse sha in how the Yotsuba Family was one step ahead even though the incident happened in Saegusa territory.
However, there was actually no big progress from the Yotsuba Familys side either, but Tatsuya of course didnt say that.
Gu Jie, the mastermind behind the Hakone terror attack incident, is hiding in Hiratsuka right now.
Eh, Hiratsuka!?
The enemy has hardly moved since this began. He was only moving in a limited range. We mistakenly assud that the person behind a large- scale incident would not stay in a densely populated area and this was used against us.
I see
The irritation of Mayumis face was directed to herself, her father, as well as her older brother.
The search party from the Saegusa Family commanded by her older brother Tomokazu took the current personnel from Koto City and lead them to Narita. As a result of the investigation, they were judging that the possibility of the target hiding in the districts Hakone, Izu and Miura Peninsula was low.
However, the criminal was lurking in the area that was supposedly searched. That ans that the net of the investigation was too loose. This lead Mayumi to feel like the Saegusa Family is not as thorough, rather, they were inferior to the Yotsubas Family in the Ten Master Clans.
Saegusa-senpai, may I continue to talk?
Excuse , please do.
Even though he could not read Mayumis heart, he could see that Mayumi was tornted by powerlessness from her expression.
But Tatsuya didnt comfort her and instead brought her attention back to the task at hand.
To not give him any ti for escape preparations, I think we should move imdiately to capture him. However, its not a good idea to resolve the Hakone terror incident on our own. We have to consider the honor of the police as well.
Thats right. A large-scale bomb incident occurred in the imdiate surroundings of the capital. The prestige of the police depends on the arrest of the criminal. If we solve this with our private magicians alone, it would result in leaving a sour feeling between us and the police
Even if Gu Jie is caught, if the relationship with the police and the Ten Master Clans deteriorates because they caught Gu Jie, it is a loss for magicians at the end of the day.
As the Saegusa Family was also active in having acquaintances other than magicians, Mayumi understood imdiately what Tatsuya was trying to say.
Therefore, Saegusa-senpai. Can we mobilize the police for the capture of Gu Jie?
When she was asked by Tatsuya, Mayumi frowned.
Under what pretext? I'm sure you're aware, but we can't obtain an arrest warrant just because the Yotsuba Family declares soone as the criminal.
Tatsuya nodded without moving an eyebrow to Mayumis statent.
I know. If the police could be moved with normal procedures, I wouldnt think of bothering you to lend a hand. Because there is not enough evidence to convince a judicial institution, I thought that the Saegusa Family, who have good connections with the police in the Kanto region, would be able to convince the police to move.
Even though she knew that it was an open provocation, Mayumi couldnt hide her displeased expression.
I will try to voice that once but honestly speaking, when it cos to influencing the police, Tatsuya-kuns girlfriend is better suited for that.
Nevertheless, Mayumi would never make a mistake like rising to the bait promising aid without considering the consequences. Mayumi talked about Erika intentionally as girlfriend to try to tease him.
However, with Tatsuya as an opponent such an obvious attempt at showing composure is completely useless.
Well, if senpai says she doesn't mind talking to the Chiba Family, lets talk with Erika.
In this situation, mainly the Saegusa Family would lose their face.
For gods sake, stop!
Mayumi couldn't stand to face the criticism from her family if she were to go ahead and approve the participation of the Chiba Family on her own. It was only natural for her to raise her voice and put a stop to it.
Also, as I told you, I would like to start tonight.
Understood! Ill arrange everything by evening! Please stop bullying !
Thank you very much.
Tatsuya did not object to Mayumis line Please stop bullying !.
After talking to Mayumi, Tatsuya also finished talking to Katsuto and Masaki via video call. When Tatsuya was in the midst of thinking if he could rest till the ti he had to leave, the bell rang informing him of arriving guests.
The visitors were Fumiya and Ayako.
Welco, Ayako-san and Fumiya-kun. But didnt you have school today?
Miyuki, who by chance chose clothes that could be used to go out, asked that question while inviting the two of them into the living room.
It was still before 4 pm. The school ti of Magic High Schools was the sa everywhere. Every Monday to Friday until 3:20 P.M., except for extracurricular lessons. There wasnt enough ti even if they ca from Fourth High directly to this house. The pair
not only Fumiya but also Ayako
were wearing typical, inconspicuous streetwear. Since they didnt bring any baggage, they were wondering if they ca here after checking into a hotel. It was only natural that Miyuki asked What about school? if she didnt know the circumstances.
Excuse us for disturbing you, Miyuki-oneesama. Since today Fourth High is temporarily closed as well.
Is that so? I heard that Third High had still classes today. To Tatsuyas question, Fumiya answered.
Following in the sa form as the decision of First High, Second High and Fourth High are temporarily closed from today on. I heard that the other five schools will also follow suit from tomorrow on.
This matter has beco extrely exaggerated.
Tatsuya muttered like it was soone elses affair, but he himself was an involved party that triggered yesterdays incident. To comnt on this like an outsider was wrong to begin with. Was it good or bad that a person pointing that out wasnt present?
Because Miyuki was the student council president of First High, it would have been appropriate for her to originally know this information, but the reason she didnt hear it was that she entrusted the reporting to the school to Izumi yesterday. Miyuki muttered I have to make ands to Izumi-chan without giving it voice. If Izumi knew this, she would have danced in a delirium of joy.
Tatsuya turned his gaze towards the pair in front of him without rembering things like Izumi.
Well then, may I ask for the reason why you ca?
The twins sitting opposite of Tatsuya communicated with eye contact to decide whod answer. They weren't trying to push off the responsibility to each other.
We confird the corpse of the ancient magician about which we received information from Tatsuya-niisan. Oumi Kazukiyo is the ancient magician with the nickna Puppet Master, whose specialty technique is an SB magic from the continent that possesses and controls corpses with spiritual beings. Our target now, Gu Jie, is a user of a different type of corpse manipulation technique, right?
Rather than manipulating the corpses directly, manipulating them by letting them be possessed with SBs It is different than what I heard from Gu Jies magic. Werent they supposed to be adherents of the sa school of magic?
To Tatsuyas question, Fumiya nodded without taking ti to think.
Oumi is the descendant of Taoists who immigrated from the continent about 150 years ago. Rather than traditional magicians from Dahan and the Great Asian Alliance amongst others, his art is said to be faithful to tradition and it looks like that was his secret root of pride.
He is the descendant of magicians who immigrated before the existence of magic beca known?
They think of themselves as inheritors of traditional magic, but if you look at it from the perspective of the ancient magicians who settled down in this country several hundred years before, they are newcors. Its not hard to imagine that they didnt feel at ho. It could be that the parents' intention behind the strange old-fashioned nas was to make themselves fit amongst the Japanese practitioners. The person himself seed to have gone the other way.
The relations with the Onmyoji system ancient magicians were particularly bad.
Therefore he was taken advantage of by Gu Jie there.
Probably.
Even if you want to feel sympathy towards his situation, that is no justification for his actions.
"Not that I have any intention of sympathizing in the first place
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