by Sato Tsutomu
Speaking of which, Kanda knew from the very beginning that the principal was absent. Rather, it would be more precise to say that he invited himself specifically during the principal’s absence.
The principal of First High, Momoyama Asuma, was 71 years of age. Since taking over as First High’s principal until now, a full 11 years had elapsed. To the outside world, he was widely known for contributing greatly to the establishment of higher education for Magicians. However, at the same time, he was also criticized for neglecting the differences between Course 1 and 2 students, thus allowing the resulting negativity between the two camps to fester and grow. Still, the criticism leveled towards his responsibility in allowing the gap to grow only stayed at the level of whispers behind his back. Not just in magical education, Momoyama Asuma was also considered an authority in higher education, and his connections spanned across multiple fields. For Congressman Kanda, he was not someone he cared to cross swords with directly.
Wishing to successfully put on a performance while Momoyama was away, Kanda argued with Yaosaka, who was trying to prevent media coverage while the principal was away, as time gradually ticked away with Kanda holding the advantage. The dean would like nothing more than a result where time had expired. For Congressman Kanda, that result would be synonymous to “winning the battle and losing the war”. Just as Kanda started to become agitated and was about to force the issue, a sound that imitated piano music resonated from the principal’s office.
Accompanied by the sudden chime of a clock, the monitor on the wall covered with a famous Impressionist painting began running secretly. Swiftly, the image was transformed into a clear, real-time picture.
“Principal!? Aren’t you in a meeting?”
The one who appeared on the screen that could forcibly exchange broadcast signals for receiving signals was Principal Momoyama, who should have been in a meeting with the Magic Association.
“I was able to make a little time available.”
Only sparing a single sentence towards the dean’s question, Principal Momoyama turned his gaze and stared at Kanda.
The image shown by the cameras installed at strategic locations at the four corners of the monitor gave the misconception that an actual person was standing there. Under Momoyama’s piercing gaze, Kanda began to feel a little uneasy.
“So, Congressman Kanda. What is your business today?”
In the image, Momoyama kept his white hair groomed in the chonmage fashion and the bottom half of his face was covered by a pure white mustache and goatee. Unobscured by white hair, the area surrounding his eyes was sunken, rendering his expression difficult to decipher. Even so, the piercing gaze emanating from the depths of those sunken eye sockets perfectly conveyed the utter fury caused by this rude visitation with no room for misinterpretation.
“Ah, no, I humbly apologize for bothering you without making an appointment ahead of time.”
Though this was more or less the same way he treated Yaosaka, this time Kanda tightened his abdomen when he replied.
“Since you are already aware of that, could you please change your visit to another day?”
Seizing hold of Kanda’s words, Momoyama stepped his demand as if completely covering his words. Coming from the highest authority in the school, the words “visit another day” had even more weight than if he was here personally. Though Kanda’s reflexes almost prompted him to nod, he barely managed to stop in time thanks to the reporters in his employ urgently whispering “congressman, congressman”.
“Usually, I would have done as the principal had requested, but currently I have a thought of my own.”
“Ho.”
Momoyama maintained his solemn gaze as he urged him to speak further. Even through the camera, Kanda was still clearly being overwhelmed by Momoyama’s aura, but his tongue was barely able to function.
“Recently, there have been some ugly rumors floating around society in regards to the curriculum here at the magic high school. Have the students at the nine magic high schools been brainwashed into becoming soldiers?”
“What a ridiculous notion.”
His expression highly incensed, Momoyama fired back. He was just the principal of First High, so he had no authority to command all of the magic high schools, but the improvements he had made to the magic high school curriculum had all been adopted as the standard by the other 8 magic high schools. As an educator, Momoyama was fiercely proud of the Magician developmental project that he had personally devised.
“Congressman Kanda, are you aware of our school’s graduation statistics? For example, 65% of our graduates last year chose to attend the Magic University. Less than 10% of the students chose to attend College of National Defense.”
Momoyama retaliated against Kanda with clearly defined metrics. However, Kanda replied back to the retaliation with a delighted smile as if he had been waiting for that move for quite some time.
“Yet, after researching the advancement of the Magic University graduates, 45% chose a job related to the JSDF. If combined with the students who enrolled in the College of National Defense after graduating high school, more than half of the students educated in the magic high schools become affiliated with the JSDF.”
Seeing Kanda wearing an expression that fairly crowed at unleashing his trap, Momoyama never wavered.
“That’s merely the paths they have chosen for themselves. In the final year at Magic University, they are mature adults capable of making their decisions. Even small interjections from the wayside cannot cause any meaningful effect.”
“Of course.”
For some reason, Kanda nodded gravely at Momoyama’s argument.
“My thoughts are perfectly aligned with what the principal said. Precisely because of this, I have come to inspect the school in order to erase the irresponsible impression that magic high schools are nothing more than a developmental camp for the military.”
Kanda’s unspoken words were that he was going to spread propaganda about the magic high school’s impression in the manner of his choosing. For the wily Momoyama, a ploy on such a level was never going to slip by him.
“What a headache. Technical Skills classes for magic are extremely delicate. A sudden visit may cause a disturbance among the students.”
“I definitely won’t cause you any trouble.”
At this point, Kanda’s attitude hardened. Rather than him recapturing his original pace, it was more appropriate to say this feeling was as if he had grown stubborn because he couldn’t beat Momoyama.
“…...If you say it like that then I will grant you permission to observe.”
After making the motions to pretend that he had considered this for a while, Momoyama adopted the stance of approving Kanda’s request. Heedless of the openly thunderstruck and bewildered Dean Yaosaka, Momoyama continued speaking in a tone that brooked no refusal.
“However, you are only allowed to observe from the fifth period onward.”
“That…… No, that’s fine.”
Kanda was about to object to the unexpected condition out of reflex, but since he had already said that he “definitely won’t cause trouble”, he was in no position to make any objections.
“Dean, which classes are scheduled for Technical Skills classes during fifth period?”
Feigning ignorance to Kanda’s internal battle, Momoyama asked this question to Yaosaka.
The mixed feelings of surprise and bewilderment in Yaosaka were exchanged for complete amazement. That was because even without Yaosaka’s reply, Momoyama usually had a perfect grasp of the class schedules for every class across all years.
“There is no class scheduled for Technical Skills during fifth period.”
Even so, his current situation did not allow him to question this and only allowed him to answer the question posed. Yaosaka replied back to the question asked of him.
“However, excluding official class schedules, the students from Year 2 Class E have requested to conduct an extracurricular expe
riment in the school quad.”
“It’s just as you heard, Congressman Kanda. It looks like you’re better off coming another day.”
“That cannot be! Then at the very least, allow me to observe halfway through fourth period.”
Accommodating their schedule on another day would allow Momoyama to make all the necessary preparations ahead of time. Principal Momoyama also had close connections with the opposition party that Kanda was a part of. Clearly, their forced visitation today was a surprise attack because he feared Momoyama’s influence, which was an advantage he wouldn’t have if he came another day.
Kanda had backed down because he had this in mind, but now he had already agreed.
“Congressman Kanda. In the middle of an experiment, students will lose their concentration and be distracted by microphones and cameras. In the worst case scenario, students can even suffer irreparable harm due to failure in magic. Nor would any teacher wish for something like this to occur.”
At the end of the day, Kanda was an outsider when it came to magic. He had no basis to refute Momoyama’s words. Just as Kanda used students as an excuse, he didn’t dare to cause a ruckus that might ruin a student’s future.
“……I understand. In this case, even if it’s an extracurricular experiment, please allow me to attend.”
“I see. Dean, summon Smith-sensei and have her guide Congressman Kanda.”
Highly frustrated, this was the only thing Kanda could say. Without betraying any glee, Principal Momoyama gave these orders to Dean Yaosaka and cut the connection.
After fifth period began, one of the reporters in Kanda’s employ began whispering to him while Jennifer was leading them to the radiation lab that was being prepared.
“Congressman, don’t you think something is odd?”
“What are you referring to?”
The voice Kanda responded with was low with displeasure, but the reporter paid no mind as he continued.
“The fact that there was not a single Technical Skills class. It’s almost as if they knew we were coming.”
“Nonsense…… It’s just a coincidence. They should have no idea about our movements. After all, I didn’t even report this to the party.”
“But, this coverage was a little strange from the get go. Usually, any media coverage related to magic would immediately draw interference even during the planning phase, but no one spoke up this time.”
Just as Kanda was about to reply that this was natural, he suddenly quieted. The reason why the Magic Association didn’t interfere today was because steps were taken at the highest level within the association. Though the helping hand remained anonymous, Kanda was more or less able to guess their identity. With that in mind, it was true that several points became suspicious.
Though Kanda was acting as an anti-magic supporter, he wasn’t of the belief that Magicians were inhuman creatures. In reality, he acknowledged the benefits Magicians posed. His political agenda involved championing anti-magic sentiment in front of the media. With a little fiery rhetoric that was popular with the masses, Magicians could come under serious fire. The one acting behind the scenes to ensure that today’s coverage (the political propaganda with this as the goal) remained free of interference understood this, hence Kanda was tacitly approved by this mysterious benefactor to engage in this demagogy to prevent politicians who truly hated Magicians from seizing power.
Yet, was this reason sufficient to allow them to turn a blind eye to his anti-magic demonstration? If it was truly that person, then it was highly likely that he would use him as a political tool to the fullest. However, that did not guarantee that everyone in the Ten Master Clans saw eye to eye in this.
While he was ruminating on this and the reporters who were serving as his underlings fretted, their group with Jennifer in the lead arrived at the radiation lab.
As Kanda and company stepped into the radiation lab, they abruptly came to a halt when they detected unfriendly eyes on them. The icy gazes directed towards them from the students making preparations in the lab were almost as if they knew that they were coming. Yet, that only lasted for an instant as the students seemed to completely forget about the politician and his coterie and directed all of their attention to the task at hand. No matter if it was Kanda or the reporters, they all got the feeling that the earlier cold gazes sent their way seemed to be misconceptions.
“Smith-sensei, these people are?”
The one who spoke up – the only one who showed any sign of caring - was Tsuzura, who was currently overseeing the students.
“Congressman Kanda and several reporters on tour of the school.”
“A national congressman is one thing, but why are there reporters accompanying him? Media coverage on campus requires permits approved ahead of time. I have heard absolutely nothing about this.”
Kanda’s face almost crumbled when the handsome man who, even at first glance, carried himself with a scholarly air swept a surprisingly sharp gaze over him.
“The principal has granted permission.”
Fortunately, Kanda had no need to answer Tsuzura’s question as Jennifer replied for him.
“I thought the principal was away on business.”
“He made some time and communicated this over the phone.”
“I see.”
Both Kanda and the reporters under his employ were mildly dissatisfied with how easily Tsuzura accepted such a simple answer. Still, compared with groundless enmity, this was a far easier way to go about their business. Convincing himself to accept this, Kanda struck up a conversation with Tsuzura.
“I apologize for interrupting your class.”
“Hardly, this isn’t my class actually.”
But haven’t you set your sights on us? Though they heard the sound of someone unable to hold back a snort of laughter, by the time they turned their eyes towards the students, they were all working away with serious expressions on their faces, leaving no way to tell who laughed. Kanda drew deeply within himself to suppress the mounting rage that had nowhere to go as he spoke to Tsuzura again.
“I heard this is an extracurricular experiment. What are they planning to do?”
“The students have volunteered to conduct an experiment that is not covered by the curriculum.”
In response to Tsuzura playing dumb (in Kanda’s eyes), Kanda had to take deep breaths to control his frustration.
“What kind of experiment is it?”
This question was posed by one of the reporters. The reason why Tsuzura turned a disapproving look on that reporter was because he had failed to present himself. However, no response to the reporter’s question or question directed towards the reporter’s name was formulated here.
“Sensei, we have finished our preparations. May we move the experimental device?”
As the leader of the experiment, Isori contacted Tsuzura and happened to interrupt the conversation between the reporter and Tsuzura.
“……Hm, you may.”
Using an information terminal the size of an A4, Tsuzura verified the checklist that Isori passed along and gave his approval. In response, the members of the robotics club responsible for support only replied back that they had been waiting forever before beginning to operate the controls on the wall.
Throughout all this, Kanda’s expression remained unchanged, but his underlings’ eyes bulged in shock.
The wall of the radiation lab opened without a sound.
This was just a tunnel used to transport large machines, but seeing one wall of a windowless lab soundlessly yawning open gave off vibes usually found with a secret base.
Still, this feeling only came from personnel from the outside, as the students had long since tired of this sight and began pushing a pedestal holding a spherical sink measuring 2 meters in diameter that was half filled with a combination of heavy and light water (the other half was filled with steam) before the wall opened completely. Despite using the word push, the pedestal was equipped with a motor, rendering move
ment a piece of cake so long as the proper direction was provided. One by one, the students left for the school quad, with Tsuzura following afterwards.
“Let’s go.”
With those words from Jennifer, Congressman Kanda and the reporters frantically hurried to catch up.
“Speaking of which, why isn’t an official experiment being conducted during class time? Is this common?”
“Infrequently.”
In response to the question coming from the reporter who hurried to catch up, Tsuzura gave a cold reply. However, he must have felt that such a reply was too inhospitable and immediately expanded his explanation.
“Based on the original plan, this experiment was supposed to be conducted after school. However, since quite a few faculty members who knew about the details wanted their own students to participate, we temporarily put a hold on all Technical Skills classes so that all the interested students can freely participate. Holding the experiment on school grounds also came from the same reason.”
“Is this an experiment proposed by the students?”
Another reporter asked in disbelief.
“Actually, this experiment will be highly meaningful from both the theoretical and practical perspectives.”
“In terms of practical, you are talking about something like the secret weapon used during the 'Scorched Halloween' that could one shot an entire enemy fleet?”
Tsuzura cast a chilly gaze on the reporter who wore a mocking smile as he asked this.
“This experiment is intended to challenge one of the three Great Puzzles of Gravity-Type Magic.”
After leaving this answer, Tsuzura walked towards the students gathered beneath the spherical water sink.