Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 12 - Double Seven Chapter

by Sato Tsutomu

  Jennifer nodded in agreement to Tsuzura’s points. She held the exact same opinion.

  “However, I believe that his willingness to use magic to challenge the status quo of society contains a value that is completely unrelated to this technique’s completion. I believe that the intention to face society and change its perceptions is valuable beyond compare.”

  Maybe because he was unable to hide his shame any longer, Tsuzura added the words “Despite how unsuitable these words are for me” before averting his gaze.

  Chapter 14

  Thursday, April 26th. While riding the train to school, Tatsuya wore a slight “Oh?” expression when he engaged in his customary practice of pulling out the information terminal and scanning the news.

  “Onii-sama, is there something on the news that drew your attention?”

  The alteration in his facial expression was minute as usual, but as usual, even this was not enough to escape Miyuki’s eyes.

  Sitting in a seat across from Miyuki, Minami raised her head. Any emotional expression on her part was more cautious and not a true poker face. The gaze Minami sent Tatsuya’s way also declared her interest in the question Miyuki posed for Tatsuya.

  “It’s just regarding the experiment you two helped out with yesterday.”

  Tatsuya turned his face towards Miyuki sitting by his side and spoke in a volume sufficient to allow Minami sitting diagonally across from him to hear.

  “I had already anticipated that both positive and negative news would appear today. However, I feel that there are more positive responses than negative.”

  Miyuki’s eyes and expression clearly asked “What is strange about that?” as she urged Tatsuya onward.

  “Setting aside the national congressmen who has an ear to the wind, I didn’t think that a demonstration of that level could cause reporters from major newspapers to capitulate. Here I thought they would stubbornly continue to compose more news with one-sided appraisal. To be honest, I had planned to use this line as a trap for those manipulating public opinion.”

  Hearing Tatsuya’s confession, Miyuki’s eyes widened as if to say “Really”.

  “Now that we’re at this point…… However, Onii-sama, you’re evil.”

  Though Miyuki was not earnestly criticizing him, Tatsuya had long since come to the conclusion that he had no other choice but to chuckle wryly in situations like these. –On the other hand, Minami seemed honestly stunned.

  “As I suspected, the writing in these articles is simply ridiculous……”

  As he said this, Tatsuya showed Miyuki the screen of the information terminal he was holding. The headline was “Magic high school students challenging water explosion experiments” and, compared to major newspapers, this smacked even more of yellow journalism aimed at inciting the entire city.

  “Even I could not predict this.”

  While saying this, Tatsuya removed the displayed news article and another chain of articles appeared on the information terminal’s screen.

  “—Challenge of youths, facing the 22nd century – eh? Looks to be a special bulletin from this newsgroup. Are they writing about what happened yesterday?”

  Miyuki must have shared Tatsuya’s surprise as she tilted her head to ask him. This bulletin was organized by subject and contained the positive news about the revolutionary undertakings attempted by the youth. This was clearly incompatible with the subject of inciting anti-magic sentiment.

  “Ah. Yesterday, a reporter from this newsgroup also came, so it should come as no surprise that this was posted. Yet, I recall that this bulletin was completely covered by the anti-magic movement until yesterday……”

  “Have they had a change of heart thanks to Onii-sama’s Stellar Furnace?”

  In comparison to the absolutely bewildered expression on Tatsuya’s face, Miyuki’s tone seemed to imply that this was perfectly natural.

  “……That is a possibility if this reporter was interested in novel things or this resonated personally with them. Given that this is a bulletin, it does not necessarily preclude the possibility that everyone in the editorial department also shares this sentiment.”

  Tatsuya understood that organizations were things that could not be closely united and the greater the organization, the greater the inclination of fracturing, and he also had personal experience in this matter. There were situations where one department went off the rails in regards to the company’s policy, so Tatsuya tentatively accepted this outcome for the moment.

  In truth, things were not so simple. Among the major newspapers that were uniformly anti-magic, yesterday’s experiment did prove to be one of the catalysts that caused the appearance of perspectives in support of magic. The fact that a national congressman was surprised and acknowledged the magic high school students was also a newsworthy event for more than a few newscasters, but of course that wasn’t all that happened.

  Tsuzura’s recording of Congressman Kanda’s declaration was passed along to the congressman himself thanks to an assistant from his time at the Magic University. In addition, there was also a roundabout request to slightly curb his activities. A major reason why this recording wasn’t shown on the newspapers was of course thanks to the reporters working for him.

  Furthermore, Principal Momoyama lodged a serious complaint with the upper echelons of the opposition party in regards to the unannounced visitation on campus with reporters in tow, forcing Congressman Kanda and other congressmen also in the anti-magic camp to temporarily lower the scale of their activities. From a certain perspective, Principal Momoyama made full use of Tatsuya’s little ploy.

  In addition, there was also supporting fire coming from the private sector.

  “Hey, look, Tatsuya. This interview is still being shown.”

  During lunch in the cafeteria, Leo pointed his index finger at the recommended news image being displayed on the wall monitor. Without bothering to look in the direction Leo was pointing, Tatsuya continued to silently dine.

  “It’s quite rare for the Rozen side to voluntarily appear on the news in Japan, Onii-sama.”

  However, just because he could ignore Leo, that didn’t mean that Tatsuya was able to deny Miyuki.

  “Given that someone bearing the Rozen name has been assigned to Japan, a major policy change may be afoot.”

  Paying heed to avoid looking towards Erika and Mikihiko, Tatsuya replied in a carefree manner.

  Of the 16 widescreen monitors on the wall, four of them were broadcasting the interview with Einst Rozen, CEO of Rozen Magicraft’s Japanese branch. On the screen, Einst Rozen was answering the newscaster’s questions in fluent Japanese.

  “—I never thought that high school students would be able to wield such high level magic. I am astounded by the level of Japanese magical techniques.”

  “Isn’t he applauding you guys?”

  “…………”

  Completely unlike her usual flair, Erika had remained silent since the very beginning. In comparison, though this was not exactly the right way to put it, Tatsuya once again ignored Leo’s merry attempt to engage him in conversation.

  “After seeing the successful experiment conducted by students at First High yesterday, I caught a glimpse of how the techniques and possibilities of magic can bring about greater prosperity to mankind.”

  “Incredible. He even said the prosperity of mankind.”

  Seeing Shizuku frankly express, without any ulterior motive, her amazement to this recognition, Tatsuya once again blandly replied “That was thanks to everyone’s hard work”.

  “Hm, both Miyuki and Honoka were amazing.”

  “I, I didn’t do anything that impressive……”

  Watching the ruckus brewing between Shizuku and Honoka, Tatsuya was caught between contemplating “what is Rozen’s goal here?” and surprised that “they appear to be wise enough to make sure that the names of the high school students were not revealed”.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Though unexpected, the various positi
ve responses garnered by the Stellar Furnace experiment significantly lifted the spirits of the students at First High. Even if they were not the ones responsible, they were still students at the same school acknowledged by society. Even if this was a superficial manner, the desire to be recognized at their tender age was satisfied upon recognition being bestowed on the group they belonged to.

  During 5th period, or shortly after the end of the last period after lunch. In Year 1 Class A, Takuma was preparing to head for Club Activities Group after class when an unpleasant conversation resounded in his ear for the umpteenth time. The topics his female classmates were conversing about were the CEO of Rozen Magicraft’s Japanese branch, Einst Rozen, as well as the comments the CEO made yesterday. Other female students in class were also clamoring to join the experiment. Takuma suddenly rose to his feet, without paying any heed towards masking his agitated mood. Noticing Takuma’s sudden, sinister burst, the chatting girls halted their conversation.

  The reason behind his attitude was because the class’s atmosphere was too giddy. Plainly, students from Class A had not directly participated in yesterday’s experiment. Kasumi and Minami were from Class C, Izumi was from Class B, and Class A didn’t send any supporting personnel to operate the machines. That being said, after receiving high marks from the cadre of a world-famous corporation, almost all of the students were as excited as if they were the ones responsible for this feat. That is to say, every student save Takuma himself.

  Damn it, while that thought ran through Takuma’s mind, he was unable to finely control his own emotions at this time. Praise directed towards the Saegusa Family – that was what he believed – or whatever it was had exhausted all of Takuma’s patience. Finally, without any word to excuse himself, Takuma left the classroom as if fleeing.

  Takuma’s rotten mood failed to dissipate even during his time at the Club Group Activities HQ. His techniques were a mess thanks to his lack of concentration, causing his stress to amplify as he failed at things that normally posed no challenge to him. After school, Takuma’s agitation had reached a peak.

  For Takuma, today was an unlucky day.

  After retrieving his own CAD from storage in the office, Takuma ran into Kasumi wearing her Public Moral Committee bracelet in the school quad on the way home.

  After club invitation week, members of the Public Moral Committee returned to duties by shift. Generally, patrols were conducted by one person alone, and this was no exception even for new students, thus Kasumi was alone. After taking the time into account, she was probably on her way back to headquarters. This is why there was nothing odd in Kasumi passing a cursory glance over Takuma before passing by him. In all likelihood, what transpired next was the product of Takuma’s inferiority complex.

  “Looks like everything is going according to plan, Saegusa.”

  Takuma believed that Kasumi was mocking him.

  “……What are you referring to?”

  Kasumi coming to a stop and turning around with a shocked look on her face was not an act.

  However, in the eyes of Takuma and with all the leftover stress from his father’s careful reminder from two nights ago, Kasumi was playing dumb.

  Continuing along this misunderstanding, Takuma vented all of his frustration on Kasumi.

  “I’m talking about yesterday’s public experiment. Haven’t you even won the attention of the Rozen branch CEO?”

  “Public experiment? Shippou-kun, is there a misunderstanding somewhere?”

  Kasumi was most definitely not a young girl of genteel personality. Even if she pretended to be an obedient child, her nature was that of someone who got into fights easily. Never taking the dark and treacherous route, she was someone who walked beneath the daylight. Here, she had no intention of hiding her displeasure at the malice lurking within Takuma’s words.

  “Stop playing dumb. You knew ahead of time that a national congressman hostile to Magicians was coming, so that’s why you put on a show yesterday, right? You clearly took advantage of Shiba-senpai and successfully bolstered your own fame.”

  “You said took advantage of? Don’t even think of bullshitting your way into this.”

  Kasumi’s response grew coarse. Although Takuma’s point regarding their forewarning about Congressman Kanda’s arrival was true, Takuma also fully believed in his speculation.

  “How careless of me. That guy’s reputation goes beyond this school and extends even into the 9 schools. As expected of the Saegusa, leaving nothing to chance. After your older sister, are you the one to seduce him? After all, you siblings are unimpeachable when it comes to appearances.”

  “Stop joking around!”

  Kasumi suddenly exploded. This force was sufficient to silence Takuma for a while. Still, blood rushed to Kasumi’s head for only a second.

  “…...Seduce, eh. The Shippou line of thinking is certainly debased. We, the Saegusa, haven’t even considered something like seduction. You aren’t too bad looking yourself, so why don’t you go serve as some Magician’s gigolo? Though, anyone who would want a gigolo in this day and age would probably have to be a lecherous entertainer.”

  This time, it was Takuma’s turn to color in fury.

  Kasumi’s metaphor did not contain a more profound meaning. The term lecherous entertainer referred to the recent news heatedly talked about over the porn websites about the liaison between a certain veteran actress and a young man that Kasumi heard a passing reference to. She wasn’t using the term “gigolo” specifically because it referred to a mature woman’s younger lover, but merely because she wanted to borrow the term from the headlines.

  However, for Takuma, that term seemed to be mocking his relationship with Sawamura Maki.

  “……Are you picking a fight with me, Saegusa?”

  “I believe it was you, Shippou, who fired the first shot. Furthermore, have you already forgotten? I have already said that I will fully play along until I grind you into the dust, until you never dare to pick a fight with the Saegusa again.”

  Takuma and Kasumi glared at one another. Both their respective right hands grabbed their left sleeves. Both of them used the same bracelet-shaped CADs. The two of them had far surpassed the point of no return.

  “You two over there! What do you think you’re doing!?”

  “You two, drop your hands now!”

  Nevertheless, just as the two of them were about to manipulate their CADs, voices originating from behind them called out for them to stop.

  The voice behind Takuma belonged to a male student.

  The voice to the rear of Kasumi came from a female student.

  Takuma pulled back the left sleeve with his right hand as he turned around.

  On the other hand, Kasumi dropped her right hand and turned.

  In Takuma’s field of vision, a slightly familiar-looking upperclassman reached his right hand towards his left breast with a serious expression.

  He was planning on pulling out the pistol-shaped CAD stored in the shoulder holster, Takuma judged.

  Takuma’s counterattack was all reflex.

  His right hand touched the CAD’s power switch.

  The upperclassman who was his opponent also drew his CAD.

  I won, just as Takuma thought this,

  Wobbling from being struck by concussive waves from the front and back of his body, Takuma was knocked unconscious as he fell to his knees.

  Detecting the signs of magic being activated behind her, Kasumi couldn’t help but turn around. While she understood that unnecessary movement in her current predicament was not a wise choice, she couldn’t ignore the activation of combat magic even if the target was not herself.

  The ones who planned on using magic were the opponent she was previously in a standoff with, Shippou Takuma, and the Public Moral Committee member, Morisaki-senpai – by the time Kasumi realized this, magic had already been activated.

  The first one to activate was Morisaki’s magic. Although the influence of Takuma’s Data Fortification lowere
d the strength quite a bit, Morisaki was still able to activate magic that caused severe shaking in front and behind the body, so from the standpoint of interrupting Takuma’s attack, he was entirely successful.

  “Drawless……”

  Slightly shocked, Kasumi involuntarily murmured this. It was obvious that Takuma was quicker at preparing his CAD. Specialized CADs were faster than Generalized CADs, but under those circumstances, Takuma should still have been faster regardless of the speed difference between Specialized and Generalized CADs. That was because Morisaki should have had to follow the “draw, aim” process.

  Yet, prior to drawing the CAD from the holster, Morisaki had already used his own senses to aim the prepared magic. This was a high level technique for pistol-shaped CADs known as “Drawless”. Since there was an assistance device built in that “activated in the direction that the CAD was pointed in”, it was very difficult to fire pistol-shaped CADs without drawing them. Nonetheless, Morisaki did this perfectly without sacrificing the Specialized CAD’s advantage in speed.

  In truth, Kasumi didn’t rate Morisaki really highly in her book. Both the scale of Magic Sequences and strength of interference were only average, it was his deployment speed that was faster, and only that alone. She once harbored the doubt as to why someone like him who clearly only possessed this degree of talent was selected into the Public Moral Committee, but at this moment, Kasumi could only frankly admit that she didn’t have a good eye for people.

  Even now, her belief that Morisaki only had average Magic Power remained unchanged. Unrelated to the Magic Power that one was born with, this level of technique should come naturally to an upperclassman, Kasumi thought.

  (I too need to work even harder.)

  Internally buoyed with motivation, Kasumi clenched her fists,