Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 07 - Yokohama Disturbance Chapter (II)

by Sato Tsutomu

  Toshikazu was so shocked that he almost caused an accident as he frantically pulled back on the wheel and roared back into the mic.

  "Nationality!?"

  "It's registered as an Australian freighter, but based on its shape, it's probably an amphibious vessel for mobile forces."

  The registration was falsified.

  What the hell were the guys in immigration and the coast guard doing! Suppressing the urge to scream, Toshikazu switched the call.

  "......Father? It's Toshikazu. Right now the Yokohama Hillside Harbor is under attack from a camouflaged vessel of unknown nationality. Please request help from national defense. Afterwards, please send Ikazuchimaru and Orochimaru to me ASAP. ......What about Orochimaru? We already decided that it's going to Erika!"

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  In order to receive further orders from the unit, Fujibayashi headed for her own car. It wasn't that she didn't want Toshikazu to chase after her, she truly was going to stay here. That was because she was using the transmitter instead of the wheel.

  Also, Fujibayashi thought, the one who made that prediction last night was none other than herself, but even she never expected things to turn so grave. Based on her initial estimates, she thought that the spies' confederates would attempt to abduct hostages to rescue their comrades.

  Thus, Fujibayashi was quite surprised when she heard the number of men and equipment that Toshikazu shifted at her advice. Now, that move seemed to have paid dividends. Was this brawn over brains? Fujibayashi thought with amazement.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  The hour pointed to 3:37 PM.

  Suddenly, explosions and vibrations shook the conference hall.

  The audience had no clue what was going on and had no idea what to do.

  "Miyuki!"

  At this time, Tatsuya called out the name that held the highest priority in his mind.

  "Onii-sama!"

  Hearing the response from below stage, Tatsuya took two steps — one to leap off the stage, the second to adjust his posture — to reach his sister's side. Although she was in the second row, Miyuki's reaction was equally swift as she reached Tatsuya's side.

  "Onii-sama, what is......"

  Miyuki asked hesitantly. Though she was slightly bewildered, she was not shocked out of her wits.

  "Must be a hand grenade near the front entrance."

  On the other hand, Tatsuya didn't show a hint of anxiety or confusion. Tatsuya had already heard this sort of disruption numerous times when training with the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. Based on this experience, he didn't even need to access the information dimension to know that the incident occurred near the entrance of the building. While this was no cause for optimism, but now that he had successfully reunited with Miyuki, there was nothing else he needed to worry about.

  "Grenades!? Are the upperclassmen alright?"

  "The front entrance have security personnel arranged by the Association along with Magicians with combat experience. The average criminal organization stands no chance......"

  Despite Tatsuya's answer, he still had a foreboding premonition. Earlier, Fujibayashi had handed him a data card that detailed the possibility that foreign governmental organizations might have a hand in this.

  As if to prove his foreboding premonition beyond all doubt, several gunshots were heard.

  (Those aren't automatic rifles...... They're high powered rifles used against Magicians!)

  The average firearm was rendered impotent against the magic wielded by combat Magicians.

  The Juumonji Family's Phalanx was the pinnacle of this and stood as its finest example.

  In the latter half of the 21st century, the primary armament for infantry remained firearms, so bullet-resistant magic brought a huge advantage in land warfare.

  However, offense and defense always swung back and forth. In order to compensate for powerful defenses, even stronger attacks will be developed. Magic was no exception, as magic was not omnipotent. If the moving object's inertia exceeded the magic's interference strength, then the subsequent magic failure would cause any speed reducing, trajectory altering, or targeting magic to fizzle.

  A physical shield that was penetrated would only reduce the blow, but if magic failed to alter the phenomenon then that was the same as having no defenses whatsoever.

  The design behind anti-Magician high powered rifles was to introduce high speed rounds with extreme penetration to render defensive magics from Magicians ineffective. However, in order to achieve bullet speeds that would nullify magic from combat Magicians, the technique and development level must surpass typical production caliber by at least 2 or 3 levels.

  This is practically beyond even the main armies of smaller countries. Private ownership — without government support — like criminal organizations or terrorists was frankly impossible. Speaking of which, during the assault on Hachiōji Special Detention Center several days ago, Lu Gonghu's comrades were equipped with high powered rifles. For such attacks to strike at such close intervals hinted at a powerful force backing them. Based on this, the enemy was almost guaranteed to be minions from the Great Asian Alliance, or even soldiers from the Alliance itself. Still, what was the reason for their grand assault?

  Tatsuya was slightly perplexed. Without knowing his opponent's goals, there was no way to predict the degree of escalation. Generally speaking, he should "prepare for the worst", but currently the worst had no upper limit. Without knowing the "worst case scenario", there was no way to develop proper countermeasures.

  Even if setting the average situation as a prerequisite, this main hall wasn't secure either. Normally, he would be leading Miyuki to the resting area to escape danger.

  Yet now, there were Erika and Mizuki in the audience stands.

  Although he was only responsible for Miyuki's protection, he didn't want to act solely out of duty.

  Also, even if he didn't provide protection, the majority of the people possessed the ability to flee on their own, but he couldn't just sit and ignore the people close to him.

  Regardless, maybe this was a blessing or a curse, but his headache didn't last very long.

  Accompanied by violent footsteps, a squad toting military-grade rifles stormed the crowded stands.

  (How useless!)

  Though there was a definite possibility, but they still broke through the perimeter too quickly. Amid the screams, Tatsuya mentally clucked his tongue.

  While the audience was still stricken with terror, the first ones to decisively leap into action were the students from Third High still on stage.

  Apparently, their topic had some sort of anti-personnel use as they operated the CAD on the stage and attempted to use magic against the invaders.

  Several gunshots went off.

  Faster than Third High's magic could go into effect, several bullets hit the back wall of the stage.

  Seeing the power of the bullets, they were definitely holding the high powered rifles that Tatsuya envisioned.

  "Be quiet!"

  This roar seemed to hint at their source. If they were foreigners, then smuggling themselves into the country must have been a recent incident. They weren't wearing uniforms or combat gear, but there was an odd sense of conformity. There were a variety of colors, but each of them wore high collared shirts and lanky cargo pants of superb make. No matter how you looked at it, these guys were definitely not your run of the mill gangsters.

  Modern magic had already achieved speeds that could rival firearms thanks to the advent of the CAD. However, that was only breaking even based on the "Magician's power", so theoretically speaking, they could not attempt any reckless resistance when the enemy had guns ready.

  "Put your gear on the floor."

  The invaders appeared to be adept at fighting against Magicians.

  It was possible they were Magicians themselves.

  Only a portion of incredibly powerful Magicians would rely solely on magic in battle. Magicians could also serve as soldiers wielding guns,
and in fact the majority of them were.

  On the stage, the students from Third High including Kichijouji — Masaki was not there — regretfully placed their CADs on the ground.

  Courage and recklessness were two different things. The students from Third High must have been educated on that point.

  Tatsuya was slightly moved by their reaction, but unfortunately an incident was heading right his way.

  The siblings who were just standing in the path were particularly conspicuous.

  "Hey, you two as well."

  One of the invaders pointed his gun their way and walked cautiously forward.

  The words were undoubtedly aimed at Tatsuya. Strictly speaking, there was no room for misinterpretation.

  (So that's it......)

  There were a total of six. Three for primary assault and three in support. Tatsuya didn't point his CAD at the invaders who could possibly be terrorists or mobile forces. After all, he couldn't use "Mist Dispersal" in front of so many people, but the situation might not allow him otherwise.

  (Need to try and use other magic to cover this.)

  Just as Tatsuya ruminated on this with a blank expression on his face, the invader repeated his angry howl.

  "Faster!"

  The angry howl was more frantic, but Tatsuya didn't move a whisker. The sort of thinking that abandoned all resistance to preserve personal safety didn't jibe with his education and training.

  Tatsuya wordlessly watched the approaching man.

  No, his gaze would be more appropriately described as "observed".

  There was no trace of fear or unease in his eyes.

  He was only observing the man's entire body, the weapon in his hand, and the flashing muzzle.

  Probably growing more and more anxious by the cold eyes watching him or subconsciously feeling the tendrils of a nameless dread, the man approaching Tatsuya increased the pressure on the trigger finger.

  "Hey, wait!"

  He likely failed to discern his comrade's voice.

  A volley of gunfire sounded amid the cries.

  The bullets filled with discernible killing intent were fired from within 3 meters, causing people to envision an unavoidable tragedy, which only deepened the shock people felt.

  A right hand held something before his chest.

  That was the sole change in Tatsuya's posture.

  Not a single drop of blood flowed down his body.

  The bullets that were fired left no traces on the walls, ceiling, or roof.

  Spasms broke out over the man's face, as he fired a second, third time.

  Each time, Tatsuya's right hand flashed towards another position.

  The hand motion was so fast that no bystander could see what he was doing.

  By the time anyone could react, they could only see the change in the hand's position as it remained holding something.

  "He...... couldn't be catching the bullets, could he?"

  Someone woodenly murmured.

  "How, is he doing this......?"

  Another nameless individual replied blankly.

  "Monster!"

  The man threw aside his gun because he was stricken by panic.

  Setting aside using magic to block bullets, seeing the outrageous sight of someone catching the bullets would naturally create the misconception that guns had lost their use.

  However, his fighting spirit was not broken as he pulled out a combat blade and swung it towards Tatsuya. Plainly, the man was a highly trained soldier.

  But, the next act shocked everyone even further.

  Tatsuya didn't look like he had any time to avoid the incoming attack, so he opened his hand to form a karate chop and slashed towards the man's wrist that was holding the blade.

  Tatsuya's karate chop sheared through the man's wrist with no resistance whatsoever.

  "Ah!"

  A scream started to issue from the man's mouth — but that was all he could manage

  Before the sound could fully turn into a scream, Tatsuya's left fist impacted the man's chest.

  The blood spewing from the shredded right wrist stained Tatsuya's clothes.

  That was all the resistance (?) the man could muster.

  Without sparing a glance at the fallen man, Tatsuya leaped backwards and returned to Miyuki's side to protect her.

  This unexpected, even unimaginable turnout caused the audience and the invaders to freeze in their tracks.

  Not only was all physical activity suspended, even their minds ground to a halt.

  Except for one person.

  "Onii-sama, I need to clean up the blood stains, please wait a second."

  Miyuki's soft words traveled to every corner of the previously silent conference hall.

  Her voice did not waver in the slightest.

  As if saying that she would "dust off the lint", there was no trace of unease or incompatibility.

  That voice also served as a signal for the halted time to move forward.

  "On them!"

  Security personnel from both sides of the stage unleashed their magic. Although the invaders sought evasive action, but under the well-trained magic attacks from the students selected for the Nine Schools Competition, they were taken out without exception.

  Miyuki activated her magic and cleansed the blood stains on Tatsuya's hand and clothes. (Accurately speaking, the moisture was evaporated from the clothes and skin before dispelling the solids.)

  Although this was a matter of life and death, Tatsuya never batted an eyelid.

  No, "not batting an eyelid" would be incorrect. While it was true that there was no trace of wavering or excitement on his face, he did furrow his brows when he looked at the man collapsed in the pool of his own blood.

  Seeing that minute change in expression, Miyuki immediately activated another magic.

  The eviscerated right hand and wrist were frozen and the blood pool on the ground dehydrated to a dark red dust.

  Tatsuya turned around to find Miyuki smiling gently at him.

  Subconsciously, Tatsuya could only smile at his hyper competent little sister.

  Seeing her brother smile, Miyuki's eyes glazed over for some reason (from Tatsuya's perspective).

  However, this wasn't the time to contemplate something like that as Tatsuya walked towards the entrance.

  Immediately, Miyuki was right on his heels.

  The siblings completely ignored the man with the severed wrist as they stepped over him.

  At this time,

  "Tatsuya-kun!" "Tatsuya!"

  At the same time, voices from a young lady and man called out.

  Normally, the two of them would frown at being so uniform, but this was not the time and place.

  Following Erika and Leo, Mikihiko, Mizuki, Honoka, and Shizuku surrounded Tatsuya and Miyuki.

  "What's with the hand! Are you hurt!?"

  Despite Erika and Leo arriving first, Honoka's frantic question didn't lose out to them in the slightest.

  Seeing the earlier hand motion, Honoka consciously realized that there was some theatrics involved, but she wasn't clear on what exactly occurred.

  In reality, he didn't catch the bullets themselves, but used "Decomposition" on the physical body of the bullet and the trajectory and thus nullified the shots. Towards his friends who naturally knew nothing about this, Tatsuya said "It's nothing" and raised his right hand to form a fist a few times to show them.

  Seeing this, Honoka and Mizuki finally relaxed, but Mikihiko and Shizuku were watching Tatsuya with eyes that clearly said "How did you do that".

  Still, Tatsuya did not answer these unvoiced questions (not that he could answer these questions even if asked). He only answered Erika's question.

  "Now we're committed...... What's the next move?"

  Why does she seem so upbeat about this, the retort was on his lips before he swallowed it since this would waste precious time.

  "Regardless of whether we choose to flee or counterattack, the first priority is to take out the enemy
at the front entrance."

  After he said this, Tatsuya paused for a moment.

  "Wait a second, why did you stop?"

  He originally wanted to say "So you do appear to be very happy" to Erika, who stood there with eyes sparkling, but after further consideration, he slowly shook his head.

  "Splitting up is somewhat better than reacting all the time and taking hits."

  "Somewhat" was his only concession towards passive agreement.

  Thus, when he realized that not only Erika and Honoka, but even Mizuki and Shizuku lightened up at this, Tatsuya couldn't help but think "Give me a break......"

  That being said, this was a state of emergency, so there was no time to lose.

  Tatsuya quickly led them towards the entrance.

  "Wait a minute...... Just wait a minute, Shiba Tatsuya!"

  However, they were unable to depart during the chaos because a voice frantically called them to a stop.

  "What is it, Kichijouji Shinkurou?"

  Tatsuya ruthlessly asked back.

  Yet, Kichijouji was not cowed by Tatsuya's displeasure, or maybe because he didn't have time to be afraid, so Kichijouji continued questioning Tatsuya.

  "Was that 'Molecular Divider'!?"

  Kichijouji's question caused everyone around them to start chattering to one another.

  "Molecular Divider Magic was a secret technique developed by the previous USNA Combat Magicians Commander, Major William Sirius. Unlike magic that weakens the molecular bonds, Molecular Divider Magic is one of the USNA's most classified military secrets!"

  It was unknown whether this was a knowledge error, but Kichijouji's interpretation was completely off the mark, but that suited Tatsuya just fine.

  "Why are you able to use that! How could you possibly know!?"

  "Is this the time and place to discuss something like that?"

  At the barrage of questions, Tatsuya intentionally used a tone that seemed to frantically try to maintain the facade — to Kichijouji, this sounded like "there's no need to hide this any longer" — and curtailed the conversation.