Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 11 - Visitor Chapter (III)

by Sato Tsutomu

  At the same time, however, it was lonely and dismal work.

  Unless there was a great compatibility in terms of personality, it would be far too heavy for a teenage girl. Unable to bear the weight, her heart would break down little by little.

  And from what Tatsuya had seen, Lina was no killer.

  From the voice and look Miyuki gave him, she was of the same opinion.

  At this rate, there may come a time when she is lost to the darkness.

  Fortunately(?), what happened next was further shocking enough to blow such melancholy away. All of a sudden, another figure walked into the monitor screen of the Third Counterintelligence Division's video server Tatsuya was hacking into.

  With blond hair and blue eyes, the young man appeared to be an Anglo-Saxon. He looked childish, but his age was probably around that of Tatsuya's.

  Holding her hands to her mouth Miyuki let out a sound of dismay, but Tatsuya remained calm.

  This workstation had been intended for hacking, and was completely isolated from the other systems as well as running on a dedicated line. There were no mics in the room, nor cameras. Sound and visuals could only flow one way, so there was no way of observing this place from the other side of the connection.

  "Hello, you can hear me right? I'll speak on the assumption you can."

  Sure enough, the youth reflected in the monitor began to speak without attempting to establish communication.

  "Let's start off with introductions. My name is Raymond Sage Clark. One of the 'Seven Sages'."

  Miyuki's hands, which had at some point found their way to Tatsuya's shoulders, tensed.

  Tatsuya was aware that the sensation included tenseness of his own.

  "I've heard about you from Tear[3]...... No, Shizuku. Nice to meet you, Tatsuya."

  It seemed this boy was a fellow student of Shizuku in her exchange.

  Furthermore, someone she had provided information to.

  If Shizuku's information source had been Lina's mentioned 'Sage', it was of little wonder that even off-record information could be accessed.

  But, just what was his purpose?

  Going as far as to expose himself to Tatsuya.

  There was always the possibility it was a video dummy, but Tatsuya's intuition told him it was the real Raymond Sage Clark.

  "Let's speak bluntly. ...... Ah, that's a pretty nice phrase."

  Raymond was speaking Japanese. 'Speak bluntly' was fluent, if not a bit incorrect. There was nothing 'blunt' about his speaking anyway.

  "The one who told Angie Sirius about this place was me."

  Tatsuya reflexively wanted to point out 'your use of the idiom is completely wrong', but there was no way to convey that unfortunately.

  There was no doubt that 'this place' referred to the Third Counterintelligence Division.

  "Since before I said anything, she already knew about this place, anyway."

  The hell is that, Tatsuya thought. You're not telling someone anything if they already knew.

  Once again, there was no opportunity to retort. Tatsuya decided to see the video through to the end.

  "And now, I've got something special for you."

  'Exclusive news' was pretty informal Japanese. It was as if he had been learning Japanese from some news room.

  "I think it's something you'll be quite interested in. The price is my repayment to you for watching, is what I'd like to say, but since we're wrapping up I'll give it to you for free."

  Although Tatsuya knew he couldn't hear, he still muttered 'it's not like I asked you' under his breath.

  That was all he had time to spare for that, however.

  "The anti-magician movement currently raging in the States, which is about to spill over into Japan, was orchestrated by one of the Seven Sages: Jiedo Sage Heigu."

  Being hit with this news all of a sudden, even Tatsuya couldn't suppress his surprise.

  "Jiedo Heigu, aka Gù Jié[4]. A stateless Chinese, and leader of the international terrorist organisation 'Blanche'. The boss of that Blanche Japan branch leader whom you caught, Tsukasa."

  As the names lined up one after the other,

  "He was also the previous leader of the international crime syndicate 'No Head Dragon', and his grandson Richard is a senior in that same group. Within the organisation he is referred to as the 'Black Sage', or 'Lord Heigu[5]'."

  Tatsuya was transfixed to the screen.

  "Ah, so you know, just because we're both Sages doesn't mean we have any connection to each other. The Seven Sages isn't the name of some group, but rather refers to the seven operators who have access to Hliðskjálf."

  It wasn't like conversation — questions were possible, yet he willed him to hurry up.

  Hliðskjálf...... He had only heard a rumor of it once. It was a rumor, no more seemingly real than an urban legend, yet it was true, apparently. Was this the same thing as that which he had heard in the rumor?

  "Hliðskjálf is-"

  With impeccable timing as if reading Tatsuya's thoughts, Raymond proceeded to describe it.

  "An additional extension of the global observation system 'Echelon III'. It's a backdoor into Echelon III, so I suppose you could think of it as a hacking tool which allows you to lurk within the system? What would you say Tatsuya?"

  'What would you say' he asks, even though there wasn't the slightest chance of an answer.

  Of course Raymond was perfectly aware of that as well, so he continued without waiting for one.

  "As for where Hliðskjálf itself is located, not even us operators know. It may even be that it's simply a program, with no physical hardware to be found."

  Raymond shrugged on screen. The gesture looked like it came straight out of some anime.

  "Anyway, Hliðskjálf collects information from all over the world with an efficiency surpassing Echelon III's main system and brings it to the operators. The operators seem to be chosen by the system itself, and there seems to be no discernible selection criteria. Apparently it's completely random."

  Raymond mimicked twirling a pipe. He was probably rather disappointed he had forgotten to bring an actual prop.

  "To try and think of something they have in common, I suppose it'd be the financial security to access advanced information systems on their own? It's not like you'd need to be a millionaire or something, in terms of Japan or the States something along the lines of the standard of living of an average middle class would be enough."

  This was completely unbelievable.

  That was Tatsuya's impression from Raymond's explanation so far.

  Just what were the creators of Hliðskjálf thinking. It was inconceivable that they were merely hackers doing this for the pleasure of it.

  "Well to be honest, it's not much of a system. Hardware wise Hliðskjálf is completely dependent on Echelon III, and it's merely the data processing which is more efficient; it can't access data which is in storage since it's merely an interception system. By the way, there's a system guard in place which prevents saving any of the results to some external storage. The information which can be obtained is limited by the brain of the operator. At best, it's something which grants information gathering capabilities, and allows its operators to take the name of 'Sage'."

  Even with just that though, it was a serious threat.

  It could be said now that all data of importance was moved through a network of some kind.

  Just, what data was there which wasn't communicated at least once.

  "Not to mention, using Hliðskjálf poses a risk to its operators. In order to streamline the search, Hliðskjálf uses two agents: Huginn and Muninn. The search history of the operator is recorded in Muninn. Anything one operator searches for will be known to all the other operators. The reason I know of Jiedo Heigu is due to Muninn."

  At this point, Tatsuya thought 'Oh my'. Theoretically speaking, that would mean it was possible the identity of Raymond Clark was known to Jiedo Heigu as well.

  "Due to the loss of the Japanese bra
nches of both Blanche and No Head Dragon, Heigu lost the means to meddle with Japan. The reason Heigu sent the Parasites to Japan was to cause an escalating turmoil, under cover of which he could rebuild his bases of operations."

  In the video, Raymond had dropped his performance. It seemed this was a serious matter to him.

  "I have come to the conclusion that his aim is the elimination of magic from society. If he can push out magic technology, magically underdeveloped countries like the Great Asian Alliance can even the balance of military power at a stretch. They would be dominant in a non-magical world, and I believe that is what Heigu and those who are behind him are plotting."

  Although seemingly overdramatic, Tatsuya concluded it was logical as a whole. It had been Tatsuya's own feeling that the Great Asian Alliance seemed to want to eradicate magic technology.

  "That is not a world I desire. ......It's fine if you laugh and call me a romanticist, but I truly believe that magic is something which will lead to the advancement of mankind."

  Although he knew there was no way the other side could hear, Tatsuya couldn't help a spit-take. Somehow, a fundamental part of the boy just didn't seem to match with that opinion.

  "And so, from here on out, I'll try and continue providing information you may find necessary. Tatsuya Shiba — Strategic class magician, God of Destruction'The Destroy'."

  At that exaggerated nickname Raymond bestowed upon him, Tatsuya frowned with all his might.

  —Don't give me a name that sounds like the boss of some crappy video game. Was it possible that this boy was an 'otaku' of universal language.

  "We may have gone juust a bit over time. To summarize, for this matter I will offer my help in the destruction of the Parasites."

  Hardly just a bit, Tatsuya thought, but the monitor didn't switch off.

  "About the information on Jiedo Heigu. It's up to you if you'll believe it or not. Whether you'll trust what I'm about to tell you right now is up to you as well. If you do however, I'd like you to repay me by completing a few tasks."

  For a moment, Raymond was silent. Not in the sense of dramaticism, but more likely due to tension, from what was reflected in the screen.

  "Tomorrow, the night of February 19th your time, all active Parasites will be drawn to the back outdoor training grounds of First High. I'd like you to destroy them there."

  No evidence had been presented, but by this stage Tatsuya was already prepared to take Raymond up on his offer.

  "You should note that I've already relayed this information to Angie Sirius as well. Whether to cooperate or not, is once again all up to you."

  He wasn't particularly thrilled about this gesture of consideration, but unfortunately there wasn't exactly any way to object either.

  Raymond spoke no further, then the monitor suddenly went dark.

  An exhalation was heard overhead.

  Miyuki appeared to have been holding her breath.

  Tatsuya had been too.

  "Seems that we'd better leave soon if we don't want to be late."

  Rising and looking back, Tatsuya called Miyuki along.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Year 1 Class E's 2pm class was practical.

  Although it was called a class, as usual there was no teacher present. Students just operated their CADs on their own following guidance shown on the wall monitors. The students themselves were already familiar with this, and there was now an ease due to being free from a teacher's eyes. Of course there were those who simply gave up; whether one did so or continued persevering was up to the individual.

  Most of the boys kept it up.

  In order to keep from raising any attention Leo, who was delayed in arriving to the practice room, looked around and, seeing the figures of Mikihiko, Erika, and Mizuki, he proceeded inside.

  "...... You're late, Leo."

  "Quiet you."

  While Mikihiko's voice had softened considerably as of late, his reproof contained a hint of sharpness; Leo responded with a fearless grin.

  That grin soon switched to an 'oh?' expression.

  "What about Tatsuya?"

  To his inquiry, Mizuki replied "It seems he has a visitor?"

  Her tone was rather questioning since Mizuki was unsure as well.

  "Visitor? At school?"

  As Leo echoed with raised eyebrows, Mizuki could only return a vague smile.

  "More importantly, let's get this over with."

  Erika spoke up from the side in a carefree voice. Discernible underneath her indifferent tone was a warning not to step into private matters.

  "You're right. Today's task seems like it'll be quite challenging."

  Saying so, Mikihiko began setting his CAD. Erika considered it someone else's business, Mizuki was slightly anxious, and Leo felt a slight twinge; their smiles each contained their own respective feelings.

  Meanwhile Tatsuya, with his moody pokerface, was sitting on a sofa in the drawing room.

  Across from him sat a middle-aged man in a luxury suit. His expression was plain moody.

  As these two displeased visages faced each other, it was unlikely either would attempt a conversation.

  The one who ran out of patience first, having being forcibly called out of class, was Tatsuya.

  "Aoki-san, would you please state your business?"

  His tone couldn't be said to be polite, nevermind his wording; the temper evident in Aoki's face seemed to step up a notch.

  Aoki as well, since it was Tatsuya, couldn't help letting his feelings show. As the one who dealt with the underground economy and guarded the Yotsuba treasury for over ten years, Aoki's mask shouldn't have a single crack, nevermind going as far as to impair his speech.

  Aoki should have known more than anyone how letting his emotions out like this would impair his mission. But the hierarchy of the Yotsuba had been too deeply ingrained into him,

  Such consciousness had turned no few people into idiots.

  "...... I'm in the middle of class at the moment, so if there's nothing important I will excuse myself."

  "Wait."

  At Tatsuya's ultimatum, Aoki finally opened his mouth. Considerably reluctantly too.

  "The other day, you purchased a 3H-P94, did you not?"

  The business-like way of speaking Aoki adopted was understandable. Tatsuya found it humorous, but didn't laugh. Such petty retaliation was, in all likelihood, just his way of coping.

  "To be exact, it was the day before yesterday."

  In the same way, Tatsuya responded in a business-like manner. Unfortunately, his resolve would be lost almost immediately.

  "The madam wants it. We'll reimburse you twice the amount, so please hand it over immediately."

  Tatsuya rapidly stood up, and confirmed with a sharp gaze there were no eavesdroppers.

  Since there was always equipment for the observation of magical power in magic high schools he could not use his 'Eyes' freely, but his naked eyes were also trained for such a feat. In any case, there had been no one listening in to their talk.

  Tatsuya took out from his pocket his mobile terminal, and connected a cable into it, holding out the other end to Aoki.

  Thinking about it — no, even if you didn't this was pretty presumptuous behavior, but realizing Tatsuya wasn't about to say anything, Aoki with a frown nonetheless took the cable and plugged it into his own terminal.

  "Aoki-san, are you sick?"

  The first message he sent over was this unexpected thing.

  Aoki's reflexive reaction was to get angry, but sensing the unusual pressure emitting from the other side he inadvertently kept himself under control.

  "Today is a Saturday. If you had waited just four more hours you could have called me somewhere with no people. Why would you run the risk of discussing House matters in the drawing room of a public school? I'm sure you know it's an order from my Aunt that my links with the family are to be kept absolutely secret."

  Large cracks began to appear in Aoki's mask of calm. The edge of his lips was trem
bling finely. His complexion was also pale.

  Tatsuya knew there must have been reasons for such carelessness. Avoiding places Miyuki would be, preserving hierarchy, all could account for such unreasonableness.

  Aoki should have realized Tatsuya would see through all that. And yet, the movement of his pen as he wrote a reply was the only answer.

  "I would just like to carry out madam's orders as soon as possible. More importantly, please bring out the 3H right now. I can leave straight after."

  "There's no way I can do that. Even if I transferred ownership to you, the loan agreement with First High would still be in effect. The reason I bought the 3H-P94 in the first place was to prevent it from being taken away by a third party. I will take responsibility for it myself. Please tell Aunt that."

  Aoki's face shifted from red to blue. This generally signaled an incoming tantrum.

  "Are you going to disobey your orders?"

  At Tatsuya's stinging words however, Aoki deflated.

  Seeing this change in him, Tatsuya stood up. He judged that there was no longer any reason for him to remain.

  "Wait. No, please wait."

  It seemed Aoki didn't intend to leave just yet.

  Looking closely, the arrogance, which had earlier filled his face, no, his entire body had disappeared. Tatsuya didn't think for a moment he was having some sort of existential revelation. Looking in his eyes however, his attitude had completely changed.

  "I apologise sincerely for my conduct earlier."

  Saying so, Aoki bowed low to Tatsuya. He was still seated on the couch, but there was no misunderstanding that he really was apologising.

  "Please raise your head, Aoki-san."

  As he spoke, Tatsuya returned to his seat. It didn't mean he was responding to Aoki's sincerity. In the first place, Tatsuya didn't feel much sincerity at all. However, he was interested in what Aoki had to say which would cause him to become so serious.

  "Tatsuya-kun, rather, Tatsuya-dono, it's exactly as you say. Since the loan agreement was a prerequisite for the purchase, it stands to reason that you cannot just take it away. I'm sorry for asking something so unreasonable."

  "It's fine."