Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 09 - Visitor Chapter (I) Read online

  Chapter 0

  The National Particle Accelerator Lab was located in Dallas, Texas in the USNA (not the northern part of the United States, but the United States that encompassed all of Northern America). At a full length of 30 km, the linear particle accelerator was preparing to experiment with micro black hole creation and evaporation based on the Hawking radiation theory.

  In reality, preparations had already been completed two years ago, but the reason why this project was restarted despite its failure to receive approval due to its comparatively large unknown risks was because of what happened in the Far East sector near end of last month.

  A titanic explosion eradicated the military harbor located on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula and the fleet stationed there within an instant. This was not just a simple event, but worthy of rating a major crisis.

  This was not because of the scale of destruction, but because of the estimated instrument of this carnage.

  After fierce debate among the scientists from the Department of National Defense, the cause of the detonation was determined to be matter conversion. Three years ago, only a small portion of the scholars stood by this, but this time there was consensus among the researchers.

  By tracing back the estimated scale of the explosion, the amount of matter transmuted into energy was roughly 1 kg. —Although matter conversion on such a large scale had never been detected before, but since they already used an experimental device to record the annihilation reaction, they were able to use that to deduce what had occurred.

  What required an explanation was that, based on the data of the "titanic explosion" recorded by the satellites, the distinctive properties of the annihilation reaction did not match those created under experimental conditions. Nor did they detect any debris left behind by nuclear fission or fusion. In other words, regardless of whether through the advent of some technology or magical power, someone utilized a previously unknown method to create a practical application for high energy explosions.

  This result gave the upper echelons of the USNA fits.

  If this was caused by magic, then they could hardly bemoan the fact that no one could replicate this achievement. While the magic system itself was systematic, ultimately human genes were the dominant property.

  However, there was simply no way to craft any countermeasures if they had no idea how this phenomenon was achieved in the first place.

  Once an enemy turned this upon them, the only path remaining to them was complete destruction.

  This was a nightmare come to life.

  How was the explosion brought about, the keys to the matter and energy conversion system, were these beyond their grasp...... Yet, this was precisely the impetus that revitalized the micro black hole creation and evaporation experiment.

  In regards to the observable effect from matter to energy conversion from black hole evaporation, the theoretical proof was sound. The micro black hole experiment itself was designed to bring these theories to fruition. And then there was the matter of how the data from the "titanic explosion" differed from experimental estimates.

  Still, according to the predictions from USNA scientists, although the annihilation effect did not match up perfectly with the experimental observation of Hawking radiation, there was still the possibility of obtaining a result that was completely different from theoretical estimates.

  In summation, there was a chance that they could observe the same distinctive properties observed during the "titanic explosion". The probability of this was not zero.

  The fact that this flimsy possibility was enough to reopen such a dangerous and risky experiment was a clear testament to how desperate the upper echelons of the USNA had become.

  To the point that they could ignore the dangers of the unknown.

  The result of such a decision was encroaching towards them, nay, the entire world.

  This hitherto undetected disaster was creeping closer.

  Chapter 1

  There was still one month left in the year 2095 AD.

  Thinking back, this was quite the chaotic year. As he thought over the past year, even Tatsuya couldn't help but fall into a reverie. The terrorists in April, the international criminal organization in August, then came the foreign invaders during October. Even the word "turbulent" should have a limit.

  Still, Tatsuya did not possess the leisure to ruminate and reflect over the year gone by. This was hardly because he bore any pessimistic outlook like "there's still one month left, who knows what could happen". Rather, he had a more practical reason before him.

  "......Wah-! I still don't understand no matter how many times it's been said!"

  "Keep it to yourself! There's no need to holler! Just suck it up!"

  "Relax, Leo-kun, Erika-chan......"

  No matter if one was a middle school student, high school student, or college student, so long as they were students, this was undoubtedly their most loathed nemesis. The unavoidable obstacle that they were forced to overcome. —The inevitable final exams that were just around the corner.

  The usual crowd was currently gathered in Shizuku's house — more like a mansion, to be precise.

  Tatsuya, Miyuki, Erika, Leo, Mizuki, Mikihiko, Honoka, Shizuku, everyone was here and engaged in the study session in preparation for the upcoming final exams.

  Despite calling this a study session, the group assembled here were largely quite capable on the written portion of the exam. The only exception here was Leo, whose grades were only so-so, but still in no danger of failing. The area of grave concern was actually the technical skills portion, but that was not being covered in the study session.

  Besides from the odd squawk here and there, the mood of the study session closely mirrored that of a colloquial tea party. —That is, until Shizuku dropped the bombshell.

  "Eh? Shizuku, can you repeat that one more time?"

  "I'm actually preparing to study overseas in America."

  Honoka asked in a frantic manner while Shizuku replied in her usual bland tone.

  "But I never heard about that!?"

  "Sorry, I was forbidden from disclosing that until yesterday."

  Seeing the completely pale Honoka press on with more questions, Shizuku's head dropped in a clear sign of guilt. Plainly, Shizuku wanted to tell them from long ago, so in that light, Honoka didn't push her any further.

  "However, are you seriously able to study overseas?"

  Honoka's question was not questioning Shizuku's ability.

  In the modern age, in order to prevent high-class Magicians, and especially their genetics as well as military capabilities, from drifting overseas, various governments heavily restricted unofficial international travel.

  The USNA remained allies on the surface, but in reality they were one of the country's direct competitors in the western Pacific. Hence the typical request to study abroad in America was usually denied.

  In other words, saying that she was studying abroad in America hinted at tacit approval.

  "Ah, well, we've already received approval. Father said that this was because this was a foreign exchange, or something like that."

  "So foreign exchange students are automatically qualified?"

  "Who knows?"

  Although Mizuki's question seemed reasonable, any hope of a positive response died when Shizuku tilted her head and replied back. Even Tatsuya was unable to follow any logic that granted special exceptions to foreign exchange students.

  "For how long? When do you leave?"

  While he wanted to properly analyze the situation, there was simply too little information on hand
. Tatsuya frankly gave up on any meaningless pondering and focused back on the situation before him.

  "I leave after the end of the term. The duration is three months."

  "So it's only three months...... Don't scare us like that."

  Honoka heaved a sigh of relief after hearing Shizuku's words. It looked like she was expecting this to be a long-term arrangement.

  However, according to Tatsuya's "common knowledge", even three months was quite a long duration (was there some backroom dealing that led to government ratification).

  Nonetheless, that wasn't important right now.

  "Then we need to prepare a proper farewell party."

  So, Tatsuya proposed "something that had to be done" to his friends.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  The final exams came and went without any disturbance. Today was Saturday, December 24th. Today was the last day of the second semester and also Christmas Eve.

  Since the Third World War until now, the Japanese citizenry remained indifferent towards religion. This was hardly because this was a country of atheists, but more because they subconsciously attributed the one true god that others believed in to be one of the myriad spirits in the world. Thus, there were always preparations for celebratory events, regardless of whether it was the lunar new year or Christmas.

  The streets were filled with Christmas cheer.

  Every shop was engaged in the annual Christmas mercantile warfare, although even if this was the true topic of the season, simply shopping around by oneself definitely rated as a foolish decision. Setting aside the people who hadn't found someone yet, if someone decided to throw a hissy fit because they weren't surrounded by cute girls at this time and ruined the mood for their friends who were enjoying the atmosphere, a beating would likely be unavoidable. (Of course, that's only the masculine side of things. Young ladies probably want to be "surrounded by strapping young lads".)

  So...... Even if this was the "farewell party", they still chose to hold it on December 24th. Right now, there was a giant cream cake in front of them with a chocolate plaque that had the words "Merry X'mas" on it. No matter what, this gave off an odd feeling. ......To top it off, according to this restaurant's style, Christmas should be spelled with "Weihnachten" rather than "X'mas". Still, this was perfectly charming in its own way.

  "Onii-sama, what's on your mind?"

  Eyeing his sister, who managed to bloom like a flower despite being garbed in her school uniform, Tatsuya shook his head to signify that "it was nothing".

  Indeed, in reality he couldn't simply write it off as nothing. Still, he was being invited as a participant, so he couldn't ruin the mood for the main act.

  "Has everyone gotten their drinks? Then, although this is slightly off kilter from the main theme of a farewell party, but since we rarely get such an exquisitely prepared cake, bottoms up everyone...... Merry Christmas!"

  "Merry Christmas!"

  Using the clinking of the cups to join the well wishers, Tatsuya responded to his friends' cries and raised his glass along with everyone else.

  In front of the Cafe "Eine Brise", a "Reserved" sign hung from the entrance.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  In central North America on the other side of the Pacific, this was still the day before Christmas Eve. The time was about to turn to the 24th.

  Compared to the majority of Japanese who viewed Christmas as a simple celebratory event, those that went through the 20 year long war, or more like the Americans who survived that catastrophe and especially for the new "Americans" after the war, these people embraced Christmas with sincerity, devotion, and gratitude. In order to prepare for Christmas Eve on the morrow, everyone went to bed early. —At least, that's how it was supposed to be.

  In the deepest night before Christmas Eve, several figures were flashing across the street corners of one of the great cities in southern America, Dallas, Texas.

  Several more figures leaped across the rooftops from one building to another.

  Additionally, several more formed a containment net in the air used against suspicious individuals. Given that they were equipped with Specialized CADs loaded with Flying-Type Magic that hadn't even hit the market yet, they were probably law enforcement or combat Magicians.

  "Halt, Lieutenant Alfred Fomalhaut! You know you have nowhere to flee!"

  Standing in front of the fleeing individual, a petite figure wearing a mask that covered the eyes barred their path.

  It was the tinkling voice of a young girl that called for surrender. The fugitive, Alfred Fomalhaut, immediately came to a halt upon seeing that tiny figure.

  "......What happened? Fred, you are someone who has received the First Class Star of Honor, so why are you deserting?"

  The earlier arrogant tone altered. This time, the masked young girl's voice contained the unease, bewilderment, and childish tones that were expected of her image.

  "............"

  Yet, the other side gave no reply.

  "There was a series of arson and homicides along this street said to be caused by your Pyrokinesis. That must be a joke, right?"

  "............"

  "Answer me, Freddy!"

  However, the response the other side gave came not in the form of words.

  The young girl quickly leaped backwards.

  The only thing she left behind was the cloak she wore on her shoulders.

  Without any warning, the cloak that covered the young girl's body erupted into flames and was burned to ash.

  Pyrokinesis — the fire starter ability.

  This was not modern magic from any system, but a special power that was once known as a Superpower.

  The cloak that the young girl wore over her purple uniform and the easily removable windbreakers and cloaks that the surrounding men wore were not to defend against the cold, but to block their physical bodies from the man's direct line of sight and magic.

  The second the flames vanished, every light in the man's surroundings winked out.

  Setting the target as the origin, every light source within a certain radius was reversed so that no outside light could penetrate this prison of pitch darkness. This was the area of effect magic "Mirror Cage".

  One of the surrounding individuals activated this defensive ability to deny the target any visuals.

  "Lieutenant Fomalhaut, in accordance with the special provision granted under federal military law and under my own authority as the commanding officer of Stars, I hereby enact your punishment!"

  This declaration was made as if in lamentation.

  The masked young girl, Major Angie Sirius, commanding officer of the Stars, raised the automatic pistol equipped with a silencer and aimed at Lieutenant Fomalhaut, who was still imprisoned within the magically created cell of darkness.

  Empowered by Data Fortification to ignore all magic interference, the bullet pierced through Lieutenant Fomalhaut's heart as he stood trapped within the dark barrier.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Despite calling this a farewell party, since they knew that they would be reunited in the spring after the trip and that this kind of study abroad sessions weren't usually approved, rather than being lonely, it would be more appropriate to say that there were more expectations in the air.

  "Hey, where are you going for your study abroad program?"

  "Berkeley."

  At Erika's question, Shizuku only replied back with a single word. This was not because Shizuku was in a dark mood, but because that's how her personality was.

  "So it's not Boston."

  Among Japanese Magicians, the belief that the center of America's modern magic research facilities was Boston ran deep. Miyuki's comment came from this particular background.

  "That's because the East Coast isn't very stable right now."

  "Ah, the 'Human Ideologists' are rampaging over there. We see them on the news quite often these days."

  Mikihiko agreed wholeheartedly with Shizuku's reply.

  "So the witch hunts have now turned into
'Magician hunts'. Even if you say history repeats itself, this is simply ridiculous."

  Leo coldly retorted.

  "It's not a perfect replication of history. Although we have no idea of the background of the 17th century's witch hunts, the recent 'Magician hunts' and new white supremacist movement are fundamentally two different things."

  Tatsuya chimed in with a more conciliatory tone.

  "Still, it may be best to avoid the East Coast."

  Not that Tatsuya's words were meant to defend the "Magician hunts" in any way.

  "I didn't know about that."

  Miyuki interjected while visually prompting her brother to continue. Catching his sister's request, Tatsuya continued onward.

  "This is because the rosters for both organizations shared quite a few members. However, the member rosters are not something open to the public, so it's only natural to be ignorant of this detail."

  "I smell criminal activity in Tatsuya-kun's words...... Let's table this disturbing conversation here."

  Seeing Erika intentionally crack a joke and shake her head, both Tatsuya and Miyuki chuckled wryly and nodded.

  The two of them both knew that this was not the right time and place for that conversation topic.

  "Do you know any details about the exchange student?"

  Possibly because she wanted to quickly alter the atmosphere, Miyuki's change in subject was a little abrupt.

  "Exchange?"

  "The child that will be the exchange student at our school."

  As expected, Shizuku initially missed the meaning behind Miyuki's words until Miyuki repeated herself before letting out an "Ah" along with an comprehending expression. —But, as usual, it was difficult to discern her change in expression.

  "I believe it's a girl of the same age."

  "So you don't know anything else?"

  "Yeah."

  Is that it? Everyone looked at one another blankly. Tatsuya chuckled as he asked this question while Shizuku nodded her head as if this was perfectly natural.

  "......That's true. No matter how much you cared, it's not like they would tell you who was going to cross over in your place."