Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 10 - Visitor Chapter (II) Page 10

  In the material world, multiple objects were not able to exist in the same location at once.

  However, the Idea had no such restriction. Nor did that restriction apply to any information body that existed within the Idea. Released towards the isolated information body that served as a "target" the compressed block of psions that Tatsuya released dissipated without achieving any noticeable effect.

  "Huh……"

  Off to one side, Miyuki was worriedly taking note of Tatsuya’s gritted teeth and dismayed expression, whereas Yakumo, who served as the enabler for this training session, struck up a conversation in his usual flighty manner.

  "As we surmised, even you’re in for a rough outing. Meh, this is a technique that is beyond certain people no matter how hard they work towards it."

  In response to those irresponsible words, Miyuki directed a venomous glare at him while her killing intent sharpened.

  Yakumo would not be Yakumo if he batted an eyelid. Still, careful scrutiny would reveal cold sweat gathered around his forehead.

  "After all, it’s only been three days since he started working on an attack that can be used in the Idea, so I thought that there simply wasn’t enough time to get acclimated to it yet."

  Miyuki’s withering glare never lessened despite Yakumo’s frantic attempts to explain himself.

  "Master, let’s try this again please."

  However, the moment Tatsuya requested to continue the training session, the focal point of Miyuki’s attention once more gathered onto her brother.

  —It had been a full week since the day after the vampire invaded the school campus and the ensuing Pyrrhic outcome without victory. On the second day, Tatsuya had reached out to Yakumo regarding training, and today was the seventh day.

  Contrary to Yakumo’s words, Tatsuya was once again reminded of the difference raw talent made in the past two or three days.

  Normal Magicians would consider being able to hit a target in the Idea with psion bullets within three days to be a huge step forward. However, Tatsuya was originally capable of identifying information bodies floating in the Idea. Compared to normal practitioners, he carried a huge advantage even before training began. In spite of that, the fact that even now he still wasn’t able to affect the target with psion bullets did not merit high praise.

  "Well, acclimation can only be judged by success. Techniques are something that you might not be capable of today, but suddenly are able to accomplish tomorrow."

  As if picking up on Tatsuya’s harsh self-critique, Yakumo offered a few comforting words.

  "Yet, the fact of the matter is that right now isn’t the time to wait for 'someday'."

  Naturally, this wasn’t going to conclude on a few words of comfort.

  "In your case, you already know where to aim, I think another way to approach this would be creating an altogether different attack method."

  Hearing this, Tatsuya let a bitter smirk slip by despite knowing that it was indecorous.

  "It’s not that easy to develop new magic out of the blue. Though I admit that progress is rather lackluster, I think you are rating me too highly."

  "Really? While you do possess a side that is lacking in talent, in terms of technique modification and innovation you belong in a league of your own. I certainly don’t think that devaluing your own potential is a wise course of action."

  "That’s perfectly right, Onii-sama!"

  Though Tatsuya was not overly enthused, this time it was Miyuki’s turn to become animated.

  "Only Onii-sama is able to create something that other people don’t even dare to dream about!"

  ……Scratch becoming animated, this was a full blown declaration. In Miyuki’s case, this wasn’t even speculation on her part.

  "Pardon me, but I don’t think these paths are mutually exclusive. The use of Gram Demolition to attack directly can be one strategy and new magic development can proceed at the same time, right?"

  If this was anyone other than Miyuki, Tatsuya would immediately reject it with something like "don’t say something so unreasonable", or a joke like "you want me to die of exhaustion?"

  But this was Miyuki, and before those eyes that far exceeded expectation and bordered upon pure faith, it was utterly impossible for Tatsuya to respond with words like "can’t be done" or "implausible".

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Tatsuya and Miyuki weren’t the only ones looking forward to a rematch. Erika, Mikihiko, Mayumi, and Katsuto were all preparing for the next conflict – not just this solitary battle, but to combat the threat that the vampires posed. After they began their preparations, bad news came across the Pacific in late January of 2096.

  "Onii-sama, this is……!"

  The Shiba siblings heard the news over the television as they sat down for breakfast. Tatsuya was struck speechless that the broadcast seemed to be timed precisely for the morning in Japan.

  "……Is this the same thing we heard from Shizuku……?"

  "……Looks like the watered down version."

  After finally finding his voice, Tatsuya replied back in a bitter tone.

  The contents of the broadcast were publicized by an anonymous whistleblower within a government organization.

  The news was as follows:

  —On October 31st of last year, the USNA government ordered the army’s Magicians to develop a countermeasure to the secret weapon the Japanese military wielded on the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Magicians at the Dallas National Accelerator Lab ignored experts’ warnings and used the particle accelerator to summon demons.

  The Magicians wanted to form pacts with the demons to counter the Japanese super weapon.

  Unfortunately for them, the binding process failed and they were possessed. The vampires responsible for the civilian disturbances starting late last year were actually military Magicians possessed by these demons. The military will take responsibility for the loss of human life from three perspectives.

  First, the failure to prevent the Magicians from engaging in hazardous and reckless experiments.

  Second, they forcibly initiated the experiment and still failed, despite knowing the inherently high risks involved.

  Third, while there is a high chance that they had lost their consciousness, the fact remains that Magicians attached to the military harmed civilians.

  The bottom line was that this unfortunate turnout was the direct result of the military’s failure to corral its Magicians. Shouldn’t we seriously reevaluate whether magic, a supernatural force that, albeit powerful, has the potential to go rogue at any minute is truly in line with the country’s best interests—

  "What an interesting way of packaging the message……"

  "Then, is this!?"

  "The real purpose was to discriminate against Magicians."

  Tatsuya’s bitter voice that responded to Miyuki’s tight expression gave a feeling that was more dazed than worrisome.

  "The gist is similar to the 'Humanists', but…… Since the overwhelming majority of people cannot use magic, it’s not even worth the time to consider which side the media is going to take. Compared to that, the news source is far more important."

  Tatsuya initially reached his hand towards the phone, but halted that motion in the middle.

  Who was he going to call……? Among the numerous candidates, for some reason a face that belonged to an opponent who wasn’t necessarily a companion crossed Miyuki’s mind.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  The sudden news exploded out of nowhere – though it may be more apt to call this a scandal – and Lina literally had a headache pounding in her head.

  Her direct thoughts on the matter told her that now wasn’t the time to attend school, but a combat asset like her that was 100% focused in that direction couldn’t help quiet things down even if she stayed. Plus, there were her orders to "go about like usual" from Colonel Barans herself.

  There was no way she could disobey a direct order from a superior officer.

  Nursing
her aching head, Lina arrived at the station that said "To First High". Next, there was only a single path leading to the school gates. At least, that was how it should have been.

  "Good morning, Lina."

  Seeing the silhouette that suddenly blocked the path before her, Lina forgot her headache and immediately turned to flee like a rabbit.

  "What’s with you all of a sudden, trying to run away when you see someone……?"

  "Ah, ha ha ha……"

  Lina’s tactical retreat ended in failure within three small steps.

  That was because Miyuki was standing guard at the ticket booth.

  Pressed into a corner by her smiling classmate, Lina could only plaster a smile on her face and try to muddle through. –Not that there was any point to this.

  "Ah, forget it. No, it’s actually not a good thing, but there’s no point in being tardy for this. I have something I need to ask you, so let’s chat while we’re walking."

  "……What do you want to know?"

  Wariness on full alert, Lina still obediently followed along because she was in a position where causing a commotion was out of the question. Despite their brief time together, Tatsuya knew she wasn’t renowned for her patience and cut right to the chase.

  "Did you catch the news this morning?"

  "……I saw it, though not because I wanted to."

  In response to Tatsuya’s inquiry, Lina replied in seemingly genuine discomfort.

  "Which of the parts are true?"

  Lina had an obligation to answer Tatsuya’s questions as honestly as she could.

  However, Lina was in the mood for some serious ranting. Thankfully, her conversation partner already knew everything about her so there was no need for any secrecy as she began her tirade.

  "All the key parts are lies!"

  In the end, she managed to lower her volume, but the tone was quite animated.

  "They only laid down the truth on the surface, and it gets worse! It’s a perfect example of information control!"

  "As expected, it’s propaganda."

  Despite understanding the literal meaning of Tatsuya’s words, Lina tilted her head slightly.

  "What, what do you mean by as expected? Propaganda?"

  "No, it’s just a simple deduction on my part. So, only the basics of the matter are true?"

  "……Yes!"

  The part she didn’t want pointed out was now laid out in the open. Forgetting her confusion from a few seconds ago, Lina replied in frustration.

  "Still, information like this should naturally get the classified treatment. I believe that it would be difficult for people on the outside to investigate."

  "……It’s probably the 'Seven Sages'."

  "Seven Sages? Not the Seven Sages of Greece, are they?"

  "An organization called the Seven Sages whose identities are unknown."

  Hearing Lina’s words, Tatsuya was caught by surprise.

  "You guys don’t know the identities of an organization within USNA borders? Is such a thing possible?"

  "It is! Not that I want to admit it!"

  Lina’s expression clearly advocated the truth of her words.

  "The organization’s name, Seven Sages, was also supplied from their side and, no matter how hard we try, we haven’t found any hint about them. The only detail we can somewhat confirm is that there are seven people holding the title of Sage in their leadership."

  "Sages…… Quite the literal definition of the term."

  "Which is why I said we don’t know who they are!"

  "Hold on, Lina. Please do not direct your anger at Onii-sama."

  "What, I……"

  Not knowing whether she should comment on Miyuki’s selective blindness or her inability to read the atmosphere, Lina was on the verge of exploding with something like "What did you say!" or "Are you saying I’m in the wrong here!?" However, after taking a few deep breaths, she managed to avoid any eye-popping behavior.

  "……You lose if you pay too much attention, Angelina, and that’s just Miyuki being strange like usual. There’s no end to this if you take the bro-con declarations from the bro-con sister to heart. Don’t pay attention to bro-con weirdo, bro-con weirdo, bro-con weirdo……"

  The mantra she chanted to herself in order to calm down fortunately remained unheard and thus free of reprimand.

  "Lina?"

  "Eh? Sorry, what’s up?"

  "In regards to the Seven Sages, is there any chance that they are Humanists?"

  After listening to Tatsuya’s words, Lina thought about it as she walked before shaking her head.

  "Although I cannot guarantee this, that’s probably impossible. Based on their previous history, Seven Sages is not an organization that lends itself to ideology or fanaticism."

  "Setting aside fanaticism for the moment, is it possible for an organization to be free of ideology?"

  "……That’s a poor way of putting it on my part. There’s no prevailing line of thinking for them. Based on our investigation, they seem more like people who delight in the instance of criminal activity. Burning passion towards one particular line of thinking doesn’t fit their image. More importantly, the Seven Sages have assisted us in the past, though that appears largely one-sided."

  And that was when the name Seven Sages became known, Lina added to her explanation. Tatsuya nodded in understanding and thought, it’s true that this does not fit the profile of Humanists.

  "Lastly, one more thing."

  Though there was still a stretch until the school gates, Tatsuya had already made the declaration that this interrogation was drawing to a close.

  "……What?"

  Hearing his voice becoming more serious than it was before, Lina’s response was guarded.

  "Was drawing Parasites from another world the intended result?"

  "No."

  Lina’s reply absolutely rejected Tatsuya’s query.

  "If you’re actually being serious with that question, I’m going to get angry, Tatsuya."

  Now that they mention it, Lina was already furious. It’s just that her ire wasn’t pointed at Tatsuya earlier.

  "I have already executed 3 of the 'Infected'. If this is someone’s plan all along, there’s no way I will forgive him."

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  DD was a white male who was approximately 45 years of age and had a typical appearance of brown hair and eyes. His original name was Donald Douglas, but no one called him "Mr. Douglas". Putting it nicely, it would be a term of endearment, and putting it bluntly, that’s because there was no respect involved. Ever since his childhood, everyone from coworkers to roommates had referred to him as "DD" and assumed he was a plain old human being without any positives or negatives.

  Three months ago, DD was a dorm manager in Dallas. He had graduated with honors from a technical college. A few missteps (in his personal opinion) along the way had robbed him of a satisfying job, so he switched jobs quite a few times prior to his marriage.

  DD was deeply unhappy with his line of work. Despite being a laborer, he held a fairly high position of responsibility in his company, and his compensation certainly wasn’t hurting his lifestyle. His income was about average for those who lived in the urban areas of America. Taking into account the Central American territories within the USNA as a whole, he might even exceed the average in some places. Nonetheless, he still believed that he deserved a better job.

  In spite of this, he set aside his ambition and placed family first after getting married. Though not blessed with children, their married life was one of happiness. He was a model husband for his wife, but perhaps his self-restraint was too strong. If only he had been a little more honest with himself, he might not have been tempted by the devil that day.

  The day of the miniature black hole experiment, he had been responsible for inspecting the electric distributor along the outer wall that was linked to the particle accelerator as he gazed longingly at the massive experimental device. The unfulfilled ambition sealed away in his h
eart became pure desire that suffused his heart. Still, that should have only been a momentary lapse. After finishing his task, DD mastered himself and returned home to be a good husband. –If a Parasite hadn’t possessed him, that is.

  That day, he became a vampire. As a latent practitioner, the moment he fully assimilated with the Parasite, his own ability – Hypnosis Force awakened. Using this power, he convinced his wife that they were going to Japan of their own free will.

  DD’s hypnotic power wasn’t that strong. He was unable to force people to do irregular things that lay outside such as their convictions, deeply held sense of values, or religious beliefs. The spell he cast over his wife only hinted that "they were going to Japan on a business trip".

  Still, within acceptable boundaries of common sense and logic, he could still forcibly convince others of unnatural commands. For example, it was easy for him to allow the real estate agents to believe that they had gathered the necessary documentation and there was no need to go through all the paperwork. Thanks to this power, he secured lodgings for his companions who had not been dispatched by the USNA (including himself). Using common sense like "it’s impossible for demons to exist", DD manipulated eyewitness memories and hid his companions’ movements.

  However, starting one week ago, his companions in the hotbed of activity began to lose their hosts one by one, necessitating a change. In order to help his companions dodge the physical examinations, he interfered with the USNA personnel’s memory to transfer them to the back of the line and used that time to contact his companions who fled the country ahead of the military to Japan to help them coordinate lodgings and the next hideout.

  After taking care of the luggage in the apartment, DD contacted his companions.

  (Preparations for the move have been completed.)

  DD directed this comment towards the inner part of his consciousness and received a mental confirmation. Even with a practitioner skilled in reading minds present, the only thing that could be heard was probably the sound of a bee flapping its wings. This wasn’t even a question of language because DD was the only one communicating in a human language. Parasites communicated mentally, so there was no need for words. In the first place, they were similar to having one central consciousness. There was no need for everyone to consider the next step. With the companions responsible for cognitive thinking temporarily without a host right now, DD was the primary consciousness – the one responsible for human thinking.