Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 02 - Enrollment Chapter (II) Page 2

  "…Trying to throw a tsukkomi against these lovey-dovey siblings will be a difficult task. You stood no chance from the beginning."

  To the regretful Erika:

  "Ahh, I was wrong…"

  Leo responds remorsefully, while rising.

  "I’m very much opposed to those words."

  Tatsuya objects (?) with a tone one cannot think is terribly reluctant, and,

  "It’s not a problem. It’s simply a fact that Onii-sama and I share a strong bond of sibling love."

  Miyuki lightly soothes her brother.

  This time, it was Erika and Leo whose faces hit the table at the same time.

  "Gahhh!"

  Leo expressed his feelings with a sound effect similar to a spray of blood.

  "That’s because I love and respect Onii-sama more than anyone else in this world."

  Miyuki didn’t stop there. In full view of their friends, she nudged her chair closer and snuggled up to Tatsuya, looking up at her brother’s close face with a flushed expression.

  "Ahhー I think I’ll goー homeー now."

  With her cheek still firmly pressed to the table, Erika began to sulk.

  "Miyuki, there’s no need to get carried away alright? We’re with people who don’t fully understand that we’re just playing around."

  "…" "…" "…"

  As Tatsuya smiled wryly while chiding Miyuki, Miyuki, Erika, and Leo’s gaze turned to the one person left.

  "…Eh? Eh? Playing around?"

  Mizuki, whose face was dyed red, began shifting her eyes restlessly at the sudden silence as everyone held their breath.

  "…Well, this is pretty much a characteristic of Mizuki."

  "Auu…"

  At Erika’s sympathetic murmur, Mizuki’s face went red for a different reason.

  "…In any case, you were talking about something like Cast Jamming?"

  Not able to put up with the unbearably prickly atmosphere any longer, Leo forcibly returned to the previous topic.

  "Since it’s already been revealed, that’s right."

  To Tatsuya, this was a less than desirable subject, but more than that, he too wanted to do something about this atmosphere. With nothing for it, he joined Leo’s conversation.

  "Cast Jamming, is it some sort of electromagnetic wave that hinders magic?"

  "It’s not exactly electromagnetic."

  "That was a figure of speech!"

  At Leo’s retort, Erika smacked him with a straight face, then glanced over at Tatsuya as if nothing had happened.

  Cast Jamming is also a magic ritual, but it’s a kind of magic that interferes with the phenomenon-altering mechanism of Eidos. In a broad way of speaking, its nature is similar to that of a magic cancelling system.

  There’s a similar magic that disables the opponents magic called "Zone Interference". This procedure affects a fixed area with the caster at its centre without bringing about a change in information, and the technique is such that if the strength of interference is less than that of the defined magic ritual, then the interference will be shut out. In contrast, Cast Jamming scatters vast amounts of meaningless Psion waves, and as such, it is a technique that prevents rituals from affecting Eidos.

  Zone Interference in a sense does not reserve magic, but rather directly prevents the opponents’ magic, and it is fundamental that the strength of interference be greater than that of the opponents’ magic.

  On the other hand, Cast Jamming works by overwhelming a Magician's data with a large amount of extra data, greatly reducing the speed of a Magician's data upload to his base station; therefore, the strength of the interference is not so important. Instead, the Psion noise propagates randomly and rapidly across all the eight varieties of the four Systematic frequencies, and essentially becomes an antennae that blocks all transmissions.

  "But for something like that, don’t you need some special kind of stone? Anti… anti something…"

  As Erika struggled to remember the remnant of the word, it was a somewhat revived Mizuki who came to her rescue.

  "It’s Antinite, Erika-chan. Tatsuya-san, you have Antinite? I thought it was something really expensive."

  Antinite is known to fulfill the same conditions by emitting Psion noise. In theory, it is possible for a magician to evoke noise for Cast Jamming by themselves, but in practice it’s exceedingly difficult.

  Unlike Zone Interference, under the influence of Cast Jamming, the user’s own magic would also be affected, since even if the magician in question consciously tries to tune the noise of Cast Jamming, his subconscious would reject it. (Magic processing takes place in the subconsciousness, and thus the actions of the subconscious have priority over the conscious.)

  Because of that, it is thought that in order to use Cast Jamming, it’s essential to use Antinite, which satisfies the condition of emitting just Psion noise… but Tatsuya’s reply overturned that common sense.

  "No, I don’t. In the first place, Antinite is a military resource. Price notwithstanding, it’s not something a civilian would be able to obtain."

  "Eh? But, you said you used Cast Jamming…"

  It was not just Erika making a confused face as she spoke out, but Leo and Mizuki as well.

  "Ahー I’d like to keep this conversation off record alright?"

  Giving Tatsuya puzzled looks as he lowered his voice and leaned over the table, the three nonetheless followed suit.

  "To be precise, it’s not Cast Jamming. What I used is a practical application of Cast Jamming, ‘Specific Magic Jamming’."

  At Tatsuya’s words, Mizuki’s face blanked out as she blinked a few times.

  "Uhmm… there’s such a magic?"

  "I don’t think so."

  It was Erika who answered Mizuki’s question directly.

  "Then, doesn’t that mean it’s a theoretically new magic?"

  Erika’s voice this time carried not so much a nuance of admiration or surprise, but rather total shock.

  The number of Magicians who use original magic is not insignificant. There are also numerous expert Magicians who have been devising original magic since childhood. However, that’s just instinctively, and in a way intuitively working out one’s own natural magic, and the Magicians who can devise theoretically entirely new magic are few indeed.

  Magic is highly dependent on the subconscious.

  Even though it’s simple to work back towards the theory on magic one’s subconscious can use, to make up a new magic theory, even if it’s just a variation of an existing magic, requires a full intimate understanding of the structure and operating principles of that magic.

  It’s not exaggerating to say that devising theoretically new magic at a high school age is insane.

  "It’s probably more accurate not to say devised, but rather that I discovered it by chance."

  At Erika’s honest reaction, Tatsuya laughed as he answered.

  "You guys know that when you use two CADs simultaneously, Psion waves are given out and it’s impossible to use magic in most cases right?"

  "Ah, I’ve had that experience!"

  Leo nodded at Tatsuya’s words.

  "Uwah, how arrogant!"

  Erika responds in shock to Leo’s line.

  "The hell!"

  "Using two CADs at the same time, were you trying to pull off a parallel cast? Thinking you could do something so high tech, I'm at a loss for words."

  "Shut up. I thought I could! One day, if the conditions are right I’ll definitely be able to do it!"

  "No wayー you’re jokingー stop itー"

  "…I get that you’re making fun of me, so could you please stop with that tone? It’s incredibly annoying!"

  "Y, you two, let’s just listen to Tatsuya-san’s explanation alright? Ne?"

  "…"

  "…Hmph."

  Erika and Leo looked away from each other.

  As Miyuki flusteredly glanced about back and forth between the two, Tatsuya gave a shrug.

  "I think that’s pret
ty much enough about me but… you want me to continue? Well, that’s also fine I guess…

  The point is, when using two CADs simultaneously, the incident Psion waves resembling Cast Jamming envelope a Magician and emit Idea containing Eidos phenomena. If you initiate an interference magic activation ritual with one of those CADs, and start a reverse ritual in the other, those two activation rituals will amplify one another without needing to be translated into magic rituals. Then if you release those Psion waves as a Non-Systematic Magic, each CADs developed activation ritual will naturally build up and the two types of magic rituals that are the result can cause interference to some extent.

  Even a persistent magic, such as Sonic Blade, cannot be sustained indefinitely with just one magic ritual. After some time, the formula must be recast. So I simply catch it at that point."

  In a small voice, Leo whispered "You gotta be kidding…" The utter lack of inflection along with his stunned look showed that he was utterly serious.

  Abruptly, Mizuki began to cough. Because she kept sucking on her straw after her glass became empty, it seems she'd choked. Once the coughing fit subsided and she regained composure, her expression settled into that of shock.

  Erika crinkled her brow and contemplated in silence. From her grim expression, she wasn’t enjoying it much, but it didn’t seem like she was recalling something bad.

  "…I have no idea how to actually do it, although I guess I kinda understand the theory behind it. But why is this all off-record? If you patent it, I’m sure it would be very profitable."

  To Leo, who had recovered his faculties somewhat, Tatsuya presented an inscrutable expression.

  Tatsuya smiled bitterly as he answered Leo, who was tilting his head, and it was evident that the bitterness ran deep.

  "For a start, this technique is still incomplete. It can only be used on magic the opponent is in the midst of casting, and moreover it’s not like they can’t use it, it’s just more difficult; also, of course I can’t use any magic whatsoever myself. That alone is fatal enough, but moreover, being able to interfere with magic without using Antinite is a problem in itself."

  "…I don’t see how that’s a problem?"

  As Leo asked with not so much confusion as dissatisfaction, Erika scolded him in earnest.

  "Don’t be an idiot; the reason is huge. In terms of national defense and security, magic is now indispensable. If the ability to disable magic without great magical strength or the exceedingly expensive Antinite became widespread, the foundations of society could crumble."

  "I also believe exactly what Erika said. Within the world, there are supremacists who discriminate against magic, as well as extremists who condemn it. Yet since the production of Antinite is so small, they remain below the surface and are not a real threat. Until a way is found to counter that, I have no intention to publicise this mock Cast Jamming."

  Whether he was finally convinced or not, Leo bowed his head numerous times. For some reason, Mizuki was also nodding her head in a similar fashion.

  "That’s amazing… to have thought so far."

  An admiring breath escaped her lips.

  "If it were me, I’d probably jump at the chance for fame."

  As Leo continued to sigh, Miyuki smiled softly and gave a modest laugh.

  "Onii-sama’s over thinking things a bit, don’t you think? In the first place, being able to read the activation ritual your opponent is in the middle of and projecting CAD interference waves, it’s not like just anyone could do it. But then, my Onii-sama’s like that I suppose."

  "…Are you implying I’m an indecisive weakling?"

  At his sister’s point, Tatsuya made a face best described as no mercy.

  "Who knows? Erika, what do you think?"

  With an offhand attitude, Miyuki passed the ball to Erika.

  "No idea? I think I’d like to hear Mizuki’s opinion on this."

  Erika, with a deliberate tone, passed the ball to Mizuki.

  "Eehh? I, uhm, that is…"

  "So no one’s denying it…"

  Miyuki averted Tatsuya’s eyes with a cheerful smirk, as Erika hid her face behind a menu and Mizuki’s nervous gaze hovered about everywhere. But no help came from any direction.

  ◇◇◇

  One week had passed.

  For Tatsuya, recruitment week had been like the stormy season.

  Within the Public Morals Committee, the busiest person was probably him.

  —In addition, his duties have changed slightly from before.

  On the first day, he had overpowered Kirihara Takeaki, one whose combat magic had been amongst the most promising in the school.

  By the time Tatsuya had stepped in, he had already taken damage from Mibu Sayaka, so there are some who view that as the reason he was taken down so easily, but those who had not known the circumstances of the match were only interested in exaggeratedly touting that a 1st Year student, and a Weed at that, had defeated a regular combatant.

  As a result—

  "Tatsuya, do you have committee work today as well?"

  As Tatsuya got ready, Leo handed him his bag.

  "I’m off duty today. Seems I finally get a break."

  "You’ve done a great job huh?"

  "That doesn’t make me the least bit happy."

  As Leo stood before Tatsuya, who was sighing in disappointment, he made a face as if barely suppressing a laugh.

  "You’re a real famous guy now, Tatsuya. The enigmatic 1st Year student who defeated a swathe of Magicians without magic, you are."

  "What’s up with the 'enigmatic'…"

  "According to one theory I’ve heard, Tatsuya-kun is an assassin sent by the magic deniers."

  Popping her head up unexpectedly, Erika was finishing her preparations to leave as well.

  "Who the heck is spreading all these irresponsible rumors…"

  "Me~"

  "Hey!"

  "Just joking of course。"

  "Give me a break… that was too much."

  "But, the contents are really true."

  Hearing the particulars of the rumor from Erika, Tatsuya once again let out a sigh.

  It’d be nice to think that there wasn’t a single person who would believe such a hoax, but enough had jumped on the bandwagon to almost lend credibility to the stories.

  "That was a pretty big sigh just now?"

  "Getting all worked up over other people’s affairs… I’ve felt like I was gonna die three times this week already."

  "That’s pretty bad."

  At Leo, who wasn’t even trying to hide his amused expression, Tatsuya had the urge to make a fist, but eventually settled for a third sigh.

  The Kenjutsu club’s next ace, 2nd Year Kirihara Takeaki, whose strength was widely viewed as top class, had been defeated by a 1st Year Weed.

  As stated earlier, this news had greatly startled the ones who believed in the "perfect" magic evaluation process, and caused a not inconsiderable uproar.

  They had directed their unreasonable anger and mutual hostility against Tatsuya, even going as far as to take misguided retaliation.

  Meaning that their conflict made him the target of their purge.

  Even for those who don’t know the specifics, it was easy to guess that the Public Morals Committee chief was on Tatsuya’s side, and that both the Student Body president and the Club Management Group Leader would come to his defense.

  If so, then what to do.

  At times like this, the established tactic is to make it look like an accident.

  Which is what they did.

  They would wait for Tatsuya to approach as he went on patrol, then cause a commotion.

  When he went to intervene, they’d shoot off magical attacks under the pretense of misaiming.

  That was how the pattern pretty much went.

  From Tatsuya’s perspective, it simply seemed like disturbances were breaking out one after the other, and they were taking their toll.

  Due to his position as a Public
Morals Committee member, he couldn’t just pass by, and had to try to settle the situation.

  On top of that, magic randomly came flying his way daily. Most of them could be avoided or negated before they took effect, but there were always some that couldn’t be blocked in time.

  He had realized that he was being targeted within a day, but until he could find evidence of collusion it was out of his hands, and by the time he did a week had already passed.

  In other words, he was constantly only able to escape from their traps.

  He had only caught someone red handed on the fourth day, but in the end, that person escaped.

  As expected of students from the prestigious First High school, in general, their tricks were successful. It rather felt like they were using all their strength to demonstrate their excellent capabilities at the entirely wrong time, place and purpose, but still.

  "…Come to think of it, I’ve come out of that rather well, haven’t I…"

  "From today, restrictions on devices will come into effect, so you shouldn’t need to worry anymore, right?"

  "I sure hope so."

  At Mizuki’s comforting words, Tatsuya wearily nodded.

  ◇◇◇

  Even when off from the Student Council, one isn’t off duty. It was not a shift based system in the first place.

  Miyuki had work in the Student Council room today as well.

  Yet for the siblings, the concept of leaving the other and going back first simply didn't exist.

  —Looking at it objectively, there wasn't even any point teasing them with labels such as "brocon" or "siscon" anymore.

  Even so,

  "I’m terribly sorry, Onii-sama. I'll be making you wait all this time…"

  Just by having these concerns, like feeling guilty for keeping the other waiting, showed they may still be able to be saved.

  "Even if I say something like don’t worry about it, it probably wouldn’t work…"

  Laughing affectionately, Tatsuya *pon* *pon* lightly tapped his sister’s head.

  Rather than saying tapped, it was probably more accurate to say stroked and, at the tender chastisement, Miyuki half closed her eyes with a look of utter bliss. Other students were also just happening to be walking back and forth along the corridor on their way home.