Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 02 - Enrollment Chapter (II) Read online

  They do not consider the extent of hardships that Magicians go through to obtain their high salaries.

  They also ignore the fact that Magicians are only allowed to work in fields pertaining to magic, even if these backup Magicians would receive lower salaries than ordinary office workers."

  Tatsuya's voice was bland and almost completely emotionless. However, a tiny trace of melancholy could be detected.

  "No matter how capable or strong, so long as society does not need that magic, monetary compensation and recognition remain impossible."

  Miyuki painfully lowered her gaze.

  Tatsuya stood, paced a few steps, then tenderly placed a hand on his sister's shoulder.

  "There is a reason why Magicians have such a high mean salary. That is because society requires certain specialized Magicians.

  Because there are a small number of outliers that throw off the average, the mean salary becomes so high.

  Next, for Magicians active on the frontline and capable of contributing to society — no, that's overly embellishing it. It is because Magicians can provide society some sort of benefit, monetary or otherwise, that grants them larger compensation, and not merely for the fact that they are born Magicians.

  The world of Magicians is not naive enough to believe that simply being born with magical talent guarantees prosperity.

  This, I think we are well aware of.

  Right, Miyuki?"

  "Yes... Very well aware."

  Miyuki nodded as she put her hand atop her elder brother's hand.

  "Thus, Blanche proposes to abolish the difference in salaries caused by magic, but in the end is really advocating the abolishment of using magic to obtain monetary compensation.

  In other words, they are asking Magicians to selflessly contribute to society."

  "...That's quite the self-centered proposal.

  Everyone needs money to live, regardless of whether or not they can use magic. But, they don't allow Magicians to use magic for a living, even people who are capable of using magic must use other skills to make a living...

  In the end, just because they don't know how to use magic, they don't want magic to become the measuring stick for a person's value?

  Are they saying that it's OK if Magicians' hard work cannot receive compensation, it should be obvious that their hard work is not valued...

  Or do these people not know that simply being born with magical talent is not enough? That using magic requires many years of intense studying and training?"

  Tatsuya moved away from Miyuki's back and returned to his seat with a thin smile on his lips.

  "No, they know.

  They know, but don't say it.

  Because if they don't say it or think about information that contradicts them, they are able to use equality to lie to themselves and others.

  Miyuki asked this in the beginning.

  Why would magic students join the activities of Anti-Magic Organizations like Blanche or Egalite?"

  "Hm... Is it because they don't know the real philosophy behind the anti-magic parties?"

  "People that can't use magic cannot learn it no matter how hard they try, and thus feel that it is unfair for society to reward Magicians for using magic.

  Then, how about the students who can use magic, but lack the talent to catch up to the truly outstanding students regardless of their diligence, and in turn are looked down upon — this type of thinking would be perfectly reasonable, right?

  Differences in talent is not unique to magic. This is apparent in other fields, such as the arts or athletics.

  Even if they don't have talent in magic, maybe they have talents in other areas.

  If they cannot bear to have no talent in magic, then they should find another path."

  If someone who was only superficially acquainted with Tatsuya heard these words, they might have thought he was saying this to himself. But Miyuki, the only person present, would never make that kind of mistake.

  "I believe that people who learn magic reject the 'differences' caused by magic, because they are unwilling to abandon magic.

  Unwilling to give up, but unable to accept being second-rate.

  Unable to accept the truth that there are people with such talent that are completely beyond their grasp.

  Unable to accept the possibility that putting in many times more work still puts them out of reach.

  Thus, they reject using magic as an assessment.

  The fact is, they know that the people with talent also put in the same amount of work. This is evident before their eyes. But, they choose to ignore this and pile all the responsibility on inborn talent, and reject it.

  Well... It's not like I can't understand that sense of weakness. I have similar thoughts myself."

  "There is no such thing!"

  Miyuki knew that Tatsuya was not really depreciating himself. Even so, Miyuki could not control her own voice.

  "Onii-sama possesses skills that no other person can emulate, and while you don't have the same talents as other people, haven't you still put in exponentially more hard work to get to this point?"

  Tatsuya did not possess any mundane skills, but possessed talents that far exceeded anyone else's. This, Miyuki knew better than anyone. And, even if it's Tatsuya himself, Miyuki would allow no one to deny it.

  "That's just because I have other talents as well."

  "Ah..."

  But Tatsuya was someone who, while understanding Miyuki's statement, could still "understand that sense of weakness". Miyuki blushed when she realized how shallow her rebuttal was.

  "If someone isn't talented enough in modern magic, then use some other method to make up the difference.

  Because that is possible, then they can objectively make an assessment as a third party.

  If that's not possible... Then it's not surprising for them to sink into that delicious fantasy called 'equality'. Even knowing that it's all an illusion in the end."

  "..."

  Miyuki could not refute any of her brother's cold words. She already understood what Tatsuya was trying to express. He was not being sentimental or pitying towards others, merely talking about the "weakness that lies within people", including himself.

  "For people without talent, to escape the fact that they cannot compare to others, they loudly sing the praises of equality.

  For those without magic, to avoid the fact that magic is merely one type of talent, they coat that belief with jealousy.

  After understanding these basics, what is the purpose of the one inciting them to action behind the scenes?

  The equality that they are referring to is equal treatment regardless of the presence of magical ability.

  Abolishing the societal differences caused by magic, is the same as not assigning magic any value.

  The end result is that magic would lose any and all meaning in society.

  In a society where magic has no value, magic cannot advance or improve.

  Standing behind the Magicians and ordinary people who are calling for an end to the differences caused by magic, is a force that plans to abolish magic from this country."

  "Then what...?"

  "Regardless of good or bad, magic is power. Economics is power, technology is power, military strength is power.

  Magic can become the same power as battleships or fighter jets. Presently, every country is researching magic's military utility.

  There are many military spies active around magic skills and information."

  "Then, while the initial goal of the anti-magic parties is to abolish magic in this country, the final objective is reduce the nation's power?"

  "Most likely.

  Thus, they would even resort to methods like terrorism.

  Now, after the nation's power has been reduced, who stands to benefit the most?"

  "You mean... Put it that way, behind them is..."

  "That's exactly how it is.

  When it comes to these people, the Ten Master Clans won't leave the
m alone.

  Especially the Yotsuba Clan.

  So, from now on, we have to be extra careful."

  Afterwards, nothing more was said.

  For these two people, nothing more needed to be said.

  Her expression completely pale, Miyuki nodded towards her elder brother.

  Chapter 8

  With the end of recruitment week, the various enrollment activities came to a close.

  For Tatsuya's class, their technical skills curriculum started to get serious.

  Although the actual magical education is done through the various classes, most students already had some sort of background in magic, as seen through the technical portion of the entrance examination.

  This was the basis for how classes were conducted, but even for students with a proper foundation in systemic education, those not adept in combat skills often felt that they could not keep up in class. From a certain perspective, the separation of Course 1 and 2 students was intended to prevent this feeling from negatively affecting the two groups — in other words, abandoning one side.

  ◇◇◇

  "940 ms. You passed, Tatsuya-kun!"

  "Finally... This is the third time already; thank goodness it's over with."

  Tatsuya smiled tiredly at Mizuki, who was excited for him as if she had done it herself.

  Currently, Tatsuya's class was practicing technical skills in magic.

  Today's lesson involved compiling a single Systematic magic, then activating the magic within the time limit in teams of two.

  It involved reading the Activation Sequence, then basing what was read and using the Magic Computation Region in the Magician's subconsciousness to then construct the Magic Sequence and activate it.

  This was the system for modern magic.

  What happens in this Scheme — transforming the Activation Sequences that could be recorded as numbers by machines into a form of magic that machines could not create in reality — uses a process known in Information Engineering as "compiling". By quantifying the processes needed for magic invocation, transforming them into Activation Sequences, then using Schemes to revert them back into Magic Sequences, modern magic improved in precision, stability, and variability.

  The price was that they sacrificed the speed that comes from only using a few words in "Superpowers".

  Since the complicated method for constructing Magic Sequences already exists, this was all that could be done.

  However, while the time lag for constructing Magic Sequences could not be reduced to zero, it could be infinitely reduced to near zero.

  There is a reason why modern magic emphasizes speed for constructing Magic Sequences.

  Originally, CADs were only used as storage for recording Activation Sequence numbers, but quickly became the method for accelerating Magic activation speed.

  For the CAD used in today's class, because they had not been adjusted for individual differences, no additional speed boosting mechanisms were added. The purpose of this class was to use this factory condition CAD to undergo high speed compiling training.

  If one member of the duo could not pass, then both students had to remain. Mizuki passed on her first try, but she let out an explosive sigh and patted her chest in comfort at Tatsuya.

  "That's quite surprising. Tatsuya-kun really isn't good at technical skills..."

  For today's topic, "Single Systematic Single Process" magic, from reading the Activation Sequence entirely to actually invoking the magic, an exceptional Magician would only need 500 ms.

  For Tatsuya, who needed three tries to get under the 1000 ms time limit, even the kindest description could not approach exceptional.

  "That's surprising... I thought I've said it quite a few times before?"

  "It's true that I've heard it a few times... but I've always thought that was just being humble.

  Because Tatsuya-kun looks like someone who can do anything, it's hard to believe that you're not fluent with technical skills."

  Mizuki tilted her head and expressed her heartfelt amazement, to which Tatsuya could only smile wryly — not that there was any other option.

  "...It might be a little ridiculous to say it myself, but if I had that level of technical skills, I wouldn't be in this class."

  Tatsuya made sure to keep any loathing out of his tone and language. While he did not know how effective it was, Mizuki frankly nodded her head.

  "That's true. If Tatsuya-kun was also capable in technical skills... That gives off an overly-perfect, unapproachable vibe."

  As she said this, Mizuki expressed a carefree smile.

  I wonder if I should smile along with her, Tatsuya thought.

  "However, Tatsuya-kun... don't you feel, a little unsatisfied?"

  "...Towards what?"

  Mizuki bent her head, her expression unreadable. It was because of this that Tatsuya was confused as to how to respond to her.

  "If you have the talent, but have been evaluated as having no talent, normally this would be quite galling.

  If it was me, I wouldn't be surprised if I felt unsatisfied. If I had Tatsuya-kun's level of skill, I would be furious at being called a Weed... but Tatsuya-kun looks like he doesn't care..."

  That was quite a difficult question to answer.

  Taking Mizuki's personality into account, it was unlikely she would spread negative rumors or speak to others regarding this subject, but if he didn't give her an answer that she could accept, it was possible that she may dig deeper into his business.

  "Execution speed is also a talent.

  And it's a rather important factor as well.

  There are situations where one second can mean the difference between life and death. So my evaluation of being unskilled is not incorrect."

  If Mizuki was any other ordinary Course 2 student, this would have been an acceptable answer.

  But,

  "If this was an actual combat situation, Tatsuya-kun would have some way to improve invocation speed."

  She was someone who possessed special "eyes".

  "...What makes you think so?"

  Even knowing that saying so indicated a confession this was true and that he was capitulating, his wavering brain could not think of a better response.

  "In the technical portion earlier, each of Tatsuya-kun's three tries looked like you were forcing yourself.

  Because my mother is a translator, I'll use this example: it's like someone able to use English to think and reply to an English question was forced to use Japanese to reply, and then translate it back into English.

  From the start, Tatsuya-kun abandoned the complete Magic Sequence and started compiling again, right?

  When looking at the time, reading the Activation Sequence occurs at the same time as constructing the Magic Sequence.

  After seeing that, I thought that.

  Can't it be that, Tatsuya-kun, for magic of this level, you can construct Magic Sequences without looking at the Activation Sequence."

  To not use Activation Sequences, also known as skipping CADs altogether, and still use magic at the same speed. In regards to this technique, he had strict orders to keep this a secret.

  However, it looks like someone saw through this after the first practice.

  As if his brain had been plunged into cold water, he calmed down.

  Despite his wariness being raised to the max and his faltering reaching a peak, these only served to restore him to normal.

  For someone who rarely faltered to this extent, this was a good experience for Tatsuya.

  "I didn't think that someone could see this far.

  That's quite an impressive pair of eyes."

  This time, it was Mizuki who turned pale. As expected, Mizuki was trying to hide the truth about her own "eyes".

  That was a slightly evil way to say it as the corners of Tatsuya's mouth turned upwards. But from Mizuki's reaction, the chances that his own hidden skill set had been discovered had been drastically reduced.

  In reality, Tatsuya had anot
her idea. Since she already figured out that he had a technique that bypassed Activation Sequences to use magic, as long as she thinks that this isn't a personal skill and more of a Systematic one, then everything was fine. So long as he could sate her sense of curiosity, she would have no further problems.

  "It's true; for single systems, it's faster to directly construct the Magic Sequence.

  This can only be used for magics with few processes. For me, five processes is my limit."

  The processes in modern magic had two uses: the steps that lead to magic invocation and the components for magic used in phenomena rewriting.

  The "five processes in magic" that Tatsuya mentioned here refers to when five magic executions combine to change something.

  For example, in order to use magic to transfer an egg from the kitchen to the dining table, this requires four steps: Increased Speed, Movement, Reduce Speed (Reverse Acceleration), and Stop (end of movement).

  Movement magic is a type of magic that changes an object's speed and path, so if the Increased Speed process was removed, this would cause the object to speed up without regard to inertia, most likely causing the egg to break up.

  If the Movement process was removed and only relied on Increase and Reduce Speed to move the egg, the egg would shoot out in a linear fashion, thus necessitating complex deceleration to manipulate. Thus, even though another process was added, it's actually more simple to use a combination of Speed and Movement magics to manipulate movement.

  In comparison, when using magic that blows away an opponent in anti-personnel combat, only one simple process was enough. The intent was to cause harm to the enemy, so there's no need to reduce the impact incurred.

  "I think that five processes would be sufficient for combat-related magic..."

  Generally speaking, magic used by civilians required many more processes than combat magic.

  Just as Mizuki said, magics that involved one to five processes covered over half of the known combat magics.

  "That's because I didn't learn magic for combat reasons.

  In order to quickly invoke magic with more processes, Activation Sequences are still a must, so I'm not unsatisfied with the fact that my lower technical skills have received the appropriate evaluation."