Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 04 - Nine Schools Competition (II) Read online

  For an instant, Masaki's eyes followed Miyuki, but swiftly reverted back to Tatsuya.

  "......'Prince', isn't your side about to begin?"

  The split second of wavering and reluctance did not escape Tatsuya's eyes. Inwardly, he let out a small breath.

  Unwavering, Tatsuya's eyes forced Masaki to reply.

  "......We will appear in tomorrow's Monolith Code."

  Yet, the one who replied for him was Kichijouji.

  Kichijouji was the champion for the Newcomers Division Speed Shooting event, while Masaki was favored to clinch the crown for the Newcomers Division Icicle Destruction event. Naturally, it was expected that each school would commit their aces to the Monolith Code event.

  "What are your plans?"

  Although he wanted to ask what he was referring to, there wasn't enough time left.

  "I'm not responsible for that."

  That being said, he had no obligation to reveal any details, so he went with the abstract answer.

  "Is that so...... That's unfortunate. One day, I wish to line up against the players you're responsible for. Of course, we will triumph."

  Kichijouji's words caused Tatsuya to feel "Are you throwing down now?". But he quickly thought otherwise, since these guys originally came to challenge him in the first place.

  "Sorry for taking your time. We look forward to meeting on the field of battle."

  Before Tatsuya could respond to Kichijouji, Masaki made this declaration and walked past Tatsuya with Kichijouji.

  —So they're still a rude bunch in the end. Tatsuya thought as he headed towards the resting area where Miyuki was waiting for him without turning his head in the slightest.

  "What were they up to?"

  The first thing Miyuki asked when she came out of the changing room was about the earlier scene.

  "Scouting, I think? Still felt pointless though."

  Tatsuya tilted his head and chose to reply in neutral terms and handed Miyuki the CAD he had prepared for her while she was changing.

  If there were any extraneous distractions before the match, this would only negatively impact the match itself, so Tatsuya moved to curtail the conversation with haste. Yet, after Miyuki heard Tatsuya's reply, she burst into laughter as if finding some profound meaning in his words.

  "I think that's their declaration of war, Onii-sama."

  He wasn't ignorant of what his sister was referring to. He himself felt those two came to specifically challenge him.

  But in Tatsuya's eyes, this was a pointless gesture.

  "......You don't believe me?"

  Even though Miyuki rolled her eyes upward and pouted sulkily, this wasn't something he was going to let slide so easily.

  "No, well...... I'm not a contestant, right? I don't believe these two renowned individuals who have extended their reputations beyond the scope of magic high school students would view a nameless person like myself a rival."

  "Rival" was based on the assumption that they acknowledged that both sides were equal.

  Objectively speaking, from outward appearances, he wasn't even in the same strata as those two. Superficially, comparing themselves with him was a ridiculous notion. Furthermore, they didn't appear to have discovered his secrets either.

  Ordinarily, it was frankly impossible for the "Crimson Prince" or "Cardinal George" to see him as an opponent — Tatsuya thought.

  Upon seeing her older brother actually thinking this way and not out of humility, the sister sighed deeply.

  "......Onii-sama, underestimating your own abilities would be fatal in battle. Exactly how highly you are valued, how greatly you are watched, even how much other schools view Onii-sama — how fiercely their antagonism burns because of Onii-sama's skills and strategies — I think Onii-sama should consider all of this objectively once more."

  For Miyuki, this was an exceedingly rare, and blunt, counsel.

  This was a completely unexpected boldness and unimaginable reproach. Tatsuya could only stand there and watch her blankly.

  This was the third time Miyuki used her mysterious beauty to captivate the hearts of the audience at the same time that she wielded her terrible might to vanquish the enemy.

  ◇◇◇

  On the waves where Battle Board would be decided, the first round of the Women's semifinals was about to begin.

  The players were already at their starting positions.

  Honoka's figure was among them.

  "Hm~"

  "............"

  "That's a little......"

  "............"

  "OK, that, uh......"

  "............"

  "What the heck are you two doing?"

  All three players were side by side at the starting line. In the stands, Erika was humming in frustration while Mizuki was utterly silent by her side. Finally caving, Leo asked reluctantly.

  "Isn't that just~, a little strange? All the players are wearing sunglasses."

  "Erika-chan, those are called 'goggles'......"

  Indeed, just as Erika and Miyuki said, not just Honoka, but the other two were wearing dark protective goggles as well.

  "Isn't that obvious? This is the most reliable countermeasure to Honoka-san's light magic."

  Mikihiko's analysis was grounded in common sense, causing Erika to adopt a "How boring~" expression as she laughed mirthlessly.

  "......What's wrong with that?"

  "But~, doesn't that mean they fell for Tatsuya-kun's strategy? Battle Board players don't use goggles because the water droplets may interfere with their sight. This is a key reason. Yet they quickly adopted goggles after being flashed once...... There should be other ways to counter light magic......"

  "Is Honoka-san planning on using the water to obscure their vision?"

  Erika nodded in disinterest.

  However.

  "That's hard to say...... I doubt that Tatsuya will rely on such a mundane tactic."

  "......Possibly."

  Mikihiko's words seemed to rouse some of Erika's interest.

  This time, no flash occurred immediately after the start.

  "She's slow out the gate!?"

  "No, she's right behind!"

  As they navigated the snaking tunnel in front of the observation deck, Honoka was in second place entering the first sharp curve.

  "Eh?"

  At this location, the player in first place took an odd route.

  Not only did she massively reduce speed, she even drew close to the middle of the route.

  Honoka also decelerated, but took a steeper angle that just barely cleared the bend and snatched first place from the player who took the roundabout route.

  "What, just happened?"

  Normally, players either reduced speed drastically and hugged the inside route, or took a wider angle but controlled their deceleration.

  The route taken by the other player could be described as amateurish. Not only did she drastically reduce speed, she also left a huge passing lane.

  "......There seem to be shadows floating in the waterways."

  Following Leo's observation, Erika squinted and shouted out.

  "Ah, there it is again!"

  This time it was a wide arc way.

  The player that Honoka passed once again left a huge gap between her and the wall and slowed down more than necessary to pass the angle. The ensuing result left her farther and farther behind Honoka.

  "......No wonder, so that's how it is."

  "Eh, what?"

  Erika asked Mikihiko, who was nodding in appreciation.

  "Tatsuya's intent was to have the other players don goggles that are shaded against light. This point coincided with Erika's guess."

  Mikihiko spoke with animation, as if completely abandoning his usual irrational stubbornness.

  "However, this isn't for using the water spray to occlude their sight, but to make the dark areas harder to perceive."

  "So that's why! Illusions can also be used like this......!"

 
"Indeed. By turning the lit areas darker, you are able to manipulate your opponent's moves. Ultimately, magic depends on application......"

  "......Would the two of you care to enlighten me as well instead of amusing yourselves."

  At Leo's displeased voice, Mikihiko finally stirred from his daydream.

  "Sorry, sorry. In other words, Tatsuya's strategy is......"

  ◇◇◇

  "Shiba-kun's strategy is very simple.

  He used light wave oscillation magic to control the light along the water route.

  The protective goggles already restricted vision considerably. This is now compounded by the darkened route, causing people to misjudge the distance to the edge, hereby forcing the opposing players away from the darkness....... In summation, he narrowed the area the players dared to navigate through."

  Hattori, with Kirihara in tow, was holding the fort in place of Katsuto, who had gone to observe the Men's Icicle Destruction event. They were currently listening to every word of Suzune's explanation.

  "Even if the mind says otherwise and claims that the water's surface shoulder is wider, it remains a difficult task to override physical perception. At the same time, regardless of who the player is, anyone would have a harder time raising their speed along a narrow corridor. Thus, this strategy is grounded in denying the other players from bringing out their full potential."

  "......But, wouldn't Honoka-san be affected herself?"

  "That's why she has repeatedly trained under similar conditions."

  Hattori's question prompted a simplistic answer.

  "......Generally, the user remains unaffected by the magic itself, so no worries."

  "Don't relax just yet. Shiba-kun said that 'the width of the water way is fixed, so use your body rather than your eyes to memorize it'."

  Hearing Suzune's reply, Kirihara muttered.

  "......So rather than being a clever strategy, it turned out to be a full frontal assault anyway....... This could only come from someone with one hell of a mean streak."

  Kirihara's impression caused Suzune to burst into laughter.

  ◇◇◇

  After the morning matches, the pavilion reserved for First High turned into an ocean of festivities.

  All three participants in the Newcomers Division Women's Icicle Destruction third round won.

  In the round robin portion of the event during the afternoon, every player came from First High.

  Honoka also advanced to the finals for Battle Board. This was a result that could only be described as "dominating".

  The only people who couldn't join in the fun were the ten players from the 1st Year Men's team.

  If they competed normally, the male members would surely achieve similarly impressive results. That being said, their blind animosity led to repeated mental errors that only increased as their numbers dwindled and their frustration mounted, throwing them into a vicious cycle of self-destruction.

  Among them, the three players from Icicle Destruction — Miyuki, Shizuku, and Eimi, as well as Tatsuya, the technician responsible, were not present because they were summoned to one of the hotel's conference rooms.

  "We're pressed for time, so I'll keep this short."

  Mayumi was the one who called them here. She was the only one waiting for them.

  "Until now, no school has ever monopolized the round robin portion of this event. Shiba-san, Kitayama-san, Akechi-san, your performances have been exemplary."

  Politely, calmly, and frantically, the three of them displayed three different attitudes as they bowed in thanks to Mayumi's praise.

  "In recognition of this feat, the board has a proposal. They say that regardless of what the standings for the round robin are, our school will receive all the points anyway, so there's no need to play this out. All three of you will share First Place collectively."

  The three of them looked at one another, with Tatsuya smiling sardonically in the back.

  No matter how they tried to disguise this, the board was obviously trying to lighten his workload.

  "It is up to all of you whether to accept the board's proposal. The only criterion is that you don't have much time to consider this. Please make a decision here and now."

  Upon hearing Mayumi's words, Eimi started fidgeting as her eyes roamed around.

  With her skill level, she was well aware that she had no chance against either Miyuki or Shizuku.

  Up until this point, she was satisfied with Third Place, but it was simply human nature for people to desire First Place. It was too much of a stretch for her not to want this to happen.

  Miyuki glanced at Tatsuya.

  Shizuku also looked towards Tatsuya.

  "Tatsuya-kun, what is your opinion? If all three were to fight it out, you would have a hard time managing all three."

  So, Mayumi wished for the three of them to share First Place together, Tatsuya thought.

  In truth, this was the most desirable outcome from the leadership's perspective.

  "To be honest, based on Akechi-san's current condition, she would be better off avoiding the next round. The third round was too heated and it's hard to imagine that she can recover in one or two hours."

  From Tatsuya's perspective, he didn't feel that he has to worry on this account. He was just speaking candidly.

  "Is that so...... Akechi-san, do you agree with what Tatsuya-kun said?"

  "Well, that...... Before I heard what you said, I was already ready to give up anyway. It is true that I'm not in optimal condition, so I was planning on bowing out after talking it over with Shiba-kun anyway...... Because Shiba-kun knows me better than I know myself."

  Her tone was diffident, likely because she felt that she was shirking her responsibilities by accepting the board's proposal.

  "Really."

  Mayumi smiled to console her and nodded before turning to Miyuki and Shizuku.

  "I......"

  Shizuku spoke up first.

  "Want to compete."

  Her eyes burned with fiery determination as she looked Mayumi in the eye.

  "After this, how many opportunities will I have to go all out against Miyuki...... I don't want to miss this chance."

  "How unfortunate......"

  Mayumi dropped her gaze to the ground and sighed.

  "What does Miyuki-chan think?"

  "If Kitayama-san wishes to compete against me, I have no reason to refuse."

  Mayumi knew very well that Miyuki was made of sterner stuff that belied her appearance, so she was completely unsurprised by this response.

  "I understand...... Then, I will report to the board that Akechi-san has withdrawn whereas Shiba-san and Kitayama-san will engage in a duel to decide the final round. The match should be the first one of the afternoon, so you had best take this opportunity to prepare."

  After Mayumi finished speaking, the first one to bow was Tatsuya.

  As he left the conference room, Miyuki and Shizuku immediately bowed to Mayumi and left right behind him. Eimi frantically bowed as well and said: "I'll take my leave."

  ◇◇◇

  The stands were overflowing with spectators.

  The changes in the Newcomers Division Women's Icicle Destruction event were quickly announced and intentionally set as the first match of the afternoon to avoid conflicting with other events.

  Not just the normal stands, but even the reserved seating area for members was quickly filled.

  There, Tatsuya could be seen sandwiched between Mayumi and Mari.

  After finishing the calibrations for both their CADs, Tatsuya didn't accompany either Miyuki or Shizuku, but sat in the last row of the reserved seating area.

  Before leaving, he left the two of them with these words.

  The words, "Do your best".

  "But in reality, you wanted to stay by Miyuki's side, didn’t you?"

  Alas, the rare "well meaning words" took on a different connotation when delivered from her lips as Mayumi revealed an evil smirk. For some reason, whenever s
he was with Tatsuya, her fiendish side seemed to rise dramatically.

  "Yeah."

  Undoubtedly because she was annoyed by Tatsuya's wooden reaction.

  "......You sure admitted that easily."

  Although she gave pretense to being mean, Mari's real nature was — perhaps — much kinder than Mayumi as she interjected with her almost signature retort.

  "Do you know what Sister Complex means?"

  "I don't think I follow. How does cheering on your own kin constitute being a sis-con?"

  His direct rebuttal while feigning ignorance had long since become customary.

  Except Mayumi and Mari had wised up to his tactics.

  "Wow, did you hear that Mari? This child is actually confident in his own cause!"

  "Looks seriously ill to me. Is it hopeless?"

  Isn't it pointless to loudly gossip about the person stuck between them? Tatsuya thought. He was thoroughly helpless against this special way of "bullying the underclassman".

  This short skit was nothing more than the appetizer before the curtains were drawn.

  As if to prove this, when both players took the stage, the entire audience fell into complete silence.

  In the arena, two young women stood facing one another.

  On one side, her white hakui and crimson hakama filled the eyes.

  On the other side, tamotos the color of water flooded the vision.

  Miyuki didn't bind her hair; Shizuku didn't bring an obi.

  The long, wavy hair and silk tamotos fluttered in the slight winds of summer.

  The two young women were suffused with a suffocating silence.

  This was the chilling "fighting spirit" that shared the name of this purely magical contest and was far removed from its burning counterpart.

  The preparation signal light lit up.

  The colors changed, and at the moment the beacon responsible for starting the match went off—