And now we start to dig into the meat of things a little bit. This one is a tad shorter than the others, but you'll see why.
I hope you enjoy!
There are still many woodland areas in the UK, even as far as around London. Though growing increasingly rare as humanity's desire for lodgings has increased, the forests of the United Kingdom still very much exist, and you never know what you'll find within.
But most won't expect a rather open field with a large three-story building, completely hidden by surrounding vegetation.
It was large, easily twice the size of a standard mansion in terms of area covered, but despite that the trees hid the structure from view, and even if they didn't, the magical effects placed around would. A bounded field kept the forest palace hidden from view and would turn away any and all travelers, as well make it unidentifiable from the sky; they would only see more trees in its place. As further precaution, most wild game have been driven off as well to prevent nosy hunters from accidentally stumbling upon the grounds in the rare event that the bounded field should be down or otherwise its effects disabled.
Only those of the magic world could find it… and even then, most wouldn't be able to pierce its defenses.
Leivinia Birdway was not classified under this category. Not only could she find it, she could break down the defense with her own prowess in the mystic arts, but in this case she took it one step further.
If one were to infiltrate the bounded field, or even simply destroy it, almost all inside would be able to detect it instantly, but if one were to take effective control of the field, it would be a different story entirely.
"You… weren't kidding, this place is huge." Touma commented. They had arrived just after the sun sent down, taking a car to the nearest road and walking from there.
"Yeah… I can see this place housing quite a few people…" Hamazura spoke as he stroked his chin in thought, carrying a large duffel bag over his shoulder.
"Only the higher members of the Cabal actually live on the grounds; most probably live in London or surrounding towns, but when a meeting is called they will inevitably all gather here." Leivinia stated.
"Alright, now that we are here, what's the plan of attack?" Mugino asked.
"After much discussion, we have decided on a plan to lure them out into the open." Mark started. "The entire perimeter is surrounded by our own magicians; the plan is to cause fire to the building to force those inside to leave it, and strike them when they exit the burning structure."
"Couldn't they just super put it out with magic?" Kinuhata asked.
"Correct; that is why the placement of the flames and their number is key. It will be set-up to make it appear as though they are under attack, and most will rush out to engage, only to be attacked from the forest they have relied on for defense for so many years." Mark finished.
"So lure them out and take them down from hiding… sounds good to me." Mugino nodded.
"If you guys want to make it seem like they're under attack, I have a good idea." Hamazura set down his bag and opening it and took out several plastic cases. "See these? Back when I was in Skill-Out, we'd use these as explosives depending on their size; sometimes to pop a door or to cause a big explosion to distract people away from us. They got adhesive strips that you can peel back to stick. Usually they are specially constructed to avoid detection, but since we're all the way out here, I had to use what I could find."
"Chances are really low of them having any kind of metal of chemical detectors out here, you know…" Othinus commented.
"Exactly; otherwise these things would have been a waste of time. There's no way for them to know what they are or how to know they're explosive, so it's perfect." Hamazura grinned sheepishly. "Stick 'em to the outside walls and let them think they're being bombed; really make them panic. They're all hooked up to a remote detonator so just pick the perfect time and watch the fireworks."
"…I like it! I like it a lot; give me the detonator; I'll set it off." Leivinia stated. Hamazura quickly took a small grey box with an antenna sticking out. A button could be found on the center, and it was noticeably small; able to sit comfortably in someone's palm.
"Button's a bit stiff, but it's intentional to avoid an accidental detonation. Be careful; if you press it all of the bombs will go off at once." Hamazura warned. Mark picked up the duffel bag carefully.
"You can leave distribution to me; I'll make sure good hands set them in place." He said as he closed the bag and quickly retreated into the forest proper.
"This is kinda cool… why didn't you say you could super make stuff like this?" Kinuhata asked.
"Cause Frenda handled all the explosives before, remember? Her stock was a lot more reliable than mine; this is all just back-alley stuff someone figured out and passed onto the rest of us." Hamazura pushed himself to his feet. "Got some handmade flashbangs too in case things get dicey."
"That shouldn't be necessary, but the thought is appreciated. Best to cover all options I suppose…" Leivinia replied. Takitsubo seemed to be eyeing the mansion rather intently. Hamazura put a hand on her shoulder as a form of comfort. Takitsubo turned to him and let out a small smile, putting one of her own hands on his before speaking.
"There is an Esper inside that building." She stated.
"…What? Are you serious?" Mugino questioned.
"No way; an Esper joining up with a Magic Cabal is unheard of." Index alleged. "Even if they did, there's no way they'd be able to perform magic because of the rebound effect."
"Her AIM Stalker doesn't super lie. If she says there's an Esper inside, there's an Esper inside; that's all there is to it." Kinuhata spoke up.
"…That makes this situation even more confusing." Touma stated. "How many are there?"
"Just one… which is troubling…" Takitsubo replied.
"…Yeah; that's really weird. There have been instances of magi and Espers coexisting before, but if there's only one… something doesn't feel right." Leivinia crossed her arms she thought out-loud.
"Bad enough to abort the job?" Mugino asked.
"No, and even if it was, this is a one-shot thing; we stop them tonight or not at all." Leivinia replied. "…Alright, you all should make yourself scarce; try to blend in like my subordinates; they all should have seen you by now and know you're not hostile, so you should be able to hide and peace. I'll look into this Esper situation myself as I observe the situation from inside."
"Wait… you're heading in alone?" Touma asked. "We don't know how many magicians are inside… it'll be dangerous. Are you sure that you can handle it on your own?"
"…Thanks for volunteering to be my bodyguard, Kamijou!" Leivinia spoke in an openly mocking tone as he grabbed Touma by his left and practically dragged him with her.
"H-hey! Not so hard! Have you ever heard of asking politely!?" Touma shouted.
"…I figured you'd be used to this by now, human." Othinus commented, still sitting on his shoulder. "Keep it down… you don't want them to hear, do you?"
"Guh! Right…" Touma sighed. "Are you sure you want to tag along for this? You know how situations like this usually go with me involved…"
"I have no intention of leaving your side, and even if I did…" She turned slow, glaring at Touma with a toothy grin clearly visible. "I'm not letting her drag you away anywhere I can't see alone, is that understood?"
"Y-yes ma'am." Touma stuttered out. Index glared with visible annoyance as Leivinia dragged the unlucky Kamijou away, but before long she felt someone pat her on the head, snapping her out of her trance.
"Don't worry, I have an idea. Hey, Kinuhata!" Hamazura called out. "Can you follow those two and make sure everything's on the level? I think it's safe to say we can't trust her with him alone."
"Do you think I'd say no and miss whatever super horrible things are going to happen to him? You don't even need to ask!" Kinuhata promptly moved to follow the duo that now seemed to be circling behind the structure.
"…I think she likes Kamijou-san." Takitsubo commented.
"As a person? Or as a source of entertainment?" Hamazura asked. Takitsubo thought for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. They retreated into the bushes and trees surrounding the area, waiting for the time to act.
Behind the building, the found a balcony, one of two on the back wall, that lead to the third floor. Even if the glass door leading inside was closed, it could easily be forced open, and appeared to be their easiest way of infiltration considering they knew little of their opponent's numbers or their locations within.
"Guess our only option is to climb, eh?" Touma scratched his head. Othinus climbed down Touma's shirt and quickly transitioned to his coat's pocket. The speed was surprising and showed off how good Othinus had gotten climbing up and down Touma's clothes in her tiny form. He gave his coat pocket a little pat, and Othinus looked back at him with a simple nod as she grabbed a hold of the material; safe and secure.
"Seems like it… oh well. I'll head up first and you can follow." Leivinia put her hands on her hips as she judged the situation.
"…Shouldn't I lead? You're wearing a dress and if I accidentally look up…" Touma trailed off.
"Thanks for your concern, but I'm wearing full leggings up to my waist, so you wouldn't see anything you shouldn't." Leivinia commented. Touma let out a relieved sigh, but Leivinia suddenly grinned. "…Or were you silently hoping to see something you shouldn't?"
"…No, I wasn't. The fact that I shouldn't see what I shouldn't see is why I brought it up in the first place!" Touma said with a deadpan expression.
"Isn't this the same as the swimsuit shop argument? Where you say you want to see less skin but secretly you want to see more?" Leivinia crossed her arms as she watched Touma try to save himself.
"Swimsuits are completely different from underwear!" Touma shouted.
"Not really; most swimsuits actually cover less skin than typical undergarments these days."
"That doesn't… ugh…" Touma let out a frustrated grumble as he noticeably blushed. Leivinia's grin widened as she observed the situation unfold.
"…You know; I could probably get you two super up there." A new voice appeared as Kinuhata walked up to the two.
"That would be handy, but it would mean I can't fluster him anymore." Leivinia replied.
"…You're the devil." Touma replied, clearly not amused to have his emotions played with.
"Oh! Can I join in? I haven't gotten him with an accidental skirt flip-trick yet!" Kinuhata asked happily.
"And you're just as bad!" Touma shouted. He groaned as Kinuhata and Leivinia giggled; clearly amused with their efforts to torment him. "Anyway… you said you could get us up… how?"
"Like this." Kinuhata then grabbed Touma's left hand and with surprising strength, hurled him into the air.
"W-what the hell is thiiiiis!?" Touma shouted as he was thrown. He landed on his back with only a little bit of pain from the impact. The arc at which he was thrown caused him to decelerate just as he reached the balcony, just barely clearing the railing. Touma rubbed his back and patted the floor, thanking whatever kind of god existed that the platform was stable. He checked his pocket to find Othinus still safe and sound, and let out a sigh of relief.
"KYAAAA!" Touma heard a scream from down below and looked behind him, attempting to look over the side, but before he could even reach the railing, Leivinia landed next to him in a similar position on his left side. "I-I-Is it over? T-that was too fast! S-seriously… no warning at all…!"
"…Birdway, was that you who just screamed." Touma commented, causing the blonde cabal boss to blush in embarrassment. "Everything's fine now, so relax. Are you ok?" Touma patted Leivinia's head gently with his left hand, causing the blush to spread until her entire face was a shade of red. After a moment she gently grabbed Touma's hand and set it on the ground next to her and Touma smiled; he had to admit that despite her rather manipulative nature she looked rather adorable with that timid look on her face.
His smile faded when she took out her wand and it shifted into the shape of a sword and she turned, appearing intent on running Touma through with it.
"H-hey! Wait a second!" Touma shouted as he scooted back.
"You. God. Damn. Idiiiiooooottttt!" Leivinia shouted as she tried to stab Touma with the blade, Touma holding her hands at bay at the wrist to stop her.
"So much for keeping quiet, huh?" Kinuhata was looking at the two from over the railing, her chin resting on her arms.
"H-how'd you get up here…?" Touma asked. The two stopped fighting when Kinuhata appeared.
"I climbed. My Offence Armor ability comes in super handy, huh?" Kinuhata then flipped over the railing with surprising agility and dusted herself off. "Shall we go?"
"R-right…" Leivinia got off Touma and dusted herself off. Kinuhata tapped the glass door a few times as she looked through it.
"Doesn't look like a bedroom… its dark, but it looks more like a common area; could be anything, but I don't super see a bed or any movement." She stated.
"They might be all be wherever they decided to hold the summoning ritual… we only know of the structure from the outside. The interior could be arranged in just about any formation you could imagine." Leivinia stated, looking through herself.
"Well, decision time; how are we breaking in?" Touma asked. "Noise could be an issue; anyone here know how to pick a lock?"
"Nope; looks like we're breaking it down." Kinuhata put her hands on the sliding glass door, intent on forcing it open with her Offence Armor, but it slid open without any resistance. "…Unlocked? That's super weird."
"…It is… admittedly with their protection their likely not expecting house-guests, but on a night when they should be avoiding any and all possible interruptions, it's more than a tad suspicious…" Leivinia spoke as the trio walked inside.
"Looks like a library of some kind to me." Touma stated. "…but it looks like they got a huge supply of rope lying around."
"Strands of rope this long are more than enough to tie off the side of that railing and touch the ground. I could be wrong, but it sounds like these were set here with the super intention of escaping." Kinuhata put her hand to her chin as she thought out loud.
"Our plan couldn't have been found out, could it?" Touma replied.
"Not a chance; I decided it and informed my magicians myself… and if there were any hint of deceit I would have detected it." Leivinia replied. She suddenly narrowed her eyes as she looked around. "…So if knowing our plan is impossible… why does it look like they're already preparing an evacuation…?"
"Could… could a faction within the cabal be planning a revolt of some kind? The rope could be set out as an emergency exit strategy in case things go south." Touma suggested.
"This is getting weirder and weirder… but each time we find something, the feeling I have that we're making the right call is growing. Let's see if we can get downstairs. Keep your eyes and ears open; you never know if anyone could be wandering the halls." Leivinia spoke as they exited the room, leading to a dark hallway. Touma briefly flipped a switch in the room they were just in to check if there was electricity; the lights proved as such, but made it more suspicious as to why all the lights were suddenly off.
They moved quickly and quietly. The mansion was very well maintained and appeared almost new; not a single creaky floorboard or step was found as they traversed the building. They moved downstairs and began checking rooms; every single one was empty, and most appeared to be bedrooms, bathrooms, or private studies, and all of them were dark. If it wasn't for the effort put into the bounded field it would be easy to say the building was abandoned, despite its clean appearance.
They searched until Touma heard what sounded like chanting from a set of large double doors with glass windows clearly presented. He called his comrades over as they looked inside.
It appeared to be a large ballroom of some kind; it looked like it belonged in a castle rather than a swanky mansion. It had several balconies that appeared to be accessed from the second floor and were also full of people, and the ceiling appeared to be about two stories up. The circular appearance and the galleries above gave the impression it was more akin to an arena, though the finely crafted and delicate looking floor suggested otherwise. Several members were crowding all around, each one carrying a single lone candle, with no other lights in the room visible.
The chants the trio heard were incantations; preparations for something, and it didn't take long to figure out what.
"They're setting up for the summoning ritual, no doubt about it." Leivinia whispered. "We don't have much time… but breaking in here would be terrible…"
"How about from a floor above? Think there could be a room over this one? With the low lighting it's doubtful that they could super see us if we cut a hole in the ceiling." Kinuhata suggested.
"…Right now it looks to be our only option. Let's go." Leivinia spoke and the group made their back to the third floor.
They could only judge the placement from the sound of the chanting, but when they found a spot where it appeared to be the loudest they set-up shop. Leivinia used her wand that was still in the form of a sword to slice open a section of the floor cleanly with wind magic, and before it could fall Kinuhata caught it and set it aside. Looking down gave them a better view; aside the magi they could see before they now saw four robed magicians each gathering around a magic circle.
"This must be it… these magicians super look more like they would in the movies than I thought." Kinuhata spoke.
"Only some of them look like that; never judge a book by its cover." Touma replied.
"Well, I guess so… though you must have a lot of super experience with this." Kinuhata stated.
"They have a lot more strange looks than just robes, trust me." Touma sighed as he watched the events unfold below.
"Come on… it's not like you saw a super busty girl with a Japanese sword and one of her jeans leg's tore off claim to be a magician before…" Kinuhata shot back. Touma simply pulled his head back and stared at her. "…Holy crap you super have met someone like that, haven't you!?"
"…She also said she was a Saint." Touma replied.
"Quiet you two! They may not see us but there's a chance they could hear us!" Leivinia warned as they shifted back to watching below. Kinuhata seemed to move around to adjust herself to get the best view.
"…Alright, so what now? What's the plan now that we're here? Set off those bombs and dive in during the confusion?" Touma asked.
"Don't worry; I have it all under control." Leivinia said. As Touma went back to watch, her sword turned back into a flower-like wand and she moved it below Touma's body, and not long after, an explosion send the now screaming Touma hurling towards the bottom of the arena, while Kinuhata and Leivinia remained in place.
"Holy shit… holy shit!" Kinuhata tried to hold in her laughter. "Did you super plan that? You know you just sent him into his death, right!?" She said in-between her small outbursts.
"No… but I've heard an odd rumor or two about their Cabal Boss… and I want to see him in action before we move in… besides; as long as he doesn't touch the bottom floorboard he'll be fine.
It didn't take long for Touma to hit the ground with a loud thud. He groaned as he rolled onto his back and put his hand on the ground. A shattering sound was immediately heard as the magic circle below was completely annihilated. He heard the murmurs of the surrounding crowd as he sat up and looked around.
"U-uh… g-guys…?" Touma looked around and gulped in fear before speaking again. "A l-little help… please…!?"
Those were his last words before the magicians acted violently to their plan being destroyed.