Minato POV
"I warned you didn't I?" Kyouko fumed as she paced back and forth. Upon arriving home I had informed Kyouko about my unfortunate circumstance. To say the least, she was not pleased. "I specifically told you to be careful, but you had to use it around the one person who could possible find out."
I decide to stop her before she grows too upset. "Mom." This alone causes her to freeze. I rarely use this term of endearment with her. I love her like any other son would, but I can't really bring myself to call her 'mom' most of the time. Thankfully, she understands and there are no hard feelings.
"You know as well as I that it was left to chance. I was unlucky that he saw me use my CAD at an inopportune moment. I took all the precautions I could using my skill card, but it was only a matter of time." As my argument sinks in Kyouko sighs and her shoulders slump in defeat. She draws me into a hug and runs her hand through my hair.
"I know, I'm sorry I got so upset. It's just…there are people out there who are more than willing to use you for your unique abilities." I return her gesture wrapping my arms around her. Ever since the break in, Kyouko has been worried sick for my safety. She has calmed down over the years, but that day still haunts her. I shiver involuntarily; it still haunts me as well. "Changing subjects," Kyouko says as she releases me. "FLT contacted me today. It seems your persona CAD is ready for trail runs."
"Really?" I am genuinely surprised. With the minimal information I gave them I was sure it would take them much longer. Kyouko reassured me.
"Yeah, though they could not test the item thoroughly as there were no subjects. They said you could come by and test it at any time."
"I will do so later in the week then. I have too much going on with the moral committee to get over there on time." I say planning ahead. "The best time will probably be on the weekend, I will be excused from work then." Kyouko nods and says she will call FLT ahead of time of my planned visit. I take the zio spell card out of my pocket and twirl it in the light. I will have to be more careful from now on. Tatsuya is not one to spread rumors, but he will be watching.
-Ω-
The next few days are as filled as the first. The Moral Committee is rushing about the campus trying to stop the illegal use of magic and keep the rules enforced.
"This is the student council, a fight has broken out in gymnasium 1, all free Moral Committee members are asked to assist."
"This is Minato, I am headed there now." I divert off the main path and run towards the gym.
"Behind you!" Pharos yells and I turn just in time to see a volley of rocks head my way. I drop to the ground and they sail over my head. I scan the area to see a hooded man in the brush. My skill card is out and I am already invoking the spell when psion noise fills the area. I am momentarily stunned before I realize what is happening. Cast jamming, and with Antinite no doubt. Questions fill my head, first and foremost, who are they and how did they get such a precious mineral? I need to apprehend them. There is not time to delay, and without thinking I switch persona and activate the CAD on my wrist. I rather keep the attacker alive so a light garu should do. As the sequence dies, I use garu and the wind cuts into the assailant. Before I can follow-up though, the man begins to run. I begin to pursue, but it is a lost cause. He accelerates and dashes away. I could peg him with one of my stronger spells, but I could not guarantee their survival.
"Did you get the identity of that person?" I ask Pharos, but he replies in the negative.
"No, but I have his magical signature. If he tries to use magic again, I can confirm who it is." That will have to be good enough I guess. I approach the brush where the man stood, to gather any sort of clue to his identity. All that I can find is a torn bracelet. Red and blue with a white stripe in the middle. It seems my wind spell must have torn it off my attacker. I pocket it for later, I have a fight in gym 1 to break up.
-Ω-
Tatsuya POV
"How did I get caught up in this?" I mutter to myself as I continue my patrol. I have more important things to do, Miyuki's protection for one. Another thing to worry about is the Kudou boy. I was informed that he is coming to test the gun-type CAD he ordered later this week. I was hoping to give the program another look over to avoid any potential mishaps. FLT is being paid an excessive amount of money for this project and I can't let it fail. Lastly, Minato is another item to worry about. His knowledge of casting from the mind is note-worthy. His ability to perform magic under cast-jamming, though, is dangerous. That kind of skill can disrupt the order of the magical society. I know this all too well. At least there is nothing awkward between us. We treat each other professionally while on the job and talk with one another normally whenever we meet. If I didn't know better I would say he forgot about the incident all together. My train of thought is broken as someone shouts.
"Fight!" The scream has come from my left and I run to the shout. I turn the corner and see two second year blooms, firing spells at each other. I approach, but as I do both students stop mid-fight and fire their spells at me.
I react instantly, twisting my body so the spells will miss. My efforts are needless however. As the spells approach, a translucent barrier erects itself around me and the attacks rebound on the combatants. After my attackers have fainted from their own spells, Minato approaches arms crossed.
"You would think they would learn by now." He sighs. "Attacking a Moral Committee member is a top offense."
I shake my head, "I won't report them, it looked like a misfire to me." I am well aware that the attack was directed at me, but I need to keep under the radar. Turning these two blooms in will only increase the animosity towards me and Course 2 students in general. I look to Minato who is looking to his side as if he is listening to someone. I look around, but no one else is present.
"Something wrong?" Minato questions, sending me a confused look. I shake my head.
"It's nothing, thanks for the help. I owe you one." I reply with a small nod. I expect him to simply let the conversation drop, but to my surprise he continues.
"Is this the first time you were attacked?" If I were honest this would be the second or third time. I decide to avoid the question.
"I told you that it was a misfire didn't I, why do you ask?" Minato sends me a look that tells me he knows it was no accident. Nevertheless he speaks.
"I was attacked by a magician about an hour ago in the woods on my way to gym 1."
"Probably a harmless prank," I respond quickly, "maybe Morisaki or some jealous first year." He ignores my comment and presses further.
"Once I began to counter they used Cast Jamming probably with the use of Antinite." My attention is immediately hooked. Minato does not need to tell me how rare and unobtainable that mineral is. His hand dives into his pocket and pulls out a torn band. He holds it out to me for closer inspection. "Have any idea what this band represents?"
If memory serves the band is used as an identifier for Egalite, and sub-section of Blanche, Anti-Magic Movement. On the surface they are a grassroots movement striving for the equality of magic and non-magic people. In reality they are a simple terrorist group. That being said, this is all confidential. I have no reason to reveal that I know this.
"I have no idea; maybe it's a band for some sort of club?"
Minato gives me a searching look before sighing. "All right, thanks anyway. Be careful for the rest of your patrol." With that he leaves with a wave and I am left thinking over the consequences of having Blanche infiltrate the school.
-Ω-
"You were attacked, huh?" For a bodyguard, Bryan does not sound panicked that I was attacked on grounds. To be fair this was his reaction to my blocking a sword the day before. There is an understanding between us. I have no need for a body guard, but the Kudou clan cannot risk it thus Bryan is whom was chosen to "protect me" regardless of my skill. In the end I have a body guard by name with no real need. Still Bryan wasn't a retired UNSA agent for nothing, his skills are second to none is most non-magical fights. What I am interesting in however is his knowledge of underground and terrorist organizations.
"Recognize this?" I pull out the bracelet, hoping for some sort of hint. He spares a glance and looks back to his work. He does a double-take when he realized what it is. He grasps the band and hesitates before sighing.
"If Kyouko asks I didn't tell you this." He withdraws a device from his drawers and opens it. After a few searches the name Blanche appears on screen. I take the device and start to scroll through it as Bryan explains. "Blanche, a terrorist group masked as a movement group for the equal treatment of magic and non-magic citizens. The band you found is of Egalite, a sub-section of the organization." Bryan expression turns serious. "What have you done to attract their attention?"
I look back at my previous days. I showed promise as a Moral Committee member by doing my job effectively. I stopped a sword with my arm. I knocked out a majority of the Kenjustu team. My eyes widen as I realize my mistake. I mentally curse myself. Using a spell under cast jamming. There was chance that my spell was still constructing even though Tatsuya had used his cast jamming. I only confirmed it today by attacking my opponent while still under the influence of Antinite. Bryan sees my eyes widen and presses for an answer.
"Well? What did you do?"
"There may be a chance that I used a spell under the effects of cast jamming. I confirmed it today without thinking when I attacked my enemy under the influence of Antinite." I finish slowly looking to Bryan.
He has his hand to his chin and is muttering something to himself. I wait a few moments and then he finally speaks.
"I don't know if they want to eliminate you or simply were testing you." Bryan says hesitantly. "In the case of the former, you would have faced more attacks for the rest of the day and maybe the days following. However, they could have retreated today and are rethinking their strategy against you. On the other hand, if it was a test, then they will approach you soon to join their organization. My advice is to be aware of your surroundings. Have a shield up while on campus or in public and always be on guard." I nod accepting his decision. As a last line of defense I also have Pharos who can warn me of incoming danger. "You need me to walk you home?" Bryan asks concern leaking through his voice. I look at his desk and see that even though he is swamped with work, he is putting his priorities straight.
"Thank for the offer, but I will be fine." I assure him. I open the door and give him a wave before exiting. I am on my way to leave campus, but someone calls to me.
"Minato right?" Before me is beautiful young woman. A glance over her uniform informs me she is a course 2 student.
"Yes, and you are…?" I trail off waiting for her response. She realizes that she has yet to introduce herself and does so seconds later.
"My name is Mibu Sayaka, nice to meet to." She gives me a small smile. "I would like to thank you for your help in the incident three days ago. If you are free, would you like to get something to drink?" Bryan's words ring clear in my head and I quietly ask Pharos what choice I should make.
"She holds no malice." Pharos informs me. "At least there is no malicious intent of inviting you to the café. It is safe to accept." This calms me and I respond to the girl who is waiting anxiously for my reply.
"I would love to." At this, she relaxes and with a quick 'thank you', she leads the way to the campus café. Although classes are over the café is open for a few more hours. Although it is after hours, so the café is mostly deserted. After getting our drinks at the counter, we search for a place to sit. We find a table next to the window and a few moments pass in silence. She is the one to speak first.
"First off, let me thank you again for your actions against the Kenjustu club. I am happy to see a Course 1 committee member is not against the course 2 students." I wave off her praise.
"I only did what was required of me, anyone else would have done the same." At this Mibu shakes he head.
"No, not everyone. Many of the blooms were disappointed in your actions. Although you were morally right, people still talk behind your back."
"Then let them talk," I reply easily. "If that is all they do there won't be a problem."
"Don't you think it's unfair though?!" Mibu counters gripping her drink tightly. "That you do what is expected of you and you are still ridiculed for it?!"
"Are you all right?" I gently ask. She seems quite emotional about this subject. Mibu quickly calms herself and releases her glass from her vice grip. "I appreciate you concern and for your thanks. Was there anything else you needed?"
Mibu stays silent as if considering something in her head. She gives a small nod as if confirming her decision and faces me.
"Please join the Kendo club." I look back at her, my eyebrow raised. She continues to look at me expectantly and finally I give her my reply.
"No." The single word drops from my lips and she frowns.
"Why?"
"Have you seen me wield a sword before? Why would I join the kendo club when I have never had an interest?" I have trained with a sword for years, but she does not need to know.
"Well, there is another reason actually. We, the non-magical clubs, have a plan in mind. We want to join together and present an argument to the school that we are not all about magic. Because of your announcement in the hall, it is common knowledge that you support both Course 1 and Course 2 students. We would like your help in making this work."
I sip my drink. "So you are looking for equality between both magical and non-magical clubs?" I venture and she nods her head. "How far will you take this equality? Just to sports clubs or?" My glare pierces her and she hesitates with her next answer.
"Magic schools grade on nothing but magical skills alone. We are treated differently because we are Course 2." At this her voice wavers slightly and she lowers he head. "I can't stand my sword being held in contempt just because I am no good at magic."
"Who is holding it in contempt?" At this her heads snaps up to face me. "The emblem on my shoulder means nothing. I can tear it off if you like and give it to you." I grasp the fabric, but Mibu stops me, panic clear on her face. After she has calmed herself I continue. "Regardless of my uniform, my skills remain the same as do yours. Have more faith in yourself and your sword skills, I am sure people around the nation respect the second place finalist in the nationwide competition." She gasps unaware that I knew of her achievements. I finish my drink and leave, but as I pass I give her a small smile. "As for your proposal, I will think about it." She returns my smile and with a short nod she replies.
"Thank you." With that the world freezes.
To you who has endured the weight of the universe,
We of the Hanged Man arcana give to you our blessing.
The glimmering card spirals down and I grasp it. Upon turning it over I see it is the Cleave spell card. I place it in my pocket and the world restarts. I exit the café and proceed toward the campus gates. I wait till the front hall to address my stalker that Pharos has warned me of seconds after I left the café.
"Isn't spying on students a shameless hobby?" I say turning towards my pursuer. "Student Council President Mayumi Saegusa?" My pursuer comes out from the shadowed hallway with a smile on her face.
"Is there something wrong Minato or was I interrupting a moment?" She smiles wider as she continues speaking. "The handsome and mysterious first year steals the heart the young swordswoman with his daring tactics. She brings him to the secluded café and whispers her confession, but it is not to be as-" She looks in my direction only to find out I am already halfway to the gate. She catches up to me as I exit the school gates. "That was rude Minato," she scolds a slight pout on her face. I shrug in response.
"I didn't have time to listen to your teasing," I gently retort as we make our way to the station. "Is there something you needed to tell me?"
"Mari wanted me to pass on to you that Tatsuya and you are off tomorrow." Mayumi answered.
"Oh? The student council president stayed after school just to tell me? I'm honored." Mayumi catches my sarcasm, but continues nevertheless.
"That's right, I had extra work to do in the council room, unlike you who went off to date a beautiful woman without a care in the word."
"I think you're misunderstanding something," I correct. "Mibu only asked me to join the kendo club. I refused. Nothing more happened."
"Oh, so her prince denied her the option of getting closer to him."
The rest of the walk is filled with Mayumi teasing me and my denials. Soon the station comes into view and I give a sigh of relief. As the first pod pulls up I offer it to her and she accepts.
"You should come to the student council room more often." She says as she gets into the pod.
"Why? Isn't teasing Tatsuya and the council enough for you?"
She gives me a smile. "Yes, but you're more fun to rile up." My face must be priceless as she laughs and the pod closes. Before I can speak the pod is already out of the station and the next pod is waiting for me. Pharos appears beside me as I sit in the pod. The silence is thick until Pharos speaks.
"She is a dangerous woman."
"Agreed."
-Ω-
Tatsuya POV
I stand in FLT labs mind running a mile a minute.
"We have ten more minutes, make sure everything is ready!"
I am surrounded by FLT workers who are preparing for the arrival of the Kudou boy. Word was sent that he would be arriving and I am doing the last minute check on the programs. The main problem is that the device he ordered was so unusual, something about the personification of the soul. The data we received was beyond understanding as well. Eventually, I was able to program what I believe he was searching for, but we will have the trail run to see if he is satisfied.
Unfortunately, my mind is distracted by other thoughts. Mibu asked me to join the kendo club and after my refusal, she told me that she was seeking to improve the treatment of Course 2. When I asked what she would do after making her demands she fell silent. The following day I was accused by Mari of "verbally abusing" Mibu and after several explanations and calming Miyuki I was able to explain my situation. The topic of Blanche was brought up, but on the end the council had no new information. Afterword I was used as a "test subject" for counseling by Haruka, one of the councilors. In the end I was also asked about if I was dating Mibu, which I denied. At the end of the day, I update Miyuki on the files we had on Blanche, to prepare her for the worst case scenario. I shake my head to clear my thoughts. I have to focus now, no time to waste.
The minutes till his arrival time pass in what feels like seconds. Soon, the staff greets the masked boy and is lead to the testing center where his CAD awaits. At the far end of the room three targets have been lined up. He picks up the gun shaped machine and Ushiyama's voice appears over the speakers.
"Mr. Kudou, if you are ready we can begin the test." The figure on the test floor gives the ok and Ushiyama continues. "We are all green you may pull the trigger when you are ready. We ask you to point the CAD down the room in case of any misfires." The boy holds the gun in his outstretched arm and pulls the trigger. The activation sequence spirals around the gun, but as it fades nothing happens. The command room is met with muttering and collective disappointment. Ushiyama is quick to apologize. "I'm sorry, Mr. kudou-" he is cut off as the masked boy speaks.
"I would like to try again." His voice is clearly modulated, but he does not talk with an arrogant voice. He looks towards the tinted windows of the command room for permission and Ushiyama gives his permission.
"Go ahead, all lights are green." This time the boy, to the horror of the staff, puts the barrel of the gun to his temple. He stands still for a second until he pulls the trigger. The effects are instantaneous. The sounds of shattering glass echo through the room and pale blue glass explodes from the other side of his head. Next, the man, to our horror, drops to the floor clutching his head. Lastly, a figure appears before him, a small snowman with hands and feet as well as a blue hat. The figure dances around a bit before fading. The man struggles to his feet and brings the CAD down to his side. His free hand massages his temples, most likely to reduce the headache he has just suffered. The command room is silent. No one knows what to say after such an explosive display. They are saved as the tester speaks first.
"The headache aside, this is what I was hoping for." The words seem to bring the Command room to life and the members cheer on the completed project. I allow myself a small smile. After so much effort and work, it looks like we were successful. The party dies down as the mask boy speaks again.
"It was not perfect, but I have a few tips on how to make this better. I also have another proposal for FLT, will you listen to my request?"
The command room is abuzz with excitement. Another proposal could potentially mean millions more for the company. Ushiyama is quick to answer.
"Of course, what would you be looking for this time?" Instead of responding, the boy reaches into his pocket and draws out a card. He holds out his hand and the card glows with an activation sequence. As the numbers die a huge force is shot from the boy's hand destroying the first target.
"I have acquired extremely rare items called skill cards. They are each embedded with a spell. I would like you to see if you could create a functioning CAD that can replicate the skill card. Another possibility is to create a CAD that can read these cards and utilize them more efficiently." The command room is already filled with ideas and questions. Ushiyama quiets them so he can respond.
"Let us talk details in a separate room."
Two hours later the masked boy is lead out of the meeting room. In the hallway outside the command center the boy stops and gestures to the door. "Is Taurus Silver in? I would like to give him my personal thanks." Ushiyama quickly responds.
"I'm sorry, but he is not. I will pass on your gratitude." Technically this is no lie. The man, Taurus Silver, is never in the office.
"I see," the boy responds, "then is Mr. Silver in?" My eyes widen and Ushiyama is clearly not ready for the question. Finally he is able to stutter out that Taurus Silver is out. The masked boy nods his head and leaves the lab.
-Ω-
Minato POV
I tear off the mask as soon as I am safely in the car next to Kyouko. The thing makes it hard to breathe.
"Did you say hi to Mr. Silver for me?" Kyouko asks in a sing song voice. I have asked her repeatedly what she means by Mr. Silver as opposed to Taurus Silver, but she never gives me a straight answer.
"No, they said he was not in." I reply. "Are you sure you can't just tell me who he is?"
She simply smiles and shakes her head. "No, it is a national secret."
"I don't care anyway," I huff and I turn away from Kyouko, who laughs at my childishness. The ride is nearly silent, but I manage a single whisper to my invisible friend.
"Are you sure, Pharos?" The boy nods his head and my gaze returns to the window.
What was Tatsuya doing in the command room? Thoughts for later I suppose.
-Ω-
A/N:
This came out a week earlier than expected. Maybe it's my apology for all the months I missed. Thank you to everyone who review last chapter and Favorited and followed my story. As always please review if you enjoyed it. I am always happy to talk about the story with others. If you saw anything misspelled or you have a question about the story send me a PM. I will fix what I can and explain anything that was confusing.
Also a huge thank you to my newest beta reader, Mingyu. Thank you for all the helpful advice.
As always see you next chapter.
