Author's Notes
This Fanfic is going to be AU starting essentially where the Anime left off, around Volume 8 / 9. My personal motivation for writing this is that after Volume 7 / 8, the Light Novel series really seemed to stall, at least in my opinion. Btw, I've read up to and including Volume 17.
Volume 7 (where the anime ends) left off on such an exciting note, but when the story picks up again, even though Tatsuya's revealed most of his secret identity to his classmates/senpais, nothing changes for him (I know, using the phrase 'Secret Identity' is really cliché, but I don't know what else to call it). The majority of the characters who learn of his secret identity in Volume 7 never once bring it up again. The Magic, Political and Military authorities of Japan never even try to find out the identity of the Strategic Class Magician who's capable of leveling an entire country in a split second. And by the by, I've never found it realistic that a foreign country could find out his identity (Volumes 9 – 11) before the authorities of his own country.
But mostly, his situation never changes, no matter how many people discover his true strength, Tatsuya never breaks out of his 'Weed' situation. Volume 9, 10, 11, 12 so on… 7 Volumes later, Volume 15 rolls along, and still Tatsuya's in the same anonymous situation he's been in since Volume 1.
That being said, I love the premise of this series. The whole wolf in sheep's clothing act is one of my favorite in a main character, and the way the author makes Fantasy into Sci-Fi really piqued my interest.
So I'm going to start off at Volume 8, so the first part of this AU fanfic will be 50% similar to the novels, but the 50% that's different will change the future plot entirely.
Just to warn you, I'm an engineer, so this is my first attempt at creative writing in many years, but I love this series so I thought I'd give it a try. So I apologize in advance if it's a bit of a rough read.
Common Era 2095, November 6th / Yotsuba Main House - Reception Room
A rather large building done in the style of a traditional samurai residence—That is the impression of the Yotsuba Main House as seen from outside the gate.
Compared to a typical residence it is certainly spacious. Even calling it a mansion does not feel like a misnomer.
However, someone who looked at the grand mansions of those like the Saegusa Family and Ichijou Family would probably be rather surprised by its simple snug appearance.
The Yotsuba do not care about the spaciousness of their house, because the Yotsuba Family, who maintain a systematic policy of secrecy, would never invite a large number of outsiders as guests.
Perhaps they think a grand mansion would only be an encumbrance.
Without regard to the fact that her mother had been a member of the main family, Miyuki mused over the matter from an outsider's perspective, as she and her brother stepped through the overpowering structure of the gate together.
That day — the day that would come to be known in the future as 'The Scorched Halloween' was only one week ago.
The siblings had brought themselves to the mountain village that was not recorded on any map by foot, in accordance with their aunt's invitation — which should rather be called a summons to appear before her.
Despite what could be hypothesized from the outside structure, it was a modern and quite expansive reception room that they were ushered into and informed that they were to wait in. This was not a small reception room used for privacy, this was a large room that could be classified as an 'Audience Chamber' which let them know that today's summons was not a personal one from their aunt, but from the Master of Yotsuba Family.
Well, we had discerned that from the beginning, thought Miyuki, nevertheless.
Three years had passed since I have been summoned to this room with my brother.
Until now for one pretext or another her brother had been excluded on the occasions when the family came together as one to celebrate or share condolences, and their aunt never had direct contact with him.
Of course, Miyuki could not determine whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.
"…Don't worry. We are not the same as three years ago."
Her uneasiness had apparently shown on her face. Miyuki tilted her eyes upward to find Tatsuya nodding reassuringly in her line of sight as she peeked at him.
Next to the sofa Miyuki was sitting on, he stood.
Three years ago, he had the same posture.
Three years ago, he had stood behind Miyuki.
Yes... Compared to three years ago, it had changed.
Tatsuya was probably talking about how their abilities had changed from three years ago.
Unquestionably, in terms of the power the two of them had there could be no comparison to three years ago. Especially in regards to Tatsuya, he had attained combat power that rivaled that of their aunt, Yotsuba Maya, famed as one of the world's strongest magicians, known as "The Maou of the Far East" and "The Queen of Night". If you examine their magic affinities in detail, it would be readily apparent that in a one on one confrontation Tatsuya would win.
However, more than their relationship with their aunt, in terms of abilities, had changed from what it was three years ago, Miyuki thought. Such as the relationship between her brother and herself, and the feelings she herself directed towards her brother.
While the house seemed like a traditional Japanese house on the outside, the inside was an unscrupulous compromise between east and west. An appropriate description may be a Japanese- Western style mansion. The rooms were either purely Japanese or purely Western.
This drawing room—the 'audience hall', was Western style. The wallpaper, ceiling, floor and windows, along with the lighting and furniture were all Western.
The doorway had a wooden door.
As Tatsuya stared, a knocking noise sounded from that door.
Miyuki said 'come in' while still seated on the sofa, and a voice replied 'excuse me' as the door opened. Wearing an apron over a kimono, a 'maid' appeared…According to the image of the house, perhaps 'meido' would have been more appropriate, but it was difficult to get past that anachronistic impression.
That 'maid' bowed deeply, before standing aside.
A man wearing a suit stood behind her.
That man was someone Tatsuya knew very well.
Miyuki covered her mouth with a hand. It seemed to have dropped open of its own accord.
While not to the same extent as Tatsuya, Miyuki also tentatively knew this man.
As the man entered the room the maid bowed again, before leaving and closing the door without any explanation. It seems that she had only been a guide.
"It's been while, Tatsuya. Well, actually I guess it's only been a week."
"Major… why are, no, you were called by our aunt, right?"
"That is correct, though we would have reached out to her on our own accord sooner rather than later. However, I had not heard that you'd be attending as well."
"…..I am sorry."
The one who had apologized was Miyuki, who had stood up the moment Kazama entered the room. Miyuki could not easily put aside the bungling of her relatives.
—Tatsuya merely unconsciously raised an eyebrow at Kazama's response. Although Miyuki didn't seem to catch Kazama's alternate meaning, it was clear to Tatsuya that the 'we' Kazama referred to was obviously the military. Moreover, to say that the military was considering contacting his Aunt of their own accord could only spell trouble. Seeing as there's no imminent threat, there was only one reason for the military to make contact first, and that didn't sit well with Tatsuya. He valued his anonymity too much.
"It is not something to be concerned over."
Kazama and Miyuki did not have much correspondence.
In fact, they had never met without Tatsuya also being present, which was why Kazama, in the presence of a third party, was not quite as frank with Miyuki as he would normally be with Tatsuya. Nevertheless, being in Tatsuya's presence all the time, he couldn't help but think of her as simply 'Tatsuya's little sister'.
"Still, a far greater enigma than ever expected."
In his conversation with Tatsuya, Kazama dropped a line seemingly without context, yet Miyuki picked it up immediately.
"You understood?"
"Just who do you think I am?"
Tatsuya, bowing lightly with a wry smile, expressed his apologies to Kazama.
"I didn't realize until I had been invited on site…but barring the field hospitals on the front lines, I had seldom sensed the smell of death so densely before."
At Kazama's straightforward evaluation, Miyuki involuntarily raised her eyebrows.
At that likely unconscious change in his sister's expression, Tatsuya thought 'no wonder'.
"That's because this is the site of the infamous 'Fourth Institute'."
"The site of the deathly Magic Ability Development Fourth Institute huh…just looking at the building here now, there's no way to tell."
During the rise of modern magic, just as in other developed countries, many research and development institutions sprang up dealing with magicians. 10 numbered institutes were set up, and now half of them are still operating. The remaining half, as rights for magicians started to pick up, were closed down one by one for inhumane research amongst other reasons.
Amongst even these was the institute whose research was whispered to have disregarded human life and humanity itself, the Fourth Institute of Magician Development, or the 'Fourth Institute'.
Due to the confidentiality surrounding both the Fourth Institute and its research, not even its location had ever been publicly disclosed, only an announcement that it was to be shut down.
The center of the former Fourth Institute was located right in the basement of the Yotsuba main house.
The products of the Fourth Institute, the magicians they developed, were designated only with the number 'Four'—the Yotsuba.
Magicians with the letter four in their family name, aside from the Yotsuba, are known to include the 'Yomo', 'Shihoudou', and 'Watanuki'. But they are unconnected to the Ten Master Houses and the 18 auxiliary houses.
"All their research facilities are in the basement after all. It's not just this house, but all the houses of this village were disguised parts of the Fourth Institute's faculties."
"So it seems. The first time I knew about it three years ago, I was quite shocked as well."
"Well, the ground facilities are still used in order to test a magician's performance, and the martial arts gym especially sees much use… the smell of death the Major still senses, are most likely now the bodies of the magicians who didn't make the cut."
"And so are the Guardians of the Yotsuba tempered, literally side by side with death?... I see, so that's why you people need so little training after joining the military; even the children are formidable."
The first time Miyuki had heard, she had actually blocked her ears.
Now, she is able to face the truth.
But even now, the pain which runs through her chest hasn't disappeared.
She will never be able to get used to this pain.
She herself hoped that the day she can simply accept such pain will never come.
Upon the sound of more knocking at the door, Miyuki turned around, suddenly snapped out of her private musings.
"Merely being a Yotsuba Guardian isn't anything special. My own conceit was abruptly brought to a close by Yanagi-san, and I'm still unable to win against my master yet."
"I don't believe you held any conceit from the beginning. Also, I'm unable to win against him either as well."
The knocking came again, stronger this time.
When Miyuki let them in, with a polished 'excuse me' a young butler entered.
Rather than young, he was more simply still a youth. He did not seem to be much different in age from Tatsuya.
Despite that, not allowing a hint of irritation or impatience to show on his face, he was well trained indeed.
"I am very sorry."
All of a sudden, the youth began to apologize.
"The business with our earlier associate is rather prolonged…could you please wait just a while longer, My Lady requests."
'My Lady' refers to Yotsuba Maya.
She has never married. The term 'My Lady' is therefore technically incorrect, but neither Miyuki, Kazama, or Tatsuya possess correcting conventional nomenclature as a hobby. For that matter, even if they did, for the sake of politeness supplying a more accurate term was out of the question.
"It is not a problem."
Querying Miyuki and Tatsuya visually, Kazama answered the youth's request.
"Thank you very much."
The youth did not bother verifying Tatsuya and Miyuki's consent.
Setting aside Tatsuya, not even asking Miyuki, was probably because as a relative Miyuki was considered one of the Yotsuba.
That is not incorrect.
Tatsuya did not for a moment consider himself a Yotsuba, but the same cannot be said for Miyuki.
As much as she is able to reject being the eldest daughter of Shiba Tatsurou, she cannot reject being the daughter of Shiba Miya.
Therefore she, against her own desires, cannot reject being the niece of Yotsuba Maya.
It had been one week since they parted at Tsushima base.
On that day, Tatsuya had been dismissed earlier, and beyond what was available to the general public, knew no more about the final outcomes of the battle than anyone else. Having the opportunity to reunite with Kazama here, he tried asking various questions, but it seemed there were many parts unknown even to Kazama.
Exchanging information with Kazama — although all that Tatsuya could provide could not be said to possess certainty beyond the boundaries of 'rumors' — Tatsuya, deep in thought, suddenly turned to face the door.
Tension crept down Miyuki's spine.
From her brother's expression, she knew.
At last—
"Excuse me."
After a formal knock, the door was opened without waiting for a reply.
Bowing deferentially this time was an elderly butler. Visibly different from the youth earlier, this man clearly possessed a high position.
However, he said no more, despite the fact that simply opening the door shouldn't be the extent of this man's job.
But neither Tatsuya and Miyuki, nor Kazama felt any suspicion.
Rather, they were thinking similarly, that the only one fit for this role must be this elderly man.
"Thank you for waiting."
—For behind the elderly man stood the figure of the Head of this House.
"I truly am very sorry. Our previous guest simply would not leave…while he had gone far past our appointed time, we couldn't simply throw him out or such…"
"Please do not be concerned. We know that you are very busy."
Kazama returned Maya's bow, and at length they both sat down.
"Miyuki-san, my apologies to you as well."
At that, Miyuki also sat down slowly.
However, she said not a word to Tatsuya.
He simply remained standing next to the sofa Miyuki sat in.
In appearance, he mirrored exactly the butler who now stood next to Maya.
White porcelain teacups were set down before three people.
It went without speaking that those three were Maya, Kazama, and Miyuki.
Maya beckoned the two to their tea, and after taking a sip herself, cut straight to the point.
"The reason I have called you here today is because there are some matters stemming from the recent military incident in Yokohama which I would like to tell you."
"To me?"
Maya the civilian was saying that she had things to tell, not ask, concerning military matters to the military man Kazama. Of course he would repeat it.
"Yes, and to Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san as well."
Saying so, Maya gave a meaningful smile.
Without even having to look bored as she said so, her expression made it plain that her truly pressing matters were for Tatsuya and Miyuki.
"A week ago, the International Magic Association concluded that the blast which obliterated the Zhènhai Naval Port was not in violation of the charter forbidding the use of 'radiation emitting weapons'".
'Radiation emitting weapons' was an abbreviation for 'weapons which contaminate the environment with residual radioactivity', a term mainly used by the International Magic Association, whose purpose is preventing the use of weapons which emit and leave behind radioactive residues as well as the national magic associations affiliated with them. The word 'weapon' was used, but the clause also included any magic which would result in radioactive contamination. The term itself was rare outside the Association, but despite being somewhat of a traditionalist magician, Kazama nevertheless naturally knew about it.
"As a result, the punishment motion submitted to the Association was rejected."
Miyuki's tense expression tensed even further for a moment, then relaxed.
"I was not aware a punishment motion had been forwarded."
Kazama replied in a bland tone. Miyuki knew that there was no way Kazama hadn't at least considered the possibility, but didn't speak a word.
"You do seem rather relaxed. You had no concern about the possibility of a penal detachment?"
By contrast, Maya hit back with a direct question.
Magicians were administered by the state, weapons of the state, and as such belonged to the state.
Even private magicians were forbidden from acting in any way which might go against the national interest. In this respect, globally, the rights of magicians were significantly limited in comparison to those of non-magicians.
Because of that, the International Magic Association had no military force of its own. The magicians belonging to the IMA were not of a scale anywhere approaching a force.
In return, the IMA called for the cooperation of each member state in order to implement multinational teams. If this 'mystery bomb' had resulted in the formation of a penal detail, those various countries which wished for a decline in Japan's national power would have sent their own powerful magicians along as well. As someone involved in the military, that was not a negligible concern.
"I was fully aware and confident that there would be no residual radiation."
Kazama didn't say that she should have been well aware as well. It was so obvious there was no need to do so.
Sure enough, Maya changed the subject.
"Then were you aware that the 'Heavenly General' was present with and perished alongside the fleet?"
"Liú Yúndé?"
At Maya's news, Kazama's poker face collapsed.
Kazama's wide eyes as he asked back were unfeigned.
"Yes, one of the thirteen internationally acknowledged Strategic Class magicians. Nevertheless, the Great Asian Alliance is trying to keep a rather tight lid on information control."
Although there was no such thing as privacy when it came to Strategic Class magicians, Maya laughed.
As she said, Strategic Class magicians, individuals wielding power comparable to weapons of mass destruction, were of great interest to many major powers and of greater interest to their magicians.
Aside from gimmicks like Antinite, the only true counter to a magician was another magician, and as such, keeping enemy Strategic magicians in check was a major objective of military magicians.
Thirteen Strategic Class magicians had been declassified for the sake of national prestige, and amongst these so called 'Thirteen Apostles' the only one who had managed to keep a modicum of secrecy was the USNA's Angie Sirius.
Of course Japan was no exception in keeping extensive tabs on the Thirteen Apostles and the Ten Families, with the inclusion of Angie Sirius of whom besides her name — to be precise her nickname and codename — not even her real face was known, and devoted great effort to that field.
"Well with that, I guess the 'Thirteen Apostles' is now the 'Twelve Apostles'."
Maya smoothly summarized that major upheaval in international military balance with one easy sentence.
This was confidential information which even Kazama had not been informed of.
"It seems the government is looking to capitalize on this and wring as many major concessions from the Great Asian Alliance as possible. The Chief of Staff had requested the Itsuwa be sent out, and the Itsuwa complied. Mio-san is accompanying them to the fleet in Sasebo."
Until now, Miyuki had respectfully maintained her position as a listener, but at this she instinctively spoke up.
"Did she board a warship?"
"Yes."
However, Maya did not reprimand her. This news was astonishing enough that such a reaction would not be unreasonable. However, Kazama maintained his poker face; he most likely already knew.
Itsuwa Mio was the only Strategic Class magician the Japanese government had publicly disclosed, one of the 'Thirteen Apostles'.
As far as had been confirmed, with the exception of Tatsuya, she was the only Japanese Strategic magician—A trump card of the Japanese military.
Her magic 'Abyss' was capable of creating a spherical depression which can extend from a few tens of meters to several kilometers. Amongst Movement Systematic magics it possesses its own classification, Fluid Control. Vessels caught within the magical zone at sea slide down the steep walls of water, tumbling about, then upon cancellation of the magic are swallowed up by massive waves as the sea returns to a horizontal plane. The hemisphere can be created up to a kilometer in depth, easily catching submerged submarines as well.
This is a strategic class magic theoretically capable of eradicating entire fleets with a single blow, however; 'Abyss' can also be invoked upon subterranean ground water, potentially allowing it to collapse vast swathes of structures as well.
"...Still, that would be a considerable strain on her body wouldn't it?"
"I'm sure they've factored that in. Both the Staff and the Itsuwa. They probably consider this too big to miss."
At Miyuki's worried question, Maya gave an absentminded answer.
In contrast to Itsuwa Mio's powerful magic, her body was quite weak.
It wasn't quite apparent until around her mid teens, but from the age of 20 she was forced to use a motorized wheelchair to move around. It wasn't that her legs were afflicted such that she couldn't walk, but because even the slightest exertion was exhausting. After graduating from university, it was said she rarely ever left the Itsuwa house.
The Itsuwa were currently one of the Ten Master Houses, but in fact that was largely based on the fact that they had the Strategic Class magician Mio. For her to be aboard a warship that would likely see battle, however brief that period of time was, could only be said to be a gamble.
"Just as we had news of Liú Yúndé's movements, it seems our mobilization of Mio-san has not gone unnoticed. Again this is as of yet unconfirmed, but we have received a report that Doctor Bezobrazov arrived in Vladivostok today."
Hearing that name, Kazama's expression was moved again.
"—The 'Igniter' Igor Andreevich Bezobrazov?"
"Yes, that very Doctor Bezobrazov. Having witnessed the recent events off the Southern Korean Peninsula, their military leadership appears to have reconsidered the effectiveness of large scale magic."
While he didn't let out a sound, Tatsuya was just as surprised.
Igor Andreevich Bezobrazov was a scientist in the Soviet Academy of Science, yet at the same time, a Strategic Class magician of the New Soviet Union.
He was not a classified Strategic magician like Tatsuya, but rather like Mio was a state recognized member of the Thirteen Apostles. His Strategic magic 'Tuman Bomba', whilst one step outclassed by the USNA's Angie Sirius' 'Heavy Metal Burst' in power, was said to possess the greatest destructive radius of the Thirteen.
Until now, countries had only demonstrated their Strategic magics without applying them for actual combat use, but in the most recent conflict four Strategic magicians, including Tatsuya, had been mobilized.
"It's likely the Great Asian Alliance has received similar intel—"
"Peace should be established in the near future then?"
"I believe that would be the case."
In that pause, Maya looked at Kazama with a smile. Despite the fact she was in her mid 40's, that smile combined youthful cuteness and adult sex appeal which made her seem no older than 30.
Such charm was wasted on Kazama however, as he silently waited for the next words.
"...Our history from since three years ago, will be settled with this."
The slight color of frustration which flitted past Maya's face as she resumed her talk couldn't have wholly been Tatsuya's imagination.
"The disappearance of Zhènhai Naval Port has attracted the attention of numerous countries. The cause of that was unmistakably due to Strategic class magic, and a not inconsiderable number of them are beginning to probe around as to just who the operator was. It is most likely some of them will link this with the annihilation of the fleet the Great Asian Alliance dispatched three years ago."
"Regarding that connection, and regarding Tatsuya's 'secret identity'…"
All eyes in the room were now focused on Tatsuya. For his part, he was somewhat unnerved at the sudden shift in attention, but he didn't let it show on his face. He only silently motioned with his eyes for Kazama to continue.
However, it was Maya who continued Kazama's thoughts.
"If I'm not mistaken, you've received a visit from the Itsuwa siblings?"
Maya phrased this apparent shift in topic as a question, but it was an unmistakable fact that she wasn't asking, but telling.
Kazama's surprise at his secrets so easily being found out showed on his face, but nevertheless, he continued on.
"Yes, not to mention various politicians, generals and Joint Chiefs, other members of the Ten Master Clans are now pressuring us to release Tatsuya's identity, if only to a select few."
Maya's expression didn't change in the slightest upon hearing this. Rather, her expression clearly showed that this was all within her expectations.
"I trust that you haven't revealed any of our secrets."
"Of course not…However…"
Kazama wasn't one to be easily intimidated, but he could feel the deadly aura emanating from Maya. So he couldn't stop some semblance of his reluctance from showing in his voice, but he didn't let that stop him from making the request that he was sent here to ask. He made a visible effort to compose himself before continuing on.
"Given the requests from high-ranking members of the government and military, as well as the pressure we're receiving from the Itsuwa, who we still rely on for our defense, I'm here to formally request of you to allow us to disclose Tatsuya's identity to those select few who play an integral role in our country's defense."
Miyuki went wide-eyed with shock, and she sent Tatsuya a worried glance. Whether or not he was surprised…she couldn't tell. But she could tell that Tatsuya was not in favor of the idea. However, he raised not one word in protest.
For her part, Maya gave a smile that was purposefully indistinguishable between real and fake.
While Maya looked to be sincerely pondering her response, Kazama continued.
"Rather than saying that we want to declassify Tatsuya's identity, we merely want to increase the number of people who have clearance to know. That is to say, anyone who we give clearance to would still be committing treason by law if they reveal his identity to anyone who is not cleared."
"You wouldn't be thinking of revealing Tatsuya's connection to the Yotsuba?"
Maya phrased this as a question, but the killing intent that emanated from her clearly showed that this was a condition, not a request.
"Of course not."
"…"
Maya's piercing eyes stared at Kazama's, burying deep into his soul. Though no matter how hard she gazed, she wouldn't discern anything other than what Kazama had already told her, because what he had told her was the unequivocal truth. Kazama knew better than to keep things from the Demon of the Far East, and Maya knew that he knew better. From Tatsuya's point of view, it might be more appropriate to say that she was just having some fun with Kazama.
But suddenly, that piercing gaze shifted to Tatsuya, though Tatsuya was much more adept than Kazama at playing Maya's mind games.
"What's your opinion on this Tatsuya-kun?"
At this question, Tatsuya faltered. He could handle Maya's death stare, but her asking his opinion threw him completely off balance. Perhaps this was just another of her games, Tatsuya thought. Of course, Tatsuya gave his usual response when in the company of outsiders.
"I will abide by whatever Oba-ue decides."
Most likely she predicted his response, as Maya only spared Tatsuya a short-lived, yet playful glance as she turned her eyes back to Kazama. She stared him down for a moment longer before giving her official response.
"I will allow your request. However, I will have conditions of my own."
Kazama looked visibly relieved at Maya's acceptance of his request. Apparently, he wasn't expecting her to acquiesce at all, as her insistence for conditions didn't seem to dampen his relief. It seemed that Maya also realized that any conditions she attached wouldn't be denied, and Kazama only had to nod his agreement to indicate for Maya to continue with her demands.
"First and foremost, Tatsuya's connection to the Yotsuba is never to be disclosed. If and when we decide to disclose that information, that will be done through our end."
She didn't even wait for Kazama to nod his acknowledgement before continuing on with her next condition.
"Additionally, ALL who you wish to give clearance to will be approved by the Yotsuba first. Even if they're Joint Chiefs, or politicians…or members of the Ten Master Clans, if I don't personally approve of them, they don't get cleared."
Kazama seemed to have a harder time acquiescing to this condition, but in the end he reluctantly agreed. He had no negotiating power after all. Maya could demand his first born son and he would have no right to refuse.
"Very well…"
After Kazama agreed to her first two terms, Maya's expression softened…rather, it returned to an expressionless state. However, she seemed to be pondering what other conditions she could attach while she had the chance, though it was clear from her expression that she had already expressed her most important thoughts on the matter.
"Miyuki, are there any other conditions you'd like to apply?"
Miyuki was momentarily startled at having been suddenly called out. She pondered for a moment before turning to face Kazama, though when she finally began to talk, she turned to face Tatsuya.
"When Onii-sama is performing his duty…I would like…to be informed of Onii-sama's condition…at all times."
She blushed profusely as she tried to maintain eye contact with Tatsuya. In the end, she gave up and could only manage to glance at him from the side.
"Even if the mission is classified, I want to be sure of Onii-sama's well-being."
It wasn't an unreasonable request in the first place, but add in Miyuki's delicate feminine charm, and Kazama couldn't have refused even if he did have some negotiating power. And if Kazama didn't know better, he'd think that Tatsuya was genuinely embarrassed for once, though maybe he was just projecting.
Maya again gave a smile that was indistinguishable between real and fake to the untrained eye, though to Tatsuya her smile seemed almost genuine.
"Very well. Major Kazama, it is as you've heard. Please have Major General Saeki contact me when you have a list of candidates for consideration."
Kazama didn't need to be told twice that this was his cue to leave, and he was happy to take it, having already achieved his objective.
"Thank you for your consideration, Yotsuba-sama."
Maya merely nodded in reply, with a bored expression. Her expression unsettled Kazama without limit. Surely he thought that her inward personality was as ugly as her outward appearance was beautiful.
After saying the formalities to Maya, Kazama slightly bowed to Miyuki, who had regained her ladylike exterior.
"Until we meet again, Major Kazama."
"I look forward to it…"
Before leaving, Kazama gave Tatsuya a commiserative glance, most likely due to the pitiful fact that Tatsuya had no say in a discussion that determined his own future.
Now Maya was alone with Tatsuya in the drawing room. After wrapping things up, Kazama naturally left—he now had even more work to do—and Miyuki had vacated the room at Maya's direct order.
Then despite having even instructed her attendant to leave, Maya didn't cut directly to the chase.
She simply sat for a while sipping tea from her cup with a look of dissatisfaction, as Tatsuya sat down in silence facing her.
In silence, in other words, without asking or waiting for permission.
His appearance as he leaned back in his chair waiting for her words was absent from all apprehension or fear.
Glancing at that appearance, Maya returned her cup to its saucer.
"The last time we faced each other like this was three years ago, huh?"
There was no hint of hubris in her voice or expression.
"This is the first time I have been called out like this, Oba-ue."
"I wonder."
At Tatsuya's usual cynical rather than respectful air, Maya also adopted a more informal attitude than before.
"Come to think of it, this is the first time we've spoken alone."
"Yes."
That's not to say their rapport was 'friendly'.
The light glinting in their eyes was too strong for that.
"So what is it you wished to speak about?"
"Don't be in such a hurry. Won't you have some tea?"
"If you start going around giving me tea, your entourage is going to start saying some annoying things."
At Tatsuya's all too candid remark, Maya let out a breath.
"Honesty isn't always a virtue you know."
"Remonstrations for the sake of another are always painful to hear."
Their banter flew back and forth like rapid keystrokes.
Maya didn't anger, but rather gave an approving nod.
"An unreserved companion is also good once in a while."
"Is it disagreeable to you?"
"The relationship between us is that of nephew and aunt. There is no need for such concerns."
After those words replied in a tone indiscernible from her true feelings or a simple façade, Maya picked up the buzzer on the table.
The faint chime of a handbell rang out, yet neither the door nor the walls of this room were particularly thin.
Despite that not a minute later a soft knock rang from the door, meaning that the room must have been monitored in some way; nevertheless Tatsuya did not hurry to stand.
"Did you call for me?"
The elderly butler from earlier returned to the scene. Even seeing Tatsuya's leisurely seated appearance, he didn't bat an eyelid.
"Hayama-san, some more tea for me please. And the same for Tatsuya-san as well."
"Certainly."
Had it been Aoki, he no doubt would have gone pale and started yelling at Tatsuya. Forgetting even that he was in the presence of Maya.
But there was no way a confidant permitted even to 'eavesdrop' at the side of his master, whatever the appearance or reasons, would ever be prone to such petty outbursts.
The reason Tatsuya was so relaxed also stemmed from that.
Not to mention that it would have been impossible to 'smooth things out' anyway.
Because it was visible with a glance that Tatsuya held no submissiveness towards Maya whatsoever.
While waiting for the tea, Maya didn't utter a word.
Tatsuya likewise was in no hurry.
'Won't you have some tea' basically meant 'we'll talk over tea.' It wasn't particularly exerting to figure such a thing out, and only a child would make a fuss about waiting for such a period of time.
At length after taking a sip from the cup the butler Hayama brought, Maya finally seemed to be in the mood.
"Thank you for your efforts in this event, Tatsuya-san."
Hearing that tone, no one would take those words at face value.
"No, there's no such thing."
Tatsuya likewise was under no delusion that he was being praised.
"However, it's something troubling for the Yotsuba."
"I am sorry."
Sure enough, she began voicing complaints with a theatrical sigh, and Tatsuya gave a formal apology. Not that he did anything laudable like fall prostrate to the ground or rub his forehead against the table or anything.
"…Well, I know that you were simply following orders. Although I had wanted to ask Major Kazama if there really was a need to go so far…"
"I'm sorry for the trouble."
Tatsuya's apology this time was slightly more sincere. Morality aside, Tatsuya also personally felt that what happened was a little overkill. —Actually not 'a little' but closer to the point of excessive, mindless destruction.
"More important now are the problems from here."
"Is there anything concrete so far?"
Maya did not give an immediate answer to Tatsuya's question.
Rather she closed her eyes, took a sip of tea, then slowly looked up. Directly into Tatsuya's eyes.
Tatsuya didn't meet her gaze, instead lifting his cup to his mouth in the same way as his aunt.
"The Stars are moving."
Her words as she resolutely maintained eye contact held the power to freeze Tatsuya's movement for just a moment.
"Meaning that America itself is moving, huh?"
Having at last reached this point, Maya and Tatsuya finally clashed head to head.
It was impossible to compare the weights behind them.
On the one hand Maya had the entire might of the Yotsuba at her back, while defending Tatsuya would likely be Miyuki alone.
Yet the steel in Tatsuya's eyes did not lose an inch to the pressure Maya exuded.
"For now, the Stars have simply begun their own investigation. But they have already grasped that the explosion was caused by a magic which converts mass into energy. That narrows down the identity of the operator considerably. —Specifically, enough to pinpoint you and Miyuki-san as one of the suspects."
At Maya's information, Tatsuya could only shake his head.
"…That's quite the amazing ability to gather information."
"Their reputation as the most powerful force of magicians in the world isn't just for show."
"No, the one I was praising was you Oba-ue."
There was no reply.
Maya fell silent as if deep in thought.
"Whilst I admit that they are likely the most powerful force out there, the intelligence the USNA Stars' has managed to procure is almost real-time. Have you considered the possibility of a spy?"
"…I can't say. Unfortunately."
"Well of course. Moreover, is it alright to be expanding the number of those 'in the know' in the face of this?"
As if he had somehow worked out Maya's response, Tatsuya nodded with a straight face, and responded with a scorching question of his own.
For a moment Maya seemed rather resentful, but as expected immediately regained her smile.
"…In any case, you must be careful of your surroundings. The Stars are not like the soft opponents you have gone up against until now. If they determine that you are a threat to the hegemony of the United States, it is possible that they have the capability to take you down."
"Meaning that if the likelihood of the Yotsuba getting involved rises too high, I can expect assassins from a different direction. I'll bear that in mind."
The aunt and nephew stared at each other.
There was no longer even the hint of a smile upon their face.
"It's a bit early to be thinking that far."
"You believed that I would arrive at that conclusion in this place, which was why you sent Miyuki outside was it not?"
Tatsuya's wording changed slightly.
Maya did not verbally answer his challenge.
Rather, her answer could be found in her looking away.
"Tatsuya, drop out of school."
When she finally spoke, it was not a reply but rather a command.
"Drop out of school, why?"
"To lie low here in this house for a while. The Guardianship of Miyuki-san will be transferred to another."
"I believe the selection of Guardian was a matter for the escorted to decide."
"Everything has its exception."
"Well, fair enough… But I refuse."
If there had been another in the room, they would have shivered at the sudden drop in temperature.
Not a physical drop, but rather due to the incredible tension.
"If I suddenly drop out at this time, I believe it would be as good as a confession that I was the magician who destroyed the fleet of the Great Asian Alliance."
"The reason is irrelevant."
"I suppose."
There was no longer a trace of expression upon either Maya or Tatsuya's face.
"You are disobeying my direct order?"
"The one allowed to order me is Miyuki alone."
The tension reached its peak.
Within that period of urgency, as if time had stopped,
The world turned to 'Night'.
It was not mere darkness.
Floating within the darkness, shone a brilliant sea of stars.
The roof of the drawing room became a moonless, starlit night sky.
The stars flowed, becoming rays of light,
—And the scent of blood suddenly filled the room.
In the next moment, without a sound, that indoor 'Night' shattered.
Revealed within was the tableau of the aunt and nephew, still staring at each other without change.
However the sense of tension which had once surged between them had faded with the collapse of 'Night'.
"…It seems you went rather easy on me."
"Of course. You're my cute nephew after all."
Maya smiled at Tatsuya's mutter.
No wounds remained on either of the two, and the scent of blood had faded.
"Still, even allowing for that, you did well. And so, this time I will permit you your selfishness."
"Thank you very much."
"It's fine. Take it as a treat for breaking my magic."
Wordlessly, Tatsuya rose.
At his light bow, Maya shook her hands in a flutter.
Tatsuya left the room.
There was not a voice raised in challenge to stop him from anywhere.
After Tatsuya had left the drawing room Maya had been left lost in thought alone for a while, but at length she exhaled strongly and picked up the buzzer once more.
"Did you call?"
"I'd like a change of scenery. Please prepare tea in the solarium, and bring Miyuki-san and Tatsuya-san along."
The butler Hayama showed up immediately, and Maya dictated her wishes.
"Certainly."
Hayama bowed, then without making eye contact quickly cleared up the cups.
As he carried out Maya's instructions, then prepared to leave the room,
"Wait a moment."
Maya stopped him.
"Hayama-san, is there something you want to ask me?"
Finally looking over at his mistress, Hayama bowed respectfully.
"Indeed there is. With your permission…"
Hayama had formerly served the previous Yotsuba Head and was now continuing his service under Maya. While he only appeared slightly past middle age, he was actually over 70 years old.
There were many things in this house he was able to say that others would shrink back in fear from.
"Is it really alright to leave Tatsuya-dono like that?"
Also, unlike the others, he did not see Tatsuya as a 'fake'. His own magic ability wasn't of a particularly high level, but having seen countless magicians over the years his venerable experience rated Tatsuya highly.
—A magician one should be wary of.
"It's fine. Ah, I know full well what it is you're concerned about. Certainly, that child will betray the Yotsuba at any time."
"…My apologies."
"Just as I confirmed earlier, my magic is a bad match-up against that child's unusual talent. If it came to a serious fight, it is highly likely I would lose."
Maya's magic was 'Meteor Stream'. The Japanese name is representative of the appearance of the magic, but the English name 'Meteor Line' is more representative of the nature of the magic.
This magic which had cemented Maya's place as one of the most powerful magicians in the world, earning her the names 'Devil of the Far East' and 'Queen of Night' is a Convergence type Systematic magic which controls the distribution of light in its area of effect. Its power is especially amplified in a closed space such as rooms or tunnels.
The apparent process of this magic first forms countess tiny balls of light floating in the darkened area, which are then shot out as rays.
The attack appears like a shower of lasers, but the power of Meteor Line has no connection with the energy of the light. Even the amount of light is irrelevant.
The essence of the magic lies in forcing the redistribution of light, where the coordinates for light to be in are set as little balls and lines are then drawn between them.
Anything in the path of the space the light passes through is modified as the light is transmitted: regardless of the hardness of the object, heat resistance, plasticity, or resilience, a hole is drilled through. Not even highly transparent glass holds an optical transparency of 100%, and cannot escape the event modification that 'light has passed through' and therefore 'a hole was made'.
Looking at the logic behind this magic, rather than the phenomenon itself, it can be concluded that the magic interferes with the structural information of the object via the distribution of light, directly vaporizing solids and liquids without affecting heat or pressure; in other words a type of decomposition magic which decomposes into gas. Since it's defined as a 'ray of distributed light', it cannot be defended against via blocking, reflecting, or refracting. Since the light doesn't come from any particular direction, it cannot be shielded against by magic either. Even if one were to cover themselves with a spherical shield in all directions, it cannot alter the movement of photons and the phenomena 'light has become a line' will still be produced, resulting in a hole.
Just as it's impossible to defend against by magic which shields against physical phenomena, it's almost impossible to defend against Meteor Line with anti magic. Since it's mediated via the physical phenomenon called light, preventing it purely via anti magic such as interference over an area is extremely difficult. If one's interference strength in the single element 'distribution of light' cannot exceed Maya's, 'Meteor Line' is unstoppable. As 'distribution of light' is Maya's innate magic, interfering with it is far too high a hurdle. And once the magic has been activated, even if one tries to cause interference in the area of effect, the phenomena rewriting effect that 'light has moved' has already taken place.
Not even the Phalanx of the Juumonjis, which perfectly combines defense against physical forces with defense against magic, can hold against it. Due to that Maya stands invincible in a fight between magicians, and is regarded as one of the 'strongest magicians in the world'.
However—as 'Meteor Line' operates by indirectly affecting the structural information of an enclosed space, it decisively loses out to Tatsuya's ability to directly interfere with structural information. The magical barrier through which light passes crafted by 'Night' via interfering with the structural information is easily shattered by interference which directly affects the structural information.
"I can't even say it's unlikely I would be killed by him. But however much Tatsuya is able to betray the Yotsuba, he will never be able to betray Miyuki. And Miyuki will never oppose the Yotsuba."
"Miyuki-sama is deeply dependent upon Tatsuya-dono though. Should the time ever come that Tatsuya stands against the Yotsuba, I cannot think that she would ever oppose him."
His brow furrowed in concern, Hayama refuted the words of his mistress.
But there was no sign that Maya was disturbed.
"It's fine. Even without brainwashing, it's not particularly difficult to push someone's thoughts in a particular direction. You don't need an explanation do you, Hayama-san?"
There was pity in the smile now upon Maya's lips.
"Miyuki will never be able to escape from the responsibility she has imposed upon herself. She was raised by my sister to be like that after all. And Tatsuya will never be able to do anything which causes Miyuki pain."
"…But, in order for that."
"Yes. It's unfortunate for the other children who are candidates, but it cannot be anyone except Miyuki. So that Tatsuya, that monster, will not turn against us."
"Miyuki-sama must receive the position at any cost then."
"There's no need to fret, Hayama-san. I have everything already planned out."
Maya smiled broadly.
With a deep bow, Hayama left the room.
Common Era 2095, November 6th / Yotsuba Main House - Sunroom
Possibly because there have been a lot incidents today that have reminded him of the events of three years ago, Tatsuya thought about Sakurai Honami, who he hadn't thought about in a long time.
The memories were laced with regret.
Nevertheless, he knew he could do nothing more than regret and understand.
Besides, if she hadn't sacrificed herself, Tatsuya might not have considered polishing his magic combat skills or doing anything else with the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
This last time he had been able to end it without anyone else being sacrificed.
His experiences three years ago had not been in vain. Tatsuya could comfort himself with that.
And he dedicated a silent prayer deep in his heart to the woman who nobly sacrificed herself as a shield three years ago.
—That was probably what made the shock unreasonably large.
Upon sight of the face of the girl holding the tea and cakes, Tatsuya came dangerously close to raising his voice.
"…Would you like something?"
"No, thank you."
The one who was questioned by that girl was Miyuki.
Her shock was showing in a more extreme fashion that Tatsuya's.
That was not unreasonable.
The face of the girl in the servant's uniform and Sakurai Honami's were like two peas in a pod.
The girl and her fellow servant had not quite left when Maya showed herself in the sunroom.
Hayama did not accompany her.
This gathering was probably to be private.
Tatsuya was permitted to take a seat for that same reason.
"What is it Miyuki-san? You look like something gave you a shock, but..."
As she lowered herself to sit, Maya questioned Miyuki with a worried expression.
She appeared to be a different person than the one who had had a confrontation with Tatsuya; it was the normal face of Yotsuba Maya.
"No…Oba-sama, that girl just now?"
"Ah, Minami-chan?"
When she heard Miyuki's question, Maya gave a slight nod of understanding.
"Her name is Sakurai Minami. A second generation Sakura series, the girl is more than the genetic niece of the Guardian who served your mother, Sakurai Honami."
By second generation she meant a person who had a genetically modified magician as a parent.
And the phrase 'more than the genetic niece' probably meant that Honami and the girl's mother who also possesses a first generation modified body have the same DNA.
That was the reason their features were the spitting image of each other.
"The girl is already quite skilled. I think her potential abilities are on par with the Saegusa twins. I have been thinking of training her to become Miyuki-san's Guardian sometime in the future. Since once she becomes an adult there will be situations where a female guard is necessary."
Miyuki by and large understood Maya's official point.
Certainly, for Miyuki who is female to have only a male, Tatsuya, as guard causes inconvenient situations.
However, just a little while ago, Tatsuya was informed of Maya's true purpose; fortifying an additional layer of protection against some possible moment in the future of havoc and destruction. If he was being told to use a girl with the same face as 'Her' as a tool, then this could only end in conflict.
—At that moment, he had no way of predicting the havoc and destruction to come.