August 4th, AD 2092 / Okinawa - Naha Airport

I waited for Okaa-sama to leave her seat. Together we turned to the passenger exit.

We were using the summer break for a private family vacation trip.

A family trip was originally a private matter, I think, but in the case of our family trips, they were almost never private. Even so I was regrettably cheerful.

The only cloud on the horizon was that it was not just Okaa-sama, I and Tatsuya-san would also be with us.

The life in the yotsuba clan has changed a lot in the last 3 years, After 'he' defeated the family members that challenged him, he was also made an official candidate for the succession of the clan head and with that title he was no more a servant now he was give the respect as the son of the clan head and all the powers that position offered him.

The first thing that happened after his ascension was he 'healed' all the guardian who had gone through genetic modification this meant that the main problem that happens due to genetic modification the sudden overheating of the MCA was solved and obasama gave order to stop with genetic modification until the process is fully refined as now that the guardian have been healed their children will also not have any problems.

Then came the big change now that he is past 10 obasama ordered him to attend a regular school in the city not the school run for the magicians in the main village, and the clan still feared him he was placed with us as okasama could block his magic from being activated. So he has been staying with us for the last 3 years. His name was even changed to shiiba tatsuya so that there was no problem. He leaves in the summer to stay with obasama and since he has been with us obasama's and okasama's relationship has been getting better.

Since all the children with high magic power has to be protected by a guardian I was supposed to be assigned a guardian but since he is going to the same school as me I was not given a guardian, and when the members of the family asked if he would be getting a guardian assigned to him obasama laughed and asked if they think anyone could take him away alive..

The place we are staying at this time is a recently purchased vacation home in Onna Serika. I would have been fine with a hotel, but since Okaa-sama does not handle places with numerous people well, Chichi hurriedly prepared this for us.

As usual that man appears to think that he can use money to buy affection. ...Even though that money is what he married Okaa-sama to obtain.

"Welcome, Oku-sama. It is good that you have come, also Miyuki-san, Tatsuya-kun."

The one who came out to greet us at the vacation house was Sakurai Honami, who had been sent slightly ahead of us in order to take care of the shopping, and other such things for us.

She is Okaa-sama's Guardian.

"Now, please come in. There is chilled barley tea ready. Or else, I can also make some green tea if you would like me to?"

"Thank you. Since it has already been made, I'll have the barley tea."

"Yes, ma'am. Miyuki-san, Tatsuya-kun, is barley tea alright for you as well?"

"Yes, thank you very much."

"Since you have troubled yourself to make it."

"Okaa-sama, I would like to take a short walk."

"Miyuki-san, have Tatsuya kun accompany you on your walk."

Unfortunately, when I heard Okaa-sama's reply, I felt that my long awaited walk was spoiled from the start.

I really wished to proclaim that I would be alright alone, however I did not want to worry her too much.

"—I understand."

It took all my strength to keep my voice from being petulant.

The ocean breeze fluttering the hem of my summer dress is as relaxing as I thought it would be.

I received help from Sakurai-san in order to apply sunblock from head to toe without missing a spot, so I could feel the wind on my arms and legs without concern for the sun's rays.

Although my ears are unobstructed, I can not hear the sound of footsteps. There is no sign of someone being there. —Naturally, I have no skill at detecting someone's presence to begin with, but still.

If I turned around, however, undeniably at a little distance away, tatsuya san would accompany me.

With my gaze fixated on the ground beneath my feet, I quickened my pace.

I had my eyes cast downward and my feet going at a fast pace. Suddenly, my arm was grabbed and it seemed like I was going to fall backward.

Immediately, before I impacted with what would be a thud, I deplorably fell into Tatsuya san's arms.

I made no complaint to Tatsuya san.

What happened just now is my fault, who was not looking ahead. —The fact that I reflexively raised my voice is a secret; I have no intention of telling anyone.

The problem is that after my body was restrained by Tatsuya san, I received an impact from the front. I was not the one who bumped into someone, clearly I had been the one bumped.

Even though I am angry, this is obviously a set up.

I focus my anger filled gaze upward. However, all I could see was a bulky wall of muscles.

I set my gaze even higher.

Finally, I knew the identity of the one who bumped into me.

A big black male teenager who wore a dishevelled worn out army uniform — a 'Left Blood'.

Behind the large youth, there were two teenagers also wearing old tattered army uniforms in a sloppy manner with similar builds, releasing sneering laughter in a nauseating fashion.

My reflexive anger naturally changed into fear.

My mind was so crammed with fear that the natural thought that if the worst happens, I can use magic, could not be formed.

—Until my field of vision was blocked by Tatsuya san's back.

It was the lean back of a young boy.

Nevertheless, it was a broader back than mine.

I did not notice when it started, but I was being sheltered by Tatsuya san's back.

"Hey, I got no business with a brat like you?"

Disdaining us with scorn, the big youth peered at Tatsuya san's face.

Tatsuya-san made no response.

"You're too scared to speak?"

"Ha ha, a chicken boy. Only trying to show off!"

The two youths behind him deride and threaten Tatsuya san.

And all I could think was that disaster was going to happen next.

"Since we have no intention of begging you to mercifully forgive us for bumping into you, turn away from this course of action. For both of our sakes."

The calm tone was not that of someone who could be called a boy, the big teen's face stiffened due to the completely unchild-like statement.

"—What did you say?"

It was a low faint whisper-like query.

"You should have been able to hear?"

The retort completely lacked emotion as if it was a mere comment made to oneself.

In both of the teen's eyes, an evil glint nested.

"Even if you press your head to the ground, I won't forgive you. For now, I'll let you off with bruises."

"If you are talking about Dogeza[6], you shouldn't say head, you have to say forehead."

Immediately, afterwards.

With no sign or previous indication, the teen struck out at Tatsuya san.

Even though Tatsuya san was a teenager as well, he still had the body of a first year middle school student. The difference between him and the big youth before my eyes was that of an adult and a child.

I reflexively closed my eyes.

There was a thud-like sound.

Timidly, I open my eyes.

The first sight that entered my vision was the face of the big teen frozen in disbelief.

There was no need to worry about what could cause him to make such a look.

The teen's right arm was extended in an incomplete punch.

Tatsuya san was stopping the fist with two hands.

Although it was two arms versus one arm, the difference between the weight of their two bodies was such that it should not have made any difference.

The mass of the big teen's body was probably over two times that of Tatsuya san.

Despite that fact, Tatsuya san was not warding off the blow. Without taking even one step back to brace himself, Tatsuya san was taking the full weight the big teen was putting into that punch head on and stopping it.

Did he use magic? —No, there was no indication of that.

"Interesting...I only intended to play around with you but..."

Grinning broadly, the big teen pulled back his arm and assumed a posture with his left fist in front of his chest.

Boxing?

Karate?

I forgot about fleeing, from the shadow behind that boy's back I peeped at the big teenager.

That boy's lackadaisical comment plunged into my ears, who said nothing and stilled my breath.

"Are you sure? It's going to be no laughing matter if we go beyond this point."

"You're spouting a lot of trash talk for a brat!"

What happened next could not be caught with my eyes.

I could only understand the results, everything else is mere conjecture about what occurred.

The teen's left leg advanced forward.

The teen's left leg and right leg were placed in what looked like a fighting stance, Tatsuya san placed his left leg forward.

The teen's left hand was aiming for Tatsuya san's collar, just as the lunging fist seemed about to connect.

Tatsuya san's left fist was propping him up from its position in the middle of his chest.

In that short blur of time, more than this seemed to have occurred but some time was unmistakably used by the big teen to spring back using the recoil.

Do-on, a sound like that of a Taiko] being struck, surely that was the sound of Tatsuya san's fist.

Tatsuya san withdrew the leg he had placed forward, and as if it were a prearranged signal, the big teen's body sank; cries of pain arose from where he was down on both knees on the surface of the road.

Tatsuya-san looked past the big teenager who was crouching down and coughing painfully, and quietly directed his eyes to the people behind him.

Like they were petrified, the two male teens did not move.

Tatsuya san turned his back on them.

"Let's go."

Tatsuya san took my arm in his hand.

At last, I became aware that those softly murmured words were directed towards me.

"Miyuki-san, did something happen?"

When I returned from my aborted walk, Sakurai-san paled and rushed over to me in a small sprint.

I did not think my face looked that terrible, but even I myself realise that I had turned a little pale. So, from the outset, I made no attempt to deceive her.

"It was a minor...unfortunate encounter with a young man."

"Well...!"

With only that Sakurai-san seemed to have discerned the gist of the situation.

Nonchalantly, she made a survey of my person, probably checking to see if my clothes were in disarray.

"I am fine."

Although we came here on vacation, the bonds of society and family cannot be severed, regrettably. I have just barely become a middle school student but that does not mean that there are no people whose invitation I cannot decline.

Only blood relations which are not very many people, as it is said even the darkest cloud has a silver lining… however, I had completely no intimation that any of those people would be in the same place at the same time as me.

The one who sent the invitation was Kuroba Mitsugu-san. This person is Okaa-sama's cousin.

Kuroba Oji-sama[8] was not a bad person. (Strictly speaking, he was not my uncle.)

It's just that, probably because his wife died young or something, the way he dotes on his children is a little… well, extremely annoying.

How pointlessly ostentatious — this was only my subjective opinion, but — I could already see the entrance.

The driverless commuter car stopped.

With quick motions, Sakurai got out of the car, held back the door and began waiting for us to get out.

My expression stiffened and I advanced on the battlefield of depression and tedium.

Okasama, me and Tatsuya-san were going to the party as okasama and I were invited and since Tatsuya-san was with us and he is now also a candidate he was also invited.

After Oji-sama and Okasama talked i gave my greetings

"Oji-sama, I am so grateful for the invitation."

As expected, the location was too big a site for a private party. As expected, an extravagant table was being used as a backdrop. As expected, Oji-sama came out to meet us clad in an expensive suit and I made the perfunctory greeting. For this kind of thing, there was no reason for creativity.

"I am glad you came, Miyuki-chan."

Oji-sama replied with exaggerated friendliness.

Only someone like him still sticks a 'chan' on my name, these days.

"Welcome Tatsuya-kun, how is your Okasama?"

"Oh how kind of you to be she couldn't attend she sent me as her representative."

You could hear the sarcasm in Tatsuya san's voice even now Kuroba oji-sama has not been that kind to Tatsuya san.

"I am so relieved to hear that. Oh sorry, I have kept you out here talking. Now, come inside. Both Ayako and Fumiya will be glad to meet you, Miyuki-chan.

That is a given as both of them after being give the decomposition by Tatsuya san have been worshipping him like a god

After greeting Okasama I had to deal with them alone. As soon as we entered the hall Tatsuya san just started talking to Sakurai san. I know that he was trained as a guardian just like Sakurai san but he shows more emotions when with her than he does with most of the family.

"Ayako-san, Fumiya-kun, are the two of you well?"

Upon my greeting them, Fumiya-kun seemed happy and Ayako-san seemed like she had been waiting for me; their respective smiling faces welcomed me in the usual way.

"Miyuki-neesama! It's been so long."

"Onee-sama, you have not changed at all."

Ayako-san and Fumiya-kun are one grade below me, sixth year elementary school students.

They were the same age as me, but because I was born in March and they were born in June they were in a lower grade.

For some reason or other, for as long as I can remember, Ayako-san has always blatantly felt a rivalry with me… This is one more reason dealing with this family was so depressing.

Since the other candidate for successor was not Ayako-san but Fumiya-kun, even if she felt competitive with me…. I was supposed to be concealing my true feelings.

Fumiya-kun is adorable because he is openly affectionate to me, but I feel he is a little too adorable for a boy. At any rate, compared to Tatsuya san no, that person is extraordinary.

I see that their clothes are a little too cutesy again today. I must strain myself to keep my facial muscles from moving.

While I was contemplating such things in order to distract myself, Oji-sama was continuing to brag about my cousins to Okasama. During his boasting about inconsequential things like Ayako-san receiving a prize in a piano competition and Fumiya-kun being praised by his riding instructor, Okasama made polite responses in all the right places and waited for time to pass.

Fumiya-kun begins to fidget.

"By the way, Miyuki-neesama…where is Tatsuya-niisama?"

Fumiya-kun is a very nice child, he treats Ayako-san and I the same. To be brief, he adores me as much as if I were really his elder sister, but he adores Tatsuya samn more than either of us; or you might say that he reveres him.

No, I wonder if admires might be a better way to define it? Even so, well, I cannot say that I do not understand.

Tatsuya san has a surfeit of brains, muscles and special talents.

His school grades are outstandingly excellent.

No matter what sport, he is first class; or possibly super first class.

And, the counter attack that all magicians are vulnerable to is that person's trump card.

Surely, Tatsuya san is the type of person that all boys might revere as a hero.

No. Surely, not just boys.

His outward appearance is neither amiable, lively nor sweet but despite all that.

He is incredibly cool…

…Eh, what on earth am I thinking!?

Why I am acting like I like him or something….

"He is over there with Sakurai san."

As if unaware that a black cloud had suddenly appeared in my heart, I pointed to his position beside the wall while wearing my painstakingly constructed smiling face.

Ah, Fumiya-kun's cheeks are becoming red.

Apparently, I am fooling them.

"….Um, where exactly?"

Tatsuya san was watching us.

"Tatsuya-niisama!"

Fumiya-kun's face suddenly lit up and he bounded over to Tatsuya san position.

"Oh well, there′s nothing that can be done."

While voicing a complaint, Ayako-san headed after Fumiya-kun with swift feet. Indeed, she looked as if she was restraining herself from running.

As he watched those two, Oji-sama made a sour face; he did this every time.

"Come now Mitsuga san you shouldn't show your emotions like that"

Okasama said while stifling a laugh

Oji-sama and okasama slowly walked after them in a completely different mood than Ayako-san's. I too trailed after them.

Fumiya-kun was enthusiastically conversing with Tatsuya san about something.

Tatsuya san made countless small nods, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, showing a small amount of teeth — he smiled?

That person smiled even though I have ever seen him smile before. He always wore a fact that never gave away any emotions.

Otusama Tatsuya niisama invited us to be with him during his stay in okinawa

Fumiya you and Ayako have to go to school so you can't just stay here

Ahh otusama can't we just take leave and stay with him

"…Fumiya, do not trouble your honoured father so much."

Unexpectedly, the one who tossed Oji-sama a lifeline was Tatsuya san.

He called Fumiya-kun, 'Fumiya'.

In an affectionate tone as if Fumiya-kun really was his younger brother.

Deep inside my mind, I felt a faint pain.

Without thinking, my face started to scowl in discomfort.

I must not.

If I show displeasure on my face now, it will be misinterpreted as disapproval of Tatsuya and Oji-sama's interaction.

…I wonder if that would be a misinterpretation….?

No, No, if I think about that!

"Mitsugu san why don't you leave the children in my care for this trip"

Okasama also helped Tatsuya san. I don't know why but Okasama always seems to try to give what Tatsuya san wants.

"Oh, really? That is a splendid idea, don't you agree otosama."

"Understood. I will leave them with you for the duration of the trip Miya san"

Last night had continued until considerably late. Arriving at Okinawa then having a party until near midnight made for a pretty tough first day. After the party ended both Ayako san and Fumiya ku came to stay with us in the will Sakurai san already prepared rooms for them.

As always, my breakfast was provided by Sakurai-san. This villa also technically had an automatic cooking machine managed by a HAR, but Sakurai-san herself had insisted that 'those who rely on automatic machines become insipid' and as such, all her meals were homemade unless under extraordinary circumstances.

"Do you have any plans for today?"

As I sipped tea after the meal, Sakurai-san asked that question. In the form that would have been addressed to Okaa-sama, but I knew full well it applied to us as well.

"If the heat lets up, I'd like to go out to sea."

Thinking a little, Okaa-sama gave her reply.

"Shall I get the cruiser?"

"Hmm... a smaller sailing yacht would be nice."

"Understood. Is 4 PM alright?"

"Yes, please."

With experience, Sakurai-san smoothly inferred the specifics from Okaa-sama's brief words and deduced her intentions, efficiently assembling a schedule.

This means my timetable for past 4 PM has been decided as well.

"Miyuki-san,Ayako san fumiya kun Tatsuya kun if you have no particular plans, how about going to the beach? Even if you just lie down, I think it'd be a good way to refresh yourself."

"No sakurai san Tatsuya nisama is going to teach us how to use decomposition better!"

Ayako san and fumiya kun send in the same voice looking at Tatsuya san he smiled at them warmly.

Decomposition the ultimate magic that cannot be stopped a magic that was supposed to only be used by Tatsuya san but somehow he had shared his ability to both of them and now they are one of the most powerful in the Yotsuba clan

"Then I will also stay here and practise with them"

I said and Okasama smiled at that

"Maybe Tatsuya kun can teach you how to better use niflheim"

I was slightly embarrassed as I looked at Ayako san looked at me like I was nothing.

As we were outside now since the villa was in private estate we could at least use magic without being arrested

Tatsuya san made both Ayako and fumiya kun decompose small pebbles he placed at different distances from them and as they stared mist filled the place where the pebbles were.

Miyuki asks Tatsuya what went wrong and what she should do to improve it. Tatsuya tells her that she is doing well, while she is happy that he is trying to support her but she can tell by the tone of his voice that he isn't satisfied with the result. She asks him with a sad voice for his honest opinion and Tatsuya was taken back by this development. He then tells her that she is too conscious about precisely defining the area in which her event interference power is being used. The lowest temperature that she has achieved so far has been about 30 degrees below zero, but once she gets the event interference power back to normal she could reach temperatures around 200 degrees below zero.

Tatsuya frankly points out the missing points of the technique. He feels that Miyuki has lost sight of Niflheim's true purpose.

Tatsuya was unsure of how to respond at first because he wasn't sure how this would affect Miyuki. He then tells Miyuki to try again in the same spot and to make it the same size.

As Miyuki is activating the magic she unconsciously says "Freezing", this time she activates Niflheim almost perfectly, the area designation and cooling were correct but she was unable to control the power unleashed this time. Gusts of cold air start to rush towards Miyuki, Tatsuya calls out to Miyuki and hugs her while shielding her from the cold air. Tatsuya immediately erected barrier magic to block them from the cold air, it would normally be very difficult to control a barrier like this but he was able to do so.

The atmospheric pressure dropped greatly due to the temperature lowering drastically, along with liquid nitrogen being created. The violent winds began to die down, but the surrounding air didn't return to normal temperature right away. It is about 10 degrees lower than what it should normally be, the cold air begins to spread out but Miyuki maintains the barrier. Except for the all the people Tatsuya protected with his barrier around them, the sandy beach is covered in a white frost.

After that we went on a break and had lunch and after that we came to practice again in the meantime Tatsuya rewrote the Magic Sequence on his terminal, meanwhile Miyuki was watching while waiting for some tea.

Tatsuya created a mechanism to alleviate the imbalance in the energy balance by adding a description of the process for restoring only the velocity of gas molecules to their original state at the end of using Niflheim. Regardless, it is a fact that Miyuki finally got better at using Niflheim.

Both the Magic Sequence and another Magic Sequence are what causes an intense air current to form by leaving an imbalance in the energy balance.

Miyuki would never fail using Niflheim again. She thought it was thanks to Tatsuya having rewritten the Magic Sequence.

The cruiser Sakurai-san had prepared was a eight-seater sailing ship with an electric motor attached.

The six of us along with the helmsman and his assistant filled the boat to full capacity.

I sat awaiting departure on seats arranged face to face. Directly across from me is Okaa-sama, Fumiya kun, Ayako san and Tatsuya san.

Sailing is more comfortable than I had anticipated.

It felt like my confused heart was being swept away by the wind.

If I had known, I would have liked to leave earlier and go further.

I closed my eyes, and for a while simply listened to the sound of the wind in the sails.

If we can end the day like this, I should be able to sleep very comfortably tonight.

Should, because I knew that this couldn't last.

I observed the foaming sea.

From behind our wake, two black shadows rapidly approached in our direction.

Dolphins? Like hell they were!

I could identify those intuitively.

Torpedoes!? Without any warning whatsoever!?

As I was frozen, Tatsuya san standing in front of me made an inexplicable gesture. He raised his right hand out to sea, at those looming black shadows.

Faster than Sakurai-san could activate anything, Tatsuya san, like a flash of thunder in the clouds, unleashed magic.

It was over so fast, I didn't even realise it was a sign magic had been invoked for a moment.

Both the torpedoes sank towards the bottom of the sea.

As they sank, the shadows expanded. The torpedoes had disintegrated.

By the time the Coast Guard of the Defence Forces rushed over, the submarine had disappeared.

Sakurai-san was fuming at how utterly outrageous it was that they hadn't noticed it entering our territorial waters, but to be honest, I wasn't as interested.

Rather than assigning blame, I simply wanted some rest.

Not so much for physical fatigue, but mental exhaustion.

We were asked by the person in charge of the Coast Guard that they'd like a summary of the incident, but I wasn't in the mood at the time. Not just me, but all of us also felt the same. We told him that if there was anything in particular they wanted, they could come visit, and we returned to the villa.

"I'm sorry to disturb your rest. The military is here, and would like to hear about the event…"

Sakurai-san's hesitant voice came from the other side of the door.

"From me?"

As I opened the door, I asked back. It wasn't terribly respectful, I knew as I spoke, but I really was quite surprised.

"Yes… I told them I could answer any questions they might have, but…"

Sakurai's expression was very apologetic, even though it wasn't her fault…

If she acts like that, I'm the one who's going to be in pain.

"I understand. Are they in the living room?"

Seeing Sakurai-san's nod, I told her that I'd get changed then be right down

The soldier who came to talk with us identified himself as Captain Kazama Harunobu.

After finishing his introduction, he went straight to the point.

"…So, did you discover the submarine by chance?"

"The one who discovered the submarine had been the boat captain. If you'd like to know the circumstances concerning that, you should talk with him."

"Did you notice any characteristics that could identify its registry?"

"It was submerged throughout. Making out specifics was impossible. Even if it had surfaced, I don't know much about submarines."

The questions and answers were exchanged between the Captain and Sakurai-san.

Okaa-sama seemed content to leave everything to Sakurai-san, and since Ayako san fumiya kum and I hadn't been very composed at the time, even if I were inclined to speak, there wasn't much that we could add.

"Apparently, torpedoes were fired? Do you have any idea why they attacked?"

"None whatsoever!"

Sakurai-san seemed quite irritated. She had been dissatisfied with the response of the military from the start, and at the implied 'You guys probably did something to provoke them right?' question which made even me feel slightly chagrined, it was no wonder she'd become angry.

"—I think you're missing something."

Still being glared at by Sakurai-san, the Captain turned to face Tatsuya-san. It was probably simply an act, without any deeper meaning behind it. A new venture, in order to soften the clashing atmosphere between these two.

"In order to leave no witnesses, it is possible to infer that perhaps they were trying to abduct us."

Tatsuya san's answer however, went far beyond simply clearing up any discontent.

"Abduct?"

The Captain made an expression of surprise; yet intrigued at the same time, he urged my brother to explain further.

"The torpedoes fired at our cruiser were foam torpedoes."

"Oh...?"

"Foam torpedoes? What are those?"

Just as I turned my head, Sakurai-san asked Tatsuya san in my place.

The reason she didn't ask the Captain was probably because she still wasn't fully over it yet.

"The torpedo warhead is filled with chemicals designed to produce large quantities of foam in a sustained reaction. In that froth-filled water, propellers would be useless. A ship with a high centre of gravity like our sailing ship would likely be overturned as well. In doing so, the target is trapped, and the crew can be captured under the disguise of an accident."

"Why do you think so?"

The Captain was looking at Tatsuya sna with great interest.

I was simply surprised that he knew such things.

"The cruiser's communications had been jammed. Doing so is always mandatory if attempting to fake an accident."

Noticing our communications were disabled in a situation like that, surprised me even further.

"…Sorry, but deducing their armament based on that alone, is rather weak in my opinion."

"Naturally, I didn't judge based on just that."

"Do you have further evidence?"

"Yes."

"That is?"

"I refuse to answer."

"…"

Being told that without any hesitation whatsoever, the Captain couldn't seem to find anything to say.

Well, All of us were speechless as well.

"Do you need evidence?"

"…No, that won't be necessary."

At Tatsuya san's relentless pace, the Captain seemed to be slightly at a loss.

"Captain, could we end soon? I don't think there's anything further we can say that would be of help."

Okaa-sama, who had until now, remained silent save to introduce herself earlier, suddenly spoke in a bored tone.

A bored, yet hard to resist tone.

The Captain immediately recognised that air of dismissal.

"Fair enough. Thank you for your cooperation."

Saying so, the Captain rose and saluted.

Ayako san, fumiya kun, Tatsuya san and I saw the Captain and his subordinates out.

A car was parked outside, and next to it, two well conditioned soldiers stood to attention.

One of them, upon seeing Tatsuya san, widened his eyes in surprise.

I also remembered him. He was the bad soldier from yesterday, one of the 'Left Blood's-

"I see."

Seeing the look of astonishment in the soldier, Captain Kazama nodded in understanding.

"You're the boy who took down Joe?"

At the Captain's words, I reflexively went on the defensive.

However looking at the Captain as he laughed merrily, it didn't seem like he held any tension whatsoever. Tatsuya san hadn't reacted at all.

"Mastering the technique of Inner Striking at such a young age, you're quite the genius."

Despite being scrutinised from head to toe, Tatsuya san didn't show a hint of unwillingness at all. But what is this 'inner strike'?

It's a very advanced sounding term…

"Lance Corporal Higaki!"

Having his name shouted out in such a loud voice, the bad soldier from yesterday trembled and winced.

Under the Captain's strong gaze, he ran up before him.

The Captain glanced at the man as he saluted and stood to attention.

Then he turned to face Tatsuya san, and bowed.

"My subordinate acted very rudely to you yesterday. I give my apologies."

At this utterly unexpected sight, I was completely lost for words.

With his arms folded behind his back, legs apart and head slightly inclined, it was a rather sloppy bow from the view of public courtesy, but for a rugged soldier like the Captain to apologise so gracefully to a child like Tatsuya san was too overwhelming.

"I am Lance Corporal Higaki Joseph! For my unbecoming conduct yesterday, I am very sorry!"

Following up the Captain, completely different from yesterday, Lance Corporal Higaki tensely uttered those words as he in contrast bowed deeply.

It seems he wasn't really a bad guy.

Furthermore, he seemed to be pretty terrified of the Captain.

"—I accept your apology."

In the space of a breath, Tatsuya san answered.

"Thank you very much!"

I also had no objection.

I hadn't intended to speak in the first place.

Followed by Lance Corporal Higaki, Captain Kazama proceeded to the large open topped car, then stopped three steps away and looked back.

"Shiiba Tatsuya-kun, was it? At the moment, I'm serving as the instructor of an airborne magician squad at Onna base. If you're free, come visit us sometime. I'm sure you'll find something of interest."

Captain Kazama spoke those parting words and, without waiting for a reply, climbed into the car.

On the morning of the third day of our vacation, a storm began to brew.

The skies were overcast, and strong winds blew.

It seems a tropical storm was approaching from the Eastern sea.

Apparently by the time it blows up here it won't have the strength of a typhoon, but from the looks of it, it would come pretty close.

"Tatsuya san what do you intend to do today "

Sakurai san asked him

"I was going to go to the military base for the visit"

"Um, Okaa-sama!"

"Obaa sama"

At the same time as me Ayako san and fumiya kum called out to Okaa sama

"Could we go together with Tatsuya nii-sama?"

"Very well then all of you can go to the military base today"

"I am Sanada, in the Defense Army Department of Weapons Development."

The soldier who greeted us when we arrived introduced himself. His rank apparently was Lieutenant

Sanada-san led us into a high-ceiling gymnasium. By gymnasium, I refer to the fact that that's the closest impression I could think of, and it's possible that it has a different name altogether.

Captain Kazama was waiting for us. I can understand that he knew we were coming based on him sending Sanada-san to pick us up, but I didn't think he'd go as far as to leave supervision of training to a subordinate while waiting.

No—he hadn't been waiting for 'us', but rather, Tatsuya san.

"Coming this early, can I interpret this as an interest in the military?"

With a clumsy smile on his rugged face, Captain Kazama spoke to Tatsuya san.

"I do have some interest. However, I have not decided on whether I want to become a soldier."

"Well, that's to be expected. You're still a junior high student right?"

His wording was different from yesterday, I felt that he had some ulterior motives—although that may be a bit harsh.

"Just recently."

"You should be around 12, no, 13 right? Though, you're a pretty cool customer."

"I am 13."

At the Captain's question, Tatsuya san gave a safe answer. I couldn't help feeling a sense of surprise, but I immediately put it down to my misplaced beliefs.

Tatsuya san was an honour student at school. Not only in primary, but even in the junior high he had just entered, in everything he was a prodigy all the way.

He couldn't really be said to be sociable even as flattery, but he's been relied on in numerous situations by both classmates and juniors, and even once by a teacher. After all

He is the son of the Yotsuba family head.

Soon after our tour had begun, the rope training ended.

After the rope training was grappling. It may have been of interest to those with an affinity for martial arts, but for someone like me who doesn't even grasp the difference between kenpo and karate, I got bored rather quickly.

"Shiba-kun, you're pretty bored just watching aren't you? Want to have a go?"

"I guess so, we came all this way so why not?"

"Shiba-kun, there's no need to go easy. Back when he was a student, Sergeant Toguchi's boxing skills were on the nationals level."

Sliding on his toes without stepping, closing the distance in small increments, his stance felt more like karate than boxing. I wonder if this is Okinawa's boxing style? Or is it the Air Force's?

While I was distracted by such speculations, the match was over in an instant.

The time it takes to process thought. In that one moment, Tatsuya san struck out with his right arm.

That was an image born from results.

What I really saw was Tatsuya san somehow suddenly appearing right next to Sergeant Toguchi, with his right arm extended.

The Sergeant collapsed without a sound onto his knees, somehow spared from falling over any further than that.

"Toguchi!"

One of the watching soldiers ran up in a hurry, and proceeded to administer (I think) first aid to the sweating Sergeant.

Still standing where he was, Tatsuya san slightly bowed.

Despite his face showing respect for the opponent he had defeated, it also gave off the impression he was somehow flaunting his victory.

"This, this is…"

Next to me, Captain Kazama was muttering. Lieutenant Sanada was speechless, staring with wide eyes.

"Corporal Haebaru!"

"Sir!"

At the Captain's call, a well spirited soldier looking to be in his mid 20s stepped forth.

The man was slimmer than the Sergeant, but there was no impression of frailty whatsoever; he had the image of a knife forged through fire and water, hammered and whetted, until everything unneeded was chipped away and all impurities removed: simply sharp.

"Do not even think of holding back. Go with your full power!"

"Yessir!"

Simultaneous with his answer, Corporal Haebaru pounced on Tatsuya san.

That person was fending off the Corporal's onslaught without any hint of being in danger.

Punches and kicks sent out at a speed blurry to the eye, were being intercepted at an even greater speed.

Not by a little, but by quite a bit.

"It's like he has fought real battles before. That interval is the space you'd allow in case the opponent is holding something back."

"Seems like it."

I didn't understand even half of the conversation between the Captain and the Lieutenant, but even my untrained eyes could perceive that Tatsuya san had the upper hand.

There was no room for mistaking the Corporal's expression.

Even as he attacked, he was desperate.

Ah!

That person counterattacked.

But the Corporal was no slouch either.

After intercepting Tatsuya san punches right, left, right, left, from the now exposed flank, a counter—!?

I almost involuntarily closed my eyes, but a part of myself calmly told me 'there is no need'.

There's no way that person would be taken out by attacks of this calibre, or such.

The moment it seemed that the Corporal had caught hold of Tatsuya san, Tatsuya san had already slipped past to the Corporal's side.

That person's right hand extended, and grabbed the Corporal's right sleeve near the top of the elbow.

Yanking the Corporal, Tatsuya-san halted his own motion, at the same time turning Corporal Haebaru around so that his side was exposed.

Without a sound, Tatsuya san struck out with his right elbow.

With a groan, the Corporal staggered forwards two, three steps.

The Captain's shout of 'that's enough!' was the signal to end.

Now receiving treatment, Corporal Haebaru shook hands with that person, as people crowded around them.

As the praise showered down, the Captain cut in amidst the throng.

In the gap left in his wake, I followed after the Captain.

"Winning against Corporal Haebaru is quite the feat. He's one of the strongest in the unit, you know?"

The one who said this was Lieutenant Sanada.

"I truly didn't expect this degree of skill. Did you receive some form of special training?"

Captain Kazama swept over Tatsuya san with discerning eyes.

"No, nothing special in that sense. In terms of my strength, there's a dojo at our mother's place, and I train there."

"Hmm…"

While he didn't seem completely satisfied, the Captain nodded, appearing to say 'I won't pry any further for now'.

"But at this rate, the honour of the Onna Airborne Corps will be crushed…will you consent to one more match?"

"Shiiba kun, are you willing to have a match with him? Lance Corporal Higaki is still young, but he's no less experienced than Haebaru."

"I accept."

"Higaki, close in with care!"

Next to me, now that I had fallen silent, Captain Kazama threw out commands.

As if I had just awoken, I noticed.

The air surrounding Tatsuya san had changed colour.

It felt like the light was dimming.

It was obviously an illusion.

Tatsuya san was exerting such pressure that an onlooker would have their visual field constricted.

Tatsuya san changed his stance.

His right palm facing the opponent, he extended his right arm straight out.

His left hand supported his right elbow.

Is this the position for Tatsuya san's non-systematic magic…?

The muscles of Lance Corporal Higaki's whole body seemed to swell again.

This time, right at the moment Tatsuya san should have dived out of the way with both feet—at that instant.

From Tatsuya san's right hand, a torrent of psions poured forth.

The psion wave swept through Lance Corporal Higaki's body, and as they did his charge slowed with a snap.

This is…! Gram Demolition!

The raging storm of psion particles forcibly overwhelmed the self-acceleration magic applied to the body, and at the same time shook the connections between the mind and the body. Against a person skilled enough to control his body not through electrical nervous impulses but rather directly through his consciousness, the barrage of external foreign psions wrecked even greater havoc.

It was almost like Lance Corporal Higaki had forgotten how to tackle.

As the Lance Corporal threw himself defenceless at Tatsuya san, Tatsuya san simply moved aside and dealt one blow.

His bulky body, spinning around once, was blown away in an almost comedic fashion.

Tatsuya san walked over to the side of Lance Corporal Higaki, sprawled out on the ground looking at the ceiling.

The Lance Corporal simply lay there with his large chest heaving up and down, showing no sign of rising.

Holding out his right hand.

After just a moment's hesitation, the Lance Corporal took that hand with a grin.

He pulled on Tatsuya san's hand.

Don't tell me, a trap!?

That was just me thinking too much.

Despite their difference in body weight, Lance Corporal Higaki was able to pull himself up and stand without dragging Tatsuya san to the ground.

"—It's my loss. Utterly. I understand well now that the incident the day before yesterday wasn't just me being caught off guard."

He wasn't speaking in such a loud voice, but for some reason I could hear Lance Corporal Higaki's words clearly.

"Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Lance Corporal Joseph Higaki, Onna Airborne, Sakishima Air Defense Corps, of the National Air Force in Okinawa. Will you tell me your name?"

"I am Shiiba Tatsuya."

"OK, Tatsuya. Just call me Joe. Do you still have a while in Okinawa?

If you're ever bored, give me a call. Although I may not look like it, I know quite a few people around here."

"That's enough, Joe. We're still in the middle of training."

Captain Kazama called out while laughing, and reacting as if shocked, Lance Corporal Higaki stood to attention.

Hmm… so he's a subordinate who's treated rather affectionately. I suppose that means he's trusted.

"So, that psion wave really was Gram Demolition?"

"Was that really all? I believe there was also some continental Ancient magic, 'Tendan' in there as well."

While technically they had invited us to tea, what was served instead was coffee.

Sitting on one side are Tatsuya san, me, Ayako san and fumiya kun.

On the other side are Captain Kazama and Lieutenant Sanada.

A coffee break with six people.

Somehow, the atmosphere feels a little strange.

Captain Kazama is talking with Tatsuya san.

Lieutenant Sanada is also talking with Tatsuya san.

We simply sat in the background as per our instructions.

"Shiba-kun, would you like to try the CAD I'm developing?"

"Lieutenant Sanada develops CADs?"

"My job is the development of magic equipment in general, including CADs. This one in particular is a prototype CAD featuring cartridges as storage."

"I would like to."

After returning to the villa the next few days went by with Tatsuya san teaching us how to use magic and in the afternoon he was working on the cad that he received as gift from sanada san with Okaasama

They were spending a lot of time together as both of them liked to tune cads and after he altered the magic formula for nifilhim Okaasama started to teach him how to improve cads as well

August 11th, AD 2092 / Okinawa - Airforce base ~ Villa

The two days after that passed by normally.

The ones issuing the alarm were the armed forces.

In other words, an attack by a foreign power.

we stared intently at the screen, as if to devour it.

"An invasion is underway from the West sea."

"There has been no declaration of war."

"The attack force is a fleet of ballistic missile submarines."

"Currently, they are semi-submerged and are attacking the Kerama Islands."

"Please allow me to convey this to Maya-sama as soon as possible!"

Sakurai-san could not hide her impatience as she made her request.

"Yes, please do."

And as she nodded, neither could Okaa-sama hide her nervousness.

As I stared, Tatsuya san made an 'oh?' face.

Just as I was thinking "what is it?"Tatsuya san took a communication terminal out from the breast pocket of his summer jacket.

"Yes, this is Shiiba…no, I should be thanking you for the other day…to the base, you say?"

From his response, I guessed that the ones on the line must be our recent acquaintances from the Defense Forces, the Captain and his squad. But the base should be in a state of war at the moment, what could it possibly be?

"I appreciate the offer, but…no…yes, I'll try talking with my aunt …alright, I'll contact you later."

As he finished the call, it was no longer just me staring at Tatsuya san.

Turning to Okaa-sama who was seated on the couch,

"We have received an offer from Captain Kazama at Onna Air Force base, to shelter in the base."

"Eh!?"

Involuntarily, we let out a sound.

"Madam."

Sakurai-san held out a cordless voice communication unit, a so called 'handset'.

"It's a call from Maya-sama."

This time not even an 'eh' came out.

A call from Aunt?

For the last three years both Obaasama's and Okaasama's relationship improved

Okaasama received the handset and

"Hello, Maya? …Yes, it's me. …I see. I guess you've been using your influence… But, wouldn't moving be dangerous? …I suppose…alright. Thanks."

After she finished talking, Okaa-sama handed the headset back to Sakurai-san.

"Madam. What did Maya-sama have to say?"

Taking the headset, Sakurai-san asked that natural question.

"She has arranged for us to shelter with the Defense Forces."

"Then, the call Tatsuya-kun received just now."

"That would be it, it seems."

"But, wouldn't moving be dangerous?"

"That's what I said, but,"

…Why? Wouldn't a military shelter be sturdier and safer than a private one?

"Although we are not in an official state of hostilities, against an opponent who would launch a surprise attack like this, expecting them to comply with all the rules of war would be too much of a leap of faith."

"That…I guess so…"

"Although it wouldn't have been too difficult, she did make the effort, so let's try doing as Maya says. Tatsuya kun ."

"Yes obaasama ."

"Contact the Captain and tell him, we accept. Also, request a pickup if possible."

"Certainly."

The soldier who came to take us to the base was none other than Lance Corporal Joseph Higaki.

"Tatsuya, sorry to keep ya waiting!"

"Joe, thanks for coming all this way."

"C'mon man, there's no need to be so formal."

Lance Corporal Higaki gave a bright cheerful smile.

"By order of Captain Kazama, I am here to pick you up!"

"Thank you for your efforts. Please take us there."

"Ma'am!"

Riding in a Defense Forces car, without once being stopped at a checkpoint, without once coming under attack from an enemy, we reached the base uneventfully.

An hour had already passed since the attack began, and despite being taken by complete surprise by the yet unidentified enemy, the Navy and Air Force seemed to be managing to hold them off at the shore.

Unless you had intel from the actual island in question, you'd have no way of knowing anything was actually happening and simply have to take the military's word for it.

Surprisingly, we weren't the only civilians who had been evacuated to the base.

Although it wasn't quite in the hundreds, the number of people here seemed pretty close.

In addition to us, five other civilians had been guided to this underground shelter.

It's none of my business, but I can't help wondering that considering the threat of enemy attack, is it really okay to invite such a large number of unrelated and useless people?

Perhaps, even we—even I, will end up having to fight.

I cannot just rely on Sakurai-san. Okaa-sama was seated on a couch, still recovering. And it will be Sakurai-san's duty to defend her.

Until today I have never had the experience of battle, but my combat magic abilities have been judged to be no less than those of a grown magician.

That was Sakurai-san's judgement, so it's reliable enough.

Yet that alone wasn't enough to dispel my anxieties, and I glanced over subtly at the neighbouring seat.

As he looked at Ayako and fumiya kun

"Are you all alright?"

We are fine

Tatsuya san who had suddenly stood up.

One breath later, Sakurai-san also knocked aside her chair.

The strangers seated with us, wearing startled expressions, stared at Sakurai-san and that person.

"Tatsuya-kun, that was…"

"Sakurai-san, you heard it as well?"

"Then, there really were gunshots…!"

"It wasn't a pistol but full auto, probably an assault rifle."

Maybe the base is under attack

At that time around 5 soldiers came into the room

"Mam it is not safe here please come with us now"

"Why what happened?"

Sakurai san asked

The base is under attack by insurgence

Sakurai san looked at okaasama and Tatsuya san

Okaasama looked like she didn't trust them and Tatsuya san had that empty look that he has whenever he is in battle.

The moment they were talking joe came shouting and the soldiers prepared to shoot at them but before any bullet could be fired they all fell to the ground like they were made of clay

This was because of Miya's outersystamatic mental design interference magic

She was not sick anymore after being healed by Tatsuya she could use her unstoppable power without any worry.

At that time Sakurai san received a call from the main house

"Madam its a call from Maya sama"

Okaasama received the call

"Maya what is it ?"

"Nisan, how is your vacation going?"

Even now when there is a invasion going on maya is still smiling happily

"What do you what now"

"The national army had called for the members of the 10 master clans to help during the invasion I want the children to get some experience in the battle"

Miya frowned has she heard this it is true that magicians were created to be used as weapons and the yotsuba trained every member to fight in a battle but she didn't want to put the children through this at this age.

"And release Tatsuya's seal and tell him that i want him to perform very well"

This seriously brought fear in Miya's heart. Tatsuya was a walking disaster and the one thing that he does without any objection is Maya's orders.

"Alright then I will tell them about this but I don't like this "

"Ara ara don't worry niisan as long as MY Tatsuya's there no one is going to get hurt and tell them to make sure that the army know that they are under the protection of the Yotsuba the family will need to remind the fools that japan is off limits "

This also she knows from personal experience her nephew is a god in mortal body. And there is no doubting Maya's word

"Alright then we will see you after the end of the battle."

With that she cut the call now she had to send children into battle field and she was responsible for them

"Alright the army has asked for 10 master clan support and we are going to help them"

Sakurai looked like she wanted to say something but a single look from Miya prevented her from opening her mouth.

Everyone of the children had a different reaction to this. Miyuki looked shocked, Fumiya and Ayako showed signs of little fear and then she looked at Tatsuya there was nothing in those eyes no fear, no anticipation, no shock just acceptance and look of determination.

"Alright if I go to the battle I believe that is enough can you please remove my seal"

Tatsuya said as he looked at his aunt

But she shook her head and said "This is an order from Toushu-sama all of use must participate"

This statement stunned everyone as this meant that no one could refuse this order for the head of house Yotsuba, from Yotsuba Maya the queen of night and the demon lady of the far east no one could oppose this order.

This also silenced Tatsuya as he would never disobey his mother's orders

"Also she wants us to use the identities of the Yotsuba to fight"

"Do we have to reveal ourselves" Miyuki asked fearfully "No just reveal that you are a magician of the yotsuba after changing into battle gear so they know that they are under our families protection"

"And she expects a good performance form all of you"

Miya said slight amusement in her voice even after Tatsuya had healed Maya even though she became more happy and easy to handle but still whenever her clan is related she still acts as the demon lady of the far east

"Sakurai and I will protect the control centre all of will go to battle and win and Tatsuya kun i will release your seal do what you see fit the family will take care of the aftermath"

As she said this Miya removed her magic that was preventing his full power from activating.

This statement ment that he had absolute freedom to act as he pleased after all this years this battle will be the first place to show his undaminable power

"I am sorry. For an uprising to happen here is completely my fault. This won't be able to change anything, but if there is anything you want, please just say it. As a soldier of the National Defense Force, I will do whatever is within my power."

Okaasama looked at Major Seeing the Captain's bowed visage, he said 'please raise your head'.

"Then first of all, please tell us the exact situation."

"Is the enemy the Great Asian Alliance?"

"We have no conclusive evidence yet, but that is most likely the case."

"It's a lie that we've stopped them at the coast, isn't it?"

"That is so. On the West coast of Nagoshi, submerged enemy troops have already made a landing in force."

"The enemy navy holds supremacy over the waters of the Keramas. In addition, from Naha to Nago, guerrillas in collusion with the enemy are disrupting the movement of personnel."

...That sounds pretty bad.

"But all is not lost. The number of guerrillas was not that great from the beginning. Control has been regained in 80% of the areas affected. The internal rebellion in the Army will soon be shut down as well."

"Their purpose of buying time to secure the landings is already done, so their use is at an end. Like tossing a piece of garbage, I believe the Great Asian Alliance couldn't care less about their loss."

At Okaasama's dispassionate point, Captain Kazama's face twisted sourly.

"Then Major firstly you should have received call about our true identities right"

"Yes mam I was just informed of that"

"Please lend us all an Armour Suit and infantry kit we will be assisting in the battle"

"...Why mam?"

"They dared to raise their hand against Japan. They must reap their just reward."

Amongst all those who heard that voice and felt their blood run cold, for Captain Kazama to keep his complexion unchanged, spoke volumes for his courage.

"Do you intend to go along with them?"

"No we will protect the control room and the base they will take care of the enemies that coming"

"Is this alright mam they are still children?"

"Major we of the Yotsuba stand at the top of the magician community and for that we have to protect this country with all our power so don't worry our children have been trained to fight so they will not have any problem"

"Alright mam we will leave in 10 mints we will provide you with all the necessary armour you need"

Saying this he turned his back and started walking.

Everyone followed them after they put on their armour Fumiya asked

"Are we going to be ok"

"Don't worry as long as Tatsuya san is here no one will get hurt"

Ayako said smilingly

"Fumiya, Ayako, Miyuki….."

At the sudden call of Tatsuya everyone focused their him

"Stay near me Fumiya, Ayako use mist dispersion sparingly as I will be using that Ayako,use PD to make yourselves and the soldiers invincible at my command. Miyuki use niflheim to freeze them if you want you can use cocytus"

"Alright nii-sama we will do that"

Then as Miya and Sakuri watched the screen

The screen showed Tatsuya and the children , advancing resolutely into a desolate wasteland.

Neither shell nor bullet could reach them.

Tank-like things pointed their turrets at Tatsuya who went forward, and vanished along with the crew inside.

They continued without changing pace and followed him.

But the soldiers advancing with them did not move the same way.

To not be left behind by the children , they ran as if flying from cover to cover, shooting guns and magic all the while.

Ah!

One of the soldiers was hit.

Seeing the battlefield from a camera in the sky, it's like watching something right from a movie.

Within the screen, before they could even begin feeling shock, Tatsuya was pointing the CAD in his left hand at the fallen soldier.

When did he?

There was barely any time to even turn his neck.

In the next moment, the soldier began running on the screen again as if nothing had happened.

An enemy turret spat fire.

It didn't reach.

Fumiya and Ayako raised their right hands.

The enemy form disappeared. It was almost like the special effects of a movie.

Allied soldiers fell.

Tatsuya raised his left hand.

Just with that, the fallen soldiers rose unscathed and continued the fight.

To the soldiers fighting alongside them, it was a fortune beyond their wildest hopes. Any injuries, even fatal ones, were healed immediately as if merely waking from a dream.

To the enemies fighting against them, Tatsuyaa was terror incarnate. A nightmare who raised their foes, and obliterated all before him leaving only shadows and dust.

Like an Avatar, Tatsuya strode across the battlefield.

"Ayako use PD, Fumiya continue using mist dispersion and Miyuki freeze the enemy landing ships "

At that command Ayako used her innate magic perfect diffusion and made all the soldiers and them invincible Fmiya disintegrated more of the soldiers and Miyuki froze the ocean around the landing ships.

Miya was proud of her daughter even though she had never been on a battlefield. She followed Tatsuya orders and her power and control with niflheim was extremely brilliant.

The battlefield was an utterly one-sided slaughter.

Yet at the same time, it lacked all the characteristics of a slaughter.

No blood sprayed.

No bodies flew.

The stench of burning flesh, the explosions capable of tearing men apart, were all absent.

The entire battlefield was dominated by an uncanny silence.

The bullets fired by the invaders, their grenades, portable rockets; all dissolved in the air as they flew towards the defenders. Shells, bombs, and missiles; all shared their fate.

The enemy soldiers still stubbornly resisting, still madly pulling their triggers also one by one blurred, warped; faded.

Miyuki, Fumiya, Ayako and the soldiers following behind Tatsuya were no longer even firing now; they merely stared at the fantasy playing out before them.

Seeing their comrades disappear one after the other, the invading troops experienced the same disconcerting mockery of reality.

The instinctive fear which should have arisen from the sight of violent death was not stimulated, and despite being eaten away by unutterable fears, surrender did not cross their mind.

That was just what Tatsuya desired.

If the enemy had high level magicians on their side, they had not unilaterally been deployed yet. It didn't have anything to do with the Japanese side, but rather could be said to have stemmed from carelessness following the success of the invaders' initial attack.

—All of which was meaningless to Tatsuya.

Currently, his spirit was calm.

All hesitance towards death and destruction had been removed.

It was as if he no longer remembered murder as a taboo.

He killed and destroyed as easily as he walked.

Rather, he obliterated.

Even he could feel conflict from such wide reaching slaughter. But that conflict could not touch his immovable heart.

This was an order from his mother and he will carry it without any problems.

A madness dominated only by one purpose.

Allowing the enemy no surrender, his madness greedily devoured the lives of all within his path.

While the routed enemy frontlines could only be said to be in a state of collapse, their chain of command was yet intact.

The enemy commander, determining that holding a bridgehead was no longer tenable, ordered a retreat out to sea.

The invasion forces fought to be first into the landing craft on the beach.

To escape the grasp of the devil even now advancing towards them step by step.

Not knowing that there also, Death awaited them with his scythe held high.

Faced with the sight of the enemy fleeing and no longer counterattacking, Tatsuya halted.

Suddenly remembering their role, the Onna Airborne assumed formation and prepared to shoot.

Yet faster than the command 'fire!' could be given, Tatsuya activated his 'power'.

It's not that there aren't magicians who would emit enough interference for it to be visible.

The soldiers who had been scrambling to board the next craft stopped moving.

The patter of water could be heard as they threw their weapons into the sea.

The sound spread, as if a chain reaction.

A white flag was raised.

By raising the naval flag of the Great Asian Alliance at the same time, they were evidently banking on protective status as POWs[18].

Behind Tatsuya, instead of the order to shoot, the order to hold fire was given instead.

At the surrender of the landing force and their disarmament relief began to spread not only amongst Kazama's troops but also amongst the soldiers sent to intercept them; despite being understandable, it proved to be premature.

"A message from HQ!"

A communications officer rushed over to Kazama. His face, the helmet removed, was pale.

"A detachment of the enemy fleet is approaching from Aguni! Two high speed cruisers, and four destroyers!

It's too late for interception! Their artillery is estimated to come into range in 20 minutes! We have to get away from the coast as fast as possible!"

"In 20 minutes, this area will fall within range of enemy guns! All units take charge of the prisoners, and evacuate inland!"

Tatsuya and the others couldn't couldn't believe their ears.

"All of you do I need your help"

"What do you need Tatsuya niisama"

"I want you to protect me while I deal with the ships"

"Very well "

"Miyuki and Fumiya build barriers around us Ayako make us invincible"

"Alright Tatsuya san!"

"Alright Tatsuya niisama!"

"Do you know the exact positions of the enemy cruisers?"

Instead of complying with Kazama's instructions, Tatsuya inquired with his helmet still on.

"We do indeed, but...Sanada!"

But why, Kazama didn't ask.

Rather, he called over the one carrying the tactical information terminal.

"I'm linked to our maritime radar. Shall I transfer it to our Special Lieutenant's visor?"

"Before that."

Tatsuya interrupted Sanada's question to Kazama.

"Did you bring the armament device with the extended range sequences you showed me on that day?"

Sanada raised his visor, and exchanged a glance with Kazama.

Kazama nodded, and Sanada looked back at Tatsuya.

"I don't have it here, but if we have it lifted in by heli it can be here within five minutes"

"Please bring it as soon as possible."

At the latest, Sanada would have said, but Tatsuya cut him off with rather typically boyish haste.

Tatsuya then turned to Kazama, pulled out a wired communications line from his still fully enclosed helmet, and held it out.

Kazama merely raised his eyebrows but without a word put his own helmet back on, then connected them by plugging the wire into his terminal.

"I have a way to destroy those ships."

This secret talk he had been approached with in the presence of his subordinates began with a bombshell.

"However, I don't wish for it to be seen by the troops. Could you leave Lieutenant Sanada's device here, then move everyone out?"

Kazama could not see Tatsuya's expression.

Voices didn't carry over very well along the wired communicator either.

All he had to judge with was tone, and the slight association he had had.

"...Very well. However, Sanada and I will remain here."

"...Understood."

The hectic withdrawal of the interception troops was displayed at large upon the screens in the Command and Control Centre.

Naturally, it was being viewed by Miya and Salurai as well.

As the soldiers began to fall back with their prisoners in tow, 6 figures showed no signs of moving.

Murmurs ran through the command room. Who are those idiots, and such could be clearly heard even through the glass.

The operators were frantically repeating their communicators' requests for evacuation. An officer wearing the rank insignia of Major was desperately calling for reinforcements from a base somewhere — probably Kyushu — to come help them.

Tatsuya knew it was a race against time. He took the magazine out from the range expanding armament device, that large sniper rifle with the built-in specialized CAD, and quickly began ejecting the bullets.

He clasped the bullets in his hands one by one, as if praying, then reloaded them back into the magazine.

Looking on, Kazama and Sanada had no idea what he was doing. They could faintly feel that powerful magic was at work, but as to exactly what techniques were being applied, they could not begin to guess.

It wouldn't just have been them who were stumped. If any magician could see through what Tatsuya was doing at this moment, they would be truly exceptional in every sense of the word.

What Tatsuya was doing was decomposing each bullet, then recreating it anew.

By the time he had completed that procedure with each bullet, two minutes had passed.

"Time until enemy ships come within range: ten minutes."

As Tatsuya finished up the preparations on the armament device, Sanada informed him of the grace period left.

"…It's no good. It could only reach 20 km."

Just how had he followed its trajectory?

While he sounded indifferent, he must have been disappointed deep down. Perhaps he was berating himself for his own weakness.

"We can only wait for them to come within 20 km."

Hearing that, Sanada paled.

"But by then, we'll be within range of enemy fire as well!"

Tatsuya positioned the armament device.

A stance for trajectory — prioritising distance, and leaving hits to lucky chance.

Allowing for bullet drop and flight time, the enemy was already within range.

Tatsuya triggered the virtual magic areas, and then pulled the trigger four times in succession.

Each time he moved the muzzle slightly, compensating for error due to the ever shifting wind.

Tatsuya tracked the exact position of that bullet with everything he had.

"Miyuki barrier now"

At that command she built a barrier using all of her power

The shells, aimed dead on, instead dropped into the sea.

Not a single shot was able to reach land anymore.

A magic which crippled momentum was being invoked in rapid succession several hundred meters offshore.

As he watched that spectacle with his naked eyes, his minds eye roving over the sky found the bullet in the midst of the enemy fleet.

Tatsuya stretched out his right hand towards the west, and forcibly unclenched his palm.

The bullet broke down into energy.

In that moment, the mass conversion magic 'Material Burst' was used in anger for the first time.

Beyond the horizon, a flash ignited.

The overcast sky reflected dazzling light.

Although sunset was yet far off, a shining star blazed on the Western sea.

A roar reverberated. There would be none here who mistook it for the sound of thunder.

With no staggering, all the fuel and explosives on board the ships had ignited as one.

The shelling ceased.

An eerie rumbling approached.

"Tsunami! Take cover!"

As he shouted, Kazama and sanada picked up all the children and leapton the bike

They left the area and stood on the hill watching as all the ships that were attacking vanished into that light.

August 17th, AD 2092 / Okinawa - Naha Airport

While listening to the announcements of plane arrivals and departures, I was recalling the events of six days ago.

Suddenly, at the water line a light brighter than the sun erupted.

In the middle of that light, the enemy ship vanished.

The transformed terrain of the beach was washed by breaking waves.

It was an anthem of victory.

That was the official report shared with us and the world in general afterward.

What was not shared with the world is the truth known only to us, what we were told is that the light that destroyed the enemy was made by the power of Tatsuya sama.

The transformation of mass into energy, the enormous energy that burns everything into nothing is the strategic class magic 'Material Burst' wielded by a strategic class magician. That indeed is the true power of Onii-sama, the name of its true form.

The one hailed as a hero for driving away the enemy is Tatsuya sama.

After that Tatsuya sama used a magic to carve a huge kanji for yotsuba on the ground near the base this was a warning for the everyone.

Fumiya kun and Ayako san returned with their father after the battle and we were all summoned to the main house to explain what happened.

In the private room of Yotsuba Maya she sat smiling as she looked through the report "Demons of okinawa eh what a fitting titles and my son is called Mahesvara the destroyer maybe he went a little too far don't you think Hayama san"

"I believe it was madam who told Tatsuya sama to not hold back and use any means necessary "

Having what she said repeated back to her mad Maya little embarrassed and so she changed the topic

"How is government responding"

"They have called to thank you for the help that you provide and to ask to register Tatsuya sama as a strategic class magician"

"Refuse that he may lend them a hand but unofficially only"

"Alright mam"

"What is the response form the magic community of the world and here in japan"

"In the GAA thay have banned the soldiers from mentioning the name Mahesvara in japan all the family in the 10 master clan are asking for clarifications and the magic community seems to take our participation without hiding the fact to be positive and their fear has only deepened"

"What about the sponsors and the senate "

"They are extremely happy"

"Then that all we need isn't it"

Maya said laughing

"Lets see what challenges await him in high school"