Alright, before you guys go all "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT! UNFOLLOW!" let me explain. The obscene amount of dialogue involving Tatsuya's battle with Hattori was something that I felt that just going "Archimedes zoned out" would be a tough pill to swallow. So, I put the dialogue in. I apologize if you do not like this, but I felt that it was the lesser of two evils. This will not be a habit of mine as I find it terribly boring, so expect lots of original dialogue and progression in the coming chapters... I will explain more after the story...
Archimedes looks up from his mobile terminal as he hears a cheery voice call "Tasuya-kun~~" from behind him. He turns to see Mayumi running towards them.
"Good morning Tatsuya-kun, as well as to Miyuki and Archimedes." She says, her head bobbing as she comes to a stop.
"Good morning, President." Tatsuya responds.
Miyuki bows to Mayumi while Archimedes gives her a quick wave before turning back to his terminal. Mayumi puffs her cheeks out a bit at this but is quickly distracted by talking to Tatsuya and Miyuki. Archimedes leans against a nearby wall and sighs, getting into a more comfortable reading position. After a bit, he sees a red tuft of hair dart in front of his vision.
"What'cha doing?" Erika asks, squinting at Archimedes' terminal.
"Just doing some light reading."
"Light reading? It looks like Greek to me."
"That's because it is Greek. Ancient Greek that is." Archimedes sighs.
"You can read Ancient Greek?"
"No, I just think it looks pretty." Archimedes says sarcastically.
Erika shoots Archimedes a dirty look but continues to probe him.
"What is it about?"
"Ritual ceremonies performed by the Greeks and the Pagans of that time."
"Why?"
"Because there might be something useful hidden in the information. All of the different curses and sacrifices they did may have some connection to today's magic."
Erika looks at him with a bored look.
"And this is for fun?"
"Yes?"
"I will never get you nerd types." She says cheerfully, slipping away before Archimedes can respond.
Archimedes shakes his head in resignment at Erika's actions. He had told her the truth, but not the whole truth. He was looking through ancient texts, but not for connections to modern day magic. He was looking for connections to his necromancy. While he remembered how to use Necromancy and his limitations, that's about all he could remember on the matter. "Regaining memories" of how to use Necromancy is a bit misleading. Instead of him remembering Necromancy in words, pictures, and sounds; regaining the ability to use Necromancy was more like remembering how to move a muscle he forgot he had. Once he remembered, it became a reflexive action, as natural as breathing.
Everything that Archimedes knew about the runes that he used was from his own research. Languages came easily to him, making the main hurdles for him being the sheer amount of documents he had to comb through and the lack of actual relevance of said documents. Unsurprisingly, there were no real named accounts of "Necromancy" until the dark ages, but even then it was rarely anything useful. So, Archimedes worked backwards from the runes on his ring and body. Archimedes knew that each rune must have a meaning, that it could not just be gibberish. But he had no Rosetta stone to reveal all the secrets to him.
But, that did not mean that his quest was hopeless. Image recognition had grown in usability since the early 2000's, allowing for Archimedes to cross reference the runes on his ring and body across many databases. Slowly, he had pieced together the runes and been able to use them for various applications. The most notable being his robots. The runes allowed Archimedes to strengthen his robots and make them maneuverable enough for live combat. But, this was all years ago; only a little while after he discovered his Necromancy. Now, he was searching for anything that had to do with Necromancy everywhere from Ancient Babylon to International news headlines.
He knew that the Yotsubas were doing similar investigations but he still searched in his every spare moment. He is spurred out of his reprieve as the group begins walking again, still reading the Greek tablet on his terminal.
"Archimedes." He hears Tatasuya say.
"Hmm?"
"I would like you to accompany Miyuki and me to the student council room during lunch." Tatsuya orders, strumming his right index finger on his leg.
Archimedes nods, twisting his ring in response.
Tatsuya had signaled that he wanted Archimedes to retrieve information from the terminal in the student council room. Archimedes was happy to oblige, he was carrying a hard drive in a concealed pocket inside of his jacket. They all continued to the school, everyone else none the wiser of Tatsuya and Archimedes' plan.
"Excuse us." Tatsuya says, opening the door as he shields Miyuki with his body.
Archimedes is behind Miyuki, looking up and down the empty hall to appease Tatsuya's paranoia. They walk into the room, Miyuki now taking the lead. As she passes by Tatsuya, Archimedes sees Tatsuya throw the small NFC tag at the terminal. The tag lodges itself directly beneath it, none the wiser of their actions. Archimedes casts his Necromancy as they sit down at the table, rooting through the files at an inhuman speed.
"Archimedes?" He hears the sing-song voice of the president ask.
"Ah, yes. Sorry, I zoned out for a bit." Archimedes says apologetically, still rooting through files.
"Are you going to eat your lunch? You haven't moved since we sit down."
"Yes, don't worry about me. Please, continue what you were doing."
"So... Miyuki, I hope you can enter the Student Council. Are you willing to accept?"
Archimedes only pays only a small bit of attention to the conversation going on around him. He picks up a piece of steak with his chopsticks and pops it into his mouth.
"President, are you aware of Onii-sama's entrance examination scores?"
*Gack* *Cough* *Cough*
Archimedes began to choke on the piece of steak, completely blindsided by Miyuki's question. Several error messages pop up on the terminal as Archimedes struggles for air. When he finally composes himself, he quickly closes all of the messages and waves off the worried looks.
"Hm, I know of it. Truly incredible... To be honest, when I stole a glance at the teacher's results, even I lost confidence."
"...If the student council accepts students with high test scores and outstanding abilities, I believe Onii-sama fits the criteria as well."
"Wait, Mi-"
"And in terms of Desk Work, I believe that has nothing to do with practical skills and grades. In other words, knowledge and judgment are more important."
Archimedes had to admit that Tatsuya did excel at work others deemed boring. Nevertheless, Miyuki not allowing the other person to finish their sentence and bulling right over them was something Archimedes had not seen before. It further surprised him that she did this to her beloved "Onii-Sama."
"I am honored to receive an invitation to the Student Council. I would be more than happy to accept even the lowest position, but is there any way for Onii-sama to join?"
"Alas, this is not possible."
The one who answered was not the President, but the council member sitting to her side.
"Student Council members must be selected from Course 1 students. This is not an unwritten rule, but an enumerated one. This is the only clause that is attached to the right of appointment and removal for the president. To change this requires a special amendment meeting with the attendance of the full student body and carried by a two-thirds majority. Since the number of Course 1 and Course 2 students are practically equal, this is realistically impossible." The girl said softly.
"...I apologize. I said all of that without understanding the situation. Please forgive me." Miyuki said as she rose to her feet and bowed deeply in apology.
"In that case, Miyuki will join the current Student Council with the title of secretary, is that acceptable?"
"Yes, I will work hard to fulfill my duties. Please look after me."
Miyuki lowered her head again, but this time was more polite than apologetic. Mayumi nodded at Miyuki with a smile on her face.
"You can get the details from A-chan."
"As I just said, President... Please stop calling me A-chan..."
"If there are no complications, can you come today after school?" Mayumi said, paying no mind to Azuna's protests.
"Miyuki."
"I understand. However, would it be fine for me to come here after school?"
"Of course. I'll wait for you, Miyuki."
"Hey~. Why am I called 'A-chan', while Shiba is called 'Miyuki'...?"
"...There is still a little time left until the end of lunch break. May I say something?" A voice that Archimedes hasn't heard yet asks.
Mayumi nods and the girl continues.
"The roster for the Public Moral Committee still has one empty spot that has not been filled."
"I just said that we are still reviewing possible candidates. Besides, school just started a week ago, right? There's no need to hurry, Mari."
"I think, according to the rules of the student council, all members aside from the president must be Course 1 students, right?"
"Yes."
"Only Course 1 students are allowed to fill the positions of Vice President, Accountant, Secretary, and related roles, right?"
"Yes. The rules stipulate that the council is made up of the President, Vice president, Accountant, and Secretary roles."
"In other words, there is no restriction for bringing a Course 2 student into the Public Moral Committee."
"Mari, you..."
Mayumi drawls off before slamming one hand on to the table.
"NICE!"
"Ah?"
Tatsuya lets out a small sound of surprise at the situation that was quickly spiraling out of his control.
"Yes, there's no problem with the Public Moral Committee. Mari, the Student Council nominates Shiba Tatsuya as Public Moral Committee member."
"Wait a minute! Shouldn't you take into account my thoughts on the matter? Also, you haven't told me what the duties of a Public Moral Committee member consists of."
"We didn't really go into detail about your sister's duties on the Student Council..."
"Eh, Rin-chan, this is fine. Tatsuya-kun, the job of the Public Moral Committee is to uphold the public moral on campus."
"..."
"..."
"...Is that all?"
"While the job doesn't come with any sense of accomplishment, and is also quite troublesome... Err, it's still a rewarding task?"
"I can make you a medal if you want." Archimedes adds cheekily, tapping his ring against the table to signal that he had started to download the data.
"That wasn't what I meant." Tatsuya says, his eyes returning to Mari.
"Hm?"
The room goes silent for a moment and Archimedes watches Tatsuya scanning each person across from him with a steely glare. A small squeak is heard as his gaze settles on Azuna.
"Um, our school's Public Moral Committee is an organization that is responsible for policing those who break school rules."
—Just like her outer appearance, Azusa was weak to pressure.
"In terms of public morals, they usually consist of things like uniform regulations or tardiness, but these are handled by the members appointed by the Self-Governing Committee."
She pauses for a moment.
"...Um, do you have any questions?" She asks nervously.
"No, please continue."
"Ah, OK. The primary duties of the Public Moral Committee are to identify those that use magic against school rules and to subjugate those that use magic on campus to cause a disturbance. After the Public Moral Committee member decides the necessary punishment, he or she will present before the Disciplinary Committee alongside the President and Student Representative. In short, they are both the police and the prosecutor."
"Isn't that wonderful, Onii-sama."
"No, Miyuki... Please wait a little before giving off that 'Then it's decided' look in your eyes... Just in case, let me clarify a few things."
"Clarify what?"
"According to the earlier explanation, the Public Moral Committee member's mission is to halt any conflicts upon discovery, correct?"
"Well, that's true. We also intercede on non-magical conflicts."
"Also, if magic was used, our intervention is mandatory."
"If possible, it'd be best if the conflict was resolved prior to use of magic."
"That's my point! My technical grade is terrible, and on top of that, I'm a Course 2 student!
"It's not a problem."
"What are you saying?"
"In competitions of power, I will handle it... Lunch break is almost over. Let's save the rest for after school, any objection?"
It was true that lunch break was about to end, and Tatsuya looked at Archimedes for a moment. Archimedes nods, signaling that he has the data.
"...I understand."
"Hmm... But it would seem we are still leaving one out..." Mayumi says, looking Archimedes up and down.
"Um... What?" Archimedes asks, dispelling his Necromancy as the download completes.
Mayumi's eyes stop on the bento Archimedes brought.
"What's that?" She asks, gesturing to the bento.
"Oh, this is just the leftovers from the dinner I made last night."
"You can cook?"
"My father owns one of the highest rated restaurant in all of Japan, I picked some things up."
"May I try some then?" Mayumi asks with an innocent smile.
"Sure?"
Archimedes slides the bento to Mayumi. She looks over it for a moment before picking up a piece of steak. She puts it in her mouth and her eyes light up.
"Archimedes!" She shouts, standing up abruptly.
"Yes?"
"I hereby add the honorary position of 'Chef' to the council roster. You will serve as the first person to hold this office."
"But..."
Mayumi slides the bento to Mari, who also takes a bite. Her eyes light up in a similar fashion.
"Archimedes! You will hold the office of 'Chef!'"
"Wait, are you two threatening me?"
They share a glance before turning on Archimedes once again.
"Yes." They reply blandly.
Archimedes looks to his left to get help from Tatsuya, but his gaze is blocked by Miyuki wearing a pleading smile.
Archimedes sighs in resign.
"Fine. But don't expect individual meals."
"No, Mayumi. I am not going to be the official manservant of the student council. Think of another wager." Archimedes sighs, dealing out a deck of cards between himself and Mayumi.
"But you would look so cute in a butler uniform!" Mayumi protests.
"You are lucky that I 'agreed' to be the chef. Don't push it."
Mayumi's rebuttal is averted by the door opening. Tatsuya and Miyuki step in. Almost immediately, the air is filled with hostility emanating from the Vice-President.
"Excuse us!"
Despite this Tatsuya maintained his poker face, bowed in silence, and with that the hostile gaze dissipated like rainclouds before the sun. Even then, it wasn't as if the hostility had disappeared completely, more like the previous hostile gaze was now directed in a more favorable light towards Miyuki, who was now standing in the front. Hattori stands up and walks towards her with carefully measured steps.
"I am the Vice President, Hattori Gyoubu. Shiba Miyuki, welcome to the Student Council." He says, his voice shaking a bit.
Miyuki responds with a slight bow.
Hattori returned to his seat while completely ignoring Tatsuya.
"Ah, you're here."
"Welcome, Miyuki. You too, Tatsuya-kun. Good work."
Archimedes is currently sitting in a chair across from Mayumi, thus causing him to have to turn in his seat to greet his cousins.
"Archimedes? Why are you already here and not with Miyuki?" Tatsuya asks.
"A certain 'President' came and got me out of my class because she was bored. Sadly, the teacher was fine with it because I have already finished all my work for the next few weeks. Since then, I have been Mayumi's plaything…"
"Ah, don't worry about Archimedes, he is just being silly. A-chan, if you please." Mayumi says while giving Archimedes a grin that sent shivers down his spine.
"...Yes."
It appeared that she already gave up. For a moment, Azusa's head drooped with a sad expression before she put on a wooden smile and led Miyuki towards the terminal on the side.
"Well, let's be off." Mari says, gesturing to Tatsuya.
"Where to?"
"Public Moral Committee headquarters. There's a lot of things you need to see firsthand to understand. It's located directly underneath this room. That being said, they're both connected."
"Go fish~~" Mayumi says cheerfully.
After Mari finished speaking, Tatsuya took a breath before replying.
"...That's quite the strange design."
"I thought so too."
As she was saying this, Mari began to stand up. But just as she was about to leave the chair, a comment stopped her.
"Watanabe-senpai, please wait a minute."
The voice came from Vice President Hattori. Upon hearing this, Mari replied in a manner that was both offensive and respectful at the same time.
"Is something the matter, Hattori Gyoubushoujou Hanzou?"
"Please don't address me by my full name!"
"Then let's go with Vice President Hattori Hanzou."
"Please call me Hattori Gyoubu!"
"That's your family's official title, isn't it."
"It has nothing to do with the title now. The school has already accepted the name 'Hattori Gyoubu'! ...No, that's not what I wanted to say."
"That's because you're too formal, isn't it?"
"Ok, ok, Mari, Hanzou also has things he won't back down from."
Everyone's gaze fell towards the speaker, Mayumi.
Archimedes gives Mayumi a Cheshire cat grin, to which she cocks her head in confusion at.
"Go fish." Archimedes says, not breaking his smile.
This interruption gives Hattori the time he needs to regroup.
"Watanabe-senpai, the topic I wanted to speak with you about is precisely regarding the replacements for the Public Moral Committee."
"What?"
"I object to you appointing this 1st Year student to the Public Moral Committee."
When Hattori stated his opinion, he was either perfectly calm, or was forcibly holding his emotions in check.
Mari's eyebrows wrinkled slightly, and that did not appear to be an act.
"What is this nonsense? The one who nominated Shiba Tatsuya-kun is President Saegusa. Even though it was verbal, the right of appointment remains with her alone."
"I have heard that the receiving party has not agreed. Despite the nomination, the matter is unofficial until he personally agrees."
"That is up to Shiba Tatsuya-kun himself. The President has already elaborated on the decision of the Student Council. The final decision is his, not yours."
Mari's eyes were on Hattori while she said this.
Hattori never looked at Tatsuya. Or maybe it would be more correct to say that he was ignoring Tatsuya's presence.
Watching these two people, Suzune was very calm, Azusa was very nervous, and Mayumi was completely unreadable, sitting while playing cards with Archimedes.
"Go fish~~"
Miyuki was staring at the terminal on the side with a subtle expression on her face. However, she was probably a hair trigger away from exploding at any time.
"There is no precedence for appointing a Weed to the Public Moral Committee."
Hattori's rebuttal was laced with the derogatory term. Upon hearing this, Mari slightly raised an eyebrow.
"That's a taboo term, Vice President Hattori. A taboo term as banned by the Public Moral Committee. You have a lot of nerve using that in front of me, the Chair of the Public Moral Committee."
Facing Mari's reprimand, warning, or maybe a little of both, Hattori showed no sign of weakness.
"You can ban that term all you want. Do you plan on punishing a third of the entire student body? The difference between Blooms and Weeds is something that is written into the school system and acknowledged by the school itself. The source of the difference between Blooms and Weeds is the difference in ability. Public Moral Committee members are responsible for the task of subjugating students that break school rules. A Weed with inferior abilities is incapable of accomplishing that task."
To Hattori's proud assertion, Mari only smiled coldly.
"It is true that the Public Moral Committee is ability-based, but ability comes in many forms. If we need to use strength for suppression, that's what I'm here for. Even if I'm up against 10 or even 20 opponents, I can handle them alone. In this school, the only people that can go 1 on 1 against me are President Saegusa and Club Management Group Leader Juumonji. According to you, the people with low combat capability are unnecessary. So, do you plan to challenge me, Vice President Hattori?"
The only way that Mari would say this was because of her confidence and combat record. However, despite slightly backing down before this enormous pressure, Hattori had no plans to surrender.
"This isn't my problem. It's about his ability to adapt."
The bottom line was that Hattori believed his stance was correct. Course 2 students with inferior abilities could not handle the responsibilities of the Public Moral Committee that were so heavily reliant on ability. The fact that no Course 2 student had ever been appointed to the Public Moral Committee also supported this.
In spite of this, Mari's confidence surpassed Hattori.
"Did I not say that ability comes in many forms? Tatsuya-kun can read the activation sequence and thus accurately predict the magic being invoked with his eyes and brain."
Archimedes falters at this, inadvertently showing his hand to Mayumi.
'How did they figure this out? Do they know about Tatsuya's Elemental Sight? This could be very bad...'
"...What did you say?"
Upon hearing this unexpected detail, Hattori reflexively asked. Rather than saying this was unexpected, it would be more appropriate to say this was impossible to believe.
"In other words, even before the magic has been invoked, he already knows what magic his opponent is using."
However, Mari's answer did not change.
"According to our school rules, depending on the type of magic used, the level of punishment also changes. Unfortunately, if we were to disrupt the activation sequence before invocation like Mayumi did, there is no way to tell what magic was originally used. If we waited until the activation sequence finished, then that would defeat the entire purpose. Thus it is safer to disrupt magic during the activation sequence. Without any definite accusation of wrong doing, the only thing we can charge them with is attempted disruption and the subsequent lighter punishment. But with Tatsuya, we can properly catch those that have been using stronger magics."
"...But, if he ran across an actual crime scene, and was unable to stop the magic invocation..."
Hattori could not overcome his shock, but still managed to rebut.
"In that case, it would be beyond a 1st Year Course 1 student anyways. And probably beyond 2nd Year students as well. How many people do you know that are able to invoke second and still manage to deny their opponent from invoking first? Besides that, there is still one more reason I want him to join the Public Moral Committee."
Mari tabled the first reason and started another.
No matter what, Hattori couldn't come up with a counter argument on the spot.
"To this day there is no Public Moral Committee member that comes from Course 2 students. In other words, Course 2 students that improperly use magic against school rules are apprehended by Course 1 students. As you said, there is a wide divide between Course 1 and Course 2 students. Course 1 students can apprehend Course 2 students, but the reverse is not true. This configuration has only served to widen that divide. I do not like it that the committee members under my command are only serving to widen this differential impression."
"Ah... Quite impressive, Mari. You have even taken this into account? I thought you only cared about Tatsuya-kun."
"Please be quiet, President."
Mayumi wanted to change the surrounding atmosphere, but was stopped by Suzune.
Archimedes silently curses to himself as Mayumi continues her streak.
"President... as the Vice-President, I object to appointing Shiba Tatsuya as a Public Morals Committee member.
While I accept that Chair Watanabe has got a point in her assertion, the original mission of a Public Morals Committee member is to uncover and subjugate the school rule breakers.
A Course 2 student who is lacking in magic ability can't perform the duties of a Public Morals Committee member. Such a misplaced appointment will surely damage your reputation as the President.
Please reconsider."
"Please wait!"
'Nononono. Miyuki, this is not the time or place for your bro-con!'
"This may sound audacious, Vice-President. My brother's practical magic results may indeed be unfavorable, but that was merely because the practical test was not effective in gauging my brother's strength.
In a real battle, my brother would not lose to anyone."
On hearing those words that were filled with certainty, Mari's eyes widened a little. Mayumi's faint smile disappeared as well, and her serious eyes turned towards Miyuki and Tatsuya.
Archimedes was silently weeping into the table.
However, the seriousness in the gaze Hattori returned on Miyuki became thinner.
"Shiba-san."
The one Hattori was addressing was, needless to say, Miyuki.
"Regardless of what happens, a Magician must make judgments calmly and logically. Individual bias may be unavoidable for a normal person, but for one who is aiming to become a Magician, please bear in mind that you should not let your individual bias cloud your judgment."
There was no kindness felt in the admonishment. He was probably just acting as an excellent "Upperclassman", who despite his self-righteousness, was looking after his junior of the same Course 1. —But, under these circumstances, such a manner of speaking caused the opposite effect, and the moment when Miyuki would rebuke Hattori.
Sure enough, Miyuki was getting increasingly heated up.
"Pardon me for saying so, but my judgment is not clouded! If Onii-sama could use more of his power—"
"Miyuki."
Tatsuya held his hand out in front of Miyuki, who had completely lost her cool.
With a startled face, Miyuki shut her mouth with a mix of embarrassment and regret, and hung her head in shame.
Having stopped Miyuki's words with a wave of his hand, Tatsuya walked up to Hattori.
Miyuki had indeed said too much. She had almost said the things that shouldn't be said. However, it was Hattori who had made Miyuki say that much.
"Vice-President Hattori, why don't we have a mock battle?"
"What...?"
The people who were lost for words from the surprise request were not limited to the challengee, Hattori, alone.
Mayumi, and also Mari, looked at the two of them in dumbfounded amazement from the unexpected daring retaliation.
Archimedes accidently tipped his hand again, showing Mayumi his cards.
'Tatsuya... I can cover for a lot, but this is going too far...'
Under everyone's gaze, Hattori's body started quivering.
"Don't be too conceited, for a mere reserve!"
The one who gave a small shriek was Azusa.
The other three, as expected of upperclassmen, remained composed.
And then, a small wry smile surfaced on the troubled face of the one who was getting verbally abused.
"What's so funny?!"
"A Magician should remain calm, right?"
"Kuh!"
Having his own words thrown back at him in ridicule, Hattori held his breath.
Tatsuya didn't stop there.
"As it is, I think that we won't know each other's anti-personnel battle skill without fighting.
It's not like I want to become a Public Morals Committee member but... if it's for proving that my little sister's judgment is not clouded, then it cannot be helped."
He seemed to be mumbling to himself.
To Hattori, it sounded like a challenge.
"...Fine. I'll give you a good lesson on what it is to know your place."
It was not just his mouth that had betrayed his agitation. His controlled tone, on the contrary, indicated the depth of his anger.
Without a moment's delay, Mayumi interjected.
"As the Student Council President, I authorize the formal mock battle match between 2nd Year Class B, Hattori Gyoubu and 1st Year Class E, Shiba Tatsuya."
"On the basis of the Student Council President's declaration, as the Chair of Public Morals Committee, I recognize that the match between the two of you as a legitimate extracurricular activity in abidance of the school rules."
"The time of the match will be thirty minutes from now, at the third practice room. The match will be a private one, and I authorize the use of CADs by both sides."
It was a measure to prevent the match from becoming a brawling incident — an act of violence forbidden by the school rules.
On the declaration from Mayumi and Mari with solemn expressions and nonchalant voices, Azusa started typing furiously into the terminal.
Archimedes sighs and sets his cards down, pulling out his terminal and punching some commands in.
"It's just the third day of school, and my cat is going to be out of the bag, huh..."
After retrieving his CAD case in exchange for the approval letter stamped with the student council president's stamp (even now, this sort of thing was still done on paper), Tatsuya grumbled just before the door to the third practice room, and from behind him, came a voice that was on the verge of tears.
"I'm really sorry..."
"It's nothing you need to apologize for."
"But Onii-sama, it's because of my fault that I'm causing trouble for you again..."
Turning around, and taking half a step, Tatsuya held his hand above his little sister's head.
Miyuki's body trembled as she closed her eyes. But, after feeling the gentle pat on her head, she timidly looked up.
Even now, her tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
"I said this too during the school entrance ceremony, right?
I always feel that I'm being saved by you whenever you get angry in my place, when I am unable to get angry myself.
...Don't apologize. Now is the time to say something more appropriate."
"Yes... please do your best."
Wiping off a tear with a finger, Miyuki smiled, and in similar fashion, Tatsuya smiled and nodded.
"Great. You two have made up. Now Tatsuya, let's talk about what you are going to do." Archimedes says cheerlessly, engrossed in working on Tatsuya's CADs.
A small robot is holding Tatsuya's black CAD case up in front of Archimedes as he makes small adjustments to one of the CADs.
"Alright, I have limited the power of this thing so that you do not accidentally go overboard. I know that I don't need to tell you this, but, you need to end this as quickly as possible. By the same token, I do not want you showing off much of your power. It's already problematic that they know you can read the activation sequences."
Archimedes closes the case with a small metallic snap before handing it to Tatsuya and dismissing the robot. Tatsuya nods before opening the door.
"This is surprising."
Upon opening the door, this was the line said to him.
"What is?"
The one who was receiving Tatsuya at the door, was the appointed judge for this match, Mari.
"I was referring to your unexpected enthusiasm at fighting. I thought you were one who wasn't bothered by the remarks of others."
Even while she was talking about her surprise, her eyes were sparkling with anticipation. A deep sigh welled up in his throat, but Tatsuya, with his steel-like self-restraint — describing it in this manner may be a little exaggerating but — swallowed it anyway.
"I thought it was the job of a Public Morals Committee member to stop personal fights."
Instead of a sigh, he couldn't help but let loose a somewhat sarcastic remark.
While there was not a single sign of Mari rebutting that.
"This is not a personal fight. It's a formal match.
Mayumi said it too, didn't she?
The rule of strength is not something applied between the Course 1 and Course 2 students. Rather, it is something applied between Course 1 students themselves.
This is the very first time we are using such a method to settle things between a Course 1 and Course 2 student, you see."
"Didn't the number of 'formal matches' increase ever since you became the Chair of the Public Morals Committee, senpai?"
"Indeed, it did increase."
Her calm attitude caused not just Tatsuya, but even Miyuki who was waiting behind him to smile wryly. Archimedes, however, had already been called over by Mayumi.
"Yes, Mayumi? What do you want?" Archimedes asks, ignoring the hostile gaze from Hattori.
"Oh, nothing~~ I just thought that we could make this interesting."
"President!" Azusa pleads in a soft voice.
"Don't worry A-Chan, it's not like we are betting money or anything! Just think of it as an agreement between friends~~"
Azusa sighs, giving up on this one sided argument.
"Sorry. I am not going bet against you in this fight." Archimedes says, leaning back against the wall.
"Oh? And why is that?" Mayumi asks, circling in front of Archimedes so she can see his face.
"Because I am already completely certain of who is going to win. It would be unfair to you."
Mayumi gives him an inquisitive look, slightly cocking her head. A metallic click resounds through the room, drawing everyone's attention to Tatsuya and the black case he had opened.
"Now, we just wait..." Archimedes whispers under his breath, sending chills down Mayumi's spine.
The black attaché case contained a pair of CADs in the shape of handguns.
He took out one of them, pulled out a cartridge shape from the place where a magazine would be lodged into a real gun, and exchanged it for something else.
Except for Miyuki, everyone watched him intently with deep interest.
"Sorry for the wait."
"Do you always carry additional storage cartridges with you?"
"Yes, I am unable to smoothly operate the Generalized CAD as I can't cope well with them."
All of said cartridges had been hand made by Archimedes to optimize the speed at which Tatsuya could identify and switch cartridges.
Hattori, who was standing across from him, sneered slightly upon hearing this.
"Alright, allow me to explain the rules. In terms of either direct or indirect attacks, lethal attacks are forbidden. Techniques that deal permanent disabilities to the opponent are also forbidden.
Abilities that cause direct harm to the physical body are forbidden. However, direct attacks that do not result in anything greater than bone fractures are permitted.
No weapons at any time. Unarmed combat is allowed. If you plan on using kicking techniques, please remove your shoes and change into the school's soft boots.
The condition for defeat is when the judge has determined one side is unable to continue the battle.
Both sides please move behind your respective starting lines, and do not activate your CAD until I give the signal.
Breaking the rules results in an automatic defeat. I will use my full strength to stop it, so remember that. That is all."
Both Tatsuya and Hattori nodded at this, walked towards the starting lines that were five meters apart, and stood facing one another.
Hattori's expression was more solemn than mocking or challenging, but his face still betrayed an easy-going demeanor.
The initial position was out of physical reaching distance. Even if the opponent possessed the charging power of a professional soccer player, magic was still faster at this distance. Because this was a magic-based contest, the side with the superior magical attack would naturally have the advantage.
In this situation, the one who invoked their magic first would usually win. Even if the initial attack did not completely defeat the opponent, some degree of damage was unavoidable. There were very few people that had the mental discipline to absorb magical damage and still calmly work their magic. Since sustaining magical damage also disrupted the magic creation process, as long as one continued to attack, victory was assured.
Tatsuya held a handgun-shaped Specialized CAD.
Hattori wore a traditional bracelet-shaped Generalized CAD.
Specialized CADs had the advantage in speed, while Generalized CADs had the advantage in versatility.
Nonetheless, even if Specialized CADs had a speed advantage over Generalized CADs, that alone could not overcome the difference between Course 1 and Course 2 students. And the opponent was a new student. Hattori's conclusion was likely that there was absolutely no way that he could lose, a consideration that was neither conceited nor overconfident.
But Archimedes knew better than to judge Tatsuya based on face value.
Tatsuya pointed the CAD he held in his right hand towards the floor,
And waited for Mari's signal.
Archimedes put his hands on Mayumi's shoulders and leaned down to her ear.
"I give the match 5 seconds or less." He whispers, sending electricity arcing through Mayumi's body.
The simulation room returned to complete silence.
Just as that silence was about to fill every corner of the room...
"...Begin!"
The "formal match" between Tatsuya and Hattori officially began.
Victory was decided in an instant.
Tatsuya disappeared from sight, only to show up behind Hattori with his CAD raised.
The entire match lasted less than 5 seconds, and could be appropriately described as an instant win.
In front of Tatsuya's CAD, Hattori keeled over.
"...Winner, Shiba Tatsuya."
Mari cautiously announced the name of the winner.
There was not a trace of joy on the winner's face.
That expression was appropriate for someone who had merely arrived at the expected result.
He gave a short bow, then walked towards the table that held the CAD cases.
It wasn't just his posture; he was wholly uninterested in his victory.
Archimedes had a similar disposition, never having a doubt in his mind about the outcome.
"Alright then. Let's get back to what we were doing. Mayumi and I still have a game to finish." Archimedes says, walking towards the door.
"Wait."
Mari called out.
Archimedes sighs and returns to where he was standing next to Mayumi.
"That movement right there... Did you preemptively input a Speed Ability?"
Hearing this, Mayumi, Suzune, and Azusa all began reflecting on the match.
At the moment the start signal was given, Tatsuya had moved in front of Hattori.
At the next instant, he was several meters behind Hattori's right flank.
Anyone would mistake that speed for Flash Step.
A normal human body is incapable of that sort of motion.
"The fact that that is impossible...I think Senpai is more aware of that than anyone."
It was just as Tatsuya said. As the judge, Mari was closely observing whether CADs were being activated. Not just the obvious CADs, but even for hidden CADs, the flow of psions would have been obvious to her.
"But, that?"
"That wasn't magic, that was a bona fide physical technique."
"I can testify to that as well. That is Onii-sama's physical technique. Onii-sama was mentored by Kokonoe Yakumo-sensei."
Mari held her breath. For someone as versed in combat as she was, the name Kokonoe Yakumo was quite familiar. Mayumi and Suzune did not know of Kokonoe like Mari, but they too could not hide their surprise that someone could accomplish such a feat that was normally written off as something that could only be accomplished through the aid of magic.
"I can further testify on that point. I am also a disciple of Kokonoe-sensei, albeit in a different practice. Does that about cover everything?" Archimedes asks, leaning against the doorframe.
Mayumi recovered from her astonishment. From the perspective of someone who had studied magic, she also had her own question.
"Was that attack also Ninjutsu? I thought I saw the release of Psion wave motions."
That being said, her voice and word selection had both stiffened, probably because she still hadn't completely overcome her shock.
Generally, inquiring about another Magician's unreleased abilities, or even to ask how the ability works, is against the rules. But, for someone such as Mayumi who uses Psion Bullets, for Tatsuya to use Psions that had no physical manifestation as weapons, and exactly how he managed to damage Hattori... these burning questions could not be suppressed.
"You're correct. The attack was not Ninjutsu, but based on Psion wave motions. The foundation of that Psion motion wave came from Oscillation-type Basic Single System Magic."
"Given that, I still don't understand how you knocked out Hanzou."
"Causing him to faint was enough."
"Faint? How did that happen?"
As he watched Mayumi tilt her head, Tatsuya's expression did not become more troubled as he continued to explain.
"For Magicians, Psions can be discernible just like visible light and sound waves. This is a mandatory skill for magic, but the side effect is that when Magicians are exposed to unexpected Psion wave motions, they frequently misinterpret that their bodies are swaying. This misunderstanding directly affects the physical body. The reasoning behind this is very similar to hypnotic suggestion, where people under hypnosis are induced into thinking they suffered 'burn injuries', then find out that the physical symptoms reflect their thinking. During the match, I used this illusion of 'swaying motions', causing him to feel an extreme case of seasickness."
"I can't believe it... Magicians are usually exposed to Psion wave motions, and thus become accustomed to these surges. For External Systematic Magic, both Activation Sequences and Magic Sequences are types of Psion wave motions. And yet despite this, to be able to disable a Magician through Psion surge alone, and to cause such a strong effect, exactly how..."
The one who answered Mayumi's question was Suzune.
"Compound waves."
"Rin-chan?"
Just this short sentence was not sufficient for the intelligent Mayumi to understand. Naturally, Suzune's explanation wasn't finished.
"By consecutively creating three varied vibrations, then have their intersection point at Hattori-kun's location, thus creating an equilateral surge through these powerful wave motions. To think you were capable of making such precise calculations."
"Quite the explanation, Ichihara-senpai."
However, Suzune's real question was in another area.
"Speaking of this, how were you able to consecutively invoke vibration magic 3 times? If your technical speed is so high, how come your technical score is this low?"
Ever since laying eyes on Tatsuya's CAD, Azusa could not calm down in the slightest and now tentatively offered a question.
"Tatsuya-kun, is that CAD the 'Silver Horn'?"
"Silver Horn? Silver, as in the Silver from that mysterious genius Magic Designer Taurus Silver?"
At Mayumi's question, Azusa visibly brightened.
'Shit… I forgot that someone may recognize his CAD…'
At times described as a "Device Geek", Azusa happily explained away.
"That's him! The miraculous CAD engineer associated with Four Leaves Technology, whose name, appearance, and data all remain a mystery!
The genius programmer who was the first in the world to make the Loop Cast System a reality.
Ah, Loop Cast System is the Activation Sequence that skips the step of restarting each Activation Sequence. If the Magic Sequence is the same, then the CAD no longer has to restart the Activation Sequence each time. This is done by adding a copying power to the Magic Calculation Area's execution mode, adding a copy of the Activation Sequence's last parts to the Activation Sequence itself, so Magicians can endlessly invoke magics within their ability. Although the theory existed in the past, but to calculate the Invocation Sequence and copy the Activation Sequence separately at the same time, no one could do it until now..."
"Stop! I know what Loop Cast is."
"In that case...
In that case, Silver Horn is the name of the Fully Customizable Specialized CAD developed by Taurus Silver!
Naturally, it has the best adjustments for the Loop Cast System, is able to invoke magic stably using the least amount of Magic Power, is critically acclaimed, and is especially popular among the law enforcement population.
Although it's sold on the market, but that requires a special procedure and fee! And judging from the way the barrel is longer than the traditional model, yours must be a limited edition model?! Where did you get that?"
"A-chan, calm down a little."
Maybe it was because of asthma, but Azusa's chest was heaving as her eyes were glued onto the item held in Tatsuya's hand. If Mayumi, who was well aware of Azusa's interests, hadn't been on hand to stop her, she would have probably been admiring it from a very close proximity.
On the other hand, Mayumi still had another question.
"But, Rin-chan. Isn't that strange? No matter how capable the Loop Cast CAD is, Loop Cast still can't..."
After the talking stopped, Suzune nodded as she tilted her head like Mayumi.
"That is strange.
Loop Cast is designed for consecutively casting one type of magic. Even if it is the same vibration magic, if the wavelength and number of vibrations set by the Magician changes, these would cause differences to occur within the Activation Sequence. If the Loop Cast automatically copies the original Activation Sequence, then it would be impossible to account for the differences in order to achieve 'Compounding Waves'.
If you set the number of vibrations as another variable, then it may be possible to use the same Activation Sequence to achieve 'Compounding Waves' while still accounting for all the differences. But if target, strength, time of duration are all variables, and you include number of vibrations as another variable... Don't tell me you managed to calculate all of that?"
This time even Suzune was stunned to the point of speechlessness, and under her gaze Tatsuya merely shrugged.
"It doesn't matter if it's multi-variable quantitative processing speed, calculation scale, or even interference strength. None of these are subjects that are assigned a grade."
Before Mayumi and Mari's gaze, Tatsuya remained ambivalent as he said that aloud.
"...The evaluation of magic technical skills only includes Invocation Speed, the scale of the Magic Sequence, and phenomena rewriting ability.
I see now, so the test is not capable of completely measuring a person's ability..."
With a groan, Hattori sat up and answered Tatsuya's ironic statement.
"Hanzou-kun, are you alright?"
"I'm fine!"
Mayumi bent at the waist and looked over Hattori. In response, Hattori quickly dodged the incoming face and hurriedly got to his feet.
"I see, so you were all worried about this from the beginning."
Hattori could not have said this if he had not overheard their earlier conversation.
Mayumi straightened herself, then nodded with a look of understanding on her face. Hattori was directly facing her.
"No, in the beginning I really hadn't realized!"
Still flushed in the face, he hurriedly searched for an argument.
"After I lost consciousness I was still in a hazy state... I only regained movement just now!"
Put it this way... It looked as if it was very easy to understand the underlying emotions.
"Is that so...? Then you must have understood completely what we just said?"
"...Eh, yes! Even if still hazy, my ears could still hear the words..."
It seemed like Mayumi perfectly understood the feelings Hattori held towards her.
As Tatsuya continues to stow his CAD, unwavering under the gaze of Azusa, Hattori walks up to Miyuki.
"Shiba-san."
"Yes."
Miyuki replies in a displeased tone.
Including Tatsuya, there were only three males in the room, so even if the tone was completely different from before, there was no mistaking who the speaker was.
"Earlier, I made a rude comment concerning your favoritism."
There was also no mistake in who the speaker of the voice was talking to.
"I was the one whose judgment was clouded. Please forgive me."
"I also spoke too arrogantly. Please forgive me."
Tatsuya slowly turned around.
For a second, prompting Hattori to reveal a cowed expression, but he quickly returns to a tougher stance.
During that split second of peace, was it preparation for reconciliation, or the harbinger for a rematch?
Before either possibility could occur, the moment disappeared.
In the end, Hattori only met Tatsuya's gaze briefly, before turning around.
They were going to work together in the same Student Council from now onwards, so leaving behind any bad blood would only hurt Miyuki.
"Let's head back to the Student Council Room!"
At Mayumi's words, every member began to move.
"How did you beat me so badly…" Archimedes sighs as he leans back in his chair.
"Oh, don't worry. No one can beat me at card games." Mayumi says with a smirk.
And now, you have to be the student council's manservant."
Archimedes falls back in his chair.
"I told you to change your wager." Archimedes says as he gets up and fixes his chair.
"Oh, you did? I didn't realize." Mayumi says with an innocent smile.
"Mayumi…"
"Fine! You have to be my personal manservant once a week when it is convenient for both of us."
"No."
"Too bad! That's the best offer I can give you." Mayumi says with a pout.
"…"
"…"
"Miyuki? Can you help me with this?"
Miyuki turns and gives him a sweet smile.
"I think you would look good in a butler's outfit. What's the harm?"
Archimedes desperately looks around the room for help, but eventually hangs his head in resignation.
"Fine. Whatever."
"Good! Your first day will be tomorrow!"
"What's up Tatsuya? You needed me?" Archimedes asks as he enters the Public Morals committee headquarters.
"I want you to look these over and make sure that the hardware is intact." Tatsuya responds, tossing Archimedes two old CADs.
Archimedes looks catches them, giving them a quick once over.
"I assume you want me to tune them for interference?" Archimedes asks.
Tatsuya nods in response before turning back to cleaning the room.
"Wantanabe-senpai, do you mind if I take these with me tonight and bring them back tomorrow?"
"Yeah, that's fine. Not sure what you will be able to do without equipment though…"
"Don't worry about me. My Grandfather keeps me well equipped."
"Your grandfather?"
"Yes, my grandfather. Shiba Tatsuaki."
"As in the HAR manufacturer?"
"The one and only."
Archimedes has the parts of the individual CADs spread across one of his workstations. He is very impressed with the quality of CADs' parts, but is appalled at the condition of the pieces as a whole. Dust has invaded the inner workings, making it extremely dangerous for use. There is also a buildup of residual Psions in the components, which is likely due to use without calibration. In most cases, this would render a CAD virtually useless due to the Psions hampering the casting speed. The only way to remedy this would be to replace either the components or the entire CAD. That is, for everyone other than Archimedes. Using Necromancy, Archimedes is able to take control of the CAD in question and forcibly jettison all of the built up Psions, restoring maximum functionality. He quickly calibrates the individual pieces for maximum interference before putting the CADs back together. He walks down the hall to Tatsuya's lab to hand them over for him to tune the software to his specifications.
"Hey Tatsuya! I'm done on my end now all that's left is for you… to…"
Archimedes opens the door to see Miyuki standing there clad only in pale blue lingerie, CAD in hand, and Tatsuya lying on the ground.
"I'll… Come back later…" He says before hastily closing the door and returning to his lab.
'Well. That was certainly something. I would have stayed to try to find out what happened if not for…'
Archimedes shakes his head violently, trying to dispel the images of Miyuki in only her undergarments.
'Oh no! I am definitely not going down that path. Tatsuya and I have an agreement, and I am not about to piss him off. For all my abilities, there is no way I can beat Tatsuya, let alone in a fair fight.'
Archimedes sets the two CADs down on a small table near the door before walking to the workstation where his newest robot prototype is.
'14 generations… I have been working on these for a long time… But, they may finally be able to keep up with Tatsuya and replace those idiots he has to fight alongside. Finally, these will be able to function as the immortal meat shields without causing Tatsuya undue pain. While Tatsuya is able to play off the pain, Archimedes knows how much it really affects Tatsuya. All memories are laid bare when they connect with Necromancy, the good and the bad.'
Archimedes brushes his hand over the runes carved into the skin-like polymer, the runes lighting as stray Psions flow into them.
'But, that also means that I can't fly under the JSDF's radar any longer… But, this isn't a decision I can simply make on my own…'
Archimedes pulls out his mobile terminal and maneuvers to his sparsely populated contact list. He turns on his 'Do not disturb' light and sits down at a workstation. His finger hovers over who he is about to call, debating the choice to call.
'No, this has to happen. She will understand.'
He presses the contact and the display switches to show him his camera feed. He props the terminal on a stand and sits up straight in his chair. He waits but a few moments before a chime signifies the call has gone through.
"Archimedes? To what do I owe the pleasure at this hour?" A devilishly sweet voice flows out of the speakers.
The display has changed to show a stunningly beautiful woman with long dark hair clad in a flowing kimono. Despite her stunning appearance, everything about her screams of danger in Archimedes head.
"Good evening, Auntie. I have called to discuss my involvement with the JSDF."
"Does that mean that you have completed your toys?"
"I believe so. But, even you, the illustrious Yotsuba Maya, lack the necessary resources for me to test them successfully. Without the JSDF's help, I fear that this could end badly for both myself and the Yotsubas."
Maya gives Archimedes a bewitching smile.
"Is that so? Then please, my dearest nephew, enlighten me."
OKAY! If you made it this far... Good job, I guess? After this, Archimedes will be serving his first day as manservant before going to meet with the JSDF. Not going to say more because SPOILERS.
