The Monolith Code semifinals pitted Third High against Eighth High and First High against Ninth High. As expected, Third and First High advanced. Shoki single-handedly incapacitated Eighth High's team with mobile interference armor, a Tenjuji specialty. First High's win came via Mikihiko's mist barrier, enabling code input.
Watching from the tent, Mayumi questioned Katsuto.
"Is Ichijo-kun provoking?" she asked.
"Likely. He wants to draw out Siba head-on, but Siba won't bite," Katsuto replied.
Shoki's aggressive style mirrored Katsuto's, aiming to bait Tatsuya. As the monolith unlocker, Tatsuya's combat prowess made him ideal for the impromptu team, despite his Course 2 status.
"Will Yugen move forward?" Mayumi asked.
"With 'Cardinal' in play, Mitsuya has to. He'll likely face Ichijo," Katsuto said.
"A Yugen-Ichijo showdown? Hard to predict, but Ichijo's in for a tough fight," Mayumi mused.
Regulations banned Explosion, but Shoki's semifinal display was formidable. Yugen's multi-magic control, surpassing Nineloader, plus ancient magic, gave him an edge in a direct clash. Their Ice Pillars Break final, won by Yugen, suggested he might provoke Shoki by advancing.
"He survived a building collapse unscathed. Damaging him within Monolith Code rules is near impossible," Mayumi said.
"Plus that CAD. A straight magic duel? Even I can't predict the outcome," Katsuto admitted.
Mayumi's inquiries to Kana and Mika about Yugen's shooting and bombardment yielded "beyond comprehension" responses. His survival implied A-rank lethality defense. Katsuto pitied Shoki, unable to envision Yugen losing, even to the battle-hardened "Crimson Prince."
"The grassland field's open for both, but against Mitsuya's multi-magic control, even I'd struggle," Katsuto said.
"You'd have to say that," Mayumi teased.
Yugen could counter Phalanx, though he'd avoid it in the competition. Katsuto found it hard to picture defeating him.
Outside, Yugen sneezed. "No cold, but someone's talking about me?"
"You're a mystery. It's inevitable," Tatsuya said.
"Men gossiping about me? Creepy," Yugen replied.
They stretched, yoga-like, mindful of Self-Restoration triggering from injuries.
"Third High was cocky, acting like they've won," Yugen said.
"You heard?" Tatsuya asked.
"Overheard," Yugen corrected.
His controlled Auditory Enhancement caught Third High's chatter during stretches, a New-Yin-Ryu focus exercise. Their assumption of victory on the grassland field amused him, though he doubted "Crimson Prince" or "Cardinal" would slack.
"Our plan's working. Nice job, Tatsuya," Yugen said.
"Thanks to you, magician," Tatsuya replied.
"More like a corrupt merchant and crooked official—ack!?" Yugen yelped as Miyuki draped a frozen towel over him, giggling.
Tatsuya received a cool, not icy, towel. Yugen glared, shivering.
"Did I wrong you, Miyuki? This could cause frostbite!" Yugen complained.
"Who knows?" Miyuki smirked.
(She's holding a grudge.) Tatsuya sighed.
Last night's incident—likely Yugen's restraint—was the cause. Tatsuya saw Yugen's caution as prudent for Miyuki's safety and premarital conduct, but her actions had merit. Tatsuya, not devoid of desire, left such matters to Miya, intervening only for Miyuki's flashy attire. He admired Yugen's restraint.
"What do you want?" Yugen asked.
"Dance with me at the victory party. No escaping," Miyuki said.
"Tatsuya," Yugen pleaded.
"Give up," Tatsuya said.
"Knew it, damn it," Yugen groaned.
With the championship looming, Yugen sighed, resigned to facing the protagonist siblings.
Gozo invited Chikime to his room to greet a guest: Maya Yotsuba, accompanied by Hayama. Maya, typically aloof, bowed politely.
"Thank you for the invitation, Ueyama-dono, Kagurazaka-dono," Maya said.
"Just family to us, though Chikime, the 'sponsor,' might disagree," Gozo teased.
"Same for you, dear brother-in-law, with Toudou-dono," Chikime retorted.
"I won't deny it," Gozo said.
The Kagurazaka and Yotsuba ties ran deep, with Chikime's family sponsoring the Fourth Research Institute alongside Toudou Aoba. Gozo's displeasure with Toudou stemmed from his daughter's marriage. Chikime's brother married into the Yotsuba, but only Kagurazaka heads and spouses bore the name, a heavy tradition.
"We called you about Mitsuya Yugen," Chikime said. "Your niece seems fond of him, so we consulted Miya-san."
Chikime, knowing Miya and Maya, instantly recognized Miyuki's lineage. Maya acknowledged Chikime's perceptiveness.
"Yugen's engagement is handled by Ueyama and Kagurazaka. He's also named next Kagurazaka head," Chikime said.
"Is that… acceptable?" Maya asked.
"No issue. My wife is Chikime's sister, so Yugen carries Kagurazaka blood," Gozo said.
Maya looked impressed. Yugen's power, rivaling Tatsuya's, could disrupt clan dynamics. His engagement and Kagurazaka role removed him from the Ten Master Clans, a strategic move.
"We propose Miyuki Siba as Yugen's primary fiancée," Chikime said.
"Multiple marriages?" Maya asked.
"Yugen's strategic-class power necessitates passing it on," Gozo said.
Maya had considered Yugen for Yotsuba succession, but his Kagurazaka role and Miyuki's engagement simplified matters. Hayama nodded, and Maya smiled.
"No objections. Announce it after our next head is named, perhaps New Year's in two years?" Maya said.
"Fine by us. We planned a head announcement on an auspicious day," Chikime said.
"Mototsugu's my heir, but keep it quiet until official," Gozo added.
Post-meeting, Maya, sipping tea, questioned Hayama.
"Guess my thoughts?" she asked.
"Likely Tatsuya-dono," Hayama replied.
Miyuki was the Yotsuba heir favorite. Maya accepted the proposal to clear rival candidates, a timely opportunity. Hayama placed the tea, and Maya sipped.
"Yugen joining Kagurazaka means Miyuki's marriage yields optimal results. Miya-neesan would be thrilled, but details post-competition," Maya said.
A Yotsuba-Kagurazaka marriage strengthened ties with the Mitsuya, avoiding clan complications. Miyuki's departure might seem self-sabotaging, but their Yotsuba ties were undisclosed, making impacts uncertain.
"Tatsuya's in Monolith Code," Hayama noted.
"He's cunning, deceiving without my teaching. Who's he take after?" Maya mused.
Tatsuya shone subtly, crediting others. His engineering feats were undeniable. Hayama smiled at Maya's complaint.
"Speak plainly, Hayama," Maya said.
"You and Miya-sama, perhaps," Hayama replied.
"We're not scheming foxes. That's unfair," Maya huffed.
Hayama meant it descriptively, waiting as Maya gazed out the window.
"Toudou knows, right?" she asked.
"Likely. Branch family explanations?" Hayama replied.
"Next year's Keishunkai. The west is restless, so leave New Year's to Yugen," Maya said.
"Understood," Hayama replied.
The Great Asian Alliance's moves were known, but Hayama advised letting them play out, a strategy Maya adopted.
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