National High School Magic Thesis Competition Day.
Tatsuya, Miyuki, and the presentation team, with Leo, Erika, Mikihiko, and Mizuki guarding the demo device, were set. A minor clash with Kanon occurred—details later.
Yugen, part of the joint security team, arrived early, having stayed at the Mitsuya residence nearby. Waking to his sister clinging to him drew a heavy sigh.
Brushing aside trivialities, Yugen, in a guerrilla role—free to choose posts—sat in the joint security HQ. Katsuto Juumonji, seated opposite, was the only other present early morning.
Seizing the moment, Katsuto questioned Yugen.
"No one's around, Kagurazaka. Honestly, will this incident targeting the comp end here?"
"You've heard from Watanabe-senpai and Saigusa-senpai—it involves the 'mainland,' state-level," Yugen replied.
"Saigusa's interrogating Sekimoto today. Was that why Father joined security?" Katsuto asked.
Tatsuya's involvement risked exposing his secrets, but Yugen, formerly Mitsuya and now Kagurazaka heir, had credible intelligence networks, Katsuto deduced.
"Their goal isn't just the comp—likely the Magic Association's main databank, like spring's incident," Katsuto said.
"Databank's primary; comp's secondary. As a Ten Master Clan, what's your move, Juumonji-senpai?" Yugen asked.
Katsuto and Masaki were key for planned movements, alongside Mayumi and Mari. Duty leaned toward the Magic Association, not just national defense.
"I'll fulfill my Juumonji proxy role. You, Kagurazaka? No need to ask," Katsuto said.
"If they come reckless, I'll kill without mercy. No time for pity with ego-driven foes," Yugen replied.
Katsuto sensed Yugen's killing experience from spring's Blanche Japan Branch takedown—not single-digit kills. At a February Mitsuya meeting, Gen confirmed Yugen and Genji's involvement in Okinawa's defense three years ago. If Yugen outdid the "Crimson Prince," Saigusa and Kudou's fervor made sense. Katsuto shelved the thought.
"Understood. Focus on routes to the presentation venue. Possible?" Katsuto asked.
"Given the area, no issue," Yugen replied.
"Ichijou's at the entrance hall. I'll issue orders if needed," Katsuto said.
"Got it," Yugen replied.
As Yugen turned to leave, Katsuto stopped him.
"If they strike, during the comp?" Katsuto asked.
"Chaos maximizes impact. Most attendees lack anti-mage gear experience," Yugen said.
"Bulletproof vests for all security, including you, starting morning shift. We don't know their moves," Katsuto ordered.
"Understood," Yugen nodded, leaving.
Yugen, without a fixed post, lounged in the cafeteria, monitoring via shikigami barriers. A woman approached.
"Early, Yugen-kun," Kyoko Fujibayashi said.
"Fujibayashi-san, you're free?" Yugen asked.
"Tatsuya's group hasn't arrived. Saw you—multiple titles come in handy," Kyoko replied, sitting with coffee.
The Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, an experimental unit, had more mages and tech officers. Kyoko, officially a Defense Ministry tech officer, was here.
"My boss briefed me yesterday. Handling you is tougher than Tatsuya," Kyoko said.
"Heard, huh? It's true. But 'dog'? No way. If they mean harm, I'll use worst measures," Yugen replied.
"I swore no enmity… I'd raise the white flag first," Kyoko said, wryly smiling.
Yugen's power, if bound by force, would stir Joushima, Kagurazaka, Mitsuya, and Yotsuba. Both shared wry smiles.
"FYI, 'Imperial Palace Police' are moving," Yugen said.
"Meaning?" Kyoko asked.
"Imperial Palace Police Special Anti-Mage Unit 'Godo Kai'—I'm its current leader," Yugen revealed.
"What!?" Kyoko gasped.
Officially, Imperial Palace Police Headquarters Anti-Mage Special Unit 'Godo Kai'—seven mages under strict secrecy, classified as "national critical secrets." Only the Emperor holds direct command. Yugen, as leader, wields de facto authority, backed by guardian houses. Their top-tier magic tech gear isn't publicly counted.
Kyoko grasped Yugen's disclosure: Godo Kai's secrecy burdens the battalion.
"Told the boss?" Kyoko asked.
"No. Defense Force leaks could spark a coup," Yugen said.
"True. Should I tell him?" Kyoko offered.
"We'll meet soon; I'll disclose then," Yugen replied.
Sound-altering barriers made their talk seem soft, shielding from eavesdroppers—partly due to Haruka and public security. Public security probed via Yugen, but he deferred to Gousan, warning them off.
"Public security's sniffing—Tatsuya and you. Defense Force can't control you; politicians or brass won't either," Kyoko said.
"Harsh, but I can't agree," Yugen replied.
Post-spring, despite Joushima pressure, public security probed via Haruka. Yugen brushed it off. Kyoko smiled at his futile muttering—a 15-year-old, despite his strategic prowess. His reincarnated 30+ mental age stayed unspoken.
"Tatsuya's group should be here. I'll guide," Yugen said.
"You're security but postless?" Kyoko asked.
"Ichijou's at the entrance hall. I'm guerrilla, per Juumonji-senpai, covering venue halls via shikigami 'visual sync'," Yugen replied.
Sensory sync while maintaining personal senses is advanced. Kyoko, an ancient mage, gave a complex smile at Yugen's standout ability, sans strategic magic.
At First High's waiting room, Yugen and Kyoko found Tatsuya and Miyuki.
"Morning, Tatsuya, Miyuki. Brought a guest—perfect timing," Yugen said.
"Morning, Yugen. Long time, Fujibayashi-san," Tatsuya replied.
"Been a while, Tatsuya-kun. Six months for Miyuki-san? Saw your Nine Schools match—impressive," Kyoko said.
"Thank you," Miyuki replied.
Kyoko alone was fine, but Yugen escorted as a former Mitsuya with Defense Force ties and now Kagurazaka heir, making acquaintance with Fujibayashi's ancient magic lineage plausible.
Miyuki pouted at Yugen, drawing his and Tatsuya's wry smiles.
"Not like that with Fujibayashi-san. Let's talk," Yugen said, setting a sound barrier.
Kyoko spoke, "Movable suits done, including Tatsuya's. Sanada pushed hard—share usage feedback."
"'Unavoidable,' huh?" Tatsuya said.
"Sadly. Many aim to kill this nation's strength," Kyoko replied.
Tatsuya knew, via Yugen, the battalion's terror alert and emergency role. He'd fight if needed but sighed inwardly at the busy day. Miyuki understood, hesitant to lift her "shackles."
"Details here. Supplementary for you, Yugen-kun," Kyoko said, handing a data card.
"Thanks," Tatsuya replied.
After Kyoko left, Tatsuya read the card—Alliance invasion comms. He eyed Yugen.
"Start time?" Tatsuya asked.
"Post-3 PM, likely during First or Third High's presentation. I'll secure hall entrances. Get Leo's group for contingencies," Yugen said.
Trouble assumed, only Tatsuya's group could handle it. Other Godo Kai members—Genji, Shuji, Yumeyume, Himeji—were active. Alliance's anti-mage gear posed no issue for Yugen, Tatsuya concluded, nodding.
"Yugen-san, Shizuku and I haven't been told anything…" Miyuki said.
"Your role: ensure safe student evacuation. I'll back you, but no recklessness, got it?" Yugen said.
"…Understood," Miyuki replied, reluctantly nodding, aware her Tenjin magic wasn't frontline-ready and Tatsuya's protective intent.
"Equipment's arranged. Hayama—Tadatsume—will deliver. Watch comms," Yugen said.
"Could stay at the venue," Tatsuya said.
"No way—avoid disputes," Yugen replied. "Miyuki's got a guest."
En route to the audience, Yugen guarded Tatsuya and Miyuki. Masaki Ichijou approached.
"Shiba-san! Been since the afterparty dance," Masaki said.
"Likewise," Miyuki replied.
Two months since meeting, Masaki targeted Miyuki. Her polite response hid evasion, fueling his misunderstanding. Yugen and Tatsuya agreed to avoid stirring trouble.
"Clearly smitten?" Yugen whispered.
"Possibly," Tatsuya replied.
Miyuki's "With Ichijou-san, I'm reassured" was lip service, escalating Masaki's hopes. Yugen and Tatsuya sighed.
"Like father, like son," Yugen quipped.
"Can't deny," Tatsuya agreed.
Miyuki's beauty, honed partly by Yugen, shone. She saw Masaki as a Monolith Code rival. Her polite bow and words worked, but Masaki's flustered exit was near-comical.
"Too little female immunity," Tatsuya said.
"Too much is trouble. That romance-clueless guy struggles with his sister. Can't grasp maiden hearts—neither can I fully," Yugen said.
"Agreed," Tatsuya replied.
"You two… I can't charm men like Mother," Miyuki protested.
No such claim existed, but her allure lacked. Yugen smirked at the irony.
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