At the Yotsuba main house, in the head's private quarters, Maya Yotsuba was deep in thought. Hayama Tadanori, the head butler, poured herbal tea and placed it before her, breaking the silence.
"Is this alright?" Hayama asked.
"Chikahime-san's request aligns with 'their' wishes. No issues should arise," Maya replied.
The "they" Maya referred to—the sponsors of the Yotsuba, including the Godsaka family—shared this intent, so she didn't interfere. However, she wasn't keen on involving Tatsuya. Hayama sensed this but, before he could speak, Maya sipped her tea and continued.
"They say grudges linger, don't they?" she mused.
"Madam…" Hayama began.
"It's fine, Hayama-san. Since Tatsuya and Yugen-kun aren't uninvolved, they'll act. I can't just sit idly," Maya said.
She spoke of the figure behind Zhou Gongjin—Jiedo Heigu, aka Gu Jie, who harbored a grudge from Maya's kidnapping 32 years ago and the Yotsuba's revenge with Gozo. To Maya, his resentment was incomprehensible.
"Why resent those who destroyed your revenge target? Shouldn't you be grateful? What do you think, Hayama-san?" she asked.
"Indeed, eliminating the need for revenge could be a relief, but with no outlet for his grudge, he likely turned it on the Yotsuba and Uesugi," Hayama replied.
"That makes sense," Maya nodded.
Once, Maya herself considered revenge against the world, stopped by family and a friend's influence, turning her pain into perspective. Thus, she couldn't fathom Gu Jie's persistent vendetta, as Hayama gently explained.
"Gu Jie is pitiable. Facing Gozo at his peak, Yugen-kun surpassing him, and Tatsuya and Miyuki-san—it's daunting. Add Mototsugu, his wife, Tatsuya's friends, and the Mitsuya sisters, all top-tier magicians. He'd need a suicide attack," Hayama said.
"If it came to that, I wouldn't even pity him," Maya said.
Tatsuya's circle was formidable. With the Juumonji and Ichijou heirs, Gu Jie's escape was nearly impossible.
"Back to the competition—will General Saeki assist?" Hayama asked.
"No issue. They can't stop it, so they'll help. Only Yugen-kun could restrain that child, and I doubt the Defense Force has the nerve to mishandle him," Maya said.
She didn't voice it, but Hayama caught the implication: even she lacked such boldness.
The day before passed without incident, and the 2096 Nine Schools Competition began. This year, events and rules changed.
Ice Pillars Break and Shield Down divided nine players (or pairs) into three group leagues for round-robin qualifiers, with group winners advancing to a final round-robin. Ice Pillars Break limited each school to one player or pair, slightly altering qualifiers.
Mirage Bat, with 27 competitors per school, split into three groups of four and three of five via random draw, allowing same-school matchups. Flight magic, unrestricted in uses, was capped at one-minute continuous flight, requiring landings.
Monolith Code shifted from mixed qualifiers and tournaments to a two-day round-robin league, heavily taxing players competing in both it and Steeplechase Cross-Country.
Thus, Yugen proposed to Hattori that he, Kelly Minakami, and Mikihiko skip Steeplechase, as Yugen, Toya, and Shuji, in the first half of Monolith Code, had recovery time. Aiming for points to secure overall victory regardless of Steeplechase, Hattori reluctantly agreed.
Day露天鏡台 Day 1 featured Ice Pillars Break Pair and Roar and Gunner Pair qualifiers. Roar and Gunner scored based on target accuracy and adjusted time.
"Good thing my events don't overlap, or I'd trouble Isori-senpai," Tatsuya said.
"Seems that worry's gone," Yugen replied.
Tatsuya handled Shizuku's CAD for Ice Pillars Break Pair and Eimi's for Roar and Gunner Pair. Pair events could share one engineer, but player preferences varied. Yugen, as sub-engineer, assisted but was tied to the command tent as strategy leader, unanimously chosen due to last year's rookie leadership.
Still, Yugen finished Shuji and Leo's CAD adjustments for Men's Ice Pillars Break Pair in an hour, using practiced spells requiring only final tweaks.
"Any requests from Chiyoda-senpai, Isori-senpai?" Tatsuya asked.
"No, just a 'thank you.' Heard you provided her a spell too," Isori said.
"It's usable for her," Tatsuya replied.
In Pillars Break Pair qualifiers, First High wouldn't face Third High, so Leo and Shizuku, focusing on defense, would dominate. In finals, 'Cardinal George' might scheme, but Shuji's spells grew stronger against defensive or fortified opponents, and Leo had a new spell. Shizuku's hidden Phonon Tears ensured no worries.
For Pillars Break and Roar and Gunner (shortened to "Roargun" by players), technical staff had little to do during matches. One engineer sufficed for pairs, but Tatsuya, recalling last year, dreaded mishaps.
"I'm off to the Roargun course," Tatsuya said.
"Take care," Yugen replied.
"You'll be fine, Tatsuya-kun. As for you, Yugen-kun, any strategy plans as leader?" Isori asked.
Tatsuya left with smiles. Isori turned to Yugen.
"As planned, we observe today's pair results for tweaks. Tomorrow's solo Pillars Break and Roargun should follow strategy. Though, third-years should lead," Yugen said.
It made sense for next year, but Isori, also technical staff, wasn't suited, and Hattori, club head, endorsed Yugen's mental strength from last year's record. Yugen accepted reluctantly.
Tomorrow, all competitors were second-years, many tied to the Ten Master Clans (Miyuki's status still secret). Overconfidence was absent, but no major issues were expected. Hattori, from practice, agreed but remained uneasy.
Current scores: First and Seventh High tied at 100 points, Third High at 60. Seventh High's water prowess shone, but this roster avoided original story struggles.
"Technical staff's leveled up, so we'll get solid results, no flattery," Yugen said.
"You're ruthless, Yugen-kun, like last year," Isori said.
"Am I? Other schools are efforting too, so we can't slack," Yugen replied.
Hattori agreed inwardly. Last year's near-miss on the three-peat due to Mari's injury meant no guarantees. Staying sharp was key.
"That's it for today's review," Yugen said.
"First day, after all," Isori added.
Miyuki staying in Yugen's room was an open secret, making his and Tatsuya's rooms awkward hangouts. Lingering in the lobby or café risked judgmental stares, so Tatsuya's group chose the CAD adjustment van's side.
"Feels like camping, not a competition," Shuji muttered.
"We're drawing attention," Yume said frankly.
They used camping chairs and tables under an awning from the camping car's roof. First High's technical van, a converted camper, was a lavish upgrade from last year's wagon, stunning other schools.
This stemmed from Miyuki's demand for better staff conditions, Yugen's wish for player CAD autonomy, and Tatsuya's spring windfall, leading to a Northmountain-funded camper van "donation." Miyuki couldn't stand her brother in cramped conditions, and with Yugen and Tatsuya's circumstances, the bold move materialized.
"Coffee?" Pixie offered.
"Thanks," Tatsuya said.
Pixie handled all van service, fitting her 3H automation role and Honoka's Parasite-driven maid-like precision, secretly trained by Seria. Miyuki and Mizuha seemed miffed—likely feeling their territory invaded—but it was unavoidable during the competition. Yugen sipped Pixie's coffee.
"Thanks," Kent said, accepting a cup.
Kent volunteered as Tatsuya's assistant, earning the role. Toya, Sana, Mizuki, and Mikihiko were absent, but Seria, Shuji, and Yume were present.
"Erika had some errand," Yume said.
As roommates, Yume invited Erika, who declined, citing a troublesome matter, which Yume didn't probe.
Present were Tatsuya, Miyuki, Yugen, Honoka, Shizuku, Shuji, Yume, Seria, Mizuha, and Kent—ten directly or indirectly invited by Tatsuya and Miyuki, with Pixie serving.
"Leo said he'd come," Shuji, his roommate, noted. Yume had begged Leo about Miyuki, but Shuji shut it down with a fist.
"I saw Saijo-senpai en route, with Ernst Rosen, Japan branch president," Kent said.
Kent, working until evening, saw them after showering. "Saijo-senpai looked annoyed."
"What about me?" Leo appeared.
Perfect timing, though not Kent's intent to gossip. Shuji jumped in.
"Hey, Leo. You were late. Heard Ernst Rosen stopped you?" Shuji said.
"Yeah, something like that," Leo replied, clearly avoiding the topic.
His unusual discomfort suggested something happened with Rosen. Sharp members noticed. Seria whispered to Yugen.
(Onii-chan, during Men's Pillars Break Pair, I saw Ernst Rosen on a call. Lip-reading, he mentioned 'recruiting' Leo or, worst case, 'kidnapping.')
In Men's Pillars Break Pair, Leo's Spiegel Panzer deflected all attacks, and Shuji's Tenjin magic destroyed fortified pillars. Ernst Rosen watched, and Seria's lip-reading caught his ominous words. Tatsuya, to lighten the mood, offered Leo a seat. Yugen decided against pressing Leo, opting to enjoy the tea party.
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