Post-Mirage Bat Finals
The Mirage Bat finals ended with Honoka claiming victory and Subaru taking second, securing a flawless one-two finish for First High, just as Tatsuya had boldly declared.
In response, Third High's first-years planned a meeting to discuss the outcome, but Airi and Keiko, who competed in Mirage Bat, declined to join. Instead, they held their own private reflection in their room, uninterested in the larger discussion.
"Close call, Airi," Keiko said, her voice soft but tinged with disappointment.
"You were so close too, Keiko-san," Airi replied, mirroring her sentiment.
"First High took the top spots, but third and fourth aren't bad," Keiko said. "We weren't that far behind. And since First High will likely forfeit Monolith Code, it's not the end."
"True," Airi agreed, her tone measured. "It's a shame we didn't win, but as long as Third High comes out on top, it's fine."
The Monolith Code accident had shaken Airi and her teammates deeply. First High was the only school that could've rivaled them, but with their withdrawal, no one stood a chance against Third High's Masaki and Shinkuro. The point gap between First High, currently in first, and Third High in second was close enough for Monolith Code to flip the rankings.
"Still, we couldn't beat Tatsuya-sama," Airi sighed, a hint of awe in her voice.
"Tatsuya-san's skills were unreal in Mirage Bat," Keiko added, shaking her head.
"I heard someone in the stands grumbling," Airi said, mimicking the voice. "'That guy's practically Taurus Silver!'"
Keiko laughed. "Sure, Tatsuya-san's incredible, but a world-class engineer wouldn't bother with a high school competition."
Unaware that Tatsuya was Taurus Silver, the four girls, Keiko, Airi, Kanon, and Koren, chuckled at the overheard complaint.
"The athletes Tatsuya-sama coached only lost to each other," Airi noted.
"But Miyuki's still in the main event," Kanon pointed out.
"No matter how strong Tatsuya-sama is, a first-year winning the main event is impossible," Keiko said skeptically.
Koren tilted her head. "Maybe. Rumor has it Miyuki's magic power rivals even Watanabe-senpai's."
"Talent's one thing," Airi countered, "but using it effectively is another."
"Still, she's Tatsuya-san's sister," Keiko said.
"Wouldn't be surprising if she's exceptional too," Kanon added.
Kanon and Keiko shivered, recalling Miyuki's display of Inferno and Niflheim in Pillars Break. Mirage Bat didn't involve offensive magic, but if she could wield such power, mastering ascent and descent spells would be child's play.
"I bet Tatsuya-san's coaching will get her to the finals," Koren said confidently.
"That wretched Miyuki," Airi muttered, her voice laced with envy. "Not only does she get Tatsuya-sama's coaching, but she's so clingy as his sister…"
"Airi, you're making that face again," Keiko warned gently.
"They're siblings, it's normal," Kanon added, trying to soothe her.
Airi's frustration was palpable, untouched by their comfort. She'd been captivated by Tatsuya since seeing his photo, and meeting him had sealed her admiration. The others, too, were intrigued by him to varying degrees, but right now, they were more concerned about reining in Airi's emotions.
"You're exhausted, Airi. You should rest," Kanon said gently. "Come on, lie down."
"Fatigue makes you irritable. Sleep will help," Koren added.
"Keiko-san, Koren-san, I'm not tired," Airi insisted.
"She's definitely mad," Kanon whispered.
Keiko and Koren nodded, sharing a silent agreement: Airi was furious.
"I'm stepping outside for a bit," Airi said, her voice tight.
"Want company?" Keiko offered.
"No, I'll be fine alone," Airi replied.
Recognizing her own anger, Airi left to cool off. As the door closed, the three remaining girls sighed in relief.
"It's rare for Airi to get this worked up," Kanon said.
"Yeah, she's really hung up on Tatsuya-san," Keiko agreed.
"And burning with rivalry toward Miyuki," Koren added.
"Sure, they're unusually close for siblings," Kanon said, "but Koren's dad found out their parents live separately, right?"
"Yes," Koren confirmed. "Their father's with his new wife, and their mother passed away."
"So Miyuki's probably leaning on Tatsuya-san a lot," Keiko mused.
Their speculation wasn't far off. Miyuki's dependence on Tatsuya stemmed from their mother's death and deep-seated distrust toward their father, though her reliance had begun even earlier. Their parents' circumstances only amplified it.
"Think we could talk to Tatsuya-san again?" Kanon wondered.
"Maybe at the joint party after the Nine Schools Competition," Koren suggested.
"Isn't that a dance party?" Keiko asked.
"You don't have to dance. You can just eat and mingle," Kanon said.
"Wonder if Tatsuya-san will show," Keiko said.
"Depends on First High's results," Koren replied. "If they win overall, Tatsuya-san, as a key player, will likely attend."
"For rookies, Third High's got Airi, Masaki, and us from the Hundred Families, so we're strong," Keiko said. "But overall, First High's third-years, with the Saegusa heiress and the Juumonji heir, are just too dominant."
Koren and Kanon nodded at Keiko's calm analysis. First High's upperclassmen were a force to be reckoned with.
"I just want to win the rookie division," Kanon sighed.
"But we're done competing," Keiko said.
"All that's left is the boys' Monolith Code," Koren noted. "With Ichijou-kun and Kirihara-kun, we're fine."
"No way those two lose," Kanon said confidently. "With First High out, the rookie title's ours."
Even if First High withdrew, Third High needed to place at least second to overtake them in points. But to the girls, Masaki and Shinkuro losing was unimaginable. The mood across schools already crowned Third High as the rookie champion, and they were certain tomorrow's Monolith Code would seal it.
Little did they know, the Ten Master Clans' power—and Tatsuya, the object of their admiration and budding affection—would soon shatter their confidence…