Thank you for sharing the latest episode, "Scheming Soldiers," which dives into the darker machinations of the No-Head Dragon and the military's intervention, while also showcasing Tatsuya's protective instincts, Miyuki's devotion, and Mayumi's curiosity in the The Irregular at Magic High School universe. Your note about the anime version of "that scene" (likely referring to Miyuki's flight magic spectacle or a similar dramatic moment) adds context, and I've translated with your priorities in mind: polished prose, accuracy, natural dialogue, emotional depth, and preservation of character motivations. The episode balances intense conspiracy, military action, and tender character moments, with a subtle nod to Kobayakawa's partial salvation.
Translation Approach Context Analysis: The episode contrasts the No-Head Dragon's ruthless plans with the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion's intervention and Tatsuya's covert actions to help Kobayakawa. Cultural nuances, like military hierarchy and the siblings' bond, are reflected through tone and dialogue. The "flag" for Kobayakawa remains undecided, kept ambiguous as per your note. Polished Prose: Vivid language captures the tension of the Generator's attack (e.g., "hurled outside the venue") and the tenderness of Tatsuya and Miyuki's moment, ensuring immersion without literal awkwardness. Accuracy: Names (e.g., Tatsuya, Miyuki, Mayumi, Kobayakawa, Sayaka, Yanagi, Sanada, Fujibayashi) and terms (e.g., Generator, electronic golden silkworm, flight magic, Silver Horn, Being Thunder) align with the series' lore. "Being Thunder" is used for 被雷針 to reflect its unique, fictional nature. Natural Dialogue: Conversations range from the No-Head Dragon's cold scheming to Yanagi and Sanada's banter, Miyuki's affectionate pleas, and Mayumi's playful persistence, reflecting their personalities. Internal thoughts are italicized for clarity. Emotional Depth: Emphasizes the No-Head Dragon's callousness, Tatsuya's protective anger, Miyuki's reliance on him, and Mayumi's curiosity, with Kobayakawa's trauma addressed subtly. The undecided "flag" for Kobayakawa is left open-ended. Chapter Title: Kept as "Scheming Soldiers" to reflect the military's covert actions and the No-Head Dragon's plot. English Translation
Chapter Title: Scheming Soldiers
While Miyuki's performance captivated the crowd, only one group reacted with panic rather than awe. Reviewing intel from their operative at the venue, the No-Head Dragon's members grew frantic, realizing things were going south.
"Not only did he see through the electronic golden silkworm, but flight magic too?"
"At this rate, First High will take the overall championship."
"We'll have to remove the Generator's limiter and order a massacre of the spectators."
"No weapons got through, but that guy could slaughter a hundred or two barehanded."
"No objections. Release the Generator's limiter and order indiscriminate killing."
"The clients might make a fuss, but we'll just play dumb and push through."
"No profit, but no loss either."
The No-Head Dragon members weren't worried about their Generator failing to deliver their desired chaos. Their sole concern was dodging their boss's purge. By now, they'd lost interest in the Nine Schools Competition, focusing only on meeting their quota.
"If we can't pull it off here, it'll be tough."
"But it's better than blowing a golden opportunity."
"Right. We could meet the quota anytime, but botching this…"
"At best, we'd rely on the Generator…"
Sighing at their assigned Generator bodyguard, the members resigned themselves.
Following orders from Yokohama, the Generator, its abilities unrestricted, moved to slaughter the spectators.
As it entered the venue and lunged at a passing man, it was thrown outside, its own strength turned against it.
"Who are you? No, you don't need to answer. You probably can't."
The Generator lacked the capacity to process the question. Its opponent, seeming to understand this, mused to himself.
To the Generator, the man's stance was full of openings, so it attacked again—only to be flung back once more, its strength redirected.
"That physical prowess isn't a regular magician's. Augmented human?"
"You're the one who said no answer was needed, Yanagi-kun."
"I'm not expecting one. Just talking to myself."
Captain Yanagi Ren of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion faced the Generator, joined by his fellow captain, Sanada Shigeru.
"Your technique's as impressive as ever. Another application of Tenmarobashi?"
"As I keep saying, it's not Tenmarobashi, it's Tenten. Tenmarobashi is the public technique; Tenten is the hidden one. And it's not an application. True Tenten doesn't even need magic."
"That's a blow to our unit's purpose. I'm telling the Major."
"Stop spouting nonsense and help me restrain this thing."
"Sure, though Fujibayashi-kun's already got it with Being Thunder."
Countless needles pierced the Generator's body as it tried to move. Seeing this, Yanagi dropped his combat stance.
"You two really get along, don't you?" Fujibayashi Kyoko remarked.
"Fujibayashi, your eyesight's supposed to be sharp."
"It's not about vision—it's sensitivity. Need a good counselor?"
"Look, you're proving my point about their chemistry."
Stunned by Kyoko's words, the two fell silent but felt compelled to clarify one thing. Yanagi spoke up.
"Fujibayashi, you're in charge of contacting Tatsuya."
"Understood."
They couldn't interrupt Tatsuya mid-match, so Kyoko sent an encrypted email—the fastest method in the battalion, with Tatsuya a close second. Yanagi's choice was logical, but Sanada, reading deeper, grinned mischievously.
"Fujibayashi-kun's got a thing for Tatsuya-kun, huh? Don't say anything extra in that code."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know what I mean, Yanagi."
"Don't bring personal feelings into the job."
"See? Perfect chemistry."
Kyoko's jab left them grimacing as they hauled the captured Generator away.
With the match over and potential complaints from other schools looming, Tatsuya had entrusted the flight magic CAD to the competition headquarters and returned to his room.
"It's great that you're so meticulous, but you could rely on me a little, you know," Miyuki grumbled, wanting to fuss over him despite her post-match fatigue.
"Miyuki, rest a bit."
"…Onii-sama?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Could you stay with me? At least until I fall asleep?"
"Sure. No lullabies, though."
"Honestly!"
Since putting her in his own bed would be an issue, Tatsuya pulled out a spare bed he'd tidied away and settled Miyuki in. Sitting beside her, he held her hand.
Reassured by his touch, Miyuki drifted off quickly.
"Miyuki?"
Confirming she didn't respond, Tatsuya rechecked the message on his terminal.
To him, dozens or hundreds of spectators dying wasn't a big deal. His anger stemmed solely from someone trying to "bring his sister down."
(At this hour, that place should be empty.)
Tucking his usual Silver Horn into his holster, Tatsuya left the room, heading for the headquarters infirmary where Kobayakawa lay.
(This might not fully counteract it, but it should ease her fear for now.)
Aiming at Kobayakawa, he pulled the trigger, applying the same treatment he'd used on Sayaka. He turned to leave without meeting anyone—but reality wasn't so kind.
"Tatsuya-kun?"
"President, what's up?"
"Just checking on Kobayakawa-san… You too?"
"Yeah. She's still unconscious, probably from fear. I confirmed that and left."
"I see… So she's really…"
"It's too early to give up, but it's up to her now."
Mayumi caught on something in Tatsuya's words.
"What do you mean?"
"It's about mindset. If she can't overcome her distrust of magic, she's done as a magician. But even without magic, she can still make it."
"…You sound like you know something."
"Do I? Just something I heard from a friend. I don't know the details."
Tatsuya lied brazenly, but Mayumi had no way to uncover the truth.
"Fine. By the way, where's Miyuki-san?"
"Sound asleep. No need to worry, President."
"Good. Hey, Tatsuya-kun."
"What?"
Seeing Mayumi's eyes sparkle, Tatsuya felt a sinking premonition.
"When you've got time, could you install flight magic on my CAD?"
"Your personal technician could do it. The sequence is public."
"I want you to do it!"
"…If I find the time."
Pleased with his response, Mayumi headed back to her room. Tatsuya, meanwhile, sighed at yet another troublesome task and returned to his.
Kobayakawa's partially saved, flag still undecided…
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