Presentation and Chaos
The afternoon presentations began at 1 PM as scheduled. First High's turn was at 3 PM, leaving just two hours. Tatsuya and Isori, who had been alternating lookout duties, started final preparations.
"Getting nervous," Mayumi said.
"No point, you're not presenting. We're just here to cheer," Mari replied.
"I know, but as it gets closer, the supporters get more nervous than the presenters, right?"
"Kind of get it," Mari conceded.
In a corner to avoid disturbing, Mari and Mayumi whispered, overheard by Miyuki and Kanon, who had also moved aside.
"It'll be fine, right? Kei's there, and Shiba-kun too," Kanon said, flustered despite not presenting.
"Calm down, Chiyoda-senpai," Miyuki said with a wry smile.
A soft knock interrupted. Mayumi opened the door to find Azusa, her petite successor.
"A-chan, is it okay to leave your seat?" Mayumi whispered, noting Azusa's judge role.
"The first afternoon group finished early, so I came to check on everyone," Azusa said.
"Thanks for the support, Nakajou-san," Suzune said from across the room.
"N-No, sorry, Suzune-san. Am I intruding?" Azusa shrank, despite their hushed tones.
"No worries, Nakajou-senpai. We're just finalizing details," Tatsuya said.
"Who's looking strong?" Mari asked.
"Fourth High, as expected. They've got an intricate setup this year," Azusa said.
Isori tilted his head. "A bit too flashy, though?"
"Still, combining such complex magic into a cohesive system is impressive… Oh, sorry, the next presentation's starting. Good luck, everyone!" Azusa hurried off.
As Tatsuya mused that Azusa was growing into her student council president role, his terminal buzzed.
"Excuse me, I need to take this," he said.
"Something wrong?" Mayumi asked.
"A call." Tatsuya pointed to his pocket, stepping into the hallway.
"Shiba speaking."
"Fujibayashi here," Kyoko's voice came through.
"Something up?" Tatsuya lowered his tone, having parted with her just that morning.
"The ship escorting Lu Ganghu was attacked, and he escaped. Sorry, Tatsuya-kun, after all your effort…"
"So it didn't end quietly."
"We're on guard, but if it comes to it, we might need you. Keep that in mind."
"Got it."
"It's not my fault, but we weren't careless…"
"No one could've stopped an assault like that," Tatsuya reassured, ending the call.
Returning to the green room, Mayumi sensed his mood and refrained from asking about the call.
First High's theme was one of the three major challenges in augmentation magic: "Gravity-Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor." It drew attention from magic university affiliates and private researchers. Suzune, aiming to elevate magicians' status, had worked with Tatsuya and Isori to reach this presentation, her usual cool demeanor strained.
The demo device used Tatsuya's "Loop Cast" technology. Neither Suzune nor Isori knew he'd developed it, and both were stunned by his ideas during the device's creation. Even Isori, who'd worked alongside him at the Nine Schools Competition, was amazed by Tatsuya's skill. The "Loop Cast" enabled intermittent nuclear fusion reactions.
After the presentation, amid enthusiastic applause, Tatsuya began cleanup. With only ten minutes between slots, representatives and supporters were pressed for time.
"You nailed it. Truly impressive," said Shinkuro Kichijoji, aka "Cardinal George," from Third High, next in line.
"Should I say thanks?" Tatsuya replied.
"No need for that."
Shinkuro, intrigued by the demo device, had discerned most of its techniques.
"Sharp eye, as expected of 'Cardinal George,'" Tatsuya said.
"You beat us at the Nine Schools, but we'll win this time."
As Tatsuya finished cleanup and moved to leave, Shinkuro's words hung in the air. Tatsuya didn't respond, but a deafening roar and tremor shook the venue.
October 30, 2095, 3:30 PM. Later dubbed the "Yokohama Incident," the spark of the "Scorched Halloween," a historical turning point, began at this moment.
In the lobby, Toshikazu, chatting with Kyoko, felt his communicator vibrate. Excusing himself, he answered.
"Chiba here. Inagaki? What!? …Got it, I'm heading there."
Turning back, he saw Kyoko had just finished a call too.
"I have to go to the scene," Toshikazu said.
"I'll stay here," Kyoko replied.
"Sorry! Let me know if you hear anything!" Toshikazu rushed to his car, sprinting with magic-enhanced speed—almost too fast, in a way.
Note: The sidekick (or goldfish poop?) of the flashier mob makes a rare appearance.
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