Miyuki, alone at home, spent the night in solitude—a familiar occurrence when Tatsuya was away for Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion drills. He always checked in diligently, even today, and their bond transcended distance. Not abstractly, but literally—his power perpetually guarded her, a constant shield. Even now, though her interference on him could wane, his protection never faltered. It filled her with guilt and joy.
A sudden phone melody broke her reverie—not Tatsuya's usual tone, but a rare one. Miyuki stood, tidied herself, and opened the video call.
"My apologies for the late hour, Aunt," she greeted.
"No trouble, Miyuki-san," Maya replied, her elegant, near-black gown framing her youthful visage—barely over thirty in appearance, despite being past forty. The Yotsuba matriarch, one of the world's strongest mages, smiled warmly.
"I hope I didn't worry you," Miyuki said, bowing.
"Seeing you safe reassures me," Maya said. "With Takkun around, I wasn't too concerned… Speaking of, where is he?"
Her casual use of "Takkun" betrayed her intent. Miyuki caught it—Maya wanted Tatsuya.
"My apologies. Onii-sama is handling post-operation matters and hasn't returned."
"Alone, then?" Maya asked.
"Onii-sama's power always protects me," Miyuki assured.
"Of course," Maya said, smiling. "You can release his chains, but he can't break his Guardian vow."
"Exactly, Aunt. He'd never abandon his duty," Miyuki replied, her courtesy unshaken.
"Good to know," Maya said. "Come to the estate this Sunday, both of you. I'd love to see you in person."
"I'll inform Onii-sama. Thank you."
"I look forward to it. Good night, Miyuki-san."
"Good night, Aunt."
The screen went dark. Miyuki exhaled, collapsing onto the sofa. "Onii-sama…"
Maya's calls always weighed heavily. Alone, the burden of lives taken felt crushing. Calling to her brother in her mind, she hugged herself, imagining his warmth, clinging tighter.
October 31, 2095—Halloween. Tatsuya stood in Tsushima, Mobile Suit on, Third Eye in hand.
"Special Lieutenant Ooguro, ready?" Sanada asked.
"Ready. Satellite link stable," Tatsuya replied, voice modulated by his helmet.
"Prepare Material Burst," Kazama ordered.
Tatsuya aimed Third Eye at the Great Asian Alliance fleet's flagship in Jinhae Naval Port, beyond Geoje Island's fortress. Accessing the battle flag's Eidos via satellite imagery, he locked on.
"Ready," he said.
"Material Burst, execute," Kazama commanded.
"Executing Material Burst," Tatsuya echoed, pulling the trigger.
From Tsushima, his magic crossed the strait, converting one kilogram of mass into energy—20 megatons of TNT, per Einstein's formula. The satellite feed blacked out, overwhelmed by light. Only hellish scars remained visible.
The Tsushima staff gasped. Some young officers retched. Even the battalion's faces paled. They witnessed strategic magic's true meaning.
"Enemy status?" Kazama asked.
"Fleet… annihilated. Erased," Kyoko reported. "Attack further?"
"Unnecessary. Cancel remaining plans. Operation concluded," Kazama said.
"Prepare to return!" Yanagi ordered.
Tatsuya lowered Third Eye, his eyes behind the helmet unshaken.
Scorching Halloween
Historians would name this day a military and historical turning point. It proved magic's supremacy over mechanical and ABC weapons, cementing mages as decisive forces—and marking the dawn of their glory and hardship.
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