A compressed projectile of psions materialized within the Idea, tracing a short, sharp arc before colliding with the isolated information body.
"That was... decent, I suppose. Let's call it a morning."
"…Thank you very much."
As Tatsuya composed his breathing and bowed to Yakumo, Miyuki rushed to his side, a towel in hand.
"Sensei, it appears that Onii-sama is suffering significant exhaustion. For a technique like Gram Demolition..."
"A little exhaustion is unavoidable. Tatsuya-kun is forcing the concepts of 'Movement' and 'Exclusion' into the Realm of Reason—a place where they don't naturally exist."
"Does that mean... is it an arrangement that causes side effects?"
"No, I wouldn't say that."
Miyuki was convinced her brother was the strongest magician alive, but she knew there were many things he could not do. Even if it were necessary for victory, if a technique harmed her brother's mind or body, she was prepared to use tears, guilt, or anything else to make him stop immediately.
Contrary to Miyuki's intense internal resolve, Yakumo's answer was light and unconcerned.
"Tatsuya-kun is simply altering his method of recognition. By linking that recognition within the subconscious, he generates a conceptual bullet of exclusion that traverses the Realm of Reason. Isn't that right, Tatsuya-kun?"
"That is correct, Miyuki. It requires me to run my cognitive and recognition faculties at full capacity, so it's mentally... or rather, neurologically tiring. That is all. I am not doing anything dangerous enough to leave side effects, so please do not worry."
"Is that so...? Then, you have established a method of attack against the Parasites."
As expected of Onii-sama. As his sister looked up at him with sparkling, adoring eyes, Tatsuya gave an unintentional, bitter smile.
"Well..."
"You could likely destroy a newly born 'Child.' But against a 'Parent' whose existence has solidified over time? That might still be difficult."
Interrupting Tatsuya, who was about to shake his head while still wearing that bitter smile, Yakumo delivered his nuanced assessment.
Once they returned to the main temple building, Miyuki took a beautifully wrapped package from her bag and presented it to Yakumo. The contents needed no explanation.
"I imagine this may seem like a pagan custom to you, Sensei, but please accept this. You are always looking after my brother, after all."
Yakumo's face immediately collapsed into a broad, loose grin.
"No, no! Foreign customs or pagan rituals, good things must be adopted aggressively!"
"Master, everyone is watching."
'He says the same thing every year...' Tatsuya was surely not the only one thinking this. However, Tatsuya was the only one capable of admonishing that utterly undignified expression.
"Hmm? What's the harm? It serves as motivation for my training."
Of course, Tatsuya's complaint didn't seem to faze Yakumo in the slightest.
"Does lust not violate the precepts?"
"As long as it doesn't lead to carnal desire, it is fine."
His verbal riposte was aloof and philosophical, but his face remained sloppily grinned. Tatsuya shrugged, signaling that the man was hopeless, a sentiment met with silent, unanimous agreement from Yakumo's disciples.
During the first semester, Tatsuya and his group often met at the station to walk to school together. However, due to the significant time gaps caused by the nature of the small commuter trains, they had recently settled into a pattern of meeting up inside the classroom.
"Good morning, Tatsuya-san."
"Good morning, Honoka."
That they ignored such inconvenience was likely due to youth. Or perhaps, due to love. Both were probably correct.
"Ah, good morning, Honoka-san."
"Good morning, Mizuki."
For a maiden in love, just for today, the presence of companions was rather irksome. Honoka accepted Miyuki's presence as a default state of affairs—that couldn't be helped. But while she considered everyone else a friend, they were, to be honest, in the way.
No, Honoka thought, precisely because we are friends, I wanted you to realize what day it is.
Her thoughts must have shown on her face.
"Mizuki, what is that on your uniform?"
"Eh?"
told such a thing, Mizuki naturally twisted her neck with all her might, trying to look over her shoulder at her own back. It was a futile effort; she couldn't possibly see her own back, and there was no dirt there to begin with.
"Come here. I'll brush it off for you. Onii-sama, I apologize, but please go ahead. Honoka, could you go on ahead as well?"
"Ah... understood."
Beside a flustered Honoka, who was panicking at this unexpected development, Tatsuya nodded simply and urged Honoka forward with his eyes. Honoka followed Tatsuya's back with stiff, jerky steps, turning only her upper body to convey her gratitude to Miyuki with her eyes. Miyuki gave a small smile and nodded.
Honoka's self-proclaimed social anxiety was an undeniable fact. Yet, she knew perfectly well that if they entered the school building like this, the Course 1 and Course 2 students would be separated even at the shoe lockers, and her precious chance would be ruined. To not use the lifeline her rival had thrown her would be a betrayal.
Just past the school gate, Honoka called out to him.
"Um, Tatsuya-san! May I have... a moment of your time!"
"Sure."
Her speech was stiff and formal, as if addressing a high-ranking officer or a senior executive. Yet Tatsuya accepted it with a reserved smile and a nod, showing not a hint of exasperation.
"Over here... if you please."
Honoka walked hurriedly toward the back courtyard, sneaking around as if avoiding the public eye. Tatsuya followed, careful not to fall behind or overtake her. His expression said he understood everything.
"Um, Tatsuh—!"
Stepping in front of Tatsuya, Honoka thrust a meticulously wrapped small box forward with both hands—and bit her tongue on the most important line. Honoka froze, petrified.
"Thank you, Honoka."
Honoka was paralyzed, bound by the sheer intensity of her own feelings. Tatsuya gently slid the small box of chocolates from her outstretched hands, careful not to crush the wrapping. In exchange, he pressed a small paper bag, just large enough to fit in a palm, into her hand.
"Um, Tatsuya-san, this is..."
"A return gift, for now. It's separate from next month's occasion, so you can look forward to that one, too."
Tears welled up in her wide-open eyes. She hurriedly wiped them away and offered an awkward, trembling smile.
"Ah, um, I... I never expected... um, Tatsuya-san, may I open it?"
"Of course."
Honoka stared at the present she pulled from the bag, her eyes looking as though her soul had been snatched away.
"…Honoka, we should head to the classroom soon."
Until Tatsuya called out to her, Honoka stood there, completely motionless.
(A purity so innocent, one would hesitate to even tease it...)
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