"Tatsuya, and Miyuki-san as well." A faint smile appeared on Mikihiko's face as he caught sight of the two approaching.
Miyuki returned the greeting with a graceful, radiant smile. "Good afternoon, Mikihiko-kun."
"Good... good afternoon." Mikihiko replied, his voice laced with a hint of visible tension as he met her gaze.
It was a standard reaction for anyone standing before Miyuki; Tatsuya didn't pay it much mind. He knew all too well that the only man who held a place in Miyuki's heart was himself. There was simply no reason to feel even a shred of jealousy over something so trivial.
"So, Mikihiko. I heard you were looking for me. What's the matter?" Tatsuya asked, his voice carrying a slight edge of hesitation. His face remained flat—his expression as composed and cool as ever, true to his usual self.
Mikihiko's expression gradually shifted, turning deathly serious.
Tatsuya narrowed his eyes. He had an inkling of what Mikihiko wanted to discuss.
"It's regarding the Black Mist... but more specifically, it's about me."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It might be better if you saw it for yourself rather than just hearing me explain it."
"...?" Tatsuya's curiosity was piqued.
Mikihiko led them to the magic practice hall. There, he demonstrated his Ancient Magic, though it carried an aura that felt distinctly different from before.
An expression of profound shock crossed Tatsuya's face—a rare occurrence.
Miyuki instinctively covered her parted lips with her palm.
"Mikihiko-kun, how on earth did you manage that?" Miyuki asked, her voice filled with genuine wonder.
"I simply tried to recall the sensation of being controlled by the Black Mist... and this was the result."
Still reeling from the shock, Miyuki turned her gaze toward Tatsuya, silently hoping for a clear explanation from him.
"I see. Subconsciously, you've mastered a foreign magic technique. It isn't necessarily a bad thing."
Hearing Tatsuya's verdict, Mikihiko felt a wave of relief wash over him, though he still couldn't shake the nagging worry about his physical condition.
As if reading his mind, Tatsuya added, "Don't worry. There are no changes to your body, and no traces of the Black Mist remain."
Only after hearing those definitive words did Mikihiko finally feel he could breathe easy.
"But this wasn't the only reason you sought me out, was it?"
Mikihiko's eyes widened in surprise. He swallowed hard and gave a nervous nod.
"I wasn't sure if I should tell you this... but it's regarding the Black Mist's plans."
Tatsuya's eyes widened slightly.
"If it concerns the Black Mist, I'm willing to listen—even if it's just a hunch."
Mikihiko sighed in relief.
"To be honest, I've been plagued by memories of the Black Mist today. The recollections are faint, so I can't guarantee their accuracy."
"It's fine. Just tell me."
"It seems they intend to strike during the Nine Schools Competition. Their goal is to possess the students of the magic high schools before launching a full-scale expansion across the globe. If they aren't stopped... the world will come to an end." Mikihiko's voice trembled; his face had turned pale, and his body was visibly shaking.
"..." Tatsuya remained silent, but his face grew so intensely serious it reached a level that was nothing short of terrifying. "Mikihiko, have you shared this with anyone else?"
Mikihiko shook his head.
"Good. No matter what happens, do not speak of this to another soul."
"Why? If we don't make preparations, the world really could end." Mikihiko looked at Tatsuya, his eyes clouded with doubt.
"On the contrary. If we start preparing to counter the Black Mist, they might change their plans, which would only make things more difficult for us."
"Ugh, you're right... Then, what should we do?"
A dark, wicked smirk played on Tatsuya's lips.
"Leave this matter to me. At a time like this, I might as well make full use of my status as a 'prince'."
Mikihiko stood there, stunned, his mouth hanging slightly open. Because Tatsuya was usually so friendly and approachable, Mikihiko had momentarily forgotten the true weight of Tatsuya's background.
"Onii-sama... please, Miyuki begs of you, don't overexert yourself..." Miyuki tugged at Tatsuya's uniform, looking up at him with a pleading expression.
Tatsuya was taken aback for a moment before he gently stroked Miyuki's head.
"Don't worry. This time, I'll be asking Mother for her assistance."
Miyuki beamed with a relieved smile and affectionately clung to Tatsuya's arm.
Mikihiko let out an awkward cough, pointedly averting his gaze.
Tatsuya exhaled softly and disentangled his arm from Miyuki's grasp.
"Onii-sama?"
"Forgive me, Miyuki. There's something I need to confirm."
"...?" Miyuki tilted her head with an innocent expression.
Tatsuya gave her a quick wink before walking toward Mikihiko.
Mikihiko suddenly felt a chill of foreboding. He swallowed hard and asked tentatively, "Tatsuya?"
"Mikihiko. Fight me."
"Eh?! There's no way I can win! Besides, you're the strongest young magician out there!" Mikihiko scrambled backward in a panic.
"Who said anything about you having to win? I want to see the extent of your power when you use that Ancient Magic. Aren't you curious about your own strength right now?"
Mikihiko was rendered speechless.
"It seems I hit the mark. In that case, let us test it together."
Mikihiko caught his breath and swallowed heavily.
"Alright... I'm in your hands, Tatsuya."
Tatsuya gave a small, resolute smile.
"Leave it to me."
Tatsuya stepped back, creating distance between himself and Mikihiko.
Miyuki likewise retreated, ensuring they had more than enough room for the duel.
To be continued...Anvanced Chapter p*tre*n.com/AgamYupi02