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Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 2 Chapter 5

2022-01-09T02:06:17Z

Tman111: Fix grammar.

==Chapter 5 – The Qualification of the Living==

===Part 1===

There were many quests that they could challenge leisurely during the holiday weekend, but there was no reason they couldn’t put a challenge after school during the weekdays. As to what Kazuki decided beforehand, he would accept the quest immediately on Monday, the day after the date.

On that fated day’s lunch break, Kazuki received an abrupt summon.

[First year class two Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun, urgent, please go to Tsukahara of Sword Division. I repeat…”

He didn’t understand why the one that called him was not the Magic Division but the Sword Division.

The Knight Academy was divided between the {{furigana|Magic Division|Magica}} and the Sword Division. This was the first time that Kazuki entered the Sword Division’s area. Even though they told him to go to the place of a teacher called [Tsukahara], he didn’t know if it was really okay to be here. It’d be fine if he went to the staff room, but…he didn’t know where the staff room was located. Kazuki who had no other choice, took out his mobile phone.

“Love, is magnetic! Drawn by Onii-sama’s love, the Storm Cat, here I am reporting!”

Immediately after he sent a message, his step-sister, Kanae arrived dramatically like a gale force.

“…I feel guilty you know, to arrive that happily just because I called you to guide me…”

“I see, this is the continuation of the previous school tour date that was ruined before by that breast monster from somewhere, right? Kanae is much better in giving a school tour compared to that breast monster! Well then, let me first guide Onii-sama to the Sword Division dorm’s room of Kanae! For the time being we’re going to spend the break there tenderly…”

“No, I was summoned here so we have no time to do that kind of thing.”

“Eeeh!? There was no time for flirting around!? How could that be!?”

While her shoulders dropped in dejection, Kanae guided him from the entrance to the staff room.

“But it’s strange, for Onii-sama to be summoned to the Sword Division.”

“I’m also completely ignorant as to why I was summoned here. I wonder if it’s for scolding.”

“That teacher named Tsukahara Hisatada is a gentle teacher, so I think that’s not it. His appearance is delicate looking from the glasses he wears, but he gives a feeling of someone who has ulterior motives in his mind. Kanae is poor with that kind of person though.”

They hesitatingly advanced through the Japanese-style garden, and then entered the school building that looks like a wooden row house. The building was not particularly high. Inside this two-story building were classrooms lined up widely and horizontally in a row.

The atmosphere in the Magic Division felt like Europe in the Middle Ages, while the atmosphere in the Sword Division felt like Japan of a long time ago. Even though this was during lunch break, sounds of swords clashing could be heard from somewhere. It was a dear sound that was once a part of Kazuki’s daily life.

Here was the Sword Division―the place where he should have been if he had a different fate―wasn’t it?

They walked in the warm wooden corridor, “Here is the staff room.” and finally arrived at their destination.

“To, to be dismissed when we only just got here…it’s so lonely, very lonely…! Where in the world could I vent this uncontrolled love for Onii-sama!!”

“Vent it in your sword training.”

“Then, I will become the strongest swordsman―n!!”

This was the two-person comedy act of this brother and sister for the first time in a long while, so

“Call me if Onii-sama is going to come again to the Sword Division, okay☆?” Kanae waved her hand and left.

―When he entered the staff room, one of the teachers saw the uniformed figure of Kazuki and “Here, here.” Waved his hand over. Kazuki weaved his way between the desks and headed towards that person.

Some of the teachers were eating lunch boxes and cup ramen, the room was filled with smells that tickled his stomach.

“You finally came, I have heard about you from various people.”

Tsukahara-sensei was just as Kanae told him, he wore glasses and looked fragile, a male teacher that had an intellectual air.

“Currently you are under the charge of Liz Liza-sensei right? She was my partner when we were in active duty. She is a teacher with a strong and straightforward sense of justice. Oops, I forgot to give you my name, I am Tsukahara Hisatada. Similar with Liz Liza-sensei, I’m just an underling that still has a long way to go, I teach the practical skills in the Sword Division. Though I was challenged by your big sister and lost, hahaha.”

“I think Kanae can improve if she received training from a person like sensei.”

It seems Tsukahara-sensei was the type that wield their sword based on theory. Kazuki felt that somehow.

Because Kanae was the type that wields her sword by instinct, she could learn a lot of things from this teacher.

“Hahaha, thank you.”

Tsukahara-sensei laughed in the way that he couldn’t understand whether he was seriously happy or not. He then jumped the gun on the talk.

“There are some people that want to meet you.”

Saying so, he stood up from the desk and urged Kazuki to follow him.

Some people that wanted to meet him…there was no one that he could think of.

Kazuki followed Tsukahara-sensei like he was told.

The two exited the staff room, this time they entered a room labeled as [Reception Room].

Inside were two people he had a recollection of―the two knights he encountered inside the forest of the Haunted Ground. The knights who confiscated the Sacred Treasure Kazuki and the others discovered, who then came barging into his fight with Beatrix, those two.

“Yaa! Thank you for that time before.”

The male swordsman amicably said so to Kazuki and with a smiling face.

The female Magica Stigma regarded Kazuki with ‘puih’ and averted her face.

“I’m a <Police Knight> attached to the <Knight Order of Chubu Jurisdiction>, Kondou Hajime.”

“…The same as police knight, Souma Yukari.”

The Knight Order was divided into their respective subdivision at eight district with their own jurisdiction zone, which were: Hokkaido – Touhoku – Kantou – Chubu – Kinki – Chuugoku – Shikoku – Kyuushuu, with the Tokyo Metropolis Knight Order Headquarters at the top.

The police knight is the lowest ranking member of the Knight Order. The majority of the knights that just graduated from the knight academy started their career from that rank.

“Knight Academy’s first year, Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki gave out his name with a slight timidity, the knight – Kondo-san came and gripped Kazuki’s hand tightly.

“…Your sword skill left a deep impression on me.”

Kazuki reflexively thought of Torazou-san. He felt the same test between those two.

“Err…what kind of business did you come here for?”

There was no way his reason in coming here was just to say that. He didn’t understand why they came here with only saying, "that he left a deep impression", instead he got even more confused. Kondou-san released his hand and then moved on to the important matter.

“Both of us have something we want to pass to you.”

“I only came because Kondou said he wanted to do this no matter what.”

The Magica Stigma Souma-san, that wore a white uniform today, said so with a sullen face.

“Souma-san, didn’t he save both of our lives?”

“Ugh. …Well, it’d be unbearable if we died in this kind of mission, so I’ll give you my gratitude.”

Souma-san nodded her head slightly while saying so.

…Mission? Now that she mentioned it, why were they in that kind of place?

As members of the Chubu Jurisdiction Knight Order, it was not their jurisdiction.

Other than the knights who belonged to the Tokyo Knight Order Headquarters, no other knight should operate here in Tokyo.

“…By all means, this person stands at the top as a swordsman. He is not a bad person.”

“Stop saying unnecessary things and go to the main topic already! Kondou!”

“Actually at that time, we had a peculiar little mission at that Haunted Ground . …We couldn’t give any particulars to you about it, but…unluckily we encountered Beatrix there. The one who cooperated with the Einherjar in Loki’s subjugation effort were the guys at Tokyo Knight Order Headquarters, so regarding Beatrix, we hadn’t heard anything at all.”

Tacit consent for the assassination of the refugee, Lotte―such a story was not something that should be known far and wide. It seems even inside the Knight Order, the members who knew about this were only the minority.

They came to the Haunted Ground because of some special mission and got swallowed up in this scheme.

“After that, they explained the circumstances to us along with the order to shut our mouth.”

“This is truly a disgusting story.”

Both Kondou-san and Souma-san puckered their faces unpleasantly.

“However after we heard the story…we were wondering if it’s you, you can protect that refugee Lotte from Beatrix so then we came here. You plan to do that, right? I thought so.”

Kazuki couldn’t respond to that honestly. Kazuki glanced at Tsukahara-sensei who happened to be present in the room. Tsukahara-sensei showed a smile in his mouth like he was saying not to mind him.

“Therefore the thing that I want to hand over to you is…this.”

Thereupon, Kondou-san placed his hand on the luggage sitting on top of the reception room’s glass table. A long, narrow, and robust bag made of cloth―a sword bag. An item used to carry a katana that was sheathed inside its scabbard.

The moment Kondou-san passed over the bag―Kazuki felt the sensation of his magic power being absorbed by the [content inside]. He had a recollection of this sensation.

“Is this…the Sacred Treasure that was dedicated in that shrine?”

“Right, the one that we confiscated from your hands at that time, that katana. After we returned, we made a written report regarding our mission tentatively, but…it was not official because it was only a peculiar mission so various things were quite vague. This Sacred Treasure was also stored in the warehouse without undergoing formal procedure, so there was no proof left behind when we simply swiped this thing and came over here.”

“I’m against this, just so you know. This is all on your own.”

Souma-san was glaring, Kondou-san laughed indifferently.

“There’d be no problem if you returned it immediately after you are finished with it. Also the content of the mission is a secret, no way they are going to go public with this. …Also because you are the escort of Jiisan<ref>Uncle, middle aged man, referring to Mio's father</ref>-sensei’s daughter. Hahaha.”

Towards Kazuki who was uneasy whether it was okay or not to accept this thing, Tsukahara-sensei let out a laugh.

“Isn’t it okay, even if it is properly stored in the Knight Order’s warehouse, it can't be used effectively. It’d be fine if you manage the use of the Sacred Treasure moderately. After all as a former knight, I’m also one of the people that felt dissatisfaction towards the way the Knight Order handles the Sacred Treasures.”

“I know that Tsukahara-sensei is that type of person, so he contacted Hayashizaki-kun and from the beginning I was to hand this over. Now that I mentioned that, Tsukahara-sensei was always connected with Sacred Treasures illegal channels…”

“Hey, shut up about that.”

Tsukahara-sensei, who was smiling warmly, suddenly turned cold and glared at Kondou-san.

“You get too carried away, Kondou.” Souma-san also glared to Kondou-san.

“Ehem. Well, anyway it’s not righteous to just keep following the rules. I can’t possibly think that the government and the Knight Order’s way of doing things are righteous. If it’s you, you should be able to use this Sacred Treasure in its proper meaning. I have seen your fight with Beatrix, as a swordsman, I genuinely aspired to that level you've shown me. And then, I noticed that the power this katana has will be useful if you want to win against Beatrix. Because of that, I couldn’t just stay quiet and do nothing.”

The sacred treasure was an item that absorbed its owner’s magic power in order to invoke the characteristic magic of the Sacred Treasures, just like Summoning Magic.

This Sacred Treasure…could it become one of the pieces that could fill the difference between me and Beatrix?

Kazuki accepted the bag containing the Sacred Treasure. Kondou-san grabbed Kazuki’s shoulder.

“Those that are called swordsmen, sacrificed themselves for their own justice in a straightforward manner. With this katana…I want you to cut apart the dark fate that shadowed the girl named Lotte in your confrontation against that absurdity.”

===Part 2===

The quest that Kazuki and the others undertook was to liberate the shopping mall inside the city from its transformation into a Haunted Ground.

It seems the time from when it started to turn into a Haunted Ground was still recent, as the size was not too big. Normally, Kazuki and the others could achieve the clear condition with just their three people party in the time after the school was over.

After school, an email from Kaya arrived in his cellphone and told him to come quickly. However Kazuki never gave Kaya his email address. How in the world did she find his email address…

They arrived at their destination area at 4:00 PM by riding the magic train.

When everything is over, it’d be nice to eat delicious dinner together with everyone in the Witch’s Mansion, Kazuki thought.

Kazuki and the others went through the procedures at the Gate, and entered the Haunted ground.

At the same time they entered the Haunted ground, Mio and Lotte performed their Access and transformed into their Magic Dress’ forms.

The former knight stationed at the gate wasn’t able to understand what's happening inside the Haunted Ground. Their magic power had already weakened and they had no more fighting strength. Because of that, their job was to check from the outside whether there was a human who carelessly entered inside. They didn't step inside the Haunted ground, not even once.

Kaya however had already entered this Haunted Ground, to a certain degree, she had already cleaned up the Demon Beasts.

As proof, the inside of the Haunted Ground had mostly returned to its normal Shopping Arcade’s appearance.

At the end of their destination, the one waiting for them at the crossroads in the center of the arcade was a bound and wounded zombie with the figure of Kaya, kicking and grinding the downed zombie.

“Being tied and then getting stepped on…yet to get turned on by this act….Onii-chan! The current Kaya is shining bright in the color of chaos!!”

Kaya laughed sadistically while she was grinding the pitiful zombie.

“Kazu-nii…is that really Kaya…?”

It seemed so.

“Onii-chan…what in the world are they doing…?”

…From what was happening, it seems that the SM<ref>Sadist Masochist</ref> play belonged under Chaos.

“This Haunted Ground is so small. We turned the tables on the Demon Beasts that came to attack, and while waiting, we had annihilated all the Demon Beasts without even knowing it. Zombies are the Demon Beasts that reigned in this Haunted Ground, this guy is probably the last one. …Mio-chan, long time no seee!”

When Kaya’s eyes met with Mio's, she hugged her excitedly.

“Ka, Kaya…long time no see! I, have a lot of things I want to talk about…”

“Sorry for the other day, I killed you together with Loki.”

Kaya whispered in Mio’s chest. Mio who was smiling before froze.

“Kazuki-oniisan…this person is…”

"We only cooperated with him temporarily, don’t mind her too much.”

“It’s cruel for Onii-chan to say that, even though Kaya’s heart throbbed so violently this past hour!”

Kaya separated from Mio in a flash and rotated around ‘kurukuru’ while saying such false-sounding words.

Well then…thanks to Kaya’s overkill activity, there’d be no worry about Demon Beast’s interrupting.

“But with all these preparations waiting, even Beatrix would suspect something wouldn’t she? She might notice the abnormality and stop her attack.”

“Onii-chan really doesn’t understand the opponent’s personality. This was the Thor from the Norse Mythology and the Magica Stigma that was chosen by that Thor you know? Those muscle-brained, battle-maniac combination won’t cancel their attack just because of a little suspicion yeah.”

“…Exactly like that girl said. She really understood my character well. Waiting in an ambush like this, lad, you too really loved the fight with me huh?”

The one who hailed Kaya’s words―from the direction of the shopping mall’s entrance, a low voice like steel came. While the sound of the military shoes ‘katsukatsu’ rang out, the woman in black military uniform came walking to them.

“The god, Thor. For the soldier who wish for Valhalla, descend from Asgard and show those fierce appearance. I too will show the soul of a hero. God of wars of Asgaard, I am right here!”

Finishing her Access promptly, she drew out her sword in her armored Valkyrie’s form.

“Well then, let’s use that Demon Beast’s neck as the trigger for this battle! It’s fine to start whenever you like.”

“It’s really a bloodthirsty proposal fitting for those guys in Norse Mythology. Then, let’s immediately…”

The same time Kaya gave her reply to Beatrix―Kaya’s right arm emitted a blue light of magic power.

Just like when a uniform transformed into Magic Dress, Kaya’s thin arm that stretched from the sleeve of her shirts grew thick like the arm of a different person, even the color of her skin transformed into the color of the different arm. …Is that, Loki’s arm…?

“{{furigana|Weapon Invite|Sacred Treasure’s Encroachment}}!”

And then when Kaya yelled, a crack appeared in the area of her wrist. Jet black liquid spilled over…it transformed into a silver one-handed sword full of ornaments, gripped by the suspicious-looking right arm of Kaya.

“<Burtgang> huh. Not a bad renowned sword, but it’s nothing more than a Sacred Treasure that has an image of breaking with a snap. Sometimes only strange things come out from this magic.”

While complaining, Kaya casually swung the sword―the zombie’s neck flew.

The spark for the fight had been ignited.

“Berserk!!”

At the same time, with her quick spell chanting, Beatrix reinforced her whole body and reflexes.

Then she charged Kazuki in a straight line.

“Barrett!”

“Prophet, Fire!”

Mio and Lotte’s attack magic came flying, but Beatrix easily repelled those with her shield.

With her quick step, Beatrix unleashed her usual strong sword.

Kazuki met the attack while also chanting his spell. When Kazuki redirected Beatrix’s strong sword, Beatrix grinned like a child who just saw a magic trick.

Her expression seemed like it was saying, that it couldn’t be helped, that his unknown sword skill would make her excited.

―However, my bad, but this time I have no intention of letting you have a fight that was in your taste.

“This hand reach out to the height of Babel, now this hand grasp the lightning bolt of the god! In accordance with my life, lightning, whirled with my breath! Collider Field!!”

Kazuki invoked Prophet’s level 3 magic combining it with the sword fight. In front of Beatrix’s eyes, Kazuki’s left hand was equipped with a gauntlet that contained electric energy.

Kazuki wasted no time in unleashing those energy.

“Whatt!?”

In a distance where their sleeves could almost touch each other, Beatrix was swallowed by the whirlpool of electricity. Streams of electricity wreaked havoc from the inside of Beatrix’s armor and helmet that boasted high defensive power.

When the energy was used up, the gauntlet disappeared. It was a level 3 magic, so as far as Kazuki was concerned, it was a magic with time limit. It was however an effective magic against an opponent who came to challenge him in close-quarters.

“Lad, you bastard! You’re not going to use just your sword skill…don’t betray my expectation!!”

“Only an idiot is going to challenge the same opponent, with the same way of fighting and the same challenge right from the front!”

Mio and Lotte rushed in right at that moment.

“Fire Wall!”

Mio used the chance when Beatrix was staggering from the attack she received, to boldly challenge her in close-quarter combat.

Walls of flames erupted from Beatrix’s feet. When Mio used this in a surprise attack, it was hard to completely evade this magic even though Beatrix has super reflexes and a flame-resistant shield.

“Prophet, Blitz!”

Moreover, Lotte also invoked an electric barrier with her gauntlet that scattered sparks around. While Beatrix’s blue defensive magic power was smashed―Beatrix glared at her original target, Lotte, with fury.

But she couldn’t just simply lay a hand on Lotte!

The space behind Beatrix was torn up.

“Dragon Invite!”

Kaya used Loki’s magic. Black drips spilled over into the torn up space, it changed into a gigantic green dragon with shining jade green scales and attacked.

“Kuh…Megingjörð!!”

Even while receiving damage, Beatrix chanted her second level reinforcement magic and her close quarter combat ability was increased even higher.

The claws of the attacking dragon were easily repelled by the strong swing with her super reflexes. But in that gap,

“”Barrett!””

Kazuki and Mio, who separated into two groups, shot their flame bullets in a crossfire. With the flame bullets coming from two fronts, the shield could only defend against one direction. One shot would certainly hit.

The power of Barrett was high even though it was only a level 1 magic. Toward Beatrix who staggered about because of the shock of smashed magic, the dragon opened its big mouth and snapped at her.

“Underhanded way of fighting…is not how a swordsman should fight!!”

Beatrix raised an angry voice. The next moment, her body accelerated into speed that couldn’t be caught by the naked eye―she released slashes in lightning speed, as she pleases, at the dragon.

Its whole body became minced meat, the dragon howled a cry of agony and death then disappeared.

If they allowed her consecutive attacks to continue, the frontline swordsman would just get killed instantly, like a joke, with the attack power that Beatrix currently had!

“That sword is a Sacred Treasure, but…your movement is like an amateur!”

Beatrix turned to Kaya and raised her sword.

“Dragon Invite!”

Kaya summoned a Demon Beast once again. But maybe because the accumulated time was short, the summoned dragon was small. Beatrix disposed of it in a single blow and approached Kaya.

But the current Kaya…was his comrade!

“Do you think I’ll let you!”

Kazuki who Foresighted Beatrix's movement, was barely able to obstruct her in front of Kaya, he redirected her sword and destroyed her posture with his skill.

Beatrix righted her posture forcibly and counter-attacked Kazuki.

Even from the front…it was fast!, but Kazuki redirected those swords one after another.

In that interval, Mio and Lotte’s attack magic flew.

“Bastards…!”

Beatrix, whose pace was thrown off-balance right from the start, leaked a furious voice. Then―

“Don’t expect me to go easy anymore! …Fjörgyn Megin!”

―She invoked the problematic element addition magic. If she could recite that spell, she could deal with Kazuki easily in close quarter battle. If the vanguard was lost, the party would be routed.

But the katana that Kazuki currently held was not [{{furigana|Doufuu|Path Wind}}] but the Sacred Treasure he received from the senior knight. Even though he felt that Doufuu was superior in sharpness, this katana possessed a special power.

“With this you bastard’s sword skill will be useless!”

“I wonder about that…Don’t think that everything will be the same like before!”

From Kazuki’s palm, the handle made of plain wood felt like it was breathing, it wanted to absorbed Kazuki’s magic power.

Kazuki accepted the Katana's demand and poured his magic power into it.

Thereupon, the Sacred Treasure transmitted it's [Will] to Kazuki as if it was answering him.

The power that this Sacred Treasure had, Kazuki perceived and understood it.

Then he chanted the Sacred Treasure’s name like when he was chanting a spell.

“Flash, <{{furigana|Raikiri|Lighning Cutter}} >!”

Raikiri―the Japanese katana that was said to be able to cut lightning into two, when swung by a master.

The same legends existed here and there, so there were several famous swords that took the name of [Raikiri].

The katana that Kazuki held in his hand was one of the swords among them.

Beatrix brought down her sword that possessed the lightning that fell from heaven.

Kazuki unleashed the power of Raikiri and met the attack.

The instant both swords clashed against each other―the electricity lost its flow and vanished like a mist.

“What…?”

Losing its lightning property, Kazuki didn’t try to oppose the strength of Beatrix’s attack that turned into a normal slash and redirected it. Beatrix who was absentminded staggered feebly like in a swimming motion.

“…To even prepare countermeasure for this…”

Beatrix’s weakness that Kaya pointed …her breadth of tactics was narrow. Kazuki was thoroughly prepared.

Even Beatrix’s magic power was whittled down by the attacks of four people.

Using the opportunity created by Beatrix’s agitation, Kaya slashed the sword that she held in her right hand .

Beatrix glared at Kaya scornfully.

“…Before having fun in the fight against this lad…I’ll reduce the number of the [bothers] first!”

Beatrix disappeared from Kazuki’s eyes.

The destination of her sword was―Kaya.

“Armor Invite!”

Just before Beatrix’s slash reached Kaya, Kaya summoned a [Cloak of Feather] and lightly danced in the air like a matador sidestepping a bull. Beatrix’s sword cut on empty space.

“That cloak of feather…that’s Freyja’s [{{furigana|Fiaðrhamr|Falcon’s Plumage}}]! The guy who could use that cloak of feather as he please, my faith’s Diva knows you and wants to talk! When I thought that the subjugation party was not able to discover you and yet to meet in this kind of place…Loki!”

“Achaa…I got exposed. The thing in question isn’t something Freyja used anyway, this feather cloak.”

While Kaya was dancing in the sky, she winked at Kazuki. That was the sign to use telepathy conversation in the middle of battle. Kazuki opened the wall of his heart, he received the telepathy message and adjusted his posture.

{My true color was exposed…the opponent will become serious soon you know, Onii-chan! Bother her constantly and don’t let her finish a high level magic!!}

To obstruct the enemy from chanting her spell, it was important to inflict damages to her somehow. And in addition to that, it was preferable to attack consecutively several times to annoy her.

But before Beatrix became a soldier, she was a fairly high level Magica Stigma.

He couldn’t obstruct her spell using a half-hearted attack.

Just like what Kaya pointed out, Beatrix started to spin a large magic power inside her.

Of course even while chanting her spell, Beatrix also continued fierce attacks toward this side.

Kazuki took the stance of Iai in order to exchange swords with Beatrix once again.

―Suddenly Beatrix averted her attention away from Kazuki.

Beatrix’s target changed…to Lotte. Kazuki understood that with Foresight, so he moved even earlier than Beatrix in order to protect Lotte, but―

“…I’m going to accelerate for real…can you protect her, lad!”

―With explosive superhuman power, Beatrix slipped from Kazuki’s side.

She got through!? …Her speed surpassed even his imagination!

“Prophet, Blitz!”

Lotte pulled a net of electricity against Beatrix who came near like a surging wave.

“…You bastard, what is the meaning of this, how could you use the same magic like that lad…?”

Beatrix stuck it out even while the electricity was hitting her body, and swung her sword down towards Lotte.

The [Seusenhofer] that protected Lotte’s body was pulverized in one hit.

However, Lotte fired the gatling gun, equipped in her right arm, directly to Beatrix.

All the bullets were pretty small but it managed to slow down Beatrix's advance.

In that time Mio’s Barrett flew.

In that interval, Lotte chanted her spell with the high speed that marked the forte of Magica Stigma, half possessed by her contracted Diva.

“Collider Field!”

An electromagnetic barrier expanded once more. Beatrix was again stopped by the net of electricity.

Finally Kazuki managed to chase Beatrix and interposed himself between her and Lotte. Lotte’s ability had the flexibility to cope with close-quarter combat as much as possible.

The four people concentrated their attacks again, Beatrix couldn’t help but interrupt her spell chanting.

…If they repeated this, they could win. But, the problem was…

Beatrix started the preparation of her high level magic from zero once more. Then,

“…The one who should be aimed at is not this one…but over there!”

Beatrix’s line of sight moved to Mio.

…Mio couldn’t use her Summoning Magic to cope with close-quarter combat like Lotte!

Since he had the necessary sword skill to handle Beatrix in close-quarter combat, there was a risk that the opponent would move her target to his comrades. Of course Kazuki had already thought of that.

Naturally, he had been aware of the difference in pure speed between him and Beatrix.

But as long he had the Foresight ability that was beaten into his body by his stepfather’s training, he could block Beatrix’s route even before she moved. He had the conviction to protect his comrades.

However, Foresight’s advantage was overturned mercilessly―just like a swift Forward that pierced through the defense line in a soccer game―Beatrix used her explosive acceleration to slip past Kazuki.

An overwhelming individual battle strength, to the degree that it overturned tactics.

If only he could chant Hiakari-san’s Moves in the Field, he could stop Beatrix.

If only he could use Hoshikaze-senpai’s Ride Lightning he could chase Beatrix, if only he could finish his spell chanting promptly like Kaguya-senpai…!

Those kind of thoughts flashed inside Kazuki’s mind. If only he was stronger…!

“Self Burning!”

Mio immediately chanted a defensive magic and prepared for the opponent’s attack.

Beatrix swung her sword downwards to Mio. Mio’s flame and Beatrix’s magic sword collided.

Before the flame could dissolve the sword, the magic power that covered the sword stole the heat from the flame and cooled the sword using Pyrokinesis to resist. The flame armor and the sword’s magic power offset and erased each other.

After an instant of opposition, the flame armor was stamped out and Beatrix’s sword cut Mio up.

The light of the defensive magic power scattered, Mio was blown off by the shockwave of the smashed magic.

“…Blazing Wings!”

However while Mio received damage, she chanted her spell. Mio flew to the sky using the strongest magic available to her. But for the current Beatrix, even the sky was not a safe area. Beatrix displayed an enhanced jumping power that could reach Mio’s height.

Mio mowed Beatrix using the wings of flame. Beatrix defends against that with her Sacred Treasure shield, <Svalinn>, fierce slash rained down at the sky.

Mio, clad with flame wings was crashing down to the ground in one go, by the destructive power of just that one blow.

―Before comparing the difference in power, including the shield made their compatibility really bad!

Kazuki ran while feeling impatient.

Lotte’s gatling gun and Kaya’s summoned Demon Beast were attacking Beatrix, but she brushed off those and kept continuing her spell chanting, she approached Mio to pierce her with a finishing blow.

The one he needed to protect was not only Lotte. Mio too…he absolutely wouldn’t let her get killed!

Kazuki charged in between Beatrix and Mio with a really close timing.

He redirected Beatrix’s sword with a risky distance.

Beatrix who had her sword redirected, grinned broadly.

“Onii-chan’s priority order is wrong! Stop her spell chanting even if Mio-chan is cut up!”

“…!”

The moment he noticed his blunder from Kaya’s rebuke, huge light exploded from the inside of Beatrix’s hand.

“Rage and blessing ran together in my war! As the agent of the god of war, I’ll bring down the rage and blessing of life to thy crown…Mjollnir!”

The explosive light intensifying was the mark of the super high level magic, forming into a large hammer with a short handle. The famous giant killing weapon told in legend with it's military prowess surpassing even Odin, synonymous with the god, Thor himself, <Mjolnir>. Its boorish appearance was typical of the Norse Mythology, just a plain hammer, however it probably possessed the strongest power in that Mythology. The hammer that boasted inexhaustible destructive power.

“You’re more naïve than I thought, lad. First starting from you―return back to {{furigana|Particles|Prima Material}}!”

Beatrix brandished her hammer right before Kazuki’s eyes.

“Onii-chan…you idiot!”

Kaya thrusted herself in front of Kazuki while yelling. The Fiaðrhamr that covered her body moved like it was protecting its wearer, it defended Kaya’s front part and turned into an enclosing wall.

Furthermore, Kaya even set up her Sacred Treasure, Burtgang and attempted to block Mjolnir.

“Self Burning!”

Kazuki immediately chanted a defensive magic. When he realized Kaya stood ahead to cover him, he controlled the flame armor fluidly and transferred it to Kaya.

Behind Kazuki too, Mio also took defensive action. Her flame wings that she still maintained were spread wide to its limit as much as possible, it wrapped around Kaya to protect her.

A total of four defensive layer. Mjolnir was swung downward against those.

Just as soon as they thought that they could hold against it―a shockwave sound, resembling an explosion rang out.

Their eardrum felt like it would burst just from the noise.

Kaya’s Fiaðrhamr and Burtgang, both of the Sacred Treasures were smashed by Mjolnir in one breath.

The two layer of flame were also pierced easily.

And then the last wall―Kaya’s defensive magic power held against Mjollnir stubbornly. The blue light shone intensely, thereafter, the trio of Kazuki, Kaya, and Mio were blown off by the shockwave.

“…Kaya!?” Inside Kazuki’s mind, the majority of Kaya’s magic power were smashed and her breathing was rough.

“…I’m okay, I avoided instant death and magic intoxication. As expected, it was not nearly enough to just pile defenses like that. But, there is no second time. Mjolnir is not a magic that is unusable just by using it once…”

Kaya faced Kazuki and laughed provocatively.

“By the way and frankly, if Onii-chan attacks me right now and shave off all my magic power, you’d have a chance to exterminate Loki inside me, wouldn’t you?”

“Right now Kaya is my comrade. …I can’t do that kind of action.”

“Fufufuu, Onii-chan is naïve. Really…very naïve.”

Even though she said so in this kind of time, a floating heart mark flew from Kaya.

“…Loki. The god I serve has something he wants to talk over with you.”

Beatrix who was walking here removed her stance and whispered.

At her side―an avatar of a giant man was floating. The ideal that the violent Vikings worshiped, a strong muscled soldier with red pupils and a red beard.

“It’s not my real intention to subjugate you. Einherjar’s objective is the erasure of Charlotte Liebenfrau, Loki’s subjugation is nothing more than a pretext. It’s only a good opportunity.”

Thor talked with a grave tone of voice,

“Well, if you are going to exterminate me for real, there’d be no leisure to do it frivolously like this.”

Kaya, who stood from Loki’s standpoint, impudently insulted.

“Our chief god, Odin wished to establish a place to talk with you.”

Kaya warped her expression hearing Thor’s words, and she completely turned angry.

“Haa? Are you an idiot? …I’ll tell you what Loki is saying. Do you want a repeat of [{{furigana|Lokasenna|The Dispute in the Sea God’s Mansion }}] again, you shitty bastard?”

Kaya yelled the verbal message from Loki intensely, complete with Loki’s own way of talking.

“I ain't got any plans to talk with you! No matter how many times I see you guys' faces, I’ll always refute, blame, contempt, and defile your inconsistent conduct for sure!! And then, I’ll murder the living shit of that shitty idiot Heimdall and that show-off geezer Odin. After that would be your turn, Thor!! The role to disgrace the pride of the ace of the gods is mine!”

“…I thought of you as my friend.”

“Aaaa, we have a lot of reminiscence huuhh. We crossdressed together huh. …Shuut uppp idiooott! From the beginning I am a giant from Jotunheim! A Half baked place like what you guys have, that is what I hated the most! …Well then! Midgardsormr!”

That snake was hiding inside the ground again!?

At the same time, with Kazuki’s admiration to that shrewdness, a gigantic snake gushed out from the ground.

When Kaya leaped and mounted the snake, her expression that was full of anger softened and she faced Kazuki.

“Onii-chan, it’s impossible for me to continue the battle, so I’m escaping first. I’ll tell you the last plan from Loki…it’s Onii-chan’s naivety that made her equip Mjolnir and caused this desperate situation, but in Onii-chan’s naivety that thought of bonds as something important…there is still a chance of winning. You understand right, what he means?”

“{{furigana|Random Escape|Earth Escape Earth Beast}}!”

Kaya and the snake were absorbed into the ground with ‘zuruzuruzuru!’ and disappeared.

Thor’s avatar also disappeared along with Loki’s escape. Looks like he had no interest other than Loki.

“Well then…now is the time of despair for you who remained here.”

In her hand was a blunt and shining hammer of legend, Mjolnir.

They would be pulverized into Prime Material if they were hit with that, a weapon of absolute destruction.

“…It’s fine already, Kazuki-oniisan.”

Lotte interposed between Kazuki and Beatrix while her head was looking down dejectedly.

“If that woman got hold of me, Onii-san and Onee-san would be saved right?”

“Hmm, it’s like that. My mission is to kill you. Though it’s obvious that those two are ignoring their [Order to stay quiet] and came attacking me, but it might turn into a problem later if I kill them.”

“Then I…I’ll resign myself properly…”

Resign…that’s what she says?

What was she doing…to talk about giving up like it was the correct thing to do…!

Tears were pooling inside Lotte’s eyes, she turned to Kazuki. Her face showed that she had thrown away all hopes to the extent that it pained him.

“I have been aware of this all along. I was aware of the feeling of everyone in my family using telepathy, that I brought unhappiness for them. I came to this country forcibly looking for asylum and everyone here had been kind to me since then, but…as expected, the black shadow came chasing for me here…If it keeps like this, everyone is going to be unhappy…”

“Wait, what are you saying…Lotte!”

Mio raised a strained voice while looking at her back.

That’s right, there is no way anyone would agree with something like this.

Don’t say it, Kazuki begged. The next words that would come from her lips, Kazuki didn’t want to hear from her.

“…As I thought, from the beginning, I should stop struggling unsightly and accept my fate of death desu…. It was only temporary, but the date was fun desu. Thank you very much…”

“Don’t screw with me! …To have to die even though you didn’t do anything wrong…I won’t allow that kind of fate! For Lotte to have to die…DON’T GO!”

Even in the case that Lotte herself gave up, even though it was for my own selfishness, I won’t let her go!

Kazuki hugged Lotte’s back who, in despair, walked powerlessly to Beatrix. He forcibly turned that thin and frail body to face him.

“It’s okay to not peek at other people’s expression, it’s fine to not doubt whether you deserve happiness or not! All those anxiety and black shadow―I’ll never let any of that touch you again!”

Lotte cried back and leaned against Kazuki with tears flowing.

“Why! How could you say that you’d protect me in this kind of situation desu! …How could you say such impossible thing honestly from your heart, to make me hope like this…!!”

That might be so. A powerless human might not have the qualification to say that kind of thing.

…I want power. Power to protect those important to me.

“Even so…I can’t agree to something like this ! I want to protect Lotte!”

Kazuki―pressed his lips to Lotte. He kissed her in one breath and separated their lips.

“Kiss of oath…what Onii-san said before, that it was only for an important person that you bet your whole life to protect…”

She recalled it, the explanation about kiss that Kazuki spoke of before, Lotte whispered absentmindedly.

That moment, raging heat ran through Kazuki’s left hand to his whole body.

The heat was connected to Lotte―changing into circuits of magic power, there the Diva’s―the essence of power of the {{furigana|Diva|Prophet}} that even the Diva himself lost sight of, it headed to Kazuki and flowed into him.

“Lad, you bastard…what did you do just now, what is happening!? What in the world is that power…!?”

“Lotte…don’t say words like giving up for a second time! …{{furigana|I know thy true name|Shem ha Meforash}}!!”

The spell that appeared in his head―Chant it!

“Thy true name is…Prometheus! Oh you who had savored both the height of pride and the lowest of hardships! In accordance with my life, show me that wisdom!!”

At Kazuki’s side―Prometheus whose form was a young boy until now materialized as a man in the prime of his life with a huge build.

Prometheus the Titan.

Even while he was a titan, at the Titanomachia between the gods of Olympus and the Titans, he foresaw the victory of the gods. The sage of wisdom at the side of the gods of Olympus.

After that, following Zeus’s command, he created the human race from the life of the earth, the father of everything.

The first humans didn’t even have furs or fangs, they were pitiful beings that did nothing but be afraid of the cold and the beasts. Prometheus disobeyed Zeus’s command and granted the fire of civilization and spoken words to humankind, he was [a person with even more compassion than god].

For that, Prometheus bore a long torture as punishment, and he was to be continuously detested by Zeus. And in order to grant suffering to humans, Zeus directed Pandora to cause heavy floods.

―However, humans, they who received strength from you who was in no way a god had never regret it in the least.

Owing to those things you provided to humans, we could help each other and be able to live, the connection of bonds gave birth to infinite hopes.

For all those reason right now once more―lend me your power.

Your power…I swear I won’t use it for the wrong things!

For the natural desire as a human, so Lotte could believe…!

“Oh {{furigana|King|Basilleus}} who lived for the sake of others, naturally, I will lend you my power.”

The titan Prometheus narrowed his silver eyes and gently smiled.

“Prometheus of the Greek Mythology…unthinkable big shot from the Chaos Side is coming out here! So that guy is this lad contracted Diva! Interesting…let’s see that strength!!”

“Oh seer who became father, if you discover hope in my future…cast the weapon to this hand for the sake of opening up the future! …{{furigana|Olympia Forger|Fire of Civilization}}!!”

Prometheus lit up a silver light of magic power. That was the magic power that was going through the circuit into Kazuki’s soul and hailed each other. Prometheus’ silver body flickered like a giant flame itself, and was absorbed into the katana in Kazuki’s hand, <Raikiri>. That huge magic power changed its form into the most suitable [Weapon] according to Kazuki’s soul.

Prometheus’ ultimate magic was [Weapon Creation]. He grasped it, and without meaning to, a smile floated in his face.

The weapon that Prometheus brought forth to Kazuki was―a Japanese katana. A katana that was the exact match [if Kazuki himself imagined] his ideal blade. In its scabbard and handle, there were no ornaments at all, a very simple shape.

It was so familiar, like he had already grasped this katana from the time he was born to now.

Kazuki gripped the katana tightly and confronted Beatrix.

“Let’s separate from Mio and Lotte. This will become a fight too dangerous if they were mixed up into it.”

Beatrix laughed pleasantly hearing Kazuki’s exaggerated words.

“Fufufu, soldier to soldier, facing each other in an interesting battle. My soul would be invited to Valhalla even if I were to die here, by no means I would regret that end. …Let’s go lad!”

Beatrix stepped forward while brandishing Mjolnir.

Kazuki drew the Japanese katana, he received from Prometheus, from its scabbard and met her attack.

The hammer’s direct hit and the katana’s Iai draw clashed.

Vast magic powers were clashing, those magic power waves distorted ‘gunyari’ the surrounding space.

“A low grade weapon that is only the embodiment of a human’s soul―no way it could go against [Thor’s Hammer]!”

An instant, Kazuki could feel the other side’s pressure exceeded him. However―

“Inside me, my father’s…human’s technique exists!”

Toward the other side’s pressure that slightly exceeded him, Kazuki controlled his katana's blade delicately and redirected it. Beatrix hit empty air and gouged a huge crater in the shopping arcade.

Kazuki’s Instant Positioning destroyed Beatrix’s posture.

However, before Kazuki could slash his blade a second time, she fixed her posture forcibly by the usage of reinforcement magic. Thereafter, from the position of fifty-fifty, the katana and hammer collided.

“…So it’s even!” Beatrix raised a voice dyed in delight.

Along with the tremendous energy Mjolnir produced, Prometheus’ magic katana also amplified Kazuki’s magic power dozens of times and resisted back.

Kazuki was redirecting and as Beatrix retaliated with brute force, technique and strength met for the second times, third times, clashing against each other.

Kazuki looked for the instant where his opponent would show an opening, while Beatrix used herculean strength to press Kazuki.

That moment of offense and defense―

“Kuh!” Kazuki couldn’t redirect Beatrix’s pressure, and his posture staggered.

“Got you!”

Without overlooking that opening, Beatrix let Mjolnir loose toward Kazuki’s flesh body.

―Just exactly according to Kazuki’s invitation.

“…Oh immortal bird who soar from dusk till dawn, bestow those wings of hope on my back! Destruction for the sake of rebirth right here! Blazing Wings!”

From the posture where he couldn’t possibly do something like retaliation, Kazuki created wings on his back and flew.

Beatrix’s single attack with her whole strength was caught by surprise perfectly and hit the empty air.

“The bonds that I have, is not only one!”

Immediately following the level 10 magic, he chanted the level 5 magic while holding his consciousness which was currently in a precarious state. Kazuki shouted like he was cheering himself .

“UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

“Multiple type summoning magic!? Lad, don’t tell me…you bastard is this country’s <King>!?”

Light was emitted from the sword that was slashed diagonally, starting from Beatrix’s shoulder.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 217.jpg|thumb]]

The Japanese katana that was the personification of Kazuki’s soul didn’t cut Beatrix’s flesh, it only destroyed her magic power and Beatrix fell into magic intoxication. She fell down like a doll with her string cut.

The wings of flame vanished scattering grains of light, the Japanese katana that was blessed with Prometheus’ divine protection returned back to Raikiri. While making sure of Beatrix’s defeat, Kazuki felt an intense mental fatigue, he fell to his knee while landing in that place.

Lotte approached that Kazuki’s back and hugged him tightly.

Wordlessly, Lotte leaked out sobbing voices.

“…You understood right? There is no need for you to feel any kind of uneasiness anymore.”

Toward those words that Kazuki squeezed out, Lotte replied with “Thank you so much.”

“…What should I do, the hollow me who came to this country…Onii-chan had became everything inside this hollow me already.”

While crying, she told Kazuki while blushing.

Mio walked near the two people.

“Kazuki…what in the world is your ability?”

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 2 Chapter 4

2022-01-08T23:54:08Z

Tman111: Fix grammars and typos.

==Chapter 4 – Love Simulation==

===Part 1===

As soon as Kazuki exited the student guidance room, Leme materialized in the air behind Kazuki’s head.

Like that, she clung to Kazuki’s head with both arms while both her legs were stuck to Kazuki’s shoulders, turning into a shoulder ride.

“It is imprudent to say this, but…this sure turned interesting right, my King!”

“…Why are you riding on my shoulder?”

“I’m showing you that there are various ways to materialize in this world.”

Kazuki felt closely a girl’s lower body on his head and neck beyond the thin one-piece tunic she wore, but―this was only Leme after all. Her form was a little girl when they first met, but now her appearance had grown into an upper elementary grade school student. Even with that growth, she still felt like a child.

“Is that so? Leme felt my nervousness before the fight and came to calm me down, thank you.”

“No, this is just a joke though.”

“You are heavy, get down.”

Okay, Leme replied obediently and ‘pyon’ jumped down.

“At any rate, this situation is bad for Prophet and Lotte, but even so this is still interesting. For our King to declare that he would protect Lotte by himself in the middle of this whirlpool of conspiracy of the country, that was intense. Even the development that you need to raise Lotte’s positivity level for the sake of defeating an opponent of higher status is pleasant! When you pass through this tribulation, you would be really praiseworthy as our King for sure!”

Kazuki, together with Leme, went out of the school building walking through the park towards the Witch’s mansion. The classmates passing by were calling out to him -“Hayashizaki-kun’s relation with his contracted Diva is really good, isn’t it?"

Kazuki talked to Leme after he confirmed that there was no one around.

“Knights that shouldn’t be there, adding to that…the Cancer outbreak in the middle of the fight with Beatrix. …Thanks to that we could escape, but the timing was completely unnatural. Did someone cause that phenomenon?”

Kazuki happened to know only one person that could cause such phenomenon using magic.

“…By chance that was about me, right Onii-chan?”

A voice that he had heard before came right from his back.

That voice that reminded him of those feelings of powerlessness was so dear and also regretful.

When he turned back, the girl that was not supposed to be inside the Knight Academy―Kaya was there.

“…!” Kazuki’s breath was taken away. His whole body had goosebumps. Only that girl's existence could do this to him.

Her clothes were not the tattered rags from that time. She wore a black t-shirt printed with a skull image and jeans that were roughly damaged, boots that were arranged with silver thumbtacks(the so-called punk style), while her silver hair was fluttering around. Kaya stood there so naturally that he doubted his own eyes.

There was no way. Why is this girl here? Even though right now, Japan’s Knight Order with help from Einherjar were in a frenzy searching for Loki.

…Moreover, how could Kaya have returned to her own body?

Kaya’s body was supposed to have beeen stolen by Loki. But now, right in front of his eyes was not the too skinny male with blue hair, but the silver haired Kaya before she was hijacked by Loki.

“Onii-chan looks flabbergasted. Loki is laughing raucously inside me you know? His enjoyment is even transmitted unto me with our shared perception.”

Kaya giggled lightly. Not only her appearance, even the voice was her's.

“If I have to say what happened…Loki didn’t erase my personality, he just put me under his control. Right now I’m Kaya, however at the same time Loki is in here too.”

Kazuki cautiously observed her.

A Diva is a lump of magic power. In other words―if the Kaya in front of him was attacked, her magic power shaved while magic power sealing measure was performed,…then the only one left would purely be Kaya.

If Kaya’s personality still remained, she could still be saved.

“Stop it Onii-chan, I don’t want to lose this power. Moreover…the current Onii-chan won’t be able to win against a serious Loki, right? I can use Loki’s power properly you know?”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 156.jpg|thumb]]

…Just like what she said. At the Haunting Ground, Kazuki noticed Loki’s existence as the one that caused the unnatural Cancer. However at that time, he thought his chances of victory was zero, so he chose to escape.

“But, Onii-chan. Loki respected my personality, so there is no need for Onii-chan to have useless thoughts like forcing yourself to try to rescue me. Because I’m not really unhappy with this.”

Kaya shrugged her shoulders, saying that Kazuki’s action was fruitless effort.

“Why did Loki leave behind Kaya’s personality that he had already hijacked?”

“That’s because he decided it’s more fun that way you see, Onii-chan! Loki is currently storing battle strength in Japan, and then the pawn for playing around ridiculing the key person of this country - that is the [King], you, Onii-chan…that was me I wonder?”

Inside Kazuki’s mind, he can hear Loki’s sneering voice that was rubbing him the wrong way.

Rage spontaneously welled up inside him, but the enemy that he should clash with―was not there.

For Kaya, who he thought he wanted to save, telling him that she didn’t need to be saved. Such a thing…

“Fufufu, although if there was no one killed, I think the current situation would be more fun. Compared to my powerlessness from a long time ago, being half assimilated with Loki is much more…”

“You said you are happy? Then even now, you show up in front of me just to make fun of me?”

“Today is different, we have a proposal. For the sake of defeating our common enemy―the hunter of German’s Einherjar, Beatrix Baumgard, how about Onii-chan forming a united front with us?”

Kaya looked around restlessly then, said something in a carefree smiling face.

“Talking about this while standing around is a little bit…how about we continue this in Onii-chan’s room?”

{Enter now.}

{Okaaayy―♪}

Night―Kazuki opened his room’s window, then sent a thought message using telepathy to Kaya who was waiting and standing by outside.

Normally, it was a common magic that was rarely used because it was subtly inconvenient even though it appeared so.

First, sending a thought message to another party who didn’t open their heart, even if they sent it unilaterally, it would get deflected by <The Wall of Heart>. It couldn’t be done without informing the other party beforehand that a message would be sent.

Moreover, when matching their consciousness and hearts with each other, not only the message, but even thoughts and emotions could flow on its own accord to the other party.

And then to protect from an incident of leaking private thoughts, an advanced control of magic power was needed.

Kazuki who was poor at telepathy magic was not inclined to do this, but…he couldn’t greet Kaya from the front entrance of the Witch’s Mansion. There was no other way than this to invite her in.

Kaya’s head ‘pyon’ protruded from the window.

“Making this kind of weak girl climb up a wall, Onii-chan you brute.”

Of course what made such acrobatics possible for her came from Enchant Aura which is based on Loki’s magic power.

“That way of talking…You, the truth is Loki's the one inside, right?”

“That’s not true Onii-chaaan! It’s true that Loki can transform into a girl though. But right now, the personality of Kaya is the one that properly moves this flesh. Loki is in the middle of resting.”

Kaya jumped lightly over the window frame and landed in the room.

“So this is Onii-chan’s room. As expected, what a stoic room. Uwaa, dumbbells scattered around in the floor…. Where are the porn books?”

“There is no such thing, I'm not interested. Wait, remove your shoes.”

“Is there really no porn book here? Ah, that’s right, Onii-chan knew I will come so he already cleaned it up in a panic before, right? Perhaps the girl that had entered into this room…I wonder if I’m the first one?”

“Just so you know, the residents of this mansion frequently comes and goes.”

The smiling expression disappeared from Kaya’s face hearing Kazuki’s blunt words.

“…I want to murder all the girls in this mansion except Mio-chan right now…”

At the same time, a skull mark that signaled the decrease of positivity level floated over from her chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. Wait, wait right there! What was that just now!?

Amasaki Mio―130 Otonashi Kaguya―79 Hiakari Koyuki―52 Hoshikaze Hikaru―43

Lotte―44 Kaya―50

Kazuki was amazed the moment the magic power flowed into his ring.

“Why are you being added to the conquering targets!?”

“That ring…record my positivity level huh? Loki is proud of his eyes in appraising things. You see, that positivity level is the embodiment of the lending of our power in this united front, Onii-chan. I hope that this can be proof that there is no double-dealing in our cooperation with Onii-chan.”

Certainly the ring acknowledged the existence of Kaya in front of him. If Loki was actually disguising himself as Kaya, then the ring shouldn’t show the value of positivity level of 50.

“Because Onii-chan slashed him before, Loki needs to rest as much as possible. Diva is a lump of magic power, if they receive damage, then their divinity would be wounded. It’s the same with Lotte’s contracted Diva who possessed her to accumulate power. Possibly…it’s also the same with the three major gods who once led the world and used up their power, and now they inevitably lay dormant for a long, long time.”

Used up their power…three major gods?

But before Kazuki could interpose his question, Kaya continued her talk fluently.

“Though if Loki was awakened forcibly, he could still do something like dealing with Onii-chan. Be that as it may, he is not in perfect condition. Even if he dealt with someone like Onii-chan…Beatrix would be more troublesome as an opponent. Loki is not that strong in close quarter combat. That is where he wants to cooperate with Onii-chan who is a specialist in close quarter combat. I mean Onii-chan who crossed swords with a knight, who was blessed with Thor’s divine protection, with just pure swordsmanship was too abnormal. It’s out of the ordinary.”

Who did you say is abnormal? Even though he thought he was going to die at that fight,

Kaya suddenly looked around restlessly.

“By the way…can I meet with Mio-oneechan? It’s okay if we call her to this room, right? I wanted to meet her for a looong time.”

“I still haven’t decided if we want to cooperate with you.”

“How obstinate Onii-chan. Even though Onii-chan doesn’t understand if he can win before the fight. Just so you know, I can become a powerful war asset if I borrow Loki’s power.”

“Even if it’s only temporary for example…I'm still reluctant to join hands with guys like Loki.”

“Loki is not that bad of a guy. Loki’s objectives are to bring forth chaos in the world and take revenge on the gods of the Norse Mythology. For that, he wakes up illegal magicians and asks them to become his comrade, but in reality he avoids actions like killing humans in mischief. Even people like me who was driven mad and thought that they were going to be killed, they were sort of allowed to escape in reality. Well, sometimes he might overdo it as the guy who pursues chaos though. He sort of killed Mio-chan inadvertently while raising the tension and provoking Onii-chan before.”

What? She said a guy whose words and deeds like Loki was not a bad guy?

“…Surely Onii-chan had heard that there were still no dead victims in the incident of the attack against the Knight Order.”

That one was quite puzzling. At first it was said that Loki used Hit & Away tactic and avoid getting too deep to injure the Knight Order, but…

“They only attacked to whittle away the Knight Order’s strength, then ran. It seems illegal magicians are easy to rile up. Because all the illegal magicians lost their reason, it’s safe for Loki to lead them. As a result, the victims who died decreased.”

“But if the Diva of illegal magicians are woken up…at the very least, there will be victims that will have their personality devoured.”

Kaya’s personality was left behind, but not everyone would be like her.

“Humans that had their personality absorbed are victims, that is only Onii-chan’s personal opinion.”

Kaya―asserted so definitively.

Even when Kaya was hijacked by Loki, she could only raise a scream of grief.

“At first I was also scared because Loki drove me to the wall mentally to steal my flesh efficiently. I was made to think to kill various people. But now that I am already absorbed―it feels so good. The fools who obtained power according to their wishes, and in the end integrated with god or devil…that is not repulsive. In the first place, the humans that have a hand in illegal contracts were nothing but humans that pursued <Chaos> somewhere deep in their heart.”

“…What are you saying, chaos... is?”

She said that was Loki’s objective, but….

“See, what is called Chaos is the other side of the Mythology. Illusions going toward sweet decadence, the desire and impulse of living things called humans that they can’t deny. If the gods on the front side of the mythology start to control humans with the thing called <Order>, then we, the gods of the opposing side will start to move seeking those things that belonged to Chaos!”

The gods of the front side that she mentioned―was she referring to the Mythology of the magic advanced countries that demanded faith?

And then the opposing force towards those front side…were those Divas of Chaos?

In the Norse Mythology, Divas like Loki…?

“It’s not good to see everything just from one side you know? Hearing words like Chaos, it would tickle your Chuuni<ref>Disease you got around middle school, where you fantasized yourself as a fantasy like character so much, it bled into your real life. I wonder how many of us have this before or even now.</ref> mind for sure, no doubt there are a lot of humans like Kaya in society nowadays! Abandoning our body to Chaos and releasing ourselves from all shackles, attaining supreme ecstasy - humans like us! …Well, I won’t ask a man of common-sense like Onii-chan to understand the values of our aesthetics though. Because in a certain meaning, this happiness is only for the humans who chose it for themselves.”

Kaya said all those in a tone of ecstasy. But it could be seen from her words and expression, there was danger that it would turn bad if you could appreciate what she said.

“It’s one hundred percent impossible for Onii-chan to appreciate Chaos, but…if Onii-chan have already heard about Lotte’s story, then Onii-chan won’t be able to be positive towards Germany that was ruled by the powerful Order of the Norse Mythology, right?”

Certainly, Kazuki couldn’t think of Germany’s way of doing things as righteous.

However, was it fine for him to easily let slide everything Loki had done till now?

He couldn’t get rid of this uncomfortable feeling no matter what. He didn’t understand how he should feel toward Kaya who was right in front of him. The more he heard her talk…the more he felt swallowed into the depth of Chaos.

“Even so Onii-chan’s Solomon 72 Pillar position was neither Order nor Chaos. But fellows like Asmodeus that’s closer to Chaos also exist there. It’s important for Onii-chan who is the {{furigana|King|Basilleus}} of Solomon to pick out allies from inside both Order and Chaos. Because so far Solomon 72 Pillar too increased their number like that. Looking out for allies within the enemy’s side is also an important job for a King. Onii-chan is pampered too much by Lemegeton if she doesn’t teach you things like that, isn’t it?”

“…So are you saying I need to be broad-minded enough to join hands together with Loki temporarily to probe him out, is that so?”

“Yee―ess! Just like that, Onii-chaa―n!”

Suddenly Kaya leaped toward Kazuki and hugged his arm.

“…Just, I hope you can think of me more as the genuine Kaya right now…”

Kaya whispered faintly while hugging Kazuki and burying her face in Kazuki’s chest.

“Well, let’s form a united front for the meantime for the sake of beating Beatrix, okay? Onii-chan’s breadth of tactics will spread even further by getting me as a comrade. It’s important right? Your breadth of tactics?”

“…Do you have some kind of plan? Though I can’t think of anything other than unpleasant thoughts from Loki’s cunning.”

“It can’t be said as a plan, but I can propose a policy for the way of fighting. In any case, the opponent’s contracted Diva…Thor, Loki knows everything about the scope of his powers.”

Loki and Thor were both Divas from the Norse’s mythology.

It was even depicted in the mythology that both of them were [close] friends .

“The fundamental is for Onii-chan to endure the opponent’s close-quarter attack. There Onii-chan will obstruct her from chanting the spell for area-attack magic while also whittling her magic power. But if Thor succeeds in chanting high level magic, it’s already over at that point in time. That’s the lifeline.”

“What should I do if she keeps running away while chanting high level magic?”

Beatrix’s physical ability, after she finished chanting her two stage reinforce magic, had exceeded even Hoshikaze-senpai in her [Ride Lighning] by a large margin. If Beatrix could run away, it was impossible to overtake her.

“No, most of Thor’s summoning magic has the weak point of being unable to be chanted while not fighting. As the compensation of granting overwhelming fighting strength, Thor is a Diva that wouldn’t listen to anything other than the voice of a soldier right in the midst of battle. That is, Beatrix’s breadth of tactics is narrow.”

This was important information. If it was like that, if he could endure Beatrix’s close-quarter combat, he could bring the battle into protracted war. However…

“The problem is Thor’s Magic Dress of helmet and armor. It has the divine protection of defensive power. The most efficient method of attack is to inflict damage from the inner part of the armour.”

An attack that operated in the inner part…[electricity] huh.

“In addition, a magician of her level is not depending on only defensive magic power to defend against an attack, she’d also use psychokinesis against physical attacks and pyrokinesis against heat to offset the attack precisely. Compared to releasing defensive magic power depending on instinct, controlled magic power has better defensive efficiency. Unfortunately, there is a difference between Onii-chan who is a student and a professional knight for the know-how in this area.”

…Protracted battle. During those period, he would fall into a desperate situation if he let the enemy invoke a high level magic even once.

He was taught some significant information, but it seems it would become a considerably severe battle.

“But it would be fine if Onii-chan prepared solidly. Onii-chan is going to raise Lotte’s positivity level as high as possible the whole day tomorrow. Lotte’s Diva is pretty strong, that guy.”

“You know Prophet’s real identity!?”

“I have a conjecture. I wonder if that teacher has also guessed it already? If I have to say how important it is to make Lotte become lovestruck to Onii-chan, it’s because Beatrix had brought a troublesome Sacred Treasure from Germany. That shield that could even block the flaming fist of the Muspelheim’s giant that I summoned before―that was the Sacred Treasure of Norse Mythology, [Svalinn]. That shield has absolute resistance towards flames. The battle power of a King like Onii-chan that could only use fire will be reduced in half. While unfortunate, a flame user like Mio-chan wouldn’t be able to do anything other than be a cute mascot character as long as that shield is there.”

As expected, that shield was a Sacred Treasure.

Our side’s attack was inclined to flame, so Beatrix’s defense could only be seen as absolutely overwhelming.

The Scared Treasure was forbidden to use in Japan…but Germany used them properly.

“Onii-chan’s job is to raise Lotte’s positivity level. Kaya feels offended to her though. Even though the one that can call Onii-chan as Onii-chan is only me and Mio-chan who was in little sister position in the orphanage!”

That provocation speech was going to make Kanae-san burn though.

“My job on the other side, the comrade that this form of Kaya can control…Midgardsormr…with his cooperation, we will decrease the area of the Haunting Ground that Onii-chan will challenge for the quest in the day after tomorrow. It would be troublesome if uncertain factors that would become a hindrance in the fight would increase. Though there needs to be some allowance because if all Demon Beasts are exterminated then the quest would also get terminated. This is an important role right?”

…Certainly, there was no part that he could criticize in her proposal.

“…On the contrary, don’t you dare to prepare some trap that would cause our defeat.”

“…Kyaa☆ Onii-chan, can you explain logically what merit there is in that kind of action for me and Loki?”

A skull mark flew while Kaya stared scornfully to Kazuki who kept distrusting her.

“Pass the whole day tomorrow sweetly just with Lotte okay, Onii-chan! Irritating! Well, but harem…that kind of sore romance, Kaya is the understanding type you know!”

While spinning round and round without even any meaning, Kaya was “Ha―rem♪” in high spirit.

“…Isn’t it more natural if we go together with Mio under the pretext of party’s friendship deepening meeting rather than just me and Lotte, with that Lotte could be more relieved, have more fun and then her positivity level would also go up, right?”

While more skull marks flew from Kaya because of Kazuki’s objection,

“Block-head-O-ni-i-chan☆” she cursed Kazuki with a sweet voice.

“Prattling things like that is the proof that Onii-chan doesn’t even see Lotte as a girl. It’s okay to gamble too, but I bet Lotte would be happy being alone with Onii-chan, the chance to increase the positivity level would also increase. Because somehow her positivity level had already passed over 40. Even if in the case that Onii-chan thought of her as someone like a little sister…a girl would still be a girl for sure.”

Kaya waved her finger while going ‘tsk tsk tsk’.

“Furthermore, this talk also fits with me who is in the same position of younger little sister, so this will also serve as reference when Onii-chan is going to conquer me in the not so far future, right☆ Kyaa!”

“True, just like what this chuunibyou little sister said. Our King is still lacking regarding romantics.”

Even Leme appeared beside Kazuki and found faults in him.

“Tonight…looks like there are no more trains. Onii-chan…can I stay in this room, can I?”

While doing an impressive action behavior, Kaya said so in embarrassment.

“Tonight, Kaya want to pass the night with only Onii-chan doing this-and-that filled with Chaos that was hard to describe, pleaseee♥”

“Go home.” With that, Kazuki opened the window of the room.

In any case, he must talk with Lotte to set the promise of the date.

Both Liz Liza-sensei and Kaya talked about raising Lotte’s positivity level like it was something so easy to do, but…it was not so simple if he thought realistically. He hesitated at this juncture.

Although the other party was Lotte who was very friendly, but a guy who invited a girl who he just met for a few days, wasn’t that too frivolous and thoughtless….

But the situation had turned into a battle that they couldn’t withdraw from anymore.

He hardened his resolve and searched for Lotte, he found her in the kitchen chugging an entire bottle of milk in one gulp right after she came out of the bath. She was wearing a T-shirt and short pants while a towel was wrapped at her neck.

“O, Onii-san.”

“…What are you doing Lotte?”

“I learned from anime that in Japan you have to do this after getting out from the bath. There is no custom to warm our body inside the bath in our country, so I yearned for this desu.”

“The path of drinking milk after bathing is deep, you know? There are also coffee milk or lemon milk and many others.”

“Is that so desu…I want to master them all desu.”

Lotte whispered with an expression that’s hard to describe. That expression seems to be tinged with a little worry.

“Moreover, I also heard that your breast will get bigger if you drink milk. I learned many important things in human life from anime desu. Does Onii-san like big breasts?”

“Eh, I wonder…I don’t really think about that honestly.”

The moment he said that, the images of breasts that almost spilled over from the figures of Kaguya-senpai and Mio in their Magic Dress appeared clearly in his mind, Kazuki shook his head and cleared those images from his head.

“I’m ashamed because mine is not big desu. My stature is also small and scrawny desu…”

“Based on your age, won’t you still have a lot of growing up from now on?”

“That’s right isn’t it desu? Until now my body is weak and underdeveloped, so…from now on is a crucial moment desu. I’ll drink various milk, and grow rapidly from now on…”

While saying [From now on], Lotte’s expression clouded over drastically.

Lotte spoke of the [Future] that she couldn’t grasp in her hand even until now.

Despite that, why is she so…speaking of the future with that kind of helpless expression?

“Kazuki-oniichan, the Einherjar that came to attack us at the end of the quest…she was aiming at me, right desu?”

Aah, that’s right…there was no way she wouldn’t notice.

“As expected, I am a bother for everyone, isn’t it desu? Probably, no matter where I go, I’ll always be a bother to the people in those places…”

Lotte whispered frailly like a flower petal that was scattered in the wind.

That expression made Kazuki’s chest feel painfully tight.

“You are not a bother.”

“…Why desu? For all that it’s my fault that we were attacked…”

“Because I’m very happy that I met Lotte. The plus is much bigger than the minus, so don’t think that you are a bother. To not have any place to belong to anywhere in the world, you must not think such sad things.”

Kazuki remembered the time when he was an orphan. Even that me was found by people who gave me a place to belong. Then I too, for this girl…

Inside Kazuki’s head, the nervousness and hesitation he felt in inviting her to a date disappeared.

“But as it is, I will surely be…killed.”

“It’s okay. I will protect Lotte.”

Lotte’s face was dyed with surprise, blue sparks were released around her face’s vicinity.

The girl who was a genius in telepathy perceived Kazuki’s heart unconsciously.

Lotte’s face contorted and almost cried when she sensed the inside of Kazuki’s heart.

“Onii-chan’s words…why is there not even a bit of lie mixed there desu? Even though you said such unbelievable words…”

“It’s not unbelievable. That Germany’s Einherjar can only stay in Japan for one month. They won’t also get any open help from the internal of Japan. The other side only has limited chances. I’ll drive away that female soldier for sure!”

Lotte’s pupils shook in anxiety. “It’s okay.” Kazuki held Lotte’s cheeks between both his hands.

It was Kazuki’s habit that he used to calm down Kanae, when she was crying, during their childhood.

“Lotte, let’s go play tomorrow.”

“Eh? Playing…why so suddenly…”

“I want to teach Lotte about happiness and your place to belong in this world.”

“This world’s enjoyment…my place…? For me, that kind of thing…? Seriously desu?”

Lotte blinked her eyes in surprise while her cheeks were held between Kazuki’s hands.

“…Bu, but! If I go play with only Kazuki-oniisan, it would turn out as a date like in the love comedy anime…!? Or maybe, Mio-oneesan will also come together?”

“Let’s go for a date. Just the two of us.”

Immediately, blue spark scattered around Lotte and she understood Kazuki’s honest feelings.

The cheek that was kept between Kazuki’s hand suddenly burned hotly.

And then in the next moment―a super large heart mark flew towards Kazuki. He was involuntarily taken aback because it was so large even though it was just a vision with no substance.

Lotte’s positivity level increased to 57 in one go. Lotte understood whether her company was lying or honest using telepathy. Maybe that was why the jump in her positivity level was so drastic.

Lotte perceived Kazuki’s heart and came to believe it.

“If Kazuki-oniisan says that it’s fine, then I want to go on a date with Onii-san desu…”

Lotte replied with a face so red that smoke ‘pushu―’ came out from her face.

“Please treat me well…date of man and woman…”

“Then, is there any place that you want to go? By any chance, you haven’t gone sightseeing around Tokyo since you arrived right?”

Kazuki removed his hands from Lotte’s cheeks. Lotte put her own hands on her cheeks and,

“Tokyo’s sightseeing! Those words tickle my chest desu…!”

She said that cheerfully and with that, her spirit returned. Then she thought for a while and replied.

“…I, want to go to Akihabara desu!”

===Part 2===

It would be embarrassing if everyone from the Witch’s Mansion saw them off, so Kazuki and Lotte met up at the school’s gate. This was a great and clever plan by Mio.

Kazuki got out of the mansion and waited in advance, then a flowery excited voice rang out.

“Kazuki-oniisan!”

Lotte ran ‘patapata’ steadily toward Kazuki while her skirt fluttered about.

She was wearing a dress, like the one worn by an upper class young lady to a party.

Her skirt’s length was not too long, so it was not hard to run in it. Their appearance to the world was different when they lined up. Just like the scene of a commoner escorting a princess….

“This is the dress that I wore when I sought asylum here, the only clothes that I brought from Seinmundo desu.”

“So you are coming here wearing your special clothes. I mean, it’s pretty. Like this…”

Rather than pretty, it was beautiful. The bottom of the neck and the shoulder were exposed boldly, the part on the hips was slender, and the skirt spread out like flower petals. Those clothes combined with Lotte’s own loveliness made her look like a character that came right out from a fairytale.

“Receiving a man's honest praise from the heart…my heart is beating so fast desu.”

Lotte looked down while fidgeting and holding the tips of her skirts.

―Now, which way is good to leave from here?

It would be a mistake to walk in front of her and guide her with a distance between them, he already received instructions from Mio beforehand. What he learned was to link their arms together or to hold her waist.

But the initiative to hold the hand of the lady couldn’t come from the man. If it became like this…!

“Well then, shall we go?”

Kazuki gently embraced Lotte’s hips that was so slender, it looks like it could break with his one hand.

…Mio said that for an adult, it was only natural to do this, but as he thought, this was overdoing it.

However, Lotte looked up to Kazuki in a daze and a heart mark flew out from her.

The advice from Kaya to treat Lotte properly like a girl flashed inside his head.

“Kazuki-oniisan…this is what people call as a date between a man and a woman, right desu? I have never participated in something like this, but this is completely like the royal dance party desu!”

When he thought about it, this kind of exaggerated way might have originated from a foreign country.

“I…thought that romcom<ref>Romance comedy</ref> of a man and a woman would not ever happen in my life. …This is like seeing a dream, I feel so light desu. Is it really fine to believe this desu…?”

Lotte whispered so while snuggling closely to Kazuki’s arm that was holding her.

―And then their destination was the [{{furigana|Alchemics Mega City|Alchemy Cyberbrain City}} - Akihabara].

Once called the Electric Town, the plot of land became the town of Anime afterwards, and when it entered the age of magic, it became known as Alchemics Mega City.

There they were pursuing the use of alchemy for the use of entertainment however much.

What they were especially pursuing was the genre of entertainment known as <Moe><ref>If you’re reading LN, you should know what moe is, right?</ref>.

The alchemists that were specializing in Moe, the <Otaku> were gathering in this town to set up their workshops.

Various Moe were created from those Otaku workshops and released to the public.

Using alchemy, alchemic figures in advanced model and all possible colors, and also three-dimensional illustrations were projected freely using {{furigana|phantasmagoria|magic light slide projector device}}.

And then using telepathy to transmit sound, image, and even unfamiliar tactile sense to the player, applying alchemy to anime and galge<ref>Visual novel, gal game</ref>, so to speak the <Ultimate virtual reality of Moe>.

Even though Kazuki had watched anime with Kanae before, this was the first time he had ever stepped foot in this zealous town. When Lotte got off from the train, she “{{furigana|Oh mein Gott|Oh my god}}!” leaked out cries of joy.

“Unfassbar! {{furigana|Erstaunlich|How amazing}} desu! Anime I have never seen before are scattered all around the city desu!”

“…Looking carefully, posters of galge with warning of 18+ was pasted boldly all around in the open during daytime, is this really okay? Shouldn’t this be sold more secretly than this?”

Now that was mentioned, was this really a place for a date?

“No, this is…this is…magnificent!”

The one who appeared so suddenly beside Kazuki was Prophet’s avatar.

A diva felt that galge was magnificent…?

“In short, this is the place where greed was materialized by the transcendence of material control using their mental activity…the human race does not need to be shackled by their flesh anymore regarding their sexual desire. The significance of flesh was eliminated in an ultimate civilization. The people who have their mind sublimated using this galge have transcended the concept of their flesh and transformed into hermaphroditic angels, though having said that is not an exaggeration at all. Like what was mentioned in Kabbalah, when the conclusion of the age of the Earth come and humans step into the age of the Ram. The most beautiful of the human race is already here! Lotte, let’s go buy a souvenir and return home.”

With tensions that looked completely like a drunk person, Prophet said some incomprehensible things.

Even Leme also materialized besides Prophet and “Uh huh” nodded along.

“A love simulation game huh…It might be useful for Our King's education in love.”

“Prophet! Leme-san! Today is the date of Kazuki-onii-san and me, just the two of us desu!”

Lotte said so while puffing her cheeks, Prophet twitched in surprise and disappeared.

Leme too said “Sorry, I became a hindrance just now” and withdrew.

“Well then, first let’s visit some of the workshops. How about if we look around for some new anime that Lotte hasn’t seen yet? Well, not like I know anything in that area though. What kind of anime does Lotte like to see?”

“Man and woman…I like man and woman romance desu!”

Lotte pulled Kazuki’s hand happily to a workshop that was decorated with Moe illustrations.

“If Onii-san is not well-informed of anime, then as someone without background knowledge, I want to ask which one is Onii-san’s number one preference, seeing from the girl’s illustration desu. Let’s discover Onii-san’s [Moe]!”

Kazuki smiled wryly to Lotte’s words. Somehow it was scary to reply thoughtlessly.

“Okay, let’s buy everything that looks interesting and go home. We’ll watch a lot until we drop as soon as possible.”

“…Watching until we drop, is it?”

―After all from now on, Lotte would have a future to look forward to.

“I watched anime and manga the whole time I was in the sick bed desu. Though in the area around Germany, everything that are categorized as contradicting the Mythology there, are prohibited desu.”

Lotte talked suddenly while taking a package of anime.

“As I grew older, I could feel in my skin how the country rapidly idolized the teaching of the faith. Originally there were no scriptures of Norse Mythology. Then for the sake of spreading the faith, they compiled a new scripture. There was a lot of really strict taboo and commandment. An example is the teaching of Odin where the creation of things to fulfill their own desire must be denied desu. The truth is that the weapon and tool of Norse gods, everything, were only presents from others.”

The alchemists were producing new things everyday, and while they were looking around in the middle of the workshop that displayed and sold those things, Lotte whispered “Strange isn’t it, those teachings?”

“There are also people that were able to live well rather than being tied to commandments. However I could only think about how all of it impaired my heart. From the start I already have my body impaired, and with all that, even my heart also became impaired. I thought that I couldn’t be called alive anymore, right?...Then I ask for something unreasonable for the butler and maid to collect manga and anime for me desu.”

Lotte started to recollect the days she spent on her bed.

“Even when I was in the middle of watching anime, various events were happening outside. For example…the successor fight. Humans that are strong in magic power have high status in Seinmundo. I am a human with very strong magic power desu. That’s why, even though my life was already like a candle in the middle of a blowing wind, people that planned to elevate me started to appear. Even though I don’t have any intention for that.”

A fight for succession in the royal court. It was a world unknown to Kazuki who was born and raised in Japan, except for those inside the tale.

Human relationship that was like a swamp where they couldn’t escape, a whirlpool of conspiracies―such things might have happened to this girl just like the image of that tale.

“People who wanted to use me and got promoted…people who ostracized me as an existence who brought chaos in the royal court…everyone around me turned into people who had various ulterior motives, everyone hid their real intention from me, saying things that didn’t exist in their heart. They took attitudes full of sympathy as family, on the surface desu. …Despite my power to perceive their real intention by telepathy.”

Lotte smiled wryly in cynicism. She had that kind of ability, so she got to this point of her life having more experience being betrayed than anyone.

“My environment was surrounded by people who wore masks, I who was dying at that time didn’t want to live in the world of reality anymore, I wanted to live in the fickle world of anime. So…I felt that I was born again when I escaped to this country desu.”

Inside that workshop, there was no love anime that was Lotte’s favorite.

Exiting the workshop, Lotte squinted her eyes from the radiant clear sky of Akihabara.

“…Even so, in the end, I couldn’t become free…the dark shadows came to chase me.”

At that time, figures of knights in the road of the spacious pedestrian mall entered their eyes.

Among the white knights who patrolled Akihabara, a black German knight was mixed in.

Lotte was startled and afraid.

“It’s okay.” Kazuki embraced the shoulder of the shivering girl.

“Those guys absolutely couldn’t do anything in this place.”

While keeping Lotte’s shoulder in his embrace, the group of knights walked towards their direction. Then they passed them. The moment they passed each other, the black German knight glanced their way.

“It’s okay to only think about fun things today. I will absolutely protect you.”

Kazuki transmitted his feelings to Lotte using telepathy and a heart mark flew from Lotte’s chest.

“I somehow…have no other person I can rely other than Onii-san, so I’m scared of my own feelings desu. Somehow keeping like this, I want to cling to Onii-san so much…Is it really okay, for me to be spoiled by Onii-san…”

Rather, Kazuki thought that Lotte is too over-conscious to the atmosphere of their surroundings.

Her telepathy magic might be a sad tendency, because it made her learn that there were only people that she couldn’t rely on around her.

“I wonder, the characters that Onii-san prefers are similar to everyone in the Witch’s Mansion, isn’t it?”

Lotte made fun of Kazuki amusingly.

“I, I don’t have any background knowledge of anime, so I was influenced unintentionally by reality.”

Lotte laughed heartily hearing Kazuki’s excuse.

“So Kazuki-oniisan likes everyone in Witch’s Mansion desu. I wonder if I’m also like that, my preference of anime character has also changed. If it’s Onii-san, to everyone in the Witch’s Mansion…”

Kazuki hoped that Lotte would also turn like that to everyone in the Witch’s Mansion. So that the current Lotte can also have a place where she belongs.

Kazuki held bags from workshops packed full of anime’s {{furigana|URD|Ultra-shortwave Ray Disk}} that was their war gains, in both hands. All those anime were filled with the appearance of characters that resembled the Witch’s mansion’s residents. Kazuki would also watch it together and have fun with Lotte.

…However the problem was which one (which character that’s going to come out) that they were going to watch first in turns.

“Well then, how about going to a game center next so we can play a two person game?”

There was a large scale game center in Akihabara that they wouldn’t be able to find around the Knight Academy.

The game center business that was once thought to be on the decline, received their second wind because of the alchemic game’s craze.

Objects that were invented using advanced alchemy, whether it was a game or something else, were unsuitable for mass production, that’s why alchemy game was more suited for the use of large scale businesses rather than for residential use.

The alchemy game in game centers had even more dynamic virtual reality that could be experienced personally compared to the alchemy game for residential use.

On the contrary, gal game had became the mainstream for residential use because it didn’t need high specs.

When they entered the game center, the atmosphere couldn’t be compared to anything they saw until now, what with all the overflowing sounds and lights. Everywhere was filled with over the top devices and clamoring people. Lotte’s eyes were darting about.

“All these devices just for the sake of playing…what a lovely pointlessness isn’t it?”

“Looks like it’s not the style of this town to consider playing as pointless. What kind of game shall we play?”

Without even a bit of hesitation, Lotte chose the gun-shooting zombie to the death action game that can be experienced in person.

“Somehow, I feel that I have the confidence to handle a gun desu!”

―After the game ended, Lotte told Kazuki while keeping her face from laughing.

“Kazuki-oniisan…is not really strong in a game isn’t it desu?”

“…No, damn, why, it’s eerie how I cannot read the enemy’s movement in the game! That was not real at all! For them to be proofed against my father’s Hayashizaki-style…if only they also focused more in reproducing the muscle actions or their breathing!”

“Kazuki-oniisan, it doesn’t matter what kind of excuse you make desu! …Pupuu!”

Kazuki was one-sidedly helped by Lotte, who attacked splendidly with her gun, even though she was surprised and going ‘kyaakyaa’ by the approaching zombies. …How frustrating. He wanted to train more and improve.

“…It’s fun to play with two people rather than playing alone desu! Onii-san who needed to be saved by me is somehow cute desu♪”

A heart mark flew from Lotte by her smiling face, Kazuki was thinking “Well, this is fine.”

The next thing Lotte was interested in was the print sticker machine.

“I have seen this before in anime! Both of the boys and girls enter and it can photograph small stickers of commemoration picture, right desu? It’d make a cute photo ornament!”

“Though I think it’s also okay for two boys to enter.”

“Kazuki-oniisan, logically that’s true but…!”

This print sticker machine had a strong image related with couples, and today they came for dating, so Kazuki and Lotte entered the box without hesitation.

The two of them were isolated from the crowd inside the narrow space, it really made the mood like that of an embarrassed couple. Kazuki didn’t understand what kind of face was good to make in front of the camera, in the end, he made a peace gesture while his expression was half grimacing and half smiling―

In his side Lotte was tiptoeing on her feet while kissing ‘chuu’ Kazuki’s cheek.

The sound of the shutter’s click reverberated at that moment.

Lotte laughed in embarrassment ‘tehehe’ looking at Kazuki who stiffened his body.

“The meaning of what Onii-san said before, about how it’s no good to kiss someone who is not your special person, I understand it properly now. I already understand it so…it’s okay right desu?”

Lotte held the sticker’s result showing the two idiot couple<ref>The original word is bakaple, the Japanese slang that combined baka(idiot) and couple, which means couple who was so sickening and sweet you’d get diabetes seeing them</ref> happily in her hands.

“The memory of the two of us desu.”

Memory―By chance if there was no future for Lotte, all this would be meaningless.

“This is a weird story but, I, from the time when Onii-san scolded me in the bathroom because I was naked, I feel that Onii-san really saw me as a human desu. Then Onii-san also said that he’d protect me…Onii-san looked so reliable and I was so happy that my heart beats so fast and my feeling felt like it was going to burst…Right now, I, I love Onii-san so much desu. If I could have a future, I want to have even more special relationships between man and woman. …Am I too spoiled?”

Lotte who peeked above at Kazuki’s expression with upturned eyes shyly caused Kazuki to be filled up with the desire to impulsively hug her. From that sort of Lotte, a vision of a key floated from her chest. <The key of the heart>. It was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

They were tired from playing games, so now they are planning to relax in a café.

“…Summon cosplay café-Solomon Wonderland?”

Among the lined up cafes in the main street, Lotte chose this one by saying “I want to enter this desu”, a store that feels like it was taking too much freedom in their naming scheme. Having said that, the other cafes were all maid cafés only though…

“Klasse desu. There is nothing but cute premonition from the store’s name.”

Lotte pulled Kazuki’s arm while breathing excitedly from her nose. What is it with this kind of hobby.

When they opened the door, a dazzling Solomon space awaited Kazuki and Lotte.

“Welcome―! Astaroth Keiko de―su!”

“Welcome! Zepar Fujiko desu!”

Welcome, Gamygyn Kanako desu.”

Various older girls each cosplaying a different Solomon 72 Pillar with bright voices, crowded around Kazuki and Lotte.

Astaroth was a fallen angel that grew black wings, Zepar was a demon that wore a red bikini armor, Gamygyn had the form of a death god who wore a skull necklace.

Of course their appearances were totally different with the Solomon 72 Pillar that the knights and knight cadets summoned. Each of the cosplayers were arranged to look like girls, it exposed their navels and thighs.

{Oi…what is with this café? What happened with Leme and the other’s copyrights!?}

Leme kept her silence throughout the date, but she couldn’t bear it any longer and retorted to Kazuki.

“Cute!” Lotte raised her voices. . Though he thought that whichever of them he saw were more sexy than cute.

“Is this your first time coming to this shop?”

The fallen angel, Astaroth Keiko-san was asking while jolting her black wings.

“The theme of this café is the present-day era of magic, a concept café.”

“Of course the café employees are cosplaying as Solomon 72 Pillar, we also lend the Solomon outfit to the Guest-sama.”

The knights were hero to this country, Solomon 72 Pillar were also popular to the general population. This was surprising but it might be natural for this kind of development to make an appearance in Akihabara.

“The corner where we served the food and drinks is separated, we also arranged for petting corner where the Guest-sama can pet and play around with the fearsome Demon Beasts.”

“Demon Beast…petting them?”

To Kazuki’s doubtful expression, the god of death Gamygyn Kanako-san, pointed to the space where it was partitioned by glass walls in the depth of the café. There was a door in the glass wall where people could freely come and go. Over there, a few customers were―frolicking around with puppies.

“…Hey, those are not Demon Beasts but puppies right?”

It seems this café was a cosplay café cum puppy café.

“Wrong, those are the existence of Demon Beast that should be talked about with dread, the [{{furigana|Saint Bernard|Holy Temple Watchdog}}] from the dreadful legend of [The Dog of Flanders] that couldn’t be told without tears flowing.”

“Adding that ‘Saint’ is only to appeal to the chuunibyou even though that was only a breed of dog, isn’t it!?”

“I want to cosplay desu!” Lotte announced her choice excitedly.

“Then please this way.”

Zepar Fujiko-san took Lotte’s hand and guided her to the changing room. There was a legend about the demon called Zepar that she would take the opposite sex the summoner wished for, though it didn’t have any relation at all with this occasion.

“Please play with the Demon Beasts while waiting for that Guest-sama changing her clothes.”

For the moment Kazuki passed through to the food corner and came to the petting corner.

There was a puppy inside that cramped space, when Kazuki came, it immediately dashed at full speed and frolicked at Kazuki’s feet. Kazuki received a shock like he was hit in the chest.

…Cute. Kuh, a swordsman of all people had his heart stolen by this fluffy creature, like a girl caught by a smooth talker in the street…! A swordsman must keep his composure at all times!

Kazuki sat in place while feigning calmness and then while he was petting that puppy,

“Guest-sama, look here, this child was just born not long ago.”

Astaroth Keiko-san led a especially small puppy, like she was trying to tempt Kazuki to fall into depravity, and made him carry the puppy in his arm. Exactly like the deed of a fallen angel.

With white and brown patterns characteristic of the Saint Bernard, it also had the trait of clever and friendly personality to humans. Saint Bernard was a type of dog that was large and strong, but there was nothing but puppies in this place.

The puppy that was just born not long ago had a cute and chubby face, its round eyes looked up to Kazuki with a sure-kill devilish cuteness. Kazuki couldn’t hold back anymore and finally “Shit, it’s cute! This animal…is super cute!”, he buried his face in the puppy to enjoy its fluffiness and smoothness like a man possessed.

“Onii-san, I have finished changing!”

Sounds of footsteps came from the direction of the changing room, when he turned back―Lotte had transformed into a cute puppy.

“Wha, what kind of Solomon 72 Pillar is that?”

“Glasya Labolas desu wan<ref>Dog’s barking</ref>!”

{That was just a puppy! Glasya Labolas has a pair of griffon wings, possessing high power for bloodshed, a huge dog like a monster you know!}

Leme yelled inside Kazuki’s head, vehemently expressing her protests.

Lotte donned a drooping dog’s ears, fluffy fur around her neck, and wearing a fur bikini while nonchalantly exposing her white skins. A poor excuse for wings were attached to her back.

“So, somehow isn’t the exposure degree too high…!? Even if you compared it to the other people’s cosplay!”

“Fufufu, I know that Onii-san’s heart was beating so fast right now! This is well matched for me, furthermore I chose this so Onii-san will be aware of me as the number one girl desu!”

Lotte unexpectedly thought such a thing like a little devil…!?

Lotte hugged Kazuki along with the other puppy. Did the other puppies thought of Lotte as their comrade? They also came together to frolick at Kazuki.

When the puppy licked Kazuki’s cheek, Lotte also licked Kazuki’s other cheek with ‘peropero’.

“Onii-san…wan!”

“Lo, Lotte, what in the world are you…!”

“Lotte is a dog wan!”

Damn, as a swordsman, I won’t be shaken by this kind of animal cosplay…!

{No, Glasya Labolas is not cute like that…he look more like a gorilla dog…}

Leme’s words couldn’t enter Kazuki’s head anymore.

“Onii-san, please be [affectionate] to Lotte like what you did to that puppy while you were waiting for me!”

“You, you saw that! The moment when I lost my senses to this puppy!!”

Kazuki was “Cu, cute, cute” and stroked Lotte’s head stiffly.

“Onii-san, you were more intense when you were affectionate to that puppy desu! Please do the same to me, is this puppy cuter than me desu?”

There was no way the puppy could be cuter than Lotte.

“Cute! Shit, you’re so cute! Super cute!”

“Onii-san, right now you’re thinking that I’m super cute, it’s so thrilling desu♪”

Kazuki turned desperate and hugged Lotte’s hips as tightly as he could and nuzzled her. “Wan, wan♪” A heart mark flew from Lotte and she kept licking Kazuki’s cheek happily.

It was a space where their strange hobby awakened.

“Kazuki-oniisan…this, might be the happiest I ever felt in my life…”

“Guest-sama, please try to present them with this food.”

The god of death Gamygyn Kanako-san came and handed over cookies to Kazuki.

Lotte opened her mouth and ‘a―n’, so Kazuki fed her the cookie, then Lotte was ‘Wan, wan! Ku~n♪” and chewed with a large smiling face. This high spirited behavior…!

“The normal Guest-sama usually were too shy to do this, but…this is the first time a Guest-sama turn completely into Solomon like this.”

{Uuu, Leme and the other Solomon 72 Pillar are not like this at all!}

“Please accept this Best Solomon & Summoner award.”

For some reason Kazuki and Lotte were awarded with a trophy.

“Onii-san, next time let’s bring Mio-oneesan here too.”

“Wh, why?”

“Mio-oneesan dressed in a slightly indecent costume, imagining her blushing red face and her licking Onii-san ‘peropero’ while acting embarrassed…that’d be extremely cute desu. That’s Moe desu.”

What is this devil’s plan?

Kazuki tried to imagine it…A troubled Mio shaking her head in fluster with her twintails going ‘bunbun’.

“This is the best day in my life desu♪” Lotte was laughing while saying that.

Lotte's positivity level increased up to 80.

It is possible to use Prophet’s magic up to level 3 with those numbers.

―Thus in the next day, Kazuki would face the fight of his destiny.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 187.jpg|thumb]]

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 2 Chapter 2

2021-12-28T06:12:23Z

Tman111: Fix grammar.

==Chapter 2 – Visitor From Outside World==

===Part 1===

When Kazuki and Mio entered the classroom together, several greetings of "Good Morning" welcomed them. Even though it happen's every morning, the barrage of greetings from this many girls was still overwhelming.

“Hey, Amasaki-san, Hayashizaki-kun, won’t you two join our party!?”

One of the classmates didn’t stop at greeting and came over near their side.

Without waiting for Kazuki’s reply, the girl panicked and kept on talking without pause.

“Surely, after I thoroughly made fun of you about that matter with the sword, it might be too shameful to form a party together! But I, when Hayashizaki-kun fought against Amasaki-san using a katana, I thought it was really cool!”

Looking carefully at this girl, she is the one that triggered the impetus of the duel with Mio.

“Moreover, I thought that if we challenge a quest, it will be helpful if a swordsman accompany us, Rather than asking the people at the Sword Division, it would be easier to just ask Hayashizaki-kun who is a classmate...besides I heard Hayashizaki-kun and Amasaki-san are currently facing some troubles!! I wonder!?”

Inside the classroom, jeering voices rang out “Aah, she is stealing the march on Hayashizaki-kun-!” “Not fair!” and so forth. Hearing that, the girl retorted back “Wait, be quiet you guys-!”

As a [swordsman]. It seems that Kazuki had noticed those classmates who made those cheerful voices.

It has been one month since his enrollment to this school. The number of students that managed to contract successfully with their Diva had increased rapidly.

Those students immediately formed their party and actively challenged the quests.

“As expected, I wonder if it’s no good... before when I made fun about the sword...”

Even though Kazuki hadn’t said anything, that classmate had already got down on herself.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind. In the end it became a chance to fix my relationship with Mio.”

A heart mark floated from the girl after hearing Kazuki’s answer.

The classmates around exclaimed “There is a chance!?”, and made a stir as well.

“Really!? Then after school today let’s take a quest together immediately...”

“I'm sorry, I want to think about the party a little more carefully.”

Kazuki asked with a glance at Mio’s face.

Just now Mio was watching in suspense whether Kazuki would accept the invitation, but when she caught Kazuki’s eyes, she made a pouting expression, as if she was trying to hide her agitation.

Her face seems like it wanted to say ‘isn’t it fine if you do whatever you like?’

But as expected, it seems she was not okay with just anyone.

“Uh... in short you want to wait until we get along better first right? ...Well, it can’t be helped. But thank you that you didn’t make a big deal about my behavior last time! Sorry about that, let’s get along from now on!!”

The girl’s look changed like she had been released from her guilt and she returned to her own chair.

{That girl is also a contractor of the 72 Pillar, that’s why you should use everything you can to get friendly with her.}

Inside Kazuki’s head, Leme raised her dissatisfaction . Even though I had said before that I didn’t want to have that kind of honourless behavior.

“What the heck is that, it feels like there was no consideration for me and she only aimed for Kazuki! Even though I am the one that is rank A. ...Weell, I’m happy though that Kazuki considered me.”

Mio smiled a little with her last words, then she went to her own chair.

As Kazuki reached his own chair——from behind, Koyuki talked to him absent-mindedly.

“Rather than inviting somebody like me, isn’t it better to accept that offer from before?”

“However it is my dream for me, Mio, and Hiakari-san, the three of us to become a party.”

“...How obstinate. Are you a stalker?”

Kazuki turned his face behind, but Koyuki turned her face ‘Puih’ away.

“...Hiakari-san, let’s talk before sensei comes okay?”

Kazuki called out toward the girl’s translucent and noble side face.

“I don’t want to talk about anything trivial. Such things are useless no matter how much we do it.”

“There were many books in Hiakari-san’s room weren't there? What kind of book do you like to read?”

“I just read books that were already completed regardless of the person. That’s why, please don’t try talking to me.”

“...Come to think of it, does Hiakari-san like rabbits? Somehow it suits you.”

“I prefer it rather than humans. That’s why, please don’t try talking to me.”

“...Hiakari-san, right now I’m doing a funny face, so look this way.”

“Your face is relatively well-ordered, so I think it won’t be interesting no matter what you do.”

“It’s no good if Hiakari-san praises and mocks me even when you are not even looking at me. You won’t regret it, so look here a little.”

Kazuki used a drastic move by using body reinforcement magic to power up his face muscle to make an expression.

Hayashizaki-style Secret Party Performance ——also known as [Ougi<ref>Secret technique</ref>-Murder at First Sight].

“Saying things like that, like it is anything big...”

Koyuki looked at Kazuki with a brief sidelong glance, at that instant “——Bufuhh!?” she burst out.

Due to the reinforced muscle, the bone structure of Kazuki’s face was transformed to the level of it's utmost limit.

“...Come eat my face.”<ref>I think this is a reference to an old cartoon, Anpan-man maybe.</ref>

Imitating the voice from the hero that was loved even now by the kids, Koyuki hid her face with both hands while her whole body was shaking and trembling. A heart mark flew from her chest.

...No way, I never thought her positivity level can increase with this.

Kazuki got carried away and repeated his [Anime Character Face Mimicry Medley] intently. Koyuki was shaking like the vibration of a cellphone and the surrounding classmates were laughing too when they noticed Kazuki’s face. With precise timing, the door of the classroom opened.

“Be quiet all you trash! It’s already the time for {{furigana|SHR|Short Homeroom}}, how much do you guys want to be nuisan——BUFUUHH!?”

Liz Liza-sensei finally came so Kazuki turned around to face the class platform, then sensei was bursting out too .

“Tra, trash! Rank E trash, what happened to you bastard!? I mean what happened to your face! ...Oi, are you okay?”

From Liz Liza-sensei’s slip of the tongue, an echo of worry stuck out.

“I’m sorry, this can’t be fixed immediately.”

“Is that body reinforcement magic...? So there is that kind of practical use for that skill, huh... It might be useful for disguise. Well, no matter, as your punishment you must keep your face like that until I say it’s fine. Anyway first things first, right now I’ll introduce a transfer student. ...Come on in.”

Transfer student!? Liz Liza-sensei faced the corridor and called out, the classroom turned into an uproar.

What kind of transfer student had came ——the noise from that expectation lasted for only a moment.

If you thought about it carefully, everyone realized that such thing was impossible.

It was impossible for a transfer student to come to the national Knight Academy <Caryatid>.

Why was it? Because other than people who got {{furigana|Enigma|Mystery Mark}} at their 14th birthday, nobody else could enroll into this academy. An addition at a later time was impossible.

What in the world is going on, rather than expectation, confused gazes concentrated on the door.

The door was opened with a scraping noise and the one who appeared was ——a slightly short foreigner girl.

With her long golden hair fluttering around, she walked toward the platform with a refined manner. When she moved to face toward the class' direction, shining particles were released from her golden hair and white skin.

The combination of her shining hair and white skin were just like pure gold and silk.

“Nice to meet you. I am Charlotte Liebenfrau desu.”

An unexpected fluent Japanese. An elegant and composed smile, accompanied with a moderate tone of voice that felt just right to the ear. Everything was clad with an atmosphere of a gorgeous high class item.

“She might not look like a Japanese, however, as my distant relative she holds Japanese nationality. Actually she is still 14 years old, however... because of some circumstances she is skipping grades into this academy. She is younger than you all, but this girl’s magic ability was already qualified as rank A. There is no problem with her.”

Skipping grades? ...So that means, the girl received her stigma at 14 years old and without waiting for her promotion, she immediately transferred into the Magic Division, like that?

Why was she given such special treatment? From Liz Liza-sensei’s explanation, rather than explaining about the girl’s origin, it was more like giving a warning not to look too deep into it.

“Please call me Lotte.”

In contrast with the silence inside the classroom, she presented a smiling face with more passion than anyone. Then she looked around the classroom ——and her eyes met with Kazuki, her eyes opened round and wide like a jasper.

Her body leaned forward leaving her hair trailing behind and she let out an excited voice.

“——Japanische Animation!”<ref>She said this in German</ref>

The pronunciation in English sounds a bit different.

——As the fate of the transfer student, every break time Lotte was surrounded by her classmates.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 071.jpg|thumb]]

The figure that did her best to answer all kinds of questions honestly, really exuded the charm of a junior.

“Your hair is really pretty! And the skin is really white! Are you really a Japanese?”

“Erm...My family and Liz Liza-oneesan’s family had lived in Japan since the time of my grandfather. Even though I am like this, I am a Japanese through and through desu.”

“Eeh, really!? Didn’t you talk in a mysterious language before?”

“Lotte-chan, what kind of food do you like?”

“Eeeto... sushi and tempura... especially tuuna, I like it desu!”

“No way-! Lotte-san is absolutely a foreigner after all-!”

“Hey, let me touch the hair too! Uwaa, it’s really pretty when seeing it this close! Like pure gold!!”

“Her cheek is really smoothhh-! Cuteee!!”

“Uuuuu... being touched here and there like that feels really good desu...”

Even when she was jostled by her classmates, she stayed docilely like a puppy with pedigree and showed an elegant, happy smile. With that kind of attitude, Lotte had became a really popular person in the class.

Gazing at that scene distantly——Koyuki talked with Kazuki with amazed tone.

“...If she was surrounded by that many people like that, won’t she die because of stress?”

“But conversing moderately is needed you know, Hiakari-san.”

“...It is not needed. That kind of thing is a hindrance, please don’t talk to me.”

“The side who came and started the conversation was Hiakari-san, wasn’t it!?”

The moment when the questions paused accidentally, Lotte glanced towards Kazuki’s seat.

After that, she said to the surrounding students “Excuse me, just a little, excuse me.” While bowing and apologizing repeatedly ,the crowd of people parted and she approached towards Kazuki direction. Koyuki averted her face with a ‘puih’.

“Excuse me... that anime face from before, can you do it one more time?”

Kazuki hid his face like doing a peek-a-boo using his hands, and then after using the face technique, showed his face. Lotte didn’t laugh when witnessing that, but her eyes glittered in excitement.

It looked like Lotte didn’t understand about recent anime so Kazuki tilted his head.

“...Do you like old masterpiece anime like this?”

“Yes! As Japanese, it’s natural to be fond of anime desu!”

No wait, no matter how you see it, from her tastes of food and anime it didn’t look like a Japanese person at all though. Or perhaps I should say that from her excitement she looked more like a country bumpkin...

It made me want to doubt whether she really had lived in Japan for a long time.

Nonetheless, if she was neither born in Japan nor a foreigner who went through naturalization, then this was a really baffling matter.

——That was because the present Japan didn’t have any diplomatic relations with other foreign countries.

===Part 2===

{——First year class two, Amasaki Mio-san, Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun, Hiakari Koyuki-san, urgent, please come to the Student Council’s room.}

As soon as school was over, the voice of Kaguya-senpai was broadcasted and summoned out Kazuki and the others. Kazuki’s eyes soon met with Koyuki, who sat behind, and then joined with Mio who sat in the front, and came out of the class.

The Witch’s Mansion, in the end, was a building for the sake of living, a [dormitory], so there was a different room to do the work of the student council. The location was next to the staff room of the Magic Division.

Why were they summoned? A notice was fixed on the door of the student council’s room with a message [This week’s Diva Contracting Ritual will be performed on Wednesday]. Recently, the work of the student council was in carrying out the contracting ritual.

Although they were summoned urgently, there was no one inside the room other than Hoshikaze-senpai.

“Kaguya will come soon, so please wait a little.” Senpai smiled with the look of a know-it-all.

After a while, the door opened with a strong momentum and Kaguya-senpai entered.

“I made you wait huh, first years? Today I will introduce a new comrade okaaayyy!”

Kazuki and the others opened their eyes in surprise because Kaguya-senpai, out of the blue, said comrade with a merry voice.

“Go on, come in! This child is the new rank A first year... Charlotte-chan!”

Kaguya-senpai turned back to the corridor——and the figure that appeared was the transfer student, Lotte.

“Please treat me well! Ah, the anime person! I am in the same class with the three of them desune!”

Lotte bowed her head quickly and smiled. This transfer student is a [new comrade]...?

“It might be confusing suddenly saying a thing like that... however, you guys have at least already understood slightly that this girl is not just your everyday student right?”

Liz Liza-sensei came following Lotte’s back and said that while closing the door of the student council room.

“That thing about my distant relative is a lie. Actually she doesn’t even have Japanese nationality. This girl——there is no reason to use polite language so I called her this girl, but——she escaped from the Dukedom of Seinmundo in Europe using a private jet. In other words, she is a [refugee]. This girl doesn’t have the right of succession but she is equivalent to the daughter of the ruling duke of Seinmundo.

Refugee?, Kazuki and the others were dumbfounded and lost their words hearing that unfamiliar heavy word.

The true identity of the transfer student, that should originally be impossible was——the princess of a foreign country?

The Dukedom of Seinmundo. Although they have self-autonomy that was recognized to some extent, it was a country that received the rule of a certain magic advanced country, [Germany]. It is a small puppet state in Northern Europe.

Because of the birth of magic in this world, the world’s state of affairs underwent a drastic change.

The world’s «Big Seven Magic Advanced Countries» with the backing of divine protection from their own respectively different Mythology owned powerful military strength. And so the other countries that didn’t earn the divine protection from Divas were placed under the patronage of a magic advanced country.

However, Japan was the only Magic Advanced Country that didn’t participate in ruling any other country, existing solely with their own self-support.

Also the Big Seven Magic Advanced Countries have no diplomatic relations at all.

If one were to ask why, it was because the divine protection from Divas of Solomon 72 Pillars, who didn’t demand faith was an exception. However, Mythology became stronger when there were more faith. Due to the direct relationship between military power and faith to the Mythology, the Magic Advanced Countries, other than Japan, were converting into [Religious Nation] little by little. Religious nations where the religion encroached into their politics made it impossible for them to co-exist in harmony with other religious nations.

At first, there were no problems between the Magic Advanced Countries and diplomatic relations still existed. In the period of 15 years however, the faith to Mythology was gradually deepening and the friction between countries became bigger, and finally, Japan cut off all diplomatic ties and fell into isolation.

The once existing {{furigana|European Union|EU}} that unified Europe and the United Nations, with connections that crossed over the borders between countries, were already becoming a mere shadow of what they once were. Due to alchemy, the production efficiency of food increased and the necessity for foreign trade was lost, expediting the split of the world.

Today was the first time Kazuki ever heard the name of [Seinmundo Dukedom]. From this kind of circumstances, there was practically no information that entered Japan about other advanced countries or the countries that were under their protection.

Since the Second World War, the aim of world globalization and the circulation of international cooperation experienced a sudden reversal due to the birth of magic, and the world had ran full speed into the direction towards division as its destination.

——Inside such flow of the world, before one noticed it, a battle royale between every religious nation that would induce {{furigana|Ragnarok|Mythology War}} didn’t seem like a wild tale anymore.

“But, really... a princess?”

For people who had lived with the doctrine of democracy, such words felt like it would cause the sensation of indigestion.

Kazuki stared at Lotte while feeling confused and the girl returned an elegant smile.

Now that it was mentioned, the girl’s demeanor always felt like the breeding of nobility.

“The Seinmundo Dukedom's formation was around the period when magic was born, it is still a country with a short history. In Europe, a human born with excellent magic power is regarded as someone with high social status, and the countries with restored monarchy system are not few. Nonetheless, beyond that under the patronage of an advanced magic country, the one who rules the country is not a king but a duke. It's not a kingdom but a dukedom, not an independent country but a puppet state, their status fallen.”

Having said that, it could be said that in the end, the advanced magic country and the country under its patronage didn’t have equal relations.

It seems a humane patronage was done under the name of faith.

“Japan doesn’t have diplomatic ties with Seinmundo, so currently I am no more than a refugee, I am resigned no matter what kind of treatment I receive desu.”

Lotte, the refugee who was formerly a princess whispered such.

“I’ll say this in advance, don’t do anything strange to her.” Liz Liza-sensei glared with glinting eye.

“It’s too late, the classmates were already...”

“What!?” Liz Liza-sensei’s expression changed.

“Her cheek was rubbed until it was squishy. They felt around the cheek of a princess of a whole country.”

“That was... felt good desu...♪”

Toward the ecstatic Lotte, Liz Liza-sensei can only breathe a long sigh in exhaustion.

“...She is not a princess anymore but a refugee. From now on we don’t understand [what kind of meaning she has politically]. Because of that, first you guys protect her, furthermore this academy is chosen to give her the chance in education with people of the same age.”

I see, if you think about a place where she could be protected and receive education, there is no better place than this academy.

Of course it went unsaid, but her placing in this academy surely also included monitoring her activity.

That point resembled Kazuki’s position a little. This matter tends to be forgotten but——Kazuki’s stay in the Witch’s Mansion also included the implication of monitoring there.

“They made a lie about being Liz Liza-sensei’s relative because of that circumstance you see. Even if we say that she is a Japanese, but it is somewhat unnatural with her speech and conduct.”

Liz Liza-sensei also had the appearance of a foreigner, but she had already been through naturalization from a long time ago. Liz Liza- sensei was also a former knight, but you must have Japanese nationality to become a knight.

In contrast with that, Lotte was——a genuine foreigner coming from the outside world where we didn’t even have any diplomatic relations just a while ago.

“Having said that, this girl only came looking for an asylum from three days ago, and she had already learned how to speak Japanese you know.”

“Three days!? How in the world!?”

“By telepathy, she thoroughly synchronized with the consciousness of a Japanese person, and then it seems she traced everything that had <association> with feelings and language. What kind of emotion he harbored and what kind of language he gave forth, she copied all that motion of the mind.”

...Was it the same with the way Hoshikaze-senpai learned the sword? However the way Lotte did it ——was even more advanced compared to Hoshikaze-senpai. Kazuki couldn’t even imagine it.

“The girl had also received the same test you all got before the enrollment, the result was very surprising. It can be said that she is a genius in the field of telepathy. That’s why she is a rank A without question.”

Different with <Summoning Magic> that borrowed the magic power of a Diva to activate, by manipulating our own magic power we could use <Common Magic>. <{{furigana|Telekinesis Magic|Psychokinesis}}>, <{{furigana|Thought Burning Magic|Pyrokinesis}}>, <{{furigana|Body Strength Reinforcement Magic|Enchant Aura}}> , <{{furigana|Perception Strength Reinforcement Magic|Extra Sense}}>, <{{furigana|Mind Sympathy Magic|Telepathy}}>, common magic were categorized into that five system. Telepathy was the field where Kazuki was the weakest at.

“...This girl, why did she come here looking for an asylum?”

Koyuki inquired with a sigh. That was ——if it was okay to ask that question, then that was also something I wanted to ask.

To seek asylum means that you escape your own country and migrate to a different country——in short, an act to escape to a place where the hands of your homeland wouldn’t reach you. [Turning your homeland into an enemy], such a thing was not a common circumstance.

“Lotte, it’s no problem if it is these guys. ——Show them your strength.”

"Yes", with that reply, silver light of magic power shined from Lotte’s body.

There was no mistake, that was the light of Summoning Magic. And then the girl accessed the Astrum and chanted her spell.

“{{furigana|The truth shall set me free|Veritas me Liberabit}}... the wise man who became father the protector of humanity, show that wisdom right here.”

Blinding light converged into the shape of a human——what appeared was an extremely strange avatar of a young boy.

This golden haired, young boy’s whole body was clad in a mysterious suit that was made from unknown material that was neither cloth nor metal. He stood besides Lotte and calmly gazed towards Kazuki and the others with his silver pupils.

Rather than a God or Devil——his figure was easier to comprehend if it was said that he was a space alien or a human from the future.

Besides, just now, Lotte didn’t chant this Diva’s name.

“Look, my King! This guy is even smaller when compared to Leme!!”

Leme materialized besides Kazuki and said that while pointing her finger towards the Diva with the figure of a young boy.

“Why the hell are you getting fired up with stupid rivalry in a strange area like that?”

“It’s not like that! This guy... compared to Leme, he lost even more of his strength and memory!”

...! So small size show something like that!?

“Correct. Not to mention the majority of my memory and strength, I lost even my own name.”

The Diva with the figure of young boy said so with a mechanical tone of voice and without any inflection.

“About him, I call him Prophet. What is certain about him is that he is not a Diva of Norse Mythology. What I did was contract with a Diva of a different Mythology than Germany’s own state religion desu.”

“That was the reason why this girl seeks an asylum. This girl is recognized as <Heretic Contractor> in Germany. When you contract with a Diva that doesn’t come from the Mythology of Germany’s own state religion, then your life will be forfeit, no question asked.”

...Even in Japan, if you form a contract with Divas other than from Solomon 72 Pillar who's safety hadn’t been confirmed, you would be arrested by the Knight Order as an <Illegal Contractor> and your magic power would be sealed.

To seal magic power, on top of using medications to make your mind defenseless, advanced telepathy magic is applied to crush the part of your mind that governed the control of magic power.

Using this method would cause side effects in the personality of the receiver, and this treatment invited a lot criticism but...

Somehow the treatment of heretic contractors was more severe in Germany——it seems it was death penalty.

“Why did you form that contract then?” Mio threw that natural question.

“I suffered from an illness since birth. When I turned fourteen years old, I was at the verge of death. At that time, Prophet appeared in my heart. He possessed me partially then he overwrote the parts of my body that were sick and saved me. Currently I am in the state of <half human, half god> desu.”

“That was not just an act of mercy, there was also benefit for me who lost my power.”

The young boy Diva called Prophet talked with a voice so flat you couldn’t surmise his emotion.

“I had to become a parasite in a human body to recover back my strength. But I don’t want the personality of my host to be extinguished because of my possession. For that purpose, I had to choose someone that was able to maintain their mind with advanced mind control so their mind wouldn’t blend with me when I usher into their mind. Charlotte has the potential for that, moreover if I don’t possess her then her life would be in a precarious situation. If she formed a contract with me then she would end up throwing everything away and enter an exile, but even so it could be said that our interest matched, don’t you agree?”

“Of course I’m grateful to Prophet. I obtained a healthy body, I can go outside, I can also come to Japan that I had yearned for, even though as a refugee! While I was in my sickbed watching the contraband item of Japan’s old anime, I had yearned for this country so much desu.”

“Taking refuge in Japan was also convenient for me. This island country is the most optimum place to restore my strength.”

The smiling Lotte and the expressionless Prophet explained alternately.

...However, was this situation really fine?

When a Diva with evil intention possesses a human, it was said that they whispered sweet words to their host and tricked them.

The scream of Kaya when her body was taken over by Loki was still fresh in Kazuki’s mind, even now.

“In Lotte's examination there was no evidence of encroachment in her personality. There is a clear separation, inside Lotte, between her own self and Prophet, they are not mixed at all. Prophet has changed into a purely life-support part for Lotte. ...Even though I say examination, it was done by psychology test using telepathy scan, so we cannot say absolutely for sure though.”

Liz Liza-sensei said that like she was answering the doubt inside Kazuki’s heart. Naturally, the Knight Order and the government had already finished confirming the doubt that lingered inside Kazuki.

Thereupon, the question was: This Diva, did he really save a human with pure good will?

“Moreover we succeeded in our escape because of Prophet’s power. He was able to understand how to operate the jet airplane, after all I don’t know how to operate a jet airplane. I was careless back there desu.”

“Diva... drive a jet airplane? Oi Leme, so could you also operate a jet airplane?”

Kazuki asked Leme with a great uneasiness.

“...Can’t you see that there is no way Leme can do that. It’s doubtful that Leme can even ride a bicycle. ...It was mysterious no matter how Leme saw it, what kind of theory did the bicycle use that it could keep moving forward without falling over?”

The existence called Diva was the dweller of Mythology. It was obvious there would be unease if you heard about a Diva driving a jet airplane.

The appearance of a jet airplane in a mythology... as expected there should be none.

“Airplane... I only operated it with intuition, but it was a wonderful thing.”

“Though when Prophet flew the plane in the sky, his tension suddenly raised up and he sped up too much that we almost crashed desu.”

Lotte said so while laughing pleasantly like she was telling a funny story.

Diva that could understand science...? There were too many puzzles that keep deepening here.

“I had heard about a Diva that lost his memory before, however, how could Prophet lose his strength?”

Mio threw a simple question.

“That’s... even though I lost my memory, I still slightly remember my mission. Diva has a mission established from the Mythology. My mission is, at the minimum, I have to stop the calamity of <The Third Machia>.”

“Machia? Caramel macchiato?” Mio said a strange thing like an airhead.

“A story of Greece is it? We can judge that it is highly possible this Diva is from the Greek mythology.”

Liz Liza-sensei crossed her hand and gave an explanation like she was starting the class.

“...We learned that in Mythology class but, Greek Mythology depicted two {{furigana|Machia|War}} that gambled the existence of the universe. First was the Titanomachia, where Zeus and other gods challenged the Titans that ruled the universe. The second time was the Gigantomachia where the children of the Titans, the Giants, waved the banner of revolution towards Zeus who had beaten the Titans and became the chief god."

Prophet nodded his head with his still expressionless face towards Liz Liza-sensei’s words.

“Quite so. Even though I don’t understand who I am, I still have some memory in the degree of simple knowledge. I remember it. In Titanomachia, Zeus and the other gods won only with the strength of gods. In Gigantomachia they needed the cooperation of humans. They gained the assistance of Hercules and was able to win. And then in the third Machia... humans will become the leading actor and humans will be the ones that need to overcome the enemy... it will become a battle like that.”

“Prophet has the power of prediction. Though he couldn’t understand everything, but only for the truly important thing, it’s only vague prediction but it seems he can perceive it desu.”

“It seems my mission was contradicting some other Diva. Because of that, I fought with another Diva, got defeated, and then lost my strength, that’s what I thought.”

A Diva that was hostile toward this mysterious Diva, Prophet. Who on earth could that be?

Was it possible for that Diva to pursue Prophet to here in Japan?

And then the prediction of the third Machia like in the Greek Mythology.

In Titanomachia it was a war against titans, and if Gigantomachia was a war against giants then——

The third Machia would be... what kind of person would become the enemy in that war?

While on this topic, Loki from Norse Mythology also predicted about {{furigana|Ragnarok|Mythology War}}. Ragnarok and the third Machia. Was it a coincidence that two Mythologies predicted a battle in the same period?

“Inside you...” Prophet whispered faintly.

“Inside you, it seems there might be a possibility that you could overcome the enemy.”

The silver eyes of the Prophet immediately——faced towards Kazuki.

“You see what kind of complicated set of human and Diva these two are? ...That’s why we revealed their circumstance to you guys. We will entrust these two to the Witch’s Mansion. Starting from now, it has also become surveillance to these two.”

“It was also the same with Otouto-kun, but we welcome that kind of surveillance! If you ask me why, then it is because she is cutee!! It’s a surveillance in the name of love! I will do it with all my strength!!”

Kaguya-senpai hugged Lotte with all her strength. Lotte opened her eyes in surprise but then she returned the hug happily. Muu, Kaguya-senpai has been taken by the newcomer.<ref>The tone almost feels like Kaguya got NTR-ed from Kazuki, lol.</ref>

“There is one more thing... Amasaki Mio, Hayashizaki Kazuki, add this girl into your party.”

“Eh... EEHH!? In our party!?”

Kazuki had vaguely predicted this from Hoshikaze-senpai’s words this morning but... for Mio it was really shocking. Lotte was “Is it not okay...?”, making an anxious face because of that.

“Eh, no, it’s not that it’s not okay but... come on Kazukii”

“Lotte’s time with her contract is still not long but, she can already use summoning magic up to level 3. Prophet’s strength is still not perfect but on top of Lotte’s advanced skill in telepathy, her condition is also close with possession, that’s why her chanting is fast. She should compensate for the weakness of you guys.”

“Hee, let’s do a mock battle tomorrow to test it okay?”

Hoshikaze-senpai raised a voice filled with deep interest toward the unknown magician.

If the weak point of our party got filled then it was not a bad story.

Her strength was still deemed unsatisfactory to enter Kaguya-senpai’s party, so it seemed it was decided that she would be added to our party.

“Understood, we will accept her into our party happily.”

“Anime-oniisan! {{furigana|Dankeschön|Thank You}} desu!”

Lotte suddenly separated herself from Kaguya-senpai and this time she flew into Kazuki’s chest——‘Chuu’ and then she pressed her lips at Kazuki’s cheek.

“Wha, what the!? What are you doing to Kazu-niii!?”

Mio eyes opened wide and raised a voice that was half-screaming.

Lotte then separated from Kazuki and this time she was also hugging Mio whose face was still stiff in surprise, then,

“Dankeschön Mio-oneesan! Please take care of me desu!”

She also kissed Mio’s cheek. Mio made a complex expression that was half angry and half shy. This was the way of a foreign country... was it really? Kazuki who didn’t know anything about the world outside didn’t understand.

“Did you prefer kiss on the lips? Should I redo it desu?”

When she noticed the two people was currently bewildered, Lotte tilted her head in wonder.

“There is no need to redo it! Ki, kiss on the mouth is a no! I mean any kind of kiss is no good!”

Mio ‘funfun<ref>SFX of her twintail cleaving wind while she shook her head</ref>’ with great force.

“...Why is that? Is it a strange thing to show feelings of gratitude using a kiss? Moreover... I clearly feel the happiness from both of you desu.”

“What do you mean by sensing our feeling... is it telepathy?”

For an expert of telepathy, they could even sense the feeling inside the subconscious of the other party.

Of course it was impossible to perceive everything from their heart though.

“Why does your mouth say no even though you are happy in your heart? What is this contradiction desu...?”

“Lotte, in Japan you must not kiss someone other than a person that is truly important to you. Especially a mouth to mouth kiss—a person that you’ll protect by betting your whole life, kiss is something that is filled by such an oath.”

“Oath! ...I see, so it is an act filled with important significance, isn’t it desu.”

Suddenly Kazuki recalled when he kissed Mio who fell because of Loki’s evil blade. Unintentionally he glanced at Mio’s face. ...That lips, he kissed that lips. He remembered that time [I’ll protect Mio no matter what], an oath was budding. Though it seems Mio didn’t remember it...

When Mio noticed Kazuki’s gaze, “Wha, what are you looking at?” she became embarrassed.

“...Hmm, though if I can say one thing, kissing Kazuki’s cheek like that, if Kanae-san was here in this place the we wouldn’t be able to guarantee Lotte’s life would we? Ahaha.”

Hoshikaze-senpai laughed strangely. ...It was troubling because it didn’t seem like a joke when he imagined it.

“I also——will pledge my allegiance towards you too.”

Prophet faced Leme and then waited upon her like a knight. Thereupon magic was invoked of its own accord in front of Kazuki’s eyes. As the ring emitted the light of magic power, an image of a graph floated up.

Amasaki Mio——127 Otonashi Kaguya——75 Hiakari Koyuki——49 Hoshikaze Hikaru——39

Lotte——35

The graph increased by one line!? Even though Lotte was not a contractor of Solomon 72 Pillar!

{I see, so this is what she meant. Truly, that this kind of thing happened... Interesting!}

Leme only talked to Kazuki inside his heart. It was a voice that only Kazuki could hear.

Kazuki recalled his conversation with Liz Liza-sensei inside the staff room——[With the ability of Lemegeton, in the case that you became friendly with a magician that has a contract with a Diva other than Solomon 72 Pillar, what would happen?]

Is that so, Sensei was confirming that based on this possibility.

“...My King! Keep to yourself this possibility that your conquering targets exceeds far more than 72 people!”

===Part 3===

“Let’s do a welcome party for Lotte-chan! With that said, Otouto-kun, make Lotte-chan’s favorite food! What do you want to eat Lotte-chan?”

“Eeeto, I want to try sushi, tempura, and tuuna, desu!”

——Because of that, today Kazuki had became an itamae<ref>Chef (esp. of high-end Japanese cuisine)</ref>.

“...You can even make sushi?”

Mio made an amazed face toward Kazuki who held a sashimi kitchen knife that resembled a Japanese katana.

“As you would expect, I have never made sushi before, but if it’s sashimi...”<ref>In sushi you stick the slice of raw fish with rice and wasabi, while in sashimi you only serve the raw fish</ref>

If you talk about sashimi, it was a mistake if you thought it would be fine as long as the fish was fresh and you cut and lined it up just like that.

You had to cut the fish with optimum thickness and angle depending on the type of the fish. When you cut the fish using a sashimi knife, you need to take care not to destroy the meat’s cell as much as possible, and for that you need dexterity and technique.

However Kazuki had learned the art of cooking using magic power, <Alchemy Cooking>.

Using Extra Sense to perceive the cell tissue, Kazuki slid the blade, filled with magic power, which could make sashimi that would make even an expert weep in shame.

“...By the way I was uncertain about something. That maid uniform Mio wore, where did you get it?”

Kazuki glanced to Mio at his side while holding the sashimi knife.

Mio is wearing a maid uniform right now. Since she misunderstood Kazuki’s fascination about maids, she always wore a maid uniform every time they did housework in the Witch’s Mansion. Kazuki couldn’t calm down watching that.

“Where did... I made it myself though. I, like to sew you know.”

Now that she mentioned it, when she first introduced herself in the class she seemed to have mentioned something like that.

That so, this maid uniform was handmade was it?

Come to think of it, maid uniforms tended to become uncouth if they attached a lot of frill on it, but Mio’s maid uniform clung just right to her body and tightened her silhouette.

The legs peeking through her miniskirt were adorned with socks and garter belts that emphasized the softness of her thighs, the apron skirt hugged tightly to the height of her hips. Because of that Mio’s surprisingly big breasts were highlighted, and then ties from both sides of her chest was fastened to the bottom of her neck looking like it was pushing that bulge between them.

An aura of service radiated from the attire, completely changing Mio’s slightly impertinent aura.

Noticing Kazuki’s eyes, Mio’s eyes that usually had a confident allure in them was clouded by anxiety and shyness, then “How, how is it?” she inquired Kazuki.

“...It’s cute. It’s so cute that it is breaking the rules.”

“Really!? Hehehe, success!!”

Mio jumped around in happiness while a heart mark also flew up. Each time she jumped, the frills and miniskirt fluttered around. ...What is this super cute thing?

“Bu, but if you are beside me with that kind of appearance I won’t be able to concentrate! It’s okay if you don’t help out today, this is not a work where you can help. A kitchen is the world of men.”

“Why are you driving me away, saying things like that? ...We cannot be alone anymore in the quest so this time, even though as an assistant, is very precious...”

Even though Kazuki was holding a sashimi knife, Mio approached his side.

“Oi, you are in the way, it’s dangerous...”

“...Kazu-nii.”

Mio stood on her tiptoe and ‘chuu’ pressed her lips on Kazuki’s cheek.

It feels even more sweet and soft compared to Lotte’s kiss from before.

“This, this is I, because this is Lotte’s party this only meant as my best regards, that’s all! I only mean to ask you to treat me well once more... there is no other meaning!”

While covering her own mouth with her hand, she explained the meaning of her action with very fast talk and then ran out of the kitchen in a great panic. Kazuki was petrified while holding the sashimi knife in one hand.

“...Ca, calm down, me. Feel the cell tissue of the tuna with Extra Sense...”

Intense heat dwelled in the cheek where the lips touched. He couldn’t concentrate at all.

Colorful sashimi made from fresh fish were lined up on the dining table, and the tempuras were arranged dynamically to raise into the sky. Lotte’s green eyes shone brightly seeing that scene.

“{{furigana|Klasse|Amazing}}! The beauty of Japan that I kept yearning for when I was laid sick reading an old book and watching old anime is right here desu...!!”

“I see...this is very interesting. I feel the happiness from the taste that goes through Lotte.”

Even though Prophet seem to be dispassionate, his way of talking somehow conveyed admiration.

“Hee, so Prophet can feel that kind of enjoyment. It’s impossible for me though to transmit the taste of this food to Baal, the Diva that I’m contracted with.”

Hoshikaze-senpai observed Prophet’s situation with a curious look.

“Is that so?”

“It’s because one pillar of Diva is contracted to a lot of Magica Stigma, therefore the connection with our Diva is not that strong. We can’t even have a private communication.”

“Uh huh, eating is wonderful! I’m glad that Kazuki is my King!!”

Leme who had a strong connection with Kazuki, and had the leisure to materialize freely, laughed loudly.

Lotte held her chopsticks awkwardly, she tried to grasp the fish with white flesh that had a thin structure but because she couldn’t capture it properly, she dropped it.

Lotte’s face turned pale because of her blunder of dropping the food, that was made for her, on the floor.

“{{furigana|Meine Güte|My goodness}}...using chopsticks is very difficult. I’m sorry, I think if I use telepathy to trace I can make my body learn immediately desu, but...”

Kazuki thought there was no need to be that ashamed so without a moment's delay, he took a sashimi from the side, applied some wasabi and soy sauce and then he held it to Lotte’s mouth.

“Here, Lotte. Aaan.”

Even though Lotte was ‘Aaan?’ confused of the meaning of the words, she soon understood and her cheek was stuffed, her expression became bright. And then a heart mark flew up.

“Dankeschö desu, Kazuki-oniisan!”

Like that, on reflex, Lotte kissed Kazuki’s cheek again. And then “I did it again” she realized what she was doing and restrained herself.

“She kissed his cheek while calling him onii-san... As expected if Kanae-san is here then Lotte’s life would be no more.”

“I don’t really follow but... I understand that it’s fine if this person called Kanae is not near desu.”

Lotte said that with a friendly grin toward Hoshikaze-senpai who showed a wry smile.

“Kazuki-oniisan, I want to eat that one next desu.”

Kazuki took the food that Lotte wanted and do “Aaan”.

Lotte opened her mouth obediently like a baby bird, then she chewed in happiness.

“Kazuki-oniisan, you look like my favorite butler when I lived in the castle desu...”

She faced Kazuki while ‘ehehe’ laughing, a heart mark flew toward Kazuki. Suddenly she embraced him.

“...Wait a minute Kazuki, whatever the circumstances may be, but haven’t you serviced her too much?”

“It’s no good to be that petulant, Mio-chan. After all this is Lotte-chan’s welcoming party.”

Kaguya-senpai teased from the side when Mio’s expression became huffy.

“I, I’m not petulant at all! Here Lotte, from me too, aaan.”

“Dankeschön desu Mio-oneesan!”

Lotte stuffed her cheek with the tempura from Mio, her smiling face became enchanted... Mio’s lips slackened seeing that. It was the face of an owner viewing his pet.

“...I wonder if this is the feeling if we keep a puppy in Kazu-nii and our house...”

“Oi, what kind of chemical reaction is happening inside your head?”

“Oniisan, I want to eat that red thing next desu. The legendary fish, tuuna<ref>I think I make a mistake, the way Lotte said tuna is quite unique, so please don’t correct this.</ref>!.”

“Your pronunciation sounds like De Niro<ref>Not sure what is this referring too. The katakana is read as ‘deniiro’. </ref> from a while ago. It’s tuna, not tuuna.”

“Wait a minute Lotte-chan, Kaguya-oneechan also want to do ‘aaan’! Here.”

Kaguya-senpai forced her way in the middle and presented a food with ‘aaan’. However soon senpai’s smiling face turned evil. Just before Lotte could eat she pulled back the chopstick.

“U~, please don’t bully me, please feed me~”

While laughing with troubled expression, Lotte chased Kaguya-senpai’s chopstick.

“Just leave a bully like this alone, come eat from me. Here, aaan.”

Right there Hoshikaze-senpai arrived from the side and did ‘aaan’ to Lotte. Lotte ignored Kaguya-senpai with ‘puih’ and ate Hoshikaze-senpai’s offering. Kaguya-senpai whined “Aaah, I’ll feed you properly okay!” in a fluster.

Each time Lotte ate a mouthful, everyone scrambled with new food to present an ‘aaan’, Lotte was happy and eat them all in turn.

“...Everyone’s warm feeling is being transmitted through telepathy. I’m happy desu.”

——Before long Lotte’s small stomach reached the limit and she collapsed in heap.

“Uuuu... I want to chant reinforcement magic in my stomach desu...”

If we used Enchant Aura to our bodies, everyday would surely become a food fight.

“I wonder if it's fine to be this happy... It feels like a dream desu...”

Lotte who collapsed holding her stomach was surrounded by everyone of the Witch’s Mansion.

Even after the meals had finished, everyone continued talking happily with Lotte in the center.

Inside that circle——Kazuki suddenly noticed, Koyuki had been outside the circle for quite a long time.

“...Hiakari-san.” Kazuki nonchalantly moved beside Koyuki who continued to eat in silence.

“Kazuki...even though you don’t need to come expressly to confirm, today the food is tasty too. The thickness and the method of cutting are different on each type of fish, it's so fresh that it creates a spray of glistening juice.”

“No, I’m not looking for a review of the food! ...Come on, let’s talk a little with everyone.”

“I don’t have any such interest to the transfer student, there is also no reason to become one party with you.”

“...Why are you saying such lonely things?”

“That’s because I like being alone. I don’t know anything about what you call loneliness.”

“Lies.” Kazuki said decisively, Koyuki’s eyes were shaken.

She stared at Kazuki only for a moment, but soon her disturbed stare wandered around.

Why is Hiakari-san doing everything to corner herself into isolation?

She looked like a kitten that climbed a high place and then couldn’t get down.

“Yosh, Hiakari-san. Aaan.”

“I watched from some time ago, that ‘aaan’ thing was stupid...”

Koyuki averted her eyes from the piece of sashimi that Kazuki presented but because Kazuki persistently circled around her to chase her with the chopstick, Koyuki had no other choice except to eat the food.

“Yosh, next is tuna and avocado with wasabi cream tartar. This is the work I have confidence in, see.”

“That kind of food that plainly aim's for a foreigner’s taste... it’s delicious if I eat by myself I said!”

However, Koyuki ate all the food that Kazuki presented even though she kept exhaling deep sighs.

“...Kazuki, why do you keep ignoring my words...”

“Because Hiakari-san’s words are usually a lie, I have seen through them all.”

When Kazuki tried to give ‘aaan’ one more time, Koyuki shook her head while saying “I’m already full.” Kazuki knew that was not a lie and pulled back his chopstick.

“Thank you for the food. It was great, wasn’t it? A new comrade entered in your party.”

“I still want to party together with Hiakari-san though. Even far in the future this feeling will surely never change.”

“...Please give up, why do you keep ignoring that even though I keep saying it...”

Koyuki, her eyes down cast, had an angry look.

After the welcome party was over, Kazuki started to clean up everything.

When he imagined Mio doing the scrubbing and washing and making her hands rough, he felt that he couldn’t allow it, so Kazuki always took the job of washing voluntarily.

Rough hands came from damage that was piled up unconsciously, so defensive magic power couldn’t defend against it.

And then using <Alchemy Medical Treatment> to transmute the human body using magic from {{furigana|Prima Materia|Base Particle}}, it was possible that there would be unforeseen side effects when the human body was rearranged, as it was still an undeveloped field of study. Treatment for rough hands still did not exist.

The case where hardworking women had their hands turned rough——it was a tragedy that even in this age of magic and alchemy still couldn’t be avoided. I absolutely won’t allow the hands of the girls that lived in this mansion turn rough as long I’m the maid here...Kazuki resolved himself in his heart.

In the meanwhile, right now, the program had turned for the girls to enter the bathroom.

Usually the senpais had priority, but today Lotte was the first to enter the bath.

“Kazuki-oniisan!”

Suddenly Lotte’s voice was heard and Kazuki turned to look back, there a stark naked Lotte was running towards Kazuki, the sound of her steps rang out ‘petapeta<ref>SFX of foodsteps</ref>’. ...Totally nude. Unintentionally, Kazuki dropped the plate that he was in the middle of washing.

“I’m sorry, onii-san. Can you tell me how to use the bath desu? I don’t understand one of the appliances... onii-san? Why do you avoid looking at me desu? Isn’t it impolite if you don’t look at people’s face when they are talking desu? Are you angry desu?”

Because Kazuki averted his face so he won’t look at Lotte’s nakedness, Lotte expressly circled around ‘petapeta’ to the direction Kazuki’s face was facing. A naked body of pure white fairy was reflected in Kazuki’s field of vision.

...Why did she show it expressly!? Why did she enter his field of vision expressly!?

“If it's Prophet he should be able to operate the appliance instinctively like when he drove the jet airplane desu but... for some reason when I turned naked he won’t reply even when I called him out desu. That’s why onii-san, please teach me. Because of this trouble, why don’t you also enter the bath together?”

Lotte sensed that Kazuki was not angry by using telepathy. The girl hugged Kazuki’s arm daringly and then pulled him. Her expression was absolutely pure.

...Come to think of it, the nobles of the middle ages always had retainers to change their clothes for them. It was even said that they didn’t have any shame toward people of the lower class.

That ‘aaan’ from before. Lotte might have mistaken Kazuki as her own butler.

In short Lotte didn’t see this side as a man. Despite that, if this side was the only side that looked at the girl’s nakedness as the opposite sex... it would soil the girl’s pureness.

Don’t look and fight the worldly desires, Kazuki whose expression tightened as if he had swallowed a bitter bug was pulled forcefully by Lotte into the bathroom. And then “This is the one.” She pointed to the bath water heater device controller that was installed in the wall.

“What the... this is a normal device that exists everywhere isn’t it?”

It was a normal electric hot-water heater that used electricity to boil hot water and also maintain the temperature.

In the present Japan, all-electric had been completely popularized, there was nothing that used gas anymore.

With the grace of alchemy, electric power had became an extremely cheap energy.

Lithium ion rechargeable battery was improved by alchemy, its capacity was expanded exceedingly, furthermore, it wouldn’t deteriorate even if it was recharged multiple times, this was called <Etherlight Rechargeable Battery>. With this invention, the large scale wireless electric transportation became possible, and realized the drastic low cost of electricity.

Because of the birth of Etherlight Rechargeable Battery, Japan’s domestic power generation system was changed completely. The present Japan’s electricity was provided in its entirety by the {{furigana|Archimedes System|Solar Power Generation}} in Japan’s southern tip territorial water on the {{furigana|Megafloat|Artificial Floating Island}}. Etherlight rechargeable battery was recharged by the power generator that made the best use of strong sunlight on the southern man-made island, and then it was carried to the mainland. This concentrated power generation brought about unprecedented efficiency of natural electricity.

The {{furigana|solar system|sunlight power generator}} that was mainstream in Japan so far had the strong point that it was decentralized in small scale and could produce electricity. However, because electricity transportation had became really easy it was not used anymore.

When Kazuki explained how to use the electric water heater, Lotte was surprised with the automatic function of regulating the temperature of the hot water. She raised a voice of deep impression while her naked body was taken aback.

“It’s the first time I have seen something like this! It doesn’t use magic, isn’t it desu!!”

This time it was Kazuki’s turn to be surprised hearing those words.

“Do they heat the bath in Germany and Seinmundo using magic every time!?”

Certainly if they used pyrokinesis to produce and decrease heat energy, it wouldn’t be difficult to live without using a water heater. Kazuki had also used it before, using pyrokinesis as auxiliary heat when the time to heat water using the electric water heating device took too long.

“It seems the household of general public still used appliance desu but... the daily living in the royal court mostly are done using magic. The royalty must follow the state religion strictly and give an example to the people desu. There are even movements that promote to manage the appliance used by the general people more strictly. Even the Anime DVD and DVD Player in my room need to be hidden secretly desu.”

“Even so, things like DVD, Japan had not used those more than 10 years ago you know? It had became an antique item.”

The mainstream memory storage media in the present Japan was {{furigana|URD|Ultrashort-wave Ray Disk}}. DVD, if remembered correctly it was even before {{furigana|BD|Blue-ray Disk}}.

“If there is no machine, won’t it inconvenience the old people when their magic powers are weakening?”

“Yes desu, that’s so, but that was considered as natural providence. Humans are tied with other people spiritually by magic power, so magic power is thought as the basis of human right.”

Which reminds me of what Liz Liza-sensei said before, “In Europe, humans that were born with excellent magic power are considered as nobles, countries that revived the monarchy system are not few.”

People that lost their strength were weeded out from society and humans with excellent magic power became nobles. That was what they considered natural? ...If someone obtained a great power, they should protect the weak, wasn’t that the natural [feelings of being human] for sure?

“The jet airplane is great, the water heater is great... once again I realized how great Japan’s appliances are desu. There is even an appliance to boil the hot water... if only this existed back there, surely my dead grandpa could have lived in more comfort...”

“You mentioned about the strict compliance to the state religion, but are they really using faith as the reason to not use machines?”

“Yes. The Norse Mythology that Germany has faith in has the aim to remove the <{{furigana|Gullveig|Desire of Sparkling Riches}}><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullveig</ref> inside human’s heart. Probably there are even more strict demands of faith than this among the Magic Advanced Countries desu.”

“...Doctrine that denied machines are probably common among a lot of Mythologies. Because that was the symbol of human’s conceitedness, there are not many Mythology that could affirm such.”

Prophet’s avatar appeared beside Lotte and said so.

“...For what reason is it I wonder. It was so sad I can’t stand it desu.”

“How stupid huh. Whether its magic or machine, as long it's convenient then it’s fine to use it, that’s what Leme thought.”

Even Leme also materialized inside the confined bathroom.

Suddenly―Kazuki felt a cool sensation of passing air at his lower body.

“Lotte... why did you take off my pants inside the confusion?”

“Kazuki-oniisan, let’s enter the bath together. After all you don’t hate it, right desu?”

The totally naked Lotte cutely tilted her head―

“Lotte... In Japan you couldn’t show your naked body to the opposite sex, it’s no good unless you show it to a person where you have the relation of considering each other as a very precious person. On the basis of the relation between man and woman...”

Lotte showed a vacant expression, then in a blink of an eye, her expression was dyed with understanding.

“Relation of man and woman... I see, onii-san and me are man and woman, isn’t it desu? That kind of thing was irrelevant in my life until now so I completely overlooked the awareness of gender. I always thought such a thing surely only happened inside a love comedy anime...”

Lotte looked like she comprehended something and suddenly her face turned red.

“Don’t tell me that kissing on the cheek is not a sign of gratitude, but actually is something similar with romcom<ref>Romantic comedy</ref>!? Perhaps I have turned into a really shameless character regarding onii-san!?”

Somehow even if she thought of Kazuki as one of the common people, it didn’t mean that she had no shame.

“I feel that you can’t differentiate reality at this point of time if you said something like ‘character’! But it’s okay, I don’t mind at all about such things!”

“By any chance this and this are parts that absolutely shouldn’t be shown to a man, is it!?”

“I don’t see it! I don’t see even a little bit of those parts!!”

“This is the first time since I was born that I made such a romcom blunder... How embarrassing desu! Please forget it!”

“Even though we already had a long talk until just now, you people are very surreal.”

Kazuki escaped from the bathroom in great panic while listening to Leme’s astonished voice.

“Good evening, Otouto-kun♥”

After Kazuki finished tidying up and back in his room, the figure of Kaguya-senpai clad in her {{furigana|Décolleté Oblique|Magic Dress}} was sitting on Kazuki’s bed. The color of her pupils were―changed slightly to a violet color.

“Senpai... are you perhaps in that condition?”

The influence of the Diva Kaguya-senpai contracted with, Asmodeus, occasionally amplified her [lewd feeling]. At that time, she would vent by embracing Kazuki.

However, it’s strange. When in the welcoming party today, senpai was still normal though...

“It’s not like that, though I wonder if it’s that kind of feeling.”

Senpai beckoned Kazuki while saying ambiguous thing, Kazuki sat on the edge of the bed, then Kaguya-senpai came and embraced him while a nice smell drifted in the air softly.

Embracing her in her magic dress form that had high exposure rate, the softness and warmth of senpai were transmitted directly. In this kind of situation, it couldn’t be helped that he was bothered by senpai’s breasts which were bigger than anyone else.

“Otouto-kun, today you were ‘chuuchuu’-ed<ref>Kiss</ref> a lot by Lotte-chan, weren’t you?”

Senpai stretched her hand while hugging Kazuki―and pinched the area around where Lotte’s lips touched Kazuki’s cheek. For some reason, it feels like it would be a breach of manners if the defensive magic power was activated for this kind of pain, there is no other way than to be resigned with this.

“Even at the best of times, recently Otouto-kun only care about his partner Mio-chan. Kaguya-senpai is very lonely and so lonely that she talked to the wall, hugging the pillar, harassing Hikaru-chan, doing all those things everyday, you see...”

“What the heck has senpai done to Hoshikaze-senpai...”

“That kind of Kaguya-senpai...in her loneliness of being ignored by Otouto-kun will monologue to herself in whisper though.”

Somehow senpai started talking about strange things.

“This is a story I learned from the people of the Knight Order in the location of a quest, it seems German’s {{furigana|Einherjar|Northern Europe Knight Order}}<ref>The Northern Europe can also refer to the land of Norsemen or Scandinavia</ref> had already demanded for Japan to hand over Lotte’s own person. Of course if Japan hands over Lotte, what await a heretic is the death penalty, isn’t it?”

“―!?”

While Kaguya-senpai [monologue] to herself, she started to leak the Knight Order’s internal story.

“But of course Japan can’t comply with that demand right~? Even though they understand the person they handed over will be sentenced to death and yet still did it, the surrounding countries must not think that Japan has become friendly with Germany. Because Japan is [the only magic advanced country in the world that is not a religious country] you see.”

The like of religious magic advanced countries couldn’t live in harmony with each other.

But with [Mythology that didn’t demand faith], Solomon 72 Pillar as Japan’s war potential, Japan was the only exception among magic advanced countries that could maintain itself as a secular country.

In short, it also means that Japan is the only country [that could possibly form an alliance with other countries].

The other magic advanced countries had always observed Japan’s tendency with sensitivity.

If Japan’s distance with Germany was shortened, the other five countries would harbor needless doubt.

If Japan became an ally with Germany, the remaining five countries would turn into enemies.

Japan must show the humane stance of respecting the right of life of the refugee.

“It seems when there was no response of the demand of handing over Lotte without condition, Germany proposed to give compensation in return. If Japan handed over Lotte, Germany will dispatch their elite Einherjars to cooperate with Loki’s subjugation. Because in the first place as a Diva, Loki is supposed to be the hated enemy of Norse Mythology.”

In Norse Mythology, Loki was the existence that would cause the final war―Ragnarok.

“Japan really want that cooperation so badly to the degree that a hand will come out of its throat<ref>Japan’s expression of wanting something so badly</ref>. However... if Japan simply accepted that cooperation, we will be looked down upon by the surrounding countries. A country that couldn’t solve its own problem by its own strength. That’s why we rejected that compensation too. After that, this time it’s fine whatever Japan does with Lotte, it’s fine even if they do it without any compensation, but Germany want to cooperate in Loki’s subjugation, it seems that was their next request.”

“Then in the end Lotte is going to be fine right?”

“They already stopped asking for Lotte’s return other than on [chance]. If we turned them down when they were already asking to that point, it would worsen our relation with Germany too much. Besides if this time, Japan accepted the cooperation with no strings attached, it is good enough to be shown to the public. Moreover, the Einherjar’s elite squad had already landed in Japan. The period of the cooperation is one month.”

Kazuki felt a chill running down his spine and felt impatience hearing Kaguya-senpai’s words.

I want to defeat Loki with my own hand. That was not for Kaya’s revenge.

If Kaya’s body stayed safe and all of Loki’s magic power that resided inside her body was destroyed completely, Kazuki thought that there was still some chance to save Kaya. That kind of possibility―Kazuki still held some hope of that.

“If it stays like this, Loki will be suppressed in the hands of the Knight Order. Of course the Knight Order and us, we are going to fight without holding back, mercilessly choosing to attack with overkill toward that girl’s body. That was justice. For Otouto-kun, he could only consent with that don’t you agree?”

“...Kaguya-senpai, it doesn’t look like monologue anymore you know?”

“Eh? Even though I’m just hugging a pillar and talking to a wall, but I heard Otouto-kun’s voice! I wonder if it is because I missed Otouto-kun too much!?”

However the current Kazuki didn’t have sufficient accomplishment to participate in a quest with connection to Loki. For the sake of rescuing Kaya... there was no more time to do everything slowly.

“Otouto-kun that should be able to show big accomplishment, but that form that couldn’t truly display his strength because he fussed over Mio-chan... I feel a little jealous you know. It’s no good if Otouto-kun doesn’t become greedier to [become strong]. If he is not like that then he would end up unable to protect anything.”

Became much stronger, but to achieve that...

“...For, for example, should Otouto-kun set out to conquer Kaguya-senpai more proactively? He absolutely should do that right!? Well, though Kaguya-senpai doesn’t see Otouto-kun other than a cute kouhai<ref>Someone in junior position in a relationship</ref> anyway!!”

...Did senpai already hear about the details of Leme’s ability from Liz Liza-sensei!?

“I feel that I have talked to myself a lot about the Knight Order and a maiden’s secret information. Well, there is no problem though because there is no one here anyway.”

“I am here though.”

“Someone that doesn’t care about me and only has his mind full with Mio-chan, the existence of that kind of person, I don’t know it at all~l. His basic human right is revoked. This is my hugging, desire dispersing & monologue-use thing.”

Kaguya-senpai said so while ‘gyuugyuu’ keep hugging Kazuki. To say a person as a thing that easily.

...If we reached the position like the party of Kaguya-senpai who was the academy’s strongest, a chance to participate in a quest where the party would be added directly to the Knight Order’s activity would also come. Like Kaguya-senpai who could get her hands on information that could only be obtained in the Knight Order’s site, like the inside information of the negotiation between Japan and Germany.

“Thank you very much for informing me... senpai.”

Kazuki had a feeling that there was something else that must be said other than gratitude, Kazuki extracted his body from Kaguya-senpai’s embrace. Kaguya-senpai’s body that was glued on his body until now entered his field of vision.

The black magic dress of Asmodeus that governed lust just barely covered senpai’s voluptuous body. It constricted her hips sensually... the personification of feminine’s charm, an existence like a cluster of pheromone was right in front of Kazuki.

“...Otouto-kun, compared to when hugging you, it was hundred times more embarrassing being stared fixedly like that in this form though...”

Kaguya-senpai blushed red and became bashful and troubled. At the same time a heart mark flew.

Conquering Kaguya-senpai. ...If she said that he need to be more proactive and set out to conquer a girl in this kind of appearance, then it must be okay to do whatever he wanted right? Kazuki’s head was in a state of chaos and he couldn’t say anything.

“Ge, geez, Otouto-kun! ...As expected forget those monologue before!!”

Kaguya-senpai that couldn’t stand Kazuki‘s gaze and silence stopped the conversation one-sidedly.

“No, it’s okay to remember the monologue about the Knight Order and Germany though!! Geez... shake off the shame at max!! Then, good night!!”

Kaguya-senpai stood up from the bed and ran off leaving the room.

Kazuki’s nervousness was released and he sunk into the bed weakly.

The cheek that senpai pulled was prickling. The positivity level floated in front of his eyes on its own.

Amasaki Mio―128 Otonashi Kaguya―79 Hiakari Koyuki―52 Hoshikaze Hikaru―41

Lotte―42

The German Knight Order came to defeat Loki. The most important thing was―there.

Although in a moment of carelessness the figure of Kaguya-senpai’s intense magic dress form floated behind Kazuki’s retina.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2021-12-28T03:21:23Z

Tman111: Various grammar fix.

==Chapter 1 – Before the Storm==

===Part 1===

Above the swamp, earth, sand and dry leaves were piling up, Kazuki stepped onto the wet ground and ran towards the approaching enemy. From between the poisonous trees with violet trunks and leaves, Demon Beasts that looked like jelly-beans with brightly colored, slimy mucus——Slimes were approaching one after another to attack.

[Suppression of Demon Beasts that nested in the Haunted Ground]——That was the Quest that Kazuki and the others accepted.

A silver flash surged from the mouth of his scabbard, Kazuki drew his Iai towards the approaching blue slime in front of his eyes.

The slime that chilled the air was cut in half, but——the blue slimes immediately reattached and returned to how it was previously.

Kazuki's eyes opened wide because of the unknown enemy's mode of life. ...The sword was not effective against these things!

All at once the multi-colored slimes that were in Kazuki's way leaped toward him.

"The calling voice of the ruler of flame, liberate the rage deep inside the earth! Create the rampart of mine here...soaring on heaven and earth, isolate the impurity! Fire Wall!!"

However, Kazuki invoked Phoenix's Summoning Magic to assault the enemies. He chanted the spell while charging into the center of the enemies and waited for the right timing.

Together with flashes of light, fissures ran along the ground under Kazuki, and from there, a wall of flames burst out.

The slimes that attacked Kazuki were effortlessly swallowed by the wall of flames and were all evaporated at once.

The few slimes that managed to slip out of the flame walls attacked Kazuki, but he brushed them off with his katana. Thereupon, the dignified voice of the partner that supported Kazuki echoed from behind him.

"Scattered sparks of dancing wings! Lingering spiral wind, become life piercing bullet! Flap your wings and fire! Barrett!!"

Red lights lingered like wings from the stigma on her back as Mio invoked Barrett.

The flame bullet attacked the slime, and its body fused with the heat of the spell.

While Kazuki stepped back, he copied Mio by chanting Barrett and hit the slime.

"Kazukii! Hooray, we beat them with the same magic♪"

Mio's voice rose in excitement, and she clung to Kazuki's arm after scattering the enemy's group.

Although, until a little while ago, she was saying "How impertinent for someone like Kazuki to use the same magic···" Was it because of the exaltation in the battlefield? Mio was unusually honest and bold.

No, Mio seemed to not remember that time when she died. However, since Kazuki kissed and saved her, he had a feeling that her attitude had instantly softened.

...Was it because of the high positivity level of 120?

"Co-come on, don't let your mind wander in the middle of a quest!"

Because Mio's Magic Dress was highly revealing in the chest area that was pressed against him, embarrassed, Kazuki spontaneously uttered words of resistance. Mio made a face that was a little sulky.

"What? I properly watched our surroundings, and after that I took action you know. Bee~"<ref>the voice of sticking your tongue</ref>

While clinging to his arm, Mio brought her face near Kazuki and stuck her tongue out at him. Even though her expression was one of cheekiness, Kazuki was strangely conscious of Mio's lips near his cheek.

At that moment, a voice rang out from the thicket in front of them, and a new group of slimes came to attack them both. Mio who had just said that she had already properly observed the surrounding area, reacted quickly and sprung up just like she said, turning to Kazuki's rear——the swordsman protected the {{furigana|Magika Stigma|Summoning Magician}}, Heaven and Earth Formation.

"Barrett!" "Fire Wall!"

The flame wall of the vanguard, Kazuki, and the fire bullet from the rear guard, Mio, reduced the interweaving bunch of slimes to ashes. ——No, wait a second, what was that!?

A crimson slime flew out from inside the flames. ...Was it resistant to heat!?

Somehow this Demon Beast Slime appeared to have its own attribute based on the color.

Kazuki immediately leaped and cut the slime that gradually released heat. Because of the slash, the slime scattered in pieces. However the pieces slipped past Kazuki.

"Damn it!"

"Kyaaa! What is this!?"

The scattered slime became a spray of red mucus and incessantly rained on Mio.

Flustered, Mio tried to clear the mucus that fell onto her body and magic dress. However, the already revealing dress immediately started to melt where the slimy mucus made contact.

"No way! The, the clothes are melting!!"

——If the Magic Dress that supplemented the spell chanting was not there, the battle potential of the Magika Stigma would be reduced by half.

Because the magic dress was created by magic power, it could be regenerated if the user requested the Diva to fix it, but...for Mio it was just not possible. She crouched down to try to hide her exposed skin.

From the swamp behind Mio who currently crouched down——the cylindrical shapes of tentacles leaped out.

A Demon Beast different from the slimes! Was it waiting for an opportunity like the one just now!?

They were just Demon Beasts, and yet they matched their breath superbly and performed combination attacks.

The slimy tentacles entangled the mostly naked Mio.

Just like wrenching open flower petals, the tentacles twined around and pulled Mio's limbs, exposing what should be hidden. The girl's face flushed bright red in unbelievable shame.

"No way no way, don't look, Kazuki! I will do something on my own so don't come here!!"

Mio shouted at Kazuki with a tearful, panicky voice as he moved to help. However, a shadow floated up in the muddy water surface. The owner of the tentacle's real body was now on the verge of surfacing.

"Is this the time to say that kind of thing!? You are going to be eaten!!"

Kazuki drew his Iai and severed the tentacles in one go. What kind of aquatic creature was it that lurked inside the swamp? It was unknown, but the tentacles could be cut as opposed to the slimes.

As Mio fell from the severed tentacles, Kazuki caught and carried her like a princess.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 013.jpg|thumb]]

But the problem was that, currently, they didn't have any means to defeat the red slime.

The mission was to defeat the Demon Beasts, but if they didn't escape from here somehow...!

"...Nihility of ancient times, the nothingness residing inside this heart, become the freezing breath. The streaming silence of rejection, freeze and be silent···Glacier Wind!!"

A chilly wind blew from next to Kazuki. That was the breath of a mermaid. The red slime that assaulted him was frozen in the blink of an eye by the wind. ——Ice attribute summoning magic!

"Hiakari-san!? ...Thank you! So you came to save us!"

Turning around, there was the mystical classmate clad in magic dress that resembled a white leotard. Hiakari Koyuki was standing there without a hint of expression.

Her attitude toward Kazuki was sharply aloof, identical with her sharp ears that was the characteristic of an elf.

"When I thought that we received the same quest by chance...this is a totally shameful sight, isn't it? You are only a hindrance if you can't fight already, how about you just go back home."

After her gazed briefly fell on the nude Mio, Koyuki briskly turned her back to Kazuki.

"...Hiakari-san, be careful of the blue slimes!"

Similar to the red slimes that radiated heat, the blue slimes radiated chilly air.

That was why there was no doubt that the blue slimes had strong resistance against cold.

Koyuki's ear twitched at hearing Kazuki's warning, but without even glancing back, her figure disappeared between the strange trees that grew wildly inside this Haunted Ground.

"...No choice then, let's return to the academy for the moment, Mio."

Kazuki spoke with Mio as she clung to his arm. All of this was the swordsman's responsibility because he couldn't protect the rearguard.

"...Kazu-niii" said in a drowsy, sweet voice as she was carried nude in Kazuki's arms.

"Mio? Now that I think about it, are you fine after being attacked by a slime like that?"

"Kazu-nii...my chest is hot. My body, my chest, and stomach are itching..."

Mio hugged Kazuki tightly. Somehow her condition seemed strange.

While not knowing where to look, Kazuki peeked at Mio's face. Her face was flushed red like she had a cold, her eyes were intoxicated like they saw a hallucination, and rough, panting breath escaped from her half-opened lips.

...Perhaps it was because of the hot liquid from before!

That liquid melted the magic dress. Magic dresses were created from magic power, namely the force of will. If that was melted then——that liquid was a poison that influenced the mind!

No wait, rather than poison, this liquid was...a type of sake and aphrodisiac...

"Kazu-nii...I love you! I love you I love you, I love you so much!! Hug me more!!"

Heart marks scattered around, Mio pushed her bare-naked breasts against him, and her legs coiled around. A sweet scent resembling milk drifted in the air. Her sighs hitting Kazuki's neck were hot and amorous.

This is bad. This situation is very bad! ...If we don't escape to a place where there are no Demon Beasts and people then...!

Her sanity should return after a short while, and then she could reform her magic dress.

...If I don't preserve my reasoning until that time, then in this strange situation, towards Mio, I will...!

"I am the swordsman of Hayashizaki style! No way I'll lose to this kind of temptation!!"

While shouting 'UOOOOOO!' Kazuki ran through the forest carrying the soft body of Mio.

===Part 2===

Going back three hours before——

"Traveling in a train like this, somehow it feels like a trip, doesn't it~"

Kazuki and Mio, both of them wearing their uniform, sat side by side inside the magic light train.

"Don't get too relaxed, okay? The quest will have actual combat you know."

Kazuki made a bitter expression aimed toward the partner who wasn't nervous at all on their first quest.

Though having said that, it's not like Kazuki didn't understand what Mio said. Today was the start of Golden Week, it had been one month since he enrolled. The pleasantly warm breeze of the late spring season poured in from the window, repeatedly blowing the nape of their neck.

"Kazuki also shares this mood, right? Waking up early in the morning and making onigiri. What are the ingredients?"

"This is just preparation in case the quest turned out to take a long time, you know!? Canned tuna and salted salmon roe."

"My favorite dish from a long time ago. So you remember!"

Mio's face was bursting with a smile along with a heart mark that came flying toward Kazuki.

That heart mark was sucked into Kazuki's magic dress, the <Solomon Ring>.

This ring received the change of the affection levels of other people and had the power to measure them.

In the span of one month since meeting with his former childhood friend, her affection level had thoroughly gone up.

Mio restlessly looked around their surroundings to confirm there were no other passengers.

"Kazu-nii, wake me up when we arrive~"

Mio approached and leaned her head to Kazuki's shoulder.

"Are you intending to sleep before fighting!?" As expected, Kazuki was surprised.

"It's okay, I'm not really sleeping. I just want to do this..."

While saying that, Mio clutched Kazuki's hand by entwining their fingers together. 'gatangoton' Within the vibration of the train's movement, Kazuki stayed silent while feeling the warmth of Mio's body.

Humankind obtained the power of magic and met with the residents of a parallel dimension who were called Diva.

——Thereupon an outbreak of phenomenon called <{{furigana|Extraordinary Malignant Spot|Cancer}}> happened.

Tearing off the world, from there the magic power of the parallel world, {{furigana|Astrum|Distorted World}}, spilled over. The spilled magic power transformed into the form of Demon Beasts and spirits. Demon Beasts attacked humans, and the surrounding space where the Demon Beasts gathered was polluted by magic power and became the Demon Beasts' soil where humans couldn't live——the Haunted Ground.

The defense organization that protected Japan's public order, the Knight Order, had three main duties, [Defense against the invasion of other country], [Suppression of illegal magician], and [Subjugation of Demon Beasts · liberation of Haunted Ground].

Because of the frequent terror attacks against the Knight Order performed by a group of illegal magicians called [Loki's Einherjar], led by Loki of Norse Mythology, the Knight Order didn't have enough hands to perform their original duty.

To compensate for that, the knight training academy that Hayashizaki Kazuki attended——The National Knight Academy <Caryatid>, gave the work that the Knight Order couldn't finish to the students in the form of a quest.

The students formed parties and challenged the quest in place of the Knight Order.

The Haunted Ground's location was a few minutes walk from the station.

The Haunted Ground's surrounding was covered by a fence, and the civilians were prohibited from entering.

Demon Beasts instinctively attacked humans. However, Demon Beasts couldn't come out into the surrounding space that hadn't been transformed into a Haunted Ground. They mostly took defensive stances and only attacked humans that invaded the Haunted Ground.

Haunted Grounds became the production base of Demon Beasts. It further encroached the surrounding area because of the Demon Beasts' propagation and kept expanding.

Inevitably, the people that originally lived on the soil that became a Haunted Ground were evacuated.

Consequently, the longer the Haunted Ground was left alone, the harder it would be to control the situation.

The dispatching of the Knight Order prioritized urban areas at any cost while forest and mountain Haunted Grounds were lower priority and tend to be distributed as quests for Knight Academy's students.

Kazuki and Mio headed for the gate that served as the only entrance for the Haunted Ground. {{furigana|Ex-knight|Old person}} was standing guard at the gate to inspect the people that tried to enter the Haunted Ground.

"We were dispatched from the Knight Academy, please allow us to enter."

"...Cheh, the academy brats huh. Moreover, only two came."

The guard spat out in a whisper and started the processing of Kazuki and Mio's entry.

"Why doesn't the Knight Order come here themselves, they are making light of the refugees here. ...Then I'll start the scan, so let your magic power flow into your Stigma until it shines. Hm? What is this stigma?"

The guard put his hand and scanned the magic light of the stigma at the back of Kazuki's hand with the <Scanner Device>. Next, Mio's stigma was also scanned by peeking at her neck from behind.

Thereupon, the device compared the data that had arrived from the quest counter of the academy, and confirmed that Kazuki and Mio were the appointed people of an official quest.

"You're not a mere swordsman, it became a hot topic some time ago, someone who received an Enigma despite being a man. Although, as expected, your magic power seems to be low compared to the woman huh. Don't overdo yourself to where it becomes a situation where we need to call reinforcements, okay?"

After seeing off Kazuki and Mio, the guard entered the gate's post, Mio pulled her eyelid down and stuck out her tongue.

"What is that, saying things like 'just a student' or 'just a man', making fools of us! When Kazuki and I unite, we are unrivaled! Starting from now is the beginning of the legend of me and Kazuki!!"

"...Mio, saying things like 'unrivaled' or 'legend', however you meant it, only sound like failure flags."

"Why are you saying things like that~!!"

While advancing forward with Mio repeatedly hitting Kazuki, the scenery gradually changed into strange and crooked things. It was a country road that could exist anywhere, but it turned into wetlands filled with moisture, and the surrounding trees' colors changed into poisonous colors. The Demon Beasts' presences were starting to drift around in the surroundings.

...And then, three hours later, Mio's flag splendidly became reality.

===Part 3===

Sitting next to Kazuki while on their way home in the train, Mio cast her eyes down in shame while blushing a bright red.

"...Hey, how much did you see...?"

How much, was it? It is about the matter with the mucus and tentacles from earlier wasn't it?

"I swear I didn't see much. The tentacles were in the way."

"Af, after that, I was naked for quite a while, right!? Though I don't remember it well..."

"After that, I didn't look at your body. At the time, I was obviously in the middle of fighting you know."

"...Then Kazuki, you really don't have any interest in me after all?"

Mio glared at Kazuki with sulking eyes. Why did it become like this...?

"Talking about that, what was up with your condition?"

Was it something like an aphrodisiac that manipulated the mind, or was it like drinking alcohol and then losing all restraint and being merry like a drunk——which one was it? Mio's face became increasingly bright red because of Kazuki's inquiry.

"Don't remember, I don't remember! I don't remember anything at all!"

"As expected, a two man party might be too difficult."

Kazuki changed the topic, and Mio, taken aback, raised her head.

"I don't wanna. I don't want a strange person added to my party with Kazuki!!"

"But... with only us at the moment, the breadth of our tactics is far too narrow."

The current Kazuki and Mio——cannot use an attack magic other than of the flame element. Like today, if they encounter enemies that have a resistance toward flames and heat, then a hard fight would be inevitable.

But with a resolute expression Mio shook her head.

"It's fine! I... will become even stronger for sure!! To the extent that we won't ever need any other people!!"

Kazuki had a feeling that it was not a problem that could be solved simply by growing strong. But as Mio grasped his hand and stared at him hard with upturned eyes, Kazuki lost his words and couldn't say anything.

...However, if I could use a lot more magic, then this problem would be settled.

Kazuki's contracted Diva——{{furigana|Lemegeton|Solomon's small key}} was a unique Diva who had the [Power of the King] to control Solomon's 72 Pillars.

That skill was the ability to be able to use all 10 of the characteristic magics owned by the other Divas of Solomon's 72 Pillars. In contrast with normal Divas that could only use 10 varieties of magic, Lemegeton could use at maximum 720 different types of magic. The problem of not having enough variety would become irrelevant, an extraordinary existence.

But that ability had conditions. If Kazuki couldn't make other Magika Stigma users fall in love with him, then he wouldn't be able to use that ability. Currently, Kazuki could use the same summoning magic of [Phoenix] like Mio, because he was able to make the contractor of Phoenix, Mio, fall for him.

He could also use two of Kaguya senpai's summoning spells, but... they were not magic really suitable for quests.

I wanted to become strong and protect Mio. But to achieve that, then with another girl I'd need to...

Subconsciously, Kazuki poured magic power into Solomon's ring, and magic light vision floated in front of his eyes. A graph of the girls' positivity levels that only he could see was projected there.

The graphs that extended horizontally, like they were competing before one's eyes, were also provided along with a number.

Amasaki Mio——124 Otonashi Kaguya——75 Hiakari Koyuki——46 Hoshikaze Hikaru——39

Mio was staying motionless and quiet, and before long the magic light train stopped at the station in front of the knight academy.

——Like that, the first quest that the two individuals had challenged during Golden Week, was over without any result.

===Part 4===

"Amasaki Mio will fall into rank B for sure if she keeps this up."

When the first school day after Golden Week ended—— Kazuki was called to the staff room. There, the home-room teacher, Liz Liza Westwood, spouted a shocking sentence out of the blue.

"Eh?" Liz Liza-sensei who had a figure that looked like a child's, continued with her strict words toward Kazuki, who leaked out an idiotic voice.

"Losing to an E rank like you was already fatal. Then, after that, she failed a quest, so her evaluation has dropped drastically. If she keeps this up she will be demoted to rank B."

"Ple——please wait a second! Certainly she hasn't shown results yet, but it's obvious her true power is one of the best compared to her surroundings, right!?"

"There are also other students who grew by a remarkable amount. Chances must be given equally."

First year students who were evaluated as [rank A] at the academy could stay in the dedicated dormitory for the student council, [Witch's Mansion], as a privilege. There, they could receive an introduction to magic from the senpais in the student council.

Being demoted from rank A to rank B means eviction from the Witch's Mansion.

Kazuki was rank E, but because of the special circumstance of being contracted with a mysterious Diva, he could live in the Witch's Mansion so the student council president could safeguard (while monitoring) him.

Mio wouldn't be in Witch's Mansion anymore even though they were finally getting along again like in the old times.

"Right now with Loki acting violently, the situation is that the students have to quickly complete quests. Real ability that cannot produce any results cannot be valued. Even if she is an A rank, if she is slacking off, being demoted might fire her up."

Loki attacked the branches of the Knight Order in the whole country every few days, but before any real counterattack began, they only fought a little and escaped immediately. It was as though they were just ridiculing the opponent.

It seems there was still nothing that resulted in death, but it became so that the Knight Order needed to be constantly vigilant against attacks. At the same time, the investigation for Loki's hiding location must also be done.

Like that, the duties that were neglected by the knights were distributed to the students as quests.

Originally the quest system was intended for the students' personal learning experience, however in the current emergency situation, they were completely regarded as precious war potential.

Because there was strong opposition from society regarding the coercion of students into actual battle, the quests even now was formally a practical class that students accepted voluntarily, but—— rank A students like Mio were constantly under untold amounts of heavy pressure and expectations to produce results.

"...But Mio is not slacking off at all!"

Every morning since forming a party with Kazuki, Mio had always stealthily performed magic training as if to hide it from him——though Kazuki, who was very sensitive towards any magic power outbreak, noticed it immediately.

"It's because an E rank like me dragged her down."

"Fuhn, my eyes are not so blind that I still think your real ability is the same as your current rank."

"...Why was this matter not spoken of to the person herself, but instead, to me?"

"Both of you are in a two-man party, aren't you? If you think that girl's evaluation is undeserved then you have to support your team mate."

If I could support her then I wanted to do so. I really wanted to do that, but for that to happen...

"The quickest and easiest way for me is to add Hiakari Koyuki to your party, I also thought that if you can use that chance to become closer with her, then it will be two birds with one stone."

A glint of light appeared in Liz Liza-sensei's eyes. Liz Liza-sensei also knew about Leme's special characteristics.

Maybe that's the real reason she called me here.

"...Neither Mio nor Hiakari-san will agree to form a party together though."

"Fuhn, it's evident that your sense of danger is not enough that you're being so particular about this. ...By the way, this is a completely different topic, but in the case that you became friendly with a magician that has a contract with a Diva other than Solomon's 72 Pillars, what would happen? Can you also draw the ability from that Diva?"

Liz Liza sensei asked about a topic that really had no relation at all with the topic until now.

Lemegeton materialized besides Kazuki.

She was a completely nude little girl the first time she appeared in front of Kazuki, but as her power returned little by little, her stature has already grew to about an elementary student's size, and a one-piece tunic covered her body.

With Leme regaining her power due to Kazuki's friendlier relations with various girls, her original form was also slowly returning. It was a wonder what kind of form her original appearance was as a Diva.

"With Divas other than Solomon's 72 Pillars, as long as the other party has the will to cooperate with Leme, then Leme can draw that Diva's characteristic magic you know-. However, it's a considerably rare case for such Divas of other mythologies to cooperate with Leme though-. Fundamentally, the relations between mythologies are running counter with each other."

"Hmm, is that so?"

While looking down, Liz Liza-sensei whispered 'Is there any worth in testing this...'

Testing? ...In Japan, contracting with Divas other than Solomon's 72 Pillars was illegal. There should be no chance of getting along with illegal magicians, but...

"Understood. It's okay for you to go back now." Liz Liza-sensei waved her hand like she was chasing Kazuki out.

An unexpected character was waiting for Kazuki when he came out of the staff room.

"Kazuki, did you mess up something that required you getting called by sensei? ...mugu."

Because of her small build, Kazuki didn't see her, and that character's face collided with Kazuki's chest and leaked that 'mugu' voice. Even though that kind of voice was still said coolly...

"Hiakari-san!? ...Are you okay?"

Kazuki supported the girl's shoulder in panic, though the girl said "I'm fine" and shook off his hand.

"Rather than that, please don't ignore my question. Why were you called?"

"Aaa——that was... Because of the failed quest yesterday, Liz Liza-sensei came to give a warning that if our evaluation keeps declining like this, it will be serious trouble. It's because I'm an E rank you see."

Kazuki immediately explained while avoiding Mio's matter. Koyuki's expression 'mu' became stiff hearing that.

"...It's unreasonable isn't it? Kazuki had won in a duel against an A rank, so failing a quest just once shouldn't make your evaluation drop."

"Is Hiakari-san worried about my problem?"

When Kazuki started heading to the Witch's Mansion, the girl also walked alongside him.

"It's not that. It's not worry or anything. I don't care whatever happened to you. It's just, I wanted to give my thanks where there is nobody else... If it's not now, whether it be Amasaki-san, or the president, or little sister-san, somebody will be around you."

The girl said thank you and bowed her head.

"...By any chance, is it about the slime's attribute during yesterday's quest?"

"Yes. Thanks to that I could successfully complete the quest. If not for Kazuki's advice, I'd have lost my composure when I found out about the blue slime's resistance to cold and might have fallen into a predicament."

Yesterday's quest was about holding back the encroachment of the Haunting Ground in western Tokyo's forest.

Koyuki annihilating all the Demon Beasts that lived in that Haunted Ground——did not happen, it seems exterminating one area of the Demon Beasts and liberating the area part by part was already considered as a success.

If there were no Demon Beasts in the Haunted Ground, then the plot of land would return to how it was originally. Poisonous plants grew densely and that Haunted Ground became marshland, but if the Demon Beasts were all gone then it should return back to the original forest.

"But how did Hiakari-san defeat the slime that had strong resistance against ice Summoning Magic?"

"My contracted Diva, Vepar, rules over cold and water. I suffocated it to death by water magic."

"...Eh? Do slimes need to breath? Was it foaming inside the water?"

"I tested it while half in doubt... but it died. I don't think it had an organ for breathing like a mouth or lung, so perhaps it breathes by using the surface of the cell. And then it was a living thing that resided on land, so I thought that it didn't have any structure to take oxygen from the water. Just like an earthworm that can breath through its skin inside the earth, but it died by suffocation on the asphalt."

If you think about it, as long as it was a living thing, except in a few cases, then it should need oxygen for its activity. Even though the Demon Beasts were the residents of a fantasy world, there were many things that had similar motif with the real world, like dragons that closely resembled a lizard.

Demon Beasts' ecology and traits were still not understood.

But when we challenge quests from now on, there was no doubt that we would need to observe unknown Demon Beasts calmly and experiment with various elements, magic, and fighting styles.

Mio and I couldn't do that——the girl in front of me could.

"...As I thought Hiakari-san, won't you join our party?"

Koyuki sullenly knitted her eyebrows toward Kazuki's proposal.

"Because you failed the quest and fell into a pinch, you want me to lend you some help?"

"Sorry, frankly I'm weak. Besides, this time Hiakari-san was mostly okay, but even so, going solo is dangerous. I think it's better to team up with someone even if not with us."

"Weak? You are not weak. Rather isn't it Amasaki-san, who lost in a duel against you, that is weak? For example... as it is that girl will be demoted to rank B, won't she?"

Koyuki took a deep breath and spoke, which startled Kazuki, like she had seen through everything.

"I think if I join you two because you are the one that is in danger, then Amasaki-san will be able to accept it, but if it's because she herself that is in danger then... I think she will reject it resolutely you know. She has a lot of pride, and she also hates me."

"Certainly that girl has a lot of pride, but... she doesn't hate you, you know."

"She really hates me though. She opposes me in every single thing."

"That's not it, Mio said 'I don't want a strange guy added to the party!'. In short that means, if it's not a strange person then it's okay to add them to the party, and since Hiakari-san is not a strange person, it's all okay!"

"...What the heck was that? That logic you gave was really pushing it. I am a plenty strange girl."

"Hiakari-san is not someone strange at all. You are an extremely kind person, aren't you? When I was made fun of during the class introduction because I said that my special skill was swordsmanship, you said that the sword is not worthless and gave me some encouragement. Those few words really saved me. Even when I was friendless in the class, only you were impartial regarding me. you are a girl that is fair and hates discrimination and bullying. I feel respect towards that kindness and strength."

"Wha——what are you saying..."

Koyuki's expressionless face became stiff, and Kazuki started to talk passionately while tightly gripping his fist.

"Besides that, you also have calm judgement, and there were already many times when Hiakari-san saved me from a tight spot. Kind, strong, and cool, there is no way a girl this reliable exists."

"That is... my only worth involves magic battles, that's why..."

"Hiakari-san is too humble, saying that kind of thing so quickly. But every time I was doing some housework, Hiakari-san always watched me patiently and said 'Thank you' honestly. Even though Hiakari-san disliked it when I invited you to do the housework together. For me, every time I did some housework, I was thinking that I want to see Hiakari-san's delight. Hiakari-san shows a cold attitude, but in truth you are a warm person."

"Tha——that was because of my incompetence, that I gave you some trouble so..."

Hiakari-san blushed red as she looked downward. A heart mark flew from her chest.

"...Certainly Hiakari-san is unsociable, so maybe there are some misunderstandings with the surrounding people. However, I'm absolutely not overlooking Hiakari-san's charms! If Mio doesn't notice Hiakari-san's charm, then I will keep talking to her to make her understand how good a person Hiakari-san is!! Yosh, I'll immediately start the campaign to show Hiakari-san's charm from now on!!"

"...Ple——please stop. Don't campaign like that!"

Koyuki gripped and pulled back Kazuki's sleeve and her voice rose, which was unusual for her. A small skull mark that look like a speck floated from her chest. That was a proof that her positivity level dropped a little.

Koyuki released 'haa' a long breath, and said "What a person, that can't be helped huh."

"Are you an idiot? That talk just now, if you said that to Amasaki-san it would have an opposite effect you know."

"Why? I thought that Mio would properly understand Hiakari-san's charm though."

"She wouldn't want to hear that kind of thing from your mouth... you really are a person that doesn't understand a girl's heart. Somehow it makes me angry..."

In the mean time they had arrived at the Witch's mansion and stopped in the garden.

The door opened, and Mio came flying out from the living room.

"Kazuki! Welcome home, where did you go just now... eh, Hiakari...!"

When she noticed Koyuki beside Kazuki, Mio quickly stopped and glared at Koyuki.

Toward that look, with a disinterested voice Koyuki announced.

"Amasaki Mio, I challenge you to a duel."

Kazuki and Mio froze because of those unexpected words. They didn't understand what that meant.

"You, who lost a duel against a rank E and exposed unsightly, disgraceful behavior during a quest will be demoted to rank B if you keep this up. If that happens then you won't be able to stay here."

"I, I will be B rank!? And then... from this place..."

"Hiakari-san! Why are you saying that!?"

Kazuki, whose complexion changed, pressed the question, but Koyuki suddenly glared back at Kazuki.

"I refused your invitation, it was troublesome. Annoying. Besides... Besides if the person herself didn't have any real ability and she got dropped into a suitable rank, isn't that for her own good? A person without any real strength that keeps insisting she is a rank A is unsightly. I will hand the requiem to such a person."

Koyuki announced to Mio, who was still frozen in shock, with an absolute zero gaze.

"...Amasaki Mio. If you lose to me then you will be demoted to rank B immediately. So, will you accept my duel challenge? ...I don't mind even if you turn tail and run though."

In a flash, Mio's prideful expression turned red with rage.

"There... There is no way that I'll run, right!? Before, it was the rank E Kazuki who challenged me to a duel, and now it is you who is challenging me... Bring it on!"

Far from turning tail, Mio pointed her finger at Koyuki with her twin tails shaking.

"I'll finish you quick and easy, and prove that I am an appropriate A rank for sure!!"

Certainly if Mio fought equally or more against Koyuki whose rank was A, Mio might be able to prove that demotion to rank B is not appropriate for her. However...

"Please wait, calm down! If you lose you won't be able to stay here you know!?"

"Shut up, Kazuki!"

"...Then please wait outside. I'll call senpai and sensei so that they can become the witnesses needed for the duel."

Koyuki slipped from the side of Mio, whose blood had risen to her head, and climbed the stairs.

"...Kaguya-senpai, why did you acknowledge this kind of duel?"

The students of Knight Academy could perform duels under the presence of the student council.

A duel was a mock battle performed under a safe rule, where if each side's magic power were reduced to zero then the attacks are stopped. Acknowledgement was needed from the student council president for the execution of the duel.

The student council president of {{furigana|Magic Division|Magika}}—— Kaguya-senpai, if it was her I thought she would stop this quarrel.

"Nnn... because when I heard the circumstances, I thought this was for the best?"

"So you think that using the principle of strength to decide right and wrong is the best... right?"

Fundamentally senpai was kind, but she also had an aspect where she was a person with a strict principle of strength.

"That's not it... maa, let's just see what will happen, ok? Come on, it's starting."

Kaguya-senpai pointed at the center of the ground. Over there were—— Mio and Koyuki facing each other with a distance of 50 meters between them according to the custom. The referee standing between them was Hoshikaze-senpai.

Kazuki, Liz Liza-sensei, and others were attending in the guest seats that surrounded the ground.

"...Amasaki Mio had made up her mind, huh. But to show whether she has the strength as a rank A or not, certainly this is the easiest method to understand that."

That was what sensei said. Because this duel was performed so suddenly, there were no other curious students that were watching.

"{{furigana|I know thy name|Shem ha-Mephorash}}<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shemhamphorasch</ref> ...Thy name is [Phoenix] ...Namely a poet, transform into a magician! Poetic bird toying with logic with its sweet tongue, show thy strength in accordance with my life!"

"{{furigana|I know thy name|Shem ha-Mephorash}} ...Thy name is [Vepar] ...Mermaid singer imparting icy thoughts, shed drops of tears of sadness in this world."

Both of them performed {{furigana|Astrum Connection|Access}} at the same time. Mio was wrapped with an orange magic power's light while the wing stigmata floated up on her back, her figure materialized a red magic dress.

Koyuki was emitting blue light while scale shaped stigmata floated up on both her thighs, her body was wrapped in a white magic dress. Kazuki's breath was taken away, he was instinctively pressured by the figures of the two confronting each other.

——Duel of fellow Magika Stigma. If he thought about it, this was the first time Kazuki watched this kind of thing.

Their specialties respectively were, flame magic used by Mio, and ice magic used by Koyuki.

"Well then... Begin!" With that cry, Hoshikaze-senpai pulled the trigger for the start of the duel.

Both Mio and Koyuki emitted their magic power's light at the same time and began the chanting of their spell.

The one who finished her chant first was—— Koyuki. An avatar of a mermaid floated on her back.

"Glacier Wind!"

Chilly winds blew across the fifty meter distance. Mio who was concentrating on her spell's chant couldn't defend against that, but her defensive magic power protected her body from the chill.

Defensive magic power—— the body couldn't be inflicted with injury, but in exchange a large amount of magic power was exhausted.

However, Mio's concentration was not interrupted, and she retaliated with her magic one move later.

"...Barrett!!"

This time Koyuki was hit by the familiar bullet of flame. The blue light of the defensive magic power scattered around Koyuki as well.

"First was confirming each other's chanting speed using the level 1 offense summoning magic. If it were swordsmen, then it's like confirming each other's range. ...The fight will start from here."

Kaguya-senpai whispered from Kazuki's side.

Koyuki's side was faster in spell chanting speed. In other words—— the receiver side would be Mio.

"Kuh. ...Burn out all that were touched. ...No person to depend on, scorching heat of denial! {{furigana|Self Burning|Repelling Flame Armor}}!"

Mio first solidified her defense and chanted defense magic. Her whole body was covered with a flame armor.

To activate a spell, first the magician needed to request for the magic phenomenon from the Diva in Astrum using {{furigana|imperative statement|Programming}}.

Because the target of defense magic like Self Burning was their own body, the time needed to transmit the {{furigana|coordinate designation|Targeting}} to the Diva could be omitted, thus, the spell could be invoked quickly.

"...Divine protection of mermaid, halt the advance of the hateful enemy, expedite the advance of the chosen person... Run oh ice blade! {{furigana|Moves in the Field|Skating Rink Grand Dancing}}!"

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 034.jpg|thumb]]

Koyuki also finished chanting her spell—— cold air was starting to spread from under the girl's foot and, in the blink of an eye, the ground had been frozen. Mio carelessly tried to move and her foot slipped.

On the other hand, by using cold air Koyuki created ice shoes with edges attached on both her feet similar to skating shoes, she sped up and slid across the fifty meter distance in one go.

"Does Hiakari-san plan to enter close combat!?"

As might be expected from someone who fights solo, it seems her Vepar was an all-purpose Diva.

Koyuki approached Mio who couldn't move her body and performed a dance-like jump. ——Her visible white leotard coupled with her magic dress, it was as though the performance of a figure skater had begun.

And then while Koyuki spun in the air, a sharp kick using the edges of the ice shoes visited Mio. The slash of the sharp ice managed to pierce the flame armor.

However the instant Koyuki's kick landed, Mio concentrated the fire that enveloped her whole body to one spot using psychokinesis. Koyuki's kick was unexpectedly swallowed inside the fiercely growing fire.

The ice shoes evaporated inside the highly concentrated flames, making Koyuki's kick powerless.

"——!?" Koyuki's eyes opened in surprise because of the practical skill Mio had shown using common magic.

And then the moment Koyuki put icing on her foot again——Mio read that timing and shifted to attack.

"{{furigana|Fire Wall|Flame Emperor Founding}}!"

Fissures ran along the ground that Koyuki froze under her feet, and from there flames blew up.

"Singing voice of mermaid, manifest the frozen thought! Sorrow turn into ice flower, solitude turn into light snow... cover the world in cold nothingness!! {{furigana|White Album|Silent Pure White}}!!"

However, Koyuki too was already chanting a different large-scale spell as she skated on the iced surface.

Koyuki's and Mio's surroundings were repainted with a different kind of space. It became the world of a winter blizzard.

In the area covered with the cold——the flame wall that blew up from under Koyuki, the flame armor covering Mio's whole body, everything was banished by the cold.

The alternate space that Koyuki produced had also used up its energy, and the surrounding returned to the normal space.

But an ice shoe was still on one of Koyuki's feet.

"Fuh!" Using a surprisingly beautiful form, Koyuki released a high kick that hunted for the neck. Drawing a silver line resembling an Iai<ref>Art of high-speed sword drawing</ref>'s slash, the ice edge ripped apart Mio's magic power.

A splendid arching kick pursued Mio who staggered powerlessly from the impact of her smashed magic power.

"Miooo!!"

"Otouto-kun, so you lost your cool if it was about Mio-chan, huh... I might be a little jealous."

Kaguya-senpai smiled bitterly beside Kazuki.

"You see, even while Mio-chan was taking damage, she still continued to chant a different spell."

Kazuki sharpened his senses and finally saw. Mio, who looked like she was at her wit's end from the kick... from her, waves of magic power could certainly be felt. And then—— an explosion happened all of sudden.

"Maybe Otouto-kun values Mio-chan so much that you underestimate her. You consider her as someone you have to protect at all costs... certainly, Koyuki-chan is superior with the amount of her innate magic power, but even with that, both of them are—— equal."

"Immortal bird soaring from dusk to dawn, grant that wing of hope on my back! Destruction for the sake of rebirth, here! {{furigana|Blazing Wings|Ash Ember Ending in Crimson Wing}}!"

Mio chanted the spell in a dignified voice. ...Phoenix's level 5 summoning magic!

An enormous flame sprouted from Mio's back, and transformed into wings of flame with a width of ten-odd meters.

Mio slammed those wings toward Koyuki, as this time it was her turn to attack.

However, while her body received the impact of the enormous amount of fire, Koyuki also carried out a spell chant of a high level magic.

"...Sinking hundred of ships, the menace of sea, lurking inside the depths of the sea! Rising to the surface guided by my singing voice... show that whole tale! ...Pierce through, oh fangs! {{furigana|Ice Buster|Iceberg Grand Waves}}!!"

Koyuki slammed her palm onto the ground—— from there a great number of icebergs flew out.

The emerging icebergs soared fiercely into the sky towards the flying Mio in order to skewer her. Mio slammed her flame wings to oppose one of the icebergs assaulting her.

Large scale destruction magics crashed into each other, flame and ice offset each other mutually.

"Mio-chan is really skilled at manipulating magic power from Astrum you know. If she falls into a pinch she is able to draw out a large amount of magic from Astrum."

The alternate world connected from the depth of the mental world—— Astrum. Enormous magic power at the root of a human's mind roiled in a whirlpool inside that world.

When a human's magic power reached the bottom, the person's mind could access Astrum and draw magic power from there. However if someone carelessly drew magic power from Astrum, that human's mind would be the one that was pulled into Astrum, and there would be a risk of fainting. That state was called <Magic Intoxication>.

"In a pinch, Mio-chan can unconsciously pull and use a large amount of magic power that will make normal people faint into magic intoxication. When she is cornered to the brink she becomes strong, using abnormal, utter gutsiness. This is one kind of talent that won't even lose to Koyuki-chan, see."

"Now that senpai mentioned it... I've never seen her faint because of magic intoxication."

"Koyuki-chan's Ice Buster is a level 6 magic. Mio-chan should lose if she clashed from the front. However even now... Mio-chan is still chanting her spell!"

Mio's flame wings kept weakening because it was losing to the glaciers that kept coming one after another.

"Blazing... Wings!"

However with a strained voice, Mio chanted the spell once more. Two consecutive level 5 magics!

The regenerated wings of flame were tiding over against the glaciers, and on the contrary it even pushed back the glaciers.

Even against an elf like Koyuki, who should have extraordinary magic power, gradually the bottom was starting to become visible, finally——

"It's over!" The referee, Hoshikaze-senpai, stopped the battle.

For the safety in the duel, the duel would be stopped when the magic power was depleted to the point where it reached critical section.

Both of them had used up all of their energy and willpower at the same time. Koyuki sat on the ground, and Mio too fell down and squatted from the exhaustion. Both of their magic dresses released light and returned back to their uniforms.

"It won't have any persuasion power if she is demoted after showing such a high level battle to this point, huh."

Liz Liza-sensei, who was spectating silently until now, whispered with a sigh.

"In the case of a draw, the evaluation of the side with the lower rank will be upped slightly. Hiakari Koyuki is the top of her grade, so in this case Amasaki Mio's evaluation will be upped. ...Hiakari, you didn't go easy on your opponent deliberately right?"

"...With Amasaki-san as the opponent... there wouldn't be any room for that..."

Koyuki, who was sitting down, said that looking completely exhausted.

"...Everyone... overestimated me too much because I'm an elf..."

"Fun. With this Amasaki will keep her rank for a while, but as long she can't clear a quest, this is no more than a stopgap measure."

Leaving those words behind, Liz Liza-sensei went back in the direction of the school building.

"Mio!" Kazuki, who heard Liz Liza-sensei's words, rushed over to Mio who was crouching down and breathing roughly, looking like she had just finished a marathon.

Even while totally exhausted, Mio fought to the bitter end to put on a smiling face and showed a V-sign to Kazuki.

===Part 5===

After dinner Kazuki knocked on Koyuki's door.

"Please come in." With that permission, Kazuki opened the door with a little nervousness.

What was before his eyes were——bookshelves.

"...This room looks completely like a library, huh."

The smell of books pierced the nose. There was no element of a girl's atmosphere at all, and what were inside were only bookshelves made from steel, that could be stowed with books both in the front and in the back. In the room, aside from a bed and a desk, there were only bookshelves lined up in an orderly fashion.

"There is always time to read books, anyway."

Between the gap of the bookshelves, Koyuki could be seen sitting on her bed wearing her usual underwear along with a white shirt. An old rabbit stuffed toy was propped up beside the bed. That was the only color scheme in this room.

"...That appearance again as I expected. I don't know where to put my eyes though..."

Kazuki's eyes kept getting attracted to the gap between the shirt's hem and shirttail. Glimpses of white clothes and a girl's legs kept appearing and disappearing, but he raised his line of sight with strong willpower and stared at the girl's face.

"I don't want to change my lifestyle just for the sake of your eyes' convenience."

"——If that's the case, I'll watch Hiakari-san as much as I want then."

Kazuki said that to try to bully her, even though he actually didn't have the intention of watching for real. Koyuki was startled because of that.

"Why... why would you do that? Anyway, there is nothing worth seeing in the body of someone like me."

"Haven't I said it many times before that Hiakari-san is beautiful. I'm going to push you down soon you know."

"You don't have that kind of courage right? Even though you have Amasaki-san."

...Why did she mention Mio there?

Koyuki closed her thighs while fidgeting, and then "What kind of business do you have?", glared at Kazuki scornfully.

"Hiakari-san was... regarding today's duel, did you know from the beginning that it would turn out like that?"

"You too are saying that I was going easy in that fight, is that so?"

"Even if Hiakari-san was not going easy during that duel, but if two people with equal ability dueled against each other, then it would naturally become a draw. If that happened, then Mio would keep her rank. Because Hiakari-san thought that, that's why Hiakari-san challenged Mio to a duel, am I right?"

"I didn't think anything like that at all. I just wanted to hand Amasaki-san her requiem because your invitation was annoying, that's all."

"When Hiakari-san requested the duel, I was panicked because I didn't know what you were thinking, but... certainly rather than challenging the quest once more, the possibility that Mio could keep her rank was higher if both Hiakari-san and Mio battled each other. I realized this after the duel finished."

"I didn't think anything like that at all. I just wanted to hand down that girl's requiem because it was annoying how much you and her flirted in the mansion, that's all."

"Thank you Hiakari-san. As I thought, Hiakari-san is a cool, kind, and reliable person."

"...Please listen when people talk. I'm getting angry you know."

"But on top of that I also have a request... in any event Hiakari-san has to join our party."

If the girl really acted for Mio's sake, then, as expected, I want to fight together with her and become comrades. That was what Kazuki thought.

"I don't want to. ...I don't want to have any illicit relation in the place of battle. I hate a party like yours and Amasaki-san's where you two keep flirting."

"Be-before too Hiakari-san mentioned flirting, but I never flirted with her before!"

"I know that. If I'm going to party with someone, then I expect to have a mercenary relationship."

"I think I can understand that kind of sentiment, but isn't it lonely to fight like that without any rapport with your comrade? You can't even encourage each other in difficult times with that kind of relationship."

"Searching for something like the contact of feelings in a battle is strange. If you have that kind of wish, then get someone else other than me..."

"I want to join parties with Hiakari-san, and then get along better with Hiakari-san."

Toward Kazuki's proclamation——Koyuki averted her face like she was running away from that straightforward gaze.

"...I hate it, frankly saying things like that!"

Despite saying how she disliked that kind of thing, a heart mark floated from Koyuki's chest and was absorbed into the ring. The girl's positivity level was raised up to 48.

As expected, the girl's heart and words were always contradictory.

"...Even though she was doing nothing but flirting with you, today's Amasaki-san was strong. Where does that kind of willpower come from? I'm looking at her in a new light, but just a little."

"It's not flirting. It's precisely because we are together that we also become stronger."

Toward that, Koyuki didn't give any reply and ignored Kazuki altogether, she crawled into her futon.

"In any case I refuse to party with you. Please leave the room already."

While turning her back to Kazuki, Koyuki hugged her rabbit stuffed toy inside the futon.

"...If you become friendlier with various girls, then the problem with your lack of battle tactics will also get resolved. Be more serious about the harem plan, oh my king."

When night fell, Leme said that while entering Kazuki's bed to sleep together at his side.

Because Leme materialized using Kazuki's magic power, it was better if she was near Kazuki as much as possible.

It was more economical and practical if she withdrew to Astrum. However, as a girl, it seemed having a real body and existing in the present world as much as possible was much more comfortable.

"But, I don't want to get intimate with any girl without caring about who she is just for the sake of getting stronger."

"But you are thinking that you want to get along better with Hiakari Koyuki, right?"

"Aah... that is so but..."

But this feeling was totally different from the emotion of love. It should only be a matter of friendship and affinity with each other.

Even though her positivity level had increased a little, Hiakari-san hadn't opened her heart at all.

"——Kazuki, do you have time?"

While Kazuki closed his eyes and waited for the arrival of sleepiness, Mio's voice came from the other side of the room door.

"It's okay, but... what kind of business is it that you came at this time of night?"

"...My king, don't make a blunder that decreases positivity level. If you do that then the usable magic will also decrease."

After only whispering that, Leme withdrew to Astrum and her physical body disappeared.

Mio, who wore a light crimson pajama, timidly entered the dark room.

"Tonight... is it okay to sleep together?"

"Haa!?"

Kazuki spontaneously raised his voice, but without even waiting for reply, Mio quickly crawled inside the futon.

"I'll say this first, there is no weird meaning about this! ...I'll get angry if you do strange things, okay!!"

While saying that Mio willfully pulled one of Kazuki's arms to the place where her head was located and used it as a pillow.

The aroma of citrus fruit drifted from the honey colored hair with its twin tails unfastened. The body was covered by the pajama, but the cloth was thin, and a girl's softness could be felt from the location where their bodies touched each other. Sweet heat that tickled a man's instinct filled the night.

"Wha, what is your intention, is this a test of my willpower as a swordsman, is that it?"

"What are you talking about? ...Tonight just a little, I don't want to sleep alone. It's okay, right? In the past, it looks like I also took a nap together with Kazu-nii..."

Once, Kazuki was living together with Mio in an orphanage——at Nanohana institute there was time for a nap after lunch. The one that was always at Kazuki's side during that time was Mio.

Around that time Mio was thought to be younger than Kazuki because her body was small. Her existence was completely like a little sister. Remembering that——Kazuki's heart mysteriously calmed down.

"That's right isn't it? Somehow it's a nostalgic feeling. But... has something happened?"

"...Yes. You see, for a long time since I was taken into the Amasaki household, I've lived without relying on anyone. ...After all, I was an orphan. I couldn't show any weakness to my new family."

——Hearing those words, it was impossible for Kazuki to not be sympathetic.

"I'm saying this myself, but... I was training in desperation, struggling to the death. Because I was recognized for my talent of magic. With the passage of time, an enigma appeared on me and I was skipping grades, but even so I didn't lose to my surroundings, and then I entered the magic division as an A rank..."

Kazuki was also the same. For a long time he thought that his only worth was his talent in the sword, there was a time when he couldn't believe his step-father and Kanae's [love as a family].

That was surely the trauma that he and Mio shared in common.

That's why he could understand somehow——when the tension was so high he almost snapped, surely there were moments when he wanted to be spoiled. However, the time when he couldn't show his weakness to anyone, that was a bitterness like being suffocated in the bottom of darkness.

"The truth is that today was bitter too. Being told that I will be demoted to B rank, I have a feeling that I will keep holding Kazuki back forever..."

Mio's voice was shaking inside the darkness of the room. Her voice became tearful.

"But didn't you prove your true strength? Both of you were strong. Sensei was surprised too."

"Yes, when I thought that I can still stay as an A rank, that I can still stay in the Witch's Mansion, that I can still stay together with Kazuki... suddenly I wanted to feel Kazu-nii just like those old days."

While using Kazuki's arm as a pillow, Mio nuzzled her face against his chest.

"That's why just like this is okay. If you do strange things now then I'll get angry."

"I won't. For me, being just like this is okay too."

Mio was "hehehe" giggling like a child toward Kazuki's reply.

"...Hey, from now on it's okay to add someone else to the party if Kazuki thinks that it is essential. I don't like if it is someone strange, but I won't say anything selfish anymore. ...As I thought, until now rather than prioritizing the battle, I was only worrying about different things. But, in exchange, lend me your arms like this once in a while. I can feel that I will be together with Kazu-nii for a long time."

{Everyday is no good you know! If Leme's place is going to be gone, then it's not allowed at all!}

Leme sent her words from Astrum with telepathy in a great panic.

While Mio moved her body closer to Kazuki, her breath started to *suyasuya<ref>light breath of someone sleeping</ref>* and she slept soundly. Mio's face always showed displeasure immediately following their reunion, but her defenseless, sleeping face was incredibly lovely and cute.

Suddenly——'Hiakari-san, is she sleeping while holding that stuffed toy right now?', a lonely image crossed Kazuki's mind.

===Part 6===

The next morning. A girl's voice resounded in the garden of the Witch's Mansion.

"YAAAAAAAAAA!"

The number 2 of the Magic Division in real strength, Hozhikaze-senpai, was in a gym uniform and brandishing a katana that came swinging at Kazuki.

Kazuki dodged with agility, and then the girl turned the katana with a fluid motion and slashed for the second and third time. The [forms] that Hoshikaze-senpai learned were still few, but she learned those few forms perfectly.

Kazuki counter-attacked and stabbed at the gap in the middle of the flow.

Hoshikaze-senpai blocked that with her katana in a panic.

An instant of swords locking against each other——Hoshikaze-senpai forced back Kazuki's sword straight-forwardly, but Kazuki warded off that force in a circle trajectory, and he manipulated the sword blade skillfully and strongly repelled senpai's katana.

The moment the swords separated, with that one move, Kazuki's posture was in the position of releasing a slash, whereas Hoshikaze-senpai's posture was disturbed to where it was impossible to counter attack.

Freely controlling the momentum of the swords in the moment that the swords locked against each other, that was the technique of old school's sword art.

"That technique is called [Instant Position]."

Kazuki's katana lightly hit Hoshikaze-senpai's forehead, which was repelled by the blue defensive magic power.

"Senpai, when locking swords, it’s no good to push directly opposite you know.”

Of course, even if it became a contest of strength Kazuki would win. In that case it was not something to teach.

“...I see! Whether {{furigana|Enchant Aura|Physical Reinforcement Magic}} or physical strength, a genuine swordsman will absolutely surpass me in both areas. That’s why I must constantly parry my opponent’s attack. This is very important knowledge, isn’t it? Ha! It’s even more true if the enemy is a Demon Beast that boasted their strength!”

Just from one word that Kazuki said, Hoshikaze-senpai could understand ten things on her own and nodded her head repeatedly.

Everything was done with this enthusiasm, and she was a great student with tremendous quality.

Moreover, when Hoshikaze-senpai learned the form at the beginning, the form was engraved into her body only by seeing and practice swinging a little. When Kazuki showed an example, it seemed she traced that movement by aligning her consciousness with Kazuki's using advanced telepathy. Kazuki was dumbfounded when he realized there was that kind of method.

“Keep in mind that strength is not all there is in a match... Senpai has {{furigana|Ride Lightning|Thunder God Body Flicker}}, so being defeated in close range combat should not happen.”

Ride Lightning was the characteristic magic of Baal, the Diva that Hoshikaze-senpai was contracted with. Special electric signals were sent to the whole body’s muscles and nervous system, making it possible for the body to move at lightning speed.

That’s why for the sake of using those summoning magics, senpai begged Kazuki to teach her about close quarter combat.

She only learned the fundamental movements so far, but even those basics would become terrifying if used in high speed with Ride Lightning.

“I’m glad that I became your apprentice! Honestly saying, until I met you, somewhere in my heart I was also looking down on swordsmen. But swinging swords together with you every day, I had a feeling that a new world rapidly opened up!”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s handsome yet beautiful face suddenly changed into one with a smile. She was a senpai that looked like a prince and was popular with students of the same gender, but it was also impossible for Kazuki to not be attracted towards her character.

“Moreover, your way of teaching is kind. Somehow getting knocked down on the palm was a happy thing. You’re not savage at all, so... Even though you are a man, I want to know you more, through these sword lessons.”

As senpai said that with an ecstatic tone, a heart mark floated up from her chest.

“...I was like you for a long time, I was wishing for a friend of the [same gender]!”

“No, please wait a little senpai. Senpai and I are not the same gender.”

“That is true but... however, I am, see, somehow my appearance looks like a boy, doesn't it? The behavior of the girls around me somehow are... a little strange. I’m happy receiving adoration from them, but that is quite lonely. But if it’s with you, then I feel that we can immediately face each other as friends!”

“Of, of course! I don’t have any idea other than friendship!”

“Thank you, I’m happy! ...Oops, eh?”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s feet staggered while laughing. She didn’t realize it when she reinforced her body with magic power, but when she relaxed her attention, unexpectedly there was fatigue piling up.

“Are you okay senpai?” Kazuki immediately supported her shoulder.

Hoshikaze-senpai instantly trembled. ——This senpai, the truth was that she was not good with boys.

She was mostly used to dialogue face to face, but... it seems she was bad when getting touched.

Senpai ‘Hyaa!’ raised a shrill and a nervous voice and pushed away Kazuki who was getting closer.

Kazuki staggered because of that surprise attack. It was hard to predict a reflexive action.

“Ah... sorry! You okay!?”

This time it was Hoshikaze-senpai’s turn that reflexively supported Kazuki, and she pulled Kazuki close with good momentum.

But she did that with too much force, senpai staggered backward while closely embracing Kazuki.

Both of them staggered around while in the position of embracing——for a while it looked like a complicated exchange of energy like when they were locking swords, but in the end both of them tumbled down onto the lawn.

Blue light of defensive magic power burst out. Thanks to that there was no pain.

Kazuki was wrapped with warmth and softness. When he opened his eyes, his head was buried into Hoshikaze-senpai’s chest that was covered with gym clothes. It was soft, a sweet aroma of a girl’s sweat tickled his nose.

The gym clothes in front of his eyes were wet with sweat, and a water colored sports bra was showing through. Kazuki’s body was forcing through the spats covered legs of senpai, a posture that looked like he was completely drowned in senpai’s body.

“Ha, Hayashizaki-kun...” Hoshikaze-senpai’s face blushed bright red.

Through an act of God, it became that he pushed down a girl!

...Kazuki hopped up and separated his body. However before Kazuki could ask for forgiveness,

“So-sorry! It looks like I was trampling down on your kindness again!”

Senpai bowed her head down toward Kazuki because she thought she had done a very embarrassing thing.

“Senpai, please don’t apologize! There was no harm done anyway!!”

{Getting apologized to even though a lucky perverted event happened, what a great harem king huh, my king!}

Leme, who saw Kazuki’s situation from Astrum, sent ridiculing words to his head.

True, rather it was a good feeling... stop, having such wicked thoughts like that towards senpai was no good!

Senpai’s pupils were blurred with tears of self-condemnation though.

“I’m really sorry... Despite my intention to rely on you in my mind, but when a man approached I got surprised. ...Am I disqualified as your friend...? Please don’t hate me because of...”

Those eyes were not like a prince's. Spontaneously they became the eyes of a girl that had to be protected.

“It’s fine senpai! The unshakeable friendship between me and senpai won’t be destroyed by something like this!”

“Unshakeable friendship! ...Hayashizaki-kun, you really say it that much! I like it very much!!”

Hoshikaze-senpai grasped Kazuki’s hands in deep emotion.

But even though it was the case that Hoshikaze-senpai grasped Kazuki’s hand because she was overcome with emotion, she gradually started to feel scared of the fact that she was grasping the hand of a man. However, she trembled so much, that she couldn’t even separate her hand by herself.

“Senpai, please don’t force yourself.”

Kazuki separated their hand with a bitter smile. This senpai was really a person that moved without thinking first.

“For-forgive me. Why did I become like this? ...Haa. I wish that someday you and me can do a hot-blooded hug of friendship between men and ascertain our friendship with each other.”

“...Normally, there is no hugging in friendship between men you know.”

“Eh? In my favourite manga, they hugged each other while their faces got closer, and then they mutually whispered in each other's ears ‘I love you’ and bit the earlobes of their partner though? I didn’t really understand, but it made my heart beat faster you see.”

...That was not friendship, but boys love wasn’t it!?

“I want to get along better with you however. Just like that you seee...”

The positivity level of Hoshikaze-senpai that leaked such honest and dangerous words was——39.

It was only 39. Heart marks often flew out from Hoshikaze-senpai, but the amount the score raised up each time was strangely low. Moreover, sometimes the score decreased by itself even when Kazuki was not doing anything.

{It is because of her man phobia. The points decreasing arbitrarily as well, it was because even though she doesn’t hate you, she is also wondering whether it’s okay to like you. Her positivity level is restrained by her feeling of guilt.}

Leme was giving an explanation inside Kazuki’s mind. To get along better with senpai... not just simply raising her positivity level, her phobia of men must also be conquered, was that it?

But the more Kazuki knew about the matter of this person, the more he wanted to get along well with her.

That moment——suddenly, a voice that seemed to ridicule the situation came out from the bush behind.

“——Fufufu, it’s not a mere child's play to get along with Kazuki-dono of all people.”

“...Who is it?”

When Kazuki turned back, the figure of a female student appeared from inside the bush.

——She is not a normal person. That was what Kazuki felt. The figure that appeared, when she walked, her head didn’t shake up and down at all. That’s because her footwork moved like she was sliding, the characteristic of an ancient school of martial arts.

Regardless that this was the site of the Magic Division, the girl brazenly wore the Sword Division's uniform.

It was rare for a swordswoman with long hair to keep their hair extending free and not braiding them instead. A daring smile floated on her lips, and the majestic atmosphere around her had the taste of the coexistence of calmness and wildness.

Drawing the eyes even further——there were three different swords tied on each side of her hips, and on her back she bore an {{furigana|oodachi|large war sword}}. Seven swords in total. ...What kind of swordsman is she?

“If you accompany her playing around like that, your precious skill will grow dull, Kazuki-dono.”

While walking to Kazuki’s side, the swordswoman threw a laugh toward Hoshikaze-senpai’s special training.

“As I thought, I’m only bothering you, am I? ...Sorry, Hayashizaki-kun.”

“That’s not true, please don’t be downhearted senpai! ...And you are?”

“The name of one’s self is Hikita Kohaku... The next year's student council president of the Sword Division!”

...Somehow this manner of speaking felt like déjà vu. Is this the swordsman version of Mio?

“The department is different, but are you also a first year like me?”

Kohaku faced Kazuki and politely bobbed her head down.

“I am Hoshikaze Hikaru. Second year in the Magic Division.”

Hoshikaze-senpai also gave a self-introduction... but Kohaku didn’t seem to give Hoshikaze-senpai any consideration, ignoring her and only poured her gaze on Kazuki.

Kazuki knitted his eyebrows. People in Sword Division that still held animosity against the Magic Division existed, this girl might be one of them.

She perfectly ignored Hoshikaze-senpai——but rather than getting angry, Hoshikaze-senpai laughed mischievously instead.

And then she encircled around to Kohaku’s back and raised her katana overhead.

Kazuki was shocked. Kaguya-senpai said it before, but Hoshikaze-senpai had a strange kind of playfulness.

Hoshikaze-senpai swung down a single stroke in a complete surprise attack.

That instant——Kohaku perceived the killing intent and turned around while unsheathing a katana.

“Foolish thing-!” ——While shouting she drew her sword as she turned around.

Hoshikaze-senpai had already swung down her katana, that was why someone with average skill couldn’t possibly make it in time. However with blue light of an Enchant Aura condensed into Kohaku’s arm, it produced staggering acceleration.

‘GIIIIN!’ A loud reverberation rang out, Hoshikaze-senpai’s surprise attack was repelled with a single stroke that should be called god speed. Kohaku immediately fixed her grip of the katana she already drew with both hands, turned the blade and swung it down. ——A perfect example of two stage Iai sword-drawing.

Hoshikaze-senpai barely stopped Kohaku’s katana closely above her head.

“...If a child tries to measure his strength against a tiger, he will die.”

Hoshikaze-senpai stared in wonder towards the point of the sword she barely stopped, “I underestimated you!” then she sheathed her katana and clapped her hand. Kohaku’s mood became better toward the honest praise of Hoshikaze-senpai, then she turned back toward Kazuki with a proud expression.

“...Though in relation to Iai sword-drawing, one’s self still cannot compare with Kazuki-dono.”

“No, I saw that your skill was not average though... So, what kind of business do you have with me?”

That sword drawing technique, she wouldn’t be able to achieve that kind of speed if she was not honing her body in sword discipline for most of her life. What kind of business did that kind of girl have to have to come into the Magic Division’s site expressly?

Don’t tell me that it is to challenge me for a duel...

“Kazuki-dono... I request you to [marry<ref>You read this kekkon in japanese</ref>] me!”

“Please pardon me, currently I'm already sick and tired of [duel<ref>Read as kettou in Japanese, sound quite similar with kekkon.</ref>]!”

“You are already tired of marriage!? Kazuki-dono already has a history of divorce at this age!? How licentious...!!”

Kohaku was taken aback with utter astonishment, watching that Kazuki ‘eh?’ tilted his neck.

“What are you saying, licentious how?”

“Hayashizaki-kun, it is a misunderstanding because you heard wrong. What this girl said was marriage you know.”

Hoshikaze-senpai corrected the confused Kazuki’s misunderstanding from the side. ...Marriage?

“Wai——wait a minute! That is strange right!? We had just now encountered each other, so how could it turn into a marriage proposal so suddenly!?”

“Whether it is marriage or the first meeting, there is no relation between those two.”

‘DO-ON!’ Kohaku declared with great pomp.

“Of course there are! Normally there are relations between those two in the extreme!! What were you saying so boldly!?”

“Rather than that kind of thing, more importantly... With our marriage the Shinkage-style succeeded by the Hikita household and the Hayashizaki-style that was succeeded by Hayashizaki-dono will be unified. With the unification of those two styles, the strongest school of sword-style will be born!”

“————The strongest sword-style? You want to marry for the sake of strengthening the sword-style, is that it?”

“Quite so. Both of ourselves<ref>If anyone want to edit Kohaku’s speech, keep in mind that her way of talking is quite archaic and polite.</ref> inherited ancient schools of sword-style used in real battle that are almost extinct in the present Japan. It can be said that it is our duty as the successors to advance this precious art, wouldn’t it?”

What the... To suddenly be proposed out of nowhere, for that kind of reason.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.02 055.jpg|thumb]]

Hikita household’s Shinkage-style——I had heard that name. If I remember correctly it was an ancient sword-style handed down in Kyushu.

Kazuki had faced a lot of schools since his period of childhood, but he didn’t have any experience against schools from such a distant place like this Shinkage-style.

To what extent did the real strength of this style reach ———— an eagerness to test it surged out inside. However,

“I can understand the talk about the school’s sake but... to decide a marriage partner based on that is not good. Marriage is for the sake of staying together with your truly important person for your whole life after all.”

Hoshikaze-senpai was nodding alongside Kazuki while saying “Yes, yes, just like that!”

“Prioritizing free love rather than the sword-style... Kazuki-dono is unexpectedly a modern youth.”

It’s not this side that was modern, but that side is the one that is mistaken in the present time, that was what Kazuki thought.

“Certainly Hayashizaki-style is as important as my life... However, we must not advance the path of swords at the cost of people’s happiness. If we do that, you too will be hurt for sure.”

“Hmm... If ourselves become husband and wife, one’s self doesn't think that ourselves will become that unhappy but... if that is Kazuki-dono’s sense of values then one’s self will act in accordance with that. If one’s self will wed with Kazuki-dono, then one’s self needs to go through the wall of free love! That is a field that one’s self is poor at, but there is nothing to be done about that!”

“Eh, you don’t have any intention to give up?”

Kohaku gazed at Kazuki with eyes that looked like burning flames resided within. Even though those were not words that didn't seem like a girl, she said it sharply enough that it was engraved deep inside with a determined look.

{My King, there is no point even if you get along well with a woman that was not a Magika Stigma you know.}

Leme’s voice echoed inside his head... This Diva, whispering into his head while calculating each and every thing. Of course I don’t have any intention at all to have a love relationship with this girl though.

“Well then Kazuki-dono, setting aside the marriage how about forming a party with me?”

“Party? You mean a party for participating in a quest?”

“Correct. From the story I had heard, even though Kazuki-dono had formed party in Magic Division but you failed your quest. Rather than staying in that kind of party, won’t it be better to enter one’s self party instead? One’s self doesn't want to adhere to Heaven and Earth Formation, but one’s self desires to form a [swordsman only party].”

Ignoring Heaven and Earth Formation, a swordsman only party!?

“Hey wait, Sword Division students cannot challenge a quest by themselves though?”

Hoshikaze-senpai interjected from the side of the surprised Kazuki.

The students of the knight academy can challenge a quest through the reception desk called the Guild. However a party must have satisfied a certain requirement before undertaking a quest.

That requirement was——the party must include a Magika Stigma.

“Affirmative, just as you say. Therefore one’s self party still cannot challenge an actual quest. That is where the [Magic Division Swordsman], Hayashizaki-dono’s assistance will be imperative!”

“————In short I am not needed as a Magika Stigma, but you need my title as Magic Division while I myself am a swordsman, is it?”

That was a really rude way of talking. However Kohaku continued calmly.

“Affirmative. Even though all will be well as long there is a Magic Division student in the party, but one’s self doesn't want to recognize a human being that doesn't follow the same path of the sword as a comrade. If Hayashizaki-dono is added into ourselves' party, I wish yourself won’t use summoning magic at all. If ourselves can produce an accomplishment like that, surely it will become proof of a swordsman's true strength!”

“Why are you so fixated to raise accomplishments with only swordsmen that much? Even if you don’t force yourself like that, the true strength of a swordsman currently is in the process of being recognized, isn't it?”

Because of the incidents that happened in sequence since Kazuki enrolled a few weeks ago, the true strength of a swordsman was re-evaluated and the distance of the Magic Division and the Sword Division had immediately shrunk.

Both the student council of the Magic Division and the Sword Division had combined their strength and formed the Student Council Party and [That is the strongest right?] became the topic inside the academy. The progress kept going, and parties that combined the strength of the Magic Division and the Sword Division continued to increase.

Of course, Magic Division students that were still looking down on swordsmen were still not few, however————.

“Certainly the attitude of the Magic Division’s students toward the Sword Division’s students has improved, but there is still a lot of inequality remaining in this Knight Academy. Even though this has not yet been improved, and yet they happily shake their tail, the other side has become conveniently domesticated hasn't it?”

“When you said inequality, was it the matter about how a swordsman cannot challenge a quest by themselves? ————But if a party that only consisted of swordsmen encountered enemies that have resistances against slashing attacks, it’s checkmate you know.”

Kazuki had experienced that himself, for example, enemies like the slimes.

“Of course one’s self understands that. However a counter measure has already been worked out.”

————Widening the width of tactics only by using swordsmen? How?

“And then there is one more thing that is unfair to swordsmen, ownership of Sacred Treasures that swordsmen discovered is not recognized!”

Sacred Treasures——That was an item that was originally a man-made tool that contained spillover magic power from Astrum and transformed.

They were treasures that would rarely appear when searching the Haunted Grounds.

“Many of the Sacred Treasures have the form and nature of [weapons], and if a swordsman uses it then it’s possible that we can surpass Magika Stigma! However, because those Magika Stigma were scared that their position would be threatened by us swordsmen, they won’t distribute Sacred Treasures for the use of swordsmen! Of course it’s not only applied to Sword Division’s swordsmen, but even the Knight Order’s swordsmen are not allowed to use Sacred Treasures. The Sacred Treasures are only kept in storage and left to waste!”

“Utilization of Sacred Treasures is prohibited because, on top of its nature to consume magic to display its power, the possible influence caused to its user’s mind is regarded as dangerous.”

Hoshikaze-senpai explained it like that but Kohaku shook her head obstinately.

“Taking that kind of official stance even though there are no clinical experiments performed, do you think there is any persuasive power in that? If you insisted on that, then do you have any actual proof that the contract with Solomon's 72 Pillars doesn’t have any negative influence on the mind?”

——Certainly, that kind of thing might also be possible————.

The top brass of the Knight Order had been solidified around Magika Stigma, Japan's government and its citizens had also regarded Magika Stigma as heroes, using that view as political measures to guard the stability of the nation’s public order.

Restricting the swordsmen from using Sacred Treasures was a nation-wide conspiracy——it might not be such a wild story after all.

If it was Kaguya-senpai then [If another country used Sacred Treasures fully, and they came to attack then it will be too late for us! They are such peace idiots!] the talk will be furious.

“Thus one’s self advocated these points, acquirement of Sacred Treasures’ ownership, the treatment of swordsmen during quests, and the abolishment of various inequalities with other divisions in budget allocation!”

“So the first step to achieve that————is by adding me to a swordsmen only party, is it?”

Aiming for the elevation of the swordsman social status by achieving a result with a swordsman only party and becoming heroes.

“Correct, and then please marry with one’s self someday.”

However with that grand marriage proposal, suddenly all strength spontaneously left Kazuki.

“Sorry, but no matter how just Hikita-san’s cause is, in the first place I have no intention to leave my current party. Because it is a party of only two people with a very precious person.”

“I see————One’s self will respect Kazuki-dono’s sense of values. In short if one’s self become even more important than that very precious person then everything will be fine right! And then we will enter a love relationship and marry each other! Love and the like is a field one’s self is poor at and doesn't really understand it well————However, there is no other way than to do it! I will do it!”

“Eh, that’s not it, I want you to obediently give up there though————”

“I won’t give up! This unworthy Hikita Kohaku is ignorant of the subtleties of the heart of a gentleman, but I will [conquer] Kazuki-dono’s heart without fail, I’ll show you!”

Kohaku grandly straightened her chest and proclaimed to Kazuki. That’s not a nice thing to say, to [conquer] ————!

{For you who must conquer the girls of the Magika Stigma, conversely to be conquered by a swordswoman————! A weird girl has come approaching——!!}

Even Leme’s shocked voice had reached Kazuki’s mind.

“Well, it’s fine if we are on good terms with each other but————can you stop using such polite language?”

“————Do you mean calling with casual language and saying name without honorific to a gentleman, even though ourselves are not spouse!?”

Kohaku who owned a wild, beautiful face. However, she was unexpectedly refined and hesitated.

“I don’t feel that we can get along well if you are so formal despite being classmates.”

“It, it can’t be helped then if it’s needed for the sake of getting along————Hayashizaki————no, it will be easily mixed up with calling Kanae-kaichou<ref>president</ref> without honorific so————Kazuki————”

Kohaku’s face became bright red while she fidgeted when she called Kazuki’s name.

“Well, even if we get along well as friends, I still don’t have any intention to abandon my current party or enter a love relationship though. If that’s fine then let’s become friends.”

“One, one’s self is troubled with that! But, I'm fired up against such a huge obstacle! That being the case, I’ll show you that I’ll conquer Kazuki’s heart! ————Kuh, somehow it's suddenly become embarrassing!”

Suddenly————a black shadow sneaked up behind the spirited Kohaku.

“Ko~ha~ku! You little———— what are you doing in this kind of place!?”

“Killing intent!?” Kohaku used an Iai sword-drawing simultaneously with the voice while turning back. “OWA-!” The one who raised a scream while avoiding the sword was——the senpai called Yamada Torazou. A male student of Sword Division’s student council.

“Don’t just abruptly slash from nowhereee!”

“What————Torazou huh. From the presence I thought it was something like a beast.”

“Don’t call a senpai without an honorifiicc! It’s improper!”

“Torazou is weaker than one’s self so I won’t use honorific language.”

“Really, you are————. Yo! Kazuki and Hoshikaze-san!”

Torazou-senpai’s eyes met with Kazuki then he approached while waving his hand with a cheerful smile.

“————What were you guys doing with that kind of appearance? Has Kazuki taught Hoshikaze-san sword techniques?”

“Fufufu, Yamada-kun, have a rematch with me<ref>For additional information, all this time Hikaru used boku to refer to herself, usually only boys used that word to refer to themselves.</ref> now. I have received the instruction of secret measures just now.”

Hoshikaze-senpai who was poor with men nonchalantly hid in Kazuki’s shadow even while saying that.

“Spare me this time, I don’t have a feeling that I could win no matter how many times we fought. ...Rather than that Kohaku, what are you doing here even though you were absent from the student council meeting?”

“Torazou, one’s self won’t go anymore to student council okay! I withdraw my application as an apprentice!”

“What the heck are you saying. It’s disgraceful in front of Kazuki and the others. ————Even though until just a while ago I somehow made the president to consider you. Yet suddenly you become rebellious in this place.”

Torazou-san talked like he was explaining while ignoring the stare of Kazuki and the others.

“Certainly one’s self was respecting Hayashizaki-kaichou. But currently she is degraded as the pet dog of the Magic Division’s student council! Wagging her tail to the Magic Division’s student council, one’s self doesn't have any intention to follow such a Sword Division's student council! Farewell!!”

Kohaku turned her back toward Torazou-senpai in a flash, then blue light of body reinforcement shined in both her feet and she left with violent force. The three people could only see off that back in a dumbfounded manner.

“So Kohaku is a member of the Sword Division student council?”

“She was an apprentice as a promising first year. The same position like you huh. But well————she only creates trouble because of that kind of personality. I was her superior, but.”

Torazou-senpai held his head tiredly while he breathed a sigh.

“————Your elder sister and the vice-president in my student council are strong in battle but they are good-for-nothings, so normally I was the only one who did most of the practical work... Both the president and vice-president are capable, and the first years are also respectful... I'm envious of the Magic Division’s student council——”

“Ahaha, our student council was praised♪ That’s because Hayashizaki-kun and the others are our prided first years.”

Hoshikaze-senpai clapped her hand on Kazuki’s shoulder. It was an unconscious action based on pure good will toward Kazuki, but as soon as she realized that she touched a male she got startled.

Kaguya-senpai and Hoshikaze-senpai too, both were very good senpais.

The atmosphere around the Witch’s Mansion was really like a family——it was really embarrassing to speak of when all the other members were girls, but once again, Kazuki thought that he really liked this student council.

It was the story of a different student council, but seeing a first year defying her senior felt painful.

“It is a really shameful story, but there are still a lot of guys in the Sword Division that hold a grudge against the Magic Division.”

“It's the same thing in the Magic Division. There are still many people that look down on the swordsmen.”

“This is a matter that won’t be able to go quite smoothly right off the bat huh. ...Well, see you guys later.”

Torazou-senpai left the area, and Hoshikaze-senpai slipped out a chuckle while seeing him off.

“Hikita Kohaku-san. She is a somewhat strange child right? That kind of rashness is cute.”

Certainly a charm of wildness was hidden inside her calm demeanor, impudent and yet modest, bold but also somewhat shy... a girl that left a mysterious impression.

“I wonder what would happen if Hayashizaki-kun fell into her temptation and parted from Mio-chan.”

“There is no reason that would happen. Because Mio is a very precious partner to me.”

“————Actually today there is a request we want to ask from your party, so in the unlikely event that your party broke up because of things it will be troubling.”

“A request? For us who don't have any success with quests?”

“Yes, but it’s really not something too troublesome. Rather, it could be the solution for your trouble... Well, I think you will hear the story from Kaguya after school so just wait. Fufufu~”

A small storm had just passed... However, a premonition of trouble in the future once again came from Hoshikaze-senpai’s manner of speaking.

“Okay then Hayashizaki-kun, let’s take a shower and do the morning preparations okay!”

————Wait, of course, there was no reason to take a bath together though.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 5

2021-12-27T21:16:05Z

Tman111: Fix grammar. Changed "sucked up" to "sucked dry"

==Chapter 5 - The Corrosion of God==

===Part 1===

In the sports ground of the Knights Academy, the same kind of audience stand that surrounded a soccer field was there. About this, Hoshikaze-senpai gave an explanation.

“During the sports festival, the students who are not participating and family members will all come here to watch the competition.”

“So there is also a sports festival in this kind of school.”

“Y, Yes. D, During early summer… Specially making an audience stand is really a luxurious facility.”

Whenever she spoke with Kazuki, Hoshikaze-senpai would tremble if their eyes met.

“However, the Inter-Division Competition is also held at the sports ground. By using this audience stand, we invite the people from the city over.”

“Inviting the audience to come in?”

Regarding Kazuki’s question, Kaguya made a response.

“The Inter-Division Competition was not originally such a large event. It is only a traditional event where the Sword Division and Magic Division Student Council President would duel. And because the teachers produced a way of thinking that “Isn’t it just right to show off to the general public that Summoning Magic is stronger than Swords”, it has slowly turned into a form where we allow spectators to watch the battle.”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a troubled expression. It was probably because she did not understand the attitude of the teachers.

“The so-called Division Confrontation is hosted in order to allow the Magic Division to obtain overwhelming victory while the Sword Division is publicly sentenced. What bad taste…”

“Although I was holding a skeptical attitude, the Magic Division teachers are giving an education where they make their students more arrogant and teach them look down upon the swordsman.”

Although this atmosphere was not felt from Liz Liza-sensei, you could feel the awareness strongly from the Tactical Theory course. ——Even refusing to help the swordsman when they face death, they must continue to chant the spells.

“The teachers are also trying to maintain a position of <The Heroic Teachers>. And after the <Original Knights> suppressed the Illegal Magic Users that destroyed Tokyo, the Japanese Government calmed down the citizens of the country through their heroic propaganda. So up to now, the idea that the better treatment of Stigma Magic Users can’t be stopped also exists… This kind of thinking is completely unrelated to the strength in an actual battle.”

Kaguya-senpai was in favor of raising the status of the swordsman and it was not only for moral reasons. It is because of the consideration that the battle tactics would be able to expand more if the swordsmen and Stigma Magic Users were able to mutually recognize each other.

“Mmm, leaving aside Kaguya’s considerations. In short, it is not a major event. Although the venue needs to be set up, it does not require large-scale preparations. After all, it is only an informal competition.”

Hoshikaze-senpai concluded. It was already Saturday morning——The day of the competition.

“But if the audience is watching the competition, wouldn't a stray bullet like Barrett be dangerous to the audience? It wouldn’t be funny if the people with very weak magic power had their Defensive Magic destroyed.”

“If it is about this, there is no problem since there is a Summoning Magic that has been used to construct a barrier around the surroundings of the venue. Actually, this kind of wide-range powerful defensive barrier cannot be made, it is only a barrier made by the students responsible for it by using all their Magic Power to prevent the audience from getting hit by a stray bullet. So, the people who are responsible for the barrier work the hardest, ahaha.”

Hoshikaze-senpai let out a hearty laugh. She smiled and smiled, then suddenly her smiling face twitched.

“I, Incidentally, I right now, am trying hard to treat you as a girl while I talk with you.”

“It is fine to not tell me this kind of fact, senpai.”

Beside Kazuki and Hoshikaze-senpai, who were interacting with each other, Kaguya-senpai frowned again.

“…If it is not a formal activity of the academy, all the preparation work is completely done by the students. But to use Summoning Magic as propaganda, inviting ordinary citizens to watch…Things like that, the teachers’ wishful thinking is probably going overboard. I feel that if we are allowing ordinary citizens to come, it should be like the entrance ceremony. It should be best to invite people from the Knights to be tasked with security. What should we do if Stigma Hunters or the like enter our academy? They lack a sense of crisis.”

“Kaguya is thinking too much. All Illegal Magic Users are people who have an unstable mentality. Targeting this event and entering by pretending to be an ordinary citizen…They will not do such a troubling thing. Because their mentality is unstable, there is no way for them to gather together. If only one enters, then we can cope with it.”

“That’s because Hikaru is too simple, always saying these positive words.”

“Ahaha, because Kaguya’s personality is negative, or overly positive, you will easily feel unease. If you were to sigh and groan, your happiness will slip away.”

“And if we were to talk about unease…It is still Otouto-kun.”

Kaguya-senpai seemed to be dejected as if it is her own responsibility.

“Please don’t reveal this expression as if you were wrong.”

“But I am still considered as Otouto-kun’s mentor…”

“No problem. If I can only chant Barrett, there must be a way to cope with it.”

“Is it really not a problem? Because if you were to lose, then Otouto-kun will have to leave this division…”

“Compared to this dejected look, I feel that using a smile to cheer for me will make me more happy.”

“Hayashizaki is also saying that Kaguya is too negative.” Hoshikaze-senpai also made fun of her on the side.

“…Really! I know. I will at least use all my strength to cheer for you!”

Although the positivity level is already high enough, he still cannot use magic aside from Barrett.

However, Kazuki did not let his unease appear outside and tried hard to put out an optimistic expression.

Afterwards, at the square, ignoring the Student Council that was leading this, Liz Liza-sensei came to observe the situation. The Sword Division Student Council, the second year students who were responsible for the barrier as well as the audience were coming in one after another.

The ordinary citizens were distributed tickets in advance. It is a precious item that is difficult to obtain. There were not many chances to see Summoning Magic with one's own eyes.

Kazuki was waiting in the Magic Division’s rest tent and waiting for the competition to start. At this moment, a male student came to talk with him.

“Hey, you’re our president’s otouto-kun right…Can I call you my kouhai?”

“Yes, and you are…one of the people that take care of Kanae’s Sword Division Student Council.”

Remembering that he is a senpai named Torazou, it is indeed a name suitable for a burly young swordsman.

“My name is Yamada Torazou. As the one who is fighting first for the Sword Division, I will be fighting against your vice-president…Forget it, since I am going to lose anyways, I wanted to talk with you before the match.”

Torazou-senpai, who said these words, seemed to be a little bit embarrassed and scratched his face:

“You used a sword to defeat a Stigma Magic User…I also watched that duel. How should I put it…I feel that you are amazing. I have always treated your sister as an exception, but when I saw that you too have the same level of strength, I changed my opinion. I have always thought that it is impossible to win against Summoning Magic. Maybe if I put more effort into it, I will have a chance of victory.”

Torazou’s eyes twinkled as he stared at Kazuki. Kazuki also felt a bit embarrassed. The two men were looking at each other, forming a sparkling space.

“I heard that you can only use Summoning Magic to fight in this battle. What an interesting fellow! Although it might be a problem for me, who is in the Sword Division to say this, please do your best! I also half believe that I cannot win, but just for today, I bowed down to become your sister’s disciple. I will go all out. Although it may be wrong to say this suddenly, please watch my fight!”

Torazou-senpai firmly gripped Kazuki’s hands and passionately shook hands with him.

“——Next, the annual Knight’s Academy’s Inter-Division Competition officially begins.”

Koyuki, who was acting as the MC and the referee for the competition, declared that the event had begun.

The ordinary audience members issued out a large cheer. Then, Hoshikaze-senpai from the Magic Division and Torazou-senpai from the Sword Division, who had a nervous expression, appeared in the center of the arena.

Based on the rules of a duel, the two of them were separated by 50 meters and confronted each other.

“I know thy name…Thy name is Baal-Zebub. All the evil born into the word. The plagued harvest God, obey my command and retrieve thy glory!”

Hoshikaze-senpai chanted a spell, then with a golden light, she switched to her Magical Dress.

“The harvest God is a powerful Diva, Baal, who uses magic related to the stars and weather. Although his alias, Lord of the Flies, Beelzebub, is more famous…By the way, although the Divas will not say excessive words to humans, but if you call Baal as Beelzebub in Astrum, he will be so insanely mad that you will not be able to laugh.”

Kaguya-senpai, who was beside Kazuki, whispered into his ear.

“Will there actually be an idiot who would say these words? Of course he will be mad.”

“…Once, Hikaru could not resist and tried it out. That Ouji-sama. <ref>Ouji-sama = Prince-sama. It is referring to Hikaru as she gives off a princely aura.</ref> will occasionally become innocent and pure…Then, she was reprimanded for 30 minutes in Astrum.”

Just staying at Astrum is already difficult, but she was actually scolded for 30 minutes…

“Then, let it begin!”

BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! Koyuki blew her whistle.

Torazou-senpai rushed over immediately as soon as the match began. However, because he was probably concentrating on observing Hoshikaze-senpai’s actions, his pace was considerably cautious.

In contrast to him, Hoshikaze-senpai swiftly completed her chant—her actions were quick.

“The God’s Will that Swirls the air! Gather in my hand and grant me the right of judgment! The divine light granted by the King’s right, become a dazzling bow! Lightning Line!”

An ornate golden bow appeared in her right hand. Lightning sparks were currently hosting themselves in her left.

“Baal’s Level 1 Summoning Magic. Compared to Barrett, Lightning Line’s power is relatively weaker, but before the sparks arrows are completely exhausted, it can continue to fire. It is a convenient and enviable attack Magic.”

Just as Kaguya-senpai had said, Hoshikaze-senpai’s left hand pulled the bowstring, the sparks turned into lightning and fired out.

“DOSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

However, Torazou-senpai timed it correctly and jumped to the side to avoid the lightning.

“!” Hoshikaze-senpai seemed to show a shocked expression.

“He also learned the Hayashizaki Ryuu?” Kaguya-senpai issued out a surprised sound and asked Kazuki.

“No, it is impossible to learn the Hayashizaki Ryuu in a few short days. However, this is different than Barrett. Because pulling the bowstring is an obvious preliminary action, it may be easier to avoid for a swordsman.”

Torazou-senpai is number 3 in the Sword Division. His strength cannot be ignored.

Suddenly, there was a strange feeling. Torazou used the Knight’s sword techniques and not the Iai techniques. Even so, he did not pull out his blade and kept his blade in its sheath while fighting.

What is he waiting for?—— Kazuki thought. Hoshikaze-senpai did not care and continued to fire off the second round, and then the third. Torazou-senpai used unsmooth actions to desperately avoid it and slowly approached Hoshikaze-senpai.

When Torazou-senpai finally rushed to the side of Hoshikaze-senpai, cheers were issued beside the arena.

“However, one of the greatest strength of Lightning Line is that you can continue to chant other spells while shooting continuously!”

Just as what Kaguya-senpai had said, Hoshikaze-senpai had already completed other spells.

“The atmospheric flow, converge into this body and become a fierce gale that rejects the enemies! The eye of the typhoon is thy throne! Storm Fort!”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s Defensive Magic. Violent winds will blow around Hoshikaze-senpai’s surroundings. “WOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Torazou-senpai seemed to be like a garbage bag blown high into the sky.

The wind endlessly howled, Torazou-senpai could only be compared to sandbag in the air.

“…If it is in the air, there is no way to avoid it, checkmate!”

Hoshikaze-senpai aimed at Torazou-senpai in the sky and prepared to shoot.

“…It’s over. Hikaru plans on using the remaining three rounds of arrows together. The impossibility of avoiding an attack with three times the amount of power will probably cut down the majority of his magic power.”

“…No! Torazou-senpai’s eyes do not seem to have given up!”

“Hey, hey, which side is Otouto-kun cheering for?”

Torazou-senpai, who was blown into the air, definitely did not have the eyes of a defeated man.

They were more like——the eyes of a tiger before it pounces on its prey.

The evidence…Even when he was floating in the air, his hand was still placed firmly on the hilt at his waist.

The lightning arrow was shot——In front of it, Torazou-senpai took advantage of this, pulled out his blade and threw it towards Hoshikaze-senpai.

“——A lightning rod?” Kazuki, who noticed the intention of this behavior, could not help but cry out.

<The Sharp Blade> and the <Point of Discharge> were connected together. The large charge of lightning flowed into the point of discharge and depicted a path. The <Lightning> headed in a direction where Hoshikaze-senpai did not expect.

The lightning changed its path. It did not turn Torazou-senpai, but rather his blade into chars.

Torazou-senpai, who was unhurt, landed beautifully and clenched his sheath and sprinted forward.

“TORAZOU SMASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

He rushed over, while swinging his sheath——It was all according to his plan.

The powerful violent attack sent Hoshikaze-senpai flying. Torazou-senpai did not miss this opportunity to launch continuous attacks, he continued to use his sheath to attack Hoshikaze-senpai. The blue light from her Defense Magic flashed over and over again.

“If that’s the case…Didn’t he win already?”

“No, The greatest strength of Hikaru is her ability to concentrate for a chant…Although she is seriously wounded…”

“Let the lightning descend towards my body and grant me the lightning speed…Awaken the sleeping lion! Ride Lightning!”

Among the continuous blows——The Magic Division Student Council Vice-President completed her chant.

“It is enough! This is unbearableeeee!”

Lightning flowed through Hoshikaze-senpai’s limbs. Then just like fast-forwarding a movie, Hoshikaze-senpai’s actions accelerated. With abnormal reflexes, Hoshikaze-senpai dodged the sheath and counterattacked.

“You actually pushed me to this degreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”

“WAHHHH!”

The girl’s fist fell like rain onto Torazou’s body. Torazou-senpai, whose stance was broken, could only step back. However, Hoshikaze-senpai immediately chased after as if it was a squabble between kids and continuously punched him with her fist.

“Sending a specific current signal to the muscles and nerves, it is a powerful Enhancement Magic that uses brute force when it is a critical moment.”

Kaguya-senpai continued to explain. Kazuki recalled that at the entrance ceremony, Hoshikaze-senpai had brought over the large caged vehicle, in which the dragon was kept.

The scene of the Stigma Magic User beating up the swordsman caused the audience to let out grand cheers.

“The all-embracing fate within the great hemisphere…The binds of the constellation, allowing the operation of the day to stop! Horoscope Stasis!”

While frantically beating up the opponent, Hoshikaze-senpai continued to chant a spell. Numerous points of lights appeared around Torazou-senpai. Light flowed between each of the points. Torazou-senpai was binded by numerous strings of light and completely stopped moving——This is the Binding Magic that was chanted against the dragon from the entrance ceremony.

“W, What is this?”

Torazou-senpai was tied up by the ropes of light and issued out a cry. Fists continued to rain down on his body mercilessly.

Torazou-senpai, who could not even be sent flying away, had turned into a punching bag.

“The Roar from the God’s Flame informs the God’s Fury! The heavenly roars all gather into thy hand, descend down a hammer that can crush the world! Crush the World! Yagrush!”

“This is…Baal’s Level 8! But it is a technique that should not be used against a human…”

Kaguya-senpai hurried to enter the venue, but it was already too late.

With a flashing amount of Magic Light, a large hammer appeared in Hoshikaze-senpai’s right hand.

“Try and dodge thisssssssssssss!”

“How can he dodge it! It’s over!’

Hoshikaze-senpai fell down due to the interference of Koyuki who was beside her. The huge hammer swung down in the air and disappeared. It was impossible to tell what would have happened if it had actually hit.

BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! Kooyuki blew her whistle.

“…Senpai, what are you doing? Using that kind of Summoning Magic towards an opponent who is nearly completely depleted of Magic Power will normally kill them. Are you an idiot?”

After the Defense Magic is completely destroyed, it will be a confrontation of a flesh body against a Myth’s Magic.

“…Sorry…I lost myself for a bit…”

Hoshikaze-senpai finally recovered and suddenly became dejected.

“As, as expected it’s impossible was it?...Even though, I thought I could win...”

“Winner, Magic Division Student Council first player, Hoshikaze Hikaru!”

On the grounds, rather than blessing the winner, the applause praising the effort of the loser reverberated. From the center of the ring, Hikaru-senpai trudged with drooped shoulder towards Kazuki and the others.

“Next is your turn.”

With nervous expression on her face, Mio called out to Kazuki. That’s right...next is my turn.

Kazuki faced the ring. Because this is a fight using Summoning Magic, there is no sword on his hips, it was a bit lonely.

“Which reminds me, Kazuki doesn’t need to Access the Astrum beforehand, right?”

The referee Koyuki enquired.

“My Magical Dress in the form of ring is always fixed on my finger. It looks like I’m constantly connected with Leme.”

“Is that so. Somehow, it’s indecent. Then, let’s start soon.”

“Ah, please wait a little! My heart is still preparing! Hauu!”

Kamiizumi-senpai took a breath, and then after releasing it, she calmed down to reveal an expression that made her look like an entierly different person.

First class swordman’s mental concentration switching is fast. Then, instantly her head hung down.

“Kazuki-dono, previously your renown has been told by Kana-shishou<ref>Master or teacher</ref>. Kamiizumi’s house first daughter Iori, respectfully I state my wish for a match!”

“Then, the preparation is okay already. ...Begin!”

At the same time that Koyuki blew the whistle, *Jakin*!<ref>SFX of sword withdrawn from sheath</ref> Kamiizumi-senpai draw her sword.

“Here I come!”

The outcome will decide if I can stay in the Magic Division.

“... <{{furigana|Rasen Hana|Barrett}}>!”<ref>Spiral Flower</ref>, Kazuki anticipated with chanting the Summoning Magic.

But the advancing Kamiizumi-senpai flickered like a heat haze, and the fire bullets were avoided. She is not decelerating at all. Kazuki seeing that movement’s quality, gave up hitting from the front with Barrett.
The second Barrett is also evaded, Kamiizumi-senpai is allowed to draw near.

“Prepare yourself!” The short sword is sharply swung.

Kazuki reading the breathing and timing of the opponent, bent his back causing the sword to intersect with paper-thin difference.

“As expected, Kana-shishou’s big brother!”

Kazuki while bending backward released a front kick. Toward an attack outside her expectation, Kamiizumi-senpai showed a surprised expression. Of course before the defensive magical power, a front kick released while in an off-balance posture doesn’t produce any damage.

Kazuki’s kicking foot is repelled by the blue backlash of defensive magical power.

By using that reaction, Kazuki jumped a large distance backward.

“With my defensive magical power’s recoil, the distance...!?”

By avoiding the pursuit with the jump, Kazuki used physique strengthening and earned some distance.

“...Well done!” Kamiizumi-senpai exclaimed in admiration and again facing towards Kazuki, she started running.

Kazuki fired Barrett but, Kamiizumi-senpai again avoided that and came swinging the short sword.

But a close-quarter combat is not only about sword skill! He can still can escape!

Kazuki desperately struggling through Iori’s slash, did the flying kick again while continuing to escape.

To earn the distance for running from place to place, Barrett is released. But it missed...!

With the tension of the evasion battle, the stands were excited. With a glance, it can be seen that it is an even match.

“How could Summoning Magic get evaded like that!”

If this becomes a protracted battle, this side's magic power will only get used up!

“...Otouto-kun! Use my Summoning Magic! If it's like that I think you can win!! ...My compatibility with Otouto-kun, is aaabsolutely not bad is what I believe!!”

Kaguya shouts from the ringside.

Unintentionally Kazuki got distracted from his opponent. He looked up at Kaguya-senpai. Senpai even now has that upset and worried expression. Just like a mother in class visiting an event. Even though I don’t have any memory of my mother.

The girl’s positivity level is [68] in the graph that's floating up in front of my eyes. Even so, that's surely the emotion of deep affection toward her junior. That is what the person herself said, so it must be so.

Even so as expected——I want to think that I am liked by this senpai. I want to believe that.

I want to be liked more by Senpai.

The moment that thought floated in his mind, Asmodeus’ incantation flowed into Kazuki’s mind.

It can be recited!? Senpai’s Summoning Magic!

Kamiizumi-senpai came approaching to attack. Kazuki, in order to recite Senpai’s magic, desperately earned some distance.

“Desire that lurked in the sea of mind, passing through sinful flesh stretching that hand! Embodiment of violation, coiling around desire as it is! <{{furigana|Kuro Shokushu|Desire Tentacle}}><ref>Black Tentacle</ref>!”

Kazuki’s Stigmata is shining in violet color, kukuku...Asmodeus’ laughing voice is resounding, passing over from <{{furigana|Distorted World|Astrum}}>. At the same time, at Kamiizumi-senpai’s underfoot, a fissure is running. From there an ocean of living things of enormous tentacles squirming around and reaching out one after another. Asmodeus’ level 1 Summoning Magic, Tentacle Magic.

Kamiizumi-senpai is avoiding the tentacles using Foreseeing. But, the tentacle persistently pursues Kamiizumi-senpai.
One of the tentacles twined around her foot, towards the eerie touch sensation, Kamiizumi-senpai's [hii] voice got leaked.

The short sword flashed and the tentacle is torn to pieces but, unknown numbers of tentacles continue to sweep down on Kamiizumi-senpai.

This is maybe, for a swordsman using agility as her foundation, the worst natural enemy.

“...My Diva’s Summoning Magic, there is nothing other than disgusting things, I’m really sorry.”

Outside the ring, Kaguya-senpai is falling into self-disgust.

Is that so, if my own self doesn’t believe the Positivity Level it’s no good.

The fondness from this person toward myself, if I don’t believe it proudly puffing up my chest, it’s no good.

This cycle of Positivity Value, its a mutual thing.

Kazuki looked over his shoulder glancing at Mio. [What?] looking like wanting to say that, the girl is glaring back.

Even that twisted attitude, recently it seems to become cute in Kazuki’s opinion.

That girl, towards someone like me, giving some good will ——!

Along with that thought, inside his mind, Phoenix’s incantation is overflowing.

That spell, chant it. In the ringside, Kanae from the beginning sensed that unusual phenomenon.

“Ii-chan, don’t get distracted with those tentacles! The time for chanting has been earned!”

While escaping from the tentacles, Kamiizumi-senpai is doing [hah]<ref>Surprised face when finally realization sets in</ref> face and finally paid attention to Kazuki.

Kanae perceiving the scale of magical power, is shouting.

Kamiizumi-san’s face warped into impatience, broke into a run. The timing is going to be very close.
Toward Kazuki who is reciting the spell, Kamiizumi-senpai raised her sword overhead ——At that time, the tentacles from the rear entangled Kamiizumi-senpai’s legs. [...Oh no!] at that, the girl was too late.
Kazuki’s stigmata is glowing with more intensity, that was never seen until now ——Magical powers are erupting.

“From dusk to dawn oh soaring immortal bird, grant that wing of hope on my back! Destruction for the sake of rebirth, here...! <{{furigana|Kaijin Kaesu Hiiro no Tsubasa|Blazing Wings}}><ref>Ash Ember Return Crimson Wing</ref>!”

Greatest usable Summoning Magic with Positivity Value 100——Level 5.

Intense heat, in one breath blew up from the back on Kazuki’s upper body, curving like a bow. That body looked like a rocket launching to the sky. Kamiizumi-senpai’s slashed in vain at the empty space. Kazuki is looking down from the sky at that scene.

Kamiizumi-senpai apart from her own sword as a method of attack understood that she already became powerless. And just like that, she looked upward in blank amazement.

This is...magic for borrowing Phoenix’s wing on the back.

The way to use it, if it’s the swordsman me, like this!!

“Go!” Kazuki, by fluttering the wing, like a bird of prey seizing the prey on the ground swooped down.
With all one’s strength, the right wing is enfolded in the left——Just like the image of storing a katana inside the sheath.

The wings, are [sword]. Even while I’m a <{{furigana|Seikon Mahou Tsukai|Magika Stigma}}><ref>Stigmata Magician</ref>, I’m also a swordsman.

And then the enfolded wing were——unleashed in one breath!

“Uooooooooooooooooooo!”

That is, with the length reaching 10 meter making use of the wing of flames——[Iainuki]<ref>Art of drawing sword, cutting down one’s opponent and sheathing the sword afterwards</ref>

“Th, this kind of attack even with Foreseeing there is no way...!”

That [Iainuki]’s wind slicing noise, cannot be compared to katana with length less than 1 meter——*Gou*!<ref>SFX of roaring sound</ref> along with that violent sound, Kamiizumi-senpai is mowed down.

The trajectory of the flame painted an enormous half circle not permitting any evasive action at all for Kamiizumi-senpai. The blue glow of defensive magical power is smashed up like sheets of spray inside a giant tsunami.

“It’s over!”

Magic intoxication, feeling anxiety with the possibility of overkill, Koyuki in panic raised a restraining voice.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!”

Because of the impossibility in escaping the wave of flames, Kamiizumi-senpai’s magical power were grinded down thoroughly. Screams are raised, Kazuki too become flustered...The extent of the strength is unexpected!?

In a panic, the wing of flames were negated, Kazuki fell down toward the ground. Only at the end did Koyuki became a little dumbfounded but, he finally *Piririririri*<ref>Whistle sound</ref> whistle is blown. Clapping hands and cheering reverberated like falling thunder.

——Victory. Even though before the fight I thought there was no chance of victory.

This victory...It's all thanks to the connection of bonds with everyone.

"Are you okay Kamiizumi-senpai?"

"Fuee..., the uniform is all burned up. I almost became a well-done girl you know——"

Kazuki extended a helping hand to Kamiizumi-senpai. The moment Kamiizumi-senpai took that hand and stood up, the girl's uniform and underwear fell suddenly, all of it crumbling down from the burning.

"Fu, FUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!?"

Kamiizumi-senpai crouched down completely while raising a crying voice. Kazuki in panic hands out his blazer.

"...Wh, what a gentleman...No way. Kana-chan's big brother is so cool..."

The referee Koyuki poured down a cold gaze.

"Kazuki...to what extent can that skill of yours reach? Why does this magic only burn down the clothes...Original magic..."

"There is no way I can do something that skillful you know!? I just don't understand the degree of the power at all!"

After Kamiizumi-senpai bowed her head down politely, she took flight and disappeared from the ring.

"Congratulations, Kazuki. ...It's going well isn't it. Though I think the winning method is somehow strange."

Mio came and, meeting halfway, faced Kazuki with a rare honest smile.

From the chest, feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction boiled up. From now on, with everyone I can——

"Nii-sama..."

With an expression of dissatisfaction Kanae approached sullenly.

"Nii-sama with wing of flames spread out, The impression of [Nii-sama Angel] was really cool..."

"That expression is gross"

"I cannot consent but...if Summoning Magic are shown to that extent then, it's impossible not to accept it."

Even while bulging her cheek, Kanae was giving her acceptance.

"Kanae, I'll remain in Magic Division."

Someone like me, is it good to be happy like this?

Somehow, I have a feeling that everything will disappear when I wake up from this dream.

"The student council of Magic Division too, for me it has become an important place."

"Onii-chan that has abandoned me, obtained something like [Important place], I'll destroy it."

——A strange voice, is raised. It's not the word of Kanae in front of me.

When he turned around to the direction of the voice, at the audience seating in the ringside——a girl with silver hair, it's Kaya.

"How cruel, even though I tried very hard to endure like this. Even though I want to go back to that time...Why is Onii-chan tied together with this kind of people and magical power?"

This girl——Kaya, she can see Leme's energy!?

With those adorable lips, Kaya moved and talked coldly like a machine.

"That's why, I'll just stop enduring. ...Onii-chan abandoned me and obtained an [Important place], I'll destroy everything. ...<{{furigana|Jaryuu Shinshoku|Dragon Invite}}><ref>Evil Dragon's Encroachment</ref>!"

She invoked magic without incantation. A sound of the world being teared apart rang out.

===Part 2===

"BIKIBIKIBIKI!"<ref>SFX of something being teared apart</ref> Strange high pitched sounds are raised, a giant rift ran on the blue sky. A black, muddled parallel world spread out at the other side of the rift.

From the rift, two black drops spilled out. The black drops wriggled and squirmed in the air and became two dragons, flapping gigantic wings that looked like it could completely cover the sky.

"<{{furigana|Shiryuu|Niddhogg}}><ref>Death Dragon</ref>! <{{furigana|Dokuryuu|Fafnir}}><ref>Poison Dragon</ref>! Destroy this hindrance of barrier! And then after that all that nuisance other than Onii-chan! REMOVE THEMMM!"

The face of the screaming Kaya is wrapped by light. The old rag clothing that the girl wore is tinged by light——completely transforming it like a Magical dress. From her forehead's left side a typical horn grew out just like a magic beast's.

The dragons should have been attacking humans as their maximum priority——but they don't even pay any attention to the audiences and instead, in accordance with Kaya's words, swooped down to the barrier.

The barrier is thin because it's assumed that there won't be any direct attack; however, a crack appeared because of the ramming attack.

The student in charge of the barrier attempted to repair the barrier in panic.

"...This is not a play! Everyone in the audience please evacuate immediately!"

Liz Liza shouted loudly. Because of that, each person looking at the situation in front of their eyes——finally realized that the attack of illegal magic users are a reality and rushed to the school gate.

With the barrier destroyed, the student who was in charge of the barrier fainted by magic intoxication as a result of the attack.

"Student Council, intercept it! ——Combine together the strength of both departments!"

In this place the swordsmen and Magica Stigma that can fight are only—— the Student Council members.

While Liz Liza roared angrily, she ran to the fountain located in the garden near the ground and plunged both hands inside the basin.

She vibrated the <{{furigana|base particle|Prima Materia}}> with sophisticated Psychokinesis Magic and transformed the water into pure white mist. The mist was manipulated according to Liz Liza's thought and streamed into the dragon heads.

With the sudden obstruction of their field of vision, the approaching nose-diving dragons were misdirected into the wrong direction and crashed.

"I don't understand the circumstances but...there is no need for cooperation if just for the likes of a dragon!"

The Sword Division's Hayashizaki Kanae threw a challenge towards the crashing Niddhogg.

"It can't be helped, we will take on the green dragon!"

The Magic Division's Hoshikaze Hikaru exclaimed and started to <{{furigana|connect|Access}}> to Baal!

"Wai, you idiots..." Liz Liza cursed toward the two divided Student Councils.

Very suddenly——the Inter-division competition changed into a real combat mobilization.

"Kaya!? You, why are you using something like that kind of illegal magic...!"

"Onii-chan! For my name to be called by Onii-chan, I'm so happy...so happy that I want to kill!"

Kaya that transformed into atypical appearance screamed while her crying and laughing expression distorted.

"<{{furigana|Jingi Shinshoku|Weapon Invite}}><ref>Sacred Treasure Encroachment</ref>!"

Around her hand with *BIKIBIKIBIKI!* sound, a dimension rift materialized and from there a drip spilled over again, this time it changed into a large magical sword with blue translucence. The girl raised the large sword overhead.

"I also obtained it you know! ...The same power like Onii-chan and Mio-chan!"

Kaya swung the large sword that was as large as herself towards Kazuki.

"!?" Kazuki doubted his own eyes even as he tried to use Foresight.

What in the world is this...The girl's breathing and muscle shows no signs or intention at all!

Kaya didn't think about anything! It's as though the sword has a will of it's own and move completely by itself!!

Kazuki desperately evaded by falling over. His way of evasion is reminiscent of an amateur.

"Nii-sama!" Kanae immediately shouted and she threw one of her two short swords to Kazuki. Kazuki received it and drew the short sword from it's scabbard.

Without a moment's delay, the second downward swing and the third strike of the large blue sword came, but both were warded off by the short sword.

"Look, Onii-chan! Because I also wanted to become strong! The me that was abandoned became like Onii-chan and Mio-chan!!"

"Because of that...you agreed to an illegal contract!?"

Kaya no longer had any hesitation...her body was being possessed by someone!

"After all, only this Diva...the only one that gave me any kind words!"

Kaya shouldn't have had any training in any sword skills; however, the sword moved just like there was a swordsman's soul that dwelt inside the sword. Even to Kazuki, the swordsmanship was so sharp that it left his body trembling with fear.

"Kazuki! Why are you in a pinch when the opponent is also using a sword!"

Mio chanted a spell while at the same time spouting a rebuking voice——

"...<{{furigana|Rasen Hana|Barrett}}>!"

However Kaya rotated her arm with terrific force and bisected the high speed bullet of Barrett into two.

"This sword will reject all [Shot]!"<ref>It means any kind of projectile attack</ref>

It's obvious that it's not a human technique and reaction speed.

"Is that, <Sacred Treasure>!?"

An animal warped by magic turns into an evil beast, a human transformed by magic into an Elf, normal spaces warped by magic into haunted grounds, and the same case where a weapon or tool were transformed by magic also exist. An item that had its foundation warped into a Sacred Treasure, to a degree where it's impossible to be imitated by alchemy, were legendary magic items that were rarely discovered in haunted grounds where evil beasts gathered.

Kaya chanted magic that pulled the evil beasts and Sacred Treasure from somewhere.

What kind of Diva is she contracted with!?

"This is the power of <{{furigana|the guide of chaos|Trickster}}> that I have obtained! If Mio-chan is also coming here...I'll kill you altogether! <{{furigana|Engoku Shinsoku|Muspelheim Invite}}>!<ref>Hellfire Encroachment</ref>"

With Kaya as the center, *BIKIBIKIBIKI!* countless rifts formed with terrific force in scope that swallowed up Kazuki and Mio.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 208.jpg|thumb]]

Kazuki sensed the flow of magic——and realized that evasion is impossible.

Even Defensive Magic won't make it in time with his current chanting speed.

Large-scale Destruction Magic. Summoning of hell. This magic changed the very space itself!

The world was smashed up beginning from the rift. The very space itself where Kazuki and the others stood was converted into a pitch-black dimension. The surrounding darkness suddenly became red-hot hell.

The created space became the world of fire from Norse mythology. Like being imprisoned in a microwave oven, there was already nothing left to be done except accepting the fate of death. However——

"Oh mermaid's singing voice, manifest the frozen thought. Regret become flower of ice, loneliness become light snowfall, cover the world with cold nothingness...<{{furigana|Shizukanaru Seppaku|White Album}}>!<ref>Silent Snow White</ref>

Along with an awe-inspiring singing voice, countless snow and water crystal scattered and danced in the red-hot space.

Flame and cold collided, offsetting each other, the world once again broke and scattered.

The other dimension was extinguished and the scenery was restored back to normal.

The one that crashed Large-scale Destruction Magic into Large-scale Destruction Magic was Koyuki.

Vepar, the mermaid of 72 Pillar was releasing near transparent light blue radiance besides the girl.

"Koyuki! ...Even though you are also a first year, for a high level magic that work into space itself...!"

"...Please show some spirit to fight and survive! You'll die you know!!"

Because of Koyuki's reprimand, Kazuki and Mio quickly started to chant their spells.

"Dragon Invite!"

The space beside Kaya split, this time two small flying dragons came out.

""Barrett!""

Toward the flying dragons that leaped closely with their fangs bared, two flame bullets shot them down.

Kazuki ran and drew his Iai towards Kaya——this time he has the resolution to fight.

Scrape off all of the girl's magic power and make her powerless!

"How cruel! Why is Onii-chan pointing that sword to me...I'll kill you!!"

Kaya's large blue sword automatically moved and blocked Kazuki's slash, *GIN!*<ref>SFX of sword clanging</ref> sound was echoing.

Kanae, who already handed out one of her swords to Kazuki, confronted the dragon without her usual two-sword style and with only her one remaining sword.

Nidhogg the death dragon. In the Norse mythology, that name was handed down to the black dragon that gnawed at the root of the <{{furigana|World Tree|Yggdrasil}}> in the depth of the world. A dragon that left its name in mythology.

"Interesting! If its just ordinary dragon slaying then nobody will be amazed!"

Kanae challenged the death dragon Nidhogg. [<{{furigana|Fujin Koneko|Storm Cat}}>]<ref>Wind God Kitten</ref> doesn't utilize Iai. With a good command of her agile body, Kanae's way of fighting was with an overwhelming number of attacks driving the opponent into a corner.

The dragon waved its claws at random because its face was covered by mist. After all it should just be an animal so Kanae easily evaded the rough attack and with her short sword, one layer, two layers were hacked into pieces.

However toward the hard skin "GIN! GIN!" the consecutive attacks only lightly bounced.

Nidhogg keep waving both of his arm's claws not even feeling the attack. The attack doesn't even compare to a mosquito's bite.

While Kanae evades with paper-thin margin——this time she aimed at the inside of the joint and swung her katana.

However even that attack while filled with biological knowledge, "GIN!" was repelled from the hardness feedback.

Kanae "Chih" clicked her tongue.

...The powerlessness that cannot even be compensated with strengthening magic, unable in admitting that it was her own shortcoming.

The mist that was covering the dragon's face cleared. In the corner of Kanae's field of vision, "You idiots...Fight using cooperation..." the figure of Liz Liza-sensei who collapsed while speaking bitterly due to magic intoxication entered into her sight.

This <{{furigana|Magic Division|Magica}}> teacher produced mist using common magic with poor magic consumption and saved the spectators.

Looking at that figure, Kanae felt a brief remorse because she challenged the dragon alone.

If it already became like this, even if its only by willpower, I have to bring down this black dragon by my own hand!

The death dragon that had its vision free looked down and glared at the girl.

Starting from that moment, it doesn't attack randomly anymore, instead it accurately and fiercely swing its claws.

Swinging both arms one after another and brandishing it's tail roughly, Kanae concentrated her mind and using Foresight avoided all of those. This time Nidhogg opened its huge mouth and tried to swallow Kanae.

"I've waited for that!"

Nidhogg's big mouth facing toward Kanae *GABUM!* closed down, but she back stepped and avoided it.

And then she made a big jump to Nidhogg's nose tip. From there she leaped further.

"First the eyeball!"

With her whole strength, she stabbed the dragon's eyeball. Compared to the skin, the soft eyeball *DOSU!* was pierced by the sword blade.

When she sensed the sword pierced until the bone in the bottom of the eye socket, she released her katana.

Nidhogg that has the katana left in its eye socket struggled violently. Kanae landed in Nidhogg's nose, and hopped gracefully like a dancer.

"——And then the brain!"

With her whole body motion like a spring, Kanae kicked the handle of the katana stuck inside Nidhogg's eyeball and drove it deeper inside. With acrobatic movement the force was amplified many times over, driving in the sword like a hammer.

"BAGIN!" A certain bone deep inside the eye socket <Sphenoid bone><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphenoid_bone</ref>
's cracked response was felt. Even unknown creatures, if they have eyeballs then the eyesocket's construction must be consistently similar. No matter what kind of living things they are, this bone structure that has the role of connecting eyeball to brain, was not a sturdy thing. Smoothly the blade reached the brain.

"——And then DIE!"

Kanae kicked up the handle of the katana diagonally with one leg. The sword blade that reached the brain vibrated violently in Nidhogg's cranium. Its brain tissues shook and it's whole body spasmed convulsively.

Nidhogg *DOOON!* laid down its body, while Kanae landed agilely like a cat.

"How's that, you see that! ...Damn, how dull. I got too worked up. ...What about Nii-sama!?"

While cleaning the short sword soiled from blood and grey matter with Psychokinesis, Kanae turned toward Kazuki's direction.

At that time Kanae witnessed the girl shouting "Onii-chan!" while swinging the large sword.

The body's performance was amateur but only the slash was strangely sharp.

"Nii-sama is...I'm the only sister of Nii-sama!"

Kanae assaulted the girl from the back.

But the attack that should have been completely unforeseen by the girl was automatically intercepted by the large blue sword.

"Wh...what is this fellow!? Is this really a human movement!?"

"KANAE!?" Kazuki turns his eye to Kanae with surprise and delight.

"Nii-sama Nii-sama, I killed the dragon even faster than <{{furigana|Magic Division|Magica}}> and came to help, you know!"

"Idiot, don't be careless!"

Just like what Kazuki said——soon Kanae's face lost its color.

The illegal magician girl showed that she can compete against Kazuki and Kanae at the same time with one large sword. Furthermore with the high-speed activation of Possession Magic, she was also matching the back-up Summoning Magic of two people from the Magic Division's Student Council.

"Is this girl a monster!?"

Illegal magician——this girl is beyond <{{furigana|Stigmata Magician|Magica Stigma}}>!

Certainly this girl's power cannot be compared with a Stigmata Magician, she might be an existence we have no chance to stand against.

"Kaichou<ref>President</ref>, dangerous! That dragon is still not dead!!"

Looking toward the voice from the back——Nidhogg that should be dead, has its eyeball *BUKUBUKU!* bubbling while standing up and raising its claw overhead toward Kanae. That kind of absurdity...

"TORAZOU SMAAAAAAAAASH!!"

But immediately, somebody forced their way through and with all their strength perform a full swing with their long sword.

The claw and long sword clashed, that voice——Torazou was blown off but the claw attack was also repelled.

"Torazou!? ...To be saved by you...somehow it's infuriating."

"Kaichou, stop being so obstinate and lets cooperate with the Magic Division! I'll hold back this black dragon so Kaichou, go and help Magic Division's student council!"

"What!? Don't joke around...This me...with what kind of face can I cooperate with them!"

"Other than somehow using their <Chorus Magic> in this place and catching all of them in one attack, there is no other way! ...However we are all equal you know. For those guys to be able to finish their chant, we must be the one's holding back these dragons! Isn't that right, Kaichou!?"

"!? Even though you are just Torazou, impertinently giving sound argument...!"

Is it Nii-sama's influence... Damn, rather than the current me, Torazou's way was right!

"...Torazou, I leave that guy to you! Absolutely don't die!!"

"Ou! I'll be troubled if you forever keep thinking I'm a pathetic guy you know, watch this Kaichou, you too Hayashizaki Kazuki! UOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Toward the other side of the battlefield——Kanae started running to where the green dragon was fighting with the Magic Division's student council.

The poison dragon Fafnir. A dragon with the power of poison residing in its body that appeared in Norse mythology. It has six misshapen arms, making an unsightly figure. On each of its six arms poison claws are attached.

"......<{{furigana|Raijin Shunshin|Ride Lightning}}>!"

Hikaru who has her whole body accelerating attracted Fafnir with the attack from <{{furigana|Raijin Yu|Lightning Line}}><ref>Thunder God Bow</ref> held in one hand. During that time Kaguya was chanting high level magic. That was the tactic. <{{furigana|Jigoku Souhi|Gernica}}><ref>Hell Conception Fire</ref>——It will be settled with instant death!

However Hikaru cannot keep up with the exchange with speed alone when there were six arms that keep on striking, her posture was off-balance. Danger! Damn...already useless!

Immediately Kaguya discarded the high level magic that she currently chanted and switched into level 2 magic.

"My wicked mind filled with curse, I beseech thy agony... Unashamed of ominous thought! <{{furigana|Zouo no Mudabana|Fill Pain}}><ref>Hatred of Infertile Flower</ref>!"

The bullet of curse hit Fafnir and it writhed in hallucinatory pain.

But this magic only gives pain and stops the target on its track——with no actual damage to the body.

Using that opportunity, Hikaru recovered her posture. ...This battle of endurance has continued for quite long.

"For Asmodeus' high level attack magic I need to concentrate, so I'm troubled that the almighty Hikaru cannot earn more time you know! Idiot Hikaru!!"

"No matter how almighty I am there is no way I can exchange blows with something this tough! Idiot Kaguya!!"

While insulting each other, Kaguya's expression warped haggardly.

"The Knight Order should already be notified but...if it keeps like this sooner or later one of the fights in this divided battlefield won't hold out..."

*BARIRI* At last the spark dispersed, Hikaru's Ride Lightning's effect was finished.

"I, I wonder if it's no good if I don't chant again? Today, this is already my fourth time you know..."

"Please don't say some spoiled things, you good-for-nothing princess!"

Hikaru's magical power was already exhausted from the previous battle. Toward the girl that was in the middle of thinking that she can't chant Summoning Magic anymore, the claw of Fafnir swooped down.

However at that point, someone interrupted with speed like a rolling gale.

...<{{furigana|Fujin Koneko|Storm Cat}}>.

"You two withdraw! I will serve as vanguard!"

"Kana-chan!? ...You came to help us!?"

Kanae looked back with a fleeting glance and "Fun" her nose snorted.

"...It's only a temporary alliance. I'll stop this guy so get rid of them all in one go with Chorus Magic. That dragon over there is small fish, but it can't be killed with a sword."

Fafnir looked down as if to assess the human that came to interfere.

Kanae informed the two people behind while thrusting her short sword to the dragon.

Chorus Magic——If its impossible to hold out until the Knight Order come, then certainly there was no way other than that.

Chorus Magic is a chanting method done by linking several Stigmata Magicians with Telepathy and matching together their magic power wavelengths, producing colossal magic power and materializing level 10 Summoning Magic.

The amount of magic power required for level 10 Summoning Magic was too large, one person alone using it was difficult.

But Chorus Magic demands considerable concentration and multiple Stigmata Magicians also became defenseless at the same time. It's a tactic that risked inviting total annihilation easily if the vanguard cannot protect their charge.

"Can't you depend on me?"

"...No, if the two Student Councils combined their power then we are invincible you know. I have wished for that for a long time! Hikaru, the number is not sufficient so call Koyuki-chan here!"

Until last year Koyuki has already learned the basic of matching magic power's wavelengths.

This year after completing the contract with a Diva, the number of people for Chorus Magic will be enough if Koyuki is included.

Protected by the Student Council of Sword Division——Magic Division's Student Council's trump card was usable!

Fafnir's claws attacked Kanae. The six arms waving about cannot even come near Kanae who took pride on her godlike agility.

Kanae is very poor at a battle of endurance. Even with only a few hits from the enemy, Kanae's meagre defensive magic power will be smashed up immediately, furthermore the poison will steal her movement.

But...Otonashi Kaguya was looking from behind. Kanae can't show a shameful fight.

Probably I am the one that know best Kaguya's strength.

For the sake of winning against her, for a long time Kanae searched for her weak points and kept polishing countermeasures.

Otonashi Kaguya is strong. To a degree that there was no way to win if Kanae challenge her directly face to face.

For this reason, it's vexing but...she can be relied on.

"I'm counting on you, <{{furigana|Stigmata Magician|Magica Stigma}}>! ...And then watch from there, Hayashizaki's swordmanship!!"

Kazuki looking at Kaya's magic power, noticed that its gradually declining.

When thinking at the beginning how she first summoned the dragon, the scale of the magic Kaya chanted slowly kept getting smaller. However in addition to the frequent magic, it seems that even merely swinging the large blue sword was also wearing down her magic power. Kazuki can already see Kaya's limit.

It's a hard blow when Koyuki was called back by the senpais but the condition on this side is starting to get better.

"Please no..." Kaya's whispering voice was leaked.

"This kind of me stop it already...even though I love him, even though it's precious memory... Why do I want to kill them...? If its like this, I will continue being alone...this kind of me, stop it already..."

Even so the girl raised her sword and slashed at Kazuki.

”That's why this kind of thing, stop it already!"

"I can't stop! Onii-chan, somehow please help me!"

Even if you said somehow...there was no other way other than shaving her magic power until she became powerless.

In the edge of his field of vision "DOWAA!" The figure of Torazou-san sent flying by Nidhogg was reflected.

Even if Kaya was stopped, the dragons that were already summoned cannot be expected to disappear.

There was no more room for taking it easy. Right now the senpais already——?

"""Thy name is Asmodeus! Thy strength become almighty desire, oh pure black contract, in accordance with my life display that strength!!"""

The three person's magic power altogether <{{furigana|connect|Access}}> the <{{furigana|Distorted World|Astrum}}>——The Diva was pulled into the present world and materialized.

Along with a flash of violet, the witch finally materialized together with clear real form.

After that Kaguya-senpai passed her order to Asmodeus...! Probably that power can manage to defeat the two dragons altogether, those senpais have that power.

All the magic power were absorbed toward Asmodeus until nothing is left, and Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki crumbled down.

Kazuki's sword and Mio's Barrett attacked Kaya incessantly.

"Please help...Onii-chan..."

...Kaya, was it because I was not in Nanohana Institute that it became like this? The feelings of guilt stroked Kazuki's spine.

I, if I don't save her...

"Thy are I, I am thee! ...Become my thought as it is, Curse, Malice, keep beseeching, drag in all my bitter enemy and open the hell's gate!"

Kaguya-senpai keeps continuing chanting the spell with strong magic power.

"Kukukukuku! This air has been a while hasn't it, Kaguya! I'm in good mood so I'll be faithful to you! Kaguya, with your desire now what in the world is it that you wished for?"

"My desire is the manifestation of hell! Send all those people to hell! To inescapable nightmare!"

"Very well! Thy wish is my wish!"

The ultimate magic of Asmodeus was started by Kaguya.

"<{{furigana|Dainana Jigoku Genkai|Seventh Inferno}}>!!"<ref>Seventh Hell Manifestation</ref>

The surrounding surface dimmed ominously.

Is something happening?——Kazuki spontaneously looked back to Kaguya-senpai.

In accordance with Kaguya-senpai's command, Asmodeus raised her right arm overhead, grandly. From Asmodeus' back, gigantic ominous violet [Gate] rose gradually from the ground. Along with Asmodeus' loud laughter, that gate opened, like a damn bursting open with violet miasma flooding out.

The miasma avoided Kazuki and the others, nothing but the enemy that Kaguya-senpai hated were swallowed up.

The instant the fingertips of Asmodeus' raised right arm *PACHIN!*<ref>sound of clicking finger</ref> echoed, the violet miasma transformed into a reddish-black flame of hell.

Kaya and the two dragons were buried inside a cluster of flame without even leaving a strand of hair uncovered.

This flame, its the same type of flame seen before in the school entrance ceremony, Gernica.

Namely, this Seventh Inferno manifestation are——[Enemy and Allies Discernment - Large Scale Instant Death Magic].

This flame of hell was not heat attack or the like, this spell slowly applied the concept of death.

"Kaya!"

Kaguya's flame of hell that swallowed all the object of her hostility has even attacked Kaya that already exhausted all her strength. On the other side of the reddish black flame, Kaya's blue defensive magical power let out a frail shine.

"Kaya, stop it!"

Kazuki shouted pleadingly toward Kaguya-senpai.

Kaguya-senpai who doesn't even imagine the connection between Kazuki and Kaya was confused of the reaction Kazuki showed.

"That summoning magic, that magic will kill her!"

"Otouto-kun...Sorry, right after requesting this flame, even myself cannot control it. Even if it's only a tiny hate, everything of the opponent won't be able to escape and will be killed. But compared to bringing down the other two evil beast, I cannot give preference to the life of that illegal magician. Everyone else is already worn-out you see!"

Looking around the surrounding, Torazou-san already exhausted all his strength and fell down. Kanae too received poison claw and crouched down. Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki too because of the Chorus Magic, their magic power was sucked dry to the bone and they collapsed because of magic intoxication.

The only ones that were safe and could stand up were Kazuki and Mio, also Kaguya-senpai, just three people.

"But, that's..."

If Kaguya-senpai's magic was interrupted, the surviving dragons——the wounded Fafnir can be handled somehow or other, but the method to defeat Nidhogg that can regenerate its injury will be lost.

But if the invoked magic keep continuing like this, Kaya will be burned out before the dragons.

"He, help me, Onii-chan!"

Inside the reddish black flame, while her defensive magic power was being eroded, Kaya pleaded for help.

"Otouto-kun...besides if that child escapes it will become a grave crisis. I won't hesitate anymore like that time with Earth Snake. I cannot hesitate. Because I'm this academy's strongest magician!"

With eyes burning grimly with a sense of responsibility, Kaguya-senpai shouted. While shouting she supplied magic power to Asmodeus. Asmodeus "KUKUKUKUKU!" while laughing madly continued to burn the enemies with the flame of hell.

Kaguya-senpai's regret with dark expression saying "I have to kill him.", about Earth Snake, came to mind in Kazuki's head. But at that time Senpai was in pain. She is a reliable senpai but, I know that she tried desperately doing unreasonable things. Senpai's touch soaked with tears, I still remember it in my heart.

...I understand that Senpai's word is correct. But is this kind of thing really fine...!?

If Senpai kills Kaya...Not regretting anything, not hurting, can that really happen!?

This kind of situation, there was no way I can consent...!

"Sto, stopp! I don't want to die! I don't want to die alone! Stop, stopp!! Help me——Loki! Power...Give me more power!!"

—— The moment [Loki] was yelled, blue defensive magic power from the girl was coming back around.

All thoughts were blown off from his head, Kazuki doubted even his own eyes.

...That recovery was not at the level of just 'coming back around'. Enormous blue light that can't even compare to the girl's original condition covered the girl's whole body, and started to push back the flame of hell.

Vast defensive magic power was distorting [The concept of destined death of the ruler of hell]. <ref>Not really sure about this sentence, I think it refers to the fact that the black fire should be the embodiment of the concept of death itself, and it should be an absolute concept that can't be changed. Thus the fire should be a sure-kill magic, but this vast defensive magic power that suddenly appear distort that fact and did the impossible. If anyone can express it better please edit this sentence</ref>

"!? ...Such thing, impossible. This kind of magic power...it's inhuman!"

The whisper that Kaguya-senpai unintentionally leaked made us tremble with fear.

Currently the two dragons vanished without even their ash remained, however even now Kaya was still leaking blue light——

"...U, aaa...don't want...Stop it Loki, my head! In my head I'm not me any...aaaa...Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

——Kaya who should be escaping already from harm, raised a screaming voice that can break her throat, from the other side of the blue light.

I don't understand at all what in the world is going on.

{...Kazuki, that girl, is being taken over right now.}

After the uneasy silence, Leme's voice resounded inside Kazuki's head.

"...Taken over, what kind of thing is that..."

Why did it become like this, it's completely like being in a nightmare.

No, it could be that——all that happiness until this point, maybe everything was just a dream.

The blue light of defensive magic power and the flame of hell is struggling against each other, Kazuki watched all that in a daze.

{Each time a Diva possessed a human, that human's substance was being distorted into that Diva's form. That distortion keep being repeated little by little and each time, the human's form was rearranged. The result was that girl's madness}

Leme answered. The flame was being extinguished little by little. Kaguya-senpai kept getting closer to the limit.

Asmodeus' figure was "Oioii, is it already over?" faintly starting to disappear.

On the other side of the weakening flame and the light, a human silhouette appeared——that shadow was not a girl's shape. If Kaya was taken over...then who in the world was that...?

{The contractor's mind was tampered around and her ego became ambiguous, and then in one go the Diva plundered the flesh's leadership. At that time the flesh was distorted into that Diva's original form——that Diva became this world's resident}

Long time ago, there were news that because of a malicious Diva's materialization Tokyo was destroyed. There were great numbers of orphans, that were born because of that incident, in Nanohana institute.

Because of the establishment of the Knight Order everybody forgot that dreadful affair.

Finally the flame and light ceased.

The one that stood there did not resemble Kaya at all. A man with long hair and tall stature.

The color of the long hair was blue with transparency similar to a crystal. A handsome feature with slightly slender face, a sinister smile was pasted on that face. In the right hand, it was still clutching the large blue sword.

"Fufufu...hahaha..." The man made an abnormal face and distorted smirk.

"HAHAHAHAHA! At last, about time I obtained flesh and body in this world! Even with all that hindrances from the Knight Order, I'm the first one that achieved this brilliant achievement isn't it? ...Hahahahaha, how awesome of me! Hahahahahaa!"

"...You are, who are you?"

In front of the man who guffawed wildly, Kazuki questioned while gripping his katana.

"Hahaha! ...What is it brat? Why should I give my name, didn't you listen about this happy occasion? If that's the case then let me give this whole world a greeting!"

The man shouted with faked high tension where you could feel the anger just by looking.

"My name is Loki! The Loki-sama of Norse mythology! Hahaha, human's history will soon end! Starting from now the age of gods begins! This Loki-sama will bring even more chaos to this world for sure...When the curtain for the age of gods are opened once more, no one but me will be the one that causes...the Ragnarok! That's surely my role!!"

What the hell is this man... Did Kaya get caught up with this frivolous man!?

Besides Kazuki who was glaring at Loki, Mio and Kaguya-senpai fell to their knees, watching with gazes filled with despair. Only Kazuki was still standing, gripping his katana while facing each other.

"Hm? ...You are not just a normal human, are you? The one inside you is...Solomon Mythology's Lemegeton isn't it? I see, I see, I see...This time too Solomon's 72 Pillar are helping the humans isn't it? Then this brat is the one named new [King] is it? And then you are going to obstruct me, won't you?"

"Bastard, what have you done to Kaya!?"

"What have I done was it? It's just as you see. I broke her, and then I ate her. Thanks for the food. I finished my brilliant achievement you know! There is no doubt that this great me was the one that broke this girl efficiently don't you see!? If I broke her right away then she will just get violent and get arrested by the Knight Order so, I adjusted her condition, and then tampered around with her brain tissue. While breaking her piece by piece, I guided her into wanting to abandon her ego on her own many times, that's the point. And there I got a great idea, [changed her into wanting to kill a person she likes], I remodeled her into that. From here the best outcome came out, just great. Great idea that deserved the Noble prize in human abuse isn't it! Please stop, I don't want it like this~~ she cried and shouted like that, this girl surrendered her ego to me!! ...Hahaha, just awesome!! From a long time ago, manipulating people's feelings skillfully is my specialty! Man, I just want to do it over again~"

"...You, you asshole."

"Whaaat, you bastard is going to punish this Loki-sama, is it? Maa, you're just a low-life."

"Otouto-kun...Its impossible you know!"

Kazuki ignored Kaguya-senpai's restraint and started running.

"...Interesting! You want to challenge the legendary sword style!? Brat!!"

Loki received Kazuki's Iainuki casually with his large blue sword, but,

"U, oo...?" Loki was pressured by the weight of the slash.

Toward Loki who shook violently and braced himself futilely, Kazuki swung his second downward slash.

"Wha, what the hell is your swordstyle!? I don't know something like this!?"

Loki blocked that slash with his large sword, however he backstepped while reeling.

"UOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kazuki gave up using Foresight, he just swung his katana recklessly, attacking furiously.

"Bastard!"

Loki swung to counterattack while cursing; however, Kazuki parried the heavy large sword and entered one blow from the resulting gap. *BACHIN!* Loki's defensive magical power protected him from Kazuki's katana.

...What in the world, that [thickness] just now.

——With that one attack, unintentionally Kazuki calmed down from his rage and sensed the magic power.

...Few hundreds, no, with few thousands slash, would it be enough to destroy this barrier?

If all the opponent's defensive magic power until now were a curtain, without a doubt this guy's defensive magic power was a wall.

"Uoo...wait a little you bastard, wait! What the hell are you! How could you human's sword style have advanced to this point!? You're fucking kidding me! You weakling!!"

Loki's shout was tinged with anger while he staggered backward.

But this guy was not seriously flustered for real. Kazuki understood that.

"Fucking bullshit, don't get cocky brat! This time I'm using magic for real!!"

Along with his rage Loki's magic swelled up. The [large blue sword] gripped in his hand rapidly sucked the magic power——the dense magic power condensed violently inside the thick blade.

Right now I'm not inside his sword's range.

Even so——something's happening! Kazuki used Foresight to see the magic power——and instinctively felt despair.

"...Show the divine sword's essence!! Lævateinn!!"

——Ignoring how far the distance was separated, in that place Loki swung his large blue sword downward.

It's not a mere practice swing.

"ZUBAAAAAAAAA!" Along with wind-slicing sound like the world itself tore apart, the condensed magic power gushed out and became a sharp shockwave rushing to Kazuki.

Kazuki evaded using Foresight. Nevertheless, the released sword pressure from the large blue sword sensed that movement and change its trajectory like having its own will. Unparalled accurate pursuit. It's impossible to evade.

It's clear that he won't be able to defend with the amount of his magic power.

Magic intoxication. No, with this destructive power——<{{furigana|one-hit kill|Overkill}}>

Standing in front of certain death——it feels that time become extremely slow.

At that moment, a shadow throws itself in front of Kazuki while chanting a spell.

"...<{{furigana|Ensei Yoroi|Self Burning}}>!<ref>Flame Impulse Armor</ref>"

Mio clad in flame armor jumped in front of Kazuki.

However the flame armor was easily erased by the shockwave, and then the penetrating shockwave *GARIGARIGARI!* eroded the defensive magical power even further——Mio's own blood scattered around.

Fresh blood, so red that it looked like an illusion.

Mio who covered for Kazuki collapsed feebly into Kazuki's chest.

The girl's body, from her chest to her stomach, from the lung to the intestines, a vertical line was ripped apart.

Even with a glance it's obvious that it's a fatal wound. The body grew pale because instinctively it knows that death is near.

"Mio!? You...why!?

"If you received that attack with your current magic power you would surely die won't you...Protecting a Rank E, is the duty of a Rank A, right...?"

Because of her ripped lung "hyuu--hyuu" Mio leaked a weak breath.

"Eh, damn it? Shit, I got the other kid killed. Shit."

Loki spat out in frustation. But when he noticed Kazuki's expression he laughed complacently.

"Hm? Why is your face like that brat? I get it, through Kaya I somehow know about you guys but...Mio-chan is your lover huh? Hehhehhe"

We are not lovers. But... BUT...!

His head became pure white. The world seemed to blur white because of the highly strung emotion.

Lies...lies lies lies! How could it become like this!?

I don't know for what kind of reason. But that guy, he trampled my precious person...!

"HAHAHAHAHA! That's a good face you make there brat! ...How precious, then for today's moment to be forever unforgotten I'll especially let you survive alone brat. Forever live your whole life to regret this moment! Commit today's encounter in your memory forever, Onii-chan♪ HAHAHAHAHH!"

"Bastaard...I'll kill you!"

"With your magic power it's impossible you know, brat! Rather let me teach you how it is to kill! It's impossible to calm down huuh!?"

...I...I don't care what happened to my body. This lowlife, I'll freaking kill him!

Kazuki was filled with killing intent for the first time since he was born, embracing that rage he chanted the spell.

"Burning up everthing that was touched...scorching heat of rejection without destination! <{{furigana|Ensei Yoroi|Self Burning}}>!"

With his little remaining magic power, Kazuki covered his whole body with flame armor and prepared the form of Iai.

"Thaatt's whhyyy, I said I'm gonna teach you how it is to kill isn't it? Your katana won't be able to pierce my magic power, you get it don't you!?"

Kazuki kicked the ground. Anyhow for this guy, there won't be any mercy.

That's why with my whole strength!

"Besides, why when you are really that angry, rather than attack, you chanted flame defense magic, your life is too valuable huhh!? What a laughable brat!"

"... I don't need something like life! I'll kill you no matter what even if it means stabbing each other to death!!"

Kazuki slashed with Iai while shouting. Right at that moment——By using psychokinesis [Liquid Manipulation], was applied to the whole body of flame and condensed into the sword's blade.

"UOAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"What!?" Toward the wide-eyed Loki, a flash of flaming battoujutsu<ref>Art of sword drawing</ref> reached his chest.

Thick defensive magic power blocked that attack.

However the blade clad in flame inflicted a strand of scratch on the thick defensive magical power.

Kazuki fixed his grip in the katana with two hand——Iai's real form are two attacks.

Kazuki thought there was no other way except this technique. If that guy said that he'd teach me, I'll teach him technique polished by a human.

Since magic was born in this world, father polished his sword principle with the assumption of fighting against Summoning Magicians.

Inside Hayashizaki style polished by father, exists an ultimate Iai that pursued a dream.

Hayashizaki-style Dream Sword——[{{furigana|Kasane|Pile Up}}].

Why was it called dream sword, it was because father himself cannot realize this technique. It means that it's an unrealistic swordsmanship.

The first swing of the sword gouge out a scratch in the defensive magic power. That scratch, before new magic power plugged up that hollow space the size of a strand of hair, a second swing returned swiftly and piled up the scratch in the identical place. That swing will pierce and kill the defensive magic power.

It doesn't matter how much the enemy's magical power was left, a certain sure-kill consecutive Iai's.

But the time span before the produced scratch got filled up with new magic power was only a blink of an eye. In that one instance, piling up a second sword slash perfectly tracing the first sword slash trajectory, makes it evident why it's called dream sword.

However, for Kazuki at this moment, everything looked like they moved in slow motion.

Using <{{furigana|Perception Reinforcement Magic|Extra Sense}}> to clear and sharpen his perception, Kazuki sensed the defensive magic power's scratch.

Kazuki stirred up his body with his will. Raising a yell of kiai<ref>Fighting spirit</ref> and activating <{{furigana|Body Power Reinforcement Magic|Enchant Aura}}> below the navel, Kazuki accelerated his muscle structure. The whole body's muscle raised a snapping shriek because of the will's unrelenting demand for speed beyond the limit. Even so, whatever the consequence it doesn't matter!

The body surpassed the limit due to magic...Just this guy I'll kill him no matter what!

Everything that Kazuki has cultivated himself——Summoning magic and common magic, and then sword skill——Using everything of those to pile up this two slash. All the scattered pieces are converged in this one swing of a sword.

The blade slid into the scratch where the defensive magic power was thin and gouged and ripped it apart.

——Kazuki arrived at the truth of the sword. The sensation of ripping flesh was clearly felt. Before his eyes, "BAT!"<ref>like opening a curtain</ref> crimson spurt of blood opened like a flower blooming.

"...Thi, this is the sword of human..."

Even so Loki was not dead. ...He received a severe wound but, a fatal wound was not delivered.

Kazuki understood from the slash's feedback. The depth was not sufficient, if only its one sun<ref>Measure unit. Approx. 3.03 cm</ref> deeper.

Kazuki's fingertips lost its strength, the short sword fell to the ground.

...If it's not a short sword, then he'd be dead already!

"Don't fuck with me!"

Loki who sports a wound in his chest let fly a kick towards Kazuki who lost his strength and fell to the ground already.

Kazuki's powerless body that was already like a doll was thrown backward.

"But...thank goodness", suddenly Kazuki who already calmed down thought. If I really killed that guy's body for real——Kaya will also die. If Kaya is not saved...

Strength, my strength is lacking...For a long time I thought I didn't need it, a strong power...

"Damnnit, too careless...how stupid...the body that I got with great trouble is...!"

"Stay away from Otouto-kun! I will kill you!"

Loki raised his head in fluster. Kaguya-senpai mustered her last strength, she squeezed out word by word slowly for a spell, containing the disappearing Asmodeus in the present world.

"Thi, this female magician, from that kind of condition how can she keep the Diva's complete summoning alone!?"

"Oioi, do your besttt, Kaguyaaa...Yosh, this guy is pretty bad news, so let's kill him yeahh!"

Asmodeus was "Kukuku" chuckling, even now Senpai desperately kept her receding conciousness.

"Seventh Hell, come out...!" That voice wringed out the magic.

"Wai...like hell with this! That one is seriously terrible! Hold it I said!!"

The same time Loki started screaming, a fissure ran below him.

From there a huge snake fiercely burst out. Only, the snake head was *gunyagunya* transformed into a human's face——it faced Loki and grinned.

The illegal magician called Earth Snake. Because of the surprise, Kaguya-senpai's concentration is thrown into disarray.

"You are...<{{furigana|World Snake|Midgardsormr}}>. I see, you too have materialized huh?"

Loki grinned broadly and laughed, and clung to the snake's body.

"It's amusing playing with you bastards, too bad I don't have time for this, getting hurt for real will suck...Get out of here, my child!"

"...<{{furigana|Dochikusou Tongyou|Land Escape}}>!<ref>Earth Beast Escape</ref>"

"Dammnit, I'll remember this day, you human brat...no, Solomon's King! I'm acknowledging you! I'm gonna make you dance in my <{{furigana|war of gods|Ragnarok}}> too!"

Before Kaguya-senpai could invoke her magic, both of them sank into the ground. After waiting and seeing that Kaguya-senpai finally passed out, Kazuki watched the scene while still on his back.

——The world is being encroached by the myth.

<{{furigana|Destruction|Catastrophe}}> that didn't make sense was spreading out right in front of my eyes.

In the end of the battle where sword, magic, and Diva mixed together——the ground's surface was gouged, cloud of sand floated, and the spectator stand destroyed, just like a ruin in a desolate land.

Everything was dyed in decadent red by the setting sun. Kazuki stood up in a daze.

This should be a fight for the sake of protecting an important place where I belong.

This kind of conclusion.

Kazuki's underfoot was wet with crimson liquid. Mio lay there, her uniform covered in blood.

The bleeding amount was outrageous. It's not only because of the setting sun that made just about everything dark red.

The siren of the approaching knight group entered his ear.

Kazuki kneeled beside the girl and held the limp upper half of her body in his arms.

Nothing was reflected on the the half-closed eyes of Mio. Her "hyuu-hyuu" breath was becoming intermittent.

The [Red] flowing out of her chest announced the end of Amasaki Mio.

"Why for something<ref>Don't correct this. This word will have some significance later</ref> like me... Even though you always say you are the master, I am the slave. ...Even so, why..."

Kazuki whispered not expecting any reply but, inside Mio's hazy eyes strength are returning, the girl laughed faintly.

"...tha, that's because you see"

Even with agonizing breath, her colorless lip quavered.

"Honestly...I'm so happy I could meet you"

Toward those words, an intense lump of guilt swelled up deep inside his stomach, becoming a strangled yell. It's painful in the heart. His eyes are hot. His head became pure white.

That kind of thing——I knew!

"...The karaage, was delicious"

I know, just from your expression that was obvious!

"...You came when I was sulking alone in my room, I'm glad...getting teased by classmates, I was happy...when we were told we look like married couple, going on date...I was happy. Saying we were going to eat together the same sweet curry..."

I know...I understand all of your feelings, and yet, I didn't have any courage to believe it.

"I, I was always a person that was only saying unpleasant things wasn't I, sorry..."

There was no need to apologize. Her honest feeling was plain to see even without Leme's magic.

"...Cheesecake...it'd be nice if I wrote [Love] properly..."

Mio's eyes closed, she inhaled her last breath softly, and then her pulse stopped.

"...I wanted...to kiss you on the lips..."

That was her last word.

The color left Mio's expression leaving behind an empty shell. Inside Kazuki the dam broke and tears overflowed.

Everything of those...even words that was not said at this moment, I knew all of them already...!!

"UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 235.jpg|thumb]]

I couldn't protect her. ...I don't even have any power that can protect her.

For a girl who felt love for me, I'm powerless to protect her.

Because of my cowardice, beacuse I keep demeaning myself, I don't even have strength to believe...!

In the middle of wailing, the shaking view blurred with tears reflecting the light of fireshadow——attached to Mio, the matching necklace with me shined reflecting the setting sun. The feather necklace——Phoenix.

The symbol of destruction and rebirth, the divine bird leaping over the world's logic. Its complete summoning...

Leme once said [underhanded trick].

Kazuki bet on the vague hope. He cradled up Mio's body——

He put their lips together without hesitation.

It tasted of blood. At the same time the stigma in the left had radiated heat.

The heat changed into a powerful bond with Mio's spells flowing into his mind.

Phoenix ultimate magic——transcending the fate, the power to take back what is lost.

"...Oh sweet-talking divine bird. ...Oh beautiful artist shaking fate. ...Namely the poet, transform into magician. Everything of me, for thy poem..."

{...In your condition now, the magic power is not enough.}

The surrounding shined with orange light. Orange is, the color of Mio.

Behind Kazuki, Phoenix spread its wing and materialized.

The divine bird warned with low voice. Just like the legend of Phoenix, that magic will burn oneself entirely till only ashes are left behind, from the ashes one will be reborn and resurrected once more. The caster's magic power will be consumed entirely.

The caster's existence and fate will be distorted, invoking a grand restoration magic. Right now it was still barely in time.

If Kazuki used that kind of grand magic in his current condition, he will fall into a grave magic intoxication. His mind will be dragged into <{{furigana|Distorted World|Astrum}}>, the boundary between Astrum with the thinning self-ego and mental world will be lost, blending them together, making it impossible to return from Astrum to the real world. Completely forfeiting his mind.

"My mind——I don't mind about that kind of thing. I don't care whatever happens to me."

"If that's so, then fine...Oh King of Solomon. Recite my poem."

"Disintegrate my body into a thousand words, remake the world by that illusion...<{{furigana|Messhi Tensei|Revive}}><ref>Selfless Rebirth</ref>!!"

As soon as the chant ended, magic power, mind, soul, the feeling of everything being absorbed was felt.

The world distorted. However what happened after that, Kazuki couldn't recognize anything anymore.

——And then Mio opened her eyes.
<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
|}

</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2021-12-27T06:46:01Z

Tman111: Fix grammar: change "use" to "has"

==Chapter 4 - Love Simulation==
“Right, let’s make curry tonight. I suddenly want to eat a curry that has lots of sweet cheese inside. The one that was made previously in Nanohana Institution. It’s decided!”

“Curry, is it…I have often made it before. However, it wouldn’t work well with tomorrow’s bento.”

“Isn’t it fine if you make a curry bento? Just use Magic to heat it up. This is the master’s command! Potatoes~, Carrots~, Onions~♪”

Mio hummed a short song as she placed the vegetables into the shopping basket.

When Kazuki went to buy ingredients for dinner, Mio happily followed.

After the lunch break, her arguing attitude reappeared and she was also in a good mood.

Inside the Knights Academy’s huge campus , there were shops that sell ingredients for the students that wanted to make their own food.

“Moss<ref>Apparently, in some curry, moss is an ingredient. (I never knew that).</ref> ♪, If it’s meat, then it’s definitely chicken, right!?” She held a box and laughed.

“I’ll comply with your orders, master.”

After bringing the selected goods to the cashier, Kazuki used the Student Council President’s <Food Budget> to pay the bill.

“I’ll give this to you, this is you, who is a slave, should be responsible for!”

Mio deftly placed the goods into the plastic bag, then she shoved it into Kazuki’s hand.

The two bulging plastic bags filled up both of Kazuki’s hand.

“What~, do you have any opinions?”

“I did not say that it was bad. And from the beginning, I did not plan on letting a girl carry the items.”

“Is it heavy? Because a lot of vegetables has been put in, so it must be very heavy, right~?”

“This level of heaviness is nothing, I have always been training, so it is not a problem.”

“You are overexerting yourself! It can’t be helped~! As your master, I should still help you.”

Mio held onto a handle of the plastic bag in Kazuki’s left hand, so it became a situation where two people were lifting up one bag…Just like they were walking while holding hands.

Conveying the fact that she did not truly treat Kazuki as a slave to him.

However, to her, who was still displaying a stubborn position of <Not forgiving Kazuki>, maintaining the master and slave relationship is the most natural way to get along.

Through the graph——Mio’s positivity levels was displaying 67.

On their way back to the Witch’s House, they coincidently met with their classmates.

“Amasaki-san and him…As expected, their relationship is really good. Just like a couple or perhaps just like a married couple.”

“W, Wait a minute! It is all your fault because you revealed a comfortable expression when you are together with me, which led to me being misunderstood! You should at least wave your tail towards your master!”

Mio hurriedly argued with Kazuki.

“Wait, from the beginning, weren’t you the one that displayed a happy expression?”

“W, When did I? This is a very normal expression! I am always this calm and beautiful!”

“You were singing a song earlier. If that isn’t being happy, then what should I call it?”

“That is different! That is…only a normal vegetable song! Because I like vegetables so that’s why I sang, it is only like this! Being happy because I am with you, how is it possible!”

Mio forcibly grabbed the plastic bag from Kazuki’s hand and hugged the vegetables inside tightly.

“I love vegetables! When I grow up, I will marry an onion on a white horse!!”

This person just said something incredible.

“When we get back, we would need to slowly cook the vegetables using a pot.”

“Why do you have to do such a cruel thing!? Bastard!”

“Ahaha…How should I put it, I wish you two happiness.”

The classmates gave a bitter smile and left.

“This is all your fault, causing them to misunderstand and leave! Idiot!!”

However, Mio was not truly angry. And a Black Skull did not fly out either.

“Listen to me, Hikaru. The two of them seemed to be like a newlywed couple. Otouto-kun cuts the vegetables and Mio-chan will place the cut vegetables into the bowl…The first time the two of them worked together is here!”

“Ah, when they are working together and their hands touch each other, the two of them will be shocked…How nice, I also long for such a sweet scene.”

“The two of them are very happy.”

When Kazuki and Mio were making food in the kitchen, three gazes were secretly watching them.

“…Hey, you, think of a plan. The misunderstanding has deepened.”

“How can I think of a plan, they are our senpais.”

Kazuki quickly looked behind. The ones secretly watching were the two senpais and Koyuki.

…If it was Kazuki, he actually would want to let Koyuki join in.

“Amasaki, try this taste.”

“Um…Great! As expected from the thing that I made! This curry will be deemed Golden Mio-sama curry! If cheese was placed as a topping…Then it is the best!”

“Don’t just casually choose a name, master.”

But because Mio wanted a sweet taste, so in the end, it became a curry that had enormous amounts of sweet miso, onions, bananas, apples and honey. Although this person really likes it…

“To others, it may be slightly too sweet. Oi——Eh, Hiakari-san!”

“…What is it, Kazuki”. Koyuki, who was still wearing the stimulating shirt like before, walked over.”

“Try tasting this curry as well.”

“If everybody thinks the taste is fine, then there is no need to specially tailor the taste for me.”

“Please don’t say this kind of nonsense. I also hope that you are one of the ones that are happy as well.”

Kazuki forcibly moved the spoon over. Although she had a confused expression, but she still ate it.

“…It is slightly too sweet. But in general, it is still very delicious.”

“Hiakari-san enjoys eating spicy right? Then if we were to add a bit of red pepper, would the taste be enough?”

“Hey you, aren’t your taste too weird!? You actually picked faults with this Mio-chan’s professionalcreamytopchilisaucecurry-sama!”

“Hey, the name is completely different…Then I’ll move only mine and Amasaki’s portion to a small pot and make it a little spicier for the others.”

“Ah, you also enjoy eating sweet.”

Another red heart flew out.

This person’s positively level is currently rising exponentially. It seems to be because of food.

“Ah, speaking of which, there is something that I would like to discuss with Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan.”

Kaguya-senpai let out a sound as if she had just remembered something and walked into the kitchen.

“It is related to Inter-Division Competition on next week’s Saturday. A first-year must also participate. Since the two of you have successfully made a contract, Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan, which one should we send out? Since Mio-chan had fought before, then is it okay if it’s Koyuki-chan debut this time?”

The so-called Inter-Division Competition was an event that the senpais were recently preparing.

It seems to be the case…that it is a large-scaled exhibition event hosted by the Magic and Sword Division Student Council with ordinary civilians and freshmen spectating.

“I will obey to senpai’s arrangements…”

Although she said that she would obey, but Mio frowned. Actually, she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to be redeemed for her previous failure.

——Just at this moment, a large roar came from the outside.

“Nii-sama Nii-sama——! Why is Nii-sama! Nii-sama at this kind of place——!!”

Then, *PATA*! The door was opened.

Everybody hurried to the entrance and could only see a breathless Kanae standing there.

“Nii-sama! Why are you living at this kind of place!? When I asked the teachers before, they said that they have arranged a residence outside of the campus, so I was assured!”

“How aggressive, causing me to think what happened. So it was about that. Because of various things, I cannot use the residence outside. Thus, senpai sheltered the homeless me.”

“How is that fine! Nii-sama, who has already reached that kind of age, is actually living with another woman besides me…About that, too dirty…As expected, Nii-sama should immediately transfer to the Sword Division!”

“Give me a minute, Kanae-chan! By now, who would agree with the transfer to the Sword Division! I have also participated in on this matter, this was the result of the Magic Division Staff Meeting!”

“That’s not the case. The Magic Division Staff Members’ thinking changed again…Because of the duel before.”

Kanae seemed to be boasting of her victory and revealed a smile. That smile seemed to give off a bad feeling to others.

“What does that mean about their thinking changed?”

“In fact, the amount of teachers that recognized Nii-sama’s strength as a swordsman has increased, it seems that the opinion of transferring to the Sword Division is the majority now. I, as the Sword Division Student Council President, have already begun collecting signatures…And have obtained signatures from more than half of the staff room, including the Director. So long as he wants to, he can always change profession!”

“Signatures!? It has already been put into action!?”

The tension at the Witch’s House suddenly rose. Kanae’s actions were not simply her bro-con acts, but it was an action that also accompanied her role as the Sword Division Student Council President.

Kanae fiercely grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Come, Nii-sama, let us head to the Sword Division, let us head together to our love nest!”

However, Kazuki coldly shook off Kanae’s hand.

“Kanae, I will remain in the Magic Division. I do not want to end this as the identity of the worst one and this place has already become an important place to me…Just like the Hayashizaki Family.”

“W…What are you saying? Nii-sama actually rejected me…”

“Don’t think that you can continue to be so willful. We are both high school students now.”

“Nii-sama won’t listen to your Onee-chan words!?”<ref>In case you do not understand, Kanae usually plays the role of the little sister, but here she tried to be the elder sister.</ref>

“Don’t just become the Onee-chan when it is convenient for you!”

Kanae seriously became stubborn. Kazuki used a severe attitude and confronted Kanae.

“Nii-sama? Onee-chan?…Their relationship is impossible to understand.

“…As expected, it should be some kind of perverted play…”

Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki were confused. Next time, he must clearly explain it to them…

“However, no matter what Nii-sama says, this has already obtained the consent of the staff room!”

“You…did not even ask me for my opinion, why do you casually do such a thing!”

“This is the action that I have done as the Student Council President, so it is unrelated to Nii-sama!”

“Wait a minute. You, although I do not know whether you are Onee-chan or Imouto, but from the very beginning, what willful things are you saying to my Kazu-nii…No, my slave!? This person is mine!”

Mio and Kanae confronted each other. Kanae turned her gaze towards Mio, changed her expression and stared at her.

The past imouto from his adopted family who is also the current onee-chan from his adopted family and the past imouto, who is also the current master, were opposing each other.

“…What, do you have a problem, first year. If we have to resort to you Magic Division’s favorite meritocracy to solve this, then that is also fine. I will let you experience a shameful result that is even more powerful than the one with Nii-sama’s duel…!”

Kanae placed her hand onto the handle of her sword and released a murderous atmosphere through her Physical Enhancement.

Mio felt afraid and retreated, but in order to protect her, Kaguya-senpai inserted herself between the two of them.

“But, since otouto-kun’s level in sword techniques is already superb, it is pointless for him to go to the Sword Division. If he is to remain in the Magic Division, the things he will be able to obtain is much more.”

“Even if Nii-sama, himself, will not learn anything, but the influence he gives to the others is unparalleled. Nii-sama’s existence will give the students, who felt inferior to the Magic Division, courage! Nii-sama is just like the sun!”

“…That is the same for the Magic Division! If the Magic Division has someone like Otouto-kun, then they will further recognize sword techniques and the Sword Division! I plan on training this child to become a Magic Swordsman that would connect the Magic Division and the Sword Division!”

The Magic Division and Sword Division Student Council President engaged in a fierce battle around Kazuki.

“Your way of thinking may indeed have some truth. But that premise can only be established if Nii-sama can use Summoning Magic. But Nii-sama can’t use Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki felt a slight chill within his heart. He did not mention Leme’s ability to anyone. Everybody still thought that he was powerless…But in the earlier lunch break, he had obtained a <Key> from Mio.

Although he had not tested it yet… Whether or not he is able to use Summoning Magic.

“Ultimately, this place is not where Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, should stay.”

“The Witch’s House is a very good place to stay for Otouto-kun. This kind of thing should not be denied by an outsider like you!”

“You actually said that I, as Nii-sama’s Onee-chan and Imouto, am an outsider!?…Hmm, since we said up to this point, then please prove Nii-sama’s Magic to me.”

Kanae seemed to speak as if she had prepared it in advance.

“…Prove? How should we prove it?”

“The 3 Rounds of the Division Competition held next week, please let Nii-sama participate. Let Nii-sama duel with the assassin that I, the Student Council President, have prepared and prove his Magic talent!”

Assassin…!? Just at this moment, a strange sound came from the outside.

“Kanae~, please wait~”

Then, *patapata*, the footstep sounds stopped at the entrance.

“Uwah…Entering the Witch’s House seems to be scary…I want to escape. But if I escape, I will make Kanae mad.”

“Fufufu, she really came at the right time. This person is the Student Council Vice-President, who will become Nii-sama’s opponent in the competition. She is my best friend, close confidant and number one disciple, Kamiizumi Iori!”

“As expected, it’s scary~. I’m going back. I’m running away.”

“Wait a minute! I-chan, you did not even come in, isn’t that too much!?”

“UWAHH!? I already came in! I came in that much!”

Using a timid way of opening the door, a girl, with a doll’s hair, stuck her face inside.

She quickly looked at the situation around the entrance and her entire body began to tremble.

“The instant I entered, everybody’s gaze seems to be especially piercing!?”

“…Forget it. Although this person’s personality is just like a newly born deer, but her skill in swords is real. If Nii-sama does not use a sword and only uses Summoning Magic to defeat this person, then I will admit the fact about Nii-sama’s Magic talent.”

“Because I defeated Summoning Magic before with only a sword, now this time, I have to defeat the sword with Summoning Magic!?”

“Ehhhhhhh!? What is this about! Kanae, I did not hear about such a thing!?”

“If you heard about it, then you would not come over here.”

“Yes, I absolutely would not! About this, I am certain about it!! Why would I come!!”

“…Since you said the word disciple. Kanae, did you teach this Iori-senpai the Hayashizaki-Ryuu?”

“Within a period of one year, I have taught her Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s <Reading Intent, Seeing Magic and Instant God>.”

In other words, she is able to detect intents, perceive the flow of Magic Power and move as swift as the wind.

Kazuki secretly glanced at Iori-senpai’s legs that extended from her skirt. The two legs are the same as Kanae’s, it was as tough as an antelope. Just through that, he understood.

If it was a straightforward one on one duel, a simple attacking Magic like Barrett would basically never hit.

“How one-sided…”

“Don’t say it is one-sided, this side has already obtained over half of the staff room’s support. This is already giving a compromise. Why should Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, stay at this kind of place?”

Can I really use Summoning Magic? Did I really forge a connection with Amasaki…?

Just then unease flashed through Kazuki’s brain. But even so, his own attitude was firm.

I…want to remain here! Kazuki was filled with a powerful emotion and stared at Iori-senpai.

“I, I am not that great of a swordsman~. T, The comments coming from the world is terrifying~”

“Let us go back, I-chan. If we do not head back soon, Torazou will begin to make irresponsible remarks.”

“Let’s go back, let’s go back! Ehehe, then we will leave first~”

“Otonashi Kaguya. This year’s Inter-Division Competition, I will use the victory from this person and I to obtain the final victory…”

Kanae fearlessly laughed and left together with Iori-senpai. Kaguya-senpai was dumbfounded.

“…We really were put up. We are dragged into a battle that we cannot lose, even the Inter-Division Competition has become favorable to the Sword Division. Although Kanae-chan seems to be very simple, but she actually has this side, it is really impossible to measure.”

“…Right, there is something I would like to tell everyone.”

Hoshikaze-senpai said with a solemn tone. Her expression was very serious.

“…From the kitchen…A burning smell is coming out…”

——This time, Kazuki remembered that he placed the pot on top of the fire to heat it up and hurried to the kitchen.

Because only the small pot with sweet curry was being heated up on top of the fire, the only victim was Mio, who cried.

× × ×

“…Barrett!!”

After the Spell’s Chant, the Stigma on his left hand issued an orange light. At the same time, an illusion of wings wrapped in flames appeared behind Kazuki and released a flame bullet.

The small stone that was placed as the target was crushed. Mio pursed her lips.

“Actually using the same Magic as me, how arrogant…”

——After trying it out for a bit, he was successfully able to use Mio’s Summoning Magic.

“It’s true. Leme-chan’s ability is to <Copy Other Diva’s Ability>!”

Kaguya-senpai seemed to have become happy as if it was about herself.

Kazuki confessed the truth to everyone that Leme is not powerless.

However, the detail about <The amount of Magic that he is able to use increases when he forms a better relationship with girls> was kept secret from them.

This was also Liz Liza-sensei’s instruction.

“The condition is utterly preposterous…What an outrageous Diva.”

Kazuki believed that he is unable to keep that secret anymore and headed to Liz Liza-sensei to explain everything.

If he was able to use numerous Diva’s Summoning Magic in the future, it will become impossible to conceal Leme’s special nature.

“The reason that I was able to obtain the Heart’s Key from Amasaki…Although I said that it is positivity levels, but I believe it is not limited to the feelings of love. Friendship and Family Love is also included. Because I am old acquaintances with that person, so I will not fight to become the Harem King that Leme mentioned, but rather aim to become a Friendship King!”

“Friendship between male and females, huh…I think that although friendship and love are different things, but it is also not completely separate…After the relationship becomes more intimate, even if you were initially planning to be just friends, but it will naturally become that. I, Isn’t that type of relationship like that?”

After Liz Liza-sensei slightly blushed, she let out a dry cough.

“B, But my own perspective in love should not matter. Only that we have to think of a plan to hide Leme’s special nature away from others. Among the teachers, there are many people who do not trust Leme as they do not know her true identity. Right now, it is still the best to make them think that she is not that powerful of a Diva. Right…You should just say that <She is able to copy Lower Level Summoning Magic>.”

“…But why is it only Phenex, why can’t you use my Asmodeus?”

“About that, perhaps it’s a problem with compatibility.”

Kazuki immediately hid the truth, but Kaguya-senpai suddenly became depressed.

“…Is my compatibility with Otouto-kun bad? That’s a severe blow…”

“B, But if I practice, then it will certainly become possible to be used!”

On the other side, Mio issued a protest to Kazuki. But compared to the thoughts that was said out from her mouth, a tiny red heart flew out from her chest. The value displayed on the graph also slightly increased to 70.

“But Otouto-kun’s chanting speed is too slow. The time that you spent was probably twice as much as Mio-chan. You must work hard on this aspect!”

The four steps for Summoning Magic, if it had to be said, each of them respectively points to Telepathic Magic towards the Diva. Because it was an area he was not good at, the difference in skill was suddenly revealed.

And, the Magical Dress was not just a simple decoration. It also has the power to assist the connection between the Diva.

Kazuki did not have the original Magical Dress, so that might become an unfavorable condition as well.

“Forget it…Since we use the same Magic, then I will accompany you for your practice!”

Mio used her palm to pat Kazuki’s back in order to encourage him.

But…if it was only Barrett, it is unlikely for him to win against that opponent.

If you practice more, then the amount of Magic you can use increases. This argument may not be true.

——I currently am lying to everyone. And using the excuse of practicing with me, I must increase everybody’s positivity levels…

After launching consecutive Barretts, because of the stress and Magic Power depletion, Kazuki was tired and nearly fell down.

“…But, you cannot just rest during the resting period. Quickly go conquer that girl, go ask her out! GO GO!”

Inside the mind of Kazuki, who was resting, Leme’s used the method of telepathy to send her voice over. The thing that Leme was concerned about was that <This time, he must become serious!> and she was overjoyed.

“Tomorrow is Sunday, go invite her to a date and increase the positivity levels in one go!” Today is Saturday, the Inter-Division Competition was next week’s Saturday. If he really wanted to let himself be able to use higher level Summoning Magic within this week, then indeed, tomorrow was the best opportunity.

A so-called date…It should be fine if he moved based on the feelings of playing together with friends.

But if he was to re-invite her to play, how should he do it?

Kazuki sat down on a bench. Speaking of which, his current Spiritual Power was completely drained.

“…Oh, because your positivity levels are already high enough, so the other side is coming over.”

Lifting his head——Mio was currently standing in front of Kazuki who was lying on the bench, tired.

“This is for you, you must be thirsty after chanting spells for so long? Drink some orange juice.”

She handed over a cold plastic bottle.

Kazuki could not help but stare intently at Mio’s face. Her face had delicate features. The mouth that keeps talking wildly, even without lipstick, it was still a rose-color. It slightly trembled——As expected, she was really cute.

Strange, an abnormal feeling was produced.

“W, What. Managing the slave’s health is also the master’s job. Be grateful to this gentle master! Really, what are you looking at! Hey!!”

After being stared by Kazuki like that, Mio was slightly dumbfounded.

“…Anyways, Summoning Magic is unexpectedly hard to use. I originally thought that I was handing it over to the Diva only, in the end, I had practiced consecutively for a few hours. It feels that my Spiritual Power is completely consumed…”

“If you fully exhaust your Magic Power today, it will enter the recovery period tomorrow. So please work harder now.”

Once Magic Power was used to the limits, it must spend some time before it fully recovers.

“Then let’s go play normally during the weekend.”

“…Speaking of which, this is the first weekend since school started.”

Mio took the initiative to change the topic.

“We used to always play together. Kazu-nii would always refuse to let me go and bring me around…I was always thinking what a hopeless brother.”

“Hey, wait a moment. It isn’t like that. It was you, who was always following behind me and running around recklessly. Like when I want to go outside to play, you would begin to cry and yell out “No No”. Then you would always pester me to draw or sing, I remember it clearly. I will not play that kind of game with you.”

“T, That’s not how it happened! Kazu-nii, you idiot!! L, Leaving that aside…Speaking of which, I am free this weekend.”

Mio drank her own orange juice while looking at Kazuki.

“You seemed to be very free as well. Leme told me. “Even though Leme doesn’t have time, but the contractor seems to want to play with Leme, how troublesome. You should just substitute Leme and accompany him to play”.”

Kazuki was surprised and issued out a “Haah!?” sound.

Inviting a tiny child to play, doesn’t it make him seem like a very severe Lolicon!?”

“You, since you are bored to the extent that you will play with little children, you should at least tell me.”

“I did not say such words! Even if it’s me, I still have something to do!”

“Idiot! Even though Leme arranged it for you, what are you saying!”

“HAAH!? About how you’re not busy, in other words…you really wanted to play together with that young girl!?”

“W, Who would! I am not a lolicon nor a siscon!”

“Right now we are not discussing about the sister topic!”

Speaking of which…Why is that person so angry? Logically speaking, there is no reason for her to be angry.

“That person is saying, she wants you to invite her out to play.”

…Is that so? Mio sipped her orange juice and from time to time observed Kazuki’s expression. Seeing Kazuki fall silent, “Uuuu~!”she pursed her lips.

Looks like he must take initiative and invite her out. But what should he say?

“Still thinking what you should do…Just invite her out on a date! The romantic type!”

“Hey, hey, Glutton Amasaki. Tomorrow is Sunday, should we eat a meal together?”

“Who would use this method as an invitation, idiot! The romantic portion is hopelessly inadequate!”

“What, you actually said that I am a glutton!? Why do I have to be treated as a glutton by you!?”

“Because whenever it comes to food, you would become very happy.”

Although he thought that this path was correct, but Mio had a dull expression and let out a black skull.

“Hmph, speaking of which, why should I go out to play with a person like you!”

“…Didn’t you just say you were free during the weekend?”

“I am free, but there is no reason that I must go out with you to play!”

Mio suddenly turned around. It feels like she had said a lot of incomprehensible words.

“…However, if you have any suitable reason…Then it is not impossible for me to accompany you.”

“Kazuki! She is testing you! If this is inside a Galge, then it is the result of your selection!”

…What is she testing me on? I did not play a Galge before.

“Then, I want to give my gratitude to you for making a bento for me before. It was really delicious.”

“What gratitude. I said that I made the bento because I lost. Don’t keep mentioning about the past.”

“And…There is something from before I would like to apologize for.”

Before, he was unable to recognize that Mio was Mio.

“If it was to apologize about that time…If it is only such an extent, I would not forgive you.”

Mio pursed her lips and turned to the side.

“About that time, I am really sorry! So I will wholeheartedly serve you as a slave tomorrow! Just for tomorrow, no matter what, master…No, princess-sama, I will listen~”

Princess-sama, this word seems to have caused Mio to tremble.

But Mio still retreated a bit, as if she had seen through Kazuki’s intentions and asked.

“Why are you trying so hard?…Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

Damn, I was too persistent and it caused her to become suspicious?

“No, this must be tsundere. Because she felt unease, so she wanted you to attack more proactively.”

“Why?…Why must you put so much effort? Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

As if she felt unease, Mio asked again. Then indeed… “Okay let me try again” ,“Work Harder”, “Just go and do it!”, these phrases were often seen in the movies.

In front of Kazuki, the positivity level graph that only Kazuki could see appeared. The positivity levels increased from 70 to 75. If that’s the case——He should be able to do it, right?

“I want to become even more intimate than before with Mio!”

He already did not use reason for his excuse. Kazuki only said the truth out.

“!? J, Just now y…you called me Mio!”

Damn, I could not help but call her name directly.

“I, Is that so? Just like before…So y,you would invite…Hmph. Is it like that?”

He originally thought that he would be scolded by her, but in the end, Mio only “Ehehe” and relaxed her expression.

“It can’t be helped…If you are so willing to treat me as a princess-sama and accompany me, then I will go out and play together with you! But, this is not a date, don’t be mistaken!!”

Floating out was the red hearts again.

Amasaki Mio ——78 Otonashi Kaguya —— 59 Hiakari Koyuki —— 41 Hoshikaze Hikaru——34

“The numbers are slowly increasing. Then tomorrow is the date! Well done, Our King!”

After returning to his room, Leme comforted Kazuki. No, she already said it wasn’t a date…

“…Speaking of which, what on earth happened with your appearance. And, didn’t your size increase a bit?”

Leme, who materialized in front of Kazuki, was wearing a never-seen-before ethnic style dress. But the clothes were quite shabby. Her height had also become around the same age as a primary student.

“The positivity levels that was obtained from Mio let Leme grow up slightly! Being summoned completely naked was also due to the lack of strength. With the growth, Leme will also retrieve an appropriate appearance. In other words, this is Lemegeton Level 2! Okay, you will need to prepare how to deal with tomorrow’s event, so today, let’s go to sleep!”

Leme happily dragged Kazuki to the bed.

Is that so, this person was also growing slightly.

…Eh? Even though that she is obviously growing, but she still needs to hug him while sleeping?

× × ×

“I hate being watched by the senpais as we leave.”

Because Mio said this, so they specifically looked for a place to meet.

The two of them would leave at different times and meet up in front of the Square’s fountain. Kazuki arrived first and after feeling a bit embarrassed, Mio happily trotted over.

Once she arrived, Mio used a finger and pointed at Kazuki.

“Listen carefully, I have said this from the start, this is not a date!”

It should be like that. After all, we’re not in such a relationship. Kazuki expressed his agreement.

“Although it is not a date, if you are going to serve me to apologize for the past and for the usual gratitude, then I will accept it. Just for today, you will have to treat me like a princess-sama and serve me well!…I’m looking forward to it!”

Mio was wearing a casual, spring-styled dress and cardigan, which was gently floating around. However, on her feet, she was wearing slightly heavy boots. The sweet and spicy balance, it was very appropriate for her personality. She was also wearing a necklace that glowed around her neck.

“…That is feather-shaped.”

Shining in front of her chest, it was an Indian accessory that was like a feather.

“Your eyes are not bad. This is very similar to Phenex!…You’re appearance is too plain! Tooo plain!!…But your body is firmly built, perhaps it is better for you to dress more simple. Yes…In total, I should still praise you.”

“For boy clothing, as long as it is easy to move in, then it does not matter.”

“If you were to use the fashion magazine’s ad phrase for the street “…Only a warrior’s body can be permitted to wear as simple as concise spaghetti”. It is that kind of feeling.”

Her eyes sparkled. Kazuki did not know how to respond.

“…You, don’t just occasionally use food to make a weird metaphor.”

“Okay, let’s go! The quality of the shop that you bring a female to will decide your quality as a male!”

Mio happily said. Okay, let’s go. Kazuki took a step forward——

“Speaking of which, this is wrong!?”

Suddenly, criticisms and black skull flew from behind. Did he suddenly make a mistake?

“Wait, why are you walking in front like in a march! Didn’t you say that you will treat me like a princess-sama for a day? What are you thinking!? Now quickly escort me!”

“E, Escort!? Escort is…What should I do!?”

Treating her to a meal, listening to whatever she says, isn’t that enough!?

“You scatterbrain…First of all, let me hold onto your arm and walk~”

Mio quickly moved next to Kazuki’s side. Although it did not matter, but when she rushed over, her appearance when her dress and cardigan was flapping like in a dance was really cute.

Thus, she held onto Kazuki’s arm.

Their arms were linked with each other. Mio’s body tightly leaned over and a soft feeling came.

“…Wait, you, did you just twitch? And your face is slightly red?”

“I, It is not red. I, who have trained as a swordsman, would not be thrown in disarray because of being held in the arm!”

“Hmph, what swordsman…As expected, if it is only holding arms, it cannot be called as an escort. We are not children anymore, if you wish to escort me, then naturally we have to do up to this extent.”

Mio temporarily released their linked up arms and let Kazuki’s left hand hold onto her waist.

Thus, it became a form where Kazuki was hugging a girl’s waist. In order to cope with this, Mio also pressed her body closer.

“W…We have to walk like this!?”

Doesn’t it become two people embracing each other as they walk!?

…Is this really not a date!?

“Fufu~ah, your face, is becoming more red! What training as a swordsman, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu isn’t that good!!”

“Aren’t you also blushing!? Your cheeks are as red as apples!”

“Hehehe, this is the <Escort> for Princess-sama! Okay, let’s go!!”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 162.jpg|thumb]]

As if she was feeling extremely pleased, Mio swung her hand and took the first step.

While Tokyo was the foundation for politics, at the same time, it is a <Workshop> for Alchemy.

Inside the workshop, various products that did not exist previously were produced through alchemy.

Alchemy——The Alchemy that was passed down traditionally through the ancient times were irregular occurrences that could not be explained through science. It was a product that was repeatedly tested thousands or millions of times throughout the years or decades.

In the current generation, through Normal Magic, the efficiency for Alchemy’s operations has increased.

Perceptibility Enhancement Magic could feel the particles of the matter and by using Psychokinetic Magic or Pyrokinesis Magic, it could move, change, and restructure —— Just like lead becoming into gold——and transform it into a completely different matter.

The alchemy technique that breaks down the matters’ particles is called <Alcahest>.

The Alchemists did not join any companies but rather construct their own workshop. After Tokyo was destroyed by the Illegal Magic Users, this city was revived through the Alchemy gathered by the Workshop.

At the workshop, clothes and accessories that had alchemy used on them, were on sale. There are also restaurants that use Magic that causes the ingredients’ quality to change through the process called <Alchemy Cooking>——It has also become a dating site for the youths.

When Kazuki and Mio were walking in the streets, they were aware of some kind of gaze…What was it?

“What, why are you looking around? Please escort me properly.”

“Ah, no…nothing.”

The streets in the vicinity still remained as ruins and have not been rebuilt. If they slightly walk into an alley, the public security would worsen.

At this kind of place, there were often cases where Illegal Magic Users did sneak attacks on the Knights or the Magic Division Students——In other words, the people that carry Stigma. It is often referred to as a case called <Stigma Hunting>.

In the recent years, the amount of Stigma Hunting has increased. It was said to be terrorist attacks targeting the Knights for being exclusive to Summoning Magic.

…Because of that, while walking in the streets, it is still best to hide the Stigma. However, the difference with an Enigma is that a Stigma would expand throughout the skin. Thus, many people are unable to hide it.

Mio also seemed to be leaving a mistake uncorrected and making the best out of it. From the dress that revealed the back, you could see the Stigma. It feels like Mio treated the Stigma as part of a decoration to match her clothing.

…Because they were heading out to play, so he did not bring his sword. This may be a blunder.

“Ah, a cat! There’s a cat!” The moment Mio issued out a sound, the white cat crossed in front of their eyes.

Directly in front of their gaze was also that cat.

“Nyaah——♪”

Mio suddenly let her head lean upon Kazuki’s shoulder and issued a strange sound.

"…I, It’s a joke. I only wanted to try how that feels…"

“Do you often visit this store? Although this place should be very far from Hayashizaki’s Family.”

After finishing eating the Italian cuisine, Mio wiped her mouth with the napkin and asked.

“Because I wanted my family to eat delicious meals, I would visit many shops on my rest days with the little amount of pocket money I have in order to hone my cooking techniques. Alchemy Cooking feels like it is a life.”

“…You, aside from Sword Techniques, you also maintain a high degree of self-control. Although it is really delicious.”

Towards the Italian restaurant that exuded a playful atmosphere, Mio seemed to be very satisfied.

“Our shop is currently hosting a couple-limited event, I was wondering what you think about it?”

The waitress that was already recovering the clean dishes said to them.

“Wait…We are not a couple…”

“Our shop’s special cream cheesecake would be provided for free!”

“If we can eat this, then why not pretend to be one?”

Mio probably was embarrassed as they were treated as a couple and lowered her head.

The waitress also brought the cake over shortly.

Although it was not as big as a birthday cake, but it was still a round cake that has not been cut apart.

Beside it was a piping bag with a red sauce.

“This is…strawberry sauce or what is in it? And there is also one fork…”

“If the girlfriend use this strawberry sauce to write words on the cake, then with an “Ah——n” way and feed the boyfriend, this cream cheesecake is free! This is the event!”

“…What a flashy event.”

“Okay, girlfriend-san. Write down all the feelings that you cannot deliver normally here!”

The waitress onee-san’s eyes sparkled. It was obvious that this person was currently enjoying herself.

Looking at the pipebag that was handed over, Mio was overwhelmed.

“W, What do the other guests generally write during this time?”

“Most of them would write <nowiki></nowiki> or <Love> these kind of words.”

Mio wanted to write some words, but she hesitated with a “Uuuuu——“ sound.

Then, Mio, as if out of desperation, wrote a big <Idiot> on the cheesecake.

“Forget it, this is also an expression of love.” The waitress-san gave a wry smile.

“Okay, open your mouth! Hmmph, this is just like feeding a dog!”

Then she picked up a piece of the cake and brought it over to Kazuki’s mouth in order to feed him.

After Kazuki took a bite, he began to counterattack by saying <This time, it is the Princess-sama’s turn>.

“I, I want to eat by myself!”

“That is not allowed. The waitress-san is watching by the side, so you must abide by the rules.”

“Why are you so stubborn at this kind of place?”

“Okay, Amasaki. Open wide.”

“…You, I wanted to say it for a while, but can you not call me Amasaki.”

Towards Kazuki’s calm greeting, Mio used a terrifying gaze to look at him.

“When you were inviting me before, didn’t you call me Mio…Why did it suddenly change back?”

“Eh, Ahhh, sorry…Mio, come, open wide.”

After Kazuki directly called her name, Mio honestly opened her mouth and accepted the <Ahh——n>.

“Delicious…” From the blushing Mio’s chest, a red heart gently floated out.

——The two of them took turns to feed each other the cheesecake. After they finished eating, Kazuki planned to pay the bill.

“…By the way, in the first place, I, did not truly treat you as a slave. I will still pay…?”

Mio suddenly become honest as if she borrowed it from a cat, and pulled out her own wallet.

Kazuki stopped her with a wry smile. Because it was already planned that this side would treat her.

Mio revealed an uneasy expression. As a result, Kazuki also started to feel a bit tensed again.

So when they left the restaurant, this time, Kazuki took the initiative to hug her waist and did the <Escort>.

After Mio issued an <Ah>, she also actively cooperated and leaned over with her body.

She blushed and the red hearts that represents the positivity levels flew out once again.

After leaving the restaurant, they began to browse the items in the workshop.

Just like what he imagined, Mio, who loves beautiful products, would say “This is cute” “You should try this out” in the shops. After this was said, Kazuki also gradually developed an interest and did not have any conflicted feelings as he tried them out in front of the mirror.

——But “……”, Mio suddenly became depressed.

“It is already…quite late.”

As if she was reluctant to part, Mio lifted her head towards the sky. The surroundings has already began to fall into the evening.

Just when Kazuki was just about to say to her, 'let’s go out and play together again', he suddenly swallowed the words that had already reached his mouth.

He noticed. ——Even if he was to invite her next time to play as a friend, they would not be able to pass through the time like today.

The things that they did today had already gone beyond the scope of <Playing with Friends>.

Because she was also aware of this, so she was feeling reluctant and did not say anything.

As if time had stopped, the two of them were relatively silent. The sun slowly descended bit by bit.

“Right! …Wait for me for a while. Listen carefully, absolutely do not move!”

Mio suddenly ran into an alley that was lined up with the Workshop streets.

Under the circumstances where he was completely puzzled, Kazuki remained there by himself.

Suddenly acting alone——He was very curious about the gaze that he had felt since morning.

When he had noticed, this place was the outer edge of the city. The dimness was not just due to the time.

“…Nii-san♪”

Just when he felt unease, someone talked to him from behind. Kazuki was shocked and turned towards the back.

While maintaining alertness, he turned around——Inside the silent street stood a girl that was probably in junior high.

Although her ears were not sharp, but her hair was silver just like an elf. It was a girl who exuded an abnormal atmosphere. She was wearing clothes that were broken in a couple of places as she exposed an innocent smile towards Kazuki.

…Who was it? Although he felt that he had saw her face before, but——

“Finally, I am able to talk with you. I had to pluck up a lot of my courage. Because the two of you were always together, so I felt that I should not bother you. Are the two of you going out? If that’s the case, then it would be too sad.”

Gazing at the alley that Mio ran to, she whispered lonely.

“…You are?”

“Ah, did you forget who I am? That’s too much. Then please don’t forget today’s encounter, Nii-san♪”

I have seen her before. Because of the previous case, Mio, he immediately noticed it.

Inside the memories of Nanohana Institute, an image of a person was successfully depicted within his mind.

But it feels that the person who was similar to her from his memories did not have this hair color.

And this was quite far away from Nanohana Institute.

So he felt that something was wrong and could not help but ask this question, “Who are you?”

The girl suddenly “Uuuu” and clenched her face.

“So it still won’t work…After seeing Nii-san, it feels that it is impossible to resist…”

“Resist…? Hey, are you alright!? It seems like it is very painful!”

“I’m fine…Even though it was a reunion just now, if I would suddenly do “That kind of thing”, then I would not stand it…? Please don’t hate me, Nii-san…Fu, Fufufu…♪”

The girl issued out a twitching-like, strange laughter.

The girl that exuded a strange atmosphere, turned and face the alley and issued an “Ah!” sound.

“Seems like she’s coming back…If you talk with another girl during a date, Mio-chan would definitely be angry. Although, I am reluctant to do so…Although I wanted to do that kind of thing, yet I am unable to, it is indeed a pity…”

“Please wait a minute, your name is…”Kaya” right!”

“Correct! Thank you, Nii-san! Our encounter today…Please don’t forget about it, Nii-san! Fufufu, Fufu…!”

Kaya turned her back to this side and ran away. ——Towards the dark alley.

Although it was a little like this…but it was as if he had met a ghost.

“Kazuki! You actually listened to my words and waited for me without moving around! Not bad!”

Just like what Kaya predicted, Mio came running back from another alley.

Mio, who was revealing an extremely happy smile, was holding a small package.

“I’ll tell you about this later! Please be patient for a little longer. Fufufu♪”

“…By the way, Mio, do you know what happened to the Nanohana Institute?”

“Nanohana Institute? I did not go there since I was adopted by the Amasaki family…It is very far away.”

“Is that so…It is not a place where we could casually go and look up the situation.

Speaking of which, during this year, there had been no telephone or SMS that came.

“Why did you suddenly ask this kind of question?”

“Just now, I met Kaya. Kaya, whose hair had turned into a silver color.”

“Eh? …Kaya? Kaya…That one, wait a minute! You are saying that <Kaya>!? But why is she at this kind of place? And that kid’s hair should be black, isn’t it?”

Mio incredulously tilted her head. Yes, from the distance and special characteristics, Kaya appearing here is indeed unnatural…It was as if he had seen a pipe dream.

However, Mio, who did not actually see her, immediately recovered her mood.

“Ah, then let’s head over to that workshop and see! Let’s hurry, the shop is about to close!”

She grabbed onto the hand of Kazuki, who was still confused about that incredulous girl, and turned around.

“…The stars are also out. It is almost the end for today.”

The stores in the Workshop had all closed. The two of them began to embark on the trip back to the academy.

Mio handed the small package she had been holding to Kazuki.

“This…I’ll give this to you. You can open and see what it is.”

After opening the package and taking a glance, he could see a necklace that imitated a shape of a glowing bird’s feather inside.

“…It is the same thing as mine! Because you can also use Phenex’s Magic! It is created by an Alchemist, whose shop I often go to, using the top trendy item, ruby silver! Okay, wear it, wear it.”

She was concerned about the fact that I treated her to a meal at the restaurant, huh.

Ruby silver——Just as its name implies, it changes a part of a silver accessory into aluminum oxide, namely ruby, and mixing it together with marble patterns. It is an advanced Alchemy.

The deep crimson and the shining silver would be stacked in several layers, just like a frozen flame.

“In the past, my unremarkable eyes may have been wrong…Ah, isn’t this cool!? …It is fine if you wish to present a gift back in return. Of course, you will pay me back, right? Pay back, Pay back.”

Mio continued to say pay back, pay back unnaturally. At that time, Kazuki suddenly understood.

“Then, please let me express my gratitude next time. Please let me once again act as your escort next time, just like today.”

Is this it…She wanted to find an excuse. Both of us are like this.

Using a Galge as an analogy——It was the feeling as if he had selected the correct option.

Mio’s expression suddenly lit up. A massive amount of red hearts flew out from her chest.

“…It can’t be helped! Since it is a gift, then Mio can’t help it! It’s fine, next time, I will accompany you just like today!”

The graph that appeared in front of Kazuki’s eyes, unknowingly, the positivity levels had already past 100.

…In the end, what extent of the feeling does this number 100 represent.

Throwing away the excuse to the side, under the circumstance of this number, and from her words…

Mio suddenly grabbed onto Kazuki’s left hand and held onto his chest.

“This is the gratitude expressed to the man, who had completed the escort of a woman.”

Mio gently bent down and kissed Kazuki’s left hand.

The warmth of her lips was completely sent over, Mio immediately became embarrassed and turned her back towards Kazuki.

Looking at the back of this girl who had grown up, Kazuki thought it was not the same as before.

The feelings he had for Mio currently may not be the same as the feelings he had for Mio before…

——But this warm feeling immediately cooled down.

Kazuki noticed. Magic Power was being generated ——This is the feeling of Magic being activated.

Fast. It had already activated. The flow of Magic Power is coming from behind —— and heading over to this side!

Kazuki suddenly carried Mio from behind.

“Eh!? W, Wait a minute, what are you suddenly doing!?”

“…It’s dangerous!!”

Kazuki carried Mio just like this and ran.

*Dondon*! A huge rubble flew over and crushed the location where Mio was at earlier.

“M, Magic!?" Mio, who was being carried by Kazuki, issued out a cry.

While Kazuki dodged, he turned back and looked. A man, who was wearing dirty clothes, was chasing after them.

The clothes he wore were tattered. He has mentally unstable eyes and angrily glared at Kazuki and Mio.

He was probably a man who was of similar age as Kazuki. But the Magic he used was clearly not ——Normal Magic!

“Illegal Magic User…Stigma Hunter!?”

The man’s body emitted a light. Kazuki widened his eyes. This person, he did not chant a spell!

<Rubble Bullet (Block Shoot)>

At the same time the inorganic voice sounded out, The asphalt was ripped piece by piece from the road and floated up.

Then, the rubble flew over just like that. Kazuki continued to carry while running nonstop and he performed a dodge using a curve route.

“W, Wait a minute, Kazuki!? T, This is…Princess Carry…”

“…Rubble Bullet.”

Although it was a straight-line and easy to evade Attack Magic…but because there was no Spell Chant, so it would continuously fire over!

“Mio, like this, I will be responsible for evasion, quickly use your Summoning Magic!”

“I, Idiot! How can I concentrate in this kind of posture!?”

“I feel that it is an excellent strategy…Right now, I can’t use either Sword or Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki’s Magic Power was almost completely used up during the special training before. He did not even have excess Magic Power to even use Physical Enhancement Magic. Only by reading ahead was he able to just barely dodge the enemy’s attack.

“…This is bad, my hands are becoming numb…”

“Hey, are you saying that I am heavy!?”

“Heavier than my sword.”

“Are you saying that your sword is cuter than me!? If it’s this extent, I can deal with it with my own strength!”

Just watch and see, Mio said. She pushed open Kazuki’s hand and gently landed on the ground. Then——

“Everything that touches it will be burned…The scorch that denies approach! Inflammation Armor (Self-Burning)”

Mio raised one hand into the air. The surrounding swirl of flames became an armor that protected the body.

The rubble that flew towards Mio was burned down one by one by the flame armor and turned into ashes that floated in the sky.

“A New Summoning Magic…Phenex’s Level 3!?”

Phenex’s Level 3 Magic seems to be a defensive Magic.

Because the Defensive Magic’s activation target is its own body, so there is no need to specify the coordinates, thus the spell chant time is short.

And compared to Defensive Magic, it is able to use less Magic Power to protect the body more efficiently. Although there are both favorable and unfavorable aspects based on the different attributes of attacks, but it is still a Basic Summoning Magic that is used for combat.

“…Barrett!!” Mio immediately activated an Attack Magic to counterattack.

“Earth God’s Screen (Titan Wall)

The man that makes others feel unhappy did not reveal any change in emotions and only stomped on the ground.

Then, a thick barrier of earth was constructed there. The flame feather was defended against as if a stone had sank into the ocean

“…Rubble Bullet” “Barrett!” “Rubble Bullet…”

The exchange of Attack Magic by Mio and the man was completely offset by the other person’s Defensive Magic.

But…A long term battle would put this side at a disadvantage. The other side’s Magic was continuously fired over.

On the other hand, Mio, who did not have the time to even load the Magical Dress and was chanting Summoning Magic, had her Magic Power efficiency greatly decreased. If they were to continue to force it, then this side’s Magic Power will run out first.

Even though I should help think of a plan to buy time for her, but right now, I do not have a Sword or Magic Power!”

The instant that Kazuki felt anxious——He felt an explosive Magic Power appearing behind him.

Turning around, Kaguya-senpai, who was sparkling with purple Magic Power, was there.

The amount of Magic Power swirled together was on a completely different level——It is a High Level Summoning Magic that Kazuki and the others were far behind.

“The Intangible and Silent Shadow, Become a fish born in darkness that is cruising in delusion! The origin of nightmare, the cycle of materializing, respond to the terror and expectation and devour it…! Darkness in Shadow’s Depth (Twilight Spectre)”

Kukuku…A creepy laughter sound resounded out in all directions.

In the inside of the wall of earth, the <Shadow> that extended from the man’s back suddenly swelled, it became like a huge monster with only a black face. The man was shocked and the moment he turned back, the monster opened its mouth and swallowed the man completely starting from the head——Just like a shark that showed its head from the surface of a water.

An intense blue light flashed. The Defensive Magic that appeared instantly protect the man’s body and he flew out from the Monster’s mouth.

Although he avoided falling into the state of Magic Drunk, but it was clear that his Magic Power was almost completely gone.

“Earth Release – Earth Animal! (Land Escape)”

In order to use the little Magic Power, the man cried out.

The man became a huge snake. His mouth suddenly extended forward, his noise and lips assimilated together. The white eyeball disappeared from the pupils and all the hair fell out. His two hands and legs integrated into the body. In the end, the bizarre change turned him into the huge snake itself. Then, his head began to drill into the asphalt of the hard ground and assimilated with the ground as if he buried his body inside.

“I let him get away again!” Kaguya-senpai said with a regretful voice.

“Senpai…Why are you here?”

At the same time, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki, who were also wearing Magical Dress, ran over from behind Kaguya-senpai.

Senpai and the others were planning on challenging a mission during this rest day and came to chase after the Stigma Hunter.

“Hikaru was chasing after the Illegal Magic User called <Earth Snake> here…The contracted Diva is unknown…Because he uses that escape Magic, he is able to immediately escape, so she was not able to capture him.”

“So that’s an Illegal Magic User…That person’s Magic Chanting time is basically zero…”

“The Illegal Magic Users are basically all like that. They practically used a contract <Possession Summon (Drive)> to summon the Diva into their own body. We, Stigma Magic Users, must request for a Magic Phenomenon through chanting a spell to the Diva at Astrum. But, they do not need to convey the meaning over, so they could swiftly and efficiently activate the Diva’s Power with little amount of Magic.”

“In other words, compared to our Summoning Magic, the Illegal Magic Users are stronger?”

“To put it plainly, that’s it. So that is why we must use a strategy that coordinates with the swordsman.”

“But, it is not entirely a good thing.”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s expression became clouded and continued to speak after Kaguya-senpai.

“If you use Possession Summon, the more you use Magic, the faster your mentality will be corroded by the Diva, becoming berserk and in the end, your body will be taken by the Diva. However, before the Diva is able to obtain a physical body, they would often have their mentality driven to insanity and become berserk. The ones that the Knights captured are often in this kind of situation.”

“But that <Earth Snake> could have already directly obtained the physical body. There is no doubt about that. I thought that last attack would be able to completely deprive him of Magic Power, but in the end, I still let him get away…”

The man in front of their eyes did not have any emotions at all. A man who had his mentality corroded by a Diva…

“I should not have had the goal of capturing him alive…And should have use Hell’s Imagine Flame to directly kill him.”

Kaguya-senpai whispered in a dark tone. Kazuki could not help but shudder.

“Just like what the senseis say, perhaps I am still too naïve…”

Viewing her from the side, it was not the gentle and playful senpai that Kazuki had seen. There is a somewhat deeper darkness——

“Senpai…Did you kill someone before?”

If they eventually become a Knight, then there is no doubt that they must have that resolve.

“That kind of experience…How is it possible?”

But, the next instant, Kaguya-senpai’s serious expression disappeared.

“S, Speaking of which, Otouto-kun, y, you guys are heading back after a d, date!? The stars are so beautiful, it is really a beautiful night!”

In order to disperse this gloomy atmosphere, Hoshikaze-senpai used an excited voice to ask.

“It is not a date!” Mio hurried and denied.

The tense atmosphere slowly relaxed. Suddenly, Kazuki saw the appearance of the senpais again.

Because it was an actual battle, so Kaguya-senpai did not wear a robe. It was still the same, highly revealing Magical Dress from before.

Hoshikaze-senpai’s Magical Dress is sleeveless, and the Stigma revealed itself starting from the shoulders down the entire arm. There is more or less a righteous atmosphere of a <Knight>, but the degree of exposure was still very high.

Koyuki’s Magical Dress was like a white school swimsuit-like tights. The Stigma was exposed on the shoulders and the thighs. This side’s exposure was also quite high.

The mysterious light that emitted in the dark of the night…It was still a bit stimulating to look at with calm eyes.

“Oii, y, you can’t be looking at senpai and the others with those strange eyes right!?”

“Really now, Otouto-kun. Using strange eyes to look at others is not allowed! This is the appearance for the purpose of fighting.”

Kaguya-senpai changed back to the usual senpai and generously smiled at Kazuki while scolding him.

“…I’m a bit tired after using Summoning Magic. Everybody, let’s head back.”

× × ×

The original purpose has already been achieved. Mio’s positivity levels have increased significantly.

After Kazuki turned off the lights in his room, he lay down on the bed exhausted.

However ——No Spell came into his mind. What on earth happened?

When he first wanted to learn how to use Barrett, a spell naturally appeared in his mind. But even though he was searching for more of the other Magic in his mind, new spells did not appear.

“Strange, if the positivity levels is 100, then it should not be impossible to use…”

Leme, who was sleeping next to Kazuki, whispered.

“…In the worst scenario, there is still a cheat you can use.”

“…A Cheat? If there is this kind of thing, why did you not tell me earlier?”

“The Magic Power path that is established through positivity levels can be temporarily expanded through a magically-like contact.”

“Magically-like contact? …I feel that there is only a bad premonition.”

“Thinking back at the scene where you contracted with Leme is fine. Oii, don’t blush! In other words, it is a kiss. KISS. As long as you kiss, then the path would temporarily expand and during that short time, you will be able to use all Level of Summoning Magic. You could probably easily win the competition.”

“…N, No. Kissing in order to obtain the victory, how can I do that.”

“However, a path that expanded through a kiss would develop immunity after just one time. You will not be able to use this cheat on the target a second time. If you can choose not to use it, it is best not to use it. This is the ultimate trump card.”

“This hypocritical trump card, who would use…”

But…If it can use all the Levels, then it is also possible to use <Complete Summon>?

“——Otouto-kun”

At this moment, the door issued out a rattling sound and opened. From the other side of the door came Kaguya-senpai’s voice.

In order to avoid them being seen as sleeping together, Leme eliminated her figure and returned back to Astrum.

“!?” In order to hold back the sound of his almost yelled out cry, Kazuki held his breath. This is because the senpai, who appeared on the other side of the door, was still wearing that Magical Dress.

“Otouto-kun…” It was a sweet voice as if it was a fruit that was soaked in sugar syrup.

Kaguya-senpai suddenly jumped onto Kazuki’s bed and tightly hugged onto Kazuki.

“Otouto-kun is really cute.”

A suspicious whispering sound rustled in his ears.

Although he was almost charmed by it involuntarily, but this is indeed not the usual senpai!

“Senpai, sorry! Please return to your original appearance!”

Kazuki apologized and with a method of pinching senpai’s cheek with two hands, he slapped both side of the face.

After being slapped on the face, senpai issued out an “Ah!” sound.

Senpai’s pupils reveal a bewitching purple color ——Then it slowly turned back to its original color.

“…Please” Senpai quietly whispered.

Kazuki “Eh?” and asked back. At this moment, tears began to trickle down from senpai’s eyes.

Suddenly being attacked by senpai, then making her cry. It was really strange.

“No, no! This is because Asmodeus is a Demon who managed ecchi desires…So every time after summoning, as a side effect, occasionally my state of mind will become very changed…But, I did not intend…”

“Senpai, please calm down!”

Kazuki sat down on the bed facing her and gently pressed onto senpai’s shoulder.

“No, I wanted to become more intimate with Otouto-kun is also completely different than the fact that Otouto-kun is a man! So, please don’t look down on me…!”

…Senpai was actually concerned about this kind of thing.

The moment he understood this point, he hoped that she would not misjudge the situation.

“Senpai” he continued to call like this and once again, Kazuki use both hands to pinch Kaguya-senpai’s cheeks.

It’s not a problem. His body involuntarily moving like this is because this is the same approach when he deals with Kanae crying.

“By now, it is impossible to misunderstand. You helped me when I could not integrate into the school, you called me, who is a swordsman, a comrade, and you’re looking forward to when I become the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division…Up to this point, it is impossible for me to believe that senpai’s gentleness is all affected by Asmodeus.”

“Otouto-kun…”

Kazuki stared at her without looking away and used a persuasive form to convey his feelings to her.

“When we first met, senpai said I was special. It is not because I am the only male, but because I am a swordsman. After knowing the latter fact, I, was really happy. Please don’t think of me as a person who would doubt senpai’s gentleness.”

Kaguya-senpai finally calmed down. Although tears were still in her eyes, but she already revealed a calm smile.

“The fact that Otouto-kun speaks things clearly ——I really like.”

At this moment, what floated out from senpai’s chest is ——a key.

It was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. Just like the time with Mio.

The next instant, senpai hugged onto Kazuki’s chest again.

“Sorry, please let me stay a little longer…Because right now I already do not have any ecchi desires, so let me stay like this for a while…I am really anxious. Casually saying that I arbitrarily looked forward to Otouto-kun becoming the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Arbitrarily treating you as a pillar of support for my mind. I willfully imposed this onto you.”

“But, I felt happy about it.”

Although afterwards, Liz Liza-sensei and Mio was also gentle to him, but in the beginning, the <One that Needed me> was senpai. If it was Mio who did it first, he feels that he may have become even more lost.

“I, Even though I am your senpai, may also continue to behave in a spoiled manner with you. It feels that even though Otouto-kun is younger than me, yet he seems more like an older brother. Probably because my older brother is also a swordsman…Although he is already dead.”

Kaguya-senpai probably recalled something and her nose twitched.

“Okay…Charging complete! Kaguya-senpai is already fine! …From tomorrow onwards, you have to work hard on the special training, otouto-kun! But, But, misunderstanding my meaning is not good. I will treat otouto-kun specially, not because you are a man, but because you are my disciple!! …Good night!”

With a slightly modest and rising expectation, Kaguya-senpai, *patapata*, left.

“…Just now, Otonashi Kaguya’s positivity levels passed 65. The Magic Power Path is connected.”

In exchange, Leme materialized. At the same time, his heart pounded rapidly.

No, wait a minute. Senpai’s positivity levels may not be something related to love.

Kazuki dug into his blanket and closed his eyes. It feels that he would have a strange dream.

“Even though you were so amazing earlier, but why are you so timid in such a strange place?”

Leme said, stunned.

“Why is it, in the end, you, even though you wish that the other side would believe you, yet you do not believe in the other side…Oi, how, could you already be asleep? Listen to me!”

× × ×

“Akira…Hunting those two is not allowed. Even though it is to make those two return back to the same place as me and perform Stigma Hunting, if you were to hunt those two, it is as if the order is reversed.”

In the dim ruins, a young girl’s voice resounded.

The girl that Kazuki called Kaya and the Illegal Magic User <Earth Snake> was there.

The two of them were living inside a ruin that was not restored yet and was lying there casually.

The ruin that was originally a hotel has fulfilling equipment. There is large number of items that are ownerless, but it was driven out half a year ago by this Kaya and Earth Snake.

“Because those two people are very important people, you cannot attack them. Because they are people that are very important to me ——So I will kill them.”

Kaya’s head felt pain in burst…What did I just say?

It feels that she had said words that did not make sense. Important people ——Kill?

“In short, do not attack those two. Just like this, the reason we started Stigma Hunting is because if we crush the Knights, those two would be released from the Stigma and return to our side. It is for this goal. Right, the order is reversed…”

Even said that, Nanohana Institute was already gone.

Kaya threw a disgusted glare at the silent man. The Earth Snake, Akira, who was sitting on the bed absently, seemed to be staring at the graffiti on the wall left by the former residents.

Why am I together with such a creepy person?

…Because everybody that I love from the Nanohana Institute had completely been killed some time ago.

No, no, or did I run away…? My memories are vague…

No matter what, everybody is gone. So that is why I would find Nii-san and Mio-chan.

So ——Those two must also be killed. This time, she will not let them run away.

Kaya’s head began to hurt in burst of pain. The concept of because they are important people, so I must kill them is strange.

I, am thinking of unethical things. The moment I met Nii-san on the streets, I was also desperately suppressing this impulse. This impulse is definitely weird.

The outburst of everybody in the orphanage being killed is also…Even though I regretted till my hair lost its color. Even though I do not wish to do the same thing to Nii-san and Mio-chan.

Even though I could only recall the warm shelter like the past Nanohana Insitute.

After Nii-san and Mio-chan were gone, she could only cry alone every day and meet with a never seen before Diva in her dreams. At that time, it was probably the beginning of everything.

“If you form a contract with me, I will give you the same power as those two.” This is what the Diva said.

Using the power of Magic as bait, the existence of Diva wanting to corrode into one’s body. Kaya also knew about it.

However, that Diva…seems like she was purely sympathizing Kaya’s bitter encounter. Lending her power in order for her to meet those two again. So the young Kaya listened to those sweet whispers. And believed it.

However, since exchanging a contract with that Diva, her body has always felt a bit strange.

If she views that person as someone important, it would become that she would want to kill that person.

…Knowing that she would meet up with those two if she heads to Tokyo. Whether it is Nii-san, who would become a swordsman, or Mio-Chan, who would become a Magic User, both of them will eventually enter the Knights Academy.

So while she engages in Stigma Hunting, she will wait for the moment she reunites with those two.

The remaining people that are important to her. Even though she should only feel pure happiness ——What is the impulse!?

“…As expected, it is strange…What did you do to me? Hand over my mind back to me! Oi…answer me, Loki, Loki!”

Kaya grabbed onto her head that was in pain and questioned the Diva that was corroding her mind.

But no matter how long, there was no response. She was deceived. Perhaps she was deceived…

She wanted to see Nii-san again…However, if she sees him, she would definitely not be able to resist…

She recalled that next weekend, the Knights Academy will hold an Inter-Division Competition.

It was a good opportunity to sneak into the Academy that is usually prohibited to the average person.

Even if she did not run around on the streets, she will certainly be able to see Nii-san on that day.

She really wanted to see him, really wanted to see Nii-san again…Really wanted to kill him!

Kaya grabbed chaotically onto the hair that had lost its color and grabbed onto her head.

Beside her, Akira did not look at her berserk act even once and only continued to stare at the graffiti wall.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2021-12-27T03:02:50Z

Tman111: Fix grammar.

==Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio==

=== Part 1 ===

Kaguya-senpai brought cards over, the atmosphere of the welcome party became more lively than before.

Mio and Hoshikaze-senpai are the type that immediately reflects what they think to their faces, so they were extremely weak. On the contrary, Kaguya-senpai and Koyuki were so strong that it was scary.

Kaguya-senpai uses lies and bluffs with ease while Koyuki would have an impregnable fortress-like poker face.

However, because Kazuki had said “So senpai is the type whose expression is inconsistent with her personality” to Kaguya-senpai, after she “Fufufu” and smiled, she suddenly became extremely weak. After that, the final winner was Koyuki. She muttered “Well, it doesn’t matter.” And pulled the curtains down for the welcome party.

Because of Mio’s strong proposition, Kazuki’s room was arranged to be the furthest room on the second floor.

It was a location where there was an appropriate distance between the other girls’ rooms and it was separated by empty rooms. Although Kaguya-senpai had initially said that anywhere was fine, it can’t be helped.

Late at night after the welcome party, Kazuki opened the door of his own room.

“A new life huh…Although it seems like they are all hard to deal with, but it seems like it would work out.”

Just muttering like this, he lifted the soft blanket on top of the bed that was similar to a hotel.

“A new life. Right? Then, aim for a harem!”

——After lifting up the blanket, he do not know why Leme appeared from within.

“Leme!? Why are you hiding in such a place? Your room is at another location, right?”

“Yes. But, because there are some words that I do not want others to hear, so I came over to your room.”

“Words? Anything is fine…but didn’t you lose your memories?”

“Yes. But actually, despite the memory loss, Leme still vaguely remember what she is and what her mission is. Divas all have a meaning of existence that was decided based on the myth. It isn’t something that could be simply forgotten.”

A meaning of existence decided by the myth? Leme’s mission is…?

“Then in other words…Could it be the reason why you chose to grant me an Enigma!?”

“Yes. And Leme…Although I had said it in that place, but she is actually not a powerless Diva.”

Hearing these words, Kazuki widened his eyes. While facing Kazuki, Leme proudly answered.

“Leme’s mission is…to make you become a harem king!!”

…Haah? Kazuki’s eyes widened and froze there.

“I will only tell you, the contractor, my true identity. ——Leme’s true name is <The Lesser Key of Solomon> Lemegeton! The Demon King ruling over the 72 Pillars of Demons!!”

Wait a minute…Did you just say Lemegeton?

“ <The Lesser Key of Solomon> should be a Magic Book, isn’t it…?”

Lemegeton ——That name had indeed appeared in the myth related to Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

However, Lemegeton is not listed as a name for the 72 Pillars of Demon.

King Solomon, who governs the 72 Pillars of Demon, placed the contents of his summoning techniques inside a Magic Book <The Lesser Key of Solomon> ——It was passed on like this.

King Solomon was a human that was alive around 1000 B.C. But this Magic Book was discovered at the 17th century and had sparked the medieval people’s madness towards Black Magic and Alchemy. That the leader of the <Golden Dawn>, McGregor Mathers, treated it as a research object was also widely known.

“Wrong! That is completely wrong!” Leme angrily shook her head.

“It was passed on incorrectly. The majority of the people that seek for the method to summon Demons felt that it was easier to consider Leme as a Magic Book. This thought was too simple.”

“In other words, it is a convenient delusion that people before had fabricated?”

“That’s right. King Solomon did not use a Magic Book to use summoning techniques. It is because he had a contract with Lemegeton, who governs the 72 Pillars’ strength, to summon them!”

Governing 72 Pillars’ strength ——Is this the true power of Lemegeton?

“Right now I will tell you Leme’s power…Leme’s inherent Magic <Goetia> is all the ten magic owned by the 72 Pillars, who grant this academy strength. A total of 720 kinds of magic and they are all given to you!”

The words that Leme uttered gave an enormous impact to Kazuki.

All. In other words, according to the actual situation, he could use a total of 720 kinds of Magic.

It overthrew all his thoughts and two giant words floated within Kazuki’s mind <The Strongest>. The Diva that he, an E-Rank, contracted was…the strongest Diva.

“——However, there is a condition. This power is only allowed to be used by a <King>. Just like how Leme lets the 72 Pillars of Demon to be subordinates of hers, if you do not let the other people to become a subordinate of yours, your power as a King cannot be used. Errr, subordinate is not the word used in modern times…If we have to use the modern way of speaking…Then it is to make them fall in love with you!”

Make them…Fall in love…with me? I suddenly felt that…some idiotic words were spouted out.

“Through the mentality of the Magic User that you made into a subordinate, the Magic User’s contracted Diva’s power could be used by you. For example, if you let that Amasaki Mio fall in love with you, then you will form a path with that person. Leme will be able to draw power from Phenex. However, if you are still in an unpopular state…Although it is unfortunate, but Leme is only a powerless Diva…”

“…Unpopular and powerless Diva!? That is too weird.”

“It is not weird. The Divas have their own purpose of existing based on the myth. Solomon Divas’ missions were to grant wisdom to humans and let this country prosper. And once the Stigma Magic Users that are able to use the 72 Pillars grow up, it is necessary to govern them. Because a female’s Magic Power is relatively stronger, so all the Stigma Magic Users are females. If that’s the case, the King that caused them to submit ——is a harem king!”

“…What to do, it seems like it does make sense.”

“I am saying this first, if the situation of a harem king was not born, then the Solomon’s 72 Pillars would lose their motivations and give up on supporting this country. Because cultivating a King is the meaning of existence for the Solomon Divas. Just like when they obeyed Israel’s King Solomon, they are all Divas of the assistants, who were willing to do their best, for the King.”

“Wait a minute, isn’t this extremely important to this country!?”

The true meaning of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars supporting the Japanese government is actually still not clear. Even so, the Japanese government desires the power of Magic. For the military forces, they cannot help but rely on the 72 Pillars.

If they were to lose the support of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars, Japan would be dropped from their position as a Magically Advanced Country.

“A King’s power is to be able to gather the fragmented things, <Convergence Power>. If he does not have this Convergence Power, then in the future, humans would not be able to deal with the giant wave that would come to this world. By recognizing that a single individual is weak, so it is necessary to cultivate a king. This is the mission of Leme and Solomon’s 72 Pillars…”

“…A giant wave that would come to this world?”

Just now Leme had said that she vaguely remembers her mission.

“The numerous mysterious fragments inside the world of myths are all quietly gathering underwater. Not only in Japan, but in all of the 7 countries. At a certain stage, it would overturn the world.”

7 countries ——There is no doubt that it refers to the 7 Magically Advanced Countries.

“…So, in order to reach this goal, a harem is required?”

“There is no helping that you would feel troubled since you are suddenly being told that you would need to make a harem. But please rest assured! Leme will grant you a Magical Dress that would play a role in your creation of a harem!”

After hearing the phrase, Magical Dress, Kazuki, who was shocked, had white light shining on the middle finger of his left hand. The light had a bit of miss ——Suddenly, it became a ring that was made with materials similar to copper. As a Magical Dress, it was indeed too small.

“Because currently Leme had lost her memory, so she could only give you a small ring. However, this ring is the famous and legendary <Solomon’s Ring>! This ring can capture the sound of the girls’ hearts, measure their feelings and convert it to values.”

“…The effects are completely different than the ones that I know.”

In the legend, it was recorded that the Solomon’s Ring was to allow a person to understand the words of animals and plants.

“It has been rewritten in accordance with the modern style. Inject your Magic Power and test it out.”

Following what she said, he inserted Magic Power to the ring. Afterwards, a white light flashed in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

The light gradually depicted images and became a three-dimensional image information.

“These information is the measurement results of the girls’ feelings that you should conquer. In other words, it represents the positivity levels of the girls.”

The image that emerged in front recorded the names of girls that Kazuki was familiar with. Next to the name, a graph appeared one after another. The graph even had number values showing out.

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“…T, This is the positivity levels of everybody towards me!?”

“This ring also has the ability to chase after and capture the mental changes of the girls. This is already in order for you to see it carefully and visually. If the girl’s positivity levels increase, a red heart will appear. If the positivity level decreases, then a black skull will appear. Then, it will be absorbed into the ring. Just like this, the graph will be changed. The images cannot be seen by others. If you are able to monitor the changes of positivity levels in real time, then you will become sensitive towards the other person’s true feelings and know what you have to do to make them happy. This way, no matter what kind of girl they are, you will be able to make them attracted to you!”

“…A human’s heart cannot be easily realizable like a game.”

Right, just when I thought about it ——isn’t this similar to a game?

And it is the simulation game that becomes intimate with girls ——In other words, a <Galge>!”

As a swordsman, I will not be captivated by that kind of thing, so far I have never had any concerns about it. However, it is not something I was completely uninterested in. But that actually falls onto my own pace…?

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“…There must be a mistake. Why is Amasaki ranked number 1? That person seems to hate sword techniques and despise me.”

“I know, I know. Tsundere, Tsundere. There is no doubt that she is a tsundere.”

“Tsundere!? What is that…That kind of thing is also too strange.”

If Amasaki was 55, then wouldn’t Kanae’s positivity levels probably reach 300 million?

“Because there is no benchmark, I do not understand it well. Is it unable to measure Kanae’s positivity levels?”

“Although I do not know who you are talking about, but the only thing that is certain is that it only works with people who formed a contract with a Diva.”

“…Then, I can only consider these four people’s positivity levels? No matter how I look at it, I cannot believe that Amasaki is 55 when she does not hold any good intentions to me…Compared to Kaguya-senpai, which is lower, at first glance, she appears to be very friendly, but it is only on the surface. Hiakari is taking an indifferent attitude towards me, so that value doesn’t really matter. However, what is frustrating is…Hoshikaze-senpai’s 30. That is already treating me as if I was the same rank as a bug…”

“Wait, if you treat tsundere’s tsun as the truth, then using that as the basis, it will make others distrustful.”

Indeed, Mio would occasionally exhibit the unbelievable attitude when they had their first meeting.

Then that stingy attitude, compared to hating me ——It is more like joking awkwardly with me?

“A positivity level of around 30 means a position which is more than acquaintances, but less than friends. If the positivity level is over 65, you will obtain the key to their hearts. As a result, you will be able to use Level 1 Summoning Magic of the Diva that she contracted with. So, you must approach Amasaki Mio first!”

The 10 kinds of Inherent Magic that the Divas own are divided into 10 Levels. A Stigma Magic User could use a High Level Summoning Magic that matches the wavelength of the Diva.

In contrast, Kazuki is still in a powerless state right now. Although he is still at a state of being observed, but if this continues, he would also doubt the meaning of him staying at the Magic Division. In other words to get rid of his title as being the lowest-ranked, a Level 1 is good, anything is good, he must be able to use Summoning Magic.

However…why does he have to make Amasaki fall in love with him?

In other words, he would have to make someone fall in love with him for power? Isn’t this exactly…like a game!?

“…The so-called positivity levels, isn’t it fine if it is not feelings of love, but feelings of friendship?”

“Ehhh? You are speaking of friendship between men and women?”

“Because the so-called positivity levels shouldn’t just be all about feelings of love, right?”

“Friendship between men and women is not that easily achieved, right? Forming a friendship with all the 72 people feels even harder than forming a harem. It seems like you do not have much experience forming a friendship with females.”

“I was looked down by a young girl!?”

“Don’t use the phrase young girl! Leme is only in a young girl state because my strength and a portion of my memories are lost! If you slowly gather strength, Leme will also recover an appearance that matches her strength!”

“In the end, I am not interested in love.”

Remembering back, from the beginning of junior high, his male friends were all talking about girl-related topics. However, compared to that kind of thing, he only wanted to improve his sword techniques a bit more and earn recognition from his adopted father and Kanae.

“Not interested in love? Really?”

Towards Leme’s skeptical tone, Kazuki was a bit angry.

“Really. So I…will not use feelings of love, but positivity values from friendship to reach the pinnacle of Summoning Magic!”

Becoming friends with everybody here and getting rid of the incompetent evaluation of an E-Rank.

If that’s the case…I would be able to accept it and become motivated.

“…Forget it, since Our King (Basileus) says so, then Leme will not forcibly request it.”

“What is the meaning of <Our King>?”

“Fufufu, from now on, you will become a harem king. In Greek, Basileus Goetia means <The King that rules the 72 Pillars>”

Once they talked about Basileus, the leader of the secret organization would instead appear inside their mind.

The leader of <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, Basileus Basileon…

Leaving the phrase <The world is being eroded by myths>, a man that was considered to be dead…

“I do not intend to become a harem king.”

“Forget it, Leme right now does not have any memories. She will temporarily look at the developments. Leme can materialize into such a physical body and could also let her materialized form to disappear into Astrum to observe your mental state.”

Once she said up to this point, Leme’s body completely disappeared.

Thinking that she had left just like this, she casually materialized again in the end.

“…Even though you did not steal a human’s body, yet you, as a Diva, are able to materialize in this world, it is originally something that is incredible.”

“There is a reason. First, Leme and your connection is much stronger than ordinary circumstances. Probably because we had kissed during our contract…Oiii, why are you blushing!”

“I did not blush!”

“Through the act of connecting the symbol of spiritual level, it strengthened the contract. Thanks to that, Leme cannot form another contract with a person besides you. In exchange, it greatly enhances the efficiency of Magic Power. There is another point…Although due to memory loss, so it is extremely vague, but apparently Leme seemed to be a Diva that has longing to humanity. So compared to the other Divas, there is a big change for the method of existing.”

“Has longing, to humanity…?”

“Probably, but I do not really remember about this matter. To the current Leme, it does not matter.”

“Won’t you feel uneasy if I do not make a harem, so you would not recover your memories?”

“For the queue, when Leme was summoned, she pretended to have no powers. It is because if the surrounding people knew about Leme’s ability of becoming stronger after collecting positivity levels, I believe the surrounding people would be defensive about it. Thus, in the future, it is best to keep Leme’s ability a secret from other people.”

Kazuki also did not want others to know about this ability.

…However, Liz Liza-sensei wanted me to report to her no matter what happened…

“Let us stop here. Leme is going to sleep. Our king, it is almost time to sleep, right?”

“Eh? You have your own room now. There are also empty rooms here.”

“I don’t want it. Leme will sleep together with Our King, who is her contractor.

Leme rolled her eyes, stared emotionlessly at Kazuki and rejected it.

“This is also because, although Leme’s body requires very little energy, but it is originally constructed by your Magic Power. Staying by your side would make her existence more stable.”

Leme tightly grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand and pulled him to the bed.

As close as possible, Leme treated Kazuki as a charger as she hugged him. Then, she used the remote control to turn off the lights inside the room. Inside the darkness, her brown skin was just as soft as a female human, and exuded an incredulous smell.

Having said that, with such a small child, it feels just like sleeping together with a younger sister.

“Good night! Our Stoic King.”

“…Who is stoic, naturally, the words about completely being uninterested in girls is a lie.”

He did not hate girls, of course he was interested.

But if he became active towards girls just for the sake of power…

It will be extremely rude to the other side.

After all, he did not have much confidence in becoming someone else’s partner in love.

Because, I——

The phone inside his pocket suddenly vibrated. It seems like he received a message.

“Nii-sama, it is a night with a beautiful moon. Kanae is about to go to sleep while dressing in extremely sexy pajamas. (Please feel free to imagine it and become excited). It will be great if I am able to see Nii-sama inside my dreams. Nii-sama, too, please see Kanae inside your dreams. Then, good night——Your loving Kanae.”

Kazuki typed back the phrase “Quickly brush your teeth and sleep” and replied.

=== Part 2 ===

The next morning. Due to his usual habits, Kazuki had already woke up before the sun even rose.

Although it was like this, under the current circumstances, there was already no need to practice swinging his sword…Speaking of which, Kaguya-senpai had said that the first-year students would be responsible for the household chores here.

Then if he was to work hard starting from this morning, it might surprise the senpais.

When Kazuki changed his clothes in the dim room, Leme also got up abruptly.

“You immediately thought of earning positivity levels from the girls? Our King!”

“…When you are saying it like that, it feels a bit uncomfortable.”

If the senpais were happy, then he would be satisfied. It was only that.

Inside the lounge, the wrappings and leftover snacks eaten at last night’s party was thrown everywhere.

Kazuki cleaned it all up and began to prepare breakfast.

“…Since it is a rare opportunity, let’s make some bento as well.”

After making breakfast, Kazuki took advantage of his interest and further proceeded to make bento. There was still plenty of time and the fridge had plenty of ingredients.

“Rather, I seem to have become a maid<ref>He actually said maid here. Just so you know, he is not female.</ref>.”

“…What are you saying, Our King. Wait, your eyes seems to be dead.”

“When I am able to make others happy, it allows me to feel that I am alive…”

Just when he was rhythmically cutting the ingredients, he heard somebody’s footsteps going down the stairs.

“…Although I was thinking that if there was the need to clean up, I can still do it…but it seems like someone did it first.”

Issuing ,*patapata*, footsteps sound, she was still wearing her underwear + shirt appearance.

“Good morning, Hiakari-san. Because there is a male student here, please do not wear that kind of appearance again. Please wear a maid outfit and come make breakfast with me.”

“…I can’t cook. Because I am a human who does not know anything but Magic.”

“Even though Hiakari-san was living here in the past, could it be that you have never done household chores?”

“…Once, I attempted to cook, as a result, the 3rd year senpai’s mouth emitted blue lights.”

“Food that makes one instinctively activate defensive magic!? It could judge that there were toxic substances!?”

“I was thinking that I could do work such as cleaning up, so I came…”

Perhaps it was from a psychological effect, her shoulders drooped. Then, with a speed that did not give time for others to retain her, she left the kitchen.

The one that appeared next in the kitchen was Mio, who was actually said to have the highest positivity levels here.

“Good morning, Amasaki. You should also work hard on the household chores.

Mio ignored Kazuki’s greeting, until she was next to Kazuki and looked at his hands.

“…It’s karaage. It’s karaage!”

“Yes, before when I was still at the orphanage, it is the dish that I am best at, which I learned from the facility’s chef.”

Mio’s response was to only look at Kazuki’s hand, which was in the middle of cooking, with sparkling eyes.

A red heart floated out from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into the ring on Kazuki’s left hand.

This is the power of the Magical Dress that Leme had mentioned before!?

But, why at this time? Does she really like karaage that much?

“Hey, it will be very boring if you just watch, come over here and let’s do it together.”

“Why must I do household chores?”

“Because here, the lower class students have to do household chores, right? Aren’t you also a first-year student?”

“Yes, we are both first years. However, just like there is a hierarchy relationship like third and first year students, there is also a hierarchy relationship between a first year’s A-Rank and E-Rank.”

Mio, who was watching at Kazuki’s hand, finally lifted her eyes and stared at Kazuki.

“If I am a person who would do odd jobs for the third year senpais…Then, you, who is an E-Rank, are my slave!”

“Is that so!? But indeed…the academy pursues a meritocracy style.”

So the household chores had become solely done by a person?

…Although it would make him a bit excited, but it feels like it would be more fun if everybody was to do it together.

“…You should feel grateful for being allowed to cook my meals.”

After that, Mio continued to stare at Kazuki’s cooking appearance.

The breakfast menu was grilled fish, spinach as a cold salad, white rice and miso soup. It was an extremely common Japanese breakfast.

“Delicious! It is really tasty, otouto-kun! The freshness from this grilled fish…Could it be that it was recently caught!? From the garden’s pond over there?”

“…No, I only grilled the fish fillets inside the fridge.”

“Amazing…Even though he is a boy, but he is able to cook so well…Hayashizaki-kun is not a crude boy. If it is a boy like that, then perhaps I won’t feel afraid.”

The two senpais had a deeply moved expression and were extremely happy.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|thumb]]

Images of red hearts emerged from the bodies of these two and were absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. When Kazuki realized about the positivity levels of these two, a graph appeared in his eyes.

“Fufufu, this way, you have captured the stomach of these girls!”

Leme, who was sitting next to him at the table, smiled silently. With a voice only audible to Kazuki, she teased him.

Anyways, he could not calm down. Even though he did not carry these intentions to do household chores.

From that day on, the Magic Division’s course quickly began.

At the Magic Division, there were separate courses such as <Mythology>, <Tactical Theory> and <Magic Practice>.

Mythology was just like its name suggests. It is a course to learn knowledge about myths.

In this class, a semi-fat scholar came to teach the students.

“——The Israel King Solomon was loved by the Gods. He summoned 72 Demons, granted him the Magic Book <Lesser Key of Solomon> and brought the Kingdom of Isreal to its golden age.

It was just like the myth, the 72 Pillars of Solomon that appeared in modern times became the supporter of humans.

Solomon’s 72 Pillars were once called demons. But as they appeared in modern Japan, magic and religious beliefs should be considered separately. Thus, they would combine God and Demon together and call them Diva. <ref>神魔 = Diva. Diva is formed by using the characters of God + Demon.</ref>

For example, Baal <ref>Baal is the Principal King of Hell. He is depicted as a man or a bull and is the 1st Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. In the ancient times, he was the highest God that was worshiped by the Phoenicians, but in the Christian doctrine, he was known as Baal-Zebub, or Beelzebub and was treated as a demon. However, Magic Users, who are simply seeking for power, should not go along with this kind of prejudice regarding about religion. Whether it is a God or a Demon, there was basically no difference.

Diva. Although it was derived from Demons, but it does not mean evil. It simply has a meaning that it is <A thing that goes beyond human wisdom>——”

The Tactical Theory was related to the tactics that the Knights use. It was taught by the female teachers, who had already retired, but were originally Stigma Magic Users. Because Magic Power would gradually reduce from the peak amount in the twenties, so they would retire early.

“——The so-called basic tactic of the Knights is the <Heaven and Earth Formation>. This is formed by having the Swordsman (Vanguard Attackers) initiating close-combat and the Stigma Magic Users (Rearguard Finisher), who would be protected by the Swordsman as they chant Summoning Magic.

The Magic Sword’s power of the Swordsman is not worth mentioning compared to Summoning Magic. If we gathered all the Magic Power from you guys, who are in the school, then no matter how many times they cut, we could still bear it with just Defense Magic.

However, if you are continuously attacked by swords, it would hinder your concentration and the Summoning Magic Chant will be interrupted. Thus, the swordsmen, who are assigned at the frontlines, have become extremely important.

What usually decides the battlefield’s fate is the high-level Summoning Magic that was activated after a long chant. Thus, the Swordsman would act as shields and sacrifice themselves in the formation is this Heaven and Earth Formation.

It is a tactic to throw away the swordsman after the battle, in order for the chosen people——”

Magic Practice is the actual use of Magic in the sports ground.

Having said that, among the first years, only Mio and Hiakari had successfully formed a contract in the correct way. The two of them had honestly used the Level 1 Magic and increase the precision of their Spell Chant in order to train for the Higher Level Summoning Magic.

Aside from these two students, the others were doing training in order for them to successfully form a contract with the Divas.

Contracting with a Diva’s consciousness was regularly held by the Magic Division’s Student Council after school.

In order for them to actually succeed next time, the students would all continuously train and hone their Perceptibility Enhancement Magic and train to dive into the depths of the Spiritual World.

However, Kazuki is placed in a very delicate position. Although he had succeeded with the contract, but he does not have any Summoning Magic he could use.

Thus, whether it was the successful group, or the failure group, he could not be placed in either of these groups.

“Spin~~nn, spin, spin, Spin~~nn, spin, spin, spin around for me~”

Kazuki was squatting in front of a bucket and muttered while he stirred the water inside.

This was Normal Magic training based on Kazuki’s ability that Liz Liza-sensei had assigned to him.

Fluid Control —— Fluids like gas or liquid are easier to manipulate using Telepathy Magic. If you are accustomed to controlling water or fire, it will definitely be useful in the battlefield…This is what Liz Liza-sensei had said,

“…UWAHHH, he is really playing around with a bucket.”

“His contracted Diva is really useless.”

The classmates all threw a mocking gaze towards Kazuki.

It was common sense that Normal Magic would not have much use in battle. Although he was similar to the people who cannot use Summoning Magic, but Kazuki’s training would not have any developments and had no future.

As a prominent male student in the class, and also an E-Rank. Even though he had succeeded a contract, but he actually had no ability, so he could only do this kind of training ——It was natural that others would look down upon him.

However, no matter what training it is, since he had already started, he must concentrate and do it.

“What are you doing!? Is playing around with a bucket a specialty Magic of an E-Rank?”

Mio, who was wearing the Magical Dress, peeked from behind Kazuki and talked to him.

“This is very difficult. If you reduce a bit of strength, the water would cause ripples and overflow. It will not work unless you maintain your concentration for a long period of time.”

“This kind of thing is simple.”

She said dissatisfiedly…Towards her, who was an A-Rank, perhaps it was simple.

“But what kind of help would this training have for a battle? Isn’t your Magic Power for fighting and not for cooking? Isn’t it fine if you use your prideful swords to stir it around instead of Magic?”

“What do you treat swords as! They will rust!”

“It should be you, what are you treating Magic as! Forget it, since you already have Hayashizaki’s swords, the Summoning Magic shouldn’t matter to you at all. Then why are you staying at the Magic Division?”

Under the circumstances of other girls staying away, only Mio would come over and say these scornful words.

“I can already use Level 2 Magic. It was a thing that happened in a blink of an eye!”

…Already Level 2? At this pace, then would she immediately reach Level 10?

The Summoning Magic is divided into 10 stages. When you reach the highest difficulty of Level 10, you would able to use <Complete Summon> and let the Diva <Materialize> into the world.

Aside from that, Summoning Magic, although it was called Summoning, but it does not materialize the Diva into this world. It can only bring forth a <Magical Phenomenon that the Diva caused> and letting them activate it.

For example, if two students with the same contracted Diva were to use Summoning Magic at the same time, as long as it is not Level 10, there will be no problems. It will provide power to both individuals and both their Magic would activate.

Although Leme is an exception, but letting a Diva materialize is originally extremely difficult.

“Hmmmm, when you are still stirring the bucket of water, I must use this Phenex and show my talents. I will let you see the great hero of this country, who would defeat all the Illegal Magic Users that causes terror and do dondokudo-n in this world! I’ll let you know what is a true elite ♪”

“Oi, wait, elite. What is dondokudo-n?”

“…You actually being this weak compared to me. It feels a bit complicated.”

Mio quietly muttered…Just now, what did she say?

“Sensei! Yamanaka-san fell down!”

Hearing the students’ cries, Liz Liza-sensei hurriedly rushed to the side of the fallen student.

“…<Magic Drunk> huh. She must have wanted to hurry and let the contract succeed, so she was reckless, huh…The other trashes should also be careful, do not overuse your Magic!”

Magic Drunk. If you were to forcibly use Magic when your Magic was extremely low, your spirit will be pulled into Astrum and collapsed there.

What was particularly needed to be aware of is being attacked when you have very little Magic Power remaining.

If you reflexively and forcibly draw out Magic that surpasses your limits from Astrum in order to protect your own body. Even if your body is spared, you would also fall into a deep coma.

Naturally, the situation of drawing over the limits and not being able to protect from the strong attack was also possible. It was known as overkill. Thus, you must always be aware of your remaining Magic Power.

Kazuki once again turned towards the bucket. Although it was a training that others look down upon, but Liz Liza-sensei was a teacher, who protected him during the staff meeting.

If this kind of teacher said that it will not be in vain, then it must not be a wasted effort.

…From today on, not only the morning chores after waking up, he should also add in Normal Magic training.

=== Part 3 ===

“Is this karaage? Although I know about the related knowledge…Delicious! It is a joy that makes one truly feel alive!”

Leme, who disappeared during class, had materialized at lunch time to eat food.

“Karaage…I have not eaten such a plebeian food for so long. At the Amasaki’s house, this kind of thing will never be put on the table. It is the fault of this E-Rank slave, there is nothing more shabby than this.”

Next to Leme, Mio placed the table together and was eating the same bento.

…Why did this person specially come over to eat together?

Behind his seat, Koyuki was eating the bento alone. At first, Kazuki had invited her over to eat, but he was coldly rejected. If that’s the case, then why did Mio come over?

“It does not matter if I have to do all the household chores…But please do not call me a slave.”

“…But I do not recognize you as a member of the Witch’s House. Forget it, since the food that was made have no sin, then I can only reluctantly eat it.”

Placing mouthfuls of karaage into her mouth, Mio said with a pretentious tone.

Saying that she was reluctant had made Kazuki frustrated. The karaage was a dish from his memories of the Nanohana Institute.

“It shouldn’t be awful…”

“It is awful. This kind of thing is extremely disgusting.”

When she places the karaage in her mouth, which was opposite of what she was saying, Mio’s cheeks would soften.

“…It was made extremely well. Thank you.”

“Hiakari-san…Thank you. But since you have already said such words, as expected, you should come over and eat! Don’t just whisper your thanks from behind!”

Kazuki turned his head around. She only said “Don’t look over here” and turned to one side.

A black skull flew into the ring. It was not from Koyuki, but from Mio. After turning his head back to the front, he did not know why, but he could only see Mio glaring at him unhappily.

“Oi, even though I am eating with you, don’t turn to the back and desperately request for another woman.”

“That’s right. Amasaki-san, do you have some time now?”

Suddenly being talked to by someone, Mio “Eh?” and looked back.

When she noticed, everybody’s gaze were concentrated at this side.

“Amasaki-san, do you have a good relationship with that E-Rank…Hayashizaki-kun?”

“W, What good relationship, how is that possible. This person is a slave! Because I am a Student Council trainee…I had obtained a slave from the Student Council President! Don’t be mistaken!”

Kaguya-senpai did not say anything related to a slave trade.

“That’s true! You only treated him as a useful slave, that’s great!”

With this as a beginning, the other students of the class began to speak one by one.

“How is it possible that the A-Rank Amasaki-san would enter the Student Council with the E-Rank male student! We were all thinking what was going on, but now we are reassured!”

“That person, who cannot even use Summoning Magic, was actually mixed into this class, how disgusting.”

The temperature surrounding him had rapidly dropped.

No,no,no. It was maybe not all of a sudden, it was possible that everybody was gearing up and waited for an opportunity to throw such gazes.

As a Stigma Magic User candidate, they have extreme pride. They wanted to exclude the abnormality (Kazuki), but because they did not know why Mio, whose rank was higher than theirs, was together with him, so they hesitated.

…It was probably like that.

“Hey, Amasaki-san. Do you also think this way?”

They were trying to confirm secretly from Mio <That it was alright to treat this guy as a target for bullying.> And Mio, who did not understand the situation, could only look around confused.

What on earth was happening? Kazuki thought while remaining calm.

He was aware that he was an abnormality. He was already resolved about this situation.

“…Forget it! We, the Magic Division, do not require swords! You are already an E-Rank, and you were saying that your specialty was swords…Hayashizaki-Ryuu is completely useless!”

In the end, Mio still followed the atmosphere of this classroom.

“Compared to my Phenex, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is simply trash! What Ancient Sword Techniques, there is no difference compared to the primitives swinging sticks around!”

“Hayashizaki-Ryuu?” The surrounding people were confused about the target that she pointed out at.

Kazuki was also angered by this phrase.

…It was the same when I first introduced myself. Why does this person always target the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? Because it was on the news, so knowing about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu was not something strange…But what do you know about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? I do not mind if I was looked down upon…But if it is the people, who are important to me, that are being looked down upon, then it is not fine.

“Since you actually said it like this…Do you think I will remain silent forever?”

Mio faced Kazuki and revealed a provocative expression.

The anger within Kazuki’s belly was rushing upwards.

However, if he were to move using his emotions ——He would lose his place in the classroom.

“Our King, compared to the foolish Stigma Magic User, you are much stronger.”

Beside the silent Kazuki, a surprising sound rang out. It was Leme.

“What are you people, who still have not changed the Enigma into Stigma, or you, who can only use Low Level Summoning Magic saying? If you let Leme, who is a Diva, to speak, it is really funny. Our King’s Sword techniques are stronger than you a hundred times. And the karaage that Our King made is very delicious.”

Because the surrounding people were all silent, that voice completely infiltrated their bodies.

“…W, What, you useless Diva.”

“There is no need for Our King to use Leme’s power to deal with people such as you. If you doubt it, you can try it. Isn’t there a system called <Duel> in this academy?”

“Hey, Leme, what are you saying? You have lost your memories, you shouldn’t know anything about my sword techniques. Don’t just careless say words out.”

Kazuki hurriedly tried to stop her, but Leme only stared directly at Kazuki.

“Indeed, Leme doesn’t know anything, but I can still understand. Although I do not know why I selected you, but because you are a person that this Leme has chosen —— You cannot be weak. And although I had only been with you for a short day, I still fully understand your character. You said that you have spent your life so far honing your sword techniques. Then if that’s the case ——You are not weak. Even if I do not know anything, I can still understand it.”

Leme even leaned over closer and whispered into his ear.

“…And, that girl, Amasaki Mio, truthfully, she wants to lose to you.”

“…What’s that.”

“It is more accurate to say that…she hopes that you are a strong person. So that’s why she argues with you. This is also for positivity levels, so show off to her.”

“…In the end, it was still for that. That isn’t good, fighting in order to obtain positivity values.”

“Most importantly, it is unrelated to positivity values…Weren’t you also thinking that you <Want to Fight>? Leme and your heart are connected, so I had seen through it a long time ago.”

Leme smiled and knocked Kazuki’s chest.

…She is saying that I wanted to fight? I actually…?

Holding a sword in my hands, as a swordsman, fight ——against the Stigma Magic User, who had provoked this side.

Inside Kazuki’s calm mind, a sweet heat began to erode it.

As a member of the Magic Division, he must leave behind his longing for sword techniques. But ——

“…That is true. Indeed, it is time to let these people change their thinking about sword techniques.”

The people that were most important to him were looked down upon, yet he could still remain indifferent. As expected, it wasn’t his way of living.

“Oi, you two, what are you guys secretly talking about?”

Mio said to the two people. Leme immediately turned to Mio and revealed a detestable expression.

“Actually, you are very weak! Desperately saying Leme’s King is an E-Rank slave, you must be afraid of Our King!?”

“…-How is it possible that I’m afraid of that guy!?”

Mio could not help but stand up. In response, Kazuki also stood up.

“Amasaki Mio. I request a duel with you.”

Hearing these words, everybody in the room, including Mio, widened their eyes in shock.

This was the natural reaction. Compared to Summoning Magic, Swords were looked down upon.

Heaven and Earth Formation. Swordsman were only to buy time for the Stigma Magic User’s Chants. A Meat Shield. This was common knowledge.

Kazuki coldly looked around his surroundings. That common knowledge ——made him extremely angry inside his heart.

“You say a duel…But you can’t use Summoning Magic, right?”

“I will only fight with a sword. If I win, I hope that you can take back the insults you said towards the Hayashizaki Family.”

Hearing this phrase, Mio’s expression changed.

“As expected, you still have longing towards the Hayashizaki’s Sword Techniques! Even though you are already a person like me in the Magic Division…Okay, I’ll accompany you! I’ll let you fully experience it!!”

The originally frozen classroom began to quarrel again.

“…Although I do not understand, that person is saying that he would <Use Sword Techniques to fight against an A-Rank>?”

“Amasaki-san can already use Level 2 Magic, right!? Then it is impossible.”

“You… are still the same as before…”

When it was already impossible to stop, Mio muttered in a low voice.

“What did you say?”

Just like this ——A red heart appeared from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

A red heart? At this time, it should be a black skull. As expected, this ring is abnormal.

“Nothing, you E-Rank! Stupid Idiot! I’m looking forward to the time after school end!”

She rushed back to her own seat. What is a Stupid Idiot? Oi, you forgot about the half-finished bento. Finish it! The karaage I made!!

“You’ve said it well…Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki sat down, Koyuki’s voice came from behind.

It looks like he was not completely alone.

After the application that was submitted to the Student Council in the Knights Academy was approved, then you can begin a duel.

It was a competition of strength between students that under safety rules of stopping the attack before the Defense Magic was completely reduced to zero, where the Student Council was present.

“A duel request? Otouto-kun and Mio-chan?”

After Kaguya-senpai, who was currently organizing information in the Student Council office, heard her kouhais’ words, her eyes widened.

“Really, even Otouto-kun is reckless. The duel that has strict rules is different than the reckless scuffles that Kanae-chan participates in. If it is in a duel format, the Stigma Magic User will only escape as they continuously use Level 1 Magic and it will completely eliminate your Defensive Magic. This is not a joke.”

“Has Kanae, till this date, fought against the Magic Division students?”

“…Formally no. Although Kanae-chan wanted to do so, but even if the Magic Division students were to win against the Sword Division students, their rank evaluation will not increase. Thus, everybody avoids it.”

“If that’s the case, then senpai should not know what kind of battle it will become between the Hayashizaki-Ryuu and Summoning Magic.”

“There is no need to duel and you would still know it, idiot.”

Mio inserted hateful words. At the same time, senpai finally realized that the two of them were both serious.

“W, Why did it become such a tense relationship? Fighting isn’t good!”

“No, I cannot give in. As long as my foster father’s sword is being looked down upon, I cannot tolerate it.”

“Why…are you so serious about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu. Even though you are someone from the Magic Division…Just like an idiot!”

At this time, someone broke the Student Council’s door and stormed in.

“It’s the time to completely defeat someone, Nii-sama! I have heard of the matter, As expected from Nii-sama!?”

“Ah, Kanae-chan? Why did you come to the Magic Division?”

Kanae completely ignored Kaguya-senpai and rushed directly in front of Kazuki.

“…So it was like this. Nii-sama wanted to rampage inside the Magic Division in order to prove the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu…In other words, a spy inside the Magic Divison! Such foresight, even Kanae did not think about it. Because Kanae’s duels were always rejected! However, after you taught everybody a lesson in the Magic Division, please transfer back to the Sword Division.”

“How is that possible, idiot.”

Kazuki use his two hands and firmly pulled Kanae’s cheeks that was as soft as rice cakes.

Kanae issued out a “Funyaaaaaaaa!” cry.

“President! As expected, you are here. Please do not suddenly rush out when we are having a meeting.”

The person who appeared after Kanae was the Sword Division’s Torazou-senpai.

“Oi, Kanae, don’t skip work and come over here to do your bro-con acts.”

“It’s not like that! Indeed, Kanae wanted to see Nii-sama to the extent that she is trembling…But it is not because of this purpose that I came. Nii-sama, this is for you.”

Kanae handed over a one-edged Japanese Sword to Kazuki.

“…This is!”

Kazuki had already left his beloved sword at the Hayashizaki Family. Therefore, for the matter related to the duel, he wanted to ask Kanae or the Sword Division to borrow a sword…

“Yes, this is Nii-sama’s <Doufuu>. Because she felt that it will be needed, so Kanae had secretly brought it over. This is such an amazing foresight. Please praise me. Then, please fall in love with me.”

Kazuki’s beloved sword, Doufuu. It was an iron-cutting sword that was created through the hands of alchemists.

Among the history of Japanese swords, the ancient sword during Kamakura era ——The Kamakura ancient swords was the strongest. However, this kind of technique had already been lost and had become a lost art.

Through Alchemy, it had let this Kamakura Ancient Sword, Doufuu, appear once again.

The past Japanese Swords were made using a soft steel core, with hard steel on the outside, <Heart of Steel Structure>, in order to obtain a balance of toughness and hardness. The soft core absorbs the impact to prevent it from breaking, while the hard surface prevents it from becoming crooked.

With this kind of structure, it was easily broken due to the difference of hardness at the location where the two steel stuck together.

Compared to this, Doufuu was created with a single steel material.

The steel’s hardness was decided by the carbon content. Doufuu, through the Fluid Control Magic to control the amount of carbon content dissolved into the steel, so that the inner core was soft, then as it extended outwards, it had become hard…Because it was made with a single material for the structure, it was a thing that was extremely ideal as it maintained the balance of hard and soft. This is Micro-Level Alchemy.

Because there was no extreme difference of hardness in the structure, it had stuck together extremely tough. Once it was swung, it was like a whip that was bent.

Its toughness and sharpness could even cut iron.

As proof of Kazuki’s independence, his foster father awarded it to him

The moment he held it in his hands, the feeling of the heavy sword seemed to have become familiar with him just like a part of his body.

…Although he had made a resolve after becoming a Stigma Magic User, as expected, he was still a swordsman.

No, in order to change into a new self, there was no need to abandon his past.

“Nii-sama, Nii-sama, please praise me. Then as a reward, please kiss me.”

“Don’t get carried away in front of everybody in the Student Council, idiot.”

Looking at Kazuki and Kanae’s interactions, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki revealed surprised gazes.

“…The Sword Division’s President is older than Hayashizaki-kun, she should be an older sister, right? What is going on?”

“It can’t be some kind of perverted type of play, right…?”

Even though the fact that Kazuki was a male, yet he obtained an Engima was spread around by the news, but the problem regarding about their true age, which had caused the relationship regarding about the siblings age to be reversed, was still pretty much unknown.

“Hmph, whether you use a sword to fight or a Kiritanpo <ref>A Japanese dish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiritanpo</ref> to fight, it is the same! Let’s us begin…Bring it on!”

“Bringing it on is a rather old way of speaking. But…Fine.”

“W, Wait a minute, I have not accepted the request yet!”

The duel must have the permission of either side’s Student Council. But ——

“If you do not accept it, then I will accept it! Nii-sama, Nii-sama, good luck!!”

——With the Sword Division Student Council accepting it, a special duel began.

At the sports ground, Kazuki and Mio were confronting each other.

There was already a crowd of students coming over to observe after hearing the news.

A Sword and Magic Clash conducted between freshmen, it had gathered a lot of concern disregarding the Division restriction.

“Although they do not need to specifically gather here, this duel will end in a short time period!”

She chanted a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with the Diva at Astrum.

“I know thy name…Thy name is <Phenex>…A poet and a Magician! The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

Her Stigma glowed an orange color like the flames shadow. At the same time it glowed, the uniform was disintegrated and reconstructed into the Magical Dress. The faintly glowing clothes and her twintails swayed due to the wind.

…Looking again, this person was an extremely beautiful girl.

Kazuki’s Magical Dress was only a small ring. However, on his waist, his beloved sword Doufuu released an explicit sense of presence. The combination of a Magic Division’s uniform with a Sword, seemed to give off a powerful contrast.

The beautiful Stigma Magic User and the Magic Swordsman that was dressed up uniquely were confronting each other here.

He did not know why…but it feels like he was looking forward to this duel since entering this school.

“Then under the supervision of Hiakari Koyuki, the duel between Amasaki Mio and Hayashizaki Kazuki will begin.”

The referee was Koyuki. The so-called referee was the role which stops the battle when it was dangerous. She, who had been at the Student Council since junior high, had already accumulated sufficient experience.

The duel was carried out in a situation where they were separated by a distance of 50 meters. Although Kazuki could cross this distance in 5 seconds through Magic Enhancement, but Mio could also dodge while she chants spells.

This distance is a rule that gives the Stigma Magic Users the upper hand. Because even in a battle, it was not easy for a swordsman to approach the Stigma Magic Users, thus it had become a rule that was taken for granted.

If the two of them were separated by a distance of 50 meters, Mio’s figure would become as small as a bean.

Anxiousness made the time become irritable. Kazuki displayed an Iai posture and imagined the scene of heat coming up from the depths of his belly ——This is what was known in ancient times as Kikou or life energy from his abdomen.

Aside from ancient martial techniques, a clear impression can allow the Physical Enhancement Magic become something extremely efficient.

“Then…Begin!”

Seeing that the preparations for battle were complete ——Koyuki announced that the duel started.

Kazuki released heat inside his belly and kicked off fiercely from the ground.

"Fast!?" The surrounding students screamed.

In comparison, Mio retreated while she began to chant spells.

No matter how fast Kazuki was, the distance was enough for her to complete her chants.

Mio allowed her Magical Dress light up and communicated with her Diva, and chanted as if she was singing ——

“…The sparks scattered from the dancing wings. Launch a spiral of wind, a bullet piercing through life! Flap now, let it penetrate! ——Barrett!!”

Behind Mio, Phenex’s wings spread apart.

Phenex’s Level 1 Magic, Barrett ——Phenex flaps its wings and shots out feathers. It carries a dual attribute of fire and wind, and flew over like a spiral.

With a bullet’s speed and piercing through its target, it causes the inside of the enemy to burn. Normally, a human’s physical ability should not be able to evade this fire bullet ——But Kazuki dodged it by jumping to the side.

“!?” Mio, who was confident that it would hit, revealed a surprised expression.

As if her body was not listening, Mio continued to chant while she avoided. She then chanted the spell again and released a second shot of Barrett.

However, Kazuki had already grasp the flow of Magic Power ——Just like a Swordmaster reading the opponent’s breathing.

The instant the Magic Power expanded, the disturbance in the air depicted an outline as if it was announcing in advance the phenomenon that was about to happen. Just like what I imagined…If it is this kind of Summoning Magic, I can avoid it!

The second Barrett was also avoided. Just like the dancing wind, Kazuki plunged into the arms of Mio.

His hand had already grasped the hilt of the sword.

Mio’s face was distorted ——As if it was a Stigma Magic User’s terrified expression when they were invaded by a swordsman.

Rend, Doufuu ——With a white flash, the horizontal Iai slash was unleashed.

To Kazuki, his beloved sword was the same as <A part of his body>. His entire body’s strength was extended to the body of his sword that he was holding to, granting it the destructive power that was able to smash through Magic ——This is the attacking method of swordsman, Magic Sword.

The slash had violently collided with Mio’s defensive Magic. Blue light scattered onto the ground, her Magic was cut apart.

Because her Magic was cut apart and the impact that was caused, Mio staggered a few steps backwards.

Kazuki used both his hands to hold his beloved sword, which he was holding with his right hand earlier, and instantly turned the blade.

An Iai slash was not a one hit one kill technique.

The first blade was only for containment. The one that truly determines the victory was the second blade that was swung downwards after gripping it with two hands.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Along with the cry, he slashed downwards and crushed Mio’s Defense Magic again.

Mio was hit away severely.

“He dodged Summoning Magic?”

In face of something that was impossible, Kaguya issued a noise…This kind of swordsman was never seen before.

The speed of Barrett was equivalent to the speed of a rifle bullet. Just by a human’s nervous system, it was impossible to avoid.

“ <Magic-Eye Demon>…This was the nickname of Nii-sama, who was once a swordsman. An Iai swordsman could completely read the opponent’s breathing and muscle tension, then attack first while starting later. In Hayashizaki-Ryuu, he had completely refined his <Vision>.”

Next to Kaguya, Kanae smiled as if she was proud of her favorite brother.

“<Vision> ——How is it… Impossible. Are you saying that you are using Perceptibility Enhancement Magic!?”

“If it is a normal Iai swordsman, at the best, he could only read the breathing and muscle movement. But the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is more advanced, it will even read the flow of Magic Power completely. If you are able to read the flow of Magic Power, predicting the change from being idle and movement, the attack speed is not a problem. The instant an Iai master placed the sword facing it, he would have completely avoided it. Hayashizaki’s Iai has already surpassed Unyou <ref>A speed unit. Mentioned in Vol 1, Chapter 1.</ref>”

“…A swordsman attached with Perceptibility Enhancement Magic that allows him to read the flow of Magic Power, this is impossible.”

Kaguya did not look down on swordsman. But objectively considering it, it should be impossible.

Through training the physical body, it allowed the Physical Enhancement Magic to be attached to his body, in theory, it exists.

Magic is developed based on imagination. Wanting a more powerful body…This kind of thought will allow Physical Enhancement Magic to be activated.

However, no matter how you train Iai, the Perceptibility Enhancement Magic which even lets Magic Power to be felt was unbelievable, there was no reason to get to this kind of high-level achievement.

“No matter what, a swordsman cannot beat Summoning Magic…The people who hold these kind of thoughts while training would definitely not be able to do it. Because they had already given up from the very beginning. However, we had treated the Summoning Magic as an imaginary enemy since the very beginning and performed training. We believe that our possibilities were endless. You say that it is impossible? But the Magic Power responded to our wishes.”

In the current world where Magic, which disregards the laws of physics, dictates, there was no such thing as impossible.

——If it is me, how would I deal with this kind of sword techniques, how would I obtain victory.

“…If it is me, I would chant a large-scale Magic that is impossible to avoid even after reading it.”

“Do you believe that Nii-sama and I would give you that much chanting time?”

If they were successfully able to close the gap, the swordsman’s close-range attacks would continuously attack.

Every time, Magic will be cut apart, the body will be exposed to the impact of Magic shattering.

Inside the storm of slashes, there was no task more difficult than keeping up the concentration and finishing the chant.

Although in the Academy, the Sword Division and Magic Division were confronting each other, but the proper fighting method of Magic Users was to chant while being guarded by swordsman.

“However, if it is Kanae-chan’s sword, it is unable to stop my chanting.”

Hearing Kaguya’s whisper, Kanae threw to her a glare that she did not believe that she would lose.

Even after being knocked by a slash, the A-Rank Amasaki Mio still calmly chanted a spell.

I don’t want to lose…! I can’t lose to this kind of Sword Techniques!!

Although she felt that it was impossible…But there was no doubt that this person used his eyes to avoid Barrett’s speed. Mio had made this kind of judgment. Thus, she began to chant something different than Barrett, Phenex’s Level 2 Magic.

That person pursued further on. He has already caught up.

“The Call from the Master of Flame, liberate the rage beneath the earth! Open up my fortress’s walls…Towering between heaven and earth, isolate all impurity! Flame Emperor Creation!!”

The so-called spell was a command to the Diva at Astrum to request for a Magic Phenomenon.

The Diva responded to this call and brought the Magic Phenomenon to this world ——Causing the World to be distorted.

A Magic Circle extended from Mio’s feet and radiate in all directions.

It let out a flash and became a big crack. Flames were sprayed out from there.

The flame wall that suddenly emerged from his feet —— It was impossible to dodge with his eyes.

That person, who pursued further on, had become a bug that rushed into fire.

Or so it should be ——But, Hayashizaki Kazuki seemed to have predicted the future. In front of the flames, he stepped on the brakes. Mio’s expression twisted again. It was really baffling.

“What method is he using to dodge it!?”

After the crack and the flames vanished, Kazuki rushed into her arms calmly.

Mio could not do anything but be sent flying by the silver flash…It was simply too fast.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|thumb]]

“W, Why!?” Then Mio was submerged in a storm of slashes ——

“Stop right here!”

Looking at Mio, whose Defense Magic was about to be exhausted, the referee, Koyuki, announced that it was over.

Mio sat powerlessly on the ground, her Magical Dress disintegrated and changed back to the school uniform.

“It’s my win…Please take back the insults you said to my foster father.”

The Sword Division students that were watching on the side issued loud applauses.

“…I see, so this is the true Ancient Style Sword Techniques.”

Kaguya whispered out in amazement, but it was denied by Kanae.

“It is not the problem of Styles. The Sword Division swordsman did not train with the goal of being able to defeat Summoning Magic. Even though Magic Power will respond to your thoughts. So, the Sword Division must change! This person or that person, all of them are deluded by the Divas and forgot the original power of humans!”

The Sword Division students cheers were boiling. The two Student Council Presidents surveyed the scene.

“Amazing…Being able to do this kind of exaggerated actions, there is actually someone else beside the President…”

As if he had lost his soul, the one who muttered was ranked 3rd of the students in the Student Council, Torazou Yamada, who had an inferiority complex towards the Magic Division. Looking at his expression, Kanae secretly snickered.

…No matter how strong she was, the surrounding people only treated her as an existence known as the <Storm Cat> that was outside the Magic Lands. There was basically no followers who truly think that <nowiki></nowiki>.

Kanae was always alone. Kaguya was finally aware of this fact.

“…Fufufu, I’m looking forward to the <Division Competition>! Next time, it will be me and you who are on the stage!”

Hearing Kanae’s declaration, Kaguya also smiled…Indeed, it was something to look forward to.

Whether it was to fight against Kanae-chan…or the future growth of Otouto-kun…

It was a sense of anticipation that had been gone for a long time since she had defeated her former rival, Hoshikaze Hikaru, and had become invincible inside the Magic Division. After she found a strong enemy, Kaguya was thrilled.

To Kazuki, who wanted her to take back the words she said——Mio awkwardly muttered.

“No…I did not lose.”

“You just won’t give up! Hayashizaki-Ryuu is not weak, admit this to me!”

“No, no, no! Hayashizaki’s Sword or whatever is weaker than Summoning Magic by a lot! It is trash!”

“Even though we have dueled, why do you still treat it as trash up to this point!?”

This person, what kind of <Prejudice towards Hayashizaki-Ryuu> did she have?

Inside Mio’s eyes, little by little, tears began to drip out, causing Kazuki to be frightened. Crying is too despicable…!

“Speaking of which…Why can’t you remember who I am! Remember that for me! I…I’m Mio!? The Mio who had once lived with you at <Nanohana>!?”

Nanohana!? ——Could it be, Kazuki was suddenly speechless.

The instant his eyes met with Mio’s crying eyes, a figure of a small girl appeared inside Kazuki’s mind. The shadow of the face was consistent just like Magic. It was the sister-like girl, who had always followed behind him.

That person’s name is…Mio<ref>The words used for Mio are different. Mio’s name is originally 美桜, but the current spot usesミオ.</ref>. Give me a second, could it be that, Mio is Mio?

“Amasaki, you…could it be you’re Mio!?”

“Didn’t I just say it! Why didn’t you notice it, idiot!”

The surrounding audience felt confused “What is it, what is it” about the two people’s conversation.

“But Mio…should be a more honest and smaller child. Speaking of which, she should be smaller than me by two years!?”

“I am not small! I grew up since then!!”

Here, Kazuki suddenly remembered. The children at that place were mainly orphans whose birth was unknown. Aside from the obvious, newly born child, they basically used their body physiques to predict their age.

If Kazuki had dropped a grade and she rose a grade…Due to the Enigma, it was not impossible for her, who was originally smaller than her by two years, to suddenly become his classmate.

“Even though you left us and disappeared by yourself, why did you forget about me…Unbelievable, even though I remember clearly about the Hayashizaki Family that took you away…Uuuuuu…”

Mio finally cried. Kazuki’s mind was filled with guilt.

“How can I forget! Even now, the experience at Nanohana is still part of my important memories!! But I do not know the surname Amasaki, and Mio isn’t that uncommon of a name…”

Kazuki spluttered as he tried to find excuses. Speaking of which, Mio was an honest child. Right now, she was like another person. And he did not expect that she had become this beautiful…!

“…What are those two people talking about?”

“In the end, their relationship is very good?”

“Speaking of which, Hayashizaki Kazuki is overwhelmingly strong…What is this…”

With puzzled eyes, their classmates compared the private conversation between the two of them, which was unrelated to swords and Magic. This duel already had a completely different meaning.

“Just like your talent in swords was seen through, and you left us, my talent in Magic was also seen through and I was adopted by the Amasaki Family! Although I had gone up a grade, but it is also because of my efforts that I still became an A-Rank! My Summoning Magic is stronger than the likes of Hayashizaki-Ryuu!!”

So that was the reason why that person had strongly provoked Hayashizaki-Ryuu!

But, what kind of fate is this. Their talents in sword and Magic were both spotted and they finally met up again in this school of Sword and Magic!

“I…absolutely will not recognize Hayashizaki’s sword who snatched away my Kazu-nii!!”

Mio used her sleeve to wipe her tears, stood up and ran away.

When he was planning to chase, BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Koyuki blew the final whistle.

“The winner is Hayashizaki Kazuki.” Koyuki said with a feeble voice.

=== Part 4 ===

Mio ran back to her own room. After almost ripping her uniform, she threw it aside and only wore her underwear as she jumped onto the bed. She buried her face into the pillow and impulsively shed tears.

——After a short period of time, voice from the other Student Council members returned rang out.

But it was too shameless, she was too useless. Right now, she did not want to meet with them.

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost! I Lost!!

…5 years ago, because Kazu-nii was strong, he disappeared from Nanohana.

So lonely. But after that, her own magic talent was spotted and she found herself an adoptive family.

When she thought that she was also a strong person, she felt that she was able to conquer her loneliness.

So, she thought, her own Magic…was stronger than the Hayashizaki’s sword by a lot…

However, she still lost…Too strong. And that person still did not change compared to the past…

…That person was like that since the beginning. No matter how much someone looks down upon himself, he would be indifferent. However, if the companions of Nanohana were looked down upon, it would seem as if he had completely turned into someone else and rage. He would often pick fights with the mean people.

Although the adults thought that Kazuki’s side of easily getting into fights were bad…But to us, who were still children, Kazu-nii was a reliable older brother.

Kazu-nii did not change. It seems like she, herself, who was arguing, was the idiot.

But that person, when I did my flashy self-introduction, and even waved to him, he did not recognize me.

Even though it was rare for the both of us to enter the Magic Division, he was still thinking about Hayashizaki’s sword techniques.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|thumb]]

Being able to meet him once again, actually she was very happy ——but she was so angry that she could not forgive him

She actually wanted to get closer to him and wanted to talk about the stories from the past…

——How long has it been since she had laid down on the bed depressed.

“Hey, Amasaki…Dinner is ready.”

A voice passed through the room’s door. It was an extremely awkward voice. However, from the voice, you could feel a different feeling than anger existed.

It was Kazu-nii’s gentle voice. But because of that…she wanted to behave in a more wilful manner.

“…The meals you made, I don’t want them!”

——But that person, who loves to be nosy, would definitely not allow this kind of unhealthy behavior of not eating dinner.

Just like the past. If he was to care about her, then perhaps he would not put her aside no matter what.

Even though she knew that this was not allowed, but she still embraced this kind of expectation.

I can’t leave her like this. If that person is Mio, then it is even more so.

Hearing her response, Kazuki thought. Being impulsive and missing a meal, how could I, who is the maid here, permit it. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he suddenly barged into the room.

“Not eating dinner is definitely not allowed! Quickly go eat!”

Opening the door with a violent momentum ——What appeared in front of his eyes was Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

“Eh, you really camee!? Wait a minute…I did not say that I was still wearing this…!!”

The instant she panicked and got up from the bed, the two valleys in front of her chest bounced.

“…UWAHH!? Sorry!”

Although he was saying this, but his gaze was still attracted to it and he thought that he would be yelled at. However, Mio immediately wrapped a towel around her body and used the towel to cover her mouth. I do not know what she was muttering about.

“…Right now, do you still care about me…”

“…What are you saying? Who could hear what you are muttering across the towel.”

Just when Kazuki planned to leave the room, but because a red heart appeared from Mio’s body and flew over, he stayed there. Mio was like an arguing child, and she issued a weak voice.

“N, Nothing! I won’t eat dinner. I don’t want to eat the meals that you made.”

“I can’t just leave you alone, the senpais are all worried about you…Is it because you hate me and you don’t want to see me, so you do not want to go down?”

“Uuuuu. That’s right…I…am still angry at you…”

Mio used a mosquito-like sound and spoke to Kazuki through the towel.

…After being reunited, I had constantly hurt her and even dueled with her.

“I’m sorry…but please eat the dinner, I beg you. If you still feel that I’m an eyesore and will trouble you, then I will go outside today.”

“Eh!? I, I don’t want that!!”

Kazuki’s eyes widened. Mio revealed a “Shoot” expression and quickly corrected it.

“…I don’t hate that! That <Then, I don’t hate that> means that I don’t really hate that!” <ref>It is a bit confusing here but the first half of the phrase (Earlier sentence) means that she is unwilling to let Kazuki leave the room, but the last half (Current Sentence) means that she does not care if Kazuki leaves.</ref>

“A, Ahhh…What, so it is this meaning, it is really easy for it to be misunderstood.”

What, the unnatural separation between <hate> and <not>.

“But please don’t be mistaken. I do not…plan on treating you like the past! Don’t keep on treating me as your younger sister!!”

“The past is the past, now is now, huh. It feels a little bit lonely like this.”

“…You, even if it is the me right now, do you still care and worry about me?”

“Of course. I will definitely not permit you not eating dinner.”

Mio’s eyes widened. A red heart floated over from her chest. It was evidence that her positivity values increased. Is that so, although she was still angry, but he was not hated by her.

If that’s the case, then this person is definitely——just arguing and playing around.

“I…Is that so? You will still worry about me…But my stomach is really not hungry.”

“Then let’s do this. I will still be your slave like before.”

“Eh? E, Even though I had lost in the duel…?”

“…So, master, because your slave had made dinner, please go and eat it.”

After she froze for a while ——she understood Kazuki’s intentions and proudly straightened her chest.

“…I understand. There is no other way…Only because there is no other way! My stomach is completely not hungry. Because I am the master! I must reward my slave’s loyalty.”

“Ohhh, you must do that.”

He could only maintain this kind of relationship with her, who could not be straightforward until now.

However, if the positivity levels increase ——It should be possible to have a relationship like in the past.

The past is the past, now is now, even if they say it like this, it doesn’t mean that it is something that is lonely.

“Right, you are only a slave! Only a slave…So you must remain by my side from now on! Don’t make any strange misunderstandings and try to leave here!?”

“I know, being able to stay at Witch’s House is nice.”

Mio constantly nodded her head in agreement. Another red heart flew out.

Come down early, saying this, Kazuki left the room.

“…Right, tomorrow’s bento, you don’t have to make it.”

“Eh? Are we going to the canteen?”

“I’ll make it for you…Although you are my slave, but I am the one who lost.”

The next day’s lunch. Just like yesterday, Leme and Mio gathered around Kazuki’s seat.

The thing that Mio prepared was karaage.

“…Right, how did they make the taste in Nanohana? About that, I had constantly wanted to make the same thing and practiced in Amasaki Family, but I could not do it well.”

…What, as expected it is a taste from your memories as well.

“About that, the seasoning placed in advance is the key. Okay, next time we make it, you should also wear a maid outfit!”

“What, what’s with that happy expression. Are you that happy cooking together with your master? I will absolutely not wear it, that idiotic outfit.”

Kazuki could not help but let his emotions rise, Mio seemed to sulk and said some hateful words.

“About that, Amasaki-san…Can I ask, in the end, your relationship is indeed very good?”

The surrounding people incredulously looked at the bento that Kazuki was eating, which was made by Mio.

“So I said don’t be mistaken! This guy is only a slave!!…Only <My Slave>. Although this guy is an E-Rank sword idiot…if anybody weaker than me dares to look down upon him, I will absolutely not forgive them!”

Mio issued out a roar to all the people in the classroom.

If she made this kind of declaration, only Koyuki, who was the same A-Rank, could talk back.

…This person, is she protecting me?

“W, What are you looking at? Quickly eat!”

She used her chopsticks, picked up a karaage and said “Eat quickly!” and placed it in front of him.

“…Don’t suddenly do things like <Ah ——n>”, Kazuki felt troubled.

“I, I did not plan on doing it! This is only a feeling similar to feeding a dog!”

“Isn’t their relationship extremely good…They have completely entered their own world…”

“Forget it, if it is us, no matter at this time, we would not win against either of them.”

“…Speaking of which, he was really cool, Hayashizaki-kun’s Iai slash.”

“Right! I remembered, I remembered it!! Running while pulling it out!!”

The atmosphere surrounding Kazuki had changed. And Mio, who he had not been able to understand, now, he finally understood the nature of her attitude.

“What are you laughing at secretly over there?”

“No, I just feel happy. From now on, please take care of me.”

“Yes. Why are you happy? I did not do anything that would make you happy…Forget it, since there is no helping it, I will also be with you from now on.”

Although she was still talking back, Mio’s face still revealed a slight smile. It seems like her honest feelings were involuntarily revealed ——

At this moment, somewhere near Mio's chest issued out a light. Looking at the surprised Kazuki, even the person involved, Mio, revealed <What is it?> an incredulous expression. The light finally turned into a key —— and directly entered Kazuki’s ring.

This was what Leme had said, a key to their hearts…

——From that moment on, Kazuki was no longer a useless Stigma Magic User.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2021-12-27T02:46:43Z

Tman111: Grammar fix, add the "to".

==Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio==

=== Part 1 ===

Kaguya-senpai brought cards over, the atmosphere of the welcome party became more lively than before.

Mio and Hoshikaze-senpai are the type that immediately reflects what they think to their faces, so they were extremely weak. On the contrary, Kaguya-senpai and Koyuki were so strong that it was scary.

Kaguya-senpai uses lies and bluffs with ease while Koyuki would have an impregnable fortress-like poker face.

However, because Kazuki had said “So senpai is the type whose expression is inconsistent with her personality” to Kaguya-senpai, after she “Fufufu” and smiled, she suddenly became extremely weak. After that, the final winner was Koyuki. She muttered “Well, it doesn’t matter.” And pulled the curtains down for the welcome party.

Because of Mio’s strong proposition, Kazuki’s room was arranged to be the furthest room on the second floor.

It was a location where there was an appropriate distance between the other girls’ rooms and it was separated by empty rooms. Although Kaguya-senpai had initially said that anywhere was fine, it can’t be helped.

Late at night after the welcome party, Kazuki opened the door of his own room.

“A new life huh…Although it seems like they are all hard to deal with, but it seems like it would work out.”

Just muttering like this, he lifted the soft blanket on top of the bed that was similar to a hotel.

“A new life. Right? Then, aim for a harem!”

——After lifting up the blanket, he do not know why Leme appeared from within.

“Leme!? Why are you hiding in such a place? Your room is at another location, right?”

“Yes. But, because there are some words that I do not want others to hear, so I came over to your room.”

“Words? Anything is fine…but didn’t you lose your memories?”

“Yes. But actually, despite the memory loss, Leme still vaguely remember what she is and what her mission is. Divas all have a meaning of existence that was decided based on the myth. It isn’t something that could be simply forgotten.”

A meaning of existence decided by the myth? Leme’s mission is…?

“Then in other words…Could it be the reason why you chose to grant me an Enigma!?”

“Yes. And Leme…Although I had said it in that place, but she is actually not a powerless Diva.”

Hearing these words, Kazuki widened his eyes. While facing Kazuki, Leme proudly answered.

“Leme’s mission is…to make you become a harem king!!”

…Haah? Kazuki’s eyes widened and froze there.

“I will only tell you, the contractor, my true identity. ——Leme’s true name is <The Lesser Key of Solomon> Lemegeton! The Demon King ruling over the 72 Pillars of Demons!!”

Wait a minute…Did you just say Lemegeton?

“ <The Lesser Key of Solomon> should be a Magic Book, isn’t it…?”

Lemegeton ——That name had indeed appeared in the myth related to Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

However, Lemegeton is not listed as a name for the 72 Pillars of Demon.

King Solomon, who governs the 72 Pillars of Demon, placed the contents of his summoning techniques inside a Magic Book <The Lesser Key of Solomon> ——It was passed on like this.

King Solomon was a human that was alive around 1000 B.C. But this Magic Book was discovered at the 17th century and had sparked the medieval people’s madness towards Black Magic and Alchemy. That the leader of the <Golden Dawn>, McGregor Mathers, treated it as a research object was also widely known.

“Wrong! That is completely wrong!” Leme angrily shook her head.

“It was passed on incorrectly. The majority of the people that seek for the method to summon Demons felt that it was easier to consider Leme as a Magic Book. This thought was too simple.”

“In other words, it is a convenient delusion that people before had fabricated?”

“That’s right. King Solomon did not use a Magic Book to use summoning techniques. It is because he had a contract with Lemegeton, who governs the 72 Pillars’ strength, to summon them!”

Governing 72 Pillars’ strength ——Is this the true power of Lemegeton?

“Right now I will tell you Leme’s power…Leme’s inherent Magic <Goetia> is all the ten magic owned by the 72 Pillars, who grant this academy strength. A total of 720 kinds of magic and they are all given to you!”

The words that Leme uttered gave an enormous impact to Kazuki.

All. In other words, according to the actual situation, he could use a total of 720 kinds of Magic.

It overthrew all his thoughts and two giant words floated within Kazuki’s mind <The Strongest>. The Diva that he, an E-Rank, contracted was…the strongest Diva.

“——However, there is a condition. This power is only allowed to be used by a <King>. Just like how Leme lets the 72 Pillars of Demon to be subordinates of hers, if you do not let the other people to become a subordinate of yours, your power as a King cannot be used. Errr, subordinate is not the word used in modern times…If we have to use the modern way of speaking…Then it is to make them fall in love with you!”

Make them…Fall in love…with me? I suddenly felt that…some idiotic words were spouted out.

“Through the mentality of the Magic User that you made into a subordinate, the Magic User’s contracted Diva’s power could be used by you. For example, if you let that Amasaki Mio fall in love with you, then you will form a path with that person. Leme will be able to draw power from Phenex. However, if you are still in an unpopular state…Although it is unfortunate, but Leme is only a powerless Diva…”

“…Unpopular and powerless Diva!? That is too weird.”

“It is not weird. The Divas have their own purpose of existing based on the myth. Solomon Divas’ missions were to grant wisdom to humans and let this country prosper. And once the Stigma Magic Users that are able to use the 72 Pillars grow up, it is necessary to govern them. Because a female’s Magic Power is relatively stronger, so all the Stigma Magic Users are females. If that’s the case, the King that caused them to submit ——is a harem king!”

“…What to do, it seems like it does make sense.”

“I am saying this first, if the situation of a harem king was not born, then the Solomon’s 72 Pillars would lose their motivations and give up on supporting this country. Because cultivating a King is the meaning of existence for the Solomon Divas. Just like when they obeyed Israel’s King Solomon, they are all Divas of the assistants, who were willing to do their best, for the King.”

“Wait a minute, isn’t this extremely important to this country!?”

The true meaning of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars supporting the Japanese government is actually still not clear. Even so, the Japanese government desires the power of Magic. For the military forces, they cannot help but rely on the 72 Pillars.

If they were to lose the support of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars, Japan would be dropped from their position as a Magically Advanced Country.

“A King’s power is to be able to gather the fragmented things, <Convergence Power>. If he does not have this Convergence Power, then in the future, humans would not be able to deal with the giant wave that would come to this world. By recognizing that a single individual is weak, so it is necessary to cultivate a king. This is the mission of Leme and Solomon’s 72 Pillars…”

“…A giant wave that would come to this world?”

Just now Leme had said that she vaguely remembers her mission.

“The numerous mysterious fragments inside the world of myths are all quietly gathering underwater. Not only in Japan, but in all of the 7 countries. At a certain stage, it would overturn the world.”

7 countries ——There is no doubt that it refers to the 7 Magically Advanced Countries.

“…So, in order to reach this goal, a harem is required?”

“There is no helping that you would feel troubled since you are suddenly being told that you would need to make a harem. But please rest assured! Leme will grant you a Magical Dress that would play a role in your creation of a harem!”

After hearing the phrase, Magical Dress, Kazuki, who was shocked, had white light shining on the middle finger of his left hand. The light had a bit of miss ——Suddenly, it became a ring that was made with materials similar to copper. As a Magical Dress, it was indeed too small.

“Because currently Leme had lost her memory, so she could only give you a small ring. However, this ring is the famous and legendary <Solomon’s Ring>! This ring can capture the sound of the girls’ hearts, measure their feelings and convert it to values.”

“…The effects are completely different than the ones that I know.”

In the legend, it was recorded that the Solomon’s Ring was to allow a person to understand the words of animals and plants.

“It has been rewritten in accordance with the modern style. Inject your Magic Power and test it out.”

Following what she said, he inserted Magic Power to the ring. Afterwards, a white light flashed in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

The light gradually depicted images and became a three-dimensional image information.

“These information is the measurement results of the girls’ feelings that you should conquer. In other words, it represents the positivity levels of the girls.”

The image that emerged in front recorded the names of girls that Kazuki was familiar with. Next to the name, a graph appeared one after another. The graph even had number values showing out.

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“…T, This is the positivity levels of everybody towards me!?”

“This ring also has the ability to chase after and capture the mental changes of the girls. This is already in order for you to see it carefully and visually. If the girl’s positivity levels increase, a red heart will appear. If the positivity level decreases, then a black skull will appear. Then, it will be absorbed into the ring. Just like this, the graph will be changed. The images cannot be seen by others. If you are able to monitor the changes of positivity levels in real time, then you will become sensitive towards the other person’s true feelings and know what you have to do to make them happy. This way, no matter what kind of girl they are, you will be able to make them attracted to you!”

“…A human’s heart cannot be easily realizable like a game.”

Right, just when I thought about it ——isn’t this similar to a game?

And it is the simulation game that becomes intimate with girls ——In other words, a <Galge>!”

As a swordsman, I will not be captivated by that kind of thing, so far I have never had any concerns about it. However, it is not something I was completely uninterested in. But that actually falls onto my own pace…?

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“…There must be a mistake. Why is Amasaki ranked number 1? That person seems to hate sword techniques and despise me.”

“I know, I know. Tsundere, Tsundere. There is no doubt that she is a tsundere.”

“Tsundere!? What is that…That kind of thing is also too strange.”

If Amasaki was 55, then wouldn’t Kanae’s positivity levels probably reach 300 million?

“Because there is no benchmark, I do not understand it well. Is it unable to measure Kanae’s positivity levels?”

“Although I do not know who you are talking about, but the only thing that is certain is that it only works with people who formed a contract with a Diva.”

“…Then, I can only consider these four people’s positivity levels? No matter how I look at it, I cannot believe that Amasaki is 55 when she does not hold any good intentions to me…Compared to Kaguya-senpai, which is lower, at first glance, she appears to be very friendly, but it is only on the surface. Hiakari is taking an indifferent attitude towards me, so that value doesn’t really matter. However, what is frustrating is…Hoshikaze-senpai’s 30. That is already treating me as if I was the same rank as a bug…”

“Wait, if you treat tsundere’s tsun as the truth, then using that as the basis, it will make others distrustful.”

Indeed, Mio would occasionally exhibit the unbelievable attitude when they had their first meeting.

Then that stingy attitude, compared to hating me ——It is more like joking awkwardly with me?

“A positivity level of around 30 means a position which is more than acquaintances, but less than friends. If the positivity level is over 65, you will obtain the key to their hearts. As a result, you will be able to use Level 1 Summoning Magic of the Diva that she contracted with. So, you must approach Amasaki Mio first!”

The 10 kinds of Inherent Magic that the Divas own are divided into 10 Levels. A Stigma Magic User could use a High Level Summoning Magic that matches the wavelength of the Diva.

In contrast, Kazuki is still in a powerless state right now. Although he is still at a state of being observed, but if this continues, he would also doubt the meaning of him staying at the Magic Division. In other words to get rid of his title as being the lowest-ranked, a Level 1 is good, anything is good, he must be able to use Summoning Magic.

However…why does he have to make Amasaki fall in love with him?

In other words, he would have to make someone fall in love with him for power? Isn’t this exactly…like a game!?

“…The so-called positivity levels, isn’t it fine if it is not feelings of love, but feelings of friendship?”

“Ehhh? You are speaking of friendship between men and women?”

“Because the so-called positivity levels shouldn’t just be all about feelings of love, right?”

“Friendship between men and women is not that easily achieved, right? Forming a friendship with all the 72 people feels even harder than forming a harem. It seems like you do not have much experience forming a friendship with females.”

“I was looked down by a young girl!?”

“Don’t use the phrase young girl! Leme is only in a young girl state because my strength and a portion of my memories are lost! If you slowly gather strength, Leme will also recover an appearance that matches her strength!”

“In the end, I am not interested in love.”

Remembering back, from the beginning of junior high, his male friends were all talking about girl-related topics. However, compared to that kind of thing, he only wanted to improve his sword techniques a bit more and earn recognition from his adopted father and Kanae.

“Not interested in love? Really?”

Towards Leme’s skeptical tone, Kazuki was a bit angry.

“Really. So I…will not use feelings of love, but positivity values from friendship to reach the pinnacle of Summoning Magic!”

Becoming friends with everybody here and getting rid of the incompetent evaluation of an E-Rank.

If that’s the case…I would be able to accept it and become motivated.

“…Forget it, since Our King (Basileus) says so, then Leme will not forcibly request it.”

“What is the meaning of <Our King>?”

“Fufufu, from now on, you will become a harem king. In Greek, Basileus Goetia means <The King that rules the 72 Pillars>”

Once they talked about Basileus, the leader of the secret organization would instead appear inside their mind.

The leader of <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, Basileus Basileon…

Leaving the phrase <The world is being eroded by myths>, a man that was considered to be dead…

“I do not intend to become a harem king.”

“Forget it, Leme right now does not have any memories. She will temporarily look at the developments. Leme can materialize into such a physical body and could also let her materialized form to disappear into Astrum to observe your mental state.”

Once she said up to this point, Leme’s body completely disappeared.

Thinking that she had left just like this, she casually materialized again in the end.

“…Even though you did not steal a human’s body, yet you, as a Diva, are able to materialize in this world, it is originally something that is incredible.”

“There is a reason. First, Leme and your connection is much stronger than ordinary circumstances. Probably because we had kissed during our contract…Oiii, why are you blushing!”

“I did not blush!”

“Through the act of connecting the symbol of spiritual level, it strengthened the contract. Thanks to that, Leme cannot form another contract with a person besides you. In exchange, it greatly enhances the efficiency of Magic Power. There is another point…Although due to memory loss, so it is extremely vague, but apparently Leme seemed to be a Diva that has longing to humanity. So compared to the other Divas, there is a big change for the method of existing.”

“Has longing, to humanity…?”

“Probably, but I do not really remember about this matter. To the current Leme, it does not matter.”

“Won’t you feel uneasy if I do not make a harem, so you would not recover your memories?”

“For the queue, when Leme was summoned, she pretended to have no powers. It is because if the surrounding people knew about Leme’s ability of becoming stronger after collecting positivity levels, I believe the surrounding people would be defensive about it. Thus, in the future, it is best to keep Leme’s ability a secret from other people.”

Kazuki also did not want others to know about this ability.

…However, Liz Liza-sensei wanted me to report to her no matter what happened…

“Let us stop here. Leme is going to sleep. Our king, it is almost time to sleep, right?”

“Eh? You have your own room now. There are also empty rooms here.”

“I don’t want it. Leme will sleep together with Our King, who is her contractor.

Leme rolled her eyes, stared emotionlessly at Kazuki and rejected it.

“This is also because, although Leme’s body requires very little energy, but it is originally constructed by your Magic Power. Staying by your side would make her existence more stable.”

Leme tightly grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand and pulled him to the bed.

As close as possible, Leme treated Kazuki as a charger as she hugged him. Then, she used the remote control to turn off the lights inside the room. Inside the darkness, her brown skin was just as soft as a female human, and exuded an incredulous smell.

Having said that, with such a small child, it feels just like sleeping together with a younger sister.

“Good night! Our Stoic King.”

“…Who is stoic, naturally, the words about completely being uninterested in girls is a lie.”

He did not hate girls, of course he was interested.

But if he became active towards girls just for the sake of power…

It will be extremely rude to the other side.

After all, he did not have much confidence in becoming someone else’s partner in love.

Because, I——

The phone inside his pocket suddenly vibrated. It seems like he received a message.

“Nii-sama, it is a night with a beautiful moon. Kanae is about to go to sleep while dressing in extremely sexy pajamas. (Please feel free to imagine it and become excited). It will be great if I am able to see Nii-sama inside my dreams. Nii-sama, too, please see Kanae inside your dreams. Then, good night——Your loving Kanae.”

Kazuki typed back the phrase “Quickly brush your teeth and sleep” and replied.

=== Part 2 ===

The next morning. Due to his usual habits, Kazuki had already woke up before the sun even rose.

Although it was like this, under the current circumstances, there was already no need to practice swinging his sword…Speaking of which, Kaguya-senpai had said that the first-year students would be responsible for the household chores here.

Then if he was to work hard starting from this morning, it might surprise the senpais.

When Kazuki changed his clothes in the dim room, Leme also got up abruptly.

“You immediately thought of earning positivity levels from the girls? Our King!”

“…When you are saying it like that, it feels a bit uncomfortable.”

If the senpais were happy, then he would be satisfied. It was only that.

Inside the lounge, the wrappings and leftover snacks eaten at last night’s party was thrown everywhere.

Kazuki cleaned it all up and began to prepare breakfast.

“…Since it is a rare opportunity, let’s make some bento as well.”

After making breakfast, Kazuki took advantage of his interest and further proceeded to make bento. There was still plenty of time and the fridge had plenty of ingredients.

“Rather, I seem to have become a maid<ref>He actually said maid here. Just so you know, he is not female.</ref>.”

“…What are you saying, Our King. Wait, your eyes seems to be dead.”

“When I am able to make others happy, it allows me to feel that I am alive…”

Just when he was rhythmically cutting the ingredients, he heard somebody’s footsteps going down the stairs.

“…Although I was thinking that if there was the need to clean up, I can still do it…but it seems like someone did it first.”

Issuing ,*patapata*, footsteps sound, she was still wearing her underwear + shirt appearance.

“Good morning, Hiakari-san. Because there is a male student here, please do not wear that kind of appearance again. Please wear a maid outfit and come make breakfast with me.”

“…I can’t cook. Because I am a human who does not know anything but Magic.”

“Even though Hiakari-san was living here in the past, could it be that you have never done household chores?”

“…Once, I attempted to cook, as a result, the 3rd year senpai’s mouth emitted blue lights.”

“Food that makes one instinctively activate defensive magic!? It could judge that there were toxic substances!?”

“I was thinking that I could do work such as cleaning up, so I came…”

Perhaps it was from a psychological effect, her shoulders drooped. Then, with a speed that did not give time for others to retain her, she left the kitchen.

The one that appeared next in the kitchen was Mio, who was actually said to have the highest positivity levels here.

“Good morning, Amasaki. You should also work hard on the household chores.

Mio ignored Kazuki’s greeting, until she was next to Kazuki and looked at his hands.

“…It’s karaage. It’s karaage!”

“Yes, before when I was still at the orphanage, it is the dish that I am best at, which I learned from the facility’s chef.”

Mio’s response was to only look at Kazuki’s hand, which was in the middle of cooking, with sparkling eyes.

A red heart floated out from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into the ring on Kazuki’s left hand.

This is the power of the Magical Dress that Leme had mentioned before!?

But, why at this time? Does she really like karaage that much?

“Hey, it will be very boring if you just watch, come over here and let’s do it together.”

“Why must I do household chores?”

“Because here, the lower class students have to do household chores, right? Aren’t you also a first-year student?”

“Yes, we are both first years. However, just like there is a hierarchy relationship like third and first year students, there is also a hierarchy relationship between a first year’s A-Rank and E-Rank.”

Mio, who was watching at Kazuki’s hand, finally lifted her eyes and stared at Kazuki.

“If I am a person who would do odd jobs for the third year senpais…Then, you, who is an E-Rank, are my slave!”

“Is that so!? But indeed…the academy pursues a meritocracy style.”

So the household chores had become solely done by a person?

…Although it would make him a bit excited, but it feels like it would be more fun if everybody was to do it together.

“…You should feel grateful for being allowed to cook my meals.”

After that, Mio continued to stare at Kazuki’s cooking appearance.

The breakfast menu was grilled fish, spinach as a cold salad, white rice and miso soup. It was an extremely common Japanese breakfast.

“Delicious! It is really tasty, otouto-kun! The freshness from this grilled fish…Could it be that it was recently caught!? From the garden’s pond over there?”

“…No, I only grilled the fish fillets inside the fridge.”

“Amazing…Even though he is a boy, but he is able to cook so well…Hayashizaki-kun is not a crude boy. If it is a boy like that, then perhaps I won’t feel afraid.”

The two senpais had a deeply moved expression and were extremely happy.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|thumb]]

Images of red hearts emerged from the bodies of these two and were absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. When Kazuki realized about the positivity levels of these two, a graph appeared in his eyes.

“Fufufu, this way, you have captured the stomach of these girls!”

Leme, who was sitting next to him at the table, smiled silently. With a voice only audible to Kazuki, she teased him.

Anyways, he could not calm down. Even though he did not carry these intentions to do household chores.

From that day on, the Magic Division’s course quickly began.

At the Magic Division, there were separate courses such as <Mythology>, <Tactical Theory> and <Magic Practice>.

Mythology was just like its name suggests. It is a course to learn knowledge about myths.

In this class, a semi-fat scholar came to teach the students.

“——The Israel King Solomon was loved by the Gods. He summoned 72 Demons, granted him the Magic Book <Lesser Key of Solomon> and brought the Kingdom of Isreal to its golden age.

It was just like the myth, the 72 Pillars of Solomon that appeared in modern times became the supporter of humans.

Solomon’s 72 Pillars were once called demons. But as they appeared in modern Japan, magic and religious beliefs should be considered separately. Thus, they would combine God and Demon together and call them Diva. <ref>神魔 = Diva. Diva is formed by using the characters of God + Demon.</ref>

For example, Baal <ref>Baal is the Principal King of Hell. He is depicted as a man or a bull and is the 1st Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. In the ancient times, he was the highest God that was worshiped by the Phoenicians, but in the Christian doctrine, he was known as Baal-Zebub, or Beelzebub and was treated as a demon. However, Magic Users, who are simply seeking for power, should not go along with this kind of prejudice regarding about religion. Whether it is a God or a Demon, there was basically no difference.

Diva. Although it was derived from Demons, but it does not mean evil. It simply has a meaning that it is <A thing that goes beyond human wisdom>——”

The Tactical Theory was related to the tactics that the Knights use. It was taught by the female teachers, who had already retired, but were originally Stigma Magic Users. Because Magic Power would gradually reduce from the peak amount in the twenties, so they would retire early.

“——The so-called basic tactic of the Knights is the <Heaven and Earth Formation>. This is formed by having the Swordsman (Vanguard Attackers) initiating close-combat and the Stigma Magic Users (Rearguard Finisher), who would be protected by the Swordsman as they chant Summoning Magic.

The Magic Sword’s power of the Swordsman is not worth mentioning compared to Summoning Magic. If we gathered all the Magic Power from you guys, who are in the school, then no matter how many times they cut, we could still bear it with just Defense Magic.

However, if you are continuously attacked by swords, it would hinder your concentration and the Summoning Magic Chant will be interrupted. Thus, the swordsmen, who are assigned at the frontlines, have become extremely important.

What usually decides the battlefield’s fate is the high-level Summoning Magic that was activated after a long chant. Thus, the Swordsman would act as shields and sacrifice themselves in the formation is this Heaven and Earth Formation.

It is a tactic to throw away the swordsman after the battle, in order for the chosen people——”

Magic Practice is the actual use of Magic in the sports ground.

Having said that, among the first years, only Mio and Hiakari had successfully formed a contract in the correct way. The two of them had honestly used the Level 1 Magic and increase the precision of their Spell Chant in order to train for the Higher Level Summoning Magic.

Aside from these two students, the others were doing training in order for them to successfully form a contract with the Divas.

Contracting with a Diva’s consciousness was regularly held by the Magic Division’s Student Council after school.

In order for them to actually succeed next time, the students would all continuously train and hone their Perceptibility Enhancement Magic and train to dive into the depths of the Spiritual World.

However, Kazuki is placed in a very delicate position. Although he had succeeded with the contract, but he does not have any Summoning Magic he could use.

Thus, whether it was the successful group, or the failure group, he could not be placed in either of these groups.

“Spin~~nn, spin, spin, Spin~~nn, spin, spin, spin around for me~”

Kazuki was squatting in front of a bucket and muttered while he stirred the water inside.

This was Normal Magic training based on Kazuki’s ability that Liz Liza-sensei had assigned to him.

Fluid Control —— Fluids like gas or liquid are easier to manipulate using Telepathy Magic. If you are accustomed to controlling water or fire, it will definitely be useful in the battlefield…This is what Liz Liza-sensei had said,

“…UWAHHH, he is really playing around with a bucket.”

“His contracted Diva is really useless.”

The classmates all threw a mocking gaze towards Kazuki.

It was common sense that Normal Magic would not have much use in battle. Although he was similar to the people who cannot use Summoning Magic, but Kazuki’s training would not have any developments and had no future.

As a prominent male student in the class, and also an E-Rank. Even though he had succeeded a contract, but he actually had no ability, so he could only do this kind of training ——It was natural that others would look down upon him.

However, no matter what training it is, since he had already started, he must concentrate and do it.

“What are you doing!? Is playing around with a bucket a specialty Magic of an E-Rank?”

Mio, who was wearing the Magical Dress, peeked from behind Kazuki and talked to him.

“This is very difficult. If you reduce a bit of strength, the water would cause ripples and overflow. It will not work unless you maintain your concentration for a long period of time.”

“This kind of thing is simple.”

She said dissatisfiedly…Towards her, who was an A-Rank, perhaps it was simple.

“But what kind of help would this training have for a battle? Isn’t your Magic Power for fighting and not for cooking? Isn’t it fine if you use your prideful swords to stir it around instead of Magic?”

“What do you treat swords as! They will rust!”

“It should be you, what are you treating Magic as! Forget it, since you already have Hayashizaki’s swords, the Summoning Magic shouldn’t matter to you at all. Then why are you staying at the Magic Division?”

Under the circumstances of other girls staying away, only Mio would come over and say these scornful words.

“I can already use Level 2 Magic. It was a thing that happened in a blink of an eye!”

…Already Level 2? At this pace, then would she immediately reach Level 10?

The Summoning Magic is divided into 10 stages. When you reach the highest difficulty of Level 10, you would able to use <Complete Summon> and let the Diva <Materialize> into the world.

Aside from that, Summoning Magic, although it was called Summoning, but it does not materialize the Diva into this world. It can only bring forth a <Magical Phenomenon that the Diva caused> and letting them activate it.

For example, if two students with the same contracted Diva were to use Summoning Magic at the same time, as long as it is not Level 10, there will be no problems. It will provide power to both individuals and both their Magic would activate.

Although Leme is an exception, but letting a Diva materialize is originally extremely difficult.

“Hmmmm, when you are still stirring the bucket of water, I must use this Phenex and show my talents. I will let you see the great hero of this country, who would defeat all the Illegal Magic Users that causes terror and do dondokudo-n in this world! I’ll let you know what is a true elite ♪”

“Oi, wait, elite. What is dondokudo-n?”

“…You actually being this weak compared to me. It feels a bit complicated.”

Mio quietly muttered…Just now, what did she say?

“Sensei! Yamanaka-san fell down!”

Hearing the students’ cries, Liz Liza-sensei hurriedly rushed to the side of the fallen student.

“…<Magic Drunk> huh. She must have wanted to hurry and let the contract succeed, so she was reckless, huh…The other trashes should also be careful, do not overuse your Magic!”

Magic Drunk. If you were to forcibly use Magic when your Magic was extremely low, your spirit will be pulled into Astrum and collapsed there.

What was particularly needed to be aware of is being attacked when you have very little Magic Power remaining.

If you reflexively and forcibly draw out Magic that surpasses your limits from Astrum in order to protect your own body. Even if your body is spared, you would also fall into a deep coma.

Naturally, the situation of drawing over the limits and not being able to protect from the strong attack was also possible. It was known as overkill. Thus, you must always be aware of your remaining Magic Power.

Kazuki once again turned towards the bucket. Although it was a training that others look down upon, but Liz Liza-sensei was a teacher, who protected him during the staff meeting.

If this kind of teacher said that it will not be in vain, then it must not be a wasted effort.

…From today on, not only the morning chores after waking up, he should also add in Normal Magic training.

=== Part 3 ===

“Is this karaage? Although I know about the related knowledge…Delicious! It is a joy that makes one truly feel alive!”

Leme, who disappeared during class, had materialized at lunch time to eat food.

“Karaage…I have not eaten such a plebeian food for so long. At the Amasaki’s house, this kind of thing will never be put on the table. It is the fault of this E-Rank slave, there is nothing more shabby than this.”

Next to Leme, Mio placed the table together and was eating the same bento.

…Why did this person specially come over to eat together?

Behind his seat, Koyuki was eating the bento alone. At first, Kazuki had invited her over to eat, but he was coldly rejected. If that’s the case, then why did Mio come over?

“It does not matter if I have to do all the household chores…But please do not call me a slave.”

“…But I do not recognize you as a member of the Witch’s House. Forget it, since the food that was made have no sin, then I can only reluctantly eat it.”

Placing mouthfuls of karaage into her mouth, Mio said with a pretentious tone.

Saying that she was reluctant had made Kazuki frustrated. The karaage was a dish from his memories of the Nanohana Institute.

“It shouldn’t be awful…”

“It is awful. This kind of thing is extremely disgusting.”

When she places the karaage in her mouth, which was opposite of what she was saying, Mio’s cheeks would soften.

“…It was made extremely well. Thank you.”

“Hiakari-san…Thank you. But since you have already said such words, as expected, you should come over and eat! Don’t just whisper your thanks from behind!”

Kazuki turned his head around. She only said “Don’t look over here” and turned to one side.

A black skull flew into the ring. It was not from Koyuki, but from Mio. After turning his head back to the front, he did not know why, but he could only see Mio glaring at him unhappily.

“Oi, even though I am eating with you, don’t turn to the back and desperately request for another woman.”

“That’s right. Amasaki-san, do you have some time now?”

Suddenly being talked to by someone, Mio “Eh?” and looked back.

When she noticed, everybody’s gaze were concentrated at this side.

“Amasaki-san, do you have a good relationship with that E-Rank…Hayashizaki-kun?”

“W, What good relationship, how is that possible. This person is a slave! Because I am a Student Council trainee…I had obtained a slave from the Student Council President! Don’t be mistaken!”

Kaguya-senpai did not say anything related to a slave trade.

“That’s true! You only treated him as a useful slave, that’s great!”

With this as a beginning, the other students of the class began to speak one by one.

“How is it possible that the A-Rank Amasaki-san would enter the Student Council with the E-Rank male student! We were all thinking what was going on, but now we are reassured!”

“That person, who cannot even use Summoning Magic, was actually mixed into this class, how disgusting.”

The temperature surrounding him had rapidly dropped.

No,no,no. It was maybe not all of a sudden, it was possible that everybody was gearing up and waited for an opportunity to throw such gazes.

As a Stigma Magic User candidate, they have extreme pride. They wanted to exclude the abnormality (Kazuki), but because they did not know why Mio, whose rank was higher than theirs, was together with him, so they hesitated.

…It was probably like that.

“Hey, Amasaki-san. Do you also think this way?”

They were trying to confirm secretly from Mio <That it was alright to treat this guy as a target for bullying.> And Mio, who did not understand the situation, could only look around confused.

What on earth was happening? Kazuki thought while remaining calm.

He was aware that he was an abnormality. He was already resolved about this situation.

“…Forget it! We, the Magic Division, do not require swords! You are already an E-Rank, and you were saying that your specialty was swords…Hayashizaki-Ryuu is completely useless!”

In the end, Mio still followed the atmosphere of this classroom.

“Compared to my Phenex, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is simply trash! What Ancient Sword Techniques, there is no difference compared to the primitives swinging sticks around!”

“Hayashizaki-Ryuu?” The surrounding people were confused about the target that she pointed out at.

Kazuki was also angered by this phrase.

…It was the same when I first introduced myself. Why does this person always target the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? Because it was on the news, so knowing about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu was not something strange…But what do you know about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? I do not mind if I was looked down upon…But if it is the people, who are important to me, that are being looked down upon, then it is not fine.

“Since you actually said it like this…Do you think I will remain silent forever?”

Mio faced Kazuki and revealed a provocative expression.

The anger within Kazuki’s belly was rushing upwards.

However, if he were to move using his emotions ——He would lose his place in the classroom.

“Our King, compared to the foolish Stigma Magic User, you are much stronger.”

Beside the silent Kazuki, a surprising sound rang out. It was Leme.

“What are you people, who still have not changed the Enigma into Stigma, or you, who can only use Low Level Summoning Magic saying? If you let Leme, who is a Diva, to speak, it is really funny. Our King’s Sword techniques are stronger than you a hundred times. And the karaage that Our King made is very delicious.”

Because the surrounding people were all silent, that voice completely infiltrated their bodies.

“…W, What, you useless Diva.”

“There is no need for Our King to use Leme’s power to deal with people such as you. If you doubt it, you can try it. Isn’t there a system called <Duel> in this academy?”

“Hey, Leme, what are you saying? You have lost your memories, you shouldn’t know anything about my sword techniques. Don’t just careless say words out.”

Kazuki hurriedly tried to stop her, but Leme only stared directly at Kazuki.

“Indeed, Leme doesn’t know anything, but I can still understand. Although I do not know why I selected you, but because you are a person that this Leme has chosen —— You cannot be weak. And although I had only been with you for a short day, I still fully understand your character. You said that you have spent your life so far honing your sword techniques. Then if that’s the case ——You are not weak. Even if I do not know anything, I can still understand it.”

Leme even leaned over closer and whispered into his ear.

“…And, that girl, Amasaki Mio, truthfully, she wants to lose to you.”

“…What’s that.”

“It is more accurate to say that…she hopes that you are a strong person. So that’s why she argues with you. This is also for positivity levels, so show off to her.”

“…In the end, it was still for that. That isn’t good, fighting in order to obtain positivity values.”

“Most importantly, it is unrelated to positivity values…Weren’t you also thinking that you <Want to Fight>? Leme and your heart are connected, so I had seen through it a long time ago.”

Leme smiled and knocked Kazuki’s chest.

…She is saying that I wanted to fight? I actually…?

Holding a sword in my hands, as a swordsman, fight ——against the Stigma Magic User, who had provoked this side.

Inside Kazuki’s calm mind, a sweet heat began to erode it.

As a member of the Magic Division, he must leave behind his longing for sword techniques. But ——

“…That is true. Indeed, it is time to let these people change their thinking about sword techniques.”

The people that were most important to him were looked down upon, yet he could still remain indifferent. As expected, it wasn’t his way of living.

“Oi, you two, what are you guys secretly talking about?”

Mio said to the two people. Leme immediately turned to Mio and revealed a detestable expression.

“Actually, you are very weak! Desperately saying Leme’s King is an E-Rank slave, you must be afraid of Our King!?”

“…-How is it possible that I’m afraid of that guy!?”

Mio could not help but stand up. In response, Kazuki also stood up.

“Amasaki Mio. I request a duel with you.”

Hearing these words, everybody in the room, including Mio, widened their eyes in shock.

This was the natural reaction. Compared to Summoning Magic, Swords were looked down upon.

Heaven and Earth Formation. Swordsman were only to buy time for the Stigma Magic User’s Chants. A Meat Shield. This was common knowledge.

Kazuki coldly looked around his surroundings. That common knowledge ——made him extremely angry inside his heart.

“You say a duel…But you can’t use Summoning Magic, right?”

“I will only fight with a sword. If I win, I hope that you can take back the insults you said towards the Hayashizaki Family.”

Hearing this phrase, Mio’s expression changed.

“As expected, you still have longing towards the Hayashizaki’s Sword Techniques! Even though you are already a person like me in the Magic Division…Okay, I’ll accompany you! I’ll let you fully experience it!!”

The originally frozen classroom began to quarrel again.

“…Although I do not understand, that person is saying that he would <Use Sword Techniques to fight against an A-Rank>?”

“Amasaki-san can already use Level 2 Magic, right!? Then it is impossible.”

“You… are still the same as before…”

When it was already impossible to stop, Mio muttered in a low voice.

“What did you say?”

Just like this ——A red heart appeared from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

A red heart? At this time, it should be a black skull. As expected, this ring is abnormal.

“Nothing, you E-Rank! Stupid Idiot! I’m looking forward to the time after school end!”

She rushed back to her own seat. What is a Stupid Idiot? Oi, you forgot about the half-finished bento. Finish it! The karaage I made!!

“You’ve said it well…Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki sat down, Koyuki’s voice came from behind.

It looks like he was not completely alone.

After the application that was submitted to the Student Council in the Knights Academy was approved, then you can begin a duel.

It was a competition of strength between students that under safety rules of stopping the attack before the Defense Magic was completely reduced to zero, where the Student Council was present.

“A duel request? Otouto-kun and Mio-chan?”

After Kaguya-senpai, who was currently organizing information in the Student Council office, heard her kouhais’ words, her eyes widened.

“Really, even Otouto-kun is reckless. The duel that has strict rules is different than the reckless scuffles that Kanae-chan participates in. If it is in a duel format, the Stigma Magic User will only escape as they continuously use Level 1 Magic and it will completely eliminate your Defensive Magic. This is not a joke.”

“Has Kanae, till this date, fought against the Magic Division students?”

“…Formally no. Although Kanae-chan wanted to do so, but even if the Magic Division students were to win against the Sword Division students, their rank evaluation will not increase. Thus, everybody avoids it.”

“If that’s the case, then senpai should not know what kind of battle it will become between the Hayashizaki-Ryuu and Summoning Magic.”

“There is no need to duel and you would still know it, idiot.”

Mio inserted hateful words. At the same time, senpai finally realized that the two of them were both serious.

“W, Why did it become such a tense relationship? Fighting isn’t good!”

“No, I cannot give in. As long as my foster father’s sword is being looked down upon, I cannot tolerate it.”

“Why…are you so serious about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu. Even though you are someone from the Magic Division…Just like an idiot!”

At this time, someone broke the Student Council’s door and stormed in.

“It’s the time to completely defeat someone, Nii-sama! I have heard of the matter, As expected from Nii-sama!?”

“Ah, Kanae-chan? Why did you come to the Magic Division?”

Kanae completely ignored Kaguya-senpai and rushed directly in front of Kazuki.

“…So it was like this. Nii-sama wanted to rampage inside the Magic Division in order to prove the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu…In other words, a spy inside the Magic Divison! Such foresight, even Kanae did not think about it. Because Kanae’s duels were always rejected! However, after you taught everybody a lesson in the Magic Division, please transfer back to the Sword Division.”

“How is that possible, idiot.”

Kazuki use his two hands and firmly pulled Kanae’s cheeks that was as soft as rice cakes.

Kanae issued out a “Funyaaaaaaaa!” cry.

“President! As expected, you are here. Please do not suddenly rush out when we are having a meeting.”

The person who appeared after Kanae was the Sword Division’s Torazou-senpai.

“Oi, Kanae, don’t skip work and come over here to do your bro-con acts.”

“It’s not like that! Indeed, Kanae wanted to see Nii-sama to the extent that she is trembling…But it is not because of this purpose that I came. Nii-sama, this is for you.”

Kanae handed over a one-edged Japanese Sword to Kazuki.

“…This is!”

Kazuki had already left his beloved sword at the Hayashizaki Family. Therefore, for the matter related to the duel, he wanted to ask Kanae or the Sword Division to borrow a sword…

“Yes, this is Nii-sama’s <Doufuu>. Because she felt that it will be needed, so Kanae had secretly brought it over. This is such an amazing foresight. Please praise me. Then, please fall in love with me.”

Kazuki’s beloved sword, Doufuu. It was an iron-cutting sword that was created through the hands of alchemists.

Among the history of Japanese swords, the ancient sword during Kamakura era ——The Kamakura ancient swords was the strongest. However, this kind of technique had already been lost and had become a lost art.

Through Alchemy, it had let this Kamakura Ancient Sword, Doufuu, appear once again.

The past Japanese Swords were made using a soft steel core, with hard steel on the outside, <Heart of Steel Structure>, in order to obtain a balance of toughness and hardness. The soft core absorbs the impact to prevent it from breaking, while the hard surface prevents it from becoming crooked.

With this kind of structure, it was easily broken due to the difference of hardness at the location where the two steel stuck together.

Compared to this, Doufuu was created with a single steel material.

The steel’s hardness was decided by the carbon content. Doufuu, through the Fluid Control Magic to control the amount of carbon content dissolved into the steel, so that the inner core was soft, then as it extended outwards, it had become hard…Because it was made with a single material for the structure, it was a thing that was extremely ideal as it maintained the balance of hard and soft. This is Micro-Level Alchemy.

Because there was no extreme difference of hardness in the structure, it had stuck together extremely tough. Once it was swung, it was like a whip that was bent.

Its toughness and sharpness could even cut iron.

As proof of Kazuki’s independence, his foster father awarded it to him

The moment he held it in his hands, the feeling of the heavy sword seemed to have become familiar with him just like a part of his body.

…Although he had made a resolve after becoming a Stigma Magic User, as expected, he was still a swordsman.

No, in order to change into a new self, there was no need to abandon his past.

“Nii-sama, Nii-sama, please praise me. Then as a reward, please kiss me.”

“Don’t get carried away in front of everybody in the Student Council, idiot.”

Looking at Kazuki and Kanae’s interactions, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki revealed surprised gazes.

“…The Sword Division’s President is older than Hayashizaki-kun, she should be an older sister, right? What is going on?”

“It can’t be some kind of perverted type of play, right…?”

Even though the fact that Kazuki was a male, yet he obtained an Engima was spread around by the news, but the problem regarding about their true age, which had caused the relationship regarding about the siblings age to be reversed, was still pretty much unknown.

“Hmph, whether you use a sword to fight or a Kiritanpo <ref>A Japanese dish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiritanpo</ref> to fight, it is the same! Let’s us begin…Bring it on!”

“Bringing it on is a rather old way of speaking. But…Fine.”

“W, Wait a minute, I have not accepted the request yet!”

The duel must have the permission of either side’s Student Council. But ——

“If you do not accept it, then I will accept it! Nii-sama, Nii-sama, good luck!!”

——With the Sword Division Student Council accepting it, a special duel began.

At the sports ground, Kazuki and Mio were confronting each other.

There was already a crowd of students coming over to observe after hearing the news.

A Sword and Magic Clash conducted between freshmen, it had gathered a lot of concern disregarding the Division restriction.

“Although they do not need to specifically gather here, this duel will end in a short time period!”

She chanted a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with the Diva at Astrum.

“I know thy name…Thy name is <Phenex>…A poet and a Magician! The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

Her Stigma glowed an orange color like the flames shadow. At the same time it glowed, the uniform was disintegrated and reconstructed into the Magical Dress. The faintly glowing clothes and her twintails swayed due to the wind.

…Looking again, this person was an extremely beautiful girl.

Kazuki’s Magical Dress was only a small ring. However, on his waist, his beloved sword Doufuu released an explicit sense of presence. The combination of a Magic Division’s uniform with a Sword, seemed to give off a powerful contrast.

The beautiful Stigma Magic User and the Magic Swordsman that was dressed up uniquely were confronting each other here.

He did not know why…but it feels like he was looking forward to this duel since entering this school.

“Then under the supervision of Hiakari Koyuki, the duel between Amasaki Mio and Hayashizaki Kazuki will begin.”

The referee was Koyuki. The so-called referee was the role which stops the battle when it was dangerous. She, who had been at the Student Council since junior high, had already accumulated sufficient experience.

The duel was carried out in a situation where they were separated by a distance of 50 meters. Although Kazuki could finishing running this distance in 5 seconds through Magic Enhancement, but Mio will also avoid while she chants spells.

This distance is a rule that gave the Stigma Magic Users the upper hand. Because even in a battle, it was not easy for a swordsman to approach the Stigma Magic Users, thus it had become a rule that was taken for granted.

If the two of them were separated by a distance of 50 meters, Mio’s figure would become as small as a bean.

Anxiousness made the time become irritable. Kazuki displayed an Iai posture and imagined the scene of heat coming up from the depths of his belly ——This is what was known in ancient times as Kikou or life energy from his abdomen.

Aside from ancient martial techniques, a clear impression can allow the Physical Enhancement Magic become something extremely efficient.

“Then…Begin!”

Seeing that the preparations for battle were complete ——Koyuki announced that the duel started.

Kazuki released heat inside his belly and kicked off fiercely from the ground.

"Fast!?" The surrounding students screamed.

In comparison, Mio retreated while she began to chant spells.

No matter how fast Kazuki was, the distance was enough for her to complete her chants.

Mio allowed her Magical Dress light up and communicated with her Diva, and chanted as if she was singing ——

“…The sparks scattered from the dancing wings. Launch a spiral of wind, a bullet piercing through life! Flap now, let it penetrate! ——Barrett!!”

Behind Mio, Phenex’s wings spread apart.

Phenex’s Level 1 Magic, Barrett ——Phenex flaps its wings and shots out feathers. It carries a dual attribute of fire and wind, and flew over like a spiral.

With a bullet’s speed and piercing through its target, it causes the inside of the enemy to burn. Normally, a human’s physical ability should not be able to evade this fire bullet ——But Kazuki dodged it by jumping to the side.

“!?” Mio, who was confident that it would hit, revealed a surprised expression.

As if her body was not listening, Mio continued to chant while she avoided. She then chanted the spell again and released a second shot of Barrett.

However, Kazuki had already grasp the flow of Magic Power ——Just like a Swordmaster reading the opponent’s breathing.

The instant the Magic Power expanded, the disturbance in the air depicted an outline as if it was announcing in advance the phenomenon that was about to happen. Just like what I imagined…If it is this kind of Summoning Magic, I can avoid it!

The second Barrett was also avoided. Just like the dancing wind, Kazuki plunged into the arms of Mio.

His hand had already grasped the hilt of the sword.

Mio’s face was distorted ——As if it was a Stigma Magic User’s terrified expression when they were invaded by a swordsman.

Rend, Doufuu ——With a white flash, the horizontal Iai slash was unleashed.

To Kazuki, his beloved sword was the same as <A part of his body>. His entire body’s strength was extended to the body of his sword that he was holding to, granting it the destructive power that was able to smash through Magic ——This is the attacking method of swordsman, Magic Sword.

The slash had violently collided with Mio’s defensive Magic. Blue light scattered onto the ground, her Magic was cut apart.

Because her Magic was cut apart and the impact that was caused, Mio staggered a few steps backwards.

Kazuki used both his hands to hold his beloved sword, which he was holding with his right hand earlier, and instantly turned the blade.

An Iai slash was not a one hit one kill technique.

The first blade was only for containment. The one that truly determines the victory was the second blade that was swung downwards after gripping it with two hands.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Along with the cry, he slashed downwards and crushed Mio’s Defense Magic again.

Mio was hit away severely.

“He dodged Summoning Magic?”

In face of something that was impossible, Kaguya issued a noise…This kind of swordsman was never seen before.

The speed of Barrett was equivalent to the speed of a rifle bullet. Just by a human’s nervous system, it was impossible to avoid.

“ <Magic-Eye Demon>…This was the nickname of Nii-sama, who was once a swordsman. An Iai swordsman could completely read the opponent’s breathing and muscle tension, then attack first while starting later. In Hayashizaki-Ryuu, he had completely refined his <Vision>.”

Next to Kaguya, Kanae smiled as if she was proud of her favorite brother.

“<Vision> ——How is it… Impossible. Are you saying that you are using Perceptibility Enhancement Magic!?”

“If it is a normal Iai swordsman, at the best, he could only read the breathing and muscle movement. But the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is more advanced, it will even read the flow of Magic Power completely. If you are able to read the flow of Magic Power, predicting the change from being idle and movement, the attack speed is not a problem. The instant an Iai master placed the sword facing it, he would have completely avoided it. Hayashizaki’s Iai has already surpassed Unyou <ref>A speed unit. Mentioned in Vol 1, Chapter 1.</ref>”

“…A swordsman attached with Perceptibility Enhancement Magic that allows him to read the flow of Magic Power, this is impossible.”

Kaguya did not look down on swordsman. But objectively considering it, it should be impossible.

Through training the physical body, it allowed the Physical Enhancement Magic to be attached to his body, in theory, it exists.

Magic is developed based on imagination. Wanting a more powerful body…This kind of thought will allow Physical Enhancement Magic to be activated.

However, no matter how you train Iai, the Perceptibility Enhancement Magic which even lets Magic Power to be felt was unbelievable, there was no reason to get to this kind of high-level achievement.

“No matter what, a swordsman cannot beat Summoning Magic…The people who hold these kind of thoughts while training would definitely not be able to do it. Because they had already given up from the very beginning. However, we had treated the Summoning Magic as an imaginary enemy since the very beginning and performed training. We believe that our possibilities were endless. You say that it is impossible? But the Magic Power responded to our wishes.”

In the current world where Magic, which disregards the laws of physics, dictates, there was no such thing as impossible.

——If it is me, how would I deal with this kind of sword techniques, how would I obtain victory.

“…If it is me, I would chant a large-scale Magic that is impossible to avoid even after reading it.”

“Do you believe that Nii-sama and I would give you that much chanting time?”

If they were successfully able to close the gap, the swordsman’s close-range attacks would continuously attack.

Every time, Magic will be cut apart, the body will be exposed to the impact of Magic shattering.

Inside the storm of slashes, there was no task more difficult than keeping up the concentration and finishing the chant.

Although in the Academy, the Sword Division and Magic Division were confronting each other, but the proper fighting method of Magic Users was to chant while being guarded by swordsman.

“However, if it is Kanae-chan’s sword, it is unable to stop my chanting.”

Hearing Kaguya’s whisper, Kanae threw to her a glare that she did not believe that she would lose.

Even after being knocked by a slash, the A-Rank Amasaki Mio still calmly chanted a spell.

I don’t want to lose…! I can’t lose to this kind of Sword Techniques!!

Although she felt that it was impossible…But there was no doubt that this person used his eyes to avoid Barrett’s speed. Mio had made this kind of judgment. Thus, she began to chant something different than Barrett, Phenex’s Level 2 Magic.

That person pursued further on. He has already caught up.

“The Call from the Master of Flame, liberate the rage beneath the earth! Open up my fortress’s walls…Towering between heaven and earth, isolate all impurity! Flame Emperor Creation!!”

The so-called spell was a command to the Diva at Astrum to request for a Magic Phenomenon.

The Diva responded to this call and brought the Magic Phenomenon to this world ——Causing the World to be distorted.

A Magic Circle extended from Mio’s feet and radiate in all directions.

It let out a flash and became a big crack. Flames were sprayed out from there.

The flame wall that suddenly emerged from his feet —— It was impossible to dodge with his eyes.

That person, who pursued further on, had become a bug that rushed into fire.

Or so it should be ——But, Hayashizaki Kazuki seemed to have predicted the future. In front of the flames, he stepped on the brakes. Mio’s expression twisted again. It was really baffling.

“What method is he using to dodge it!?”

After the crack and the flames vanished, Kazuki rushed into her arms calmly.

Mio could not do anything but be sent flying by the silver flash…It was simply too fast.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|thumb]]

“W, Why!?” Then Mio was submerged in a storm of slashes ——

“Stop right here!”

Looking at Mio, whose Defense Magic was about to be exhausted, the referee, Koyuki, announced that it was over.

Mio sat powerlessly on the ground, her Magical Dress disintegrated and changed back to the school uniform.

“It’s my win…Please take back the insults you said to my foster father.”

The Sword Division students that were watching on the side issued loud applauses.

“…I see, so this is the true Ancient Style Sword Techniques.”

Kaguya whispered out in amazement, but it was denied by Kanae.

“It is not the problem of Styles. The Sword Division swordsman did not train with the goal of being able to defeat Summoning Magic. Even though Magic Power will respond to your thoughts. So, the Sword Division must change! This person or that person, all of them are deluded by the Divas and forgot the original power of humans!”

The Sword Division students cheers were boiling. The two Student Council Presidents surveyed the scene.

“Amazing…Being able to do this kind of exaggerated actions, there is actually someone else beside the President…”

As if he had lost his soul, the one who muttered was ranked 3rd of the students in the Student Council, Torazou Yamada, who had an inferiority complex towards the Magic Division. Looking at his expression, Kanae secretly snickered.

…No matter how strong she was, the surrounding people only treated her as an existence known as the <Storm Cat> that was outside the Magic Lands. There was basically no followers who truly think that <nowiki></nowiki>.

Kanae was always alone. Kaguya was finally aware of this fact.

“…Fufufu, I’m looking forward to the <Division Competition>! Next time, it will be me and you who are on the stage!”

Hearing Kanae’s declaration, Kaguya also smiled…Indeed, it was something to look forward to.

Whether it was to fight against Kanae-chan…or the future growth of Otouto-kun…

It was a sense of anticipation that had been gone for a long time since she had defeated her former rival, Hoshikaze Hikaru, and had become invincible inside the Magic Division. After she found a strong enemy, Kaguya was thrilled.

To Kazuki, who wanted her to take back the words she said——Mio awkwardly muttered.

“No…I did not lose.”

“You just won’t give up! Hayashizaki-Ryuu is not weak, admit this to me!”

“No, no, no! Hayashizaki’s Sword or whatever is weaker than Summoning Magic by a lot! It is trash!”

“Even though we have dueled, why do you still treat it as trash up to this point!?”

This person, what kind of <Prejudice towards Hayashizaki-Ryuu> did she have?

Inside Mio’s eyes, little by little, tears began to drip out, causing Kazuki to be frightened. Crying is too despicable…!

“Speaking of which…Why can’t you remember who I am! Remember that for me! I…I’m Mio!? The Mio who had once lived with you at <Nanohana>!?”

Nanohana!? ——Could it be, Kazuki was suddenly speechless.

The instant his eyes met with Mio’s crying eyes, a figure of a small girl appeared inside Kazuki’s mind. The shadow of the face was consistent just like Magic. It was the sister-like girl, who had always followed behind him.

That person’s name is…Mio<ref>The words used for Mio are different. Mio’s name is originally 美桜, but the current spot usesミオ.</ref>. Give me a second, could it be that, Mio is Mio?

“Amasaki, you…could it be you’re Mio!?”

“Didn’t I just say it! Why didn’t you notice it, idiot!”

The surrounding audience felt confused “What is it, what is it” about the two people’s conversation.

“But Mio…should be a more honest and smaller child. Speaking of which, she should be smaller than me by two years!?”

“I am not small! I grew up since then!!”

Here, Kazuki suddenly remembered. The children at that place were mainly orphans whose birth was unknown. Aside from the obvious, newly born child, they basically used their body physiques to predict their age.

If Kazuki had dropped a grade and she rose a grade…Due to the Enigma, it was not impossible for her, who was originally smaller than her by two years, to suddenly become his classmate.

“Even though you left us and disappeared by yourself, why did you forget about me…Unbelievable, even though I remember clearly about the Hayashizaki Family that took you away…Uuuuuu…”

Mio finally cried. Kazuki’s mind was filled with guilt.

“How can I forget! Even now, the experience at Nanohana is still part of my important memories!! But I do not know the surname Amasaki, and Mio isn’t that uncommon of a name…”

Kazuki spluttered as he tried to find excuses. Speaking of which, Mio was an honest child. Right now, she was like another person. And he did not expect that she had become this beautiful…!

“…What are those two people talking about?”

“In the end, their relationship is very good?”

“Speaking of which, Hayashizaki Kazuki is overwhelmingly strong…What is this…”

With puzzled eyes, their classmates compared the private conversation between the two of them, which was unrelated to swords and Magic. This duel already had a completely different meaning.

“Just like your talent in swords was seen through, and you left us, my talent in Magic was also seen through and I was adopted by the Amasaki Family! Although I had gone up a grade, but it is also because of my efforts that I still became an A-Rank! My Summoning Magic is stronger than the likes of Hayashizaki-Ryuu!!”

So that was the reason why that person had strongly provoked Hayashizaki-Ryuu!

But, what kind of fate is this. Their talents in sword and Magic were both spotted and they finally met up again in this school of Sword and Magic!

“I…absolutely will not recognize Hayashizaki’s sword who snatched away my Kazu-nii!!”

Mio used her sleeve to wipe her tears, stood up and ran away.

When he was planning to chase, BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Koyuki blew the final whistle.

“The winner is Hayashizaki Kazuki.” Koyuki said with a feeble voice.

=== Part 4 ===

Mio ran back to her own room. After almost ripping her uniform, she threw it aside and only wore her underwear as she jumped onto the bed. She buried her face into the pillow and impulsively shed tears.

——After a short period of time, voice from the other Student Council members returned rang out.

But it was too shameless, she was too useless. Right now, she did not want to meet with them.

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost! I Lost!!

…5 years ago, because Kazu-nii was strong, he disappeared from Nanohana.

So lonely. But after that, her own magic talent was spotted and she found herself an adoptive family.

When she thought that she was also a strong person, she felt that she was able to conquer her loneliness.

So, she thought, her own Magic…was stronger than the Hayashizaki’s sword by a lot…

However, she still lost…Too strong. And that person still did not change compared to the past…

…That person was like that since the beginning. No matter how much someone looks down upon himself, he would be indifferent. However, if the companions of Nanohana were looked down upon, it would seem as if he had completely turned into someone else and rage. He would often pick fights with the mean people.

Although the adults thought that Kazuki’s side of easily getting into fights were bad…But to us, who were still children, Kazu-nii was a reliable older brother.

Kazu-nii did not change. It seems like she, herself, who was arguing, was the idiot.

But that person, when I did my flashy self-introduction, and even waved to him, he did not recognize me.

Even though it was rare for the both of us to enter the Magic Division, he was still thinking about Hayashizaki’s sword techniques.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|thumb]]

Being able to meet him once again, actually she was very happy ——but she was so angry that she could not forgive him

She actually wanted to get closer to him and wanted to talk about the stories from the past…

——How long has it been since she had laid down on the bed depressed.

“Hey, Amasaki…Dinner is ready.”

A voice passed through the room’s door. It was an extremely awkward voice. However, from the voice, you could feel a different feeling than anger existed.

It was Kazu-nii’s gentle voice. But because of that…she wanted to behave in a more wilful manner.

“…The meals you made, I don’t want them!”

——But that person, who loves to be nosy, would definitely not allow this kind of unhealthy behavior of not eating dinner.

Just like the past. If he was to care about her, then perhaps he would not put her aside no matter what.

Even though she knew that this was not allowed, but she still embraced this kind of expectation.

I can’t leave her like this. If that person is Mio, then it is even more so.

Hearing her response, Kazuki thought. Being impulsive and missing a meal, how could I, who is the maid here, permit it. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he suddenly barged into the room.

“Not eating dinner is definitely not allowed! Quickly go eat!”

Opening the door with a violent momentum ——What appeared in front of his eyes was Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

“Eh, you really camee!? Wait a minute…I did not say that I was still wearing this…!!”

The instant she panicked and got up from the bed, the two valleys in front of her chest bounced.

“…UWAHH!? Sorry!”

Although he was saying this, but his gaze was still attracted to it and he thought that he would be yelled at. However, Mio immediately wrapped a towel around her body and used the towel to cover her mouth. I do not know what she was muttering about.

“…Right now, do you still care about me…”

“…What are you saying? Who could hear what you are muttering across the towel.”

Just when Kazuki planned to leave the room, but because a red heart appeared from Mio’s body and flew over, he stayed there. Mio was like an arguing child, and she issued a weak voice.

“N, Nothing! I won’t eat dinner. I don’t want to eat the meals that you made.”

“I can’t just leave you alone, the senpais are all worried about you…Is it because you hate me and you don’t want to see me, so you do not want to go down?”

“Uuuuu. That’s right…I…am still angry at you…”

Mio used a mosquito-like sound and spoke to Kazuki through the towel.

…After being reunited, I had constantly hurt her and even dueled with her.

“I’m sorry…but please eat the dinner, I beg you. If you still feel that I’m an eyesore and will trouble you, then I will go outside today.”

“Eh!? I, I don’t want that!!”

Kazuki’s eyes widened. Mio revealed a “Shoot” expression and quickly corrected it.

“…I don’t hate that! That <Then, I don’t hate that> means that I don’t really hate that!” <ref>It is a bit confusing here but the first half of the phrase (Earlier sentence) means that she is unwilling to let Kazuki leave the room, but the last half (Current Sentence) means that she does not care if Kazuki leaves.</ref>

“A, Ahhh…What, so it is this meaning, it is really easy for it to be misunderstood.”

What, the unnatural separation between <hate> and <not>.

“But please don’t be mistaken. I do not…plan on treating you like the past! Don’t keep on treating me as your younger sister!!”

“The past is the past, now is now, huh. It feels a little bit lonely like this.”

“…You, even if it is the me right now, do you still care and worry about me?”

“Of course. I will definitely not permit you not eating dinner.”

Mio’s eyes widened. A red heart floated over from her chest. It was evidence that her positivity values increased. Is that so, although she was still angry, but he was not hated by her.

If that’s the case, then this person is definitely——just arguing and playing around.

“I…Is that so? You will still worry about me…But my stomach is really not hungry.”

“Then let’s do this. I will still be your slave like before.”

“Eh? E, Even though I had lost in the duel…?”

“…So, master, because your slave had made dinner, please go and eat it.”

After she froze for a while ——she understood Kazuki’s intentions and proudly straightened her chest.

“…I understand. There is no other way…Only because there is no other way! My stomach is completely not hungry. Because I am the master! I must reward my slave’s loyalty.”

“Ohhh, you must do that.”

He could only maintain this kind of relationship with her, who could not be straightforward until now.

However, if the positivity levels increase ——It should be possible to have a relationship like in the past.

The past is the past, now is now, even if they say it like this, it doesn’t mean that it is something that is lonely.

“Right, you are only a slave! Only a slave…So you must remain by my side from now on! Don’t make any strange misunderstandings and try to leave here!?”

“I know, being able to stay at Witch’s House is nice.”

Mio constantly nodded her head in agreement. Another red heart flew out.

Come down early, saying this, Kazuki left the room.

“…Right, tomorrow’s bento, you don’t have to make it.”

“Eh? Are we going to the canteen?”

“I’ll make it for you…Although you are my slave, but I am the one who lost.”

The next day’s lunch. Just like yesterday, Leme and Mio gathered around Kazuki’s seat.

The thing that Mio prepared was karaage.

“…Right, how did they make the taste in Nanohana? About that, I had constantly wanted to make the same thing and practiced in Amasaki Family, but I could not do it well.”

…What, as expected it is a taste from your memories as well.

“About that, the seasoning placed in advance is the key. Okay, next time we make it, you should also wear a maid outfit!”

“What, what’s with that happy expression. Are you that happy cooking together with your master? I will absolutely not wear it, that idiotic outfit.”

Kazuki could not help but let his emotions rise, Mio seemed to sulk and said some hateful words.

“About that, Amasaki-san…Can I ask, in the end, your relationship is indeed very good?”

The surrounding people incredulously looked at the bento that Kazuki was eating, which was made by Mio.

“So I said don’t be mistaken! This guy is only a slave!!…Only <My Slave>. Although this guy is an E-Rank sword idiot…if anybody weaker than me dares to look down upon him, I will absolutely not forgive them!”

Mio issued out a roar to all the people in the classroom.

If she made this kind of declaration, only Koyuki, who was the same A-Rank, could talk back.

…This person, is she protecting me?

“W, What are you looking at? Quickly eat!”

She used her chopsticks, picked up a karaage and said “Eat quickly!” and placed it in front of him.

“…Don’t suddenly do things like <Ah ——n>”, Kazuki felt troubled.

“I, I did not plan on doing it! This is only a feeling similar to feeding a dog!”

“Isn’t their relationship extremely good…They have completely entered their own world…”

“Forget it, if it is us, no matter at this time, we would not win against either of them.”

“…Speaking of which, he was really cool, Hayashizaki-kun’s Iai slash.”

“Right! I remembered, I remembered it!! Running while pulling it out!!”

The atmosphere surrounding Kazuki had changed. And Mio, who he had not been able to understand, now, he finally understood the nature of her attitude.

“What are you laughing at secretly over there?”

“No, I just feel happy. From now on, please take care of me.”

“Yes. Why are you happy? I did not do anything that would make you happy…Forget it, since there is no helping it, I will also be with you from now on.”

Although she was still talking back, Mio’s face still revealed a slight smile. It seems like her honest feelings were involuntarily revealed ——

At this moment, somewhere near Mio's chest issued out a light. Looking at the surprised Kazuki, even the person involved, Mio, revealed <What is it?> an incredulous expression. The light finally turned into a key —— and directly entered Kazuki’s ring.

This was what Leme had said, a key to their hearts…

——From that moment on, Kazuki was no longer a useless Stigma Magic User.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2021-12-27T02:42:21Z

Tman111: Fix grammar. Removed unneeded "to".

==Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio==

=== Part 1 ===

Kaguya-senpai brought cards over, the atmosphere of the welcome party became more lively than before.

Mio and Hoshikaze-senpai are the type that immediately reflects what they think to their faces, so they were extremely weak. On the contrary, Kaguya-senpai and Koyuki were so strong that it was scary.

Kaguya-senpai uses lies and bluffs with ease while Koyuki would have an impregnable fortress-like poker face.

However, because Kazuki had said “So senpai is the type whose expression is inconsistent with her personality” to Kaguya-senpai, after she “Fufufu” and smiled, she suddenly became extremely weak. After that, the final winner was Koyuki. She muttered “Well, it doesn’t matter.” And pulled the curtains down for the welcome party.

Because of Mio’s strong proposition, Kazuki’s room was arranged to be the furthest room on the second floor.

It was a location where there was an appropriate distance between the other girls’ rooms and it was separated by empty rooms. Although Kaguya-senpai had initially said that anywhere was fine, it can’t be helped.

Late at night after the welcome party, Kazuki opened the door of his own room.

“A new life huh…Although it seems like they are all hard to deal with, but it seems like it would work out.”

Just muttering like this, he lifted the soft blanket on top of the bed that was similar to a hotel.

“A new life. Right? Then, aim for a harem!”

——After lifting up the blanket, he do not know why Leme appeared from within.

“Leme!? Why are you hiding in such a place? Your room is at another location, right?”

“Yes. But, because there are some words that I do not want others to hear, so I came over to your room.”

“Words? Anything is fine…but didn’t you lose your memories?”

“Yes. But actually, despite the memory loss, Leme still vaguely remember what she is and what her mission is. Divas all have a meaning of existence that was decided based on the myth. It isn’t something that could be simply forgotten.”

A meaning of existence decided by the myth? Leme’s mission is…?

“Then in other words…Could it be the reason why you chose to grant me an Enigma!?”

“Yes. And Leme…Although I had said it in that place, but she is actually not a powerless Diva.”

Hearing these words, Kazuki widened his eyes. While facing Kazuki, Leme proudly answered.

“Leme’s mission is…to make you become a harem king!!”

…Haah? Kazuki’s eyes widened and froze there.

“I will only tell you, the contractor, my true identity. ——Leme’s true name is <The Lesser Key of Solomon> Lemegeton! The Demon King ruling over the 72 Pillars of Demons!!”

Wait a minute…Did you just say Lemegeton?

“ <The Lesser Key of Solomon> should be a Magic Book, isn’t it…?”

Lemegeton ——That name had indeed appeared in the myth related to Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

However, Lemegeton is not listed as a name for the 72 Pillars of Demon.

King Solomon, who governs the 72 Pillars of Demon, placed the contents of his summoning techniques inside a Magic Book <The Lesser Key of Solomon> ——It was passed on like this.

King Solomon was a human that was alive around 1000 B.C. But this Magic Book was discovered at the 17th century and had sparked the medieval people’s madness towards Black Magic and Alchemy. That the leader of the <Golden Dawn>, McGregor Mathers, treated it as a research object was also widely known.

“Wrong! That is completely wrong!” Leme angrily shook her head.

“It was passed on incorrectly. The majority of the people that seek for the method to summon Demons felt that it was easier to consider Leme as a Magic Book. This thought was too simple.”

“In other words, it is a convenient delusion that people before had fabricated?”

“That’s right. King Solomon did not use a Magic Book to use summoning techniques. It is because he had a contract with Lemegeton, who governs the 72 Pillars’ strength, to summon them!”

Governing 72 Pillars’ strength ——Is this the true power of Lemegeton?

“Right now I will tell you Leme’s power…Leme’s inherent Magic <Goetia> is all the ten magic owned by the 72 Pillars, who grant this academy strength. A total of 720 kinds of magic and they are all given to you!”

The words that Leme uttered gave an enormous impact to Kazuki.

All. In other words, according to the actual situation, he could use a total of 720 kinds of Magic.

It overthrew all his thoughts and two giant words floated within Kazuki’s mind <The Strongest>. The Diva that he, an E-Rank, contracted was…the strongest Diva.

“——However, there is a condition. This power is only allowed to be used by a <King>. Just like how Leme lets the 72 Pillars of Demon to be subordinates of hers, if you do not let the other people to become a subordinate of yours, your power as a King cannot be used. Errr, subordinate is not the word used in modern times…If we have to use the modern way of speaking…Then it is to make them fall in love with you!”

Make them…Fall in love…with me? I suddenly felt that…some idiotic words were spouted out.

“Through the mentality of the Magic User that you made into a subordinate, the Magic User’s contracted Diva’s power could be used by you. For example, if you let that Amasaki Mio fall in love with you, then you will form a path with that person. Leme will be able to draw power from Phenex. However, if you are still in an unpopular state…Although it is unfortunate, but Leme is only a powerless Diva…”

“…Unpopular and powerless Diva!? That is too weird.”

“It is not weird. The Divas have their own purpose of existing based on the myth. Solomon Divas’ missions were to grant wisdom to humans and let this country prosper. And once the Stigma Magic Users that are able to use the 72 Pillars grow up, it is necessary to govern them. Because a female’s Magic Power is relatively stronger, so all the Stigma Magic Users are females. If that’s the case, the King that caused them to submit ——is a harem king!”

“…What to do, it seems like it does make sense.”

“I am saying this first, if the situation of a harem king was not born, then the Solomon’s 72 Pillars would lose their motivations and give up on supporting this country. Because cultivating a King is the meaning of existence for the Solomon Divas. Just like when they obeyed Israel’s King Solomon, they are all Divas of the assistants, who were willing to do their best, for the King.”

“Wait a minute, isn’t this extremely important to this country!?”

The true meaning of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars supporting the Japanese government is actually still not clear. Even so, the Japanese government desires the power of Magic. For the military forces, they cannot help but rely on the 72 Pillars.

If they were to lose the support of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars, Japan would be dropped from their position as a Magically Advanced Country.

“A King’s power is to be able to gather the fragmented things, <Convergence Power>. If he does not have this Convergence Power, then in the future, humans would not be able to deal with the giant wave that would come to this world. By recognizing that a single individual is weak, so it is necessary to cultivate a king. This is the mission of Leme and Solomon’s 72 Pillars…”

“…A giant wave that would come to this world?”

Just now Leme had said that she vaguely remembers her mission.

“The numerous mysterious fragments inside the world of myths are all quietly gathering underwater. Not only in Japan, but in all of the 7 countries. At a certain stage, it would overturn the world.”

7 countries ——There is no doubt that it refers to the 7 Magically Advanced Countries.

“…So, in order to reach this goal, a harem is required?”

“There is no helping that you would feel troubled since you are suddenly being told that you would need to make a harem. But please rest assured! Leme will grant you a Magical Dress that would play a role in your creation of a harem!”

After hearing the phrase, Magical Dress, Kazuki, who was shocked, had white light shining on the middle finger of his left hand. The light had a bit of miss ——Suddenly, it became a ring that was made with materials similar to copper. As a Magical Dress, it was indeed too small.

“Because currently Leme had lost her memory, so she could only give you a small ring. However, this ring is the famous and legendary <Solomon’s Ring>! This ring can capture the sound of the girls’ hearts, measure their feelings and convert it to values.”

“…The effects are completely different than the ones that I know.”

In the legend, it was recorded that the Solomon’s Ring was to allow a person to understand the words of animals and plants.

“It has been rewritten in accordance with the modern style. Inject your Magic Power and test it out.”

Following what she said, he inserted Magic Power to the ring. Afterwards, a white light flashed in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

The light gradually depicted images and became a three-dimensional image information.

“These information is the measurement results of the girls’ feelings that you should conquer. In other words, it represents the positivity levels of the girls.”

The image that emerged in front recorded the names of girls that Kazuki was familiar with. Next to the name, a graph appeared one after another. The graph even had number values showing out.

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“…T, This is the positivity levels of everybody towards me!?”

“This ring also has the ability to chase after and capture the mental changes of the girls. This is already in order for you to see it carefully and visually. If the girl’s positivity levels increase, a red heart will appear. If the positivity level decreases, then a black skull will appear. Then, it will be absorbed into the ring. Just like this, the graph will be changed. The images cannot be seen by others. If you are able to monitor the changes of positivity levels in real time, then you will become sensitive towards the other person’s true feelings and know what you have to do to make them happy. This way, no matter what kind of girl they are, you will be able to make them attracted to you!”

“…A human’s heart cannot be easily realizable like a game.”

Right, just when I thought about it ——isn’t this similar to a game?

And it is the simulation game that becomes intimate with girls ——In other words, a <Galge>!”

As a swordsman, I will not be captivated by that kind of thing, so far I have never had any concerns about it. However, it is not something I was completely uninterested in. But that actually falls onto my own pace…?

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“…There must be a mistake. Why is Amasaki ranked number 1? That person seems to hate sword techniques and despise me.”

“I know, I know. Tsundere, Tsundere. There is no doubt that she is a tsundere.”

“Tsundere!? What is that…That kind of thing is also too strange.”

If Amasaki was 55, then wouldn’t Kanae’s positivity levels probably reach 300 million?

“Because there is no benchmark, I do not understand it well. Is it unable to measure Kanae’s positivity levels?”

“Although I do not know who you are talking about, but the only thing that is certain is that it only works with people who formed a contract with a Diva.”

“…Then, I can only consider these four people’s positivity levels? No matter how I look at it, I cannot believe that Amasaki is 55 when she does not hold any good intentions to me…Compared to Kaguya-senpai, which is lower, at first glance, she appears to be very friendly, but it is only on the surface. Hiakari is taking an indifferent attitude towards me, so that value doesn’t really matter. However, what is frustrating is…Hoshikaze-senpai’s 30. That is already treating me as if I was the same rank as a bug…”

“Wait, if you treat tsundere’s tsun as the truth, then using that as the basis, it will make others distrustful.”

Indeed, Mio would occasionally exhibit the unbelievable attitude when they had their first meeting.

Then that stingy attitude, compared to hating me ——It is more like joking awkwardly with me?

“A positivity level of around 30 means a position which is more than acquaintances, but less than friends. If the positivity level is over 65, you will obtain the key to their hearts. As a result, you will be able to use Level 1 Summoning Magic of the Diva that she contracted with. So, you must approach Amasaki Mio first!”

The 10 kinds of Inherent Magic that the Divas own are divided into 10 Levels. A Stigma Magic User could use a High Level Summoning Magic that matches the wavelength of the Diva.

In contrast, Kazuki is still in a powerless state right now. Although he is still at a state of being observed, but if this continues, he would also doubt the meaning of him staying at the Magic Division. In other words to get rid of his title as being the lowest-ranked, a Level 1 is good, anything is good, he must be able to use Summoning Magic.

However…why does he have to make Amasaki fall in love with him?

In other words, he would have to make someone fall in love with him for power? Isn’t this exactly…like a game!?

“…The so-called positivity levels, isn’t it fine if it is not feelings of love, but feelings of friendship?”

“Ehhh? You are speaking of friendship between men and women?”

“Because the so-called positivity levels shouldn’t just be all about feelings of love, right?”

“Friendship between men and women is not that easily achieved, right? Forming a friendship with all the 72 people feels even harder than forming a harem. It seems like you do not have much experience forming a friendship with females.”

“I was looked down by a young girl!?”

“Don’t use the phrase young girl! Leme is only in a young girl state because my strength and a portion of my memories are lost! If you slowly gather strength, Leme will also recover an appearance that matches her strength!”

“In the end, I am not interested in love.”

Remembering back, from the beginning of junior high, his male friends were all talking about girl-related topics. However, compared to that kind of thing, he only wanted to improve his sword techniques a bit more and earn recognition from his adopted father and Kanae.

“Not interested in love? Really?”

Towards Leme’s skeptical tone, Kazuki was a bit angry.

“Really. So I…will not use feelings of love, but positivity values from friendship to reach the pinnacle of Summoning Magic!”

Becoming friends with everybody here and getting rid of the incompetent evaluation of an E-Rank.

If that’s the case…I would be able to accept it and become motivated.

“…Forget it, since Our King (Basileus) says so, then Leme will not forcibly request it.”

“What is the meaning of <Our King>?”

“Fufufu, from now on, you will become a harem king. In Greek, Basileus Goetia means <The King that rules the 72 Pillars>”

Once they talked about Basileus, the leader of the secret organization would instead appear inside their mind.

The leader of <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, Basileus Basileon…

Leaving the phrase <The world is being eroded by myths>, a man that was considered to be dead…

“I do not intend to become a harem king.”

“Forget it, Leme right now does not have any memories. She will temporarily look at the developments. Leme can materialize into such a physical body and could also let her materialized form to disappear into Astrum to observe your mental state.”

Once she said up to this point, Leme’s body completely disappeared.

Thinking that she had left just like this, she casually materialized again in the end.

“…Even though you did not steal a human’s body, yet you, as a Diva, are able to materialize in this world, it is originally something that is incredible.”

“There is a reason. First, Leme and your connection is much stronger than ordinary circumstances. Probably because we had kissed during our contract…Oiii, why are you blushing!”

“I did not blush!”

“Through the act of connecting the symbol of spiritual level, it strengthened the contract. Thanks to that, Leme cannot form another contract with a person besides you. In exchange, it greatly enhances the efficiency of Magic Power. There is another point…Although due to memory loss, so it is extremely vague, but apparently Leme seemed to be a Diva that has longing to humanity. So compared to the other Divas, there is a big change for the method of existing.”

“Has longing, to humanity…?”

“Probably, but I do not really remember about this matter. To the current Leme, it does not matter.”

“Won’t you feel uneasy if I do not make a harem, so you would not recover your memories?”

“For the queue, when Leme was summoned, she pretended to have no powers. It is because if the surrounding people knew about Leme’s ability of becoming stronger after collecting positivity levels, I believe the surrounding people would be defensive about it. Thus, in the future, it is best to keep Leme’s ability a secret from other people.”

Kazuki also did not want others to know about this ability.

…However, Liz Liza-sensei wanted me to report to her no matter what happened…

“Let us stop here. Leme is going to sleep. Our king, it is almost time to sleep, right?”

“Eh? You have your own room now. There are also empty rooms here.”

“I don’t want it. Leme will sleep together with Our King, who is her contractor.

Leme rolled her eyes, stared emotionlessly at Kazuki and rejected it.

“This is also because, although Leme’s body requires very little energy, but it is originally constructed by your Magic Power. Staying by your side would make her existence more stable.”

Leme tightly grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand and pulled him to the bed.

As close as possible, Leme treated Kazuki as a charger as she hugged him. Then, she used the remote control to turn off the lights inside the room. Inside the darkness, her brown skin was just as soft as a female human, and exuded an incredulous smell.

Having said that, with such a small child, it feels just like sleeping together with a younger sister.

“Good night! Our Stoic King.”

“…Who is stoic, naturally, the words about completely being uninterested in girls is a lie.”

He did not hate girls, of course he was interested.

But if he became active towards girls just for the sake of power…

It will be extremely rude to the other side.

After all, he did not have much confidence in becoming someone else’s partner in love.

Because, I——

The phone inside his pocket suddenly vibrated. It seems like he received a message.

“Nii-sama, it is a night with a beautiful moon. Kanae is about to go to sleep while dressing in extremely sexy pajamas. (Please feel free to imagine it and become excited). It will be great if I am able to see Nii-sama inside my dreams. Nii-sama, too, please see Kanae inside your dreams. Then, good night——Your loving Kanae.”

Kazuki typed back the phrase “Quickly brush your teeth and sleep” and replied.

=== Part 2 ===

The next morning. Due to his usual habits, Kazuki had already woke up before the sun even rose.

Although it was like this, under the current circumstances, there was already no need to practice swinging his sword…Speaking of which, Kaguya-senpai had said that the first-year students would be responsible for the household chores here.

Then if he was to work hard starting from this morning, it might surprise the senpais.

When Kazuki changed his clothes in the dim room, Leme also got up abruptly.

“You immediately thought of earning positivity levels from the girls? Our King!”

“…When you are saying it like that, it feels a bit uncomfortable.”

If the senpais were happy, then he would be satisfied. It was only that.

Inside the lounge, the wrappings and leftover snacks eaten at last night’s party was thrown everywhere.

Kazuki cleaned it all up and began to prepare breakfast.

“…Since it is a rare opportunity, let’s make some bento as well.”

After making breakfast, Kazuki took advantage of his interest and further proceeded to make bento. There was still plenty of time and the fridge had plenty of ingredients.

“Rather, I seem to have become a maid<ref>He actually said maid here. Just so you know, he is not female.</ref>.”

“…What are you saying, Our King. Wait, your eyes seems to be dead.”

“When I am able to make others happy, it allows me to feel that I am alive…”

Just when he was rhythmically cutting the ingredients, he heard somebody’s footsteps going down the stairs.

“…Although I was thinking that if there was the need to clean up, I can still do it…but it seems like someone did it first.”

Issuing ,*patapata*, footsteps sound, she was still wearing her underwear + shirt appearance.

“Good morning, Hiakari-san. Because there is a male student here, please do not wear that kind of appearance again. Please wear a maid outfit and come make breakfast with me.”

“…I can’t cook. Because I am a human who does not know anything but Magic.”

“Even though Hiakari-san was living here in the past, could it be that you have never done household chores?”

“…Once, I attempted to cook, as a result, the 3rd year senpai’s mouth emitted blue lights.”

“Food that makes one instinctively activate defensive magic!? It could judge that there were toxic substances!?”

“I was thinking that I could do work such as cleaning up, so I came…”

Perhaps it was from a psychological effect, her shoulders drooped. Then, with a speed that did not give time for others to retain her, she left the kitchen.

The one that appeared next in the kitchen was Mio, who was actually said to have the highest positivity levels here.

“Good morning, Amasaki. You should also work hard on the household chores.

Mio ignored Kazuki’s greeting, until she was next to Kazuki and looked at his hands.

“…It’s karaage. It’s karaage!”

“Yes, before when I was still at the orphanage, it is the dish that I am best at, which I learned from the facility’s chef.”

Mio’s response was to only look at Kazuki’s hand, which was in the middle of cooking, with sparkling eyes.

A red heart floated out from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into the ring on Kazuki’s left hand.

This is the power of the Magical Dress that Leme had mentioned before!?

But, why at this time? Does she really like karaage that much?

“Hey, it will be very boring if you just watch, come over here and let’s do it together.”

“Why must I do household chores?”

“Because here, the lower class students have to do household chores, right? Aren’t you also a first-year student?”

“Yes, we are both first years. However, just like there is a hierarchy relationship like third and first year students, there is also a hierarchy relationship between a first year’s A-Rank and E-Rank.”

Mio, who was watching at Kazuki’s hand, finally lifted her eyes and stared at Kazuki.

“If I am a person who would do odd jobs for the third year senpais…Then, you, who is an E-Rank, are my slave!”

“Is that so!? But indeed…the academy pursues a meritocracy style.”

So the household chores had become solely done by a person?

…Although it would make him a bit excited, but it feels like it would be more fun if everybody was to do it together.

“…You should feel grateful for being allowed to cook my meals.”

After that, Mio continued to stare at Kazuki’s cooking appearance.

The breakfast menu was grilled fish, spinach as a cold salad, white rice and miso soup. It was an extremely common Japanese breakfast.

“Delicious! It is really tasty, otouto-kun! The freshness from this grilled fish…Could it be that it was recently caught!? From the garden’s pond over there?”

“…No, I only grilled the fish fillets inside the fridge.”

“Amazing…Even though he is a boy, but he is able to cook so well…Hayashizaki-kun is not a crude boy. If it is a boy like that, then perhaps I won’t feel afraid.”

The two senpais had a deeply moved expression and were extremely happy.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|thumb]]

Images of red hearts emerged from the bodies of these two and were absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. When Kazuki realized about the positivity levels of these two, a graph appeared in his eyes.

“Fufufu, this way, you have captured the stomach of these girls!”

Leme, who was sitting next to him at the table, smiled silently. With a voice only audible to Kazuki, she teased him.

Anyways, he could not calm down. Even though he did not carry these intentions to do household chores.

From that day on, the Magic Division’s course quickly began.

At the Magic Division, there were separate courses such as <Mythology>, <Tactical Theory> and <Magic Practice>.

Mythology was just like its name suggests. It is a course to learn knowledge about myths.

In this class, a semi-fat scholar came to teach the students.

“——The Israel King Solomon was loved by the Gods. He summoned 72 Demons, granted him the Magic Book <Lesser Key of Solomon> and brought the Kingdom of Isreal to its golden age.

It was just like the myth, the 72 Pillars of Solomon that appeared in modern times became the supporter of humans.

Solomon’s 72 Pillars were once called demons. But as they appeared in modern Japan, magic and religious beliefs should be considered separately. Thus, they would combine God and Demon together and call them Diva. <ref>神魔 = Diva. Diva is formed by using the characters of God + Demon.</ref>

For example, Baal <ref>Baal is the Principal King of Hell. He is depicted as a man or a bull and is the 1st Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. In the ancient times, he was the highest God that was worshiped by the Phoenicians, but in the Christian doctrine, he was known as Baal-Zebub, or Beelzebub and was treated as a demon. However, Magic Users, who are simply seeking for power, should not go along with this kind of prejudice regarding about religion. Whether it is a God or a Demon, there was basically no difference.

Diva. Although it was derived from Demons, but it does not mean evil. It simply has a meaning that it is <A thing that goes beyond human wisdom>——”

The Tactical Theory was related to the tactics that the Knights use. It was taught by the female teachers, who had already retired, but were originally Stigma Magic Users. Because Magic Power would gradually reduce from the peak amount in the twenties, so they would retire early.

“——The so-called basic tactic of the Knights is the <Heaven and Earth Formation>. This is formed by having the Swordsman (Vanguard Attackers) initiating close-combat and the Stigma Magic Users (Rearguard Finisher), who would be protected by the Swordsman as they chant Summoning Magic.

The Magic Sword’s power of the Swordsman is not worth mentioning compared to Summoning Magic. If we gathered all the Magic Power from you guys, who are in the school, then no matter how many times they cut, we could still bear it with just Defense Magic.

However, if you are continuously attacked by swords, it would hinder your concentration and the Summoning Magic Chant will be interrupted. Thus, the swordsmen, who are assigned at the frontlines, have become extremely important.

What usually decides the battlefield’s fate is the high-level Summoning Magic that was activated after a long chant. Thus, the Swordsman would act as shields and sacrifice themselves in the formation is this Heaven and Earth Formation.

It is a tactic to throw away the swordsman after the battle, in order for the chosen people——”

Magic Practice is the actual use of Magic in the sports ground.

Having said that, among the first years, only Mio and Hiakari had successfully formed a contract in the correct way. The two of them had honestly used the Level 1 Magic and increase the precision of their Spell Chant in order to train for the Higher Level Summoning Magic.

Aside from these two students, the others were doing training in order for them to successfully form a contract with the Divas.

Contracting with a Diva’s consciousness was regularly held by the Magic Division’s Student Council after school.

In order for them to actually succeed next time, the students would all continuously train and hone their Perceptibility Enhancement Magic and train to dive into the depths of the Spiritual World.

However, Kazuki is placed in a very delicate position. Although he had succeeded with the contract, but he does not have any Summoning Magic he could use.

Thus, whether it was the successful group, or the failure group, he could not be placed in either of these groups.

“Spin~~nn, spin, spin, Spin~~nn, spin, spin, spin around for me~”

Kazuki was squatting in front of a bucket and muttered while he stirred the water inside.

This was Normal Magic training based on Kazuki’s ability that Liz Liza-sensei had assigned to him.

Fluid Control —— Fluids like gas or liquid are easier to manipulate using Telepathy Magic. If you are accustomed to controlling water or fire, it will definitely be useful in the battlefield…This is what Liz Liza-sensei had said,

“…UWAHHH, he is really playing around with a bucket.”

“His contracted Diva is really useless.”

The classmates all threw a mocking gaze towards Kazuki.

It was common sense that Normal Magic would not have much use in battle. Although he was similar to the people who cannot use Summoning Magic, but Kazuki’s training would not have any developments and had no future.

As a prominent male student in the class, and also an E-Rank. Even though he had succeeded a contract, but he actually had no ability, so he could only do this kind of training ——It was natural that others would look down upon him.

However, no matter what training it is, since he had already started, he must concentrate and do it.

“What are you doing!? Is playing around with a bucket a specialty Magic of an E-Rank?”

Mio, who was wearing the Magical Dress, peeked from behind Kazuki and talked to him.

“This is very difficult. If you reduce a bit of strength, the water would cause ripples and overflow. It will not work unless you maintain your concentration for a long period of time.”

“This kind of thing is simple.”

She said dissatisfiedly…Towards her, who was an A-Rank, perhaps it was simple.

“But what kind of help would this training have for a battle? Isn’t your Magic Power for fighting and not for cooking? Isn’t it fine if you use your prideful swords to stir it around instead of Magic?”

“What do you treat swords as! They will rust!”

“It should be you, what are you treating Magic as! Forget it, since you already have Hayashizaki’s swords, the Summoning Magic shouldn’t matter to you at all. Then why are you staying at the Magic Division?”

Under the circumstances of other girls staying away, only Mio would come over and say these scornful words.

“I can already use Level 2 Magic. It was a thing that happened in a blink of an eye!”

…Already Level 2? At this pace, then would she immediately reach Level 10?

The Summoning Magic is divided into 10 stages. When you reach the highest difficulty of Level 10, you would able to use <Complete Summon> and let the Diva <Materialize> into the world.

Aside from that, Summoning Magic, although it was called Summoning, but it does not materialize the Diva into this world. It can only bring forth a <Magical Phenomenon that the Diva caused> and letting them activate it.

For example, if two students with the same contracted Diva were to use Summoning Magic at the same time, as long as it is not Level 10, there will be no problems. It will provide power to both individuals and both their Magic would activate.

Although Leme is an exception, but letting a Diva materialize is originally extremely difficult.

“Hmmmm, when you are still stirring the bucket of water, I must use this Phenex and show my talents. I will let you see the great hero of this country, who would defeat all the Illegal Magic Users that causes terror and do dondokudo-n in this world! I’ll let you know what is a true elite ♪”

“Oi, wait, elite. What is dondokudo-n?”

“…You actually being this weak compared to me. It feels a bit complicated.”

Mio quietly muttered…Just now, what did she say?

“Sensei! Yamanaka-san fell down!”

Hearing the students’ cries, Liz Liza-sensei hurriedly rushed to the side of the fallen student.

“…<Magic Drunk> huh. She must have wanted to hurry and let the contract succeed, so she was reckless, huh…The other trashes should also be careful, do not overuse your Magic!”

Magic Drunk. If you were to forcibly use Magic when your Magic was extremely low, your spirit will be pulled into Astrum and collapsed there.

What was particularly needed to be aware of is being attacked when you have very little Magic Power remaining.

If you reflexively and forcibly draw out Magic that surpasses your limits from Astrum in order to protect your own body. Even if your body is spared, you would also fall into a deep coma.

Naturally, the situation of drawing over the limits and not being able to protect from the strong attack was also possible. It was known as overkill. Thus, you must always be aware of your remaining Magic Power.

Kazuki once again turned towards the bucket. Although it was a training that others look down upon, but Liz Liza-sensei was a teacher, who protected him during the staff meeting.

If this kind of teacher said that it will not be in vain, then it must not be a wasted effort.

…From today on, not only the morning chores after waking up, he should also add in Normal Magic training.

=== Part 3 ===

“Is this karaage? Although I know about the related knowledge…Delicious! It is a joy that makes one truly feel alive!”

Leme, who disappeared during class, had materialized at lunch time to eat food.

“Karaage…I have not eaten such a plebeian food for so long. At the Amasaki’s house, this kind of thing will never be put on the table. It is the fault of this E-Rank slave, there is nothing more shabby than this.”

Next to Leme, Mio placed the table together and was eating the same bento.

…Why did this person specially come over to eat together?

Behind his seat, Koyuki was eating the bento alone. At first, Kazuki had invited her over to eat, but he was coldly rejected. If that’s the case, then why did Mio come over?

“It does not matter if I have to do all the household chores…But please do not call me a slave.”

“…But I do not recognize you as a member of the Witch’s House. Forget it, since the food that was made have no sin, then I can only reluctantly eat it.”

Placing mouthfuls of karaage into her mouth, Mio said with a pretentious tone.

Saying that she was reluctant had made Kazuki frustrated. The karaage was a dish from his memories of the Nanohana Institute.

“It shouldn’t be awful…”

“It is awful. This kind of thing is extremely disgusting.”

When she places the karaage in her mouth, which was opposite of what she was saying, Mio’s cheeks would soften.

“…It was made extremely well. Thank you.”

“Hiakari-san…Thank you. But since you have already said such words, as expected, you should come over and eat! Don’t just whisper your thanks from behind!”

Kazuki turned his head around. She only said “Don’t look over here” and turned to one side.

A black skull flew into the ring. It was not from Koyuki, but from Mio. After turning his head back to the front, he did not know why, but he could only see Mio glaring at him unhappily.

“Oi, even though I am eating with you, don’t turn to the back and desperately request for another woman.”

“That’s right. Amasaki-san, do you have some time now?”

Suddenly being talked by someone, Mio “Eh?” and looked back.

When she noticed, everybody’s gaze were concentrated at this side.

“Amasaki-san, do you have a good relationship with that E-Rank…Hayashizaki-kun?”

“W, What good relationship, how is that possible. This person is a slave! Because I am a Student Council trainee…I had obtained a slave from the Student Council President! Don’t be mistaken!”

Kaguya-senpai did not say anything related to a slave trade.

“That’s true! You only treated him as a useful slave, that’s great!”

With this as a beginning, the other students of the class began to speak one by one.

“How is it possible that the A-Rank Amasaki-san would enter the Student Council with the E-Rank male student! We were all thinking what was going on, but now we are reassured!”

“That person, who cannot even use Summoning Magic, was actually mixed into this class, how disgusting.”

The temperature surrounding him had rapidly dropped.

No,no,no. It was maybe not all of a sudden, it was possible that everybody was gearing up and waited for an opportunity to throw such gazes.

As a Stigma Magic User candidate, they have extreme pride. They wanted to exclude the abnormality (Kazuki), but because they did not know why Mio, whose rank was higher than theirs, was together with him, so they hesitated.

…It was probably like that.

“Hey, Amasaki-san. Do you also think this way?”

They were trying to confirm secretly from Mio <That it was alright to treat this guy as a target for bullying.> And Mio, who did not understand the situation, could only look around confused.

What on earth was happening? Kazuki thought while remaining calm.

He was aware that he was an abnormality. He was already resolved about this situation.

“…Forget it! We, the Magic Division, do not require swords! You are already an E-Rank, and you were saying that your specialty was swords…Hayashizaki-Ryuu is completely useless!”

In the end, Mio still followed the atmosphere of this classroom.

“Compared to my Phenex, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is simply trash! What Ancient Sword Techniques, there is no difference compared to the primitives swinging sticks around!”

“Hayashizaki-Ryuu?” The surrounding people were confused about the target that she pointed out at.

Kazuki was also angered by this phrase.

…It was the same when I first introduced myself. Why does this person always target the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? Because it was on the news, so knowing about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu was not something strange…But what do you know about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? I do not mind if I was looked down upon…But if it is the people, who are important to me, that are being looked down upon, then it is not fine.

“Since you actually said it like this…Do you think I will remain silent forever?”

Mio faced Kazuki and revealed a provocative expression.

The anger within Kazuki’s belly was rushing upwards.

However, if he were to move using his emotions ——He would lose his place in the classroom.

“Our King, compared to the foolish Stigma Magic User, you are much stronger.”

Beside the silent Kazuki, a surprising sound rang out. It was Leme.

“What are you people, who still have not changed the Enigma into Stigma, or you, who can only use Low Level Summoning Magic saying? If you let Leme, who is a Diva, to speak, it is really funny. Our King’s Sword techniques are stronger than you a hundred times. And the karaage that Our King made is very delicious.”

Because the surrounding people were all silent, that voice completely infiltrated their bodies.

“…W, What, you useless Diva.”

“There is no need for Our King to use Leme’s power to deal with people such as you. If you doubt it, you can try it. Isn’t there a system called <Duel> in this academy?”

“Hey, Leme, what are you saying? You have lost your memories, you shouldn’t know anything about my sword techniques. Don’t just careless say words out.”

Kazuki hurriedly tried to stop her, but Leme only stared directly at Kazuki.

“Indeed, Leme doesn’t know anything, but I can still understand. Although I do not know why I selected you, but because you are a person that this Leme has chosen —— You cannot be weak. And although I had only been with you for a short day, I still fully understand your character. You said that you have spent your life so far honing your sword techniques. Then if that’s the case ——You are not weak. Even if I do not know anything, I can still understand it.”

Leme even leaned over closer and whispered into his ear.

“…And, that girl, Amasaki Mio, truthfully, she wants to lose to you.”

“…What’s that.”

“It is more accurate to say that…she hopes that you are a strong person. So that’s why she argues with you. This is also for positivity levels, so show off to her.”

“…In the end, it was still for that. That isn’t good, fighting in order to obtain positivity values.”

“Most importantly, it is unrelated to positivity values…Weren’t you also thinking that you <Want to Fight>? Leme and your heart are connected, so I had seen through it a long time ago.”

Leme smiled and knocked Kazuki’s chest.

…She is saying that I wanted to fight? I actually…?

Holding a sword in my hands, as a swordsman, fight ——against the Stigma Magic User, who had provoked this side.

Inside Kazuki’s calm mind, a sweet heat began to erode it.

As a member of the Magic Division, he must leave behind his longing for sword techniques. But ——

“…That is true. Indeed, it is time to let these people change their thinking about sword techniques.”

The people that were most important to him were looked down upon, yet he could still remain indifferent. As expected, it wasn’t his way of living.

“Oi, you two, what are you guys secretly talking about?”

Mio said to the two people. Leme immediately turned to Mio and revealed a detestable expression.

“Actually, you are very weak! Desperately saying Leme’s King is an E-Rank slave, you must be afraid of Our King!?”

“…-How is it possible that I’m afraid of that guy!?”

Mio could not help but stand up. In response, Kazuki also stood up.

“Amasaki Mio. I request a duel with you.”

Hearing these words, everybody in the room, including Mio, widened their eyes in shock.

This was the natural reaction. Compared to Summoning Magic, Swords were looked down upon.

Heaven and Earth Formation. Swordsman were only to buy time for the Stigma Magic User’s Chants. A Meat Shield. This was common knowledge.

Kazuki coldly looked around his surroundings. That common knowledge ——made him extremely angry inside his heart.

“You say a duel…But you can’t use Summoning Magic, right?”

“I will only fight with a sword. If I win, I hope that you can take back the insults you said towards the Hayashizaki Family.”

Hearing this phrase, Mio’s expression changed.

“As expected, you still have longing towards the Hayashizaki’s Sword Techniques! Even though you are already a person like me in the Magic Division…Okay, I’ll accompany you! I’ll let you fully experience it!!”

The originally frozen classroom began to quarrel again.

“…Although I do not understand, that person is saying that he would <Use Sword Techniques to fight against an A-Rank>?”

“Amasaki-san can already use Level 2 Magic, right!? Then it is impossible.”

“You… are still the same as before…”

When it was already impossible to stop, Mio muttered in a low voice.

“What did you say?”

Just like this ——A red heart appeared from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

A red heart? At this time, it should be a black skull. As expected, this ring is abnormal.

“Nothing, you E-Rank! Stupid Idiot! I’m looking forward to the time after school end!”

She rushed back to her own seat. What is a Stupid Idiot? Oi, you forgot about the half-finished bento. Finish it! The karaage I made!!

“You’ve said it well…Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki sat down, Koyuki’s voice came from behind.

It looks like he was not completely alone.

After the application that was submitted to the Student Council in the Knights Academy was approved, then you can begin a duel.

It was a competition of strength between students that under safety rules of stopping the attack before the Defense Magic was completely reduced to zero, where the Student Council was present.

“A duel request? Otouto-kun and Mio-chan?”

After Kaguya-senpai, who was currently organizing information in the Student Council office, heard her kouhais’ words, her eyes widened.

“Really, even Otouto-kun is reckless. The duel that has strict rules is different than the reckless scuffles that Kanae-chan participates in. If it is in a duel format, the Stigma Magic User will only escape as they continuously use Level 1 Magic and it will completely eliminate your Defensive Magic. This is not a joke.”

“Has Kanae, till this date, fought against the Magic Division students?”

“…Formally no. Although Kanae-chan wanted to do so, but even if the Magic Division students were to win against the Sword Division students, their rank evaluation will not increase. Thus, everybody avoids it.”

“If that’s the case, then senpai should not know what kind of battle it will become between the Hayashizaki-Ryuu and Summoning Magic.”

“There is no need to duel and you would still know it, idiot.”

Mio inserted hateful words. At the same time, senpai finally realized that the two of them were both serious.

“W, Why did it become such a tense relationship? Fighting isn’t good!”

“No, I cannot give in. As long as my foster father’s sword is being looked down upon, I cannot tolerate it.”

“Why…are you so serious about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu. Even though you are someone from the Magic Division…Just like an idiot!”

At this time, someone broke the Student Council’s door and stormed in.

“It’s the time to completely defeat someone, Nii-sama! I have heard of the matter, As expected from Nii-sama!?”

“Ah, Kanae-chan? Why did you come to the Magic Division?”

Kanae completely ignored Kaguya-senpai and rushed directly in front of Kazuki.

“…So it was like this. Nii-sama wanted to rampage inside the Magic Division in order to prove the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu…In other words, a spy inside the Magic Divison! Such foresight, even Kanae did not think about it. Because Kanae’s duels were always rejected! However, after you taught everybody a lesson in the Magic Division, please transfer back to the Sword Division.”

“How is that possible, idiot.”

Kazuki use his two hands and firmly pulled Kanae’s cheeks that was as soft as rice cakes.

Kanae issued out a “Funyaaaaaaaa!” cry.

“President! As expected, you are here. Please do not suddenly rush out when we are having a meeting.”

The person who appeared after Kanae was the Sword Division’s Torazou-senpai.

“Oi, Kanae, don’t skip work and come over here to do your bro-con acts.”

“It’s not like that! Indeed, Kanae wanted to see Nii-sama to the extent that she is trembling…But it is not because of this purpose that I came. Nii-sama, this is for you.”

Kanae handed over a one-edged Japanese Sword to Kazuki.

“…This is!”

Kazuki had already left his beloved sword at the Hayashizaki Family. Therefore, for the matter related to the duel, he wanted to ask Kanae or the Sword Division to borrow a sword…

“Yes, this is Nii-sama’s <Doufuu>. Because she felt that it will be needed, so Kanae had secretly brought it over. This is such an amazing foresight. Please praise me. Then, please fall in love with me.”

Kazuki’s beloved sword, Doufuu. It was an iron-cutting sword that was created through the hands of alchemists.

Among the history of Japanese swords, the ancient sword during Kamakura era ——The Kamakura ancient swords was the strongest. However, this kind of technique had already been lost and had become a lost art.

Through Alchemy, it had let this Kamakura Ancient Sword, Doufuu, appear once again.

The past Japanese Swords were made using a soft steel core, with hard steel on the outside, <Heart of Steel Structure>, in order to obtain a balance of toughness and hardness. The soft core absorbs the impact to prevent it from breaking, while the hard surface prevents it from becoming crooked.

With this kind of structure, it was easily broken due to the difference of hardness at the location where the two steel stuck together.

Compared to this, Doufuu was created with a single steel material.

The steel’s hardness was decided by the carbon content. Doufuu, through the Fluid Control Magic to control the amount of carbon content dissolved into the steel, so that the inner core was soft, then as it extended outwards, it had become hard…Because it was made with a single material for the structure, it was a thing that was extremely ideal as it maintained the balance of hard and soft. This is Micro-Level Alchemy.

Because there was no extreme difference of hardness in the structure, it had stuck together extremely tough. Once it was swung, it was like a whip that was bent.

Its toughness and sharpness could even cut iron.

As proof of Kazuki’s independence, his foster father awarded it to him

The moment he held it in his hands, the feeling of the heavy sword seemed to have become familiar with him just like a part of his body.

…Although he had made a resolve after becoming a Stigma Magic User, as expected, he was still a swordsman.

No, in order to change into a new self, there was no need to abandon his past.

“Nii-sama, Nii-sama, please praise me. Then as a reward, please kiss me.”

“Don’t get carried away in front of everybody in the Student Council, idiot.”

Looking at Kazuki and Kanae’s interactions, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki revealed surprised gazes.

“…The Sword Division’s President is older than Hayashizaki-kun, she should be an older sister, right? What is going on?”

“It can’t be some kind of perverted type of play, right…?”

Even though the fact that Kazuki was a male, yet he obtained an Engima was spread around by the news, but the problem regarding about their true age, which had caused the relationship regarding about the siblings age to be reversed, was still pretty much unknown.

“Hmph, whether you use a sword to fight or a Kiritanpo <ref>A Japanese dish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiritanpo</ref> to fight, it is the same! Let’s us begin…Bring it on!”

“Bringing it on is a rather old way of speaking. But…Fine.”

“W, Wait a minute, I have not accepted the request yet!”

The duel must have the permission of either side’s Student Council. But ——

“If you do not accept it, then I will accept it! Nii-sama, Nii-sama, good luck!!”

——With the Sword Division Student Council accepting it, a special duel began.

At the sports ground, Kazuki and Mio were confronting each other.

There was already a crowd of students coming over to observe after hearing the news.

A Sword and Magic Clash conducted between freshmen, it had gathered a lot of concern disregarding the Division restriction.

“Although they do not need to specifically gather here, this duel will end in a short time period!”

She chanted a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with the Diva at Astrum.

“I know thy name…Thy name is <Phenex>…A poet and a Magician! The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

Her Stigma glowed an orange color like the flames shadow. At the same time it glowed, the uniform was disintegrated and reconstructed into the Magical Dress. The faintly glowing clothes and her twintails swayed due to the wind.

…Looking again, this person was an extremely beautiful girl.

Kazuki’s Magical Dress was only a small ring. However, on his waist, his beloved sword Doufuu released an explicit sense of presence. The combination of a Magic Division’s uniform with a Sword, seemed to give off a powerful contrast.

The beautiful Stigma Magic User and the Magic Swordsman that was dressed up uniquely were confronting each other here.

He did not know why…but it feels like he was looking forward to this duel since entering this school.

“Then under the supervision of Hiakari Koyuki, the duel between Amasaki Mio and Hayashizaki Kazuki will begin.”

The referee was Koyuki. The so-called referee was the role which stops the battle when it was dangerous. She, who had been at the Student Council since junior high, had already accumulated sufficient experience.

The duel was carried out in a situation where they were separated by a distance of 50 meters. Although Kazuki could finishing running this distance in 5 seconds through Magic Enhancement, but Mio will also avoid while she chants spells.

This distance is a rule that gave the Stigma Magic Users the upper hand. Because even in a battle, it was not easy for a swordsman to approach the Stigma Magic Users, thus it had become a rule that was taken for granted.

If the two of them were separated by a distance of 50 meters, Mio’s figure would become as small as a bean.

Anxiousness made the time become irritable. Kazuki displayed an Iai posture and imagined the scene of heat coming up from the depths of his belly ——This is what was known in ancient times as Kikou or life energy from his abdomen.

Aside from ancient martial techniques, a clear impression can allow the Physical Enhancement Magic become something extremely efficient.

“Then…Begin!”

Seeing that the preparations for battle were complete ——Koyuki announced that the duel started.

Kazuki released heat inside his belly and kicked off fiercely from the ground.

"Fast!?" The surrounding students screamed.

In comparison, Mio retreated while she began to chant spells.

No matter how fast Kazuki was, the distance was enough for her to complete her chants.

Mio allowed her Magical Dress light up and communicated with her Diva, and chanted as if she was singing ——

“…The sparks scattered from the dancing wings. Launch a spiral of wind, a bullet piercing through life! Flap now, let it penetrate! ——Barrett!!”

Behind Mio, Phenex’s wings spread apart.

Phenex’s Level 1 Magic, Barrett ——Phenex flaps its wings and shots out feathers. It carries a dual attribute of fire and wind, and flew over like a spiral.

With a bullet’s speed and piercing through its target, it causes the inside of the enemy to burn. Normally, a human’s physical ability should not be able to evade this fire bullet ——But Kazuki dodged it by jumping to the side.

“!?” Mio, who was confident that it would hit, revealed a surprised expression.

As if her body was not listening, Mio continued to chant while she avoided. She then chanted the spell again and released a second shot of Barrett.

However, Kazuki had already grasp the flow of Magic Power ——Just like a Swordmaster reading the opponent’s breathing.

The instant the Magic Power expanded, the disturbance in the air depicted an outline as if it was announcing in advance the phenomenon that was about to happen. Just like what I imagined…If it is this kind of Summoning Magic, I can avoid it!

The second Barrett was also avoided. Just like the dancing wind, Kazuki plunged into the arms of Mio.

His hand had already grasped the hilt of the sword.

Mio’s face was distorted ——As if it was a Stigma Magic User’s terrified expression when they were invaded by a swordsman.

Rend, Doufuu ——With a white flash, the horizontal Iai slash was unleashed.

To Kazuki, his beloved sword was the same as <A part of his body>. His entire body’s strength was extended to the body of his sword that he was holding to, granting it the destructive power that was able to smash through Magic ——This is the attacking method of swordsman, Magic Sword.

The slash had violently collided with Mio’s defensive Magic. Blue light scattered onto the ground, her Magic was cut apart.

Because her Magic was cut apart and the impact that was caused, Mio staggered a few steps backwards.

Kazuki used both his hands to hold his beloved sword, which he was holding with his right hand earlier, and instantly turned the blade.

An Iai slash was not a one hit one kill technique.

The first blade was only for containment. The one that truly determines the victory was the second blade that was swung downwards after gripping it with two hands.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Along with the cry, he slashed downwards and crushed Mio’s Defense Magic again.

Mio was hit away severely.

“He dodged Summoning Magic?”

In face of something that was impossible, Kaguya issued a noise…This kind of swordsman was never seen before.

The speed of Barrett was equivalent to the speed of a rifle bullet. Just by a human’s nervous system, it was impossible to avoid.

“ <Magic-Eye Demon>…This was the nickname of Nii-sama, who was once a swordsman. An Iai swordsman could completely read the opponent’s breathing and muscle tension, then attack first while starting later. In Hayashizaki-Ryuu, he had completely refined his <Vision>.”

Next to Kaguya, Kanae smiled as if she was proud of her favorite brother.

“<Vision> ——How is it… Impossible. Are you saying that you are using Perceptibility Enhancement Magic!?”

“If it is a normal Iai swordsman, at the best, he could only read the breathing and muscle movement. But the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is more advanced, it will even read the flow of Magic Power completely. If you are able to read the flow of Magic Power, predicting the change from being idle and movement, the attack speed is not a problem. The instant an Iai master placed the sword facing it, he would have completely avoided it. Hayashizaki’s Iai has already surpassed Unyou <ref>A speed unit. Mentioned in Vol 1, Chapter 1.</ref>”

“…A swordsman attached with Perceptibility Enhancement Magic that allows him to read the flow of Magic Power, this is impossible.”

Kaguya did not look down on swordsman. But objectively considering it, it should be impossible.

Through training the physical body, it allowed the Physical Enhancement Magic to be attached to his body, in theory, it exists.

Magic is developed based on imagination. Wanting a more powerful body…This kind of thought will allow Physical Enhancement Magic to be activated.

However, no matter how you train Iai, the Perceptibility Enhancement Magic which even lets Magic Power to be felt was unbelievable, there was no reason to get to this kind of high-level achievement.

“No matter what, a swordsman cannot beat Summoning Magic…The people who hold these kind of thoughts while training would definitely not be able to do it. Because they had already given up from the very beginning. However, we had treated the Summoning Magic as an imaginary enemy since the very beginning and performed training. We believe that our possibilities were endless. You say that it is impossible? But the Magic Power responded to our wishes.”

In the current world where Magic, which disregards the laws of physics, dictates, there was no such thing as impossible.

——If it is me, how would I deal with this kind of sword techniques, how would I obtain victory.

“…If it is me, I would chant a large-scale Magic that is impossible to avoid even after reading it.”

“Do you believe that Nii-sama and I would give you that much chanting time?”

If they were successfully able to close the gap, the swordsman’s close-range attacks would continuously attack.

Every time, Magic will be cut apart, the body will be exposed to the impact of Magic shattering.

Inside the storm of slashes, there was no task more difficult than keeping up the concentration and finishing the chant.

Although in the Academy, the Sword Division and Magic Division were confronting each other, but the proper fighting method of Magic Users was to chant while being guarded by swordsman.

“However, if it is Kanae-chan’s sword, it is unable to stop my chanting.”

Hearing Kaguya’s whisper, Kanae threw to her a glare that she did not believe that she would lose.

Even after being knocked by a slash, the A-Rank Amasaki Mio still calmly chanted a spell.

I don’t want to lose…! I can’t lose to this kind of Sword Techniques!!

Although she felt that it was impossible…But there was no doubt that this person used his eyes to avoid Barrett’s speed. Mio had made this kind of judgment. Thus, she began to chant something different than Barrett, Phenex’s Level 2 Magic.

That person pursued further on. He has already caught up.

“The Call from the Master of Flame, liberate the rage beneath the earth! Open up my fortress’s walls…Towering between heaven and earth, isolate all impurity! Flame Emperor Creation!!”

The so-called spell was a command to the Diva at Astrum to request for a Magic Phenomenon.

The Diva responded to this call and brought the Magic Phenomenon to this world ——Causing the World to be distorted.

A Magic Circle extended from Mio’s feet and radiate in all directions.

It let out a flash and became a big crack. Flames were sprayed out from there.

The flame wall that suddenly emerged from his feet —— It was impossible to dodge with his eyes.

That person, who pursued further on, had become a bug that rushed into fire.

Or so it should be ——But, Hayashizaki Kazuki seemed to have predicted the future. In front of the flames, he stepped on the brakes. Mio’s expression twisted again. It was really baffling.

“What method is he using to dodge it!?”

After the crack and the flames vanished, Kazuki rushed into her arms calmly.

Mio could not do anything but be sent flying by the silver flash…It was simply too fast.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|thumb]]

“W, Why!?” Then Mio was submerged in a storm of slashes ——

“Stop right here!”

Looking at Mio, whose Defense Magic was about to be exhausted, the referee, Koyuki, announced that it was over.

Mio sat powerlessly on the ground, her Magical Dress disintegrated and changed back to the school uniform.

“It’s my win…Please take back the insults you said to my foster father.”

The Sword Division students that were watching on the side issued loud applauses.

“…I see, so this is the true Ancient Style Sword Techniques.”

Kaguya whispered out in amazement, but it was denied by Kanae.

“It is not the problem of Styles. The Sword Division swordsman did not train with the goal of being able to defeat Summoning Magic. Even though Magic Power will respond to your thoughts. So, the Sword Division must change! This person or that person, all of them are deluded by the Divas and forgot the original power of humans!”

The Sword Division students cheers were boiling. The two Student Council Presidents surveyed the scene.

“Amazing…Being able to do this kind of exaggerated actions, there is actually someone else beside the President…”

As if he had lost his soul, the one who muttered was ranked 3rd of the students in the Student Council, Torazou Yamada, who had an inferiority complex towards the Magic Division. Looking at his expression, Kanae secretly snickered.

…No matter how strong she was, the surrounding people only treated her as an existence known as the <Storm Cat> that was outside the Magic Lands. There was basically no followers who truly think that <nowiki></nowiki>.

Kanae was always alone. Kaguya was finally aware of this fact.

“…Fufufu, I’m looking forward to the <Division Competition>! Next time, it will be me and you who are on the stage!”

Hearing Kanae’s declaration, Kaguya also smiled…Indeed, it was something to look forward to.

Whether it was to fight against Kanae-chan…or the future growth of Otouto-kun…

It was a sense of anticipation that had been gone for a long time since she had defeated her former rival, Hoshikaze Hikaru, and had become invincible inside the Magic Division. After she found a strong enemy, Kaguya was thrilled.

To Kazuki, who wanted her to take back the words she said——Mio awkwardly muttered.

“No…I did not lose.”

“You just won’t give up! Hayashizaki-Ryuu is not weak, admit this to me!”

“No, no, no! Hayashizaki’s Sword or whatever is weaker than Summoning Magic by a lot! It is trash!”

“Even though we have dueled, why do you still treat it as trash up to this point!?”

This person, what kind of <Prejudice towards Hayashizaki-Ryuu> did she have?

Inside Mio’s eyes, little by little, tears began to drip out, causing Kazuki to be frightened. Crying is too despicable…!

“Speaking of which…Why can’t you remember who I am! Remember that for me! I…I’m Mio!? The Mio who had once lived with you at <Nanohana>!?”

Nanohana!? ——Could it be, Kazuki was suddenly speechless.

The instant his eyes met with Mio’s crying eyes, a figure of a small girl appeared inside Kazuki’s mind. The shadow of the face was consistent just like Magic. It was the sister-like girl, who had always followed behind him.

That person’s name is…Mio<ref>The words used for Mio are different. Mio’s name is originally 美桜, but the current spot usesミオ.</ref>. Give me a second, could it be that, Mio is Mio?

“Amasaki, you…could it be you’re Mio!?”

“Didn’t I just say it! Why didn’t you notice it, idiot!”

The surrounding audience felt confused “What is it, what is it” about the two people’s conversation.

“But Mio…should be a more honest and smaller child. Speaking of which, she should be smaller than me by two years!?”

“I am not small! I grew up since then!!”

Here, Kazuki suddenly remembered. The children at that place were mainly orphans whose birth was unknown. Aside from the obvious, newly born child, they basically used their body physiques to predict their age.

If Kazuki had dropped a grade and she rose a grade…Due to the Enigma, it was not impossible for her, who was originally smaller than her by two years, to suddenly become his classmate.

“Even though you left us and disappeared by yourself, why did you forget about me…Unbelievable, even though I remember clearly about the Hayashizaki Family that took you away…Uuuuuu…”

Mio finally cried. Kazuki’s mind was filled with guilt.

“How can I forget! Even now, the experience at Nanohana is still part of my important memories!! But I do not know the surname Amasaki, and Mio isn’t that uncommon of a name…”

Kazuki spluttered as he tried to find excuses. Speaking of which, Mio was an honest child. Right now, she was like another person. And he did not expect that she had become this beautiful…!

“…What are those two people talking about?”

“In the end, their relationship is very good?”

“Speaking of which, Hayashizaki Kazuki is overwhelmingly strong…What is this…”

With puzzled eyes, their classmates compared the private conversation between the two of them, which was unrelated to swords and Magic. This duel already had a completely different meaning.

“Just like your talent in swords was seen through, and you left us, my talent in Magic was also seen through and I was adopted by the Amasaki Family! Although I had gone up a grade, but it is also because of my efforts that I still became an A-Rank! My Summoning Magic is stronger than the likes of Hayashizaki-Ryuu!!”

So that was the reason why that person had strongly provoked Hayashizaki-Ryuu!

But, what kind of fate is this. Their talents in sword and Magic were both spotted and they finally met up again in this school of Sword and Magic!

“I…absolutely will not recognize Hayashizaki’s sword who snatched away my Kazu-nii!!”

Mio used her sleeve to wipe her tears, stood up and ran away.

When he was planning to chase, BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Koyuki blew the final whistle.

“The winner is Hayashizaki Kazuki.” Koyuki said with a feeble voice.

=== Part 4 ===

Mio ran back to her own room. After almost ripping her uniform, she threw it aside and only wore her underwear as she jumped onto the bed. She buried her face into the pillow and impulsively shed tears.

——After a short period of time, voice from the other Student Council members returned rang out.

But it was too shameless, she was too useless. Right now, she did not want to meet with them.

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost! I Lost!!

…5 years ago, because Kazu-nii was strong, he disappeared from Nanohana.

So lonely. But after that, her own magic talent was spotted and she found herself an adoptive family.

When she thought that she was also a strong person, she felt that she was able to conquer her loneliness.

So, she thought, her own Magic…was stronger than the Hayashizaki’s sword by a lot…

However, she still lost…Too strong. And that person still did not change compared to the past…

…That person was like that since the beginning. No matter how much someone looks down upon himself, he would be indifferent. However, if the companions of Nanohana were looked down upon, it would seem as if he had completely turned into someone else and rage. He would often pick fights with the mean people.

Although the adults thought that Kazuki’s side of easily getting into fights were bad…But to us, who were still children, Kazu-nii was a reliable older brother.

Kazu-nii did not change. It seems like she, herself, who was arguing, was the idiot.

But that person, when I did my flashy self-introduction, and even waved to him, he did not recognize me.

Even though it was rare for the both of us to enter the Magic Division, he was still thinking about Hayashizaki’s sword techniques.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|thumb]]

Being able to meet him once again, actually she was very happy ——but she was so angry that she could not forgive him

She actually wanted to get closer to him and wanted to talk about the stories from the past…

——How long has it been since she had laid down on the bed depressed.

“Hey, Amasaki…Dinner is ready.”

A voice passed through the room’s door. It was an extremely awkward voice. However, from the voice, you could feel a different feeling than anger existed.

It was Kazu-nii’s gentle voice. But because of that…she wanted to behave in a more wilful manner.

“…The meals you made, I don’t want them!”

——But that person, who loves to be nosy, would definitely not allow this kind of unhealthy behavior of not eating dinner.

Just like the past. If he was to care about her, then perhaps he would not put her aside no matter what.

Even though she knew that this was not allowed, but she still embraced this kind of expectation.

I can’t leave her like this. If that person is Mio, then it is even more so.

Hearing her response, Kazuki thought. Being impulsive and missing a meal, how could I, who is the maid here, permit it. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he suddenly barged into the room.

“Not eating dinner is definitely not allowed! Quickly go eat!”

Opening the door with a violent momentum ——What appeared in front of his eyes was Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

“Eh, you really camee!? Wait a minute…I did not say that I was still wearing this…!!”

The instant she panicked and got up from the bed, the two valleys in front of her chest bounced.

“…UWAHH!? Sorry!”

Although he was saying this, but his gaze was still attracted to it and he thought that he would be yelled at. However, Mio immediately wrapped a towel around her body and used the towel to cover her mouth. I do not know what she was muttering about.

“…Right now, do you still care about me…”

“…What are you saying? Who could hear what you are muttering across the towel.”

Just when Kazuki planned to leave the room, but because a red heart appeared from Mio’s body and flew over, he stayed there. Mio was like an arguing child, and she issued a weak voice.

“N, Nothing! I won’t eat dinner. I don’t want to eat the meals that you made.”

“I can’t just leave you alone, the senpais are all worried about you…Is it because you hate me and you don’t want to see me, so you do not want to go down?”

“Uuuuu. That’s right…I…am still angry at you…”

Mio used a mosquito-like sound and spoke to Kazuki through the towel.

…After being reunited, I had constantly hurt her and even dueled with her.

“I’m sorry…but please eat the dinner, I beg you. If you still feel that I’m an eyesore and will trouble you, then I will go outside today.”

“Eh!? I, I don’t want that!!”

Kazuki’s eyes widened. Mio revealed a “Shoot” expression and quickly corrected it.

“…I don’t hate that! That <Then, I don’t hate that> means that I don’t really hate that!” <ref>It is a bit confusing here but the first half of the phrase (Earlier sentence) means that she is unwilling to let Kazuki leave the room, but the last half (Current Sentence) means that she does not care if Kazuki leaves.</ref>

“A, Ahhh…What, so it is this meaning, it is really easy for it to be misunderstood.”

What, the unnatural separation between <hate> and <not>.

“But please don’t be mistaken. I do not…plan on treating you like the past! Don’t keep on treating me as your younger sister!!”

“The past is the past, now is now, huh. It feels a little bit lonely like this.”

“…You, even if it is the me right now, do you still care and worry about me?”

“Of course. I will definitely not permit you not eating dinner.”

Mio’s eyes widened. A red heart floated over from her chest. It was evidence that her positivity values increased. Is that so, although she was still angry, but he was not hated by her.

If that’s the case, then this person is definitely——just arguing and playing around.

“I…Is that so? You will still worry about me…But my stomach is really not hungry.”

“Then let’s do this. I will still be your slave like before.”

“Eh? E, Even though I had lost in the duel…?”

“…So, master, because your slave had made dinner, please go and eat it.”

After she froze for a while ——she understood Kazuki’s intentions and proudly straightened her chest.

“…I understand. There is no other way…Only because there is no other way! My stomach is completely not hungry. Because I am the master! I must reward my slave’s loyalty.”

“Ohhh, you must do that.”

He could only maintain this kind of relationship with her, who could not be straightforward until now.

However, if the positivity levels increase ——It should be possible to have a relationship like in the past.

The past is the past, now is now, even if they say it like this, it doesn’t mean that it is something that is lonely.

“Right, you are only a slave! Only a slave…So you must remain by my side from now on! Don’t make any strange misunderstandings and try to leave here!?”

“I know, being able to stay at Witch’s House is nice.”

Mio constantly nodded her head in agreement. Another red heart flew out.

Come down early, saying this, Kazuki left the room.

“…Right, tomorrow’s bento, you don’t have to make it.”

“Eh? Are we going to the canteen?”

“I’ll make it for you…Although you are my slave, but I am the one who lost.”

The next day’s lunch. Just like yesterday, Leme and Mio gathered around Kazuki’s seat.

The thing that Mio prepared was karaage.

“…Right, how did they make the taste in Nanohana? About that, I had constantly wanted to make the same thing and practiced in Amasaki Family, but I could not do it well.”

…What, as expected it is a taste from your memories as well.

“About that, the seasoning placed in advance is the key. Okay, next time we make it, you should also wear a maid outfit!”

“What, what’s with that happy expression. Are you that happy cooking together with your master? I will absolutely not wear it, that idiotic outfit.”

Kazuki could not help but let his emotions rise, Mio seemed to sulk and said some hateful words.

“About that, Amasaki-san…Can I ask, in the end, your relationship is indeed very good?”

The surrounding people incredulously looked at the bento that Kazuki was eating, which was made by Mio.

“So I said don’t be mistaken! This guy is only a slave!!…Only <My Slave>. Although this guy is an E-Rank sword idiot…if anybody weaker than me dares to look down upon him, I will absolutely not forgive them!”

Mio issued out a roar to all the people in the classroom.

If she made this kind of declaration, only Koyuki, who was the same A-Rank, could talk back.

…This person, is she protecting me?

“W, What are you looking at? Quickly eat!”

She used her chopsticks, picked up a karaage and said “Eat quickly!” and placed it in front of him.

“…Don’t suddenly do things like <Ah ——n>”, Kazuki felt troubled.

“I, I did not plan on doing it! This is only a feeling similar to feeding a dog!”

“Isn’t their relationship extremely good…They have completely entered their own world…”

“Forget it, if it is us, no matter at this time, we would not win against either of them.”

“…Speaking of which, he was really cool, Hayashizaki-kun’s Iai slash.”

“Right! I remembered, I remembered it!! Running while pulling it out!!”

The atmosphere surrounding Kazuki had changed. And Mio, who he had not been able to understand, now, he finally understood the nature of her attitude.

“What are you laughing at secretly over there?”

“No, I just feel happy. From now on, please take care of me.”

“Yes. Why are you happy? I did not do anything that would make you happy…Forget it, since there is no helping it, I will also be with you from now on.”

Although she was still talking back, Mio’s face still revealed a slight smile. It seems like her honest feelings were involuntarily revealed ——

At this moment, somewhere near Mio's chest issued out a light. Looking at the surprised Kazuki, even the person involved, Mio, revealed <What is it?> an incredulous expression. The light finally turned into a key —— and directly entered Kazuki’s ring.

This was what Leme had said, a key to their hearts…

——From that moment on, Kazuki was no longer a useless Stigma Magic User.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 2

2021-12-26T07:31:08Z

Tman111: grammar fix: "terrifying" to "terrified"

== Chapter 2 - The Witch's House ==

===Part 1===

The number of people that newly obtained an enigma was a constant number of 144 each year.

Although there were a few girls that avoided the obligation to enter the school, basically everyone would be completely gathered here from within the country in order to become a freshman in the Magic Division. This was the obligation of the people who obtained an enigma.

In the Magic Division, these 144 people would be placed in the same school year and divided into three classes with a total of 38 people per class.<ref>I know that 144/38 ≠ 3, but that is what the raws wrote. Apparently, their math is wrong since I’m expecting it to be 48 not 38. Though it might be because of the earlier paragraph where some people do not enter the school.</ref>

After the entrance ceremony, the results of the class placement was revealed. Kazuki was assigned to the 1st year 2nd Class.

The classroom seating arrangement was based according to the gojūon’s<ref>Japanese ordering of kana. More info here</ref> sequence attendance number, the eighth row’s <Hayashizaki> Kazuki’s seat was directly in the middle of the classroom.

Just when he sat down onto the seat, Kazuki was overwhelmed by the focused gazes and whispers from all directions.

Gazes of curiosity, vigilance and exclusion——And other various feelings suddenly emerged towards Kazuki.

However, because there was already nowhere for him to escape, there was no better method but to face it indifferently.

“Good morning, you group of trash! Nice to meet you!”

At the same time an arrogant voice sounded out, the classroom door opened with a powerful momentum. A blonde girl appeared.

Kazuki could not believe his own eyes, and everybody in the class was in an uproar.

What entered was a girl, with a height of around 140 cm, in a suit. In comparison to the image of the word <Female Teacher>, she had a small size body like a mini dachshund.

That face. No matter who, they would feel that she was only an elementary student. However, just like a prank, that child swiftly walked up in front of the blackboard, passed it and sat on the special seat of a teacher.

The sharp pupils that looked around the inside of the room were green. Her legs were also extremely slender.

“…WAHH, so cute!”

“Just like a doll!”

Inside the classroom, overexcited voices echoed everywhere.

“Hey, who was the one that just said cute!? Stand up for me!!”

She, *ban,ban,ban*<ref>SFX for banging sounds.</ref>, hit the podium. With a clear and sharp voice, she issued out a roar.

“…My name is Liz Liza Westwood. I was born in the birthplace of Magic, England. Listen up! I am here to make you trashes become independent knights. You should be honored!”

Was this person really the class teacher…No, perhaps a person, who is able to serve as a teacher in the Knights Academy, could not be judged from their appearance.

“Although I may look more or less young, but this is due to a certain accident, as a result my growth has been slowed down. Although I have already retired, but I still have the appropriate practical experience. Don’t take on an attitude of looking down on me. Anyways, this class…Che, what a troublesome class”

Liz Liza-sensei violently smacked her lips and her gaze stayed on Kazuki.

“Before things become troublesome, I should properly say it to all of you. That is an existence that is not worthy of your attention. More than so, he is completely an <E-Rank> trash. We, the teaching staff, have no expectations towards that guy. Don’t be mistaken.”

After hearing that the male student, who was the focus of attention, was an E-Rank, the classroom suddenly became even noisier.

That phrase was filled with provocative intent, it made Kazuki feel displeased and he could not help but refute against that tiny teacher.

“I did not misunderstand anything…And, I do not plan on remaining at E-Rank.”

The so-called E-Rank was the results of the exams before entering the school.

The freshmen of Magic Division are asked to test the amount of Magic Power they had as well as an actual test on normal Magic.

The Normal Magic that manipulates your own Magic Power was divided into 5 systems: <Psychokinetic Magic>,<Pyrokinesis Magic>, <Physical Enhancement Magic>, <Perceptibility Enhancement Magic> and <Telepathic Magic>.

However, Kazuki, who was always aiming to be a swordsman, had only trained the Physical Enhancement Magic and Perceptibility Enhancement Magic. On the contrary, he was surrounded by elites, who were born with extensive Magic Power and were aiming to be a Stigma Magic User.

Thus, Kazuki had gotten E-Rank, the worst grade.

“A good answer. It seems that he, himself, understands his own situation clearly. The rest of you should also not cry out in excitement because there is a special person, a male…Although saying that, do not bully him. Because all of you are still not independent enough. There is no spare time to underestimate others. Everyone should focus on their goal of improving themselves!”

Although her tone was poor, it seems like she was a person who did not want Kazuki to be made a fool of.

“…Also, in our class, aside from the only E-Rank in the grade, the only two A-Rank in the grade are also present. Are they throwing the top-level students and the last-place student to this competent teacher? Che, this is really the worst class.”

“Yes! I am the A-Rank Amasaki Mio!”

The student, who was number one in the attendance number, suddenly stood up and with a crashing sound.

Although Kazuki could only see the back from his seat, but he could see the honey-colored twintails fluttering and shaking around.

“As the daughter from the noble magician family, the Amasaki household, I have the goal of becoming the strongest Magic User——That is, the Student Council President! I will not lose to anyone! Everybody, please take care of me!”

“…I did not let you introduce yourself. Sit down, you self-centered trash!”

After Liz Liza-sensei finished saying this in amazement, Mio sat down obediently.

A-Rank. This phrase made the classroom become noisy again.

"There are only two A-Ranks in the grade, yet both of them are actually in this class, how amazing!”

“Who is the other A-Rank?”

“Sensei, which one is the other A-Rank?”

Just when a student, who courageously raised her hand to ask, appeared, a sigh came from behind Kazuki.

“…Nonsense. The results of the rank before forming a contract with a Diva, there is no meaning to it.”

Liz Liza-sensei nodded towards the rear of Kazuki.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 055.jpg|thumb]]

“It’s the other A-Rank, Hiakari Koyuki, right? Yes, it is just like what Hiakari said.”

Kazuki turned around and looked. He could only see an otherworldly girl there.

The impression that she gave off was the color white ——or rather, silver white. Her silver-colored hair sparkled. The color of her skin was also white as snow.

Long ears extended from both side of her expressionless face…It was an extremely beautiful <Elf>!

The so-called Elf, it is a human whose state of existence had been distorted due to the effects of the Magic they had within themselves.

That posture was beautiful, just like a fantasy. It gave off an impression that the inhabitants of myths had already been brought here in real time.

Because they hold a far greater Magic Power than average females, it was said that many could communicate with spirits. Although there were still many aspects of the ecology of elves that were not understood compared to the Magical Beast…

Due to this special trait, within these 15 years, elves were the object of prejudice and discrimination.

The gazes that were thrown over to this side earlier, perhaps it included the gazes towards the child behind him.

“Is there something on my body, E-Rank? Am I such a rare thing?”

The monotone voice was scolding Kazuki’s gaze. Looks like he had stared at her for a long period of time…If that’s the case, he could also not blame the surrounding girls that had constantly been looking at him.

“Sorry…Iya, because I felt that you were so beautiful. In the places such as the hair…”

In order to prevent her from misunderstanding that he was treating her as an exotic animal, he accidentally blurted out the embarrassing truth. In fact, the amount of time he watched her fascinated should be fairly long.

“I’m beautiful? …You are treating me as a monster, right?”

Koyuki felt that it was inconceivable and tilted her head. Because of this action, her silver-colored hair brushed against each other and sparkled.

“Saying such insincere words to conceal your attitude, it is really disgusting.”

''…Why would you think like that? Is it because you are an elf?''

Kazuki generated feelings close to anger and could not help but raise his voice.

“I did not say any insincere words! I really think that you are beautiful!”

Koyuki’s expression changed for the first time. Her eyes widened. She held her breath and whispered.

“…Anyways, it would be better if you turn your head to the front.”

After issuing an idiotic “Eh?” sound, Kazuki finally remembered the time and location.

“Hey, E-Rank trash, trying to flirt with girls when I’m talking. Are you kidding?”

For a while, the eyes of all the people in the classroom was focused on Kazuki. Liz Liza-sensei was angry to the extent that her veins were twitching.

“S, sorry…” Kazuki lowered his shoulders and hurriedly turned his head back to the front.

Kazuki hated discrimination. He could not help but lose his cool. As expected, his training was far from enough.

“…Strange guy.” Muttering sounds from behind clearly came over.

“I seem to have some misunderstanding about your gaze. But I…Towards a person, who could praise others as beautiful face-to-face, I…also don’t know how to respond. So please do not stare at me.”

Liz Liza-sensei adjusted her state and continued to speak.

“Just as Hiakari had said, the current ranks do not have much meaning. Your ranks would constantly change during your school life. And, compared to Summoning Magic, Normal Magic is useless. After your Enigma has turned into a Stigma, your struggle will officially begin.”

Compared to the Summoning Magic that requires a lot of time and concentration, Normal Magic that uses your own Magic Power lacked destructive power.

Thus, the only Normal Magic that could be used in combat were the defensive Magic that reflexively protected your body and the supportive Physical Enhancement Magic.

Typically, the Normal Magic such as Psychokinesis Magic were used for <Alchemy> to reconstruct the items from the <Roots of the Particles>. It was used to make everyday life more convenient.

To us, what was more important was the Summoning Magic that was more suitable for combat. This would depend on the future.

''——For me, goals, the use of power, these kind of things did not exist.''

''However, remaining at the obsolete E-Rank is not acceptable.''

''A Contract with a Diva. I was slightly looking forward to it.''

“Having said that, contracting with a Diva is based on the class order, so while we are waiting, let us have a self-introduction. Then, let’s begin from the seating number #1…Although I want to say that, but since Amasaki has already introduced herself, let’s forget it.”

“P, Please wait! I only said so little content, it is not enough for everybody to understand!”

“Your character features has already been adequately communicated to everybody, Amasaki-san from the noble magician family.”

After hearing Liz Liza-sensei’s sarcasm, the classroom burst into laughter, but Mio ignored all of this and stood up.

Her large eyes sparkled and following her turning movements, her two ponytails drew an arc.

The instant she turned around ——It made everybody have the feeling that the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

“I am the future Student Council President, Amasaki Mio! My hobbies are drawing, writing poems and also knitting! My specialty is of course, Magic!” The loud voice was active again.

Mio, who looked around the classroom, met eyes with Kazuki’s and those large eyes suddenly widened.

Then, her expression suddenly brightened up and she, *pata,pata*<ref>SFX for waving sounds.</ref> waved. It was as if she was reunited with someone important and her cheeks had also turned as red as an apple.

''…Is she waving towards me?'' Kazuki was at a loss and looked behind to confirm the situation.

It could be that she was waving in response to someone behind me.

However, behind Kazuki, only an expressionless Koyuki was there.

Kazuki was confused and once again turned back to the front. He watched Mio’s symmetrical face turn unsightly and with an unhappy voice, she said “That’s all I have to say!” and, *dosun*<ref>Sound of something heavy sitting down/falling</ref> ,sat back onto her seat.

…What had just happened? Being mistaken about the person…and the like, this kind of situation should be impossible.

——Afterwards, the self-introduction also smoothly moved forward.

Because Mio had said her hobbies and specialty, the classmates all copied that format and introduced themselves.

Gradually, the atmosphere became relaxed. Conversations were produced towards hobbies, “I also like that! Let us be friendly with each other!” and towards the specialty “Amazing!”.

It was the active atmosphere of a female high school. Then, it was finally Kazuki’s turn.

“I am Hayashizaki Kazuki. Although I am an E-Rank, but I will work hard! My hobbies are training, washing clothes and cooking.”

Sounds of laughter echoed from within the classroom. Having a hobby such as washing clothes and cooking seemed to be very surprising.

His specialty was, what? Because aside from saying his <Specialty was sword skills.>, he could not think of any other words, so he said it just like this.

“Even though he is in Magic Division…yet he said sword skills.”

The instant Kazuki said this phrase out, the classroom had become a cynical atmosphere immediately.

“What is that, just like an idiot.”

The person who said this without hiding it ——was the earlier Amasaki Mio.

“What about sword skills, there is no value in it in the Magic Division. In the traditional Ancient Style Sword Skill Family there was a male, who had the goal of becoming a swordsman, yet obtained an enigma…Although I have heard this kind of news, but haven’t you already entered the Magic Division? Even though you will become a Stigma Magic User, do you still have lingering feelings towards the sword skills? Although you are an E-Rank and the last place, but you know sword skills, how unsightly!”

After hearing the phrase <Lingering Feelings towards Sword Skills>, Kazuki felt that his chest was brutally stabbed.

…No, even so, <Sword Skills have no value> this phrase was also too much!

“Hayashizaki. In the Magic Division, the moment Sword Skills or the like are said, there will be no one that would give you a good look. This is the place where Magic elites gather. Not only do they hold a sense of rivalry, most of the people look down upon Sword Skills. Perhaps you feel that it is impossible to accept, but this is that kind of place. There is no helping it. Tell this to yourself. Sit down.”

When Kazuki wanted to retort, Liz Liza-sensei preemptively put an end to it.

''…What is this?'' While his thoughts were left inside his heart, Kazuki returned to his seat.

Mio stared at Kazuki without looking away. After her eyes met with his, she immediately pulled a long face and turned to the front again.

…Indeed, the Summoning Magic he saw at the entrance ceremony was very amazing.

But, in order to activate that large Magic, the amount of time required to chant was long. If you are on the battlefield, it made one feel that it was fatal.

If that’s the case…Even Sword Skills could have a bout with it, right?

He did not know about the other Sword Skills, but if it was the Hayashizaki-Ryuu that he and Kanae were taught by his adoptive father…

“Compared to the me that has a greater amount of magic power only because I am female, I feel that the Sword Skills that were honed through efforts are more worthy of respect.”

After hearing this sentence that seemed to be encouraging him, Kazuki was surprised and looked behind. He noticed that Koyuki had stood up.

“…Your circumstances do not matter to me. ——I am Hiakari Koyuki. No hobbies and specialty. Finish.”

After hearing the A-Rank’s overly cold self-introduction, the classroom began to become noisy again.

Kazuki stared at her in astonishment. Koyuki, who sat down again, showed a bit of emotions and frowned.

“So I said, please turn your head away. Do not look over here.”

===Part 2===

After the self-introduction was over, Liz Liza-sensei brought the students outside of the school building.

Beside the school building, there was a sports ground surrounded by verdure. The signing of the contract ritual with the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons was currently being carried out on the sports ground.

——Right now in Japan, forming a contract with a Diva outside of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons was not accepted.

If they were to form a contract with another Diva, they would be treated as an Illegal Magic User and be pursued by the Knights.

It was a crime. Because among the Divas, there were some that hold malice towards humans. Through giving power to lure humans, they would erode the human’s mind and seize their human body.

15 years ago, when Magic had just appeared in the world, an incident occurred where humans that were controlled by Divas destroyed Tokyo. In front of the Illegal Magic Users where Normal Magic and Weapons were no match for them, the ones to lend a helping hand to Japan, who was forced into a dire situation for the first time, were the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

Through the efforts of the <Original Knights> that formed a contract with the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, the Illegal Magic Users were suppressed.

Because of this story, Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons became the only partner that could be trusted.

Within their hearts, the freshmen that were awarded an enigma were filled with expectations about which Demon of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon they would form a contract with and challenged the contract ritual.

This was the first important matter after the entrance ceremony.

“In the end, what kind of Diva would I form a contract with? Once I thought up to here, my heart is so excited as if I was drawing lots.”

On the road leading to the sports ground, Kazuki attempted to talk with Koyuki.

It seems like she was the only one who would not treat him with any prejudice.

“It does not matter which one for me. No matter which one it is, it is still the same.”

“Still the same? How is that possible!”

The voice that suddenly interrupted from behind Kazuki and Koyuki was——Mio.

“In the 72 Pillars, there are still various different types. There is one that looks like a fish<ref>Referring to Forneus, the 30th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref> and there is also one that looks like a starfish<ref>Referring to Decarabia, the 69th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. Isn’t it a lot better to find one that looks more beautiful than them!”

“Appearances…that is the most useless thing in the world.”

Koyuki probably had her mood destroyed by this topic and quickly sped up and walked away.

“What a cold person”, Mio, who was left behind pursed her lips.

She probably hated the topic of appearances. Even though that person was obviously so beautiful.

“Forget it…The E-Rank classmate, who is still lingering about sword skills, should try hard to find a suitable Diva! For example, a Diva that looks like a cockroach, a Diva that looks like a millipede, or perhaps a Diva that looks like a mushroom,etc."

Mio threw a spiteful gaze towards Kazuki and started to make fun of him.

“…I think that within the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, there are no such Divas.”

“Speaking of which, it is possible that you could not even turn your enigma into a stigma!”

Mio, who was speaking like this, seemed to be showing a childish angered expression towards Kazuki.

…It feels that this person’s quarreling method wasn’t average.

“Hey, during the self-introduction, you were waving to me, right?”

After hearing Kazuki taking the initiative to ask this topic, Mio’s eyes “!” widened.

“Where have we met?”

“Baka!” After Kazuki asked this question, he immediately received a bitter reply.

Afterwards, Mio seemed to reveal an expression pent up with anger and walked briskly away without turning back.

…Was she mad? As expected, he must have met her some place before.

However, even when he think back to elementary and middle school period, he still had no impression of the name, Amasaki.

The orphanage where he had stayed before ——Inside the children caring organization <Nanohana Institution>, there were basically only children that were smaller than him, so first, that can’t be right…

“But that attitude isn’t an attitude towards a person she does not know…”

However, even if he asked again, he would only pointlessly make her mad, so Kazuki felt troubled again.

“All of the freshmen, we meet again! I am Otonashi Kaguya.”

On the sports ground, Kaguya-senpai was currently waiting for our arrival. She was wearing a robe similar to the one during the entrance ceremony.

“The contract ritual will be performed under the assistance of the Student Council President.”

After lining up the students based on their attendance arrangement, Liz Liza-sensei began explaining the ritual.

“Listen up, Summoning Magic is divided into four steps <{{furigana|Connecting with Astrum|Access}}>, <{{furigana|Inviting the Phenomenon|Order}}>, <{{furigana|Appointing the Coordinates|Targeting}}> and <{{furigana|Activation|Cast}}>. Diving into the deep psychological world, heading towards the destination pass the Heart of Doors and speaking with a Diva. After learning the simplified <Spell> for these four steps of Summoning Magic, the contract is formed…In other words, you will officially become a Stigma Magic User.”

Finally becoming a Stigma Magic User——After hearing Liz Liza-sensei’s words, the students suddenly became excited.

“However, rather than being a ritual, it is more like a trial. Although it is the initial hurdle, connecting with Astrum is not so simple. You will have to let your consciousness dive down to the depths of your heart and within the darkness inside the Astrum, capture the Diva’s figure and voice, it requires a very keen Perceptibility Enhancement Magic. Incidentally, the number of successful people in Class 1 was zero.”

In order to make the students, who became impulsive, tense up, Liz Liza-sensei said this.

Kaguya-senpai was the first to let a slight smile to ease the student’s tension.

“I will be responsible as the instructor to guide your initial path towards Astrum as well as prevent accidents from occurring. Although using Telepathic Magic could help guide you to the path towards Astrum, but aside from that, there is little that could be done. However, there is no need to force yourself to succeed on your first try, so please relax a bit.”

“So then, attendance number 1——Amasaki Mio! Come up to the front!”

“Yes!” After issuing a slightly nervous tone, Mio walked up to the front of the queue.

“First, close your eyes and allow your consciousness and unconsciousness to merge together (Trance).”

After obeying Kaguya-senpai’s instructions, Mio closed her eyes. From her body’s surface, a faint blue light emerged.

The so-called Trance was to allow your mind to enter a highly concentrated state through Perceptibility Enhancement Magic.

“Then I will use Telepathic Magic to synchronize with your mind. Although the actual mind guiding path may seem more abstract than what you imagine, but if two people synchronize their minds, the fluctuations inside my heart would turn into wavelengths and be sent to you. You will also need to match it and allow your consciousness to move.”

Kaguya-senpai’s body also emitted a blue light. The blue light seemed to be a bridge and flowed inside Mio’s body.

The two of them closed their eyes and did not move. Only the blue light that seemed to be the light on the surface of the water was shaking. Although it was not apparent from the side, the two human consciousness have departed towards an alternative world

——After a few minutes, the two of them opened their eyes.

Mio’s pupil inside her gaze seemed to be inside a dream still and was absentminded. However, she slowly opened her mouth as if she was a priestess who received a divine revelation and began to weave a spell.

“I know thy name…Thy name is <Phenex><ref>Phenex is a Great Marquis of Hell and has twenty legions of demons under his command. It is also known as the Phoenix and is the 37th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>…A poet and a Magician!”

“Could it be…she succeeded in one attempt!?” Liz Liza-sensei said in a surprised voice.

Sounds of cheers spread across the sports ground, then the girl with the top results——

“The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

The chanting of the spell ended remarkably. At the same time, orange color lights that were just like flames were released. Within the light, her school uniform was decomposed. The <Consciousness of the Diva> flowed into the uniform that was made through alchemical silk, reconstructed its root particles, and cleverly dressed the contractor in an appearance <Worthy of being Majestic>.

This was the battle outfit that only people who are selected could obtain from the Divas——Magical Dress.

Behind Mio, a shadow of a large firebird emerged. Wrapped in the curtains of the orange lights, Mio revealed——the appearance after changing into the Magical Dress.

From the place where the skin was exposed, a crimson pattern emerged——Stigma.

Having the same graceful curves as a dress for a party, it was a somewhat mysterious and beautiful posture.

Mio’s fuzzy eyes regained the colors of reality and repeatedly blinked several times.

“…I know! The spell is appearing inside my mind!! Inviting the Phenomenon, Appointing the Coordinates and Activation all…I can immediately activate the Level 1 Summoning Magic!!”

“It’s fine if you do not do up to this point! The person who just dove into Astrum for a long time should not be reckless!!”

After Liz Liza-sensei hurried up to stop it, Mio cut off her mind connection with Astrum.

Phenex’s illusion turned into light particles and disappeared. Her Magical Dress also turned back into the school uniform.

“It is just like after swimming in the pool. Although you may not feel it, you are actually very tired. There is no need to rush. Since the spell has already been taught, then it has already connected into a hotline. You will be able to enter a connected state more easily from now on…Congratulations for your successful contract!”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a smile and applauded. The classmates also began to applaud.

After Mio heard the sounds of the applause sent to her, she happily looked around. Once her eyes met with Kazuki’s, she could not help but reveal an overwhelmingly happy expression and stretched out her hand to make a V gesture.

Kazuki, who was clapping his hands, did not know how to respond. Thus, Mio was suddenly filled with unhappiness and returned back to the queue.

“Attendance Number 14, Hayashizaki Kazuki, come up to the front!”

——Then it was finally Kazuki’s turn. None of the people after Mio had succeeded.

“We meet again, Kanae-chan’s otouto-kun!”

After Kazuki step up from the queue, Kaguya-senpai let out a delightful laugh.

“…I’m extremely sorry for this morning, I made you see the embarrassing places within the school all of a sudden.”

Kaguya-senpai seems to think that it was her own responsibility and lowered her shoulders in sorrow.

“I think that the person who was most correct at the scene was you, senpai.”

“If you are able to say this, it really makes me feel pleased. Although I had once appealed for the Magic Division and the Sword Division to become more friendly and get along together, everybody did not listen to my words…In the end, without knowing it, my support rate has gradually decreased. The trust in Otonashi, the Student Council President, is already in a major crisis…But I believe that if I do not work hard to let the Sword and Magic make up for each others' shortcomings, it is impossible for them to draw out their true power!”

Kaguya-senpai clenched her fists and passionately made a speech.

“…I believe that senpai’s thinking is correct.”

“You agree with my views, otouto-kun? You will help me, who is alone!?”

“Because I was also once a swordsman before! If there is anything I can help, anything is fine!”

“Comrade!”

Kaguya-senpai’s eyes became moist and held onto Kazuki’s hands tightly.

“Thank you, comrade comrade! Although Kanae-chan’s dillydally type is very cute, but a straight-forward type like otouto-kun is also very cute. WAHHH, can I rub your head? I rub, I rub, your hair is very soft. Lovely, so lovely——. Otouto-kun, do you want to eat candy?”

“Are you an Oba-chan from Osaka!”

Kazuki unleashed a hand blade attack on Kaguya-senpai’s head, who had pulled out candies from the pockets of her robe, and complained.

“I was complained to”, Kaguya-senpai happily stuck out her tongue.

“…Hey, you two, quickly begin!”

Liz Liza-sensei’s roar rushed over and only then Kaguya-senpai began giving instructions to Kazuki.

“Then from now on, otouto-kun also needs to allow the ceremony where your consciousness and mine intimately synchronize with each other.”

Listening to her words, it felt like there was a subtle resistance. Kazuki also followed Kaguya-senpai’s instructions and closed his eyes. Using Magic to unify the minds and diving into the spiritual world——

What spread within his inner heart was an overwhelming and vast darkness. It was a place that gave off a feeling where a person would lose themselves.

However, on the surface of this darkness, slight ripples were spreading out. These were the ripples that were triggered by Kaguya-senpai’s consciousness.

“Follow me”, Kaguya-senpai’s voice rang out. As if he was drawing ripples, Kazuki followed along.

Continuously heading towards a deeper place within the darkness.

It was an image of the deep sea. The pitch-black color of the darkness slowly became more and more dark.

However, it was just like the seabed of the deep sea. It was a world where light cannot reach. If you used Perceptibility Enhancement Magic, then you would understand that the <Distant Past> and <Past Feelings> that you could not recall were currently sleeping here, just like it was accumulating layers. The so-called unconscious mind was this kind of world.

Just like how the deep sea’s water pressure was very high, inside the spiritual world, the color of the darkness would become darker as you dive further down to the depths, and your ego would become more blurred. If you maintained Perceptibility Enhancement Magic for a long time, you would even lose consciousness.

The feeling of resistance from the darkness was just like that of rushing forward against the wind.

Finally, after crossing a line——The world’s phase changed.

Kaguya-senpai’s consciousness that was leading, stopped. They had passed through the Heart of Door and arrived at Astrum.

Within the darkness in which was still very easy to lose consciousness, Kazuki searched for the presence of the Diva.

“…Ara, it feels like the atmosphere is very strange.”

Using Telepathic Magic to synchronize with Kazuki’s consciousness, Kaguya-senpai’s voice rang out in Astrum.

“——Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

A different voice than Kaguya-senpai rang out——It was a female voice. ''Is this the voice of a Diva…?''

The darkness in front of him increased in viscosity and condensed. It seems that something lodging there exists.

“Do you have the resolve of being burdened by a power that can change the world?”

Kazuki could not identify its gesture. He did not have the power to identify it.

However, the voice that came over was clear. If that was the case, they should be able to converse and should be able to make a contract.

A power that can change the world——Was this something that could be obtained through a contract with this Diva, was it really such an enormous power?

''To tell the truth, I am clueless about how I would use such tremendous power.''

''However, if I was the person that was <Chosen>, then I should respond to it.''

''Perhaps I am only a tiny human, but I will still stake my life and give it my all.''

“…If it’s resolve, then I have it!”

After Kazuki replied like this, a powerful light flashed up in front of him.

——When he recovered, Kazuki’s consciousness had already returned back to the sports ground.

It felt strange. Inside his muddled mind, he was gradually confused.

Was the contract over? No, it did not tell him the spell.

And the appearance of the Diva was unclear till the end. In the end, what on earth was that?

Was it even possible to form a contract under the situation where he did not know who the other was?

At this moment, a white light suddenly illuminated in front of Kazuki.

At the same time, he felt his Magic was being sucked out from his spirit and was entering the light in front of him. Something…Something from another world was currently materializing!?

The next moment, a light that made everybody close their eyes burst out——

“A girl!?” Kaguya-senpai could not help but cry out.

The light turned into a young girl’s appearance.

A naked girl with brown skin was currently floating in front of Kazuki.

And, this was a <Complete Summon>. This girl was not an <Illusion> made fixed by Magic, but was a body with mass.

The girl that appeared within the air was gently floating and stared at Kazuki.

“Through a kiss, form a contract with Leme.”

The girl pulled Kazuki’s head with both hands and brought him in front of her.

Ignoring the confused Kazuki, *Chuuu*, she kissed him.

An intense heat moved from his mouth towards his left hand.

''Hot! W,What is this…It changed!? The Enigma…became a Stigma!?''

“Fufu, with this, the contract is complete.”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 072.jpg|thumb]]

She smiled and the heat stopped. Kazuki timidly looked at his left hand to confirm it. What was there was not an Engima, but a star-shaped <Hexagram> Stigma.

The contract——was completed? But who was this person? Why was the summon casually activated?

Looking at the developments that was different from normal Divas, the sports arena suddenly began to stir.

“Eh?…Eh?”

After she fell down onto the ground, she incredulously looked at her own body.

“WAHHHH!? WHAT IS THIS! WHY IS LEME NAKED! WHY IS IT NAKED——!?”

She used her two hands to cover her body while crying out “Clothes——! Clothes!?”

With a subtly panicked mode, Kaguya-senpai took off her own robe and handed it to her.

The little girl expressed her thanks, “Oh,oh, thank you!” , and put it on nervously.

Kazuki casually stared at Kaguya-senpai and was suddenly shocked. After Kaguya-senpai removed her robe, what was beneath it was a highly revealing outfit. Although her entire body was covered with something similar to a black armor, but the surface area was extremely small. The contrast together with her white skin made it extremely stimulating.

“If you stare like this, I will become very embarrassed…!”

“S,Sorry. My gaze naturally just…That is, is that Asmodeus’s Magical Dress?”

The black colored outfit was releasing a faint purple light. That means Magic Power was flowing.

“In order to immediately deal with any unexpected issues during the contract ritual, I could not help but wear my Magical Dress! But, Asmodeus’s Magical Dress is loaded with an irritating design…Even though I was thinking of using a robe to hide it!”

A Magical Dress is created by revealing the Stigma’s form. For Asmodeus’s Stigma, there were many tiny parts that needed to be revealed on the body, thus, the exposure degree was that high.

Kazuki once again looked at his own body. Speaking of which, he did not get a Magical Dress.

Everything was in a mess.

“Liz Liza-sensei, what on earth just happened……!?”

It seems that Kaguya-senpai did not understand the situation and turned her head towards Liz Liza-sensei.

A Diva that obtained a physical body could use the powerful power of their own myths without any restrictions.

A legitimately unknown Diva materializing in front of their eyes was an extremely dangerous situation.

Originally, a Diva’s materialization should not be achieved without consuming a certain degree of Magic Power…

“…You are a different Diva than Solomon’s 72 Pillars. Who are you?”

Liz Liza-sensei used a completely different tone and carefully asked this Diva, who was out of the specifications.

“Leme is Leme. Aside from that…That, I don’t know. Ara? I can’t remember it.”

“A memory loss Diva? Then the next question, what kind of power do you hold? A Diva should normally hold 10 types of Inherent Magic.”

The symbol of a Diva is their 10 types of Inherent Magic. Through the contract, this becomes Summoning Magic.

“About that, the contract was indeed completely…Inherent Magic? Inherent Magic…There is no such thing. What is this power you are speaking of? Inside Leme’s body…There is no such power?”

“A,a powerless Diva!? How is that possible!?”

“…Wawaahh. Although I do not understand, but I am sleepy. Leme is going to sleep. Good night.”

Leme just lied down at that place, shortly after, snoring sounds began. She was really too free.

“…What on earth is with this fellow? This is plainly unbelievable…”

“About that, Liz Liza-sensei…Could it be that a contract was formed outside of the 72 Pillars of Diva?”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a terrified expression and asked Liz Liza-sensei.

“…We will discuss this matter at the staff meeting. First, let us send this fellow to the infirmary.”

Looking at the young girl who was sent to the infirmary, even Kazuki would lose his cool.

“P, Please wait a minute…It was you who changed my life!? At least explain to me why you gave me the Enigma! You are too irresponsible, aren’t you!?”

“I know thy name…Thy name is called <Vepar><ref>Vepar is a Great Duke of Hell and rules twenty-nine legions of demon. She is depicted as a mermaid and is the 42nd Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref> …The mermaid singer conveying icy cold thoughts, causing the entire world to be planted with tears of sadness.”

Releasing a light blue radiance, a fantasy-like illusion of a mermaid appeared above Koyuki, who was chanting the spell.

At the same time, her uniform became a tight white colored Magical Dress.

“With this, this is the 3rd person. The amount of people that succeeded in this class…”

Liz Liza-sensei let out an extremely surprised voice. Amasaki Mio, Hayashizaki Kazuki, then Hiakari Koyuki.

However for Kazuki, could he still be counted as one of the successful ones ——

===Part 3===

Following that, after eating lunch at the school cafeteria, a briefing session was held regarding the school’s living standards and education program. However, all of this did not enter Kazuki’s ears…The schedule for the first day of school was completely over.

The bell rang, signaling that the school day is over.

The students were all brought to the student dormitory——All of them were filled with expectations for their future days.

However, Kazuki was not permitted to join the ranks of fickle people.

“Regarding your improper contract with the Diva, a staff meeting is currently being held. Until the meeting is over, please wait at the infirmary.”, He received a notice from Liz Liza-sensei like this.

At the infirmary, under the Knight’s surveillance, Leme revealed an appearance consistent of a young girl, who was sleeping carefree.

The Magical Dress and the ten Summoning Magic were not given, it was a completely unknown Diva.

If this Leme was seen as a threat, then what would happen to him, who formed a contract with her. Maybe he would have his qualifications as a Magic Division Student cancelled.

…What a joke. I was already determined to fight at the Magic Division.

If there were any possibility sleeping within his body that was undiscovered, he wanted to find out about it at the Magic Division.

“Let’s start from the conclusion. You and Leme will temporarily be placed at the Magic Division to observe the situation.”

——The orange colored sun was beginning to shine in from the infirmary’s windows, Liz Liza-sensei and Kaguya-senpai, who seemed to be the witness of the ritual and participated in the meeting, entered the infirmary.

“Just because you are originally a swordsman, so they hate you, there is also an opinion of immediately removing the contract seal and rushing you to the Sword Division. However, the final conclusion was to be put under surveillance, so as expected it should be placed in the hands of the Magic Division.”

“Because there are many opposing opinions, Liz Liza-sensei said a lot for otouto-kun!”

“I only gave an objective opinion. The one who wanted to protect this trash was you.”

“It was not like that. Sensei also desperately protected him! How untruthful!”

“No, no, no, it was only you. Hayashizaki Kazuki, you should be thankful of this person.”

In other words, these two people protected me.

“…Thank you, you two, to do so much for a person like me.”

Because a relieved feeling surged through his entire body, Kazuki relaxed and bowed towards the two of them.

“You actually wanted to remain at the Magic Division so much, this is really surprising. However, not all the teachers believe in Leme. So you and that Diva will temporarily be placed as a surveillance target.

Being monitored and placed on probation at school. But even so, this was a very lenient treatment.

If it wasn’t done well, being treated as an Illegal Magic User——A criminal treatment would not be strange.

“In the end, the things that Leme had said were extremely suspicious. A so-called Diva should originally have huge magic power that is able to distort the world. It is impossible for a Diva with self-consciousness to have no abilities.”

Liz Liza-sensei moved her eyes to the side and coldly glared at Leme, who was currently sleeping on the bed.

…In other words, Leme was lying?

If Leme really had some kind of power, since she had already materialized, then she should be able to freely control that power…Even though Kazuki, who was the contractor, was not given any power.

“However, that fellow knew about the rule between the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demons and the Japanese government about <Giving and Receiving an Enigma>. And she followed that rule. So it is very difficult to imagine her being completely unrelated to the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon. If this matter was not dealt with well, it may cause the relationship between this country and the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon to worsen, then it will be a big trouble.”

The Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon follow a secret doctrine and will not speak much towards humans.

Although they lent their power to the Japanese government, it still seems like they are sitting at one side and observing this country.

If they feel that the country does not deserve this power, the possibility of them immediately stopping to assist this country existed.

…Although Leme was not a member of Solomon’s 72 Pillar of Demons, but she is not completely unrelated, is it?

“This is a very delicate judgment. If anything special occurs from your side, please immediately report to me. Remember this…The next question is regarding to where you should stay. You should remember that the school originally arranged for you to live at a room outside by yourself?”

The Magic Division’s student dormitory, it did not consider the possibility of a male living there. In other words, it was entirely a women’s dormitory.

“However, for a person who contracted a Diva with an unknown identity, it is not possible to let him live outside of the school. But, we cannot allow you to live in the Magic Division’s girl’s dormitory. Although there were also people who proposed the idea of shoving you into the Sword Division’s dormitory, but letting the swordsman to supervise you is a bit unsettling. Thus…”

“Otouto-kun, you are arranged to be admitted into the Magic Division Student Council’s private dormitory <Witch’s House>!”

Kaguya-senpai, *Pan Paka Paaan*<ref>Explosive Sounds Effects</ref>, explained it in this fashion while extending her hands.

“Student Council’s, private dormitory…?”

“The Magic Division’s Student Council is different than the other students, they live in a special dormitory. The Student Council, which gathers the strongest students, allowing them to live together and form the strongest organization…Although these people are also female, but another point is that these people are most suitable to act as the supervisor.”

Liz Liza-sensei pointed at Kaguya-senpai and spoke.

“Be thankful of this person. Because of this person strongly proposed that if anything occurs, the Magic Division Student Council have the ability to respond to it, so that in the end, it came to the conclusion of surveillance. Even the director said these distasteful words like, 'is this something that a spoiled little girl like you can do?'”

“…I, I am not a spoiled little girl.” ——Kaguya-senpai’s expression inadvertently became gloomy.

But she immediately smiled again, her face revealed dimples.

“So that’s how it is, otouto-kun! We will be together! You must be very happy!”

“…Could it be that you harbor a wish of nurturing a boy who is younger than you?”

Liz Liza-sensei looked at Kaguya-senpai, who was extremely happy, with suspicious eyes.

“W, What are you saying, sensei!? Please do not speak this kind of gibberish, okay!? Really now…I did not feel that a boy younger than me was cute. I only wanted…to personally train a <Magic Swordsman> who could use both sword techniques and Summoning Magic!”

“Magic Swordsman…?”

“From today onwards, you are my first disciple! I will definitely train you into the strongest Magic Swordsman!”

Kaguya-senpai tightly held onto Kazuki’s hands, who was trembling after listening to her unexpected words.

“This here is the Witch’s House!”

While carrying Leme, who was sleeping, on his back, Kazuki was brought to this place.

It was a renaissance, western-styled mansion made with black wood surrounding the white-colored walls.

And its name did not match the fairytale-like atmosphere that makes one happy.

Opening the iron gates with a watermark pattern, and then opening the front——A completely different world appeared.

A dazzling mahogany and rouge-colored world appeared.

Although it was not glamorous, but the interiors were extremely refined. Also, there were varieties of furniture that were the same as a high-class hotel.

On the ceiling were a few majestic chandeliers…Can I really live in this place?

“The area is very big, right? It was created based on the form of renting the rooms, there are many rooms on the second floor, the first floor is a common living room, kitchen and bathroom. Although the first year Student Council trainees are primarily responsible for the household chores…”

Kaguya-senpai’s words suddenly became quite vague, but instead, Kazuki felt quite welcomed by this kind of arrangement.

“No problem, I am already accustomed to doing housework. In fact, I rather like doing them.”

“Really? That’s great! Then let us immediately arrange a room for you…”

“…Kazuki.” The originally asleep Leme suddenly opened her eyes and jumped off Kazuki’s back.

“…Where’s the bathroom? Leme is, currently, extremely urgent!”

Leme’s body was trembling. This Diva, it was extremely hard to make her wake up, but the result was this kind of thing…!

Kaguya-senpai hurriedly held onto Leme’s tiny hands.

“I will bring this child to the bathroom, go and pick a room that you like on the second floor, otouto-kun!”

“Can I randomly pick!?”

“You cannot enter the rooms with a sign! Those are our rooms!”

After finishing that sentence to Kazuki, who was in a daze and standing at the spot, Kaguya-senpai brought Leme to the bathroom.

Although a follow-up was not possible, but waiting here felt quite embarrassing.

At the center of the entrance hall, there was a spiral staircase. Kazuki could not help but stroke the smooth, metal handrail and moved up to the second floor.

The second floor occupied very little space. There was a small lounge with a sofa. From that point on, a corridor that extends to the left and right with rooms organized in a row.

Kazuki opened the room nearest to him without a sign.

“…Eh? E-Rank?”

What entered his eyes was ——a currently changing Amasaki Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

A beautifully shaped body, it caused one to have an illusion of a display of a goddess sculpture.

However, the difference between the sculpture was obvious, you could notice the smooth and soft skin texture in a single glance.

“A, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?”

“Sorry! It was not on purpose!!”

Kazuki immediately rushed out of the room and closed the door with his hands clasped behind his back.

Why!? Kazuki’s head was filled with question marks as he stood at the corridor…

“…I thought I heard a strange voic……Why is the E-Rank here?”

From behind, a cold voice came. Looking back, he could only see Hiakari Koyuki standing there.

“…W, What are you wearing!?”

“This is casual wear for indoors, is there any problem?”

She was dressed in an outfit where a baggy shirt was placed over her underwear. His gaze could not be helped but be captivated by the smooth and pure-white legs that extended from the hem of the shirt.

“…Didn’t I say it before, please do not look at me like this.”

Kazuki hurriedly moved his gaze away from Koyuki, who muttered as if she did not care.

Stimulating scenes appearing one by one had caused his mind to panic.

“…Wait! Why is that sword idiot E-Rank here!”

After putting on a t-shirt and a skirt, Mio shouted as she rushed out of her room.

“If I have to say why, then although I cannot explain it in detail, but I was brought over here…Amasaki, why are you here?”

“You ask me why, of course it is because I am A-Rank. Hmmph, I am A-Rank!”

“So that’s how it is, I don’t understand.”

“Understand it thoroughly! A first-year student with outstanding grades becomes a Student Council trainee, entering the Witch’s House and learning from the senpais is part of the tradition here.”

“I see, since you explained so precisely, I also understand.”

Speaking of which, what senpai had just said also represents that there are other first year Student Council trainees here.

“In other words, the ones here are the elite of the elite, only ones with A-Rank!…But why would the E-Rank break into here? This place is not a place where a sword idiot like you should stay! A, And you just saw me naked, right!?”

“That was unavoidable! I was also called here by Kaguya-senpai…”

“Are you guys arguing? What happened?”

Issuing *patapata* footstep sounds, Kaguya came up the stairs.

“Ah, could it be that the other first year students also came? So that’s what it is! Because the staff meeting took too long, so the senseis showed the way! Could it be that you ran into each other?”

In other words, Kaguya-senpai thought that the other first year students have not arrived yet, so she immediately said casual words such as opening any room as long as it is not someone’s room.

“Student Council President, what on earth is with the E-Rank!?”

“This child is my disciple number one. This Magic Swordsman will be trained by me!”

“S, Student Council President’s first disciple!? Magic Swordsman, what is this! Why…Compared to me, who is an A-Rank, why would a peeping man from the Hayashizaki Family, who is only skilled in sword skill, enjoy such a special treatment!?”

“Eh eh, otouto-kun peeked? This is a crime! Yellow card, suspended from school!”

“…You peeked? That…E-Rank, I was wrong about you.”

Kazuki was surrounded by three girls. Just when an interrogative atmosphere was about to begin.

“Hey hey. Where is the place to wash my hands? The person who said would guide me, guide me until the very end!”

From the bottom of the stairs, Leme’s voice suddenly came.

“That voice…Could it be the strange Diva that you contracted with? Why is it here?”

Seeing that Mio muttered suspiciously, Kaguya-senpai revealed a slight smile.

“Although a boy might be a little…Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun and his contracted Diva, Leme-chan, the two of them will be companions, who are going to live here! You should be friendly with each other.”

===Part 4===

In order to let everybody meet each other, the residents of Witch’s House gathered together at the living room on the first floor.

Kazuki, Mio, Koyuki, Kaguya-senpai and Leme, the five of them sat on the chairs around the table.

“The vice president is currently out performing a quest, so let’s wait for her for a while. It has already been shown on the television, the matter about Illegal Magic Users’ <Stigma Hunting> has already occurred. Recently, it is not peaceful.”

“…What is a quest?”

After Kazuki revealed a surprised expression, Mio showed a look of disbelief.

“Hey, E-Rank. You are obviously at the lowest, yet you do not listen to the explanations?”

…At that time, his head was filled with thoughts of what will happen next, so he basically did not listen.

“Magic Division students could go to the place called <Guild> and help the Knight’s works. The students would form groups between themselves and eliminate Magical Beasts, go outside and investigate Magic Lands, capture Illegal Magic Users, etc.…They are able to select difficult quests to increase their own evaluation. And, our ranks from now on will also consistently change due to the results of the quests.”

“Also, there is the <Duel>, a competition between students, which will also cause the ranks to change.”

“…Using the current ranks as an excuse to make trouble is a very stupid thing.”

Koyuki quietly whispered. She was still wearing the casual indoor wears, which was the shirt + underwear appearance.

“Hiakari-san, it feels like you are very familiar to this place…Is this your first time coming here?”

“No, I was already here since last year.”

“Because her inborn Magic Power was unusually enormous, it was recognized that Koyuki-chan would obtain an Enigma without any doubt, so during her middle school period, she began living at this academy. The Student Council received an order from the senseis there to take care of her.”

Mio threw a gaze filled with confrontation to Koyuki.

“…How boring.” Towards this reaction, Koyuki turned to one side.

“Kaguya-senpai is a second year student, right? Are there no third year students?”

“Were you really not listening at the briefing? Once you reach the third year, because of <Internships>, they would follow the Knights around the entire country. Therefore, they are basically not at the dormitory.”

“…It can’t be helped. At the briefing, I was anxious about my own future.”

However, him being distracted to the point where he was trembling made him feel embarrassed.

Kazuki glanced at Leme who was sitting next to him. After Leme noticed his gaze——

“It’s okay.” She said quietly and held onto Kazuki’s hand underneath the table.

This sudden action made Kazuki confused. Is this fellow trying to encourage me?

“I’m back.” Another voice came from the front entrance.

“Ah, Hikaru seems to have come back now. She is the Student Council’s vice president. Hikaru, come to the living room for a bit!”

“Ara, the first years already came? I’ve made you wait for a long time, new students!”

What opened the door and valiantly appeared was——an elegant <Noble>.

With a neutral hairstyle and a gallant face that would almost make everybody recognize it incorrectly as a beautiful boy.

This elegant senpai looked at Kazuki and had her eyes immediately turn round.

“…! There is actually someone that looks more like a boy than me!?”

She lowered the luggage in her hands and rushed in front of Kazuki.

“A, Amazing! The face is a little bit cool, her body is extremely sturdy, perhaps it may be a bit rude, but it is basically just like a boy!…Just like a…boy…ara?”

“I am a boy…senpai.”

Kazuki panicked as the senpai, who he was meeting for the first time, suddenly touched him everywhere.

Senpai tightly held onto Kazuki’s jacket and that beautiful boy-like face immediately turned red.

“S, Ssssooorrryyyy! A real boy!? Why is a boy here!?”

With amazing momentum, she escaped from Kazuki’s side and hid behind Kaguya-senpai.

“Sorry, this child is not used to dealing with boys.”

“Not used to?…Even though she is so dignified and incredibly handsome?”

“B, Because I was always at a girl school since kindergarten, so I don’t have immunity towards boys…”

This senpai stuck out her head from behind Kaguya-senpai’s back. Sweat constantly dripped down from her forehead.

“But I do not know why I am always treated as a prince by the surrounding people. In order to respond to such expression, so I would often try hard and behave like a prince…But, this way, it also produced a somewhat strange life…UWAHH, a real boy is here…M, My heart is jumping so fast…What should I do, so scary.”

“Hey, you have to stand up in front and properly introduce yourself.”

“I did not expect a first year Student Council trainee to actually be a boy…M, My name is Hoshikaze Hikaru. C, Currently serving as the Student Council vice president. P, Please to meet you.”

These people are the roommates of my new life? It feels that they are all strange people…

“I see…Fufufu, interesting. A group worthy of contracting…”

Leme whispered suspicious sounding words beside him…Contracting?

“However, it’s fine! I will absolutely not reject my cute kouhai because he is a boy! I will treat you as the same sex, and use a more casual attitude than anyone else to be friendly with each other!”

Hoshikaze-senpai delivered a prideful declaration. However, after her eyes matched up with Kazuki’s, she immediately used her two hands to cover her face.

“Uuuuuu…P, Please do not look at me like this…”

Perhaps she is a somewhat cute person, Kazuki thought.

“Right, right, Kaguya. After I finished the quest, I brought a lot of snacks back.”

“Great! Then next off, let us hold everybody’s welcome party!”

Evening 8 PM —— It was the time to eat dinner, yet on the table——

“It was completely filled with snacks.”

Towards the snack-filled mountain, Kazuki could not help but feel fear.

And these are not all mass produced products, but high-priced products applied with <Alchemy Conditioning>.

“Fufufu, being able to eat this many snacks, am I currently dreaming?”

Kaguya-senpai leaned towards the side and straightened her chest.

“No, this is food that is seriously imbalanced in nutrition and will make one gain weight…”

“A girl’s party is basically like this! Really, since you are already in the Magic Division, otouto-kun must become more familiar to the girl’s feelings. Okay, A——hhhhh”

Kaguya-senpai suddenly picked up a small, sweet biscuit and tried to feed him.

“…We still did not have a toast yet.”

Kazuki, who did not know how to react, pushed away senpai’s hand.

“A——hhhhhh was rejected by a boy!? This is against etiquette!”

“Then following this, everybody, did you fill your drinks?”

Hoshikaze-senpai poured the carbonated drinks into the cups and personally gave it to everybody.

The carbonated bubbles had an incredulous power of making the party’s atmosphere become active again.

With their hands holding a cup, everyone called out, “Cheers!”

——The welcome party continued until the moment the date changed.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 8 Intermission

2016-01-10T08:31:39Z

Tman111: /* Part 1 */ grammar fixes

==Intermission – Dwelling Power==

===Part 1===

“It’s a good prudence that I’m the one that show my face right from the beginning. Kaya was also going to come to the front, but your mood will be going bad if it is Kaya’s face that welcomed you back so today too it’s this Loki-sama that is coming out here yeah.”

Ikousai who visited the topmost floor the first thing after she came back to the <Oosaka Prefectural Office> was welcomed by Loki who spread out both his arms in a good mood.

Ikousai raised up and showed the mirror Sacred Treasure that she obtained in the Grand Haunted Ground―<Yata no Kagami> with an expression that had no interest at all. Ikousai who was a King candidate instinctually understood that this item was exactly one of the real Three Sacred Treasures.

“Hmph, it’s a relief that it went well for you. Ilyailiya still hasn’t shown her mug here, but that girl won’t make any stupid mistakes even in the worst case for sure. She is real strong anyway.”

“She still hasn’t shown her face here you said?”

Misgiving appeared in Ikousai’s expression. Ilyailiya could fly through the sky with the speed of lightning. She shouldn’t arrive later than even Ikousai.

“…Guess she is loitering somewhere before going back here huh.”

Ikousai didn’t miss how Loki’s frivolous expression cramped for a little.

Loki was acting unusually frivolous―as if he was trying to misdirect her from some kind of inconvenience that had happened.

“The Queen of Russia Ilyailiya, where in the world she could possibly loitering about in this Japan?”

Ikousai refuted straightforwardly. For that woman to do such thing was unthinkable.

Ilyailiya obtained the Sacred Treasures for the sake of Yamato, but she didn’t go back in order to hand over that Sacred Treasure.

There were two possibilities Ikousai could think of.

That she met unforeseen accident at her way back. Namely that she was captured or killed.

Or possibly Ilyailiya would ask for a bargaining point in return of handing over the Sacred Treasure. Namely she wouldn’t hand over the Sacred Treasure so easily and kept this side in suspense.

“Chih. She might be coming at us saying some troublesome thing later.”

Loki reluctantly said his true feelings.

Of course thinking about Ilyailiya’s true power, it was hard to imagine that something happened to her.

Ilyailiya that traversed the sky with lightning speed, who in Japan could possibly stop her?

Even if she got stopped, how could the woman who was the King of Russia get defeated?

“I’ve already prepared myself for this matter to become troublesome in the future right from the start. Borrowing the power from China, also borrowing the power from Russia…and then Loki, even borrowing power from you too. Yet even so for me to become King, to win against Hayashizaki Kazuki, as expected the Three Sacred Treasures are necessary.”

A pitch black flame was burning scorchingly inside Ikousai’s heart. She recalled her battle with Hayashizaki Kazuki in the Grand Haunted Ground. The feeling of defeat that was seared severely into her heart.

However if she possessed the Three Sacred Treasures then she would also have the assurance of victory at the same time.

These two feeling once again hardened Ikousai’s heart.

The Three Sacred Treasures were necessary no matter what. Even if she had to shake the hand of the devil himself….

I want to win. I have to win…. If she could do that then she could usurp…!

“Kukuku…haven’t you got awfully honest now? That’s right, you bastard won’t be able to win against Hayashizaki Kazuki if you don’t borrow my power. Everything goes to the winner no matter what method he used, the loser ain’t gonna get any honor or anything.”

She wouldn’t throw away herself. And yet no matter what kind of method she had to use, she mustn’t lose…. Ikousai strongly tightened the fist of her right arm which had now returned back to her own arm after Susanoo had been driven out from it.

“<Yasakani no Magatama> must be retrieved no matter what kind of condition Ilyailiya give it in. I have to make sure to obtain two of the Three Sacred Treasures in my grasp…. Loki, some kind of sealing magic is put up in the last wall of the Haunted Ground. Even Midgardsormr or Ilyailiya cannot break through the seal.”

“Seal? Is that so…that woman too might faintly suspect what kind of sword she possessed, and so she possibly combined her power with her contracted Diva and put up a seal. …No, I got the hunch that the event was certainly like that…”

Loki narrowed his eyes, he recalled the ambiguous memory of his time completing an imperfect fusion with human.

“If it’s a seal that was put up by burning her life, that might not be something that we or Ilyailiya can break.”

“If I can’t obtain <Ame no Murakumo> in my hand, then this become all the more important. Search out Ilyailiya even if we have to dispatch the ranks and files, I have to get <Yasakana no Magatama> no matter what she wants.”

“That’s right huh…everything hangs on Ilyailiya now.”

===Part 2===

The situation was chaotic, but there was little they could do.

It was so chaotic to the degree that it could be said they were only waiting for their fate.

The investigation of the Grand Haunted Ground was over around the time the sun had set, the students boarded the magic light train and arrived quickly at the Knight Academy station where they breakup.

Kazuki and the other student council members headed to a ramen shop. When he asked Koyuki for a ramen shop that she recommended, Koyuki shyly taught just Kazuki and from there Kazuki took along everyone else to said shop.

After being guided to a private room that was like a banquet hall, ramen for several person portion and a big plate that was filled up with gyoza were lined up on a big table in the room. When word of “Delicious” leaked out from all the mouth that tasted the ramen, Koyuki secretly turned to Kazuki with a shy look.

While finishing their dinner, Kazuki and the others reported the situation.

―Two of the Three Sacred Treasures had been taken away by Yamato.

Just as Kazuki feared, there was an ability user among Yamato that could slip through the wall. In addition they passed through Level 1and was able to start searching from Level 2.

Moreover in a great bad luck, two of the Sacred Treasures were all located in Level 2 area.

When Kazuki reported until that point, the room had sunk into oppressive atmosphere.

…Was it truly just a bad luck at their side? Yamato’s action was really just too smooth.

It was as if they had already guessed the location of the Three Sacred Treasures right from the beginning.

“The risk that Yamato’s side shouldered is also really considerable. After all they depended on not only China but also Russia. Perhaps the other side is also quite impatient.”

However Kazuki talked to all present while slurping the ramen in his own pace.

―Inside Kazuki’s heart, his feeling didn’t become heavy from the reality that was confronting him.

The gate and wall that enclosed Area 3 was affixed with a powerful sealing magic.

That seal talked to Kazuki―saying that it was waiting for Kazuki.

The true identity of the seal was unclear. But the voice that addressed him felt dear to him somehow.

There was a will of someone inside that seal. Someone that had lived in the time when the Grand Haunted Ground was born.

Regardless of how overwhelmingly disadvantageous his current situation was, it gave a mysterious heartening feeling to Kazuki.

He was even convinced that if it was with that person, then it would be okay.

In the bottom of his heart it was something that he seek for even more strongly than things like the Three Sacred Treasures.

There was still a secret that hadn’t been made known to him inside the Grand Haunted Ground.

Next it was Kaguya-senpai’s turn to report. The Einherjar infiltrated the Grand Haunted Ground and moved to hinder them, right there Ryouzanpaku was intruding. …He didn’t know how they did it, but Yamato had even moved the Einherjar.

Rather it could even be said that the side of Yamato was cornered, to use this method that didn’t care of their own appearance.

Beatrix and her team that fainted from magic intoxication were carried away by the Knight Order.

They had to wait until Beatrix and her team regained consciousness before they could ask about the circumstances.

“Leme, you are not going to eat Ramen?”

When the report reached a stopping point, Kazuki called out to Leme.

“I have ordered for your portion too, the noodle going to grow stale like this.”

“I’ll eat.” Saying that Leme materialized on an empty chair with an awkward face.

“Leme-chan…you become big! You become a beautiful woman!!”

Starting from Kaguya-senpai, everyone raised surprised voices. Ignoring that Leme was slurping her ramen.

“Do you have something that you can tell us?”

“Thanks to the sister sandwich this time, Leme remembered the majority of Leme’s memory.”

Hearing the words sister sandwich―the gazes of all present gathered at the both sides of Kazuki. Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai were occupying Kazuki’s both sides exclusively.

“Leme. Do you too have some kind of relation with that Grand Haunted Ground?”

“That’s…Leme still doesn’t want to say that from Leme’s own mouth. But if you passed through that wall and entered inside, then you should understand everything yourself. Worry is unnecessary. Just as you guessed, that seal cannot be released by anyone else other than you.”

“Even if you said not to worry…we have talked before that the side that gathered more of the Three Sacred Treasures will be the one that is going to win right? No matter how strong Kazuki is or what not…”

Kazuha-senpai was looking alternately at Kazuki and Leme with a worried face.

“No problem at all. Kazuki had become able to skillfully use most of King Solomon’s power.”

As if saying that she wouldn’t say anything more than that, Leme looked down to her bowl and slurped her ramen.

“As magic swordsman, I and Ikousai are even. That was why Amaterasu said that the number of the Three Sacred Treasures each of us have will decide the match’s outcome. However this is already…not a fight between swordsman and swordsman anymore.”

Kazuki recalled the figure of Ikousai who surrendered her right arm to Susanoo and fought while spitting out blood.

“Ikousai held back Susanoo using her willpower, turned into a devil and fought. As for me…I fought pouring all of my magic power into <Zekorbeni>. That’s why how much the power of my bonds with everyone can surpass the power of tenacity of the devil…this is that kind of battle.”

The sounds of slurping ramen had vanished and everyone’s sight was concentrated at Kazuki.

Kazuki proclaimed in order to answer the gaze of his important people. He felt no anxiety at all.

“I’m going to win against her and become that existence called a King.”

After exiting the ramen shop and returning back to the Knight Academy, the path between the Magic Division and the Sword Division parted from each other.

“Nii-sama, until next time!” “See you.” “Farewell!”

Kanae, Kazuha-senpai, and Kohaku waved their hand and left toward the Sword Division’s student dormitory.

And next they arrived at the branching path between the Witch’s Mansion and the Magic Division’s student dormitory.

“Kazuki…”

Shinobu-senpa stared at him with a face that seemed to want something. Kazuki brought his face near her while somewhat minding everyone else’s gaze.

“Fufu…well then me too.”

Miyabi-senpai too brought her face near while chuckling refreshingly…the lips of the three of them overlapped lightly at the same time.

A three person kiss with their faces pressing at each other like a three-leafed clover.

“Nn. …Kazuki, if Kazuki don’t take the lead properly for me from now on, I’ll be troubled. I, don’t understand anything so…”

“I understand, then let’s play together next time. Together with Miyabi-senpai too.”

When he answered like that to Shinobu-senpai’s words, senpai nodded repeatedly in a good vigor.

And then Miyabi-senpai pulled the hand of Shinobu-senpai who still seemed reluctant to part from him and left.

“To make that person become like that…rather than saying harem, Kazuki is more of a wild-animal tamer isn’t it.”

When Hikaru-senpai said that, Lotte went “Wan wan!” and frolicked at him, while Mio hugged him with “Nyaa―!” as if she had been patiently waiting for such timing to fawn at him, and Koyuki snuggled closer to him with a “Puu”.

“I want to enter that too…uhho uhho!”

Kaguya-senpai cut in while strangely walking bowlegged, then she rammed Kazuki with a *do―n*.

“Why does senpai went as far as choosing an animal that is not cute at all…please just stop the gorilla act.”

“Then what animal is good I wonder?”

“Panda! After all your skin is white and your hair is black!”

Hikaru-senpai vigorously cut in. Kaguya-senpai went “I see I see” while nodding.

“Pan pan! Pan pan!”

Kaguya-senpai let out a cry of a mysterious animal while enveloping Kazuki’s waist with her arms in a tight bear hug.

The animals of the forst went wild “Wan!?” “Nya―! Funyaa―!” “Puu puu” against the newcomer that suddenly appeared.

“I’m fine just being a human.”

Hikaru-senpai nonchalantly said so and cuddled close at Kazuki.

Leme was watching in satisfaction at that situation where he was being jostled by everyone of the Witch’s Mansion.

“O my King, it will take a few days until your magic power recovered right. Until that time you are not going to force yourself and go the Grand Haunted Ground. After all that seal won’t be so easily broken, and if it get destroyed Leme will know immediately. Pass your time flirting with these fellows just like usual for a while. That’s the best thing you can do at the moment.”

When Leme said that, everyone pressed even closer at him like a game oshikura manjuu. (AN: children’s game in which three or more stand back-to-back in a circle and jostle)

“…Things like the other two Sacred Treasures are trivial. You can properly obtain the things that you should obtain the most. Your bonds and…that sword. Believe in the thing that you have built up so far and your fate. For you to challenge the decisive battle with these two and go to become a King…is something that Leme is honestly happy for.”

After saying puzzling things just as she pleased even though there were a lot things she wouldn’t talk about, Leme’s materialized body melted into the black of night and vanished.There was no mistake that Leme who had recovered her memory had surely remembered why she chose Kazuki as her contractor.

Immediately after Kazuki returned back to his room, he called the phone number that he just knew today.

He was not anxious―but he wanted to know as much as he could.

“What happened, to rely on me this fast.”

Akane-senpai took the call with a bright voice.

“…Ah, thank you for your hard work today. For some reason looks like the situation had become strange, however…”

After letting out a bright voice, it seemed that Akane-senpai remembered something and stiffened her voice before thanking Kazuki.

“Thank you very much. The reason that I called senpai immediately is because there is a matter that doesn’t make sense no matter what…. This is about the Grand Haunted Ground.”

The place that the government had laid out a gag order for and forcefully erased from the peoples memories.

―That place had a connection with him and Leme, and the owner of that voice.

“Is the Knight Order still hiding something?”

Kazuki enquired about the [mystery] without beating the bush.

“Something strange had happened that cannot be explained just by the explanation senpai told me before. The seal that was affixed on the wall that is partitioning Level 2 and 3…who was the one that put the seal there?”

When talking about a seal, naturally it was something artificial.

It was not something generated by nature, the seal should be done by someone with their own will.

Namely―the first knight.

The voice of that time that he remembered hearing before. The owner of that voice was….

“What in the world had happened at the time when that wall was made? That the Knight Order didn’t know anything about that at all and so they didn’t teach me anything, isn’t that strange?”

The Knight Order hid that information deliberately, he couldn’t help but thought so.

“…That’s so isn’t it, I too think that’s strange, but…I too don’t know anything, you know.”

Akane-senpai softened her voice apologetically.

“I’m sorry that I cannot be of use to you. After all I too was born just two years before you.”

The thing that Kazuki wanted to know happened far in the separate past.

“I’m sorry…to rely on senpai for something like this.”

He had the feeling that he betrayed Akane-senpai’s kindness with such unreasonably difficult question. Even though senpai’s voice was really bright when she first took this call.

“Ah, but”

Akane-senpai’s voice recovered from its disappointment and turned lively. As if she suddenly remembered some answer.

“Close to yourself, there is someone that is supposed to know about this situation far more than someone like me.”

“Eh, who is it?”

Kazuki concentrated all his mind to his ear so that he wouldn’t miss a single thing.

“It’s Liz Liza-sensei. You should know too right? That person was one of the first knights.”

===Part 3===

{In genereal, everything went just as you thought eh, Loki.}

When Ikousai exited the room, Kaya talked to Loki inside his head.

“Well…except about how Ilyailiya doesn’t show her mugs around.”

Loki chose a whisky and took it away from the cupboard where he stashed all the alcohol he bought and collected by walking around the city himself, the he sank his body onto the sofa as if saying that the time for work was over. He opened the seal of the bottle and poured the intense alcohol just like that into his throat―inside Loki, Kaya raised a scream.

{Dri, drink something a little softer. Bitter, inside my mouth even feels like it burns…}

“Then just cut off the sensation geez. You are the one that keep the connection on just as you please ain’t it?”

During the time Kaya was handing over her body to Loki, she gathered all the sensation Loki felt without exception.

A mysterious longing was residing inside such action.

Loki gulped the bottle one more time without any consideration to Kaya and then he released a satisfied breath “Fuu―”.

“Now then, the table has been set now. With my cooperation…Ikousai is gonna gather the three Sacred Treasures and become dependent on me, she is gonna be a puppet King that move just as I want.”

{Come on, at least dilute it with water or put some ice.}

“Just shut your trap. …And then, that. As usual my speed in working out schemes and Hayashizaki Kazuki’s speed in tying bonds counterbalance each other. Ikousai that listened to what I said and obtained two Sacred Treasures, and Hayashizaki Kazuki who grew strong until this point with the power of bonds…in the end which one will win?”

{I want to drink juice.}

Loki ignored Kaya and leaned his head on the sofa, already he murmured with a drunk way of speaking.

“Surely that is gonna be a fight that will test the strength of the destiny that guy carried eh.”
<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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| Back to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 8 Chapter 2

2016-01-10T07:31:51Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 2 – Forest of Bewilderment */ many grammatical fixes

==Chapter 2 – Forest of Bewilderment==

=== Part 1===

“…Is this information not mistaken?”

Beatrix asked her aide with a voice that was tinged with disappointment.

Inside one of the hotel rooms where the Einherjar was made to stay, Beatrix, Eleonora, and Damian were gathering and lowered the volume of their voices unintentionally in front of the taboo information.

“I’m sure it’s not wrong.”

It was not actually information that she could assert its authenticity that surely, but for the sake of moving Beatrix's heart Eleonora dared to assert it as the truth.

“It’s hard to believe so suddenly…it’s too much…too much of an inhuman story.”

Beatrix who had a pious moral sense from Odin’s teaching felt a completely chilling sensation inside her head’s core. Disappointment accompanied by fury that were extremely silently cold.

Even Damian was in a lost of what to say.

“Of course I think that Hayashizaki Kazuki is not involved in this plan itself. …I think there is no choice but to revise our stance to be neutral against both sides in this case.”

Taboo information―that was the data that Japan was secretly conducting human experiments on its own people. It was already hard to recognize from Germany’s point of view even just about how Japan was continuing to develop their culture of machine, but this blasphemy in front of their eyes was intolerable.

―However this information was the experiment data where the former Headmaster Otonashi was secretly advancing the experiment in the period when Naiarlatoteph was conducting his secret maneuvering. This data was handed over to Eleonora by a transformed Loki where it was made for the reader to misunderstand that it seemed even now the experiment was still being conducted by the government.

Beatrix and Eleonora recalled the girl with curious appearance called Hiakari Koyuki that was at Kazuki’s side. When they thought that the girl was exactly the product of this human experiment, suddenly the persuasiveness of this information increased.

And then, without even giving any time to verify the information, Eleonora urged Beatrix to change her mind.

“There is no benefit for us to tie a good relation with Japan. And so using this chance I think it is a good plan to entrust the ruling of this land to Yamato. We have to side with Yamato.”

“U, mu…is that so…”

Beatrix spoke ambiguously with bitter expression.

Eleonora who guessed what happened inside the heart of the superior that she respected and loved was also becoming gloomy inside.

In this kind of time, Eleonora always wanted to hate that young man.

“Captain is too charmed by that young man.”

“It’s really just like you said. The feeling of this 19 years old Beatrix-chan doesn’t even hesitate with the difference between our age.”

“Hesitate more. No matter what we are saying we won’t be able to understand each other with the people of this country. As long as we continue to swear loyalty to the gods of Norse. In the very end both of your destinies will surely miss each other. He is an enemy. And then his relation with Captain is a relation between warrior and warrior. Captain, is the sword inside your heart rusted completely?”

“There is no such thing! Kazuki is…that’s right…he is an opponent that I have to fight and defeat!!”

Beatrix yelled resolutely.

Hearing that Eleonora thought “Yosh”.

The heart of an Einherjar that loved battle had severed her attachment to that young man!

But “No, wait” suddenly Beatrix tapped her hand on her jaw and pondered something.

“If, if Yamato becomes the ruler of this country, and if that fellow Ikousai becomes the King of this country…Kazuki will become a mere commoner person right?”

“Eh? Ah, yes, he is going to be just a commoner then.”

“In that case…even if I take him back to Germany…there will be no problem at all right…?”

Eleonora was dumbfounded.

So it became like this? Did she want that young man this much?

Beatrix’s expression turned bright like a different person with a wide grin.

“Yosh, I got a great idea! We are going out in action right now! Luckily those bunch of Japan’s Knight Order have their hands full with observing the bunch of Kings from other countries and their observation on us is thin!”

Eleonora opened her eyes wide in shock.

“By any chance, is Captain saying that we are going to Fuji’s sea of trees after this?”

“You said that Kazuki and others are going to Fuji’s sea of trees from now on aren’t you? Fu-fu-fu, we are going to obstruct them. We are going to thoroughly get in their way, then if circumstances permit and I find Kazuki I’m going to fight him. It’s going to be a luscious fight for our conclusion! I’m going to defeat Kazuki, then after he falls into magic intoxication we will hide his body. If we do that then inevitably Yamato is going to win the struggle race for the Sacred Treasures. Kazuki will become a commoner. I’ll bring him home to Germany. And we are going to quietly hold a modest ceremony in Germany’s remote countryside. Uh huh.”

“What ‘uh huh’…Captain…”

“I-I feel that I’m not suited for a wedding dress or the like but…I’m not going to let Kazuki who will be the loser to say any complaint for sure!”

Beatrix fidgeted around. “Haa” Eleonora sighed like that.

“I have decided! As a warrior, I’m going to defeat Hayashizaki Kazuki!”

The largest love of Beatrix―her love of [fighting strong people], and her love for Hayashizaki Kazuki that had completely grown so large that it couldn’t be ignored anymore, with a strange harmony both of those loves had formed a single objective. It was idiotic when seen with a single glance, but it was a frighteningly perfect logic that offered no opening that could be taken for someone to insert their tsukkomi.

With Yamato’s victory there would be no more obstacles that stood in Beatrix’s way.

Beatrix leaped out from the hotel and ran.

She carried Eleonora and Damian on her shoulders while running. That way was faster for her.

Kazuki and his group was supposed to head for Fuji’s sea of trees using the magic light train, but Beatrix ran with her own feet. Even so she wasn’t really falling behind with her vigorous legs and stamina.

Seeing it from a human’s point of view they were nothing more except a suspicious group.

But as long as they didn’t get obstructed in this moment, then the matter of later was trivial. After all at that time Japan’s government would be overthrown and this country would become Yamato. After that they were going to bring Kazuki back home to Germany. After that whatever happened, happened. …Beatrix ran while drawing such perfect scene of future inside her mind.

Of course it didn’t mean that her aide Eleonora had completely stopped thinking.

“There are patrols by the Knight Orders at Fuji’s sea of trees.”

Eleonora had finished gathering all the intelligence of the Knight Order’s patrol schedule.

Following Eleonora’s direction, Beatrix’s group approached the gate of the wall. They evaded the entrance that was heavy with security in a detour and concealed themselves in the position a few kilometers west.

They kept concealing themselves like that while waiting for Kazuki and the students of the Knight Academy to enter the Haunted Ground.

===Part 2===

The two military buses where the elites of the Magic Division and the Sword Division were stuffed into came to a stop in front of the gate of Fuji’s sea of trees.

No matter how many times they saw it, the wall of adamantite with a height as if piercing the sky was a magnificent view. In its surrounding many knights and aged former knights was conducting security with numbers several times larger than before. He couldn’t think that the security could be broken easily.

The students that disembarked from the buses formed a line for each group with Kazuki standing in the head.

“Kazuki!”

Two persons mixed with the former knights’ security―Akane-senpai and Kanon-senpai were rushing to Kazuki’s spot while calling his name. They were the third years of the Magic Division that were accumulating hands-on training in the Knight Order.

“So you two senpai also came here.”

“Because it seemed that Akane wanted to meet you again so…ouch”

The head of Kanon-senpai who smiled mischievously was hit by Akane-senpai with a whack.

“That’s not it. To make the security of the gate even stricter, the active duty knights were also mobilized, but knights who can be trusted indefinitely to not be a spy are not really that much.”

“That’s right isn’t it, I’m relieved if Akane-senpai and the others are here.”

“But certainly this is also a rare chance, ehem, let’s exchange our contact address too.”

“Eh? Ah, that’s right, thank you very much.”

Akane-senpai took out a chic mobile phone with champagne golden color from her chest pocket.

Kazuki similarly took out his cell phone and made sure of each other’s contact address.

“If something happens then you can ask for a consultation of anything to me as the highest student of the Witch’s Mansion. Though it’s fine to contact me even if you don’t have any business.”

Hikaru-senpai clung on Kazuki’s back and came mingling into the conversation.

“Mufufu, Akane-senpai is approaching Kazuki♪”

Kanon-senpai too went ”fuhihi” and clung at Akane-senpai’s back to mingle into the conversation.

“Geez really―, how unexpected―, for that Akane to be this fast in moving on a man―☆”

“Do, don’t misunderstand you two!”

A slight embarrassment peeked out from her expression, Akane-senpai then drove off Kanon-senpai.

“I just think of him as a man I can respect…no, as a junior I can respect, that’s all. I’m just a mediocre person after all. …Kanon! Start processing the procedure for these children to pass the gate!”

Akane-senpai pulled Kanon-senpai’s hand and walked to the gate’s direction.

“That person is exactly a person you can respect you know.”

Still clinging on Kazuki’s back, Hikaru-senpai brought her face near to Kazuki.

“With the exception of Enchant Aura, her abilities are uniformly high levels in all lineage of magic. She is a person with no field she is bad at.”

All her abilities were equal―which meant without a doubt that it was the result of not trying to rely on the quality she was born with but methodically continuing to temper herself objectively.

Achieving completion just by her strong will, a person of hard work.

“She totally lost at magic power’s absolute amount and output power against Kanon-senpai, but her chanting speed is said to be number one inside the history of the Knight Academy. She also has never gotten a score below 95 in any subject.”

“How amazing…like that she doesn’t have any grounds to say that she is just a mediocre person.”

“She is going to lose in a duel against Kanon-senpai and Kaguya. But if each of them are thrown into Haunted Ground, then perhaps the one who will successfully clear the place first is going to be Akane-senpai I wonder.”

Kazuki felt complicated while listening the story.

For Akane-senpai to evaluate herself as a mediocre person, compared to him which part of him was it that could be said as special then? Why did Leme choose him, he didn’t get it at all.

He was unexpectedly chosen by Leme, so could he be called as a special human because of that….

…Then this power, was he going to say that he was not worthy of it and he wanted to throw it away?

No. He didn’t want to do that.

Then, he had to become a human that was more worthy of this power.

He had to obtain the power of a King in his hand with his own will.

In front of this battle that gambled the Three Sacred Treasures, all the cowardice vanished from his heart.

“Kazuki and Akane-senpai are a little similar. Both of you are hard workers. I love the two of you.”

Hikaru-senpai rubbed her cheek on Kazuki while clinging at him.

“I too must work harder so not to lose against Akane-senpai. …Come on, Hikaru-senpai is also one of the leaders so please return to your own group.”

Kazuki tore off the clinging Hikaru-senpai from his body and pushed her back toward the direction where her members were at.

“Well then, operation start!”

The students that entered inside the Haunted Ground were scattered in each group so as to not let their area of exploration overlap with each other. Everyone was aiming for the direction where the magic power was thick and no one had gone into yet while defeating the Demon Beasts they encountered and liberating the Haunted Ground very thoroughly. That was the strategy they were using.

Fuji’s sea of trees was divided into three levels. The sphere of 5 kilometer radius with the peak of Mountain Fuji as the center was the level 3 area, and then further within 5 kilometer outside from it was the level 2 area, and then even further 5 kilometer outside was the level 1 area―each of the areas’ borders were encircled with a gigantic wall where no one could pass except through the gate.

It was a Grand Haunted Ground that had grown to possess three areas with a total radius of 15 kilometer.

This wall was used because the Knight Order was once unable to liberate the Haunted Ground, and at that time they encircled it with the wall for the time being and yet in the end the wall too was completely swallowed by the Haunted Ground…these walls were created from the repeat of such occurrences multiple times.

Right now was exactly the time to liberate this Grand Haunted Ground while taking the opportunity to discover the Three Sacred Treasures.

Because before this Kazuki and others had split into two groups and searched the left and right near the entrance for a few kilos, at the beginning there were no figures of Demon Beast around. Everyone scattered widely all at once and the other groups soon became invisible.

“Let’s go around in a circle from the deepest place for our group.”

Kazuki moved following his image of entering the depth aiming for the second wall inside, and from there they were going to go around in a circle. Like that they were going to the place where the magic power was the thickest―which meant that they were going to explore the area with powerful Demon Beast, but a small number of elite had gathered in Kazuki’s group. Kazuki felt that going around that area was only a natural responsibility for them.

Kazuki, Ryuutaki Sisters, Karin, and Kohaku. It was a group with these five.

As far as the eye could see, the more they advanced deeper the dampness and the stench became more choking in the air and around them became a forest of Haunted Ground. There was no green of the nature but a poisonous tint that was spreading around them.

There was still no atmosphere of mountain around them.

“Don’t you dare order me and Nee-sama around, you quack student council president.”

…Shinobu-senpai ignored Kazuki from the very beginning and kept pulling Miyabi-senpai’s hand while advancing forward rudely.

“You dare calling this one’s bosom friend a quack you bastard!”

Behind Shinobu-senpai who was advancing forward, Kohaku yelled exposing her rage.

After Kazuki admonished Kohaku, the result was Kohaku stopped thinking of Kazuki [based in marriage] and tried to build the human relationship between them from the start again. It seemed that she settled down to regard Kazuki in the position as a [bosom friend].

“To insult mine’s bosom friend that has been arranged to become this one’s husband, this one who is his future wife wouldn’t allow it!”

Somehow it was a bosom friend with a really impure feel in it.

But Shinobu-senpai was advancing forward rudely as if Kohaku or anything else didn’t exist.

“Why is she participating in this quest anyway if she just acts like this?”

Karin tilted her head from the totally justified question.

“I think that’s because Miyabi-senpai said that she would participate and so she came along.”

Miyabi-senpai was feeling that she wanted to have a connection to the outside, her consciousness of wanting to become useful to the society with her ability was stronger than other people. She wished to become useful and from that have the surrounding people recognize the power of elves.

Yet with Miyabi-senpai like that, Shinobu-senpai was like a guard dog that displayed its threatening glare so that no one would approach near them…she was someone that was similar to a hindrance.

Even while Miyabi-senpai called “Shinobu!” in reprimand, her arms was still pulled ahead without stopping.

“Wait I mean, moving ahead carelessly like that is really dangerous senpai!”

Kazuki chased them in panic.

But with Kazuki chasing behind, Shinobu-senpai then moved her feet even faster unnecessarily.

“KIIIIIIIIIIIIII!”

Suddenly a gryphon that was lurking on top of a tree that looked poisonous in color determined Shinobu-senpai and other as prey and swooped down nearing them. It was a fantastical wild beast with a head and wings of eagle on body and limbs of a lion.

“HAAAAA!”

Karin immediately dashed and overtook the Ryuutaki sisters and launched a flying kick to the swooping down gryphon with all her strength.

Kazuki sensed Karin’s movement and entered a stance for support.

“GUKIIIII!”

The torso of the gryphon distorted from Karin’s fierce kick. Pulverized sounds rang out crackingly under its bulky fur. Karin’s kick that was strengthened with Enchant Aura possessed a destructive power of that much.

But from the mouth of the gryphon that largely opened, swirling magic power was produced―rather than calling it organism activity, it was a phenomenon that was closer with magic. The whirling of magic power transformed into a whirling of flame and it was spit at Karin along with a long breath like a gale―fire breath.

Karin’s posture was stiffening because of her full power kick to help the Ryuutaki sisters, she couldn’t move to evade.

But Kazuki knew beforehand that the gryphon would do that kind of attack.

“Burn to ashes all that you touch…the scorching heat of rejection without any place to resort to! Self Burning!”

With Kazuki’s support magic, Karin’s body that was very nearly swallowed was wrapped in armor of flame.

The flame armor absorbed the fire breath and cancelled each other.

“Oo! Thank you, Hayashizaki Kazuki!”

Karin raised a happy voice while landing from her flying kick, then she stepped on the earth and filled her fist with power.

There Kazuki controlled the flame armor with Psychokinesis and concentrated the flame on Karin’s fist.

The flame armor transformed into a flame knuckle.

“Oooo!?”

Karin raised a shocked voice while swinging her flaming fist. When she struck a further kick in a combo, Kazuki Foresighted that movement and this time he moved the flame to her toes.

The gryphon that received a boisterous dance of flame raised a scream “KIIIIIII!” and dispersed into magic power light before vanishing.

Karin went “Hooray!” and jumped up and down.

“As expected from Karin huh.”

Kazuki once again felt admiration toward the martial arts of Karin while approaching near the back of the girl that was jumping up and down.

“Oi Hayashizaki Kazuki! It was really great just now you know!? Somehow just now was awesome!”

Karin grasped Kazuki’s both hands and swung it up and down.

“What are you saying, just this much is only a normal teamwork right?”

“Teamwork! I don’t know that! It’s my first time doing something like this-!”

“First time you say…you also fought together with Hayashi Shizuka right?”

When Kazuki said out that name, Karin’s bright eyes became dark and clouded and got dull instantly.

“Fighting together with Shizuka…was mostly painful…”

Now that she mentioned it…the teamwork between Karin and Shizuka was something like that.

Shizuka granted Karin with power of immortality accompanied with intense pain and making her as a wall of meat single-mindedly.

Such an act couldn’t be called teamwork…

“I have the hunch that it’ll be really fun to fight together with you!!”

“That, well, compared to a treatment as a meat wall…sorry to make you remember a strange thing.”

Karin was going “Teamwork♪ Teamwork♪” cheerfully while turning round and round around Kazuki and a little heart mark flew out from her.

Katsura Karin―48

“…”

Kohaku saw that only one gryphon wouldn’t pose any problem and she was being vigilant toward the surrounding if there would be any reinforcement for the Demon Beast or not.

She was really reliable with her calmness.

“…Hmph, a teamwork like that, the teamwork between me and Nee-sama is far more skilled than that.”

Shinobu-senpai stood upright when she was protected by Karin, but even now she was still pulling Miyabi-senpai’s hand while walking ahead briskly. She was trying to walk in the lead stubbornly. Kazuki chased her in panic.

“Senpai, that’s troubling!”

In the space between Kazuki who was hot on Shinobu-senpai’s heels and Shinobu-senpai herself, Miyabi-senpai was being in a dither from the current happenstance.

“KIIIII!”

―Without even any time to persuade Shinobu-senpai, a gryphon once again descended down from the sky before them.

Shinobu-senpai stood right in front of Miyabi-senpai to cover for her.

“You think I care if you bastard is troubled. We are going to show you that other people are unnecessary for both of us! …Thy wings bestowed from Belphegor, o <ice pillar of flame>! Mask us, became the wall of unreasonable contradiction! Cross Conflict!”

After Shinobu-senpai lured the gryphon close enough she casted her defensive magic. Wings of red crystal grew out from her back. Marchosias’s <ice pillar of flame> that possessed contradictory special characteristic of having both powerful heat and chill, these wings were a fragment of its power.

It protected the user’s body from double elements and it could also attack with double elements.

Shinobu-senpai concealed her body with the crystal wings and blocked the claw attack of the descending gryphon. The crystal wing was slightly chipped from the impact. The chipped crystal emitted heat and cold and part of the gryphon’s leg that touched it was burned.

“GUGIIIIII!”

While the gryphon raised a scream it was still swinging both its front legs frantically however.

The gryphon’s claws repelled away the crystal wings with brute force. Shinobu-senpai who didn’t have any knowledge of martial arts couldn’t react to that.

The gryphon wrenched open a gap in her guard and then it brandished its claw.

Shinobu-senpai was struck with one hit on her body and blue magic power was scattered.

“Dance your wing and scatter the spark. Trail behind a spiraling wind, become a life gouging bullet! Flap and shoot out! Barrett!”

Kazuki frantically backed up Shinobu-senpai whose guard of crystal wings was broken. The bullet of flame struck home and hindered the gryphon’s following attack.

But with a glare Shinobu-senpai directed an expression of fury at his direction.

“Don’t interfere unnecessarily!”

With that shout, not only Kazuki, but Kohaku and Karin that was going to enter their assistances also stopped their movement.

“O goddess of affection…please grant the illumination of light toward the warrior that challenge the trial under thy watch. Moonlight Breath!”

While being protected by Shinobu-senpai, Miyabi-senpai chanted a reinforcement magic.

Shadow of the moon faintly floated on the clear sky above their head, the moonlight descended down on Shinobu-senpai.

The blessing toward the warrior of the moon goddess strengthened the physical ability of Shinobu-senpai.

“UAAAAAAAAAAA-!” Raising her voice, Shinobu-senpai blocked the arm that the gryphon swung down. Arm and arm tangled with each other solidly and her posture entered a contest of strength with the gryphon.

‘How rash’, Kazuki was taken aback.

Although she was strengthened, Shinobi-senpai was supposed to be unsatisfactorily uninformed in martial art.

Even just blocking with only her two arms was peeling off Shinobu-senpai’s magic power.

The gryphon whose both arms were restrained pulled back its head and took a stance of going to stab with its beak. With her posture there was no way for Shinobu-senpai to defend.

But Shinobu-senpai barely maintained her chant and casted her magic.

“Kuh…O lonely wolf wandering the forest, thy is bestowed the moonlight from the goddess. That light is the strength of warrior…change the sharp fang into blade, display that bravery! Blade Tusk!!”

Twin swords that danced in the air stabbed at the eyeballs of the gryphon.

The gryphon raised a scream and its movement stopped.

“O crescent moon of the frozen sky, cleave the cloud following the blowing wind, cut down the life of the surface earth…Moon Scraper!”

At Shinobu-senpai’s back, Miyabi-senpai created a blade of crescent moon and threw it at the gryphon.

The blade of light that flew drawing an arc grew large in the blink of eye the moment it was separated from Miyabi-senpai’s hand, it bisected the gryphon’s torso right into two from the side. The gryphon finally scattered into magic power light.

“…How’s that, hmph.”

Shinobu-senpai’s voice leaked out saying that.

“…Didn’t senpai just barely manage it?”

Kazuki rushed near the two sisters with a grieving sigh.

In the first place gryphon was a demon beast that often came attacking in swarm.

Just now it was nothing more than luck that they could somehow make do with just the two of them.

“Hmph, what’s with that weak-kneed posture! It’s just impossible for a fellow without any knowledge of martial art to fight without any vanguard! Yaa―ii, yaa―ii!”

Karin lined up beside Kazuki and directed an abusive speech to Shinobu-senpai like a kid.

But when Shinobu-senpai wordlessly directed a glare filled with sharp glint at Karin, Karin was trembling violently.

“…Ha, Hayashizaki Kazuki, that girl just didn’t get a joke…she’s scaryyy”

Karin clung at Kazuki’s arm in fright.

“…It seems that the playing around is over.”

Kohaku said so with a sigh while looking up at the sky in the east.

“The Grand Haunted Ground is coming at us seriously here.”

At the east sky that was brightly pure white from the morning sun, countless black shadows were floating. The black shadows were approaching their direction while flickering, their contour gradually became exposed―a swarm of gryphon.

The piercing cry of Demon Beast resounded.

“This one is going first! …You just pull back!!”

When Shinobu-senpai tried to meet the assault of the gryphon’s swarm rashly, Kohaku got the drop on her and pushed her down with all her strength. Shinobu-senpai staggered and Kohaku rushed ahead while sparing a backward glance at her.

In the first place Kohaku had a polite personality that put importance on the age order. What she did was rough but it was also the correct judgment.

Karin too went after Kohaku from behind. Shinobu-senpai was left in the dust and missed the chance to continue to be obstinate.

“GOOOAAAAAAAAAA-!”

From their behind, a much heavier growl compared to the gryphon’s cry was resounding.

Kazuki and the Ryuutaki sisters looked behind them.

From behind a giant that might be even as big as a single house―a troll was approaching them while pushing down the trees and trampling those underfoot with a pole that looked like a log brandished in its hand. It was making a face similar like human but they really couldn’t feel any humanity from the bloodshot eyes that peeked out from behind its unkempt, ruffled hair.

With one hand Kazuki held back Shinobu-senpai who might try to leap out at the enemy.

“Certainly I know that both senpai were able to clear all the quests you took till now with just the two of you…but the Demon Beasts of this Grand Haunted Ground are far more formidable compared to your average Demon Beast.”

Shinobu-senpai bit her lower lips and looked down.

“Can senpai engage in a bout with that troll using the way of fighting like before?”

The answer to that question was clear as day.

Kazuki kicked the ground without waiting for an answer and intercepted the troll.

“Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai, please back us up from behind with magic!”

Even while saying that, he understood that Shinobu-senpai wouldn’t obediently give him such a favor.

Both Karin and Kohaku were excellent warriors.

They could tidy up the swarm of gryphon and the troll without any significant harm.

There was no heaps of corpses all around even with the number of the enemies, the defeated Demon Beasts became light one after another before disappearing.

“…As expected it’s harsh dealing with them with mostly just melee combat.”

Kohaku talked as if criticizing Shinobu-senpai implicitly.

Shinobu-senpai was hanging her head down with a sulking face.

Miyabi-senpai hung her head down with half-closed eyes and put her breathing in order. She was breathing heavily with her shoulders heaving. Miyabi-senpai was trying to do the work of two persons with herself alone and continuing to fight with vehement chanting speed.

Kazuki was also doing similar thing, to compensate for the share of Shinobu-senpai who was not fighting, he was constantly minding the battle situation with the gryphon at the opposite side even while fighting the troll, sometimes he let loose defensive magic for his companions.

The troll at Kazuki’s side was a tough Demon Beast, but because it was just a single troll he could do it skillfully.

Indifferent to Kazuki’s hardship, Karin raised a voice that was bursting with cheer.

“Hayashizaki Kazuki! Your magic is awesome! It came flying here right in the critical moments like a hero of justice!”

And then she optimistically went “Teamwork♪ Teamwork♪” while frolicking with one of Kazuki’s hand.

It seemed that she was feeling a great culture shock.

Looking at that Kohaku went “Mu…!” and stiffened.

“In contrast with this one who just got irritated with other people, she instead frankly thanked Kazuki the first thing while fawning on him. A woman that just makes the atmosphere heavy and a woman that can lighten the feeling of a man innocently…by, by any chance is this what is called the difference of the fundamental girl power!?”

Somehow Kohaku began to be calculating of something incomprehensible.

“Kohaku, I also like a stoic person that is strict with both other people and herself you know. Because Kanae is also that kind of type and she makes you feel that with her you can grow together.”

“Is, is that so!? Really!? Growing together…and then after that is engagement!?”

“It’s not engagement…”

“So it’s no engagement…”

Kohaku dropped her shoulders in dejection…

“After all bosom friends doesn’t get engaged with each other.”

“Standing in the position of bosom friend has quickly become really hard…”

“I’ll say this first but you haven’t yet done a single act that is worthy of the title bosom friend.”

“I want to quickly become a bride…”

“I don’t care where just disappear somewhere.”

“Why are you saying such a cruel thing to this one-!”

“Because you are my amiable bosom friend.”

“Ah, is that so? Because we are a fellow bosom friend so that’s a forgivable joke instead. When it’s said like that there is this impression of both of us actually getting along.”

Kohaku came to the grips with Kazuki’s heavy frivolous talk and smiled positively. What a honest fellow.

Karin’s eyes brightened.

“Oi, Hayashizaki Kazuki. If talking to each other like that is what is called a friend then I too am going to be your friend! After all teamwork is fun!”

Karin was nuzzling herself at Kazuki’s arm like a small animal.

Seeing that behavior of Karin, Kohaku was once again got distressed by something.

“Ho, how licentious…not, is this kind of thing normal between man and woman in this present day…? Then this one too…”

Kohaku went “Eei!” and hugged Kazuki’s other arm resolutely then she rubbed her body at him repeatedly.

“Wh, what are you doing copying someone else! Right now Hayashizaki Kazuki is busy doing teamwork with me here!”

Karin too said out something of uncertain meaning while being burned with sense of rivalry, then she rubbed her body at him all the more.

When it became like that the fire of rivalry spirit was lit up inside Kohaku too.

“ “Rub rub~!” “

…Both of their bodies were not particularly well-rounded figures so when he was scraped strongly that much it felt painful instead.

The two girls that swayed up and down intensely at his left and right were completely like the piston motion of a jackhammer.

“…Hmph, how stupid.”

Shinobu-senpai who became left out of the event murmured as if spitting out.

Karin twitched in a fright and her movement stopped. Kazuki thought that such way of talking was not right. Kohaku went “Rebuttal impossible” and she suddenly became calm in instropection.

“Shinobu, don’t just keep talking abusively like that! You were always disturbing everyone’s group harmony since before!”

Miyabi-senpai shouted after having lost her patience.

“Everything else doesn’t matter…I and Nee-sama don’t need other people at all. It’s fine as long as there is just the both of us.”

“Such thing is obviously impossible!”

Her shoulders shaking, tears were gradually piling up in Miyabi-senpai’s eyes. Shinobu-senpai twitched in fright seeing that expression.

Miyabi-senpai wished for the outside world and volunteered to participate in this quest. She wanted more companions. She wanted herself who was once persecuted to become a hero of the world as a knight.

There Shinobu-senpai was following Miyabi-senpai and tried to drive away the people who tried to become closer to Miyabi-senpai. In spite of how this quest had group activity as its premise.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.08 123.jpg|thumb]]

Miyabi-senpai kept on talking without pause with words that sounded like scream.

“It’s just a delusion to keep living just with both you and me! Whoever it is, even us, can only keep living like this from borrowing the strength of many other people in other places we cannot see! We have to possess the awareness to return the favor for all that…society is something like that, it’s no good to not recognize that when we become adult don’t you know!?”

“…Hnn. If we are not looking at it, then that’s the same with there is nothing there in the first place.”

“That way of living…!”

Miyabi-senpai turned her back on Shinobu-senpai as if driving her off and embraced Kazuki tightly.

“ “Right from the front!?” “

From right beside him where Karin and Kohaku were hugging both his arms, both of them were raising voices that were taken by surprise.

Miyabi-senpai hugged Kazuki right from the front and then she rubbed her body even more intensely than the other two at Kazuki. Different from the other two she felt terribly bouncy. She was a glamorous senpai right about next to Kaguya-senpai.

“Se, senpai…we are watched by her like this!”

While Kazuki was almost led astray by the really sweet sensation, he looked at Shinobu-senpai’s expression in panic.

―Seeing the figure of her big sister getting intimate with Kazuki, Shinobu-senpai’s expression warped into grief.

―As if a frozen water surface was stepped on with all one’s strength, *parin* something was broken.

For some reason the feeling inside Shinobu-senpai was transmitted at Kazuki.

Shinobu-senpai turned her back at Kazuki and others. And then she dashed right away somewhere. She went through a pitch black path with no definite direction into the forest of the Haunted Ground.

The back of Shinobu-senpai that emitted a dim light from her Magic Dress disappeared into the darkness between the tree trunks that twisted eerily.

“I…didn’t say anything wrong…”

Refusing to chase after that back, Miyabi-senpai kept hugging Kazuki as it was and leaked out an isolated voice.

It was a voice that seemed to want to express how she wanted to be separated completely from her twin little sister just like that.

Kazuki felt like his heart was going to be crushed from the grief.

“…But we have to chase her, this place is a Haunted Ground.”

This place was not a place so carefree where they could have a quarrel like this between themselves.

To run off like that completely alone was just…!

Kazuki untangled everyone who was still clinging to him even now and rushed off.

===Part 3===

Kazuki had the advantage in leg speed. The back of Shinobu-senpai soon became visible for him.

But while he was thinking so, suddenly his field of vision became dim in haziness and Shinobu-senpai’s back disappeared from his sight. White―in front of his eyes everything was completely covered in pure white.

Even the figures of Kohaku and Karin who was supposed to be running with him at his sides became blurred in white and vanished.

When he looked back, the figure of Miyabi-senpai who was supposed to be following along slightly behind them was also gone.

What happened…? It was as if he was running inside a dream….

That’s not it. This was…a fog filled with magic power…?

Kazuki slowed down his legs and looked around his surroundings.

There was already a fog surrounding him so thick that he couldn’t even make sure of anything one meter ahead of him.

“Guys!” He raised his voice but there was no reply.

It was as if his voice was completely absorbed into the mist like silk floss.

…They weren’t supposed to get separated just in this short time.

Not if they weren’t all running to completely different direction from the start.

[Forest of Bewilderment]―suddenly a single phrase floated inside his mind.

The sea of trees of Mountain Fuji was that kind of forest since time immemorial. ''It could even be said to be a myth''. Haunted Ground and Demon Beast imitated the myth. It wouldn’t be strange even if this Haunted Ground itself and possibly the Demon Beasts that nested in this Haunted Ground possessed the power of that myth.

This mist wasn’t something natural but a mist of magic power. Moreover it chose the time to activate at the worst timing for the intruders who were Kazuki and his group….

Kazuki stopped his legs from his inability to calm his uneasiness.

If it was with this party’s composition then he had already expected that a friction of this degree would surely happen without fail once or twice.

But right at that moment the Haunted Ground inserted interference and made the whole party come apart.

He thought too much of only the possible obstruction from Yamato and the other countries and possibly made light of the Haunted Ground itself. In the first place his decision to bring along Ryuutaki sisters might be too naïve.

For him to dare think that this was a good chance to get closer to those two….

Without even any time to worry, a mass of magic power bloated up in the mist right in front of him.

A gryphon leaped out right in front of his eyes as if it’s body was birthed from inside the mist.

Kazuki drew out his katana and blocked the gryphon’s body ram before parrying it aside.

…If it was him then he could fight no matter how many Demon Beasts.

However if Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai that became alone was assaulted by a troll…!

He felt the presence of gryphons that formed a swarm from the mist’s opposite side.

Kazuki made an instant judgment. He couldn’t waste time here…it couldn’t be helped!

“Zekorbeni!”

Kazuki created the pendant-type Magic Dress on his neck and poured his magic power into it. The poured magic power became the image of Phoenix itself and was absorbed into the pendant.

{Hoo…so you use it without any hesitation. Even though you were so stingy with it in the Isonokami Shrine.}

Leme teased Kazuki inside his mind not knowing what she was thinking. Just when he thought that she finally opened her mouth after so long….

The situation was different! Besides he had also trained to use it while economizing the output!

{Ain’t that right!}

Leme’s voice was lively in delight from seeing Kazuki using Zekorbeni.

“Mode・Phoenix!”

Flame spilled out from the pendant, the flame turned into a flame armor and covered his whole body.

This was a Magic Dress that he owned only from the number of the bond that he had tied.

At the same time wings of flame grew out lengthily from his back. This was not the Magic Dress―

“O immortal bird soaring from dusk to dawn, please grant that wing of hope on my back! The destruction for the sake of rebirth right here…! Blazing Wings!!”

With the large wings of flame created from Phoenix’s level 5 magic, he cleared off the gryphon right in front of his eyes and also the swarm that was hiding inside the mist.

The mist around him was slightly thinning down from the heat of the flame. While Kazuki fluttered the flame and scattered the mist, he skillfully weaved his way through the space between trees. He concentrated on the link of his bond when he tried to sense everyone’s whereabouts.

The whereabouts of Miyabi-senpai whose positivity level was 55 and Karin with positivity level 48 couldn’t be sensed clearly compared to his other companions. To say nothing of Shinobu-senpai whose positivity level was 2, her location was exactly fitting the word of [inside the mist].

"―Lonely."

Suddenly, a small voice reverberated inside Kazuki’s head. It was Shinobu-senpai’s voice.

The instant he sensed the voice, the coordinate of Shinobu-senpai the he should be unable to sense was faintly shining.

"―Lonely."

This was…the voice of heart of Shinobu-senpai who became completely alone from being [rejected] even by Miyabi-senpai.

Kazuki spontaneously looked around the surrounding mist. Where did this voice come from…?

Magic power was residing inside the surrounding mists, it didn’t touch only his skin but there was also something like peculiar tentacles that stung the mind. Kazuki, and Shinobu-senpai too, they were both inside this mist.

The feeling of Shinobu-senpai was flowing into the mist and got transmitted to Kazuki, it could be like that though.

The extremely strong feeling of loneliness were unconsciously mixing out into the mist.

In a certain meaning Kazuki and Shinobu-senpai were connected with each other through this mist of magic power.

"―Lonely."

The loneliness strongly raised the strength of Telepathy. Just like Koyuki, her isolated environment might also have raised up a strong Telepathy power in Shinobu-senpai too.

Right now Shinobu-senpai was strongly wishing for someone right from the bottom of her heart.

She thought that she was hated by Miyabi-senpai who was supposed to be one of body and soul with her.

Kazuki flapped his wings in full power toward the direction the coordinate pointed at.

"―I’m always together with Nee-sama. We are twins after all."

The mist where magic power light was residing in it continued to transmit words to Kazuki who rushed through the gaps between trees.

It was the voice of Shinobu-senpai's heart that sounded like a young child.

Till now Kazuki had tried hard to understand Shinobu-senpai’s feeling, but it was a difficult thing to do. But the mist began to narrate her heart openly.

"―Why? Why is everyone directing such cold eyes to Nee-sama?"

"―Even father and mother…. He, she, everyone…."

That was a tragedy that occurred everywhere at the period where elves were born into the world.

"―Why does everyone tell me not to get near Nee-sama?"

"―That’s strange. It’s not supposed to be something right. Unreasonable."

"―Those people that say such cruel things, I hate them. Those kind of people are exactly the ones that I have to get away from."

A frank sense of justice that the adults couldn’t even imagine changed into hatred toward everything of the world.

"―Everyone, whoever it is, just leave me and Nee-sama alone."

"―Nee-sama is crying sadly."

"―Don’t cry."

"―That’s not it. It’s not Nee-sama’s fault."

"{Then why?}"

A different voice yet sounded really similar was mixed into the mist.

"―It’s my fault you know."

"―Nee-sama’s hair is shining beautifully in sparkles."

"―However my hair looks dirty in pure black instead."

"―Nee-sama’s ears are beautiful things that grew long and sharp."

"―However my ears are uneven ugly things instead."

"―It’s not Nee-sama’s fault."

"―Not Nee-sama’s fault, not Nee-sama’s fault. Nee-sama is not something like an elf at all."

"―Because of this unforgivable unreasonable thing"

"―It’s not Nee-sama’s fault but everything is because of me."

The words she used to persuade herself was permeating into her own heart irreversibly.

And then she molded a firm world.

"―A world of only me and Nee-sama…."

The words that she used to persuade herself was not entirely transmitted to her companion for all that.

Before she knew it Shinobu-senpai had looked through Miyabi-senpai and became unable to see anything else other than her own self.

That was why before long their path missed each other.

"{I’m important, even though Nee-sama said I’m important, yet why don’t you listen to what I say!}"

It was a piercing voice as if the world inside the mist was breaking down into pieces.

The world that was supposed to be completed firmly shook. The heart of Shinobu-senpai raised a scream.

"―Why…I ask why…."

"―Because if I believe that, this world is going to be completely broken."

"―Nee-sama doesn’t do anything bad."

"―The accursed people that persecute me and me<ref>Not a typo, here Shinobu is considering Miyabi as the other half of herself, which she thought meant that they are completely the same. Yet because of that she is not seeing Miyabi itself anymore and only seeing a reflection of herself. Hope I translate this section well enough to convey the idea here.</ref>, all of them are the one that is bad, they are the one that is breaking this world completely."

"―Why is Nee-sama eager to get out from this world?"

"―Is Nee-sama starting to wish to be connected to those kind of guys?"

"―It’s lonely."

"―The truth is"

"―The truth is…Nee-sama is…."

"―Even though the truth is that Nee-sama is to blame for everything."

Kazuki folded his wings of flame. Inside the forest that was shrouded with mist, a small back that was crouching down was visible. Shinobu-senpai who was clad in the Magic Dress of Marchosias looked like the wolf puppy that was told in the mythology.

“Shinobu-senpai is just too kind.”

Hearing Kazuki’s call, the girl stood up jumpily and turned back.

And then the surrounding mist was faintly turning blue where she noticed that it was tinged with the moisture of magic power. She suddenly understood what was the meaning of Kazuki’s words.

“This light…don’t tell me it exposed human’s heart as it please!”

“The feeling is transmitted to me from senpai.”

“Even so…!”

Shinobu-senpai stepped forward and with a *pan* she slapped Kazuki’s cheek.

“There is already no one that is going to hurt Miyabi-senpai or Shinobu-senpai. In the past the world misunderstood the elves, it was only that kind of bad timing.”

“Elf or whatever…it has nothing to do with Nee-sama at all-!”

Shinobu-senpai slapped Kazuki’s other cheek one more time. Kazuki let her do as she pleased.

She was saying that kind of thing yet,

―Even though the truth is that Nee-sama is to blame for everything.

Inside her heart, Shinobu-senpai was able to completely understand everything that had happened on her twin elder sister.

Looking at Kazuki who didn’t say anything even though his cheeks were slapped, tears were gathering fully in Shinobu-senpai’s eyes before she turned on her heel from that place. Surely she was going to look for Miyabi-senpai.

Seeing that Kazuki caught her shoulder and held her back in half embracing her.

“I will search too together.”

“I don’t need the cooperation of you bastard!”

“Senpai cannot find her alone!”

Shinobu-senpai’s shoulders shook heavily from Kazuki’s strong words.

“I have the power to sense Miyabi-senpai’s whereabouts just faintly.”

“I’m not going to borrow your strength! No matter how much time passed, I will, with my strength…”

“What are you going to do if Miyabi-senpai is attacked by Demon Beast like that troll while she is alone!”

Shinobu-senpai’s shoulders shook. If it was with Miyabi-senpai’s ability, then she should be able to do something like buying some time.

But if too much time passed then even more different Demon Beast would come as reinforcement.

There would be nothing she could do. Only death awaited.

The Haunted Ground was a place where such happening occurred far more often compared to the battlefield with Yamato.

Kazuki also couldn’t just search for Miyabi-senpai alone. If he just left alone Shinobu-senpai then the same thing would only happen to her. Kazuki and Shinobu-senpai had to be together.

This was something that affected life. Kazuki strengthened his words.

“I too want to help Miyabi-senpai. This world is not filled with only Miyabi-senpai’s enemy. Now is the time for senpai to believe that, if not then Miyabi-senpai will fall into danger.”

Shinobu-senpai looked down as if she was just hit. Strength slowly left both her shoulders.

“If Shinobu-senpai cannot believe me…one of the twin sisters is going to die!”

Kazuki released the shoulder that he grabbed and ran while saying “Miyabi-senpai is over here!”

Having been told that, there was no other direction that Shinobu-senpai should go to.

When Kazuki ran out, Shinobu-senpai moved totteringly―however when the distance between them got too far she followed him in panic. Even though Kazuki quickened his pace, but Shinobu-senpai sprinted fast like a black wolf and followed right behind Kazuki. Kazuki finally felt relieved. He just hurried himself putting aside other problem for later.

―Before long after running for several minutes, they could hear a sound of battle from the other side of the mist.

The sound of a blow that collided with something, the sound of tree crumbling down hard, those sounds reverberated.

Just from hearing once they could understand that several trolls were rampaging around.

When he took a glance behind him, Shinobu-senpai was going pale from imagining the situation vividly.

The faint scream of Miyabi-senpai was mixed among the chaotic sounds.

“Miyabi-senpai!”

Kazuki called out to Miyabi-senpai who was right in the opposite side of the mist.

At the same time he entered fire into Zekorbeni again and deployed Mode・Phoenix.

Behind him there was the presence of Shinobu-senpai gulped in surprise. This should be the first time she was seeing this power of Kazuki. Kazuki’s greed of going to protect everyone was not just putting on air.

This {{furigana|ability|power}} had to be used for everyone’s sake.

“Dancing wing scattering spark, trail behind spiraling wind, become the life gouging bullet! Flap your wing, whirl up the storm of sparks! Tri Barrett!!”

He immediately shot flame bullets. The familiar Barret had its chanting time shortened from the effect of Zekorbeni and acquired the attribute of rapid-fire. Each of the shots accurately avoided Miyabi-senpai on the other side of the mist and hit only the group of trolls. Even with his field of vision obstructed by the mist, Kazuki could sense the magic power’s movement like seeing shadow pictures and grasped the positioning of his ally and enemy.

“Blazing Wings!”

Kazuki flapped his wings of flame while restraining the enemies’ movement with the flame bullets rapid-fire and intruded into the middle of the group of trolls. He enfolded open his wing of flames right in the middle of the group and went in rampage, exactly like a tornado of flame. The trolls writhed in pain from getting burned while haphazardly swinging around their pole, but Kazuki avoided those through and cut apart the troll’s wrist with Doufuu, The spilled blood spurted up and turned into magic power light before disappearing.

“O ruler of flame and ice, liberate the duplicate body of crimson…ruffle up the fur of fire shadow, stab the red hot fang! {{furigana|Crimson Wolf Pack|Beacon Wolf Pack}}!!”

Shinobu-senpai too let flew an attack magic ''as if to support Kazuki''.

After shooting out several flames, those flames turned into the shape of wolf and formed a group before assaulting the trolls.

“O bird of paradise whose body the light of paradise is residing inside, respond to my accusation and burn to ashes the sin on the surface! Israel Judgment!!”

Kazuki matched Shinobu-senpai’s attack magic and shouldered the aurora on his back before firing a laser of super high temperature. The heat ray didn’t only grant damage but it also enlivened the flame wolves even more.

“Shinobu! Also Kazuki…!”

The trolls got frightened from the ''cooperation'' of the two’s attack that were like avalanche.

Using that chance Kazuki found the figure of Miyabi-senpai that was half defeated among the group of trolls and flapped his wings to descend down beside her.

The trolls swung down their poles all at once on Kazuki who was going to steal their prey.

“O the ruler of flame and ice, liberate the freezing duplicate body…ruffle up the fur of snowflake, stab the fang of ice pillar! {{furigana|Iceblue Wolf Pack|Ice White Wolf Pack}}!”

Shinobu-senpai let loose ice wolves and blocked the trolls’ attacks to cover for the extraction.

“Miyabi-senpai, are you okay?” Kazuki confirmed the condition of Miyabi-senpai who was carried inside his arms.

“Ye, yes.” Miyabi-senpai nodded inside Kazuki’s arms. She was in a condition where she was already bearing some damage and mental fatigue, but there was no major injury on her.

The flame and ice wolves bit the trolls to death and eradicated the group.

The strength of Shinobu-senpai when she was giving her undivided attention on her spell chanting at the rear was just as one would expect.

Kazuki put Miyabi-senpai down on the ground that had recovered its silence.

It looked like Miyabi-senpai put [Moonlight Breath] on herself while enduring with excellent Resist technique, she weakened the enemy’s offensive with her mental attack magic while skillfully escaping.

It was fortuitous that the help came in time at the timing when she was finally cornered and surrounded.

“Shinobu, Kazuki, thank you. And also…Shinobu, I’m sorry for before this.”

Miyabi-senpai lowered her head at Kazuki and then she approached Shinobu-senpai.

Shinobu-senpai was hanging her head down and stayed quiet while feeling lost of what kind of face should she make.

“I pondered inside the mist just now you know. I had the feeling that I heard the voice of someone…”

―Even though the truth is that Nee-sama is to blame for everything.

“I’m sorry, Shinobu…in the first place everything is my fault, and yet you keep being together with me all this time. But as I thought all of it was only a problem of misunderstanding and timing. Right now…there are no more people that persecute me already.”

‘That’s why I want to direct my eye to the outside world’, Miyabi-senpai said once again.

“But…I can’t endure the Nee-sama that I love to look at other people…”

Shinobu-senpai murmured to herself. Tears were going to spill out from her eyes that were looking down.

Then she directed her powerful gaze with a glare at Kazuki once more.

“That’s because you still cannot widen your field of vision.”

“…Is such thing necessary, even for me?”

Shinobu-senpai asked while glaring at Kazuki. How right now there was a storm whirling inside her heart was transmitted even to Kazuki. It was a storm that had crooked everything that came near her at any cost all this time even when the one that came near was straight.

Living with twisted way in public ―recognizing one’s own mistake was difficult.

“That’s right, it’s necessary.”

Miyabi-senpai concluded.

[Right now this child should also feel it. Someone that give a talk to her with words that think of her this much, you are the first person that did that in the ten odd years.]

The words Miyabi-senpai spoke to him that time inside the bus that was heading to the front line was floating inside Kazuki’s head. It was because Shinobu-senpai rethought back upon those words that her feeling was transmitted through the mist and reached even Kazuki.

“If…if Nee-sama said that even I need other people. That’s…”

The gaze of Shinobu-senpai that glared at Kazuki changed in atmosphere.

The level of humidity changed, the feeling that was filling the mist was [clearing away].

“Kazuki. …Sorry, for everything to now.”

Without even any heart mark flying from Shinobu-senpai, her positivity level was changing glidingly only in number.

Ryuutaki Shinobu―38

Kazuki faltered. Her positivity level up to now was 2, but it suddenly surged up in one go.

Inside his head Leme explained to clear away Kazuki’s question.

{Surely her positivity level was 2 till now was because she didn’t allow anyone into her heart and she suppressed her own heart strongly. If that suppression is removed, her number will raise drastically…no, her number will return to its original value. After all, in the first place this girl doesn’t have any reason at all to particularly hate you right?}

Now that she mentioned it, before this Hikaru-senpai had also curtailed her positivity level to Kazuki from thinking of herself as a man.

Positivity level was not only increasing little by little, there was also the case where it changed drastically.

Kazuki braved himself and walked near Shinobu-senpai.

“Shinobu-senpai, please become my friend.”

“I don’t know what to do, for that kind of thing.”

Shinobu-senpai averted her eyes from Kazuki and got confused.

Shinobu-senpai who relaxed her face had a pure look like a child.

“Are you not minding, about all the thing I’ve done till now…?”

“I don’t mind. Let’s eat boxed lunch together after this. I have cooked the portion for everyone.”

“My” Miyabi-senpai opened her eyes and mouth widely.

“This is a quest but soldier’s ration is necessary after all.”

“But you didn’t bring anything here.”

“I have Karin hold on to it for me. That’s why, first we have to find Karin and Kohaku.”

“…I wonder if that child was fighting while carrying some baggage around.”

Miyabi-senpai tilted her head in wonderment.

Shinobu-senpai put her hand on her navel that was exposed through her Magic Dress.

“…My stomach is empty.”

“This child is really a glutton you know.”

Miyabi-senpai smiled refreshingly. It was a refreshing expression from having liberated from a distress. From her chest, an avatar of a golden key floated up and it was absorbed into the stigma on Kazuki’s left hand.

Ryuutaki Miyabi―65

The restraint that held back Miyabi-senpai’s positivity level on [50] was also gone. Miyabi-senpai too had her heart suppressed because she couldn’t make herself like Kazuki by leaving Shinobu-senpai behind.

Golden key―it appeared right in the instant when a bond had been tied with senpai as a definite connection.

“…If it’s now then I can seduce Kazuki…with a feeling right from my heart you know.”

Miyabi-senpai embraced Kazuki‘s arm.

And then *munyu munyu*, she pressed the breast across the thin Magic Dress’s dress on Kazuki’s upper arm.

“Senpai, I’m happy but, what are you doing right in the middle of a Haunted Ground?”

“Fufufu, Kazuki’s red face, how cute. Somehow it looks like a real composure is coming out from my heart.”

That was, well, his face was becoming red. The face of Miyabi-senpai like this was also red.

“What should I do when becoming friend? Those two also rubbed themselves at you though.”

Shinobu-senpai embraced the other arm of Kazuki on the other side and the breasts that was exposed largely from the Magic Dress that looked like underwear were pressed on him *munyu munyu*.

“Even Shinobu-senpai…! So th, this is sister sandwich!?”

“Kazuki’s panicked face is cute♪ Chu-“

Miyabi-senpai kissed at Kazuki’s cheek.

“I’ll copy Nee-sama too…chu-“

Shinobu-senpai too was kissing Kazuki’s opposite cheek with a pure look.

Shinobu-senpai’s positivity level was also increasing led on by Miyabi-senpai’s bold act.

“…This, feels good that my head feel blank somehow.”

“It’s something that feels good when a girl is clinging at a boy. Sounds promising right?”

“Is that so Nee-sama? …It’s not bad.”

Both of them were pushing their chests at his arms from both side while repeating to *chuu chuu* kiss at his cheeks.

“…Senpai you two!” Kazuki was dazed for a while and had his fill completely from that, but he tensed his feeling in panic then. “Kohaku and Karin might be also in a pinch for the moment, so we are going!”

After Kazuki walked out to Karin’s coordinate, before long he could hear voices of dispute from the other side of the mist. Kazuki and others felt their nervousness faded all the more from that.

“This one is charging ahead!”

“I’m the stronger one so I’ll be the vanguard-! You just be the support for me!”

“You can use Summoning Magic right! Think what it meant for the right person in the right place!”

“Even you can make your katana shoot out something *BUU―N!* right! Just make your katana go *BUU―N*!!”

It seemed Karin and Kohaku had a good luck that they could naturally converge with each other even inside the mist. Both of them were able to fight freely whether in range or close quarter. That was exactly why Kazuki was mostly unworried for these two, but consequently because both of them were the all-purpose type it seemed that it had became a dispute on who would be the vanguard.

It was a futile quarrel. Kazuki parted the thicket and approached near those two and called out from their back.

“Both of you are going to be the vanguard together with me. Both senpais will give us back up after all.”

Both of them were startled and turned around their faces.

“What are you two quarreling about? For Karin and Kohaku rather than making strange talk with each other you two will mesh well with each other naturally just by fighting without thinking about unnecessary thing I guess.”

“Hayashizaki Kazuki! Who cares about that, look at that! That’s the master of this Haunted Ground see!”

Karin suddenly pointed at an unexpected direction, Kazuki went “Eh?” from surprise and chased at the pointed direction with his eyes.

At the direction where Karin was pointing at was pure white space that was packed full with mist. But faintly inside that mist, a rugged silhouette of a huge Demon Beast could be seen.

He couldn’t see well but it was fairly huge for just a single living being.

He poured even more magic power into his eyes and focused his sight. All over its rugged body that looked like rock, there were many things like a spraying nozzle, it was in the state of emitting mists *pushu―* from those nozzles.

Was it fairly thickheaded, or maybe it was concentrating on pushing out mist, the Demon Beast was not being concerned at all toward the sounds that they made.

“Is that the source that produced this mist!?”

Karin nodded repeatedly on Kazuki’s question.

“We were having a strategy meeting to defeat that thing! But if everyone had gathered then the talk is fast!”

Karin puffed out her chest saying that. He was doubtful whether it was okay to call that quarrel as a meeting though.

“Back up is it…will it meet expectation?”

Kohaku directed a questioning gaze at Shinobu-senpai.

Shinobu-senpai hung her head down completely with a face as if her heart was crushed from guilt.

“It will be okay.”

Kohaku’s doubt was most correct, but Kazuki strongly declared with the intention of taking responsibility himself.

“Is that so, if Kazuki said so then surely it will be okay.”

When Kohaku consented without any resistance, Miyabi-senpai released a sigh of relief and embraced Shibobu-senpai’s shoulder.

Shinobu-senpai stared at Kazuki fixedly and a small heart mark was flying at him.

It seemed that she was happy to be covered for.

“Let’s go. If these members meshed well with each other than there’s no way we’re going to lose to something like a mere Demon Beast.”

After Kazuki called out like that, he took a step forward toward the silhouette of the Demon Beast that was visible through the mist.

It was even more huge when seen from up close. The spouting nozzles that looked like acorn barnacle attached all over its body were continuing to blow out white mist without any pause. Its movement was sluggishly slow, if they were being careless they could just overlook it as a rocky mountain.

The blade of Kohaku and the fist of Karin who were the vanguards were easily bounced back by its rock skin.

Kazuki recalled the time when he had a hard fight against a slime. Liz Liza-sensei’s advice―in a glance the Demon Beast looked like a fantasy organism, but unexpectedly they were following the rule of living things in reality.

This Demon Beast was not merely a moving mass of rock.

In its inside there were necessary features and nerves necessary for living.

“Karin! Hit it with Shintoukei!!”

Karin changed her movement from hitting its surface to an attack that transmitted shockwave to its inside.

“Kuh…this one will devote oneself on defense!”

Kohaku blocked the giant punch with her enlarged <Taroudachi> and protected Karin.

“This guy…looks like he doesn’t really have any brain.”

Miyabi-senpai tested her mental magic and immediately called it off.

“Kazuki, my attack magic is not really effective against this guy. What should I do, teach me.”

Shinobu-senpai too talked with a low, dull sound and directed a relying gaze at Kazuki.

Marchosias was a beast that manipulated heat and cold. However cold didn’t work on rock and even melting its rock skin with superficial heat wouldn’t be any hindrance on its activity.

“This hand reach out to the height of Babel, right now the thunderbolt of god is grasped inside this hand! In accordance with my life, o lightning, whirl following my will! Collider Field!!”

Promotheus’s armament summoning magic―a large-type machine gauntlet was equipped on Kazuki’s right arm. That gauntlet charged in electricity and discharged it.

The attack of the rock giant stopped. The nerves in its whole body were fried from electrical discharge and its rugged limbs were trembling in shivers.

“We are going to stop its movement, so both senpai use Union Magic!”

―With the special bond that was tied between Gremory and Marchosias, these two Divas could use the sole Union Magic in Solomon 72 Pillar. But because Union Magic had to be done with two people chanting a long aria all together while matching their breath, it created a lot of openings. The support of comrades and trust was indispensably necessary.

Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai started chanting without any hesitation.

Both of them joined their palms together and concentrated with their eyes closed to reject the outside world.

Closing their eyes from the outside world―it was an act with a completely opposite meaning now.

Both of them closed their eyes because they believed that their surrounding would protect them.

“I am the oppressor that reaches my hand to the height of Babel! In accordance with my life o lightning, let’s praise the foolhardiness of the human race! Blitzkrieg!!”

Kazuki piled up even more magic of Prometheus. A large lance was equipped on the tips of the gauntlet that he had already equipped. The electricity of the gauntlet was poured into the spearhead.

“Kazuki! Lend me that robot spear, lend me!!”

Karin begged him with shining eyes.

“Do you have some kind of idea!?”

Kazuki unfastened the gauntlet and equipped it onto Karin’s slender arm. The lance was even longer than Karin’s height, it looked really unbalanced. But Karin yelled lively.

“The eight extremities’ innermost secret is in the spear! I’ll show you here, the <Eight Extremities Grand Spear> learned from Shizuka-neesan!!”

Karin stepped on the ground fiercely, the impact of that step was transmitted into both her arms through twisting movement without leaving any to spare and then she swung the large spear vigorously.

Chinese kenpo’s [thrust] was resembling the [thrust] of a swung large spear.

No, both of them were the same thing in the first place.

“HAAA!!”

The impact that was like a cannon which was produced from the small body shook the enemy’s giant body. The electricity created from the tip of the lance stopped the giant’s movement.

“Karin, aim for the nozzles!”

With Karin’s height she couldn’t reach the nozzles of the giant just like that. But…,

“The sky is verdant, blowing wind drooping grass the dance of heavenly fox spirit, cleave the cloud formation…{{furigana|Kazenori Idzuna|Wind Riding Least Weasel}}!”

Floating behind Karin who was preparing her spear was the avatar of a bewitching fox spririt―Tamame no Mae, wind arose at Karin’s surrounding. The wind focused in one direction and threw Karin’s small body to the sky in one go. Karin flew through the sky as if swimming unhindered, where she circled to the giant’s blind spot.

''Stepping strongly on the wind'', Karin swung the large spear.

“Follow my arm and become meteor! <Shintoukei>!!”

The tip of the spear was screwed into the nozzle’s entrance with the force of a falling star. Cracks were running in radial shape around the nozzle and electric current ran wild deep inside the body.

“Karin, get away from there!”

The giant’s movement stiffened. When Kazuki sensed the height of the senpais’ magic power reached the extremity, he raised his voice. Karin jumped away from the giant that was emitting off vapor trail.

“ “O moon that shine even above the head of deeply sinful person, transform that motherly light into fury, crush this surface! The nightmare of falling moon right here…Moon Strike!!” “

A grand magic was invoked. The howling of a wolf facing the sky was resounding, the clear sky that was obstructed by the trees overhead became much more pitch dark―the far away moon was falling closer and covered the sky completely.

The falling moon that was imitated by magic power flattened the atmosphere where it burned and became a meteor from the generated insulation and compression, it fell on top of the giant while burning the surrounding trees. Overwhelming heat and giant mass smashed and melted the giant in one breath, and it dispersed into magic power light.

“…We did it!” Kazuki’s voice leaked out. Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai rushed to Kazuki’s sides and both of them *chu-* kissed Kazuki’s cheeks.

“Wha, what the!?” Kohaku opened her eyes wide in shock.

The surrounding mist cleared away all at once and the surrounding scenery of Haunted Ground recovered its original color of mother nature.

Kazuki and others were stupefied in amazement.

The instant the mist cleared, the figure of a giant wall that pierced the sky appeared in front of their eyes.

It seemed that they had arrived into the deepest vicinity of Level 1 area which had the shape of donut unawares. They were standing in a slope under their feet. Inside the mist was turning into a mountain trail little by little.

It wouldn’t be surprising if it was just that much, but there was a rectangle door with its joint inserted into the wall before their eyes, and a Stigmata confirmation device was installed at its side. There was no mistake that it was the gate to continue on Level 2.

That Demon Beast was hiding the gate using mist and safeguarded this gate.

===Part 4===

After settling its three comrades at the bottom of its stomach, the giant snake went underground deep inside the earth.

Far deeper underground than the complicated underground infrastructure installation that lurked under the city―gas line or water service or electric supply line, into the earth crust, rather than called digging Midgarsormr was half assimilating with the earth while advancing forward.

It was inside the sea of rock where there was nothing that looked like a landmark at all, but the snake that assimilated with the earth was grasping the destination where it advanced using its paranormal sense.

Before long it leisurely broke through the underground of the wall that concealed the Fuji’s sea of trees.

As expected, the wall didn’t extend down this deep.

The underground of the Haunted Ground was not a Haunted Ground. Haunted Ground was only generated in the domain of human. Because the underground was not included in that domain it didn’t transform into a Haunted Ground. Therefore the snake advanced without even any Demon Beasts obstructing it.

Loki was saying that [the Three Sacred Treasures surely would be located in whether Level 2 or Level 3 area].

If the Three Sacred Treasures had already been created since the old era where that [forgotten hero] still lived then it should be just as Loki said. After all the Level 1 was in the scope of expansion that only happened in the recent years.

Understanding that fact right from the beginning was the advantage of Loki who was a related party with that era. It could be said to be only natural for Loki to show a composed smile.

The snake also passed through the underground of the next wall and crawled into the Level 2 area.

Further deeper…the snake and its party planned to begin their search starting from the deepest part of Level 3.

Surely they could steal all the Sacred Treasures without anyone noticing anything during the time Hayashizaki Kazuki and his group were slowly searching Level 1.

While keeping what Loki said in mind, they also passed through the third wall―*GAKON*.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GAKON* Midgardsormr felt a sensation that was hard to believe on its face.

Its own face that was advancing through the earth collided with a bedrock. It was unable to assimilate with that bedrock and advance forward. It couldn’t advance even further than this!

While feeling shaken, the snake sensed its current position. This location, was just right under the third wall.

Something that could hinder its assimilation with earth was, a sealing magic. A sealing magic was fixed here.

The Level 3 of the Grand Haunted Ground was being protected by a gigantic sealing magic that extended from the wall on the surface deep into the underground!

With nothing that could be done, Midgardsormr folded its body 90° toward above and rose to the surface.

Getting out its face from the earth, his whole visage was exposed in the blink of eye―Midgardsormr that went out to the earth surface was as if a towering lighthouse was there.

That huge body was writhing, while squirming around, the three comrades that were settled inside its stomach were spitted out.

Ikousai, Hel, Naiarlako, these three people.

“It’s really the worst travel ever.”

Ikousai made a grimace. There was an anecdote that Midgardsorms’s body fluid was a powerful poison that even gave the finishing blow to that Thor of the Norse Mythology. Of course all the body fluid was repelled from her using Psychokinesis, but being transported while wrapped inside a pink grotesque mucous membrane for several hours was not something pleasant.

Midgardsormr returned into its human body and became the appearance of the black robe that was familiar with Loki’s troops. Before Midgardsormr was residing inside a man but right now its host was a woman.

Hel that was also spit out from the mouth was also a woman in similar appearance of black robe. …To be accurate they should be called as [the woman that was possessed by Midgardsormr] and [the woman that was possessed by Hel], but because Loki and his group were naturally thinking that the original personality of the body was not there anymore anyway, just like that they called each other [Midgardsormr] and [Hel].

Midgardsormr and Hel were biological children of Loki that he gave birth himself, they were Loki’s most trusted underlings.

Around them magic power so thick that pierced their skin was drifting, trees that were stained pure black were growing in abundance densely. Overhead many leaves and branches obstructed their view of the sky, in spite of the afternoon, their surrounding felt like inside a room where the electricity was turned off. It was the Level 2 of the Grand Haunted Ground.

Next Ikousai and her group stared at the wall that obstructed them with suspicion.

This was the oldest wall in this Grand Haunted Ground. It was a concrete wall that enclosed the Haunted Ground as the fleeting resistance of the humans at the era where [the forgotten hero] was active.

It was a mere concrete. Moreover the wall had considerably worn out from age.

But an unknown sealing magic gave out the sensation that the concrete was powerfully pressured to become solid.

Surely it would be difficult to destroy this wall even by combining the power of the four people here. If they released out such a powerful magic power then as expected there was the risk of their existences here got exposed. With nothing that could be done Ikousai turned her back to the wall.

“Th, then what are we going to do…?”

Naiarlako asked Ikousai timidly. The girl who was originally an orphan had an anxiety toward stranger. She was suddenly ordered by Kaya to go along with Ikousai and felt baffled.

She was an elf girl whose body was wrapped in punk fashion. Her elf’s characteristic skin was stained black and the long ears were hidden inside the black hood.

Inside the girl, the dregs of that Naiarlatoteph was residing. Those dregs was in the process of reviving little by little, but the girl was trying to tame that power to use it skillfully and freely.

“For the time being we are going to immediately search this Level 2 for the Sacred Treasures.”

“Wait…. Before that…” Hel was keeping back the shoulder of Ikousai who was impatient.

Her appearance was still like someone around twenty years old, but her voice was hoarse like an old woman.

“I’ll make this territory…into my territory.”

Hel chanted the short spell that was characteristic of a possessed magician and immediately invoked the effect.

“…O uncomforted people, o unhonored people, stand up from {{furigana|the earth’s cushion|Kör}}…{{furigana|Blikjandaböl|Gleaming Disaster}}<ref>"Kör" is Hel's bed, "sickbed"; "Blikjandaböl" are said bed's curtains, "gleaming disaster". The apparent difference in vowel sounds stems from the fact that Norse has more vowel sounds than Japanese. Also, if Kör's kanji are 病床, then it should be "sickbed" instead of "earth's cushion".</ref>.”

In drips, black magic power like sticky and moody mucus were flowing down from Hel’s whole body.

The black magic power went *doro doro doro doro!* in terrific speed and completely covered the ground in wide area before the magic power seeped into the ground of the Haunted Ground.

“…What are you doing?”

Ikousai murmured such. Hel didn’t reply but only lifted the corner of her mouth smugly.

The ground of the Haunted Ground here and there was suddenly bulging up.

From those bulging ground, arms, heads, humans’ upper body were growing out.

From the solid ground―[the deceased] with pale skin were creeping out one after another.

As if the budding plant that showed out its face at the spring, the deceased people were budding out from the rotting soil of the Haunted Ground.

With a gait that was exactly like the spirit of the dead, the deceased were wandering around the gaps between the trees unsteadily.

“The Fuji’s sea of trees was known before as a spot for suicide…this land mesh well with my ability…”

Hel explained the sight that was happening in front their eyes to Ikousai.

“My [Blikjandaböl] is the power to open the boundary line…it’s a power that call the deceased who had no honor and once again bestow them the chance to obtain honor…”

In Norse Mythology the people who accomplished a honorable death was invited to serve under Odin while those dead people who didn’t manage that was invited to serve under Hel.

These dead people mourned their unforeseen death and wished for honor. Hel possessed the power to manipulate that desire.

“I can share my senses with the dead…if Hayashizaki Kazuki stepped his foot into this Level 2, I’m going to detect him straight away…. If we can make him fight the dead and detect his intrusion then we can concentrate on searching the Sacred Treasures without any hesitance…”

“…Hnn, what a distasteful magic. But certainly it serves to be something to thank for.”

“So it’s fine if it can buy time? Then…”

Naiarlako raised her head and talked.

After that she closed her eyes and concentrated on her magic power. It was the magic of [{{furigana|Cthulhu|Darkness Mythology Structure}} that resided inside her.

“Spew out the melody of sacrilege, awaken the memory of freezing immortality…{{furigana|Cold Pray|Madness Cadence}}.”

An eerie sound resounded. As if there was a barrage of vulgar drums, a sound that repeatedly swelled out and shrank in the atmosphere.

The sound of a monotone wind like a flute that possessed no melody.

It was something human couldn’t comprehend, a ghastly music that would make the brain trembled in shiver just from hearing it too much.

“…What are you doing?”

Ikousai was not as good as Kazuki in foreseeing the effect of a magic from its magic wave.

To say nothing of how Hel and Naiarlatoteph’s magic was belonging under a really minor element that was rare to meet.

“Something was overwritten in my magic…?” Hel slowly tilted her head.

“I endowed Naiarlatoteph’s power of madness on Hel-san’s magic. The moment someone see those deceased, the magic of madness will automatically get invoked. …That, I think it will become something that can buy a lot of time.”

Hel once again raised the corner of her mouth smugly. As if she was really pleased.

Naiarlako was hoping to get praised and directed her gaze at Ikousai timidly.

“…As expected, it seems there will be no chance to fight Hayashizaki Kazuki huh.”

However on the contrary Ikousai’s expression turned despondent instead.

Naiarlako hung her head dejectedly. Ikousai didn’t try to understand the nature of a lonely orphan that was still very young at all.

“…Yosh, we are going to look for the Sacred Treasures now! Let’s do this while those guys are still not even aware of our presence here!”

===Part 5===

“It seems the students of the Knight Academy are entering the Haunted Ground.”

Eleonora said while searching the magic power inside. The Einherjar were hiding right near the wall of the outer circumference of the Grand Haunted Ground, looking for the right timing.

That timing they were waiting for finally came.

Beatrix paid attention at her surrounding while walking near the wall.

“This wall is…adamantite huh. …Should I use [Mjolnir]?”

[Mjolnir], the magic with the maximum destructive power of the god Thor that Beatrix relied the most.

If it was with the one strongest attack in Norse Mythology, then even breaking this wall was not impossible.

“We don’t need to go that far…Damian, your [Mysteltein II] should be able to destroy this wall quietly.”

Eleonora called out to Damian. She had seen through that the hardness of this adamantite was composed from the magical strengthening of its Prima Materias’ binding.

[Mystiltein II] was a Sacred Treasure that destroyed both physical matter and also all kind of magical effect.

“Yosh, here I come.” Saying that Damian too sidled up to the wall.

After chanting for a while, Damian created a large cursed sword in her both hands.

“The blade grasped in my hand is the ill will that curse the blessing! While wishing for the rebirth someday, the indestructible thread of life of the son of god is severed with this hand! Mysteltein II!”

That blade which had the size almost the same as Damian’s small stature was swung with a speed that even the eye couldn’t catch. *ZUUUUN!!* Raising such a heavy sound, the wall was slashed in rectangle shape and fell down.

“Yooosh, let’s go! We are going to be Kazuki’s nuisance persistently!”

While yelling something troublesome for other people cheerfully, Beatrix stepped inside the Haunted Ground.

“In the miniscule chance that we find something that looks like the Three Sacred Treasures, let’s bring it home and hand it over to Yamato later.”

Eleonora was clearly making an assertion that sided with Yamato.

Even if they backed up Yamato they had the just cause that could make other countries shut up.

Japan had dirtied their hand with a blasphemous experiment that couldn’t be forgiven, they had the data of that experiment in their hand.

“So the talk is that the elites of the Knight Academy are gathering here then? I’m looking forward to it ze!”

Damian too followed behind with a lively gait. The knights of the Einherjar loved battle above all else.

“Fufufu, if possible I want to meet Kazuki in a flawless situation but…”

A troll and a gryphon were standing in Beatrix’s way, but she cut them down in a single blow and advanced forward heavily.

Wondering whether there was anyone that was conducting a showy fight around them, she sharpened her senses clearly.

Choosing the direction of powerful magic power as much as possible, Beatrix was walking forward heavily.

That was why that encounter was inevitable.

“…Beatrix Baumgard…”

Seeing the figure of Beatrix that displayed her appearance impressively from between the trees, that black haired Magika Stigma leaked out a strangled voice. It was the owner of the strongest magic power in the Knight Academy.

Beatrix determined her prey and grinned widely.

“Otonashi Kaguya…. You too are one of the opponents that I want to try to fight at least once!”

Kaguya-sensed Beatrix’s eagerness for battle and raised her voice to her comrades.

“Everyone…be careful! Coming!!”

She wavered just for an instant, then she immediately resolved herself and glared at Beatrix.

It was a small luck that Beatrix made her appearance at her location.

As the student council president that was the strongest in the Magic Division, she would halt this formidable enemy in this place―she resolved herself with that determination.

===Part 6===

The god of sky rushed through the sky with the speed of lightning.

Ilyailiya Muromets erased her presence and made the knights that were monitoring her sleep with mind magic without allowing a single one to get away, then she rose to the sky.

There would surely be a great commotion when the knights woke up but she was really not worrying about the matter of later.

Japan had been a perished country already anyway…. Ilyailiya was thinking like that.

Right now in this moment everything would be fine as long as there was no interruption from Arthur or Regina.

With a glance she directed her gaze at the GPS bracelet that was attached on her wrist.

This was the problem. …There was a problem, but it was just a small problem.

She had already assumed beforehand that the country of science Japan would make use of this kind of method.

She didn’t know anything about {{furigana|the eye of the sky|GPS}} or whatever, but to dare trying to monitor this god of the sky was a severely damned action. She would make them realize that the machine civilization was undoubtedly nothing more than human’s extravagance.

Ilyailiya activated the <{{furigana|Deception Repeater|Deception Recursion Device}}> that was buried under the skin of the back of her hand. This machine was memorizing the electromagnetic wave from the GPS that was trying to measure Ilyailiya’s position and transmitted back a higher intensity electromagnetic wave with the same frequency. The GPS would then received the electromagnetic wave by prioritizing the strong fake wave rather than the weak original wave and detected only the fake.

Ilyailiya sent haphazard information of distance and direction toward the GPS.

With this the operator of the Knight Order would believe that Ilyailiya was staying put obediently.

“It won’t be too late even if we are waiting after all the other Magic Advanced Countries are destroyed before exterminating all the machines.”

Ilyailiya was murmuring without any emotion.

“What is convenient is convenient. Arthur and Regina are very devout, but it’s inefficient.”

Ilyailiya wouldn’t be picky with her method if it was for the sake of victory.

Of course a body check had also naturally been conducted on her, but she had already planted all the necessary machines beforehand inside her body.

Who in the world would even imagine that a King of magicians was going to behave like this.

Everything was efficient.

Ilyailiya who was free from the monitoring raised her altitude vertically till she reached the <stratosphere>.

She had received a request from Loki to search the Grand Haunted Ground for Sacred Treasures in the Level 2 and Level 3.

When she heard this story, Ilyailiya was convinced that Japan’s defeat was unshakeable.

The only problem was Arthur and Regina who pretended to be the judges but…, there was no way they could notice for her movement that had reached the stratosphere.

It was not for sure, but Ilyailiya was a type of human that made snap judgment when she was struck with an idea.

She soared to the Grand Haunted Ground without any hesitation with the speed of lightning.

What happened then…without any obstruction from anyone she passed through the first wall from far away on the sky.

And then the second wall. Next was the third―just when she thought so, the lightning was suddenly halted.

Her face almost collided with an unseen wall dangerously.

Wall. That’s right, it’s a wall. The wall was a wall yet it was a wall of magic power.

“Sealing magic, is it…”

Against this seal that stretched from the ground to the stratosphere, Ilyailiya was surprised while still being expressionless.

It was an extremely powerful sealing magic. Which person of Japan that could put something this powerful here?

Without any magic or Sacred Treasures that excelled in seal destruction, even a King couldn’t break this seal.

Those who seemed to have the possibility to break this might be…someone like [Damian] that she had read about from the investigation report about Einherjar, she had been reported to have a [specially mentioned ability] which was her [Mystiltein II].

Ilyailiya descended down to the ground without having any other option.

It was just around the area that was called as Level 2 by the people of this country.

“…There are so many dead people here aren't there?”

Ilyailiya murmured right after she descended down at the pitch black forest.

===Part 7===

Regina Olympia Folnar was looking.

She was once again bringing her body into the sky.

[Metamorphosis]. The girl could make the divinity of the mother nature to reside in her body. She was unable to reach the stratosphere but with her body transformed into a swan and flew through the sky, those eyes of her possessed the power of a hawk and her sight was strengthened.

Regina was looking.

[Eagle Eye]. There was nothing that could escape from Regina’s sight in this sky where there was no cover to hide at all.

Regina purposely overlooked how Ilyailiya was infiltrating the Grand Haunted Ground with the speed of lightning.

By no means she didn’t possess a method to stop her. However she was thinking that now was not the time to stop Ilyailiya<ref>Sorry to keep changing her name, but this is the final change…….I hope</ref>.

“…First it’s fine to make your sin to be definitely clear, o Russia’s foolish King.”

Regina murmured to herself as if spitting out. She was looking down at Ilyailiya.

That fellow was an owner of personality that joined hand with other King….the King of China.

The point was that she was an owner of a gutless thinking that was trying to borrow the power of others.

The King called Ilyailiya was unmistakably weaker than herself.

While believing that, Regina purposefully overlooked Ilyailiya’s infiltration.

―A few dozens of minutes before, Regina was acting together with Arthur.

“An intervention of other Magic Advanced Country in this Sacred Treasures Struggles Race between Japan and Yamato has to be firmly opposed. We got a late start despite the permission Commander Yamagata obtained from Japan’s government because of how long it took but…it’s fine as long as we are not too late though.”

Arthur who proposed to patrol the area brought along Regina and two people of Ryouzanpaku―Shouko and Silirat and they had arrived at the entrance of the Grand Haunted Ground.

“First Queen Regina, the sky is the field that is your forte right?”

Regina nodded at Arthur’s question.

“The possibility that Queen Ilyailiya will infiltrate from the sky is also high. I want to request of you to observe the sky.”

“Very well.” Regina threw in an appropriate response and immediately casted [Leucothea Metamorphosis]. That body of hers was changed into a giant swan.

“I ask you sincerely…please don’t allow any intervention toward this conflict between Japan and Yamato.”

Arthur called to the swan.

Inside her heart Regina was scoffing derisively at Arthur’s stupid honesty.

How could he believe that a King of equal status with him would move exactly as he wanted?

It was decided already that I will move as I please.

Regina who turned into a swan nodded briefly and flew away to the sky.

Next Arthur directed his eyes to both Shouko and Silirat.

“Let’s confirm each of our ability that is necessary for patrol. For me I can detect the magic power that is powerful enough to destroy this wall in a radius inside 5 kilometer. I can also sense the trace of the magic power left behind for about fifteen minutes since it was used. How about you I wonder?”

“Extra Sense is a field that I’m poor at.”

The small statured girl with swarthy skin, Silirat was shaking her head. Shouko tapped her hand on her chin.

“I, Roshouko-san am the one in charge for that kind of thing but…I cannot do it as good as a King like you yeah. My range is three kilo, for magic power trace maybe I can only sense it within ten minutes at most.”

“I see. Then how much time it will take you to circle around half of this Grand Haunted Ground? With the speed I possess it might be around ten minutes more or less with some time to spare.”

“I have confidence in my speed. For us ten minutes should be enough too.”

“Splendid. Then let’s divide our part. I will patrol the east side following along the wall of the Grand Haunted Ground. I entrust the west side to you two. With our speed and the range of our senses, we should be able to immediately detect someone who destroy the wall and infiltrate inside.”

“Gotcha.” After Shouko replied back slovenly, Arthur said “Please” and smiled.

And then he immediately headed to the east and walked away with an elegant gait.

“…From what I see that guy is the most badass among the three Kings, but he is too trusting yeah.”

Silirat murmured idly while seeing off that back.

“I feel the same. I guess that kind of guy is what you called a noble youth huh. Now then…my bad King, but the range of my magic power perception, is 1000 ri<ref>Ancient measurement unit of distance in Japan and Korea. Around 3927 km</ref> in truth!”

“1000 ri is too exaggerated yeah. It’s 3000 kilo right?”

Silirat immediately inserted a tsukkomi at Shouko’s energetic words.

“Shaddup, I wanted to say that cause its called Senrigan<ref>The meaning is clairvoyance, but the literal meaning of the kanji is thousand ri eye</ref>. …If I say for real then my sensing range of magic power is 50 kilo and tracing back the magic power trace might be around one hour. Although…it’s only when I get to use this Sacred Treasure.”

Shouko took out a piece of yellowed scrap paper with flourish. But it was not just a mere scrap paper.

“Moreover this [Sacred Treasure] also suck your magic power like crazy though. …See through, <{{furigana|Onmyou Taikyokuzu|Yin Yang Ultimate Map}}! Shingan Kaikon<ref>Kaikon means release soul, while Shingan means divine eye.</ref>, {{furigana|Tenchi Shizen no Zu|Map of Heaven and Earth and Mother Nature}}!!”

The scrap paper on her hand floated in the air gently and then it generated an extraordinary magic power and released it for 50 kilo in the surrounding. Shouko’s magic power was rapidly absorbed into the map and her senses were expanded in proportion of her sucked magic power. All the scenery and magic power illustration within 50 kilo was flowing into Shouko’s head.

Shouko went “wh, what a pain” and her body was oozing cold sweats.

“How is it?”

“Hmm…there is a trace of something’s magic power passing through the underground. The bunch of Yamato had infiltrated the Grand Haunted Ground already. They had went through for quite a while. Right now…they’re entering Level 2. Some kind of magic power is stretching around the whole place of area Level 2. Seems like it had been made into their own territory.”

“Suddenly it went to hell already huh. Anything else?”

“Aa―…at the sky, that Russia Queen called Ilyailiya had already went ‘pyuu―n’ from the stratosphere and flew to area 2. I wonder if it was too high to see for Regina who is patrolling the sky. No, might be that she purposefully turn a blind eye.”

“Why the hell would she overlook it knowingly?”

“That chick mightn’t be as moderate as Arthur yeah. Perhaps she wants an established fact that Ilyailiya really has violated the agreement.”

“''Just attempting to infiltrate ain’t enough to wallop her, but if she infiltrate and do something then she can be walloped without any worry, that kinda thing''? That chick’s head is also a little screwed up huh. As expected, that’s all then?”

“No, there’s still more. …It’s a long way off from the direction Arthur patrolled. Lucky, it ain’t gonna be anything interesting if it’s the honor student that butted in. This time there is no turn for that guy.”

“Then there is something in the west side?”

“Those bunch of Einherjar destroyed the wall and infiltrated the Grand Haunted Ground. Ain’t much time had passed since they enter.”

“Oi oi, this is the wall they boasted their butt off right?”

“…Oops, they encountered the students of the Knight Academy. It’s the group of that woman called Otonashi Kaguya. It become a battle now.”

“I heard that those Einherjar are savage after all.”

“Oy, you think you can say that about other people yourself just now.”

The duo of Ryouzanpaku that were overflowing with wild beauty were reciprocally trading a fierce smile with each other. It was the smile of veteran warrior that had repeatedly conducted guerrilla warfare with an enormous enemy as their opponent in the parched earth of China.

They didn’t love the battle itself like the Einherjar. Being thoroughly informed of their own capability accurately and making use of that strength to achieve something―they were people that loved a game like that.

“To get choices you can freely pick is really awesome. Now then, first we gotta move to sell some favor for Hayashizaki Kazuki’s gratitude later on I wonder. …Ah, crap, I used too much magic power and my head got dizzy.”

“No biggie, just me going alone is enough.”

Silirat nodded in exultant spirits. She understood her own capability.

She understood that she was under the category of [strong person] in this battlefield.

The foreign warrior that was contracted with the <God of Destruction Shiva> moved out.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 7 Chapter 4

2016-01-05T06:41:35Z

Tman111: /* Part 5 */ grammar fix!

==Chapter 4 - {{furigana|The Only Darkness in the World|Dead Angle}}==

===Part 1===

There were still some unanswered questions, but Lotte was mostly convinced.

During the war with Yamato, the disruption maneuvering to cause friction inside the academy by noticing the academy of the damage the spy caused in real time—the only student who could do that was Yumeno Shiori. That was because she was permitted to carry her own mobile phone even during the war as the chairman of the newspaper committee.

And then no matter how much information the Student Council scattered as bait to lure out the spy, the spy didn’t do any tailing or espionage at all―that was because Yumeno Shiori was in the position where she could obtain information even without doing any of that. Even without doing any eavesdropping, she was boldly participating in their meeting. And she was recording all of it in the meeting’s minutes.

If they thought about it accurately with logic, there was no way they wouldn’t direct their suspicion to Yumeno Shiori.

There, Lotte proposed to Kazuki not to speak out about the important information in the meeting and kept it for himself.

It was a bait with the assumption that the spy was inside the Student Council.

As expected, this time the girl took the bait.

Catching her like this right in the scene of the crime, the suspicion on the girl had become something unshakeable.

However, several doubts were still left.

First, in the case of the battle election, Yumeno Shiori was brainwashed by Hayashi Shizuka and made to become candidate as a pawn. Hayashi Shizuka should be informed about the spy inside the academy. It was really unnatural to further overwrite someone who was already a spy with brainwashing magic.

The next doubt was how Yumeno Shiori was always visibly striving to search for the spy seriously. There was not even a single lie that could be seen from that seriousness of hers.

Furthermore, Kazuki felt his bond with Yumeno Shiori, he could sense that positivity level of hers. That ability of Kazuki should be something unusable toward someone hostile to him.

The last and the most questionable fact was, the fact that all the information necessary for the sake of concluding that [Yumeno Shiori is suspicious] were all information gathered by Yumeno Shiori herself.

The one who investigated the information that a spy’s disruptive maneuvering was being conducted in the Knight Academy and came to report it to the Student Council was herself.

The one who presented the good idea to lay trap for the sake of cornering the spy was also the girl. Exactly because this tactic didn’t succeed that they were led into the conjecture that the perpetrator was an inside man.

She thoroughly investigated and interviewed one by one all the participants of the quest and she even reported that somehow all of them were undoubtedly innocent. It was information that made them excessively question about the existence of an inside man.

It was all nonsensical actions for a spy.

''Lotte couldn’t see it as anything other than she was cornering herself.''

Because there was such a doubt, that Kazuki was thinking that he didn’t want to doubt Yumeno Shiori.

Lotte perceived that pain in Kazuki’s heart by her Telepathy.

That was why Lotte moved as the substitute in trying to corner Yumeno Shiori to the wall.

Kazuki-oniisan was always taking the initiative to shoulder everyone’s suffering for them.

That’s why I too, if I don’t undertake the most painful thing for Kazuki-oniisan….

Doubting other people―that was surely something Hayashizaki Kazuki was the weakest at doing. But.

Doubting other people―that was something Charlotte Liebenfrau was the best at doing. It was something like a natural habit for her.

Lotte tailed the girl. The sounds of Lotte’s footsteps, even the sounds of the door to the Student Council room opening and Lotte entering inside too, Yumeno Shiori didn’t hear any of those at all.

That technique was something that Lotte also learned and mastered from Kazuha-senpai.

“You are the spy from Yamato right desu, Yumeno-oneesan.”

Lotte threw her voice to the girl was because she thought that she had a ground to talk to each other with the girl.

She might be able to persuade her.

There might be some kind of special circumstance that befell the girl.

But those thoughts were betrayed.

“Hi, hihi”

From Yumeno Shiori’s mouth, laughing voice like a spasm leaked out.

“Human that saw me, has to be killed.”

A calm tone of voice. It stimulated an instinctive unpleasant feeling, making Lotte got goosebumps all over her body.

This person…something is strange with her!!

“{{furigana|I know thy name|Shem ha Meforash}}…thy name is [Halphas]…the bird of black death that invite wars. Spread the wing of lamentation, please sing the beginning of calamity!”

Yumeno Shiori’s body was wrapped in the light of {{furigana|Access|Astrum Connection}}.

At her back, an avatar of jet black giant bird emerged out with its wings widely spread out.

The demon of Solomon 72 Pillar, Halphas―the demon bird that acts as the opposite of Phoenix.

In contrast with Phoenix that symbolized death and rebirth that was [life’s turning point], Halphas symbolized the beginning and the end of war that was [the era’s turning point].

The uniform that was on Yumeno Shiori’s body was disintegrating into Prima Material. Bluish black flames ran across that naked body. The bluish black flame hardened and transformed into a Magic Dress.

“…Kill.”

Both eyes filled to the brim with cold light like a reptile’s, staring at Lotte glaringly.

“{{furigana|The truth shall set me free|Veritas me Liberabit}}…O the wise man that is the father and which is the guardian of the human race, show that wisdom right here!!”

Lotte performed Access and enveloped her body in Magic Dress.

“The person who knows…I’ll kill all, all of them!”

It was a voice as if the throat was tearing apart that had never been heard before from the docile girl called Yumeno Shiori. Things like talking to each other, or asking for her circumstance, that kind of easygoing thoughts were all blown away to a different dimension in one go from Lotte’s head.

―At the same time their surrounding air was frozen.

It was an advanced general magic. A thin and wide Psychokinesis was suppressing the air in their surrounding zone so that they wouldn’t vibrate. A magic for the sake of not letting out the sound leak outside.

Right now, even if Yumeno Shiori fired offensive magic and destroy the school building, surely the sounds of that wouldn’t be transmitted to outside.

Right now, even if Lotte screamed with a loud voice, surely that voice of hers wouldn’t be transmitted.

…The girl seriously planned to fight right here!

For the sake of not letting the witness return back alive!!

“…The scattering of the spread apart wings is filth. Trail behind spiraling wind, become the mind gouging bullet! Flap and shoot out! {{furigana|Black Barrett|Spiral of Darkness}}!!”

Yumeno Shiori turned to Lotte and thrust her palm forward.

From there *DON! DON!* multiple shots of black light bullet were shot out.

“O piling up wisdom in human race’s history, become the shell that armor my body in many layers! Heavily, thickly, reject all act of brutality! Seusenhofer!!”

Lotte quickly casted a defensive magic. A thick and heavy metal armor was installed on Lotte’s simple white Magic Dress.

The armor that guarded Lotte blocked the black bullets one after another.

The bullets of black light were bird feathers wrapped in black flame. Although the feathers pierced the armor for sure, they were not so powerful that they could penetrate through.

But the feathers that pierced the armor burst into flame and spread black firelight. Those tips of flame touch Lotte’s skin slightly from the gap between the armor.

Defensive magic power protected Lotte’s skin from the black flame. But in that instant, something like a pitch black poison flowed into Lotte’s mind from the defensive magic power as if it was a conductor of magic power!

It was a discomfort without comparison. As if the surface of her brain tissue was scorched…!

What this black flame emitted was not heat! A black flame that scorches the mind!

“Black Barrett!”

Yumeno Shiori launched further black bullets in rapid-fire. In order to not have those bullets touch her skin for even a little, Lotte had to block it with her armor carefully. But while she could block several of the feathers, the flame began to run through the crack of the armor.

Lotte rammed the door from her back and she escaped to the corridor by destroying the door.

Just like that she ran through the dark corridor like a startled hare.

Like a hunter, Yumeno Shiori chased her in order to bring her down with certainly.

Lotte turned back and casted her magic.

“Howl! The civilization grant destruction to human! The roar of wisdom scorch and break thy body, shut that dignity under the rubble!! Mitrailleuse!”

Prometheus’s level 1 magic―a huge gatling gun was formed on Lotte’s right arm where she aimed that to the pursuing Yumeno Shiori and scattered bullets everywhere.

However, even while her defensive magic power shone from the damage, Yumeno Shiori came pursuing Lotte without paying any heed to the bullets. The girl was excelling in Resist!

“You won’t get away! ...I’ll kill you to accomplish my duty!! I’ll kill you so I can live!!”

Duty. She put an abnormal tenacity regarding that word.

As if that word was changing Yumeno Shiori into a different person.

“Come from the darkness, o jet black invaders…with desire and violence, wash away the repose of the world! Let’s announce the beginning of the war with thy all’s baby’s cry! {{furigana|Birth From Dark|Born Children of Invasion}}!!”

On Yumeno Shiori’s back, the avatar of the giant black bird spread its wings widely.

From those wings, several dozens of black feathers shot out. The feathers flew evading Lotte and pierced the floor right on Lotte’s path, right beside her left and right, and right behind her.

The black feathers that pierced the floor surrounding Lotte disintegrated like mud and just when she thought that the feather had melted, those black lumps swelled up and turned into humanoid in the blink of eye.

The black silhouettes were slimy and began to be wrapped in a metallic luster, a thin and long something elongated from their hand, transforming into the shape of grasped sword.

The black feathers transformed into the appearance of jet black swordsmen wearing black sword and armor on their body, surrounding Lotte from all direction.

Lotte’s legs stopped. The dark knights assaulted her from the front and rear, left and right of the cramped corridor. She couldn’t hold them back with this gatling gun.

The swords swung down from the four directions easily smashed Lotte’s cracked armor!

“…O the guardian of human race, the wisdom for the sake of opposing the tyrannical will of god right here…{{furigana|Custom Liberion|Interception Armament}}!”

Prometheus’s level 6 magic―this magic had never been tested in a real battle yet since she became able to use it.

Angular shaped armors were supplemented on Lotte’s four limbs and her back. The armor was not there just for the sake of protecting the body, countless small-type thruster units were lining up on each of them. Those thrusters responded to Lotte’s will and spouted out flames in one go.

Lotte’s small body instantly accelerated and flew off.

That was not a straightforward acceleration―By shifting her arms and legs freely, the countless thruster units were movable to every direction and it was possible for Lotte to accelerate・stay still・change direction in every kind of way.

Lotte flapped her arms and legs like swimming while receiving magical follow-up of mechanics calculation. She instantly slipped past through the gap of the black knights using zigzag and complicated high speed maneuver.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GAKON!* The black knights crashed into each other.

Lotte withdrew to the sky and after rotating in the air with a twirl she instantly moved in to counterattack. [{{furigana|Custom Liberion|Interception Armament}}] was exactly as the name suggest, it was not only for evading the opponent’s attack but it possessed the function to counterattack as it was.

“Prometheus, {{furigana|do schneiden|tear to pieces}}!!”

Lotte’s armored leg that dashed through the sky lost the function to run on the ground. In exchange the great length of armors that lengthened out from both her legs were equipped with sharp blades. Propellers were lining up crowdedly on the back side of the blade, spouting out flames. Lotte brandished both of her legs that had been changed into a blade like a ballerina and bisected the nearest knight of darkness thoroughly.

“Prometheus, Fire!!”

While there were shields on both her arms, simultaneously it was also built with gatling guns of larger caliber. Bullets of atrocity were fired while whirling apart gunfire smoke and bullet cartridges, demolishing the knight of darkness that was in the far range. The knight couldn’t even be called a swiss cheese anymore, there was no trace remaining of it.

At the same time when Lotte escaped from her predicament instantly, the opponents were annihilated.

But at that time Lotte had averted her awareness from Yumeno Shiori herself.

“Hi, hihihihi-! DIEEE-!!”

Hearing that scream, Lotte noticed the girl’s closeness.

The girl kicked the floor without even any sound and ran approaching Lotte closer. She dashed to Lotte’s blind spot with fierce speed, it was a physical ability that had been trained.

In the Magic Division, the Magika Stigmas weren’t supposed to have the training to use their body this skillfully.

Three streaks of light reached out directly from that right hand―claws.

“Carve your curse, {{furigana|Yamizaru! Bassou Kaikon, Onmyou Madatsu |Darkness Monkey! Draw Claw Release Soul, Grudge Mantra Evil Release}}!”

―Sacred Treasure!

Without even any time of being vigilant of its effect, the gap of Lotte’s armor on her right arm was torn apart.

The defensive magic power was smashed and dust of lights scattered.

The effect of the Sacred Treasure became obvious immediately. The scar of the defensive magic power that was torn apart by the claws, originally new magic power should be flowing into it and closed the scar.

But that natural recovery action absolutely didn’t occur. The new magic power couldn’t flow into the scar of the defensive magic power. As if a wound was infected, like it was being cursed.

Yumeno Shiori once again swung her claws―aiming for the scar on the defensive magic power that was still in a gouged state. The location that was torn apart on Lotte’s body was the inside of her right elbow. There was a large artery running through there!

She planned to inflict fatal damage by slashing the flesh directly through the wound of the defensive magic power.

Lotte was driven by terror, she backed away using all of her thruster units and escaped from the opponent’s range. Yumeno Shiori’s attack hit empty air. But,

“Swept away by the wave of oblivion sink into darkness…{{furigana|Youwakumu|Apparation Bewildering Dream}}!”

Yumeno Shiori casted magic even more just like that ''almost without chanting''.

Behind Yumeno Shiori, ''different from Halphas, an avatar of a weird four-legged animal emerged out''. A face that had a nose like an elephant, a short and stout body like a small bear, and legs that developed like tiger’s muscle.

Lotte didn’t understand its true identity.

This is…Possession Summoning! A human that made Stigma contract with Solomon 72 Pillar was even further possessed by a different Diva…? Impossible!

But in the reality, the impossible to avoid effect of that magic struck Lotte.

A powerful sleepiness overwhelmed Lotte’s brain like a surging wave. Her consciousness was entwined right away and she was going to get carried away to the far off beyond. The inside of her head was vanished in pure white.

Lotte immediately maintained her consciousness with {{furigana|Trance|Mind Mastery}} magic. She barely avoided falling asleep, but in spite of being in the middle of battle, her concentration to her magic power was disturbed in pieces.

Lotte was in the middle of accelerating backward by controlling her magic power to operate the thruster units on her whole body. With her consciousness disturbed in the middle of that, the thruster units on her whole body ran wild to wrong directions. A precise magic power control was indispensable for this armament that dashed through the sky by operating countless thruster units.

Her arms and legs turned to completely different directions and all of them were pulled in rampage by their respective thruster units…In no time at all Lotte couldn’t maintain her altitude and crashed on the corridor. Even so the thruster units continued to spout flames and her whole body was shaken *GAKUGAKU* while sliding through the corridor. Lotte writhed on the floor like a bug whose wings and feelers were plucked off.

Had something happened, her head was in chaos.

She immediately tried to call for help and raised a scream.

But the air was frozen. The vibration of her yelling voice was not transmitted to the outside at all.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>ZUGAN!* Lotte crashed into a collision with the corridor and finally her thruster units came to a halt. But while she couldn’t stand up from the impact, Yumeno Shiori was slowly approaching her in a walk.

That right arm was directed to Lotte and it was swung.

Something came flying aiming for her face.

Lotte who were just barely keeping her consciousness reinforced her sight with magic power and she ascertained the true identity of the thing that came flying at her. A weight connected with chain―China’s hidden weapon, weighted chain.

Lotte barely averted her neck from the weighted chain that was aiming for her face.

“Carry the soul of dragon, {{furigana|Ryuuseisui! Battou Kaikon, Hiryuu Bakusa|Falling Star Spindle!Draw Throw Release Soul, Flying Dragon Binding Chain}}!”

The chain’s weight that passed through the side of Lotte’s face expanded several times thicker. At the same time behind her the weight made a curve and the thick chain was twirling and wrapping around Lotte. …This was also a Sacred Treasure!

The weighted chain that could move unrestricted and turned bigger twined around Lotte, then for the last the chain pierced the floor and made Lotte completely fixed in place.

Lotte fought using the armaments installed on her limbs. That was to say if her limbs were restricted, she had no method of attacking.

Checkmate.

“Hi, hihi…”

Yumeno Shiori made an eerie laugh while closing the distance between her and Lotte who was at her wit’s end.

The dreadful claws were equipped on that right arm.

It was completely like a giant mantis was sidling up near Lotte.

“You are going to die here. Your corpse will melt like mud with the black flame, nobody will find you anymore. You are going to be alone eternally. Hi, hihi.”

Yumeno Shiroi’s tone was like her personality had undergoes a complete change. She was going to be killed.

Lotte’s body that was restrained by the chain was trembling *gatagata*.

It was a completely unexpected situation. Even in the case that Yumeno Shiori was the spy, she had never thought that it would turn into a battle immediately without talking about it first like this. She had never thought that Yumeno Shiori was an existence this dangerous.

She had never thought that she was this strong.

Only a few minutes had passed since she called out to her…a few minutes that was completely like a nightmare.

She was going to be killed, she was going to be killed…her head was completely filled with just that thought persistently. She grew pale.

Lotte thought that it was surprising that she would feel this much terror toward death.

…I, even though I should have been already thinking that someone like me had been marked for dead from the start already. Just to be able to live until now is a godsend already…even though I should have been thinking like that already all along….

Unexpectedly, she was feeling an attachment to life. She was thinking "I don’t want to die".

Yumeno Shiori was slowly approaching. Tears welled up in Lotte’s eyes, blurring the figure of the death god.

In this slight extension of time…what next came up in her mind after the terror was, doubt.

Summoning Magic, Possession Summoning, close quarter combat using Sacred Treasure―A [combat machine] that used all of those skillfully.

…What is the meaning of this?

For other Diva to possess that body when she had already contracted with another Diva, such thing should be impossible to do. It was surpassing human’s capacity.

Relationship with Diva should be deeply entwined to the contractor’s personality.

Doing contract or doing possession, one personality couldn’t tie a relationship except with just one Diva.

One personality was for one Diva. The appearance of Yumeno Shiori right now, was completely like a different person….

Lotte who couldn’t even move any of his hands or legs attempted to Telepathy with Yumeno Shiori’s mind for the last time.

A blue magic power light was pulled like a connecting string between Lotte and Yumeno Shiori.

Yumeno Shiori’s [mental information] was flowing inside Lotte’s heart.

Lotte opened her eyes wide in shock.

Even though it was Lotte, that didn’t mean that she could understand everything about other person’s heart.

But just by sensing the surface of the current Yumeno Shiori’s mind slightly, she got a hunch of that fact.

Lotte understood the truth. But, Yumeno Shiori finally stood still right in front of Lotte and raised up her claws. Not good, she was going to get killed…!

―That there was someone running towards them, both Lotte and Yumeno Shiori too didn’t notice until the last second.

That was because the air was frozen and the state where sound from afar didn’t transmit was maintained.

Silver light cut through between them diagonally, the claws that was going to swing down was repelled.

Noticing that person ahead, Lotte spontaneously yelled.

“…Kazuki-oniisan!”

===Part 2===

While letting loose an Iai draw, Kazuki released a sigh of relief from his heart.

I’m glad that I barely managed to arrive in time! That was dangerous just now…!

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GIN!* Along with such sound, the claws that was aiming at Lotte was repelled away and Yumeno-san’s body staggered.

Lotte’s calling voice before this had by no means reached Kazuki.

However they were connected with their bond.

Kazuki was busy during these two days. Everyday after school he was always discussing about the advance troop unit to the Fuji’s Sea of Trees with just Kaguya-senpai alone.

Inevitably, his chance to make contact with everyone else of the Witch’s Mansion became fewer.

Even so Kazuki sensed with the [Power of King] how Lotte, after school was over, didn’t come home until late while moving around inside the school building, and he became concerned.

Because of that the instant Lotte wished for help―her calling voice didn’t reach him at all but―the three dimensional coordinates vision that emerged out from the Power of King, inside it the light that denoted Lotte’s location got stronger noticeably where he was able to notice it.

Lotte’ feelings that seeked for Kazuki grew stronger and the light also became bigger.

Kazuki immediately leaped out from his room and ran to the direction of Lotte’s where about.

The time period of late night. …From all of these he could immediately guess what kind of situation Lotte was in.

“Kazuki-oniisan!”

The surrounding air was frozen and no sound could leak out, but when he leaped right in the midst of these two’s conflict the voice became audible. Kazuki’s figure that cut between the two recovered Lotte’s hope and she raised a delighted voice.

“!?” Having her right arm repelled by a katana, Yumeno-san who backed off totteringly opened her eyes wide at Kazuki’s figure. An instant of silence.

Kazuki took a step forward while chanting his spell and reversed his drawn sword into a diagonal downswing.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>ZAN-* Yumeno-san was further blown away backward from the backlash of the defensive magic power.

At the same time he casted his magic.

“I am the shaman of sword…rock cleave, root tore, sin sever, right now that virtuous sword of crushing evil in his hand! Draw sword, Futsu no Mitama!!”

Kazuki gripped his beloved sword [Doufuu] in his right hand while creating the Sacred Treasure that cut apart magic power in his left hand. Swinging the [Futsu no Mitama] in his left hand, he bisected the chain that tied Lotte in one slash.

From the time when Lotte called out Kazuki’s name until now, only a single breath had passed.

Lotte who became free hid behind Kazuki’s back as if escaping. Kazuki stood in order to cover for Lotte and faced Yumeno-san while taking the stance of two-sword style.

―But rather than covering for Lotte, perhaps they should take the positioning for a pincer attack instead.

With a glance, Kazuki became aware of his decision’s miss.

Yumeno-san who was separated in a distance from being repelled wasn’t looking at Kazuki and Lotte anymore.

The girl directed her eyes to the glass window and jumped there without hesitation.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>BARIN!* The girl broke through the glass window forcefully.

Escape. …But for the current Yumeno-san, where did she have a place to escape?

For an instant Kazuki hesitated to give a chase. He wanted to make sure of Lotte’s well-being who was visibly frightened in terror, as expected it was because of the turmoil from Yumeno-san being the opponent.

He had faith on her.

Not with logic but emotion, but he wanted to talk with Lotte regarding Yumeno-san.

He wanted Lotte to say that there was some kind of misunderstanding.

Kazuki sheathed the katana in his right hand and vanished away the [Futsu no Mitama] in his left hand. Lotte too released her Magic Dress and returned to her uniform appearance, then she slumped and fell to her knees in that place from exhausting her magic power and being released from her nervousness.

“Kazuki-oniisan…there is no mistake about this desu.”

“Aah, I know. It was correct for Lotte to doubt her. It was the mistake of me that didn’t want to believe that.”

“That’s not it, both I who suspect Yumeno-oneesan as the perpetrator, and also Kazuki-oniisan who believed Yumeno-oneesan, both of us are not wrong desu.”

“…Lotte?” Kazuki questioned whether Lotte’s feeling was still being surprised and stunned.

However after Lotte shook her head left and right, she talked with a confident tone that had no doubt.

“―Yumeno-oneesan had a split personality desu.”

“What do you mean by that, can you give me an explanation?”

Kazuki took the completely tired Lotte back to her own room and sat with her side by side on the bed before asking. Lotte inclined her head with a nod and opened her mouth.

“Yumeno-oneesan attacked me using both Summoning Magic by means of her stigma with Solomon 72 Pillar, and a {{furigana|Drive|Possession Summoning}} with a mysterious Diva.”

That it was something originally impossible, Kazuki too immediately understood.

“I who thought it strange, tried to Telepathy with Yumeno-oneesan. And then…The whole shape of Yumeno-oneesan’s heart was without change presenting only the personality, but the personality became a completely different person desu. The direction of the heart changed and a completely unknown side of her was rising to the surface desu. It was not the case that Yumeno-san was acting…her one heart was possessing two personalities desu. The Yumeno-oneesan that we all know well perhaps doesn’t know that she is a spy. However the one other personality is a spy that has been trained to the degree where she can use Sacred Treasures skillfully desu.”

Was something like that possible? …No, it was possible.

Kazuki knew regarding that symptoms. He had an understanding.

Multiple personality―When someone confronted abuse and heavy stress, they lost the sense that they were themselves. One part of the brain that secreted brain substance was going numb. Due to that, the person interpreted the stress that they faced like somebody else’s problem and it didn’t become a memory of an event that happened to their own self.

Somebody else’s problem—when such stress and the detachment from that stress got repeated everyday, [one other self that took charge of the stress] would grow carrying different memories and personality. The detached personality would lose identity and each would walk with their own respective independent memory and personality―Dissociative identity disorder.

Kazuki once lived in orphanage, in that place there were also children who had experienced abuse from their parents. And then among them there was also a kid who showed symptoms like that. That was why Kazuki could immediately understand Lotte’s story.

If it was like that then all their questions were answered.

Yumeno-san didn’t tell a single lie. She really didn’t know.

Because she didn’t hold a single hostility to Kazuki, her positivity level was also showing.

One personality could only be followed by one connection with a Diva, but if the front personality made Stigma contract and the hidden personality exchanged possession contract then double contract could be concluded.

Surely the front personality of Yumeno-san wasn’t able to handle the power of Drive. That was because the one the Diva possessed was the other personality which was the one who could handle it freely.

But Yumeno-san’s hidden personality was able to master the power of Stigma summoning. Stigma contract carved the Stigma on the flesh body and through that Stigma the power of Diva could be pulled out. Yumeno-san’s hidden personality was able to master all the function of her own flesh body.

“Everything fits desu.”

Kazuki nodded hearing Lotte’s words.

At the same time he felt dread on the planning in making this kind of spy.

Yumeno-san was most likely made to detach her personality systematically. Both her parents were also likely to be Yamato’s spies. Perhaps her parents when they knew that their own daughter was a possessor of magic talent that could enroll into the Magic Division, started to abuse her for the sake of splitting her personality for certain.

And then they raised the split personality as a spy to pull out information from the Magic Division.

A spy that wasn’t aware that she was a spy…to think that there was a spy this terrifying.

Suddenly, Kazuki’s mobile phone was vibrating because of a received call. Kazuki said “Sorry” to Lotte and after confirming that the display was showing [Headmaster Amasaki], he went out to take the call.

{Sorry to suddenly call. But an urgent notice just came in.}

“Urgent notice?”

Kazuki too had something he need to tell the headmaster, but first he listened to the headmaster’s story.

{A short time ago, the security soldier in Fuji’s Sea of Trees was attacked and it seemed that someone trespassed inside.}

“…What did you say?”

A situation that shouldn’t happen. No, however….

“There should be a gate in the Haunted Ground’s entrance right? Then the identity of the intruder is…”

{Right, we have already knows the identity of the intruder.}

Kazuki went “Don’t tell me” and something flashed in his mind.

There was a gate at the entrance of the Haunted Ground, with the <{{furigana|Scanner Device|Magic Power Light Scanning Terminal}} there, no one could enter unless their Stigma had been confirmed.

Even if the intruder defeated the security soldier, if he didn’t confirm his own stigmata in the terminal then he shouldn’t be able to pass through. The data of the intruder’s Stigma was left behind in the terminal.

“…The intruder is the first year of the Magic Division, Yumeno Shiori isn’t it?”

From the other side of the phone receiver, the sign that Headmaster Amasaki was shocked and had his breath taken away was transmitted.

{That’s right. The data of Halphas’s Stigma is left in the gate, from the witness testimony of the security soldier we know that it’s almost certain that it was Yumeno Shiori.}

“Headmaster Amasaki, there was also some development at this side. Yumeno-san is a spy of Yamato with a double personality.”

He could sense Headmaster Amasaki lost his words at the other side of the phone.

Kazuki explained the incident that happened just before this.

{…I see, so that’s the reason we didn’t find the spy.}

‘Where in the world she is planning to escape’, he thought before, but…Yumeno-san was in the Fuji’s Sea of Trees.

{The Knight Order had surrounded Fuji’s Sea of Tress so that Yumeno Shiori cannot escape. Patrolling helicopters are also flying in the sky. But due to Commander Yamagata’s order, the Knight Order doesn’t rush inside. He wants the entry into Fuji’s Sea of Trees to be only done by the students of the Knight Academy to the end.}

“…Understood. We are going to head to Fuji’s Sea of Trees the first thing tomorrow morning.”

The night had already grown late. Rather than entering a Haunted Ground at night, surely entering it in the morning would be safer.

Headmaster Amasaki too said {Yeah} and acknowledged it.

“…By the way Yumeno-san didn’t bring anyone with her and entered the Haunted Ground alone right?”

Kazuki recalled a question and asked.

“Aah, should be. There was nothing except Halphas’s data remaining left behind at the gate. The gate is detecting the human’s weight and temperature, once the person has confirmed his Stigma then no one but that person can pass. Yumeno Shiori should be alone inside the Haunted Ground.”

He thought it was going to be troublesome with her bringing in other Yamato’s spies, but it seem that there was no such possibility. …Then what was Yumeno-san’s real intention in trespassing into the Haunted Ground?

He really couldn’t think of it as a good place to escape.

===Part 3===

“I’m sorry about the sudden call. Thank you for coming, Miyabi-senpai.”

The next morning, inside the magic light train, Kazuki talked while sitting beside Miyabi-senpai.

“I don’t particularly mind. Quest is more enjoyable rather than attending class. …Though there was no time to persuade Shinobu like this.”

Miyabi-senpai answered with a refreshing smile. She was the same like Koyuki, an elf Magika Stigma that possessed strong magic power surpassing average humans.

She and her contracted Diva, Gremory had the Summoning Magic of mind hack system as their forte.

Kazuki thought that her power might become necessary to confront Yumeno-san who had a mental problem called multiple personality, so he called for her assistance.

Kazuki had experienced the strength of Miyabi-senpai’s mind hack magic personally with his own body.

“…But I don’t know if I can answer your expectation. I can easily succeed in mind hack magic against you because your Trance technique is not really that high. Your nonexistent resistance toward mind magic is your number one weak point I guess.”

Even while Kazuki felt his heart got stabbed hearing that, he nodded honestly.

Kazuki who relied completely on sword art and everyone’s magic still had a lot of points that he should train.

Having said that, it was hard to train a resistance against mental magic alone by himself, so it might be good to ask for favor from Miyabi-senpai to cooperate with him after this.

“The one other personality of that child called Yumeno Shiori has been accumulating a considerable training as a spy right? If she is a spy then resistance against mental magic should be the most prioritized field that she had to learn. Even I don’t have the confidence to make my mental magic succeed against an active pro as the opponent. Perhaps it will be easier to just normally make her fall into a magic intoxication you know.”

“So it’s like that.” Kazuki’s reply was slightly mixed with discouragement.

Yumeno-san would be handed to the Knight Order after they made her fall into magic intoxication and she became powerless.

For the sake of pulling out the information of other spies from the girl that had become powerless, the Knight Order would surely performed mind magic at the same time with interrogation.

If they used mind magic for the sake of really harsh interrogation, damage could also occur in her mind.

If he could, Kazuki wanted to avoid that situation, even if he couldn’t avoid it he wanted to exchange words one more time with the front personality of Yumeno-san. He didn’t want to hand her to the Knight Order just like this without hearing anything from her mouth.

Miyabi-senpai’s mind magic was able to drag the opponent’s mind into her own mental world. He guessed that she might be able to make Yumeno-san’s mind that had split into two to operate at the same time together.

If both Kazuki and Yumeno-san was put under this magic, then Kazuki would be able to face both the front and hidden Yumeno-san at the same time inside Miyabi-senpai’s mental world.

For the moment, he wanted to converse with these three people. That was what Kazuki thought.

Looking at Kazuki’s discouraged state, Miyabi-senpai chuckled.

“It really makes me want to do something for you somehow. There is no way that dejected face wouldn’t tickle my motherly instinct as the senior elderly sister here. I get it, I’ll give it a try as hard as I can.”

“…Thank you very much, Miyabi-senpai.”

The magic light train advanced to the direction of Shizuoka through the coastlands route and arrived at Otawara station.

There they changed train into the train line that went inland to northwest, Kazuki and the others headed to Gotenba station.

Gotenba was a town that was touching with the entrance to the Grand Haunted Ground Fuji’s Sea of Trees.

In the old era Fuji’s sea of trees only took the name of <Aokigahara Sea of Trees>, but because in this current era, all of that area with Mountain Fuji as the center was completely buried with the trees of the Haunted Ground. The whole area of the Haunted Ground became called as <Fuji’s Sea of Trees>…it was like that. Its width reached a radius of 15 kilometers and the surrounding cities inside the radius of 20 kilometers were designated as evacuation district. And then what should be specially mentioned more than its radius was the thickness of the magic power inside it.

When they arrived at Gotenba station, they transferred to the car that the Knight Order had prepared for them from here on and ran through the town that had completely become a ghost town from having its residents evacuate since a long time ago.

While staring outside the window, Mio opened her mouth.

“When I investigated it, a long time ago in Gotenba there was a famous fashion pot. After that there was also something like an amusement park! For that to become something like an evacuation area…we cannot just leave this alone!”

It seemed like Gotenba was a town that plucked the heartstrings of people like Mio, the girl was very enthusiastic.

When they got distanced from the station and the fields became standing out around them, a wall with height as if it was piercing the sky became visible standing on the way of the lonely road they traversed.

It was to the degree that made them hallucinate if this wall didn’t partition the whole world instead. The wall spread to the left and right without its end in sight.

The low level of the wall was made from {{furigana|adamantite|alchemic hard steel}} and the upper level was made from normal concrete, they understood it from the two different colors of the wall’s up and down.

Gate. A normal Haunted Ground wouldn’t get enclosed by a giant external wall until this far. From its remarkable danger, this gate was distinctive of this Grand Haunted Ground as if treating a stinky item by putting a lid on top of it.

They could take a peek at the Knight Order’s patrol helicopters sporadically flying above the sky of the Haunted Ground. It was the effect of Yumeno-san’s infiltration that this abnormal security was performed.

The car stopped.

When Kazuki and the others disembarked, the Knight Order was forming a row in standby in front of the gate.

“…Kazuki.”

From among the several dozens of knights that were standing in alert, a face that he knew ran up to them.

“Akane-senpai!”

“Long time no see isn’t it. I heard that you guys are going to this Haunted Ground so I came.”

It was Akane-senpai who usually only expressed her emotion faintly that didn’t left much impression, but she had a faint smile in her expression while welcoming Kazuki. Slightly behind her, Kanon-senpai too was running up to them.

“Been a while huh, you guys-☆ It’s not like we particularly need to come here or anything, but it can’t be helped because Akane said that she want to meet you immediately if something happened.”

“I never said anything like that!”

After Akane-senpai said that to Kanon-senpai in an unusually strong tone, she turned back to face Kazuki.

“I never said that.”

She repeated that again.

“I never said that okay.”

She made a face that looked a little troubled and made sure once more.

“Ahaha, Kazuki is really liked here huh. This is the first time I see Akane-senpai this cute-“

Hikaru-senpai who was the direct junior of Akane-senpai laughed in a jest. Akane-senpai then glared at Hikaru-senpai with reproachful look.

“Right. Be affectionate to your heart’s content toward my protégée☆ Putting that aside…”

Kanon-senpai explained simply about the [internal structure of the Grand Haunted Ground].

“Fuji’s Sea of Trees is divided into three level. The time when the Haunted Ground was still not this big it was surrounded by a wall within the sphere of 5 kilo, but unable to stop the expansion of the Haunted Ground ''the wall got completely swallowed'', and then within the sphere of radius 10 kilo it was surrounded by a new wall. But that wall too was swallowed by the Haunted Ground…and that’s the reason why this third wall was created☆”

Kazuki reflexively looked up the wall in front of his eyes. A wall in this scale, there was still two layer of it….

“Even right now the walls were still left inside the Haunted Ground and becoming a certain kind of threshold. Thanks to the walls, the expansion of the Haunted Ground can be restrained, but the magic power is confined to the inner direction in those parts alone and it had been confirmed that ''once you stepped past the wall the magic power thickness will jump up''. In other words the Demon Beasts will become stronger in wide difference past each walls, so be careful. Of course there is also a high chance for Sacred Treasure to be created in place where the magic power is thick.”

Akane-senpai too pulled herself together and gave them additional explanation.

“The place you are going today is the first outer area you will meet immediately once you pass this gate…so to speak you can think of this surrounding as the <Level 1> area. Yumeno Shiori too if she escaped into here alone, then she should be in the area of this Level 1. After all, ahead from Level 2, it will be absolutely dangerous even for a capable knight to go there alone see☆”

It was a gigantic Haunted Ground, but for the moment they could narrow down the area where Yumeno-san was.

“Yosh, well then we are going to deal with the procedure to pass!”

Kanon-senpai was holding a <Scanner Device> in her hand.

It was the equipment for confirming the Magika Stigma that passed the gate.

When Kanon-senpai who was like a chaser in a convenient store confirmed the Stigma of Kazuki who stood in the head of the student’s line with the device, the small door in the gate’s lower part was opening with a mechanical sound.

“Yosh, go through there one by one.”

When Kazuki passed through there, the sensor that was in the gate’s boundary detected one human and the doors closed immediately after Kazuki passed through.

Certainly if it was like this then only one person could pass through without bringing anyone with them. There was no extra room left to enter except for lost bug or small bird.

The students of the Magic Division finished their confirmation and went through the door in succession.

After that the swordsmen who didn’t have Stigma passed through after Kanon-senpai and Akane-senpai input the password of <supervisor authority> and opened the door.

For the swordsman, they couldn’t enter the Haunted Ground with only swordsman in the group.

Currently, such unfairness was in the middle of a review, but the structure of this old gate was not updated. Those like Kohaku were making a sullen dissatisfied face.

Kazuki and the others entered the Haunted Ground’s inner part all together.

In the immediate inner side of the gate was scenery of ruins that were swallowed by sea of trees.

The road under their feet was gouged by root of trees so thick like an arm of a giant that was undulating through the asphalt. The surrounding buildings were crushed and broken deformedly by the giant tree trunks that were growing from the earth. Countless leaves and branches were sticking out from the cracks and broken windows. And then the whole thing was covered by ivies in entanglement. The farther they went deeper, the presence of greenery was becoming stronger.

Those green trees were not original thing of natures, it was a display of eerie shapes and colors that were impossibly distorted by magic power everywhere they saw. A moist stench floated chokingly in the air.

“Then we are splitting into two teams. The outer circumference of the Haunted Ground…the place Kanon-senpai told us before, the <Level 1> area is the place we are going to explore.”

As long as Yumeno-san was just alone, it was hard to imagine that she would advance to Level 2.

After all it was simply too dangerous for the girl’s solo battle strength.

However if it was really like that then Yumeno-san’s objective was becoming increasingly unclear.

The Haunted Ground was too dangerous as an escaping place.

Even if she was aiming for the Three Sacred Treasures, it was difficult with just her alone. Even in the unlikely event that she discovered it, in this high alert state she wouldn’t be able to bring it outside.

She might have anticipated that Kazuki would chase her here and she was going to aim for his life.

Even if she was thinking that, the question of [Alone by herself?] sprang forth.

“Even if you said to search for her, if we really think about it isn’t a radius of 15 kilo unthinkably vast? It’s like searching Yamanote<ref>Hilly residential section of western Tokyo, inc. Yotsuya, Aoyama, Koishikawa, Hongo, Ichigaya, Akasaka, Azabu and surrounds</ref> line for just one person don’t you think?”

Mio who was entering a Haunted Ground once again said that, feeling for real that vastness of the area they needed to search for.

“This place is far more wide then Yamanote line you know.”

When Kazuki calmly retorted, all present made a face that seemed to say “Uhee”.

“It’s not like we have to absolutely find her within today. This Haunted Ground is a place we have to capture anyway in the first place. Let’s search while defeating Demon Beast and liberating this place.”

Yumeno-san couldn’t escape outside. She was at a dead-end in a certain meaning, so it didn’t mean that they had to find her in a great hurry. If in a few days the advance troop team of Kazuki and his group couldn’t find her, they would make the general students participate in this quest too just as they planned and search for Yumeno-san that way.

However if the Knight Academy couldn’t discover Yumeno-san no matter how long they were searching, then Commander Yamagata wouldn’t be able to hold back the Knight Order anymore so neither could they search for her leisurely.

For the time being Kazuki’s group was going right and Mio’s group was going left, they began to walk going around the inner part of the wall in circle.

===Part 4===

…Yumeno Shiori was hiding herself in the area that Kazuki and the others called as Level 1.

''Without being attacked by any Demon Beast'', the girl was slowly resting her body.

Although she was forced to escape without any other choice, there was almost no exhaustion in her from yesterday’s battle.

Around Shiori, large-type Demon Beasts were nestling close to her as if they were her guard.

A giant beast with three head of lion, goat, and poisoned snake―a chimera was obediently sitting beside the girl completely like a pet cat.

A slender dragon with its whole body made from rock, a possession of trait that originally should be impossible for a living being―a gargoyle was perching on top of the gate of the building besides Shiori.

A giant with stature around four meters and its whole body covered with fur―a troll holding a club made from rock with its thick arm that was like a log, was standing guard at Shiori’s back like a sentinel.

The figure of the resting girl surrounded by fantastical beast in the townscape of a ruined town was exactly like a page of fantasy world.

“To be effective not only against human but also Demon Beast, what a rare mind magic.”

And then besides Shiori, there was not only Demon Beasts but ''also one more person''.

Usually, mind magic wouldn’t work against anything except against [human] who possessed similar mind structure with the caster.

“…My Drive Diva possesses the power to invade dream―the subconscious of living being. The Demon Beast doesn’t have what is called a clear awareness. Their head is empty inside…. If it’s the power of my Diva, they can be manipulated even easier than humans.”

Besides Shiori, an avatar of a strange animal emerged out dreamily.

Baku―Possessing a long nose like an elephant, a short and stout monster of Chinese Mythology.

“This kind of ugly monster is really a Diva huh.”

The person beside Shiori threw a scorning look at it.

“Baku is…at the beginning he was a god called <Bakuki> that governed dreams, but gradually he was told orally in a different shape as an apparition of Asia. Originally he was an existence that reached the pedigree of a proper god…”

Shiori protested in order to stick up for the Diva that was possessing her.

“Even Baku’s power cannot control the Demon Beast {{furigana|on the other side of the wall|Level 2}} because they are too ferocious. But if it is with the Demon Beast near the entrance then that power of his is effective. Though as long as the magic that is controlling the human and Demon Beast is still in use, Baku’s other magic is not usable…”

“But for you, that is not a big risk.”

Shiori moved her head in a nod and the Stigma on her whole body lit up.

“Solomon 72 Pillar’s <contract> created Stigma on the flesh body. Stigma is a thing of flesh. I can control this body of Yumeno Shiori as my own body.”

When the girl poured magic power into the Stigma, she could directly unite her consciousness with the contracted Diva in Astrum. Through this circuit, she could make an Order for magic phenomenon.

Halphas had to abide to the contract. A contract was ironclad for a devil. Even in the case where the one who gave the order was the different personality of the contractor the Devil made the contract with, he couldn’t escape from the Stigma’s contract.

“A double contract that make use of multiple personality huh. So there is a human that thought of a fairly interesting thing. For that sake they abused a child and intentionally created a person with multiple personality, really. However don’t you feel any displeasure? Until now you have gone through many extremely painful experiences right?”

Against that person’s question, Shiori shook her head without even any doubt.

“…This is a necessary power for the sake of following my order. Following the order is the worth of my existence…”

“What an ideal slave you are. Well, as for me it’s sufficient already just to get entered into this Haunted Ground like this. It’s fine for you to accomplish what your master wishes for. I don’t have any interest in that. The direction Hayashizaki Kazuki was heading is just exactly like what we talked before.”

That person pointed at the location Kazuki was heading for as if he was looking down at the Haunted Ground from the sky even now.

Shiori stood up. The chimera beside her also got up following her, the gargoyle spread its wings, and the troll raised a roar.

Shiori and the person who was together with her separated their way and started to walk in two opposite directions.

That was because Kazuki and his comrades were splitting into two groups.

===Part 5===

Kazuki and his group were advancing through the Haunted Groud while defeating the Demon Beasts that stood in their way.

From the shadows of the trees and buildings, the eye glints of beasts shined glaringly. As soon as the Demon Beasts discovered humans “GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!” they raised a fierce roar. Smashing the buildings and trees along with earth tremor, they revealed their huge form before Kazuki and the other’s eyes.

Chimera―On the body as big as an elephant, there were the heads of a lion, a goat, and a snake.

Until now Kazuki had never seen a Demon Beast this big except for a dragon.

In order to cover for everyone else, Kazuki and Kohaku quickly stepped forward―Heaven and Earth Formation.

The head of the lion that was placed in the middle position of the three heads directed its opened big mouth to Kazuki, from there a fierce flame was spouted out.

“Burn to ash all those that come in contact…to the scorching heat of rejection without any place to go! Self Burning!!”

Kazuki Foresighted the sign of flame being created and covered his body with flame armor by matching the timing. The flame swallowed the flame and the attack was neutralized.

At the same time the chimera’s front leg that looked like a log was heading to Kazuki in a side sweep. Even one of its claws was absurdly big with the size of a human’s arm. Kazuki swiftly dodged his body and slashed back with his katana.

“GUGIIIIIIIII!”

More voice that sounded like a monster bird resounded out at the sky. When he looked up, a dragon with slender body that was similar with human’s body shape―however that body was made from stone―a gargoyle was swooping down.

“Gouge the far away, Doutanuki! Battou Kaikon―Tenran Kamaitachi!”

Kohaku who stood beside Kazuki drew out her Sacred Treasure. A sharp wind blade was fired from that sword and intercepted the swooping down gargoyle. However, although the gargoyle raised a scream of “GUGIGAA!”, it didn’t even twitch.

A monster made from stone―it was strong against physical impact and it was also supposed to have resistance against flame, ice, and lightning. Kohaku evaded in panic from the attack of the gargoyle that swing its stone limbs in defiance of her attack.

“GOOOOOOOOO!”

While crushing roots of trees and thicket underfoot with cracking sounds, a hairy giant―a troll was rushing at them wielding a club above its head.

Karin leaped out in order to intercept it. The huge club the troll brandished was quickly toyed around by Karin with a use of keen and nimble body movement.

―A group of Demon Beasts suddenly appeared all of a sudden. Moreover, all of them were huge.

“It’s hard for mind attack to be effective against Demon Beast so I’m really not very good with them. …A maiden offering prayer each night, be that as it may the moonlight illuminated the beast of thy heart. Lay bare the true character, {{furigana|Lunatic Lunar Light|Mirror Moon Heart Encroachment}}!”

The rearguard Miyabi-senpai casted the Summoning Magic of the moon goddess, Gremory.

A giant vision of moon emerged out on Miyabi-senpai’s back and emitted a silver light.

Magic that made the mind of the people seeing it chaotic. After the Demon Beasts’s body were paralyzed in a twitch, they began to keep attacking a spot where there was no one at all as if they were seeing an illusion.

It was a powerful mind attack magic that made the enemy attack each other if the opponent was human, but it seemed it was already the limit to just show illusion with Demon Beast as the target. But even so, the aggression of the Demon Beasts stopped for a moment.

“The destiny of all things in creation within the large celestial sphere…o binding of constellation, stop the revolution of the sky! Horoscope Stasis!”

Hikaru-senpai too finished her spell and casted her magic.

Around the body of the gargoyle who was flying around in the sky, countless stars were shining. Between the stars, lines of light were running like a constellation, those lines of light bound the gargoyle's hands and feet.

The gargoyle who couldn’t even flap its wings now freefalled with a scream while breaking the foliage on its way down with crunching sounds.

“Crush to death, <Taroudachi>! Battou Kaikon―Ashura Ryoudan!!”

Kohaku drew out one more Sacred Treasure. When Kohaku poured magic power into that Sacred Treasure with a flash of fighting spirit, the sword blade of that Sacred Treasure inflated like a log where Kohaku swung that down with all she had on the gargoyle.

Squashed by the giant katana, cracks ran through the gargoyle’s body with a cracking sound.

“Shintoukei!”

Karin quietly leaped into the chest of the troll who was swinging its club into a wrong direction and striked her palm on its chest.

Shintoukei―Karin stepped on the earth strongly in the moment of impact and with the movement of the whole body she concentrated that energy in her palm. Using Enchant Aura at the same time too, a terrific destructive power penetrated the tough skin of the troll and reverberated directly to its heart.

The troll raised a scream and fell down.

“O stream of atmosphere, extend to my hand, become the spear that repulse the resenting enemy! What reach my hand is the tip of the storm!! Maimuur!!”

Kazuki created a spear with the power of wind inside it, then he concentrated the flame armor that was covering his body into the tip of the spear with psychokinesis manipulation. The power of wind supplied the flame with oxygen and amplified its power. A synergism effect of magic and magic.

Kazuki twisted the spear of flame inside the opened mouth of the chimera’s lion head. The lion head bared the white of its eyes widely and it hung its head languidly as if dying in exhaustion.

The three large-type Demon Beasts raised their screams and fainted in agony from Kazuki and other’s counter attack that was like surging wave.

Kazuki suddenly felt a doubt.

Demon Beast’s scream. Demon Beast too was going to scream if they receive pain.

If Yumeno-san was somewhere in this Haunted Ground, in the case that girl was forced into a battle with Demon Beast inevitably, the sounds of her battle should be loudly transmitted to the surrounding area.

For both Kazuki and Mio’s teams to not hear anything of that, was Yumeno-san in a place really far from them?

It was hard to imagine that she would constantly continue to use the general magic to freeze the air like when she was attacking Lotte. General magic was not like Summoning Magic that could borrow the power of Diva, its consumption of magic power was harsh in comparison of its small scale effect.

Possibly Yumeno-san was avoiding battle with some kind of method…?

That moment while Kazuki was harboring doubt, he felt an upsurge of magic power from the other side of the trees on their way.

The presence of someone using Summoning Magic.

“Kohaku! Karin! Protect the rearguard!!”

Kazuki raised his voice saying so while he himself was rushing to his comrades in the rear.

“…Come from the darkness, o the jet black invaders…wash away the world’s repose with greed and violence! Announce the beginning of war right here! Birth From Dark!!”

From the other side of the thicket, countless black feathers were shot out.

This magic was…Yumeno-san’s magic!

“Haa-!”

Kazuki who Foresighted the presence swung [Maimuur] with a yell of fighting spirit.

The flame and wind burned many of the feathers to ashes but he couldn’t get all of them and the feathers slipped into their attack range―they pierced the ground under the feet of their comrades in the rear.

The feathers bloated in the blink of eye and stood up as a humanoid shape, becoming jet black armored knights that surrounded Koyuki, Miyabi-senpai, and Hikaru-senpai. The black knights mercilessly raised their swords against the three people that were in the middle of chanting.

“Drive away, <Taroudachi>!”

Kohaku cleared away several of the nearby knights altogether with her enlarged long katana.

“YaAA-!” Karin too agilely cut between the knights and blew away the knights with nimble hand-to-hand technique.

However even so they were outnumbered, several of the black blades they couldn’t deal with assaulted Koyuki and the other over and over again.

“Kyaa!” “It’s troubling to not get protected properly here.” “Uwaa!”

The three’s scream rang out.

“Koyuki!”

Kazuki entered to protect Koyuki the foremost. He carried up the girl and drove away the black knights with [Maimuur]. He wasted no time to protect Koyuki because she was in the middle of chanting a long spell.

Koyuki clung to Kazuki with a tight grip and completed her spell.

“Sinking hundred ships, o menace of ocean that is lurking in the deep sea! Surface with the guidance of my singing voice…show that entire face! …Thrust the fang! Ice Buster!!”

That magic was cast at the gargoyle who was trying to get free from its restraint.

Giant iceberg gradually rose from the earth and directly gouged the crack in the gargoyle’s body that was scarred from Taroudachi. The hardness of [ice] became tougher the lower its temperature was. Koyuki devoted all her concentration to lower the temperature of the iceberg and sharpened its sharpness without end.

The icebergs that looked like the tip of a giant Japanese katana appeared for the second, the third―,

“GIIIIIIII!”

Along with a scream the gargoyle was smashed apart into pieces.

“Whirling heaven o will of god…gather in my hand, lend the gift authority of judgment! O light of royal divine gift, become a drawn bow with dazzling brilliance! Lightning Line.”

Even while receiving the attack of the black knights, Hikaru-senpai who excelled in spell chanting’s concentration finished a simple level 1 magic and consolidated arrows of lightning before firing them.

Those arrows passed through the black knights and all struck home at the troll’s left chest.

The arrows struck accurately to the heart that had received severe damage from Shintoukei before.

The troll was convulsing in twitches through its whole body and expired without even raising a scream.

“You didn’t protect me at all, Kazuki, I’ll remember this.”

Miyabi-senpai even while complaining…as expected from an upperclassman. She had accomplished her chanting.

“O crescent moon of the frozen sky, rip the cloud as the blowing wind, mow down the life on the surface! …{{furigana|Moon Scraper|Moon Maiden’s Hidden Blade}}!”

When Miyabi-senpai raised her hand to the sky, a large crescent moon was grasped in that hand.

Miyabi-senpai threw that moon with an elegant form.

The crescent moon that flew sharply drawing an arc bisected the two necks of the chimera.

The chimera, with all three of its necks crushed, fell down on the ground while raising a heavy sound.

The Demon Beasts were eradicated with everyone’s Summoning Magic.

At the same time Kazuki, Kohaku, and Karin had finished dealing with the black knights.

“Black Barrett!”

But while their attention were averted by the Demon Beasts and the black knights, black bullets were flying at them from the other side of the thicket.

“Kyaa!” “Uwaa-!” “…Ku-! This is mind attack!?”

The scream of everyone in the rear. The bullets were not aiming at Kazuki or Kohaku or Karin who possessed evasion skill but Koyuki and the others.

Their defensive magic power were smashed, in addition the agony of mind destruction made the three cower.

During that moment, the presence on the other side of the thicket was darting away to escape.

“…Wait, Yumeno-san!!”

This attack magic was Yumeno-san and Halphas’s skill.

“…Black flame that burn the mind, if we keep getting hit with that then we will become unable to chant magic.”

Miyabi-senpai who could also use mind magic skillfully herself calmly analyzed the threat of the opponent in her talk.

“That girl’s magic is invoked by launching it in feathers.”

Kazuki called out to his comrades.

“It’s a defensible attack that can be blocked using Prometheus’s armor so the flame doesn’t touch you or using Baal’s Storm Fort to blow away the feather. Let’s cope with it using me and Hikaru-senpai as much as possible.”

Hikaru-senpai was even now in suffering from the mind damage, but she nodded firmly.

{Kazuki…? We heard a loud sound here, was there a battle?}

Mio’s voice rang out inside his head.

It was the telepathy that could be used with the partner whose positivity level had gone past 150.

{We were attacked by Yumeno-san and then she escaped. We are going to chase her now.}

{Really!? Got it, then we don’t know if we can catch up, but we will head there too!}

Mio didn’t know the location of Kazuki from where she was. There was little chance that she could catch up with them in time but…Kazuki replied {Please} and then dashed leading his comrades.

They could immediately see the back of Yumeno-san in their path.

And then even further ahead of Yumeno-san, the figure of Demon Beast that howled madly after finding humans also entered their eyes.

Worm―it was an absurdly giant serpent that came their way slitheringly from the forest.

That worm was heading to Yumeno-san first and attacked her.

“Being perplexed in a daydream, listen to the mother’s lullaby…{{furigana|Mugensou|Dream Playing}}!”

But an avatar of a strange animal emerged out beside Yumeno-san and she casted her magic.

Baku―an apparition that ruled over dream where its legend was handed down in Japan and China.

This Baku was the Diva that possessed the hidden personality of Yumeno-san.

Psychedelic light and noise flashed. At the same time the avatar of Baku was sucked inside the head of the worm. Right that instant, the worm’s movement stopped completely.

The worm changed the direction of that giant body.

Avoiding Yumeno-san, it came attacking with Kazuki and his team as the target!

“…So Yumeno-san can control Demon Beast!”

Kazuki understood Yumeno-san’s objective.

The girl was not escaping into the Haunted Ground.

This location was exactly the place to bring certain death for Kazuki!

If it was her ability to control Demon Beast, there wouldn’t be any problem even if she was just alone in a Haunted Ground!

The worm that came approaching them in slither while breaking through the trees was completely like a jet coaster. “Press back, Taroudachi!!”

Kohaku clashed the enlarged Taroudachi to the worm right from the front.

The large mouth that could swallow a human whole was blocked by the enlarged katana. The blade slightly cut into both edge of the worm’s mouth but its meat immediately regenerated and it was pushing back.

The worm was crawling with its whole body and advanced forward. Kohaku lost in strength and slowly got pushed back.

―Worm was perceived as a symbol of regeneration in many legends. Its mode of life that grew by repeatedly shedding its skin made the people of the ancient era feel a mystique from it. The image of <Ouroboros>, a snake that bit its own tail forming a circle, was shared universally in many cultures like Greece civilization as well as Aztec or ancient China.

Demon Beast・Worm possessed the strong ability of regeneration.

“Kazuki! No matter how many times its outside gets attacked the worm will recover! Please burn it from the inside!!”

Koyuki immediately told him. That was the worm’s conquering method that was told in the myth. It was for this kind of moment that the Knight Academy made the students learn [mythology].

“Blitzkrieg!!”

“Lightning Line!”

Kazuki and Hikaru-senpai simultaneously cast lightning element magic. Kazuki charged into the worm’s big mouth with electromagnetic spear. Hikaru-senpai fired several lightning arrows into the worm’s mouth. The worm’s giant body writhed and undulated. Just like that its breath was stopped and that giant body dispersed away into magic light power.

“Being perplexed in a daydream, listen to the mother’s lullaby…Mugensou!”

But while they were focusing on that Yumeno-san ran even further, and then she tamed the Demon Beast she encountered in her path.

This time it was a Demon Beast from the sky with eagle head and wings on a lion’s body―the king of all bird and the king of all beasts, a flock of gryphon was descending down aiming at Kazuki and the others.

“There is no end to this! Our magic power get consumed one-sidedly here!? Kohaku yelled.

“These ones will take care of the Demon Beasts, so Kazuki just focus directly on her! If not ''the whole Haunted Ground will come blocking our way''!”

“Leave this place to us and go ahead! I wanted to try saying this speech at least once!”

Hikaru-senpai too said her agreement of Kohaku’s proposal with her eyes shining and getting happy pointlessly.

“Kazuki…I said to you inside the train that your resistance against mind magic is your weak point, but the strength of unwavering will no matter what happens is your strength you know. The opponent is also going to use mind magic, however that’s what I really think.”

Miyabi-senpai gave an advice to Kazuki.

…The strength of unwavering will. Even if he got completely held under mind magic, it was possible to overcome it with the strength of will. Kazuki nodded back, “Everyone, I’m relying on you!” then he accelerated straightforwardly to Yumeno-san’s back.

“Glacier Wind!” “Tenran Kamaitachi!” “Lightning Line!” “Moon Scraper!”

His comrades' offense magic were fired into the swarm of gryphon that descended from the sky.

The rank of the gryphon’s swarm collapsed and a small way out was opened.

“Custom Liberion!”

Kazuki deployed Lotte’s level 6 magic―[Custom Liberion], and he flew into the swarm of gryphon. If this armament was compared with [Deep Striker], its straight line acceleration and charging destructive power were inferior, but its maneuverability was in dominance and it was possible to maneuver at all direction freely.

The thruster units in its four limbs spouted out flames at all direction following Kazuki’s will.

Full burst―Kazuki passed through the tight gap between gryphon and gryphon in zigzag like a lightning.

Demon Beast didn’t make any complicated thinking. When Kazuki disappeared in an instant before their eyes and passed through to the back, they didn’t chase Kazuki anymore and changed their target to Kohaku and Karin.

Yumeno-san was startled and looked back at Kazuki giving her chase.

“Black Barrett!!”

Yumeno-san attacked by firing black bullets. Kazuki Foresighted the trajectory of those bullets and evaded with high speed maneuver.

“I won’t let you come in contact with anymore Demon Beast!!”

Kazuki was perfectly superior in speed. When he overtook Yumeno-san from the sky, Kazuki rotated and landed in front of Yumeno-san and immediately withdrew the katana on his waist.

A single Iai slash. Yumeno-san withdrew a claw from her right hand and blocked that slash.

However she was blown away into the forest from the difference in power.

But Kazuki was shocked inside his mind. Her reaction at Kazuki’s sword draw made clear of the fact that she was able to stop the slash, that was proof of the considerable accumulation of her training in close-range combat techniques.

She was far more talented than your average swordsman.

“I’ll make you give back the real Yumeno-san!”

While gliding in the air using the armament, Kazuki drove Yumeno-san into a corner.

“The real…? I am the assailant that shackled that girl, and that girl is the victim!? Hihihi!”

As if being exasperated, Yumeno-san who fell into the thicket stood up.

“Wrong! I am the destiny that girl should be burdened with!! Both of us are inseparable no matter what you try!!”

Kazuki was overwhelmed inside his heart by that intense emotion. That one other personality was far more unshakeable than what Kazuki imagined, possessing a strong will.

Kazuki turned to the thicket and launched a volley of bullets with the gatling in his arm armor. The storm of bullets smashed the trees, blue light of defensive magic power was smashed on the other side of the gunpowder smoke that enveloped the area.

“…Baku, release!”

Yumeno-san raised a voice that sounded like a scream inside the storm of bullets. A large magic power was flowing into Yumeno-san from the crowd of gryphon that had opened battle with everyone.

She was recovering some kind of powerful magic power from the gryphon.

Most likely while she was using the magic to control the Demon Beasts, she couldn’t use Baku’s other magic.

For the sake of using Baku’s magic in her fight against Kazuki, she recovered the magic she was using since before. The swarm of gryphon had already focused on attacking the humans in front of them, so there wasn’t any need in continuing to use that magic anymore.

“Carried away by the wave of forgetfulness sinking into darkness…Youwakumu!”

And then in no time at all she casted a Drive Summoning magic.

A wave of sleepiness was raging madly inside Kazuki’s head. Carried away by the wave, his consciousness was vanishing.

Inside his head became pure white.

Kazuki lost control of his magic power and the thruster units of the Custom Liberion went wild to wrong directions. While Kazuki was writhing he crashed onto the ground similar with Lotte on that day.

…But he had heard already from Lotte how Yumeno-san was using this magic.

He had prepared his mind…!

“Spreading your wing inside the dark clouds o black bird that announce the beginning of conflict, please grant that wing of grief on my back! The agony of people crushed underfoot in battle right here…! {{furigana|Agonizing Wings|Eyelids Blocking Jet Black Wings}}!”

Yumeno-san was also chanting a high level magic of Halphas at the same time while she was using Baku’s Drive Summoning. It was a really diverse way of attacking that made even Kazuki amazed.

In contrast with Kazuki who fell to the ground, wings of black flame were spreading out largely on Yumeno-san’s back.

The wings of Halphas that act as the opposite of Phoenix.

Yumeno-san directed those very long wings at Kazuki and swung them.

Kazuki was swallowed into the black flame.

Kazuki’s [Custom Liberion] melted into slag from the heat. In addition the black flame’s poison gnawed into Kazuki’s mind. His mind was steadily melting. Releasing physical heat and mind-melting heat at the same time, Halphas’s black flame.

“Hi, hihihi! You are already the same as a living corpse now!”

Yumeno-san folded her black wings of flame and shouted at the crouching Kazuki while landing on the ground. “Carve your curse, Yamizaru! Bassou Kaikon, Onmyou Madatsu!”

Turning at Kazuki who couldn’t move his body from the mental damage, she swung the Sacred Treasure Yamizaru. Kazuki’s left chest was torn up. His defensive magic power was scattered and he fell onto his knee in a slump.

And then this scar on the defensive magic power couldn’t be filled by the new magic power at all. Just like what Lotte warned him. If he received an attack one more time on that scar it would become a flesh wound.

The defensive magic power of Kazuki that was torn up was on his left chest―what she aimed for was his heart.

“You are going to die here, this country is over-!”

Yumeno-san was going to stab the claws into Kazuki’s chest.

“…Don’t make light of me…even if I become unable to think anymore, you think I’m going to get killed by a skill of that degree!!”

Even with his consciousness being hazy, Kazuki swung his katana only with his unconsciousness.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GIN!* Such sound rang out, Kazuki’s slash repelled Yumeno-san’s claws.

“Ho, how could you still resist…”

Pushed back by the impact, Yumeno-san’s body staggered. With his mind free from any worthless thoughts, Kazuki didn’t let that opening get away and quickly stood up with his second slash launched.

An unconscious single stroke of sword, exactly because it was done unconsciously that Kazuki’s training could be realized more than usual, producing extraordinary speed.

Yumeno-san stepped back unsteadily on her feet from that one attack.

“Kuu-…one more time, eat this guy!”

While Yumeno-san was staggering behind, she spread out the wings of black flame on her back one more time. While flying on the air she directed her wings at Kazuki and swung it.

Kazuki was once more helplessly swallowed into the flame that burned the mind. His whole consciousness got disarrayed and he became unable to think anything. Everything vanished away from inside his head.

―The strength of unwavering will is your power you know.

Even with the inside of his head turning pure white, Miyabi-senpai’s words came to the surface of his mind. And then no matter how wrecked his own mind became, he remembered the existence of the thing that absolutely wouldn’t disappear.

His bond. …There are people important for me. Only that thing, I won’t forget.

There was strength he could draw just from that fact!

“…UOOOOO!!”

Kazuki raised a roar, he created a single Magic Dress on his chest.

“Zekorbeni!!”

The power of his bond with Mio that surpassed the positivity level of 150 which was contained inside the pendant erupted in one go.

Phoenix possessed the inside of the pendant and he was joined with a direct circuit with Kazuki.

There was no need for complicated chanting. He only needed to pour his own magic power into this circuit of bond.

“O undying bird that soar from dusk to dawn, please grant that wings of hope on my back! The destruction for the sake of rebirth right here…! Blazing Wings!”

Kazuki spread out the giant wings of flame on his back and flicked off the wings of black flame.

“…A magic of that extent, that fast!?”

Yumeno-san struck her black wings to Kazuki while speaking in a trembling voice from shock. Kazuki struck back against that with the wings of flame and resisted. Wings and wings struck each other struggling for supremacy.

Kazuki poured even more magic power into the circuit of bond while striking each other with wings.

“O bird of paradise in which the light of heaven reside in that body, burn to ash the sin on the earth following my accusation! Israel Judgment!!”

Phoenix’s level 6 magic.

Against that instantaneous invocation, Yumeno-san couldn’t even protect her body with her black wings.

Kazuki fired a huge laser of light at Yumeno-san in a super close range right from the front.

The heat quantity that burned to ashes every inorganic matter enveloped Yumeno-san. Her defensive magic power was smashed in one go and she lost her black wings, making her crumble down onto the ground.

“I’ll have you sleep from magic intoxication!”

Kazuki too landed on the ground and he was going to stab the katana he was holding in reverse grip at Yumeno-san.

“…Be perplexed in daydream, hear the mother’s lullaby…Mugensou…!”

Yumeno-san casted her magic as if in a vain struggle.

…This was certainly Baku’s magic that manipulated Demon Beast.

However except the swarm of gryphon that everyone was fighting, there was no figure of Demon Beast around them.

It was just a vain struggle. Kazuki thought that while thrusting his blade at the fallen girl―,

“Sto, stop!”

Yumeno-san raised a voice that sounded scared.

Kazuki felt an uncomfortable feeling on that strange change of her tone.

The blade stopped just barely on top of Yumeno-san’s shoulder.

“…That voice, are you Yumeno-san?”

He reflexively asked that.

“Ha, Hayashizaki-kun…my body moved by itself!!”

That tone of voice had returned to the original warmth of Yumeno-san. But,

“My body moved itself!” Yumeno-san sprang up while raising a scream and she swung her claw at Kazuki!

“!?”

Kazuki evaded in panic. Yumeno-san moved with an awkward movement like a manipulated doll while swinging her claw in buzz at Kazuki’s chest persistently.

“Yumeno-san, what are you doing!?”

“My body moved itself! Besides, where is this place!?”

He couldn’t possibly think of her scream that was tinged in confusion as an act. She had returned to her senses.

However although her movement that was aiming at Kazuki was awkward, there was no hesitation in it.

Could it be…the intention of the magic that hidden personality chanted just now was…!

That girl surrendered the body and the will to Yumeno-san’s front personality. But there was no doubt that she was controlling Yumeno-san’s body using magic from the deep psyche!

Kazuki blocked Yumeno-san’s claw with his katana. It was a sword-locking contest….

While their blades was locking with each other in very close range, the exposed shoulder of Yumeno-san’s Magic Dress entered Kazuki’s eyes. There, a straight red line was running vertically, from there a drop of blood was trickling down. It was the spot where Kazuki almost stabbed his katana before.

Because there was no light of defensive magic power scattered he thought that he managed to stop his blade just barely but…it seemed his blade had cut into her shoulder slightly.

Kazuki went pale. The girl’s body right now was not protected by defensive magic power!

He almost killed her!

That hidden personality of Yumeno-san was cutting off the defensive magic power so that Yumeno-san’s front personality couldn’t use defensive magic power! On top of that she was making her attack Kazuki!

“Hii-! No, noo-!!”

Yumeno-san raised a scream of terror having the sharp light of Kazuki’s katana right in front of her eye.

Sword-locking contest…this was not. Yumeno-san’s own body slipped away her own claw from Kazuki’s katana, then she plunged at Kazuki’s katana herself.

Dangerous!

Kazuki drew back his katana in flurry. Even Kazuki who had experienced countless sword exchange, this was his first experience pulling himself out from a sword-locking contest in this kind of shape.

When Kazuki pulled himself away, Yumeno-san shrewdly fixed her claw’s stance and aimed at Kazuki’s chest.

“…What dreadful act she come up with!”

Like this he couldn’t lay his hand on her!

However the wound in the defensive magic power was still remaining on Kazuki’s chest. If the claws were pierced there, he would get killed completely in one shot!

Kazuki couldn’t carelessly swing his katana, he swept away the claw that was aiming at his chest with his left arm.

His defensive magic power scattered when his arm touched the claw.

{Carve your curse, Yamizaru! Bassou Kaikon, Onmyou Madatsu!}

More of a defensive magic power scar was gouged at Kazuki’s left arm. The place where he absolutely must not receive an attack had further increased.

If it kept like this he would be made into sliced sushi!!

Kazuki stepped back while being ruled by his impatience and fear. Yumeno-san was mercilessly cornering him.

Kazuki had never felt this scared even against all the formidable enemies he had faced throughout his whole life until now.

“What a vulgar method isn’t it. …But she made a mistake.”

There was a voice.

Behind Yumeno-san, Miyabi-senpai had abandoned the fight with the gryphon and crept unnoticed behind her.

While drawing near unnoticed, she had already chanting her spell.

“''This personality didn’t receive any training right''? I’ll gratefully accept that defenseless heart. O the eternal full moon that turn pale, forget your waxing and waning, illuminate the world and become a mirror! Wax the moonlight here and disturb the world…Lunatic Labyrinth!!”

Just as she promised with Kazuki, Miyabi-senpai was shrewdly aiming for a chance without giving up.

Currently the body of Yumeno-san was manipulated by the hidden personality but the consciousness was filed by the front personality at the surface.

In other words the security of the consciousness was shouldered by the front Yumeno-san.

The front Yumeno-san was a normal first year of the Magic Division.

She couldn’t do anything like resisting the mind encroachment magic of Miyabi-senpai.

That magic was cast with Kazuki and Yumeno-san as the targets and light that dazzled the eyes blinked in a strong flash.

Kazuki entrusted his body to that magic and he was pulled into Miyabi-senpai’s mental world.

[Lunatic Labyrinth]―it was a mind hack magic that pulled the mind of allies and enemies into the mental world created by Miyabi-senpai and Gremory.

The physical body of the captured Kazuki and Yumeno-san were coming to a stop in the real world. If in this time Kazuki and the others received attack from other person, the damage from that would be shouldered by Miyabi-senpai. Kazuki and the others were wrapped in Miyabi-senpai’s magic power in order to invite in the consciousness of Kazuki and others into her own mental world. This was a magic that made Miyabi-senpai also shoulder a suitable risk.

If Miyabi-senpai bore too much damage she would become unable to maintain the mental world and the Lunatic Labyrinth would be destroyed.

The conclusion between Kazuki and Yumeno-san became carried inside the Lunatic Labyrinth as long as Miyabi-senpai could maintain that mental world.

―Over there was a world of pure white light. In the space where everything was made from mirror, the light that shone in from somewhere was reflected without escaping anywhere and the world was filled completely with pure white light.

But the aspect of Lunatic Labyrinth this time was different with the time when Kazuki was invited in before.

There was a floor of mirror under his feet but there was no wall of mirror around him. It was not a maze but an open space.

As far as he could see around him, horizon made from mirror was spreading far away.

He couldn’t even make a distinction between the sky and earth, as if he was standing inside pure white light. A fantastical scenery that undoubtedly should be called as an alternate world.

Surely Miyabi-senpai had adjusted a fitting place for them to settle their conclusion.

In front of Kazuki who was standing on a mirror floor, there were two Yumeno-san.

Yumeno-san’s front personality and hidden personality were dragged into the mirror world as each different individual.

“This place is, Ryuutaki-senpai’s mental world…?”

One of the Yumeno-sans murmured. She knew about Miyabi-senpai’s ability so she could calmly understand her surrounding space.

But she soon noticed the one other herself that stood in front of her and she raised a confused voice.

“Wh, why is there…one more me?”

On the other side the one more Yumeno-san could calmly accept that there was one more herself.

“So we become like this from getting hit with Ryuutaki Miyabi’s magic…they really got us…”

Of course the Yumeno-san of this side was the hidden personality―the spy.

“Yumeno-san.”

Kazuki called out to the Yumeno-san who was deeply confused―the front personality.

“Yumeno-san’s one more personality is the spy. With Yumeno-san’s double personality, that Yumeno-san over there was doing the spying. Right now, you are facing your hidden personality.”

“Eh? …Eh?”

Hearing Kazuki’s explanation, Yumeno-san opened her eyes wide in dumbfoundment.

“Yumeno-san, try to calmly think back about yourself. If you are not aware yourself that you have a double personality, is there any strange blank space in your memory?”

If the front personality didn’t have any memory of what the hidden personality was doing, then Yumeno-san should notice that her own memory was full of uneven holes. There was no way she wouldn’t find it unnatural.

“…It’s futile, that girl won’t recognize it. She can’t recognize―I am divided from her personality because she denied the reality after all. She won’t recognize something like a blank spot in her memory too.”

The one other Yumeno-san opened her mouth loathsomely.

“That girl pushed all the pain to me and ran away!”

“What are…you talking about?”

“Hihihi, seems like you intend to try to understand don’t you?”

Towards what the front personality of Yumeno-san asked, the hidden Yumeno-san answered in a ridiculing tone.

“You already don’t remember about how you were abused by both of your own parents right? That’s because you made me shoulder all the time and memory of that period. Hihihi, you remember? Since we became aware of what is going on around us, we have already met with the abuse of our parents.”

“That’s a lie, there is no such thing. Both of my parents…are kind people.”

“They act like that in front of the current you don’t they? But in the past it was different. You in your childhood period couldn’t bear all the abuses, then you created one other yourself. And then you pushed the painful times to your other self. ‘The one that go through this irrational experience is not me. Right now, the one that is in pain is not me…it’s Kaori.’ Yumeno Shiori’s mind split like that, and I, Kaori was born.”

“…Kaori. That is your name…?”

“That’s right Shiori. I’m the personality that shouldered all your pain and duty,”

The hidden Yumeno-san―Kaori’s tone was mixed with unspeakable resentment.

“Our parents split us into two systematically. After they split our personality with abuse, they take care of you kindly as a normal child, and they applied special education at me to be a spy. At the time of magic power measurement when we were five years old, it was predicted with almost certainty that Yumeno Shiori would receive Stigma and this plan was suggested…”

Yumeno-san’s face color became white like paper. The current Yumeno-san was a mental body, but in a mental world the mental body’s external appearance made completely the same appearance like the physical body. The face would become pale like having the blood completely drained when receiving a shock. The mental body has the full knowledge of the physical body’s action, and so that was unconsciously imitated by the mental body.

The flesh body and the mental body were strongly tied together by magic power.

In this world of mind magic of Miyabi-senpai, it was not the case that what couldn’t be done by the physical body would be able to be done by the mental body just because this place was not real.

“I was thoroughly educated that the meaning of my existence is to be useful as a spy. If I don’t accomplish that role, there is no worth of living for me. While you were raised kindly and peacefully, I was assigned with severe training everyday…!”

“…Papa, and mama too won’t do that kind of thing…both of them are kind people…”

Yumeno-san weakly denied Kaori’s words.

Kaori was “hihihi-“ laughing that off.

“That’s just for you! But weren’t they ''only kind''? You too should have already noticed it faintly right. Both of them are kind on the surface but ''they are not expecting anything from you''. They are not demanding anything from you as their daughter.”

“Tha, that’s…”

Yumeno-san’s reply got caught in her throat, as if there was something that likely came to her mind.

―Parents that were only kind at the surface. What both of them hoped for from their daughter was only her work as spy. And the one that shouldered that hope was Kaori.

Yumeno-san gradually noticed. Toward the unnaturalness in her own memory, toward the distortion of her current state of living.

“I am the only one that shouldered all of our duty that is the reason of our existence! …Hayashizaki Kazuki, you were talking as if I am the wrong-doer here, however.”

Kaori moved her sight to Kazuki’s direction.

“Hihihi-. Now you have heard the story, how do you think? This girl that doesn’t know anything and me, which one do you think is the wrong-doer? No…thinking of us as a victim and a perpetrator is not right. I am the very person that shouldered the destiny of the one who is called Yumeno Shiori, that’s why…”

“Destiny…I am, a spy…”

The overdoing composition of facing her other self in a world of mirror.

Yumeno-san who was looking as if she was seeing a bad dream gradually began to accept that reality, with a look of realization she suddenly looked back at Kazuki’s direction driven by the guilt that pierced her chest.

“Hayashizaki-san, I’m sorry…I, even though I wanted to be useful for everyone…. Perhaps, perhaps I’m…”

“There is no perhaps! We are spies!”

Kaori sharply scolded from the side of Yumeno-san’s vague words of confession.

Yumeno-san became frightened with a twitch and froze.

“You want to be useful you said!? Hihihi, that makes me laugh! You are empty, you don’t have any role at all! I’m the only one that is fulfilling our role!! …I’m troubled if you don’t accept it awarely yourself. Yumeno Shiori, is a spy. There is no other role except that for you. You who couldn’t fulfill your role as a spy at all, is just an empty existence. Even so you cannot escape from the reality that you are a spy. …After all both of us are being one in body and soul. I was burdened with all the abuses that were done to you. So you too, take the responsibility for all that I have done!”

“A…aaa…”

Tears spilled out like a river while Yumeno-san raised a moaning voice.

Finally understanding the reality, the tears spilled out from her eyes because of that weight.

“Shiori, if you understand, then wipe your tears. Cooperate with me with your own self-awareness. Don’t only push everything to me, you too fulfill your role as a spy. That guy cannot be killed if we don’t face him two against one. So that father and mother will recognize us, to keep living while doing what is necessary, we must kill this Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

“I…pushed all that pain to you…all you do, I’m…”

“There is no need for you to hold any guilt for me! Just be together with me!! If you are not planning to make me shoulder all the heavy burden and keep living as an empty human!”

“You are wrong!” Kazuki interrupted those words.

“You are wrong! Yumeno-san, is a journalist! You are not empty at all!! Chasing the spy and exposing the darkness of the Knight Academy, you are our newspaper committee chairman!!”

“Hayashizaki Kazuki! Don’t you dare interfere in our matter as outsider!!”

Kaori faced Kazuki with a look of rage.

“I am an outsider but, both Yumeno-san and I can think of each other as important, we can advise and support each other!”

“Advise you say? You understand nothing! We were already spies since we were born, we cannot recognize any other way of living! From now on and even in the future it will be always like that!!”

“You’re wrong! …We are not going to be kids forever. We don’t have to contend ourselves with the role given to us, we can make the place where we belong and the meaning of our existences ourselves.”

“The place I belong…meaning of existence…”

As if her heart was moved by Kazuki’s words, Yumeno-san murmured.

“Yumeno-san, certainly that girl is your destiny itself. Just like that girl said, Yumeno-san cannot afford to ignore her existence. But there is no such need to be swallowed by her! Even if you don’t follow your destiny, this thing called destiny itself, it’s fine if you tear it apart! I too will help, so right here, let’s defeat her in this world of mirror!!”

Kazuki fixed his eyes on Yumeno-san and called out to her.

“But I…betrayed all of you…”

Yumeno-san averted her faces without meeting his eyes.

“…Everything, everything was my fault…at the time I blanked out that I pretended not to know anything about, I caused a lot of horrible damages…. Even Hayashizaki-san’s failure in the operation of Isonokami Shrine, all of that was completely because of my fault…”

“I don’t mind about such trivial thing.”

In truth Kazuki was really bothered by the operation failure in Isonokami Shrine.

However that was because of his own immatureness. Kazuki was continuing to think of it like that.

“I, have never been relied on by anyone until now…I wanted to become a human that could be relied on by someone! Despite that…I was just continuously bringing disaster to the Knight Academy!!”

Yumeno-san yelled with words that tormented herself. As if instigated by that, Kaori expressed her agreement.

“That’s right, there is no more place for you in the Knight Academy! Just as long as you accept me, there would be no need for you to even think of wanting to be useful to someone. Even someone empty like you, can shoulder the role as a spy from now on…!”

“I have absolutely never thought of being bothered by you! This is not just a half-hearted encouragement that I’m saying. Because we can discover the spy, is all thanks to you!”

Both of the Yumeno-san directed their faces to Kazuki after receiving that attack in their unguarded moment.

“What a joke! Since both you and me are one soul and one body, there is no meaning in putting up that kind of [charade]!”

“Wrong! Yumeno-san had already opposed her destiny! Yumeno-san pursued after the spy more seriously than anyone else for us. When you were in the middle school, Yumeno-san was the library committee member wasn’t you?”

Kazuki asked back about the story of the past that she told before.

All the times, that Yumeno-san who called herself empty had passed until now.

All those times were absolutely not meaningless. Kazuki tried to make her face that fact.

“Ye, yes… I, don’t have confidence in myself, but I want to be useful in something for other people, and I became a library committee member that even I could do…”

“There you published a library newspaper didn’t you?”

“…Yes. There are people that enjoyed reading the newspaper written by someone like me…I was happy…. I also like to read books, so it made me happy that I could make people happy by writing article…”

“Yumeno-san, that warmth is something that you absolutely shouldn’t forget.”

Yumeno-san when she was talking about the academy newspaper was really lively. That kind of Yumeno-san wasn’t supposed to be an empty personality.

“Because Yumeno-san is that kind of person, that’s why you couldn’t forgive it when you noticed that the spy was doing information manipulation, isn’t that so? You felt a passionate soul of journalism inside you! Yumeno-san gave the idea to spread out trap for the spy. Thanks to that we were convinced that the spying was an inside job. It’s thanks to Yumeno-san that we can corner this girl like this. Yumeno-san, what is it that you really want to do?”

“…I, want to corner the spy. I want to give the finishing blow to the spy!”

Inside Yumeno-san’s frail words contained a resolute strength.

“You idiot! Are you planning to kill your own meaning of existence by yourself!?”

Against the yelling Kaori, Yumeno-san faced her after wiping her tears.

“…Facing you here right now, I, have the feeling I understand what is the meaning of myself.”

“If you understand that you are a spy then, why…”

“Wrong, that’s not it. …I remembered it you know. Certainly there are holes in my memory. Certainly…father and mother did horrible things to me. I didn’t want to remember, I didn’t want to notice, that I put a lid on my heart but…”

Yumeno-san gripped her right hand around her own chest strongly. As if she noticed the warmth that existed inside her chest, that she was going to treasure that warmth.

“Certainly father and mother didn’t expect anything from me. Normally, if a child was bestowed a Stigma a parent would be happy and have expectation for the future, despite so…. Those people were kind on the surface however, perhaps they didn’t direct any love or anything at me. What those people were wishing from me, was for my split personality to accomplish her role as a spy. That was why the me since Kaori was born, was just an empty person for a long, long time…”

“That’s right! That’s why if you accept me, you can be needed again by our parents as a spy!! Both of them are waiting for us in Yamato expecting us to come home bringing information as a spy!!”

“But that kind of expectation, is demanded from us not as a human but just as a tool.”

Yumeno-san said that dejectedly.

“We were born as a tool!”

“Perhaps that might be so for you all! You, father and mother too ''might not have any interest in someone like me at all but'', but, even I have a life since then! During the time when all of you were indifferently not looking at me and not asking anything from me, I have kept living until now for these ten years!! Father and mother thought that whatever I did here was trivial but, I, I have come this far training hard so I can become a splendid knight you know! Making newspaper for the sake of those people that read it was also fun!”

This time it was Yumeno-san that talked to Kaori with accusing tone.

This was her anger from all this time when she kept wondering why she was always ignored.

“I, want to become a human that can be more depended on by various people! People even told me that I’m a docile person with inconspicuous personality, but there is no such thing. The truth is I crave the spotlight even greedier than anyone else. Even though standing out is scary, I want someone to look at me more, this feeling of wanting to be recognized is burning inside me! That was why when I was chosen as the newspaper committee chairman by Hayashizaki-kun with the uproar from the battle election as the impetus, I was really happy. Someone seriously expected something from me. Something like a place to belong, had been really given to me already. This ten years that I spent until now has meaning!”

“The human called Yumeno Shiori couldn’t possibly have any more use other than being a tool!”

“That’s not true! I want to stand as comrade to the Chief Student Council President! I want to become a splendid knight when I graduate! I don’t want to serve the purpose of a tool…I want to become useful for the sake of someone that can make me think [I want to become useful for this person’s sake]! I want to treasure this feeling that you didn’t have more than anything else. That’s the difference between a tool and a comrade…”

“Something like the difference between a tool and a comrade…I don’t know anything like that…”

Kaori’s voice was fading frailly from being overwhelmed for the first time by Yumeno-san.

“Even you are empty inside.”

Yumeno-san took a glance at Kazuki.

“If I defeat Kaori, what is going to happen to me?”

“Does Yumeno-san have Kaori’s memory?”

When Kazuki asked, Yumeno-san looked down and shook her head side to side.

In many cases, a person with multiple personality didn’t share the memories between personalities.

“Yumeno-san and Kaori has different personalities but, you share your magic power with each other. That’s why I think if Kaori get damaged in this mental world, Yumeno-san’s magic power will also get shaved off together with her, and both of you will fall into magic intoxication at the same time. After that Miyabi-senpai can release this magic and Yumeno-san that has fallen into magic intoxication and fainted will be handed over to the Knight Order.”

“You think you can trust an organization like the Knight Order! Your heart will only get destroyed from torture!!”

Kaori opposed it. However Yumeno-san shook her head.

“I don’t mind, my heart is something quite broken already!”

Hearing that proclamation of Yumeno-san, Kaori made a horrified face.

Kaori was exactly the one that didn’t recognize the distortion of this being called Yumeno Shiori.

“It is absolutely important to put a conclusion on my life until now. I don’t mind whatever happens to me. Hayashizaki-kun, please, lend me your strength.”

Yumeno-san asked Kazuki with an extremely gruesome resolve.

Kazuki, and also Kaori were overpowered by that resolve.

It was exactly the spirit of the ten years of time that Yumeno-san had went through.

{Hayashizaki Kazuki…sorry.}

Suddenly beside Kazuki, the avatar of black bird―Halphas’s avatar was emerging out.

{She was a young girl I chose because I was pleased with her strong core despite her quiet appearance but…I never noticed that the heart of this girl had become something like this. The other day was the first time the other personality tried to use my power like this and came to Access with me, that was why I never noticed. I had felt that the capacity of her heart was a little cramped but…}

The Diva that governed over war talked to Kazuki ashamedly.

{I wanted to give confidence to this quiet girl, granting her the courage to face the unavoidable battle. …O King, lend this young girl the power. I don’t want this girl to be defeated.}

This Diva that governed over war was also thinking importantly of Yumeno-san.

Kazuki nodded, he stepped forward in order to protect Yumeno-san.

“Yumeno-san, I’ll protect you so please cover me from the rear. …We’re going to show her a fight that something like a tool won’t be able to do.”

Yumeno-san nodded strongly.

“…Shit. Shit! In the end it become this two against one…”

In contrast, Kaori’s expression was colored with despair and she spat out.

Beside her, the avatar of Baku floated.

{Fight, there is nothing else you can do except fight and open your own way of survival.}

The Diva that possessed Kaori due to Chinese Mythology’s will told her so.

“Everyone just…keep pushing order to me…not even relying or trusting me, not even just a single word of praise, just this [role]…a tool!! UAAAAAAAAAAAA-!!”

Kaori lost all restraint and screamed while kicking the mirror floor. While raising the claw [Yamizaru] that was equipped on her right hand, she quickly invoked her Drive.

“Kidnapped by wave of forgetfulness sink into darkness…Youwakumu!!”

She was going to make an instant of opening with this and stab Kazuki’s chest that was still marred with the remaining scar on his defensive magic power.

She noticed that in an instant without mistaking her chance of victory,

“O the soldier’s ardor of the ancestor that lurked in thy blood, response to the calling voice of the black rooster and flare up! {{furigana|Blood on Fire|Chirp of Scattering Spark}}!!”

But Yumeno-san was also specializing in magic that granted effect to mind.

The black bird that announced the beginning of battle Halphas raised a piercing cry.

Due to Baku’s [Youwakumu], for an instant Kazuki lost his consciousness, but he woke up in one go from that sharp piercing sound.

Just from that fighting spirit was overflowing from his heart like a heat in his brain.

Having his fighting spirit uplifted, Kazuki’s brain activity became active. That was connected with the strengthening of his magic power output. The defensive magic power on Kazuki’s whole body increased in thickness and the scar of his gouged magic power was filled back.

The Enchant Aura that overflow through his whole body was strengthened.

His mind was fully recovered, furthermore his magic was strengthened.

Kaori that rushed at Kazuki preparing an attack lost her countenance instead from seeing that Kazuki was strengthened. But she couldn’t stop her movement having came this far.

“UOOOOOOOOOOOOO-!!”

Kazuki’s single slash that was filled with his fighting spirit repelled away Kaori’s claws.

The claws was unfastened from Kaori’s hand and fell onto the mirror floor with clanging sound.

“A, aa…Yamizaru! The special Sacred Treasure father and mother give for me who leave to fulfill my duty…”

Losing the powerful Sacred Treasure that was her last ray of hope, Kaori leaked out a voice of despair.

Kazuki reversed his blade and with a second slash he cut the girl that had lost half her fighting spirit.

Kaori’s body was blown away from the impact of smashed magic.

“O desire lurking inside the sea of heart, surpass the deeply sinful flesh and reached out that hand! O embodiment of violation, entangle following my desire! Desire Tentacle!”

Kazuki even further produced countless black tentacles from the floor of glass.

At the falling point of the blown away girl―many tentacles were waiting and entangled Kaori’s whole body. It was a timing where she absolutely couldn’t run away.

Kazuki stepped forward and swung down his katana even more toward the girl who became unable to move her body.

One slash, two slash, three slash…he hacked the girl to pieces together with the tentacles.

Behind him, Yumeno-san was starting a large-scale chanting.

At the same time she finished that, Kazuki finished his slashing dance and retreated from Kaori’s side.

“Gathering the terror and grudge of the battlefield with both hand, build the bow and arrow where the fire of hell reside…offer this wailing to my god of war!”

Yumeno-san spread out her hand like spreading wings. From those hands, large and long pillars of black flame spurted up. Yumeno-san met the two hands that were spurting up the flame pillars with size far larger than herself in front of her own body, and took an action like someone pulling the string of a bow.

The gigantic mass of black flame changed into the shape of bow and arrow.

“{{furigana|Inferno|Single Arrow of Demise}}!!”

Yumeno-san drew taut the bow of flame and fired an arrow of flame.

Although it was called an arrow, it was a large mass of fire that completely swallowed Kaori.

Halphas’s level 7―the high level magic with all the might of Yumeno Shiori that was recognized by Mio as a [hidden powerful person].

The black flame swallowed Kaori and whirled. Shine of defensive magic power was emitted in the middle of that flame, the voice of agony from burned mind echoed.

“I’m going to fight, I won’t run away anymore from now on…. Sayonara, Kaori.”

Yumeno-san that fired the attack magic was also losing her magic power fast because she was sharing her magic power with Kaori.

Everything ended with that one attack.

When the flame vanished, Kaori was lying down on the mirror floor powerlessly. That figure was faintly vanishing like a mirage. Yumeno-san too was also vanishing faintly at the same time. Both of their heart was one.

“No, I don’t want…if I get handed over to the Knight Order…I will be terminated…”

Falling into magic intoxication with her mental body almost vanishing, Kaori leaked out her voice.

Completely different with how she was until now, it was a frail tone of an immature child.

“I, I still haven’t finished my duty…still, haven’t got praised even once, yet…no, I don’t want to disappear…just like this…”

While Kazuki felt a mysterious emotion well up inside his chest, he approached beside the girl that was lying on her side and got down on one knee.

“…I respect you. There was no enemy as terrifying as you until now.”

The devilish plan that gave camouflage how [Yumeno Shiori is innocent] by having Hayashi Shizuka brainwash the front personality. After that, making good use of the front personality’s position as the newspaper committee chairman, as a spy she used all sorts of method and continued to harass Kazuki, and now when she was cornered she opposed Kazuki using all kind of battle technique of Summoning Magic・Drive・Sacred Treasure. She even made the front personality as hostage and cornered Kazuki in reverse.

If there was no cooperation of Yumeno-san’s front personality, Kazuki surely would be unable to reach the truth.

If Lotte didn’t give a push on his back, Kazuki surely would be unable to doubt Yumeno-san.

If Miyabi-senpai didn’t use the chance that appeared just for an instant, Kazuki would surely yield to Kaori’s wicked way of fighting. She was an opponent that Kazuki was absolutely unable to win against just by himself.

Cultivated tenacity and force of will from the terrible destiny that she was made to shoulder.

Cultivated variegated battle technique that she piled up from her harsh training as a spy.

Kazuki was disgusted with her way of fighting but, even so there was no way he couldn’t feel respect for her.

This girl was terrifying, even more than Beatrix, even more than Naiarlatoteph, and even more than Hayashi Shizuka.

“Hayashizaki Kazuki…you are the first person, that praised…me…”

Kaori raised her face.

It was exactly the face of a child that was scared from abuse.

When he thought that her scared expression softened for just an instant, the girl’s form disappeared like a fleeting snow.

…What a tragic person.

Looking back, the front personality of Yumeno-san was also disappearing. What kind of expression did she make, he wondered.

When Kazuki felt a pain in his heart as if something was blocking his chest, at the same time Miyabi-senpai’s mental world began to break down having finished its role.

Kazuki’s consciousness returned back to his body.

His companions had finished defeating the swarm of gryphon and silence returned to the area around them and the battlefield became quiet.

In front of Kazuki’s eye, Yumeno-san had lost her consciousness from magic intoxication. Inside this flesh body resided one heart, Yumeno-san and Kaori, the two personality were falling asleep.

“Kazuki, what happened!?”

Hikaru-senpai was rushing to his side.

“Kaori―the spy personality was defeated inside the mental world by Yumeno-san together with me. Yumeno-san fell into magic intoxication from that. Let’s entrust her to the people of the Knight Order just like this.”

A bitter silence settled around him. The other companions outside Kazuki who couldn’t completely understand the circumstances were also keeping their silent while holding this incomprehensible bitter emotion.

Making free use of Telepathy, the hidden side personality would be sealed and her memory taken out in interrogation.

It would be fine if her memory could be taken out simply, but if she confronted them with difficulty, then surely the Knight Order wouldn’t pick their method. Using violent mind hack magic, furthermore they might also use drugs.

It was only natural that they wouldn’t be picky with their method. If Kaori’s memory was analyzed, it would be possible to even eradicate the other spies. If they thought back of all the hardships that the spy made them taste wretchedly….

It couldn’t be helped. Yumeno-san had resolved herself for everything.

“…Then let’s return back, We have to entrust Yumeno-san to the Knight Order and regroup with Mio and the others.”

Suddenly at that time, a voice of other person mixed into Kazuki’s mind.

{―Kazuki-! Kazuki!?}

{…Mio?}

{Thank god, it connected! I had keep calling you for a while but there was no reply at all, so I thought whether I had fall out of love with you…}

It was a telepathic communication from Mio that was possible due to the positivity level that was more than 150.

Because Kazuki’s consciousness was pulled into Miyabi-senpai’s mental world,it looked like the telepathy was completely repelled by Miyabi-senpai’s consciousness’s {{furigana|shell|security}}

{Sorry to made you anxious. Looks like there was a little disconnection. …Is there something wrong?}

{Lo, Lotte was}

The voice from Mio was disordered. It was not the case that she was out of breath. It was a telepathic dialogue so that was why the breathing was not transmitted, but the agitation in her feeling was disturbing the telepathy like a ripple.

Lotte…?

{Lotte was…kidnapped here.}

Inside Kazuki’s head, countless questions were instantly seething.

Why Lotte? What he needed to be cautious about was assassination on himself wasn’t it?

Did they plan to make Lotte hostage?

In the first place what kind of magician kidnapped Lotte, in this Haunted Ground, who did it in what way?

{Tell me the detail!}

{Out of nowhere we were attacked by a giant swan from the sky.}

Swan…? Did she say swan? Was the opponent a Demon Beast?

{That’s not it, when Kanae-san immediately cut it with her katana she was repelled with a really thick Resist, so we think it was a transformed magician.}

Even though Demon Beast was a living being that was born from magic power, they had never exercise their magic power into something like magic technique.

Mio’s guess was something based on the evidence.

{All the swordsmen in our team desperately slashed at it but they were simply driven away, we didn’t even have time to chant offense magic before it escaped…}

Ability that could transform into animal…? It was a considerable thing that a swordsman in Kanae’s level and Kaguya-senpai couldn’t even buy time to chant some kind of magic.

{What to do, Kazu-nii can sense Lotte’s whereabouts right? If we don’t first regroup with Kazu-nii…}

Kazuki ran his mind for an instant and replied.

“…No, first Mio and the others need to get out from the Haunted Ground.”

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 7 Chapter 1

2016-01-03T02:17:30Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 1 – {{furigana|Transient War Fire|Last Chance}} */

==Chapter 1 – {{furigana|Transient War Fire|Last Chance}}==

―This strategy has become a ''battle for the sake of swordsmen''.

Before the [urban war] began, Akane said those words and raised the morale of the swordsmen who were apt to feel menial and made the mood of the Magika Stigma who apt to act haughty tense.

Yokkaichi city that bordered the Aichi Prefecture functioned as the entrance to Mie prefecture and were boasted as <Alchemy Industry City> with the biggest population inside the prefecture. The large scale workshops that were lined in a row there gathering the {{furigana|scrap material|trash}} from throughout Japan. The scrap materials were recycled using alchemy and re-manufactured as new products and then those were circulated once more throughout Japan. As the central part of {{furigana|environment durability|sustainability}} for the current era Japan, this city was a metropolis that never slept, operating day and night.

When Japan’s Knight Order invaded the territory of Yamato from Nagoya to Mie prefecture, Yamato’s defensive army intercepted them in this industrial city. ―It was the raising of the curtain for an [urban war].

First, Japan’s Knight Order sieged the city where Yamato’s army was waiting in ambush. And then following the command of Akane who was the commander, that ring of siege was narrowed little by little.

“…Looks like these guys don't intend to forcibly bring this battle into a field battle like in Sekigahara.”

In the encampment far behind the front line of the battle, Kano who was, like Akane, a commander, started such conversation to Akane. Different from a field battle where the field of vision was great, obstructed by the architectural structure of lined up buildings, they couldn’t take a look at the situation at the front lines from here.

During the [Magic War・Sekigahara], Yamato burned down private houses and fields of crops, turning it into a wasteland of rubble and met the advance of Japan, bringing the battle into a head-on collision without any petty tricks.

Kanon thought anxiously whether they would be doing the same thing again.

“After that, they met with large opposition from the people of west Japan haven't they?”

Akane answered mixed with a deep sigh.

“Until now Yamato made use of the pretext that [they obtained the divine protection from Japanese Mythology] as their flag to get the support from the people. However that pretense had been exposed. Right now Yamato’s foundation as a country had already become really tattered. They would not take such forceful strategy anymore.”

―With Kazuki’s success in his infiltration mission to Ise Imperial Shrine, the majority of Japanese Mythology’s Divas had returned to their senses from their Wild God state and withdrew their cooperation from Yamato.

Japanese Divas’ that were still cooperating with Yamato were only Divas from the [Izumo Faction]. There were two types of Japanese Diva, those who had their roots from Wakoku and those who had their roots from Izumo.

Yamato’s bluff that claimed [We are exactly the rightful ruler of Japanese archipelago that have obtained the divine protection of Japanese Mythology] had been exposed as a big fat lie due to Kazuki’s conspicuous service.

Surely right now the soldiers of Yamato were completely agitated as to what they really should believe in and fight for.

―The reality was, after that battle, the refugees from Yamato to Japan kept increasing day by day.

Right now, Yamato’s provisional government was being cornered both from the inside and outside.

“…If they burned down houses and fields like that, of course the rebuilding would be really difficult. As expected in war there is really nothing satisfactory huh.”

Even Kanon who had a bottomless cheerful personality became gloomy when she recalled the scene of the devastated wasteland.

Even in the case where alchemy was developed in this current era, rebuilding that wasteland of rubbles into what it was like before is not a simple matter. …Things like the town’s history and the people’s memories, there were things that by no means could be recovered just like how it originally was.

{There are none of Loki’s troops in the enemy’s camp! Those who use Summoning Magic are only a few Shrine Maidens and the reinforcement troops from China!}

Akane’s wireless device in her ear transmitted the voice of the swordsmen at the front line.

It seemed that Loki and the other illegal magicians withdrew their hands from Yamato.

It was a situation that Kazuki had informed her before, where he predicted that the situation might develop like that. When Kazuki infiltrated Ise Imperial Shrine, he caused friction between Loki and Aisu Ikousai who was an upper echelon of Kenshitou.

Loki betrayed his promise with Ikousai and the relation between the two became something impossible to restore.

From the previous battle, Yamato lost two of their important trump cards that were [Shrine Maidens] and [illegal magicians] simultaneously.

However they couldn’t let their guard down ― because of some unknown developments, Yamato received reinforcement from China.

“But that war where there is nothing satisfactory will soon see a ceasefire.”

Akane murmured with a distressed voice. By no mean was that fact something one could be happy about.

Because of China’s appearance―this war would soon end.

When China intervened in an internal conflict of Japan archipelago, the other Magic Advanced Countries also became unable to just stay quiet. They judged that this battle was [something dangerous that might destroy the balance of the world], and forcefully brought the war into a ceasefire. Right now, investigation teams and envoys should be dispatched to come to Japan.

That prediction brought impatience to the side of Japan. That by no means was something delightful.

“…We cannot welcome the ceasefire just like this.”

Akane’s eyes glinted. Therefore, [this strategy] was carried out with lightning speed. Before the ceasefire happened, ''they had to steal back as much as possible'' from Yamato.

{Contact with the enemy! Commencing battle!}

The wireless device informed Akane of the opening of hostilities right at that time.

Akane’s heart tightened, she felt a strong nervousness through her mind and body.

Yamato already wouldn’t take anymore forcible strategy like in Sekigahara. However….

“For the current Yamato an urban warfare cannot be necessarily said as something disadvantageous. In urban warfare, the small number of elite’s true power comes in effect.”

The <Emperor’s Personal Corps> of Chukadou that appeared as Yamato’s reinforcement, although they were small in number but each one of them possessed an overwhelming fighting power. Akane herself still had raw memories of terror from when she was cornered by the two great Divas of <Kan’u><ref>Guan Yu</ref> and <Son Goku>.

In an urban warfare where the battlefield was divided due to the countless buildings and streets, the commander wouldn’t be able to perfectly grasp the condition of the battlefield no matter what she did. She had to leave the decision making to each of the units out there.

That was also a factor of anxiety. Not to mention that right now in this battlefield ''Lotte was not flying in the sky''.

“But you also cannot assert that the side of Japan is at a disadvantage right-☆ Haven’t we analyzed it like that?”

Kanon brightened up her voice in order to cheer up Akane. It was also just like what Kanon said.

First, in an urban warfare that was the specialty of the Chinese army, their horsemanship was also sealed.

Moreover, the line of sight would be obstructed in an urban warfare, making them unable to detect the presence of the enemy beforehand. When it was like that then when the enemy’s unit suddenly appears right in front of them, it would immediately become a close-quarter combat. In that situation the Magika Stigmas who needed chanting time couldn’t display their power.

In exchange the swordsmen took the main role of battle here. If it was about the strength of the swordsman, then Japan’s side was overwhelmingly greater.

“Akane, don’t blow your fuse already okay~. Before this you were also like that… when everything goes as planned Akane is absurdly strong but when something unexpected happens you are immediately at your wits' end! In order to make it okay even if something unexpected happen, prepare yourself fully beforehand okay~☆ “

“If you can stop panicking just by being prepared then it wouldn’t be this hard. Regarding things that cannot be predicted by all my preparations, won’t my logic have failed first? In that case I’m absolutely going to blow my fuse.”

“You declared such thing that defiantly!? We-well, when Akane is at your wits’ end then that’s my turn to shine though!!”

“That’s just a joke, thanks for cheering me up though.”

“D-don’t mention it for something so normal okay!☆ “

Hearing Akane’s words, Kanon fidgeted her small body back and forth.

“…It’s going to be fine though if that child displays a strength just as Kazuki anticipated.”

Akane neglected the fidgeting Kanon and murmured while thinking about the battle at the front lines.

A unit of several people ran on top of the asphalt road.

Kazuha who ran at the head felt something strange in their path and stopped running.

Those who followed her from behind, Kanae, Kaguya, Hikaru, Kohaku, and Torazou mimicked her and stopped running.

It was a unit that gathered the students that excelled in close-quarter combat even inside the Knight Academy.

The one who was elected by Akane as the leader was Kazuha.

Having the dubious stares of her comrades directed at her from having stopped so suddenly, Kazuha whispered.

“…The shadow of the building over there, I think there are enemies hiding in ambush.”

Kazuha pointed at the large scale workshop far ahead the road, around a few tens meters separated from them.

“How could you know that?” Kaguya’s eyes opened wide.

“I generated vibrations using general magic since a while ago, I ran while letting fly ultrasonic waves ahead of the road. I perceive the rebound of the sound waves using {{furigana|Extra Sense|Perception Reinforcement Magic}}. If you do that then somehow you can know when there is a disturbance of sound waves from something moving in the shadow of a building…”

Kazuha answered even while being bashful to the Student Council President of the Magic Division.

“That, I-I’m strong in general magic after all so recently I’ve been practicing various things.”

Echo Location―a bat uses the echo of ultrasonic waves to be able to fly freely even inside darkness, what Kazuha did was imitating something like that using general magic.

“Haa?” Raising a disarrayed voice like that, Torazou was making a dumbfounded expression.

“I get the theory but, I really don’t get it…what kind of skill is that…”

“Got it, let’s approach while being prepared to be able to immediately counterattack.”

When Kaguya nodded, Kazuha released a breath of relief.

Kanae and Kohaku changed into the lead vanguard and advanced while being alert.

After that sure enough, the swordsmen of Yamato leaped out from the building cover just as Kazuha predicted.

Kanae and Kohaku composedly dodged that first wave and counterattacked.

After that Torazou and Kazuha added their attacks.

Kaguya used a defensive magic that reflected pain and made her opponent swordsman that slashed at her forfeit their will to fight.

Hikaru was preparing to summon [Maimur] but―far before she could complete her chant, the small skirmish had been resolved.

The enemy platoon that ambushed them collapsed with confused expression as if saying that they didn’t know what had happened.

“Just as expected from Mikohime-sa…Kazuha-senpai!”

Kohaku directed eyes of respect at Kazuha and cheered at her.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.07 017.jpg|thumb]]

At the side, Kaguya was looking down with a quiet expression.

“…Certainly it’s amazing. A practical application of general magic in real battle like this is…. Perhaps I’m too easy-going relying so much in only Summoning Magic like this.”

Kanae too was looking down in self-reflection.

“General magic, is it…. I too am getting too caught up in just sword skill and magic sword. While being self-conscious of my small build and powerless handicaps, to be this blind is really hard to forgive…”

Kanae’s expression turned grim in the blink of an eye from her fury for herself. Kazuha was scared off from that look of Kanae.

“Co-compared to you two, someone like me is just a half-baked small person that is Jack of all trades and master of none in the end!”

Kazuha’s face blushed red and she waved her hand left and right repeatedly.

These two were said to be the strongest in the Magic Division and the Sword Division respectively. For her who was a poor student to be stared at by these two like this was totally unbelievable.

“Kaguya, right now you are thinking that you want to fight Kazuha-san and defeat her right?”

Hikaru was poking at Kaguya’s side from the flank. Kaguya shook her neck in panic even while being startled.

“The-there is no way I’m thinking about such thing at my comrade!”

Kaguya was raised while receiving suggestion from her father that she [had to be the strongest], she had climbed as far as the Student Council President by systemically challenging a duel to all students that looked strong in the Knight Academy.

Thanks to Kazuki she was liberated from that [suggestion to be the strongest] that seemed like a curse, but even so a long time habit that had become a second nature couldn’t be removed that easily. Witnessing a strength that didn’t exist in herself provoked a reaction from her.

“Rather than that let’s just move forward quickly!”

When Kazuha concluded the topic like that, Kaguya stopped the idle talk and inspected the collapsed swordsmen.

“…The Magika Stigmas from China are not mixed among them, just a platoon of swordsmen. This is a hit isn’t it? Akane-senpai said that to the end this advance is only a [diversion]. What we are doing is only buying time. If we meet the {{furigana|Magika Stigmas of China|extremity}}, don’t overdo it too much and just escape.”

All present nodded altogether. The toughness of the reinforcement from China had been beaten into their body.

Kaguya-senpai looked up to the sky. It was a very dim sky that fast approaching evening.

“If we can just buy more time, then for the rest Otouto-kun should be able to make the plan succeed for us…”

In the sky that she looked up, blue magic power light left a trail behind like the cloud of airplane and flew far away.

While Kazuki was leaving behind a trail of magic light power, he traversed the sky together with Lotte.

They were steadily getting far away from the battlefield and went even further in from Mie prefecture, flying into Nara prefecture.

The soldiers of Yamato too soon noticed Kazuki and Lotte in the air, but the attack magic that were fired by the few Shrine Maidens were immediately left behind by the acceleration of [Deep Striker].

Using the battle on the surface as a decoy, they did airspace incursion with just the two of them.

Kazuki and Lotte were the two who could fly in the sky the fastest among Japan’s Knight Order. Surely even among the people of Yamato there was no one that was able to reach their speed―they wanted to believe that.

The attack objective of the two was <Isonokami Shrine> in Nara prefecture.

―Among the refugees from Yamato, there was also the higher-ups of Yamato’s military authorities, the top brass mixed inside.

From that person, an information that couldn’t be overlooked such as [Sacred Treasures are gathered in Isonokami Shrine and it was turned into an armory] was conveyed to the Knight Order.

According to that refugee’s story, the shrines in each region of Japan were defiled due to Yamato’s scheme but Isonokami Shrine was the only exception that was still safe. Why was Isonokami Shrine the only one safe―that informant didn’t know the reason but the answer unexpectedly came out from among Kazuki’s friends.

{Ah, over there was the shrine that deified me.}

It was the Diva that contracted with Kazuha, Futsunushi no Kami.

Futsunushi no Kami was the Diva that was deified in Isonokami Shrine. But when Kazuha-senpai became enrolled into the Knight Academy’s Sword Division, he was also changing his residence to Tokyo together with Kazuha-senpai.

Isonokami Shrine that was left behind and became empty after the Shrine Maiden Kazuha-senpai and Futsunushi no Kami were not there anymore became worthless for Yamato to bother to reach their hand because there was no target that they could turn into a Wild God.

That was the reason that place was safe.

Not only that―from what Futsunushi no Kami said, Isonokami Shrine had the role as an [armory] in Japanese Mythology.

When Sacred Treasures were made as an [offering] there, the Sacred Treasure would be filled with magic power which amplified its supernatural power.

According to the information from the refugee, it seemed Yamato transferred and gathered the Sacred Treasures they had in custody inside their territory to Isonokami Shrine.

Because the Sacred Treasures that were discovered in Japan were stored in custody shared between Kantou and Kansai, Yamato had already possessed a considerable amount of Sacred Treasures. Then they were amplifying the power of those in Isonokami Shrine.

This meant that this was the trump card that Yamato kept hidden until now, their last resort.

“…Why have those Sacred Treasures never been used in the battle until now?”

Lotte who was flying at Kazuki’s side leaked out a questioning voice.

“Perhaps it is not a trump card against Japan, but they intend to use it as a trump card against Loki and his group? Ikousai and her group didn’t trust Loki. While Loki and his group are still their comrades they are going to make use of their power conveniently while trying to hide their own trump card.”

Before that trump card could be used―they were going to assault the place and plunder it. Sacred Treasures Pillaging Operation.

When they confirmed whether the refugees' words were the truth or not with magical interrogation, Regiment Commander Yamagata immediately drafted this operation. Not even a week had passed after the battle at Sekigahara when this plan had progressed and was now being carried out. It was exactly a lightning fast and prompt decision.

That Commander Yamagata and the top brass of the Knight Order were being impatient, Kazuki too clearly understood it. With the ceasefire between Japan and Yamato that they would soon welcome, it was not something that one could feel delight for Japan’s government.

It was because Japan was the one who had their territory completely stolen due to this civil war. To completely enter the ceasefire with Yamato’s provisional government still not defeated like this could be said that it only meant a defeat in reality. The humans at the top of the Knight Order and the government would surely get asked by the mass media and the populace to take responsibility for this.

Even if they couldn’t avoid a ceasefire, at the very least they had to obtain some kind of achievement, if not―this forcible operation was decided promptly from such severe thought like that.

If they could enter the ceasefire with Yamato in the state of having lost their trump card, then they could grasp the initiative from this side in the discussion after the ceasefire.

They might even be able to drag out some concession and capitulation from Yamato….

This was their last chance before entering the ceasefire.

“…I get it that this is our last chance but… to be made to go along with this sloppy strategy for the sake of those big shots evading responsibility just doesn’t make me feel any enthusiasm.”

Kazuki unintentionally spoke to himself.

Actually Kazuki thought of this as a sloppy strategy.

Making the Knight Order’s attack to Yokkaichi a diversion and attack the Isonokami Shrine from the sky. Because there was no other magician that could fly in the same speed like them, the assault members were only the two, Kazuki and Lotte.

Yamato most likely concentrated all their battle strength to defend Yokkaichi which was an important base for them. But in the unlikely event that there was a powerful defense squad placed in Isonokami Shrine, there was nothing they could do with just the two of them.

He thought that Yamato right now didn’t have that much allowance to spare such manpower but….

Akane-senpai said [if there are defense squad then abandon the operation and escape] to him.

The commander of Yamato that saw Kazuki and Lotte went flying somewhere might guess their aim and divided the battle strength in Yokkaichi and directed them to be their pursuer. If it became like that then a time limit would be attached to the operation. Before their pursuer caught up, they had to quickly finish pillaging the Sacred Treasures.

It was no good if there was a defensive squad positioned in their destination and it was also no good if their pursuer caught up.

A difficult operation.

At any rate Kazuki thought inside his heart [This again]. Just three days before this, he was made to infiltrate the enemy territory only with Kazuha-senpai. When he thought that was the end of it now he was told to infiltrate the enemy territory with Lotte.

{Rather than calling you King, you are more fitting to be called a handyman.} Leme communicated with Kazuki using an amazed voice inside his head.

Kazuki too was amazed. …To depend completely on a mere student like this, is this country going to be okay?

“As for me I’m fine with this desu, Kazuki-oniisan.”

As if seeing through the worry inside Kazuki’s heart, Lotte said that.

“Rather than such thing this is a flying rendezvous with just the two us desu, Kazuki-oniisan♪”

Lotte turned her smiling face to Kazuki as if in order to calm down Kazuki’s feeling.

If something happened, at the very least he had to protect her to the very end….

Kazuki looked behind him while flying through the sky. They had left the battlefield of Yokkaichi really far behind them.

The scenery below them had completely changed from the town into a vast expanse of mother nature. They were clearing the [Suzuka mountain range] that grew many greenery at this early summer in a straight line from the side. It was a rugged mountains that was highly famous from the historical event of <Iga’s Pass> of the Tokugawa's. Inside the mountain the isolated city of Iga was visible.

The end of the mountain range was visible in their path. The aviation picture of Isonokami Shrine that was located in the border between the mountain and the city had been beaten into their head before the operation, they were locating the shrine while recalling the picture inside their head.

There it was. It was an important shrine with a long history, but its size was unexpectedly small.

Kazuki and Lotte didn’t slow down for even a bit and swooped down as if they were sucked.

The several swordsmen in the shrine’s ground noticed Kazuki and Lotte approaching and raised their voice.

“They really come!” “Stop them!” “How!?”

They were the shrine’s guards. It seemed they were notified about Kazuki and Lotte’s assault from Yokkaichi.

The soldiers’ reactions were really lacking in resolve and training. Just as expected all the proper soldiers were invested in the defensive battle of Yokkaichi.

Even the chickens that were strutting around the ground briskly sprang up and left the place in great panic.

Kazuki and Lotte matched their voice and cast the same magic simultaneously.

“”I reached my hand to the height of Babel becoming the supreme ruler! In accordance with my life o lightning, praise the reckless courage of human race! Blitzkrieg””

Blue magic power light materialized, then assault spears with height that reached even twice the stature of a person were equipped in their dominant hands.

Sub-arms stretched out from the [Deep Strikers], so they could withstand the impact they fixed their arms in place.

If their opponent were only several swordsmen who didn’t have the support of Magika Stigma, then this was simple.

Kazuki and Lotte directed the tips of the assault spear to the swordsmen and keeping their momentum without slowing down―

“UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

Screams were reverberating. *DON!!* Along with such sound of impact, the gravels of the grounds and the soil below it danced up and a big hole was opened on the surface. The swordsmen of Yamato were blown away to the other side of the cloud of dust, then they crashed into the wall of the shrine office that was right there and fainted.

Kazuki and Lotte who landed dispelled their weapons and looked around restlessly to confirm their surroundings.

They were just right in the middle of the Isonokami Shrine’s grounds.

In their left side there was a large shrine archway, in front of them was the shrine office, and in their right side was a stone stair that continued to the main shrine.

As for human presence…was these guys the only one here? As expected, putting several numbers of worthless soldiers like this as guard was their limit, it seemed that Yamato didn’t have the allowance to post a genuine defense squad here.

Then…they could do this!

“Kazuki-oniisan, it’s in the main shrine right desu!?”

Lotte confirmed the operation’s objective to Kazuki. Kazuki silently nodded and start running up the stone stair in the right side.

When they examined the map of Isonokami Shrine, they had narrowed down the places that looked fitting to be used to store the Sacred Treasures into two, those were the [ritual tool warehouse] and the [main shrine]. Between those two places, if their objective was not merely keeping the Sacred Treasures but to gather power into the Sacred Treasures, then surely the main shrine that should be called as the central part of this shrine was the most likely choice.

Due to the hanging lanterns that were hung down here and there, the gloomy grounds in the evening was faintly illuminated. Kazuki and Lotte rushed up the stone stairs while being filled with the atmosphere of mysterious profundity and finally arrived at a vermilion tower gate that continued to the main shrine.

―In front of the gate, there was a person’s shadow waiting for them.

Even inside the faint darkness, she was clearly reflected in their eyes thanks to how standing out that vibrant kimono she wore.

“…Aisu Ikousai!!”

Kazuki yelled. Inside the faint darkness that was illuminated by hanging lanterns was a glamorous figure in a kimono. With the background of a historical shrine’s tower gate, that standing figure spontaneously became a picture that looked so bewitching.

“I was waiting for you, Hayashizaki Kazuki…for the sake of resolving this fate between you and I.”

Beside Ikousai, there was a woman of Yamato wearing Shrine Maiden’s clothes accompanying her. Yamato’s Shrine Maiden―a Drive Magika Stigma whose body even now was possessed by a Wild God of Izumo side.

For Aisu Ikousai of all people to be posted into an underling work like being the guard of Isonokami Shrine for no reason at all shouldn’t be something impossible. She was waiting here in ambush with the conviction that Kazuki would come.

An ambush. Something cold ran through his spine. This operation had been leaked to the other side.

…Might this be the work of the spy inside the Knight Order?

…No, was I the one that got sniffed out by the spy? Kazuki harbored a dark belief.

Commander Yamagata and Akane-senpai communicated this operation as nothing more than [Yokkaichi’s Recapture Operation] to the higher ups. Only the minimum air battle strength that were Kazuki and Lotte were sent to Isonokami Shrine without informing anyone.

Those who knew about Kazuki’s attack to Isonokami Shrine were only Commander Yamagata and Akane-senpai and Kanon-senpai, and then his companions of the Witch’s Mansion.

Even so for this operation to be still leaked out, in short…the source of the information leak was themselves.

Until now the spies of Yamato penetrated the Knight Order’s chain of command and then they leaked the flow of information there into Yamato secretly. If they worked like that then the operation this time shouldn’t get leaked.

However from how the battle went until now, even the spies had surely noticed that Kazuki and his group were moving independently from the Knight Order’s chain of command. Having noticed that Kazuki was always there in the center of the operations that outwitted Yamato, there was no mistake that the spies had then secretly snooped around Kazuki’s action.

Kazuki had the confidence in his own senses’ sharpness. However at the time when they drafted this operation in a rush and then while making preparation with Lotte hurriedly, during all that mess he had no confidence that he was able to detect some kind of magic or listening device around him with certainty.

They got him. His side’s spy countermeasure had been backfired completely.

With this it was just doing the same thing repeatedly. Just as he thought, it was fundamentally necessary to eradicate the spies.

“…Destined opponent. Kazuki-oniisan, are you actually an intimate friend with that woman desu?”

Lotte who lined up at Kazuki’s side looked upward at him wonderingly.

“There was no way that’s possible right, she is a sworn enemy that cannot be allowed to live under the same sky that I have to absolutely defeat.”

“Don’t say that so contemptibly. For you to be like that even though I was really looking forward to the rematch with you that I set the stage of our decisive battle like this.”

Ikousai’s mouth distorted faintly and she reached her hand to the katana on her waist.

Kazuki too vigilantly reached his hand to the katana on his waist, both of them sounded the clinking sound from the mouth of their sheath at the same time.

Lotte compared alternately the two that were heightening the feeling of tension.

“Rather than a pure hostility, a more different emotion is whirling between you two…actually you two get along well right desu?”

“Wrong, she is the worst enemy.”

“Calling me the worst really hurt here, my worthy rival.”

Kazuki earnestly glared while Ikousai was floating a faint smile. That composure of hers was ominous. There was something.

“For Kazuki-oniisan to disagree with the other person’s feeling like this is really rare desu.”

Lotte tilted her head.

“O furious honored god descending down from sky, bring forth and build unprecedented uproar right here! Thy august name is <Susanoo no Mikoto>! Reside in my body, rage following your violent emotion!!”

Magic power like a storm seethed out and Ikousai’s appearance transformed into her Magic Dress due to the {{furigana|Access|Astrum Connection}}. Fitting for the contractor of Susanoo, a wild jet black costume like the sky in the middle of storm. Only the katana attached in her waist was not broken down into {{furigana|Prima Materia|Origin Particle}} and retained its shape.

Kazuki noticed the out of place feeling. Ikousai was wearing two katanas on her waist.

When he encountered her in Ise Imperial Shrine she was supposed to only wear one katana.

The Shrine Maiden beside Ikousai was also shining with blue magic power light from flowing power to the Wild God inside her own body. The two enemies finished putting in order their battle preparation.

“You only brought one person along with you? You really have insufficient manpower right now don’t you? Have you also exiled Loki and his battle strength?”

“I know that you are coming with only two people. Where is the need of coming here bringing a lot of force? …Hmph, Loki and his guys are reassigned as the guard of our capital city. No matter how bad she is, that girl is also one of the top that rule Yamato. If they are just suddenly get exiled, the soldiers will get agitated then. But that girl will not trespass the holy battlefield between you and me for the second time!”

Hearing that unexpected reply, Kazuki felt a freezing chill.

For Loki to not get exiled even though they had conflicted with each other until that far, that was the same as saying that the influence of Kaya inside Yamato was just that great.

But of all things for Kaya and her group to be retained in the capital of Yamato―if Kazuki and Lotte defeated Ikousai in battle, what would happen after that…!

“Are you sane leaving alone the illegal magicians to take care the center of your country while you yourself are coming out to the battlefield!? If you guys get done in by us, Yamato is going to get taken over by the illegal magicians isn’t it!?”

“Do you still have any composure left to worry about that! I won’t suffer a defeat for the second time against you! We have obtained the cooperation of Chukadou. With the [Power of Usurpation] of Susanoo, your King’s Authority, and then someday the King’s Authority of China’s King too, I’m going to plunder them all!”

This girl…is she not thinking about anything else other than plundering power from somebody!?

For her everybody around her might be nothing else other than objects to be used.

“Lotte, please take care of the Shrine Maiden over there. The other side perhaps is also intending to do the same thing.”

“Roger desu.” Lotte nodded.

If it was with Lotte’s chanting speed then there wouldn’t be that much of a difference even against a Drive Magician as her opponent.

Ikousai didn’t even pay a glance to Lotte, she turned to Kazuki and lightly kicked the ground.

“What is dedicated here, is a scattering flower dance like a storm! O honored god that call the storm, please grant thy breath on the back of I who dance under the heaven! Fujin Kenbu!!”

A fierce tailwind blew on Ikousai’s back. This magic generated freely a favorable wind that adhered to the movement of oneself, a reinforcement magic that accelerated every single movement taken by the body.

With a terrific speed that was in contrast with her light movement, Ikousai stepped into the range. Ikousai drew the katana on her waist.

Right now she was not using [Aoiro Yasha] was surely because she was cautious against having her breath ran out in a protracted battle.

On the other side Kazuki was―right now he was already unable to use Beatrix’s strengthening magic.

It was because the Einherjar had completely cancelled their stance of cooperation with Japan.

He had to use a different method to compete with Ikousai.

“O flow of atmosphere, converge in this body, become the storm that reject the resented person! The eye of typhoon is exactly my throne! Storm Fort!”

Kazuki burst out wind around his own surrounding. His body was enveloped with a tornado.

And then he directed the wind at Ikousai, offsetting Ikousai’s tailwind.

…If he couldn’t strengthen himself, then he would contest her using obstruction.

“Mhh-!?”

Just when she was about to unsheathe her sword in an Iai draw she was bathed by severe wind from the opposite direction, making Ikousai’s swordsmanship become disarrayed. Kazuki leisurely dodged that attack of hers.

…The distance was slightly different compared to their confrontation before.

Looking at the blade that hit the empty air in front him, Kazuki noticed that fact.

She didn’t change the distance with her specialty [Shiraba Kagerou].

…Ikousai was using a different sword from the one that she used in Ise Imperial Shrine. For a swordsman to use a different katana and not the specialized katana that he was used to handle, there must be a considerable reason behind it.

Kazuki returned back an Iai draw at Ikousai. Facing that horizontal flash of counterattack, Ikousai forcefully bent backward even while that action broke her posture. Ikousai’s leg pitched backward. Kazuki didn’t let that chance escape and stepped inside her range trying to drive another attack. But―,

“Tenrou Kaidan!”

Ikousai crashed an impact of Psychokinesis diagonally on her wavering back, and forcefully circled to Kazuki’s side. It was a high speed movement that was absolutely impossible using only living flesh body, moving from an unnatural stance to an inconceivable direction. From there a severe thrust was unleashed to Kazuki.

But Kazuki Foresighted the magic power and was able to react.

He smoothly dodged his body from the thrust and slashed back in return.

Blue magic power light shone. Ikousai’s body staggered from the impact of the smashed magic power.

“Thy fury is the joy of the war shrine maiden. Answer the kagura of soul summoning burst out the storm of outcry, divide the cloud and please descend here…spirits and demons in this body! {{furigana|Chouriki Shourai|Super Strength Invitation}}!!”

But while receiving damage, the girl accomplished her spell.

A magic that further strengthened her. Ikousai’s {{furigana|Enchant Aura|Body Strength Reinforcement Magic}} was doubled.

Treating her broken posture as not a big deal, she sent a counterattack at Kazuki with her reinforced speed and power.

From a thrust the blade was reversed and became a flash of a slash. Kazuki gave up evading and concentrated the wind of [Storm Fort] in one spot and attempted to kill the momentum of Ikousai’s attack.

However even after receiving that wind, Ikousai’s severe attack didn’t feel like it slowed down for even a little bit.

A severe attack tore apart Kazuki’s defensive magic power.

“Kuh…lightning fall on my body and I obtain lightning thought god speed…wake up the sleeping lion! Ride Lightning!!”

Kazuki too even while receiving damage finished chanting a reinforcement magic.

Ikousai and also Kazuki accelerated their movement together.

This time too the curtain for offense and defense in supernatural speed that was absolutely impossible for average swordsman was opened.

The previous match was won by Kazuki, but who knew how the result would turn out this time. ―Before, Ikousai’s lack of experience in [battle against opponent that was above herself] was exposed and she fell behind Kazuki.

But due to how he couldn’t use Beatrix’s strengthening magic, this time Kazuki’s speed and power were both inferior. He couldn’t not recognize the inferiority of his spec.

However he believed that he had ''gotten used to'' this girl’s swordsmanship from their fight before.

He saw through her speed and parried her strength like a willow branch. With that ardor, Kazuki crossed swords with Ikousai, the state of the battle then were brought into a sword locking contest.

―At that time Ikousai’s katana suddenly emitted a blue magic power light.

“Curse this body, <Muramasa>! Battou Kaikon―{{furigana|Oboro no Muramasa|Muramasa of Haze}}!!”

…That’s, Sacred Treasure!?

Kazuki’s katana slipped through Ikousai’s katana unhindered.

Not only did his blade slip through Ikousai’s blade, it even slipped through Ikousai’s body that was in its way. There was no resistance felt from his blade. Even her presence gone. ''As if Ikousai had completely became a ghost''.

Possibly her solid body was turned completely into a vapor by that Sacred Treasure.

“Is that the Sacred Treasure that was dedicated in Isonokami Shrine!?”

Ikousai slipped through Kazuki like a ghost and moved into his back. And then at Kazuki’s back, Ikousai’s presence and existence was realized back into how she was before.

Without even any time to turn back, he was slashed from his back.

The powerful attack that broke through the wind armor of [Storm Fort] blew Kazuki away in a pitching forward posture.

Kazuki rolled forward in order to escape from his opponent’s distance.

But Ikousai mercilessly filled the distance and assaulted him in her pursuit.

…What he needed to put in order was not only his stance, but also the inside of his head.

What was happening right now? Was Ikousai turning into a ghost?

No, it was hard to imagine a magic phenomenon that turned one’s own body into a ghost.

Haze―Ikousai changed her body into an existence that somewhat ambiguous without a definite shape.

The Ikousai right now was just resistant against a mere physical attack.

“Burn to ash everything you touch…the scorching heat of rejection without any place to go! Self Burning!”

With an immediate judgment, Kazuki enveloped himself in an armor of flame. He mixed together the wind of [Storm Fort] that he chanted before with the flame. The wind brought oxygen to the flame and amplified its power.

The intensely raging flame wind was concentrated into the blade by Kazuki using Psychokinesis.

Like this he could inflict damage―no matter how powerful of a Sacred Treasure it may be, it shouldn’t be something so great that could manifest a grand magic that vanished the holder’s existence itself.

Even though she didn’t possess a fixed shape and slipped through him, that didn’t mean that there was no existence there.

She existed. So there was no reason why she couldn’t be burned.

Ikousai went “Hou!” and leaked out a voice of admiration.

Kazuki swung a single horizontal flash of blade just when he was turning back to Ikousai behind him.

“…But unfortunately your movement is slow! Aoiro Yasha!!”

Ikousai’s movement sped up even further, Kazuki’s counterattack just hit an empty air.

[Aoiro Yasha] ―It was Ikousai’s secret technique that temporarily augmented her own explosive power by manipulating her own blood flow with Psychokinesis. It was a double edged blade that would cause a backlash to her body when she used it continuously for a long time, but Ikousai saw through a critical point of the battle here. Without even leaving afterimage behind, Ikousai circled to Kazuki’s blind spot.

There was too much difference in their physical ability…!

Kazuki just barely reacted against the attack from his blind spot using his Foresight of the magic power, he blocked the blade.

From there the situation was brought into a sword locking contest. Kazuki felt relieved. In a sword locking contest it became a contest of reading each other’s movement. If it was with this blade clad in flame, she couldn’t escape like before by slipping through him.

…That relief vanished in an instant. Kazuki noticed that Ikousai’s katana which was entangling with his katana in front his eyes ''had become a different thing than before'' before he realized.

That’s right, Ikousai brought two katana here different from before.

...This girl, before he realized it she had already changed Sacred Treasure!?

“Raise your howl, <Kotetsu>! Battou Kaikon―{{furigana|Shishi Ko Zuhyoubu|Tiger and Lion Picture Folding Screen}}!!”

From the Sacred Treasure of Ikousai that was entangling with his blade, when he thought that a vision of [tiger] was emerging out from it, suddenly it materialized and howled while leaping at Kazuki’s throat.

“Kuh, this guy!” Kazuki tried to shake off the tiger with a kick clad in flame.

But the magic tiger didn’t fear the flame and came biting at Kazuki with a determined ferocity.

“Tenrou Kaidan!!”

In the middle of that, Ikousai’s voice and *PAAN!* sound like something was bounced rang out.

Ikousai’s body instantly flew to Kazuki’s blind spot using a jump by means of Psychokinesis.

“Hahaha! Just try it if you can really Foresight this!!”

There is no way that he can. Kazuki’s attention was stolen by the tiger.

Kazuki completely lost sight of Ikousai’s movement.

“Polishing the black steel of heaven o Totsuka no Tsurugi…release the flash that gouge the storm! This is the Orochi no Aramasa…the descend of tearing limb from limb, Ame no Habakiri!!”

Susanoo’s Sacred Treasure was created in Ikousai’s hand and it was swung down on Kazuki from behind.

Kazuki was slashed eight times.

Ame no Habakiri―it produced eight streaks of slashes with one swing multiple time, a Sacred Treasure that tore apart the enemy under one attack. Its damage was eight times the normal in one attack.

Kazuki received that damage from outside his consciousness where his Resist was thin.

It was a heavy damage. While Kazuki was blown away forward, he kept rolling in order to try to escape from Ikousai. However that was not allowed and the tiger too came attacking at Kazuki.

Kazuki wrestled with the large body of the tiger and his body’s movement was sealed. His head became pure white. …This is bad, the spell he was in the middle of chanting is going to disperse from his impatience. Calm down.

The tiger bit at Kazuki’s neck and his defensive magic power scattered.

Kazuki stubbornly preserved his cool and he thrust back his katana into the tiger’s torso in a simultaneous strike with each other.

The beast that was formed from magic power scattered around blue magic power light and vanished.

From the other side of the dancing apart magic power light―Ikousai was stepping in closer to him.

Without even giving him any time to breath she was going to swung down Ame no Habakiri at Kazuki.

But that action was just as expected, if it was a swordsman then anyone would surely do such an action.

“O the ruler of flame’s calling voice, liberate the fury of the earth’s bottom! Open the gate of my rampart right here…tower in the heaven and earth, partition the impurity! Fire Wall!!”

Almost at the same time with the tiger’s termination, Kazuki invoked the magic from the chant that he just barely maintained.

“Muu-!?”

Ikousai foresighted the outbreak of the magic power and put a sudden brake to her step-in before taking a step back.

A magic circle spread out on the surface, a high and thick wall of flame spouted out as if to separate the two of them.

It was Phoenix’s magic that was invoked aiming for a surprise attack.

Even how Ikousai didn’t fall into the trap and brake herself just moments before the trap activated, was according to his assumption.

That was because the first time Kazuki faced this magic from Mio, that was exactly what he did.

Right at that timing, Kazuki gathered all the remaing power of wind from [Storm Fort] that enclosed his body and blew it all to the flame wall in one go.

The wind cannon crashed into the wall of flame. Ikousai, who stepped back in the location with just a paper thin difference from the wall of flame was swallowed by the leaning forward flame. Blue defensive magic power light shone inside the flame.

…It was a small attack, but it was a single repayment from the state where he kept getting done in just now.

In that moment Kazuki finally put his standing stance in order and recovered some distance back.

He took a single breath.

“…You still have some more trick remaining ''as a magician'' huh.”

Ikousai whispered after the flame wall was extinguished.

Those words of hers were as if she was saying that the conclusion between them as swordsman had been reached.

He was the victor when they battled each other in Ise Imperial Shrine before, but originally their true strength were even with each other. The line between victor and loser was drawn from the slight difference in experience. If the opponent had just a little extra in her, the situation would be reversed.

The Sacred Treasure of Isonokami Shrine….

“Certainly you won’t say that this is cowardly. Even I don’t have the intention of losing against you the second time. I left behind my beloved katana and choose these two pieces…for the sake of surpassing you bastard, this is my best where I have exhausted myself.”

The sword technique with the appliance of general magic, the strongest class Summoning Magic of Japanese Mythology, and then the strengthened Sacred Treasures.

The current Aisu Ikousai had everything. And then more than that she didn’t have even a single fragment of negligence.

Strong.

In regards to that, Kazuki didn’t expect that he would have his rematch with Aisu Ikousai here.

He absolutely didn’t feel any longing for Beatrix. But even so, if he could use the magic that girl used, if his bond with her was still remaining…. Such conception flashed through his head.

After getting back to square one like this, what was he going to do next? Inside Kazuki’s head there was no plan appearing that could break this deadlock.

“Kazuki-oniisan, are you okay desu!?”

Suddenly Lotte’s voice reached him from outside the fight with Ikousai where he focused his mind to the extreme.

“Ru, Run o flash of sword, <Nagamitsu>!”

''It was the voice of Lotte calling out the power of Sacred Treasure'' totteringly.

A blade of light came flying right from the side to Ikousai who was facing Kazuki.

“…What-!?” Ikousai leaped back in fluster.

Kazuki and Ikousai directed their sight to Lotte simultaneously.

Lotte had already finished dealing with the Shrine Maiden. She was holding Sacred Treasures of katana and spears in her left side while her right hand was wielding a single Sacred Treasure. Even if she couldn’t go as far as using the technique to draw out the Sacred Treasure’s maximum power by interacting with it―[Battou Kaikon], she still liberated a fragment of that power toward Ikousai.

“You bastard…that’s the Sacred Treasure from the main shrine!!”

It was an inexperienced strike, but that attack checked Ikousai in place and it was enough to light a fire in her fury.

“Dance the wing what is scattered is spark. Trail behind the spiraling wind, become the bullet that gouge life! Flap your wing and shot out! Barrett!!”

Kazuki didn’t miss that opening and launched a flame bullet. “Uwaa!” Ikousai raised a scream and staggered. In a split second Kazuki swung down his katana from above his head and cut her.

In panic Ikousai blocked that attack with her blade facing sideways.

{Kazuki, that person cannot use the power as the King of Japanese Mythology. It’s no good for you who is the King of Solomon Mythology to lose. …Why didn’t you use Zekorbeni?}

In the instant of [time of calm] where blade and blade locked at each other―a telepathy from Leme reverberate in his head.

Zekorbeni. It was the pendant-type Magic Dress that he was newly bestowed from Leme when she recognized Kazuki as King. With that pendant he could do {{furigana|possession from Diva|Diva Drive}} of a girl whose positivity level was more than 150, granting Kazuki with the chanting speed of average {{furigana|Drive|Possession Summoning}}.

But the magic power consumption using that was high because of the large amount of magic power flowing into the circuit that became thicker and shorter in without stopping. It was a [trump card] that couldn’t be used easily because he thought that he had to save it so even if there was something unexpected that happened, he could escape while taking along Lotte with certainty.

{You said that it consume a lot of magic power? As for that…you have to become able to control the power of King a bit better.}

Listening to what Leme was saying dissatisfiedly, Kazuki replied {I know already} in his mind.

“Lotte! I’m okay, so you just walk off with the Sacred Treasures that you can carry off with you both arms!”

Light emerged out from Kazuki’s chest, Zekorbeni was generated.

Kazuki grasped that pendant with one hand and yelled with voice filled with determination.

But that determination was obstructed by Lotte herself.

“Kazuki-oniisan, some kind of large magic power is approaching with great speed!!”

Lotte’s detection of magic power was not inferior even compared to Kazuki and Ikousai. Both of them too immediately noticed, they looked up to the dim sky―someone was approaching here from the eastern sky the same where Kazuki also arrived from!

“Just wait a second here, both of you! How can you two just leave me alone in a boring battlefield while having fun fighting together! Son Shouryuu has arrived!!”

What entered their eyes was an approaching golden colored cloud. On top of it was a young boy that stood imposingly with both his arms crossed. Looking at a glance he looked like he was going to fall from the wind pressure, but his posture didn’t stir an inch.

Young boy―even seen from Kazuki who was still a high school student, calling him with the expression of still a young boy was appropriate.

Much less a middle school student, if one was careless the boy’s height and features could also look like someone around elementary school student.

Somersault Cloud<ref>Or Kinto cloud. Son Goku’s famous cloud.</ref>. The two leaders of China’s soldiers that attacked Akane-senpai and Kanon-senpai were said to be contracted with Kan’u and Son Goku. This guy is the magician that is contracted with Son Goku! It was still better than a reinforcement of a hundred people, but a Magika Stigma that was likely one of the strongest in Yamato’s camp had came!

“Son Shouryuu!!” Ikousai yelled.

The young boy that was called Shouryuu somersaulted from on top the cloud and got down to the ground.

“There were some fellows that broke away from the battlefield with great speed so I especially chased them and came here you know! This means that battlefield is just a distraction, and their true aim is to attack this shrine huh. So, big sis Ikousai already guessed it beforehand and waited for them here right!?”

Shouryuu unexpectedly had a fast thinking.

After saying all that with dizzying speed, ―he turned a dissatisfied face to Ikousai.

“Why didn’t you tell this to us who is your comrade if you know about this beforehand! This guy is the King of Solomon right!? If we beat this guy isn’t it our side’s victory!? It’d be better if we ambush him with all member of the China’s Imperial Guard!!”

“Shut up brat!” Ikousai roared thunderously. “This guy is my prey! I won’t allow you to interfere!”

“Wh, wha-!? What’s with that way of talking…this means you, you plan to monopolize this for yourself huh!? Doing an interesting fight yourself while keeping it secret from me is just unn―faa―iir―rightt-!? I’m joining in too―!!”

“Kuh…talking won’t get through to this fellow in different meaning from Loki…! I absolutely won’t tolerate it if you lay your hand on my Hayashizaki Kazuki!!”

Ignoring Ikousai’s words, Shouryuu interposed unhesitatingly between the two. Ikousai went “You bastard-!” and raised her voice while swinging Ame no Habakiri in the space between Kazuki and Shouryuu, obstructing the two.

This startled Shouryuu and he looked back at Ikousai.

“You, what are you planning to do pointing your blade to the comrade that came far away from China really! Don’t screw with me, shénjīng bìng (is something wrong with you)<ref>The 'shenjingbing' is said in Chinese which means 'stupid' or 'crazy', while the one inside the bracket is the translation from the author. </ref>!?”

Shouryuu reflexively cursed in Chinese.

Using that opening, Kazuki exchanged gaze with Lotte.

Lotte guessed everything from just his gaze and nodded. And then the spell chanting began.

A powerful reinforcement of the enemy―the operation was a failure. Retreat!

Kazuki estimated the timing and dashed at Lotte before embracing her.

Lotte cast [Deep Striker] with an exact timing.

A huge thruster unit was equipped on Lotte’s back and then she launched herself together with Kazuki that was holding at her high to the sky with enormous flame trailing behind them.

Ikousai and Shouryuu noticed simultaneously “”What-!?”” before yelling and looked up to the sky.

The resoluteness of the decision to escape and using Lotte’s Telepathy ability to its fullest, how Kazuki and Lotte matched their timing without giving any signal to each other managed to take the two by surprise.

“Wait, Hayashizaki Kazuki, don’t you run away from me-!!”

Ikousai jumped the air using [Tenrou Kaidan] and tried to chase the two who were flying.

However the speed of [Deep Striker] really couldn’t be caught up.

“…Just remember this, this time is my victory after all-!”

Ikousai who gave up fell to the ground while yelling.

“You think you who underestimated Lotte and got the Sacred Treasures stolen can be called the victor huh-!!”

Hearing the words Kazuki left behind, Ikousai was “Unuu―!” and raised a vexed voice.

When Kazuki and Lotte gained enough altitude, the force of the thruster was tilted from vertical to horizontal, they flew heading to the direction of Nagoya. Lotte laughed “Ehehe♪” being embraced tightly by Kazuki like this continuously.

“The rendezvous at the departure was also great but, the return home like this is nice too right desu-“

“But we also cannot be like this until we arrive. …Deep Striker!”

Kazuki too cast [Deep Striker] later than Lotte, then he separated his body from Lotte.

Lotte dropped her shoulder in disappointment. Ikousai had fallen behind however…,

“Waitt―! Fight mee―!!”

A shrill voice of a young boy was following them from behind.

“Kazuki-oniisan, he caught up!!”

Shouryuu who stood on a golden cloud was following them even now. In the first place that cloud had a speed that was not inferior against [Deep Striker], that was why he was able to catch up with them from Yokkaichi until here so quickly.

The Ishinogami Shrine on the ground had already looked like a speck of rice from here, but the Somersault Cloud was following them from that spot while trailing behind a golden trail―he approached near in the blink of eye.

The other side was fast!

“Howl! The civilization grant human destruction! The roar of wisdom scorch, break thy body, burying that dignity under the rubble!! Mitraileuse!”

Lotte equipped a gatling gun and directed one of her hand behind, scattering rain of bullets. However Shouryuu didn’t even try to dodge and Resist the bullet right from the front deflecting them. It didn’t even slow him down.

It was impossible to shake him off.

“Lotte! There is no other way to return to Nagoya other than fighting this guy here!”

Kazuki resolved himself and made an U-turn, facing Shouryuu.

Lotte stayed slightly behind Kazuki and took the stance of supporting Kazuki.

“Awesome, come just like this! We are going to play until you break yeah!! …Taking hold of the leading part is possible! O divine rare steel that hold infinite mass, hand down the strike that inflict certain kill to all evil! Nyoikinkobou!”

Inside Shoryuu’s both hands, a deep red pole was created before it was grasped.

“Gouge!!” With Shouryuu’s thundering voice, the pole ignored the law of conservation mass and elongated, approaching near Kazuki.

Fast. But Kazuki Foresighted it and already evaded from the point where the pole was elongating.

The pole that struck empty air shrank back as if rewinding, then after Shouryuu adjusted its angle, he directed it once more to Kazuki and it elongated. All of that was not Shouryuu drawing back the pole and thrusting it forward again, but because of the piston movement of the pole that lengthening out after shrinking back, it was even faster than any barrage of any kind of bojutsu<ref>Martial arts using stick as weapon</ref> master.

Kazuki spontaneously gulped his saliva. ―There was no doubt that most likely in Shouryuu there wasn’t any knowledge of martial arts whatsoever.

However that pole just by directing it to the enemy, made it possible to launch super high speed barrage into infinite distance automatically.

A powerful weapon that laughed derisively toward any martial arts training!

Kazuki who escaped using [Deep Striker] was pursued by consecutive strike from a pole that possessed thickness and force like the rapid fire of gatling gun bullets. The closing in attack that was like a [wall] of barrage was not something that could be evaded even with Foresight.

Lotte turned to Kazuki and chanted a magic.

“O wisdom that is piled up throughout human race’s history, became the multiple piles of armor that armored the body of that person! Heavily, thickly, reject every act of barbarity! Seusenhofer!!”

Lotte created an armor that shone white on Kazuki’s body in a close call.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA!!* With the raising terrific sounds, the pole tore apart the armor in the blink of eye. On top of its speed, there was also its amazing destructive power!

“Lightning fall on my body and I obtain lightning thought god speed…wake up the sleeping lion! Ride Lightning!!”

Because he believed that Lotte would chant a defensive magic on him, that was why Kazuki chanted a different magic.

The electric signal inside Kazuki’s brain was sped up and his thought power increased in activity. The force of the flame that spewed out from [Deep Striker] heightened and he accelerated all of sudden―Kazuki instantly circled outside Shouryuu’s line of sight.

“Uoo!? I can’t see him! Where is he!?”

No matter how fast the pole contracted and shrank, if the user couldn’t confirm by sight then the pole also couldn’t lengthen out.

I want offensive power. Just in the timing when Kazuki thought such thing, Lotte invoked a magic to him.

“Blitzkrieg!!”

On the dominant arm of Kazuki who was charging, a gigantic charging spear was created.

“Uoooo, I know it’s bad if I don’t know where he is going to come from! I feel a bad pressure!”

Shouryuu that lost sight of Kazuki screamed.

“Eei…o rock monkey of immortal body born and blessed by the aura of heaven and earth and alchemy of the heaven, please share thy grace in my body! {{furigana|Houten Shouchi・Ishisaru Henge|Law Heaven Phenomenon Earth・Rock Monkey Transformation}}!!”

Shouryuu emitted a glaring light in a flash, right after his body hardened from obtaining the color and hardness of rock. Kazuki’s thrust that surpassed the speed of sound *GAKIN* was blocked by a hard sensation.

Rock―even the electricity was made ineffective.

Kazuki’s strike was abated from the hard to believe defensive power that suddenly appeared. Even so Shouryuu scattered around a few lights of defensive magic power and he was blown away altogether with the Somersault Cloud.

―Even his defensive magic power was thick. His Resist technique was not as skilled as Kaguya-senpai or Beatrix, but the amount of his pure magic power was overwhelming.

Moreover magic power underwent a sudden growth from the age of high school student until adult age where it would reach the peak of the growth. But this young boy, no matter how he saw it, was still around middle school student’s age, an age where his magic power was still half-way developed. …What a monster.

While Kazuki shuddered from how his spear was repelled, he swiveled in high speed. He was going to charge at him from his blind spot again. Just like breaking apart a huge rock, there was no other way to fight other than kept charging no matter how many times at the owner of this enormous magic power and inflicted damage little by little.

“…Aa, shit! If you are going to keep charging from places I cannot see then even I have an idea yeah! …Genshin is overflowing right here, build the shape of mine unlimited body! {{furigana|Shingaishin no Hou|Law of Body Outside Body}}!!”

After Shouryuu chanted a magic with frightening concentration even while his magic power was thoroughly smashed, he took a large deep breath. Thereupon his magic power instantly swelled out, after that when Shouryuu blew out the breath from his mouth, from there tens of small Son Shouryuu flew out.

“!?” Kazuki was shocked and he drew back his charge before taking some distance.

The clone of small Shouryuu that were vomited out like a cluster of germ gradually became bigger when they were blown outside and grew to a size that didn’t lose to the original Shouryuu himself.

No, the swarm of Shouryuu that covered the sky completely had already became so like the original that one couldn’t differentiate which one was the original unless one concentrated and looked out for the magic power. Moreover those clone bodies were all riding Somersault Cloud and holding Nyoibou in their hand.<ref>The one magic Kazuki need in his repertoire with the number of the girl in his harem, and it’s in the hand of a boy. What the hell with this?</ref>

The eyes of the several dozens Shouryuu looked around the surrounding area gogglingly. No matter how much a master of martial arts one was, in this space it was already impossible to find Shouryuu’s blind spot.

―An ill feeling flashed through Kazuki’s mind.

“Lotte, get away! Run away as fast as possible…tch!!”

“Destroy, destroy! Destroy everything all of me!! Just destroyyy, Nyoibou!!”

The several tens of Shouryuu moved randomly on their Somersault Cloud in high speed while they brandished around the Nyoibou in their hand making it shrank and elongated like a piston. All inside his line of sight was filled completely with trajectories of Nyoibou.

The next moment, a terrific impact came.

That was a small microcosmos of strike where all the space was filled completely with strikes.

This is bad! …All of his defensive magic power was going to get smashed wholly just in an instant!

…Zekorbeni!!

Kazuki summoned a pendant on his chest and he concentrated his mind into it. He became strongly conscious of his bond with Mio who was separated far away from him, from that bond he drew out the mental body of Phoenix and resided him inside the pendant. The pendant that was possessed by a Diva fiercely spouted out flame.

“Mode・Phoenix!!”

Kazuki performed {{furigana|Order|Phenomenon Request}} directly into Phoenix who was in Drive inside the pendant. Due to this even Phoenix’s high level magic that originally needed long time of chanting became able to be Cast even in a short time. In exchange, a large amount of magic power was poured into the thick circuit in one go and he felt like his mind withered away.

But if he just left this alone than to escape from this infinite strikes that continued eternally was…!

“…O undying bird that soar from twilight to dawn, please grant that wing of hope on my back! The destruction for the sake of rebirth right here…! Blazing Wings!”

While his magic power got scraped off crunchingly from the strikes, Kazuki spread out gigantic flame wings from his back. Compared to the same magic that was chanted in a normal time, that flame wings was so large like a cloud that covered the sky.

Kazuki rotated his body in a swirl and waved around the wings of flame. The gigantic belt of flame with the diameter that even reached several dozen meters swallowed the several dozens of Shouryuu clones in the surrounding.

The clone bodies of Shouryuu that was swallowed into the flame all became motes of light one after another and vanished.

The clone bodies that escaped from the difficulty fired voices of agitation from their mouths.

“Crap” “Crap” “Crap” “What the hell is that, awesome” “Now that I remember, this guy is a King” “That’s so, so this is a part of Solomon King’s Authority” “On top of one vs two this is frankly awful” “But exactly because of that this is interesting” “Right, this is interesting” “Yossha, from here is the main performance yeah!”

The wings of flame turned to the clone bodies of Shouryuu and Kazuki extinguished them one after another.

At the last the original Shouryuu remained. Shouryuu glared at Kazuki with eyes in high spirits from his vigor. While Kazuki was making the clone bodies his opponents, it seemed that Shouryuu was chanting some kind of magic.

With expression that projected strong confidence, he was going to cast that magic he chanted―right at that time.

“Warning! Immediately cease the battle!”

Suddenly a cold voice of a female rang out from the far away. It was a loud voice that was amplified by magic power.

“Warning! Immediately cease the battle! I will begin attack to those who don’t comply with the warning-!!”

After the voice, a thunder ran horizontally. A giant thunder from beyond the west ran into right in the middle between Kazuki and Shouryuu. When that thunder vanished, from there a single figure of a woman appeared.

Riding thunder to appear here―rather than that it was as if the form of the woman was changed into a thunder.

She was a woman that clad in a Magic Dress that looked similar like a pure white dress. Her platinum blond hair and dress’ sleeves fluttered in rustle from the strong wind of the sky.

She had a look and color skin that was obviously not Japanese or Chinese.

That gaze of hers had no wavering in it, emitting a sizzling silent pressure.

“I, Ilyailiya Muromets!!”

Shouryuu was…raising a voice that overturned his impression of this flawless young man from how shook up he sounded.

The woman called Ilyailiya turned at Shouryuu with a clear light blue eyes.

“…I’ll overlook the impertinence of calling my name without honorific because you are not someone that I don’t know. Rather than that…I should have already advised Yamato to [propose to Japan for the occassion of ceasefire arrangement]. After all rather than entering ceasefire because of other country’s intervention, proposing the ceasefire from oneself beforehand will make your position better later on. Despite that why are you still taking combat action, explain yourself.”

“The one who started the fight is Japan! When we thought of making the preparation to propose the ceasefire agreement just like you told us, they suddenly came attacking us with incredible force you know! It’s still around one week after Sekigahara yeah!? It’s unbelievable but, we can’t just stand around and not intercept right-!?”

“…I understood the situation. In various meaning I didn’t make it in time, that’s it. Then with I who stand as the mediator, halt the battle right now immediately.”

“…Screw that! In front of a toy this delicious, how can I just stop fighting…”

“I have predicted that response. Your belligerent personality makes the situation complicated. Therefore I have begun attacking already.”

“What, already?” Shouryuu made an expression of realization and looked up, then yelled. “…UOOOO, from the sky!?”

―From the sky above, several dots of light blinked in a momentary flash. Those small dots of light became bigger in a blink of eye and covered Kazuki and Shouryuu overhead completely.

It was falling while spouting out flame from the air friction of the atmosphere, countless numbers of meteors.

“Sayonara. If it’s you then you won’t die that easily.”

Ilyailiya became a thunder once again. The humanoid light that was half human and half thunder first turned up below Kazuki where she held Kazuki under her arm.

Right there because he didn’t feel any ill will or hostility, Kazuki let himself get taken away just like that.

Next she rushed under Lotte who was separated far away and then she also carried Lotte under her arm.

Both of them were carried under her arms and escaped outside the attack range of the meteors with undoubtedly a lightning speed. It was a speed that struck them with admiration. This female magician was far and away―in a different dimension of speed even more than [Deep Striker] or Shouryuu’s Somersault Cloud. In an instant only Shouryuu who was the only one left right under the countless meteors.

“UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOII-!!”

Shouryuu raised a scream while rushing his Somersault Cloud, but with that speed he was unable to get away from the range of the meteors. The meteors rained down on Shouryuu one after another.

“GYAWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

The instant the meteor crashed into Shouryuu, the trajectory of the meteor changed from vertical into straight horizontal. There was no mistake that it was controlled according to Ilyailiya’s will. It was an unnatural movement that ignored gravity.

“aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-!”

The meteor brought Shouryuu horizontally far away east to the direction of Pacific Ocean.

That scream of his gradually became smaller and then vanished.

“If you crash into the ground surface just like that then it will bring about damage, therefore I will vanish the meteor after it brings you around the area just before Hawaii. I want you to be relieved.”

While saying such with emotionless voice that made one feel even some brusqueness, Ilyailiya let go Kazuki and Lotte.

Kazuki and Lotte were hovering back with their own power using [Deep Striker] and faced the girl.

“Who in the world are you…?”

…The attack magic before. The phenomenon body she invoked was similar to both Ryuutaki-senpai’s Union Magic.

However even though it was a magic of such scale, ''he didn’t grasp the signs of her chanting and invocation at all''. Even her magic that changed her into thunder and moved in high speed was also like that.

She cast magic without any omen of magic power. What in the world was this power….

“O soldiers of Japan, first let me apologize for my impoliteness of visiting Yamato’s side preceding your side.”

Her short conversation with Shouryuu before this displayed that she was an acquaintance of that young boy.

“…I am the envoy from Russia Empire. I came to give my counsel to put a ceasefire in this conflict that might destroy the balance of the world. I want you to somehow accept the ceasefire.”

Ilyailiya said while bowing her head uneventfully.

The envoy from Russia…! Kazuki worked his brain in fluster. What kind of matter this is?

From her way of talking just now, it seemed she had visited Yamato and sent her advice to them.

Her mouth said that she apologize but, it was obvious that Russia was leaning closer to Yamato rather than Japan. Kazuki harbored a suspicion to this person that stood in front of his eyes and stared intensely at her vigilantly.

“My name is Ilyailiya Muromets. We exchange contract with the supreme deity of Mythology that governed all phenomenon of heaven, <Svarog>. I am the Emperor of Russia Empire. {{furigana|Grozny Basilleus|Thunder Emperor}}<ref>Grozny, it means “awesome”, “fearsome”, “redoubtable” in Russian. The same word as in Ivan Grozny or Ivan the terrible. Could also mean "Someone who should be feared".</ref>, that’s what the people and other countries call me.”

Kazuki’s face instantly turned pure white. Russia’s, Emperor…!?

“It is my pride that I can run faster than anyone in my country. Therefore I came here alone. O soldier, I want you to guide me into Japan’s territory.”

It seemed that Ilyailiya didn’t know that Kazuki was a King. But he was just a student, so she was also not wrong.

Kazuki nodded without correcting her.

“I understand. However even on the ground is still in battle…”

“That worry is unnecessary. I heard that Britain and Italia are also coming here. They are surely slower than me, but right about now should be a suitable time for them to finally advice the ceasefire on the battlefield on the ground. …Now, I will match my speed with the two of you, so show me the way.”

―This day, a ceasefire was formed in the civil war between Japan and Yamato.

In reality, that fact had the meaning that Yamato was recognized as a country in the international community.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 6 Chapter 1

2015-10-11T18:36:07Z

Tman111: /* Part 6 */ tweaked wordings to have better flow

==Chapter 1 - To the Sea of Abundant Land==

===Part 1===

Kaya was grateful to the politicians of Yamato.

To be able to make contact with this person so very easily was exactly because there was the channel that they built with Chūkadou by spending efforts for months and years.

This meeting was an extremely important critical juncture with regards to Loki’s plan.

The pure gold chandelier was illuminating the space that was painted vermilion. Chūkadou’s <Shibi<ref>Purple Forbidden Enclosure (group of constellations in the northern sky associated with the emperor)</ref> Palace>. That palace was richly colored with red and gold―the master of heaven’s decree, the emperor of China’s palace.

The imperial capital that loudly proclaimed that Chūkadou is the center of the world, right now Kaya was in Beijing.

There was no one else inside the room with Kaya except for that person. This was not a public audience, but a confidential talk that was conducted inside that person’s private room. Sitting on a rosewood table and chairs decorated with mother of pearl craftsmanship, Kaya and that person faced each other as if they were fellow friends with very intimate relationship.

“Fufufu…. O messenger from Yamato. No, o our friend. You are asking [if perhaps I might be able to borrow your strength], what an odd way of talking that is.”

That person’s lips that was distinctly drawn with vivid red warped into the shape of crescent moon from her laugh.

She was still a girl in the middle of her teens, but excess makeup was applied all over her face. In China the use of cosmetics was not approved except for nobles. Nonetheless, because the magicians of this era utilized their magic power and polished their beauty of figure from the Prima Material of the skin, people who relied on using cosmetics rarely existed.

When the girl let out a laughing voice, *sharin sharin* such sound was ringing. Each time this person made even the slightest movement, the many ornaments that were attached in excess all over her whole body raised a sound.

The robe that the girl currently wore was a purple {{furigana|Lóng páo
|Dragon Robe}}. A [color restriction] permitted only for the emperor, a fabric in the color of deep purple decorated with countless precious stones, as if her whole body was clad completely with the full starry sky.

The weight of all the ornaments on the girl’s body easily surpassed ten times her own weight. For the sake of enduring that weight, the girl was constantly using Enchant Aura, blue light was constantly emitted from her whole body. That light was reflected by the countless precious stones, making her sparkle intensely.

The excessively shining girl.

Most likely even with unpainted face, even with her body naked, she was surely an owner of beautiful looks, as perfect as human limit allowed.

But with the girl’s standing, ''mere beauty within human limit was insufficient.''

The girl used up every methods, she had to be an existence that was as if a star that was shining brightly in the center of heaven.

Because the girl was a symbol.

A girl that was like the height of the star―the girl’s name was <Reborn Emperor> Fu Zi.

The personification of China’s ideal. She was the {{furigana|Emperor|Basileus}} of Chūkadou.

Among the vast population of Chūkadou, she was an existence chosen as the possessor of the strongest magic power.

“What do you mean, odd way of talking…?” Kaya tilted her head in an intimate behavior.

If the character in front of her was a King, then Kaya was a god. There was no reason to not be confident.

“No matter how much China is a really great country, be that as it may, it has enemy nations in every direction. While dealing with them, you are also in the position of having to check the other Magic Advanced Countries in place. We could exchange good intimacy with each other in this way, however because of that I must not be a bother for you…that was my thinking.”

“There are two mistakes in those words of yours.”

The emperor of China, Fu Zi flatly concluded with haughty tone of voice.

“One. People who are hostile to our country, are not equal to a country. They are mere barbarians.”

Now that she said that, that’s really so, Kaya recalled it.

The Magic Advanced Countries other than Japan didn’t consider other undeveloped country as equivalent to a nation. The undeveloped countries in Europe were considered protection target as colony country, while this China…considered them as barbarians.

China saw them as objects to be invaded and controlled. They didn’t even get called as hostile [country].

“Two. We the Chūkadou, our heart, cannot possibly be so narrow-minded to see a great cause and abandon it behind. Our heart is China’s heart. Indeed, certainly matters we have to do are really in great numbers. We are somewhat busy. However even so for you who are our friend, we don’t want to hear such reserved words. Rely on our heart even more honestly, it doesn’t matter even if you depend on us completely you know?”

Raising a *sharin* sound, Fu Zi threw out her chest. In contrary to Fu Zi’s behavior, if she was wearing different ornaments on her whole body, the girl that had a body with small build would look cute.

This fellow really said some incredible things huh…Kaya was amazed inside her heart. This little emperor said [I want you to depend on us] to Loki who though imperfect was a god.

“As for us, it’s better if we have you as insurance in case we are in a pinch you know.”

Kaya made a modest smile.

“Hmm, is that so. But that reservation, 'tis no problem. Your consideration to us, 'tis really not a problem. Then until you open your heart and seek for assistance from us, we are going to look forward to it.”

Right there Fu Zi made a wide grin suitable for her age to Kaya.

It was an innocent smile but…of course as the emperor there was no way she was going to promise aid to Kaya without asking for anything as compensation. Kaya and Loki were noticing the real intention of that smile.

That China was desiring for a just cause.

In contrast with the King of Solomon that increased his power by means of positivity level that was the <power of bond>, the King of China possessed the <power of heaven’s decree> that [increased her power, the more the territory she controlled widened].

However if China sets out to invade the surrounding countries publicly, there was no way the other Magic Advanced Countries are going to stay quiet.

That was why they made false charges with reason that sounded most right against other countries, or intervened in other countries' problem and then demand compensation. Using this and those methods, they took advantage of the other party.

If China received appeal from Yamato like [we wish for cooperation for the sake of recovering the true Japan from those devils of Solomon] or something like that, it was a wish come true for the just cause to justify their armed intervention.

If Yamato obtained the cooperation of China and achieved the unification of Japan archipelago, China would make Yamato into China’s puppet country in no time at all and gradually swallow them until there was nothing left of Yamato. That was what Fu Zi aimed for.

But the major politicians of Yamato were thinking that they didn’t particularly mind even if their country became like that.

Because most of them were spies from China anyway.

Loki too was the same, he wouldn’t particularly mind if it developed into that kind of situation. Only if that created even further Chaos.

There was not even a single person among the leaders of Yamato that thought of Japan archipelago as important from the bottom of their heart.

This conference―was a secret agreement to surrender the future of the archipelago to China in the time to come.

“Fufufu, 'tis no problem, 'tis no problem at all. We want to go help your Yamato as quickly as we can.”

The emperor laughed with her body shaking. It was a smiling face that made her real intention even more conspicuous yet on the contrary emphasized her innocence instead.

“To be able to become your friend like this is really reassuring for me. Hiroko-chan.”

“What’s with that, calling us Hiroko-chan?”

The smile vanished from Fu Zi’s face and she made a dubious face in return.

Kaya recovered her behavior that was as if making fun of other people’s characteristic and answered.

“It was how your name is called in the style of Japan. It’s the proof of our friendship, calling you with that nickname.”

“Hmm. Well fine. 'Tis particularly no problem. Although you are from other Mythology but you are still someone called as god. ''For now'' as a proof of friendship I’m going to accept that nickname.”

Fu Zi laughed generously. Kaya too, returned it with a smile.

Even while exchanging an intimate secret talk, Kaya was looking in a different direction from Fu Zi.

The objective of Chūkadou’s Mythology was Order through control. However Kaya and Loki’s objective was to demolish the balance of the world and bring forth Chaos. For the sake of that objective, this war between Japan and Yamato was one of the steps.

For Kaya, victory and defeat was of no importance.

===Part 2===

“Uwaa…amazing…it stretches the trousers tightly and becomes like mount Fuji…”

It was a voice like when a child was standing in front of a decorated cake and gets enraptured on seeing it.

Kazuki heard that voice inside his dozing consciousness. And then right after that, he received an ambiguous sweet stimulus.

“Wah, it’s hard! It’s sprang around throbbing when it was pulled! Ahaha, what a rambunctious kid! Somehow it’s really cute. Take this, and that!”

Stimulus was running in his lower body with throb, throb.

“What kind of shape it will become huh? Rub rub.”

Kazuki’s lower body unconsciously startled. …He was still sleeping and there was no consciousness yet in him. However in the depths of his sleep, his instincts were ringing out his warning alarm. Something bad was being done to him…!

Little by little, Kazuki’s consciousness was being awakened.

“I wonder if he will wake up if I lower his trousers. But, I really want to see it directly~“

<nowiki>*</nowiki>slit* Some sensation was slipping around the area of his waist. Because of that strong stimulus, Kazuki was awakened.

His blurred vision gradually connected the dots. What was in front of Kazuki’s eyes was―a girl’s lower body. Covered in a water colored fit-wear, a panorama of a butt, crotch and thighs.

Someone was directing her lower body to Kazuki’s face and straddled in reverse on top of Kazuki.

The other party’s face couldn’t be seen from Kazuki’s view but there was no doubt that this fit-wear was Hikaru-senpai’s.

The fit-wear that was even thinner compared to spats was gluing tightly to the soft bottom and thighs, and also the plump swelling crotch that got caught between them. It was really making the details come to the surface perfectly as if the wearer was naked. The only difference with nakedness was that the area was not skin colored but water colored.

Such an [important place] of Hikaru-senpai that was [almost similar with naked] was placed right in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

His half asleep mind was rapidly boiling up and then Kazuki yelled.

“Se, senpai! What are you doing!?”

Hikaru-senpai had stripped the trouser that Kazuki wore as pajamas and currently was placing her hands right on Kazuki’s trunks. And then Kazuki’s unprepared and moreover involuntary morning physiology phenomenon had risen, pushing up the middle part of his trunks towering like mount Fuji.

This was a super dangerous situation. Kazuki pulled up his trunks in panic.

“Kazuki, you woke up!? Not that, it’s no good if you raise such a loud voice!”

Hikaru-senpai looked to the side after having said that. Beside the two, Kaguya-senpai was still breathing lightly *suyasuya* in her sleep.

This place was not Kazuki’s usual room in the Witch’s Mansion.

Here was the front line of the war between east Japan and west Japan―the Knight Order’s garrison of Nagoya. It was the plot of land and building that was once called Aichi Prefectural Police that was repaired for the sake of the Knight Order’s activity.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.06 015.jpg|thumb]]

The students of the Knight Academy that were recruited for the war against Yamato were lodging in the rooms that were allocated to them inside the garrison building. Kazuki became the room partner of Kaguya-senpai once again, and then there was Hikaru-senpai who slipped in , which made the three of them sleep together inside the room last night.

…He was careless. Even though usually he was the first one to wake up, it seemed yesterday he was really tired.

“Ahaha, when I saw Kazuki’s cute sleeping face, I became unable to contain my feelings. I want to leave my body to the instincts as a girl-!”

Hikaru-senpai smiled invigoratingly and then unhesitatingly tried once more to lower Kazuki’s trunks. Kazuki grabbed hold of his trunks in panic and barely managed to cling onto the fabric.

“Please wait, senpai is too honest with yourself! Don’t just do something like lowering someone’s pants using the chance when they are sleeping!!”

When Kazuki raised a scream, Hikaru-senpai took a glance at the direction of the sleeping Kaguya-senpai worriedly.

“That’s why I told you already that it’s not good to make a loud voice-! Kaguya is going to wake up!! …Eiii-!”

Towards the face of Kazuki who was raising a scream―Hikaru-senpai’s crotch was lowered.

The bulge that was tinged with plump roundness was pressing onto Kazuki’s mouth. Then both of senpai’s thighs locked onto Kazuki’s face from the sides firmly. Kazuki’s lower face was enveloped in a sweet sensation of touch.

“Muguu!? Fenfai, fanfufafefefufafaifo―!”

Kazuki raised a scream but his voice was suppressed completely by girl’s [meat].

When Kazuki moved his lips gasping, Hikaru-senpai went “hyann!?” raising a high pitched voice and her hips jumped with a start.

“Ka, Kazuki!? When you squirm your mouth there…somehow there is this strange feeling-!”

Against the sensation of Kazuki’s moving lips, Hikaru-senpai began to push down lasciviously and wriggled her hips back and forth.

Kazuki noticed once again that something came into contact with his mouth and then he shut his mouth.

“Wha, what is this…I don’t know this kind of sensation…but this might feel a little good…”

Hikaru-senpai took an erotic breath. Even when Kazuki finally shut his mouth and stopped stimulating the pressing body, Hikaru-senpai proactively press down her nether region and started grinding.

Then Kazuki’s nose got caught inside the caving in spot in the middle of the plump bulge of her nether region.

“Hyan! …Ju, just now was amazing!”

Hikaru-senpai’s spinal column was noticeably trembling intensely in shudders.

Not good. Hikaru-senpai who was innocent about genders was learning about something completely unthinkable.

Moreover on top of a person’s face.

Senpai’s hip movement became even more intense. It was unclear whether it was from Kazuki’s exhalation or from the sweat that senpai was perspiring, but the fit-wear was starting to become slippery with moisture and tinged with luster.

Hikaru-senpai’s body hygiene that was retained by the power of magic caused the sweat that she perspired to have the scent of a pure girl. That scent passed through Kazuki’s reasoning without stopping and shook his instinct. That unthinkable spot had been pressed onto his face for some time. If he was being exposed to this much lewd temptation, then no matter how much he….

Rather, if it kept like this, soon he’d….

…No wait, calm down. He must not get tempted by senpai’s innocence and step off the straight path!

Kazuki sharpened his mind with the concentration power of a swordsman and cleared away all the wicked thoughts.

Because of Hikaru-senpai’s utmost effort in pressing her hips to Kazuki’s face, her attention had been averted from his trunks. Right there Kazuki parted his hands from holding on his trunks, then his hands that became free were tightly pinning down Hikaru-senpai’s hips that continued to move grazingly.

“Kazuki!? ……moree…”

Hikaru-senpai who was possessed by the unknown pleasure directed an unsatisfied face at his way.

“This is not good. Senpai, this is bad. As a maiden, please endure that sensation.”

“Mu―. Kazuki…then, show me your penis.”

“That’s not good. What do you mean by [then], I completely don’t get it.”

“Mu―. By any chance, did I almost do something more dangerous than I thought?”

In Hikaru-senpai’s expression, a color of anxiety flashed for a moment. Just as he thought it seemed she wasn’t conscious of it herself.

Because Hikaru-senpai lived the falsehood that [she was a prince] for a long time, inside her, her self-awareness as a girl was still immature. In contrast with that, her instinct and body had already begun to mature as a girl. That unbalance was inside senpai.

“It was really dangerous, but it’s okay. I won’t hate senpai because of that kind of thing. Rather it’s exactly because I like senpai that it’s dangerous. …Haaa-!”

Kazuki put his strength to both his hands and tore Hikaru-senpai’s body from him with a roll.

The rolling Hikaru-senpai was “cheeh” and sharpened her lips while both her legs were fidgeting and rubbing together.

“Even though this is the rare chance where I woke up even earlier than Kazuki with my hard work, for some reason my chest is smoldering like this.”

“…Kazuki-kuu~n.”

Did her sleep became shallow from the sounds, Kaguya-senpai embraced him tightly from the side. He was enveloped in a soft and warm sensation. Her face felt like she was still half asleep. Similar with Hikaru-senpai in her fit-wear appearance, the magic power of Kaguya-senpai’s Magic Dress came apart in her sleep and she transformed into her negligee appearance.

“Kazuki-kun, kiss~”

While Kaguya-senpai was half asleep, she pushed out her lips to Kazuki.

Among the residents of the Witch’s Mansion, Kaguya-senpai was the only one who still hadn’t experienced the [lips-to-lips kiss].

The person herself was terribly concerned of it inside her heart.

However when Kazuki kissed the lips of a girl, he was able to use a one-time only trump card where he could perform the Materialized Summoning of the contracted Diva. Kaguya-senpai decided that she wouldn’t [throw away uselessly] that trump card, and determined by herself that she would harden her heart and be patient for the kiss until the hour of need.

Kazuki respected that wish of hers and presented his cheek and not his lips.

“Nn~” Kaguya-senpai sucked his cheek and fawned on him. For some reason she cutely looked like a child.

This was the Kaguya-senpai who usually acted like a big sister, but in her heart she surely wanted to depend on someone.

“Kazuki~, me too!”

Hikaru-senpai hugged him from the other side and kissed *chuu* his other cheek with pleasant feeling.

“Both of you, let’s get out from the bed soon. We are going to go to the beach today after all.”

“I’m really looking forward to it, the sea!”

The forehead of Hikaru-senpai who was making an excited voice pushed into Kazuki with a bump.

“We are not going there to play you know, Hikaru-senpai.”

The war between Japan and Yamato.

For the sake of the vital counterattack strategy in this war, Kazuki is going to cross the sea and sneak into Ise Shrine.

===Part 3===

Aichi prefecture looked similar to a monster’s face that grew fangs. The two peninsulas growing out at the southern part of the prefecture looked perfectly similar like two jutting out fangs―the west Chita peninsula and the east Atsumi peninsula.

From here, Kazuki and the others would head first to the furthest point of Atsumi peninsula as their destination, the <Irago cape>.

When they arrived at this Irago cape, there was Mie prefecture across Ise Bay.

Mie prefecture had similar shape with the shape of katakana ‘ト’. After they crossed Ise bay and landed on the protrusion that jutted out to the east, they just needed to advance a little further to reach Ise Shrine.

The shortest distance sea route crossing Irago cape to Mie prefecture was called <Irago Water Path> from the ancient times.

“Together with Kazuha-senpai, I’m going to cross Irago water path and infiltrate Yamato and then invade Ise Shrine. It seems that the {{furigana|boss|chief god}} of Japanese Mythology is there.”

Kazuki and company were headed to Irago cape riding in the car of the Knight Order. With just a glance it was just a black sedan that didn’t look like a military car. Kazuki was sitting in the middle of that car’s comfortable back seat. At his sides were Mio on the right and Kanae on the left sitting with him. Kazuki was explaining the strategy once more to the two girls [who were still wearing a dissatisfied face].

“Why is it only Kazuki and Tsukahara-senpai alone? I cannot consent on that point at all!”

When Mio pouted her lips and expressed her dissatisfaction, Kanae too was “That’s right, right there!” and voiced her agreement with Mio.

“This is an infiltration operation after all, we have to use the minimum number of personnel so we don’t stand out. And also the objective is to persuade the boss of Japanese Mythology to pull their hands out of this war, so I must go together with Kazuha-senpai that is contracted with Futsunushi no Kami of the same Japanese Mythology. There is really a proper reason for all this you see.”

Mio and Kanae were silent. They had no room to object in this operation.

There was no other way than this…this operation felt like that. It made him felt somewhat constrained, however….

“It seems because of that bunch from Yamato were breaking into many shrines, that the Divas of Japanese Mythology transformed into this state called <Wild God>. Right there that bunch from Yamato instigated them that [the one that broke into the shrines was Japan government], and then those Wild Gods were won over into becoming Yamato’s comrades. That’s the story.”

“Using that kind of method that look like children’s pranks…what a nuisance those guys are.”

Kanae breathed out a deep sigh. After all the one that was exposed to the full brunt of the Wild Gods’ menace were Kanae and the swordsmen.

The Shrine Maiden of Yamato had short chanting time because their body hosted the Wild Gods, making them able to use Drive. They kicked around the front line swordsmen with might like that of a rapid-fire cannon.

As expected, for them to have short chanting time was a large threat.

…However if the Japanese Divas turned into enemy because of a simple misunderstanding, then there are room for persuasion.

“The Japanese Divas that are in Wild God state doesn’t have the ears to listen to our voice. However when the Shrine Maiden that is in Drive is defeated and falls into magic intoxication, it seems the Wild God that possessed them will also quiet down and return to sanity.”

From the battle before―in [Magic War・Okehazama], one of the Shrine Maidens were captured and as a result <Ame no Uzume> that possessed her was returned to her sanity. Ame no Uzume lent her ear to Kazuki and Futsunushi-no-Kami’s persuasion and pulled out her participation from the battle.

But the number of the Shrine Maidens was not only one or two, there were more than hundreds of them on the war front. It was not an easy matter to defeat them and persuade all the Wild Gods. Right there…,

“Futsunushi-no-Kami said, when we beat the [chief god of Japanese Mythology] in Ise Shrine and her sanity returned from the Wild God state, it seems that all the other Japanese Divas will all return to their senses too.”

Chief God―an existence that exerted its influence on all the other Divas in that Mythology.

If people talked about Japanese Mythology’s chief god that was deified in Ise Shrine, there was none other than <Amaterasu-ōmikami>. Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai would infiltrate into Ise Shrine and defeat Amaterasu who had turned into a Wild God. Then if they could persuade her, it was the same as destroying the military power of Yamato.

In the event that Yamato’s government fell into turmoil from suddenly losing the cooperation of Japanese Mythology, the Knight Order would commence attack without wasting any time. That was the strategy this time―[Magic War・Sekigahara].

“We are giving you a pair of beacons, so if you succeeded in defeating Amaterasu, send a signal with them. If the operation is a success it’s the blue beacon, if it’s a failure use the red beacon.”

From the driver seat, the sunglasses wearing Akane-senpai faced Kazuki with a glance and said that.

Beacon―it was a method to transmit a code by raising a colored smoke.

“Beacon is it…it feels like that this item is in the wrong period somehow.” Kazuki unintentionally displayed his anger.

“It’s fine feeling like we are in Sengoku period right? …Well that was just a joke, with the current situation like this where all the long range communications between east and west Japan are blocked, there really is no other effective method of contact you know.”

Before the coup d'état, Yamato made preparations in secret toward the infrastructure business through the politicians, and then they immediately severed the radio wave and internet access between east and west Japan.

“But don’t look down on this beacon okay, we were requesting a skilled alchemist for the sake of the operation this time to make this custom-made item in just one night. This is not using smoke but it will blow a fire pillar high to the sky that should be able to be confirmed from Ise to Nagoya even in the middle of the night.”

“If this is that flashy, even the opponent will notice it.”

“If there is a method that cannot be noticed by the opponent where we can exchange conversation, that will be the best though. That’s why swiftness will become important in this operation. Our side has also made preparation beforehand so as not to grant the enemy time to prepare, that the moment we receive the signal we can immediately invade.”

Akane-senpai smoothly drove the large-type sedan while explaining.

“…Nonetheless it’s really amazing isn’t it, to be able to manage this kind of big car.”

“Hehehe, she is cool right! The senpai I’m proud of!”

Hikaru-senpai that was sitting in the assistant driver’s seat happily looked back. For Hikaru-senpai who was the present vice president of the student council, Akane-senpai who was the former vice president was a direct senior that taught her how to do the work.

“I went to a training camp for a short period to take my license when I became a third year. Because a car is the knights’ feet.”

From the sunlight that shone through the front glass, the sunglasses that Akane-senpai was wearing shone brightly.

Kazuki and company rode three cars that were prepared by the Knight Order separately and headed to Irago cape.

The ones who was in charge of driving in each car respectively were Kanon-senpai, Akane-senpai, and Lotte.

Lotte who was still 15 years old was of course unlicensed, but because the Diva of civilization Prometheus was dwelling inside her body, she was able to drive any kind of vehicle.

Except for the three sedans that were running in line on the road, there was no other car they could see.

That was because the surroundings of Nagoya had been designated as an evacuation zone. This place was a townscape in a state of emergency.

“…But why did we bring everyone else together with us? I thought that the only one needed for this operation is only Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai though.”

“It would be too conspicuous if we choose to bring along only you and Tsukahara-san. Because in this extremely secret operation, we have to carry out this plan without even letting the knights of the Knight Order know.”

…I see, the spy from Yamato that had infiltrated the inner part of the Knight Order.

This infiltration mission couldn’t be leaked out even to his allies.

The only one from the internal of the Knight Order who knew about this strategy was only the strategy planner Commander Yamagata.

“We are taking all of you under the pretense of rewarding the students that gave distinguished service in the previous battle with vacation. Also with the massing of battle strength of east Japan here, our shortage of personnel is also being reduced, so the timing also looked natural right?”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.06 023.jpg|thumb]]

In the first place Kazuki and the other students were recruited into the front line of this war because the Knight Orders had personnel shortage. Matching their timing with the coup d’etat of Yamato, the illegal magicians of Yamato that were scattered through east Japan began their guerilla activity. With the Knight Order’s personnel taken to suppress the illegal magicians, the Knight Order right after the coup d’etat became too preoccupied to even think of fighting a war.

But right now most of the illegal magicians had been suppressed and the battle strength was in the process of being amassed in this front line. When it became like this, there was no need to work the cadets that were still nothing more than students non-stop.

Because of that reason Kazuki and the others who gave distinguished service in the previous battle were granted with vacation as reward…there was some carefreeness saying it like that but it was not really much of a strange story.

There was a beach that was suitable for swimming at Irago cape.

“Of course that’s just the cover story, all of you of the <Knight Academy Regiment> are separated from the command system of the top brass and can move freely and you will be allowed to keep moving like that from now on as an independent unit.”

The spy from Yamato was most likely had penetrated into as far as the top brass of the Knight Order. All the action of the Knight Order had to be reported in detail to the top brass so everything became completely leaked to the spy.

The Knight Academy was independent from that {{furigana|hierarchy|chain of command}} and stood as a different organization, making them able to move only at Headmaster Amasaki’s own discretion. The Knight Academy regiment that was composed from the students was the sole unit that was able to conduct a strategy without its information getting leaked to Yamato.

“Nii-sama, please look forward to Kanae’s swimsuit appearance okay!”

“…Somehow I lost my nervousness with Kanae by my side huh.”

Though for Kazuki this vacation till the end was just a camouflage.

However for everyone else who practically wouldn’t engage in this infiltration operation, this was just a normal vacation.

“Kazuki too also has the time to play together with us for a little right?”

Mio hugged Kazuki’s arm tightly from the right side.

―The car was going south to the Atsumi peninsula for a total of two hours. Leaving far from Nagoya that was unfolding like an uncouth urban warfare, the scenery was transformed into something that made them feel the atmosphere of vacation in southern country.

Palm trees were growing beside the road along the coastline.

From the gap between the palm trees, the sea was finally visible.

“That’s the sea Nii-sama-!” Kanae raised an excited voice first. Kazuki was spontaneously half-rising from his seat, and the morning breeze rushed inside the car when Akane-senpai tactfully opened the car window.

Since it was June, it was still not yet the period when the beach had opened.

The sandy beach they finally arrived at was like a private beach.

All the beach houses on the beach was in a state of closing vacation. But it seemed not everything was in the state of being unmanned. Right after they arrived, Akane-senpai entered one of the beach houses where inside she made some kind of talk with the shopkeeper.

It seemed the Knight Order had negotiated with this beach house, where they were given permission that it was fine to use the changing room and shower freely. After a while, Akane-senpai came out from the beach house.

“For the time being Kazuki and everyone else too, change into your swimsuit.”

Everyone raised a cheer and entered the female changing room.

Kazuki too entered the male changing room by his lonesome.

…Being surrounded by girls in swimsuit, when the only male was him.

How amazing…, Kazuki thought once more. He hadn’t thought that this environment was amazing or the like after coming this far, but he was thinking that his reasoning that was able to endure in this environment was really awesome.

Kazuki changed into trunks-type swimsuit with a swiftness that could be said is the privilege of male.

On the other side, he could hear strange voices like “Roo―ck paa―per…” from the girl's changing room. What were they doing in there? Kazuki didn’t take any mind of it, but went down and stood on the sandy beach alone before everyone else.

The sensation of the sands on the sole of his feet felt good. The temperature was still a little cool, but a magician could control temperature using Pyrokinesis. Controlling heat and cold was the magic that humans who had obtained magic power naturally learned the foremost.

The swimsuit was something they received from the purchase by the Knight Order from an unmanned department store in Nagoya. Kazuki and the others were told to choose whatever they like. Someone like Mio had her eyes shining from all the high-class brands at that time.

“Ottoo―to-kunn♪”

While he was staring at the sea, an excited voice was calling out from behind.

When he looked back, the one who came out first from the girl’s changing room was Kaguya-senpai in a black bikini.

Kaguya-senpai looked like she wanted to say something, she was looking at Kazuki with broad grin.

“…It’s really an adult swimsuit isn’t it? The swimsuit really matches senpai well.”

“Fufufuu, when I’m like this, it’s different from using Magic Dress, what a relief.”

Kaguya-senpai pulled the hem of the pareo she wore tightly. When Kaguya-senpai lapsed into delirium because of Asmodeus, she went beyond daring and acted a little like that, but actually she also felt embarrassed just like other people.

However although the pareo in her lower body lowered the exposure rate, the destructive power of her chest bikini was tremendous. It was heavily drooping bouncingly, that even now, it looked like it was going to burst out. In addition even though her hips were constricted tightly, her thighs were too voluptuous, what a really lewd body.

…He was too conscious of it, that the atmosphere became really unsuitable for playing together.

“Otouto-kun’s appearance in swimsuit is also really good! Especially your muscular chest is really great-!”

Kaguya-senpai’s eyes too sparkled at Kazuki as she walked toward him.

“…Kaguya-senpai strangely likes chest muscle don’t you?”

“Yes, I like it♪” Kaguya-senpai circled both her hands to Kazuki’s back and hugged him, and then she pressed her own face to Kazuki’s chest and rubbed her cheek repeatedly. Kazuki too hugged her back tightly.

Their body were naturally in mutual contact―senpai’s breast was bouncingly pressing at him.

They were hugging each other in swimsuit but…for some reason it felt like they were hugging each other in the nude.

When he was stroking her smooth back, senpai was “It tickles♪” and she laughed happily.

“Kazuki-!” There was another voice calling at him and he turned back.

The second one that came along was Mio wearing a red bikini.

By some chance, perhaps the rock-paper-scissor from before was for deciding the order of the girls’ exit.

Mio was saying “How is it?” and took some poses *sa*, *sa*, in order to display her own body.

“You are really pretty. The swimsuit really brings out the goodness of Mio’s style.”

The swimsuit that she chose was exactly [a swimsuit that couldn’t be worn except for the chosen person].

The area covered by clothes was considerably smaller than Kaguya-senpai’s swimsuit, the fabric and string that were cut directly enhanced Mio’s willowy limbs stylishly.

Even though it had simple cutting, he could still feel the calculation inside it, it was not a clothing that simply had high exposure rate, surely it also had the aim to enhance the femininity of the wearer to the limit. It had some artistic sense in it.

This swimsuit had already reached the zone where it absolutely wouldn’t suit someone that didn’t have a good style, but it suited Mio perfectly. There was this presence of a high class swimsuit, that just like that, presented the girl.

Mio was “Hehehe! It really suit me!”, she puffed out her chest and laughed. After that she looked alternately at Kazuki and Kaguya-senpai who were hugging, and then she opened both her hands to the front and said “Hug hug<ref>Mio said this in English</ref>!” …Hug hug?

“Come on, hug hug!!” Mio said it again in a little angry tone.

…Did she want to be hugged from his side?

Kazuki dragged Kaguya-senpai trailingly while walking toward Mio and then he hugged Mio tightly.

Kaguya-senpai’s scent was gently mixing with Mio’s scent.

There was Mio on his right side and Kaguya-senpai on his left side, making their posture to be in dumpling state<ref>Being crowded together. Dumpling in Japan is usually skewered together where the dumplings were pressed against each other.</ref>. Both of them were in swimsuit, that was why no matter where he touched, his hands met the sensation of a girl's bare skin. They were wrapped together.

Mio was “Nn~♪” leaking out a satisfied sweet voice, and pressed herself loosely inside Kazuki’s chest.

“…Kazuki mustn’t temper your body too much okay. After all slender macho around this much is the best.”

While Mio rubbed herself repeatedly on Kazuki's chest, she handed down such evaluation.

“Objection<ref>Phoenix Wright reference I think</ref>! …I think it’s not particularly bad even if your chest become a little more buff!”

From the other side, Kaguya-senpai immediately shouted her objection.

“No, I hate brawny build! After all Kazu-nii is my prince!”

Both of them glared at each other with Kazuki in between, and then they began to argue of this and that about Kazuki’s ideal body build.

“…Something like muscle, I think it’s best if its only practical though…”

When Kazuki was gazing at their argument in dumbfounded look, he felt the edge of his trunks got pulled *kui kui* repeatedly. When he looked behind, there was Koyuki. Hikaru-senpai was also coming along at her side.

“Koyuki and Hikaru-senpai. …Wait, Koyuki, isn’t that just your Magic Dress?”

“This Magic Dress can also fulfill the role of swimsuit sufficiently anyway. …When I was going to choose my swimsuit, Vepar became sulky. Such thing is unneeded, she said.”

Koyuki’s speech was mixed with a deep sigh.

“Koyuki’s appearance is something I’m used to see as usual but…as I thought white really suits Koyuki.”

The extra ornaments were omitted from Koyuki’s magic dress, making her wrapped from chest to hips only with the exterior in white school swimsuit shape. The exposure rate was fewer than bikini―however the feel of the surface material was delicately translucent, the degree of light faintly made her skin showed through. The swimsuit was fairly, no considerably bewitching.

Seeing the dumpling state Kazuki was in with Mio and Kaguya-senpai, Koyuki circled their surrounding and discovered a gap, “Puu” and then she forced her way in. The sweetness density was increased even further.

Mio and Kaguya-senpai were even now “The gap when Kazuki looks unexpectedly macho after he took off his clothes is great.” “Looking slender in clothing is scientifically impossible. Macho is constantly macho.” saying things like that they were continuing the unproductive argument. Kazuki had the feeling that somehow the talk was not about him anymore so he left them alone.

“Hikaru-senpai’s swimming race swimsuit is cool and stylish isn’t it?”

“Hehehe, just as I thought I had the hunch that cutesy things don't suit me…”

Such thing is not true, he thought, however what Hikaru-senpai was wearing was a glossy race swimsuit of blue and water color with yellow line inserted in it. The slender high leg that grew out emphasized the length of her thighs.

…However, the splendid high leg was amazing. With acute angle exactly like the alphabet V, it tightly dug into the girlish buxom hip.

“But this is fairly amazing you know. While I’m walking it dug into my bottom arbitrarily…”

Half-spinning her body with a twirl, Hikaru-senpai directed her bottom at his direction.

The steep angle of the high leg dug into her bottom, it was on the brink of looking like T-back.

Kazuki’s face spontaneously became red and he averted his eyes. Looking at his reaction, Hikaru-senpai’s expression brightened.

…This morning it was like that too, but this person was very happy if Kazuki was conscious of her as an opposite sex and it sometimes made her thoughtlessly start indecent behavior that made him troubled.

“Hehehe-! Ass Attack! I’m a person from planet Oshirifurifuri<ref>The meaning of this word is Ass Shake Shake, if anyone can think of a better name feel free to edit this.</ref>!!”

Hikaru-senpai suddenly launched a hip attack at Kazuki.

Because of the hip attack that forcefully wedged its way through between Mio and Kaguya-senpai, the two who were in the middle of heated argument were “Wa, what’s with this ass!” and got thrown back.

Hikari-senpai who turned into alien from planet Oshirifurifuri was rubbing her bottom around the area of Kazuki’s waist.

“No wait, everyone is clinging on me too much here!”

Amasaki Mio―152 Hiakari Koyuki―132 Otonashi Kaguya―129 Hoshikaze Hikaru―118

There were even more voices coming from behind him.

“Fufufu, it’s really absurd for all of you to think that you can steal Nii-sama’s heart with only swimsuits of that degree! I lost the initiative at the appearance turn but, Nii-sama please look this way! To the alluring figure of the star performers Kanae and Kohaku!!”

Kazuki looked up in the direction of the voice. In front of the beach house, Kanae and Kohaku stood there with their chests wrapped in cotton wrappings and cotton loincloth tied on their waists. They showed that appearance brimming with self-confidence and arrogant attitude.

…Ah no, Kohaku was looking slightly embarrassed.

“This is the Japanese Traditional Sexy Fair…Doshi☆Fun<ref>I think she reversed Fundoshi (loincloth) into Doshifun here. Though I don’t know what is the meaning or if it’s a reference to something.</ref>!”

“Kanae, Kohaku…I don’t think that kind of appearance exists.”

His reasoning that was shaken because of everyone had cooled down instantly thanks to Kanae.

“E, EEEEEEEEEE!? How can Nii-sama’s heart be that harmonious after seeing this!?”

“No, after all, that appearance is not limited only to Japanese style right? Aren’t you throwing away various important things as a girl like that? I cannot think of anything else other than you running some kind of joke…”

“GAA―NN!” Kanae became teary-eyed while Kohaku directed spiteful eyes to Kanae.

“…Even though this one had said that it’s strange, Kana-nyan-senpai was bragging [I know all there is to know about Nii-sama!] full of confidence so in the end…”

“Shu, shut up! Don’t say any complaints, aren’t you the one that copied me on your own accord even though I decided this by myself!!”

Kanae turned back and shouted at Kohaku. Her bottom was *purun!* shaking. …The bottom became something amazing to look at from behind when wearing loincloth, Kazuki reflexively averted his eyes.

“Fufufu, that being the case Kanae-san is a very shy person isn’t she? But running a clever plan while hiding one’s embarrassment is a blunder. …There is no easy path in subtleties of man and woman except using all one’s might!”

All one’s might―the one who appeared this time along with a proclamation that sounds amazing for some reason was Ryuutaki Miyabi-senpai.

With a refreshing smile, the swimsuit that she was wearing…was a straightforward ''string'' swimsuit.

Slingshot―narrow belt that was fine even if it was called string was hanging on from the neck to the breast and from the breast to the waist. It barely retained its claim as swimsuit by the belt that was hanging on the apex of the breast. Whether Miyabi-senpai should be called a celebrity or an exhibitionist, she had a really erotic & gorgeous style.

With a composed expression as if saying that it was only around this much, Miyabi-senpai sexily brushed up her long hair that was colored silver from an elf’s special trait. Kazuki reflexively stiffened from the unexpected hot body.

“Please wait Nee-sama! That swimsuit is really not for sane people!!”

Shinobu-senpai was dashing out from the beach house while raising a piercing cry in school swimsuit appearance.

“Please stop exposing that appearance to anyone other than me!!”

Shinobu-senpai caught the arm of Miyabi-senpai. However Miyabi-senpai was “Noo!”, she made a resistance. Miyabi-senpai attempted to shake off the arm that caught her making her chest swaying *purun purun* from her movement.

Miyabi-senpai floated a composed smile toward Kazuki whose eyes became completely nailed on that sight.

“…Fufufu, when Kazuki is looking at me like that, I cannot help but feel a shiver on my spine you know.”

Composed. No…she looked like she was forcing herself somehow.

“You look just like a pervert Nee-sama-! I brought over Nee-sama’s school swimsuit too so come with me!!”

Shinobu-senpai pinioned Miyabi-senpai’s arm and was trying to lead her back into the beach house.

“I said no already!” Miyabi-senpai tried to shake off Shinobu-senpai from dragging her.

Because of that momentum of hers, *poroo* some kind of sound could be heard.

Actually there was no such sound at all, but that kind of sound effect was flashing inside his head. When Miyabi-senpai’s body that was pinioned shook to left and right, her large breasts also rampaged to the left and right, causing the belt that was only hanging on that ‘summit’ got pushed out of place *poron*, the large breast fell out.

Look soft…Kazuki’s eyes opened wide, fixedly staring at that sight.

“…I, I don’t plan to show until this far though…”

Miyabi-senpai’s white skin became bright red from shame. However she immediately attempted to recover her composed smile.

“…Fufu, this is not really shameful or anything though, it’s not an embarrassing body after all.”

With a composed smile as if pulling on a mask, she didn’t even try to hide the jiggling breast.

“Nee-sama! Withdraw! This is already prohibited!!”<ref>Shinobu always talked in polite language.</ref>

Shinobu-senpai finally went as far as using Enchant Aura and forcefully carried up Miyabi-senpai. Miyabi-senpai’s body had become all tensed up and she didn’t resist anymore. Just like that the two of them returned to the beach house.

…Overwhelmed by the event just now, no words could come out from his mouth.

Passing the Ryuutaki sisters, Karin and Kazuha-senpai finally came.

“What’s with that? Breast palanquin<ref>The words used here is portable shrine (carried in festivals)</ref>?” Karin left behind such comment.

“Leaving aside that, Hayashizaki Kazuki! It’s just fine even if you comment on my swimsuit appearance!”

Karin made a full rotation with a twirl. What she wore was a swimsuit for the use of primary schoolgirl that was printed with anime character.

“Eh, aa…it suits you. You are extremely cute in a certain meaning. I can’t really see you as someone the same age with me.”

“Mu, something is suspicious in your way of talking…Well, that must be because you really like anime. Fufun.”

At her side, Kazuha-senpai who was examining Kazuki’s expression was wearing a wine red adult-like bikini that was arranged with white ribbon. For Kazuha-senpai to wear a bikini with high exposure rate was a little unexpected.

“Senpai’s tight abs is really well reflected as a swordsman huh. It’s a beautiful body in supple way.”

“Do, don’t suddenly look at me with strange eyes-! Don’t review me!!”

When Kazuki voiced his impression, Kazuha-senpai lost her temper as usual.

“I’m not looking at senpai with strange eyes. It just remind me once again what a hard-worker senpai is.”

“…What’s with you, so this is a talk as swordsman.”

Kazuki intended it as the highest praise when he said beautiful muscle, but Kazuha-senpai donned dissatisfied face.

“But as a girl senpai is also really lovely. The practical muscle as a swordsman mysteriously doesn’t harm senpai’s womanly charm. Moreover that bikini is a little unexpected and charming.”

Getting praised with time difference, Kazuha-senpai became bright red from receiving the surprise attack.

And then a heart mark of positivity level up came flying from her chest, however as if deceiving that heart mark,

“What are you saying [cute] for even though you are the younger one-! Youu-!!”

Getting angry once more, Kazuha-senpai hit him again and again.

Kazuki separated his body from the girls that were clinging on him and cleverly evade Kazuha-senpai’s repeated strike while using Foresight. Thereupon Kazuha-senpai became even more irate and came hitting him even more.

Tsukahara Kazuha―80

“Now that I’m looking, where is Lotte? I don’t catch sight of her but…”

While evading Kazuha-senpai’s hit, Kazuki was looking around at his surrounding.

“She was not in the changing room, so I wonder if she is not together with Akane-senpai and the others.”

Hikaru-senpai too tilted her head in wonder.

“Won’t she come if we wait for her? Let’s play first!”

Mio pulled Kazuki’s arm as if feeling that the time they had together was too precious to waste.

At that time a voice rang out from the direction of the sea.

“The event is not going there! Everyone can play except for Onii-san! Kazuki-oniisan will be together with me to get the technique of operating the boat beaten into his head desu!”

When they turned around, a single small boat was heading to the beach cutting through the waves in the horizon. The one who drove was…Lotte!

Before the boat could go up the beach, it stood still.

“Wooden small ship <Solomon>. You are going to ride that and head to Ise.”

Akane-senpai who was talking with someone in the beach house was, while still wearing sunglass, coming down to the beach with her mantle of the knight uniform flapping in the morning breeze. She was pointlessly cool.

The group was reeled back, making Mio raise a protest.

“Eeee, you are going with this kind of small shabby boat!? Even if a bigger ship like a cruiser is prepared…”

“This is not a shabby thing, it was created by skilled hands, a precious traditional handicraft. In the case that Yamato properly bring out radar and conducted border security, that small wooden boat is able to slip through the radar. The wood has the property that make it easier to absorb the electromagnetic wave compared to iron or resin.”

Radar worked by transmitting electromagnetic wave to the target and detected the target by sensing the electromagnetic wave that clashed with the target and got reflected back. By using something made from wood, moreover with a size that small it would surely be difficult to detect the boat.

The Knight Order had seen that Yamato was unable to construct a security set-up using radar, but there was no such thing as being too careful.

“Also there are quite a lot of reefs in Irago water path, so for an amateur rather than driving a large boat it’s better to use small boat.”

“This is a motor boat loaded with engine isn’t it? I thought that I’m going to cross the sea by paddling.”

Kazuki asked about the surprising addition. This was an infiltration, so the number one concern was [sound].

“Just as you hear this boat is fitted with a motor that has high silencer so you don’t need to worry about sound. It’s also equipped with GPS, even in the miniscule chance that the boat get overturned you can fly using magic…if I have to say my worries then it’s only if someone discover you by naked eye. Such worry is needless if it’s you right, Cyclops?”

Akane-senpai laughed challengingly. There was not many humans that had better eyesight than Kazuki. Before the enemy could even discover Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai, surely Kazuki would discover the enemy faster and could escape.

“By the way senpai is not wearing swimsuit?”

“…I and Kanon have the position of leading you guys. The permission to relax doesn’t include both of us. Please don’t say anything stupid.”

Akane-senpai asserted stiffly with her sunglass sparkling. However from her side,

“HYAHHAA―!!!”

With goggle in her head, school swimsuit and even swimming ring, with such complete equipment Kanon-senpai dashed across the beach and leaped into the sea even earlier than anybody else. Akane-senpai was speechless and cradled her head, smiling wryly at Kazuki.

The boat was made from wood not only in its exterior but also its interior, the drive unit installed in its stern emitted a luster of modernity. The drive unit was a unification of motor, battery, and propeller. The boat’s total length was 12 meters, however the width didn’t even reach 2 meters.

With two seater sitting side-by-side horizontally, Kazuki was sitting in the driver seat with Lotte in the assistant driver seat in a cramped space where their shoulder and thigh could touch each other. Rather Lotte was happier with that cramped space.

“Fufufu, I’m monopolizing Kazuki-oniisan onboard a ship desu!”

Lotte who was sitting on the seat beside him was wearing tankini swimsuit with white tank-top outlined by pink borders and hotpants. The exposure rate was low but she looked wholesomely cute. Amazingly cute.

Lotte happily frolicked at Kazuki’s left shoulder.

When they turned to the beach direction from the floating boat on top of the sea, everyone else were playing at the beach’s edge, competing in swimming, or burying and got buried in the sandy beach.

For Lotte to say something like monopolizing Kazuki like this was a rare event.

“That’s because Lotte always holding back too much.”

When Kazuki kept stroking her head, Lotte made a dazzling bright smile at him.

Kazuki nonchalantly lowered his hand that was stroking Lotte’s head to the back of her head, then suddenly he forcefully drew Lotte’s face near and stole her lips forcibly.

For a while their lips tasted each other’s softness intimately. And then when their faces separated, Lotte’s face boiled red dazedly as if she was drunk. A large heart mark flew to Kazuki.

“…Kazuki-oniisan, you had become skillful in doing this kind of thing unfalteringly, or perhaps I should say…the surprise just now was a lovely surprise attack desu-!”

Lotte jumped into Kazuki’s chest enthusiastically, making the small boat shake on top of the water surface in a lull.

…Although it was because Lotte was happy no matter what he did with her, so he was just trying to act proactively for once.

Kazuki embraced Lotte in return while recovering the balance of the ship, and then he was brushing her head gently once more.

“Kazuki-oniisan…not just my head, please touch various places on me even more♪”

Lotte whispered bewitchingly. Then Kazuki brushed Lotte’s back gently.

“Ehehe…do it in even more places♪”

Being urged further, he brought his hand from the back to her waist, then her stomach where his hand kept stroking her body. “Nn…♪” Lotte released an ardent sigh, her body was quivering.

“Kazuki-oniisan, more, I want you to do even more desu.”

Lotte rubbed her thigh on him. That act was not the childish sweetness she always did in front of everyone. Lotte who was like a little angel was becoming passionate inside Kazuki’s arms.

{Lotte, it’s extremely painful for me to disturb you here but, we have to teach Kazuki the ship control soon.}

Suddenly the voice of Prometheus rang out inside his head. Looked like the same voice also reverberated inside Lotte’s head, the girl separated her body “Mein gott…” and sulking a little she pouted her lips.

“Please grip the handle with left hand. The handle is attached to the stern of the ship and connected to the drive unit, it can change the direction of the propulsion.”

Lotte was teaching Kazuki smoothly. However Lotte was not too detailed herself in how to operate the boat, it was the god of civilization Prometheus possessing Lotte that had the thorough knowledge of civilization’s convenient tool.

When he gripped the handle just as he was told, a heavy sensation was conveyed into his palm with a jerk.

“Manipulate the throttle lever with your right hand. The throttle is like a car’s accelerator. The boat will go forward if you pushed the throttle forward and it will change into backward movement when the throttle is pushed to the back.”

“And this flap switch?”

“This flap is to control the inclination of the boat, so please always watch the condition of the sea surface attentively and operate this switch appropriately. The newest ship has sensor to automatically control the flap but…this is a Japanese boat made from wood that was hastily made and the drive unit is attached in the external, so it doesn’t have the capability to do that desu.”

“Handle with left hand, throttle and flap with right hand…look fairly difficult huh, this boat.”

“Because officially this boat need license to operate desu. Beyond doubt, what we are doing is unlicensed driving.”

Lotte asserted suspiciously.

“Perhaps there will not be situation like this but, please absolutely don’t operate the motor when there is human that doesn’t have magic power in the surrounding. They will receive heavy injury if they get swallowed by the propeller.”

When Kazuki pushed down the slot, the boat began to move, the morning breeze changed into a strong headwind.

Lotte’s fluffy hair was swayed pleasantly by the wind.

“Kazuki-oniisan, I’ll give you a reward every time you control the boat skillfully desu-!”

Rather than calling it a reward it was the person herself that was fawning on him, Lotte kissed Kazuki’s face from the side. Kazuki practiced the boat’s operation for a while, at the same time Lotte reclined on Kazuki while they were enjoying the drive on top of the sea.

===Part 4===

Everyone apart from the Ryuutaki sisters began to play beach ball.

Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai didn’t mix with everyone and went away somewhere….

Kazuki who was learning to operate the boat in isolation on the sea was finished in less than an hour.

“Kazuki-oniisan, how much confidence do you have in the strategy this time desu?”

On the ship that was still floating leisurely on the open sea, Lotte asked that all of a sudden.

How much confidence he had in the strategy this time huh―the one who designed the strategy this time was the person who led the Knight Order’s Shizuoka regiment, Commander Yamagata.

“Lotte doesn’t have much confidence in that Commander Yamagata do you?”

Lotte nodded with a bob of her head.

Lotte was honest in all respects towards Kazuki, but it was not like she harbored that attitude toward just anyone.

Rather for Lotte who was born and raised in a royal court which was a whirlpool of scheme and plot, she would use Telepathy to anyone she directly met and unless she had confirmed that the other party didn’t hold any ill will she absolutely wouldn’t open up her heart.

“I, think that the operation this time is dangerous desu. I don’t understand it well if I’m asked why I think that but…it’s like our direction is completely guided…”

Kazuki nodded. Kazuki too had a similar feeling like that.

The enemy’s hand didn’t reach until the seaside and its security was easy to infiltrate.

It was as if the government of Yamato didn’t think of Ise Shrine as important, their wariness was thin.

Those guys might also be unaware that if Amaterasu was defeated all the other Japanese Divas would also recover their sanity. After all in a state of being a Wild God the Diva couldn’t communicate normally, so it was not odd even if they didn’t know but…they were too full of opening.

If this strategy succeeded against the enemy that was full of opening, the enemy’s battle strength would plummet and the victory and defeat would be decided. There was no other way but to use this strategy. However….

“Certainly, this is just too convenient.”

If in the worst case, the enemy force was waiting in ambush, then both Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai would be trapped in a desperate situation.

What if this convenient situation, ''by some chance was set by someone? ''

“Is it that Commander Yamagata, doesn’t think well about Kazuki-oniisan?”

“I also think that it might be so. It doesn’t matter even if it’s a trap, maybe he think of me as something like a sacrificial pawn.”

The King of Solomon. For the humans that had already seized power in Japan presently, Kazuki’s existence couldn’t be said as someone that they would necessarily welcome. Such attitude was something that he had experienced personally in the past.

Actually there was also another<ref>I'm not sure if the translator had any reason for this but i'll change it until otherwise stated</ref> reason to be hesitating. …Beatrix who had covered him and fell into magic intoxication still hadn’t opened her eyes. If he could, he didn’t want to be separated from her side. There was something he wanted to immediately say the moment she was awake, even while she was still asleep he wanted to wait beside her.

“If onii-san feels any kind of danger, please escape immediately.”

Lotte hugged Kazuki’s left arm tightly.

When push comes to shove he had to consider about the right time to escape. Kazuki had acquired several magic that could fly in the sky. Because all of it was too flashy he couldn’t use them in the case of infiltration, but in the case of escape it didn’t matter even if he use those magic. If he flew to the sky using [Deep Striker] or [Blazing Wings] while accelerating himself using [Ride Lightning], there wasn’t supposed to be many magician who could pursue him at that speed.

He had to make a precise self-defense…above all Kazuha-senpai too was together with him.

Kazuha-senpai’s contracted Diva was Futsunushi no Kami of Japanese Mythology. That was why even in the case he really fell into the worst situation, the enemy might overlook Kazuha-senpai as long as he presented himself….

“I won’t forgive Kazuki-oniisan if you yourself don’t get home too okay desu?”

Perhaps Lotte felt Kazuki’s feeling slightly, she was glaring at Kazuki with a scowl. Kazuki was “Sorry” and smiled wryly. However he couldn’t help it that such feeling flashed inside his head for a moment.

“I’m saying this because I’m just alone with Lotte but…”

Surely the big shots of the government still hadn’t recognize Kazuki completely, the Solomon 72 Pillars was also still only in the stage of testing Kazuki. In regards to that the combination of Lotte and Prometheus, for Kazuki was truly [companions that had no lie]. They are a duo that absolutely had no hidden side from him.

If it was with them he had the feeling that he could be frank and spoke his true feeling.

Of course Leme was also listening in on this conversation with out<ref>i'm not sure if this was a mistake by the translators so i won't be changing them for now.</ref> butting in about anything.

“Futsunushi-no-Kami too, feels suspicious for some reason. Even though he doesn’t have any excuse like Leme or Prometheus that lost their memory, he only gave small amount of information when he talked. He might have some kind of reason but…the one who created the chance for the strategy this time was Futsunushi-no-Kami.”

If in the case that this strategy was led on by someone, the one who would fall under suspicion at the top of the list was Futsunushi-no-Kami.

“Is Futsunushi-no-Kami-san a spy from Yamato and is he luring Kazuki-oniisan right now?”

As expected, even for Lotte she couldn’t sense until as far as a Diva’s state of mind.

“No, I don’t think that Futsunushi-no-Kami is in Yamato’s camp…”

The explanation of [the nature possessed by Wild God] that Futsunushi no Kami gave to Kazuki had already been proven as truth presently, from how Ame-no-Uzume returned to her sanity.

In the first place from how Kazuki could use Futsunushi-no-Kami’s magic, ''there was no doubt that Futsunushi no Kami was fundamentally an ally, but''….

“Futsunushi-no-Kami too, might be planning to test me. He is not luring me into a trap from Yamato, but perhaps he is inviting me to the trial location of Japanese Mythology…?”

===Part 5===

When he got down from the boat, Kazuki didn’t join with the playing girls but he searched for Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai.

Kaguya-senpai and the others said that “We too searched for them, but we didn’t see them.”

But Kazuki was able to sense the whereabouts of a companion he had a bond with.

Shinobu-senpai’s positivity level was too low that he couldn’t sense her, but if it was Miyabi-senpai’s positivity level he could sense her faintly. Indeed, perhaps from Miyabi-senpai too, she might be wishing for [I want Kazuki to come], in comparison of her positivity level of 44, he could feel a strong wave of magic power.

Kazuki walked in the direction of the beach’s edge.

The area changed into a rough rocky place where the terrain was unsuitable for swimming.

He had to say something to Miyabi-senpai, some few words. That was what Kazuki was thinking.

Perhaps she was forcing herself that she wore that kind of swimsuit, and then undergoing that accident, she managed to mend her composed expression, but surely she felt hurt and embarrassed even at that time.

He immediately discovered the two sisters. They were in a rocky place separated from the beach. As if trying to hide behind a boulder almost as big as an adult, Miyabi-senpai was standing directly opposite Shinobu-senpai.

Miyabi-senpai had changed into a school swimsuit, both of them currently were in some kind of quarrel with each other.

“…That’s why, we had especially came here together with everyone after all, it’s no good if we don’t play with everyone.”

Miyabi-senpai talked with strong tone as if reproaching.

“No. I came because I thought I can play with Nee-sama. That’s why Nee-sama, together with me…”

Shinobu-senpai’s hand reached to Miyabi-senpai imploringly. Miyabi-senpai didn’t take that hand.

“If I take that hand, we are going to completely go wrong with the two of us.”

“Why…” Shinobu-senpai’s eyes shook fiercely in agitation. Her heart started to beat violently from receiving a large shock, but that agitation was only conveyed from her eyes.

Kazuki was standing stock still without raising any footstep.

The wandering eyes of Shinobu-senpai that couldn’t calm down located the figure of Kazuki that was like that.

Shinobu-senpai gulped her breath strongly and glared hatefully at Kazuki. Looking at that change of expression, Miyabi-senpai too followed Shinobu-senpai’s line of sight, “…Kazuki!” and she finally noticed Kazuki’s appearance.

Shinobu-senpai suddenly turned her back and dashed away in the opposite direction from Kazuki. Miyabi-senpai chased that leaving back with her eyes, but she didn’t follow and walked to Kazuki.

“…Before, I showed you my shameful appearance didn’t I? Although I didn’t plan to but, to lose my composure like that…”

Was it the story about the swimsuit? …Kazuki was at a loss of what he should say to her.

“I don’t think it was something embarrassing. It was really beautiful.”

The white skin characteristic of an elf on a glamorous figure. With different individuality from Koyuki, the scene was burned vividly into his heart.

The instant the swimsuit flipped and her breasts fell out, Kazuki’s eyes became nailed on the spot as if his soul was just plundered.

“Because of that, it’s strange to say something like thank you I think, but…please don’t fret or feel hurt over it too much. That is what I want to convey to senpai.”

“…I chose that swimsuit with the intention of showing my skin to you, so I’m happy if you say that to me. The truth is, it was certainly embarrassing though…”

Miyabi-senpai’s cheeks was colored red from shame, however she replied so in relief.

“Rather than something like a swimsuit, senpai has to run after Shinobu-senpai immediately.”

“…It’s fine. If I don’t separate with that child a little. Let’s just leave her alone. Rather than that kind of matter, I want to play together and get along well with you and everyone properly. This is a rare chance after all.”

After Miyabi-senpai shook her head and denied what Kazuki said, she reached her hand to Kazuki imploringly.

It was exactly the spitting image of how Shinobu-senpai reached her hand to Miyabi-senpai just before this.

While Kazuki took that hand gently―however he denied it at the same time.

“Senpai is impatient. Also senpai must not do something that will hurt Shinobu-senpai.”

Miyabi-senpai’s eyelashes shook with a start.

“That…I, I thought that the both of us cannot keep staying like this…”

“Shinobu-senpai, she will surely think that she has been left behind by Miyabi-senpai. And yet if Miyabi-senpai got too impatient like this, senpai will only rapidly get completely cornered…”

With Miyabi-senpai’s transformation into elf, the two twin sisters were locked into a world where it was just the two of them.

Shinobu-senpai grew to harbor feeling of distrust toward everything of the outside world that discriminate the big sister that she loved.

''In reverse Miyabi''-senpai had gotten back on her feet because Shinobu-senpai continued to stay by her side for a long time.

On Shinobu-senpai’s side who was not the one who became an elf herself, even now she was still continuing to confine herself inside her shell….

“I don’t mean to ignore that child’s feeling…”

Even while saying that she thought deeply of what Kazuki had pointed out. Miyabi-senpai hung her head down crestfallen.

“…That’s right isn’t it, this is not for the sake of the child or anything like that. I came like this to the sea to be with everyone. I might be able to make friends, with you, and with everyone else, making merry and everything…. It’s really like that isn’t it, even though that child is still unable to prepare her heart for something like this. Even though I can recover this far simply because that child kept continuing to think about me all this time….I was just about going to discard those feelings of hers.”

“Senpai should not think that senpai is discarding Shinobu-senpai or anything like that.”

The expression of Miyabi-senpai that was always showing a composed smile crumbled and peeled off.

“I discarded her! Because, being alone with Shinobu just the two of us, is enough already! Being just the two of us like this, is just the same thing with being alone…! It looks far more fun to be together with all of you!!”

Miyabi-senpai had said to him before [Quickly conquer me too] while floating a composed smile, however,

―She was not supposed to be composed.

She was showing behaviors that made people feel her elegance, but that might be just her pretending to be strong, showing [I don’t feel painful for even a little] to the outside world that had discriminated her.

Right now, Miyabi-senpai’s shoulders were shaking with self-disgust for herself [that was going to discard] her little sister.

The two that had been dependent on each other mutually for a long time. These two sisters, it would be in vain if it was not simultaneously.

“Senpai, it’s going to be okay. Because, I will show you that I’m going to [conquer] Shinobu-senpai too.”

This was the first time he had ever said [conquer], a galge-like word like that with such earnest feeling like this.

Kazuki lightly embraced the trembling Miyabi-senpai and pat her shaking shoulder.

“But I think it will take a little more time, so please run after Shinobu-senpai for now. Not only with Shinobu-senpai, I will become more intimate with Miyabi-senpai as well. And then after that, let’s go with the three of us to the beach or a pool again. After all the highlight of summer will be from now on.”

“…Thank you, my King.”

Miyabi-senpai looked downward deeply as if hiding her expression. From that face, a sniffling sound was leaking out.

“Please don’t forcibly hide yourself when you are crying.”

“Really you are, even though I was desperately trying to look good but you see through all of it…”

A large heart mark came flying from Miyabi-senpai.

Miyabi-senpai raised her face that was wet with tears and smiled even while shedding tears.

“I’m going to Shinobu now. I’ll apologize. I have to make that child feel peaceful.”

Miyabi-senpai wiped her tears, then she decisively turned her back to Kazuki and ran.

…Let’s go back to the beach. Kazuki too turned on his heel.

There was still a little time before his departure, there still might be some time left to be together with everyone.

When he came out from the shadow of the rocky area…Koyuki was standing there.

“Koyuki? …Did you see?”

“I didn’t mean to peek but…” Her voice was just a little down.

“What’s the matter?” Saying that Kazuki approached her.

“It’s really nothing. Just…”

Her face was somehow like a good obedient child who was despondent because her toy was taken away.

“Kazuki, from now on you…might not be concerning yourself about me anymore.”

“Eh?”

“Until now you are sympathizing with the pitiful elf and concerned yourself with me but, now a new more pitiful elf has appear…” Koyuki talked while averting her eyes in another direction.

“Are you seriously saying that?”

Kazuki was approaching near Koyuki, he circled his hands on her small back and embraced her. The sensation of her body snugly settling into his arms was very lovely. He forcefully directed Koyuki’s face that was facing another direction to look at him, then he repeated one more time. “Are you seriously thinking, that I never embraced Koyuki except from something like pity?”

Being stared directly by Kazuki, Koyuki’s face was red and her eyes became moist.

“I’m not thinking that…if I show you I’m sulking like this, I thought you might spoil me…”

“Good grief, Koyuki is really a spoiled child huh.”

Kazuki let out a deep breath and showed his amazement. And then while hugging Koyuki, his fingers stroked the girl’s sensitive long ear. “…!” Koyuki was trembling twitchingly from the sudden sensation.

“Ka, Kazuki…you always touched my ear so casually but, this, it give lewd feelings even more than Kazuki think so, that…”

“Eh, is that so? I just think of this as the extension of patting the head…so should I stop this?”

When Kazuki was going to separate his finger from her ear, Koyuki raised her voice in fluster.

“It, it’s okay for you to not stop! …Please do it more.”

“Koyuki is…just a little perverted aren’t you?”

Kazuki continued to graze Koyuki’s ears *shuu shuu* for a while and Koyuki’s spine also continued to tremble in shivers. Koyuki’s breathing was becoming disarrayed little by little.

“Haa, haa…Please say it properly using your words, that you are not just pitying me…”

“It’s because Koyuki is adorable and I love you, that I am being together like this with you.”

After whispering those words, he kissed Koyuki’s white cheek. The cheek of Koyuki who was playing in the sea just now tasted salty.

“…Please do it on my lips…”

Koyuki presented her lips adorably and demanded so. For the sake of making her say that honestly, Kazuki teased her by only kissing her cheek before this in preparation and bided his time before he kissed her as strongly as he could to demonstrate his love.

“Ka, Kazuki…n, nnn!!”

Koyuki whose lip was sucked while her ear were toyed around with continuously by one hand suddenly had her body spring strongly. And then as if power left her waist, she sank down on the spot.

===Part 6===

When it was time to sail out, the boat was moved to the wharf pier.

From where it can be reached just by walking a little from the beach, a pier of asphalt was jutting out from the coastline.

After Kazuha-senpai boarded the boat and sat beside Kazuki, she let out complaints restlessly.

“Why is the boat this cramped…”

“Please endure it a little, after all it seemed that preparing the ship’s provision was not easy.”

Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai had done changing from their swimsuits into [casual Japanese clothes] that had been remodeled, to make it easy to move while it was worn. It seemed that in Yamato, this kind of clothing was booming among the youngsters there.

The information between Japan and Yamato had been cut off, but the government was able to get their hand on information concerning west Japan from the ordinary citizen that had escaped to take refuge.

It was a surprising matter for differences in culture and fashion to be created already, even though it hadn’t even been one week since the separation of east and west, but because Yamato advocated that they were [the true country of Japan that was protected by the Japanese Mythology], it seemed they were {{furigana|advertising in grand-scale using domestic broadcast|using propaganda}} saying [Let’s return to Japanese culture].

It was accepted favorably among the youngsters who enjoyed the change, where in turn they gave rise to [Revival・New Japanese Style Boom] like this redesigned Japanese clothing.

Kazuki’s appearance was wearing a white kimono with tight sleeves and plain black hakama<ref>Male formal divided skirt</ref>, but its cuffs and sleeves had been smartly redesigned to not look flabby. The clothes were fixed with buttons and a belt so it didn’t look out of shape, making it look closer to western clothes.

Kazuha-senpai too was dressed in a yukata<ref>Light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe</ref> that had been redesigned into a no sleeves・miniskirt with flowery pattern, her shoulders and thighs were boldly exposed.

Inside this cramped boat, it couldn’t be helped that those shoulders and thighs became glued with him.

They were infiltrating, that was why the two attached a water-proof waist bag on their waist where they only put the minimum amount of baggage inside. So they wouldn’t be suspected by the public eyes, they were not carrying their katana.

“…Well then, we are off!” “Take caa―re!”

Having been sent off by the voices of everyone from the Witch’s Mansion, Kazuki started the engine.

“Kazuha-senpai, the ship’s balance will be unstable if you move your body that much to the outside. Please move closer here.”

Kazuki embraced Kazuha-senpai’s waist with his left arm. Precisely because Kazuha-senpai was an earnest person that could follow reason, she didn’t say any complaints and could only “Mugii―!” let out a strange sound that sounded like a mysterious animal.

“What a cute rare animal.”

“Who did you say was a rare animal-!!”

While the rotating propeller left behind white trails in the water surface, the boat gradually separated from the land and embarked to the ocean. In the far horizon, even further behind the small islands that were floating on Ise Bay, was the faint hazy outline of Mie Prefecture’s Toba Shore.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 6 Chapter 1

2015-10-11T01:24:20Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 1 - To the Sea of Abundant Land */ lots of typo and grammar fixes

==Chapter 1 - To the Sea of Abundant Land==

===Part 1===

Kaya was grateful to the politicians of Yamato.

To be able to make contact with this person so very easily was exactly because there was the channel that they built with Chūkadou by spending efforts for months and years.

This meeting was an extremely important critical juncture with regards to Loki’s plan.

The pure gold chandelier was illuminating the space that was painted vermilion. Chūkadou’s <Shibi<ref>Purple Forbidden Enclosure (group of constellations in the northern sky associated with the emperor)</ref> Palace>. That palace was richly colored with red and gold―the master of heaven’s decree, the emperor of China’s palace.

The imperial capital that loudly proclaimed that Chūkadou is the center of the world, right now Kaya was in Beijing.

There was no one else inside the room with Kaya except for that person. This was not a public audience, but a confidential talk that was conducted inside that person’s private room. Sitting on a rosewood table and chairs decorated with mother of pearl craftsmanship, Kaya and that person faced each other as if they were fellow friends with very intimate relationship.

“Fufufu…. O messenger from Yamato. No, o our friend. You are asking [if perhaps I might be able to borrow your strength], what an odd way of talking that is.”

That person’s lips that was distinctly drawn with vivid red warped into the shape of crescent moon from her laugh.

She was still a girl in the middle of her teens, but excess makeup was applied all over her face. In China the use of cosmetics was not approved except for nobles. Nonetheless, because the magicians of this era utilized their magic power and polished their beauty of figure from the Prima Material of the skin, people who relied on using cosmetics rarely existed.

When the girl let out a laughing voice, *sharin sharin* such sound was ringing. Each time this person made even the slightest movement, the many ornaments that were attached in excess all over her whole body raised a sound.

The robe that the girl currently wore was a purple {{furigana|Lóng páo
|Dragon Robe}}. A [color restriction] permitted only for the emperor, a fabric in the color of deep purple decorated with countless precious stones, as if her whole body was clad completely with the full starry sky.

The weight of all the ornaments on the girl’s body easily surpassed ten times her own weight. For the sake of enduring that weight, the girl was constantly using Enchant Aura, blue light was constantly emitted from her whole body. That light was reflected by the countless precious stones, making her sparkle intensely.

The excessively shining girl.

Most likely even with unpainted face, even with her body naked, she was surely an owner of beautiful looks, as perfect as human limit allowed.

But with the girl’s standing, ''mere beauty within human limit was insufficient.''

The girl used up every methods, she had to be an existence that was as if a star that was shining brightly in the center of heaven.

Because the girl was a symbol.

A girl that was like the height of the star―the girl’s name was <Reborn Emperor> Fu Zi.

The personification of China’s ideal. She was the {{furigana|Emperor|Basileus}} of Chūkadou.

Among the vast population of Chūkadou, she was an existence chosen as the possessor of the strongest magic power.

“What do you mean, odd way of talking…?” Kaya tilted her head in an intimate behavior.

If the character in front of her was a King, then Kaya was a god. There was no reason to not be confident.

“No matter how much China is a really great country, be that as it may, it has enemy nations in every direction. While dealing with them, you are also in the position of having to check the other Magic Advanced Countries in place. We could exchange good intimacy with each other in this way, however because of that I must not be a bother for you…that was my thinking.”

“There are two mistakes in those words of yours.”

The emperor of China, Fu Zi flatly concluded with haughty tone of voice.

“One. People who are hostile to our country, are not equal to a country. They are mere barbarians.”

Now that she said that, that’s really so, Kaya recalled it.

The Magic Advanced Countries other than Japan didn’t consider other undeveloped country as equivalent to a nation. The undeveloped countries in Europe were considered protection target as colony country, while this China…considered them as barbarians.

China saw them as objects to be invaded and controlled. They didn’t even get called as hostile [country].

“Two. We the Chūkadou, our heart, cannot possibly be so narrow-minded to see a great cause and abandon it behind. Our heart is China’s heart. Indeed, certainly matters we have to do are really in great numbers. We are somewhat busy. However even so for you who are our friend, we don’t want to hear such reserved words. Rely on our heart even more honestly, it doesn’t matter even if you depend on us completely you know?”

Raising a *sharin* sound, Fu Zi threw out her chest. In contrary to Fu Zi’s behavior, if she was wearing different ornaments on her whole body, the girl that had a body with small build would look cute.

This fellow really said some incredible things huh…Kaya was amazed inside her heart. This little emperor said [I want you to depend on us] to Loki who though imperfect was a god.

“As for us, it’s better if we have you as insurance in case we are in a pinch you know.”

Kaya made a modest smile.

“Hmm, is that so. But that reservation, 'tis no problem. Your consideration to us, 'tis really not a problem. Then until you open your heart and seek for assistance from us, we are going to look forward to it.”

Right there Fu Zi made a wide grin suitable for her age to Kaya.

It was an innocent smile but…of course as the emperor there was no way she was going to promise aid to Kaya without asking for anything as compensation. Kaya and Loki were noticing the real intention of that smile.

That China was desiring for a just cause.

In contrast with the King of Solomon that increased his power by means of positivity level that was the <power of bond>, the King of China possessed the <power of heaven’s decree> that [increased her power, the more the territory she controlled widened].

However if China sets out to invade the surrounding countries publicly, there was no way the other Magic Advanced Countries are going to stay quiet.

That was why they made false charges with reason that sounded most right against other countries, or intervened in other countries' problem and then demand compensation. Using this and those methods, they took advantage of the other party.

If China received appeal from Yamato like [we wish for cooperation for the sake of recovering the true Japan from those devils of Solomon] or something like that, it was a wish come true for the just cause to justify their armed intervention.

If Yamato obtained the cooperation of China and achieved the unification of Japan archipelago, China would make Yamato into China’s puppet country in no time at all and gradually swallow them until there was nothing left of Yamato. That was what Fu Zi aimed for.

But the major politicians of Yamato were thinking that they didn’t particularly mind even if their country became like that.

Because most of them were spies from China anyway.

Loki too was the same, he wouldn’t particularly mind if it developed into that kind of situation. Only if that created even further Chaos.

There was not even a single person among the leaders of Yamato that thought of Japan archipelago as important from the bottom of their heart.

This conference―was a secret agreement to surrender the future of the archipelago to China in the time to come.

“Fufufu, 'tis no problem, 'tis no problem at all. We want to go help your Yamato as quickly as we can.”

The emperor laughed with her body shaking. It was a smiling face that made her real intention even more conspicuous yet on the contrary emphasized her innocence instead.

“To be able to become your friend like this is really reassuring for me. Hiroko-chan.”

“What’s with that, calling us Hiroko-chan?”

The smile vanished from Fu Zi’s face and she made a dubious face in return.

Kaya recovered her behavior that was as if making fun of other people’s characteristic and answered.

“It was how your name is called in the style of Japan. It’s the proof of our friendship, calling you with that nickname.”

“Hmm. Well fine. 'Tis particularly no problem. Although you are from other Mythology but you are still someone called as god. ''For now'' as a proof of friendship I’m going to accept that nickname.”

Fu Zi laughed generously. Kaya too, returned it with a smile.

Even while exchanging an intimate secret talk, Kaya was looking in a different direction from Fu Zi.

The objective of Chūkadou’s Mythology was Order through control. However Kaya and Loki’s objective was to demolish the balance of the world and bring forth Chaos. For the sake of that objective, this war between Japan and Yamato was one of the steps.

For Kaya, victory and defeat was of no importance.

===Part 2===

“Uwaa…amazing…it stretches the trousers tightly and becomes like mount Fuji…”

It was a voice like when a child was standing in front of a decorated cake and gets enraptured on seeing it.

Kazuki heard that voice inside his dozing consciousness. And then right after that, he received an ambiguous sweet stimulus.

“Wah, it’s hard! It’s sprang around throbbing when it was pulled! Ahaha, what a rambunctious kid! Somehow it’s really cute. Take this, and that!”

Stimulus was running in his lower body with throb, throb.

“What kind of shape it will become huh? Rub rub.”

Kazuki’s lower body unconsciously startled. …He was still sleeping and there was no consciousness yet in him. However in the depths of his sleep, his instincts were ringing out his warning alarm. Something bad was being done to him…!

Little by little, Kazuki’s consciousness was being awakened.

“I wonder if he will wake up if I lower his trousers. But, I really want to see it directly~“

<nowiki>*</nowiki>slit* Some sensation was slipping around the area of his waist. Because of that strong stimulus, Kazuki was awakened.

His blurred vision gradually connected the dots. What was in front of Kazuki’s eyes was―a girl’s lower body. Covered in a water colored fit-wear, a panorama of a butt, crotch and thighs.

Someone was directing her lower body to Kazuki’s face and straddled in reverse on top of Kazuki.

The other party’s face couldn’t be seen from Kazuki’s view but there was no doubt that this fit-wear was Hikaru-senpai’s.

The fit-wear that was even thinner compared to spats was gluing tightly to the soft bottom and thighs, and also the plump swelling crotch that got caught between them. It was really making the details come to the surface perfectly as if the wearer was naked. The only difference with nakedness was that the area was not skin colored but water colored.

Such an [important place] of Hikaru-senpai that was [almost similar with naked] was placed right in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

His half asleep mind was rapidly boiling up and then Kazuki yelled.

“Se, senpai! What are you doing!?”

Hikaru-senpai had stripped the trouser that Kazuki wore as pajamas and currently was placing her hands right on Kazuki’s trunks. And then Kazuki’s unprepared and moreover involuntary morning physiology phenomenon had risen, pushing up the middle part of his trunks towering like mount Fuji.

This was a super dangerous situation. Kazuki pulled up his trunks in panic.

“Kazuki, you woke up!? Not that, it’s no good if you raise such a loud voice!”

Hikaru-senpai looked to the side after having said that. Beside the two, Kaguya-senpai was still breathing lightly *suyasuya* in her sleep.

This place was not Kazuki’s usual room in the Witch’s Mansion.

Here was the front line of the war between east Japan and west Japan―the Knight Order’s garrison of Nagoya. It was the plot of land and building that was once called Aichi Prefectural Police that was repaired for the sake of the Knight Order’s activity.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.06 015.jpg|thumb]]

The students of the Knight Academy that were recruited for the war against Yamato were lodging in the rooms that were allocated to them inside the garrison building. Kazuki became the room partner of Kaguya-senpai once again, and then there was Hikaru-senpai who slipped in , which made the three of them sleep together inside the room last night.

…He was careless. Even though usually he was the first one to wake up, it seemed yesterday he was really tired.

“Ahaha, when I saw Kazuki’s cute sleeping face, I became unable to contain my feelings. I want to leave my body to the instincts as a girl-!”

Hikaru-senpai smiled invigoratingly and then unhesitatingly tried once more to lower Kazuki’s trunks. Kazuki grabbed hold of his trunks in panic and barely managed to cling onto the fabric.

“Please wait, senpai is too honest with yourself! Don’t just do something like lowering someone’s pants using the chance when they are sleeping!!”

When Kazuki raised a scream, Hikaru-senpai took a glance at the direction of the sleeping Kaguya-senpai worriedly.

“That’s why I told you already that it’s not good to make a loud voice-! Kaguya is going to wake up!! …Eiii-!”

Towards the face of Kazuki who was raising a scream―Hikaru-senpai’s crotch was lowered.

The bulge that was tinged with plump roundness was pressing onto Kazuki’s mouth. Then both of senpai’s thighs locked onto Kazuki’s face from the sides firmly. Kazuki’s lower face was enveloped in a sweet sensation of touch.

“Muguu!? Fenfai, fanfufafefefufafaifo―!”

Kazuki raised a scream but his voice was suppressed completely by girl’s [meat].

When Kazuki moved his lips gasping, Hikaru-senpai went “hyann!?” raising a high pitched voice and her hips jumped with a start.

“Ka, Kazuki!? When you squirm your mouth there…somehow there is this strange feeling-!”

Against the sensation of Kazuki’s moving lips, Hikaru-senpai began to push down lasciviously and wriggled her hips back and forth.

Kazuki noticed once again that something came into contact with his mouth and then he shut his mouth.

“Wha, what is this…I don’t know this kind of sensation…but this might feel a little good…”

Hikaru-senpai took an erotic breath. Even when Kazuki finally shut his mouth and stopped stimulating the pressing body, Hikaru-senpai proactively press down her nether region and started grinding.

Then Kazuki’s nose got caught inside the caving in spot in the middle of the plump bulge of her nether region.

“Hyan! …Ju, just now was amazing!”

Hikaru-senpai’s spinal column was noticeably trembling intensely in shudders.

Not good. Hikaru-senpai who was innocent about genders was learning about something completely unthinkable.

Moreover on top of a person’s face.

Senpai’s hip movement became even more intense. It was unclear whether it was from Kazuki’s exhalation or from the sweat that senpai was perspiring, but the fit-wear was starting to become slippery with moisture and tinged with luster.

Hikaru-senpai’s body hygiene that was retained by the power of magic caused the sweat that she perspired to have the scent of a pure girl. That scent passed through Kazuki’s reasoning without stopping and shook his instinct. That unthinkable spot had been pressed onto his face for some time. If he was being exposed to this much lewd temptation, then no matter how much he….

Rather, if it kept like this, soon he’d….

…No wait, calm down. He must not get tempted by senpai’s innocence and step off the straight path!

Kazuki sharpened his mind with the concentration power of a swordsman and cleared away all the wicked thoughts.

Because of Hikaru-senpai’s utmost effort in pressing her hips to Kazuki’s face, her attention had been averted from his trunks. Right there Kazuki parted his hands from holding on his trunks, then his hands that became free were tightly pinning down Hikaru-senpai’s hips that continued to move grazingly.

“Kazuki!? ……moree…”

Hikaru-senpai who was possessed by the unknown pleasure directed an unsatisfied face at his way.

“This is not good. Senpai, this is bad. As a maiden, please endure that sensation.”

“Mu―. Kazuki…then, show me your penis.”

“That’s not good. What do you mean by [then], I completely don’t get it.”

“Mu―. By any chance, did I almost do something more dangerous than I thought?”

In Hikaru-senpai’s expression, a color of anxiety flashed for a moment. Just as he thought it seemed she wasn’t conscious of it herself.

Because Hikaru-senpai lived the falsehood that [she was a prince] for a long time, inside her, her self-awareness as a girl was still immature. In contrast with that, her instinct and body had already begun to mature as a girl. That unbalance was inside senpai.

“It was really dangerous, but it’s okay. I won’t hate senpai because of that kind of thing. Rather it’s exactly because I like senpai that it’s dangerous. …Haaa-!”

Kazuki put his strength to both his hands and tore Hikaru-senpai’s body from him with a roll.

The rolling Hikaru-senpai was “cheeh” and sharpened her lips while both her legs were fidgeting and rubbing together.

“Even though this is the rare chance where I woke up even earlier than Kazuki with my hard work, for some reason my chest is smoldering like this.”

“…Kazuki-kuu~n.”

Did her sleep became shallow from the sounds, Kaguya-senpai embraced him tightly from the side. He was enveloped in a soft and warm sensation. Her face felt like she was still half asleep. Similar with Hikaru-senpai in her fit-wear appearance, the magic power of Kaguya-senpai’s Magic Dress came apart in her sleep and she transformed into her negligee appearance.

“Kazuki-kun, kiss~”

While Kaguya-senpai was half asleep, she pushed out her lips to Kazuki.

Among the residents of the Witch’s Mansion, Kaguya-senpai was the only one who still hadn’t experienced the [lips-to-lips kiss].

The person herself was terribly concerned of it inside her heart.

However when Kazuki kissed the lips of a girl, he was able to use a one-time only trump card where he could perform the Materialized Summoning of the contracted Diva. Kaguya-senpai decided that she wouldn’t [throw away uselessly] that trump card, and determined by herself that she would harden her heart and be patient for the kiss until the hour of need.

Kazuki respected that wish of hers and presented his cheek and not his lips.

“Nn~” Kaguya-senpai sucked his cheek and fawned on him. For some reason she cutely looked like a child.

This was the Kaguya-senpai who usually acted like a big sister, but in her heart she surely wanted to depend on someone.

“Kazuki~, me too!”

Hikaru-senpai hugged him from the other side and kissed *chuu* his other cheek with pleasant feeling.

“Both of you, let’s get out from the bed soon. We are going to go to the beach today after all.”

“I’m really looking forward to it, the sea!”

The forehead of Hikaru-senpai who was making an excited voice pushed into Kazuki with a bump.

“We are not going there to play you know, Hikaru-senpai.”

The war between Japan and Yamato.

For the sake of the vital counterattack strategy in this war, Kazuki is going to cross the sea and sneak into Ise Shrine.

===Part 3===

Aichi prefecture looked similar to a monster’s face that grew fangs. The two peninsulas growing out at the southern part of the prefecture looked perfectly similar like two jutting out fangs―the west Chita peninsula and the east Atsumi peninsula.

From here, Kazuki and the others would head first to the furthest point of Atsumi peninsula as their destination, the <Irago cape>.

When they arrived at this Irago cape, there was Mie prefecture across Ise Bay.

Mie prefecture had similar shape with the shape of katakana ‘ト’. After they crossed Ise bay and landed on the protrusion that jutted out to the east, they just needed to advance a little further to reach Ise Shrine.

The shortest distance sea route crossing Irago cape to Mie prefecture was called <Irago Water Path> from the ancient times.

“Together with Kazuha-senpai, I’m going to cross Irago water path and infiltrate Yamato and then invade Ise Shrine. It seems that the {{furigana|boss|chief god}} of Japanese Mythology is there.”

Kazuki and company were headed to Irago cape riding in the car of the Knight Order. With just a glance it was just a black sedan that didn’t look like a military car. Kazuki was sitting in the middle of that car’s comfortable back seat. At his sides were Mio on the right and Kanae on the left sitting with him. Kazuki was explaining the strategy once more to the two girls [who were still wearing a dissatisfied face].

“Why is it only Kazuki and Tsukahara-senpai alone? I cannot consent on that point at all!”

When Mio pouted her lips and expressed her dissatisfaction, Kanae too was “That’s right, right there!” and voiced her agreement with Mio.

“This is an infiltration operation after all, we have to use the minimum number of personnel so we don’t stand out. And also the objective is to persuade the boss of Japanese Mythology to pull their hands out of this war, so I must go together with Kazuha-senpai that is contracted with Futsunushi no Kami of the same Japanese Mythology. There is really a proper reason for all this you see.”

Mio and Kanae were silent. They had no room to object in this operation.

There was no other way than this…this operation felt like that. It made him felt somewhat constrained, however….

“It seems because of that bunch from Yamato were breaking into many shrines, that the Divas of Japanese Mythology transformed into this state called <Wild God>. Right there that bunch from Yamato instigated them that [the one that broke into the shrines was Japan government], and then those Wild Gods were won over into becoming Yamato’s comrades. That’s the story.”

“Using that kind of method that look like children’s pranks…what a nuisance those guys are.”

Kanae breathed out a deep sigh. After all the one that was exposed to the full brunt of the Wild Gods’ menace were Kanae and the swordsmen.

The Shrine Maiden of Yamato had short chanting time because their body hosted the Wild Gods, making them able to use Drive. They kicked around the front line swordsmen with might like that of a rapid-fire cannon.

As expected, for them to have short chanting time was a large threat.

…However if the Japanese Divas turned into enemy because of a simple misunderstanding, then there are room for persuasion.

“The Japanese Divas that are in Wild God state doesn’t have the ears to listen to our voice. However when the Shrine Maiden that is in Drive is defeated and falls into magic intoxication, it seems the Wild God that possessed them will also quiet down and return to sanity.”

From the battle before―in [Magic War・Okehazama], one of the Shrine Maidens were captured and as a result <Ame no Uzume> that possessed her was returned to her sanity. Ame no Uzume lent her ear to Kazuki and Futsunushi-no-Kami’s persuasion and pulled out her participation from the battle.

But the number of the Shrine Maidens was not only one or two, there were more than hundreds of them on the war front. It was not an easy matter to defeat them and persuade all the Wild Gods. Right there…,

“Futsunushi-no-Kami said, when we beat the [chief god of Japanese Mythology] in Ise Shrine and her sanity returned from the Wild God state, it seems that all the other Japanese Divas will all return to their senses too.”

Chief God―an existence that exerted its influence on all the other Divas in that Mythology.

If people talked about Japanese Mythology’s chief god that was deified in Ise Shrine, there was none other than <Amaterasu-ōmikami>. Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai would infiltrate into Ise Shrine and defeat Amaterasu who had turned into a Wild God. Then if they could persuade her, it was the same as destroying the military power of Yamato.

In the event that Yamato’s government fell into turmoil from suddenly losing the cooperation of Japanese Mythology, the Knight Order would commence attack without wasting any time. That was the strategy this time―[Magic War・Sekigahara].

“We are giving you a pair of beacons, so if you succeeded in defeating Amaterasu, send a signal with them. If the operation is a success it’s the blue beacon, if it’s a failure use the red beacon.”

From the driver seat, the sunglasses wearing Akane-senpai faced Kazuki with a glance and said that.

Beacon―it was a method to transmit a code by raising a colored smoke.

“Beacon is it…it feels like that this item is in the wrong period somehow.” Kazuki unintentionally displayed his anger.

“It’s fine feeling like we are in Sengoku period right? …Well that was just a joke, with the current situation like this where all the long range communications between east and west Japan are blocked, there really is no other effective method of contact you know.”

Before the coup d'état, Yamato made preparations in secret toward the infrastructure business through the politicians, and then they immediately severed the radio wave and internet access between east and west Japan.

“But don’t look down on this beacon okay, we were requesting a skilled alchemist for the sake of the operation this time to make this custom-made item in just one night. This is not using smoke but it will blow a fire pillar high to the sky that should be able to be confirmed from Ise to Nagoya even in the middle of the night.”

“If this is that flashy, even the opponent will notice it.”

“If there is a method that cannot be noticed by the opponent where we can exchange conversation, that will be the best though. That’s why swiftness will become important in this operation. Our side has also made preparation beforehand so as not to grant the enemy time to prepare, that the moment we receive the signal we can immediately invade.”

Akane-senpai smoothly drove the large-type sedan while explaining.

“…Nonetheless it’s really amazing isn’t it, to be able to manage this kind of big car.”

“Hehehe, she is cool right! The senpai I’m proud of!”

Hikaru-senpai that was sitting in the assistant driver’s seat happily looked back. For Hikaru-senpai who was the present vice president of the student council, Akane-senpai who was the former vice president was a direct senior that taught her how to do the work.

“I went to a training camp for a short period to take my license when I became a third year. Because a car is the knights’ feet.”

From the sunlight that shone through the front glass, the sunglasses that Akane-senpai was wearing shone brightly.

Kazuki and company rode three cars that were prepared by the Knight Order separately and headed to Irago cape.

The ones who was in charge of driving in each car respectively were Kanon-senpai, Akane-senpai, and Lotte.

Lotte who was still 15 years old was of course unlicensed, but because the Diva of civilization Prometheus was dwelling inside her body, she was able to drive any kind of vehicle.

Except for the three sedans that were running in line on the road, there was no other car they could see.

That was because the surroundings of Nagoya had been designated as an evacuation zone. This place was a townscape in a state of emergency.

“…But why did we bring everyone else together with us? I thought that the only one needed for this operation is only Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai though.”

“It would be too conspicuous if we choose to bring along only you and Tsukahara-san. Because in this extremely secret operation, we have to carry out this plan without even letting the knights of the Knight Order know.”

…I see, the spy from Yamato that had infiltrated the inner part of the Knight Order.

This infiltration mission couldn’t be leaked out even to his allies.

The only one from the internal of the Knight Order who knew about this strategy was only the strategy planner Commander Yamagata.

“We are taking all of you under the pretense of rewarding the students that gave distinguished service in the previous battle with vacation. Also with the massing of battle strength of east Japan here, our shortage of personnel is also being reduced, so the timing also looked natural right?”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.06 023.jpg|thumb]]

In the first place Kazuki and the other students were recruited into the front line of this war because the Knight Orders had personnel shortage. Matching their timing with the coup d’etat of Yamato, the illegal magicians of Yamato that were scattered through east Japan began their guerilla activity. With the Knight Order’s personnel taken to suppress the illegal magicians, the Knight Order right after the coup d’etat became too preoccupied to even think of fighting a war.

But right now most of the illegal magicians had been suppressed and the battle strength was in the process of being amassed in this front line. When it became like this, there was no need to work the cadets that were still nothing more than students non-stop.

Because of that reason Kazuki and the others who gave distinguished service in the previous battle were granted with vacation as reward…there was some carefreeness saying it like that but it was not really much of a strange story.

There was a beach that was suitable for swimming at Irago cape.

“Of course that’s just the cover story, all of you of the <Knight Academy Regiment> are separated from the command system of the top brass and can move freely and you will be allowed to keep moving like that from now on as an independent unit.”

The spy from Yamato was most likely had penetrated into as far as the top brass of the Knight Order. All the action of the Knight Order had to be reported in detail to the top brass so everything became completely leaked to the spy.

The Knight Academy was independent from that {{furigana|hierarchy|chain of command}} and stood as a different organization, making them able to move only at Headmaster Amasaki’s own discretion. The Knight Academy regiment that was composed from the students was the sole unit that was able to conduct a strategy without its information getting leaked to Yamato.

“Nii-sama, please look forward to Kanae’s swimsuit appearance okay!”

“…Somehow I lost my nervousness with Kanae by my side huh.”

Though for Kazuki this vacation till the end was just a camouflage.

However for everyone else who practically wouldn’t engage in this infiltration operation, this was just a normal vacation.

“Kazuki too also has the time to play together with us for a little right?”

Mio hugged Kazuki’s arm tightly from the right side.

―The car was going south to the Atsumi peninsula for a total of two hours. Leaving far from Nagoya that was unfolding like an uncouth urban warfare, the scenery was transformed into something that made them feel the atmosphere of vacation in southern country.

Palm trees were growing beside the road along the coastline.

From the gap between the palm trees, the sea was finally visible.

“That’s the sea Nii-sama-!” Kanae raised an excited voice first. Kazuki was spontaneously half-rising from his seat, and the morning breeze rushed inside the car when Akane-senpai tactfully opened the car window.

Since it was June, it was still not yet the period when the beach had opened.

The sandy beach they finally arrived at was like a private beach.

All the beach houses on the beach was in a state of closing vacation. But it seemed not everything was in the state of being unmanned. Right after they arrived, Akane-senpai entered one of the beach houses where inside she made some kind of talk with the shopkeeper.

It seemed the Knight Order had negotiated with this beach house, where they were given permission that it was fine to use the changing room and shower freely. After a while, Akane-senpai came out from the beach house.

“For the time being Kazuki and everyone else too, change into your swimsuit.”

Everyone raised a cheer and entered the female changing room.

Kazuki too entered the male changing room by his lonesome.

…Being surrounded by girls in swimsuit, when the only male was him.

How amazing…, Kazuki thought once more. He hadn’t thought that this environment was amazing or the like after coming this far, but he was thinking that his reasoning that was able to endure in this environment was really awesome.

Kazuki changed into trunks-type swimsuit with a swiftness that could be said is the privilege of male.

On the other side, he could hear strange voices like “Roo―ck paa―per…” from the girl's changing room. What were they doing in there? Kazuki didn’t take any mind of it, but went down and stood on the sandy beach alone before everyone else.

The sensation of the sands on the sole of his feet felt good. The temperature was still a little cool, but a magician could control temperature using Pyrokinesis. Controlling heat and cold was the magic that humans who had obtained magic power naturally learned the foremost.

The swimsuit was something they received from the purchase by the Knight Order from an unmanned department store in Nagoya. Kazuki and the others were told to choose whatever they like. Someone like Mio had her eyes shining from all the high-class brands at that time.

“Ottoo―to-kunn♪”

While he was staring at the sea, an excited voice was calling out from behind.

When he looked back, the one who came out first from the girl’s changing room was Kaguya-senpai in a black bikini.

Kaguya-senpai looked like she wanted to say something, she was looking at Kazuki with broad grin.

“…It’s really an adult swimsuit isn’t it? The swimsuit really matches senpai well.”

“Fufufuu, when I’m like this, it’s different from using Magic Dress, what a relief.”

Kaguya-senpai pulled the hem of the pareo she wore tightly. When Kaguya-senpai lapsed into delirium because of Asmodeus, she went beyond daring and acted a little like that, but actually she also felt embarrassed just like other people.

However although the pareo in her lower body lowered the exposure rate, the destructive power of her chest bikini was tremendous. It was heavily drooping bouncingly, that even now, it looked like it was going to burst out. In addition even though her hips were constricted tightly, her thighs were too voluptuous, what a really lewd body.

…He was too conscious of it, that the atmosphere became really unsuitable for playing together.

“Otouto-kun’s appearance in swimsuit is also really good! Especially your muscular chest is really great-!”

Kaguya-senpai’s eyes too sparkled at Kazuki as she walked toward him.

“…Kaguya-senpai strangely likes chest muscle don’t you?”

“Yes, I like it♪” Kaguya-senpai circled both her hands to Kazuki’s back and hugged him, and then she pressed her own face to Kazuki’s chest and rubbed her cheek repeatedly. Kazuki too hugged her back tightly.

Their body were naturally in mutual contact―senpai’s breast was bouncingly pressing at him.

They were hugging each other in swimsuit but…for some reason it felt like they were hugging each other in the nude.

When he was stroking her smooth back, senpai was “It tickles♪” and she laughed happily.

“Kazuki-!” There was another voice calling at him and he turned back.

The second one that came along was Mio wearing a red bikini.

By some chance, perhaps the rock-paper-scissor from before was for deciding the order of the girls’ exit.

Mio was saying “How is it?” and took some poses *sa*, *sa*, in order to display her own body.

“You are really pretty. The swimsuit really brings out the goodness of Mio’s style.”

The swimsuit that she chose was exactly [a swimsuit that couldn’t be worn except for the chosen person].

The area covered by clothes was considerably smaller than Kaguya-senpai’s swimsuit, the fabric and string that were cut directly enhanced Mio’s willowy limbs stylishly.

Even though it had simple cutting, he could still feel the calculation inside it, it was not a clothing that simply had high exposure rate, surely it also had the aim to enhance the femininity of the wearer to the limit. It had some artistic sense in it.

This swimsuit had already reached the zone where it absolutely wouldn’t suit someone that didn’t have a good style, but it suited Mio perfectly. There was this presence of a high class swimsuit, that just like that, presented the girl.

Mio was “Hehehe! It really suit me!”, she puffed out her chest and laughed. After that she looked alternately at Kazuki and Kaguya-senpai who were hugging, and then she opened both her hands to the front and said “Hug hug<ref>Mio said this in English</ref>!” …Hug hug?

“Come on, hug hug!!” Mio said it again in a little angry tone.

…Did she want to be hugged from his side?

Kazuki dragged Kaguya-senpai trailingly while walking toward Mio and then he hugged Mio tightly.

Kaguya-senpai’s scent was gently mixing with Mio’s scent.

There was Mio on his right side and Kaguya-senpai on his left side, making their posture to be in dumpling state<ref>Being crowded together. Dumpling in Japan is usually skewered together where the dumplings were pressed against each other.</ref>. Both of them were in swimsuit, that was why no matter where he touched, his hands met the sensation of a girl's bare skin. They were wrapped together.

Mio was “Nn~♪” leaking out a satisfied sweet voice, and pressed herself loosely inside Kazuki’s chest.

“…Kazuki mustn’t temper your body too much okay. After all slender macho around this much is the best.”

While Mio rubbed herself repeatedly on Kazuki's chest, she handed down such evaluation.

“Objection<ref>Phoenix Wright reference I think</ref>! …I think it’s not particularly bad even if your chest become a little more buff!”

From the other side, Kaguya-senpai immediately shouted her objection.

“No, I hate brawny build! After all Kazu-nii is my prince!”

Both of them glared at each other with Kazuki in between, and then they began to argue of this and that about Kazuki’s ideal body build.

“…Something like muscle, I think it’s best if its only practical though…”

When Kazuki was gazing at their argument in dumbfounded look, he felt the edge of his trunks got pulled *kui kui* repeatedly. When he looked behind, there was Koyuki. Hikaru-senpai was also coming along at her side.

“Koyuki and Hikaru-senpai. …Wait, Koyuki, isn’t that just your Magic Dress?”

“This Magic Dress can also fulfill the role of swimsuit sufficiently anyway. …When I was going to choose my swimsuit, Vepar became sulky. Such thing is unneeded, she said.”

Koyuki’s speech was mixed with a deep sigh.

“Koyuki’s appearance is something I’m used to see as usual but…as I thought white really suits Koyuki.”

The extra ornaments were omitted from Koyuki’s magic dress, making her wrapped from chest to hips only with the exterior in white school swimsuit shape. The exposure rate was fewer than bikini―however the feel of the surface material was delicately translucent, the degree of light faintly made her skin showed through. The swimsuit was fairly, no considerably bewitching.

Seeing the dumpling state Kazuki was in with Mio and Kaguya-senpai, Koyuki circled their surrounding and discovered a gap, “Puu” and then she forced her way in. The sweetness density was increased even further.

Mio and Kaguya-senpai were even now “The gap when Kazuki looks unexpectedly macho after he took off his clothes is great.” “Looking slender in clothing is scientifically impossible. Macho is constantly macho.” saying things like that they were continuing the unproductive argument. Kazuki had the feeling that somehow the talk was not about him anymore so he left them alone.

“Hikaru-senpai’s swimming race swimsuit is cool and stylish isn’t it?”

“Hehehe, just as I thought I had the hunch that cutesy things don't suit me…”

Such thing is not true, he thought, however what Hikaru-senpai was wearing was a glossy race swimsuit of blue and water color with yellow line inserted in it. The slender high leg that grew out emphasized the length of her thighs.

…However, the splendid high leg was amazing. With acute angle exactly like the alphabet V, it tightly dug into the girlish buxom hip.

“But this is fairly amazing you know. While I’m walking it dug into my bottom arbitrarily…”

Half-spinning her body with a twirl, Hikaru-senpai directed her bottom at his direction.

The steep angle of the high leg dug into her bottom, it was on the brink of looking like T-back.

Kazuki’s face spontaneously became red and he averted his eyes. Looking at his reaction, Hikaru-senpai’s expression brightened.

…This morning it was like that too, but this person was very happy if Kazuki was conscious of her as an opposite sex and it sometimes made her thoughtlessly start indecent behavior that made him troubled.

“Hehehe-! Ass Attack! I’m a person from planet Oshirifurifuri<ref>The meaning of this word is Ass Shake Shake, if anyone can think of a better name feel free to edit this.</ref>!!”

Hikaru-senpai suddenly launched a hip attack at Kazuki.

Because of the hip attack that forcefully wedged its way through between Mio and Kaguya-senpai, the two who were in the middle of heated argument were “Wa, what’s with this ass!” and got thrown back.

Hikari-senpai who turned into alien from planet Oshirifurifuri was rubbing her bottom around the area of Kazuki’s waist.

“No wait, everyone is clinging on me too much here!”

Amasaki Mio―152 Hiakari Koyuki―132 Otonashi Kaguya―129 Hoshikaze Hikaru―118

There were even more voices coming from behind him.

“Fufufu, it’s really absurd for all of you to think that you can steal Nii-sama’s heart with only swimsuits of that degree! I lost the initiative at the appearance turn but, Nii-sama please look this way! To the alluring figure of the star performers Kanae and Kohaku!!”

Kazuki looked up in the direction of the voice. In front of the beach house, Kanae and Kohaku stood there with their chests wrapped in cotton wrappings and cotton loincloth tied on their waists. They showed that appearance brimming with self-confidence and arrogant attitude.

…Ah no, Kohaku was looking slightly embarrassed.

“This is the Japanese Traditional Sexy Fair…Doshi☆Fun<ref>I think she reversed Fundoshi (loincloth) into Doshifun here. Though I don’t know what is the meaning or if it’s a reference to something.</ref>!”

“Kanae, Kohaku…I don’t think that kind of appearance exists.”

His reasoning that was shaken because of everyone had cooled down instantly thanks to Kanae.

“E, EEEEEEEEEE!? How can Nii-sama’s heart be that harmonious after seeing this!?”

“No, after all, that appearance is not limited only to Japanese style right? Aren’t you throwing away various important things as a girl like that? I cannot think of anything else other than you running some kind of joke…”

“GAA―NN!” Kanae became teary-eyed while Kohaku directed spiteful eyes to Kanae.

“…Even though this one had said that it’s strange, Kana-nyan-senpai was bragging [I know all there is to know about Nii-sama!] full of confidence so in the end…”

“Shu, shut up! Don’t say any complaints, aren’t you the one that copied me on your own accord even though I decided this by myself!!”

Kanae turned back and shouted at Kohaku. Her bottom was *purun!* shaking. …The bottom became something amazing to look at from behind when wearing loincloth, Kazuki reflexively averted his eyes.

“Fufufu, that being the case Kanae-san is a very shy person isn’t she? But running a clever plan while hiding one’s embarrassment is a blunder. …There is no easy path in subtleties of man and woman except using all one’s might!”

All one’s might―the one who appeared this time along with a proclamation that sounds amazing for some reason was Ryuutaki Miyabi-senpai.

With a refreshing smile, the swimsuit that she was wearing…was a straightforward ''string'' swimsuit.

Slingshot―narrow belt that was fine even if it was called string was hanging on from the neck to the breast and from the breast to the waist. It barely retained its claim as swimsuit by the belt that was hanging on the apex of the breast. Whether Miyabi-senpai should be called a celebrity or an exhibitionist, she had a really erotic & gorgeous style.

With a composed expression as if saying that it was only around this much, Miyabi-senpai sexily brushed up her long hair that was colored silver from an elf’s special trait. Kazuki reflexively stiffened from the unexpected hot body.

“Please wait Nee-sama! That swimsuit is really not for sane people!!”

Shinobu-senpai was dashing out from the beach house while raising a piercing cry in school swimsuit appearance.

“Please stop exposing that appearance to anyone other than me!!”

Shinobu-senpai caught the arm of Miyabi-senpai. However Miyabi-senpai was “Noo!”, she made a resistance. Miyabi-senpai attempted to shake off the arm that caught her making her chest swaying *purun purun* from her movement.

Miyabi-senpai floated a composed smile toward Kazuki whose eyes became completely nailed on that sight.

“…Fufufu, when Kazuki is looking at me like that, I cannot help but feel a shiver on my spine you know.”

Composed. No…she looked like she was forcing herself somehow.

“You look just like a pervert Nee-sama-! I brought over Nee-sama’s school swimsuit too so come with me!!”

Shinobu-senpai pinioned Miyabi-senpai’s arm and was trying to lead her back into the beach house.

“I said no already!” Miyabi-senpai tried to shake off Shinobu-senpai from dragging her.

Because of that momentum of hers, *poroo* some kind of sound could be heard.

Actually there was no such sound at all, but that kind of sound effect was flashing inside his head. When Miyabi-senpai’s body that was pinioned shook to left and right, her large breasts also rampaged to the left and right, causing the belt that was only hanging on that ‘summit’ got pushed out of place *poron*, the large breast fell out.

Look soft…Kazuki’s eyes opened wide, fixedly staring at that sight.

“…I, I don’t plan to show until this far though…”

Miyabi-senpai’s white skin became bright red from shame. However she immediately attempted to recover her composed smile.

“…Fufu, this is not really shameful or anything though, it’s not an embarrassing body after all.”

With a composed smile as if pulling on a mask, she didn’t even try to hide the jiggling breast.

“Nee-sama! Withdraw! This is already prohibited!!”<ref>Shinobu always talked in polite language.</ref>

Shinobu-senpai finally went as far as using Enchant Aura and forcefully carried up Miyabi-senpai. Miyabi-senpai’s body had become all tensed up and she didn’t resist anymore. Just like that the two of them returned to the beach house.

…Overwhelmed by the event just now, no words could come out from his mouth.

Passing the Ryuutaki sisters, Karin and Kazuha-senpai finally came.

“What’s with that? Breast palanquin<ref>The words used here is portable shrine (carried in festivals)</ref>?” Karin left behind such comment.

“Leaving aside that, Hayashizaki Kazuki! It’s just fine even if you comment on my swimsuit appearance!”

Karin made a full rotation with a twirl. What she wore was a swimsuit for the use of primary schoolgirl that was printed with anime character.

“Eh, aa…it suits you. You are extremely cute in a certain meaning. I can’t really see you as someone the same age with me.”

“Mu, something is suspicious in your way of talking…Well, that must be because you really like anime. Fufun.”

At her side, Kazuha-senpai who was examining Kazuki’s expression was wearing a wine red adult-like bikini that was arranged with white ribbon. For Kazuha-senpai to wear a bikini with high exposure rate was a little unexpected.

“Senpai’s tight abs is really well reflected as a swordsman huh. It’s a beautiful body in supple way.”

“Do, don’t suddenly look at me with strange eyes-! Don’t review me!!”

When Kazuki voiced his impression, Kazuha-senpai lost her temper as usual.

“I’m not looking at senpai with strange eyes. It just remind me once again what a hard-worker senpai is.”

“…What’s with you, so this is a talk as swordsman.”

Kazuki intended it as the highest praise when he said beautiful muscle, but Kazuha-senpai donned dissatisfied face.

“But as a girl senpai is also really lovely. The practical muscle as a swordsman mysteriously doesn’t harm senpai’s womanly charm. Moreover that bikini is a little unexpected and charming.”

Getting praised with time difference, Kazuha-senpai became bright red from receiving the surprise attack.

And then a heart mark of positivity level up came flying from her chest, however as if deceiving that heart mark,

“What are you saying [cute] for even though you are the younger one-! Youu-!!”

Getting angry once more, Kazuha-senpai hit him again and again.

Kazuki separated his body from the girls that were clinging on him and cleverly evade Kazuha-senpai’s repeated strike while using Foresight. Thereupon Kazuha-senpai became even more irate and came hitting him even more.

Tsukahara Kazuha―80

“Now that I’m looking, where is Lotte? I don’t catch sight of her but…”

While evading Kazuha-senpai’s hit, Kazuki was looking around at his surrounding.

“She was not in the changing room, so I wonder if she is not together with Akane-senpai and the others.”

Hikaru-senpai too tilted her head in wonder.

“Won’t she come if we wait for her? Let’s play first!”

Mio pulled Kazuki’s arm as if feeling that the time they had together was too precious to waste.

At that time a voice rang out from the direction of the sea.

“The event is not going there! Everyone can play except for Onii-san! Kazuki-oniisan will be together with me to get the technique of operating the boat beaten into his head desu!”

When they turned around, a single small boat was heading to the beach cutting through the waves in the horizon. The one who drove was…Lotte!

Before the boat could go up the beach, it stood still.

“Wooden small ship <Solomon>. You are going to ride that and head to Ise.”

Akane-senpai who was talking with someone in the beach house was, while still wearing sunglass, coming down to the beach with her mantle of the knight uniform flapping in the morning breeze. She was pointlessly cool.

The group was reeled back, making Mio raise a protest.

“Eeee, you are going with this kind of small shabby boat!? Even if a bigger ship like a cruiser is prepared…”

“This is not a shabby thing, it was created by skilled hands, a precious traditional handicraft. In the case that Yamato properly bring out radar and conducted border security, that small wooden boat is able to slip through the radar. The wood has the property that make it easier to absorb the electromagnetic wave compared to iron or resin.”

Radar worked by transmitting electromagnetic wave to the target and detected the target by sensing the electromagnetic wave that clashed with the target and got reflected back. By using something made from wood, moreover with a size that small it would surely be difficult to detect the boat.

The Knight Order had seen that Yamato was unable to construct a security set-up using radar, but there was no such thing as being too careful.

“Also there are quite a lot of reefs in Irago water path, so for an amateur rather than driving a large boat it’s better to use small boat.”

“This is a motor boat loaded with engine isn’t it? I thought that I’m going to cross the sea by paddling.”

Kazuki asked about the surprising addition. This was an infiltration, so the number one concern was [sound].

“Just as you hear this boat is fitted with a motor that has high silencer so you don’t need to worry about sound. It’s also equipped with GPS, even in the miniscule chance that the boat get overturned you can fly using magic…if I have to say my worries then it’s only if someone discover you by naked eye. Such worry is needless if it’s you right, Cyclops?”

Akane-senpai laughed challengingly. There was not many humans that had better eyesight than Kazuki. Before the enemy could even discover Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai, surely Kazuki would discover the enemy faster and could escape.

“By the way senpai is not wearing swimsuit?”

“…I and Kanon have the position of leading you guys. The permission to relax doesn’t include both of us. Please don’t say anything stupid.”

Akane-senpai asserted stiffly with her sunglass sparkling. However from her side,

“HYAHHAA―!!!”

With goggle in her head, school swimsuit and even swimming ring, with such complete equipment Kanon-senpai dashed across the beach and leaped into the sea even earlier than anybody else. Akane-senpai was speechless and cradled her head, smiling wryly at Kazuki.

The boat was made from wood not only in its exterior but also its interior, the drive unit installed in its stern emitted a luster of modernity. The drive unit was a unification of motor, battery, and propeller. The boat’s total length was 12 meters, however the width didn’t even reach 2 meters.

With two seater sitting side-by-side horizontally, Kazuki was sitting in the driver seat with Lotte in the assistant driver seat in a cramped space where their shoulder and thigh could touch each other. Rather Lotte was happier with that cramped space.

“Fufufu, I’m monopolizing Kazuki-oniisan onboard a ship desu!”

Lotte who was sitting on the seat beside him was wearing tankini swimsuit with white tank-top outlined by pink borders and hotpants. The exposure rate was low but she looked wholesomely cute. Amazingly cute.

Lotte happily frolicked at Kazuki’s left shoulder.

When they turned to the beach direction from the floating boat on top of the sea, everyone else were playing at the beach’s edge, competing in swimming, or burying and got buried in the sandy beach.

For Lotte to say something like monopolizing Kazuki like this was a rare event.

“That’s because Lotte always holding back too much.”

When Kazuki kept stroking her head, Lotte made a dazzling bright smile at him.

Kazuki nonchalantly lowered his hand that was stroking Lotte’s head to the back of her head, then suddenly he forcefully drew Lotte’s face near and stole her lips forcibly.

For a while their lips tasted each other’s softness intimately. And then when their faces separated, Lotte’s face boiled red dazedly as if she was drunk. A large heart mark flew to Kazuki.

“…Kazuki-oniisan, you had become skillful in doing this kind of thing unfalteringly, or perhaps I should say…the surprise just now was a lovely surprise attack desu-!”

Lotte jumped into Kazuki’s chest enthusiastically, making the small boat shake on top of the water surface in a lull.

…Although it was because Lotte was happy no matter what he did with her, so he was just trying to act proactively for once.

Kazuki embraced Lotte in return while recovering the balance of the ship, and then he was brushing her head gently once more.

“Kazuki-oniisan…not just my head, please touch various places on me even more♪”

Lotte whispered bewitchingly. Then Kazuki brushed Lotte’s back gently.

“Ehehe…do it in even more places♪”

Being urged further, he brought his hand from the back to her waist, then her stomach where his hand kept stroking her body. “Nn…♪” Lotte released an ardent sigh, her body was quivering.

“Kazuki-oniisan, more, I want you to do even more desu.”

Lotte rubbed her thigh on him. That act was not the childish sweetness she always did in front of everyone. Lotte who was like a little angel was becoming passionate inside Kazuki’s arms.

{Lotte, it’s extremely painful for me to disturb you here but, we have to teach Kazuki the ship control soon.}

Suddenly the voice of Prometheus rang out inside his head. Looked like the same voice also reverberated inside Lotte’s head, the girl separated her body “Mein gott…” and sulking a little she pouted her lips.

“Please grip the handle with left hand. The handle is attached to the stern of the ship and connected to the drive unit, it can change the direction of the propulsion.”

Lotte was teaching Kazuki smoothly. However Lotte was not too detailed herself in how to operate the boat, it was the god of civilization Prometheus possessing Lotte that had the thorough knowledge of civilization’s convenient tool.

When he gripped the handle just as he was told, a heavy sensation was conveyed into his palm with a jerk.

“Manipulate the throttle lever with your right hand. The throttle is like a car’s accelerator. The boat will go forward if you pushed the throttle forward and it will change into backward movement when the throttle is pushed to the back.”

“And this flap switch?”

“This flap is to control the inclination of the boat, so please always watch the condition of the sea surface attentively and operate this switch appropriately. The newest ship has sensor to automatically control the flap but…this is a Japanese boat made from wood that was hastily made and the drive unit is attached in the external, so it doesn’t have the capability to do that desu.”

“Handle with left hand, throttle and flap with right hand…look fairly difficult huh, this boat.”

“Because officially this boat need license to operate desu. Beyond doubt, what we are doing is unlicensed driving.”

Lotte asserted suspiciously.

“Perhaps there will not be situation like this but, please absolutely don’t operate the motor when there is human that doesn’t have magic power in the surrounding. They will receive heavy injury if they get swallowed by the propeller.”

When Kazuki pushed down the slot, the boat began to move, the morning breeze changed into a strong headwind.

Lotte’s fluffy hair was swayed pleasantly by the wind.

“Kazuki-oniisan, I’ll give you a reward every time you control the boat skillfully desu-!”

Rather than calling it a reward it was the person herself that was fawning on him, Lotte kissed Kazuki’s face from the side. Kazuki practiced the boat’s operation for a while, at the same time Lotte reclined on Kazuki while they were enjoying the drive on top of the sea.

===Part 4===

Everyone apart from the Ryuutaki sisters began to play beach ball.

Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai didn’t mix with everyone and went away somewhere….

Kazuki who was learning to operate the boat in isolation on the sea was finished in less than an hour.

“Kazuki-oniisan, how much confidence do you have in the strategy this time desu?”

On the ship that was still floating leisurely on the open sea, Lotte asked that all of a sudden.

How much confidence he had in the strategy this time huh―the one who designed the strategy this time was the person who led the Knight Order’s Shizuoka regiment, Commander Yamagata.

“Lotte doesn’t have much confidence in that Commander Yamagata do you?”

Lotte nodded with a bob of her head.

Lotte was honest in all respects towards Kazuki, but it was not like she harbored that attitude toward just anyone.

Rather for Lotte who was born and raised in a royal court which was a whirlpool of scheme and plot, she would use Telepathy to anyone she directly met and unless she had confirmed that the other party didn’t hold any ill will she absolutely wouldn’t open up her heart.

“I, think that the operation this time is dangerous desu. I don’t understand it well if I’m asked why I think that but…it’s like our direction is completely guided…”

Kazuki nodded. Kazuki too had a similar feeling like that.

The enemy’s hand didn’t reach until the seaside and its security was easy to infiltrate.

It was as if the government of Yamato didn’t think of Ise Shrine as important, their wariness was thin.

Those guys might also be unaware that if Amaterasu was defeated all the other Japanese Divas would also recover their sanity. After all in a state of being a Wild God the Diva couldn’t communicate normally, so it was not odd even if they didn’t know but…they were too full of opening.

If this strategy succeeded against the enemy that was full of opening, the enemy’s battle strength would plummet and the victory and defeat would be decided. There was no other way but to use this strategy. However….

“Certainly, this is just too convenient.”

If in the worst case, the enemy force was waiting in ambush, then both Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai would be trapped in a desperate situation.

What if this convenient situation, ''by some chance was set by someone? ''

“Is it that Commander Yamagata, doesn’t think well about Kazuki-oniisan?”

“I also think that it might be so. It doesn’t matter even if it’s a trap, maybe he think of me as something like a sacrificial pawn.”

The King of Solomon. For the humans that had already seized power in Japan presently, Kazuki’s existence couldn’t be said as someone that they would necessarily welcome. Such attitude was something that he had experienced personally in the past.

Actually there was also another<ref>I'm not sure if the translator had any reason for this but i'll change it until otherwise stated</ref> reason to be hesitating. …Beatrix who had covered him and fell into magic intoxication still hadn’t opened her eyes. If he could, he didn’t want to be separated from her side. There was something he wanted to immediately say the moment she was awake, even while she was still asleep he wanted to wait beside her.

“If onii-san feels any kind of danger, please escape immediately.”

Lotte hugged Kazuki’s left arm tightly.

When push comes to shove he had to consider about the right time to escape. Kazuki had acquired several magic that could fly in the sky. Because all of it was too flashy he couldn’t use them in the case of infiltration, but in the case of escape it didn’t matter even if he use those magic. If he flew to the sky using [Deep Striker] or [Blazing Wings] while accelerating himself using [Ride Lightning], there wasn’t supposed to be many magician who could pursue him at that speed.

He had to make a precise self-defense…above all Kazuha-senpai too was together with him.

Kazuha-senpai’s contracted Diva was Futsunushi no Kami of Japanese Mythology. That was why even in the case he really fell into the worst situation, the enemy might overlook Kazuha-senpai as long as he presented himself….

“I won’t forgive Kazuki-oniisan if you yourself don’t get home too okay desu?”

Perhaps Lotte felt Kazuki’s feeling slightly, she was glaring at Kazuki with a scowl. Kazuki was “Sorry” and smiled wryly. However he couldn’t help it that such feeling flashed inside his head for a moment.

“I’m saying this because I’m just alone with Lotte but…”

Surely the big shots of the government still hadn’t recognize Kazuki completely, the Solomon 72 Pillars was also still only in the stage of testing Kazuki. In regards to that the combination of Lotte and Prometheus, for Kazuki was truly [companions that had no lie]. They are a duo that absolutely had no hidden side from him.

If it was with them he had the feeling that he could be frank and spoke his true feeling.

Of course Leme was also listening in on this conversation with out<ref>i'm not sure if this was a mistake by the translators so i won't be changing them for now.</ref> butting in about anything.

“Futsunushi-no-Kami too, feels suspicious for some reason. Even though he doesn’t have any excuse like Leme or Prometheus that lost their memory, he only gave small amount of information when he talked. He might have some kind of reason but…the one who created the chance for the strategy this time was Futsunushi-no-Kami.”

If in the case that this strategy was led on by someone, the one who would fall under suspicion at the top of the list was Futsunushi-no-Kami.

“Is Futsunushi-no-Kami-san a spy from Yamato and is he luring Kazuki-oniisan right now?”

As expected, even for Lotte she couldn’t sense until as far as a Diva’s state of mind.

“No, I don’t think that Futsunushi-no-Kami is in Yamato’s camp…”

The explanation of [the nature possessed by Wild God] that Futsunushi no Kami gave to Kazuki had already been proven as truth presently, from how Ame-no-Uzume returned to her sanity.

In the first place from how Kazuki could use Futsunushi-no-Kami’s magic, ''there was no doubt that Futsunushi no Kami was fundamentally an ally, but''….

“Futsunushi-no-Kami too, might be planning to test me. He is not luring me into a trap from Yamato, but perhaps he is inviting me to the trial location of Japanese Mythology…?”

===Part 5===

When he got down from the boat, Kazuki didn’t join with the playing girls but he searched for Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai.

Kaguya-senpai and the others said that “We too searched for them, but we didn’t see them.”

But Kazuki was able to sense the whereabouts of a companion he had a bond with.

Shinobu-senpai’s positivity level was too low that he couldn’t sense her, but if it was Miyabi-senpai’s positivity level he could sense her faintly. Indeed, perhaps from Miyabi-senpai too, she might be wishing for [I want Kazuki to come], in comparison of her positivity level of 44, he could feel a strong wave of magic power.

Kazuki walked in the direction of the beach’s edge.

The area changed into a rough rocky place where the terrain was unsuitable for swimming.

He had to say something to Miyabi-senpai, some few words. That was what Kazuki was thinking.

Perhaps she was forcing herself that she wore that kind of swimsuit, and then undergoing that accident, she managed to mend her composed expression, but surely she felt hurt and embarrassed even at that time.

He immediately discovered the two sisters. They were in a rocky place separated from the beach. As if trying to hide behind a boulder almost as big as an adult, Miyabi-senpai was standing directly opposite Shinobu-senpai.

Miyabi-senpai had changed into a school swimsuit, both of them currently were in some kind of quarrel with each other.

“…That’s why, we had especially came here together with everyone after all, it’s no good if we don’t play with everyone.”

Miyabi-senpai talked with strong tone as if reproaching.

“No. I came because I thought I can play with Nee-sama. That’s why Nee-sama, together with me…”

Shinobu-senpai’s hand reached to Miyabi-senpai imploringly. Miyabi-senpai didn’t take that hand.

“If I take that hand, we are going to completely go wrong with the two of us.”

“Why…” Shinobu-senpai’s eyes shook fiercely in agitation. Her heart started to beat violently from receiving a large shock, but that agitation was only conveyed from her eyes.

Kazuki was standing stock still without raising any footstep.

The wandering eyes of Shinobu-senpai that couldn’t calm down located the figure of Kazuki that was like that.

Shinobu-senpai gulped her breath strongly and glared hatefully at Kazuki. Looking at that change of expression, Miyabi-senpai too followed Shinobu-senpai’s line of sight, “…Kazuki!” and she finally noticed Kazuki’s appearance.

Shinobu-senpai suddenly turned her back and dashed away in the opposite direction from Kazuki. Miyabi-senpai chased that leaving back with her eyes, but she didn’t follow and walked to Kazuki.

“…Before, I showed you my shameful appearance didn’t I? Although I didn’t plan to but, to lose my composure like that…”

Was it the story about the swimsuit? …Kazuki was at a loss of what he should say to her.

“I don’t think it was something embarrassing. It was really beautiful.”

The white skin characteristic of an elf on a glamorous figure. With different individuality from Koyuki, the scene was burned vividly into his heart.

The instant the swimsuit flipped and her breasts fell out, Kazuki’s eyes became nailed on the spot as if his soul was just plundered.

“Because of that, it’s strange to say something like thank you I think, but…please don’t fret or feel hurt over it too much. That is what I want to convey to senpai.”

“…I chose that swimsuit with the intention of showing my skin to you, so I’m happy if you say that to me. The truth is, it was certainly embarrassing though…”

Miyabi-senpai’s cheeks was colored red from shame, however she replied so in relief.

“Rather than something like a swimsuit, senpai has to run after Shinobu-senpai immediately.”

“…It’s fine. If I don’t separate with that child a little. Let’s just leave her alone. Rather than that kind of matter, I want to play together and get along well with you and everyone properly. This is a rare chance after all.”

After Miyabi-senpai shook her head and denied what Kazuki said, she reached her hand to Kazuki imploringly.

It was exactly the spitting image of how Shinobu-senpai reached her hand to Miyabi-senpai just before this.

While Kazuki took that hand gently―however he denied it at the same time.

“Senpai is impatient. Also senpai must not do something that will hurt Shinobu-senpai.”

Miyabi-senpai’s eyelashes shook with a start.

“That…I, I thought that the both of us cannot keep staying like this…”

“Shinobu-senpai, she will surely think that she has been left behind by Miyabi-senpai. And yet if Miyabi-senpai got too impatient like this, senpai will only rapidly get completely cornered…”

With Miyabi-senpai’s transformation into elf, the two twin sisters were locked into a world where it was just the two of them.

Shinobu-senpai grew to harbor feeling of distrust toward everything of the outside world that discriminate the big sister that she loved.

''In reverse Miyabi''-senpai had gotten back on her feet because Shinobu-senpai continued to stay by her side for a long time.

On Shinobu-senpai’s side who was not the one who became an elf herself, even now she was still continuing to confine herself inside her shell….

“I don’t mean to ignore that child’s feeling…”

Even while saying that she thought deeply of what Kazuki had pointed out. Miyabi-senpai hung her head down crestfallen.

“…That’s right isn’t it, this is not for the sake of the child or anything like that. I came like this to the sea to be with everyone. I might be able to make friends, with you, and with everyone else, making merry and everything…. It’s really like that isn’t it, even though that child is still unable to prepare her heart for something like this. Even though I can recover this far simply because that child kept continuing to think about me all this time….I was just about going to discard those feelings of hers.”

“Senpai should not think that senpai is discarding Shinobu-senpai or anything like that.”

The expression of Miyabi-senpai that was always showing a composed smile crumbled and peeled off.

“I discarded her! Because, being alone with Shinobu just the two of us, is enough already! Being just the two of us like this, is just the same thing with being alone…! It looks far more fun to be together with all of you!!”

Miyabi-senpai had said to him before [Quickly conquer me too] while floating a composed smile, however,

―She was not supposed to be composed.

She was showing behaviors that made people feel her elegance, but that might be just her pretending to be strong, showing [I don’t feel painful for even a little] to the outside world that had discriminated her.

Right now, Miyabi-senpai’s shoulders were shaking with self-disgust for herself [that was going to discard] her little sister.

The two that had been dependent on each other mutually for a long time. These two sisters, it would be in vain if it was not simultaneously.

“Senpai, it’s going to be okay. Because, I will show you that I’m going to [conquer] Shinobu-senpai too.”

This was the first time he had ever said [conquer], a galge-like word like that with such earnest feeling like this.

Kazuki lightly embraced the trembling Miyabi-senpai and pat her shaking shoulder.

“But I think it will take a little more time, so please run after Shinobu-senpai for now. Not only with Shinobu-senpai, I will become more intimate with Miyabi-senpai as well. And then after that, let’s go with the three of us to the beach or a pool again. After all the highlight of summer will be from now on.”

“…Thank you, my King.”

Miyabi-senpai looked downward deeply as if hiding her expression. From that face, a sniffling sound was leaking out.

“Please don’t forcibly hide yourself when you are crying.”

“Really you are, even though I was desperately trying to look good but you see through all of it…”

A large heart mark came flying from Miyabi-senpai.

Miyabi-senpai raised her face that was wet with tears and smiled even while shedding tears.

“I’m going to Shinobu now. I’ll apologize. I have to make that child feel peaceful.”

Miyabi-senpai wiped her tears, then she decisively turned her back to Kazuki and ran.

…Let’s go back to the beach. Kazuki too turned on his heel.

There was still a little time before his departure, there still might be some time left to be together with everyone.

When he came out from the shadow of the rocky area…Koyuki was standing there.

“Koyuki? …Did you see?”

“I didn’t mean to peek but…” Her voice was just a little down.

“What’s the matter?” Saying that Kazuki approached her.

“It’s really nothing. Just…”

Her face was somehow like a good obedient child who was despondent because her toy was taken away.

“Kazuki, from now on you…might not be concerning yourself about me anymore.”

“Eh?”

“Until now you are sympathizing with the pitiful elf and concerned yourself with me but, now a new more pitiful elf has appear…” Koyuki talked while averting her eyes in another direction.

“Are you seriously saying that?”

Kazuki was approaching near Koyuki, he circled his hands on her small back and embraced her. The sensation of her body snugly settling into his arms was very lovely. He forcefully directed Koyuki’s face that was facing another direction to look at him, then he repeated one more time. “Are you seriously thinking, that I never embraced Koyuki except from something like pity?”

Being stared directly by Kazuki, Koyuki’s face was red and her eyes became moist.

“I’m not thinking that…if I show you I’m sulking like this, I thought you might spoil me…”

“Good grief, Koyuki is really a spoiled child huh.”

Kazuki let out a deep breath and showed his amazement. And then while hugging Koyuki, his fingers stroked the girl’s sensitive long ear. “…!” Koyuki was trembling twitchingly from the sudden sensation.

“Ka, Kazuki…you always touched my ear so casually but, this, it give lewd feelings even more than Kazuki think so, that…”

“Eh, is that so? I just think of this as the extension of patting the head…so should I stop this?”

When Kazuki was going to separate his finger from her ear, Koyuki raised her voice in fluster.

“It, it’s okay for you to not stop! …Please do it more.”

“Koyuki is…just a little perverted aren’t you?”

Kazuki continued to graze Koyuki’s ears *shuu shuu* for a while and Koyuki’s spine also continued to tremble in shivers. Koyuki’s breathing was becoming disarrayed little by little.

“Haa, haa…Please say it properly using your words, that you are not just pitying me…”

“It’s because Koyuki is adorable and I love you, that I am being together like this with you.”

After whispering those words, he kissed Koyuki’s white cheek. The cheek of Koyuki who was playing in the sea just now tasted salty.

“…Please do it on my lips…”

Koyuki presented her lips adorably and demanded so. For the sake of making her say that honestly, Kazuki teased her by only kissing her cheek before this in preparation and bided his time before he kissed her as strongly as he could to demonstrate his love.

“Ka, Kazuki…n, nnn!!”

Koyuki whose lip was sucked while her ear were toyed around with continuously by one hand suddenly had her body spring strongly. And then as if power left her waist, she sank down on the spot.

===Part 6===

When it was time to sail out, the boat was moved to the pier of the wharf.

At the place where it can be reached just by walking a little from the beach, a pier of asphalt was protruding out from the coastline.

After Kazuha-senpai boarded the boat and sat beside Kazuki, she let out complaints restlessly.

“Why is the boat this cramped…”

“Please endure it a little, after all it seemed that preparing the ship’s provision was not easy.”

Kazuki and Kazuha-senpai had done changing from their swimsuits into [casual Japanese clothes] that had been remodeled, to make it easy to move while it was worn. It seemed that in Yamato, this kind of clothing was booming among the youngsters there.

The information between Japan and Yamato had been cut off, but the government was able to get their hand on information concerning west Japan from the ordinary citizen that had escaped to take refuge.

It was a surprising matter for differences in culture and fashion to be created already, even though it hadn’t even been one week since the separation of east and west, but because Yamato advocated that they were [the true country of Japan that was protected by the Japanese Mythology], it seemed they were {{furigana|advertising in grand-scale using domestic broadcast|using propaganda}} saying [Let’s return to Japanese culture].

It was accepted favorably among the youngsters who enjoyed the change, where in turn they gave rise to [Revival・New Japanese Style Boom] like this remodeled Japanese clothing.

Kazuki’s appearance was wearing a white kimono with tight sleeves and plain black hakama<ref>Male formal divided skirt</ref>, but its cuffs and sleeves had been smartly redesigned to not look flabby. The clothes were fixed with buttons and a belt so it didn’t look out of shape, making it look close to western clothes.

Kazuha-senpai too was dressed in a yukata<ref>Light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe</ref> that had been redesigned into a no sleeves・miniskirt with flowery pattern, her shoulders and thighs were boldly exposed.

Inside this cramped boat, it couldn’t be helped that those shoulders and thighs became glued with him.

They were infiltrating, that was why the two attached a water-proof waist bag on their waist where they only put the minimum amount of baggage inside. So they wouldn’t be suspected by the public eyes, they were not carrying their katana.

“…Well then, we are off!” “Take caa―re!”

Having been sent off by the voices of everyone from the Witch’s Mansion, Kazuki started the engine.

“Kazuha-senpai, the ship’s balance will be unstable if you move your body that much to the outside. Please move closer here.”

Kazuki embraced Kazuha-senpai’s waist with his left arm. Precisely because Kazuha-senpai was an earnest person that could follow reason, she didn’t say any complaints and could only “Mugii―!” let out a strange sound that sounded like a mysterious animal.

“What a cute rare animal.”

“Who did you say was a rare animal-!!”

While the rotating propeller left behind white trail in the water surface, the boat gradually separated from the land and embarked to the ocean. In the far horizon, even further behind the small islands that were floating on Ise Bay, was the faint hazy outline of Mie Prefecture’s Toba Shore.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
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Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 5 Chapter 5

2015-10-10T03:49:19Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 5 – Outbreak of War */ fixed typos and grammar

==Chapter 5 – Outbreak of War==

===Part 1===

{Currently it is something only in name but not in reality, but based on the most humane world order that existed in the former era, the <International Law>, we proclaim the independence of West Japan right here!}

The morning of the next day, the one who proclaimed such thing inside the TV was―the man who once temporarily called as the Board Chairman in this academy, Takasugi Takayoshi. The footage looked like a bad joke.

At her side an image of Kaya making a peace sign toward the camera was projected on the screen.

That Board Chairman Takasugi was right there…there was no doubt that Hayashi Shizuka was included in their force.

Loki, Naiarlatoteph, Hayashi Shizuka…it was the worst trio!

{We are forming a new government in the West Japan that we occupied, levying tax on the people in the occupation area to cover the occupation expenses, and in compensation for that we promise the same social welfare the people enjoyed until now. Also as long as there is no intervention or act of hostility for war, we promise there will be no harm done to the general citizen.}

He clearly said the word war from his mouth.

{We proclaim right here. A true country that deified not Solomon 72 Pillar, but the legitimate gods of Japan…this is the founding of <Yamato>! There is the divine protection of the gods of Japan in us!!}

The early morning before they went to school, everyone was gathering in the living room of the Witch’s Mansion. They were watching the news report while having breakfast. Everyone’s face looked like they hadn’t slept well.

“…When the trace of Board Chairman Takasugi was followed, we knew that he went in the direction of west Japan. Not only Board Chairman Takasugi, the influential politicians of Kenshitou were also together with him. Their target, is this.”

Headmaster Amasaki said with a loathsome face. The politicians' simultaneous migration. Most likely they were politicians under the patronage of China. Furthermore for some reason, it seemed that illegal Magika Stigmas whose bodies sheltered the Divas of Japanese Mythology were also added in their forces.

{Aside from Naiarlako, I am also gathering other strong allies rapidly after all.}

Kaya said this kind of thing. So the one that she called as strong allies was the Japanese Mythology.

“What in the world is going on with this?”

With a glare, Headmaster Amasaki’s gaze moved on Kazuha-senpai.

“Eerrr, I am, anything…” Kazuha-senpai looked down coweringly.

{Kazuha didn’t know anything you know? I didn’t tell her after all.}

At her side, the avatar of Futsunushi no Kami who was a Diva of Japanese Mythology floated.

{It’s just that a few days before this, my communication with the other Japanese Mythology became cut off.}

“Break in communication…your link with the Territory is cut off?”

Kaguya-senpai asked.

{Right, the story will be fast if you already understand the concept of Territory. Those guys are most likely, in the process of becoming Wild God<ref>Aragami in Japanese, it’s a powerful deity that’s sometimes impetuous.</ref>.}

“Wild God?” All present there returned a question after hearing a word that they weren’t used to.

{The Diva of Japanese Mythology doesn’t really ask for people to be faithful to them. It’s because we are not a monotheism Mythology. However when they are not being cared for they grow restive. That is Wild God Transformation.}

…Kazuha-senpai built an altar at the abandoned clubroom where she properly conversed and played with Futsunushi no Kami. Mikohime<ref>Princess shrine maiden</ref>―that was Kazuha-senpai’s other name but, that title was not just for show.

{To fulfill her own dream of entering the Sword Division and fulfilling her duty as a shrine maiden at the same time, Kazuha installed an altar at the abandoned clubroom as you know. What a good natured girl. Hayashizaki Kazuki, taking this girl as wife will surely be excellent.}

“What are you saying, Bakanushi<ref>Mixed with baka=idiot</ref> no Kami!”

Kazuha-senpai’s face became bright red with indignation. Her positivity level had gone up to 70 with Kazuki following her around. Futsunushi no Kami was “GUWAHHAHHA!” laughing heartily.

“What are you guwahhahha-ing for! Why didn’t you tell us before that they were transforming into Wild God!!”

Headmaster Amasaki blew up his temper with force that almost burst the blood vessel of his head.

“But even if before this you heard about how they were going through Wild God Transformation, this kind of situation is just really unexpected right?”

In order to cover for Futsunushi no Kami, Leme materialized at Kazuki’s side.

“…So you also knew about that beforehand.”

When Kazuki asked her bitterly, Leme nodded “yeah” without showing any guilt. Kazuki spontaneously stretched that dark-skinned soft cheeks of hers *biroon* with both his hands. “Stooopp~!”

{Besides the gods of Japanese Mythology don’t interfere with each other mutually. Even with the other guys transforming into Wild God, I have no right to sooth them or become their intermediary.}

That was what Futsunushi no Kami said. If it was a Mythology with such disposition, then it couldn’t be helped.

“So the Divas of Japanese Mythology who are going wild for some reason, is going along with Kenshitou, that’s it huh.”

Their attempt to control the Knight Academy, the assassination attempt on Kazuki, their aim was not just limited to those things.

Surely because they failed on those matters that they joined hands with Kaya and moved onto this fearsome second phase. An armed revolt by touting the Japanese Mythology as their banner―it surely had the persuasion power to pull the people into their cause.

It shook the whole Japanese islands to the core. The residents of the occupied west Japan too, there was no doubt that they didn’t necessarily react negatively regarding the founding of nation Yamato. There was persuasiveness in the existence called Japanese Mythology.

{…Regarding Yamato that is founded in the west Japan, when the government suspended the electric supply they demonstrated a countermeasure. This decision garnered a large backlash from the resident of west Japan.}

Hearing the words from the news program reporter, all who are present fell quiet.

The electricity supply of Japan in this current era was provided by the large scale {{furigana|Alchimedes System|sunlight heat power reactor}} constructed in the {{furigana|megafloat|human-made island}} that was located in the southern tip of Japan’s territorial water. Its production capacity was extremely large, furthermore the recharging of the etherlite rechargeable battery that would never deteriorate no matter how many times it was recharged was performed in that place. The battery from the whole country were transported there and redistributed after the recharging to each household, realizing safe and moreover clean power in cheap price.

The government proclaimed that they wouldn’t circulate the rechargeable battery to west Japan. So that Japan would still be okay even if the megafloat met with enemy attack, the thermal energy reactor and nuclear energy reactor from the previous era were left in reserve throughout the whole country as spare recharging facility, but with that the west Japan would be able to use those facilities too.

But with this, the breakdown between east Japan and west Japan had become a definite thing.

“…Yamato had already began creating a military boundary line that separated the islands into parts from the west Japan that they occupied. The circulation of trade between east Japan and west Japan has also been suspended, the people coming and going between the two places were also becoming impossible.”

The freeway and railroad system that were the cornerstone of distribution were blockaded, the local streets were also being destroyed one by one. It was completely like the Berlin wall that divided East and West Germany or, the 38th parallel north<ref>A circle of latitude that is 38 degrees north of the equatorial plane. It formed the border between North and South Korea prior to the Korean war.</ref> between the South Korea and the North Korea.

“Toyama・Gifu・Aichi, those three prefectures had fallen. And then Niigata – Nagano – Shizuoka that are bordering those area had become Japan’s current western border. In order for these prefectures to avoid further entanglement with Yamato’s invasion, the ordinary citizens’ evacuation is being hastened. The current situation is generally like that.”

Headmaster Amasaki that had connection with the government informed the situation to Kazuki and party.

“What is the Knight Academy going to do from now on? …No, rather than saying the Knight Academy’s tendency, what is the Knight Order planning to do?”

The one who had the say in this situation was not Kazuki or even Headmaster Amasaki, but the Knight Order.

“Regarding that matter…the classes for this morning are cancelled. There is someone that wants to meet you guys. After that we are going to open an extraordinary general students meeting.”

“Someone who wants to meet us…?”

“It has been a long time huhh―, this mansion too✩”

“It’s really a relief that nothing changed here<ref>The one who is talking here is using the talking style of a high class lady. While I’m at it I guess I also should say that Kanae and Koyuki and Lotte are always using polite language to everyone. Kazuki used polite language to everyone that’s his senior while using casual language to everyone his age and Kanae. Hikaru used mild manly language. Mio sometimes talked with the style of someone excited. Futsunushi no Kami talked with ancient style. Kohaku talked like a retainer samurai. Loki, Mibu Akira, Asamiya Anna and Kaya to some degree talked roughly like delinquent. Leme always talked like a big shot. Asmodeus always talked by dragging the last sound of her words, like someone that is so relaxed and unhurried. Miyabi is a little similar with Asmodeus in how she talked. I think that’s all the character that has characteristic way of talking.</ref>. …It looks like even without me here the cleaning is done thoroughly.”

The two people who appeared shortly at the entrance of the Witch’s Mansion murmured with deep feelings.

“Kanon-senpai, Akane-senpai…”

Kaguya-senpai who came to greet them had an expression dyed with surprise. Both their bodies were wrapped with the crisp white uniform of the Knight Order and they were donning a mantel that showed their status as officer cadet. For Kaguya-senpai to look up to them as senpai, in another words these people are….

“Yahoo―i, Kaguyan long time no see! The idol of the Witch Mansion Koudzuki Kanon has returned home here―✩”<ref>I guess it goes without saying that this person always talked in excited style.</ref>

The small statured woman of this group of two hugged Kaguya-senpai who greeted them at the entrance with lively vigor.

“You look healthy don’t you, Kaguya. Aren’t you becoming too lively when we were not here?”

At the side, the other woman who looked adult-like said so.

“Tha, that kind of thing is not true you know…. Stop it―, senpai.”

Kaguya-senpai showed a stiff smiling face. When the two separated themselves from Kaguya-senpai, they looked around the living room of the Witch’s Mansion in nostalgia and then their eyes stopped at Kazuki who was looking at the situation from a distance.

“And, this boy is the rumored Chief Student Council President right? A male that entered the Magic Division, and then in one month he is already reigning as the Chief Student Council President that is connecting the Magic Division and the Sword Division. When I heard about it I thought whether if it was a joke or not.”

“But however<ref>Not an error, she do speak like this</ref> something like a Chief Student Council President is still too naïve! …This top of the highest grade third year Kanon is so to speak…a super student council president here―✩”

“A former student council president though.” The adult-like woman entered her tsukkomi there sharply.

“Nay, this Kanon-sama is a retired number<ref>Like when a football legend’s number was retired and no other person in the team can use it anymore</ref> super idol student council president for sure―✩”

“…It’s fine already, so stop blocking the entrance door, sit quickly! This trash!”

Liz Liza-sensei made her appearance from behind and then she kicked the butt of the small statured woman swiftly.

Looked like Liz Liza-sensei was the one who lead these two here.

“Well then I’ll introduce myself once more. I was the vice student council president until last year, Yagumo Akane. Currently as a third year, I was training until yesterday at the Knight Order in Aichi regiment of Chubu jurisdiction division. …Our pitiful battle was completely relayed from the helicopter, now we are the most disgraced regiment in Japan as you can see.”

The part of the great senior talked while releasing a powerless deep sigh in the living room.

“Don’t beat yourself with that Yagumo, Chubu jurisdiction was not the only one who took flight.”

Liz Liza-sensei encouraged her from the side.

“It’s lucky that the helicopter fell in the middle there! Because after that, the battle became really disastrous one-sidedly…. But the media crews that were on board the heli were able to escape✩”

The other great senpai talked with a lively smiling face.

Both of them were in the actual location of that battle…so they took flight and escaped here.

“And then I’m the one who was doing the student council president until last year, Koudzuki Kanon! I’m the same like Akane and was interning in Aichiregiment, the Ultra Super Deluxe former student council president! So you are the chief student council president Hayashizaki Kazuki?”

This senpai also looked very bright in her behavior, though fatigue was coloring her expression.

“Yes, I’m Hayashizaki Kazuki who was appointed as the chief student council president. But I’m still a first year so…both of you are the senpai of my senpai aren’t you, Koudzuki-sempai and Yagumo-senpai.”

“You can call me Akane-senpai. It’s puzzling if you are the only one who called me Yagumo when all the other children call me Akane. I want us unified. In exchange I will also call you Kazuki.”

Yagumo-senpai revised as Akane-senpai talked with a cool tone. He couldn’t feel any shyness or the like from her about man and woman calling each other by their given name. It was a tone that only cared about the inefficiency of the information that entered her ear.

“It’s also okay to call me Kanon-senpai! I and you are a comrade of the Witch’s Mansion after all! …But chief student council president…a special post that didn’t exist in our time…gununu…”

Even though at first Kanon-senpai directed a smiling face at Kazuki, immediately her eyes sharpened into a glare.

“…I am invincible from east to west to south to north and to the center – the super former student council president, don’t you forget it!!”

“Kanon, stop making up an incomprehensible title in antagonism. You are like a child like this.”

“I, I’m not a child! The one who said someone else is a child is the child herself!”

“Senpai, here is a tea.”

Hikaru-senpai shared cups of tea on top of the tray she brought in turn starting from Kanon-senpai.

“How nostalgic. Hikaru cannot do any other chores but, only in brewing black tea you are strictly disciplined like this.”

“Right now Kazuki and the others are also skilled in making black tea though. But it has been a long time so I want to brew some.”

“Fufufu, so that’s it. You said a cute thing didn’t you, prince. …Yes, it’s really delicious.”

For the first time Akane-senpai made a broad smile and showed a relaxed face.

Kazuki spontaneously stared at her face from the side while drinking his tea. Long slit eyes and slender bridge of the nose. The black tea suited the intellectual and cool atmosphere of her side face.

She had a similar atmosphere with Hikaru-senpai, but rather than calling her a prince she felt more like a [beautiful onee-sama<ref>Way of calling big sister very politely. Usually directed to high class or elegant lady</ref>].

“Pikarun don’t get it!? My taste is for a lot of jam and honey to be mixed you know!”

Kanon-senpai was demanding while banging her palm *bam bam* on top of the table.

“Yes of course. Here is a specially made Russian tea<ref>Russian tea often mixed with honey and jam, also lemon or sugar, according to wiki. I don’t really know cause I’m not Russian.</ref>.”

“Yahoo yahoo! This is the symbol of Pikaru in the tea time of the Witch’s Mansion✩ When I was in the Knight Order I didn’t want to be made fool by the other senior knight so I drank black coffee. But I really don’t know what is the thinking of those guys that keep drinking such bitter and smelly liquid.”

“Everyone noticed that you forced yourself drinking that you know? It comes out in Kanon’s expression after all.”

“Eh!? You lie, every time I drank it everyone were praising me ‘Kanon is so adult―’ right!?”

“They were making fun of you with that you know.”

Akane-senpai said it bluntly and coldly while drinking her tea.

“Eh…lies…ugyaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

While screaming, Kanon-senpai ‘BATA―N!’ collapsed on the table face down.

“…To, to be thought like that by them. I don’t want to face those guys anymore…”

Kanon-senpai’s big and round eyes became teary-eyed with tears, with a glance she looked at Koyuki.

“…Koyukin is really small just like usual huh―. You are more childish than even me. Fufun<ref>Like ‘hmph’. The sound someone made when they make a boast and seem to be pretty proud</ref>.”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol 05 192.jpeg|thumb]]

Now that she mentioned it Koyuki had been coming and going to the mansion since before she enrolled. She should be acquainted with these senpais.

“Kanon-senpai too didn’t really change that much did you? Just because you received a shock, please don’t vent your anger on me who is two years your junior.”

Koyuki counterattacked with cold scornful eyes. Kanon-senpai was “Mukii―! This impyertinent<ref>Not a typo</ref> Koyukin kid―!!” and kicked around her feet under the table.

“…First year of the Witch’s Mansion, an apprentice of the Witch’s Mansion, I’m Amasaki Mio.”

With uncharacteristic meekness, Mio introduced herself while shrinking into herself.

“Sword Division second year, Hayashizaki Kanae. I am the president of the Sword Division.” “Sword Division first year, Hikita Kohaku, vice president.”

“Errr…for some reason I’m here in this place, Tsukahara Kazuha of the Sword Division second year, just a commoner.”

Kanae and Kazuha-senpai were second years, but it seemed they were not really acquainted with these two great senpai.

“Fufufu.” When all the members had finished their self-introduction, Akane-senpai suddenly leaked out a chuckle.

“According to the rumor that is floating around, I heard that the chief student council president is popular with everyone. I wonder if everyone in this place is madly in love already? But if you’re not careful, the contraception nowadays is not as perfect as in the past after all.”

“Wha!? Co, contraception or any…” Kazuki spontaneously hitched his breath.

In the present era Japanese people, most of the young population was awakened as magician. Thereupon their magic power would be unconsciously invoked when they were doing an action that was filled with strong emotions, and accidents where it became a total hindrance to contraception had occurred repeatedly. The fact was that the power of love completely destroyed the undesired wall of contraception.

From such reason the current era female put even more importance to their chastity compared to the previous era. Kazuki too had to have the awareness of self-control all the more because of this.

“…If I am to have a child with Kazuki, then it doesn’t really…”

Mio murmured vacantly with a boiling red face. In an instant, the Witch’s Mansion became as silent as a graveyard.

“…Fufun, no matter how much popular you said this guy is, surely Kaguyan and Pikarun still liked this charismatic retired number, Kanon-chan far more, right✩”

With a broad grin Kano-senpai directed a smile to Kaguya-senpai and Hikaru-senpai.

“”I like Kazuki better♡”” Kaguya-senpai and Hikaru-senpai matched their voices and gave instant answers.

“You heartless bunch―!!” With ‘BATA―N’ Kanon-senpai collapsed.

Ehem, Akane-senpai cleared her throat.

“Well then, let’s moderate the digression of the talk and move on soon to the main problem.”

“First I want to inform you all of the current situation. First with the fall of the Knight Order in Chubu jurisdiction, Toyama・Gifu・Aichi, the three prefectures are occupied and the east Japan and the west Japan are divided into two parts. The line that is drawn in the area that bordered these three prefectures is the military boundary line―in other words the substantial national border.”

Akane-senpai spread out a map on top of the table, and then she traced the line she mentioned with her long finger smoothly.

“It looks like Yamato is going to invade even further from now on toward Niigata – Nagano – Shizuoka. To prepare for that the east Japan’s battle strength have to be concentrated in the front line. However that action has become a difficult thing to do. Even now, illegal magicians are rampaging in many area of east Japan. Even though we managed to suppress them but our hand became completely full because of that.”

“Loki’s troops are concealing themselves in east Japan and in order to obstruct us from concentrating our battle strength they are sporadically taking guerilla action, is that the gist of it?” Kazuki inquired.

“Right, like that. They are working together systematically. Yamato declared that they won’t lay their hand on the general public, but we think these guerilla fighters are planning to feign ignorance as if it’s unrelated to them.”

“That’s why we can’t ignore them. Concentrating the whole battle strength of east Japan in the front line…is something we cannot do. The guerilla fighters understand that and they are running around doing hit-and-run.”

Taking the general public as hostages, the Knight Orders became unable to mobilize the entirety of their fighting strength.

“On the other hand if you ask our current status, then we are a remnant of a defeated army. In the fight last night, the jurisdiction division commander was also captured as prisoner of war. Kanon then led everyone to escape to here as the temporary leader.”

Akane-senpai explained the situation briskly, but doubt was surfacing in Kazuki and Kaguya-senpai’s face clearly.

The student council’s staff of the Knight Academy was treated as an officer cadet in the Knight Order.

Be that as it may, strictly speaking they were still nothing more than students, even with the jurisdiction division ‘s division commander captured normally it would be impossible for someone in that position to take the leader position.

“…It’s a story that sound like a joke, however putting aside the top brass, Kanon is excessively well liked by the average senior knights. Maybe because they were saved from the time of pinch by Kanon’s cheerfulness, everyone is saying to make Kanon as the leader. In the first place we are just a division of the army’s remnant where there is no order at all.”

“I’m beaten―, it’s really troublesome to be this popular―✩”

“…She was also elected as the student council president at that time with that rhythm.”

Kaguya-senpai murmured. Kanon-senpai pulled her surrounding with a mascot-like unifying power and then Akane-senpai solidified their position in the practical business side. He could picture it instantly and Kazuki nodded in understanding.

“We are added in the defense of Nigata – Nagano – Shizuoka and we have to counterattack and recapture Chubu jurisdiction when we see a chance. However the battle strength of the defense army in the front line is insufficient with only us as addition. It would still take time for the other area to suppress the guerrillas before they could send reinforcement…. With that we took along one part of our comrades and came to this academy without sleep.”

“Without sleep…that’s why Kanon-senpai is more anno…high-tensioned than usual like this.”

Kaguya-senpai fixed what she almost said in a purposeful manner. “Kaguyan youu―” Kanon-senpai made a fuss.

“It’s just a joke, thank you for your hard work.”

“Hmph, I’m not happy at all even if you suddenly change your attitude like that okayy✩”

When Kaguya-senpai easily changed her attitude suddenly, Kanon-senpai grinned brightly in a happy way.

“Akane-senpai, thank you for your hard work.” Hikaru-senpai thanked Akane-senpai with sincere expression.

“Fufufu, thank you. …So because of that reason this is the main topic. We want to make a request as a Quest for the Knight Academy to help us. We want to receive the favor for the elite Magika Stigmas and swordsmen of the Knight Academy led by the Chief Student Council President Hayashizaki Kazuki to be added to our force.”

In short what Headmaster Amasaki said before about opening an extraordinary general student meeting was in the purpose of preparing for taking the application of the participants for this quest in large-scale.

The students of the Knight Academy had also been experiencing real battle in the form of Quest until now, but the request this time was obviously in a different dimension than the [assistance] until now.

They are asking for the students to participate in a [war] where even the real knights themselves had no experience for it.

Currently the Knight Order was in a pressing crisis to the degree that they had to issue this request.

“It might be difficult for students who are still halfway through the curriculum to take a disciplined tactical action. However it’s fortunate that a Chief Student Council President that united the Magic Division and the Sword Division was born in this kind of timing. If it’s you then you should be able to collect this academy into one unified group right?”

Akane-senpai directed a challenging smile at Kazuki’s way. Looked like Headmaster Amasaki had already acknowledged this request.

There was no need for any worry, right now Kaya and former Board Chairman Takasugi were enemies that need to be defeated. The ideal that they crowed around was just something fake. That ghastly fake was going to swallow the people and [encroach] this country…..

“Of course we will cooperate. I too think that we can’t stay like this.”

“That’s good, it looks like a gallant person has been selected as the Chief Student Council President.”

Akane-senpai whose expression was colored with exhaustion smiled cheerfully to Kazuki.

“However don’t make a misunderstanding, Chief Student Council President! Until the end the leader is this Charismatic Super Former Student Council President, the Koudzuki Kanon✩”

Kanon-senpai faced Kazuki and winked while making a side peace- sign.

Kazuki stood in front of the mike and looked down from the stage on the students of the whole school who lined up in a row inside the auditorium.

The sight was just like the sight of the few days ago. However right now, the meaning of this meeting had changed drastically from before.

“I think, everyone has already known of what happened in west Japan yesterday. It is thought that the invasion of Yamato is still continuing, but because of the guerilla war that the illegal magicians conducted repeatedly in many areas, the Knight Order is unable to concentrate their battle strength for the sake of counterattack. Accordingly the Knight Order issued a request directed for the high ranked students of our Knight Academy in the form of Quest for participation in war.”

Even though he was in the middle of speaking, the students were making a stir.

“This is similar with a normal quest where it depends on the discretionary of the students, by no way this is a forced conscription to be a soldier. And then it become something that is followed with scale, difficulty, and danger in different degree compared to the usual quest. Nevertheless we are pressed by circumstance for applicants to form an independent corps on a scale that is only possible for this Knight Academy. Perhaps you are still in a panic from this sudden development and your heart is still not prepared, but the training that we piled up day after day until now are supposed for the purpose of standing against this kind of difficulty. Those people who are not merely panicking, but also finding a spark of heated desire inside them wishing to challenge this difficulty, please volunteer for this quest without fail.”

Heated applause was occurring provoked by those words. Then he passed the stage to Headmaster Amasaki.

Headmaster Amasaki explained the conditions and rewards for volunteering.

Conditions ― to prevent student who didn’t have sufficient strength and experience to become volunteer soldier, application was limited only for students within certain rank and quest accomplishment.

Let alone the first year students of the Magic Division who had experience participating in Quest, even the number of students who had finally succeeded in contracting with their Diva and could not even chant level 1 magic was not few.

Rewards ― the usual Quest was purely for the sake of rank up evaluation, but if the quest this time achieved a success then the Knight Order itself would record their conspicuous effort.

In another words this was not for the sake of rank up evaluation but for the sake of their future evaluation.

After Kazuki awakened their passion, Headmaster Amasaki’s explanation awakened the calm prudence in the auditorium.

“The list of the volunteers is complete.”

Saying so, Yumeno-san handed out the print-out. The data consolidation was performed by the newspaper committee members. Seeing their dedication even in something that was not included in their original work, Kazuki returned a word of thanks.

“Thank you, was it difficult?”

The cramped student council room had been transformed into operation headquarter. Everyone was gathering here.

“Not at all…approximately 150 people were signing up, so if everyone cooperated than it’s only to that extent.”

Kazuki looked at the data briefly. The proportion between the Magika Stigma and the swordsmen were around 1:2. In the first place the number of students in the Sword Division was a lot more, that ratio was more or less the ratio of students between the divisions.

150 people―it was a fair number to form an independent corps that could move freely.

The battle force of the Knight Order, that is the <Knight> was roughly numbered around 2400 people in total. With the number of student that graduated from the Knight Academy was in total 300 people in one year, because the active duty period of the Knight was from 18-25 years old where they would enter the peak of their magic power after 8 years, the number became like this every year.

Those 2400 people were assigned at eight jurisdiction zones that were Hokkaido – Tohoku – Kantoukoushin’etsu – Chubu – Kinki – Chugoku – Shikoku – Kyuushuu. There was difference in numbers according to the jurisdiction zone, but there were around 300 personnel in one jurisdiction zone. This was the <Division>.

Below that jurisdiction zone division, a <regiment> was placed in each prefecture. This regiment was mostly in the scale below 100 people. And below that regiment existed the smallest unit of <platoon> where it consisted of several people each.

…A military force of 2400 people strong on the whole, if it was compared with the military in the era where there was no magic it was a really small scale force. To start with the reason of this was first because humans who could use Summoning Magic was limited, and also because only a select few of elite swordsmen were chosen. The quality was far more important than a mere number.

And then the second reason that was raised was because there was no other branch of the army except the two categories of Magika Stigma and swordsman. The modern weapons that need colossal resources to be transported and consumed while fighting didn’t exist anymore. The supply needed at worst was only meal and water to suffice. Even those supplies, if the grass was changed to become edible or dirty water was changed into drinkable water using alchemy to procure supply locally, there was many ways to compensate.

Everything was fine as long as the combat force itself arrived, personnel needed for weapons repair and supply was not needed at all.

…Such things, even Kazuki had learned that much in class.

Manufacturing weapons for the people’s general mobilization and conscripting a great number of general public as soldier, and yet most of those personnel were driven into maintenance control of weapons rather actual fighting, brandishing those fossilized weapons and conducting <all-out war> like the time of World War. If the current era was compared to that old time, this compactness felt like they were returned to the ancient times of their ancestor. No, in fact, they really had returned to the time of their ancestor.

Deciding the outcome of battle not by weapon but by hero―like the war in the era of mythology.

“Is Yumeno-san volunteering too?” Inside the list, Kazuki found the girl’s name too.

“Yes…it’s a little scary but, I’m worried.”

“What you mean by worried is, by any chance…”

“My parent’s home is in Kyoto.”

From Kazuki’s side, Kohaku too leaked out an empathic voice to Yumeno-san.

“…This one too is from Kyushu. It’s too far and the situation there is the hardest to grasp. As expected it make one feels a little worried.”

Regardless of how dangerous this quest was, a lot of the students’ reason to gather and volunteer was also because of this. The Knight Academy gathered the students from the whole country―what would happen to the west Japan, many of the students’ heart were crushed with feeling of anxiety.

“Yosh, the volunteers had been gathered with this.”

Kanon-senpai and Akane-senpai came along to the student council room.

Behind them several female wearing the Knight Order uniform were also following along in succession.

One person among them was, “Never thought I’ll be going back to the Knight Academy in this shape” and laughed ironically.

“From among the people that escaped together with us, the third years that are in the middle of training also want to come together. Because everyone said that they want to come back to the Knight Academy after so long. Though let’s omit the introduction.”

“Ee―, that’s really mean Akanee―! Even though I also want to become acquainted with Chief President-san!”

After one person raised their voice, the whole third years started to make a ruckus ‘kya kya’.

“Awe―some! There is really a male wearing the uniform of the Magic Division!” “He really look better than those swordsmen of the Knight Order!” “So unfair Otonashi Kaguya! It should be more effective if you are the one that is in the field so switch with me!”

Kazuki faltered from the impolite gazes of the girls. Seeing that they immediately “He is shyy―!” and such voices were raised. They were two years older than him so they felt like an older lady to him for the most part and it made him felt timid.

“Fufufu, a timid Kazuki is so cute. It make me want to hug him and break his neck…”

Mixed with the high pitched voice of the third year girls…he could hear a voice that said strange words in a deep voice.

“Eh?” Thinking it was strange he directed his gaze at the direction of the voice. There at the end of the line of the third years who were wearing white knight order uniforms, three woman wearing black Einherjar uniform were secretly coming along. The third years seemingly not noticing them were “Eh, no way, what is this person say…” and got startled.

“Who, who are you…” Kanon-senpai asked timidly with eyes as if she was seeing a degenerate.

“Fufufu, I am…Beatrix-chan!”

“…Hey, why is the captain recently, she got so crazy about adding ‘chan’ to her own name?”

“She learned that in Japan a cute girl had ‘chan’ added after their name…it seems she is planning to appeal as a cute girl like this.”<ref>Damian also talked like a thug and Eleonora talked with polite language.</ref>

Behind Beatrix, Damian and Eleonora were exchanging conversation in secret.

“Cute girl? Isn’t the captain could be mistaken as a wild gorilla…”

“FUNN!” Beatrix visited a lariat on Damian, that small statured body was blown away until the end of the corridor. …Kazuki was not looking at that pleasant exchange.

“Beatrix, why are you here…”

“I heard that you are forming a unit to counterattack the revolting west Japan see. Because of that we who have no ties of obligation the most and can move freely are the one that get dispatched at the foremost. And also…Loki is in the west Japan right? He is most likely there.

“We are not hearing about any of this though?” Akane-senpai questioned Beatrix in detail with a sullen expression.

“We are going on ahead and coming here where the movement speed will be faster rather than waiting for those slow procedure in the Knight Order got finished. Fufufu, though there is also me wanting to see Kazuki’s shocked face that made me hurrying here.”

“Don’t take every single one of your action with the purpose of making me shocked. It really made me get surprised.”

In front of Kazuki’s eye, a magic vision that could only be seen by Kazuki floated.

Beatrix―72 Damian―27 Eleonora―22

…Positivity level. It was temporary, but it was a display of proof that they were becoming a comrade that was going to fight together with the King of Solomon. There was also a case like this where Kaya’s positivity level appeared temporarily in his vision.

…However 72. This was already a positivity level where he could use her magic until level 2.

“I think they can be trusted, Akane-senpai. Loki who is included in Yamato’s force is also a sworn enemy for them after all. I have no doubt that they will become an important war potential.”

“Is that so? Well, if you said so.”

“Fuu―nn…well, isn’t it fine if they are strong? So then what are we going to do after this? Akane?”

Kanon-senpai looked back at Yagumo-senpai and tilted her head.

“We will organize these 150 volunteers as <Knight Academy regiment>. First we are going to compose platoons with the high ranked students as the platoon captain.”

Pushing out her face from Yumeno-san’s side, Akane-senpai peered into Yumeno-san’s PC screen.

“Let’s make 15 platoon of ten people. Otonashi Kaguya, Hoshikaze Hikaru, Hayashizaki Kanae, and Hikita Kohaku, these four people will establish four or five platoon each as company commanders. Even further above than this four people, Hayashizaki Kazuki will stand as the regimental commander.”

“I see, and then even higher than him is me right✩”

An orderly organization chart rose to the fore in Kazuki’s head. With organization then the communication of order would also become smoother.

“The Einherjar too, they will follow Hayashizaki Kazuki as one platoon.”

“Kazuki’s subordinate? Just as I wish!” Beatrix gave a broad smile happily.

“Kaguya, Kanae-san, choose high ranked powerful students that have leadership quality from inside this list as platoon captain and form the platoons. As soon as the formation is over, we are going to head to Shizuoka garrison. Because we left behind the 200 strong soldiers that escaped together with us in Shizuoka.”

What she meant by garrison was the location where the soldiers were stationed. The word ‘base’ fitted Kazuki’s image more, but the word ‘base’ indicated a place that was equipped with particular modern facilities of the navy and the air force and the like. In regards to that, the force that the army was using didn’t need any special facility and had mobile position, that was why it was called garrison. In the era where the magicians became the main force of war, a fixed base was mostly unneeded and garrison basically became the main position of the army.

“200 people…is it?”

From the military force of 1200 people in the west Japan, only a sixth of that force was able to escape to east Japan.

Looking at Kazuki whose thought came out in his expression, Akane-senpai looked down as if feeling a responsibility in this.

“With Chubu jurisdiction captured at the foremost, the archipelago was divided into parts completely. Because of that the knights that were fighting even further west than Chubu jurisdiction were unable to escape to east Japan. If only we could hold out more, we would be able to make a path of retreat however…”

“However it’s not like the remaining 1000 people were all captured as prisoner of war. Even if they couldn’t escape to east Japan, they went into hiding in town and became resistances that still continue to fight even now. There should be many knights that are like that there! The one who is commencing guerilla war is not only that side!!”

Kanon-senpai talked with bright voice to raise hope. Hearing that Akane-senpai raised her face.

“Most likely there are still some sporadic fighting continuing even now in west Japan, the enemy too cannot concentrate their battle strength. If not for that then Shizuoka was supposed to have fallen already.”

The illegal magicians that were being guerilla fighters in east Japan, the resistance activities of the scattered knights in west Japan. The shape of the war had became where the two sides mutually obstructed the opponent from concentrating their battle strength with some nuisance.

“The remnants soldier and the Knight Academy regiment...so to speak <Kanon independent brigade> that is 350 strong in total, this is how much battle strength we can gather from east Japan…that total amount will become the battle strength for counter attack, we…”

After talking until that far with commanding voice, Akane-senpai’s head nodded off. The senpai who was peering at the PC screen from the side just like that collapsed down on top of Yumeno-san powerlessly.

“Akane! Are you okay!?” Kanon-senpai supported that body in panic.

“…Sorry, I’m okay. I only feel a little lightheaded…”

“Everyone is working nonstop without eating and drinking, but because you burdened yourself as if it’s only your fault…. Sorry, Knight Academy’s people, in any event we are going to depart after taking just a little rest in the academy. Really just for a little.”

Kazuki suddenly looked at the clock. Just in right timing, now it was already the lunch break.

“Then…Kanon-senpai! I’m going to make some meals that will make you energetic!”

Kanon-senpai stared in wonder. “That…is not the job of the Chief Student Council President right?”

===Part 2===

Without any sound or vibration, a frame with streamlined shape that emitted blue light left behind the scenery outside the window.

Using the new metal born from alchemy, <Mythril>, abundantly, the <Magic Light Train> ran by receiving assistance of Psychokinesis. Because of how rare mythril was even now, this train was never operated except when it was operated for trial by the staff privately.

But the rare mythril was prioritized to be circulated for the Knight Order, so [magic light train for military use] covered the whole country from Hokkaido to Kyushu. War road for military use was spread out running parallel with civilian’s Shinkansen<ref>Bullet train</ref>. It could transport the knights to the major cities throughout the whole country with capacity easily surpassing 1000 people.

There was also criticism on the military’s monopoly on mythril, but an efficient transportation method was essential for the Knight Order that was few in number to deal with all the incidents throughout the whole country of Japan.

The total of 150 Knight Academy students that was led by Kanon-senpai too settled themselves comfortably and headed to Shizuoka garrison. There was no noise, no need to decelerate the speed in curve, using the special characteristic of magic light train of always running at its best full speed, even the distance between Tokyo-Shizuoka wouldn’t take more than one hour.

“We will arrive at Shizuoka soon after this. Let’s soak at Atsumi’s hot spring―✩”

Kanon-senpai raised a cheer, they had arrived at Shizuoka before they even realized it.

The Knight Order’s garrison at Shizuoka was a building that was once called Shizuoka prefectural police headquarters that had been expanded and remodeled. Once they disembarked from the military train, the building was located in an immediate distance from the station by walking.

After passing through a bombastic entrance made from stone, they were greeted with splendid buildings that were equipped with transmission tower and the like lining up, but in contrast with that splendidness, they couldn’t feel any human presence anywhere in the area.

“Right now this place has been completely deserted. The main force of Shizuoka regiment had moved to the west prefectural border…In other words, the area close to the military demarcation line with Yamato. There they had already set a temporary front line garrison and transferred there. It’s for the sake of defense. It’s just that we have to follow a track to reach there, so we are going to change into a bus here.”

Akane-senpai explained briskly while leading Kazuki and the others to the destination. Cars and buses for military use were lined up in a huge parking lot. If it was in the olden era then this place would be used to deploy tanks or armored vehicles without a doubt, but against magicians, the shells of tanks and armor of armored cars were nothing more than a pointless cost expense.

Vehicles were not a method of battle but merely a means of transportation for knights.

Because of that reason these military use cars and buses that were lining up here had almost no difference with the passenger vehicle of civilians.

“Cars are well used to assist us in dealing with the incident within the prefecture, but it’s the first time for me to use the bus.”

Akane-senpai whispered. It means that a big incident that is needed to collect and transport a lot of knights had never happened until now.

There was a driver that had been already in standby at the driver seat. The driver was not a specialist in magic battle but he seemed to belong under the rear support unit. He was a little older compared to the usual knight. Magic power declined at the peak of 20 years old. The knight who had reached a certain age and even more didn’t manage to get promoted until management class would be reassigned to the rear support unit like this.

Kazuki and the others were pushed inside the rustic military bus that was painted in olive drab color traditional since the time of Self Defense Force until they were packed tightly. They couldn’t possibly wish for a comfortable ride like the train that they had just ridden before this. This uncomfortable ride really made them feel the [sense of the actual scene] of the Knight Order’s work. The number of words the students spoke started to lessen naturally.

Divided separately into four buses, Kazuki and the others headed to the military boundary line.

“Oh my, Kazuki. How pleasant it is to be able ride near you. I can’t help but feel a destined throbbing in my chest.”

Inside the bus that was packed tight like a crowded train, Miyabi-senpai was there in a distance where their bodies were in a distance of touching each other.

“…Looks like the men of the Sword Division were provided with exclusive bus for man and got crammed there, but you could ride in this bus couldn’t you? Fufuu, so this is the benefit of being a swordsman of the Magic Division.”

“There was a different bus for that? They were saying that it’s okay to just ride this bus and I was pushed inside from the back.”

“There are only girls that will welcome to get jam packed together with you here you know?”

“…That’s not true. I don’t welcome you here.”

A quiet voice came from beside Miyabi-senpai. It was Shinobu-senpai.

“So Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai also volunteered.”

“For the moment, we believe that we are quite powerful even among the upperclassman. It’s not like there is no such laudable feeling inside me that want to fight for the world and for the people. Fufufu.”

After chuckling refreshingly, she added one more thing. “Moreover, our hometown is also under occupation.”

So Miyabi-senpai was also from west Japan.

Miyabi-senpai had a past where she was persecuted by her surrounding because she became an elf. Miyabi-senpai and others who were in the generation of [the first elves] should have been oppressed even more severely than Koyuki.

Such senpai talking about her feelings of her hometown…was surely the proof that she had overcame her past and let the bygones be bygones. Even though her words of [for the world and for the people] were mixed with joking tone, he could also feel the nobility in it.

“It’s fine even if that kind of place got totally destroyed.”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol 05 210.jpeg|thumb]]

But Shinobu-senpai murmured such words vacantly.

“Don’t say such things like it’s okay for something to get completely destroyed Shinobu. With the passing of time, the feeling of ourselves and our surrounding will also change and we might be able to think that maybe we could just let it go, isn’t that so? If something got destroyed then that’s the end of it you know?”

In fact, the discrimination against elf was thinning as the years went by. It was because of the conjecture from telepathy scan that the elf’s mind structure was no different at all from normal human, and also elves that became knight cadet capitalizing in their excellent trait in magic power or becoming famous as young alchemists had began to appear here and there.

The product of human experiment―such truth still hadn’t been made public to the society, but a part of the politicians that knew the truth influenced the mass media, and indirectly began to form the public opinion to protect the human rights of these elves. From now on their situation would surely become better gradually.

Although she was not the person concerned herself, Shinobu-senpai also had a past that deserved her resentment. It seemed that resentment didn’t simply fade however….

“…There is nothing that changed. Whether the surrounding bunches, or my feelings…”

Shinobu-senpai rejected all change. Even the fact that Miyabi-senpai transformed into an elf had not been recognized by her. Inside Shinobu-senpai’s eyes, it seemed she was seeing Miyabi-senpai with black hair.

Reality denial―even in the case where the truth was really obvious, if accepting that truth caused a great uneasiness then that person would reject accepting that truth, it was that kind of mental state.

“You said that nothing changed. Don’t you feel a locked up feeling that choked your breath from that unchanged situation?”

“!” Against Kazuki’s question, Shinobu-senpai’s expression tightened rigidly with hollowness somewhere in it, then she glared at Kazuki. From the side, Miyabi-senpai embraced Shinobu-senpai’s face in her arms.

“…Kazuki, thank you. This child even now should be feeling it still. Also for a person to think of us and talked this much, in this ten odd years you are the first…”

“…Nee-sama, please don’t say such irresponsible things! This kind of guy is nothing!!”

Shinobu-senpai separated herself from Miyabi-senpai’s hand and tried to take distance from Kazuki. However she crashed against other students inside the cramped bus making “Wait” troubled voice coming at her.

“…If it’s not because Nee-sama is participating then I’m not going to participate in this kind of Quest. To get stuffed inside stuffy air like this…”

“Please be patient.” Miyabi-senpai attempted to sooth Shinobu-senpai and embraced her head once more.

From there she moved her gaze outside the window.

“I’m looking forward to this. To fight as a knight, as a hero, like that.”

The early afternoon sunlight coming from outside was reflected at Miyabi-senpai’s moist red eyes in a glisten.

“…If I make conspicuous service in this Quest, then this me who is an elf, will be thanked by everyone…such thing might also happen don’t you think so?”

Kazuki too looked outside the window. Shizuoka west side―according to the signboard content that they just passed they were approaching the area around the Hamamatsu city. However the grave-like silence that was really unnatural didn’t show any sign of people.

Akane-senpai who was standing beside the driver seat opened her mouth.

“The residents in the vicinity of the military boundary line has already been evacuated. This area has been emptied. Because we won’t know what kind of damage will happen if the other side invaded and it turned into defensive battle.”

These urban areas might transform into a battlefield, it made Kazuki ponder once more. How much damage would come out in the coming battle? Even the public houses and the like might get toppled like domino from offensive magic.

If Yamato really came invading, they would surely march to the garrison aiming for the Knight Order there. Exterminating the knights – making them retreat with their defensive ability lost, all for the sake of completing the occupation.

Where should the knights meet the enemies? Should they have unfolded the border war at the military boundary line, or should they hole up in the garrison and bring the battle into a siege battle, or else to reduce the damage to the surrounding should they lure the enemy skillfully outside the urban areas?

In this magic war where everything was still an unknown area, tactics that could be called as established tactics didn’t exist.

Suddenly the bus stepped on the emergency brake, the jam packed students staggered and pitched forward as if to fall.

When he peeked at the front glass far at the front wondering if something happened, four or five men and women carrying large baggage on their shoulders were walking this way from the opposite side of the road that was supposed to be empty from people.

Kanon-senpai disembarked from the bus and walked approaching those people and said a few words.

After senpai nodded with ‘uh-huh” listening to the people she returned. Then she explained the circumstances to the students.

“…Looks like people that got delayed in evacuating. Surely they have a lingering attachment to their city and home and didn’t leave until the last minute. Even if they rebuild their home again, the memories cannot be recovered after all…”

Thanks to alchemy, construction cost for house and building and road and the like could be suppressed far cheaper than the previous era. Actually, with Kazuki’s fight against Loki and the final match of battle election, the fountain plaza had been destroyed twice, however he had witnessed how it was immediately repaired just like before it was destroyed.

However people who couldn’t feel good even though the broken thing was returned back into a brand new article existed in great number in society.

After seeing off those men and women passing through beside the bus, they departed once more.

―After that, for a while some similar occurrences happened a few more times. When they had advanced just for a little, they would immediately encounter some people that were in the middle of evacuation. Just like the first encounter Kanon-senpai would get down from the bus and listen to their story one by one, but gradually the bus kept advancing forward without stopping even when they encountered more people without confirming each and everyone of the refugees.

“…There are quite a lot aren’t they, these people that are late in evacuating.”

While pressing close to Kazuki more than she needed to inside the bus that was jam packed like a sardine, Miyabi-senpai whispered on his ears. Certainly there was a lot. Even though the people who were evacuating didn’t necessarily need to use this road, they kept running into almost dozens of people in total here and there.

“…Kazuki-oniisan!” Suddenly he heard a panicked voice, Lotte pushed her way through the jam packed bus and ran to Kazuki’s way. “What is it?” Kazuki embraced the girl.

“…It was the people who were evacuating just before, but it was from inside the bus so I cannot really perceive it clearly and I don’t have much confidence on it desu but…”

Lotte prefaced her talk that she didn’t really have any confidence in what she was going to say, but as if she had conviction in the feeling that she harbored, anxiety and trepidation came to the surface in her expression.

“Those people from before…harbored hostility toward this bus desu.”

―Lotte was a prodigy in telepathy. Even without exchanging words, the girl could perceive the emotion of the people around her. …Hostility, she said? The refugees? Was it from how they had to evacuate so they harbored dissatisfaction toward the Knight Order? That was stupid.

…Then were they enemies? Were they secretly passing through the border and coming to this side for the sake of taking guerilla action inside east Japan? No, for dozens of sleeper agents to pass through the same route should be inconceivable.

Their aim was…to take the rear of the bus.

“Kanon-senpai! The refugees just now…!” Kazuki who became aware tried to call out in a loud voice but,

―Even earlier than him, Akane-senpai yelled some words in high emergency.

“Kanon! Magic power reaction from the front!! …Offensive magic is coming!!”

Kazuki whose attention was taken by his talk with Lotte noticed it too late. Magic power sprang forth from further ahead in the road, it swelled out as if rupturing―magic was invoked!

Several fire balls and rocks came flying from the road ahead. One moment, the front glass of the bus looked like a screen of a shooting game. However they couldn’t evade like in a game. The fireball impacted the front side of the bus, the bursting heat and shockwave fused the glass and armor. Right there many rocks were launched one after another, easily penetrating into the inside.

“The driver’s protection-!!” Kanon-senpai yelled.

Fire ball with explosion nature got into the inside of the bus, the bus was blown up and pulverized.

Inside the blast explosion of the smashed apart bus frame, countless blue light of the students were shining. Just from having their vehicles blown out and got thrown outside wouldn’t grant any damage to magicians who were protected by defensive magic power.

But, their head fell into chaos―the students who were thrown onto the street couldn’t grasp the situation at all. They looked around restlessly in confusion while being enveloped in blue light inside the flame and smoke. And then from behind, of all things that could happen the following buses sent the students flying. Those buses were also poured with offensive magic from the front and went through the same fate with the first bus.

“Form the Heaven and Earth Formation!” Akane-senpai yelled with desperate voice.

However the movements of the panicked students were sluggish.

Furthermore angry roars and footsteps of a charge that was as if an earthquake was happening came from the road further ahead.

What came was several dozens of <swordmen>. Young people with common clothing like shirt and parka were charging this way holding Japanese katana in hand―Yamato’s army!

“Sword Division unit! Follow me!!” Kanae immediately reacted, she charged the enemy while yelling. “It’s okay not to think of anything, anyway just come with me!!”

Hearing that voice, the students of the Sword Division finally recovered from their confusion. A simple principle―remembering that it was fine to just follow the Sword Division’s strongest student council president blindly, they chased after her back.

Swordsmen and swordsmen clashed against each other. The sound of blades clashing informed the start of the engagement.

Yamato’s swordsmen were merely ordinary people with slightly stronger magic power that got incited by the politicians. When compared with the students of the Sword Division, they could even be said as a disorderly mob.

However the enemy’s rear guard―Yamato’s Magika Stigmas launched offensive magic one after another, the Sword Division students were blown away without even any time to bring the fight into a match of sword.

The Magika Stigmas’ of Yamato chanted their Summoning Magic while being possessed by their Diva.

The chanting time of this <{{furigana|Drive|Possession Summoning}}> was short.

The students of the Magic Division had to support the swordsmen of the Sword Division.

Akane-senpai yelled her command to the Magic Division students who were still in a state of chaos.

“The students of the Magic Division come forward, chant defensive magic and low level magic to restrain the enemy!”

They had to come forward for the sake of confirming the enemy figure by sight so they could invoke the Summoning Magic. If they didn’t settle the enemy into the <magic perception range> then the Summoning Magic couldn’t be chanted.

Summoning Magic that was borrowing the power of Diva need the [recognition] of the Diva of [for what their strength would be used] by transmitting those intent in the shape of spell. Only by earning those [recognition] the Summoning Magic could be invoked. For the sake of that, first the Magika Stigma needed to perceive the enemy’s existence clearly, and then they had to transmit the will to defeat that enemy to the Diva.

They had to catch the figure of the enemy. The students of the Magic Division advanced through the road that was still smoldering with smoke attempting to ascertain the enemy’s sign while being protected by the frontline swordsmen.

And then they were [sighting] the illegal magicians of Yamato. Their bodies were dressed uniformly with Japanese style Magic Dress and they were accompanied with what seemed to be the avatars of Japanese Mythology’s Divas at their side.

The students of the Magic Division were also starting their chanting all at once.

“Burnt to ashes of all you touch…o scorching heat of rejection without any place to depend on! Self Burning!”

“First we start from hardening our defense right? …Mirror oh mirror, lop off the gaze of unsightly person and their craving hand! {{furigana|Moon Ring – Mirror Field|Mirror Shield of Moon Circle}}!!”

“Hmph. …Thy wing bestowed by Belphegor, o <ice pillar of flame>! Cover and hide us, become the contradiction wall of irrationality! Cross Conflict!!”

Kazuki, also Miyabi-senpai and Shinobu-senpai attached defensive magic on the swordsmen.

“Dancing wing scattered sparks. Lingering wind of spiral, become a life gouging bullet! Flap and shoot! Barrett!!”

“O nihility of ancient times, become a freezing deep sigh that reside in the vacuum of this chest. To the flowing absolute silence, freeze and be silent…Glacier Wind!!”

“O gryphon crossing over the ocean, cause the wind of north pole with that wings well up the overturning rough wave…Northern Wave!”

Mio and Koyuki, also a great number of students invoked their attack magic with great urgency.

Defense and offense of magic had started. The enemies’ offensive magic were blocked by this side’s defensive magic, this side’s offensive magic blown away the enemies’ swordsman sporadically. Caught by the raging wave of magic, the swordsmen were tossed about.

…This was inefficient. Kazuki noticed. Conflicting elemental magic like ice and flame were launched at the same time without any prior thought and interfered with each other, weakening its power.

It might be good to divide the platoons of Magica Stigma in accordance with each element of magic that they used.

“Third years are to prepare high level magic! We are going to catch the whole herd in one throw!!”

Akane-senpai took the command of the battle, the third years was being protected at the very back and began their chanting.

Looking at that situation, Kazuki was “This is bad” and remembered.

“Akane-senpai! The rear is dangerous, the refugees from before might not be actually refugees!!”

“…What did you say!?” Akane-senpai directed an uncomprehending expression at him.

When Kazuki yelled, it was the same time with the sounds of angry yells and charging footsteps from behind.

When he turned back―from the back too, swordsmen of Yamato in casual clothing holding Japanese katana were approaching with the momentum of surging waves. It was the people that they saw off from inside the bus passing through them. They pretended to be refugees and hid Japanese katana inside their baggage, and then after choosing the best timing they turned back―for the sake of taking the back of the Heaven and Earth Formation.

…The third years who were completely defenseless in the middle of chanting were aimed. Akane-senpai went pale.

“Sword Division students, go back to the rear too! From the back too enemies are…!!”

But the swordsmen were also in the middle of fighting the enemies right in front of their eyes while being exposed under offensive magic, they couldn’t possibly do such thing like turning their back. Besides to only pick one portion of the best swordsmen in a hurry to be allocated as rear guard in a good balance, executing such detailed order without any previous arrangement was impossible.

Whether they heard Akane-senpai’s instruction or not, not even one of the swordsmen was moving in reaction of that command.

The one who reacted in the place of that was Kazuki.

“Beatrix, come with me!”

Not as a swordsman but as a magic swordsman, he would swing his sword. At the same time, ''he called on a comrade he could rely on''.

“Kazuki, add [chan] when you are calling my name! Fuhahahaha…I will do a good fight, welcoming a good death, and hope to participate in even more battle of heaven! Divine protection of blood color in my eye! Berserk!!”

“It’s a melee, just bring it on zee! …We act in accordance of Hodur’s wish, entrust the exaltation of battle in our body too! The blood and fat running in my sword the wartime fire of fury!! Stories Flame!”

“I have to do close quarter battle too? …O billowing stormy sea, envelop my hand and become the whip that lashed at small thing! {{furigana|Flöte Schlange|Undulating Sea Snake}}!!”

Each one of the Einherjars who had close-range combat specialization went along behind Kazuki.

“I reach my hand to the height of Babel and become suppressor! In accordance with my life o lightning, praise the foolhardiness of the human race! Blitzkrieg!!”

“O unrivaled master, perform once more from beyond the dream! Along with the flame of transmutation, liberate the locked memory inside the silver mirror right here!! Kenki Tensei!!”

Lotte too equipped her electromagnetic lightning and followed after Kazuki, Kazuha-senpai summoned the phantom of swordsmen, “Kanamaki Jisai, Yoshioka Kenbou, Miyamoto Munisai, go!” she directed him toward the enemy.

“Just a mob of swordsmen, I’m going to test just how much resolve you all has in challenging us…”

Kaguya-senpai too, she plunged alone into the crowd of the swordsmen.

“…No hesitation even when thy curse also wound me…shared pain is my great joy! Cry and scream in the mirror reflection! Suicide Black!”

Kaguya-senpai’s figure was covered with black haze. The swordsmen of Yamato swung down their katana all at once at Kaguya-senpai―the scream from the reflected agony reverberated.

“O the god of death’s whispering voice tired of waiting for the visitor, resound widely and deeply, dye the dream with agony! Resound o evil sound of sadism! Ultra Violence!!”

Kaguya-senpai made the evil voice of Ultra Violence resound. The swordsmen of Yamato were writhing around and lost their will to fight. He didn’t know for what purpose these bunches were added to the force of Yamato, but they didn’t have any determination that could make them fight with Kaguya-senpai.

The close-range combat capability of Kazuki and the others pushed back the disorderly mob of the swordsmen. The worst damage of having the rear that was in the middle of chanting getting interrupted was averted, the third years breathed a sigh of relief and they got carried by a calm atmosphere.

The students had completely recovered from the mayhem and began to make a comeback in the battle progress.

However…was it fine to go like this.

The leading actor who was the first to protect the third years Kazuki harbored an out of place feeling inside his heart.

Performing an ambush at Kanon independent brigade that was made of the students of the Knight Academy when they were going to link up at Shizuoka as added reinforcements. And then the surprise attack by posing as refugees and circling to their back. That pincer attack tactics.

This tactic, it was impossible to be realized without the enemy inferring beforehand that today Kanon-senpai would pass through this road in exactly this time. Moreover this enemy force passed through the military boundary line that was supposed to be currently guarded by the Knight Order and invaded easily like this.

''However he thought about it, this was a surprise attack that should not exist.''

“…{{furigana|Fire Stone Flood|Earth Lava Flow}}!”

Enemy’s large scale offensive magic―the asphalt of the road was developing cracks extensively, from there lava was bursting out. It rained down incessantly on the whole formation of the students.

On top of that magic destructive power, the trace of magic power wave in that magic made Kazuki gasped in realization.

…He had some experience with this magic power. The [Earth Snake] that was together with Kaya, this magic power owner was that man who was contracted with Midgardsomr. Loki’s gang was also added in this enemy force.

Defensive magic reduced the force of the lava flow and the students also endured with Resist. Even when the swordsmen fell down they immediately stood back up and slashed at the enemies, the Magika Stigma maintained their concentration and continued the chanting.

“{{furigana|Shinran Tenbu|Heart Disorder Heaven Dance}}!”

Ame no Uzume―the avatar of Japanese Mythology’s entertainment god that was clad in bright crimson garment floated in the middle of the battlefield, then she started to dance with a twirl. The Sword Division students in the frontline that witnessed it wobbled, their sanity disappeared from their eyes, and they began attacking each other.

“If that kind of attack comes than it’s my turn that I kept waiting for! …I am to be the shrine maiden of sword. Rock cleaved, root torn, sin severed, that spirit sword of crushing evil right now in this hand! Draw sword, Futsu no Mitama!!”

Kazuha-senpai brandished the sword of crushing evil, returning the sanity of the swordsmen who lost their mind one after another.

“O goddess that arrive in the future accepting the abuse of people…change that darkness into deadly poison vomit it all around! Slander the foolishness of these people!! Poison Argument!!”

In reverse Mibu-senpai scattered bubbles of nerve poison and dulled the movement of the enemy swordsmen.

“Way to go, when you all calmed down properly, this side’s magic skill and support power is further above compared to the opponent!”

Kanon-senpai raised her voice and inspired everyone.

“We too are already finished with the chanting here! Brace yourself right now!!”

The third years that was protected and covered by Kazuki and the others were finally finishing with their chanting of high level magic successively. Finally the power of Magic Division’s highest school grade was made apparent―,

“Come on Akane! Match your breath, we are going to make a big haul for sure-!!”

“Right, Kanon!” Both of them lined up their shoulder and nodded to one another.

Kanon-senpai altered her clothes into a Magic Dress that emitted a clear bluish-white light.

At her side, an avatar of a beautiful angel burning in blue flame was floating.

Kanon-senpai's contracted Diva was―<Belial>. She was a god of Phoenicia similar with Baal, but she was an existence that was altered into the worst fallen angel by the Christianity.

“O angel covered with wounds waving the blue flag of rebellion…under the justification of [worthlessness] liberate the looked down silent anger! {{furigana|Emission Flare|Blue Lotus that Descend from Heaven}}!!”

When Kanon-senpai commanded Belial, several streaks of blue light poured down from heaven like lightning. That light spread out through the battlefield like an overflowing flood.

That was bluish-white flames. The flame changed color because of its high heat from red to blue and from blue to white―that heat quantity possessing [blue color] rivaled the energy possessed by the stars in space.

The blue flame representing Belial’s fury spread out in the battlefield burning down the arrogant people. With force that even Kanon-senpai herself couldn’t hold back, friend and ally, everything in the battlefield was going to be swallowed….

―Akane-senpai too finished her chanting at the same time.

Akane-senpai was clad in Magic Dress that was similar with {{furigana|sheath dress|traditional garment}} of Egypt’s attire. At her side, face of owl and body of wolf, with snake as tail a figure of devil with atypical appearance was floating.

Akane-senpai’s contracted Diva was―<Amon>. <Amon> of Egypt Mythology was likewise had its figure declined into devil as a god of paganism.

“To all phenomenon of heaven, riding the wind bursting out from those wings…o wind of god, wash away the foundation of the world and rule it as I saw fit! {{furigana|Rizomata Mastery|Divinity Elements Tide}}!!”

Terrific wind burst out in Akane-senpai’s surrounding. When Akane-senpai moved her hand like a conductor giving command, that wind was controlled in accordance with her desire, it was heading to Yamato’s force and swept over them.

Every energy that existed in this battlefield―flame and water and lightning brought forth by magic were swallowed by that wind and they were flowing away inside it.

The wind of the god of atmosphere Amon put all energy under its rule and became a tidal current of power.

Even the raging mad blue flame that Kanon-senpai released, just before it swallowed and dragged even allies inside it, was entwined with Akane-senpai’s wind of god. The wind of god rotated violently forming a sphere, pressing together the blue flame until it turned similar into a line of light inside the small sphere.

That light of fire was compressed even further until it was the size of a grain of light like a shining star in the night sky. ―Condensing heat above 20000°C, an ultra density flame. He already couldn’t understand how much energy it currently possessed.

―When Akane-senpai waved her hand once more, the grain of light became a {{furigana|leyline|line of light}} and danced in the middle of the enemy formation. The swordsmen and magicians of the enemy faction that were touched by that line immediately collapsed. The extraordinary heat took away all their magic power in just a moment. With delicate direction Akane-senpai was running the line of light from one enemy to the next driving them just before an instant death.

Kanon-senpai produced an energy so enormous that even she couldn’t control, while Akane-senpai amplified – controlled it precisely and distributed it to the enemies―it was a combination that really demonstrated both of their personality just as it was. With a silence as if a sparkler<ref>Small fireworks in a form of stick where its tips produced many little sparkles.</ref> was losing its light, the blue dot of light burned away all its flame. On the battlefield, dozens of enemies were lying down in unconsciousness.

Quality was far more above quantity in magic…this was a sight that really impressed that truth once more in him. Just two Magika Stigma had consigned dozens of times more enemy into oblivion in one attack.

It was a destructive power enough that brought about a complete change in the battle situation. …As expected from third years. For the first time Kazuki really felt aware of that fact. And then the third years were not only these two.

The other ten people of the other third years that Kanon-senpai brought along too had finished the chanting of their high level magic all at once right at this time. The battle was over with this―everyone was able to be convinced of that.

The third years seniors directed their Targeting at the enemy formation and ended their chanting―at that time, an unlikely voice could be heard.

“Target change!”

It was a voice he had heard somewhere. The inside of Kazuki’s head became pure white, his memory flipped over to the past. Where he had heard this voice was…when he was going on a date with Hikaru-senpai. That time when he was attacked by the students of the Magic Division that were brainwashed. The voice of Hayashi Shizuka.

This voice was when Hayashi Shizuka ''gave out the command to the humans she had brainwashed''.

Why was this voice, right here in this time….

When he turned his eyes to the direction of the voice, inside the crowd of Yamato’s magician―Hayashi Shizuka was there. When her eyes met Kazuki, The face of the girl that looked like a noh mask<ref>A woman mask that is colored white and have an unchanged cold expression</ref> warped in a broad grin. An expression of triumph, ridiculing at Kazuki.

The next instant, an abnormality occurred at the magic power wave of the third years that were going to activate their magic.

Assaulted by a premonition of unknown terror, Kazuki directed his sight at the faces of the third years.

The expression of the third years made a complete change into an expressionless and soulless wax statue. Emotion fell out from their eyes, their mouths that were in the middle of chanting spell became half-opened.

Completely the same just like the students that attacked Kazuki at the public park, a blank face.

Post-hypnotism―as if when a fixed requirement was triggered their minds were suddenly converted into brainwashed condition.

The third years who were forming a rank of troops horizontally facing the enemy force changed their formation even though no one was commanding it. The five people in the right wing faced Kazuki in a twirl, the five people in the left wing faced Kanon-senpai’s way in a twirl. And then the target of the magic that were in the verge of invocation―were overwritten to target Kazuki and Kanon-senpai.

A movement that was twisted forcibly by a third party’s will. Kazuki couldn’t Foresight such movement. With a delay that was really unlike Kazuki, he understood the situation. Third year’s offensive magic in the scale of level 7-8, five of them at once were taking aim at him. Both evasion and defense wouldn’t make it in time.

“Wh, why…!?” Kanon-senpai too was totally the same like him.

The girls were brainwashed without anyone noticing it. When…?

“O rage of the bottom of the earth…release the prohibition right here, reduce to ashes the arrogance on the earth with the ardour of ancient times…{{furigana|Volcanic Geyser|Lava Flow Eruption}}.”

“Time is circling drawing a circle, the history is repeated inevitably, awaken the once forgotten era…leave behind everything inside the dream, to the era of glacier…{{furigana|Ice Age|Absolute Ice World}}.”

“O unyelling sage Dantalion’s infinite power of words…change the wisdom of eternity into blade, gouge out deeply the depth of heart, burn and crumble the reason with that interdiction…{{furigana|Last Word|Last Word}}.”

“Lethargy is changed into degeneration before long, tear is finally changed into blood, reverberating scream will surely change into ascending soul in the end…o {{furigana|seed of malice|Laruva}}lurking in the back of the world, wolf down the living soul…{{furigana|Curse Stream|Festival of Nightmare}}.”

“O beast where heaven’s most important seven stars is residing in that body, descend down to this land while shaking down the earth, gulp down the stagnating people with those large jaw…{{furigana|Chronos Crocodile|Saturn’s Great Crocodile}}.”

Enormous lava was, sublime freezing air was, thought wave that would destroy the mind was, revengeful ghost that would eat his soul was, fierce beast of the underworld was approaching Kazuki all at once.

A clear premonition of death froze his brain. Resist…no, to use general magic for things like reducing the might of five different kind of magic at the same time was impossible with the skill that he had. They got him!

“…DANGER!” At that time, there was only one person who could react against Kazuki’s predicament.

A surprise attack that couldn’t be reacted with Foresight. What could react against such attack was only strengthening of reflexes nerves. [Berserk]―The magician that was able to do that, there was only one person in this place.

In front of Kazuki’s eyes―a large powerful back for a female was forcing her way through in front of him.

“BEATRIX!!” Kazuki spontaneously yelled to that back.

“I told you, add ‘chan’ on…GUU!!” All the magic hit the girl right from the front. From the body of the girl, defensive magic power was shining with light as if the whole magic power that she had was exploding.

You can really joke about adding ‘chan’ in this kind of situation!!?

Not sustaining her Access, Beatrix’s appearance transformed back to her black Einherjar uniform. She collapsed into Kazuki’s chest.

…The damage didn’t penetrate to her flesh. Kazuki confirmed that fact in panic.

“Beatrix, why are you for me…”

“Why, you ask…. That’s because love is an irrational thing, right…”

While saying words that sounded like joke, Beatrix slumped inside Kazuki’s arm and fainted after losing her strength. Magic intoxication―even though there was no damage on her flesh, her mind was burdened radically. Could she get awake if it kept like this, how long it would take until she open her eyes again, he didn’t know at all.

“Chih, I missed the chance to kill him.” From afar, the sound of Hayashi Shizuka clicking her tongue rang out. “Give him the finishing blow!”

The third years that had blank faces directed their aim at the two person who became defenseless in magic intoxication.

“Everyone…are you all sane!?” Akane-senpai rebuked her comrades’ action.

“Captain…shitt! What are we going to do!?”

“We are Ægir’s, grant me the terror of the unknown depth of the ocean! The stormy seas that toy with the small people, to me…Himinglæva!”

Eleonora produced a wall of ocean to defend Beatrix and Kanon-senpai. These two people right now would get a fatal wound even if they only got hit with just one attack.

“Draw sword, Futsu no Mitama!!”

Kazuha-senpai who sensed the situation dashed near from the back and slashed at the third years.

The sanity of the third years returned with one slash of evil crushing. “Eh…huh, I, what am I…?” Being surprised and stunned, in an unbelievable situation―they looked down at their leader who was laying down on the ground.

Disturbance ran through the whole ally members. The swordsmen who had been holding out for a long time to become the shield of the Magika Stigmas directed eyes of despair toward the scene where their leader got defeated by friendly fire inside ally’s encampment.

“Keep it up and crush them! Go!!” He could hear Hayashi Shizuka raising a piercing cry.

“Otouto-kun, get a hold of yourself! Akane-senpai too!”

Kaguya-senpai scolded Kazuki who was still dumbfounded. Akane-senpai who was still holding up Kanon-senpai with her head hanging down also lifted her face. They went on resuming the battle.

“I’m sorry, Eleonora-san.”

Giving his gratitude to Eleonora who was protecting them, Kazuki laid Beatrix down.

“…Land Escape!”

In front of Kazuki’s eyes, the ground split all of a sudden. From that crack illegal magician―[Earth Snake]’s figure was leaping out. His hand was holding a sword made from rock in reverse grip. “…Di, die!” With inarticulate speaking tone, he aimed at Beatrix who was in a state of magic intoxication.

He passed through Eleonora’s wall of sea by digging underground like a mole.

“UOOOOOOOOOOOO!!” Kazuki roared in order to clear away his shock and drew his katana.

The rock sword the Earth Snake used in his surprise attack was repelled with his Iai draw.

The instant their blade touched, Kazuki redirected the opponent’s power using <Instant Positioning>, breaking down the posture of the Earth Snake.

“…O Divine Protection of military man, double the Megin whirling in my body! The will of god spurring me to infinite battle, in this body! …Megingjord!”

What Kazuki immediately chanted was Beatrix’s magic.

Doubling the physical strength of his whole body, his second returning slash swung downward with twice destructive power on Earth Snake.

“GUGAA!” Raising a scream the Earth Snake rolled on the ground. “Guge…Land…” Realizing his failure in the assassination, he tried to escape using magic for going underground. “Esca…”

“…O divine protection of mermaid, stop the step of the hateful enemy, please hasten the step of the chosen person…. O ice blade, run! Moves in the Field!”

Koyuki’s cool and clear voice reverberated, then the ground froze. The Earth Snake who was leaping to the ground face first banged his face severely on the surface that had been frozen with ice. Koyuki plundered his right of rule of the ground.

Koyuki launched a flying kick with feet clad in boots of ice blade toward the Earth Snake rolling on the ground. Keeping her pace she stepped on him with a complex footwork and minced him. Having an ice dance performed on top of his own body, the Earth Snake opened his eyes wide in fear and fainted. “…Kazuki, are you okay?”

“Thank you, I’m fine already. …I can fight. We have to defeat that girl. If we don’t defeat Hayashi Shizuka from the very beginning then anybody else…I have a hunch that it would become very grave later on.”

Inside Kazuki’s head, that premonition completely filled him. There were emotions inside him that was really close with hatred and repugnance. However surpassing such individualistic emotion, a terrifying premonition welled up inside him.

“Retreat! Retreaat―!”

However contrary to Kazuki’s thought, that kind of voice was starting to appear from inside the enemy forces.

The enemy army simultaneously began to move in withdrawal. While receiving covering fire from the illegal magicians the enemy swordsmen turned their back, like a retreating wave they were drawing back from this place.

In no time at all the figure of the enemies were not visible anymore.

Why are those guys retreating―he soon understood why they were doing so.

From the other side of the road he could hear the sounds of engine, knights who were riding on military vehicles were rushing here one after another. The Knight Orders at the military boundary line’s garrison noticed the disturbance and finally came here. The enemy army noticed the reinforcement one beat faster and before they became the one who met with a pincer attack this time, they retreated in a hurry.

However the sensation of having finally repelled the enemy couldn’t be felt for even a bit inside Kazuki and the others.

===Part 3===

When the Knight Order that was rushing here grasped the situation that befell at Kazuki and the others, they immediately made contact with the garrison and called a new military bus here. Taking ride in that bus, Kazuki and the others headed to the garrison once more.

They gathered and transported the students who fell into magic intoxication in the battle and also the enemy soldiers who conversely became magic intoxicated and arrested on the spot.

The temporary garrison that was built for the sake of security in the military boundary line was located a very short distance from where they were attacked. By the time all the students arrived, it was the time when the sunset had sunk into the horizon.

The temporary garrison was originally the hotel and public facilities that were located in the prefectural border and were confiscated to be used only for the knights to reside there. There was no special facility or the like at all here.

Though having said that, it was not like there was any surplus in the number of rooms available, so the room allocation became arranged for two people in one room.

However without even confirming who was the partner he would be rooming with, Kazuki headed to Akane-senpai’s room.

“Hayashizaki Kazuki…I have something to talk.”

The moment he came out to the corridor, Eleonora and Damian were waiting for Kazuki.

“Beatrix is…?” Kazuki inquired hesitantly.

“Captain is still fainted and hasn’t opened her eyes.” Eleonora answered back with a cold voice.

“In this incident, because we were made to follow the sloppy tactics of Japan Knight Order, a serious damage had been inflicted to the Einherjar. That’s what I’m thinking.”

“…What did you say?”

“Don’t you think that this incident is enough reason to discontinue the stance of cooperation between Japan Knight Order and Einherjar for Loki’s subjugation? We are going to wash our hands from this incident.”

“Wa, just wait a second there!? I haven’ heard anythin’ about this at alll!?”

Damian cut in from the side.

“You said you have something you want to talk about with Hayashizaki Kazuki so I thought what the hell this is about…this didna make sense at all doncha’ agree!? This incident happen ‘cause Capt’n Beatrix just stick her nose where it didna belong on her own, we haven’ even defeat Loki yet! If it had become like this then we shoulda’ take revenge for cap’n with our own hand, that’s the spirit of an admirable Einherjar right!? I said taking revenge but cap’n still haven’ died yet though!”

“Damian…this war is a losing battle. Right now Japan Knight Order is exactly a ship made of mud<ref>Japanese expression. You can imagine what will happen if a mud boat take sail right?</ref>. ''To allow that kind of surprise attack'' to happen, they have no chance in this war. We should disembark from this sinking ship for even a second faster.”

Allowing that kind of surprise attack to happen…, sinking ship…, Kazuki too had the exact same feeling like what Eleonora was saying. Unconscious bitterness colored Kazuki’s expression. Eleonora looking at that expression of Kazuki “…So you understand the situation” having said that her expression became a little sympathetic.

“Wait wait wait! Whether or not there is any chance to win, that shoulda be thought later on after we beat up the enemy blue right―!” Damian spoke out an outrageous sentence. “There are enemies we’ve reason to defeat right in front of us yet we just run away, for Einherjar that is something absolutely unforgivablee―, if it’s cap’n Beatrix that’s what she woulda say ze!!”

“…Do you think you can fight with that kind of muscle brain thinking…!”

“Are you and Ægir cowards!? You won’t get to aim for Valhalla like that!”

“…Understood. If you said until that far then you and Hodur just do as you like.”

Eleonora turned on her heel and went to leave from the other side of the corridor.

“…Our bad. Even though Erii is like that but that ‘cause she really like cap’n. …Next, when you are gonna sortie out just give the call only to me.”

Damian too left behind such words before she went to leave from the other side of the corridor.

“How unlucky for you huh! You might be planning to be alone with Akane just the two of you by going to Akane’s room, but I’m already awake✩”

When he entered Akane-senpai’s room, Kanon-senpai's bright voice greeted Kazuki.

This room was shared between Akane-senpai and Kanon-senpai. Kanon-senpai who had fell into magic intoxication had already awaken. She directed a smiling face to Kazuki while still laying on her bed.

“…At that moment, I still had my Rizomata Mastery barely activated, so I could redirect the energy of the offense magic going toward Kanon slightly. However Beatrix Baumgard had gotten completely hit…”

The expression of Akane-senpai who was standing beside the bed was dark as if she was ashamed of the damage that came out.

“Well, I exposed an unsightly figure there…this is by no means a lost battle okay✩ We got some damage on our side, but we had also managed to capture several of the enemies on the other side see✩…That’s why cheer up, Akane.”

Kanon-senpai who pretended a mere bravado with cheerful act encouraged Akane-senpai.

“So then Hayashizaki Kazuki…what do you think about what had just happened?” With a serious face, Kanon-senpai looked back at Kazuki. “Because there is something you understand so you came here right?”

Kazuki conveyed the matter regarding Hayashi Shizuka and her ability as far as he knows to the two of them.

―Her contracted Diva was Joka.

The greatest trait of that Diva was to strengthen and resurrect allies, granting such powerful Divine Protection freely.

However Yamato’s force was not resurrected at the battle this time. …Most likely because the number of people was too many, or possibly the effect couldn’t be demonstrated except for underling and servant that directly obeyed Hayashi Shizuka herself. It means that Hayashi Shizuka was nothing more than a guest and her nature of relationship with Yamato’s soldiers was too thin.

And then one more trait of hers was brainwashing power. She could falsify the heart of humans that had fallen into magic intoxication.

Kanon-senpai and Akane-senpai made a face of understanding.

“…In other words everyone aside from us…the other third years fell into magic intoxication in battle at that time when Nagoya surrendered and then they were brainwashed there. After that they linked up with us as the remnant of the defeated army…”

There was no doubt that the seed of calamity was planted in Kanon-senpai and the others at that time.

Post hypnotism―in order to make them changed into brainwashed state when they heard the voice of Hayashi Shizuka, suggestion was implanted into the third years.

“How pathetic!” Akane-senpai raised a loud voice with her head still hanging low and she hit the wall with her fist. “Just because they are comrades we know by sight…we didn’t suspect at all those girls who were just escaping from the enemy’s occupied territory! Even though we might have noticed it if only we cautiously use Telepathy!!”

"Akane, don’t say something unreasonable. We didn’t know about this brainwashing beforehand, so suspecting them or anything is just absurd talk. We only thought of wanting to increase our battle strength even for just a little with everyone. Also for the moment I am the leader that was decided by everyone. Don’t burden yourself with the responsibility alone.”

Even after listening to Kanon-senpai’s words, Akane-senpai was still “Kuu…!” let out a pained sound. Akane-senpai’s personality might be of those who tend to drive themselves into a corner.

However this was not a circumstance where he could give her some peace of mind.

“…What we should be anxious of is not only about the matter of the brainwashed third years.”

Kazuki said with a heavy feeling. Rather, the matter just now was already a solved problem. Thanks to Kazuha-senpai, all the third years had been released from the brainwashed state.

“An even graver problem is how the enemy sensed all of our action and movement and then ambushed us at our own territory. Those guys passed through the military boundary line, inferred our location, and then assaulted us. …They have been doing whatever they pleased far too much.”

If this kind of situation continues, saying it clearly, this war wouldn’t even be a fight for the enemy.

“…!” Akane-senpai’s face lost even more color when she raised her face. Looks like she fret over her failure in not doubting her comrade too much that she didn’t think of that at all.

“The knights in this garrison, they are doing security in order to not let the people of Yamato come and go as they pleases aren’t they?” Kazuki inquired for the moment. Kanon-senpai nodded with a bob. It was obvious.

“In other words there is a traitor here.”

“That, you mean a human that is a brainwashed human by Joka to become spy!?”

“No, the brainwashed state by Joka is not a perfect technique that can deceive the surrounding people that are intimate to you. The brainwashed human looked unnatural with how their emotion became diluted, so it’s definitely impossible to do a spy’s activity or the like passing through a long period of time.”

Joka’s brainwashing was not flawless. It was only falsifying a really small part of the heart in a really short period.

“Without any influence of brainwashing, there were already traitors of Kenshitou in the insides of the Knight Order and the government of this country right from the start. And then there is Chūkadou as Kenshitou’s backer.”

“Chūkadou, you said…?”

The trouble that happened in the Knight Academy’s battle election was not something known by Kanon-senpai and Akane-senpai that was nothing more than the lowest member of the Knight Order. Kazuki explained the circumstances of the incident where assassins from China came attacking Kazuki and how the former Board Chairman Takasugi tried to take over the academy to the two senpai.

“As for how we are gathering in Shizuoka…the enemy might be able to predict that even without any information just from the point of how we are going to try to recover Nagoya that is an important traffic position. But for the enemy to completely know about when we are going to finally arrive and what road we are taking…it’s just like what you said, there is a traitor that was inserted in a fairly high position in the top brass of the Knight Order isn’t it? If it had become like this then they will be perfectly waiting in ambush for this side’s offensive. From now on they will be preparing surprise attack each time we are going out for any kind of action…like this we cannot move thoughtlessly.”

Akane-senpai hung her head down with faint-hearted expression.

“The best aspect of superiority for the offensive side is how they could choose the location of fighting you know? Originally, the defensive side has to divide all their battle strength between the three points of Toyama・Gifu・Aichi because they don’t know where we are going to attack. However if they obtained the information of where we are going to attack ahead of time from the traitor, they can concentrate their battle strength in one place and await us in the targeted place. In other words it’s the same like the number of the enemy force has tripled. For information to become leaked is something like that.”

It was something Kazuki hadn’t learned in class, but he nodded. It was something obvious if he thought of it carefully, but it was something that made him thought ‘I see’ when it was said to him…the basis of <tactic theory>.

“With this our plan to counterattack when seeing a change is discontinued. We absolutely cannot move to counterattack. If we don’t wait patiently until we have collected the battle strength of east Japan as much as possible…I have to inform the regiment commander…”

Regimental commander―if this talk was forwarded to the commander of Shizuoka regiment, next it would go through to the division commander of Kanto Koushin’etsu division, and then from there it would reach the top brass of the Knight Order for sure.

…With that transmission mechanism, this information would surely also reach the spy of Yamato.

In panic, Kazuki restrained Akane-senpai who was even now trying to make contact with her cell phone.

“Please wait, if senpai reported that then it will also inform the opponent of how ''we had noticed the traitor'', it would alert them.”

“That is so but, there is no reason we can just leave this alone right? If we don’t take defensive action…”

“No, I think it’s a mistake for us to even enter defensive action.”

Akane-senpai asked “Eh?” back to Kazuki who was talking stubbornly. Kanon-senpai too had her eyes opened wide and was staring at him. Surely that was because they never thought that a junior of them would be objecting this straight forwardly against them.

“We should sortie out to attack them immediately tonight. In order to not let the traitor leak out the information to the enemy, the surprise attack must be conducted with only the members of the Knight Academy.”

A silence that was doubting Kazuki’s words flowed for a while.

“…And the basis for your idea to immediately sortie out in offense?” Akane-senpai inquired in a harsh tone of voice.

“Because if it keeps like this then it would become more disadvantageous the longer the battle goes on. This whole day, I kept thinking on my own about in what way we should fight in this battle called magic war but…”

“How should we fight in a magic war is it?”

This magic war that the human race hasn’t experienced personally still doesn’t have any tried and tested tactics.

That was why the people concerned must unravel it out themselves and started thinking from the zero base.

“In this magic war, the power of humans is everything. Even if all the territory of the country is occupied from the battle’s damage, even if the economy inclined completely toward one side, it still doesn’t mean defeat. Shaving off the military force is everything.”

In the war of the previous era, the power of a country had direct relation with their military power. For the sake of advancing the battle in a more advantageous position they developed weapon research, mass production, managing maintenance, they had to invest in all of that. An all out war where the battle was supported by the nation’s everything. If the national power tilted to one way then the victory was decided.

But this war between Japan and Yamato was different. The military power was decided only by the quality and quantity of the swordsmen and Magika Stigma. When it was like this the victory condition became [whether the opponent’s army was annihilated or not].

Even if there was only one last person standing, even if the foundation called a country was lost, if only they still had the will to fight then they could still continue to fight. Though in that stage it would become closer to guerilla or terrorism rather than a war.

“Certainly it’s just like what you said…. This is not an all-out war, but an extermination war.” Akane-senpai nodded.

“However why has that become the reason to hurry in attacking?”

“…There are Divas called Loki and Naiarlatoteph in Yamato’s camp. When the power of Joka is added there, I have this feeling that a frightening result will occur from that combination. Though it would be great if this is just a needless anxiety.”

Loki・Naiarlatoteph・Hayashi Shizuka…it was the worst trio that made him want to cover his eyes. Their extreme personality scattered out a terrible atmosphere. He had already felt sick just from remembering each of their faces.

“Naiarlatoteph?” Kanon-senpai and Akane-senpai asked back.

Naiarlatoteph’s existence was also something that hadn’t become known by the society at large openly.

Kazuki who had arrived at a different thinking from the two senpai was because in the first place he had far more information than the two.

“For the sake of finding proof of my suspicion, there is something I want to confirm from the prisoners that were caught from the battle this time. I cannot meet with the prisoner just by myself so…can I ask for senpai’s mediation to arrange an interview with the prisoners?”

There was a wine cellar built underground in this hotel that was confiscated to be the garrison. That place which had no entrance except for one spot was the most suitable to be turned into a dungeon as long as security was performed there. The prisoners were attached with Limiter for illegal magicians and thrown inside that place.

There was binding on them but many of them were still fainting from magic intoxication.

Akane-senpai left behind Kanon-senpai who was still in convalescence in their shared room and led Kazuki to the dungeon.

Kazuki stopped at Lotte’s room in the middle of the way and asked her to accompany him.

“Thanks for your hard work.” Akane-senpai greeted the young man who had the shift of guarding the dungeon.

That knight who was greeted had his expression colored in shock and happiness when he saw Kazuki.

“Hayashizaki Kazuki! Isn’t this Hayashizaki Kazuki! …Long time no see! I heard the story already from Amasaki-sensei. Right now hasn’t something great happened to you in the academy, huh Chief Student Council President!”

After Kazuki got taken aback for an instant, he finally remembered late of the other party’s name and face.

“…Kondou-san! Thank you very much for that time. If I didn’t have the Sacred Treasure that was entrusted from Kondou-san, it would really have become very dangerous there. Because of that I was found innocent in the end.”

“Aa, for you to be cleared from all misunderstanding was also thanks to the influence of Amasaki-sensei right?”

Kondou Hajime―he was the knight that got involved at that time when Kazuki was attacked by Beatrix in the Quest that he challenged together with Lotte. After that, for the sake of Kazuki who was challenging Beatrix, he lended [Raikiri] to Kazuki without concern for himself. However, why was he here…?

“Your face is wondering why I’m here. Even though you remember my name and face, it’s impossible to remember until my self-introduction too huh. Remember, my title is <Police Knight> attached to <Chubu Jurisdiction Division>, Kondou Hajime.”

“You said Chuubu Jurisdiction…does that mean that Kondou-san was in the battle of that time!?”

“Aa, I fought at Nagoya, I escaped with Akane-chan there and Kanon-chan. …But for you to come here, how reassuring. I know very well how strong you are after all!”

“So Kondo-san and Kazuki are an acquaintance?” Akane-senpai inquired with her eyes wide opened.

“That’s right, various things happened. Akane-chan, this guy is a really awesome junior you know. …Oops, you have some business with the prisoner right? If it’s Akane-chan and Kazuki then I don’t need to worry, just go through here.”

Kondou-san opened the dungeon for them, then Kazuki together with Lotte searched for the one person they came here for among the restrained prisoners―they approached the [Earth Snake].

“Lotte…can you do something like confirming his mental state with Telepathy? There is no equipment for Telepathy scan here after all, so to make up for it can you?”

“What is it that I need to confirm desu?”

“Confirm whether he is still Possessed by Diva or not inside his mind.”

“!?” Akane-senpai’s expression froze in place.

“…Diva that is attempting to take over the flesh of human won’t part with the flesh body that they occupied that easily you know? It should be like that. Because to erode the self of their host until this point should take a long time for the Diva.”

Akane-senpai said. Some Diva that held hostility to humans whispered sweet words about how they would grant power and then possess the human. After that they would encroach into the host’s mind slowly in their attempt to take over the host<ref>The kanji used here is Yorishiro, which means object representative of a divine spirit, object to which a spirit is drawn or summoned, or object or animal occupied by a god</ref>.

To do that they needed a long time. Even when Loki stole Kaya’s body, also when Naiarlatoteph stole the body of former Headmaster Otonashi, both of them needed long years to succeed.

Once those Divas parted with the flesh body, the eroded mind would go back to how it once was and their hard work until that point would come to completely nothing. That was why even in the case that their host got arrested, nevertheless they shouldn’t part with that body so easily―originally speaking.

Lotte went along with what Kazuki said and reached out a line of blue light to the Earth Snake. Through this link of magic power Lotte was searching around in the mind of the Earth Snake. Only after a moment Lotte expressed her conclusion.

“It’s empty. There is no Diva inside him.”

Just as he expected it really was like that. That was surely why this Earth Snake fought in a suicidal way like that.

“That’s absurd! Then there is no meaning at all in taking this guy prisoner!!”

“Midgardsormr that Possessed this guy had already Possessed a different human and he is going to return back to the front line soon. When I said that it will be disadvantageous for us when this war become a protracted battle, this is the reason why.”

Magika Stigmas of the Knight Order and the Knight Academy summoned the power of Solomon 72 Pillar by means of their contract with the Pillars. But for the illegal Magicians of Yamato, every one of them used power by means of Possessed Summoning.

The knights and the students of the Knight Academy were defeated until they fell into magic intoxication, became the prisoners of Yamato, if in the worst case they were killed, this was an obvious fact but there was no replacement for them.

Then in regards of that, the illegal magicians of Yamato could keep coming back endlessly as long as they had a new host.

“For Diva to possess the human’s body should take a fairly long time. At the very least it would take one year. Then, it would be fine if we just make sure to end the fight before that process get finished.”

“Perhaps it won’t even take one year. There are Loki and Naiarlatoteph and Joka in the enemy camp.”

They couldn’t continue the story even more than this in this kind of place. Kazuki proposed to get out from the wine cellar. ''There maybe someone listening in on their conversation, they needed to constantly pay attention.''

They said goodbye to Kondou-san and after accompanying Lotte back to her room, they returned back to Akane-senpai and Kanon-senpai’s room. Kazuki explained the happenings in wine cellar.

“Loki and Naiarlatoteph and Joka, ''each of them has their own approach'' in driving humans mad that they specialized in. The crazier the host’s mind becomes, the easier it would become for the Diva to encroach.”

Joka had the power of falsification. She overwrote a part of human’s mind, and with that she could stuff a small madness inside.

Naiarlatoteph entered through weak spot and small madness of the heart. From there he could drive a person into insanity all at once. He made use of former Headmaster Otonashi’s guilt in repeating human experiment and destroyed the headmaster’s mind. There was also the time when he entered through Koyuki’s emotion of self-denial and took over her body right on the spot.

And then for Loki’s method of taking over a human’s heart, he could boast that he himself had a thorough knowledge of it.

If those three’s abilities were used in turn like a baton relay―Joka planting madness inside the mind, and then Naiarlatoteph using that madness as foothold to corner the person into insanity in one go, finally Loki would make his Diva comrade to possess the person…they could manufacture illegal magicians in efficient rate as if a factory producing canned food.

“If those guys combined their power, they could prepare human hosts in no time at all. This was why Midgardsormr could abandon the body of the Earth Snake that easily.”

Lotte’s Telepathy had given credibility to Kazuki’s suspicion.

“We have to destroy this [illegal magicians reproduction cycle] without any delay. If we don’t then there is no chance of victory for us in this annihilation battle. And then I also think that tonight is the best chance to bring down Hayashi Shizuka. For the sake of manipulating the third years she brainwashed, Hayashi Shizuka participated in the battle this time. But I don’t think that Hayashi Shizuka will participate anymore in the battle that came attacking us from now on.”

If it was Kazuki in Kaya’s place, then he would order such thing for sure. He wouldn’t want to expose the important key of his tactic like Hayashi Shizuka to brave danger as much as possible, that was how it should be. Then Hayashi Shizuka would seclude herself in Yamato’s base.

When this side persisted in non-aggressive defense, they would eternally lose the chance to defeat Hayashi Shizuka.

Akane-senpai looked at Kazuki with eyes that seemed to say [I can’t believe it].

“…How are you able to predict anything and everything like that?”

“Whether it’s Loki or Naiarlatoteph or Joka too, I had fought them before. That’s all.”

“…That kind of experience is really abnormal. ''You stand in the core of the incident too much.'' Despite how you are supposed to be just a student of the Knight Academy…”

That was…. Most likely that was because he is a <{{furigana|King|Basilleus}}>.

When Beatrix collapsed, for some reason Kazuki thought like that once more. I must be able to take action that is more befitting for a King.

“If right now we don’t let out our courage and move out for offensive, if we enter defensive action then it’s just what the enemy wanted. I am an amateur in regards of war tactic but…as a swordsman when facing the opponent, on top of constantly observing the opponent, [I must not do as the enemy expected] is something that I think is really important.”

Whether in a match or a game, pushing factor of uncertainty to your opponent was what is called as tactic.

“If we sortie out in offense using the Knight Order, it will be reported to the top brass of the Knight Order and we have to get their approval isn’t that right? For the lowest level of an organization to take action arbitrarily like attacking the enemy is absolutely unpermitted.”

“…Of course that is so. Moving the soldier as one pleases and make sortie cannot be done. …The cause of concern is that if somewhere in the chain of command, the attack plan will be leaked through the traitor.”

“Yes. If we are attacking, we have to attack without allowing the attack plan to get leaked at all cost. That’s why tonight, we have to make a surprise attack using the students of the Knight Academy. If we attack only using members from the students of the Knight Academy, we don’t need to follow the intention of the Knight Order’s top brass. The highest big-wig in the Knight Academy is Headmaster Amasaki after all.”

There was no room for the traitor to come inside a simple chain of command of Kazuki and Headmaster Amasaki.

Tonight, if it had been decided that the Knight Order would not take any action until they had finished gathering battle strength of east Japan, that condition would be conveyed to Yamato through the traitor. That negligence would enable the independent corps of the Knight Academy to make a surprise attack.

If this tactic succeeded, then a pressure that [the traitor’s information was not omnipotent] could be inflicted to Yamato. Like that the information from the traitor wouldn’t be able to be used effectively by Yamato.

It was vital to make the enemy feel confused.

He was an amateur in regards of war tactic, but if he perceived this battle as [a duel between him and Hayashi Shizuka], he naturally understood the tactics that he should take. Kazuki had confidence in his own thought and stared at Akane-senpai directly. Akane-senpai looked down weakly from the pressure of that gaze.

“Even so I cannot approve of a surprise attack tactic by the students alone. It’s too dangerous to march into enemy territory from under their very nose. The rule of three times offensive power…it’s said that three times the battle strength of the enemy’s defense is needed to attack their encampment. According to Sun Tzu, we need ten times the battle strength of the defender side when making a siege against a castle don’t you know?”

Certainly there might be a theory like that.

However―a war where magic was used was something the human race hasn’t experienced personally yet. There was no tactic or the like that had been established and proven already, they had to puzzle it out by themselves from the ground up.

Kazuki thought back of that instant where the bus was destroyed in his first real battle.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily the case that the offensive side is in disadvantage compared to the defensive side.”

When Kazuki talked with that confident tone, Akane-senpai was “Eh?” and opened her eyes wide.

…When Kazuki explained his idea, Akane-senpai wordlessly looked down.

“Let’s believe this guy, Akane. This is the junior that Kaguyan is cherishing so much. Surely this guy is not just an ordinary person.”

Kanon-senpai interjected from the side.

“…That might be so.” Akane-senpai made an ambiguous reply.

“Akane. Usually I’m just constantly relying on you but, it’s fine for you too to learn to rely more on other fellows. And then Hayashizaki Kazuki-! I recognized you but…don’t misunderstand! Until the very end you are…only get recognized as nothing more than the right hand of this retired number Legendary Student Council President, Koudzuki・Fantastic・Kanon, okayy✩”

And then with a ‘kirarin<ref>sparkle</ref>✩’, she winked at Kazuki.

[It’s no good if you don’t get the recognition from these two too you know, o King.]

Leme made her speech inside his mind.

Akane-senpai was “Fuu” and released a breath as if deciding in her heart. And then she talked promptly.

“Oh well. I’ll go along with your thinking. …Let’s put the arrangement in order. We won’t sortie together with you in this surprise attack, but we will give you our utmost cooperation with regards to the preparations. What we first need is, informing the students about the situation…and then the method to break out from this hotel and also maybe wireless communication.”

===Part 4===

“…What’s with you, calling out someone like me.”

Before moving out to implement the tactic for real, Kazuki wanted to talk with Kazuha-senpai and called her out to the corridor.

“There is a little something I want to give to senpai…though it’s not really something significant.”

“Giving something?”

Kazuki suddenly presented a handmade bouquet created from the small flowers piling up in the hills and fields.

Suddenly presented with that gift, Kazuha-senpai was “Hahee!?” and let out a strange voice.

“This is because when we moved by bus and I looked outside the window, I saw beautiful flowers blooming on the hills.”

“Yo, you especially picked them up for me…?”

“Yes. The atmosphere had became bloodthirsty from the battle and the attack. I was wondering whether I could soften the atmosphere a little and when I realized I had dashed to gather this.”

Kazuki was out of breath and talked while sweats were showing on his forehead. Although there was Enchant Aura, but making a round trip to the mountain that he noticed from inside the bus and back in this busy time was not easy.

“Are you an idiot doing something like that in this kind of time!? Something like flower…for someone like me…”

Kazuha-senpai’s face reddened and looked the other way with a huff.

“I’m sorry, is this a bother for senpai?”

“It’s a bother-! Even if I receive flowers in this kind of place, I don’t have anything like a flower vase, it’s just too pitiful for the flower if it was plucked and then withered away!!”

“Is, is that so…” So the flower is a failure, thinking that, Kazuki became despondent.

“…But to think of me when you looked at flower and wanting to give it to me, so even though you are tired after the fighting you went out of your way to collect this and came to present it to me….”

Kazuha-senpai hugged the flower bouquet tightly on her chest and then a large heart mark come flying.

“Kazuha-senpai, actually after this…”

Kazuki spoke frankly about his tactic of launching a surprise attack to the enemy by the students of the Knight Academy after this.

Kazuha-senpai gulped after hearing the importance of the fact that was just disclosed for her. Kazuki said to the taken-aback girl.

“That’s why if the tactic goes well, please go on a date with me for the reward.”

Kazuha-senpai became taken aback with all strength leaving her body.

“What’s with that, when I thought that you were going to talk about a serious matter you suddenly asked for reward!?”

“Because, if there is a reward waiting then I’ll be able to work even harder for that.”

“So you said that if you can go on a date with me then…you will be able to work hard?”

Kazuha-senpai asked Kazuki with an exhausted red face, as if she was utterly amazed by Kazuki’s approach. Her defense had been pushed back to the limit already. Kazuki nodded repeatedly with great enthusiasm.

“Correct. I want to go on a date with senpai and do romantic things.”

Kazuha-senpai kept averting her face without facing Kazuki.

However a heart mark came flying once more, then she talked with a reluctant appearance.

“…Okay. But, only if you make a great achievement and this tactic is a success, only after that.”

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 4 Chapter 1

2015-10-08T02:58:53Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 1 - To the End of the Peaceful Day */ fixing typos and grammar

==Chapter 1 - To the End of the Peaceful Day==

===Part 1===

“Kazuki, between the sparklingly cute and feminine me, or coolly conservative and adult me, which one do you like?”

…Please talk in Japanese, that was what clearly expressed in Kazuki’s bewildered expression.

Mio leaned her body forward even though they were in the middle of the meal, and waited for his reply while her eyes were shining in expectation. Her appearance was still in the cute maid uniform that she wore when they prepared the meal.

The dining table of the Witch’s Mansion became quiet.

“What an extremely narcissist way of talking isn’t it?”

When Koyuki ridiculed her while chewing (hamuhamu<ref>SFX of chewing</ref>) her toast, Mio denied it with red face.

“It’s not like that! Not the uniform or the Magic Dress or the maid uniform, but it’s just when I’m wearing my casual clothes, I’m concerned about what I should wear and what Kazuki thought!”

“It feels like Mio has an obsession in stylish fashion, isn’t it?”

“It’s not to the degree of obsession but…if they are a woman then anyone will be concerned with that, right?”

When Mio said that self-conciously, Koyuki slightly hung her head down.

It appears that Koyuki was disinterested in that kind of thing.

“No, about that there are various kind of girls, isn’t it fine?”

“Then for Kazuki it doesn’t really matter what kind of appearance the girl has? Even though you like the maid uniform so much.”

“That is, if the girl dressed herself up when she comes to meet me then I’ll be happy, thinking she is cute.”

Hoshikaze-senpai was laughing “ahaha” after she snapped a sausage (mogumogu<ref>Another chewing SFX</ref>) with her mouth.

“No, that is strange for senpai, right!? Please behave yourself like a girl properly!”

“But you see, in my situation, my surrounding is happy when I wear men’s clothes. Moreover, can you imagine if I wear a skirt even when in my casual clothes? I will look funny, won’t I?”

“It won’t, I said. I want to see senpai in that kind of getup.”

“I would look scary like that don’t you agree-. Like when a boy is participating in crossdressing beauty contest in a cultural festival of a boys’ school.”

You’ve got to be kidding, Kazuki was stricken with grief with all his words repelled back like he was standing in front of a wall of steel.

“Hayashizaki-kun, next time let’s go see clothes together. Occasionally doing shopping as bonding between men is cool right?”

“And I just said senpai is not a man already…”

“All people in Japan are stylish desu. In Norse Mythology, being ostentatious felt like a sin. Though gods that were fashion-crazy like Freia-sama also exist desu.”

Lotte said so while sipping the miso soup. On top of the antique-style wooden table, two kinds of breakfast in Japanese and Western style were arranged. Of course the one who made all of it was Kazuki and Mio.

In addition to Lotte, and Leme there were seven people in the Witch’s Mansion. Each of them had their own preference in food.

“Even though there seems to be that kind of Diva, but I feel that Leme is someone who prefer practicality more than aesthetic.”

When Kazuki said that, Leme nodded saying “Unyuu” while chewing nattou in her mouth.

When Kazuki tried to wipe up Leme’s mouth from the side, Leme grew restive and struggled while saying “Sto-op”.

“Mio-chan is stylish, and your trademark twintails is cute too. That kind of style doesn’t suit me so I’m jealous.”

Kaguya-senpai who sat beside Mio lightly tugged her twintails repeatedly.

“I-I-I-I looked a little childish like this, that’s what I think tho-tho-tho-though.”

To the right, to the left, having her twintails pulled to the left and right alternately like operating a handle, Mio’s face and voice shook (kakukaku<ref>SFX of when something is moving up and down repeatedly</ref>) around.

“…I-i-i-if I did my hair in the same style like when we were in the orphanage, I thought that when I reunited with Kazu-nii he will immediately notice me-me-me-me…”

“That, sorry I didn’t notice it.”

“It’s fine already. So, which kind of me does Kazuki prefer!?”

After shaking off Kaguya-senpai who fooled around cheerfully, Mio once again leaned her body forward to him.

“Errr, in short this is about which one is good between [cute group] and [cool group], right?”

Mio was a really girlish girl, but when she fights proudly and awe-inspiringly she also looked very much like a woman. Both [cute] and [cool], were same side of the girl.

“I think either of the two suits you.”

“What’s with that~, that crude reply.” Mio pouted her finely shaped lips.

“I thought that both sides of you looked good when I try to picture it in my mind. Because Mio has both of the cuteness and also the coolness in you.”

“I, is that so? As I thought, it’s like that? Ehehe.”

“But why are you suddenly asking that?”

Toward Mio who showed bashful expression in great delight, Kazuki stopped his chopsticks and asked, Mio suddenly stood up from the dining table. Then she abruptly grabbed Kazuki by the scruff of the neck and pulled him up to stand.

“Come with me a little.”

“What’s with you so suddenly, this is still in the middle of meal! Wait a little, I’m just starting to eat the grilled fish after all the difficulties I had in removing the bones from it thoroughly, you know!?”

“Otouto-kun, thank you for removing all the bone! I will eat it with deep gratitude inside! Wow, even the Japanese cuisine is very delicious―, that’s what I think.”

“Please stop Kaguya-senpai-! My grilled fish-!!”

“…Escort.”

Mio led Kazuki into the corridor and said that word.

“Eh?” When Kazuki blinked, Mio suddenly opened the chest part of the maid uniform. His sight was absorbed into it against his better judgment but, a ruby silver necklace was shining at the girl’s shaking breast. The shining combination of gold and crimson was the girl’s trademark.

“Kazuki also has one of the pair, right? Are you wearing it?”

“Aah, it’s not visible in the uniform but I’m always wearing it.”

“When I gave that to you as present, Kazuki, I said that as thanks for that you will give me a [princess escort] again!”

Kazuki finally recalled it in a flash. What she called princess escort was Mio’s alias for date.

“Aah! When we were going to date before, as the excuse for the next date…”

“It’s not a date! It’s because Kazuki said that he wanted to thank me no matter what, that’s why!”

Mio made a ruckus in embarrassment at this late hour while denying the word date.

“Tomorrow! The Sunday tomorrow! Wait in front of the station at 12 o’clock in the afternoon!”

Mio thrust her index finger sharply at Kazuki.

Then without waiting for the reply, she returned back to the dining room with her twintails trailing her.

“How one sided, though I don’t mind at all. …Somehow, it’s a really peaceful talk,”

A Saturday morning where there was nothing urgent.

If he had to say what worried him, it was something at the level of wondering whether the grilled fish was still remaining.

Speaking of the matter from before…The various regulations of the [Chief Student Council Election] would be decided in the staff meeting this weekend, it looked like it would be announced to the students at the beginning of the next week.

Because Kazuki had been chosen as one of the candidates too, next week he would start the activity for the election.

The day where he could enjoy the peaceful days was only until the end of this week.

…Toward that ends, he could have a pleasurable schedule.

===Part 2===

Mio chose their meeting place to be at the front of the station. Not to mention everyone in the Witch’s Mansion, this was so anyone in the academy also wouldn’t see their figures going out on a date.

Kazuki had confirmed that Mio was still preparing this and that when he came out from the mansion, so the result was that he would have to wait for a while.

Suddenly, someone covered his eyes from behind while talking in a mischievous voice.

“Who~ is this♥”

It was not Mio’s voice. A voice that was forcefully high-pitched, a made-up voice like it was mimicking an anime character in an extremely clumsy effort, it made him unable to guess at all the owner of the voice.

“…Someone who would do something like this, Kaguya-senpai?”

Considering all that, there was no soft sensation at all hitting his back though.

Then might this be Hoshikaze-senpai that noticed the date and came to play a prank?

While he was hesitating, the palms that blocked his eyes opened to the left and right suddenly.

When Kazuki turned back to confirm the other party, there was Beatrix behind him.

Wearing the Einherjar’s black knight uniform on her body, Beatrix was standing there.

A cold sweat droopingly ran through his back.

It felt like there was a thick darkened wall of steel towering right in front of his eyes.

“Did you think it was a cute girl? How unfortunate! It’s Beatrix-chan!!”

Beatrix puffed her chest proudly as if to say ‘how do you like that?’.

“U…UOWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?”

Kazuki screamed out loud while stepping back and put his hand on the katana at his hips.

Why did he brought a katana despite this being a date, that was because in the middle of the date with Mio before he had an experience of being attacked by [Stigmata Hunter]. For knights and conforming to that, the knight candidates were permitted to possess sword freely.

“Fufufu, what are you panicking for? I’m not especially coming here to fight with you, you know?”

While Beatrix laughed with broad grin, she chided Kazuki who was taking a battle stance.

“Also I’m quite happy that you showed me how you lost your cool befitting with your age. You get like that just from noticing me and the greeting from me. Though I should say, how unfortunate, I became completely unable to fight Kazuki anymore.”

“…What did you say?”

Finally Kazuki separated his hand from the handle of his katana. However in front of his rival who he had fought a bitter fight three times already, he couldn’t remove the nervousness that burdened the bottom of his stomach.

“This country was suddenly changing its policy. Hayashizaki Kazuki should be in protective custody, or Charlotte Liebenfrau should be taken into humane consideration, things like that. To change their policy so suddenly like this, I don’t know anymore for what reason we came to this country.”

Beatrix complained out mixed with a deep sigh and an astonished expression.

The government’s sudden change in its policy was probably because of the Headmaster Otonashi’s research that had veered off course from the path of human came to light, resulting in many of the politicians that were related with that to lose their standing.

The large faction of politicians that were favoring the Magica Stigma had completely became powerless.

“But the period of cooperation between the Einherjar and the Knight Order of Japan that is being done in the surface is still going to continue for a while. On the surface reason that Loki still hasn’t been captured, we cannot break off the promise of cooperation this late in the game. That’s why there also might be some occasion where Kazuki is going to cooperate with us when you challenge a quest. Fufufu, this time there might come an occasion when you and I join hands together to defeat Loki, don’t you think?”

“…You’re really going to withdraw your hand from Lotte that easily?”

“My own country of Germany is lodging a protest to the government of Japan, but I don’t know myself what will happen.”

If she said that she wouldn’t do anything to Lotte…then there was no reason anymore to be antagonistic to Beatrix. She was an opponent that he had fought a few times, but from the beginning he didn’t have a definite relation of hostility with her.

However even so, he couldn’t even begin to imagine doing something like joining hands together with this person.

“Now I’m just cooperating in patrolling together with Japan’s Knight Order. For some reason with the lack of personnel, there is no one to go around the area of this academy’s surrounding. And then I happened upon Kazuki, like this…I’m playing a prank peacefully that was different until now. Wasn’t it amusing?”

“It’s too amusing that I though my heart was going to stop.”

“Fuffuffu. …But you were really careless huh? The man that is going to become this country’s King is just going to loiter around in town without even bringing any guard. If the one from before was not [Who~ is this?] but [Thor – Lightning Double Finger Attack] then your life would be gone.”

“If you approached with killing intent then I will notice it. No wait, what kind of technique did you say just now?”

The cheeks of Beatrix that talked jokingly with a good mood was faintly showing red, he could see that she was purely having fun in her exchanges with him.

However to even say something like King…at most he was just a lone high school student, something like guards for him was too much.

“Well, if it’s a swordsman at the level of Kazuki can you do something like that? I had heard a legend before that the swordsman of the orient could somehow sense an attack immediately even if they are asleep and counter-attack.”

“That’s not a legend…well, it’s an area of a master that had brought their Iaijutsu to the extreme though.”

In the past it might be a state that was nothing more than a legend, but now it was not something impossible. Because in this era there was the magic technique <Trance> that was able to control the subconscious mind.

At that time, panicked sounds of footsteps could be heard coming from the direction of the academy.

“Kazuki-! Sorry to make you wai…teEEAAAAAAAAAHH~? Be, Beatrix!?”

Mio who came dashing here, as expected she too was screaming.

“So you are waiting for a woman alone huh, I’m jealous. Today you are wearing casual clothes that looked quite adult aren't you, magician of the fire bird. It’s {{furigana|niedlich|cute}} even looking from me who is a woman..”

“I got commented by a weird guy from the very beginning even though I’m dressing up for Kazuki’s sake!?”

GA―N! Mio received a big shock. Then Beatrix turned back abruptly toward Kazuki.

“Kazuki. The you right now looks completely like a normal boy don't you? I’m feeling attracted even when this is the case but…let me give you one advice.”

Suddenly the smile was gone completely from Beatrix’s face and she turned completely serious.

“You had already lost your [usual ordinary day] and the likes. If added with your strength, one or two countries aiming for your life will surely appear. Germany is a moderate country so that’s why that kind of dangerous direction still hasn’t come yet. Though it’s unfortunate for me.”

“…Thank you for the warning.” Kazuki finally replied with a tone of cynicism.

Other countries…did that kind of matter really exist?

Right now a country that had a normal diplomatic relation with Japan didn’t exist anywhere in the world. Kazuki too was raised until now without even imagining what was out there beyond the sea. For other countries to aim at his life was a story that really exceeded his imagination.

“You're welcome. After all I will be troubled if you got killed by some other guy rather than me. Fufufu, actually the truth is, since I crossed swords with you, I keep thinking about you even when asleep or awake.”

Beatrix suddenly said out a strange thing, her sharp eyes looked like it was in a world of her own.

“Although just talking with you is interesting, but facing you like this, I can’t stand it, I want to immediately pull out my sword and come swinging at you. Completely like an animal that cannot stay calm in its mating season. I want to kill you, even right now I want to cut your neck and make it my distinguished achievement.”

…Kazuki and Mio were becoming speechless together.

“Looks like somehow I had grown to like you! I am in love with you!”

Leaving behind the two that were drawing away because of her speech, Beatrix put even more heat into her voice and yelled.

“That’s why someday again without fail…let’s try to kill each other once more! Farewell!!”

After declaring that one-sidedly, Beatrix turned her back.

That back was going far away with leisurely steps, but maybe because she felt embarrassed with her own action gradually, she abruptly changed into a fierce dash and was gone from their sight in a moment.

“Kazuki, to be confessed by another girl while I’m not here, you’re heartless!”

“…No, that kind of way also make me troubled, such thrill-seeking confession.”

“There is that, isn’t it?”

After putting his feeling in order, Kazuki turned back to Mio.

Mio was dressing her slender body stylishly with dungaree shirt that had a dry texture.

Her hairstyle was also not the twintails but a ponytail, changing the impression of her altogether in a big way.

“You are dressing yourself in the cool group huh. But on the contrary, the childish part of Mio is emphasized.”

She wore a miniskirt softly below the shirt and carrying a girlish bag in her hand, so there was no boyish impression on her. She had probably calculated everything to take that kind of balance.

“Really!? Ehehe, just as planned.”

Mio came flying at Kazuki’s arm excitedly. Her breast that was protruding from the shirt changed its shape (muni-) when it pressed into Kazuki’s arm. The inside of his head that had been poisoned by Beatrix brightened like a blooming flower.

Escorting is something like this right, while trying to remember, Kazuki embraced Mio’s slender hips tightly. Mio leaned coquettishly against Kazuki’s neck. A sweet smell was floating around.

“Well then, what kind of date shall we do? Where to?”

“I said, this is not a date! First is eating lunch, after that a place to play with the both of us is fine! Not something like a movie theater, something like sports center or game center where we can compete. Otherwise something like in a park where we can chat for a long time-!”

===Part 3===

The two went to the sports center, first they were playing sports like tennis, and bowling, and ping-pong from start to finish in succession. Kazuki had an edge in movement reflexes, but Mio was quite familiar with the games in general excepting the kenjutsu.

It became quite an even contest, making both of them mutually frustrated and fired up.

Next they went to a race-swimsuit rental and decide that they would determine the conclusion at the indoor pool.

However while they were swimming, the contest became vague, when they noticed they had ran to the water and played around.

“Even though this is a sports facility, why is there a water slide here?”

“It’s really full to the brim with the mood of playing around isn’t it, this uselessly extravagant equipment.”

Once in the period of chaos when magic was born to this world, right after that Tokyo was destroyed in the hands of illegal magicians.

And then for the sake of the revival of the empty plot of land, the land were used extravagantly and large scale public facilities were increased. This sports center was also one of the product of that revival effort.

The Knight Academy that Kazuki attended too, it was constructed on top of a vast plot of land with similar beginnings.

When both of them climbed the water slide with height reaching several tens of meters, Mio got near Kazuki and hugged his arm tightly. “But, it’s scary here.” She said that but she laughed with a face that had no fear at all.

Both of them plunged into the pipe course with the posture of hugging each other, then they were sliding down sharply.

Meandering left and right, and then at the end they were thrown out to the pool (BASHAN!) and the crash sprayed water everywhere grandly.

Even so Mio didn’t release her hug to Kazuki and made it hard for Kazuki to stand up.

“This makes it hard to move you know, move a little.”

“But, after clinging once like this, it made me reluctant to separate you know?”

“What’s with that…. I mean you are going to cling all over the man with that kind of posture!”

Kazuki had only became aware of the girl’s swimsuit appearance this late in the game. Because of the red high-leg race-swimsuit that displayed the finely-shaped legs, the feel of the thin texture that clung snugly to her skin was bewitching.

“Hehehe-, Kazu-nii’s face is turning red!”

It seems her switch that made her want to flirt was turned on, Mio entwined both of her arms around Kazuki’s neck, she even entangled both of her legs inside the water closely to Kazuki’s lower body. She glued on to him using her entire body.

“Even your face is turning red too! Your face looks like it had been baked in microwave oven!”

Kazuki also made his opposition and hugged Mio back. Mio’s breast was smashed (munyun) against Kazuki’s chest.

Mio was “goronya~” making a sweet voice, a large heart mark came flying to him.

His body felt hot from both Mio’s cuteness and also his embarrassment, the cold water of the pool felt good against the heat.

―The various fun they enjoyed made the time pass in the blink of eye. Being together with a girl like Mio made it hard to spend the time in boredom, Kazuki thought.

By the time they walked home, the outside had became completely dark.

When magic was born in this world, the number of big companies went down due to the alchemists, the workshops could make their presence felt. The workshops everywhere were managed by private management so the time they closed their shops were early, the street was turning dark before they could even say ‘ah’.

[The age of magic reinstated the power of the night], such thing could be said well.

Because the sports center Kazuki and Mio were playing at was an establishment that opened until relatively late, when they came outside after playing their heart out thoroughly, the street had began to fall asleep.

Japan’s electricity was generated by Alchimedes System in the artificial island at the southern tip territory, over there the <Etherlight Rechargeable Battery> was recharged and then providing the distribution and substitution of the battery to every household and facility. Due to that, the scenery of electric poles and electric cables had disappeared from the street.

The night sky was boundlessly spreading without anything blocking it, the light of the stars were shining silently as it were.

Kazuki and Mio were walking in that kind of street at night.

When they walked like this to return home in the previous date, there was that incident when they were attacked by the Stigmata Hunter wasn’t it….

―You should have already lost your usual ordinary days.

For some reason Beatrix’s words were coming to mind.

“…Kazuki, is something wrong?”

Toward Kazuki who unconsciously tightened his expression, Mio inquired him anxiously.

“It’s nothing.” When Kazuki said that, as usual he did the [princess escort] and encircled his hand around Mio’s hips while walking. Entering strength into his arms, he tightened the embrace and made Mio glued onto him even closer.

“Hey. Kazuki, the truth is that you don’t actually like me at all―there is no way you actually feel something like that right?”

“What in the world are you saying? There is no reason something like that is going on, don’t you agree?”

“Th, that’s right isn’t it?”

Mio was looking down, her walking feet were suddenly stopping. Kazuki too matched her and stopped.

“But Kazuki is surrounded by various girls see, from now on in the future too for a long time always like today, where I can monopolize Kazuki like a lover, I won’t be able to do things like that, won’t I?”

That was not a word of idea that she thought just now, there was no doubt that what she spoke out was a thought that she continued to harbor inside her chest for a long time.

With a serious expression, Kazuki turned to look face-to-face with Mio.

“Kazuki must get even stronger, also if Lotte is not with Kazuki then her life will be in danger…with everyone else it’s like that too. Before I knew it, everyone cannot be separated from Kazuki anymore. Kazuki acted believing that it was the right thing to do, from there your relationship with us, with everyone, became like that.”

Mio talked with a dejected voice, like the girl that was having fun throughout this whole day was just a lie.

That expression made Kazuki’s heart hurt.

“But that is fine with me! I, I don’t particularly hate it! But occasionally I want a time with just the two of us alone. And then I want to flirt around like a lover with Kazuki. Because when I’m not with Kazuki I get anxious whether you really like me properly…. Did Kazuki care about me just because you wanted Phoenix’s magic so it can’t be helped, sometimes thoughts like that just came and it made me want to cry…”

Tears started floating in Mio’s eyes.

“That kind of thing is not true! Today I had that much fun, there is no way I only aimed for your magic!”

“Then, kiss me. The whole time today, even though I keep wanting to do that but you never did it…”

Mio pressed her body even tighter to Kazuki and looked upward with blurred eyes.

Offering her all completely to Kazuki, that kind of pure eyes was looking at him.

…It’s only me that understands everyone’s positivity level, yet everyone doesn’t know my feelings.

Kazuki once again realized the unfair relationship that he had with everyone.

I must express my feelings even more, with my mouth, with my action.

Kazuki hugged Mio tightly with a lot of strength. Inside Kazuki’s chest, Mio twitched in nervousness.

On Mio’s lovely lips that would make even a flower feel shame, Kazuki pressed his own lips.

Mio too immediately pushed back to his lips strongly. So that their lips could touch each other even more sweetly, both of them changed the angle of their faces many times and keep kissing each other. The lips that were in contact with each other made ‘chuu chuu’ sounds.

In truth, he had wanted to do this since they were embracing in the pool.

A large heart mark came flying, the positivity level had reached the number of 145.

“Nnn…” Because Mio leaked out a painful voice, Kazuki separated their lips.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol 04 015.jpeg|thumb]]

“Puhaa! …My, my breath was…I’m happy but, my breath…!”

Mio was gasping for breath with teary eyes from excitement and suffocation.

“No, it’s fine if you breathe through the nose isn’t it?”

“But! Breathing through the nose on Kazuki’s face is too embarrassing!”

“No, I was breathing normally through the nose though,”

“Not fair-! One more time!”

With bewitching red face, this time Mio was the one that started the kiss.

Bird kiss―like pecking each other, they repeatedly ‘chuu chuu’ touching each other's lips who knew how many times.

“N, lhove, I lhove you sho mhuch…” from the gap between the lips, Mio leaked a whispering voice.

Hearing those whispers, under the vast night sky, it felt like the world had become a place for only the two of them. From the kiss that they repeated so many times, their inside had became vaguely heated, he became unable to think of anything other than Mio. Mio too surely without a doubt was in a similar condition with him. At the point of contact where the hot breaths and soft lips smashed against each other, Kazuki’s heart was melting together with Mio. Both of them became one, ascertaining their mutual feelings against each other―

―Right there Kazuki felt a [killing intent].

Kazuki was a human who was able to notice such a thing.

Inside his deep subconscious, he sensed hostility-filled magic power with his Extra Sense, Kazuki threw off the lingering affection of the kiss to the winds and separated their lips.

“Eh…over already..?” Mio was bewildered from the abrupt end. “More…”

Kazuki carried Mio who was like that in a princess-carry, he quickly dodged his body from the magic power that came approaching.

Something passed through the place where Kazuki and Mio were located before with terrific speed.

“It was avoided…had you sensed me!?”

A voice of an unknown enemy. What passed through was not a magic, but the owner of the voice itself.

This someone killed all the traces of their presence, and like a comet it approached to deal a direct attack.

Kazuki let Mio down after taking some distance and then he faced that opponent.

“Who are you…?”

Kazuki put vigilance into his voice and asked.

Surely a [shadow] was standing right over there. He was clad in black costume from head to toe complete with a black veil on his face. He hid his face but, from his slender body build it looked like she was probably a girl. From her impression if he had to express it in one word―an assassin.

“My presence should have been already erased and my magic power was at the minimum already…how could you notice me?”

While facing Kazuki’s direction, the assassin’s whole body was moving languidly without power. That body wasn’t strained at all, a really natural body stance. …Is it a similar old style martial arts like Hayashizaki-style, Kazuki conjectured.

Old style martial arts that prized languid stance and breathing in their school were many.

“Kazuki, so you were not concentrating at the kiss with me then!? Then after this one more time!!”

Mio lost her temper. How thoughtless were you?

“So you planned to hide your magic power huh? It’s no use, you got found out after all.”

Kazuki talked provocatively with a tone that was out of character for him. There was no information at all about his opponent. At least if he could shake the opponent’s heart, he thought.

The shoulder of the assassin shook with a start, like her pride was completely provoked.

The next moment, that figure shook and vanished like a heat haze.

The black shadow became a gust of hurricane and approached Kazuki.

Kazuki tried to grasp that movement―she concentrated her Enchant Aura at only the sole of her feet and created an acceleration with the minimum magic power. Evidently it was a movement of an assassin.

Without any preliminary motion, also with little emission of magic power, it was hard to Foresight.

However that was the story if the one that stood here was just a run-of-the-mill person. Kazuki who had shown that he could even handle Beatrix’s fierce attack evaded the opponent’s charge like a matador. The assassin’s hand cut an empty space where Kazuki’s body was positioned before.

The wind pressure flapped Kazuki’s clothes with a thud. A punch…no, a palm strike?

Was this person unable to use Summoning Magic?

Or else she was cautious her contracted Diva would be revealed so she didn’t use it?

However to attack bare handed rather than using sword with higher power, was there any meaning of it?

However this assassin assaulted him with the intention of surprise attack, then she revealed an agitation when it was dodged.

In other words, [everything is going to be over with that one attack], she had such an aim of certain death.

What kind of attack could make that happen? ―Kazuki harbored both vigilance and curiosity at the same time.

Even if he drove her away normally, he wouldn’t get any information. …Then, should he test it once, letting himself get hit with that attack?

Kazuki turned his head behind to glance at Mio. Mio had already took some distance from Kazuki, her clothes had already transformed into her Magic Dress. If his partner was Mio, it might be okay even if he did something a little unreasonable.

His decision only took a few seconds. When he thought of it calmly, as expected it might be an unreasonable decision. However Kazuki instinctively chose the risk.

Kazuki drew his sword with an inviting manner and slashed it.

A sweeping sideways slash. The assassin sank her body with a jerk and slip through it.

And then the assassin stepped ahead quickly and slipped toward Kazuki’s bosom. A super close-quarter combat’s range!

Kazuki ventured to receive the opponent into his own bosom, he didn’t even try to dodge, instead he poured all his concentration to observe the opponent’s attack.

To draw near until this close, even if she swung her fist it wouldn’t exhibit a decent power. What in the world was this person going to do coming to this range?

―What was unleashed, was a palm strike. With a slap, the assassin’s palm hit Kazuki’s left chest. There was no impact. The assassin’s palm was just coming into contact lightly with the surface of Kazuki’s defensive magic power.

At that instant, a curious magic power was emitted from the assassin’s palm.

That magic power which possessed a curious wavelength repulsed Kazuki’s defensive magic power. With the assassin’s palm as the center, a ripple was spreading out energetically, Kazuki’s defensive magic power was expanding thinly.

…The defensive’s magic power was nullified!?

But how could it be done with an attack at this range….

―Almost at the same time, the assassin’s one leg where she put her center of gravity stepped (DON!) the ground strongly.

The recoil impact that was created from that action was, just like absorbing the energy from the earth itself, it was absorbed into the assassin’s body.

The assassin’s whole body was operating in succession as if not to let the produced impact escape. The energy earned from stepping the ground was passing through the knee into the hips, the hips was rotating in a circle making the energy tinged with spiraling property while passing through the spine into the shoulder, the shoulder was twisted in a circle making the spiraling force accelerated even further while moving to the arm―

As if the whole body was depicting a spiral and turned into a screw.

Seeing that characteristic movement, Kazuki was being reminded of one thing―{{furigana|Shintoukei|浸透勁}}.<ref>http://kenichi.wikia.com/wiki/Shintoukei</ref>

With the nonexistence of diplomatic relation with foreign countries, the user of this foreign technique also had became mostly none, this technique was also called {{furigana|Hakkei|発勁}}<ref>Release internal power</ref>. This kenpo<ref>Chinese art of self-defense</ref> circulates the <Ki of Yin and Yang> through the body and amplified it through the use of unique breathing, that Ki-filled blow was transmitted through the spiraling movement when attacking, making the target self-destruct from the inside.

That technique converted the ground stepping power into destructive power.

When compared with a normal impact, the spiraling movement brought about ten times the piercing power mechanically.

Therefore for the person who had already mastered this principle, range was not needed. The spiral penetrated the muscle and destroyed the internal organs, consequently it was one hit certain death. Just from touching, the opponent was murdered through his internal, a hakkei of certain death, that was called Shintoukei.

This person’s technique is…Chinese Kenpo! So that means this person is, China’s….

The moment he reached this comprehension, the defensive magic power was nullified and that special move was driven (DON!) into Kazuki’s chest. What was hit was not the chest, the sternum was hit. No, passing through even the sternum, toward the heart….

What depicted the spiral was not only the body’s movement, but the magic power’s aura too. It was as if a large truck was plunging into the inside of his body completely, like his heart was splattered.

This might be bad…Kazuki thought momentarily. This was not a dimension where he could say that this was just a little test.

His thoughts was going blackout.

That one blow halted Kazuki’s heart.

―However Kazuki immediately woke up. When he woke up, Kazuki was lying down on the road with his head sleeping on Mio’s lap. The assassin was not there anymore.

The moon in the sky hadn’t changed for even a little, the time hadn’t progressed much.

“Kazuki!? You awake!?”

“…You used {{furigana|Anti-Aging|Life Circulation Fire}} didn't you, thank you.”

Kazuki released a breath in relief towards Mio’s actions that was according to his expectation.

Mio who was contracted with Phoenix was a user of <Healing Magic> that was rare even among Summoning Magic.

The human race at this era, as long as they didn’t use up their magic power, the case where they bore a wound in their flesh was mostly none. Because of that the chance where healing magic could serve its purpose rarely appeared, it became an unusual rare magic to that extent.

From how the assassin came challenging him in close-quarter combat with only the minimum magic power, Kazuki had seen through that the assassin owned some sort of method to pierce through the defensive magic power and destroy the flesh body.

Because there was the same kind of technique in Hayashizaki-style, that was not something to be surprised about.

Even if by some chance he had to bear a direct damage to the flesh, he thought he would be healed anyway if there was Mio, so Kazuki purposely got hit by the enemy’s technique to obtain the information abut the enemy.

Though he had never even begin to imagine that he would be forced into a [cardiac arrest].

…Kazuki was shivering in his back because of his own dangerous decision only at this late hour.

Nevertheless since the opponent was bare-handed, the possibility that he would be wounded to the degree that it couldn’t be treated by [Anti-aging] was zero. Although he fell into cardiac arrest, it was just his heart that fell into malfunction temporarily because of a strong impact. The degree of his injury could be said to be light.

Of course if his heart was halted for a while and the treatment was late, then the blood wouldn’t circulate to the brain and the brain cell would get necrosis, even with healing magic if the treatment became late then….

Although there was the possibility of side effect remaining because of brain damage….

As if to clear away his dread, Kazuki asked “What happened to that person?”

“[There is no worth in killing you] she escaped after leaving those words to me. That person appeared to be confident that Kazuki couldn’t be saved anymore, so after waiting until that person left I used [Anti-aging].”

Mio talked with a low tone of voice. That voice was as if she was concealing her own emotion.

…As I thought, the enemy seems to not expect that Mio was able to use healing magic.

The medical treatment of cardiac arrest was a fight against time, but with the benefit of the defensive magic power, Japan’s emergency medical assistance system was conversely retrogressing. Even if they called an ambulance in this time of holiday, they wouldn’t make it in time.

Therefore the assassin judged that Kazuki was beyond saving and took flight to avoid needless fight. Mio who waited for a moment before healing made the best decision. With that the enemy [wouldn’t know about Kazuki’s survival]. Kazuki recovered the feeling of his body and stood up.

“Don’t tell me it’s just like what Beatrix said, an assassin really came here…. That assassin’s technique was Chinese kenpo. So that means, this attack is instigated by China?”

“Kazuki? Don’t tell me…you got hit by that purposely? Even though if it’s Kazuki you should be able to dodge it, I was wondering how could that happen instead.”

“But that’s because I thought that Mio would save me.”

What happened just now was horrifying but, the gain was considerable because they could find out the enemy’s technique and origin.

“IDIOT!”

Mio slapped Kazuki’s cheek weakly with a snap. Kazuki was staring in puzzlement.

“Why did you do something so dangerous? That was your heart that got stopped, what if something happens!”

“No, I never even thought that my heart would get stopped but…to be able to know the enemy’s technique with just that is good, isn’t it? If I get hit by that technique when Mio is not there, it would be even more serious compared to now.”

“It’s not good! I was worried! I was really really worried!”

Mio’s eyes was wet with tears.

“…Are you perhaps thinking just like in the past, that [It’s fine whatever happens to someone like me]? Just like when our friend at the orphanage were made fun of, you just challenged the opponent even though they were an older delinquent…”

“Certainly, that kind of thing had happened before but. …That was a story of a long time ago right?”

“No, even now I still remembered. If the kindness of Kazuki who gave maximum priority to other people was probably rooted from your own uncaring of what would happen to you, I have that kind of feeling…”

That might be so. Even though he always repeated to Koyuki not to disparage her own self, but a similar emotion might be ingrained deeply inside himself too.

“But I’m an orphan after all…, no one needs me anyhow…stop that kind of thinking already! Because I like Kazu-nii very much! Because it made me sad if you are just ignoring my feelings like that! Because it’s not just me, surely everyone else also think so too!”

Mio’s words pierced through Kazuki’s chest, as if his own heart was gouged out.

…The feeling was not only a one-way street, so not only the life of his important person but he also had to treasure his own life.

“It was my bad. That was too rash of me. …Thank you, Mio.”

Kazuki hugged Mio who was crying her heart out tightly. He felt that irreplaceable warmth from her.

{It was just like what Amasaki Mio said. You are the King, so Leme’ll be troubled if you treat your own life rashly.}

Leme too conveyed her scolding through the Astrum into Kazuki’s mind.

“Gusu-<ref>SFX of sobbing</ref>. Kazu-nii, kiss me to remove this bad taste.”

“What are you saying, removing bad taste?”

===Part 4===

At around that same time, an emergency staff meeting was conducted at the conference room of the Knight Academy.

The main objective of this meeting was to decide the various regulations of the [Chief Student Council President Election], but in this weekend there had been three cases of incidents already where the students were attacked by a suspicious person inside the school ground. The talk about how to deal with these incidents took almost all of the time of the meeting.

The assaulted students were safe, but the suspicious person wore a veil and his figure was not caught by the security cameras. The penetration route also couldn’t be deduced. All of it happened at the blind spot of the security cameras.

For the time being they considered to add more security cameras, called for caution toward the students, and then a human support in outline―that means increasing the patrolling, nothing else could be done other than drawing such simple conclusions.

From thereon they finally began the centerpiece topic of discussion.

“I think an election decided by the whole students of the Magic Division and the Sword Division is fine.”

The new Headmaster Amasaki proclaimed with strong tone that didn’t allow any objection.

Headmaster Amasaki was thinking that the man his step-daughter fell in love with at the first sight was suitable as the Chief Student Council President. For that sake he was scheming to decide election rules that were advantageous for him.

Now that the former headmaster Otonashi had lost his standing, there was no one anymore that would go against him. That was supposed to be the case.

However “I have an objection”, that man recited an objection.

―There was a [new Board Chairman] that was dispatched by the government.

His name was Takasugi Takayoshi, a thin man wearing glasses that seemed to be highly strung.

“Until now there is no common ground between the Magic Division and the Sword Division, don’t you agree? The Magic Division doesn’t know about the Sword Division’s students. The Sword Division doesn’t know about the Magic Division’s students. Even if an election is to be held with that situation, I wonder if it wouldn’t be unproductive.”

He was an extremely common middle-aged man when seen at a glance, but a strong core could be felt from his tone.

“I don’t think it can be said as unproductive. For example there is the student called Hayashizaki Kazuki that has popularity in both the Magic Division and the Sword Division. That kind of student also exists. If a student like him is chosen to be the Chief Student Council President, I think it would be suitable for the new Knight Academy.”

Liz Liza Westwood-sensei that couldn’t be seen as anything but a child in first glance objected without a moment’s delay.

For the sake of appointing Hayashizaki Kazuki as the Chief Student Council President, Liz Liza was colluding with Headmaster Amasaki.

“He has popularity in both the Magic Division and the Sword Division due to his special background of enrolling at the Magic Division despite being a swordsman, right? I wonder if the rule is not too blatantly advantageous for a student like him. As a matter of fact, it’s something like the teachers is appointing the student council one sidedly.”

That was a really surprising sound argument that even made Liz Liza silent.

In the first place, the board chairman was a position for the sake of monitoring the headmaster. But Headmaster Amasaki was thinking something like, ‘there is no way that they would appoint someone that would go against the current me right from the front, that was not supposed to happen’, and the like and made light of his opposition.

A guy like this that ignored the faction with strong connection and casted a sound argument was beyond his expectation….

Who is this guy? What kind of backing does he have that he could be appointed to come into this academy…

In the previous discussion about the serial assaults, he didn’t make any proposal at all…

Board Chairman Takasugi made an intellectual gesture by pushing up the silver frame of his glasses.

“Certainly Hayashizaki Kazuki might be a suitable person as the Chief Student Council President. From the story I had heard, he is one of the most prominent candidate. However there might be other students that are more qualified. I think a method like unification election wouldn’t be able to find that undiscovered possibility.”

“Then what should we do? Say it specifically, specifically.”

Toward the skinny man who made the sound argument, Headmaster Amasaki grilled him with a question that revealed his irritation.

“The abilities that is demanded from someone who will stand on top of the knights, it goes without saying that the first is fighting strength, and next is his ability as the commander to command his comrades depending on the battle progression. For the sake of testing those abilities…how about performing a tournament battle with teams formed from a mix of the Sword Division and the Magic Division…by means of [Team Election]<ref>The naming is a bit more complicated in Japanese, the kanji is read as Team Election, but the kanji for team is using連座制, which means (n) system of guilt by association (especially that of Japanese election law, which stipulates that an elected official may lose his position if someone in his campaign commits a crime). While the kanji for the election is using戦挙. In Japanese, election is usually using kanji 選挙 which is read as senkyo. But the author made a play of word and replace the選 with戦(battle). The reading is still senkyo, but here this means battle election.</ref>, the students will decide the Chief Student Council President, is this idea fine?”

Board Chairman Takasugi stood up and wrote out <Battle Election> in large words at the whiteboard.

All the teachers made a commotion.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2015-10-05T03:51:32Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 4 - Love Simulation */ fixed typos

==Chapter 4 - Love Simulation==
“Right, let’s make curry tonight. I suddenly want to eat a curry that has lots of sweet cheese inside. The one that was made previously in Nanohana Institution. It’s decided!”

“Curry, is it……I have often made it before. However, it wouldn’t work well with tomorrow’s bento.”

“Isn’t it fine if you make a curry bento? Just use Magic to heat it up. This is the master’s command! Potatoes~, Carrots~, Onions~♪”

Mio hummed a short song as she placed the vegetables into the shopping basket.

When Kazuki went to buy ingredients for dinner, Mio happily followed.

After the lunch break, her arguing attitude reappeared and she was also in a good mood.

Inside the Knights Academy’s huge campus , there were shops that sell ingredients for the students that wanted to make their own food.

“Moss<ref>Apparently, in some curry, moss is an ingredient. (I never knew that).</ref> ♪, If it’s meat, then it’s definitely chicken, right!?” She held a box and laughed.

“I’ll comply with your orders, master.”

After bringing the selected goods to the cashier, Kazuki used the Student Council President’s <Food Budget> to pay the bill.

“I’ll give this to you, this is you, who is a slave, should be responsible for!”

Mio deftly placed the goods into the plastic bag, then she shoved it into Kazuki’s hand.

The two bulging plastic bags filled up both of Kazuki’s hand.

“What~, do you have any opinions?”

“I did not say that it was bad. And from the beginning, I did not plan on letting a girl carry the items.”

“Is it heavy? Because a lot of vegetables has been put in, so it must be very heavy, right~?”

“This level of heaviness is nothing, I have always been training, so it is not a problem.”

“You are overexerting yourself! It can’t be helped~! As your master, I should still help you.”

Mio held onto a handle of the plastic bag in Kazuki’s left hand, so it became a situation where two people were lifting up one bag……Just like they were walking while holding hands.

Conveying the fact that she did not truly treat Kazuki as a slave to him.

However, to her, who was still displaying a stubborn position of <Not forgiving Kazuki>, maintaining the master and slave relationship is the most natural way to get along.

Through the graph——Mio’s positivity levels was displaying 67.

On their way back to the Witch’s House, they coincidently met with their classmates.

“Amasaki-san and him……As expected, their relationship is really good. Just like a couple or perhaps just like a married couple.”

“W, Wait a minute! It is all your fault because you revealed a comfortable expression when you are together with me, which led to me being misunderstood! You should at least wave your tail towards your master!”

Mio hurriedly argued with Kazuki.

“Wait, from the beginning, weren’t you the one that displayed a happy expression?”

“W, When did I? This is a very normal expression! I am always this calm and beautiful!”

“You were singing a song earlier. If that isn’t being happy, then what should I call it?”

“That is different! That is……only a normal vegetable song! Because I like vegetables so that’s why I sang, it is only like this! Being happy because I am with you, how is it possible!”

Mio forcibly grabbed the plastic bag from Kazuki’s hand and hugged the vegetables inside tightly.

“I love vegetables! When I grow up, I will marry an onion on a white horse!!”

This person just said something incredible.

“When we get back, we would need to slowly cook the vegetables using a pot.”

“Why do you have to do such a cruel thing!? Bastard!”

“Ahaha……How should I put it, I wish you two happiness.”

The classmates gave a bitter smile and left.

“This is all your fault, causing them to misunderstand and leave! Idiot!!”

However, Mio was not truly angry. And a Black Skull did not fly out either.

“Listen to me, Hikaru. The two of them seemed to be like a newlywed couple. Otouto-kun cuts the vegetables and Mio-chan will place the cut vegetables into the bowl……The first time the two of them worked together is here!”

“Ah, when they are working together and their hands touch each other, the two of them will be shocked……How nice, I also long for such a sweet scene.”

“The two of them are very happy.”

When Kazuki and Mio were making food in the kitchen, three gazes were secretly watching them.

“……Hey, you, think of a plan. The misunderstanding has deepened.”

“How can I think of a plan, they are our senpais.”

Kazuki quickly looked behind. The ones secretly watching were the two senpais and Koyuki.

……If it was Kazuki, he actually would want to let Koyuki join in.

“Amasaki, try this taste.”

“Um……Great! As expected from the thing that I made! This curry will be deemed Golden Mio-sama curry! If cheese was placed as a topping……Then it is the best!”

“Don’t just casually choose a name, master.”

But because Mio wanted a sweet taste, so in the end, it became a curry that had enormous amounts of sweet miso, onions, bananas, apples and honey. Although this person really likes it……

“To others, it may be slightly too sweet. Oi——Eh, Hiakari-san!”

“……What is it, Kazuki”. Koyuki, who was still wearing the stimulating shirt like before, walked over.”

“Try tasting this curry as well.”

“If everybody thinks the taste is fine, then there is no need to specially tailor the taste for me.”

“Please don’t say this kind of nonsense. I also hope that you are one of the ones that are happy as well.”

Kazuki forcibly moved the spoon over. Although she had a confused expression, but she still ate it.

“……It is slightly too sweet. But in general, it is still very delicious.”

“Hiakari-san enjoys eating spicy right? Then if we were to add a bit of red pepper, would the taste be enough?”

“Hey you, aren’t your taste too weird!? You actually picked faults with this Mio-chan’s professionalcreamytopchilisaucecurry-sama!”

“Hey, the name is completely different……Then I’ll move only mine and Amasaki’s portion to a small pot and make it a little spicier for the others.”

“Ah, you also enjoy eating sweet.”

Another red heart flew out.

This person’s positively level is currently rising exponentially. It seems to be because of food.

“Ah, speaking of which, there is something that I would like to discuss with Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan.”

Kaguya-senpai let out a sound as if she had just remembered something and walked into the kitchen.

“It is related to Inter-Division Competition on next week’s Saturday. A first-year must also participate. Since the two of you have successfully made a contract, Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan, which one should we send out? Since Mio-chan had fought before, then is it okay if it’s Koyuki-chan debut this time?”

The so-called Inter-Division Competition was an event that the senpais were recently preparing.

It seems to be the case……that it is a large-scaled exhibition event hosted by the Magic and Sword Division Student Council with ordinary civilians and freshmen spectating.

“I will obey to senpai’s arrangements……”

Although she said that she would obey, but Mio frowned. Actually, she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to redeemed for her previous failure.

——Just at this moment, a large roar came from the outside.

“Nii-sama Nii-sama——! Why is Nii-sama! Nii-sama at this kind of place——!!”

Then, PATA! The door was opened.

Everybody hurried to the entrance and could only see a breathless Kanae standing there.

“Nii-sama! Why are you living at this kind of place!? When I asked the teachers before, they said that they have arranged a residence outside of the campus, so I was assured!”

“How aggressive, causing me to think what happened. So it was about that. Because of various things, I cannot use the residence outside. Thus, senpai sheltered the homeless me.”

“How is that fine! Nii-sama, who has already reached that kind of age, is actually living with another woman besides me……About that, too dirty……As expected, Nii-sama should immediately transfer to the Sword Division!”

“Give me a minute, Kanae-chan! By now, who would agree with the transfer to the Sword Division! I have also participated in on this matter, this was the result of the Magic Division Staff Meeting!”

“That’s not the case. The Magic Division Staff Members’ thinking changed again……Because of the duel before.”

Kanae seemed to be boasting of her victory and revealed a smile. That smile seemed to give off a bad feeling to others.

“What does that mean about their thinking changed?”

“In fact, the amount of teachers that recognized Nii-sama’s strength as a swordsman has increased, it seems that the opinion of transferring to the Sword Division is the majority now. I, as the Sword Division Council President, have already begun collecting signatures……And have obtained signatures from more than half of the staff room, including the Director. So as long as he wants to, he can always change profession!”

“Signatures!? It has already been put into action!?”

The tension at the Witch’s House suddenly rose. Kanae’s actions were not simply her bro-con acts, but it was an action that also accompanied her role as the Sword Division Student Council President.

Kanae fiercely grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Come, Nii-sama, let us head to the Sword Division, let us head together to our love nest!”

However, Kazuki coldly shook off Kanae’s hand.

“Kanae, I will remain in the Magic Division. I do not want to end this as the identity of the worst one and this place has already become an important place to me……Just like the Hayashizaki Family.”

“W……What are you saying? Nii-sama actually rejected me……”

“Don’t think that you can continue to be so willful. We are both high school students now.”

“Nii-sama won’t listen to your Onee-chan words!?”<ref>In case you do not understand, Kanae usually plays the role of the little sister, but here she tried to be the elder sister.</ref>

“Don’t just become the Onee-chan when it is convenient for you!”

Kanae seriously became stubborn. Kazuki used a severe attitude and confronted Kanae.

“Nii-sama? Onee-chan? ……Their relationship is impossible to understand.

“……As expected, it should be some kind of perverted play……”

Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki were confused. Next time, he must clearly explain it to them……

“However, no matter what Nii-sama says, this has already obtained the consent of the staff room!”

“You……did not even ask me for my opinion, why do you casually do such a thing!”

“This is the action that I have done as the Student Council President, so it is unrelated to Nii-sama!”

“Wait a minute. You, although I do not know whether you are Onee-chan or Imouto, but from the very beginning, what willful things are you saying to my Kazu-nii……No, my slave!? This person is mine!”

Mio and Kanae confronted each other. Kanae turned her gaze towards Mio, changed her expression and stared at her.

The past imouto from his adopted family who is also the current onee-chan from his adopted family and the past imouto, who is also the current master, were opposing each other.

“……What, do you have a problem, first year. If we have to resort to you Magic Division’s favorite meritocracy to solve this, then that is also fine. I will let you experience a shameful result that is even more powerful than the one with Nii-sama’s duel……!”

Kanae placed her hand onto the handle of her sword and released a murderous atmosphere through her Physical Enhancement.

Mio felt afraid and retreated, but in order to protect her, Kaguya-senpai inserted herself between the two of them.

“But, since otouto-kun’s level in sword techniques is already superb, it is pointless for him to go to the Sword Division. If he is to remain in the Magic Division, the things he will be able to obtain is much more.”

“Even if Nii-sama, himself, will not learn anything, but the influence he gives to the others is unparalleled. Nii-sama’s existence will give the students, who felt inferior to the Magic Division, courage! Nii-sama is just like the sun!”

“……That is the same for the Magic Division! If the Magic Division has someone like Otouto-kun, then they will further recognize sword techniques and the Sword Division! I plan on training this child to become a Magic Swordsman that would connect the Magic Division and the Sword Division!”

The Magic Division and Sword Division Student Council President engaged in a fierce battle around Kazuki.

“Your way of thinking may indeed have some truth. But that premise can only be established if Nii-sama can use Summoning Magic. But Nii-sama can’t use Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki felt a slight chill within his heart. He did not mention Leme’s ability to anyone. Everybody still thought that he was powerless……But in the earlier lunch break, he had obtained a <Key> from Mio.

Although he had not tested it yet……Whether or not he is able to use Summoning Magic.

“Ultimately, this place is not where Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, should stay.”

“The Witch’s House is a very good place to stay for Otouto-kun. This kind of thing should not be denied by an outsider like you!”

“You actually said that I, as Nii-sama’s Onee-chan and Imouto, am an outsider!?……Hmm, since we said up to this point, then please prove Nii-sama’s Magic to me.”

Kanae seemed to speak as if she had prepared it in advance.

“……Prove? How should we prove it?”

“The 3 Rounds of the Division Competition held next week, please let Nii-sama participate. Let Nii-sama duel with the assassin that we, the Student Council President, have prepared and prove his Magic talent!”

Assassin……!? Just at this moment, a strange sound came from the outside.

“Kanae~, please wait~”

Then, patapata, the footstep sounds stopped at the entrance.

“Uwah……Entering the Witch’s House seems to be scary……I want to escape. But if I escape, I will make Kanae mad.”

“Fufufu, she really came at the right time. This person is the Student Council Vice-President, who will become Nii-sama’s opponent in the competition. She is my best friend, close confidant and number one disciple, Kamiizumi Iori!”

“As expected, it’s scary~. I’m going back. I’m running away.”

“Wait a minute! I-chan, you did not even come in, isn’t that too much!?”

“UWAHH!? I already came in! I came in that much!”

Using a timid way of opening the door, a girl, with a doll’s hair, stuck her face inside.

She quickly looked at the situation around the entrance and her entire body began to tremble.

“The instant I entered, everybody’s gazes seem to be especially piercing!?”

“……Forget it. Although this person’s personality is just like a newly born deer, but her skill in swords is real. If Nii-sama do not use a sword and only use Summoning Magic to defeat this person, then I will admit the fact about Nii-sama’s Magic talent.”

“Because I defeated Summoning Magic before with only a sword, now this time, I have to defeat the sword with Summoning Magic!?”

“Ehhhhhhh!? What is this about! Kanae, I did not hear about such a thing!?”

“If you heard about it, then you would not come over here.”

“Yes, I absolutely would not! About this, I am certain about it!! Why would I come!!”

“……Since you said the word disciple. Kanae, did you teach this Iori-senpai the Hayashizaki-Ryuu?”

“Within a period of one year, I have taught her Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s <Reading Intent, Seeing Magic and Instant God>.”

In other words, she is able to detect intents, perceive the flow of Magic Power and move as swift as the wind.

Kazuki secretly glanced at Iori-senpai’s leg that extended from her skirt. The two legs are the same as Kanae’s, it was as tough as an antelope. Just through that, he understood.

If it was a straightforward one on one duel, a simple attacking Magic like Barrett would basically never hit.

“How one-sided……”

“Don’t say it is one-sided, this side has already obtained over half of the staff room’s support. This is already giving a compromise. Why should Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, stay at this kind of place?”

Can I really use Summoning Magic? Did I really forge a connection with Amasaki……?

Just then unease flashed through Kazuki’s brain. But even so, his own attitude was firm.

I……want to remain here! Kazuki was filled with a powerful emotion and stared at Iori-senpai.

“I, I am not that great of a swordsman~. T, The comments coming from the world is terrifying~”

“Let us go back, I-chan. If we do not head back soon, Torazou will began to make irresponsible remarks.”

“Let’s go back, let’s go back! Ehehe, then we will leave first~”

“Otonashi Kaguya. This year’s Inter-Division Competition, I will use the victory from this person and I to obtain the final victory……”

Kanae fearlessly laughed and left together with Iori-senpai. Kaguya-senpai was dumbfounded.

“……We really were put up. We are dragged into a battle that we cannot lose, even the Inter-Division Competition has become favorable to the Sword Division. Although Kanae-chan seems to be very simple, but she actually has this side, it is really impossible to measure.”

“……Right, there is something I would like to tell everyone.”

Hoshikaze-senpai said with a solemn tone. Her expression was very serious.

“……From the kitchen……A burning smell is coming out……”

——This time, Kazuki remembered that he placed the pot on top of the fire to heat it up and hurried to the kitchen.

Because only the small pot with sweet curry was being heated up on top of the fire, the only victim was Mio, who cried.

× × ×

“……Barrett!!”

After the Spell’s Chant, the Stigma on his left hand issued an orange light. At the same time, an illusion of wings wrapped in flames appeared behind Kazuki and released a flame bullet.

The small stone that was placed as the target was crushed. Mio pursed her lips.

“Actually using the same Magic as me, how arrogant……”

——After trying it out for a bit, he was successfully able to use Mio’s Summoning Magic.

“It’s true. Leme-chan’s ability is to <Copy Other Diva’s Ability>!”

Kaguya-senpai seemed to have become happy as if it was about herself.

Kazuki confessed the truth to everyone that Leme is not powerless.

However, the detail about <The amount of Magic that he is able to use increases when he forms a better relationship with girls> was kept secret from them.

This was also Liz Liza-sensei’s instruction.

“The condition is utterly preposterous……What an outrageous Diva.”

Kazuki believed that he is unable to keep that secret anymore and headed to Liz Liza-sensei to explain everything.

If he was able to use numerous Diva’s Summoning Magic in the future, it will become impossible to conceal Leme’s special nature.

“The reason that I was able to obtain the Heart’s Key from Amasaki……Although I said that it is positively levels, but I believe it is not limited to the feelings of love. Friendship and Family Love is also included. Because I am old acquaintances with that person, so I will not fight to become the Harem King that Leme mentioned, but rather aim to become a Friendship King!”

“Friendship between male and females, huh……I think that although friendship and love are different things, but it is also not completely separate……After the relationship becomes more intimate, even if you were initially planning to be just friends, but it will naturally become that. I, Isn’t that type of relationship like that?”

After Liz Liza-sensei slightly blushed, she let out a dry cough.

“B, But my own perspective in love should not matter. Only that we have to think of a plan to hide Leme’s special nature away from others. Among the teachers, there are many people who do not trust Leme as they do not know her true identity. Right now, it is still the best to make them think that she is not that powerful of a Diva. Right……You should just say that <She is able to copy Lower Level Summoning Magic>.”

“……But why is it only Phenex, why can’t you use my Asmodeus?”

“About that, perhaps it’s a problem with compatibility.”

Kazuki immediately hide the truth, but Kaguya-senpai suddenly became depressed.

“……Is my compatibility with Otouto-kun bad? That’s a severe blow……”

“B, But if I practice, then it will certainly become possible to be used!”

On the other side, Mio issued a protest to Kazuki. But compared to the thoughts that was said out from her mouth, a tiny red heart flew out from her chest. The value displayed on the graph also slightly increased to 70.

“But Otouto-kun’s chanting speed is too slow. The time that you spent was probably twice as much as Mio-chan. You must work hard on this aspect!”

The four steps for Summoning Magic, if it had to be said, each of them respectively points to Telepathic Magic towards the Diva. Because it was an area he was not good at, the difference in skill was suddenly revealed.

And, the Magical Dress was not just a simple decoration. It also has the power to assist the connection between the Diva.

Kazuki did not have the original Magical Dress, so that might become an unfavorable condition as well.

“Forget it……Since we use the same Magic, then I will accompany you for your practice!”

Mio used her palm to pat Kazuki’s back in order to encourage him.

But……if it was only Barrett, it is unlikely for him to win against that opponent.

If you practice more, then the amount of Magic you can use increases. This argument may not be true.

——I currently am lying to everyone. And using the excuse of practicing with me, I must increase everybody’s positivity levels……

After launching consecutive Barretts, because of the stress and Magic Power depletion, Kazuki was tired and nearly fell down.

“……But, you cannot just rest during the resting period. Quickly go conquer that girl, go ask her out! GO GO!”

Inside the mind of Kazuki, who was resting, Leme’s used the method of telepathy to send her voice over. The thing that Leme was concerned about was that <This time, he must become serious!> and she was overjoyed.

“Tomorrow is Sunday, go invite her to a date and increase the positivity levels in one go!” Today is Saturday, the Inter-Division Competition was next week’s Saturday. If he really wanted to let himself be able to use higher level Summoning Magic within this week, then indeed, tomorrow was the best opportunity.

A so-called date……It should be fine if he moved based on the feelings of playing together with friends.

But if he was to re-invite her to play, how should he do it?

Kazuki sat down on a bench. Speaking of which, his current Spiritual Power was completely drained.

“……Oh, because your positivity levels are already high enough, so the other side is coming over.”

Lifting his head——Mio was currently standing in front of Kazuki who was lying on the bench, tired.

“This is for you, you must be thirsty after chanting spells for so long? Drink some orange juice.”

She handed over a cold plastic bottle.

Kazuki could not help but stare intently at Mio’s face. Her face had delicate features. The mouth that keeps talking wildly, even without lipstick, it was still a rose-color. It slightly trembled——As expected, she was really cute.

Strange, an abnormal feeling was produced.

“W, What. Managing the slave’s health is also the master’s job. Be grateful to this gentle master! Really, what are you looking at! Hey!!”

After being stared by Kazuki like that, Mio was slightly dumbfounded.

“……Anyways, Summoning Magic is unexpectedly hard to use. I originally thought that I was handing it over to the Diva only, in the end, I had practiced consecutively for a few hours. It feels that my Spiritual Power is completely consumed……”

“If you fully exhaust your Magic Power today, it will enter the recovery period tomorrow. So please work harder now.”

Once Magic Power was used to the limits, it must spend some time before it fully recovers.

“Then let’s go play normally during the weekend.”

“……Speaking of which, this is the first weekend since school started.”

Mio took the initiative to change the topic.

“We used to always play together. Kazu-nii would always refuse to let me go and bring me around……I was always thinking what a hopeless brother.”

“Hey, wait a moment. It isn’t like that. It was you, who was always following behind me and running around recklessly. But when I want to go outside to play, you would begin to cry and yell out “No No”. Then you would always pester me to draw or sing, I remember it clearly. I will not play that kind of game with you.”

“T, That’s not how it happened! Kazu-nii, you idiot!! L, Leaving that aside……Speaking of which, I am free this weekend.”

Mio drank her own orange juice while looking at Kazuki.

“You seemed to be very free as well. Leme told me. “Even though Leme doesn’t have time, but the contractor seems to want to play with Leme, how troublesome. You should just substitute Leme and accompany him to play”.”

Kazuki was surprised and issued out a “Haah!?” sound.

Inviting a tiny child to play, doesn’t it make him seem like a very severe Lolicon!?”

“You, since you are bored to the extent that you will play with little children, you should at least tell me.”

“I did not say such words! Even if it’s me, I still have something to do!”

“Idiot! Even though Leme arranged it for you, what are you saying!”

“HAAH!? About how you’re not busy, in other words…….you really wanted to play together with that young girl!?”

“W, Who would! I am not a lolicon nor a siscon!”

“Right now we are not discussing about the sister topic!”

Speaking of which……Why is that person so angry? Logicially speaking, there is no reason for her to be angry.

“That person is saying, she wants you to invite her out to play.”

……Is that so? Mio sipped her orange juice and from time to time observed Kazuki’s expressions. Seeing Kazuki fall silent, “Uuuu~!”she pursed her lips.

Looks like he must take initiative and invite her out. But what should he say?

“Still thinking what you should do……Just invite her out on a date! The romantic type!”

“Hey, hey, Glutton Amasaki. Tomorrow is Sunday, should we eat a meal together?”

“Who would use this method as an invitation, idiot! The romantic portion is hopelessly inadequate!”

“What, you actually said that I am a glutton!? Why do I have to be treated as a glutton by you!?”

“Because whenever it comes to food, you would become very happy.”

Although he thought that this path was correct, but Mio had a dull expression and let out a black skull.

“Hmph, speaking of which, why should I go out to play with a person like you!”

“……Didn’t you just say you were free during the weekend?”

“I am free, but there is no reason that I must go out with you to play!”

Mio suddenly turned around. It feels like she had said a lot of uncomprehensible words.

“……However, if you have any suitable reason……Then it is not impossible for me to accompany you.”

“Kazuki! She is testing you! If this is inside a Galge, then it is the result of your selection!”

……What is she testing me on? I did not play a Galge before.

“Then, I want to give my gratitude to you for making a bento for me before. It was really delicious.”

“What gratitude. I said that I made the bento because I lost. Don’t keep mentioning about the past.”

“And……There is something before I would like to apologize.”

Before, he was unable to recognize that Mio was Mio.

“If it was to apologize about that time……If it is only such an extent, I would not forgive you.”

Mio pursed her lips and turned to the side.

“That time I am really sorry! So I will wholeheartedly serve you as a slave tomorrow! Just for tomorrow, no matter what, master……No, princess-sama, I will listen~”

Princess-sama, this word seems to have caused Mio to tremble.

But Mio still retreated a bit, as if she had seen through Kazuki’s intentions and asked.

“Why are you trying so hard? ……Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

Damn, I was too persistent and it caused her to become suspicious?

“No, this must be tsundere. Because she felt unease, so she wanted you to attack more proactively.”

“Why? ……Why must you put so much effort? Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

As if she felt unease, Mio asked again. Then indeed…… “Okay let me try again” “Work Harder” “Just go and do it!” This phrases were often seen in the movies.

In front of Kazuki, the positivity level graph that only Kazuki could see appeared. The positivity levels increased from 70 to 75. If that’s the case——He should be able to do it, right?

“I want to become even more intimate than before with Mio!”

He already did not use reason for his excuse. Kazuki only said the truth out.

“!? J, Just now y……you called me Mio!”

Damn, I could not help but call her name directly.

“I, Is that so? Just like before……So y,you would invite……Hmph. Is it like that?”

He originally thought that he would be scolded by her, but in the end, Mio only “Ehehe” and relaxed her expression.

“It can’t be helped……If you are so willing to treat me as a princess-sama and accompany me, then I will go out and play together with you! But, this is not a date, don’t be mistaken!!”

Floating out was the red hearts again.

Amasaki Mio ——78 Otonashi Kaguya —— 59 Hiakari Koyuki —— 41 Hoshikaze Hikaru——34

“The numbers are slowly increasing. Then tomorrow’s date! Well done, Our King!”

After returning to his room, Leme comforted Kazuki. No, she already said it wasn’t a date……

“……Speaking of which, what on earth happened with your appearance. And, didn’t your size increase a bit?”

Leme, who materialized in front of Kazuki, was wearing a never-seen-before ethnic style dress. But the clothes were quite shabby. Her height had also become around the same age as a primary student.

“The positivity levels that was obtained from Mio let Leme grow up slightly! Being summoned completely naked was also due to the lack of strength. With the growth, Leme will also retrieve an appropriate appearance. In other words, this is Lemegeton Level 2! Okay, you will need to prepare how to deal with tomorrow’s event, so today, let’s go to sleep!”

Leme happily dragged Kazuki to the bed.

Is that so, this person was also growing slightly.

……Eh? Even though that she is obviously growing, but she still needs to hug him while sleeping?

× × ×

“I hate being watched by the senpais as we leave.”

Because Mio said this, so they specifically looked for a place to meet.

The two of them would leave at different times and meet up in front of the Square’s fountain. Kazuki arrived first and after feeling a bit embarrassed, Mio happily trotted over.

Once she arrived, Mio used a finger and pointed at Kazuki.

“Listen carefully, I have said this from the start, this is not a date!”

It should be like that. After all, we’re not in such a relationship. Kazuki expressed his agreement.

“Although it is not a date, if you are going to serve me to apologize for the past and for the usual gratitude, then I will accept it. Just for today, you will have to treat me like a princess-sama and serve me well! ……I’m looking forward to it!”

Mio was wearing a casual, spring-styled dress and cardigan, which was gently floating around. However, on her feet, she was wearing slightly heavy boots. The sweet and spicy balance, it was very appropriate for her personality. She was also wearing a necklace that glowed around her neck.

“……That is feather-shaped.”

Shining in front of her chest, it was an Indian accessory that was like a feather.

“Your eyes are not bad. This is very similar to Phenex! ……You’re appearance is too plain! Tooo plain!! ……But your body is firmly built, perhaps it is better for you to dress more simple. Yes…… In total, I should still praise you.”

“For boy clothing, as long as it is easy to move in, then it does not matter.”

“If you were to use the fashion magazine’s ad phrase for the street “……Only a warrior’s body can be permitted to wear as simple as concise spaghetti” It is that kind of feeling.”

Her eyes sparkled. Kazuki did not know how to respond.

“……You, don’t just occasionally use food to make a weird metaphor.”

“Okay, let’s go! The quality of the shop that you bring a female to will decide your quality as a male!”

Mio happily said. Okay, let’s go. Kazuki took a step forward——

“Speaking of which, this is wrong!?”

Suddenly, criticisms and black skull flew from behind. Did he suddenly make a mistake?

“Wait, why are you walking in front like in a march! Didn’t you say that you will treat me like a princess-sama for a day? What are you thinking!? Now quickly escort me!”

“E, Escort!? Escort is……What should I do!?”

Treating her to a meal, listening to whatever she says, isn’t that enough!?

“You scatterbrain……First of all, let me hold onto your arm and walk~”

Mio quickly moved next to Kazuki’s side. Although it did not matter, but when she rushed over, her appearance when her dress and cardigan was flapping like in a dance was really cute.

Thus, she held onto Kazuki’s arm.

Their arms were linked with each other. Mio’s body tightly leaned over and a soft feeling came.

“……Wait, you, did you just twitch? And your face is slightly red?”

“I, It is not red. I, who have trained as a swordsman, would not be thrown in disarray because of being held in the arm!”

“Hmph, what swordsman…… As expected, if it is only holding arms, it cannot be called as an escort. We are not children anymore, if you wish to escort me, then naturally we have to do up to this extent.”

Mio temporarily released their linked up arms and let Kazuki’s left hand hold onto her waist.

Thus, it became a form where Kazuki was hugging a girl’s waist. In order to cope with this, Mio also pressed her body closer.

“W……We have to walk like this!?”

Doesn’t it become two people embracing each other as they walk!?

……Is this really not a date!?

“Fufu~ah, your face, is becoming more red! What training as a swordsman, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu isn’t that good!!”

“Aren’t you also blushing!? Your cheeks are as red as apples!”

“Hehehe, this is the <Escort> for Princess-sama! Okay, let’s go!!”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 162.jpg|thumb]]

As if she was feeling extremely pleased, Mio swung her hand and took the first step.

While Tokyo was the foundation for politics, at the same time, it is a <Workshop> for Alchemy.

Inside the workshop, various products that did not exist previously were produced through alchemy.

Alchemy——The Alchemy that was passed down traditionally through the ancient times were irregular occurrences that could not be explained through science. It was a product that was repeatedly tested thousands or millions of times throughout the years or decades.

In the current generation, through Normal Magic, the efficiency for Alchemy’s operations has increased.

Perceptibility Enhancement Magic could feel the particles of the matter and by using Psychokinetic Magic or Pyrokinesis Magic, it could move, change, and restructure —— Just like lead becoming into gold——and transform it into a completely different matter.

The alchemy technique that breaks down the matters’ particles is called <Alcahest>.

The Alchemists did not join any companies but rather construct their own workshop. After Tokyo was destroyed by the Illegal Magic Users, this city was revived through the Alchemy gathered by the Workshop.

At the workshop, clothes and accessories that had alchemy used on them, were on sale. There are also restaurants that use Magic to causes the ingredients’ quality to change through the process called <Alchemy Cooking>——It has also become a dating site for the youths.

When Kazuki and Mio were walking in the streets, they were aware of some kind of gaze……What was it?

“What, why are you looking around? Please escort me properly.”

“Ah, no……nothing.”

The streets in the vicinity still remained as ruins and have not been rebuilt. If they slightly walk into an alley, the public security would worsen.

At this kind of place, there were often cases where Illegal Magic Users sneak attack on the Knights or the Magic Division Students——In other words, the people that carry Stigma. It is often referred to as a case called <Stigma Hunting>.

In the recent years, the amount of Stigma Hunting has increased. It was said to be a terrorist attacks targeting the Knights for being exclusive to Summoning Magic.

……Because of that, while walking in the streets, it is still best to hide the Stigma. However, the difference with an Enigma is that a Stigma would expand throughout the skin. Thus, many people are unable to hide it.

Mio also seemed to be leaving a mistake uncorrected and making the best out of it. From the dress that revealed the back, you could see the Stigma. It feels like Mio treated the Stigma as part of a decoration to match her clothing.

……Because they were heading out to play, so he did not bring his sword. This may be a blunder.

“Ah, a cat! There’s a cat!” The moment Mio issued out a sound, the white cat crossed in front of their eyes.

Directly in front of their gaze was also that cat.

“Nyaah——♪”

Mio suddenly let her head lean upon Kazuki’s shoulder and issued a strange sound.

“……I, It’s a joke. I only wanted to try how that feels…….

“Do you often visit this store? Although this place should be very far from Hayashizaki’s Family.”

After finishing eating the Italian cuisine, Mio wiped her mouth with the napkin and asked.

“Because I wanted my family to eat delicious meals, so I would visit many shops on my rest days with the little amount of pocket money I have in order to hone my cooking techniques. Alchemy Cooking feels like it is a life.”

“……You, aside from Sword Techniques, you also maintain a high degree of self-control. Although it is really delicious.”

Towards the Italian restaurant that exuded a playful atmosphere, Mio seemed to be very satisfied.

“Our shop is currently hosting a couple-limited event, I was wondering what you think about it?”

The waitress that was already recovering the clean dishes said to them.

“Wait……We are not a couple……”

“Our shop’s special cream cheesecake would be provided for free!”

“If we can eat this, then why not pretend to be one?”

Mio probably was embarrassed as they were treated as a couple and lowered her head.

The waitress also brought the cake over shortly.

Although it was not as big as a birthday cake, but it was still a round cake that has not been cut apart.

Beside it was a piping bag with a red sauce.

“This is……strawberry sauce or what is in it? And there is also one fork……”

“If the girlfriend use this strawberry sauce to write words on the cake, then with an “Ah——n” way and feed the boyfriend, this cream cheesecake is free! This is the event!”

“……What a flashy event.”

“Okay, girlfriend-san. Write down all the feelings that you cannot deliver normally here!”

The waitress onee-san’s eyes sparkled. It was obvious that this person was currently enjoying herself.

Looking at the pipebag that was handed over, Mio was overwhelmed.

“W, What do the other guests generally write during this time?”

“Most of them would write <nowiki></nowiki> or <Love> these kind of words.”

Mio wanted to write some words, but she hesitated with a “Uuuuu——“ sound.

Then, Mio, as if out of desperation, wrote a big <Idiot> on the cheesecake.

“Forget it, this is also an expression of love.” The waitress-san gave a wry smile.

“Okay, open your mouth! Hmmph, this is just like feeding a dog!”

Then she picked up a piece of the cake and brought it over to Kazuki’s mouth in order to feed him.

After Kazuki took a bite, he began to counterattack by saying <This time, it is the Princess-sama’s turn>.

“I, I want to eat by myself!”

“That is not allowed. The waitress-san is watching by the side, so you must abide by the rules.”

“Why are you so stubborn at this kind of place?”

“Okay, Amasaki. Open wide.”

“……You, I wanted to say it for a while, but can you not call me Amasaki.”

Towards Kazuki’s calm greeting, Mio used a terrifying gaze to look at him.

“When you were inviting me before, didn’t you call me Mio……Why did it suddenly change back?”

“Eh, Ahhh, sorry……Mio, come, open wide.”

After Kazuki directly called her name, Mio honestly opened her mouth and accepted the <Ahh——n>.

“Delicious……” From the blushing Mio’s chest, a red heart gently floated out.

——The two of them took turns to feed each other the cheesecake. After they finished eating, Kazuki planned to pay the bill.

“……By the way, in the first place, I, did not truly treat you as a slave. I will still pay……?”

Mio suddenly become honest as if she borrowed it from a cat, and pulled out her own wallet.

Kazuki stopped her with a wry smile. Because it was already planned that this side would treat her.

Mio revealed an uneasy expression. As a result, Kazuki also started to feel a bit tensed again.

So when they left the restaurant, this time, Kazuki took the initiative to hug her waist and did the <Escort>.

After Mio issued an <Ah>, she also actively cooperated and leaned over with her body.

She blushed and the red hearts that represents the positivity levels flew out once again.

After leaving the restaurant, they began to browse the items in the workshop.

Just like what he imagined, Mio, who loves beautiful products, would say “This is cute” “You should try this out” in the shops. After this was said, Kazuki also gradually developed an interest and did not have any conflicted feelings as he tried them out in front of the mirror.

——But “……”, Mio suddenly became depressed.

“It is already……quite late.”

As if she was reluctant to part, Mio lifted her head towards the sky. The surroundings has already began to fall into the evening.

Just when Kazuki was just about to say to her, let’s go out and play together again, he suddenly swallowed the words that had already reached his mouth.

He noticed. ——Even if he was to invite her next time to play as a friend, they would not be able to pass through the time like today.

The things that they did today had already gone beyond the scope of <Playing with Friends>.

Because she was also aware of this, so she was feeling reluctant and did not say anything.

As if time had stopped, the two of them were relatively silent. The sun slowly descended bit by bit.

“Right! ……Wait for me for a while. Listen carefully, absolutely do not move!”

Mio suddenly ran into an alley that was lined up with the Workshop streets.

Under the circumstances where he was completely puzzled, Kazuki remained there by himself.

Suddenly acting alone——He was very curious about the gaze that he had felt since morning.

When he had noticed, this place was the outer edge of the city. The dimness was not just due to the time.

“……Nii-san♪”

Just when he felt unease, someone talked to him from behind. Kazuki was shocked and turned towards the back.

While maintaining alertness, he turned around——Inside the silent street stood a girl that was probably in junior high.

Although her ears were not sharp, but her hair was silver just like an elf. It was a girl who exuded an abnormal atmosphere. She was wearing clothes that were broken in a couple of places as she exposed an innocent smile towards Kazuki.

……Who was it? Although he felt that he had saw her face before, but——

“Finally, I am able to talk with you. I had to pluck up a lot of my courage. Because the two of you were always together, so I felt that I should not bother you. Are the two of you going out? If that’s the case, then it would be too sad.”

Gazing at the alley that Mio ran to, she whispered lonely.

“……You are?”

“Ah, did you forget who I am? That’s too much. Then please don’t forget today’s encounter, Nii-san♪”

I have seen her before. Because of the previous case, Mio, he immediately noticed it.

Inside the memories of Nanohana Institute, an image of a person was successfully depicted within his mind.

But it feels that the person who was similar to her from his memories did not have this hair color.

And this was quite far away from Nanohana Institute.

So he felt that something was wrong and could not help but ask this question, “Who are you?”

The girl suddenly “Uuuu” and clenched her face.

“So it still won’t work……After seeing Nii-san, it feels that it is impossible to resist……”

“Resist……? Hey, are you alright!? It seems like it is very painful!”

“I’m fine……Even though it was a reunion just now, if I would suddenly do “That kind of thing”, then I would not stand it……? Please don’t hate me, Nii-san……Fu, Fufufu……♪”

The girl issued out a twitching-like, strange laughter.

The girl that exuded a strange atmosphere, turned and face the alley and issued an “Ah!” sound.

“Seems like she’s coming back……If you talk with another girl during a date, Mio-chan would definitely be angry. Although, I am reluctant to do so……Although I wanted to do that kind of thing, yet I am unable to, it is indeed a pity……”

“Please wait a minute, your name is……”Kaya” right!”

“Correct! Thank you, Nii-san! Our encounter today……Please don’t forget about it, Nii-san! Fufufu, Fufu……!”

Kaya turned her back to this side and ran away. ——Towards the dark alley.

Although it was a little like this……but it was as if he had met a ghost.

“Kazuki! You actually listened to my words and waited for me without moving around! Not bad!”

Just like what Kaya predicted, Mio came running back from another alley.

Mio, who was revealing a extremely happy smile, was holding a small package.

“I’ll tell you about this later! Please be patient for a little longer. Fufufu♪”

“……By the way, Mio, do you know what happened to the Nanohana Institute?”

“Nanohana Institute? I did not go there since I was adopted by the Amasaki family……It is very far away.”

“Is that so……It is not a place where we could casually go and look up the situation.

Speaking of which, during this year, there had been no telephone or SMS that came.

“Why did you suddenly ask this kind of question?”

“Just now, I met Kaya. Kaya, whose hair had turned into a silver color.”

“Eh? ……Kaya? Kaya……That one, wait a minute! You are saying that <Kaya>!? But why is she at this kind of place? And that kid’s hair should be black, isn’t it?”

Mio incredulously tilted her head. Yes, from the distance and special characteristics, Kaya appearing here is indeed unnatural……It was as if he had seen a pipe dream.

However, Mio, who did not actually see her, immediately recovered her mood.

“Ah, then let’s head over to that workshop and see! Let’s hurry, the shop is about to close!”

She grabbed onto the hand of Kazuki, who was still confused about that incredulous girl, and turned around.

“……The stars are also out. It is almost the end for today.”

The stores in the Workshop had all closed. The two of them began to embark on the trip back to the academy.

Mio handed the small package she had been holding to Kazuki.

“This……I’ll give this to you. You can open and see what it is.”

After opening the package and taking a glance, he could see a necklace that imitated a shape of a glowing bird’s feather inside.

“……It is the same thing as mine! Because you can also use Phenex’s Magic! It is created by an Alchemist, whose shop I often go to, using the top trendy item, ruby silver! Okay, wear it, wear it.”

She was concerned about the fact that I treated her to a meal at the restaurant, huh.

Ruby silver——Just as its name implies, it changes a part of a silver accessory into aluminum oxide, namely ruby, and mixing it together with marble patterns. It is an advanced Alchemy.

The deep crimson and the shining silver would be stacked in several layers, just like a frozen flame.

“In the past, my unremarkable eyes may have been wrong…….Ah, isn’t this cool!? ……It is fine if you wish to present a gift back in return. Of course, you will pay me back, right? Pay back, Pay back.”

Mio continued to say pay back, pay back unnaturally. At that time, Kazuki suddenly understood.

“Then, please let me express my gratitude next time. Please let me once again act as your escort next time just like today.”

Is this it……She wanted to find an excuse. Both of us are like this.

Using a Galge as an analogy——It was the feeling as if he had selected the correct option.

Mio’s expression suddenly lit up. A massive amount of red hearts flew out from her chest.

“……It can’t be helped! Since it is a gift, then Mio can’t help it! It’s fine, next time, I will accompany you just like today!”

The graph that appeared in front of Kazuki’s eyes, unknowingly, the positivity levels had already past 100.

……In the end, what extent of the feeling does this number 100 represent.

Throwing away the excuse to the side, under the circumstance of this number, and from her words……

Mio suddenly grabbed onto Kazuki’s left hand and held onto his chest.

“This is the gratitude expressed to the man, who had completed the escort of a woman.”

Mio gently bent down and kissed Kazuki’s left hand.

The warmth of her lips was completely sent over, Mio immediately became embarrassed and turned her back towards Kazuki.

Looking at the back of this girl who had grown up, Kazuki thought it was not the same as before.

The feelings he had for Mio currently may not be the same as the feelings he had for Mio before……

——But this warm feeling immediately cooled down.

Kazuki noticed. Magic Power was being generated ——This is the feeling of Magic being activated.

Fast. It had already activated. The flow of Magic Power is coming from behind —— and heading over to this side!

Kazuki suddenly carried Mio from behind.

“Eh!? W, Wait a minute, what are you suddenly doing!?”

“……It’s dangerous!!”

Kazuki carried Mio just like this and ran.

Dondon! A huge rubble flew over and crushed the location where Mio was at earlier.

“M, Magic!?" Mio, who was being carried by Kazuki, issued out a cry.

While Kazuki dodged, he turned back and looked. A man, who was wearing dirty clothes, was chasing after them.

The clothes he wore were tattered. He use mentally unstable eyes and angrily glared at Kazuki and Mio.

He was probably a man who was of similar age as Kazuki. But the Magic he used was clearly not ——Normal Magic!

“Illegal Magic User……Stigma Hunter!?”

The man’s body emitted a light. Kazuki widened his eyes. This person, he did not chant a spell!

<Rubble Bullet (Block Shoot)>

At the same time the inorganic voice sounded out, The asphalt was ripped piece by piece from the road and floated up.

Then, the rubble flew over just like that. Kazuki continued to carry while running nonstop and he performed a dodge using a curve route.

“W, Wait a minute, Kazuki!? T, This is……Princess Carry……”

“……Rubble Bullet.”

Although it was a straight-line and easy to evade Attack Magic….but because there was no Spell Chant, so it would continuously fire over!

“Mio, like this, I will be responsible for evasion, quickly use your Summoning Magic!”

“I, Idiot! How can I concentrate in this kind of posture!?”

“I feel that it is an excellent strategy……Right now, I can’t use either Sword or Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki’s Magic Power was almost completely used up during the special training before. He did not even have excess Magic Power to even use Physical Enhancement Magic. Only by reading ahead was he able to just barely dodge the enemy’s attack.

“……This is bad, my hands are becoming numb……”

“Hey, are you saying that I am heavy!?”

“Heavier than my sword.”

“Are you saying that your sword is cuter than me!? If it’s this extent, I can deal with it with my own strength!”

Just watch and see, Mio said. She pushed open Kazuki’s hand and gently landed on the ground. Then——

“Everything that touches it will be burned……The scorch that denies approach! Inflammation Armor (Self-Burning)”

Mio raised one hand into the air. The surrounding swirl of flames became an armor that protected the body.

The rubble that flew towards Mio was burned down one by one by the flame armor and turned into ashes that floated in the sky.

“A New Summoning Magic……Phenex’s Level 3!?”

Phenex’s Level 3 Magic seems to be a defensive Magic.

Because the Defensive Magic’s activation target is its own body, so there is no need to specify the coordinates, thus the spell chant time is short.

And compared to Defensive Magic, it is able to use less Magic Power to protect the body more efficiently. Although there are both favorable and unfavorable aspects based on the different attributes of attacks, but it is still a Basic Summoning Magic that is used for combat.

“……Barrett!!” Mio immediately activated an Attack Magic to counterattack.

“Earth God’s Screen (Titan Wall)

The man that makes other feel unhappy did not reveal any change in emotions and only stomped on the ground.

Then, a thick barrier of earth was constructed there. The flame feather was defended against as if a stone had sank into the ocean

“……Rubble Bullet” “Barrett!” “Rubble Bullet……”

The exchange of Attack Magic by Mio and the man was completely offset by the other person’s Defensive Magic.

But……A long term battle would put this side at a disadvantage. The other side’s Magic was continuously fired over.

On the other hand, Mio, who did not have the time to even load the Magical Dress and was chanting Summoning Magic, had her Magic Power efficiency greatly decreased. If they were to continue to force it, then this side’s Magic Power will run out first.

Even though I should help think of a plan to buy time for her, but right now, I do not have a Sword or Magic Power!”

The instant that Kazuki felt anxious——He felt an explosive Magic Power appearing behind him.

Turning around, Kaguya-senpai, who was sparkling with purple Magic Power, was there.

The amount of Magic Power swirled together was on a completely different level——It is a High Level Summoning Magic that Kazuki and the others were far behind.

“The Intangible and Silent Shadow, Become a fish born in darkness that is cruising in delusion! The origin of nightmare, the cycle of materializing, respond to the terror and expectation and devour it……! Darkness in Shadow’s Depth (Twilight Spectre)”

Kukuku……A creepy laughter sound resounded out in all directions.

In the inside of the wall of earth, the <Shadow> that extended from the man’s back suddenly swelled, it became like a huge monster with only a black face. The man was shocked and the moment he turned back, the monster opened its mouth and swallowed the man completely starting from the head——Just like a shark that showed its head from the surface of a water.

An intense blue light flashed. The Defensive Magic that appeared instantly protect the man’s body and he flew out from the Monster’s mouth.

Although he avoided falling into the state of Magic Drunk, but it was clear that his Magic Power was almost completely gone.

“Earth Release – Earth Animal! (Land Escape)”

In order to use the little Magic Power, the man cried out.

The man became a huge snake. His mouth suddenly extended forward, his noise and lips assimilated together. The white eyeball disappeared from the pupils and all the hair fell out. His two hands and legs integrated into the body. In the end, the bizarre change turned him into the huge snake itself. Then, his head began to drill into the asphalt of the hard ground and assimilated with the ground as if he buried his body inside.

“I let him get away again!” Kaguya-senpai said with a regretful voice.

“Senpai……Why are you here?”

At the same time, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki, who were also wearing Magical Dress, ran over from behind Kaguya-senpai.

Senpai and the others were planning on challenging a mission during this rest day and came to chase after the Stigma Hunter.

“Hikaru was chasing after the Illegal Magic User called <Earth Snake> here……The contracted Diva is unknown……Because he uses that escape Magic, he is able to immediately escape, so she was not able to capture him.”

“So that’s an Illegal Magic User……That person’s Magic Chanting time is basically zero……”

“The Illegal Magic Users are basically all like that. They practically used a contract <Possession Summon (Drive)> to summon the Diva into their own body. We, Stigma Magic Users, must request for a Magic Phenomenon through chanting a spell to the Diva at Astrum. But, they do not need to convey the meaning over, so they could swiftly and efficiently activate the Diva’s Power with little amount of Magic.”

“In other words, compared to our Summoning Magic, the Illegal Magic Users are stronger?”

“To put it plainly, that’s it. So that is why we must use a strategy that coordinates with the swordsman.”

“But, it is not entirely a good thing.”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s expression became clouded and continued to speak after Kaguya-senpai.

“If you use Possession Summon, the more you use Magic, the faster your mentality will be corroded by the Diva, becoming berserk and in the end, your body will be taken by the Diva. However, before the Diva is able to obtain a physical body, they would often have their mentality driven to insanity and become berserk. The ones that the Knights captured are often in this kind of situation.”

“But that <Earth Snake> could have already directly obtained the physical body. There is no doubt about that. I thought that last attack would be able to completely deprive him of Magic Power, but in the end, I still let him get away……”

The man in front of their eyes did not have any emotions at all. A man who had his mentality corroded by the Diva……

“I should not have had the goal of capturing him alive……And should have use Hell’s Imagine Flame to directly kill him.”

Kaguya-senpai whispered in a dark tone. Kazuki could not help but shudder.

“Just like what the senseis say, perhaps I am still too naïve……”

Viewing her from the side, it was not the gentle and playful senpai that Kazuki had seen. There is a somewhat deeper darkness——

“Senpai……Did you kill someone before?”

If they eventually become a Knight, then there is no doubt that they must have that resolve.

“That kind of experience……How is it possible?”

But, the next instant, Kaguya-senpai’s serious expression disappeared.

“S, Speaking of which, Otouto-kun, y, you guys are heading back after a d, date!? The stars are so beautiful, it is really a beautiful night!”

In order to disperse this gloomy atmosphere, Hoshikaze-senpai used an excited voice to ask.

“It is not a date!” Mio hurried and denied.

The tense atmosphere slowly relaxed. Suddenly, Kazuki saw the appearance of the senpais again.

Because it was an actual battle, so Kaguya-senpai did not wear a robe. It was still the same, highly revealing Magical Dress from before.

Hoshikaze-senpai’s Magical Dress is sleeveless, and the Stigma revealed itself starting from the shoulders down the entire arm. There is more or less a righteous atmosphere of a <Knight>, but the degree of exposure was still very high.

Koyuki’s Magical Dress was like a white school swimsuit-like tights. The Stigma was exposed on the shoulders and the thighs. This side’s exposure was also quite high.

The mysterious light that emitted in the dark of the night……It was still a bit stimulating to look at with calm eyes.

“Oii, y, you can’t be looking at senpai and the others with those strange eyes right!?”

“Really now, Otouto-kun. Using strange eyes to look at others is not allowed! This is the appearance for the purpose of fighting.”

Kaguya-senpai changed back to the usual senpai and generously smiled at Kazuki while scolding him.

“……I’m a bit tired after using Summoning Magic. Everybody, let’s head back.”

× × ×

The original purpose has already been achieved. Mio’s positivity levels have increased significantly.

After Kazuki turned off the lights in his room, he lay down on the bed exhausted.

However ——No Spell came into his mind. What on earth happened?

When he first wanted to learn how to use Barrett, a spell naturally appeared in his mind. But even though he was searching for more of the other Magic in his mind, new spells did not appear.

“Strange, if the positivity levels is 100, then it should not be impossible to use……”

Leme, who was sleeping next to Kazuki, whispered.

“……In the worst scenario, there is still a cheat you can use.”

“……A Cheat? If there is this kind of thing, why did you not tell me earlier?”

“The Magic Power path that is established through positivity levels can be temporarily expanded through a magically-like contact.”

“Magically-like contact? ……I feel that there is only a bad premonition.”

“Thinking back at the scene where you contracted with Leme is fine. Oii, don’t blush! In other words, it is a kiss. KISS. As long as you kiss, then the path would temporarily expand and during that short time, you will be able to use all Level of Summoning Magic. You could probably easily win the competition.”

“……N, No. Kissing in order to obtain the victory, how can I do that.”

“However, a path that expanded through a kiss would develop immunity after just one time. You will not be able to use this cheat on the target a second time. If you can choose not to use it, it is best not to use it. This is the ultimate trump card.”

“This hypocritical trump card, who would use……”

But……If it can use all the Levels, then it is also possible to use <Complete Summon>?

“——Otouto-kun”

At this moment, the door issued out a rattle sound and opened. From the other side of the door came Kaguya-senpai’s voice.

In order to avoid them being seen of sleeping together, Leme eliminated her figure and returned back to Astrum.

“!?” In order to hold back the sound of his almost yelled out cry, Kazuki held his breath. This is because the senpai, who appeared on the other side of the door, was still wearing that Magical Dress.

“Otouto-kun……” It was a sweet voice as if it was a fruit that was soaked in sugar syrup.

Kaguya-senpai suddenly jumped onto Kazuki’s bed and tightly hugged onto Kazuki.

“Otouto-kun is really cute.”

A suspicious whisper sound rustled in his ears.

Although he was almost charmed by it involuntarily, but this indeed is not the usual senpai!

“Senpai, sorry! Please return to your original appearance!”

Kazuki apologized and with a method of pinching senpai’s cheek with two hands, he slapped both side of the face.

After being slapped on the face, senpai issued out an “Ah!” sound.

Senpai’s pupils reveal a bewitching purple color ——Then it slowly turned back to its original color.

“……Please” Senpai quietly whispered.

Kazuki “Eh?” and asked back. At this moment, tears began to trickle down from senpai’s eyes.

Suddenly being attacked by senpai, then making her cry. It was really strange.

“No, no! This is because Asmodeus is a Demon who managed ecchi desires……So every time after summoning, as a side effect, occasionally my state of mind will become very changed……But, I did not intend……”

“Senpai, please calm down!”

Kazuki sat down on the bed facing her and gently pressed onto senpai’s shoulder.

“No, I wanted to become more intimate with Otouto-kun is also completely different than the fact that Otouto-kun is a man! So, please don’t look down on me……!”

……Senpai was actually concerned about this kind of thing.

The moment he understood this point, he hope that she would not misjudge the situation.

“Senpai” he continued to call like this and once again, Kazuki use both hands to pinch Kaguya-senpai’s cheeks.

It’s not a problem. His body involuntarily moved like this is because this is the same approach when he deals with Kanae crying.

“By now, it is impossible to misunderstand. You helped me when I could not integrate into the school, you called me, who is a swordsman, a comrade, and you’re looking forward to when I become the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Up to this point, it is impossible for me to believe that senpai’s gentleness is all affected by Asmodeus.”

“Otouto-kun……”

Kazuki stared at her without looking away and used a persuasive form to convey his feelings to her.

“When we first met, senpai said I was special. It is not because I am the only male, but because I am a swordsman. After knowing the latter fact, I, was really happy. Please don’t think of me as a person who would doubt senpai’s gentleness.”

Kaguya-senpai finally calmed down. Although tears were still in her eyes, but she already revealed a calm smile.

“The fact that Otouto-kun speaks things clearly ——I really like.”

At this moment, what floated out from senpai’s chest is ——a key.

It was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. Just like the time with Mio.

The next instant, senpai hugged onto Kazuki’s chest again.

“Sorry, please let me stay a little longer……Because right now I already do not have any ecchi desires, so let me stay like this for a while……I am really anxious. Casually saying that I arbitrarily looked forward to Otouto-kun becoming the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Arbitrarily treating you as a pillar of support for my mind. I willfully imposed this onto you.”

“But, I felt happy about it.”

Although afterwards, Liz Liza-sensei and Mio was also gentle to him, but in the beginning, the <One that Needed me> was senpai. If it was Mio who did it first, he feels that he may have become even more lost.

“I, Even though I am your senpai, may also continue to behave in a spoiled manner with you. It feels that even though Otouto-kun is younger than me, yet he seems more like an older brother. Probably because my older brother is also a swordsman……Although he is already dead.”

Kaguya-senpai probably recalled something and her nose twitched.

“Okay……Charging complete! Kaguya-senpai is already fine! ……From tomorrow onwards, you have to work hard on the special training, otouto-kun! But, But, misunderstanding my meaning is not good. I will treat otouto-kun specially, not because you are a man, but because you are my disciple!! ……Good night!”

With a slightly modest and rising expectation, Kaguya-senpai, patapata, left.

“……Just now, Otonashi Kaguya’s positivity levels passed 65. The Magic Power Path is connected.”

In exchange, Leme materialized. At the same time, his heart pounded rapidly.

No, wait a minute. Senpai’s positivity levels may not be something related to love.

Kazuki dug into his blanket and closed his eyes. It feels that he would have a strange dream.

“Even though you were so amazing earlier, but why are you so timid in such a strange place?”

Leme said, stunned.

“Why is it, in the end, you, even though you wish that the other side would believe you, yet you do not believe in the other side……Oi, how, could you already be asleep? Listen to me!”

× × ×

“Akira……Hunting those two is not allowed. Even though it is to make those two return back to the same place as me and perform Stigma Hunting, if you were to hunt those two, it is as if the order is reversed.”

In the dim ruins, a young girl’s voice resounded.

The girl that Kazuki called Kaya and the Illegal Magic User <Earth Snake> was there.

The two of them were living inside a ruin that was not restored yet and was lying there casually.

The ruin that was originally a hotel has fulfilling equipment. There is large number of items that are ownerless, but it was driven out half a year ago by this Kaya and Earth Snake.

“Because those two people are very important people, you cannot attack them. Because they are people that are very important to me ——So I will kill them.”

Kaya’s head felt pain in burst……What did I just say?

It feels that she had said words that did not make sense. Important people ——Kill?

“In short, do not attack those two. Just like this, the reason we started Stigma Hunting is because if we crush the Knights, those two would be released from the Stigma and return to our side. It is for this goal. Right, the order is reversed……”

Even said that, Nanohana Institute was already gone.

Kaya threw a disgusted glare at the silent man. The Earth Snake, Akira, who was sitting on the bed absently, seemed to be staring at the graffiti on the wall left by the former residents.

Why am I together with such a creepy person?

……Because everybody that I love from the Nanohana Institute had completely been killed some time ago.

No, no, or did I run away……? My memories are vague……

No matter what, everybody is gone. So that is why I would find Nii-san and Mio-chan.

So ——Those two must also be killed. This time, she will not let them run away.

Kaya’s head began to hurt in burst of pain. The concept of because they are important people, so I must kill them is strange.

I, am thinking of unethical things. The moment I met Nii-san on the streets, I was also desperately suppressing this impulse. This impulse is definitely weird.

The outburst of everybody in the orphanage being killed is also……Even though I regretted till my hair lost its color. Even though I do not wish to do the same thing to Nii-san and Mio-chan.

Even though I could only recall the warm shelter like the past Nanohana Insitute.

After Nii-san and Mio-chan was gone, she could only cry alone every day and meet with a never seen before Diva in her dreams. At that time, it was probably the beginning of everything.

“If you form a contract with me, I will give you the same power as those two.” This is what the Diva said.

Using the power of Magic as bait, the existence of Diva wanting to corrode into one’s body. Kaya also knew about it.

However, that Diva……seems like she was purely sympathizing Kaya’s bitter encounter. Lending her power in order for her to meet those two again. So the young Kaya listened to those sweet whispers. And believed it.

However, since exchanging a contract with that Diva, her body has always felt a bit strange.

If she views that person as someone important, it would become that she would want to kill that person.

……Knowing that she would meet up with those two if she heads to Tokyo. Whether it is Nii-san, who would become a swordsman, or Mio-Chan, who would become a Magic User, both of them will eventually enter the Knights Academy.

So while she engages in Stigma Hunting, she will wait for the moment she reunites with those two.

The remaining people that are important to her. Even though she should only feel pure happiness ——What is the impulse!?

“……As expected, it is strange……What did you do to me? Hand over my mind back to me! Oi……answer me, Loki, Loki!”

Kaya grabbed onto her head that was in pain and questioned the Diva that was corroding her mind.

But no matter how long, there was no response. She was deceived. Perhaps she was deceived……

She wanted to see Nii-san again……However, if she sees him, she would definitely not be able to resist……

She recalled that next week’s weekend, the Knights Academy will hold an Inter-Division Competition.

It was a good opportunity to sneak into the Academy that is usually prohibited to the average person.

Even if she did not run around on the streets, she will certainly be able to see Nii-san on that day.

She really wanted to see him, really wanted to see Nii-san again…….Really wanted to kill him!

Kaya grabbed chaotically onto the hair that had lost its color and grabbed onto her head.

Beside her, Akira did not look at her berserk act even once and only continued to stare at the graffiti wall.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2015-10-05T02:51:43Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio */ fixed typos

==Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio==
Kaguya-senpai brought cards over, the atmosphere of the welcome party became more lively than before.

Mio and Hoshikaze-senpai are the type that immediately reflects what they think to their faces, so they were extremely weak. On the contrary, Kaguya-senpai and Koyuki were so strong that it was scary.

Kaguya-senpai uses lies and bluffs with ease while Koyuki would have an impregnable fortress-like poker face.

However, because Kazuki had said “So senpai is the type whose expression is inconsistent with her personality” to Kaguya-senpai, after she “Fufufu” and smiled, she suddenly became extremely weak. After that, the final winner was Koyuki. She muttered “Well, it doesn’t matter.” And pulled the curtains down for the welcome party.

Because of Mio’s strong proposition, Kazuki’s room was arranged to be the furthest room on the second floor.

It was a location where there was an appropriate distance between the other girls’ rooms and it was separated by empty rooms. Although Kaguya-senpai had initially said that anywhere was fine, it can’t be helped.

Late at night after the welcome party, Kazuki opened the door of his own room.

“A new life huh……Although it seems like they are all hard to deal with, but it seems like it would work out.”

Just muttering like this, he lifted the soft blanket on top of the bed that was similar to a hotel.

“A new life. Right? Then, aim for a harem!”

——After lifting up the blanket, he do not know why Leme appeared from within.

“Leme!? Why are you hiding in such a place? Your room is at another location, right?”

“Yes. But, because there are some words that I do not want others to hear, so I came over to your room.”

“Words? Anything is fine…..but didn’t you lose your memories?”

“Yes. But actually, despite the memory loss, Leme still vaguely remember what she is and what her mission is. Divas all have a meaning of existence that was decided base on the myth. It isn’t something that could be simply forgotten.”

A meaning of existence decided by the myth? Leme’s mission is……?

“Then in other words……Could it be the reason why you chose to grant me an Enigma!?”

“Yes. And Leme……Although I had said it in that place, but she is actually not a powerless Diva.”

Hearing these words, Kazuki widened his eyes. While facing Kazuki, Leme proudly answered.

“Leme’s mission is……to make you become a harem king!!”

……Haah? Kazuki’s eyes widened and froze there.

“I will only tell you, the contractor, my true identity. ——Leme’s true name is <The Lesser Key of Solomon> Lemegeton! The Demon King ruling over the 72 Pillars of Demons!!”

Wait a minute……Did you just say Lemegeton?

“ <The Lesser Key of Solomon> should be a Magic Book, isn’t it……?”

Lemegeton ——That name had indeed appeared in the myth related to Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

However, Lemegeton is not listed as a name for the 72 Pillars of Demon.

King Solomon, who governs the 72 Pillars of Demon, placed the contents of his summoning techniques inside a Magic Book <The Lesser Key of Solomon> ——It was passed on like this.

King Solomon was a human that was alive around 1000 B.C. But this Magic Book was discovered at the 17th century and had sparked the medieval people’s madness towards Black Magic and Alchemy. The leader of the <Golden Dawn>, McGregor Mathers, treated it as a research object was also widely known.

“Wrong! That is completely wrong!” Leme angrily shook her head.

“It was passed on incorrectly. The majority of the people that seek for the method to summon Demons felt that it was easier to consider Leme as a Magic Book. This thought was too simple.”

“In other words, it is a convenient delusion that people before had fabricated?”

“That’s right. King Solomon did not use a Magic Book to use summoning techniques. It is because he had a contract with Lemegeton, who governs the 72 Pillars’ strength, to summon them!”

Governing 72 Pillars’ strength ——Is this the true power of Lemegeton?

“Right now I will tell you Leme’s power……Leme’s inherent Magic <Goetia> is all the ten magic owned by the 72 Pillars, who grant this academy strength. A total of 720 kinds of magic and they are all given to you!”

The words that Leme uttered gave a enormous impact to Kazuki.

All. In other words, according to the actual situation, he could use a total of 720 kinds of Magic.

It overthrew all his thoughts and two giant words floated within Kazuki’s mind <The Strongest>. The Diva that he, an E-Rank, contracted was……the strongest Diva.

“——However, there is a condition. This power is only allowed to be used by a <King>. Just like how Leme lets the 72 Pillars of Demon to be subordinates of hers, if you do not let the other people to become a subordinate of yours, your power as a King cannot be used. Errr, subordinate is not the word used in modern times……If we have to use the modern way of speaking……Then it is to make them fall in love with you!”

Make them……Fall in love……with me? I suddenly felt that……some idiotic words were spouted out.

“Through the mentality of the Magic User that you made into a subordinate, the Magic User’s contracted Diva’s power could be used by you. For example, if you let that Amasaki Mio fall in love with you, then you will form a path with that person. Leme will be able to draw power from Phenex. However, if you are still in an unpopular state……Although it is unfortunate, but Leme is only a powerless Diva……”

“……Unpopular and powerless Diva!? That is too weird.”

“It is not weird. The Divas have their own purpose of existing based on the myth. Solomon Divas’ missions were to grant wisdom to humans and let this country prosper. And once the Stigma Magic Users that are able to use the 72 Pillars grow up, it is necessary to govern them. Because a female’s Magic Power is relatively stronger, so all the Stigma Magic Users are females. If that’s the case, the King that caused them to submit ——is a harem king!”

“……What to do, it seems like it does make sense.”

“I am saying this first, if the situation of a harem king was not born, then the Solomon’s 72 Pillars would lose their motivations and gave up on supporting this country. Because cultivating a King is the meaning of existence for the Solomon Divas. Just like when they obey Israel’s King Solomon, they are all Divas of the assistants, who were willing to do their best, for the King.”

“Wait a minute, isn’t this extremely important to this country!?”

The true meaning of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars supporting the Japanese government is actually still not clear. Even so, the Japanese government desires the power of Magic. For the military forces, they cannot help but rely on the 72 Pillars.

If they were to lose the support of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars, Japan would be dropped from their position as a Magically Advanced Country.

“A King’s power is to be able to gather the fragmented things, <Convergence Power>. If he does not have this Convergence Power, then in the future, humans would not be able to deal with the giant wave that would come to this world. By recognizing that a single individual is weak, so it is necessary to cultivate a king. This is the mission of Leme and Solomon’s 72 Pillars……”

“……A giant wave that would come to this world?”

Just now Leme had said that she vaguely remembers her mission.

“The numerous mysterious fragments inside the world of myths are all quietly gathering underwater. Not only Japan, but in all of the 7 countries. At a certain stage, it would overturn the world.”

7 countries ——There is no doubt that it refers to the 7 Magically Advanced Countries.

“……So, in order to reach this goal, a harem is required?”

“There is no helping that you would feel troubled since you are suddenly being told that you would need to make a harem. But please rest assured! Leme will grant you a Magical Dress that would play a role in your creation of a harem!”

After hearing the phrase, Magical Dress, Kazuki, who was shocked, had white light shining on the middle finger of his left hand. The light had a bit of miss ——Suddenly, it became a ring that was made with materials similar to copper. As a Magical Dress, it was indeed too small.

“Because currently Leme had lost her memory, so she could only give you a small ring. However, this ring is the famous and legendary <Solomon’s Ring>! This ring can capture the sound of the girls’ hearts, measure their feelings and convert it to values.”

“……The effects are completely different than the ones that I know.”

In the legend, it was recorded that the Solomon’s Ring was to allow a person to understand the words of animals and plants.

“It has been rewritten in accordance with the modern style. Inject your Magic Power and test it out.”

Following what she said, he inserted Magic Power to the ring. Afterwards, a white light flashed in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

The light gradually depicted images and became a three-dimensional image information.

“These information is the measurement results of the girls’ feelings that you should conquer. In other words, it represents the positivity levels of the girls.”

The image that emerged in front recorded the names of girls that Kazuki was familiar with. Next to the name, a graph appeared one after another. The graph even had number values showing out.

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“……T, This is the positivity levels of everybody towards me!?”

“This ring also has the ability to chase after and capture the mental changes of the girls. This is already in order for you to see it carefully and visually. If the girl’s positivity levels increase, a red heart will appear. If the positivity level decreases, then a black skull will appear. Then, it will be absorbed into the ring. Just like this, the graph will be changed. The images cannot be seen by others. If you are able to monitor the changes of positivity levels in real time, then you will become sensitive towards the other person’s true feelings and know what you have to do to make them happy. This way, no matter what kind of girl they are, you will be able to make them attracted to you!”

“……A human’s heart cannot be easily realizable like a game.”

Right, just when I thought about it ——isn’t this similar to a game?

And it is the simulation game that becomes intimate with girls ——In other words, a <Galge>!”

As a swordsman, I will not be captivated by that kind of thing, so far I have never had any concerns about it. However, it is not something I was completely uninterested in. But that actually falls onto my own pace…..?

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikaru ——30.

“……There must be a mistake. Why is Amasaki ranked number 1? That person seems to hate sword techniques and despise me.”

“I know, I know. Tsundere, Tsundere. There is no doubt that she is a tsundere.”

“Tsundere!? What is that……That kind of thing is also too strange.”

If Amasaki was 55, then wouldn’t Kanae’s positivity levels probably reach 300 million?

“Because there is no benchmark, I do not understand it well. Is it unable to measure Kanae’s positivity levels?”

“Although I do not know who you are talking about, but the only thing that is certain is that it only works with people who formed a contract with a Diva.”

“……Then, I can only consider these four people’s positivity levels? No matter how I look at it, I cannot believe that Amasaki is 55 when she does not hold any good intentions to me……Compared to Kaguya-senpai, which is lower, at first glance, she appears to be very friendly, but it is only on the surface. Hiakari is taking an indifferent attitude towards me, so that value doesn’t really matter. However, what is frustrating is……Hoshikaze-senpai’s 30. That is already treating me as if I was the same rank as a bug……”

“Wait, if you treat tsundere’s tsun as the truth, then using that as the basis, it will make others distrustful.”

Indeed, Mio would occasionally exhibit the unbelievable attitude when they had their first meeting.

Then that stingy attitude, compared to hating me ——It is more like joking awkwardly with me?

“A positivity level of around 30 means a position which is more than acquaintances, but less than friends. If the positivity level is over 65, you will obtain the key to their hearts. As a result, you will be able to use Level 1 Summoning Magic of the Diva that she contracted with. So, you must approach Amasaki Mio first!”

The 10 kinds of Inherent Magic that the Divas own are divided into 10 Levels. A Stigma Magic User could use a High Level Summoning Magic that matches the wavelength of the Diva.

In contrast, Kazuki is still in a powerless state right now. Although he is still at a state of being observed, but if this continues, he would also doubt the meaning of him staying at the Magic Division. In other words to get rid of his title as being the lowest-ranked, a Level 1 is good, anything is good, he must be able to use Summoning Magic.

However……why does he have to make Amasaki fall in love with him?

In other words, he would have to make someone fall in love with him for power? Isn’t this exactly……like a game!?

“……The so-called positivity levels, isn’t it fine if it is not feelings of love, but feelings of friendship?”

“Ehhh? You are speaking of friendship between men and women?”

“Because the so-called positivity levels shouldn’t just be all about feelings of love, right?”

“Friendship between men and women is not that easily achieved, right? Forming a friendship with all the 72 people feels even harder than forming a harem. It seems like you do not have much experience forming a friendship with females.”

“I was looked down by a young girl!?”

“Don’t use the phrase young girl! Leme is only in a young girl state because my strength and a portion of my memories are lost! If you slowly gather strength, Leme will also recover an appearance that matches her strength!”

“In the end, I am not interested in love.”

Remembering back, from the beginning of junior high, his male friends were all talking about girl-related topics. However, compared to that kind of thing, he only wanted to improve his sword techniques a bit more and earn recognition from his adopted father and Kanae.

“Not interested in love? Really?”

Towards Leme’s skeptical tone, Kazuki was a bit angry.

“Really. So I……will not use feelings of love, but positivity values from friendship to reach the pinnacle of Summoning Magic!”

Becoming friends with everybody here and getting rid of the incompetent evaluation of a E-Rank.

If that’s the case……I would be able to accept it and become motivated.

“……Forget it, since Our King (Basileus) says so, then Leme will not forcibly request it.”

“What is the meaning of <Our King>?”

“Fufufu, from now on, you will become a harem king. In Greek, Basileus Goetia means <The King that rules the 72 Pillars>”

Once they talked about Basileus, the leader of the secret organization would instead appear inside their mind.

The leader of <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, Basileus Basileon……

Leaving the phrase <The world is being eroded by myths>, a man that was considered to be dead……

“I do not intend to become a harem king.”

“Forget it, Leme right now does not have any memories. She will temporarily look at the developments. Leme can materialize into such a physical body and could also let her materialized form to disappear into Astrum to observe your mental state.”

Once she said up to this point, Leme’s body completely disappeared.

Thinking that she had left just like this, she casually materialized again in the end.

“……Even though you did not steal a human’s body, yet you, as a Diva, is able to materialize in this world, it is originally something that is incredible.”

“There is a reason. First, Leme and your connection is much stronger than ordinary circumstances. Probably because we had kissed during our contract……Oiii, why are you blushing!”

“I did not blush!”

“Through the act of connecting the symbol of spiritual level, it strengthened the contract. Thanks to that, Leme cannot form another contract with a person beside you. In exchange, it greatly enhances the efficiency of Magic Power. There is another point……Although due to memory loss, so it is extremely vague, but apparently Leme seemed to be a Diva that has longing to humanity. So compared to the other Divas, there is a big change for the method of existing.”

“Has longing, to humanity……?”

“Probably, but I do not really remember about this matter. To the current Leme, it does not matter.”

“Won’t you feel uneasy if I do not make a harem, so you would not recover your memories?”

“For the queue, when Leme was summoned, she pretended to have no powers. It is because if the surrounding people knew about Leme’s ability of becoming stronger after collecting positivity levels, I believe the surrounding people would be defensive about it. Thus, in the future, it is best to keep Leme’s ability a secret from other people.”

Kazuki also did not want others to know about this ability.

……However, Liz Liza-sensei wanted me to report to her no matter what happened……

“Let us stop here. Leme is going to sleep. Our king, it is almost time to sleep, right?”

“Eh? You have your own room now. There are also empty rooms here.”

“I don’t want it. Leme will sleep together with Our King, who is her contractor.

Leme rolled her eyes, stared emotionlessly at Kazuki and rejected it.

“This is also because, although Leme’s body requires very little energy, but it is originally constructed by your Magic Power. Staying by your side would make her existence more stable.”

Leme tightly grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand and pulled him to the bed.

As close as possible, Leme treated Kazuki as a charger as she hugged him. Then, she used the remote control to turn off the lights inside the room. Inside the darkness, her brown skin was just as soft as a female human, and exuded an incredulous smell.

Having said that, with such a small child, it feels just like sleeping together with a younger sister.

“Good night! Our Stoic King.”

“……Who is stoic, naturally, the words about completely being uninterested in girls is a lie.”

He did not hate girls, of course he was interested.

But if he became active towards girls just for the sake of power……

It will be extremely rude to the other side.

After all, he did not have much confidence in becoming someone else’s partner in love.

Because, I——

The phone inside his pocket suddenly vibrated. It seems like he received a message.

“Nii-sama, it is a night with a beautiful moon. Kanae is about to go to sleep while dressing in extremely sexy pajamas. (Please feel free to imagine it and become excited). It will be great if I am able to see Nii-sama inside my dreams. Nii-sama, too, please see Kanae inside your dreams. Then, good night——Your loving Kanae.”

Kazuki typed back the phrase “Quickly brush your teeth and sleep” and replied.

× × ×

The next morning. Due to his usual habits, Kazuki had already woke up before the sun even rose.

Although it was like this, under the current circumstances, there was already no need to practice swinging his sword……Speaking of which, Kaguya-senpai had said that the first-year students would be responsible for the household chores here.

Then if he was to work hard starting from this morning, it might surprise the senpais.

When Kazuki changed his clothes in the dim room, Leme also got up abruptly.

“You immediately thought of earning positivity levels from the girls? Our King!”

“……When you are saying it like that, it feels a bit uncomfortable.”

If the senpais were happy, then he would be satisfied. It was only that.

Inside the lounge, the wrappings and leftover snacks eaten at last night’s party was thrown everywhere.

Kazuki cleaned it all up and began to prepare breakfast.

“……Since it is a rare opportunity, let’s make some bento as well.”

After making breakfast, Kazuki took advantage of his interest and further proceeded to make bento. There was still plenty of time and the fridge had plenty of ingredients.

“Rather, I seem to have become a maid<ref>He actually said maid here. Just so you know, he is not female.</ref>.”

“……What are you saying, Our King. Wait, your eyes seems to be dead.”

“When I am able to make others happy, it allows me to feel that I am alive……”

Just when he was rhythmically cutting the ingredients, he heard somebody’s footsteps going down the stairs.

“……Although I was thinking that if there was the need to clean up, I can still do it……but it seems like someone did it first.”

Issuing ,patapata, footsteps sound, she was still wearing her underwear + shirt appearance.

“Good morning, Hiakari-san. Because there is a male student here, please do not wear that kind of appearance again. Please wear a maid outfit and come make breakfast with me.”

“……I can’t cook. Because I am a human who do not know anything but Magic.”

“Even though Hiakari-san was living here in the past, could it be that you have never done household chores?”

“……Once, I attempted to cook, as a result, the 3rd year senpai’s mouth emitted blue lights.”

“Food that makes one instinctively activate defensive magic!? It could judge that there were toxic substances!?”

“I was thinking that I could do work such as cleaning up, so I came……”

Perhaps it was from a psychological effect, her shoulders drooped. Then, with a speed that did not give time for others to retain her, she left the kitchen.

The one that appeared next in the kitchen was Mio, who was actually said to have the highest positivity levels here.

“Good morning, Amasaki. You should also work hard on the household chores.

Mio ignored Kazuki’s greeting, until she was next to Kazuki and looked at his hands.

“……It’s karaage. It’s karaage!”

“Yes, before when I was still at the orphanage, it is the dish that I am best at, which I learnt from the facility’s chef.”

Mio’s response was to only look at Kazuki’s hand, which was in the middle of cooking, with sparkling eyes.

A red heart floated out from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into the ring on Kazuki’s left hand.

This is the power of the Magical Dress that Leme had mentioned before!?

But, why at this time? Does she really like karaage that much?

“Hey, it will be very boring if you just watch, come over here and let’s do it together.”

“Why must I do household chores?”

“Because here, the lower class students have to do household chores, right? Aren’t you also a first-year student?”

“Yes, we are both first years. However, just like there is a hierarchy relationship like third and first year students, there is also a hierarchy relationship between a first year’s A-Rank and E-Rank.”

Mio, who was watching at Kazuki’s hand, finally lifted her eyes and stared at Kazuki.

“If I am a person who would do odd jobs for the third year senpais……Then, you, who is a E-Rank, are my slave!”

“Is that so!? But indeed……the academy pursues a meritocracy style.”

So the household chores had become solely done by a person?

……Although it would make him a bit excited, but it feels like it would be more fun if everybody was to do it together.

“……You should feel grateful for being allowed to cook my meals.”

After that, Mio continued to stare at Kazuki’s cooking appearance.

The breakfast menu was grilled fish, spinach as a cold salad, white rice and miso soup. It was an extremely common Japanese breakfast.

“Delicious! It is really tasty, otouto-kun! The freshness from this grilled fish……Could it be that it was recently caught!? From the garden’s pond over there?”

“……No, I only grilled the fish fillets inside the fridge.”

“Amazing……Even though he is a boy, but he is able to cook so well……Hayashizaki-kun is not a crude boy. If it is a boy like that, then perhaps I won’t feel afraid.”

The two senpais had a deeply moved expression and was extremely happy.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|thumb]]

Images of red hearts emerged from the body of these two and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. When Kazuki realized about the positivity levels of these two, a graph appeared in his eyes.

“Fufufu, this way, you have captured the stomach of these girls!”

Leme, who was sitting next to him at the table, smiled silently. With a voice only audible to Kazuki, she teased him.

Anyways, he could not calm down. Even though he did not carry these intentions to do household chores.

From that day on, the Magic Division’s course quickly began.

At the Magic Division, there were separate courses such as <Mythology>, <Tactical Theory> and <Magic Practice>.

Mythology was just like its name suggests. It is a course to learn knowledge about myths.

In this class, a semi-fat scholar came to teach the students.

“——The Israel King Solomon was loved by the Gods. He summoned 72 Demons, granted him the Magic Book <Lesser Key of Solomon> and brought the Kingdom of Isreal to its golden age.

It was just like the myth, the 72 Pillars of Solomon that appeared in modern times became the supporter of humans.

Solomon’s 72 Pillars were once called demons. But as they appeared in modern Japan, magic and religious beliefs should be considered separately. Thus, they would combine God and Demon together and call them Diva. <ref>神魔 = Diva. Diva is formed by using the characters of God + Demon.</ref>

For example, Baal <ref>Baal is the Principal King of Hell. He is depicted as a man or a bull and is the 1st Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. In the ancient times, he was the highest God that was worshipped by the Phoenicians, but in the Christian doctrine, he was known as Baal-Zebub, or Beelzebub and was treated as a demon. However, Magic Users, who are simply seeking for power, should not go along with this kind of prejudice regarding about religion. Whether it is a God or a Demon, there was basically no difference.

Diva. Although it was derived from Demons, but it does not mean evil. It simply has a meaning that it is <A thing that goes beyond human wisdom>——”

The Tactical Theory was related to the tactics that the Knights use. It was taught by the female teachers, who had already retired, but were originally Stigma Magic Users. Because Magic Power would gradually reduce from the peak amount in the twenties, so they would retire early.

“——The so-called basic tactics of the Knights is the <Heaven and Earth Formation>. This is formed by having the Swordsman (Vanguard Attackers) initiating close-combat and the Stigma Magic Users (Rearguard Finisher), who would be protected by the Swordsman as they chant Summoning Magic.

The Magic Sword’s power of the Swordsman is not worth mentioning compared to Summoning Magic. If we gathered all the Magic Power from you guys, who are in the school, then no matter how many times they cut, we could still bear it with just Defense Magic.

However, if you are continuously attacked by swords, it would hinder your concentration and the Summoning Magic Chant will be interrupted. Thus, the swordsmen, who are assigned at the frontlines, have become extremely important.

What usually decides the battlefield’s fate is the high-level Summoning Magic that was activated after a long chant. Thus, the Swordsman would act as shields and sacrifice themselves in the formation is this Heaven and Earth Formation.

It is a tactic to throw away the swordsman after the battle, in order for the chosen people——”

Magic Practice is the actual use of Magic in the sports ground.

Having said that, among the first years, only Mio and Hiakari had successfully formed a contract in the correct way. The two of them had honestly used the Level 1 Magic and increase the precision of their Spell Chant in order to train for the Higher Level Summoning Magic.

Aside from these two students, they were doing training in order for them to successfully form a contract with the Divas.

Contracting with a Diva’s consciousness was regularly held by the Magic Division’s Student Council after school.

In order for them to actually succeed next time, the students would all continuously train and hone their Perceptibility Enhancement Magic and train to dive into the depths of the Spiritual World.

However, Kazuki is placed in a very delicate position. Although he had succeeded with the contract, but he does not have any Summoning Magic he could use.

Thus, whether it was the successful group, or the failure group, he could not be placed in either of these groups.

“Spin~~nn, spin, spin, Spin~~nn, spin, spin, spin around for me~”

Kazuki was squatting in front of a bucket and muttered while he stirred the water inside.

This was Normal Magic training based on Kazuki’s ability that Liz Liza-sensei had assigned to him.

Fluid Control —— Fluids like gas or liquid are easier to manipulate using Telepathy Magic. If you are accustomed to controlling water or fire, it will definitely be useful in the battlefield……This is what Liz Liza-sensei had said,

“……UWAHHH, he is really playing around with a bucket.”

“His contracted Diva is really useless.”

The classmates all threw a mocking gaze towards Kazuki.

It was common sense that Normal Magic would not have much use in battle. Although he was similar to the people who cannot use Summoning Magic, but Kazuki’s training would not have any developments and had no future.

As a prominent male student in the class, and also a E-Rank. Even though he had succeeded a contract, but he had actually no ability, so he could only do this kind of training ——It was natural that others would look down upon him.

However, no matter what training it is, since he had already started, he must concentrate and do it.

“What are you doing!? Is playing around with a bucket a specialty Magic of an E-Rank?”

Mio, who was wearing the Magical Dress, peeked from behind Kazuki and talked to him.

“This is very difficult. If you reduce a bit of strength, the water would cause ripples and overflow. It will not work unless you maintain your concentration for a long period of time.”

“This kind of thing is simple.”

She said dissatisfiedly……Towards her, who was a A-Rank, perhaps it was simple.

“But what kind of help would this training have for a battle? Isn’t your Magic Power for fighting and not for cooking? Isn’t it fine if you use your prideful swords to stir it around instead of Magic?”

“What do you treat swords as! They will rust!”

“It should be you, what are you treating Magic as! Forget it, since you already have Hayashizaki’s swords, the Summoning Magic shouldn’t matter to you at all. Then why are you staying at the Magic Division?”

Under the circumstances of other girls staying away, only Mio would come over and say these scornful words.

“I can already use Level 2 Magic. It was a thing that happened in a blink of an eye!”

……Already Level 2? At this pace, then would she immediately reach Level 10?

The Summoning Magic is divided into 10 stages. When you reach the highest difficulty of Level 10, you would able to use <Complete Summon> and let the Diva to <Materialize> into the world.

Aside from that, Summoning Magic, although it was called Summoning, but it does not materialize the Diva into this world. It can only bring forth a <Magical Phenomenon that the Diva caused> and letting them activate it.

For example, if two students with the same contracted Diva were to use Summoning Magic at the same time, as long as it is not Level 10, there will be no problems. It will provide power to both individuals and both their Magic would activate.

Although Leme is an exception, but letting a Diva materialize is originally extremely difficult.

“Hmmmm, when you are still stirring the bucket of water, I must use this Phenex and show my talents. I will let you see the great hero of this country, who would defeat all the Illegal Magic Users that causes terror and do dondokudo-n in this world! I’ll let you know what is a true elite ♪”

“Oi, wait, elite. What is dondokudo-n?”

“……You actually being this weak compared to me. It feels a bit complicated.”

Mio quietly muttered……Just now, what did she say?

“Sensei! Yamanaka-san fell down!”

Hearing the students’ cries, Liz Liza-sensei hurriedly rushed to the side of the fallen student.

“……<Magic Drunk> huh. She must have wanted to hurry and let the contract succeed, so she was reckless, huh……The other trashes should also be careful, do not overuse your Magic!”

Magic Drunk. If you were to forcibly use Magic when your Magic was extremely low, your spirit will be pulled into Astrum and collapsed there.

What was particularly needed to be aware of is being attacked when you have very little Magic Power remaining.

If you reflexively and forcibly draw out Magic that surpasses your limits from Astrum in order to protect your own body. Even if your body is spared, you would also fall into a deep coma.

Naturally, the situation of drawing over the limits and not being able to protect from the strong attack was also possible. It was known as overkill. Thus, you must always be aware of your remaining Magic Power.

Kazuki once again turned towards the bucket. Although it was a training that others look down upon, but Liz Liza-sensei was a teacher, who protected him during the staff meeting.

If this kind of teacher said that it will not be in vain, then it must not be a wasted effort.

……From today on, not only the morning chores after waking up, he should also add in Normal Magic training.

× × ×

“Is this karaage? Although I know about the related knowledge……Delicious! It is a joy that makes one truly feel alive!”

Leme, who disappeared during class, had materialized at lunch time to eat food.

“Karaage……I have not eaten such a plebeian food for so long. At the Amasaki’s house, this kind of thing will never be put on the table. It is the fault of this E-Rank slave, there is nothing more shabby than this.”

Next to Leme, Mio placed the table together and was eating the same bento.

……Why did this person specially come over to eat together?

Behind his seat, Koyuki was eating the bento alone. At first, Kazuki had invited her over to eat, but he was coldly rejected. If that’s the case, then why did Mio come over?

“It does not matter if I have to do all the household chores……But please do not call me a slave.”

“……But I do not recognize you as a member of the Witch’s House. Forget it, since the food that was made have no sin, then I can only reluctantly eat it.”

Placing mouthfuls of karaage into her mouth, Mio said with a pretentious tone.

Saying that she was reluctant had made Kazuki frustrated. The karaage was a dish from his memories of the Nanohana Institute.

“It shouldn’t be awful……”

“It is awful. This kind of thing is extremely disgusting.”

When she places the karaage in her mouth, which was opposite of what she was saying, Mio’s cheeks would soften.

“……It was made extremely well. Thank you.”

“Hiakari-san……Thank you. But since you have already said such words, as expected, you should come over and eat! Don’t just whisper your thanks from behind!”

Kazuki turned his head around. She only said “Don’t look over here” and turned to one side.

A black skull flew into the ring. It was not from Koyuki, but from Mio. After turning his head back to the front, he did not know why, but he could only see Mio glaring at him unhappily.

“Oi, even though I am eating with you, don’t turn to the back and desperately request for another woman.”

“That’s right. Amasaki-san, do you have some time now?”

Suddenly being talked by someone, Mio “Eh?” and looked back.

When she noticed, everybody’s gaze were concentrated at this side.

“Amasaki-san, do you have a good relationship with that E-Rank……Hayashizaki-kun?”

“W, What good relationship, how is that possible. This person is a slave! Because I am a Student Council trainee……I had obtained a slave from the Student Council President! Don’t be mistaken!”

Kaguya-senpai did not say anything related to a slave trade.

“That’s true! You only treated him as a useful slave, that’s great!”

With this as a beginning, the other students of the class began to speak one by one.

“How is it possible that the A-Rank Amasaki-san would enter the Student Council with the E-Rank male student! We were all thinking what was going on, but now we are reassured!”

“That person, who cannot even use Summoning Magic, was actually mixed into this class, how disgusting.”

The temperature surrounding him had rapidly dropped.

No, no,no. It was maybe not all of a sudden, it was possible that everybody was gearing up and waited for an opportunity to throw such gazes.

As a Stigma Magic User candidate, they have extreme pride. They wanted to exclude the abnormality (Kazuki), but because they did not know why Mio, whose rank was higher than theirs, was together with him, so they hesitated.

……It was probably like that.

“Hey, Amasaki-san. Do you also think this way?”

They were trying to confirm secretly from Mio <That it was alright to treat this guy as a target for bullying.> And Mio, who did not understand the situation, could only look around confused.

What on earth was happening? Kazuki thought while remaining calm.

He was aware that he was an abnormality. He was already resolved about this situation.

“……Forget it! We, the Magic Division, do not require swords! You are already an E-Rank, and you were saying that your specialty was swords……Hayashizaki-Ryuu is completely useless!”

In the end, Mio still followed the atmosphere of this classroom.

“Compared to my Phenex, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is simply trash! What Ancient Sword Techniques, there is no difference compared to the primitives swinging sticks around!”

“Hayashizaki-Ryuu?” The surrounding people were confused about the target that she pointed out at.

Kazuki was also angered by this phrase.

……It was the same when I first introduced myself. Why does this person always target the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? Because it was on the news, so knowing about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu was not something strange……But what do you know about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? I do not mind if I was looked down upon……But if it is the people, who are important to me, are being looked down upon, then it is not fine.

“Since you actually said it like this……Do you think I will remain silent forever?”

Mio faced Kazuki and revealed a provocative expression.

The anger within Kazuki’s belly was rushing upwards.

However, if he were to move using his emotions ——He would lose his place in the classroom.

“Our King, compared to the foolish Stigma Magic User, you are much stronger.”

Beside the silent Kazuki, a surprising sound rang out. It was Leme.

“What are you people, who still have not changed the Enigma into Stigma, or you, who can only use Low Level Summoning Magic saying? If you let Leme, who is a Diva, to speak, it is really funny. Our King’s Sword techniques are stronger than you a hundred times. And the karaage that Our King made is very delicious.”

Because the surrounding people were all silent, that voice completely infiltrated their bodies.

“……W, What, you useless Diva.”

“There is no need for Our King to use Leme’s power to deal with people such as you. If you doubt it, you can try it. Isn’t there a system called <Duel> in this academy?”

“Hey, Leme, what are you saying? You have lost your memories, you shouldn’t know anything about my sword techniques. Don’t just careless say words out.”

Kazuki hurriedly tried to stop her, but Leme only stared directly at Kazuki.

“Indeed, Leme doesn’t know anything, but I can still understand. Although I do not know why I selected you, but because you are a person that this Leme has chosen —— You cannot be weak. And although I had only been with you for a short day, I still fully understand your character. You said that you have spent your life so far honing your sword techniques. Then if that’s the case ——You are not weak. Even if I do not know anything, I can still understand it.”

Leme even leaned over closer and whispered into his ear.

“……And, that girl, Amasaki Mio, truthfully, she wants to lose to you.”

“……What’s that.”

“It is more accurate to say that……she hopes that you are a strong person. So that’s why she argues with you. This is also for positivity levels, so show off to her.”

“……In the end, it was still for that. That isn’t good, fighting in order to obtain positivity values.”

“Most importantly, it is unrelated to positivity values……Weren’t you also thinking that you <Want to Fight>? Leme and your heart is connected, so I had seen through it a long time ago.”

Leme smiled and knocked Kazuki’s chest.

……She is saying that I wanted to fight? I actually……?

Holding a sword in my hands, as a swordsman, fight ——against the Stigma Magic User, who had provoked this side.

Inside Kazuki’s calm mind, a sweet heat began to erode it.

As a member of the Magic Division, he must leave behind his longing for sword techniques. But ——

“……That is true. Indeed, it is time to let these people change their thinking about sword techniques.”

The people that were most important to him were looked down upon, yet he could still remain indifferent. As expected, it wasn’t his way of living.

“Oi, you two, what are you guys secretly talking about?”

Mio said to the two people. Leme immediately turned to Mio and revealed a detestable expression.

“Actually, you are very weak! Desperately saying Leme’s King is an E-Rank slave, you must be afraid of Our King!?”

“……How is it possible that I’m afraid of that guy!?”

Mio could not help but stand up. In response, Kazuki also stood up.

“Amasaki Mio. I request a duel with you.”

Hearing these words, everybody in the room, including Mio, widened their eyes in shock.

This was the natural reaction. Compared to Summoning Magic, Swords were looked down upon.

Heaven and Earth Formation. Swordsman were only to buy time for the Stigma Magic User’s Chants. A Meat Shield. This was common knowledge.

Kazuki coldly looked around his surroundings. That common knowledge ——made him extremely angry inside his heart.

“You say a duel……But you can’t use Summoning Magic, right?”

“I will only fight with a sword. If I win, I hope that you can take back the insults you said towards the Hayashizaki Family.”

Hearing this phrase, Mio’s expression changed.

“As expected, you still have longing towards the Hayashizaki’s Sword Techniques! Even though you are already a person like me in the Magic Division……Okay, I’ll accompany you! I’ll let you fully experience it!!”

The originally frozen classroom began to quarrel again.

“……Although I do not understand, that person is saying he would <Use Sword Techniques to fight against an A-Rank>?”

“Amasaki-san can already use Level 2 Magic, right!? Then it is impossible.”

“You… are still the same as before……”

When it was already impossible to stop, Mio muttered in a low voice.

“What did you say?”

Just like this ——A red heart appeared from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

A red heart? At this time, it should be a black skull. As expected, this ring is abnormal.

“Nothing, you E-Rank! Stupid Idiot! I’m looking forward to the time after school end!”

She rushed back to her own seat. What is a Stupid Idiot? Oi, you forgot about the half-finished bento. Finish it! The karaage I made!!

“You’ve said it well……Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki sat down, Koyuki’s voice came from behind.

It looks like he was not completely alone.

After the application that was submitted to the Student Council in the Knights Academy was approved, then you can begin a duel.

It was a competition of strength between students that under safety rules of stopping the attack before the Defense Magic was completely reduced to zero, where the Student Council was present.

“A duel request? Otouto-kun and Mio-chan?”

After Kaguya-senpai, who was currently organizing information in the Student Council office, heard her kouhais’ words, her eyes widened.

“Really, even Otouto-kun is reckless. The duel that has strict rules is different than the reckless scuffles that Kanae-chan participates in. If it is in a duel format, the Stigma Magic User will only escape as they continuously use Level 1 Magic and it will completely eliminate your Defensive Magic. This is not a joke.”

“Has Kanae, till this date, fought against the Magic Division students?”

“……Formally no. Although Kanae-chan wanted to do so, but even if the Magic Division students were to win against the Sword Division students, their rank evaluation will not increase. Thus, everybody avoids it.”

“If that’s the case, then senpai should not know what kind of battle it will become between the Hayashizaki-Ryuu and Summoning Magic.”

“There is no need to duel and you would still know it, idiot.”

Mio inserted hateful words. At the same time, senpai finally realized that the two of them were both serious.

“W, Why did it become such a tense relationship? Fighting isn’t good!”

“No, I cannot give in. As long as my foster father’s sword is being looked down upon, I cannot tolerate it.”

“Why…are you so serious about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu. Even though you are someone from the Magic Division……Just like an idiot!”

At this time, someone broke the Student Council’s door and stormed in.

“It’s the time to completely defeat someone, Nii-sama! I have heard of the matter, As expected from Nii-sama!?”

“Ah, Kanae-chan? Why did you come to the Magic Division?”

Kanae completely ignored Kaguya-senpai and rushed directly in front of Kazuki.

“……So it was like this. Nii-sama wanted to rampage inside the Magic Division in order to prove the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu……In other words, a spy inside the Magic Divison! Such foresight, even Kanae did not think about it. Because Kanae’s duels were always rejected! However, after you taught everybody a lesson in the Magic Division, please transfer back to the Sword Division.”

“How is that possible, idiot.”

Kazuki use his two hands and firmly pulled Kanae’s cheeks that was as soft as rice cakes.

Kanae issued out a “Funyaaaaaaaa!” cry.

“President! As expected, you are here. Please do not suddenly rush out when we are having a meeting.”

The person who appeared after Kanae was the Sword Division’s Torazou-senpai.

“Oi, Kanae, don’t skip work and come over here to do your bro-con acts.”

“It’s not like that! Indeed, Kanae wanted to see Nii-sama to the extent that she is trembling……But it is not because of this purpose that I came. Nii-sama, this is for you.”

Kanae handed over a one-edged Japanese Sword to Kazuki.

“……This is!”

Kazuki had already left his beloved sword at the Hayashizaki Family. Therefore, for the matter related to the duel, he wanted to ask Kanae or the Sword Division to borrow a sword……

“Yes, this is Nii-sama’s <Doufuu>. Because she felt that it will be needed, so Kanae had secretly brought it over. This is such an amazing foresight. Please praise me. Then, please fall in love with me.”

Kazuki’s beloved sword, Doufuu. It was an iron-cutting sword that was created through the hands of alchemists.

Among the history of Japanese swords, the ancient sword during Kamakura era ——The Kamakura ancient swords was the strongest. However, this kind of technique had already been lost and had become a lost art.

Through Alchemy, it had let this Kamakura Ancient Sword, Doufuu, appeared once again.

The past Japanese Swords were made using a soft steel core, with hard steel on the outside, <Heart of Steel Structure>, in order to obtain a balance of toughness and hardness. The soft core absorbs the impact to prevent it from breaking, while the hard surface prevents it from becoming crooked.

With this kind of structure, it was easily broken due to the difference of hardness at the location where the two steel stuck together.

Compared to this, Doufuu was created with a single steel material.

The steel’s hardness was decided by the carbon content. Doufuu, through the Fluid Control Magic to control the amount of carbon content dissolved into the steel, so that the inner core was soft, then as it extended outwards, it had become hard……Because it was made with a single material for the structure, it was a thing that was extremely ideal as it maintained the balance of hard and soft. This is Micro-Level Alchemy.

Because there was no extreme difference of hardness in the structure, it had stuck together extremely tough. Once it was swung, it was like a whip that was bent.

Its toughness and sharpness could even cut iron.

As proof of Kazuki’s independence, his foster father awarded it to him

The moment he held it in his hands, the feeling of the heavy sword seemed to have become familiar with him just like a part of his body.

……Although he had made a resolve after becoming a Stigma Magic User, as expected, he was still a swordsman.

No, in order to change into a new self, there was no need to abandon his past.

“Nii-sama, Nii-sama, please praise me. Then as a reward, please kiss me.”

“Don’t get carried away in front of everybody in the Student Council, idiot.”

Looking at Kazuki and Kanae’s interactions, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki revealed surprised gazes.

“……The Sword Division’s President is older than Hayashizaki-kun, she should be an older sister, right? What is going on?”

“It can’t be some kind of perverted type of play, right……?”

Even though the fact that Kazuki was a male, yet he obtained an Engima was spread around by the news, but the problem regarding about their true age, which had caused the relationship regarding about the siblings age to be reversed, was still pretty much unknown.

“Hmph, whether you use a sword to fight or a Kiritanpo <ref>A Japanese dish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiritanpo</ref> to fight, it is the same! Let’s us begin……Bring it on!”

“Bringing it on is a rather old way of speaking. But……Fine.”

“W, Wait a minute, I have not accepted the request yet!”

The duel must have the permission of either side’s Student Council. But ——

“If you do not accept it, then I will accept it! Nii-sama, Nii-sama, good luck!!”

——With the Sword Division Student Council accepting it, a special duel began.

At the sports ground, Kazuki and Mio were confronting each other.

There was already a crowd of students coming over to observe after hearing the news.

A Sword and Magic Clash conducted between freshmen, it had gathered a lot of concern disregarding the Division restriction.

“Although they do not need to specifically gather here, this duel will end in a short time period!”

She chanted a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with the Diva at Astrum.

“I know thy name……Thy name is <Phenex>……A poet and a Magician! The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

Her Stigma glowed an orange color like the flames shadow. At the same time it glowed, the uniform was disintegrated and reconstructed into the Magical Dress. The faintly glowing clothes and her twintails swayed due to the wind.

……Looking again, this person was an extremely beautiful girl.

Kazuki’s Magical Dress was only a small ring. However, on his waist, his beloved sword Doufuu released an explicit sense of presence. The combination of a Magic Division’s uniform with a Sword, seemed to give off a powerful contrast.

The beautiful Stigma Magic User and the Magic Swordsman that was dressed up uniquely were confronting each other here.

He did not know why……but it feels like he was looking forward to this duel since entering this school.

“Then under the supervision of Hiakari Koyuki, the duel between Amasaki Mio and Hayashizaki Kazuki will begin.”

The referee was Koyuki. The so-called referee was the role which stops the battle when it was dangerous. She, who had been at the Student Council since junior high, had already accumulated sufficient experience.

The duel was carried out in a situation where they were separated by a distance of 50 meters. Although Kazuki could finishing running this distance in 5 seconds through Magic Enhancement, but Mio will also avoid while she chants spells.

This distance is a rule that gave the Stigma Magic Users the upper hand. Because even in a battle, it was not easy for a swordsman to approach the Stigma Magic Users, thus it had become a rule that was taken for granted.

If the two of them were separated by a distance of 50 meters, Mio’s figure would become as small as a bean.

Anxiousness made the time become irritable. Kazuki displayed an Iai posture and imagined the scene of heat coming up from the depths of his belly ——This is what was known in ancient times as Kikou or life energy from his abdomen.

Aside from ancient martial techniques, a clear impression can allow the Physical Enhancement Magic become something extremely efficient.

“Then……Begin!”

Seeing that the preparations for battle were complete ——Koyuki announced that the duel started.

Kazuki released heat inside his belly and kicked off fiercely from the ground.

“Fast!? The surrounding students screamed.

In comparison, Mio retreated while she began to chant spells.

No matter how fast Kazuki was, the distance was enough for her to complete her chants.

Mio allowed her Magical Dress light up and communicated with her Diva, and chanted as if she was singing ——

“……The sparks scattered from the dancing wings. Launch a spiral of wind, a bullet piercing through life! Flap now, let it penetrate! ——Barrett!!”

Behind Mio, Phenex’s wings spread apart.

Phenex’s Level 1 Magic, Barrett ——Phenex flaps its wings and shots out feathers. It carries a dual attribute of fire and wind, and flew over like a spiral.

With a bullet’s speed and piercing through its target, it causes the inside of the enemy to burn. Normally, a human’s physical ability should not be able to evade this fire bullet ——But Kazuki dodged it by jumping to the side.

“!?” Mio, who was confident that it would hit, revealed a surprised expression.

As if her body was not listening, Mio continued to chant while she avoided. She then chanted the spell again and released a second shot of Barrett.

However, Kazuki had already grasp the flow of Magic Power ——Just like a Swordmaster reading the opponent’s breathing.

The instant the Magic Power expanded, the disturbance in the air depicted an outline as if it was announcing in advance the phenomenon that was about to happen. Just like what I imagined……If it is this kind of Summoning Magic, I can avoid it!

The second Barrett was also avoided. Just like the dancing wind, Kazuki plunged into the arms of Mio.

His hand had already grasped the hilt of the sword.

Mio’s face was distorted ——As if it was a Stigma Magic User’s terrified expression when they were invaded by a swordsman.

Bend, Doufuu ——With a white flash, the horizontal Iai slash was unleashed.

To Kazuki, his beloved sword was the same as <A part of his body>. His entire body’s strength was extended to the body of his sword that he was holding to, granting it the destructive power that was able to smash through Magic ——This is the attacking method of swordsman, Magic Sword.

The slash had violently collided with Mio’s defensive Magic. Blue light scattered onto the ground, her Magic was cut apart.

Because her Magic was cut apart and the impact that was caused, Mio staggered a few steps backwards.

Kazuki used both his hands to hold his beloved sword, which he was holding with his right hand earlier, and instantly turned the blade.

An Iai slash was not a one hit one kill technique.

The first blade was only for containment. The one that truly determines the victory was the second blade that was swung downwards after gripping it with two hands.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Along with the cry, he slashed downwards and crushed Mio’s Defense Magic again.

Mio was hit away severely.

“He dodged Summoning Magic?”

In face of something that was impossible, Kaguya issued a noise……This kind of swordsman was never seen before.

The speed of Barrett was equivalent to the speed of a rifle bullet. Just by a human’s nervous system, it was impossible to avoid.

“ <Magic-Eye Demon>……This was the nickname of Nii-sama, who was once a swordsman. An Iai swordsman could completely read the opponent’s breathing and muscle tension, then attack first while starting later. In Hayashizaki-Ryuu, he had completely refined his <Vision>.”

Next to Kaguya, Kanae smiled as if she was proud of her favorite brother.

“<Vision> ——How is it… Impossible. Are you saying that you are using Perceptibility Enhancement Magic!?”

“If it is a normal Iai swordsman, at the best, he could only read the breathing and muscle movement. But the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is more advanced, it will even read the flow of Magic Power completely. If you are able to read the flow of Magic Power, predicting the change from being idle and movement, the attack speed is not a problem. The instant an Iai master placed the sword facing it, he would have completely avoided it. Hayashizaki’s Iai has already surpassed Unyou <ref>A speed unit. Mentioned in Vol 1, Chapter 1.</ref>”

“……A swordsman attached with Perceptibility Enhancement Magic that allows him to read the flow of Magic Power, this is impossible.”

Kaguya did not look down on swordsman. But objectively considering it, it should be impossible.

Through training the physical body, it allowed the Physical Enhancement Magic to be attached to his body, in theory, it exists.

Magic is developed based on imagination. Wanting a more powerful body…..This kind of thought will allow Physical Enhancement Magic to be activated.

However, no matter how you train Iai, the Perceptibility Enhancement Magic which even lets Magic Power to be felt was unbelievable, there was no reason to get to this kind of high-level achievement.

“No matter what, a swordsman cannot beat Summoning Magic……The people who hold these kind of thoughts while training would definitely not be able to do it. Because they had already given up from the very beginning. However, we had treated the Summoning Magic as an imaginary enemy since the very beginning and performed training. We believe that our possibilities were endless. You say that it is impossible? But the Magic Power responded to our wishes.”

In the current world where Magic, which disregards the laws of physics, dictates, there was no such thing as impossible.

——If it is me, how would I deal with this kind of sword techniques, how would I obtain victory.

“……If it is me, I would chant a large-scale Magic that is impossible to avoid even after reading it.”

“Do you believe that I and Nii-sama would give you that much chanting time?”

If they were successfully able to close the gap, the swordsman’s close-range attacks would continuously attack.

Every time, Magic will be cut apart, the body will be exposed to the impact of Magic shattering.

Inside the storm of slashes, there was no task more difficult than keeping up the concentration and finishing the chant.

Although in the Academy, the Sword Division and Magic Division were confronting each other, but the proper fighting method of Magic Users was to chant while being guarded by swordsman.

“However, if it is Kanae-chan’s sword, it is unable to stop my chanting.”

Hearing Kaguya’s whisper, Kanae threw to her a glare that she did not believe that she would lose.

Even after being knocked by a slash, the A-Rank Amasaki Mio still calmly chanted a spell.

I don’t want to lose……! I can’t lose to this kind of Sword Techniques!!

Although she felt that it was impossible……But there was no doubt that this person used his eyes to avoid Barrett’s speed. Mio had made this kind of judgment. Thus, she began to chant something different than Barrett, Phenex’s Level 2 Magic.

That person pursued further on. He has already caught up.

“The Call from the Master of Flame, liberate the rage beneath the earth! Open up my fortress’s walls……Towering between heaven and earth, isolate all impurity! Flame Emperor Creation!!”

The so-called spell was a command to the Diva at Astrum to request for a Magic Phenomenon.

The Diva responded to this call and brought the Magic Phenomenon to this world ——Causing the World to be distorted.

A Magic Circle extended from Mio’s feet and radiate in all directions.

It let out a flash and became a big crack. Flames were sprayed out from there.

The flame wall that suddenly emerged from his feet —— It was impossible to dodge with his eyes.

That person, who pursued further on, had become a bug that rushed into fire.

Or so it should be ——But, Hayashizaki Kazuki seemed to have predicted the future. In front of the flames, he stepped on the brakes. Mio’s expression twisted again. It was really baffling.

“What method is he using to dodge it!?”

After the crack and the flames vanished, Kazuki rushed into her arms calmly.

Mio could not do anything but be sent flying by the silver flash……It was simply too fast.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|thumb]]

“W, Why!?” Then Mio was submerged in a storm of slashes ——

“Stop right here!”

Looking at Mio, whose Defense Magic was about to be exhausted, the referee, Koyuki, announced that it was over.

Mio sat powerlessly on the ground, her Magical Dress disintegrated and changed back to the school uniform.

“It’s my win……Please take back the insults you said to my foster father.”

The Sword Division students that were watching on the side issued loud applauses.

“……I see, so this is the true Ancient Style Sword Techniques.”

Kaguya whispered out in amazement, but it was denied by Kanae.

“It is not the problem of Styles. The Sword Division swordsman did not train with the goal of being able to defeat Summoning Magic. Even though Magic Power will respond to your thoughts. So, the Sword Division must change! This person or that person, all of them are deluded by the Divas and forgot the original power of humans!”

The Sword Division students cheers were boiling. The two Student Council Presidents surveyed the scene.

“Amazing……Being able to do this kind of exaggerated actions, there is actually someone else beside the President……”

As if he had lost his soul, the one who muttered was ranked 3rd of the students in the Student Council, Torazou Yamada, who had an inferiority complex towards the Magic Division. Looking at his expression, Kanae secretly snickered.

……No matter how strong she was, the surrounding people only treated her as an existence known as the <Storm Cat> that was outside the Magic Lands. There was basically no followers who truly think that <nowiki></nowiki>.

Kanae was always alone. Kaguya was finally aware of this fact.

“……Fufufu, I’m looking forward to the <Division Competition>! Next time, it will be me and you who are on the stage!”

Hearing Kanae’s declaration, Kaguya also smiled……Indeed, it was something to look forward to.

Whether it was to fight against Kanae-chan……or the future growth of Otouto-kun……

It was a sense of anticipation that had been gone for a long time since she had defeated her former rival, Hoshikaze Hikaru, and had become invincible inside the Magic Division. After she found a strong enemy, Kaguya was thrilled.

Kazuki, who wanted for her to take back the words she said——Mio awkwardly muttered.

“No……I did not lose.”

“You just won’t give up! Hayashizaki-Ryuu is not weak, admit this to me!”

“No, no, no! Hayashizaki’s Sword or whatever is weaker than Summoning Magic by a lot! It is trash!”

“Even though we have dueled, why do you still treat it as trash up to this point!?”

This person, what kind of <Prejudice towards Hayashizaki-Ryuu> did she have?

Inside Mio’s eyes, little by little, tears began to drip out, causing Kazuki to be frightened. Crying is too despicable……!

“Speaking of which……Why can’t you remember who I am! Remember that for me! I……I’m Mio!? The Mio who had once lived with you at <Nanohana>!?”

Nanohana!? ——Could it be, Kazuki was suddenly speechless.

The instant his eyes met with the Mio’s crying eyes, a figure of a small girl appeared inside Kazuki’s mind. The shadow of the face was consistent just like Magic. It was the sister-like girl, who had always followed behind him.

That person’s name is ……Mio<ref>The words used for Mio are different. Mio’s name is originally 美桜, but the current spot usesミオ.</ref>. Give me a second, could it be that, Mio is Mio?

“Amasaki, you…could it be you’re Mio!?”

“Didn’t I just say it! Why didn’t you notice it, idiot!”

The surrounding audience felt confused “What is it, what is it” about the two people’s conversation.

“But Mio……should be a more honest and smaller child. Speaking of which, she should be smaller than me by two years!?”

“I am not small! I grew up since then!!”

Here, Kazuki suddenly remembered. The children at that place were mainly orphans whose birth was unknown. Aside from the obvious, newly born child, they basically used their body physiques to predict their age.

If Kazuki had dropped a grade and she rose a grade……Due to the Enigma, it was not impossible for her, who was originally smaller than her by two years, to suddenly become his classmate.

“Even though you left us and disappeared by yourself, why did you forget about me……Unbelievable, even though I remember clearly about the Hayashizaki Family that took you away……Uuuuuu……”

Mio finally cried. Kazuki’s mind was filled with guilt.

“How can I forget! Even now, the experience at Nanohana is still part of my important memories!! But I do not know the surname Amasaki, and Mio isn’t that uncommon of a name……”

Kazuki spluttered as he tried to find excuses. Speaking of which, Mio was an honest child. Right now, she was like another person. And he did not expect that she had become this beautiful……!

“……What are those two people talking about?”

“In the end, their relationship is very good?”

“Speaking of which, Hayashizaki Kazuki is overwhelmingly strong……What is this……”

With puzzled eyes, their classmates compared the private conversation between the two of them, which was unrelated to swords and Magic. This duel already had a completely different meaning.

“Just like your talent in swords was seen through, and you left us, my talent in Magic was also seen through and I was adopted by the Amasaki Family! Although I had gone up a grade, but it is also because of my efforts that I still became an A-Rank! My Summoning Magic is stronger than the likes of Hayashizaki-Ryuu!!”

So that was the reason why that person had strongly provoked Hayashizaki-Ryuu!

But, what kind of fate is this. Their talents in sword and Magic were both spotted and they finally met up again in this school of Sword and Magic!

“I……absolutely will not recognize Hayashizaki’s sword who snatched away my Kazu-nii!!”

Mio used her sleeve to wipe her tears, stood up and ran away.

When he was planning to chase, BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Koyuki blew the final whistle.

“The winner is Hayashizaki Kazuki.” Koyuki said with a feeble voice.

× × ×

Mio ran back to her own room. After almost ripping her uniform, she threw it aside and only wore her underwear as she jumped onto the bed. She buried her face into the pillow and impulsively shed tears.

——After a short period of time, voice from the other Student Council members returned rang out.

But it was too shameless, she was too useless. Right now, she did not want to meet with them.

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost! I Lost!!

……5 years ago, because Kazu-nii was strong, he disappeared from Nanohana.

So lonely. But after that, her own magic talent was spotted and she found herself an adoptive family.

When she thought that she was also a strong person, she felt that she was able to conquer her loneliness.

“So, she thought, her own Magic……was stronger than the Hayashizaki’s sword by a lot……

However, she still lost……Too strong. And that person still did not change compared to the past……

……That person was like that since the beginning. No matter how much someone looks down upon himself, he would be indifferent. However, if the companions of Nanohana were looked down upon, it would seem as if he had completely turned into someone else and rage. He would often pick fights with the mean people.

Although the adults thought that Kazuki’s side of easily getting into fights were bad……But to us, who were still children, Kazu-nii was a reliable older brother.

Kazu-nii did not change. It seems like she, herself, who was arguing, was the idiot.

But that person, when I did my flashy self-introduction, and even waved to him, he did not recognize me.

Even though it was rare for the both of us to enter the Magic Division, he was still thinking about Hayashizaki’s sword techniques.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|thumb]]

Being able to meet him once again, actually she was very happy ——but she was so angry that she could not forgive him

She actually wanted to get closer to him and wanted to talk about the stories from the past……

——How long has it been since she had laid down on the bed depressed.

“Hey, Amasaki……Dinner is ready.”

A voice passed through the room’s door. It was an extremely awkward voice. However, from the voice, you could feel a different feeling than anger existed.

It was Kazu-nii’s gentle voice. But because of that……she wanted to behave in a more wilful manner.

“……The meals you made, I don’t want them!”

——But that person, who loves to be nosy, would definitely not allow this kind of unhealthy behavior of not eating dinner.

Just like the past. If he was to care about her, then perhaps he would not put her aside no matter what.

Even though she knew that this was not allowed, but she still embraced this kind of expectation.

I can’t leave her like this. If that person is Mio, then it is even more so.

Hearing her response, Kazuki thought. Being impulsive and missing a meal, how could I, who is the maid here, permit it. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he suddenly barged into the room.

“Not eating dinner is definitely not allowed! Quickly go eat!”

Opening the door with a violent momentum ——What appeared in front of his eyes was Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

“Eh, you really camee!? Wait a minute……I did not say that I was still wearing this……!!”

The instant she panicked and got up from the bed, the two valleys in front of her chest bounced.

“……UWAHH!? Sorry!”

Although he was saying this, but his gaze was still attracted to it and he thought that he would be yelled at. However, Mio immediately wrapped a towel around her body and used the towel to cover her mouth. I do not know what she was muttering about.

“……Right now, do you still care about me……”

“……What are you saying? Who could hear what you are muttering across the towel.”

Just when Kazuki planned to leave the room, but because a red heart appeared from Mio’s body and flew over, he stayed there. Mio was like an arguing child, and she issued a weak voice.

“N, Nothing! I won’t eat dinner. I don’t want to eat the meals that you made.”

“I can’t just leave you alone, the senpais are all worried about you……Is it because you hate me and you don’t want to see me, so you do not want to go down?”

“Uuuuu. That’s right……I… am still angry at you……”

Mio used a mosquito-like sound and spoke to Kazuki through the towel.

……After being reunited, I had constantly hurt her and even dueled with her.

“I’m sorry……but please eat the dinner, I beg you. If you still feel that I’m an eyesore and will trouble you, then I will go outside today.”

“Eh!? I, I don’t want that!!”

Kazuki’s eyes widened. Mio revealed a “Shoot” expression and quickly corrected it.

“……I don’t hate that! That <Then, I don’t hate that> means that I don’t really hate that!” <ref>It is a bit confusing here but the first half of the phrase (Earlier sentence) means that she is unwilling to let Kazuki leave the room, but the last half (Current Sentence) means that she does not care if Kazuki leaves.</ref>

“A, Ahhh……What, so it is this meaning, it is really easy for it to be misunderstood.”

What, the unnatural separation between <hate> and <not>.

“But please don’t be mistaken. I do not……plan on treating you like the past! Don’t keep on treating me as your younger sister!!”

“The past is the past, now is now, huh. It feels a little bit lonely like this.”

“……You, even it is the me right now, do you still care and worry about me?”

“Of course. I will definitely not permit you not eating dinner.”

Mio’s eyes widened. A red heart floated over from her chest. It was evidence that her positivity values increased. Is that so, although she was still angry, but he was not hated by her.

If that’s the case, then this person is definitely——just arguing and playing around.

“I……Is that so? You will still worry about me……But my stomach is really not hungry.”

“Then let’s do this. I will still be your slave like before.”

“Eh? E, Even though I had lost in the duel……?”

“……So, master, because your slave had made dinner, please go and eat it.”

After she froze for a while ——she understood Kazuki’s intentions and proudly straighten her chest.

“……I understand. There is no other way……Only because there is no other way! My stomach is completely not hungry. Because I am the master! I must reward my slave’s loyalty.”

“Ohhh, you must do that.”

He could only maintain this kind of relationship with her, who could not be straightforward until now.

However, if the positivity levels increase ——It should be possible to have a relationship like in the past.

The past is the past, now is now, even if they say it like this, it doesn’t mean that it is something that is lonely.

“Right, you are only a slave! Only a slave……So you must remain by my side from now on! Don’t make any strange misunderstandings and try to leave here!?”

“I know, being able to stay at Witch’s House is nice.”

Mio constantly nodded her head in agreement. Another red heart flew out.

Come down early, saying this, Kazuki left the room.

“……Right, tomorrow’s bento, you don’t have to make it.”

“Eh? Are we going to the canteen?”

“I’ll make it for you……Although you are my slave, but I am the one who lost.”

The next day’s lunch. Just like yesterday, Leme and Mio gathered around Kazuki’s seat.

The thing that Mio prepared was karaage.

“……Right, how did they make the taste in Nanohana? About that, I had constantly wanted to make the same thing and practiced in Amasaki Family, but I could not do it well.”

……What, as expected it is a taste from your memories as well.

“About that, the seasoning placed in advance is the key. Okay, next time we make it, you should also wear a maid outfit!”

“What, what’s with that happy expression. Are you that happy cooking together with your master? I will absolutely not wear it, that idiotic outfit.”

Kazuki could not help but let his emotions rise, Mio seemed to sulk and said some hateful words.

“About that, Amasaki-san……Can I ask, in the end, your relationship is indeed very good?”

The surrounding people incredulously looked at the bento that Kazuki was eating, which was made by Mio.

“So I said don’t be mistaken! This guy is only a slave!! ……Only <My Slave>. Although this guy is a E-Rank sword idiot……if anybody weaker than me dares to look down upon him, I will absolutely not forgive them!”

Mio issued out a roar to all the people in the classroom.

If she made this kind of declaration, only Koyuki, who was the same A-Rank, could talk back.

……This person, is she protecting me?

“W, What are you looking at? Quickly eat!”

She used her chopsticks, picked up a karaage and said “Eat quickly!” and placed it in front of him.

“……Don’t suddenly do things like <Ah ——n>”, Kazuki felt troubled.

“I, I did not plan on doing it! This is only a feeling similar to feeding a dog!”

“Isn’t their relationship extremely good……They have completely entered their own world……”

“Forget it, if it is us, no matter at this time, we would not win against either of them.”

“……Speaking of which, he was really cool, Hayashizaki-kun’s Iai slash.”

“Right! I remembered, I remembered it!! Running while pulling it out!!”

The atmosphere surrounding Kazuki had changed. And Mio, who he had not been able to understand, now, he finally understood the nature of her attitude.

“What are you laughing secretly over there?”

“No, I just feel happy. From now on, please take care of me.”

“Yes. Why are you happy? I did not do anything that would make you happy……Forget it, since there is no helping it, I will also be with you from now on.”

Although she was still talking back, Mio’s face still revealed a slight smile. It seems like her honest feelings were involuntarily revealed ——

At this moment, somewhere near Mio's chest issued out a light. Looking at the surprised Kazuki, even the person involved, Mio, revealed <What is it?> an incredulous expression. The light finally turned into a key —— and directly entered Kazuki’s ring.

This was what Leme had said, a key to their hearts……

——From that moment on, Kazuki was no longer a useless Stigma Magic User.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 2

2015-10-05T01:25:06Z

Tman111: /* Chapter 2 - The Witch's House */ fixed typos, reword some awkward sounding sentences.

== Chapter 2 - The Witch's House ==

===Part 1===

The number of people that newly obtain an enigma was a constant number of 144 each year.

Although there were a few girls that avoided the obligation to enter the school, basically everyone would be completely gathered here from within the country in order to become a freshman in the Magic Division. This was the obligation of the people who obtained an enigma.

In the Magic Division, these 144 people would be placed in the same school year and divided into three classes with a total of 38 people per class.<ref>I know that 144/38 ≠ 3, but that is what the raws wrote. Apparently, their math is wrong since I’m expecting it to be 48 not 38. Though it might be because of the earlier paragraph where some people do not enter the school.</ref>

After the entrance ceremony, the results of the class placement was revealed. Kazuki was assigned to the 1st year 2nd Class.

The classroom seating arrangement was based according to the gojūon’s<ref>Japanese ordering of kana. More info here</ref> sequence attendance number, the eighth row’s <Hayashizaki> Kazuki’s seat was directly in the middle of the classroom.

Just when he sat down onto the seat, Kazuki was overwhelmed by the focused gazes and whispers from all directions.

Gazes of curiosity, vigilance and exclusion——And other various feelings suddenly emerged towards Kazuki.

However, because there was already nowhere for him to escape, there was no better method but to face it indifferently.

“Good morning, you group of trash! Nice to meet you!”

At the same time an arrogant voice sounded out, the classroom door opened with a powerful momentum. A blond girl appeared.

Kazuki could not believe his own eyes, and everybody in the class was in an uproar.

What entered was a girl, with a height of around 140 cm, in a suit. In comparison to the image of the word <Female Teacher>, she had a small size body like a mini dachshund.

That face. No matter who, they would feel that she was only an elementary student. However, just like a prank, that child swiftly walked up in front of the blackboard, passed it and sat on the special seat of a teacher.

The sharp pupils that looked around the inside of the room were green. Her legs were also extremely slender.

“……WAHH, so cute!”

“Just like a doll!”

Inside the classroom, overexcited voices echoed everywhere.

“Hey, who was the one that just said cute!? Stand up for me!!”

She, ban,ban,ban,<ref>SFX for banging sounds.</ref> hit the podium. With a clear and sharp voice, she issued out a roar.

“……My name is Liz Liza Westwood. I was born in the birthplace of Magic, England. Listen up! I am here to make you trashes become independent knights. You should be honored!”

Was this person really the class teacher……No, perhaps a person, who is able to serve as a teacher in the Knights Academy, could not be judged from their appearance.

“Although I may look more or less young, but this is due to a certain accident, as a result my growth has been slowed down. Although I have already retired, but I still have the appropriate practical experience. Don’t take on an attitude of looking down on me. Anyways, this class……Che, what a troublesome class”

Liz Liza-sensei violently smacked her lips and her gaze stayed on Kazuki.

“Before things become troublesome, I should properly say it to all of you. That is an existence that is not worthy of your attention. More than so, he is completely an <E-Rank> trash. We, the teaching staff, have no expectations towards that guy. Don’t be mistaken.”

After hearing that the male student, who was the focus of attention, was an E-Rank, the classroom suddenly became even noisier.

That phrase was filled with provocative intent, it made Kazuki feel displeased and he could not help but refute against that tiny teacher.

“I did not misunderstand anything……And, I do not plan on remaining at E-Rank.”

The so-called E-Rank was the results of the exams before entering the school.

The freshmen of Magic Division are asked to test the amount of Magic Power they had as well as an actual test on normal Magic.

The Normal Magic that manipulates your own Magic Power was divided into 5 systems, <Psychokinetic Magic>,<Pyrokinesis Magic>, <Physical Enhancement Magic>, <Perceptibility Enhancement Magic> and <Telepathic Magic>.

However, Kazuki, who was always aiming to be a swordsman, had only trained the Physical Enhancement Magic and Perceptibility Enhancement Magic. On the contrary, he was surrounded by elites, who were born with extensive Magic Power and were aiming to be a Stigma Magic User.

Thus, Kazuki had gotten E-Rank, the worst grade.

“A good answer. It seems that he, himself, understands his own situation clearly. The rest of you should also not cry out in excitement because there is a special person, a male……Although saying that, do not bully him. Because all of you are still not independent enough. There is no spare time to underestimate others. Everyone should focus on their goal of improving themselves!”

Although her tone was poor, it seems like she was a person who did not want Kazuki to be made a fool of.

“……Also, in our class, aside from the only E-Rank in the grade, the only two A-Rank in the grade are also present. Are they throwing the top-level students and the last-place student to this competent teacher? Che, this is really the worst class.”

“Yes! I am the A-Rank Amasaki Mio!”

The student, who was number one in the attendance number, suddenly stood up and with a crashing sound.

Although Kazuki could only see the back from his seat, but he could see the honey-colored twintails fluttering and shaking around.

“As the daughter from the noble magician family, the Amasaki household, I have the goal of becoming the strongest Magic User——That is, the Student Council President! I will not lose to anyone! Everybody, please take care of me!”

“……I did not let you introduce yourself. Sit down, you self-centered trash!”

After Liz Liza-sensei finished saying this in amazement, Mio sat down obediently.

A-Rank. This phrase made the classroom become noisy again.

There are only two A-Ranks in the grade, yet both of them are actually in this class, how amazing!”

“Who is the other A-Rank?”

“Sensei, which one is the other A-Rank?”

Just when a student, who courageously raised her hand to ask, appeared, a sigh came from behind Kazuki.

“……Nonsense. The results of the rank before forming a contract with a Diva, there is no meaning to it.”

Liz Liza-sensei nodded towards the rear of Kazuki.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 055.jpg|thumb]]

“It’s the other A-Rank, Hiakari Koyuki, right? Yes, it is just like what Hiakari said.”

Kazuki turned around and looked. He could only see an otherworldly girl there.

The impression that she gave off was the color white ——or rather, silver white. Her silver-colored hair sparkled. The color of her skin was also white as snow.

Long ears extended from both side of her expressionless face……It was an extremely beautiful <Elf>!

The so-called Elf, it is a human whose state of existence had been distorted due to the effects of the Magic they had within themselves.

That posture was beautiful, just like a fantasy. It gave off an impression that the inhabitants of myths had already been brought here in real time.

Because they hold a far greater Magic Power than average females, it was said that many could communicate with spirits. Although there were still many aspects of the ecology of elves that were not understood compared to the Magical Beast……

Due to this special trait, within these 15 years, elves were the object of prejudice and discrimination.

The gazes that were thrown over to this side earlier, perhaps it included the gazes towards the child behind him.

“Is there something on my body, E-Rank? Am I such a rare thing?”

The monotone voice was scolding Kazuki’s gaze. Looks like he had stared at her for a long period of time……If that’s the case, he could also not blame the surrounding girls that had constantly been looking at him.

“Sorry……Iya, because I felt that you were so beautiful. In the places such as the hair……”

In order to prevent her from misunderstanding that he was treating her as an exotic animal, he accidentally blurted out the embarrassing truth. In fact, the amount of time he watched her fascinated should be fairly long.

“I’m beautiful? ……You are treating me as a monster, right?”

Koyuki felt that it was inconceivable and tilted her head. Because of this action, her silver-colored hair brushed against each other and sparkled.

“Saying such insincere words to conceal your attitude, it is really disgusting.”

''……Why would you think like that? Is it because you are an elf?''

Kazuki generated feelings close to anger and could not help but raise his voice.

“I did not say any insincere words! I really think that you are beautiful!”

Koyuki’s expression changed for the first time. Her eyes widened. She held her breath and whispered.

“……Anyways, it would be better if you turn your head to the front.”

After issuing an idiotic “Eh?” sound, Kazuki finally remembered the time and location.

“Hey, E-Rank trash, trying to flirt with girls when I’m talking. Are you kidding?”

For a while, the eyes of all the people in the classroom was focused on Kazuki. Liz Liza-sensei was angry to the extent that her veins were twitching.

“S, sorry……” Kazuki lowered his shoulders and hurriedly turned his head back to the front.

Kazuki hated discrimination. He could not help but lose his cool. As expected, his training was far from enough.

“……Strange guy.” Muttering sounds from behind clearly came over.

“I seem to have some misunderstanding about your gaze. But I……Towards a person, who could praise others as beautiful face-to-face, I……also don’t know how to respond. So please do not stare at me.”

Liz Liza-sensei adjusted her state and continued to speak.

“Just as Hiakari had said, the current ranks do not have much meaning. Your ranks would constantly change during your school life. And, compared to Summoning Magic, Normal Magic is useless. After your Enigma has turned into a Stigma, your struggle will officially begin.”

Compared to the Summoning Magic that requires a lot of time and concentration, Normal Magic that uses your own Magic Power lacked destructive power.

Thus, the only Normal Magic that could be used in combat were the defensive Magic that reflexively protected your body and the supportive Physical Enhancement Magic.

Typically, the Normal Magic such as Psychokinesis Magic were used for <Alchemy> to reconstruct the items from the <Roots of the Particles>. It was used to make everyday life more convenient.

To us, what was more important was the Summoning Magic that was more suitable for combat. This would depend on the future.

''——For me, goals, the use of power, these kind of things did not exist.''

''However, remaining at the obsolete E-Rank is not acceptable.''

''A Contract with a Diva. I was slightly looking forward to it.''

“Having said that, contracting with a Diva is based on the class order, so while we are waiting, let us have a self-introduction. Then, let’s begin from the seating number #1……Although I want to say that, but since Amasaki has already introduced herself, let’s forget it.”

“P, Please wait! I only said so little content, it is not enough for everybody to understand!”

“Your character features has already been adequately communicated to everybody, Amasaki-san from the noble magician family.”

After hearing Liz Liza-sensei’s sarcasm, the classroom burst into laughters, but Mio ignored all this and stood up.

Her large eyes sparkled and following her turning movements, her two ponytails drew an arc.

The instant she turned around ——It made everybody had the feeling that the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

“I am the future Student Council President, Amasaki Mio! My hobbies are drawing, writing poems and also knitting! My specialty is of course, Magic!” The loud voice was active again.

Mio, who looked around the classroom, met eyes with Kazuki’s and those large eyes suddenly widened.

Then, her expression suddenly brightened up and she, pata,pata<ref>SFX for waving sounds.</ref> waved. It was as if she was reunited with someone important and her cheeks had also turned red as apples.

''……Is she waving towards me?'' Kazuki was at loss and looked behind to confirm the situation.

It could be that she was waving in response to someone behind me.

However, behind Kazuki, only an expressionless Koyuki was there.

Kazuki was confused and once again turned back to the front. He watched Mio’s symmetrical face turn unsightly and with an unhappy voice, she said “That’s all I have to say!” and, dosun<ref>Sound of something heavy sitting down/falling</ref> ,sat back onto her seat.

……What had just happened? Being mistaken about the person……and the like, this kind of situation should be impossible.

——Afterwards, the self-introduction also smoothly moved forward.

Because Mio had said her hobbies and specialty, the classmates all copied that format and introduced themselves.

Gradually, the atmosphere became relaxed. Conversations were produced towards hobbies, “I also like that! Let us be friendly with each other!” and towards the specialty “Amazing!”.

It was the active atmosphere of a female high school. Then, it was finally Kazuki’s turn.

“I am Hayashizaki Kazuki. Although I am an E-Rank, but I will work hard! My hobbies are training, washing clothes and cooking.”

Sounds of laughter echoed from within the classroom. Having a hobby such as washing clothes and cooking seemed to be very surprising.

His specialty was, what? Because aside from saying his <Specialty was sword skills.>, he could not think of any other words, so he said it just like this.

“Even though he is in Magic Division……yet he said sword skills.”

The instant Kazuki said this phrase out, the classroom had become a cynical atmosphere immediately.

“What is that, just like an idiot.”

The person who said this without hiding it ——was the earlier Amasaki Mio.

“What about sword skills, there is no value in it in the Magic Division. In the traditional Ancient Style Sword Skill Family there was a male, who had the goal of becoming a swordsman, yet obtained a enigma……Although I have heard this kind of news, but haven’t you already entered the Magic Division? Even though you will become a Stigma Magic User, do you still have lingering feelings towards the sword skills? Although you are an E-Rank and the last place, but you know sword skills, how unsightly!”

After hearing the phrase <Lingering Feelings towards Sword Skills>, Kazuki felt that his chest was brutally stabbed.

……No, even so, <Sword Skills have no value> this phrase was also too much!

“Hayashizaki. In the Magic Division, the moment Sword Skills or the like are said, there will be no one that would give you a good look. This is the place where Magic elites gather. Not only do they hold a sense of rivalry, most of the people look down upon Sword Skills. Perhaps you feel that it is impossible to accept, but this is that kind of place. There is no helping it. Tell this to yourself. Sit down.”

When Kazuki wanted to retort, Liz Liza-sensei preemptively put an end to it.

''……What is this?''While his thoughts were left inside his heart, Kazuki returned to his seat.

Mio stared at Kazuki without looking away. After her eyes met with his, she immediately pulled a long face and turned to the front again.

……Indeed, the Summoning Magic he saw at the entrance ceremony was very amazing.

But, in order to activate that large Magic, the amount of time required to chant was long. If you are on the battlefield, it made one feel that it was fatal.

If that’s the case……Even Sword Skills could have a bout with it, right?

He did not know about the other Sword Skills, but if it was the Hayashizaki-Ryuu that he and Kanae were taught by his adoptive father……

“Compared to the me that has a greater amount of magic power only because I am female, I feel that the Sword Skills that were honed through efforts are more worthy of respect.”

After hearing this sentence that seemed to be encouraging him, Kazuki was surprised and looked behind. He noticed that Koyuki had stood up.

“……Your circumstances do not matter to me. ——I am Hiakari Koyuki. No hobbies and specialty. Finish.”

After hearing the A-Rank’s overly cold self-introduction, the classroom began to become noisy again.

Kazuki stared at her in astonishment. Koyuki, who sat down again, showed a bit of emotions and frowned.

“So I said, please turn your head away. Do not look over here.”

===Part 2===

After the self-introduction was over, Liz Liza-sensei brought the students outside of the school building.

Beside the school building, there was a sports ground surrounded by verdure. The signing of the contract ritual with the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons was currently being carried out on the sports ground.

——Right now in Japan, forming a contract with a Diva outside of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons was not accepted.

If they were to form a contract with another Diva, they would be treated as an Illegal Magic User and be pursued by the Knights.

It was a crime. Because among the Divas, there were some that hold malice towards humans. Through giving power to lure humans, they would erode the human’s mind and seize their human body.

15 years ago, when Magic had just appeared in the world, an incident occurred where humans that were controlled by Divas destroyed Tokyo. In front of the Illegal Magic Users where Normal Magic and Weapons were no match for them, the ones to lend a helping hand to Japan, who was forced into a dire situation for the first time, were the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

Through the efforts of the <Original Knights> that formed a contract with the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, the Illegal Magic Users were suppressed.

Because of this story, Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons became the only partner that could be trusted.

Within their hearts, the freshmen that were awarded an enigma were filled with expectations about which Demon of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon they would form a contract with and challenged the contract ritual.

This was the first important matter after the entrance ceremony.

“In the end, what kind of Diva would I form a contract with? Once I thought up to here, my heart is so excited as if I was drawing lots.”

On the road leading to the sports ground, Kazuki attempted to talk with Koyuki.

It seems like she was the only one who would not treat him with any prejudice.

“It does not matter which one for me. No matter which one it is, it is still the same.”

“Still the same? How is that possible!”

The voice that suddenly interrupted from behind Kazuki and Koyuki was——Mio.

“In the 72 Pillars, there are still various different types. There is one that looks like a fish<ref>Referring to Forneus, the 30th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref> and there is also one that looks like a starfish<ref>Referring to Decarabia, the 69th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. Isn’t it a lot better to find one that looks more beautiful than them!”

“Appearances……that is the most useless thing in the world.”

Koyuki probably had her mood destroyed by this topic and quickly sped up and walked away.

“What a cold person”, Mio, who was left behind pursed her lips.

She probably hated the topic of appearances. Even though that person was obviously so beautiful.

“Forget it……The E-Rank classmate, who is still lingering about sword skills, should try hard to find a suitable Diva! For example, a Diva that looks like a cockroach, a Diva that looks like a millipede, or perhaps a Diva that looks like a mushroom,etc.

Mio threw a spiteful gaze towards Kazuki and started to make fun of him.

“……I think that within the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, there are no such Divas.”

“Speaking of which, it is possible that you could not even turn your enigma into a stigma!”

Mio, who was speaking like this, seemed to be showing a childish angered expression towards Kazuki.

……It feels that this person’s quarreling method wasn’t average.

“Hey, during the self-introduction, you were waving to me, right?”

After hearing Kazuki taking the initiative to ask this topic, Mio’s eyes “!” widened.

“Where have we met?”

“Baka!” After Kazuki asked this question, he immediately received a bitter reply.

Afterwards, Mio seemed to reveal an expression pent up with anger and walked briskly away without turning back.

……Was she mad? As expected, he must have met her some place before.

However, even when he think back to elementary and middle school period, he still had no impression of the name, Amasaki.

The orphanage where he had stayed before ——Inside the children caring organization <Nanohana Institution>, there were basically only children that were smaller than him, so first, that can’t be right……

“But that attitude isn’t an attitude towards a person she does not know……”

However, even if he asked again, he would only pointlessly make her mad, so Kazuki felt troubled again.

“All of the freshmen, we meet again! I am Otonashi Kaguya.”

On the sports ground, Kaguya-senpai was currently waiting for our arrival. She was wearing a robe similar to the one during the entrance ceremony.

“The contract ritual will be performed under the assistance of the Student Council President.”

After lining up the students based on their attendance arrangement, Liz Liza-sensei began explaining the ritual.

“Listen up, Summoning Magic is divided into four steps <{{furigana|Connecting with Astrum|Access}}>, <{{furigana|Inviting the Phenomenon|Order}}>, <{{furigana|Appointing the Coordinates|Trageting}}> and <{{furigana|Activation|Cast}}>. Diving into the deep psychological world, heading towards the destination pass the Heart of Doors and speaking with a Diva. After learning the simplified <Spell> for these four steps of Summoning Magic, the contract is formed……In other words, you will officially become a Stigma Magic User.”

Finally becoming a Stigma Magic User——After hearing Liz Liza-sensei’s words, the students suddenly became excited.

“However, rather than being a ritual, it is more like a trial. Although it is the initial hurdle, connecting with Astrum is not so simple. You will have to let your consciousness dive down to the depths of your heart and within the darkness inside the Astrum, capture the Diva’s figure and voice, it requires a very keen Perceptibility Enhancement Magic. Incidentally, the number of successful people in Class 1 was zero.”

In order to make the students, who became impulsive, tense up, Liz Liza-sensei said this.

Kaguya-senpai was the first to let a slight smile to ease the student’s tension.

“I will be responsible as the instructor to guide your initial path towards Astrum as well as prevent accidents from occurring. Although using Telepathic Magic could help guide you to the path towards Astrum, but aside from that, there is little that could be done. However, there is no need to force yourself to succeed on your first try, so please relax a bit.”

“So then, attendance number 1——Amasaki Mio! Come up to the front!”

“Yes!” After issuing a slightly nervous tone, Mio walked up to the front of the queue.

“First, close your eyes and allow your consciousness and unconsciousness to merge together (Trance).”

After obeying Kaguya-senpai’s instructions, Mio closed her eyes. From her body’s surface, a faint blue light emerged.

The so-called Trance was to allow your mind to enter a highly concentrated state through Perceptibility Enhancement Magic.

“Then I will use Telepathic Magic to synchronize with your mind. Although the actual mind guiding path may seem more abstract than what you imagine, but if two people synchronize their minds, the fluctuations inside my heart would turn into wavelengths and be sent to you. You will also need to match it and allow your consciousness to move.”

Kaguya-senpai’s body also emitted a blue light. The blue light seemed to be a bridge and flowed inside Mio’s body.

The two of them closed their eyes and did not move. Only the blue light that seemed to be the light on the surface of the water was shaking. Although it was not apparent from the side, the two human consciousness have departed towards an alternative world

——After a few minutes, the two of them opened their eyes.

Mio’s pupil inside her gaze seemed to be inside a dream still and was absentminded. However, she slowly opened her mouth as if she was a priestess who received a divine revelation and began to weave a spell.

“I know thy name……Thy name is <Phenex><ref>Phenex is a Great Marquis of Hell and has twenty legions of demons under his command. It is also known as the Phoenix and is the 37th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>……A poet and a Magician!”

“Could it be……she succeeded in one attempt!?” Liz Liza-sensei said in a surprised voice.

Sounds of cheers spread across the sports ground, then the girl with the top results——

“The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

The chanting of the spell ended remarkably. At the same time, orange color lights that were just like flames were released. Within the light, her school uniform was decomposed. The <Consciousness of the Diva> flowed into the uniform that was made through alchemical silk, reconstructed its root particles, and cleverly dressed the contractor in an appearance <Worthy of being Majestic>.

This was the battle outfit that only people who are selected could obtain from the Divas——Magical Dress.

Behind Mio, a shadow of a large firebird emerged. Wrapped in the curtains of the orange lights, Mio revealed——the appearance after changing into the Magical Dress.

From the place where the skin was exposed, a crimson pattern emerged——Stigma.

Having the same graceful curves as a dress for a party, it was a somewhat mysterious and beautiful posture.

Mio’s fuzzy eyes regained the colors of reality and repeatedly blinked several times.

“……I know! The spell is appearing inside my mind!! Inviting the Phenomenon, Appointing the Coordinates and Activation all…….I can immediately activate the Level 1 Summoning Magic!!”

“It’s fine if you do not do up to this point! The person who just dove into Astrum for a long time should not be reckless!!”

After Liz Liza-sensei hurried up to stop it, Mio cut off her mind connection with Astrum.

Phenex’s illusion turned into light particles and disappeared. Her Magical Dress also turned back into the school uniform.

“It is just like after swimming in the pool. Although you may not feel it, you are actually very tired. There is no need to rush. Since the spell has already been taught, then it has already connected into a hotline. You will be able to enter a connected state more easily from now on……Congratulations for your successful contract!”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a smile and applauded. The classmates also began to applaud.

After Mio heard the sounds of the applause sent to her, she happily looked around. Once her eyes met with Kazuki’s, she could not help but reveal an overwhelmingly happy expression and stretched out her hand to make a V gesture.

Kazuki, who was clapping his hands, did not know how to respond. Thus, Mio was suddenly filled with unhappiness and returned back to the queue.

“Attendance Number 14, Hayashizaki Kazuki, come up to the front!”

——Then it was finally Kazuki’s turn. None of the people after Mio had succeeded.

“We meet again, Kanae-chan’s otouto-kun!”

After Kazuki step up from the queue, Kaguya-senpai let out a delightful laugh.

“……I’m extremely sorry for this morning, I made you see the embarrassing places within the school all of a sudden.”

Kaguya-senpai seems to think that it was her own responsibility and lowered her shoulders in sorrow.

“I think that the person who was most correct at the scene was you, senpai.”

“If you are able to say this, it really makes me feel pleased. Although I had once appealed for the Magic Division and the Sword Division to become more friendly and get along together, everybody did not listen to my words……In the end, without knowing it, my support rate has gradually decreased. The trust in Otonashi, the Student Council President, is already in a major crisis……But I believe that if I do not work hard to let the Sword and Magic make up for each other’s shortcomings, it is impossible for them to draw out their true power!”

Kaguya-senpai clenched her fists and passionately made a speech.

“……I believe that senpai’s thinking is correct.”

“You agree with my views, otouto-kun? You will help me, who is alone!?”

“Because I was also once a swordsman before! If there is anything I can help, anything is fine!”

“Comrade!”

Kaguya-senpai’s eyes became moist and held onto Kazuki’s hands tightly.

“Thank you, comrade comrade! Although Kanae-chan’s dillydally type is very cute, but a straight-forward type like otouto-kun is also very cute. WAHHH, can I rub your head? I rub, I rub, your hair is very soft. Lovely, so lovely——. Otouto-kun, do you want to eat candy?”

“Are you an Oba-chan from Osaka!”

Kazuki unleashed a hand blade attack on Kaguya-senpai’s head, who had pulled out candies from the pockets of her robe, and complained.

“I was complained to”, Kaguya-senpai happily stuck out her tongue.

“……Hey, you two, quickly begin!”

Liz Liza-sensei’s roar rushed over and only then Kaguya-senpai began giving instructions to Kazuki.

“Then from now on, otouto-kun also needs to allow the ceremony where your consciousness and mine intimately synchronize with each other.”

Listening to her words, it felt like there was a subtle resistance. Kazuki also followed Kaguya-senpai’s instructions and closed his eyes. Using Magic to unify the minds and diving into the spiritual world——

What spread within his inner heart was an overwhelming and vast darkness. It was a place that gave off a feeling where a person would lose themselves.

However, on the surface of this darkness, slight ripples were spreading out. These were the ripples that were triggered by Kaguya-senpai’s consciousness.

“Follow me”, Kaguya-senpai’s voice rang out. As if he was drawing ripples, Kazuki followed along.

Continuously heading towards a deeper place within the darkness.

It was an image of the deep sea. The pitch-black color of the darkness slowly became more and more dark.

However, it was just like the seabed of the deep sea. It was a world where light cannot reach. If you used Perceptibility Enhancement Magic, then you would understand that the <Distant Past> and <Past Feelings> that you could not recall were currently sleeping here, just like it was accumulating layers. The so-called unconscious mind was this kind of world.

Just like how the deep sea’s water pressure was very high, inside the spiritual world, the color of the darkness would become darker as you dive further down to the depths, and your ego would become more blurred. If you maintained Perceptibility Enhancement Magic for a long time, you would even lose consciousness.

The feeling of resistance from the darkness was just like that of rushing forward against the wind.

Finally, after crossing a line——The world’s phase changed.

Kaguya-senpai’s consciousness that was leading, stopped. They had passed through the Heart of Door and arrived at Astrum.

Within the darkness in which was still very easy to lose consciousness, Kazuki searched for the presence of the Diva.

“……Ara, it feels like the atmosphere is very strange.”

Using Telepathic Magic to synchronize with Kazuki’s consciousness, Kaguya-senpai’s voice rang out in Astrum.

“——Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

A different voice than Kaguya-senpai rang out——It was a female voice. ''Is this the voice of a Diva……?''

The darkness in front of him increased in viscosity and condensed. It seems that something lodging there exists.

“Do you have the resolve of being burdened by a power that can change the world?”

Kazuki could not identify its gesture. He did not have the power to identify it.

However, the voice that came over was clear. If that was the case, they should be able to converse and should be able to make a contract.

A power that can change the world——Was this something that could be obtained through a contract with this Diva, was it really such an enormous power?

''To tell the truth, I am clueless about how I would use such tremendous power.''

''However, if I was the person that was <Chosen>, then I should respond to it.''

''Perhaps I am only a tiny human, but I will still stake my life and give it my all.''

“……If it’s resolve, then I have it!”

After Kazuki replied like this, a powerful light flashed up in front of him.

——When he recovered, Kazuki’s consciousness had already returned back to the sports ground.

It felt strange. Inside his muddled mind, he was gradually confused.

Was the contract over? No, it did not tell him the spell.

And the appearance of the Diva was unclear till the end. In the end, what on earth was that?

Was it even possible to form a contract under the situation where he did not know who the other was?

At this moment, a white light suddenly illuminated in front of Kazuki.

At the same time, he felt his Magic was being sucked out from his spirit and was entering the light in front of him. Something……Something from another world was currently materializing!?

The next moment, a light that made everybody close their eyes burst out——

“A girl!?” Kaguya-senpai could not help but cry out.

The light turned into a young girl’s appearance.

A naked girl with brown skin was currently floating in front of Kazuki.

And, this was a <Complete Summon>. This girl was not an <Illusion> made fixed by Magic, but was a body with mass.

The girl that appeared within the air was gently floating and stared at Kazuki.

“Through a kiss, form a contract with Leme.”

The girl pulled Kazuki’s head with both hands and brought him in front of her.

Ignoring the confused Kazuki, Chuuu, she kissed him.

An intense heat moved from his mouth towards his left hand.

''Hot! W,What is this……It changed!? The Enigma……became a Stigma!?''

“Fufu, with this, the contract is complete.”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 072.jpg|thumb]]

She smiled and the heat stopped. Kazuki timidly looked at his left hand to confirm it. What was there was not a Engima, but a star-shaped <Hexagram> Stigma.

The contract——was completed? But who was this person? Why was the summon casually activated?

Looking at the developments that was different from normal Divas, the sports arena suddenly began to stir.

“Eh?…….Eh?”

After she fell down onto the ground, she incredulously looked at her own body.

“WAHHHH!? WHAT IS THIS! WHY IS LEME NAKED! WHY IS IT NAKED——!?”

She used her two hands to cover her body while crying out “Clothes——! Clothes!?”

With a subtly panicked mode, Kaguya-senpai took off her own robe and handed it to her.

The little girl expressed her thanks, “Oh,oh, thank you!” , and put it on nervously.

Kazuki casually stared at Kaguya-senpai and was suddenly shocked. After Kaguya-senpai removed her robe, what was beneath it was a highly revealing outfit. Although her entire body was covered with something similar to a black armor, but the surface area was extremely small. The contrast together with her white skin made it extremely stimulating.

“If you stare like this, I will become very embarrassed……!”

“S,Sorry. My gaze naturally just……That is, is that Asmodeus’s Magical Dress?”

The black colored outfit was releasing a faint purple light. That means Magic Power was flowing.

“In order to immediately deal with any unexpected issues during the contract ritual, I could not help but wear my Magical Dress! But, Asmodeus’s Magical Dress is loaded with an irritating design……Even though I was thinking of using a robe to hide it!”

A Magical Dress is created by revealing the Stigma’s form. For Asmodeus’s Stigma, there were many tiny parts that needed to be revealed on the body, thus, the exposure degree was that high.

Kazuki once again looked at his own body. Speaking of which, he did not get a Magical Dress.

Everything was in a mess.

“Liz Liza-sensei, what on earth just happened……!?”

It seems that Kaguya-senpai did not understand the situation and turned her head towards Liz Liza-sensei.

A Diva that obtained a physical body could use the powerful power of their own myths without any restrictions.

A legitimately unknown Diva materializing in front of their eyes was an extremely dangerous situation.

Originally, a Diva’s materialization should not be achieved without consuming a certain degree of Magic Power……

“……You are a different Diva than Solomon’s 72 Pillars. Who are you?”

Liz Liza-sensei used a completely different tone and carefully asked this Diva, who was out of the specifications.

“Leme is Leme. Aside from that……That, I don’t know. Ara? I can’t remember it.”

“A memory loss Diva? Then the next question, what kind of power do you hold? A Diva should normally hold 10 types of Inherent Magic.”

The symbol of a Diva is their 10 types of Inherent Magic. Through the contract, this becomes Summoning Magic.

“About that, the contract was indeed completely……Inherent Magic? Inherent Magic……There is no such thing. What is this power you are speaking of? Inside Leme’s body……There is no such power?”

“A,a powerless Diva!? How is that possible!?”

“……Wawaahh. Although I do not understand, but I am sleepy. Leme is going to sleep. Good night.”

Leme just lied down at that place, shortly after, snoring sounds began. She was really too free.

“……What on earth is with this fellow? This is plainly unbelievable……”

“About that, Liz Liza-sensei……Could it be that a contract was formed outside of the 72 Pillars of Diva?”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a terrifying expression and asked Liz Liza-sensei.

“……We will discuss this matter at the staff meeting. First, let us send this fellow to the infirmary.”

Looking at the young girl who was sent to the infirmary, even Kazuki would lose his cool.

“P, Please wait a minute……It was you who changed my life!? At least explain to me why you gave me the Enigma! You are too irresponsible, aren’t you!?”

“I know thy name……Thy name is called <Vepar><ref>Vepar is a Great Duke of Hell and rules twenty-nine legions of demon. She is depicted as a mermaid and is the 42th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref> ……The mermaid singer conveying icy cold thoughts, causing the entire world to be planted with tears of sadness.”

Releasing a light blue radiance, a fantasy-like illusion of a mermaid appeared above Koyuki, who was chanting the spell.

At the same time, her uniform became a tight white colored Magical Dress.

“With this, this is the 3rd person. The amount of people that succeeded in this class……”

Liz Liza-sensei let out an extremely surprised voice. Amasaki Mio, Hayashizaki Kazuki, then Hiakari Koyuki.

However for Kazuki, could he still be counted as one of the successful ones ——

===Part 3===

Following that, after eating lunch at the school cafeteria, a briefing session was held regarding the school’s living standards and education program. However, all of this did not enter Kazuki’s ears……The schedule for the first day of school was completely over.

The bell rang signaling that the school is over.

The students were all brought to the student dormitory——All of them were filled with expectations for their future days.

However, Kazuki was not permitted to join the ranks of fickle people.

“Regarding your improper contract with the Diva, the staff meeting is currently being held. Until the meeting is over, please wait at the infirmary.”, He received a notice from Liz Liza-sensei like this.

At the infirmary, under the Knight’s surveillance, Leme revealed an appearance consistent of a young girl, who was sleeping carefree.

The Magical Dress and the ten Summoning Magic were not given, it was a completely unknown Diva.

If this Leme was seen as a threat, then what would happen to him, who formed a contract with her. Maybe he would have his qualifications as a Magic Division Student cancelled.

……What a joke. I was already determined to fight at the Magic Division.

If there were any possibility sleeping within his body that was undiscovered, he wanted to find out about it at the Magic Division.

“Let’s start from the conclusion. You and Leme will temporarily be placed at the Magic Division to observe the situation.”

——The orange colored sun was beginning to shine in from the infirmary’s windows, Liz Liza-sensei and Kaguya-senpai, who seemed to be the witness of the ritual and participated in the meeting, entered the infirmary.

“Just because you are originally a swordsman, so they hate you, there is also an opinion of immediately removing the contract seal and rushing you to the Sword Division. However, the final conclusion was to be under surveillance, so as expected it should be placed at the hands of the Magic Division.”

“Because there are many opposing opinions, Liz Liza-sensei said a lot for otouto-kun!”

“I only gave objective opinion. The one who wanted to protect this trash was you.”

“It was not like that. Sensei also desperately protected him! How untruthful!”

“No, no, no, it was only you. Hayashizaki Kazuki, you should be thankful of this person.”

In other words, these two people protected me.

“……Thank you, you two, to do so much for a person like me.”

Because a relieved feeling surged through his entire body, Kazuki relaxed and bowed towards the two of them.

“You actually wanted to remain at the Magic Division so much, this is really surprising. However, not all the teachers believe in Leme. So you and that Diva will temporarily be placed as a surveillance target.

Being monitored and placed on probation at school. But even so, this was a very lenient treatment.

If it wasn’t done well, being treated as an Illegal Magic User——A criminal treatment would not be strange.

“In the end, the things that Leme had said were extremely suspicious. A so-called Diva should originally have huge magic power that is able to distort the world. It is impossible for a Diva with self-consciousness to have no abilities.”

Liz Liza-sensei moved her eyes to the side and coldly glared at Leme, who was currently sleeping on the bed.

……In other words, Leme was lying?

If Leme really had some kind of power, since she had already materialized, then she should be able to freely control that power……Even though Kazuki, who was the contractor, was not given any power.

“However, that fellow knew about the rule between the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demons and the Japanese government about <Giving and Receiving an Enigma>. And she followed that rule. So it is very difficult to imagine her being completely unrelated to the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon. If this matter was not dealt with well, it may cause the relationship between this country and the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon to worsen, then it will be a big trouble.”

The Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon follow a secret doctrine and will not speak much towards human.

Although they lent their power to the Japanese government, it still seems like they are sitting at one side and observing this country.

If they feel that the country does not deserve this power, the possibility of them immediately stopping to assist this country existed.

……Although Leme was not a member of Solomon’s 72 Pillar of Demons, but she is not completely unrelated, is it?

“This is a very delicate judgment. If anything special occurs from your side, please immediately report to me. Remember this……The next question is regarding to where you should stay. You should remember that the school originally arranged for you to live at a room outside by yourself?”

The Magic Division’s student dormitory, it did not consider the possibility of a male living there. In other words, it was entirely a women’s dormitory.

“However, for a person who contracted a Diva with an unknown identity, it is not possible to let him live outside of the school. But, we cannot allow you to live in the Magic Division’s girl’s dormitory. Although there were also people who proposed the idea of shoving you into the Sword Division’s dormitory, but letting the swordsman to supervise you is a bit unsettling. Thus……”

“Otouto-kun, you are arranged to be admitted into the Magic Division Student Council’s private dormitory <Witch’s House>!”

Kaguya-senpai, “Pan Paka Paaan,”<ref>Explosive Sounds Effects</ref>, explained it in this fashion while extending her hands.

“Student Council’s, private dormitory……?”

“The Magic Division’s Student Council is different than the other students, they live in a special dormitory. The Student Council, which gathers the strongest students, allowing them to live together and form the strongest organization……Although these people are also female, but another point is that these people are most suitable to act as the supervisor.”

Liz Liza-sensei pointed at Kaguya-senpai and spoke.

“Be thankful of this person. Because of this person strongly proposed that if anything occurs, the Magic Division Student Council have the ability to respond to it, so that in the end, it came to the conclusion of surveillance. Even the director said these distasteful words like, is this something that a spoiled little girl like you can do?”

“……I, I am not a spoiled little girl.” ——Kaguya-senpai’s expression inadvertently became gloomy.

But she immediately smiled again, her face revealed dimples.

“So that’s how it is, otouto-kun! We will be together! You must be very happy!”

“……Could it be that you harbor a wish of nurturing a boy who is younger than you?”

Liz Liza-sensei looked at Kaguya-senpai, who was extremely happy, with suspicious eyes.

“W, What are you saying, sensei!? Please do not speak this kind of gibberish, okay!? Really now……I did not feel that a boy younger than me was cute. I only wanted……to personally train a <Magic Swordsman> who could use both sword techniques and Summoning Magic!”

“Magic Swordsman……?”

“From today onwards, you are my first disciple! I will definitely train you into the strongest Magic Swordsman!”

Kaguya-senpai tightly held onto Kazuki’s hands, who was trembling after listening to her unexpected words.

“This here is the Witch’s House!”

While carrying Leme, who was sleeping, on his back, Kazuki was brought to this place.

It was a renaissance, western-styled mansion made with black wood surrounding the white-colored walls.

And its name did not match the fairytale-like atmosphere that makes one happy.

Opening the iron gates with a watermark pattern, and then opening the front——A completely different world appeared.

A dazzling mahogany and rouge-colored world appeared.

Although it was not glamorous, but the interiors were extremely refined. Also, there were varieties of furniture that was the same as a high-class hotel.

On the ceiling was a few majestic chandeliers……Can I really live in this place?

“The area is very big, right? It was created based on the form of renting the rooms, there are many rooms on the second floor, the first floor is a common living room, kitchen and bathroom. Although the first year Student Council trainees are primarily responsible for the household chores……”

Kaguya-senpai’s words suddenly became quite vague, but instead, Kazuki felt quite welcomed by this kind of arrangement.

“No problem, I am already accustomed to doing housework. In fact, I rather like doing them.”

“Really? That’s great! Then let us immediately arrange a room for you……”

“……Kazuki.” The originally asleep Leme suddenly opened her eyes and jumped off Kazuki’s back.

“……Where’s the bathroom? Leme is, currently, extremely urgent!”

Leme’s body was trembling. This Diva, it was extremely hard to make her wake up, but the result was this kind of thing……!

Kaguya-senpai hurriedly held onto Leme’s tiny hands.

“I will bring this child to the bathroom, go and pick a room that you like on the second floor, otouto-kun!”

“Can I randomly pick!?”

“You cannot enter the rooms with a sign! Those are our rooms!”

After finishing that sentence to Kazuki, who was in a daze and standing at the spot, Kaguya-senpai brought Leme to the bathroom.

Although a follow-up was not possible, but waiting here felt quite embarrassing.

At the center of the entrance hall, there was a spiral staircase. Kazuki could not help but stroke the smooth, metal handrail and moved up to the second floor.

The second floor occupied very little space. There was a small lounge with a sofa. From that point on, a corridor that extends to the left and right with rooms organized in a row.

Kazuki opened the room nearest to him without a sign.

“……Eh? E-Rank?”

What entered his eyes was ——a currently changing Amasaki Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

A beautifully shaped body, it caused one to have an illusion of a display of a goddess sculpture.

However, the difference between the sculpture was obvious, you could notice the smooth and soft skin texture in a single glance.

“A, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?”

“Sorry! It was not on purpose!!”

Kazuki immediately rushed out of the room and closed the door with his hands clasped behind his back.

Why!? Kazuki’s head was filled with question marks as he stood at the corridor……

“……I thought I heard a strange voice……Why is the E-Rank here?”

From behind, a cold voice came. Looking back, he could only see Hiakari Koyuki standing there.

“……W, What are you wearing!?”

“This is casual wear for indoors, is there any problem?”

She was dressed in an outfit where a baggy shirt was placed over her underwear. His gaze could not be helped but be captivated by the smooth and pure-white legs that extended from the hem of the shirt.

“……Didn’t I say it before, please do not look at me like this.”

Kazuki hurriedly moved his gaze away from Koyuki, who muttered as if she did not care.

Stimulating scene appearing one by one had caused his mind to panic.

“……Wait! Why is that sword idiot E-Rank here!”

After putting on a t-shirt and a skirt, Mio shouted as she rushed out of her room.

“If I have to say why, then although I cannot explain it in detail, but I was brought over here……Amasaki, why are you here?”

“You ask me why, of course it is because I am A-Rank. Hmmph, I am A-Rank!”

“So that’s how it is, I don’t understand.”

“Understand it thoroughly! A first-year student with outstanding grades becomes a Student Council trainee, entering the Witch’s House and learning from the senpais is part of the tradition here.”

“I see, since you explained so precisely, I also understand.”

Speaking of which, what senpai had just said also represents that there are other first year Student Council trainees here.

“In other words, the ones here are the elite of the elite, only ones with A-Rank! ……But why would the E-Rank break into here? This place is not a place for a sword idiot like you should stay! A, And you just saw me naked, right!?”

“That was unavoidable! I was also called here by Kaguya-senpai……”

“Are you guys arguing? What happened?”

Issuing patapata footstep sounds, Kaguya came up the stairs.

“Ah, could it be that the other first year students also came? So that’s what it is! Because the staff meeting took too long, so the senseis showed the way! Could it be that you ran into each other?”

In other words, Kaguya-senpai thought that the other first year students have not arrived yet, so she immediately said casual words such as opening any room as long as it is not someone’s room.

“Student Council President, what on earth is with the E-Rank!?”

“This child is my disciple number one. This Magic Swordsman will be trained by me!”

“S, Student Council President’s first disciple!? Magic Swordsman, what is this! Why……Compared to me, who is A-Rank, why would a peeping man from the Hayashizaki Family, who is only skilled in sword skill, enjoy such a special treatment!?”

“Eh eh, otouto-kun peeked? This is a crime! Yellow card, suspended from school!”

“……You peeked? That……E-Rank, I was wrong about you.”

Kazuki was surrounded by three girls. Just when an interrogative atmosphere was about to begin.

“Hey hey. Where is the place to wash my hands? The person who said would guide me, guide me until the very end!”

From the bottom of the stairs, Leme’s voice suddenly came.

“That voice……Could it be the strange Diva that you contracted with? Why is it here?”

Seeing that Mio muttered suspiciously, Kaguya-senpai revealed a slight smile.

“Although a boy might be a little……Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun and his contracted Diva, Leme-chan, the two of them will be companions, who are going to live here! You should be friendly with each other.”

===Part 4===

In order to let everybody meet each other, the residents of Witch’s House gathered together at the living room on the first floor.

Kazuki, Mio, Koyuki, Kaguya-senpai and Leme, the five of them sat on the chairs around the table.

“The vice president is currently out performing a quest, so let’s wait for her for a while. It has already been shown on the television, the matter about Illegal Magic Users’ <Stigma Hunting> has already occurred. Recently, it is not peaceful.”

“……What is a quest?”

After Kazuki revealed a surprised expression, Mio showed an look of disbelief.

“Hey, E-Rank. You are obviously at the lowest, yet you do not listen to the explanations?”

……At that time, his head was filled with thoughts of what will happen next, so he basically did not listen.

“Magic Division students could go to the place called <Guild> and help the Knight’s works. The students would form groups between themselves and eliminate Magical Beasts, go outside and investigate Magic Lands, capture Illegal Magic Users, etc……They are able to select difficult quests to increase their own evaluation. And, our ranks from now on will also consistently change due to the results of the quest.”

“Also, there is the <Duel>, a competition between students, which will also cause the ranks to change.”

“……Using the current ranks as an excuse to make trouble is a very stupid thing.”

Koyuki quietly whispered. She was still wearing the casual indoor wears, which was the shirt + underwear appearance.

“Hiakari-san, it feels like you are very familiar to this place……Is this the first time coming here?”

“No, I was already here since last year.”

“Because her inborn Magic Power was unusually enormous, it was recognized that Koyuki-chan would obtain an Enigma without any doubt, so during her middle school period, she began living at this academy. The Student Council received an order from the senseis there to take care of her.”

Mio threw a gaze filled with confrontation to Koyuki.

“……How boring.” Towards this reaction, Koyuki turned to one side.

“Kaguya-senpai is a second year student, right? Is there no third year students?”

“Were you really not listening at the briefing? Once you reach the third year, because of <Internships>, they would follow the Knights around the entire country. Therefore, they are basically not at the dormitory.”

“……It can’t be helped. At the briefing, I was anxious about my own future.”

However, him being distracted to the point where he was trembling made him feel embarrassed.

Kazuki glanced at Leme who was sitting next to him. After Leme noticed his gaze——

“It’s okay.” She said quietly and held onto Kazuki’s hand underneath the table.

This sudden action made Kazuki confused. Is this fellow trying to encourage me?

“I’m back.” Another voice came from the front entrance.

“Ah, Hikaru seems to have come back now. She is the Student Council’s vice president. Hikaru, come to the living room for a bit!”

“Ara, the first years already came? I’ve made you wait for a long time, new students!”

What opened the door and valiantly appeared was a——elegant <Noble>.

With a neutral hairstyle and a gallant face that would almost make everybody recognize it incorrectly as a beautiful boy.

This elegant senpai looked at Kazuki and had her eyes immediately turn round.

“……! There is actually someone that looks more like a boy than me!?”

She lowered the luggage in her hands and rushed in front of Kazuki.

“A, Amazing! The face is a little bit cool, her body is extremely sturdy, perhaps it may be a bit rude, but it is basically just like a boy! ……Just like a……boy……ara?”

“I am a boy……senpai.”

Kazuki panicked as the senpai, who he was meeting for the first time, suddenly touched him everywhere.

Senpai tightly held onto Kazuki’s jacket and that beautiful boy-like face immediately turned red.

“S, Ssssooorrryyyy! A real boy!? Why is a boy here!?”

With amazing momentum, she escaped from Kazuki’s side and hid behind Kaguya-senpai.

“Sorry, this child is not used to dealing with boys.”

“Not used to? ……Even though she is so dignified and incredibly handsome?”

“B, Because I was always at a girl school since kindergarten, so I don’t have immunity towards boys……”

This senpai stuck out her head from behind Kaguya-senpai’s back. Sweat constantly dripped down from her forehead.

“But I do not know why I am always treated as a prince by the surrounding people. In order to respond to such expression, so I would often try hard and behave like a prince……But, this way, it also produced a somewhat strange life……UWAHH, a real boy is here……M, My heart is jumping so fast……What should I do, so scary.”

“Hey, you have to stand up in front and properly introduce yourself.”

“I did not expect a first year Student Council trainee to actually be a boy……M, My name is Hoshikaze Hikaru. C, Currently serving as the Student Council vice president. P, Please to meet you.”

These people are the roommates of my new life? It feels that they are all strange people……

“I see……Fufufu, interesting. A group worth of contracting……”

Leme whispered suspicious sounding words beside him……Contracting?

“However, it’s fine! I will absolutely not reject my cute kouhai because he is a boy! I will treat you as the same sex, and use a more casual attitude than anyone else to be friendly with each other!”

Hoshikaze-senpai delivered a prideful declaration. However, after her eyes matched up with Kazuki’s, she immediately used her two hands to cover her face.

“Uuuuuu……P, Please do not look at me like this……”

Perhaps she is a somewhat cute person, Kazuki thought.

“Right, right, Kaguya. After I finished the quest, I bought a lot of snacks back.”

“Great! Then next off, let us hold everybody’s welcome party!”

Evening 8 PM —— It was the time to eat dinner, yet on the table——

“It was completely filled with snacks.”

Towards the snack-filled mountain, Kazuki could not help but feel fear.

And these are not all mass produced products, but high-priced products applied with <Alchemy Conditioning>.

“Fufufu, being able to eat this many snacks, am I currently dreaming?”

Kaguya-senpai leaned towards the side and straightened her chest.

“No, this is food that is seriously imbalanced in nutrition and will make one gain weight……”

“A girl’s party is basically like this! Really, since you are already in the Magic Division, otouto-kun must become more familiar to the girl’s feelings. Okay, A——hhhhh”

Kaguya-senpai suddenly picked up a small, sweet biscuit and tried to feed him.

“……We still did not have a toast yet.”

Kazuki, who did not know how to react, pushed away senpai’s hand.

“A——hhhhhh was rejected by a boy!? This is against etiquette!”

“Then following this, everybody, did you fill your drinks?”

Hoshikaze-senpai poured the carbonated drinks into the cups and personally gave it to everybody.

The carbonated bubbles had an incredulous power of making the party’s atmosphere become active again.

With their hands holding a cup, everyone called out, “Cheers!”

——The welcome party continued until the moment the date changed.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1

2015-10-04T23:14:10Z

Tman111: /* Part 4 */ fixing typos

==Chapter 1 - The Swordsman in Magic Division==

===Part 1===

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman with the title of <Storm Cat>.

Since her childhood period, she went to many dojos and defeated them without a single loss. Her ponytail was
like a black cat’s tail, flapping in the sky. The strikes from her two sword style Kodachis flowed nonstop and were undoubtedly an infinite wind of swords.

Her battle form was indeed similar to her title of a Storm.

However, her sleeping face was like an angel.

The curtains were fully opened and the sunlight from the morning shone into the dark room. But even so, she
still slept like a sleeping princess and showed no signs of awakening. Her skin was white to the extent that
the light went through her cheeks. Her long black hair was tied disorderly and was in a mess. Her usual stern
swordsman’s face was also innocent and relaxed.

……It’s been a long time since he saw her, she had become cute. Kazuki looked at her fascinated.

No, no, wait. This was not the time to look at his imouto in fascination.

“Hey, quickly wake up. Breakfast is already made.”

Hayashizaki Kazuki infused a loving gesture and shook her shoulders. Right at this moment ——

“——Nii-sama, chance!”

Kanae’s eyes, whom he thought was still asleep, suddenly opened.

“What!?”

Kanae’s hands and feet were like tentacles and suddenly stuck out from under the blanket.

Kanae’s soft and small hands and legs wrapped around Kazuki’s body. In just a short period of time, she pulled
Kazuki onto the bed and tightly hugged him. Towards him, Kanae revealed a fearless smile

“Nii-sama, being attracted by his imouto’s cute sleeping face, had become careless. The bed is the battlefield for men and women. This is the Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Art <{{furigana|Strategy of Flower Attracting Insect|Deathly Plant Temptation}}>.”

“……Don’t just randomly invent a ridiculous art.”

Kanae, who was rubbing her face, flirted with Kazuki, who was stunned and sighed.

“The feeling of Nii-sama, the scent of Nii-sama, it has really been a long time. Even though yesterday Kanae finally had the opportunity to return home, but Nii-sama was not willing to sleep with me. It must be because you’re embarrassed, so Kanae thought of a scheme. As expected, you’re embarrassed, right?”

“I’m not embarrassed! ……Really now. If it were before, it would have been fine. Right now we are both high school students, it is disgusting for siblings to be stuck together. I have already said not to hug me!”

“Don’t treat Kanae’s pure sibling love as something disgusting!”

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. ——However, the fact that she is a severe bro-con was really her only drawback.

Although Kazuki wanted to escape and struggled, Kanae’s hands and legs that wrapped around his body firmly did not move. Her hands and legs were releasing a faint blue light.

The reason the petite her could use such degree of strength was because she was strengthening her body with Magic.

While they were being noisy, the blanket slid off——Only then did Kazuki notice a frightening fact.

“……You, what are you wearing? Although it is already spring, but what should we do if you caught a cold.”

Kanae was wearing pajamas where you could nearly see the skin underneath.

Her slim waist and round hips were clearly shown through the translucent fabric.

“What do you think, Nii-sama? This is Kanae that has upgraded into a female high school student. Since Kanae had not seen Nii-sama for so long, it is the anniversary where she wanted to show her female charm to Nii-sama.”

Kanae, whose face was red, stuck her body onto Kazuki and began to rub him. Her small boobs slowly changed shape.

The bed was a battlefield……Kazuki began to take deep breathes and calmed himself down.

“You are indeed my cute imouto……But I will not generate any desires towards my imouto. Quickly get away.”

“Ku. You only said cute, you actually still treat the matured lady, Kanae, as a child?”

“What mature Kanae, idiot. There is already no time for us to sleep, quickly wake up.”

“Kanae is still asleep. Fu——Fu——♪”

“……It is still the first time seeing such a shameless sleeping wear.”

“Kanae, who has not returned home for a long time, is a princess. So if you do not use a suitable method for waking up a princess to wake her up, Kanae will not leave the bed.”

“No matter what, you are still born and educated as a samurai. What is the method for waking up a princess.”

“Speaking of which, the method for waking up a princess is obviously a kiss, Nii-sama. Come.”

“Uwah, don’t come closer! Don’t bring your face closer!”

Kazuki tried again to escape……However, sure enough, if he was to only use his physical strength, it was impossible to escape from his imouto’s magical clutches.

——Helplessly, Kazuki could only also cast <Physical Enhancement Magic> onto his own body.

Drawing out energy from his spirit and allowing it to flow through his entire body. At the same time, heat gushed out from his body and Kazuki made his body awaken. In an instant, he broke away from Kanae’s hand and legs’ bind and escaped from the bed.

If the conditions were the same, then he would definitely not lose to his imouto in terms of strength.

“Meanie!”

“What meanie. You were the one that first used Enhancement Magic, right?”

Once the cold words came out from Kazuki, Kanae stared at Kazuki with puppy eyes.

“……Don’t make an expression as if you were a small animal that was abandoned. Really, I will forcibly make you get out of bed.”

Kazuki wrapped his hand around Kanae’s waist and gently picked her up from the bed. If that was the case, he should quickly finish the work of serving a princess. Kanae’s expression suddenly brightened up.

“Nii-sama! This is Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Final Secret Art <Princess Carry>!”

“Don’t randomly invent a Secret Art! We, Hayashizaki-Ryuu, do not have such final secret art!”

This person shouldn’t be looking down upon our school.

“This is nerve-racking, Nii-sama really is nerve-racking……The princess carry is almost like a dream……Even though it was so difficult to wake up, but Nii-sama had to do such a dream-like thing in the end……Is this situation what they call a heavenly feeling……”

Kazuki, using a carrying posture, made Kanae, who had a dreamy expression, spin around.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 013.jpg|thumb]]

“Okay, it’s over.”

“So short!? The feeling of floating in clouds was only a fleeting moment!? It’s too short!!”

“Hey, before you eat breakfast, go change your clothes. That kind of appearance is scandalous.”

Kazuki placed Kanae down. She pursed her lips and threw a fit.

“……Because I am a princess, I cannot change clothes by myself. Nii-sama, please personally help me change.”

“Are you still playing the game of acting as a princess, why did you suddenly say such willful words?”

“Because didn’t Nii-sama say it yesterday night, since we have not met for so long, so you will do whatever is requested, right? Us, Swordsman, must keep our promises!”

I am already not a swordsman…… Just when this sentence was about to come out from his mouth, Kazuki’s gaze fell upon the back of his left hand. An egg-shaped circular pattern was revealed there.

<Enigma>. It is an emblem from another world that changed Kazuki’s fate.

“Although I said anything is okay, but I did not imagine that you would put a request such as kissing and helping you change your clothes. If we were to do such things as siblings, then it would not be skinship, but perverted acts.”

“Anyways, Nii—sama won’t generate any lust towards Kanae, isn’t there no problem then……Or is it that Nii-sama wants to escape from Kanae’s arousing charm?”

Kanae revealed provocative eyes and raised both hands. Kazuki was outraged by this phrase.

Due to the challenge issued by his imouto, replying to all of it was a duty as her brother.

Using the mentality trained as a previous swordsman, Kazuki opened up his imouto’s pajamas. Just like peeling off thin skin, the snow-white skin was gradually revealed in front of his eyes. Kanae, mojimoji<ref>Mojimoji is the sound effect of fidgeting.</ref>, wriggled her body.

“I, It was seen……Kanae’s appearance of only wearing undergarments. I’m currently being seen by Nii-sama……Please carefully look after me……”

“Why are you excited, are you a pervert. I didn’t see. I didn’t see it one bit. And even if I did see it, I will not generate any thoughts towards my imouto wearing only undergarments……Where is your uniform?”

Kanae pointed on top of the table, a folded uniform was placed there.

<National Knight’s Academy Caryatid>’s <Sword Division>’s female uniform was a narrow sleeves kimono-styled blouse with a female hakama-style miniskirt, combining into an outfit that consisted of both Japanese and Western style.

After helping Kanae wear the stern outfit, Kazuki was finally relieved and sighed.

“Okay. Compared to that kind of pajamas, you are still more suitable for this type of clothing.”

This was the real female swordsman <Storm Cat>.

Having said that, swordsman all like to consider their nickname, sure-kill techniques, etc.

Kazuki also once had a nickname……But this was already something of the past.

“This kind of Nii-sama wearing a brand new uniform is also very very suitable!”

Kazuki was wearing a different uniform than Kanae. Because he was entering into a different division than Kanae.

He was wearing a blazer, which had an atmosphere of high quality, made from <Alchemical Silk>.

A dazzling <Gem System> embroidery was embroidered everywhere. The metal parts of the belt and the metal buttons were made by intertwining a precious rainbow-colored metal called <Marble Metal>.

This was a male uniform that generously infused the true essence of <Alchemy>.

“A gentle Nii-sama coupled with an intellectual blazer is really a wonderful combination. This is the type that gives me the number one feeling of wanting to hug Nii-sama. Nii-sama, I love you——Haahaah.”

“Calm down, Kanae. As a Hayashizaki swordsman, you cannot lose your calm……Do not excitedly breathe raggedly in front of your brother.”

“But, although my appearance of wearing the uniform was praised by Nii-sama and made me happy, Kanae further hopes that Nii-sama would be more aware of the sexy undergarments earlier. Although I am your imouto, but it is only in name……”

“Exactly because it is an imouto in name, so I have to be more mindful of it.”

Kazuki, who was once an orphan, was in a position where he was accepted as an adopted son by the Ancient Sword Skill Prestigious Family —— Hayashizaki Family.

In other words, Kanae is the daughter of the family that he owes a great debt to.

“Even if it is only kissing on the cheeks, it is fine. I want Nii-sama’s kiss. So sad……”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she had lost a duel and whispered. She placed two kodachis on her waist. She was already accustomed to the extremely heavy weight from the true swords. She turned her gaze towards Kazuki at the side.

“Nii-sama……Although you are very cool while wearing the uniform……But as expected, you won’t be bringing your blade?”

“How can I bring it. I am not a student of the Sword Division.”

Listening to the answer that left no room to debate, Kanae angrily glared at Kazuki’s left hand.

“It is all because that damn Enigma suddenly emerged from Nii-sama’s left hand!”

“It is already too late to talk about it……I already left behind the feelings of the sword.”

The people with magic qualities that were recognized by <Diva> will be awarded a Stigma on the back of the left hand at the age of fourteen, when their magic begins to grow.

People who owned a Stigma had to enter the <Magic Division> to study and were destined to form a contract with a Diva.

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. And Hayashizaki Kazuki——From today on, is a <Summoning Magic User>.

===Part 2===

Because the morning temperature had dropped a lot, spring mist had appeared outside.

As if it was cutting apart the hazy patch, the <Magic Light Train> released a blue magic light and was moving on the street.

This train was the product of high level Magic and Alchemy. The material used for the train’s frame was the newly generated metal <Mithril>, made by Alchemy, and it had succeeded in substantially reducing the weight.

And by using the driver’s <Thought Magic> to act as a support for the performance and operations, even if it was a complex urban route, it was still feasible to run it with a speed no less than on a Shinkansen.<ref>Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.</ref>

While its speed could be accelerated to 250 km per hour in a short period of time, it could also utilize the blessing of Thought Magic to reduce the weight of the train and swiftly reduce the speed as it approached the station. It would not make any noise as it stopped.

However, the production of mithril was extremely difficult, so it was still a valuable product. This kind of train operation was only an experimental project that was limited within Tokyo.

——The Magic Light Train had arrived at <Knight’s Academy Station>.

Kazuki and Kanae both came down from the train and onto the station platform.

Because they had left home when there was still an ample amount of time, the figures of other freshmen were extremely limited and it was very quiet. The shopping street near the station was also the same. Aside from the convenience store, the other shops’ rolling shutter doors had not been pulled up yet.

“Nii-sama is really planning on entering the Magic Division and not the Sword Division?”

During the way to the academy from the station, Kanae asked unhappily.

“……By now, there is nothing to say about it. This isn’t something I should hesitate about on the day of the entrance ceremony.” Kazuki replied.

Since humans have discovered Magic, this brand new power, it has already been 15 years.

The cause of it was due to Alchemy.

Due to the <Rosicrucian group> that seeks human evolution, the <Golden Dawn> led by MacGregor Mathers and the Nazi Germany’s research institution <Ahnenerbe>, these secret organizations inheriting alchemy through line of succession finally produced a massive result 15 years ago.

That was the fruit of their research, a great red fruit <Philosopher’s Stone>.

It was produced by a mysterious Alchemist. A man-made magical stone with an unknown creation method.

By embedding this ruby-like red-colored stone into the human’s brain, the Magic Power of humans would awaken.

Although it is embedded, it is not directly placed into the brain through surgery. Just by placing this incredible stone on the forehead, the part that touches the skin would slowly be assimilated and gradually enter the body until it reached the brain.

Due to the appearance of the Philosopher’s Stone, the world’s order had completely changed.

Magic could not be explained through scientific theories.

Magic was not restricted by scientific theories.

Magic belonged to a higher dimension than science, causing the rules to be completely rewritten.

For example, when a Magic user uses Magic to cover his entire body, this layer of Magic barrier would “Ignore” and repel all weapons or physical phenomena. This layer of Magic Barrier could only be destroyed by Attacking Magic or Magic Swords that holds Magic.

Thus, the era had become <The Era of Swords and Magic>.

Police and self-defense forces had transformed into <Knights> composed of Swordsman and Magic Users.

And Japan’s Knight training academy was the National Knights Academy Caryatid.

——Which is also the school that Kazuki is about to enter to study.

“Nii-sama, who had inspired me to the way of the sword, actually entered the Magic Division……Having to enter a different dormitory than me, who belongs to the Sword Division……The Diva that gave Nii-sama an Enigma is extremely detestable……”

The Knights Academy was divided into Sword Division and Magic Division, and implemented a complete boarding system.

Kazuki and Kanae were divided into directions of different careers. Kanae still could not accept this result.

“What kind of purpose did that fellow known as Diva have to give a person like me this kind of thing?”

Kazuki raised his left hand that had the Enigma imprinted on it and whispered quietly.

The Divas were inhabitants of an alternative world that was brought forth through Summoning Magic.

Through the vast and deep psychological sea inside a person’s heart—— Deep down inside, there was a door that leads to another world.

Until the very end, the scientific community did not completely understand a human’s heart and spirit. It was through this <Heart of Door> that the body contained something that came from alternative world.

By allowing Magic Power, this supreme feeling to be attached to the body, the current generation of humans were able to feel it.

All of the humans are connected to each other through this alternative world.

The non-material alternative world was named as <Astrum>.

In Astrum, large amounts of Magic Power were swirling.

Inside the swirl of Magic Power lurked <Consciousness with Personality>. They contracted with humans and when people sleep, they would move from Astrum into their dreams to communicate with them.

To form a contract with the humans, the magic that summons them to this side of the world was —— Summoning Magic.

What was surprising was that they, who were called out from the depths of the spiritual world, had similar attitudes and names as the <Gods> and <Demons> from ancient mythology.

Thus they were given the name of Diva.<ref>God = 神, Demon = 魔, combining the two of them gets Diva = 神魔.</ref>

The numerous countries all over the world all became fanatical religious countries towards the Diva encountered.

However, in the originally, weak faith Japan, a contract with a Diva was basically controlled as a power for the military.

This was because by using the Diva’s Power’s Summoning Magic, it was too powerful compared to Normal Magic.

A portion of the Divas responded to the Japanese Government’s summons and selected people, who were suitable for the power, from Japanese citizens and granted them the Enigma.

The Enigma was currently under strict regulation by the country. By holding a <Contract Ritual>, it would become a <Stigma> and give the host the power of Summoning Magic.

Thus, the people, who had an Enigma, all had the obligations to enter the Magic Division to study.

This was in order for the precious Enigmas to not be wasted and become combat strength.

And it was also in order for Summoning Magic, this dangerous power, to be completely placed under the control of the country and the academy.

——Right now, Kazuki’s hand also harbored an Enigma, which could be called as an <Invitation sent by a Diva>.

“I also did not want to become a <Stigma Magic User>. However, if you are awarded a Enigma, it is equivalent to losing the freedom for the future.”

It was not exagerated for Summoning Magic to be known as an heroic power that was equivalent to thousands of forces on a battlefield.

Normally, being awarded an Enigma shouldn’t absolutely make one frustrated, even if it made one unhappy.

“……But I, instead of a Stigma Magic User, wanted to become more of a swordsman. I wanted to repay the gratitude towards my foster father-sama who discovered my talent for the sword while I was an ordinary orphan.”

Even if they were both Knights, the position of a Swordsman was much lower than that of a Stigma Magic User.

Although swordsman specialized in swift close combat, in the end, the role it played was only that of a meat shield to buy time for the Stigma Magic User to chant Magic.

However, even so, Kazuki still wanted to become a swordsman, and replace his foster father, Hayashizaki Jinkai. To let everybody in the world know the power of <Hayashizaki-Ryuu Iai Jutsu> was his greatest goal in life.

“However, my foster father actually said. “Since you are a person that was selected, then don’t continue to hold this kind of intolerable dreams. Do not let your life be bounded by thoughts of gratitude.” So I decided to enter the Magic Division. In order to find a brand new goal.”

So you should also accept this reality, Kazuki said as he tapped Kanae’s head.

“It is fine if you do not consider gratitude. By now, you should stop trying to be an outsider.”

While being tapped upon, Kanae issued out an unsatisfied voice.

“Indeed. The ancient sword skills used for actual combat that were passed from generations to generation from the Hayashizaki Family, had the purpose of letting the world know the true power of the sword. Swordsmanship has always been underestimated compared to Summoning Magic. Our Magic Swords will not lose to Divas. However, for the mission of allowing the world to know the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu, I am enough by myself! Nii-sama’s gratitude is completely unnecessary! But!”

Kanae said up to this point, and her cheeks began to pout.

“Although it is like that, but Nii-sama becoming a Stigma Magic User, I still can not agree to it! If there is a need to say why, the match between me and Nii-sama have not yet determined the winner!!”

“If it is about the outcome……Am I not leading with 139 wins and 118 loss?”

“The match is to continue until I overtake you! Until then, we should always continue to fight!”

When Kazuki was first adopted by the Hayashizaki Family, Kanae did not recognize Kazaki as a family member.

And it was only because Kazuki had continued to hone his own sword skills, allowing his own rudeness to slowly conflict against Kanae during that period of time, that Kanae unconsciously began to call Kazuki “Nii-sama” and started to flirt with him.

The record of 139 wins, 118 loss was the history between the two of them.

Kazuki used both hands to pinch Kanae’s pouting cheeks. The air pufu leaked out from Kanae’s mouth. Kazuki began to play with Kanae’s cheeks by pulling left and right.

“N, Nii-sama……Please don’t play with your imouto’s cheeks……”

“If you are the strongest swordsman, then I will become the strongest Stigma Magic User.”

Kanae suddenly widened her eyes. Kazuki stared at those eyes and said to her.

“So from now on, we are still opponents. Kanae’s Magic Sword must not lose when fighting against my Summoning Magic.”

Although the path for the two of them had split apart, but it was not to the point where they lost their bonds.

“……Nii-sama must become the strongest in Magic Division. The people of Hayashizaki Family cannot be anything else.”

The strongest power huh, although to me, I still do not know how to use this kind of thing……

While he whispered softly in his heart, Kazuki stared at the sky shrouded by the spring mist.

===Part 3===

As they walked, the spring mist finally dispersed. The academy appeared under the blue sky.

The stone built school doors were standing in front of them. Flower beds decorated both sides of the path as it extended directly forward. In front, you could see a fountain square.

On the left of the fountain square was a brick built mansion and a sharp tower. The classic brick structure produced a feeling that it was indeed a school for Magic Users.

Comparatively, on the right, wooden built Japanese-styled building were lined up closely in rows. That side was undoubtedly the dorm for swordsman.

A school that was divided into two—— The school divided the Magic Division and the Sword Division to show a completely different perspective.

Kazuki stopped in front of the school doors and swiftly turned to face Kanae.

“So that’s it. From now on, please take care of me……Senpai.”

“Please don’t be like that! Nii-sama is obviously my beloved Nii-sama!”

“But truthfully……Kanae-neesama is older than me and is a 2nd year senpai at school.”

“K…Kanae-neesama!?” Kanae suddenly became speechlessly.

Kanae, who treated and admired Kazuki as an older brother, was in fact older than Kazuki. It was the so-called imouto that was older in age.

The reason behind this strange relationship was because Kazuki was an orphan with an unknown birth.

Kazuki was raised as a child of the same age as Kanae in the Hayashizaki family, his birthday was also celebrated on the same day as Kanae’s birthday. Because his mother from Hayashizaki family had died from a disease, Kazuki took the lead and was responsible for housework. Thus, the relationship between Kanae naturally become <The Caring Brother> and <The Lazy Sister>.

Enigma are something that appeared upon the selected people when they became 14 years old.

After Kanae’s 14th birthday had approached, in the Hayashizaki Family, they had a grand celebration for the two child not having revealed an Enigma. ——However, the year after that, an Enigma appeared on Kazuki’s left hand.

Speaking of which, this was something that should be impossible.

Kazuki, who always thought he was the same age as Kanae, was extremely surprised because “He was still fourteen years old!”, and the truth that Kanae, who was always “Nii-sama Nii-sama” and desperately flirting with him, was actually older was revealed.

“So that’s why I said, our relationship will not change! If it was during the time when I was stronger, it would be fine, but now since I have been overtaken and even the fact that that I am older……I, it makes one angry!”

“Please become more mature, Nee-sama”

“Don’t call me Nee-sama! Kanae is Nii-sama’s imouto!!”

“Then, please show me around the school. This is the reason why we got up early and rushed over here.”

From today on, Kanae was a second year student. So she would usually live in the Sword Division’s student dormitory.

However, Kanae said that she was going to bring Kazuki around the school before the entrance ceremony, so she returned back home. Then they come to school together.

“Please rest assured and leave it to me! Then we will immediately begin by visiting the school from the Sword Division!”

“No, it is still better to bring me to visit the Magic Division. I am going to study over there.”

“How can it be ……You don’t plan to go to the Sword Division now, but instead head off to the Magic Division!?”

“Don’t turn the conversation back again!”

Kazuki tapped her head, but Kanae happily revealed an “Ehehe~” expression. Just when they were performing this sibling two person-show,

“President! I finally found you, president——!”

From the other side of the school door, a male’s voice came.

A bulky guy directly rushed over in a straight line.

It was a guy that was cleanly dressed with short hair. He was wearing a Sword Division’s male uniform. A Odachi was on his waist.

“Torazou!? Why are you here!”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she noticed a person that could not easily be dealt with.

“President, why did you not reply the text messages I sent to you, even if I called you, no one answered!”

“This morning I have the very important duty of leading a freshman on his way, so didn’t I say to absolutely not bother me? I had conveyed this to all of you when I submitted the application to return home from school! Of course I will obviously switch off my phone!”

At this time, this person, Torazou-senpai turned his gaze towards Kazuki and revealed an “Ah!” expression.

“Even though he is a male, but he is wearing a Magic Division uniform. Could this person be the legendary……?”

The incident about Kazuki’s body having an Enigma seemed to have already spread throughout the country as a much discussed topic.

The reason for this is because it was something that should normally not happen.

Torazo-senpai continued to stare at Kazuki. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling.

“Hmmmmh, this person is my Nii-sama. He is super strong! It is a brother that I am proud of!”

“The president’s older brother? Even though this person should have only entered the school this year……?”

“Although he is a kouhai, but he is still my Nii-sama! Compared to that, what business do you have for finding me? I will decide based on your response whether or not to cut you!”

Kanae untied the sheath, placed her hand on the handle and threatened. Torazo-senpai immediately flinched.

“S,Sorry……Inside the school’s garden, there is a person from the Magic Division that found faults with the Sword Division and created a commotion……”

“A dispute? But Torazou, you disregarded the commotion and specifically searched for me in this vast campus where my location was unclear to you? How should you explain?”

“Iori is waiting at the scene. Although I called your phone number, there was no response, but I recalled hearing that you were going to lead a freshman, so I didn’t bother and took a chance to look at the front of the school doors.”

“Your luck is really good.” Torazo-senpai smiled as he spoke, but Kanae reacted with an “Awful……” and held her head.

“……What a useless person. Stop relying on me to this point. Can you still be considered as the 3rd place of the Student Council belonging to the Sword Division?”

“But if president does not think of a way to solve it, then the dispute with the Magic Division will not be solved. Only the president is capable of directly fighting against the people of the Magic Division. It is not only me, who is unpromising.”

“It is that kind of thinking of taking the Magic Division as granted that is the most unpromising! This guy or that guy, once they come to the Sword Division, their heads are filled with thoughts of defeat!!”

After Kanae severely scolded Torazo-senpai, she turned towards Kazuki and revealed a dejected expression.

“Then, Nii-sama……I am extremely sorry……There is an emergency situation that occurred.”

“Although it is regrettable, but since it is the Student Council’s work, then it can’t be helped. The things over there are more important.”

“I actually made Nii-sama felt regret! As compensation, even if I have to exchange my life, I will……!”

“Don’t be too concerned about it. Good luck, senpai!”

“Really now, don’t call me senpai! ……Damn, it can’t be helped. Let’s go, Torazou. What on earth is that expression of yours as if you saw something strange. Stop looking over there and quickly bring me to the scene!”

Kanae mercilessly kicked Torazou-senpai’s butt and rushed over to the site of dispute.

“You’re trusted by everybody, Kanae.”

Knight Academy’s Student Council President. That was the other appearance of Kanae.

The Knight Academy followed the spirit of meritocracy. In other worlds, Kanae was already the strongest person in the Sword Division.

“Since Kanae has already become the Sword Division’s Student Council President, I must also aim for the Magic Division’s Student Council President.”

Having a remarkable sister, the younger brother have a difficult task to keep up.

Although anyways I do not know why that is.

Speaking of which……Kanae, who was originally planning to lead the way, was already gone.

“This side is probably the Magic Division.”

The school uses the fountain square as a dividing point, left and right were respectively split into Magic Division and Sword Division.

Heading to the Magic Division on the left side, many brick constructed buildings were lined up. Although it was still early, you could still see the figure of female students scattered around.

“……Hey, that person is the legendary……It’s the one that was awarded an Enigma even though he is a male…….”

“Eh, it’s him……Looks more normal than expected. I imagined him to have a more wild-like feeling.”

“Is it a mistake. A savage male swordsman actually got mixed into the Magic Division……!”

The female students were all secretly looking at Kazuki and were quietly discussing something.

Just now Torazou-senpai also……As expected, it had already spread out.

Enigma. Originally it would only be ushered onto a <Girl>’s body on their fourteenth birthday.

Because a female’s Magic Power was naturally higher than a male's.

However, speaking of which, Kazuki did not have a Magic Power surpassing the average standard of males. Why Kazuki obtained an Enigma was still a complete mystery. Even he, himself, wondered if there were something wrong.

……And those are the Magic Users that belongs to the Knight?

While he walked, Kazuki noticed an abnormal tension. The situation wasn’t just throughout the students, it was also mixed among the female Magic Teachers that were wearing <Magical Dress> (Decorteo Brigieux) and belonged to the Knights.

Because it was an entrance ceremony that was responsible for the country’s future Stigma Magic Users, they had specifically sent out the originally understaffed Knights as a precaution.

Really now, if you carefully think about it, he had really came to an amazing place……

Truthfully, he did not have any confidence in his magic talent. Especially in Magic Power. Acquired growth is extremely rare, the pros and cons have mostly been determined from birth. Could relying on effort make up for the unfavorable situation in the end……

Why am I here in this place.

In order to avoid the gazes sent to him, Kazuki headed to a location where there were no shadows.

However, just after he walked for a while ——His vision was suddenly blinded.

“Guess ——Who am I?”

A sweet voice entered his ears, was this —— a girl covering his eyes from behind!?

Just like a scene in romance manga. However, this was too abrupt.

“Who ——Am I? Okay, okay, say it quickly. Do you not recognize me?”

It was undoubtedly a voice he had never heard before. At the same time, a soft feeling was pressed from behind. ''T, This feeling is……!''

“Even if you want me to guess, I do not have any idea……!?”

“Quickly answer me! If you do not quickly determine who I am, I will become a yandere! This “Guess —— Who am I?” question includes a weird scene!”

“ “Guess —— Who am I?” Is it something so scary that there is a need for an ethical review!?”

“Quick—ly——say! If you do not immediately answer, the luxurious prizes will be gone! The prize is actually a two person hot spring trip, if you answer correctly, then I will go together with you!”

“The prize appeared!? What has this situation become!?”

The feeling was indeed extremely soft. Although he wanted to vent, but it could become troublesome, so Kazuki was almost confused.

“10, 9, 8, 7……Really now, because there are no signs of answering my question, all of the middle numbers are omitted, 0! It can’t be helped, it’s time to enter the time to kill. It is fine to answer while looking at me.”

Both hands from the girl moved away from his face, Kazuki immediately turned around and looked behind.

What entered his vision was ——a tall girl with a slim figure. Although it was the slim figure of a model, but her boobs were so massive as if it was teasing the male’s heart.

From behind, her long smooth hair was flowing due to the early morning’s breeze.

Coupled with the scenery from the academy, it was as if she was a person from a painting.

The generally huge eyes sparkled like gems and stared through Kazuki.

“……Who?”

Kazuki muttered in a daze. As long as he met this person once, he would absolutely never forget it.

“The correct answer is ……It’s our first meeting!”

Kazuki, who placed out a stance, suddenly felt all his strength disappear.

“Sorry, because I wanted to become your friend, so it can’t be helped.”

Her face revealed a blooming flowers-like, dazzling smile. Once she smiled, the dimples on her face were revealed.

“It’s my first time meeting you. My name is Otonashi Kaguya, the silent, shining night sky<ref>Otonashi Kaguya = 音無輝夜, if you split it apart into 音無 and 輝夜. 音無 = silent, 輝夜 = shining night.</ref>—— A mysterious and beautiful girl that was like an aurora and the constellations in the sky. Because my parents wanted to bring me up as such a person, so they have given me such a troubling name. A 16 year old girl who has her face filled with tears due to her small-minded name being teased around. I am your senpai.”

She placed a hand on her huge boobs, and clearly made a self-introduction.

“Uhhhh, my name is……”

“I know! You are the otouto of the Sword Division’s Student Council President, Kanae, who was awarded an Enigma, Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun!”

“Are you familiar with my older sister?”

“Our relationship is very good! And because you are a special existence, I slightly investigated it.

''……Special, huh. Even I do not understand why I came to such a place.''

“Anyways, can you become my friend? No, please be my friend!”

Otonashi-senpai powerfully gripped Kazuki’s hand, and her face approached closer.

The gem-like eyes emitted an intense light. Due to the power of that gaze, he was pressured—— Kazuki could not help but nod his head.

“Success, I am friend number 1!”

Otonashi-senpai happily shaked Kazuki’s arms.

“Then please call me Kaguya. I hope that you will use the method of directly calling your friend’s name.”

“T, that’s a bit……Please allow me to call you Kaguya-senpai.”

“Senpai……Senpai, huh. From this year on, I became a senpai. It feels somewhat embarrassing.”

Senpai’s face was filled with a smile. By the way, how long do we have to hold hands……?

“Incidentally why are you in such a remote location? A school adventure?”

Senpai maintained the posture of holding Kazuki’s hand and her face quickly approached as she asked.

Too close Too close, her face is pointlessly approaching too close! Seems like you could smell a certain fragrant scent!

“Until just now, my older sister was showing me around, but because of an emergency, she had to leave first. Thus, I did not know what to do and hang around here.”

“Ahahah! I know, as a replacement then, I will show you around this school! Ok——ay, speaking of Magic Division, why not first head off to the most famous attraction, the <Witch’s House>!”

Senpai shouted “Let’s go!” and pulled Kazuki’s hand. She was really a motivated person.

''Do we have to walk while holding hands? Should a male and female of this age be doing such a thing? ……But the other side shows no signs of being concerned, being excessively concerned feels a bit outrageous.''

''And……I am a human who had devoted his life towards training swordsmanship. Therefore, I must not be in disarray just by the extent of a beautiful big sister holding my hands. I will not lose!''

In turn, Kazuki gripped the other’s hand, thus Kaguya senpai issued out a “WA” sound.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 032.jpg|thumb]]

“WAA! UWAH, it’s my first time experiencing this feeling. A male’s strength is rather strong. It feels like I’m being hugged!”

''A calm heart. Right now I must maintain a calm heart that is even calmer than Gandhi……''

However, just after they walked for a while, Kazuki sensed a strange feeling. It was rustling within his heart.

Although there was no wind, yet the air was swept away. It was as if there were signs of him being involved in a whirlpool of confusion.

Once as a swordsman, the keen sense he trained before was currently telling him about this abnormal situation.

“……This is” From inside his mind, Gandhi was blown away.

“Ara? You noticed as well? How keen. Are you the type that specializes in Perceptibility Enhancement Magic? ……Yes, in a certain location, a great volume of Magic is currently flowing and causing the world to tremble.”

Due to a completely different power ——Magic, the world that was supported by physical laws, was trembling.

Yes, the confusion was not the air, but the space in the vicinity——The world, itself.

Somewhere in the academy, a large-scale magic phenomenon——Summoning Magic was currently occurring.

“Let us go see the situation!”

Kaguya-senpai’s expression became tense and she tightly held Kazuki’s hand as she began to run.

===Part 4===

Rushing to the location, it was the English-Style Garden on the outskirts of the Magic Division.

The place that was covered with overflowing green lawn, was currently filled with lights from Magic.

Two types of colored lights, red and green ——Two female students, who were wearing the Magic Division’s uniform, were currently chanting Summoning Magic. Although generally, Magic will release blue lights, but Summoning Magic is based on the Diva that was contracted and will emit a different colored light.

With the red and green colored Magic lights as the background, there was a figure that stepped onto the lawn like a dancing shadow. Although you could not see the face from behind, but the figure was holding a slightly short Japanese sword ——a Kodachi, in one hand.

The two Stigma Magic Users were currently battling with a Swordsman.

The red light began to swell. It was the pulse from a Diva that surpassed human wisdom. Right now, the world is being distorted——

“Too slow!”

However, compared to that, the figure of the Swordsman was even faster and swooped over.

At the same time, a voice with a rippling atmosphere and the sharp sound of piercing through the air “Byu!” rang out.

The instant the swordsman slashed, the swelling red light burst open and disappeared.

Even though the Magic User had deployed a blue Magic Barrier, it was blown away by the powerful impact.

The swordsman rolled over and turned to face the other Magic User.

This time, the face of the swordsman was shown. Kazuki gasped in surprise.

It was Kanae!…..Although the moment he saw the Kodachi, he wondered if it was her……

“I know thy name. Thy name is Andromalius……”<ref>Andromalius is a mighty Great Earl of Hell, having 36 legions of demon at his service. It is the 72th Spirit among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>

The female releasing a green light was chanting a spell. Andromalius is the name of the Diva she was contracted with. Her entire body was wrapped in light ——

“You are also too slow!”

With terrifying momentum, Kanae jumped and gave her a blow with her Magic Sword before the Summoning Magic activated.

This female’s blue Magic Barrier that she enacted was also blown away.

The blue colored barrier was not the power of Summoning Magic, but Normal Magic using their own Magic Power. As an emergency defense, she was forced to give up on the Summoning Magic Chant and resort to her own Magic.

The modern humans that awakened as Magic Users, when aware that they are in danger, will reflexively use Magic to cover their body in order to deny the phenomenon that will bring harm to themselves and negate it. Thus, it was rare for them to be injured.

The Magic Barrier that arises from the defensive instinct was known as <Defense Magic>

However, if it suffered from an attack that contained Magic Power, this Defensive Magic will gradually be reduced.

A battle between Magic Users is all about reducing the opponent’s Magic Power——Which is also their Spiritual Power.

“Ara, although they did not wear the Magical Dress for <Simplified Chant> , but having their chant disrupted so easily is bad. If they wish to face against Kanae-chan, then their training is far from enough."

Kaguya-senpai quietly said beside Kazuki. Could this senpai be a person with great strength?

The two girls stood up and, once again, began to chant.

“Hmph. You want to be cut by me a thousand times until your Magic Power runs out!”

Kanae’s face revealed a smile that was just like the incarnation of a battle maniac, and pulled out her second Kodachi. The two sword style was the sign of Kanae becoming serious. Then she pounced over again like a cat——

“Stop right here!” Kaguya-senpai, who was watching the developments on the side, issued a loud cry.

The Magic Lights were once again interrupted. Kanae also stopped her own actions.

“In other words, it was the two Magic Division students over there ……Ogiwara-san and Sato-san, who were refusing to give way to the Sword Division students, that created a dispute. Thus, the Sword Division students intervened to mediate, did they not?”

After the battle stopped, the three Sword Division students that were observing the situation in a sheltered location, appeared one by one.

Revealing a frightened expression, Torazou-senpai and another female student that seemed to be in the Sword Division Student Council explained the situation to Kaguya-senpai.

Kazuki stood beside senpai and carefully listened to the development of the situation.

“It is not something as cute as mediating! That woman suddenly used her sword and chopped over here!”

The Magic Division student that released the red light, roared as she retorted.

“In the first place, was it not you two, who used Summoning Magic on the Sword Division students?"

“That was only a slight warning. Even though it is obviously the territory of the Magic Division, these people continued to resist.”

“Did you only plan it as a warning? Sato-san.”

Kaguya suspiciously asked the female student that was called Sato-san.

“You actually said it was a warning? Don’t joke around. It was probably because you wanted to test the Summoning Magic you’ve just learned and specifically came here to cause trouble. Speaking of which, recently the Magic Division people, like criminals on the street, have used the Sword Division students as experimental subjects and caused trouble. In the earlier period, there were also students that became unconscious!”

Unconscious, in other words, they suffered from a powerful Magic attack.

In the face of threats, Magic Users would instinctively deploy Defense Magic, but there was also a limit.

When Magic Users felt that their own Magic Power could not protect their bodies, they would open the <Heart of Door> and attempt to draw out large Magic Power from Astrum.

Although through this method, they would temporarily have Magic Power that exceeded their body’s limits, but as the cost for it, their consciousness would be dragged into Astrum and they would become unconscious.

This unconscious phenomenon was known as <Magic Drunk>. If the symptoms were severe, their consciousness would be unable to return from Astrum. The Heart of Door would also be damaged and cause their spirit to become unstable.

“People fainted!? I did not hear that such a thing has happened……!?”

“That is because the teachers in Magic Division hid the incidents up. The Sword Division students that suffered from Summoning Magic were requested to swallow their frustrations and were not allowed to make a big commotion. Only recently, I have begun to grasp the situation.”

“……Were you two planning on doing such things as well?”

“We did not think about doing such things! You only listened to what the Sword Division was saying!? Aren’t we the ones that suffered an attack from the criminals on the street!”

The person that released the red light ——Ogiwara-san retorted. Listening to what she was saying, as there was no third party other than the Sword Division, it was impossible to figure out what had happened.

“Just because there is no evidence, it cannot be treated as a case. Based on this side, the only punishment method is to beat them up here until they cannot get at this place. If they were beaten up by the people in Sword Division, then they could learn to endure their disgrace.”

“Kanae-chan, you too, please don’t use this kind of violence as a solution!”

“Don’t call me Kanae-chan! Don’t act like you are familiar with me!”

Towards Kaguya-senpai’s and Kanae’s attitude, Kazuki was somewhat surprised.

Although Kaguya-senpai had said that they were friends……it feels that this atmosphere was very suspicious.

“Even if there are no means that could directly address this situation, I also think that we should not resort to violence in order for the long-term vision of improving relationship between the two Divisions. If we do this, sooner or later……”

Even though Kaguya-senpai delivered a passionate speech, Kanae bit her teeth and denied her opinion.

“Don’t talk about nonsense. You think the Sword Division students that were treated as experimental subjects for Summoning Magic will accept this?”

The one that emitted a green light, Sato-senpai, also shrugged with a mocking expression.

“Sword Division, this inferior species suddenly cutting over here. It is impossible to improve relations.”

Listening to her remarks, Kaguya-senpai sharply gazed at her.

“Speaking of which, your Sword Division is inferior, threatening us to move away, this kind of attitude……!”

However, Sato-senpai only “ Yes, yes, I know” and interrupted senpai’s words.

“You say you want the Magic Division and Sword Division to become friendly? ……If it’s me. Although I acknowledge your strength, but this I cannot agree with your perspective. Even though we were obviously the victim here.”

Sato-senpai swiftly turned around. Ogiwara-senpai also followed to do so.

“ Making “Us that obtained a Stigma” and the Sword Division equal, that is what is truly unfair.”

Kazuki, who was watching the situation develop, frowned……Anyways, it feels that these people were too arrogant.

Stigma. Was it really something that special?

“Hmmph, what amazing Stigma Magic User-sama. Even though it was two together, yet they were beaten by a swordsman easily.”

Kanae sneered and provoked. The two of them instantly paled and then turned over.

“That was……because you suddenly slashed over here, okay! That is basically the same as plotting against others!”

“If it was based on the form of a <Duel>, then we would not have had our chant so easily disrupted by you!?”

“So you are saying that the gentlemen-like Magic Users could only fight on a battlefield when they are fully prepared. Speaking of which, you Magic Division fellow, even if I request a duel, you would not even accept it, right?”

“That is because even if a Magic Division student wins against a Swordsman Division student, our ranks will not increase! In other words, what Swordsman Division, they are completely not within our sights!”

While dropping this sentence, the two of them left the garden.

“……I’m really unhappy, I was not able to fight until I fully enjoyed it” and so on, Kanae muttered some dangerous sounding words.

Towards Kanae, who was like this, the male Sword Division student, who was picked upon, bowed his head down.

“President, I’m really sorry. Because I am too weak, I caused trouble for you.”

Torazou-senpai gently held his shoulder.

“President, I’ll send this person over to the teacher’s office. And I’ll submit the report about the incident and the victim.”

“I feel that it is futile. I already am only interested in catching those who caused harm and beat them down onto the ground.”

“I have been sick and tired of it , really.” Torazou-senpai whined and brought the male student away.

It seems that little girl member of the Student Council also chased after him.

——Waiting until they left, Kanae’s head turned swiftly towards Kazuki’s direction.

“Nii-sama~♪ Nii-sama actually took the initiative to find me!”

Kanae seemed like a completely different person and issued out a sweet voice as she pounced over here. Kaguya-senpai’s eyes widened.

“Nii-sama? Isn’t Kazuki-kun Kanae’s otouto?”

“Although physically, he is my otouto, but spiritually, he is my nii-san.”

After Kaguya-senpai scratched her head “I see, although I do not understand”, she turned around and faced Kanae.

“Speaking of which, Kanae. That kind of violence is not allowed! You should think of a more peaceful method instead!”

“What, so you are still here? Don’t casually talk with me.”

“……Aren’t you two friends?”

“Who is friends with this person. I only, as the Student Council President of the Sword Division, had to greet this person……Because this person is the Magic Division Student Council President.”

Kazuki was suddenly dumbfounded. ——In other words, this person is the strongest Stigma Magic User in Magic Division!

“This girl is currently the Magic Division Student Council President, <Nightmare Bringer>, Otonashi Kaguya !”

Kaguya-senpai proudly straightened her chest.

“Why is Nii-sama together with this fellow?”

Towards Kanae’s question, the one that replied was not Kazuki, but Kaguya-senpai.

“Because I noticed this new student was walking very lonely within the school, so I decided to bring him around the school.”

“Nii-sama was lonely!? Sorry, Nii-sama! Kanae will absolutely never abandon Nii-sama again! Come, let’s ignore this fellow and continue our date while visiting the academy.”

Kanae hugged Kazuki’s arm and pulled with force.

“Ah, wait a minute. I’m also bringing him around!”

Within a hairbreadth, Kaguya-senpai also grabbed onto his other arm. Pe~! ''……What on earth was that Pe~ feeling.''

“Nii-sama! Just now in a Unyou-like time, your expression suddenly became indecent and relaxed! What made you so happy!? Could it be that this fellow’s cow-like boobs made you feel happy!?"

The so-called “Unyou” was a speed unit used in Ancient Style Swordsman Skills. The instant the lightning from above flashed in the sky was recorded as “Unyou”. In other words, it was so fast that the eyes could not perceive it. It was the territory of a God.

“I, I did not reveal any indecent expression! This kind of thing never disturbed my heart!”

“Boobs?” After Kaguya-senpai froze for a while, she noticed that her own boobs were currently pressing onto Kazuki’s arm. Then she said “Sorry, you must hate it” and hurriedly pulled away. ''Although I did not exactly hate it……''

Kanae also seemed to confront this and pressed her boobs onto Kazuki’s arm. Flat!

''…….What was that flat feeling earlier.''

“Why is it when it’s my turn, it is not indecent, but an expression of regret……”

“Sorry……”

“Boobs will only get in the way. I also want to become slim and cool like Kanae-chan.”

Kanae’s expression had suddenly become like an Asura. It was a face of a swordsman filled with killing intent.

“Go die! DIE FASTER, YOU STUPID MEAT WOMAN! Speaking of which, Nii-sama and I already made an appointment long ago, so don’t just shamelessly get involved! Go away to your side! Your boobs should also fall apart!”

“But I am also currently bringing this child around! And this child is a freshman in our Magic Division! If it is only Kanae-chan, I think it is impossible to bring him around effectively……Ah, right.”

Saying up to here, Kaguya, pon<ref>SFX for clapping.</ref>, and clapped her hands. Then she, once again, held onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Shouldn’t Kanae-chan, who does not have any intention to peacefully get along with Magic Division, be the one to get away from my Magic Division freshman?”

“What!” Buchin!<ref>SFX for snapping.</ref> From Kanae’s head, the sound of a blood vessel bursting apart could be heard.

“Magic Division students should be led by the Magic Division Student Council President, what do you say, Kazuki-kun?”

“No, even if you ask me……!”

“Nii-sama…… Compared to the Magic Division, Nii-sama is a person more suitable for the Sword Division! Nii-sama and I are not at fault, it is the world that is at fault! Diva, you baka!!”

Kanae’s body began to tremble, while she activated enhancement magic, she fiercely pulled Kazuki’s hand.

Kazuki, who nearly fell down due to the momentum, also activated enhancement magic to resist.

“Don’t use Magic! This is still the morning of the first day of school, isn’t using Magic Power a waste!?”

From the other side, senpai also “EiiEii”<ref>えい, Sound of yelling when getting down to serious physical business.</ref> and pulled onto Kazuki’s arm.

“This is my Nii-sama! This is my Nii-sama!”

“Right now, we are a trio with very good relationship! Or is this my delusion?”

Kanae cried out. Kaguya-senpai began to enjoy this situation. What on earth was this.

……In the end, it seems like there was no way to let them bring him around the school.

===Part 5===

At the Fountain Square, the Magic Division’s entrance ceremony finally began.

Speaking of entrance ceremony, Were it a normal school, the principal should be the first one up for a rather long speech……However, in front of all the neatly arranged freshmen, the one on the platform was the Student Council President, Kaguya-senpai.

Her face had a serious expression that was completely different from before. She was wearing a robe that almost covered her entire body.

“——The world is currently being eroded by myths.”

In front of the microphone, Kaguya-senpai began to speak such words.

As the peak of Magic for a human was when they were 20 years old, it would begin to decay afterwards. Based on this fact, compared to the principal, perhaps Kaguya-senpai was more suitable for the task to deliver an important speech at the entrance ceremony.

Although the adults can teach, but they are not powerful Magic Users.

In this academy, the strongest Magic User was her —— Otonashi Kaguya.

“Because of the Philosopher’s Stone brought by the <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, the world was forced to change. The power that ruled the world passed from Science to Magic. The balance of power between each country in the world had also undergone tremendous changes. Moreover, Magical Beast had also appeared and began to attack humans. Right now, our current world is becoming relatively similar to the fantasies of myths that were once widely spread.”

——The world was currently being eroded by myths.

Science and laws of physics were already not the absolute truth.

From the secret groups, <Rosicrucian Group>, <Golden Dawn> and <Ahnenerbe>, that had inherited the thoughts and technology, they claim to be the legitimate Alchemy organization <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>.

The person that acted as the leader was known as <Basileus Basileon><ref>Basileus Basileon is translated as King of Kings or in original Greek as Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων. The Byzantine’s Empire last dynasty’s motto. ‘Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων Βασιλεύων Βασιλεύσιν’ or in English ‘King of Kings ruling over Kings’ Info Provided by Kostas.</ref>. He was a strange person that published the results of producing a Philosopher’s Stone 15 years ago. In order to protect themselves from the threat of Magic, the Philosopher’s Stone was imported into the countries at an alarming speed.

Because the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had sold the Philosopher’s Stone at a high price, they ruled the world.

“Although Japan has luckily been listed as a <Magically Advanced Country>, but facing the aggression from other countries, we cannot think lightly of this and sit back and relax. The Knights are currently seeking for a stronger fighting force than now. This responsibility also falls upon us, who will be responsible as future Knights.”

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had expanded to the extent where it could rule the world. However, an internal power struggle had led to their leader Basileus Basileon death.

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom that expanded over the entire world, suddenly lost its unity and fell apart in an instant. Each country’s government immediately tried to seize this opportunity and absorb the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom.

Then, the 7 countries with most Magic User, meaning that they had purchased the most Philosopher’s Stone, as the <Seven Magically Advanced Country>, had inherited the ruling position of the world.

However, Basileus Basileon’s body had still not yet been found.

“Just as everybody knows, we, Japan, have established a system with the Israel myth’s <Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons>. However, the other 6 countries have established relationships with <Very Different Divas>. The combat capability gap between the 7 countries is in a completely evenly matched state. Although currently on the surface, we are at peace. However, we do not know when a Magically Advanced Country will trigger the <Battle of Myths>, it would not be strange if it does happen.”

The 7 Magically Advanced Countries ——Japan, United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia and China. Each country’s Knights had inherited the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom and had earned the help of Divas from completely different Myths.

The other countries were different from Japan. They had gotten the power of Divas through <Faith>.

There was no knowing when the Divas might break the balance and cause the 7 countries to be in danger. This was the truth about the temporary peace.

“Not only abroad, but also within the country, there exist the threat of <Illegal Magic Users> that abuse Magic for crimes. They were tempted by the evil Divas, who have evil intentions, and formed a <Illegal Contract>, allowing that power to rampage uncontrollably. At the same time, the Knights are also a police organization. They are forced to manage these Illegal Magic Users.”

The Divas that harbor evil intentions towards human would contaminate the human’s spirit as the reward for their power.

Because these things were extremely risky, within Japan, all Diva contracts outside of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons were strictly prohibited.

The past Illegal Magic Users had once made Tokyo become ruins.

“In addition, cracks suddenly appeared in the world and the Magic from Astrum leaked out, producing <Magical Beasts> and <Spirits>. These phenomenon known as <{{furigana|Extraordinary Malignant Spot|Cancer}}> had also started to occur. The spaces, where the Magical Beasts are concentrated at, will become contaminated by Magic Power and be known as <Magic Land>. This allows the Magical Beast produced by the Cancer to appear more frequently Defeating these Cancer is also an important job for the Knights.”

Accompanying the death of Basileus Basileon, the production method of the Philosopher’s Stone had been lost.

However, the amount of Magic Users in the world had increased. As if it had been triggered, naturally awakened Magic Users began to appear.

In the countries known as the Magically Advanced Countries, basically all their citizens had become Magic Users.

Then as the amount of Magic Users increased, the phenomenon known as Cancer had also increased in proportion. When the amount of Magical Beasts increased, the spaces would be contaminated and gradually turn into Magic Land.

Magic will bring forth more Magic. Just like this the world was currently being eroded by Magic.

Humans would sometimes even start to miss the <Era where Science was Everything to the World>.

The fact that they obtained the Philosopher’s Stone. To humans, was it really an evolution that should be welcomed…….

“Aggression from Foreign Countries, Illegal Magic Users, Cancer……Dealing with these three big threats is the mission of the Knights. However, there is nothing for us to fear. Because we, the people here right now, have the power to defeat these threats. Everybody should be proud of themselves ——Everyone here has been selected by the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. As <Knights> and heroes of this new world, we are cadets with fame!”

Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. In the past, they had obeyed King Solomon and helped established the Country of Israel. The Demons of this kind of Myth were Demons, yet they assisted the humans at the same time.

They were Divas who really had friendly relationships with Japan.

“I hope that everybody will be able to cultivate their abilities and the overly powerful strength known as Summoning Magic in this academy while having a Knight’s spirit and a strong sense of honor. Powerful strength is accompanied by a great responsibility……Even if we say these to you, towards everybody, who were still ordinary middle school students yesterday, there should not be any realistic feeling……”

After saying up to here, Kaguya-senpai suddenly stopped and began to chant an incantation.

“I know thy name……Thy name is Asmodeus<ref>Asmodeus is the 32nd Demon among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>……Thy power is the omnipotent desires. Comply with the contract, obey my command, and display thy power!”

Kaguya-senpai drew out a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with Astrum. The interior of her robe released a purple light……This is Summoning Magic!

Beside Kaguya-senpai, a large amount of light appeared and the light was shaking and twisting.

——Shortly, it became the unusual outline of a form that could not be distinguished as a human or Magical Beast.

To summarize it in one word, what Kaguya-senpai had summoned was a <Witch>. Her entire body was wearing black clothes. From her head, a crooked horn was grown and on her shoulders, a cow and lamb head was placed. It was an unusual witch.

“Kukuku, Student Council President. You actually called me out to perform this kind of acrobatics, what an amazing fellow, my cute Kaguya. Forget it, based on your honor, I will help you out once.”

One of the Pillars of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons, Asmodeus. At the same time, it was an existence, along with Lucifer, Beelzebub and the others, that ranked as the <Hell’s 7 Great Kinds> that manages the <Seven Deadly Sins>.

This was Otonashi Kaguya —— This was the school’s strongest Student Council President’s Contracted Diva?

From afar, gishigishi, gishigishi<ref>SFX for rustling sounds.</ref>……this kind of sound came.

—— What issued the gishigishi sound was a cage car. Just like a huge cage in a zoo placed on wheels. An awe-inspiring female student transported it to the square.

The female students beside Kazuki looked at the thing inside the cage car and immediately “Huh!” and let out a frightened voice.

In the cage, a <Dragon>’s big body was folded unhappily. The golden light lines tied up the dragon’s limbs, stripping its freedom. This was probably Binding Magic.

The so-called dragon was a type of Magical Beast. The Magical Beasts that appeared from Astrum all had fantasy-like appearances that seemed to have come out from myths —— and attacked humans.

This was different from the instinct of a wild beast attacking other animals for food. It was unrelated to whether the Magical Beast was hungry or not. Compared to their other desires, they would place priority on attacking humans.

The Magical Beasts was not a part of the ecosystem and was obviously an enemy of mankind.

And they only existed to contaminate spaces and summon new Magical Beasts from Astrum.

It was not something to let live and then use for acrobatics.

The cage car was moved up in front of the freshman. There was probably a distance of ten meters when it stopped.

The female student, who had completed the delivery, walked onto the platform and stood next to Kaguya-senpai.

She was probably one of the members of the Magic Division’s Student Council.

“……The shackles of constellation, let the day’s operation be restarted again……Stars binding the day release”

The microphone slightly captured her chanting a short spell. Then, the golden light lines that bounded the dragon’s body seemed to dissolve into the air and disappeared.

The Binding Magic was released……What was that senpai planning to do!?

“……Even if there is no realistic feeling yet, but if we do not allow you to understand, it will be very troublesome……”

Kaguya-senpai used a calm tone and continued her speech.

The dragon seemed to be confirming what had happened to its body and turned its head around. When its eyes reflected the large amount of humans it should attack, just like as it was venting its anger from being tied up, it fiercely smashed the steel bars.

Gan! The door of the cage was smashed open. The locks were not even in place originally!

“GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The fierce roar that caused the air to ,biribiri, and vibrate made all the students tremble.

With a green-colored sheen that only reptiles have on their body, it rushed out from the cage car.

On its back, wings with many sections, similar to bats, expanded greatly. The dragon with its great body that was probably 5 meters in length swooped over like a bullet —— directly at the freshman.

At the same time, noticing a powerful Magic Flow, Kazuki turned his gaze towards Kaguya-senpai who was standing at the platform.

——A great amount of purple light, dazzling enough to burn Kazuki’s retina was shining.

“The thought that burns my chest, portray this world as a living hell……!”

Compared to the time at the garden, an enormous difference in Magic swirled around like a whirlpool, senpai’s long hair and robe was fluttering in the winds and was lifted up.

“GUOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The dragon opened its huge mouth that had many murderous teeth and it seemed like it was about to pounce over to the closest students!

At this moment, Kaguya-senpai’s spell chant ended.

“Thou art a demon king of wicked desires! The incarnation with an obsession that brings forth tragedy, let thy long-cherished wish……pain this entire world! ——Hell’s Thought Flames! (Guernica)”

“Kukukukuku!” From the cow and lamb heads on Asmodeus’s shoulders that was stretched out, just like vomiting, the two heads ejected a large flame.

The dragon was surrounded by flames and squirmed in the air. In front of the foremost students, in a place not so far in front of them.

Hell’s Flames. they revealed a red black color just like blood. Like tentacles, they continued to entangle and wrap around it. The scales that were hard as iron were gradually melted into liquid like candy.

''……What is this.'' No —— It was a different dimension in terms of high temperature.

The Hell’s Flame caused the dragon’s head and bones to melt into a mess and then to evaporate.

In just a short period of time, the dragon’s body disappeared. Even the remains soon disappeared.

“Kukuku, when you need me next time, feel free to call me, my cute Kaguya……”

Asmodeus once again turned into light particles and disappeared.

“This is Summoning Magic. This is the power that everybody will begin to obtain from now on.”

Looking at the freshmen, Kaguya-senpai continued to speak. This was such an unscientific scene.

Causing the very existence to be denied, covering it and eliminating it, the red black flames.

Transporting the dragon over was just a show to demonstrate the power of Summoning Magic.

Although Summoning Magic is something that everybody could see on television……Should it be because Kaguya-senpai was too amazing, or was it because the breathtaking scene was being shown in front of their own eyes? No matter which one it was, the freshmen all held their breath.

“Please constantly ask yourself, “What is this Power used for”. This power should only be used by a person who could feel honor from their heart of justice. Great honor, responsibility and consciousness……Please allow me to use the words above to give a final gift to all of you.”

The sound of applauses suddenly rang out. Because they would be able to obtain such strength, the freshmen became passionate.

However, among this, Kazuki was aware. Aware of ——his own emptiness.

The thought of praying for such strength, he had never had it. Suddenly lodging such ferocious strength inside this kind of person one day ——What a terrible thing.

''I only wanted to repay the debt to the family that adopted me, who was alone.''

“In other words, you are a person not satisfied with just being a Hayashizaki swordsman. Do not become such a small person. There is no need for you to be bounded by gratitude for your entire life.”

''However, I, it was not for the sake of justice or peace, these kinds of vague ideas……''

''I only wanted to be praised by you and Kanae, only just like that……''

As if he was terrified of the foreboding of a huge fate, Kazuki’s gaze fell onto his left hand.

''——What on earth gave the insignificant me an Enigma……?''

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1

2015-10-04T22:59:05Z

Tman111: /* Part 3 */ fix typos. change a few words to be more correct.

==Chapter 1 - The Swordsman in Magic Division==

===Part 1===

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman with the title of <Storm Cat>.

Since her childhood period, she went to many dojos and defeated them without a single loss. Her ponytail was
like a black cat’s tail, flapping in the sky. The strikes from her two sword style Kodachis flowed nonstop and were undoubtedly an infinite wind of swords.

Her battle form was indeed similar to her title of a Storm.

However, her sleeping face was like an angel.

The curtains were fully opened and the sunlight from the morning shone into the dark room. But even so, she
still slept like a sleeping princess and showed no signs of awakening. Her skin was white to the extent that
the light went through her cheeks. Her long black hair was tied disorderly and was in a mess. Her usual stern
swordsman’s face was also innocent and relaxed.

……It’s been a long time since he saw her, she had become cute. Kazuki looked at her fascinated.

No, no, wait. This was not the time to look at his imouto in fascination.

“Hey, quickly wake up. Breakfast is already made.”

Hayashizaki Kazuki infused a loving gesture and shook her shoulders. Right at this moment ——

“——Nii-sama, chance!”

Kanae’s eyes, whom he thought was still asleep, suddenly opened.

“What!?”

Kanae’s hands and feet were like tentacles and suddenly stuck out from under the blanket.

Kanae’s soft and small hands and legs wrapped around Kazuki’s body. In just a short period of time, she pulled
Kazuki onto the bed and tightly hugged him. Towards him, Kanae revealed a fearless smile

“Nii-sama, being attracted by his imouto’s cute sleeping face, had become careless. The bed is the battlefield for men and women. This is the Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Art <{{furigana|Strategy of Flower Attracting Insect|Deathly Plant Temptation}}>.”

“……Don’t just randomly invent a ridiculous art.”

Kanae, who was rubbing her face, flirted with Kazuki, who was stunned and sighed.

“The feeling of Nii-sama, the scent of Nii-sama, it has really been a long time. Even though yesterday Kanae finally had the opportunity to return home, but Nii-sama was not willing to sleep with me. It must be because you’re embarrassed, so Kanae thought of a scheme. As expected, you’re embarrassed, right?”

“I’m not embarrassed! ……Really now. If it were before, it would have been fine. Right now we are both high school students, it is disgusting for siblings to be stuck together. I have already said not to hug me!”

“Don’t treat Kanae’s pure sibling love as something disgusting!”

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. ——However, the fact that she is a severe bro-con was really her only drawback.

Although Kazuki wanted to escape and struggled, Kanae’s hands and legs that wrapped around his body firmly did not move. Her hands and legs were releasing a faint blue light.

The reason the petite her could use such degree of strength was because she was strengthening her body with Magic.

While they were being noisy, the blanket slid off——Only then did Kazuki notice a frightening fact.

“……You, what are you wearing? Although it is already spring, but what should we do if you caught a cold.”

Kanae was wearing pajamas where you could nearly see the skin underneath.

Her slim waist and round hips were clearly shown through the translucent fabric.

“What do you think, Nii-sama? This is Kanae that has upgraded into a female high school student. Since Kanae had not seen Nii-sama for so long, it is the anniversary where she wanted to show her female charm to Nii-sama.”

Kanae, whose face was red, stuck her body onto Kazuki and began to rub him. Her small boobs slowly changed shape.

The bed was a battlefield……Kazuki began to take deep breathes and calmed himself down.

“You are indeed my cute imouto……But I will not generate any desires towards my imouto. Quickly get away.”

“Ku. You only said cute, you actually still treat the matured lady, Kanae, as a child?”

“What mature Kanae, idiot. There is already no time for us to sleep, quickly wake up.”

“Kanae is still asleep. Fu——Fu——♪”

“……It is still the first time seeing such a shameless sleeping wear.”

“Kanae, who has not returned home for a long time, is a princess. So if you do not use a suitable method for waking up a princess to wake her up, Kanae will not leave the bed.”

“No matter what, you are still born and educated as a samurai. What is the method for waking up a princess.”

“Speaking of which, the method for waking up a princess is obviously a kiss, Nii-sama. Come.”

“Uwah, don’t come closer! Don’t bring your face closer!”

Kazuki tried again to escape……However, sure enough, if he was to only use his physical strength, it was impossible to escape from his imouto’s magical clutches.

——Helplessly, Kazuki could only also cast <Physical Enhancement Magic> onto his own body.

Drawing out energy from his spirit and allowing it to flow through his entire body. At the same time, heat gushed out from his body and Kazuki made his body awaken. In an instant, he broke away from Kanae’s hand and legs’ bind and escaped from the bed.

If the conditions were the same, then he would definitely not lose to his imouto in terms of strength.

“Meanie!”

“What meanie. You were the one that first used Enhancement Magic, right?”

Once the cold words came out from Kazuki, Kanae stared at Kazuki with puppy eyes.

“……Don’t make an expression as if you were a small animal that was abandoned. Really, I will forcibly make you get out of bed.”

Kazuki wrapped his hand around Kanae’s waist and gently picked her up from the bed. If that was the case, he should quickly finish the work of serving a princess. Kanae’s expression suddenly brightened up.

“Nii-sama! This is Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Final Secret Art <Princess Carry>!”

“Don’t randomly invent a Secret Art! We, Hayashizaki-Ryuu, do not have such final secret art!”

This person shouldn’t be looking down upon our school.

“This is nerve-racking, Nii-sama really is nerve-racking……The princess carry is almost like a dream……Even though it was so difficult to wake up, but Nii-sama had to do such a dream-like thing in the end……Is this situation what they call a heavenly feeling……”

Kazuki, using a carrying posture, made Kanae, who had a dreamy expression, spin around.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 013.jpg|thumb]]

“Okay, it’s over.”

“So short!? The feeling of floating in clouds was only a fleeting moment!? It’s too short!!”

“Hey, before you eat breakfast, go change your clothes. That kind of appearance is scandalous.”

Kazuki placed Kanae down. She pursed her lips and threw a fit.

“……Because I am a princess, I cannot change clothes by myself. Nii-sama, please personally help me change.”

“Are you still playing the game of acting as a princess, why did you suddenly say such willful words?”

“Because didn’t Nii-sama say it yesterday night, since we have not met for so long, so you will do whatever is requested, right? Us, Swordsman, must keep our promises!”

I am already not a swordsman…… Just when this sentence was about to come out from his mouth, Kazuki’s gaze fell upon the back of his left hand. An egg-shaped circular pattern was revealed there.

<Enigma>. It is an emblem from another world that changed Kazuki’s fate.

“Although I said anything is okay, but I did not imagine that you would put a request such as kissing and helping you change your clothes. If we were to do such things as siblings, then it would not be skinship, but perverted acts.”

“Anyways, Nii—sama won’t generate any lust towards Kanae, isn’t there no problem then……Or is it that Nii-sama wants to escape from Kanae’s arousing charm?”

Kanae revealed provocative eyes and raised both hands. Kazuki was outraged by this phrase.

Due to the challenge issued by his imouto, replying to all of it was a duty as her brother.

Using the mentality trained as a previous swordsman, Kazuki opened up his imouto’s pajamas. Just like peeling off thin skin, the snow-white skin was gradually revealed in front of his eyes. Kanae, mojimoji<ref>Mojimoji is the sound effect of fidgeting.</ref>, wriggled her body.

“I, It was seen……Kanae’s appearance of only wearing undergarments. I’m currently being seen by Nii-sama……Please carefully look after me……”

“Why are you excited, are you a pervert. I didn’t see. I didn’t see it one bit. And even if I did see it, I will not generate any thoughts towards my imouto wearing only undergarments……Where is your uniform?”

Kanae pointed on top of the table, a folded uniform was placed there.

<National Knight’s Academy Caryatid>’s <Sword Division>’s female uniform was a narrow sleeves kimono-styled blouse with a female hakama-style miniskirt, combining into an outfit that consisted of both Japanese and Western style.

After helping Kanae wear the stern outfit, Kazuki was finally relieved and sighed.

“Okay. Compared to that kind of pajamas, you are still more suitable for this type of clothing.”

This was the real female swordsman <Storm Cat>.

Having said that, swordsman all like to consider their nickname, sure-kill techniques, etc.

Kazuki also once had a nickname……But this was already something of the past.

“This kind of Nii-sama wearing a brand new uniform is also very very suitable!”

Kazuki was wearing a different uniform than Kanae. Because he was entering into a different division than Kanae.

He was wearing a blazer, which had an atmosphere of high quality, made from <Alchemical Silk>.

A dazzling <Gem System> embroidery was embroidered everywhere. The metal parts of the belt and the metal buttons were made by intertwining a precious rainbow-colored metal called <Marble Metal>.

This was a male uniform that generously infused the true essence of <Alchemy>.

“A gentle Nii-sama coupled with an intellectual blazer is really a wonderful combination. This is the type that gives me the number one feeling of wanting to hug Nii-sama. Nii-sama, I love you——Haahaah.”

“Calm down, Kanae. As a Hayashizaki swordsman, you cannot lose your calm……Do not excitedly breathe raggedly in front of your brother.”

“But, although my appearance of wearing the uniform was praised by Nii-sama and made me happy, Kanae further hopes that Nii-sama would be more aware of the sexy undergarments earlier. Although I am your imouto, but it is only in name……”

“Exactly because it is an imouto in name, so I have to be more mindful of it.”

Kazuki, who was once an orphan, was in a position where he was accepted as an adopted son by the Ancient Sword Skill Prestigious Family —— Hayashizaki Family.

In other words, Kanae is the daughter of the family that he owes a great debt to.

“Even if it is only kissing on the cheeks, it is fine. I want Nii-sama’s kiss. So sad……”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she had lost a duel and whispered. She placed two kodachis on her waist. She was already accustomed to the extremely heavy weight from the true swords. She turned her gaze towards Kazuki at the side.

“Nii-sama……Although you are very cool while wearing the uniform……But as expected, you won’t be bringing your blade?”

“How can I bring it. I am not a student of the Sword Division.”

Listening to the answer that left no room to debate, Kanae angrily glared at Kazuki’s left hand.

“It is all because that damn Enigma suddenly emerged from Nii-sama’s left hand!”

“It is already too late to talk about it……I already left behind the feelings of the sword.”

The people with magic qualities that were recognized by <Diva> will be awarded a Stigma on the back of the left hand at the age of fourteen, when their magic begins to grow.

People who owned a Stigma had to enter the <Magic Division> to study and were destined to form a contract with a Diva.

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. And Hayashizaki Kazuki——From today on, is a <Summoning Magic User>.

===Part 2===

Because the morning temperature had dropped a lot, spring mist had appeared outside.

As if it was cutting apart the hazy patch, the <Magic Light Train> released a blue magic light and was moving on the street.

This train was the product of high level Magic and Alchemy. The material used for the train’s frame was the newly generated metal <Mithril>, made by Alchemy, and it had succeeded in substantially reducing the weight.

And by using the driver’s <Thought Magic> to act as a support for the performance and operations, even if it was a complex urban route, it was still feasible to run it with a speed no less than on a Shinkansen.<ref>Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.</ref>

While its speed could be accelerated to 250 km per hour in a short period of time, it could also utilize the blessing of Thought Magic to reduce the weight of the train and swiftly reduce the speed as it approached the station. It would not make any noise as it stopped.

However, the production of mithril was extremely difficult, so it was still a valuable product. This kind of train operation was only an experimental project that was limited within Tokyo.

——The Magic Light Train had arrived at <Knight’s Academy Station>.

Kazuki and Kanae both came down from the train and onto the station platform.

Because they had left home when there was still an ample amount of time, the figures of other freshmen were extremely limited and it was very quiet. The shopping street near the station was also the same. Aside from the convenience store, the other shops’ rolling shutter doors had not been pulled up yet.

“Nii-sama is really planning on entering the Magic Division and not the Sword Division?”

During the way to the academy from the station, Kanae asked unhappily.

“……By now, there is nothing to say about it. This isn’t something I should hesitate about on the day of the entrance ceremony.” Kazuki replied.

Since humans have discovered Magic, this brand new power, it has already been 15 years.

The cause of it was due to Alchemy.

Due to the <Rosicrucian group> that seeks human evolution, the <Golden Dawn> led by MacGregor Mathers and the Nazi Germany’s research institution <Ahnenerbe>, these secret organizations inheriting alchemy through line of succession finally produced a massive result 15 years ago.

That was the fruit of their research, a great red fruit <Philosopher’s Stone>.

It was produced by a mysterious Alchemist. A man-made magical stone with an unknown creation method.

By embedding this ruby-like red-colored stone into the human’s brain, the Magic Power of humans would awaken.

Although it is embedded, it is not directly placed into the brain through surgery. Just by placing this incredible stone on the forehead, the part that touches the skin would slowly be assimilated and gradually enter the body until it reached the brain.

Due to the appearance of the Philosopher’s Stone, the world’s order had completely changed.

Magic could not be explained through scientific theories.

Magic was not restricted by scientific theories.

Magic belonged to a higher dimension than science, causing the rules to be completely rewritten.

For example, when a Magic user uses Magic to cover his entire body, this layer of Magic barrier would “Ignore” and repel all weapons or physical phenomena. This layer of Magic Barrier could only be destroyed by Attacking Magic or Magic Swords that holds Magic.

Thus, the era had become <The Era of Swords and Magic>.

Police and self-defense forces had transformed into <Knights> composed of Swordsman and Magic Users.

And Japan’s Knight training academy was the National Knights Academy Caryatid.

——Which is also the school that Kazuki is about to enter to study.

“Nii-sama, who had inspired me to the way of the sword, actually entered the Magic Division……Having to enter a different dormitory than me, who belongs to the Sword Division……The Diva that gave Nii-sama an Enigma is extremely detestable……”

The Knights Academy was divided into Sword Division and Magic Division, and implemented a complete boarding system.

Kazuki and Kanae were divided into directions of different careers. Kanae still could not accept this result.

“What kind of purpose did that fellow known as Diva have to give a person like me this kind of thing?”

Kazuki raised his left hand that had the Enigma imprinted on it and whispered quietly.

The Divas were inhabitants of an alternative world that was brought forth through Summoning Magic.

Through the vast and deep psychological sea inside a person’s heart—— Deep down inside, there was a door that leads to another world.

Until the very end, the scientific community did not completely understand a human’s heart and spirit. It was through this <Heart of Door> that the body contained something that came from alternative world.

By allowing Magic Power, this supreme feeling to be attached to the body, the current generation of humans were able to feel it.

All of the humans are connected to each other through this alternative world.

The non-material alternative world was named as <Astrum>.

In Astrum, large amounts of Magic Power were swirling.

Inside the swirl of Magic Power lurked <Consciousness with Personality>. They contracted with humans and when people sleep, they would move from Astrum into their dreams to communicate with them.

To form a contract with the humans, the magic that summons them to this side of the world was —— Summoning Magic.

What was surprising was that they, who were called out from the depths of the spiritual world, had similar attitudes and names as the <Gods> and <Demons> from ancient mythology.

Thus they were given the name of Diva.<ref>God = 神, Demon = 魔, combining the two of them gets Diva = 神魔.</ref>

The numerous countries all over the world all became fanatical religious countries towards the Diva encountered.

However, in the originally, weak faith Japan, a contract with a Diva was basically controlled as a power for the military.

This was because by using the Diva’s Power’s Summoning Magic, it was too powerful compared to Normal Magic.

A portion of the Divas responded to the Japanese Government’s summons and selected people, who were suitable for the power, from Japanese citizens and granted them the Enigma.

The Enigma was currently under strict regulation by the country. By holding a <Contract Ritual>, it would become a <Stigma> and give the host the power of Summoning Magic.

Thus, the people, who had an Enigma, all had the obligations to enter the Magic Division to study.

This was in order for the precious Enigmas to not be wasted and become combat strength.

And it was also in order for Summoning Magic, this dangerous power, to be completely placed under the control of the country and the academy.

——Right now, Kazuki’s hand also harbored an Enigma, which could be called as an <Invitation sent by a Diva>.

“I also did not want to become a <Stigma Magic User>. However, if you are awarded a Enigma, it is equivalent to losing the freedom for the future.”

It was not exagerated for Summoning Magic to be known as an heroic power that was equivalent to thousands of forces on a battlefield.

Normally, being awarded an Enigma shouldn’t absolutely make one frustrated, even if it made one unhappy.

“……But I, instead of a Stigma Magic User, wanted to become more of a swordsman. I wanted to repay the gratitude towards my foster father-sama who discovered my talent for the sword while I was an ordinary orphan.”

Even if they were both Knights, the position of a Swordsman was much lower than that of a Stigma Magic User.

Although swordsman specialized in swift close combat, in the end, the role it played was only that of a meat shield to buy time for the Stigma Magic User to chant Magic.

However, even so, Kazuki still wanted to become a swordsman, and replace his foster father, Hayashizaki Jinkai. To let everybody in the world know the power of <Hayashizaki-Ryuu Iai Jutsu> was his greatest goal in life.

“However, my foster father actually said. “Since you are a person that was selected, then don’t continue to hold this kind of intolerable dreams. Do not let your life be bounded by thoughts of gratitude.” So I decided to enter the Magic Division. In order to find a brand new goal.”

So you should also accept this reality, Kazuki said as he tapped Kanae’s head.

“It is fine if you do not consider gratitude. By now, you should stop trying to be an outsider.”

While being tapped upon, Kanae issued out an unsatisfied voice.

“Indeed. The ancient sword skills used for actual combat that were passed from generations to generation from the Hayashizaki Family, had the purpose of letting the world know the true power of the sword. Swordsmanship has always been underestimated compared to Summoning Magic. Our Magic Swords will not lose to Divas. However, for the mission of allowing the world to know the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu, I am enough by myself! Nii-sama’s gratitude is completely unnecessary! But!”

Kanae said up to this point, and her cheeks began to pout.

“Although it is like that, but Nii-sama becoming a Stigma Magic User, I still can not agree to it! If there is a need to say why, the match between me and Nii-sama have not yet determined the winner!!”

“If it is about the outcome……Am I not leading with 139 wins and 118 loss?”

“The match is to continue until I overtake you! Until then, we should always continue to fight!”

When Kazuki was first adopted by the Hayashizaki Family, Kanae did not recognize Kazaki as a family member.

And it was only because Kazuki had continued to hone his own sword skills, allowing his own rudeness to slowly conflict against Kanae during that period of time, that Kanae unconsciously began to call Kazuki “Nii-sama” and started to flirt with him.

The record of 139 wins, 118 loss was the history between the two of them.

Kazuki used both hands to pinch Kanae’s pouting cheeks. The air pufu leaked out from Kanae’s mouth. Kazuki began to play with Kanae’s cheeks by pulling left and right.

“N, Nii-sama……Please don’t play with your imouto’s cheeks……”

“If you are the strongest swordsman, then I will become the strongest Stigma Magic User.”

Kanae suddenly widened her eyes. Kazuki stared at those eyes and said to her.

“So from now on, we are still opponents. Kanae’s Magic Sword must not lose when fighting against my Summoning Magic.”

Although the path for the two of them had split apart, but it was not to the point where they lost their bonds.

“……Nii-sama must become the strongest in Magic Division. The people of Hayashizaki Family cannot be anything else.”

The strongest power huh, although to me, I still do not know how to use this kind of thing……

While he whispered softly in his heart, Kazuki stared at the sky shrouded by the spring mist.

===Part 3===

As they walked, the spring mist finally dispersed. The academy appeared under the blue sky.

The stone built school doors were standing in front of them. Flower beds decorated both sides of the path as it extended directly forward. In front, you could see a fountain square.

On the left of the fountain square was a brick built mansion and a sharp tower. The classic brick structure produced a feeling that it was indeed a school for Magic Users.

Comparatively, on the right, wooden built Japanese-styled building were lined up closely in rows. That side was undoubtedly the dorm for swordsman.

A school that was divided into two—— The school divided the Magic Division and the Sword Division to show a completely different perspective.

Kazuki stopped in front of the school doors and swiftly turned to face Kanae.

“So that’s it. From now on, please take care of me……Senpai.”

“Please don’t be like that! Nii-sama is obviously my beloved Nii-sama!”

“But truthfully……Kanae-neesama is older than me and is a 2nd year senpai at school.”

“K…Kanae-neesama!?” Kanae suddenly became speechlessly.

Kanae, who treated and admired Kazuki as an older brother, was in fact older than Kazuki. It was the so-called imouto that was older in age.

The reason behind this strange relationship was because Kazuki was an orphan with an unknown birth.

Kazuki was raised as a child of the same age as Kanae in the Hayashizaki family, his birthday was also celebrated on the same day as Kanae’s birthday. Because his mother from Hayashizaki family had died from a disease, Kazuki took the lead and was responsible for housework. Thus, the relationship between Kanae naturally become <The Caring Brother> and <The Lazy Sister>.

Enigma are something that appeared upon the selected people when they became 14 years old.

After Kanae’s 14th birthday had approached, in the Hayashizaki Family, they had a grand celebration for the two child not having revealed an Enigma. ——However, the year after that, an Enigma appeared on Kazuki’s left hand.

Speaking of which, this was something that should be impossible.

Kazuki, who always thought he was the same age as Kanae, was extremely surprised because “He was still fourteen years old!”, and the truth that Kanae, who was always “Nii-sama Nii-sama” and desperately flirting with him, was actually older was revealed.

“So that’s why I said, our relationship will not change! If it was during the time when I was stronger, it would be fine, but now since I have been overtaken and even the fact that that I am older……I, it makes one angry!”

“Please become more mature, Nee-sama”

“Don’t call me Nee-sama! Kanae is Nii-sama’s imouto!!”

“Then, please show me around the school. This is the reason why we got up early and rushed over here.”

From today on, Kanae was a second year student. So she would usually live in the Sword Division’s student dormitory.

However, Kanae said that she was going to bring Kazuki around the school before the entrance ceremony, so she returned back home. Then they come to school together.

“Please rest assured and leave it to me! Then we will immediately begin by visiting the school from the Sword Division!”

“No, it is still better to bring me to visit the Magic Division. I am going to study over there.”

“How can it be ……You don’t plan to go to the Sword Division now, but instead head off to the Magic Division!?”

“Don’t turn the conversation back again!”

Kazuki tapped her head, but Kanae happily revealed an “Ehehe~” expression. Just when they were performing this sibling two person-show,

“President! I finally found you, president——!”

From the other side of the school door, a male’s voice came.

A bulky guy directly rushed over in a straight line.

It was a guy that was cleanly dressed with short hair. He was wearing a Sword Division’s male uniform. A Odachi was on his waist.

“Torazou!? Why are you here!”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she noticed a person that could not easily be dealt with.

“President, why did you not reply the text messages I sent to you, even if I called you, no one answered!”

“This morning I have the very important duty of leading a freshman on his way, so didn’t I say to absolutely not bother me? I had conveyed this to all of you when I submitted the application to return home from school! Of course I will obviously switch off my phone!”

At this time, this person, Torazou-senpai turned his gaze towards Kazuki and revealed an “Ah!” expression.

“Even though he is a male, but he is wearing a Magic Division uniform. Could this person be the legendary……?”

The incident about Kazuki’s body having an Enigma seemed to have already spread throughout the country as a much discussed topic.

The reason for this is because it was something that should normally not happen.

Torazo-senpai continued to stare at Kazuki. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling.

“Hmmmmh, this person is my Nii-sama. He is super strong! It is a brother that I am proud of!”

“The president’s older brother? Even though this person should have only entered the school this year……?”

“Although he is a kouhai, but he is still my Nii-sama! Compared to that, what business do you have for finding me? I will decide based on your response whether or not to cut you!”

Kanae untied the sheath, placed her hand on the handle and threatened. Torazo-senpai immediately flinched.

“S,Sorry……Inside the school’s garden, there is a person from the Magic Division that found faults with the Sword Division and created a commotion……”

“A dispute? But Torazou, you disregarded the commotion and specifically searched for me in this vast campus where my location was unclear to you? How should you explain?”

“Iori is waiting at the scene. Although I called your phone number, there was no response, but I recalled hearing that you were going to lead a freshman, so I didn’t bother and took a chance to look at the front of the school doors.”

“Your luck is really good.” Torazo-senpai smiled as he spoke, but Kanae reacted with an “Awful……” and held her head.

“……What a useless person. Stop relying on me to this point. Can you still be considered as the 3rd place of the Student Council belonging to the Sword Division?”

“But if president does not think of a way to solve it, then the dispute with the Magic Division will not be solved. Only the president is capable of directly fighting against the people of the Magic Division. It is not only me, who is unpromising.”

“It is that kind of thinking of taking the Magic Division as granted that is the most unpromising! This guy or that guy, once they come to the Sword Division, their heads are filled with thoughts of defeat!!”

After Kanae severely scolded Torazo-senpai, she turned towards Kazuki and revealed a dejected expression.

“Then, Nii-sama……I am extremely sorry……There is an emergency situation that occurred.”

“Although it is regrettable, but since it is the Student Council’s work, then it can’t be helped. The things over there are more important.”

“I actually made Nii-sama felt regret! As compensation, even if I have to exchange my life, I will……!”

“Don’t be too concerned about it. Good luck, senpai!”

“Really now, don’t call me senpai! ……Damn, it can’t be helped. Let’s go, Torazou. What on earth is that expression of yours as if you saw something strange. Stop looking over there and quickly bring me to the scene!”

Kanae mercilessly kicked Torazou-senpai’s butt and rushed over to the site of dispute.

“You’re trusted by everybody, Kanae.”

Knight Academy’s Student Council President. That was the other appearance of Kanae.

The Knight Academy followed the spirit of meritocracy. In other worlds, Kanae was already the strongest person in the Sword Division.

“Since Kanae has already become the Sword Division’s Student Council President, I must also aim for the Magic Division’s Student Council President.”

Having a remarkable sister, the younger brother have a difficult task to keep up.

Although anyways I do not know why that is.

Speaking of which……Kanae, who was originally planning to lead the way, was already gone.

“This side is probably the Magic Division.”

The school uses the fountain square as a dividing point, left and right were respectively split into Magic Division and Sword Division.

Heading to the Magic Division on the left side, many brick constructed buildings were lined up. Although it was still early, you could still see the figure of female students scattered around.

“……Hey, that person is the legendary……It’s the one that was awarded an Enigma even though he is a male…….”

“Eh, it’s him……Looks more normal than expected. I imagined him to have a more wild-like feeling.”

“Is it a mistake. A savage male swordsman actually got mixed into the Magic Division……!”

The female students were all secretly looking at Kazuki and were quietly discussing something.

Just now Torazou-senpai also……As expected, it had already spread out.

Enigma. Originally it would only be ushered onto a <Girl>’s body on their fourteenth birthday.

Because a female’s Magic Power was naturally higher than a male's.

However, speaking of which, Kazuki did not have a Magic Power surpassing the average standard of males. Why Kazuki obtained an Enigma was still a complete mystery. Even he, himself, wondered if there were something wrong.

……And those are the Magic Users that belongs to the Knight?

While he walked, Kazuki noticed an abnormal tension. The situation wasn’t just throughout the students, it was also mixed among the female Magic Teachers that were wearing <Magical Dress> (Decorteo Brigieux) and belonged to the Knights.

Because it was an entrance ceremony that was responsible for the country’s future Stigma Magic Users, they had specifically sent out the originally understaffed Knights as a precaution.

Really now, if you carefully think about it, he had really came to an amazing place……

Truthfully, he did not have any confidence in his magic talent. Especially in Magic Power. Acquired growth is extremely rare, the pros and cons have mostly been determined from birth. Could relying on effort make up for the unfavorable situation in the end……

Why am I here in this place.

In order to avoid the gazes sent to him, Kazuki headed to a location where there were no shadows.

However, just after he walked for a while ——His vision was suddenly blinded.

“Guess ——Who am I?”

A sweet voice entered his ears, was this —— a girl covering his eyes from behind!?

Just like a scene in romance manga. However, this was too abrupt.

“Who ——Am I? Okay, okay, say it quickly. Do you not recognize me?”

It was undoubtedly a voice he had never heard before. At the same time, a soft feeling was pressed from behind. ''T, This feeling is……!''

“Even if you want me to guess, I do not have any idea……!?”

“Quickly answer me! If you do not quickly determine who I am, I will become a yandere! This “Guess —— Who am I?” question includes a weird scene!”

“ “Guess —— Who am I?” Is it something so scary that there is a need for an ethical review!?”

“Quick—ly——say! If you do not immediately answer, the luxurious prizes will be gone! The prize is actually a two person hot spring trip, if you answer correctly, then I will go together with you!”

“The prize appeared!? What has this situation become!?”

The feeling was indeed extremely soft. Although he wanted to vent, but it could become troublesome, so Kazuki was almost confused.

“10, 9, 8, 7……Really now, because there are no signs of answering my question, all of the middle numbers are omitted, 0! It can’t be helped, it’s time to enter the time to kill. It is fine to answer while looking at me.”

Both hands from the girl moved away from his face, Kazuki immediately turned around and looked behind.

What entered his vision was ——a tall girl with a slim figure. Although it was the slim figure of a model, but her boobs were so massive as if it was teasing the male’s heart.

From behind, her long smooth hair was flowing due to the early morning’s breeze.

Coupled with the scenery from the academy, it was as if she was a person from a painting.

The generally huge eyes sparkled like gems and stared through Kazuki.

“……Who?”

Kazuki muttered in a daze. As long as he met this person once, he would absolutely never forget it.

“The correct answer is ……It’s our first meeting!”

Kazuki, who placed out a stance, suddenly felt all his strength disappear.

“Sorry, because I wanted to become your friend, so it can’t be helped.”

Her face revealed a blooming flowers-like, dazzling smile. Once she smiled, the dimples on her face were revealed.

“It’s my first time meeting you. My name is Otonashi Kaguya, the silent, shining night sky<ref>Otonashi Kaguya = 音無輝夜, if you split it apart into 音無 and 輝夜. 音無 = silent, 輝夜 = shining night.</ref>—— A mysterious and beautiful girl that was like an aurora and the constellations in the sky. Because my parents wanted to bring me up as such a person, so they have given me such a troubling name. A 16 year old girl who has her face filled with tears due to her small-minded name being teased around. I am your senpai.”

She placed a hand on her huge boobs, and clearly made a self-introduction.

“Uhhhh, my name is……”

“I know! You are the otouto of the Sword Division’s Student Council President, Kanae, who was awarded an Enigma, Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun!”

“Are you familiar with my older sister?”

“Our relationship is very good! And because you are a special existence, I slightly investigated it.

''……Special, huh. Even I do not understand why I came to such a place.''

“Anyways, can you become my friend? No, please be my friend!”

Otonashi-senpai powerfully gripped Kazuki’s hand, and her face approached closer.

The gem-like eyes emitted an intense light. Due to the power of that gaze, he was pressured—— Kazuki could not help but nod his head.

“Success, I am friend number 1!”

Otonashi-senpai happily shaked Kazuki’s arms.

“Then please call me Kaguya. I hope that you will use the method of directly calling your friend’s name.”

“T, that’s a bit……Please allow me to call you Kaguya-senpai.”

“Senpai……Senpai, huh. From this year on, I became a senpai. It feels somewhat embarrassing.”

Senpai’s face was filled with a smile. By the way, how long do we have to hold hands……?

“Incidentally why are you in such a remote location? A school adventure?”

Senpai maintained the posture of holding Kazuki’s hand and her face quickly approached as she asked.

Too close Too close, her face is pointlessly approaching too close! Seems like you could smell a certain fragrant scent!

“Until just now, my older sister was showing me around, but because of an emergency, she had to leave first. Thus, I did not know what to do and hang around here.”

“Ahahah! I know, as a replacement then, I will show you around this school! Ok——ay, speaking of Magic Division, why not first head off to the most famous attraction, the <Witch’s House>!”

Senpai shouted “Let’s go!” and pulled Kazuki’s hand. She was really a motivated person.

''Do we have to walk while holding hands? Should a male and female of this age be doing such a thing? ……But the other side shows no signs of being concerned, being excessively concerned feels a bit outrageous.''

''And……I am a human who had devoted his life towards training swordsmanship. Therefore, I must not be in disarray just by the extent of a beautiful big sister holding my hands. I will not lose!''

In turn, Kazuki gripped the other’s hand, thus Kaguya senpai issued out a “WA” sound.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 032.jpg|thumb]]

“WAA! UWAH, it’s my first time experiencing this feeling. A male’s strength is rather strong. It feels like I’m being hugged!”

''A calm heart. Right now I must maintain a calm heart that is even calmer than Gandhi……''

However, just after they walked for a while, Kazuki sensed a strange feeling. It was rustling within his heart.

Although there was no wind, yet the air was swept away. It was as if there were signs of him being involved in a whirlpool of confusion.

Once as a swordsman, the keen sense he trained before was currently telling him about this abnormal situation.

“……This is” From inside his mind, Gandhi was blown away.

“Ara? You noticed as well? How keen. Are you the type that specializes in Perceptibility Enhancement Magic? ……Yes, in a certain location, a great volume of Magic is currently flowing and causing the world to tremble.”

Due to a completely different power ——Magic, the world that was supported by physical laws, was trembling.

Yes, the confusion was not the air, but the space in the vicinity——The world, itself.

Somewhere in the academy, a large-scale magic phenomenon——Summoning Magic was currently occurring.

“Let us go see the situation!”

Kaguya-senpai’s expression became tense and she tightly held Kazuki’s hand as she began to run.

===Part 4===

Rushing to the location, it was the English-Style Garden on the outskirts of the Magic Division.

The place that was covered with overflowing green lawn, was currently filled with lights from Magic.

Two types of colored lights, red and green ——Two female students, who were wearing the Magic Division’s uniform, were currently chanting Summoning Magic. Although generally, Magic will release blue lights, but Summoning Magic is based on the Diva that was contracted and will emit a different colored light.

With the red and green colored Magic lights as the background, there was a figure that stepped onto the lawn like a dancing shadow. Although you could not see the face from behind, but the figure was holding a slightly short Japanese sword ——a Kodachi, in one hand.

The two Stigma Magic Users were currently battling with a Swordsman.

The red light began to swell. It was the pulse from a Diva that surpassed human wisdom. Right now, the world is being distorted——

“Too slow!”

However, compared to that, the figure of the Swordsman was even faster and swooped over.

At the same time, a voice with a rippling atmosphere and the sharp sound of piercing through the air “Byu!” rang out.

The instant the swordsman slashed, the swelling red light burst open and disappeared.

Even though the Magic User had deployed a blue Magic Barrier, it was blown away by the powerful impact.

The swordsman rolled over and turned to face the other Magic User.

This time, the face of the swordsman was shown. Kazuki gasped in surprise.

It was Kanae!…..Although the moment he saw the Kodachi, he wondered if it was her……

“I know thy name. Thy name is Andromalius……”<ref>Andromalius is a mighty Great Earl of Hell, having 36 legions of demon at his service. It is the 72th Spirit among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>

The female releasing a green light was chanting a spell. Andromalius is the name of the Diva she was contracted with. Her entire body was wrapped in light ——

“You are also too slow!”

With terrifying momentum, Kanae jumped and gave her a blow with her Magic Sword before the Summoning Magic activated.

This female’s blue Magic Barrier that she enacted was also blown away.

The blue colored barrier was not the power of Summoning Magic, but Normal Magic using their own Magic Power. As an emergency defense, she was forced to give up on the Summoning Magic Chant and resort to her own Magic.

The modern humans that awakened as Magic Users, when aware that they are in danger, will reflexively use Magic to cover their body in order to deny the phenomenon that will bring harm to themselves and negate it. Thus, it was rare for them to be injured.

The Magic Barrier that arises from the defensive instinct was known as <Defense Magic>

However, if it suffered from an attack that contained Magic Power, this Defensive Magic will gradually be reduced.

A battle between Magic Users is al about reducing the opponent’s Magic Power——Which is also their Spiritual Power.

“Ara, although they did not wear the Magical Dress for <Simplified Chant> , but having their chant disrupted so easily is bad. If they wish to face against Kanae-chan, then their training is far from enough."

Kaguya-senpai quietly said beside Kazuki. Could this senpai be a person with great strength?

The two girls stood up and, once again, began to chant.

“Hmph. You want to be cut by me a thousand times until your Magic Power runs out!”

Kanae’s face revealed a smile that was just like the incarnation of a battle maniac, and pulled out her second Kodachi. The two sword style was the sign of Kanae becoming serious. Then she pounced over again like a cat——

“Stop right here!” Kaguya-senpai, who was watching the developments on the side, issued a loud cry.

The Magic Lights were once again interrupted. Kanae also stopped her own actions.

“In other words, it was the two Magic Division students over there ……Ogiwara-san and Sato-san, who were refusing to give way to the Sword Division students, that created a dispute. Thus, the Sword Division students intervened to mediate, did they not?”

After the battle stopped, the three Sword Division students that were observing the situation in a sheltered location, appeared one by one.

Revealing a frightened expression, Torazou-senpai and another female student that seemed to be in the Sword Division Student Council explained the situation to Kaguya-senpai.

Kazuki stood beside senpai and carefully listened to the development of the situation.

“It is not something as cute as mediating! That woman suddenly used her sword and chopped over here!”

The Magic Division student that released the red light, roared as she retorted.

“In the first place, was it not you two, who used Summoning Magic on the Sword Division students?"

“That was only a slight warning. Even though it is obviously the territory of the Magic Division, these people continued to resist.”

“Did you only plan it as a warning? Sato-san.”

Kaguya suspiciously asked the female student that was called Sato-san.

“You actually said it was a warning? Don’t joke around. It was probably because you wanted to test the Summoning Magic you’ve just learned and specifically came here to cause trouble. Speaking of which, recently the Magic Division people, like criminals on the street, have used the Sword Division students as experimental subjects and caused trouble. In the earlier period, there were also students that became unconscious!”

Unconscious, in other words, they suffered from a powerful Magic attack.

In the face of threats, Magic Users would instinctively deploy Defense Magic, but there was also a limit.

When Magic Users felt that their own Magic Power could not protect their bodies, they would open the <Heart of Door> and attempt to draw out large Magic Power from Astrum.

Although through this method, they would temporarily have Magic Power that exceeded their body’s limits, but as the cost for it, their consciousness would be dragged into Astrum and they would become unconscious.

This unconscious phenomenon was known as <Magic Drunk>. If the symptoms were severe, their consciousness would be unable to return from Astrum. The Heart of Door would also be damaged and cause their spirit to become unstable.

“People fainted!? I did not hear that such a thing has happened……!?”

“That is because the teachers in Magic Division hid the incidents up. The Sword Division students that suffered from Summoning Magic were requested to swallow their frustrations and were not allowed to make a big commotion. Only recently, I have begun to grasp the situation.”

“……Were you two planning on doing such things as well?”

“We did not think about doing such things! You only listened to what the Sword Division was saying!? Aren’t we the ones that suffered an attack from the criminals on the street!”

The person that released the red light ——Ogiwara-san retorted. Listening to what she was saying, as there was no third party other than the Sword Division, it was impossible to figure out what had happened.

“Just because there is no evidence, it cannot be treated as a case. Based on this side, the only punishment method is to beat them up here until they cannot get at this place. If they were beaten up by the people in Sword Division, then they could up endure their disgrace.”

“Kanae-chan, you too, please don’t use this kind of violence as a solution!”

“Don’t call me Kanae-chan! Don’t act like you are familiar with me!”

Towards Kaguya-senpai’s and Kanae’s attitude, Kazuki was somewhat surprised.

Although Kaguya-senpai had said that they were friends……it feels that this atmosphere was very suspicious.

“Even if there are no means that could directly address this situation, I also think that we should not resort to violence in order for the long-term vision of improving relationship between the two Divisions. If we do this, sooner or later……”

Even though Kaguya-senpai delivered a passionate speech, Kanae bit her teeth and denied her opinion.

“Don’t talk about nonsense. You think the Sword Division students that were treated as experimental subjects for Summoning Magic will accept this?”

The one that emitted a green light, Sato-senpai, also shrugged with a mocking expression.

“Sword Division, this inferior species suddenly cutting over here. It is impossible to improve relations.”

Listening to her remarks, Kaguya-senpai sharply gazed at her.

“Speaking of which, your Sword Division is inferior, threatening us to move away, this kind of attitude……!”

However, Sato-senpai only “ Yes, yes, I know” and interrupted senpai’s words.

“You say you want the Magic Division and Sword Division to become friendly? ……If it’s me. Although I acknowledge your strength, but this I cannot agree with your perspective. Even though we were obviously the victim here.”

Sato-senpai swiftly turned around. Ogiwara-senpai also followed to do so.

“ Making “Us that obtained a Stigma” and the Sword Division equal, that is what is truly unfair.”

Kazuki, who was watching the situation develop, frowned……Anyways, it feels that these people were too arrogant.

Stigma. Was it really something that special?

“Hmmph, what amazing Stigma Magic User-sama. Even though it was two together, yet they were beaten by a swordsman easily.”

Kanae sneered and provoked. The two of them instantly paled and then turned over.

“That was……because you suddenly slashed over here, okay! That is basically the same as plotting against others!”

“If it was based on the form of a <Duel>, then we would not have had our chant so easily disrupted by you!?”

“So you are saying that the gentlemen-like Magic Users could only fight on a battlefield when they are fully prepared. Speaking of which, you Magic Division fellow, even if I request a duel, you would not even accept it, right?”

“That is because even if a Magic Division student wins against a Swordsman Division student, our ranks will not increase! In other words, what Swordsman Division, they are completely not within our sights!”

While dropping this sentence, the two of them left the garden.

“……I’m really unhappy, I was not able to fight until I fully enjoyed it” and so on, Kanae muttered some dangerous sounding words.

Towards Kanae, who was like this, the male Sword Division student, who was picked upon, bowed his head down.

“President, I’m really sorry. Because I am too weak, I caused trouble for you.”

Torazou-senpai gently held his shoulder.

“President, I’ll send this person over to the teacher’s office. And I’ll submit the report about the incident and the victim.”

“I feel that it is futile. I already am only interested in catching those who caused harm and beat them down onto the ground.”

“I have been sick and tired of it , really.” Torazou-senpai whined and brought the male student away.

It seems that little girl member of the Student Council also chased after him.

——Waiting until they left, Kanae’s head turned swiftly towards Kazuki’s direction.

“Nii-sama~♪ Nii-sama actually took the initiative to find me!”

Kanae seemed like a completely different person and issued out a sweet voice as she pounced over here. Kaguya-senpai’s eyes widened.

“Nii-sama? Isn’t Kazuki-kun Kanae’s otouto?”

“Although physically, he is my otouto, but spiritually, he is my nii-san.”

After Kaguya-senpai scratched her head “I see, although I do not understand”, she turned around and faced Kanae.

“Speaking of which, Kanae. That kind of violence is not allowed! You should think of a more peaceful method instead!”

“What, so you are still here? Don’t casually talk with me.”

“……Aren’t you two friends?”

“Who is friends with this person. I only, as the Student Council President of the Sword Division, had to greet this person……Because this person is the Magic Division Student Council President.”

Kazuki was suddenly dumbfounded. ——In other words, this person is the strongest Stigma Magic User in Magic Division!

“This girl is currently the Magic Division Student Council President, <Nightmare Bringer>, Otonashi Kaguya !”

Kaguya-senpai proudly straightened her chest.

“Why is Nii-sama together with this fellow?”

Towards Kanae’s question, the one that replied was not Kazuki, but Kaguya-senpai.

“Because I noticed this new student was walking very lonely within the school, so I decided to bring him around the school.”

“Nii-sama was lonely!? Sorry, Nii-sama! Kanae will absolutely never abandon Nii-sama again! Come, let’s ignore this fellow and continue our date while visiting the academy.”

Kanae hugged Kazuki’s arm and pulled with force.

“Ah, wait a minute. I’m also bringing him around!”

Within a hairbreadth, Kaguya-senpai also grabbed onto his other arm. Pe~! ''……What on earth was that Pe~ feeling.''

“Nii-sama! Just now in a Unyou-like time, your expression suddenly became indecent and relaxed! What made you so happy!? Could it be that this fellow’s cow-like boobs made you feel happy!?"

The so-called “Unyou” was a speed unit used in Ancient Style Swordsman Skills. The instant the lightning from above flashed in the sky was recorded as “Unyou”. In other words, it was so fast that the eyes could not perceive it. It was the territory of a God.

“I, I did not reveal any indecent expression! This kind of thing never disturbed my heart!”

“Boobs?” After Kaguya-senpai froze for a while, she noticed that her own boobs were currently pressing onto Kazuki’s arm. Then she said “Sorry, you must hate it” and hurriedly pulled away. ''Although I did not exactly hate it……''

Kanae also seemed to confront this and pressed her boobs onto Kazuki’s arm. Flat!

''…….What was that flat feeling earlier.''

“Why is it when it’s my turn, it is not indecent, but an expression of regret……”

“Sorry……”

“Boobs will only get in the way. I also want to become slim and cool like Kanae-chan.”

Kanae’s expression had suddenly become like an Asura. It was a face of a swordsman filled with killing intent.

“Go die! DIE FASTER, YOU STUPID MEAT WOMAN! Speaking of which, Nii-sama and I already made an appointment long ago, so don’t just shamelessly get involved! Go away to your side! Your boobs should also fall apart!”

“But I am also currently bringing this child around! And this child is a freshman in our Magic Division! If it is only Kanae-chan, I think it is impossible to bring him around effectively……Ah, right.”

Saying up to here, Kaguya, pon<ref>SFX for clapping.</ref>, and clapped her hands. Then she, once again, held onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Shouldn’t Kanae-chan, who does not have any intention to peacefully get along with Magic Division, be the one to get away from my Magic Division freshman?”

“What!” Buchin!<ref>SFX for snapping.</ref> From Kanae’s head, the sound of a blood vessel bursting apart could be heard.

“Magic Division students should be led by the Magic Division Student Council President, what do you say, Kazuki-kun?”

“No, even if you ask me……!”

“Nii-sama…… Compared to the Magic Division, Nii-sama is a person more suitable for the Sword Division! Nii-sama and I are not at fault, it is the world that is at fault! Diva, you baka!!”

Kanae’s body began to tremble, while she activated enhancement magic, she fiercely pulled Kazuki’s hand.

Kazuki, who nearly fell down due to the momentum, also activated enhancement magic to resist.

“Don’t use Magic! This is still the morning of the first day of school, isn’t using Magic Power a waste!?”

From the other side, senpai also “EiiEii”<ref>えい, Sound of yelling when getting down to serious physical business.</ref> and pulled onto Kazuki’s arm.

“This is my Nii-sama! This is my Nii-sama!”

“Right now, we are a trio with very good relationship! Or is this my delusion?”

Kanae cried out. Kaguya-senpai began to enjoy this situation. What on earth was this.

……In the end, it seems like there was no way to let them bring him around the school.

===Part 5===

At the Fountain Square, the Magic Division’s entrance ceremony finally began.

Speaking of entrance ceremony, Were it a normal school, the principal should be the first one up for a rather long speech……However, in front of all the neatly arranged freshmen, the one on the platform was the Student Council President, Kaguya-senpai.

Her face had a serious expression that was completely different from before. She was wearing a robe that almost covered her entire body.

“——The world is currently being eroded by myths.”

In front of the microphone, Kaguya-senpai began to speak such words.

As the peak of Magic for a human was when they were 20 years old, it would begin to decay afterwards. Based on this fact, compared to the principal, perhaps Kaguya-senpai was more suitable for the task to deliver an important speech at the entrance ceremony.

Although the adults can teach, but they are not powerful Magic Users.

In this academy, the strongest Magic User was her —— Otonashi Kaguya.

“Because of the Philosopher’s Stone brought by the <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, the world was forced to change. The power that ruled the world passed from Science to Magic. The balance of power between each country in the world had also undergone tremendous changes. Moreover, Magical Beast had also appeared and began to attack humans. Right now, our current world is becoming relatively similar to the fantasies of myths that were once widely spread.”

——The world was currently being eroded by myths.

Science and laws of physics were already not the absolute truth.

From the secret groups, <Rosicrucian Group>, <Golden Dawn> and <Ahnenerbe>, that had inherited the thoughts and technology, they claim to be the legitimate Alchemy organization <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>.

The person that acted as the leader was known as <Basileus Basileon><ref>Basileus Basileon is translated as King of Kings or in original Greek as Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων. The Byzantine’s Empire last dynasty’s motto. ‘Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων Βασιλεύων Βασιλεύσιν’ or in English ‘King of Kings ruling over Kings’ Info Provided by Kostas.</ref>. He was a strange person that published the results of producing a Philosopher’s Stone 15 years ago. In order to protect themselves from the threat of Magic, the Philosopher’s Stone was imported into the countries at an alarming speed.

Because the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had sold the Philosopher’s Stone at a high price, they ruled the world.

“Although Japan has luckily been listed as a <Magically Advanced Country>, but facing the aggression from other countries, we cannot think lightly of this and sit back and relax. The Knights are currently seeking for a stronger fighting force than now. This responsibility also falls upon us, who will be responsible as future Knights.”

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had expanded to the extent where it could rule the world. However, an internal power struggle had led to their leader Basileus Basileon death.

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom that expanded over the entire world, suddenly lost its unity and fell apart in an instant. Each country’s government immediately tried to seize this opportunity and absorb the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom.

Then, the 7 countries with most Magic User, meaning that they had purchased the most Philosopher’s Stone, as the <Seven Magically Advanced Country>, had inherited the ruling position of the world.

However, Basileus Basileon’s body had still not yet been found.

“Just as everybody knows, we, Japan, have established a system with the Israel myth’s <Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons>. However, the other 6 countries have established relationships with <Very Different Divas>. The combat capability gap between the 7 countries is in a completely evenly matched state. Although currently on the surface, we are at peace. However, we do not know when a Magically Advanced Country will trigger the <Battle of Myths>, it would not be strange if it does happen.”

The 7 Magically Advanced Countries ——Japan, United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia and China. Each country’s Knights had inherited the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom and had earned the help of Divas from completely different Myths.

The other countries were different from Japan. They had gotten the power of Divas through <Faith>.

There was no knowing when the Divas might break the balance and cause the 7 countries to be in danger. This was the truth about the temporary peace.

“Not only abroad, but also within the country, there exist the threat of <Illegal Magic Users> that abuse Magic for crimes. They were tempted by the evil Divas, who have evil intentions, and formed a <Illegal Contract>, allowing that power to rampage uncontrollably. At the same time, the Knights are also a police organization. They are forced to manage these Illegal Magic Users.”

The Divas that harbor evil intentions towards human would contaminate the human’s spirit as the reward for their power.

Because these things were extremely risky, within Japan, all Diva contracts outside of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons were strictly prohibited.

The past Illegal Magic Users had once made Tokyo become ruins.

“In addition, cracks suddenly appeared in the world and the Magic from Astrum leaked out, producing <Magical Beasts> and <Spirits>. These phenomenon known as <{{furigana|Extraordinary Malignant Spot|Cancer}}> had also started to occur. The spaces, where the Magical Beasts are concentrated at, will become contaminated by Magic Power and be known as <Magic Land>. This allows the Magical Beast produced by the Cancer to appear more frequently Defeating these Cancer is also an important job for the Knights.”

Accompanying the death of Basileus Basileon, the production method of the Philosopher’s Stone had been lost.

However, the amount of Magic Users in the world had increased. As if it had been triggered, naturally awakened Magic Users began to appear.

In the countries known as the Magically Advanced Countries, basically all their citizens had become Magic Users.

Then as the amount of Magic Users increased, the phenomenon known as Cancer had also increased in proportion. When the amount of Magical Beasts increased, the spaces would be contaminated and gradually turn into Magic Land.

Magic will bring forth more Magic. Just like this the world was currently being eroded by Magic.

Humans would sometimes even start to miss the <Era where Science was Everything to the World>.

The fact that they obtained the Philosopher’s Stone. To humans, was it really an evolution that should be welcomed…….

“Aggression from Foreign Countries, Illegal Magic Users, Cancer……Dealing with these three big threats is the mission of the Knights. However, there is nothing for us to fear. Because we, the people here right now, have the power to defeat these threats. Everybody should be proud of themselves ——Everyone here has been selected by the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. As <Knights> and heroes of this new world, we are cadets with fame!”

Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. In the past, they had obeyed King Solomon and helped established the Country of Israel. The Demons of this kind of Myth were Demons, yet they assisted the humans at the same time.

They were Divas who really had friendly relationships with Japan.

“I hope that everybody will be able to cultivate their abilities and the overly powerful strength known as Summoning Magic in this academy while having a Knight’s spirit and a strong sense of honor. Powerful strength is accompanied by a great responsibility……Even if we say these to you, towards everybody, who were still ordinary middle school students yesterday, there should not be any realistic feeling……”

After saying up to here, Kaguya-senpai suddenly stopped and began to chant an incantation.

“I know thy name……Thy name is Asmodeus<ref>Asmodeus is the 32nd Demon among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>……Thy power is the omnipotent desires. Comply with the contract, obey my command, and display thy power!”

Kaguya-senpai drew out a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with Astrum. The interior of her robe released a purple light……This is Summoning Magic!

Beside Kaguya-senpai, a large amount of light appeared and the light was shaking and twisting.

——Shortly, it became the unusual outline of a form that could not be distinguished as a human or Magical Beast.

To summarize it in one word, what Kaguya-senpai had summoned was a <Witch>. Her entire body was wearing black clothes. From her head, a crooked horn was grown and on her shoulders, a cow and lamb head was placed. It was an unusual witch.

“Kukuku, Student Council President. You actually called me out to perform this kind of acrobatics, what an amazing fellow, my cute Kaguya. Forget it, based on your honor, I will help you out once.”

One of the Pillars of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons, Asmodeus. At the same time, it was an existence, along with Lucifer, Beelzebub and the others, that ranked as the <Hell’s 7 Great Kinds> that manages the <Seven Deadly Sins>.

This was Otonashi Kaguya —— This was the school’s strongest Student Council President’s Contracted Diva?

From afar, gishigishi, gishigishi<ref>SFX for rustling sounds.</ref>……this kind of sound came.

—— What issued the gishigishi sound was a cage car. Just like a huge cage in a zoo placed on wheels. An awe-inspiring female student transported it to the square.

The female students beside Kazuki looked at the thing inside the cage car and immediately “Huh!” and let out a frightened voice.

In the cage, a <Dragon>’s big body was folded unhappily. The golden light lines tied up the dragon’s limbs, stripping its freedom. This was probably Binding Magic.

The so-called dragon was a type of Magical Beast. The Magical Beasts that appeared from Astrum all had fantasy-like appearances that seemed to have come out from myths —— and attacked humans.

This was different from the instinct of a wild beast attacking other animals for food. It was unrelated to whether the Magical Beast was hungry or not. Compared to their other desires, they would place priority on attacking humans.

The Magical Beasts was not a part of the ecosystem and was obviously an enemy of mankind.

And they only existed to contaminate spaces and summon new Magical Beasts from Astrum.

It was not something to let live and then use for acrobatics.

The cage car was moved up in front of the freshman. There was probably a distance of ten meters when it stopped.

The female student, who had completed the delivery, walked onto the platform and stood next to Kaguya-senpai.

She was probably one of the members of the Magic Division’s Student Council.

“……The shackles of constellation, let the day’s operation be restarted again……Stars binding the day release”

The microphone slightly captured her chanting a short spell. Then, the golden light lines that bounded the dragon’s body seemed to dissolve into the air and disappeared.

The Binding Magic was released……What was that senpai planning to do!?

“……Even if there is no realistic feeling yet, but if we do not allow you to understand, it will be very troublesome……”

Kaguya-senpai used a calm tone and continued her speech.

The dragon seemed to be confirming what had happened to its body and turned its head around. When its eyes reflected the large amount of humans it should attack, just like as it was venting its anger from being tied up, it fiercely smashed the steel bars.

Gan! The door of the cage was smashed open. The locks were not even in place originally!

“GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The fierce roar that caused the air to ,biribiri, and vibrate made all the students tremble.

With a green-colored sheen that only reptiles have on their body, it rushed out from the cage car.

On its back, wings with many sections, similar to bats, expanded greatly. The dragon with its great body that was probably 5 meters in length swooped over like a bullet —— directly at the freshman.

At the same time, noticing a powerful Magic Flow, Kazuki turned his gaze towards Kaguya-senpai who was standing at the platform.

——A great amount of purple light, dazzling enough to burn Kazuki’s retina was shining.

“The thought that burns my chest, portray this world as a living hell……!”

Compared to the time at the garden, an enormous difference in Magic swirled around like a whirlpool, senpai’s long hair and robe was fluttering in the winds and was lifted up.

“GUOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The dragon opened its huge mouth that had many murderous teeth and it seemed like it was about to pounce over to the closest students!

At this moment, Kaguya-senpai’s spell chant ended.

“Thou art a demon king of wicked desires! The incarnation with an obsession that brings forth tragedy, let thy long-cherished wish……pain this entire world! ——Hell’s Thought Flames! (Guernica)”

“Kukukukuku!” From the cow and lamb heads on Asmodeus’s shoulders that was stretched out, just like vomiting, the two heads ejected a large flame.

The dragon was surrounded by flames and squirmed in the air. In front of the foremost students, in a place not so far in front of them.

Hell’s Flames. they revealed a red black color just like blood. Like tentacles, they continued to entangle and wrap around it. The scales that were hard as iron were gradually melted into liquid like candy.

''……What is this.'' No —— It was a different dimension in terms of high temperature.

The Hell’s Flame caused the dragon’s head and bones to melt into a mess and then to evaporate.

In just a short period of time, the dragon’s body disappeared. Even the remains soon disappeared.

“Kukuku, when you need me next time, feel free to call me, my cute Kaguya……”

Asmodeus once again turned into light particles and disappeared.

“This is Summoning Magic. This is the power that everybody will begin to obtain from now on.”

Looking at the freshmen, Kaguya-senpai continued to speak. This was such an unscientific scene.

Causing the very existence to be denied, covering it and eliminating it, the red black flames.

Transporting the dragon over was just a show to demonstrate the power of Summoning Magic.

Although Summoning Magic is something that everybody could see on television……Should it be because Kaguya-senpai was too amazing, or was it because the breathtaking scene was being shown in front of their own eyes? No matter which one it was, the freshmen all held their breath.

“Please constantly ask yourself, “What is this Power used for”. This power should only be used by a person who could feel honor from their heart of justice. Great honor, responsibility and consciousness……Please allow me to use the words above to give a final gift to all of you.”

The sound of applauses suddenly rang out. Because they would be able to obtain such strength, the freshmen became passionate.

However, among this, Kazuki was aware. Aware of ——his own emptiness.

The thought of praying for such strength, he had never had it. Suddenly lodging such ferocious strength inside this kind of person one day ——What a terrible thing.

''I only wanted to repay the debt to the family that adopted me, who was alone.''

“In other words, you are a person not satisfied with just being a Hayashizaki swordsman. Do not become such a small person. There is no need for you to be bounded by gratitude for your entire life.”

''However, I, it was not for the sake of justice or peace, these kinds of vague ideas……''

''I only wanted to be praised by you and Kanae, only just like that……''

As if he was terrified of the foreboding of a huge fate, Kazuki’s gaze fell onto his left hand.

''——What on earth gave the insignificant me an Enigma……?''

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Hidan no Aria

2013-09-04T03:55:28Z

Tman111: Fixed typos.

[[Image:Hidan no Aria_Volume_1_Cover.jpg|286px|thumb|Volume 1 Cover.]]
Project page for Hidan no Aria. Enjoy the visit.

Hidan no Aria (緋弾のアリア), also known as Aria the Scarlet Ammo, is a Japanese light novel series written by Chūgaku Akamatsu and illustrated by Kobuichi. As of August 2013, 15 volumes have been published by Media Factory under their MF Bunko J label. A manga adaptation by Yoshino Koyoka started serialization in the seinen manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive on September 26, 2009. An spin-off manga adaptation called ''Hidan no Aria AA'' and centered on Aria's Amica started on Young GanGan on November 5, 2010. An anime adaptation began airing on April 14, 2011 and concluded on June 30, 2011. An OVA was released on December 21, 2011. A 4-koma gag spin-off called ''Hidan no Aria-chan'' was published on Monthly Comic Alive from May 2011 till June 2012.

The ''Hidan no Aria'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Versión_Española~|Español (Spanish)]]
*[[Hidan_no_Aria_(Version_française)|Français (French)]]
*[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Russian_Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
*[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Deutsche_Version~|Deutsch (German)]]
*[[Hidan_no_Aria_Bahasa_Indonesia|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
*[[Hidan_no_Aria-Versione_Italiana|Italiano(Italian)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----

== Story Synopsis ==

Tokyo Butei High School--- A special school where armed detectives, also known as "Butei", are trained. Tohyama Kinji is a sophomore student who has a unique body that activates a "super mode" when it is stimulated by "something". He tries to hide it from others in order to live a peaceful life, but trouble comes to find him when he becomes the victim of a bombing incident, where he meets the Butei High "Assault" department elite, Aria H. Kanzaki.

== Translation ==

===[[Hidan no Aria:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

'''Translators are asked to [[Hidan no Aria:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Hidan no Aria:guidelines|Hidan no Aria Format/Style Guideline]]

==Editing==

If you are an established editor for Hidan no Aria, you are free to edit as you see fit in order to establish proper standards of English. This includes changing the meaning of the text; no permission is required. Discussions with the translator, however, are encouraged.

==Updates==
*4 January 2013 - Volume 8 completed.
*6 January 2013 - Volume 9 completed.
*14 July 2013 - Volume 10 completed.

==Terminologies==
All terminologies, character informations, and other informations regarding this series are hosted on [http://hidannoaria.wikia.com/wiki/Hidan_no_Aria_Wiki this wikia].

===Feedback===
'''If you enjoyed this series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=2527 Feedback Thread]'''

==The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aria_the_Scarlet_Ammo ''Hidan no Aria''] series by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/赤松中学 Akamatsu Chuugaku]==
Visit [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=4322 this thread] for any information, comments and error reports on the PDFs.

=== Volume 1 - Aria the Scarlet Ammo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume1|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?tjag4k5krf0oolw PDF])===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 1 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Prologue|Reload]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter1|1st Ammo - La bambina da l'ARIA]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Kanzaki H. Aria]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Assault]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Behind the Fringe]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Holmes]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Last Ammo|Last Ammo - La bambina da l'ARIA]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Afterword|Afterword]]
 

=== Volume 2 - Blazing Diamond Dust ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume2|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?9fhtib6idhn2bww PDF])===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 2 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Armed Shrine-Maiden]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Edge Catching]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Caged Bird]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Man-made Beach]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Diamond Dust]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - Who Performed the Last Move?]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 3 - Honey Trap ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume3|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?snnrnl6vqpabblc PDF])===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 3 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Quadras Under the Moon]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - High Butei Riko]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Wolf and Reki]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Infiltration]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter5|5th Ammo - 296 Meters Above Ground Billiards]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - You Stole my Precious Thing]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Afterword|Afterword]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]

 

=== Volume 4 - Fall of the Scarlet Ammo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume4|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?6uext9vylzbwwxg PDF])===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 4 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Invisible Bullet]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Emergency Mission -Quest Boost-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Summer Festival]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Infighting -Falling Out-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Golden Pavillion -Abu Simbel-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - Awakening of the Scarlet Ammo]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 5 - Overture's Fine ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume5|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?jy29tpox85rga8k PDF])===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 5 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter1|Pierce 1 - The Man Beyond Space and Time]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter2|Pierce 2 - Overture's Fine]] 
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter3|Reload 1 - Konayuki, Shirayuki's sister]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter4|Reload 2 - Marseille Roulette]] 
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter5|Reload 3 - Goodbye Aria]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Hello Reki]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 6 - Killing Range 2051 ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume6|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?qv612g6z9q2t07p PDF])===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 6 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Manhunt]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Water Tossing]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Caravan I -Field Trip-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Flash Cannon]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Reki]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 7 - Waltz of Wind and Fire -Castling Turn- ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume7|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?szcatic6gz3tved PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?bmdf9780qwt2t3w PDF for e-Reader]) ===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 7 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Case E8]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - HURRY UP]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - The Third Quadra]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Team Baskerville]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The War Meeting -Bandire-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 8 - Tornado High ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume8|Full Text]]) - [http://www.mediafire.com/?96a3m7ntn99v2vb PDF]) ===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 8 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Night of Chaos -Turbulent-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Cosplay Cafeteria -Ristorante Mask-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Silver-White ICBM]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter4|4th Ammo - 350m Altitude Tornado]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The Spiral Sky Tree -Tornado High-]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 9 - Spark Out ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume9|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?28lg128r8q6px3n PDF]) ===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 9 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9 Chapter1|1st Ammo - Spark Witch -Dracula Hilda-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Magnificent Riko -Fii Bucuros Riko-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Secret Rehabilitation -Boy Meets Girl-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Cultural Festival Day 1 -Carnaval Via-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Cultural Festival Day 2 -Carnaval Finale-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go For The NEXT!! The G Bloodlines]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 10 - Arcanum Duo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume10|Full Text]]) ===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 10 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Descent of the Hawk -Crimson Geo-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Deen Conference]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Secret of the Deep Blue -Deep Blue-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Three Roads of Immorality -Three Outs-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Surprise Rose]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Impromptu Sisters -Belt Link-]]
::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Afterword|Afterword]]

 

=== Volume 11 - Collateral Bros ===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 11 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_1st Ammo|1st Ammo - Lumberjack -Night of Revenge-]] (0%)
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_2nd Ammo|2nd Ammo - Sports Festival -La Lissa-]]
::*3rd Ammo - Farewell, G-4th -The End of G-4th- 
::*4th Ammo - The G Bloodlines -Collateral Bros-
::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!!!

 

=== Volume 12 - Snowfall upon a Wolfhound - Fall Oblige - === 
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 12 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume12_1st_Ammo|1st Ammo - As if Into Thin Air - Like Vanish-]]
::*2nd Ammo - Kinji, the Mediocre Person 
::*3rd Ammo - Moe Mochizuki 
::*4th Ammo - Kikuyo Kagataka 
::*5th Ammo - Enlightening Emptiness 

 

=== Volume 13 - Counterattacked Kowloon -Kowloon Reverse- === 
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 13 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*1st Ammo - Dry Eyes 
::*2nd Ammo - OZONE -Bridgehead- 
::*3rd Ammo - Kou/Son -Double Cast- 
::*4th Ammo - Kowloon's Monkey King -Kowloon Monk- 
::*5th Ammo - The Dancing Hong Kong Tram -Dance Outrage- 
::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!!! -Tset Acht Z8- 

 

=== Volume 14 - Uninvited Sea Mist -Aquamarine Kreuz- === 
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 14 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*1st Ammo- Enable & Quadler -Dragon and Phoenix-
::*2nd Ammo- Ranban Castle
::*3rd Ammo- Dragon Road -Death Game-
::*4th Ammo- The End of Contradiction -In those beautiful pupils, reflect only me-
::*5th Ammo- Aquamarine Kruez -Uninvited Sea Mist-
::*Afterword

 

=== Volume 15 - Excellency and Silver Ice -Constellation- === 
[[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 15 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]

 

=== Blu-ray Special Stories I-VII: Cast-Off Table === 
::*[[Hidan no Aria:BD_SS_1_7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*I - Strip Mahjong
::*II - Strip Billards
::*III - Princess Kaguya's Electric Railway
::*IV - Dice
::*[[Hidan no Aria:BD_Chapter5|V - Roulette]]
::*VI - Poker
::*VII - The Game of Life

===Spin-off Stories===
[[File:Hidan no Aria Spinoff2 000.png|thumb|x210px|right]][[File:Hidan no Aria Spinoff1 000.png|thumb|x210px|right]]
::*The Case of Naruse Yukari
::*The Case of the Lost Peachbuns
 

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator: [[User:onizuka-gto|Onizuka-GTO]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:YoakeNoHikari|YoakeNoHikari]]

===Translators===
[[File:Aria04 003.jpg|thumb|x280px|left]]

'''ACTIVE'''
:* [[User:NiMx1233|NiMx1233]]
:* [[User:Hiyono|Hiyono]]
:* [[User:KanzakiAria|KanzakiAria]]
:* [[User:JACK ShadowHunter|JACK ShadowHunter]]
:* [[User:Kurosu|Kurosu]]
'''INACTIVE'''
:* [[User:YoakeNoHikari|YoakeNoHikari]]
:* [[User:IngridSenpai|IngridSenpai]]
:* [[User:Othao|Othao]]
:* [[User:Nera Sleith|Nera Sleith]]

'''K.I.A.'''
:* [[User:Spadey|Spadey]]
:* [[User:Seoulfighter|Seoulfighter]]
:* [[User:Ken FF|Ken FF]]
 

===Editors===
[[File:Aria04 002.jpg|thumb|x280px|left]]

'''ACTIVE'''
:*[[User:Hiyono|Hiyono]]
:*[[User:Carinderyeah|Carinderyeah]]
:* [[User:KanzakiAria|KanzakiAria]]
:* [[User:Rohan123|Rohan123]]

'''INACTIVE'''
:*[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]]
:*[[User:EnigmaticRepose|EnigmaticRepose]]
:*[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]]
:*[[User:Lofthouse|Lofthouse]]
:*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]

 

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - "Hidan no Aria I Aria the Scarlet Ammo" / 第一巻: 緋弾のアリア　(Published　August 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8401-2401-0)
* Volume 2 - "Hidan no Aria II Blazing Diamond Dust" / 第二巻: 緋弾のアリアⅡ　燃える銀氷 (Published December 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8401-2600-7)
* Volume 3 - "Hidan no Aria III Honey Trap" / 第三巻: 緋弾のアリアⅢ 蜂蜜色の罠 (Published March 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-2720-2)
* Volume 4 - "Hidan no Aria IV Fall of the Scarlet Ammo" / 第四巻: 緋弾のアリアⅣ 堕ちた緋弾 (Published August 21, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-2873-5)
* Volume 5 - "Hidan no Aria V Overture's Fine" / 第五巻: 緋弾のアリアV 序曲の終止線 (Published December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-3126-1)
* Volume 6 - "Hidan no Aria VI Killing Range 2051" / 第六巻: 緋弾のアリアVI 絶対半径2051 (Published April 23, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3281-7)
* Volume 7 - "Hidan no Aria VII Castling Turn" / 第七巻: 緋弾のアリアVII 火と風の円舞 (Published August 21, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3486-6)
* Volume 8 - "Hidan no Aria VIII Tornado High" / 第八巻: 緋弾のアリアVIII 螺旋の天空樹 (Published December 25, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3678-5)
* Volume 9 - "Hidan no Aria IX Spark Out" / 第九巻: 緋弾のアリアIX 蒼き閃光 (Published March 25, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3859-8)
* Volume 10 - "Hidan no Aria X Arcanum Duo" / 第十巻: 緋弾のアリアX 禁忌の双極 (Published July 25, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3969-4)
* Volume 11 - "Hidan no Aria XI Collateral Bros" / 第十一巻: 緋弾のアリアXI Ｇの血族 (Published December 22, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-4331-8)
* Volume 12 - "Hidan no Aria XII Snowfall upon a Wolfhound - Fall Oblige-" / 第十二巻: 緋弾のアリアXII 狼狗に降る雪 -フォル・オブリージュ- (Published May 25, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4579-4)
* Volume 13 - "Hidan no Aria XIII Counterattacked Kowloon -Kowloon Reverse-" / 第十三巻: 緋弾のアリアXIII 反撃の九龍 -ガウロン・リバース- (Published August 24, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4682-1)
* Volume 14 - "Hidan no Aria XIV Uninvited Sea Mist -Aquamarine Kreuz-"/ 第十四巻: 緋弾のアリアXIV 招かれざる海霧 -アクアマリン・クロイツ- (Published April 25, 2013, ISBN 978-4-8401-5161-0)
* Volume 15 - "Hidan no Aria XV Excellency and Silver Ice -Constellation-"/第十五巻: 緋弾のアリア XV 哿と銀氷 -コンステラシオン- (Published August 23, 2013, ISBN 978-4-8401-5283-9)
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Genre - Action]]

My Maid is a Formless Entity

2013-08-17T00:39:58Z

Tman111: typos...

[[File:Futeikei.jpg|thumb|right|Uchi no Meido ha Futeikei]]
'''''My Maid is a Formless Entity''''' (うちのメイドは不定形, Uchi no Meido ha Futeikei) is a light novel series written by Tassou Shizukawa, conceived by Ryou Morise, drawn by Juu Ayakura.

This series is unrelated to Ny*ruko, although Ny*ruko referenced it in illustrations. It's the only profitable series of PHP Kenkyuujo's light novel line, which is not carried in most bookstores. The [http://www.php.co.jp/smash/futeikei/ official website for UchiFutei] implores you to order from Amazon.

==Story Overview==
Boy meets shapeless agglomeration of unspeakable origin, adds water, it grows into a maid.

==Translation==
Translation is by [[User:Yog-Sothoth-chan|Yog-Sothoth-chan]], who goes by other names elsewhere (for example, Aforgomon, and The Dweller on the Threshold).

Generally I am expecting to translate this by myself. Raws are not being scanned and will not be sent. If you want to help, you can [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&p=186615#p186793 post on the forum]!

===[[My Maid is a Formless Entity:Registration Page|Registration]]===

'''Translators are asked to [[My Maid is a Formless Entity:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on.'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*Names and Terminology Guidelines

===Free distribution===
I feel it important to note that this translation was fan-made and distributed for fun, [[Baka-Tsuki:Copyrights|not for profit]], and is meant to enlighten the general public about our imminent doom at the hands of the Old Ones. Please enjoy it and distribute it widely.

==Updates==

==My Maid is a Formless Entity by Tassou Shizukawa==

===Volume 1===
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_1_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_1_Chapter_1|Chapter 1: The Formless Maid Cometh! Ia! Ia! Ia!]]
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_1_Chapter_2|Chapter 2: Outsider, the Story of the Others]] ''(started)''
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_1_Chapter_3|Chapter 3]]

===Volume 2===
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_2_Chapter_1|Chapter 1]]
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_2_Chapter_2|Chapter 2]]
* [[My_Maid_is_a_Formless_Entity:Volume_2_Chapter_3|Chapter 3]]

==Project Staff==
* Project Administrator:
* Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
*[[User:Yog-Sothoth-chan|Yog-Sothoth-chan]]

===Editors===

==Series Overview==
*うちのメイドは不定形. (June 2010) - ISBN 4569674607.
*うちのメイドは不定形2. (May 2013) - ISBN 4569675743.

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume3 Chapter8

2012-10-22T06:14:01Z

Tman111: /* Part 6 */

==Chapter 8: Ellis' Determination==

===Part 1===

"Ah..."

As Kamito opened his eyes, he saw the image of Claire's room.

The warmth of the sun slipped through the curtains and brightened the room.

''...Ah? I... Why was I sleeping?''

His memory was still hazy.

He didn't know when he put on pajamas, or the bandages.

Next to his bed, there was a spirit stone that was cracked after healing.

Just as Kamito was sitting up—

"Hoo... Ah...!"

His flanks felt like they were burning.

Taking a closer look, the roll of bandages that were on his abdomen had formed a hard clot.

''That's right—''

The pain finally let Kamito remember what happened.

''I was pierced by the Spirit...''

The mirror spirit that went out of control through the power of the Spell Armament Seal.

The spirit that wounded Kamito was annihilated by Velsaria.

With overwhelming destructive force, it was wiped off the Earth.

The spirit that was completely destroyed could never return back to Astral Zero.

Complete eradication.

"The Academy's strongest Blade dancer— huh?"

That insanely strong fortress was indeed a spirit whose level that was on par with Ellis'.

She was far stronger then she had been at the Spirit Blade Dance Festival 3 years ago.

''...As I am now, would I be able to defeat her?''

He asked himself, clenching his left hand which used to hold that pitch black blade.

The 3 years of emptiness, and embarking on the journey to find her.

The reasons of defeat, one can have as many as he wants.

''That "Kyōdouin"'s orphan — Jio Inzagi also said I've become weak...''

That was because Kamito unconsciously protected his companions.

''If that is my weakness then—''

''... I have indeed become weak, heh.''

Pushing back the burning pain, he finally sat up on the bed.

Kamito's uniform was hanging on the walls of the room. It had become so tattered that it was unrecognizable.

After judging that even washing it would still be no good, he left it there.

Using his hands to lean on the wall, he started walking wobbly.

He searched through his uniform's front pocket, and took out the present and chocolate.

The chocolate had already been flattened, but because Claire had finally made it successfully, he would gratefully eat it.

After making his resolve and placing it into his mouth, the sweet taste spread through his mouth.

"...Ah? This is surprisingly..."

Although there was a bit of bitterness, it was quite good.

Compared to the coal she cooked before, this was indeed a remarkable progress.

''...She, essentially is a very hard working person, isn't she?''

While she did have some weak points, like the many times when she had sudden mood swings, as an honor student, her learning speed was extremely fast.

If she were serious, maybe she could become an expert in cooking too.

===Part 2===

"—Kamito!?"

Suddenly, the room's door slammed open.

The one who came in holding a pile of bandages was Claire.

"Y-You, what are you doing, ah!"

"Nm? Your chocolate, is pretty good. You practiced hard."

"Eh?"

Kamito frankly praised—

Claire's face immediately reddened.

"T-That's obvious isn't it? I-I Practiced a lot... ah, not that. W-Why are you up, isn't your body still unable to move!?"

"Ah, no, just walking should be no problem, look... Ouch!"

Even with the slight movement of his wrist, his sides started hurting again.

"...Haaa. You really are a fool, your wound opened again right? Well, quickly sit there. I'll put some new bandages on you."

"Ahhh, sorry for troubling you..."

Claire started wrapping the bandages awkwardly—

And slowly told Kamito what happened after he fainted.

The two who had the Spell Armament Seals were found unconscious in the forest.

It seemed like after being captured by the Knights, they were sent to jail in the capital. After all, using Spell Armament Seals did not only break the Academy's rules, but they would also probably be tried by the Spirit Investigation Association.

The actions Velsaria took involving the public did not cause any deaths, and since she only destroyed a small area of the street, she did not get any punishment.

Although the one who issued the ruling was Greyworth, this judgement might be what the Alfas Empire decided since they did not want to punish the Academy's strongest Blade Dancer, especially when the Spirit Blade Dance Festival was so near.

Ellis, who helped Claire move Kamito back to the room, stayed in her room and never came out.

Probably because she failed her responsibility as the captain and didn't prevent the streets from getting destroyed nor stop the students from getting associated with the Spell Armament Seals, that she didn't leave her room.

"... How long did I sleep?"

"A whole day. The Valentia Holy Festival ended a long time ago."

"Is that so..."

Kamito glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

"Since last night, it has almost been half a day."

"Claire, although I'm late, I am very sorry."

Kamito handed out the small box, that had just been taken out of his uniform, and gave it to Claire.

"What is this?"

"Ah... That, is your present. Your birthday gift. Although it has already passed hasn't it?"

"...!?"

Claire widened her ruby eyes.

"W-Why, How...?"

"Rinslet told me. Well, for a lady of nobility, this may not be anything of value."

"..."

[[Image:STnBD V03 193.jpg|thumb|x200px]]

In the end, Claire carefully untied the ribbons.

Inside the box, was the cat-like silver pendant that was carefully placed.

"T-This, isn't it the one I wanted...?"

"Back then weren't you always looking at it?"

"Ah, ah, but..."

Claire hugged the pendent in her hands like it was a treasure.

"This should be pretty expensive isn't it? You aren't an aristocrat—"

"That's because I made an unreasonable request to Ellis. I asked for an advance of my payment."

"...S-So... It was like that."

Claire tightly clasped the pendent, and looked at Kamito from below—

"...Th-Thank you, Kamito"

And said that shyly.

Seeing an expression that was usually never seen from her, Kamito's heart could not help but beat faster.

''...T-This person, putting on this expression, is simply too cute to be true—''

''"Hmph, as a slave you know some interesting things—"'' He thought he would hear something like that.

He did not expect she would frankly express her gratitude.

"Sorry, Kamito... I was wrong about that."

"Mn?"

Another line that was hard to believe had also emerged. Kamito could not help but wonder about his ears.

"I-I'm sorry... that I chased you out of the room. This was the reason why you went to work for the Knights, right?"

"Ah, no, that is—"

Just when he was about to say it, Kamito quickly closed his mouth.

Although it wasn't entirely like that— it was better to remain silent.

"And yet I didn't even listen to your explanation and got angry... Sorry."

Her red twin tails dropped down with no energy.

"No, It's my fault, at that time I didn't explain properly. I apologize."

"Kamito..."

Claire looked up with teary eyes and slowly got closer to Kamito.

"—Hey, are you people done?"

"Cough cough!"

"...!?"

The two hurriedly separated.

"Fianna, since when were you here!?"

"Probably from that moment when Kamito-kun said 'It's time for you to become more frank, even though you always say you hate it— you actually want to do more exciting things with me right?'"

"Don't fabricate such an unlikely fact!"

"Y-Yeah! D-Doing more exciting things with... N-No!"

Claire, who was red all over, immediately got angry.

"Hoho, it was just a joke. Really Claire, your face doesn't have to be that red."

"W-Wh-Why did you even come here, Ero-Queen?!"

"Tomorrow's match has already been declared, that's why I came over here to tell you!"

"Who's our enemy for tomorrow?"

"Ah, our enemy is the team that's ranked first— Velsaria Eva's team~"

"...!"

Claire's expression immediately froze.

"...The Silent Fortress', huh?"

"As long as we continue to win, they are an enemy that we knew we would soon encounter."

Claire should have already realized this...

But with a power that can eradicate two strong high level spirits in an instant—

"—There's no problem."

Kamito picked up the Elemental Waffe sword that was placed next to the bed.

"I will defeat Velsaria. I will take her on personally."

"W-What are you saying!"

Claire fiercely glared at Kamito.

"With that kind of injury, how will you be able to join tomorrow's match?"

"That person will not be defeated with just you and the others."

"T-There is always a way... Let's not speak of Velsaria as an individual, their team isn't mature enough. It was just formed by pulling people from the Knights, they haven't even completed their—"

"The Silent Fortress is a tough opponent you know."

"That is..."

Even if Claire had a very straight forward personality, as a Spirit Contractor, she also had the ability to calmly observe the situation.

Even with one reason, she wouldn't miscalculate the power difference between Velsaria and her.

But once the fighting starts, Fianna, who had the ability to do rituals due to being an ex-Princess Maiden from the Divine Ritual Institute, would be no different from any regular person.

While it was true that her knight spirit was strong, once you consider the inability to enter Elemental Waffe, the area of tactical fighting immediately lowers.

Additionally, in order to attack the flying fortress, a spirit that has long-range attacks was necessary.

The only thing that could attack air units in Team Scarlet was Claire's magic. But, it was impossible to only rely on magic to destroy the armor mounted on the fortress.

''But, if I were to be a forward, we could at lest adhere to five minutes.''

Towards Kamito who was making an attempt to get out of bed—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Squeeze squeeze* 

"Even if Kamito-kun's body is firmer and stronger, participating in tomorrow's match is impossible~"

Fianna used her soft chest to press him back.

Due to Kamito's blushing because of touching something really soft, Claire fiercely glared back.

"That's right~ the injured you would just give us more trouble."

"..."

Although he felt really unwilling, but he couldn't find any words of rebuttal.

Indeed, letting Kamito, who was seriously injured, join the battle would just be a hindrance.

"Then... is Team Scarlet forfeiting?"

"That—"

Kamito, who was asking it also understood that there was no other way.

Once you forfeit a match, as a punishment your ranking would significantly drop.

Knowing that, if they don't defeat the top team, the chance of getting their 6th place team to the top 3 would be almost 0.

===Part 3===

"..."

A heavy atmosphere filled the room, and at that moment—

"Fuu, I understand what you all are saying~"

An elegant voice came from outside the room.

Accompanied by her wavy blond hair, Rinslet entered the room.

Following closely behind her, was her maid Carol.

"Rinslet why did you come over here!?"

"Seems like my power is needed~"

Disregarding Claire who was actively protesting, Rinslet openly walked over.

After stopping in front of Kamito, who was still sitting on the bed, she elegantly moved her long hair.

"As long as it is me, I can definitely shoot down the flying fortress for you!"

"Ojou-sama is trying to say that she hopes to join Claire-sama's team~"

Carol simultaneously translated what Rinslet had said.

"Is that right, Rinslet?"

"...N-No! It's, just that..."

Rinslet, who was flustered, asked for Carol's help.

"Haha, ojou-sama really isn't good at expressing the truth~"
[[Image:STnBD V03 199.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
Using her hands to cover her mouth, Carol gently laughed.

"—Rinslet!"

Suddenly, Kamito stood up and grasped her shoulders.

Those slender shoulders of hers suddenly trembled.

"Ah!, w-what! You are too violent... I'm not ready yet!"

Her voice sharpened as she protested. But, Kamito did not let go.

"..."

"Ah, wha..."

Being stared at by Kamito, Rinslet quickly quieted down.

Blushing, she nervously grabbed the corner of her skirt.

"T-This is troublesome... If I am being stared at like that, I-I will become strange..."

"K-Kamito, what are you doing!?"

"Kamito-kun, no matter how you explain yourself, this is too bold!"

Ignoring the shocked Claire and Fianna—

"Please, Rinslet. Join our team."

"Eh?"

Rinslet stood there, shocked. Claire also widened her eyes.

Rinslet's Elemental Waffe— "Freezing Arrow", was a long range weapon. In the situation where Kamito would be unable to enter tomorrow's match, they would urgently need her to join.

''If we left it to Claire, who is always arguing with her, to ask this ojou-sama, she would never put down her pride. ''

So, Kamito intervened and asked her himself.

Rinslet then—

"A-Alright..."

Like a bride that was getting proposed to, she shyly agreed.

"I-If Kamito-san says so..."

Blushing, she used her fingers to play with her hair.

"Isn't this fine, Claire?"

Claire sighed.

"Well this is, after all, the undefeated "Silent Fortress". And eventually we would need ranged support that has sufficient power."

"W-Wait, don't misunderstand. I only joined your team because Kamito-san requested it."

"Now, now." Carol slowly comforted the furious Rinslet.

''In any case, now we will be able to carry out anti-air attacks from the ground.''

''...Now that she has joined, our power will be more balanced.''

Claire seemed to have considered the same thing as Kamito.

"Now if only we could have another person take on the position as forward..."

She said with a troubled expression.

Just then, came knocking from the door.

"...?"

Everyone looked at each other... Having visitors come to this room was very surprising.

Claire went over and opened the door.

The ones who were standing outside the door— were two people who they didn't expect.

"Y-You!?"

Claire, who was holding the door handle, widened her eyes.

"Claire Rouge, there is something we want you to do..."

"Although we do not have the qualifications to ask for something like this."

They were Ellis' teammates who were still supposed to be in the infirmary, Rakka and Reishia from the Sylphid Knights.

===Part 4===

Inside the dark room where all the curtains were pulled close—

Ellis was crying alone on her bed, not caring for anything.

Staring at the memory that was sealed in the spirit stone.

Inside was a young Ellis, dreaming of Velsaria.

For the first time, she didn't attend the Knight's meeting in the morning.

What she wore wasn't the school uniform, but pajamas that were printed with polka-dots.

Her hair wasn't tied up as well, letting her long hair flow down in all directions on her bed.

—''You are not a knight.''

Velsaria's words echoed in her head.

''It may be just as what onee-sama said...''

Amidst the darkness, Ellis had firmly grasped the bed sheet.

''...It's the truth, in the end, I couldn't protect anyone.''

The people that were happily enjoying the festival.

The students that were transplanted with Spell Armament Seals.

And also— her important partner who was with her.

Kamito, who joined her out of kindness, had sustained serious injuries.

''Everything was because of me. If only I was more powerful, then nothing would have happened—''

The seniors who agreed to join Velsaria and left the Knights, they were also her fault.

No one would want to be with a captain that has no power, and would only speak of dreams.

"...I do not, have the right to call myself a Knight—"

"Yeah, the current you really doesn't have the right to be called a knight, Ellis."

"...!"

Ellis immediately let go of the bed sheets.

"Claire Rouge?"

"Sorry, but I melted the lock."

After saying that, Claire entered the room.

"W-Why are you here, and what do you mean that I had no right of being a knight!?"

"Heh~ So you still have the strength to get angry. I feel at ease now."

Claire stood next to the bed, hands on her hips, and lowered her head while looking at Ellis.

The normal Ellis would have stared back immediately, but—

She looked as if she was being forced and looked away.

"...H-Has Kamito awakened yet?"

"Yeah, he even said some weird things like he would like to join tomorrow's match."

"What—? With that kind of injury?"

"Yup. And our enemy is the Academy's strongest, 'Silent Fortress'."

"That's crazy, what are all of you thinking!?"

Ellis grabbed Claire and stood up.

"Don't you understand onee-sama's power?"

"Ah, She is a very powerful spirit contractor, but she is not invincible."

"What?"

Ellis frowned.

Velsaria Eva Fahrengart was the strongest in the Academy.

This was a fact everyone knew of.

"Three years ago, Ren Ashbell defeated her."

"But that's because— She is the strongest blade dancer. Their levels are too far apart!"

"True. But, our goal is to defeat Ren Ashbell."

"Wha—?"

To Ellis, who never thought she would hear those words, was speechless.

''...defeat Ren Ashbell!?''

"How is that possible—?"

"It is possible. More precisely, we will make it possible~"

"..."

Claire was serious.

She was seriously thinking of defeating the strongest blade dancer.

"I will continue to win in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival, then I will make my 'wish'. Whether it is the Silent Fortress or the strongest blade dancer, whoever gets in my way shall be brought down."

Looking straight at Ellis, were a pair of eyes that were burning silently.

A small flame was ignited, inside Ellis' heart.

"M-Me too..."

"Ellis, will you bring that resolve and join the Spirit Blade Dance Festival?"

Claire seized Ellis' collar.

"Your dream of being a knight, is it only to this level?"

"—No!"

Ellis pushed Claire's hands away.

"I am... I am a knight of the Fahrengart!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Boom!*

A strong wind was formed in the room.

The bed sheet on the bed was blown away, the items on the desk were sent flying in the air.

The curtains were ripped apart, and strong rays from the sun were fired into the dark room, brightening everything.

"..."

After the wind settled—

"Looks like the wind has started blowing again~"

Claire smiled.

Then, she pointed at Ellis.

With her other hand on her hips—

"Ellis, join our team!"

"...W-What?"

Ellis asked, still shocked.

"Me... join Team Scarlet?"

"Correct. With you, we can win against the Silent Fortress."

Claire spoke with a serious tone.

However, Ellis firmly shook her head.

"Sorry, I cannot accept that. I already have companions to fight with—"

"—Captain!"

"?"

After hearing the noise that echoed in the room, Ellis looked over—

"Y-You guys!?"

Standing there, was a girl with short hair, and another with braided hair.

Her teammates Rekka and Reishia.

"...You escaped from the Infirmary?"

===Part 5===

They should still be recovering.

They shouldn't have been allowed to come out this far.

"Why...?"

"We hoped that Captain would appear in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival."

Rekka had said while painfully coughing.

Reishia nodded.

"We decided it ourselves. We already knew that we wouldn't heal before the festival... So—"

"You're... disbanding... the party?"

Having a stunned expression, Ellis looked at her two teammates.

"..."

"N-No, I will not allow that!"

"But, Captain—"

"Didn't we already promise! We had decided to appear in the festival together!"

Ellis didn't care about her appearance to others anymore and cried like a child.

"We can't fight anymore. So—"

"We want to be there, side by side... So carry our dreams with you."

"Rekka, Reishia..."

"Please, fight for us too."

"I would like to see Captain's blade dance. A blade dance that cuts everything blocking its path like a gale."

"..."

Ellis—

Firmly bit her lips and clenched her fist.

Both sides refused to give up— A heavy atmosphere quickly filled up the room.

The first person who sighed, was Ellis.

"...I understand. You win."

"Captain!"

The two girls squealed in happiness.

"—Claire Rouge."

Ellis looked back at the quiet Claire.

Not with the past face without any energy.

But with an expression that was filled with pride.

"I, Ellis Fahrengart, request to join Team Scarlet."

"Welcome, Ellis~"

Claire smiled happily and stretched out her right hand.

And Ellis replied by stretching out her left.

"I want to show that person, my honor."

===Part 6===

The strongest blade dancer— Ren Ashbell.

Three years ago, from the day they exchanged blows with their blades, Velsaria's life had changed drastically.

On that day, her pride was struck and shattered.

Before that day, Velsaria always had the pride of the strongest Knight.

To the girl that appeared in front of her, she didn't underestimate her foe that was two years younger than her.

No matter who it was, as long as it was an enemy, she would try her best to strike it down.

That was her belief as a Knight.

With her full power she had fought— But was defeated.

At that time, in her heart, Velsaria did not feel hatred.

But it was more like a yearning to her.

Velsaria was not an exception, she, like the other girls, was fascinated by Ren Ashbell's blade dance.

But what shattered her pride, was not the defeat itself.

It was the eyes that the strongest girl cast at the loser.

In her pitch black pupils, what was seen—

Was not hostility, nor was it disdain— There was no emotion.

In her eyes, Velsaria was not even recognized.

''...Unforgivable. What she had done was unforgivable.''

''I must defeat the strongest girl, and let her 'acknowledge my existence'.''
[[Image:STnBD V03 212.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
This was probably— in a sense, an emotion that was similar to love.

''Soon, I can fight her again in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival.''

''As long as I can do that, anything is fine.''

Midnight. Deep inside the "Spirit Forest"—

Velsaria was alone in the dark, trying her best to restrain her excitement.

At this moment, the bush behind her moved slightly.

"—You, you are there right?"

"Ha, as expected of you, you were able to detect my presence~"

A vivid laughter rang in the forest.

The one who appeared was— the Corpse Federation merchant, Vivian Melosa.

"You were perfect yesterday, because of you I was able to collect a lot of data~"

"I knew it, it was you who implanted those Spell Armament Seals on them."

Velsaria emitted a strong murderous aura that made the leaves around them fall.

"Yes, but, they were destroyed immediately. Even if it is the famed Areshia Spirit Academy, it is rare to find such a fine specimen like yourself!"

"Disappear. I told you to never appear in front of me again."

"Wah, you're pretty cold. I just came here to find out how the corruption rate of the 'heart' was."

"I have no intentions to support your research. The 'heart' can already be fully controlled."

Vivian Melosa laughed out loud.

"Don't stretch it. A 'spell armament seal engraved on a heart'— the only person who could possibly control it is the Dusk Witch. If you just leave it like that, you will die in a few years~"

"Not a problem. As long as I live till the Spirit Blade Dance Festival two weeks later, it is enough."

"That is troublesome to me though. You are actually a specimen I took a liking to—"

In an instant, Velsaria released her Elemental Waffe towards Vivian Melosa.

With the strength of the compressed Divine power, it blew apart the trees in the forest, and blasted away the dirt in front of her.

After the dust had settled, there was no one there. Only the dense darkness.

"...That damned witch."

Facing the empty space, Velsaria bitterly cursed.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Thump*—, the 'heart' started painfully throbbing.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume3 Chapter7|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume3 Chapter9}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume3 Chapter7

2012-10-22T06:00:52Z

Tman111: /* Part 4 */

==Chapter 7 - Valentia Holy Festival==
=== Part 1 ===
It was evening. The plaza of Academy Town was bustling with crowds of people.

Sweet smells tickled his nostrils. At the shrine, delicious-looking baked sweets were piled up like a mountain and princess maidens dispatched from the academy were showcasing a blade dance that entertained the spirits.

"However, where did that girl go?”

As his gaze fell towards the chocolate that Claire had thrown aside—

Kamito breathed a sigh, exasperated.

Together with Ellis and the other two, they had given chase after Claire. But halfway through, the time for the change of patrols came and they had to give up. With that, they started their rounds around the «Wind» area.

"....."

Ellis, walking right beside him with a complicated expression, stared at the chocolate that Kamito was carrying.

"What is it, Ellis?"

"N-No, it's nothing.... It looks like there's no problem in this area."

Ellis coughed, and looked away.

Indeed, there did not seem to be any signs of suspicious activity in this area.

Although there might have been brawls between drunkards and pickpockets, those kinds of troubles were left for the town's vigilante corps to deal with. Rather, what Kamito and the others needed to look out for were the matters that the townspeople, who were not used to interaction with spirits, incurred the anger of the spirits unknowingly.

During the rituals of worshiping the spirits, those kinds of incidents occurred frequently.

"This is almost like.... a da-date."

"Hm, did you say something?"

"Nothing at all, concentrate more on patrolling!"

Ellis' face was flushed a deep red as she got angry.

"So-Sorry...."

Kamito apologized.

''.....Wait a second, isn't Ellis the one who isn't concentrating?''

Since awhile ago, Ellis was not able to calm down, was stealing glances at Kamito's face from the side now and then.

Somehow, her manner of walking seemed unsteady and uncertain.

Their shoulders coming so close together that he was not sure whether they were touching, and then her screaming "Fuwaa", once again moving away from him — that kind of thing was repeated over and over.

Because of that, they bumped into the people that they passed by, many times.

"Ellis, walking like that is dangerous."

Unable to watch any longer, Kamito grabbed Ellis' hand,

"......W-W-What are you doing, you insolent person!"


"No, since a while ago, you were somewhat unsteady, and it got dangerous... Your hand is also a little hot. Would you happen to have a fever or something?"

"...～Wh-Whose fault do you think it is?!"

As Ellis' hand was joined with Kamito's, she hit his shoulder.

"I'll have you bear responsibility for taking my first time!"

"Wh...!?"

At those words of Ellis, whose face was colored in bright red,—

The people, going back and forth the street, turned around with their faces lighted up.

They glared at Kamito with a scornful-like look and murmured in a soft voice together.

"Ellis, don't utter something that would invite misunderstandings!"

"I-It isn't a misunderstanding! Really, I-it's my first time joining hands with a man!"

"...!?"

''I see''— Kamito suddenly understood.

Thinking about it, Ellis was also an ojou-sama with a prestigious noble background.

Now that he thought about it, Claire and the others seemed like they were hesitating about joining hands with him when they were departing yesterday. To them who were the daughters of nobles, joining hands with a boy might be an act more embarrassing than he imagined.

"...Sorry. My bad."


Just as Kamito was about to release her hand—

"Ah, no, I don't mind, and I didn't mean to scare you."

As Ellis embarrassedly looked away, she tightly squeezed his hand back.

It was the soft feeling of a girl's hands. The reason hard calluses were formed here-and-there was surely the proof that she seriously practised her martial arts.

Just like that, Ellis walked on stiffly like a spring-action toy.

"I-It's... a guy's hand"

"Of course, it is."

Upon hearing Kamito's reply, Ellis giggled, seemingly happy, for some reason.

He was instantly startled by that facial expression of the usual dignified Ellis.

"It's more embarrassing than I thought... to hold hands."

"Ahh, that is true."

Scratching his cheek with one hand, Kamito vaguely nodded.

To be honest, he was a little absent-minded.

From a moment ago, Ellis' large busts were pressing on his arm.

Although, he didn't directly touch them because her Knights breastplate was there, the sensation of their elasticity was being transmitted whether he liked it or not. The reason his eyes unconsciously moved to her willful body beneath her armour was something that couldn't be helped for a boy in puberty.


''W-With such a stiff personality, her body sure is soft...''

With his heart beating hard and full of excitement, the two walked down the main street filled with the hustle-and-bustle of the festival for a while.

The beautiful stone-made street was lit up by the illumination of the spirit ores.

Pointing at the soft-toy bear ornamented at the display window, Ellis' eyes had sparkled, and she was gazing at a gorgeous party dress in front of a clothing shop.

When Kamito brought up yesterday's maid's outfit incident to tease her, her face turned bright red as she flared up.

"Hmph! After all, I'm not suited for those sort of beautiful clothings!"

"There's no such thing. Ellis in her usual knight clothing is also attractive but I also want to see Ellis wearing clothes like these."

"...What-What are you talking about?"

Pouting her lips, Ellis bashfully looked downwards.

Those actions were not of the usual dignified knight, they seemed to be those of an ordinary girl.

Looking at her like that——

Kamito suddenly had something he wanted to try asking.

"Hey, Ellis, why did you plan on becoming a knight?"

While she was the daughter of the top military families, the Fahrengart family, he had felt that her obsession towards the way of life of a knight wasn't just because of that reason.

"......"


Ellis slowly turned her face toward him.

"At first, it was because of the admiration towards Aneue."

"That Velsaria Eva?"

"That's right. Aneue was a splendid knight. She was a person who was disciplined with herself, hated injustice, was earnestly polishing her sword skills, and was always aiming for a way of life like attaining the objective of the people."

As if gazing at somewhere far away, she looked up at the sky that was dyed by the faint sunset.

"From when I was a child, I had always been thinking of wanting to be a knight like Aneue. As the successor of the Fahrengart family, I want to be a spirit knight that protects many people. So, when I joined the academy, I immediately made an application to the Sylphid Knights that Aneue was serving as Captain."

Suddenly, Ellis's reddish-brown pupils darkened.

However— She continued.

"When I joined the academy, Aneue had already changed. As if she was spurred on by something, she had turned into someone merely pursuing only power. Of course, I can't say that way of life is absolutely wrong. Pursuing power superiorly is also the proper way of life as a spirit contractor. However, at the very least, that person now isn't the knight I admired."

"What had changed her like that?"

Kamito asked—

Ellis tightly bit her lips,


"It's probably '''the match with Ren Ashbell three years ago'''."

"...!?"

Without thinking, Kamito had raised his voice.

"I'm also not sure what happened. However, with that match, it is a fact that Aneue had changed."

"..."

Kamito dropped his sight onto his left hand tucked into a leather glove.

The spirit seal, which tied him with his former contracted spirit, was engraved over there.

It was the left hand that defeated Velsaria and won through the Blade Dance three years ago.

It was the left hand that had cut down many «wishes» for the sake of victory.

''—The me three years ago had not been looking at anything.''

He was just merely fighting for her sake.

He had earnestly accumulated victories and brought down many opponents with a pure heart.

There were practically no opponents whose faces he remembered. At that time, he didn't have the leisure of thinking about things like what kind of thoughts the opponents defeated by Ren Ashbell had participating in the Blade Dance

He recalled Velsaria Eva's icy-like pupils.

''...Was it me who changed Ellis' respected knight?''

Ellis dropped her line of sight from the madder-red sky, and turned towards Kamito.


Her reddish-brown pupils harboured strong will.

"I want to show Aneue it, the way of the knight I believe in. Although I am still inexperience now, I am thinking of wanting to seize the thing that lies beyond power someday. For that reason, I'm participating in the Blade Dance."

For the sake of the way of the knight I believe in—

Ellis, who said that in a dignified manner, was dazzling to Kamito.

"Ellis, don't you hate Ren Ashbell?"

Kamito had inquired spontaneously.

If the occasion that changed Velsaria was assumed to be the match from three years ago—

It couldn't be helped that she was hated by Ellis— So, he thought.

However, Ellis lightly shook her head.

"Of course, I also had resented her when Aneue was defeated. However, while looking at Ren Ashbell winning and winning, I noticed that I was getting captivated by her."

"I don't get it. She should be similar to the other spirit contractors, merely dancing a blade dance for the «wish». It's not like she has a splendid goal like Ellis—"

"Wrong"

Ellis interrupted with a harsh voice.

"...?"

"Her blade dance was a blade dance more noble than anyone's. If that was not the case, it would be impossible for her to satisfy the Elemental Lords, and above all, why do you think the girls, who were watching her at that venue, are now still attracted to her."

"..."

Kamito spontaneously gulped at the threatening look of Ellis who was like scolding him harshly.

"It was precisely because the appearance of her dancing the blade dance was noble that I was charmed by and attracted to her. Surely, she wasn't swinging her sword for herself— but for someone."

"For someone..."

Kamito—

Stared motionlessly at his left hand that exchanged a contract with the darkness spirit girl.

He felt like he was saved a little with Ellis' words.

For someone— That was correct. The reason Kamito participated the Blade Dance was for her.

Losing himself, he swung his sword for the sake of granting her one and only desired «wish».

Even if, for example, that result was something disgusting.

Performing a blade dance for his precious her— at least that was certained.

The girl in front of him had said so.

"Ellis, thank you."

"...? What is this about?"

Ellis frowned suspiciously.


"No, nothing."

Kamito laughed bitterly as he looked away from Ellis.

—Then, his gaze stopped at one store.

"Ellis, could you accompany me to buy a little something?"

"W-We're on duty, you know."

"I have decided on what to buy. It shouldn't take more than a minute."

"...It can't be helped. What are you buying?"

"Um, something..."

As Kamito scratched the back of his ear, he walked towards the store.

=== Part 2 ===

Claire was walking through the spirit forest on the outskirts with a dejected expression.

The lively noise from the plaza far away could be heard.

The day was almost over, but it was somewhat vexing for her to return just like that and she also felt that she didn't want to meet Fianna and Rinslet.

"...Euph! What with the work of the Knights? D-Despite that I was planning to forgive him."


Claire rubbed her eyes briskly with her uniform sleeves.

The cold evening wind blew her red twin-tailed hair like it was making fun of her.

Claire bit her lips tightly and dropped her sight onto her leather loafers.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Potaa*<ref>sound of waterdrops</ref> A drop of tear spilled over and fell.

"...It's my birthday and yet..."

Upon voicing it out, she suddenly became unbearably lonely.

Every year, both her parents, her sister and the locals would gather in great numbers in their castle and a grand birthday party would be held. She would wear a beautiful dress, the table would be fully lined up with her favourite cakes and feasts, and she would be sleeping in a warm bed together with her sister, who would return from the «Divine Ritual Institute» only on that day— that would be the most enjoyable day of the year.

However, four years ago— on that day when her sister Rubia Elstein betrayed the Elemental Lord of Fire.

Young Claire lost everything.

''...That's right, I still have my goals.''

Shaking off her sentiments, Claire sharply raised her face from the ground.

It was not the time to be having fun with such things like her birthday or the Valentia Holy Festival.

''My goals are to win through the Blade Dance and know the truth of four years ago. For that objective, I have to become even stronger—''

Her red twin-tailed hair bristled up like flames.


''Even if someone like Kamito isn't there, I'll—''

"Fufu, you seem to be harbouring a lot of stress, hellcat ojou-sama."

"...!?"

Towards the voice from behind—

Claire quickly turned around.

A girl was giggling as she was standing at the opposite of the grove of trees.

She had jade-green hair that grew till her waist and ears with sharp tips.

She had recollections of her.

She was the waitress, who came carrying the gigantic parfait, at the restaurant yesterday.

''When did she get close?!''

Claire got cautious and readied herself. To approach Claire, a spirit contractor, without being noticed, she couldn't be a normal person.

Her intuition was telling her that this lady was dangerous.

"Who... are you? I am sorry but I am now in a terrible bad mood."

"Ah, what a cute face you're making, what a very scary cat."

Vivian Melosa swung both her hands to show her.

"Despite that I took great pains on planning to lend you power.”

"...Power?"


Claire's eyebrows twitched.

"Yes, it's the thing that you now desire the most."

"You... could you be...?"

Clare glared at the lady before her.

"The Curse Armament Seal smuggler!"

"Correct! However, to be accurate, it would be researcher, you know♪"

As Vivian Melosa was swinging her index finger, she was slowly walking towards her.

Her red glaringly shiny pupils were peering motionlessly into Claire's eyes.

It was like she saw through till the innermost depths of her heart.

"—Hmm, kitty, don't you want that splendid power?"

Her words roaringly reverberated.

Claire couldn't move like her feet were binded.

''This is domination magic?!''

It was a type of mind manipulation magic.

Her words echoed many times in her head and penetrated the innermost part of her mind.

"... You"

"If you implanted my «Curse Armament Seal», your hellcat-chan will become an even mightier spirit."

It hurt like her head was splitting. Even if she plugged her ears with both hands, the words penetrated through.


—Hey, don't you want power?

—The power to overwhelm everything— The power to achieve your «wish».

''...It's obvious that I want something like that!''

She had wanted power. She had needed power at any cost for the sake of her goals.

For that reason, she would do anything— She had prepared herself like that since that day four years ago.

Thus, she had even risked the danger to her life to reach her hand out to a powerful sealed spirit.

She had made a contract with that darkness spirit's presented frenzy spirit.

However.

"Don't look down on me!"

In an instant, Claire's blazing Flame Tongue manifested in her hand, and mowed down the space before her.

"...My domination magic was broken?"

"My apologies but I'll reject your forceful sale."

As Claire raised her breathing, she swung her Flame Tongue with a snap like to shake off the temptation.

"How disappointing. I thought you had the qualifications but it looks like I miscalculated."

Vivian Melosa shrugged her shoulders looking bored.

If it was Claire from a few weeks ago, she probably wouldn't have been able to oppose the temptation.

She might have seek easy power and laid her hands on the Curse Armament Seal.

''But I'm now different.''


If you want power— I will become your contract spirit.

''...After all, he had promised me''

"So, I don't need such phony powers!"

At the same time Claire shouted, she released a fireball of spirit magic.

She didn't go easy on the merchant opponent of the Curse Armament Seal. She attacked with the intention of turned her completely into cinders.

A terrifying shock and explosion resounded in the quiet forest.

The trees in the surroundings were blown off at one go and had fallen down in a straight line.

The trees burned up. However, Vivian Melosa wasn't there.

"Fufu, please don't be in such a hurry. There is someone else who wants to meet you without fail."

A bewitching voice sounded from within the forest.

Claire was startled and turned around—

From deep within the forest, a tall girl appeared.

"You are..."

She was the adamantine spirit contractor upperclassman, who provoked Claire yesterday.

There was completely no expression on that face of hers.

She came over, walking unsteadily like a ghost.

"Don't tell me... the Curse Armament Seal?"

"Ah, please don't be mistaken. The one who wanted power was her. Although, it looks like her mind couldn't bear my Curse Armament Seal."

The sound of chuckling scorns reverberated within the forest.

"...Wa...a...laire...Rouge...Aaaahhh!"

The adamantine spirit contractor girl released a ear-splitting wail.

In that instant, a violent wind swept over, and a huge beast appeared from nowhere.

Over there— There was large deer of the metal attribute, which easily surpassed Claire's height.

It had two horns that extended out radically and black pupils that harboured signs of atrocity.

It had a terrifying air of intimidation that was like her skin trembled.

"What? Isn't this... the adamantine spirit!?"

Claire raised her voice in shock.

Her contracted spirit shouldn't be a powerful high-ranking spirit of this level.

"No, that is without doubt her spirit. It evolved with my Curse Armament Seal, you know♪"

Vivian Melosa chuckled.

"So, would you please cooperate with my experiment, hellcat ojou-sama."

"...!?"

The frenzied large deer released a repulsive roar and came charging over.


=== Part 3 ===
What Kamito bought was the cat pendant that Claire was looking at.

After getting the box wrapped with a red ribbon, Kamito placed it into his chest pocket as he embarrassedly scratched his face.

"Today is her birthday."

"I see. The reason you asked for the remuneration in advance was for the sake of buying that."

"Hn, you could say that... but, I ended up having a quarrel with her."

The moment Kamito shrugged his shoulders, Ellis coughed.

"I think reconciling is not going to be that hard. Wasn't that chocolate from just now Claire Rouge's handmade item?"

"Ah, it looks like it. It also looks like she practised yesterday."

"For her to give that on the day of the Valentia Holy Festival means that, err, she doesn't even hate you, I think... I mean, I'm think that she wants to reconcile, right?"

"If it was like that, it would be great."

"A-Although, in the case where the recipient is of the opposite sex , there is also a slight chance that that's not just it but..."

Ellis coughed again—

She stared at Kamito's face.


"Hn? What's the matter?"

"E-Err, u-um... Actually, I-I also have chocolates—"

Ellis was almost going to take out something from the pocket of her uniform, and at that moment.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dooooon—!*

An earth-shaking-like thunderous roar reverberated from the direction of the plaza.

"...Ellis!?"

"Ah, lets go Kamito!"

Ellis instantly changed back to her knight face, and starting running vigorously.

=== Part 4 ===

Pushing their way through the chaotic crowds and arriving at the plaza—

"What is that!?"

A gigantic beast had been rampaging about in the middle of the plaza.

It was beast like a wild boar, with two sharp tusks.

Its whole body was covered by a shell that was like thoroughly polished mirror.

That was not a beast. That was a spirit.

Furthermore, it was a frenzied high level spirit.


The crowd in the plaza had already fallen into panic.

In trying to escape simultaneously in the same direction, they ended up falling one after another all over the place.

There also seemed to be a great number of old people and young children amongst the crowd.

"Did someone make the spirit run wild?"

"Ah, there might be a spirit contractor somewhere but that thing has completely lost control."

As expected of being used with these sort of situations, Ellis was very calm.

She had already armed her elemental waffe «Ray Hawk» in her hand.

"The investigation of the cause will be done later. I've concluded this situation to be a level five spirit disaster. Let's exterminate it, Kamito."

"Understood!"

Giving a nod, Kamito unsheathed Terminus Est from the sword belt on his hip.

Driving divine power to the sword, he woke up the sleeping {{Furigana|Demon King Killing Sacred Sword|Demon Slayer|margin=13}}.

"Est, lend me your power!"

Responding to the presence of the elemental waffen, the frenzied spirit turned towards the two.

Releasing an atmosphere-shaking giant roar, it kicked the ground and charged forward.

There was a terrifying tremor. The buildings around collapsed one by one.

"—Ha!"

Ellis swung Ray Hawk horizontally.

Countless wind blades that could even rip steel apart were produced and were released simultaneously towards the spirit.


Even if a high level spirit took on that directly, it would not get away fine.

But—

At that moment, the shell of the mirror-like spirit glowed rainbow colors.

"What!?"

Beams of light burst forth— And at the same time, the blades of wind that should have hit it directly were all reflected at once.

The wind blades that were bounced back slashed the surrounding buildings right in half. The upper half of the buildings slowly fell down, and raised up a thunderous roar and a large dancing cloud of sand.

"My wind blades were repelled!?"

"No— It amplified and reflected them."

Kamito sharply glared at the spirit in front of him.

''...A spirit that reflects attribute attacks, eh?''

What came to Kamito's mind was the match yesterday.

''...Don't tell me, that's the mirror spirit?''

"It's coming, Kamito!"

Ellis shouted out. After blasting off the scattered rubble, the frenzied spirit started charging.

Kamito took a stance with Terminus Est and stood in the way of the spirit.

It would be easy to dodge— But, that couldn't be done.

There was a great crowd, who was late in getting way, behind him. He had to protect them at that point.


Its huge tusks were approaching. That intense blow— was stopped by Kamito using the edge of his sword.

A metallic sound resounded. He could barely stopped the large beast but Terminus Est, who could only bring forth less than a tenth of her power, couldn't even chip its skin.

''...This thing's divine power is in a different league.''

Cold sweat surfaced on Kamito's forehead.

As Kamito held back the gaint tusks with the sword, he was gradually getting pinned down.

''Damn, if we're in Astral Zero, I'll be able to manage somehow but—''

It was a frenzied high level spirit. It might be a threat to ordinary spirit contractors, but for Kamito who was titled the Strongest Blade Dancer, it was not an opponent that would give him a hard fight.

However, the problem was the fact that the crowd, which was late in getting away, was there in his surroundings.

What would happen if he released this beast into them would be plainly obvious.

Discerning that attribute attacks was ineffective, Ellis landed behind Kamito and went on guiding people to take refuge. It was a Sylphid Knights Captain-like calm and reasonable decision.

The demon mirror spirit started to howl wildly.

It smashed the ground with that shock and sent Kamito, who was holding back the tusks, flying.

And like that, he plunged into a mountain of rubble.

"Gah, what crazy strength..."

Groaning, Kamito tried to stand up as he was wavering, and—


"—Kamito!"

Hearing Ellis' shout, Kamito quickly turned his head around.

The demonic mirror spirit was stampeding its feet violent on the ground.

In its path, there was a small girl petrified.

It was probably the first she had seen a rampaging spirit, so it seemed that she got scared and her feet wouldn't move.

The spirit released a loud roar and charge.

''Damn, I can't make it!''

Upon standing up, Kamito kicked the ground and leaped.

With that timing, grabbing the girl and dodging was impossible.

Making a quick judgement, he pushed the girl to the side.

A spray of red blood danced out.

The strong attack gouge the side of Kamito's abdomen.

"Gwah!"

It was hot. His vision turned pure white at that burning-like pain.

The demonic mirror spirit swung its tusks and Kamito's body was slammed onto the ground.

"...! Kamito!!"

Ellis instantly dashed towards him.


The white school uniform was slowly dyed with the color of blood.

''... What about that girl?''

Enduring the pain, he encircled his surroundings with his line of sight—

The girl he thrust aside was unable to stand up and was sitting on the ground.

The moment he took a breath of relief, he coughed violently.

Red blood surged out onto the ground.

"Kamito! Are you alright?! Kamito—!!"

Ellis cried out loud.

"Ah... Somehow."

Like he sustained a concussion, his consciousness was slipping away.

The face of the Ellis worriedly looking at him became blurry,

Cold sweat gushed out from his whole body. He knew that he was turning pale.

Pressing the side of his abdomen with one hand, Kamito slowly stood up.

He glared at the demonic mirror spirit that was covered in his own blood.

"E-Ellis, cover me. I'll take care that guy."

"But, your injury—"

"The affinity between your elemental waffe and this guy is too uncompatible. Only I can do this."

Presented with an irrefutable truth, Ellis vexingly bit her lips


Kamito clenched Terminus Est with both hands, and put in all the divine power he had.

''...I have to finish it at the next strike...''

The {{Furigana|Demon King Killing Sacred Sword|Demon Slayer|margin=13}} was the strongest class of elemental waffe, but its output was very unstable.

Without driving enough divine power into it and controlling it, most of its power couldn't be manifested.

With the current state of Kamito, he could only bet on that one strike.

The demonic mirror spirit raised its tusk, and charged again.

"Ellis, I'm counting on you!"

"Ah!"

Kamito jumped— no, flew just above it.

Ellis had used her wind spirit magic.

Flying over the demonic mirror spirit, Kamito swung his sword downwards on the huge beast's head.

However.

''...! It didn't go through!?''

The Demon King Killing Sacred Sword only slightly pierced the demonic spirit's forehead.

Because of his serious injury, his control over Est was unstable.

The raging demonic mirror spirit shook his head violently and threw Kamito on the ground.

The behemoth slowly approached the fallen Kamito from just above his head—

At that moment, a deep crimson slash ripped the skies apart.


Flame Tongue was twined around the demonic mirror spirit, making it trip and that behemoth toppled sideways .

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dooon!*

There was terrifying tremor. Dust instantly flew up.

"What!?"

From the shroud of dust— her voice could be heard.

"That person is my slave spirit... don't touch him without my permission!"

"Claire!?"

Kamito's eyes widened in surprise.

Holding Flame Tongue, Claire got down from the second floor of a building.

"Y-You, why—"

"We'll talk afterwards. Let's defeat them first."

"Them?"

Kamito suspiciously frowned— and followed after what was before Claire's glaring line of sight.

Then, buildings were destroyed and, from the opposite side of the plaza, another spirit appeared.

It was a large deer of metal with huge horns hung high on its head.

"...! There's another one?!"

"What on earth is happening, Claire Rouge?"

Ellis rushed over and asked with a sharp expression.


"Their masters are the demonic mirror spirit contractor and the adamantine spirit contractor students. I've already defeated the spirit contractors, but these two spirits have completely lost control and gone into a frenzy."

"Don't tell me, it's the two people from yesterday... B-But their contract spirits don't have that kind of form—"

Stopping his sentence midway— Kamito suddenly realized. Ellis also seemed to get it.

"Don't tell me..."

"Uh, they made use of the Curse Armament Seals."

"...!"

Ellis bit her lips vexingly.

She was lamenting about the fact that she couldn't stop the students from reaching out to the Curse Armament Seals.

Curse Armament Seal allowed mid level spirits to evolve into a high level spirit. There's no way they'll be all right transplanting such things. The result was the rampaging of their spirits.

"By the way, what's with those injures of yours!?"

Noticing the blood stains on the uniform, Claire widened her eyes.

"...Ah, I made a blunder. You too, aren't you also covered in injuries?"

"...S-Such a thing is not a big deal."

Claire quickly turned her face away, holding up a strong front.

But, even her uniform was torn everywhere, her limbs were full with injuries.

"Putting that aside, Ellis, where's the Sylphid Knights reinforcements?"


"They should already be on their way. However, it's just that the ones policing this area were Kamito and I... amongst this crowd, it will take time for them to come from the other areas."

Ellis bit her lips and looked down. As the battle strength of the Sylphid Knights was almost cut by half, they couldn't help but disperse their security forces.

Releasing a loud roar that shook the earth, the fallen demonic mirror spirit got up.

The adamantine spirit with the form of a large deer was also slowly walking to the center of the plaza.

"There are two high level spirits running wild, —As expected, this is really intense."

Claire nervously groaned.

There were still large groups of people, who failed to escaped outside the plaza. Waiting leisurely for the reinforcement from the Sylphid Knight and the Academy would only end up in irreparable results.

"I could probably at least stall for time?"

"Apologies, Claire Rouge, lend me your strength until reinforcements arrive."

Respectively clenching their own Elemental Waffe, Claire and Ellis confronted the two spirits.

And at that instant, a bright flash exploded.

There was a ear-splitting thunderous sound. The rubble was smashed up.

"...! What was that!?"

As Kamito protected his eyes from the flying stone fragments, he yelled out.

That was rain.


That was a rain of bombardment that mercilessly fired at the two spirits.

The ground violently shook, and countless pillars of fire shot up to the sky.

"..."

The moment the bombardment stopped—

There was only the completely destroyed plaza left behind.

The two high level spirits were completely annihilated.

''...What on earth happened!?''

While coughing violently, Kamito looked high up— at the direction of the bombardment.

Over there— a giant fortress was floating!

It was an aerial fortress that was equipped with several layers of composite armor and countless amount of cannons.

A pair of frozen ice-blue pupils were glaring onto the ground.

"The Silent Fortress—"

The Academy's strongest Spirit Contractor, who destroyed the plaza in an instant, slowly landed on the ground.

"Strength will be trampled by greater strength. Half-baked strengths are the same as nothing."

"Velsaria..."

Kamito pressed down on the side his abdomen that was oozing blood as he glared at Velsaria.

There were buildings of the plaza that was destroyed in every way possible by the bombardment.

The fragments of rubble, which was smashed up, were merciless raining onto the crowd that had not flee.


"Why did you open fire! You should know that using such an elemental waffe would end out like—"

"I only exterminated the rampaging spirits. Those that were involved were unlucky— no, for it to end with this level of damage was instead lucky of them."

"Aneue! Do you seriously think like—"

Velsaria coldly looked down at the enraged Ellis.

"Ellis, it looks like it was a mistake to entrust you as the captain. It seems like you can't even deal with a situation of this level. You're free to spit out your ideals of a knight or something— but ideals without power are just thoughtless words. You don't have the qualifications to call yourself a knight."

"...!?"

Pushing away Ellis, Velsaria was about to leave.

At that moment.

"Take it back."

"What?"

"Take it back, those words you just said! And apologize to Ellis!"

With his faint consciousness, Kamito dragged his feet forward with wobbly footsteps and approached Velsaria.

It was unacceptable that she spouted out such words without even knowing Ellis feelings.

It was the fact that the one who spouted such words was the knight that Ellis had once admired.

"Whatever belief you hold onto is your freedom. However, you know, I'll just never forgive you who doesn't know anything, for stepping on Ellis' ideals."

"I'm just saying the truth. The Fahrengart knights would never twist their words."

"Don't mess around, you do not have the qualifications to call yourself a knight."

"...!?"

There were ripples of emotions rising in Velsaria's pupils.

It was neither irritation, nor anger— but some different emotion.

"Disappear, male spirit contractor. Your existence is an eyesore."

"Wait—"

Just when he was going to try chase her further, Kamito's vision violently shook.

Blood gushed out of his throat. The vision in front of his eyes suddenly began to fade like there was a haze.

"Damn...!"

"—Kamito!"

Claire quickly held and stopped Kamito's body that was falling to the ground.

== Translator's Notes and Reference ==
<references/>

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