Chapter 59

Modern short distance public transportation was developed along the lines of carpooling, with large scale public transportation being replaced by smaller systems that accommodated fewer individuals.

Thirty years ago, this plan started spreading among the large metropolises as well as 80% of the medium sized cities and suburbs. The remaining 20% utilized private cars and had no need for public transportation.

In terms of going to school or work, large buses and cable cars that could transport large amounts of people had gone out of style, so the scene where high school students took the bus to and from school has almost become non-existent.

While Tatsuya really only went to school accompanied by Miyuki, he still shared the walk from the bus stop to the school with his friends. Even though he arrived later than usual to school, the usual crowd was still on hand waiting for him.

The predominant itinerary involved a simple walk to school, but sometimes they would make a quick detour to a cafe or fast food restaurant. Along the approximately one kilometer path to school, there were countless stores that boasted dining, books, school supplies, clothes, and especially materials related to magic education. Students and teachers from First High were not the only ones to frequent this area, since many customers took the tram from far away to come and shop here.

Within one of the more orthodox cafes where they were frequent fliers, eight people were sitting together.

"Eh? Tatsuya's been selected as one of the representatives for the Thesis Competition?"

Today's detour was because Mikihiko asked why Tatsuya was summoned to the Magic Geometry lab. Seeing Mikihiko burning with questions while they were waiting for the waitress, Tatsuya couldn't help but notice a side to his friend as he briefly elaborated on the details.

Hence Mikihiko's reaction was embodied by the previous comment.

Since he had already told Miyuki and Honoka when he picked them up from the Student Council Room yesterday, there were five people including Mikihiko who sat there with stunned expressions.

"Wait, I thought we only send three representatives from the entire school to the Thesis Competition."

"Yep."

At Mizuki's wide-eyed question, Tatsuya calmly replied with a decisive answer. Their two expressions were like night and day.

"Just a 'yep'...

Tatsuya-kun is completely lackadaisical about this."

Mizuki was struck speechless while Erika stared blankly. On the other side, Leo supplied an amused smile.

"For Tatsuya, that would be only natural."

"There's never been a case where we sent a Year 1 student out for the Thesis Competition."

"Not like it's impossible either, eh? Even the faculty can't ignore the genius who invented a brand new magic among us."

Hearing Shizuku's counter argument, Leo smiled and added a rebuttal of his own.

"Let's stop it there with the genius talk."

Rather than being embarrassed by that title, Tatsuya felt an irritation like someone poking him with a needle.

"Tatsuya really dislikes people calling him a genius..."

"Because that term is too casual."

At Honoka's amazed comment that was neither mocking nor filled with ulterior meanings, Miyuki replied in place of Tatsuya.

Tatsuya could only chuckle wryly at his sister's reply, though he had to admit she was right on the money.

"No, that's still incredible!"

Likely noticing the mood taking a turn for the worse, Mikihiko quickly chimed in to restore the balance.

"The winning thesis from the competition will be published annually in 'Super Nature', while a considerable amount of attention is still directed towards Second Place and below."

"Super Nature" is a British research journal that is held to be the highest authority on modern magic. Unfortunately, the journal also contained themes on dictatorship that were inappropriate for high school students. Fortunately, everyone here who had read the journal, including Mikihiko, Tatsuya, and Miyuki, were all quite familiar with the name.

"Ah, but...

There isn't a whole lot of time left."

Mikihiko's euphoric mood swiftly turned to worry as he stated this.

Shouldn't Mikihiko also pay attention to these sudden mood swings? Tatsuya thought in surprise. Regardless, he kept these thoughts to himself as he nodded at Mikihiko's question.

"We have exactly 9 days until the school turns in our paper."

"That's it!? That's right around the corner!"

"There's no problem at all. At the end of the day, I'm only in a supporting role. The lead writer has been working on this since before summer vacation."

Seeing Honoka's electrified expression, Tatsuya reassured her with a smile as he waved his hand a little. At Tatsuya's answer, Honoka relaxed into a "You're right" expression and heaved a sigh of relief.

"Even so, the fact remains that this is a pressing deadline. Did something unexpected happen?"

"One of the supporting upperclassmen's physical condition suddenly worsened."

Miyuki wrinkled her brows as she queried Tatsuya, who maintained his earlier smile as he replied with a simple answer. Even though he didn't cut into the heart of the matter, there really was nothing to hide even if pressed.

Yet, Miyuki didn't seem wholly satisfied with Tatsuya's overly simplistic answer.

"That's quite unfortunate, but even so this is certainly a last minute change."

The reason apparently wasn't why this situation occurred, but a mood issue.

"Indeed, even if the entire thesis had to be done from scratch, Onii- sama would still be the best candidate."

Nonetheless, given that Tatsuya's situation had already turned into reality, Miyuki was only looking for a reason to convince herself, which was perfectly in tune with her character. In Tatsuya's eyes, even though Miyuki's comment was fairly accurate, she was still thinking too highly of herself with this unconditional acceptance.

"That's not entirely the case. We would have quite the conundrum on our hands if I was utterly unfamiliar with the field of Ichihara-senpai's topic, but fortunately that isn't the case."

Thus, Tatsuya adopted a "smile and deny" tactic, but Miyuki didn't seem very happy with her brother's stance. Just as she was thinking of an appropriate rejoinder, a new question sprouted out from beside her.

"Hey, so what is the topic?"

Curious, Leo leaned forward as he asked this question. Despite the fact that all the young ladies watched him coldly with eyes that clearly said "Would you understand even if he told you?", the man asking the question and the one answering him both ignored them.

"Technical Difficulties and Solutions to Sustained Gravity Control- Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor."

"...I can't even imagine that."

The questioner immediately retorted back, a prompt reflection of his current predicament.

"...That's quite the grandiose topic. Isn't that one of the 'Three Great

Puzzles in Weight Systematic Magic'?" Mikihiko groaned with a complex expression. To his side,

"Since Tatsuya was asked to join, I thought the thesis would be related to CAD processes."

Mizuki expressed her thoughts on the matter.

"Ah, I thought so too."

"Kei-senpai is also a member... I think that this topic may be simply too difficult to have a chance at victory."

Shizuku and Erika shared Mizuki's opinion. Apparently, his friends were concerned on his behalf that this topic would prove too challenging for Tatsuya and high school students in general.

Which made perfect sense, since the Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor was not labeled one of the Three Great Puzzles just for nothing. In this situation, Tatsuya could only smile and muddle through.

However, among all the smiling faces, only Miyuki wasn't really smiling.

Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

Only she, who understood the significance of Sustained Gravity Control-Type Magic Sequence Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors, could truly appreciate how serious her brother was.

◊ ◊ ◊

The siblings split from their friends at the station. They returned home to find a small limousine parked in their parking spot, which prompted the two of them to exchange a glance.

Tatsuya stepped forward and opened the door.

Seeing the rare designer label high heels in the threshold, Tatsuya gently cradled Miyuki's shoulders as she stood there in utter silence with a stiff expression on her face.

As he supported Miyuki and stepped through the door, a light tapping of slippers rapidly approaching could be heard.

"—Welcome back. The two of you are always on such good terms."

Hearing these mocking tones, Tatsuya swiftly narrowed his eyes as his hand that was holding his sister's shaking shoulders tightened their grip a fraction.

"It's been quite a while, Sayuri-san."

Tatsuya's chilly voice was a perfect match for his cool gaze.

This time, it was the petite woman who welcomed them who shook a little.

"Hm, hm. Well, that's because I always wanted to be close to the office."

"Is that so."

Tatsuya nodded curtly at their stepmother who hadn't stepped foot in this house for 9 months — in the siblings' eyes, she was "their father's second wife" — Shiba Sayuri.

Despite coming home, this household did not possess her room or bedding since after her marriage to their father, she had settled down with him in a suite in an upscale apartment complex five minutes from FLT headquarters and dwelt in married bliss together. Tatsuya only intended to slightly needle Sayuri for the fact that she had never lived here after marrying their father and her usage of this location as home.

Seeing their father's second wife's expression darken at the sarcasm, Miyuki actually composed herself. With her brother's arm still around her, she slightly shifted around, utterly ignoring any other gazes on her as she pressed closer to Tatsuya's slightly lowered face.

Normally, even with just the two of them, Miyuki would never commit such an embarrassing action that was wholly incompatible with her image. At this point, Miyuki had completely entered a state where bystanders held no meaning.

"I shall begin preparations for dinner immediately, Onii-sama. Anything in particular you would like?"

"Anything you make will be fine. There's no need to hurry, so you best get changed first."

Tatsuya didn't even bother to glance at Sayuri, instead devoting his entire attention to Miyuki. At her brother's response, Miyuki revealed an ecstatic smile.

"I understand, though I wonder if there's something you had in mind. So long as it's Onii-sama's wish, Miyuki is willing to do anything."

"Hey, don't get too worked up."

Tatsuya lightly poked her forehead before Miyuki shrugged her head down and lightly sprang up to the second floor.

"So, what may I do for you today?"

Once Miyuki's figure disappeared, Tatsuya reopened the conversation with Sayuri, who seemed stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Afterwards, he stepped quickly into the living room and took a seat on a nearby sofa, and once again called out to the hesitant Sayuri.

"Could we get a move on, since I would like to finish before my sister returns."

Sayuri creased her brows at these curt words, but she still took a seat opposite Tatsuya.

"Looks like you two still aren't very welcoming towards me."

As if realizing that further acting was pointless, Sayuri's attitude abruptly changed when she sat down.

Completely heedless of Tatsuya's gaze, she set one leg over another and leaned back on the sofa.

Her casual clothes devoid of any makeup was likely her researcher's calling showing through, so Tatsuya didn't have to worry about where to leave his eyes. Of course, even if Sayuri was wearing a tight miniskirt, Tatsuya likely wouldn't bat an eyelid.

"Miyuki may think that way. After all, it's only natural for her to be somewhat resentful if her father remarried less than half a year after her mother died. Even though she may act like an adult, she's really just a 15 year old young girl."

"...And you?"

"I am incapable of such an emotional reaction. That was the way I was forged."

"...Well, forget it, regardless of whether that's true or not, that's no longer in my hands. Even so, if we were to talk about that, I hope that you can seriously listen to him, since it was only half a year for you two, but a whole 16 years for me."

Despite her youthful appearance, she was actually the same age as their father. Tatsuya was contemplating these rude concepts like the public enemy of women.

She, Shiba Sayuri, was originally known as Furuha Sayuri and was Shiba Tatsurou's lover before his marriage with Yotsuba Miya. Rumor had it that the Yotsuba interposed to seize a prized genetic advantage and forcibly cut them apart. Tatsuya could read between the lines of her hatred even if she didn't verbalize them.

Still, that was an issue between her and their birth parents and was unrelated to the siblings. Since she had maintained an affair with their father while Miya was still alive, she would receive no pity from him.

"So, what's the occasion that brought you all the way out here?"

Sayuri originally intended to naturally drift into the main subject, so Tatsuya's direct inquiry caught her off guard and finally shook off the unnatural vibes around their conversation.

"...Then, let's cut right to the chase. The company labs require your assistance. If possible, we hope you will drop out from high school."

"Impossible. During Miyuki's enrollment at First High, I am unable to fulfill my mission as a guardian if I am not a student at First High."

A ridiculous demand warranted a flat refusal from Tatsuya.

"Even if you're not a student, other guardians could be made available."

"There is a shortage of Magicians in every field. Even the Yotsuba Family would be hard pressed to replace a guardian on such short notice."

"In other words, you are the finest candidate?"

"When only restricted to Miyuki's protection, that is indeed the case." This was a conversation that had occurred multiple times in the past. Whew, Sayuri heaved a great sigh that didn't seem theatrical.

"...I doubt any company has enough surplus to allow someone as talented as you, to simply play around."

"Play around? I do believe I have made powerful contributions to the company as well. A few days ago, the company received an order from the USNA Navy for a large quantity of Flying-Type devices, which boosted the quarterly profits by 20% compared to last quarter."

At Tatsuya's combative words, Sayuri couldn't help but reveal a regretful expression.

That was because she had no rebuttal for Tatsuya's words.

It was public knowledge that FLT originally wasn't a manufacturer for CAD products, but a provider for spare parts used for Magic Engineering. Their ascent to the pinnacle of CAD development and production around the globe was largely in thanks to the Silver Series and Tatsuya by extension. With the introduction of Flying-Type Devices, FLT had become the innovator that pioneered the next paradigm shift in the world of Specialized CADs. For Sayuri, who originally entered the company as a researcher and was elevated to management despite having no major accomplishments to her name, this was a towering feat that rendered jealousy meaningless.

Still, those were Sayuri's personal feelings on the matter. As she replied with an "Ah, is that so," she also brought up the reason why she couldn't leave just yet.

"...At the very least, can you help analyze this item for me?"

Sayuri pulled out a large jewel box from her bag and carefully opened the lid.

There was a half-translucent crimson crystal in the middle. "...A relic from the Magatama class."

From the perspective of Magic Researchers, "relics" were OOParts that contained a magical nature that had unidentifiable artificial components, yet formed naturally under highly challenging conditions. For example, "Antinite" that contained "Cast Jamming" could be classified as a type of relic.

Also, true relics — such as a Magatama — like this one usually never fell into the hands of a researcher.

"Where was this unearthed?"

"I do not know."

"I see, this came from the JSDF."

Given its status as the preeminent domestic manufacturer, FLT received many contracts from the military.

"In terms of analysis, don't tell me you're asking for something preposterous like duplicating this Magatama, are you?"

Seeing Sayuri's stiff expression, Tatsuya could only sigh.

"Who came up with such a reckless decision? Don't you have any idea how ridiculous it is to attempt to synthesize relics with modern science and technology?"

OOParts is short for "Out Of Place Artifacts". Essentially, these were "items that did not belong in this time" and were "objects that exceeded the level of science from when it was unearthed" and were simply unable to be developed with technology at the time.

However, precisely because this was something that surpassed modern science, the greatly exaggerated term "relic" was used.

"...The JSDF demanded that we accept the task. Refusal was not an option."

Not like management's decision was impossible to comprehend. Not just FLT, corporations in the magic industry by nature served in the public sector and could be broadly painted as a war industry.

Only individuals with practical magic skills would purchase products of magic engineering like CADs, but Magicians held a much smaller share of the market than other industries.

Given the scarcity of Magicians, this was only to be expected.

Currently, the number of people in magic related fields or students studying magic at the high school and collegiate level totaled roughly 30,000 people.

In other words, even if every single one of them purchased a new CAD every year, the total turnover rate would still be 30,000. In reality, the duration time tended to be on the longer side since it was common practice for a Magician to own five or six CADs. Regardless, it didn't change the fact that the market remained quite narrow.

Also, based on the national policy of promoting magic, magic support devices needed to be sold at a low price. In practice, CAD prices were limited to a level well within the purchasing power of a normal household so they could purchase one for their child that was entering high school as a celebratory present. This sort of independent industry was hard to develop scale and design.

Thus, the nation heavily subsidized the magic industry. For example, the nation subsidized 90% of CAD sales.

The products sold at the public level were 10% of the price used in exchanges between companies.

In addition, using research grants as an excuse, the nation paid large sums to private corporations each year for research.

Even the largest corporations in the field like Maximillian and Rozen were unable to deny their respective governments. That was the fate of magic industries.

"However, the JSDF should be aware of the meaning behind the relic label. So long as the item has been identified as a relic, they should know that artificial synthesis is no longer possible, so why make this ludicrous demand?"

There was a pregnant pause before Sayuri finally opened her mouth to respond.

"Recently, research has discovered that Magatama possesses the ability to store Magic Sequences."

Despite the hesitant answer, this was enough to bring a swift change to Tatsuya's expression.

"Has this been proven to be a fact?"

Suppressing the burning desire in his voice was the limit of Tatsuya's acting capabilities. Fortunately, Sayuri seemed to miss Tatsuya's profound interest in relics.

"It's still in the theoretical phase. Still, the military's movements have already produced fairly reliable observation data."

Tatsuya nodded gravely.

"If this is true, then there's no way the military would leave that alone, which is completely within reason."

Storage capacity for Magic Sequences was not restricted to only Tatsuya's goal. If Magic Sequence storage can be spread to the public level, autonomous and self-sustaining magic devices would no longer be a pipe dream. Even troops without Magicians could equip magic weapons. Since Magatamas had the power to store Magic Sequences, successful mass replication would provide a massive supply of magic weaponry.

"But given FLT's recent gains, there shouldn't be a need to take the road less traveled."

Given the project's importance, once accepting this task, a simple "cannot be done" would not suffice.

"The die has been cast."

"Even without any chance for success?"

Considering that the key to relic replication remained unknown, this was a colossal risk.

"We have a small chance. By using your magic, analysis is still possible."

Tatsuya couldn't help but laugh at Sayuri finally laying all her cards on the table. In the end, she wasn't here for his brain, but his unique ability.

Just as she always had.

"Even using my power does not guarantee successful replication.

...If you insist, then please send the specimen to the R&D Third

Division. I drop by there on a regular basis."

In reality, this didn't really affect Tatsuya either way. While it was true that Tatsuya required additional insight on how to preserve Magic Sequences, his goal was only limited to grasping the methodology behind this. Magatama replication was only secondary, so he didn't want to overly burden the researchers in the office. The bottom line was that scheduling was difficult to come by on their part, so it's not like they could do whatever they pleased.

"......"

However, this was not a proposal that Sayuri could stomach. Her position demanded that she take into account the departmental rivalries within FLT. The R&D Third Division simply couldn't win additional fame and recognition. Also, an infinitely more important and preposterous reason was that neither her nor her husband could afford to allow "Taurus Silver", Tatsuya himself, any more speaking power. Surely the other labs could surpass Tatsuya's achievements, right? Given Tatsuya's large following — to the point that a decisive majority of the Third Division sided with him, maybe their accomplishments would be put on his tab as well. (That was Sayuri's private suspicion.)

Unable to accept Tatsuya's proposal, Sayuri clenched her teeth. "Or, would you prefer to leave the specimen here?"

Tatsuya's words provided a glimmer of hope for the conflicted Sayuri and became the impetus she seized upon to escape this quandary.

"There's no need!"

Nonetheless, rather than choosing to compromise, she chose to break off entirely. For her, under no condition would she allow the relic replication to occur away from the office — away from her ability to claim all credit for the accomplishment. Leaving the specimen behind was a ridiculous notion that was synonymous to allowing Tatsuya to pluck this prize from her hands. In actuality, she was the one who originally made the outrageous request to challenge something that "had no successful precedent", but the present Sayuri had lost all objectivity.

Her ire fully roused, Sayuri rose from her seat.

"I understand now. Seeking your assistance was a mistake in the first place!"

Placing the jewel box back into her bag, Sayuri departed in a huff.

As Sayuri swiftly walked down the hall, Tatsuya was literally right on her heels. By the time she reached the threshold and was putting on her shoes, Tatsuya adopted a tone typically reserved for customer service.

"Since you are carrying valuables, would you like me to accompany you to the station?"

"No need, I'll drive."

"As you wish. Do be careful."

Tatsuya was not displeased by his stepmother's barb and courteously bowed.

"Miyuki."

Tatsuya called out to her from the threshold. Wearing a sleeveless mini-dress, Miyuki timidly descended from the stairs.

Her pearly arms revealed a light pink that ran to her shoulders, a product of her own embarrassment at her attire rather than caused by cosmetics.

"Onii-sama, well...

I sincerely apologize for my childish behavior."

Despite her personal avowal of her childish behavior, in reality this was more like some sort of display of close affection. Naturally, Miyuki was ignorant of this point as she stood there with her skin bared before Tatsuya's eyes. No matter what she said, she surely must have put considerable thought into this charming display.

Tatsuya gently stroked his sister's face though she didn't dare to match his gaze before his fingertips dipped south towards the chin. Suddenly, his index finger swiftly tilted her face upwards.

This simple action caused Miyuki's enchantingly white skin to flush completely red from her shoulders to her bosom. Her silky long hair gently swayed as her eyes were filled with a dazzling luminescence for an altogether irresistible package.

"Uh, this..."

Their posture seemed to lead up to a kiss, forcing Miyuki to bashfully avert her eyes.

Yet Tatsuya's fingers once more stretched towards her face. Mesmerized, Miyuki closed her eyes.

And then, "—Ah!?"

A muffled cry of pain rang out for a short duration. "W-What was that for?"

"Punishment."

Seeing his sister blush and fall back a step (a perfectly natural response to someone suddenly pinching her nose), Tatsuya smiled as he replied.

"Oh...

Onii-sama is a meanie."

Miyuki sulkily pouted and turned her face aside while maintaining her charming posture. At this, Tatsuya's expression softened as he continued to smile.

"I'm stepping out for a bit. Make sure to lock the doors until I return."

"Onii-sama?"

At her brother's mysterious instructions to watch the house, Miyuki's expression tightened as she inquired to the reason.

"I'm going to pursue a certain woman who lacks a sense of danger."

Tatsuya picked up the uniform coat he just took off as Miyuki frowned in displeasure.

"...Exactly how much trouble is that person planning on putting

Onii-sama through."

"Unfortunately, I can't just leave her to her own devices. Sayuri is holding a relic that may hold the key to Magic Sequence storage."

Tatsuya removed his tie and handed it to Miyuki as he elaborated on the real motive behind his "pursuit".

Miyuki seemed to comprehend this somewhat but still crinkled her brows afterwards.

"If that's the case then there's nothing for it. Please be careful, Onii- sama."

Miyuki recalled their conversation after school in the reference room. She would not use her dislike of her father's lover to bar her brother's decisions. She did not say "don't go", nor did she say "there's no need to go", but merely removed Tatsuya's heavy coat from the hanger in silence.

After throwing on the coat with Miyuki's assistance, Tatsuya removed a pair of gloves and a helmet from the storage compartment in the threshold and pulled on a pair of riding boots. Tatsuya nodded to Miyuki, who had put her hands side by side in front of herself and bowed deeply to send him off, and said, "I'm off."