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A Reckless Act: Bringing F1-Level Prowess to a Kart Race
The tea party had concluded, and Yugen, ensuring no one was around, reached for his communicator. After a few rings, the call connected, and he spoke.
"Pardon the late hour, Ms. Ono."
"Kagurazaka-kun!?" came the reply, tinged with exasperation. "...Another mess, I presume?"
"You're one to talk, Ms. Ono, considering you're the one tailing Ernst Rosen for the Public Security Bureau."
"!?" Her voice sharpened. "How do you know that? No, let me guess—you won't tell me, will you?"
This knowledge tied into the original story, but Yugen was aware that Public Security was investigating Ernst Rosen and Leo's backgrounds, as well as some details about Bastian Rosen's inheritance issues. However, one critical detail eluded even Public Security: Yugen himself was a potential heir to Bastian Rosen's estate.
"I'll just say it involves the 'Divine Assembly' and my grandfather," Yugen said. "It seems they're willing to kidnap Leo to push their agenda."
"You're spot on," Haruka replied. "They're bringing out sixteen new prototype調整体 and even the latest magical equipment, not yet commercialized."
"Sixteen…" Yugen murmured.
His memory suggested only the Fahrburg sisters' two units, but Haruka's report indicated eight times that number. On top of that, Rosen Magicraft's uncommercialized magical equipment was involved. It was hard not to feel uneasy about whether Leo could handle this alone.
The issue wasn't just Leo—it was the enemy. In the Parasite Incident, Leo had held his own against a carbon-coated Parasite (Mia, possessed by it), with his magical prowess now rivaling a First Division student. If Gozo's assessment—that Leo surpassed even Georg in his prime—was accurate, the odds of Leo faltering were low. Still, caution was paramount. Moreover, since this was Defense Force territory, it would be unwise for Haruka, a Public Security agent, to act openly.
"Ms. Ono, you and Public Security need to stay out of this completely."
"What, you're saying you'll handle it, Kagurazaka-kun?" Haruka asked, incredulous.
"Since my grandfather's tied to the Rosen matter—no, since I'm involved in Bastian Rosen's inheritance, I have no reason not to get involved."
"W-Wait, what?" Haruka stammered, clearly thrown off.
Haruka's confusion was palpable, but that was all Yugen would say for now. He gave her a few instructions before ending the call. Letting out a single breath, he stood alone in the quiet.
"Sixteen Parasite Dolls at minimum, plus sixteen new prototype調整体 from Germany… Unless I seize all that magical equipment, this won't be worth the trouble."
The enemy might have complaints, but Leo was already a mage of this nation. If they thought they could abduct him for their own convenience, they'd pay a fitting penalty. Worried that Miyuki might call if he lingered too long, Yugen hurried back to his room.
◇ ◇ ◇
August 6th, the second day of the competition, in the pre-dawn hours.
Though dawn came early this time of year, the sky was still a mix of inky darkness and faint blue. Miyuki gazed at the sleeping face of her beloved Yugen beside her.
Like her brother, Yugen was a deep sleeper. Yet, he always woke at his decided time, ready to act. He'd stir instantly at the slightest hint of malice, hostility, or harmful intent. Even without ill will, he'd awaken if someone approached too closely—though the distance varied. Lately, perhaps because they slept together often, he remained asleep even when Miyuki was near.
(Last year, I was the one who insisted on sleeping together, wasn't I?)
Miyuki wanted to understand.
Last year, she was still grappling with her budding romantic feelings. Since their engagement, she'd made a point to cherish their time together. But more often than not, she was the one initiating, and Yugen never refused her. He'd gently admonished her about proper conduct in public, but she understood it as his wish for her to remain a refined lady.
Part of her longed for him to lean on her, but for Miyuki—who'd never known how to let someone depend on her—that was uncharted territory.
(How much am I truly allowed to have of Yugen-san?)
A sudden chill ran through her. Though it was midsummer, the Fuji training grounds grew cold at night, and her thin summer nightwear offered little warmth. It wouldn't be surprising if she felt cold.
But Miyuki's thoughts began to veer strangely. She reached out, placing a hand on Yugen's forehead. Two nights ago, her impulsive embrace had left her blushing furiously when she awoke. Last night and this morning, they'd slept in separate beds, but her worry for Yugen had kept her up, leaving her sleep-deprived and her rationality fraying.
(Yugen-san… he's cold.)
It wasn't that Yugen was unwell—he simply controlled his basal body temperature to conserve energy. But to Miyuki, whose restraint was slipping, the thought of "warming him" took precedence. She lifted the covers, slipped beneath them, and shed her nightwear to warm his skin. Embracing him, she felt comfort in his warmth and, without realizing, drifted into dreams.
As Miyuki's steady breathing signaled sleep, Yugen opened his eyes.
Truth be told, he'd been awake since she gazed at him. Even with his eyes closed, the Osiris Sight of Tenjin unconsciously registered her presence, and his honed instincts had detected her. Honestly, if this weren't the Nine Schools Competition lodging, he might have acted on his desire for her. He held back because today was their event, and their engagement couldn't be revealed until the Yotsuba clan's next head was decided.
Besides, Miyuki was a dear friend before a lover, and he couldn't act recklessly with her, even if she wished it. He'd never forgive himself if he did.
(There's still time before morning. Rest well.)
With enough time for a brief nap, the competition wouldn't be affected. Yugen gently moved Miyuki's hand, stroked her hair, and rose quietly to breathe the early morning air outside.
When the sun rose, Miyuki awoke, her face unusually shy as she looked at Yugen. Realizing she'd tried to warm his chilled body, he patted her head, understanding her kindness. Her mood brightened instantly.
◇ ◇ ◇
The second day featured the Pillars Break Solo Qualifiers and Roar Gun Solo. In Washington, D.C., at the White House, a fourteen-hour time difference meant the competition's start aligned with dinnertime.
Major Angie Sirius—aka Lina, Stars' Commander—had learned last month from Celia about her participation in the Nine Schools Competition. Initially, Lina had interrogated Celia, who'd left Stars but was unlikely to leak secrets, as assured by the President.
"Is this really okay?" Lina asked.
"Haha… I understand your concern, Lina, but this is just a request for personal security," the President replied.
The anti-magic movement in the USNA had quieted, but anti-magic magical societies persisted, with roots in both opposition and some ruling party factions. Thus, the President had personally requested Major Angie Sirius for protection. Partly, he wanted time with his granddaughter, but it also aimed to ease internal Stars tensions.
The Oval Office's large monitor displayed the Nine Schools Competition. Lina, without her Angie Sirius mask or Parade disguise, stood present. Captain Sylvia Mercury, recently promoted from lieutenant to assist Lina, offered coffee to the President and tea to Lina.
"Here you are, Your Excellency, Lina."
"Thank you, Captain Mercury. I hear Lina's been causing a stir lately," the President said.
"Yes, she destroyed all the training targets recently," Sylvia reported.
"Ugh… I'm better than Celia!" Lina protested, blushing.
Celia had been a magical brake for Lina's recklessness. Sylvia, now in that role, saw firsthand Lina's extraordinary nature and Celia's struggles. Though necessary, expenses had limits, and Sylvia's report carried that hope. Lina countered, embarrassed.
"What are you saying, Lina? Celia's damages may be higher, but her actions were to protect you or herself," Sylvia said.
"...Ugh," Lina groaned.
Celia had targeted those with ill intentions toward her or Lina, crushing them with buildings, using them as Levateinn test subjects, or targeting them in Brionac adjustments. Unlike Lina, Celia earned goodwill from other female Stars members. Those she punished were unpopular but untouchable due to power dynamics, so Celia's boldness as a younger soldier was admired.
"Speaking of, Celia mentioned a competition… Roar and Gunner, was it?" Lina said, changing the subject.
"(She dodged that…) Yes, it's based on our Marine Corps' landing training," Sylvia replied.
"Wouldn't Celia dominate?" the President asked.
His concern was valid. Stars' landing training was far harsher than the Marines', and Celia had cleared it effortlessly, making this competition child's play. Sylvia and Lina agreed.
At the starting line, Celia, in a wetsuit, held a gun-shaped CAD designed by Yugen—unknown to USNA officials. As the start lamps lit, she activated her magic, and the unpowered boat shot forward. Lina's eyes widened at the speed.
"When did she start?" Lina asked.
"Sorry, Lina, I didn't see it either," Sylvia admitted.
On the monitor, Celia seemed to vanish. The course, adapted from Battle Board, expected an average speed of 60 km/h, but Celia's was over double that. She completed the first lap, maintaining speed into the second.
On the second lap, targets appeared. Celia aimed her CAD, pulling the trigger. Though equipped with aiming aids, they were mere "comfort" for Celia, who perceived all phenomena. Using a modified Invisible Bullet from Tatsuya, enhanced by Yugen's miniaturized Brionac control formula, she wielded Lightning Shotgun to destroy targets.
Seeing this, Lina clutched her head. Though less powerful, the magic's concept mimicked Brionac.
"Lina? What's wrong?" Sylvia asked.
"That magic Celia used… its concept is identical to Brionac," Lina said.
Lina's strategic magic Heavy Metal Burst could be used by Celia, who could also control it or use Reverse Heavy Metal Burst. Though Celia had no interest in strategic magic, learning she'd refined Brionac raised concerns about pulling her back to the USNA.
"You'd know, Lina," the President said. "I'll handle the Defense Secretary. Pulling her back and upsetting both her and Ken would be too much, even for me."
"With respect, I agree," Sylvia added.
"Both of you, really?" Lina sighed.
Sylvia, tasked with supporting Lina in strategic mage searches, knew Celia's feats and missteps. Unlike Lina's frequent destruction, Celia acted only when it protected her or Lina, making her more manageable.
Celia's blistering lap times and perfect target accuracy, paired with her striking beauty, captivated spectators as a "silver angel." But, as Lina muttered watching the monitor, Celia cared little for such praise.
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