Chapter 62 ~ Premonition Coming Through
<span style="font-weight:400">October 29, 2095 AD. 12:15 am.
<span style="font-weight:400">Within a private room of a luxurious Chinese restaurant in Yokohama’s China city, two men sat on opposite sides of the polished wooden table, sitting on afortable floor chair with immensely soft cushions.
<span style="font-weight:400">On the low table, a tray with a crystal chalice of powder gold and whisky kept inside a volumetric sk-shape maroon bottle sat at the center of the table in between the two while they had a shot ss within arm’s reach.
<span style="font-weight:400">However, Chen Xiang Shan hadn’t poured himself a ss of the alcohol served. In such a dire situation, he was in no mood for such a thing.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mr. Zhou. I’ve been notified that my home country will be sending us a warship. Thanks to you, we canunch our next operation.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Zhou Gong Jin, the slender man who helped special ops members of the Great Asian Unione into Yokohama, listened with his eyes closed as he shook his shot ss in a circle, swirling his whisky and the powder gold that had submerged into the bottom.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m honored to have been able to assist you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“However, fortune seemed to have deserted us and my second-inmand has fallen into the enemy’s hands.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Zhou Gong Jin ced his ss back onto the table upon hearing the news. His thin lips curled into a small frown as his brows furrowed slightly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Truly, that could only have been the worst of luck. To think that Master Lu would be…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s a colossal disgrace, but all the same, our country needs this soldier.”
<span style="font-weight:400">A still silence fell upon the room. Zhou Gong Jin took a sip of his pleasantly sweat whisky, knowing what kind of words would soone out of the special ops captain’s mouth. And the words came as he expected.
<span style="font-weight:400">With a bow, Chen Xiang Shan made his request.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I wonder if you can help us with this?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah, of course I can, my lord.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He smiled ever so softly, like a friend ready to help out hisrade in times of desperate need.
<span style="font-weight:400">“As it turns out, Master Lu is scheduled to be transported to the foreigners’ prison in Yokosuka tomorrow.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Is that true?”
<span style="font-weight:400">A ray of hope began to alight in Chen Xiang Shan’s eyes. Losing Lu Gong Hu, an S-ranked magician whose prowess has been proven time and time again to be invaluable to the Great Asian Union in battle, would be no small loss for his country. Without him, the power they’ve amassed would take a massive blow, spelling disaster for the entire nation.
<span style="font-weight:400">At this point, his rescue may be even more important than their original n.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, the timing couldn’t be better. And in exchange, if I may put it that way… during tomorrow’s operation, if you could stay away from this city…”
<span style="font-weight:400">A solemn nod. Chen Xiang Shan readily agreed to his request in exchange for his assistance.
<span style="font-weight:400">“But of course. I’ll see to it that this Chinatown is spared from harm as much as possible. That said, our number one target, the Kanto Branch of the Magic Association, is located right near Chinatown. Not only that, but if we’re going after the magicians heading to the Thesis Competition and their research data… Some skirmishing will be unavoidable.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The risk of harm onto Chinatown outlined by the special ops captain was understandable. Given they wouldn’t simply let the invaderse and steal data, battle and skirmishes would most definitely happen.
<span style="font-weight:400">However, a smile never left Zhou Gong Jin’s countenance.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I am grateful for your consideration.”
<span style="font-weight:400">-------------------------------X--------------------------------
<span style="font-weight:400">October 29, 2095. 10:31 am.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was supposed to be a normal ss day for most students of First High. But, with the Annual Thesis Competition happening the day after, most sses ended early to let those who would be participating in thepetition, both directly or supporting, prepare and get ready for the big day.
<span style="font-weight:400">Tatsuya ss’s lessons have just ended as well. But as he was about to head out to meet up with Yuuji and Aika before heading to where Hirakawa Koharu, Suzune, and Isori Kei were, Erika suddenly approached him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Tatsuya, you, Aika, and Yuuji will be arriving at the convention center tomorrow at 8 o’clock in the morning, right?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s right. Thepetition starts at 9, so we’ll be arriving at 8. The first high’s turn on the stage would be around three, if I’m not mistaken.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm… So you’re all meeting up there after all, uh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sitting close to each other’s seat, Mizuki, Mikihiko, and Leo also listened in to their conversation with great interest since they’ll also be going to thepetition as guests.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What about the demo device?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm? Did you not hear from the student council president or Yuuji?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Erika tilted her head. She tried recalling all the things they talked about in thest few days when Mayumi came to stay overnight in their mansion, but all she could remember were Yuuji’s sweet whispers and Aika encouragement to “attack” him with her femininity. Even Mayumi wasn’t spared by their teasing.
<span style="font-weight:400">“The student council hired a transportpany. And I heard from Ichihara-senpai that Yuuji is also helping with its acquisition. Why do you ask?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“O-Oh, well… It’s just…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, Leo suddenly inserted himself into the conversation.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, regarding the guard detail for that demo device and stuff… Could you let us help out, too?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">A look of confusion briefly appeared on Tatsuya’s expression. But they were soon reced by an expression of realization.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Do you want to show off the results of your special training?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah?! H-How did you know?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yuuji had shared stories about how Erika has been beating you into shape, literally.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Guhh…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-Ahahaha…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Erikaughed weakly. She… She did go all out with the guy’s training so he could help her, Yuuji, and Aika in the troubles toe, so Tatsuya’s words were not exactly an exaggeration.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry. You will have your time. Because I don’t think nothing’s going to happen anymore.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Huh? But I thought the incident was already resolved.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Mikihiko questioned. In his knowledge, the academic spy culprit, Sekimoto Isao, has been apprehended, and the unknown soldier who came to the detention center to, most likely, get rid of a potential leak in the form of the third-year high school boy has also been defeated by Yuuji, Mayumi, Mari, and Tatsuya. The incidents should all have been resolved.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s not as if these incidents are a one-and-done thing. The Thesis Competition is targeted every year, so troubles might still happen during the event.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm, Aika had said something to that effect as well. Though she doesn’t seem worried in the least, so I thought she was just kidding. But now that I think about it, that does seem usible.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Erika muttered as she fell into a thought. Almost everything Yuuji and Aika predicted had been true thus far. So, despite her joking tone, Erika still took her words seriously.
<span style="font-weight:400">Except for the sexual harassment that came out of those lips…
<span style="font-weight:400">“In that case, will you let me on guard duty too?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“If there’s anything I can do, please let me know as well. I will be happy to help.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Mikihiko and Mizuki both volunteered.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. But as for now, cheering for our school’s team from the audience will be enough.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh?! Why are we just audiences’?!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Leoined. Erika was also unsatisfied by just being an audience member. She wanted to at least be with Yuuji and Aika during the event and help them out with the security detail.
<span style="font-weight:400">But to stop his outburst, Tatsuya raised his hand, gesturing to him to let him continue.
<span style="font-weight:400">“If there’s some kind of incident, no one willin if the audience helps pick up the pieces. That’s where you cane in.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see… Help, huh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Now, the four new security detail “volunteers” let out a smile in satisfaction. And Erika couldn’t wait to surprise Yuuji with her appearance in the event.
<span style="font-weight:400">--------------------------------X--------------------------------
<span style="font-weight:400">Dressed in a beautiful wine red dress, Fujibayashi Kyouko sat with a ss of delectable wine in a high ss restaurant and a neutral, yet beautiful, smile on her face. Before her, totally mesmerized by her appearance was Erika’s eldest brother, was Chiba Toshikazu in a full suit with a ss of wine before him as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What a sweet and delectable smell.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m d you like it. Thanks to you, it looks like we’ll be closing this case soon. So this is my way of thanking you personally.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Inspector, did you invite me here today just to thank me?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“H-Huh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Her smile grew, but she didn’t let her teasing smile surface on her expression. After all, although the full grown inspector had a cute reaction, she exclusively saved her teasing side for her adorable “little brother” who had the cutest reaction. She would only show any other man aside from him her professional side, that of a soldier, and save her woman, sisterly side for him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unfortunately, even her neutral smile and words alone were able to send the heart of the single man in his mid-twenties fluttering in anticipation.
<span style="font-weight:400">“If you’re avable tomorrow, I’d like to request yourpany tomorrow as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“H-Huh? Um… S-Sure! If you’re okay with me, then I’d be d to!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Assuming a more serious expression and saluting, Toshikazu gave the ravishing woman before him his promise.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you very much. Then how’s eight-thirty tomorrow morning at Sakuragicho Station?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“What? Morning?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Tomorrow, they’ll be holding the National High School Magic Thesis Competition at the International Convention Center. Are you not aware of it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No, I’m aware of that, but…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Two boys and one girl I’m acquainted with will be taking part, so I’d like to go cheer them on. And if possible, please ask your subordinates to join us too.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kyouko continued to swirl her wine ss, letting the vintage red wine inside it move around in a slow vortex, as Toshikazu looked at her in shock.
<span style="font-weight:400">“If you could alsoe equipped with weapons and live ammo guns, that would be a huge help.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ms. Fujibayashi… What’s brewing underneath all of this…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Nothing, of course. Or at least, that is what I’m hoping for.”
<span style="font-weight:400">--------------------------------X--------------------------------
<span style="font-weight:400">October 30, 2095. 8:35am. Yokohama International Convention Center.
<span style="font-weight:400">The day of the National High School Magic Theory Thesis Competition had finally arrived.
<span style="font-weight:400">The student representatives from all nine magic university affiliated high schools of Japan had gathered in the Yokohama International Convention Center to present and publicize their work, and for some lucky ones, get their works known internationally.
<span style="font-weight:400">It is an event as prestigious as the Nine Schools Competition held earlier in the year, though not as conspicuous. While the NSC requires 52 students from each school to participate as their representative, the Thesis Competition only requires three. It is also the literaryplement to the NSC’s practical contest of magic.
<span style="font-weight:400">Thus, for those who aim to be a magic engineer, this event was considered even more important than the NSC. With many individuals rted to the Magic University and the magic theorymunity attending, it was the students’ chance for their names to be known.
<span style="font-weight:400">However, although Yuuji had been deeply involved with First High’s Thesis Competition preparations and close with his school’s representatives, his mind was focused more on the events that would happen during thepetition.
<span style="font-weight:400">The Yokohama Disturbance arc… It has begun and the climax of the arc would happen in this venue. Although he, Aika, and Tatsuya had been preparing as much as possible, he was still… nervous.
<span style="font-weight:400">This wouldn’t be the first time that he’ll be troubled by terrorists, but the scale between what would happen here would be much more than what had happened during the NSC.
<span style="font-weight:400">He would be dealing with a literal invasion from another nation… Specifically, the Great Asian Union. In his world, such a thing would’ve been beyond what a high school student like him should be dealing with. But now… he will be dealing with the invaders along with his friends.
<span style="font-weight:400">He couldn’t help but muse what life would bring to him…
<span style="font-weight:400">And… his current situation was also something he didn’t expect.
<span style="font-weight:400">Within the First High School’s meeting room, Fujibayashi Kyouko hade to visit in her civilian’s clothing. Inside the room were Tatsuya, Miyuki, Aika, and him, all of them sitting on a couch together.
<span style="font-weight:400">Tatsuya and Miyuki sat on one side, while Yuuji and Aika sat on either side of Kyouko. But unlike the first two, they weren’t sitting… upright.
<span style="font-weight:400">Aika was happily hugging her “Kyouko-neechan” and letting her pet her hair. On the other hand… Yuuji''s face was being squished against the side of her chest as she held the back of his head and pulled him towards her.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was “siblings’ bonding time” as the “Electron Sorcerer” referred to it as, and Aika was certainly enjoying hugging her “big sister”. But Yuuji couldn’t help but think of it as humiliation since she was doing it right in front of Tatsuya and Miyuki, who was looking at him awkwardly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Miyuki, it’s been a while~”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Y-Yes… It has been a while… I don’t think we’ve met since that day in February…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ms. Fujibayashi, are you sure it’s alright for you to be visiting the First High’s green room?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Tatsuya asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“T-That’sh right… Kyouko-nee… are you sure you can stay he- MMMPH!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, it’s fine~ As a technical officer, there’s nothing strange about me visiting you, the students who unveiled such dazzling skills at the NSC~”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kyouko said with a little giggle as she strengthened her grip on Yuuji’s head and kept him from escaping, leaving Yuuji in pure embarrassment and nervousness as she pressed his head to her breasts.
<span style="font-weight:400">“All right, enough with the pleasantries. The mobile suit we discussed has beenpleted. Lieutenant Sanada told me to let you know that they’ll be delivering here by tonight.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Pausing from petting Aika’s head, Kyouko took out a small chip from inside her zer’s pocket and held it up, showing it to Tatsuya and Yuuji.
<span style="font-weight:400">“They finished already? Impressive, as always.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“And one more thing… This incident doesn’t look like it’s over just yet.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kyouko’s voice turned solemn as the heavy premonition weighted on her heart, causing her voice to deepen and her grip on Yuuji’s head to lessen, allowing him to look up to her troubled face.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Kyouko-nee… Did you encounter any trouble?”
<span style="font-weight:400">She looked down with a smile and petted her handsome little brother’s head. She ced the chip she took out on the table before her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Take a look at this for more information. I’ve taken some precautions myself, but… You never know. A battle might be brewing.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Understood. We’ll be sure to be prepared.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm. We’ll be careful, Kyouko-nee.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good. If anything happens… I’ll be counting on you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhn~! Leave it to me, nee-chan!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">--------------------------------X--------------------------------
<span style="font-weight:400">12:00pm. Yokohama International Conference Center.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sekimoto Isao was after the Thesis Competition materials. Today, after interrogating him further, we learned that he’d been subjected to mind control. The organization that’s using Sekimoto and the others to target the thesis might take drastic measures.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Within the security headquarters, Kirihara Takeaki and Hattori Hanzo stood before Juumonji Katsuto, who was sitting behind therge desk with documents resting on it, and Yuuji, who was standing by his side with a ss tablet in his hand.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Saegusa-senpai wished for you and Tsubakihara to keep a close eye on the site as much as possible.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“... It seems like your premonition ising true once again, Tsubakihara.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji let out a sigh and shook his head. Things were getting bad, as he expected. And by this time, he assumed that Kyouko-nee had also gotten intel about Lu Gang Hu’s escape during his relocation to prison.
<span style="font-weight:400">Things were really ascending to the climax, after all…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah… Unfortunately. How are the distributions of the bulletproof vests?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji asked, turning his attention towards Hattori and Kirihara.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Everyone patrolling the site has one equipped already, and we have some on reserves as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s great. But if you can, have not only the patrolling members, but all other members of the Joint Security Detail wear bulletproof vests as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">““Understood.””
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you. For now, please monitor the perimeter of the venue and report immediately back to myself or Juumonji-senpai if you see anything wrong. And please… be careful. I’m sure you’ve noticed, but… things don''t seem right now.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah… I think so as well. I came to check out the venue a week ago, but there seems to be too many foreigners around here now.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You think so too, Hattori?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hattori nodded his head to Kirihara.
<span style="font-weight:400">“How about you, Kirihara?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Juumonji asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, sir. Compared to the convention center, the atmosphere in the city seems strangely more menacing.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah… I feel that too…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji shook his head with a helpless smile. Things were indeed about to go down from now on…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Chairman, although I will have to leave the headquarters and protect Hirakawa Koharu-senpai as her personal bodyguard, I will keep my line active for the entirety of the event. Please don’t hesitate to call on me if you encounter any trouble.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji turned towards Juumonji in a soldier-like manner and looked at him with grave seriousness in his eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">And with a simr graveness in his eyes, Juumonji nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm. I’ll be counting on you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji nodded back and turned towards the Kendo club captain and student council vice president.
<span style="font-weight:400">“If my premonition is right and something did happen, the danger you encounter might be on a whole different level than the NSC incident. So please be careful on your patrol.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. You too. If they’re going to attack the Thesis Competition for data, you, who will be protecting our school’s representatives, might be in the most danger.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s right. You take care of yourself.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I will. Good luck.”