Monday, June 25, 2096.
Kudou Retsu—elder statesman of the Japanese magic community and retired Major General of the National Defense Ground Force—visited the former Ninth Magic Institute. Accompanying him was his eldest son and the current head of the Kudou family, Kudou Makoto.
The Ninth Institute had officially closed its doors as a national facility shortly after the end of World War III, but its functions remained very much intact. Currently, it operated as a private laboratory funded jointly by the Kudou, Kuki, and Kuzumi families. Its ostensible purpose was the study of sensory-type magic, which had lagged behind the development of physical-alteration systems.
That, however, was merely the facade. While sensory research did take place, it was no longer the primary focus. Deep within the facility, Retsu and Makoto were led into a sprawling hall where life-sized dolls stood in silent rows.
There were sixteen in total, arranged in four rows of four. Each was a gynoid—a female-type android—fixed to a slender pillar for support. In any other robotics lab, they would have been a common sight, but here, in a laboratory dedicated to magic, the gynoids felt profoundly out of place. At least, by the standards of conventional common sense.
"Report on your progress," Retsu commanded.
"The cultivation of the Parasites is proceeding smoothly," the chief researcher replied, his voice tinged with pride. "The success rate for anchoring them into the gynoids has risen to sixty percent. As you can see, we now have sixteen prototype 'Parasidolls'."
"So, you've reached the initial target number," Retsu noted.
"Yes. Thanks to the 'Loyalty Formula,' the cultivated Parasites are currently in a state of total dormancy within the gynoids. The resistance we initially observed against the spell-scheme has vanished. We can confidently say the Loyalty Formula—the greatest hurdle in making the Parasidolls practical—is now complete. We are ready for performance testing at your command."
The researcher's optimistic report caught Makoto off guard. He had assumed practical testing was still a long way off and hadn't yet prepared the necessary arrangements. Before he could speak, however, Retsu issued the response.
"It is too early for live combat tests. Even with the Loyalty Formula in place, we lack the data to trust them with autonomous action. We still don't know how stably they can exert their spectral power outside a controlled laboratory environment."
"Which is why we require a field test..." the researcher pressed.
"You are aware of the inter-high school competition held every August?" Retsu interrupted. "This year, a new event has been added: the Steeplechase Cross-Country. it is a long-distance obstacle race where students must reach the goal while overcoming both physical barriers and magical interference."
The researcher quickly grasped the elder's intent. "You intend to use the Parasidolls as the obstacles?"
"The National Defense Force can hardly afford to spare personnel for a high school competition," Retsu explained. "By using the Parasidolls, we ensure that even if the students retaliate, no military mages are harmed. Furthermore, by using the Loyalty Formula to limit the output of their spectral energy, we can ensure the students aren't seriously injured. It is the perfect opportunity for an initial deployment test outside the lab."
"But, predecessor..." Makoto cut in, "will the steering committee agree? If word of this experiment leaks to the public, the backlash would be immense. I doubt they would be willing to risk it."
"No, the committee will fall in line," Retsu said flatly. "During the selection phase for this year's events, they already folded under pressure from the military. They no longer possess the backbone to refuse our request."
Retsu didn't bother mentioning countermeasures for a potential information leak. It was clear he had no intention of taking responsibility himself. Neither he nor Makoto voiced the possibility of the Parasidolls losing control and harming the students.
Leaving the logistics of the test to his son, Retsu returned to the Kudou estate in Ikoma. Upon arrival, he headed straight for the room of Makoto's youngest son, Minoru.
Kudou Minoru was sixteen years old, a first-year student at the Second High School affiliated with the National Magic University. Ordinarily, he should have been in class, but today he was home sick—or rather, he was home sick again.
"Minoru, it's me."
Retsu knocked. After a moment of hurried movement inside, the door opened. Standing there was a boy who could only be described as a "model of tragic beauty."
"Grandfather... please excuse my appearance," Minoru said politely.
"There is no need for such formalities. More importantly, are you fit to be out of bed?"
"I'm fine. My fever has already subsi—"
His words were cut short by a violent fit of coughing. His body, as always, betrayed his desire to keep his grandfather from worrying. All Minoru could do was look away, determined not to let the man he respected see the tears of frustration in his eyes.
"Minoru, go and lie down."
"Grandfather... yes, sir."
Minoru started to protest but thought better of it. He understood his own body too well to maintain a hollow bravado.
"Minoru, do not fret over your absences," Retsu said gently. "Your magical capacity is among the best of your generation. Even compared to the students competing in the Nine School Competition, very few could hope to rival you."
"Thank you. The Nine School Competition... I wish I could have seen it."
"Minoru..."
Minoru spent a quarter of the year confined to his bed. Even if he were selected as a representative for Second High, he would have no choice but to decline to avoid being a burden to the team.
"Please don't look like that, Grandfather. The Nine School Competition isn't the only stage where I can test my strength."
"Quite right. You have a brilliant mind. Whether as a mage or a magic engineer, you will have countless opportunities to shine in the future."
"That reminds me, Kyoko-neesan came to visit me today as well," Minoru added. "She said she was sorry she missed you."
"I see. That's good, Minoru."
"Yes."
"Get some rest now. The fever will break soon enough."
"I will."
Leaving the room, Retsu retreated to his study. His thoughts turned to the truth of Minoru's birth.
Minoru was an "Adjusted Mage," created through artificial insemination. His father was Makoto, Retsu's son and the current head of the house. His mother was Makoto's youngest sister, who had married into the Fujibayashi family.
Minoru was a child born of a union between biological siblings.
(I must put an end to the era of mages being used as weapons,) Retsu thought, hardening a resolve he had made thousands of times before. (I cannot allow any more children like Minoru to be brought into this world.)
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