After school, Tatsuya's group followed their usual routine, stopping by their favorite haunt, the café "Eine Brise." The gathering consisted of eight second-year students and one freshman, Minami. Izumi had been with them part of the way and looked longingly at the group, but her twin sister, Kasumi, had judged that the atmosphere would be far too awkward for them and dragged her straight home. Izumi had no choice but to comply.
The "awkwardness" was understandable. There were multiple people in that group who had already claimed the attention of the person the twins were—to varying degrees—interested in. For a pair of underclassmen to thrust themselves into that social minefield required a level of courage they didn't yet possess. In that regard, Minami was fortunate; she could remain by their side under the official guise of her duties.
"Tatsuya, is it true? Have the events for the Nine Schools Competition really been changed?"
The moment they finished ordering, Mikihiko threw the question at Tatsuya. To be honest, Mikihiko was the one who had suggested the coffee break in the first place. Tatsuya knew his friend had something on his mind, but even he was surprised by how quickly the subject was broached.
"The grapevine is fast today," Tatsuya remarked. "Who did you hear that from?"
"I overheard the Committee Chairman and Isori-senpai discussing it," Shizuku answered in Mikihiko's stead.
"I don't know the full details yet, though," Mikihiko added.
"The notification reached the Student Council today," Tatsuya explained. "Speed Shooting, Crowd Ball, and Battle Board are out. Roar and Gunner, Shield Down, and Steeplechase Cross-Country are in."
"What kind of events are those?" Erika asked.
Tatsuya gave her the same technical explanation he had provided in the council room. As he finished, a mischievous smirk played on Erika's lips.
"Heh... sounds like fun. Especially 'Shield Down.'"
"Really? It sounds a bit scary to me," Mizuki countered timidly, noticing her friend's growing excitement.
"I agree with Mizuki," Honoka added. "Up until last year, the events were designed so that the competitors never came into direct physical contact with one another."
"Even Monolith Code was technically non-contact," Mizuki chimed in, nodding.
"Actually, I think the Steeplechase is the one that's truly dangerous, rather than Shield Down," Shizuku observed.
"Yes. That is exactly what Brother said," Miyuki agreed, nodding firmly.
"Hey, Tatsuya," Leo interjected, "doesn't it feel like these new events have a heavy military slant to them?"
Leo's question gave voice to the nagging suspicion everyone at the table shared.
"It does," Tatsuya replied. "It's likely a lingering effect of the Yokohama Disturbance. After what happened last year, the defense authorities have rediscovered the military utility of magic. They're probably trying to fast-track that kind of education."
"Just like the anti-magic activists are always screaming about in the media," Erika added with a cynical, biting smile. Tatsuya couldn't bring himself to laugh off her irony.
"Yes. The timing couldn't be worse. I don't see why they had to make the changes so blatant... given the current international climate, there's no need to be so impatient. Regardless, it looks like we're in for a busy summer."
Seeing Honoka and Mizuki's expressions cloud with anxiety at his words, Tatsuya added a heavy, exaggerated sigh. It wasn't entirely an act; between the new regulations and the inevitable training sessions, Tatsuya knew his peaceful after-school hours were officially a thing of the past.
The First High Student Council wasn't the only group thrown into a tizzy by the sudden announcement. At Third High, the top-tier competitors were also racking their brains over the changes.
"Karen-san, do you have any insight into the reasoning behind this overhaul?"
Airi Isshiki addressed the group. Gathered at the Isshiki estate—one of the prestigious Eighteen Assistant Houses—were the four stars of Third High's female elite: Airi Isshiki, Shiori Kanmitsu, Touko Tsukushinbou, and Karen Tsukumogami.
"I suspect the National Defense Force put pressure on the Magic Association following the events in Yokohama last year," Karen replied thoughtfully.
"Aye, but Karen," Touko interjected in her characteristic, old-fashioned lilt, "if they push such changes now, won't it only embolden those anti-magician rabble the press is always coddling?"
"Touko has a point," Shiori added, "but Karen's theory feels like the truth of the matter."
Airi listened to her teammates' analysis. "The timing is certainly questionable, but I believe these changes will actually work in Third High's favor."
"How so?" Shiori asked.
"The new events are heavily colored by practical combat applications. In that arena, Third High has the edge over First High."
"Tis true," Touko agreed, nodding. "First High places far too much weight on 'International Evaluation Standards' and academic rankings. They don't emphasize combat techniques that don't lead directly to 'refined' magical skill."
"There are exceptions, like Sawaki from the Magic Arts Club—and him, of course," Shiori noted. "But as a school, Ichijou and the others are superior when it comes to practical, combat-ready magic. Even looking at the rosters, the advantage is ours."
Airi seemed to agree with the others, yet a shadow of doubt remained on her face.
"Is something wrong, Airi?"
"The Nine Schools Competition isn't won by the average rank of the athletes," Airi reminded them. "It's decided by the total points accumulated in each event. Under these new rules, aside from Mirage Bat, we can only enter one person per event—or one pair for the doubles. The key won't just be skill, but the strategy of who we place in Solo and who we pair up."
"I'm still miffed that Battle Board was cut," Touko grumbled, "but I was rather looking forward to a rematch with that Mitsui girl."
"Speed Shooting is gone too," Shiori shrugged, "so I'm fine with whatever event they stick me in."
"Very well," Airi concluded. "I will let you know once the official roster is finalized."
The two girls whose specialties had been scrapped seemed determined to give their all regardless of the event. However, there was a different topic weighing on all four of their minds.
"By the way, Karen-san," Shiori asked tentatively. "Do you think Tatsuya-sama will be participating again this year?"
"I wonder..." Karen mused. "Last year he only stepped into Monolith Code as a sudden substitute. His primary role was as an engineer."
"The CADs that man tuned were effective even against the likes of us," Touko said with a hint of respect. "I'd wager my life he'll be there."
"I want a chance at a rematch," Shiori admitted, "but more than that... I just want to see him again. Right, Airi?"
"Yes..." Airi murmured, her sharp eyes softening. "We haven't had a proper chance to speak since the Thesis Competition."
For a moment, the tactical discussions and concerns over win-loss ratios faded away. The four elite witches of Third High sat in silence, lost in their own shared memories of the man who had left such a permanent mark on their lives.
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