"Whoa..."
Tatenashi, who was watching in the observation room, couldn't help but let out a gasp. On the monitor in front of her was the result of two convergence cannons clashing.
A filter that cuts out excessive light covered the screen. That's how big the explosion was. The center of the pride of the Sixth Division's land battle simulator was leveled.
"It's like a scene from the end of the world. It makes me shudder to think that this is happening right outside."
Goliath, which was at the center, was completely blown away, as the materials couldn't withstand the power in the first place. The Wall, a giant of shadow, had been extinguished even faster than Goliath by Imagine Breaker.
"Well, if two convergence cannons collide, that's what you get."
"Hahaha, no, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that either. I'd die even with non-lethal settings."
There were actual squad members who took the hit, but Captain Yagami was carefree.
"Well, well, what about everyone... Oh, ah, I knew it."
Tiiana and Nanoha, who fired at each other, took each other out. The members who were fighting in the center were all caught in the direct hit and were annihilated.
Even Shou, who was in Imagine Breaker mode, couldn't defend with just his right hand when he was shot from both the front and back. The members who were fighting one-on-one around them had their health points chipped away bit by bit, and the aftermath of the explosion caused a complete loss of life.
"Alright, alright, bring stretchers to the training ground. It seems like most of them have passed out."
Everyone's life points were at zero. In other words, this match ended in a tie.
---------
"Mmm, ah..."
I woke up. It seems I had been sleeping on a simple bed. There were several other beds around, but no one was sleeping in them. However, there was a woman sitting next to the bed.
"Ah, you're awake, Shou."
"Claudia...?"
"Oh, you're not using '-san'? I'm happy about that."
A smile with unreadable emotions was plastered on the face I hadn't seen in a long time.
"Is there anything wrong with your body? The only damage you took was from mana shock, and the tests showed no abnormalities, but there's always a chance."
"Nothing in particular. I'm in great shape."
There was no pain, no lethargy. Hooray for non-lethal settings.
"I really thought I was going to die when I was caught in that convergence cannon."
"It was spectacular even from the outside. The captain said she would never want to be on the receiving end of that."
"That's for sure..."
My entire vision was enveloped in light, and my consciousness, which should have fallen into darkness, melted into the light. I thought I was ascending to heaven.
No wonder I was mistaken for a Demon Lord. It's traumatizing.
"Where is this?"
"This is the Sixth Division's infirmary. Since it's located next to the training ground, we can perform simple treatments here. Although, everyone only has minor scratches and bruises."
That's good to hear. But I'm sure there are others who are traumatized by that bombardment. Maybe everyone is dead on their feet.
"Everyone else is already awake and in the cafeteria. Can you stand on your own?"
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"Then let's go. You must be tired after the match, so let's get something sweet to eat. I think the results of the exam will be announced soon."
The fact that the results would be announced on the same day showed once again how special, or rather, how much of a formality this exam was.
Led by Claudia, I made my way to the cafeteria.
"We'll have to give you a tour of this facility soon."
"If I pass the exam safely. Sakura stood out more than me, didn't she?"
I feel like Sakura took all the attention. I can't believe she's gotten that strong. She really does have a one-of-a-kind talent.
"Matou-san is also a special student, just like you, Shou. I was so surprised back then, because I never thought we'd get an applicant from the Clock Tower."
The people at the Clock Tower are what you'd call 'Magicians.' No, that's a little different. The magicians of the Clock Tower, who are engaged in power struggles, are completely different from the original magicians who seek the 'Root.'
Sakura's way of using magic is that of a 'magic user,' not a magician. She uses magic as a mere tool, not for research.
She probably honed her magic to fight with me ever since the Holy Grail War ended. She trained to fight. In combat, she's on a completely different level from those who use magic for research.
She said she had been training at the Clock Tower, so the eyes of the surrounding magicians must have been harsh. Magic users are basically subjected to contemptuous glances from magicians.
"But I think you're not inferior to Sakura-san, Shou."
"Well... in terms of the rarity of my abilities, I'm not inferior."
Even though my abilities are steadily increasing, I still have a long way to go. I can't get carried away just because I fought a Servant. I have to train harder.
"It's alright. Shou, you can still get much stronger."
"Thanks for saying that."
Can get stronger (implies something).
This is bad. My thoughts keep going in that direction. I've been fighting by just bulldozing with my abilities when I get stuck. I can't just rely on a complete memory and copying; I have to train myself.
While talking about such things, we arrived at the cafeteria. I came here with Sakura before. Nothing has changed. It's a normal cafeteria with a row of uncharacteristic tables and chairs.
And everyone was sitting on those chairs.
"Hey, everyone, are you really not hurt?"
"Yes. No one is even wearing a bandage. As I said earlier, everyone just has scratches."
"Then what is this miserable state...?"
In the cafeteria, everyone was indeed looking dead on their feet. As Claudia said, I could tell that no one was seriously injured.
But more than that, the air was heavy.
"Could it be an enemy Stand attack...?"
"That's a bit of a leap, isn't it?"
A Stand that makes everyone negative... I don't recall one. Could it be a Stand that didn't appear in the original work...? Ah, right. I'll stop joking.
"Claudia, do you know why?"
"I don't know... Everyone got like this after they woke up and heard the outcome of the match. I haven't heard any details. I was by your side until you woke up."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes. I was enjoying your sleeping face the whole time."
"..."
"You had a very cute sleeping face, you know?"
"Okay, I get it! Enough!"
I cut off Claudia, who was teasing me with a sly smile. A cute sleeping face? I'm sure I was groaning from the convergence cannon.
"Speaking of which, the outcome of the match..."
Was everyone that serious about this match? Was it a match they should have put that much effort into...? It must have been, given the current situation.
"Oh, that's right! What was the outcome of the match!?"
"Hehe, Shou, unlike everyone else, you don't really care about the outcome, do you?"
"Ah, well..."
It's not that I don't care at all, I just completely forgot about it until now. I was so engrossed in the match that I completely forgot about the bet with Lutecia. All the posturing I did before the match was for nothing.
"The match was a draw."
"A draw!?"
So it was a tie.
"Both teams were annihilated by the final convergence cannon. Do you want to see the footage later?"
"I'll pass, absolutely."
Why would I want to watch footage that would bring back trauma?
In that case, what about the bet with Lutecia? The worst-case scenario would be, 'You both have to do the punishment game.'
I feel like just sweeping it under the rug, but it would be a pain if it were brought up at an inconvenient time later. I'll get it sorted out now.
I found Lutecia while she was off to get some drinks.
"Let's see, Lutecia is... there she is."
Compared to everyone else, she seemed normal.
"Hey. You did great."
"Ah, you too."
I sat at the same table as Lutecia.
"I can't believe the match ended in a draw."
"Things like that happen. Our team was in a tough spot, so I'm grateful. What about the bet?"
"Since it's a draw, let's just call it null and void. Tsk, it was so close, though. Yozuki-kun's happy and embarrassing love life."
She pouted and grumbled. But even though she was complaining, she gave up easily.
"Oh, you're awake, Yozuki-kun."
"Captain Yagami."
As we were talking, Captain Yagami appeared. Of course, she was in the Sixth Division's uniform today. The impression was different from when I saw her in plain clothes before. We're not that far apart in age, but the uniform looked strangely good on her.
Captain Yagami, who had entered the cafeteria, looked around and asked me in a low voice.
"Ah... what's with everyone? Did something happen to make them so depressed?"
"I have no idea."
"Come on now, the only reason those girls would be depressed is because of you, isn't it? Did you make some kind of promise? Like, 'I'll go on a date with the girl who performs the best.'"
Lutecia was the one who did that. Although it ended up getting canceled.
"I really don't know."
"Hmph, well, whatever. If you're going to act that way to your captain. We have plenty of time from now on."
She was smiling a smug, annoying smile. She was acting like a parent meddling in a child's first love. I'm not that age, and she probably doesn't have that much experience herself!
"Everyone is like this, so I'll just tell you, Yozuki-kun. You passed this exam. Here you go."
She told me so nonchalantly. A large stack of documents was placed on the table.
"These are various forms to fill out and a textbook. Since you'll be joining the Bureau, some book learning is necessary, even if it's just for show. You and Yuuki-san are officially joining. Himemiya-san and Kasukabe-san are candidates. Is that right?"
"Yes. Thank you very much for coming all this way yourself, Captain."
I thanked her with a slightly exaggerated gesture, and Captain Yagami responded in kind.
"That's right. From now on, you have to call me Captain."
"Of course."
"In an organization, the superior's orders are absolute. Do you understand that?"
"This team seems to be prone to recklessness, but I understand."
"In other words, my orders as your superior are absolute!"
"...Huh?"
The conversation was getting a little ominous.
"So when I ask you, you have to answer without hiding anything! Who you went on a date with, where you went, who confessed to you, who you started dating! Everything! Without hiding a thing!"
"That's not right."
"Hayate-san~ I want to know too~"
"Hehehe, of course, Lutecia~"
"No, no, no. My privacy!"
Two devils with evil looks on their faces had been born.
"You're in the prime of your youth. You might not be able to contain your desire for romance, right? Sometimes you'll experience heartbreak, love triangles, dramatic scenes... all sorts of interesting... I mean, you might have problems with your relationships. But as a team, that's a problem. So I'll have you report periodically, and I'll give you appropriate advice as an adult."
"Captain, are you that experienced?"
I asked, knowing full well the answer.
"...Well, I have some experience, a little? ...Not so much?"
"...Shouldn't that mental care also apply to the other members of the Sixth Division I know?"
"No, because they're all so boring and don't have any of those stories."
So that's what it comes down to.
"Everyone is so focused on their work, aren't they?"
The two who knew everyone better than I did crossed their arms and nodded.
"What are you all talking about?"
And then Claudia, with two bottles of drinks in her hands, joined the group, and it became an uproar.
After being told the gist of the conversation, Claudia's face lit up, and she was all for it.
"I'm very interested in that too. By all means, please leave the role of counselor to me."
"No, no, that would cut the fun in half... I mean, it might not lead to the proper solutions. I, as the captain, should do it."
As the commotion grew louder, the depressed girls started to listen in as well.
"You're in a tough spot, Yozuki-kun."
"You were in on it just a minute ago. I haven't forgotten."
I flicked Lutecia's forehead and watched the turn of events.
---------
I was walking, bathed in the setting sun.
Since everyone was tired, I had them go home first. As for me, who was in charge of shopping, I made a detour to the supermarket to buy ingredients for dinner.
I held a shopping bag in each hand. It was a bit tough on my body after the mock battle. But I couldn't miss the sale. Thanks to that, I had to go to the supermarket across the bridge.
"Are you okay, Onii-chan?"
"Yeah, no problem."
Kuro, who was also in charge of cooking, was as energetic as ever. No matter how much of an adult she was, she seemed to have a child's cheerfulness.
"I can't believe you guys were also making a bet over there."
"It was just a little game. Everyone got way too into it, and now they're disappointed with the result."
I was relieved after Kuro explained the situation to me.
Apparently, they had a competition behind my back to win the right to a date with me. But everyone lost in the end. They were so depressed because they missed their chance.
"If you had just told me, I wouldn't have refused."
"That's why! If I said that, everyone would come along! We had the competition to narrow down the numbers so that wouldn't happen!"
"Ah, I see."
"Otherwise, my time to hang out with you would be cut short, wouldn't it?"
I can't deny that.
"The bet aside, I'm glad you were able to join the team. Just make sure you don't go after women unnecessarily... Fate-san seems to be a risk. Did something happen during your trip?"
"That's a complete misunderstanding! She's an adult, in a way."
"I wonder about that... (That person looks like she has no experience with men at all, and she might just fall for you if she gets a chance. Oh, I can't feel safe anywhere!) You're even going after married women, isn't that a bit too much?"
"No, I told you I won't make a move myself. Besides, Vivio isn't her real daughter."
Kuro sighed deeply at me. Of course. Saying I won't make a move myself implies that I won't refuse if they make a move on me.
But it's too late for that. How many women have I had relationships with? ...I can never say that out loud.
"Is it only a matter of time before the Sixth Division becomes your love nest...?"
"..."
I couldn't say a word in response. I'll say it again: I have no intention of taking any action in that regard myself. But I do plan on actively getting involved in dangerous incidents. I can't guarantee what will happen as a result (especially with relationships).
"It can't be helped, but we're the ones who gave you permission. I trust you, Onii-chan."
"I'll make sure not to betray that."
That's an absolute. I can never do anything that would betray everyone.
I laughed lightly and continued walking. The bridge finally came into sight. Once I cross this, it's only halfway home. Halfway still remains.
I gripped the shopping bags again and put more strength into my hands. I'm not the one cooking today. Once I get home, my mission is complete. I'll just have to hold on until then...
"...Huh?"
My hand, which I had just gripped, had somehow let go of the shopping bag.
In the very middle of the bridge, two girls were arguing. Even though it was a holiday, the two girls were wearing school uniforms.
Not only were the two girls wearing the same uniform, but they had the exact same hairstyle and build. They both had shoulder-length brown hair. I couldn't make out their faces, but from the looks of it, their faces were probably so similar that they were indistinguishable... no, they were identical.
The only difference was that one of the girls had some kind of goggles on her head. The design was so plain that even I, who am not into fashion, would hesitate to wear it with a school uniform.
"...No, you've got to be kidding me."
"Onii-chan? What's wrong with those two... Oh, isn't that Mikoto? Hey!"
"Huh? You...!"
Kuro called out as if she had found someone she knew. But there was no doubt that it was the voice she made when she found someone she knew.
The Level Upper incident from a while ago. The incident that everyone solved without me.
Unfortunately, I was left out, but from the situation, it was definitely the Level Upper incident. Did they meet there?
One of the girls turned around at Kuro's voice. Her face was visibly tired.
"Hmm, oh, long time no see, Kuro. And you too!? Why are you with him?"
"Onii-chan?"
"I just happened to be at the hospital when you were there, you know? What a coincidence, again."
"...I don't really get it, but it's good to see you, Kuro. And you, too."
She lacked spirit. Was she really that tired? Well, that would make sense.
"Is this person an acquaintance of Onee-sama? Misaka asks Onee-sama, who looks exhausted."
"Whose fault do you think I'm exhausted! Whose!"
"You have a little sister? And she's in the same Tokiwadai Middle School."
"Huh? Yeah, well..."
"..."
Mikoto's reply was awkward. I silently watched the Mikoto clone. She was the spitting image of her older sister. There was no room for excuses. This was without a doubt a Sister.
"Is there something you want from Misaka? Misaka feels she is in danger from the man's rude stare."
"...Huh?"
I must have been staring too much. The Mikoto clone hugged herself and took a step away from me.
"You, my sister..."
"...Onii-chan, I trust you, okay?"
"It's nothing! I was just wondering what that thing on your head was."
I said something that anyone would naturally wonder about and changed the subject.
"This? This is a military-grade night vision goggle. Misaka proudly shows off her personal belongings."
"I see..."
"Do you wear that in the middle of the city?"
Kuro asked a question, and I gave a half-hearted reply while thinking about what I should do in this situation.
I looked at Mikoto. Did she know? If she did, she wouldn't be acting this way. If she knew about the Mikoto clone's situation, she would be more flustered at the sight of her in public. Her usual cheerful demeanor wasn't there, but she didn't look that serious either.
"Hey..."
"Ah! Ah... well then, we have something to do! ...Come on, let's go!"
Mikoto shouted to cut off the conversation and grabbed her identical sister's arm. The Mikoto clone did as she was told. They walked away in the direction we came from.
She must have decided that it was dangerous to continue the conversation.
"What was that all about?"
"..."
Leaving a big lump in our throats, we parted ways.
--------------------------------------------
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