The Irregular at Magic High School v32, page 1
The Irregular at Magic High School v32
Table of Contents
Notes
Keywords
Initial Illustrations
Sacrifice Arc
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Graduation Arc
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Afterword
Epilogue
Extra Illustrations by the Manga Artists
Notes
The word "精神" appears regularly in the volumes, it can mean "mind; spirit; soul; heart;", and in Mahouka’s magic system can mean both "mind" and "spirit"
at the same time.
Though, even if is called "mind" the meaning diverge from brain, that which the author use a different word for it (脳). "精神" is referred when talking about
"thinking" on this volume — and, I presume, in the past ones — and "spirit".
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One example of the usage of this word is in the therm "Mental Interference Type Magic", which was translated as "Mental" in this case. So, since both things in this context are at least connected, Miyuki's Cocytus, as an illustration, is a magic that not only acts on the mind of the target, but on it's spirit, freezing them. And, accordingly with this universe, any effects on the spirit of someone, will be reflected on it's physical body. So paraphrasing the wikia about Cocytus
"It can also be fathomed as a magic that froze the time of the realm of a target's soul".
Given that ambiguity it's meaning will alternate between "mind" and "spirit"
based on the context. Though I will try to keep consistency.
Keywords
Gram Demolition -Gram-Cut- 'Gram-Slash'
Non-systemic magic, which is just like 'Gram Demolition' or 'Gram Dispersion', and it’s classified as counter-magic. It is a variation of 'Gram Demolition'. It neutralizes magic by 'cutting' the magic sequences in the information dimension with a psionic blade.
Because it is able to neutralize magic without hurting the opponent, it has attracted the attention of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department as being ideal for subduing criminal magicians.
Thunder Beast
An arrangement of Zhou Gongjin's favorite magic, 'Shadow Beast', that uses a chemical simulacrum of a beast to attack the opponent. By the addition of lightning magic, it makes it possible to summon a beast wrapped in lightning from a summoning tile. While the beast's figure is of a virtual image, the electricity on its surface is real, which is charged with high voltage. Because of that, the air that the Thunder Beast passes through will be ionized, thus creating a path for electric current. When combined with lightning magic, it is possible to hit a target without the need of magically converging or inducing the discharge.
Contact Type – Gram Demolition
This magic creates a completely homogeneous layer of high-density Psions Page 2
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around the body at the boundary of 50 centimeters, which repels all Psions coming from the outside. As if covering the body with 'Gram Demolition', it is possible to neutralize any magic directed at the caster.
Tomitsuka Hagane can use this magic due to his predisposition to it. Due to his advanced skill in controlling psions, Tatsuya is also capable of putting this into practice
Initial Illustrations
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Sacrifice Arc
Chapter 1
Sunday, August 4, 2097 AD.
The newest island belonging to the Izu Archipelago was attacked by a foreign armed group.
The island's name was "Miyakijima".
According to the official statement, the armed group that attacked the island was allegedly a mixed group consisting of a USNA navy unit, deceived by a Soviet agent and dispatched by a fake order, plus a saboteur squad formed by the efforts of agents from the NSU right on the territory of the USNA.
Even if it were true, the fact remains that the ships and soldiers belonging to the USNA navy attacked Japanese territory. If this situation goes on as it is, the USNA's reputation, will worsen its relations with not only Japan — the evaluation of the USNA by the international community will also deteriorate to
"an untrustworthy nation that treacherously launches surprise attacks on its allies".
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First of all, the USNA officially dispatched a high ranking official, the Secretary of Defense, to Japan in order to control this situation… More precisely that was the case, at least officially.
Certainly, reconciliation with the Japanese government was one of the purposes of Secretary of Defense Liam Spencer's visit to Japan, but in truth, that was hardly his main objective. For that matter, it was not Spencer, who had a leading role during this visit to Japan.
Five days after the incident. While the USNA Secretary of Defense and the Prime Minister of Japan were creating a harmonious atmosphere in front of the press, the talks between true protagonists had begun unnoticed behind that main stage.
Friday, August 9th. Early this morning, Tatsuya returned to Tokyo from Miyakijima for the first time in twenty days in order to answer the invitation of the USNA Secretary of Defense's assistant, Jeffrey James.
Two days ago, Tatsuya received a letter from the White House through Lina. To put it better, it was an offer of reconciliation to Tatsuya. At worst, it was an attempt to pull Tatsuya onto the USNA's side and use him.
Tatsuya accepted the USNA's offer. Whether they mean well or not, the implications are still the same. Friendly relationships are of more use. It was the same on Tatsuya's side. Irrespective of Japan's foreign policy, Tatsuya has hit the Great Asian Union and the New Soviet Union with a serious blow, so it's natural to be seen as hostile. If he can build a friendly relationship with the USNA, even if they have an ulterior motive, to him it's a big win.
Tatsuya wrote the reply of acceptance on the spot when he received the letter and had Lina deliver his answer yesterday, on the morning of August 8th. Also, yesterday evening, he received a phone call from Lina saying, "The Secretary of Defense's aid wants to meet with you tomorrow."
As a meeting place, Jeffrey James appointed his room in the same hotel, where the delegation of the Secretary of Defense was staying. It's a fairly high grade room, though not as luxurious as the suite used by the Secretary himself. This reception indicated the substantial status of Jeffrey James.
Alt. variant
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The [area] outside and inside this room was tightly strengthened by guards with/of combat professionals, who looked like former or active members of Special Forces, and each of them was clearly a veteran in their field. However, Tatsuya showed no fear and entered the room while being welcomed to do so.
At that time, no body check was performed. Tatsuya wasn't the only one with confidence. He didn't know whether this was a sign of their confidence in their fighting power or confidence against his position.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Jeffrey James. Please call me JJ. You don't need to use "Mr.""
JJ, or Jeffrey James, who invited Tatsuya, welcomed him with a very friendly attitude. Tatsuya didn't feel intimidated despite the fact that he was two meters tall, had wide shoulders, and a thick chest.
"I'm Shiba Tatsuya. I'm fine with only Tatsuya. Needless to say, neither "san",
"sama", or "dono" is necessary."
This kind of familiarity wasn't something that Tatsuya preferred. However, in this situation, Tatsuya returned the self-introduction in the same style as the opponent.
"Okay, Tatsuya. Thank you for your willingness to accept this invitation on such short notice."
"It's only natural for me to visit because otherwise it would take precious time away from the Secretary of Defense's aide. It's not a big distance either."
The expression of JJ subtly changed. Specifically, his right eyebrow went up and down slightly. However, JJ did not let Tatsuya read what kind of feeling it reflected. It looks like he's thirty years old at best, but maybe he's actually older.
Or is his appearance much older than his actual age?
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Tatsuya, do you have any requests for a drink?"
"Then I'll have coffee, black."
This time, a clear surprised expression passed JJ's face. Wasn't the attitude of Page 7
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making a request without reservation against the stereotypical image of Japanese people? Or was it the daringness that showed that he wasn't worried about his drink being spiked?
Although it wasn't what Tatsuya intended, the short time that JJ spent to regain his thoughts also worked for Tatsuya. Coffee for two people arrived, and the conversation resumed in a flat atmosphere where neither party had the initiative.
"Now, Tatsuya. Let's get into the main subject."
"JJ, my intentions were stated in the reply that I sent through Miss Shields. Was there anything that was unclear?"
At the invitation of JJ, Tatsuya returned with a light jab.
"No, thank you for your willingness to a
JJ responded to Tatsuya's lines with a lower profile than expected. If such an attitude was taken, Tatsuya couldn't say anything careless.
Tatsuya was even more cautious and carefully selected his next words.
"I don't want to antagonize your country. I think this is the individual responsibility of Edward Clark."
"…Is that what you think of the Dione plan?"
"Yes."
Tatsuya and JJ watch each other in silence for about 3 seconds.
"That's good. It was worth coming to Japan just to find out that there was no serious misunderstanding of our question."
JJ naturally exhaled.
"For me, it was worth it to know that the USNA didn't have any hostility towards me."
Tatsuya responded with a ceremonial smile.
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"We hope to strengthen our friendship with you."
Tatsuya urged JJ to continue with his eyes.
"Tatsuya… Would you mind coming to America?"
It is impossible to think of such a suggestion. Tatsuya did not expect that he would make such a bold offer.
"To America?"
Tatsuya asks back without hiding his surprise.
"We will provide the best research environment. And use your wisdom for the nations who love freedom and democracy."
Contrary to what he had just said, JJ's tone was not bland.
"You aren't saying that it's for the sake of humanity, are you?"
Tatsuya asked JJ, who was giving an impassioned speech, in an amused voice.
"You didn't like it?"
JJ replied with an uneasy tone. Even though his tone was uneasy, his face had a wide smile.
"No, I think it's good that your purpose is clear."
Tatsuya answered JJ's question with a similar look. And at the same time, they erased their smiles and turned their gaze toward each other. Among them, empathy and disgust were born at the same time.
"I am sorry to say that I cannot leave Japan until the project on Miyakijima is complete."
"That's right. That's a shame. For that reason, I'm afraid there's no way."
JJ withdrew quickly after Tatsuya declined.
"So what about the alternative? Would you accept the dispatch of an engineer?"
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An alternative was immediately presented. Given the speed, it seemed that this request was the intended one.
"Do you want to send me an engineer? For a training program?"
"Yes. I was wondering if you could provide stellar reactor technology, so I would like to learn not only through data but also hands-on experience."
"Well…"
Tatsuya did not give an immediate answer because he thought that the acceptance of the engineer could be used to infiltrate an operative.
"Okay. I can't decide on my own, but I'll try to make adjustments in that direction."
However, he immediately reconsidered and decided that it would be meaningless to keep out the technicians because the media was allowed interviews.
"Thank you very much. If you make any decisions, please let me know at this address."
Saying so, JJ presented a business card-sized piece of paper with a long string and color code printed on it.
Tatsuya read the string and understood that it was a highly encrypted virtual private line. This was no ordinary network. Probably only open to limited agents of the Department of Defense.
"Is that okay?"
Tatsuya unintentionally asked JJ.
"What is it?"
But when asked back, he realized that it was a meaningless question.
"No, I understand."
"I look forward to a positive reply."
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After this, Tatsuya talked with JJ for about five minutes and left his room.
◇◇◇
The discussion between Tatsuya and Jeffrey James ended at 10 am. Tatsuya left the hotel used by the Secretary of Defense and returned to his home in Chofu.
The house was being maintained by home automation while Tatsuya and company were away. However, when he came home, the expected dust for a vacant house was completely absent. It must have been because Miyuki and Minami, who came home ahead of him, did their best to clean up.
"Welcome home, Onii-sama."
Immediately after he opened the door of the room, Miyuki's voice greeted him.
"I'm back."
Tatsuya made eye contact with Miyuki in order to respond, then lowered his gaze to remove his shoes. There he noticed that there were already three pairs of shoes resting on the entrance.
"Lina is coming?"
"Yes. Because it is almost time for lunch."
Up until this point, Miyuki answered with a serious expression,
"She already cleaned her room? That's pretty neat, coming from Lina."
Miyuki couldn't stand Tatsuya's lines and gave a small laugh.
"Onii-sama, you're not very good at listening to people."
"Yeah… so what is it really like?"
"Lunch is coming soon."
"I see."
Tatsuya too, laughed a little as if he was caught.
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"I'll help you later."
Miyuki added that he should follow along with a smile on his face.
After having lunch together with Miyuki, Minami, and Lina. The four of them headed to Yakumo Temple "Kyuuchouji".
The new four-seater air-car was parked in the temple's parking lot, and they climbed the stairs leading to the mountain gate.
There was no rough welcome today. Considering the purpose of Tatsuya's visit, Yakumo must have weighed the situation. From the precincts, a tingling sign could be heard.
Beyond the stairs, Yakumo was waiting on the other side of the mountain gate.
"Hi there."
"Master, thank you very much for welcoming us."
Tatsuya bowed in a formal manner. He was truly thankful, not pretending at all.
"Don't worry, the barrier would have reacted even if I didn't come here."
However, when he heard Yakumo's words, Tatsuya blew away the magic without courtesy. His facial expression tightened rigidly. No, it may be more appropriate to describe "severely" than "rigidly" and "strengthened" rather than
"tightened".
"Master. That's…"
"Let's talk about the details inside."
Yakumo intercepted Tatsuya's lines and guided the four to the soubou, not the main hall.
Yakumo and the other four sat down on the cushions laid inside the room.
Yakumo was in Goza, while Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami in Seiza. At first, Lina tried to sit properly, but after moving her hips, she opened her toes slightly outside so as not to stand out.
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When everyone sat down, the windows were closed from the outside. Tatsuya still did not know whether a disciple closed it or it was due to a technique. Since there was no sign of people or magic, it may be a mechanical device contrary to the old-fashioned appearance of the building.
The room, which was almost airtight, became dark in spite of it still being noon.
However, it was not hot and humid. Rather, there was a draft of cold air. It was strange for the current season. The possibility of using air conditioners without wind is not zero, but the four visitors felt that they were not being mechanically cooled.
Candles were lit all over the wall. Obviously, the ignition was the work of Yakumo's magic. The smell of perfume oil drifting in the twilight was different from what Tatsuya and Miyuki had previously experienced. It must be something that helps build the barrier, but Tatsuya felt that the barrier was a magical "field" keeping the inside in rather than keeping the outside out.
"Now…"
Yakumo's voice snapped Tatsuya out of his reverie. He had been distracted by the barrier.
"First of all, let me see. Sakurai Minami-kun, come forward."
"Minami."
"Yes."
At the prompt of Tatsuya, Minami, who was sitting on the right side of the group, headed for Yakumo. Waiting for Minami to settle down, Yakumo formed the hand seal. Tatsuya and the other two held their breath and stared at Minami and Yakumo.
The priests' quarters were filled with tension. Sweat ran down the forehead of Miyuki and Lina. Tatsuya kept his poker face, but his hands were tightly closed.
