Is that it? I got it.

  The desire to engage as few people as possible also coincided with Walker's opinion. In this conversation it was decided that only the third squad of Arcturus will be sent to the place of the experiment.

  "The sixth squad will be on duty outside the lab. If you find suspicious people, tell them immediately.

  This meant that not only the third squad would be involved in the operation.

  Three members of the sixth Star class, who received the code names of the constellations of Orion-Bolt, Bellatrix and Alnilam-were also called "Orion team ". And this was not a coincidence, because the sixth squad assembled a team of "hunters "-Magicians specializing in persecution.

  You got it. Captain Rigel...

  Don't worry. The experiment will be conducted in secrecy mode.

  On the face of Arcturus for a moment seemed relieved when he heard Walker.

  The goal of the Micro black Hole experiment is to expose a Japanese agent. To be sure of the seizure, the cooperation of other groups is desirable. But Arcturus, mistake to such a dangerous event, did not want people from other groups to learn about the experiment.

  Walker had to agree with him. Although they both had no self-defense in their motives, the result was that the information was hidden from public access.

  The Japanese government announced a magical attack on the area built by the villas on the Izu plateau, and struck a flurry of criticism against the author of the attack, without specifying who it was. At the same time, they stressed that this meant nothing more than a build-up of magical military power.

  At the same time, they indirectly criticized the anti-magic movement, pointing out that the expulsion of magicians would not only be a humanitarian problem, but would also reduce the defense against magical attacks of other countries, which would jeopardize the lives of the citizens of the country. .

  However, they withheld that the goal of the attack was also a magician. The fact that the target was Tatsuya and that the Minami became injured was strictly forbidden to spread.

  However, full concealment of the facts was impossible.

  Those who knew where Tatsuya was, easily tied him and this magical attack together.

  And also there were those who have guessed to the truth, because possessed sharp magical perception.

  Immediately after the government's announcement of a sudden attack, 1st Lieutenant Fujibayashi received a personal phone call. A personal phone call during the service was possible because the call came on a virtual hotline with the family Kudo, established for emergency with the permission of the headquarters.

  Kyouko-Neesan? It's a Minoru.

  -Minoru-kun?

  The virtual hotline passed only the voice. The other side was displayed as "Family kudo " and it was impossible to know who it is until you hear a voice. It could be her grandfather or uncle, or even an aunt. But the fact that it will be a Minoru, for Fujibayashi was quite unexpected.

  I'm sorry to interrupting from work.

  It's all right. I'm not busy right now.

  It wasn't a lie. Prior to that, she had been preparing documents for the government's announcement, drawing on the data obtained from the Kazama on the Izu Plateau. Now, when the press conference has ended, all involved people had no work in it.

  So, do you have any urgent business? "asked Fujibayashi, hiding her excitement. This straight line was rarely used. and Minoru used it for the first time. Far from arrogant... Or at least not showing such behavior before Fujibayashi, Minoru usually could not afford to call her while serving. It was natural, therefore, that Fujibayashi feared that there might be an emergency.

  -It is not urgent, but there is something that I would like to know at any cost... This is about the government's announcement just made.

  Listen.

  Feeling frequent palpitations, Fujibayashi suggested what will be discussed, but answered with the usual intonation of the voice.

  That artillery magic attacked Tatsya-San, didn't it?

  "Why are you about this....?

  It was an unprepared reaction. Albeit before a Minoru, but it confirmed that she had concealed this information from the government.

  So strong was the astonishment of Fujibayashi. Close friends of Tatsuya from the first school could know his whereabouts, so it is not surprising that they could relate to him this morning attack. However, even within the first school, there were very few people who knew that Tatsuya was in the villa on the Izu plateau. Maybe he heard where is Tatsuya from Saijo Leonhart or Yoshida Mikihiko, whom he met last fall...?

  But this assumption of Fujibayashi turned out to be wrong.

  "I felt a collision of powerful magical waves in the east. One of the parties had obvious signs of Tatsuya-San and a few other people...

  Fujibayashi did not know what to say in response to the words Minoru. If the word Minoru is true, it is in a certain sense superior to the elemental sight of Tatsuya.

  The elemental sight of Tatsuya can "See " everything that has a hint. However, the Elemental Sight requires "intention " — the direction of the will. If you do not try to "See ", if you do not direct your will, then you will not "see ".

  He could passively "catch " hostility directed at Miyuki, because his goal was so limited. However, this time he could not feel it until the attack began.

  Conversely, if Minoru really felt the waves of a fog-bomb, it means that he randomly took the call of magic from a distance of almost 400 kilometers. Of course, the thing may be that the fog bomb is quite a powerful magic, but it was quite obvious that in the passive sensitivity of the Minoru was surpassed Tatsuya. At least it seemed like a Fujibayashi.

  "Minoru mastered the elemental sight...? "

  — ... Minoru-kun. Since when do you have such a power of perception...?

  The Fujibayashi question was not answered.

  "Tell me, Tatsuya-san and those who were with him, are in order!? What's with Miyuki-san and Sakura-san!?

  Minoru did not hear the question Fujibayashi. His attention was directed to the state of Tatsuya and his entourage.

  ... No. In fact minor was worried not for Tacuju or Miyuki...

  "Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-san are fine. But Sakura-san...

  Although intuition discourageded her, Fujibayashi could not lie to him.

  What happened to Sakura-san?

  But when he heard the desperate voice of Minoru, Fujibayashi couldn't keep silent.

  — ... She's in the hospital. Dr. Yamanaka of the battalion suggested that her mind could be damaged by excessive use of magic.

  Suggested? But did the separate magically equipped battalion have the necessary treatment? You were present on the spot!?

  "Minoru-kun, what happened to you...? "

  She could not answer his last question. On the presence of a separate magically equipped battalion today morning in that place knew Saeki, Kazama, involved members of the squad and a few other people from the battalion. As well as Tatsuya, Miyuki and the Yotsuba family.

  Even the government did not receive a report on specific people involved in the operation. Minoru should not have known that a separate magically equipped battalion was involved in the collection of information about the sudden attack.

  However, the words Minoru were not a random guess. He confidently declared the participation of a separate magically equipped battalion.

  Minoru, whom Fujibayashi knew, could not do so. Her "Cousin " has long been, indeed, considered an outstanding magician. Fujibayashi believed that if it were not for his health, he would certainly be on the list of the best from around the world. But he was not supposed to have the ability similar to clairvoyance.

  As if in a Minoru possessed evil spirit with forbidden knowledge...

  It seemed to her superstitious fantasy.

  ... If at that moment she did not count her intuition as a fantasy... The future could be quite different.

  Minoru was not particularly angry when he heard from Fujibayashi about the morning situation. Although he was disappointed, but he had a preconceived opinion of the military that they belong to everything insensitive, so he just decided for himself that it should be.

  But instead, Minoru suffered from unbearable anxiety over Minami.

  The damage that the mind received from excessive use of magic meant that it was overheating the magic zone. This was the only disease that the Wizards had, and so far, it has not been clarified how to treat it.

  Genetically improved magicians are particularly affected by this disease. According to the knowledge obtained from Zhou Gunczinja, the unstable health of the Minoru was also caused by the congestion of the area of calculation of magic.

  In the case of Minoru, a limiter that constrains the Magic force at a level that the physical body can withstand is malfunctioning. Any ordinary magician can also break the Terminator if it exceeds the permitted working level of the area of calculation of magic, for example, excessively using magic during the battle. In Zhou Gunczinja's knowledge there was no way to restore it.

  "Even if I don't get it cured, maybe the Yotsuba family can... "

  It was not a supposition, but a strong desire. He had nothing but to think so as to calm his anxiety, which he could not restrain.

  "... I'm going to loss her. In a personal meeting, I can see that this is all too much trouble. "

  He could not believe that Tatsuya would have allowed his family member to die so easily. Even if he did not do it himself, he certainly achieved the necessary treatment for her. You have to go and see it with your own eyes...

  That was the course of thought in Minoru. We have to go to school tomorrow. He had to earn visited days, when his physical condition was stable, but with his progress, he could replace it by passing a test or a report for the missed time.

  Minoru decided he was going to skip school a little bit.

  The awakening was unpleasant. The body was heavy. The feeling of fatigue was felt in the whole body, as if rest completely did not give the effect of getting rid of fatigue.

  Opening her eyes, she saw the ceiling of a soft creamy color. After looking at the sides, she saw the walls of the same color. As well as clean white bedding.

  The injected needle of the dropper was inserted into the left hand.

  "This is... A hospital? "

  After realizing this, her memory came back to her.

  "... That's right! Miyuki!? "

  Minami tried to climb up and realized that it had weakened to such an extent that it could not do so.

  -Wow...

  She tried to put force into the movement of her body, but her fruitless attempts ended only with a sigh of awareness that nothing goes.

  At that moment, Minami lied back down on the bed and heard a knock on the door.

  — ... Log.

  She was surprised at how weak her voice was.

  I'm sorry for the intrusion.

  "Miyuki!? "

  Her consciousness was still slightly clouded, but she could not help but understand who the voice belonged to.

  Minami weakly tried again to rise. The result was the same. Just a little bit of a head lift. But she quickly returned to the pillow.

  A painful sigh again burst out of Minami mouth.

  "Minami-chan!"

  The sound of fast approaching steps was heard. In the field of vision Minami, have head side, got a face Miyuki, filled with emotions and excitement.

  "... Beautiful... "

  Even with such an expression of face the beauty of Miyuki was unearthly. The consciousness of Minami filled with such irrelevant thoughts.

  Minami, don't overdo it.

  -Tatsuya-sama...

  The consciousness of Minami, gloom in the clouds, returned to reality from the voice of Tatsuya.

  — ... Are you two okay?

  The first words of waking Minami were not or her own welfare.

  Yes, we're fine. Thanks to you.

  — ... It's an honor for me.

  Minami's eyes wet from emotions emotions. She felt relieved that she was able to protect her mistress, and was deeply impressed by this awareness.

  No, you need to rest.

  Miyuki- "Stop trying to move Minami."

  "If you want to talk about something, you can talk lying down.

  When Tatsuya said it, Minami stopped useless attempts to rise.

  "Tatsuya, Miyuki, I'm very sorry.

  Miyuki did not know what to answer this unexpected apology.

  ... Why are you apologizing? The fact that we are left intact, thanks to you, is not a lie or an exaggeration. It's true.

  Even Tatsuya answered not immediately.

  "But I have exhausted my strength as a result. About the guard can be said that he fulfilled his duty, if he defended his master to the end. ... I couldn't fulfill my duty until the end.

  The voice was very weak. The body was also so weak that it could not rise.

  But the light that fills Minami eyes said it was her real feelings, not just a complaint that her mind was weakened.

  Minami, I'm not going to argue with you, tired of both body and mind. But I want you to hear two things.

  — ... Listen.

  Upon hearing the answer by Minami, Tatsuya sat down on a chair next to her bed.

  This has reduced the height difference between their eyes, which should have eased the impression of Minami from being seen from top to bottom.

  Minami, I consider your sense of duty to be commendable. However, it is also an indisputable fact that your magic was able to protect us from Tuman-Bomba shock wave. You can't deny such an achievement.

  — ... Yes.

  Minami agreed only with words without nodding. She did not look convinced to the depths of her soul.

  That was the first point. And now the second.

  Tatsuya spoke in a serious voice. Not only to Minami, but also standing near Miyuki, simultaneously grudge breath.

  -I believe that you can be entrusted not only work on the protection of Miyuki.

  Minami lay and gazed silently at Tatsuya. This look asked, "What are you going to do with me? ". In response, she wanted to get the meaning of her existence.

  "There are very few people I can rely on. Leo, Erica, Mizuki, Mikihiko, Honoka, Shizuku. Even though I trust my classmates from the first school, I don't want to drag them into our situation. Now the family Yotsuba my ally, but if I interfere with them, they do not hesitate to be rid me. Fumiya and Ayako I also trust, but they have their own work. Perhaps they will not be able to rely on an emergency situation. Also I can not deny that in the near future I can become an enemy with the master or Lieutenant Colonel Kazama.

  "And where am I? ",-asked Minami with a glance.

  Minami. You're one of the few I trust. So I want you to be near Miyuki not as a guard, but as an assistant.

  -Not guard, but... Assistant?

  I hope so. It's not coercion. But if possible, I'd like you to be near Miyuki. To stay as long as possible, not quickly died as a guard. At least until you find a partner for the rest of your life.

  The pale face of Minami was slightly flushed. It was too sudden for her when Tatsuya mentioned her possible marriage. These last words were just caught by the Minami by surprise.

  — ... Minami-chan. I'll be happy if you're around. So I want you not to think of yourself as worthless. "said Miyuki, Sevshaja near Tatsuya and slightly leaning over the face of mines.

  Minami eyes Zaslezilis again. At that moment she realized that Tatsuya and Miyuki really cherish her.

  "So, please, recover, slowly. Restoring health is now the most important thing.

  — ... I got it. I'll be cured as soon as possible. And when that happens, will I be able to serve Miyuki-sama again?

  "Yes, it's a request from me.

  Behind the back of the Tatsuya opened the entrance door to the hospital room. Not looking back, Tatsuya guessed that it came a doctor and a nurse.

  "Tomorrow we will come again. "said Tatsuya, and got up from his chair.

  Minami-chan, until tomorrow.

  Yes. Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama, thank you very much for visiting.

  Miyuki, embarked after Tatsuya, and lying on the bed of Minami exchange farewells. After that Tatsuya and Miyuki gave way to the doctor and left the hospital room.

  Tatsuya returned to a multi-storey house in Tjofu together with Miyuki. Tatsuya "settled in" in the living room and did not give signs that he was going to leave in the nearest time.

  Tatsuya-sama... Are you sleeping here tonight? "Asked Miyuki, putting a cup of coffee before Tatsuya.

  Until Minami arived, Tatsuya's coffee was served only Miyuki. Although after dating Minami with the family Shiba care for drinks for Tatsuya remained the responsibility of Miyuki, but sometimes she was losing vigilance and this work casework Minami.

  In those days Miyuki considered such incidents annoying, but now she could not resist the sad loneliness of having no more anxiety, that at any moment she could intercept the initiative maid. Perhaps Miyuki was not so selfish.

  I think I'm leaving the villa in Izu. If circumstances permit, tomorrow I will pick up the necessary things from there.

  So you're coming back here?

  Miyuki slightly expanded her eyes. These eyes shone with joy. If Minami did not get to the hospital, Miyuki would have shown joy much more openly.

  I'll be back... Yes right. I'll be back.

  Despite the fact that Tatsuya stayed overnight in this multi-storey house, but he did not live here. So he was puzzled whether it was possible to say "return " in this case. However, the place of Tatsuya is near Miyuki.

  ... If Miyuki calls this place a home and lives here, it is the right expression for him to return.

  This was the course of Tatsuya's thoughts while he was answering Miyuki.

  I understand. I'll prepare your room.

  -Do not need any special preparations. Miyuki, you'll get some rest too.

  Tatsuya thought that when Minami came, Miyuki was shocked by this much stronger than himself. To overcome anxiety, you need to move forward, not to stand still.

  However, it is important to give rest to your body.