Minoru began to run alongside the train as soldiers were gathering on the adjacent platform. Invoking [Kimon Tonkou] in parallel with [Shinkonhou], Minoru attempted to avoid the soldiers' gunfire.

  The magic from the flute focused on interfering with modern magic, but it had little effect on ancient-style. He activated [Kimon Tonkou] after confirming this with [Shinkonhou].

  Soon after, Minoru deactivated [Kimon Tonkou].

  Being a magic that disrupts the sense of orientation of those who look at you, this magic works by principle of interfering with the mind of those who are trying to determine your position.

  As a result, anyone trying to pinpoint the caster's exact position will invariably be diverted to the wrong direction.

  So what happens when "Kimon Tonkou" acts on a person who is about to target its caster?

  Answer: An unavoidable misfire occurs.

  47

  The person pulling the trigger may think they got their sights on the correct direction, but they are way off. In a crowded place like this train station, the misfires would cause many casualties. Right here and now, there are already numerous civilians bleeding from gunshot wounds.

  Minoru doesn't consider himself at fault that civilians were wounded and lives were lost.

  Misfires are the responsibility of the person who pulled the trigger in the first place. He became adept of this rationalist mentality after leaving his humanity behind.

  But even if he doesn't feel remorse, he would not be fond of the resulting scene. He harbored no animosity or resentment towards the GAU. Much less of the Tibetan people.

  If it depended on him, he would be happy not to cause more unnecessary casualties.

  Having released the misdirecting magic, Minoru must have realized as he was running away in parallel with the train. The magician inside attacked him from behind with magic. Nine small, thin, handleless knives flew all at the same time at him. But neither reached Minoru. The magic of "Magic Flute Daoshi" must have confused their aim. So it seems that the magician on the train was modern based.

  A spark of inspiration crossed Minoru's mind.

  If the targeting of modern magic is distorted, then how about an attack with ancient magic? Would that Daoshi also be expecting an attack with ancient-style magic?

  Although Minoru did not intend to use it, he pulled out a talisman from his waist pouch, which he had brought just in case. It was created with the accumulated knowledge of ancient magic from the Former Ninth Institute, a talisman of Japanese Onmyoujutsu ─ a shikifuda. A topic he took upon himself to delve into at the beginning of the year, using his newfound abundance of free time in his life in space.

  Minoru slowed his tempo and tossed the shikifuda behind him.

  " Kyou Kyou nyo Ritsuryou."

  At the same time that he chanted the activation keywords, the shikifuda instantly burst into flames, and the flames took on the form of a hawk.

  (Nice, just as I thought.)

  Just as Minoru deduced, the song caused no interference with ancient-style magic. Not only the sequences that affect oneself, but also remote ones are not obstructed.

  A dark scarlet flame embodies the form of a hawk and soars into the sky, striking "Magic Flute Daoshi".

  The flute releases a long, high-pitched note.

  48

  The sound is succeeded by pressure.

  The impact of the psionic wave brought on by the sound crushed the flaming hawk.

  The Shikigami scattered as ashes. The "Magic Flute Daoshi" instantly neutralized Minoru's Ancient Magic attack.

  Minoru's attack was by no means a half-hearted effort. Although the activation procedure was simplified, he took his time with the sequence and applied a considerable amount of mystical power to create it. That Daoshi matched or even surpassed Minoru's ability as an ancient-styled magician.

  However, Minoru outwitted the "Magic Flute Daoshi" in the scope of the game.

  He had to interrupt his playing in order to destroy the shikigami hawk.

  The intermission was for a single note. When the flame hawk dispersed into ashes, the flute resumed playing.

  That brief interval was still all that Minoru needed.

  In an instant, [Mock-Teleportation] was activated.

  Right before the resumption of the performance, his figure had already vanished from the scene.

  ◇ ◇ ◇

  The "Magic Flute Daoshi" stood there for a moment, staring at the area where Minoru had just been.

  Seeing that he couldn't sense any trace of him, he gave up the pursuit.

  The Daoshi jumps off the roof of the train. In front of his small frame, the magician who had attacked Minoru with the small knives kneeled down. That magician bore the insignia of a second lieutenant in the GAU forces.

  "Han-Daijin, my deepest apologies."

  "It's not your fault that he escaped, Ensign. He also got me."

  The Daoshi called "Han-Daijin" had a low, deep voice that didn't quite fit his small stature.

  "Should we proceed with the pursuit?"

  "Hmm… Close all the roads for the time being, and have the drones patrol the area thoroughly."

  49

  The Daoshi Han thought for a moment and then gave sensible instructions.

  It was also an admission that he was unable to track down Minoru's escape through magic.

  The Ensign looked up from his kneeling position at the Daoshi Han with surprise in his eyes.

  "Is there a problem?"

  "No, sir! …I was just wondering who the hell was that magician just now?"

  When asked by the Daoshi Han for the meaning of his gaze, the Ensign hurriedly fumbled up a question.

  "I don't know myself either. He used Taoism besides modern magic, but I don't think he is a Daoshi."

  "Could he have been a 'Saptarishi'?"

  "I don't think that’s the case, but I suppose we can't rule out that possibility."

  "Saptarishi ", the codename for the special operative unit made up of Indo-Persian Federation most elite magicians. They have been in ongoing covert warfare against the GAU magician units in Tibet, Uyghur, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries.

  "Will we be contacting Zhongli-Daijin…?"

  The Ensign fearfully asked.

  "Zhongli-Daijin" is the name of the Daoshi who used the iron fan, who worked alongside them in their pursuit of Minoru, and who is a competitor to the Daoshi Han in the organization they share.

  In response to the Ensign's question, Daoshi Han broadly nodded his head, "Yes, I suppose I have to."

  ◇ ◇ ◇

  Finally, after a three-hour escapade, Minoru finally was free from pursuit and back at Takachiho, one look was enough to tell how exhausted he was.

  "Minoru-sama, are you all right!?"

  Minoru stopped the rushing Minami with a limp hand wave and proceeded to the living module, where he sank deeply into the sofa.

  50

  "Do you want me to ease the gravity?"

  Minami suggested in concern. The gravity in this residence was managed by Artificial Relic [Magistore]. The magic was renewed every six hours by Minoru or Minami, but it was within the specifications of the Artificial Relic system to stop the Magistore mid-operation and redeploy it with a new magic in storage as needed.

  "No, it's fine. I'd much prefer something to chew on, if that's okay."

  At present, Minoru was suffering from a lack of energy rather than running out of stamina, and energy is derived from vital activity. To solve his problem of low vitality, he needed to stimulate his vital activities, and to stimulate his vital activities, he needed to replenish his physical body's energy.

  "As you wish," Minami replied anxiously as she headed for the kitchen.

  Using the plentiful ingredients provided from the ground, Minami prepared a nourishing egg congee, which immediately improved Minoru's complexion.

  Even so, Minoru's condition did not return to normal immediately, and it took more than an hour after the meal for him to recover in earnest.

  "Minoru-sama… May I ask about what just happened?"

  Minami's voice was equal parts worried and angry as she asked.

  "I didn't mean to let my guard down, but I underestimated the GAU."

  Minoru honestly admitted his fault, knowing that he had made her worried, even after he told her he wouldn't take it easy.

  "There were some tough Daoshi in Tibet that exceeded my expectations."

  Starting with that, he proceeded to describe the long time it took him to shake off the pursuit of the unknown ancient-style magicians that used skills unknown to even Zhou Gongjin's knowledge.

  "…Were they such powerful enemies…?"

  "They were. I spent those three hours trying to avoid a fight, but I don't think it would have been much easier even if I went in with the intention to kill from the get-go.

  Neither had much in terms of destructive power, but they were both very skilled in interpersonal combat."

  "So they were ancient magicians who specialize in interpersonal combat?"

  51

  "That's what it seems. Especially with their counter-magic skills, they might even be part of some sort of counter mageist specialized unit."

  "…Shouldn't we inform Tatsuya-sama about this…? Would you like me to report it to him?"

  Minami offered mainly because the Tibetan incursion was carried out without Tatsuya's consultation, and though Minoru is not Tatsuya's subordinate, it is thanks to him that Minoru is able to enjoy his current life. She feared that Minoru might feel uncomfortable confessing his arbitrary actions.

  "─No, I'll tell him myself. I'll be an adult and accept any flak I get."

  Minoru answered with a wry smile. He seemed to come into the picture of her assumptions.

  ◇ ◇ ◇

  Minoru did not delay in acting on his words.

  And Tatsuya had no blame for Minoru at all.

  [─Those people are probably part of the 'Bāxiān'.]

  After listening to the report, Tatsuya named Minoru's opponents.

  "Bāxiān, is it… You don't mean those mythical Xians from the East-Asian continent, do you?"

  [The name comes from those Bāxiān, but their real existence is, naturally, different].

  The Tatusya in the laser comm monitor chuckled and shook his head.

  There are eight names handed down in Taoism for leading Xian in the tradition. They are Li Tieguai, Zhongli Quan, Lü Dongbin, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, He Xiangu, Zhang Guolao and Cao Guojiu.

  [The GAU has a special operations unit with codenames after the legendary Bāxiān. I was told they are composed of ancient-style magicians specialized in the Taoist system.]

  "I've never heard of such a unit existing…"

  [I'm not sure of the particulars either. I don't even think the NDF is privy to the details.]

  "Is it a secret unit?"

  [It has definitely been kept secret, but so far it's activities seem to have been limited to the domestic and Central Asian areas. That's why it is probably not widely known in 52

  Japan or the USNA. Military officials of the IPU, however, would know far more about them.]

  "So their area of activity is different."

  Their conversation concluded at that point.

  Neither Tatsuya nor Minoru have any precognitive abilities. Neither of them had the faintest idea that [Bāxiān] would again be a part of a coming event involving them in the very near future.

  53

  54

  Chapter 2

  [Secret Maneuvers]

  On July 25th, Tatsuya and Miyuki paid a visit to the Yotsuba main house.

  Given their prior appointment, they were immediately escorted to Maya's presence on arrival.

  When asked on what business brought him here, Tatsuya elaborated to Maya on his hypothesis derived from the [White Tablet] and the [Small Tablet Compass], asking for permission to visit the IPU.

  "So, you want to travel to search for Shambhala? Seriously?"

  Maya showed a rare look of astonishment after hearing Tatsuya's proposal.

  "I personally don't believe in the existence of Shambhala. But I do believe that it is not all that unlikely that I may find the ruins of the civilization that was used as the basis for the legend."

  "…Are you expecting to find any kind of Relics?"

  "We may be able to find something even more valuable. Maybe an unused [Guru's Tablet], for example."

  "A tablet presumed to be from a prehistoric civilization that records magic, you say…"

  The prospect of unearthing a previously unheard-of magic was clearly an exciting thought for Maya.

  The established objective of the former Fourth Research Institute was the research of Mental Interference Magic, as well as the enhancement of the Magic Calculation Area itself. The Yotsuba Family inherited their research, but apart from the ostensible duty of contributing to the nation, the family's underlying mission was the advancement and enhancement of magic itself.

  As the head of said Yotsuba Family, it was impossible to ignore the potential offered by the discovery of magic from prehistoric civilizations, which had clear advantages over modern magic.

  "What pretext do you intend to use for your departure?"

  55

  When he dispatched Mayumi to the USNA, Tatsuya used some rather rough methods to wrest some freedom for magicians to be able to travel abroad. That's said, there must be a clear purpose for going out of the country. No claims of tourism by him would stick, of course, nor would the truthful declaration that he was going out to search for magical artifacts.

  "I plan to take on the opportunity of the partnership between the Magian Society and FEHR."

  "Specifically?"

  "I will change the venue for the signing ceremony of the partnership from being in the high seas to Sri Lanka, and I would be traveling out to attend the ceremony."

  "I thought it would be all done with electronic signatures."

  In this day and age, contracts frequently don't involve the paper version, just a digital, electronic one, and, as Maya pointed out, the partnership between the Society and FEHR

  would follow the pattern.

  "We changed it to a written document at the request of FEHR's legal counsel."

  "Was it really an initiative from the other side?"

  Maya asked Tatsuya in a teasing tone with a grin plastered on her face.

  "Yes. Just a coincidence that just turned out to be quite convenient."

  "Coincidence, I see…"

  Maya's smile deepened at Tatsuya's dismissive reply.

  "Well, fine then. Sri Lanka is ostensibly neutral, so there will be less waves than going directly to the IPU."

  There were many parties included in Maya's analogy. Some are the Japanese government and the National Defense Forces, but others include foreign governments, militaries, intelligence agencies, as well as powerful people in the shadows, dubbed "Power Brokers" or "Éminence grise ".

  "So, are you taking Miyuki-san along again this time?"

  Maya asked, glancing at Miyuki on his side, who abstained from any comment to this moment.

  Miyuki maintained her downcast demeanor, not making eye contact with Maya.

  "Yes, that is my intention. Beside me is the safest place in the world, after all."

  56

  He said with a straight face, to which Maya could only give a wry smile, "Oh my, oh my…"

  "Besides, I'll also be bringing Lina with us this time."

  Tatsuya sincerely believed that the safest place in the world for Miyuki is right next to him. But he also recognized that he couldn’t do everything himself.

  There are places in society where only women are allowed in. To fill the gap, he needed someone of her same sex who is at least as capable as Miyuki herself.

  Someone like Lina, for example.

  "Is that so? Then I have no qualms."

  "I'm grateful."

  "I'll be waiting for good news."

  Maya's last line was delivered with the expression of a child eager for a souvenir.

  ◇ ◇ ◇

  On July 26th, the day following the visit to the Yotsuba main house.

  Tatsuya showed up for work at the Machida office of the Magian Company.

  Miyuki had exams stretching through the end of the month at Magic University. Tatsuya had been exempted from that burden upon his enrolment on the proviso of making contributions to the university's research. And if Miyuki was so inclined, she too could enjoy the same privilege, but she decided against it out of consideration of her image in the public eye. Thus, she diligently took on her exams today as well.

  After finishing the clerical work around noon, Tatsuya made an international call to the Republic of India in the IPU. His contact was the representative of the Magian Society, Chandrasekhar.

  [I understand. I don't have any problems with that.]

  Chandrasekhar agreed to Tatsuya's request to change the location of the partnership signing ceremony with FEHR to the Society's headquarters in Sri Lanka.

  "Thank you very much. All it remains is to get FEHR's approval. I will contact you as soon as I have a firm schedule."

  [I'm free until around the end of next month, anytime until then works for me. On that note, Mister]

  Her agreement didn't come free of doubt, however.

  57

  [What is your real purpose in coming here?]

  She figured out soon enough that the signing ceremony was only a camouflage.

  Chandrasekhar is not just some scholar, she is also an IPU stalwart with a prominent voice in national security. It was inconceivable that she wouldn't have known that much right from the start.

  "I would very much like to visit your country."

  [The Federation, not Sri Lanka?"]

  Chandrasekhar expressed a touch of surprise on her face.

  Any surprise contained in her voice was marginal.

  "I would gladly discuss the details in person."

  […All right]

  Chandrasekhar spent a few moments with Tatsuya's self-indulgent argument, before giving her answer.

  [Then we can have you over at my house following the signing ceremony.]