The Untouchable of Magic High School – A New God Enters the Game

Over the remnants of a shared cake, the conversation turned to the matter at hand: the troubling details about Blanche that had surfaced earlier that day.

"They call themselves Blanche, an international political group masquerading as a grassroots movement," Tatsuya began, his voice steady but edged with disdain. "But make no mistake—they're terrorists, plain and simple."

The irony wasn't lost on anyone: a group claiming to champion "citizen activism" while resorting to inhumane political terror. To them, it was all about a grand cause—a flimsy justification for their actions. Their stated mission was to protect the masses by rejecting the unscientific power of magic, an endeavor that struck a nerve.

Miyuki tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "But why would a member of Egalité target a student at First High? If they're anti-magic, shouldn't they reject magic outright?"

"They don't openly denounce magic," Tatsuya explained, his tone measured. "They hide behind the banner of 'eliminating social inequality.' But what does that even mean?"

Blanche pointed to the average income of mages, arguing that their ability to earn through magic was inherently unfair—a call for equality that conveniently ignored the broader picture.

Yugen snorted, leaning back in his chair. "If they're going to nitpick like that, they'd have to go after every professional who earns a living without magic. They're so obsessed with this 'invisible power' that they've lost all perspective."

"Exactly," Tatsuya agreed, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation. "It's all about what's convenient for them. They'll deceive others—and sometimes even themselves—to push their version of 'equality.'"

Top-tier athletes don't start out as prodigies. Artists don't master their craft overnight. Mages, too, dedicate years to studying complex theories and honing their skills. Every profession demands accumulated knowledge and experience, but mages face particularly stringent technical demands. Yet Blanche seemed to believe mages could churn out uniform results like machines—a notion as absurd as it was reductive.

"I don't want to give up magic," Yugen said, his voice quieter now, "but I can't stand being seen as less than capable. The best in any field pour in countless hours of effort, and people like Blanche turn a blind eye to that. Or worse—they label it inferiority and run from reality."

Tatsuya's lips quirked into a wry smile. "That's harsh, Yugen, but I get it. There's a part of me that understands that weakness."

Miyuki's eyes flashed with indignation. "What are you saying, Brother? Your talent is unmatched! And the effort you've put in—hundreds of times more than anyone else—nobody can touch that!"

Tatsuya's expression softened, acknowledging her defense. As a mage who stood apart, his feelings were undeniably genuine. Miyuki's fierce support underscored his unique abilities and relentless dedication. He nodded, then murmured, "If I weren't like this, I might've fallen for their honeyed words."

"For those without magic, or those less gifted," Tatsuya continued, "what do they hope to achieve?"

Miyuki hesitated, then ventured, "To make this country a place where magic fades away?"

"And who benefits from that?" Yugen asked, his tone sharp. "It's not hard to guess, is it?"

Surrounded by powerful nations, this country maintained its sovereignty in part due to strategic-class magic—a critical factor in its defense. Blanche and the recent anti-mage movements were reported lightly in the media, but their intent was clear: to strip mages of their power. While preaching friendship on the surface, they schemed to undermine that strength. The Ten Master Clans would never stand for it—nor should they.

"Now for the real issue," Yugen said, his voice taking on a new weight. "My family, the Mitsuya, is already moving. After an attack by Egalité members, we have just cause. Through the Japan Magic Association, we've arranged for the Saegusa and Juumonji families to devise a strategy against Blanche."

Miyuki's eyes widened. "Do Aunt and Mother know?"

"They've been informed," Yugen replied. "Both agreed, so the Yotsuba won't need to act directly. But honestly, the Uesugi might make a big move before it comes to that."

This time, the Yotsuba were "advised" to handle a separate matter. To aid this, they'd provide Kavankle, an electronic interference magic for encrypted communication and data collection—less potent than Yata no Kagami but distinct from the spell shared with a Defense Force contact. Only Maya, Shinkuro, and Yugen would have access, with personalized encryption for security. A subtle warning was included: relying too heavily on Frizscalv for information searches wasn't advisable. Maya, with her sharp instincts, would likely pick up on the hint.

"Tatsuya's probably itching to get involved," Yugen said with a grin. "It's as good as approved."

"You think I'm some kind of hothead?" Tatsuya shot back, though his tone was light.

Miyuki smiled. "But you would act, wouldn't you, Brother?"

Tatsuya sighed. "Even you, Miyuki? You two aren't secretly twins, are you?"

Unbeknownst to them, the Yotsuba's task involved building an intelligence network in the Izu-Yokohama area, tied to one of the "Seven Sages." With Frizscalv likely in play, the network doubled as a direct line of communication. The Mikazuki family, tied to the Third Research Institute, was also enlisted.

"Our birthdays are over a month apart, so that's a stretch," Yugen said, chuckling.

"Speaking of," Miyuki said, her curiosity piqued, "when is your birthday, Yugen? I don't think I've ever asked."

"February 14th," he replied.

Miyuki's eyes widened. "No way!"

Yugen shrugged. "Guess that means my presents are all chocolate."

"You're the first I've told outside family," he added, then muttered, "Though Maya and Shinkuro somehow knew."

Even a Sage's mind wasn't a supercomputer. But with Kaleidoscope and the Eye of Tengu—and Tatsuya's Spirit Eye—they could corner their target. To Gozo, this figure was "an enemy who blames us and the Yotsuba for baseless reasons."

At the Yotsuba main house, in the head's private chambers, Maya reviewed a document handed to her by Hayama. Once finished, she passed it back. With practiced ease, he burned it to ash, leaving no trace. Maya's lips curved as she murmured, "If Miyuki is 'loved by the world,' then he's 'recognized by it.' He's already seen through Frizscalv without saying it outright. Scary, isn't he?"

Hayama nodded. "Most wouldn't notice. But Shinkuro's reports suggest he has his own intelligence network. I'll admit, it's daunting—but as Gozo's kin, he's favorable to Tatsuya, Miyuki, and the Yotsuba. Securing him as an ally would be wise."

The Mitsuya offered Kavankle, an electronic interference spell, in exchange for building an intelligence network in Izu and Kanagawa—a countermeasure to Frizscalv, an extension of Echelon III. For the Yotsuba, this was an opportunity, a hedge against the future. Knowing the source of their tools was far more reassuring than relying on the unknown.

"They gain now, we gain later," Maya said, her voice laced with amusement. "A debt they won't even notice. Between this and the Hills Tower incident, that boy keeps surprising me. I want him on our side even more now."

With Frizscalv to deceive and Kavankle to uncover truth, Maya saw the game clearly. Hayama, wary of over-reliance on Frizscalv, saw the Mitsuya's offer as a godsend.

"But if we're too obvious about roles, they'll catch on," Maya noted. "Can I leave the 'public' intelligence vetting to you?"

"Of course," Hayama replied. "And Shinkuro?"

"I'll handle her," Maya said. "I want to test Kavankle's encryption strength myself."

The Yotsuba were changing, and no one felt it more keenly than Maya.

The next day, Yugen and Miyuki were out running errands for the student council—nothing major, just picking up supplies. But a mix-up by Azusa left them short on items that couldn't be ordered online. "I messed up the order!" Azusa wailed. "The next delivery's not until Monday!"

"I can go get them," Miyuki offered.

"Sorry, sorry!" Azusa said, her panic almost endearing.

With the recruitment week incident still fresh, letting Miyuki go alone was risky—she drew attention just by existing. So Yugen was chosen as her escort. Tatsuya, meanwhile, was dealing with a summons from Sayaka, though he'd likely brush it off.

"It's a hassle, having to stay on guard like this," Yugen grumbled.

"I'm sorry, Yugen," Miyuki said, her voice soft. "This is because of me."

"Don't apologize," he replied. "Let's just get this done."

Even a simple shopping trip drew eyes to Miyuki, so Yuzen deployed an old-style magic to mask their presence. "This might be the first time I've walked the city without worry," Miyuki said, marveling. But as she started to say something else, a sudden noise—like static—cut through their minds.

"Cast Jamming," Yugen muttered, his senses sharpening. They countered it with heightened interference strength, abandoned their shopping, and raced toward the source.

Miyuki spoke as they ran. "Yugen, earlier I saw Honoka, Shizuku, and a red-haired girl—Eimi—lurking behind a shop, like they were watching something."

Yugen's jaw tightened. Eimi, Honoka, and Shizuku were likely tailing Tsukasa Kinoe, the kendo club captain, despite his warning to stay out of it. The noise grew stronger, leading them to a secluded alley beyond surveillance reach. There, three girls crouched, surrounded by masked men wielding knives.

In a flash, Yugen vanished, and the men's knives were sliced clean at the hilt.

"Step away from our students," he said, his voice cold as steel.

"They never listen," Yuzen muttered. "If they did, we wouldn't be here."

The men, faces hidden by full helmets, faltered. "Impossible!" one shouted. "This Antiknight is custom-made! You can't move under Cast Jamming!"

"You're the fools," Yuzen shot back. "Cast Jamming? Child's play." He turned to Miyuki. "Take care of the girls."

"Leave it to me," she replied, her tone calm but resolute.

Yugen advanced, his presence like a tiger stalking prey. The men's knives were useless, their confidence crumbling under his aura.

"Monster!" one gasped.

"You used Cast Jamming to slow them down and planned to stab them without hesitation," Yugen said, his voice dripping with contempt. "And you call me a monster?"

One man lunged, fist raised, but before it landed, he slammed into a wall, unconscious. The others attacked, thinking Yugen's casual stride left him vulnerable. In a confined space, numbers should have favored them—but they were wrong.

"Magic is an unseen force," Yugen said, almost to himself, as he knocked out the first man with a kick to the helmet. "But it's limited to a few, and only a fraction wield it with true power."

He drove a fist into the second man's gut, dropping him. "Magic requires understanding theory and years of practice. Mages are human, not machines spitting out precision on demand."

He threw the third man aside and struck the fourth with a backfist, sending him crashing. "Magic averted humanity's nuclear destruction, replacing weapons anyone could wield. If fanatics like you had that power, it'd be catastrophic."

To the remaining men, he declared, "You picked a fight with the Mitsuya of the Ten Master Clans. I'll take it. Checkmate."

An invisible force struck their stomachs, and they collapsed. Without using magic, Yugen had dispatched them all. Activating his CAD, he cast a ward to clear the area, then bound the men and approached the girls.

Eimi, Shizuku, and Honoka were pale, shaken by their defiance of Yugen's warning. "We'll handle this," he said. "You broke my advice. Any objections?"

"No," Shizuku whispered.

"None," Honoka added.

Eimi nodded silently.

Yugen arranged for a Mitsuya car to pick them up at a nearby café. "Go wait there," he said. "No guarantee you won't be targeted again."

"Thank you," Shizuku managed, as the girls left.

Miyuki handed Yuzen a communicator. A loud voice blared through: "Hey, Yugen!"

"Don't amplify your voice like that!" Yuzen snapped. "Trying to burst my eardrums? Is this payback?"

Yakumo laughed. "Miyuki told me. Sounds like a mess."

"If it were a laughing matter, we wouldn't need police," Yuzen said. "But this is beyond them."

Blanche likely had connections in law enforcement. The Information Bureau or Public Security might act, but they hadn't. That left the Uesugi or Kuhoji—but recent events ruled out the former.

"Did you use magic?" Yakumo asked.

"Just physical techniques," Yugen replied. "Cast Jamming is nothing I can't handle."

"Only you or Tatsuya could say that," Yakumo said. "Shinken-ryu master, huh? We'll take the men into custody."

"Thanks. If Gramps hears about this, he'll show up with six bokken."

"Six Claws," Yakumo said, chuckling. "He's serious."

Gozo's "Six Claws" nickname came from wielding three bokken in each hand—an absurd, near-mythical feat. Yugen had faced him once in training, barely landing a hit. He had no desire to repeat it.

"They're too soft on Miyuki," Yakumo teased. "Though she doesn't see it."

"Tatsuya would never allow it," Yugen said. "Anyway, you're here, aren't you?"

"Caught me," Yakumo said, stepping from the shadows.

Miyuki gasped. "Sensei! When did you—?"

Sighing, Yugen handed the men to Yakumo and resumed the shopping with Miyuki, determined to finish the day.