"Hmm..."
"Onii-sama!"
"Tatsuya-kun!"
"Relax. I'll handle this."
Tatsuya reached out his hand into the empty air, his movements fluid and precise, before slowly pulling it back as if retrieving something invisible.
Juumonji Katsuto remained seated in total silence. Even though he was perfectly aware of the 'incident' that had just unfolded right before his eyes, he didn't utter a single word. It had all happened in the blink of an eye—so fast that no ordinary bystander would have even noticed. In fact, the only reason anyone might have caught on was because the military was lurking nearby.
"Onii-sama..." Miyuki whispered, her voice trembling.
"Don't worry about it. I was just taking out the trash." Tatsuya's voice was frigid, dripping with an indifference that felt sharper than any blade.
Miyuki shivered, a wave of genuine fear washing over her as she took in her brother's icy demeanor. Realizing he had let his guard down and frightened her, Tatsuya's expression softened instantly. He reached out and gently stroked Miyuki's head.
"Forgive me. I got a little carried away by the atmosphere."
The effect was instantaneous. Miyuki's face lit up with a brilliant smile, her previous fear vanishing as if it had never existed in the first place.
"I understand, Onii-sama. You have nothing to worry about..."
That smile was always the best medicine for him. At the very least, the moment Tatsuya saw it, his mind felt clear and refreshed, as if his very soul had been purified by holy water.
"Tatsuya-kun, what about the military?" Mayumi cut in, her brow furrowed with concern. "They're definitely going to demand an explanation for what you just did."
"I know. But don't stress over it. They won't dare lay a finger on me—not in a million years." Tatsuya replied, a confident, slightly mocking smirk playing on his lips.
Mayumi found herself momentarily breathless at the sight, while Miyuki simply watched him with eyes full of pure, unadulterated adoration.
....
"...Was that just now... Tatsuya Yotsuba's magic? It's terrifying."
"No kidding. Tatsuya Yotsuba is a Strategic-Class Magician. He's not someone we can afford to mess with."
"I get that, but haven't we already started messing with him?"
"Maybe... maybe not."
"Maybe?"
"Whatever the case, orders from the top are absolute. We have to keep a close eye on him during the Nine Schools Competition."
The soldiers felt their spirits sink. Even though they were committed to following their orders, a heavy sense of dread hung over them.
Back on the bus, a dangerous glint flickered in Tatsuya's eyes as he let out a small, sharp smile.
Mayumi and Miyuki were preoccupied with their own conversation, so they didn't catch the predatory look on his face.
"Tatsuya-san, I'll be in your care."
Honoka approached him, her voice soft and shy. She had come over with her best friend, Shizuku, to greet him. Tatsuya's expression shifted instantly, his face melting into a gentle, kind smile that made him look like the most warm-hearted person in the world.
"The pleasure is mine. Thank you for trusting me with your CAD."
"Hehe, I'm just really happy to be working with you, Tatsuya-san!" Honoka couldn't help herself; she broke into a silly, giddy grin right in front of him.
Even with that goofy look on her face, Honoka was undeniably cute—reminiscent of a large, fluffy animal. And when I say 'large,' it's definitely not a comment about her chest size. Really. It isn't.
"You too, Shizuku..."
Shizuku blushed slightly, raising her hand to flash him a small peace sign.
"What about the others?" Tatsuya asked.
"Everyone's excited, but they're all so nervous they couldn't bring themselves to come over and say hi. Honestly, Honoka was too scared to move at first, but I gave her a little push."
Tatsuya gave a thin, amused smile.
"That sounds like you, Shizuku."
"Hehe. Praise me more."
"You're amazing, Shizuku. Very reliable."
"More, more..."
Tatsuya reached out and patted Shizuku's head. The texture of her hair felt different from Miyuki's, but it was just as addictive to touch. Shizuku's face turned bright red, practically like a ripe tomato, and it almost looked like thick white steam was whistling out of her head from pure embarrassment.
"Must be nice..." Honoka muttered, her voice laced with envy.
Despite how quiet she was, Tatsuya heard her loud and clear. He turned his gaze toward her, and Honoka froze, quickly covering her mouth with a flustered expression.
"Did... did you hear that?"
"I did. No need to be shy—come here, I'll give you some headpats too."
Honoka's face flushed, but she happily lowered her head, making it easier for Tatsuya to reach.
"Hehe..."
She started giggling again, her curvy figure looking as though it might literally melt from sheer happiness. The other female students under Tatsuya's care peeked over, eyes burning with jealousy. Even Miyuki pouted just a little, despite having received countless headpats herself.
On the other hand, Mayumi was fuming. She had been by Tatsuya's side this whole time, yet everyone else was getting the affection. It was completely unacceptable.
[Chat Room]
Makoto: Tatsuya is way too popular. When is it going to be my turn to be like him?
Time Eater: Ara~ ara~ ma~ ma~, what a sinful man he is~.
Makoto: Is it just me, or did the room just get really cold suddenly?
White: I don't get it. Is it really that fun for men and women to flirt like that? Makoto, what do you think?!
Makoto: Don't ask me! I've never even been on a date, so how should I know?
White: Wow. You're useless.
Makoto: Hey!
Sword Princess: My chest feels tight... am I sick?
Makoto: Tight chest? I don't think you're sick, I think it's more like...
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Ahem. How are your preparations coming along?
Time Eater: Going great.
White: Yeah, whatever.
Sword Princess: Same here.
Makoto: Is it just my imagination, or are you guys acting really cold all of a sudden?
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Don't point it out. You're just adding fuel to the fire.
Makoto: Ah! My bad!
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Good grief...
Tatsuya's consciousness snapped back to reality as Miyuki gently nudged him awake. A warm, radiant smile was there to greet him.
"Onii-sama, we've arrived."
"Ah. Thanks, Miyuki."
"You're very welcome. It's always a pleasure to wake you up, Onii-sama."
To be continued...Anvanced Chapter p*tre*n.com/AgamYupi02