The Nine Schools Competition proceeded without a hitch, but Tatsuya never let his guard down—not even for a second.
To him, as long as the event wasn't officially over, there was always a reason to stay sharp.
The results, meanwhile, were exactly what he'd anticipated. First High was effectively sweeping the board, dominating nearly every event, including the heavy hitters like Monolith Code and Mirage Bat.
Throughout the entire affair, there hadn't been a single peep from No Head Dragon. Tatsuya hadn't really dealt with them personally before, and their name rarely even crossed his radar. It wasn't that the organization had vanished; they just didn't seem to operate much within Japan anymore. He suspected this was likely an indirect side effect of the shifts within the Yotsuba Family.
However, that fragile peace shattered on the final day. Tatsuya finally sensed movement from the "Black Mist."
"Tatsuya-kun," Mizuki called out, her voice laced with concern.
"I know. Mikihiko, I'm leaving this part to you."
Mikihiko looked like he was struggling under the weight of the task, but he couldn't exactly turn down the trust Tatsuya was placing in him.
"Miki, you've got this."
"...Alright, fine! I'll do it!" Mikihiko said, his voice firming up with resolve.
Tatsuya let out a small, relieved smile before shifting his gaze toward Erika.
"Erika, you stay here. You too, Leo."
Erika pouted immediately, clearly unhappy about being told to sit this one out. Leo looked just as crushed—he had the face of a man who'd just had his heart broken after being lied to about nineteen million job openings.
"Erika, Leo, I need you two to look after Mikihiko and Mizuki. They aren't exactly built for close-quarters combat."
Hearing that, Erika and Leo's moods visibly brightened. Being told they were needed as protectors made all the difference.
"Fine, but don't forget to call me if you need a hand."
Tatsuya couldn't help but chuckle at Erika's remark.
"Don't worry. If I need help, you'll be the first ones I call."
With that, Erika was back to her usual cheerful self, and Leo looked more fired up than he'd been all day.
.....
Inside the participants' tent, Mayumi and Juumonji were locked in a heavy, serious stare-down.
"Juumonji-kun..."
"I'm aware. The Juumonji family has already dispatched their top magicians to ensure everyone's safety."
"That's good to hear. The Saegusa family has also sent in some elite units to deal with the Black Mist."
Ring!
Mayumi's phone chimed with a message from Tatsuya. Juumonji, noticing her momentarily dazed expression, couldn't hide his curiosity.
"What is it?"
"It's started..."
Juumonji stood up instantly, his presence commanding.
"I'll get in touch with the Ichijou family's magicians!"
He moved out with a sense of grim determination. Mayumi didn't waste any time either, quickly organizing her family's representatives.
.....
As Tatsuya sprinted through the corridor, a beautiful silhouette in a full military uniform stepped out to block his path.
"Good afternoon, Tatsuya-kun."
Tatsuya skidded to a halt, looking at the "Military Flower" standing before him with a playful, teasing smirk.
"Good afternoon, Lady Kyouko."
Fujibayashi Kyouko blinked, looking a bit flustered at the casual way he used her name. Noticing her agitation, Tatsuya's smile turned a bit more mischievous.
"Something wrong? Am I not allowed to call you Lady Kyouko?"
"It's not that you aren't allowed... I'm just not used to it yet."
Tatsuya gave a knowing, sly grin.
"So, what's up? Why were you looking for me?"
Kyouko took a deep breath, her tone shifting to one of absolute professional gravity. "Allow the military to join the operation you're leading."
"Is that an order to a citizen?"
Kyouko shook her head firmly.
"No. This is a sincere request from the military. Just like what happened in Okinawa three years ago."
Tatsuya didn't sense any hidden agendas or deceit in her words. He knew the military was likely using Kyouko as a bridge to get on his good side, but he didn't mind.
"Alright. Just keep the military on standby around the arena. Leave the rest to me and my friends."
Kyouko gave a deep, formal bow—a perfect ninety-degree angle. Because of the distance between them, Tatsuya ended up with a very clear view of her cleavage.
'They're huge and so pale... honestly, why hasn't anyone married her yet?'
He had to admit, Fujibayashi Kyouko was a first-class beauty. It was actually kind of strange that she was still single at her age. Tatsuya knew her background, and if he was being honest, he felt a bit sorry for her.
'Well, if she still doesn't have a husband in the future, I wouldn't mind taking her in as a concubine,' Tatsuya thought to himself, though his face remained as calm and unreadable as a still pond.
Makoto: Tatsuya! What are you doing?! They've already started the attack!
Receiving the emergency ping from Makoto, Tatsuya realized he couldn't afford to linger.
"Just do what I asked. I have to go—my friends need me!" Without waiting for Kyouko's response, Tatsuya bolted, leaving her standing there in a daze.
Kyouko looked down at herself and let out a soft, weary sigh.
"I'm really not cut out for missions like this," she murmured with a bitter smile before heading back to report.
.....
The Black Mist didn't reveal themselves at the main competition grounds. Instead, they appeared in the forest area where the Monolith Code matches were held.
Makoto, Aiz, Kurumi, and Testarossa were already in the thick of it, locked in a fierce battle against the swarming Black Mist. The enemies were rampaging wildly, completely indifferent to the collateral damage they were causing.
To be continued...Anvanced Chapter patreon.com/AgamYupi02