It was an unthinkable incident.


    Early in the morning of Tuesday, June 18th, 2097.


    In the base headquarters of the magic unit supervised by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Stars, located in the outskirts of Roswell, New Mexico, members of the Star ss staged a revolt.


    It was not just the rebellion of one of the members. The Stars are divided into twelve troops, each led by a Commander of the first-ss.


    Commanders of three of these twelve troops spearheaded the start of the rebellion.


    Regardless of whether it could be called luck, only a few of the leaders participated in the rebellion. However, that does not mean the situation was trivial.


    71 hours before Lina arrived at Tatsuyas and Miyukis house.


    At the Stars headquarters from where Lina escaped, the battle between her fellow Star ss soldiers continued.


    In addition to ordinary sses, the soldiers of Stars are divided ording to their magical power: Star of the first-ss, Star of the second-ss, Constetion ss, ss and Satellite ss. Therades, who are the strongest among those of the Star sses, were not training. They were fighting with magic seriously.


    Those who tried to assassinate Lina  Commander of the 3rd Unit Captain Alexander Arcturus, 3rd Unit first-ss Star First Lieutenant Jacob Regulus, Commander of the 4th Unit Captain Charlotte Vega and 4th Unit first-ss Star Second Lieutenant Le Deneb.


    Those who assisted Lina in her escape  Commander of the 1st Unit Major Benjamin Canopus, 1st Unit second-ss Star Second Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfak and 1st Unit second-ss Star Second Lieutenant Ralph Algol.


    From these, Mirfak gave Lina a ride on a pickup truck  an experimental vehicle  and is escaping from the base with her.


    Canopus is fighting three people, Arcturus, Regulus and Vega, all by himself.


    And Deneb, who chased Lina until just before she escaped, was knocked off the truck by Algol.


    Le!


    After falling from the cargo bed of the pickup truck Lina was in, Deneb and Le wrestled in their fall. Upon seeing this, Vega shouted. She had also rushed outside in pursuit of Lina shortly after she escaped from the experimental vehicle warehouse, but she could not ignore Canopus and stayed there.


    Major Canopus! Are you not aware of Major Sirius betrayal!?


    Canopus didnt know whether Vegas words were excuses for rebellion or if she truly believed them. Probably thetter, but he knew that was nothing more than his conjecture.


    11th Unit Second Lieutenant Ariana Lee Sha dered that the 3rd Unit, the 5th Unit and the star ss members of the 11th Unit, excluding Sha herself, were converted to parasites. She excels at protection against Mental Interference Magic. A part of ites from her abnormally high ability to sense Pushion waves. As such, Canopus considers her guess to be reliable.


    If what Sha says is correct, Vega and Deneb of the 4th Unit are not affected by parasites. So, if the rebellion was caused by the initiative of parasites, it is very likely that Vega is being manipted by fake information provided by those who were converted.


    It is not a secret that Vega does not approve of Lina. Many members of the Stars understand that this is due to jealously.


    Whether it is Vegas influence, 4th Units Second Lieutenant Deneb is also defiant towards Lina. Simrly, despite 4th Units First Lieutenant Spica not sharing the same degree of tant attitude as Vega and Deneb, it is not very hard to see that her real thoughts are simr.


    Perhaps those emotions were being used.


    Military personnel should not let their emotions lead their actions. Officers are trained to be good at controlling themselves at any time.


    But people are weak when ites to a cause.


    Given a good reason, its easy to deceive oneself.


    Oneself is not moved by emotions, but by following the cause.


    One allows themselves such excuses.


    Canopus is not just understanding it in his mind. Up until now, he has seen many such examples.


    The Head Commander would not betray the Stars! Captain Vega, your actions are nothing but mutiny!


    So, while replying to Vega, he indicated that her words would not persuade him.


    Vegas response was Weight-Type Magic Double Press. This magic generates two repulsive gravitational fields and simultaneously applies pressure from two directions. The mostmon usage is to generate the fields on opposite sides of the target, in order to tten it.


    Canopus used 2 Weight-Type Magics Press simultaneously, cancelling out Vegas magic. The magic itself was not cancelled, but the definition of contradictory event modifications caused mutual breakdown of the magics.


    Wha...


    Sounds of surprise escaped from Vegas mouth. Invalidation of the opponents magic by definition breakdown is a technique that is incorporated in the Stars training. Naturally, she should be aware of it. But to intentionally create a definition breakdown to gain an advantage over the opponent you have to either read their magic and wait until they create their own magic to release your magic at the appropriate coordinates, or make an urate prediction of magic the opponent will use.


    For the former, even if its not the same as Gram Dispersion, it has the same kind of difficulty.


    Thetter means the opponents, that is, Vegas hand was being read.


    Vegas visible loss ofposure was an opportunity for Canopus.


    Turning towards Vega, Canopus closed the distance. He did not sh using Molecr Divider, as his n was to take her bodys freedom by showering her with an electric shock from close range.


    But Canopus stopped his feet on the fourth step.


    Unwillingly looking behind, he deployed a nted Mirror Shield to his right rear.


    His anti-high energy ray weapon shield repelled Regulusser bullets.


    Theser bullet Regulus shot grazed on his own face.


    Cold sweat slowly spread on his back.


    In a rush, Regulus  It would be a lie to say he was not bing flustered  carried his armed device and moved.


    Up until now, Regulus has not actively received any attack from Canopus. Is Canopus unable to find Regulus position, or is he putting priority in Vega and Arcturus?


    It is Regulus who is attacking with a sniper.


    But Regulus was also being pressured.


    Due to the nature of Regulus specialty Laser Sniping, firing a shot will alert the opponent magician of his location. Immediately after the attack, there is a risk that the opposing magician will be able to discern his position if live ammunition is used, sopared to normal magic which can be used to attack from the opposing side of an obstacle where it cant be seen, it can be said that it iscking in its secrecy.


    Regulus understands his specialtys weakness very well. After every shot he took, he carried his rifle-shaped armed device and immediately ran away.


    Use of magic for movement was kept to a minimum. Anyhow, in order to not be caught by the opponent  in this case, Canopus  he needed to change his shooting position by more than a certain amount of distance.


    There is no doubt that it is worth doing to prevent any attacks other than counterattacks from Canopus.


    But those counterattacks chase Regulus mentally.


    For some time now, theser bullets that returned from Canopus Mirror Shield have often been grazing Regulus body.


    It goes without saying thatser light is travelling at the speed of light. Naturally, the energy bullet returned is also travelling at the speed of light. The timeg between shooting and arrival of the reflected light is basically zero, so there is no time to block it by creating a reflection shield.


    There are two main types of defensive shields against energy bullets.


    The first blocks energy above a certain amount. This is the normal kind of defensive shield.


    The other one reflects electromaic waves. Mirror Shield belongs to this kind.


    Thetter is more effective againstser bullets. Mirror Shield only reflects light from the outside, it does not block lighting out from the inside. Even with the shield deployed, attacks with Laser Sniping will not be obstructed.


    However, the aftermath of the event modification from generating a shield can be sensed. Its like loudly announcing your location to your opponents. In that case it ceases to be Sniping and simply bes long range attack.


    In theory, it is possible to block the returning energy bullets by deploying a Mirror Shield just before shooting. There is an inevitable dy between the invocation of the Laser Sniping magic and the shot. Therefore, there is no real harm in deploying Mirror Shield and immediately after invoking Laser Sniping.


    However, unfortunately, Regulus armed device was not prepared with this Activation Sequence. Without the Activation Sequence for Mirror Shield, it is impossible to deploy it instantaneously. After unification with a parasite the ability to control energy bullet magic has increased, but there is no such benefit when ites to forming shield techniques.


    If he was shooting Lina, there would also be no issue over not forming a shield against reflected light. Linas Mirror Shield was set in such a way that regardless of thesers angle of incidence, the reflected light will hit the ground two meters in front of her to protect against damage caused by someone elses stray bullet. This is a very advanced technique, but it is undeniably generous for a soldier as it doesnt threaten the enemy.


    and it nullifies all threat from opposing soldiers.


    On the other hand, Canopus Mirror Shield is set to reflectser bullets by changing their direction by an angle of approximately 180 degrees. As it is not strictly 180 degrees, Regulus has avoided a direct hit so far, but there is no guarantee that his luck willst much longer. The angle of reflection is not strict because of vibration involved in the definition of magic, and not because it is set for 178 or 179 degrees. If it were to be represented in mathematical terms, it would be 180 plus or minus 3 degrees. When the calction error bes zero, theser bullets will be returned straight to Regulus.


    The fear of being shot by aser you fired yourself.


    Slowly but steadily, it cut down Regulus spirit.


    About 200 meters away from the confrontation between Canopus and Vega in front of the experimental vehicle warehouse, 4th Units Second Lieutenant Le Deneb and 1st Units Second Lieutenant Ralph Algol were engaging in a one-on-one fight. Deneb had jumped onto the vehicle Lina was in using Movement-Type Magic, but Algol, who was hiding in the cargo bed, fought her off and fell together with her.


    Deneb and Algol stood up almost at the same time and began fighting without any discussion. Deneb thinks Algol is supporting Sirius betrayal -- except for the betrayal part, Denebs judgement is not incorrect -- and started shing Algol, who was willing to fight back regardless of the rtionships involved.


    Deneb aimed a long barrel pistol in her right hand and pulled the trigger.


    But it was already toote, Algol was not in her line of sight anymore. He instantly closed the 10-meter distance and held Deneb at knifepoint.


    Algol brandished argebat knife. The length of the single-edge de was one foot (about 30cm). Unlike a survival knife, its thick back was not sawed. Its curved de was attached to a long hilt, perhaps to catch the opponents knife and take it. It doesnt seem to be a magicians equipment, but a genuine fighter knife favored as a specialized weapon.


    Deneb and Algol are the same type of battle magician.


    Their specialty is the use of high-speed movement magic. And Deneb was already in conditions to invoke magic continuously to move herself.


    This is an application of the flight magic developed by Taurus Silver. Flight magic is a technique that allows free flight by sessively invoking Gravity-Type Magic invocations, eachsting less than one second. This was reapplied for the Stars movement magic.


    Sessive invocations of very short movement magics. Particrly, the destination is undefined unless consciously set and the movement magic is automatically cancelled without showing any effect, so the magic will move the body in a linear trajectory only there is intention to move. With this technique, the Stars solved the problem of the timeg in CAD operation hindering sudden movement that affected magicians engaged in close-quartersbat.


    Therefore, Deneb, who has be able to use this technique to use movement magic at all times, thought she could evade Algols attacks. But Algol was able to catch the knuckle guard of the knife in her left hand.


    Even if she retreated with movement magic, Algol was able to use the same technique in the next instant, catching up with her. She came to the conclusion that it would just repeat the same situation even if she avoided it. But more than that, Denebs mind was strongly dominated by militant feelings.


    Deneb believed in Linas betrayal from the bottom of her heart. She strongly resented Lina and considered her breach of trust to dishonor the name Sirius.


    The title Sirius is the symbol of the military magicians of her home country, USNA. The betrayal of the Sirius is a dishonor to the pride of magicians of the USNA army. Denebs righteous indignation - though a misunderstanding - was driven by such feelings.


    Deneb aimed the gun on her right hand towards Algol.


    Algols left hand rose and, with an underhand grip on his knifes de and hilt, he caught the pistol Deneb was holding. The long hilt that curves forward is not usually seen on abat knife. It is simr to a main-gauche [1] or a Sai [2] .


    Algol twisted the knife that tightly secured Denebs pistol.


    Deneb released her hand from the grip before her wrist was crushed.


    Deneb retreated several meters before the pistol fell on the ground.


    As he saw the situation unfold, Algol talked in a strange voice.


    What is that!


    Hyahahahahahahaa! This knife can be used like this too!


    This knife with long hilt was custom-made for the purpose of catching enemy specialized weapons. Even in this sense it was simr to a main-gauche. Algols entric fixation towards knifes became clear.


    You Ripper! [3]


    Hyaahaahaahaahaa! Things like guns and knives are so foolish!


    Algols body vanished, leaving behind an afterimage. In the next instant, he appeared to the side of Deneb.


    Algol, holding his knife with a reverse grip, shed diagonally.


    Denebs right hand was empty. As such, she tried to stop Algols shing attack with the knife on her left hand.


    Algols left hand subtly changed its trajectory.


    He striked Denebs knifes de with his own knife on purpose.


    Then he slid his knife down, creating a situation where the knifes are locked.


    Algol pointed the tip of the knife towards the left side of Denebs abdomen, which was practically defenseless.


    In Denebs face, the influence of impatience and fear was reflected.


    Canopus had no time to thoroughly observe the battles of his subordinates. Even if he understood the situation, providing backup was impossible.


    Right now, the battle was evenly matched. But it is a one-on-three battle, the numerical disadvantage is undeniable.


    Vegas gravity magic was cancelled by using the same kind of magic.


    Regulus Laser Sniping was reflected by Mirror Shield.


    Arcturus Dancing des was intercepted by Molecr Divider


    The fierce battle against the three members of the first-ss Stars continued.


    This was a hard fight, even for someone of Canopus caliber.


    If this was a real war, he may not have had any trouble until now.


    If Canopus was serious, he would have already killed Vega.


    Although Commanders are equal in rank, Major Canopus outsses Captain Vega in terms of ability. It is rumored that since the previous Sirius, there was nobody stronger than Canopus at close-quartersndbat. As such, Vega had no chance in a direct confrontation where both parties could see each other. Indeed, while against Lina it could not be seen, Vegas face now asionally disyed the color of impatience.


    Regulus too was an opponent that Canopus could not ignore, but he was not a substantial threat. Regulus Laser Sniping has the structural disadvantage in that it requires about a second between invocation and the shot.


    This shouldnt be the only card on Regulus hand, but for some reason he hasnt been using any magic other than Laser Sniping. As long as Regulus limits the range of magic he uses by himself, Canopus has the ability to confront him and Vega at the same time without difficulty.


    Even with both Regulus and Vega and the inability to fight for real, this battle would have ended in Canopus victory in a short time. Even with the two of them, there was no doubt.


    But Arcturus was a formidable opponent.


    Commander of the 3rd Unit of the Stars, Captain Alexander Arcturus. A battle magician who is learning mainstream modern magic at Stars as well as the Ancient Magic of the indigenes of the North American continent - Spirit Magic - both at a high level. Though parasite assimtion has made him unable to use Spirit Magic, being able to pull out the power of the parasite to its full extent was a more than adequate substitute.


    Canopus repelled Regulusser bullets and urgently rushed to Vega.


    But a rush of wind from his side forced Canopus to step back.


    It was Arcturus Wind Hammer.


    Its killing power is low. Though the purpose of the magic is to disturb an opponents bnce, Canopus had to move back more than 5 meters in order to dodge the localized gust of wind travelling at 60 meters per second in a 2-meter-wide diameter.


    After Canopus retreat, stone arrowheads flew towards him. Not arrows. Just the arrowheads. Pointy, sharpened and properly shaped obsidian arrowheads from Dancing des.


    Normally, Dancing des uses knife-shaped weapons integrated with the CAD. Reason is that there is certainty that it can be done in one action from magic invocation tounch.


    But that doesnt mean Dancing des must use special weapon devices. The entity that invokes the magic is the magician, not the CAD. This is a principle that doesnt change regardless of the magic.


    To begin with, Dancing des is a magic that maniptes the flight trajectory of a throwing weapon, the weapon itself can be anything. It doesnt even have to necessarily be an edged tool. At its extreme, even rocks at the roadside can be bullets for Dancing des.


    Four arrowheads attacked simultaneously from different trajectories. All of them were shot down by Molecr Divider extending from Canopus katana-like armed device.


    The obsidian arrowheads, split into two pieces, fell on the ground. The defined shape of the objects used in Dancing des was modified, causing the forced termination of the magic due to definition breakdown.


    But Arcturus attack did not end. Because of Arcturus unleashing out magic in rapid session, Canopus is unable to discern his hiding ce.


    The wind blew, and bird feathers danced. The feathers of the bald eagle - though just an imitation. Feather-shaped darts, made of synthetic fibers and titanium needles. Super fine, high strength fibers that can cut not just human skin but also leather protection, depending on their speed.


    Dozens of feathers rode the wind and started to attack Canopus. Arcturus specialties are Spirit Magic and Movement-Type Magic. He is especially proficient at techniques that manipte airflow. The feathers are not being manipted by herd control, they just fly with the air current.


    Molecr Divider is not able to interfere with gas. Given that each feather is being controlled by the wind, knocking them down with an armed device is meaningless.


    Canopus fought by using the magic st to explode thepressed atmosphere. Protecting himself from the st using an anti-fluid shield, Canopus rushed to Vega once again.


    Regulus was observing Canopus from just behind him.


    He cant ovee the three-on-one disadvantage because his attacks look forced? Such guesses came to Regulus mind.


    Arge scrapped car that had been setup up for training danced in the air.


    It was Vegas gravity control magic.


    Canopus knocked it down with Weight-Type Magic. Even while running, Canopus shows no disturbance in his CAD operation. Still, he turned around to be fully conscious of therge vehicle flying towards him.


    Regulus made a decision.


    Armed with his rifle-shaped integrated CAD, he pulled the trigger.


    From reading the Activation Sequence until the magic was invoked, 0.2 seconds psed. Even for a specialized CAD this was quite fast.


    From the start, Regulus was an expert in Laser Sniping, and the techniques power and speed were further amplified by the specialized CADs performance. Magic invocation speed improved even further under the influence of the parasite.


    However, amplification ofser bullets is a physical and mechanical process that cannot be sped up. The time can be shortened by generating a higher energyser beam from the start, which is possible if you increase the event interference with parasites.


    But to achieve this, Regulus armed device has to be remodeled to use higher energy. Or maybe create a new armed device altogether.


    It has been only three days since Regulus became a parasite. It was not possible to upgrade the armed device in just three days.


    Nevertheless, Vega has taken Canopus attention now, Regulus will not be counterattacked by a dyed attack. That was his prediction.


    But, exactly before theser bullet was about to be fired.


    Canopus retreating figure vanished from Regulus scope.


    He did not be transparent.


    The silhouette of a person was reced with the appearance of a cutndscape.


    It was being projected in the hangar where Regulus was hiding.


    Aser bullet was fired.


    It is impossible to deal with energy bullets returning at the speed of light by looking at them.


    Inverted 180 degrees, the urately reflected energy bullet destroyed Regulus armed device, and burning fragments crushed his right eye.


    Loudly screaming, Regulus retired from the battle.


    (First one.)


    Canopus muttered to himself upon hearing Regulus screams.


    He did not specifically mean to set Regulus up for a trap. He wanted to get close to Vega to neutralize her without causing serious injuries, but he didnt want to be on guard for Regulus counterattacks. Canopus just didnt narrow his field of vision like Regulus expected him to.


    But with this the battle will certainly be easier. Put simply, without Regulus magic, it went from a one-on-three to a one-on-two, a big difference.


    Immediately after he pondered this, two cries of pain striked Canopus eardrum.


    He turned his eyes towards the direction the voice came from. At the same time, he retreated and increased his distance to Vega. This action for the sake of guaranteeing safety was an unconscious choice.


    There, Algol was sticking his knife into Denebs side.


    Thats excessive, Canopus harshly reprimanded Algol in his mind.


    But Deneb was not the only one who staggered and copsed. Algols body also leaned forward and fell. Even from a distance it was evident that he was not attacking, as it looked like he was pushing down.


    From Canopus position it was not possible to see that Algols back is covered in blood. No, perhaps if he were to look closely, he would understand, but while in this situation where he is on alert for enemy attacks, he could not spare the time.


    But he understood that Algol had been attacked by a new enemy.


    Because that enemy was now aiming at him.


    The gravitational field of the thin, sharp, spear-like deformed Molecr Divider extended towards Canopus.


    He used the same magic to clear away the gravitational field.


    (Lieutenant Spica!)


    Even before visual confirmation of the opponent who released the magic, he knew the identity of the caster.


    Among the Stars, there is only one user of this modified version of Molecr Divider, Molecr Divider - Javelin.


    Stars 4th Units first-ss Star, First Lieutenant Zoe Spica.


    Directly in Canopus line of sight, a woman who, despite being early in the morning, was properly dressed in the summer uniform, stretched her right arm straight ahead to point at Canopus.


    A straight, metallic nail was attached to the tip of her extended index finger. It was a Japanese anki [4] simr to a cats paw [5] , which acted as the sights for Molecr Divider - Javelin.


    A thin and sharp gravitational field of molecr destruction once again extended towards Canopus. As an exchange for narrowing the attack, the medium range of the Molecr Divider was extended.


    For a second time, Canopus cut off Vegas spear, who used a gravitational field to keep him from retaliating with his katana.


    No, to say that Molecr Divider cut off the Gravity Control-Type Magic would be misleading. Gravity Control is magic that modifies a property of space called distortion degree. Molecr Divider too modifies this property of space. Both magics copsed, as the event modifications Modify only the gravitational field of normal space and Modify only the electromaic properties of normal space collided.


    At that moment, Canopus Molecr Divider was also in an interrupted state.


    Arcturus tomahawk closed in.


    Canopus jumped sideways with all his strength while reactivating Molecr Divider.


    The Tomahawk cut apart Canopus afterimage.


    The tomahawk started turning around in mid-air and attacked Canopus who stood up after rolling on the dry ground of the practice field.


    This attack cannot possibly be Dancing des. Dancing des is a magic that pre-programs the flight trajectory of the thrown weapons, it should be unable to remotely control the specialized weapon.


    Using Spirit Magic, a kind of divine state was created during which thoughts were put into the weapon, and through this new path Dancing des was overwritten. This was an ability unique to Arcturus, who is both a Modern Magician and an Ancient Magician.


    This does not circumvent the requirement of higher interference power to overwrite the different magic definition. There is a limit of five times for the creation of new trajectories. However, the trajectories created are not straight lines nor parabs, the Dancing des can ascend, descend, and turn at will. By throwing them once, even if trajectory is only changed three times instead of five, most enemies will not escape.


    Because of Arcturus parasitization, he is unable to use Spirit Magic. However, just because he lost the ability to ess spirits defined as independent Information Bodies, that doesnt mean that Ancient Magic techniques are also lost. Rather, the assimtion of the parasite has improved his Ancient Magic abilities that dont use independent information bodies.


    Canopus intercepted the attacking tomahawk by shing while standing on his knee.


    Regardless of the speed, a swing has no strength in this position. The de was not even raised. It was more like wielding a stick than a katana.


    Nevertheless, the tomahawk magically reinforced by Arcturus thoughts was split in half by Canopus sh.


    It was not cut by the katana-like de. The purpose of Canopus armed device was not to sh with a steel de. The de is a simple guiding tool, the magical sword is the one responsible for cutting. If the intermolecr binding inversion force field is formed correctly, there will be no harm even if the des inclination is slightly off.


    Split into two, the tomahawk stopped flying and fell to the ground.


    Even if thought is put into the weapon with this divine state, it is the same as a normal armed device in that the magic will fail if the defined shape is lost.


    Arcturus pursuit came to an end. Since Dancing des requires the use of tangible objects, the number of bullets that can be prepared in advance is limited. Arcturus was out of bullets.


    Canopus has not yet been able to find where Arcturus is hiding. But Arcturus temporary cease fire was an opportunity to erase the enemysbat power.


    Currently, the opponents Canopus sees are both Vega and Spica.


    Relentless ughter is the nature of Spicas Molecr Divider - Javelin, but it is not difficult to deal with if you are aware of the techniques nature, since it shows no effect beyond the narrow line it is pointed at.


    Canopus decided to disable Vega first, as she is the more troublesome opponent.


    He released diversion magic towards Spica, then shed Vega with Molecr Divider, or pretended to, releasing ionized air bullets instead.


    Vega, who was cautious of the Molecr Divider, was unprepared to receive the direct blow from the sma bullets. Canopus didnt raise the density of the sma much to avoid fatal wounds, but it was still enough power to paralyze the whole body temporarily.


    Vega fell on her back. Maybe she hasntpletely fainted, but it doesnt look like she has freedom in her limbs.


    Canopus looks back to Spica. He was going to settle things with Spica to bring it to a one-on-one.


    But in Canopus line of sight was not only Spicas slender silhouette but also Arcturus thick body.


    Major Canopus, I want you to stop resisting.


    The silhouette of new people entered his vision.


    Second Lieutenant Ian Betrix and Second Lieutenant Samuel Alnm.


    The two members of the Stars 6th Unit who had parasitized in the micro-ck hole experiment a few days before were dragging an unconscious and badly wounded Algol by both his arms.


    Spicas eyes were wide open. To her, reinforcements were unexpected.


    ...Is that a hostage?


    While addressing Arcturus, Canopus tone did not conceal his disgust.


    I secured Second Lieutenant Sha not long ago.


    Without answering Canopus question, Arcturus yed his cards.


    Major Canopus. Your goal was to let Major Sirius escape. This goal has been achieved. Do you not think extending this fight and increasing injuries is meaningless?


    It is you who started this senseless rebellion.


    To Canopus usation, Arcturus responded with silence.


    This kind of logic does not work against parasitized opponents, but Canopus also knew that from the start.


    Canopus dropped his katana-like armed device.


    ...surrender.


    I guarantee your physical safety.


    Only the body?


    To Canopus ironic remark,


    I do not intend to make you arade.


    Arcturus replied, showing no interest in his countenance.


    Contrary to his expectations, Canopus was not apanied to a solitary confinement cell, but to the private room used by a senior officer from another department whenever they visited the base.


    Of course weapons, including the armed device, were taken, but it seems like breaking out isnt too hard. Right now, it can be said that CADs are an indispensable tool for a user of modern magic, but its not absolutely essential for the use of magic. Even if there are ways to make using magic more difficult, general techniques that make magicpletely unusable still havent been developed. Canopus also heard discussions about the potential to obstruct other peoples magic invocations using special Mental Interference Type techniques, but at least no members of the Stars can use magic like this.


    But Canopus did not leave the room let alone escape. Food was not taken to him for many hours, so until evening arrived he only had the mineral water that was in the provisions refrigerator.


    It was past 21:00 when he was summoned by a messenger.


    He came to the Commanders room and stood between Second Lieutenant Betrix and Second Lieutenant Alnm.


    In front of the Commanders desk there was one chair.


    Arcturus and Vega were seated in a simr chair near one wall, and Major Cape of the 5th Unit sat near the wall on the other side with a stern expression.


    Major Canopus, take a sit.


    Following Base Commander Walkers words, Canopus saluted and sat on the chair in front of the desk.


    Now. Major Canopus, you assisted in Second Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfaks desertion, and are suspected of inflicting injuries.


    Feelings of surprise were shown on Canopus face.


    Walker expected this reaction.


    Concerning Major Sirius trip, official military documents are being prepared. As expected, Colonel Bnce really is great.


    In other words, it appears that there is no chance Lina will be med for the crime.


    The feelings of surprised disappeared from Canopus face, returning to his poker face.


    I think you too are aware of the higher-ups split opinion regarding Japans Strategic-ss magician, Shiba Tatsuya.


    I am aware of it.


    To eliminate Tatsuya as a threat, or to use this threat and incorporate it into USNAs global strategy? The higher-ups of the USNA army held both of these opinions in equal numbers. The assassination faction roughly matches those who consider Japan as apetitor in the western Pacific Ocean, and the use faction almost oveps with those who consider the alliance with Japan and Japans influence as a gateway to expand in the Pacific and obstruct the Great Union and the New Soviet Union.


    But you should be able to understand that the Strategic-ss Magic is excessively powerful and that it is impossible to use.


    ......


    Canopus could only respond to Walkers speech with silence.


    Walker scowled lightly and immediately returned to his original administrative expression and continued the speech.


    I also think Shiba Tatsuya should be eliminated. Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega also share this opinion.


    Commander, there are serious concerns regarding their health.


    Arcturus himself responded to Canopus indirectint.


    Major Canopus. It is correct that this body has been promoted to a parasite, but our loyalty towards our country has not changed. That spirit will always be my core.


    On the other side of Arcturus, Cape visibly disyed a grimace.


    Regarding the treatment of Captain Arcturus, it is currently under consideration.


    Walker did not listen to Canopus warning.


    At this point, Canopus was convinced that Walker is under the parasites mental interference. Thought suggestion, and not mind interference that turns one into a puppet. By paralyzing his reasoning, the person is encouraged to embrace their original desires and sense of danger, Walker fell into a daze, and was tricked into being controlled exactly as one wants without realizing he is being manipted. - Such was Canopus guess.


    Major. It seems you cant approve the assassination of Shiba Tatsuya.


    Even if hostility is inevitable, measures like assassination is something we shouldnt do.


    ...Such lip service is uneptable in this world, I think you know that well?


    I must deny that this is a case of lip service.


    Canopus didnt deny the dirty means themselves. There are things that cant be resolved in ordance following official stances.


    To that extent, Canopus knew from experience without being told.


    But brakes are necessary. If you pamper yourself by limitlessly applying the excuse necessary, the army will immediately degenerate into a mere violent group. This was also Canopus self-admonishment.


    ...Major Canopus. Do you want a deal?


    Walker gave up on persuading Canopus and changed the topic.


    A plea bargain?


    Exactly.


    Canopus interrogation was a lifeline [6] to avoid an illegal bargain. But with Walkers quick deration, Canopus tension was unconsciously rxed.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Walker set the pace of the deal.


    If it bes a court-martial, the General Staff Headquarters will intervene. This is inevitable given the special circumstances of our force. If a trial is started with Majors current state of affairs, the courtroom will be a ce for arguments between the Shiba Tatsuya elimination and use factions, and it will certainly amplify the antagonism from both sides. It is concerning that this may have a serious negative effect on army operations.


    Canopus spoke no differing opinion than that of Walkers conjecture.


    The situation is certainly likely to develop. But the possibility that the conflict will lead to army malfunction is extremely low. The higher-ups are not that foolish.


    Usually, Canopus would have offered a rebuttal. But once the superior officer took hold of the initiative, even if you know they are insane, it was hard to present opposing opinions.


    If you confess to the idental injury of Second Lieutenant Regulus, Second Lieutenant Mirfak will be deemed as missing in action rather than a deserter. Second Lieutenant Algol and Second Lieutenant Sha will also get a reduced punishment.


    Exactly what kind of punishment is this?


    Canopus had already understood any protest would have no effect.


    Imprisonment for one year.


    A prison sentence is quite heavy for a plea bargain. But taking into consideration the fact that he is nothing but a nuisance to the parasites, Canopus thought using the imprisonment to physically distance himself from them might be convenient.


    Also, the duration of the punishment will be processed as an infiltration mission. Your military record will not be stained, and we will give consideration for your familys worries as well


    ...I understand. But I have two more conditions.


    Name them, we will try to respond to them as much as possible.


    Walkers stance was unexpectedly soft. Is the subconscious resisting the thought suggestion, or is he recognizing Canopus value as a military asset to try to avoidmunication breakdown?


    Both were likely stories.


    I want my prison sentence to be carried out in Midway Prison.


    ...Is that okay?


    Walker examined Canopus expression looking for his true intentions. The military prison on Midway Atoll was extremely unpopr and isted from society  in other words, it was a ce for the imprisonment of felons.


    Is that not more convenient for the Commander as well?


    Youll live without worrying about a nuisance such as myself, Canopus spoke with irony.


    Walkers face scowled for a moment, but he immediately erased the displeasure from his face.


    I understand. Well take care of the arrangements. And what is the other condition?


    Please give Second Lieutenant Algol and Second Lieutenant Sha identical measures.


    Will they protect Midways military prison as well?


    Theyre being given sentences as well, arent they?


    Canopus waspletely unfazed by Walkers tasteless remark.


    The deal is settled. Major Cape will escort you to Midway.


    Erasing his facial expression, Walker announced.


    Seating close to the wall, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega disyed satisfied smiles. On the other side, Major Cape showed his displeasure from start to end.


    The imprisonment of Canopus, Algol and Sha was officially decided the following day.


    Many people in the Pentagon expressed suspicion at the strangely quickly process.


    But people who contested the decision, including Colonel Bnce, did not exist.