A+A-


    Though Edward rk faced some obstacles while working on Project Dione, it continued to progress. The rate at which it progressed was elerating, too: rk no longer worked on the project alone, and at the moment, a group of independent scientists from the US National Science Agency were conducting simtions on the delivery of ice masses from Jupiter to Venus. Once these simtions werepleted, the data would be used to create the necessary sequences of magic that take into ount all possible factors.


    The research staff of the National Science Agency were currently giving priority to providing water and lowering the temperature of Venus with arge amount of ice blocks being ced on Venus, and they nned on dealing with the problem of splitting up the atmosphere another time. Edward rk did not object to these policies.


    He didn''t care.


    The terraforming of Venus was only a formal goal. The real goal of Project Dione was the expulsion of Shiba Tatsuya from Earth out of fear of his magic that converted mass directly into energy. And from this point of view, Project Dione had already failed.


    The magical thermonuclear reactor power nt project, designed by Shiba Tatsuya, was steadily moving towards its implementation. Being a key figure in this project, Shiba Tatsuya had an excuse for not participating in the Dione Project.


    The concept of such an instation is not new: first, build arge-scale power nt. Using the electricity produced, extract hydrogen from ocean water while extracting useful minerals purifying them from harmful substances. Using ordinary technology, this n was unprofitable, but the use of the Star Reactor - a thermonuclear reactor using gravity control magic  makes it profitable. Edward rk couldn''t find a way to deny this.


    The need for the Project Dione, with the official purpose of preparing for a shortage of living space as poption increased, is still there, but it was now impossible to insist that Shiba Tatsuya must join the project. The star reactor was not necessary for the promotion of the Project Dione. Employees of the NSA calcted that the power required to carry out the mission in Jupiters orbit can be generated by sr energy. On the other hand, Shiba Tatsuya''s nt project is based on the


    construction of the Star Reactor. Star reactor nts can provide much more energy than other types of power nts. Because of this, many senators already felt that Tatsuyas experiment should not be hindered. If Edward rk continued to insist that Tatsuya must participate, the world could guess the true purpose of Project Dione.


    Edward rk knew that if the world figured out the true purpose of Project Dione, then it could never be achieved. There were always journalists trying to reveal the truth, regardless of the consequences. There was also the possibility that conclusions formed on the guesswork of people that couldn''t be called full-fledged journalists would reveal the truth. Still, even in the current situation, Edward rk did not give up on Project Dione. Searching for a clue that could turn the situation around, he was now looking through the information collected Hli?skjlf.


    He had not returned home for more than ten days, and he had not met with his son in more than half a month. Because of this, rk did not yet know that Raymond had be a Parasite (though this was probably more negligence on his own part).


    rk had given his permission for Raymond to go to Japan through a text message, but other than this, he did not know Raymonds situation.


    rk once again entered into the sea of information contained in Hli?skjlf today. Using the original terminal had its benefit, as well: unlike the terminals scattered around the world, the original supeputer could analyze and process data in addition to essing it. Using an AI helper, rk was looking for a way to change the situation, but could not find a suitable n.


    Finally, at about 15 oclock, as he was beginning to sumb to fatigue, he was distracted by a call.


    Dr. rk, how are you?


    Igor Bezobrazov appeared on the disy, who he had not been able to contact for a long time.


    Dr. Bezobrazov, long time no see. Honestly, things are not going very well with me.


    I see, but this is not my fault.


    rk could barely restrain the urge to swear in response, but Bezobrazov did not seem to care about this reaction.


    I failed - this is a fact, but the initial reason is that the project of the nt with the Star Reactor could not be stopped by political means. Bezobrazov opted not to take me for his failure to kill Tatsuya using his Strategic ss magic, Tuman Bomba


    In your position, doctor, it was inevitable.


    It was unnecessary to quarrel now. Still, rks voice contained some barb to it that he could not quite remove.


    I appreciate your understanding. In my position, I could not let Shiba Tatsuya go.


    Bezobrazov chose to ignore the barb in rks voice, rather focusing on his intent as he also realized the necessity of cooperation in their circumstances.


    But now the situation has be even worse! rk eximed.


    However, Bezobrazovs response, in which there as not even a hint of self-reflection, caused an explosion of anger in rk.


    Killing Shiba Tatsuya. Wonderful n! Nothing can be done that he failed. Just the enemy was stronger.


    Bezobrazov on the screen made a displeased face, but rk had expected this.


    But thanks to your hostile actions, the peaceful nature of Project Dione is now in doubt, rk continued.


    Was there any reason to pretend to be a peaceful project? Bezobrazov asked.


    Huh? rk replied, confused.


    Even after seeing the anger evident on rks face, Bezobrazov kept his cynic tone.


    The purpose of Project Dione is the elimination of the Strategic ss Magician Shiba Tatsuya. If this goal is achieved, the development of Venus will not matter.


    rk had nothing he could object to in this statement. Bezobrazov had urately stated the purpose of Project Dione.


    Then, Doctor, do you have any ideas?


    rk''s question was from despair.


    I dont know if you can call it much of an idea, but I do have a one-sentence offer, Bezobrazov responded.


    Bezobrazovs answer surprised rk, as he did not expect Bezobrazov to have anything specific.


    I''m listening to you.


    Even though rk only asked this to gain time, he still desired to find a way out of the current impasse.


    The current conflict wasunched unterally by the Great Asian Alliance, but tomorrow it is nned to end this war with the victory of our country. Bezobrazov stated this with confidence.


    Doctor, will you be using Tuman Bomba? rk asked.


    I am.


    The view that the war would be over by the singr use of Strategic ss Magic seemed nave at first nce. However, the Great Asian Allianceunched this war under the assumption of the absence of Bezobrazov. rk understood that if Tuman Bomba was used, the Great Asian Alliance would quickly end the war.


    The Great Asian Alliance initially invaded the Primorsky Territory of the New Soviet Union, and finding that there was not a counterattack with Tuman Bomba, continued their attack. Because of this, if they were to receive a powerful blow by the Bezobrazovs Strategic ss Magic, their morale would be broken and the war would be unable to be continued. Since the armies of the New Soviet Union and the Great Asian Alliance were approximately equal, the loss of morale of the Great Asian Alliances army would be fatal. Thus, the Great Asian Alliance would soon opt out of the war and the victory of the New Soviet Union would be assured. At least, this was the reasoning of rk and Bezobrazov.


    After this victory, our country will go south into the Sea of Japan.


    Are you nning an invasion of Japan!? rk eximed.


    Justification has not yet been invented, but dont worry. Were not going tond on Honshu because it will not be an invasion operation aimed towards getting new territories.


    ......


    rk was amazed that Bezobrazov was seriously considering invading Japan.


    You seem to understand. True, it will be a deceptive maneuver. I assume you know where the construction of the Star Reactor nt is taking ce? Bezobrazov confirmed.


    On a volcanic ind called "Miyaki Ind", located 180 kilometers south of Tokyo.


    Correct. This ind is located on the opposite side of the Sea of Japan where our army will move south. Bezobrazov stated.


    That is, you suggest we sabotage the nt during your advance to the south? rk asked.


    It is possible, isnt it? If the nt be the target of terrorists, what do you think the investors will think? They will have no choice but to cancel the construction of the Star Reactor nt, and Shiba Tatsuya will lose the pretext for refusing to participate in Project Dione.


    rk could not give an immediate response to the proposal Bezobrazov. Under most circumstances, this was a disastrous n that should be immediately rejected. If it was revealed that the USNA was behind the sabotage of the nt, their credibility would fall below the baseboard, and the risk of being revealed was rtively high. It was possible to hide the elimination of 1 or 2 people, but to hide the destruction of an entire nt? But for rk, suffering from a sense of hopelessness, Bezobrazovs proposal seemed like the only way to get out of the current impasse. Bezobrazov''s n tempted rk like the sweet whispers of the devil.


    When is the navy of your country advancing? rk finally asked.


    If everything goes smoothly, in five days - July 8th.


    Five days....


    I''ll be in time, rk thought. Preparation time was not an impassable obstacle in his mind.


    Okay. I understand, rk responded.


    I thought you would agree.


    Bezobrazov smiled contentedly.


    On the other side of the call, rk shivered at the coldness of the smile shown by the doctor.


    July 4, 2097, Thursday. The seventh day of the war between the Great Asian Alliance and the New Soviet Union.


    Major events pertaining to the New Soviet Unions position in the war happened during the morning. To start, the army finished redeploying its forces to the East to the Siberian region of the New Soviet Union, and the armored forces responsible for defending the region south of Khabarovsk began to move south.


    While this was happening, the naval forces of the Primorsky Territory, previously holding the Great Asian Alliances army back in the vicinity of Ussuriysk, began to retreat towards the Muravyov-Amursky penins.


    In doing this, the New Soviet Union aimed to capture the invading army with the help East Siberian District and Primorsky Territory forces. This gave the Great Asian Alliance two options:


    The first was to concentrate troops on the western coast of Lake Khanka in order to strengthen control over that territory.


    The second was to chase the Primorsky Territorys forces retreating to the south and capture divostok before the arrival of the East Siberian Districts army. If they sessfully seized divostok, they would no longer have to worry that their Naval forces heading to the north might be attacked from the side. This would allow the army of the Northeast region and the army of the Korean Autonomous Okrug to upy the west side of Lake Khanka (from the Great Asian Alliances perspective, return to) Primorsky Krai.


    The Great Asian Alliance chose the second option.


    The Great Asian Alliance began pursuing the retreating army. However, the time spent making this decisionbined with the difference in the speed of military equipment, so the distance between the armies continued to increase.


    As the distance between the 2 countries armies exceeded 20 kilometers, a dramatic turning point came in the war.


    Suddenly, the fog surrounding the Great Asian Alliance grew thicker.


    For a short period of time, the fog covered the military equipment and vehicles carrying about 6,000 soldiers.


    Retreat! shouted themander, trusting his instincts that sensed danger.


    Remove the fog!


    The staff officer who ordered this knew the true nature of this white veil, and quickly called out to the squad of magicians. But this officers quick realization, their reaction was toote.


    No, it would be more urate to say that their opponent - Bezobrazov - was too fast.


    The white darkness created by the thick fog was filled with magic sequences in an instant, and there was a st of explosive gas covering the super-wide region. It was a gas mixture made from splitting the molecr bonds of water - one part oxygen and two parts hydrogen. The temperature of this mixture can reach 3000 degrees when burned - quite close to the temperature at the epicenter of a nuclear explosion.


    However, unlike nuclear bombs, which concentrate the emission of heat at a single point, this explosion generated heat over an area of several hectares to several tens of square kilometers. In addition to this, the initial form of this Mist-bomb attack (a form in which attention is not even drawn to the enemys magic defense) differs from fuel-spray bombs because it ces all of the attack targets within the activation area inside the explosions epicenter.


    Rather than kill the enemy units directly with the heat produced by the explosion, this attack sends high pressure shockwaves below the explosion, annihting everything in its path - and its maximum strike radius wasparable to a multiple warhead nuclear missile.


    July 4, 2097, 8:55 local time. Japanese time: 7:55.


    One attack destroyed more than 70% of the invading forces of the Great Asian Alliance.


    The study hours of every National High School of Magic  from First High to Ninth High - were the same, with the first ss starting at 8:00. Schools only differed in the presence of a morning gathering/short ss before the first lesson.


    At First High, there were no morning meetings or ss hours before school, so students only arrived at the beginning first lesson. Third High, on the other hand, had made a habit of holding morning meetings in which the teachers exined current events to the students. However, these meetings were only avable to the "special


    courses", equivalent to the first course of First High to which instructors were assigned. Though today was the third day of exam week, the morning meeting was still held.


    Ichijou Masaki and his ssmates were waiting in their seats for 10 minutes before ss. The teacher, however, came into the ssroom with only 1 minute before to spare. He was a 50 year old man with a strong build, and this teacher was not one to achieve the respect of students by being friendly towards them, but one who relied on their clear leadership qualities tomand them.


    At 7:55, as the teacher was rying some of his experiences, powerful magic waves suddenly flowed through the ssroom. Masaki almost jumped as he felt the strong waves of magic. He was not the only one to have this reaction as several students in this ssroom actually rose from their seats.


    The teacher did not reproach them for this behavior.


    The morning meeting is canceled. All wait in their ces, the teacher said with a stern face as he gestured to the students who had stood up. After this, he left the ssroom.


    As he listened to the whispering voices of his ssmates, Masaki pressed his lips tightly.


    "The epicenter of the psionic waves was in the north... no, the north-north-west? The fluctuations were strong, but the epicenter was quite far away..."


    Masaki only felt that this had happened far away, but he automatically linked this incident with the conflict urring between the New Soviet Union and the Great Asian Alliance.


    At the training terminal, he opened a section of the world map around the Sea of


    Japan. The training terminals at Third High had ess to all sorts of geopolitical data, including data on military use of magic.


    "More than 800 kilometers away, but still containing so much power... Is this Tuman Bomba...?"


    Masaki shuddered as he realized the true power of magic causing the psionic waves, thinking that this was the real power of the Mist-bomb.


    In reality, however, Masaki had underestimated the true power of Bezobrazovs Strategic ss Magic: Bezobrazov had carefully controlled the power of the explosion, and only a fraction of the true power was used.


    The Third High students were not the only ones who caught the residual psionic waves Tuman Bomba. Therge-scale oscitions produced disturbed the magicians all over Japan. Tatsuya felt them as he was returning home from First High before using his Elemental Sight to investigate.


    "...The area covered by the explosions is about 3 square kilometers, and they extended about 20 meters upwards. The goal should have been the destruction of ground troops."


    The area of the explosions this time had been expanded to destroy more of the military vehicles of the Great Asian Alliance, which were spread over arge area.


    "The density of the magic sequences were low, but many explosions urred simultaneously over the vast area. There will be significant damage to their own country. Is this some kind of scorched earth tactic?" Tatsuya wondered.


    This was not the original meaning of the phrase, but they destroyed the enemy army at a cost of their ownnd. The government must be confident in the understanding of the people to use a tactic such as this. Still, the tactic was extremely effective. 150-200 tanks were destroyed in addition to the military equipment and infantry vehicles following, so the number of enemy soldiers killed should have been between 5 and 10 thousand people.


    "This is slightly different than what I expected, but the winner of this war was predetermined."


    Even Tatsuya could not have imagined that the New Soviet Union - or more urately, Bezobrazov - would perform such a self-destructive counterattack. Still, this ruthlessness would only add to the psychological shock that Bezobrazov was still alive and well, so the Great Asian Alliance would almost certainly be unable to continue.


    Tatsuyaid his head on the headrest of the car in the electric train and closed his eyes to focus.


    "... It was aplete rout. The Great Asian Alliance will not be able to conduct military operations abroad for some time." Tatsuya concluded. "Now, if the New Soviet Union sends the Far Eastern fleet, they will not worry about an attack from the rear. I dont know what excuse theylle up with, but... it must be that the fleet has already been mobilized.


    There is no more time to spare.


    Tatsuya said this out loud. He was developing new Strategic ss magic based on the Chain Casting of Tuman Bomba to prepare to stop the advance of the New Soviet Union fleet. Now Tatsuya realized he had to hurry with itspletion. Tatsuya only had to wait a couple more minutes before arriving at the station closest to his home. However, even this slight loss of time now stressed Tatsuya.


    At the time of Tuman Bombas activation, Liu Li Lei had not moved forward with the rest of the troops, staying behind in the rear. The n was for the infantry following the tanks and transport workers to unite with the main forces after defeating the enemy. Inpliance with this n, the officermanding Lius escort squad daringly decided to head north to upy the Vozdvizhenka airfield knowing that the army of the New Soviet Union was moving south from Khabarovsk. This n saved Liu Li Lei from the Mist-bomb.


    After the activation of Tuman Bomba, the officermanding Lius escort unit contacted headquarters ordering the unit to evacuate back to the territory of the Great Asian Alliance. Given the situation with the invading army being practically destroyed, this proposition was natural. However, themand Great Asian Alliances military ordered Liu Li Lei and her escort detachment to remain in their current position.


    Though the New Soviet Union had to know their location, they did not attack or surround the group Liu was hiding in.


    Tatsuya canceled both the trip to Miyaki Ind and his training session for "Sealing Sphere" with Mikihiko. Having notified Mikihiko of this, he retired in the morning to theboratory located in the basement of the building where he lived.


    His research data for the new Strategic ss magic was with him on a sh drive that he updated daily. Because of this habit, he was able to continue work on the new magic in the basement of his home without dy.


    The most surprising part of this was that he did not escort Miyuki. Of course, regardless of Tatsuyas presence, an escort always followed her at some distance, and Tatsuya always watched her with his Elemental Sight. Nevertheless, it was an exceptional case in which he allowed Miyuki to remain alone.


    But in this case, Tatsuya felt that all of his time had to be spent designing the new Strategic ss magic.


    He finished the basic design of the magic before dinner, but he did not have the activation sequence for the magic ready quite then. All he had was a blueprint describing the systems of the magic. After spending another day working, Tatsuya would have an activation sequence prepared for use, but he stopped at this stage for a reason.


    "It would be best to entrust thepletion of the activation sequence to an engineer close to the magician, who will be using it."


    Because of this idea, he sent the projects data to the First Laboratory, now known as the Kanazawa Institute of Natural and Magical Sciences, specifying the recipient and user of the magic.


    After killing Kudou Retsu three days ago, Minoru hid in his hideout at the Kobe shelter. When he finally met up again with Raymond and Regulus, it was already evening of the day Tuman Bomba destroyed the Great Asian Alliances army.


    Minoru, are you feeling better now? Regulus inquired restrainedly. Minoru had locked himself away for the past few days under the pretense that he felt bad.


    Almost everything is in order, Minoru responded.


    What Minoru meant by feeling bad was not a deterioration of his physical condition, as might have happened before his conversion into a parasite, but rather guilt at killing his grandfather. Minoru just wanted to be left alone, so Regulus acted reserved just in case.


    I see.


    As Minoru talked, Regulus got the feeling that Minoru was different, somehow from the way he was when they first met.


    ...It was like he was no longer a man. He looked more like a Parasite.


    That was the impression Regulus got as he looked at Minoru. Though he did not voice the though, it was still conveyed to Minoru. However, Minoru acted as if he did not notice.


    Did you two also feel the magic this morning? Minoru asked.


    Yeah. It was Tuman Bomba, right? Raymond joined the conversation at this point.


    I am not yet sure, but I believe the USNA will make a move off of this. I cannot confirm yet with the country, but I will ry the information as I find out, Regulus stated.


    Raymond only nodded with interest, but Regulus, as an elite soldier, thought about how this event would affect their actions.


    The Pentagon definitely has more detailed information than Stars. If you receive any instructions from America, give priority to them over our current goal. However, Jack, could you help me with something for now? Minoru asked


    Now? rified Regulus, not quite understanding


    The rainy season was not over yet. There was no rain today, but the sky was overcast so it was already dark outside. Now was the best time for doing an activity undetected. Even so, Regulus still thought that right now might not be the best time to start doing something.


    Well be back before midnight, Minoru assured.


    ...Alright. I will go with you.


    In the summer, the time difference between New Mexico and Japan is 15 hours.


    At midnight, Japanese time, at Stars headquarters it would be 9 am. If everything worked as Minoru imed, it would be unlikely for instructions from America to appear during their attack, and even if orders doe, Starss fourth squad that had prated into Yokosuka would inform them about itter. Regulus was aware that the three members of fourth squad - Vega, Speke and Deneb  had sessfully prated the base of Yokosuka as well as that Arcturus had failed his pration and was sealed in the process. It was not only he who knew this, either. Both


    Raymond and Minoru also knew this shared information through the telepathicwork of Parasites.


    May I go too? I do not want to be alone, Raymond asked.


    After Regulus had agreed, Raymond intervened in the conversation once more, making a disgruntled face.


    You do understand that this will be a secret pration mission, right? Raymond, I dont believe that suits you, Minoru said.


    However, Raymond objected, saying Its not a problem, in response.


    Minoru. Though Raymondcks experience, he has potential. I''ll cover at difficult times, so let''s bring him as well.


    Seeing that Raymond was starting to boil, Regulus intervened in their conversation so that the matter did note to an argument. Still, while he defended Raymond, he acknowledged that Minoru was right, so he offered to cover for him if necessary.


    Upon hearing Regulus arguments, Raymond stoppedining.


    Well, if Jack says so...


    Minoru also decided to yield, so they epted thepromise.


    They drove a car on the highway as they moved towards their destination. After driving for an hour, they arrived at their destination.


    Here we are, I suppose.


    The main house of the Kudou family. My house.


    Minoru responded to Raymond''s hunch himself. In order to avoid detection, they stopped the car some distance from the Kudou house.


    Kudou. It''s sad to have to sneak around his own home... Minoru came out of the car with a bitter smile. Regulus and Raymond followed him.


    My family should know by now that I have be a parasite, so nothing can be done, Minoru said.


    Shrugging, he headed for the back entrance to the house. Regulus and Raymond exchanged nces, then followed. Near the corner of the fence, Minoru stopped and looked at them.


    From here on, take care to not emit psionic waves, Minoru warned.


    Got it.


    Okay.


    Satisfied with their answers, Minoru went on. Both Regulus and Raymond had noticed Minoru use magic several times while they were walking, but neither of them understood what he had been doing. They walked right behind Minoru followed him inside the hedge fence. Once inside, they entered an imperceptible passage hidden by the fence.


    Suddenly, they were in front of a small door made in an old style. Minoru felt his breath catch.


    Now you may use magic, Minoru informed hispanions, turning around. Please neutralize the people on the 2nd and 3rd floors. I would prefer you not kill them.


    Affirmative.


    Hearing Regulus''s answer, Minoru nodded and opened the door. None of them took off their shoes, but that was quite natural given the circumstances.


    I''m so excited!


    Just don''t be silly, Raymond, Regulus warned.


    ncing at his partners for this expedition, Minoru headed to the first floor dining room. This is about the time that my family would be dining Minoru thought.


    Perhaps his two older sisters also came from their husbands'' houses to attend the funeral of their grandfather.


    "Though the funeral should be on Sunday in 2 weeks..."


    While locked up in his room, Minoru hadnt been wasting his time  he was collecting information. When he heard about the ns for the funeral of his grandfather, he was shocked at hisck of emotions before he convinced himself that his emotions were simply paralyzed. He was unable to recognize the possibility that his mindset had be that of a Parasite, because in his mind, he was still himself.


    This was the premise of Minorus actions. If this were to be proven false, he would no longer have any justification for his actions.


    Suddenly Minoru, sensing a sudden nausea, put his hand to his mouth. He took this as evidence that he had finally realized the death of Ojii-sama, but the sadness is alreadypletely gone," Minoru realized, telling himself. He had automatically distracted himself from his thought that his mindset might be bing that of a Parasite. Perhaps this was a self-defense mechanism.


    The Kudou familys mansion was extensive. To get from the back door to the dining room, one had to go through many corridors and rooms, but Minoru had grown up in this house. He knew the corridors by heart and was able to reach the dining room unnoticed without getting lost.


    Minoru instinctively reached out to knock on the door, but he realized what he was doing and stopped himself, smiling bitterly. He remembered that he was an intruder", and shaking his head, he lowered his hand to the handle and opened the door.


    Who is this!? ...Minoru?


    This was the reaction of his second oldest brother who sat closest to the door. He acted surprised, but this was likely because he had his back to the door when Minoru entered. However, the main reason for his panic was that Minoru had ceased to hide the signs of the Parasites presence.


    Minoru...!


    The eldest brother reacted a bit differently, but there he was simrly surprised: he jumped up so sharply that his chair fell. However, his surprise did not hinder his reaction as he pulled out his CAD and started and activation sequence.


    The magic he started was called Luna Strike. Automatically ounting for the fact that they are in a small room, he started a Mental-Interference magic.


    Kudou Haruaki, the eldest son of the Kudo family, was best at the external systematic magic of mental-interference of the Four Systems and Eight types of modern magic.


    Haruaki should not have been mistaken for attempting a basic attacking spell of mental-interference magic, Luna Strike. However, even with his experience, he failed to activate even this magic.


    Haruakis moon strike was canceled...?


    The eldest daughter of the Kudou family, Kudou Byakka, muttered this in a surprised voice. Haruaki was experienced with this type of magic, so his Luna Strike activation was very quick. None of his siblings would have been able to prevent the activation of Haruakis magic.


    Why did youe?


    Kudou Shino, Minorus mother, asked Minoru this with a calm face and a calm voice.


    Father has not returned home yet? Ignoring Shinos question, Minoru asked his own.


    Makoto-sama said he waste due to a factory inspection.


    Shino was more than 12 years younger than Makoto, so she always spoke like this


    not just in front of Minoru.


    At the factory? Minoru continued his questions.


    Although Minoru asked again with doubt in his voice, he immediately rethought his question, remembering that the Kudou family had invested in many military enterprises  there was nothing strange with him inspecting a factory.


    Would you tell me where this factory is located?


    Yes, of course.


    Sino instantly agreed, and gave him the address of a ce located on the outskirts of the Ikoma city  the same city in which this mansion resided.


    If you have business with Makoto-sama, then you should have said so from the beginning. If you had, Haruaki and the others would not be in such an inappropriate condition right now.


    Thus, she scolded them for such a cold reception from Minoru. Minoru was not shocked by her attitude.


    Kaa-san1, I have no more questions for you.


    Shino and his siblings Asuka and Byakka all frowned at this. Though the impoliteness of his phrase essentially saying I dont need you anymore also provoked discontent, they also had a vague feeling that his saying of Kaa-san had a meaning different


    than mother. However, neither the eldest nor the second daughter had time toprehend it.


    but I want my brothers and sisters to be my strength, Minoru continued.


    What do you mean?


    Asuka, the second daughter, asked this in an aggressive tone. However, her anxious face made it obvious that she was only pretending to be strong.


    Be my subordinates. Oh yes, I dont mean that I want to be the head of the Kudou family - this will only be temporary until I reach my goal. However, I realized that I am not a match for the Saegusa, Juumonji, and Yotsuba families, so I request your assistance to achieve my goals.


    Do you want us to betray families in the same position as us, the Ten Main ns!?


    shouted Soushi, the second son.


    What do you mean, Soushi-niisan? The Kudou family is no longer a member the Ten Master ns, Minoru retorted.


    Soushi didnt have any way to respond to Minorus parry, so he fell silent.


    Even if we are not a part of the Ten Master ns, we will not submit to a monster!


    Especially if it is you, the killer of Ojii-sama,, yelled the Haruaki. The willpower of the next head of the Kudou family was clearly strong. He once again tried to activate magic towards Minoru.


    Urgh...!


    1Minorus words in the original kanji imply that he knows the truth about his origins: that his mother was not his real mother and his parents were siblings Before he could activate his magic sequence, he grabbed his chest and bent over in pain. Minoru had activated a mental-interference magic causing pain with overwhelming speed.


    Please stop this useless resistance, Minoru said in an indifferent tone, looking at Haruaki. I understand that as former representatives of the Ten Master ns, you


    cannot kneel before a demon. That is why I do not wish to take the ce of the head of the family and do not n to ask for public cooperation. It is for you to secretly lend me strength in such a way that the Ten Master ns are unaware of it.


    Minoru gave an innocent smile, like a child  containing no hidden meaning or ttery  while also giving the smile of a monarch  an uncaring smile that does not care about the feelings of others.


    Minorus words were not answered. Haruaki did not know what to say, both daughters and the second son were intimidated by their difference in power. His


    "official" mother showed no fear on her face, but she pressed her lips together and turned away from Minoru''s gaze.


    I understand that you cannot agree to my request without the permission of my father. I''ll talk to him first, so please wait here, Minoru told them.


    As soon as hepleted his speech, Minoru activated mental interference magic forcibly putting them to sleep. His "mother, sisters, and brothers each fell from their chairs as if all their all of their strength had been taken from their bodies.


    Still, this could be called the better oue as if they had fallen onto the table, their faces would have been covered in food.


    Minoru had not limited his magics activation range to his family members. All of the servants and workers who were on the first floor fell asleep at the same time, and though some of them were injured as they fell asleep while working, Minoru found all the injured and applied healing magic to them. Once he was finished, Minoru met Regulus and Raymond in the hall leading to the main entrance.


    Minoru.


    When Regulus came down the stairs and called Minoru, he stopped and looked up at him.


    Have you finished? Minoru asked.


    Yes, they are all sleeping. Three were able to provide some resistance, but in the end we managed to put them to sleep without killing them.


    Excellent.


    Minoru nodded with a smile.


    By the way, I assume you asked us to put them to sleep and not to kill them because you want to use them somehow? Raymond asked curiously as he came down after Regulus.


    Im not looking for help from the servants of the main house, but rather from subordinates working outside the main family. However, since rtives and friends may be here, I would rather not make myself their enemy, Minoru exined.


    Hmmm... Still, after killing Shogun Kudou, isn''t it a bitte to worry about that?


    Raymond! Regulus reprimanded.


    Raymond sucked in his neck when Regulus chided him, raising his voice. Minoru, that, well...


    Jack, don''t worry about it.


    With a soothing tone, Minoru answered in a hurry to give an excuse for Raymond.


    I killed my grandfather - that is a fact. However, there are also many people who pledged allegiance to my father and not to my grandfather. These are the people I n to ask for help.


    Heh...


    Raymonds answer had not contained any sign of having contemted his words.


    This might have been why Minoru was not angry.


    Lets go to where my father is now. Please follow me, Minoru said as he left through the main entrance without waiting for an answer.


    The Kanazawa Institute of Natural and Magical Sciences (formerly the First Laboratory of the Development of Magic Abilities) had a dormitory with single rooms for researchers. Kichijouji Shinkuro, a student of the Third School of the National University of Magic, also worked as a researcher at the institute and lived in the afore-mentioned dormitory.


    Third High, like First High, was in the middle of their examination week.


    However, Kichijouji did not need to spend much time preparing for exams, so he only nned to spend about two hours preparing for the next exam and spent the rest of the time on research. As he had discovered a Cardinal Code, he was free to spend his time and the budget of the institute to work toplete the theory of the Cardinal codes,


    but his work was not limited to research on Cardinal Codes. Magic science had not yet reached a stage of development to have specialized sections, and leading researchers often put forward new hypotheses on a variety of different magical topics.


    Kichijouji practically lived in theboratories of the first institute, and recently the boundaries between his work time and personal time had began to blur even further. Even today, he returned to hisboratory after dinner and turned on his terminal, intending to continue his research. His ns were halted, however, as he discovered a message on his terminal. Outside messages were tested for security, so if it had reached his terminal, it was safe.


    From Shiba Tatsuya...?


    Kichijouji opened his eyes wide after seeing the name of the sender. He knew the message would concern theory of magic because it was sent to the institute, but Kichijouji and Tatsuya had no previous rtionship in the form of exchanging research. They hadnt exchanged personal messages, either, so there was no precedent for this message. This message waspletely unexpected for Kichijouji, but he began to read it with the thought,  what did he send me?


    ...What...!? he eximed.


    He elerated the speed at which he was reading, but before he finished reading the message, he opened the attached file. The contents of the message were so shocking that he wanted to confirm it as soon as possible.


    ....


    The file contained a blueprint of an activation sequence. The message contained a description of how the activation sequence would build the magic sequence: it described in detail what base magic to use in creating a working magic sequence in addition to describing what modules to include in the activation sequence.


    Kichijoujis eye caught an unknown module in the picture while skimming over it.


    Chain Casting?


    Kichijouji had never heard of such a technology before.


    The technology on which Tuman Bomba is based...Is that true?" Kichijouji thought.


    He still did not understand why Shiba Tatsuya provided him with such secret information.


    He re-read the module entries, confirming that this was not an intricate joke.


    The required ability to calcte this magic is too high. Even I couldnt handle it.


    After reading the description of the Chain Casting module a few times, Kichijouji noticed this problem. Whenpared to the average magician, Kichijouji had a much higher ability to handle magic, but even with his abilities, Chain Casting was too much for him to calcte. Chain Casting was a technology that allowed one to performrge-scale magic by copying small sequences of magic in a chain.


    However, the amount of information caused from the "secondary" sequences of magic was quite simply, huge. In order to reduce the total amount of calctions required, the size of each magic sequence waspressed to the maximum, but even with this in mind, this was an impossible task for one magician to cope with.


    You can reduce the load on the magician by processing all of the variables with a high-performance CAD. But even doing this, Goki-san would probably not be able to handle it. But Masaki could seed.


    Kichijouji stopped as he heard his own voice.


    "Will this be used by Masaki?"


    He thought this without speaking it out loud.


    "...If you reorganize the activation sequence by specifying the desired size, would Masaki be able to use it?"


    Kichijouji reread the basis of the project again before he understood the true meaning behind the nned magic.


    "It cant be..." Kichijouji thought.  Is this the basic idea behind Break, a wide scale magic applied to the water surface with the help of Chain Casting!?


    Kichijouji read through to thest lines of the text, which he had not reached earlier.


    They read:


    "Kichijouji and Ichijou, I wish you luck."


    As he arrived at the address he received from his foster mother, Minoru frowned at the building. As far as he knew, this factory produced androids, the production of which used thetest nanotechnology. They quickly entered through the


    main entrance by using Golden Electronic Silkworms without bothering to conceal themselves.


    As they expected, the guards soon appeared. They consisted of female-model androids  they were the so-calledbat gynoids. Moving cleverly and quickly, these gynoids started to attack Minoru, but Raymond''s psychokinesis pushed the robot soldiers back.


    Oh? They are sturdy? Raymond said, surprised that his attack had not done much.


    Raymond had applied psychokinesis with the intent to crush the gynoids.


    However, the mechanical bodies of the gynoids did not break, and gradually pushed forward against the psychokinesis. Suddenly, sparks flew as the gynoids experienced electric shock  caused by Regulus magic. The gynoids froze and fell to the floor.


    These robo-soldiers are quite effective. The strength of their enclosures is astounding.


    Regulus expressed his impressions of the gynoids as a soldier himself. However, Minorus was not focused on the performance of the machines, but on a different thought: "Are these dummies for making parasite dolls...?"


    Come on. Lets not waste time.


    Minoru kept his suspicions to himself, and Regulus and Raymond hurried on. Minoru left them and searched for his father, eventually finding him on the production line.


    I thought you would be in the control room, Makoto said.


    Minoru did not respond to these words. Makoto may have had a desire to talk, but the crowd of people that had closed in on them made this impossible.


    Could you let go of your guard? I''m not going to cause trouble if you dont attack me. You dont need to worry about the factory.


    A group of workers hiding behind the most recently produced robots (non-humanoid robots) showed relief on their faces when they heard the words of Minoru. One person was in a shirt with trousers, but the rest were in work overalls.


    These were clearly employees of this factory. In contrast to the attire of the workers, the men in front of Minoru in dark suits - not suitable for wearing at the height of summer  rather than relief, their expressions grew more tense. Everyone there


    was on their toes due to the intense atmosphere  even a slight sudden action could cause them to attack.


    Leave us.


    Kudou Makoto finally spoke, requesting privacy. After a bit of hesitating, the crowd of bodyguards finally parted.


    We have not seen each other for a while now, father.


    Minoru showed no signs of timidity towards his elder, but this was obviously due to their vast difference in strength. Still, given their rtionship, this could be perceived as unnatural.


    I thought you woulde much earlier, Makoto responded.


    Makoto should probably have shown a bit of guilt, but his expression was neutral.


    I originally thought that you were a defective product, but it turns out that you were just unfinished. Still, I didnt expect you to beplete by bing a monster.


    Minoru did not get angry or cry from Makotos harsh words, and instead he smiled coldly.


    Thank you for showing your true feelings. Thanks to this, now I, too, may not feel guilty, Minoru said.


    I didnt think that monsters would have emotions like guilt, Makoto mused.


    Theres a theory that the true body of the Parasite arises from activities originating in the minds of people. If its true, then its not surprising that we have human emotions,


    Minoru exined.


    Thats if its correct.


    Makotos aggressive behavior didnt change Minorus attitude much, but Minoru lost the desire to continue this empty conversation with his father and got to the main point.


    This factory is making dummies for parasite dolls, isnt it?


    Did youe to ask about this? Makoto avoided Minorus question.


    How many such dolls are in stock? Though, I guess you can not answer. Hey, you, over there, answer me.


    Minoru interrupted Makoto and turned to the man in the shirt.


    W-we have 24 fullypleted dummies, and 12pleted by more than 50%.


    In total, 2 times more than ready ones with a transnted parasite? Father, I thought you abandoned ns to sell them to the SDF, Minorumented.


    Why should I have stopped? There were no problems with the dolls themselves my predecessor simply chose the wrong way to check them.


    By predecessor," he meant Kudo Retsu. Minoru also agreed with the utility of parasitic dolls, but Minoru grew colder at Makotos words reprimanding Retsu.


    Minoru silently condemned his father for his words.


    In that case, I ask the Kudou family to obey my orders regarding bothpleted and unfinished dolls.


    Minorus voice held a lot of pressure now that he had gotten colder.


    Alright, Makoto said.


    Minoru felt that Makoto had responded too easily, and wondered if Makoto had actually processed his demand.


    Head-sama, are you sure!?


    His bodyguards showed the natural reaction to Makotos agreement.


    Resistance is useless, Makoto answered them in a lifeless tone. It was slightly different than the indifferent way he usually spoke. Minoru is the finished product of the ninth magicians. He defeated the Patriarch, so now Minoru is the most powerful magician in the Kudou family. Its natural for us to obey him, Makoto finished.


    Neither his voice nor his face expressed any discontent, and when Makoto said


    finished product, his voice had a feeling of satisfaction rather than discontent.


    Makoto was proud of what his son had be.


    While Minoru was at the factory gaining the obedience of the Kudou family, Tatsuya and Miyuki were eating ate dinner.


    Sorry about today.


    Tatsuya suddenly apologized without any preliminary words.


    Onii-sama... I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    Miyuki rolled her eyes as she asked what was going on.


    Today you had to return from school alone.


    Oh, thats are you talking about...


    Miyuki had been slightly stressed from the misunderstanding, worried that her brother was apologizing in advance for some job he had to do.


    I know that Onii-sama is worried, but Onii-sama is no longer my Guardian, and the bodyguards do a fine job.


    Even though you say you dont need it, I cant help but worry, Tatsuya said.


    R-really? Thank you


    Miyuki blushed, looked away, and whispered: "Onii-sama is so dishonest."


    Tatsuya heard these words, but opted to ignore them. He was not sadistic enough to give Miyuki the stress it would take to exin herself. At this point, there conversation paused until they finished dinner, removed their dishes from the table, and sat across from each other drinking from coffee cups.


    May I ask what Onii-sama did today?


    Miyuki started with this question. She believed that Tatsuya should not have apologized, but also was interested in what her fianc was doing.


    ...Of course.


    Tatsuya hesitated momentarily, but nodded after a short dy. He had not originally nned to discuss it, but decided that there was no reason to keep this a secret from Miyuki.


    It is possible that the New Soviet Union, now victorious over Great Asian Alliance, will go south across the Sea of Japan.


    New Soviet Union ns to start a war with Japan!? Miyuki eximed.


    I doubt that they would suddenly dere war, but they can make up another reason to send a fleet. For example, to seize "war criminals" who allegedly fled to Japan after the end of the conflict, Tatsuya exined.


    Is it possible that the Japanese government would ept soldiers who have escaped from the Great Asian Alliance?


    In this situation, any justification will do. As for the purpose of the New Soviet Union, I have several guesses, but whatever it is, we must be prepared for a real invasion.


    Will you act the same way as you did during the Yokohama incident?


    I wont be able to ignore it. One of the conditions for His Excellency Todo to provide support for the ESCAPES project was the formation of a force holding back the military ambitions of other countries. However, unlike the Yokohama incident, this will not end just by using Material Burst once.


    Why?


    Unlike the Great Asian Alliance that time, the New Soviet Union is aware of the existence of an explosion from the direct conversion of matter to energy. If they resort to military action, they will likely take countermeasures to ensure that cities and bases are not destroyed, Tatsuya answered.


    But I think that there is no way for the New Soviet Union to defend against Onii-samas magic... Miyuki said.


    It is impossible to say for sure that there is no magical means of protection against the explosion of matter, but there is also a way to prevent me from carrying out an attack without applying magical counteraction.


    How is this possible? Miyuki asked.


    For example, they could dere divostok to be unprotected.


    What would this do?


    By dering a city unprotected, they are iming that military facilities adjacent to it will not stop an attack on it. The existence of military objects makes them a military force, but if the military port of divostok is attacked with Material Burst, the city will also be damaged. The magic is too dense to be used to attack a dense area. We


    wont be able to use Material Burst if we dont want to be a criminal country known for ignoring international martialw, Tatsuya exined.


    I think thats a bit suspicious Miyuki responded.


    Indeed, it would be quite questionable. However, even if we know it to be a hoax, if they make the im officially, we would have to respect it.


    Miyuki did not even try to hide the fact that she couldnt ept this, but the rule was the rule, no matter how ridiculous. Excuses in international politics could be said to have an attacking force greater than nuclear weapons.


    There are also ways to prevent the use of Material Burst against naval forces. By preparing a fleet of refugees and keeping them at a distance such that stray bullets from conventional weapons would not be able to reach the fleet, the fleet would be safe from ordinary military fights, but I would not be able to use an explosion great enough to destroy the fleet without damaging the fleet of refugees.


    All problems due to too much destructive power. Couldnt you regte the power appropriately? Miyuki asked.


    The destructive power is too difficult to regte, and Material Burst is not a magic that can be practiced so easily. This is the greatest weakness of Material Burst: it is a weapon effective only for annihting the enemy and not fighting with finesse.


    Because of this, a different method of interception is needed if the New Soviet Union chooses to attack.


    So this is why Onii-sama has been developing new magic?


    Miyuki asked this with shining eyes, with no trace of her previously gloomy face.


    Tatsuya slightly smiled at this transformation, then nodded with a serious face.


    The basic blueprint has already beenpleted, and I left further work to those who will be using this magic, Tatsuya answered.


    Onii-sama will not use this magic? Miyuki said, surprised.


    I cant use any magic except Dposition and Recovery. Tatsuya smiled.


    ...I apologize. Miyuki had momentarily forgotten about Tatsuyas weaknesses as a magician.


    Its okay.


    Tatsuya, with his smile seeming to say, don''t worry, had still not told Miyuki about the basis of the new Strategic ss magic using Chain Casting. He had only told this to Kichijouji in order to use Masaki. However, if one were to think only about suitability...


    The system of Chain Casting was also suitable for Miyuki.


    Themand system of Stars required orders for operations to be transmitted from the headquarters in the Pentagon directly to themander in chief. However, due to the absence of themander-in-chief, the order was instead delivered to the basemander.


    Local time: July 4, 10:00. Japanese time: July 5, 01:00. Colonel Walker, the basemander, was speechless when he saw the order.


    I can understand the sabotage of the Star Reactor nt, but...


    The order contained a strategic n that was written some time ago in order to eliminate the threat of the Strategic-ss magician Shiba Tatsuya. The first part of the n consisted of destroying the Star Reactor nt, followed by using international pressure to force him to take part in Project Dione. Though less reliable than a direct method such as the murder of Shiba Tatsuya, the level of risk of the operation was significantly lower inparison so themand gave the go-ahead to the n. The actual implementation had been canceled due to the reappearance of the Parasites, but the n was still considered to be a reliable way to deal with Shiba Tatsuya so it was now being taken off the shelf. It was somewhat expected for the n to be tried now that the matter with the Parasites had be somewhat stable, but still


    Were supposed to aplish this during a diversion maneuver by the Far Eastern fleet of the New Soviet Union...?


    Walker was well aware that the USNA and NSU were coborating on the Dione project, but he couldnt fathom the idea that cooperation in military operations was in the realm of possibility. For the soldiers who had fought the NSU on the battlefield, this oue was especially unthinkable.


    I guess one should not dwell on the past...


    However, Walker could notpletely convince himself of this. Even high ranking officers could not help but be affected by their emotions on this topic, so the feelings


    must be especially intense for the soldiers who had risked their lives on the battlefield.


    Walker was worried about having to choose candidates for this operation.


    I need to be careful with the choice of candidates, but no, its toote now.


    The stars had already sent teams to Japan, and it would be too much to recall the current teams and send new ones to rece them. Regulus and Vega''s squad had sessfully prated Japan, so from this point on, there was no possibility for changes in the roster. People from another unit would be sent for support, but Walker was not involved in this. As he went through this chain of thought, Walker remembered something.


    ...At the beginning ofst month, the sabotage at the Star Reactor nt was entrusted to Arcturus and Vegawould Captain Arcturus be able to return to this mission despite being seriously wounded immediately after entering Japan?


    July 5, early morning.


    Two women wearing American Army uniforms entered Yokosuka Naval Base.


    A USNA aircraft carrier was currently in the bases port, so most officers and soldiers of the American army did not attract much attention. These two women, on the other hand, were noticeable because they both looked as if they hade off the covers of fashion magazines.


    One was a typical "urban beauty" with short, brown hair and brown eyes. Her demeanor gave off an atmosphere that made her look stylish even in her short-sleeved training t-shirt.


    The other was a charming beauty with a Scandinavian appearance: long, silver hair and deep blue eyes. She also had big breasts, which, only covered by a tank top, offered a significant distraction to the young male soldiers.


    Ahhh the heat...


    Fanning her chest with her hand, Le Deneb (the Scandinavian beauty) groaned as shepleted the training. It was not just jogging: it was a tougher training thatbined sprints, jumps, squats, and stretches.


    AhJapandidnt expectso hot... Le mumbled as she tried to get her point across.


    The high temperature and humidity are caused by the tropical ocean air mass typical for this time of year. As she swept the sweat from her forehead, Charlotte Vega (the city beauty) responded artictely to the brokenints of Le.


    Now I understand why First Lieutenant Spica did not want to go out... Le had recovered her breath somewhat as she listened to Vega speak, and was now able to make sentences.


    These three women, when including Lieutenant Spica, mentioned by Le, were a squad of Stars currently infiltrating Japan. All three had been turned into Parasites before going to Japan, and even though they had been transformed against their will without any warning, after the assimtion waspleted, they did not show any dissatisfaction with their situation. Their discontent at the moment was primarily because they still had to sumb to the heat despite having ceased being human.


    Independence is back, Le observed.


    On the way back to their hostel, they saw outlines of the aircraft carrier that had prated Japan. This was the sixth generation of the Independence aircraft carriers  war veterans whose construction had begun even before World War III. The original blueprints required the ship to be equipped with a nuclear reactor, but since the instation of nuclear reactors on warships had been banned during the war, it had to be reced with a hydrogen turbine engine.


    I hope for good news, Vega responded.


    Independence left the port at night to train the night departure and new arrivals, but behind this front was also a hidden goal: to obtain secret information and instructions that could not be transmitted by radio.


    I want to quickly find out where the traitor girl is hiding.


    In an annoyed voice, Le continued following Vega. The "traitor girl" she mentioned was Lina.


    They would not send the message if they did not find her, Vega stated.


    They had managed to find out that Lina was not hidden by the Japanese government, but by some other organization. However, they were no closer to finding Lina as the Japanese government imed to not know the location of this other organization that was hiding her. Despite this, Vega and Le believed that the


    Japanese army had to know the location of the traitor Sirius, and if they increased the pressure on them, they would eventually confess. In any case, they would probably loosen up if they destroyed a couple suspicious objects.


    Vega had never been a soldier who cared much about political gain, but she was also not a soldier who seriously thought about performing terrorist activities.


    However, once she became a Parasite, her mindset changed much more noticeable than that of the other members of the Stars.


    July 5, 2097, 8:00.


    Regulus received an order from the headquarters of the Stars through the telepathicwork of Parasites while returning to Kobe shelter. An aircraft carrier lying in the western part of the Pacific Ocean first received this order by telegram, and with the help of a fighter jet, sent it to the Independence aircraft carrier stopped in the port of Yokosuka. After that, Vega transmitted the order to Regulus through the Parasite collective consciousness. Since the information had been transmitted this way, the information was also transmitted to Raymond and Minoru.


    What do you think? Regulus asked Minoru in a physical voice.


    Although Minoru was a Parasite, he still retained his human individuality. Minoru could freely gain ess to the collective consciousness of the Parasites, but Regulus, Raymond, and the other Parasites in Stars were unable to ess Minorus thoughts.


    The Star Headquarters order coincides with the distracting tactics I wanted to ask you about, Jack. I would like you to join in the sabotage of the Star Reactor, Minoru answered


    During that time, will you take that girl? Raymond asked instead of Regulus this time.


    Exactly. Raymond, do you want toe with me? Minoru asked


    No, I should help Jack.


    Minoru did not object to this distribution of roles.


    Even if you didnt say anything, I was still going to follow orders from headquarters, but... Regulus started.


    Does something bother you?


    After a direct question to Minoru, Regulus overcame his indecision.


    Before that, I would like to confirm the current status of Commander Arcturus, and, if possible, free it from sealing.


    Arcturus had been sealed by a Japanese magician of ancient magic immediately after arriving at Zama base and had remained in the transport ne since his arrival.


    Regulus felt it.


    Okay. Let''s go and take a look at the state of Commander Arcturus, Minoru responded.


    Minoru could have denied Regulus''s this, but instead he agreed to help.


    Should we go to Tokyo when the fleet of the New Soviet Union starts moving south, then? Raymond asked.


    Raymond''s suggestion was entirely appropriate, but Minoru shook his head with a smile.


    If the situation develops in ordance with the strategy of the Stars, then neither the Ten Master ns nor the self-defense forces will be able to check everyone whoes from the West.


    Minoru''s voice was filled with confidence in their freedom of action.