Knowing the personalities of Sawaki and Kirihara well, Yugen left them in Hattori's hands as the only one capable of controlling them. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say he had simply "offloaded the problem."
"I feel like you could stop them if you wanted to, Yugen-kun."
"You saw the 'Shield Down' incident during last year's Nine Schools Competition, didn't you? Their movements have become even more... glitched... since then."
"...I wonder if learning magic from you makes even Ancient Magic feel like child's play, let alone Modern Magic."
In Sawaki's case, his speed had increased to a point where he was becoming dangerously capable of keeping up with Yume or Erika. Kirihara, who already had a background in swordsmanship, could now unleash shockwaves infused with 'High-Frequency Blade' properties. As for Hattori, his hesitation in utilizing versatile magic had vanished entirely.
What would be the result of all that? Yugen could only imagine a future where the enemy looked utterly pitiable.
If asked if he could stop them, the answer was yes—but the truth was, he didn't want to. It was far more efficient for honing magic skills to let them vent their stress occasionally rather than let it build up; Gozo Kamiizumi was the living proof of that philosophy.
Colonel Hans Ernst—hailed as the "Return of Rudel" and the trump card of the South American Federation Army—was ready. He intended to skip the jet ski and proceed with his mission by hovering just above the water's surface using an application of flight magic.
In the midst of his preparations, a girl with crimson hair called out to him.
"You are Colonel Hans Ernst, correct?"
"Indeed, I am. And I take it you are the reinforcement from France?"
"Yes. Second Lieutenant Efia Mensah. I have been tasked by the commander of this operation to assist you, Colonel."
Since Hans' achievements could never be made public, the decision to assign him an assistant was likely a prudent one. Hans' role was the defense of the float section—the final defensive line—while the front line was held by the infamous "Man-Eating Tiger."
Yume dove into the water, clad in magic artifacts. Hans could naturally sense the "vibrations" from the direction he dove, as well as the presence of objects approaching them. Then, Yume kicked an object upward. A torpedo capsule breached the surface, and the deserters inside scrambled out in a panic.
"A suicide attack?"
"...Seeing them all climb out of the capsules, I'd say they aren't decoys."
With not only Yume but also the Japanese National Defense Force present, there was no opening for them to escape. While watching the skirmish between Yume and one of the deserters on the surface, Hans glanced at another enemy soldier emerging from the sea.
Suddenly, that soldier was blown away at a speed the eye couldn't follow, skipping across the water like a stone, creating massive splashes. The figure responsible landed lightly on the surface of the water.
"You are... Sawaki-kun, a graduate of First High, if I recall?"
"Are you Mr. Hans? I figured you were no ordinary person."
"What are you doing here... No, I should say, what are you all doing here?"
Normally, this was no place for civilians, even mages. Hans thought it would be easy to persuade Sawaki if he were alone, but he quickly realized Kirihara and Hattori were there as well. Kirihara held what looked like a staff for stick-fighting, but was actually an integrated CAD disguised as a wooden sword. Hattori was providing magical support while maneuvering a jet ski.
"...Colonel."
"If we report this to Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, he'll only give us the runaround. If it means we don't have to reveal our own hand, we might as well let them help."
"Hoh, a flexible judgment for you, Hans," a voice echoed.
(They've already struck down soldiers of the Great Asian Alliance, even if they are technically incognito.)
Since no further enemy reinforcements were visible, they could focus on their primary role: defending the float. It was all in how one framed it; the Defense Force also stood to benefit from observing talent that could become future assets. Hans gave a plausible answer to Rudel's voice, but his true motive was simpler: a selfish desire to avoid the stress of dealing with the situation.
Hans contacted Kazama to confirm. Kazama's view was that while he had no authority over civilians who had "accidentally" joined the fray, as long as they were cooperative, he couldn't take a high-handed approach—especially since, officially, no act of combat had occurred. Hearing this, Hans let out a deep sigh.
When Yugen returned from his conversation with Kyoko, he noticed that Kanon, Sayaka, and Azusa—who should have been there—were gone. Not only that, but Miyuki, Minami, and even Lina were missing. Only Isori, Tatsuya, Shizuku, Honoka, and Second Lieutenant Minamihara (disguised as a waiter) remained. Minamihara had been promoted for his help during the Gongjin incident and was here as backup.
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