During the lunch break that day, Tatsuya made his way to the staff room to see Jennifer Smith. School regulations dictated that any extracurricular experimentation required a formal application and official sanction.
Jennifer scanned the list of magic sequences at the top of the document, her brow instantly knitting together in a frown.
"Gravity Control, Coulomb Control, Fourth-Phase Transition, Gamma-ray Filtering, and a Neutron Barrier? Shiba-kun, are you planning to test a high-output laser cannon?"
"That is not my intention," Tatsuya replied flatly.
Faced with his dry, clinical response, Jennifer moved on to the body of the application.
"This is an incredibly ambitious experiment... Can you guarantee the safety of the site?"
"It is guaranteed—mathematically."
Tatsuya's answer bordered on irresponsible, yet Jennifer didn't reprimand him. She knew the very purpose of an experiment was to bridge the gap between theoretical possibility and physical reality.
"During our school's presentation at last year's Thesis Competition, we used a Proton-Proton (PP) Chain Reaction to avoid neutron exposure. Why switch to a Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) reaction for this test?"
"Strictly speaking, the conditions required to use a PP chain reaction as a viable energy source are too demanding. In Senior Ichihara's experiment, a probability-manipulation sequence was used to force the reaction, but for a practical power reactor, the fewer sequences involved, the better. Besides," Tatsuya added, "while the PP chain reaction reduces the risk of exposure, it doesn't eliminate neutron emission entirely."
"...I see. However, I cannot grant permission on my own authority. I'll pass the application up the chain. You should have a decision by the end of the day."
"Thank you. Furthermore, I ask that this experiment remains strictly confidential."
Tatsuya hadn't expected immediate approval for the use of the radiation lab and the school grounds. With that final request, he gave Jennifer a polite bow and departed.
After school, in the Student Council room, Azusa asked Tatsuya if the experiment had been cleared. In response, Tatsuya handed her the application, now bearing the Principal's electronic signature and a set of attached instructions.
"It's been approved, though with conditions," he said.
"Conditions?" Azusa looked up from the digital paper, her voice echoing Isori's curiosity.
"The usual requirements: we need a faculty supervisor present."
"That makes sense," Isori noted. "So, which teacher is going to look after us?"
Just as Isori asked, the chime announced a visitor.
"It's Professor Tsuzura. It seems he's come to see us in person," Miyuki said, checking the monitor before turning back to Isori. Izumi was on her feet instantly, reaching the door to welcome the professor before the upperclassmen could even react.
"Professor, I'm sorry to have troubled you to come all the way here," Tatsuya apologized.
"Not at all, not at all! I've reviewed the procedure. It's a fascinating approach," Tsuzura replied, waving a hand dismissively, unable to hide his genuine excitement. "Now then, Shiba-kun. How do you plan to divide the roles?"
By 'roles,' he meant who would be responsible for which specific magic sequence.
"First, I'd like to ask Mitsui-san to handle the Gamma-ray Filter."
"Me?!" Honoka gasped.
"When it comes to controlling the frequency of electromagnetic waves, I know no one who surpasses you, Honoka. Will you help us?"
"Yes! I'll give it my absolute best!" Honoka nodded vigorously, her commitment secured by Tatsuya's simple request before she had even heard the full details.
"I'll ask Isori-senpai to manage the Coulomb Control. As for the Neutron Barrier, there's a first-year student I have in mind."
"A first-year? Is that wise?" Tsuzura interrupted, unable to hide his concern despite his trust in Tatsuya's other choices.
"Yes. She has a natural, almost innate talent for physical anti-projection barriers."
"And her name?"
"Minami Sakurai. She is a relative of mine."
"I see." Tsuzura settled back into his seat, his apprehension visibly easing.
"I haven't settled on anyone for the Fourth-Phase Transition yet," Tatsuya continued. "But for the keystone—the Gravity Control—I intend to leave that to my sister."
"A sound choice," Tsuzura agreed. "Then the primary issue is the Fourth-Phase Transition... Would Nakajou-san be unsuitable?"
"I would prefer the President to oversee the overall balance of the system."
"I see. That is indeed the more appropriate role for her."
As Tsuzura sank back into thought, Izumi raised her hand tentatively.
"Um... if you would have us, could you leave that task to us?"
Though the offer was unexpected, Tatsuya kept his expression unreadable, replying in a businesslike tone.
"By 'us,' do you mean you and Kasumi together?"
"Yes. I might lack the strength to do it alone, but if Kasumi and I work together, I'm certain we can be of use."
Upon hearing Izumi's words, four of the six other people in the room exchanged bewildered glances.
"...I knew Professor Tsuzura was aware of our situation, but I didn't realize Shiba-senpai knew as well," Izumi murmured, her eyes searching his.
"We can save that discussion for another time. Though that time may never come," Tatsuya replied smoothly, parrying her gaze. He turned to the large wall screen, displaying the experimental model.
"Professor Tsuzura, Mitsui-san and Nanakusa-san aren't yet familiar with the specifics. For the sake of clarity, I'd like to explain the process from the beginning."
With the professor's nod, Tatsuya laid out the details of the experiment for the Student Council. Though Azusa, Isori, and Miyuki already knew the plan, not a single person looked bored.
"...Technologically speaking, the 'Stellar Furnace' system is still in its infancy," Tatsuya concluded. "However, if this team works in perfect synchronization, I am confident we can successfully demonstrate what is considered one of the three great challenges of magical engineering."
With those final words, Tatsuya's "Stellar Furnace" project took its first small, yet definitive step.
As usual, Tatsuya remained several steps ahead of everyone else...
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