Chapter 12: Narrow-eyed Character
Committing a crime should come with absolute punishment, but the law damn well should prioritize justice and fairness, not be a tool for oppression or discrimination. Those in power better understand their damn responsibility to serve the greater good and protect everyone's rights. I said this is bullshit.
I never gave this crap much thought before, but my own hellish experiences showed me what the law itself is about.
Now, I'm forced to join the disciplinary committee, bound by the principal's damn decision. Defying it would be seen as rebellion against teacher authority, despite the vice principal's feeble attempt at consolation.
There are some perks to this position, though.
As a disciplinary committee member, I earn merit points and enjoy privileges like requesting CAD and other necessary equipment, a monthly allowance of around 75,000 yen to committee members.
It's only natural that we're allowed to carry CAD with us at all times, considering the nature of our tasks.
Despite this opportunity, I can't help but feel a lack of combat experience.
Now, let's shift our focus back to the present.
At the moment, my class is engaged in training exercises. Students are utilizing CAD to perform basic magic, such as moving a flatbed car. With no real-time teacher present, we rely on instructions displayed on a large screen.
As they waited in line to use the CAD, Leo struck up a conversation with Tatsuya, asking, "How does it feel to be in the student council room?"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the seemingly random question.
Tatsuya, however, took it in stride and responded with his usual calm demeanor, "Interesting...?"
Erika, who stood in front of me, turned around to inquire, her eyes locked on me, waiting for my response.
I glanced up at the ceiling, crossed my arms, and avoided her questioning gaze.
Tatsuya continued, "They asked me to join the Disciplinary Committee. How did it suddenly become like this?" I knew he was referring to my influence on his decision.
Leo chimed in, expressing surprise, while Mizuki had a more positive outlook, saying it was great to be scouted by DC.
"Great, huh? It feels like I'm just a shadow of my little sister."
Tatsuya's self-doubt puzzled me. Was he genuinely unsure of his abilities, or was it an act?
I met Erika's gaze again, her smile turning into a scowl. "What?" I asked lazily, tilting my head.
"Is that all that happened?" Erika's narrowed eyes showed her uncertainty, but I feigned nonchalance, nodding as if nothing else was going on.
"...Actually, Haku got a teacher's recommendation to fill a seat on the disciplinary committee," Tatsuya revealed.
I bit my tongue in annoyance.
Erika seemed amazed, and her expression seemed to say, 'Hm... it's not that strange. As expected.' She grinned at me, but her expression changed almost instantly.
"Troublesome task huh..." Erika mumbled, I was intrigued by the shift in Erika's mood.
What's going on with her? Is she angry because of my attempt to deceive her?
"...that woman, what a pain…"
I overheard Erika muttering, but I couldn't connect it to anything. It seemed like her frustration wasn't directed at me.
"Um~ on the other hand, isn't it better than having an arrogant but empty Course 1 student constantly in the spotlight? like Haku and Tatsuya-kun on the disciplinary committee?"
Erika's broad smile was aimed at me.
I sighed deeply. "Hey! You're holding up the queue..." I playfully poked her cheek, catching Erika off guard.
"Eh, sorry hehe~ That's really troublesome, huh? There's so much suspicion and injustice in the world. We can't expect positive results if we keep giving up,"
Erika said, steering the conversation into a somewhat off-topic.
I observed Erika's back slightly twitching, a sign that she was taking deep breaths to focus her psion. In a split second, imperceptible to the naked eye, psion fluctuations passed through her body, manifesting as light visible only to Magicians.
This light indicated that the activation and summoning didn't consume all the psion, leading to some wasted energy.
Skilled Magicians usually left a small amount of psion light, but I wasn't sure if the same standards applied to Magic High students. Nevertheless, since I was accepted as a student here, it meant my abilities were deemed acceptable.
When psion becomes light due to interference with photons, it shows the Magician's control over their magic. Fortunately, I had never exhibited any signs of wasted psion because of my ability, [Psion Control.]
As I completed the magic sequence, the flatbed car in front of the CAD lurched forward and then returned to its original position. Erika celebrated the successful results, looking more agile than before. Encouraged by her, I raised my left hand towards her, signaling that it was my turn.
The goal of this exercise was to accelerate the flatbed car to the middle of the track, slow down to the other end, and then repeat the process three times. The activation sequence I used involved six sets of acceleration and deceleration magic invocations, with no specified vector to assess our skills.
I adjusted the CAD's height and placed my palm on the white touchpad above the large box. As I channeled my psion flow into the CAD, I heard the confirmation sound of successful activation. The flatbed car moved steadily according to my instructions.
Today's task was simply getting used to operating the CAD, so there was no timer set for this exercise.
As I finished my practice, I turned around and felt a sense of boredom. After school, I planned to return to my lab and practice room for further refinement.
"Good luck," I said as I passed by Tatsuya, but I couldn't help feeling pressure and self-doubt. Why did he insist on playing the role of the "weak student" to such an extent? It perplexed me and left me wondering about his true abilities and motives.
---
After a series of school schedules, we headed back to the student council room. Dragging my reluctant body, I let out a deep sigh.
"Is something wrong, Haku?" Miyuki, who was walking between me and Tatsuya, asked with concern.
"Yes, all of this feels like a mistake," I replied, chuckling as I placed both my arms behind my head.
"Eh? Isn't this something to be proud of? I believe you and Onii-sama are well-suited for those positions as first-year students," Miyuki cheerfully responded, seemingly influenced by Tatsuya receiving the student council recommendation.
"I thought you'd be angry or something. Honestly, I was just teasing and trying to make Tatsuya a little upset," I admitted.
"I see, so that's what you meant..." Tatsuya muttered with his usual poker face. I couldn't help but be amazed by his calm demeanor. Perhaps he frequently meditated in the mountains or something. Nah, asceticism and all that was just nonsense from my grandfather.
"Well, it's not entirely my fault. If you were angry, you should have given Morisaki a thrashing..." I said mischievously, turning to Tatsuya.
"Not that I couldn't, but the school rules protect Morisaki from that," Tatsuya replied with a wry smile.
"Man, that's cold," I responded, unable to hide my widening smile upon hearing his words.
Miyuki let out a long sigh.
"You should restrain yourself. Besides, it seems that the rumor about you being on the teacher's recommendation for the disciplinary committee seat has spread throughout the school. If you want to do something strange, you should rein yourself in now."
"Word spreads quickly, huh? So, what happened on the other side...?" I asked resignedly, curious about the reactions to the news.
"Since it's the first time a Course 2 student has been recommended by a teacher, naturally, the reactions were surprised. I sensed a tense atmosphere in the class, but not everyone was as negative as Morisaki," Miyuki explained as we arrived at the student council door.
"Next time, freeze him with your magic. But I suggest you hold back," I said.
"Do you think I'll kill someone?" Miyuki pouted as she turned to face me. I responded with a wide grin.
"While you could, naturally if you did that, I would be disappointed," I replied.
Tatsuya, already at the student council door, "knocked" to signal our entrance.
"Excuse me."
As we entered the room, an inexplicable tension filled the air. Without much explanation, I noticed the figure who was absent from the student council earlier in the day. I assumed it must be the student council vice president.
His name is Hanji, right?
Whatever his name was, I didn't care. Even with a good memory, I had a habit of not remembering people's names well.
Glancing to the side, I saw the Shiba siblings finishing their formal greetings. To be honest, I didn't understand the tiresome etiquette involved in such greetings.
"Yo! The three of you made it," greeted Watanabe-senpai and Saegusa-senpai casually. The other seniors were busy at their terminals, while the man who seemed idle turned towards us with furrowed brows, apparently aware of the newcomers.
I could read his expression, which seemed to say, 'Fuck?! Who brought Weed into the room?' That was my interpretation.
Walking toward us with a hostile gaze, he had one purpose. A glance allowed me to sense his competence based on his Psion count.
"I am the Vice President, Hattori Gyoubu. Shiba Miyuki, welcome to the student council," he said, his voice sounding natural yet forced.
His right hand trembled slightly, indicating his hesitation when facing Miyuki's glare. Well, that was intense. I couldn't deny that I found it amusing that Miyuki refrained from yelling at the senior's rudeness. Tatsuya's expression seemed to say, "Thank God my sister didn't turn him into an ice sculpture."
"Now, let's not delay any further. A-chan, please," Saegusa-senpai instructed with a helpless smile.
"...Yes," Nakajou-senpai responded, looking weary and defeated.
I couldn't help but wonder why they didn't simply fire him.
Loli-senpai gave a forced smile before bowing her head and guiding Miyuki to the side terminal.
"Well, you two, let's go," she said, raising my eyebrows.
"Where to?" I asked, curious about our next destination.
"The Disciplinary Committee Headquarters. There are many things you should know firsthand. It's located next to this room, which means they're connected," she explained.
After listening to Watanabe-senpai's explanation, I realized that I wouldn't be able to have lunch with Saegusa-senpai as I had hoped.
Tatsuya and I exchanged a glance and took a deep breath simultaneously.
"That's an interesting design," Tatsuya commented, pointing at the door.
"I was thinking the same thing," Watanabe-senpai agreed as she stood up.
"More importantly, I won't be able to eat my bento in the committee room if Glutton-senpai shows up through that door," I complained, feeling disappointed.
"Hey! How many times do I have to tell you not to call me a glutton?" Saegusa-senpai retorted, coming over with a red face and pouting at me.
"Pfft!" The three seniors couldn't hold back their laughter, especially Loli-senpai, who seemed quite pleased.
The atmosphere had changed.
"Well, let's break that promise then," I said, grinning mischievously.
"It's completely unrelated! You promised, didn't you?" Saegusa-senpai pleaded, looking pitiful.
Oh man, This makes me want to tease her even more.
"Pfft! Alright, alright," I relented, rolling my eyes.
I turned to Watanabe-senpai and said, "Okay, let's move on, Cap."
Watanabe-senpai raised an eyebrow. "Cap?"
"It's short for a captain," I explained.
"I see," she said with a sadistic grin. Then, out of nowhere, she produced a folded newspaper.
"What are you planning to do with that?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion.
"I'm not sure yet, but I've used it to strike someone before," she replied, grinning even wider and showing a cold gleam in her eyes.
"Okay, okay, I surrender," I said, offering a simple smile.
She put her makeshift weapon down, satisfied with my response, and turned towards the door leading to the disciplinary committee room.
Tatsuya and I followed her, moving toward the back door of the room while still standing near the student council entrance.
As I waved at Saegusa-senpai, she averted her gaze and pouted silently.
"Watanabe-senpai, please wait a moment," a voice called out from someone other than Tatsuya and me.
Oh, for God's sake! I hope he doesn't ruin the improved mood.
"Is there something important, Hattori Gyoubushoujou Hanzou?" Watanabe-senpai replied, with an attitude that seemed to tease.
"Please don't call me by my full name!"
"Then let's go with Vice President Hattori Hanzou."
"Please call me Hattori Gyoubu!"
This ongoing back-and-forth annoyed me.
"Okay, okay, Mari, Hanzou has his quirks too," Saegusa-senpai said.
Everyone's gaze turned to the person who spoke—the president, who was still standing behind me and Tatsuya.
But the conversation didn't continue, so I guess that guy will complain again if the president calls him out on it.
Tatsuya and I exchanged a glance, thinking, "Hmm, interesting."
The man had calmed down completely, and his flushed face had returned to its original color.
"Watanabe-senpai, I want to discuss the replacement of the Disciplinary Committee with you," he stated.
I furrowed my brow in confusion. Seriously, now was not the time to go back to arguing about that.
"What?" she asked.
"I object to the appointment of this first-year student to the disciplinary committee," the man objected, which didn't come as a surprise.
"Which first-year student?" I asked.
"Both," he replied.
Watanabe-senpai let out a tired sigh and wrinkled her brow—not with anger, like when I called her "Cap," but with weariness from this nonsense.
"What's all this gibberish? Yuki Haku was recommended by Momoyama-sensei, the school principal. And President Saegusa is Shiba Tatsuya. She has the right to make appointments, even if they are only verbal. And you should be aware that your title is vice president."
Watanabe-senpai's tone was cold and unsatisfied.
The man gasped as if doused in cold water. The name I had already forgotten because it was so long clenched his teeth in dissatisfaction but quickly regained his composure.
While Azusa-senpai seemed visibly distressed, Ichihara-senpai calmly observed the situation.
The president remained in her seat, smiling as always.
Ugh... as I said before, I should stay away from this sadistic girl.
She observed the scene with that smile, giving me chills.
On the other hand, Miyuki, facing the terminal screen, appeared calm, but she was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.
"There's no priority in appointing 'Weeds' to the Disciplinary Committee."
The man not only denied but also mentioned a taboo term.
I have to admit, this guy dares to be a clown.
"That's a taboo term, Vice President Hattori. It's forbidden by the Disciplinary Committee. How dare you use it in front of me, the committee chairwoman?"
Watanabe-senpai retorted, her eyes sharp, and the man showed no sign of backing down.
"You can ban that term all you want. Are you planning to punish a third of the student body? The distinction between Blooms and Weeds is written in the school system and recognized by the school itself..."
"...The difference in ability would prevent the Committee from effectively policing the illegal use of magic in the school. Weeds with low abilities are incapable of fulfilling that task."
To the man's proud statement, Watanabe-senpai smiled coldly.
"The Disciplinary Committee is indeed ability-based, but ability comes in many forms. If we need to use force to suppress, that's what I'm here for. If one person can't handle it, the other members will help. That's how this team works..."
"...Currently, there are only two people who can match me—President Saegusa and Club Supervision Leader Juumonji. You just said that people with low combat ability aren't needed. So, are you planning to challenge me, Vice President Hattori?"
Watanabe-senpai exuded more confidence than him, despite his stubbornness.
I shook my head in annoyance.
This is taking too long.
"It's not my problem, but—"
I let out a loud yawn, drawing attention to myself.
"Why are you yawning?" the man shouted angrily, extinguishing everyone's laughter.
I chuckled.
"What's so funny!?"
"Well, you already said that ability is what matters, so you don't need my respect. Not that I want to give it, but the principal and the student council have already made their decision on this..."
"...Do you think the principal should pay more attention to your opinions? Or should he consider that you hold a stronger position than President Saegusa to reject a direct recommendation? The chairwoman of the committee had the option to reject the proposed candidate, but she chose not to."
As I said that, I continued to smile at this fool.
"Please! You need to understand how society works. It seems you're placing too much trust in your arrogance."
Everyone seemed to nod in agreement with my words. Nevertheless, this male student remained proud of being the strongest male in his surroundings.
It seems like he put a lot of effort into marking every location in this school with his feces. I've seen a lion in National Geographic, and they mark their territory by urinating. Works the same way, you know.
However, as I saw the anger on his face intensify in response to my words, I let out a long sigh.
"But it seems like you're not one to back down. How about we traditionally settle this?"
"What do you mean?"
Do I have to explain every little thing? Goodness gracious, this guy doesn't use his brain.
"A mock battle."
I responded simply, maintaining a serious expression.
The people around us reacted with surprise, except for Tatsuya.
"Seriously? I have to fight against a reserve?"
"Take it or leave it. I don't want to hear your complaints."
"Fine then, I'll show you how-"
"Hold on a second, buddy. You'll be fighting Tatsuya, not me."
"Huh?" Tatsuya gasped, his eyes widening.
"What are you scared of now!?"
"Me? Of course not. I simply want my friend to shine. Besides, Senpai, I've already demonstrated my abilities."
Watanabe-senpai simply smiled and nodded when I turned to her.
"You can count on me anytime. Don't worry, I'm not about to transfer schools or anything. By the way, what do you think, Miyuki?"
Instead of asking Tatsuya directly, I turned to Miyuki for her opinion.
"Of course! My brother won't lose in a real fight! Onii-sama's practical abilities may not be recognized, but that's because the assessment doesn't accurately measure his true potential. But if Onii-sama unleashes his full power-"
"Stop that, Miyuki."
Interrupting Miyuki, Tatsuya cut her off, as if he were holding something back.
Beside me, Tatsuya let out a resigned sigh and fixed his gaze on the narrow-eyed senior. His eyes seemed to say, "Since my little sister believes in me, I will win."
He stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and the senior while adjusting his tie.
"Alright, I'll do it."
In response to Tatsuya's words, the senior glared at him fiercely.
"Bring it on."
With that, Watanabe-senpai and President Saegusa exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.
"Then, with the authority of the Student Council, we grant permission for the two of you to engage in an official mock battle. The mock battle will commence after a 30-minute break, and you are allowed to use your personal CAD."
I grinned mischievously, realizing that I finally had the opportunity to witness some of Tatsuya's magic. To be honest, I didn't expect the battle to be particularly thrilling.
For a moment, I contemplated whether I should try to challenge him as well.
[Do you want to take the Quest?]
"Hm?"
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