Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon - Volume 01 - Eienherjar wakes Read online

  Prologue

  Spring.

  Kusanagi Takeru, who had just become a second year middle school student at the AntiMagic Academy, was currently freezing on his first day of school.

  The students thought they were just going to be lectured, but instead they were given Assault Rifles and ordered.

  "Now then, everyone~, start killing each other!"

  ...or so they were told, though it was just a game since they couldn't really kill each other with paint bullets.

  Their first lesson became a deathmatch between fellow classmates. It had a twenty vs. twenty format.

  At the beginning there were forty of them. So it appeared it was going to be a long battle, however it ended just 30 minutes later.

  "............"

  Kusanagi was lying on his back, facing the sky, feeling the cold muzzle pressed against his forehead, while feeling consternation.

  Immediately after the start, instead of using the rifle stool that was available, Takeru faced the deathmatch with a plastic bayonet attached, because of which his classmates to gave him curious glances.

  Nevertheless, the sword was the only weapon for Takeru, his only talent was swordsmanship. Unlike other students, who were not used to combat, he has been taught from an early age how to take advantage of darkness with a sword in his hand, so he had complete confidence.

  I will not lose, I will defeat you all, and have the world acknowledge the greatness of swordsmanship!

  In fact, Takeru hasn't lost a single time until now.

  I won't lose to anyone! Be it guns or magic, I'll cut through all of it!

  He was brimming with confidence.

  You're last... you may be a girl, but I will not show any mercy!!

  Completely confident he won't lose to anyone with the bayonet in his hand.

  “I... Lost...?”

  Gazing upwards, he could not believe what he has seen. A scene which would make anyone suspicious. She had sunset-coloured hair shining brightly and cobalt-coloured pupils. Like embodiment of mythical battle maidens, she looked down on Takeru.

  His defeat has blown away all the motivation he had after enrolling in the school.

  With strength and beauty which couldn't be described by words, the girl looked down at Takeru and pointed her gun at him.

  "It's my victory."

  That was the instant his dream 『Becoming the Inquisition Board's head and changing the world』 was easily shattered.

  That happened during his middle school days, two years ago.

  The 『Witch Hunt War』, when that fierce war between the witches and humanity has ended, the population went down to one-tenth of the original.

  Humans took 150 years to rebuild society, and the world has rapidly developed thanks to science and technology, things like internet and mobile phones are now symbols of economic growth.

  Witches are under regulation, and the fantastical creatures are nearly extinct. Only a few people can use magic in this era. The title of the strongest changed from swords to magic once, and now it changed from magic to guns once again.

  Chapter 1 - Problem children, assemble!

  Part 1

  The Inquisitional Agency formed by the government, also known as 『AntiMagic Academy』.

  Fear of witches, sorcerers and Magical Heritage has sprouted a new way of thinking and discrimination. In order to keep the magical threats in check, the country has established the Inquisition Board. People who possessed magical power – witches have rebelled against it.

  That unrest was later called 『Witch Hunt War』, an abominable war which consumed majority of human race and left a deep scar on minds of people.

  After the Witch Hunt War ended, Inquisition Board increased regulation and established law for punishing witches, they also created AntiMagic Academy.

  Inquisition's authority and power became an undeniable fact.

  "...am I fired?"

  In AntiMagic Academy's chairman's office, a girl with sunset-coloured hair frowned, refusing to accept it.

  "To be exact, you've been disqualified, which means you can obtain qualifications once again. Starting today you're no longer a member of Inquisition, but just a student of AntiMagic Academy."

  Sougetsu Ootori, AntiMagic Academy's and the Inquisition Board's president said with a faint smile. His appearance and motions could be described as neither male nor female, they held unique coerciveness and charm.

  "Why you were disposed of... you know right?"

  "............"

  The girl knew the reason so she remained silent. The chairman was sitting behind an old, luxurious desk and sipped his tea while leaning on the back of his chair.

  "Don't tell me you forgot about your recent failure. You're lucky that you've been given another chance to start over; the court hearing's result could've been much worse than that."

  "............"

  "You've abandoned your mission despite being a Witch Hunter『Dullahan』, this is the punishment for that."

  Sougetsu said that while raising both of his hands.

  In Inquisition everyone has an appointed role.

  Developing and maintaining various anti-magical weapons, the Blacksmiths『Regins』.

  Serving as intelligence and infiltration agents, the Coverts『Banshees』.

  In charge of all medical treatment, responsible for treating injuries caused by magic are Healers『Seelies』.

  An assault forward, possessing defensive equipment for interrogation missions, the Knights『Spprigans』.

  The ones that are allowed to investigate on their own and to participate in any combat the Witch Hunters『Dullahans』.

  Divided into different fields, inquisitors are not only witch hunting; they are addressing any and all events related to magic.

  It's been 150 years since the Witch Hunt War ended and those who use magic, witches and sorcerers are low in numbers, which resulted in status quo. People who are classified as 『witches』 are not allowed to have children, so outside of rare mutations, there isn't many people born with magical power.

  But witches aside there are different threats, a substance containing magic power, the『Magical Heritage』 is one of them.

  There are many different types of Magical Heritage in existence, swords, books, guns, vases, various pottery, paint brushes, leaves, tobacco, and even cigarette butts. Magic dwelling in inorganic objects is not uncommon in modern times, but very rarely one that's a tremendous weapon appears.

  Existence of some Magical Heritages mentioned in legends and myths has been confirmed for a long time, they are classified as irregular type and sporadically appear. It's not only weapons, there are also others that have high historical value, they are desired by collectors and traded on the black market for high prices.

  Arresting people who do not possess magic yet are members of religious cults worshiping false gods. Dealing with unimaginable supernatural disasters, protecting and researching fantastical creatures, and many, many more. It's a very wide range of work.

  "Well, you don't have to wait until the graduation, as long as you show signs of remorse returning to your original position can be taken into account. Learn from this lesson and don't make the same mistakes aga——"!

  "So you say. About the incident few days ago, I believe I did not take any wrong actions."

  The silent girl's interruption stopped Sougetsu from speaking. Such language from a member of Inquisition towards the chairman who is a superior officer should be prohibited, but chairman did not mind it at all. He put his elbows on the desk and rested his ch
in on his hands, smiling.

  "Ouka, I'll ask you one question, what do you think is an inquisitor's mission?"

  Sougetsu asked, the girl named Ouka narrowed her eyes sharply.

  "Protecting people from magical threats, also, extermination of witches and sorcerers."

  "Extermination huh, that's why your comrades gave you such a dishonorable name - Crimson Lotus Princess『Calamity』."

  "............"

  "As Inquisition, our mission is to arrest witches as well as to seize Magical Heritage. Killing and destroying is not our purpose."

  "...I understand that."

  "The age where we killed and destroyed indiscriminately is over; partially that's because of false accusations running rampant. Also, not every witch is evil, there are many people who didn't want to be one, we have to protect them."

  Ouka clenched her fists, boiling with anger after listening to Sougetsu's pretty words.

  "There's an old Japanese saying, for rice cakes go to the rice cake maker[1B 1]. The Inquisition does not have a role for killing witches."

  "...I want to say that I am aware of my own shortcomings, but at the time there was no other way than to kill the witch, or is arresting witches a higher priority than the safety of children taken hostage?"

  "Is putting a bullet in his forehead prioritizing saving lives? Did you not consider the possibility of killing the hostage?"

  "For me, there is no such possibility."

  Ouka said sharply, her eyes displayed complete self-confidence and conviction.

  Sougetsu sighed.

  "...anyway, from now on you're a student. All formalities have been completed, from today onwards do your best studying."

  Sougetsu opened his desk's drawer that contained documents.

  "Obediently accept your punishment, with your skills you'll be back in no time."

  "...I was in the middle of investigating the corpse collectors... I have clues on their trading partner, please, at least give some time―"

  "I've said it before; those events are within jurisdiction of the police, both Inquisition and the police agreed on it."

  "But we don't know when the living will become victims... the police has half-assed investigators."

  "In a case that has no traces of magic-, Inquisition is not going to intervene, you know that."

  "...Tch"

  "In the first place, you're no longer an inquisitor, you no longer have the right to lead the investigation."

  Ouka's face displayed her frustration.

  "That always discontent expression is wasting away your beautiful face, think of it as of great opportunity to brush up your communication skills. Even among Witch Hunters『Dullahans』, your evaluation is very poor because of your cold attitude and refusal to listen to the opinions of others."

  "...that can't be helped, that's how my personality is."

  "You know, the problem lies in the fact that you joined Inquisition at the age of 13, before your humanity fully developed in school."

  Sougetsu sighed, he was disappointed from the bottom of his heart; then threw the documents towards Ouka.

  She looked through the documents scattered on the desk.

  "...this is?"

  "Platoon roster. Although you were in middle school before, the high school requires students to be part of a test platoon you know."

  "Oh well."

  "You've been incorporated in the 35th test platoon, commonly called 'Small Fry Platoon'."

  "......small fry?"

  An easy to understand nickname, Ouka was stupefied.

  Seeing her reaction Sougetsu laughed happily.

  "A matching set of oddballs, my favourite platoon."

  "Why do I have to be assigned to such platoon?"

  "Because... well... you know?"

  Sougetsu pointed his finger at Ouka, smiling delicately.

  "Oddball."

  "......!!"

  "Yes yes, don't get so angry, you've always had such an explosive personality. It would be good if you fixed that as well during your school life."

  "I would like to change platoons; I want to be in a single person platoon. I will not bother others, and it's more convenient to me as well."

  "That would make no sense; it's been decided and can no longer be changed. Changing teams is not allowed by school regulations."

  Sougetsu laughed mischievously, Ouka was full of regret.

  "Well, don't be so pessimistic. Cooperation aside, each of them has outstanding abilities. And above all, there's a Relic Eater candidate in it."

  Relic Eater, that term made Ouka open her eyes wide in shock.

  "I-Impossible... Are you saying one of them is a candidate?!"

  "Yes, for the last of the Twilight SpecTwilight Keeperseries left over after the Witch Hunt War, because none was chosen by it."

  "That can't be! Why are you choosing from the students?! Relic Eaters are supposed to be used only by Witch HuntersDullahans!"

  "Even though you say that, you were a special case as well. You became a Witch HunterDullahan at the age of 13, and momentarily you were chosen as 『Vlad』's contractor."

  "That's true but...! Why of all things, a Twilight SpecTwilight Type Relic Eater."

  "It's a shame thateven with your talent you were rejected by it. Other Witch HuntersDullahans tried as well but it has rejected everyone. That's why there's no choice but to choose from between the students, or maybe you want us to choose an amateur from general public?"

  Hearing Sougetsu's explanation, Ouka lowered her head.

  Relic Eaters are weapons only Witch Hunters『Dullahans』 are allowed to use. They're completely different from modern firearms that used mithril and adamantium to produce anti-magic effect. Other than Witch HuntersDullahans, nobody is allowed to touch them.

  They are unquestionably Magical Heritage, a product of magic. To humanity they are an abominable existence.

  Relic Eater series are all in the form of a gun. It's unknown in what circumstances they were born since the truth hasn't been revealed. Existence of these powerful Magical Heritages is top secret.

  Fight poison with poison, for people trying to get rid of magic it is the worst problem there is. Inquisition is fearful of itself, because users of Magical Heritage were written in history as devil kings.

  "Of course we didn't intend to, but we are not the ones picking the candidates. Relic Eater is choosing its own contractor. You went through that as well... so you know that right?"

  "...yes."

  Ouka replied after hearing Sougetsu's explanation.

  She took the documents in her hands with mixed feelings and confirmed how the candidates look like.

  "Just to make sure, one of those three is the candidate right?"

  "Indeed."

  "Which student is it?"

  "Yeah... that's..."

  Ouka asked. Sougetsu silently put his hand on his chin, while glaring sharply at her.

  "Not telling."

  ............

  ............

  Ouka was speechless. She turned on her heel angrily, preparing to leave.

  "Mu ha ha! It's confidential so I can't tell you!

  "I was stupid to listen to you seriously...!"

  "Ah―wait, wait a second, one more thing. While you're a student, you're not to use your 『Vlad』 even if it's an emergency. I'll get angry otherwise."

  "I know without you telling me!"

  *bang*, Ouka opened the door and left.

  Sougetsu looked at her back while smiling happily.

  "Good grief, teenagers sure are difficult..."

  He leaned heavily on his chair while holding his chin in his hands.

  "Oh?"

  Sougetsu looked in the corner of the room, realizing there was a shadow sitting there.

  "Lapis, since when are you sitting there?"

  "............"

  "That's no good, you're not contracted yet. Producing magic power meaninglessly is bad you know. Didn't I tell you that walk
ing around alone is bad?"

  In response to Sougetsu's call, the shadow wriggled in the dim room giving an impression as if darkness itself was moving. A human shape slowly appeared from the shadows.

  It was a girl. Everything, her clothes, hair, even her pupils were azure-coloured. She had pale white skin more lithe than any human.

  The girl wasn't blinking nor breathing, not even sounding a heartbeat, she was just standing there expressionless.

  "Your maintenance is hard; aren't you going to perform the contract yet?"

  "............"

  "Are you still hesitating... or...?"

  The girl didn't answer, and just stood there breathlessly. Her pupils concealed a pitch black abyss within.

  Sougetsu sensed something from the girl was and narrowed his eyes.

  He had a smile on his face like the Cheshire Cat from famous fairy tale.

  "...I see, well, think about it."

  "............"

  "Mistletoe you really act shameless like your name states... Such a dreadful child you are."[1B 2]

  Sougetsu closed his eyes as if he was dozing off, horrible laughter sounded from his throat.

  The girl's expression didn't change, but azure-coloured lights were floating in the darkness around the girl like fireflies.

  Part 2

  Kusanagi Takeru was hopeless at anything other than swordsmanship.

  Rather than weak or bad, just hopeless.

  The Kusanagi family he was born into was a famous military family 300 years ago. During an era when sword was strongest, Kusanagi family's name resounded on many battlefields.

  Kusanagi's Peerless style swordsmanship[1B 3] is unique. When the Kusanagis were seen on the battlefield, enemies immediately raised white flag unconditionally.

  But that's a story from a long time ago.

  In the current era swordsmanship is a useless martial art. In fact, pen is stronger than sword, and gun is stronger than pen.

  This means of course, that gun is stronger than sword.

  Swords are the worst, it's outdated scrap iron.

  "Hey, it's the Small Fry's swordsmanship nut."

  One of two students standing by the wall drank from his carton juice and pointed at Takeru walking down the corridor while smiling sarcastically.