The Irregular at Magic High School (魔法科高校の劣等生)

Magic.

At the start of the 21st century,

it was systemized as an actual technology.

Those who possess superior abilities

are known as magic technicians, or magicians,

and are placed under the watch of various nations.

Among them,

magicians with the power to repel an army.

and destroy a major city in one strike,

were labeled Strategic‐Class magicians.

They became symbolic of a military force

that influences world affairs.

Then came October 31st, 2095.

Unofficial Strategic‐Class magic wiped out a naval base

and a fleet on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula.

That day became known as Scorched Halloween.

The world was shaken by the debut of a new

Strategic‐Class magician.

Halt!

It's over, Lieutenant Alfred Fomalhaut.

You might as well give up, you know there's no escaping.

What the hell happened to you, Freddie?

You were given the First‐Class Star code.

What on earth would make you desert the unit?

You've also been accused of committing

a series of grisly murders in this town.

Using your pyrokinesis, no less!

You didn't really do that, though, did you?

Please, Freddie! Answer me!

Pyrokinesis!

Lieutenant Alfred Fomalhaut.

By the power vested in me as the Star's Commander...

...Under USNA Army Criminal Law...

...I hereby execute you!

Does everyone here have a drink in their hand?

When they said there was going to be a farewell party,

I'll admit, this isn't really what I had in mind.

But at least they prepared a cake.

So, why don't we make toast?

Merry Christmas, guys.

Merry Christmas!

Cheers to us!

Cheers to us!

Yeah.

I still can't believe it.

You're going to study abroad in America, Shizuku?

It kinda seems like it came out of nowhere.

Sorry. I know it's last minute,

but my father wouldn't let me talk about it until now.

I'm honestly surprised you're even allowed to go at all.

I mean, they usually don't give magicians permission

to travel abroad.

Right. But they're letting me go anyway.

According to my father,

the reason is due to it being a foreign exchange program.

When do you leave? And how long are you gone?

At the beginning of the New Year.

It'll be for three months.

Oh wow! You'll be gone for a while, then.

So... where in America are you going?

Here you go.

Mm?

Berkeley.

Oh, not Boston?

I guess the East Coast is unstable these days.

That's right.

There's some uproar over the "Humanist" thing.

It's been a pretty hot topic in the news as of late.

First there were witch hunts,

and now there are "magician hunts"?

They say history repeats itself, but this is ridiculous.

By the way, Shizuku.

Do you know who's going to be taking your place here?

All I heard is she's a girl about my age.

‐‐ ‐‐ Hm?

Come in.

Excuse me, Commander. Are you thirsty?

I brought milk tea.

Ben!

How wonderful, thank you.

You are more than welcome.

By the way, Commander.

Is everything ready for your departure?

Yes, pretty much.

Good. Make sure you use this time to forget about

your duties for a little while and enjoy yourself.

It's not a vacation. I'll be on a special mission.

I'm anxious, actually.

I've been assigned to locate the suspected

Strategic‐Class magician.

I don't really do undercover work, so why me?

I know my age matches the profile...

But still... There are so many others

who've gone through specialized training.

It'll be fine.

If the target really is whom we suspect it is,

we're talking about a Strategic‐Class magician

who's responsible for Scorched Halloween,

and is more dangerous than a nuclear missile.

So I can see why HQ would prioritize someone

with more fighting strength

over someone with spy training when choosing their candidate.

Yeah, I get that, but it still feels weird...

Well, think about it this way, then.

The Commander's main duty is earning the trust

of the suspect and trying to throw them off balance.

Yeah... That definitely makes more sense.

Since my spycraft is pretty much on the same level as an amateur.

And that's why I think it's even more imperative that

you make a point of enjoying yourself while you're there.

You're likely to get any suspects

to let their guard down, too.

Yes, you make a good point.

I appreciate your insight on this.

Ben, I'm leaving you to watch the fort while I'm away.

There are deserters who are still awaiting

well‐deserved punishment.

And tracking them down would normally be my duty,

so I hate having to make you do it, but...

...you're the only one here that I truly trust

to take command in my absence.

You can fully depend on me, Commander.

I know you're not leaving yet, but fly safe.

We understand, Aunt Maya. Thank you.

We'll speak later.

Yes, of course... And, Tatsuya?

Yes , Ma'am?

USNA's military magician organization, Stars,

is currently searching for the Strategic‐Class magician

who recklessly released Material Burst.

So watch your back, Tatsuya.

Yes, I understand.

And with that said, Happy New Year, you two.

Oh wow! Miyuki looks amazing, doesn't she?!

Hey, Happy New Year, Tatsuya!

You look great!

That really suits you.

Happy New Year to you, as well.

That's flattering on you, Honoka.

Man, Tatsuya, you were born to wear that.

It's giving you some real gangster boss vibes.

I look like Yakuza?

Hm? Wait a sec. Who is this guy?

This is the head priest of Kyucho‐Ji Temple.

He's highly skilled in ninjutsu,

the famous Master Yakumo Kokonoe.

He's my martial arts teacher.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Hey, Tatsuya, do you know who that is?

No idea.

Maybe she's a foreigner who thinks

what you're wearing is unusual.

What's wrong, Brother?

Is something over there catching your eye?

Oh, she's pretty.

Not nearly as pretty as you, though.

I don't think so. I'm not going to let you

keep throwing me off the scent like that.

That's not what I'm trying to do.

I really believe that you're more beautiful.

And besides, that's not why I'm looking at her, anyway.

Is there something suspect about her?

Hm?

I suppose you could say that.

I mean, that outfit is rather peculiar.

Indeed. But that's not all, is it?

Welcome home!

Silvie, you're back already?

What's the matter?

Lina, why are you dressed like that?

Oh, it's a Kimono.

In my attempt to not stand out,

I did a little bit of research on appropriate

Japanese attire for visiting a shrine.

It took longer than I thought.

Does it look good on me?

Before I answer that question, I have to ask you something.

Oh, of course. What is it?

When you were at the Shrine, did you see any other girls

wearing outfits similar to yours?

Huh. Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing anyone.

Listen up! I'm gonna be honest here!

That getup was a stupid thing to wear!

Huh?

Don't be shocked!

The only place you might see clothes like that

is in fanservicey animation or comics!

Where did you even get the idea to wear that?!

I bet everyone was gawking at you in that gaudy thing.

Come to think of it,

I did notice the target gave a little smirk in my direction.

Commander.

Let's scratch the rest of your schedule for today.

Instead, I'm going to carefully explain

modern Japanese fashion trends

and how you're supposed to be following them.

And I'll do it in a way...

...you can get it through your thick skull.

Okay.