Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Volume 8, Chapter 18

August 17th, AD 2092 / Okinawa - Naha Airport

While listening to the announcements of plane arrivals and departures, I was recalling the events of six days ago.

After Sakurai-san went to be Onii-sama’s guard, the person who manipulated the screen for us disappeared; so I could only see what happened next from the images streaming on the news.

Suddenly, at the water line a light brighter than the sun erupted. In the middle of that light, the enemy ship vanished.

The transformed terrain of the beach was washed by breaking waves. It was an anthem of victory.

That was the official report shared with us and the world in general afterward.

What was not shared with the world is the truth known only to us, what we were told is that the light that destroyed the enemy was made by the power of Onii- sama.

The transformation of mass into energy, the enormous energy that burned everything into nothing is the strategic class magic ‘Material Burst’ wielded by a strategic class magician. That indeed is the true power of Onii-sama, the name of its true form.

The one hailed as a hero for driving away the enemy is Onii-sama. And also the sad event only we know of.

Afterward, Sakurai-san never returned.

At the joint funeral service for the victims, the cremated remains of Sakurai-san were in accordance with her will completely scattered into the ocean.

The one who returned Sakurai-san to Mother Ocean was Onii-sama. Onii-sama never showed pain in his face.

He gently comforted me who broke down crying.

Onii-sama might not be sad. Or else it might be that he could not become sad. No, it does not matter which one it is.

Because I have decided.

While watching Sakurai-san become ashes, I had an insight. I, at that time, had died once.

I lost the life that Okaa-sama gave me; I received a new life from Onii-sama. Therefore, all that I am belongs to Onii-sama.

"Miyuki, it is about time to get inside."

"Yes, Onii-sama."

When Onii-sama called out to me, I stood up off of the sofa in the lounge.

Okaa-sama no longer makes a face when I refer to him as ‘Onii-sama’. The truth is that I think it probably still pains her. However, I no longer worry about Okaa- sama’s feelings concerning it.

As usual, Onii-sama is handling all of our luggage and only he is in commercial class, but that no longer troubles me.

Because after all Onii-sama says that he prefers it. Because Onii-sama’s wishes are absolute.

I took the hand of Okaa-sama who is not in perfect physical condition and trailed after Onii-sama.

For now, there are still words that are not spoken. Words that cannot be spoken. Nevertheless, I have already decided.

—Onii-sama, no matter where you go, no matter how far; I, Miyuki, am going with you—