Two years later, Yugen is 15 (born February 14 get it?). Life's been eventful, but he craves calm. More on that later.
At FLT's CAD Development Division 3, Yugen works remotely as "Hiroto Kamijo." His Pentagon magic, a 55-digit, five-layered security code shifting every 55 seconds, secures communications. Installing it across devices within that window is a hassle, but vital for secrecy.
Yugen's the other half of the mysterious [Taurus Silver]. Through his father's connections, Tatsuya scouted Ushiyama, who spotted Yugen's CAD design talent, leading to his involvement in Tatsuya's specialized CAD. To dodge scrutiny, they created the [Taurus Silver Project], a team name with paper credentials for cover.
Tatsuya saw through Yugen's alias, suspecting "Yuto." Yugen kept his Mitsuya identity hidden. Too busy for the Nine Schools Competition, he sent Miyuki a letter via Miya, earning complaints. He sent Tatsuya a gun-shaped CAD blueprint, an upgraded Third Eye Zero with 20 activation sequences. Tatsuya's reply promised a surprising program. "No 'gyafun' yet?" he teased, preempting Yugen's thought. Is he psychic?
FLT unveiled the Loop Cast System in the customizable Silver Horn and high-end Force Silver, outclassing Maximilian Devices and Rozen Magicraft in stability, speed, and safety. Force Silver's capped at 30% of Yugen's dual gun CADs, Valkyrie and Odin, co-designed with Tatsuya. Fully unlocked, they rival Tatsuya's overhauled Third Eye.
Mitsuya's arms brokerage maintains scale, now trading with FLT. Only Yugen's father knows of [Taurus Silver], boosting overseas deals. The Toyama issue's resolved, easing ties with the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.
Yugen's brother Genji and Honami's engagement was set in March 2093, timed with the Ten Master Clans meeting. Gozo adopted Honami from the Watanabe family, descendants of Tsuna Watanabe, to preserve their "Doji Slayer" technique. Her ties with Chiba's second son, met during a dojo visit where Yugen accidentally damaged the place, cemented the decision. This links Mitsuya with Yotsuba, Watanabe, and Chiba, elevating their status.
Genki, the second son, joined Ueyama as a son-in-law, earning a swordsmanship mastery license. Shizuru and Kana are in magic university; Mika's studying for it. Shina, a first-year middle schooler, is guarded by Jiro, a capable peer.
Yugen, an examinee for First High, faces his father's summons post-dinner about exam escorts. "I'd cause a scene, so Kana's handling it," Gen says.
"Kana-neesan was student council president. She'll draw attention," Yugen notes. His siblings Genji, Genki, Shizuru, Kana, and Mika left stellar records at First High: Genki's unbeaten in Monolith Code, Shizuru's perfect Cloud Ball score, Kana's fastest Ice Pillars Break, and Mika's two-year championship.
"They said you inspired them," Gen says.
"I didn't do much," Yugen shrugs. His training mimicking fictional characters' moves was copied, even boosting Gen's magic at his age.
The entrance exam, split over two days, was easy. Magic engineering was a breeze, thanks to CAD work. Practical magic was cleared with restraint, though 115ms was overkill. As a Ten Master Clans member, Yugen tested separately, avoiding chaos.
Wondering about Tatsuya and Miyuki's exams, a call interrupts. "Evening, Major Kazama. Off-duty?" Yugen asks, noting casual attire.
"Yes. Heard you took First High's exam," Kazama replies.
"Waiting on results."
"You'll pass. Mitsuya's a whirlwind," Kazama says.
"More like a tornado. Heard anything about him?" Yugen asks, dodging sibling antics.
"Thought you'd know," Kazama says, surprised.
"You told me to avoid contact. We only swapped private numbers," Yugen replies. He informed Kazama about [Taurus Silver] orally to trusted allies, wary of wiretaps and Mitsuya's role.
"He's your age, likely testing. Going public?" Kazama asks.
"Have to. Depends on results. Less hassle for you, right?" Yugen teases.
"I get it. Good luck," Kazama says.
Yugen pulls a letter from Yotsuba's Maya. Its contents shock and delight him.
At the Shiba household, a chilly atmosphere greets the admission notice. Miyuki's upset, leaking magic, staring at Tatsuya's exam scores.
"Calm down, Miyuki," Tatsuya says.
"Sorry… but…" she trails off.
"Your high score getting second place shows First High's level," Tatsuya says. His skills don't align with the school's metrics, but he's content passing.
"Your teaching helped," Miyuki says.
"Mother's more responsible. Report to her," Tatsuya replies, now calling Miya "Mother" post-Okinawa.
Noticing the entrance ceremony program, Tatsuya points. "Your top scorer's Mitsuya, Yugen."
"Yugen Mitsuya?" Miyuki confirms.
Tatsuya investigated, wary of Mitsuya's "Untouchable" reputation, like Yotsuba's. Kana and Mika caused it, but details were scarce.
"You saw them at the Nine Schools Competition?" Tatsuya asks.
"Yes, I met Kana and Mika by chance," Miyuki says, chatting without clan ties mentioned. "They asked I not bring up Mitsuya, and I mentioned you as my reliable brother."
"Trustworthy?" Tatsuya asks.
"Yes. Mika saw me as a sister, though Kana bonked her," Miyuki giggles.
"Lively sisters," Tatsuya muses.
A Yotsuba call rings. Maya and Miya appear onscreen, surprising them—Miya was supposedly in Izu.
"Not sick anymore, though I was three years ago. Congratulations on passing," Miya says.
"Thanks, Mother, Aunt," Miyuki replies.
"Impressive intel, Aunt," Tatsuya adds.
Maya smirks. "I have a request. Remember Yugen?"
Miyuki gasps; Tatsuya nods. "He helped us survive."
Miya proposes, "Can he stay with you? There's space."
"I'm fine with it," Tatsuya says.
"Please!" Miyuki beams.
Tatsuya agrees, noting Miyuki's enthusiasm but missing that "Yugen Mitsuya" isn't "Yuto Nagano." Absorbed in calming her, he doesn't question their intent or Yugen's destination.
"Behave, Tatsuya," Maya teases.
"Understood," he replies, grateful for dodging Course 2 status.
At First High's student council, Mayumi Saegusa stares at a news article about a deserter's attack on Yokohama Bay Hills Tower, thwarted by a "mysterious brave girl." As a Saegusa, she's concerned about anti-mage sentiment and clan disputes.
Mari Watanabe, discipline committee head, chides, "Mayumi, stop slacking."
"I'm not! Rin's handling the work," Mayumi retorts. A male officer's request for document review earns her a smug grin, silencing Mari.
"What's that?" Mari asks.
Mayumi shows the article. "A brave girl mage stopped a disaster."
"Bold, if reckless," Mari notes, intrigued by the girl's courage.
The blurry image barely shows her outline, but Mari recognizes her. Mayumi pulls up First High's freshman data, revealing Miyuki Shiba, second-ranked admit.
"Reliable addition," Mayumi says.
"You're calling Yugen, the top admit, a problem child?" Mari teases, noting her family's ties to Mitsuya.
"Didn't say that!" Mayumi protests.
Mari knows Mayumi's thrilled about Yugen, despite denying it. Saegusa-Mitsuya tensions, including a broken engagement, fuel her interest. Mayumi's father pushed it, earning her ire.
Mages marry early for power, but high-status clans like Saegusa limit love matches. Mayumi sees Yugen as a rival, not a suitor, and dismisses Ichijo's younger heir. Mari, sensing her feelings, drops the topic.
"Want her for discipline?" Mari asks.
"Student council claimed her first. Juumonji wants Yugen for the club union, but unwritten rules make him hesitate," Mayumi says.
Mari spots another detail: a boy subdued the deserter. "Strong enough for discipline, if he enrolls," she says.
Miyuki (second), Yugen (top), a Mutsumuka heir (third), and the mystery boy (Tatsuya) promise an exciting freshman class. Neither Mayumi nor Mari yet know Miyuki and Tatsuya's Yotsuba ties.