Nothing really...... It was out of pure curiosity."
"Curiosity...... You did all of this just for that."
Easily seeing through this blatant lie, Tatsuya continued to murmur.
Lina sulkily gave a small "Hmph".
"......Strictly speaking, that is true. Actually....."
Muttering softly, Lina dragged her gaze back to Tatsuya.
"I wanted to know if you wanted to come to the USNA."
"Me, to America?"
"In my opinion, you have such a high level of skill yet are relegated to
such a lowly position, wouldn't you want to be on a stage that gives
you the recognition you deserve. While a Magician's grade is assessed
in America much like the international standard, there are still places
that aren't like that. America is a free and diverse country. There's no
way that you would be relegated to a substitute simply because you're
lacking in one area. I believe that Tatsuya will be recognized as
befitting your true potential."
"An interesting declaration."
Faced with an unexpected invitation, Tatsuya's attitude softened
somewhat.
"In that case......"
Seeing this, Lina immediately charged into the breech.
"If that was the unadulterated truth."
However, Tatsuya's satire immediately took the wind from her sails.
"Lina, where exactly is this unorthodox place that prizes merit above
all else? Say, Arlington?"
Arlington used to be a naval academy, but was now one of the primary
providers for Magicians and magic researchers in the USNA military.
"......Yes. But, there are other places."
"Lina, assessment based on merit is designed to select the right way to
use tools."
Despite the fact that Tatsuya's tone remained mocking, it lacked the
chilling cold that deafened the soul.
"In regards to selecting Magicians best suited for the military,
Arlington and the JSDF are two sides of the same coin. On some
level, there will be a few differences."
In the end, Tatsuya seemed to be providing guidance for a friend.
"Oh well, forget it."
"Eh......?"
Suddenly, Tatsuya murmured something as if nothing mattered.
Lina was unable to follow this abrupt change in gears and could only
reply with a befuddled voice and expression.
"Lina was just trying to test my skills, is that right?"
"Uh...... Yes."
"Then let's leave it there. Please refrain from doing such things in the
future."
Isn't it about time for you to go? Urging her to do so, Tatsuya's
expression was now no different than usual.
Lina could no longer tell the difference from the usual Tatsuya.