139 It's hard to live as a magician in this world
Tokyo.
After his entrance exam, which practically was as good as being accepted, Masa of Mahouka stayed in Tokyo most of the time, whether it was to manage the trade on the financial market or to build the new headquarters of the Isshiki Family in Tokyo.
Yup, after he gained the "Voice of the Future," Masa directly focused on gaining a lot of money from the financial markets, whether it was a stock, FX, commodities, etc., and made a lot of money.
He needed a lot of money at this moment since he planned to buy a bank.
Yes, a bank.
Masa knew that his family was probably known as the richest magician family, but it was far from enough to make their family's power in this country become more powerful. Their target was the regional bank, especially in the e San'in and Hokuriku regions, since their reputation was good in those areas as they created many jobs for the people in those areas.
Whether it was politicians, businessmen, or many others, they were dependent on their families in that region, and that was why they decided to be bold and buy a bank.
However, this was the first time for a magician to take control over a financial facility, so there was no doubt that while the residents of the region might be okay, and there were no rules that a magician couldn't own a bank, there might be some resistance since it might be the first attempt of the magicians to take control over the economy of the country.
In the past, the Isshiki Family, the family which Masa came from, took control of the cybersecurity market and then expanded to many businesses, but this time, a bank was something that was on another scale, so this time, they might need the help of all the Magician of One, the magicians that were born from the same institution as them to also buy this bank together with them.
Naturally, the majority, if not most of them, were in the hands of the Isshiki Family, yet Masa knew that no one would reject them since those families didn't have as much money as his family, and more importantly, no one would reject the money.
After all, there was no word of "enough" for money, right?
The more, the better.
It might be a little hard, but then, as the Isshiki Family had developed two new ventures, this plan might succeed, and by then, the Isshiki Network plan could start.
All the preparations had been done, and they needed to walk step by step to achieve their ambitions.
Yet, even if one plan ended up being a failure, it was all fine since Masa had calculated for most possibilities, backup plans for interference, and counters for any possible threats.
Yet, compared to his business, he was more cornered about the headquarters of the Isshiki Family in Tokyo, which would be his home in the future.
'My home.'
So, what was his first impression of his home?
Expensive.
This was his first impression since the amount of land used in this place was so immense that it took a chunk of the family's account to build. However, everything was worth it since this place was located in Tokyo, the heart and the central economy of Japan.
Their home might be in Kanazawa, but having a base in Tokyo was necessary so it could be easy to manage all of their business.
The headquarters, which should be called a building, was located in the middle of a largely undeveloped site, which played the role of a "serf trench" and was stuffed with a large number of protective systems.
The office part up to the third floor had absolutely no windows, and its lighting was organized by a fiber-optic structure. Residential areas, located from floors four and above, instead of windows, for the most part, had balconies, so it was difficult to see the interior from outside. Completely covering the top floor and the roof, the protective fence was installed not to protect it from falls but to protect it from outside penetration. Instead of the blinds on the windows, armor plates may be provided.
Masa also added all of the magic that he learned from the DxD, whether it was barrier magic, to protect, detect, and various other benefits without the knowledge of the others.
If Masa had to say, the building was very much like a fortress; it was in the middle of a large plot of private land with a lot of security devices. There were lots of offices without windows, and it also was designed to prevent people from being able to break in from the outside.
'If possible, I also want to learn Fengshui.'
Unfortunately, he had no such knowledge, but he hoped Masa of DxD could get it since he knew that it could bring good luck and bring a good mood to the residents.
"Well, let's do it step by step."
One shouldn't be impatient, and as he was young, the only thing that he didn't lack was time.
Yet, there was no doubt that his moving to Tokyo and his entrance to the First High School attracted much attention, especially from those family magicians who included Tokyo as their area of influence.
Every family of magicians was placed in various regions to protect those regions, except for Kyushu, Okinawa, and Hokkaido, as those locations were protected by the National Defense Forces.
Still, due to his decisions, many couldn't wait to meet him, especially due to the feats of the Isshiki Family that could create so much wealth on the foreign exchange market. It might not be wrong to say that their family had the most cash in the entire country, and this was why they planned to acquire a bank to expand their influence.
Masa's decision to enter the First High School would probably be seen as an attempt to connect their family with people with influence within this country.
Whether it was politicians, businessmen, or many others, they would probably think of engaging their female relative to Masa.
Unfortunately, the head of the Isshiki Family worked fast and handled this situation by engaging Masa with his daughter, Isshiki Airi.
Yet, there was no doubt that Masa's appearance in Tokyo made those criminals and those who were envious of the Isshiki Family's success hesitant to cause a conflict with this family.
Yes, while it might be strange, his existence in Tokyo also worked as a guard dog to protect the wealth of the Isshiki Family, considering his mastery over the fastest magic, "Mercury," which allowed him to reach Mach 3 at speed.
This was officially written, but unofficially, Masa could reach the speed of light, okay?
However, certain families felt Masa's appearance in Tokyo couldn't be just described as a mere guard dog.
"So, there is no chance for an infiltration?"
"Yes. The guard is tight, and with the specialty of the Isshiki Family, all electrical devices are as good as useless."
"...this family's magic in the current era is too unfair."
"You can say that again."
There was no doubt that the magic of the Isshiki family, who allowed them to control electrical devices with their bio-electricity, was simply god-like.
At the same time, this was also the reason why this family, who had always been shrouded in mystery, felt tense since they were afraid that the Isshiki family knew the secret that they had hidden.
"Though, they might be just talking about a business since I have heard they plan to acquire a bank and also plan to enter the space-related industry." The man's voice appeared to be amazed. "The Midas of the Isshiki Family is amazing."
Midas
This was Masa's nickname, and he hid his identity well when he started to help manage the Isshiki Family industry.
As someone who could create so much wealth for the family, naturally, his identity was hidden since it would bring more trouble than benefits, which left him with the title of the "Blue Beast," as this title helped him to make his enemies be wary of making their moves, considering his power and all.
"If only Midas was born in our family..."
"We also have Taurus Silver, right?"
"That failure is nothing like Midas!" The man seemed to be in much denial and anger when the woman tried to equalize the Midas with the Silver Taurus.
Yet, this was normal since, for every magician, there was no doubt Midas was like their dawn, during their darkest moment, as he was the first person who created a non-profit organization that aims to pave the way for people in the magic community to become active in society, even if they don't meet the standards put forth in the past. Specifically, he wants to provide non-military job training and create non-military job opportunities for magicians.
In the eyes of some people, Midas was like a thorn, but for the magicians, he was their hope to change the status quo.
As for the Isshiki Family, it was like they were messengers chosen by Midas to bring justice and fairness to the magicians in this world.
However, some people felt that it might just be a ploy by the Isshiki family to hide the identity of Midas, who was among their family.
Yet, the fact that the Isshiki family was the wealthiest magician family didn't change, showing the might of Midas that could create unlimited wealth wasn't something that could be scoffed at.
The bank aside, the space-related industry that Masa planned was delayed due to Midas' problem as people thought that magic that could magically tell how a market worked and lead them to a profit existed, which made many greedy eyes turn their direction to the Isshiki family.
However, the Isshiki family also had their own trump card, which was impossible for anyone to ignore, and this trump card was related to their venture.
"Those problems aside, have you found out about their beauty and hair restoration business?"
"...I do." The man thought that it was because of the woman's selfishness that she asked him to do this task, but he had to admit the Isshiki family had the power to restore beauty and hair.
"I have asked my subordinates, and they have seen how all the main members of the Isshiki family have become younger and more good-looking."
"I see..." The woman seemed to be in a daze for a moment and said, "Please continue with your investigation, but don't force yourselves in case they think our action is a provocation."
Being the enemy of this mysterious family might cause everything to be destroyed, but being the enemy of the Isshiki family would cause someone to live their lives in humiliation and have their social lives destroyed completely, as no secrets could be discovered by this family.
The two families never tried to get themselves involved with each other, but even so, Masa's entrance to Tokyo made them a bit wary, considering two people within their family would enter the same high school.
"Yes."
Still, even so, facing the Isshiki family, the woman couldn't help but have a headache, yet also a strong desire to control this extremely useful family. Yet, when she thought of the two people who would also enter the First High School, she hesitated for a moment and asked, "Hayama, is it true that person is going to visit the Isshiki family?"
"Yes." The elderly man bowed his head respectfully and said, "There might be a chance that this family will be chosen as a member of a Senate."
"....."
Hearing those words, the woman tapped her finger on her smooth chin in silence, thinking deeper about this family.
Still, while the woman was in deep thought, Masa looked at his uncle strangely when he saw him bringing a beautiful woman in her early 40s with doubt, then looked at his uncle with disdain inwardly.
Somehow, Masa's uncle could tell what Masa was thinking, even if Masa's expression was as respectful as ever, which made him wish to beat up Masa. Yet, glancing at the woman, who was in a daze when she saw Masa, he smiled inwardly, thinking that Masa's charm was as useful as ever, and introduced the woman respectfully, "Let me introduce you, Masa. She is Her Excellency Hazumi Asuha, the Four Great Elders of the Senate, and the head of the Hazumi Family."
Yet, Masa's expression transformed that solemn.
"Senate?"
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140 Senate
Senate.
While this term might be familiar to many people, they might not know there was an organization with such a name in this country.
Yet, while the Isshiki family might not have much of a deep connection with this organization, it didn't mean that Masa didn't know about this organization, especially when many of his ventures were supported and sponsored by the members of this organization, so he knew well what kind of power and influence each of the members of this organization had, especially the woman before him.
Still, while Masa knew about this organization well, his uncle decided to explain it, including the identity of the woman before him, so that way, they could stay low-key with their information-gathering ability.
'The shadow emperors.'
Those words were probably the best way to describe this organization; yup, the members of this organization ruled this country from the shadows. They might not have an official position, but in this country, they held second position only to the country.
Yet, even if Masa heard how amazing this organization was and how impressive it was, there was one question that had been bugging him. "I apologize if it's a rude question, but what was the purpose of this organization?"
Was it just for a cool purpose for those people with the power to gather?
After all, those with power loved to create their own organizations, like those of the Illuminati, Knight Templar, or Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
Masa felt that the Senate was similar to the existence of such an organization, which was the so-called secret society.
"That's a good question."
When his uncle wanted to answer, the charming, mature woman with an elegant temperament answered Masa's question. "Still, what do you think this organization was created for, Hiiro Masa?"
"Ah, um..."
Masa wasn't sure how to handle this since he knew well that the identity of this woman was so special, and that was why he was dumbfounded when she suddenly appeared before him, a young man who had just about to become a high school.
Yes, his achievement was crazy, but then again, he knew well that in this country where the so-called pedigree was sought the most, he was nothing but a baby, a flea, probably in the eyes of this woman.
Masa's uncle also wasn't sure how to handle this, but the woman smiled and said, "You can call me Hazumi-san, so can I call you Masa?"
"Ah, yes, Hazumi-san. Please call me that way."
To handle such a mature woman, Masa had always shown his innocence, a virgin-like aura, and actions that weren't used to having a beautiful woman close by his side.
"..."
Watching Masa, who blushed shyly as he answered Asuha Hazumi's words, Masa's uncle thought that this guy was as crafty as ever!
After all, this was a nephew who often took a bath with his wife during childhood!
If Masa wasn't such an understanding young man who would refuse his aunt that he had grown up and it wasn't appropriate of him to take a bath with her, then Masa's uncle would slap him.
Still, Masa was a virgin, after all, and while he was quite crafty around a woman, Masa's uncle knew well that Masa didn't have any experience, so he felt that... it might be good to ask someone to help him gain some experience.
The "age of free sex" might end, and everyone would take care of their virginity before marriage, but with advanced medical technology, it was possible for a woman to regrow their membrane again, gaining their second virginity. More importantly, due to this advanced medical technology and the use of birth control medicine, no unwanted pregnancy would happen.
Masa's role in the Isshiki family was too important, after all, so Masa's uncle thought that it might be necessary to help him learn in that area so he wouldn't be deceived.
Yet, there was no doubt Hazumi Asuha was a charming woman.
With her beautiful black hair neatly arranged and a subtle yet refined kimono wrapped around her womanly body, enhancing the shape of her ripened body, it was natural for a young man like Masa to be attracted despite having a beautiful fiancee.
Still, with such a beautiful appearance, no one would expect that Asuha was already over 60, and if someone saw her, they would think of her as a wealthy, powerful lady in her early 40s, showing how much the anti-aging technology had developed in this world.
'My 42-year-old wealthy housewife's neighbor is too charming.'
Somehow, such a title probably suited her, but Masa knew if he dared to say those words out loud, apologizing would be enough.
Nevertheless, there was no doubt that while Masa's reaction was rude, especially for Asuha, a woman with her status, but as a woman, his reaction was something that she liked instead of the overly formal submission that everyone showed toward her. It could be said that his reaction made her smile and gave a slight color to her monochrome-like life, especially after she passed away from her husband.
So, a woman of her age could still charm a young man like him, and such a thought quickly made her happy.
Yet, what attracted her was his innocent-like attitude, like a white canvas that hadn't been tainted. Honest and genuine, which made her wish to taint him somehow.
"...." Masa.
Still, neither of them could express such a thought, especially with their status.
Masa was the heir of the Isshiki family, and Asuha was the head of the Hazumi family.
However, Masa wasn't sure, as not everything was recorded with technology since many still continued to write on paper for a secrecy purpose, but he still had basic knowledge of the Hazuki family.
A family that lives in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula and has a long history of religious influence that makes them well known in relation to temples and shrines where their power base is derived from the support of a large contingent of esoteric groups that has been passing on hidden knowledge in the background of history since pre-dynastic times.
From a pre-dynasty point to now, it has been natural for Asuha to have a proud attitude as her family's lineage has been able to continue.
The kings, emperors, countries, shogun, and other things in this area known as Japan in the past history might have been destroyed, but even so, their families would still exist until now, showing their influence definitely something that was unattainable by the majority of people in this world.
Yet, while Masa was curious why Asuha came to meet him and why his uncle even let her meet him, he decided to answer her question first. "Based on my speculation, this organization should be created because it wishes to protect this country."
"You are right." Asuha didn't refute Masa's answer and nodded softly. "But from who?"
Who?
If it was another country, then there would be an army.
If it was a dangerous magician, then there was also a magician family.
So, from who did this organization try to protect the country?
Also, if this organization existed to protect, then why did it try to hide itself from the public?
However, before Masa was able to give an answer, Asuha said, "Demons, devils, spirits, and various other supernatural phenomenons that we can't explain with the laws of physics.
"We exist to protect this country from those things that appear to the public, and they will always remain hidden within the dark."
"...."
Falling into silence, Masa realized that this world wasn't as simple as he thought it would be.
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141 Masa is always full of plans
Magic.
This probably shouldn't have existed in this world, especially when the world was ruled by the law of physics.
Under this law, a certain rule had to be followed, or else it wouldn't be possible for it to happen.
Yet, the existence of magic changed all of that, as it allowed him to deceive the world to create something that shouldn't have existed.
Still, even if magic could deceive the world to create a miracle, it couldn't escape the law of physics.
Even Tatsuya's magic also had to follow Albert Einstein's mass–energy equivalence.
As the protagonist, Tatsuya couldn't even escape this law, and naturally, Masa would be the same in the past, but as he had gotten this ability, he was no longer bound by the law of physics.
Yet, even so, Masa was surprised to know that there would be an existence that broke this law would exist.
Demons, spirits, devils, etc.
Masa thought that it was only a myth, but when he thought about magic that existed in this world... somehow, such an existence that broke the law of physics, he could accept it calmly, especially when he knew that among the magic practitioners, especially those who used ancient magic, a magic that was inherited from their ancestors and everything, there was those who could manipulate soul or spirit.
Still, once again, he realized that he shouldn't just limit himself to the law of physics; he should break away from his inherent thoughts and try to develop something that was within the realm of mystery.
After all, magic is something that shouldn't have existed, had existed, so why should everything be limited by the law of physics?
Masa felt like he should be like Issei.
Yes, he knew that Issei was a bad example, but even so, Issei's technique, whether it was a "Dress Break," "Boob Language," or "Boobs Energy," all of them broke away from the law of physics.
It was in the realm of mystery!
No, Issei should have mastered the concept of boobs!
Yet, Masa's childhood education, which taught him about "Modern Magic," limited his creativity and subconsciously made him think that it was impossible.
However, the moment Asuha mentioned the existence of those magical life forms, Masa knew well that it was idiotic of him to limit himself, especially when he had developed many concept-like abilities such as the "Mobius World" with his Jake Jake no Mi.
"It must surprise you, right?"
"Ah, yes."
Masa just agreed as it was troublesome to explain, nor did he plan what was within his mind.
"However, this is normal since the last such a creature ever existed within a record in this country was in the 12th century." Asuha felt that Masa's reaction, who was in a daze for a while, was normal, especially when she told him about this fantasy-like creature that existed in this world. "At that time, Abe Yasunari is said to have exorcised a Nine-tailed Demon Fox."
"That's good, then."
"Yes, it is good." After all, even she would be unable to remain calm if such an existence suddenly came to this country. However, if it was in another country, it didn't matter, she thought. "But we can't let our guard down since sometimes, those existences will appear on the surface and be seen by the public."
Still, what was the purpose of Asuha saying all of this?
"Excuse me for being straight, but do you need our help to erase such an existence?" Masa asked with a doubt. Yes, the Isshiki family could control bio-electricity, but it didn't mean that they could take down a ghost, okay?
If Asuha wished to take down a mystery-based creature, then she should go after the ancient type of magician since they were more proficient in this area.
"No, my purpose to come here is simple, and that is to invite you to the Senate."
"..."
Masa was in a daze for a moment and asked, "Me? Becoming a Senate member? Hazumi-san, are you being serious here?"
"Yes, I am." Asuha nodded, expecting Masa's reaction.
"...I am just a high school student, you know?"
Masa was sure that the members of the Senate must be someone of an older age, so why should he be invited?
"Do you want to or not?"
Asuha didn't waste her time; she just asked him a straightforward question, especially when she knew that Masa's mind was definitely far from being simple.
For a young man to be able to build this so-so magic family to such a height, Masa wasn't as innocent as he appeared to be.
Though, in terms of a relationship, Masa was a cherry boy, without a doubt.
Still, does Masa want to join this organization?
If Masa had to be honest, he didn't know about the Senate or whatnot since, in the end, this was an organization created when all of those strong people behind the scenes were unable to overwhelm the others or become the victor during their competition.
In other words, it was a so-called solution to satisfy all parties, but they were unable to come to a conclusion.
Yet, because of that, Masa knew that this organization definitely wasn't monolithic, and each other definitely competed with each other. More importantly, if he agreed to this decision, he knew that he would enter Asuha's camp.
If she was the strongest and the leader of the Senate, then Masa would agree, but even if her family had a long lineage and she also had the elder position within the Senate, she wasn't the only elder!
If he had joined Asuha's camp, he would have faced Asuha's competitors!
In other words, he would be used by Asuha!
Yet, even if he was used, the benefits that came from being a member of the Senate were high, as this organization was definitely chosen among many who had an influence over politics, economics, and all the other aspects of this country.
For example, the bank that Masa planned to acquire and the space industry that he planned.
If he joined this organization, he knew that everything would be smooth, so as Asuha wanted to use him, he also wanted to use her.
Now, he also understood why his uncle had come to him and asked him such a question.
With their current influence in this country, it wouldn't be strange for them to be invited to this group.
After all, unlike the other magician families whose main business and main income was from their work as a magician. Yes, they might have another business, whether it was construction, hotels, or many others, but even so, their scales weren't as huge as the Isshiki family that could dominate the information technology industry, especially when among all of those families could only rely on their income from a magic-related industry such as CAD, specialized weapons, and many others.
There were only about 50,000 or so magicians in this world, and that wasn't even one percent of the total population, so naturally, if they relied on those magicians for a business, their income wouldn't be high.
Yet, Masa's business influenced all living beings, whether they were magicians or not, as they would be using his service, considering it was the best in this world.
However, Masa also knew that as he gained attention, he would make a lot of enemies. Frankly, he didn't care about those enemies, especially when he could erase them, but sometimes, killing wasn't the only way to handle all of this, and making an ally was one way to handle this problem.
Nevertheless, while this invitation was unexpected, it was a good thing for him.
'Well, let's say that it is a bonus.'
Masa had prepared a countermeasure in case everyone tried to surround him, a big temptation that no one could resist. Yet, this invitation to become a member of the Senate was also a good thing and was also one way to protect himself and his family and make their life more peaceful.
Even if Asuha wasn't the only elder and her power could only match of the others, Masa didn't mind, so—
"My uncle will be a member, right?"
"Oh, you don't want to become the youngest member of the Senate?"
"I have a lot of things to do, after all."
Asuha fell in silence for a moment, seemingly to be in deep thought, then nodded. "You are right."
"Please take care of me, Asuha-san." Masa bowed his head and appeared docile and obedient.
"Yes, let me take care of you." Asuha also smiled, thinking that she would take care of him well, but before all of that, she asked, "Now, as we have finished our formality, can you tell me more about your magic that allows one to become younger and more good-looking?"
'As expected.'
This was why Masa decided to create magic to help with the beauty; that way, all the wealthy women in this world would be his allies, and as expected, his plan was successful.
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142 My trump card!
"Hormone?"
"Yes, hormones."
This time, Masa was the one who led instead of being the listener.
The IT-related industry aside, the reason why Masa entered the medical industry, especially dermatology-related, was so he could make all the women in this world his ally.
Cosmetic technology might have become more advanced than before, especially when Asuha appeared in her early 40s despite being over 60, yet even so, it wasn't completely safe. Yes, the side effects were minimal, but it was painful.
Yet, if there was a safer method with a lot of potential, why shouldn't Asuha try it?
Masa's venture into the beauty market was the reason why Asuha came to him, and he didn't mind since he knew that this way, his family would become important, whether it was in the eyes of Asuha and all other women in this world.
For a woman, beauty is everything—their lives.
It might seem like an exaggeration, especially for guys who don't care much about their appearance, but for a woman, when they were born ugly, their lives were as good as over.
Some guys might be interested in inner beauty, but if their exterior was also beautiful, it would be better, right?
Even if Asuha had a lofty status, her wish was similar to many older women as they wished to always be as young and beautiful as ever.
Masa had a way of doing that with magic, so of course, Asuha was curious.
Still, his way of manipulating the beauty and appearance of someone was quite simple, and that was by using a bio-electricity to manipulate the hormones in the patient.
By using his bio-electricity, he manipulated their estrogen hormone to make one become more beautiful and youthful.
Unlike a medicine that indirectly enhanced the work of the estrogen hormone, Masa used his magic to directly affect this hormone. Naturally, this wasn't permanent, and one needed to maintain it with magic, but for a business, it was good, so that way, those patients would continue to become their patients.
It was similar to those plastic surgery hospitals; their number one income came from their old patients since the result of the plastic surgery wasn't permanent, and one needed to maintain it by coming to the hospital to regularly maintain their appearance.
Masa had to say this was quite difficult magic to create in the beginning, but as he had the knowledge of Vegapunk from the world of One Piece, he was able to complete it.
However, while it was hard to create, it was easy to use, and when this magic was finished, it was easy to use. All the magicians of the Isshiki family could use it with ease.
By the way, the hair growth magic also worked similarly, but instead of an estrogen hormone, the magic manipulated the androgen hormone.
Still, shouldn't they keep this explanation a secret?
No, instead of keeping it a secret, Masa and everyone knew that they had to explain it to others, so that way, many could be relieved with the treatments, especially for someone with a high status, such as Asuha.
Then, what if their magic was stolen?
Well, it was impossible since while it was easy for this magic to be used by the Isshiki family members, it was different from the other magicians.
Still, as they talked about hormones, Asuha couldn't help but ask, "If you can manipulate hormones, then can you also manipulate telomeres?"
Masa looked at Asuha and asked, "Do you want me to develop a magic that allows one to become immortal?" This was the conclusion that he came to when Asuha asked him whether he could manipulate telomeres or not.
What are telomeres?
Telomeres are a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at each end of a chromatid, protecting the DNA fragments; they grow shorter as cell division occurs, an indication of the person getting older. Thus, by controlling the telomeres, one can effectively control one's lifespan and achieve so-called immortality.
"Can you?"
When Asuha asked this question, her eyes were blazing hot.
Immortality.
This was the dream of every powerful person, including the famous first emperor who unified China, Qin Shi Huang.
For those with power, the thing that they feared the most was losing that power, so they searched all the methods to prolong their lives, if not to live forever, and achieve something known as immortality.
Whether it was scientific or occult, everyone tried to search for a way, but even so, until now, there was no such a way.
No, such a method existed, but the existence of immortality was hidden well from the public, and at least Asuha and her ancestors should have never seen an immortal.
However, since Masa could develop anti-aging magic, wasn't it possible for him to find a way to develop magic that would allow one to live forever?
The answer was—
"I might be. I might not be."
Masa was immortal, especially after he had become a devil, so he would be living a long age until the universe was destroyed.
Yet, if he was asked to turn a normal person into an immortal, it would be different.
The Evil Piece from the world of DxD might allow him to turn a being into a devil, which naturally increases their lifespan, but was there an Evil Piece in this world?
Or, rather, it was impossible for him to find the material to create the Evil Piece in this world, but—
"But I could probably let a human live for 200 years or so."
"That's good enough."
If he was given time, Masa would be able to find a way to develop the magic that allowed immortality, but it was impossible for him to admit that, and it was better for him to say that he could prolong the life of someone for 200 years or so.
This wasn't bragging, and he felt that this was possible for him, especially when his hormone-related magic had a possibility that allowed him to perform such a feat.
Asuha was also satisfied with Masa's answer, and when they reached 200 years or so, Masa might develop a magic that allowed one to live 500 years or so, then it would continue.
Yes, this was his trump card.
Immortality.
By using the beauty and hair growth business, Masa gave many people an illusion that there might be a chance of him developing magic that allowed immortality to happen.
Or rather, he might even develop a magic that allowed one to return to their youth!
By then, who would try to become his enemies?
Instead, all of them would please him and protect his family well so that way they wouldn't die and could continue to live forever.
Even if Masa didn't control them by using his bio-electricity manipulation, they were as good as his slaves, including Asuha, who was so lofty before him.
This was why Masa wasn't in a hurry with his plan since when everyone died, he would still be alive, and by then, no one could stop him.
The two talked in a good mood, and with the possibility of prolonging life and achieving immortality, the Isshiki family's position in this world was unshakable, and no one wished to know.
As for keeping this matter a secret, neither Masa nor the others planned to do so since if no one knew, then no one would put importance on their family, right?
It was the same case as when Masa announced his "Mercury" magic.
Still, the time he would announce a way to prolong life would need time, and he shouldn't open all of his cards easily.
The bait shouldn't be given to someone without them giving him compensation first.
However, before all of that—
"Can you use your magic to make me younger first?" Asuha asked.
"Sure."
Well, there was no doubt, with his beauty magic and "something else," Masa was sure that Asuha would be his greatest ally in this world.
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143 Three against one
"Onii-sama!"
"Masa!"
Leaning on the wall of the station, Masa read an e-book quietly on his device until two familiar voices were heard.
The two figures ran so fast, one was small, and the other was tall. They competed against each other, but all of a sudden, the small one used a lesser version of "Mercury," which increased her physical ability, including her speed, and then leaped into her big brother's arm.
"Onii-sama!"
"..."
The impact of the crash on his belly made him fall silent, enduring the pain on his body.
Facing his little sister, Hiiro Hiromi's powerful leap, he could only remain silent and accept it silently. Whether it was dodging or increasing the defense of his body was possible, but she might crash into the wall or hurt herself when she jumped into him, so he could only soften his body to accept her, bearing the pain of protecting his little sister.
"...don't jump so suddenly like that, Hiromi."
Patting Hiromi's head softly, Masa sighed helplessly. "What if you are hurt?"
"I don't think so." Hiromi shook her head and said, "Even if I crash, it is the wall that will be destroyed."
"....."
Masa couldn't deny her words, but he said, "It is forbidden to use magic in public, okay?"
"But Onii-sama often said that it was okay to use it as long as no one knew..." Hiromi pouted.
"...."
What could he say?
While Masa's feats were amazing, he knew well that he wasn't a good example.
Still, his little sister aside, Masa looked at his fiancee, who looked at Hiromi with an envious expression. "Airi."
"Masa..."
It might be because it was the first time they had been apart for so many days, so Airi missed him so much, yet her awkward personality didn't allow her to be honest.
"Come here."
"What's wrong?"
Hearing his words, she obediently came to him, and his hand reached out to her and kissed her forehead softly.
"I miss you."
"..."
Airi felt her heart beating so fast, and her face flushed red, then melted into his arm, ignoring his little sister, who had been clinging to him.
Still, he had to say, it felt great to kiss her forehead, so he kissed her cheek again, which was soft and had a good scent.
"H-Hey, we're still in the public...!"
While Airi didn't hate such an intimate action, which showed how much Masa missed her, they were still in public. If this was private... then it might be different, though.
Still, in her pervy mind, if the kiss on the forehead and cheek were so good, what about—
"Onii-sama! You need to watch the place and occasion!"
Hiromi quickly reminded her older brother, who wanted to kiss his fiancee again, with a grief-stricken and angry voice. At the same time, she also felt envious since if Airi had been kissed, then why would she have only received a head pat?
Yet, when she wanted to continue to get angry, her small body was lifted by Masa, and her forehead was kissed by Masa.
"I miss you too, Hiromi."
Hiromi ignored the "too" part and looked away with a blush. "S-Stop treating me like a kid!"
'But you are one.'
Masa rolled his eyes but then noticed Airi, who was staring at him. No, staring at Hiromi with a bit of envy somehow. "...do you want me to carry you too, Airi?"
"N-No! I-I am not a child!"
Still, when Airi argued, she suddenly lost her balance as if she was being lifted. "Kyaa!" Subconsciously, she clung to him to stabilize herself before she looked at him with an angry cat-like expression, but somehow, she clung even tighter.
"I have two arms. Don't fight."
"......" Hiromi and Airi.
The two looked at each other and then nodded. Frankly, it was hard for them to accept each other despite Airi wishing to get close to Hiromi, but then she also understood that she had stolen her precious big brother.
Yet, even if Hiromi wasn't someone who could compete with her, whether it was due to her status or age, Airi couldn't help feeling a little anxious since she felt like Hiromi's eyes weren't the eyes of a little sister.
If the gender was reversed, then Airi would be like a husband who couldn't accept a pervy brat who touched his wife.
However, it had been a while since they had met Masa.
Their parting might be less than a week, but even so, they missed him so much and decided to have a momentary peace between the two.
Only—
"You guys... can't you do that later in a private place? Also, aren't you all too cruel to leave me with all of your luggage? Lastly, stop being intimate, okay? You are the center of attention now!"
"Ah." 3x
When the three realized this, many stopped to look at them. No, to look at Masa, as he had removed his facemask, which made many peek at him secretly. Some of them were even bolder by trying to take his photo secretly; unfortunately, somehow, all the pictures they had taken became blurs, which made them frustrated.
"Dammit! I should learn a professional knowledge!"
Still, the good thing is the photography class, and those photographers would have a lot of customers.
However, the bad thing was that their friend, Kanou Shiori, was being left behind by Hiromi and Airi as they were forced to take care of all of their luggage alone.
"We're sorry!" 2x
As Hiromi and Airi apologized repeatedly, Masa looked at Shiori and greeted her. "It's been a while, Shiori." This might be a family trip, but considering Shiori's status, who would work under his fiancee as a secretary or the Isshiki family, he knew that it was normal for her to come.
"Yes, Masa..."
Normally, like how the friend of his fiancee should be, Shiori greeted him, yet what she didn't realize was that her feelings slightly leaked out as she gazed at him after a long time and answered him softly.
Masa, who deeply learned about the Observation Haki, somehow could tell what one was feeling, even without asking it, yet he remained to play the role of an oblivious character since he felt that everything was too early, especially when they hadn't officially become a high school student.
"You three must be tired, so..."
The trip from Kanazawa to Tokyo was relatively short due to the advanced transportation technology, and their bodies were stronger than a normal human, especially Hiromi and Airi, who enhanced their physical ability with their bio-electricity, but even so, it was human nature to feel exhausted from a long trip despite just sitting down and doing nothing.
"Do you want to go back to rest or go to a shop?"
"Trip!" 3x
The three of them answered without hesitation.
As expected, no matter how tired, young, or old, every woman loved to shop a lot.
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144 Immortality 1
ess
While Hiromi, Airi, and Shiori came to Tokyo, Masa didn't plan to bring them to Tokyo but to the nearby city, Yokohama. It might be strange for him to bring them to the other city as they had arrived in Tokyo, but this wasn't their first time in Tokyo, and they had been to many places before.
All of them might have originated from Kanazawa, yet even so, they weren't country bumpkins who had never gone to Tokyo.
Instead, it was because they knew Tokyo well that they didn't plan to go there as they felt bored, considering there wasn't much difference between this city and other metropolitan cities.
Department stores, skyscrapers, and many other similar places lacked a distinctive and originality.
On the other hand, while Yokohama was quite similar, this place was quite special as it was the biggest Chinatown in Asia. Naturally, this was their destination, and they had fun with all of their might as they would be apart once again after they finished this trip.
Five days or so.
It might even be longer, and because of this, when they thought of the time they parted, they sighed, but somehow, this was also a spice in their relationship since, as they parted, it made their meeting sweeter and more meaningful.
However, next time, Airi felt that she should come to Tokyo by herself when there were no Shiori and Hiromi, as the two of them made it hard for her to have an intimate exchange with Masa.
"Oh, you are driving a car?"
It was just that Shiori was surprised when she saw Masa driving his own car.
How old is Masa again?
Could he even get a driving license?
"If you have money, everything is possible."
Similar in any place, as long as you have money, everything is possible.
Masa hadn't reached the age where he could get a driver's license for a car, but even so, there were many ways for him to get it.
Nevertheless, Shiori rolled her eyes and didn't say much, even if the role of a private vehicle wasn't as important as before, considering how advanced the transportation development was, it surprised her when Airi sat by her side on the back seat, giving up the seat next to Masa.
"...you have grown up."
"I am the big sister, after all."
Yup, sister-in-law.
The one who would marry Masa was Airi, and this fact didn't change, which made many, especially those who were close to him, sigh helplessly.
Regardless, Shiori and Hiromi quickly threw away these depressing thoughts as they wanted to enjoy this trip as much as possible and forget all the unpleasant problems!
Still, somehow, as they talked, Hiromi couldn't help but ask, "Onii-sama, do you think immortality is possible?"
This has become the talk of the people in the country lately, especially after their families learned magic that made them youthful and better-looking. Many couldn't help but wonder whether magic allowed one to become immortal.
While some people wanted to die as it was too painful to live, many wished to live forever, especially those who enjoyed their lives.
Masa might have planned to create magic that allows one to prolong one's life, but then again, he didn't expect the impact to be so immense.
Yet, this was also a great thing, especially when the anti-magic organization had been rampant and become more radical lately, so this talk was a great thing as it could show the importance of the magician to society.
Still, he had to answer this question first, so after he appeared to be in deep thought, he nodded. "It is possible."
"..." Hiromi, Airi, and Shiori.
"In the Great Asian Union, there should be an immortal."
"Huh? Really?" 3x
They might have heard a myth or a legend about an immortal in China, yet even so, despite the existence of magic, it was hard for them to believe in such a myth or a legend, but when Masa said so, they knew that it really existed.
"Yeah, they are like Chinese zombies you see in the movie, though."
"....." 3x
Watching their expressions, Masa smiled, but he wasn't wrong since there were many types of immortality, whether it was by injecting their memories into the next descendants, becoming data within the computer, or even becoming a corpse-like existence that was awoken by the necromancer.
In the description, immortality is when someone is living when they are supposed to die, so those he mentioned above should be included, right?
After all, even if their forms were different, they were immortal.
Yet, he also knew that the immortality that his little sister asked about wasn't something that he had mentioned before.
"While I want to say yes, it is hard, especially when we reach a certain period in our lives when our cells will stop dividing as our DNA is damaged."
When cells stopped to divide, in a few days, people would die, but reversedly, if cells continued to divide, then we would live forever until the cells stopped to divide.
The key to immortality was to make the cells continue to divide, and this was why Asuha previously asked him whether his magic could control telomeres since, without them, cells would stop dividing and eventually die.
"Then, if we can control these telomeres, we can achieve immortality, right?"
"If it's that easy, then it is be good, but if we manipulate the telomeres, a mutation will naturally happen on our DNA, and by then, our entire bodies might be riddled with cancers." Masa shuddisered as he said, "Can you imagine having your head to toes covered in cancer?"
"—?!" 3x
The three girls shuddered with fear and disgust as they imagined themselves covered in cancer. With the advances in medical technology, it was easy to treat cancer, but then again, cancer wasn't like a small disease like a simple flu.
Yet, there was no doubt that the key to immortality could be found within the cancer cells since the cancer cells were immortal.
However, if the price of immortality was being haunted by this disease forever and ever, wouldn't it be better to die, then?
Prolonging life was possible for him, and Masa could do it easily if he wished to with magic, but for immortality, unless he could create an Evil Piece from the world of DxD to this world, then it might be hard.
"There might be a jellyfish that can live forever or be immortal, and many even did a deep research on this creature, but—"
"But?" 3x
"The chance is small since our body is different from a jellyfish, and unlike a jellyfish, we can't return to our youth."
The way this jellyfish became immortal was by reversing their biological cycle.
If Masa had to say, it was like a chicken could become an egg when it was about to die, or an elderly person could become a young person when they were about to die.
Unless one could perfectly control their bodies to their atoms or have time control, such a method was impossible.
Yet, even if magic was an amazing thing, once again, it couldn't escape the law of physics, and it could be mimicked by technology.
If Masa had to say, magic is the ability to bring about what is possible through science with supernatural means; although the process is considered a miracle, the result is not.
This is why a magician was called a "sham," and many anti-magic organizations arose since if science can do it, then why is a magician needed?
'Unless one can control something that is impossible to be controlled by science.'
So, as long as a magician was limited by the law of physics, in the eyes of others, their existence would always be treated as a weapon.
Still, let's talk about this problem later since, for the immortality, besides the body, there was one other factor that one needed to control, or else everything was meaningless, and this was also one thing that could make people change the impression of a magician and probably be seen as a god.
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145 The purpose of the magician
"Soul?" 3x
As they delved further into the discussion of achieving immortality based on biological knowledge, all of a sudden, Masa threw out an occult-like subject, which threw them off.
"What do you think is a soul?"
"This...?" 3x
If it was a science, then they could answer it since there was only a single answer, and the law of physics is absolute.
Yet, a soul?
It was hard to describe them, but Masa didn't force them to answer and threw another question, "Leaving the description aside, do you think it exists?"
"Of course." 3x
While they couldn't answer what a soul was, they could confidently say that it existed since it was something that differentiated between a living being and a non-living being.
"From what we know, a soul is an incorporeal part of a living being, holding their spiritual essence and consciousness, yet, in the eyes of science, it is seen as an occult concept and something of superstition."
Hiromi, Airi, and Shiori nodded at his words since even if they were magicians, they believed in science more, and in their minds, a soul is an occult concept.
"Still, science has tried to prove that a soul exists. If I am not wrong, there was a scientist who weighed a soul at about 21 grams."
"Was there such a research, Onii-sama?!" Hiromi was surprised.
"Unexpectedly, there is, and there are also all other researchers, but all of them are disproved. Frankly, as long as we can control the soul, then we can achieve immortality since even if our bodies are destroyed, we can move our souls into a new container, such as a clone, but the problem is, can we even control it?"
If a soul could be controlled, then there was no need for Masa to create a complicated method by manipulating hormones and whatnot.
Unfortunately, a soul was the mystery of this world; no one could tell what it was, even if there was something known as magic in this world.
Yet, the essentiality of a soul was vital for the immortality project.
"However, even though science can't prove what a soul is or whether it exists or not, magic has proven that it exists."
"Really?!" 3x
The three were surprised by Masa's revelation.
"Yes." Masa nodded. "If you don't know, there is known as Astral magic, which allows their soul to be released from their bodies, and in Native America, there is also a shamanic magic, which allows the magician to call the soul of their ancestors to make them stronger or fight alongside with them."
The existence of the soul had been proven by the magician, yet despite this, the soul remained a mystery, and this was why Masa said, "Yes, this is difficult, but even so, it is also interesting."
"Interesting?"
"Yup. To learn the mystery of this world, I think this is why we, the magicians, exist in this world."
Not as a weapon but as a creature that sought the truth of this world.
Not to become the strongest but to uncover something that can't be explained by science and everything.
Their purpose was to learn this mystery.
Masa believed so, but the magicians in this world only thought of themselves as weapons, something to protect, or whatnot, and becoming stronger was their purpose in this life.
Survive and reproduce.
Those were the purposes of a human, yet... Masa believed that a magician had a greater role and a greater purpose for why they existed in this world than just being used as dispensable tools or livestock that would be thrown away after they lost their uses.
Yet, somehow, along the way, they lost that purpose and mingled with humans, throwing a tantrum, hoping to join them as if they were afraid of being isolated.
No, it should be otherwise!
It shouldn't be the magicians who begged, but it should be those humans who begged them!
Magicians shouldn't be the livestock or the tools for the humans!
Instead, they should be the master of this world!
Yet, Masa knew that this was still early, and he shouldn't show his frightening ambition. Instead, he showed an innocent smile and said, "Well, I am sure that people will laugh at me after saying that, so keep that a secret, okay?"
"No... no one will laugh."
Yes, whether it was Hiromi, Airi, or Shiori, none of them laughed. Instead, all of them were in a daze, and a door suddenly opened within their soul, and a bright light appeared before their lives as if a lighthouse guided them who had been lost in the dark ocean.
Similar to the others, they only thought of becoming stronger, better than magic, then searched for a man to marry and then made children.
Such were their lives, yet they never questioned why they were born as magicians.
Yet, Masa thought of that; he kept thinking, and he found the answer.
However, they knew well that this step wasn't easy, and they also understood why Masa tried to become stronger and stronger.
Still, as a woman facing such a man, a natural reaction occurs within their biology.
'I want him to impregnate me.' 2x
Yet, the two girls knew that they could only bury this feeling and the natural reactions of their bodies, especially when they knew well that with their status, it was impossible for them to openly show their interest toward him.
Yes, their role had been determined from the beginning, and if they loved him, they should follow that role obediently instead of following their desires and impulses before they were burnt and ended up with regret.
However, watching Airi, who could openly express her feelings and showed her wish to be impregnated by him, the two sighed helplessly.
The two of them could only be the supporting characters, and Airi was the main heroine.
Still—
"Enough of this complicated talk. Let's have fun!"
"OOOOOOOOH!" 3x
Yes, they shouldn't think of complicated matters since their purpose in coming to Yokohama was to have fun.
Hiromi and Shiori also thought so, but Airi wished for them to become older as soon as possible so that way, they could marry, and they... they could have sex and have children.
Shy, yet admonished herself due to her pervy thoughts, which weren't suitable for a woman of her status and position.
However, as Airi loved him so much, she just couldn't control this feeling of hers, so if possible, before the end of this trip... she wanted a kiss on the lips, she thought.
Yet, as expected, similar to all Masa in various worlds, on this trip, Masa and the others found trouble.
No, it should have been the trouble that came to them.
Regardless, this trip to Yokohama is far from being simple.
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