Because NSA agents could not operate openly under their true titles, they often spent their time buried in paperwork inside the Pentagon just like any other administrative staff. The person assigning that work was none other than the superior standing before Gerald, who couldn't help but give a strained smile.
"Don't look so sour. You've been summoned today—head over to the White House immediately."
"...Pardon?"
For someone who was officially just an entry-level employee, this news came completely out of the blue. Nevertheless, carrying the summons letter handed over by his boss, Gerald entered the White House. After undergoing a thorough security check, he was ushered straight into the Oval Office.
There, sitting majestically behind the executive desk, was the President of the United States of North America.
"Pardon the intrusion, Mr. President. Gerald Balance, attached to the USNA Joint Chiefs of Staff, reporting."
"So you are the 'magic-hating magician' she mentioned. I have reviewed your evaluations. It is a pleasure to meet the NSA's finest elite."
"...The honor is mine, Your Excellency."
Normally, even meeting a magician would require maximum security, but besides the President, there was only one other man present in the room. Gerald could instantly feel from his aura that this man was a formidable magician.
Furthermore, knowing the person well through his father, who used to serve in the military, Gerald spoke up.
"I didn't expect my escort to be Ben-san... no, Major Benjamin Canopus."
"It's been a while, Jay. You can just call me 'Ben' like you used to. How is the retired Major General doing?"
"Well. I still can't beat him in a fight, and he's in such good shape he could return to active duty tomorrow without skipping a beat."
Eldred's father—Retired Major General Barkhorn Ballard—was the previous "Canopus," leader of the Stars First Unit. Although he left the military eight years ago, he served as a master of magic to both Eldred and Gerald, training them rigorously. In his words: "I'll train you two just enough so you can defend yourselves."
In his youth, he had visited Japan as a form of martial pilgrimage, training for a few years under a certain warrior before returning home to distinguish himself within the Stars. While he never openly discussed the details of that past, he sent a letter filled with deep respect every single year.
"I see... Forgive me for asking an unnecessary question."
"Not at all, please don't worry about it. So, Mr. President... What business do you have with someone like me, who isn't even part of the Stars?"
Comprehending the context, Gerald shifted his gaze back to the President. The President, who had intended to allow them a brief moment to catch up, let out a small chuckle.
"Very well. The reason I summoned you, an NSA agent, is simple. You are familiar with a man named Edward Clark, aren't you?"
"Edward Clark... Ah, if I recall correctly, he is an information systems specialist stationed at the California branch of the National Science Bureau. Has he caused a problem?"
The USNA possessed the global interception system known as "Echelon III." Gerald, by virtue of his investigative clearance, knew that Clark's name was listed among its chief architects. It had already been established during a background check ordered by the NSA Director that Clark possessed the traits of an ardent patriot.
At first, Gerald wondered if Clark had leaked classified state secrets to foreign powers. However, after considering the man's intense patriotism, Gerald privately concluded that questioning his sanity was more appropriate than believing he would act against national interests.
Observing Gerald's silent deduction, the President assumed a grave expression and spoke.
"He has engaged in quite a few problematic actions, but until now, we turned a blind eye because we deemed they didn't contradict national interests. For example... his involvement in the recent disappearance of legacy weaponry."
"If the media gets wind of that, Your Excellency's head will roll instantly."
"We pinned the blame on terrorists, so past crimes cannot be retroactively prosecuted now. Even Major Canopus here had to handle the dirty work of punishing his own relative."
"...Major, thank you for your hard service."
"I appreciate your concern."
The incident involving Gu Jie (Jeed Heigh) had caused immense hardship for all three men present. The President had to negotiate with the Japanese government and the Kamiizumi-Kagurazaka families; Canopus had to execute the terrorists and detain his own relative involved in the plot; and Gerald was worked to the bone handling the post-incident paperwork alongside investigations requested by the Internal Inspection Bureau.
Just when he thought he had finally said goodbye to all that trouble, Gerald inwardly sighed, realizing another internal storm was brewing within the USNA.
"So? What is this Clark planning this time?"
"About that... I heard there have been strange movements within the Pentagon recently. And it appears he is heavily involved."
"Strange movements... I've personally seen individuals from NASA and the Washington headquarters of the North American Magic Association visiting frequently."
Building on that, Gerald reported the details of his conversation with Eldred from the previous night, mentioning the suspicious maneuvers surrounding a plan to deploy magicians into space. Upon hearing this, the President held his head in his hands.
"...I have no recollection of approving a space-related budget, nor did I issue any such orders. Major Canopus, what do you think their angle is?"
"Sir. If I may offer my personal opinion, they likely aim to neutralize 'Scorched Halloween'—Japan's Strategic-Class Magic."
Up until now, the USNA military had secretly dispatched units after perceiving Japan as a threat. They even sent their prized assets, "Sirius" and "Polaris," only for the mission to end in failure. Furthermore, both individuals were now considering discharge and naturalization in Japan. Gerald, who knew this due to his duties, secretly felt that the Joint Chiefs of Staff bore immense responsibility for appointing a teenager as Commander-in-Chief of the Stars, though he refrained from voicing it.
Having heard Canopus's assessment, the President turned his gaze toward Gerald and asked:
"Do you concur... 'Colonel' Gerald Balance? What is your view?"
"To speak candidly, I share Major Canopus's opinion. However, since doing the exact same thing won't yield different results... my guess is they intend to frame 'Angie Sirius' in some way to exert pressure on Japan."
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