While processing data at his workstation, Tatsuya noticed the home server under attack. With sensitive information stored, it wasn't something an amateur hacker could stumble upon. The attack was targeted, likely aimed at his relic analysis progress. Unfazed, Tatsuya countered, but the persistent multi-source assault irritated him.
"This address is done," he muttered.
Tatsuya regularly changed addresses to protect confidential data and avoid such hassles. He repelled the attack, switched addresses, and blocked further attempts.
The next day, he visited Haruka in the counseling room.
"So? I can't do network tracing," Haruka said, her tone hardly counselor-like.
"I know your expertise, Ono-sensei. I'm not asking for that," Tatsuya replied.
"Then what?"
"Any info on organizations dealing in magic-related secrets recently?"
"Shiba-kun, I have confidentiality obligations," Haruka said, exasperated.
"I'm aware."
Knowing Haruka's situation, Tatsuya wasn't deterred. She sighed heavily, realizing her objection was futile.
"Since last month, there've been illegal entries in Yokohama and Yokosuka. Local and coastal police are investigating but have no leads. Around the same time, suppliers for Maximilian and Rozen got hit with thefts," Haruka said.
"Connected?" Tatsuya asked.
"Not confirmed, but likely."
Haruka turned away, signaling she'd say no more. Tatsuya bowed and left.
Preparing for the thesis competition with Isori, Tatsuya shared the incident.
"No damage?" Isori asked.
"None. You okay, Isori-senpai?"
"What? The hackers targeted…?"
"Their commands aimed for document data. Likely tied to the thesis competition."
Tatsuya suspected the relic was the real target but kept it hidden, continuing his work.
"I'm fine, but I'll warn Ichihara-senpai just in case," Isori said.
"Good idea. Better safe than sorry."
Isori's troubled expression, oddly alluring, didn't faze Tatsuya. Isori once mentioned struggling to make male friends, and Tatsuya figured the reason lay with him.
"Kei!" a syrupy voice called.
It was Kanon, Isori's fiancée.
"Long time, Tatsuya-kun," she said.
"Yeah. Something up?" Tatsuya asked, offering her his seat and pulling one for Mari.
"Sorry," Isori said.
"No problem," Tatsuya replied.
"Hehe, Kei," Kanon cooed, clinging to Isori.
"Kanon, they're watching," Isori whispered.
Ignoring their flirting, Tatsuya glanced at Mari for an explanation. She looked slightly embarrassed, less adept at tuning them out.
"So, uh, we're here about thesis competition security," Mari said.
"Security? Discipline Committee's handling it?" Tatsuya asked.
"Exactly. Professionals cover the venue, but we handle routine patrols and deter theft," Mari explained.
"Theft… like data hacking?" Tatsuya asked.
"No, simpler stuff. Pickpocketing, mostly."
Tatsuya nodded, realizing hacking was beyond Mari's scope.
"Thinking something rude?" Mari asked, squinting.
"No. Who's assigned to security?"
"I'll protect Kei!" Kanon declared, hugging Isori again.
"We're paired up, but Kanon, don't kick me out if I'm in the way," Mari teased.
"What! I'm not that childish!" Kanon protested.
"Good. Ichihara's covered by Hattori and Kirihara," Mari said.
"The head himself?" Tatsuya asked.
"Hattori owes Ichihara big time," Mari said.
Tatsuya felt a pang of sympathy for Hattori, noting to avoid owing Suzune.
"And your security?" Mari asked.
"Unnecessary," Tatsuya said.
"Figured. Your 'Decomposition' magic makes half-baked guards pointless. I'll tell Hattori," Mari said.
"Thanks. Why you, though? Shouldn't Chiyoda handle this?"
"No reason, really… Anyway, how's Kanon doing?" Mari asked, deflecting.
Clearly embarrassed, Mari changed the subject. Tatsuya played along.
"I don't patrol with her, so I can't say, but she's diligent. Organizes well, though her enthusiasm sometimes risks tossing important papers," Tatsuya said dryly.
Mari and Kanon squirmed at the jab. Isori, oblivious, nodded.
"Exactly. Kanon, you need to check before tossing stuff. You already troubled Shiba-kun," Isori said.
"It's not my thing! Shouldn't the right person handle it?" Kanon argued.
"You're the committee chair. Set an example," Isori said.
"Sorry…" Kanon mumbled, shoulders drooping.
Mari, also bad at organizing, slumped alongside her.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ
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