The Path to War

From Akira's perspective:

The Demon Army is taking military action against the United Kingdom Alliance. I learned this news through a letter from Nasha. While this information is common knowledge among the people of this world, I, still not fully accustomed to this world's rules, was unaware of it. Even Elise chided me, saying, "Huh? You didn’t know that? Are you really that clueless?"

In a panic, I searched through the magic dictionary provided by the school and cast the news magic spell. It was composed of a simple musical score, about as difficult as the German folk song "The Frog Song," and I chanted it effortlessly.

"The military actions of the Demon Army are expanding daily. The United Kingdom is considering deploying students to the front," it announced.

"Student deployment" — a concept I am all too familiar with from my compulsory education in Japan. In 1943, as the war intensified and Japan faced imminent defeat in World War II, the military, running low on soldiers, began sending students to the front lines. The story of nursing students who committed mass suicide was prominently featured in textbooks as a sin of humanity caused by war.

Even considering the different values of that era, such measures would not be taken unless a nation was in dire straits.

"Ah, news of the war? The thought of heading into our first battle is exhilarating, isn’t it?" Hans, returning to our dorm room, clad only in a tank top inappropriate for early spring, spoke with the bravado of a medieval samurai.

"Aren’t you scared of war?"

"If you're a man, fighting at least once is an honor. Why are you whining? Careless talk like that will get you killed on the battlefield. Hahaha!" He laughed off my concern with unsettling nonchalance.

His words struck me profoundly, revealing a widely held belief in this world, not just unique to Hans.

I was reminded of the Battle of Fujikawa from Japan’s Heian period in 1180, where the Minamoto clan faced off against the Taira across the river. One night, startled by the flapping of waterfowl, the Taira mistakenly retreated, believing an attack was imminent. This marked the beginning of their downfall and the rise of the Minamoto.

For the men of that medieval period, not fighting bravely could lead to the ruin of their clan.

This idyllic world view I held, akin to that of the Vienna Boys' Choir, was shattered. Everyone at the magic school was literally fighting for their lives.

This explained the serious nature of pairing up.

"You okay? You look spaced out. Pull yourself together," Hans said, snapping me back to reality.