After what happened, Stiyl decided to wait for Touma outside. His help could become necessary even if Stiyl prefered to work alone.

"So what's happening?"

As far as he remember, when that red hair appears, it can only means problems. A twisted alchimist using the power to turn his thoughts into reality, 250 heavily-armed nuns and recently again a mercenary with crazy close-range fighting skills and magic. Touma couldn't help but to sigh, knowing that what will happen won't be good.

"A precious artefact kept by the English Church disappeared."

"What kind?"

"A cross"

Touma facepalmed. That can't be ... Once again a cross, since the Daihaisaisei, it seems like crosses were attracted to him.

"Do you know what the Vera Croce is?"

Touma shook is head as a sign of answer.

"Then you know how 'the Son of God' died, right?"

"Didn't you say he was stabbed before?"

That was true, and that fact created the Stab Sword, a weapon that can one-shot any Saint.

But that wasn't what Stiyl expected.

"Before that, he was crucified, also called crucifixion. He has been attached to a cross by the wrist. It was a painful and shameful way of killing. There are many ways of dying, blood loss, dehydration, sepsis, asphyxia and other one. It can take hours or days for the sentenced to die."

He smoked a little

"But seeing that he didn't die, they decided to stab him and stop his pain."

"The fact that he was crucified though can't change. And once the christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, a rumor saying that the cross used to kill him had been conserved. Also called 'Vera Croce'. Of course, the whole thing couldn't be found anywhere. It's because it had been divided. Many churches claimed that they had the true 'Vera Croce'..."

"I'll avoid you from hearing all its history. But after the revolution in France, to separated Church and State, the cross has been strip of the jewels and its trace lost."

"At that time, the English Puritain Church already existed. And the real one fell in their hands."

Touma eventually spoke

"And it disappeared..."

"Yes, many magic spells were cast on it. It truly was considered as an holy artefact. In the end, all the spells interacted with the cross to the point that it became a magic tool."

"And in what way it can stop people from using their power?"

"The 'Vera Croce' symbolizes the fact of being restrained, paralyzed. But that's not all, just like the Son of God has been killed by the Roman who believed in others gods, it justifies the fact of killing to expend Christianity..."

Touma forcefully swallowed his saliva. During his trip in Italia, he met a real crazy Bishop called Biagio Busoni. Since that time, he stopped thinking that everybody could be reasoned with words.

"It seems like the stealer managed to create those fakes. They aren't as powerful as the real one, but their power is not to be underestimated. They can make faint people who are esper under level three. Level four can stay awake but will be paralyzed and can't use their power... As for level 5, they simply can't use their power."

"But in the hands of an organisation such as Skill-Out which gangs on people That's ... !"

"Dangerous, indeed, seeing your friend, she doesn't have any fighting ability aside her power. Once their power sealed, espers are really doomed."

Touma clenched his first... He had many things to ask and didn't know where to begin. But Stiyl continued.

"If the real one were to be used ... It depends where it's used but many people can die according to the user's will. Its power is by far superior. I don't know the specifities but it could paralyze hearts, muscles ..."

"Then how to st-"

"Impossible."

His answer was blunt and indifferent as always

"For those fake, your power, a defensive spell or one of those things can suffice, but as I said, the real one is a 'Holy Artefact' it's at the level of Angel-class spells ... And higher"

Stiyl said that while showing his cross. It wasn't only a decoration. Just like the 'Walking Church' of Index, each of these crosses was infused with protective magic.

But what rang in Touma's head was something else.

"Angel ...?"

He once saw an Angel. The archangel Michael which used the power and attribute of Archangel Gabriel, representing the water and being guardian of the moon. the governor of Blue and protector of the rear side. Its power was immeasurable. Even Kanzaki who is one of the twenth 'Saint' of this world, born with the power of the 'Son of God' could barely scratch it.

"And higher ...?"

A being superior to Angel ... The mere thought made Touma sweat. A power equal than the one of God.

"You must be kidding ... How such a thing could be stolen."

"I don't know how but a magician disappeared alongside. We still don't know what he wants, maybe war just like Sherry Cromwel, or something else. We aren't even sure that he is the one who stole it. The signal of the cross disappeared in Academic City and seeing the recent attacks on esper using some reproductions ... Most probably the real one is here."

But there was one thing that was annoying Stiyl.

"Kamijo Touma."

He looked at him.

"Wh-what's with the serious tone?"

"Don't forget that the 'Walking Church' of Index which protected her has been destroyed because of your right arm. You are her guardian so it's your job to protect her now. Don't involve her in such a thing."

"Heh?"

( Destroyed by my right hand? What is he talking about?)

But Touma knew it. That if somebody talks about something he doesn't understand, that simply means that it happened before his memory loss.

He quickly regained his composure. Nodding with a serious face. As always, he noticed that Stiyl was deeply concerned of Index. Just like when they went to save Himegami, Orsola or recently for the Daihaiseisai. When he asked him if he loved somebody Stiyl didn't answer. Could it be ...?

Seeing that Touma understood, Stiyl decided to begin his search.

"Very well, if I find something and need your help I will contact you. Just continue your life as if nothing happened until then."

"Wait Stiyl!"

"What?"

"About the magician ... Do you know something?"

The two things could be unrelated but the odds were slim. Stiyl thought that Touma was right to ask him. Seems like he finally shows some spirit.

"I met him there's many years. Unlike Index I don't have perfect memorisation so don't expect me to tell you what he looked like. There's two things I know."

"First, his magician name is Contra001, 'The one who brings revenge'."

"And second don't even fight him. You have no chance."

Touma frowned. True there must be magician stronger than him but you don't know unless you try.

"I see that you don't understand. Do you know what the 001 represents?"

Touma didn't answer, how could he know, Magician name are something for magicians.

"It represents the fact of being one with everything, earth, nature, universe. Everything will go as he wants to."

Touma didn't understand.

"Stop with the chit chat and go to the point."

Stiyl sighed.

"Pff ... He is an alchemist."

"Wh-what?"

"As I said he mastered 'Ars Magna'!"

Ars Magna ... The power to turns thought into reality. A fearful power that needed high concentration and no useless thoughts.

"Unlike Aureolus Izzard, he completely mastered it. He doesn't need to speak to use it. Alchemy may be a branch of Magic, it doesn't change its power ... You know what I mean, right?"

Touma understood the situation. If such a person were to become an ennemy. The chances of winning were small. And stronger than Aureolus ...?

"Even I don't know what he can do ... But we saw both what Aureolus could do, if he really is stronger than him ... Then maybe the impossible is possible for him too"

Stiyl accentuated the too. He once said to Touma that he did what the couldn't do. That even the impossible could be possible for Touma. His Imagine Breaker was such a thing.

"Be careful Kamijo Touma."

Stiyl left with those words.


On his way back, Touma reorganized his thoughts. To resume, they are fighting an unknown person with invincible skill and a god-like tool that he can use whenever he wants, wherever he wants.

That's crazy. And at the same time, many reproductions can be used to do evil deeds.

In Academic City power are more or less everything. Level 0 can't possibily win against higher level. But that's only if they can use their power. Generally, people with power aren't that strong in street fight.

Touma remembered what Stiyl said

'Dangerous, indeed, seeing your friend, she doesn't have any fighting ability aside her power. Once their power sealed, espers are really doomed'

...

( Heh ? 'Seeing your friend" he said? ... How does he know that I knew her? )

The thought troubled Touma. If magicians were to know his acquaintances, they would probably target them instead of him.

...

( Biribiri is strong, why do I worry about her? ... But against magicians ... Could she win against Stiyl? )

Touma was deeply thinking. True she was the Third level 5 ... But magicians ... She was already targeted in the past. If it was to happen again ... Touma would probably not forgive himself.

Before even realizing it. He was already at the floor of his room.

When he entered in, there was nobody ... Of course Index will most probably return tommorow's evening and destroy his wallet.

That was kind of lonely.

( ... Even is she eats too much ... alone here is really boring ... who would have thought that one day I would want her to be here. )

He lay down on his bed. Nothing to do. Nothing to watch. How boring.

Maybe that was why before he lost his memories, Kamijo Touma used to wander late at night. Being alone without his family.

So, probably, Index was making up for that. When Touma awakened after that memory loss, the first person who cried for him was Index.

He didn't want to hurt her, so he lied to her.

Because, he needed somebody to be at his side.

He couldn't remember his previous life. His previous friends, his previous family.

He needed a new one, a new family.

That's why Index was important. Stiyl didn't need to tell him to protect Index.

"Haaa ... How boring ... I want something to happen."

...

You can't withdraw your words once you said it.

His cellular rang. And he picked up.

"Yes?"

"Kamijo-san?"

That was the voice of a girl. He heard that voice recently... When he was 'arrested' and went in the office of Judgement.

"Hm, excuse me if I'm wrong ... Konori-san?"

"Yes."

"Is there a problem? No more importantly how did you get my number?"

"I work at Judgement you see."

The truth is that Saten asked Misaka's phone and as she expected, she found his number here. But she didn't find it at the name Kamijo or Touma but at the word 'Baka'.

"You see, I just read the report, and it seems like even though you did nothing you were arrested."

"Hmm ..."

He didn't know what he should answer. It was kind of rude to say yes to that. They are doing their job and that's all. But that was partially - no - that was true.

The girl let go a little laugh ' fufu'

"According to the rule number 288 of the Judgement code, we need to make up for that."

"Such a thing exists?"

"Of course, why would I call you otherwise?"

( ... Hmm true, there's no reason for her to call me ...)

In fact ... Such a rule doesn't exist. Obviously.

"Then tommorow, we are going to the water park in the 14th District. If you don't mind, would you come?"

Water Park ... Such a thing exist, it's a wide area of 7000m² used for fun, sport and anything related to water and pool.

Touma considered it. True he was bored. Nothing to do, and tommorow, the same. Having some fun wasn't asking too much.

"Why not, mind if some people come with me?"

"Bring some friends, the more the marrier after all"

Once they agreed on the hours and things like that. Touma decided to call Aogami and inform Tsuchimikado. Going alone would be seriously bad. He didn't know for Tsuchimikado but he is sure that Aogami will come. The only problem is that he will have to 'restrain' his hormones a little.


Two girls were smiling in the dark.

"As expected, it went well."

"Your scheme is perfect, konori-sempai."

Only the sound of eerie laughs could be heard. One plans to discover the truth about the recent incidents while the other wants to inquire about 'Kamijo Touma'.


He didn't call Tsuchimikado. The reason is that that one lives next door.

But when he left, he saw Tsuchimikado and Klein. Both looked serious.

"Hey Tsuchimikado, Klein!"

Klein and Touma were calling each other by their first name. The first one because he was used to call people by their first name since he lived in England and the second because it would be awkward to call him Kirigawa. Klein sounded well instead.

They looked at each other.

"What's the matter?"

"Hahaha, nothing, we were just chit chatting." Said Klein with a forced laugh.

"Yeah, a little discussion to deepen our relationship. After all, he will live in this dorm so it's better to know our new neighbour."

"Hmm, is that so... The I have the perfect way to deepen our relationship."

"Heh?"

"What are you talking about Kami-yan?"

Touma threw at them a gentle smile. The kind of smile saying 'Don't even refuse what i'm going to ask.'

Tsuchimikado accepted to come, but he decided to bring Maika along. As for Klein, he said that it would be fun and decided to join.


Notes : I don't really know how I will write the next chapter, I got some ideas, but they are a bit cliche, don't expect too much in the first part. The second part will be more interesting I think.

Also I ended this chapter a bit fast. I'm not sure how it went...

Hmm, whatever guess who they will meet? Hint: When children are bored, they go to pool sometimes but with their 'guardiens'. fufu ... Really.