Fictions Mentioned:
Episode 8
OP Song:
Spy | "Who Can You Trust" Ivy Levan Music Video [HD] | 20th Century FOX
Insert Song: Start
Max Payne 2 - Main Theme
ACMI Universe-Prime
Touma Kamijou, all dressed up in his Judgment Uniform—Summer Edition, consisting of a short-sleeved olive-green tunic-style tropical field shirt, and olive-green trousers worn with a black Sam Browne belt with shoulder strap, all with white lines from the sides of the arms to the legs, and the insignia rank of Station Inspector from his shoulders. He would begin to wear something that he would attach to his right shoulder. A green armband with white lines, with the image of a couched-shaped white shield with green colors found inside the interior sides of the shield.
He was right outside the back of Fensalir's Wonders and had just opened the steel garage door. It was still about 3:00 a.m. Most people may be asleep at this time. But not him. Touma Kamijou never needed much sleep to begin with. And neither did his wife for that matter. Rika Kamijou made sure to fix her husband's uniform, double-checking as it were. She prefers to keep her husband tidy and presentable no matter where he goes of course. Othinus was simply leaning from the right side of the alley wall, smiling a bit.
Rika touches her husband's chest with both hands, her violet eyes lowered and her melancholic smile.
''Now, take care of yourself, alright?'' Rika said.
''Don't I always?'' Kamijou smiled, asking with a tone of humor.
''You know what I mean, dear,'' Rika gave him a reminding look.
''Of course, I do,'' Kamijou said.
''And don't forget your bento box, alright?'' Rika reminded him.
''Of course, I didn't,'' Kamijou raised his bento for Rika to see.
And they both embraced each other and made a deep kiss. Othinus had her one open eye closed, smiling and humming in satisfaction, looking rather dignified in consideration of her apparent defeat in terms of romance. After the kiss, they parted and Kamijou begins to open the door of the car to his left side where the driver seat is. Well, actually the driver seat was located on either the right or the left, an interchangeable one.
With one last look of goodbye, Kamijou begins to close the door of his car. The car was a green and white muscle with about four seats. It closely resembles a cross between a Fourth Generation 1967 Chevrolet Impala and a Third Generation Dodge Challenger, with elements of the Fourth Generation Pontiac GTO and Fifth Generation Chevrolet Camaro. The plate number would be "学園都市 190" on the top and from the bottom would be "上条 20-18".
The car would begin to turn left, then it would turn right, then it would move forward. Rika and Othinus were the only ones remaining in the alleyway.
''I don't suppose that you can consider prolonging your stay for a bit, Kamijou-san,'' Othinus smiled a bit, opening her one eye.
Rika smiled sadly, shaking her head. ''As I told my husband before, I am merely just stopping by. I only merely took an opportunity as it presented itself.''
''No rest for a Witch, I supposed,'' Othinus mused for a bit.
''...No, I suppose not,'' Rika agreed with a sad smile.
Then she suddenly disappeared, as if she was never there, leaving Othinus behind. Breathing in and out, Othinus would begin to head back inside and make sure to prepare her shop for the time of day.
Now, Kamijou was currently doing some side missions that Commissioner Gabriel dela Cruz has assigned to him.
What are those?
Well, it was not really much of a big deal. He was just doing regular Judgment duties in the Underground Districts of Academy City. These districts aren't well known to the public, and only a handful of Judgment and Anti-Skill actually knows that these places exist. It was added some time ago, with the construction starting at least by the time when he was in elementary school. These Underground Districts are divided into three major parts. The Foundation District, the Asiantown District, and the Undertown District.
The lowest and perhaps the largest section would have to be the Undertown District, one where Kamijou was currently at right now. Home to about approximately a billion humanoid, alien, and magical species, many of which are refugees and tourists from different worlds, dimensions, and universes.
Now, this was at least the last side mission. Kamijou is currently dealing with busting up a simple JokerZ operation that is taking place from one particular corner of the alleyway.
Who or what are the JokerZ?
Bad news. That's what they generally are. Also known as the Joker Gang and other names, they are a criminal empire made out of a group of career criminals, many of which include the worst scum known to man, insane minds, and corrupt among the law, originating from two different universes: DC Universe-Prime and DC Universe-12. And they were all as a foundation founded by a long-deceased madman in a clown suit that Kamijou had the numbing pleasure of knowing. But that was a story for another time.
''Blast that Captain America Reject!'' a JokerZ henchmen exclaimed.
With fast movements, Kamijou was using his circular shield, now with a changed color scheme of green and white and that also carried the Judgment shield symbol. He blocks the yellow-colored beams that came from the rifles of the five JokerZ henchmen wearing clown makeup. From behind, the JokerZ were caught off guard as they were suddenly stunned to the ground by multiple Judgment Officers wielding advance rifles and wearing helmets covering up their faces and black greyish fire-waterproof spacesuits and Judgment Armbands from their right shoulder. These Judgment Officers, both humans and aliens, were part of Group 10, the ones that handle the Underground Districts among other secretive duties.
''Area is clear,'' one of them, a Judgment Officer that was an alien with four eyes and two horns, spoke with a professional tone.
Kamijou would take a good look around the operation. There were a few trucks whose back was currently inspected by the Judgment Officers nearby. It was found that there were multiple weapons, alien in origin, that were being sold here at this part of Undertown.
''Thank you for the assistance, Station Inspector Kamijou,'' one of them spoke with Kamijou with a tone of gratitude.
He was a tall person, a young man of 15 years of age, with periwinkle-blue colored fur, black markings on his face, and pointed ears. The middle of his face, his chest, and his stomach are white. He has black stripes on his shoulders, waist, lower legs, and lower arms. He was an alien, a Revonnahgander, who was also a Station Inspector associated with Group 10's Underground Districts. Like the other Judgment Officers present, he was wearing a black-greyish fire-waterproof spacesuit, minus the helmet.
''Just doing my part, Station Inspector Pawn,'' Kamijou smiled at his old friend. Then he turns to the trucks with a grim expression. ''Seems the JokerZ are getting busy around these parts since the last time I came here.''
''I know the feeling,'' Pawn said with a grim tone. ''This is what I would count as the 15th time in this month alone that we have conducted a bust-up on the operations of the JokerZ. Since then, from what Judgment's Illegal Extraterrestrial and Extradimensional Technology Bureau (IEETB) had told us when they started examining the rifles, has all confirmed them to be of Level 5 Technology, the level of technology that is illegal to the rest of this world, at least ones that are not part of the state of Academy City in accordance with ACMI Universe-Prime's Doctoral Treaties. These weapons that they keep selling on these trucks, if not handled with care, could vaporize a person, being a double-edged sword as it were.''
''Yeah, and I have a feeling that this is all leading back to what had happened on the surface,'' Kamijou said.
''Like your identity being compromised,'' Pawn smiled a bit with empathy.
''So you have heard,'' Kamijou said.
''Everyone in Judgment has been more than been made aware of it. Either they found out through the news broadcasts, or through various reports, or through other means available to them, depending on their location. In my circumstance, I was simply eating at a ramen shop in Asiantown's China District when I just so happen to see you fighting an Extremis user live on television,'' Pawn said.
''And I have this suspicion that based on what Sister Seraphim had told me yesterday, it was not a coincidence either,'' Kamijou said.
''Oh, that agent from the Variance Divergent Authority (VDA) has informed you of such a thing. If they themselves are concerned about this predicament, then I supposed a general sense of caution is highly advisable,'' Pawn looked curious and concerned.
''Yes, I would find that one preferable response,'' Kamijou nodded grimly.
''Well, public identity crisis aside, I have been recently informed by my superiors that an operation would be carried out somewhere in District 10, and you would be one of the officers leading it,'' Pawn spoke with interest.
''Yeah, I would be one of them,'' Kamijou confirmed.
''And I also heard that you would eventually have a new partner. One of the best of the best in Judgment. Shirai Kuroko,'' Pawn said.
''That's also true,'' Kamijou nodded while his expression was still one of hesitation.
''Why the hesitant face? Is there something odd about having an actual partner for you?'' Pawn asked in slight humor.
''It's not that, it's just...well, I was thinking of how to make a good impression on her considering that as far as most Judgment Officers are concerned, I am a vigilante...well was a vigilante doing vigilante stuff for over...wow, four years counting now. It feels like a long time has passed for me,'' Kamijou became thoughtful.
''And adding temporal travel into the mix seems to complicate basic chronological cycles,'' Pawn made an empathetic expression.
''Yes, there's that too. And that's considering that I would eventually reveal myself at my very own school, wearing my Judgment uniform for all to see. I am more used to being hidden in plain sight, not a public sort of guy,'' Kamijou said.
''And I can relate with that, old friend. But considering this line of work, we don't always get what we want and...what was the Earth expression...when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,'' Pawn said.
''...If only it were that simple, Pawn,'' Kamijou smiled sadly. ''You think you and the boys of G10 can handle things from here while I leave.''
''Oh, don't worry, I can take over from here. I know that you would need to be somewhere else, with family in another world,'' Pawn reassured.
''Thank you,'' Kamijou nodded gratefuly.
Then he would disperse his shield away and begin to walk towards his car which was a few meters away. He steps inside and begins to drive off. He would press a few buttons from the control panel, putting the destinations of where and when he would like to travel.
Night Baron's World. DCMK Earth-Prime.
Why?
Because he would need to visit his little sister of course. First and foremost, he would need to pick up his three Angels who were waiting for him in the Foundation District.
"Hmm. He should have been here by now," Misaki Shokuhou muttered softly while musing for a bit.
Somewhere on a street corner, one that had multiple buildings where scientists and soldiers were passing by, Misaki Shokuhou, Ayu Mitsuari, and Seria Kumokawa, wearing casual clothing, were waiting for someone to arrive. Since it had been decided that Kamijou needed to lay low for a bit, at least until by tomorrow when he would eventually make himself known as a Judgment Officer, what better way to lay low than for him to head to an alternate universe?
And so, Kamijou had called the three and told them of his plans. Because it wasn't just about laying low, it was about visiting family from another world, his adoptive little sister, Sachiko Shinozaki (White). Yes, DCMK Earth-Prime had always been one of those worlds where Kamijou ends up when he decides to get away from their world for a while, maybe for a little break for a bit or two, and in those cases, hanging out with his best friend.
"From what I've heard from the comms, Commissioner dela Cruz had given him some side missions that relate to Undertown. So kouhai may be a bit late to pick us up," Kumokawa explained, musing.
"Ah, it's Kamijou-san!" Mitsuari pointed at an incoming vehicle that was turning right and would now park towards them.
The vehicle's right window would automatically open, revealing Kamijou smiling contritely.
"Sorry I'm late, ladies. I had to deal with busting up a JokerZ operation on the way here. Station Inspector Pawn and the others in G10 are currently taking care of the rest for me," Kamijou said.
"Well, fortunately for you, kouhai, you're actually one minute late under my watch," Kumokawa joked.
"One minute? That's a new record for today. So who among you has the turn to ride shotgun?" Kamijou asked.
"Oh, that would be me," Shokuhou answered, flashing a flirtatious smile as she immediately opens up the right door. Kumokawa and Mitsuari pouted as they raised annoyed eyebrows and put both of their hands on their hips as a common reaction, but they didn't object as their blonde leader wasn't lying when she said that it was her turn to ride shotgun. It was sort of a humorous routine or tradition among Kamijou's Angels on who gets to ride shotgun.
Everyone was now entering inside the car. Kamijou would begin to place his foot on the pedal as the car begins to move forward.
"And so, I would like to highly advise that all of you are to be made ready for the upcoming ceremony that is about take place."
The Tokiwadai Dorm Manager was standing on an announcement podium where there gathered about a thousand students from Tokiwadai, both middle and high school branches. Somewhere among the crowd was Mikoto Misaka, who was still thinking of the events that had happened yesterday. And those same events appeared to have an impact on this announcement.
Apparently, all of them are preparing to head toward somewhere in District 7 tomorrow. It was a certain high school of the rumored vigilante, one that had many titles to his name. Many of course called him A Certain Unknown Level 0 due to being a Level 0 as verified by the System Scan, or so would the rumors say about him. The rumor spoke of him taking on the criminal and corruptible elements of the city. No one really exactly knew when or where he started out. Some say he started out in the last year of 2007. Others would say it was a lot longer than that. Nevertheless, A Certain Unknown Level 0 is a rumor that is interconnected with a lot of so-called rumors and urban legends.
Mikoto Misaka was never one to believe in rumors so very easily, but in this specific case, maybe she can make a possible exception, if her meeting with Shokuhou and Hokaze yesterday was anything to go by, considering one connected rumor of him meeting every single Level 5 in Academy City.
And speaking of Shokuhou, she hadn't really seen her for a while for the rest of the day after meeting her yesterday. She wondered where she was at this point.
Nevertheless, after more than an hour of discussion from the Dorm Manager, Misaka gets the geenral gist of it. There would be a ceremony that would take place in A Certain High School. And it would appear that Judgment would be at the main central stage this time. Whatever for? And what does that have to do with the young man that she had met? There were many possibilities that she could think of in her head. And some of them, even if unconfirmed and hypothetical, would surprise her.
Right now, she sees multiple Tokiwadai students in the gymnasium talking to each other. Many of those topics would of course speak of...
"Oh my, oh my, oh my, we are actually going to visit A Certain Unknown Level 0's school!"
"We're actually going to visit a school, one that has boys in it, most especially him!"
"Now I really wonder what that young man is like in his daily life."
"I wonder...How does he do in school? With all of his vigilante work, it must be quite the task for him to balance the time that he has between his studies and the other side of his life."
"Why on earth would a police ceremony be connected with this person?''
''Could it be that he would join Judgment?''
''Maybe he was asked to be recruited by them since the incident.''
"("Oh dear...I guess I should have expected that Kamijou-san would still be the main talk of the campus. I mean, even though I was there, I'm barely even talked about, only a brief passing mention here and there. I guess being a Level 5, I would be the old news of the gossips of young Tokiwadai school girls due to always seeing me all of the time.")" Misaka made an exasperated thought.
"Onee-sama!"
Misaka would turn to see Kuroko Shirai coming towards her with a concerned expression. Although there was a difference in appearance that the latter has. Instead of the Tokiwadai Summer Uniform, she is currently wearing her Judgment Officer Summer Uniform. It consisted of a short-sleeved olive-green tunic-style tropical field shirt, and olive-green trousers worn with a black Sam Browne belt with shoulder strap, all with white lines from the sides of the arms to the legs, and the insignia rank of Chief Inspector from his shoulders. She was also wearing a bowler hat with green and white bans. From her right shoulder was the Judgment armband with white lines, with the image of a couched-shaped white shield with green colors found inside the interior sides of the shield. From her duty belt, there were Glock 22s found on both sides of her waist and a set of metal darts primed and ready on many sides of the belt, from front to back.
That's right. Anyone from Tokiwadai who is a Judgment Officer is tasked with wearing their prescribed uniform on duty in relation to this announcement.
"Oh, Kuroko," Misaka noted her underclassman. "What's up?"
"The Dorm Manager is calling us two to her office. She wants to speak with us, privately," Shirai whispered to her quietly.
"...!" Misaka widened her eyes a bit.
Does the Dorm Manager want to speak with both of them? Whatever for?
"You must be wondering why I called the both of you into my personal office."
The Dorm Manager's Office's interior was an ordinary one. It had green walls with white layouts. It looks organized, as expected from a woman of her caliber. There were all sorts of books and files stacked together in proper alphabetical and numerical orders for easy access. There was a window overlooking one of the courtyards of Tokiwadai, and it is one where the Dorm Manager would look with a serious expression, with both of her hands behind her back.
"...Yes," Misaka nodded hesitantly while seated on a chair. Shirai did the same nod, but didn't speak, seated on a chair beside Misaka.
"Considering that you two are one of the four individuals that were closely involved with the events of yesterday, I thought that it would be more fitting to inform you of something."
At that moment, the Dorm Manager turns around and faces them with an expression that conveys seriousness, one that made the two girls gulp unconsciously.
"Then I would need to warn you regarding one thing. Kamijou Touma, the young man that I know, is a genuinely good man who has done far more good services to this city and to the rest of the world. But..."
She pauses for a bit before continuing.
"His enemies are not so kind."
"What...do you mean?" Shirai asked, concerned.
"Kamijou Touma has made many enemies in his line of work, many of them whom I can confirm for myself to be in the category of the worst kind, the kind that people of your age shouldn't ever have to deal with. I just want to let both of you know ahead of time of what you two may potentially get yourselves ahead of when you two are now associated with someone like him. Now that his true identity is exposed to the public and to the rest of the world, I fear that his enemies may get bolder in their attacks against him. In fact, that would probably be a reason why, and this is classified to everyone, Judgment's G9 would probably be on standby as a secret security detail in case something happens," the Dorm Manager's expression was one of maternal concern.
"Eh?! G9?! It's really that serious to the point that it warrants the involvement of G9?!" Shirai asked in shock.
For those who don't know, Judgment Group 9 is the Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), also known as SO141, the Specialist Operations Branch assigned to keep the general public safe and to disrupt terrorist-related activity in Academy City and against its interests overseas.
"...Yes, it would have to be serious indeed.''
"Meep!" Misaka and Shirai exclaimed in shock as they both turn to their back, seeing someone right behind them.
It was a beautiful and well-endowed young woman, fifteen years old. Her appearance and demeanor were ones that many would consider the proper model of an ojou-sama and a mother hen of experience. She had black hair and brown eyes. She wore glasses that often hides her brown eyes from view. Like Shirai, she was also wearing the Judgment Officer Summer Uniform, accompanied by a duty belt whose wait sides carry two SIG Sauer P230s. From the insignia of her shoulder, it shows her rank as a Deputy Commissioner.
She was Sakiko Matsui, the Deputy Commissioner of Judgment. She also acts as the personal secretary of the Commissioner, and his personal eyes and ears in Tokiwadai. She is also a first-year high school student of the Tokiwadai High School Branch.
''Gokigenyou, Misaka-san, Shirai-san,'' she bowed politely like a high-class lady.
''Ah! Deputy Commissioner!'' Shirai manages to fix her reaction almost instantly, jumping out of her seat and performing a proper right-handed salute out of respect. ''I am so sorry, I didn't see you there!''
''No apologies are necessary, Shirai-san. You may let go of your salute. I would of course appreciate it if you treat me as an equal and a friend at this time as we aren't currently on duty in public but in the Dorm Manager's Office, and we are all Tokiwadai Students here so that provides the second basis of my reasoning,'' Matsui waved her right hand, smiling in reassurance.
''O-Of course, umm...Deputy Commissioner,'' Shirai lets go of her right hand hesitantly.
''Matsui-senpai,'' Misaka smiled in familiarity with the young woman that she had known since last year ago. ''It has been a while. How is your work in Judgment holding up?''
''Well, if you are referring to the latest incident that has you, Shirai-san, and two of your friends involved in, it has made quite a stir that the Commissioner and I had to look into with utter concern, and I do believe that the Dorm Manager has provided a brief explanation of that,'' Matsui smiled sadly, looking at the Dorm Manager who only responded by touching the bridges of her glasses.
''...Oh yes, the fact that the ceremony would apparently be no different than a VIP suddenly coming to Academy City and provide for proper security measures and detail. ...Umm, why exactly are we being informed of this only?'' Shirai asked.
''You two, along with the other two of Sakugawa Middle School, in considering your first association of Kamijou Touma, the one that many are now referring to as Captain Nippon, A Certain Unknown Level 0, and The World's First Superhero, would now have as a plausible reason for myself and for other high ranking members of Judgment to suspect that there are possibilities of Kamijou-san's enemies planning to target you four specifically,'' Matsui explained grimly.
''Eh?!'' Misaka and Shirai were shocked at this revelation.
Potential targets? Them? But why? Because they simply met Touma Kamijou and are now currently possible targets by his enemies?
''...Wait just a minute, isn't that a bit much? I mean, I can understand Kamijou-san being a target for whatever nutjob wants him dead, but why us four? I mean, I only met Uiharu-san and Saten-san,'' Misaka spoke with concern and trepidation.
''Because of the leakage of his identity, now the entire world knows of him, how do you think the people who want him out of the picture would react to such vital information? Even among those who knew of his identity in the past, chances are there may come a time when they wouldn't be holding back on whatever assault would come his way, and that would include anyone associated with him, major or minor,'' the Dorm Manager explained.
''And that is a very long list, I'm afraid, which is why G7, G8, and G9 are all working closely together in light of the potential dangers that can occur. For instance, I wouldn't put it past a misfortunate incident to happen during the ceremony itself. Considering that all of Tokiwadai's students are required to be there in attendance, do you not think that some people may take the possibility of killing two birds with one stone? And this is merely just one possibility,'' Matsui explained.
''...You're saying that with Kamijou-san being known by everyone at this point, then people can make a lot of excuses to try whatever mess up thing that they have on their heads?'' Misaka asked.
''Precisely,'' Matsui nodded. ''Even with the Reformations where Judgment has now reinstated to expand to include all Levels, including Level 0s, into its official ranks, for clarification's and formality's sake, even putting Level 0s as high ranking officials in the organization to make a point that discrimination is not tolerated and to avoid suspicions and accusations of corruption to show our genuineness and foresight, the disquieting level of bitterness among the lower levels has not yet been quelled. I have received reports from Assistant Commissioner Braun in charge of overseeing District 10 that the criminal activities that are taking place there as of this time are not a very good one, and it is only in light of the advanced weapons and onboard technological suits that the criminals were now carrying. Commonly, we are dealing with an Extremis problem.''
''Extremis...I have heard of the name for quite some time in some official briefings which talked about it relating to a rumor called Level Upper. They say that Extremis is considered an advanced form of genetic manipulation, and combining it with this Level Upper, allows one to 'cheat' the System Scan and increase their Levels. If one were a Level 1 or 2, and even a 0, then you would be able to advance into a Level 4 esper quite easily,'' Shirai explained.
''But this kind of power has a price to it,'' Matsui cautioned. ''And I do believe that you have borne witness to such a concept in action. The suspect that Kamijou-san helped arrest, Okahara Ryouta, with basic training and experience on his belt, has provided a demonstration of what happens to someone who can make use of Level Upper that allowed one to increase his natural esper ability, all coupled with an advanced endoskeleton with state-of-the-art onboard weaponry such as repulsors, missiles, lava generation, and other dangerous weapons. And of course, considering the volatile nature of Extremis, there is the possibility for the user to be vaporized, and with it, entire city blocks and multiple possible casualties. That is the current threat that Judgment is tackling right now.''
''...Then, you're saying that whatever happened in that bank was merely the beginning,'' Misaka's expression turn grim.
''...Yes. And since the recent incident, it appeared that from what G2 had confirmed, and by that, I would mean Uiharu-san as well as she is the one in G2 to be the first to translate it easily, there was a silent encrypted message that was being broadcasted throughout Academy City's Dark Side,'' Matsui explained.
''...!''
Yes, the Dark Side.
It referred to the rumored criminal underworld of the city of science, one that is in direct contrast to its bright and hopeful idealistic take on the future. In Judgment, Kuroko Shirai, as the newly deputized Chief Inspector of Judgment Branch 117, a unique station that consisted of several schools, one of which was Tokiwadai, had to deal with daily trouble from fighting criminals directly, but she had about as much solid evidence of the Dark Side's existence as she did for urban legends.
...Well, considering that line of reasoning, she may already find such doubts ridiculous to entertain. Case in point: Touma Kamijou, the one being talked about in the daily news headlines and tabloids all day, every day. Once he was the urban legend, and he is connected to the rumor of the Dark Side in that he had fought the worst that the Dark Side had to offer.
Secretly, in spite of her slightly understandable misgivings regarding the concept of vigilantism, she actually admired the concept of this so-called hero of justice. It was a major reason that made her inspired to join Judgment in the first place.
Now that she was finally meeting her...well, shall we say, idol, she was trying to think of a way to approach him now based on this information.
But of course, it made her concerned about another thing.
The Dark Side.
If Touma Kamijou, A Certain Unknown Level 0, is confirmed to have existed, then the other interconnected rumors surrounding him would of course be followed upon, such as the Dark Side, the more nebulous side of the picture of the city.
She felt...that the veil of secrecy shrouding the Dark Side is now slowly crumbling down. Touma Kamijou's identity being exposed had a double effect. His identity connected with the rumors, would now make people look at each other and ask themselves.
Which one of the rumors is considered real?
Now people would look for the Dark Side as it is a connected rumor to A Certain Unknown Level 0. But the question is, how would the Dark Side generally react?
''...What does it say?'' Shirai asked.
''Out of the Shadows, Into the Light. The Dragon of Revelation has now appeared in all of its glory. Now is the time for the City of Babel to be revealed its true colors. For the Purge has begun,'' Matsui spoke the ominous warning.
Ruiko Saten, wearing her Sakugawa Middle School summer uniform, was walking towards a specific place in District 3.
It was due to a message that she received on her phone not too long ago.
''SMS: Meet me somewhere in a certain safe house. I'll text where you need to go so don't worry about getting lost.''
After taking a train from District 7 to District 3 and a few walks later, she finally found the location where she needed to be. An alleyway that leads to a backdoor to a bar for people to hang out. It was called Jude's Pub. It was a simple building of about three floors. But why here of all places? Saten didn't know, just that she needed to come here, on the specific instructions that she had been given.
But who was texting her to come?
Why it was none other than the person who had once stopped her from chasing after a rumor that she had been chasing during early March, sometime after her sixth year of elementary school, an between the lines point before eventually starting her first year of middle school, which would be now in the month of April. The rumor concerned something called Sachiko Ever After. Basically, it detailed a friendship ritual that, with the right or wrong procedures, could end up with either blessings or misfortunes for all that are involved.
Who was this person?
It was...well, someone who looked like a religious sister for a start, someone that is really out of place in a city known for its blatant disregard for all things supernatural is not explainable through science and its advancements.
Well, Saten would like to disagree on this, if only in private. Even when she would probably be in self-denial in order not to stand out too much, she cannot deny that, even in a world of science, she still believed that there are other explanations about the world. That would of course explain her passion for urban legends.
And speaking of urban legends, she still can't get over the fact that Touma Kamijou is the rumored vigilante that she had been searching for after all this time. But then, she also had thought deeply of the many rumors that connected with Kamijou. One concerned him meeting all of the Level 5s. Actually, from what she can confirmed, Kamijou had recently met Mikoto Misaka, the #3, so that would make the rumor at least somewhat true in part. And then, she remembered other rumors. Rumors of a...Dark Side...
Now Saten would grimace for a bit, being reminded of why she was even walking towards the backdoor of Jude's Pub. Because of the text that the sister had sent before this.
''SMS: Listen closely to what I have to say considering how much potential danger you are in, and for that matter, the potential danger that your friend, Uiharu Kazari, and the two other friends that you have made, Misaka Mikoto and Shirai Kuorko, are now in the moment you all had that one random encounter with Kamijou-san. Keep your eyes always open and be mindful of your surroundings. Don't leave your dorm at night, especially in the late hours. Stay there until the sun rises up. Then come and meet me in the place where I would like to talk with you personally. And we definitely have a lot to talk about.''
For some reason, it sent shivers running down her spine.
She knocked on the back door. She waited. She looked around hesitantly from left to right and sees nothing but the trash bins and boxes all properly ordered. Her right hand was touching her left elbow and some of her fingers were tapping her skin.
The door would open, revealing a Caucasian man with brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a black leather jacket, white shirt, dark blue jeans, and white shoes. His height was about 5' 10'' so he was a lot taller than her who was about 150 (4'11.06) to 160 (5'2.99) cm. His expression was serious, speaking in the same form of tone.
''Saten Ruiko?'' he asked.
''Y-Yes?!'' Saten couldn't help but feel intimidated by the simple, straightforward tone.
The man nodded as he begins to step back a bit so that Saten can have the space to enter. ''Get inside. Sister Seraphim is waiting for you.''
And now Saten would make her way inside, being obedient to what he says. For Saten, it felt like talking with a teacher whose tone just makes you understand without saying much. She can hear the door close shut by the man as he would lead her to the place where she needed to seat.
Saten noticed that the place was...empty. There was no one around. There was an African American barkeeper who was present somewhere from the other side of the bar top, wiping a glass.
''Oh good, you're finally here.''
There was a woman waving at her from a nearby comfortable seat. Her smile was cheeky and full of humor, one that seem like a far cry for the serious messages that Saten had been receiving from her ever since the whole debacle at the bank. She wore a black and white nun habit, had black long hair, and with unique heterochromatic eyes.
Her name was Sister Seraphim Mysterium.
What was a nun like her doing in a place like this?
The terms ''bar'' and ''nun'' seem like out-of-place terms for the interchangeability of both to being able to occupying the same space and time, never mind ''nun'' and ''science''.
She would eventually walk forward, if a bit hesitantly, towards the other side and make her seat. She looked at the nun who seemed...she supposed, a bit relieved as she had a heavy sigh released from her mouth. The man who showed her where to go was simply standing there, not moving an inch, with a serious expression on his face.
''...Umm, isn't he suppose to be...'' Saten said.
''Oh, don't worry about him,'' Seraphim reassured Saten, waving her right hand with slight humor and a smile. ''He's the type to stand by and let others relax, isn't that right, Richard?''
''I suppose so,'' the man named Richard Phillips Feynman responded in the affirmative tone.
''Now then, I suppose you want me to talk to you about why I'm sending you text messages about so-called doom and gloom,'' Seraphim's face now turned serious even while smiling.
''...Y-Yes,'' Saten made a hesitant nod.
''...Well, that relates to one other thing that I want to talk about,'' Seraphim said. ''Remember what happened in March? The first time you and I met face to face?''
Of course, she would clearly remember that time. That was the very first time Saten felt like she was encountering something that seems to be way over her head. From a simple urban legend hunt, turned into something else. Like a secret military operation, considering that she had seen bulky soldiers in advance armor and futuristic weapons surveying the alleyways. That was also the time when Saten had been asked by Seraphim to let go of her search hunt and run away as far as she can, and never talked about any of this to anyone.
''...What about it?'' Saten asked with trepidation. She was of course curious of what had happened during that time. Seraphim had asked her to pull of her search for the urban legend, and in return, at some point provide for a decent explanation of what seemed to have occurred during that time.
''...Well, that relates to Kamijou-san as well,'' Seraphim said while holding a glass that seem to be full of wine, She sipped it softly and tasted the drink. ''Let me ask you something. Do you believe in the supernatural?''
"Huh?'' Saten made a confused expression.
''By that, I would mean, do you believe in other explanations of the supernatural besides the science that you current know?'' Seraphim asked.
''...''
Saten didn't know how to respond to this strange question. A natural part of her would say yes, she does believe in such things. Why else would she even be hunting urban legends and rumors throughout the city as a hobby? Even when she tries to laugh things off as utter nonsense, some part of her that lay hidden from prying eyes would say that resounding yes.
But why? Why was this nun asking her of such a strange question?
''...Why exactly are you asking me of this type of question?'' Saten asked.
''Because up until this point, you have led a normal life ignorant of everything around you, and I want you to understand that the life that you are leading right now...is over. Now, direct to the point, what if...there was so much more to the universe that you wouldn't know at all? Because that question is important to make you think for a bit outside of the box,'' Seraphim explained.
''Outside the box,'' Saten muttered softly.
''Have you ever wondered why? How come there are even such things as rumors and urban legends spread about in this very city that is designed to abhor things like superstition in place of fact? Do you?''
''...I mean, I believe some of it can be explained by science-'' Saten was cut off.
''Pseudoscience,'' Seraphim corrected as she explained grimly. ''There is a vast difference between actual science and psuedoscience. The latter is a dividing line between science fact and science fiction. Now, I call it ironic considering that you live in the exact type of science fiction that all of those anime had somewhat foreshadowed and depicted. Once, espers were considered quite a laughable concept. Now, it can be explained by science, and people seemingly accepted the premise of there being a city of science that has the capacity to create these espers, and yet...how come anyone has yet to ask the right questions?''
''...What do you mean?'' Saten didn't like where this question was leading. It almost felt like something of her entire reason as to why she wanted to enter this city in the first place...is now being put under question...and the free choice that came with it.
''...Come now, I know that you are smarter than you look, Saten Ruiko. A young lady like you would definitely notice something off about this city. You would already notice the discriminative pattern between the higher levels and the lower levels. It's like this place was designed to be a place where only the strong seemingly rules over the weak. Those with higher levels have higher standards of comfortable living while the lower levels have to work their way from the scrap heap. People from outside call Academy City this...utopia, this dream come true for the generations to come, for dreams to be realized, for people to have actual superpowers. Wow, how great is that! ...And yet they don't realize just what lay underneath the surface of all of these things. In this world, nothing is free. And considering that the adults are the ones who ran this place, just who are they? Do we know who they are? Do we know what they do? What's their stake in all of this? Some of my rambles may sound like something that conspiracy nutcases utter on the online internet chat forum, but what I'm about to tell you is this.''
Seraphim lean from the table and made eye contact with Saten, the latter being drawn and intimidated by those eyes that appear to be a mismatch to her entire physical appearance. It was like Saten was seeing...a much older person underneath all of that beauty. And what was haunting her was that this woman really looked like someone related to her. Even more than that, the older woman seems to like her, but from a distant future that may or may not come to pass.
''Now that you are associated with Kamijou Touma, you must promise me one simple thing that could be categorized into the following. One: You do not, and I repeat this, you do not sacrifice your morals for anything or for anyone, especially for love, and I'm talking about something of the romantic kind, and no, I am not implying whatsoever by what you may be thinking when I mention this at random. The basic core of the argument is that you do not change into a person that you will end up regretting someday in the future. Two: Remember that being powerless, being a Level 0, isn't something that you don't need to be ashamed of. In fact, Kamijou Touma is a young man that I know all too well. At some point in his life, he had experienced such powerlessness. There was a time when he didn't always have that rumored right hand of his that negates espers. There was a time, a long time ago, when he had to traverse through hell and back, without his right hand, without any power that he has in his person. The only thing that he had at those moments were his mind, his heart, and his soul. That was it. And I am asking you to do as he did. To keep pressing on. To keep walking with your head held high. Being without powers does not mean that you are powerless. It just means that you need to think for yourself about what you need to decide next. The choice has always been yours and the System Scan and the Parameter List could all go to hell for even subtly suggesting to you that you are no better. You're not the smartest person nor are you a powerful esper. And that's okay. You can send that message. Be the message that you do not need powers to be special. Can you promise me this?''
''...Yes,'' Saten muttered softly. She didn't know why but there was something about the look that Seraphim gave her that made her speak with a positive answer. Perhaps it was the earnestness of it, the genuine concern that she has, and the additional fact that she looks...awfully like her the more she sees her face. It was like looking at a living reflection. It scares her somewhat.
''(Sigh). Thank you, that's all I really would ask from you at this time. Now, we would need to go with the meat of the discussion, starting with the concept of the Multiverse,'' Seraphim smiled a bit.
''...Eh?'' Saten muttered softly in shock.
Needless to say, Saten would now be given a simple lesson of a lifetime that would change her worldview in more ways than one. And she would be the first among the newly formed A Certain Gang of Rail Girls to be aware of some things that the other girls would find out later.
Insert Song: End
ED Song:
Thunderball (Main Title) · Tom Jones · John Barry
Main Companion Protagonists:
Touma Kamijou - VA: Atsushi Abe
Main Love Interests:
Rika Kamijou (née Furude) - VA: Yukari Tamura
New Characters:
Deputy Commissioner Sakiko Matsui (Judgment)
Station Inspector Pawn (Judgment)
Richard Phillips Feynman (Variance Divergent Authority) - A: Norman Reedus