In retrospect, that day was also raining like this.
Just as he woke up, the doorbell rang and woke him up. Yawning, Shangjou opened the door and saw Academy City's number one player, Accelerator, standing in front of the door, glaring at him, completely drenched.
Ever since they started working together, the First Accelerator would come to his house every morning, so Preceding Article wasn't surprised by the appearance of the First Accelerator. What surprised him was the fact that the First Accelerator was drenched.
"Eh? … Why are you so drenched? " Asking in surprise, Preceding Article hurriedly found a towel and handed it to the First Accelerator. The First Accelerator was struggling to take off his heavy coat. After taking off the mask that covered his face, he finally let out a long sigh of relief.
The wet white hair stuck to the forehead, and the clothes that clung to the body outlined the First Accelerator's slender body. For a moment, Preceding Article couldn't help but nervously gulp, and immediately turned his eyes away in a panic.
"It's raining outside." Accelerator said briefly, wiping his dripping hair with the towel.
"… No, I know it's raining …" Preceding Article's mouth twitched, and he pointed at the Accelerator.
"What I want to ask is … Why don't you use 'reflection'? That way, you won't get wet …? "
With Accelerator's ability, vector manipulation, he could completely change the direction of the rain. Obviously, he had such a convenient ability, but he would rather get drenched than use it. Preceding Article didn't understand the reason.
Accelerator threw the towel back to Preceding Article, and coldly stared at him. "Are you an idiot? Using this ability on the street is no different from shouting 'I'm Accelerator' … And the power of the electrode isn't spent on this kind of trivial matter. "
"… That's true, ahaha." Preceding Article scratched his head in agreement.
Both of them were working in secret, so the First Accelerator's actions were understandable. It was just that Shangjou found it hard to imagine that Accelerator, who had never been restricted by the rules, would be drenched in the rain like a normal person. Of course, if this thought was discovered by the first person, Shangjou would probably lose his life.
Shangjo picked up the apron and was about to turn around and leave. Indecia had not woken up yet because she watched TV programs last night and went to bed too late. However, he had to finish his breakfast before his skull was threatened. This was also one of his daily routines.
"Wait a moment, I have something to say to you today."
Unexpectedly, Accelerator called out to him. Preceding Article puzzled, and saw the First Accelerator's face was serious. They had always talked on the way out, but it seemed that the situation was a little urgent this time, so they had to tell him in advance?
Thinking so, Shangjue revealed a troubled expression. "But … I still have to make breakfast for Inticus …"
As soon as he said this, he regretted it. He used the excuse of making breakfast to brush off the First Accelerator. Preceding Article felt a chill on his neck. He looked at Accelerator in fear, and beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead.
Accelerator looked at him expressionlessly. Preceding Article seemed to sense a subtle murderous intent in his eyes, which seemed to contain multiple meanings. Unfortunately, Mr. Ujō hurriedly made a defensive posture with his right hand at any time. At the same time, he nervously observed the subtle changes in the First Accelerator's expression.
… Will, will I be killed?
Just as Kamijou was imagining all kinds of miserable deaths in his heart, Accelerator did something that made him extremely astonished.
He picked up the apron that was originally hanging on the back of the chair, deftly and quickly tied it on his back, and then walked into the kitchen with an indifferent expression.
Ahhhhh, Accelerator put on an apron!!!
The key was that he had never felt that Accelerator was the kind of virtuous person who would enter the kitchen and cook by himself. If he had to say it, even if the first person was holding a KRISS in his hand, he would still be able to cook by himself.
M26 grenades and other weapons of mass destruction were not as scary as the First Accelerator holding a frying pan in the Preceding Article.
"… What's with that stupid expression of yours." The First Accelerator raised his eyebrows and coldly looked at the stunned Preceding Article. "Come in and finish that damn breakfast. I'll tell you while I'm cooking."
…
"In short, except for some remaining obstacles on the first floor, it's quite convenient to move between the second and third floors. But there are quite a lot of processors on the second floor. If there's a misfire, we'll lose everything … "
Listening to Accelerator's calm words, Preceding Article quietly peeked at the First Accelerator's situation.
Although it was just a peek, Preceding Article immediately couldn't move his eyes away.
He skillfully and neatly beat the eggs, even the thickness of the batter was just right. Even Preceding Article, who often went in and out of the kitchen, couldn't compare to the nimble and ingenious flipping technique.
And while Accelerator was doing such a delicate operation, he was still able to split his attention to explain the operation to Preceding Article. It was clear that the First Accelerator's technique was superb.
"Um … Accelerator, are you the kind of person who would cook when he has nothing to do?" Preceding Article couldn't help but ask. He really couldn't suppress his curiosity.
Accelerator tilted his head slightly and looked at him disinterestedly.
"What are you talking about? You don't even need to think about it to know that it's impossible."
"But …"
Accelerator carelessly spread the mayonnaise and said lightly. "And this kind of thing … You'll understand once you see it, right?"
Indeed, while Accelerator was the First Accelerator in Academy City, it also meant that he had the strongest brain in Academy City. Even if it was his first time cooking, he could learn and comprehend Preceding Article's movements and successfully make delicious food.
Preceding Article nodded in relief, but at the same time, he felt a cold aura coming from the First Accelerator behind him. Shangjou trembled as he turned his head around, only to see Accelerator glaring at him with an ominous glint in his eyes.
"… By the way, you bastard, you didn't listen to a single word I said just now, did you?!!"
… Shit! Before he asked, Accelerator was indeed talking about today's operation, and the First Accelerator should hate it when he was interrupted … What he did just now was basically asking for trouble!!
"Eh? … Ah, ahahaha …? … Ouch! "
Preceding Article let out a perfunctory laugh, but at this moment, he suddenly felt a sharp pain coming from his finger.
— Because he was too nervous, he accidentally cut his finger. Although the cut wasn't very deep, fine beads of blood quickly seeped out. It looked a bit frightening.
How unfortunate. Even the simple process of making breakfast was so troublesome for him. Preceding Article sighed. Just as he raised his head with a bitter expression, he saw Accelerator staring at the wound on his hand for a while, then suddenly sighed and then held his hand.
… Wait, now … What's the situation?!
Preceding Article, who basically didn't have any contact with Accelerator outside of friendship fists, felt his heart rate skyrocket, and his face began to heat up. The First Accelerator's fingers were quite white and delicate, the coldness from the rain still lingered on his skin, and that special touch made Preceding Article's heart tremble.
In the small kitchen, the two of them were already very close to each other, and now that Accelerator was holding his hand to examine the wound, they were even closer together. As soon as he lowered his head, he could see the soft white hair and the silent but serious face. Kamijou could feel the slight itch of the first person's breath on his fingers. Thanks to this, his breath also became hot.
Preceding Article suddenly felt a bit thirsty, and his imagination began to run wild. Previously, Doomimon and Blue Hair Earring had dragged him to play a love game, and there was a scene in the game: accidentally cutting his finger while cooking, and then the beautiful and petite female lead would blush and say "saliva helps the wound heal" while putting his finger in her mouth. That shy and lovable appearance had received great praise from Blue Hair Earring. Although Preceding Article didn't say anything on the surface, in fact, he secretly fantasized about such a scene in his heart … The warm and soft mouth containing his finger, the slightly wet and slippery touch of saliva would probably disappear in an instant, right?
Then, at this moment, he unconsciously placed this delusion on Accelerator.
— — This, this feeling is super bad …! But it also seems like it's not bad …
Just imagining the First Accelerator putting his finger in his mouth and gently licking away the blood, Preceding Article's heart unknowingly produced a high feeling of excitement.
Being treated like this … it really seems like no wound, no matter how deep it is, will hurt …!
Then, as if to interrupt his fantasy, an even more intense pain came from his hand, causing Preceding Article's expression to distort for a moment.
"Ahhh … it hurts, it hurts, it hurts …!"
Preceding Article gasped for breath and suddenly turned his head to look at his injured hand.
The original wound was crudely pasted with a band-aid, and for some reason, Accelerator was looking at him with a strange expression, and at the same time, he closed a box of band-aids with a childish packaging.
"Eh? This is … "
"Isn't it yours? Just now, when you were here laughing like an idiot, I borrowed it from that big-bellied nun. "
Although applying a band-aid was a gentle method, Preceding Article's heart unknowingly sprouted a sense of frustration.
"I feel like you're thinking of something bad."
Looking at Preceding Article's expression, Accelerator immediately gave him an unfriendly glare.
"Hmm … a little, a little disappointed."
— — —
It took 15 minutes for breakfast to be ready.
The two tacitly sat on the sofa and silently stared at the TV screen for a long time, each with their own thoughts.
In the end, it was Preceding Article who broke the silence.
"… Um, it seems like we haven't exchanged email addresses yet?"
Accelerator pondered for a moment before he reluctantly replied.
"Ah, yeah."
"Then … it's better to write down each other's address first? After all, it's easier to communicate … and work together … "After carefully making this proposal, Preceding Article looked at Accelerator with a slightly expectant expression.
Accelerator's expression was a bit stiff, but he still cooperated by taking out his phone. He muttered "so troublesome" while writing down the email address. Preceding Article secretly glanced at the first person and then awkwardly watched Accelerator enter "fool" in his email.
Shangjo sucked in a breath of cold air. After he understood his position in Accelerator's heart, he felt a sense of defeat in front of him.
… Although he didn't write it as directly as "Horseback Deer", is he still belittling my IQ?!
No … At least he has the strongest brain in Academy City … In terms of IQ, the first person does have the right to belittle me. But, this method — —
— — That's too exciting!!!
Preceding Article held his head and wanted to cry. Just as he was about to reach the peak of his depression, he saw Accelerator thoughtfully delete the text in his email and then …
… reluctantly typed "Tōma Jōjō".
Looking at the awkward face of the first person, Preceding Article suddenly had an inexplicable feeling in his heart. For some reason, his mood was a bit better than before. He narrowed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief.
Preceding Article looked at his phone. In order to get back at the first person, he also typed "Tsun" in Accelerator's email.
"Dere, damn tsundere."
… But it seems like there's no need for that now.
Looking at Accelerator's indifferent but serious expression, Preceding Article chuckled.
At this moment, sitting next to him was the number one monster of Academy City, Accelerator. But in Preceding Article's eyes, the first person wasn't a monster. He was just a normal person who didn't know how to express his feelings directly.
… Their current relationship was that of a peer. Or, they were people who used each other.
But Preceding Article believed that one day, they would become true "companions."
Listening to the patter of rain outside the window, Preceding Article leaned back on the sofa and let his emotions fly in this tranquil and quiet environment. Accelerator beside him was silently looking at the map. His concentration made it hard to disturb him. A rare scene of harmony appeared between the two of them. Time seemed to pass very slowly in this quiet environment.
The rain was quietly falling.
The sound of rain was so peaceful and beautiful.
At the same time, it was also so painful and desolate.
— Night of the 24th, Barren Chuan District 3.
The rain fell on the street, on the streetlights, on the roofs, and on the leaves, making a monotonous and frightening sound. The overwhelming, turbulent rain fell heavily from above, as if the pitch-black sky would collapse in the next second.
There were tall buildings that stood all around, like huge pillars that trapped people in a huge cage.
In between, there were intertwined pipes that looked like blood vessels, densely arranged and dazzling.
It was as if there was a heart that was beating all the time. This gloomy city exuded a gloomy aura.
Running on the dim streets with blurred lines, sometimes you would feel like you were completely separated from the world. Like a passerby watching a carousel of lights, you would walk in confusion.
— Can't find it. No. Disappeared. He was lost.
Now is also the same. Nothing.
Because he couldn't support his body, Preceding Article leaned heavily against the wall. The tearing pain from his lungs reminded him that he was still alive, but his eyes looked cold and lifeless.
Accelerator had left.
He was in an injured state. In such bad weather conditions, the wound was likely to be infected and inflamed. Coupled with the decrease in resistance, Accelerator's body was extremely weak. The environment in Barren Chuan District 3 could be said to be fatal.
However, after running for several hours in Preceding Article, he still couldn't find any trace of Accelerator.
Maybe he was lost in this city, or maybe he was wandering somewhere right now. Therefore, Preceding Article had to find him. He had to find Accelerator.
Flames of anxiety spread from the bottom of his heart. He punched the wall heavily, but the unbearable dull pain and the rough and cold touch of the wall didn't calm him down. However, the voice that came from behind him provoked the already irritated heart of Preceding Article.
["So what if you found him?"]
The phantom of Accelerator stood behind him. Although it did have the movements and demeanor of the first person, it was nothing more than a delusion conjured up by Shangtiao's mind. The whispers from time to time were like a poison that eroded and shook his heart.
["Do you want to kill him after you find him? Or just hand him over to Academy City? … Leaving him alone is also a choice. Anyway, in this weather, in this Barren Chuan District 3, he will die soon, right? "]
Yes. That guy wasn't Accelerator.
Rather, it was the darkness that existed in Preceding Article's heart.
He had the appearance of Accelerator, but he always wanted to push him to the edge of collapse.
"… Shut up."
After saying this, Preceding Article staggered and wanted to walk away.
["Do you want to escape from the option? I didn't expect you to be afraid of this kind of thing. "] The voice of Accelerator still lingered in his ears. Even if he blocked his ears, he could still hear it. Even if he pierced his eardrums, it probably wouldn't disappear. ["Ha, in the end, you still have to make a choice. Right now, you're just struggling to survive before the deadline. “】
Clenching his teeth, he walked crookedly along the deserted street.
The solution to everything was to kill Accelerator.
He completely understood this.
Preceding Article's original intention was to destroy the command file in order to protect Academy City, and Accelerator read the command file into his brain in order to protect Academy City.
In a situation where he was opposing both the Armed Powerless Group and Academy City, he definitely couldn't hand Accelerator over to Academy City. Although the chaos would be solved more effectively, the chaos would also be exploited by Academy City. Accelerator might even become their experimental subject. This was the situation that Accelerator didn't want to see the most.
But if he didn't do this, Preceding Article would have to kill Accelerator himself.
Only by destroying Accelerator's brain could everything end. Two people with the same goal, but one of them had to die.
What a joke this was.
It was also the most painful and annoying ending for Preceding Article.
…
Taking out the portable terminal from his pocket, Yoshikawa had already made a copy of the original contact list. Preceding Article blankly flipped through the list of names.
Familiar names flashed before his eyes, and the beautiful and beautiful memories of the past flooded his mind.
His companions who lived in Academy City, his friends who laughed with him. These were the most precious things to Preceding Article, and he didn't want to lose any of them.
Lightly swiping through the screen, Preceding Article felt his hand trembling. In this dark night, under the heavy rain, he silently curled up against the wall. The faint light from the screen was the only light in this world.
Then when he saw a name, Preceding Article's finger stopped swiping. He looked at the familiar "ツ/¯" remark, the address that no more mail would come from, and let out a silent whimper.
As if he was watching all of this, the rain continued to fall silently.
— — —
…
Looking at Accelerator's name in the contact list with satisfaction, Preceding Article couldn't help but smile.
This smile was seen by the first person beside him, and Accelerator grumbled.
"Why do I feel like … you're acting weird today."
"Ahaha … Am I?"
"Of course I am. The number of times you giggle and daze is far more than usual. Is your brain going to enter a maintenance period? "
Faced with Accelerator's blunt words, Preceding Article leaned back on the sofa with a smile. "No … How should I say it? I feel like after exchanging email addresses, we're closer … "
Accelerator instantly stiffened, and after a few seconds of contemplation, the first person reluctantly squeezed out a sentence.
"Tsk … Why do you always think in this direction, you bastard."
Although the first person did subconsciously shorten the distance between them, with Accelerator's personality, he probably wouldn't admit it. Shangtiao was well aware of this, so he curled up the corners of his mouth happily.
"Hey, Accelerator. If you encounter any problems in the future, you can discuss it with me at any time. "Shangjo suddenly straightened up and turned to look at Accelerator, his eyes full of seriousness. "Although you might not recognize me as a companion, at least I'm still your companion, so …"
Accelerator tilted his head slightly to look at him, and the cold red eyes glanced at him before quickly moving away. In the end, he still decisively interrupted him.
"… Don't think this line will work on me."
If he really had to say something, Shangjou had already expected such an answer from the first player. So he said in distress.
"Seriously … Why can't you be more straightforward …"
"You're the one who should be straightforward." Unexpectedly, Accelerator said this.
"… Huh?"
He looked to the side in confusion, and the first person's red, slightly dissatisfied eyes were staring straight at him.
"You're the one who's shouldering everything by yourself. You're clearly a powerless person, there's a limit to being a hero."
Preceding Article showed an awkward expression. Facing Accelerator's gaze, for the first time, he wanted to escape.
Indeed, because he didn't want to involve the people around him, Preceding Article would choose to shoulder everything by himself instead of complaining to others. Maybe he had something in common with Accelerator on this point?
Accelerator looked at him expressionlessly for a moment, and then quickly moved his gaze away. "Whatever, I don't have the right to criticize you. Same to you …? "The first person sighed and lowered his head to look at the route on the map again.
Preceding Article bitterly smiled, but then he heard Accelerator add in a low voice.
"You're surrounded by a group of companions like an idiot. Even if you encounter any trouble, they'll take the initiative to worry about you."
Perhaps it was an illusion, but Preceding Article felt an almost imperceptible sense of envy from Accelerator's words. Perhaps the first person also longed for companions and care, but he always put himself in a situation where he wasn't bound by these emotions. This kind of Accelerator, in Preceding Article's view, was both lonely and pitiful.
That's why he wanted to help the first person.
If he wanted Accelerator to become his companion, he wouldn't just stop at being a fellow traveler.
"For me, you're also an important companion …"
Preceding Article's words were suddenly interrupted. Accelerator suddenly pushed the map in his hand and then said lightly.
"Before you care about me, you have a lot of closer companions. Compared to me, your trivial nonsense is more welcomed by them, right? "
Shangjue, who had always been eloquent, was speechless for a while. He was in a daze with his mouth half open until Accelerator stood up from the sofa.
The first person's calm red eyes hid a sharp light. The moment Accelerator's eyes met with the Preceding Article's eyes, Accelerator couldn't help but tremble slightly.
"The person who can untie the knot in your heart isn't me."
Accelerator said.
— — —
In the cold rain and fog, the light on the display screen quickly dimmed.
There wasn't much power left in the battery, so Preceding Article simply turned it off. Just like that, even the only light in front of him disappeared.
Shrouded in a chilling and shuddering darkness, Kamijou wrapped his arms tightly around himself.
Then, as if he had finally made a decision, he slowly stood up.
His bones felt like they were falling apart. Because of the sudden change from sitting to standing, Preceding Article lost his center of gravity and fell heavily to the ground. The splashing muddy water brought a dry pain to his eyes. It took a few seconds for Preceding Article to realize that he was lying on the ground.
Using his sore and weak arms to support his body, Preceding Article staggered forward.
In the darkness in front of him stood a public phone booth. The glass was full of creepy graffiti, and even the sliding door was maliciously damaged. The cold rain drifted into the booth and accumulated a shallow puddle.
Preceding Article took off the phone and inserted a coin, and then — —
His fingers unconsciously moved and dialed a string of numbers.
This phone call, should it be unexpected or reasonable?
As if he had repeated this action thousands of times in his dream, Preceding Article pressed the string of numbers and then pressed the phone close to his ear.
This may be the only way out.
The only way out that can lead him out of his confusion.
After what seemed like a century of busy tone, a familiar and crisp voice came from the other end. Then Preceding Article let out an unbearable sob in the torrential rain that seemed to tear the world apart. It was as if the burden in his heart was suddenly lifted, and all the accumulated bitterness and pain suddenly erupted in an instant.
Listening to the gentle voice, which was his salvation, Preceding Article said.
"Can personal counseling begin now? Teacher Xiao Meng. "
Already, the coldness penetrated his heart.
He was already exhausted beyond words.
If even this path can't lead to the exit of the maze, then what should he do?
He wanted to untie the knot in his heart. He wanted to find the answer that could break the confusion in his heart.
Then there was a gentle response from the other end of the phone that seemed to contain everything.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Preceding Article -chan."
This was the only glimmer of light in the long night.
…
As if he wanted to reveal everything in his heart, Kamijou desperately told his story.
He didn't think too much about the future. He just kept saying everything that had happened so far.
As if he wanted to seek relief. As if he wanted to cut off the chain of pain that remained. He poured out the doubts in his heart to Teacher Xiao Meng.
In the accompaniment of the monotonous rain between heaven and earth, in the waves of cold night wind, Shangtiao kept spitting out sad narratives from his mouth, while on the other end of the phone, Xiao Meng -sensei just listened quietly and patiently.
She listened to everything. All of this caused Shangjiu great pain.
…
"Preceding Article -chan, listening to what you just said, you're worried about your friend, right?"
Teacher Xiao Meng's concerned voice echoed in his ears. Preceding Article couldn't help but have the urge to cry.
"Yes … there was a conflict between the two of us, so now … I don't know how to fix our relationship."
If he was facing the former First Person who still retained his self-consciousness, Teacher Preceding Article still had some confidence in communicating with him. But in the face of this Accelerator with a collapsed personality, he was helpless.
"Then, how about having a little face-to-face talk with him?"
"… No, it seems like we can't even have a normal chat."
Teacher Preceding Article was a little embarrassed.
Indeed, the current Accelerator acted entirely based on instinct. So far, he had not shown any signs of communication, so Teacher Preceding Article had always used body language to let First Person understand his intentions.
If he could overcome this obstacle, he might be able to solve the problem that troubled Teacher Preceding Article.
"— This kind of thing is not an obstacle, Teacher Preceding Article."
Xiao Meng -sensei on the other side of the phone suddenly said something that surprised Teacher Preceding Article.
"Huh?"
The biggest confusion in his heart was directly denied. This was completely beyond Teacher Preceding Article's expectations.
Xiao Meng -sensei continued.
"Teacher Preceding Article, what should you do if you want to make up with someone?"
"Apologize …?"
"If you were in the wrong first, then an apology is necessary. But before that, you forgot a very important thing. "
Teacher Preceding Article listened to her words in a daze, then tried to answer with a stutter.
"Is it … a heart that really wants to make up …?"
There was a pleasant chuckle on the other side of the phone.
"See, don't you understand?"
"If Teacher Preceding Article really has a sincere heart, you will be able to convey it to your friend's heart. It's not a simple language skill, but a frank and touching friendship. "
A heart that really wants to make up.
In other words, the courage to truly grab Number One's hand.
Teacher Preceding Article's mind unconsciously appeared when he left the room, and Accelerator's powerless and empty eyes.
Perhaps that was Number One's silent cry for help.
However, he was overwhelmed by gloomy emotions, and he always timidly did not touch Accelerator. Instead, he left Number One in a cold and lonely corner.
This was Tōma Jōjō's mistake.
If he could desperately grab Number One's hand at that time, maybe the ending would not be like this.
Everything was too late.
However, it was still too late.
Everything could not come to an abrupt end here.
"You seem to be a little more spirited, Teacher Preceding Article."
Teacher Xiao Meng -sensei's slightly smiling voice in his ear, Teacher Preceding Article slowly clenched his fist.
"… Ah, thanks to Sensei, I already know what to do next."
Teacher Preceding Article straightened his back decisively, took a deep breath, and then exhaled the gloominess that had accumulated in his lungs for a long time.
He stepped out of the phone booth, ignoring the pain of the rain hitting his body. First, he walked slowly, then he quickened his pace, and finally, Tōma Jōjō began to run in the rain.
Unlike his previous aimless wandering, this time his footsteps were firmly in one direction.
Teacher Preceding Article's face showed a long-lost smile.
It was like a declaration, as if he wanted to shatter all the gloominess that had accumulated until now. He muttered to himself.
"Next, it's my turn —!"
— —
An abrupt ringtone sounded in the evening.
Mikoto Misaka put the phone to her ear in confusion, and then the next moment, her expression suddenly rippled with surprise.
On the other end of the phone, it was the familiar voice of a hedgehog.
"Hey, Misaka, are you free tomorrow?"
It was the same confusing opening, but what surprised the girl even more was the content of the phone call.
"Huh? What, what are you talking about …? Is, is it … "
Is it a date?!
Mikoto knew very well that she didn't say this sentence out loud. Although she did have a little expectation, after seeing Teacher Preceding Article being chased by a group of unidentified suspicious men, she finally understood his dangerous situation. In this kind of emergency situation, Teacher Preceding Article probably wouldn't have the time to hang out with her on the street.
"Tomorrow, can we meet at 'Zakura' near the Bridge of Three Wheels station?"
Mikoto was a little surprised. "Zakura" was a highly acclaimed coffee shop, famous for its unique atmosphere and mellow coffee taste. If one had to describe it, it was a romantic place for lovers to meet. But that was not the point —
"Wait a minute, does that mean … you're in School District 9?"
"That seems to be the case."
Teacher Preceding Article seemed to misunderstand that the long distance was bothering Mikoto, so he said to himself. "You can take the subway and the community bus, and it's not too far to get off at the station in front of First Middle School …"
"No, that's not what I meant!" Mikoto hurriedly interrupted him and then asked seriously. "What I want to ask is … What exactly happened? Why did you come to me … "
Mikoto's voice became quieter and quieter, and she felt her cheeks were a little hot.
Maybe he was a little happy. The boy who had been carrying everything alone and didn't want her to get involved was finally willing to confide in her.
Then she heard the boy's gentle but determined voice.
"… I want to borrow your strength, Misaka."
— — —
Teacher Preceding Article clenched his teeth and fixed his arm with a bandage. He still felt the intense pain in his joint as he wiped the sweat off his head.
Based on what he read in the book, he used a messy method to reset the joint. Although there may be sequelae due to improper handling, dragging a dislocated arm would be very inconvenient, so Teacher Preceding Article adopted this dangerous method.
After he finished all this, he raised his wrist and looked at his watch. After confirming the time, he tiredly leaned against the wall.
It was now the evening of the 25th.
It had been 22 hours since Accelerator left.
Putting the solar panel into the portable terminal, Teacher Preceding Article sorted out the items and stuffed them into his backpack. He looked like he was in a hurry. The phantom of "Accelerator" standing behind him spoke tirelessly and repeated the same words for the umpteenth time.
["Do you want to find Accelerator? What should you do after you find him? Kill him, or hand him over to Academy City for your own safety? "
Teacher Preceding Article ignored the annoying words and continued to move his hands.
This guy was the darkness that remained in his heart and took advantage of his weakness. It was just a phantom wearing the appearance of Accelerator and saying disturbing words all day long.
But because of this, Teacher Preceding Article was unbearable.
["Anyway, Accelerator is just an empty shell now. It's really easy for you to kill him, right?"]
The dark thoughts that wanted to drill into his heart probably wanted to shake Teacher Preceding Article's heart, so it chose to appear in this appearance?
["Yelling, crying, wailing, pouring out your heart's content, no matter how you struggle, isn't the result futile?"]
A low, slightly mocking voice sounded beside him. "Accelerator" bent down and whispered in Teacher Preceding Article's ear. As if there was a weak breath falling on his neck, Teacher Preceding Article even felt the itch of the white hair on his skin.
["Then, what should I do?"]
He repeated these words over and over again.
Even his face showed a creepy, empty smile.
["— Do you want to kill Accelerator?"]
Then, suddenly, without warning, Teacher Preceding Article suddenly moved at lightning speed and forcefully grabbed "Accelerator" by the neck.
Although it was just a phantom, it could be touched. This might be the reason why Teacher Preceding Article finally faced this existence in his heart at this moment. Finally, he didn't intend to escape. Instead, with a strong will, he grabbed the phantom by the throat.
"You … shut up!"
He fiercely pushed "Accelerator" against the wall. As if he hadn't reacted yet, the pair of illusory, somewhat transparent red eyes looked at Teacher Preceding Article in shock.
As the hand slowly exerted force, "Accelerator" showed a pained expression, and a soft groan came from his throat. The white phantom began to blur, and the figure even began to distort in Kamijou's eyes.
Then, a burst of wild laughter erupted.
As if broken, as if he had lost his mind, "Accelerator" still made such a horrifying laugh even though he was grabbed by the throat.
The air was vibrating, light was dissolving, and even a little bit of direct gaze could cause a strong sense of dizziness. The world of perception was violently stirred up, causing violent fluctuations.
"Accelerator's" face gradually became distorted. His blood-red eyes were filled with a cruel, disdainful smile.
"Ahahahaha, is that so … So you chose this path?! How interesting, Powerless!! "
Teacher Preceding Article's cold eyes were unmoved. Looking at Teacher Preceding Article like this, the phantom showed a ferocious expression.
"… Then, as you wish, I'll kill Accelerator."
Close the curtains of this story.
There was no need for a gentle exit. Close the coffin lid of this Monogatari without mercy. This was the ending that should've happened.
Teacher Preceding Article, who had been silent, suddenly spoke in a low voice.
"… Ah, that is indeed the case."
His obsidian-like eyes reflected the desolate light of the setting sun, and there was a hint of sorrow in them. Teacher Preceding Article slowly released his grip on "Accelerator's" neck, and the next second, he raised his right fist.
His right fist, which had the power of "Fantasy Killer," could eliminate all abilities.
At that moment, he swung it towards the phantom.
"The one I want to kill … is you, the fantasy."
The tattered curtains behind him swayed quietly in the wind, as if they were caressing this scarred dusk. In the gradually dissolving light, Teacher Preceding Article reached out and tightly grasped the pale, slender wrist that shouldn't have appeared here.
He held it tightly as if he would never let go.
He held it tightly as if he wanted to spit out the determination in his heart that would never change.
Whether it was killing the first person or betraying Academy City, Teacher Preceding Article didn't want to choose either of these two options. If that's the case, I'll give up on these two options. If that's the case, I'll open up new possibilities.
Teacher Preceding Article smiled resolutely.
Perhaps this was a promise, or perhaps an oath, he spat out these sincere words to the disappearing phantom.
"… I want to save the real Accelerator."
— — —
His sore shoulders felt the pressure of the straps tightening, and even his vision was like an old TV screen, flashing white spots from time to time.
The sound of the wind mixed together in his ears, giving Teacher Preceding Article the illusion that he was in a huge whirlpool. There was a throbbing pain under his skin, and even the friction with the air made him feel like he was being cut apart.
I'm probably at my limit.
Without sleep, without food, running around without stopping, this body of a normal high school student can't take it.
But, I can't fall.
Even though I'm injured to this extent, I can't fall.
Before I find the real Accelerator, before I save the real Accelerator, I can't relax.
He stepped on the stairs, but in the next second, he lost his balance and fell down.
As if he didn't feel the pain, Teacher Preceding Article staggered up and took another step.
But as if he wanted to repeat the action for a few seconds, his whole body fell forward and heavily hit the stairs.
Weightlessness. Dizziness. Pain.
In the process of repeatedly falling down, these three feelings surrounded Teacher Preceding Article.
He didn't know how many times he fell, how much blood flowed from his face, and how many times he walked on the edge of consciousness and unconsciousness. He still didn't stop moving.
— — At least, I have to find the real Accelerator.
The world around him began to become illusory, as if a wave was set off. A strong sleepiness suddenly attacked Teacher Preceding Article, dragging him into a dark and cold world.
I don't want to … I don't want to.
I haven't grabbed that guy's hand yet, how can I peacefully fall asleep here?
But at this moment, Teacher Preceding Article couldn't even move a finger, like a corpse falling into the endless cold ocean.
He fell down.
…
He had a very beautiful dream.
In the dream, Accelerator came to his house wet, probably because of the rain. The first person seemed to be in a bad mood, and his behavior was a bit abnormal. He was abnormal to the point that he actually made breakfast with him. After that, the two also exchanged email addresses. Although he accidentally saw Accelerator typing "Ping" in the remarks column, the ending was still perfect.
The two people in the dream looked so distant and dazzling.
And there was Accelerator's figure there.
The frowning Accelerator, who always had a cold expression.
The Accelerator who always said one thing and didn't mean the other, but was actually very gentle.
I feel so nostalgic.
How great would it be if he could stay in that moment forever? How great would it be if he could never wake up from this dream again?
The warm and slightly painful feeling in my heart can't be stopped.
In the dense and warm fog, Teacher Preceding Article was lying on his back.
His trembling hand reached out and grabbed Accelerator's wrist.
The first person knelt down beside him, and the pair of red, unreadable eyes quietly watched him.
Akira Jojo, this is just a dream. But at this moment, he would rather mix this dream with reality. Because only here, he could see the real Accelerator.
"I … have always wanted to grab your hand like this."
Teacher Preceding Article said in a low voice, and Accelerator just quietly listened to his words without saying a word.
"I couldn't do it at that time, I'm sorry. If possible, in addition to the identity of a companion, you can also consider me as your companion … Although I wanted to say that, it didn't seem to succeed, ahaha … I feel so bad. "
After letting out a helpless laugh, Teacher Preceding Article turned his head to the first person, and then said softly.
"I was really an idiot before, I didn't understand the meaning you wanted to convey to me on the night of the 20th, and I still resisted the collapse of personality in my heart. I thought there was no hope, and I despaired from the bottom of my heart."
Teacher Preceding Article's left hand gently held Accelerator's hand. The reason he didn't reach out his right hand was because he was afraid that this beautiful illusion would disappear in the next moment. Accelerator's lips trembled slightly, but in the end, he didn't say anything.
"But, even if your personality disappeared, you're still Accelerator. Not an empty shell, not a fake, not a puppet, but a real, authentic Accelerator —!
"Regardless of whether your personality collapsed or not, I will save you."
Feeling an unknown emotion in his chest, Teacher Preceding Article looked up at the seemingly cold and familiar face. He felt his vision was a little blurred for a moment, and some warm liquid seemed to ooze out of his eyes.
After making such a declaration, Teacher Preceding Article clearly saw a trace of emotional fluctuation on the calm face of the first person.
Then Teacher Preceding Article opened his arms.
Like he was welcoming the first person.
Like he was going to give the first person a hug.
"Come back, Accelerator."
Unable to suppress the urge to cry, Teacher Preceding Article clenched his teeth and looked at Accelerator next to him.
The warm and soft touch from his hand made Teacher Preceding Article think that this was reality for a moment. He gripped the slender and fragile hand as if it would break in the next moment and whispered in pain.
"Come back, and then let this long journey to find you end."
I don't want to continue anymore.
Let this hell that seemed like a one-way street that would last forever come to an end.
Although that's what I think, reality will not be as I wish.
I'm afraid that when I wake up, everything will be gone. It didn't matter if it was the memories of Accelerator or the beautiful dreams he had in this place.
Teacher Preceding Article took one last look at Accelerator. Her soft white hair, her crimson eyes that seemed to want to say something, and even her expression became gentle in the hazy white mist.
After engraving all of this in his mind, Teacher Preceding Article reached out his right hand and covered the hand of the first person that was tightly holding his left hand.
This way, the illusion would be killed, and this would be the last time he would see Accelerator.
"Really … I don't want to."
As he said this, the white fog around him began to dissipate, and the originally bright world gradually dimmed. Then, in an instant, Teacher Preceding Article saw the abandoned and desolate scene around him, and the intense pain from his limbs and bones attacked him again.
His dreamscape was shattered at this point.
He felt that he was lying on the stairs, and the hard stone rubbed against the back of his head. He probably lost consciousness after falling down the stairs, which was why Teacher Preceding Article was in such a sorry state.
He tried to move his legs, and fortunately, he didn't sprain them. Teacher Preceding Article sighed, and when he was about to stand up, he suddenly felt something strange.
— — His hand, was holding something.
A warm, soft touch.
He slowly turned his head, and then in the next moment, he couldn't help but tremble.
Under the warm orange glow of the setting sun, on the shabby stairs, beside Tōma Jōjō. The white haired, red eyed esper, Academy City's number one, was holding his hand and quietly staring at him.
As if he was still in a dream, Teacher Preceding Article really choked this time. He silently looked at Accelerator's face, and then slowly reached out his hand.
As if afraid that this illusion would disappear the moment he touched it, Teacher Preceding Article's hand stopped in mid-air.
But this time, he wouldn't let go of Teacher First Article.
Accompanied by the rough feeling of the wind mixed with fine sand on his skin, Kamijou truly touched Accelerator's body.
— — In other words, this wasn't a dream.
The hand that had been tightly held in the dream was also real, and wouldn't disappear because of Teacher Preceding Article's right hand.
Jumping up from the stairs, Teacher Preceding Article used all his strength to hug Teacher First Article. As if shocked by this sudden movement, Accelerator trembled in confusion, but in the end, he gently patted Teacher Preceding Article's back as if comforting him.
Bathed in the warm golden glow of the setting sun, the two hugged for a long time. Time seemed to have stopped at this moment, and this evening was filled with soft warmth.
If one really had to describe it, it would be a miracle.
If there really was a god in this world, Teacher Preceding Article finally believed in his existence at this moment. Even if he exchanged his previous decades of "misfortune" for such a miracle, he would be willing to do it.
Then, in Accelerator's ear, Kameda whispered the words he had been wanting to say for a long time in a trembling voice.
"— — Welcome back, Accelerator."
— — —
In the past, Blue Hair Earring mocked him for not being romantic and not being liked by girls. Under his encouragement, Teacher Preceding Article memorized the constellations on the star chart. As a result, now he could skillfully say the names of the constellations as long as he looked up at the stars.
"Capella 2, North River 3, South River 3, Sirius 7, Rigel 7, Aldebaran 5, wow … what a spectacular 'Winter Hexagon'."
While exclaiming, Teacher Preceding Article rubbed his hands that were a little red from the cold and leaned back against the railing of the rooftop.
In the past, because he was always on the move, he didn't pay too much attention to it. In fact, if he looked carefully, he could clearly see the stars. The gray of the Wasteland Area Three District couldn't hide the clear brilliance. At this time, the blue sky was filled with stars.
The rain had stopped, and he casually found a dry place to sit cross-legged. Teacher Preceding Article looked up at the vast night sky and counted the sparkling stars that were like fragments of silver. Beside him was Accelerator, who had also raised his head to look at the sky. His red eyes reflected the bright starlight, and he looked so peaceful and serene.
"Rigel and Rigel … Ah, it's Orion."
Teacher Preceding Article murmured, and at the same time, he quietly clenched the fingers of the first person next to him. Now that he had regained the peaceful time he had spent with Accelerator, he cherished it even more.
Teacher Preceding Article softly explained the names of the constellations to the person next to him. Teacher Preceding Article breathed in the fresh air after the rain and was deeply intoxicated by the dark and peaceful night.
From here, he could also see the spires of District Seven. At this time, neon lights were flashing. The artificial lights and the starlight in the night sky complemented each other, creating a different kind of beauty.
"When everything is over, let's look at the stars together."
Perhaps the first person couldn't understand the meaning of this sentence, but as Xiao Meng -sensei said, as long as the thought was conveyed, it was fine.
Tomorrow, it was time to make a decision.
Akira Jojo's days of running with the first person couldn't continue like this. He had to counterattack tomorrow, and for this reason, Mikoto Misaka's strength was indispensable. This was why he asked Mikoto out.
And according to the result of his communication with Yoshikawa, Yoshikawa would rush to School District Nine to pick up Accelerator while he was out. This would make Teacher Preceding Article feel a little more relieved.
'Perhaps this is the last night I can spend with One-Way Pass.'
After all, this was a battle of life and death. He really couldn't involve the first person who had lost his ability and personality.
"… In the end, I still violated the oath."
With a wry smile, Teacher Preceding Article looked at the brilliant and beautiful starry sky and the city under the starry sky with infatuation. After all, they had been together for so long, suddenly parting would be a little sad.
Feeling the weight on his shoulder, Teacher Preceding Article turned his head slightly and found that Accelerator had already let out a light breathing sound.
He inexplicably disappeared for a day, but in the end, he still came back. Although Teacher Preceding Article couldn't understand what the first person had experienced, being able to come back here was a kind of recognition from Accelerator.
Under the calm starlight, in this cool but warm night, Teacher Preceding Article gently stroked Accelerator's white hair, then closed his eyes and let himself fall into the gentle caress of the night wind.
No matter what difficulties he would encounter tomorrow. Losing his life, never coming back, in short, he would sleep first.
Abandon all distracting thoughts and fall into the embrace of the night.
Teacher Preceding Article took one last look at the sleeping Accelerator, then closed his eyes with a smile.
— Finally back.
— —
Then, as the sun rose from the east, the 26th quietly arrived.
All the chess pieces were arranged, the stage was prepared, and the final story was about to begin. Everything was about to come to an end.
The long twelve-day journey was about to come to an end.
However, no one knew what the final scene would be like.
"This is the final battle."
Taking out the battery panel from the fully charged portable terminal, he strode onto the land of School District No. 9. His eyes were filled with determination, "Fantasy Killer" Makijou Touma.
"Although, although I don't understand, since that guy called me, I'll go!"
— Also, "Railgun" Mikoto Misaka, who carefully dressed up for two hours and finally boarded the tram with the game coins in her hand.
Then, somewhere the two of them didn't know.
Somewhere Platycodon Fangchuan didn't have time to arrive.
In the first place of Academy City, in front of Accelerator, a dangerous black figure appeared.
"Sure enough, it's not good to leave him to Academy City. It's really hard to find him hiding in this place."
The skinny man with tea-colored hair and sunglasses pointed his black muzzle at Fang Tongtong. Beside him were several men in black exuding a murderous aura. They all held guns in their hands and mercilessly aimed at the white-haired, red-eyed esper.
Before Teacher Preceding Article rushed to School District No. 9, before Platycodon Fangchuan arrived, he had no weapons and lost his personality. In the face of such desperate adversity, the first person only tilted his head and showed an empty expression.
He probably couldn't even comprehend such a dangerous situation.
Kamigawa approached the stupefied Accelerator step by step. Then, he pointed the muzzle at the head of the first person who didn't resist at all and said in a cheerful tone.
"Gotcha, Accelerator."
Then, a huge storm was set off.
It was a chaotic storm that swept everything and crushed everything.
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