Acqua of the Back, William Orwell—this man might already represent the peak of what humanity can conventionally attain.
Beyond him, the only ones who could be considered surefire superior are the so-called "Right of the Right," the Holy Right; those who nearly became Magic Gods; the greatest magicians of the past few centuries; or prodigies of a particular age...
Compared to those monsters, honestly, William Orwell is relatively "ordinary." If you consider traits like the "Saint" or "Madonna" constitutions in the scope of centuries, they don't seem all that rare.
After all, in this era alone, around twenty people are known to possess such traits.
What truly sets William Orwell apart is that he simultaneously possesses both constitutions—and also commands the power of God's Right Seat.
Three "common" powers that have appeared throughout the ages, stacked together—that's what gave rise to the formidable reputation of Acqua of the Back.
An ordinary "Saint" cannot unleash 100% of their innate power. Merely using part of that potential is already a daunting challenge. Using all of it risks tearing their own body apart under extreme strain.
Take Kanzaki Kaori, for example. Though a "Saint," she can only use part of the Son of God's power because a human body can't withstand such immense power for long.
That's why Kanzaki Kaori relies on techniques like "Nanasen," which channel that divine power in an instant as a finishing move.
It isn't just for show—it's a necessity. If possible, no one enjoys having power they can't use freely.
If Kanzaki Kaori represents a standard Saint in a "slowed for stability" mode, then William Orwell is a "special Saint" who possesses both Saint and Madonna traits.
He operates in a "high-speed stable state"—able to unleash 100% of his power without losing control.
More importantly, in addition to his own strength and robust body, William Orwell can amplify and reinforce his power through the angelic spell techniques of God's Right Seat, allowing him to easily command over 200% of his innate potential.
This amplification doesn't just boost raw physical stats or muscle mass. The effect extends to his water-based magic and even enhances the weight and crushing force of his iron club.
Crashhhhh—!
It wasn't until a full thirty seconds later that the residual shockwave from the Voidstar Anchor finally faded.
From high above, Selene looked down to see a massive fan-shaped trench.
At its deepest point, a circular crater had been blasted into the base of the skyscraper. The pit was so deep that residual heat lingered, billowing with smoke and flame. The crystalized surface scorched by the fire had mostly melted into a fluid-like orange-red lava.
Around the crater, the tower-like support columns had been severed halfway, their remaining "stumps" covered in cracks and scars. Crystalline shards were flung in all directions, the surroundings blackened with scorch marks.
At the center of the crater, nailed down by the Voidstar Anchor like a high-fidelity imitation of the Crucifixion, lay William Orwell.
Selene genuinely praised him—he still hadn't lost consciousness.
As expected of someone who had supposedly purged "Original Sin" and inherited the nature of the Four Archangels through conceptual spellwork. Compared to Kanzaki Kaori, he made for a much more durable punching bag.
At Selene's current output level, if it had been Kanzaki Kaori instead, she'd probably be dead by now.
The melted clothing and various personal belongings—including a crucifix necklace—had all fused into William Orwell's mangled body. Yellowish fluids dripped from the scabbed-over wounds, and Selene could even smell the scent of cooked flesh.
"William! William! Selene-sama, I've agreed to your and the Queen's conditions. I beg you, please save him! William!"
As the crystalline platform descended and Villian saw William Orwell's condition up close, she broke down entirely. All royal decorum and composure vanished as she sobbed like a child. She tried to reach out to Selene in desperate pleading, but the searing heat and wall of fire blocked her path.
"Villian! Do you have a death wish?!"
Seeing her foolishly attempt to step onto the lava-like molten terrain to reach Selene, Carissa quickly pulled her back from the brink.
With Villian's frail, delicate physique, stepping forward would mean severe burns—possibly even amputation.
"William! Don't die!"
Then, turning toward William Orwell, who hung limp on the wall, Villian wept hysterically, her eyes swollen. She rushed forward, trying to bring him down, but he was far too high for her to reach.
"Sister! Spare William! Please, I beg you—let him go!" Grabbing hold of Carissa, Villian clung to her tightly, as if grasping at a final lifeline.
Flames roared closer as collapsed buildings groaned and crumbled in the distance. Hearing Villian's heart-wrenching cries, even Misaka Mikoto—who had descended alongside—lowered her gaze, feeling like the villain in this scene.
Shokuhou Misaki had also stepped forward, her expression complicated as she silently observed everything.
"Disperse."
Zzzzzap—!
The raging flames—including the Voidstar Anchor—vanished in an instant. Only blood remained at the center of the crater. To Villian's shocked cry, William Orwell's body slid downward.
"Are you feeling guilty?"
Selene arced through the air, revealing her form as she floated downward in a trail of brilliant red flames, landing opposite Misaka Mikoto in gold-plated high heels. The sudden wave of heat startled Mikoto into letting out a cute yelp.
Wide-eyed, she stared in awe at the golden-armored Valkyrie who descended like a crimson phoenix.
Though the flame mode had been deactivated, Selene still radiated a golden-red glow across her entire body.
Selene's figure had always been impressive, but the shimmering golden armor added a commanding aura to her beauty. Combined with her exquisitely alluring features, the impact she made was overwhelming—not just on men, but women as well.
She glanced curiously at the blushing Mikoto, but paid it no mind. She wasn't interested in constantly reading people's minds and assumed the heat was getting to her.
"He's just a minor part of the invading force attempting to destroy Academy City."
Selene pointed at William Orwell—now cradled in Villian's arms—and continued, "If the Roman Orthodox Church's plan had succeeded, Academy City would be annihilated, and the science side would fall completely under the control of the magic side."
Selene knew her limits. Looking at his battered, bloodied body—an arm torn off—it might seem critical… but it was no big deal. For a normal person, this was death. But William Orwell? He wasn't normal.
"The life you know at Tokiwadai would be gone. In its place: Vatican theological academies. Those bishops scream about heresy and damnation for all nonbelievers."
Selene chuckled. "So, do you still think he's worth pitying?"
"I…"
Snap!
With a flick of her thumb against her middle finger, Selene turned—not just addressing Mikoto. Strange purplish-red ripples burst outward from her body.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Among them stood a slender figure, leaning on a cane, with white hair, crimson eyes, an unnaturally pale complexion. Despite their current truce, the instant Misaka Mikoto saw him, her hair stood on end.
Accelerator?! What is he doing here?!
"Tch. Troublesome..."
Glancing around at the firestorm that had once engulfed the city—Selene's ostentatious power on full display—Accelerator had seen it all. Much of his annoyance at being summoned vanished.
"Miss, is he one of the Roman Church's top fighters?"
The question came from a brown-haired boy in a simple dark uniform. Since his boss spoke, Kakine Teitoku followed up. He glanced warily at William Orwell out of the corner of his eye.
He had seen the man's fighting power—like a Greek statue come to life—and had the self-awareness to recognize he'd be utterly crushed in raw strength.
"Yes. One of their top-tier fighters. A member of God's Right Seat: Acqua of the Back. But even taking him down only counts as a heavy loss for the Vatican—not enough to cripple them. Because..."
Selene gestured to the ruined cityscape beneath her feet, the result of her clash with William Orwell.
"What lies above him is the true horror. What you see here is the full extent of his power. But this—"
Selene clenched her hand.
RUMBLE—!
The vast, silent mirror-city was instantly split by a 30–40 kilometer long orange greatsword, cleaving the earth and slicing through the city.
Amid the explosion of flames, a massive luminous mass with five twisted fingers appeared. In an instant, the entire Academy City within the mirrored realm was crushed into dust.
The mirrored world collapsed, vanishing into the void, leaving only a roughly one-kilometer-wide platform beneath Selene's feet. Twisted, writhing purplish-red lines and splotches filled the four directions, adding to the oppressive dread.
"That's what Fiamma of the Right can do. To split the earth, sever mountains, and cleave cities—it's effortless for him," Selene said calmly. "He is our true enemy."
"That's insane..."
A gentle female voice came from behind Kakine. As the figure stepped forward, her full presence became clear.
A tall, slender young woman with flowing brown hair, wearing a purple dress and white knee-high boots. Her commanding figure and graceful demeanor radiated the elegance of a high-born lady.
It was none other than Mugino Shizuri—Academy City's fifth-ranked Level 5 esper, leader of the underground group ITEM, and wielder of "Meltdowner."
Even knowing it was just a projection, when that massive distorted hand fell from the sky, a primal fear seized her—she would die.
Especially since it was Selene who said it. She had no reason to lie.
Recalling the dark-side rumors—Academy City's munitions factories working nonstop during the Daihasei Festival, logistical transfers running around the clock—it all pointed to an impending war. Mugino drew her conclusion.
"Against an enemy like that, even if you throw me and Number Four in, it's a suicide mission," she said seriously, locking eyes with Selene.
Selene chuckled lightly. "Don't worry. I'm still one of the Board's Directors. Every one of you is a valuable asset to the science side. I'd never waste our own troops like that. King vs. King, general vs. general, soldier vs. soldier."
"Terra of the Left is already dead. Acqua of the Back was the second. Fiamma of the Right will naturally be dealt with by myself and the Chairman. What I need from you is to unite, set aside old grudges, and crush the Roman Church's encroaching hand—and strike back when needed. While their headquarters lies exposed, we go in hard."
"They've trashed our home enough—it's time we returned the favor."
Selene's every move would be under close surveillance. She couldn't leave. She had to stay on the front line and draw fire.
"...."
Mouth slightly open, Misaka Mikoto said nothing. After experiencing incidents like Level Upper, Skill-Out, the Absolute Power Project, the Endymion elevator, and more, her beliefs remained—but her perspective had matured.
This was a clash of ideologies, beliefs, and paths. Far harder to resolve than hatred.
Unless one side fell and accepted the other's rule, or both were grievously wounded and forced to recover in peace, or some overwhelmingly powerful being intervened—someone who loved peace and compelled both to stand down.
But that clearly wasn't happening.
In a world full of monsters, the third option was ironically the most plausible. But unfortunately, "man of the world" Kamijou Touma didn't have the power yet. Aleister had no interest. The Magic Gods, pseudo-Magic Gods, demons, and angels were either shut-ins or onlookers.
As for Selene? If not for clones and other concerns, she'd have sunk the entire Apennine Peninsula by now.
Clack clack clack—!
As the group silently reflected, Selene said nothing. She raised her hand.
Clack clack clack—!
The mirror world collapsed. As reality swirled back into place, they opened their eyes again to find themselves back in District 7's bustling streets. Neon lights flickered as if nothing had changed—except for the wounded man on the ground, a lone testament to the terrifying events that had just occurred.
With her golden gauntlet slowly fading, Selene turned toward the Windowless Building and gave an "OK" gesture.
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