Time flew by, and September 19 arrived.
Naturally, the sky was clear for thousands of miles today. The streets were decorated with lanterns and streamers, pedestrians thronged everywhere, and every airship and hot-air balloon had taken to the sky. All manner of videos were broadcasting coverage related to the Daihasei Festival.
The Academy City Daihaseisai Management Committee could state with certainty that Academy City would enjoy bright sunshine and crisp autumn weather throughout the coming week—the ideal conditions for athletic events.
As an open, extraordinarily large-scale comprehensive sports festival hosted by Academy City, it was only natural for the Daihasei Festival to receive partial support from the Tree Diagram's Absolute Simulator functions.
This supercomputer could accurately predict the movements of every air molecule on Earth. Precise weather monitoring was merely one of its more minor applications. Here, a weather forecast was not a prediction, but an absolute certainty.
Even if clouds appeared, they would be physically dispersed!
On this day, aside from districts and important facilities that could not conveniently be opened to the public, Academy City was filled with students' families and visitors.
Motor vehicles had been prohibited from traveling along every street. In their place were immense crowds, as well as countless stalls and storefronts opened along both sides of the roads.
"Only a few minutes remain until the Daihasei Festival's opening ceremony." On a gigantic broadcast screen, a perfectly poised female host reported on the grand event.
Bang! Bang-bang—
Those were the sounds of ceremonial cannons.
Roar! Rumble—
Those were the sounds of the surging crowd.
To ordinary people from the outside world, Academy City was an immensely attractive place. Not only did it possess supernatural abilities, allowing them to personally witness espers battling and competing in scenes normally found only in movies, but they could also experience technology far beyond anything available outside.
Magic was far too distant from their lives. It was a game played by a tiny minority, with an extremely high barrier to entry that made widespread adoption difficult. Technology was different. It was easy to popularize and had genuinely transformed human life, covering and influencing every conceivable aspect of society. Academy City was the undisputed leader of the entire world's Science Side.
How could it possibly lack appeal?
Every previous Daihasei Festival had been packed without exception. This year in particular featured not only technological attractions such as the Endymion space elevator, but was also advertised as the festival with the greatest number of Level 5 espers participating in history. An opportunity like this might never come again.
Had the Board of Directors not implemented measures to handle the vast influx of visitors by prohibiting ordinary vehicles from entering, pointless traffic congestion would likely have stretched for over ten kilometers through the streets.
Yet even after adding temporary train and subway services, preparing self-driving automated buses, and temporarily converting roads normally used by vehicles into pedestrian walkways, being caught within the crowds still felt like standing on a station platform during the evening rush hour no matter where one looked.
Television helicopters flew back and forth through the sky. At railway stations, the excessive density of train services had actually created a shortage of human security personnel. It was astonishing.
At that moment, inside the Daihaseisai Management Committee office.
"Everything has already been arranged. The ceremony will begin in just a few minutes."
"They won't start fighting, will they?"
A staff member wearing an armband from the Daihaseisai Management Committee spoke uneasily. "They probably won't..."
"Sigh. We've already advertised the slogan. Even if we have to grit our teeth, we must see this through." Pushing up his glasses, the leading committee member took a deep breath.
Had only the eighth-ranked Sogiita Gunha, and the sixth-ranked Mental Out, Shokuhou Misaki, agreed to participate, they would not have suffered such a headache. Yet the second and third-ranked espers, whom they had never held much hope of recruiting, had actually accepted!
Even the negotiating agents themselves had found it difficult to believe when they returned.
The agent sent to negotiate with the second-ranked esper had even purchased accidental disability and accidental death insurance before departing. Yet he had returned completely unharmed, bringing back this piece of "good news."
Simply put, they had never been confident that they could recruit more than a few.
The only reason they had notified every Level 5 was to treat everyone equally and play it safe. These espers all had different temperaments. Who knew whether notifying one while overlooking another might be interpreted as contempt and invite retaliation?
The conflict between the second and third-ranked espers might not have been common knowledge among ordinary people, but professionals in the industry were certainly familiar with it. Whenever those two encountered each other, they would exchange verbal barbs before proceeding to a physical discussion.
Interlacing his fingers atop the desk, the man raised his head, white light reflecting from his lenses. "The first-ranked esper is at the main venue. With her there, they won't start fighting. I believe we can rest assured about that."
"That's good."
"Sigh. Having only the first-ranked and fourth-ranked Railgun participate would clearly have been the ideal solution."
"The first-ranked esper's mother has also arrived at the Daihasei Festival's main venue. The first-ranked esper explicitly stated that accompanying her family and participating in Tokiwadai Middle School's events were her highest priorities for this Daihasei Festival. Tokiwadai's headmistress and Teacher Watanabe have also asked us not to disturb her unnecessarily."
"All right."
"But why do I have such an ominous feeling?" The leading committee member turned his head and looked at the photographs of the Level 5 participants pinned to the writing board, especially the image of a boy wearing a pure-white school uniform and a headband.
His eyelid would not stop twitching.
"Oh, it's about to begin."
Everyone in the office turned their attention toward the television screen.
...
School District 7, the Daihasei Festival's main venue.
This had originally been the large stadium of a certain high school, but the Daihaseisai Management Committee had requisitioned it for the event. As for why they had not chosen School Garden—nonsense, that was a girls' school district, and many important research institutions there were not open to the public.
At that moment, an impressive temporary platform had already been erected within the bird's-nest-like stadium formed from irregular metal frameworks.
Seats for the principals of participating schools had been arranged atop the platform. Opposite it lay the grass field reserved for the student representatives taking the oath. More than ten thousand students' family members and tourists had already gathered around the stadium, ready to watch the opening ceremony of this year's Daihasei Festival.
Yet this was merely the tip of the iceberg among the many venues throughout Academy City hosting Daihasei Festival opening ceremonies. School District 7 alone had well over a dozen.
Of course, only the main venue would feature Level 5 student representatives taking the oath while the event was broadcast live. The scenes unfolding here would be transmitted to every corner of Academy City, and all other venues would follow the main venue's lead.
In other words, the opening ceremonies elsewhere were merely supporting acts going through the motions.
"Aunt Katy."
"My, Misaka, you look truly heroic."
In the elevated spectator stands with their excellent view, Katy clapped her hands and cheerfully praised Misaka Mikoto as the girl jogged over in a running top and shorts designed for track events.
"Won't you be participating in the Level 5 student representative oath ceremony?"
"That? I was invited, but they've already confirmed other participants."
"Oh, what a pity."
As she spoke, Katy invited Misaka Mikoto to sit beside her. Then she looked toward the oath platform constructed in the center of the field, placed one hand against her forehead, and sighed. "Honestly, I never expected Selene to turn down such an honor just to accompany Mother. Although Mother is deeply moved, I still can't help feeling disappointed."
Their personalities are completely different.
Looking at Katy, who was already the mother of two children yet still resembled a recent university graduate—graceful, refined, and overflowing with vitality—Misaka Mikoto silently reflected on the contrast.
When Misaka Mikoto had returned to School Garden that day and seen Selene's entire family, she had been stunned. She had mistaken Katy for Selene's older sister and almost failed to recognize that she was Selene's mother, creating an enormous misunderstanding.
Truly, unlike Misaka Mikoto and her own mother, whose physical features seemed carved from the same mold, she could not find a single resemblance between Selene and Katy. They could even be called complete opposites.
During the days they had spent together before the opening ceremony, Misaka Mikoto had personally experienced Aunt Katy's warmth and gentleness.
As for Selene's warmth and gentleness, Misaka Mikoto had also witnessed those rare qualities over the past few days, leaving her profoundly shocked.
"No, no. I'm looking for Selene. Oh, where's little Ferdinand? Why can't I see them?" Misaka Mikoto waved her hands, politely declining Katy's enthusiastic invitation as she looked around.
"Oh, them? Ferdinand was attracted by a little motorized racing-car competition, so Arisa is accompanying him. As for Selene, it seems some friends of hers have arrived." Katy smiled gently and pointed toward the stadium's rest passage near the oath platform.
"Then I'll head over first, Aunt Katy. Enjoy the ceremony. Bye..."
"What a lively and adorable girl."
Resting her chin on her hand, Katy sighed emotionally. "Hmm... When will Selene become that cute? She's always so serious. Honestly, I wonder who she learned it from. Once Karl arrives, I'll have to give him a proper talking-to."
Meanwhile, inside the rest passage.
Selene raised an eyebrow in genuine surprise, her scarlet eyes reflecting the two overdressed old men out for a stroll before her. "This truly surprises me. Since when have the two of you been so perfectly in sync that you would both decide to participate in the Daihasei Festival's student representative oath?"
"Who gets along with this idiot—hyena?!" the two shouted simultaneously.
Unlike his usual attire, Kakine Teitoku wore his black formal suit properly today. His collar was fastened, and he lacked neither tie, waistcoat, nor white gloves. He had even applied hair gel to his tousled brown hair.
"That girl wanted to see it." Kakine Teitoku sighed, raised a hand to loosen his tie, and said helplessly, "Otherwise, these brats' little games... Uh, ahem, Milady, I wasn't referring to you."
"I know."
"Some things are best kept to yourself." Waving one hand, Selene looked past Kakine Teitoku toward Accelerator, who stood behind him in equally impressive attire. "Don't tell me you dressed like this because Last Order wanted to see it too."
You've finally changed out of that same T-shirt you've worn for years and put on a simple white suit with gray patterns.
"Hmph." Leaning on his cane, Accelerator snorted. Perhaps because he now had more concerns to consider, he ultimately did not dare lose his temper.
That was practically an admission.
"Oh... I see." Selene deliberately drew out her voice and glanced sideways at this disabled yet indomitable "guardian" with a faint smile.
Strictly speaking, the fourth-ranked Misaka Mikoto was the highest-ranked Level 5 esper who could comfortably be placed before the public. Those above her were either Selene herself, a member of the Board of Directors, or figures from the Dark Side, Academy City's shadowy underworld.
The top three had always regarded the Daihasei Festival with indifference, if not outright disdain.
However, after the failure of his plan, the second-ranked esper had entered a semi-retired state devoted to raising a child. At present, he appeared to have escaped Academy City's Dark Side. The third-ranked esper was even more straightforward. With the first-ranked Selene's endorsement, he had withdrawn honorably from the struggle within the Dark Side and was now likewise raising a child.
"Tell me the details."
"It was decided at a certain hospital..."
From Kakine Teitoku's explanation, Selene learned what had happened.
After the two encountered each other at a certain hospital, Kakine Teitoku displayed his overwhelming might. His "Six Wings of an Angel" swiftly eliminated the attacking small fry. As everyone knew, the manifestation of his ability was particularly popular with children, and Last Order was no exception.
Then, watching Last Order mutter "Misaka, Misaka" with sparkling eyes, Accelerator would never admit that he had actually felt a trace of jealousy.
Bah. What a sanctimonious bastard!
At that exact moment, a representative from the Daihaseisai Management Committee approached them to discuss the student oath ceremony. Seeing Accelerator's disgruntled expression, Kakine Teitoku immediately became energized and even placed the call on speaker.
As the two continued their intense struggle, Yuzuriha Ringo curiously asked, "What's a student representative oath?" In front of her, Kakine Teitoku naturally restrained his true opinion and explained it according to Academy City's official introduction. Afterward, both little girls grew excited.
Although Yuzuriha Ringo did not say anything, Kakine Teitoku saw the longing in her eyes, along with her reluctance to trouble him. Determined to surpass and mock Accelerator, he accepted the invitation on the spot.
Last Order sensibly said nothing, but when Accelerator saw the light dim in her eyes, how could he tolerate it? So what if I'm an idiot? That doesn't mean you're stronger or can provoke me however you please. When it comes to raising a child, you're still no match for me!
Competing in secret, the two had stubbornly carried their contest all the way here.
Beep-beep~
"Participating athletes, please enter the venue. The Daihasei Festival opening ceremony..." At that moment, the broadcast sounded.
Clap, clap!
"All right, that's enough of your tale of love and hatred. Prepare to enter. Mm-hmm, I look forward to your magnificent performances. As for your little ones, don't worry. I'll send people to watch over them and make sure they're well-fed and entertained."
Clapping her hands, Selene stepped aside and gestured for the two of them to enter.
Accelerator and Kakine Teitoku exchanged a glance, then each gave a cold snort.
They took their first steps at almost exactly the same moment. Neither yielded an inch as they squeezed through the passage as though shoving each other aside.
Watching Accelerator refuse to admit defeat even while leaning on a cane, determined to move ahead of Kakine Teitoku, Selene could not help laughing.
It seemed that under her pressure... Bah! Under her guidance, the two had changed from simply loathing each other on sight. Now that each was raising a child who symbolized his redemption, they gave off the distinct impression of being locked in a relationship of mutual love and hatred.
Tap, tap~
Upon exiting the rest passage, Selene's vision was immediately filled with tracksuits—identical tracksuits everywhere.
Her excellent eyesight allowed Selene to immediately spot the blonde, starry-eyed girl and the headband-wearing boy of pure spirit already waiting on the main platform.
"Ahahaha! I never expected the second and third-ranked espers to appear here. Are you interested in..."
The boy wore a pure-white school uniform and a headband, with a blade of grass hanging from his mouth and excitement shining in his eyes. He approached Accelerator and Kakine Teitoku as they ascended the platform, but before he could finish speaking—
"Get lost!"
"Not interested."
The opening ceremony's host looked at the two newly arrived participants, whose expressions differed greatly from those of the other pair. They radiated even greater pressure and seemed faintly hostile toward each other. Silently, he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Please, don't let anything go wrong.
"Ahahaha! I've been rejected! But aren't athletics and sports the perfect places for young men to display their spirit? You simply have to persevere!"
So that's why there are four microphones. Accelerator, the second-ranked esper, and Kakine Teitoku, the third-ranked esper, are actually participating in a childish event like the Daihasei Festival.
Could the urban legends really be true? Have they turned over a new leaf?
Automatically filtering out the eighth-ranked esper's voice as he rambled about "spirit," Shokuhou Misaki's eyes shifted. She revealed a radiant smile and took the lead in waving toward the audience.
As the lone flower among three leaves, her honey-colored hair cascaded down her back. Her athletic outfit perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. Shokuhou Misaki did not resemble a middle school student in the slightest and looked exceptionally alluring.
Thunderous applause immediately erupted throughout the venue as the heated atmosphere began to build.
As expected of someone from Tokiwadai... But the other three are truly worrying.
"Now, please welcome the student representatives as they take the oath!"
After hastily completing his introduction, the host silently stepped aside and yielded the stage to the four Level 5s.
The student representative oath ceremony was actually quite simple.
According to this year's arrangements, aside from allowing each of the four to demonstrate part of their Level 5 abilities, they had each been given a speech. Except for the different names at the beginning, the contents were identical. They only needed to recite what was written and then take the oath in unison.
For Level 5 espers whose brains were comparable to computers, this was child's play. Uh, although the eighth-ranked Level 5 seemed to be a Gemstone... It should still be fine. He was an elite student, after all. Memorizing this amount of text should not pose a problem... probably.
The host believed everything would proceed smoothly so long as the second and third-ranked espers did not start fighting midway through. After glancing at the white-haired beauty standing with her arms folded at the entrance to the rest passage, he immediately became convinced that nothing could possibly go wrong.
The next moment, vwoom—!
Three pairs of angelic white wings materialized from Kakine Teitoku's back, spotless and pure. In an instant, cheers and camera shutters blended into a continuous roar throughout the main venue.
Leaving everything else aside, his appearance alone made it obvious why children adored him. Viewed from afar, the wings formed from Dark Matter behind him made him resemble an angel descending into the mortal world!
"Tch!"
With a cold snort, Accelerator refused to be outdone. Whoosh—! An elongated vortex of wind extended from his back. Moving without any natural breeze, it lifted him into the air.
"Is this your spirit?! I can feel your burning passion! Now behold mine!"
Vwoom, vwoom!
"W-Wait! Aren't you supposed to take the oath... Ah!"
Boom—!
Everyone else present was highly resilient and skilled in combat. Shokuhou Misaki alone was hopeless at sports, and the blast wave immediately sent her stumbling.
How undignified... Shokuhou Misaki.
Crack—!
In the next instant, exactly as expected, Selene saw... the oath platform tilt sideways.