Before Kanzaki Kaori could even react, the collar spell on Index had been shattered, the John's Pen system forcefully shut down, and the girl herself was completely out of danger. Kanzaki stood frozen in place, overwhelmed.
Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?
Why is it all over before I even got to do anything?
Even Stiyl probably hadn't finished setting up his anti-intruder barrier outside. Still dazed, Kanzaki finally snapped out of it after seeing the peacefully sleeping Index.
"Su Mo… what exactly was that just now?" she asked, utterly astonished.
Whether it was the chant Su Mo had recited, or the way the Automatic Priestess interpreted it as a spell, one thing was certain: the esper before her had just used magic. She didn't recognize the exact type of spell it was, but that fact alone was shocking.
"That's impossible... aren't espers and magic supposed to be mutually exclusive?" Kanzaki murmured in disbelief.
According to all intel she'd received from Aleister Crowley and the Academy City authorities, esper abilities and magic rejected one another. If an esper tried to use magic, they'd suffer internal bleeding—or even die outright. Yet Su Mo looked perfectly fine. He wasn't just using magic—he was good at it. But Su Mo had expected this reaction. He had always intended to reveal his identity to Kanzaki. That's precisely why he waited until they had returned before disabling the collar on Index.
"This goes back to who I really am," Su Mo said, putting on a deliberately serious tone.
"We've already agreed to keep everything confidential, so I'll tell you the truth."
"The truth is… I was supposed to be a magician."
With a few embellishments and a touch of theatrical flair, Su Mo spun a sorrowful tale: a young boy manipulated by the evil Roman Catholic Church, sent into Academy City as a child spy, caught between two opposing worlds from an early age.
But everything changed after he met Index. He couldn't suppress the goodness in his heart and chose to protect her, even at the risk of blowing his cover. A tragic yet inspiring story full of hardship and inner strength—so powerful it left Kanzaki genuinely moved.
"I see… you really went through so much," she said, her gaze filled with emotion.
"To have trained so hard in esper development at such a young age... To reach Level 5, you must've endured unimaginable hardship."
Su Mo shook his head modestly. "There's no success without effort," he said. (A complete lie.)
In truth, esper levels were determined by aptitude. Hard work could only get you so far. From the beginning, every child's potential was assessed through their "talent evaluation." A person's limits were mostly preordained. But Kanzaki didn't know that. She assumed espers were like magicians—that strength came only through relentless training. So, in her eyes, Su Mo was someone who had worked himself to the bone, both in esper development and in magic. And on top of that, he lived every day hiding his dual identity.
"To think the Roman Church used such a gifted child as a pawn… what a terrible waste," she muttered, shaking her head.
Geniuses like him should have been nurtured, not exploited. Imagining the agony Su Mo must've endured—torn between the city that raised him and the church he once served—Kanzaki couldn't help but feel inferior. Despite everything, he had chosen to save Index—a girl unrelated to him—simply because it was the right thing to do. If the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church ever heard her say this, he'd probably drop dead from rage.
"Torn between two sides?" "Wracked with guilt?" What a joke.
Su Mo was living the best of both worlds—leeching spell knowledge off the Church, while enjoying Academy City's scholarships. He took their sweets and returned them cannonballs. And now he was being praised as a tragic hero? Unfortunately, Kanzaki didn't know any of that.
All she saw now was a brave, kind-hearted young man. Learning his true background only made her trust him more. Even if he was a double agent, who would reveal themselves just to save someone else? He had no reason to expose his identity unless he truly cared. So, in Kanzaki's eyes, Su Mo's character was beyond reproach.
"No matter what, you saved Index… you saved my friend."
"I owe you a debt."
"If there's anything I can do to help you in the future—please don't hesitate to ask." With a sincere bow, Kanzaki offered her gratitude and a solemn promise. She knew a man like Su Mo—tied to both factions—would one day have to make a choice. Would he choose the Roman Catholic Church… or Academy City?
If that day really came, he would undoubtedly need allies. Kanzaki Kaori hoped that, when the time came, she could stand at Su Mo's side and repay him.
Hearing her earnest words, Su Mo saved her contact information and nodded slightly. "When it's time to study your stigmata, I'll be in touch."
"…Alright."
Mentioning that topic made Kanzaki a little embarrassed. Due to the doctrines of Necessarius, all previous research on her stigmata had been conducted by fellow sisters. Su Mo, however, was a man… But since she'd agreed already, she wouldn't go back on her word. She'd simply have to endure it when the time came.
With that thought, Kanzaki prepared to take her leave. Su Mo seemed slightly surprised. "Hmm? You're not going to wait until Index wakes up?"
"There's no need." Kanzaki smiled faintly, a hint of sadness in her expression. "That child probably doesn't want to see us right now." At least she was honest with herself. Index had lost her memories of them, but not her memories of being hunted down. The outcome of their inquiry with Necessarius had made it painfully clear—she no longer had the strength to protect Index.
"For that child, being with you is likely the happiest choice now," Kanzaki said softly. Su Mo nodded, not denying her words. "True. Though if you really want to get closer to Index… next time, bring more snacks. That should do the trick." Having no illusions about the gluttonous nun's self-restraint, Su Mo offered the advice seriously. And surprisingly, Kanzaki found it quite reasonable. She had been too focused on their shared past, never considering how to rebuild a connection from the start. But with Index's personality, maybe food really could bridge the gap. With that thought, a genuine smile returned to Kanzaki's face. "Thank you, Su Mo. I understand now."
After offering Su Mo a deep bow, Kanzaki Kaori finally took her leave. At that very moment, Stiyl finally finished setting up the anti-intrusion barrier outside. Just as he completed the task, Kanzaki informed him that everything had already been resolved, and that he should dismantle the formation.
"…"
Stiyl silently stared at the wards plastered all over the surroundings, unsure whether to laugh or cry. However, compared to the annoyance of dismantling his hard work, he was far more concerned about Index's safety. Everything solved in just a few minutes? That felt… absurdly fast.
....
After the two of them left, Su Mo looked at Index, who was still lying on the sofa. "She's gone. You can stop pretending to sleep now."
Su Mo sounded mildly exasperated. While Kanzaki might not have noticed, Su Mo had clearly seen that Index had woken up long ago. Most likely, she didn't know how to face Kanzaki, so she simply pretended to be unconscious. Hearing Su Mo's words, Index stiffened slightly. But she didn't immediately open her eyes. She was gambling that Su Mo was bluffing. Then she felt a warm hand pressing against her waist.
"Haha! Su… Su Mo! I'm awake, I'm awake! Ahaha! Stop! Stop! Don't tickle me!" Unable to endure the attack on her most ticklish spot, Index's pretense crumbled, and she laughed uncontrollably as she sat up. Only after Su Mo stopped did Index finally catch her breath, her cheeks puffed out in indignation. "The Lord said… it's wrong to bully a nun." There it was—another line she just made up on the spot.
"And didn't the Lord also say lying is wrong?" Su Mo retorted casually. Then, softening his tone, he added reassuringly, "You don't need to force yourself about Kanzaki. Just treat her as a stranger." No matter how beautiful the past might have been, for someone who had lost their memories, those experiences weren't her own. Su Mo didn't want Index burdened by memories she didn't have.
Though, knowing this carefree nun, she'd probably forget all her worries after a few good meals. Su Mo couldn't help but think slightly unkind thoughts. Index, meanwhile, was genuinely touched by Su Mo's comforting words. But then she suddenly remembered something he'd said to Kanzaki earlier—how bringing snacks would easily win her over. Pouting, the petite nun clambered onto Su Mo's lap, facing him directly like a small, sulking cat confronting its owner.
"I knew it! Su Mo… you've been treating me like some clueless glutton, haven't you?"
"You think I'll be happy just because there's food, don't you?" She glared at him, cheeks puffed up, full of dissatisfaction.
Su Mo met her gaze calmly. "Aren't you?"
"Of course not!" Index huffed, though she kept sitting on his lap, turning her small face away in a childish pout. "You're underestimating me! I'm angry now, hmph! Unless you take me out for a feast, I won't forgive you!" Despite her sulking, she stubbornly refused to get off him, clinging on like a spoiled kitten that craved attention but wouldn't admit it.
What is this tsundere level… did Misaka Mikoto possess you or something?
"So you do just want food after all…" Su Mo sighed helplessly.
"Didn't you just finish lunch?" In fact, barely half an hour had passed since her last meal.
To which Index replied solemnly, "The Lord said… dessert goes into a different stomach." She declared this absurd logic with absolute conviction.
"The Lord never said anything that ridiculous." Su Mo was speechless. Nevertheless, he picked her up in his arms as he stood.
"Well, if you want sweets, I suppose I'll indulge you. I did promise after all." They had made a deal before he removed the collar spell—he wasn't going to break his word.
"Yay!" Index immediately cheered, hugging him excitedly. Su Mo felt tempted to make her listen to her own earlier complaints.