Chapter 61: Seventh Mist
Meanwhile, on the other side, Mikoto Misaka was still furious with Kamijou Touma's indifferent attitude, chasing and attacking him late into the night, even though Kamijou Touma was holding a large sum of money.
After dragging her tired body back to the dormitory, Mikoto Misaka felt very unsatisfied. Although Kamijou Touma finally admitted defeat, Mikoto Misaka knew that she actually lost. The most crucial part was that Selene saw it all, and now she felt utterly ashamed.
Pushing open the door, she didn't see Shirai Kuroko.
"Sigh, I'm back. Huh? Where's Kuroko?"
Mikoto Misaka sighed wearily and sat on her bed. "...I'm exhausted today." She had to help Kiyama Harumi find a parking lot during the day, and in the evening, there were battles and chases. Today really wore her out.
"Sister..."
Just as she was about to undress and sleep, a low voice came from under the bed, startling Mikoto Misaka.
"Huh? Kuroko?" Realizing it was Shirai Kuroko's voice, Mikoto Misaka was about to bend down to check, "Where are you hiding..." when she felt a body suddenly pressing against her. She was too tired to prepare and was pinned to the ground.
Mikoto Misaka looked up to see Shirai Kuroko, with a pair of panties on her head, looking angrily at her. She was muttering something Mikoto Misaka couldn't understand: "Stripping as soon as you come in, as expected, you're cursed by the urban legend 'Stripping Woman.'"
Before she could finish speaking, Shirai Kuroko took out a small pair of pink panties, holding it above her head like a sacred object.
"Come! Wake Sister up!"
"What are you doing..." Lying on the ground, Mikoto Misaka looked at Shirai Kuroko as if she were part of a cult, with horror.
"Ugh, to lift the curse of the 'Stripping Woman,' there's no other choice! Be gone! Stripping Woman!!" With that, Shirai Kuroko pulled apart the pink panties and resolutely shoved them toward Mikoto Misaka's head.
"Ah, Kuroko, stop it!!"
Naturally, Shirai Kuroko's actions earned her a hefty electric shock from Mikoto Misaka, along with a new bondage package.
...
"Miss, have you heard about the rumors related to the recent explosion incidents in Academy City?" Walking down the street, Sebastian casually mentioned to Selene.
"Are you talking about the previous aluminum explosion incident?" Selene said, sipping a red tea beverage. "I heard the explosion's power was equivalent to a Level 4 ability user's attack. However, aside from me, it seems no one else fits that description in Academy City."
"Yes, Miss. According to statistics, there have already been six such incidents."
"What about Judgment? How do they plan to handle it?"
"Judgment has officially classified the explosions, accelerated by graviton production as malicious attacks, naming it [Empty Space Bombings]. Although they have investigated the remnants, no clues have been found. To prevent the next victim, they plan to collaborate with Anti-Skill to enhance vigilance and resolve the incident."
"So they plan to take a defensive approach? Well, I guess we can't expect much more. They are, after all, a neutered security department." Upon hearing this, Selene couldn't help but shake her head. Although Judgment has a good role in maintaining public order, it is ultimately a product of power balance in Academy City and lacks the ability to handle high-risk, major cases.
Overall, Judgment's role is more like a part-time civilian patrol officer, often used for community service such as cleaning up street trash, helping find lost items, and traffic duty.
"They did investigate; there is one ability user who matches the described power level, but they have an alibi, and others' abilities aren't strong enough."
Noticing Selene's disapproval of Judgment's handling of the matter, Sebastian could only smile helplessly.
"Yes, they have proposed proactive strategies, but without authority, they can only passively remind students to be careful."
In Selene's view, dealing with this incident is quite simple. It's not just because she has a god's-eye view; think about how domestic law enforcement would handle this case.
Use the database to screen all ability users, monitor everyone with related quantum acceleration abilities regardless of level. If a suspect makes a move, compare the accident site with their whereabouts, and within a few days, the perpetrator would likely be found.
Though it sounds simple, all of this requires a strong law enforcement department to be effective.
Unfortunately, Academy City lacks this. The various departments' powers are fragmented, providing checks and balances but losing the ability to handle cases quickly and efficiently.
"Well, the inefficiency isn't my concern. Uiharu just called me to go to some Sevent... fashion store." Shaking her head, Selene decided not to ponder Academy City's shortcomings any further. After all, she wasn't the one in charge, so why worry?
"It's Seventh Mist, Miss. You never seem to remember things you don't care about." Sebastian chuckled helplessly, "Also, do you really want me to go to Seventh Mist? It's... a women's clothing store. I'm not suitable, right?"
"So what? It's not like you're buying clothes for yourself." Selene smiled at Sebastian. "When it comes to this, I have decision fatigue, so I trust your taste."
In fact, Selene had never bought women's clothing before; all her previous clothes were purchased by Katie. She doesn't really know what suits her; in her past life, she would have chosen something with minimal fabric, but now, since she's the one wearing it, that definitely won't do.
"Well, I really can't refuse Miss. It seems I have to bite the bullet and go in."
The master and servant chatted happily as they walked to the entrance of Seventh Mist and went inside.
The mall was huge, with seven floors. The second to fourth floors mainly featured women's clothing, and the second floor was a common destination for elementary and middle school students.
Selene wandered around by herself, followed by Sebastian, who maintained a neutral expression. However, from the twitching corners of his eyes, one could tell he was not at peace inside.
"It is indeed a bit embarrassing." The reason was simple: apart from him, there didn't seem to be another male in sight on the second floor.
Being in such an environment didn't frighten Sebastian; it just conflicted entirely with the educational ideals he'd adhered to all his life. As a true gentleman, entering a women's clothing store felt somewhat improper.
"Regardless, I'm here now, so I'll just pick a few outfits for Miss." Sebastian comforted himself.
Suddenly, turning a corner, Selene's attention was caught by a figure in a pajama shop.
That chestnut shoulder-length hair...
It really is familiar.