Chapter 2: Hidden in Determination – Search_Connection

Part 1

Kamijou’s party which consists of five people successfully made their way to the south gates. Only a few meters separate them from the guards guarding the gate.

“How should we get out, asks Misaka while looking at the guards.”

“Let’s see…”

There were a total of six guards currently stationed on the south gate. The gate itself isn’t closed as it was almost always open but it would be really hard to try running past the guards. They would just be easily caught.

Kamijou surveyed the situation to look for blind spots on the rotation and patrolling of the guards but it ended in vain as there were no signs of the guards being replaced right now.

(We also need to hurry up. We can’t just wait until they switch guards.)

Then Sliven spoke up as they almost reached the gate.

“The brigand I previously belonged to has a hidden exit somewhere in the city. Although that is just what I heard from the talks during my stay there. I wasn’t told directly where it was located.”

Kamijou found hope upon hearing Sliven.

“Do you remember any hints on where it was?”

Sliven brought his hands on his unshaven chin as he thought deeply.

“If I remember correctly, I heard something like ‘Where the moon is carried out, there you will find the way out’. I am not sure as to what that refers to though.”

Sliven made a sad look as he said that.

“Don’t worry about it. Let’s think of it together.”

Kamijou looked at his companions. Each and every one of them thought of what those words meant.

“Where the moon is carried out?”

“Should we take it literally?”

Alice and Sliven exchanged words.

“Is there a waterway here in this city?”

Index turned her question to Sliven.

“Waterway? There is one, but why?”

Index answered Sliven’s question.

“The moon could be reflected in the surface of the water. If we think like that, then a waterway that is connected to this place and the outside should be the correct answer.”

“Wow. You sure are smart, Index.”

“W-why say that now…”

Index lowered her head embarrassingly upon hearing Kamijou’s honest praise.

“We don’t have time for such acts, says Misaka as she hurries you on.”

“That’s right! So where is that waterway supposed to be?”

Misaka and Alice ignored the two who were on their own world as they talked to Sliven.

“Follow me.”

The party walked for ten minutes as they followed Sliven.

“The entrance to the waterway should be below that building.”

As a waterway is vital to a city’s life, there were guards stationed to guard its entrance.

“Misaka can see three guards, says Misaka acting like a spy from a certain movie.”

The three guards were sitting and gathered on a table while drinking something which seems to be an alcoholic drink. Two of them were merrily singing while the other one was just quietly sipping on his drink.

“You shouldn’t be drinking while on the job!”

Kamijou retorted but the guards didn’t hear him as they were still far away.

“Is it possible to just slip past them unnoticed?”

“I don’t think so.”

Sliven said while shaking his head.

“Even if they’re drinking, they’re still guards. One suspicious move and we’ll be apprehended.”

“Then allow me to display my full abilities here!”

Alice proudly declared as she made a proud pose.

“””Ohh.”””

“Ohh, says Misaka while pretending to be amazed.”

Misaka Imouto’s remark didn’t enter Alice’s ear as she continued to pose proudly.

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“What are you going to do?”

Kamijou asked Alice. At least he wanted to know what she would be doing so he could think of some countermeasures if it would fail.

“Just take a look and be amazed!”

Alice proudly walked towards the drinking guards.

“Hey, she’s just going straight to them.”

“I could see that. Touma, do you know what she’s going to do?”

“Don’t tell me she’s planning to–!”

As the three of them conversed, Alice was already next to the three guards.

“Ehem. Guards!”

The three of them looked at the young girl who called upon their attention.

“What seems to be the problem, young lady?”

One of the guards asked courteously.

“A thief is chasing me from that area! Hurry and go apprehend him!”

Because her voice is loud, Kamijou’s party was able to clearly hear her every words.

Kamijou just put his palm on his face naturally.

The three guards looked at Alice from top to bottom. After that, they looked towards each other.

“Ahaha! Is this one a mischief from the young lady?”

“Don’t worry! That thief would just leave you soon enough.”

“Hm.”

The three of them then started to ignore the presence of Alice and continued their merry drinking.

“What were you planning, you idiot!”

Upon returning back with a shocked and dejected look, Alice returned to the group. And was immediately met by Kamijou’s special attack.

“That hurt! Why did you hit me again?!”

This time, Index did not point out to Kamijou’s hitting while just nodding. A wry smile only formed on Sliven’s face.

Alice, who was hit once again, went to a corner and sulked while saying ‘My plan was more than perfect’ and ‘Why was I hit’.

“Anyone has any other ideas?”

Misaka Imouto raised her hand to respond to Kamijou’s question.

“Leave it to me, says Misaka while she acts proudly.”

“I’ll leave it to you then.”

Kamijou was just hoping that she would have a better idea than the idiot who was currently sulking in a corner.

“Wait! She’s just going straight to them like Alice!”

Kamijou’s shout was in vain as Misaka Imouto continued her advance.

Like Alice, she was courteously greeted by the guards.

“Is there any kind of problem, young lady?”

“Help Misaka as a bad guy chases her, says Misaka as she is desperately pleading for help.”

By the way, all of those were spoken in monotone and with that deadpan expression.

Alice, who just recovered, was laughing herself out.

“No way that would succeed! What a fool!”

Kamijou, Index, and Sliven all thought too so they just let Alice act like that.

“No way! To attack such a fair lady!”

“Where is that scum?! Tell us and we’ll immediately relieve you of your worries!”

“…Kill!”

Contrary to the party’s expectation, the three guards were all riled up as they began standing and expressing their will to fight.

“Over there, says Misaka while pointing to a dark alley.”

“Let’s get him!”

“We’ll show him hell!”

“…Torture!”

The overly excited guards sprinted to the direction Misaka Imouto pointed.

“””…”””

The three who were hiding were speechless on what they witnessed.

“…Why!? Why did that work?!”

While Alice was filled with frustration and anger as she kept stomping on the ground.

After Misaka Imouto flashed a ‘thumbs up’, the party approached her.

“Somehow…I feel all the tension left me.”

Sliven and Index agreed to Kamijou as the party entered the building.

Kamijou quietly buried in his heart the thought of those guards might just be lolicons.