Editing Toaru Majutsu no Index:MvM2 Depth3 (section)

===Part 8===

The deck was abuzz with energy.

Even before the Shinshin had fully stopped on the Izanami’s landing runway, girls with eyes glittering rushed over and Mikoto felt a chill in her heart. They mobbed her once she exited the Shinshin. She felt like they were even trying to lift her up. She only had bits and pieces of memories after that. Like bottles of carbonated drinks being shaken and popped open much too close to the fighter and all its delicate equipment.

Then came the party.

And that night.

Late at night.

“Phew.”

Her stomach still felt funny, but Mikoto changed into her formfitting flight suit.

She exited her cabin and walked to the maintenance hangar.

Shokuhou was there.

“Honestly. You are so easy to read, Misaka-san.”

“Shokuhou…”

“Are you going?”

“I’d rather not, but I really don’t see any other way.”

Mikoto shrugged.

Because…

“The ballistic missiles were the prized weapons of the United States and the Republic. The ability to intercept them with 100% accuracy greatly alters the military balance. Whether they want to crush it and forget it ever existed or to steal the tech for themselves, they will do everything in their power to pursue the Shinshin Custom.”

The ballistic missiles couldn’t sink the Izanami or Izanagi, so couldn’t they just hide out at sea until the time limit arrived?

That was one idea, but it wouldn’t work.

“They can fire more than one ballistic missile at a time.”

“Right. If they fire dozens of them at once for a saturation attack, the one Shinshin won’t be able to stop them all.”

And if the railgun-equipped Shinshin remained inside the Izanami, that was the most likely outcome.

But there was a way to use this.

The United States of Narmeli and the Cutalularia Republic’s current top priority was the Shinshin and only the Shinshin.

By leaving the Izanami now, Mikoto could draw their attention.

It’s excellent stealth capability had been sacrificed to attach the extraordinary railgun, but that would let her protect Tokiwadai from the ballistic missile threat.

That had been her plan from the start.

And it had finally worked.

“…”

Of course, Mikoto had to return to Earth. If she wasn’t on the Izanami or Izanagi when the time came, she would be stranded in this world.

14 days remained.

No, 13 now.

(I will be back by the last day. I promise.)

“Oof.”

“?”

Mikoto’s thoughts were cut off.

For some reason, Shokuhou had ascended the simple gangway that resembled a pool lifeguard tower and climbed into the rear seat.

“What are you doing?”

“I can’t kick you out all on your own, can I? Your meathead ability knows no bounds, so I just know you would cause trouble everywhere you went and create more and more enemies for Tokiwadai.”

Mikoto sighed.

How was she supposed process being pitied by that wicked girl?

The #3 hit the button to close the clear canopy.

“Well, if you insist.”

“Oh, you acquiesced quick. Hee hee. I bet you just want company so you won’t be lone-”

“Unlike me, you aren’t wearing a flight suit, but if you insist, I can take off like this!! Feel free to pass out since you’re only wearing your summer uniform, but don’t you dare piss yourself. If you humiliate yourself like that, I will never, ever, ever let you live it down. Good luck.”

“Um, hey, wait, noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!?”



The electromagnetic catapult launched the railgun-equipped Shinshin into empty space.



Misaka Mikoto began to work on a plan while accompanied by Shokuhou (whose soul had partially left her body).

She couldn’t climb too high or attempt any high-g acrobatics. The fighter could handle it just fine, but her stomach was still stuffed from that party. The carbonation was especially concerning. If she pushed it too far now, her body might actually rupture.

But if she was careful, kept it slow, and stayed near the ocean surface, she could still fly.

Her goal was one of those Sky Pirate Islands or Sky Pirate Ports where anyone could find shelter as long as they had money.

There were still two world powers left. What could she do with the one Shinshin against the United States of Narmeli and the Cutalularia Republic? There was much to consider, but she knew this first step was the right one.

She could not rely on the Izanami or Izanagi anymore.

She would be putting them in danger if she did.

And since the Shinshin couldn’t fly forever, she needed a runway to land on and fuel to fill her tank.

Misaka Mikoto and Shokuhou Misaki.

It was all up to the two of them.

“This is where the real challenge begins.”