A Scientific Urban Detective.

Chapter 866 The Magic Side's Actions
"I guess so?" Tsuchimikado Motoharu spread his hands. "But for reasons of principle, I deliberately avoided them. So strictly speaking, it can't be considered 'seeing' them, right? And, boss, how are you planning to get in? You didn't get a permit this time, did you?"

Not only is she a person from the magic side, but she is also a saint who can be described as a "human nuclear bomb." Of course, Academy City would not allow Kanzaki Kaori to enter easily.

On her previous occasions, she was able to enter the city only with special permission.

But this time...

“Well, I know, it shouldn’t be difficult to get a license from Tomiko Tomo. But given Big Sister’s personality, she probably wouldn’t bother someone with her own problems, right?” Tsuchimikado Motoharu added immediately.

"..." The method that Tsuchimikado Motoharu had finally come up with was directly blocked by Tsuchimikado Motoharu, and Kanzaki Kaori remained silent.

Then, somewhat annoyed, he took a step forward, intending to leave immediately.

“Perfect timing,” Tsuchimikado Motoharu said. “Actually, I didn’t go through any formalities when I left Academy City tonight.”

“In other words…” Kanzaki Kaori stopped and turned around.

"I also have my own connections," Tsuchimikado Motoharu said with a smile.

Kanzaki Kaori shook her head, and finally sighed, "Is this also your purpose?"

It's not just about "finding Kanzaki Kaori," but also about finding a way to "keep Kanzaki Kaori under control."

Tsuchimikado Motoharu neither agreed nor disagreed, only saying, "It's so good that you understand, Big Sister."

“In that case…” Kanzaki Kaori nodded, “I’ll go with you then, and besides, you know where Amakusa Shiki is…”

Tsuchimikado Motoharu still had a smile on his face, but he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief in his heart.

—How can Kanzaki Kaori enter Academy City without a permit? Of course, she'll use her Saint-level strength to get in!

Do you really expect those weaklings in the city defense forces to stop a saint?
Tsuchimikado Motoharu is a multifaceted spy, and on some level, this scene is not something he wanted to see either.

……

Compared to Kanzaki Kaori, who disappeared without permission, Stiyl, who was on official business as ordered by the Supreme Archbishop, naturally didn't have to worry about trivial matters like "permits".

Not only did they have the necessary permits, but they also received the green light all the way. Academy City specially arranged a supersonic passenger plane to fly halfway around the world at top speed and bring Stiyl to Academy City.

Even so, it was already midnight when Steele walked out of the terminal in District 23.

“Hmm, at this time of year…” Stiyl fell into deep thought as he looked at the city, which had fallen into complete silence.

Although Academy City is a world-renowned top-tier metropolis, its nightlife is far less vibrant than that of other normal metropolises due to the special nature of its "academy" setting.

Especially when he was at the airport terminal, Steele noticed that although the airport was busy at this time, it was mainly filled with unmanned trucks and vehicles, and staff members rushing around; he rarely saw ordinary citizens or tourists.

"Should we not bother that guy at this time?" Stiyl decided.

Steele has been traveling to this city quite often in recent months, so it has become a kind of routine.

Index's guardian, "Imagine Master" Touma Kamijou, is a very convenient helper.

Especially when he's alone and has to handle a very difficult task, that guy's right-hand ability is really useful. This operation is no exception.

Whether for public or private reasons, Stiyl would never feel any psychological pressure about getting Touma Kamijou to help with chores.

However, considering that Index is currently living at Touma Kamijou's house!!!

Stiyl decided to let him off the hook for now—he felt no guilt for waking Touma Kamijou from his sleep, but if it disturbed Index…

"Let's go find the nuns of the orthodox church first," Stiyl adjusted his itinerary.

Ultimately, his presence here was only to play a supporting role; the main force behind the operation was still the Roman Catholic Church.

Orthodox Christians did not have an easy time getting permission to enter, so they were kept outside the city walls.

Stiyl had full access permission, so he easily passed through the gate and arrived outside the walls of Academy City.

Then, using simple divination, Stiyl easily found the group of nuns who were nearby at a loss—after all, the target was indeed very large and obvious.

The combat nun unit, led by Sister Agnes Santis, numbers as many as 250, making it a large and well-organized force in the magical realm.

This also shows how much importance the Roman Catholic Church attaches to this operation, going so far as to send such a large-scale force, which can be described as a major undertaking.

However, it is precisely because there are so many people that it increases the difficulty of entering Academy City.

“If it’s just a handful of people, we could manage to sneak in.” Sister Agnes looked up at the towering city walls in the distance. “But then we wouldn’t be able to use our greatest advantage—numbers.”

Sister Agnes did not hide her predicament from her partners from the British Puritan Church.

“The problem lies with the enemy,” the petite yet dignified girl continued. “The Amakusa-style Cross Cult is best at hiding; they have a way of infiltrating the entire group, so the enemy actually has a numerical advantage.”

“Wait a minute,” Stiyl said, frowning. “From what you’re saying, the person we need to rescue in this operation—Osora Aquinas—is also in Academy City?”

“That’s right.” Sister Agnes looked frustrated. “So we’re at a loss now!”

"Tsk, I never thought..." Stiyl lit a cigarette, "that it would actually come to this..."

The main reason why the Roman Catholic Church cooperated with the Anglican Church, and why Archbishop Laura sent Steele to carry out this mission, was that this operation might involve matters within Academy City.

Stiyl knew he wouldn't be able to stay idle from now on.

I originally thought I was just there to "assist," but I ended up being the "main attacker."

“Alright, it’s just finding someone.” Steele finished his cigarette in a few gulps, then spat out the butt. “Leave it to me, I happen to have some connections in this city…”

The cigarette butt tumbled in mid-air, then suddenly burst into a small fireball with a bang.

The fire mage waved his hand to disperse the flames, muttering to himself, "There's nothing I can do but grab you and make you work."

(End of this chapter)