One-way traffic

"Ok?"

Both Izayoi Sakamaki and Saitama received this signal.

The two exchanged a glance, then turned their gaze to a spot in the distance.

—That was a tall building.

A huge, airtight building without doors or windows.

————————————————————————————

that…

What exactly is going on?

After listening to Accelerator's words, the girls from Gensokyo did follow him for a while, but soon they were attracted by the various strange and wonderful sights of Academy City and left.

Strictly speaking, there are probably only three people who have followed Accelerator all the way.

Reimu Hakurei, Marisa, and Alice who is always by her side.

Guided by Takibayashi and Accelerator, the three girls from Gensokyo followed them all the way to this place.

It's probably... a street area where you sell things.

Then, after arriving here—it evolved into the current situation.

"Oh my? Isn't that Accelerator?!"

A woman who looked quite large walked over.

Not only is he very tall, but his physique is also very well developed.

She had long black hair, which was tied into a ponytail and cascaded down her back. She was dressed in the attire of a guard and carried a huge shield, as well as weapons such as clubs.

There were many more people dressed similarly to her behind her.

After seeing Accelerator come over, that person ran over to say hello.

"You actually ran outside at a time like this... How are Hatsune Miku and Last Order doing?!"

"They're all staying at home, so there's no need to worry about them for now."

The person who came was Aiho Yomikawa, who had always lived with Accelerator and the others, and was like family to them.

The first person turned his head and glanced at Huang Quanchuan's clothes.

He immediately pouted, looking bored.

"Are the security guards up to this again?"

"You saw the huge explosion just now, right? According to eyewitness reports, there was an old man who looked like a mummy running around in the streets, and then there was a loud bang in the sky. About 90 percent of the glass in Academy City shattered... Oh right! You shouldn't have been affected, right?"

"Who do you think you're talking to?"

It seems...the two of them know each other very well?

Alice, Marisa, and Reimu Hakurei were observing the conversation between the two from behind.

Then I discovered some things that challenged my preconceived notions.

First of all.

Accelerator maintained a relaxed demeanor throughout his conversation with the woman.

It wasn't the terrifying, scare-inducing demeanor he usually displayed, but rather a slightly gentler tone compared to his usual manner.

Of course, even so, his overwhelming aura could not be contained.

Even so... the woman he was talking to showed no fear whatsoever.

The tall woman was not affected by Accelerator's imposing presence; on the contrary, she chatted with him in a very easygoing, even preachy, tone.

If someone dared to speak to Accelerator in this tone under normal circumstances, they would definitely be torn to pieces.

But Accelerator's reaction was simple.

They weren't resistant at all, and it was as if they had chatted like this countless times before.

This feeling...this atmosphere...is like a mother greeting her child.

Until this moment.

"what?"

It was only then that Aiho Yomikawa finally noticed the people surrounding Accelerator.

"Who are these people over here...?"

"Hello, my name is Takibayashi, and I'm a friend of Kazuchi."

"A friend? -- Oh, a friend!! That's wonderful!"

Huang Quanchuan initially wanted to say something, but after hearing Takibayashi's self-introduction, he immediately burst into laughter and looked at him.

"Wow, you're so lucky to be friends with our kid!"

"Uh...why is that?"

"You might not know this, but this kid only has a few friends. He's the type who stays home all the time, but he has a really good personality. Don't let his appearance fool you, he's actually very friendly!"

"Boring, just shut up."

"Huh? Is this the tone you'd use to talk to the homeowner?"

Seeing Huang Quanchuan's joking tone, the three girls behind him seemed even more surprised.

It's really hard to believe.

Accelerator, who usually exudes that kind of atmosphere in Gensokyo... actually has such a good relationship with someone like him here.

"Are those three over there also your friends?"

"No, those three guys were just—"

"No, no, we all met together! We're all very good friends!!"

Before Accelerator could finish speaking, Takibayashi waved his hand, interrupting him.

the reason is simple.

The moment Accelerator spoke, Marisa made eye contact with Takibayashi and frantically gestured to him.

It roughly means something like, 'Don't let him continue!'

Fortunately, Takibayashi was quite perceptive and immediately understood Marisa's meaning... and why she wanted him to do it.

"They're all...your friends?"

Are you kidding me? Of course not...

Just as Accelerator was about to say those words, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of them.

Alice, looking somewhat frightened, clasped her hands to her chest, her eyes filled with nervousness and lingering fear as if she were afraid she would say "no."

It was as if if he said no, the girl's expression would immediately become the most desperate expression in the world.

"...Sort of."

He pursed his lips but did not deny it.

"Ah... so that's how it is."

Huang Quanchuan's expression began to look rather intriguing, as he seemed to have seen something.

"Well done, kid! You've become quite successful without me knowing?"

"Huh? What the hell are you talking about?"

Ignoring Accelerator's words, Huang Quanchuan bypassed him and looked at the three girls behind him.

"I am Yomikawa Aiho, nice to meet you."

"But, well, speaking of which, you guys are indeed Accelerator's... friend, right?"

"Friends? Well... let's not really count them—"

"Yes, yes! We're all his friends!"

Thump!! Before Reimu Hakurei could even protest, Marisa shoved her head down.

The two of them bowed to Aiho Yomikawa.

"I am Marisa Kirisame, and this is Reimu Hakurei. Don't let her appearance fool you, she is actually a shrine maiden's Da☆Ze!"

"Da...what Ze?"

"Ah, that's mine, it's just a verbal tic."

Huang Quanchuan was a little confused, but he still nodded and looked at the two of them as if he were welcoming them.

As soon as she turned around, Reimu suddenly stood up and slapped Marisa on the head.

"Don't touch me like that, you black and white thing."

And so came the most crucial moment.

The two looked at Alice, who now seemed very nervous as she faced Yomikawa Aiho.

"Hello... You can just call me Alice..."

"Alice, it sounds like a Western name, it's such a nice name."

Alice was slightly taken aback, because Huang Quanchuan in front of her was gesturing to her.

The two shook hands.

"Hmm~ Well, if I had to define my role, I'd say I'm this guy's guardian?"

"Guardianship... what?"

"Oh, you mean active-duty parents, right?"

Parents…

Parents...so that means...the mother?

Thinking of this, Alice felt her heartbeat seem to grow louder.

Even my body was starting to feel out of control.

"Um, is it okay if I call myself Little Alice?"

"Yes, that's fine..."

"I'd like to know, when did you meet this guy?"

"Ah... I should say, a long time ago..."

"A long time ago? Oh dear, could it be childhood sweethearts?"

"No ..."

"In short, they're very good friends, right? Oh my, I really didn't expect that this kid would actually know such a cute girl like Alice. It's a rare and precious connection."

"Ah...I...I just...that...um..."

She blushed deeply after being told off.

The original Alice would never have reacted like this to others, but now she doesn't even know what kind of expression she has on her face anymore.

However, she probably had a shy expression on her face, as if she didn't dare to look at it at all.

"Don't be too nervous, Alice!!"

Marisa's soft whisper seemed to come from behind her.

Alice turned her head slightly, her face flushed as if she wanted to ask Marisa for help, but unfortunately, no one could help her now.

"Enough already? You idiot."

Until the next second.

Accelerator, rather uninterestingly, cut in between the two, completely interrupting the conversation that was proving far too stressful for Alice.

"There's absolutely no need to ask such detailed questions, or are you just playing a prank on me?"

"Haha! No, no, I was just curious!"