Oriana Thomson was at the last stop of District 23.
District 23 was different from the other districts, in that there was only one station. The train station, which connected to all the roads in this district, was enormous, the width and complexity comparable to that of an international airport.
There were 8 ordinary train lanes, 5 subway lines, 2 high speed monorail lines, and another 4 bus lanes at the bus terminal that was just outside the main entrance. Besides that, there were also a special delivery lane and a VIP-use lane that were not opened to ordinary people.
(...That's strange.)
Standing among them, Oriana nonchalantly looked around and muttered in her own heart.
The security system had changed.
There were many Anti-Skill members at the terminal, hidden among the crowd full of people that were carrying large-sized baggage trolleys with one hand. However, their positioning had changed. More accurately, it felt like they were letting down their guard. Though they weren't suddenly leaving the station, they were moving to places without any significance. If so, the number of blind corners would increase for them.
Standing in this white-based station, with the walls and ceiling full of windows to absorb as much sunlight as possible, Oriana continued to ponder.
District 23 was a special area in Academy City. Besides the path that was connected to the international airport, everything else was inaccessible. In reality, it was easy to get all the way to the terminal, but difficult to take the next step forward. Thus, she had been waiting on the path that linked the terminal with the international airport, continuously looking for a chance…
(The chance is definitely here, but this is a little too weird.)
She wanted to contact Lidvia, but to use the communicating spell in this situation, would she be discovered by the magician scouts? Oriana pondered before placing the flashcard near her mouth. She theorized that the enemy's investigating ability shouldn't be that strong.
"Lidvia."
She tore a flashcard and muttered.
"You should be mentally prepared to start the final preparations now."
The reply came in the form of words on the surface of her retina, scrolling down like words moving down a screen.
"…Isn't it still not time yet?"
"This nee-chan wants to take it easy, but it seems like those boys have made their move. To be slow by a beat in this intense moment, it may be a bit too ugly."
From the corner of her eye, Oriana caught sight of the Anti-Skill members who were changing their positions.
"The security has changed unnaturally. Maybe they found out that we are here. There's no people clearing field or any spell that manipulates senses. This has to be orders from Academy City itself."
"You mean that Academy City broke its own balance, and plan to take us down in one swoop?"
"On the contrary, it feels like they're deliberately retreating, creating a competitive atmosphere. Anti-Skill seems lost. Maybe they don't know why they have to change their set-up."
"If it's an invitation from the enemy, there's no need to reply, right? Anyway, get away from the station first, and to another district."
"No…"
Oriana looked up at the giant clock above the platform.
"I've looked around, and the most suitable place to use it is still here. If so, I'll be waiting here…probably won't involve any ordinary people here."
"Is there any way to gain time by checking through it?"
"This problem will differ based on the number of enemies. But this nee-chan will work hard even if there are many of them."
Oriana's eyes left the electronic bulletin as she headed towards the stairs at the platform leading up.
Her strides were large and fast.
"Then so be it."
"Mn. Then I'll get prepared, Lidvia. We have to take down Academy City this time. As if we're shovelling in an innocent girl who is unaware of things into the ground."