Crack!
The sound was unlike an explosion; it was more like something shattering.
"Came at last, as expected of Junko."
Haramura Makoto only caught a whisper barely louder than a mosquito. In a flash, the girl transformed into a blur and leapt through the broken window.
In three strides, Makoto—faster than Flanda—reached the bedside and saw, through the shattered pane, Flanda unfolding a parachute as she free-fell.
"Well, this works out after all."
"I'd rather not make this rooftop the battlefield either."
Given his shooting speed and mobility, he could never have stopped Flanda earlier—but who knew how many more bombs that maniacal bomber carried? Had he not readied his defense, a close-range detonation could have immolated him. His super-human durability offered no certainty against such blasts, and even if he survived, damage to the load-bearing walls could bring the entire building down.
"Komaba?"
"Boss, sorry— a brown-haired girl burst in. Hanzo and I were overpowered instantly, and Freyja was snatched away."
Komaba Reid sounded frantic—not from his own injury, but because Freyja had been taken. Although not blood siblings, after three years of mutual devotion, he already considered her family. Losing his "little sister" had him beside himself.
"Don't worry. Freyja's safety isn't in question."
"Calm the others— I'll handle this."
…
"Flanda, why are you running? If you stay here, we could end it right now."
On cracked asphalt, Junko Hanakaze carried the unconscious Freyja atop her shoulder, sprinting at top speed. Beside her ran Flanda, having dashed from Makoto's office.
"That guy's weird."
"His ability doesn't match the dossier. And since this is unpaid work, there's no need to risk more for it."
"Tell Mugino—if she insists, she can handle it herself. It's already decided."
Flanda no longer wore her earlier courtesy. She was a selfish pragmatist; only her sister ranked as her equal. The rest were beneath her notice—and rightfully so. From her standpoint, Makoto had fulfilled every duty to her. She wasn't ungrateful, just realistic.
"What power can a powerless gang leader really wield, Flanda? Maybe you overestimate him."
Maintaining her run, Junko quipped. As dark agents, they engaged daily with the city's underbelly—far from schooled innocents dreaming that hard work alone would raise their abilities. Every esper's potential ceilings were charted at development—any who might grow into high levels were snapped up by research institutes. No lab would permit a powerless gang to rise if they could prevent it.
"So I can't say I fully trust you," Junko added.
"He gives me a weird vibe," Flanda said, brow furrowed, searching for words to describe what she'd felt.
"Forget it—"
Junko Hanakaze suddenly stopped in midstride, grabbed Flanda by the shoulder, tossed Freyja behind her, and sprung into action.
Clang!
A bullet hovered in front of Junko's forehead—a hair's breadth from her skin, yet held back by some invisible barrier.
"Thanks, Junko," Flanda breathed, quickly realizing what had happened. Luckily Junko's small frame fit beneath it.
"No problem—he is quite something," Junko said, phone in one hand and shielding Freyja with the other. Her one-eyed smirk exuded newfound "boyfriend strength."
Whoosh—
A slicing sound cut through the air. A silver grappling hook shot from the rooftop, snagging a streetlamp with precise accuracy. Moments later, gears whirred, and Makoto appeared atop the lamp.
"From that angle?"
"But how did you shoot from there?"
Junko had been nonchalant until that moment—her pride, not arrogance, allowed it. But seeing this scene, she could no longer ignore Haramura Makoto.
"Ah, so this is 'nitriding armor,'" Makoto mused from his perch above the lamp. "As you said, it does restrain me in a way."
Looking down at two wary girls, Makoto held a call.
"So don't underestimate them. They come from places you can't imagine."
"I'm on my way—let me handle it."
"Better me dealing with this."
Even over the phone, Junko's worry was clear.
"No need."
"Tell your driver to take it slow. It's just nitriding armor—I have a thousand ways to break it."