Pasticceria Manicagni Pastry Shop.
Behind the glass counter, rows of beautifully decorated cakes glittered under the lights, making Uiharu Kazari's eyes sparkle with excitement.
Although the group had mainly come at Saten Ruiko's request, faced with such an abundance of delicious desserts, Uiharu could hardly resist.
"Strawberry tart... no, wait, the Monte Bianco looks really good too... ah, but this chocolate pie is irresistible as well..." Torn between choices and mindful of her wallet, Uiharu fell into a full-blown dilemma.
"What's so hard to decide? Anyway, today's expenses are all on me—order whatever you like, Uiharu, Saten." With a grand wave of her hand, Selene exuded the aura of a generous patron.
"T-that's not really appropriate. You're already treating us to dinner later. I can't possibly let you pay for snacks too..."
"Oh, come on, Uiharu," Saten chimed in, stepping forward to nudge her friend. "It's Selene-senpai's treat. Don't refuse her kindness."
"Well then... Selene-senpai, I'll take you at your word!" With an excited grin, Uiharu promptly ordered over a dozen cakes, leaving everyone else speechless.
Her expression radiated pure satisfaction.
Saten, meanwhile, looked at the single slice of cheesecake in her hand and couldn't help thinking—maybe she'd been too reserved.
"By the way, Uiharu, can you really eat all that? Aren't you worried about gaining weight?" Selene asked curiously. She didn't care about the cost, of course—it was just surprising that Uiharu wasn't at all concerned about her figure.
Was she perhaps one of those lucky people who never gained weight, no matter how much they ate?
"Hehe... it's fine! It's such a rare chance to be treated by Selene-senpai! Even if I gain weight, I'll just burn it off later!" Uiharu's cheerful answer left everyone momentarily speechless. It wasn't like this was their last chance to eat sweets—why go all out like that?
"Hey, what about me?" Misaka Mikoto, who had been quietly listening, suddenly interjected, clearly displeased that no one had mentioned her. "I helped out today too, you know! Whether I join or not is my business—but you could at least offer!"
Of course, given that the bill was on Selene, Misaka wasn't about to pass up free sweets. "You said it yourself—all expenses covered by you."
"Eh? Did I say that?" Selene tilted her head innocently, scratching the back of her neck as she casually turned toward the counter as if to pay.
"You—!" Misaka's teeth clenched. Watching Selene's little act made her want to scream. This woman is infuriating!
I swear, Misaka fumed internally, I, Misaka Mikoto, would rather starve—no, I'd rather throw myself into Tokyo Bay—than eat even one bite paid for by you, Selene!
"Hmm?" Feeling the waves of resentment emanating behind her, Selene sighed awkwardly. "Alright, alright. Of course you're included too. Go ahead and pick something."
"Hmph!" Misaka turned away sharply, puffing her cheeks in a show of defiance.
Seeing that she wasn't going to be easy to coax, Selene decided to pull out her trump card.
With a faint smile, she materialized a flyer out of thin air and waved it in front of Misaka's face.
Before anyone could blink, Misaka's pupils contracted into vertical slits.
Indeed—it was a flyer for the hotpot restaurant Selene had booked earlier. And more importantly, the shop was currently running a limited-time promotion: a free giant gekota plush for a lucky few diners.
Moments ago, Misaka had been sulking. But upon seeing that familiar green mascot, her entire attitude wavered.
"Th-that doesn't matter. I'll... I'll just book it myself!" she said, though her voice trembled ever so slightly.
"Oh? Really? Even if the event ends today? And even if I got the last reservation slot?" Selene replied casually, waving her hand as if it were no big deal—but to Misaka, her words sounded like the devil's whisper.
There was nothing she could do. Misaka could only—
Give in to temptation.
It wasn't her fault her willpower wavered—the temptation was simply too strong. Just this once, she told herself. I'll eat this meal... and never again!
"Ahahaha..." Watching Misaka blush in silent defeat, Selene couldn't help but laugh.
Then, suddenly, a ringtone cut through the air. It was Uiharu's phone.
"...I see. Understood." Hanging up the phone, Uiharu Kazari sighed helplessly. "Shirai-san, we've been called in again."
"There couldn't be a worse time for this." Shirai Kuroko groaned, tilting her head back in frustration. Though clearly unhappy about the timing, she still obediently accepted the summons.
"Is Judgment really that busy? Should I talk to someone higher up and get you both some time off?" Selene suggested casually.
"Please don't, Selene-senpai. This is part of our duty as members of Judgment," Shirai replied firmly.
Selene shook her head and didn't press the issue. "Alright then. Go handle it. I won't cancel the hotpot reservation—just come by after your shift."
After Shirai and Uiharu departed, only three remained. Without them, the mood to continue exploring had vanished. Instead, Selene and the others found a café nearby, chatting idly as they waited for the two Judgment members to finish their work.
...
Judgment Branch 177.
Upon receiving the emergency notice, Konori Mii had no choice but to cut short her day off.
There had been a series of attacks within the School Garden. Since the previous day, six Tokiwadai students had already been assaulted inside the district.
"Looks like we'll have to end Kuroko and Uiharu's break early," Konori muttered. This case was clearly beyond what she could handle alone.
Academy City had no standing army—only Anti-Skill and Judgment.
Anti-Skill functioned as the city's police and security force. Unlike Judgment, its members were volunteer teachers and staff. They received no salary, but the city granted them specific privileges in return for their assistance in various research and safety programs.
Anti-Skill handled cases that Judgment couldn't easily manage—such as terrorist activity, hostage situations, or large-scale disturbances.
Judgment, on the other hand, was a disciplinary organization composed of students from various schools and ability levels. Their role was to maintain order within the school system and assist Anti-Skill when necessary.
In many incidents, Judgment officers were tasked with evacuating civilians, managing crowds, or apprehending students who misused their powers.
Now, after informing Shirai Kuroko and Uiharu Kazari that their leave had been revoked, Konori received another update.
Another Tokiwadai student had been attacked inside the School Garden.
"Damn it... that makes seven now."
Just then, the door to the operations room opened.
"Seriously, of all days—it had to be on our Saturday off," Shirai complained as she stepped in.
Hearing her voice, Konori stopped her work and looked up, sighing softly. "Don't start complaining the moment you arrive. Good timing, though. There's something—hmm?"
"Uiharu... what on earth are you wearing?"