The "Automatic Bookkeeping System" installed within Index, which is used to manage the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, had been personally designed.
To avoid unnecessary complications, anyone attempting to access the 103,000 grimoires must first bypass this system.
Without the proper key, the system would activate and mobilize the 103,000 grimoires to launch a counterattack.
"To be capable of this, it really must be Aleister acting personally. What a cautious man. So cautious that it becomes exhausting." Laura Stuart narrowed her eyes slightly.
...
Meanwhile, outside the entrance gate of District 13, all vehicles and visitors entering Academy City were undergoing strict inspection procedures.
Under the shade of the roadside greenery, passersby could not help but glance over.
The man standing there looked young, yet unusually tall. His hair was dyed a sunset red. He wore a black priest's robe in an unconventional style, with silver rings on all ten fingers, golden earrings, and a barcode tattoo beneath one eye.
A cigarette swayed from his lips. He looked more like a member of the mafia than a priest.
Stiyl Magnus stared at the massive gate of Academy City with a displeased expression.
The structure was so tall that it was impossible to cross by ordinary means.
"Damn it. I really do not want to enter this enclosed city. If they have ulterior motives, things could turn very bad."
Beside him, Kanzaki Kaori stood with one hand resting on the katana at her waist, her posture composed and dignified.
"I was careless. I allowed Index to be taken into the scientific side's territory by an esper. If this is not handled properly, it could escalate into a full scale conflict."
Stiyl still felt frustrated about Index being taken away.
Originally, he had only intended to let her remain outside temporarily so that her memories could be erased when the time limit was reached.
His own hesitation and personal feelings had prevented him from forcibly taking her back and guarding her properly.
"I still do not understand how she managed to run away. And of all places, she had to run straight into Academy City. And even more troublesome, she encountered a Level 5 esper."
Stiyl lowered his gaze slightly. His chest still ached faintly.
Although his injuries had been treated, the experience of being instantly defeated was not something he could easily accept.
"You should not have fought him," Kanzaki Kaori said calmly.
At a time when the relationship between the magic side and the science side was so tense, any clash between magicians and espers could be exploited.
Whether victory or defeat, the result could be used as justification for escalation.
Even the smallest misstep could ignite a war.
Any seemingly reasonable excuse could become the trigger.
"I am just an unknown magician, so it does not matter for me. But you are different." Stiyl exhaled slowly.
"With your status, Kanzaki, entering the scientific side's headquarters alone is like inviting trouble. Your movements will definitely be monitored and restricted."
Kanzaki Kaori let out a quiet sigh.
Her eyes revealed both helplessness and resolve.
"I understand."
As one of the fewer than twenty Saints in the world, her presence alone was equivalent to a strategic weapon.
Entering Academy City was no different from placing a bomb inside someone else's territory.
If not for prior negotiations by the Supreme Archbishop, this alone could have been enough to trigger a conflict.
Thinking about this made her feel a sense of guilt.
She could not help but wonder what price had been paid to allow her entry.
Together, Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl passed through the towering gate along with the other vehicles.
The inspection procedures within Academy City nearly drove both of them to exhaustion.
Their understanding of science still lingered around the level of the industrial era.
Thermal imaging scans, retinal identification, fingerprint registration, bioelectric signal recording, and digital identity verification.
The entire process took more than an hour.
Even after completing the inspection, they were escorted to a waiting room.
Kanzaki Kaori's nearly two meter long katana had been classified as a prohibited item and could not be carried inside.
"I apologize. We have no hostile intentions toward Academy City, but I cannot hand over this sword," Kanzaki Kaori said calmly.
Her expression showed both understanding and reluctance.
Although her attire was quite bold and mature, her demeanor remained gentle and composed, carrying a natural sense of dignity.
"This is not a matter of confiscating your belongings," the staff member explained patiently.
"Weapon grade melee weapons are prohibited within Academy City. We will simply store it for you and return it when you leave."
Stiyl looked increasingly irritated. Ash dropped from the cigarette in his mouth.
Although he wanted to question whether they were being deliberately targeted, he already knew the answer.
Even heads of state were required to undergo the same inspection procedures when entering Academy City.
At that moment, the door to the waiting room opened.
A blond young man walked in.
He wore a casual jacket over a white lab coat.
There was a red tattoo on his left cheek, and his expression carried a violent and aggressive edge, like a street thug rather than a researcher.
With both hands in his pockets, he looked directly at Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl.
"My name is Kihara Amata. I have been assigned by Chairman Aleister Crowley to receive the two of you. Leave this matter to me."
"Chairman? Ah... understood." The staff member was clearly startled.
Hearing the name of the mysterious Chairman was not something that happened often.
"Chairman Aleister..." Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl immediately became alert.
"Welcome, representatives of the Anglican Church." Kihara spoke casually, his tone almost mocking.
"Relax. As long as you follow Academy City's rules, nothing will happen."
This was the first time he had been tasked with receiving individuals from the magic side.
"Hey, what was your name again? Never mind. No need to remember." Kihara waved dismissively.
"These two have already been registered, right?"
"It is all completed."
"Good. Then come with me."
Kihara gestured lazily, still keeping his hands in his pockets.
Only then did Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl notice something unsettling.
Inside Academy City, dozens of fully armed soldiers stood lined up in formation.
"Tsk." Stiyl clicked his tongue, his entire body tensing.
"I will give you a warning." Kihara smirked slightly.
"The entire Academy City is under surveillance."
"Do not step out of line."
He raised his hand and casually drew a finger across his own throat.
"Otherwise, things will not end well."
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