On a large bridge on the outskirts of Trinity District, the early summer evening breeze was cool and pleasant.
"Everyone, thank you for your hard work," I said softly to the Justice Committee students responsible for escorting the prisoners.
One of the black-haired girls (Mob-chans), looking particularly neat and obedient, exchanged glances with her companions and then replied somewhat haltingly:
"Ah, se-sensei… you… you too… um…"
Before she could finish, a hand lightly rested on her head, followed by a sunny, cheerful laugh:
"Hahaha~ Sorry, Sensei. These kids are a little shy, so don't bully them, okay?"
"Of course," I nodded with a smile to the squint-eyed girl walking toward us. "You worked hard too, Ichika."
"What are you saying?" Ichika responded, smiling. "This is just our everyday work, really. Sensei, you're the one who went through trouble this time."
I didn't think it was a big deal. After all, aside from me, there really wasn't anyone better suited for the task.
Given the sensitive political situation, avoiding an escalation between the two schools, it was wise for me, as the neutral head of Schale, to personally deliver the prisoners and hostages to the Prefect Team.
This was exactly what Hasumi had asked me to do.
After agreeing without hesitation, I first sent the Make-Up Work Club girls back to the annex to rest, then waited at this location.
Looking at her phone, Ichika said, "Ah, the Gehenna students are almost here. We should head back too."
I nodded. "Yes, leave the rest to me."
"OK~ Then, Sensei, see you next time!"
Ichika waved goodbye, taking her juniors with her as they departed, leaving me with the prisoner transport containing the three remaining Gourmet Research Club members (minus Izumi) and the innocently caught Fuuka, alone on the quiet, chilly bridge.
"…By the way," I said through the car window, addressing the girls inside, "does anyone know where Izumi went?"
"Hehe~ obviously," Haruna replied immediately, "Izumi successfully escaped. She wasn't caught. So our sacrifice wasn't in vain."
"Hey! The first one to surrender doesn't get to say that!"
Junko, who had fled first, shouted angrily at Haruna.
From what I'd heard before, when Junko saw Tsurugi, she had been so frightened that she had dropped the golden tuna she had snatched from Izumi, raised her hands, and surrendered.
Considering that Junko had encountered Tsurugi unharmed, this seemed plausible.
Which of the two, Junko or Haruna, was worse remained a matter for debate.
Haruna began to defend herself:
"First, let's clarify the definition of 'surrender.' Junko, think carefully. This wasn't about giving up, it was simply avoiding conflict with an important advisor of our club. Just like me sharing food I can't finish with everyone, can it really be called surrender?"
As expected, she was being deliberate.
Junko suddenly flared up: "I haven't acknowledged someone who hasn't treated me to a meal for so long!"
So her annoyance toward me stemmed from something like that!?
While the two argued, Akari, staying out of it, smiled at me and said, "Don't worry, Sensei. With Izumi's ridiculous, overly broad repertoire, she'll manage to survive anywhere~"
Was she casually insulting her companion while sounding like a compliment?
"By the way," Akari added, "once we're out, we can just contact her via Momotalk."
I nodded, then glanced at Fuuka, who had been silently staring at me.
When our eyes met, she panicked and quickly looked away.
Seeing this, I recalled the new ability I had confirmed earlier on the way here.
——
Conversion Ability: [Wings of Resistance]
Description: The user can consume stamina to maintain composure, with effectiveness proportional to the pressure endured.
Source: Successfully capturing Aikiyo Fuuka.
——
From a slightly mischievous perspective, this ability really did suit Fuuka.
Its description was quite similar to Serika's ability. I tried it once probably because my emotions weren't stirred much and didn't feel anything particularly special, stamina consumption was minimal.
However, perhaps in a truly dire situation, this ability might bring unexpected benefits, I couldn't know yet.
It wasn't long before the rumble of engines and overlapping police sirens approached. A familiar black-painted ambulance roared past at an absolutely reckless speed, stopping steadily about ten meters away, showcasing the driver's skill.
The passenger door opened, and a pale-haired, gold-eyed, cold-looking girl in a blue-and-white nurse outfit jumped out:
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Where are the corpses… Sensei?"
I greeted her: "Long time no see, Sena."
Himuro Sena, head of Gehenna's Medical Emergency Club. I'd met her once before, under similar circumstances.
"No need for pleasantries right now," Sena said, pulling out a sheet and reading aloud, "The delivery list says three fresh casualties and one hostage. Are they all in this transport?"
I nodded, about to speak, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw another girl descend from the ambulance, someone I hadn't expected to personally arrive.
She noticed me talking with Sena, furrowing her brows slightly in surprise:
"Sensei? What are you doing here?"
"Good evening, Hina," I greeted the petite but notable head of the Prefect Team. "Roughly speaking, my reason for being here is the same as Sena's?"
Not under the Prefect Team's name, but as the Medical Emergency Club, delivering prisoners and hostages, clearly to avoid political complications.
"I see… that makes sense," Hina nodded knowingly. "So, the Gourmet Research Society members are all in here? Then we'll take them?"
"Of course."
Just as I opened the vehicle door, Haruna stepped out first.
The club president showed no sign of despair, even as a captive. She looked around, took a deep breath of fresh air, and greeted warmly:
"Hehe, long time no see, Hina."
"Haruna, you really haven't changed at all…"
Hina looked troubled. "Sigh… let's discuss the details once we get back."