Accel World Vol 3 Chapter 6 (1/2)

Chapter 6

However, two days passed without any noticeable changes to the situation

Haruyuki was desperately trying to grasp the names, faces, and personalities of the students of 2nd year C class he was put in, so he did not have any extra time to think about the Noumi Seiji incident

For Haruyuki as unco before, and the only people who talked to him were bullies, he could not believe that Chiyuri soon beca lunch with them Even Takumu who transferred into this school, had alreadylunch break, while surrounded by somewhat difficult formula on the 3D display, talked about this and that

Of course, if he ever said 'Let's eat lunch together' to those two, they would probably reject the invitations from their new friends, and eat lunch with Haruyuki However, he absolutely did not want to depend on Chiyuri and Takumu like that

Like he had in the accelerated world, he had to break his shell in the real world, and at leastlike that, he desperately listened around trying to findaround the local net, but everyone talked about sports, music, and fashi+on le ames and anime

—Well, I should try hard at it slowly Even I have someone to eat lunch with Furthermore, she's the school's most popular person

Even though he encouraged himself with that, since that person is the student council vice president, she was extremely busy with the school field trip in a few days, and danced around different classes, so the continuing situation was that he could not evenlunch time

With that, the time when Haruyuki was finally able to speak to Kuroyukihime, was in the duel battlefield of the weekend «Territory Battle»

”IiiYaaa!”

In front of Haruyuki's view, the jet black avatar «Black Lotus»'s right leg, trailing a bluish purple color shaft of light, kicked straight up

With a Bang sound, the close range type eneht line, and was blohile spinning around, then hit a far away building and stopped

Looking up at the tea in his view, he saw that today their battle win ratio was over 80 and while feeling at ease, he walked towards his legion master

”Hey, good work, Silver Crow Cyan Pile”

”Good work!”

”Good work”

After Haruyuki, Cyan Pile's huge body appeared fro, and then continued in a low voice

”Sorry, I a club activities, so if you will excuse me Master, in the field trip from tomorrow at Okinawa, have fun, and take care”

Watching Taku those words, Kuroyukihihed with 'fufu' sound

”He became a proper kendo club ular lineup?”

”YeYeah well About that Concerning that kendo club”

Haruyuki quickly glanced around, confir that the eneallery had already disconnected, still continued in a low sound

”There is still no proof, but soular lineup with Takuht be a Burst Linker”

”Say what?”

Haruyuki turned towards Black Lotus, who held up her tords as if to cross her arms in front of her chest and narrowed her violet eyes to slits, and explained about the match the day before yesterday

Even after the explanation was finished, Kuroyukihilanced up, and whispered ”That's still not close enough”, as she leaned her elegant back on the nearby rubble, and Haruyuki also hesitantly sat near there

”Noumi Seiji huh His brother Yuuichi's name, is not in my memory Last year, and the year before, there was no Burst Linker ast the upperclassmen That's why even if that Yuuichi was Seiji's «parent», he had already lost Brain Burst when I entered Umesato middle school”

After chewing on Kuroyukihime's smoothly released words, Haruyuki mumbled ”Yeah”

”That means If Nou to another school”

”That is rare, but it is not unheard of Actually, it is the case for me However before that Is that for sure? About that first year student called Nou matches”

”We have no proof But for other sports maybe, but this is kendo For Taku who used «Physical Burst» command himself in kendo, I don't think he would be mistaken about that”

”Fumu”

Black Lotus who lightly nodded, leaked out a sigh there as if she had a wry smile

”However, with that you learn of the existence of the physical acceleration co a ball sports hero with that is prohibited by Nega Nebulas”

”I-I won't use it! Paying 5 points for just 3 seconds, then it would be way better to dive into the «Unlimited Neutral Field» with 10 points Instead of that, the proble list”

”For sure, it's hard to believe”

With both eyes narrowed, Kuroyukihime whispered

”After the «Backdoor Prograo, similar type of inside trick should not have been able to be used after the patch If Noumi is a Burst Linker, and he is connected to the Umesato middle school local net, then helist If he was not on the list, then that means Noumi was not connected to the local net”

”B-But, while inside school, a student not connected to the local net, is that even possible? Further class, and in a kendo match too!”

”To be truthful, that is not possible”

To Haruyuki's rebuttal, the blacksideways

”If the school local net base server was invaded, or No, no matter what that is way too risky If it was discovered, then even for ht be expelled After all with so himself from other Burst Linkers”

”That had happened before, right I too, felt that is the most likely case as well”

While lowering the silver helmeted head, Haruyuki answered quietly

”However, even if that was the case, ould Nouoal be? If he really wanted to hide the fact that he is a Burst Linker, then using commands like «Physical Burst» would have the opposite effect Actually due to that, we are alreadyso, he should have corasp of our real infore us to «Duel» What does he really want to do?”

For Kuroyukihime's questions, of course Haruyuki could not answer the for a bit, he said in an uncertain tone

”That, we have to find out why he does not appear on the list, and «Duel» him to ask about it, I think”

”Well Yeah For Burst Linkers, nothing will start without duels I want to begin the fight, but unfortunately from tomorrow on I will be away from Tokyo for a week Hmm, maybe I should fake sickness and remain”

”No, no way, don't do that!!”

Haruyuki hurried shouted, and shook both areous lines

”Middle school field trip, isn't that once in a lifetio, ill deal with the Noumi incident somehow!!”

”Nn is that so? But, don't be too unreasonable That's right, have you decided what you would like for a gift?”

”Aa, that is I will feel bad asking for so like let me watch video or whatever that senpai takes”

To be precise, video that has senpai in it

To be h definition video of senpai in a swimsuit

Furthermore, add in the territory defense without the h a 30cm direct connect cable

Hearing the request that Haruyuki added a lot to inside his heart, Kuroyukihime tilted her head and said

”What, are you fine with just that? Then, I will take lots and send the my vacation”

And then Kuroyukihi, boarded an airplane at Haneda with 120 Umesato middle school 3rd year students, and flew to the far southern part of the country

Of course, it was still possible to contact her with voice call or full dive anyti of a few thousand kilometers of physical distance between them made Haruyuki feel uneasy, and he continued to roll around on his bed as he tried to sleep again after waking up

—Why am I not in the same school year as that person

If that was the case, then he ht have been able to see her swi the field trip, and they would graduate together, going to the sah school or not ht be a problem

While he was thinking of s, he noticed the icon lit in the center of his view about receiving a voice callthat was from Takuertip

”Haru, goodAbout the Nouet hold of that guy's Neuro Linker to check if the Brain Burst prograed to get only a picture, I've attached it ThisI will contact you, see you”

At the tie replay was finished, the attached file icon lit up

After noticing the large data size, he wrinkled his eyebrow, but soon understood the reason after opening the file What was displayed, was the kendo club's new 1st year all roup photo

The Neuro Linker contains a camera inside, so it is technically possible to take a static picture or video anytime However, that is also much easier to take hidden pictures than old cell phones

So right noithout perh the net from the person in view, there is a function to prevent field of view screenshot of other people —Of course, using strange o around that liether

For Haruyuki and Takue and tricks were not of that level, so obtaining Nou for a chance like a coh the photo that was fully displayed in his view, and fros that float up and disappear one after another, eventually found the na «1st year A class, Noumi Seiji»

Noumi's true face— could only be said to have the features of a boy with a lot of youth re

Round cut hair with light brown color, hanging down in length froirl's, but the s for a proper kendo club member

”Are you a Burst Linker?”

He whispered that, but of course Noumi in the still photo did not reply

Haruyuki carved the features of the very mysterious first year student in his brain, cleared the photo, then got down fro to shi+njuku or shi+buya area in the afternoon for «Duels», but changed that plan, and changed into his unifor to train in their club, soht happen

In the kitchen, he put some ham and cheese in the stock up bread and ate it, left his e, then Haruyuki softly opened the door and went outside Looking up at the bright blue sky above the high rise apartment made sparks twinkle in his view

Going to school during days off,that school, after he thought about it

He changed his shoes at the entrance, and glanced at the clock His preparation and trip seem to have taken a lot of ti of sending an eed his o check directly

The school on Sunday afternoon, was surprisingly quiet

It was not that there was no one here He could hear the sounds frorounds, and if he went to the cafeteria, he would find culture club students there

But, the inside of the school building with lights turned off was diave Haruyuki a doubt that he was lost at a different place somewhere else

Without really understanding why, he held his breath and walked in the first floor hallway, entering the sports building He went pass beside the gy the floor sounds, and headed towards the martial arts arena—

”shi+eaaa!”

That sharp psyche sound that entered his ears made him stop suddenly

It was mixed in a few other people's sounds, but within the sounds that repeated with sih and sharp sound that he heard from the other day

Haruyuki becaravel courtyard, then went forward a few meters towards the martial arts arena wall, and peeked into thethere

It see had already ended, so there were only a fewin the ooden floor arena There all seemed to be first year students that , as they swung their shi+nai while lined up From Haruyuki's position, he could only see their backs, but near the right edge, one person with slender build and brown color mature style hair, ithout a doubt Noumi Seiji

Even looking with Haruyuki's eyes, he could see that cos were overwhelly sharper, with actual ability behind it

Haruyuki bit his lips and wondered why Noumi used acceleration ability to win ree of ability Or did he have soht and conclusion?

At the time that Haruyuki leaked out a s

As Haruyuki shrunk his head while wondering if he had been found out for peeking, but it seemed that was not the case While still with his back to Haruyuki, Nou away his shi+nai

”Hey Nous”

While continuing to practice swinging, one first year student said that With no reply to that, Nou, and walked towards the arena exit as if he had already finished training The club ue, and the person beside hiular-sama”

Even hearing the blatant sarcas pace If he left the arena while wearing his uniform, then Nou at, so he hurried left theside and went to hide behind a plant nearby

Noumi did not seem to notice Haruyuki, walked towards the hallway and went straight ahead, then he disappeared behind the stairs heading below the gyround, was an even more out of the way location for Haruyuki in the school, which was a heated pool

Does he want to go swiht, but soon canceled that speculation There should be shower roo, heout of kendo uniform

—Shower Room

”!”

Haruyuki took a sharp breath

Fro first years should be continuing to practice swinging for a while And in the surroundings, he could not see any other sports club students That means Noumi Seiji, for a few minutes, would be completely alone

Is this a chance? Why was Nou list, and why did he ignore other Brust Linkers going to the saolden opportunity to ask him those?

Of course, he norance But for Noumi, he had already used «Physical Burst» command in front of Haruyuki and Takumu that he should have knoere Burst Linkers It see a e for contact— wasn't it?

Even though he still had doubts, Haruyuki chased after Nous

Right after entering the gyainst the side of the wall, and Haruyuki sneaked down it U class is an elective course, and Haruyuki had no incentive to select that, so this is without hyperbole the first time he went down those stairs

After taking a peek ahead of the left turn corner, he could no longer see Noumi's shape in the short corridor On the left wall, he could see divided entrances for the shower plus changing roo to check, but the familiar black doe to the interior of the shower rooe

After hesitating behind the cleaning equipment left at the corner for ten more seconds, Haruyuki made his decision and headed towards the shower room

Looking on the wall at the entrances, he could see the relatively fresh ht side blue forthe direction of the steps, of course he went to the right side, and after a few steps he listened for sounds Of course, if there were other students inside other than Noumi, then he would have to sadly retreat, but he could not hear any sounds of talking He noticed that his palms had became ith sweat, and wiped them on his pants

—There's no particular need to be scared

I am also a oing ahead Just that, I want to ask about Noumi's intentions with only the two of us

After whipping himself oncethe shower room

The space was a lot wider than his expectations, with lockers lined up on the right wall A long table was set in the center, and above it was left a school regulation sports bag Many shower booths were set at the left wall in a lineThe booths use smoke colored plastic panels to obscure view, and from one booth deep inside, he could hear water sound and see stea out of it Other than that, no one else was there

Too late?

Haruyuki gave out a s a lot of doubts, Nouuts to assault so a shower

I should probably leave, while thinking that, he tried to back away— at that time

On top of the long table, inside the half open sports bag, soht

He could only see a part of it, but it had smooth curves, without a doubt was a Neuro Linker

Normally, for security conscious people, they would put this device that could said to be another brain at a place out of sight Maybe wearing it during showering, or at least put it in a locked locker But, inside school, and further of the mechanical key on a locker

If this was the case, then the Neuro Linker ht not even be powered off? If it was powered off, then starting it would require brain check, so nothing much could be done, but while it was left on standby state, if he connect to that, then he could directly search the memory area

That's right, in January this year, that «Red King» Scarlet Rain connected to Haruyuki's mother's Neuro Linker, and left a fake email with this exact same method

Of course, this is not allowed by moral or school rules If the teachers found out that he secretly connected to another student's Neuro Linker, then being reprimanded would be the least of it

However— even for the social camera net that usually do surveillance on the country's people, it did not cover the school toilet and shower room And then, without video evidence, it is the school policy to ignore violation of school rules Just like how Haruyuki was totally ignored while he was thoroughly beaten up and threatened by his classe Also, with direct connection to peek at the physical memory, not only could he find out whether Nouh possibility that he could find the truth of why he did not appear on thelist

—Then, with about two seconds of thinking, Haruyuki made his decision

While listening to the continuing echo of water sound in the shower booth, he held his breath and went near the bag, pulling it open slightly Inside, on top of a neatly folded jersey, was a pale purple Neuro Linker The indicator light blinked light blue, showing it was in standby mode

He quickly connected the plug pulled froht the other plug that inging in the air, and held it towards inside of the bag—

No, wait

This color Purplish satin silver As familiar as his own Neuro Linker, was not Noumi's

While his thoughts stopped, Haruyuki froze while holding the plug, and in his ear ca turned The sound of water cut off

In front of his face that was raised in a daze, the swing type panel door opened with a creak

With a large towel from head to shoulders, Kurashi+ma Chiyuri who came out, collided with Haruyuki's view, and four eyes opened wide

This tiht processes exploded with a boorace for him in this situation— the focus of his eyes did not have the leisure to move doards, and just continued to stare at Chiyuri's face It was the same for the other party, who had frozen while in the posture of drying her hair

Eventually Haruyuki regained enough control to somehow move his mouth, and whispered in a sound that was almost not a voice

”Chiyu you, why in the boy's”

At the same time, Chiyuri also blinked once and said

”Haru What are you doing in the girl's shower?”