Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 20/Chapter 4

Title- Chapter 4: Now is the Time to Strike Back, Heroes_Congregate.

Volume 20

Previous Chapter → 3

Next Chapter → Epilogue

Part 1 (Summary)
Russian 'Pirates' (The Russian government reinstated a law from the past, allowing piracy in its territory. The government provides equipment to pirates and the pirates attack the targets allowed by the government. Whatever the pirates loot off the victims is their's to keep, though the government have no responsibility to try and keep pirates alive like it is obligated to its own military.) is heading towards the village where Shiage and Rikou is hiding out, with three large state-of-the-art (by standards outside Academy City) Helicopters designed to destroy land targets. The earlier pirates have been defeated by Shiage, a villager and one of the pirates that switched sides.

The pirates attacking have nothing in common, whether it is nationality, age, religion or food preferences. All they care about is slaughter, and plans to do so at the destination.

Part 2 (Summary)
After throwing a large boulder and wrecked the back half of the truck Touma is in Accelerator attacked Touma. Accelerator is only attacking Touma because if “someone that exists to stop tragedies” like Touma can be killed off easily, then he can truly believe there is no more meaning left in this world. Even in his current state Accelerator knows blaming Touma for not saving LO is not right, though he doesn’t care anymore.

Accelerator then blasted one wing spanning 100m down at Touma, with force enough to cleave a skyscraper into two with one blow. Touma blocked that with one hand. Accelerator didn’t expect his 1st attack to work to begin with.

Accelerator then sweeped a wing horizontally across towards Touma, as if to wipe out everything in this world from his sight. Touma blocked that as well, though he stumbled a bit.

Accelerator knows Touma can erase any ability, and though he doesn’t know the mechanisms of that ability, he knows if he can bring overwhelming power down on Touma he can’t negate it totally. After he thinks that he feels extreme pain in his head, as if something is tearing the left and right half of his brain and splitting them apart, wanting to jump out of that gap.

Accelerator then fired another wing at Touma, with the wing splitting into several dozen spears and turned into an area attack on Touma. White snow and black earth blew up to 10m high, and cracks covered where Touma stood. Some far-off city would’ve felt that with a Richter scale, and any one of the spears have enough force behind them that just the blast waves is enough to crush a human easily. A single right hand can’t possibly block all the spears.

This should have been the end, with Accelerator losing all hope in this world.

However,

In the dust consisting of white snow and black earth, Touma slowly stood up. His clothes may be covered in dust, his head have a bleeding gash, and his center of gravity is tilted – he still stood up. Even so, Touma stood up, defiantly standing there against Accelerator.

Accelerator smiled slightly. Though how Touma got out of that is unknown, it is impossible to have blocked the attack with just one right hand. Accelerator smiled widely, as he’s truly happy that the theory of being able to defeat Touma like that is overturned so easily.

That is it.

The symbol of being able to step over and above the unconquerable fate so easily.

Accelerator laughed wildly, and poured more power into his black wings. The sickening sound in his head grew louder. On the other hand, the Level 0 clenched his fist and walked towards Accelerator.

This time they won’t just play around anymore.

The true conflict between the two has begun.

Part 3 (Summary)
Shiage and the other two have a anti-aircraft turret (that is on top of a tank) against the incoming pirates. The pirate that switched sides says those are new helicopters that are designed to have the same capacity as American C-130 transports. The three discuss tactics against the helicopters, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the weaponary.

The Pirates fired missiles at the turret which Shiage have driven back into the forest, and after they blew out a clearing in the forest it gave Shiage's group a chance to fire back without the trees getting in the way, and managed to take out a helicopter. The other two helicopters decided to not use missiles and just pepper them with shots, and chased after the turret using the sensors in the helicopter. The sensors says they've hit their target, but later found it is metal from the cars the villagers hid in the forest to confuse the sensors and ended up being open to return fire by the turret.

With only one helicopter left, the pirates attacking decides against going back to base due to anger, and now that the turret have no more tricks left. They began to counter attack.

Part 4 (Summary)
At the patch of ocean between France and UK (Dover Strait?) the UK's forces are pushing the French back. Carrisa and the Knight's Grandmaster are saying this shouldn't be this easy, before the Maiden of Versailles surprise-attacked. The Grandmaster tried to defend Carrisa against her using Solomon's Formula before the Maiden says Solomon's Formula won't work on UK's royal blood, and that since William the First was also a French Noble along with being King of England, Solomon's Defence won't work against her.

The Maiden attacked Carrisa faster than the speed of sound, but her attack with the Durandal failed. Carrisa says she have a shard from the 'Curtana Second' that was chipped off during the civil war and it still has great power left in it, though she's disappointed there is only so little. The shard have a sword of light coming out of it, which she says is based on the same principle of Emperor Charlemagne's Spear. After a explosion the Maiden jumped back and faced off against Carrisa.

Part 5 (Translations)
Accelerator made a simple move.

The black wings behind him both swung downwards.

Except, that this time his target isn’t the Level 0 teen that’s running towards him,

But towards the empty white land in front of him.

The sound of explosion rang out.

With the massive destructive power, large amounts of earth got swept up, and formed into a 15m high and 300m wide tsunami made of earth. The entire vista got covered by it, and striked as if to swallow the tiny lad.

He should be dead with this attack.

Even if he is wearing military-use power armour, his body of flesh and blood would be crushed along with the synthetic materials of the body armour.

Even so.


 * Pacha!!* The Level 0 charged right into the soaring earth.

His body got pummelled by massive amounts of rocks, but none were fatal attacks.

“…”

Accelerator was shocked at first, but soon figured out his tactics from the situation.

From previous reports about Academy City’s #3, Railgun, who Accelerator had faced off against before. And about the rumours associated with the Railgun, there was one saying [an unknown Level 0 exists that can match against the Railgun using only his right hand].

This raises many questions.

For example, even if a right hand that can negate any ability exists, how can the one using it match his opponent’s timing?

A railgun attack is over three times the speed of sound, and lightning strikes being even faster. Even with a method of defending himself, to be able to time it right is extremely difficult. Even missing the timing by only an instant would probably result in death. In that situation, how can the scenario [no matter how many times the attacks were negated easily] happen?

From the situation now, Accelerator can make a rough estimate.

In other words,

[Precognition].

For example, when the Railgun uses her ability, she would give off weak magnetic fields and electromagnetic waves that would make the metal items around her resonate. Because of the eventual large explosion, the Railgun herself probably won’t notice these tiny vibrations like an earthquake’s precursor. ‘To see the invisible magnetic force, spread iron sand onto it to make it visible to the naked eye’, just like an elementary school experiment. So, because of these “An Involuntary Movements”, there will be hints to when the Railgun will attack.

Of course, that is not all.

That is not the only kind.

Even though her ability is more common compared to Accelerator’s ability, she is still the #3 esper of Academy City, and shouldn’t be blocked that easily.

There are probably other reasons as well.

For example, the lightning strike.

If it is only high voltage electricity flow, by extending his right hand the lightning will be attracted onto it, with the right hand acting like a lightning rod.

Also, the iron-sand sword.

Apart from the sword in her hand, the iron sand around her would also change shape due to the magnetic force. In other words, a ‘visible magnetic path’ fill be formed that can be used to predict where the strike would end up. Depending on the situation, things like [even though he didn’t come in contact with the sword, just by touching the iron sand around him he can negate the sword] could also happen.

Sometimes the path to victory will change.

Is it using the most powerful ability one possess, or the aftermaths from that ability?

According to different tactics used, the path to victory changes along with it.

What’s most important isn’t whether there is a chance to victory, but to never rely on only one form, and look at the problem from many different viewpoints. Above all, look for the best method to resolve the current situation. Even against the same kind of espers, the same kind of tactics might not be suited to be used. Even if it’s just lightning strikes, depending on how it is used different tactics may have to be taken.

Because of this, battle tactics are always changing.

By depending on the defence from ability to negate any ability to avoid being killed instantly, to buy time and use it for maximum gain. By experiencing the impacts on one’s own body and use that data as the basis to find the best way to get out of the situation alive.

Just having brains isn’t enough.

Just having the power isn’t enough.

Only by combining the two it is possible to barely succeed.

In the situation where death is only a hair-breadth away, having the courage to keep his body and thoughts moving probably helped a lot as well.

But,

The Level 0 probably doesn’t realise it himself.

How to use his ability in its fullest potential, using the aftermath as a basis, and then change tactics to fight according to the situation. He is probably just combining those with his reflex. As for the Railgun ‘making everything made of metal vibrate around her’ he probably doesn’t take note of it explicitly but take it in using his peripheral vision, and process it deep inside him. So, success is not guaranteed. On the other hand, if he actively tries to take note of these things it is more likely to fail.

But,

Just by taking Accelerator’s attack and live is exceptional in terms of battle ability. Even if anyone else have this power in their right hand, how many can get the same results?

Taking only the supernatural abilities into account, he definitely can’t be called ‘Strong’.

Even if taken everything into account he might still only be at a ‘Weak’ level.

But because so,

This teenager knows the meaning of fighting with all his strength if he wants to live.

“ “Uwooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhh!!!!!!!!” ”

The roar of the two overlaps.

The Level 0 charged in to where his fist can reach his opponent.

Accelerator raised one of his black wings.

The two attacks flew past each other, and the Level 0’s attack hit only an instant earlier. Accelerator’s face got blown backwards, and lost his balance. The black wing’s path got diverted slightly, and missed the Level 0 by millimetres.

A shockwave erupted.

With the raging wind, not just the Level 0, even Accelerator got blown several dozens of metres away. Both of them got up from the snow-covered ground, clenched their fists, and charged right at each other.

From inside Accelerator’s heart, something black surged out.

It’s not directed towards the Level 0, but towards something more indistinct. The hatred and anger towards this illogical and unreasonable world bursted out in the form of words.

“Why!! Why didn’t anyone save that brat!! Aren’t you a hero! The hero that stopped that ‘Experiment’ with only one fist!! Then go save her! If you can do what no one else can, then you can definitely save that brat!!”

Accompanying the roar, an even larger power surged through the black wings.

At the same time, something that was crumbling in his heart started to fall to pieces.

He can no longer stop.

Even the action of remembering Last Order’s smile can no longer stop the violence.

“It’s ridiculous that a villain who was no better than a piece of sh*t like me was guarding her!! No matter how you think about it something must have been wrong!! How could I possibly be a hero!! No matter what, I can only choose the blood-stained path!! Why do I have to do all these things!! If a hero like you had shown up earlier, then something like this mix-up of position wouldn’t have happened!! That brat would not had to have suffered as much this way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

While the two exchanged blows between fist and wings, the Level 0 probably didn’t know why it turned out this way either. Accelerator himself probably didn’t know what he wants to say, just air passing through his lips, no one else should be able to understand him.

Instantly, both of them went silent.

They moved their gaze towards the small girl collapsed on the ground.

Then,

The black wings swelled up even more than before.

The pair of wings split into over a hundred, and attacked the Level 0 from all angles.

At the same time where the sound of explosions and shockwaves run rampant, the ground starts to tremble dully.

“(He should be dead now… it’s impossible for him not be.)”

Accelerator thought.

It’s impossible for that not to be the case.

Even so,

“Why…”

Accelerator lets out a sound that’s almost like a groan.

In the end it turned into a mighty roar.

“Why couldn’t a hero like you just die?! If you die, then everything can finally break apaaaaaaaaaaart!!!!!!!!!!!!”

He heard the reply.

Right in front of him, the teenager that clenched the blood-covered fist spoke:

“… things like heroes are unnecessary.”

Footsteps rang out on the snow.

Fist and wings collided.

The air shook, many attacks have impacted, and blood flew out.

“Does a Level 0 like me really seem that incredible?! Hero? Villain? Stop kidding around! Can’t you save someone if you’re not standing at that spot?! In front of your eyes are people that don’t wish to cry that are crying! In front of your eyes are people that can only clench their teeth while struggling and can’t even say the words ‘please save me’! Is that not enough!! Just step up already!! You don’t need special positions or reasons!! With these, you can step up and be a shield for them!!”

After letting out those words, the Level 0 became stronger.

Those words aren’t just directed to Accelerator.

His words have also slashed away his own confused feelings.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to protect, nor do I know what you have been hurt by. But, if you want to protect that child then do so with your chest held high!! Here and now, be proud in knowing that you are protecting her!! This is your life right? Then decide for yourself!! If you want to protect everything with your hands then do so, if you want to abandon everything then do so. But, what do you yourself want to do right now?! Can you really be satisfied giving someone else that you don’t really understand your most important thing?!”

Explosions erupted.

The black wings flew erratically.

Snow and earth flew up high into the air.

But the Level 0 did not fall down. Facing the massive attack that as if it will swallow him, he protected his vital points and advances forward.

Thump.

Accelerator feels a chill down his spine.

Until today, Accelerator thought the most frightening thing about Level 0s is their resourcefulness when facing high-Leveled espers. Charging in head on and then take advantage of the small thing the powerful esper missed and deal the decisive blow there. That’s the most terrifying.

Yes.

With the resolve that refuses to give up no matter what happens, the enemy that charged towards him right now is the most terrifying existence. The strongest esper of Academy City finally noticed this.

And as proof:

“(That last attack…)”

Accelerator gulped.

“(Even the weakest of those attacks hold destructive power that isn’t possibly something a human body can handle, right?!!)”

Those things didn’t matter.

The source of his terror isn’t those superfluous theories.

What is most important right now is, ‘the most terrifying enemy’ is closing in.

At this time, Accelerator remembered something.

Before, in the cargo holding area fighting the SISTERs during the ‘Experiment’, the same kind of clash happened.

Isn’t the most terrifying thing about that teenager being that he never gives up, and stands with his own two feet under circumstances where that cannot possibly happen?

“Just choose already…”

The Level 0, just like back then in the blood-covered cargo holding area, charged towards the Academy City’s strongest esper.

“Do you want to keep protecting with your hands? Or do you want to give it all to someone else and run away? Or do you want me to give you a hand in choosing!!”

That fist,

Clenched to the point where it can’t get any tighter.

“Whether it be pride or whatever, for whatever that can make you hold your chest up high, just choose already!!”

A roar exploded out.

The sound of the Level 0’s fist struck surely onto Accelerator’s face.

After stepping onto the path of ‘Evil’, the power gained after many coincidences, the black wings does not work against that teenager.

No,

Actually,

The thought of [it is necessary to step onto the path of ‘Evil’], is that only a shackle?

No matter what, what he has to protect at any cost, is Last Order’s smile. This has nothing to do with where she is located. If someone wanted to truly protect her, it doesn’t matter if he himself is ‘Good’, or ‘Evil’, he doesn’t have to surpass even people like Kakine.

The kind of person whose shadow he has been chasing all this time, is probably a existence like this. It is not because of ‘Good’ or ‘Evil’. And it is because Accelerator didn’t consider this, the ‘pure Evil’ Accelerator cannot reach him.

If that’s the case…

Accelerator thought even as he falls backwards.

The Fantasy that occupied his heart for all this time has shattered.

And so,

Lessar, the magician travelling with Kamijou Touma, watched their battle from afar.

Observing from the angle of magic, the black wings of the mysterious attacker is like an embodiment of terror. But even more frightening, is Kamijou Touma who can suppress even those wings.

“(Just then…)”

Lessar is going over what she just witnessed once again in her mind.

“(That guy… caught one of the black wings that split into more than a hundred branches and twisted it…?)”

That boy’s right hand seems to have the effect of negating any supernatural power. But, because of limits there are cases where massive powers that can’t be negated completely ending up only blocked by the right hand. From what she has seen, Fiamma’s special giant sword took a while before it was erased completely.

Normally speaking, being unable to negate something completely… should be a disadvantage for him.

But,

Now, that teenager used this ‘flaw’ to deliberately grab a black wing he ‘can’t negate completely’. Then twist the wing to make the attacker lose his balance, and create a small safe area when he was surrounded completely by the black wings.

Negation and disruption.

Matching his opponent’s strength, and use his ability for the maximum benefit.

Did this cruel war provide the opportunity to greatly enhance that teenager’s power?

But,

“(With only that… is it really possible to have gotten out of that situation…?)”

Even if he can use his right hand to ‘hold’ onto the massive power, with just that it is not enough to handle the problem. Even if Lessar had the same power, it is impossible for her to get out of that kind of situation no matter what.

If that’s the case,

What exactly just happened?

Is there really no logic to this?

Or is it…

Part 6 (Summary)
Accelerator saw Touma put his right hand on Last Order before falling unconscious. By the time he woke up he was in a truck, along with Last Order. He checked Last Order's condition with his Vector Change ability, and found though Touma have 'fixed' her it is not a permanent fix. He then found a note left by Touma with the words 'Index Librorum Prohibitum' written on it, and thinks it's a message to tell him to seek her out. The door opened then, and a blonde-haired blue-eyed man told him they'll be sent back to the country Elizerina and look for a way to cure the girl there. Accelerator didn't reply and only bowed his head down in front of Last Order while clenching the note, "As if praying to a pure white angel".

Meanwhile, Aiwass back in the 'City of Shimmers' smiled enigmatically. Aiwass commented Touma's right hand is very interesting, and the narrative here says getting that comment from Aiwass might not be a good thing for Touma, who's looking for a peaceful life. Aiwass then said maybe it might have been better if Touma was shown "the other side" before he left Academy City, though what Aiwass is referring to is unknown.

Part 7 (Summary)
The remaining helicopter is about to kill Shiage and the others, before a 3.5m long sword ended up stabbed into the helicopter from the side. Shiage can see the word 'Ascalon' on the side of the sword. Acqua then pulled out the sword and landed, with the helicopter crashed behind him and burned brightly in orange flame, but the snow around Acqua turned to water and put out the flames, with the rest moving unnaturally. Acqua then said he might not know what happened here but he'll help.

To conclude the chapter:

"[With the countless thoughts interweaving, the meeting between the main characters have moved the story along further.

Now is the time to strike back.

In the ever-expanding massive war, as long as they don't lose their way they will continue to move forward.

This world that is made of the smiles of many people will not collapse this easily.]"

End Volume 20 Chapter 4.

New Abilities
Touma have been revealed to have weak 'precognition' that allows him to unconsciously predict opponent's movements. It's not perfect and cannot be used consciously currently as of this chapter.

Unanswered Questions

 * Can Touma's 'precognition' and battle skill be explained purely by him gaining experience from fighting against many different kinds of opponents, such as magicians and espers? Or maybe it is as Terra and Fiamma hinted that Imagine Breaker is starting to 'awaken'? Or maybe even something else?