Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S Episode 18

is the eighteenth episode for the second season for the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun anime adaption, and the forty-second episode overall. It was first broadcasted on August 16, 2013 after its schedule was preempted by the Toaru Majutsu no Index Movie: Miracle of Endymion's preview.

It was directed by Takashima Daisuke, script written by Sunayama Kurasumi, and storyboarded by Nihei Yuuichi. The animation was co-directed by Kumagai Katsuhiro, Fujii Masahiro, Taniguchi Mitsuharu, and Tetsuya Ishii.

Since the Poltergeist incidents, Edasaki has been hard work in the hospital trying to rehabilitate her body, and can now be safely discharged. Meanwhile, Haruue is anxious as she has never lived on her own before, and decided to live with in a two-person residence. Haruue begins to prepare to move while Uiharu can only feel lonesome at what's happening.

At the day that Edasaki is to be released, they celebrate. Mikoto wants them join in with the celebration, but trouble seems to have reared its ugly head, forcing Uiharu to Kuroko to answer the call as members of Judgment.

Meanwhile, after Kongou's group caught someone snatching, a strange student appears and admonishes them for their use of their ability. In the dark side each of the members of ITEM, are swayed into a strange mission.

Major events

 * Edasaki Banri is discharged from the hospital.
 * Judgment prepares for the Academy City Research Exhibition Assembly.
 * Haruue Erii moves from the Uiharu Residence.
 * The girls meet Febri.

Adapted from
This episode features original content, as such it is not adapted from any previous material.

Characters

 * Mugino Shizuri
 * Frenda Seivelun
 * Takitsubo Rikou
 * Kinuhata Saiai
 * Uiharu Kazari
 * Haruue Erii
 * Misaka Mikoto
 * Unabara Mitsuki (Etzali) (This was hinted by Saten Ruiko by asking Misaka Mikoto about the guy she met before her arrival.)
 * Saten Ruiko
 * Shirai Kuroko
 * Edasaki Banri
 * Kiyama Harumi (photo-only)
 * Kongou Mitsuko
 * Wannai Kinuho
 * Awatsuki Maaya
 * Konori Mii
 * Nunotaba Shinobu

New Characters

 * Febri
 * Aritomi Haruki
 * Kosako Shunichi

Locations

 * Academy City
 * School District 7
 * Uiharu Residence
 * Heaven Canceller's Hospital
 * Tokiwadai Dormitory
 * Misawa Cram School

New Locations
No notable locations were introduced during this episode.

Abilities

 * Meltdowner - Mugino Shizuri, Level 5.
 * Offense Armor - Kinuhata Saiai, Level 4.
 * Teleport - Shirai Kuroko, Level 4.
 * Aero Hand - Kongou Mitsuko, Level 4.

New Abilities
No new abilities were introduced this episode.

Trivia

 * STUDY is introduced.
 * New Powered Suits that are not unlike that of the HsPS-15 is being tested by Haruki and his ilk.
 * All the members of Haruki's group other than Shinobu wear glasses.
 * Mikoto references to Ruiko a man stalking her that she shooed away. Since this is after the Sisters Arc and that Mikoto references to him being a stalker this indicates that Etzali has already abducted and taken the form of Unabara Mitsuki.

Referbacks

 * The uniform shown back in episode 1 of the current season is finally worn by Banri.
 * Episode 22 of the previous season is referenced with Kazari delivering the special taiyaki to Erii, the same ones that were given to Erii when Kazari tells her her ability.

Cultural References
No notable references to culture were introduced during this episode.

Animation Trivia

 * When showing the profiles of the members of ITEM on STUDY's the computer screen, Frenda's power level is revealed to a Level 4 with her ability being "unknown".
 * When Kuroko opens the door in her and Mikoto's room to take a shower, it is conspciously computer generated.
 * During the traffic jam scene where the scene pans out to reveal cars being stuck in traffic, there are only a total four 3D vehicular models used on the road, with only 3 color schemes used: white, black, and gray.

Unanswered Questions

 * Why was ITEM fooled into doing a false mission?
 * Why is Haruki and his group testing Powered Suits against powerful espers such as Shizuri?
 * What happened to the victim of the purse snatching?
 * Why did the traffic lights suddenly go out?
 * Why does Febri know Misaka Mikoto's name?

Quotes

 * Mitsuko: "To perpetrate such heinous acts on these streets in broad daylight... The gods on high may bestow forgiveness upon such scum as you, but Kongou Mitsuko will not!"―to purse snatcher.
 * Mikoto: "A lot happens. It's Academy City, after all."―to Kuroko.
 * Erii: "I was scared to be on my own... But Uiharu-san was there for me. So now it's my turn to do what I can. For Banri-chan, the way Uiharu-san did for me."―to Ruiko.
 * Erii: "It's the same taiyaki... This is the same taiyaki that Uiharu-san bought me when I was feeling really scared. It was delicious."
 * Haruki: "All preparations are now complete. Now it's time to show this esper-power-obsessed city our own power!"