Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 14/Chapter 1

Synopsis
The hotpot idea is set aside because of an absence of ingredients, so Touma and the others return to the topic of Kamisato Kakeru's threat. The weakened Nephthys tells Touma, Index and Othinus that Niang-Niang and the rest of the Magic Gods have "died" (i.e., "whisked away to 'a new world'"), and she begins speculating on the nature of Kamisato Kakeru and his right hand. During the discussion, however, Othinus and Nephthys begin blaming the other for the events following World War III, forcing Touma to break up a fight "between two girls". Touma then voices out his intention of keeping both Magic Gods in his apartment unit, and this prompts Othinus and Nephthys to warn Touma about a different kind of threat in Kamisato Kakeru.

In a luxury apartment, Kihara Yuiitsu prepares home-cooked dinner for her companion, the golden retriever Kihara Noukan. Noukan does not hold back on praising Yuiitsu's cooking the entire time, and this flatters Yuiitsu to the point of blushing at the dog's compliments. Soon, as Noukan prepares to take a nap, Yuiitsu opens the topic of the aftermath of the encounter with the Magic God High Priest. Noukan comments about the sudden disappearance of the Magic Gods, but keeps to himself the feeling of uneasiness he faces in light of that issue.

Touma becomes split between the issue of Kamisato Kakeru and replenishing their food supply. Touma plans to go out alone since going outside means a possible encounter with Kamisato, but that same scenario is what compels the Magic Gods to stop Touma from going outside. However, Touma insists on going out and eventually makes his way through the streets of Academy City, which remind him of the destruction caused by the High Priest earlier. Suddenly, Othinus emerges from a pocket in his pants and warns Touma that thinking of getting another power because of his insecurities over saving others is counter-productive; instead, she wants Touma to rely on his ability to save others the same way she was saved before. With his spirits lifted by Othinus' words, Touma heads to the supermarket, where he and Othinus bicker around which ingredients to get for their hotpot. Although they are successful in building up a menu for the hotpot feast, their shopping trip goes to waste as Kamisato Kakeru appears before them on the way back home.

Between the Lines
Nephthys remembers her origins. She symbolized the world that wept at the death of the god Osiris as a Magic God, but she was also a girl who was "born" from the knowledge of numerous people who were buried alongside their Pharaoh. Even then, she is not sure about the exact nature of her existence.

Characters
By order of appearance
 * Kamijou Touma
 * Index
 * Othinus
 * Nephthys
 * Kihara Yuiitsu
 * Kihara Noukan
 * Kamisato Kakeru

Locations

 * Kamijou Residence

Cultural References

 * The Sanzu and Lethe rivers are both associated with the dead and afterlife in Shinto and Greek mythology respectively. The Sanzu River is the river that souls must cross to reach the afterlife. The Lethe River is known as one of the five rivers of Hades whose water can cause complete forgetfulness to anyone who drank its water.
 * The "world's stinkiest food" from Europe that uses herring is.

Quotes
Nephthys: "Should you really be laughing? We in the true Gremlin started doubting Kamijou Touma when he left his path to save all Magic Gods by gaining an understanding of you personally. In other words, none of this would have happened if not for your actions. All of the chaos since the end of the World War Three, including today, can be blamed on your selfishness."
 * Othinus: "In other words, World Rejecter appeared inside this Kamisato because you all were disappointed in Kamijou Touma. Hah hah! I can see why he would hold a grudge. It’s like a cell being devoured by the apoptosis it created!! Did you enjoy getting the entire world caught up in your suicide!?"
 * Othinus: "Would you be able to save more people if you trained in martial arts? Would you be able to resolve things more smartly if you had a gun or a knife? That would have the exact opposite effect. The more means of killing you have and the farther you move from the path that saves your opponent using their own power, the weaker you will become. That alone is certain. You might not like having someone else act like they understand you, but as someone who was saved by you, I do understand."