However, after everyone strolled around for a while, there was a sound of fighting in the sky, and then, they saw a peculiar aircraft engaged in combat with the local air defense forces. Seeing this scene, Asahi almost instantly understood the situation.
This is the Return of the Winged One's Serpent of the Sea of Clouds. Return of the Winged One seem quite affluent, and the crucial point is, apart from causing a disturbance and perhaps sending themselves to death, there's nothing else they can do.
If they wanted to fight, they can directly fight in a large group, although they did do it afterwards.
But now, they just sending just one to cause a stir, which seems quite odd. And later on, those planes were taken down by Mikoto.
To be honest, it seems like the individuals from the Return of the Winged Ones lack some common sense. They didn't even wait for the Level 5 Esper from the Academic City to come back. Didn't they realize attacking directly was an impossible feat?
This kind of information is too easily accessible for those on the magic side, as Mikoto isn't among those covert operatives.
It would be understandable if undercover operatives from the dark side made such secretive visits, considering their covert operations. But Mikoto is different, as she came openly.
Therefore, it seems like the brains of the Return of the Winged One's people are a bit problematic. If they waited until Mikoto leave, they can attack Liberal Arts City much as possible, and there will be no one intervening.
However, these folks intentionally stirred things up while Level 5 Esper is present. It's like they're inviting trouble for themselves, or perhaps they're too arrogant, thinking that a young girl like Mikoto, despite being a Level 5 Esper, isn't a big deal.
Moreover, the attack of the Serpent of the Sea of Clouds shows a blatant disregard for the life and death of ordinary people. These so-called magic churches and associations often perceive themselves as superior, and ordinary people are completely incomparable with themselves.
As a result, they habitually indulge in wanton slaughter of the innocent. These types of antagonists generally don't survive beyond a season, and they tend to share similar characteristics.
But if you think about it, were it not for their sense of superiority, they wouldn't have become antagonists in the first place.
The attack by the Serpent of the Sea of Clouds completely disregarded the people on the ground, and these Serpent of the Sea of Clouds, belongings of the Return of the Winged Ones, possess substantial firepower. Yet, individuals like Mikoto have a compassionate nature.
Although she didn't directly shoot down the aircraft, she used her electric powers to shield the people below, preventing them from being directly affected.
In the end, the Serpent of the Sea of Clouds was shot down by the defense forces and transported to a place where the wreckage accumulated, numbering in the hundreds.
It's safe to say that the Return of the Winged Ones is truly wealthy and extravagant. Money is no issue for them. Being part of a magic association, they actually utilize various aircraft for attacks, which could be seen as genius among the magicians.
After all, most magicians aren't exactly adept in science, but they manage well, developing in both aspects.
On one hand, they practice their magic, and on the other, they advance technology, showing impressive prowess, but unfortunately, they can't quite create Esper abilities, as there's an inherent resistance.
After the wreckage was removed, Mikoto and the others naturally received round of thanks and commendations.
"Why would there be inexplicable aircraft attacks here? This place should theoretically just be considered a larger tourist spot!"
Mikoto found it rather odd that an ordinary tourist spot would face such attacks, sensing that there must be more to it.
"That aircraft belongs to the Return of the Winged One the magic organization. There's an unreconcilable conflict between them and the Liberal Arts City."
"To put it simply, the founder of Liberal Arts City intends to simulate the creation of Esper ability like those in the Academy City, but unfortunately, they lacked the capability, so they turned their attention to Return of the Winged Ones, a magic organization."
"They intend to use the other party's magic to analyze their own alternative superpowers, which are different from the Academy City. Hence, the conflict has arisen, leading to the recent confrontation."
Asahi waved it off, indicating he didn't intend for Mikoto and the others to investigate on their own. He just laid out the basics for both sides, leaving the further actions to them.
However, considering Mikoto and the others' personalities, they would definitely lend a hand. It is impossible for them to just stand by and watch this place get destroyed.
And with so many innocent people here, Mikoto would indeed offer assistance, but even with their current strength, facing the entirety of the Return of the Winged Ones would be a massive challenge. How could they contend with them?
"The Return of the Winged Ones… It's a familiar name. I remember now. Isn't this the magical association where Etzali, who impersonated Unabara Mitsuki, was a part of?"
Suddenly, Mikoto Misaka made the connection, but the others remained puzzled. They wondered how did things circle back to Unabara Mitsuki, and it seemed like Mikoto already knew about the Return of the Winged Ones.
Seeing everyone's doubtful eyes, Mikoto explained about what had happened earlier.
"What a disgusting magic, it actually has something to do with human skin!"
After hearing the explanation, Kuroko Shirai and the others collectively had a chilling reaction. It was indeed bizarre and rather disturbing.
"It's truly bizarre, but that's how this magic operates. Alright, let's not dwell on it. Unless something unexpected happens, there'll soon be a large-scale conflict between the Liberal Arts City and the Return of the Winged Ones."
Asahi said this with complete indifference, but the other girls had a different reaction.
"Are we just going to stand by? There are many innocent people here. Shouldn't we evacuate them quickly?!"
Mikoto suddenly spoke up.
"Well… how do you plan to persuade the higher-ups here? This isn't the Academy City. The upper echelons of the Liberal Arts City won't bother with these matters… And if you go around shouting that someone's going to attack here, the first one to get in trouble won't be them, but you."
"Let's just wait it out. Before they launch an attack, there's nothing you can do to them. Once they do attack, then we can intervene to save people. For now, just carry on with whatever needs to be done."
Asahi shook his head. For some events, even knowing them beforehand doesn't change much. For example, if there's a massive earthquake expected in a certain place, even if you know and confirm it, what can you really do? You might even be dismissed as crazy if you mention it beforehand. As no one will believe such seemingly baseless claims.
So knowing doesn't necessarily change the course of events, as you can only hold it by yourself. At most, you can take some precautions, but that's about it.