บท 20: Sumire Muroto.

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Accelerator sat in a corner of the Tendou Civil Security Agency, his eyes glued to the laptop screen. The glow of the monitor cast a pale light over his intense features as he dug through layers of encrypted data, searching for more information about the Tokyo Area. His fingers flew over the keyboard with precision, his mind focused on uncovering the secrets hidden within the district's digital infrastructure.

An hour passed, and Accelerator had not said a word. His silence began to worry Rentaro and Enju, who exchanged concerned glances as they went about their morning routine.

Enju, sensing the tension, whispered to Rentaro, "Is he okay? He hasn't moved or said anything for a while."

Rentaro nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'm not sure. He's probably just focused on whatever he's working on. Let's give him some space for now."

Rentaro approached Accelerator cautiously. "Hey, everything alright? You've been awfully quiet."

Accelerator didn't look up from the screen, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "Found something interesting," he muttered, his voice laced with displeasure.

Rentaro waited, sensing that Accelerator was about to share more. After a moment, Accelerator leaned back in his chair, his expression dark.

"There's a politician," he began, his tone low and dangerous. "He's been kidnapping Cursed Children. Wants to experiment on them, trying to transfer their strength to his subordinates."

Rentaro's eyes widened in shock. "That's... that's insane. Do you know who it is?"

"Yeah," Accelerator replied, his jaw clenched. "And I'm going to pay him a visit tonight."

Rentaro frowned, his concern growing. "You're going to confront him alone?"

Accelerator shrugged. "Don't need anyone else. Besides, I work better on my own."

"So, Accelerator," Rentaro began, curiosity evident in his voice. "Are you... modified? You know, like the others?"

Accelerator glanced at him, his eyes sharp. "There's no Vanadium in my body, if that's what you're asking."

Rentaro's eyebrows shot up in amazement. "Really? You can use your powers without Vanadium? That's incredible."

Accelerator smirked slightly but remained silent.

Rentaro's curiosity got the better of him. "What kind of powers do you have?"

Accelerator's smirk faded. "Not something I talk about."

Seeing the conversation was going nowhere, Rentaro decided to change the subject again. "Actually, I just remembered. There's someone you might find interesting. Want to meet her?"

Accelerator raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Her name's Sumire Muroto," Rentaro explained. "She's one of the top researchers in this field. If anyone can help us understand more about the Cursed Children and their abilities, it's her."

Accelerator considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Lead the way."

Rentaro led Accelerator through the bustling streets of the Tokyo Area, eventually arriving at a nondescript building. They entered and made their way to a lab deep within the facility. The walls were lined with medical equipment and research materials, and the air was filled with the faint hum of machinery.

Sumire Muroto, a woman with sharp eyes and an air of authority, looked up from her work as they entered. "Rentaro, what brings you here?"

Rentaro smiled. "Sensei, this is Accelerator. He's... well, he's not like anyone we've met before. I thought you might be interested in meeting him."

Sumire's eyes narrowed as she studied Accelerator. "Interesting. And what makes you so special, Accelerator?"

"Nothing at all," Accelerator replied bluntly.

Sumire's lips twitched in amusement. "Cool. But if you're here, I assume you have a reason."

Accelerator crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "Just gathering information. Heard you're someone who knows things."

Sumire chuckled. "Indeed. So, what do you want to know?"

Accelerator glanced at Rentaro, who nodded encouragingly. "I'm interested in the Cursed Children. Their abilities, their origins. Anything you can tell me."

Sumire's expression turned serious. "The Cursed Children are unique, that's for sure. They possess extraordinary abilities due to the Gastrea virus, but they're also ostracized because of it."

"We know that," Rentaro interjected. "But is there anything specific about their abilities that stands out?"

Sumire nodded. "Their regeneration capabilities are particularly fascinating. They can heal from injuries that would be fatal to ordinary humans. However, the full extent of their abilities and the potential for enhancement is still largely unknown."

Accelerator's mind raced with possibilities. The knowledge he had from his previous world, combined with what he was learning here, could open new avenues for helping these children. But he needed more information, more resources.

"Anything else?" he asked, his tone demanding.

Sumire raised an eyebrow. "You're quite the inquisitive one, aren't you? Well, there's one more thing. The Cursed Children's abilities seem to be influenced by their emotional state. Fear, anger, happiness—they all play a role in how their powers manifest."

Rentaro nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. We've seen it in the field."

Sumire's eyes flicked back to Accelerator. "And what about you? What's your story?"

Accelerator's expression darkened. "Not here to share my life story. Just looking for answers."

Sumire nodded, sighing in regret. "Too bad, and I really wanted to know"

As they remained in Sumire Muroto's lab, the atmosphere grew thick with curiosity. Rentaro, sensing an opportunity to gain more insights, decided to share something intriguing.

"You know," Rentaro began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, "Accelerator here has powers, but he's not a New Human. No Vanadium in his body."

Sumire's eyes widened in surprise, her interest piqued. She stood and approached Accelerator, her gaze sharp and analytical. "Is that so?"

Before Accelerator could respond, Sumire reached out, attempting to touch his arm to feel the structure of his muscles. Instinctively, Accelerator's vector manipulation activated, repelling her hand with an invisible force.

Sumire stumbled back, her eyes widening further in astonishment. "Fascinating," she muttered, regaining her composure. "You have a built-in defense mechanism. Your body repels any foreign contact automatically."

Accelerator smirked slightly. "Yeah, yeah, let's put it that way"

Sumire's interest only grew. She began circling Accelerator, her eyes studying him intently. "How did you gain such an ability? And your body… it's incredibly strong. Inhumane, even. If my assumptions are correct, you might be able to destroy the entire Tokyo Area with your physical prowess alone."

Rentaro nodded, a sense of pride in his voice. "He's saved us multiple times already. His power is unlike anything we've seen."

Sumire's mind raced with possibilities. The enigma of Accelerator's abilities was too intriguing to ignore. "I'd love to know more about you, Accelerator. But I understand that's not why you're here"

"No," Accelerator replied, his tone firm. "I'm here to get information about the Cursed Children and the Gastrea. But you seem to know a lot about this stuff."

Sumire's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I do. And I think we can help each other. How about we discuss the genetics of the Cursed Children and the Gastrea?"

Accelerator's interest was piqued. The knowledge he could gain from someone like Sumire could be invaluable. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "Alright. But I'm not one for long discussions. Once a week, I'll come by and we'll talk."

Sumire frowned, clearly hoping for more frequent interactions. "Once a week? That's hardly enough time to delve into such complex topics. How about three times a week?"

Accelerator shook his head, his expression unyielding. "Once a week. Take it or leave it."

Sumire sighed, recognizing that this was as much as she would get. "Fine. Once a week it is. But I expect those sessions to be productive."

"Deal," Accelerator replied, his tone final.

Rentaro watched the exchange with a mixture of relief and excitement. The collaboration between Accelerator and Sumire could lead to significant advancements in their understanding of the Cursed Children and the Gastrea.

Sumire, still intrigued by the enigma that was Accelerator, returned to her desk and pulled up several files on her computer. "Let's start with some basics," she said, gesturing for them to come closer. "The Gastrea virus affects both humans and Gastrea in unique ways. For the Cursed Children, it grants them enhanced abilities but also subjects them to severe social stigma."

Accelerator leaned in, his eyes scanning the data on the screen. "I've seen the stigma firsthand. It's disgusting."

Sumire nodded. "Indeed. But their abilities are remarkable. Enhanced strength, regeneration, and in some cases, unique powers that vary from child to child."

Rentaro added, "Enju's agility, for example, is off the charts. She can move faster and jump higher than anyone I've ever seen."

Sumire clicked on another file, displaying a series of genetic sequences. "These sequences here are what we believe contribute to their abilities. Understanding them fully could lead to ways to help these children, possibly even enhance their capabilities further."

Accelerator's mind raced with possibilities. The knowledge he had gained from the previous world, combined with this new information, could open up new avenues for aiding the Cursed Children. He was determined to see how far he could push these boundaries.

"So," Sumire continued, her eyes flicking back to Accelerator. "Are you interested in contributing your unique insights to this research? Your experiences and abilities could provide invaluable perspectives."

Accelerator nodded, his expression serious. "I'm in. But like I said, I don't have time for long sessions. We meet once a week, and I'll share what I can."

Sumire smiled, clearly satisfied with the arrangement. "Very well. Once a week it is. We'll make the most of it."

As the conversation continued, they delved deeper into the complexities of the Gastrea virus and the genetic makeup of the Cursed Children. Sumire's knowledge and Accelerator's unique perspective created a dynamic exchange of ideas, each session promising new discoveries and potential breakthroughs.

After an hour of intense discussion, Accelerator leaned back, feeling a rare sense of satisfaction. The collaboration with Sumire was promising, and he knew that their combined efforts could make a significant difference.

"Alright," Accelerator said, standing up. "I'll see you next week."

Sumire nodded, a look of determination in her eyes. "I look forward to it."

Rentaro and Accelerator left the lab, the weight of the new alliance settling over them. As they walked back to the agency, Rentaro couldn't help but feel hopeful. With Sumire's expertise and Accelerator's power, they had a real chance at making a difference for the Cursed Children.

"You did great in there," Rentaro said, breaking the silence.

"Don't even mention it," Accelerator replied, his tone gruff. "Just doing what needs to be done."

As they approached the agency, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the city. Accelerator's mind was already turning to his plan for the night. The politician who was kidnapping Cursed Children needed to be dealt with, and he was more than ready to do it.

"Thanks for the introduction," Accelerator said to Rentaro. "But I've got work to do."

Rentaro nodded. "Just be careful. This world is full of dangers, and we need all the allies we can get."

Accelerator's eyes flashed with determination. "I can handle myself."

In the deep of the night, Accelerator stood on the edge of a tall building, a can of coffee in his hand. The cold night air bit at his skin, forming mist with every breath he exhaled. He glanced at the darkened city below, his mind focused on the task ahead.

"Time to move," he muttered to himself, finishing his coffee and crushing the can in his hand. He tossed it aside and stepped off the edge, his vector manipulation accelerating his descent. The wind whipped past him as he plummeted towards the ground, but he felt nothing but the rush of adrenaline.

Using his powers, he adjusted his trajectory and skimmed across the city, his eyes scanning the streets below. He moved with purpose, a silent shadow in the night, until he reached his destination: a mansion that stood out among the other buildings, larger and more ostentatious.

Inside the mansion, a man sat in a plush armchair, a wide grin on his face as he swirled a glass of wine. He reveled in the thought of his grand plan. Twenty Cursed Children were confined in his basement, and tomorrow, he would begin his experiments. He imagined the power he would gain, the loyalty of his subordinates enhanced by the children's abilities.

As he sipped his wine, a sudden explosion shattered the tranquility of the night. The walls shook, and the man stumbled, spilling his drink. His surprise quickly turned to anger. "What are those idiots doing?" he snarled, storming towards the hallway.

His intention to scold and yell at his subordinates evaporated the moment he stepped into the corridor. The sight that greeted him froze the blood in his veins. Blood painted the walls in gruesome patterns, and bodies littered the floor, lifeless and broken. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the acrid stench of death.

The man's legs trembled, and he felt a warm, humiliating wetness spreading down his pants as fear took hold. He barely registered his own whimpering as he backed away, his mind struggling to comprehend the nightmare before him.

From the shadows, Accelerator emerged, his grin wide and maniacal. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he approached the terrified man. "Found ya," he said, his voice low and filled with dark amusement.

The man's heart pounded in his chest, and he stumbled back, his eyes locked onto Accelerator. "W-who are you?" he stammered, his voice trembling.

"Doesn't matter who I am," Accelerator replied, his grin widening. "What matters is that your little operation is over."

The man's mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. "You... you're the one who did this?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Accelerator nodded, his eyes never leaving the man's face. "Yeah. And now it's your turn."

The man fell to his knees, his body shaking with fear. "Please, don't kill me! I was just trying to—"

"Save it," Accelerator interrupted, his tone cold. "I don't care about your excuses. You're done."

As Accelerator moved closer, the man's eyes darted around, searching for any possible escape. But there was none. The bodies of his guards, his protectors, were strewn across the hallway, and the only path left led straight to Accelerator.

The man whimpered, his hands raised in a feeble attempt to ward off his fate. "I'll do anything! Just let me live!"

Accelerator's expression remained unchanged, his eyes filled with contempt. "Anything, huh? How about you tell me where those kids are?"

The man's breath hitched, and he hesitated for a moment. "They're... they're in the basement. Please, don't hurt me."

"Too late for that," Accelerator replied, his voice dripping with menace. He grabbed the man by the collar and dragged him towards the basement, his grip like iron.

As they descended the stairs, the man's pleas grew more desperate, but Accelerator ignored them. His focus was on the task at hand, freeing the Cursed Children and ending this nightmare.

The basement door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with makeshift cages. Inside, the Cursed Children huddled together, their eyes wide with fear. The sight of their terrified faces only fueled Accelerator's anger.

"See this?" he said, shoving the man forward. "This is what you've done. This is what you're going to pay for."

The man fell to the floor, his face a mask of terror. "Please, I didn't mean to—"

"Shut up," Accelerator snapped, his patience gone. He turned to the children, his expression softening slightly. "You're safe now. I'm getting you out of here."

The children looked at him with a mix of hope and disbelief, their bodies trembling. Accelerator moved quickly, using his powers to break the locks on their cages. As the doors swung open, the children hesitated for a moment before rushing out, their eyes fixed on their savior.

"Follow me," Accelerator said, his tone gentle but firm. "We're getting out of here."

The children nodded, their fear giving way to a flicker of hope. Accelerator led them back up the stairs, his mind already planning their next move. The man remained on the floor, his body shaking with sobs.

As they reached the main floor, Accelerator turned to the children. "Stay close to me. We're almost out."

The mansion was eerily silent, the echoes of the earlier chaos still hanging in the air. Accelerator led the children through the corridors, his senses alert for any sign of danger. But the guards were gone, and the only sound was the soft shuffle of footsteps.

Finally, they reached the front door, and Accelerator pushed it open, the cool night air washing over them. He turned to the children, a small smile on his face. "You're free."

The children looked at him, their eyes filled with gratitude and relief. "Thank you," one of them whispered, her voice trembling.

"Don't mention it," Accelerator replied, his tone soft. "Just stay safe."

As they stepped out into the night, Accelerator's mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. This was only the beginning. The fight for the Cursed Children's future was far from over, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With the mansion behind them and the night stretching out before them, Accelerator knew that the battle was just beginning. But for now, he had given these children a chance at a new life, and that was enough.

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