In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 57

"Shut up!" Gu Famei's ears turned red instantly, and she threw a helmet at him. "If you mention that again, I'll throw you off."

Higashino took the helmet and sat on the back. But we're just going to talk about the giant spider, right? Why did we have to change clothes and ride a motorcycle?

As the motorcycle sped through the streets, Higashino thought for a moment, then quietly took out his phone and quickly sent a message to Haruharu: "Please help me find out the location of the nearest stronghold of the powerless armed group, Giant Spider."

Chu Chun replied almost instantly: "Received! I'll help you right away... Wait, why are you suddenly interested in this, senior?"

Higashino's finger swiped rapidly across the screen: "I have some personal grudges to settle. Also, check the recent activities of someone named Hebiya Tsuyoshi."

If I remember correctly, in the original story, this guy is the current leader of the giant spider. He can't remember much else, since he's not an important character or a pretty girl. Who would remember things so clearly if they weren't important?

"Understood! Give me five minutes!" Chu Chun's reply was filled with excited exclamation marks. She was full of interest in being able to help her senior and in this kind of secret investigation, and she was now full of energy.

I put my phone back in my pocket and felt the wind pressure coming at me.

Miyuki Kofumi's driving skills were amazing; she nimbly weaved through traffic, and with each acceleration, Higashino had to hold her tightly around the waist.

"Slow down!" Higashino called out in her ear.

"Scared?" Kofumi's voice was laced with laughter as he accelerated. The motorcycle roared like a wild beast, the speedometer needle hurtling towards the red zone.

"I'm sure now, you just want revenge on me."

There's no way I'd be afraid. He's already gone to heaven, why would he be afraid of this? Yeah, I don't feel anything at all. I'm just not used to it yet since it's my first time. That must be it!

Women are truly fickle creatures. The first time we met, she was a serious disciplinary committee member; the second time, she turned into a cute and cuddly maid; and now, riding a motorcycle, she's become a rebellious young woman.

"Hmph, now you're scared? Too late!"

Kofumi accelerated again, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of speed.

Higashino's phone vibrated again, and he laboriously pulled it out with one hand to check. Haruharu sent detailed information: "Large spider activity has been confirmed at abandoned warehouse number 3 in the 7th school district. Surveillance footage shows that Hebiya Tsuyoshi goes there every Wednesday night, and many members have records of going there. The specific location is attached."

He quickly browsed the information, confirmed the details, and then put his phone away again.

Ten minutes later, the motorcycle stopped in front of an inconspicuous little shop. The sign read "Musashino Milk Specialty Store," and the window was filled with all kinds of milk bottles, from the classic original flavor to the seasonal strawberry chocolate flavor.

"This is it." Kofumi's eyes sparkled like a child who had discovered a treasure. She jumped off the motorcycle without even turning it off.

Higashino reluctantly helped her turn off the engine and then followed her into the store.

The store's interior is simply yet cozy, with wooden shelves filled with milk-related merchandise.

The girls in Academy City always have some special interests. For example, Mikoto is obsessed with Gekota, Ruiko is obsessed with urban legends, Kuroko is obsessed with Misaka Mikoto, and Kofumi is especially fond of Musashino Milk.

But haven't we gone off-topic? Didn't I come to ask you about the 'Giant Spider' organization? Why does this feel like I'm on a date with you?!

Higashino was starting to wonder if she had forgotten or if it was intentional, but it wasn't too late, so he decided to accompany her for a while.

As Kofumi entered the store, she walked confidently to a freezer. "We have new products today!" she exclaimed excitedly, picking up a limited-edition blueberry cheesecake flavor and handing it to Higashino: "Try it."

Higashino took the bottle: "Do you come here often?"

"Yes." Kofumi nodded gently. "I come to this shop whenever... I'm in a bad mood."

She led Dongye to a chair in the corner and took out a small notebook from her pocket. When she opened it, it was filled with labels from various milk bottles and newspaper clippings, each page carefully arranged in chronological order.

“These are all things I collected.” Her fingers gently traced the yellowed labels, her eyes tender as if looking at an old friend. “Starting from junior high school…” Her fingertips stopped on a particularly old label.

"This is the first time I've ever tasted Musashino milk." It was given to her by a guy whose face and name I can't even remember now.

She didn't know why, even though the feeling and memory of drinking this for the first time were so clear, she couldn't remember who offered it to her at all. She even suspected that her memory had been erased by someone with psychic abilities, so she went to the hospital for a checkup, but the doctor said she was perfectly normal.

"Speaking of which, you mentioned before that you used to be a member of this organization, right?"

"Higashino asked softly."

"Yes, even though I've only been a member for three days!"

Kofumi had some mixed feelings about joining the organization, considering that she had only been there for three days when the leader of the organization mysteriously disappeared.

"Um, only three days?"

Although it wasn't a very important part of the plot, he still remembered it somewhat, since the impressions of the pretty girl and the extra were completely different.

Just like in the Gundam SEED series he watched a long time ago, he only remembered Stella's name and appearance, since she was very cute, right? But he barely remembered her two teammates, since who would remember them so clearly unless they were a hardcore fan?

"I heard from people that you are a key member of that organization."

It's different from what I remember.

"No, I don't know where you got this information from. Anyway, it's not anything important."

While I'm a little curious as to why Higashino's intelligence sources were so wildly wrong, it's really not the right time to dig deeper.

Besides, even if she pressed him for details, he might not tell the truth.

Although the two had only known each other for a short time, Kofumi had already come to a profound understanding of the meaning of the saying, "A man's words are deceitful."

Even so, Kofumi felt that this man was someone she could trust, and that was just how strange it was.

After paying the bill, Higashino Yu stood by the roadside outside the maid café waiting. However, half an hour passed.

"Do girls always take that long to change clothes?"

Could it be that they're deliberately stalling for time to retaliate against me for taking photos earlier?

Suddenly, the roar of an engine in the distance interrupted Higashino's thoughts, and a bright red heavy motorcycle came to a steady stop in front of him.

"boarding."

Kofumi Miwa had changed into a red leather jacket, and her slim-fit jeans accentuated her perfect leg lines. Her cool image was a stark contrast to her shy maid persona in the coffee shop. If it weren't for her glasses and familiar bra, Higashino would have suspected she'd just switched to a twin.

Higashino raised an eyebrow: "Actually, I think wearing a maid outfit is fine enough, there's no need to change clothes specifically, right? And..."

Of course, this outfit is also quite good. Compared to the delicate maid outfit, this one gives a more conquering feeling when you're 'riding' around. Each has its own advantages.

"Shut up!" Gu Famei's ears turned red instantly, and she threw a helmet at him. "If you mention that again, I'll throw you off."

Higashino took the helmet and sat on the back. But we're just going to talk about the giant spider, right? Why did we have to change clothes and ride a motorcycle?

As the motorcycle sped through the streets, Higashino thought for a moment, then quietly took out his phone and quickly sent a message to Haruharu: "Please help me find out the location of the nearest stronghold of the powerless armed group, Giant Spider."

Chu Chun replied almost instantly: "Received! I'll help you right away... Wait, why are you suddenly interested in this, senior?"

Higashino's finger swiped rapidly across the screen: "I have some personal grudges to settle. Also, check the recent activities of someone named Hebiya Tsuyoshi."

If I remember correctly, in the original story, this guy is the current leader of the giant spider. He can't remember much else, since he's not an important character or a pretty girl. Who would remember things so clearly if they weren't important?

"Understood! Give me five minutes!" Chu Chun's reply was filled with excited exclamation marks. She was full of interest in being able to help her senior and in this kind of secret investigation, and she was now full of energy.

I put my phone back in my pocket and felt the wind pressure coming at me.

Miyuki Kofumi's driving skills were amazing; she nimbly weaved through traffic, and with each acceleration, Higashino had to hold her tightly around the waist.

"Slow down!" Higashino called out in her ear.

"Scared?" Kofumi's voice was laced with laughter as he accelerated. The motorcycle roared like a wild beast, the speedometer needle hurtling towards the red zone.

"I'm sure now, you just want revenge on me."

There's no way I'd be afraid. He's already gone to heaven, why would he be afraid of this? Yeah, I don't feel anything at all. I'm just not used to it yet since it's my first time. That must be it!

Women are truly fickle creatures. The first time we met, she was a serious disciplinary committee member; the second time, she turned into a cute and cuddly maid; and now, riding a motorcycle, she's become a rebellious young woman.

"Hmph, now you're scared? Too late!"

Kofumi accelerated again, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of speed.

Higashino's phone vibrated again, and he laboriously pulled it out with one hand to check. Haruharu sent detailed information: "Large spider activity has been confirmed at abandoned warehouse number 3 in the 7th school district. Surveillance footage shows that Hebiya Tsuyoshi goes there every Wednesday night, and many members have records of going there. The specific location is attached."

He quickly browsed the information, confirmed the details, and then put his phone away again.

Ten minutes later, the motorcycle stopped in front of an inconspicuous little shop. The sign read "Musashino Milk Specialty Store," and the window was filled with all kinds of milk bottles, from the classic original flavor to the seasonal strawberry chocolate flavor.

"This is it." Kofumi's eyes sparkled like a child who had discovered a treasure. She jumped off the motorcycle without even turning it off.

Higashino reluctantly helped her turn off the engine and then followed her into the store.

The store's interior is simply yet cozy, with wooden shelves filled with milk-related merchandise.

The girls in Academy City always have some special interests. For example, Mikoto is obsessed with Gekota, Ruiko is obsessed with urban legends, Kuroko is obsessed with Misaka Mikoto, and Kofumi is especially fond of Musashino Milk.

But haven't we gone off-topic? Didn't I come to ask you about the 'Giant Spider' organization? Why does this feel like I'm on a date with you?!

Higashino was starting to wonder if she had forgotten or if it was intentional, but it wasn't too late, so he decided to accompany her for a while.

As Kofumi entered the store, she walked confidently to a freezer. "We have new products today!" she exclaimed excitedly, picking up a limited-edition blueberry cheesecake flavor and handing it to Higashino: "Try it."

Higashino took the bottle: "Do you come here often?"

"Yes." Kofumi nodded gently. "I come to this shop whenever... I'm in a bad mood."

She led Dongye to a chair in the corner and took out a small notebook from her pocket. When she opened it, it was filled with labels from various milk bottles and newspaper clippings, each page carefully arranged in chronological order.

“These are all things I collected.” Her fingers gently traced the yellowed labels, her eyes tender as if looking at an old friend. “Starting from junior high school…” Her fingertips stopped on a particularly old label.

"This is the first time I've ever tasted Musashino milk." It was given to her by a guy whose face and name I can't even remember now.

She didn't know why, even though the feeling and memory of drinking this for the first time were so clear, she couldn't remember who offered it to her at all. She even suspected that her memory had been erased by someone with psychic abilities, so she went to the hospital for a checkup, but the doctor said she was perfectly normal.

"Speaking of which, you mentioned before that you used to be a member of this organization, right?"

"Higashino asked softly."

"Yes, even though I've only been a member for three days!"

Kofumi had some mixed feelings about joining the organization, considering that she had only been there for three days when the leader of the organization mysteriously disappeared.

"Um, only three days?"

Although it wasn't a very important part of the plot, he still remembered it somewhat, since the impressions of the pretty girl and the extra were completely different.

Just like in the Gundam SEED series he watched a long time ago, he only remembered Stella's name and appearance, since she was very cute, right? But he barely remembered her two teammates, since who would remember them so clearly unless they were a hardcore fan?

"I heard from people that you are a key member of that organization."

It's different from what I remember.

"No, I don't know where you got this information from. Anyway, it's not anything important."

While I'm a little curious as to why Higashino's intelligence sources were so wildly wrong, it's really not the right time to dig deeper.

Besides, even if she pressed him for details, he might not tell the truth.

Although the two had only known each other for a short time, Kofumi had already come to a profound understanding of the meaning of the saying, "A man's words are deceitful."

Even so, Kofumi felt that this man was someone she could trust, and that was just how strange it was.

“I used to be an admirer of the organization’s leader, Kurozuma Miyuri.” Her voice was low. “The first time I saw him riding motorcycles on the highway with the rest of the organization, I thought motorcycles were so cool, and I had to learn how to ride them.”

She raised her head, her gaze passing through Dongye, as if she were looking into the distant past: "Back then, I tried to contact the organization and join them, and they actually let me join so easily. It seemed that as long as you signed up, you wouldn't be rejected."

"How is he now?" Higashino asked, puzzled.

It seems that Kurozuma Watari faked his death, right?

Hmm, I can't quite remember the plot! Seriously, why isn't Black Widow a girl?! Surnames like Black Widow and Wife are so suitable for girls in Xia country, yet Hippo is used by a man!

If it were a girl, I would definitely remember it well!

If I had known I would time travel, I should have downloaded all the content related to A Certain Magical Index on my phone, and while I was at it, I should have kidnapped Hippo and made him write until he died every day!

Unaware of Higashino's inner turmoil, Kofumi reluctantly answered the question: "Dead."

Her voice was tinged with sadness, "Two years ago, while I was riding my motorcycle, the overpass in front of me suddenly collapsed, and I died in a motorcycle accident. I had only been in the industry for a day, and yet..."

Hearing her words, Higashino was filled with questions.

This is completely different from the plot he remembered. In the original timeline, Black Widow should have just faked her death.

And why did you specifically emphasize that it was your first day joining? Do you think you're a jinx who brought bad luck to people?

His mind raced as he tried to understand what this shift in the worldline meant, but he quickly gave up.

What does it matter to him whether his wife Mianliu lives or dies? Why bother thinking about it? Just clear your mind and do what you need to do next.

"What?" Gu Famei keenly noticed his unusual behavior, her eyes suddenly sharpening. "You know him?"

Higashino quickly adjusted his expression and said in a serious tone, "I've only heard rumors that he was once the leader of the Big Spider organization."

If Kofumi knew even a little bit about Higashino, she wouldn't believe his nonsense. How could someone who had been in Academy City for less than a month possibly have heard of a small-time hoodlum who had been dead for two years?

"The organization was fine while he was alive, but the new leader was completely different after he passed away. However, I only found out recently, since I quit on the third day. I even paid professionals to teach me how to ride a motorcycle."

Wow... You joined on the first day, the boss died on the second day, and you quit on the third day. Your experience is quite complicated.

"You brought me here not just for milk, right?" Higashino took a sip of the new product. To be honest, it tasted pretty good and suited his taste perfectly. No wonder Kofumi liked it.