Vol. 3 Ch. 2 Ep. 11: The Second Exam Part 2

We finally made it.

Where is everyone? I know it's the middle of the night, but it's like the city is completely deserted.

Gunfire. There's a battle nearby.

As curious as I am, we should stay focused. We need to reach the testing site.

There's a checkpoint up ahead.

Halt! Entry beyond this point is prohibited!

There's a curfew in effect for the entire district. You should be going back to your dorms.

Wait. Don't those uniforms belong to Trinity?

What are Trinity students doing in the Gehenna district?! Are you conspiring to launch an attack?! Answer us!

N-No, of course not! We're just passing through...

Trinity girls don't just "pass through" Gehenna without good reason!

If you must know, we're here to take an exam. We don't want any trouble.

Since when are Trinity exams held in the Gehenna district?! You expect us to believe that?!

I-I know it sounds far-fetched, but it's the truth.

Hold on. That girl's wearing a Justice Task Force uniform...

We're under attack! The Justice Task Force is launching an invasion!

Come in, HQ! The enemy has made their move!

What?! It's not like that!

It's useless. Let's just wipe them out.

But won't that just make us look guilty?!

Ahhhhhh!

They got us...

Azusa, WHY?!

That wasn't me.

That grenade came from behind us. Who could it be?

Sorry we're late, Sensei. ★

Good eye, Akari. So what brings you here?

A-Aren't these the ones we fought just a couple of nights ago?!

You're right. They're the ones who attacked the aquarium.

I have no idea what's going on anymore...

So that's what you're up to. You just need to get to that testing site, right?

I can see that, but your timing is most unfortunate. In case you hadn't heard, there's a bit of a situation happening in the district right now.

The Hot Springs Department caused an explosion in the middle of the city. It's a real cluster fudge.

The Prefect Team has its hands full cleaning up after them, leaving us the perfect opportunity to slip out of our cell.

And wouldn't you know it? The School Lunch Club president just happened to agree to let us borrow the catering truck. Wasn't that nice of her?

Hnnngh! Hngh Hngh!

It even still has that new catering truck smell. How kind of her to let us borrow it. What a wonderful friend.

Hnnnnnngh!

It sounds like...someone is tied up in the back of that truck.

Oh, that? That's just Fuuka's way of having fun. She's a rascal, that one.

No one's better at playing hostage than her! ★

Where the heck are you two?! We managed to get away. Let's meet up already!

Ahhh! The Prefect Team is still chasing us!

Sorry, Junko, but there's been a change of plan.

What?! Why?!

We're going to play escort for Sensei and those Trinity students. There's a debt to repay.

We can talk about the details later. Let's get a move on, people!

U-Uh... Thanks, I think?

We're taking this catering truck?

Buckle up, everyone. Off we go! ★

Ahhhhhh!

How did it come to this?!

Stop shaking so much, Hifumi! I can't get a shot!

It's not me! That's the ground shaking below us!

Ahhhhhh! Something exploded again!

That Trinity girl isn't half bad on a bike!

Come on! Try to keep up!

I'm trying! I'm trying!

Expect another explosion in eight seconds, Akari.

Okie dokie. No sweat. ★

Harunaaa! Just let me go already!

Do you hear that? Even Fuuka is cheering us on. Why don't we spice things up a little more?

I like the way you think!

I-Is that an excavator chasing us?! And a bulldozer?!

Why is the Gehenna Hot Springs Department after us?!

The Prefect Team isn't far behind!

This is Bravo Squad. Alpha Squad, please respond.

A-Azusa?!

Please use the code names. Anyway, the operation was unsuccessful. We're surrounded.

Huh?! What did you just say?

The Hot Springs Department has the path forward blocked with a flamethrower, and that girl with twin tails from the Prefect Team is blocking the rear.

Hanako and I will try to escape on our own. We'll see you at the rendezvous point. Good luck.

D-Don't just hang up! Azusa!!!

We're only trying to take an exam! That's all!

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!

Please let it be over...

I-Is this it? Did we come to the right place?

Sensei! There you are!

I'm glad you're okay too. Sorry we got separated.

I feared the worst when the catering truck fell into the river.

What about Azusa and Hanako?!

Don't worry. We're here too.

*inhale* *exhale* It's 2:45 AM. We made it with time to spare.

...

...

So this is the testing site?

Yeah. First floor of an abandoned building in Gehenna district, Zone 15-77.

How are we supposed to take an exam in a place like this? And who's going to administer it?

I don't sense anyone else here. They must have left something for us.

Here. Take a look at this.

What do we have here? An artillery shell? Inactive, I would hope.

It's the warhead of an L118 towed artillery, typically used for demonstration and propaganda. The detonator has been removed.

The L118 belongs to the Tea Party. Which means this was sent by Nagisa.

Yes. There must be something inside.

I'll open it.

There's paper inside... Those must be our exams!

Still intact as well. There's also a small portable communicator here.

So you've managed to arrive in one piece.

N-Nagisa?!

...

That voice belongs to the girl you've been talking about?

My, my. I can hear such resentment in your voices... Just kidding. This is a recording, so shouting at me will get you nowhere.

You have until the deadline to complete your exams, and then you can return.

Don't forget: I'll have my eye on you in the meantime. Best of luck, Make-Up Work Club.

Do watch out for any...unfortunate incidents.

U-Ugh...

What was that last comment supposed to mean?

We don't have much time. Let's begin.

You're right! The second evaluation exam officially starts NOW!

Understood.

R-Roger!

Is this the place?

It's the right address. Should be somewhere around here.

I don't know who it was, but I'm glad someone tipped us off about there being an underground hot spring here.

Back up. Time to blow this place sky high.

It's developin' time!

Our exam papers!

They're gone. Without a trace...

Sensei, are you still with us?

"I think I'm fine."

So this was her insurance policy. She really will stop at nothing!