Chapter 349: Meeting with Kihara

How does one become a member of Academy City's Board of Directors?

This is a secret unknown to most students. Even someone as well-informed as Tsuchimikado Motoharu doesn't know the exact process. All he knows is that the position of a Board member can be obtained through work by those with relatively low status.

"So, you called me to ask about this? Come on, I'm just a dog. How would I know something like that?"

"But you're Kihara Noukan!"

"No, I'm just a dog. Haven't you already connected with the remaining members of **Group**? Why not go straight to Oyafune Monaka? I think she could use an ally."

"Personally, I think you, as Aleister's top dog, should know more."

Li Mo stood on the hospital rooftop, speaking into the phone.

"No, I've got things to do."

"Aren't you my overseer? If I become a Board member, wouldn't that prevent me from causing harm to this city?"

"Do you think I don't know that personal interests and collective interests sometimes conflict?"

"How about I owe you a favor?"

"What about the time I saved you from that Nordic magician?"

"That was me owing Aleister a favor."

"Fine, fine. I'll give you the contact info. Let's meet and talk."

Kihara Noukan abruptly hung up the phone.

Li Mo listened to the dial tone before pocketing his phone.

Kihara Noukan, one of the few remaining members of the Kihara family, held many secrets. More importantly, he could gauge Aleister's attitude.

After discussing with Kumokawa Seria and the others, Li Mo had decided to pursue a position on the Board. At the same time, he realized that becoming a Board member didn't require a complicated process.

—As long as Aleister allowed it.

To the Board Chairman of this city, the Board members were nothing more than high-level employees, disposable tools to be used and discarded at will. Just think about the events of September 30th. **Frontline** invaded Academy City and killed three Board members. A few days ago, Li Mo had also killed one.

On the surface, Board members held high positions. But in a world where individual power could surpass all, their authority wasn't as absolute as it seemed.

Rubbing his temples, Li Mo noticed a new, unfamiliar number on his phone. When he answered, he heard the voice of Oyafune Monaka.

Tsuchimikado's actions were surprisingly fast.

After ending the call with Oyafune Monaka, Li Mo descended from the rooftop and ran into the idle Heaven Canceller in the hallway.

"Hey, doctor. You look pretty relaxed?"

"I am. But you seem quite busy today?"

"Found a good target and working toward it. By the way, doctor, why haven't you become a Board member?"

"I'm just a regular doctor. Why would I want to be a Board member?"

"Is that so?"

Li Mo's question to Heaven Canceller was casual. This man, whom Aleister called "the gentlest enemy," wouldn't involve himself in such matters. His neutrality was his strength.

But…

Li Mo wasn't worried.

Because World War III had already begun. **Fiamma of the Right** had dragged Russia into a war with Academy City. This was an unprecedented upheaval for the city.

—Even though Li Mo knew the city would soon collapse, he couldn't wait for that moment.

"Li Mo."

"What is it, doctor?"

Heaven Canceller said, "Be careful. There are children waiting for you."

Li Mo looked past Heaven Canceller and saw Fremea. The little girl's eyes lit up when she saw him, and a bright smile spread across her face.

He chuckled softly. "I've realized recently that the waters of this city are deep, but they won't drown me."

He wasn't the type to mindlessly target Kamijou Touma. Besides… both Kamijou Touma and Accelerator were currently outside Academy City.

He walked past Heaven Canceller and strode toward Fremea, scooping her up into his arms.

Then he made her laugh with his antics.

...

Kihara Noukan was a dog. Aleister's most trusted hound.

He was trusted by Aleister to the point of being tasked with opposing the **Magic Gods**.

From Li Mo's perspective, this golden retriever represented Aleister.

"So, why should I care if you want to be a Board member?"

"It doesn't concern you?"

"When I first met you, you were timid, like a junior. How come I didn't notice back then that you're actually a scoundrel?"

A scoundrel.

A talkative scoundrel.

Kihara Noukan found Li Mo annoying. His peaceful life with his disciple had been disrupted by this man. Come to think of it, even Ladylee Tangleroad's sudden interest in him was probably because of this guy.

The golden retriever's eyes showed a hint of human-like annoyance.

"Let's set that aside for now. And who is this?"

"Kihara Yuiitsu." The intellectual-looking black-haired woman extended her hand. "I'm my teacher's disciple."

"Li Mo, a magician." Li Mo shook her hand.

When he entered the café to meet Kihara Noukan, Li Mo's attention had been drawn to this woman.

Her cheap suit accentuated her curvaceous figure, and the white lab coat she wore over it didn't fully conceal her physique. Her youthful appearance made her seem like a fresh intern, a charming young woman.

However, Li Mo knew the woman before him was dangerous.

Anyone bearing the name **Kihara** was a monster.

In the near future, she would lead Academy City into its **Great Collapse**. The heatwave that would engulf the city was merely a defensive measure created to resist her methods.

Kihara, Kihara. This surname alone was enough to put anyone on edge. The monsters bearing this name were all mad scientists, and among them, Kihara Noukan, the dog, was the most human.

"Hey, kid. What's with that look? Are you interested in Yuiitsu? Considering your situation, you might just barely qualify as her partner," Kihara Noukan said.

The young man before him was someone Aleister kept a close eye on. This level of attention was second only to Kamijou Touma and Accelerator. His importance had risen last night—when Unabara Mitsuki died. He killed a Board member, met 'Dragon,' and his importance increased?

Kihara Noukan didn't understand what his boss was thinking.

"Teacher, I'm still so young. I'm not thinking about marriage!"

"Noukan, don't look at me like I'm young. I actually have a girlfriend."

Almost simultaneously, Li Mo and Kihara Yuiitsu gave different answers, but both carried the same meaning—rejection.

Kihara Noukan said, "Fine, let's talk business. Li Mo, why do you want to become a Board member?"