Arata gently inhaled the scent of Misaka's brown hair. Perhaps it was because this was the first time her body had been fully stabilized after being removed from the cultivation tank. After coming out, she had only briefly rinsed herself, and a faint scent of antiseptic solution still lingered on her skin.
"As expected of a doctor capable of dragging people back from the brink of death. Her physical condition is much better than before." Arata lightly squeezed the Misaka Sister's arm, feeling the elasticity beneath his fingers, and could not help but sigh in admiration.
Previously, the Misaka Sisters' muscle density had been far below normal. Now, it was nearly on par with an average healthy girl.
His gaze subconsciously shifted slightly downward. That familiar outline was almost identical to Misaka Mikoto's. The Misaka Sisters, who had no concept of embarrassment, possessed a kind of unconscious charm that was dangerously captivating.
"Slurp, slurp."
The sound of someone trying to draw the last drop from an empty milk carton snapped Arata back to his senses.
"What am I even thinking? I may have compromised on dignity for strength, but I am not some degenerate." Arata tapped his forehead, released the completely unaware Misaka Sister, and forcefully calmed himself.
"There is a discrepancy compared to the taste data recorded in the learning device. The flavor is not only sweet and fragrant. It is slightly cool upon entering the mouth and gradually becomes warm in the stomach. Misaka reports her sensory feedback."
Holding the empty milk carton, the Misaka Sister described her experience in a completely flat tone.
"Really? So you like milk? Then I can bring you some every day from now on."
A faint smile appeared on Arata's face. He took the empty carton from her hands and used telekinesis to guide it accurately into the trash can across the room.
"Like. An expression indicating increased selection frequency toward a specific item. Misaka searches the database for clarification."
"Not the database definition. It means you personally want to drink it again," Arata explained gently while rubbing her head.
"Yes. Misaka has been removed from the experiment schedule and reassigned to the next unit. Tomorrow, Misaka will not be able to drink Mr. Arata's milk. Misaka reports."
Her gaze shifted to the apple in her hand as she spoke without emotional fluctuation.
All of her knowledge and logic had been forcibly implanted. Aside from combat training and firearms usage, she had received almost no normal education. When encountering unfamiliar concepts, she could only search the Misaka Network database for answers.
Arata shook his head slightly. The researchers clearly had no intention of sparing any individual Misaka.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and spoke in a firm tone.
"About the experiment. Do you remember what I told you? If I rescue you, I will assume control over your actions. Without my approval, you are not allowed to participate in the experiment. Therefore, you are no longer affiliated with it."
"Misaka does not fully understand your statement, sir. Misaka is merely a prototype that can be mass produced through materials and pharmaceuticals."
Arata covered her mouth gently and looked into her unfocused eyes.
"No matter how you were created, you are an independent individual. Every Misaka who dies will cause sorrow to those who cherish you."
"That is why I saved you without hesitation. Because I would feel sorrow if you died. Because I cherish every one of you."
"So you must never accept death so easily."
Each word Arata spoke created logical gaps within the Misaka Sister's cognitive processing. There was no corresponding entry in the Misaka Network database to resolve this contradiction.
The Misaka Network was formed from the brainwave synchronization of all Misaka Sisters combined with their shared AIM Diffusion Fields. It pooled their computational capacity and knowledge while transmitting their experiences in real time.
"Do you understand? Even if you do not, that is fine. You only need to know that I will not allow you to die. That alone is enough."
Arata gently embraced the Misaka Sister and whispered near her ear. Her body radiated a soft warmth that made it difficult for him to pull away.
At that same moment, the shared sensory input transmitted through the Misaka Network caused all the Misaka Sisters to begin internal discussion. They could not comprehend his statement, and the database offered no explanation.
His words spread through the Network like a self replicating program, quickly propagating from unit to unit.
Would their deaths truly cause sadness?
Could experimental subjects actually be cherished?
"Ahem. Although an old man should probably avoid interrupting at a moment like this, but..."
Heaven Canceller stood outside the ward holding a stack of medical documents. He cleared his throat lightly and looked at the two young people with gentle eyes.
Arata's face reddened slightly. "Doctor, your timing is really unfortunate."
"My apologies. Fulfilling medical responsibility takes priority," Heaven Canceller replied with a calm smile. "Sixteen years old, still in high school. That is an age full of impulsive hormones. Try not to let those impulses run wild in a hospital."
"You were eavesdropping. That is ethically questionable behavior for a doctor." Arata's lips twitched. Although he genuinely liked Misaka Mikoto, he would not act recklessly. There was a proper pace to everything.
Heaven Canceller rubbed his nearly bald head helplessly. Young people's thoughts were sometimes beyond his comprehension.
The Misaka Sister lay quietly with an IV drip attached. Her empty gaze remained fixed on Arata, who sat beside her peeling an apple. It was unclear whether she was thinking deeply or simply waiting to eat.
"Here."
After finishing, Arata placed the peeled apple into her hand. He stood up, stretched, and glanced at the sky outside as dusk gradually faded.
He took out his phone and checked the latest Academy City notifications.
"District 8 Old Residential Block will be sealed off at 20:00 tonight..."
"On May 22, Arata, a first year student in Class 7, has been officially evaluated as the eighth Level 5 in Academy City. Ability category: Level 5 Telekinesis. Codename: Telekinesis..."
At the same time, the large display screens mounted on Academy City's announcement airships broadcasted the same information across the sky.
The news spread through the city in an instant, drawing attention from nearly everyone. Another Level 5 had appeared, standing at the apex of the esper hierarchy. And he was a telekinetic user.
Inside a gymnasium, a hot blooded young man wearing a white sports uniform and a headband paused mid training. Sweat dripped down his face as he looked up at the airship display.
"Another Level 5. And a telekinetic too. His ability classification overlaps with mine. This is incredible. I am not at the bottom anymore. My fighting spirit is burning."
At a dessert shop near Tokiwadai Middle School, two girls in the prestigious uniform were eating ice cream after class. They looked up in surprise at the announcement.
"Another Level 5, and telekinesis at that. Academy City has been quite lively lately. Still, it has nothing to do with me. By the way, this cafe's ice cream is surprisingly good."
The short haired brown haired girl blinked casually, brushing off the shocking news with a carefree smile that felt almost boyish.
"Exactly. It is just another Level 5 with telekinesis. Onee-sama is the Railgun. Those other Level 5s cannot compare to you."
The long haired girl with pink brown hair and a Tokiwadai armband spoke proudly, showing complete disregard for every Level 5 except her beloved Onee-sama. However, her gaze drifted toward the spoon the brown haired girl had just used. She swallowed quietly and discreetly wiped the corner of her mouth.
Hehehe.
...
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