The girl with hair like instant noodles changed out of her white lab coat in the locker room and left the research facility.
"That way, I will not have to get involved."
She let out a quiet sigh, her slightly unhealthy eyes flickering with uncertainty.
She lowered her gaze to her slender, pale hands. For a moment, they seemed stained with something invisible.
"Am I trying to atone for my sins? I was never even given that opportunity. How ridiculous."
Two days ago, she saw the Misaka Sisters experience the beauty of the world for the first time. From that moment onward, her perception of the clones changed completely. Those simple words had pierced her heart like blades, layer after layer, while she had remained immersed in her research.
In that instant, she wanted to stop the experiment.
But she knew she could not do it alone.
She would have to stand against the entire research institution, the upper level Board of Directors, and Accelerator, the most powerful Level 5 in Academy City.
If she took direct action, she would either be placed under strict surveillance or eliminated entirely.
From the tone of certain high ranking officials, this project had the approval of Academy City's most mysterious Chairman. That meant opposing the colossal entity that was Academy City itself.
The only idea she could come up with was to attract the attention of ordinary citizens and narrow the operational scope of the experiment. If the project were exposed to the public on a large scale, it would inevitably cause unrest.
Under public pressure, the higher ups might be forced to suspend the Level 6 Shift Project.
But the possibility was extremely slim.
Fortunately, a hidden Level 5 had discovered the experiment and stood up against those monstrous forces for the sake of the clones.
"Academy City hides many secrets. Even a multi skill Level 5 like him exists. But that has nothing to do with me."
She left the research institute, bought some canned food at a convenience store, and drove back to her apartment.
At the same time...
"So this is the student dormitory assigned by Nagatenjouki Academy. As expected of a top tier esper school that rivals Tokiwadai Middle School. The dorm facilities are impressive."
Arata looked at the high rise buildings and advanced public facilities with faint admiration.
Compared to an ordinary high school, the difference was like diamonds and coal. In Academy City, ten years of struggling might not even guarantee stable meals.
Now that he was a Level 5, he could transfer to any coeducational school he wished. Only all girls schools were excluded. Any institution would welcome a Level 5 as its flagship student.
Still, he would not abandon his adorable homeroom teacher just for a transfer.
He had heard that the principal of a certain school had been so excited after obtaining a Level 5 student that he could not sleep all night. With a Level 5 enrolled, the school could receive increased funding and even upgrade from an ordinary high school to a prestigious esper academy.
Entering this apartment complex required identity verification. Nagatenjouki Academy had not only recruited powerful espers but also students with exceptional research talent.
The school strictly protected student DNA and personal data to prevent criminal misuse. Espers at Level 3 and above even required approval for certain biological related procedures.
After the dorm supervisor confirmed that Arata was the Eighth Level 5 and verified his credentials, he received the key card to Nunotaba Shinobu's apartment.
The reason was simple. Confidential research documents had been left behind in her room, and the institution needed to retrieve them.
Although the excuse was clumsy, with Chairman Aleister overseeing matters behind the scenes, even fabrication could be legitimized.
As long as it aligned with Arata's intentions, the Chairman would clear obstacles through the intelligence network without needing to be asked.
Arata located Nunotaba Shinobu's apartment on the third floor, swiped the card, and slowly pushed the door open.
The sight that greeted him was somewhat stimulating.
Several pieces of worn clothing were scattered across the wooden floor. Two pairs of underwear lay on the sofa, looking as if they had already been used.
The bookshelves were crammed with various academic volumes. The computer desk was covered with stacks of A4 documents. The curtains were tightly drawn, blocking out all light.
Arata sat on the soft bed and slowly lay back, waiting for the owner to return.
After about half an hour, he opened his eyes and smiled faintly.
Click.
The door opened.
"There is no time to cook tonight. I will have to make do with canned food."
A tired voice echoed through the dark room.
Just as she reached to turn on the light, something suddenly covered her mouth.
Her dull, unhealthy eyes snapped open. She instinctively tried to scream, but only a muffled sound escaped.
Her heart pounded violently. She struggled desperately, but her body would not move at all. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a hand reach back and gently close the door.
"Wu...!"
Who is this? Is this because I learned something I was not supposed to? Am I being silenced by the higher ups?
A cold voice whispered beside her ear.
"Do not scream. If you do, you will never make another sound again. Understand? If you understand, nod. If you do not, I will disassemble you."
Nunotaba Shinobu's pupils shrank sharply. She nodded frantically.
Not Judgment. Not Anti Skill. Then who?
Arata abandoned the intention of frightening her further. He released her and turned on the light.
The illumination drove away the darkness.
Nunotaba Shinobu finally saw the intruder standing in her apartment.
He wore ordinary sportswear. His short black hair and bright appearance gave him a harmless look, but the faint curve of his smile carried obvious malice.
Her breathing steadied.
Despite her unhealthy, fatigued eyes, she forced herself to remain calm and looked at Arata directly.
"You are the Eighth Level 5. A telekinetic type. You illegally entered the girls' dormitory and assaulted me. Those charges alone are enough to send you to a detention facility."
"Heh. Nunotaba Shinobu. Researcher and participant in the Level 6 Shift Project. Responsible for neurological calibration and mental data analysis. Tell me, how many times could I justify killing you for that?"
Arata walked to the sofa, casually picked up the two pairs of underwear, tossed them onto the bed, and sat down.
He looked at her calmly.
His gaze moved over her figure. Her chest was modest, but her waistline and legs were remarkably well proportioned.
She was undeniably beautiful. However, her chronic exhaustion and unhealthy lifestyle dulled her overall presence.
Nunotaba Shinobu fell silent.
She stared at Arata for several seconds before speaking in a low voice.
"So you are here to kill me?"
...
Read advance 60 chapters on p@treon
[email protected]/guilt_free_daoist
Join disc0rd link in synopsis.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.