"Fall. A group established by a Level 5. That will definitely attract the attention of many organizations."
Watching Arata disappear instantly, Nunotaba Shinobu sighed inwardly. Was that spatial movement? Just how many abilities did this multi skill Level 5 possess?
As a researcher, she understood clearly that for those operating within Academy City's Dark Side, this city was the ultimate experimental playground.
To them, espers were merely test subjects used to gain status and results. Even Level 5s were not exempt. Yet at the same time, they feared the overwhelming power that a Level 5 possessed.
Although Academy City was known as a city of espers, its true authority did not lie solely with ability users. Its real power rested in its advanced scientific weapons and systems, which were more than capable of suppressing or eliminating espers when necessary.
"Grr..."
Her stomach growled.
She rubbed her abdomen, placed the canned food into the microwave, and decided to make do with a simple meal.
"However... having a Level 5 as backing could also deter certain people with malicious intentions."
After all, few individuals or organizations would willingly provoke someone capable of wiping out an armed unit alone.
...
The next day.
Arata originally wanted to visit Komoe-sensei's apartment for a while, but she was busy tutoring her problem students, including Tsuchimikado Motoharu, the double agent active on both the Science Side and the Magic Side, and notorious flirt.
He had also considered visiting the hospital to tease the Misaka Sisters, but all of them were currently inside adjustment capsules undergoing physical recalibration. That idea was completely ruined.
"So what should I do now? In the past, I would stay home playing games or hand out flyers at an amusement park for extra pocket money. Now I suddenly have nothing to do."
Arata lay back on a park bench with his hands behind his head, watching children play nearby.
If he wanted cards, one star cards were trivial and could be gathered casually later. There were only around a dozen viable two star targets in District 7, and most were either located inside restricted facilities or required extremely specific activation conditions.
At that moment, a blonde girl who appeared around fourteen or fifteen approached him with a gentle smile. She wore a pink dress, golden bracelets, and a crystal necklace.
At first glance, she looked refined, almost like someone raised in luxury. But the longer one looked, the more approachable she seemed, like a longtime girlfriend.
"She is…" Arata's eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint smile appeared.
Kaibi Gokusai, A member of the Dark Side organization SCHOOL. Her ability was Level 4 Measure Heart, allowing her to adjust the psychological distance between people. She had no direct offensive capability, yet even Level 5s found such an ability troublesome.
When someone's mental distance toward her shortened, they would instinctively treat her as someone important.
So I am her target. Is SCHOOL investigating me? Or does Kakine Teitoku want to observe me personally?
Kakine Teitoku was one of the few who understood fragments of Aleister's vague long term plans. He did not know the full truth, but he sought recognition and aimed to become the top ranked Level 5. Unfortunately, Aleister had little interest in him.
"Hello. I noticed you sitting here alone for quite a while. Are you troubled by something?" Kaibi Gokusai asked sweetly.
The Eighth Level 5 had appeared in Academy City. She had reviewed his records. Before awakening as a Level 5, he had been an ordinary high school student without notable incidents. Becoming close to him would be beneficial.
She valued survival. In the Dark Side, death could arrive at any moment. Having a powerful ally was a form of insurance.
"It is a bit boring. Why do I feel like you are my girlfriend even though I do not have one?" Arata asked casually as she lifted her skirt slightly and sat beside him.
"Maybe that is what people call love at first sight, senpai," she replied playfully.
"So will you be my girlfriend? I am still a pitiful guy without romantic experience," Arata said, scratching his head.
"It is simply my ability influencing psychological distance," she thought to herself.
"So what is your objective in closing that distance? Because I am a Level 5? If that is the case..." Arata half closed his eyes.
Kaibi Gokusai met his gaze calmly. "You misunderstand, senpai. I simply want to be your friend. I am good at chatting, so you can talk to me whenever you feel bored."
"Someone taking the initiative to become my friend. That is rare," Arata said thoughtfully. Was she truly sincere, or was her acting flawless?
"I passed by earlier and saw you sitting here alone looking lonely. I thought you might need company. My name is Kaibi Gokusai. I am a second year student at Seiei High School." She smiled brightly, looking far more mature than her apparent age.
"A middle school student would not look like this," Arata teased, glancing briefly at her well developed figure.
"Please do not stare like that while we are talking, senpai. Do you need guidance in basic social interaction?" she replied, cheeks faintly tinted.
"If you truly want to be friends, then I have no objections," Arata answered lightly.
"Then tell me what is bothering you," she said sweetly.
In her perception, numerical values hovered above his head, representing psychological distance. One hundred signified intimacy equal to family or lovers. Below fifty was hostility. At this moment, their distance read eighty five, equivalent to close friends.
"I am simply bored. Any suggestions?" Arata asked. In truth, he had already analyzed her ability, but the sensation was interesting.
"If you want entertainment, we could visit the amusement park in District 6. It is quite lively there," she suggested warmly.
"Then I will act like a gentleman for once."
Arata extended his hand. She smiled and took it.
In the next instant, space twisted.
The two of them appeared at the entrance of the large amusement park in District 6.
Kaibi Gokusai's expression shifted sharply. Her body swayed slightly as her surroundings changed instantly.
The cheerful music, the bright lights, the crowds. They were no longer in District 7.
Her heartbeat accelerated.
She swallowed and looked at the Eighth Level 5, who was watching her with quiet amusement.
She had just witnessed something significant.
Teleportation across districts in an instant. That was unquestionably Level 5 territory.
But his public classification was telekinesis.
Then what was this?
At that moment, just as they appeared at the amusement park entrance, a certain girl noticed them.
...
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