[The 8915th Experiment of the "Absolute Ability User Evolution Experiment" took place in the 7th School District, in an abandoned building area, at coordinates XXX East longitude and XXX North latitude.]
"Meeting Accelerator every day is starting to feel as frequent as meeting my girlfriend. But this time… it might be a little awkward." Arata muttered while staring at the coordinates displayed on his phone. His thoughts drifted back to what had happened the previous night, and his fingers unconsciously tightened.
Accelerator would not recklessly charge in again after failing once. She is not foolish. Before fully analyzing my Personal Reality and calculation method, she would not act impulsively.
Still, caution is better than regret.
Arata activated his Teigu and arrived at the hospital.
By now, the Misaka Sisters had completed the first phase of physical adjustments. The three Sisters were seated in the hospital cafeteria, each carrying a tray. Previously, the doctor had restricted their diet to milk and fruit. Perhaps because it was their first time eating a proper cooked meal, they ate with noticeable focus, almost studying the texture and taste.
"Doctor, could I have a meal as well? I haven't eaten yet." Arata smiled at the physician who was dining nearby.
"Of course. You're practically a regular here. Patient meals are provided free of charge," the doctor replied kindly.
Arata picked up a tray and sat across from the Misaka Sisters. Watching them chew thoughtfully, he asked, "How does it taste? It's designed for balanced nutrition rather than flavor. This should be your first time trying something like this, right?"
"The flavor is light and refreshing. It does not match the descriptions stored in the database." After swallowing, one of the Sisters looked at Arata expressionlessly, though something subtle flickered in her eyes.
"It is surprising. Misaka was scheduled to die during last night's experiment. This has been repeated 8913 times. Statistically, that outcome was natural. Yet Misaka is currently active and consuming food not present in the database."
Her tone remained flat, but Arata sensed a faint shift.
He picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks and gently held it near her mouth.
The Sister glanced at it and, without hesitation, opened her mouth and bit down.
"See? You chose it without hesitation, and you finished the fish on your plate first. That means you subconsciously prefer it. So what does that prove?" Arata rested his cheek against his palm and smiled.
"Prefer? What does that prove? Misaka does not understand," the Sister replied.
"It proves you are making choices. Subconscious choices. Not choices inserted into you as data, but choices based on direct experience. That is the foundation of meaning. Life is not just following a preset script."
Arata's words carried a slightly philosophical tone.
"Misaka does not understand. The Misakas were created to be killed in the Level 6 Shift experiment. That was the sole reason for our existence. But Mr. Arata has removed that reason." The Sister continued eating calmly, though faint confusion lingered in her voice.
"Then you can redefine it. From now on, you can revolve around me. I'll help you discover a new purpose. I won't refuse even unreasonable requests."
Arata casually slipped an arm around her shoulders and leaned closer with a bright grin.
"For example, excessive requests like wanting to become my wife. Or all of you becoming my wives. Hypothetically speaking."
He laughed lightly.
Heaven Canceller touched his bald head helplessly. "This atmosphere is not suitable for someone my age. This meal is sweet enough to cause cavities."
"Wife? According to the database"
"Stop. Don't consult the database. That's theoretical knowledge. I'm talking about personal feelings. You don't understand it now, and that's fine. You'll learn over time."
The three Sisters exchanged glances, clearly wanting to ask further questions.
"As for the concept of a wife, I'll provide practical guidance after your rehabilitation is complete. At that point, whether individually or collectively"
"Cough. That would be illegal. Please refrain from reckless statements," Heaven Canceller interrupted sharply.
"Relax. I'm joking." Arata shrugged. Even if he teased them, Academy City's public laws were strict.
Eighty percent of Academy City's population consists of students. Crimes such as harassment are dealt with severely. The Anti Skill forces and Judgment would ensure proper disciplinary measures.
The Dark Side is another matter entirely. Few of its members are what one would call normal. Still, they do not openly interfere with the Light Side unless necessary.
Meanwhile, in the dormitory of Sakugawa Middle School.
Saten Ruiko lay on her bed, swinging her legs while fiddling with the Kongming Lock in her hands, speaking happily to herself.
"Today was amazing. I became friends with a Level 5. And he wasn't arrogant at all like some other espers."
"Senpai even said there's something very important inside this for ability users. He was definitely teasing me like a kid. Even if he's a high school student and I'm in middle school, the age difference isn't that big."
She quickly sat up, carefully placed the Kongming Lock back into its box, and stored it away.
A first gift from a friend carries special meaning. It symbolizes a connection.
But what should I give in return next time?
If I give a gift, could it be misunderstood? If I don't, would that seem ungrateful?
Saten patted her cheeks in frustration. Finally, she decided.
A baseball glove. Boys usually like that.
…
After finishing dinner at the hospital, Arata played cat's cradle with the Misaka Sisters for a while before heading toward the experiment site in advance. Just in case Accelerator redirected her frustration toward the Sisters.
During that time, he received messages from Tokiwadai Middle School students Awatsuki Maaya and Wannai Kinuho. Simple greetings.
At that moment, a voice echoed within his consciousness.
"Arata. I have analyzed an application of the new conceptual framework derived from the blueprint of Void Star: Tai suu"
It was Aiwass.
...
Read advance chapters on p@treon
[email protected]/guilt_free_daoist
Join disc0rd link in synopsis.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.