"What exactly are you planning to do?" Nunotaba Shinobu asked cautiously, cold sweat sliding down her temples. The way he was acting today was completely different from a few days ago, almost like the difference between Accelerator three months ago and the current Accelerator.
Had his personality already begun to distort as well? Even if every Level 5 had their own issues, his change was happening far too quickly.
"Of course I have my reasons. What, are you sweating like that because I scared you?" Arata shrugged as he looked at her. He had no real interest in frightening her. This should not have been her first time witnessing death. Was she afraid that he would kill her?
"Relax, relax. I do not kill people without reason. I have eyes that can perceive distortions within the human mind," Arata said as he casually pulled Nunotaba Shinobu behind him, teasing her slightly.
"Aside from your chest, your figure is actually getting better and better. Especially your waist."
"Phew..." Nunotaba Shinobu let out a quiet sigh of relief. Even if his mentality had twisted somewhat, it did not seem to have gone too far.
The other researchers, however, quickly developed hostility toward Nunotaba Shinobu amidst their panic.
So this brat was the insider all along. She must have leaked everything about this place to the eighth Level 5.
Everything that happened today was because of her. How despicable.
"Ahem, let us return to the main topic." Arata looked at the researchers with a faint smile. "So, what do you think about what is written on this so called devil's contract? Do you think it is real or fake? If you answer incorrectly, you will go on a trip just like the two earlier."
"Gulp..."
The sound of people swallowing nervously echoed throughout the area. The researchers were already on the verge of a mental collapse and did not dare to speak.
"If no one answers, then you can all go on that trip right now," Arata urged lightly.
"It is fake. It is fake!" One researcher finally could not withstand the pressure any longer and shouted while trembling.
"Good. Very good. Correct answer. You may live," Arata nodded.
"Ha..." The researcher collapsed onto his knees, completely drained. Alongside the fear, resentment began to grow inside him. Damn espers.
"Fake. Yes, it is fake."
All of the researchers echoed the same answer.
This eighth Level 5 was definitely unstable...
"Very good. All of you are such obedient children. Say it again. Is it real or fake?" Arata smiled with satisfaction and raised his voice.
"It is fake!" the researchers answered in unison.
"Do you all believe that everything written above is fake? Interesting. Although this ability can achieve almost anything, the activation conditions are quite troublesome."
Arata watched them with amusement and could not help but laugh.
"Ability? Activation? What are you talking about?" One of the more perceptive researchers immediately reacted, asking in horror.
"A lie within a lie."
Snap.
A crisp sound of fingers snapping rang out, accompanied by an incomprehensible syllable.
"This allows the direction of cognition to be reversed instantly."
Buzz...
A strange, dizzying resonance filled the researchers' ears. Their expressions froze instantly, turning blank as their pupils dilated.
One by one, the researchers collapsed to the ground as if their bodies had lost all support.
An invisible force had directly interfered with their cognition and perception.
Nunotaba Shinobu's eyes widened, her pupils shrinking as she stared at Arata, who wore a delighted smile.
"You... you killed them?"
"No, no. I only altered their cognition," Arata said with a laugh. Activating Words of Infinite Deception was actually quite troublesome. It required both verbal denial and genuine mental rejection.
Scientists would never believe in something like a devil's contract. They believed only in science. That was why he had them say it out loud.
"You altered their cognition... you gained another ability? Mental interference?" Nunotaba Shinobu said, her forehead covered in cold sweat. She already knew Arata was a multi ability esper, but no one knew how many abilities he truly possessed. Some of them might have only recently awakened.
"Do not be so afraid of me. I clearly distinguish between allies and enemies. I would never harm an ally," Arata said as he casually pinched her cheek, amused by her expression.
"I am afraid that you might have already tampered with my thoughts. Even if you had, I would not know. Maybe they have already been changed," Nunotaba Shinobu said in a low voice.
"Even if I were to tamper with them, I would at least have you warm my bed first," Arata said with a shrug.
At that moment, the researchers regained consciousness.
"Huh? What was I doing? I actually fell asleep while the director was speaking. I am very sorry, sir." One researcher scratched his head before quickly bowing deeply.
"I fell asleep too. I am sorry, it will not happen again." A female researcher also bowed in apology.
All of the researchers followed, bowing in unison.
Their personalities had not changed, but their cognition had been rewritten. They now believed that what had just happened was simply Arata giving them instructions.
"Heh. Very good. From today onward, this research facility will serve as my base. The production of the Misaka Sisters will continue. Now, are there any specialists in AIM diffusion field research, mechanical engineering, or chemical research?"
Arata nodded in satisfaction and continued, "I intend to study the fragments of the comet and crystallized ability entities, ultimately monopolizing the field of ability development within Academy City."
From here, he would gradually take control of both the surface and the Dark Side of Academy City.
As long as it did not interfere with his plans, Aleister would not concern himself with any of this.
"I specialize in chemistry and AIM diffusion field research."
"I am proficient in mechanical engineering."
"I focus on..."
All the relevant researchers quickly raised their hands.
"What exactly are you planning to do?" Nunotaba Shinobu asked, still uneasy. The ease with which he had taken control of an entire research facility was terrifying.
Multiple ability users were terrifying. A Level 5 was not the real problem. What made it frightening was a Level 5 who intended to seize power and actually had the capability to do so.
"I plan to take control of Academy City. Starting from here, I will monopolize ability development. As a mere student, there are too many limitations. Only by controlling everything can this city be cleansed."
Arata spoke calmly, then looked at Nunotaba Shinobu with a smile.
"Of course, on the surface, I am still just a Level 5 student."
Which one is the real him?
The shameless and flirtatious student, the hero who saves others, the ruthless killer without hesitation, or the conspirator who seeks to control Academy City?
Nunotaba Shinobu could not help but ask herself that question.
Arata, of course, had no idea what she was thinking. If he did, he would have said,
"Silly girl, of course it is all for my own enjoyment."
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.