This was an abandoned parking lot in District 7. A pure white figure and a brown-uniformed figure stood facing each other. It looked no different from any other day, yet both figures were trembling.
Even without releasing any killing intent, Accelerator's crimson eyes alone were enough to send chills down one's spine. As she stared at the Misaka Sister, the girl's body trembled uncontrollably. Her teeth clenched tightly, and even the hand holding the gun gradually stiffened.
Fear?
These individuals who had been killed nearly ten thousand times were feeling fear?
That expression. Those trembling hands that could barely hold a firearm.
So they really had developed emotions, just like that guy had said.
When did it start?
When did these changes begin?
It all began when that person interfered with the experiment.
"Heh, what a pathetic expression. You cannot even hold your weapon properly. Are you scared?" Accelerator stepped forward slowly, one hand in her pocket, her scarlet gaze locked onto the girl.
"Misaka... Misaka does not want to fight Accelerator, do. Why is Misaka thinking like this? Misaka does not want to fight. This is strange. Misaka's behavior is becoming abnormal. Misaka does not want to die... do, die? Misaka..."
The unfocused eyes of the Misaka Sister suddenly sharpened.
As she watched Accelerator approach, her body trembled even more violently. The hand holding the gun shook as it slowly lowered. She staggered back, nearly falling.
Misaka's state is abnormal. Unknown information is being transmitted through the Misaka Network, influencing her cognition. Why is Misaka thinking this way?
Do you have any insight?
"..." Accelerator stared at her in shock.
Her heart trembled.
The cruel smile on her face vanished without a trace.
She had always known that these clones were nothing more than experimental subjects, brainwashed tools meant for slaughter. She also knew that one day, they might develop emotions of their own.
But when that moment truly arrived, she hesitated.
She felt fear.
She retreated.
Even with the overwhelming power of vector control, she found herself unable to confront them.
No... not unable to defeat them.
Unable to face them.
"They are not enemies... they are..."
"Hah... hah..." Accelerator stood frozen in place, her pupils trembling as she stared at the shaking Misaka Sister before her.
Normally, she would have activated her ability without hesitation.
But now, she did not dare.
She did not even think of using it.
Even though she had already killed nearly ten thousand of them.
Scenes began flashing through her mind.
Fragments of memories.
Countless ways she had killed them.
Each one resurfaced, violently shaking her sanity.
"Misaka... Misaka does not want to die... Arata..."
That single sentence snapped Accelerator back to reality.
She unconsciously took a step back, her body trembling faintly.
She had once imagined what she would do if they said they did not want to die.
If they said they wanted to live.
She believed she would stop.
She definitely would have stopped.
But they never said it.
They only continued walking forward to be killed.
And now, after everything, those words had finally been spoken.
Which meant...
She had always been nothing more than an executioner.
"I am sorry I am late. Something came up."
A familiar voice sounded from behind.
Accelerator was startled and immediately turned around.
"Arata... it is finally Misaka's turn to be saved by you, do."
The Misaka Sister spoke quickly, her tone filled with urgency. Yet the moment she saw Arata, her expression returned to its usual calm.
"Tch."
Accelerator clicked her tongue, shoving her hands into her pockets as she turned to leave.
But this time, she was stopped.
"Wait. Let's talk."
Arata called out to her.
"If it is meaningless nonsense, then there is no need to speak to me."
Accelerator turned her head slightly, her red eye glancing at him. Her voice carried a natural killing intent.
"I need your help," Arata said with a faint smile.
"At this point, what are you even trying to say? Someone like you needs my help? Do not joke around."
Accelerator rejected him outright and continued walking forward.
She just wanted to leave.
She did not want to see that trembling figure again.
In truth, she was running away.
"This concerns the Misaka Sisters. Do you not want to know more?" Arata said calmly.
Accelerator stopped.
"I want you to protect them for a while. What do you think? I am already overwhelmed. If some organization attacks them while I am away, I will not be able to respond in time."
Arata spoke with a relaxed smile.
In reality, he wanted to draw Accelerator to his side.
If she remained alone after learning all these truths, no one could predict what she might do. Perhaps she would choose to do nothing. Perhaps she would simply maintain the current state.
But regardless, Arata intended to give her a push.
Not just because of the experiment.
But because of his own principles.
"Are you mocking me?"
Accelerator's voice was low.
"You are asking someone who has killed them ten thousand times to protect them? That is not funny. My power exists only for destruction. I do not have the ability to protect anyone."
Her hands clenched unconsciously.
"This has nothing to do with ability. It is about choice. Whether you choose to act or not. Even now, do you not still desire redemption in your heart?"
Arata extended his hand toward her once again.
Those words caused Accelerator's body to tremble.
Her pupils shrank.
A violent killing intent surged from her body.
What is wrong with this bastard?
It was as if nothing could be hidden from him.
"No matter what unforgivable things you have done, start now. Continue making up for them until the day they tell you that they forgive you. Would that not give you the answer you seek?"
After hearing this, Accelerator ignored the outstretched hand once more.
Without turning back, she walked away from the parking lot.
Of course I understand.
I understand all of these so-called principles.
But those words... those seemingly righteous words...
In the end, they are nothing more than self-serving excuses.
I am nothing more than a villain who only realized the value of life after slaughtering ten thousand Misakas.
I am irredeemable.
An incorrigible villain.
I do not deserve their forgiveness.
And yet...
Even if those words are empty...
I will still act in my own way.
This is not about redemption.
Nor is it about forgiveness.
Even if I am an incorrigible villain...
Even if I have killed ten thousand Misakas...
That does not mean I will stand by and watch the remaining ten thousand suffer the same fate.
"This chaotic mindset of hers is finally starting to settle down a bit."
Arata watched Accelerator's retreating figure and smiled faintly.
...
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