As dawn broke, the rising sun gradually painted this technologically advanced and bustling city in shades of crimson from the horizon.
No one knew what had happened in the city last night, and it did not affect the daily lives of ordinary people in the slightest.
"Finally finished before six o'clock, just like I planned. I thought 'Words of Infinite Deception' could be used without limit, but using it 43 times in a row really takes a toll. So sleepy."
Arata stood on the balcony of the "Mizuho Organization Pathology Analysis Research Institute," yawning as he gazed at the rising sun. Repeatedly using "Words of Infinite Deception" had rapidly drained both his mental strength and physical stamina.
At the same time, he had already instructed the research institutes specializing in technological manufacturing to begin studying technology originating from the world of Doraemon.
He now controlled 2,683 individuals across 43 research institutions, including 230 security personnel. With such a massive research force under his command, he had effectively become a powerful figure within Academy City's dark side.
The researchers covered a wide range of disciplines, including several experts in computational intelligence. From this point onward, his own intelligence network within Academy City would begin to take shape.
"The Level 6 Shift Project is now completely under my control. Heh, those capitalists sitting comfortably in their offices sipping red wine probably never expected this outcome."
Arata curled his lips into a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement.
Each research institute received monthly funding from the Board of Directors and also undertook official research assignments. In essence, these scientists were employees of the Board.
The standard research tasks assigned by the Board would continue as usual, while all inhumane experiments would be completely eradicated. If necessary, those responsible within the Board could also be identified and quietly dealt with.
With his current abilities, handling such people was effortless.
"However, this is the greatest gain."
While taking control of the 43 research facilities, he had also collected all the cards stored within them, obtaining a total of twelve two-star cards and fifty-three one-star cards.
"This is the first time I've opened so many at once. Let's see what I get."
Arata opened all the one-star cards without hesitation. Naturally, the better rewards were saved for last. Having already obtained four-star rewards before, items below three stars no longer stirred much excitement in him.
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have opened 53 one-star cards. The following items have been obtained."
Various rewards flashed rapidly before his eyes. While most were mundane items, a few still held practical value.
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Breathing Technique: Flame Breathing."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Level 3 ability: Quantum Speed Alteration."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained 10 Ability Crystals."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained 5 Basic Gene Optimization Potions."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Advanced Hacking Proficiency."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained a Miniature Nuclear Fusion Device Blueprint."
...
"These things don't benefit me much anymore. It would be a waste to use them on myself. Better to distribute them."
Arata muttered to himself as he examined the rewards.
Although these abilities were no longer significant to him, they could be given to others such as Misaka Mikoto, Saten Ruiko, Uiharu Kazari, and others. An organization could not rely on a single strong individual. True strength came from the collective.
After storing the unused items within the Gate of Babylon, he shifted his attention to the twelve remaining two-star cards, a trace of anticipation rising within him.
Even the lowest-tier two-star cards could yield valuable technology or rare items. With enough luck, even a three-star reward was possible, although the probability remained extremely low.
As he opened all twelve cards, the system's voice echoed again.
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have opened twelve two-star cards. The following items have been obtained."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Conceptual Noble Phantasm: Uncrowned Martial Arts."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Level 4 ability: Coordinate Movement."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Photon Strike Weapon Blueprint and three completed Photon Strike Weapons."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Clow Card: Water."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Clow Card: Fight."
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained Clow Card: Small."
...
"Not bad. Every single two-star card is top-tier."
Arata's eyes lit up with genuine excitement.
Level 4 Coordinate Movement granted him true spatial mobility. The Conceptual Noble Phantasm Uncrowned Martial Arts, allowed even an ordinary person to reach terrifying combat potential. In extreme cases, it could rival the power of a Saint.
The remaining cards consisted of Clow Cards including Water, Fight, Small, Tree, Rain, Bubble, and Light. These magical constructs contained elemental spirits, making them extremely versatile.
His first thought was purely practical.
Water could wash dishes. Bubble could handle cleaning. Tree could manage greenery. Rain could water plants. Fight could act as a bodyguard. Light could provide illumination.
Compared to combat, most Clow Cards were better suited for improving daily life.
Next, Arata handed over the Photon Strike Weapon blueprint and a sample to a specialized research facility for replication and further study.
In simple terms, it was a high-powered laser weapon capable of melting through solid structures with a single shot.
"Level 4 Coordinate Movement."
Arata absorbed the ability. A new set of intuitive understanding formed within his mind, quickly integrated and stabilized by Void Star: Tai suu. Just like his previous powers, it required no calculation formulas and functioned similarly to a Gemstone ability.
"Maximum range is around 800 meters. Maximum movable mass is approximately five tons. Within this range, objects can be moved freely without direct contact. Collisions trigger automatic repulsion, so there's no risk of embedding into solid matter."
Arata murmured as he closed his eyes, analyzing the newly acquired ability.
Compared to standard teleportation abilities, this one was more stable and posed no risk to the user.
Its only limitation was that the target must be within visual or perceptual range.
His figure could instantly shift to the maximum distance, functioning as a continuous movement ability. Each activation required a one-second interval, and no more than five objects could be manipulated simultaneously.
After returning home, Arata was just about to contact Komoe-sensei to request leave when he was immediately confronted with the wrath of someone who had been left hungry all night.
"Arata, you promised to come back and cook dinner last night, but you didn't return at all! This is unforgivable! I went to bed hungry! Waaah!"
Accompanied by the nun's furious and aggrieved voice, a series of cracking sounds echoed through the room.
"Right now I am so hungry I could eat Arata... crunch."
"..."
Arata stood there in silence.
...
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.