Is it really so impossible?
Perhaps it's better to say it's quite feasible.
The essence of temperature is the intensity of motion between particles; temperature itself was just a concept humanity assigned to it.
If Natsume-san can use her ability to alter temperature on a macro scale, then it's possible for her to intervene between particles, to harness the power contained within molecules, and even atoms.
This was the privilege of an esper—transcending current technology, a power that has stepped into reality from the realm of fantasy.
However, to truly wield this ability as she wished, Natsume would need far more precise means of observation.
At the very least, she'd need to observe the interior of atoms, and her ability's precision would need to be raised to an unimaginable degree.
Alright, even for an esper, that's probably asking too much.
Wanting to observe such a microscopic world with the naked eye… she'd likely have to pluck her eyes out and install some kind of instrument to even have a chance.
Something like a portable scanning tunneling electron microscope—super advanced tech.
Relying on light alone was simply a pipe dream.
After all, the wavelength of visible light is at least several hundred nanometers, utterly incapable of observing anything on the atomic scale.
Although it's unlikely for Natsume to directly observe the inside of an atom, there are some alternative methods.
When it comes to espers, one absolutely must mention those formulas, as numerous as the hairs on a cow.
Ever since Natsume first came into contact with abilities, formulas became a part of her daily life.
Speaking of formulas, they're really just handy tools.
Even without formulas, one can still use their ability by sheer will, but the efficiency is abysmally low, with no practical value to speak of.
This was common among newly awakened Level 0 beginners who haven't yet figured out the patterns.
Currently, Natsume was utilizing computational power from Reiko's side to calculate the formulas for the thermal-kinetic conversion of copper and iron atoms.
To be honest, it's a rather inefficient method, but it's the best option Natsume has at this stage.
Set a general direction, use massive computational power to excavate possibilities, eliminate all impossible outcomes—it's a process of constant trial and error, not unlike Bitcoin mining.
For Natsume, it's proven effective.
Since she herself can't observe the interior of atoms, the best approach is to summarize the patterns, allowing herself to mobilize the internal forces without needing to observe them directly.
Of course, because she can't observe the atomic interior directly or indirectly, Natsume-san has to unearth these powers one type at a time.
For atomic elements without existing reference data, Natsume-san felt rather at a loss, with no place to even begin.
But if someday Natsume-san could achieve an atomic perspective through some technology or other means, while simultaneously attaining a precision far surpassing that of a Swiss Army knife…
Then, with just a few universal formulas, she could indiscriminately control the motion of any atom.
Using small particles to bombard atomic nuclei, changing the proton count, or directly controlling the movement of protons—she could release unimaginable energy from within.
After all, everything in this world is in motion, protons and neutrons being no exception.
By that point, one could rightly say Natsume-san had truly mastered nuclear energy.
The difference between the two is like using tools versus creating them.
Natsume-san would be perfectly satisfied just reaching the level of usage; she could then barbecue whatever she fancied.
As for the level of creating tools, in Natsume-san's view, that's practically on the level of a 'Creator,' isn't it?
Being able to arbitrarily change the number of protons and neutrons would be equivalent to creating new substances.
Enough digression. At her current stage, Natsume-san was still wrestling with copper and iron atoms.
Many of the underlying patterns were already figured out by that now-shuttered Thermal Energy Research Institute.
There are ready-made formulas she can use and modify, but even so, Natsume-san still couldn't easily control their power.
However, the 'Meltdowner' before her had given Natsume-san new inspiration.
Attempting to manipulate electrons was undoubtedly much easier than perfecting thermal-kinetic conversion.
There are many ways to displace electrons, let alone something unique to this world like the Personal Reality.
Regarding Personal Reality, Natsume-san feels it's more like a scientific form of self-worship.
She also thinks it's akin to an independent single-core computer, running only the miniature world as she perceives it, yet still contained within the larger material world.
Snapping back to reality, Natsume-san redirected her gaze to the unmanned factory before her.
A clear thermal map formed in the mind of a certain girl. Every movement of the people below was observed by her in meticulous detail.
Sometimes, Natsume-san felt rather like she had a god's-eye view. It was a sensation easy to get addicted to, but she exercised great restraint, generally not casually infringing on others' privacy.
The battle underground was growing increasingly fierce. Dozens of activated Powered Suits were attacking the #4 and her group.
The 'boom' of doll explosions and the 'crack' of air concussions rose and fell intermittently, occasionally punctuated by white beams of death.
All in all, it was as lively as a party.
Although it wasn't clear why the #4 had come here, the anger on her face was plain to see. So, was this a battle between Dark Side organizations?
Frowning slightly, Natsume-san looked down somewhat helplessly at the heated fight involving the group led by Mugino Shizuri and her crew.
If they hadn't shown up, Natsume-san could have easily infiltrated the place. Their actions had clearly alerted the enemy.
And what bothered a certain girl was that two members of their group, whom she had personally delivered to the Anti-Skill headquarters and who had been sent to the juvenile correctional facility, were now here, perfectly fine.
Although she had guessed that Dark Side members wouldn't be easily judged by surface-level law enforcement, Natsume-san still felt a bit displeased.
Should she send them back in? Natsume-san's mind began turning over the idea.
She still held a grudge about this Dark Side group called 'Item' for their previous attack on Haruue and the others.
Dealing with individual members of 'Item' wasn't difficult, even if the opponent was the Meltdowner.
Unable to detect her presence, and with such a 'specialized' attack type… a certain bun-haired girl could even instantly track the trajectory of the Meltdowner's attacks.
Thus, the #4 posed very little threat to Natsume-san.
No matter how powerful the attack, it was useless if it couldn't hit her.
But dealing with all four of them simultaneously would be troublesome, especially since there was one among them capable of detecting her.
For now, she dismissed the thought of sending them back, as Natsume-san's attention was suddenly grabbed elsewhere. She sensed a familiar gaze.
If Natsume-san could detect the members of the 'Item' group, it was only natural that she could be detected by Takitsubo Rikou among them.
After several encounters, Natsume-san was quite familiar with Takitsubo Rikou's ability.
Though it seemed plain and non-threatening on the surface, in Natsume-san's eyes, it was an extremely dangerous ability.
Through the transparent skylight of the unmanned factory, meant for natural lighting, Takitsubo Rikou's gaze was lazy and placid as she looked up towards a certain point in mid-air.
In her ability's vision, each person's AIM diffusion field was as conspicuous as a torch in the night, each with its own unique glow, allowing her to accurately track and locate these AIM diffusion fields and their owners.
"Takitsubo, did you find another enemy?"
Noticing the change in Takitsubo Rikou's expression, Frenda asked curiously, while tossing out doll bombs from her hands.
The thrown dolls emitted a dazzling flash of light, followed by a sustained series of explosions, shredding several approaching Drive Suits into scattered parts.
"I found an acquaintance. Come to think of it, Kinuhata might be very interested."
Takitsubo Rikou said expressionlessly, her tracksuit rustling all over as it was buffeted by the strong blast waves.
"An acquaintance of mine? I'm super interested now."
Hands in her pockets, a hood covering her head, Kinuhata Saiai chewed on something.
"She's already noticed us too. She might attack at any moment."
Takitsubo Rikou said uncertainly.
She wasn't quite sure about this person's temperament. After a moment's thought, she decided to inform everyone immediately.
The last time they met this person, they had been ambushed by her, resulting in both herself and Kinuhata being defeated.
Though the final consequence was just being handed over to Anti-Skill.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.