The clouds in the sky loomed like a colossal cage, shrouding the heavens and blocking out even the light.
Their usual cotton-like whiteness seemed tinged with a faint gray-black, heavy and gloomy, bearing a weight far beyond their limits.
As the tornado raged, it sucked up nearly ten percent of the lake's water, causing the water level to drop noticeably.
All that water, drawn up into the sky, now filled the clouds. Like something overfed, they grew bloated and cumbersome.
Seemingly satisfied, a massive pressure manifested around Natsume-san, cleanly slicing the tornado in two.
The enormous whirlwind instantly succumbed to violent pressure chaos, breaking apart mid-air. Its frantic currents scattered in every direction, whipping up strange, unruly winds.
"Natsume-san, wasn't there a method with a bit less... commotion?"
Shirai-san suddenly appeared mid-air, sighed, and locked eyes with a certain stationary girl hovering nearby.
"Don't worry, I've got perfect control. I didn't even harm a single fish."
Pointing a finger decisively at the heavy rain clouds above, Natsume Sonoko declared with gravity.
"That's not what I meant... Never mind. Just hurry up and get on with it." Shirai-san's reply was somewhat listless.
Shirai-san couldn't stay airborne for long. Just as gravity began to pull her down, she'd use her Teleport to reset her position.
Soon, however, she noticed a gentle current of air lifting and holding her aloft.
"If you can't keep it up, don't push yourself. No one wants to see anything happen to you, Natsume-san."
Shirai-san fell quiet for a few seconds, curious about this method of aerial suspension, before speaking again.
"It's fine, really. Don't underestimate me, Shirai-san."
Shaking her head with a touch of pride, Natsume Sonoko put on a theatrically confident face.
Ever since her abilities had kept improving, a bit of inflation had crept into Natsume-san's heart.
This inflation, however, was more about self-satisfaction, a brimming confidence in her own power—much like every other Level 5.
"Alright. But how exactly does Natsume-san plan to move this thing?"
Shirai-san felt a headache coming on, noticing Natsume-san seemed to be developing a streak similar to Onee-sama's, though she was considerably easier to manage.
Perhaps due to all the excess water, the cloud had now reached the tipping point for rainfall, with sporadic drips already beginning to fall.
It was amazing, really. Just minutes ago, this was shimmering lake water, and now it was an airborne division.
"It is a bit more than I expected, but it's still within controllable parameters."
Shooting Shirai-san a reassuring look, Natsume-san bowed her head in thought. Soon, she had another idea.
Shirai-san was a master planner, and Natsume-san was full of ideas too. Thinking about it, they were actually quite alike in some ways.
"And this is the solution you came up with, Natsume-san?"
Shirai-san lay back on a bed woven from cloud-stuff, shifting into a more comfortable position with a contented sigh.
Though they'd known each other for a while, they still used formal address, but it did nothing to hinder their rapport.
It was mainly because Natsume-san could be overly proper in some ways, quite similar to Uiharu-san, Shirai Kuroko mused.
"Speaking of which, Natsume-san's ability is really quite convenient."
Talking almost to herself, Shirai-san couldn't resist poking at the cloud beside her, only to get a face full of mist.
"How is my service, Miss Shirai? To your satisfaction?"
A nearby 'attendant,' little Natsume, offered a perfectly measured smile.
"Not bad. It'd be even better with a massage and some fruit."
In her drowsy state, Shirai Kuroko stretched and mumbled.
"Shirai-san, why are you suddenly muttering to yourself over there?"
Throwing a puzzled glance at Shirai-san, Natsume Sonoko, who was busy working, couldn't help but comment.
Snapping back to reality, Shirai-san's sleepy eyes flew wide open. She rubbed her head and clambered out of the air-current bed.
"So it was a dream..."
A faint blush suddenly colored Shirai-san's cheeks, betraying her embarrassment.
"If you hadn't woken up, I was going to drop you. Honestly, Shirai-san, how can you be so relaxed?"
Natsume-san's face held an expression of exasperation, as if wondering if Shirai-san was here to help or to nap.
"Sorry. But where are we now?"
Shirai Kuroko straightened her expression, abruptly changing the subject.
Based on her experience, Natsume-san usually took the bait in situations like this.
"Where? Now that you mention it... we're almost at the research fair venue."
Glancing down instinctively, Natsume-san paused for a few seconds before continuing.
The massive cloud overhead blocked most of the light, but they could still make out some of the scenery below.
The entire journey had essentially involved Natsume-san physically moving the entire rain cloud here, using updrafts to counter the impending downpour. It had left her utterly exhausted.
The weight of the rain cloud had reached absurd levels, requiring significant computational power for every meter gained.
Furthermore, friction within the cloud mass had even generated faint electrical sparks, forcing Natsume-san to deal with those as well.
"How are Uiharu-san and the others? Can we begin?"
Natsume-san asked abruptly.
Truth be told, Natsume-san was quite touched. Her suggestion relied entirely on her own ability, yet everyone was willing to give it a try.
This must be what trust feels like.
Whether for everyone's sake, or for the preservation of her own peaceful daily life, this heavy rain was absolutely necessary.
Having learned certain things during the summer break, Natsume-san knew she couldn't leave Academy City. Thus, she felt a deeper concern for its safety than others might assume.
"The Judgment members, along with Kongou-san and her group, are already deployed at the designated positions near the research fair workspace. They're ready to assist staff at a moment's notice."
"Oh, and second-year Juufuku Miho-senpai is here too," Shirai-san added, sounding slightly surprised.
"Juufuku-san is here too?"
Natsume Sonoko pondered this briefly; she hadn't informed Juufuku-san about the situation here.
"Mhm. She said she wanted to be of help to you, Natsume-san." At this, Shirai-san shot a peculiar look at the certain ponytailed girl.
"And Onee-sama's group found suitable raw materials. They're currently developing the neutralizing agent with Dr. Heaven Canceller," Shirai-san continued.
Right above the research fair, a bizarre, misshapen cloud now hung, casting the area into sudden shadow.
It was roughly ellipsoidal, but with lumpy, uneven patches—clearly the work of an amateur.
"So this is Natsume-san's ability... It's truly astonishing."
Konori-senpai opened the window, her gaze becoming momentarily distant.
Even though she'd anticipated it, seeing it in person was still awe-inspiring.
If Misaka-senpai's specialty was hacking, then Natsume-san's was weather control.
--+--
T/N: 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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.