After the miniature Misaka serving as the control center was adopted, it became quite troublesome for anyone to implant viruses or anything else into the Misaka Network.
Memory, however, was an exception. Even the most unremarkable individual among the Sisters could freely upload and download various memory files within the Misaka Network.
So, by disguising a specially crafted virus as a piece of memory data, one could affect the entire Misaka Network through any single Misaka Sister.
However, since the Misaka Sisters possess a weaker version of the electromagnetic barrier, precisely inserting the viral memory into the brain while simultaneously uploading it naturally required the assistance of a sufficiently powerful psychokinetic-type esper.
Considering feasibility and reliability, utilizing the Exterior was naturally the best choice.
After all, the Misaka Network was ultimately just one part of Kihara Gensei's plan.
The implanted virus was merely to facilitate control over the Misaka Network, with the final goal being to connect the Network to Misaka Mikoto's own body.
"Even if we forcibly load Misaka Mikoto with computational power far exceeding her own, inducing her evolution into a Level 6 still requires some additional steps."
Kihara Gensei smiled and looked toward his somewhat quiet ally beside him.
He hadn't chosen his ally arbitrarily. Not only did her ability allow her to evade Shokuhou Misaki's Mental Out, but Kouzaku Mitori's own plans for revenge could also greatly catalyze the experiment.
Kouzaku Mitori's target for vengeance had never changed; she still intended to launch a terrorist attack on that 'windowless building.'
This time, however, the bomb would be the 'Level 6' Misaka Mikoto.
"You don't need to remind me. I've been waiting for this day for a very long time."
The metal doll's movements gained a touch of seriousness as it cooperatively nodded. She knew exactly what Kihara Gensei was referring to.
Under normal circumstances, even if someone could artificially utilize the vast computational power within the Misaka Network, they could only access the surplus power remaining after deducting the consumption required by all the Misaka Sisters.
After implanting the virus Kihara Gensei had prepared, all the Misaka Sisters would be forced into a shutdown state. Their brains would even become more active than usual, allowing every last drop of computational power to be squeezed out.
At that point, the Misaka Network would operate at 120% efficiency, providing a terrifyingly immense level of computational power. This power would become the fuel for Misaka Mikoto's evolution.
The implanted virus would also break down the barrier between Misaka Mikoto and the Misaka Network, flooding entirely into Misaka Mikoto's body and attempting to become her second brain.
However, a critical problem remained.
Even if the Misaka Network's computational power was immense, if Misaka Mikoto had no desire to use it and was merely connected, that power would remain just numbers.
Therefore, Kihara Gensei planned to infinitely amplify the hatred Misaka Mikoto felt towards Academy City, even if this amplification led to the city's complete destruction.
One might call this 'sacrificing kin for the greater good.'
As her inner hatred grew, she would inevitably desire to destroy everything. Guided by these dark emotions, that vast computational power would finally find its use.
Once this external computational power was accepted and utilized by Misaka Mikoto, the subsequent changes would be beyond her control.
Even an esper's computational power was but a small ripple compared to the complete Misaka Network.
She would be involuntarily swept along into evolution, dissolving into the ocean of that colossal external computational power.
This was entirely different from Natsume-san borrowing Reiko-san's computational power. After all, Reiko-san's power was limited, and the amount borrowed was controllable.
Furthermore, Misaka Mikoto herself lacked the inherent stability to reliably become a Level 6. Once this violent change progressed to a certain point, it would undoubtedly destroy her consciousness, reducing her to a high-energy lifeform governed solely by instinct.
Simultaneously, this change would affect the entire Misaka Network, potentially destroying the consciousness of every Sister.
The method to amplify this hatred was simple: it only required the experimental memories of the Sisters being killed, stored within the Misaka Network, and a persuasive guide.
Kouzaku Mitori would serve as that guide, leading Misaka Mikoto down the path of darkness to attack the windowless building.
"Because of the Level 6 Shift Project, Misaka Mikoto's heart has long been filled with hatred for Academy City. She just lacked a suitable opportunity to release it. All it takes is a single spark, and all her resentment will become the power that unlocks her potential."
"The greater this hatred and rage, the harder it will be for Misaka to break free. She will be forced to evolve into a Level 6, even if it's an incomplete one."
Kihara Gensei closed his eyes, reverting to his initial demeanor as his imposing aura withdrew completely.
He straightened his posture slightly, raised his head to look at the burning orb in the sky, an inscrutable expression on his face.
"But before the experiment begins, you'd better deal with the 'Member' issue. They seem to have already realized I fed them false information. And they're backed by the Board of Directors—they might take action soon."
Kouzaku Mitori voiced her concern at this point. She didn't want any last-minute complications just as success was within reach.
This factory was originally an asset controlled by the dark-side group 'Member,' specifically used to produce the liquid metal she utilized.
However, the assigned dark-side members had all vanished. Now, only Kihara Gensei, his group, and Shokuhou Misaki remained here.
"No need to worry. As long as my experiment hasn't begun, the Board of Directors won't make any rash moves. And once it's officially initiated, it will be too late for them to regret it."
Kihara Gensei shook his head, seemingly lacking the proper reverence for the Board of Directors, who held the power of life and death over Academy City.
For a mad scientist like him, these political entities were merely chips for acquiring resources. The Board's greatest value was maintaining this massive experimental ground for him.
"So, what should we do about the #5?"
The metal doll tilted its head, its gaze involuntarily shifting towards Shokuhou Misaki, its piercing synthetic voice echoing around them.
"The #5? She's your responsibility now."
Kihara Gensei strode towards the factory's perimeter, not even glancing at the Mental Out lying on the ground.
The second Level 6 Shift Project was about to commence. Shokuhou Misaki could no longer cause him any trouble. Kihara Gensei's mind had already drifted to the girl named Misaka Mikoto.
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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!
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If you guys wanna check it out.