July 16th, four days before summer vacation officially begins. Today marked the start of the break, and after two days of rest, final exams would begin. As a result, countless students had been suffering these past few days.
This was also the day Arata had invited Saten Ruiko to the Seventh Pharmaceutical Research Center to develop her esper ability. Index's early morning prayers to the rising sun completely destroyed any chance Arata had of sleeping in.
"Mmm. Index, haven't you always wanted me to go out and have fun with you? Since it's a holiday today, let's go out together."
Arata looked at Index, who was kneeling in front of the TV while petting the cat after finishing her meal, and smiled.
"Huh? Really? Really really?" Index looked at Arata with her clear blue eyes, her voice filled with surprise.
"Meow." Bastet, the white-spotted cat, twitched its pink nose as if agreeing.
"Why do you look so shocked?" Arata raised an eyebrow.
"Because Arata is such a blockhead. When I asked you to go out before, you ignored me. This is the first time you invited me on your own." Index's smile became bright and innocent. "Looks like Arata finally understands."
She knew he was busy, so she only asked when he seemed relaxed. She wanted to help him, but she couldn't understand anything related to science.
Being alone at home was boring, and going out alone was confusing.
"Is it really okay to talk about your host like that? Calling me a blockhead. I have my own appreciation for beauty too, you know." Arata teased.
"Come to think of it, even though the Walking Church can clean itself automatically, seeing you in that habit all the time is getting dull. Want to buy some new clothes?" Arata asked.
"No. I'm a member of the Church. I'm already living here and eating your food, so you shouldn't spend more money on me." Index said softly, smiling sweetly.
"Alright. Let's go meet the friends we agreed on." Arata said, grabbing her hand.
"You invited friends too?" Index asked curiously.
"Yes. Someone I've met before. You probably haven't."
"A girl?"
"...maybe."
Index immediately glared at him.
For some reason, Arata seemed to have more female acquaintances than male ones.
...
"Hmm, hmph~"
Saten Ruiko hummed softly as she stood in front of the mirror, her brows slightly furrowed.
"Is this outfit too simple for something like this? Then again, senpai never actually said it was a date..."
She wore a simple beige pleated skirt. It was inexpensive, but thanks to her natural sense of style, it looked lively and charming.
Several stacked boxes were scattered around her room. She selected products based on her keen sense of smell, repackaged them, and sold them online. This allowed her to earn some money while making connections.
Just yesterday, she had even been discussing canned whale meat with an online friend.
Even as a Level 0, her sharp senses were enough to support her daily life.
Outside Academy City, she would already be considered talented.
But here, where esper abilities were everything, her skills had no place to shine.
"Uiharu, I'm ready. Have you left yet?" Saten Ruiko held her phone between her cheek and shoulder while picking up the Kongming Lock.
"I already left. I'm downstairs." Uiharu Kazari replied.
Saten opened the window and saw Uiharu waving from below.
"I'm coming."
...
Uiharu Kazari and Saten Ruiko boarded a car together, heading toward the Seventh Pharmaceutical Research Center.
"I still don't get why senpai insisted we bring the Kongming Lock. Is there really something inside?" Saten asked, examining it curiously.
"What could it be? Maybe a ring, a rare gemstone, or a sealed demon that jumps out and eats Uiharu in one bite?"
Saten suddenly lunged toward Uiharu with a dramatic expression.
"H-hey, Saten, keep your voice down." Uiharu glanced nervously at the surrounding passengers.
"I don't know what Arata-senpai is planning, but there must be something inside." Uiharu said thoughtfully, staring at the puzzle.
"What could it be? I'm getting excited." Saten's eyes sparkled.
If she had known there was something inside, she would have spent an entire day solving it.
"I guess we'll find out when we see him." Uiharu said.
Soon, they arrived at the Seventh Pharmaceutical Research Center.
"Isn't this a research facility? It looks like a place for medical studies, like muscular diseases and pharmaceuticals." Saten said awkwardly while standing at the entrance.
After waiting for a while, Arata spotted them and walked out, waving.
"Over here."
"Senpai, why are you wearing a researcher's uniform?" Saten and Uiharu asked in unison.
"Long time no see. Ruiko, you've become even more charming. Come inside, we'll talk." Arata said with a smile. "Did you bring the Kongming Lock?"
"I did. Is there really something inside?" Saten asked eagerly, holding it up.
"The reason I invited you here is to develop your esper ability, Ruiko. This is a new method developed within Academy City. Are you willing to participate?" Arata asked seriously as he led them into the elevator.
"Huh? That's why? But we've already gone through ability development before. Doing it again shouldn't change anything, right?" Saten said, scratching her hair.
"That's right. Repeating it usually has no effect." Uiharu added.
"My method is different. I'll show you." Arata said confidently, his hands in the pockets of his lab coat.
The elevator doors opened.
Inside was a vast space filled with advanced equipment and complex instruments.
"Boss, you're here."
Several researchers immediately straightened and bowed when they saw him.
"Boss."
"Boss!"
Saten Ruiko and Uiharu Kazari froze in place, their eyes wide with shock.
...
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.