"An interesting creation, isn't it?"
Mikoto's current situation was naturally observed by Aleister, and he found it quite fascinating as well.
"The thing he created casually is more powerful than the superpowers you've been working on for so many years, does that hit you hard?"
Aiwass's voice came through, but Aleister shook his head in response.
He is not such a shallow person. For him, superpowers and the like are completely inconsequential, and he didn't care about them. What he cared about are other things.
As for Aiwass's words, Aleister couldn't be bothered to pay attention and he redirected his focus. After all, to them, this kind of thing was merely a little toy, nothing special.
After playing for a while, Mikoto went back to rest. Although her mental energy is very strong, it is not limitless.
Additionally, some of the techniques she had in her mind, such as El Thor, Kiten, Vari, etc… are not to be used recklessly, as they are powerful abilities.
These powerful techniques could cause massive devastation. As not only could they potentially destroy Academy City, they would also result in significant collateral damage. That's why she was cautious about using them, and she planned to find some time to go out and test these techniques in a safe environment.
Leaving Academy City was as simple for her as leaving her dormitory now.
Moreover, she felt that she hadn't properly thanked Asahi for his advice and also the gift he gave her.
It was clear that what he provided was immensely valuable and could elevate her beyond Level 5. She began to realize that this 'boss' was not an ordinary person by any means.
All those incredibly unusual abilities aside, receiving this terrifyingly powerful gift left her feeling truly fearful.
She also couldn't help but feel unworthy of such a potent item handed to her directly.
It was like a rich guy suddenly gifting a billion dollars to a poor man with assets worth only a few hundred thousand. Regardless of what that billion meant to the other party, the poor man couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.
The same is true for Mikoto now, she is facing a dilemma. She had taken away the powers and abilities from the other party, and even consumed the gifted item. She was worried that she might have taken too much from the other party. Moreover, she couldn't think of anything she could provide to the other party.
This situation led to Mikoto experiencing sleepless nights. Her current roommate is not Kuroko, but she can still be said to be her dedicated fan.
This roommate respected her to the extreme, after all, Mikoto is one of the only two Level 5 Espers in Tokiwadai Middle School.
And compared to Misaki's ability, Mikoto's ability is undoubtedly stronger, which made her the ace among all Espers in Tokiwadai Middle School.
To be reasonable, if Mikoto was to fight against Misaki, she would likely defeat her easily. Misaki's ability, and consequently her destructive power, relies heavily on her psychic manipulation. Once her ability is nullified, her combat capabilities are quite ordinary, and her physical strength doesn't compare to others of her age.
In a battle against peers, she can be said to be just an average individual.
The next day, after school was over, Mikoto went directly to the manga shop.
"What's wrong? You look like you have something on your mind!"
Seeing Mikoto's expression that suggested she had something to say but didn't know how to start, Asahi asked with amusement.
"Isn't it because of that fruit you gave me, boss? That fruit is too precious, and now that I've eaten it, I don't even know what I can give in return!"
Mikoto expressed her frustration and stated the reason for her current dilemma.
"Actually, there is no need to give me something… As I've mentioned before, it is just a small gift for you. It might be precious to you, but for me, it's nothing much."
"To put it in perspective, it's like you're an ordinary person who spends a modest amount on a meal, but the money I spend on a single meal could buy you a whole house."
"And now, to put it differently, the gift I gave you, which is like this whole house, you find it precious and hesitate to accept. But for me, it's just the cost of a meal."
"If you consider me a friend, we can move past this topic. Because, for me, this fruit isn't even worth the cost of a meal, and I gave it to you as a friend. If you treat me as a friend too, don't worry too much about it!" Asahi smiled and said.
Mikoto couldn't help but inwardly roll her eyes at the whole 'cost of a meal' metaphor.
But Asahi is right. For a super local tyrant like him this item might indeed be of little value, but Mikoto kept her gratitude in her heart and vowed to help him in the future whenever he needed it.
"Of course, if you really feel bad about it, offering yourself isn't a bad idea, what do you think?"
Asahi asked with a playful tone. His words immediately turned Misaka's face as red as a tomato, and she blushed all the way up to her neck.
"Who would offer themselves like that? Anyway, you don't seem to care about it, so I'll accept it!"
After saying this, Mikoto quickly ran off, and Asahi kist smiled at this. He had only made a playful remark, and he didn't want Mikoto to take it too seriously, it's as simple as that.
Meanwhile, after leaving the manga shop, Mikoto wandered aimlessly through the city. She had initially planned to go to the arcade to play games but on her way there, she encountered members of the Judgement in a battle with some thugs.
And she also saw acquaintances, Kazari and Kuroko.
To make matters more complicated, the thugs had a hostage, which makes Kuroko unable to use her power. As for the incompetent Kazari, she was desperately seeking help.
Upon witnessing this scene, the heroic spirit within Mikoto was ignited.
She didn't rush over, but instead, with lightning speed and precision, Mikoto released electric currents that struck down all the thugs, incapacitating them instantly.
"Amazing, her clothes is Tokiwadai Middle School. Kuroko, aren't you going to enter Tokiwadai Middle School in the future? You should go and introduce yourself!" Kazari said excitedly.
The current Kuroko has not enrolled the middle school yet, but was planning to do so in the next April, so this would be a good opportunity for her to get acquainted with the school and its students.
Under Kazari's encouragement and drawn by some inexplicable allure, Kuroko decided to approach Mikoto Misaka and inquire about her.
Upon learning that Mikoto is a Level 5 Esper, Kuroko couldn't help but be surprised. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt that Mikoto in front of her is so charming and she became completely obsessed with her, almost the same as when she saw Asahi before.
In this moment, Kuroko and Mikoto finally began to form a connection.