"So, ITEM failed, huh? Well, its evolution has progressed quite a bit, but it's still within expectations..."
With a hand on his chin, Gensei smiled as he watched the battle footage. He had secretly installed nano-machine suits with cameras to gather data when ITEM lost.
For Gensei, there was never a chance for ITEM to succeed. He had sent false data for this group to assume the mission, with the main purpose of testing Eighth's combat power, and the results were quite satisfying.
As for ITEM's fate, Gensei wasn't interested. They might already be dead, as Eighth had destroyed the suit by cutting the connection.
"Good, very good... I think it's time to use that little one."
Eighth is too interesting, with a troublesome and profound ability. Gensei decided to introduce a certain girl to control him and the shackles that bind him. There's nothing absolute in the world, and Eighth is no exception.
*Biri... Biri
Suddenly, the sound of electrical currents was heard, and the camera images began to glitch. Gensei slowly opened his eyes, slightly frowning.
(Hehehe, this place is no longer safe, well, it doesn't matter. I already have all the necessary data...)
Shaking his hand, Gensei walked calmly. He wasn't concerned about the disturbance in the city. Now that he had a fixed target and a way to catch it, nothing else mattered to Gensei as he disappeared slowly into the darkness.
---
In Academy City, chaos ensued in the morning. Machines went haywire, causing disruptions not only in student housing but also in transportation.
However, none of this affected Mikoto. She prepared for a new day as summer vacation began, working on her assignments in the library to enjoy the rest of her break—or so she intended.
"Misaka-sama..."
"Misaka-sama..."
Various Ojou-samas couldn't stop looking at her, their eyes filled with warmth and curiosity. With Yuki and her pictured on a date circulating, they all knew she had a boyfriend, a very handsome one, sparking curiosity about his identity.
Unfortunately, none of the present Ojou-samas had the courage to approach Mikoto.
(Ah! Why did I come to this place?)
Mikoto blushed, her pencil not ceasing its movement. Coming to the library was a terrible idea, but she had to for the information.
However, the stares made her increasingly anxious. She knew why they were looking—despite wanting to say Yuki wasn't her boyfriend, she realized no one would believe her after the close encounter in their date and the facade they needed to maintain.
"Misaka-san?"
Fortunately, someone came to her rescue.
"Kogou-san..."
This voice belonged to a girl with a prominent forehead, flanked by two bangs of her long, well-kept black hair. Mitsuko Kongou, an Esper Level 4.
"Wannai-san, Awatsuki-san..."
"Hello, Misaka-san."
"Good morning."
Beside Mitsuko were two beautiful girls, Kinuho Wannai with short, wavy brown hair, and Maaya Awatsuki with long dark blue hair.
(They're supposed to be my juniors... but)
Seeing these three girls together, Mikoto smiled with bitterness. All three possessed an impressive charm, but what made Mikoto uncomfortable and jealous was that, being her juniors, Kinuho and Maaya had more feminine power than her.
This realization depressed her, but she didn't let it show on her face, maintaining a twisted smile.
"What brings you girls to this place?"
"It's for our assignments."
"Well, summer vacation just started, but we have to do our assignments..."
"This school gives too many assignments..."
"I know, right..."
Engaging in a pleasant conversation, the four girls laughed. However, Kongou's gaze was drawn to Mikoto's neck where Thunder Soul hung.
As a true Ojou-sama from a wealthy family, Kongou had a good eye for valuable items. With just one look, she could tell that Mikoto's necklace was quite expensive. The rose-colored crystal materials emitted an indescribable charm, and Mikoto herself seemed in sync with the necklace and Thunder pendant, enhancing her beauty even more.
Kongou had no doubts; this necklace was made especially for Mikoto.
"Misaka-san, that's a beautiful necklace... Where did you buy it?"
Kongou was very interested and wanted one for herself, preferably with her own emblem to enhance her beauty.
"It's very beautiful..."
"Oh, incredible."
Even Kinuho and Maaya were tempted. It was truly a beautiful necklace; every woman loves beautiful things, and they were no exception.
"Um..."
Mikoto was in a dilemma. She had been so worried about the photos and rumors that she forgot to hide the necklace. Even Kuroko hadn't seen it, but now her friends already had.
"It wasn't bought; I'm sorry, but I can't say more..."
This necklace was a gift from Yuki, not something she bought. If Yuki wasn't lying, there wouldn't be another one like it in Academy City. Mikoto didn't want to reveal this information; otherwise, with these curious Ojou-samas, they wouldn't let her go.
So, she hid the necklace with her hands and blushed.
"Oh... I see."
But Mikoto forgot a detail—Ojou-samas are very perceptive. This single sentence and her expression were enough for Kongou, Kinuho, and Maaya to understand.
(It's a gift) x3
There was a pretty hot rumor in Tokiwadai. Mikoto now had a boyfriend, and if the girls weren't mistaken, this was a gift from him to Mikoto. After all, Mikoto looked at the necklace warmly, like a mother hen protecting it with both hands, not to mention they had never seen Mikoto wear it before.
This made the trio share looks and smile tenderly at Mikoto.
(It's good to be in love~) x3
None of the three knew what it was like to be in love, but if their electric princess was, it must be pretty good. For a moment, they thought about getting a boyfriend.
"Misaka-san~✨"
Suddenly, a very familiar voice was heard, and Mikoto couldn't help but shudder.
After all, this voice belonged to her worst enemy and the thorn in her side, Misaki Shokuhou.
"Shokuhou... What are you doing here?"
"Ara? Am I not allowed to enter the library?"
Responding with a smile, Misaki brought a hand to her lips. At the same time, she looked directly at the necklace hanging on Mikoto's neck, an odd shiver passing through her body, unable to suppress the flame burning within her.
"Misaka-san ~ what a beautiful necklace you have there~✨"
Smiling playfully, Misaki ignored the astonished looks of the trio of girls and squinted her starry eyes at the necklace.
"Can I touch it~✨?"
"No!"
Mikoto didn't hesitate for a second to refuse, hiding her necklace inside her clothes. But Misaki didn't give up. She played with her hair's bangs, looking pitiful.
"Please, Misaka-san ~✨"
With both hands behind her back and her feet playful, Misaki smiled kindly. Unlike before, her gaze was dark and cruel. Misaki wasn't playing anymore, and she definitely wouldn't accept a no for an answer. The collar on Mikoto's neck was something that belonged to her in the past, and Misaki wouldn't give it up.
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TN: Hohoho I made the girl sitting beside me in classroom enter the dark side and watch animes and stuff quite an achievement if I say so also she started reading this novel rn btw she pretty dumb wonder if she can reach this chapter LoL....
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