On the street, the oppressive heat still lingered, making the number of pedestrians seem even smaller.
But no matter how few, this was still a main street, not a deserted alley, so the flow of people around was still quite significant.
However, every now and then, some of them would glance in one particular direction.
In that direction, Fang Li and Index were walking together.
To be precise, Fang Li was walking ahead, and Index was following behind, one in front of the other, drawing the attention of the people around them.
"Hey, hey." Index trotted along closely behind Fang Li, asking with curiosity: "Why are all these people staring at us?"
Her voice from behind didn't make Fang Li slow down, but he still replied.
"They're not looking at me, they're looking at you," Fang Li said without turning his head. "After all, this is Academy City, the representative of the Science Side known for its most advanced technological prowess. Someone dressed like you, a nun from a religious faction in monastic clothes, appearing on the street will naturally draw attention."
"I see…" Index said, enlightened. "No wonder people have been staring at me ever since I came to this city."
In fact, beyond her attire, Index herself was naturally eye-catching.
Her smooth, silver hair reached down to her waist, reflecting sunlight from above. Her blue eyes were full of innocence and romantic curiosity. Her youthful face was as charming and delicate as a doll.
And being obviously foreign, combined with her nun's attire, it was impossible for her not to attract attention.
Of course, if it weren't for Fang Li, who had rushed into a nearby clothing store from the alley to buy a shirt, he would have drawn even more attention than Index.
Having no clothes on, with a young girl following behind who might be in cosplay, that scene was exactly the kind that would make Anti-Skill and Judgment step in, and then call the school's teachers.
Index, of course, was unaware of all this and felt uneasy.
"Isn't this too conspicuous?" She asked with some worry. "There are so many people here. If a Magic user attacks, wouldn't a lot of innocent civilians get caught up in it?"
"What are you worrying about?" Fang Li replied irritably. "It's precisely because there are so many people here that we need to be out in the open. Do you really think the so-called Magic you talk about can be casually displayed in front of everyone?"
"Of course not," Index replied immediately.
Though usually just an innocent and romantic young girl, the moment Magic was mentioned, she exuded the air of an expert.
In this state, she began to explain confidently: "Magic, in reality, is a power that does not belong to this world. In the Magic World, it is referred to as 'different common sense' and 'different laws.' Such power, whether good or bad, is harmful to this world."
Fang Li already knew this.
It is said that an ordinary human's mind is destroyed if it gains knowledge of 'Magic' from another world.
That is why reading Magic Path books erodes a person's mind and energy.
"In my case, due to special circumstances, it doesn't matter, but Magic users willingly tread the path of destruction, seeking to surpass human limits."
While Fang Li pondered this, Index continued explaining without pause: "However, ordinary people with weak religious beliefs, if they use Magic once or twice, that is already their limit. If they continue to use this power out of greed, they will absolutely perish. And reading Magic Path books is even more dangerous."
This child, despite appearing frail and bumping into people while running, knew far too much about Magic.
Index probably didn't realize that in the Science Side's headquarters, talking about Magic would just make others laugh.
If it were anyone else, they definitely wouldn't believe her, and might even consider her a severe Chuunibyou case, handing her over to Anti-Skill or Judgment.
Fang Li, though, did not think so. Having long known about Magic, he appeared completely nonchalant.
"Since it's such a dangerous thing, it's probably better not to talk about it out on the streets, right?"
At most, that was all Fang Li thought.
His casual, indifferent attitude seemed to irritate Index.
"I'm only talking about Magic's common sense. If it just exists in theory, even if it leaks out, it's fine. I'm not explaining how a Magic formula is constructed or how a Magic array is built. Even if others understand the existence of Magic, it's impossible for them to actually use it…"
Speaking like this, Index's tone carried dissatisfaction and continued endlessly. Yet somehow, as she spoke, her voice gradually weakened toward the end.
Fang Li found it strange and was about to slow his pace, when suddenly a sound came from behind.
"Gulu~~~"
A cute voice came from behind, leaving Fang Li silent.
At the same time, the young girl walking right behind him also fell silent.
Half a second later, Fang Li seemed as if he wanted to break into a run, quickening his pace.
But before he could, a small hand, with terrifyingly monstrous strength, grabbed him tightly and dragged him back.
"Hungry…"
The gluttonous young girl had abandoned her previous lecture-like tone and, in the simplest words, expressed her true feelings.
"Hungry…"
She said it a second time, as if to emphasize it.
"If any kind-hearted person would treat me to a meal, I absolutely will offer them the most beautiful blessings in the name of the Lord."
Her innocent and romantic words gave Fang Li the sensation of being cornered, with no way to escape.
"Hun! Gry!!"
Each word came out as if weighted with a heavy burden, almost like a bombardment.
"Ugh…"
Fang Li finally sighed.
...
"Hau! Hau!"
Inside a restaurant, at a table piled high with dishes, the girl named Index had transformed into a true glutton king, devouring her food in huge mouthfuls.
"Thank you! You're really a good person!"
Her words of happiness only earned Fang Li's sigh as he stared at the now-empty plates in front of him.
"Good thing I don't have to worry about money right now. Otherwise, I might have to sell a kidney."
As a Level 0, no-Ability student, Fang Li's scholarship wasn't much.
Not to mention, he had refused an entire year of Ability development courses. The school had long warned him that if he continued like this, his scholarship would be revoked.
After all, a student's scholarship was equivalent to the contract money for Ability development.
Refusing to participate naturally meant losing the scholarship, and that was to be expected.
Fortunately, Fang Li shared a bank account with the world-class diva Sylvia, which had enough money to start several companies.
In other words, Fang Li was now completely living off her wealth.
Of course, Fang Li and Sylvia were no longer in a distant, formal relationship.
So, neither Fang Li nor Sylvia cared about such trivial matters.
With that thought, Fang Li once again turned his attention to the gluttonous young girl in front of him.
(End Of This Chapter)
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