It's perfectly normal to have no leads on ability development—after all, someone who's good at everything only exists in fantasies.
When stepping into unfamiliar territory, it's never too cautious. That's why Natsume-san hardly ever uses abilities that aren't fully developed.
But not everyone is as reserved as Natsume-san. Misaka-senpai, for instance, is bold and daring—she even tries developing her formulas right out in the street.
"Hah."
Natsume Sonoko's expression shifted oddly, and she deliberately avoided looking at the smug teleporter beside her.
Having lived together for so long, she knew exactly what was going through her classmate's mind. She couldn't help but feel a little exasperated—Shirai-san's train of thought really never changed, even after a hundred years.
Come to think of it, Natsume-san had read some psychology books. She figured this was probably a mix of the mere-exposure effect and idol worship projection, with a dash of possessiveness thrown in.
But considering how Shirai-san once mentioned that Misaka-senpai had saved her, maybe there was also a sense of repayment involved?
Yet, when she recalled Shirai-san's usual ways of "repaying favors," something suddenly felt… off.
"I remember there are quite a few biology books in the school library."
Misaka-senpai murmured as if something had just occurred to her.
"If it's about reading, wouldn't it be faster to ask someone directly? I think Hokaze-senpai in third year, and first-year Arisugawa-san are both ability users in that field."
Hearing Misaka-senpai's words, Natsume Sonoko snapped back to attention and offered.
Hokaze-senpai's ability was Rampage Dress—it let her control the electrical signals in her body, with the effect of enhancing her physique and five senses.
Natsume-san still couldn't figure out whether this senpai should be classified as an electrokinetic or a physical enhancer.
As for first-year Arisugawa-san, her ability was Multi-Point Resonance, allowing her to briefly influence the vibration frequency of whatever her skin touched.
However, her research focus was on her own body—making her muscles and bones vibrate in reverse, even interfering with the flow of electrical signals inside her.
This also meant she consistently held the top spot in Tokiwadai's first-year physical education rankings—so much so that even the highly athletic Shirai Kuroko couldn't quite keep up.
According to Arisugawa-san herself, using her ability felt like getting a full-body massage—and she absolutely loved it.
"You're right. I'll go ask them for help tomorrow."
Misaka-senpai nodded in agreement, a look of sudden realization dawning on her face.
Today was the final day of the Daihaseisai, which meant Tokiwadai Middle School would resume classes as usual tomorrow.
Coincidentally, there was a joint physical education class with other grades tomorrow—the perfect chance for Misaka-senpai to seek their advice.
Besides, she was still worried about the whole Kihara Gensei situation and planned to seek out Shokuhou Misaki to learn more about what was really going on behind the scenes.
The root of all this was the so-called Level 6 Shift Project—there was no way Misaka-senpai could simply let it go.
Even if her face showed little change, some things had already taken root deep inside. The memories of the Sisters' deaths lingered like nightmares, impossible to shake.
At that thought, Misaka-senpai's gaze drifted toward the two underclassmen beside her. A shadow of emotion flickered briefly in her heart before vanishing.
The three of them chatted and laughed as they headed toward a nearby supermarket.
If only life could always be this simple—just peaceful, ordinary days without all the fear and sorrow.
But some things could never be undone. All she could do was try to prevent further tragedies and strive to change the darker aspects of this city.
The fact that Natsume-san was willing to accept the Skill-Out who had once attacked her and take on tasks she'd rather avoid—Misaka-senpai knew this was her underclassman's way of showing her stance.
How could she not be deeply moved?
So, she would embrace the sunlight—and not let the efforts of those around her go to waste.
--+--
"Sonoko-chan, you're buying so little this time. Are you on a diet?"
"But Sonoko-chan, I can feel your bones right through your clothes! Just half a month ago, you had way more meat on you. Is this what Touma calls 'bony beauty'?"
Index, wearing an oversized store uniform, studied the girl intently, even giving her arm a little squeeze as she asked curiously.
Because of her height, none of the employee uniforms at this supermarket fit Index properly. But she seemed to love the loose fit—it felt similar to wearing her nun's habit.
As a dedicated employee tasked with handling soon-to-expire foods, Index had originally planned to take Sonoko to try some delicious new snacks to boost the store's sales. But it seemed the girl wasn't in the mood for much shopping.
"A diet? Me? Never. I'd never go on a diet, not in this lifetime."
Natsume Sonoko's arm, pushing the cart, paused mid-air as she declared this with utmost seriousness.
As for why she was getting thinner, she found it rather baffling—hadn't she always been like this? Maybe she'd grown a little taller? But she hadn't really noticed.
"I just used up all my scholarship money, so I can't afford snacks right now."
Still mulling over whether she'd gotten taller, a hint of gloom immediately returned to Natsume-san's face. Even though she'd accepted reality, the bun-girl couldn't help wanting to complain to someone.
This month's scholarship had been disbursed—but not really.
At least, the amount she actually received was pitifully small, and that was after including subsidies from the Judgment branch and her club.
All counted, she could barely afford a new hairstyle from the street corner salon. Academy City's cost of living had this poor girl thoroughly discouraged.
"Really? That's terrible if you can't afford snacks."
Index gazed at the girl with deep sympathy—after all, she herself got to eat plenty of snacks here every day.
Whenever she wanted to go out for a nice meal, Touma would just point at his thin wallet and give a pained smile. The feeling of having no money was awful—she understood completely.
"It's not so bad, really. At my workplace, I get milk and black tea every day, and sometimes even snacks."
Thinking of the Judgment Branch 177 office, Natsume Sonoko spoke after a moment's reflection.
"That girl… I think I've seen her before."
"Working a part-time job here? That's rough."
Carrying some everyday items, Misaka-senpai was once again buying things that the dormitory provided for free. Even without her signature nun's habit, Misaka-senpai found Index somewhat familiar.
But her attention was quickly captured by something else entirely.
A poster for an ultra-rare limited-edition Gekota plushie—but one of the conditions to get it was that you had to be part of a couple.
Seriously, who came up with such an obnoxious requirement?
Where was she supposed to find a boyfriend?
--+--
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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.