Facing the skepticism of her companions, Saryou Tsurigane said, "I can't make sense of those overly complicated research reports, but the basic facts are clear. This isn't a facility for developing abilities at all!"
To be precise, the research the four of them were involved in was about how brain stimulation affects esper powers. The so-called "ability development" was just a byproduct of the study.
In fact, among the four, Shirakinu Hoe's ability level actually dropped from Level 2 to Level 0.
The experiments they were participating in were essentially peripheral projects for the Dark May initiative, originally intended to verify the feasibility of the plan.
As for Toumi's "powers," they were an unexpected bonus for the researchers.
Last month, the Dark May project suddenly collapsed, and the entire "Black Moon Technology" organization ceased to exist. Consequently, the research institute attached to it found itself in an awkward position.
To keep the institute running, they had to secure a new research project quickly—one that could justify sufficient funding.
That's when the researchers realized the potential of Toumi's special ability. They decided to make her the focal point of future research and development at the institute.
Academy City already had six Level 5 Espers, with at least two Level 4s likely to rise to Level 5.
According to the director, Toumi could very well become the ninth Level 5. That alone would secure the institute's future and elevate it to the status of a top-tier research organization, rivaling the former "Black Moon Technology."
The problem was that Toumi wasn't a conventional Esper. By standard Academy City measurements, no matter what tests were performed, she registered as a Level 0, completely powerless.
But in reality, according to the institute's experiments and specialized tests, whenever Toumi activated her ability, a black hole would appear at a distance of several light-years from the solar system.
Since she had no conscious control over the ability, some researchers feared that a black hole could accidentally manifest near Earth, destroying the planet.
For years, the researchers had argued over whether to continue experimenting and developing her power. With the collapse of the Dark May project, this debate intensified,d nearly coming to blows at times.
However, the internal chaos also gave Saryou Tsurigane, a former Koga ninja, an opportunity to act freely.
Not only could she infiltrate the archives to review research reports, but she also installed listening devices in areas frequented by researchers and even investigated Black Moon Technology online. That's when she came across reports about the "Hero," Kobayashi, and his recent flurry of activity.
Online, there was even a dedicated forum for him, updating his daily movements in real time.
Browsing through it, Saryou saw that Kobayashi had been actively helping people across Academy City for the past few weeks voluntarily and without pay.
Though these were just everyday tasks, the fact that he had maintained this routine for over half a month, traveling in a wheelchair despite his injuries, made him a topic of admiration.
Even Saryou, who usually remained emotionally detached, couldn't help but feel a certain respect.
"So," Shirakinu asked, "you want to get Kobayashi's help to escape?"
"That's impossible," Torahachi said flatly. "We've seen it ourselves—there are armed guards here. No matter how willing a disabled person is to help, there's no way he'd come to such a dangerous place."
Though blunt, Toumi wasn't wrong; she didn't want an uninvolved outsider caught up in their situation.
They already knew the institute was dangerous ever since Saryou had first snuck out to gather intel.
But besides the institute, the four of them had nowhere else to go. Their original orphanage had closed due to poor management.
On the plus side, the institute hadn't been excessively cruel. Apart from the painful development courses, the kids could live relatively normal lives. For the go-through-the-rough-keep-the-best group, it wasn't ideal, but it wasn't terrible either.
Most importantly, Otokawa Raifu and Saryou had genuinely improved their ability levels here.
Shirakinu's level dropped, but like a gambler on a losing streak, she refused to leave, hoping to regain her abilities or even surpass her companions.
So, the four of them continued staying at the institute.
Until today, when Saryou returned with critical intelligence: some researchers were planning to act against Toumi, eliminating the "world-ending" threat at its source.
"We can't wait any longer!" Saryou's tone became serious. "The atmosphere in the institute is tense. The two factions of researchers could start fighting at any moment. From my judgment, if that happens, the first target will be Torahachi Toumi!"
Seeing her seriousness, Toumi dropped her playful expression. "So, what do we do? Escape?"
"The guards are armed," Shirakinu said. "This isn't a street brawl we can handle."
"We can call the hero for help~ Didn't Saryou get his phone number?" Otokawa Raifu asked, his tone completely unbothered.
Due to the ability development courses, his mind often floated in a carefree state, always appearing relaxed and unconcerned.
Saryou nodded. "That's my plan too. Kobayashi seems reliable, but we can't fully trust him. He's just a backup."
"Just tell us what to do. We'll follow your lead," Toumi said lazily, not wanting to think.
Having witnessed Tsurigane Saryou's abilities, the others left all matters of combat and strategy to her.
Shirakinu and Otokawa Raifu nodded in agreement.
(End of Chapter)