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Shokuhou Misaki had lost her memories.
This was already a confirmed fact. To Shokuhou Misaki, the memories of this single day were her entire life. And Fang Li was the very first person she met in this extremely short life, and the only one standing by her side.
Although Shokuhou Misaki held some grievances about Fang Li's completely ungentlemanly treatment of her, she felt no hatred toward him.
In other words, Shokuhou Misaki was actually enjoying the time spent with Fang Li.
Because that was all she had.
Shokuhou Misaki didn't know what kind of person her past self had been.
But regardless of what she used to be, there was one thing she was certain of now: she absolutely would never use her ability on Fang Li.
Not because she lost her memories and wasn't used to using her powers.
But because Shokuhou Misaki understood that if she used her ability on Fang Li, peeked into his heart, learned all his secrets, their relationship would definitely change.
And Shokuhou Misaki did not want their current relationship to change.
Not for any grand reason, just because if it changed, she would truly lose everything she had in this short, narrow existence.
Yet the enemy standing before them said this to Fang Li:
"The only reason you're beside this woman is because she controlled you."
What was that supposed to mean?
What was that supposed to mean?
Was everything she obtained in life destined to be something she forcefully seized through ability rather than earned through her own efforts?
Was Fang Li at her side only because of her power, and not because he actually wanted to stay with her? It was as if the man's words denied Shokuhou Misaki's worth as a person.
To him, the only thing Shokuhou Misaki had, the only thing that mattered was her Ability.
How could she not be furious?
Yet the man didn't care about Shokuhou Misaki at all. He gave the privilege of conversation exclusively to Fang Li.
"Kid," the man said, "I'm asking you… are you a high-rank esper?"
The moment those words came out, every red-suited rider locked their gaze onto Fang Li.
Their eyes carried pure pressure.
Anyone who understood the meaning behind that question would know what their next answer could imply.
If he was a high-ranking esper, he would become their prey in an instant.
If not…
"Unfortunately, I'm not just a high-rank esper… I don't even know if I'm an esper at all." Fang Li shrugged. "I'm a Level 0. My abilities haven't manifested. No matter how much training I undergo, body or brain, I still can't even bend a spoon."
The moment Fang Li finished speaking, the oppressive stares around him visibly relaxed.
"In that case, you're one of us," The man said. "Among us, some are Level 0 like you. Some are powerful espers up to Level 4. But regardless of our ranks, we all hit a dead end, we can't move forward even a single step."
He then turned his gaze toward Shokuhou Misaki.
"But she's different."
His tone completely changed from how he spoke to Fang Li.
Toward Shokuhou Misaki, there was only hatred and loathing and not a shred of goodwill.
"Don't you think it's unfair?" The man said, staring at the stiffened Shokuhou Misaki while speaking to Fang Li. "We're all human, so why is she able to become a Level 5 at such a young age… while we can only fall into despair, forever trampled under her feet?"
In other words, the unfairness of the system and the unequal treatment they received birthed the resentment within "Deadlock."
"We've all been wondering… Why is it that we're all humans just the same, yet those Level 5s succeeded while we failed?" The other party said. "The answer is simple: it's the Level 5s who caused our sacrifices."
Every Esper can release an AIM Diffusion Field. Because each ability is different, the effect of the field also varies greatly.
For example, a Pyrokinesis user's AIM Diffusion Field is like heat, faint, yet capable of slightly raising the actual temperature.
So, is it impossible that the Level 5s' AIM Diffusion Fields are simply too powerful, interfering with the other Espers and preventing their abilities from improving any further?
"Just like right now… are you sure staying by that woman's side is really what you want?"
The man threw out such a question.
"Could it be that… have you never considered the possibility that the reason you're sticking to that woman is because you've been unconsciously influenced, controlled by the AIM Diffusion Field released by an ability like 'Mental Out'?"
The moment those words left the man's mouth, Fang Li felt it. Behind him, Shokuhou Misaki's hand, which was wrapped around his neck, suddenly tightened.
Sensing this, Fang Li didn't even need to turn around to know…
Right now, Shokuhou Misaki's complexion must have changed.
It must have turned deathly pale.
"I… unconsciously controlled him…?" Shokuhou Misaki's voice trembled.
If that were true, wouldn't that mean her own feelings had been completely invalidated?
"That's exactly what it means." The enemy spoke as if stating the obvious. "Kid, you'd better get away from that woman. Staying near a Level 5 means you'll inevitably become a stepping stone. We have to eliminate these people who only bring about the sacrifice of others, that's the only way to bring equality to everyone."
As he spoke, murderous intent gathered once more.
These people… they really intended to kill Shokuhou Misaki over such a foolish reason.
No…
These people intended to kill all Level 5s.
That way, the Level 5s' AIM Diffusion Fields would no longer cause sacrifices, and no one would be trapped in a dead end where their abilities could no longer improve.
"Heh…"
At that moment, Fang Li couldn't help but laugh.
His laugh stunned not only the members of "Deadlock," but even Shokuhou Misaki herself.
"…What are you laughing at?" the one who appeared to be the leader asked sternly. "Do you think we're just spouting nonsense?"
Hearing this, Fang Li clicked his tongue.
Then he looked at them and asked a question.
"I just recall you saying earlier that among your group, there's no shortage of high-level espers… Lv.4s, right?" Fang Li spoke with a half-smile.
"So I'd like to know: once you kill all the Level 5s and regain the chance to improve… if one of those Level 4s becomes a Level 5, should that person also kill themselves to avoid causing sacrifices to others?"
The air froze instantly.
(End Of This Chapter)