"Academy City's mysterious incidents?"
Because Yowane had something to do (she didn't want to participate), only the four-person group remained. Mikoto, currently drinking coffee in a cafe, looked at the unusually excited Ruiko with a puzzled expression. She hadn't expected that in this'scientific' Academy City, someone would be so obsessed with 'unscientific' incidents, and that person was her good friend whom she had recently made.
"For example, a girl who can nullify any ability."
"And a woman who takes off her clothes anytime, anywhere."
At this moment, Ruiko was in a state of extreme excitement. Her greatest hobbies, besides listening to Yowane's songs, were collecting these 'unscientific' urban legends; she was practically an urban legend fanatic.
"And then what?"
Hearing Ruiko's words, Kuroko said expressionlessly. Without Yowane present, her intelligence was still online, but her perverted tendencies were equally online, though it was unclear when they would be triggered.
"This is a real urban legend, okay? Can't you two show some surprise?"
Ruiko, who had originally lowered her voice to create a'scary' atmosphere, was now deflated after being hit by Mikoto and Ruiko's calm double-barreled response. She said to the two of them, looking dispirited.
"Haruue, what's wrong?"
Mikoto asked worriedly, looking at Haruue, who was clutching her head and burrowing into a corner.
"Oh! I forgot, Haruue is a bit sensitive to these kinds of topics. I'm sorry, Haruue."
Suddenly remembering her friend's timid nature, Ruiko apologized to Haruue, but Haruue was still immersed in her 'fearful' emotions and completely unresponsive to external signals.
Finally, after much effort to awaken the'soft girl,' the four changed the topic.
"Have you heard of Imagine Breaker? Recently, the number of espers has suddenly increased, and some espers' levels are a bit different from the records. Now, esper crimes are becoming more and more frequent."
Kuroko talked about some unusual things she and Haruue had investigated recently.
"What exactly is that thing?"
The sudden topic piqued Mikoto's interest. If it could really allow everyone to have abilities, then Academy City's most basic goal would be achieved, and there wouldn't be so many powerless people.
"That..."
"It's not a good thing. Current records show that the criminal esper caught using Imagine Breaker is now in a coma. No, it should be said that it's basically confirmed that anyone who has used Imagine Breaker will inexplicably fall into a coma."
Just as Ruiko was happily holding her music player and about to speak, Kuroko's sudden words made her freeze. She stared blankly as Kuroko finished speaking, her mind a little confused.
"What's wrong, Ruiko?"
Haruue, after hearing Kuroko's narration, looked at the stunned Ruiko beside her and asked with some confusion.
"N-nothing?"
Hearing Haruue's words, Ruiko tightened her grip on her player and forced a smile.
Although they were puzzled by Ruiko's state, they had more pressing matters to attend to: investigating the effects, origin, drawbacks, and solutions for Imagine Breaker.
"Where are we going now, Kuroko?"
"Next, we're going to the Mizuho Institute Hospital. A doctor who looks like a frog told us there's an expert in brain physiology there who should be able to explain why so many people are in a coma."
"A face like a frog? Are you sure you're not joking, Kuroko?"
Hearing Kuroko's words, Mikoto was shocked. Is there really someone in this world who looks like a frog? Just how 'strange' must that person be!
"No matter what you say, that's the only way I can describe him. But our main concern right now isn't what he looks like, it's those comatose espers."
Kuroko, whose train of thought was interrupted by Mikoto, said helplessly. What she saw was a doctor who looked like a frog, not a frog who looked like a doctor. However, none of that was important. Solving the troublesome matter first was the right thing to do.
It was around two in the afternoon, and the sunlight was slowly fading. They finally found the person they were looking for: a woman who looked drowsy and sleep-deprived.
"Hello, I'm Misaka Mikoto. Are you Dr. Kiyama Haruue?"
Mikoto, who was almost asleep, asked when she saw the person arrive.
"Hello, I am Kiyama Haruue."
Haruue replied calmly. She already knew who they were. She had investigated almost everyone around Yowane and was quite relieved that Yowane was friends with this 'Railgun Princess,' because such a bright girl wouldn't likely harm anyone.
After a brief introduction, Haruue took them to a nearby coffee shop to rest.
Under Haruue's half-truths and persuasion, Mikoto and the others gained a slight understanding of the 'Imagine Breaker.' Then, Ruiko accidentally knocked over a cup of coffee, which spilled directly onto Haruue's stockings.
"I… I'm so sorry, truly sorry."
"It's fine. If we clean it immediately, it won't leave a stain."
Ruiko apologized hurriedly. Haruue waved her hand dismissively at Ruiko's apology, then stood up and took off her skirt in front of the four of them.
"How bold!"
"Don't just take your clothes off anywhere!"
Everyone panicked. The appearance of the stripping woman made them instantly realize that sometimes urban legends really can be true. But for now, they needed to help this person dry her clothes!
"She really hasn't changed her ways!"
Standing on the roof of another building, Yowane covered her head, watching the farce below. Although she wouldn't intervene, how could she not monitor it? Otherwise, she wouldn't even know the extent of what was happening. But now, it seemed Haruue's old habits had returned.
"I've reminded you so many times, but you never remember. Really, Teacher Haruue."
Looking at the setting sun, Yowane's face showed a nostalgic smile. So many years had passed, and the only ones who had been good to her when she first came to this world were Haruue and those little brats. Otherwise, things wouldn't have progressed so smoothly.
"Ruiko! This choice is yours. No matter what you choose, I will help you reclaim your power."
With a mental particle Cohesion in her hand, Yowane watched the group below frantically enter the restroom. That strong figure with long black hair was the person Yowane intended to help.
And a 'blank' mental particle in Yowane's hand quickly flew behind Ruiko, slowly merging into Ruiko's body. This mental particle was controllable psychic energy from Yowane, which could help Ruiko stabilize and better awaken her power when she used the 'Imagine Breaker' to open the door to her abilities.
After doing all this, Yowane disappeared from the rooftop.
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