"Tsk." Stiyl clicked his tongue, clearly displeased by the contrast between Arata's earlier attitude and his current gentle smile.
"We understand," Kanzaki Kaori replied calmly. Raised as a refined Yamato Nadeshiko, she maintained her composure and would not lash out impulsively like Stiyl.
Seeing Arata look at Index with such clear eyes and a gentle smile, she was momentarily stunned. No matter how strange his behavior was, he was not evil at heart.
"See you for now." Arata waved with a smile before leaping off the rooftop.
"That guy hasn't changed at all. He's just dropped the mask he used to wear," Tsuchimikado Motoharu sighed.
"He is not a bad person," Kanzaki Kaori said softly as she watched Arata fly away. She was highly sensitive to malice, and she felt none from him.
Even if his actions were unusual, a Saint was, by nature, someone of extraordinary character.
"Still, boss, we need to keep Arata's identity secret for as long as possible," Tsuchimikado Motoharu said seriously. They could not allow the spark of war to ignite.
"We will not reveal what happened today. However, the birth of every Saint is detected by the Church, so it cannot remain hidden forever." Kanzaki Kaori frowned.
"This is troublesome. Let's delay it as much as we can," Tsuchimikado said, rubbing his temples.
"This city holds far too many secrets." Stiyl looked over Academy City and felt a chill.
...
Arata stopped by a supermarket and bought a large amount of ingredients before heading home at a relaxed pace. His body felt almost tireless.
"I feel like I have endless energy. I wonder where the limits of this enhancement lie."
The Stigma within him continued refining his body according to divine laws. However, he still did not know what abilities he would gain upon fully activating it.
He wanted to test it, but doing so would be like lighting a beacon, instantly drawing the attention of the magic side.
"It's time to build my own power. At the very least, I need to secure a position in Academy City."
His gaze sharpened. Being a mere student was far too restrictive.
Before gaining this power, he only wanted to protect those around him. Now, with this level of strength, hesitation would be foolish.
Since Words of Infinite Deception could even interfere with the Heavenly system, altering the cognition of researchers would be trivial.
His next step was to take control of the research facilities responsible for producing the Misaka Sisters. From there, he could secure influence over part of Academy City and establish himself as a ruler.
If that happened, the Board of Directors would not remain idle.
"Heh... let this dark side of Academy City fall into chaos."
Arata's eyes grew cold. Kindness toward allies was virtue, but in the dark side, it could also be a fatal weakness.
He adjusted his expression and returned home.
"Gurgle..."
The moment he entered, he heard the unmistakable sound of a stomach growling.
Misaka Mikoto could return to the hospital for meals, but Index had no such option.
"I'm back." Arata smiled as he looked at the nun lying weakly on the tatami, hugging a pillow.
Index instantly sprang to life. She rushed toward him, her blue eyes sparkling as she stared at the grocery bags. Drool formed at the corners of her mouth.
"Welcome back, Arata... I'm hungry."
"Hungry?" Arata froze for a moment. He hurried to check the refrigerator.
Empty.
Even the tomatoes and sweet sauce were gone.
His eyes twitched. "Index... I understand eating the tomatoes, but you even ate the sweet sauce?"
Index puffed her cheeks, slightly embarrassed. It was her first time taking food without permission.
"Waaah... it's already lunchtime, and you weren't back yet. The smell was too tempting. I couldn't hold back!"
"I'm not blaming you. But sweet sauce is a seasoning, not food."
"But it's sweet," Index replied seriously.
"..."
Arata was speechless. That logic was impossible to refute.
"I'll cook now. Just don't eat any more seasonings."
He carried the ingredients into the kitchen, and Index immediately followed, peeking from behind him.
"Gurgle~"
She clutched her stomach, swallowing her saliva. Just recalling his cooking made her mouth water.
...
"Index looks so happy. It's been a long time since I've seen her smile like that," Kanzaki Kaori said softly from the rooftop.
"Yes. She gets along with everyone easily," Stiyl replied.
"Doesn't it hurt? We've always been by her side," Kanzaki Kaori murmured.
"I hope what that boy said is true. Because if it is... then we are the ones hurting her."
If it was true, she would never forgive herself.
"I hope it's true as well," Stiyl said quietly.
"Let's go confirm it."
The two descended and walked toward Arata's apartment with tense expressions.
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
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