An oval-shaped hot air balloon drifted over Academy City's District 7, steadily floating along its fixed route in the sky above.
This balloon had been launched by the city's Board of Directors, intended to provide students with convenient access to real-time information.
On the underside of its gondola was an enormous, state-of-the-art screen, continuously scrolling through updates like weather forecasts and current news.
"[District 7 Announcement: Schools conducting Physical Examinations today: Private Tokiwadai Middle School, Shibayama Middle School, Asahi Middle School...]"
A rather tense Sonoko Natsume had, for once, woken up unusually early. Though, judging by the deepening dark circles under her eyes, it was just as likely she hadn't slept a wink all night.
Mingling among her classmates as they gradually got up and began their morning routines, Sonoko fought to keep her mouth shut and stifle any yawns.
Maintaining proper decorum was a constant focus for the young ladies of Tokiwadai Middle School; the goal was to remain ladylike even without the dorm supervisor's watchful, hawk-like gaze.
'Pull yourself together. I'm absolutely getting that Level 4 today,' Sonoko pumped herself up, once again using a splash of cool water to jolt her mind awake.
After finishing her wash up, Sonoko headed to the cafeteria for breakfast as usual.
Halfway there, she ran into Misaka-senpai and Shirai-san, who was clinging to Misaka-senpai's side like some kind of octopus.
Misaka-senpai was vigorously trying to shove the limpet-like Shirai off, the frustration gathering on her face practically visible as a dark aura.
It was a good thing they were still within the dormitory grounds, or Shirai's fate likely would have been far less pleasant.
"You... you pervert! Get off me this instant!" A sharp thwack from Misaka-senpai's fist met Shirai's head, finally forcing the girl to reluctantly let go and clutch her sore skull instead.
The surrounding Tokiwadai students instinctively glanced their way, covering their mouths with light giggles as they passed, causing Misaka-senpai's face to flush a brilliant red.
"Misaka-senpai, Shirai-san." Sonoko waved and called out to them. It was only then that Misaka Mikoto noticed Sonoko standing not far away, watching them with a slightly odd look.
"Natsume-san." The blush still hadn't faded from Mikoto's face as she dragged a rather unwilling Shirai over towards Sonoko.
"Good morning, Natsume-san." Shirai seemed distinctly unhappy that Sonoko had interrupted her precious alone time with her beloved 'Onee-sama,' her lips visibly puckering into a pout.
It was Saturday. While most Tokiwadai students were enjoying their leisurely weekend, Shirai remained busy.
Judgement duties usually required just two hours after school on weekdays, but on weekends, it was practically an all-day affair.
Club activities were also in full swing on weekends, with different clubs having their own schedules.
So, even on a Saturday, Tokiwadai students could be seen carrying their bookbags, chatting and laughing in small groups.
They didn't have to worry about class schedules, free to move about based on their club activities.
However, today was a bit special—it was the day for the Physical Examinations.
Everyone had to make a trip to the school in the morning.
After breakfast, Shirai headed straight for Judgement Branch 177. It looked like her schedule was packed today, as usual.
"Misaka-senpai, don't forget, it's Physical Examination day today," Sonoko reminded, after disposing of her breakfast tray. She directed this towards Misaka-senpai, who seemed a bit distracted.
"Oh, right! It is the Physical Exam today." Mikoto nodded thoughtfully, finally remembering the day's agenda.
"Do your best, Natsume-san. As long as you perform normally, passing the assessment should be simple for you," Mikoto offered words of encouragement.
The examinations started at 11:00 AM, but Sonoko took the campus bus to school early anyway. Since this was her first middle school Physical Exam, she thought it necessary to familiarize herself with the locations beforehand.
Misaka-senpai was probably wandering the streets around now, incidentally dealing with any foolish delinquents who dared trouble the 'Railgun,' while also likely subjecting a certain vending machine, model number 7-1165, to merciless abuse in pursuit of a drink.
Perhaps, just as Misaka-senpai delivered a 90-degree kick to the machine, she might even encounter a certain Shirai deliberately crouching down in a shameless attempt to peek, only to be utterly disappointed by the sight of a trusty pair of safety shorts.
These thoughts flitted through Sonoko's mind for only a second before she, too, grew somewhat listless, gazing out the bus window.
Her black handbag sat on her knees, one hand resting on the window frame, the other propping up her chin.
The window was completely sealed. She couldn't even open it to feel the breeze, leaving her to just stare blankly at the dense crowds outside.
Logically, she'd been through this Physical Exam process countless times before. The actual testing time, excluding queuing, was at most ten minutes. All she needed to do was stay calm.
Arriving at Tokiwadai, the school grounds were sparsely populated with students. Instead, various staff and teachers bustled about, setting up all sorts of testing equipment.
A team of seven or eight people were arranging something in the school swimming pool, placing various wires and probes into the water. Several bespectacled individuals in white lab coats were calibrating machines nearby.
Sonoko's ability fell under remote telekinesis. She wouldn't just need the basic telekinesis check; she also had to undergo a related remote operation assessment on the sports field.
--+--
[Tokiwadai Middle School - Weekly Physical Examination]
[Today's Examination Schedule:]
[Basic Telekinesis Assessment: Starts 11:00 AM, Classroom 15, Building 1]
[Remote Telekinesis Operation Evaluation: Starts 11:00 AM, School Sports Field & Surrounding Area]
[Perception-Type Abilities Assessment: Starts 11:00 AM, Building 1. Telepathy - Room 37. Precognition - Room 26.]
[Vision-Type Abilities Assessment: Starts 11:00 AM, Building 1. Clairvoyance - Room 37. X-Ray Vision - Room 26.]
[...]
--+--
A person-height, ultra-thin display screen stood at the entrance of Tokiwadai's Building 1. Sonoko checked the information on it, cross-referencing the locations for her exams.
It wasn't time for the tests to start yet. Sonoko felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. With nothing else to do, she watched the busy teachers setting up the various testing apparatus.
She wandered around the Tokiwadai gardens for a bit, bought a drink from a school vending machine, and gradually soothed her jumbled emotions.
After collecting her examination form from the teacher in charge, she calmly went to wait in line outside Classroom 15 in Building 1.
'Huh, I'm not the first after all,' Sonoko thought, slightly surprised to see another Tokiwadai student already waiting by the door for the basic telekinesis check.
There was still half an hour until the tests began. Misaka-senpai and Shirai-san were probably only just starting to head to school now.
"It's Kongou-senpai," Sonoko recognized the other student as Kongou Mitsuko, a Level 4 'Superior' user at Tokiwadai.
Her ability involved striking an object or person with her hands, creating a jet point composed of air on that material, which generated massive kinetic force. She was a bona fide Aero Hand user.
Kongou-senpai had just transferred from another school and was now a second-year at Tokiwadai.
She was always seen carrying an ornate folding fan, and rumor had it she was a bit difficult to get along with and had virtually no friends.
Touching air with air naturally fell within Kongou-senpai's ability range.
In other words, Kongou Mitsuko was a powerful individual who could literally clap her hands and fire an air cannon.
One shouldn't underestimate her just because of her unfortunate nickname, 'First Blood Kongou,' from the Railgun anime. Her strength was undeniable.
As Kongou-senpai herself would put it, there was nothing she couldn't shoot.
Sonoko sat quietly in her seat. Kongou-senpai also seemed disinclined to chat.
However, Kongou-senpai kept fanning herself incessantly with her fan, occasionally turning to glance at Sonoko, who was sitting properly, holding her exam form and studying it seriously.
She glanced once, then again, until Sonoko felt compelled to bury her face in the examination paper.
"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Sonoko Natsume, a first-year."
Seemingly unable to bear the awkward atmosphere any longer, Sonoko broke the ice, speaking to Kongou-senpai, who sat not far from her.
"Hmm~ hmm~ hmm~." Kongou-senpai raised her fan to her lips, slowly opening it to cover most of her face. The gesture was accompanied by a somewhat haughty laugh.
"So, it is you who addresses this young lady? Are you unaware that I am Kongou Mitsuko of Tokiwadai Middle School?"
Peeking her eyes over the top of the fan, Kongou-senpai lifted her chin slightly, looking down at Sonoko with a deliberately superior air, as if trying very hard to project an 'I am magnificent' vibe.
"Ah, yes, Kongou-senpai. I'm Sonoko Natsume, a first-year." Sonoko's words hitched for a moment, as if something had caught in her throat, before she reintroduced herself.
Internally, she felt her attempt at conversation had indeed been a bit rash.
Although she knew Kongou-senpai had a domineering but ultimately well-meaning personality, actually interacting with her was still rather uncomfortable.
A haughty, tsundere, sharp-tongued young lady... why did this feel so familiar?
"Since you have introduced yourself with such sincerity, you must undoubtedly be drawn to this young lady's excellence."
"Very well, I shall reluctantly extend an invitation for you to view my collection of Western dolls."
"Tomorrow, 9 AM. I am holding a tea party in my room. I specially grant you permission to attend."
Kongou folded her fan, her face full of arrogant pride, yet the anticipation and delight in her eyes were impossible to conceal.
"Um, I'll... think about it." Sonoko was completely taken aback. She was wholly unprepared for such a leap in logic.
"Whether you come or not, the tea party will proceed regardless. Do not assume this young lady cares one way or the other."
Kongou lifted her head, exposing her smooth neck like a proud white swan, once again looking down her nose at the girl with the twin buns sitting beside her.
"Eh..." Sonoko suddenly felt even more awkward and put on the spot. They'd only just met and exchanged greetings!
Was this really Kongou-senpai's method of making friends?
Kongou, for her part, seemed to pay no further mind to Sonoko's internal dilemma. She sat in her seat and closed her eyes, seemingly completely unconcerned with whatever decision Sonoko might make.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 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!
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If you guys wanna check it out.