After a brief explanation about Reiko's existence, Misaka-san's previously tense expression gradually softened.
Lately, the troubles surrounding the Sisters had been weighing heavily on her, and at times, she'd been unusually on edge.
Though Misaka-san knew that Kiyama Harumi had some method of controlling the synthetic humans, the fact that Reiko could be treated was still the best possible outcome.
Moreover, her impression of Kiyama-sensei had also shifted somewhat.
"So your name is Reiko? Hello, I'm Misaka Mikoto."
Misaka Mikoto reached out toward Reiko, who stood among the crowd of Misaka Sisters.
The moment her hand extended, more than a dozen pairs of eyes focused on it, watching her movements like a group of curious children.
"Hello, I'm Reiko."
Reiko's voice was soft, her face blank—much like the usual expressionless demeanor of the Misaka Sisters—but she earnestly shook Misaka-san's hand.
Contrary to what Misaka-san had expected, Reiko didn't use verbal tics like the Sisters, such as appending "Misaka" or "Misaka number so-and-so" to her speech. In fact, she seemed hardly different from an ordinary person.
What's more, she was noticeably taller than even Natsume. To someone unfamiliar with them, they might be mistaken for sisters.
Of course, Natsume would be the younger one—though Natsume herself believed she'd soon catch up to Reiko in height.
As Misaka-san withdrew her hand, a peculiar feeling washed over her. Though Reiko and Natsume were two separate people, she couldn't shake the illusion that she was talking to the same person.
'Could it be that because Reiko was created using Natsume's genes, she resembles her in every way?' Misaka-san wondered silently.
"So that means Reiko's ability is the same as Natsume's now?"
At this point, Misaka-san asked curiously, recalling Reiko's incredible regenerative power and those tentacles that had sprouted all over her body.
"That's correct. My ability is also temperature control."
Reiko nodded, her head drooping slightly as if from lack of sleep. Since Natsume wasn't in the best spirits, it seemed to have affected Reiko as well.
"I see."
Misaka-san nodded in understanding. After being treated with Natsume's genes, she must have awakened the same ability as Natsume.
While Misaka-san and Reiko were talking, Natsume found herself caught in a strange dilemma—did this count as meeting Misaka-san for the second time?
But strictly speaking, Natsume wasn't Reiko. So she was only standing in for Reiko in getting to know Misaka-san.
That meant until Reiko could live normally on her own, Natsume would have to play the role of Reiko for a long time to come.
So, in practice, she was Reiko's guardian now, wasn't she?
As Natsume was lost in these thoughts, Misaka-san was swept into the Misaka Apartments along with a swarm of Sisters.
"Our room is cleaner than all the others. Misaka 9980 invites Big Sister to come see our room first."
Squeezing her way out of the crowd of Sisters, a serious-faced Misaka 9980 spoke softly.
"As the first one to meet Big Sister, Misaka 9982 insists she should be the one to spend time with Big Sister first."
This declaration came from Misaka 9982, who wore a skull-patterned ring and had a Gekota pin fastened to her clothes.
"Alright, everyone, don't worry—I'll visit every single room."
Misaka-san looked pleasantly overwhelmed as the Sisters nudged her toward their respective dorm rooms.
The only ones left in relative quiet were Natsume and Reiko.
Their eyes met—no sparks flew, but for a moment it felt strangely like looking into a mirror.
"The Misaka Sisters all seem to really like Misaka-san. There was no need to worry after all. Letting Misaka-san come here herself was definitely the right call." A slight smile appeared on Sonoko Natsume's face as she spoke cheerfully.
"Yeah, as expected of me."
Reiko nodded in reply. Though it sounded a bit like self-praise, since it came from two different people, it didn't come off as awkward.
--+--
Misaka Apartments, Room 101.
Several Misaka Sisters stood barefoot on the wool carpet in the bedroom.
"Big Sister, although this room is only sixty square meters, five people live here. Misaka 9999 feels it's crowded but puts on a brave face."
The dorm leader, Misaka 9999, reported expressionlessly, while four other Sisters squeezed into the corner, trying to visually demonstrate the cramped conditions.
"Because the room is so small, Misaka 9998 is squeezed into the corner to sleep every night by Misaka 10001. Misaka 9998 puts on a pitiful expression."
"The supermarket has a sale today. The gachapon machines are half-price. Misaka 9983 says this as if it's no big deal."
"It's been so long since we had hamburgers. Misaka 997…"
"No problem—I've got all your requests covered."
Misaka-san nodded seriously, taking everything upon herself at once.
A pang of guilt rose in her heart. Not only had she been kept in the dark for so long, but she hadn't even known how difficult the Sisters' living conditions were.
Thinking this, she touched the bank card in her pocket.
She'd specifically brought it this morning to help improve the Sisters' lives—it was the least she could do for them.
The weather was gloomy that day, with thick clouds nearly blotting out the sun.
But it also brought a refreshing coolness. Summer was finally coming to an end, and Sonoko Natsume's beloved shaved ice would soon disappear from the mainstream market.
With the sound of an engine cutting out and the screech of brakes, the air filled with the smell of burnt gasoline.
In front of the Misaka Apartments, a large truck was busy unloading. Not only was the apartment courtyard filled with goods, but the street outside was also lined with supplies.
Sonoko Natsume, acting as temporary manager, stood near the delivery with an expressionless face, watching the bustling crowd pass by in a daze.
People around them seemed curious about the commotion, occasionally casting glances their way.
"One box, two boxes, three boxes… fifteen boxes. All the items ordered by Miss Misaka have been delivered."
The delivery worker finished counting the boxes and handed a receipt to Natsume for her signature.
In addition to these supplies, Misaka-san had also rented a similar apartment building nearby, naming it Misaka Apartments No. 2. It was less than a hundred meters away.
Thanks to the additional building, half of the Sisters moved into the new apartments. The original dorm rooms went from housing five people each to three or two.
By evening, almost everything Misaka-san had bought had been distributed, with the extras stored in each apartment's storage room.
As for Reiko, she remained in Misaka Apartments No. 1, sharing a room with Misaka 9982.
The sky around them finally began to darken.
Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the time for the experiment had arrived.
Sonoko Natsume watched Misaka 9977 with concern. At some point, Misaka 9977 had lost interest in tidying up and had sunk into a deep silence.
"The experiment time is approaching. Misaka 9977 thanks Natsume-san for taking care of her all this time." Misaka 9977's face was blank, a violin case strapped to her back.
Natsume had opened that case before—inside was a high-powered firearm with various accessories. To complement the Misaka Sisters' abilities, the bullets were specially made of steel.
"Can you wait a little? At least until Misaka-san gets here, so you can say goodbye."
Gazing calmly at Misaka 9977, Sonoko Natsume spoke up suddenly.
"I apologize, but based on my calculations, this is already the latest possible time. Misaka 9977 regrets not being able to say goodbye to Big Sister." The violin-case-carrying Misaka 9977 replied without expression.
Hearing this, Natsume felt a stir in her heart. Had Misaka 9977 deliberately calculated the latest possible moment?
Even though participating in the experiment was the purpose of the Sisters' existence, there were still things they could decide for themselves—like choosing to go later.
The Sisters' way of thinking could be changed.
"I understand." Sonoko Natsume nodded.
As Misaka 9977 left, the other Sisters also set aside what they were doing and headed toward the experiment site from all directions.
"Reiko, something urgent has come up. Misaka expresses regret."
Sitting on the carpet, intently studying a Gekota pin, Misaka 9982 paused briefly before speaking. She stood up and retrieved a black bag from the storage room.
The once lively Misaka Apartments fell silent in an instant. Only a few cardboard boxes in the courtyard made flapping sounds as the wind blew.
Natsume took out her phone and called Misaka-san, whose tone on the other end was grave.
"Misaka-san, the experiment has started. Misaka 9977 has already left." Sonoko Natsume said.
"I know. I'll get there before Misaka 9977. As for Misaka 9977 and the others, I'm counting on you, Natsume." Misaka-san's voice was tired but firm.
"Mm." Natsume nodded.
This was the plan they'd arranged: Misaka-san would take Misaka 9977's place in the experiment, while Natsume would ensure the Sisters stayed away from it.
At that moment, the Misaka Sisters moved in groups through the secluded alleyways of District 7, coordinating according to the predetermined experiment plan.
Misaka 9977, however, wasn't with the main group. She moved alone, leaving the other Sisters behind.
Elsewhere in District 7, a figure with white hair and skin, and vivid red eyes, wandered boredly through narrow lanes.
"Tch, suddenly feeling out of sorts."
Accelerator scratched his ear with his pinky and shook his head slightly.
District 7 seemed unusually peaceful today. He hadn't even run into many of those clueless thugs who usually picked fights with him. Was this really the Academy City he knew?
Dirty, chaotic, full of darkness—a place where even a seasoned villain like him could live without restraint.
Just as he stepped out of an alley, Accelerator looked up and saw a chain coffee shop. Without hesitation, he walked in.
"They only serve brewed coffee here?"
After leaving the shop, Accelerator's lips twisted in displeasure.
He preferred canned coffee over brewed, even though he got sick of almost every brand within a week.
"Oh, it's you."
"Yeah, yeah, today's experiment, right? I'll be there on time."
Accelerator's steps halted abruptly as his phone rang. An irritated look crossed his face.
"Natsume-san, for interfering with the experiment, Misaka will retaliate but apologizes for her actions."
In a narrow alley, Sonoko Natsume blocked Misaka 9977's path, having also frozen a thick wall of ice across her intended route.
"The scheduled experiment time is approaching. Misaka says with urgency."
Misaka 9977 put on her goggles. A flicker of electricity sparked at her forehead, traveling only two or three meters through the air before vanishing.
The Sisters were generally only Level 2—what Academy City deemed "impractical." The electric currents they released weren't even offensive enough to be considered attacks.
But this move clearly wasn't meant to attack. As the spark faded, Misaka 9977 accelerated, her shoes adhering tightly to the vertical wall as she ran along its side.
While running, she firmly gripped a high railing, pulling herself onto a nearby rooftop. Unlike Misaka-san, she couldn't run effortlessly on walls—she needed to use nearby structures.
"Misaka 9977, today's experiment will be taken by Misaka-san. So, your experiment is canceled." Sonoko Natsume's expression was serious as she watched Misaka 9977 leap across buildings.
Mid-climb, Misaka 9977's movements faltered. The railing she held nearly slipped from her grasp, but at the last second, she pressed back against the wall.
"Big Sister…" Misaka 9977 murmured.
At that moment, Misaka 9977 suddenly lost consciousness and fell from the height—but she floated steadily in mid-air, caught by a powerful updraft.
"You're all here already?"
Before she could even lower Misaka 9977 to the ground, Natsume's gaze shifted to the shadows. Over twenty goggle-wearing Misaka Sisters stood neatly behind her, the reflected light from their goggles illuminating Natsume's face.
"It seems this experiment has caused Natsume-san unnecessary worry. Misaka 9982 says this and apologizes." The Sister with the Gekota pin spoke.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.