Leaving the system space, Lock turned toward Jiro Kyoka, who was still sitting cross-legged on the sofa, practicing her perception of magic power.
Baruch had already finished preparing dinner.
The clock showed 7:00 PM.
Lock gently tapped Kyoka's shoulder.
"Kyoka, let's eat. You can continue practicing afterward."
Kyoka slowly opened her eyes, frowning and tilting her head slightly—an unintentionally adorable gesture.
"I think… I found a trace of it."
"Really? Then you're talented, Kyoka."
Lock raised an eyebrow, pleasantly surprised.
The two of them moved to the table, and as they ate, Kyoka excitedly described her experience.
The more Lock listened, the more astonished he became.
Kyoka really was close to sensing her magic power. Even with his guidance, ensuring she avoided detours, her talent was remarkable.
And according to the original plot, Jiro Kyoka would eventually enroll in U.A. High School.
U.A. wasn't easy to get into.
Forget the practical exam—the written test alone required a deviation score of 79 or above in all subjects.
That requirement alone eliminated the vast majority of students in the country.
Those accepted into U.A. were smart, hardworking, or both—clearly above average.
In theory, anyone who practiced long enough could sense magic.
But talent determined the difficulty and speed.
Lock had to consider this carefully.
If he wanted to spread magic to the world, Kyoka was his first and very valuable test subject.
"I'm finished!"
Kyoka pressed her hands together politely, then rushed straight back to the sofa to resume practicing.
She had completely immersed herself—her attention laser-focused.
But the problem was…
Lock checked the clock again.
Kyoka, are you planning to go home at all?
He quickly shook his head, driving away the intrusive thought.
Kyoka was in a delicate mental state right now. Disturbing her would be counterproductive.
If she could sense her magic power tonight, that would be ideal.
"Maybe I should start a company… but not something that drains too much time. A company that supports magic research might work."
Lock muttered to himself—the thought seeming to pop up out of nowhere.
His Hero Agency already existed.
But what he needed now was a company dedicated to magic.
One person alone couldn't spread something so revolutionary.
He needed a team.
And if some famous Heroes learned magic, they could help promote it.
Like All Might.
Hero Number One—the Symbol of Peace.
His influence was beyond measure.
But Lock's current magic wasn't advanced enough to repair All Might's missing organs.
So he had to expand his search outside the Hero world—toward influential civilians with strong financial backing.
Immediately, one candidate came to mind:
The Chairman of the Yaoyorozu Conglomerate—Yaoyorozu Momo's father.
Money.
Prestige.
Connections.
He had everything.
Lock drafted a rough plan in his mind.
Before that, though, he needed more test subjects—
Ahem.
More volunteers to practice magic and collect data.
So he called Hatsume Mei.
She picked up quickly.
"Hey, Hatsume Mei? Do you have time to come over to my place now and bring the shoes you designed? I want to test them."
This time of night, a boyis inviting a girl to his home—
If they were lovers, fine.
But as friends?
Nine out of ten girls would refuse instantly.
But Hatsume Mei was not an ordinary girl.
She responded brightly and without hesitation:
"Sure! Lock, listen, this Baby is definitely gonna blow your mind! I named it the Jet-Walking Boots!"
Jet-Walking Boots…
The name was… unmistakably her.
But the key point was—
She agreed without questioning why a boy alone at home was inviting her over at night.
Lock wasn't a monk; he wasn't immune to stray thoughts.
But such things required mutual feelings—and besides, they were both too young.
He wasn't in a hurry.
They chatted for a bit and confirmed the meeting.
Originally, they had planned to meet at Dagobah Beach Park… but plans changed.
He could also teach Mei magic while she was here.
While waiting, Lock resumed his own magic training.
For a mage, magic power was everything.
There were no shortcuts—only discipline and daily practice.
Time passed quickly.
Before long, it was 11 PM.
Kyoka finally opened her eyes—joy lighting up her face.
She had done it.
She had successfully sensed magic and refined the surrounding energy into her body.
She turned to share the good news—
But Lock was still sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, practicing.
So she didn't interrupt him.
She checked her phone.
23:00.
"W–Why… why is it this late!?"
Kyoka nearly dropped her phone.
Then she remembered the conversation earlier that day—
When she was struggling to choose a skirt, her mother Mika had said:
"If you don't come home tonight, it's fine."
Kyoka had passionately denied the possibility.
And yet… this was the situation now.
No wonder her family hadn't called—they probably assumed she wasn't coming back.
Thinking about being alone with Lock this late at night—
Even though Baruch was present—
only made her imagination go wild.
"Ahhh—this is so embarrassing!"
Kyoka covered her face with both hands, her cheeks blazing red like autumn maple leaves, her mind spiraling into every possible embarrassing scenario.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts.
"Who would come at this hour…?"
Kyoka stood up, walked to the door, and opened it.
A girl with short cherry-pink hair appeared before her.
Kyoka's gaze dropped instinctively—
—and her eyes widened at the sheer overwhelming… difference in chest size.
The gap was… a natural moat.
A crushing display of absolute, devastating superiority.
"Lock! I'm here!"
"Lock…?"
That intimate tone made Kyoka's expression darken instantly, her aura turning ominous and frightening.
Hatsume Mei blinked in surprise.
She had expected Lock to open the door—not another girl.
At that moment, their eyes met.
And both instantly understood—
exactly who the other was.
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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