"Electromaster template download complete. Integrating with previous template, eliminating redundant data, update finalized."
A series of mechanical "voices" echoed directly in Samuel's mind, a manifestation of his superpower, "Calculation."
Samuel's computational capacity was immense, growing exponentially through continuous high-speed operations.
This was due to his emulation of the "Ark of Civilization: Data World" operational model, which caused his computational capacity to multiply and intersect in a self-amplifying manner.
However, because his computational capacity, while vast, was ultimately finite, and his "soul" had a limited capacity to bear it, much of this growth was uncontrollable. The excess computations dissipated rapidly.
In simple terms: insufficient memory, inadequate hardware.
Still, Samuel's computational capacity continued to expand at a rate far exceeding normal trends, reaching an exaggerated degree.
Having officially become a Level 5 just months ago, his computational capacity was already over five times that of a typical Level 5.
Such immense computational power and high operational efficiency inevitably made Samuel's emotions and behaviors excessively rational, pushing him closer to a machine-like state.
To counteract this, Samuel separated his vast computational capacity from himself. With the assistance of the "Ark of Civilization," he created an emotionless "Shadow Personality," which he named "Firewall."
This personality handled data processing and protected Samuel's humanity, preventing him from becoming a mere slave to calculations.
This experimental base was directly linked to his Shadow Personality, operating on principles akin to network cables or signals.
"Ding. External personnel detected. Surveillance has captured the target. Facial recognition initiated. Target exhibits distinct features. Identity confirmed: Heaven Canceller, doctor from First Hospital, Seventh School District, Academy City. Investigation: Summoned by 'me' thirty minutes ago."
The report from "Firewall" transmitted into Samuel's mind.
He had indeed summoned this individual, specifically to treat Dolly.
While Dolly herself held no further direct value to Samuel, she possessed other uses.
For instance... her original, the future Level 5 "Railgun," Misaka Mikoto's data!
Or perhaps... soon, the new de facto controller of the Talent Workshop, the future Level 5 "Mental Out," Shokuhou Misaki's data.
These were intangible benefits, with even more hidden advantages. Thus, Dolly's existence remained necessary.
After all, compared to the potential gains, Samuel's losses were negligible—merely some medicine and minor expenses, hardly worth mentioning.
To Samuel, money was just a number.
In the past, leveraging his vast computational capacity, he had secured a near-dominant position in cutting-edge technology. Nearly every industry in Academy City had his investments. Exaggeration aside, he was practically a shareholder of the entire city.
The wealthier he became—or rather, the more material abundance he amassed—the more Samuel realized that intangible assets often held greater value than material ones. For example... the favor of a Level 5, capable of rivaling a small nation!
"Take her directly to the medical room!"
At Samuel's command, the four robots stationed at the entrance lit up with activation glows and sprang into action.
"Ugh… ha… ha…"
As Samuel prepared to leave to greet his guest, a faint, labored gasp came from the hospital bed behind him.
Turning, he saw Dolly stirring faintly, breathing with difficulty.
"Onii-san… who are you?"
"My name is Samuel!"
"Am I… going to die?"
"No, with me here, you won't die!"
Before slipping back into unconsciousness, the girl saw the boy's earnest, resolute words.
…
"Hurry up and get that Samuel kid out here! Didn't you say someone's life is in danger? Take me to them now!"
In the reception hall of the research institute, an elderly man in a white coat, his face vaguely frog-like, barked sternly at the receptionist.
"I've already notified the Director. He's on his way!"
The receptionist's response was hollow, her face adorned with a forced smile.
Indeed, this receptionist was also a robot.
The man in the white coat looked displeased, his usually kind face now marked with an unmistakable severity.
Heaven Canceller—that was both his name and moniker. The finest doctor in Academy City, he was renowned—not just reputed—for saving anyone who wasn't already dead. Such was his medical prowess.
Dolly's current condition was beyond the capabilities of even Academy City's advanced technology to save. That's why Samuel had called him.
If anyone in this city could save Dolly, it was him.
As for why Heaven Canceller addressed Samuel so casually? They were well-acquainted.
As a titan of cutting-edge technology, Samuel's institute supplied the medical equipment used in every hospital in Academy City. Over time, they'd gotten to know each other.
Normally, Heaven Canceller was a genial old man, but when lives were at stake, he transformed into a doctor who "wrestled with the Grim Reaper."
Though he was familiar with Samuel, when it came to matters of life and death, he spared no courtesy.
"You—"
"Dr. Heaven Canceller, no need to be upset. This way, please!"
Samuel finally arrived at the reception, wasting no time and gesturing for the doctor to follow.
Heaven Canceller followed immediately, not bothering with pleasantries. "What's the patient's condition?"
"The patient is a clone, heavily burdened by experimental traces. Her genetic engineering is unstable, causing her vital signs to reach their limit. Estimated time left: three days."
Samuel didn't mince words, laying out the situation clearly.
"I need to see the patient to devise a proper plan!"
"No problem. Follow me. Whatever you need, I'll take full responsibility for providing!"
"Obviously!"
Samuel and Heaven Canceller moved swiftly to the medical room with decisive urgency.
This medical room was arguably the most advanced and well-equipped in all of Academy City—perhaps the world.
It had everything, from traditional to modern medical practices.
But neither paid attention to the surroundings, heading straight for Dolly on the hospital bed.