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"Here, this is for you." Saying that, Fang Li handed something to Sylvia.
It was a charm. A very plain-looking one.
"What's this?" Sylvia took it curiously and began examining it.
Fang Li explained while she looked it over.
"It's an item that reduces the wearer's presence."
The item, naturally, came from their spoils in the previous world. Back in the Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! world, Fang Li had spent a massive fortune, extravagantly collecting all kinds of items.
This charm was one of them and the reason he was giving it to Sylvia was simple:
"In Academy City, there's a type of nanomachine known as 'UNDER_LINE'."
Fang Li elaborated.
"It's a form of ultra-miniature machine created using the most cutting-edge nanotechnology. They're as small as airborne particles, like mana in the air, completely invisible to the naked eye. But they do exist, constantly drifting throughout the city, collecting data from every corner of Academy City. If we don't take precautions, any anomalies in our behavior will quickly be exposed."
The Board of Directors, who controlled Academy City, were far from benevolent. The council consisted of twelve members, and any vacancy would be immediately filled.
With that kind of system, power struggles and political maneuvering for control over the most technologically advanced city in the world were inevitable, most of it happening beneath the surface.
And if those people detected anything unusual in the city, they wouldn't hesitate to act.
To say nothing of it, if something like Fang Li's Mystic Eyes of Death Perception or Sylvia's Omnipotent Ability were discovered, it wouldn't be surprising at all if they were targeted by research institutes, dragged into labs as test subjects like lab rats.
Of course, that would only happen if those people had the power to act.
Fang Li wasn't particularly wary of the Board of Directors themselves.
Rather, he was on guard against one individual, the Superintendent who stood above the entire city, wielding true authority over Academy City, and who held influence that extended even beyond the world stage.
Thanks to his familiarity with the original story, Fang Li knew just how terrifying that Superintendent truly was.
To put it bluntly, whether it came to force or negotiation, Fang Li knew he was completely outmatched by that monster. At best, he might manage to stall or talk his way out of danger temporarily.
And unfortunately, UNDER_LINE was that person's personal surveillance network. All the intel gathered from every corner of the city was routed directly to him, landing squarely in his line of sight.
That's why, from the moment he learned that this Dungeon World was set in A Certain Magical Index, Fang Li began preparing in advance.
Fortunately, thanks to all the miraculous items he had obtained in the Konosuba world, he was able to make timely countermeasures.
"Since the Main God's Dimension gave us proper backgrounds this time, we weren't just randomly dropped into this world, we had our very existence implanted into it. It's equivalent to us having lived here from the beginning. Even the most powerful beings wouldn't be able to detect that anomaly. So we don't need to worry about that part at all."
Fang Li concluded confidently.
"But things will be different from here on out," Fang Li continued, his tone serious. "From now on, every action we take is our own responsibility. If we do anything that contradicts our assigned identities in this world, it'll definitely raise suspicion."
As he said this, Fang Li pulled out another charm.
"That's why this charm will be our most basic countermeasure, to suppress our presence."
With this, unless someone had deep personal ties to Fang Li or Sylvia, people generally wouldn't remember them.
Even if they passed right by a surveillance camera, they'd simply be seen as passing strangers and not attract any attention.
"Of course, the condition is that we don't do anything too flashy," Fang Li added, looking toward Sylvia. "For example, if you use your Ability, you can't do it too obviously. Otherwise, we'll be exposed immediately."
After all, this only suppressed their presence; it didn't make them invisible. It was a reasonable precaution.
Sylvia, however, frowned slightly.
"Then why not just block those UNDER_LINE nanomachines directly?" She tilted her head. "Don't you have an item like that? If not, I can make one."
With Sylvia's power, crafting a barrier that could mask their presence or repel UNDER_LINE nanomachines was child's play.
But Fang Li shook his head.
"Our existence is already embedded in this city. If we suddenly vanish or cloak ourselves completely, that would be even more suspicious," Fang Li explained. "And since we'll be living here, we'll inevitably leave behind all sorts of traces. If those traces are there, but we're not found anywhere, that alone would trigger an investigation."
Let's not forget, Academy City wasn't some lax institution. To prevent technology and espers from leaking outside, the city was not only fully walled off, but also patrolled by dedicated security forces. Even satellites monitored the entire area. Add UNDER_LINE to that mix, and it was clear how tight security really was.
This was why Fang Li chose a subtler approach instead.
Sylvia let out a wry smile.
"This really crosses the line into violating privacy, doesn't it? I really wouldn't want to live in a city like this."
Fang Li simply shrugged.
"Unfortunately, we've already been registered as espers. Even if we're just Level 0s with no powers, anyone who's gone through the development program leaves behind certain technical markers in their bodies. Organizations outside the city that hunger for that kind of technology would absolutely try to kidnap us for research. And Academy City wouldn't just sit by and let that happen. Ironically, trying to leave this place might cause more trouble than staying." He spread his hands, looking indifferent. "Even though we haven't actually undergone any development ourselves."
Maybe this was another form of hidden difficulty? Ever since the Tsukihime world, Fang Li felt like the Main God's Dimension was becoming less and less merciful.
"Of course," he added, glancing at Sylvia, "If you really hate it here, I doubt there's anyone in this city who could stop us from leaving." He paused. "Besides, this city won't stay quiet for long. A lot of things are going to happen, and we might get dragged into them. Leaving wouldn't be the worst idea."
Hearing this, Sylvia immediately realized: Fang Li was thinking about her.
This man, who was even more free-spirited than she was, so free that he could be described as someone who did as he pleased, if she truly hated this place, he'd probably drag her out without hesitation, no matter the cost or consequences.
And with that thought, Sylvia's aversion to the city faded just a little.
Because…
"As long as I get to live with you… I don't think I can bring myself to hate anything."
With the most dazzling smile on her face, the world's most enchanting Diva uttered these words, words that could make anyone fall head over heels.
Fang Li was no exception.
If not for the fact that there were still important matters to handle, he probably would've leapt at her right then and there.
Instead, he could only offer a helpless smile and bring the topic back on track.
"Now then, let's talk about the Quest."
(End Of The Chapter)