At noon, the sunlight had reached a blinding intensity.
It wasn't just because it was summer—the hottest season when the sun shines most fiercely.
It was also because this was a semi-artificial city, built partly on reclaimed land using resin and other construction materials, which caused temperatures to soar even higher in summer.
And this place was the most mysterious city in the world.
It proudly claimed to possess technology almost twenty years ahead of the outside world and was home to superpowered individuals who typically only existed in novels and fantasies.
The city covered about a third of the entire Tokyo metropolitan area, with a population nearing 2.3 million, of whom more than 80% were students.
Within it were dozens of universities and hundreds of elementary, middle, and high schools, which is why it was known as Academy City.
On every street of Academy City, an unbearable heat radiated.
This intense and suffocating temperature discouraged anyone from wandering the streets during summer vacation when students would usually relax.
Probably, it was simply more comfortable to stay in air-conditioned dormitories than to sweat outside.
Nevertheless, under such weather,
People still came out dressed in breezy summer attire—short skirts, shorts, T-shirts, sandals.
But there was one man who looked strikingly out of place.
He wore a plain, inexpensive gray casual suit, had short dark brown curly hair, and stood about 1.78 meters tall. Under the scorching sun, he walked slowly along the street.
"It's so hot, it's irritating."
His strong facial features clearly expressed his discomfort, much like anyone else.
Though his outfit made him stand out amid others, his complaints were exactly the same.
"Forget it, nothing much. I'll go rest in the park next door."
He glanced at a street sign and noticed a lush green forest amidst the towering buildings and modern concrete structures.
This was actually quite normal for all of Academy City.
Despite being a highly modernized city, it did not lack greenery.
On the contrary, there were many parks like this scattered throughout, because urban greening was taken very seriously.
Otherwise, Academy City would be unbearably hot.
Colorful flowers bloomed, thick woods spread wide, and bluestone slabs paved the woodland paths.
After crossing the path, one could see the clear blue lake rippling with small waves. Several small boats floated on it, with at least two people faintly visible in each from afar.
The scenery around the lake was pleasing too.
A red plastic running track circled the whole lake, with benches placed every fifty to sixty meters along it.
But today, perhaps because of the heat, the usually lively park favored by couples seemed deserted.
"Well, maybe that's just as well."
"On such a scorching day, seeing couples cling to each other only adds to the discomfort."
The man casually sat on a bench by the trail, stretched his large hand across his forehead, fully shielding himself from the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
"After all, the weather in Academy City is machine-controlled. Can't it just rain a little more during this heat?"
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves.
Compared to the sweltering city streets, this leafy park already felt relatively cool.
Still, the boy couldn't help but grumble.
But there was nothing wrong with what he said.
In this highly technological city, the weather had long been under mechanical control.
Rain, snow, cloudy skies, and wind—everything was regulated by machines.
Even the exact minute and second when rain would start and stop was perfectly controlled.
"Hm?"
...
"It's so hot, the heat is almost unbearable."
Even as evening approached, the summer heat had not abated one bit.
There was a girl who appeared somewhat lost.
Or, to put it more precisely, it was as if she had lost her purpose.
She looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old, petite in frame.
But her face was exceptionally beautiful—even in a world where good looks were the norm, hers stood out among the best.
She was as delicate as a handcrafted doll, with waist-length honey-colored hair and eyes shining like dazzling stars.
Her chest was flat, and she stood barely 1.5 meters tall, but wore white spiderweb lace gloves and stockings paired with the alluring Tokiwadai Junior High uniform.
That's right!
This was one of the seven Level 5 espers among the city's two million people.
The fifth Level 5—a master of psychological manipulation: Shokuhou Misaki!
However, now she was completely unlike her explosive, impossible physique that made Misaka Mikoto envious in the anime.
Instead, the current Shokuhou Misaki looked so unremarkable that no one could have hope for her future.
She walked the streets with familiarity.
Step by step, heading toward more deserted areas, toward quieter places, toward places with fewer people.
Leaving the bustling school district behind.
Leaving the asphalt and concrete blocks behind.
Before she realized it, she had entered dark forests and winding paths.
She didn't want to meet anyone, nor have anyone disturb her. All she wanted now was to rest somewhere quiet and completely relax herself.
This was a sign that had appeared long ago.
It was a situation she had anticipated before deciding to take action.
Something deeply significant and very important to her.
What she had vowed to herself and worked hard to achieve was accomplished a few days ago.
So, what else was there for her to do now?