If anything, the powerless gangs were much like organized crime groups.
Though their usual slogan for recruiting new members was "attacking espers," the real aim of any gang leader had long since changed.
They sought to gain more territory, wield greater power, satisfy their desires, and make more money.
Therefore, powerless gangs were never at peace with each other.
That made "Leo" stand out as an anomaly among these groups, and its reputation had spread across all powerless gangs.
"Correct! Unfortunately, no reward for you."
Haramura Makoto spoke lazily and casually.
"So, this is the so-called Gun Magician?"
Beside him, Shokuhou Misaki's starry eyes shimmered.
—The Gun Magician!
Misaki knew the name well; after all, she had investigated Haramura Makoto.
There was no way it was mere coincidence that their chances meetings and interactions seemed a little intentional to this perceptive girl.
Using her abilities to look up info was straightforward.
Within an hour or two, Haramura Makoto's file was on Misaki's desk.
Power development level, residence, school, when he founded the powerless gang, achievements...
Though not a detailed life story, it was enough to place his important moments from age six to sixteen right before her.
Naturally, the title "Gun Magician" struck her.
But the impact of the paper was nothing compared to witnessing it live.
"He's one of us."
Haramura's gunmanship didn't scare the knight leader; instead, his tone carried a hint of sigh.
No, not a sigh exactly—it was more solemn.
His earlier tone hadn't held this weight.
It seemed this shift happened after Haramura exposed himself as a weak esper.
And indeed, that was the case.
The knight leader raised his hand, signaling his companions to halt their fast movements.
"You have a close connection with 'Mind Control,' huh?"
"Not really. I've only met her a few times. More than a stranger, less than an acquaintance."
The enemy paused their attack; Haramura lowered his raised gun and answered straightforwardly.
"I see!"
"Then don't you find it strange?"
"Strange what?"
"Everything."
The leader spoke sincerely, without any meaningless act or show.
He cut to the core with the shortest path to his point.
"Have you ever thought about it?"
"A random stranger who just happens to be an esper?"
"In a desperate situation, carrying that burden and risking their life—you don't think you're actually under the control of 'Mind Control?'"
Though it was summer, and even the breeze should have been warm, Misaki felt only coldness.
A chill that extinguished the fire and passion her heart once held.
Why, even with students and seniors who truly admired her, knowing her ability to control minds, did she refuse to put her full trust in them?
There's a term: AIM diffusion field.
A tiny power subconsciously emitted by espers.
If firepower, then heat; telekinesis, pressure; electricity, electric energy...
The emissions differed by person, so weak they required microscopes and precision instruments to detect.
But no matter how slight, it was still power—and it was emitted.
So Misaki's doubt was clear.
Her 'Mind Control' ability was Level 5, strongest among all espers in Academy City.
How far did her unseen AIM diffusion field reach?
Who could know?
"There are those who distort the world without conscience, mass-producing failure and tragedy for personal gain."
"Because of their lack of awareness, it's impossible to negotiate or control them."
"To restore equality to the world, they must be eliminated."
The 'Deadlock' members activated their jackhammers again.
Misaki's special combat gear—the 'Usurpation Gun'—whirred as the gear-like parts started rolling.
"We don't want to harm our own kind unless necessary by leaving espers alone."
The knight leader pointed his jackhammer at Haramura Makoto and issued a final ultimatum.
This was their last warning.
If Haramura refused, they would charge together and tear the two apart.
"Hmph, go away."
"This has nothing to do with you anyway."
Normally, Misaki would accept his protection without hesitation.
Or if he refused, she'd control him to protect her. That was the sensible approach.
After all, protecting herself was paramount.
She wasn't naïve enough to refuse that.
But today, she simply didn't want this man's protection.
Didn't want him involved in her affairs.
Yes, this matter wasn't his concern.
She was the one dragging him into trouble; he didn't need to protect her.
"Humph, boring."
A large hand pressed down on Misaki's golden hair, though the gaze was locked on the Deadlock leader below.
Obviously, Haramura was not addressing Misaki but the leader.
"Such pretty words."
"Even if things played out as you say, if you kill Miss Shokuhou today, her AIM diffusion field will be suppressed."
"Without her interference, new Level 5 espers will naturally appear."
"If they appear among others, you can keep killing."
"But what if one arises inside your own group? Will your members kill themselves then?"