Loaded with charging functions and various unknown parameters, Misaka Mikoto enthusiastically discussed the peculiar changes occurring in her body with two underclassmen.
Well, after several minutes of diagnosing the symptoms, the rather unskilled 'doctor' Natsume Sonoko gave her definitive answer: she had no solution for this condition either. Perhaps they could try asking on some online forums.
"Actually, Doctor Heaven Canceller did give some suggestions earlier."
Walking ahead with her head lowered, Misaka-senpai muttered to herself, chin resting in her palm, her furrowed brow betraying her heavy thoughts.
"The doctor said if we could find a way to utilize this change, maybe a bad thing could turn into a good one. My ability might even advance further. This abnormal electricity-charged physique is somewhat suited for developing power generation capabilities, in a way."
Her thoughts turning slightly more optimistic, Misaka-senpai let out a sigh as she spoke, but that was as far as it went.
Since she couldn't solve the problem of her abnormal electrical discharges, she felt she might have to say goodbye to mobile phones for good.
Even an old button phone probably couldn't withstand repeated shocks every now and then.
But if she were to truly modify her ability in accordance with these changes, the adjustments to the power formulation were secondary.
She was deeply worried she'd become even more abnormal, embarking on a one-way road to becoming a 'Lightning Human'.
However, just as Heaven Canceller had mentioned, if she could develop her ability by integrating this change, its efficiency and strength would undoubtedly take a massive leap forward. After all, she was someone who had half-stepped into Level 6 territory already.
"I've got it! Maybe you could buy a metal cane to channel the electricity from your body into the ground. Or add some iron plates or iron sand into your shoes. If that still doesn't work, perhaps we could try utilizing the air somehow."
Her eyebrows shooting up, sparks of wisdom seemed to flash in Natsume-san's head as she suddenly spoke, a thoughtful look on her face.
While Natsume-san couldn't cure the root problem, she couldn't be stopped from using her clever brain. And she wasn't just shooting blindly; it was just that these ideas seemed to address the symptoms, not the cause.
If they could get their hands on some lightweight equipment capable of storing electricity within Academy City, the problem would be mostly solved.
"Hmph, Natsume-san's ideas are still too superficial. Anyone could think of methods like that."
A soft whoosh accompanied by a gentle breeze, and Shirai-san instantly teleported between the two chatting girls, grabbing hold of Misaka-senpai without regard for the risk of electric shock.
So it was true! Onee-sama's shock earlier wasn't intentional; she just had no other choice.
Thinking this, Shirai Kuroko's cheeks flushed a deep red, and an eager, determined expression surfaced on her face.
If she could find a way to solve Onee-sama's problem, she could definitely win Onee-sama back.
Whether it was this short, skinny girl with the bun hairstyle or that pale, plump #5, it didn't matter.
"According to Kuroko's reasoning, since this electric current exists within your body without causing you any burden, it's highly likely involved in various reactions within the human body. And since Onee-sama has no other issues besides discharging electricity occasionally, it suggests this current is similar in nature to bioelectricity."
"Therefore, the discharges are probably caused by an excess of current in a specific part, or throughout your entire body."
Shirai-san spoke word by word, shooting a rather smug glance at the bewildered Natsume Sonoko beside her, though Sonoko often had this dazed look anyway.
"That sounds about right," Misaka-senpai nodded thoughtfully, feeling her kouhai's words made sense.
"If you can properly manage the electrical signals within your body, use your ability in coordination with your physique to construct a bioelectrical formula, guide and balance the currents everywhere, and discharge them in advance if there's an overload... then not only could you determine your body's electricity storage threshold, but you could also avoid the problem of random discharges."
"Moreover, if it's treated as bioelectricity, it might even be used to enhance your body."
Shirai Kuroko said seriously, her sincerity undeniable when considering solutions for Misaka-senpai.
Bioelectricity was notoriously difficult to utilize, but for an Electromaster like Misaka-senpai, it fell roughly within her professional domain.
Coupled with Misaka-senpai's far superior control and precision compared to ordinary people, it was certainly worth a try.
'Summon the majestic heavenly thunder with a sword'—scaling that concept down to the space within one's own body could also unleash tremendous potential.
"Construct a bioelectrical formula?" The two girls turned to look at her in unison.
For someone like Natsume-san, directly extending her ability into a human body—even her own—was impossible. No matter how finely she controlled temperature, it could only affect the surface.
Based on her humble, evidence-lacking guess, the existence of the soul effectively blocked abilities—powers born from the real world.
Due to a severe lack of data related to the magic side, this guess excluded magicians and magic.
But just as Natsume-san could indirectly use temperature to heat someone into shock, Misaka-senpai could also use the electric current generated on her body's surface to influence its interior, controlling the electrical signals of her motor nerves.
However, the cost of doing so was the high risk of conflicting electrical signals within the body, easily causing intense pain or even spasms, accompanied by flashy electrical visual effects.
As for the suggestion of constructing a bioelectrical formula, its feasibility definitely existed.
That said, this guess about the soul had a small, but not insignificant, flaw: namely, physical enhancement-type ability users, and likely some Electromasters who could control internal electrical signals.
Furthermore, considering Natsume-san's ability was also brain-based, and Accelerator's ability required his skin, abilities were actually integrated with the body and soul. An ability user's body wasn't completely separate from their power.
Perhaps there were more complex factors at play, or maybe it was simply a lack of information, like differences in Personal Reality.
But the point about being unable to directly use abilities inside another person's body was almost certain.
"Let me try. I actually had a similar idea a long time ago."
Misaka-senpai's steps suddenly halted, instantly separating her from the flow of people around her as she earnestly pondered the feasibility of this idea.
True to her decisive and proactive nature, spurred on by Shirai-san's suggestion, a faint electric current immediately surfaced on her skin as she attempted to control the electrical signals within her body.
A cascade of sparks and a flurry of frantic movements later, a certain Railgun covered in a patchwork of small red spots promptly gave up on attempting such a thing in the middle of the street, a somewhat strained smile on her face.
"Just using electrical signals to control motor nerves is barely possible, but constructing the bioelectrical formula Kuroko mentioned is extremely difficult. At least, I have no clue where to start right now."
Shaking her head, Misaka-senpai spoke with a hint of helplessness.
Her understanding of human anatomy wasn't deep, and her awareness of her body's current state was insufficient. Even the esteemed Level 5 had areas she wasn't proficient in.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.