Hearing the rustling sounds of the door opening behind him, Yuuya shook his head, physically dismissing his internal panic. He forced a smile, adopting a posture of total relaxation.
'I feel incredibly light.'
'It's amazing how power changes perspective. Twenty minutes ago, I was a victim of this city. Now? I'm a predator.'
Every world operates on the law of the jungle. His position had changed, and so had his mindset.
Click.
Komoe-sensei emerged from the apartment. She had changed into a pink jumpsuit that looked like something an elementary schooler would wear on a field trip. She locked the door with a hum.
"Wait a minute, Takahashi-chan! Sensei is getting the car!"
Komoe trotted over to the parking spot and hopped into her small, pink Volkswagen Beetle. It was a specially modified vehicle; since she was too short to reach the pedals, it used hand controls for the gas and brakes.
Yuuya squeezed into the passenger seat. He had to hunch over slightly; if he sat up straight, his head would brush the roof.
Vroom. The engine sputtered to life.
"I never expected that Sensei could drive. The technology in Academy City is truly incredible," Yuuya teased, glancing sideways at the Silver Treasure Chest icon floating over her head.
He was still calculating the best way to say that line without social suicide.
"Is Takahashi-chan underestimating Sensei? Sensei is a mature adult, you know!" Komoe puffed out her cheeks, gripping the steering wheel with determination.
"Yes, yes. Drinking and smoking are the rights of adults. I'm a little envious," Yuuya said, looking out the window. "Although, it's ironic that stores here sell alcohol but ban students from buying it."
"Eh—! I know Takahashi-chan is talking about Sensei's room earlier, but students absolutely aren't allowed to drink or smoke!" Komoe blushed, her voice taking on a lecturing tone.
"Sensei, you really need to change your lifestyle. Otherwise, it'll be a tragedy when you get married," Yuuya said, laying the trap. "Imagine kissing your husband passionately, only for him to choke on the smell of stale cigarettes and cheap beer. The romance would die instantly."
"Get... married..."
Komoe's expression froze for a second. A hint of genuine sadness flashed in her pink eyes, but she quickly masked it with her usual cheerful persona.
"I feel ashamed to be lectured by my student! But... Sensei will try to correct her mistakes slowly."
To be honest, she wanted a partner. But who would want a woman who looked like a ten-year-old? She couldn't give anyone a normal family life. She had long ago resigned herself to being a teacher forever.
"Sensei... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a sore subject," Yuuya said, feeling a pang of genuine guilt.
'Damn System. This is all your fault.'
"It's okay! Sensei knows Takahashi-chan didn't mean it. Sensei doesn't mind at all!" Komoe said in a voice as sweet as candy, smiling brightly to reassure him.
Yuuya took a deep breath. It was now or never. He had to play it off as a joke to cheer her up.
"Ahem. Well, if no one wants Komoe-sensei in the future... then Sensei, you can just marry me! Haha."
He said it with a bright, playful smile, masking the fact that he was internally screaming.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host.]
[Unlock Condition Met.]
[Reward: Silver-Tier Ability — Xiao-Li (Perfect Version).]
[Xiao-Li (Perfect Force Dissipation): Originating from Baki the Grappler. It is the ultimate martial arts technique of overcoming biological instincts to master total bodily control.]
[Effect 1: Defense. By completely relaxing every muscle, the user can absorb and dissipate kinetic impacts, nullifying physical damage.]
[Effect 2: Offense. By perfectly synchronizing every muscle fiber in the body, the user can unleash explosive power far beyond human limits.]
'This is it... Xiao-Li.'
Yuuya felt a strange sensation wash over him. His body felt lighter, looser. He could feel every individual muscle fiber, from his eyelids to his toes.
In the world of Baki, Xiao-Li allowed a 140-year-old man to toss around muscular giants. It wasn't just strength; it was physics manipulation through biology.
'If I synchronize my muscles perfectly, I can unleash a strike equivalent to 25 tons of force. That's terrifying.'
'I can disguise this as a physical enhancement Esper ability. Maybe something like "Muscle Density Control" or "Kinetic Impact Manipulation."'
It was perfect. A warrior posing as a mage.
If enemies tried to get close to him, thinking he was a weak pyromancer, they would be met with a 25-ton punch to the face.
"Hmph! If you joke with your teacher like that, I'll give you extra homework!"
Komoe pouted, breaking his train of thought. She wasn't angry; in fact, she looked a little happier.
"Oh~ Sensei, how could you be so cruel? Is this the end for a bad student like me?" Yuuya clutched his chest, feigning dramatic heartbreak.
"Hmph! Even if Takahashi-chan pretends to be pitiful, Sensei won't go easy on you~"
The car turned a corner, and a large building came into view.
"We're almost at the research institute. Once we verify your ability, you'll be the first Level 2 Esper in our class! I'm sure your success will motivate the other students!"
"That's true. Everyone's been pretty negative about the curriculum lately," Yuuya shrugged.
'Negative? Of course they are.'
Most of the students in their class were Level 0s. They worked hard every day, taking drugs, undergoing hypnosis, and studying calculations, but saw zero results.
The school taught them that "hard work leads to power."
Yuuya knew the truth. It was a lie.
The "Parameter List" existed. Aleister Crowley had already determined every student's potential before they even entered the city. A Level 0 would always be a Level 0, no matter how hard they worked. The curriculum was just busywork to generate AIM fields for the city.
But Yuuya wasn't bound by those rules anymore.
The pink Beetle rolled to a stop in front of the facility.
Yuuya stepped out. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the sign above the entrance.
[Kihara Institute for Pathological Analysis]
A strange feeling washed over him. A flood of information suddenly spiked in his mind.
'This place...'
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