Time slips by unnoticed, never pausing for anyone.
A month had passed since Shinomiya Kaguya and Hayasaka Ai awakened their superpowers. Aside from weekly check-ins, Samuel hadn't sought them out.
Weekly assessments showed Kaguya making subtle but steady progress. At this rate, she could reach Level 4 in about two years.
That was an impressive pace—many remained stuck at Level 1 or Level 0 for life.
Hayasaka Ai's situation, however, was far less promising.
In the past month, she'd shown almost no improvement. For a newly awakened esper, this was essentially a death sentence to mediocrity, a prophecy of "time to find a factory job."
Even in the most optimistic scenario, reaching Level 2 would be a stretch for her.
"…"
Becoming an esper had given Hayasaka hope, but her limits now plunged her into despair.
The rise and fall of expectations stung far worse than never having hope at all.
"I regret to inform you, but at best, you'll reach Level 2 on your own. Against the Shinomiya Group, you'd be useless—even as a support, you'd be little more than a decorative piece. However, I'm conducting an experiment on artificially enhancing esper abilities. I can't guarantee your safety. I won't force you, but think it over. If you're interested, come find me."
Hayasaka recalled Samuel's words from their last meeting.
"…I'm stepping out, Lady Kaguya."
"Where are you going, Hayasaka?"
"Just… out for a walk."
"Is that so? …Go ahead."
Kaguya had already guessed Hayasaka's intentions. She wanted to stop her, but…
Have I ever truly listened to Hayasaka's thoughts? Did she not share them, or did I not want to hear them? This is her choice now. Should I stop her? If I do, will she resent me later? If I don't, will I hate myself for staying silent?
Kaguya's mind raced, and she began simulating outcomes with her ability. Uncertain of Samuel's success rate, she set it at fifty percent.
After a series of calculations, she deemed the risk too high and moved to dissuade Hayasaka. But a single look from her—a resolute, determined gaze—silenced Kaguya.
It was a strange thing to say, but Hayasaka's eyes held the same conviction Kaguya felt in her own resolve to defy her future.
"Go."
The word drained Kaguya's strength, fear creeping into her heart for the first time.
She feared losing Hayasaka, the only person she could truly call a friend.
She dreaded the thought that Hayasaka might walk out that door and never return.
But she had to stay silent. If she stopped her now, how would she differ from the brother and father she despised?
"…"
Hayasaka nodded and left the room.
"…"
…
"You came, as expected."
Samuel had given Hayasaka the address of his core institute, the Prometheus Institute.
The upcoming experiment was critical to him, hence the choice of location.
"Mm…"
Hayasaka merely nodded and followed Samuel inside.
"Nii-san… who's this lady?"
A small figure—Dolly—skipped out from the side, still wearing her simple research attire, her fair face brimming with curiosity.
Having lived in the institute for a month with only Samuel for company, the arrival of someone new piqued her interest.
"A little girl? No… a test subject? So young?"
Seeing Dolly, Hayasaka's mind raced. Sympathy for the girl mingled with a growing disdain for Samuel.
How could someone who used a young girl as a test subject not inspire revulsion?
"Shoo, Dolly, go play. I'm busy right now. Once you're fully recovered, I'll take you to see Misaki, okay?"
"You're taking me to see Misaki? Yay! I haven't seen her in forever. I'll make sure to take my medicine on time!"
At the mention of her friend Shokuhou Misaki, Dolly's excitement surged, her small frame bouncing around Samuel.
"Good girl. Stay over there, and I'll be out soon."
"Okie~"
After sending Dolly off, Samuel led Hayasaka deeper into the institute.
They arrived at his laboratory.
"This…"
The sight before Hayasaka left her speechless. It was a scene straight out of science fiction, a testament to Academy City's technological prowess.
"I'll ask you one last time: are you ready? I can't guarantee you'll survive."
Samuel's tone was grave. The experiment would test whether his AIM Diffusion Field could decisively influence another's ability development.
The method involved channeling his computational capacity into Hayasaka's body, targeting her brain to resonate with her brainwaves, using his calculations to amplify hers.
If successful, her computational capacity would grow under the stimulation, and having experienced such immense calculations, she wouldn't lose control.
The risks, however, were immense. A single misstep could result in brain death.
Of course, with Samuel's terrifying computational power, the success rate was 99.9%. But experiments always carried risks—statistically, life and death were a fifty-fifty gamble.
"I'm already here."
Hayasaka's response was simple.
"Alright, then cooperate with me. Let me enter your… body."
"???"
Hayasaka froze, a flash of disgust in her eyes. Is this the price?
Her cheeks flushed, her demeanor hesitant, but her hands didn't stop. With the sound of unfastening buttons, she opened her blouse…
"Oh! What's blinding my eyes?"
Such a white shirt…
"Please… be gentle…"
"…"
After a moment of unabashed appreciation, Samuel said, "You misunderstood!"
"Huh?"
The girl was utterly baffled.