Time passed swiftly, and five days flew by. Samuel and his group returned to Academy City. Since Dolly no longer required emergency lab care, Samuel relocated her to a house near the laboratory.
He, however, returned to the lab alone.
"So this is the so-called 'Ninth'?"
Samuel gazed at Takitsubo Rikou, submerged in a cylindrical glass tank filled with greenish liquid.
He referred to Academy City's internal ranking of students' ability potential.
After evaluation, their data was uploaded to the Tree Diagram, which compiled a list.
Takitsubo Rikou was ranked ninth, just below the eight Level 5s.
Her ability was unique: she could sense other espers' AIM Diffusion Fields and track them. After consuming Body Crystal, she could induce a "controlled outburst," enhancing her abilities. She could even interfere with others' AIM fields, preventing them from controlling their powers—a feat only Samuel could currently achieve.
Theoretically, if she reached Level 5, she'd undergo a profound transformation, able to manipulate others' Personal Realities through their AIM fields. She could enhance, weaken, swap, alter, or even create multi-ability espers. Such a Takitsubo could "single-handedly control all of Academy City's functions," establishing a superior esper development institution and reigning supreme.
She was, in essence, a parallel to Samuel. But while Samuel achieved this through brute computational force and AIM field byproducts, her ability was inherently designed for it.
Samuel's essence was computation, leveraging his vast processing power. Hers was the AIM field itself. Though similar—both microcosms of Academy City—they were fundamentally different.
Samuel was curious if he could cultivate her to Level 5.
It was an intriguing prospect.
[Target's Body Crystal toxins 70% cleared. Estimated completion: 21 hours, 53 minutes, 23 seconds.]
"Hmm…"
Samuel nodded and headed to check on his captives.
…
"Agh! This is so boring! How long have we been stuck here? They're not gonna lock us up till we die, right?"
Frenda sprawled on her bed, legs crossed, complaining without a shred of grace.
"No clue. But dying in here might be the better outcome. What if that Level 5 is some super creepy guy?"
"Huh?! What if he ties us up and, like in that kind of story, toys with our bodies, breaks our spirits, and marks a tally on our thighs—five marks for a '正'? How many could fit on your legs, Kinuhata?"
Frenda grinned, mimicking a scary "big tiger" pose to spook Kinuhata.
"Stop it! That's disgusting! You're super gross, Frenda!"
Kinuhata shuddered, goosebumps rising, her body and mind recoiling.
"Well, who can blame me? Kinuhata's got those long, gorgeous legs!"
Frenda's sly smile turned lecherous, her gaze scanning Kinuhata's legs like a creep.
"Hmph. Maybe, but what if the top-ranked guy prefers your type? Plenty of people have weird tastes these days. Writing tallies on you would probably be super fun for them."
"Hey, you're one to talk! Your mind's just as bad!"
Frenda shivered, goosebumps matching Kinuhata's.
"You started it!"
As Frenda and Kinuhata bickered, Mugino Shizuri sat silently on her bed, hugging her knees.
She was still haunted by the crushing defeat days ago. The powerlessness, the overwhelming pressure—like the sky collapsing—lingered in her mind.
"Next time I see that guy…"
Her low voice brimmed with defiance, but a fear she refused to acknowledge had taken root deep within.
"Seeing you all so lively puts me at ease. I wouldn't want my toys broken from the start."
A figure appeared in the room.
"You!" Mugino growled through gritted teeth.
"You!" Kinuhata and Frenda gasped, their squabble haltin with fear in their voices.
"Hello, ladies of ITEM. Miss Mugino Shizuri, Miss Kinuhata Saiai, Miss Frenda Seivelun."
"It's Frenda! Not whatever you just said!"
Frenda bristled at Samuel botching her name.
"Oh, my bad—Fren… da."
"Why the pause?!"
"Ladies, hmm? Miss Mugino seems displeased with me. No matter. I'll cut to the chase. I want to recruit you all. Switch bosses. I'm humane, so it's your choice. If you refuse, I won't kill you. However, your intrusion caused me significant losses, so you'll need to sign a repayment contract. Become my contracted assets. Pay off the debt, and you're free to go."
Ignoring Frenda's outburst, Samuel spoke with a calm smile. At the end, he snapped his fingers, projecting a contract beside him.
Clause 1: The creditor may demand repayment through any means, including but not limited to methods violating Academy City regulations.
…
"Hey! This is basically a slave contract! And what's this? A blatant threat?"
Frenda pointed at a clause: The creditor may demand repayment through physical appeal, with pricing at their discretion.
It was as if Samuel was saying, "Refuse to switch bosses, and I'll make you star in some special films."
"What, got a problem? Just so you know, I'm a sucker for looks. I get most enthusiast preferences, including but not limited to legs, lolis…"
As Frenda caught Samuel's dangerous smile, she dropped to her knees, flashing a sycophantic grin. "Being your… no, your loyal follower is our greatest honor!"
***
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