"When did you get so hesitant?"
The moment Samuel stepped out of the lab, a familiar voice, long silent, echoed in his mind.
His shadow boiled like water, black liquid twisting and rising, forming a striking figure.
Irisviel?
It bore Irisviel's exact likeness but exuded a darker, gloomier aura.
"Yustisa?"
"This is a strange place… human evils intertwine, permeating the world. And… something even more terrifying seems to be suppressing that evil."
Yustisa embraced Samuel from behind, her soft form pressing close, a delightful sensation radiating from her touch.
"Ah, right. I thought you couldn't manifest here!"
"The force here is strong. On my own, I can't move freely, but with you, my master, I can act by your side!"
Yustisa's seductive smile and every gesture radiated a bewitching charm that struck the heart.
As the embodiment of human evil, she resonated with people's hearts, coaxing their instincts to submit to her.
"That won't work on me. I'm the perfect human, mastering both good and evil. I'm my own master—emotions bend to me, not the other way around. But… if you want me to get rough with you tonight or anytime, I can oblige!"
"Heh heh heh~"
Yustisa chuckled, whispering provocatively, "So direct, so commanding—that's the you I know! Why so soft with those two girls? If they're too much trouble, hand them to me. I'll make them very obedient."
"Leave it to you? They'd fall straight to corruption… Just behave and don't stir up trouble. This place is far more dangerous than back there. Don't think no one can handle you."
"You say that? Must be dangerous…"
The black figure dissolved into mist, merging back into his shadow.
…
"Is she my mom?!"
In a dessert shop, Misaka Mikoto shot up, frantic.
"Uh… well…"
"What do you think, Uiharu?!"
Misaka slammed the table, her expression wild.
"Um… calm down, please sit, Misaka-senpai!"
Uiharu Kazari, feeling the stares around them, spoke awkwardly.
Noticing her outburst, Misaka flashed an apologetic smile and sat.
"It's just a guess, but Shirai-san probably doesn't want you caught up in something dangerous!"
"Ngh~"
"That 'Void Explosion Incident'!"
"It's got a name already?"
"It started with empty cans in trash bins. Lately, it's been stuffed animals, kids' bags—things that lower your guard, packed with aluminum!"
"That's just cruel!"
Misaka frowned. Such random acts were practically the work of a "thrill criminal," acting purely for their own amusement.
Normally, harmless pranks weren't worth investigating, but large-scale, prolonged disruptions affecting public order and safety drew attention.
These culprits were the most dangerous, the least forgivable.
"It might not be that simple… but Shirai-san's definitely worried about you, Misaka-senpai."
Uiharu explained.
"Hm~ Kuroko's really got a thing for her zappy-zappy shock sister, huh? What if I stole her away? I'm kinda curious about Kuroko's face then."
Samuel appeared beside Uiharu, a sly grin on his face.
"Ah! Chairman, stop popping up like that—you scared me! But your ideas are dangerous~ Compared to the 'Void Explosion Incident' culprit, you're way scarier!"
Uiharu was used to Samuel's sudden appearances. Though startled, she recovered quickly.
"Hey! Who're you calling zappy-zappy shock sister, jerk?!"
Sparks crackled through the air toward Samuel, who neutralized them instantly by manipulating electrons.
"Yare yare, still so hot-tempered. Such a waste of that cute face, zappy-zappy shock sister!"
"Cute wha— You jerk!"
Misaka, briefly flustered by the unexpected compliment, soured at the nickname.
"Here's your giant ice—"
Zap!
Lightning flashed, and the ice cream exploded.
"Aaahhh!"
Uiharu wailed—not from injury, but from watching her long-awaited treat obliterated.
"Hey, come on…"
Samuel snapped his fingers. Time rewound, molecules reassembled under his control, restoring the cup and ice cream.
"Uh… sorry!"
Misaka apologized to Uiharu for her outburst.
"It's fine, Misaka-senpai. Chairman, stop provoking her on purpose!"
Uiharu sighed in relief, joyfully picking up her spoon to dig into the restored ice cream.
"Uiharu~"
"Sh-Shirai-san?"
Turning, Uiharu saw Shirai Kuroko staring at her with resentment.
"Why are you slacking here?! Wait—Chairman? You're…"
"Hold it, you don't call the shots with me. Go tattle to Mii-chan. We'll have a meeting, and I'll say, 'Who dares accuse this official!'"
"You…"
Kuroko sighed helplessly. She knew reporting him might actually play out like that—she didn't doubt it.
Misaka and Kuroko locked eyes, then Misaka turned away with a haughty huff.
"Uiharu, you've got some guts slacking here…"
"But the Chairman—"
"He's a lost cause, but you're not. Come with me…"
"No, no, let me have one bite—aaahhh!"
"Any complaints, take it up with me. I asked her to hang out."
Misaka said, irritation lacing her tone.
"No need to trouble yourself, Onee-sama. This is Judgment business."
"So, you're saying civilians should butt out?"
"Forget, Onee-sama? Judgment's work isn't as easy as you think!"
Kuroko and Misaka traded sharp words.
Then, Kuroko dragged Uiharu away, despite her protests about her "ice cream."
Clearly, Kuroko wasn't letting her have a bite.
"Hey, Uiharu-chan, if you're not eating that, give it to me! Not greedy, it's just my favorite. Rerorerorerorero~"
"Aaah! My cherry, Chairman—don't!"
***
If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 70 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL