A Scientific Urban Detective.

Chapter 1046 The Unique Features of Academy City
“Strong emotions are a catalyst—that’s proven to be true.” The middle-aged woman, Hirata Koto, said, brushing the remaining powder off her hands. “In that case, there are bound to be areas for improvement in our previous plans.”

“Emotional catalysis? That’s a bit too idealistic,” Theristina said. “It’s more like a phenomenon from the magical side.”

“It’s all the same…” Hirata Koto chuckled twice. “Do you really think so-called superpowers are scientific? They’re just better integrated with modern science and technology. Superpowers—in essence, are also a kind of ‘miracle.’ We researchers can analyze them using scientific methodologies, but it’s best not to expect science to answer all questions.”

Theristina didn't refute. She thought for a moment and then said, "So far, FIVE_Over has been far inferior to the original, and other attempts to artificially replicate superpowers have almost all failed. If the key factor is emotion... then it's a plausible explanation."

“There are positive examples too,” Hirata Kotomi added. “Charlene is an android who is proficient in all eight superpowers, and her mastery of superpowers is already very close to that of a superpowered person.”

What sets it apart from other experimental programs is that the android Chalian also possesses "emotions".

"Superpowers are ultimately the power of those with superpowers," Theristina remarked.

After a moment of silence, she spoke again: "You just destroyed two different documents."

Hirata Koto nodded: "The other one is Lin Wuming's promotion plan. But given the current situation... it's no longer needed."

"No need...you mean..."

“War is the best catalyst—this line of thinking is correct in general,” Hirata Koto said. “In Academy City now, it would be hard to find a stronger opponent than Misaka Mikoto.”

"I see, killing two birds with one stone."

“No,” Hirata Koto clapped his hands and laughed, “we didn’t even throw a stone. They themselves pushed the situation to this point… They’re young after all, so full of energy.”

"And if you add 'mind control' to that, they're truly an incredible treasure of a couple," Theristina remarked.

Unexpectedly, after all the effort and even the unethical and inhumane illegal experiments they put in, the final blow came from the emotional entanglements between these young couples.

As researchers of the Kihara clan, they are pure and not bound by methods or means. Whether it is illegal experimentation or formal research, if the experimental results can be delivered to them, that would be the best.

As she spoke, Theristina looked at the Drive Armor standing on the helipad behind her with a hint of regret: "Such a good opportunity, it's a bit of a waste."

As a researcher, Theristina naturally equipped her self-designed vehicle with all sorts of testing equipment; compared to combat power, this powered armor was more of an "experimental" machine.

Unfortunately, due to Misaka Mikoto's outburst and rampage, a large-scale and intense electromagnetic interference was created in Academy City.

Even at a distance of more than ten kilometers from the battlefield, and despite being a specially modified drive armor designed by Theristina, it was still inevitably affected, with all the electrical equipment of the entire machine going out of control.

As a result, Theristina could only conduct the most primitive observations using a handheld telescope...

"Speaking of which, didn't they go too far this time?" Theristina couldn't help but ask when she saw the thorn-like halo-like object appearing above Misaka Mikoto's head in the distance.

Even Kihara himself felt the situation was serious. It's not hard to imagine that in the eyes of ordinary citizens and visitors, what was happening at this moment must be comparable to a terrifying disaster like an earthquake or tsunami. Fireworks festivals are not omnipotent. It's one thing for the city lights to go out; but cell phone signals are lost, or even completely damaged... When similar phenomena occur on a large scale, no matter what action is taken, it cannot be concealed.

The reason Academy City hasn't fallen into chaos yet is mainly due to superpowers...

With the disciplinary committee members as the main force, the students became very active.

Superpowers can, to some extent, replace the functions of modern devices. With superpowers such as "telepathy" as the core, the ability users in Academy City have established a communication network based on superpowers; and then they take swift action.

Compared to the panicked visitors, the local residents of Academy City seemed much calmer.

After all, having lived in this superpowered city for a long time, one is likely to encounter all sorts of extraordinary things; to the vast majority of students and citizens, they may not be particularly strong and are no different from ordinary people, but they are definitely well-informed and knowledgeable.

—It's just a sudden power outage, nothing serious.

Although it might be hard for many to believe that a futuristic city, thirty years ahead of the rest of the world, would experience power outages, the fact is that such incidents are not uncommon in Academy City.

Accidents caused by illegal experiments, sabotage by terrorists opposing Academy City, or fights among superhumans... all pose a threat to the city's power system.

The most common one is "superpowered individuals fighting," which actually refers to Misaka Mikoto.

Lately, things have been much better; Misaka Mikoto has become much more composed and low-key. A little earlier, however, almost every time Misaka Mikoto took a serious battle, it would cause widespread power outages…

Over time, the reason for the sudden power outage was no longer a secret. Everyone knew that 80% or 90% of the time it was related to Misaka Mikoto.

Of course, Misaka Mikoto's battles are not reckless; they are mostly about fighting armed groups of powerless individuals, illegal experimental facilities, and foreign invaders. If explained clearly, they are understandable.

Because of this consensus, the students had already taken the initiative to reassure their parents and relatives before the riots could even develop.

—It must be "A Certain Scientific Railgun" showing its prowess again, so there's no need to worry.

During the Daihasei Festival, most of the visitors are the students' relatives and friends; in this situation, as long as the students remain calm and composed, they can reassure their families to the greatest extent possible.

One or two students might be one thing, but if almost all the students and citizens on the street share this attitude, and it becomes a widespread phenomenon, even if parents have doubts, they won't easily show them.

Furthermore, the power and internet outages prevented people from getting a full picture of the disaster, leading people in each neighborhood to believe that only their area was experiencing a power outage.

The same scene was happening simultaneously in hundreds and thousands of areas, and miraculously, the order and stability of Academy City were maintained, and the expected riots did not occur.

(End of this chapter)