A Scientific Urban Detective.

Chapter 828 Tears in Action

“That’s understandable,” Misaka Mikoto said, speaking up for her friend. “Since we’ve already accepted Ruiko and Haru into our group, it’s really inappropriate to forget about them every time we go on an operation…”

The same thing happened four days ago in "that incident," and the same thing is happening today, so it's no wonder people are complaining.

"It was my oversight. I'll find a chance to explain to her later," Lin Wuming said, somewhat troubled.

Lin Wuming had indeed forgotten about Saten Ruiko and Uiharu Kazari.

Now, when action is needed, Lin Wuming has become accustomed to assuming the presence of his core team members—the people sitting around this table right now.

Moreover, both of these were emergency operations that were carried out on a whim, and I really didn't think of calling on other people.

As for whether it's dangerous or not, that consideration is secondary.

“And another thing,” Lin Wuming shook his head and continued, “Saten-kun provided a new clue—about Kihara Gensei.”

"Huh? There's more~" Misaki Shokuhou sprawled on the table, completely disregarding her image. "Is this ever going to end? That cunning old fox..."

"Tomorrow is the first day of school. Our school only has half-day classes, so I'll try to check it out when I have some free time," Lin Wuming said. "Isn't Tokiwadai Middle School supposed to have classes all day?"

"It's not exactly class time, but there are all sorts of things to take care of," Misaka Mikoto said, looking annoyed. "And we're not allowed to take leave."

“I can take the day off,” said Tiger Bee Honey. “Just be a little firm.”

"No, no need." Lin Wuming refused Hu Feng's offer to take the lead. He knew that the girl's toughness was genuine. "We've all seen today's operation—it's just a substitute, there's no need to make such a fuss."

Moreover, rather than searching for Kihara Gensei, Lin Wuming's main task tomorrow is to keep an eye on Saten Ruiko and prevent that highly proactive girl from acting on her own and running off to some strange and dangerous place...

As it turned out, Lin Wuming's guess was absolutely correct.

The next day, the first day of school, September 1st, early in the morning, Lin Wuming received an email from Saten Ruiko.

The girl said she had arrived at the legendary research institute and was currently observing from the outside.

Lin Wuming dared not be careless and hurriedly went out to get there.

The tiger wasps, naturally, followed.

"Tiger Bee, you don't need to come along," Lin Wuming said, then sent the destination to the driver's seat in front.

Lin Wuming recently upgraded his private car, which uses fully driverless technology and no longer requires a driver to be on standby at all times.

After all, Lin Wuming doesn't use this car very often, so there's no need to hire a dedicated driver. It would be a waste of human resources, and the driver might not even be reliable.

“It’s okay,” Hu Feng Toumi said as she changed into her uniform and put on makeup in the car. “Just consider it as leaving early. Once I’ve confirmed there’s no danger, I’ll go straight to school and won’t be late.”

"Alright, I'll have this car take you there later, it'll be faster," Lin Wuming said.

Because his Nen ability has not yet recovered to level 3, Lin Wuming cannot use his wheelchair as he used to, which is why he rarely uses this private car.

Upon arriving at his destination, Lin Wuming breathed a sigh of relief to find the scene peaceful and serene, with no unusual circumstances.

Saten Ruiko was also standing unharmed by the roadside, pacing back and forth idly.

"Saten-kun!" Lin Wuming rolled down his car window and called out to the other side of the road. Noticing Lin Wuming and Tomi Tohkaze's arrival, Saten Ruiko quickly waved and then ran over.

After the two sides met, Saten Ruiko quickly began to explain.

Saten Ruiko knew that her actions were reckless, even alarming the nameless senior who rushed over to meet her early in the morning. Fearing criticism, she had to defend herself.

While Saten Ruiko is certainly decisive, she's not so reckless as to be completely unaware of the gravity of the situation. In fact, after gaining recognition and joining the "Nameless Force," Saten Ruiko has become much more cautious—she knows the level of danger and enemies Lin Wuming and his group face, given that Uiharu Kazari has repeatedly and seriously warned her, making it imperative to take it seriously.

On the other hand, "nature" is not something that can be easily changed.

Her love for "urban legends" has become an instinct ingrained in her soul. In Saten Ruiko's own words, "Urban legends are calling to her!"
That's why, last night, while intensively gathering information about urban legends, Saten Ruiko discovered a new clue.

Coincidentally, the research institute the clues pointed to was located on one of the routes she took to get to school.

So on her way to school today, without realizing it, Saten Ruiko's steps stopped here on her own...

Fortunately, she managed to stay rational and remembered to send an email to Lin Wuming.

"So you haven't gone in yet?" Lin Wuming didn't care about the girl's explanation—there might be an element of chance involved, but the girl's initiative certainly played a part as well.

No matter what, as long as the result is good, that's fine.

“Of course not!” Saten Ruiko quickly shook her head. “This is a legitimate research institute that is still operating normally. How could we just barge in?”

—In other words, if it's an "abandoned" or "unofficial" research institute, then you can just break in, right?
“It was the right decision not to go in,” Lin Wuming said. “It’s getting late, let’s go to school first.”

As he spoke, Lin Wuming opened the car door and let the girl get in, but he got out of the car himself.

"Nameless?" Tiger Bee Toumi also prepared to come down when he saw this.

“Don’t worry, I won’t act on my own,” Lin Wuming said. “There’s a high school nearby, I’ll just walk there in a bit. Of course, I’ll do some research first.”

Then he looked at Saten Ruiko: "It's just a small investigation under the guise of a visit. After school today, I will take you on a formal surprise visit."

This can be considered as fulfilling the girl's wish to participate in the operation.

Seeing that Lin Wuming only wanted to "play with the child," Hufeng Toumi was immediately relieved and lost interest in acting together.

Saten Ruiko revealed a subtle expression. She wasn't stupid; of course, she could see Lin Wuming's purpose in doing this.

I wouldn't say I was angry, but I felt a bit disappointed because it wasn't what I had expected.

"Uh... let's skip this time?" Saten Ruiko ultimately declined Lin Wuming's invitation.

"Raids" that have lost their novelty and mystery are no fun at all.

Lin Wuming naturally didn't insist, but simply instructed, "If you have any more clues next time, don't act on your own. Notify us, and then we'll act together."

“Okay, I got it~” Saten Ruiko replied listlessly.

(End of this chapter)