Unlimited Ambition

Kuroko snuggled against me like a kitten, clearly determined to get revenge on me for the setbacks she suffered with Mikoto.

After that, I let go of Kuroko. After all, although I'm a bit of a psychopath at heart, I look pretty much like a normal person on the outside. I really couldn't stand the extremely piercing stares from others.

Kuroko reluctantly let go of me and then sat down opposite me. I snapped my fingers and ordered her another ice cream.

Kuroko chuckled, seemingly quite happy. Then she started chatting with me. Most of the time, Kuroko did the talking, and I listened. And the conversation, as I expected, mostly revolved around Mikoto.

I never imagined that in Kuroko's eyes, Mikoto was such a strong yet gentle person. She's usually radiant like the sun, drawing people in effortlessly.

Hmm... more or less correct, except we have to exclude her proud, hypocritical nature. I added in my mind. Then I asked Kuroko what was wrong with Mikoto lately? Why was she so listless?

Kuroko also said she didn't know. It was just that a few days ago, Mikoto returned to the dorm with a serious injury, but she didn't want anyone to know. Kuroko clumsily used medical alcohol and gauze to bandage her wound. Since that day, Mikoto has seemed listless.

Hearing Kuroko's words, I seemed thoughtful. Was she listless because she'd been defeated? No, that didn't make sense. Speaking of her record, this wasn't the first time she'd been defeated. I'd once beaten her terribly. But after a good night's sleep, she recovered completely. She even vowed to defeat me next time we met.

Such a cheerful and optimistic person. They don't seem to get discouraged by losing a fight. Why is that?

"I was hoping to use Onii-chan's invitation to cheer up Onee-sama. But she wouldn't accept. It's really frustrating." Kuroko seemed troubled and refused my further invitation: "I'm really worried about Onee-sama like this. It's a pity. But let's wait until next time. Let's invite Uiharu and Ruiko too, and the five of us can go together..."

Five people together... 5P?

With that thought in mind, I said goodbye to Kuroko. Then I continued wandering aimlessly. I heard that Haru was busy with disciplinary committee matters. Academy City is really unreliable. They actually hired high school students to manage security. As for Ruiko, I couldn't get in touch with her; I wondered what she was doing.

And so, I'm racking my brains again about where to stay tonight. Mikoto and Kuroko both live in the dorms. There aren't any spare beds. Am I supposed to squeeze in with them? I don't really care, Kuroko would probably be thrilled. But Mikoto would definitely try to rip me off. I think I'll pass.

Just then, I suddenly noticed a familiar figure ahead. Although her eyes were a little vacant and she was wearing green military goggles, it definitely looked like Mikoto.

"Hey! Mikoto!" I ran over quickly, and when she heard someone call her name, she turned around and looked at me indifferently.

"What's going on? Didn't you say you weren't feeling well and therefore declined my invitation? You made me worry for ages. And then you came out alone." My tone was half reproachful and half excited.

The girl's eyes remained listless. She opened her mouth and spoke in a strange manner: "Misaka doesn't recognize this handsome man in front of her," Misaka said, slightly confused. "According to this man, he must have mistaken me for my onee-sama," Misaka analyzed.

"Are you... Misaka Mikoto's twin sister?" I asked tentatively.

"If you're asking about Misaka's identity, that's about it," Misaka said casually, refusing to discuss the matter further. The girl's voice remained indifferent. Like...like a robot, or something similar.

"So, may I know your name?" I continued.

“Misaka is Misaka,” the girl explained vaguely. She seemed to be trying to replace tone of voice with the declarative voice that followed.

"Misaka Sister?" I tried a different way of addressing her.

"Misaka doesn't mind this handsome guy calling her that," Misaka said with a hint of excitement. As she spoke, the girl grinned, revealing an expression that could hardly be called a smile.

...There's something wrong here. I came to that conclusion very quickly.

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Strange Girl

I just happened to run into this Misaka Sister. Should I try inviting her to take a look? I absolutely don't have any bad intentions. I just simply want to find out a little bit about Mikoto's situation from her.

And so, I strolled around with the Misaka Sisters. According to them, a very handsome but shameless boy wanted to ask Misaka out shopping because he knew her. While Misaka didn't particularly dislike being approached, she still wanted the boy to be a little more reserved.

Come to think of it, such harsh words, coupled with that expressionless face, are truly devastating. Is this what they call being cunning and manipulative? I thought with a touch of helplessness.

All the way there, I tried to start a conversation to cheer her up. It would be wonderful if Misaka Mikoto could smile at me. The sense of accomplishment from melting that ice would be amazing.

But Misaka quickly changed my mind: most of what the boy said was incomprehensible and uninteresting. Misaka said somewhat impatiently.

……

Okay, even a Casanova like me makes mistakes sometimes. No need to worry too much, really, I really don't care. I really don't care if a girl with a blank expression says: "What you're saying is boring."

My eyes feel sore—it must be because of the strong wind and sand that got into them.

Next, I asked the Misaka Sisters about Mikoto's recent situation, hoping to get some information out of her. However, the Misaka Sisters knew absolutely nothing about Mikoto's life. Are the sisters not getting along? Come to think of it, Mikoto has never mentioned having a twin sister…

And just like that, the conversation between Misaka and me quickly ran out. The atmosphere became quite awkward. And it was getting late. At this moment, Misaka suddenly said to me, "Speaking of which, there's something that really bothers Misaka. If this handsome guy I just met can help me, I'll be very happy." Misaka said with a hint of anticipation.

Come to think of it, this is the first time I haven't felt bothered by being asked to do something by someone.

Seeing that I didn't say anything, Misaka continued, "If the boy you just met doesn't want to help, then forget it," Misaka said, sounding a little lonely, while also expressing slight disdain for the boy.

I immediately promise to unconditionally grant Misaka Mikoto's request, even if it means reaching for the moon in the heavens or catching goldfish in the deep sea.

"Misaka expressed skepticism about the boy's statement, but still pretended to be very happy. Misaka said in a pretentious manner."

Okay, I'm completely defeated by you. Please tell me your request, dear Misaka Sister.

“There’s a stray cat there, and it looks so pitiful. But because Misaka’s superpowers emit an AIM field, these little animals don’t really want to get close to her,” Misaka said, slightly troubled.

...A mere ball of flesh easily accomplished what I couldn't, and even ignored this ice beauty?!

I had a strong urge to kneel down and grovel. But my brain told me that if I did, something very important would leave me. So I forced myself to suppress the urge and smiled at the Misaka Sisters with great difficulty.

"The boy's smile was ugly," Misaka commented with a disdainful tone.

Okay, is it that stray kitten?! I'll feed it and then "properly" teach it how to be a pet.

I took Misaka Mikoto to the nearby supermarket and bought a bag of cat food. Then I fed it to the kitten. Under my immense pressure (only directed at the kitten with its flowing hair), the kitten was very well-behaved, not even resisting when Misaka Mikoto picked it up. It just meowed.

Speaking of which, due to some Grim Reaper, I harbor an extreme resentment towards felines. You could say it's a form of displaced anger. No matter which city I'm in, whenever I see a stray cat, I call an animal shelter, and I'll even pay them to get them admitted.

I think this feeling is similar to Hitler's feelings towards the Jews. Both involved imprisoning them in concentration camps and then humanely destroying them. But this time, in front of Misaka Mikoto, I couldn't express this feeling. I could only use the powerful aura of an angel to scare it (using aura to scare a kitten, you're really something).

Misaka's younger sister found it a little strange that the little cat didn't avoid her this time. However, she was very happy and didn't dwell on it. She picked up the little cat and its box, saying she planned to take it home and raise it.

...How about we make a deal? You can take me back and raise me too. I guarantee I'll be much more useful than a cat, in every way.

And just like that, another cat got between me and Misaka Mikoto. It was getting really late; the sun was about to set, and I still hadn't found a place to sleep. Looking at this cat, my resentment grew stronger and stronger…

Suddenly, Misaka Mikoto shoved the cat, along with its box, cat food, cat bowl, cat care book, and other things, into my arms. Then she said, "Misaka has something very important to do, so I'll leave this to you." Without even adding her usual catchphrase, she turned and ran into a small alley.

What... what's going on? I stared at her retreating figure, and suddenly had a feeling that if I didn't catch up, I might never see her again...

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Strange Girl (Continued)

And so, a boy appeared on the street, standing there dumbfounded, holding a box for stray cats, along with cat food, a cat bowl, and a cat care textbook.

I froze for a few seconds, watching Misaka Mikoto's figure disappear into the alley. Then, I threw the cat food, cat bowl, and cat care textbook I was holding onto the ground and ran into the alley as fast as I could.

Damn it, even though you're expressionless and cold, your words are incredibly sharp. I've never been insulted like this before. Your interests are completely different from mine—you adore the kittens I hate!—But please! Please, please don't let anything happen to you, Misaka Mikoto!

(One more question: what would happen if I killed off the Misaka Sisters?)

At the speed of sound, Mach 3, Mach 7, Mach 11—I'm as fast as I was back in the days of Killing Wolf. I was so fast I almost crashed into a wall—and then I heard an annoying, androgynous voice.

"Are you trying to seduce me by wiggling your butt while you run?"

Damn! Luckily I got here first! Otherwise, someone else would have NTR'd me!

Thinking of this, I was filled with rage. I immediately used the Big Dipper Immortal Steps to circle around to the white-haired man who was wearing a black and white striped outfit like a prisoner and whose voice was neither male nor female. Then I was about to deliver a whip kick to his face.

Seeing that the guy's vacant gaze and unsteady gait, it was obvious he wasn't a trained fighter. One kick from him would be enough to leave him badly injured, if not killed.

However, something unexpected happened. Just as the whip kick was about to strike his face, it bounced back, sending me flying backward.

"A defensive barrier?" I wondered to myself, performing a backflip in mid-air to steady myself. With a wave of my hand, dozens of Heavenly Punishment Lightning bolts blasted out. But to my surprise, just like before, they were all bounced back immediately.

However, I was prepared this time, and a shield of light blocked all the lightning. Afterwards, I pulled the bewildered Misaka Mikoto behind me and watched the person warily.

"Who are you?" the androgynous person asked.

His response was a barrage of sword strikes, like a storm. In an instant, the Heaven-Slaying Sword was drawn, aimed at eight major acupoints on his body, with the force of thunder and lightning, exquisite and unparalleled, unleashing hundreds or even thousands of strikes in the blink of an eye, but to no avail.

Just before each strike, the sword would strangely veer off course, completely missing its mark. I gritted my teeth, gripped the hilt with both hands, and with all my might, thrust the sword straight at the man's brow. This time, however, it didn't veer off course, but instead encountered immense resistance. The greater the force I used, the greater the resistance became. The Heaven-Slaying Sword, unable to bear the weight, let out a mournful cry.

Seeing this, a chill ran through me. I wondered to myself, who exactly is this person? How could he possibly break my Heaven-Slaying Sword?

After I obtained the Heaven-Slaying Sword again, I put in a great deal of effort. I used all sorts of rare and precious materials, refined it using both Eastern and Western forging techniques, and even slaughtered a large number of magical societies, taking their souls to temper the sword. After the sword was completed, I fed it with blood for several years without stopping. The Heaven-Slaying Sword is no longer what it used to be; it is exceptionally spiritual, and even ordinary divine weapons cannot compare to it.

Over the years, I've fought countless battles, and my Heaven-Slaying Sword has provided me with considerable assistance. I've never met a worthy opponent. Who would have thought that today I'm doomed!

I gritted my teeth, sheathed my sword, and swung my palms three times at the man. The first two moves were the Great Hand Seal of Tantric Buddhism, and the last was a close-combat technique passed down from Heaven—it was useless, but I managed to retreat using the force of the recoil. The two sides were once again locked in a stalemate.

The above description takes quite a bit of space, but the actual time it took was very short. After the person said, "Who," I was momentarily stunned, only to see a streak of sword light before my eyes, and then I retreated. The whole thing took less than three seconds.

In that moment of stunned silence, the man watched me retreat, and broke out in a cold sweat. Both of us thought to ourselves: we've met our match today. We sized each other up, neither of us rushing to attack.

"Let me give you a piece of advice: no matter who you are or what your status is, it's best not to meddle in other people's business. You know, curiosity killed the cat," said the androgynous guy.

If it only kills the cat, then I would be more than happy to accept it.

"Let me give you the same advice: no matter who you are or what your status is, this girl is someone I must protect. I will not allow you to lay a hand on her," I replied coldly.

To everyone's surprise, the androgynous guy burst into laughter: "I never imagined anyone would like such a doll. Hahahaha... This cheap, emotionless doll!! It's just... utterly ridiculous!!"

I frowned, a flash of murderous intent crossing my eyes: "This child is indeed a bit cold, but he's not the puppet you described. Take back your words! Or do I have to tear your tongue out myself?"

However, the person remained calm and said to me, "You might not know what she is, right? She's an artificial human. Just press a button, and you can have as many artificial humans as you want. Now that you know this, will you still protect her?"

I turned around and asked softly, "Is what he said true? Misaka Sisters?"

Misaka's expression darkened slightly: "What Accelerator said is true. Misaka is a cyborg, number 10032. She is a flawed product created from her older sister's genes. She can be produced with the push of a button, and the price is 18,000 yen. The purpose of her production is to provide for Accelerator's killing. So there is absolutely no need for boys to worry about me."

Oh, I see... 18,000 yen each? That's way too cheap.

I sighed softly, turned around, and looked at the person Misaka Sisters called Accelerator.

"Well, can you get lost now?" Accelerator said.

I chuckled softly, then solemnly said to Accelerator, "I'll offer ten times the price; please give me this girl."

"Don't joke around!" Accelerator paused for a moment, then shouted.

"So this really won't work?" I scratched my head in frustration, then said, "Then let's try again."

Misaka gently tugged at my sleeve: "Although we haven't known each other for very long, Misaka doesn't want to see you get hurt. Please stop worrying about Misaka."

"Absolutely not!" I turned around and shouted at Misaka Mikoto, "If you don't want me to care, then don't seduce me in the first place! I'm already head over heels for you and can't stop myself! All you have to do is wait here quietly until I kill that bastard and then take you away!"

Chapter Twenty-Five: Accelerator is actually a good person

Hearing my boastful words, Misaka blushed and plopped down on the ground: "Misaka got confessed to... confessed to by a boy she just met a day ago... Misaka, Misaka is so happy..." Then tears streamed down her face.

I squatted down, half-kneeling beside her, and took out a handkerchief to hand to her.

"Even though I didn't see your smile, this crying face is kind of nice too," I said, then gently kissed her forehead. "Wait for me."

Accelerator's face was ashen. His usually fair and clean face was now as red as a monkey's bottom. He pointed at me tremblingly, not knowing what to say.

"I'm going to kill." I snorted softly, uttering these words. The voice wasn't loud, but when it reached Accelerator's ears, it was like a thunderclap. Where had Accelerator ever witnessed such power?