The Legend of Level 0 in Academy City

"Drink!" Clang, clang, the vending machine cried silently, shedding two cans of "drinks".

Hearing the unusual sound, Inoue Hideka, who had just reached the finish line, wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to look at the source of the sound. His expression immediately changed!

As the weather grew hotter in June, Misaka Mikoto was now wearing her familiar summer Tokiwadai school uniform, so Inoue Eika recognized her at a glance and instinctively wanted to run away.

But when he saw Misaka Mikoto walking towards him with a drink, she didn't seem angry at all about what had happened before.

For a moment, I didn't know whether I should run away or stay here.

Chapter 18 I'm Not a Masochist!

"Hey!" Misaka Mikoto threw a can of drink at Inoue Eika. "Mikoto-sama isn't one to take advantage of others in distress. Have a drink and rest for a bit, then—fight me!"

"I'm definitely not going to let you get away with this," Misaka Mikoto thought as she opened the drink in her hand and gulped it down.

In fact, Misaka Mikoto had tried to find Inoue Eika several times since then, but unlike Misaka Mikoto, Inoue Eika didn't wander around outside every day. He would stay in the dormitory to train whenever he had time, so of course he never found him.

Misaka Mikoto had been holding in a lot of resentment, and now she finally had a chance to vent it!

"Huh?" Inoue Eika opened her drink, took a sip, and looked at Misaka Mikoto with disdain. "Are you kidding me, Misaka-senpai? As a Level 5 Tokiwadai ace, you want to challenge me, a Level 0 esper? Aren't you afraid of losing face if word gets out?"

Misaka Mikoto was taken aback by his words. She hadn't expected Inoue Eika to be a Level 0 esper. Her face immediately turned as red as a tomato. "Ugh, so annoying! You've tricked me time and time again. This time, I'm going to teach you a lesson!"

"Wow! So Misaka-senpai is going to bully the weak by relying on her abilities?" Inoue Eika's taunting skills instantly reached their maximum. Although she was completely dominated by Saten Ruiko when they were together, she was able to overwhelmingly win against Misaka Mikoto, who was awkward and not frank.

However, he forgot one thing.

"Sizzle~~ Sizzle!" This tsundere is prone to losing control when she gets arrogant! Misaka Mikoto, who was increasingly embarrassed and angry, had reached her breaking point. Despite trying her best to control the current, some current still couldn't help but strike Inoue Eika.

"Ah!" Inoue Eika screamed in fright the moment she saw the blue electricity and immediately tried to run away, but how could a person's speed compare to lightning!

Seeing the electric current strike Inoue Hideka and hearing his pitiful screams, Misaka Mikoto felt a pang of regret. After all, he was just an ordinary Level 0 cultivator, and she would feel guilty if she were to be seriously injured because of him. But...

Misaka Mikoto was quite surprised to see Inoue Hideka completely unharmed. Even though she hadn't used her full strength, the uncontrolled electric current shouldn't have had this effect on an ordinary person without any abilities.

Could it be that he isn't level 0?

Inoue Hideka was also a little surprised. Although she knew that her physical condition should be quite resilient after nearly three months of training, but...

What was this comfortable feeling? Feeling the electric current flowing through her body, stimulating all the cells in her body to become excited, Inoue Hideka almost cried out in pleasure.

He felt that in this state, his speed could double! Could this be the so-called instant speed boost achieved by stimulating muscles with electrical current to promote cell activation?

However, the electrical current stimulating the muscles needs to be carefully controlled; too much will damage the body, while too little will have no effect. It seems that, by sheer chance, the electrical current released by Misaka Mikoto at that moment happened to be suitable for Inoue Hideka's body resistance.

"So this is what you called a level 0?" Misaka Mikoto's initial guilt instantly turned to anger, feeling betrayed. "Come on! Let's duel! This time I'll give it my all and see who's stronger!"

Looking at the furious Misaka Mikoto, Inoue Hideka felt a pang of bitterness. "I just have a high resistance, but I have absolutely no fighting ability! Do you expect me to stand here and take your electric shocks and see if your current runs out first, or if my body is electrocuted first? I'm not a masochist!"

"Hey, Misaka-senpai, what do you think a true strong person is?" Inoue Hideka quickly shifted the focus, following up on what Misaka Mikoto had just said, hoping that Misaka Mikoto could calm down first.

"Hmm... A strong person is, of course, stronger than everyone else! Defeating everyone makes you the strongest!" Misaka Mikoto's attention was indeed diverted; or rather, she was quite interested in this topic. After all, she had worked hard to reach level 5 and sought out challenges everywhere, simply because she couldn't tolerate anyone being stronger than her.

"In my opinion, a so-called strong person does not necessarily have a strong body, but rather an inextinguishable heart. As long as his heart keeps burning and keeps resisting, then even if his body fails or he dies, he has not lost to anyone. He has only lost to fate!" Inoue Eika began to deceive Misaka Mikoto, who had not experienced much.

While it may be called a hoax, isn't there some truth to it?

If you think about it carefully, if Accelerator had launched an all-around attack on Touma from the very beginning, Touma would have definitely died from the all-around, indiscriminate, and inescapable attack. His right hand could only neutralize the miracles that his palm could touch, which would have prevented him from getting close enough to unleash the Friendship Breaker Punch. In that case, he wouldn't have lost.

If Gilgamesh in Fate hadn't been so arrogant and had gone all out from the start, unleashing a massive barrage of Noble Phantasms, Shirou Emiya wouldn't have gradually grown stronger and been subjected to close-range attacks, and he wouldn't have lost.

Countless examples like this exist. Many people are not defeated by a lack of ability, but by arrogance, overconfidence, underestimating their opponents, and blind self-confidence.

Of course, many people died because they were not strong enough, but as long as they did not give up until the last moment, Inoue Hideka did not think they had failed. They had only lost to the injustice of fate.

Arriving in Academy City, the pressure of survival, his dissatisfaction with himself, and his desire to fight alongside those people did not crush Inoue Hideka. Instead, they tempered his mind, making him stronger, more composed, and sharper!

Upon hearing Inoue Hideka's words, Misaka Mikoto's expression froze, and she began to ponder, "The Unquenchable Heart..."

The more Misaka Mikoto thought about it, the more she agreed. Indeed, an indomitable spirit is what a strong person should possess. Wasn't she herself like that?

Even after reaching the top and becoming one of only seven Level 5 espers in Academy City, he never stopped progressing, never underestimated his opponents in battle, and was never arrogant enough to look down on those weaker than him.

"What you're saying is unexpected... Ah!" The annoying figure was gone again, only visible a hundred meters away as he sprinted away. Misaka Mikoto shouted, "You bastard, tell me your name, I'm coming for you!"

"Why bother with past acquaintances? Misaka-senpai, we'll meet again if fate allows!" What a joke! How could Inoue Eika possibly tell her her name! With Misaka Mikoto's abilities, she could easily find out he's a first-year student in Class 3 of Sakugawa Middle School once she knows his name. Who knows if she'll block the school gate demanding a duel? It's better to avoid trouble!

Therefore, Inoue Hideka waved his hand casually and then ran away at top speed.

Misaka Mikoto didn't chase after her because it was almost time for class, and besides, she might not be able to catch up with Inoue Eika's speed.

Angry, Misaka Mikoto returned to her dorm and prepared to tidy up a bit before going to class.

Unable to contain his anger, he grabbed the teddy bear on the bed and started venting his frustration, punching and kicking it before collapsing onto the bed, panting.

"Huh? What happened, Onee-sama?" Shirai Kuroko asked, a little scared. Even she was afraid of her onee-sama when she got angry.

"It's nothing, I just ran into an annoying guy!" Misaka Mikoto said, frowning. "By the way, Kuroko, is it possible to look up detailed information about someone in the library based on their appearance?"

"Putting aside the question of whether it's even possible to find out, using the library without permission is a violation of the Disciplinary Committee's rules, you know, Onee-sama!" Shirai Kuroko was quite responsible in this regard. "Please don't do anything that bothers me. But does Onee-sama have someone she cares about? It's not a man, is it?"

"W-What are you saying! I don't care about that kind of guy!" Misaka Mikoto retorted, her face flushed.

"Is that so? But big sister, please don't stay lying on the bed any longer, it's almost time for class~~ Also, please don't wear such tasteless safety shorts under your skirt~~"

As Shirai Kuroko spoke, she noticed Misaka Mikoto's safety shorts through her lying legs, which displeased her, and began to criticize Misaka Mikoto.

"Kuroko, where are you looking?!"

*Sizzle! Sizzle!* An electric current flashed through the room. "Oh ha! The whip that my sister loves!" Kuroko's voice, a mixture of pain and pleasure, echoed throughout the Tokiwadai dormitory.

What a beautiful morning!

Daily life after the start of Volume Two's storyline!

Chapter Nineteen begins

Today is the routine physical examination day at Sakukawa Junior High School, and Inoue Eika is still classified as incapacitated.

There were no feelings of disappointment or loss, because of the existence of the ability assessment, Inoue Hideka knew that under normal circumstances, she would only be an abilityless person for her entire life, unless she used a method like the Ideationer that forced growth.

Therefore, Inoue Hideka walked calmly down the road, agreeing to meet Saten Ruiko and Uiharu Kazari at the entrance of Sakugawa Middle School after the check-up.

Looking up at the huge airship slowly floating in the sky, which displayed the names of the three schools where physical examinations would be conducted today—Tokiwadai Junior High School, Sakukawa Junior High School, and Asahikawa Junior High School.

Before even reaching the school gate, Inoue Hideka saw Uiharu Kazari holding a handheld device with a cheerful expression, seemingly humming a little tune. However, because of the distance, Inoue Hideka couldn't make out what tune Uiharu Kazari was humming; she could only see her lips moving slightly.

Behind Haru Kazari, you can see Saten Ruiko quietly approaching.

As Inoue Hideka slowly approached, he saw Saten Ruiko calling out Uiharu Kazari's name while creating a whirlwind beneath her at an incredible speed, instantly lifting Uiharu Kazari's skirt.

"I'm wearing a light pink polka dot outfit today!" Saten Ruiko said happily.

"What the hell are you doing to me all of a sudden, Saten-san!" Uiharu Kazari said shyly, waving her hands wildly in the air.

"Oh my! You're still so formal with your classmates! Well then, let's have another round to strengthen our bond!" Saten Ruiko's expression brightened as she said mischievously.

"Ah~~ Ah~~ That's too much!" Uiharu Kazari looked aggrieved and seemed a little angry.

"Sorry, sorry, I've gone too far. As compensation, how about you take a look at my underwear?" As she spoke, she actually lifted her skirt to let Hatsuharu Shiori see.

"Ahem!" Inoue Eika couldn't stand it anymore. Although she knew that Saten Ruiko might not actually cause a scene, there were many male classmates around, and those hooligans were leering at them. Just in case, Inoue Eika coughed twice to remind Saten Ruiko, who was having a great time.

"Ah! When did Inoue-kun arrive?" Uiharu Kazari noticed Inoue Eika, who had already walked to the side, when she heard the cough, and said in a panic, "Ah~~ Was I just seen?"

"Huh? I just arrived! I didn't see anything!" Inoue Hideka denied it outright, unaware that her words were like a huge rock standing there, with a clear message written on it: "I'm just trying to hide something!"

"Um~~ Inoue-kun!" Uiharu Kazari became even more shy upon hearing this, standing there at a loss for what to do.

"So, is it good or not, Inoue?" Saten Ruiko could tell that Inoue Eika was lying, so she spoke to Inoue Eika in a coaxing tone.

"So beautiful~" she said subconsciously. Inoue Eika swore it was absolutely just a subconscious thought. Ugh! Saten, that devil!

Seeing that Shiori Ueharu's head was practically steaming, Inoue Hideka quickly changed her tune, saying, "Looks good my foot!"

"So, Inoue means it's not good to watch?"

Upon hearing this, Haru Haru looked at Inoue Hideka with teary eyes, as if she would burst into tears the next moment if Inoue Hideka said anything unpleasant!

"Ugh~~ Stop it, Saten!" Inoue Eika finally snapped, shouting loudly.

After some fuss, the three of them arrived at a public bench by the street. After all, they had almost attracted a crowd at the entrance, so they had to move to a different spot. Thanks to this situation, Inoue Hideka was finally able to escape that embarrassing predicament.

"Speaking of which, how are you all doing?" Saten Ruiko spoke first.

"What do you mean, how?" Shiori Haru asked, puzzled.

"Well! Anyway, it's just the same, there's no progress at all!" Inoue Eika knew that Saten Ruiko was referring to her abilities, so she spoke up.

Upon hearing Inoue Eika's words, Uiharu Kazari also realized what was happening and said dejectedly, "Ah~ It's completely no good! I'm still a low-level ability user, and I haven't improved since elementary school. Even my teacher said, 'Is the flower on your head just for show? Use the power of that flower to open your ability too.'"

"Although I really want to complain about that teacher's lecturing, you should still cheer up!" Sensing the disappointment in Uiharu Kazari's voice, Saten Ruiko encouraged her.

“Besides, low-level ability users aren’t so bad, right? I’m a level 0—a no-ability user.” As she spoke, she made an OK sign with her right hand and placed it over her right eye. Inoue Eika saw through her fingers the disappointment that Saten Ruiko was trying to hide.

Saten is still as kind as ever! Even though she is also very sad, she is able to cheer up and comfort her friend.

"But don't worry about that. As long as I'm happy every day, everything will be OK." She closed her right eye, made a playful face, and looked at Chuchun with encouragement in her open left eye.

Is that really the case? If she truly didn't care, she wouldn't have asked about the checkup first, would she? If she truly didn't care, she wouldn't carry the amulet her mother gave her with her every day, would she? What a stubborn girl!

Looking at Saten Ruiko like this, Inoue Eika felt genuine heartache for this strong and optimistic girl.

"So, what are the plans next?" Inoue Hideka didn't want to continue this heavy discussion, so she changed the subject.

"Today is the album release date that includes the song [HITOSUI HAJIME]. Inoue, let's go buy it together in early spring?" Saten Ruiko seemed particularly obsessed with certain things, just like her enthusiasm for urban legends, and said excitedly.

"But I had an appointment with Shirai-kun today..." Uiharu Kazari said with a regretful expression.

"Shirai-san? Is it about the disciplinary committee?" Saten Ruiko asked, puzzled.

Thanks to Inoue Eika, this little butterfly, Saten Ruiko met Shirai Kuroko ahead of time.

"No!" Uiharu Kazari shook her head. "Shirai-san granted my wish and let me meet Misaka-senpai. It was Misaka Mikoto, the ace of Tokiwadai, one of only seven Level 7 espers in Academy City!"

Is that really the case? Although the date was a bit unclear, Inoue Eika had some doubts when she saw the three schools that were conducting physical examinations today on the airship. Now, hearing what Uiharu Kazari said, it seems that today is the day Saten and the others meet Misaka Mikoto.

Inoue Hideka thought to himself thoughtfully.

"The Level 5 espers from Tokiwadai? They're probably the kind of annoying guys who look down on others just because they're good at it." Saten Ruiko said with disdain. As a low-level esper, she had experienced being looked at strangely by high-level espers before, let alone the seven Level 5 espers in Academy City.

"Is that true?" Shiori Uiharu said hesitantly, after all, she didn't know what it would be like to get along with a superpowered person.

"Because those kinds of people usually look down on those who are less capable than themselves, it's infuriating!" Saten Ruiko's disdainful gaze intensified, "And she's some kind of young lady from Tokiwadai!"

"Isn't it great, young lady!" As if struck by lightning, Uiharu Kazari suddenly became excited, then continued with a look of longing, "No, it's precisely because you're the young lady that it's great!"