Um... thank you for saving me...
Index timidly peeked out from behind Kanzaki, her pure white nun's robes fluttering in the wind.
Ling Qing's expression softened.
He crouched down to be at eye level with the silver-haired nun.
Little Sister Index, is it alright to call you that?
Yes, yes!
If you want to thank me, why don't you lend me your 103,000 magic books another day?
He smiled, his eyes narrowing.
Huh?!
Index's expression changed drastically.
But... but what if ordinary people saw this...?
Don't worry, I'm not an ordinary person.
Waaah... I... I...
Index was at a loss, unsure of what to do.
Seeing this scene, Kanzaki Kaori seemed to see herself being tricked just now.
He couldn't help but smile wryly and said, "Mr. Lingqing, please don't joke around."
Ling Qing stood up and shrugged.
I'm not kidding.
However, he can retrieve the contents of the grimoire from Index's memory at any time.
So, what are your plans after this? Are you going to settle scores with the Puritan archbishop?
Kanzaki Kaori gripped the hilt of her sword tightly.
I must get justice for Index.
You won't get any results even if you go back.
Don't forget, besides being a saint, you are also the pope of the Amakusa Cross Church.
Ling Qing gave her a kind reminder.
As the pope of the Amakusa Cross Church, Kanzaki Kaori could not possibly be completely hostile to that archbishop.
Unless she doesn't care about those Amakusa Cross believers.
Kanzaki Kaori's expression instantly darkened.
This is precisely her greatest sore spot.
As pope, she had to consider the survival of the entire denomination.
As a saint, she also longed to fight for justice.
The two identities were like shackles, making it difficult for her to move forward.
How about this?
Ling Qing suddenly made a suggestion.
You and Index should stay in Academy City for now. After all, this is my territory now, and no one dares to touch you.
Index's eyes lit up.
Is it really possible?
Kanzaki...
Kanzaki Kaori hesitated.
She looked at Ling Qing.
There was not a trace of hypocrisy in the eyes of this mysterious and powerful man.
final.
She nodded gently.
Well then... I'll have to bother you.
Ling Qing grinned.
He certainly didn't see hypocrisy, but he had a strong possessiveness.
Let's leave here first, and we'll talk about the details later.
Ling Qing snapped his fingers.
The next second, everyone disappeared.
...
The freeze in time was lifted with Ling Qing's departure.
ha!!
Stiyl gasped for breath.
The rune cards in his hand were scattered all over the ground.
He looked around blankly.
Kanzaki? Index?
It was completely dark.
He was the only one left in the abandoned factory.
He clearly remembered that he and Kanzaki had just been confronting those science-based ability users.
It wasn't this dark back then.
What exactly happened? Where did everyone go?
The feeling that the world had changed in the blink of an eye made him extremely irritable.
Just as he was about to cast a tracking spell, a note at his feet caught his attention.
He bent down and picked up the note.
The above is Kanzaki Kaori's handwriting.
What happened... We're safe in Academy City for now, don't worry.
It contained part of the truth about Index.
Are you kidding me!
Stiyl trembled all over, and in a fit of rage he burned the note to ashes.
The night wind blew through the empty factory, and no one answered his frantic roar.
...
The lights in the talent workshop were particularly bright at night.
Ling Qing leaned against the metal workbench, a playful smile on her lips.
Six girls with different styles stood in front of him.
Kanzaki Kaori held her Seven Days Seven Swords, her brows slightly furrowed.
Index looked around curiously.
Shirai Kuroko remained extremely wary of Ling Qing.
Misaki Shokuhou played with her long golden hair, her eyes also gleaming with an inquisitive light as she looked at the golden glitter.
Kihara Tamaki, on the other hand, seemed completely indifferent.
Only Misaka Mikoto seemed somewhat uneasy, occasionally stealing a glance at Ling Qing.
I imagine you have many questions, so I won't go into too much detail; you can figure it out yourselves.
Ling Qing snapped his fingers.
[Ding! You have selected the following targets for the trading chat group subgroup: Misaki Shokuhou, Kihara Awaki, Kanzaki Kaori, Shirai Kuroko, and Index!]
Chat group?
Is this some new type of scam? I, a self-proclaimed hater, won't fall for this—
Her words came to an abrupt end...
Because the strange light screen in front of her displayed the names of everyone present, including herself, in the group member list.
And the information and knowledge from the chat group flooded into their minds.
One by one, they showed expressions of shock.
While everyone was still in shock.
Ling Qing quietly walked up to Misaka Mikoto and whispered in her ear.
It's time to fulfill our deal, Mikoto.
Misaka Mikoto's body stiffened visibly, and the tips of her ears turned bright red instantly.
She bit her lower lip and nodded.
I understand.
While everyone else was still focused on the amazing features of the chat group, Ling Qing quietly left the main room.
…
Inside the lounge at the far end of the talent workshop.
Misaka Mikoto leaned against the closed door.
Knock knock knock!
My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of my chest.
The room wasn't big.
There is only a sofa and a small coffee table.
The curtains were tightly closed.
The only light source was the soft, warm light overhead.
This is a room I specially chose that's perfect. Are you nervous?
Ling Qing asked with a smile.
No, no!
Mikoto tried to speak in her usual assertive tone, but her voice was barely audible.
Ling Qing sat leisurely on the sofa, a playful smile in her eyes.
Even a mighty railgun gets nervous? That's not like you, 0.1.
Stop rambling!
Misaka Mikoto's face turned as red as a ripe apple.
I just... just...
Her voice grew softer and softer until it became an almost inaudible muttering.
This is the first time I've done something like this...
Ling Qing stood up and slowly walked towards her.
As he approached.
Misaka Mikoto could smell a faint, mysterious scent, like the starry sky.
She instinctively stepped back until her back was completely pressed against the door.
The transaction... is just about the right to use a body, right?
She stammered, avoiding eye contact with Ling Qing.
Then...shouldn't we finish this quickly? I...I still need to go back and deal with the Misaka Sisters' matter.
...