After organizing the data, Aiba Asagi spoke with sparkling eyes:
"This is remarkably similar to the modern magic I've been developing."
"Give me time—I can merge the two. I might even be able to simplify the entire esper development process."
She paused briefly before adding:
"But there's one issue. According to this data, once someone has undergone esper development, they can't undergo it again."
"However… there's also good news."
"Even if someone failed to develop an ability—if they already formed a Personal Reality, they can still use it as a foundation to learn my modern magic."
Hearing that, Izumi stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"So in other words… Level 0s who've gone through esper development can learn your magic with your help?"
"…That's interesting."
His interest was clearly piqued.
In Academy City, the majority were students.
And among them—
The number of espers was actually smaller than the number of Level 0s.
Those students had undergone development—
Yet failed to gain abilities.
Which meant…
They were perfect candidates for Asagi's modern magic.
Izumi considered it briefly.
Could they be utilized?
…After a moment, he shook his head.
"No need for now."
If he ever merged this world into his own, perhaps he could spread modern magic among them.
But for now—
The priority was clear.
"Alright. Focus on researching how to combine modern magic and esper abilities."
"I'll take you to a research facility tomorrow."
"You can use everything there."
"As for test subjects… don't worry."
"There are plenty in this city."
Izumi clicked his tongue slightly.
Academy City—
At its core—
Was nothing more than a massive experimental ground.
If necessary, gathering test subjects wouldn't be difficult.
And if power was offered as a reward—
There would be no shortage of volunteers.
After all—
Too many people in this city desired power.
Asagi nodded without hesitation.
She understood exactly what Izumi meant.
And she didn't question it.
The current her was no longer the same as before.
When it came to experiments—
She wouldn't hesitate.
Unnecessary kindness had no place here.
With everything decided, Izumi brought her upstairs to rest.
The next morning—
Izumi and Asagi headed toward the Talent Development Institute.
Located in Academy City's District 2—
This facility was originally meant to research geniuses and prodigies.
However—
Due to certain circumstances—
The researchers inside had strayed far from their intended path.
And at this very moment—
They had no idea…
That their employer was about to change.
Standing outside, Izumi briefly scanned the interior.
Then—
He snapped his fingers.
In an instant—
Everything froze.
Time itself seemed to halt.
Space solidified.
Every person inside the institute—
Was immobilized.
Even ongoing conflicts were forcibly stopped.
Everyone realized in horror—
That while their thoughts remained—
Their bodies could no longer move.
Inside the windowless building—
Aleister Crowley opened his eyes.
For the first time—
He truly grasped the extent of Izumi's power.
"…He froze space itself so effortlessly…"
"…Authority?"
"…Is he some kind of god?"
At that moment, Aiwass appeared once more.
"No… he's not a god."
"He possesses divinity—but not that of a god."
"Closer to a God Slayer."
"And… there's also the aura of a dragon."
"But at his core—he's still human."
"…Human, huh…"
Aleister muttered softly before closing his eyes again.
He had also noticed the woman beside Izumi.
She didn't exist in this world's records.
Which meant—
She had been brought from another world.
That alone made Izumi even more dangerous.
Because it implied—
He could bring others as well.
And powerful beings often associated with other powerful beings.
If several more like him appeared—
This world would stand no chance.
Meanwhile—
Asagi looked around, puzzled.
"…What's going on?"
Izumi replied calmly:
"Something unpleasant was happening inside."
"So I decided to deal with it."
He stepped forward, bringing her inside.
All staff members—
Including security—
Were frozen in place.
They could only watch helplessly as Izumi walked past them.
Deeper inside—
Asagi finally understood what Izumi meant.
Several young girls—
Were being dragged around by researchers in white coats and strange helmets.
The moment they saw Izumi—
Their eyes filled with terror.
They tried to speak—
But no sound came out.
Izumi glanced at the researchers.
Then spoke indifferently:
"You can die now."
The moment those words fell—
Reality obeyed.
The researchers vanished instantly.
Izumi had cast them beyond the world's boundary.
There—
They were devoured by endless spacetime turbulence.
Not even a trace remained.
Only then did Izumi release the restraints on the girls.
They collapsed onto the floor—
Staring at him in fear.
Izumi looked at them closely.
Golden hair. Starry eyes.
A girl resembling Misaka Mikoto.
And another with black hair.
Recognizing them—
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Shokuhou Misaki
Dolly
Kiyama Harumi
"Well, well…"
Especially Shokuhou Misaki—
Still frail and far from the "Queen" she would become in the future.
Izumi's gaze lingered slightly—
Amused.
"Looks like I arrived at just the right time."