Teacher Komoe cheerfully announced to the entire class that Arata had advanced to Level 4 overnight, officially becoming a high level esper.
"Level 4? Ah, I am so jealous. He suddenly leveled up and became a Level 4 esper. I still barely understand what my own ability does."
"So does that mean Arata is transferring schools? After all, he is already Level 4. There is not much future for him in an ordinary high school."
"Level 4 espers receive a large monthly subsidy. I think it is 80,000 or maybe 100,000 yen. That is enough to live like nobility."
"Idiot. It is calculated based on scientific research contribution value. Even though telekinesis is common, it should still exceed the minimum 80,000 yen."
The classroom buzzed with discussion. Alongside surprise and envy, there was also a faint sense of distance. He felt like a red crowned crane standing among chickens, conspicuous and out of place.
"As expected." Arata shrugged and pursed his lips, glancing toward Fukiyose, who was writing with her head lowered. Noticing his gaze, she looked up and silently raised her notebook. Written on it were the words, "Let us talk later."
"No problem. We can talk as long as you like." Arata smiled confidently.
Fukiyose's pretty face flushed bright red. She hurriedly turned her head away, her heart pounding. Ever since that idiot kissed her yesterday, she had been acting strangely.
Could it be that I actually like him? That would be ridiculous.
She sighed and pressed a hand to her burning forehead.
She had barely slept the night before. That guy's image kept replaying in her mind. That detestable Night Flyer.
After class ended, the two of them went up to the school rooftop one after the other. The class representative stood with her arms folded, maintaining her usual strict posture, yet her gaze seemed slightly unfocused and her cheeks faintly warm.
Arata could not help thinking that this rooftop had once been the stage of a battle involving Misaka Mikoto. It felt ominous in an ironic way.
"Hey, Arata, have you really become a high level esper?" Fukiyose asked, trying to sound composed.
"Yes. Although the formal reassessment has not been completed yet, it is definitely Level 4. You did not call me up here just to confirm that, did you, Seiri?" Arata grinned mischievously.
"Of course I am talking about that. What else would it be? Hmph. Now that you are a powerful esper, you will definitely transfer schools to one of those elite academies that prepare students for prestigious universities." Fukiyose spoke indirectly, her eyes shifting away.
"No way. There are cute teachers and classmates here. Only a fool would transfer," Arata replied as he stepped closer to her.
"Only a fool would not transfer," she muttered softly.
"Because there is someone here who can keep this fool from leaving," Arata said with a smile. It was as close to a confession as he could manage.
"C class is about to start. I will forgive what happened yesterday." Fukiyose's cheeks burned as her heart raced. She turned away and spoke to his back rather than his face.
"I really am a sinner." Arata watched her retreating figure with amusement. It was not that he lacked emotional intelligence. Her sudden reaction yesterday had clearly left a strong impression on her.
Even though she had carefully concealed her dark circles, it was easy to guess she had suffered from insomnia the night before.
Morning classes passed quickly. Soon afterward, Arata was called to Teacher Komoe's office.
"This is Harumi Kiyama from the AIM Analysis Research Institute. She is here to escort you for your ability reassessment," Teacher Komoe explained sweetly to the woman in the white coat who was sipping hot coffee.
"Hello. My name is Arata, Miss Kiyama." Arata looked at Harumi Kiyama with an innocent smile.
Her brown hair was messy and slightly wavy, giving the impression that she had not slept properly for a long time. Her long lower eyelashes and well proportioned figure suggested natural beauty, yet her gloomy eyes and pronounced dark circles diminished that charm, leaving the impression of a regrettable beauty.
His first impression was that she was someone completely incapable of taking care of herself.
In truth, her exhausted appearance stemmed from her relentless search for a way to save her students.
"I was nearly asleep from waiting. You are Arata, the student who specifically requested our institute for reassessment?" Kiyama Harumi set down her coffee and regarded him with drowsy eyes.
"It is rare for a student to voluntarily apply to a research institute that is not primarily focused on ability evaluation."
"Thank you for making the trip, Miss Kiyama." Arata scratched his head awkwardly while noticing the shining two star character card hovering above her.
"Why do you call me teacher? I am merely a researcher," Kiyama asked curiously.
"Because I saw you once at the child welfare facility," Arata replied slowly, his thoughts drifting back.
When he first transmigrated into this world, his body had reverted to that of a child nearly ten years younger. He had been taken in by an orphanage. Several years later, some of the younger children were transferred elsewhere.
He had only met her once at that time, exchanging a few brief words.
"I see." Kiyama nodded, though she clearly did not remember him.
"Let us go. I am short on time."
Arata followed her to the school parking area and entered her blue sports car.
The AIM Analysis Research Institute was located in District 13, an area densely populated with kindergartens, shelters, and elementary schools. It was also a district filled with numerous Talent Curriculum development research institutions.
"Miss Kiyama, you have changed a great deal compared to a few years ago. Is something troubling you? Perhaps I could help," Arata said as she focused on driving.
"You are quite considerate. Although I do not remember you, thank you for the concern. I am not troubled," Kiyama replied, gently steering the conversation away.
"Is that so?" Arata shrugged. It was the typical mindset of an adult. She likely believed that a mere student could not possibly help her, or perhaps she simply did not wish to involve unrelated individuals in her burdens.
Upon arriving at the testing facility, Arata deliberately bumped lightly against her arm.
["Ding. Congratulations, host. A two star character card quest has been triggered. Unlock condition: measure the hidden feelings of Miss Kiyama."]
A question mark appeared in Arata's mind. Measure her hidden feelings?
Then realization struck. His lips twitched slightly as he instinctively glanced toward the area beneath Kiyama's white coat.
Am I really that shameless? Miss Kiyama is someone I respect as a teacher. I would never act disrespectfully toward her.
Even if it is a two star character card, I still have my principles.
A two star card though. Ignoring it feels like such a waste.
...
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GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.