"That Guy?"
Nunotaba Shinobu was taken aback.
"Only the Board of Directors can stop a project of this scale. Did you go see a Board Member?"
Academy City was an autocracy. The mysterious Chairman Aleister was the trunk, and the twelve Board Members were the branches. To stop the Level 6 Shift, one would need the approval of the Directors of Weapons Development and Medical Systems.
"But how is that possible? A student negotiating with the Board?"
"It wasn't a Board Member," Yuuya smiled cryptically. "It was the Chairman himself."
"Anyway, the experiment will stop. You don't need to worry about the logistics. Aleister will give the green light."
His true purpose for coming here, however, wasn't just to comfort her. It was to claim the Silver Treasure Chest floating above her head.
[Ding! Unlock Condition: Say to Nunotaba Shinobu: "Nunotaba-senpai, become one of my harem members."]
Yuuya didn't blink.
He wasn't surprised. The System's unlock conditions were always a reflection of his inner desires. And yes, he did find the sharp-tongued scientist attractive.
'Be honest. Don't be hypocritical. What powerful man doesn't want a harem?'
He cleared his throat.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Nunotaba shifted uncomfortably under his intense gaze.
"It's nothing. I just have a question."
"What question?"
"The question is..." Yuuya leaned against the control panel, grinning. "Nunotaba-senpai, would you be willing to become a member of my harem?"
Nunotaba froze.
"...What?"
She thought she misheard.
"I said: Nunotaba-senpai, would you like to become one of my harem members?" Yuuya repeated shamelessly.
Nunotaba's face darkened. A vein popped on her forehead.
"You..."
She had expected a question about the clones. Or the ethics of science. Or Aleister.
In this grim, sterile laboratory, surrounded by test subjects... he was hitting on her?
"Are you insane?" she hissed. "Is your brain damaged?"
"Oh dear. Your face is all black. You're not going to hit me, are you?" Yuuya laughed, dodging her glare.
[Ding! Condition Met.]
[Reward: Level 4 Electromaster (100 Million Volts).]
A surge of knowledge flooded his brain. The formulas for calculating voltage, current, and magnetic fields.
'Level 4 Electromaster. Same type as Misaka, just lower output. Useful.'
"You bastard..." Nunotaba suppressed the urge to kick him. She took a deep breath, trying to analyze this anomaly of a boy.
"Why?" she asked, her voice low.
"Why are you going to such lengths to save the Misaka Sisters? I don't buy the 'saint' act. Your personality isn't that altruistic."
"Then what am I like? A villain?" Yuuya asked with interest.
"No. You're... like someone who impulsively indulges their desires."
Nunotaba adjusted her glasses.
"In RPG terms... you are Chaotic Good."
"Spot on," Yuuya smirked. "I admire your insight."
Chaotic Good. A person who follows their own moral compass, ignoring laws and societal norms. They do good, but only on their own terms.
"I saved the Misaka Sisters simply because they're cute," Yuuya whispered, leaning close to her ear. "Why should cute things be killed? Cuteness is Justice."
"Besides... a harem of 20,000 Sisters? How can that not be tempting? Don't you think so, Shinobu?"
Nunotaba's eyes widened.
'Is he serious? Did he just say that openly?'
"I suddenly feel that you are rotten to the core," she muttered.
"Thank you for the compliment. Now, let's get down to business."
Yuuya's playful expression vanished. His eyes became cold and sharp.
"I have obtained the authority from Chairman Aleister to establish a new Dark Side organization."
"I will be responsible for its formation. Its purpose is to purge the unchecked darkness of this city."
He extended his hand.
"Nunotaba Shinobu. Would you like to join me? Join HARMONY."
"Chairman Aleister?! The Dark Side?!"
Nunotaba's pupils contracted.
As a researcher, she knew the legend of Aleister Crowley. He was a ghost. A myth. No one saw him.
'He met the Chairman? And lived?'
'And he was given authority to build a unit?'
A cold sweat broke out on her back. This boy... who exactly was he?
"Oh~ That's a great expression. Solid 10 out of 10 shock," Yuuya gave her a thumbs up.
"Who... who exactly are you?" Nunotaba stared at him, trembling slightly.
"Who I am isn't important," Yuuya smiled, his hand still extended.
"What's important is... do you want to stay here and watch them die? Or do you want the power to save them?"
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