"Let me introduce you! This is Uiharu Kazari, a first-year at Sakugawa Middle School, from the same Judgment branch as me."
"Hi, I'm Uiharu Kazari. Nice to meet you!"
Uiharu struck a pose typical of a starstruck fan meeting their idol—a perfectly normal fangirl!
"And… this is…"
Shirai Kuroko glanced at Saten Ruiko, unsure how to introduce someone not in today's plans.
"I'm Saten Ruiko, Uiharu's classmate. I just tagged along. Hi! Oh, and I'm a Level 0, powerless~"
Saten took over with ease, her tone a mix of openness and self-deprecation.
"Saten-san, what are you saying…"
Saten's blunt comment was a bit rude, leaving Uiharu flustered.
"Saten-san and Uiharu-san, right? Nice to meet you! I'm Misaka Mikoto!"
Mikoto, unfazed, flashed a friendly smile, greeting them warmly.
Neither Saten nor Uiharu expected Mikoto to be so… normal, like a regular classmate introducing herself.
As one of Academy City's eight Level 5s, her status was akin to a superstar, yet her down-to-earth attitude was surprising.
"Heh, after the tedious introductions—bit off-script, but no big deal—the itinerary's up to me, Kuroko… heh…"
Kuroko's face lit up with an odd grin, holding a booklet, speaking slowly.
Before she could finish, Mikoto's fist connected with her head, producing a solid thunk as Kuroko crouched, clutching her head.
"Let's go! To the arcade!"
With Mikoto's invitation, the group headed to the game center.
"Hey, Uiharu, Misaka-senpai seems pretty normal! By the way, what's the deal with her and that senpai? I'm curious—should I ask?"
"Shh! Saten-san, don't be rude~"
…
"Itsuwa… is Amakusa Church hiding something from me?"
Samuel stood on a skyscraper's rooftop, the breeze brushing his face, his gaze fixed on the distance, a far-off scene reflected in his eyes.
A small girl in a white nun's outfit was making her way toward Academy City.
Two figures pursued her—a skilled magician and… a Saint!
The Saint of Amakusa-Style Remix of Church, its former leader, Kanzaki Kaori.
"I…"
Itsuwa Shidou's face tensed. She wasn't afraid of Samuel's reaction, but felt the sting of betraying a friend.
"I know… It was Tatemiya Saiji who told you to keep it from me, right? Worried I'd hurt your Pontiff?"
Samuel's tone was calm, unbothered by Amakusa's secrecy, as if Kanzaki Kaori, a Saint, was no concern.
"Um…"
"It's fine, Itsuwa. I won't hold it against Amakusa. But… I'll likely have to face Kanzaki Kaori. Who do you side with?"
"I… I…"
There was no side to choose. It was like a mother and wife falling into water—not about who to save first, but who could be saved.
No one wanted that scenario, and Itsuwa didn't want Samuel and Kanzaki to fight.
"Hahaha… Don't worry, I won't hurt her."
Samuel smiled faintly. The outcome of the coming battle was certain—victory was assured. Kanzaki couldn't match him, and winning without harming her was effortless. Plus, it'd boost Itsuwa's favor—a no-brainer choice.
"Thank you…"
For someone like Samuel, whose charm seemed to lock in ever-rising affection, winning over girls was child's play.
He pulled Itsuwa into his arms, their closeness amplifying the sensation.
"Ohh~ Didn't expect you to be so… well-equipped!"
Savoring the soft touch, Samuel's eyes scanned Academy City.
"Hm?"
Another idiot robber hit his bank.
But spotting familiar figures nearby, he held off intervening.
Samuel transferred wisdom to Itsuwa through a kiss, his hands measuring the breadth of her… generosity.
Still, he kept an eye on the fight.
Shirai Kuroko, with her Teleport and skilled combat, easily dispatched the robbers.
Then Samuel saw something he couldn't tolerate…
Saten Ruiko shielded a child, and a robber aimed a kick at her face.
"Itsuwa, hold on a sec…"
Samuel crossed dozens of miles in an instant, arriving at the scene.
A single slap sent the robber flying. Samuel grinned.
"Saten-san, how's that? Grateful for my timely rescue? This scum… daring to harm such a cute face. Should we just bury him?"
"Don't say such scary things so casually! But… thanks, senpai!"
Crouched protecting the child, Saten flashed a genuine smile.
"You should thank me. I paused something good to save you. How about… you repay me with your body…"
Zzt, zzt~
A bolt of electricity shot from afar, which Samuel casually shattered.
"Hey! Saving Saten doesn't mean you can harass her, you jerk…"
"Yo, Mikoto!"
"We're not that close! Don't call me that!"
"Oh, come on, we've got a spanking bond!"
"Shut up!"
Thunder roared above, a bolt striking toward Samuel.
Snap~
Shattering the lightning, Samuel said, "Hey, there are others here!"
"Don't worry, even if you're charred, Saten-san and the others will be fine."
Saten, child in tow, slipped to the side, watching the showdown with excitement. Two Level 5s clashing—what a scoop!
Was it twisted humanity or moral decay? Two espers fighting in the streets—was it a cheating scumbag or a lovers' spat? Tune in to Saten Ruiko's live broadcast!
***
If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 70 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL