"So, your goal is to kill me?"
A calm voice came through the broadcast, almost as a statement rather than a question, as if it were of no consequence.
"Not far from the truth. Looks like you're not the type to waste words. Saves me the trouble," Arata replied calmly.
"Heh. Many people have wanted my life, but without exception, they all died. Even multi-skill espers couldn't take it. If I'm not mistaken, you're someone under Aleister's protection. In that case, I won't take your life."
A burst of static echoed through the speakers. At the same time, a heavy rumbling spread through the walls and floor, as if something had been sealed shut.
Arata extended his telekinetic perception and let out a dismissive laugh.
"So you sealed all the gates and ventilation systems. Planning to release poison gas?"
His guess was correct.
A hissing sound leaked from cracks in the walls and beneath the floor. White vapor rapidly poured out, flooding the entire space and reducing visibility almost instantly.
"This is ether."
Arata continued walking forward without concern. A telekinetic barrier isolated him from the surrounding air.
His telekinesis had already reached the level of fine electronic control. Separating oxygen from the air required significant concentration, but even a small amount was more than enough. These conventional weapons posed no threat to him.
At this level of setup, any ordinary Level 5 would indeed be finished here.
The entire area was sealed and saturated with toxic gas. Even without the poison, the lack of oxygen alone would incapacitate a person within minutes, and that did not even include active combat.
…
Inside the endlessly circulating train carriage, Shundou Toshizou watched the surveillance feed with a composed expression.
"Director, based on current data, the eighth-ranked esper does not possess an ability to directly extract oxygen from the air. However, his telekinesis operates at an electronic level. He may be able to separate oxygen, but it would require full concentration."
"In that case, deploy the Corpse Unit. It's time to test their capabilities after all this training," Shundou Toshizou said.
"Is that wise? They've completed several missions, but their opponent is a Level 5. Even if the target is forced to focus on oxygen deprivation, victory is not guaranteed."
"It doesn't matter. If they cannot defeat a Level 5 under those conditions, then they have no reason to exist."
"Understood," the secretary responded through the communicator.
"A multi-skill esper… Only Aleister could create something like that. And he interfered with the Level 6 Shift Project, something tied to your unknown and terrifying plan, yet you still haven't responded."
Shundou Toshizou rested his chin on his hands, eyes fixed on the screen.
"So he's part of your plan as well."
He had never directly participated in Aleister's schemes, but he knew fragments. Terms like the Imaginary Number District had reached his ears.
Although he was one of the Board of Directors, his authority was limited to sectors like agriculture and food management. His greatest power lay in mobilizing infrastructure defense forces.
In front of Aleister, the true ruler of Academy City, even a Board Director was nothing more than a disposable pawn.
At the same time, every researcher and operator aboard the train had switched to full manual control of the entire eleventh underground level.
"Incredible. Twenty one percent of the weapon systems have already been destroyed. So this is Level 5 power… No wonder they say a single one can rival an army," the research supervisor muttered.
…
"Looks like it's finally time to use them again. Perfect timing."
In a sealed laboratory outside the train, the secretary operated a console. Several coffin-like refrigerated pods slowly opened.
Four girls of different ages sat up from within.
"Alright, listen carefully. It's time to begin."
…
A few minutes later, Arata heard the distant sound of an approaching train.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint smile forming as he turned toward the elevator entrance.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened.
Four figures stepped out, wearing crude gas masks, their footsteps echoing through the sealed space.
"Hm. So you're the trump card hidden at the end, or just another delay tactic?" Arata chuckled.
The Corpse Unit consisted of assassins trained within the dark side. Their abilities were not exceptional, but their combat experience was considerable.
"You're the intruder?" asked a cute looking girl with purple hair.
"Wow, you lasted quite a while in this situation," said girl with long black hair.
"This mission is kind of strange. All we have to do is eliminate you," said a short girl dressed in red, sounding confused.
"How boring. If you leave quietly, we might spare you," said the girl wearing a large hat in a dull tone.
"Didn't your superiors tell you who I am?" Arata said indifferently. "Stand in the corner and stay out of my way, and I might ignore you. Otherwise, I'll let you understand what pain actually is."
Against a group at this level, he felt no interest at all. Even if he stood still, they wouldn't be able to break through his defense.
"What? He's not listening. Then let's just kill him," the black-haired girl said casually.
"Agreed. Kill him," the purple-haired girl nodded.
"Shouldn't we just drive him out? Wouldn't killing him affect the bonus?"
"It's fine. He's an intruder. Intruders are supposed to be eliminated, right?"
"That makes sense. Then let's kill him."
Arata stopped walking, a faint grin appearing on his face.
Since you came looking for trouble, I'll entertain you for a bit.
"I'm going first."
The purple-haired girl giggled, then tossed her backpack into the air.
A storm of A4 papers burst out, scattering like petals. They rapidly gathered around her body, forming a massive five meter tall rabbit construct, its texture and structure completely transformed.
"Wake up. Hahaha."
Only her upper body remained visible from within the giant rabbit.
She charged forward at astonishing speed, faster than an Olympic sprinter. The massive rabbit raised its fist and smashed down toward Arata.
"Seems like they really didn't bother telling you who I am," Arata said with a smirk, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Afraid you'd get scared?"
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.