Chapter 14

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was already July 15th. That evening, Gekkou Tsukiyomi was cutting vegetables at home when Saito Reiko hugged him from behind, her body pressing against his, making him feel a surge of heat. "Hey, Tsukiyomi, I feel like my ESP powers have improved again."

"Isn't that great?" Suppressing his urges, he turned and lightly kissed the corner of Reiko's mouth, then continued to struggle with the vegetables in his hands.

"But, it doesn't feel real at all. Before that day, no matter how hard I tried, I was just an esperless person. It feels like I cheated. Ever since then, my powers have been growing, and I'm so scared. Is this really okay? Is it...?"

Stopping his actions, Tsukiyomi turned around and hugged Saito Reiko, gently stroking her back. [It seems the incident from half a year ago still has some negative effects. And she's feeling overwhelmed by the sudden power.]

This situation is actually quite common. When someone suddenly gains something they've been longing for for years, their first reaction is often not joy, but self-doubt. They doubt whether the current situation is real or just a dream.

Saito Reiko was like this. Half a year ago, she was alone, without any ESP powers, and almost fell into darkness. But then a huge change occurred: now she has strong powers, good friends, and a wonderful boyfriend.

Even after half a year, Saito Reiko still feels like she's in a dream. She was happy when she reached Level 3, but now she's afraid of her own powers.

Tsukiyomi thought for a moment, not really having a good solution, so he just comforted her: "Reiko, your powers growing is natural. It's the breakthrough you made when you faced life and death. You deserve it, so don't be afraid. If you're worried about anything, rely on me. I'm your boyfriend, right?"

Feeling Tsukiyomi's concern and worry, Saito Reiko calmed down.

"Okay, I will." Then, Saito Reiko made a bold decision she never thought she would. "Hey, Tsukiyomi, are you coming to the physical examination tomorrow?"

"Decided?" Tsukiyomi didn't expect Saito Reiko to make such a request. "It will be exposed, you know. Your good friends and my friends will all find out."

The Saito Reiko from before might have hesitated, but with Tsukiyomi by her side, what was there to fear? It was time to face it. "Yes, I've decided."

The next morning, following Aleister's arrangements, Tsukiyomi directly erected a 20-meter-tall, solid ice mountain on the school playground, even sculpting his homeroom teacher Tsukiyomi Komoe out of ice. Aleister would take care of the rest. To avoid his teammates' questions, Tsukiyomi had to leave early, but the main reason was to pick up his girlfriend.

Leaving a certain high school, Tsukiyomi quickly headed to Kasukabe Middle School. Saito Reiko was probably still being tested, so he should arrive just in time. At that moment, Tsukiyomi was thinking about taking Reiko shopping and buying some things afterward, which would be nice.

The main reason Tsukiyomi left so decisively was that he had already agreed with Aleister that this time, he would become Level 5. Even if Tsukiyomi didn't take the test, Aleister would still give him the Level 5 title. As for the description in the [Library], he had discussed it with Aleister. It would expand the range from Level 4 and add the function of releasing cold air. However, the title, FROZEN·UNIVERSE, which translates to "Frozen World" or "Frozen Everything," was decided by Aleister without consulting him. Tsukiyomi was quite satisfied with the title.

At that moment, Saito Reiko was demonstrating her powers on the playground at Kasukabe Middle School, already in the final power test. In her perception, the air currents were constantly flowing around her. Using her ESP powers to manipulate the air currents, she gathered them into a vortex in her hand. Under her control, the vortex shot towards the steel plate in front of her, making a hissing sound upon contact. When the sound stopped, the air vortex had created a large circular hole in the steel plate and left scratches around it, the traces of the wind's rampage.

"Power range Level 4, attack strength Level 4, control precision Level 3, overall evaluation Level 4."

At that moment, the lower-level Shizuri Kagari had already finished her test and was waiting for Saito Reiko, planning to take her friend to meet the legendary Level 5 Railgun, Misaka Mikoto, after the test. Hearing the final result, she was happy for her friend. "Saito, congratulations on becoming Level 4."

"Thanks. By the way, Shizuri, today..." Saito Reiko felt a bit awkward but was determined. "I want to introduce you to someone you should know."

Huh? Shizuri was confused, tilting her head to look at Saito Reiko. What does it mean to introduce someone you already know? The logic is so confusing... She felt a bit dizzy...

Looking at Shizuri's appearance, Saito Reiko couldn't help but think, [She's so cute.] Inspired, a gentle breeze lifted Shizuri's skirt, revealing her underwear. "Oh~, it's light pink today. Shizuri is still so cute~~" This was serious harassment in every sense, but the people around them didn't react much, as if they were used to it—what exactly are you doing with your powers???

"Saito! How can you do that?" As Shizuri weakly protested, a voice came from behind them.

"I didn't expect to see such a scene as soon as I arrived."

"Tsukiyomi!"

"Tsukiyomi-senpai? It's all your fault, Saito. By the way, why is Tsukiyomi-senpai here? Don't you need to take the physical examination? Just in time, Blackie finally helped me realize my wish to meet Misaka! One of the seven Level 5s in Academy City, the ace of Tokiwadai, Misaka Mikoto! By the way, Saito and Tsukiyomi-senpai should come together!"

"Eh? No need?" Saito Reiko was very reluctant. Compared to meeting the legendary Level 5, she preferred spending a pleasant day with Tsukiyomi. But as she spoke, Shizuri pulled her towards the meeting place with White井Blackie, "This is a rare opportunity~" Tsukiyomi and Saito Reiko, who was being dragged, exchanged a glance, and he had no choice but to follow.

As the three of them passed by a restaurant, they saw a shocking scene: White井Blackie was wriggling in Misaka Mikoto's arms, her expression... well, let's not mention it.

A waiter seemed to have said something to the two of them, and Misaka Mikoto and White井Blackie looked outside, initially stunned.

Then, a thunderclap echoed.