In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 113

The girl did not respond, but her gaze remained fixed on him, scrutinizing him.

Higashino then turned his head to look at her, revealing a non-aggressive smile: "It seems you have something on your mind?"

His tone was very natural, like that of a kind citizen on the street who cares about a stranger.

"Life in Academy City can be quite stressful at times."

The girl's eyes remained cold, a mocking smile playing on her lips, her voice wary: "Troubles? Everyone has their own worries, Mr. Passerby. Your concern is far too cheap."

"Cheap doesn't necessarily mean useless..."

Higashino shrugged dismissively and looked at her.

"Sometimes, having a stranger who can listen can help relieve some stress. After all, keeping things bottled up for too long can easily lead to..."

He paused deliberately, carefully choosing his words. This girl was very sensitive; he couldn't afford to frighten her.

"...I'm putting too much pressure on myself."

The girl seemed surprised that the other person would continue to pester her. She frowned, her tone growing colder and more aloof: "Whether I'm tense or not is my business. If it's not important, please don't bother me."

She found this man strange. He said he was there to chat up pretty girls, but his words and the feeling of chatting up didn't fit. He didn't seem to have bad intentions either. He couldn't possibly be the kind of kind person who was just passing by, could he?

Higashino smiled but didn't get up. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment before meeting her eyes again, his expression becoming clear and open: "Alright. Actually... I know you, Miss Keisuke."

This name was like a key, instantly unlocking the floodgates of her guard! Her body stiffened instantly, her pupils contracted sharply, and her eyes were filled with shock and disbelief.

He knows me?!

Keisei took a defensive stance, guarding against the possibility of a sudden attack by Higashino.

"Who are you?! Sent by Kihara? Or a dog of the council?!"

The "freedom" she had just gained and the revelation of her hidden identity put her into a state of extreme vigilance.

There shouldn't have been anyone else present during my transaction with Kihara Gensei, so how did this guy manage to lock onto me so quickly?

Keisuke Kanjuro believed that this man was most likely a lackey of the Academy City Council, and only those guys had the power to find her so quickly in Academy City.

Higashino had no idea what she was thinking, otherwise he would have definitely explained the concept of a flight circuit to her. Her deal with Kihara Gensei was actually completed during Aleister's live stream, but he usually wouldn't care about such trivial matters.

Higashino shook his head, his expression still composed. He slowly began to speak, clearly introducing himself: "Higashino Yu. Level 5 in Academy City, eighth-ranked Level 5 esper, 'Reality Reconstruction'."

When she heard the name "Higashino Yu" and then "Level 5," the shock on her face was quickly replaced by an overwhelming sense of confusion and utter disbelief.

"Higashino Yu... the eighth?"

Jingce muttered to herself, as if unsure of what she had heard, then quickly shook her head, her tone full of absurdity.

"No! Are you kidding me! How could you possibly be eighth?"

Now it was Higashino Yu's turn to be stunned. He was a little confused: "What? Of course I'm eighth..."

Seeing his bewildered expression, Jingce seemed to confirm that he wasn't faking it. Her doubt deepened, but her tension subsided slightly. Almost without hesitation, she immediately took the tablet out of the bag slung over her shoulder.

Her fingers swiped rapidly across the screen a few times, then stopped, as if she had finally found irrefutable evidence. She abruptly flipped the screen over, almost shoving it in front of Higashino Yu's eyes: "Look for yourself! It's the official announcement released just twelve hours ago!"

On the screen, a bold and eye-catching headline from the official Academy City news was prominently displayed:

[Announcement: Ranking of Level 5 Superpowered Individuals Updated]

The first point in the main text below, written in larger font, reads:

"Based on a comprehensive assessment of potential abilities, analysis of recent combat performance, and evaluation of future development direction, the ability sequence of the original eighth-ranked superpowered individual, 'Reality Reconstructor' Higashino Yu, has been officially adjusted and updated to: First place!"

Higashino Yu: "..."

He stared at the news article, reading it again word by word. First place?! Looks like the aftermath of defeating Accelerator.

Furthermore, he even described in detail how he defeated Accelerator, but the process was completely different from the actual situation. What does it mean that the two had a closely fought battle and that Higashino Yu won a pyrrhic victory?

This editor probably made it up without seeing the actual situation. But at that time, within that range, not to mention the monitoring equipment, even the airborne loops were ineffective, since the entire space was affected, including the machines.

No wonder Mugino said this morning that she was unhappy about some news. Apparently, she was ranked fifth instead of fourth. With her competitive nature, even if she saw herself defeat Accelerator, she would still want to try it out.

Yes, my honeycomb has earned the title of sixth place.

However, was the last sentence—the judgment that he is highly likely to become an absolute power user in the near future—instructed by Aleister? Or is it just the editor's own speculation?

As for Level 6 Absolute Ability Users, Higashino feels that his current strength seems to have reached, or is no less than, that of Level 6 Absolute Ability Users.

Of course, it's also possible to go above that, since it's only a theoretical concept and no one has actually reached it.

Even according to the original setting, Level 6 might not be as strong as the pinnacle of human strength, but after all, it has never actually appeared. No one can be sure until it actually appears. What if Hippo rewrites the book?

After resonating with the Misaka Network, his ability strength did indeed increase dramatically, saving him from the slow, automatic improvement process that usually takes about three or four months.

It's important to know that the amount of power he gains each day is actually quite significant; the increase over three or four months would be absolutely astounding. Moreover, Higashino always felt that he could forcibly access and control the Misaka Network and have them assist him.

However, he has never conducted such an experiment, since it is unnecessary, and if there is a real need, there is no need to force it, as his sisters would certainly not mind helping him.

"Today... I really haven't had time to check the news yet."

He usually only has time to go home and watch the news in the evening, since he has to go on dates during the day and doesn't have time to watch the news and spoil the fun.

Moreover, the impression given to passersby today is to ignore him and Leizi as much as possible, otherwise someone who happened to have seen the news might actually recognize them.

Keisuke put away his tablet and stared intently at the man in front of him who had just learned that he had become the "pinnacle of Academy City".

The bewilderment and speechlessness on his face seemed genuine. At that moment, her previously tense nerves quietly relaxed a little.

A guy who doesn't even know he's become "number one"... Although mysterious and unpredictable, he seems... quite different from Kihara and those cunning directors? Moreover, his status as "number one" itself represents enormous power and influence.

Chapter 144 I'll accept the first kiss that Jingce took!

Higashino was not surprised that he became number one.

Unlike Touma Kamijou, he is a genuine, officially certified Level 5 esper, so it's perfectly reasonable for him to defeat Accelerator and take his place.

Although the ranking of superpowered individuals is not actually based on the strength of their abilities, the higher-ups, or Aleister, certainly did this not without purpose; they must have some deeper purpose.

Higashino had no idea what the specific schemes or tricks were, but he didn't care much about them. In the face of absolute power, any schemes or tricks were useless.

He raised his head and looked at Jingce again. He coughed lightly and cut straight to the heart of the matter.

"The title of 'first' is not important. Keisuke, I know you made a deal with Kihara Gensei. He let you leave the juvenile detention center, and you worked for him in order to destroy the General Council and avenge Dolly, right?"

Jingce's eyes regained their previous wariness, and the atmosphere that had just eased became tense again.

Kihara Gensei... There was clearly no one else present during the transaction! How did this man know?!

Higashino didn't care about her guardedness; he was determined to have this tool, and God's objections wouldn't matter.

"But do you really think that guy is trustworthy? He would never truly fight against the Council for you. His only goal is to satisfy his own experimental desires. To him, you're just a convenient, disposable tool. He uses your hatred but won't truly risk challenging the Council's foundation. In the end, he might get what he wants, and you..."

Higashino paused deliberately, looking directly at Keisei with a hint of pity in his eyes.

"Either you become a casualty of his failure, or you become a discarded tool after you lose your usefulness. You still won't be able to get revenge."

Jingce remained silent.

She wasn't unaware of the possibility of being used as a tool, but she had no choice while in the juvenile detention center. If she hadn't agreed to Kihara Gensei's suggestion, she wouldn't have been able to leave the detention center at all.

"how about you?"

After a moment of silence, Keisuke got straight to the point. She didn't believe the man in front of her was just trying to be helpful by reminding Kihara Gensei that he couldn't be trusted.

"What do you want to do? What is the purpose of telling me all this?"

"It's very simple."

Higashino leaned forward slightly, his taller figure giving him a more imposing presence.

“Become my man and work for me. In exchange, I promise you that I will help you take revenge on the Council. Not by using you as a tool like Kihara did, but by standing on your side and targeting Chairman Aleister Crowley himself.”

Of course, even if he wasn't helping her, these things were already part of his future plans. It was like using something he was already planning to do to get something for nothing.

Although Aleister hasn't done anything to him yet, and has even given him the green light in many situations, Higashino isn't naive enough to think Aleister is harmless.

Aleister has his own agenda, and Higashino is also making preparations. When they turn against each other, it will depend on which side is better prepared.

That angel Aiwass...

"How about it, want to try joining me?"

Avenging themselves against the Chairman of the Board?!

She tried it, but she was defeated before she even saw the chairman, who was a truly unshakeable shadow in Academy City.

This man before her, having just become "number one," dared to utter such arrogant words? Yet, the very moment he uttered those words, under the silent influence of his abilities, a powerful sense of conviction and an indescribable attraction enveloped her.

It was as if he was born with the power and qualification to overturn all order.

The thought that arose in Jing Ce's mind was, "I believe in him, he can do it, he will win."

Higashino noticed the wavering and shock in her eyes, realizing that the initial influence of his ability on her judgment had taken effect.

"Besides, by joining me, you won't be fighting alone. With myself on board..."

He smiled slightly and then dropped a bombshell.

“We have gathered five Level 5 superpowered individuals.”

"Five?!"

Keisuke exclaimed in shock. Level 5 was the pinnacle of Academy City, an existence unattainable by ordinary people. And he had gathered five of them?! That was power enough to shake any situation!

Higashino clearly pronounced the names: "Misaka Mikoto, Shokuhou Misaki, Mugino Shizuri, Accelerator..."

When he uttered "Accelerator," Jingce's eyes flickered violently; she never expected that the original first person was actually the companion of the person in front of her.

The news clearly stated that Higashino and Accelerator were both severely injured, yet they secretly formed an alliance. If this gets out, it will definitely be big news.

"...And me too."

Higashino's gaze fell on Keisuke.

"With such formidable combat power, what else could you possibly worry about?"

Actually, not counting himself, the rest of them combined wouldn't be enough to defeat Aleister with one hand, not to mention Aiwass. However, the police officer was unaware of this.

If one understood Aleister's power, Kensuke probably wouldn't even have the courage to resist.

Therefore, Higashino didn't plan to tell her any of this. Anyway, when things really turned sour, Aleister would definitely confront him, and only time would tell who would come out on top.

"More than half of the Level 5 espers in Academy City possess such immense power..."

Each name struck Jingce's heart like a hammer blow; she knew all too well what these names represented.

This collection of powers was something she had never imagined—a being with the potential to truly overturn everything!

Higashino's voice echoed clearly in her ears.

His abilities continued to alter Keisuke's perceptions, deeply imprinting the ideas that "joining means rebirth," "cooperation is the only path to revenge," "a strong alliance is hope," and "following Higashino is the only hope" into Keisuke's weary, confused, and hatred-filled mind.

A normal person would definitely question the veracity of Higashino's words, but under the influence of her abilities, she didn't even bother to ask him to confirm whether Higashino had really teamed up with so many superpowered individuals.

"Keisei, make your choice. Will you continue to be a disposable stone in Kihara's hands, heading towards worthless destruction; or will you join us and become one of the forces that can shake the foundations of this twisted city?"

Jing Ce sat silently on the bench, not answering immediately.

She felt that the scene before her was somewhat blurry, but only Higashino's words were as clear as a lighthouse. The loneliness she had been fighting all along, the exhaustion and despair hidden beneath her forced facade, the slim sense of hope for revenge... were amplified infinitely under Higashino's promise and ability, and then dispelled by the bright light of the "Five-Person Level 5 Alliance" he threw out.

She closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again, her eyes were filled with determination.

"……it is good."

She looked up at Dongye: "I promise you. Jingce, from now on, you're mine."

Higashino smiled with satisfaction and stood up.

"Wisely. Welcome, Vigilant. You will get everything you need. Be patient and wait for your opportunity."

"Then, let's sign the contract!"

Before Jingze could even react, Higashino leaned in and pressed his lips against hers without warning.

This is a necessary procedure and the quickest way to deepen understanding.

Whether that's true or not, this is how Higashino defines such behavior. It has nothing to do with his penchant for stealing a girl's first kiss!

"Well?!"

Jingce's eyes widened instantly, and his body froze.