Multiverse: Why does the world show a health bar? !

October 29th, clear weather.

District 7, Kihara Yuiitsu's research institute.

Since obtaining the rights to use Rensa, Kihara Yuiitsu had been working with Li Mo to develop a powered suit—not an ordinary, mass-produced one, but a specially crafted strategic weapon, much like the "Anti-Art Attachment" worn by Kihara Gensei.

Kihara Yuiitsu provided scientific and technical expertise, while Li Mo contributed his knowledge of magic. Together, they were creating a weapon that combined both fields.

"Is the backup power source really fine?"

"Oh, the user isn't one of your people, Yuiitsu-san. Why are you so concerned?"

"No, I'm just saying, using magic as a power source… is that really okay?" Kihara Yuiitsu asked.

Even her teacher's "Anti-Art Attachment" relied on scientific methods for its power source.

"It's just a backup power source. Even if it fails, there's still the primary power source, right?"

The primary power source used electricity, while the backup was only for emergencies.

Kihara Yuiitsu said, "Magic is truly fascinating. Just using blood, you can make one person be recognized as another."

"You know about Etzali, right?"

"That guy from Accelerator's Dark Side? He's a magician from the Aztec tradition. Magicians can impersonate others just by using a piece of their skin." Kihara Yuiitsu knew what Li Mo was getting at and continued, "But it's different. Etzali's magic is within the realm of what ordinary people understand. What you're doing defies imagination."

Li Mo replied, "You're a Kihara. Do you really still hold onto the same perceptions as normal humans?"

"Of course not."

The two smiled in unison, their minds in sync, sharing a rare tacit moment.

Li Mo said, "I never thought I'd find myself on the same wavelength as a Kihara here in Academy City."

"When it comes to experiments, your level of madness is on par with a Kihara's."

"I only experiment on myself. Experimenting on others makes me uncomfortable. It tends to attract heroes." Li Mo shrugged.

Heroes, in this context, referred to good people with abilities.

Academy City wasn't lacking in people with abilities. It was lacking in good people.

"Do you think there will be more heroes in the future?"

"Of course, because Kamijou Touma is here."

Kamijou Touma, the Imagine Breaker, had a way of influencing those around him, drawing out their heroic potential. Accelerator and Hamazura Shiage had both walked the path of heroes because of him.

Kihara Yuiitsu said, "Is that so?"

"In the future, try to be more cautious. But considering it's you, I doubt you'd even blink if the entire Academy City were destroyed… The only thing that could drive you to madness would be Kihara Gensei's death, right, Yuiitsu-san?"

"Yes."

"I suggest, Yuiitsu-san, that if Gensei ever ends up critically injured, don't overreact. Academy City has a miracle doctor."

Kihara Yuiitsu avoided the topic and shifted the conversation. "When will we start working on Yakumi Hisako's data?"

"This afternoon. Rensa will take me to another research facility. Yuiitsu-san, Director Yakumi doesn't trust you."

"Of course not. I'm just her business partner, not her babysitter. We won't be seeing each other for a while."

Kihara Yuiitsu had gathered a wealth of material from Li Mo during this time. She had collected all the necessary data and even learned a great deal about magic. Academy City didn't outright ban magicians, but they were easily suppressed by the Board Chairman. According to her teacher, any magician appearing in Academy City would be restrained by the "Original Control" system.

What was "Original Control"? Kihara Yuiitsu didn't know. She only knew that Li Mo, who had just left, wasn't subject to its restrictions.

His magic, at least a part of it, had been acknowledged by her teacher as something that couldn't be suppressed.

"Now, it's time to focus on research."

Whatever happened in Academy City, it had nothing to do with Kihara Yuiitsu.

...

...

Anti-Skill was Academy City's official self-defense organization. In essence, it was a volunteer group made up of teachers. While they received some compensation, it wasn't considered a formal profession—none of the Anti-Skill members had "Anti-Skill" as their official job title.

As the chief of Anti-Skill, Tsuchimikado Maika didn't gain much benefit from her position. Instead, she bore more responsibility. However, being the chief had its perks. With Li Mo's support, she could say "no" to more demands.

"Director Li, what a rare guest. What brings you here to meet me?"

Outside a milk tea shop in District 7, Tsuchimikado Maika saw the young director who looked no different from a student.

His youth always reminded her of her own students.

"Here, milk tea. I didn't know what flavor you'd like, so I got the classic." Li Mo pointed to the milk tea on the bench beside him.

"Is this a bribe?"

"Can milk tea really buy you off?"

Facing Li Mo's suspicious look, Tsuchimikado Maika said, "Of course not. But since you're treating, I won't hold back."

She picked up the milk tea and sat down unceremoniously.

Then she noticed the director taking out something resembling gemstones and placing them around them.

"From now on, our conversation won't be overheard by outsiders… Do you have any questions? I'm in a good mood, so I might answer for free."

"What's the situation with Maidono Hoshimi?" Tsuchimikado Maika asked without hesitation.

Maidono Hoshimi had been transferred out through legal channels—Musujime Awaki had used Li Mo's authorization to move her to a juvenile reformatory. Tsuchimikado Maika had let it happen because she knew Maidono Hoshimi had tacitly agreed.

"She can't go back. It's that simple. But I think in the future, when the Dark Side is dismantled, she'll have no choice but to return." Li Mo said.

"Are you planning to dismantle the Dark Side in the future?"

"No, I can't. At most, I can impose some order on the Dark Side, so it's not as chaotic as before. But completely eliminating the Dark Side? I can't do that!" Li Mo explained. "As a director, I can't go that far. Even though others have been tolerating my actions, if I were to push for that, everyone except Mitsuari Ayu and Bayloupe would stand against me."

"The relationship between the Dark Side and the Board of Directors runs deep."

A hint of worry appeared in Tsuchimikado Maika's eyes.

Even this powerful young director couldn't do it?

Li Mo said, "Just wait. Wait for the future. Maybe something will change. When that time comes, Anti-Skill will need to step up."

"I understand. So, why are you here, Director Li?"

"Behind us, there's a truck. Do you see it? Inside is a powered suit. Well, it's more like an exoskeleton or combat suit." Li Mo sipped his milk tea casually.

Tsuchimikado Maika asked, "A powered suit? Anti-Skill has those too."

"This one can fight against Level 5 Espers."

The young director smiled as he spoke.