I, Kurumi Tokisaki, Am a Wanderer

"What an unexpected surprise, Aleister."

"It doesn't matter... It won't affect the plan."

···

Black and red shadows spread outward from beneath Kurumi's feet, accompanied by an eerie, layered laughter that echoed faintly in the air.

The scene, akin to a ghostly netherworld, was enough to send cold sweat dripping down the spines of everyone present.

The shadows bound the legs of fast-moving robots, restrained the ankles of the testing instructors with eerie hands, and even flipped up the skirts of girls who were recording data.

Ice spears that shot toward Kurumi were easily consumed by the writhing, devouring shadows.

Standing amidst the chaos, smiling serenely, Kurumi looked like a vivid crimson nightmare blooming in a far-off field of blood-red flowers.

Nightmare… truly, a fitting name.

Yet, Kurumi felt slightly annoyed in her heart.

I'm supposed to be a wandering traveler of elegance, so how did I suddenly turn into some kind of dark overlord?

The only peculiar detail was that the device monitoring the AIM Diffusion Field remained unusually quiet.

All espers unconsciously emitted faint energies in all directions, known as the AIM Diffusion Field. Even Level 5 espers were no exception to this.

Through the AIM Diffusion Field, researchers could determine an esper's location, ability type, and power level.

This was a crucial tool for ability tests. However, at this moment, the device monitoring the AIM Diffusion Field showed nothing at all for the girl standing before them, as though she didn't exist.

Unless she wasn't an esper.

But how could that be? The testing instructor immediately dismissed this thought.

If she weren't an esper, would that mean she was a magician? Impossible.

They could only attribute it to the unique traits of a "Gemstone."

The so-called "Gemstones" were individuals who awakened their abilities naturally, without undergoing esper development. There were only about fifty such people worldwide.

And for this girl, who had been Level 4 since her arrival and could easily ascend to Level 5 with a bit of guidance, any anomalies could be considered within reason.

And then...

"Record——"

"[Nightmare] Space Capture Limit: Unable to evaluate."

"Impact Resistance Limit: Unable to evaluate."

"Domain Range: 333.33 meters. Comprehensive evaluation... Level 5 (Esper)."

Because the AIM Diffusion Field couldn't be observed, her ability level had to be determined through other metrics.

The most powerful attack of a Level 4 esper had been effortlessly blocked, and the black-red shadows, like a ghostly netherworld, seemed to have no end.

Exhaling deeply, the testing instructor placed his pen down and looked at Kurumi.

As he hesitated over how to categorize the girl's ability level, a direct order came down from a classified agency labeled "S."

Ironically, the ability level, which should have been the outcome of the test, was instead preemptively decided as the result of their judgment.

"Congratulations… Tokisaki-san."

Everyone in the room froze, turning to look at the girl standing calmly before them. Their expressions were mixed, and for a moment, no one could speak.

This kind of existence... she should just be sent straight to a laboratory for 'dissection,' right? Otherwise, what hope was left for the rest of them, who worked tirelessly yet couldn't even ascend to the next level?

···

—Level 5: Nightmare. Ranking… temporarily undecided.

Behind the files inaccessible through the school's faculty terminal was a long string of data extracted from the Academy City-wide nanomachine network, known as the [Misaka Network].

Across various locations in Academy City, images captured glimpses of an alluring girl.

And the one thing all these images shared in common… was the identical timestamp in the top-right corner of each frame.

—

A petite girl fiddled with the miniature computer in her hands, her thoughts still lingering on the information about the upperclassman she had encountered yesterday.

The data on her was surprisingly high-level, and only through a few small tricks was she able to dig up some details.

Tokiwadai Middle School… second-year transfer student… Kurumi Tokisaki.

The girl in the photo was smiling, her eyes squinting into a graceful curve. The sight of her prompted Uiharu Kazari to instinctively click "Save."

The judgment badge she received was far too valuable, and Uiharu knew she had to find an opportunity to return it.

At the same time, it would be a perfect excuse to catch a glimpse of the fabled elite school. Surely, there would be plenty of refined young ladies there.

"Uiii~~~haruuu~~~"

A familiar voice rang out from behind her, and out of sheer habit, Uiharu Kazari instinctively clenched her legs together.

The next second, she felt a sudden chill between her thighs as her skirt was forcefully lifted from behind.

"Ahh, today's panties have a cute little cat pattern~~" remarked a girl with long black hair adorned with five-petaled white flowers, her mischievous smile lighting up her face.

"Eeeeekkkkk!!!!"

Uiharu let out a high-pitched scream, the kind only startled girls could make. The sound echoed across the school grounds, causing passing pedestrians to blush in embarrassment.

"Wh-what are you doing to me all of a sudden, Saten-san!?" Uiharu stammered in protest, her face turning beet red and her eyes glistening with tears.

"Aww, Uiharu, you're still so distant with me," Saten Ruiko said with a grin, placing her hands on Uiharu's shoulders. "I just saw you so focused and couldn't resist~~~"

"And yesterday?! What was your excuse yesterday!?"

"Uhhhhh…"

"And the day before! And the day before that! And the day before that day!"

"Well, well, lifting skirts is a sign of friendship, you know," Saten said with a smile. "Sorry, sorry. How about I show you my panties as compensation?"

"By the way, what were you so absorbed in just now? You looked suspicious," Saten asked, draping an arm over Uiharu's shoulder. "Is it someone you like?"

"Of course not!" Uiharu hastily stuffed her miniature computer into her bag, flustered. "It's just… someone's issued me a challenge again."

"This week, they're planning to take on the system."

Despite only being a Level 1 (Low-Level Esper) with the modest ability Thermal Hand, which allowed her to maintain a consistent temperature in objects, Uiharu Kazari's information level in Academy City's "Library" was ranked as high as 'S.' This was a privilege even some Level 5 espers didn't have.

The reason? Her unparalleled hacking skills, which placed her among the top in the entire city. She was so exceptional that urban legends referred to her as the "Gatekeeper" of Academy City's network.

Of course, she herself was completely unaware of this reputation.

"Oh, is that so," Saten responded with a smile.

Though she had caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a photograph earlier, her curiosity was clawing at her like an impatient cat. Still, as a good friend, Saten chose not to press the matter.

After all… Uiharu always ended up sharing what she wanted to in her own time. Everyone had their little secrets, didn't they?

"Oh, right, Uiharu," Saten suddenly leaned in close, her tone taking on a mysterious edge. "Did you know? There's a new urban legend spreading in Academy City as of yesterday."

"They say… in the picturesque 21st District, the same girl has been spotted across four or five consecutive streets."

"Ruiko," Uiharu sighed. "I've told you so many times already. All those creepy stories on those urban legend forums are fake."

"All those silly tales, like the naked demon girl wandering the streets or the legend of eternal youth… they're all just nonsense people made up."

"But, but, Uiharu! This time, there's a photo! The person who saw the girl said she was so stunningly beautiful that they couldn't resist taking a picture," Saten said, holding up her phone with one finger raised for emphasis.

On the screen was the blurry image of a girl's back, standing near a street stall in the distance.

Though the image was slightly unclear… the moment Uiharu saw it, she recognized her instantly.

"Kurumi-senpai…"

..

"We're the 'Cozy' Game Center in the Seventh District. Would you like to join one of our events?"

A cute maid handed out flyers on the street.

"Gekota..." Kurumi muttered thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on the oversized green frog depicted on the promotional poster. Raising a finger and tilting her head with a playful smile, she remarked,

"Well, well, it seems I have no choice but to join in the fun."

Kurumi Tokisaki, a girl who bloomed like an enchanting flower, exuded a bewitching and alluring aura wherever she went. Yet, despite her intoxicating charm, she carried herself with the poise and grace of someone from a noble lineage.

The young maid, startled by Kurumi's refined presence, watched with wide eyes as the elegant young lady pulled out a map with a serious expression.

"Um… Senpai, the Seventh District is just next to the Eighteenth District," the maid offered cautiously.

"I know," Kurumi replied calmly, betraying no emotion.

"Uh… Senpai, 'Cozy' is a new store located in the underground mall. According to the registration process, it won't even show up on navigation maps until next Monday… which is tomorrow."

The maid seemed to realize something as she spoke.

"..." Although Kurumi's face betrayed no reaction, she was, internally, one step away from flipping the metaphorical table.

Who in the world had designed Academy City's underground malls? Changing floors just to take a train? Turning what should've been a simple commercial district into a labyrinth worthy of Tartarus?

"Senpai, why don't you join us on our way back later?" the maid suggested, extending an invitation to Kurumi.

—

The "Cozy" Game Center was a kaleidoscopic venue that looked like the kind of place delinquents in Academy City would frequent.

However, because of its proximity to the "School Garden," its primary clientele consisted of refined young ladies from prestigious schools. As such, the main hall was lined with casual gaming machines featuring cutesy, moe-style designs.

But Kurumi wasn't here for the gaming machines. These cute, mascot-themed attractions held absolutely no appeal for her.

What drew her attention was the event announced on that poster—"No One Survives."

The ultimate victor would receive an oversized Gekota body pillow courtesy of the event organizers.

And just as you might expect to see a mother wherever misfortune occurs, spotting Misaka Mikoto anywhere Gekota was present seemed to be a natural law of Academy City.

"Meow..."

As Kurumi strolled past the mascot-themed game consoles, a faint meow of a kitten reached her ears.

——These cute, themed attractions hold no appeal for me whatsoever!

I'm just here because it's been ages since I last played a game, that's all.

···

It was a rest day, and while "Cozy" was still a newly opened store, the main hall wasn't lacking for customers.

Most of them were young ladies dressed in uniforms from prestigious schools, symbols of their upper-class status. The rest were hardcore gamers who had come to try out Academy City's latest gaming sensation.

After all, the store's promotional perks were no joke. Besides early access to highly anticipated games, the top ten players in the event would also receive prizes sponsored by chains like "Green Mart" and a sizable cash reward.

Oh, and for first place, there was an oversized Gekota body pillow. Though, to be fair, hardly anyone seemed to be here specifically for that.

At the center of the expansive showroom was a display area featuring a state-of-the-art motion-sensing game developed by Academy City institutions—"No One Survives."

With a specially designed pair of VR goggles on her face and dual light guns in hand, Kurumi's demeanor underwent a complete transformation.

The young maid who had led Kurumi to the arena now had stars in her eyes, her head surrounded by inexplicable pink bubbles.

"So cool…"

The moment Kurumi held the guns, a chillingly sharp aura radiated from her unrestrained, commanding presence.

It wasn't long before the exhibition area attracted a sizeable crowd of curious onlookers. Even putting aside the rarity of seeing a Tokiwadai Middle School uniform in the Seventh District,

That alluring, rose-like smile of Kurumi's drew the attention of many spectators. After all, the game's avatar models were generated through reality scanning,

And as a Spirit, Kurumi's otherworldly allure, paired with her breathtaking beauty, seemed to be cranked up to the absolute maximum in the game's VR setting.

"Even if you're a girl, I won't hold back," said the boy across from her, apparently a veteran gamer and hardcore fan of the game's developers. His stance and expression spoke of utmost professionalism.

Arena B, Zone T, Round One.

—— "Nightmare" VS "Dragon Spear."

In this type of game, choosing guns wasn't exactly a wise decision. The growth stats for guns were abysmally low, and even landing a hit could be a significant challenge.

In the game, players moved around like monkeys, darting here and there, making it incredibly difficult to land a hit on them.

If one opted for AI-assisted aiming, their movements would inevitably become stiff and predictable.

On the other hand… people who chose guns usually did so just to look cool, prioritizing flashiness over practicality.

And flashy things often came with labels like "noob trap" or "vanity pick."

"She's definitely a newbie," thought Kazuki as he observed Kurumi, who appeared to be scanning her surroundings aimlessly while holding her twin guns.

"Maybe I'll give her two rounds for free. Otherwise, the guys in my team are just going to say I'm bullying girls again."

Hardly anyone watching this motion-sensing game had any faith in Kurumi. After all, her high-and-mighty, untouchable aura made her seem like the type who would collapse after running a few steps.

Her slender, graceful frame gave the impression that she would be out of breath after the first sprint. No one expected her to last very long.

···

As the game was about to begin, the entire exhibition hall transformed into a dark, foreboding forest thanks to the machines set up by the staff.

It felt almost as if they'd been teleported to a different space. In an instant, all the spectators found themselves immersed in the game's primary setting.

At the center of the forest, the fierce figure of a girl holding twin guns faced off against Kazuki, whose face bore a yellow charm with the character "乙". Both appeared to be preparing for battle.

This was Academy City, a place two to three decades—or perhaps even further—ahead of the outside world.

3——2——1——

-Fight!!!-

The game began.

To everyone's astonishment, the girl wielding twin guns unleashed a torrential storm of firepower directly at Kazuki.

Dazzling energy bullets filled Kazuki's field of vision in an instant. He was forced to hide behind his massive sword-shield combination, helplessly watching as its durability plummeted at an alarming rate.

"Damn it… I've been tricked!" he thought. This wasn't a newbie at all—this was a berserk demon straight out of hell.

With reaction speeds like that… Kazuki, who had been single for all 18 years of his life, felt utterly inferior.

The crowd in the exhibition area grew increasingly excited.

A pretty girl might attract attention for a short while, but the moment people realized she was also an elite gamer—a pair of golden thighs they could cling to—she instantly became the star of the show.

Seeing that Kazuki's sword-shield was about to reach its breaking point and Kurumi was on the verge of achieving a record-breaking instant victory, the spectators were already preparing to spam in chat.

——Click-click.

The crimson energy barrage came to an abrupt halt.

Kurumi encountered an issue that she had never faced, neither as a Spirit nor as a roaming gunslinger.

She ran out of bullets.

Why would a game even require ammo management?!

Kazuki, being the veteran gamer that he was, immediately seized this opportunity.

The other player was probably used to playing as a cash-shop player with extended magazines and now found herself unprepared for a more realistic setup.

Pulling his sword-shield out of the ground, Kazuki charged toward Kurumi with a vengeance, fueled by deep-seated resentment against cash-shop warriors.

"Die, you filthy pay-to-win player! Feel the wrath of a true grind-to-win king!"

Leaping into the air, Kazuki raised his massive sword-shield, ready to bring it crashing down on Kurumi with all his might.

And in the very next second—

A petite, rounded-toe boot landed squarely on his face.

Aerial Strike!

Counter Break!

Forced Grab!

Before anyone could react, Kurumi had subdued Kazuki with close-combat techniques.

Unhurriedly, she replaced her empty magazine, her lips curling into that flamboyant, devilish smile, and pulled the trigger.

—Great!—

With a perfect shot, she ended the match.

As the game concluded, Kazuki's last thought, staring at the petite foot planted on his face, was: If only this were real life.

···

Aside from Kazuki, who had been her first opponent, the other players in the rankings turned out to be mostly genuine newcomers—noble schoolgirls and middle schoolers who were just there to try out the game.

Kurumi quickly worked her way to the finals.

In Arena A, Section A, she saw her final opponent.

The girl wore a gray pleated skirt, a simple white short-sleeve top, and a light summer sweater. Her shoulder-length chestnut-brown hair matched the warm, lively hue of her brown eyes.

She didn't seem to be wearing makeup, or perhaps only the lightest touch of it, but her features were bright and fresh, exuding a unique vitality.

Behind her stood a group of similarly dressed girls, all middle school-aged, gazing at her with admiration.

As Kurumi had expected, her final opponent was none other than the one standing at the pinnacle of Academy City's 2.3 million population...

The third-ranked of the seven Level 5 espers, Tokiwadai's ace, the unmatched Railgun Princess—Misaka Mikoto.

"Ah… my final opponent's a girl?" Misaka Mikoto remarked in surprise, grinning like a boy as she greeted Kurumi. "Hello there."

The final match began.

···

Despite being a student from a noble girls' school, Mikoto launched a ferocious assault on Kurumi right from the start.

A black, whip-like weapon coiled around her, and she struck at Kurumi with a powerful whip kick.

She appeared to be well-practiced with such moves. Even in real life, it seemed she could execute a perfect whip kick.

Her long leg sliced upward at a forty-five-degree angle, sending her pleated skirt flying upward, as though threatening to reveal her underwear.

But in the next moment, the shorts underneath her skirt crushed any small hopes or dreams the male spectators might have harbored.

Ah, safety shorts.

A dazzling series of combo attacks from Mikoto drew cheers from the crowd.

The two danced like intertwining butterflies in a deadly rumba at the center of the exhibition hall.

In this game, Mikoto had an inherent advantage over Kurumi. Her ability as the "Electromaster" allowed her to interact with machinery in a much faster and more responsive manner.

If things continued like this, Kurumi was certain to lose.

But where was the fun in that? Kurumi's lips curved into a devilish smile.

[The Reckless Left Hand]

This final trump card, gifted by the Godslayer, allowed her to manipulate any game within its rules and control the tide of battle at will.

'Great!'

'Perfect!'

A series of improbable critical hits followed.

And in the end…

Misaka Mikoto—lost.

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