A Scientific Urban Detective

"So, Senior Wu Ming went to consult that Index Librorum Prohibitorum?" Sogiita Gunha had returned and, upon learning Wu Ming's true purpose earlier, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Yes, but unfortunately, it was all for naught." Wu Ming shook his head, then looked in a certain direction. "Next, I have no choice but to go see him, right?"

...

Inside the windowless building, before the massive test tube, Wu Ming sat upright in his wheelchair, his gaze level with the person inside the tube.

Wu Ming was already a regular here, so he was no longer surprised by the bizarre scene before him. Seeing that Chairman Aleister seemed to have no intention of speaking first, he instead took the time to observe the other decorations and furnishings in the room.

"If you like, I can prepare a similar room for you," Chairman Aleister was the first to break the silence.

"No need," Wu Ming waved his hand in refusal. "I have no intention of soaking in a jar."

"In fact, there is no essential difference between my state and yours," Chairman Aleister said. "You rely on a wheelchair, while I rely on this complete life support system—it's just a matter of degree."

"Even if you say so..." Wu Ming shrugged. "At least I occasionally want to go out and wander around myself. A wheelchair is much more convenient than your giant test tube."

Somewhat unexpectedly, Chairman Aleister didn't mention the "Dragon King's Breath" from last night at all—Wu Ming had thought he would be questioned about it, which was why he hadn't brought it up himself.

"Forget it, I'll just get straight to the point." Wu Ming pointed to the bangs on his forehead. "Do you know what's going on with this? Does it have any lasting side effects?"

"This is the effect of some kind of magic," Chairman Aleister said. "And I have no..."

Wu Ming stared intently at him.

"Alright, I do have some understanding of magic. But unfortunately, your situation is clearly beyond my knowledge." Chairman Aleister said, "Perhaps you can only explore and understand it yourself."

As soon as he finished speaking, the floor in front of Wu Ming suddenly split open, and a platform rose from the ground.

On the platform was a tablet computer.

"This is the magic-related information you wanted," Chairman Aleister said. "After this incident, the magic side will no longer be a secret to you, and as a member of the Board of Directors, you are also qualified to access this information."

"Of course, you are probably aware of some basic taboos," Chairman Aleister reminded him. "Superpowers and magic cannot coexist, especially since you are a Level 5 esper of the highest rank. Even attempting the simplest, most basic magic will trigger a strong backlash—this is a lesson learned through practice, through blood and sacrifice."

"Of course, I know. Don't worry, I won't take any risks." Wu Ming unceremoniously picked up the tablet computer.

"Also, the information inside is encrypted and can only be read on this device. It's best not to copy it."

Chairman Aleister's words were not definitive, more like a routine reminder; because he also knew that Wu Ming had Sogiita Gunha and Misaka Mikoto, two Level 5s, by his side. If he really wanted to copy the information, there were plenty of ways.

Having failed to get a diagnosis and having obtained the information he wanted, Wu Ming had no reason to stay in this strange place any longer.

So, he took out his phone and summoned his guide, Kihara Yuiitsu.

Chairman Aleister simply watched silently, finally seeing Wu Ming off.

With his tacit approval, Wu Ming could almost be said to come and go as he pleased.

However, for Aleister, this degree of indulgence was worth it.

"From now on, don't even think about staying out of it, Wu Ming."

Chairman Aleister had seen everything that happened last night in detail. And as an observer, he saw it more clearly and comprehensively than everyone else present.

For example, Chairman Aleister observed that Wu Ming's so-called "telekinesis" was effective against magic.

"No, judging from the symbolism of the final feather, that should be 'angel power', right? Although it's artificial 'angel power'." Chairman Aleister said to the empty space, "Wu Ming, although it only lasted for a moment, at that time, your telekinesis did interfere with the 'angel power'."

"So...you really think 'Imagine Breaker' saved you at the last moment?"

A string of bubbles suddenly appeared in the giant test tube.

The one suspended upside down in the pale red liquid laughed.

"How interesting...what exactly are you? An accident beyond accidents, a plan outside the plan, a double negative...I look forward to you continuing to be active, Wu Ming!"

...

Kihara Yuiitsu pushed the wheelchair. One moment he was inside the windowless building, but the next, after one step, he was already on the street outside.

"Your ability has improved again?" Wu Ming exclaimed. "The spatial transfer is so smooth that even I didn't notice the switching process."

"Thank you for the compliment." Kihara Yuiitsu's usual listless voice came from behind.

"Thank you for your hard work; you can drop me off here," Wu Ming said.

Immediately, he felt the girl behind him push him forward with force, letting go very readily.

Wu Ming operated the wheelchair to turn around, facing Kihara Yuiitsu. "You...you're injured?"

Just as he was about to speak, Wu Ming noticed the bandage wrapped around her left ankle.

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Kihara Yuiitsu's face twitched slightly, and she paused for a moment before responding.

"Yes, I had a little accident when activating my ability." As she spoke, Kihara Yuiitsu shook her trouser leg to cover the bandage. "It happened last month."

Because Wu Ming hadn't personally come to see Chairman Aleister recently, he hadn't interacted with Kihara Yuiitsu.

"Ability accident...so it was during this time?" Wu Ming immediately thought of Kihara Yuiitsu's "setting" in the original plot.

However, because Kihara Yuiitsu always had no expression when activating her ability, or if she did, it was one of disgust and boredom, Wu Ming had thought she had already encountered an ability accident.

"Stuck in the wall?" Wu Ming asked casually.

"I don't want to talk about it!" Kihara Yuiitsu immediately raised her hand to cover her ears. "Don't make me remember that scene!"

"Uh...sorry." Wu Ming said quickly, "I didn't mean to, let's change the subject..."

Wu Ming saw the small device Kihara Yuiitsu was wearing around her neck—at first glance, it looked like some kind of Bluetooth headset.

"For example...what is that device you're wearing?" Wu Ming asked subconsciously.

"A massager, a device to relieve tension," Kihara Yuiitsu said with a straight face. "Because I can't calmly activate my ability without it—you should understand, right? Wu Ming, you're not good at finding topics. Are you doing it on purpose?"

"Cough, that's really not my strong suit." Wu Ming raised his hands in surrender.

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