A Scientific Urban Detective

“Whether this is an illegal experimental institution or not is unimportant,” Gunha suddenly said, “Our mission is simple: to protect the upcoming experiments here from being disturbed. Other than that, there's no need to meddle in other people's business.”

“Understood, boss,” the black-haired boy said.

They had long anticipated whether the 'Artificial Atelier' was an illegal experimental institution—if it were truly legal and compliant, why would they be hired as bodyguards?

“This research institute has three laboratories…” Gunha said, “Originally there were three, but besides the First Laboratory, which was shut down due to the illegal confinement incident, there are still two.”

“Boss, why are you starting to do math?” Uiharu Mei applied a light layer of makeup to her face before contentedly putting away her makeup bag.

“Because you guys haven’t even calculated the most basic arithmetic,” Gunha said mockingly, “Since there are still two laboratories, what about your investigation targets?”

The black-haired boy immediately reacted: “They’re all from the Second Laboratory! There should be a Third Laboratory!”

Although Shunsen Yomikawa and the Second Laboratory he leads are the absolute core of the 'Artificial Atelier,' the Third Laboratory cannot be ignored.

After being pointed out by Gunha, the other two suddenly understood.

“I’ll ask those girls tomorrow,” Uiharu Mei said.

“I’ll also search for information about the Third Laboratory,” the black-haired boy also lowered his head and started working.

“No, Kazari Uiharu, you don’t need to waste your time. Leave the Third Laboratory to me,” Gunha said.

“Eh? Boss is going to take action personally?” the black-haired boy Kazari Uiharu said in surprise, “I thought we’d have to wait until Lin Wuming appeared before you…”

“He’s the target you should be dealing with,” Gunha said, “He’s also a 'Psychic,' Level 3, but it’s said that his combat performance can reach Level 4. Go and verify this rumor.”

Kazari Uiharu shrugged, saying nonchalantly, “No problem, boss.”

“As for the Third Laboratory…” Gunha’s lips revealed a smile, “If that old guy wasn’t lying, only I can deal with it.”

Indeed, it was Shunsen Yomikawa who hired the members of the dark side organization 'School,' but before coming to carry out the mission, Kihara Gensei communicated with Gunha first.

It was precisely because of his reminder that Gunha knew from the beginning that the biggest difficulty in this mission lay in the girl in the Third Laboratory—the information was unknown, but she was very likely to have become a Level 5 psychic and mental-系 esper, Misaki Shokuhou.

Gunha himself is a Level 5, so he knows best what this level means. No matter how arrogant he is, it’s impossible for him to really underestimate another Level 5, especially one with the insidious ability type of 'Mental Out.'

Combining the on-site investigation throughout the day, Gunha can basically confirm that the information provided by Kihara Gensei is accurate.

—The 'internal evolution' of the Third Laboratory does objectively exist, but from Shunsen Yomikawa down, the people in the entire research institute seem to have forgotten about the existence of such a laboratory.

It’s not that their memories have been deliberately deleted, but they subconsciously ignore them. Even if they are reminded, they will reveal a look of sudden realization and say, “Oh, that one, I know, I know…” and gloss over it.

The overall atmosphere is like this, so the people in it naturally cannot find anything unusual. But as an outsider and also an informed person, Gunha can instantly detect the sense of disharmony.

—To be able to do such large-scale memory manipulation, it seems that the claim that Misaki Shokuhou has become a Level 5 has some truth to it.

Shunsen Yomikawa only knows how to guard against Lin Wuming, but he doesn’t know that the real threat actually comes from inside the research institute.

“Is there someone very powerful in that Third Laboratory?” Uiharu Mei asked.

In order to prevent the leakage of information, Kihara Gensei only sought out Gunha for information exchange. The other two members of 'School' are not aware.

Considering the nature of the 'Mental Out' ability, this is a necessary precaution.

Except for Gunha, who is also a Level 5, no one can keep secrets in front of Misaki Shokuhou.

“Do your own thing,” Gunha said.

Seeing that he didn’t intend to explain, Uiharu Mei and Kazari Uiharu didn’t continue to ask.

After a short rest, the two of them left the office again to patrol the research institute in order to familiarize themselves with the mission environment.

Although 'School' hasn’t been established for a long time, it has carried out quite a few missions and has already accumulated considerable experience, so its actions are quite familiar.

Because they need to guard against external intrusions and there is a relatively clear time point, the inside of the research institute is relatively safe at this time, and there is no danger.

Uiharu Mei walked leisurely in the corridor with peace of mind.

“Eh? Someone…”

In the corridor ahead, a figure of a girl suddenly appeared. Uiharu Mei subconsciously slowed down and carefully observed.

The management regulations of the research institute have relatively strict curfew times. At this time, no one should be wandering outside.

The latest novel is at six nine book bar!

—Eh~ A delinquent girl wandering around at night?

The girl has a head of chocolate-colored, fluffy, soft hair, which looks quite cute at first glance, like a doll, even though she is only wearing a white dress that looks like a hospital gown.

Uiharu Mei recognizes her and remembers that this girl was also in the crowd at the afternoon tea party.

Uiharu Mei quietly activated her ability while considering her next words in her heart.

Click!

A clear shutter sound suddenly came from the front. The girl raised her phone and pointed the camera at her.

—In this strictly managed research institute, experimental subjects are actually allowed to use mobile phones?

Uiharu Mei was confused, but she didn’t think much about it. Her identity here is legal and legitimate, so she’s not afraid of being photographed.

“Good evening,” Uiharu Mei waved her hand.

“Good evening~” The girl leaned against the wall and responded with a smile, “Uiharu Mei.”

“!” Uiharu Mei was shocked. She shouldn’t have revealed her name at the tea party this afternoon.

Moreover, apart from Shunsen Yomikawa, the fact that 'School' has moved in here should still be confidential. The others in the research institute shouldn’t know.

But why does this girl… Uiharu Mei’s brain was running rapidly.

“What a coincidence to meet at this time,” Uiharu Mei said, walking closer to the other party while recalling the girl’s name, “If I remember correctly, I shouldn’t have introduced myself yet.”

“Yes, it’s a very impolite behavior.”

“…” Uiharu Mei suddenly felt that her ability might have failed. Why does it feel like this girl doesn’t have much goodwill towards her?