A Scientific Urban Detective

“With Runko-nee protecting you, there's no need to worry about her safety.” Misaki Shokuhou seemed even more confident than Runko Kaizumi herself.

But Rimei was still a little worried. Although Runko Kaizumi was strong, facing the simultaneous fire of more than a dozen sniper rifles, it would be good enough if she could protect herself; there was no way she could protect Misaki Shokuhou.

Sure enough, he still had to find a way to strengthen their defenses…

Rimei looked at Tomitsu Hachisuka beside him.

“I won’t protect that guy.” Tomitsu Hachisuka said immediately, “I’m just your partner, Rimei, and I never protect anyone.”

“That’s true.”

“Hmph, I don’t need protection from anyone other than Runko-nee.” Misaki Shokuhou said, “I'm a Level 5, after all!”

“In any case,” Rimei said, “Since the culprit is likely Shunzo Kuribayashi, he is also likely targeting you who escaped from Artificial Atelier, so tell everyone to be vigilant and pay attention to safety during this time.”

“I know.” Misaki Shokuhou nodded, and then asked, “Rimei-senpai, what are you planning to do next?”

“Of course, I’m going to find a way to find Shunzo Kuribayashi, after all, there’s no point in guarding against a thief for a thousand days.” Rimei said loudly, “Of course, more importantly, I must find a way to improve my strength.”

“Oh?” Misaki Shokuhou showed an interested expression, “Rimei-senpai, do you want to break through to Level 4?”

“Yes,” Rimei nodded, “I know it’s difficult, but to cope with the challenges ahead, improving strength is necessary. If there are continuous attacks like this, relying only on my current Level 3 strength and luck, I’m afraid I won’t last long.”

“I understand,” Misaki Shokuhou nodded, and patted her chest to assure him, “Don’t worry, Rimei-senpai, I will help you find a suitable research institution to help you develop your Esper ability.”

“Then thank you.” Rimei nodded, “Also, if it’s convenient, please introduce me to Kouki Umihara—the one I mentioned before.”

“I’m already working on that.” Runko Kaizumi raised her hand and said, “A senior I know at school knows Umihara-senpai, and I can ask them to help introduce you.”

“Great, thank you so much, Kaizumi-san!” Rimei said excitedly.

Truth or falsehood, although this “plot” was performed for the Aerial Line, Rimei’s desire to improve his strength and become stronger was real.

Even a mind reader couldn’t find any flaws in this… That’s right, Misaki Shokuhou is right in front of me.

After all, Rimei’s wish is the common wish of most Espers in Academy City, and no one can say there is a problem with it.

It’s just that Rimei’s possibility of realizing this wish is slightly higher than others.

—Although, what is being improved is not the ability level.

After being hospitalized for two days, Rimei was discharged again.

This time, his discharge was uneventful, and no one came to pick him up, let alone celebrate.

Even Aihō Yomikawa was busy investigating the attack in the 12th District, so Rimei could only drive his wheelchair home by himself.

Fortunately, Rimei has now memorized the route from the hospital to the apartment building, so there is no need to worry about getting lost.

He also went to the supermarket along the way to replenish the supplies in the refrigerator.

When he returned to the Family Side apartment building, he happened to see teacher Eri Tomine walking out of the guard's office on the first floor.

Family Side is an exclusive dormitory building for the security forces, so the so-called guard here is actually a fully functional police station, responsible for the police work in the surrounding blocks, and is usually manned by the residents of the apartment building in shifts.

However, since everyone knows that this is the “nest” of the security forces, the security in this area is quite good, so this police station can only be reduced to a guard's office.

Then, he saw two security teachers also walking out of the office, bowing to teacher Eri Tomine and saying daily polite words such as “Thank you for your trouble,” “I’m very sorry,” and “Not at all.”

It didn’t look like ordinary neighborly chat.

“Hello, teacher.” While thinking, Rimei came forward and greeted the three teachers.

“Oh, it’s Rimei-kun, you’re back?” The teachers’ attitudes were very kind, and because they knew the inside story, they didn’t bother to ask about Rimei’s recovery.

To ensure the topic continued, Rimei thought for a while and asked, “Teacher Eri Tomine, did something happen here?”

“There is indeed something, but it’s not particularly important.” One of the security teachers said, “We just want to consult teacher Tomine about some professional issues, um, about a case that is being investigated.”

Eri Tomine, about a case?

Rimei noticed something and his eyes lit up: “Is there any news about Shunzo Kuribayashi?”

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The two security teachers quickly shook their heads: “No, no, Rimei-kun, don’t misunderstand, we are not responsible for the case in the 12th District.”

After thinking about it, the security teacher decided to reveal a little more: “We are consulting teacher Tomine about a new technology called ‘Learning Device’. This technology was led and developed by teacher Tomine at Artificial Atelier, so…”

“I can’t say that I led it,” Eri Tomine quickly said modestly, “but…”

But the other main researchers either fled in fear of crime or are still in the hospital in critical condition.

As a result, Eri Tomine became the only expert currently.

“Learning Device?” Rimei clicked his tongue.

In the original plot, this thing is a necessary prop for quickly cultivating the Misaka Sisters. If this can be used as a clue, maybe the “Mass Production Type Ability User” plan can also be caught!

“There is nothing wrong with the Learning Device itself,” the security teacher said, “but we recently received a report saying that someone is engaging in fraudulent activities in the name of ‘Learning Device’.”

“So, we want to find the developer of the Learning Device to consult and understand its specific information.”

“Eh? It’s just fraud?” Hearing the security teachers’ description, Rimei’s interest was greatly diminished, but he was still a little unwilling to give up, “Then, did the whistleblower mention what the fraudster did with the Learning Device?”

“What else could it be, claiming that it can help students improve their grades and avoid failing, etc.” The security teacher shrugged, “That’s why it’s called ‘Learning Device’.”

“It seems that it is indeed a scammer.” Rimei immediately concluded.

“Actually,” Eri Tomine said, “Learning performance can indeed be improved—through the Learning Device.”