In a single room, one man and seven women—setting aside whether any liaisons had occurred or would—this arrangement, from every conceivable angle, was a happiness only an immortal could truly savor. Yet, the price for such bliss was exceedingly high; at least in this very moment, Lin Luo wished desperately that someone could trade places with him.

When Akuma Rin and Railgun’s gazes locked, the sparks of intense passion, mingled with the occasional sharp, blade-like glare cast his way, were almost too much even for the self-proclaimed God of Otaku to bear with his usual composure.

What truly infuriated him was that every time he managed to conjure up a perfectly crafted, feeling-just-right line, the King beside him, whose stomach seemed to possess the depths of a bottomless pit, would inevitably cut in halfway, completely snuffing out his inspiration. It was as if she existed solely to spite him!

With resignation, Lin Luo decided to stop talking altogether... at least until the King had finished eating her fill.

Silence descended, making the atmosphere in the room even more awkward; in four words, it was taut as a drawn bowstring.

“Um, you two eat slowly, we’ll be going now.” Having rushed through her meal, Misaka Meiling pulled the Accidental Entity along as they left. While she enjoyed watching drama unfold, she preferred to skip spectacles that severely strained her own heart. Besides, this kind of drama wasn't new; Misaka Mikoto and Tōsaka Rin had been nipping at each other’s heels for days without any real result, and this time would surely end the same way.

Incidentally, because Meiling and the Accidental Entity were different from the regular Sisters, possessing their own consciousness, and even though they couldn't yet unleash their full Level 5 power, it seemed Administrator—perhaps as a gesture of cooperation—had secured "legitimate" identities for them within Academy City's Index, allowing them to walk openly under the sun.

The name the Accidental Entity chose for herself, Misaka Misei, perhaps signified a new beginning?

Thus, Academy City's eighth Level 5, the 'Initial Light,' and its ninth Level 5, the 'Electromagnetic Storm,' were born.

Concurrently, likely for easier management, Administrator, in a trope so cliché it hurt, enrolled them into Tokiwadai Middle School as transfer students?!

Regarding this development, Meiling and the Accidental Entity seemed quite pleased. Though they never openly admitted it, from their very first day, they had never been late or left school early—they were impeccably obedient.

However, having two high-school-aged girls enter the junior division immediately created dissonance, not to mention that the name 'Misaka' coupled with Level 5 strength was enough to stir up a veritable "bloodbath" within Tokiwadai... The polite, refined Lady Misaka versus the cold, violent, corrupted Misaka—in certain aspects, this duality was a unique charm that attracted the devotion of younger students.

Consequently, the Tokiwadai Misaka Craze reached a new apex, placing immense pressure on the other faction—the Queen Faction... Three Level 5s was no laughing matter.

Of course, none of these developments held much significance for Lin Luo.

After Meiling and the Accidental Entity departed, Yuriko was led away by the Last Order as well. The two had become incredibly close recently, showing strong yuri tendencies, living up to their namesake and making others blush profusely.

In the blink of an eye, only the few chosen ones of the Divine War remained in the room. Now, some matters could be laid out frankly. Lin Luo first observed the King; seeing that her rice bowl was still half full, estimating she had a few more minutes, he seized the opportunity. "Rin, I believe signing a contract is essential. If you wish to return to your own world, this is the only way. Mikoto, don't glare at me like that either. Our current power levels are too low; if we don't raise our strength quickly, all of us face mortal danger, potentially even endangering the people of this world. You wouldn't want your friends and family to be implicated, would you?"

As previously stated, Rin was a very strong person. As a human, as a magus, as the heir of the Tōsaka family, as a girl, as a top student and idol at school—as Tōsaka Rin herself—she was not only incredibly resilient but possessed a fiercely competitive nature. Thus, these roles were not mere titles to her, but inescapable responsibilities. She prioritized all these identities under the final one, constantly striving to fulfill every duty, silently bearing immense pressure all by herself. This constituted the Tōsaka Rin everyone saw.

Yet, this strength was merely a façade of fortitude. When the pressure became too much to bear, what she needed wasn't an invincible comrade in arms, but simply a shoulder to lean on, someone who could provide the sense of security and relaxation akin to coming home.

Therefore, the moment Lin Luo spoke of being someone she could rely on like family, Rin’s psychological defenses were easily breached.

The so-called Favorability rating, when stripped bare, was essentially this kind of emotion: the ability to trust another completely, to reveal one's inner self without concealment, to fully display one's truest side... Soul communion—that was complete trust and reliance, mutual between both parties.

So, the only task now was to sign the Contract of the Heart with Rin, after which they could enter the Moonlit World... Of course, given the current situation, even though all conditions for the contract had been met, persuading Rin to sign willingly remained somewhat troublesome.

Lin Luo had no choice but to explain the Contract Tome, the Heart of the World, and the bewildering Divine War to Rin in complete detail. He even used this as a convenient excuse for how he knew her background, though he would never, ever admit to the existence of that infuriating Favorability system.

That thing, no matter how you looked at it, resembled a HGAE game...

In Lin Luo's estimation, he had clarified the crucial issues. Any sensible person, facing the reality that other Walkers could easily destroy a host of the World’s Heart, would understand that signing the contract was the sole guarantee of survival... Although this assertion gave Lin Luo a strange, strong sense of déjà vu, as if he were transforming into QB.

"No!"

"Don't!"

Almost without hesitation, Akuma Rin and Railgun spoke simultaneously. After saying it, their gazes clashed again, sending sparks flying.

Lin Luo was infinitely frustrated. He had spoken for so long, yet they wouldn't give him even an inch of face. Tsundere behavior had its limits!

Then, what followed next gave him an even bigger headache...

“Look here, Mikoto little sister, aren't you meddling too much? Whether I sign a contract with Lin Luo is my business. Why do you need to refuse?” Akuma Rin frowned, forcing a smile.

“Of course. Since we'll be important future comrades, we must choose people we can trust. And regarding Senior Tōsaka’s character, I personally still harbor significant doubts,” Railgun stated her ‘true thoughts’ with brutal ‘honesty.’

Crack!

The chopsticks in Rin’s hand snapped cleanly. Veins pulsed on Akuma Rin’s forehead. “Let me ask you beforehand, what aspect of my character makes you doubt me?!”

“Your conduct.”

“Oh, is it conduct? Well, I personally believe my conduct is quite normal, unlike some people who are clearly eaten up with jealousy but refuse to be honest, deliberately saying irrelevant things.”

“You... What nonsense are you spouting? Who... Who is jealous?!” Railgun, who had held the advantage just a moment ago, instantly lost her footing.

“Are you not? You act so rough and boyish, yet in other areas, you’re so coy.”

“Rough? You—I think you’re the one being affected and putting on airs!”

“You’re mistaken. I call this elegant bearing. A lady’s demeanor isn’t something just anyone can learn. Speaking of which, your younger sister is much more competent than you. Sigh, how can the older sister be like this?” Rin sighed, feigning deep disappointment.

“What lady’s demeanor! You’re just putting on an act!”

“Well, that’s true. People always tend to deliberately devalue what others have that they themselves lack. Speaking of which, someone’s charm level is simply too low.”

Sizzle!

A spark of electricity flashed just before Mikoto’s bangs.

Lin Luo was speechless. In terms of combat power, Rin was definitely no match for Mikoto, but in terms of verbal sparring, with Akuma Rin’s diplomatic skills, even Railgun couldn't compete.

Watching their argument escalate, Lin Luo couldn't help but interject, “Um, arguing is fine, but please, no fighting. Let’s keep the peace…”

“Shut up!” Before he could finish, both Akuma Rin and Railgun shot him furious glares. On this point, they were in perfect agreement.

Lin Luo immediately silenced himself without hesitation.

After glaring fiercely at Rin for a moment, Mikoto’s gaze landed on Rin’s chest, and suddenly, as if discovering new land, she burst out laughing. “Indeed. If someone’s figure can’t even compare to a middle schooler, then they really do have to put effort into other areas.”

How sharp! Railgun, have you evolved into a venomous tongue too?

Rin’s smile instantly froze, and she looked a little flustered, instinctively retorting, “You! Aren't you about the same as me!”

“How can that be the same? I’m still a middle schooler, a child. Whereas someone, I suspect, has already passed their growth stage. Sigh, how pitiful. You’ll probably be like this forever.” Such jarringly incongruous words felt completely out of character for Railgun to utter.

In an instant, Rin’s expression turned quite ugly.

And just at that moment, the King, who hadn't said much until now, suddenly wiped her mouth with a napkin and spoke calmly, delivering a statement guaranteed to shock: “Rin, speaking of which, I also think yours has some issues.”

Damn it! Lin Luo collapsed internally... King, eat your food and stop making random comments! Don't you think things are chaotic enough already??!!

P: People have been asking for pictures of long-haired Railgun. Well, I’ll ask here then: Is there any master artist skilled in photoshopping fan art who could create one for me? Just one... one... I’m waiting! It would be best if it matches Zero’s image. Also, requesting votes.