With just a slight flick of his sword, the heavens did not change color, yet to Kakine Teitoku, the entire world seemed to collapse. Sensing the changes within his body, he instinctively reached out to touch himself… the once flat chest now possessed a slight curve, and between his legs, where something ought to protrude, there was nothing at all.
He had truly been turned into a woman, just like that, in an instant! How could this be? How was such a thing possible?
“Wait a minute… Ugh!” Kakine Teitoku couldn't believe it, nor did he want to believe it. Seeing Lin Luo turn to leave, he… or rather, she instinctively called out, but the sound died in her throat the moment it emerged. She discovered that the domineering voice she once possessed had become delicate and sweet, utterly feminine!
Lin Luo turned back to look at her, his expression as calm as drifting clouds, “Although I said I cut off all the male hormones, in reality, I left a little behind. After all, women need that too, otherwise how could there be fiercely dominating women? Don’t you agree? It’s just that compared to ordinary women, yours is relatively less, and this instantaneous change also puts a certain burden on your body, so I advise you to rest for a while… But don't worry, you will be completely recovered before the Daihaiseisai, and your strength will increase significantly. I look forward to your brilliant reappearance then.”
“You bastard!” Kakine Teitoku ground her teeth, but she wasn't good at cursing. Even facing this situation, the harshest word she could manage besides ‘bastard’ was nothing more abusive.
Lin Luo sighed, “I’m actually doing this for your own good. You need to know how hard it is to get a wife these days—enslaved by mortgages, enslaved by cars, and enslaved by survival. By turning you into a woman now, you won’t have to be a triple slave; instead, you can watch others be triple slaves. Wouldn't that be much more satisfying? Furthermore, you probably don’t even know what the most essential thing in this world is.”
As he spoke, Lin Luo flicked his finger toward the empty space beside him. In an instant, the air formed a round mirror. Lin Luo looked into that mirror, his gaze earnest, and inquired, “Index, Index, tell me, who is the best mirror polisher in this world?”
The round mirror shuddered violently, and then displayed a figure—it was none other than Kakine Teiko.
Lin Luo immediately explained to her, “This mirror is the Mirror of Origin of this world; it can manifest the ultimate of the world within it. And the essence of this world is mirror polishing. Therefore, since it says you are the best mirror polisher, it is obvious that one day in the future, you will certainly grasp the essence of this world, become the strongest, become the Index… Congratulations, Kakine Teiko.”
This was clearly no Mirror of Origin, but merely an air mirror he conjured casually. His explanations were pure nonsense, but his expression was so serious that even falsehood sounded like truth.
Kakine Teitoku stood rooted to the spot, trembling as she looked at the other self in the mirror, remaining silent for a long time. After a while, the corner of her mouth suddenly quirked, “Waaah! You’re bullying me…”
Tears streaming down her face, Kakine Teitoku—no, Kakine Teiko—ran out in a flash.
She actually burst into tears and fled!
“Th-this…” Misaka Miiro stood dumbfounded, completely speechless. She could never have imagined that the arrogant and self-satisfied Kakine Teitoku would burst into tears and run away!
Lin Luo was unconcerned. He casually dispersed the magical mirror and the isolation barrier, chuckling lightly, “It’s normal. If someone wears women’s clothing too often, their masculine personality will gradually lean feminine. This is especially true for a complete bodily transformation. Overall, everyone has a maiden's heart—you have it, I have it, everyone has it.”
Misaka Miiro couldn't help but ask, “What if someone doesn't?”
“That means they’re a faggot!” Lin Luo stated decisively.
The girl was instantly rendered speechless.
The matter of Kakine Teitoku was merely a minor interlude for both Lin Lo and Misaka Miiro, nothing worth dwelling on. Though they looked forward to her brilliant performance at the Daihaiseisai, they currently lacked the mood to concern themselves with her.
Not long after, the two arrived at the hospital where the frog-faced man resided. Other parts of Academy City were subtly changed due to the approaching Daihaiseisai, but here, everything remained as usual.
The familiar hospital smell, the expectant gazes of the patients, the figures in white bustling about—and of course, that one frog-faced individual still harbored his usual fondness for 'teasing' the nurses.
“Ah, it’s you!” Just as a long-term worker never forgets his landlord, the frog-faced doctor Meido Zuihon would never forget a patient. Even after more than two years, the moment he saw Lin Luo, he recognized him—that rather distinctive patient he had once treated.
He still remembered treating Lin Luo when he was hanging onto life by a thread, and the question he’d asked: Why challenge the darkness of Academy City, why save people who have absolutely nothing to do with you, even at the cost of your own life?
The answer Lin Luo gave while his consciousness was hazy was only four words: Because I like it.
A simple ‘like’ was enough to motivate limitless effort, enough to cast aside even life or soul. He had seen too little of such devotion over the years, which was why the memory was so sharp.
“Long time no see, but I’m not here for a check-up this time,” Lin Luo stepped forward and said with a smile.
“Follow me,” Meido Zuihon nodded and turned, heading in a certain direction.
Academy City was established thanks to Meido Zuihon’s proposal. Although he had long withdrawn from positions of power, his status within Academy City had not diminished in the slightest. What Accelerator knew, he knew almost as much, including Lin Luo’s battles with Accelerator two years prior, the fight with the Dark Side, and the silent struggles with Aleister.
Since Lin Luo wasn't here for medical treatment, he was obviously here for the Misaka clones.
He was decisive, and Lin Luo did not hesitate; he and Misaka Miiro immediately followed him.
A short while later, under Meido Zuihon’s guidance, Lin Luo arrived at the entrance of a room. Meido Zuihon had other matters to attend to and left immediately after leading them there. Lin Luo pushed the door open and was momentarily stunned.
The room inside was larger than imagined, housing nearly a hundred nutrient tanks, each nearly two meters high. Inside every tank was a naked Misaka clone. Beside them were various instruments, with Misaka clones dressed in white coats or nurse uniforms, tending to the clones inside the tanks, making physical adjustments.
He had heard Miiro mention before that the Misaka clones engaged in various jobs across the globe—soldiers, explorers, deep-sea workers, or perhaps 'easier' jobs like doctors and nurses in hospitals. Through these life experiences, they were meant to gain emotions truly their own.
But this sight of uniformly dressed, naked bodies was dizzying for Lin Luo.
Although the Misaka clones were focused on their work, they couldn't help but sense someone entering. Their gazes fixed on Lin Luo, and the unchanging expression on their faces showed a clear fluctuation. Then, they swarmed over like a tide, surrounding him, calling out, “Brother-sama, Brother-sama!” Even the clones inside the nutrient tanks opened their eyes.
Lin Luo had only been in this world for one day, so not many knew him. All 128 Misaka clones in Academy City were present for physical recuperation today. Unless Misaka Miiro entered the Misaka Network to notify them, they naturally wouldn't have known.
Seeing Lin Luo now, their excitement was beyond words.
Lin Luo felt considerable pressure being surrounded by such a large group of Misaka clones. Fortunately, Miiro held significant authority, and coupled with his own gentle soothing, the excitement of this reunion was finally managed.
“Brother will enhance your physical strength shortly, allowing each of you to reach Level 5. Please release the clones in the nutrient tanks first,” Miiro instructed the group.
This massive recovery room was reserved exclusively for the Misaka clones. It certainly wasn't a gift from Academy City; it was exchanged for by Misaka Miiro and the others from Aleister in the form of missions.
The Free Mercenary Group had been established for over two years and had completed nearly a hundred missions. The proceeds from these missions, aside from the members' daily living expenses, funded this recovery room and another research institute.
Do not underestimate just these two facilities; their value is absolutely astronomical. Never mind the high-end equipment inside—even the daily sustenance was an amount a normal person could never imagine, proving how lucrative the Free Mercenary Group’s compensation was.
More importantly, the authority these two facilities possessed within Academy City—besides themselves, no one could enter or interfere without their express permission—this privilege was something money couldn't buy.
Of course, the reason Aleister was so generous was the immense help the Free Mercenary Group provided during the Third World War, which could even be called the key to turning the tide.
These two facilities were optional for Misaka Miiro and Accelerator; they weren't vital. The main beneficiaries were the Misaka clones. They could not only repair their bodies here but also obtain valuable research data, allowing them to identify their shortcomings through further study and subsequently strengthen themselves.
They had already put in tremendous effort to reach Level 5, but without success. Hearing Misaka Miiro’s announcement, they immediately sprang into action. Some went to get clothes, others opened the nutrient tanks… In a short while, all 128 Misaka clones were dressed in Tokiwadai school uniforms.
Like Misaka Miiro, they had absolute trust in Lin Luo. Since Lin Luo said he could help them reach Level 5, he certainly could; they held no doubts.
Once all the Misaka clones stood in neat rows, Lin Luo manifested the power of Creation into a sphere of light. Under his command, this sphere floated above the clones, and a rain of light began to descend upon them.
Bathed in that light rain, the bodies of the Misaka clones gradually transformed. Their physical defects slowly vanished, and their physical quality began to rise from the level of ordinary humans… Two times, three times, four times… When the light rain ended, the physical quality of every Misaka clone had reached five times that of a normal person.
More importantly, their physical potential was further excavated, possessing even greater room for advancement.
This was Creation!
The Misaka clones already possessed the calculation and mental abilities of a Level 5; all they lacked was physical quality. Now that their physical strength had increased, their power immediately soared. In that single instant… 128 Level 5 espers were born!
“Th-this is astonishing!” Forget the shocked Misaka clones; even Misaka Miiro’s mouth hung open. Believing it was one thing, but witnessing it firsthand was another. In such a short time, Lin Luo had created 128 Level 5s. How embarrassing must that be for the experts constantly researching espers!
Of course, while this was shocking, it was no major feat for Lin Luo. Given the extent of his Creation now, never mind the Misaka clones who already possessed Level 5 potential hindered only by their bodies, even an ordinary person with no fighting ability could instantly be elevated to Earth-rank or even higher. However, if the enhancement reached that level, they could only be used as single-use consumables, likely exploding within ten minutes.
This was why Lin Luo only elevated the Misaka clones to Level 5. All he did was flip the switch on their bodies, digging out their potential, which wouldn't impede their future.
Otherwise, if Lin Luo instantly raised them to a much higher level, their futures would likely stop there.
Only what belongs entirely to oneself is the long-term plan.
“Brother, should we report this now?” one of the more energetic Misaka clones asked.
The 'reporting' she mentioned meant displaying their Level 5 abilities and receiving the corresponding status within Academy City. Lin Luo refused without a second thought.
If it were one or two, it would be fine—like Miiro and Meisheng, it wouldn’t cause a stir. But now there were 128 espers all at once. Announcing this suddenly, and all of them being Misaka clones, would likely shake not just Academy City, but perhaps even the magic side!
If there’s one or two, there might be three or four, but if there are 128, then the remaining nearly ten thousand Misaka clones being unable to reach Level 5 would be unbelievable.
Nearly ten thousand espers—the mere thought of such power was chilling.
Although even if this matter were exposed and attracted the attention of various factions, Lin Luo had nothing to fear; at worst, he could turn men into women, women into men, and wipe them all out with the Sword of Destruction. But even without danger, it would still be a significant hassle, and he had no interest in wasting time on such matters.
“For now, conceal your strength. Besides communicating within the Misaka Network, do not speak of this to anyone. Also, notify the other clones. If their matters elsewhere are resolved, have them return to Academy City as soon as possible…”
Lin Luo arranged the details here thoroughly. Not a single word was missed by the Misaka clones; they memorized everything firmly. Afterward, Lin Lo took Misaka Miiro and left.
Miiro seemed to have tasted the sweetness of being a woman, looking at Lin Luo with affectionate eyes. Lin Luo knew what she was thinking and felt a bit awkward. Although he wasn't entirely without desire, serious matters came first.
“Go home first. I need to discuss something with Mikoto,”
Lin Luo gently said, stroking her head.
“Okay, then I’ll leave,” Miiro’s eyes showed reluctance, but she eventually left obediently.
After she was gone, Lin Luo sensed Mikoto’s aura and instantly teleported over.
Mikoto was originally a second-year middle school student at Tokiwadai. Having been gone for two years, Tokiwadai naturally no longer had a place for her. Although he visited Tokiwadai briefly during the day, she was staying in a hotel at night.
When Lin Luo teleported over, Mikoto had just finished bathing. She was draped in a towel, her long, tea-colored hair wet, exuding an alluring scent.
They were practically an old married couple, so Mikoto wasn't overly shy. Looking up, she said, “Help me open the World Gate.”
Before Lin Luo could fully appreciate the beautiful sight of the Railgun after her bath, he was startled by those words, “Open the World Gate? You’re not planning to comprehend the Heaven-rank Intent anymore?”
Mikoto originated from this world. If she could understand the essence of this world, the path to Heaven-rank would be smooth, and reaching it would only be a matter of time. But if the World Gate was opened, this world would connect with the Bright World, and the world's essence would change accordingly. In that case, Mikoto’s coming to this world would be meaningless beyond visiting family and friends; she wouldn't be able to grasp the essence of this world at all.
Mikoto shook her head, “Of course not. I just want to put some pressure on myself. You should be able to open the world periodically now, right? Set it to formally open in one month.”
Lin Luo understood, “You plan to enter solitary confinement?”
Solitary confinement here didn't mean a life-or-death barrier, but if Lin Luo did as she asked, Mikoto would have to master the essence of this world within one month, or she would never have the chance again.
This was a last stand, placing oneself in a deadly situation to find a path to survival.
“Mm,” Mikoto nodded without hesitation. “I’ve noticed that my potential sees huge breakthroughs whenever I’m pushed to an extreme. So this time, I plan to try again. Also, the time ratio between this world and the Bright World is one-to-one. Ten days later in the Bright World, Tohsaka Rin should also be exiting her seclusion.”
“Do you have confidence? To grasp the world's essence in one month?”
Mikoto smiled calmly, “I have absolute faith in my own potential!”
“Alright then.”
Since she had made up her mind, Lin Luo no longer hesitated. With the bond between them, there was no need for deliberate cultivation; so many shared life-and-death moments had already brought their Vows of Constraint to the highest level.
The moment their hands clasped, an invisible ray of light shot toward the heavens. In the boundless high sky, a giant gate flickered in and out of existence. The Celestial Realm had not been fully activated, nor had the gate been fully manifested. This world had not yet linked with the Bright World, but the setting was established: in one month, the World Gate would truly open, and the timelines of the two worlds would align.
And Mikoto only had one month.