In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 63

"Eh..." Takitsubo Riko was startled, not expecting Higashino to suddenly grab her. Her mood immediately improved, and she tightened her grip, as if afraid that Higashino would suddenly let go.

"Now that I've caught you, don't think I'll let go easily!"

"Mm." Takitsubo nodded. Despite her usually gentle and weak appearance, she actually has a rather strong personality. Once she has made up her mind, she is not the type to give up easily.

But when exactly did she fall for him? Was it the first time they met? Takitsubo herself couldn't quite say, but it didn't matter anymore. She had already grasped the future; her past thoughts were irrelevant!

"You'll see Misawa Academy after you turn that street." Sensing Takitsubo's deliberate slowing of his pace, Higashino also slowed down. His gaze swept across both sides of the street. Academy City was exceptionally lively during summer vacation, with students in various school uniforms walking in twos and threes on the streets, their laughter and chatter rising and falling.

His gaze suddenly stopped in front of a crepe shop. That figure... could it be such a coincidence? A girl dressed in traditional red and white shrine maiden attire stood out conspicuously among the colorful crowd.

"Himegami...Akisa?" Higashino narrowed his eyes. This was like a pillow delivered to someone who was sleepy. This unexpectedly appearing girl was quite perfect. This time, half of the goal had already been achieved before it even began. Next was the plan to kidnap Himegami Akisa.

The girl was looking up at the crepe shop's menu, seemingly struggling to choose a flavor. Her head was tilted slightly, a hint of confusion showing on her otherwise expressionless face. Although she was quite hungry, she still had some difficulty making decisions and was torn between which one to choose.

"Strawberry...or chocolate..." she murmured to herself, wanting them all. Finally, she seemed to give up, and in a flat yet surprisingly charming voice, said to the shop assistant, "Please give me...all flavors."

Higashino couldn't help but chuckle softly; this scene seemed familiar. Takitsubo glanced at him questioningly, but obediently let Higashino pull her along, though a barely perceptible hint of wariness flashed in her eyes. She'd only recently achieved a breakthrough, and now a girl Higashino knew or was interested in had appeared—how unlucky!

"Are you planning to eat all these crepes by yourself?" Higashino asked from behind Himegami Akisa. The girl in the shrine maiden's outfit turned around in confusion, looking at the guy who had suddenly spoken up and teased her.

"You are……?"

Himegami Akisa pondered, she had no recollection of this person, he was just an ordinary man who had approached a girl.

"Higashino Yu, a kind doctor who happened to be passing by." He introduced himself with a smile, his gaze subtly sweeping over the girl. Himegami Akisa stared at Higashino expressionlessly, her head tilted in thought, giving off a dazed impression.

"I know you, Himegami Akisa, the 'Vampire Slayer' from urban legends." This wasn't just something Higashino made up; all sorts of urban legends exist in Academy City, and the "Vampire Slayer" is one of them.

"Who are you?" Her voice remained calm, but Higashino keenly noticed a hint of nervousness in her. It would be abnormal for Himegami Akisa to remain unresponsive after someone had so readily revealed her identity, which was unknown to ordinary people.

“Someone who’s here to help you.” Higashino released Takitsubo’s hand and took a step forward, closing the distance between them. “That guy has no chance of creating a mobile church. Instead of continuing to cooperate with him and waiting for the day we can walk freely outside like ordinary people, why don’t you trust me?”

Himegami Akisa stared at Higashino in disbelief. "You... how did you know the details of our deal? Besides, he's very strong; you're no match for him." She had personally witnessed several mages invading Misawa Academy, only to be defeated without even seeing Aureos.

"I'm one of the top figures in Academy City, the eighth one, a Level 5 Reality Reconstruction!" Although this introduction feels a bit cringeworthy and embarrassing, the people of Academy City really buy into it.

Takitsubo, standing beside her, beamed with pride, as if Higashino were introducing her. Himegami Akisa was also taken aback, not expecting that this person who had inexplicably struck up a conversation with her was actually Academy City's newest Level 5. Moreover, when she was reading the news, some experts and professors had said that this new esper had more potential than the first one.

"So what are the conditions?" There is no hatred without a reason in the world, just as there is no love without a reason. Himegami Akisa did not think that Higashino was simply trying to help her out of kindness.

“The conditions are simple.” Higashino looked directly into her eyes and stated his request bluntly, “You are mine from now on.”

"Ah, cough cough cough..." Takitsubo Riko was stunned. What kind of lewd talk was Higashino spouting?! Although she didn't quite understand their conversation, that last sentence made his intentions crystal clear. Who makes such a demand of someone becoming their own on the very first meeting?!

"H-Higashino-kun, isn't this a bit too... too hasty?" Although Takitsubo Riko already knows that Higashino is a harem man, a lecherous doctor, and a lewd demon king, does he really have to be so direct about this transaction in front of me? Don't I have any dignity?

"Um, Takitsubo, what I actually meant was..."

Just then, two tall men in black suits stepped out of the crowd and walked straight towards them. Himegami Akisa's body visibly stiffened for a moment. Their appearance meant her free time was over, but she really wanted to stay outside a little longer. As for Higashino's words, she took them as a joke; after all, the person next to him was probably his girlfriend, right? Saying something like that in front of his girlfriend didn't seem very reliable at all.

“Miss, Lord Aureos requests your return,” one of the men in black said expressionlessly.

Higashino Yu raised an eyebrow, deciding to send these two who were bothering him away. What followed wouldn't be a scene for ordinary people; this was Higashino's special treatment of ordinary workers. The two men in black suddenly stopped, looking around in confusion. "Why...are we here?" one of them asked, scratching his head, his face full of bewilderment.

"I don't know... let's go get a coffee," the other person chimed in. The two of them turned and left without explanation, as if they had never seen them before.

Himegami Akisa's eyes widened slightly, clearly confused about what had happened. However, remembering that Higashino was a psychic, she immediately understood—it must be some kind of mental manipulation ability. Her small lips parted slightly. "Why...why did you do this?"

"That wasn't a question, you know~" Higashino Yu said casually, never intending to give Himegami Akisa a chance to refuse from the start. "So? Have you thought it over?"

Himegami Akisa lowered her head, her long black hair cascading down like a waterfall, obscuring her expression. "Since you've said all that... do I still have a chance to refuse? However, the barrier of Misawa Academy is dangerous. Are you really sure you can handle it?" Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a soliloquy.

Anyway, she was just a pitiful and helpless vampire assassin girl who couldn't resist when she was imprisoned by Misawa Juku, and couldn't refuse Aureolus's offer. Higashino's request was the same, but compared to the former two, Level 5 from the science side did seem a bit more reliable, right? Although his request was a bit excessive. As the saying goes, since you can't resist, you might as well obediently accept it and enjoy it.

"If you fail, you might face utter destruction..."

“You don’t need to worry about that.” Higashino interrupted her, turning to look at the silent Takitsubo. “Let me introduce you. This is Takitsubo Riko, my most capable assistant, and also my girlfriend.”

Takitsubo nodded slightly, her bad mood from being let go by Higashino to chat up another girl completely gone. After hearing Higashino's introduction, she was in a better mood than ever before. Although it was a little regrettable that she only had the title of girlfriend instead of a romantic date and confession, it was still better than being introduced as an ANBU teammate. Besides, she could make up for the date later when she had time.

"Hello, Ms. Himegami Akisa." She looked at Himegami Akisa, her gaze lingering for a moment on the other's flat chest before unconsciously puffing out her own impressive upper body. She won! Although they were about the same height, the difference in their personalities was too vast; she was no match at all. Based on her observation, Higashino was definitely a big-breast fetishist; small breasts posed no threat whatsoever.

"Let's go, straight to Misawa Academy." Higashino noticed Takitsubo's subtle movements, and Himegami Akisa noticed them too, her expression not looking too good. To avoid unnecessary trouble, he decided to change the subject. "Eat your crepes slowly on the way; dealing with that guy might allow us to make it home in time for lunch."

After saying that, Higashino turned around, grabbed Takitsubo's hand, and continued heading towards Misawa Academy. Himegami Akisa hesitated for a moment, but ultimately followed.

"Are you sure... everything's okay?" she asked softly.

Higashino Yu did not answer, but simply smiled confidently.

Chapter 81 Breaking Through the Barrier

A few minutes later, the three arrived in front of the Misawa Juku building.

Higashino Yu stood in front of the main entrance of the building, looking around at the Misawa Juku building. He could feel that the entire building was enveloped by some kind of power.

Higashino knew that it was a barrier that isolated ordinary people; if one entered normally, one would only see an ordinary cram school.

Only by breaking the barrier can one see the true Misawa Academy.

"How is Takitsubo? Do you feel any difference?"

Takitsubo Riko stood beside Higashino Yu. "The Am field...it's been distorted..." she murmured, looking ahead with some confusion, "It's like something...forcibly altered its structure..."

Although she had never seen anything like a barrier before, she was still able to clearly detect the anomalies caused by it.

The anomaly caused by the intertwining of magic and Am force made it exceptionally noticeable in Takitsubo's perception.

Higashino used his ability to make the barrier visible to him. He reached out and touched the invisible barrier, carefully sensing its intangible nature.

So this is what a magical barrier feels like? If I were inside it, it might affect my ability to use it? Although the effect would be negligible, I still need to remember this.

If a barrier created by a demon god-level powerhouse were to be, it would definitely be much stronger than this.

Higashino remembered the feeling of the barrier. When dealing with an enemy he wasn't confident in, stepping into their barrier would definitely be a very unwise decision.

Of course, the alchemist Aureos was an exception. Higashino knew his own limitations and knew he posed no threat to him.

He withdrew his hand and turned to look at Takitsubo. "Takitsubo, can you sense the presence of the magician inside?"

Takitsubo frowned slightly, closed her eyes, and focused intently on sensing the person within the barrier. "Very blurry...like looking through frosted glass..."

She answered softly, a hint of doubt in her voice. She had never encountered a similar situation before. "I could only sense the general direction...like groping in a thick fog..."

Higashino nodded. It seemed that even though the barrier blocked it, Takitsubo's ability could still be used.

Higashino planned to break through the barrier and go in, but just as he was about to make a move, he stopped and looked at Takitsubo next to him.

"If I help you temporarily improve your abilities, are you confident in your ability to do so?"

He wanted to try to raise Takitsubo to the level of a psychic. He remembered that Takitsubo could influence the use of abilities by psychics after using crystals to become stronger, so could it also affect magic?

"I can make you a superhuman temporarily, although it probably won't last very long."

Takitsubo suddenly opened her eyes, looking at Higashino in disbelief. "Enhance my abilities? Is that even possible...?"

Improving abilities is not a simple matter. Even in Academy City, there are very few ways to temporarily raise one's level to 4, and these methods often come with certain side effects.

If improving abilities were that simple, Academy City would be teeming with espers by now. Of course, the main reason is that the higher-ups in Academy City are unwilling to continue increasing the number of espers; otherwise, there would be far more people who could reach Level 5 based on their aptitude.

“Don’t worry.” Higashino Yu stepped forward, gently cupping Takitsubo’s cheeks in his hands, and said confidently, “I can temporarily change your perception of the limits of your own abilities…like opening a locked door…”

Forcibly elevating someone to Level 5 and maintaining it permanently should be possible, but the cost would be enormous, and Higashino wouldn't do it unless absolutely necessary.

However, it shouldn't be too difficult to upgrade temporarily.

Of course, it's not exactly easy. When I first came to Academy City, it took a lot of effort to help Ruiko improve even a little bit, and it also took a lot of effort to improve Mikoto for a short while. Of course, I was also very weak at the time.

However, this also proves how difficult it is to improve.

Himegami Akisa stood to the side, watching this scene expressionlessly. But she couldn't calm down inside. To casually elevate a powerful esper to a super esper was something she had never even heard of, let alone seen.

“I… am willing to give it a try.” Takitsubo nodded seriously. She had complete trust in Higashino; even if it was something outrageous, she would believe it as long as Higashino said it.

"You might feel a little uncomfortable," Higashino Yu warned, a flash of silver light disappearing from his pupils.

This is also his first attempt to advance from Level 4 to Level 5, and he has to be 100% focused. If he fails, all the boasts he made will come back to haunt him.

A powerful energy wave spread out from the two of them, and the surrounding air seemed to be stirred by an invisible force.

Takitsubo's body suddenly stiffened; she could feel her Am position undergoing an unknown change.

Her eyes widened, and a new understanding of her abilities suddenly emerged in her mind. At this moment, she felt incredibly clear-headed, and her calculation ability had also significantly improved.

"Ah...!" Takitsubo let out a short scream, her hands involuntarily grabbing Higashino Yu's wrists, her brain trembling!

An unprecedented sense of clarity washed over her consciousness, as if the veil that had been covering her eyes had been suddenly lifted, and the whole world became clearer than ever before in her eyes.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Dongye's forehead; this exertion was much greater than he had anticipated.

He could feel his mental energy rapidly draining away. His temples throbbed, and a series of sharp pains reminded him that his limits were nearing their end.

This is the first time this has happened since he was promoted to Level 5.

It feels so familiar, but it also lets me know the approximate limits of my current abilities. Modifying abilities takes much more effort than using them normally.

But does this feeling mean my abilities are also improving...? With different applications and development of my abilities, I can indeed gain a more thorough understanding of them?

It seems that besides waiting for the daily automatic ability boost, there's another way to improve my abilities. What a pleasant surprise!

"Okay, it's over."

Although the process was somewhat painful, the effects were immediate. The headache subsided, and Takitsubo's Am force field was undergoing a qualitative change, with previously vague perceptions becoming exceptionally clear.

She released her grip on Higashino Yu's hand, staring incredulously at her palm, as if recognizing her own abilities for the first time.

“I…I can see…” Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, tinged with disbelief. “Everyone’s Am field…it’s as clear as a fingerprint…I can see their shape, color, and frequency of fluctuation…” Her fingers traced lightly in the air, as if touching invisible strings. “It seems I can even control it…”

Suddenly, she stood on tiptoe and quickly kissed Higashino Yu on the cheek. "Thank you..."

Takitsubo wouldn't pass up such a good opportunity if he had a reasonable reason.

But I'm still really shy about kissing Higashino first!

Takitsubo's cheeks flushed instantly. She was very pleased with her boldness. In this day and age, taking initiative is the only way out; tsundere has become obsolete.

Himegami Akisa blinked and said expressionlessly, "Has it been successful?"

The change in their abilities wasn't very noticeable. Apart from a slight difference at the very beginning, Himegami Akisa didn't notice anything else unusual besides the change in their expressions.

Higashino Yu rubbed his throbbing temples and nodded in satisfaction. "You succeeded, Takitsubo. Try to see if your current abilities can affect the magic-side barrier."

Takitsubo took a deep breath and turned towards the Misawa Academy building. Blue light flickered in her eyes as she slowly raised her hands. "I...I can feel its structure..." she whispered, her voice filled with the surprise of a new discovery. She had sensed a barrier before, but it hadn't been as clear.

"Like a net... woven from countless tiny energy threads... each arranged according to a specific pattern..."

Her fingers began to make subtle adjustments, as if untying a complicated knot.

As Takitsubo moved, ripples began to spread across the surface of the barrier in Higashino's view.

Under her control, those invisible energy lines began to rearrange and recombine, and the structure of the barrier was being changed little by little.

"This is amazing..." Himegami Akisa exclaimed softly. The barrier, which was completely invisible, was revealed under Takitsubo's influence, making it clear to even a layman like her.

"Now!" Takitsubo suddenly shouted.

Through her efforts, a small gap appeared in the barrier.

Higashino Yu immediately seized the opportunity, grabbing Takitsubo with one hand and Himegami Akisa with the other, and strode forward.

The barrier parted like a curtain of water, and the three passed through without any hindrance.

The moment I entered the building, a sense of oppression washed over me. The spacious lobby was completely empty; the tutoring center, which should have been bustling with activity, was eerily silent.

This is another aspect of the Misawa Academy: the area inside and outside the barrier belongs to two separate worlds that do not interfere with each other.

Takitsubo swayed. "My abilities... are starting to decline..."

She said weakly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, "But I can hold on for a little while longer..." Her voice, though weary, carried an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

She closed her eyes, concentrating on sensing the energy flow throughout the building. A few seconds later, she pointed to the ceiling: "The top floor...there's an exceptionally powerful energy source...it should be the alchemist you mentioned..."

Higashino Yu nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings, not missing any possible signs of danger.

"Be careful, the students controlled by Aureolus may appear at any time." In the original story, Aureolus manipulated those students to attack the intruders.

Himegami Akisa unconsciously moved closer to Higashino Yu. If she, who was powerless, were targeted by Aureolus, she would definitely be the first to be dealt with.

Only being close to this Level 5 person can make her feel a little safe.

"Ah."

Seeing Himegami Akisa getting too close, Takitsubo subtly moved closer to Higashino as well, and the three of them cautiously made their way up to the upper levels.