Although Mikoto Misaka was clearly tempted by Roland's invitation, she still avoided the subject of installing a Dream Creator.
There was nothing strange about that. She pursued strength only because of her disposition, not out of an obsession that demanded fulfillment.
Her life was gradually getting on track.
Academy City's poster girl, Tokiwadai's Electromaster Princess-a bright future and friends she could speak freely with were appearing around her, little by little.
Occasionally, she would cooperate with research into new technology as an Esper, or step in to right a wrong when she saw one.
For Mikoto Misaka, there was little to fault in a life like that.
Thus, she continued to harbor a complicated mixture of wariness and longing toward the Dream Creator, which might derail that life, and could not make up her mind just yet.
Still, now that the seed had been planted, Roland had no intention of rushing things.
Even if Mikoto Misaka was still enjoying life in blissful ignorance, the burdens she carried would not simply disappear.
When her own humiliation arrived, the despair of helplessness would drive her here of her own accord, even without being bound hand and foot.
The brown-haired girl took a deep breath, gave the smiling Roland a resentful look, and turned her head away.
But before she could complain, a soft, sugary voice reached them.
"My, what a wonderful performance. Challenging someone when you know you're outmatched-I really do envy your confidence sometimes, Misaka."
Misaki Shokuhou's smile grew even brighter as she strode between them, placing herself in front of Roland.
"Nobody asked you! Why don't you try it yourself if you're so capable?"
Mikoto Misaka glared fiercely at Misaki Shokuhou, her expression turning cold.
But an attack this unpracticed could not even scratch Misaki Shokuhou.
"To think you'd actually