Stepping out of the research institute, it was probably around two or three in the afternoon.
Maybe it was because she was in a good mood, but this time, Natsume Sonoko didn't commandeer any of Academy City's public property.
Instead, she obediently headed towards the train station, letting the cleaning robot that whizzed past her go on its way.
Chewing on her finger with a thoughtful frown, a wide, exaggerated grin spread across her face as Natsume Sonoko calculated the growth of her scholarship.
While the title of Level 5 was exciting, it felt more like the pride of achieving a milestone. The increase in her scholarship, however, was tangible—it meant a direct upgrade to her entire standard of living.
In Academy City, while getting money from home wasn't forbidden, most students relied on their scholarships to get by. Any boost in that stipend made a noticeable difference.
"This is amazing, it increased by so much!"
A blissful, almost money-drunk smile plastered on Natsume Sonoko's face, drawing curious glances from passersby.
Her previous scholarship was already eleven times what a Level 0 received. Now, with her official designation as a Level 5, the amount had multiplied exponentially.
"The Level 5 tier scholarship from Academy City, the official endorsement fees, plus the subsidies from school... adding it all up, it's a full 1.8 million yen per month."
Reaching this conclusion, Sonoko's footsteps halted abruptly. She clenched her fists in front of her chest, radiating sheer triumph.
That was more than four times her scholarship this month! Fantastic! She could afford more trips to the supermarket now.
Aside from buying gifts and spending on the Misaka Sisters, Natsume Sonoko didn't actually have many major expenses.
Her daily spending mostly went to snacks, with bigger purchases like her bicycle and laptop being the rare exceptions.
"Next month, I'm buying a holographic projection set."
The thought popped into her head as she walked, prompting her to pull out her phone and look up the website of a holographic projection company.
The projections used in the assessment earlier had left quite an impression. Having one would definitely make her dorm room more fun.
The top-tier holographic projections could simulate various environments and scenery, and had even reached a tactile level.
That grade was still beyond Natsume-san's means—she couldn't afford it, and didn't even have the connections to buy one.
She'd heard from Misaka-senpai and the others that the highest-grade projection was what they'd used last time to help the swimming club members, Wannai-chan and Amatsuki-chan, shoot their promotional photos.
But a holographic system that only fooled the senses of sight, hearing, and smell was something Natsume-san could handle. A standard home-use setup cost around 1 million yen.
If she skipped the olfactory function, the price could drop to about 500,000 yen.
Taking the train back to District 7, Natsume Sonoko stepped off the carriage with hurried steps, a faint, inexplicable blush on her cheeks.
She'd only just finished her assessment at the institute, and yet people on the train were already talking about her. She hadn't expected that. Hearing others discuss her didn't feel good at all.
The official announcement for the eighth-ranked Level 5 had just been released, but it was already spreading like wildfire across Academy City. Everyone seemed intensely curious about the new Level 5.
However, Natsume-san felt a wave of relief seeing that the official release didn't include a direct photo of her face, only introducing her basic information.
This situation was much better than she'd imagined. At least, aside from her usual Tokiwadai classmates, no one else would recognize her too quickly.
It was like Misaka-senpai—she'd been a Level 5 for over a year, but she still got harassed by delinquents on the street.
Only the few who actually recognized the Railgun would desperately try to rescue those clueless troublemakers.
Holding her gym clothes, Natsume Sonoko finally passed through the entrance of the student dormitory.
The dorm was unusually quiet. The lobby was mostly empty, save for a large stack of storage boxes piled in one corner.
Today was the physical exam day, and it was also a Saturday. Club activities were in full swing on Saturdays.
Strictly speaking, Natsume-san was supposed to be at a club activity right now, but she'd never been particularly conscious of that fact.
"Ah, Juufuku-san!"
Glancing towards the staircase, Natsume Sonoko spotted Juufuku Miho, wearing the Tokiwadai uniform.
School had been in session for many days now, and Juufuku-san had successfully passed the interview and transferred into Tokiwadai Middle School.
She'd taken her physical exam at Tokiwadai in the morning and had rushed over in the afternoon to organize her delivered luggage.
She sported two large buns on her head—one more than Natsume-san—and was also a little taller.
"Good afternoon, Natsume-san. Have you eaten already?"
Juufuku-san stopped not far away, her face slightly flushed, with traces of sweat at her temples.
"I have," Natsume-san nodded. The research institute did provide lunch, though the food wasn't as good as Tokiwadai's.
"I just saw the news, Natsume-san! You're already a Level 5! That's super amazing!"
Juufuku-san widened her eyes, speaking with noticeable tension. The strands of hair on her forehead lifted, revealing her two thick eyebrows.
Juufuku-san's eyebrows were as adorable as ever. Natsume Sonoko was momentarily stunned before breaking into an embarrassed smile.
"It's not that great, Juufuku-san. You're plenty amazing yourself."
Natsume Sonoko spoke while unconsciously rubbing the back of her head.
"Since you're moving in today, Juufuku-san, let me help. You need a hand getting these boxes upstairs, right?"
Natsume-san made a show of rolling up non-existent sleeves, offering proactively.
"Mhm! It's a shame we weren't assigned to the same room, Natsume-san, but from now on, we'll be neighbors." Juufuku said, slightly bowing her head.
"Which room are you in?" Natsume Sonoko asked curiously.
"Room 215."
"Say, Juufuku-san, are you a second-year at Tokiwadai now?"
Walking side-by-side with Juufuku while pulling a suitcase, Natsume Sonoko asked with some concern.
"As long as Natsume-san is comfortable with it, you can call me anything."
Perhaps sensing a hint of hesitation from Natsume-san, Juufuku offered a pleasant smile.
"That's great, Juufuku-san."
Natsume Sonoko couldn't help but sigh in relief, her steps becoming even lighter.
--+--
[Academy City's Eighth Ranked Level 5: Temperature Control]
The network was especially lively today. The entire afternoon had been flooded with news about this.
Back at the Judgment Branch Office 177, Konori Mii was pacing back and forth incessantly.
Nearby, Shirai Kuroko rested her chin in her hand, looking utterly bored, while the 'Thermal Hand Grim Reaper' herself, Uiharu Kazari, worked on her homework.
"Shirai, your intel was perfectly correct. The eighth rank is indeed Natsume-san."
Konori-senpai finally stopped pacing, fixing Shirai Kuroko with a determined look.
"Konori-senpai, you called me back here just for this?"
Shirai-san's face showed a trace of helplessness. Her patrol today had been cut short when she was summoned back to the branch office.
While that certain bun-headed girl had performed decently during her time as a provisional Judgment member, that was only surface-level.
"Shirai, do you have any ideas on how we might make Natsume-san change her mind?" Konori-senpai asked, sounding rather troubled.
"Maybe we could slightly reduce the difficulty of the training activities? After all, Natsume-san's physical stamina isn't the best, same as me."
At this point, Uiharu Kazari, who was doing her homework, looked up and suggested playfully.
"Uiharu, you're still too naive." Shirai-san shook her head, not quite agreeing.
When it came to understanding a certain someone, Shirai-san could claim thorough knowledge.
After all, Natsume-san was one of the stumbling blocks between her and her beloved Onee-sama.
Even the simplest 10,000-meter run in the training regimen—if that girl bothered to take a single step, I'd admit defeat.
During mandatory P.E. class with the teacher present, that certain bun-head wouldn't dare cause trouble. But for non-mandatory training like Judgment's sessions, she'd definitely find an excuse to skip.
"Aside from physical stamina, Natsume-san also mentioned her club activities. She seems so busy with her club; not being able to handle Judgment duties as well is another problem." Konori Mii's brow furrowed slightly.
"..."
The certain Teleporter was momentarily lost for words.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.