In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 69

“This,” she showed the black stick to Index, “is my magic wand.” As she spoke, she pressed a button, and the tip of the stick immediately crackled and emitted a striking blue spark.

Index stared intently at the sizzling black stick, stunned for several seconds before her voice softened, filled with disbelief: "...Wait. This...this thing...you call this a magic wand?" Her expression was a mixture of shock and a hint of pity.

Although she did lack some common sense on the scientific side, Index recognized what it was based on what she had learned from watching television in the past few days.

This thick, black metal baton is just a regular police stun gun. Why would she treat it like a magic tool?

She didn't understand, but she was deeply shocked. Is this how scientists understand magic?

“Hmm,” Himegami Akisa confirmed very seriously, completely unaware of the source of the other’s shock, and instead thought that the other was making a fuss over nothing.

"It can indeed unleash a powerful energy shock, that is, an electric shock, which is very useful in certain situations."

Index sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead with her hand. "Never mind... we've already made the corresponding items regarding your constitution." She stopped worrying about the "magic wand" and instead took out a silver cross from her pocket. "Here, put this on." She gestured for Himegami Akisa to lower her head.

Himegami Akisa obediently lowered her neck slightly. Index tiptoed and carefully hung the silver chain, letting the cross pendant dangle down to her chest.

"Alright, your 'vampire killer' power is temporarily sealed, so you won't unintentionally attract those troublesome things." Index clapped her hands, satisfied with her work.

"This is……?"

Himegami Akisa fiddled with the cross that Index had painstakingly put on her, but didn't feel anything special. Her own body also seemed unchanged.

"Hehe, this was specially made by Dongye and me last night. It not only prevents you from attracting those vampires, but also protects you from harm!"

Index was quite proud. She had sneaked into Higashino's room before he took a break and they made the cross together. She had put a lot of effort into making the cross, while the effect was created by Higashino using his abilities.

In addition to shielding Himegami Akisa's physical abilities, it can also generate a barrier-like structure to protect its master when in danger, while Higashino will also receive a warning.

Moreover, it can teleport its owner to a safe place when their life is in danger. In fact, Higashino has made similar things for other girls, such as the flower wreath for early spring and the hair clip for Ruiko.

However, they themselves were unaware of it, and their understanding was merely conceptual; they didn't need to specify the cross like Himegami did.

For example, any flower wreath worn in early spring will have this effect, no matter how you change it. Whether or not you wear a flower wreath is not important, as the perception will automatically transfer to other items.

"Thank you."

Although ensuring she wouldn't attract vampires was one of the conditions for Higashino's invitation, she was still very grateful to receive this gift, and she was finally able to go out freely like an ordinary person.

"but……"

Index's gaze fell on Himegami Akisa's conspicuous shrine maiden outfit: "You're not working at the shrine anymore, so why do you keep wearing this kind of professional attire?" She tugged at the cuffs of her red hakama, "It just feels a bit... out of place?"

Himegami Akisa glanced down at her red and white sleeves and replied in her usual calm tone, "This is a mage's battle suit." She gently smoothed the wrinkles in the cuffs and added, "Besides, I don't have any spare clothes."

Index's eyes widened: "Huh?! Magicians don't wear this!"

“My magic system requires specific attire,” Himegami interrupted her, swinging her baton. “Just like it requires a special wand.”

Just as Index was about to continue complaining, Higashino pushed open the door and walked into the kitchen, deliberately making his footsteps louder: "Good morning. It smells so good. Who's cooking breakfast today?"

“Himegami made it!” Index immediately raised her head and replied, her tone tinged with pride. “And it’s just as good as Yu’s! Right, Himegami?”

Himegami Akisa silently picked up a plate containing fried eggs and bacon and handed it to Higashino.

“Since you don’t have any other clothes,” Higashino said, taking the plate with a relaxed tone, “how about we go to the shopping street together after breakfast and buy you some suitable clothes?”

Index jumped up excitedly, raising her little hand high: "I want to go too! I know there's an amazing shop in District 7! Rui took me there last time, and their desserts were so delicious! And..." Her eyes sparkled, "Their 'Rainbow Swirl Pudding Tart' and 'Molten Chocolate Fountain Cup' are absolutely the most delicious things you've ever eaten!"

Himegami Akisa took small bites of the fried egg on her plate, and after a few seconds looked up at Higashino and the expectant Index: "...Thank you. Going to buy new clothes sounds like a good suggestion." Her voice remained calm, but a closer look revealed subtle changes in her expression.

She smiled, though it was faint and disappeared quickly, but Higashino still managed to capture that beautiful smile perfectly.

Breakfast continued. After quickly finishing the three servings of fried eggs, Index practically collapsed onto the table, gesturing with her fingers in front of her as she imagined a dress: "A dress... it has to have some delicate lace to be cute! Hmm... pink is definitely the most classic, but black Gothic Lolita looks really cool too..." Index wasn't usually very interested in clothes, but having often talked with Ruiko, she'd recently started to do some research on them.

She suddenly turned her head and leaned closer to Himegami Akisa to examine her closely. "Himegami, your skin is so fair. I feel like you would look stunning in a bright red dress!"

Himegami Akisa listened quietly, occasionally nodding to show that she was listening.

Index's mind raced. No sooner had one thought been uttered than she suddenly leaned close to Himegami Akisa's face mysteriously: "Hey, Himegami! Since you're a 'magician,' do you know any basic everyday magic? Like... the kind that can instantly heat up cold milk to the perfect temperature?"

Himegami Akisa shook her head, her tone calm: "I don't know that kind of thing. I'm not very familiar with thermal energy conversion operations."

Index persisted: "Then... what about a simpler divination? Like using tarot cards to predict whether my shopping later will go smoothly?"

"I don't know how to divine," Himegami Akisa answered decisively. "I have no ability to foresee the future."

Index puffed out her cheeks like a punctured balloon: "...Then how about summoning a small, harmless familiar? To hand over some seasoning or something?"

Himegami Akisa shook her head firmly again: "I don't know summoning magic. I've never signed a contract that allows me to freely summon and command any partner."

Index was completely deflated, slumping onto the table: "Huh?! What exactly do you mean by magicians?! They don't know anything!" She poked Himegami Akisa's still calm cheek with her fingertip, a little annoyed.

A fleeting hint of confusion seemed to cross Himegami Akisa's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of entitlement. She pulled the metal rod out of her sleeve again: "But," she reiterated very seriously, "I have a magic wand. It can generate a stable and controllable flow of electrical energy, which at least proves that I am a practitioner with a certain foundation in the use of magical artifacts."

"Aaaaah! I told you that's a security guard's baton! Not a magical artifact!" Index finally wailed in frustration, shaking Himegami Akisa's still calm shoulders with both hands. "Where did you confuse it with a magic wand?!"

Higashino chuckled as he watched the bickering yet surprisingly lively interaction unfold before him. He knew that Himegami Akisa had absolutely nothing to do with magicians; she simply fantasized about being a magician and wanted to become one herself, hoping that magic could solve her problems.

But it's no longer necessary. Under her own protection, no vampire will notice her anymore. It's quite nice to just enjoy an ordinary life like this.

But should I buy her a magical girl outfit later, so she can cosplay as a magical girl when she has time? Becoming the magical girl Himegami Akisa would be nice!

Magical Girl Himegami Akisa seems pretty good too.

Chapter 90 An Encounter in the Shopping Mall

Inside a shopping mall.

Higashino Yu, Index, and Himegami Akisa stood on the escalator, slowly ascending to the women's clothing section. Index excitedly leaned on the escalator railing, scanning her surroundings.

"Yu! The clothes in that shop over there are so cute!" Index pointed to a shop decorated with pink lace not far away, which was filled with dresses of all styles.

Himegami Akisa stood on the other side of Higashino Yu, curiously scanning the surrounding shops.

She hadn't been to a place like this in a long time. Previously, when she had the chance to go out, she'd only agonize over what to eat at certain restaurants before heading back home. Therefore, her curiosity about this place was no less than Index's.

"Let's go check out that shop first." Higashino Yu nodded with a smile and led the two toward the shop Index pointed out.

As soon as Index entered the store, she rushed to a row of dresses adorned with lace and bows. She grabbed a pink tulle skirt and held it up against herself, exclaiming, "Himekami! This suits you perfectly!"

Himegami Akisa looked helplessly at the extravagant dress, a barely perceptible hint of resistance flashing in her dark eyes. "...No need."

She doesn't really like this style; she prefers something a little simpler than this kind of dress.

"Huh? Why? It's so cute!" Index pouted, then picked up another blue dress. "What about this one?"

This one is much better than the previous one, but Himegami still shook her head.

Watching the interaction between the two, Higashino couldn't help but chuckle. He noticed that Himegami's gaze would occasionally drift towards a simple red dress in the corner. Although she concealed it well, Higashino still caught the fleeting interest in her eyes.

"Try this one." Higashino picked up the red dress and handed it to Himegami Akisa. "The color suits you very well."

Himegami Akisa paused for a moment, took the dress, and stared blankly at it. "...Thank you."

She had only glanced at it secretly, but she didn't expect that Dongye would notice her.

Index blinked and suddenly realized, "Ah! So Himegami likes this style!" She immediately dropped the tutu she was holding and began looking for similar clothes in the store.

However, after considering all the options, Himegami Akisa was most satisfied with the red dress.

Ten minutes later, Himegami Akisa emerged from the fitting room, wearing the red dress. The simple design accentuated her fair skin and long black hair, and the skirt swayed gently with her steps, like a flowing ink painting.

"It's very beautiful," Higashino exclaimed sincerely.

Wearing this minimalist dress, she looks like a serious and elegant young lady, exuding a refined air.

Index joined in, circling around Himekami: "Really! Himekami looks so beautiful in red!" Suddenly remembering something, she picked up a thin black belt from the shelf, "Try this on!"

Himegami Akisa obediently allowed Index to fasten her belt, making her look even more refined. She looked at herself in the mirror, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips.

She hadn't been this happy in a long time, and suddenly felt that being forcibly "rescued" by Higashino wasn't such a bad thing. Although his demands were a bit excessive, he hadn't actually done anything excessive to her.

"Buy it," Higashino said to the female shop assistant who had been following them around trying to sell it to them.

Actually, he didn't really like the shop assistants following him around, but most clothing store employees would constantly follow customers around recommending various clothes. They were quite busy with sales targets, so Higashino wouldn't be too harsh on them.

Next, Index picked out several outfits for Himegami, ranging from casual T-shirts and jeans to slightly more formal dresses. Although Himegami Akisa's expression didn't change much, Higashino Yu could sense that she was gradually relaxing.

Moreover, she seemed to be trying her best to express more emotion on her face, but with little success.

"Himegami, try this one on too!" Index ran over with a white shirt and black skirt, her eyes sparkling.

Himegami Akisa took the clothes, nodded, and turned to walk into the fitting room.

Higashino Yu and Index sat on a bench outside the fitting room, waiting. Index looked at the fitting room and suddenly asked, "Yu, Himegami must have had a very hard time before, right?"

Higashino Yu turned to look at her: "Why do you ask that?"

“Because she seems to be very interested in all of these things.” Index tilted her head. “Just like when I first came to the mall, even though she always looked expressionless, Himegami was actually very happy.”

Higashino paused for a moment, then gently ruffled Index's hair: "Yes, because of various things, she never had much of a chance to come to these places before, but the matter has been completely resolved, and no one will harm her anymore."

Index nodded seriously: "Yes! I will help her!"

At that moment, Himegami Akisa walked out of the fitting room. Her new outfit made her look like an ordinary high school girl, but her calm temperament was still extraordinary.

“It suits you very well,” Higashino Yu smiled.

Himegami Akisa looked down at herself and said softly, "...It feels a little strange."

"That's not surprising at all!" Index jumped up and grabbed Himekami's hand. "It's so beautiful! Right, Yu?"

“Of course.” Higashino nodded. “Buy them all.”

When it was time to pay, the shop assistant smiled and carefully packed the clothes, saying, "Your girlfriend is very beautiful."

From the shop assistant's perspective, Himegami is Higashino's girlfriend, since there aren't many men who would buy clothes for a girl their own age without hesitation.

And when he entered the store, Higashino was holding the hands of two girls. Hmm, the shop assistant thought it wasn't so bad for a rich scumbag to openly cheat on his wife. She wondered if this handsome gentleman would even be interested in her?

Before Higashino could explain, Index interrupted, "She's not Yu's girlfriend!"

The shop assistant looked embarrassed. Dongye coughed, quickly paid the bill, and led the two of them out of the shop.

The three continued shopping in the mall, and Index picked out some more accessories and shoes for Himegami Akisa. Although Himegami Akisa was still not very talkative, she was now able to respond more readily to Index's enthusiasm.

As they passed a lingerie store, Index suddenly stopped: "Ah! Himekami needs this too!"

Himegami Akisa's ears instantly turned red, and she took a step back: "...No need." This was the biggest change in her expression today. After all, even she couldn't remain calm when discussing such private clothing in front of a boy.

"No way!" Index exclaimed, hands on her hips. "You didn't bring a single piece of clothing with you! Yu, you wait for us outside!"

While the two of them were browsing inside, Higashino, who was waiting outside, was suddenly drawn to a figure in the shop window next door.

With her short, brown hair, familiar Tokiwadai school uniform, and holding up a sports jacket in front of the mirror, it was none other than Misaka Mikoto.

Chapter 91 Surely no one dislikes the shy Misaka?

Misaka Mikoto was facing away from the shop window, holding a dark blue sports jacket in her hand, gesturing in front of the full-length mirror in the store. She tilted her head slightly, as if seriously considering something.

To outsiders, she appears to be a well-behaved, ordinary pretty girl, provided you don't make her angry. Otherwise, the consequences of Ash being electrocuted by Pikachu are something that anyone who has been electrocuted knows what it feels like.

What a coincidence! I ran into her just while shopping at the mall...

Higashino Yu's lips unconsciously curled into a smile. He hadn't seen Mikoto for a while, and he really missed the girl's proud and shy demeanor.

Since they were acquaintances, it was only polite to go over and say hello when we met. With that thought in mind, Dongye put down his shopping bag, walked briskly through the crowd, and entered the sports brand store.

When I came up behind Mikoto, she was still holding the dress up, seemingly struggling with whether it suited her or not.

Higashino also took a closer look and had to admit that the one Mikoto had chosen was quite nice; in his opinion, it suited Mikoto very well.

"This jacket has a nice design, and it looks like it's very breathable," Higashino offered his advice earnestly. However, Mikoto seemed startled by Higashino's sudden voice from behind.

Her silhouette sent a shiver down my spine.

"Dong... Dongye?!" Turning to look at Dongye, her voice was filled with disbelief and astonishment, her volume rising unconsciously. Realizing they were in a public place, she quickly lowered her voice, her eyes darting left and right in a flustered manner. She glared at him with a hint of embarrassment, as if to say, "It's all your fault for embarrassing me."

"You... how did you get here?!" She instinctively hid her sports jacket behind her back, like a student caught daydreaming by the teacher.

Although it wasn't anything special, she was still a little concerned and nervous that someone she knew had seen her while she was choosing clothes, especially someone who had been bothering her in her dreams lately.

Well, it's definitely not because the zipper on the tracksuit is shaped like a frog, absolutely not!

"Accompany Index and Himegami to buy some things." Higashino gestured towards the lingerie store next door.

Mikoto looked over and found that it was actually a women's underwear store. She was about to ask Higashino who Himegami was, but the question stuck in her throat.

"An underwear store?"