Acting

Upon arriving at the hospital, Misaka Mikoto felt guilty because only emergency facilities were running due to the power outage. The backup power was reserved for surgeries and critical patients.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that. After asking the doctor, they didn't get any good news. Misaka's earlier speculation about psychological trauma was immediately dismissed.

Both Misaka and Shirai Kuroko felt relieved by the doctor's dismissal. Subconsciously, they didn't want a Level 5 to be the culprit. After all, only the other two Level 5s from Tokiwadai could perform such a widespread mental attack.

"This week, more and more patients have been admitted with these symptoms, and quite a few have been transferred from the Anti-Skill."

Hearing this, and recalling Selene's warning, the two of them were stunned. Once they realized it, they quickly asked the doctor for a list of relevant patients.

When they saw that several key individuals involved in recent incidents were on the list of unconscious patients, they exchanged shocked glances.

They found a common thread in these incidents, and everything that happened made sense. "Selene was right, there's definitely something wrong with [Level Upper]!" was their shared thought.

"Unfortunately, due to our hospital's limited equipment and staff capabilities, we've hired an expert in brain physiology from outside to assist."

Just then, a figure in a white coat approached them, "Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm the one called in by the hospital director to assist..."

Upon seeing this person, Misaka was surprised. Wasn't this the person who asked her to help find a parking space last time? "You're..."

"...Kiyama Harumi."

After a long wait, Kiyama Harumi finally finished her work and immediately saw the two girls fooling around on a bench. She said calmly, "You're still here."

"But come to think of it, it's really hot. Isn't the air conditioning on during the summer?"

An employee passing by quickly explained, "We apologize. There was an unexpected power outage last night, and the power hasn't been restored yet. The hospital's backup power is reserved for patients."

Hearing this, the corners of Misaka's mouth twitched again. How many times had she been complained to today? It made her feel heavily burdened with guilt, "That's true..."

"That's right, in an emergency, priority should be given to patients... but it's really hot here."

The first half was fine, but when Kiyama said the latter part, Misaka had a familiar sense of déjà vu, "No way..."

As Misaka expected, under the shocked gaze of everyone, Kiyama calmly took off her white coat and shirt. "Much more comfortable. Don't you think it's hot?" she said, as one of the ribbons on her shoulder fell.

"There she goes again!" Misaka blushed and watched in horror. The experience from that afternoon was still fresh in her memory, and her nerves twitched violently.

"Ah!" Kuroko was dumbfounded. "How can you undress in public! You'll be seen by men!"

"As long as I'm wearing underwear, isn't it similar to a swimsuit?" Kiyama calmly replied, as if the two were too excited.

"No! Underwear and swimsuits are completely different concepts! Put your clothes back on!" Kuroko's frustrated voice filled the entire hospital lobby.

"We have some questions we'd like to ask Professor Kiyama as an expert."

"There's no problem, but it's too hot here." Hearing this, Misaka's mouth twitched again, feeling indirectly complained to once more. She vowed to never misuse her abilities again and made a mental note.

...

At a café.

The three sat down and started their discussion.

"Phew, that's better. So, back to the earlier topic. Why is it that the same level of exposure is acceptable for swimwear but not underwear?"

"No, that's not what I meant..." Kuroko and Misaka had come to understand Kiyama's lack of common sense regarding everyday life.

"[Level Upper]? What kind of system is it? What does it look like? How is it used?"

If Selene were here, she'd have to admire Kiyama's top-tier acting skills, considering she was the mastermind behind the [Level Upper] incident.

With such skillful acting, two newcomers who hadn't seen the darker side of society had no chance of figuring it out.

Faced with Kiyama's inquiry, Kuroko divulged everything she knew. "We haven't fully investigated it yet, but we know it's an audio file."

"So, you suspect this [Level Upper] is the cause of the students' comas."

"Yes," Kuroko confirmed.

"Then why are you telling me this?"

"[Level Upper] is an audio file. Although we haven't acquired it yet, if it can raise ability levels, it likely involves some brain interference."

This was Kuroko's hypothesis, still a guess since they hadn't acquired [Level Upper] yet. "So, if we find [Level Upper], we hope you, as a brain expert, can help us investigate."

"No problem. In return, I'd like to ask for your help. As a brain physiologist, I'm very interested in [Level Upper]." Kiyama's expression and tone remained calm and composed.

"But speaking of which, I've been curious about something from the beginning..." Just as Kuroko and Misaka were pleased with Kiyama's willingness to help, she casually pointed outside, her tone curious, "Do you know them?"

"Eh... uh..." The two, puzzled, turned their heads to look outside and were shocked to see Saten Ruiko pressed against the glass.

...

"A scholar specializing in the brain?" Uiharu Shiri asked curiously, looking at Kiyama, then turned to Kuroko with surprise, "Does Shirai have a brain problem?"

"You're here to cause trouble, aren't you!" Kuroko sighed, glancing at Uiharu. "We're discussing [Level Upper]."

"Selene-senpai told me to find a way to get [Level Upper]. Where am I supposed to get it from?" Annoyed, Kuroko tugged at her hair, recalling Selene's task.

"Oh, that..." Saten Ruiko started to speak while eating ice cream but was interrupted by Kiyama.

When Kiyama heard Selene wanted [Level Upper], she grew wary. Could my plan have been discovered? The high-ups on the board of directors! She probed to gather more information. "Why does Selene want [Level Upper]?"

"Oh, she wants to analyze its principles and find a fundamental solution," Kuroko answered.

"Why? And how does she plan to crack it?" Uiharu asked, curious about Selene's intentions.

"Did you forget? She has a research lab. She can delegate the task to her subordinates. She doesn't need to do it herself," Kuroko replied, then thought for a moment before sighing, "But that method might be too slow..."

"So you think... the holders of [Level Upper] should be protected?" Misaka guessed Kuroko's thoughts, knowing she tended to be cautious.

"Well, we don't know when it'll be cracked. For now, we need preventive measures. It's almost certain that [Level Upper] has severe side effects and may lead to criminal behavior."

Hearing this, Saten Ruiko hesitated as she was about to take out [Level Upper].

"Um, what's wrong, Saten?" Noticing her odd expression, Uiharu asked with concern.

"Ah? No, nothing..." Saten was startled, her face showing unnatural tension, and in her flustered movements, she accidentally spilled her drink on Kiyama's skirt.

"I'm sorry!" Saten hurriedly apologized, looking at Kiyama, unsure of what to do.

This scene felt familiar. Misaka and Kuroko had a bad feeling.

"Don't worry about it." Before Saten could react, Kiyama stood up and unzipped her skirt under their shocked gazes. "Only the stockings got wet. Just take them off..." She started removing them.

"Ah!!!" Kuroko exclaimed angrily, "I told you! Don't undress in public!"

"But wouldn't you agree that seeing my lacking curves wouldn't arouse improper thoughts?"

Kuroko's angry roar filled the café, "Put your clothes back on!"

The other three covered their faces.

"Everyone has their own preferences, even if there are no men, there might be women... hmm?" Suddenly, a ringing phone interrupted Kuroko's scolding. "Hello? Oh, Selene-senpai. Uh-huh, we're currently at..."

Hearing Selene was coming, Kiyama knew she had to leave. If they met, there was a high chance of being exposed. Even though staying might provide more information, she couldn't risk it. She had more important matters to accomplish.

She then excused herself, claiming she needed to change clothes. "Well, let's leave it at that. If you have new information, remember to share it with me..."

Shortly after Kiyama left, Uiharu seemed to recall something and looked around curiously, "Hey, could Professor Kiyama be the [Stripping Lady]?"

"Probably..." Kuroko was still reeling from Kiyama's tendency to undress and lay on the table with no energy. Then, seeing Selene approaching, her eyes brightened, "Over here!"

"Hi, did I just hear something about the [Stripping Lady]? Are you talking about urban legends again?"