The Reason It Must Be Done 2/2

At the 177th Judgment Branch.

Selene looked at the screen displaying a woman with heavy dark circles and sighed softly. Kiyama Harumi was indeed a pitiable person. Everything she did was for the sake of those students who were discarded by the system.

"The Rampage Ability Detonation Experiment...?" Thinking of the project name and content of the experiment, Selene's eyes suddenly turned cold. "Hmph, what a ridiculous experiment... Using minors in highly lethal human experiments just to analyze those things? Absurd."

"Kihara Gensei, huh..."

Regarding human experiments, Selene was not opposed in principle, but it depended on the methods. If the experiments were conducted on death row inmates or heinous criminals, she would not object.

"Hmm? What are you thinking about, Senpai? You're not planning to capture Kiyama Harumi, are you?" After notifying the Anti-Skill, Shirai Kuroko, who was about to rescue Uiharu Kazari, noticed Selene lost in thought and shivered slightly.

"What... I can't?" Realizing what was going on, Selene couldn't help but find it amusing seeing Shirai Kuroko so wary.

"Of course not... Every time you cause such a huge commotion! Leave this matter to us in Judgment."

Thanks to having Selene as a "great healer," the injuries Shirai Kuroko sustained during her operation to suppress the students using [Level Upper] were already healed. Now she could confidently say she was ready to fight at full strength.

"Kuroko! Wait for me, I'm coming too..." Misaka Mikoto, who was slow to realize, quickly called out, only to see Shirai Kuroko disappear after leaving a message, "Don't worry, Onee-sama..."

"Leave it to Kuroko! These matters shouldn't involve ordinary citizens." Since Shirai Kuroko was unharmed, Kazari, who didn't urgently need more people, still believed, "Kiyama Harumi should only be a scholar. Trust Kuroko, I've also notified the Anti-Skill to arrest her."

"Although that makes sense, just sitting here and watching isn't really helpful." Despite Kazari's explanation, Misaka Mikoto still felt anxious, "Let me go too! Uiharu is my friend!"

"Sigh... Seriously, in your current state, it would be hard to stop you." Seeing the determination in Misaka Mikoto's eyes, Kazari felt a headache coming on and had no choice but to let her go.

"Then I'll also..."

"No way!!!" To Kazari, sending even one Level 5 was overkill for capturing a mere scholar. Furthermore, she had witnessed Selene's destructive power. Letting Selene go? Even Kazari herself would have to write a report later!

"Uh..." Halfway through her sentence, Selene was left speechless by the blunt rejection. Trying to help but not being allowed was frustrating.

"Hahaha... Selene, just sit tight and behave." Seeing this unequal treatment, the corners of Misaka Mikoto's mouth curved up slightly as she turned around, walking out happily, "I'll take care of this."

"Tsk, that girl, she's happy seeing me fail..."

...

On the highway, a blue Lamborghini was speeding.

Inside the car, Uiharu Kazari slowly opened her eyes, attempting to move, only to find her hands handcuffed.

Her head was still a bit dizzy. Recalling what happened before she lost consciousness, she remembered seeing those synesthesia-related papers in Kiyama Harumi's office. She had been knocked out.

"You're awake?" At that moment, a faint voice came from beside her, causing Uiharu Kazari to tremble slightly. She turned her head to see Kiyama Harumi calmly driving with an indifferent expression.

"You..." Uiharu Kazari was initially stunned. Realizing she might be a hostage, she fell silent.

"Pretty calm, aren't you?" Kiyama Harumi noticed Uiharu Kazari waking up, glanced at her flower headpiece, and couldn't help but show a hint of curiosity, "But... By the way, I've been curious about it. The flowers on your head look interesting. Does it relate to your ability?"

"I don't need to answer your questions." Hearing this, Uiharu Kazari felt indignant, almost to the point of giving up, and instead asked, "More importantly, what is [Level Upper]? What are you planning? What will happen to the people who have fallen unconscious?"

"So many questions at once." Kiyama Harumi sighed, lacking the ferociousness of a typical kidnapper, and seemed more tired, "And you haven't even answered my question..."

"Developing such a program to enhance others' abilities, do you have some ulterior motive regarding their powers?"

"Hmph, I have no interest in others' abilities." Kiyama Harumi chuckled softly, "Rest assured, I'm doing this for another, more important purpose."

"What purpose?"

"Originally, everything would have been simpler if I could apply for the 'Tree Diagram,' but all applications were rejected! Haha, honestly, what's the point of talking about it now... The computational power of over ten thousand people I've prepared will suffice!" At this point, Kiyama Harumi's eyes showed rare resentment.

"..." This expression, this tone, made Uiharu Kazari feel somewhat frightened.

"You don't need to look at me like that. I'm not crazy. Oh, right... Take this." Kiyama Harumi took a chip from her pocket and handed it to Uiharu Kazari. "This is the treatment program for uninstalling [Level Upper]."

Uiharu Kazari was taken aback, "Huh?! Why give it to me..."

Kiyama Harumi ignored Uiharu Kazari's reaction, continuing, "Trust me, everything will be over soon, and everyone will be fine."

"Why..."

At that moment, the car's alarm suddenly sounded.

"Oh?" Hearing her alarm being triggered, Kiyama Harumi was slightly surprised, but from her facial expression, she seemed confident rather than puzzled.

"They've traced me here, huh? If they acted after losing contact with you, that's a bit fast. Did they find out through other channels?"

"I set up a security system to activate if the equipment wasn't started in a specific sequence, so all data related to Level Upper is lost. The only thing left to wake up the other users is..."

At this point, Kiyama Harumi took a closer look at the chip in Uiharu Kazari's hand, "So, the treatment program you're holding is the last one. Please keep it safe."

After speaking, Kiyama Harumi remained silent, focusing on driving. She pressed the gas pedal, and with the low growl of the engine, the blue sports car accelerated sharply.

Unfortunately, she hadn't driven far when Kiyama Harumi slammed on the brakes. With a screech and several black tire marks appearing, the car skidded to a halt.

Because... the highway was blocked by a large group of heavily armed personnel.