After speaking with authority, Ren didn't wait for a response and directly left with Misaka Number One.
The two researchers swallowed nervously, not daring to stop him. There was something about his tone that filled them with fear. If they had argued, who knew what might have happened.
Only after Ren had been gone for a long while did the place gradually calm down. They had actually been intimidated by a Level 0.
"What kind of researcher did that old man bring here? Ridiculous."
"This place is no longer safe. Move the equipment quickly and change the location."
"As long as we keep the equipment and genes, the rest doesn't need to be moved."
The researchers reached an agreement. As for Misaka Number One, if Ren wanted her, they would hand her over.
After all, the cost was low. As long as the equipment and genes remained, they could produce as many as needed.
"Researcher, Misaka feels sorry for being a burden and hopes for your forgiveness. Misaka prays carefully." Misaka Number One followed behind Ren, speaking in a mechanical tone.
"I'm not blaming you." Ren sighed. That kind of lab-rat mentality was truly unpleasant.
"Not being blamed by the researcher makes Misaka very happy," Misaka Number One said expressionlessly.
After teasing Misaka a little, Ren began thinking. After this incident, Accelerator probably wouldn't expect anything from a Level 6 Shift Project anymore.
He had always aimed to become the strongest, not the number one. This way, he could avoid interference from others, which was why he joined the Level 6 Shift Project.
In the original story, because the Numbers had no fear of death and thought like a lab rat, he had been cruel to force them to beg.
Now that he knew this from the very beginning, he had no intention of participating in this broken project, no matter how many challengers came afterward.
Back at the artificial lab.
"Ren-nii, welcome back…" Dolly immediately glanced at Misaka Number One behind him.
"Are you the elder sister?" She knew she was a clone and suddenly became a little cautious.
"Based on the production date, Misaka should be the younger sister. Misaka corrects herself." Misaka Number One's emotions were not as rich as the original's.
"Ren, come here." Shokuhou Misaki waved hurriedly at him.
"What's up, Misaki?"
"She's a clone?"
"Mm."
"Really, you bring everything here. At school, I stay away from Mikasa Mikoto, so what's with secretly collecting her clones here?" Shokuhou Misaki groaned, her head aching.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of the three of you, of course, it'd be even better if your family gave me some money." Ren took charge of the situation.
"Let's not worry about that for now. I checked everything, there's nothing unusual. I don't think you destroyed anything, but… do we really have to save every single clone?" Misaki didn't want to face hundreds of Misakas; it was already overwhelming.
"Of course not. Tomorrow we need to find the Number Two's location. This side is your responsibility." Ren patted her golden-colored hair.
"Level 5, Number 2? I know… but I probably can't beat him. What's your plan?" Misaki was realistic; she could handle his subordinates, but not him.
"You don't need to handle him. Just find his location and leave the rest to me."
"I understand… but can you really do it? Of course, I'm not worried." Misaki reminded him.
"Relax. Aren't I taking care of you too?"
"That's different." Misaki pouted, looking like a tiny hamster.
"Misaki, don't worry. Everything will be fine. You know me—I don't do anything I'm not confident in," Ren said softly.
"I know… but I'm not responsible for what happens next." Misaki left.
In the living room, Dolly and Misaka Number One stared at each other wide-eyed. Even though Misaka Number One knew she was a clone, it was the first time she had seen someone just like her.
"Um, Dolly… what are you doing?" Misaki asked, approaching them.
"Discussing who's the older sister and who's the younger," Dolly said with a smile.
"Misaka thinks she's the younger sister because she was born later. Misaka is very serious about this," Misaka Number 1 added, letting her feelings show in her words.
No one had slept yet, so Ren prepared a late-night snack. As Misaka ate, she suddenly began crying uncontrollably.
"Little Misaka, why are you crying? The food is so good," Dolly stopped.
"Misaka doesn't understand… Misaka's value is as an experiment. Now that she's lost her purpose, she doesn't know why she's crying. Misaka's expression is confused," Misaka Number One said, looking at the three of them.
"Seriously… that guy is just too kind-hearted, that's why this situation even exists," Misaki muttered.
"Misaka, from now on, this will be your home. Ren, Misaki, is that alright?" Dolly looked at them pitifully.
"I understand," Shokuhou Misaki agreed naturally.
"After all, I was the one who brought her back. I'll take full responsibility," Ren said with a smile.
"Misaka expresses her thanks. Then… can Misaka start eating? The food smells so good, she can't help but drool." Misaka Number One licked her lips.
"Let's eat." Ren was the first to move.
That dinner marked the beginning of harmony among the four. Dolly, feeling sympathy for Misaka's situation, realized she wasn't the one suffering the most.
Somewhere else.
"Are you aware of my plan? Our researcher seems to be hiding something."
"Do we continue?"
"Isn't he trying to prove himself to us? Give him the chance."
"Hmph. Accelerator won't be participating anymore."
"The Number Two has been longing for this opportunity anyway. Let him have it."
"The Number Two's strength still doesn't match the first."
"No choice. He'll serve as a substitute."
The next course of action was quickly decided. First, confirm Ren's value. If he proved useful, playing along with him once wouldn't hurt. Later, when facing the magic side, he wouldn't be left idle.
The next morning.
Ren and Shokuhou Misaki departed with farewells from Dolly and Misaka.
"I've already sent someone to look. The Number Two should be the leader of School. The ability users there are strong," Shokuhou said to herself as she got into the car.
"Misaki, thanks for everything. Next time, I'll take you all out for some fun," Ren said softly.
"Are you treating me like a child? Well, I'll have to think about it later."
At school, Shokuhou Misaki had long grown used to the stares of those around her. Ren had been spreading the word that he was her brother, and after all this time, she had accepted it.
Seeing Ren head toward the office, Misaki called out, "Ren, make sure you come back safely. Otherwise, Dolly and Misaka will be upset."
"Misaka?" Mikoto Misaka glanced over, wondering what she could possibly be sad about. Then, thinking it might just be a coincidence in the name, she turned and walked away.
"Are you an idiot? Always worried about what others might think." Ren arrived in front of Misaki and tapped lightly on her head.
"Hmph." Misaki covered her head and walked off.
Watching the girl's youthful, lively demeanor, Ren couldn't help but smile. Perhaps the multiple versions of himself from other worlds had given him the strength not to feel helpless when facing those who mattered most.
**********
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