Chapter 848: Ruiko's Life Consultation
According to Archbishop Laura's explanation, in this incident, the 'Cross Religion' had shared interests, as one of the legends of 'the book of the law' was that once 'the book of the law' was opened, the era of the Cross Religion would end, and humanity would enter a new era.
Undoubtedly, that was a scene both major denominations did not want to see. Even if the legend had only a one in ten thousand possibility, they were unwilling to take the risk.
Therefore, Stiyl needed to cooperate with the Church of England and the Roman Orthodox Church this time to jointly retrieve Sister Orsola, trying to avoid her meeting Lin Wuming, and even more so, preventing her from successfully deciphering 'the book of the law'.
Moreover, since it was difficult for people from the Roman Orthodox Church to be approved to enter Academy City, if Sister Orsola was found to have been hidden in Academy City, Stiyl would also need to rescue her.
"As a local denomination, the Amakusa-style Cross Religion is certainly capable of infiltrating Academy City," Stiyl said. "So, you want me to single-handedly take on their entire denomination?"
"Tsuchimikado is also in that city."
"Do you really trust that guy?" Stiyl pressed.
"There's also another helper, you haven't forgotten, have you?" the Archbishop said. "As long as the reason is appropriate, getting him to help is not a problem."
"Tsk, what a hassle..." Stiyl reluctantly nodded. "Alright, I understand."
"Additionally," the Archbishop added at last, "I don't know what you think, but in my opinion, Motoharu Tsuchimikado is still reliable. At least in terms of providing intelligence, he has never made a mistake—you can trust him this time too."
"I understand."
...
Motoharu Tsuchimikado did indeed receive a direct order from Archbishop Laura, but it was to pay attention to finding the whereabouts of Kanzaki Kaori.
He was indeed doing his best to complete the task...
"So, Hu Feng, you're sure you haven't encountered Big Sis Kanzaki?" Motoharu Tsuchimikado stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Alright, I understand. Thanks for your help, I won't bother you any further..."
Hu Feng Toumi, however, asked, "Has Master Kanzaki come again?"
"The situation is a bit complicated," Motoharu Tsuchimikado said, carefully choosing his words. "It's just that I can't be sure if she's come here, which is why I came to ask you. Anyway, if you see Big Sis Kanzaki, please be sure to let me know."
Hu Feng Toumi nodded, but didn't pay much attention to it.
If Kanzaki Kaori had really come, she would certainly be very attentive, but now it was just a vague piece of information, not worth expending too much energy on.
After ending the conversation, Hu Feng Toumi turned and returned to the family restaurant.
The special consultation meeting proactively called by Saten Ruiko was still ongoing.
The agenda item regarding "whether Saten Ruiko can continue to use 'Imaginary Hand'" entered the final vote.
Of course, the final decision was still up to Shokuhou Misaki and Misaka Mikoto.
Therefore, Saten Ruiko was looking nervously at the two Level 5 Espers.
As Saten Ruiko's friend and a Judgment member, Shirai Kuroko had expressed her opposition from the beginning.
However, seeing Saten Ruiko's firm attitude, having clearly thought it through, Shirai Kuroko said no more, leaving the final decision to Onee-sama.
Misaka Mikoto was a Level 5 Esper and surely knew more, and she was also Saten Ruiko's friend, so she wouldn't harm her.
"Shokuhou, what do you think?" Misaka Mikoto was clearly also very troubled, even going so far as to proactively ask Shokuhou Misaki.
"I don't object," Shokuhou Misaki said.
"Huh?" Saten Ruiko, who had received affirmation, was instead stunned. She had originally thought she would have to spend a lot more effort convincing them.
"The current 'Imaginary Hand', its side effects and risks are already controllable, aren't they?" Shokuhou Misaki said. "If you're really worried, just go consult Kiyama Harumi."
"I think so too." Misaka Mikoto nodded. "As long as the risk is controllable, I don't think I have the right to stop Ruiko from becoming stronger."
During her time with Lin Wuming, Misaka Mikoto's views were inevitably influenced; or rather, from the moment she saw over twenty thousand of her clones appear before her, Misaka Mikoto's worldview had already been strongly impacted and reshaped.
Despite being one of the strongest Espers, Misaka Mikoto still deeply understood a truth—without sufficient strength as a foundation, many things are mere fantasies.
So Misaka Mikoto would not pour cold water on those who wanted to become stronger... even if the method she used was somewhat unconventional.
Both Level 5 Espers expressed their agreement. As for Hu Feng Toumi, she had already stated her stance this morning.
Haruue Erii neither supported nor opposed, while Shirai Kuroko reserved her opinion but no longer opposed.
Thus, the matter of Saten Ruiko using 'Imaginary Hand' to increase her ability Level was decided.
"However, this is cheating after all," Shokuhou Misaki added at last. "And Saten, what you're pursuing is 'improving strength' not 'improving grades', so I suggest you use it after the ability Level test."
"I understand." Saten Ruiko obediently nodded.
"Very good." Shokuhou Misaki nodded. "Then what we need to do next is find a suitable time to confess to Senior Wuming."
"Huh? Do I really have to tell Senior Wuming?" Saten Ruiko asked.
"Of course, it's impossible to keep this from him forever," Shokuhou Misaki said.
Saten Ruiko, who was basically a Level 0 character in the original work, suddenly awakened a Superpower... it's impossible to hide such a thing from Senior Wuming!
"But you don't have to worry," Shokuhou Misaki continued. "The reason Senior Wuming would object is also because he cares about you. As long as we prove that the current 'Imaginary Hand' is harmless, I believe we can definitely convince Senior Wuming. And by then, it will already be a fait accompli, so Senior Wuming wouldn't forcefully ask you to change back, right?"
"You... you're right." Hearing Shokuhou Misaki's analysis, Saten Ruiko also let out a sigh of relief. "Then after the ability Level test, I'll officially use 'Imaginary Hand'."
"Don't forget to notify us then," Misaka Mikoto instructed. "We'll keep an eye on you. If any problems arise, we can also help in time."
Saten Ruiko nodded repeatedly, feeling completely relaxed after a wish was fulfilled: "Thank you all so much for helping me with my life consultation! Today, my treat, order whatever you like!"
This was the advantage of setting the consultation location in a family restaurant: both the consultation and the meal could be done at once. The key was that this restaurant had affordable prices, so Saten Ruiko could afford it.
