In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 124

"Well, it's a little complicated to explain, but they are indeed Mikoto's sisters. Just remember that, and don't pry into it in front of Mikoto later," Higashino explained gently, reaching out to ruffle Index's silver hair. Mikoto must still harbor some resentment about this, constantly regretting her youthful ignorance in readily offering her genetic data, which led to the tragedy that befell her sisters.

Index pouted slightly, a little annoyed by Higashino's coaxing tone. "I know, it doesn't matter at all that Mikoto has so many sisters!" Although she was a little curious, since Higashino had said that, Index put aside her curiosity. Anyway, compared to Mikoto and her sisters, Higashino was the most important.

"Speaking of which, Himegami, didn't you say Mikoto was home? I haven't seen her."

Himegami Akisa pointed upstairs: "In that room, she's probably tired from playing games and went to rest. But she doesn't seem to be in a good mood; maybe something's on her mind?"

Higashino knew perfectly well why Mikoto was in a bad mood; it was probably because she had just witnessed his date with Shokuhou. "Could you please watch over them for me? I'll go check on Mikoto."

Shokuhou raised an eyebrow, and although somewhat reluctant, nodded: "Go ahead, they're not children, they don't need my care."

Higashino smiled gratefully, then said to the Misaka Sisters, "Please rest in the living room for now. I'll bring Mikoto down to see you shortly."

"Misaka No. 10032 confirmed. Will remain silent and await Onee-sama," Misaka replied softly.

"Misaka No. 17877 suggests preparing tea and snacks to ease tension; Misaka offers practical advice."

Higashino nodded, turned, and strode upstairs towards his room. The door was ajar, and Higashino gently pushed it open. On the bed, Misaka Mikoto lay on her side, her short, brown hair slightly disheveled on the pillow, her breathing even and calm. She clutched a green Gekota amulet tightly in her hand—a gift from Higashino.

This was actually something Higashino had deliberately created within the phase after his sisters arrived, because otherwise he simply wouldn't have enough time. Just counting the sisters' amulets alone, there were over ten thousand; the workload was considerable.

Higashino tiptoed to the bedside, knelt down, and quietly gazed at Mikoto's sleeping face. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and a faint smile played on her lips, as if she were having a sweet dream. "Mmm... Higashino..." Mikoto murmured softly in her sleep, her voice so gentle it was completely different from her usual tone. "Don't... don't be silly... it's at the wedding... so many people are watching..."

Higashino was stunned. He hadn't expected Mikoto's dream to be about marrying him. He couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke Mikoto's cheek. "Mikoto..." he whispered. "Time to get up."

Mikoto frowned in her dream, nuzzled his hand, but didn't wake up. "Idiot... the ring... on the wrong finger..." she continued to murmur in her sleep, her voice filled with sweet reproach.

Higashino couldn't help but laugh. He leaned down, close to Mikoto's ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe: "If the bride doesn't get up soon, the wedding will be late."

Mikoto's body trembled slightly, her eyelids fluttering as if she were about to wake up. Higashino didn't give her a chance to fully awaken, kissing her lips directly. "Ugh!" Mikoto's eyes snapped open, the confusion still lingering. When she saw the person before her, the confusion was quickly replaced by surprise, but then turned into embarrassment and annoyance.

She pushed Dongye away forcefully, her cheeks instantly turning bright red: "What, what are you doing! Suddenly..." Her voice grew softer and softer, until it was almost a mumble.

Higashino chuckled and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I came to wake you up. You were sleeping so soundly, even talking in your sleep, I couldn't resist kissing you awake. After all, the legendary Snow White needs a prince's kiss to wake up." Although Higashino had considered the possibility that the prince had bad breath and Snow White was woken up by it while watching the movie, that would be too far from a fairy tale.

Mikoto's face turned even redder, and she hurriedly looked away: "W-what nonsense! I didn't!" Because Higashino suddenly brought up the topic of dreams, Mikoto hadn't really paid attention to the fact that he compared her to Snow White.

"Oh?" Higashino raised an eyebrow, deliberately drawing out his words. "So, the 'wedding,' 'ring,' and all that, were just my imagination playing tricks on me?"

Mikoto froze as if struck by lightning, then her entire body visibly flushed red. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at Higashino: "Idiot! Pervert! Eavesdropping on other people's sleep is the worst thing you can do!"

Higashino laughed as he caught the pillow, then pulled Mikoto into his arms. Mikoto struggled symbolically for a moment, but eventually calmed down and leaned against his chest. "What sweet dream did you have?" Higashino asked softly, his fingers gently stroking her slightly messy short hair.

Mikoto was silent for a moment, then her muffled voice came from his chest: "...I won't tell you." Actually, in her dream, she discovered her figure had become very good, just like her mother's, and Higashino even made some embarrassing compliments about her physique. The only flaw was that her bridesmaid was her mother, who shamelessly hugged Higashino and said, "Mikoto, your husband is amazing, so outstanding! Our future depends on him!" It was like a scene from a horror movie. That mother, with her completely incongruous identities as a college student, mother, single, and widow, was really too much, adding to her troubles even in her dream. Fortunately, Higashino didn't hesitate to kick her away and embrace her, tenderly placing the wedding ring on her finger. Then came the final passionate kiss... and in reality, she was also ambushed by Higashino.

Higashino had no idea that Mikoto's dream before he arrived was so rich in detail; he simply tightened his embrace and said, "I have a surprise for you."

Mikoto looked up at him, puzzled. "A surprise? What surprise?"

Higashino smiled mysteriously: "Put on your coat and come downstairs with me, you'll see."

Mikoto narrowed her eyes suspiciously: "You wouldn't be preparing something weird again..." She even considered the possibility that Higashino had actually brought Shokuhou downstairs and happily announced, "From now on, you're sisters, and Shokuhou is the younger sister," a scenario she didn't really want to see but was somewhat looking forward to. After all, the image of that starry-eyed girl calling her "Big Sister" seemed quite interesting.

"Don't worry, it won't be anything strange." Higashino interrupted her, looking intently into her eyes. "You'll definitely like this surprise."

Mikoto hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. She straightened her slightly wrinkled shirt and followed Higashino out of bed. Higashino took her hand and led her out of the room.

"Close your eyes..." Higashino said softly as they reached the top of the stairs. "I'll take you there."

Mikoto bit her lower lip, but obediently closed her eyes. Although she was a little worried that Higashino was trying to play a prank on her, she couldn't very well refuse him.

Higashino carefully guided her downstairs, and he could feel her breathing becoming increasingly rapid. "What exactly are you going to show me..." Mikoto complained softly, but her tone was more nervous than dissatisfied. She was even somewhat looking forward to what surprise Higashino had in store for her.

Higashino didn't answer, but continued to lead her towards the living room. He could hear low conversations and occasional laughter coming from inside, but overall everyone was quiet, as if waiting for some important moment. "You can open your eyes now," Higashino said softly, stopping in the center of the living room.

Mikoto took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes.

Chapter 158 Actually, getting married like that wouldn't be so bad!

When Mikoto fully opened her eyes, time seemed to freeze at that moment.

Dozens of girls with the same face as her were neatly arranged in the living room. They were all wearing the same Tokiwadai school uniform, and every pair of eyes was quietly watching her.

"this......"

Mikoto's lips trembled, and her throat felt like it was blocked, preventing her from making a complete sound.

Having closer contact with her sisters has been a source of inner conflict for her lately. She has every reason to visit her sisters who remain in Academy City at various hospitals and research institutes, but the guilt and unease in her heart prevent her from facing them openly.

Apart from Last Order and Misaka 9999, whom she met at the beginning, she did not visit her other sisters rashly.

"I'm sorry, I..."

Her legs suddenly lost their strength, and she staggered forward a step, but was firmly supported by Dongye.

"Big sister?"

Misaka 10032, standing at the very front, tilted her head, her calm voice tinged with worry.

"Misaka checked on Onee-sama's condition and was worried that she might faint from shock."

"Misaka 10086 suggested providing a chair and warm water, believing that the shock reaction needed to be treated promptly, and Misaka professionally offered medical advice."

"Misaka 9999 believes that her brother-in-law needs to perform emergency artificial respiration to help her sister recover, and Misaka has made a very constructive suggestion."

Mikoto looked at Higashino with a puzzled expression. She never expected that Higashino would bring so many of his younger sisters with him.

"How could they... how could they..."

She was so excited that she became incoherent, and tears welled up in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Higashino gently stroked her back and said, "They all really want to see you again. Apart from Last Order and Misaka 9999, you, as the older sister, haven't gone to see them yet."

Higashino knew that Mikoto, feeling guilty, was hesitant to face her sisters alone, her guilt making her reluctant to move forward.

This time, with his sisters' request and Mikoto coming to his house, Higashino felt the timing was perfect for the meeting, so he went along with his sisters' suggestion and brought them over.

Otherwise, without anyone to guide her, it would take Mikoto a long time to make a decision on her own.

"Big sister!"

Last Order jumped out from the crowd and ran happily to Mikoto, grabbing her clothes with her little hand.

"Misaka Misaka has brought everyone to see you! Misaka Misaka excitedly reports!"

Mikoto slowly squatted down, her trembling hands cupping Last Order's small face as she looked at her youngest sister, whom she was meeting for the third time.

During the last swimsuit party, Misaka 9999 and Last Order kept talking to her, but she deliberately didn't mention the other sisters.

When she felt the real warmth of his palm, she suddenly pulled the last piece of work into her arms, holding him so tightly that it was as if he would disappear if she let go.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Mikoto buried her face in that small shoulder, repeating herself sobbing uncontrollably, her scalding tears soaking the collar of Last Order's clothes.

The living room was so quiet that only Mikoto's suppressed sobs and the sound of Last Order gently patting her back could be heard.

All the Misaka Sisters stood quietly, their empty eyes revealing a rare tenderness.

Misaki stood in the corner, watching Mikoto sob uncontrollably, and fell silent as well. The ending was beautiful, but it couldn't change what had happened in the past, which was one of the key reasons why Mikoto kept blaming herself.

Index looked at Mikoto, who had suddenly started crying, and was somewhat at a loss: "Yu... Mikoto, she..."

Higashino shook his head, signaling her not to disturb him for the time being. He knew what this moment meant for Mikoto; it was the beginning of redemption, the moment when the huge boulder that had been weighing on her heart for so long was finally pried off.

Finally, Mikoto's sobs subsided. She released the last piece of clothing, hastily wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, and looked up at her sisters filling the room. Every glance she met made her heart feel as if it had been gently squeezed.

"you......"

Mikoto's voice was filled with trepidation and unease.

Do you hate me?

This question made them look at each other, seemingly exchanging something quickly via the Misaka Network.

Finally, Misaka 10032 stepped forward: "No, Misaka clearly answers Onee-sama's question. Onee-sama was not a voluntary participant; the analysis of responsibility points to the researchers and experiment supervisors. Misaka provides the logical analysis."

"Misaka No. 19090 adds: Based on the information already available in the Misaka Network, resentment requires two elements: clear attribution of responsibility and subjective malice. Neither of these are met, according to Misaka's academic explanation."

"Misaka 9999 has a different opinion!"

A voice suddenly rang out from the crowd, and Misaka 9999 squeezed to the front with an excited expression on her face.

"Misaka 9999 believes that Onee-sama should treat us to strawberry cake as compensation! Misaka 9999 makes this demand in a capricious manner!"

This unexpected statement stunned Mikoto, but she quickly burst into laughter through her tears, a smile like sunshine piercing through dark clouds: "Okay...okay, you can eat as much as you want..."

"Misaka No. 10031 seconded the suggestion, and also recommended adding a chocolate flavor. Misaka expressed her personal preference."

"Misaka No. 15025 reminds everyone to pay attention to sugar intake. According to the advice of a hospital nutritionist, the intake of desserts at one time should not exceed 200 grams. Misaka provides rigorous health advice."

The younger sisters chatted amongst themselves, and the atmosphere gradually became lively. Watching their earnest discussion about the cake flavors, Mikoto's eyes welled up with tears again, but this time they were accompanied by a smile.

Higashino walked to her side and gently took her hand: "Would you like to hear their stories from the past few days?"

Mikoto nodded, letting Higashino lead her to sit on the sofa. The younger sisters immediately gathered around, some sitting on the sofa armrests, some sitting cross-legged on the carpet, and a few squeezing into the single chairs, like a group of little rascals returning to their nest and finding a place to rest.

"Misaka 10032, please begin your report."

The younger sister, who spoke first, stood up straight, as if giving a formal report.

"While receiving treatment at the hospital, Misaka 10032 has successfully completed the filing of three medical records independently, earning praise from the head nurse. Misaka proudly shares her achievement."

"Misaka 17877 added that she successfully lifted a 5kg dumbbell during yesterday's rehabilitation training, and her muscle strength has recovered to 87% of its normal level. Misaka showed off her arm muscles."

Mikoto couldn't help but laugh as she watched Number 17877 earnestly bend his arms to show off his muscles. Those arms were no different from hers—slender enough to show no muscles at all.

However, she still reached out and gently pinched that thin arm: "Very...very impressive."

It's soft and has nothing to do with muscles.

"Misaka 10086 has recently been learning to cook."

Another younger sister raised her hand, trying to make a bright and cheerful expression, but unfortunately, her facial expressions remained lacking.

"Although my first attempt at frying an egg triggered a small fire alarm, I can now make the perfect sunny-side-up egg," Misaka admitted with a mixture of shame and pride.

"Misaka No. 19202 has taken a liking to gardening."

One of the younger sisters, who looked no different from the others but seemed slightly more shy, spoke.

"In the hospital's rooftop garden, Misaka was in charge of tending three pots of tomatoes, but she couldn't resist sneaking a bite of one. It was delicious, and Misaka shyly shared it."

Each of the younger sisters eagerly shared their recent experiences, and to Mikoto, those ordinary, trivial things sounded like the most touching stories in the world.

Her gaze swept across the similar yet unique faces, trying to remember every detail.

This younger sister unconsciously tilts her head when she speaks, that younger sister speaks very seriously but occasionally makes a dirty joke, and several others deliberately imitate Higashino's tone when they tell stories.

Misaki Shokuhou had somehow ended up sitting in the armchair opposite Mikoto, holding a cup of black tea that Himekami Akisa had poured for her.

When Mikoto's gaze met hers, she unusually refrained from displaying that condescending smile, and instead nodded gently, her eyes filled with an understanding and tenderness that Mikoto had never seen before.

"Her Majesty was telling the Misakas stories on the way here..."

Misaka 10032 suddenly spoke, looking at Shokuhou.

"She even told us some interesting stories about her older sister at school, and Misaka was very happy to learn more about her."

Mikoto looked at Shokuhou in surprise, who turned her face away uncomfortably, using her teacup to hide her slightly flushed cheeks.

"Shokuhou, you..."

Mikoto opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say. She had never imagined that Shokuhou would tell her sisters about her, and this realization completely overturned her impression of her nemesis.

"Don't misunderstand."

Misaki gave a soft hum and turned away somewhat awkwardly.

"This was just Higashino's request. I was worried on the way here that their chatter would attract the attention of passersby and cause unnecessary trouble."

Mikoto saw through her clumsy attempt at concealment. After all, with two psychic-type espers leading the way, influencing passersby was a piece of cake: "Thank you, Shokuhou."

Shokuhou was visibly taken aback for a moment, then casually straightened her hair to cover it up: "Hmph, this sudden politeness is really uncomfortable."

Higashino watched their interaction, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. He gently squeezed Mikoto's hand: "Is there anything else you'd like to know?"

Mikoto took a deep breath and turned to her sisters: "You...you really don't blame me? Even though...even though it was because of me..."

Her voice choked up again, and she couldn't continue speaking.

Misaka 9999 suddenly stood up, walked to Mikoto, knelt down, and looked directly into her eyes: "Onee-sama, Misaka 9999 has a question."

"W-What's the problem?"