Academy City's Weather Report! (Toaru) Chapter 185: Academy City Weather Report! - 185

Stepping out of the research institute, it was probably around two or three in the afternoon.

Maybe it was because she was in a good mood, but this ti, Natsu Sonoko didn't commandeer any of Academy City's public property.

Instead, she obediently headed towards the train station, letting the cleaning robot that whizzed past her go on its way.

Chewing on her finger with a thoughtful frown, a wide, exaggerated grin spread across her face as Natsu Sonoko calculated the growth of her scholarship.

While the title of Level 5 was exciting, it felt more like the pride of achieving a milestone. The increase in her scholarship, however, was tangible—it ant a direct upgrade to her entire standard of living.

In Academy City, while getting money from ho wasn't forbidden, most students relied on their scholarships to get by. Any boost in that stipend made a noticeable difference.

"This is amazing, it increased by so much!"

A blissful, almost money-drunk smile plastered on Natsu Sonoko's face, drawing curious glances from passersby.

Her previous scholarship was already eleven tis what a Level 0 received. Now, with her official designation as a Level 5, the amount had multiplied exponentially.

"The Level 5 tier scholarship from Academy City, the official endorsent fees, plus the subsidies from school... adding it all up, it's a full 1.8 million yen per month."

Reaching this conclusion, Sonoko's footsteps halted abruptly. She clenched her fists in front of her chest, radiating sheer triumph.

That was more than four tis her scholarship this month! Fantastic! She could afford more trips to the supermarket now.

Aside from buying gifts and spending on the Misaka Sisters, Natsu Sonoko didn't actually have many major expenses.

Her daily spending mostly went to snacks, with bigger purchases like her bicycle and laptop being the rare exceptions.

"Next month, I'm buying a holographic projection set."

The thought popped into her head as she walked, prompting her to pull out her phone and look up the website of a holographic projection company.

The projections used in the assessnt earlier had left quite an impression. Having one would definitely make her dorm room more fun.

The top-tier holographic projections could simulate various environnts and scenery, and had even reached a tactile level.

That grade was still beyond Natsu-san's ans—she couldn't afford it, and didn't even have the connections to buy one.

She'd heard from Misaka-senpai and the others that the highest-grade projection was what they'd used last ti to help the swimming club mbers, Wannai-chan and Amatsuki-chan, shoot their promotional photos.

But a holographic system that only fooled the senses of sight, hearing, and sll was sothing Natsu-san could handle. A standard ho-use setup cost around 1 million yen.

If she skipped the olfactory function, the price could drop to about 500,000 yen.

Taking the train back to District 7, Natsu Sonoko stepped off the carriage with hurried steps, a faint, inexplicable blush on her cheeks.

She'd only just finished her assessnt at the institute, and yet people on the train were already talking about her. She hadn't expected that. Hearing others discuss her didn't feel good at all.

The official announcent for the eighth-ranked Level 5 had just been released, but it was already spreading like wildfire across Academy City. Everyone seed intensely curious about the new Level 5.

However, Natsu-san felt a wave of relief seeing that the official release didn't include a direct photo of her face, only introducing her basic information.

This situation was much better than she'd imagined. At least, aside from her usual Tokiwadai classmates, no one else would recognize her too quickly.

It was like Misaka-senpai—she'd been a Level 5 for over a year, but she still got harassed by delinquents on the street.

Only the few who actually recognized the Railgun would desperately try to rescue those clueless troublemakers.

Holding her gym clothes, Natsu Sonoko finally passed through the entrance of the student dormitory.

The dorm was unusually quiet. The lobby was mostly empty, save for a large stack of storage boxes piled in one corner.

Today was the physical exam day, and it was also a Saturday. Club activities were in full swing on Saturdays.

Strictly speaking, Natsu-san was supposed to be at a club activity right now, but she'd never been particularly conscious of that fact.

"Ah, Juufuku-san!"

Glancing towards the staircase, Natsu Sonoko spotted Juufuku Miho, wearing the Tokiwadai uniform.

School had been in session for many days now, and Juufuku-san had successfully passed the interview and transferred into Tokiwadai Middle School.

She'd taken her physical exam at Tokiwadai in the morning and had rushed over in the afternoon to organize her delivered luggage.

She sported two large buns on her head—one more than Natsu-san—and was also a little taller.

"Good afternoon, Natsu-san. Have you eaten already?"

Juufuku-san stopped not far away, her face slightly flushed, with traces of sweat at her temples.

"I have," Natsu-san nodded. The research institute did provide lunch, though the food wasn't as good as Tokiwadai's.

"I just saw the news, Natsu-san! You're already a Level 5! That's super amazing!"

Juufuku-san widened her eyes, speaking with noticeable tension. The strands of hair on her forehead lifted, revealing her two thick eyebrows.

Juufuku-san's eyebrows were as adorable as ever. Natsu Sonoko was montarily stunned before breaking into an embarrassed smile.

"It's not that great, Juufuku-san. You're plenty amazing yourself."

Natsu Sonoko spoke while unconsciously rubbing the back of her head.

"Since you're moving in today, Juufuku-san, let help. You need a hand getting these boxes upstairs, right?"

Natsu-san made a show of rolling up non-existent sleeves, offering proactively.

"Mhm! It's a sha we weren't assigned to the sa room, Natsu-san, but from now on, we'll be neighbors." Juufuku said, slightly bowing her head.

"Which room are you in?" Natsu Sonoko asked curiously.

"Room 215."

"Say, Juufuku-san, are you a second-year at Tokiwadai now?"

Walking side-by-side with Juufuku while pulling a suitcase, Natsu Sonoko asked with so concern.

"As long as Natsu-san is comfortable with it, you can call anything."

Perhaps sensing a hint of hesitation from Natsu-san, Juufuku offered a pleasant smile.

"That's great, Juufuku-san."

Natsu Sonoko couldn't help but sigh in relief, her steps becoming even lighter.

-- --

[Academy City's Eighth Ranked Level 5: Temperature Control]

The network was especially lively today. The entire afternoon had been flooded with news about this.

Back at the Judgnt Branch Office 177, Konori Mii was pacing back and forth incessantly.

Nearby, Shirai Kuroko rested her chin in her hand, looking utterly bored, while the 'Thermal Hand Grim Reaper' herself, Uiharu Kazari, worked on her howork.

"Shirai, your intel was perfectly correct. The eighth rank is indeed Natsu-san."

Konori-senpai finally stopped pacing, fixing Shirai Kuroko with a determined look.

"Konori-senpai, you called back here just for this?"

Shirai-san's face showed a trace of helplessness. Her patrol today had been cut short when she was summoned back to the branch office.

While that certain bun-headed girl had perford decently during her ti as a provisional Judgnt mber, that was only surface-level.

"Shirai, do you have any ideas on how we might make Natsu-san change her mind?" Konori-senpai asked, sounding rather troubled.

"Maybe we could slightly reduce the difficulty of the training activities? After all, Natsu-san's physical stamina isn't the best, sa as ."

At this point, Uiharu Kazari, who was doing her howork, looked up and suggested playfully.

"Uiharu, you're still too naive." Shirai-san shook her head, not quite agreeing.

When it ca to understanding a certain soone, Shirai-san could claim thorough knowledge.

After all, Natsu-san was one of the stumbling blocks between her and her beloved Onee-sama.

Even the simplest 10,000-ter run in the training regin—if that girl bothered to take a single step, I'd admit defeat.

During mandatory P.E. class with the teacher present, that certain bun-head wouldn't dare cause trouble. But for non-mandatory training like Judgnt's sessions, she'd definitely find an excuse to skip.

"Aside from physical stamina, Natsu-san also ntioned her club activities. She seems so busy with her club; not being able to handle Judgnt duties as well is another problem." Konori Mii's brow furrowed slightly.

"..."

The certain Teleporter was montarily lost for words.

-- --

T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.

It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!

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