Level Six half: Pseudo-Omnipotence II

'God, this is suffocating.'

Yoshikawa Kikyou groaned feeling stuffy in her formal dress. Brushing away the black fringe that obstructed her vision. The researcher felt an uncomfortable chill that brought sweat despite the spacious location she was in.

It was a large auditorium in a research institution. Plain white as is with most of the research establishments she had been in, -hers included- It had the appearance of a standard lecture hall, but Yoshikawa Kikyo had the feeling that this particular site had never been used since its formation.

At least that is until today…

For what would they use it for anyway? From what she could remember, the number of scientist and even normal staff bodies in the institution were not up to 70. This hall looked wide enough to carry over 500 or even more.

Candidly speaking, it was with luck and a little bit of connection, she had mange attain a seat at the 9th row.

Sighing once again. The simple face researcher stuck her finger in her collar tugging it back to let air in.

"Kikyou, can you stop what you're doing. You're embarrassing yourself enough as it is."

Rolling her eyes, Kikyou turned lethargically to source of the voice, tugging her collar even more as tacit stubbornness.

"Look at who is talking, Ao. I bet that hankie has been thoroughly sweat with your liquid excretory fluids from the way it looks damp."

"Gugh!"

The skinny man with grassy hair only served to prove her point by wiping his glistening forehead once again. But still it seems the man was unwilling to make as concession, as he whispered back.

"W-Well, that doesn't permit you to be behaving in such a risqué manner. Think of where we are."

Kikyou arched a brow at her lab partner.

'Risqué?'

If it weren't for the present situation, Kikyou would have cuffed him on the head for that indirect insult. She knew for how long he had been subtly mocking her body figure calling it average – it was to the point she actually buys body shaping products- so for him to even be calling it risqué shows to what level the heat had gotten to him and made him antsy.

Maybe even stupid.

Grumbling, she wondered why she even had to dress such formally. Corporate suits were just not for her, even the skirt gave her no chance to spread her leg to freedom. If she had been given liberty, the researcher would have just worn her plain shirt, faded jeans and sneakers.

But no.

'Smooth clean crisp black, Kikyou. You are one of the scientists in charge of the budding Level 5 Electromancer. As our representative, both you and Ao are expected to appear. Representable. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!'

Wincing at the memory of the Sections Chief strong response to her innocuous inquiry. Kikyou pulled a face wondering what the loud large man was even doing in a research facility.

His size, personality, hell even his face would have been the pride of Anti-Skill.

Another itching accompanied by another feeling of suffocation pressed against her.

It wasn't like there wasn't any AC.

Just in front of her, from the side of the ginormous halls, partitions could be seen from which a humming whirr could be heard.

There was no denying that they were all working and were in perfect conditions. As the veritable chill spoke of their presence.

But still there was a certain heat in the air.

Kikyou even with all of her collar pulling sat straight up, refusing to even look behind her. For where there was an upper room section behind the shaded glasses resided scary monsters.

Science monsters.

She had seen them, even recognized one of them. Still, just the knowledge that he was actually here gave her the shivers. If Kikyou actually had it her way, she would have pulled off her long heeled shoes and ran away barefooted just to gain enough distance so that the devil in there would never know she actually existed.

But unfortunately she couldn't. To make things worse over fifteen of them are actually there.

The Kiriharas.

Monsters of the science world, geniuses amidst geniuses, but inhumane freaks all the same. As a researcher, Kikyou knew there was a level of coldness and apathy needed for the sake of progress.

The true nature of Esper research as a point in case.

But from what she had heard and from the little she had seen from the Kiriharas. Everything she understood as an etiquette for science just seemed pale in comprehension.

They were all just so… Evil.

Especially that guy. Kirihara Souji. When one looks pass that sociable front of his, one would actually be disgusted by the level of inhumanity in that guy.

So nope, this Yoshikawa Kikyou will not be looking back unless her life depended on it.

There was also news of big shots like Kirihara Gensei, Kirihara Amata, Kirihara Byouri and even the enigmatic, Kirihara Noukan.

'Yikes, that's a lot of Kiriharas in one location.'

In fact, Kikyou was beginning to suspect the reason, the Section Chief refused to attend and pushed it all on her and Ao was all because of this particular assemblage of persons!

'And to think I was the only one who defends him, when the others joke about his gorilla looks!'

But still, the simple face scientist knew this gathering was not surprising. Indeed, she even suspected that the Chief Board Director, Aliester Crowley himself, would be watching this particular conference from that Windowless Building of his.

Moreover, for all her fears, Kikiyou still felt excitement for what is to come. For today was the coming of a certain Gemstone, someone who had not been put under the curriculum development for the development of Esper powers, but rather were born with powers.

They were the natural diamonds to Academy City's artificial diamonds.

Nevertheless, while that might sound impressive, it would not have warranted such an audience. Even that one, what was his name again? Sogiita Gunha, who was said to be a gemstone Level 5 candidate did not garner such kind of mass reaction.

Although after today, he might not be holding the title of the Strongest Gemstone.

She picked up the stylized white folder that had originally been placed on each of the seats in the hall, going through core details it held.

.

It began on 24th of April this year.

The NASA in conjunction with the Star Astrologer of District 23 had detected a massive outburst of energy 3000 light years away from our star system. Intricate investigation had shown that the main cause was a supernova due to the collapse of globular star cluster.

At that same time, in southern U.S state a sudden formation of what appeared to be an orb of immense energy could be seen throughout the entire U.S state –it would later be calculated that the energy output of the orb was enough to obliterate the American continent-

While not entirely proven, it was speculated that the supernova had been caused either intentionally or unintentionally by a gemstone of American origin. His profile are as follows;

Name: David Haller

Designation: Possibility Infinite.

… … …

… Today the gemstone, David Haller would be invited as the center piece of this conference to determine the potential of his Esper Level.

But… It has been speculated that he might be the first natural Level 6.

.

Even now Kikyou still took in a deep breath as she held herself back from loudly sucking in air.

Academy City was lucky, seriously lucky.

According to reports, David Haller would have been cajoled into an American institution. But the method the Americans employed were a tad bit too cogent. Kikyou speculated it was due to their desperation to get something tangible ever since the failure of that Stargate Project of theirs.

Unfortunately for them and fortunately for Academy City, their recruitment backfired.

From the reports, the eyewitnesses that saw the forceful retrieval of David Haller alleged that the SA team utilized where all vaporized into air!

Kikyou knew that it wasn't that simple, but still…

This is a possibility for the announcement of a God of Science!

Level 6!

One of the core goals of every scientist involved in the development of Espers in one way or the other. For most, this would be an affirmation to their lifelong dream. That achieving Level 6 is not a pipe dream, that it is very much possible.

While it appeared all good on the outside, Kikyou knew what such affirmation could bring about.

Disaster...

An even more radicalized approach towards Esper curriculum developments. If before scientists were going on a gear 4, this could give them a reason to throttle up to gear 10.

For if it can been proven that there is indeed something above Level 5, then everyone would be in a rush to attain it.

Because seeing is believing after all.

Letting out a sigh, she pulled up her own hankie wiping her forehead which perspired in cold sweat at the future prospect.

'No matter how this goes, the ramifications wouldn't be little that's for sure.'

Suddenly a low hush came over the crowd as the air charged with a certain energy.

At the podium, a middle aged man dressed in white suit and glasses smiled to the crowd.

"Now ladies and gentlemen. David Haller, Possibility Infinite."

Kikyou followed the crowd with a low clap, chuckling a little as she saw the way Ao looked jumpy.

She observed intensively as a boy with green and grey eyes that had an impossibly straight hair, climbed up the podium. The researcher thought breathlessly.

'I don't believe in god, but for any ostensibly divine being up there. Let this kid not be Level 6.'

…..

But if there was a god up there, then that god wouldn't be answering her today.

-IAL-

David Haller was currently experiencing a bout of nervousness.

But that wasn't important as he already had a power that would grant him a stalwart heart –his powers were just that miscellaneous- although it actually came with the caveat of a slight personality change.

The four years old boy sighed, missing his parents already. Toying with his locket, David breathed out as he was led backstage.

"Now David-kun. Remember to answer all the questions being asked as best as you can. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?"

Looking up at the woman who had introduced herself as Kanari, David nodded, but still asked while pouting.

"Why am I doing this? The man who came to meet dad and mom said that I was just going to do some few tricks, not go in front of a crowd."

The woman in lab coat lips pursed. Squeezing her eyes tights, Kanari replied with a tight smile. "This isn't going to take long, hopefully. All you need to do is answer some questions, perform some of those tricks of yours and we will be golden."

'Now ladies and gentlemen. David Haller, Possibility Infinite.'

"That's your cue, David-kun. Go out there and make history!" Kanari cheered as she ushered him out.

Letting out a voiceless affirmation, David quickly called upon on of his powers.

The Catalogue.

A black screen appeared before him.

This particular power did not seem impressive at the surface, but it was really important in the management of his powers.

For you see, they were just too many…

Using his mind, he selected the section dedicated to all of his mental abilities.

'Telepathy. Telekinesis. Astral projection. Psychic storm… Psychic storm? Is that a mental ability…? Nope don't have the energy to-… Hmm, what's this?'

His brows scrunched at the new ability that just manifested in his Catalogue .

Lion Heart.

The second effect of his Catalogue showed itself.

[Eliminates all traces of fear, hesitation and all forms of mental debuff effects.]

'Heh. Looks like that The Gamer ability I had last month. Although I remember the ability itself had that one effect that dulled my emotions to a dangerous level, not to mention it was too tedious, so I discarded it at the first minute. Still, this could work.'

Quickly he selected it, with his body and eyes giving a brief orange glow which died down a moment later.

Immediately David felt like he had been doused in cold water. Like the ability said; all traces of fear that had been pestering him were gone. It was like he was going into his room to play games as opposed to standing in front of a crowd.

David smirked in satisfaction, 'This is definitely better than Stalwart Heart .'

Entering the stage, he turned not flinching at the hundreds of people that had come see him. The man in white suit and glasses who introduced him, gave him a short handshake with an amiable smile.

Nodding respectfully back. David watched as the man left the stage, before whirling to the seats and long table which had been set apart from the main bleachers.

On it were all men and women some dressed in lab coats while others were in business suits.

Meanwhile the ghost-like David Haller was not impressed as he floated while yawing.

'Let's get this over with.'

...

It was some seconds after the applause died down, the hall gained a solemn silence. As one of the scientist, a bald headed man begun.

"Now, Haller-san. Let's not beat around the bush and get straight to the matter. Do you have a concrete explanation as to what is your power?"

David tilted his head. "I, don't understand?"

"What I mean Haller-san is that, what can you do?"

"Oh that's easy. Anything."

A low murmur washed through the crowd, as some discussed with their acquaintances pondering on what the boy insinuated.

Another woman whose white hair was tied to a bun, and was dressed in a lab-coat. Cut in hesitantly. "Could you give us, a clearer context?"

"Clearer context… Uhm, ok. Think of any one power that can be considered impossible, and I can do it."

One of the man in the seats that had a large stature, dressed in black suit guffawed. "What a bold one you are, David Haller. Pardon me Adashino, but I'll be taking this Esper's challenge."

The white hair woman acquiesced, "Please of course, Heichi-san…"

To David, the man said with a smirk on his face. "Since you said you can do anything. Let me see if you can do this. Can you, David Haller manipulate time itself?"

That released a burst of intense murmuring from the crowds.

"Time he says. Is there such a thing?"

"Theoretically. There is an existence of precognitive and retro-cognitive abilities that utilize calculations from a 3D perspective. But to go even higher and directly manipulate time…"

"At the very least it will require an ability of a Level 5."

"All that matters in the end is that can it be done or is the young boy just running his mouth."

All the murmuring of crowd did not seem to dissuade the boy on the stage. With an easy smile on his face, David decided to prove with his actions than with just words.

"Mr." David said as his eyes glowed blue. "Couldn't you have given me something harder? Alright, what do you want me to do with time?"

With apparent intrigue in his eyes, the man sat straight up. "Well my daughter has been saying that I get old too quickly. So how about it, can you make me younger by at least twenty years?"

It was then his fellow colleagues had caught on to his ploy.

'Heichi, you bastard!'

One of the member of the Board of Directors who had been viewing the conference through a hidden camera from one of his spies, gritted his teeth in envy.

'I too should have been there.'

The possibility whether David Haller can manipulate time is really that important. What Heichi was doing was essentially grasping of a presented opportunity. For as much as Academy City has progressed, there was wasn't much headway in the matters pertaining to immortality.

But if David Haller can really control time or something relating to that concept…

It was at this moment, all of the Directors across the city began making preparations to make dealings with the Esper that held the conceptual ability of at least Level 5. This is too big of an opportunity to miss.

"Alright, but first." David Haller employed another ability. With a thought, Heichi looked at himself inquisitively as he began to glow green.

"What is this, David Haller?"

"I just temporarily gave you an ability. Perfect Recall EX . While I am turning back time for you, your memories of twenty years will be gone as well. So I decided to make you remember no matter what."

The man blinked in confusion for some seconds before his eyes abruptly dilated in shock.

"Wait… You're right. I can remember everything. Hahahahaha! This is truly amazing!"

After saying that, the blue glow in the Esper's eyes intensified. While Heichi was suffused in a glow of the same color obscuring his form till it became brightening.

It was to the point the scientists who were trying to observe what was going on instinctively shut their eyes. For if they looked any longer, they feared what might have gone blind.

Some seconds later the light show died down, but what happened next was astonishing.

"Heichi…-san…?" One of his seat members said in a way that sounded like a question.

"Hmm…"

The voice that replied was certainly sounded younger. The man who replied certainly looked different from the man who was in his sixties. Most of Heichi age marks were gone, and the greys on his hair vanished leaving behind a luxurious black, even the man's suit strained due to the sudden increase in mass.

Producing his phone, the Board member shook in astonishment as he gazed at the reflection which showed how he was when he had been forty. Time had turned back for him.

"Incredible, Haller-kun." The change of honorifics were evident.

"So this is the power of a Level 6. Incredible…"

While Heichi had been muttering to himself. The crowd were divided on either the now younger man or looking shell-shocked at the Esper on stage.

Conversations sparked once again.

"Is this really possible. Could he really be…?"

"Time manipulation, huh."

"No it might actually be biological manipulation."

"Only you would think that genius. There was no skin rippling on the Director's body when Possibility Infinite did all that, there was only an outburst of light."

"Then…"

"But still Time… God."

"Hahahaha… Are you really calling god."

"Idiot! Don't you understand the ramifications of what this means?"

A loud cough from Adashino that suppressed the mutterings. Looking reproachfully towards the audience, she asked scathingly. "We are not children, are we?"

Well that got everyone to shut up.

Sighing, she settled down. "Now where were we? Oh right, Haller-san… Since you said that you are capable of doing anything, then please answer this truthfully."

The hall seemed to lose its light, as Adashino narrowed her eyes with a sudden intensity. "Are you a Level 6 or not?"

A silence that could only be described as heavy fell upon the crowd. This is it, the moment they all have been waiting for since the time of Academy City's conception. People had died for this.

Child Errors in their hundreds had been sacrificed for the cause, all for the sake of reaching the highest.

The realm where mortal man becomes a god.

David Haller blinked tilting his head. Honestly he didn't know the answer as he had never bothered. All he heard since he had been here was Level 6 this and Level 6 that. He didn't understand the intricacy of what it meant to be a Level 6.

And neither did he care.

But that doesn't mean he couldn't answer the question.

Catalogue

Reality washed color, as David first stopped time, scouring the list for that particular ability. Honestly speaking, he did not want to use it, as it felt like it wasn't him in control. The one time he used it, he had to employ another ability to wash away the effects.

It was like he was another person.

Soon enough, his eyes settled on its name.

Delphic

[Questionable-Omniscience]

It sounded pretty simple but the true nature of this ability. Even David for as simple as he is, knew how dangerous it was.

The ability to answer any question, correctly.

It doesn't matter whether he knows it or not, he can just answer it. Be it something that is impossible for the world or even an issue pertaining the future.

Luckily this power comes with the caveat of answering only three when it's utilized.

Yep, it's strange. But so are his other approaching hundred thousands of powers.

Still looking at the name, David grimaced. After all, the ability made him feel like he was a girl.

'I really don't want to use you. But it's my fault for not checking what this stupid Level 6 is all about. I just hope it's not something stupid or I'll really be mad."

Time resumed as the world gained back its color. The ability has been activated.

Bemused Oohs were heard as the boy before the crowd had a physical change. His eyes glowed a bright piercing pastel blue, and a blue of a much darker shade plastered against the skin on his body.

"You have asked and it shall be answered…"

Even his voice sounded different. It had the combination of his voice and that of an adult woman.

"H-Haller-san what is the nature of this ability?" Adashino asked the question that was in the minds of the audience.

"I am Delphic. David Haller, yet not. An artless facet created to be given charge over all knowledge. Indeed, there is nothing in this world I cannot respond to. But… " Delphic raised of her three fingers.

"I shall answer only three."

A bead of sweat slithered down the side of Adashino's head. "Well Haller-san…"

"Delphic."

"Delphic-san. Are you implying that…" She shook her head incredulously, surprised at what she was even going to say. "…This facet or is it your ability, grants you nigh-omniscience."

"Three questions, I shall truthfully answer pertaining anything, for I know it all. One has been asked so it remains two."

Adashino suddenly shivered in her seat from the dark looks being thrown at her. Three questions that could have been used for the betterment of science, she had decided to waste one by asking a stupid question!

A question that has already been answered!

The male scientist who had lush green hair who had seated next to Adashino, took over and asked. "So, Delphic. The first question, are you a Level 6 or not?"

"Yes and no. I am a Level 6, but at the same time I am not. Two has been answered, the next will be your last."

It was then the man knew he had fucked up. Wincing at the smack at the back of his head, the scientist whispered an apology to one of the female Executives –a young middle-aged woman whose pink hair was tied into a pony tail-

He should have asked the question in a way that it would have required a more loquacious answer, but like Adashino, he had wasted another.

Meanwhile Adashino felt a dark sense of pleasure as she was not the only one who had screwed up.

"This is why I said they should have let us do the talking." The female executive muttered derisively.

Plastering a smile on her face, the Executive turned to the stage. "Can you please give us a comprehensive explanation on what it means to be a Level 6, with why you described yourself as both a Level 6 at the same time not."

Delphic narrowed her eyes, "Mrs. Hilma."

The said Executive eyes widened. She had never revealed her name since this meeting so how did he know. As the Executive wondered if this was another power of his, Delphic continued.

"We all know the meaning of what a Personal Reality, AIM's waves and Mental Calculations is, with its relevance to the development of an Esper ability… The core of the matter is that… I do not require any of the above."

There were shouts of disbelieve among the crowd, with some of the researchers openly doubtful of the claim. For even for gemstones there must be a delusion at some level that grants them the capability of bring out their Esper ability. Without that, it is said to be impossible for an Esper to manifest their power.

But the facet is saying that she doesn't require any of that?

Impossible!

"Mrs. Adashino, what is the standard for a Level 5?"

The woman in question blinked at the sudden attention being put on her. "W-Well, it would be rarity potency and a highest power of any ability class."

Delphic nodded clasping one of her hands behind her back. While she raised a finger on the other.

"Simply put its POWER, and INTRICACIES. A Level 5 is only a Level 5, if, it can be proven that his/her power has the highest supremacy in an Esper field, or, his/her power output and ability is considered uniquely powerful. "

"Now what makes an Esper a Level 6?" Delphic paused, her eyes automatically looking up towards the upper room obfuscated behind the shaded glasses.

"Perhaps, Mr. Gensei can help us with that."

A fearful chill washed through the crowd as everyone was suddenly overcome with a hush. Some of the scientists physically shivered in fear at the mention of the particular Kirihara.

"Delphic-san! You cannot just ca...!"

Adashino's reproach was cut off by the sound of a wizen voice sparking to life from one of the speakers.

"Please, Mrs. Adashino, I don't mind. In fact, I consider this an honor to add in my own two cents." The archaic voice said with a chuckle that sounded eerie.

With a blue face, Adashino audibly gulped as she automatically reclined back in her chair.

"Now Delphic-kun. Level 6, is simply the realization of an ideal state of an Esper ability. In order words; SYSTEM."

"To reach the heavens… You do have a scary idea, Mr. Gensei. "

"Oh my~ so you even know of that. Then what do you think makes an Esper a Level 6, Delphic-kun?"

For the first time since Delphic began to talk, she smiled. "How about showing you all… What it means to be a Level 6. "

A small tongue of fire manifested in her hand.

"Level 1."

The tongue grew bigger till it was the size of an orange.

"Level 2."

What was the size of an orange grew bigger than a soccer ball. The fireball discharged a scorching heat wave that chased away the soothing chill the ACs provided.

"Level 3."

Raising her hand higher, the fireball expanded till it was the size of a small car. The light it emitted became blinding enough most people in the front row winced in pain, looking away.

"Level 4."

The ball of fire splattered losing its form as it transfigured into a large serpent. Its body was big enough that a portion touched the ceiling charring it, while its head hovered above Delphic. What was most notable was how thick and life-like the snake looked as its eyes scanned through the room while occasionally letting out threatening hisses.

"Level 5."

When the some of the scientists tried to observe it, Delphic explained.

"At Level 5, there is a serious increase in power output and a certain uniqueness. If I release the heat of this fire construct, then at the very least, everything within 200 meters diameter will be reduced to nothing more than molten rock and ashes."

The construct hissed loudly releasing a wave of wincing heat to accentuate his point.

"Level 6…"

The fire snake dissipated, taking with it its heat. The crowd could only look in bemusement as Delphic closed her eyes.

"At Level 6, an ability evolves from becoming just an ability. At that point there is a sublimation in the very nature of the Esper himself/herself. The Esper seizes being an Esper, rather they transcend to become the very Law of their ability. A Tree of commandment is established, and this one would belong to Science… "

A white blinding flash erupted from Delphic body rushing towards the crowd as they hastily shielded their eyes at the incoming incandesce.

Some shrieked as the brightness slipped through their closed eyelids, until it suddenly dimmed down. The emergence of an appealing warmth was the first sign they took as a call to open their eyes, and when they did… Everywhere became different.

It was an endless sea of flames…

No matter where they looked there was fire everywhere. It was like the auditorium had vanished while they had been transferred into another dimension. Up above them was a gigantic ball of fire that definitely was not the sun.

This sun unlike the one they knew of had the shape of an atomic nucleus.

The fires themselves were all of different colors.

Red. Yellow. Green. Blue. Pink… They were all of varying degrees. Some of the scientists could have sworn that some of the flames actually felt cold while some were blistering hot.

It was at that moment they noticed in slight alarm that while they were in the sea of fire the flames never burned them. Even the heat and cold felt nothing more than information.

To the ones above, it was new, and what was new was very much intriguing.

Heichi who looked around in awe and in no small amount of fear, whispered visibly perturbed. "What is this place…?"

"Welcome to my world, or as they commonly call it. My Phase. In here I am Fire. Its meaning, its concepts, all that is associated with the flames are now under my control."

Delphic's reply sounded like it came from everywhere, they looked around confused until like a calling in their hearts, all eyes went up to see two glowing shaped eyes that belonged to a giant stare down at them.

Her form fully manifested as a fiery titan akin to Sutr, as if prove of her power, she created a miniature sun… And subsequently destroyed it with a clench of her fist.

"… … … … …"

"In here, I am god."

At this point they couldn't deny it. The mad ones exploded with madden laughter, others crazed tears, while the remaining simply lost it all remaining expressionless. They all knew this wasn't an illusion, but rather the power of one who had reached the highest.

A Level 6.

Another outburst of light later, the scenery returned back to the auditorium, the heat gone like it was just a fever dream even when everyone knew it wasn't. Meanwhile on the stage, Delphic looked on expressionlessly.

"Do you now have an inkling on what it means to be a Level 6, Mrs. Hilma?"

The woman could only nod back dumbly.

Gensei's voice croaked once again, only this time held a tangible modicum of madness in it. "Delphic-kun, so what do you mean by not being a Level 6?"

Delphic tilted her head, as she replied. "Answer me this Gensei. If I tell you, that all the things a standard Level 6 is capable of, I can do that and even more. Would I still be classified as a Level 6…? "

"… …"

There was no reply as the implication of Delphic response rocked the hearts of every single living being.

From the front row, an old man dressed in lab coats and simple inners, cut in while appearing overwhelmed. "B-But if what you are saying is possible, then what are you?"

Delphic smirked as the glow vanished leaving David Haller with the same quirk on his face. "Just an everyday kid. Only a little special."

-IAL-

"Ao, you've got a stick?"

"… …"

"Ao? Hello~… Crap, you're broken already, huh."

"… …"

"Well, not like I have anything to say for myself."

The simple face scientist, looked listlessly at her hands that had not stopped shaking even after she had left the building. She was afraid to even look back, even though it sounded tempting by every passing second.

Roughly tugging her collar, Kikyou winced as some buttons came off.

'Crap! This is my only one.'

Sighing loudly, she stood by the staff's bus stop watching as the others enter their various modes of transportation with muted looks. She would have laughed at them if she could. But Kikyou knew that she too was also sporting the same expression.

"Level 6, huh. I wonder what will be his epithet…"

Kikyou closed her eyes, sinking into the humming and honks as she tried to forget what had just happened some hours ago. Although she knew that for the rest of her life, that image would always remain in her feeble mind.

A primordial goddess who destroyed the sun with a clench of her fist.

'Damn it, the ramifications will not be pretty.'

…..

"Keke~! In the end, I got to see something real fun!"

The voice sounded lough and thuggish, the man who said that, looked even more so. Rough blond hair which complimented his strong facial features. Kirihara Amata appeared very much satisfied with his coming.

Standing up from the reddish-brown cushion he had been sitting. Amata stuffed his hands into his pocket making for the door, until he paused. Turning back, he regarded the much older Kirihara who had been silent ever since he had questioned the Level 6.

"Still he really did do you in, old man! In fact now that I think about it, I suspect he already knew you were gonna' do something stupid that was why he called on you."

Snickering, Amata palmed his face shaking his head. "This is really hilarious. You were literally shock-stilled!"

"So…?" An old man with grey hair, replied. His back was hunched but it appeared to be a habit rather than old age. His face still set in a fatherly smile, Kirihara Gensei eyed Amata.

"Is that all you've got to say, Amata-kun?" While his façade appeared as amiable as ever, the eyes that glared at Amata was irrefutably not so.

Cold shivers trailed down, Amata's spine as he raised his hands in surrender. "Sheesh, can't take a little ribbing, old man."

While Amata did not apologize, his demeanor showed his willingness to drop his jeering. As the blonde Kirihara headed towards the door, a stray thought hit him. It was a thought that brought a sickening smile to his face.

'I really got to record it for prosperity. The look on Accelerator's face when he finds out he isn't the top dog anymore.'

Loudly barking out with laughter, Amata proceeded out.

Silence reigned in the empty room, as the mad scientist was left to his lonesome. But then suddenly a wide smirk spread across his face. Opening his palm, Kirihara Gensei gazed at the flash-drive and smiled.

"I will reach it this time, Level 6 and beyond that. I will see it with my own eyes… The path to David Haller. The singularity…"

…

In a room inside the Windowless Tower, the Chief Head of Directors appeared impassive, as he closed the feeds. He sunk himself deeper in his psyche, wavering between the realm of unconsciousness and clarity as he pondered on today's happening.

The concept of what is a Level 6, was in line with his hypothesis by at least, 89.5377%. With a marginal error of the Law.

"Hmm…" The golden magician lips quirked upwards. "Today was really enlightening… Not to mention…"

Aleister trailed off, as he observed the holographic images which represented his tens of thousands plan. While Accelerator was still important for his main plan, the backup now has been fully updated on the same level.

Dark Matter is no longer required.

"I've been going on with Plan2347 with the end goal of me succeeding by 67.4679%. But with him things would go even much more smoothly. I might not even need DRAGON in the end."

High above the holograms, was a screen depicting the one number he was coming to love.

99.99999%

"It's time for him to meet with Imagine Breaker."

The era of Myth-slayers has begun.

-IAML-

At a different bus station located near an overpass, David Haller waited for the main bus that would take them deeper into the city. His apartment had already been memorized, even if he were lost, he had just the finder ability needed to locate his place of residence.

But even so… He was tired.

Immediately the conference had finished, the Level 6 found himself swarmed by an army of scientists. Each and every one of them all asking him questions that just whirled his brain or were just straight up boring. There were some who even asked him to visit the Faculties as guests of honors.

Although the only one he actually paid attention to was Heichi-san. He addressed himself as an important person, so he might actually be a cool guy. Who knows, maybe the man has some cool stuffs that might interest him.

Nevertheless, when Miss. Kanari had offered to escort him to his residential site. David refused as he remembered the main reason he had come to Academy City.

To make friends.

The hiss of the incoming bus drew David away from his mulling. Entering, the Esper was met with the site of children of his age who stared back in curiosity.

Blushing at the attention, David wondered if it might be best he turns on his Lion Heart once more. But then he shook his head to discourage such a line of thought.

'Mom says that, True friends should like you as you are, rather than as you appear. I don't want my friends to like me because of my powers.'

So he toughed through the stares and sat down near a boy his age. The boy upon seeing David panicked a little as he blushed.

"Uhm…"

David blinked, "Oh, is this seat taken?"

"N-no, but do you really want to sit with me? My powers give me bad luck."

With a bright smile, David enthusiastically nodded. "No problem. I don't judge my friends no matter their powers… Ah, we are not friends yet. Or are we?"

Stars shown through the young boys eyes, as he scouted to the window to give space for Haller to sit. "No I will be your friend. If you will have me."

Sitting down, David beamed as he raised his left hands. "Dad always says friends should always introduce themselves with a handshake. I'm David, David Haller."

The boy looked at the hand before looking at his right hand, tentatively reaching to shake David hand. "I'm Touma…" Seeing that the boy did not shrink away, Touma's smile widened.

"Kamijou Touma."

….

The phantom projection of David Haller smiled at the scene. Although deep inside, he couldn't deny the envy he felt in his heart as he never had the chance to form any bond.

For all he had was himself and the Legions.

'Still we really did go too far with our little trick, eh. Maybe we should have toned it down, but who knew that Level 6 was that big of a deal?'

They were like this world's Beyond Omega Level Mutants. While he could see their values, the scientists back at the auditorium were looking at him like he was the Christ.

'Maybe it's because I was always with Rogue, Proteus, Apocalypse, Jean, Nate and the others. Well not like they can hurt us anyway.'

Although there was still something that bothered him. For an instant before Delphic transcended to Level 6, there was something there that was watching him. Delphic banished it when she created her Phase, but David Haller did not think it was truly gone.

'That white light humanoid being… What the hell was that?'