Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1803 - 1801: Don’t Overthink It (Wishing Everyone a Happy Lunar New Year’s Eve and Good Health)

When Fang Zheng returned to the research institute holding Kuroko, and saw Kuroko covered in blood, Misaka Mikoto and Saten Reiko were stunned.

"Kuroko!!"

Misaka Mikoto rushed over, staring intently at the unconscious Kuroko in Fang Zheng’s arms.

"Who did this!"

"Keep your voice down, she just fell asleep for a while."

Fang Zheng glanced at Misaka Mikoto, who then realized and quickly covered her mouth, standing aside, while Saten Reiko was also jumping anxiously.

"Do you need our help? Mr. Fang Zheng, it seems like her injury is serious..."

"The wound is already healed, now she’s just suffering from blood loss and needs rest—Reiko, could you make some nutritious, easily digestible foods? Rem, tidy up the infirmary. Ram, go fetch some clean clothes and help clean the blood off her..."

"Okay."

Despite their initial panic, seeing Fang Zheng’s orderly instructions calmed the girls down. Saten Reiko quickly ran to the kitchen, and Ram and Rem also swiftly turned to handle their tasks. Index was looking around.

"Fang Zheng, Fang Zheng, do you need my help?"

"Here, take this lollipop and munch on it."

Casually handing Index a lollipop to keep her occupied, Fang Zheng carried Kuroko to the guestroom, carefully placing the girl on the bed, gesturing to Misaka Mikoto.

"By the way, go to Tokiwadai and bring her some change of clothes."

"Ah... okay..."

At this moment, Misaka Mikoto seemed troubled, glancing again at Kuroko lying on the bed before hurriedly leaving.

Everyone moved quickly, and soon all the tasks Fang Zheng assigned were done. Ram had already dressed Kuroko in the institute’s surgery clothes, cleaning her up in the process. Saten Reiko started cooking porridge and preparing dishes, and Misaka Mikoto brought back a Tokiwadai school uniform—well, she didn’t bring Kuroko’s underwear, as her tastes couldn’t accept it, so she specifically bought a very plain set from a store... not a big deal.

"Mr. Fang Zheng, about Kuroko..."

Looking at Fang Zheng, Misaka Mikoto still appeared uneasy.

"What happened to her?"

"Oh, it seems the little girl encountered some people trying to snatch the Tree Diagram Designer fragments, and there was someone who hired a space ability user like her. The little girl got careless and suffered a loss, but don’t worry, I’ve incapacitated that person, they won’t be getting up for at least ten days to half a month."

"... It’s all my fault..."

Hearing this, Misaka Mikoto lowered her head, clenching her fists tightly.

"If it wasn’t for me..."

"Come on, don’t take everything on yourself. If anything, it was me who disabled the damn computer, did I say anything?"

Fang Zheng flicked Misaka Mikoto on the forehead.

"Besides, this isn’t the first time Kuroko’s been injured. Speaking of which, doesn’t it seem like this girl is jinxed with the Discipline Committee? Other members have regular incidents and don’t get hurt, but she ends up with serious injuries every time. Last time, someone broke her rib and almost disfigured her, this time she’s got a ruptured kidney and almost went into shock... who knows what’ll get injured next time."

"What? Broken ribs? Disfigurement?! Who did it?!"

Hearing this, Misaka Mikoto burst out again.

"A fool who used Fantasy Manipulator during the Fantasy Manipulator incident, are you planning to find Mokuyama Haruo to give them a jolt?"

"Uh..."

"That’s why I’m telling you not to be so straightforward, acting as if everything’s your fault. Relax a bit."

Fang Zheng patted Misaka Mikoto on the head.

"Kuroko wasn’t hurt because she knew this was related to you, she was just doing her job. Anyway, I’ve avenged the girl for you. If you really feel guilty, just tell Kuroko everything truthfully."

"But..."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s response, Misaka Mikoto hesitated.

"But if I do that, won’t it drag them all in? It might become even more dangerous..."

"She’s already like this, do you think it could get worse?"

Fang Zheng gestured at the tightly closed door.

"I’ll be blunt, if you tell her everything, at least she can be more vigilant next time she faces a similar enemy. If you say nothing, that girl might die without even knowing why. That would truly be an injustice. Like today, do you know why the other side was so ruthless? It’s because they knew Kuroko was your follower and thought you sent her to steal the box. As a result, Kuroko was beaten senseless for no reason. Do you still think saying nothing won’t implicate others? Is that even possible?"

"............"

This left Misaka Mikoto completely speechless.

"You can’t possibly think of severing ties with Kuroko, right? That might drive her to suicide. So, think of something better. Not to mention, you Japanese..."

Fang Zheng sighed and clicked his tongue a few times. Truly, the Japanese tend to avoid troubling others... Fang Zheng disliked this the most, and now it seemed even the boisterous Misaka Mikoto wasn’t exempt.

"Do you think being LV5 makes you all that? Are you a God or something? If you can’t handle it, ask for help. Don’t be afraid of losing face, between losing face and losing life, which is more important, can’t you tell? If you’re really worried about losing face, might as well shout ’For the Emperor’s Majesty’ and go commit seppuku!"

After chatting for a while, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but sigh helplessly.

"Alright, you should think about what to say when Kuroko wakes up."

"...Okay..."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Misaka Mikoto lowered her head and didn’t say anything more.

After scolding Misaka Mikoto thoroughly, Fang Zheng returned to his room to rest. As for how Misaka Mikoto would explain things to Kuroko Shirai and Saten Reiko, that was her own business. Fang Zheng didn’t care about it anymore. After all, everything was already over, and the remaining small troubles were just trivial matters that couldn’t be kept a secret anymore.

Just as Fang Zheng lay down to sleep, he saw Riko push open the door, sneaking in with Frenda.

"Mr. Fang Zheng, what happened to Kuroko?"

"Got into a bit of trouble, was beaten half to death, but it’s nothing serious."

Fang Zheng casually replied and then looked at them.

"Why are you two back?"

"Just came back to take a look, and we heard that Mr. Fang Zheng, you’ve even taken in Reiji..."

As she spoke, Riko gave a playful thumbs up with a smile.

"As expected of Mr. Fang Zheng, impressive! You know, Reiju has quite a few secret admirers at our school. If they knew, they’d be super jealous of you!"

"Let them be jealous. It’s not like they can come to Academy City."

With that, Fang Zheng glanced at the two again.

"Alright, cut to the chase. What do you want, sneaking around looking for me?"

"Hehehe..."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s question, Frenda and Riko giggled awkwardly, then exchanged glances before Frenda spoke up.

"Well, Mr. Fang Zheng, I want to invite Riko to the Daihasei Festival..."

"Oh, so that’s what this is about..."

Hearing this, Fang Zheng immediately understood why these two little girls were trying to butter him up. The Daihasei Festival is a major annual sports event hosted by Academy City. During this period, Academy City opens to the public, and all events are televised; many people come to visit.

Riko and Frenda were no exception. Not long ago, Riko helped Frenda sneak into the Armed Detective Academy to participate in their unique festival, so Frenda wanted to return the favor by inviting Riko to the Daihasei Festival at Academy City. However, unlike Armed Detective Academy, Academy City has much stricter management, so Frenda thought of seeking Fang Zheng’s help.

"You two are really something..."

Looking at Frenda and Riko in front of him, Fang Zheng shook his head. Look at Misaka Mikoto, always trying to solve everything by herself. On the other hand, when Frenda realized she couldn’t handle it, she immediately sought help. The contrast between the two was so stark.

But... the Daihasei Festival...

Hmm... that really is a good opportunity.

Fang Zheng stroked his chin, a glimmer in his eyes. As preparation for taking over Academy City, it was about time to make an appearance, and the Daihasei Festival seemed like an excellent choice. It would also be a perfect chance for Emilia and the others to experience the festive atmosphere as participants. Thinking this way, it seemed quite fun.

But if I agree to this...

"So, what reward can you offer me?"

Fang Zheng wasn’t going to let them develop the habit of getting something for nothing, especially Frenda, who was still living on his money.

"I’ll give myself to you!"

Riko, unconcerned, raised her hand happily and then dove straight into Fang Zheng’s arms.

"Riko is the sensible one."

Fang Zheng patted Riko’s head and then looked at Frenda.

"So, Frenda, what about you? This was your idea, what will you offer as compensation?"

"W-well..."

Seeing Riko snuggle into Fang Zheng’s arms, Frenda felt a bit at a loss. She blinked a couple of times, and then suddenly had a bright idea.

"Oh right, Mr. Fang Zheng, how about my tights? I can give them to you for free!"

".......Huh?"

"I saw online that some guys are willing to pay fifty thousand!"

As she spoke, Frenda proudly showcased her long, slender legs.

"How about it, Mr. Fang Zheng? I’ll give them to you for free as a reward. You can think of me whenever you hold them... Ouch!"

Before Frenda could finish speaking, Fang Zheng delivered a karate chop to her head, knocking her to the floor.

"Where did you see that nonsense online?!"