Chapter 200: An Invitation from the Council

After arriving at the hospital, George and Mikoto Misaka were greeted by the sight of numerous Misaka clones lying on hospital beds undergoing medical examinations.

The clones' bodies had been artificially grown within just 14 days using drugs, which naturally left them with numerous health issues. If they were to live like normal humans, thorough medical checkups and treatments would be necessary.

Since it was already late and Mikoto had missed the curfew for her dormitory, she decided to stay overnight at the hospital. Fear of facing the wrath of the dorm supervisor also factored into her decision. She used the opportunity to wait for the results of the clones' medical tests.

Naturally, George stayed at the hospital as well. However, unlike the other Misaka clones, he declined the hospital's offer to perform a medical examination on him.

With his body enhanced by a fusion of abilities from different worlds, any inherent flaws in this clone body were rendered negligible. Allowing the hospital to analyze his genetic makeup, however, could lead to significant trouble. Just the presence of his wizard bloodline alone would be enough to drive the scientists in Academy City insane.

The Next Morning

The hospital's head doctor, Heaven Canceller, approached Mikoto and George.

“The test results aren’t great,” he began. “Due to the accelerated growth induced by drugs, the clones’ lifespans have been drastically shortened. If things continue as they are, they’ll only have two to three years left to live.”

“What? Only two or three years?!” Mikoto was stunned.

The realization that her painstaking efforts to save her sisters might only grant them a fleeting existence left her feeling despondent.

“Normally, yes,” the doctor continued. “However, with regular adjustments and treatments to slow cellular division and restore hormonal balance, it’s possible to extend their lifespans to that of normal humans.”

Relief washed over Mikoto momentarily, only for her anxiety to return when the doctor added:

“However, the number of clones is simply too large. Given Academy City’s resources, it would be nearly impossible to provide such extensive care for all of them. It would also require an enormous amount of funding.”

This was no surprise; with over 10,000 Misaka clones, the logistical and financial burden was immense.

“Fortunately,” Heaven Canceller continued, “the Council is aware of the situation. They’ve expressed outrage at the unauthorized experiments conducted by the city’s research institutions. The Council has pledged to fund the necessary treatments and plans to distribute the clones across research facilities worldwide, where they can receive periodic checkups and care.”

Mikoto scowled at the doctor, her frustration evident. “Couldn’t you just say that all at once?”

Having worked with Heaven Canceller on several occasions in the past, Mikoto was familiar with his habit of delivering information in piecemeal.

She knew, however, that the Council’s purported ignorance of the experiments was a blatant lie. The Mass-Produced Ability User Plan clearly documented the involvement of the city’s most advanced supercomputer, Tree Diagram, which had been used to predict the efficiency of the clones. Such a system could not have been accessed without the Council’s authorization.

Nevertheless, she chose not to dwell on the matter. If the Council was now willing to rectify its mistakes, that was what mattered most.

Mikoto was also unafraid of the Council betraying their word. With the Misaka Network in place, she could monitor the well-being of every clone, regardless of where they were sent.

...

George was unsurprised by the Council’s decision. As long as the clones held value, the Council would ensure their survival.

However, he was slightly taken aback by the plan to send the clones to foreign research facilities. Once abroad, it would be much harder to bring them back. The clones might even grow attached to their new environments and choose not to return.

Of course, there was always the possibility that the Council had contingency measures to maintain control over the clones.

For George, as long as the Council didn’t target him, he had no reason to interfere further. His current priorities were to improve his Level 4 ability to Level 5 and explore the existence of magic in this world, hoping to learn something valuable.

A Farewell

“For now, I’ll come visit you when I can,” Mikoto said as she shook hands with George, temporarily bidding him farewell.

Having spent the night away from her dorm, she was worried her friends—especially her roommate Shirai Kuroko—might be anxious about her absence.

To her, George was just another Misaka clone—albeit a stronger, more mature, and steadier one compared to others like Misaka 9982, who often teased her for being childish.

After Mikoto left, Heaven Canceller turned to George. “Are you sure you don’t need a medical checkup? Even with Level 4 abilities, your body was still artificially accelerated. At most, you’d have three years to live.”

“There’s no need. I can resolve that issue myself,” George replied firmly, once again refusing the doctor’s offer. He then left the hospital, ready to begin his new life in Academy City with an official identity.

...

Not long after leaving the hospital, George sensed someone tailing him. He stopped in his tracks and turned around.

“Whoever’s there, come out and speak directly. Keep hiding, and I’ll deal with you,” George said coldly, his mental abilities making any stealth attempts futile.

Moments later, a blonde man with half his face covered in tattoos stepped out from behind a tree. He wore a white lab coat and a smug grin.

“You’re quite the cautious one, far more so than the original,” the man remarked.

“You’re from the Council, aren’t you?” George raised an eyebrow, already suspecting the man’s identity.

Unlike other Misaka clones, George knew the Council wouldn’t leave him unchecked. Unable to resort to force, they would inevitably try a more diplomatic approach—something he had anticipated.

“Sharp as ever,” the man said with a crazed smirk. “I’m Kihara Amata, head of the Council’s Hound Dog unit. We’d like to invite you to join us. What do you say?”