The New Era Project 30 Akeno's Reques

"Welcome back." Kotori Miku replies.

"Hey." Kotori Kotomi greets while completing a quick nod.

Akeno smiles and inquiries. "h.e.l.lo, Feng-kun, How was your day back? I heard that the inst.i.tutes will be starting the first of the campus ranking events."

"h.e.l.lo Akeno-san, it was alright. Yes, you are right, soon the campus ranking events will begin. May I ask why you are here?" Feng Ye replies.

"Ara~ Come on now, as a friend you shouldn't mind my intrusion? But yes, we do have some topics to discuss." Akeno replies.

After noting the serious tone in the latter half of her sentence, Feng Ye gets up from the sofa and joins the group around the coffee table.

"Alright, so what's up?" Feng Ye inquiries.

Akeno explains, "So, the student council has a request in regards to a task we would like you to complete. Would you be willing to do so? Naturally, it won't be in vain and you will be compensated accordingly."

"What are the details?" Feng Ye asks.

"Upon our first meeting, you had experienced my magical eyes, yes? That isn't an esper ability, but an inborn magic one. It can be cla.s.sified as magic." Akeno introduces.

The expressions of the two Kotori sisters show no change as though they already have known about this.

Feng Ye pauses in contemplation and asks. "So, you are saying that magicians still exist in today's society? I have only seen them in some reports."

"Correct. They do exist, however, they usually are away from the public eye. It is more difficult to know if one is a magician or not as they do not emit any specific brain waves like espers do. Their magic is incorporated and integrated into their bodies. Thus, unless they utilize magic no detectable traces can be found. These magical traces also easily dissipate after time as it dissipates back into the environment." Akeno explains.

"So, what's the difference between a magician and a esper then?" Feng Ye suddenly a little bit confused inquiries.

"Well, as you probably know, an esper is able to use a variety of abilities after awakening. The awakening process is essentially a re-arrangement of neurons in the brain caused by a strong enough stimulus which allows that particular individual to exhibit conscious behaviour in an inactive area of the brain. That inactive area of the brain once activated has a variety of mutations which result in the various types of different abilities. Some have body strengthening, while others can manipulate the environments around them." Akeno takes a breath.

She continues, "A magician, however, needs a certain const.i.tution to build up spiritual veins. It can be trained at an early age or inborn. Using these spiritual veins, individuals essentially store the energy from their environment into such veins. After storing this energy into their veins, the energy is referred to as magic. It can be expelled out of the body in order to display phenomena in the real world. Naturally, there are different apt.i.tudes in magicians. Some may only be able to wield a single element, while others can wield multiple. Some could, for example, be able to play with fire while others can complete mind reading."

"So, does that mean its possible to be an esper and a magician?" Feng Ye asks.

"Yes, it's possible. A magician could awaken into an esper or an esper could train or be an inborn magician. These individuals are quite rare though. The only difference is the starting point and the resulting method of applications of each ability." Akeno explains.

"So, you are a rare one?" Feng Ye asks.

Akeno in a self satisfied manner laughs, "Yes."

She changes to a more serious tone. "Recently, we have investigated several incidents that have occurred within the city in close proximity to the five different inst.i.tutes that at first glance seem to be related to esper activity, however, is actually not. The student council had detected some magical residues left behind. We feel that it may affect the campus ranking events and would like to investigate. Unfortunately, both the student council and student enforcer teams have been stared at by the board of directors. Due to their monitoring of our activities, we cannot investigate on a large scale or the board of directors will also start to involve themselves in the inst.i.tutes."

Feng Ye nods. "So, you would like me to help investigate and report back in order to avoid alerting the board of directors and having them involve themselves with the inst.i.tutes?"

"Yep. We believe this a third party influence which has magic-related ties. Naturally, you'll have to be careful. We can provide you a method of detecting traces of magical residue. So are you interested in helping?" Akeno nods and smiles.

Feng Ye takes a moment to ponder. This is a very troublesome task, however, being involved might be better than being ignorant. Naturally, if he is involved he could probably squeeze out some life saving item in case something goes wrong. A method to further understand magic is also pretty useful.

"Alright, what should I do?" Feng Ye accepts with an inquiry.

"It is simple. Here is a book which details the method of tracing magic. As you have an esper ability in the domain of the mind, you should be able to utilize it. It will allow you to visualize in your mind and sense the presence of magic. When you are able to sense it, investigate if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, text one of us here about it." Akeno instructs as she hands over a hardcover book consisting of 5 pages that is in good condition.

"You can have this book and there's no need to return it. Just note that not everyone can learn this method as it utilizes magical theory, however, since you excel in the mental domain, you can be able to apply its concepts as an esper."

"Okay, will do." Feng Ye replies.

With a satisfied smile, Akeno nods. "Alright, good luck and remember to investigate only if it's safe to do so. I should head back." Akeno takes her leave.

After Akeno departs, the two sisters take a look at Feng Ye. Miku pats on Feng Ye, "Look at you, already given a task from the student council president personally. Remember, that with great power, comes great responsibility."

Nearby Kotomi nods. "Yes, remember to let us know if you encounter any mishaps." Kotomi also takes her leave. The room is left with the two original roommates, Feng Ye and Kotori Miku.

Miku takes a look around. "So, do you want to come to the complex with me? Get some more workouts done?"

"Sure, let's go." The two head out to the complex.