Hearing Last Order's concise explanation, Mikoto's breathing grew ragged. All this new information was making her dizzy.
"Rei Ao…what exactly has he done? The Misaka Network… my sisters… Wait, #9982… shouldn't you all have…"
Her voice trembled, too afraid to say the word.
[You mean 'died'? Misaka assumes that's what Onee-sama is trying to say.]
Yes. From her investigations into the experiment, Mikoto discovered a large number of Misaka Sisters had died. That was the root of her guilt and pain.
[Indeed, 9,982 Misaka Sisters perished in the experiment. But Rei Ao-sama resurrected us, explains Misaka #10032 matter-of-factly, while also expressing gratitude and love for Rei Ao-sama.]
He resurrected her dead sister… all the sisters?! How could that be possible? But the voices in her head were so real.
Mikoto felt her world spin, barely staying upright by bracing against the bed.
[Not only that, Rei Ao-sama also healed the flaws in our bodies. Now we won't suffer a shortened lifespan from the genetic modifications, Misaka #20001 happily adds.]
Tears spilled uncontrollably from Mikoto's eyes.
Those sisters—created from her DNA and then slaughtered for that absurd Level 6 experiment—they were alive now. And they wouldn't die young anymore.
That was the best news Mikoto could imagine. A mix of guilt, joy, and boundless gratitude to Rei Ao swelled inside her, nearly overwhelming.
Mikoto wiped her tears, her voice steadying. "I want to see him, right now."
Her chest burned with urgency, not caring if meeting him meant more harrowing… experiences. She just wanted to see him.
The Misaka Network went quiet for a second, then voices erupted simultaneously:
[Rei Ao-sama is currently with Misaka #00001, reports Misaka #10086.]
[Misaka #00001 was the first Sister resurrected, Misaka #11111 clarifies.]
[Rei Ao-sama promised to date each one of us in numerical order, says Misaka #15642 with anticipation and some jealousy.]
Mikoto blinked in confusion.
"Date? In order? What does that mean?"
[It's literal, giggles Misaka #20001. All Misaka Sisters confessed our love to Rei Ao-sama, and he accepted all of us!]
[He's now the boyfriend of every Misaka Sister, starting with #00001 one by one, Misaka explains excitedly, but then stops since Onee-sama can't see her gestures.]
Instantly, Mikoto felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her. Her jaw practically dropped.
"All the Sisters' boyfriend?!"
She unintentionally raised her voice several octaves. On the bed, Kuroko stirred at the noise, mumbling, "Onee-sama… so loud… Kuroko's exhausted…still wanna sleep…" But Mikoto ignored her entirely, fixated on the conversation in the Misaka Network. A strange sensation of… jealousy? bubbled inside her. She had no right to be jealous. The Sisters deserved happiness after so much suffering. And yet…
Suddenly, a file was transmitted to her via the Misaka Network, sent by "Misaka #00001."
Its title: "My Wonderful Time With Rei Ao-sama."
Mikoto reflexively accepted it and opened it in her mind. The next second, she felt like lightning had struck her. In her mental "view," she saw—
A girl with her identical face—Misaka #00001—clinging to Rei Ao. More shocking still was the presence of her nemesis, Shokuhou Misaki, in that scene!
Mikoto's words were in disarray, feeling another wave of heat flooding her brain. She should shut off this "file" now. But she found herself… unable to tear her mind away!
[Misaka #00001 was honored to have her first intimate interaction with Rei Ao-sama and wanted to share the joy with you, explains Misaka #00001, trembling with happiness.]
Finally, Mikoto mustered a screech:
"Close it! Why would I watch something like that?!"
But rather than vanish, the imagery only sharpened in detail.
[Misaka #00003 wishes to see more clearly, do—Misaka is feeling shy, though.]
[Misaka #07896 strongly agrees.]
Countless Sisters chimed in, collectively "calculating" to enhance #00001's uploaded footage. Mikoto could see and feel every detail, experiencing #00001's perspective.
At last, Mikoto severed the connection, pressing both hands over her burning cheeks. Her heart pounded like it might burst. And her body… reacted with a strange sensation, leaving her more mortified than ever.
She had to find Rei Ao. Now, immediately. Not just to thank him for saving her sisters—okay, not just that—but to demand an explanation for this absurd "boyfriend to all sisters" fiasco. And why was Shokuhou involved?!
Mikoto wobbled to her feet, ignoring the aches, grabbing a random shirt off the floor—someone's, she didn't care—and put it on. It only came down to her thighs, but that was enough for now. There weren't any other men around anyway.
"Onee-sama? Where are you going?"
Kuroko, now half-awake, rubbed her eyes.
"To find that bastard and get some answers!"
Mikoto growled, yanking open the door and storming out, leaving behind Kuroko—still groggy and confused—and Awaki Musujime, fast asleep.