Chapter 1748: Chapter 1746: This Is Punishment

The blade flashed.

In the next moment, the alloy steel plate in front of them was split in two, and Riko excitedly clenched her small fist and turned to look at Fang Zheng.

"Mr. Fang Zheng! I did it!"

"Hmm, not bad, you have potential."

Looking at the smoothly cut steel plate, Fang Zheng nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze back to Riko’s hair—at the edge of her golden, smooth hair, a strand was solidified into a blade the size of a dagger, looking somewhat like it had been deliberately set with hair gel.

However, upon closer inspection, you’d find that this part of her hair’s "material" was completely different from the rest.

Indeed, this was the true nature of Riko’s ability—body transformation.

Simply put, Riko could transform any part of her body into any kind of material. From the softest to the most heat-resistant to the sharpest, as long as she understood the structure and molecular formula of those materials, she could quickly transform. In Fang Zheng’s view, this ability feels almost like LV5.

Of course, at present, Riko still couldn’t transform her body at will. For safety reasons, Fang Zheng only allowed her to transform her hair as an experiment, and Riko didn’t object—memories of the day her ability went out of control were too severe for her to let go easily.

After training, Riko was now able to easily transform her hair into blades, fists, and even complex lock-picking tools—to the point where she basically didn’t need to carry anything out, as everything could be transformed with her hair. Even things like ID cards that require electronic recognition.

Certainly, Riko couldn’t do these things just yet, just as Fang Zheng once told Misaka Mikoto that the brain is only an assistant. But without the brain, the ability can’t be utilized. To accomplish these transformations, Riko needs to remember the molecular formula and arrangement of related substances and understand how to use them...

This goes beyond just talent.

As Fang Zheng told Misaka Mikoto, talent is just the foundation, effort is the key.

One percent inspiration is undoubtedly important, but without ninety-nine percent perspiration, it cannot yield results.

Fortunately, Riko is diligent enough.

"This ability is quite interesting indeed."

Frenda, who was observing from the side, also gave her review. Despite her complaints, this LV4 Great Ability Holder still reported to the research facility every afternoon without fail. Initially, she came alone, but lately, Frenda brings Flemia with her every day.

Fang Zheng could somewhat guess that Frenda was initially worried he’d subject her to inhumane experiments, but upon discovering that the afternoons consisted only of ability checks and physical examinations, followed by free meals and drinks, she started bringing her sister along.

In this regard, Frenda’s personality resembled the elderly women Fang Zheng encountered in his past life, rushing wherever there were discounts or free offers regardless of her physical condition—she couldn’t resist the word "free"...

Of course, if Frenda heard these thoughts, she’d likely explode.

"How nice, when can I have an ability too..."

Ruiko admitted she was a bit envious. It was currently "working" time at the research facility, so the three girls were present.

Their relationship was quite good; Ruiko was adept at making friends, Frenda seemed to like Ruiko, and Riko was cheerful and outgoing. Simply put, it was three girls with similar personalities coming together, resulting not in repulsion but rather a strong friendship.

"It will take some more time."

Fang Zheng recorded the data at hand and signaled Riko to change her clothes, while speaking to Ruiko.

"I’m currently researching ways to activate abilities harmlessly... hmm, you should know this takes time."

"Honestly, I still can’t believe it, genes are actually the key determinant for using abilities... yet, isn’t this still impossible?"

"Whether it can be done and whether it’s done are two different things, Frenda." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Fang Zheng glanced at the blonde girl.

"Just like humans aren’t born able to fly, and our bodily structure doesn’t support it, yet humans yearned for the sky and invented airplanes... but this isn’t the end."

"I’m not interested in these complicated matters, but I think Mr. Fang Zheng should hire more people. A research facility this big with just you and Riko feels cold and lifeless, Flemia didn’t even dare to go to the bathroom alone last time..."

Frenda clearly didn’t enjoy lectures, so she quickly changed the subject, and Ruiko nodded.

"Yes indeed, Mr. Fang Zheng, can you handle a research facility this large alone? Even though there are cleaning robots and security robots, it feels unsettling to be the only person here..."

"I’ll consider it."

Fang Zheng also felt it was strange to be the only person in the research facility. Although the facility wasn’t very large, it needed dozens of employees, and now it’s just the few people under his employment... looking empty was inevitable.

Perhaps he should call Ram and Rem over.

This thought crossed Fang Zheng’s mind, and then he tapped the keyboard again.

"Alright, we’re done for today. What’s next on your schedule?"

"Watching a movie! I borrowed an incredibly interesting film today!"

As she spoke, Ruiko shouted and took out a DVD from her bag.

"Ta-da! Look! ’The Blossoming Plum Trees Hold the Sea Pear Trees’!"

"....... Uh? What is that?"

"Ah, it’s very famous... I want to watch too, Mr. Fang Zheng, will you watch?"

"It’s a romance film, I’ll pass. You guys enjoy."

Fang Zheng waved his hand, and then Riko, who had finished changing clothes, left the lab happily with Ruiko and Frenda—after the renovation, only half of the lab was used for ability testing, data analysis, and storage. The other half was completely transformed by Fang Zheng into various entertainment facilities, including a game room, hot spring pool, private cinema...

This is also another reason why these girls stayed here and didn’t leave.

By the way, Frenda even asked Fang Zheng to add fast food and clothing stores to the lab... and was promptly thrown out by Fang Zheng.

Do you think this is a department store?

"I’ll take a stroll too."

After saving the data, Fang Zheng reached out to tease the kitten in his arms, then looked around—right now it was evening, and besides the cold walls illuminated by inorganic lights, there was not a hint of human presence. Frenda and the others had already entered the cinema, which meant that outside, only Fang Zheng and the kitten were left.

Looks like their complaints aren’t unfounded; if you stay too long, it indeed feels like being in a sci-fi horror movie.

Thinking this, Fang Zheng left the lab holding the kitten and stepped out the gate.

Soon, the slightly humid air mixed with the noise came rushing in, and coming out of the quiet research lab felt like returning to the world.

Just take a casual stroll.

Watching the people around, Fang Zheng yawned, and then wandered casually down the street with the kitten. Not much to say, just watching the youthful girls on the street was quite a visual treat.

At this moment, it was after school, and the streets were full of girls dressed in various school uniforms—boys were directly ignored by Fang Zheng.

He had no need to look at those walking cabbages and radishes.

As long as this world has cute girls and vegetables, that’s enough.

"Whew..."

Fang Zheng found an open-air tea room, sat down, and ordered a glass of iced tea, then proceeded to pet his cat while watching the crowd. Frankly speaking, if possible, he’d like to always live such a peaceful life... well, of course, life can’t always be peaceful. For Fang Zheng, a moment and forever make no difference, the Time Dragon always transcends time. He can be here, and he can be here forever.

But others cannot.

That’s why our world is influenced by matter.

The life and death of an individual are insignificant; only creating "interaction" can connect each other and form bonds.

Fang Zheng casually came up with this thought, then reached out to pick up the teacup, took a sip of the iced tea, and put the cup down again.

But at this moment, suddenly, Fang Zheng’s movements paused almost imperceptibly. And simultaneously, a shadow appeared in front of Fang Zheng, smiling as she appeared.

"Hello, mister."

A girl with star-shaped eyes and long golden hair wearing a Tokiwadai school uniform smiled as she looked at Fang Zheng.

"I have a small question... Could you please answer it for me?"

"......"

Fang Zheng didn’t answer; he silently stood up, walked to the golden-haired girl, then under her surprised gaze, reached out, encircling her slender waist, pulling her into an embrace.

Facing this sudden scene, the golden-haired girl seemed quite stunned. She opened her mouth wanting to scream, yet at the same time, Fang Zheng lowered his head, sealing her parted lips.

"Mmm... mmm..."

The golden-haired girl widened her eyes in shock, her hands desperately clutching Fang Zheng as if trying to break free, yet Fang Zheng held her tightly. After a moment, he finally released her. Subsequently, the golden-haired girl sank into the chair like a puppet with cut strings, panting for breath.

"Here’s a piece of advice."

Fang Zheng teased the kitten in his arms, smiling at the golden-haired girl before him.

"Next time when you ask a question, don’t try to manipulate someone’s mind, otherwise, you’ll always hit a hard wall. That kiss... hmm, consider it a small punishment."

After saying these words, Fang Zheng chuckled, turned around, and left, leaving the golden-haired girl sitting there, her face flushed, gasping for air as she looked at Fang Zheng’s departing figure. For a moment, she was utterly confused about what to say...