Chapter 1741: Chapter 1739: Out for a Stroll (Bought a New Shower System)

Looking at the two girls in front of him, Fang Zheng’s expression didn’t change much. After all, he had watched the anime and had some understanding of Frenda.

Frenda Severine.

Born in Nordic, 16 years old, LEVEL4 "Spatial Teleportation" Great Ability Holder.

As for her ability, Fang Zheng had also investigated through "Ratziel".

Simply put, in terms of nature, Frenda’s ability is similar to that of the pervert Kuroko Shirai in the anime; both belong to the space system. However, Kuroko Shirai is "Spatial Movement", while Frenda is "Spatial Teleportation".

One is "Move", the other is "Teleport"; it seems there is only a word difference, but in fact, the essence is quite far apart.

For example, Frenda can’t move herself to other places like Kuroko Shirai. What she can do is transfer the items in her hands to other places. In this respect, Frenda seems to have no difference from Kuroko Shirai. After all, Kuroko Shirai also habitually transfers pins to the enemy’s body for attack.

But there is a major difference between the two sides.

That is, Frenda’s ability not only can "Transfer", but also can "Send Back".

Kuroko Shirai’s ability belongs to the type where things are moved out and then ignored. However, Frenda is just the opposite. The things she has touched will have a "mark", and then Frenda can freely teleport these items to any corner and then retrieve them back to her hand.

Of course, just like the limitations of Kuroko Shirai, Frenda’s ability also has major limitations. First, her teleportation requirements are stringent. The items themselves cannot be living organisms, and cannot exceed five kilograms, also the size has a limit. Secondly, when Frenda "transfers" items out, it must be within her vision range with a radius of 100 meters, but retrieval doesn’t need to be within her vision range.

This is also the reason Frenda can be recognized as a LEVEL4 Great Ability Holder. Similarly, space ability users like Kuroko Shirai and Musujime Awaki can only "move" items, but Frenda can both "transfer" and "send back". Especially the latter, it is precisely because of this peculiarity that Frenda is assessed as LEVEL4, and this institute has been continuously funding them.

However, what surprised Fang Zheng was, during his investigation using "Ratziel", he was astonished to find that Frenda did not join the Dark Side.

This doesn’t connect with the anime at all, does it?

But thinking carefully, Fang Zheng understood.

After all, Frenda joined the Dark Side initially to support herself and her sister, in short, it was due to lack of money to find a job. So why was she lacking money? Now it seems, it should be due to this institute going bankrupt — after all, the bankruptcy of this institute wasn’t Fang Zheng’s doing, there are plenty of institutes quietly dying every day in Academy City, he just randomly found one that seemed decent.

In this case, if Fang Zheng didn’t take over, then this institute would definitely end in bankruptcy, and Frenda, losing support, would have to find a job to support herself and her sister... Yeah, this connects it.

"Yes, that’s right."

Facing Fang Zheng, Frenda seemed somewhat nervous, while her sister Flemia curiously stared at Fang Zheng without blinking, as if looking at a panda.

"Let me confirm again, the contract says you are responsible for providing ability assistance to the institute, specifically in what aspect?"

Fang Zheng’s impression of Frenda was only from her brief few appearances in the anime. He wasn’t particularly influenced by Frenda’s ability. Of course, he knew this girl was a bomb fanatic... how come I can’t escape from bomb maniacs even in this world?

Megumin, Louise, Frenda... Seems like this is a bomb-fanatic world, isn’t it?

Might as well pull a bomb in myself and blow up the whole world.

"Mainly, I am responsible for using abilities to teleport and transfer items, then using instruments to detect the data..."

"Oh... Got it."

It seems this institute wants to unravel the "teleportation" mystery in Frenda’s spatial ability. Unfortunately, they lack intellect and funds, ultimately playing themselves to death.

Must say, the direction is chosen pretty well.

"Let me explain our institute’s future direction."

Fang Zheng changed his posture, leaned against the back of the chair, and stared at Frenda in front. Under his gaze, Frenda appeared somewhat nervous.

"Starting from tomorrow, the institute’s main target is in biological research, including genes and heredity... Therefore, we might need to extract and test some blood samples from you."

"Blood extraction..."

Upon hearing this, Frenda immediately displayed a bitter expression. However, after glancing at her sister, she still braced herself and nodded.

"Alright, no problem, if you can get Academy City’s approval."

Ability users’ blood sample extraction is not casually done, after all, they are ability users. If someone steals their sample and uses it elsewhere, who knows what might happen. Therefore, generally speaking, ability users’ blood sample extraction and research need approval from the Academy high-ups.

Fang Zheng didn’t care about this at all, directly hacking into the Tree Diagram Designer, sending a permit to himself.

A broken supercomputer, not even considered a quantum computer; cracking it with Fang Zheng’s personal terminal isn’t any more troublesome than taking money from the FBI.

"Great, so it’s settled. We’ll draft a new contract; please sign it at that time... also, since our future direction will be relatively advanced, it may take relatively more time, so you’ll need to report to the institute every day."

"Every day?"

Upon hearing this, Frenda was shocked. The previous contract she signed required her to go once a week, but now it’s every day?

"That’s right. Of course, as a compensation, the funding will increase by forty percent. How do you feel about this number?"

Fang Zheng wrote a string of numbers on paper, then showed it to Frenda, and then...

"No problem!!"

Immediately got the other party’s response.

Indeed, I knew mentioning money would make you honest.

"So it’s decided. Also, since you’re already contracted employees of this institute, you’ll also enjoy a certain degree of welfare allowance. If there are any difficulties in your life, feel free to bring them up; as long as they’re not excessive, they can be accommodated."

"Really?"

Upon hearing this, Frenda’s eyes lit up immediately, and she hurriedly raised her hand.

"I have a request!"

"What is it?"

"Well... my sister and I live too far apart. My sister is currently in the Twelfth School District, but I’m in the Seventh School District, so I’d like to rent a larger double apartment closer to my sister!"

"No problem."

It’s the FBI’s money anyway, Fang Zheng couldn’t care less.

"And preferably with refined decoration!"

"Can do."

"Ideally with a garden!"

"If available."

"Also preferably with a swimming pool... indoor, heated..."

"Cough, cough."

Looking at Frenda talking more and more off-topic, Fang Zheng coughed, and Frenda, who was on a roll, immediately realized and stuck out her tongue apologetically, then sat back down obediently.

You wouldn’t plan to ask for a helipad too, would you?

"If you really want these, you can choose to live in the research facility."

Fang Zheng stared at Frenda and smiled.

"Eh? But there’s nothing in the research facility!"

"We’ll be renovating next."

After all, the research facility is Fang Zheng’s base in this world, so he definitely wouldn’t compromise himself, and since he doesn’t need to spend his own money, Fang Zheng plans to design it like a five-star hotel. But he wouldn’t tell Frenda that; this little girl might come up with some crooked idea.

"How about this, you guys pick a place yourselves, once you’ve chosen, send it to me, and let the research facility cover the cost of renting."

"Really? So... are there any limitations?"

Frenda isn’t actually dumb; she just loves to take advantage of small conveniences. Hearing Fang Zheng being so generous made her worry a bit.

"No, but you know, if you choose a place too extravagant, the corresponding workload will also increase."

"Uh..."

Upon hearing this, Frenda’s face fell, but she eventually nodded.

"Okay, I understand."

They chatted a bit more, then Frenda left with her sister, and it seems she really cares about her sister, which is something Fang Zheng didn’t notice in the animation. As Frenda mentioned, she and her sister depend on each other... Well, Fang Zheng wasn’t too surprised.

Thinking about it, Frenda’s personality is quite normal. Although many in the animation said Frenda betrayed her companions, what’s odd about that? She joined the Dark Side not out of any deep-seated reason, nor, like Accelerator, to atone, but simply to earn money to support herself and her sister.

For Frenda, the Dark Side job is just a job, without ideals or ties. Earning a living is the most important, and compared to that, preserving life is naturally paramount. If she were to die, there’d be no one to take care of her sister.

Of course, now with Fang Zheng’s intervention, Frenda probably won’t join the Dark Side.

But Fang Zheng isn’t just spending money randomly; he genuinely does want to research the genetic makeup of Frenda, an Ability User, to see if there are differences between her and others. It’s a pity Red Ponytail didn’t collect Louise’s blood sample in the last world, otherwise Fang Zheng could compare the genetic structures among Frenda the Superpower User, Riko the Hidden Ability User, and Louise the Void Ability User.

Oh, and it’d be best to have a few normal people for comparison...

But it’s not too late now.

With that thought, Fang Zheng closed his eyes, sent an order to Red Ponytail, and then left the office, proceeding to the end of the corridor, extending his hand to push open the cold metal door.

The next moment, warm wooden furniture decorations replaced the existing cold metal walls and floors, appearing around Fang Zheng.

"Ah, Mr. Fang Zheng, you’re back. Is your work completed?"

Sitting on the sofa watching TV, Riko Mine turned to see Fang Zheng return and put down the remote control, waving at Fang Zheng.

"Yep, it’s done... Where are Meiyin and Mel?"

"They just called to say they won’t be home for dinner."

"That’s normal, let them be."

Fang Zheng wasn’t surprised, actually playing the role of a "young company employee who’s always busy with work" to both families, leaving before dawn and returning around eleven or twelve. This way, Mel and Meiyin can spend as much time as possible with their families.

Sometimes, Fang Zheng even uses "overtime" as an excuse to let them stay overnight at their parents’ homes—though it sounds pitiful, for the two girls, it’s actually quite good.

Fang Zheng doesn’t worry about Meiyin; after all, she was a college student before her rebirth, with some self-control. But he’s speechless about Mel, always feeling like she’s going to expose her true identity in a few days... Well, let her be; it’s her own doing.

Who could blame her when she behaves like a pervert following her sister, and when found, panics and tries to deny it, shouting "I’m not following you; I’m just out for a walk!"

Once or twice might be believed by others, but who would believe it after three to five times?

"Then we..."

Fang Zheng checked the time and made a decision.

"Riko, let’s take a stroll in Academy City, have dinner, and maybe buy you some new clothes. How about that?"

"Really? That’s awesome! Thank you, Mr. Fang Zheng!"

Riko jumped excitedly upon hearing this and hugged Fang Zheng. During the days with Fang Zheng, the shadow in her heart from being imprisoned by Vlad seemed to dissipate, becoming livelier, acting like a lovely little sister clinging to Fang Zheng.

Well... Fang Zheng already has many sisters; what’s one more?

Soon, the two of them changed clothes and transported through the door back to the research facility, happily heading to the streets of Academy City, strolling and shopping.

It was already evening, but Academy City was still lively, reminding Fang Zheng of University City—nighttime is the busiest in University City, with people drinking and eating barbecue everywhere... Hmm, though it’s rare to see that now...

"Mr. Fang Zheng, I’ve thought it over." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Suddenly, Riko spoke up as they were shopping.

"I want to go to Armed Detective Academy!"

"Hmm? You want to go to Armed Detective Academy?"

"Yes."

Upon Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Riko nodded firmly.

"I wish to gain the same skills as my great-grandfather, so I came to Academy City, but you mentioned that the courses here are just scams. Even studying here won’t grant me what I want; I might as well learn Martial Investigator skills at Armed Detective Academy. At least this way, I can somewhat assist you, Mr. Fang Zheng!"

Riko counted on her fingers while saying this.

"I’ve researched that Armed Detective Academy helps develop investigation capabilities, intelligence-gathering skills, combat abilities, and... many useful things. I’m sure I can help you, Mr. Fang Zheng."

"Oh, I see... hmm, if you’ve decided, I’ll naturally support it."

Fang Zheng was somewhat surprised by Riko’s decision but, upon thinking it over, did not object. Armed Detective Academy is indeed a comprehensive vocational school, with the advantage of teaching well-rounded skills. Riko is smart, so she should do well.

"Hehe..."

Riko laughed happily, squinting her eyes at Fang Zheng’s response. Just then, as they continued talking and walking, they approached a nearby shopping district.

However, at that moment...

"Boom!!"

Suddenly, the previously closed bank gate near Fang Zheng exploded, and roaring flames and pitch-black smoke gushed out, engulfing them both!