Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Soon, the onlookers dispersed, and Fang Zheng walked up at this moment and waved at Elisa.

”Yo.”

”Mr. Fang Zheng!”

Seeing Fang Zheng appear, Elisa’s face broke into a smile, and she hurriedly ran over from behind the keyboard.

”What are you doing here?”

”Just shopping, heard someone singing, thought it might be you, so I came to check it out.”

”I see...”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s answer, Elisa smiled bashfully.

”I heard your popularity has been rising recently? Ruiko seemed to have recommended your song at the institute...”

”Ruiko?”

”Yes, she’s also a student at Academy City, currently signed up for research in capability development at the institute. She’s really into chasing trends...”

As he spoke, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but recall seeing a comment when watching the anime, where Saten Reiko claimed all urban legends were true, and they were all plot outlines... Hmm... Knowing Saten Reiko, does this mean the event is about to start?

”If you have time, I’ll introduce the two of you. She’s a fan of yours.”

”That’s a bit embarrassing...”

At this point, Elisa seemed to think of something and looked at Fang Zheng.

”Um... Mr. Fang Zheng?”

”Hmm? What is it?”

”Actually, I plan to participate in the selection!”

”Selection? Where is it being held? Surely not outside Academy City...”

”Yes, it’s the Sky Rail Gate Company’s selection in the aerospace area within Academy City.”

As she spoke, Elisa took out her phone and opened a website to show Fang Zheng.

”What’s this?”

”It’s the completion ceremony for the Space Elevator Endymion. They’re looking for singers to perform during the event...”

”Hmm...”

Fang Zheng took the phone and examined it, finding that sure enough, it mentioned the selection process for celebrating the completion of the Space Elevator Endymion by the Sky Rail Gate Company... Normally, wouldn’t they invite famous external idol singers to such grand ceremonies? Why go for a public audition? The Sky Rail Gate Company is clearly an aerospace development institution, are they trying to delve into the entertainment industry?

Their ambition is as vast as the equator.

”So... um...”

”Hmm?”

”If possible, could Mr. Fang Zheng accompany me? I feel a bit nervous going alone...”

As she spoke, Elisa looked at Fang Zheng. In Academy City, she knew only a few people of similar age as herself, while the adult-looking Fang Zheng seemed very composed. In fact, when planning to participate in the selection, Elisa had thought about asking Fang Zheng for help.

She just didn’t expect to bump into him here, so she decided to take the opportunity to extend the invitation.

”Of course, no problem.”

Fang Zheng nodded, agreeing readily. After all, he used to be a manager, and such selections were quite familiar to Fang Zheng.

”Ah...”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s response, Elisa immediately broke into a smile and quickly bowed her head.

”Thank you so much!”

”You’re welcome, it’s no trouble at all.”

Fang Zheng waved his hand, then glanced around.

”So are you planning to continue singing?”

”I’ll rest a bit. Honestly, I’ve been thinking of new songs, but haven’t made much progress... I want to come up with a good song before the selection...”

”Got any ideas?”

”Not at the moment...”

”How about rock? It might heat up the atmosphere for the ceremony.”

”Rock... I haven’t thought about that yet...”

”Then how about I sing a few songs to inspire you?”

”Eh?”

Hearing this, Elisa looked at Fang Zheng in surprise.

”Mr. Fang Zheng, you can sing too?”

”Do I seem tone-deaf?”

”No, no, I didn’t mean that, just a bit surprised... Please, let me listen.”

”No problem.”

Fang Zheng said, standing to the side and glancing at Elisa’s keyboard... It’s really worn out, better to replace it.

Thinking of this, Fang Zheng casually rummaged through his inventory and took out an electric guitar.

”Whoa.”

Seeing Fang Zheng suddenly pull out an electric guitar out of thin air, Elisa was also startled.

”Is this some kind of ability?”

”Sort of... Hmm... It’s quite nostalgic now.”

Looking at the electric guitar in his hand, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but recall the time spent in the World of Love, forming a band with the girls, it was fun... In reality, this guitar is the one Fang Zheng used back then. Shaking his head at the memory, he adjusted the guitar, connected it to the speaker and other equipment, and tweaked it before plucking the strings.

”Next, let me show you my skill!”

”Yes!”

At this moment, Elisa also clenched her fists, eyes wide watching Fang Zheng, while Fang Zheng smiled lightly, his right hand moving, and the song began.

”You guys do not notice that we are gifted, Just by being humans, We are absolute predators...”

The fast-paced rock, combined with Fang Zheng’s unique voice, immediately drew the attention of people passing by, and Elisa was taken aback by the opening, already deeply impressed.

Continuing his singing unfazed, Fang Zheng stood there.

”We do not even have any enemies, Maybe there are other animals watching us and thinking that someday ’we will beat them down’”

Listening to this, quite a few onlookers began to sway with the rhythm, as Fang Zheng’s voice possesses a mysterious charm, pulling them in, unable to break free.

”Oh we have the brains to think hard, Wear our favorite clothes, We are at no doubt human beings...”

As Fang Zheng’s voice soared, the atmosphere among the crowd grew more heated.

”...A human baby, When will they find out, What at the point they were born, we are winners of Earth!”

Soon, the song ended.

”Woohoo!!”

As the final notes faded, the surrounding crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause, and Elisa joined in clapping fervently.

But for Fang Zheng, this was clearly not the end. His fingers plucked the strings again, quickly bringing another upbeat melody to life.

”Finally awake? But why still refuse to meet my gaze? You complain angrily, ’It’s too late’, yet I’ve done everything I could to race to your side. My heart even reached you before my body did...”

”Wow...!”

Upon hearing this, Elisa clenched her hands tightly. If the previous song by Fang Zheng felt like a raging sea, then this one felt like a gentle river. Both sensations were refreshingly new. Moreover, the lyrics were so delightful that just listening to them was intoxicating...

After Fang Zheng finished his second song, the atmosphere was as lively as a street concert, with many people even requesting another song. Eventually, without much choice, Fang Zheng sang ”Fireworks Display” once more, finally calming the overstimulated crowd and announcing the end.

The onlookers, although reluctant, eventually dispersed, as they had their own matters to attend to, since this wasn’t an official concert.

Of course, some fangirls approached Fang Zheng for photos, autographs, and even exchanged phone numbers — and Fang Zheng naturally... couldn’t refuse!

After all, there can never be too many cute girls, and if both sides are willing, progressing to a relationship beyond friendship isn’t bad?

Mm, as long as it doesn’t involve someone who took the wrong medicine...

”Mr. Fang Zheng, you’re amazing!”

After everyone left, Elisa excitedly approached Fang Zheng.

”I haven’t heard any of those songs before. Did you make them yourself?”

”Let’s just say I did...”

After all, this world definitely doesn’t have them.

”With your singing talent, Mr. Fang Zheng, have you thought of becoming an idol?”

”It’s just my hobby for now, something to do occasionally, but getting on stage is out of the question. I still have my research work to do.”

Fang Zheng gave his guitar a spin and then put it away.

”But don’t worry, I’ll go with you when your audition comes.”

”Mm, I’ll count on you then, Mr. Fang Zheng...”

While speaking, Elisa respectfully bowed to Fang Zheng, but at this moment, a dissatisfied voice suddenly came from behind.

”Why is it you again?”

Hearing this, Fang Zheng twitched an eyebrow and turned to see Kuroko Shirai standing not far away, hands on hips, glaring at him with gritted teeth.

”I just got a report from Hatsuharu that people were gathering here, not sure what was going on, so I came to check... and it turns out it’s you causing trouble again? Who is this girl?”

”Ah, hello, I’m Elisa Minori, I’m very sorry, I didn’t mean to...”

”I’m not talking about you!”

Kuroko glared at Elisa then walked forward, grabbing Fang Zheng’s hand.

”Come with me!”

The moment the words were out, Kuroko had whisked Fang Zheng away, leaving Elisa bewildered, standing there completely confused about what just happened.

”Swish!”

Fang Zheng only felt a blur before his eyes, and in the next moment, he found himself in a narrow, pitch-black alley, with Kuroko Shirai standing with her back to him, silent.

”Uh... Kuroko?”

Seeing Kuroko with her back turned, Fang Zheng didn’t know what to say. He originally thought they shouldn’t meet for a while, but didn’t expect Kuroko to aggressively seek him out...

Actually, at this time, according to Fang Zheng’s usual routine, begging for mercy was impossible, being stubborn was pointless, and the customary line should be ”I’ll take responsibility,” but... would Kuroko let him be responsible?

After all, her heart was with Misaka Mikoto, and wanting to take responsibility would be akin to stealing her from someone else...

Huh? Why does that suddenly feel a bit thrilling?

”You have some nerve...”

Just then, Kuroko Shirai spoke, snapping Fang Zheng out of his runaway thoughts.

”I’ve been feeling so awful these past days, and you have the gall to flirt with other girls...”

”Uh... that’s...”

Fang Zheng scratched his cheek, unsure of what to say.

”I don’t like you.”

Kuroko’s voice trembled slightly, and at the same time, her body started to shake.

”I know that...”

Fang Zheng was at a loss, knowing Kuroko’s true love was Mikoto — everyone knew that.

”Remember, I don’t like you!”

”Ah, yes, I’ll remember... mmph...”

Before Fang Zheng could finish speaking, Kuroko suddenly disappeared from view and the next moment, she had leapt into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and sealing his lips.

”Mmph... mmm...”

Kuroko was still just a girl, her technique unrefined, while Fang Zheng was dumbfounded, having no idea what was going on.

Who declares they don’t like someone then pounces on them? Is this tsundere behavior? But Kuroko isn’t the tsundere type!

If it were Misaka Mikoto, that might make sense.

After a while, they finally parted.

”Huff... huff...”

Kuroko’s face was flushed, staring at Fang Zheng with dazed and dreamy eyes.

”Hey, are you okay!”

Seeing this, Fang Zheng was startled. He quickly checked... nothing seemed wrong. She hadn’t taken the wrong medicine nor was anyone controlling her.

”I don’t like you, but I’m alright, my heart will always belong to Sister Dear...”

Saying this, Kuroko clung tightly to Fang Zheng, leaving him speechless.

Your words and actions don’t match at all!

”So, it’s alright...”

At this, Kuroko bit her lip, then turned to face the wall, reaching out her hand, slowly bending over. With the girl’s movement, the already short Tokiwadai skirt gradually rose.

”So... please, Mr. Fang Zheng...”

”Uh...”

Looking at Kuroko’s posed figure, Fang Zheng was baffled, unsure of the situation.

But... since Kuroko was inviting him this time...

”I won’t hold back then.”

Saying this, Fang Zheng reached out.

Soon, the two figures overlaid in the dim alley, their hurried breaths turning into muffled moans.

In that moment, Kuroko felt as if she was caught in a raging storm, sometimes submerged in the depths, sometimes soaring into the clouds. Soon, she felt her strength dissipate under the storm’s impact, while simultaneously, the emptiness inside her felt more urgent...

”Ah———!!”

When that sense of emptiness was filled by a sudden impact, Kuroko couldn’t contain it any longer and let out a scream.