Honkai: Man(Sludge) From Future

The news from Academy City was indeed explosive, but not completely explosive.

Unlike the skin color potion incident, there wasn't immediate public outcry. Gender, unlike skin color, wasn't just about social relations; it held a crucial position in the relations of production.

While modern society had made strides in closing the physical gap between men and women, it was still just a trend.

Hachiman figured he'd likely never find a "real" woman again. He wondered if he should learn how to use living Stigmata armor.

He currently possessed a standard set, issued to Public Safety cadets. Government property, essentially, belonging to no one and everyone.

But Hachiman knew there was another type of Stigmata armor, custom-made based on individual genetic information, offering better synchronization and even equipped with Anti-Entropy's Quantum Shifting technology. Quantum Shifting meant instant deployment, better concealment.

A strange silence hung over Academy City. Hachiman sat outside the Kengan Association, listening to the usual boisterous cheers from within, seemingly unaffected by the news, just as before the announcement.

"I envy them. Completely untouched, fully immersed in their world."

Hachiman genuinely admired those pursuing their passions.

Many in Academy City had no such freedom. Conscripted students, shrine maidens, even streetwalkers and male escorts were being rounded up for "re-education."

Hachiman stood up, looking around, noticing others like him, staring at the Kengan Arena with a mixture of longing and anticipation. They quickly averted their gaze when Hachiman met their eyes, as if embarrassed by their interest.

"Could there be many thinking the same thing?"

Hachiman didn't believe his simple desire for normalcy could change anything. A disturbing thought occurred to him.

Male-to-female transitions might be less common than expected. Once gender differences became irrelevant, people would instinctively choose the stronger, more practical form. Those lacking female reproductive organs could endure more strenuous work.

If maximizing productivity was the goal, employers would likely prefer an all-male workforce.

Hachiman realized something profound. Future humans would choose the gender most convenient and suitable for their profession. Procreation would no longer be a biological imperative, but a consequence of societal structures.

"Whoever controls the power of procreation controls the future."

Hachiman wasn't sure if his deduction was correct, but he instinctively knew it was a crucial factor in maintaining human society.

"Academy City's leadership must have planned this. Destroying ethics isn't the goal; it's about forcing people to relinquish their reproductive rights."

Makoto Nakamura's words echoed in his mind.

It all clicked. Like a scroll unfurling, revealing the complete picture, Hachiman suddenly grasped the true meaning of Academy City.

"A living Stigmata factory. Such advanced biotech, not used to alleviate suffering or cure diseases, but to attack ethical relationships. There must be an ulterior motive."

"No, there's something missing… ID cards alone can't establish a power structure. A new social order is emerging, but it lacks a crucial component. The Pacific Fleet wasn't built to deter surrounding nations, but to protect Pacific trade routes. Like ancient armies maintaining farms and mercenaries, this power structure needs a decisive force… military might."

"Living Stigmata… Living Stigmata…"

Hachiman hadn't conceived of a "Stigmata Mother" controlling all living Stigmata armor. His lack of in-depth knowledge about the technology blinded him.

But he could see the external manifestation of power. Academy City must possess a force capable of controlling the Stigmata armor. He simply didn't know what it was.

Was this world truly free?

In a way, yes.

But as a Public Safety cadet, Hachiman felt the invisible chains tightening. The emerging power structure would be more centralized than he could imagine.

He was grateful to Makoto Nakamura, to the Madonna Cult.

Staring at the Kengan Arena, Hachiman finally understood.

"Who should I ask about this? The small leader? Kuro? Shirogane? Someone else?"

He knew he was too insignificant to interfere in this power struggle, but lacking connections would make him a casualty.

Since he was already involved, he had to choose the right side.

But which side was right?

A familiar figure flashed in his mind. A white-haired young man, and the miniature sun descending from the sky.

Seemingly the only one capable of fighting the renowned Dr. Tesla…

He didn't know the outcome of their battle, but judging by Tesla's subsequent behavior, the white-haired youth had likely won, gaining control of Academy City.

"But I can't just approach him directly… What if he's in some underground fortress…?"

Hachiman figured such a powerful figure wouldn't be easily accessible. Yet, he'd encountered him several times in casual settings, without any security detail.

He wondered if such a being even needed security. Someone capable of obliterating any threat with a flick of the wrist, protected by people with handguns?

With such power looming over Academy City, a reversal seemed unlikely.

He doubted the Valkyries would oppose the Council either.

"I need to talk to Nakamura again."