Multiverse: Why does the world show a health bar? !

"The end of science is theology."

Li Mo had often come across such statements. When science advances to a certain point, it becomes incomprehensible to the average person, appearing as mythical as folklore. The enigmatic field of quantum mechanics, for instance, can recreate many phenomena described in myths.

Li Mo believed this statement was wrong.

The end of theology is science. As time progresses into the distant future and science advances further, everything recorded in ancient myths can be explained from a scientific perspective. The world of *Type-Moon* proves this point. In the Age of Gods, all magecraft was considered magic, but in the modern era, only five things can still be called "true magic." The rest of what was once "magic" has been replicated by humanity through science.

"But climbing the tech tree... that's impossible!"

Compared to science, the greatest advantage of mysteries is that they are easier to learn. Unlike the complex formulas of mathematics, mysteries allow one to take shortcuts by leveraging "similarities." In simple terms, it's like copying homework.

"Armor," "idol worship"... the existence of such concepts means that mysteries do not prohibit borrowing or imitation. In fact, imitating deities to gain power is a common practice among magi.

Of course, the entire process is aimed at connecting to the [Root].

Unfortunately, in all of Japan, Li Mo did not have a companion like Medea, someone who could be both a teacher and a friend. Hanazono Yurine claimed to be a witch, but she seemed more like a college student with a chuunibyou complex. Her daily focus was on her studies.

And then there was Tohr and the other dragons.

"Sigh."

Clunk. Li Mo watched as the vending machine dispensed his drinks and silently picked up the cans, which were more numerous than he expected.

A couple of days ago, he had called the dragon named Lucoa. After a brief conversation, she didn't outright reject his request. However, the dragon, who had once been worshipped as a deity in the Americas, stated that she couldn't provide direct assistance.

—She had no need for things like magic books. But Lucoa mentioned that if he was willing, she could introduce him to an official organization.

Li Mo chose to decline.

His essence was no longer human. From every angle, he was drifting further and further away from the term "human."

Yokai, heroic spirit... any of these terms could overshadow the "human" aspect of his identity.

While this world was friendly toward non-humans, the waters behind it were too deep.

So deep that even a large stone thrown into them would never reach the bottom.

"I'm back. Here are your drinks."

Returning to the clubroom, Li Mo tossed the drinks to the other members and sat down in his usual spot, sinking back into a state of self-imposed isolation.

After defeating Kibutsuji Muzan, his spirits had undoubtedly soared. An enemy he had once feared turned out to be no match for him. But upon stepping into the darker side of this world, he was met with a blow that left him numb.

The phenomenon of crossing worlds wasn't uncommon. Tohr could travel between her world and Earth at will.

Transmigrators weren't rare either. Almost every year, people would cross over to other worlds. Some crossed over with their physical bodies, while others were reincarnated after death.

There's always someone better, and there's always a higher mountain.

These factors were the triggers, but what truly left Li Mo in a state of self-doubt was losing Medea's guidance. His learning progress had become too slow.

"Don't you need to go to the tennis court today?" Yukinoshita asked.

"Totsuka said he has something to do today, so training is temporarily canceled. But at this rate, we should be able to complete the request by next week."

When it came to the popular kids in *Oregairu*, the first image that came to mind was Hayama Hayato. But now, upon reflection, Totsuka Saika was also one of them.

Totsuka Saika was highly popular among both boys and girls. With a gentle personality and a pleasing appearance, he possessed the tenderness of a girl and the resilience of a boy.

He combined the best traits of both genders without their flaws, making him incredibly well-liked. He could also handle any friendship with ease.

After all, Totsuka Saika was someone who could be friends with Hikigaya Hachiman!

"Li Mo, why are you looking at me like that? And with such pitying eyes?"

"No, I'm not, I didn't."

Yukinoshita Yukino sighed as she watched the interaction between the two boys. "Is Li-kun okay now?"

"I've temporarily covered up the problem."

"Is that so? I don't mind being your sounding board."

Troubles are meant to be shared.

After her conversation with her sister last week, Yukinoshita Yukino understood this truth.

Li Mo said, "Oh, Yukinoshita-sama seems to have matured a lot... Well, I have a question. Have you ever experienced a situation where your progress in learning something was slow, or even nonexistent for years?"

Yukinoshita Yukino frowned. "I've never had such an experience."

"See? You can't empathize with mediocrity."

"Your learning speed isn't slow. You're not mediocre."

"Yukinoshita-sama, saying that will make Yuigahama cry."

Yuigahama Yui, who had been named, was stunned for a moment before speaking up. "Uh, why are you two talking about me?"

"Because you have the worst grades in the Service Club."

"W-well..." Yuigahama Yui couldn't refute this; it was the truth. She turned her gaze to Hikigaya and asked, "What about Hikki?"

"I'm third in the grade for science, Yui," Li Mo said.

Silence...

Yuigahama Yui's neck stiffened like a puppet's as she turned to look at Hikigaya Hachiman, her pitiful expression seeming to beg for an answer. She was hoping Hikigaya would deny Li Mo's words.

Reality was cruel.

Hikigaya Hachiman nodded silently.

So, I'm the only one in the Service Club who's an academic failure?

"Yui, if you're willing, I can tutor you."

"Like how you tutored Li-kun?"

"Exactly!"

The other two members of the Service Club knew that Li Mo and Yukinoshita Yukino had met because of tutoring.

Foreign students at Soubu High weren't common, and rarity made them worth paying attention to. Li Mo's once eccentric behavior had even become a topic of discussion.

But... the interests of high schoolers are ever-changing. A topic without follow-up won't stay relevant for long. Young people are always chasing the next trend.

Thus, Yuigahama Yui knew that Li Mo's grades had once been poor, but in a short time, they had skyrocketed, placing him near the top of the grade.

Could I do the same?

But would Yukinoshita-sama think I'm stupid?

Yuigahama Yui was lost in her thoughts. Yukinoshita Yukino noticed something and asked about it. Hikigaya Hachiman sat quietly, like a meditating monk.

Li Mo, meanwhile, was in a daze.

A panel that only he could see appeared before his eyes.

"Next Dungeon World: *A Certain Magical Index*."

"Dungeon opens in: 24:00."

*A Certain Magical Index*?

Ugh, just kill me now!