Radio Noise Project / Zero (Synopsis)
There was an experiment that preceded the Radio Noise Project (RNP) called RNP/Zero. The subject of that experiment is Misaka Mikoto. The goal of the experiment was to raise Mikoto's esper level from 5 to 6. Similar to RNP, the subject will have to kill a number of clones to reach the next level. They are not level 2-3 but level 5. Because of this she only need to kill less than 100 of them to reach level 6. Mikoto was hesitant at first because she feels awkward killing someone who looks exactly like her but the scientist assured to her that they are just flesh dolls. They told her that they have no emotions whatsoever and only do what they are programmed to just like machines.
All was going according to plan until Mikoto's body started to deteriorate and eventually die. They were in big trouble because it would difficult to hide the death of a level 5 esper like Mikoto so they tried to see if they could revive her and find out what went wrong. Initial investigation on the cause shows them the root cause. Using level 5 clones put a lot of stress on the normal human body. Unlike the experiment where Accelerator was in, Mikoto was directly connected to the misaka network. That method greatly lessened the number of clones needed to be killed because Mikoto level up twice as fast. One is through direct experience and the other through the brainwave network. They should have taken the slower and safer path.
That connection same connection helped that scientist to find a way out of their problem. Since Mikoto's experiences were shared through the network, it is possible that part of her consciousness have leaked into the network as well. Upon hypothesizing this, the immediately proceed to test their theory. After careful analysis of the data inside the network, they were able to find its WILL. It was an entity born from the collective experiences of the clones as well as Misaka Mikoto. It took a while but they were able to separate Mikoto's data using her unique brainwave pattern which was collected during the course of the experiment. To hide their failure, they erased portion of the data that relates to RNP/Zero. The filtered data was then inserted the spare clone and gave it a code, Full-Tuning.
All physical evidences pointing to the project's existence were destroyed. The original Misaka Mikoto's corpse and the rest of the clones, dead and unused, were all disposed off. The data collected from the experiment were labeled top secret. Once everything was in order, they started planning for the next RNP, taking into account what they learned from their previous mistake.
Full-tuning was sent to Mikoto's house believing that she is the real Misaka Mikoto. Mikoto's family greeted her like the real Mikoto. Both parties are ignorant about the tragic fate of the real Misaka Mikoto.