"Miss Katsura, what did you want to talk to me about?"
As they moved to a quieter corner, Ren was the first to speak.
"It's about Nagi-chan."
After giving it some thought, Hinagiku decided to begin with Nagi's situation.
"I'm actually quite familiar with Nagi's personality. In the past, she lacked strong willpower and perseverance. Of course, I know a big part of it was due to her family environment."
"But it was exactly because she lived in such a comfortable environment that she couldn't make up her mind easily. So how did her health suddenly improve? And how did she find that determination?"
This was the direction Hinagiku had always wanted Nagi to improve in, but no matter how hard she tried, she had never succeeded in motivating her.
"When a person gains enough perseverance to accomplish something, it's because they have a clear goal. And that goal is more important to them than even themselves. In that case, no matter how lazy someone is, they'll show surprising perseverance to achieve it."
"It's not that they can't work hard. It's just that the results of their hard work usually take too long to show. They want something they can see progress in right away, so they have a reason to convince themselves to stick with it."
"The current Nagi fits both of those conditions."
"She has a clear goal she absolutely wants to achieve, and she also has the conditions to see progress day by day."
"That's why she's changed so much. Even those of you who are close to her feel like she's a completely different person."
Ren's explanation was smooth and logical. Naturally, Hinagiku understood what he meant.
In summary, it came down to having a clear goal and being able to see visible progress. So, she followed that train of thought and asked further:
"So… does something like that really exist in the world of ordinary people?"
"Well, saying it doesn't would be too narrow. I think it does exist, even in the ordinary world."
Hinagiku took a deep breath.
"So, Mr. Ren, do you not understand what I mean?"
Ren wasn't annoyed. He just gave a slight nod.
"I understand you perfectly, but I think asking me so directly is a bit careless. What if I really was dangerous? Wouldn't you be in danger right now, Miss Katsura?"
"No, you're not."
Hinagiku lightly shook her head.
Ren responded by shaking his head as well, then suddenly raised his hand.
Huh?
Hinagiku saw a flash of light before her eyes.
Her vision dropped. The pain of her face hitting the ground became incredibly clear. She felt like her sight had fallen to the floor. When she tried to move, she realized only her eyes could move, everything else was frozen.
The last thing she saw was her own body collapsing. After that, she couldn't see anything else.
It was only at that moment that Hinagiku realized something terrifying.
Her head had been cut off.
Once that realization hit, overwhelming fear and pain surged through her nerves.
Suddenly, Hinagiku's eyes shot open.
"Haa… haa… haa…"
Her ragged breathing made her feel the rhythm of her heartbeat. She instinctively reached for her neck. After confirming that her head was still attached, the terror began to fade just a little.
"Now then, Miss Katsura. Do you still think I'm not dangerous?"
"!?"
Her breathing wouldn't slow. The fear of being decapitated couldn't be pushed aside so easily.
Hearing that calm voice startled Hinagiku again.
But in the next moment, she gradually began to control her breathing. The fear started to subside.
The panic in her eyes faded, replaced by a calm gaze as she looked directly at Ren.
"I still don't think you are."
Same answer as before.
But this time, Ren held his head slightly, as if he had a headache.
"Really?"
He had originally wanted to use this as a lesson, to show her that dangerous people don't wear signs that say 'I'm dangerous' on their foreheads.
But this she really had exceptional mental endurance. She had just been overwhelmed with fear a second ago, yet she managed to suppress it almost instantly, like someone with extraordinary qualities.
"You were the ones who said you wanted to investigate this yourselves."
Hinagiku's reasoning was simple and direct, and Ren couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"When I said 'investigate,' I didn't mean walking up and asking to die."
"She clearly heard the warning from Aika just now, yet she still came right up to me without hesitation. That really is just like the all-powerful student council president."
Finally, he let out a sigh.
"Oh well. No matter what, Miss Katsura's endurance really is incredible. Even in the face of overwhelming fear, she can still control her emotions. Her mental strength and composure are unmatched among anyone I've met."
There wasn't much he could do when faced with a student council president so set on uncovering the truth.
In his impression, the student council president should be a cautious and careful person. Yet, she had gone with such a bold and direct approach.
What was even more surprising was her ability to maintain emotional control. He had clearly used his Dream-based ability to let her experience a simulated beheading, but she still managed to rein herself in. Truly impressive.
"So, why are you so obsessed with this, Miss Katsura?"
"Curiosity and worry."
Hinagiku was indeed curious about the secret. But the reason she had chosen such a direct approach was because of her concern.
"Nagi-chan, Isumi-san, and Aika-san are all involved in this secret."
"It may bring benefits to Nagi-chan and Aika, but I also need to confirm how dangerous this secret is for them."
Even Ren couldn't refute that.
If something had the potential to bring great benefit, it also had the potential for great risk.
Worrying that her friends might be in danger, and having the courage to walk into the unknown—that, too, was a form of bravery.
Of course, Ren had more admiration for Hinagiku's calm judgment and strong will when facing the fog of the unknown.
"Well then, since you've shown that kind of mindset and ability, you're indeed qualified to know."
(To be continued.)