"There's definitely danger. Faith causes people to idolize something. That kind of idolization becomes a form of spiritual support and strength. But sometimes, that kind of spiritual power can also drive people to do insane things."
"Such a church is called a cult."
"But there are also religions that don't push their followers to extremes or carry out evil rituals. All they require is pure, sincere belief from the heart."
"A church like that is called orthodox."
"Miss Katsura, do you think someone like Sanzenin would be stupid enough to join a cult?"
Hearing that, Hinagiku gradually calmed down.
In terms of intellect and maturity, Nagi wasn't someone who would fall for that kind of deception.
If she wanted to understand more, she would have to step into the world Nagi now lived in.
And clearly, it wasn't just Nagi involved anymore. There were many others as well.
So if she wanted answers, she would have to go in herself.
Thinking that, Hinagiku made up her mind.
"Then, what does it take to become a believer?"
Ren looked at Hinagiku with interest.
"Are you really willing to go that far just to learn more about Sanzenin and the others, Miss Katsura?"
"You already said it's not a cult. If that's the case, then what's there to be afraid of?"
Hinagiku smiled, completely unfazed by the world she was about to step into, placing full trust in her own judgment.
"That's a strong reason."
Ren could see that she was serious. She had the courage to get involved. In a sense, Hinagiku perfectly embodied the qualities required of someone extraordinary.
"Since you've made up your mind, then come with me."
Ren didn't delay. He led Hinagiku to a quiet residential area and randomly picked a room.
Bang.
With a snap of his fingers, the door opened.
Ren walked in first. Hinagiku hesitated for a moment, eyeing the door curiously before following.
There was no keypad or electronic control.
How exactly had it opened?
It was a thick, standard anti-theft door. The kind of door you'd expect to need a key for.
Hinagiku couldn't figure out how it had opened just from a finger snap.
"Don't stare at it, Miss Katsura. The door opens through a special method. You won't figure it out."
Hinagiku gave the door one last glance before finally closing it behind her.
"So, why bring me into this room?"
"To let you receive the benefits of becoming a believer. To let you experience firsthand the power that Tarot can give."
"Oh!" Hinagiku's eyes lit up with interest.
She assumed the process must be something elaborate.
"The process isn't important. The choice is."
Ren smiled slightly. He stepped up to her, raised his finger, and gently tapped her forehead.
In that moment, a torrent of information exploded inside her mind.
Countless fragments of knowledge about the Lawyer Pathway surged through her thoughts. At the same time, the spiritual switch in her body was activated.
As her mind rapidly absorbed this new knowledge, her awakened spirituality began to spread, condense, and stabilize.
Soon, Hinagiku's dazed eyes regained clarity.
She looked at Ren, her expression full of disbelief at the power now coursing through her.
"This… this is the special power?"
"The name of this power is Lawyer. As the name suggests, you now possess the abilities of a Lawyer. You're skilled at finding loopholes in rules and exploiting them."
"Your words carry weight. You can distort or influence someone's thoughts to a certain extent. People will feel more affinity toward you and be more willing to believe what you say."
As Ren explained, Hinagiku reviewed what she had just absorbed. The ability's characteristics really did match the impression she had of the word "Lawyer."
"But aside from this, there are no other powers. Compared to other Sequence abilities, the Lawyer Path seems rather plain."
Even so, Hinagiku didn't think it was weak.
"No, this power is strong. Being able to twist someone's thoughts is basically like brainwashing. There's nothing ordinary about that at all."
By exploiting loopholes in logic or rules, she could bend perceptions and influence actions. That kind of distortion was powerful in its own right.
In fact, it bordered on being unreasonable.
If used properly, and with knowledge of the rules, it could be extremely effective.
Moreover, this ability also boosted her affinity with others. As student council president, Hinagiku knew just how important affinity was.
Her ability to solve problems didn't come only from competence. Her rapport with classmates was a major factor.
Affinity helped bring people closer. And combined with the power to influence thoughts, this ability could easily be wielded by someone manipulative—or worse.
After digesting the power's implications, Hinagiku looked again at the ordinary-looking boy in front of her.
"So, the Fool of the Tarot Club… is you, isn't it, Amamiya-san?"
A small smile curved at the corners of Ren's lips.
"That's right."
Hinagiku's face twitched. Then she covered her face with her hand in frustration.
"So I've been talking about this with the cult leader all this time?"
"Hey now. Calling me a cult leader is going a bit too far, Miss Katsura."
Ren didn't agree with the label at all.
"From the very beginning, I've been trying to stop you from getting involved. You were the one insisting on walking in."
Hinagiku knew that was true. She couldn't argue with it, which made her even more annoyed.
"I know… and now I regret it."
Of course, it was far too late for regrets.
After venting a little, she lifted her head again.
"So you also used that special ability back at the banquet, didn't you? That's why we thought you were just an ordinary person, and not the key to anything."
Ren nodded slightly.
"Deception is also a type of ability."
Hinagiku was silent for a moment.
And this man even admitted it without hesitation.
(To be continued.)