That birthday party had also been a day influenced by special abilities.
Looking back on it now, Hinagiku realized that Ren had seemed unusually sincere, not at all like someone with powers.
At the time, she just thought Ren was an ordinary person who happened to know the inside story.
Who would've guessed that the "ordinary insider" she trusted back then turned out to be the true core of the secret group?
She found out too late.
It wasn't until after she officially joined the mysterious organization and obtained special powers that she learned the truth.
Hinagiku clearly understood one thing now, it was already too late to back out.
She had received power from Ren. She had stepped into a domain that ordinary people couldn't touch. And even if she wanted to quit now, she doubted it was possible.
Of course, the benefits were undeniable.
The ability she received—Lawyer—was extraordinary, to say the least.
While it didn't directly enhance physical strength, its effects were far more frightening than brute force.
After all, neither affinity nor the power to influence others' thoughts could be acquired through training alone.
"But… how did you get this ability in the first place? If this power were given to a real-world Lawyer with bad intentions, it could definitely cause serious chaos."
Ren agreed with her assessment.
"The Lawyer Path is really well-suited for doing some questionable things."
"You've only unlocked the most basic level of this Path, but even so, it's more than enough to cause widespread social harm."
"If someone like a dishonest attorney acquired this power, they could easily cause countless wrongful convictions."
"Which means… wait."
As she was speaking, Hinagiku suddenly caught a key detail.
"This is the initial level of power?"
Just this one ability had already shaken Hinagiku's worldview. And yet, this wasn't even close to its full potential?
"There's an advanced version?"
"Of course."
Ren began explaining casually.
"The level you're at now is the beginning of the Sequence—Sequence 9: Lawyer. The next stage is Sequence 8: Barbarian."
Barbarian?
The name caught Hinagiku off guard. But after a bit of thought, she understood.
"So, instead of manipulating laws and rules… it's about brute force?"
That was such a twisted progression.
Abandoning the very laws a Lawyer should manipulate, and using fists instead? Hinagiku had a strong feeling this Path would lead her far from anything respectable.
"Then there's Sequence 7: Briber."
"...???"
Hinagiku's face twitched. She finally understood. This Lawyer Path wasn't just clever—it was blatantly corrupt.
Even without knowing the exact abilities, the name made it clear what direction it was heading.
Ren continued explaining.
"In terms of power, a Briber establishes a connection with a target through bribery, either literal or symbolic. Once that connection is made, you can use various effects on them, such as Charm, Weaken, Arrogance, or Connection."
As Ren elaborated, Hinagiku began to grasp the terrifying nature of this stage.
It wasn't just about distorting minds or using physical strength, it was about establishing a framework of power over others.
This was no longer about following rules. It was about creating your own rules, and using them for personal gain.
The so-called "bribery" was actually a means of forming a connection.
Once that link was established, she could cast effects on her targets at will.
"What an unreasonable power."
"It really is."
Ren agreed without hesitation.
"The core of the Lawyer Sequence is rule manipulation. But the rules you use are for your own benefit—not others'. That's why it's so unreasonable."
"But tell me, Miss Katsura… do you think this power is evil?"
Hinagiku thought for a moment, then slowly shook her head.
"No. I think the power itself is excellent. But if it leaks out, that would be dangerous."
"Exactly. That's why it will never leak."
"It won't leak… but didn't you just leak it to me?"
"Pfft. This isn't leaking. It's a gift to a believer."
Ren laughed and gave a lighthearted response.
"As you already know, believers don't inherently possess the power. It's given by me. And since I give it, I can also take it back."
"That's why the risk of leakage is nonexistent from the beginning."
Makes sense.
Hearing that, Hinagiku felt more at ease. If it could be revoked at any time, then there was no risk of unauthorized spread.
"No wonder it's called a 'boon.'"
Ren didn't deny it.
"Believers have only half-stepped into our world. It's only when you actively use the power that you're truly considered part of it."
"Of course, while the gift can be revoked, it still makes entry easier. Normally, joining would involve a lot more danger. In a way, this is an equal exchange."
Hinagiku accepted that explanation easily.
After all, the power granted just by being a believer was already beyond anything an ordinary person could obtain. The cost-to-reward ratio was absurdly favorable. So naturally, there had to be restrictions.
At the very least, loyalty was something a believer had to demonstrate.
"So, what about Nagi-chan and Isumi-san?"
"No, Nagi obtained her power through a different method. And she's part of a different system altogether. As for Isumi, she's had extraordinary power from the very beginning. But no one at Hakuou Academy knows that."
Isumi had powers from the start?
Hinagiku was briefly stunned.
Clearly, no one knew about that.
But now… this kind of thing had become oddly acceptable.
(To be continued.)