Chapter 341: Can Change the Belief

The ability of divination was nearly unreasonable.

It didn't require deep investigations or deploying large police units to search for evidence like the police normally would.

For the first time, Sato Miwako felt that she was just an ordinary person. As a detective, she could never compare with someone possessing this kind of ability.

"Hold on."

Ren could immediately tell that Officer Sato was overthinking it.

"Divination isn't that simple. Even among those with this ability, being accurate is extremely difficult. My situation is rather unique."

After all, how could ordinary Seers compare to someone who held the Four Sefirots—Sefirah Castle, Chaos Sea, River of Eternal Darkness, and the Nation of Disorder?

That was why his divinations were nearly unaffected, often cutting straight to the core. But in that world, most Seers didn't have access to such power.

Moreover, there were many abilities that interfered with divination. Without a high enough rank or anchoring status, achieving precise predictions was nothing but a dream.

"Also, Officer Sato, don't assume there are lots of people with special powers in the world. In reality, they're far fewer than you'd think. Most people with powers try their best to stay hidden, rather than draw attention to themselves."

"A small number of them have some connection with official organizations because of their special backgrounds. But even then, those people rarely get too involved with the authorities."

"Eh..."

This was Sato Miwako's first true exposure to the other side of the world, and it sparked a wave of curiosity. She carefully committed what she was hearing to memory.

"But if they don't usually associate with official organizations, then why did you suddenly step out?"

"As for me, I just want to reduce how often I need to contact the police. Lately, I've been encountering more and more situations during outings. And sometimes, it's not convenient for me to call the police myself. So, I hoped to find someone who could make it easier for me."

Easier…? Sato Miwako stared blankly at Ren, not expecting him to say something like that.

"You're not worried the Metropolitan Police Department will uncover your identity?"

Ren reached out casually, and a phone appeared in his hand.

"The number I gave you is completely anonymous. How would they trace me? Besides, Officer Sato, do you think the top brass at the Metropolitan Police Department don't realize I'm testing them with this deliberate behavior?"

They definitely noticed. Sato Miwako understood that much.

"They're promoting you to act as a bridge between me and them. They have to consider my sensitivity and attitude, which is why they decided it's better not to investigate further."

"There's a silent agreement between me and the higher-ups. That's why they won't contact me directly and will even go out of their way to avoid drawing my attention."

"And why? Because there are some painful lessons from the past. Some people… are not so easy to reason with."

Sato Miwako fell silent. Her mind went to the Takahashi Ryoichi case.

That incident had a huge impact—mainly because the murder scenes were far too gruesome and violent, and Takahashi's behavior was simply abnormal.

That was due to an evil spirit possession granting him power.

The price was steep, but the harm caused by such an individual was immeasurable. Once someone like that lost control, the destruction they could cause might surpass even the societal damage of a bomber.

That was why the senior officials were extremely cautious. They chose gentle appeasement over direct provocation.

Seeing Sato Miwako deep in thought, Ren waited patiently. Once he saw she'd digested the situation, he picked the conversation back up.

"Reducing hassle is one reason. The other is personal. Compared to others, I think Officer Sato is more trustworthy."

"So yes, you are part of the reason."

Sato Miwako pouted. She had assumed she was just incidental, but it turned out she did factor into it—just as a secondary consideration.

"Of course you are. Aside from your keen instincts, I value that you've always kept your promises. But there's one thing that needs to be said—if you accept power, you also have to be ready to pay the price."

"Price? Like what?"

"Officer Sato is an atheist, right?"

"Yeah, I don't really believe in gods or Buddha."

"Then you'll have to change your faith in the future. You'll need to believe in me."

"Huh?"

Change faith? Become your believer? Sato Miwako stared at Ren in astonishment.

"So you want to be a god?"

"Power and belief are intertwined. Faith is a form of power. It benefits me. If you want to gain power, then you must offer something in return. That's how it works."

"...I see. That's fair."

After recovering from the shock, Sato Miwako gave a small nod.

"So, power and faith are like an equivalent exchange? I provide faith and receive power from you in return? And gaining my belief helps you too?"

"That's exactly right."

With Ren's confirmation, Sato Miwako understood.

It wasn't that Ren was trying to become a god in the literal sense. Rather, this was the medium through which he could grant her power.

Of course, she didn't fully understand what kind of power "faith" truly was. She didn't believe that a mere change in belief was equivalent to receiving something as overwhelming as Ren's abilities.

"There are other theories behind it, but it's not something you need to know right now. Just this part is enough."

So there was more... Sato Miwako nodded slightly but didn't ask further.

Ren had just said she wasn't ready to know the rest. If that was the case, she would wait until the time came.

"So then, how exactly are you going to give me power? Is it the power of divination?"

"No. I'll give you something more suited to your identity as an officer."

(To be continued.)

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