The Unseen Power

If Black Magicians were just a simple delinquent circle, the teachers would have had no trouble keeping them in check. However, those who lurked in the shadows possessed intelligence far beyond the school's control.

Even now, just looking at the members of the Paranormal Psychic Science Research Society, the Black Magicians seemed like child's play.

'It's an unexploded bomb. If they put their minds to it, they have the talent to cause the worst kind of disaster.'

Thinking about it, their group was truly unique.

Nade, who appeared ordinary at school but showcased the same sharp cunning as other shadow-dwellers in the research society.

Iruki, a prodigy born with Savant Syndrome, yet notorious as a Class Five troublemaker who skipped classes whenever he was bored.

And now, Shirone, the model student of the entire school, had joined them.

How did these three, who seemed utterly mismatched, manage to stick together so tightly?

'Is it that talent attracts talent? Well, I can see Nade and Iruki getting along... but still...'

The real problem was that Shirone was in danger.

He had awakened the Immortal Function. If he were to fall into Overflow, it had to be prevented at all costs.

Etella believed Shirone could overcome it on his own, but what if, just once, they were wrong?

If that one chance became reality, Shirone's life would be irreversibly shattered.

Lost in thought, Istas came to a stop.

Without hesitation, Shina stepped into the storage room, staring at the sign of the Paranormal Psychic Science Research Society for a moment before flinging the door open.

"Cough! Cough!"

Through the thick dust swirling in the air, Shirone and his group sat unfazed.

As expected, they showed no signs of surprise, instead offering relaxed smiles.

Of course, this was a familiar sight for Shina.

The only difference was that the troublemakers she had clashed with so often had all graduated, and Shirone had taken their place.

'Why do kids change so much when they join this research society? Of all people, even Shirone?'

Normally, Shirone would have greeted her with a friendly smile, but now he maintained a perfect poker face. She understood, but she couldn't help feeling a little hurt.

Nade sat arrogantly with his legs crossed, while Iruki leaned back lazily against his chair, exuding an air that could repel teachers with attitude alone. Shina scoffed as she approached them.

"Not even a greeting when you see a teacher?"

"We were too absorbed in our discussion. Welcome, professor."

Nade, as the club president, maintained an air of ease—completely different from his quiet demeanor in class.

Student-run societies had grown into a significant pillar of the magic school community by fiercely guarding against teacher interference. But now, that tradition was being ignored with this sudden inspection. Naturally, they were not pleased.

'Tch. Fine, whatever. You call this a research society? Enjoy it while you can. Today is the last day.'

The faculty had already approved the decision, and she had reached an agreement with Etella.

Nade spoke up. "So, what brings you here? We haven't caused any trouble lately."

"An official notice has been issued regarding your research society. I came to deliver it personally. It's part of my job as a teacher."

"Then please, have a seat. It's not much, but make yourself comfortable."

Nade casually brushed off a spot for her to sit, showing no sign of guilt.

"How kind of you. While you're at it, how about offering me some tea?"

"I would love to, but can you trust a drink prepared by us?"

Shina smirked.

She had expected as much. This shabby storage room probably didn't even have a drop of cold water, let alone tea.

Maybe it was this wit and sharpness that made it hard to dislike them.

"Alright, let's get straight to the point. The faculty has reached a decision. You need to vacate the research room within a month."

"What?!"

All three of them widened their eyes simultaneously.

"Return the research room? Why all of a sudden?"

Nade, who had been sitting back smugly, leaned forward in alarm.

Shina's lips curled into a small smile. "Upon reviewing the paperwork, the administration found that your society has been operating without the required number of members this semester. The school has already cut off funding. So, it would be appreciated if you cleared out within a month."

"Wait! But Shirone joined recently! That makes three members, and we should be officially recognized!"

"But you haven't been active, have you? If you want to keep the research society alive, you need to produce results within a month. Though, I have no idea what kind of research you could do in this so-called 'paranormal' field."

"That's unfair! Societies aren't required to hold presentations! Other research groups don't either!"

"This is a special case. The research room's location in Istas has posed several operational challenges. Plus, your society is notorious but has achieved nothing. You should be grateful you were given a month—that was only because Professor Etella requested it."

Shirone was at a loss.

He had just started feeling attached to the research society, and now it was going to be disbanded?

"But if you insist on keeping it, there's one way."

Nade immediately asked, "What is it? What do we have to do?"

"Expel Shirone from the society. If you do that, I'll allow you to continue until the next semester."

"WHAT?!"

Just as Shina predicted, Nade shot up from his seat.

"That's ridiculous! We didn't force Shirone to join. The three of us are always together at school! Why are you trying to split us up?"

Iruki added, "If this is about me skipping classes, don't worry. We all have our own ways of studying."

Shirone couldn't stay silent any longer.

"I feel the same way. I know the research society has a bad reputation, and I know Iruki and Nade aren't exactly model students. But they are both dedicated in their own fields. They're not wasting their time. Please reconsider."

Nade knew Shina had a soft spot for Shirone, so he tried appealing to her compassion.

But she remained firm. "My decision won't change. And more than anything, Shirone, this is for your own good."

"For my own good? I believe I'm doing just fine."

"Shirone, what have you been going through lately?"

Shirone's heart skipped a beat. Nade and Iruki averted their eyes.

Seeing their reaction, Shina knew.

They knew everything.

'Overflow...'

She couldn't let history repeat itself.

She had reached out to the darkness once before.

And in return, she had lost someone to it forever.

Would Shirone follow the same fate?

Or would he fight against the abyss and rise beyond it?