SCIAW: Chapter 292: Suzuki Family's 60th Anniversary

From Suzuki Ayako’s perspective—who was currently experiencing the abilities of a Psychiatrist—Chikako’s mental state wasn’t particularly serious. Her primary emotion was fear, deeply imprinted in her mind. The dark and violent nature of the killing she witnessed had formed a black spot in her psyche. That emotion needed to be diluted and erased.

Through comforting and guided influence, the black spot in Chikako’s mind gradually faded.

As the ability took effect, Chikako’s expression visibly relaxed.

“Hah… I feel a lot better now.”

She could clearly feel that the fear and unease that had gripped her heart were no longer as intense.

“If negative emotions aren’t regulated, they can lead to loss of control. Miss Chikako’s power may only be a gift from Mr. Fool, but you must still take care of yourself. Even without losing control, prolonged instability can lead to mental illness.”

Ren reminded Chikako seriously.

While granted powers might not result in immediate loss of control, they didn’t protect one from regular psychological issues.

“Spirituality comes from the spirit. If the spirit is unstable, it affects how you control your extraordinary abilities.”

Power may be bestowed, but spirituality is rooted in one's own spirit body.

So when your mental state deteriorates, the control of your spirituality is inevitably impacted.

“Miss Chikako, this is very important.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Chikako etched the words into her memory. Coming from a god, this wasn’t something to take lightly.

After giving the warning, Ren turned his focus to Suzuki Ayako.

“How are you feeling, Miss Ayako?”

“Better than expected.”

After experiencing the abilities of a Psychiatrist firsthand, Ayako became even more confident in her decision.

As she had expected, the Spectator Pathway was the best choice for her.

With the ability to perceive people’s inner thoughts, and eventually—upon reaching Sequence 7—the ability to influence those thoughts, even perform hypnosis and mind reading, it was perfect.

Unlike general mental probing, true mind reading required a ritual, during which the subject couldn’t lie at all.

It was a more direct and intuitive form of mental access.

Ayako now had a better grasp of her role.

Using the Spectator Pathway’s powers, she could more easily navigate business negotiations. Combined with the contract card granted to Sonoko, she could undoubtedly grow the family’s business to new heights.

Ayako felt that she didn’t even need startup capital. With the power of a Psychiatrist alone, she could elevate her fortune to rival that of the Suzuki Group in just a few years.

This confirmed it. The Spectator Pathway was her best path.

“For me, the power of the Spectator Pathway is more suitable. It may not improve my personal combat power at this stage, but it can help me fully maximize the potential of our family’s business.”

“The secular world may not influence many mystical matters, but it is still the best means of spreading Mr. Fool’s faith.”

Ayako’s candid view earned Ren’s approval.

Indeed, in this world where there were no extraordinary powers beyond evil spirits, secular influence still carried weight.

Influence and wealth could absolutely aid in spreading faith.

Ren had long believed that all belief systems were rooted in interests. Without real, tangible benefits, no belief could spread widely.

In fact, Ren was quite qualified to assess how faith would be received in this country.

He had lived in a remote village for fifteen years. He had seen many poor, isolated areas where people believed in so-called “gods.”

The poorer the place, the less educated the people were.

It was precisely because of this lack of knowledge that secular authority could quickly convince them to believe in divine powers.

Just like in his past life, belief in the God of Wealth was often the most sincere.

Why?

Because everyone wants to get rich.

Therefore, the purest faith needed to be promoted by the most secular means.

Only then could such belief truly bring tangible benefits to people.

“Miss Ayako’s thinking is very sound.”

“Choosing the right Pathway not only helps you digest potions faster through acting, but also allows you to better use your abilities while supporting your family.”

Ren nodded in agreement.

“Secular power is an essential foundation for... a new faith.”

“The best place to plant faith is among the desperate. Offering real benefits to those in suffering is the surest way to gain devotion.”

“It may sound crude, but in any world, faith and money are deeply intertwined. Not everyone is a martyr, and martyrdom doesn’t appeal to people with nothing to lose.”

“Miss Ayako, you should find a time to talk with Miss Hatamoto. I should also arrange a proper meeting with her.”

This suggestion immediately sparked an idea in Sonoko.

“In that case, why not invite Miss Hatamoto to the Suzuki Family’s 60th anniversary celebration? Dad and Mom are planning to invite a lot of people, including many of our corporate partners.”

But Ayako hesitated.

“True, but... won’t it be too noisy?”

If they were going to discuss something important, it would be better to do so in a quieter setting.

Sonoko smiled and explained, “No, our meetings aren’t that stiff. Even at the Occult Research Club, aside from watching Sanzenin play games, we usually just hang out and chat. There’s no need to make the meeting overly formal.”

She then grinned at Ren.

Ren also smiled and replied, “That’s true. Our gatherings don’t need to be so strict. As long as we can find a quiet corner, that’s enough.”

“You see?”

Sonoko gave her sister a look of victory.

Ayako sighed helplessly.

“Chikako, come with me when the time comes. I’ll send you an invitation.”

Chikako nodded softly.

“I’ll definitely be there.”

(To be continued.)