SCIAW: Chapter 273/274

Chapter 273: A Demigod Must Face the Problem

"Indeed. It's too early to think about that now."

Now that she had gradually calmed down, the intense stimulation brought by the demigod transformation was beginning to fade, and her emotions slowly stabilized.

In a composed state, she could better analyze and judge the situation.

"Amamiya, I also want to know about the form of mythical creatures."

"By the way, you achieved that form after stepping onto the Sequence Path. So what about those of us who aren't following that path?"

The two questions posed by Sanzenin Nagi were still crucial, closely related to everyone present.

"The form of mythical creatures is pretty much what it sounds like. Once you step onto the Sequence Path, you start developing a form beyond human, one that leans toward the essence of power. But it's not a visible creature. Rather, it's a state that's difficult to comprehend or define."

"You could even say it's a symbol or a mark on a canvas, with the creature being judged by how you perceive it."

"In other words, the closer you get to true power, the more marks and symbols appear on your identity as a human. These marks gradually evolve into a form beyond humanity—a form of pure power."

Faced with Nagi's question, Ren did his best to explain based on his own understanding.

"Power manifests as symbols and marks. As we pursue power, we more or less start to etch these symbols into our being. Eventually, our forms become shaped by power itself. This form isn't something easily understood, but based on our perception, it tends to resemble mythological creatures."

"Does that make sense?"

Nagi quickly pieced together a summary in her mind.

"That's right."

Ren confirmed, and Nagi now had a rough grasp of it.

It wasn't that hard to comprehend. Those who pursued power were destined to live longer, and adopting a non-human form was a natural result of transcending the ordinary.

"As for your second question, I can't give you a direct answer. But based on my guess, different powers, once honed to the point of qualitative change, will develop stronger symbols. These are the marks formed by the power you've mastered."

"When these symbols become strong enough, your form will start to change as you adapt to this power. I think that adapting to this indescribable transformation is what constitutes a mythical creature form."

Hearing this, Nagi gave a slight nod.

That explained a lot. It aligned closely with her own theory. As knowledge and power reached a certain critical threshold, the body would adjust and evolve to house more power, gradually developing a unique form.

This was the secret of the demigods.

A form that was entirely different from humanity, based purely on power.

In other words, different types of power would lead to different transformations, and the final form of mythical creatures would vary accordingly.

"I think I get it now."

"Unlike previous stages, this stage of the extraordinary involves a form that's entirely distinct from ordinary people. It's also the stage where the power gap is the greatest."

As Nagi said this, she lifted her Vision, and a wind-shaped symbol shimmered on it.

"Just like how, at this stage, I need a Vision as an external magical organ. But once I transcend this stage, I'll develop a magic organ that can directly absorb external forces and convert them into elemental power. That will be the sign of becoming a god."

"Is that correct?"

Ren nodded slightly, praising her,

"As expected of a genius girl. Your understanding is remarkable."

Sanzenin Nagi smiled with satisfaction at the compliment.

"Now, back to the matter of the Sequence Path. After assuming a mythical creature form, an extraordinary individual becomes a demigod. Once they transcend that into the divine realm, they gain what's called divinity."

"Divinity is both a blessing and a burden. After all, divinity and humanity are fundamentally opposed. Excessive divinity turns one into a slave to power. That's why, after reaching the demigod realm, you need an anchor to stabilize your humanity and maintain the balance between the two."

"If that balance is broken, there's a risk of losing control."

"But you don't have to worry too much. While demigods do need an anchor, it doesn't have to come from a follower's belief. You can also use me as an anchor for your humanity."

"By becoming my follower—believing in me—you can stabilize your humanity."

"And after the incident last night, I think I might be able to manage the risk of corruption and losing control. If nothing unexpected happens, I should have a clearer answer next time. As for whether your humanity can truly be anchored by me, you'll have to reach the demigod realm to find out."

…

Divinity came with its perks, but also with inevitable drawbacks.

That was something everyone understood. Fortunately, there were ways to deal with it, and Ren had laid it out clearly.

"Oh~ So that's why you want to make Miss Hatamoto your follower."

Chika seemed to understand now. It turned out that Ren was making preparations for life as a demigod.

"I do have that idea. Whether I'll need an anchor or not, I'm still unsure. But it's better to prepare ahead of time. If you know you'll need something, it's smart to get it ready early instead of panicking later."

Ren made the decision cautiously, then let out a quiet sigh.

"This is the hardest era to spread belief, but it's also the best era to do so."

Shinomiya Kaguya understood the meaning behind that statement.

"Because modern people are educated not to believe in things like faith. But the moment they witness a miracle, they become the most devoted followers."

"Just like Miss Hatamoto."

Ren smiled slightly and nodded.

"That's exactly what I mean."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 274: Excessive Strength Behind the Bump

"Although those beyond Sequence 4 are all called demigods, there are distinctions among them."

"But since they are still in the transitional phase toward a complete mythical creature form, their transformation remains incomplete. Because of this, extraordinary individuals in this stage are extremely unstable."

"Due to the incomplete state of their mythical creature form, any attempt to transform recklessly makes it easy for them to lose control. That's why extraordinary people at this stage only reveal their mythical creature form when absolutely necessary. Showing that state is essentially a life-or-death gamble."

These insights about demigods sparked vivid imagery in the minds of the girls listening, though the dominant feeling was a sense of awe and unease.

"Why is the Sequence Path so rugged?"

Aizawa Sakuya couldn't help but mutter after taking it all in. Every stage on the Sequence Path seemed to come with its own set of harrowing challenges.

"Miss Aizawa, think about the abilities of a Spectator at Sequence 5, then think again about how rugged the Sequence Path is."

"..."

Ren's reminder instantly brought back the description of Spectator abilities at Sequence 5—disgusting and unsettling.

When Aizawa Sakuya considered that again in the context of the Sequence Path's dangers, her expression twitched a few times before she gave a serious reply:

"Yeah… even though it's rough, the power you gain along the way still makes it worth it."

Just the Spectator's powers at Sequence 5 had been enough to make her scalp tingle. Who knew what kind of twisted abilities they would gain after entering Sequence 4?

And she clearly remembered what Ren had said earlier—Sequence 4 marked a threshold, the dividing line between extraordinary humans and demigods.

From Aizawa Sakuya's perspective, the real gap between mortals and gods was essentially between Sequence 4 and Sequence 5.

"Just as Miss Aizawa said, the Sequence Path is indeed rugged. But it is also the most reliable road to gaining power. Whether you choose to walk it is entirely up to the extraordinary individual."

"But once you make that choice, you must accept one truth: power is the foundation behind all calculations."

"If you are weak, you deserve to be used. But once you're strong enough, even a mere thought from you will cause all forces to give way."

"So, the hardship you face is almost always equivalent to the power you gain."

Ren then explained an even harsher reality.

"As for the Lord of Mysteries, the story begins in the Black Iron Era, a time when extraordinary beings were in decline and high-ranking extraordinary individuals were rare. If you want to become stronger, you must fight. Without fighting, you will never reach the top."

Those simple words conveyed the sorrow and cruelty of the age.

The road of battle is inevitably soaked in blood, but that's the hard truth. If you don't fight, then only death awaits.

Because even if you don't want to fight, someone else will.

There's almost no happy ending for those who step onto the extraordinary path. Unless you possess overwhelming strength, a powerful background, and solid protection, you will be forced into battle.

Aside from Ran, all the girls present came from powerful families, so they already understood this truth well.

"If you don't fight, someone else will, and eventually, they'll drag you into the battle."

Kaguya could relate. Her older brothers were adept at power struggles, and their methods were anything but clean.

"If you want something more, you need to fight for it. That's just the nature of competition, even among children."

Aizawa Sakuya couldn't help but recall the younger siblings she had cared for. No matter how close they were, there had always been some form of rivalry.

It wasn't that things were completely out of reach, but when some people had something and others didn't, conflict was inevitable.

"Sequence 2 to Sequence 1 are called angels, or subordinate gods. Once the mythical creature form is complete, this stage becomes much more stable than Sequence 4 or Sequence 3. Even if they activate their mythical creature form, they won't lose control so easily."

"In addition to mastering deeper and broader powers, those who reach Sequence 1 gradually begin to wield authority—true divine authority."

"This power is undoubtedly more bizarre and far stronger. That's why this stage marks the real beginning of the god realm."

Then, Ren pointed at Chika and used her as an example.

"For example, Fujiwara's Spectator Path. At Sequence 1, the title is 'Author.' What does this mean? It means she can write stories with a pen, and everything she writes will come true, like an author in the heavens writing one reality after another."

"???"

Chika pointed to herself in disbelief.

"That's insane… stories that come true… Spectators are broken!"

Aizawa Sakuya finally understood the sheer scale of what 'divine authority' meant—it was simply absurd.

"Ren, if Miss Fujiwara writes about someone's death, will it actually happen?"

"Of course. Once she reaches that stage, it won't just affect ordinary people. Even demigod-level extraordinary individuals can be manipulated through the stories she writes."

Hayasaka was stunned at the explanation.

From every angle, the Spectator's power was absolutely terrifying.

Once a story was written, it became reality. It was like holding a divine pen—able to shape the world with words.

"However, reaching that level is another story. The Sequence Path is indeed filled with outrageous power, but obtaining that power is just as difficult."

"Most extraordinary people will probably spend their whole lives in the middle sequences. Unless they obtain the formulas and materials for promotion potions and are lucky enough to survive the process without losing control, they'll never reach the higher ranks. That's why this road is so full of thorns."

Ren explained the sheer effort behind such overwhelming power. The girls present all understood just how much struggle was required to gain those abilities.

Most extraordinary people never rise above the middle sequences. That's the cruel reality of the world they're in.

(To be continued.)