Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World

(5/5)

"Well then, let's get back to today's gathering."

Ren shifted the topic back on track.

"The main purpose of today's meeting is for everyone to get to know each other better."

"After that, I'll explain my next course of action."

"My next move might be a bit reckless."

This statement piqued the interest of everyone present.

After giving them a moment to process, Ren continued.

"Regarding the future, do any of you have a specific direction in mind?"

"The future?"

Kaguya considered the question carefully before shaking her head.

"I never really planned for my future."

"The Shinomiya family has always dictated my path. Most of my future has been decided for me."

"I haven't spent much time thinking about it myself."

---

"Hah. No surprises there from Ice Queen over here."

Sonoko smirked.

Anyone with even a basic understanding of the Shinomiya family knew what it was like.

A rigidly traditional household, so much so that raising their daughter as a pristine, controlled noblewoman was considered normal.

From a young age, Kaguya had been groomed not as an individual but as a perfect tool to serve the family's interests.

Her education emphasized etiquette and talents, while personal autonomy was deliberately suppressed.

If possible, the Shinomiya family would have preferred Kaguya to exist without an independent personality at all.

"In the end," Sonoko continued, "the Shinomiya family is just too traditional."

"Their whole approach to raising people treats them like instruments rather than individuals."

Her criticism wasn't directed at Kaguya but at the Shinomiya family itself.

Kaguya, unfazed, glanced at Sonoko.

"So, Miss Suzuki, do you have a plan for your future?"

"I did."

"But that's changed."

"…Changed?"

Kaguya's gaze flickered slightly before shifting to Ren.

It was understandable.

After discovering the hidden side of the world, it was natural for someone to rethink their future.

---

"I want to gain mystical power and explore a world beyond my previous imagination."

Sonoko's declaration was clear and straightforward.

Kaguya had suspected as much, but hearing her say it outright confirmed it.

At that moment, something clicked in Kaguya's mind.

That strange sense of familiarity she felt toward Sonoko.

Now, it made sense.

"I see," Kaguya said.

"I can understand where you're coming from, Miss Suzuki."

"After encountering this extraordinary world, I don't think I could give up my power either."

Having experienced true strength, Kaguya understood its value.

Even if she didn't plan on dominating the Shinomiya family with force,

The existence of power alone meant opportunity.

Power gave her leverage.

Power was the ultimate truth.

"Oh? So you get it now, Shinomiya?"

Sonoko grinned.

"I'm glad to see someone who shares my perspective."

"Power is the truth—"

"But only after it reaches a certain threshold."

Nagi spoke up, cutting in.

"Power also serves as a way to rectify regrets."

"It allows us to pursue things we wouldn't have been able to otherwise."

"I don't think anyone here would disagree with that."

Ren nodded.

"There's no doubt that power can open doors."

"But ultimately, power is just a tool, it's a means to an end, not the end itself."

"Perhaps," he continued, "we could pursue something that all of humanity has long sought after."

"Immortality."

Silence filled the room.

"That… might not be unrealistic for us," Ren added.

"But it's not something we need to chase desperately."

"Let things take their natural course."

"In Beika City, there's never a shortage of interesting things happening."

"It's just that… not all of them will be pleasant."

At this moment, everyone grasped the meaning behind his words.

Indeed, Beika City wasn't lacking in criminal activity.

Cases of murder, theft, and conspiracies occurred so frequently that they were practically mundane.

For people living there, running into criminal incidents was about as surprising as seeing a clear sky.

Though cases like that weren't exactly pleasant,

No one in the room doubted that they would continue encountering such situations.

After all, this was just the beginning of a very long story.

"To summarize," Ren said,

"The story has already begun."

"We're already part of a long, unfolding narrative—"

"And we should let it take us forward rather than resist it."

"Like an audience, we'll watch each chapter unfold with our own eyes."

"Then that means… the story of Shinomiya-san has gone completely off script."

Kaguya nodded slightly.

She had no intention of returning to Shuchiin Academy.

She held no attachment to the events that would take place there.

In other words, the story she was meant to be a part of.

Had already become irrelevant to her.

---

"Just as Amamiya-san said."

"My story was a romantic comedy."

"But as the supposed protagonist, I've stepped out of it."

"The events over there have nothing to do with me anymore."

"…Ahem. Shinomiya-san, I think you're speaking a little too soon."

"…Huh?"

"Did you forget?"

"Your only friend at Shuchiin? That connection hasn't been severed."

Kaguya's face twitched as the realization hit her.

She hadn't seen that person for a whole week.

She had completely forgotten about her.

But now that she thought about it.

Her ties to that place weren't completely cut off yet.

---

"Kaguya-san," Hayasaka reminded her,

"You haven't contacted Fujiwara-san for quite a while now."

"Given her personality, she's probably going to show up unannounced any day now."

"…"

Kaguya fell into silence.

Because Hayasaka's reasoning was too on point.

Now that she thought about it.

It had been far too long since she last spoke with Fujiwara Chika.

---

"There's no way…"

"The Fujiwara family is a political family. She should be aware of what happened to me."

"Miss Kaguya."

Hayasaka sighed.

"Don't you think that's exactly why Fujiwara is acting like this?"

"She's probably been holding back this entire time because she knows what happened."

"How long do you think she'll stay quiet?"

Kaguya was completely speechless this time.

Because Hayasaka was absolutely right.

If anything, Fujiwara Chika was probably at her limit already.

"Pfft—Hahaha!"

Sonoko suddenly burst into laughter.

"Oh, man! Ice Queen, I suddenly really want to meet your friend!"

Seeing Sonoko's amused expression, Kaguya could only stare at her in silence.

And at that moment, a terrible premonition settled over her.

***

Didn't think we would hit 20 reviews this fast, you guys really wanted the bonus chp hahaha, regardless I'm thankful for your support. And like I said subsequently for every 10 reviews I'll be dropping 2 bonus chps, this doesn't affect the PS bonus chps.

Currently at (23/30).

Also saw that we are currently at about 800 PS, which is Insane none of my works have ever reached the 1K PS bench mark so can we aim for It and I promise you guys another 3 Bonus chapters.

Lastly dw the bonus for the 800 PS is coming for sure this evening. Thank you for your support on this book once again :)

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