It took a while for Suzuki Sonoko to calm down.
Ren being called "son-in-law" by her mother had truly shocked her.
But... it wasn't entirely impossible.
Sonoko was slightly moved, but quickly refocused her thoughts. She began recounting the eleven Paths Ren had mentioned that morning, describing their general traits as best as she could recall.
Especially the part about reaching Sequence 4 and becoming a demigod.
This series of explanations left the Suzuki family stunned at first.
Suzuki Tomoko felt like it was all some sort of joke. Was the world about to spiral into chaos?
Her daughter had only just touched on the mystery world for about a month, and now they were already talking about godhood?
What was even more absurd was that Sonoko and her group apparently had the potential to reach that level.
Even if they didn't know when they could cross that boundary, the very existence of the opportunity meant the possibility was real.
The information was so overwhelming that even a seasoned businesswoman like Suzuki Tomoko felt short of breath.
"It feels like a dream. This world is getting too insane."
Hearing her sigh, Suzuki Shiro also nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. The heights that the mysterious realm can reach are far beyond what we originally imagined."
"Demigod... that's still a bit too high for us to wrap our heads around."
At first, they had assumed that the mystery was merely about uncovering hidden truths in the world. But the moment the veil was lifted, it pierced straight into the divine.
This level was simply too high. It made Suzuki Shiro feel like his daughter had suddenly reached a realm far beyond their reach.
As for who the boy involved really was, Suzuki Shiro wasn't lacking in insight.
He didn't need to investigate personally. Based on what Sonoko had looked into, he already understood.
The boy's background was clean and ordinary. Yet, somehow, he had become the trigger for something so overwhelming.
"Ah, better not think about becoming a demigod for now. According to Ren, that step isn't easy to take."
Sonoko cut off her parents' lamenting and steered the topic toward something more practical.
"Rather than thinking about becoming a demigod, we should help Sis consider which path she should choose."
The conversation shifted back to Suzuki Ayako.
Both Tomoko and Shiro turned their focus to their eldest daughter.
"Ayako's decision is very important. If she makes the right choice, she'll be able to obtain extraordinary abilities like Sonoko. But when it comes to the different Paths, excluding the ones that clearly don't fit, there aren't many that truly suit her."
"From a logical standpoint, the Spectator Path is actually very suitable for Ayako. She's managing family business affairs and constantly meeting people. Being able to see through others' inner motives would be incredibly useful."
Tomoko analyzed the situation calmly and rationally, believing the Spectator Path's abilities were an excellent match for her eldest daughter's role.
"Yeah, Spectator really does suit Sis."
"The Sleepless Path is strong too, but Sis doesn't work late into the night every day. Plus, some of the later Roles along that path aren't really suitable for her job. They wouldn't be much help to her."
Considering her sister's current position, Spectator truly seemed the most compatible.
"As for the Bard Path, it's too reliant on belief. Sis doesn't follow any particular faith... ah, but she could believe in Ren. He's also preparing to reach Sequence 4 and might be looking to take on more believers."
Ayako, being the person involved, nodded slightly. Based on Sonoko's earlier explanation, she understood that believers and faith served as stabilizing anchors, which would become especially important when advancing to Sequence 4 and becoming a demigod.
If she were to be a future believer of her potential brother-in-law, Ayako felt that wouldn't be a problem.
"Well, in the end, the decision's up to Sis."
It was fine to give advice, but the final choice needed to be her sister's.
Sonoko held her chin in thought.
"Sis, do you have any free time coming up?"
Ayako considered her schedule carefully and confirmed she had a break coming up.
"Next week, yeah. Didn't I tell you before? I have a college classmate reunion to attend. I've been busy with work lately, so Father and Mother are giving me time to rest."
Sonoko thought for a moment and recalled that her sister had mentioned it last week...
"The venue is that old-fashioned lodge in the nearby mountains, right? The one where you have to cross a suspension bridge?"
"A college reunion in such a remote area?"
Sonoko couldn't understand why her sister would arrange such a gathering in a location like that.
In response, Ayako sighed helplessly.
"Actually, this was suggested by one of my old classmates. She's been struggling lately and hopes I can offer some help."
"Oh, so it's a request for help. Are you two close?"
Ayako didn't sugarcoat her answer.
"I've noticed her performance these past few years. Aside from the work she published before graduation, everything she's produced since then has been... well, not great. Honestly, it proves that her earlier work was either ghostwritten or copied from someone else."
Sonoko disliked people like that.
"If she's that kind of person, do you still plan to help her?"
Ayako shook her head.
"I'm just giving Chikako one last chance. We agreed she'd present her new script at the reunion. If it's good, I'll help her."
"If not, then we'll end our connection as classmates right there. Choosing a remote venue is just to save her some face, so she won't be humiliated in front of everyone."
As an old college friend, Ayako still had a soft spot for classmates she once shared a club with. She was willing to give them one last chance.
Yep. Her sister's kind nature was showing again.
Sonoko grumbled internally but understood that this was probably going to be her sister's final college reunion.
She didn't believe someone her sister considered completely lacking in originality would suddenly impress her.
So this "reunion" was likely the end of a relationship.
Still, the idea of the party gave Sonoko a new idea.
"Sis, when exactly is the reunion?"
"Wednesday and Thursday."