"In a way, being a normal person is actually quite nice."
Alistair looked at the students chatting in the distance, sighing. For a moment, he didn't know whether his status as an 'anomaly' was a blessing or a curse. While he gained greater power, he also attracted all sorts of strange entities.
However, Alistair didn't dwell on it for long. Before going to meet that girl, he needed to visit the place where he found the pendant again—the former site of the 'shrine.'
[PURSUE]: Can detect 'traces' that have existed within a certain time frame. Targets are unlimited. No consumption. (Father of all gods grant me sight!)
He had 'acquired' this ability on his way to school this afternoon. Although the literal explanation was vague, its utility was significant. At first, Alistair was confused, but after using it, he realized its versatility was decent. Used correctly, it could even be considered a divine skill.
The term 'traces' is used in a broad sense, referring to the imprints left by the operations of all things in the universe. However, it wasn't capable of that level yet; it could only detect relatively 'conventional' 'traces,' such as footprints or fingerprints. But these weren't traditional footprints or fingerprints; they were the 'imprints' of your actions here. These 'traces' emitted a faint glow under Alistair's [PURSUE] perspective, allowing him to track and detect them.
If he were to absorb all the information, Alistair's brain would probably explode, so he could only use it to track a limited number of 'traces,' or conduct a large-scale filter.
For instance, by limiting the tracking to only special 'traces,' Alistair would only see the 'imprints' left by those who used special abilities or techniques. The display method could also be modified according to Alistair's thoughts, appearing as square floating translucent patterns or rhomboid floating translucent patterns.
As it happened, on his way to school, Alistair saw Hikari Matsuda and President En. The special 'traces' on them were very obvious. Based on the judgment provided by this ability, the two had 'used' special drugs around 12:30 PM.
[PURSUE] is capable of differentiating between broad categories of 'traces.' That makes sense, right?
However, Alistair couldn't just rush over and bluntly ask the two if they used 'special drugs' and why. That would be completely brainless. Furthermore, Alistair wasn't sure if the usage of this supernatural 'drug' was voluntary. If it wasn't, that was one thing. If it was voluntary, it meant this item definitely satisfied some kind of need.
Just as no country dares to forcefully ban smoking or drinking, as long as something satisfies the needs of many people, even if it harms the body, it cannot be completely prohibited. It might even incite them to turn against you.
Nevertheless, Alistair was now certain of one thing: that religious group definitely had something good. Whatever it was, it was valuable to Alistair right now. He desperately lacked such items. If he hadn't awakened his 'Stand,' Alistair wouldn't be this carefree and would have immediately asked his uncle and aunt to take him back to the countryside overnight.
The city was incredibly dangerous now. In front, there was a bizarre religious group whose storyline was unknown. Behind, there was an unknown entity capable of manipulating his mind. In short, he was completely in the dark. Moreover, he didn't know what was taken from him. He felt utterly weak after waking up, and even the Horse Talisman had little effect. Fortunately, his body had been strengthened a few times, or he wouldn't have recovered in a day.
"Koyasu-kun."
Alistair was walking and thinking about checking the 'special traces' left on Ms. Hatsufuji at the stadium later to see if there was any difference when a voice beside his ear interrupted his thoughts.
"Nanao? Do you need something?"
Alistair looked at the girl who called out to him, feeling a slight moment of disorientation, but he still smoothly called out her name. Alistair didn't mind chatting with her, as he wasn't in a great rush at the moment.
"I wanted to ask about Shōno. Is there any progress?"
To be honest, Akane Nanao didn't know why she sought out Alistair again so quickly. She could have simply waited for Alistair to contact her with news before asking for details.
Maybe I'm too worried about Shōno? Perhaps. I like Shōno the most. Yes, I like Shōno the most.
Akane Nanao inwardly defended herself. It seemed logical, and she felt much better.
"Shōno? Hmm... no news. What's wrong? Are you eager for news so you can give me a little service with those tits of yours?"
Alistair paused, then remembered the Katsuse Shōno situation. However, Alistair didn't look confused; he pretended to think for a moment before recalling the matter. Of course, this was mainly because the 'event reward' was quite interesting, so Alistair was quite clear on it.
Because his memory had been altered, many recent memories were fragmented and somewhat confused. Fortunately, he could usually recall the details with a little thought; otherwise, it would be quite troublesome.
"You! Of course not! I'm just worried about Shōno. You need to talk seriously, you bastard!"
Hearing Alistair's words, Akane Nanao felt an inexplicable jolt in her heart, and some images flashed through her mind, making her feel excited... no, angry! Yes, angry! Her face flushed slightly due to the rush of blood from her 'anger.' Not only that, but the tone of the second half of her sentence even carried a hint of concealed delight that she herself hadn't noticed.
Alistair, who noticed this, felt a slight oddness. The speed of her falling was a little too fast. He hadn't done any actual manipulation yesterday, and after just one night, she was already beginning to lean toward him? Judging by her expression, she didn't seem to be faking it. Is the 'Akane Nanao' subconscious personality also influencing the host personality's thoughts?
Regardless, this was somewhat amusing, so Alistair didn't point it out.
"I can ask now, but it's not a good place to talk here. There are people around, and talking out loud is inconvenient. Let's find a secluded spot first."
Alistair took out his phone and glanced around. This was a small park area. While not crowded, it wasn't completely deserted either. If they were accidentally surrounded, it would quickly attract a crowd, and this area was easily accessible from multiple directions.
"Okay, you lead the way."
Akane Nanao said subconsciously, her voice containing unconditional trust in Alistair.
"What's wrong?"
Akane Nanao saw Alistair staring at her and felt a little strange. Perhaps it was the influence of the subconscious personality, which was a fervent zealot of Alistair, but she instinctively held deep trust in him, and she hadn't even noticed anything amiss herself.
"No, nothing. Let's go."
Alistair shook his head, turned around, and led the way.