Realising she couldn't move and that her body instinctively obeyed Luo Shu's commands, Hiromi felt her scalp tingle.
Hypnosis, confinement, sisters, adult anime scenarios... a series of overly stimulating thoughts flashed through Hiromi's mind, leaving her both terrified and inexplicably excited.
Just then, Megumi's soft voice reached her:
"Though I feel a bit sorry for my sister, I'm really glad it's her being hypnotised."
'What? What did you say?'
'My dear sister, could you please think carefully about what you just said? Was that even human speech?'
Despite being controlled, Hiromi managed to direct a glare of displeasure at Megumi.
Yet Megumi merely observed her sister with an impassive expression, taking in the fiery eyes and helpless body, before turning back to Luo Shu with thoughtful consideration:
"Is hypnosis... very common on the mystic side?"
Luo Shu pondered seriously before replying:
"Basic suggestion and hypnosis techniques are probably as widespread as mobile phones among certain special races or Heroes at the peak of their power."
Like methods that subtly suggest ordinary people to leave, thereby clearing the area, whether it's Japan's Buddhism and Shinto, or China's Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, all have been studied under joint leadership.
In truth, mastering such methods is quite troublesome. After all, one must disperse ordinary citizens while minimising harm, which results in highly complex techniques.
Generally speaking, only those at Elite Rank or above would bother learning such techniques. Common or Excellent Rank techniques, due to their relatively weaker destructive power and higher risk of accidental harm to civilians, aren't worth the effort.
"As commonplace as mobile phones?" Megumi Kato frowned slightly in frustration. "I'm beginning to understand why the Director was so confident I'd join."
To be fair, any cautious woman would feel wary upon learning that groups capable of hypnotising women truly exist in this world.
Compared to the tragedies caused by Abyss Artefacts falling into civilian hands, Megumi feared such hypnosis being used on herself or her family more.
Noticing Megumi had clearly made up her mind, Luo Shu remarked with slight surprise:
"Strangely enough, hypnosis seems more persuasive than my lengthy explanations, Megumi."
"Senior, please don't say such misleading things."
Megumi looked at Luo Shu with exasperation.
What did he mean by hypnosis being more persuasive? As if she'd been hypnotised by him!
She'd only agreed to his invitation out of concern for her family's safety, hadn't she?
Hearing this, Luo Shu chuckled lightly and raised his hand, about to release his control over Hiromi Kato.
But then Megumi spoke up:
"Please wait a moment."
"Hmm?" Luo Shu raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Megumi.
Calmly, Megumi explained, "For now, let's keep my sister standing there. Once released, she'll definitely make a scene."
Hiromi froze upon hearing this. When she processed Megumi's words, she shot her dear younger sister a deeply resentful look.
'After all my years of doting on you!'
Seeing Hiromi's expression, Luo Shu glanced at her before suppressing a laugh:
"You sisters share quite the bond!"
Both Kato sisters fell silent at this remark.
After a pause, Megumi sighed softly and addressed Hiromi:
"Sis, if I recall correctly, you're quite fond of light novels?"
Hiromi opened her mouth but found herself unable to speak, though she could still nod.
Receiving this confirmation, Megumi continued:
"You've always known how easily overlooked I am since childhood, right?"
Hiromi nodded again.
Relieved to see Hiromi being so cooperative for once, Megumi turned back to Luo Shu and explained further:
"According to Senior Luo Shu, my disappearing act isn't normal but resulted from accidental contact with some supernatural being, granting what you'd call superpowers."
"And Senior Luo Shu belongs to an organisation that manages people with such abilities."
"As for me... I was just considering whether to accept his invitation to join."
Hearing this, Hiromi Kato froze for a moment before worry immediately welled up in her heart.
Just then, Luo Shu snapped his fingers and said, "You can speak now."
Unable to hold back, Hiromi blurted out, "Is the ability Megumi obtained dangerous? Also, is the organisation Mr Luo Shu belongs to officially established? What exactly is the situation?"
Though furious at her sister for siding with an outsider, when it came to Megumi's safety, she had no time to dwell on such trivial matters.
Hearing this, Megumi promptly replied, "The ability does carry some danger, which is why the organisation's help is needed. As for whether it's official..."
Megumi couldn't help but glance at Luo Shu, as even she wasn't clear about this point.
At that moment, Luo Shu calmly stated:
"The organisation's backing comes from official American arms dealers and maintains a cooperative relationship with Japan's authorities."
Hiromi visibly relaxed upon hearing this: "An American organisation! And only cooperating with Japan's government? That's actually quite good."
Hearing such words, Luo Shu's mouth twitched slightly.
Now aware of Luo Shu's American connections and lacking knowledge about the mystic side, Hiromi found herself in no position to advise Megumi. Thus, she could only say with a smile:
"These supernatural matters are beyond your sister's understanding. But Megumi, as long as you do what you believe is right, that's enough!"
"As for our parents, I'll help keep it secret."
"...I understand."
After a brief silence, Megumi showed a faint smile before turning to Luo Shu:
"I think I should be able to report in tomorrow!"
Luo Shu nodded in understanding, then asked:
"Should I explain things to your parents?"
Megumi hesitated before replying:
"...Could we postpone that for another day or two?"
Considering Luo Shu was currently in her bedroom, not to mention Hiromi—who would undoubtedly have countless questions later—Megumi decided to delay the big revelation.
Hearing this, Luo Shu calmly responded:
"Fine. These matters are yours to decide. The department can provide some coordination."
"Oh, one more thing—if you want to apply for security protection or job transfers for your parents and family, remember to submit the request soon."
"The SDS controls several major corporations in Japan and can arrange employment and housing for your relatives."
"But since it's already April 14th, near the end of Japan's spring recruitment period, making arrangements after this window might prove somewhat troublesome."
"Wait a minute—controlling major corporations and arranging jobs? What exactly does that mean?"
Before Megumi could respond, Hiromi—a soon-to-be university graduate—immediately seized upon the key point.
Luo Shu glanced at Hiromi before answering: "Exactly what it sounds like."
At this, Hiromi asked, "Can you let me move freely now?"
Luo Shu nodded and snapped his fingers.
The next instant, Hiromi abruptly grabbed Megumi's hand and said:
"Megumi, save me! Big sister got rejected from her job interview!!"
Megumi Kato: "..."