Chapter 10

Natsuki listened to the explanation from the police chief, Aoyama Hisashi, and gradually gained knowledge about psychics.

Psychics, or those who possess and use "psychic power" or "spiritual power," are individuals who fight against harmful entities such as evil spirits, demons, and monsters, which are different from humans, in secret. People who claim to be psychics on TV and seek exposure are mostly fake. Sometimes, real psychics can appear to be fake.

Psychics are generally affiliated with an organization called "The Institute," which manages and ranks them. The ranks start from Level 5 and go up to Level 1, with the levels determined by their strength or the uniqueness of their power.

Psychic power has existed since ancient times, but it has not been scientifically explained. Some people describe it as the power of the soul, others as the power of the mind, and still others as the power of emotion, as it can fluctuate based on feelings. Essentially, it is not well understood. However, there are machines that can measure it, although they are not very reliable.

Although psychics are not well understood, their effectiveness against harmful entities like evil spirits, demons, and monsters has been proven for a long time. The number of people who can use psychic power is very limited, but thanks to the efforts of psychics, people can live their lives without change. Recently, a special department called the "Special Disaster Division" has been established within the police, which includes psychics. Of course, regular police officers are also part of this division.

This time, the people who pointed guns at Natsuki were regular police officers. Pointing a gun at a minor is certainly excessive, and they did apologize, but it is a fact that if a psychic with human-targeting abilities is confronted, the use of firearms is permitted. Natsuki, not being familiar with guns, did not realize that the police officers were holding tranquilizer guns and tasers. The police officers, fearing Natsuki's unknown power, pointed their guns without checking.

The situation was resolved peacefully because Natsuki was cooperative and Aoyama was present, but even with a child, resistance and being overwhelmed by power can be dangerous. If the user does not know how to properly use their power, it can cause significant strain or lasting aftereffects, so neutralizing them is not wrong. Of course, being pointed at with a gun is not a pleasant experience.

Generally, the existence of psychics and the "Special Disaster Division" is not public knowledge and is kept hidden. In the case of the Kashiwabara Police Station, the person in charge is Chief Aoyama.

"Hmm. Psychics use psychic power, and there's a department for them in the police now, right?"

"That's right."

(I thought my power was magic, but maybe it's not much different here?)

Natsuki was a hero in another world and could use magic. His power remains unchanged on Earth, but the term "psychic power" doesn't quite resonate with him. He can imagine their existence from comics and novels, but recently, comics and novels tend to focus on magic and sorcery, which are easier to imagine.

"I don't really understand, sorry."

"It's okay. I don't understand it well either."

"..."

Natsuki's shoulders drooped at Aoyama's casual response.

"I got involved in a lot of things when I was young... but that's not important. You know, I became a police officer to keep your mother, Haruko, safe from danger! That danger includes psychic-related threats!"

"..."

(I remember, this guy was in love with my mom. Even though he has a wife and kids.)

Aoyama, who has treated Natsuki like a son, has been pursuing his mother since Natsuki was young. It's terrifying that his wife approves of this. Apparently, his wife is also a big fan of Natsuki's mother. His mother is popular with others as well, and she is often hit on, but she either doesn't notice or intentionally ignores it. To Natsuki, his mother looks younger than her age, but Aoyama and others see her as a goddess.

"You might not know, but when Haruko was young, she was often involved in psychic-related incidents... She didn't realize it, but we went to great lengths to protect her."

"It's a good thing you don't act like you're doing her a favor, Uncle."

"Cut it out. Saving a life doesn't mean you get to act like you did someone a favor."

"...No, if you saved a life, it's okay to act like you did a favor. And it sounds like it was that level of danger."

"Yeah, and it happened almost every month."

"Wow."

"Thanks to that, we were toughened up."

Natsuki thought Aoyama was truly amazing for brushing off the act of saving a life as just being "toughened up." Natsuki has saved lives and even entire countries and worlds in another world, but he wants to be showered with gratitude and eternal thanks.

"Enough about me! Anyway, whether you have power or not isn't up to you to decide. Please, just stay out of trouble. You might not realize it, but your power and experiences are something other psychics would kill for. Especially with a magic sword and the ability to transfer to another world, which only exists in legends. If The Institute finds out about you, you'll definitely have problems!"

"You mentioned The Institute earlier. What is it?"

"Listen up! The Institute is an organization that manages psychics. It was established by old families known for their psychic abilities, but it has recently taken on the role of managing psychics. If you're not registered with The Institute in Japan, you could be captured as an unregistered rogue."

"Captured!?"

"If there are no issues with your abilities and personality, you'll just be registered with The Institute. But if you use your power for selfish reasons, you'll be punished. The police can't interfere with this. We might catch you, but they prefer to handle it themselves."

"Is that okay, the police?"

"Not really. But if it's resolved without our knowledge, there's nothing we can do."

Aoyama's relationship with The Institute is probably complicated. For Natsuki, who has just learned about the organization, there's nothing he can do. As a middle school student, he can only hope to avoid being noticed.

"Anyway, about me... what about my mom?"

"I understand. I won't tell her. I can't even explain it."

"...Yeah, I get it."

"However, you must promise me. If The Institute targets you or if you use your power to cause trouble, I'll have to tell Haruko everything. I can't fully understand everything you've experienced, but I can explain the existence of your power."

"I understand. I won't do anything stupid."

"Good. That's all I ask. Middle school is for studying and enjoying your youth. There's no need to get involved in a bloody world."

"...Yeah, you're right."

Natsuki, having fought for six years in another world, doesn't want to fight anymore after returning to Japan. He just wants to relax, play games, watch videos, and take it easy. Even if he has power, he has no intention of getting involved.

"Alright. Then, that's it for today."

"Thanks for everything."

"Don't worry about it."

"By the way, are you a psychic, Uncle?"

"Idiot. I'm just a regular person."

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