"----!"
The instant Yuzuriha Awaki saw a lower-ranking member beside her press a gun to her head, the atmosphere throughout Block changed slightly.
It was a kind of tension that could not be seen with the naked eye.
Yet Yuzuriha Awaki caught it clearly.
That confirmed it for her.
To Block, her existence served an extraordinary purpose.
At the very least, if Block intended to secretly carry out some plan behind the backs of those above them, Yuzuriha Awaki had to be indispensable to that plan.
If Yuzuriha Awaki died, Block's scheme would likely fall apart immediately.
And Sakumi Hiko's actions proved Yuzuriha Awaki's suspicions.
"...Should I say that's what I'd expect from Group?"
Sakumi Hiko spoke in a somewhat grave tone.
"For the highest-ranking Dark Department, the one that even recruited Number One, to treat you like this... it really makes one feel sorry for you."
Sakumi Hiko's words made Yuzuriha Awaki's eyes twitch slightly.
"...I'm the one who finds this more surprising." Yuzuriha Awaki spoke as though forcing herself to remain calm. "I'm only a Level 4 esper. Even if my ability type is rather rare, I'm not that remarkable in Academy City. Yet you value me this highly?"
"That's because others don't know your worth." Sakumi Hiko answered without hesitation. "You're more valuable than you think. Otherwise, you wouldn't have become the guide to the Building with No Windows."
"Is that so?" Yuzuriha Awaki was not moved by Sakumi Hiko's emotional appeal in the slightest. "Then what value do you see in me?"
"Isn't that obvious?" Sakumi Hiko replied without changing expression. "The value you hold as a guide, of course."
"A guide?" Yuzuriha Awaki froze slightly.
"That's right." Sakumi Hiko looked at Yuzuriha Awaki.
Then, the leader of Block asked her a question.
"What do you