Meanwhile, let's turn back the clock to that afternoon.
Class B's students streamed out of the office one after another, wearing expressions of either relief or exhaustion.
Itozawa and Kanzaki walked side by side at the back of the crowd, quietly discussing something.
Itozawa had been holding back his curiosity ever since they left. At last, he couldn't restrain himself any longer. Turning to Kanzaki, he asked, "Kanzaki, what do you think Takahashi-sensei's ability is? Is it the Spirit Word System of Spirit Ability, or an ability from the Divine Connection System?"
Kanzaki strode steadily along, furrowing his brow slightly as he seemed to consider the question.
After a moment's thought, he quickly reached a conclusion. "I think Takahashi-sensei must belong to the Spirit Word System."
Itozawa's curiosity grew, and he pressed him. "Why are you so sure? Don't both systems wield the power of language?"
Kanzaki stopped and turned to face Itozawa, explaining in detail. "Although both wield the power of language, their fundamental natures are completely different.
"With the Spirit Word System, power is inherent in the words themselves. The Divine Connection System, on the other hand, borrows the power of the gods, making words become law.
"When gods manifest their blessings, the effects are bound to be dramatic. It wouldn't be as unremarkable as what Takahashi-sensei showed earlier."
Itozawa nodded, apparently satisfied with Kanzaki's explanation, though his curiosity wasn't entirely sated. "Then do you think Takahashi-sensei uses Word Spirit or True Word?"
Kanzaki shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "There's no way to know. Although Word Spirit and True Word both belong to the Spirit Word System, their powers and manifestations differ.
"Word Spirit directly produces effects through words, while True Word uses words to control or influence external things. Without more information, it's hard to make an accurate judgment."
Just then, Ichinose hurried out from the crowd and joined Itozawa and Kanzaki, stepping into their discussion.
"I think Takahashi-sensei definitely uses Word Spirit," Ichinose said, her gaze shifting between the two as if seeking their agreement. "Her bathroom is decorated in a Western style. If she used True Word, there would probably be more religious decorations. After all, although True Word's power doesn't come directly from the gods, it's still influenced by religious practices."
Itozawa and Kanzaki both nodded, agreeing with Ichinose's observation.
Kanzaki added, "That's true. True Word's power is closely tied to religious beliefs and rituals. And from what you've said, Takahashi-sensei's lifestyle doesn't seem to lean toward any particular religion."
Ichinose then voiced the question on her mind. Her brow furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with longing for the unknown. "But I'm curious about what Takahashi-sensei's Word Spirit is like.
"I remember the handbook said that Word Spirit's power can only be used through a 'Word Spirit' cultivated by its wielder, but I don't think I've ever seen Takahashi-sensei's 'Word Spirit.'"
Kanzaki smiled and explained, "Word Spirits can take many forms and have all kinds of powers. They can be anything, and they don't have to be visible.
"Sometimes, a Word Spirit might be a symbol, a spell, or even a melody. It doesn't necessarily have to be as cute as the examples in the handbook.
"Word Spirits are bridges between Word Spirit Masters and the power of language. Their forms and the extent of their power depend entirely on the Word Spirit Master. Takahashi-sensei may have cultivated hers to a level we can barely perceive."
After listening, Ichinose's eyes shone even brighter. Her curiosity about Word Spirits and her admiration for Takahashi-sensei mingled, filling her with a deep yearning for the Supernatural World.
Before you continue