The city was changing.
Not just in structure, but in its heartbeat.
---
Rogue spirits had begun acting unpredictably—some causing minor havoc despite my subtle guidance.
Humans were arguing, hesitating, questioning authority openly.
> [System Alert: Multi-Faction Consequences – Significant]
---
I perched above the chaos, watching.
"…This isn't just a network anymore," I muttered.
"It's a domino effect. And some dominoes… might break people."
---
A young exorcist trainee, inspired by my influence, challenged a senior during a dangerous mission.
The result: a near-fatal accident, a civilian barely saved.
> [Human Influence – Moral Consequence Detected]
---
I exhaled, realizing the weight of my actions.
"…I thought guiding chaos was harmless," I whispered.
"But it's not. Every move affects someone."
---
Rogue spirits that I had subtly aligned now disputed orders among themselves.
Minor conflicts erupted across the city.
> [System Update: Influence Network – Stress Level Rising]
---
Mira's voice floated into my mind.
"Influence isn't control. Power isn't absolution. Every ripple has a shadow."
"…Great. Shadows," I muttered, rubbing my temple.
---
I hovered above a street where chaos and order clashed.
Hunters recalibrated patrols aggressively.
Exorcists argued doctrinally.
Rogue spirits fought among themselves subtly.
All because of the web I had started to weave.
---
> [Insight: Ethical Consequences – High]
— Influence has a cost beyond strategy
---
I clenched my fists.
"…I can't just survive anymore. I have to decide how far I'm willing to push this."
---
The city pulsed below, alive and aware.
And I… floated above, carrying the burden of every ripple I had unleashed.
---
> [Status Update:]
— Network Influence: Strong but Morally Tenuous
— Multi-Faction Consequences: Escalating
— Rei Stress Level: Critical – Ethical Dilemma Active
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