— — — — — — —
"To put it simply, there's a Cursed Spirit occupying the old school building. That's all you need to know."
Lynn had no interest in explaining further.
Besides, for ordinary people, knowing too much about things like this wasn't exactly a good thing.
Yukinoshita Yukino opened her mouth slightly, wanting to argue that, as the one who issued the request, she had the right to be informed.
But the moment she met Lynn's gaze, her body tensed up, and she instinctively shrank back.
That fear—so deeply ingrained it felt almost instinctual—made it impossible for her to speak.
In the end, all she could do was bite her lip and silently sulk.
Never in her life had she met such an unreasonable man.
And never before had she encountered someone who didn't abide by the unspoken rules that governed human society.
Not even her sister could compare to this…
For some reason, that thought sent a strange thrill through her.
She hated to admit it, but she had lost the courage to argue back.
"Haaah…"
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down.
Then, with a complicated expression, she looked at Lynn once more.
At this moment, maybe she… was pathetic. But still—At least she hadn't come away empty-handed.
Lynn's words had given her something.
Cursed Spirits…
That term likely referred to malicious spirits, ghosts, or something of the sort.
So they really existed…?
"Ghosts…"
She pressed her lips together.
So the moving chair wasn't just her imagination after all…
"Y-Yukino…"
Yuigahama Yui looked like she was about to cry.
Ghosts… were just way too scary!!
"The old school building incident is now under the jurisdiction of the Supernatural Research Club. If you're scared, you're free to leave."
Lynn didn't care about their presence in the slightest.
To be honest—Both Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui had the potential to become his Familia members.
Ever since they entered the Supernatural Research Club, his system had been flashing, indicating that his Devil's Piece ability could be used on them.
Though… Yukino still needed some training.
"Go back?"
Yui's eyes lit up.
Did this mean… she wouldn't have to deal with ghosts anymore?
'Hell yeah!'
She turned to Yukino with eager, expectant eyes.
But Yukino hesitated.
She clenched her fists tightly.
'Am I really okay with this…?'
"Haaaah…"
Letting out a slow breath, her gaze became resolute.
She had made her decision.
After all—It was just a floating chair, right?
Yeah, sure, it was a little scary.
But still! She wanted to see the truth of this world with her own eyes.
"Yui, you should head back. I'll handle this request from the Service Club on my own."
She wanted to go inside.
But there was no reason to drag Yui into this mess.
This was just her own selfishness.
Yui froze for a moment.
Then, without hesitation, she blurted out— "No way! If you're going, I'm going too!"
She was scared.
Terrified, actually.
But if she just gritted her teeth and pushed through, she'd be fine… probably.
Honestly, she had zero confidence in herself.
But if Yukino went in alone… she'd be scared too, right?
As her friend! She couldn't just leave her behind!
Yukino was stunned. "No, really, you don't have to—"
"I'm a member of the Service Club too, aren't I?"
Yuigahama Yui interrupted her, flashing a bright, reassuring smile.
"Besides, we're friends, right? How could I just let you go off on your own?"
'Friends…'
Yukino's gaze wavered for a moment.
A barely noticeable smile flickered across Yukino's lips.
"Alright, let's go together."
Seeing that they had made their decision, Lynn nodded. "Good. Then let's get ready to head out."
"But first…"
His gaze sharpened.
"Before we step into the old school building, let's deal with the little pest hiding behind us."
Lynn turned around, his eyes landing on a girl with short, orange hair and a well-endowed figure. She was peeking out from behind a wall, curiously watching them.
The moment their eyes met, she instinctively grinned—then froze. "Ha! I have been caught?"
Yotsuya Miko followed Lynn's gaze and immediately exclaimed in shock.
"Ha… Hana?!"
"Hehehe…"
Seeing that she'd been discovered, Yurikawa Hana stepped out from her hiding spot and quickly ran to Miko's side, clinging onto her arm.
The overwhelming difference... that incredible softness...
Every time Hana hugged her like this, Miko was reminded of it.
She couldn't help but mourn her own... shape.
But—after meeting someone today with a figure similar to hers…
She suddenly didn't feel so bad anymore.
Yukinoshita Yukino: "…?"
Why did she suddenly feel a strange sense of malice directed at her?
"Hana, what are you doing here?"
Miko asked, puzzled.
"Isn't it because of you, Miko?!" Hana pouted and huffed.
Hearing that, her frustration bubbled up.
"You totally ignored me when I asked about your club! So, of course, I got curious and followed you!"
Miko scratched her cheek awkwardly.
'Well… did I really have another choice? The Supernatural Research Club is basically a Devil's headquarters… And Hana is just an ordinary person.'
She nodded to herself, convinced she had made the right decision. Hana couldn't see spirits, and it was probably for the best that she never did.
Bringing her into this place… just seemed like a bad idea.
"And also…"
Hana pouted again, her voice carrying a hint of grievance.
"Miko, you haven't gone shopping with me in ages…"
Miko broke into a cold sweat.
'Hmm! Yeah… I have been neglecting her lately.'
But what could she do?
She'd been spending every day grinding in the Apocalypse World to gain experience!
If she fell behind, things could get really bad.
"S-Sorry, sorry!"
All she could do was apologize.
"Alright! I forgive you!" Hana thumped her chest, acting all generous as she accepted Miko's apology.
"Huh?"
Miko blinked.
That was… too easy?
She didn't even have to bribe her with sweets?
Something felt off.
"Hehehe…"
Hana giggled mischievously. "But, in return, I'm joining your club activity today!"
"I heard everything! You're going on a haunted school adventure, right?! That sounds so fun!"
Her eyes practically sparkled with excitement.
Hana had one thought at that moment: this club sounded awesome!
She could spend more time with Miko…And participate in fun club activities too!
Miko was completely dumbfounded.
"Huh?!"
'Hana… wants to come along?!'
Miko opened her mouth to refuse—
But before she could say anything, Hana gave her the most pitiful, teary-eyed look.
"Mikoooo~…"
Miko let out a deep sigh.
"I've got a bad feeling about this…"
Somehow…She had the eerie premonition that Hana was about to become one of Lynn-sama's Familia members too.
Best friends, huh? Was the promise to stay together forever a curse or a blessing?
.
.
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