第５９５堀：図書館の怪 (Part1)
**Chapter 595: The Mystery of the Library**
**Side: Yuki**
"Well then, it has begun. The 'Long Autumn Night Ghost Story Tour'."
"That sounds like a show title that would have way too many episodes," Taiki-kun replied as he walked beside me.
Yes, we were currently walking through the school, carrying out a project to investigate the mysteries behind the ghost stories of Heiden Magic Academy. Or rather, call it a job, or perhaps just clearing out future worries so I can spend my time at the academy in peace. Nobody wants to live in a "stigmatized property" where strange things happen. If you have to live there, it’s only natural to perform an exorcism. And if we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it thoroughly, without hesitation, and with a full-scale deployment of salt—which is why I’ve brought every bit of combat power I could muster.
"Kaka-sama, the school is huge. Was your school big, too?"
"Mm. Kaka-sama’s school was even bigger."
"Amazing. I want to go see it someday."
"Mm. Someday, let’s take your sisters and go see it together."
"Un."
You can probably gauge my level of enthusiasm from the fact that I’ve even brought my daughter along. Besides, when it comes to ghost stories, there is no one more qualified than Shuten. After all, she is the Shuten-doji herself, who could be called the pinnacle of Japanese ghost stories.
Furthermore, to solidify our ranks, I’ve brought the heavy hitters: the former Saintess Rurua, who is a spiritual medium—or rather, a cleric in this world; the Demon Lord Deryu; the Hero Ria; and Popuri, the principal of the Magic Academy. It’s an incredibly stacked lineup.
Oh, and while Taiki-kun is a Hero, he basically refused to participate, saying, "Who would want to deal with ghosts?" The fear Japanese people have toward ghosts and spirits is traumatic, after all. Even if they don't come at you with physical force, they often use incomprehensible methods of attack, and in the worst cases, they can drive people to suicide through mental instability. (At least, that’s what I’ve gathered from dramas and documentaries.) Because Labyris and the younger group know this, they’ve retreated to the dungeon, which is another reason why a swift resolution to these mysteries and ghost stories is so desirable.
*“Testing, testing. Can you hear me?”*
Taiki-san’s voice came through the radio.
"Reception is clear. We’ve just arrived in front of the library."
*“Roger. Reception is clear on this end, no noise. I’ve received confirmation from Kanna-dono and Agil-dono. Can you confirm them from your side?”*
When I turned around, Kanna and Agil were standing behind us, waving. They were the personnel assigned to ensure we actually entered the library. Similarly, Vilia and Dressa were standing to the side. Since this could potentially induce panic, we selected members who are calm and possess a fair amount of capability. Eoid and Amanda were brought along because they lack enough power to cause trouble even if we have to restrain them—in a sense, they were brought precisely because they possess the opposite of the required skills. As for Kagura, she has the bloodline of the Kamishiro family, and Mikos represents the general student body.
Well, with this many people, we should be able to manage.
"Alright, time to go in."
"Kanna, Agil confirmed. We are now infiltrating the library."
*“Roger. Good luck.”*
We stepped into the library. Inside, there was a decent collection of books; it felt like a large bookstore. Since it was built as a separate building from the schoolhouse, you could tell the collection was extensive. It was a three-story structure, and while it might not be every single floor, it was surely packed with books. It was the kind of place where the floors are completely open to one another. It wasn't quite as large as a public library in Japan, but for a place this size, we should be able to get a handle on things by the end of the day.
"Alright, we're inside. Is anyone feeling anything unusual?"
I performed a quick medical check on the members, but there were no particular changes.
"Rurua, Shuten, do you feel anything?"
"No. Nothing in particular."
"I don't feel anything."
Hmm. It seems there are no evil spirits here. I thought if there were, one of them would have reacted, but there was no response. Is it a trap-based phenomenon in a specific location, then?
"What about the Water Dragon?"
*“No, I don’t feel anything either.”*
The super-alloy Water Dragon riding on Shuten’s shoulder replied as well. By the way, this Water Dragon had prostrated itself when it first met Shuten. Simply put, a minor rural deity has no chance of winning against a major high-ranking yokai, and since Shuten is considered a child of the Yamata no Orochi—a famous Water God—the Water Dragon recognized the difference in status and has been following Shuten like a subordinate. Shuten doesn't seem to mind, and it adds an extra layer of security, so it’s not a problem.
"For now, let’s head to the site of the rumors. Mikos, lead the way."
"Understood, Yuki-sensei."
Mikos began to walk toward the upper floors. The rumors originated from various floors, and we haven't pinpointed which one exactly. However, we’ve hypothesized that it might be on the upper floors, where there are fewer eyes. If strange things were happening on the first floor, where people are constantly coming and going, there would surely be more victims. We haven't heard of any additions to the building, so we’ve settled on the opinion that it’s likely the third floor.
"This is the exploration team. Proceeding from the first floor to the third as planned."
*“Roger. Communication is clear. Please continue the search.”*
The communication with Taiki-san seems fine for now.
"But Yuki-san, this place was built about 500 years ago, right? How do they handle the rotation of the collection?"
"Ah, rare books are managed separately in the academy’s treasure vault or moved to the Royal Capital. Other books are sold off to purchase new ones or used to cover maintenance costs."
"I see. So they select books to keep in the library according to their needs."
"Exactly. If they had stuffed 500 years' worth of books in here, it wouldn't fit in just this building."
"Then, is it possible that a cursed book has just been left sitting around?"
"Hmm. Kagura, Mikos, what do you think?"
The library staff claims they manage things properly, but they have to say that for the sake of their position, and humans are prone to mistakes. That’s why I asked the two who actually use the library.
"Hmm. A cursed book? I’ve never heard of such a thing."
"I haven't heard of anything like that either, Mikos-chan."
Mikos refers to herself as "Mikos-chan," which feels like the way one speaks when they’re being casual. She’s likely playing a character. This is a common method for gathering information; sometimes, this kind of indirect approach works better than asking seriously. In that sense, she might have a rare talent. But if even Mikos doesn't know, it seems unlikely there are any dangerous books.
"In that case, is it something set up in the space itself?"
"Who knows. We’ll have to rely on Rurua, Shuten, and the Water Dragon for that."
"Leave it to me."
"Toto-sama, leave it to me."
*“Well, I will do what I can.”*
For now, the three of them were highly motivated. Cleena was holding Shuten’s hand, and Kirue was standing by, so there shouldn't be any issues. While we were talking, we arrived at the third floor. There was no counter, just an information board, and rows upon rows of identical bookshelves. Fortunately, thanks to magic, the library was bright, and we had no trouble reading. Windows were placed along the walls, but they weren't very large—a measure to prevent thieves from entering and to keep the books from being damaged by direct sunlight.
"Um, it's this way."