第１１４０堀：さて幽霊を見つけたらどうする？ (Part1)
Chapter 1140: So, What Do You Do When You Find a Ghost?
Side: Yuki
It was beyond unexpected. Not only did the ghost get caught in our surveillance net for the second day in a row, but we had even managed to identify her.
Under normal circumstances, this would be impossible, but that’s just common sense on Earth—not in this world. Or rather, perhaps the presence of monsters and the like has made this world more attuned to recognizing spirits.
Noriko and the others were certainly enthusiastic about it, so I suppose a proper investigation is in order. If this is the case, we have to consider the possibility that we might face not just ghosts or zombies, but actual "spirits" as enemies.
But that’s a problem for later. For now, the question is what to do in this moment.
"Alright, everyone. We’ve confirmed the existence of this ghost, Hivia, right? Now, let’s think about how we should handle her."
When I threw that out there, Taiki-kun, as expected, immediately rebooted his train of thought.
"Er, well, I thought it would take forever just to verify the existence of a ghost, and I certainly didn't expect to get such a clear image and an identity to boot. So, what’s the safest course of action?"
It seems even he is at a loss for how to act in such an unprecedented situation. I’m in the same boat, which is why I’m gathering opinions.
"Taiki-kun is right. It’s an unexpected development, but we need to consider whether it’s wise to take direct action against Hivia-kun just yet."
"Indeed. As it stands, our only way to measure her remains thermal sensing. We can only catch a glimpse of her through cameras that Popuri-dono has touched or infused with magic. Given that, we face the fundamental issue of how to even communicate with her. I don't believe rash contact is advisable."
Taizo-san and Zargis are in agreement that approaching her blindly is a bad idea. Well, trying to interact with something that doesn't even appear in your field of vision is a massive headache. Especially when the target is a ghost.
In that case, I want to hear from the experts.
"Souta-san. What do you think, Sui?"
"Let's see. I don't feel any malice from her at all, so I think it would be fine to go and meet her."
"I share that opinion, but... I can barely sense any power from her. She is like a shadow. Therefore, while I don't know her objective, it is questionable whether she would even react if we went to see her."
Souta-san and Sui both think meeting her directly wouldn't be a problem. However, it seems her existence as a ghost is incredibly faint; they aren't even sure if she would respond, or if she’s even capable of it.
True, this ghost, Hivia, probably doesn't even realize she’s being caught on camera. No, wait—it’s impossible for a ghost in this world to understand the concept of a camera in the first place.
Still, we aren't exactly hiding the equipment. I’d think she might notice something odd and glance at the lens, but she doesn't even do that. What kind of ghost is she?
As I was pondering such trivialities, Taiki-kun suddenly muttered something, as if struck by an idea.
"In times like this, don't people usually perform a séance or something to hear the ghost's voice? Or, well, since she's right there, maybe possession? Or an interpreter?"
"Ah, I have heard that one would use an *itako* for such things. Or a shrine maiden. Hmm?"
"Eh?"
At Taizo-san's words, everyone’s gaze converged on a single person.
Ah, right. A shrine maiden. We have a shrine maiden right here. An *itako* who listens to the voices of the dead is, in a sense, a type of shrine maiden. And this world has shrine maidens, too. Specifically, the one who serves the god of water, "Sui," who is floating right next to Souta-san.
"That’s true. Kagura-san might be the most suitable candidate, in a way."
"Indeed. I recall hearing that she once lent her body to Hairen when he entered the Dungeon Core. She might have an aptitude for it."
"W-wait a minute. Souta-sama, Sui-sama, I—I don't have the confidence to do something like that! Besides, I don't know anything about ghosts!"
"Well, there aren't exactly many shrine maidens who train for that sort of thing."
"True. And the Kamishiro family doesn't perform divine possession anyway. It’s just a branch shrine."
Yeah. Even in Japan, there aren't many shrine maidens who undergo that kind of training. Most of them are just hired as part-timers for the New Year rush. In a sense, a "professional" shrine maiden is almost a fantasy—an endangered species.
But that aside, I couldn't stay silent while my wife, Kagura, was being put in the spotlight for this.
"Hold on. Kagura doesn't want to do it, and I can't approve of it. When Hairen took over, there was a risk of her body breaking. Lending her body to an unknown entity like Hivia is out of the question."
I cut myself off before I could say that I was personally resistant to the idea.
"Yuki."
Kagura looked at me with teary eyes. Yeah, I’m not enough of a monster to force my wife into such a dangerous situation. Well, if it weren't my wife, I’d probably be ordering it without a second thought...
"That is true. We cannot ignore Kagura-san's wishes."
"Besides, if the shrine maiden isn't cooperating, a séance wouldn't succeed anyway."
"Ah, no, I’m sorry. I just said it on a whim."
"Indeed. That was careless of me. I ignored Kagura-kun's feelings. My apologies."
Souta-san and the others backed down easily. Everyone knows that forcing this kind of thing would be pointless. But if we just leave it be, nothing will progress...
"Fine. I’ll go."
" " "No." " "
The moment I volunteered, I was immediately shut down. Why?
"Yuki-sensei~. You should have realized it was a bad idea the moment Kagura said no."
"That's right. It's impossible for us to let Yuki do something that might put him in such danger."
"Exactly as they say. Yuki-sama, please restrain yourself."
"Everyone is correct. Master, please stay here and command us. This isn't one of those 'safe ghosts' that Luna-sama usually prepares."
I really want to argue with Kirue’s final point. I’m pretty sure Noriko and the others were on the level of *Ju-on* or *Sadako*... but I’m not going to ruin the mood by saying that.
"So, what do we do? Shall we just observe from here for today? Or will you go, Souta-san?"
"I don't mind. Though, keeping an eye on things from here for now is also a valid strategy."