第１１４０堀：さて幽霊を見つけたらどうする？ (Part2)
"Agreed. I think it’s best to just observe for now. After all, there are others besides myself, Sota, and Popuri who can see her. There’s a chance they might notice 'something' that we’ve overlooked."
"Hmm."
Indeed, Sota and Mizu were right. There was no urgent need to force a confrontation this very moment. Gathering more information seemed like a sound strategy, but perhaps I should ask Popuri, who actually knew the girl in life, how she felt about it.
"So, Popuri, Lara—since you two knew Hivia, what do you think we should do?"
"…Personally, I want to speak with her immediately, but the question remains: is she even capable of coherent conversation?"
"That is the crux of the matter. If a former student of ours is wandering the halls like this, we have a duty to reach out, but there is no guarantee she will respond. It is difficult to determine the optimal course of action."
Neither of them seemed certain of how to proceed. It was understandable, really. If someone asked you, "There’s a ghost of an acquaintance nearby—what should we do?" you wouldn't exactly have a ready-made answer. Even if it were safe, there was no telling if communication was possible, and at worst, there was always the risk of being attacked. I wanted answers, but considering the variables, there was no need to rush headlong into a meeting.
"In other words, if we can ensure safety, it’s worth a shot to try and talk to her."
"Well, yes. I’m still curious why she appeared at this academy instead of the Great Tree Sea, and I’d like to ask her about that."
"Yes. If the child who knows what happened during that survey of the Great Tree Sea is still lingering in this world, we have a duty to hear her story."
"In that case, Sota and Mizu have the highest defensive capabilities against spectral entities. Can I leave this to you two?"
"Sure, I don't mind. Besides, she was visible to Popuri from the start. If there’s any connection to be made, it’ll be through her."
"Indeed. If Popuri approaches her directly, there should be some sort of reaction. I will ensure your safety, so there is nothing to worry about."
If the gods themselves promised protection, then there was no issue. Fortunately, we still had time. Dawn was a long way off; we were in the dead of night, the hour when even the trees and grasses sleep. If anything, it was the prime time for ghosts to manifest. It was the perfect window to attempt a conversation with a spirit.
"If you're going, you might as well take this, Popuri."
Comet, seemingly deciding that the plan was set, handed a recording device to Popuri.
"I can't guarantee it'll record a ghost's voice, but at the very least, it will capture your side of the conversation. That way, you’ll be able to recall the details clearly later."
"Understood. I will take it."
"And one from me. If she’ll accept it, give her this."
Agil handed over a beautiful ring.
"What kind of ring is this?"
"Oh, it doesn't have any particular enchantments. I just configured it to emit a specific magical wave. If she’s able to hold onto it, we’ll be able to track her. We’re heading to the Great Tree Sea later, after all. It’ll be useful for recovering her remains."
"I see. If she is willing to accept it, I will pass it along."
Popuri accepted the items from the two scientists without a second thought, despite their utter lack of sentimentality—the tools were purely for future logistics. I couldn't help but wonder: in this world, is there no concept of mourning the dead? It was a strange, cold efficiency for such a haunting situation.
Regardless, Popuri and Lara, now equipped with the devices, left the classroom accompanied by Sota and Mizu. They were going to speak with Hivia. The hallway, visible through the feed sent back by the group, was eerily silent, the darkness stretching out in a way that made it feel infinite. Yet, to those accustomed to this place, the gloom was nothing to be concerned about, and they pressed forward without hesitation.
"Sota and Mizu are one thing, but Principal Popuri and Vice Principal Lara are moving forward without a hint of doubt. I’d expect them to be hesitant about encountering a ghost."
"That’s likely because the ghost is a former student. If it were some unknown spirit, they’d be on guard, but knowing her background, there’s no reason to fear her. It’s like a family member appearing in a dream, I suppose."
Fair enough. If there’s no malice involved, there’s no reason to be terrified just because an acquaintance has returned as a ghost. It was possible she had simply come to offer a final farewell.
...Still, what concerns me most is the potential link to the Great Tree Sea survey. Is it better that there’s no connection, or would it be better to gain the information? I find myself in a very conflicted state of mind.
If you were to actually find a ghost, what would you do? Would you attempt contact as part of an investigation team? Or would you limit yourself to observation?