第１１４２堀：幽霊の情報集め (Part1)
Chapter 1142: Gathering Intelligence on the Ghost
Side: Yuki
"Whoa. That is unmistakably the movement of a ghost."
"Indeed. We anticipated it, but it’s still startling."
Exactly. On the monitor we were watching, Hivia—who had been walking slowly down the hallway just a second ago—had instantly teleported right beside Popuri, who was busy checking the locks in the classroom.
I suppose instantaneous movement is common enough for ghosts, but still...
"..."
Kagura, Mikos, Enora, and Stasia were deathly pale, despite the fact that this was merely happening on a screen. Well, I suppose the unknown is always a catalyst for fear. Still, depending on who is watching this footage...
"Hmm. Looking at the situation, it seems safe to assume that only Popuri-dono is eliciting a reaction from her."
"Yes. That seems the most likely scenario. If she didn't have a preference for people, she could have just as easily targeted Lara-dono or Souta-dono."
"Right? She’s clearly fixated on Popuri. But do you think we can assume she’s free of malice?"
"Likely. After all, if she were malicious, it would be strange for her to get that close and do absolutely nothing. Though, since there are no 'peculiar phenomena' manifesting in the classroom or the hallway, there is also the possibility that she simply lacks the power to do anything else."
Exactly. This is why we can use this as a sufficient source of information to probe the entity.
"Master. Popuri-sama and the others have finished their investigation and are returning. The target, Hivia, has not followed them after they left the hallway in front of the classroom. She is simply watching them—it feels as though she is quietly seeing them off."
Just as Kirika said, she didn't attempt to possess anyone; she simply stood there, watching Popuri and the others—or rather, watching Popuri specifically. Is there something she’s trying to convey?
"Let’s hear the details from them directly. For now, everyone, gather the questions you want to ask. Once they return, we’ll organize the information and begin our analysis."
"Understood."
Everyone responded firmly. Good, no one is in a state of shock from seeing the ghost. Well, Kagura and the others are pale, but that’s likely just them recalling the terror of the Weed haunted house; it’s not as if Hivia actually did anything to them.
Now, that leads me to believe she isn't an evil spirit or a yokai. If she were one of those troublesome types, she would have already caused a scene. For now, I glanced back at the monitor to see if there was any other information to be gleaned, but she was still there, just walking quietly down the hall. The same behavior as yesterday.
Is this what they call a land-bound spirit? A ghost that cannot move from a specific location? But they said the place where she died was the Great Tree Sea... yes, we definitely need more information.
As I was pondering this, the classroom door opened, and Popuri and the others returned.
"Oh, welcome back."
"...We're back. Dealing with a ghost is surprisingly exhausting. It’s quite difficult to just ignore them like that."
"...It really is. If you let your guard down for even a second, you find yourself wanting to look at them."
Popuri and Lara shared their impressions, and they looked as drained as they sounded. They must have been under immense tension. After all, they had a ghost peering right into their faces at close range. If it were a living person, you could just tell them they’re in the way, but if you said that to a ghost, who knows what might happen?
That’s why they had to let her hover over them while acting as if she didn't exist. If you truly didn't notice her, there wouldn't be a problem, but knowing she’s there and pretending she isn't is taxing in more ways than one. If something suddenly jumps in front of you, anyone would want to dodge it. It’s the same principle.
If an unconfirmed entity like a ghost is nearby, a normal person would naturally distance themselves and keep it in their field of vision to stay alert. That’s why people who can see ghosts are easily possessed—because they inadvertently reveal through their behavior that they can see them. Or so I heard someone say once.
I’m the type who can’t see them unless I really focus, so I’m generally fine. More importantly, I need to get Popuri and the others seated so they can rest. I gave Kirika a look, and she nodded immediately.
"Thank you for your hard work. We have tea and snacks prepared for you here."
She guided them over, and all four sat down obediently. I waited until I saw them take a breath after drinking the tea before I approached.
"Nom."
Just as I was about to speak to Popuri, she popped a steamed bun into her mouth. I wondered if I should wait until she finished, but Souta-san noticed me.
"Oh, Yuki-kun. Please, don't hesitate. And the rest of you behind him, too."
Behind me? I turned around to see the others, who had been itching to hear the report just as much as I was.
"I’ll prepare a long table, so would you mind moving to that?"
"Please do."
The lecture halls at the Lancer Magic Academy are like university classrooms; you can’t really gather around a single desk. So, we had to bring one in. ...I’m always putting Kirika to work. Though, even if it’s just pulling it out of an item box, it’s still manual labor. But she is the capable ninja Kirika; she set up the long table in a flash. Everyone took their seats, nibbling on snacks and sipping tea, waiting for the four who had been on the scene to speak.
"Now that everyone seems settled, shall we begin? Popuri-san, Lara-san, are you ready?"
"Yes. I’ve calmed down quite a bit, so it’s no problem."
"I’m fine as well."
"Hey. Is there nothing for me?"
"Hmph. I didn't think a little water would rattle your nerves. Oh, were you actually trembling in fear?"
"Don't be an idiot. I just meant you should be mindful of me as well. Worship me."
"Haha. Don't say such foolish things. Now, let’s begin. Yuki-kun, I’ll leave it to you."
Souta-san lightened the mood with a bit of banter before handing the lead over to me. Man, I have nothing but respect for him.
"Thank you. Then, to start, I have a few things I’d like to confirm, so let me speak first."
I activated the call screens in front of each member, displaying the footage of the ghost, Hivia.
"Souta-san, we can clearly see Hivia’s appearance on the monitor, but is there any doubt that this is her actual appearance?"
My wives tilted their heads at my question. Normally, people would wonder what I was talking about, but when the subject is a ghost, it’s a different story. Before I could add a supplement, Taiki-kun explained it for me.
"Things like this can sometimes change appearance depending on who is looking at them. It’s a classic mistake to assume everyone is seeing the same thing and then fail later because of it."
"Exactly. As Taiki-kun says. There are strange things like that out there, so I want to confirm it."
What you think you see with your own eyes isn't necessarily the true form. In the truest sense of the word.