Chapter 49: The Occult Club [2]

’This must be it!’ Pierre told himself. It was already odd that he was hearing this rumour for the first time, despite the number of times he had cleared this level. And that was enough to get his full attention.

The club meeting ended with the new assignment in sight. After walking Hanabira Reina to the school gate and bidding her goodbye, Pierre took only a few steps towards home when he woke up on his bed a second later.

It was already a brand new day.

Unless he had something planned, like a date, a stroll, or a meet-up, this was how the days always ended in the simulation, and it was the same for weekends. This pattern of skipping to the next day helped remind Pierre that this was a simulation, not the real world, no matter how long he spent here.

Silently watching Pierre like a deity, Roy switched the time dilation back to that of the real world.

[Day 9: Hanabira Reina keeps glancing at you. You notice her once and smile, and she smiles back.]

[+2 Affection.]

[…After school, you go to inspect the girls’ locker room and hear someone weeping inside. You were too scared to enter.]

[Day 10: You meet Kurosaki Choji during recess and ask him about ghosts, demons, and evil spirits, and how to protect oneself from them. From the Love Shop, you get yourself a rosary like the final remark suggested.]

[−¥1,500.]

[Day 11: At lunch break, Hanabira Reina is bullied by the other girls in the class. They call her names and hurl curses at her in a manner she can hear. You do nothing.]

[Day 12: You poison the three bullies’ meals with laxatives when no one is looking.

After lunch break, everyone wonders why the three girls are running out of the class one by one without taking permission from the teacher. Hanabira Reina glances at you, and you wink at her. She blushes and looks away.]

[+8 Affection.]

[Day 15: Before class begins, Hanabira Reina finds her desk vandalized. As she cleans her desk, her bullies laugh at her discreetly.

This angers you greatly. You walk up to one of them, grab her by the collar, and threaten to hurt her with demonic methods if she ever disturbs Reina again. Your bully walks up to you, and the two of you enter a fight. You were beaten to a pulp and taken to the infirmary.]

[−1♡, −20 Reputation, +15 Affection.]

[After school, the club meeting begins…]

“So what have we gathered so far?” asked the President of the Occult Club.

“I checked the locker room a few times after school with my friend. I didn’t see or hear anything,” Kirishima Ayame said.

Kurosaki Choji spoke next.

“I interviewed some members of the Girls’ Sports Club, and they did confirm sightings of a mysterious shadow. A few said they heard weeping, too. There is also a particular locker they don’t use. That is mainly where the banging sounds come from.”

Time slowed down, and the dialogue options appeared before Pierre.

[A: I heard weeping.]

[B: Remain silent.]

[C: I didn’t do the assignment. It was stupid.]

Pierre chose Option A, of course.

They were surprised and inquired about his experience, which he narrated.

Hanabira Reina said she also interviewed individuals and inspected the locker room herself, but focused more on finding out when the sightings and rumours began to spread.

“But none of what I gathered correlates to any tragic events in this school in the past years.”

Reina grinned awkwardly. “Heh, you all gathered valuable information. In my witch book of spells and rituals, there is a ritual to call nearby spirits. Should we try it?”

Kirishima Ayame’s expression soured, and she shook her head adamantly. “Bad idea. Bad idea.”

Whereas Kurosaki Choji shrugged. “I don’t think it’s safe.”

Time slowed once again, and the speech options appeared before Pierre.

[A: Let’s do it.]

[B: I agree with Kurosaki-san.]

[C: I agree with Kirishima-san.]

He wasted no time and chose Option A. “I think we should do it. Kirishima-san, didn’t you mention that you had a protective talisman? Come on, we’re the Occult Club. We can’t be afraid of ghost busting!”

Ayame and Choji fell deep into contemplation.

And Reina added, “Don’t worry, there is also a protective spell in the witch book. Nothing will harm us, and we can call specifically for the red-gloved ghost…”

With a bit more convincing, the final two members of the group agreed, then further discussed the date, time, and elements needed for the ritual.

As he watched all this unfold, Roy let out a sigh of relief. “Normally, by this time, they punctured doll caricatures of their bullies and cursed them.”

[Day 16: After school, the Occult Club prepares for the séance…]

A pentagram with unique symbols was already drawn on the round table when Roy changed the time dilation back to the system world’s.

The club members sat around the table with lit candles, incense, herbs, flowers, and a piece of cardboard with a ring sitting between a written ’yes’ and ’no.’

“Let’s join hands,” Reina said, and Pierre held hers, causing her to blush underneath her thick hair. Ayame held her other hand, and Choji connected the circle.

Roy watched intently as Reina began chanting what sounded like Latin, springing in words like ’red-gloves’ and some other pinpointers of the ghost they were trying to call.

The candles flickered violently despite the closed windows, and a chill crawled up Pierre’s spine,

And then, time paused, and the pink-themed panel appeared.

[You have found a Hidden Story!]

+

[Hidden Story #1 — The Weeping Ghost]

Current Stage: Occult Club Room — 1st Semester, 2nd Year.

Target: [Unknown].

Story Description: “Rumours say a ghost haunts Aoi Private High School, appearing as a red-gloved shadow to students when they’re alone. The ghost is said to be looking for its killer to avenge itself, but the Occult Club seeks to uncover its true motives. The club members perform an ancient ritual meant to commune with the dead, but nothing happens. However, you notice the shadow of a girl following you closely anytime you turn. For her soul to be free, find out what is keeping her tied to this realm.”

Difficulty: HARD.

Objectives:

1. Take her out on a date.

2. Make her fall in love with you.

3. Find out her final wish.

4. Set her free.

Rewards: +1.5 Stat Points, +100 Love Points, +1 Secret Item.

Final Remark: Love can transcend even the material plane. Good luck, Host!

+

Roy, who was sitting casually on the floor, stood up and walked closer to Pierre. A smile cracked open on his lips, and he grabbed Pierre’s shoulder. He only mimicked the gesture, as he knew his hand would only pass through Pierre’s form.

“Heh. Good job, you bastard!”

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