[Do you think the seven mysteries actually exist?]
[That's why you came here to check, right?]
[I don't think they're real.]
As they continued chatting, they went around the school building six times, but nothing happened, leaving them feeling disappointed.
[Yeah, nothing's happening. It's just a rumor, these seven mysteries...]
[Yeah, I guess so.]
However, their casual conversation took a sudden turn when one of the girls stopped in her tracks.
[Hey, can't you hear something?]
[Eh?]
[From the music room...]
[...I think I can hear it too.]
[Definitely...]
The atmosphere changed drastically, becoming heavy and ominous. They could hear the sound of a piano playing from the music room.
[Isn't this creepy?]
[Let's get out of here!]
[Agreed!]
Just as they said that, the music suddenly stopped. The music room was located on the floor above where they were standing, and they heard the sound of the door opening.
The three girls started running at full speed, trying to escape from the school.
[This is bad, this is bad, this is really bad!]
[Are the seven mysteries for real!?]
[We need to get out of here fast!]
Finally, they managed to reach the exit of the school, and all three of them made it out safely, none missing.
◆◆◆
[Moegi PoV]
"Is what I have heard."
"Is that so? It lacks credibility, though. However, we can't completely deny the possibility..."
"..."
While setting the dishes on the table, Karen-chan and Kohaku-chan were talking. The training in the training room had ended, and it was almost time for dinner. By the way, he was still practicing. Since it was still summer vacation, he was putting a lot of effort into his training.
He told me I didn't have to push myself too hard, but that's what he does. That makes the two of them, including me, want to work harder. Especially since he had recently defeated a monster twice. That didn't give us a very good impression. It is true that he was in a situation where he had to fight alone, but even so, we wanted to do our best so as not to put the burden on him alone.
He may be strong, but there's no need for him to shoulder everything alone.
When I moved into his house, we agreed to share the household chores. It seems that he can't cook, so the two of us are in charge of that.
"I've heard about the seven wonders at Mina no Iro High School before..."
"Was it posted online? Like seeing a ghost?"
"Yes, look, it's written here. It's probably about the same girl from our class."
Karen-chan showed Kohaku-chan the screen of her smartphone, but I could only glance at it and couldn't hear their conversation very well...
Today, all three of us received packages and put our belongings in the magically created rooms. However, magic is truly amazing. No, it's probably all thanks to Mel-chan...
"Hey, Moegi, what do you think?"
Still looking at the nikujaga (beef and potato stew), I mustered up the will to make it tasty.
"Moegi-senpai, don't cover your ears with your hands and listen to our conversation."
"Ooi, Moegi~"
Karen-chan and Kohaku-chan held down my hands that were covering my ears.
"Hiii... W-what is it?"
"So, what do you think about the seven wonders?"
"Aah~ That's just... honestly, it feels so childish. We're high school students, and talking about the seven wonders is so childish that it's hilarious."
Seriously, it's so lame that it's laughable. To get all excited about occult stuff like that when we're on our way to becoming adults... Ah, so lame.
"Your character seems to have changed... Could it be, Moegi... are you scared?"
"I have no idea what you guys are talking about. Scared? No way, it's just ridiculous and laughable."
"Is that so? You don't have to pretend to be cool, you know?"
"I'm not pretending to be cool. Please continue your conversation."
Afraid......me? No, that's impossible! I'm having trouble with your two messy thoughts. Yeah.
"Okay, then I'll continue..."
As Karen-chan was about to continue the conversation... the living room door opened, and Mel-chan came in.
"I'm hungry~ Making the potion to make you younger isn't so easy, peko~ I over thought it and now I'm hungry~"
Great timing! Well, it's not really something to be happy about, but I couldn't help but think that way. Mel-chan seemed tired, and as she stretched her back, she looked at the nikujaga (beef and potato stew) and other dishes on the dining table.
"Oh, it looks so delicious."
"Yes, this pickled dish is especially tasty because I chopped the vegetables, put them in a Ziplock bag, added the seasoning, and kneaded it perfectly."
"By the way, I made this simmered mackerel in miso. The nikujaga was made by Moegi-senpai."
"Heh, all of you are good at cooking. You'll make excellent wives... and you'll get him with your cooking skills."
"N-No way, becoming Kuroda Kohaku's... that's not..."
"Well, I'm not saying that far..."
Karen-chan proudly puffed her chest, while Kohaku-chan covered her face with both hands, blushing. This is it. This is the kind of conversation I was looking for. Seriously, talking about seven wonders and stuff is so boring, right? It's outdated, right?
Mel-chan saved the atmosphere by bringing up a new topic. Mel-chan is wonderful. Mel-chan is the only one on my side~
"So, what's the talk about the seven wonders?"
Oi, Mel, are you going to join them too? Are you my enemy too?
"Well, you see... ka-ku-ka-shi-ka-ji-ka..."
"ka-shi-ka-ka-ku..."
"Oh, that sounds interesting. I'm getting curious now. I'm itching to know about these seven wonders in this world. Would you guide me to that school with the seven wonders? I really want to investigate it!!"
Mel-chan was full of enthusiasm, and her eyes were shining. She's a researcher in Artemis, so maybe she got carried away by her enthusiasm...
"It's only possible at night, right? Then let's go tonight! It'll be fun if we all go together, won't it? Come on, it'll be great! Right, right?"
"Well, um... I'm fine with it, but... it's just that Izayoi might not..."
"I'm okay with it too... but, Izayoi-kun said he's not good with this kind of thing, so..."
The two girls are hesitating to agree due to him being the reason and Mel-chan's strong pushiness, which makes them slightly hesitant.
"Eeh?! That's not fair! Come on, Moegi, you're okay with it, right?"
"Uh, well, I..."
She seeks my agreement with my indecisive responses... This is troublesome. Kohaku-chan approaches me with a determined look and gazes up at me with her eyes slightly moist.
"Well, you know? I want to go ...... with you guys."
So... adorable... It's impossible to refuse when such a beautiful girl says that. Moreover, her pleading eyes are incredibly effective.
"Let's go..."
"Yay!"
I let out a sigh and slightly dropped my shoulders. But since Mel-chan is happy, it's okay... A little while later, he comes to the living room...
◆◆◆
[Izayoi PoV]
Today's training was quite challenging, but the rewards were significant. First, we had a practical training session using the magical automaton known as "Automa." It's a higher-performing version of the one used in the "Story." The reason being, it consumes a considerable amount of my magical power. To ensure their perfect development, combat training is essential for them. However, actual combat is too dangerous. That's why we use this magical automaton.
It has a humanoid form and versatile weaponry, making it as close to real combat as possible. By training with this, they can level up without facing real danger. They seem much more motivated than in the "Story" and have insisted on training every day.
I want to make sure I do everything I can now so that they can have an easier time.
Someday, they'll surpass me by a large margin.
With this in mind, I headed for the living room, which already smelled good at this point. Mel was making some kind of noise as I entered the living room, anticipating dinner. ......
And Kikawa Moegi's shoulders were slumped in disappointment. Is this ...... perhaps a Seven Wonders event? It's their first comedy and slightly horror episode. I remember reading it with a grin on my face too. This is a divine episode, especially because the scared Kikawa Moegi is too cute.
"Hey, hey, after this, we're all going to investigate the Seven Mysteries at school! Will you come too? You'll come, right?"
Mel-chan is happily bouncing around. She's a researcher at heart, and she loves doing things like this, exploring and playing with others.
However, Kikawa Moegi is not a fan of ghostly things, so it might be better to skip this time. I could use the excuse that I'm not fond of them either.
"I'm not good at saying that, maybe skip it?"
As I say that, Kikawa Moegi's face brightens up, but Mel-chan's expression darkens.
"Noo... I want to go."
"I-I'll go, so cheer up!"
Kikawa Moegi encourages herself to go, trying to hide her fear of ghosts. She's just like me; we both can't resist a girl's crying face. She doesn't mention her fear of ghosts or anything, just puts on a brave front.
In "Story," it starts with Hihara Karen explaining about the seven mysteries. After defeating the torpedo man in Gindou Kohaku's house, Mel, who has taken up residence there, becomes interested in the world of magic and demons. While they are discussing these matters, the topic suddenly shifts to the seven mysteries, and Mel becomes intrigued and insists on going with everyone to investigate them. The current situation may have some differences from "Story," but it's roughly like this.
Now, I need to decide what to do... Although this event includes some occult elements, there won't be any injuries or dangerous situations. However, Kikawa Moegi is scared, while Mel is eager to go. Besides, Kikawa Moegi has already agreed to go, and she seems determined. She might go for Mel's sake, even if I refuse to join them.
Perhaps I should turn this exploration of the seven mysteries into a completely non-scary event, preserving Kikawa Moegi's dignity...
— I had anticipated this kind of situation, so I have already removed the occult elements. Therefore, the exploration will be nothing more than walking together through the dark school building.
In this event, there is only one mystery element: a portrait in the music room on the third floor of Mina no Iro High School comes to life, and a person appears from it, playing the piano and chasing after them!
— To avoid any risks, I secretly stole that portrait yesterday morning and already disposed of it in the incinerator.
According to the "Masou Shoujo" fanbook, it said that if the person in the portrait comes out, they are a ghost, and their soul will disappear if the portrait is burned. Additionally, it's uncertain when that portrait was placed in Mina no Iro High School.
So, well, burning it should be fine...though technically it's not allowed...
"I'll join as well."
"Are you sure?"
"Please don't push yourself, Izayoi-kun!"
"That's right! It's not good to force yourself when you're scared!"
They are concerned, but I'll be okay.
"I'm fine. With five of us together, ghosts won't be scary."
And so, with the horror elements removed, the exploration of the seven mysteries began.