"So, are you saying there really are monsters at our school?"

Shajuye's voice came through the phone sounding quite surprised.

"Pretty much, those things are really troublesome. The worst part is that they're invisible..."

Duanmu Huai leaned against the wall, holding a phone with one hand and swiping at the system prompts in front of him with the other. Although Duanmu Huai had acquired the Thousand Eyes ability, due to one of his attributes being insufficient, all his attempts to see through the monsters earlier had failed. That was why he used all sorts of methods but still couldn't identify their true forms.

"Is student Nemume alright?"

"She got a little hurt and went to the nurse's office for bandaging before heading back to the dorm to rest."

Nemume Zuoniao's injuries were not serious, so Duanmu Huai directly took her to the nurse's office for disinfection and bandaging. According to the nurse, Nemume Zuoniao's shoulder seemed to have been bitten by some kind of animal. Of course, they used the excuse of being bitten by a stray dog to make it more believable.

"Did those monsters run away?"

"No, I think they might still be in the school."

Before coming to the school, Duanmu Huai had already set up the Tribunal's barrier around the school as a precaution. If those transparent monsters were to leave the school, Duanmu Huai would definitely sense it. After all, although their bodies are transparent, it doesn't mean they can elude Duanmu Huai's sensing. Since the barrier is functioning perfectly until now, it means those creatures should still be hiding in the school.

... I hope they don't go to the girls' dormitory, or else it'll be a problem.

However, Nemume Zuoniao didn't seem worried, saying that the dorm has the Five Swords guarding it, and if such monsters do appear, they definitely wouldn't be able to fool them. Duanmu Huai didn't doubt this, as Nemume Zuoniao had previously engaged in battle with the invisible monster, despite not actually seeing it. However, she could determine the direction and angle of the attacks... Well, okay, it seems the so-called Five Swords, although a bit theatrical, are actually quite capable.

As for the Magic Circle on the ceiling, Duanmu Huai checked it too. It's an ancient Array, likely carved during the construction of an air-raid shelter. As for that book, for some reason unknown, it had completely burned into a pile of ashes, totally worthless.

"What if those monsters attack Qianyuan Dormitory?"

Seems like Shajuye was also on the same page as Duanmu Huai.

"I'll keep an eye on it. If something happens, I'll act immediately."

Of course, Duanmu Huai couldn't spend the night in the girls' dormitory, but he didn't have to worry. Currently, there's already Duanmu Huai's informant inside Qianyuan Dormitory, which is the Shadow of that girl named Sasaki.

That's right, when Duanmu Huai first took photos, he copied the information of those Personal Guard girls and printed out Sasaki's Shadow, commanding her to disguise as a student and infiltrate the dormitory for observation. After all, the Shadow's attribute is much stronger than humans, so the Shadow version of Sasaki would have no trouble dealing with the Five Swords. If those transparent monsters actually lurk in Qianyuan Dormitory and attempt an attack, Sasaki's Shadow would act to control them immediately and alert Duanmu Huai.

Then Duanmu Huai could rush in directly.

Though in terms of strength, printing Nemume Zuoniao's Shadow would be the strongest, but she's a SAN value 0 overachiever, and Duanmu Huai wasn't sure if what he'd print would obey him. If another self-aware psycho appears, well... it could mess everything up, couldn't it?

Therefore, he settled for Sasaki's Shadow. At least, as a Personal Guard member, she had some skill.

"So... I'm counting on you, brother."

"Okay, leave it to me."

Putting down the phone, Duanmu Huai exhaled, silently watching the distant sunset. Initially, he thought this was just a regular task and expected it to end quickly. But he didn't anticipate getting caught up with those creatures again. Yuko Shionji had investigated, and this school wasn't listed in the Cosmic Light Sect's addresses.

So, was this just bad luck?

Is my luck really that bad?

Ah, if only I could bring Tutu here.

"Teacher Duanmu?"

Just as Duanmu Huai was sighing, a familiar voice sounded. He turned around and saw a girl standing not far away, looking at him timidly.

"Oh, Meijia, what's up?"

Speaking of which, Duanmu Huai almost forgot that his sister's friend was a boarding student.

"Um... I'm here on behalf of everyone to find out what's really happening..."

Looking at Duanmu Huai, Bai Fan Meijia's expression also seemed uneasy.

"Sir Satori was injured, and she just ordered the dorm to be sealed off, even canceling night patrol... Everyone's really worried..."

Satori "Sir"?

Hearing this, Duanmu Huai looked at Meijia strangely; you all are in a girls' dormitory doing such fancy stuff? What "Sir," what giving orders, if someone didn't know, they'd think your place is some sort of special institution.

But Duanmu Huai only complained internally; this was a much healthier pastime than riding motorcycles and imitating Bosoroku, so he had no intention of saying much.

"We were attacked."

"Attacked?"

"Yes, while we were investigating the air-raid shelter, we were attacked by some sort of beast..."

"Beast? Was it a stray dog or..."

Upon hearing Duanmu Huai's answer, Meijia's face turned pale, while Duanmu Huai waved his hand.

"More ferocious than stray dogs, see, Satori also got hurt, didn't she? So when you all return to the dormitory, lock your doors and windows, and only go out if necessary. Don't act alone, it'd be best to move in groups. Do you understand what I mean?"

"I-I understand, Teacher Duanmu, thank you."

After Duanmu Huai's instructions, Meijia hurriedly and respectfully bowed again before planning to turn and leave. At this moment, Duanmu Huai seemed to recall something and called out to her.

"By the way, earlier when I called you, you mentioned there's a haunting here?"

"Ah, yes... At night, there were a few times when we heard the sound of giggling coming from the woods outside, very scary... Although some people said it might be wild cats or something..."

"Approximately when did it start?"

"Um... just these past few days..."

"After those two disappeared?"

"Yes... Wait, could it be that they already... turned into ghosts?"

Hearing Duanmu Huai's inquiry, Meijia initially nodded subconsciously, then her complexion changed dramatically.

".............."

There's definitely no way to survive, as for whether one turns into a ghost is unknown. However, Duanmu Huai's suspicion was verified. After all, when they were attacked in the air-raid shelter today, they heard a chuckling sound like "eat eat eat," and when he saw Meijia just now, he suddenly remembered the story of the haunting she had previously mentioned, and that's why he asked.

Now it seems like everything is connected for real.

"Alright, you better hurry back to the dormitory. I'll keep watch outside tonight."

"Ah, okay, thank you, Teacher Duanmu."

Meijia once again bowed to Duanmu Huai before turning and heading back to the dorm. Meanwhile, Duanmu Huai kept gazing at the nearby woods, but after a while, he gave up.

Forget it, I can't spot anything anyway.

After that, Duanmu Huai stood outside the girls' dormitory all night........

Why does that sound so creepy?

However, despite staying up all night, Duanmu Huai didn't discover anything. Perhaps those monsters were scared by Duanmu Huai and Nemume Zuoniao's thrashing; everything was normal last night. He didn't hear the eerie laughter in the woods that Meijia mentioned, perhaps those monsters were hiding somewhere else.

It wasn't until school time the next day that Duanmu Huai still hadn't found any trace of that monster, but the incident of wild animals entering the school had caused quite a stir—after all, even Nemume Zuoniao, one of the Five Swords, got injured. Although she acted like it was nothing and went back to school normally, and given her unpredictable nature, no one dared approach her for more details.

Because of this, the rumors became increasingly outrageous, so much so that Duanmu Huai was called by the principal to explain the situation. Fortunately, he found the mobile phone left by the Literary Girl; otherwise, it would've been quite troublesome.

"This won't do."

Walking out of the principal's office, Duanmu Huai looked a bit frustrated. How can there be a thousand days to catch a thief and not a thousand days to guard against them? He needed to come up with a way to find those monsters and take them down!

But how to find those monsters........

"Brother?"

Seeing Duanmu Huai walk out of the principal's office, Shajuye hurried over.

"Are you alright?"

"It's a bit troublesome; the principal wants me to resolve this chaos soon, especially since a student has already been injured...... hmm......"

At this point, Duanmu Huai seemed to have thought of something, his eyes brightening as he looked at Shajuye.

"Shajuye, do you know a student named Yotsuya Miko?"

"Yotsuya? I know her; she's in the class next door."

"Then, could you please bring her over? I need her help with something."

"?"

Although Shajuye didn't know what Duanmu Huai needed Yotsuya Miko for, she didn't ask further. Soon after, she brought Yotsuya Miko to the counseling room.

"Brother, I've brought her."

"Mhm."

Duanmu Huai nodded to Shajuye and then looked at Yotsuya Miko—the latter still maintained a poker face, seemingly expressionless. However, Duanmu Huai could tell that she was deliberately avoiding eye contact with him.

Of course, if it was just avoiding looking at his face, Duanmu Huai could understand. But the fact was, Yotsuya Miko's gaze not only avoided his face but also his shadow!

What on earth did she see?

Duanmu Huai was quite curious too—after all, as an Ancient Dominator, he didn't feel much change in himself, but others might not see it the same way......

"Hello, Yotsuya."

Duanmu Huai didn't bother with any roundabout talk and got straight to the point.

"I've called you here because I hope you can help me with something."

"H-help?"

Hearing Duanmu Huai's words, Yotsuya Miko was stunned, showing a trace of confusion on her face. Clearly, she hadn't expected Duanmu Huai to ask her for help—even Shajuye next to her was quite surprised.

"That's right. I know you can see things that don't exist, so I hope to borrow your strength."

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

Hearing Duanmu Huai's straightforward words, not only did Shajuye gasp in surprise, but even Yotsuya Miko was startled.

"No, I, this......"

"Honestly, I think you should know about the incidents related to disappearances in this school and the injury sustained by Nemume Zuoniao, one of the Five Swords, all related to that kind of monster. But I can't see them, so I can't deal with them. Therefore, I need someone who can observe their existence......and your strength might be able to help me do this."

"I......"

"Of course, I know it could be dangerous, so I can promise you that I will fulfill one of your wishes. Anything you want, no matter what, how about it?"

Duanmu Huai laid out his request all at once, then looked at Yotsuya Miko. He was never interested in the twists and turns of speechcraft anyway; he had already laid it all out, so does Yotsuya Miko agree? Or refuses?

"..............."

Under Duanmu Huai's gaze, Yotsuya Miko looked down, contemplating for a long time. Only then, as if making a decision, did she raise her head to look at Duanmu Huai and nod.

"I, I understand......may I ask, Teacher Duanmu......what kind of monster are you looking for?"

"...........what kind?"

Hearing Yotsuya Miko's question, Duanmu Huai was taken aback.

Could there be more than one kind of monster in this school?

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