A chilling sensation crept up her spine.
Her heartbeat quickened, sweat beaded on her forehead, and her body started trembling slightly.
"Why why is this happening?"
"Huff Huff"
"Yuki?" Yuigahama Yui tugged anxiously at her sleeve.
And just like that, the overwhelming pressure vanished in an instant.
Thud!
Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the cold floor.
"Yuki!"
Yuigahama Yui gasped, quickly crouching down to check on her.
"Huff Huff"
Yukino panted heavily, her eyes unfocused.
"Yuki, are you okay?" Yui was visibly distressed, practically breaking into a cold sweat.
Under Yui's worried voice, Yukino gradually regained her senses.
She weakly waved a hand and said in a barely audible voice, "I I'm fine."
Forcing herself to stand up, she steadied her body.
Lynn, resting his chin on his hands, his crimson eyes deepening, finally spoke: "Now can we talk properly?"
Yukino was silent for a moment before bowing her head in a rare show of tact.
"Apologies."
'Ah she got put in her place, huh?'
Miko and Mahiru both had the same thought.
Utaha, meanwhile, was struggling not to laugh.
'Tsk! Tsk! She's behaving now.'
'Well, that's what happens when you waltz in with a condescending attitude. No one's gonna give you respect if you don't give it first.'
...
"So, what's the reason you're here?"
Yukino finally got to the point. "I was recommended here by Professor Natsuki."
She was still somewhat shaken.
'This man'
'No, this Supernatural Research Club'
'It's the real deal.'
This was the first time in her life she had ever experienced something like that.
Not even her sister not even her high-ranking mother had ever made her feel this kind of deathly fear with just a single look.
The president of the Supernatural Research Club
He's definitely someone from the underground world.
She was sure of it!
"Natsuki-chan?"
Lynn sighed.
That woman always sending him trouble.
Pulling out his phone, he immediately messaged her.
[Natsuki-chan: "Aren't your Supernatural Research Club guys supposed to handle supernatural incidents?"]
[Natsuki-chan: "(Screenshot attached.)"]
It was a screenshot of the club application form.
Supernatural Research Clubnaturally, they investigate supernatural events.
Which means they also accept supernatural-related requests.
"..." Lynn was speechless.
"Alright. Just for Natsuki-chan, I'll hear your request."
Yukino let out a long breath, finally relieved.
.
.
.
Is Jujutsu Kaisen Included?
"Huh? I still can't believe it..."
"Our club actually takes on requests?"
Walking toward the old school building, Utaha couldn't help but question it out loud.
Back in the Supernatural Research Club, Yukinoshita Yukino had already explained the request.
The school was planning to renovate the old school building, so the student council started drafting a reconstruction plan.
But then strange things started happening.
Some students claimed they saw shadows moving. Others swore the desks and chairs would shift on their own. And some even said they saw Hanako-san in the restroom!
The rumors just kept getting wilder.
To put an end to the chaos, Student Council Secretary Fujiwara Chika had approached the Service Club for help.
Yukino, naturally, scoffed at the idea of ghost stories meant to scare kids and confidently took on the request.
And then ....she and Yui ran back like frightened cats with their tails between their legs.
Because the chairs in the old school building really did move on their own!!
That was also why, when Yuigahama Yui first stepped into the Supernatural Research Club, she was so on edge.
She was already traumatized.
Not willing to let the request go unfinished, Yukino sought out the Supernatural Research Club on the recommendation of Professor Natsuki.
Which led to what had happened earlier.
"SeriouslyThere's a whole club dedicated to supernatural cases in this school."
"So why didn't Fujiwara Chika just ask them in the first place?"
Yukino couldn't help but complain internally.
Trailing behind the group, she heard Utaha's comment and felt her eye twitch.
These people can they really be trusted?
But then she recalled what had happened earlier in the clubroom, and she instinctively shuddered. Her gaze drifted toward Lynn. "Who is he, really?"
"Yuki, are you sure you're okay?"
Yuigahama Yui looked at her with concern.
"Yuki is she sick?"
"No, it's probably because of that incident."
"Wait! So why are we going back there again?!"
Elsewhere
A lively girl with short, orange hair blinked in surprise.
"Huh? Is that Miko?"
Yurikawa Hana's eyes lit up when she spotted Yotsuya Miko, but then she suddenly remembered something.
And her cheeks puffed up in anger.
"You traitor, Miko!"
"You joined a club and completely abandoned me!"
A month ago, they were always heading back together after school. But now, all of a sudden, she was the only one left.
Every night, walking home aloneso lonely and depressing!
And every time she asked Miko what club she joined, Miko always dodged the question with vague answers.
"Well, well! Looks like I finally caught her in the act!"
Hana narrowed her eyes and carefully trailed behind Miko, making sure not to be noticed.
She was going to find out the truth about this mysterious club!
The Old School Building
Yotsuya Miko looked up at the looming structure, and her eye twitched.
"This place isn't some cursed spirit's lair, is it?"
Her spirit-sight revealed everything clearly.
Aside from the first floor, the entire building was absolutely drenched in malice.
A thick, eerie mist of black and purple completely engulfed the upper levels.
Only the first floor was somewhat safe.
Under these conditions, the fact that the student council members and others managed to run out alive was already a miracle in itself.
Miko glanced at Yukino and Yui with a complicated expression.
"Something wrong?" Yukino paused.
"She's just amazed you actually made it back alive." Utaha's voice came from behind her, low and teasing. She even blew a soft breath against Yukino's neck for extra effect.
"Eek!"
Yukino jolted, shivering before glaring at Utaha. "What's with all this talk about life and death? You're making it sound way worse than it actually is!"
"Are we really going in?" Shiina Mahiru looked a little worried.
She might not have Yotsuya Miko's ability to see spirits, but as a Devil, she could naturally perceive supernatural beings.
So both she and Utaha could see exactly what Miko was seeing.
Also, Lynn had already used his magic to scan the placethere was just a single Grade 1 Cursed Spirit.
Lynn was unfazed.
To him, this thing wasn't even worth mentioning. But for Miko and the others yeah, this was definitely pushing their limits.
Still, it could be a valuable experience.
Even if they were just here to spectate, they'd at least get something out of it.
But hold onsomething wasn't adding up.
[Lynn: "A giant Grade 1 Cursed Spirit roaming the old school building, and no one's dealing with it?"]
[Natsuki-Chan: "Heh, if you wanna know, go ask those idiots on the school board."]
[Lynn: "..." ]
As expected.
No matter where you go, there's never a shortage of fools in charge.
They wanted him to work for free?
Not happening.
No way in hell.
[Lynn: "A Grade 1 Cursed Object as compensation isn't too much to ask, right?"]
[Natsuki-Chan: "I'll put in the request for you."]
It's not like she was paying for it anyway.
In the faculty office, Minamiya Natsuki readily agreed.
It wasn't her resources on the line, so why would she care?
—
In Front of the Old School Building
"Okay, now we're talking."
"Speaking of which, is Jujutsu Kaisen also part of this messy mashup world? I need to check later."
"But for, let's just wait for my reward."
Lynn leaned against the railing, feeling much better now.
At least Natsuki's guarantees were trustworthy.
[Natsuki-Chan: "Stop calling me 'Natsuki-chan'!!!"]
[Lynn: "That's what you're named as in my phone, so nope!"]
Ignoring her protest, Lynn put his phone away and gazed up at the third floor of the old school building.
His sharp eyes pierced through the layers of sinister purple mist, revealing the truth hidden within.
Then, he grinned.
"Tsk. A mere Grade 1 Cursed Spirit and you're making this much of a scene?"
Seeing Lynn's expression, Utaha and the others immediately understood
The Cursed Spirit inside the old school building was screwed.
"Alright, let's go. Someone's already made a good offer for this job." Lynn casually waved his phone.
"Cursed Object?"
Utaha and the others were confused.
"It's basically a special kind of weapon."
Lynn explained briefly, then turned to Miko.
"This time, you're the main fighter."
He had decided to let Miko claim the reward. After all, this kind of thing suited her abilities perfectly.
But Miko was completely dumbfounded.
"Huh?"
Did he just say she had to fight a Grade 1 Cursed Spirit?!
"Relax, I'll be here to back you up. Once you've gained enough experience, I'll finish it off."
Lynn glanced at his Familia members and sighed.
Not one of them was ready to take the lead yet.
When the hell was he finally going to live a carefree, lazy life?!
"So can someone please explain what's going on?" Yukinoshita Yukino raised her hand, signaling for attention.
Ever since this conversation started, these guys had been spouting all kinds of weird terms Cursed Spirits, Cursed Objects
None of it made any sense!
And wait, wasn't her club the one that took on this request?
What was this about rewards? Who even offered a reward?!
What she didn't know was that the Service Club was nothing more than Minamiya Natsuki's puppet.
From the very beginning, this request had been made directly to Lynn by Natsuki herself
Poor Yukino.
.
.
.
Best Friend, Yurikawa Hana
"To put it simply, there's a Cursed Spirit occupying the old school building. That's all you need to know."
Lynn had no interest in explaining further.
Besides, for ordinary people, knowing too much about things like this wasn't exactly a good thing.
Yukinoshita Yukino opened her mouth slightly, wanting to argue that, as the one who issued the request, she had the right to be informed.
But the moment she met Lynn's gaze, her body tensed up, and she instinctively shrank back.
That fearso deeply ingrained it felt almost instinctualmade it impossible for her to speak.
In the end, all she could do was bite her lip and silently sulk.
Never in her life had she met such an unreasonable man.
And never before had she encountered someone who didn't abide by the unspoken rules that governed human society.
Not even her sister could compare to this
For some reason, that thought sent a strange thrill through her.
She hated to admit it, but she had lost the courage to argue back.
"Haaah"
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down.
Then, with a complicated expression, she looked at Lynn once more.
At this moment, maybe she was pathetic. But stillAt least she hadn't come away empty-handed.
Lynn's words had given her something.
Cursed Spirits
That term likely referred to malicious spirits, ghosts, or something of the sort.
So they really existed?
"Ghosts"
She pressed her lips together.
So the moving chair wasn't just her imagination after all
"Y-Yukino"
Yuigahama Yui looked like she was about to cry.
Ghosts were just way too scary!!
"The old school building incident is now under the jurisdiction of the Supernatural Research Club. If you're scared, you're free to leave."
Lynn didn't care about their presence in the slightest.
To be honestBoth Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui had the potential to become his Familia members.
Ever since they entered the Supernatural Research Club, his system had been flashing, indicating that his Devil's Piece ability could be used on them.
Though Yukino still needed some training.
"Go back?"
Yui's eyes lit up.
Did this mean she wouldn't have to deal with ghosts anymore?
'Hell yeah!'
She turned to Yukino with eager, expectant eyes.
But Yukino hesitated.
She clenched her fists tightly.
'Am I really okay with this?'
"Haaaah"
Letting out a slow breath, her gaze became resolute.
She had made her decision.
After allIt was just a floating chair, right?
Yeah, sure, it was a little scary.
But still! She wanted to see the truth of this world with her own eyes.
"Yui, you should head back. I'll handle this request from the Service Club on my own."
She wanted to go inside.
But there was no reason to drag Yui into this mess.
This was just her own selfishness.
Yui froze for a moment.
Then, without hesitation, she blurted out "No way! If you're going, I'm going too!"
She was scared.
Terrified, actually.
But if she just gritted her teeth and pushed through, she'd be fine probably.
Honestly, she had zero confidence in herself.
But if Yukino went in alone she'd be scared too, right?
As her friend! She couldn't just leave her behind!
Yukino was stunned. "No, really, you don't have to"
"I'm a member of the Service Club too, aren't I?"
Yuigahama Yui interrupted her, flashing a bright, reassuring smile.
"Besides, we're friends, right? How could I just let you go off on your own?"
'Friends'
Yukino's gaze wavered for a moment.
A barely noticeable smile flickered across Yukino's lips.
"Alright, let's go together."
Seeing that they had made their decision, Lynn nodded. "Good. Then let's get ready to head out."
"But first"
His gaze sharpened.
"Before we step into the old school building, let's deal with the little pest hiding behind us."
Lynn turned around, his eyes landing on a girl with short, orange hair and a well-endowed figure. She was peeking out from behind a wall, curiously watching them.
The moment their eyes met, she instinctively grinnedthen froze. "Ha! I have been caught?"
Yotsuya Miko followed Lynn's gaze and immediately exclaimed in shock.
"Ha Hana?!"
"Hehehe"
Seeing that she'd been discovered, Yurikawa Hana stepped out from her hiding spot and quickly ran to Miko's side, clinging onto her arm.
