"Mm..."
When Duanmu Huai opened his eyes again, all he felt was...
It was so hot.
He turned his head and saw Ya Naijian sleeping soundly while clinging tightly to him. On the other side, Chitanda was curled up in a ball with her eyes shut tight. Duanmu Huai broke free of Ya Naijian's embrace, took out his phone, and glanced at it.
September 7, Saturday, 6:31 a.m.
At the same time, a shrill scream came from outside.
"Ahhh—!!!"
By the time the police arrived, an hour had already passed.
"The deceased is Professor Ueno. His two students, Sakura Kae and Miyamoto Takashi, as well as Professor Sato Ryoichi, a colleague of Professor Ueno's, are missing..."
The police recorded their statements while looking at everyone in confusion.
"You were guests invited by Professor Ueno to attend a party?"
"That's right."
Duanmu Huai nodded.
"I wanted to discuss some material on Folklore and Strange Tales with Professor Ueno, so I made inquiries through Director Shimizu. Professor Ueno happened to be holding a party and invited me, so I brought two members of my club along."
"Oh, I see... Did you notice anything unusual?"
"Um... I'm not really sure..."
Ya Naijian frowned and tapped her head.
"I remember having a very frightening dream, but I can't remember the details."
"Me neither..."
Chitanda shook her head.
"Maybe it was because Professor Ueno had everyone gather together to tell the Hyakumonogatari last night. I had a nightmare too..."
"I see... You all ate the same food, correct?"
"Yes..."
"Mm..."
Duanmu Huai naturally knew why the police were asking these questions. Police Inspector Oyama had already told him that Professor Ueno's corpse had a hideously twisted expression, as if he had died in extreme agony. According to the forensic examination's preliminary findings, the cause of