Chapter 135

Furthermore, subsequent investigations revealed that this was not limited to Tou-ei, but was a widespread phenomenon throughout the world.

Some of these things were enough to terrify even those who had spent years navigating the treacherous waters of the underworld and developed sharp minds.

"Really? Are these things true? I've never heard of them before!"

One of the invitees looked horrified.

"That's because it's under the highest level of secrecy. Considering the potential impact, the whole world is not planning to disclose it at the moment, but rather exchanging information privately."

The man replied.

"Then, let's all share our thoughts?"

The group exchanged bewildered glances.

Meanwhile, inside the venue of the Obon Festival.

"Don't panic, everyone. This is just a normal astronomical phenomenon and it doesn't foreshadow anything bad..."

The monks from Kōmyōji Temple promptly spoke up to calm everyone down and continue presiding over the event.

"Now let us light the 'welcoming fire' to welcome our ancestors!"

Following their knowledge, the people around lit the wood in the braziers placed on the ground. The firelight brought them warmth, allowing them to continue immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Seeing the smiles return to everyone's faces, the abbot breathed a sigh of relief.

Beside them, the Far East Magic Society stood apart, seemingly out of place in the harmonious festive atmosphere.

"Did you feel it?"

Hasegawa Izumi's eyes shifted slightly, but she turned her head to look at him without changing her expression.

The girls looked serious and were very vigilant.

"Um."

"I felt death."

"To be honest, it's a little creepy."

The three women's expressions were genuine.

Although they haven't developed Spirit Vision, their 'inspiration' has been enhanced through their practice.

The moment the Blood Moon appeared, they felt a chilling sensation wash over them, as if they were inside an ice cave.

In addition, there was the ever-present, menacing gaze.

Then, in the next moment, they simultaneously activated their 'Spirit Vision'.

Then, they almost gasped.

Unlike the original view, where the venue was empty before the singing and dancing began, hundreds of people suddenly appeared, including men, women, and children, and their faces looked no different from ordinary people.

"Are these all evil spirits? Dealing with this many might be a bit tricky..."

"If they were in their prime, these guys wouldn't be a threat at all. death."

"Nonsense, if I could regain my power, I could take care of them with a single spell."

The Club President was right beside them, but the girls, not to be outdone, kept spouting polite platitudes.

"Keep watching."

Hasegawa Izumi simply said one sentence.

Inside the venue, as the welcoming fire was lit, the monks retreated into the crowd.

"Knock knock knock..."

On the original open space, dancers dressed in traditional Obon Festival costumes arrived, holding fans or umbrellas and displaying various elegant dance moves.

Meanwhile, drummers, pipers, and other performers danced to lively music.

"Let's join in!"

Some tourists and locals then joined in the atmosphere.

The ghosts they saw actually danced to the rhythm, appearing completely harmless.

What's going on?

This left the girls, who had been on high alert, feeling completely bewildered.

When they tried to ask Hasegawa Izumi, she simply shrugged.

This is to let them find the answers themselves.

"That's true. Serious battles also test one's ability to adapt to changing circumstances... Now that we have a foundation, unless we encounter an insurmountable situation, there's really no need to seek the Club President's help. Otherwise, this title would be too undeserved!"

Various thoughts flashed through Natsukawa Masuzu's mind.

Nibuya Morika and Dekomori Sanae weren't stupid either; they instantly realized their current predicament.

After exchanging glances, the three decided to hold back for the time being.

Even disregarding the implications of acting at this moment, just facing such a large number of evil spirits would be daunting for them.

They don't have that invincible, winner-takes-all mentality.

"A wise choice."

Hasegawa Izumi nodded silently to himself.

The 'spirits' currently present in the arena are still behaving in a human manner due to certain 'atmosphere' factors.

However, if one were to intervene and disrupt this atmosphere at this moment, it would inevitably provoke a fierce reaction from the 'spirits,' and even if they were not evil spirits, they would become obstacles for them.

Twenty minutes passed after that jump.

"Really? How long are we going to jump like this?"

Natsukawa Masuzu squatted to one side, resting her chin on her hand, looking bored and waiting.

"I inquired and heard that it takes more than an hour to jump."

Nibuya Morika's figure drew nearer from afar.

"Let's try our luck with some lone evil spirits, Death."

Dekomori Sanae suggested.

"Are you scared, huh?"

Nibuya Morika stared at it.

"How could it be death! Dekumori fears neither heaven nor earth, how could he be afraid of a mere evil spirit's death!"

Dekomori Sanae looked anxious and said loudly with great dissatisfaction.

"Ugh, this is so boring..."

The Silver-haired Witch found it utterly boring. Looking up at the gradually fading Blood Moon and listening to the song playing in her ears, a new idea came to her mind.

Since nothing has happened yet, let's enjoy ourselves for now!

After all, this is a rare sight, and it would be a real shame to just stand there dumbfounded.

"Club President, let's dance!"

With a smile on her face, she approached Hasegawa, one hand behind her back, and cutely flicked her right hand out as an invitation.

"Hey! Greedy Witch, can you be serious for once?!"

Nibuya Morika couldn't help but remind him from behind.

"This guy is utterly despicable!"

Dekomori Sanae chimed in angrily.

"This is not a duet."

"Hasegawa Izumi spoke up."

"I know... I just wanted the Club President to experience this feeling too. Life should always leave some great memories, right?"

The silver-haired beauty touched her lips with her finger and blinked her captivating eyes.

The allure of that moment is unforgettable.

"That's surprising. I never expected you to say something like that, Natsukawa. It's changed my opinion of you somewhat."

Hasegawa Izumi was also moved.

However, it wasn't the girl's beauty, but rather the emotion contained in those words, which was remarkably genuine.

Is she thinking of herself?

This is truly a strange thing.

"Huh...?"

Upon understanding the meaning of those words, Natsukawa Masuzu's expression froze, and her delicate right hand unconsciously covered her lips.

Did I really say that unconsciously?

These unambiguous words reveal the Witch's true inner transformation.

'Could it be that I'm really already...'

'Impossible, impossible! Although the Club President has indeed done me a great favor, that's a different matter... Yes, it's just gratitude! I simply wanted to think of the Club President's best interests!'

The thought of anything related to love made the Girlish Heart flutter, and a breathtaking blush rose on her fair face.

"Oh."

Nibuya Morika narrowed her eyes as she watched her performance.

Dekomori Sanae looked disgusted.

Greedy Witch, do you think you're Lord Sage?

After that, Hasegawa Izumi still declined this offer.

Because he still has some concerns about maintaining a good image.

It's best to avoid dancing like this in public.

As time goes by.

The dance event also came to a close.

The performers and participants in the Buddhist Service all left the scene one by one.

Most of the ghosts who originally danced with humans dispersed with them, leaving only about twenty or thirty ghosts remaining in the area.

Suddenly, they twisted their necks and all looked in the same direction. Their previous normal pretense was instantly shattered, and they all transformed into ghostly figures with terrifying features. Some had mouths merged with noses, leaving only long tongues; others had deformed bodies, one side larger than the other; still others had abnormally long necks...

Their eerie and mournful cries then followed.

Do you want to dance too?

"Bring it on!"

Join us!

27 square meters of gravel are not even half as good as mine.

Wow!

The girls, facing all of this, were terrified, their brows twitching.

This scene was still too shocking for them, who had just embarked on the path of the extraordinary.

If it weren't for Hasegawa giving them confidence, they would have definitely turned and run away. However, to maintain the high-class image that belonged to the organization, they tried their best to imitate Hasegawa's nonchalant and leisurely demeanor, like the Loneliness of a Master.

"Why? Why? Why don't you join us?"

Come on, come on, come on, join us!

The overlapping voices of the evil spirits mingled together, their covetous and sinister eyes sending chills down one's spine.