As the high school students searched for their rooms,
Gin blended in among the other passengers, adjusted the top hat on his head, and slipped quietly into the lobby.
Then his steps halted, and he abruptly looked up. A man in a black trench coat and bowler hat was carrying heavy luggage down the steps one at a time.
Gin: "..." A colleague?
But after getting a clear look at the man's face, Gin immediately dismissed the thought—the man wore a plain white mask, making him look like a mannequin from a mall from afar. No organization member would choose such an ostentatious outfit.
He withdrew his gaze and continued with his own business.
Meanwhile, the black-clad man dressed similarly to him glanced at Gin's retreating back from afar. Then he descended the final step and approached the front desk.
It turned out that this attire was indeed highly conspicuous—and exceptionally memorable.
The manager recognized this reclusive, eccentric guest without needing to think back. Adopting the proper attitude toward a guest, he asked respectfully, "Mr. Totsune? Is something the matter?"
The strangely dressed guest said nothing. He merely took out a key with his heavily gloved hand and dropped it onto the counter with a clatter.
"Uh..." The hotel manager tried to interpret his actions. "Would you like to check out?"
The Masked Man nodded.
"Certainly." Though the hotel was losing a guest, the manager instead felt relieved. "I'll process that for you right away."
Before long, the formalities were complete.
Carrying two heavy bags, the Masked Man left the hotel and silently entered the Deep Forest like a resentful shadow.
The Masked Man passed through the damp, pervasive mist and eventually stopped beside a Swamp.
With a clatter, the black trench coat, bowler hat, and mask were tossed onto