"Earthbound spirits are rare. They're white, glowing humanoids. I heard they can only stay where they loved while alive."
The girl spoke timidly, continuing: "I have a close friend whose mother died a long time ago. Some time back, I visited her house and saw her mother's ghost. She looked almost exactly the same as when she was alive. I could even hear her aunt talking."
"Auntie said my friend was always alone at home, very lonely, and hoped I'd go out with her more. I didn't dare answer and just pretended not to see her."
"I don't know what would happen if my aunt finds out I can see her."
I see.
Amamiya Natsuki nodded slightly.
So Miko's father is an earthbound spirit—no wonder he's different from the other wandering vengeful spirits.
Unfortunately, the best choice is still to pretend not to see them, since details are scarce.
"...Dad."
Suddenly a low cry sounded beside him.
Amamiya glanced toward the voice and saw Takanashi Rikka, her middle school eyes slightly red and misty.
The beast girl ghost exclaimed in surprise, "She actually called you 'daddy'?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Amamiya said, speechless. "Obviously she didn't."
"Not necessarily." Miss Ghost snorted coldly. "Don't think I don't know that you human men like women to call you daddy. I hear there's even a whole industry called Daddy's Life…"
You even know about daddy's life? You're truly a ghost who keeps up with the times!
Amamiya was curious. "How do you know so much?"
"Once a human appeared in my ward. I was bored, so I asked her to tell me a story." Miss Wraith now chewed her leeks thoughtfully, mumbling, "That cowardly human said she was an author, writing a light novel. I don't remember the title clearly, but it sounded like Seizing the Weakness of a High School Girl Whose Father is a Living Dead and Forcing Her to Play the Dog Walking Game."
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
Cao Mengde waves his sleeves.jpg
No such awful title would ever pass the review!
Meanwhile...
"Rikka, what's wrong?"
Fujiwara Chika asked with concern.
"I want to go home." Takanashi wiped her eyes, her hair drooping. "Dad must be waiting alone in his hometown, waiting for me and my sister."
Fujiwara blinked, gently stroked Rikka's head, and said softly, "Rikka-chan, don't cry. If you care so much, go home and check—but be sure to stay safe."
"Mom... Earthbound spirit..."
Kaguya Shinomiya pressed a hand to her chest silently. Her long eyelashes cast shadows on her delicate face.
"Um... can I have some food, please?"
The girl asked cautiously.
Shinomiya exhaled softly and said, "Amamiya-san."
"Got it."
Amamiya nodded. The deal was sealed. The next step: milking.
The beast girl ghost sat on the bed, chewing leeks and snarling, "Eighteen people so far, no rest for even a minute. I've remembered all of you humans!"
"Yes, yes." Amamiya answered perfunctorily. "So, do you want me to blindfold you?"
"I'm going to eat you!"
"..."
After drinking a glass of milk, the player gratefully prepared to leave.
"Wait." Shinomiya Kaguya crossed her arms and said coldly, "There's one more thing."
"Huh?"
"Describe the 'patient' in the same ward. The more detailed, the better."
The girl blinked in surprise. "What for?"
"It's better to be prepared." Kaguya glanced at Fujiwara Chika. "Fujiwara."
"I'm here."
Fujiwara immediately handed the girl a piece of paper. "Please start."
The player lowered her eyes. It was a hand-drawn questionnaire, including ward number, identity of the vengeful spirit in the same ward, what it wants, her speculations, and more. It made her dizzy.
Where's the horror game you promised?
Everyone was worried about surviving. Who had the mood for surveys?
"Hurry up, please." Fujiwara's kind reminder. "The corridor will get dark soon."
"Sorry."
The player bent her head apologetically, took the pen, sat at the table, and began filling out the questionnaire with complicated thoughts.
Moments later.
"I'm done."
She handed over the form and left quickly.
Darkness fell.
The door closed. The transaction was over.
"Finally, no more leeks." The beast girl collapsed on the bed, despair written all over her face, like a broken toy. "I almost vomited."
Don't worry, you won't vomit it out.
According to conservation of energy, all those leeks you ate have been converted to energy.
To be safe, Amamiya still sat by the ghost, keeping watch. Though the ghost seemed honest and obedient, even lying down as if broken, it was still a spirit. One careless bite from that toothy mouth would shatter your bones.
"Well, what now?"
Asuka, the second girl clinging to his thigh, raised her hand quietly.
"Integrate intelligence, analyze clues, extract elements." Kaguya Shinomiya glanced at the questionnaires without looking up. "Intelligence is the most valuable resource. Guessing behind closed doors is useless. The right way is to analyze and integrate big data."
All previous players had filled out questionnaires. Since no personal privacy was involved, many were cooperative, eager for friendly visits from Amamiya and company.
"Ahem… makes sense."
Asuka Kujo coughed awkwardly, looking powerful despite the uncertainty.
As expected of a boss—clinging to power is wise!
Kaguya read quickly and finished all the questionnaires. She handed them to Fujiwara Chika. "Everyone read and share your thoughts."
Leaders must be arbitrary, but also listen widely.
"Anyone want to speak?"
Asuka felt more confused. Why did this feel like a work meeting?
This horror game was going off-script!
Moments later.
"Natsuki-san, here." Fujiwara handed over a stack of questionnaires. "I've read them."
Amamiya carefully examined the first one.
The cohabiting patient was a succubus.
Tanned skin.
Tiger-like teeth.
Devil wings on her back, and a tail behind.
Revealing clothing.
Eyes with vertical red pupils.
At the bottom, a note from an unlucky player:
"—Feels like it wants to eat me, but I'm a girl!"