Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Ghost Hunt:Volume2 Prologue

2009-10-16T10:48:51Z

Bookhobbit: /* Prologue */

==Prologue==

If ghosts appear and disappear in your house, you would definitely find it annoying, scary, and also inconvenient.

You'd definitely try to get rid of it.

But how?

If you ask me, you would be walking a tightrope. If you don't live in Tokyo, then you better get on the train to Ueno, Tokyo.

You'd get on the railway, then get off at Shibuya. Actually, it doesn't matter which train, be it the Hanzoumon Line, the Ginza Line, or the Tokyo Line, you get on as long as you reach Shibuya in the end. Once you get to Shibuya, go to the front of the Nahachi[http://www.baka-tsuki.net/project/index.php?title=Ghost_Hunt:_Volume2_Translator's_Notes#Nahachi]. Find a kind-looking person and ask him for directions.

After getting directions, you can get here easily. Walk a while and you'll be able to see a tall, brick building built in an old architectural style. There should be a plaza on the first floor.

—Did you find it?

Once you get there, take the elevator by the water fountain and go up to the second floor. Don't waste time looking at the clothing stores and tea houses downstairs. They're all very tempting, so if you're not careful you may end up going into one.

When you arrive at the second floor, look around. Do you see a blue-gray door?

In the middle of the door is intricate frosted glass, with the logo "SPR" written across in fine, golden calligraphy. Beneath the logo are the words "Shibuya Psychic Research".

Learn to recognize this door.

Eh, so you're wondering whether I'm from a tea house? Where did that come from, of course I'm not. I said tea houses can't help you get rid of ghosts.

If you just go into a tea house without knowing what you're going to say, you'll be forced to leave. If you're unlucky, you're also be reprimanded with, "Can't you read the English on the door?"

"Shibuya Sikiku Risaachi"—that is to say, "Shibuya Psychic Research"

Do you get it now?

"Psychic Research" means investigation of paranormal activity. "Shibuya Psychic Research" is a paranormal business office located on Shibuya Street. The name might also be named after the family's surname. Well, it doesn't matter where the name came from. The main thing is you can always reach us by phone.

"For exorcisms performed on a spirit or a possessed person, please call and arrange an appointment."

Basically, the job is about exorcising spirits and such.

Good, now all that's left is for you to have the courage to knock on the door.

Inside, you will find an exquisite office. Usually I keep the guests company, but since I also do office work, I'm not always there to do that.

Sometimes there are situations where I'm not there. Instead, a skinny, tall man will greet the guest. If he's not there either, then no one will come out to greet the guest. When that happens, a handsome, but arrogant, young man should be sitting on the sofa in the main room. He looks like he's sixteen or seventeen.

Never ever assume that he does paper work because of his young age. He has an abnormally high amount of self pride. If you make that mistake, don't think you can just get out of it. After all, he is the most conceited narcissist in the whole wide world, which is why he's known as Naru for short.

If Naru's in a good mood, you can easily talk to him. He'll definitely help you solve your problem.

...if he's interested in your situation, that is.

"Is Shibuya Psy-something over here?"

A woman dressed in extravagant clothes entered.

I'm working today with no breaks in between, meaning I'll be in the office all day. And so, I was the one who ended up greeting this guest.

"Is there anything troubling you?" I asked.

I gave her a warm, business-like smile.

But she ignored me and stands up, looking toward the sofa at Naru, who was reading a book.

"That child over there."

...Scary how ignorant some people can be. Man, it's best not to call that guy a "child". It's really dangerous, just like calling a tiger a "meatball."

"Please, is there anything I can help you with?" I asked affably, again.

That woman glanced at me, then continued to ignore my questions.

...Ho ho.

Without even looking at Naru, she asked him, "Child, do you work at this office?"

Naru didn't bother lifting up his head. Of course he didn't pay any attention to her. She called him a "child."

I sternly asked her again, "Please, may I help you?"

She ignored me again.

...Why you! Despite your age, you have no manners!

"If you have a request, direct it to me," Naru spoke.

Enduring the silence directed to her, I softly asked her again.

Unthankful of my thoughtfulness, she let out a disdainful hmph.

...Y-you're too much!

The woman turned to face Naru, "That child over there...I'm a guest!"

"A guest...?" Naru said coldly, not looking up from his book.

"Correct. You should answer my question. Otherwise, I will be given a bad impression."

...Exactly who's making the bad impression here!

Naru replied indifferently, "Please leave."

"—What the hell, I already said I'm a guest."

"I have yet to know of the etiquette I must show to a guest I've never met before."

...Nice and strong. Well said.

Her face reddened, "You have no manners... Call the person in charge! I want to file a complaint!"

...Ah, stupid jerk.

Naru finally stood up, then faced the woman with eyes cold as ice. This kind of expression can stop anyone from talking. Pitch black hair, black pupils, and completely black clothes... He looked like a frightening, beautiful demon or vampire.

Naru calmly stated, "I am the manager, Shibuya."

The woman became speechless.

The manager looked at her disdainfully, his pale lips curved into a mocking smile, "Please leave."

Simultaneously, he looked at a nearby door and shouted, "Lin! Send the guest out."

The rude woman was thrown out by the tall, unfriendly assistant.

"Naru, is that okay?" I asked.

"What is?" He looked at me and calmly asked.

"That woman seemed very rich."

"It's okay," Naru silently reassured me.

"Let's not talk about this. Mai, tea." His gaze turned back to his book. What a terse order.

Tea, can't you do that yourself!

Even though I was thinking that, I knew it'd be too dangerous to say it aloud. Naru's in a bad mood today. People constantly came in, and they were all difficult to deal with too.

There was that rude woman, a request to investigate an extramarital affair, a request to cure an aching waist, and even a request to analyze a horoscope for marriage. Furthermore, there was that guy who thought we were part of a new religion. The only reasonable request was, "My daughter has been behaving strangely. She must be possessed, so please come and exorcise the ghost."

I have to explain to them every time. This is a paranormal investigation office. We use scientific methods to solve paranormal phenomena.

Well, this isn't a detective agency.

You're mistaken. We do not supply medicine here.

I'm sorry, but we are not divine.

No, this isn't a religious organization.

...People, don't overdo it. Even if I'm not Naru, I'll still be angry.

"Please drink it."

I placed the black tea onto the table.

As a sidenote, the tea we're talking about is black tea. Basically they don't drink green tea in this office.

"Eh..."

Naru didn't even raise his head. Can't you say a little "thank you"? This is the tea that I carefully prepared for you.

What a pain (I suddenly started to think over this like a little girl), I put all my heart into pouring the tea. It seems like, toward this director...ne.

I have various jobs, like making photocopies and pouring tea. I always feel like I'm not helping out much.

And that's why I put all my heart into pouring the tea. Different days call for different teas. Since today was such a tough one, I decided to use Assam tea. I'm very careful about things like this. But it seems like he didn't even notice.

I met Naru during Springtime of this year at my school. —Even though I say it like that, he is in no way a transfer student. He's the head of "Shibuya Psychic Resarch", and he came to investigate the ominous old school building.

Due to a number of random events, I ended up being his assistant during that case. And now I'm doing the same thing, helping him out in his office.

In the beginning I thought he was a very irritating guy. Even though he's handsome, he has a terrible temper. Not only that, he also has a sharp tongue and an arrogant personality. I can't stand it. But...

Love doesn't need to have a reason. How troublesome.

Of course, Naru has no idea about what I think. In his eyes I'm just an assistant (or so I believe).

Maybe Naru's not interested in girls? Sometimes that's what I end up thinking.

No matter what the case, he's not the same as other guys—

First of all, he's the head of a paranormal investigation despite only being sixteen. He should be a year above me: a sophomore in high school. But no matter how I look at it, he just doesn't seem to be attending school. Can it be that since he already has a job, he decided to forget about school?

In addition, he seems to be completely into his work. He doesn't watch TV, go to moves, read novels, and you don't even need to mention manga. He also doesn't listen to music. No matter what, he just doesn't do any of that kind of stuff.

Then, what does he do when he's not working? Well, he probably reads thick piles of documents and books. And of course, they're all books about the paranormal, and they're all in English.

As for hobbies, he likes traveling and magic.

That's a really strange hobby. He has a bunch of travel books and maps. Man, even if he has to go everywhere because of his job, all those maps and books are a bit too much. Sometimes he'll open a map, draw lines on it, then contemplate about it. Even though he often goes out on these little trips, he almost never goes to a tourism site. For instance, even if we go to Kyoto, he doesn't go see the Kiyomizudera Temple, Kingakuji Temple, or the Arashi Mountain.

It's the same with his magic. He has never performed in front of me. Even though I often see him fiddle with cards, I've never seen him perform a magic trick with them.

...Ne, isn't that strange?

Naru...is like...a riddle.

You could say it's his strong point...

...It's done. I completed it like a little girl (♥)

Even I'm starting to think it's inconceivable.

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| Back to [[Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Epilogue|Previous Section]]
| Return to [[Ghost Hunt|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Ghost Hunt:Volume2 Chapter1|Next Section]]
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</noinclude>

Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Chapter2

2009-10-16T07:07:57Z

Bookhobbit: /* 2 */

==Chapter 2 - Storm Approaching==

=== 1 ===

"If you’re interested in listening, I can briefly explain the circumstances?" Mr. Shibuya says as he sits on the bench near the shrubs of the old school building.

"If I don’t listen, I won’t be able to do my job." My voice was sullen. What a thing to be caught up in.

"The principal heard that the old school building is haunted so a week ago, he asked me to come investigate. Apparently, he wants to rebuild the gymnasium. For that he wants the old school building demolished."

Ah, come to think of it, that was written in the pamphlet I got at the time of my admission into the school. Soon, a big gymnasium will be built.

"However, it seems that the many times in the past they had tried to demolish the old school building, they had to stop the demolition because of the accidents that happened."

"Ah, and they wanted an investigation so they asked you?"

"That’s how it is."

"I see, and so you transferred schools for that?"

You went through a lot of trouble.

But Mr. Shibuya is staring at me with contempt.

"Who said I was transferring for the investigation?"

"But…yesterday, you said you were a transfer student."

"When I said ‘something like that’ and intended to be ambiguous?"

……Certainly……

"That is what I said."

"Liar." I said in a small voice.

Mr. Shibuya gave me a frosty look.

"You were going to tell ghost stories. That’s why."

"I see. When we were telling ghost stories you might have brought up the old school building story, right? Then if you did that, it would be collecting information."

"Oh, so you have more wisdom than a monkey?" Mr. Shibuya said, impressed.

You jerk. Don’t compare a person with their ancestors and ancestry.

"I was collecting the rumors between the students. Yesterday when you were telling ghost stories, did a story about the old school building come up?"

"Yeah, but Michiru told it."

"What’s the story? Can you remember it?"

'Did you not forget it?' his tone seems to say.

"I still remember it. I’m not so out of it that I can forget what happened yesterday!"

Hmph. Rude jerk.

"Weeellll……"

"Wait."

Mr. Shibuya inserted a hand into the inside pocket of his black jacket. He pulled out a small tape recorder.

Begin," He said as he pushed the record button.

Hmm. Well isn’t that interesting.

Despite what I was really thinking, I began talking about what Michiru had told me concerning the old school building.

=== 2 ===

After I finished the story, Shibuya stood up and asked, "Now then, can you take a walk with me?"

"To the old school building?"

"Where else?"

He does have a point there.

"How much of Michiru's story do you think is true?" If it's all true, then I don't want to go to that old school building again."

Shibuya sat down again and pulled out a file. "Many people died in the old school building."

"Really?" I asked.

He turned to a page completely filled with writing.

I stared at it intently, but it was just like a medical record written by a doctor. It was all in English, and I couldn't understand a word of it.

"During the three years that the old building was being used...that is, eighteen years ago, one or two people died every year."

I see.

"After the new building was built, they made plans to demolish the old one. The roof fell during the demolition of the west wing. They say it was an operating accident."

"Is that true...?"

"Half of it is."

"Only half?"

"The story you heard was that construction workers died, but that's not the truth. Five people were injured, but no one died."

"Really?" So then what?

"The demolition was completed as planned; they stopped after tearing down a third of the building."

"Oh? They didn't stop because of the stories?"

"Regrettably, no. At that time, a child died in the old school building. This most recent event occurred about six years ago."

"The child is..."

"The corpse of a seven-year old girl who lived nearby was found in the old school building. The police caught the murderer a month later. He originally wanted to kidnap her. Furthermore, a teacher really did commit suicide there, but he left a suicide note. Apparently he suffered from neurosis."

"Wow, you're amazing. That was really good research," I praised him sincerely.

"Of course. Don't underestimate my research ability."

...So it's like this. What a rude guy.

"In order to build a gymnasium in its place, the demolition of the old building began again last year."

"What about the truck that ran out of control?"

"Look at this."

Shibuya took out a copy of an old newspaper clipping from his files.

"Nine Students Struck by Construction Truck During Demolition" read the heading.

"The driver lost control of the rubble-filled truck near school grounds, causing it to skid though the volleyball court, leaving seven injured and two dead."

Below the news report were photos of the two deceased students. Poor kids... I couldn't help but feel sorry for them.

Shibuya continued indifferently, "There's a plausible reason for it: The driver was drunk."

"...Really."

"At that time the construction had to be stopped. Another reason was because of the rumors that were floating around."

I felt a chill run down my back.

"I investigated many claims, but they all turned out to be rumors. Despite being unfortunate ones, there is a clear reason behind each and every one of them. I don't think the old building is haunted at all."

After saying that, Shibuya stood up.

I don't want to go. Investigating the old school building? With me as an assistant?

Shibuya turned around and looked at me, as if he were urging me on.

So I followed him.

=== 3 ===

Shibuya lead the way, walking swiftly along the groves of trees in the front of the old school building before heading around the back.

A silver van was parked behind the school building in an inconspicuous area.

Shibuya opened the trunk. I couldn't see the backseats at all because a bunch of strange equipment blocked my view.

"Move the equipment out," Shibuya ordered.

"Move...all of this?" You must be kidding.

Shibuya coldly replied, "Move all the necessary equipment out."

God...

A shelf was fixed on the inside of the van. On top of the shelf sat a stereo system, several small televisions, and a typewriter machine, all squished tightly together.

I didn't know anything about these machines, so I started to get a headache.

"So many machines...do you know how to run all of them?" I asked.

"Your brain and mine are different."

...Really now, can't you even be a little modest? This jerk...he really is too confident of himself.

"Retrieve the microphone before you start moving the equipment. Come here."

Okay, okay. Well, I am your substitute assistant. It's not like I'll be cursed to death by the old school building; I'll just be worked to death by you.

...Man, when I think of it that way, waking up in the morning sure seems scary now.

Shibuya went around to the back of the old school building.

There was a small path about two meters wide near the wall behind the old school building.

A row of microphones lined the path, the heads pointing in toward the old windows.

"Were you talking about these microphones?" I asked pointing to them.

"That's right. Take the microphones down. I'm putting them back."

"I got it. ...These microphones, what are they used for?"

...Ah, Shibuya's disdainful look.

"Wouldn't you think that microphones are generally used to gather sound?"

"I know that."

...Hmph, what a jerk.

"It's dangerous to enter a haunted building without doing research beforehand. That's why in the beginning, one should thoroughly research prior to arriving."

"Oh~."

"For instance, gathering sound from outside the windows and setting up a camera."

...So that's how it is. Amazing.

"Is a haunted building really dangerous?"

"Some are."

"You're not scared?"

"There's nothing to be scared of."

..Eh? You really don't find it scary? "How come you want to do this kind of work when you're only seventeen years old?"

Shibuya's reply was very brief. "Because people need it done."

...If you weren't overconfident, you wouldn't answer like that.

I ignored his tone. "Then, there must be some cases that you couldn't solve, right?"

"None," Shibuya tersely replied, "because I am capable."

...This guy is really full of himself.

I figured anyone would start disliking him if they heard him say that.

"Wow, incredible—you're handsome and capable," I spouted out angrily.

Shibuya turned around and looked at me with piercing eyes. "I'm...handsome?"

"Is that bad? You got Keiko and the others to make such a big fuss over you."

"Right," Shibuya replied calmly, "they have good taste."

You jerk!

What is this? So people who think you're hot have good taste, and people who think you're not have bad taste?

You little...narcissist!

Ah, I'll just call you Naru-chan from now on.

=== 4 ===

After I put the microphones back, I was ordered once again, to set up the equipment.

"Do I have to go inside the building...?"

"Of course you do."

"I want to stay out here and observe the machines."

Naru-chan gave me a cold look.

I'm just saying.

Not acknowledging my request, Naru-chan handed me some steel pipes, "Don't worry; I won't let you go alone. I'll go with you."

"Got it."

I unwillingly walked toward the old school building.

The building was old and worn, and the entrance hall was pitch black. I reached my hand out to open the door.

Inside the building, a little orange tint of light could be seen from the afterglow of the sunset. The fallen shoe cabinet lied in the same place since the accident from this morning.

Black water drops dotted the floor. Those must be the assistant's bloodstains.

"Wait...wait for me."

"Hurry up."

Naru-chan carried a bunch of pipes inside, and I followed him in.

The smell of dust permeated the air, and the floors creaked with every step.

Deep in the entrance hall was a curved staircase. To the left and right of the staircase were hallways. There were two classrooms on the left, and three on the right.

The classrooms' nameplate hung down from the wall, unreadable and covered with dust.

"Use this room," Naru-chan said, glancing at a classroom near the entrance hall. It was the former lab room; big lab tables lined up in rows and columns.

Naru-chan went in.

A typical school would normally house many students. Even if some found it annoying, it was still a place were everyone could be together. Consequently, classrooms usually weren’t considered scary… Then again, they usually weren’t left to weather and rot to this degree.

Plus, there are creepy rumors about this place: The truck that ran out of control, the dead child, and the beckoning hand of a white silhouette by the window.

I carefully made my way into the room although I was really scared.

I let out a nervous sigh after noticing the classroom was brighter than the entrance hall.

The floor was covered with dust, and the walls were worn.

Naru-chan placed the steel pipes onto the table.

"Start building the shelves."

"Shi...Shibuya-san, what about you?"

"I have to bring in the rest of the equipment."

"Are you going out?"

"Of course, the equipment is outside."

Ah—

"You're just gonna leave me here alone, to build the shelf?"

Please don't.

"Are you saying you'd rather move the equipment? Some of it weighs about 40 kg."

"I'll just build the shelf," I answered resignedly.

Naru-chan nodded and walked out of the classroom.

Luckily the classroom was still bright. Plus, there were no sounds except for the creaking of the floor when I moved.

I looked around.

It was still bright, so there should be no problem.

Right when I was feeling nervous, a blunt, grating sound filled the room. I was so scared I jumped.

Lifting my head, I realized it was just the ceiling.

I let out a sigh of relief and listened carefully.

It's okay.. It's okay...

While comforting myself, I looked around my surroundings. Naru-chan had stealthily entered the room.

His sharp voice dazed me a little, "You'd better work faster than that."

Annoying... I hate this guy.

<center>* * *</center>

While I was building the shelf, Naru-chan continuously bought in more equipment. Not long afterwards, the classroom was completely filled with equipment.

After I finished setting up the shelves, I moved the rest of the equipment onto the tables.

I stood by Naru-chan, handing him this and that.

"Hey, what's this?" I asked, pointing at the tall machine beside Naru-chan.

"You can't tell it's a tape recorder?"

"I can't tell."

"This is a tape recorder. However, this one is special; it can record up to 24 hours. I rely on this and the microphones to collect sound."

"...Why?"

Right after I said that, Naru-chan shot a frosty glare at me.

"I don't like speaking with amateurs."

This jerk—

"You knew very well from the beginning that I was an amateur. If you have a problem with that, I'm leaving," I spouted out without thinking.

Naru-chan looked at me, a hint of hurt behind his eyes. "It's to confirm whether or not there are ghostly sounds."

"Ah, so that's what it's for."

"I set up the microphones and spent the better part of today recording sound from the first floor windows."

"With those microphones just then?"

"Right. I will set up a tape recorder in this room tonight."

"...You're not gonna stay here, right?"

"Not today," he replied as he opened five tape recorders. The tape recorders used adhesive tape, not magnetic tape.

"If there are ghosts, I won't stay here unless I know what kind they are."

"So you're the kind who looks before he leaps."

"What?"

"You're a very cautious person."

"Of course. ...Some haunted houses have abnormally strong ghosts. If you don't handle these things with care, you might never return."

"Don't scare me like that. ...What's this?" I pointed at a bulky camera-like object.

"I'm through explaining everything to you."

"Then never mind, but let's just say I make a huge mistake out of ignorance." In order to illustrate, I lifted my foot right above the camera, "Whoops, is this camera-like object a footstool?"

I'm going to step on it—

Naru-chan sighed.

I win.

"It's an infrared camera. You use it to record in dimly lit areas. It's very sensitive and uses thermography to record temperature levels."

"Oh..."

"In addition.."

Shut up.

"Thermography indicates temperature. When a ghost appears, the temperature drops."

"Got it. Got it."

"Do you really understand? Then stop asking stupid questions and get to work!"

=== 5 ===

After Naru-chan placed the equipment onto the table, he connected the wires to an electrical circuit. Meanwhile, I was placing thermometers in different rooms.

Though it was a frightful task, I had to be courageous and go against Naru-chan.

I didn't want to go because it was scary, but I summoned up my courage so Naru wouldn't mock me again. I had no choice but to set up the thermometers.

Immediately after wards, I was given orders to record the temperatures in each room. None of these tasks would've been done without light. I exhibited exceptional bravery and fought tough battles—all this happened while I sat and recorded temperatures.

Naru-chan looked at my results. "Nothing out of the ordinary... None of the rooms are exceptionally cold. Well, the temperature of the room on the first floor is a little low, but not significantly so."

Now the lab room looked like a science research institute. Mountains of televisions and equipment were piled up on the shelf and table.

I asked Naru-chan, "Hey, you said that places with ghosts have lower temperatures. So does that mean this place doesn't have any ghosts?"

"I can't say yet; most ghosts are very shy."

"Huh?"

"Paranormal phenomenon often occur in uninhabited areas. So when people move into such areas, ghosts usually hide themselves."

"Oh—"

"...In conclusion, we must wait for the ghost to show up. For now, I want you to place four infrared cameras on the first and second floor, and one in the entrance."

What... I still have to work...

<center>* * *</center>

I helped Naru-chan set up a huge video camera in the lab.

I set up the tripods on the west and east side of the first and second floor.

Finally, I'm done.

"That must've been tiring. You can go home now."

"Really?"

"There's nothing else you can help out with for now. I'm going to leave before dark too."

Oh—you really are a cautious one.

"What about the equipment? Are you just gonna leave it here?"

"It's okay. I set up the camera to record automatically."

Oh—

"I keep thinking, you really don't act like a psychic."

"Of course."

"But isn't a ghost exterminator.."

"It's ghost hunter. Don't throw me in with psychics."

Ah—Is that so.

What does that mean? Isn't that just a type of psychic?

I decided not to push the matter. Besides, arguing with Naru was really tiring. "I'm going then," I called out, waving good-bye.

Ah—my hand and waist is all sore—

Naru-chan's voice shot through the air, "Meet me by the van after school tomorrow."

Dammit. This guy is gonna mistreat me again tomorrow.

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| Back to [[Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Chapter1|Previous Section]]
| Return to [[Ghost Hunt|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Chapter3|Next Section]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Chapter2

2009-10-16T07:04:51Z

Bookhobbit: /* 1 */

==Chapter 2 - Storm Approaching==

=== 1 ===

"If you’re interested in listening, I can briefly explain the circumstances?" Mr. Shibuya says as he sits on the bench near the shrubs of the old school building.

"If I don’t listen, I won’t be able to do my job." My voice was sullen. What a thing to be caught up in.

"The principal heard that the old school building is haunted so a week ago, he asked me to come investigate. Apparently, he wants to rebuild the gymnasium. For that he wants the old school building demolished."

Ah, come to think of it, that was written in the pamphlet I got at the time of my admission into the school. Soon, a big gymnasium will be built.

"However, it seems that the many times in the past they had tried to demolish the old school building, they had to stop the demolition because of the accidents that happened."

"Ah, and they wanted an investigation so they asked you?"

"That’s how it is."

"I see, and so you transferred schools for that?"

You went through a lot of trouble.

But Mr. Shibuya is staring at me with contempt.

"Who said I was transferring for the investigation?"

"But…yesterday, you said you were a transfer student."

"When I said ‘something like that’ and intended to be ambiguous?"

……Certainly……

"That is what I said."

"Liar." I said in a small voice.

Mr. Shibuya gave me a frosty look.

"You were going to tell ghost stories. That’s why."

"I see. When we were telling ghost stories you might have brought up the old school building story, right? Then if you did that, it would be collecting information."

"Oh, so you have more wisdom than a monkey?" Mr. Shibuya said, impressed.

You jerk. Don’t compare a person with their ancestors and ancestry.

"I was collecting the rumors between the students. Yesterday when you were telling ghost stories, did a story about the old school building come up?"

"Yeah, but Michiru told it."

"What’s the story? Can you remember it?"

'Did you not forget it?' his tone seems to say.

"I still remember it. I’m not so out of it that I can forget what happened yesterday!"

Hmph. Rude jerk.

"Weeellll……"

"Wait."

Mr. Shibuya inserted a hand into the inside pocket of his black jacket. He pulled out a small tape recorder.

Begin," He said as he pushed the record button.

Hmm. Well isn’t that interesting.

Despite what I was really thinking, I began talking about what Michiru had told me concerning the old school building.

=== 2 ===

After I finished the story, Shibuya stood up and asked, "Now then, can you take a walk with me?"

"To the old school building?"

"Where else?"

He does have a point there.

"How much of Michiru's story do you think is true?" If it's all true, then I don't want to go to that old school building again.

Shibuya sat down again and pulled out a file. "Many people died in the old school building."

"Really?" I asked.

He turned to a page completely filled with writing.

Even though I stared at it intently, it was just like a medical record written by a doctor. It was all in English, and I couldn't understand a word of it.

"During the three years that the old building was being used...that is, eighteen years ago, one or two people died every year."

I see.

"After the new building was built, they made plans to demolish the old one. The roof fell during the demolition of the west wing. They say it was an operating accident."

"Is that true..."

"Half of it is."

"Only half?"

"The story you heard was that construction workers died, but that's not the truth. Five people were injured, but no one died."

"Really?" ...So then what.

"The demolition was completed as planned; they stopped after tearing town a third of the building."

"Oh? They didn't stop because of the stories?"

"Regrettably, no. At that time, a child died in the old school building. This most recent event occurred about six years ago."

"The child is..."

"The corpse of a seven-year old girl who lived nearby was found in the old school building. The police caught the murderer a month later. He originally wanted to kidnap her. Furthermore, a teacher really did commit suicide there, but he left a suicide note. Apparently he suffered from Neurosis."

"Wow, you're amazing. That was really good research," I sincerely praised him.

"Of course. Don't underestimate my research ability."

...So it's like this. What a rude guy.

"In order to build a gymnasium in its place, the demolition of the old building began again last year."

"What about the truck that ran out of control?"

"Look at this."

Shibuya took out a copy of an old newspaper clipping from his files.

"Nine Students Struck by Construction Truck During Demolition" read the heading.

"The driver lost control of the rubble-filled truck near school grounds, causing it to skid though the volleyball court, leaving seven injured and two dead."

Below the news report were photos of the two deceased students. Poor them.. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them.

Shibuya continued indifferently, "There's a plausible reason for it: The driver was drunk."

"...Really."

"At that time the construction had to be stopped. Another reason was because of the rumors that were floating around."

I felt a chill run down my back.

"I investigated many claims, but they all turned out to be rumors. Despite being unfortunate ones, there is a clear reason behind each and every one of them. I don't think the old building is haunted at all."

After saying that, Shibuya stood up.

I don't want to go. Investigating the old school building? With me as an assistant?

Shibuya turned around and looked at me, as if he were urging me on.

So I followed him.

=== 3 ===

Shibuya lead the way, walking swiftly along the groves of trees in the front of the old school building before heading around the back.

A silver van was parked behind the school building in an inconspicuous area.

Shibuya opened the trunk. I couldn't see the backseats at all because a bunch of strange equipment blocked my view.

"Move the equipment out," Shibuya ordered.

"Move...all of this?" You must be kidding.

Shibuya coldly replied, "Move all the necessary equipment out."

God...

A shelf was fixed on the inside of the van. On top of the shelf sat a stereo system, several small televisions, and a typewriter machine, all squished tightly together.

I didn't know anything about these machines, so I started to get a headache.

"So many machines...do you know how to run all of them?" I asked.

"Your brain and mine are different."

...Really now, can't you even be a little modest? This jerk...he really is too confident of himself.

"Retrieve the microphone before you start moving the equipment. Come here."

Okay, okay. Well, I am your substitute assistant. It's not like I'll be cursed to death by the old school building; I'll just be worked to death by you.

...Man, when I think of it that way, waking up in the morning sure seems scary now.

Shibuya went around to the back of the old school building.

There was a small path about two meters wide near the wall behind the old school building.

A row of microphones lined the path, the heads pointing in toward the old windows.

"Were you talking about these microphones?" I asked pointing to them.

"That's right. Take the microphones down. I'm putting them back."

"I got it. ...These microphones, what are they used for?"

...Ah, Shibuya's disdainful look.

"Wouldn't you think that microphones are generally used to gather sound?"

"I know that."

...Hmph, what a jerk.

"It's dangerous to enter a haunted building without doing research beforehand. That's why in the beginning, one should thoroughly research prior to arriving."

"Oh~."

"For instance, gathering sound from outside the windows and setting up a camera."

...So that's how it is. Amazing.

"Is a haunted building really dangerous?"

"Some are."

"You're not scared?"

"There's nothing to be scared of."

..Eh? You really don't find it scary? "How come you want to do this kind of work when you're only seventeen years old?"

Shibuya's reply was very brief. "Because people need it done."

...If you weren't overconfident, you wouldn't answer like that.

I ignored his tone. "Then, there must be some cases that you couldn't solve, right?"

"None," Shibuya tersely replied, "because I am capable."

...This guy is really full of himself.

I figured anyone would start disliking him if they heard him say that.

"Wow, incredible—you're handsome and capable," I spouted out angrily.

Shibuya turned around and looked at me with piercing eyes. "I'm...handsome?"

"Is that bad? You got Keiko and the others to make such a big fuss over you."

"Right," Shibuya replied calmly, "they have good taste."

You jerk!

What is this? So people who think you're hot have good taste, and people who think you're not have bad taste?

You little...narcissist!

Ah, I'll just call you Naru-chan from now on.

=== 4 ===

After I put the microphones back, I was ordered once again, to set up the equipment.

"Do I have to go inside the building...?"

"Of course you do."

"I want to stay out here and observe the machines."

Naru-chan gave me a cold look.

I'm just saying.

Not acknowledging my request, Naru-chan handed me some steel pipes, "Don't worry; I won't let you go alone. I'll go with you."

"Got it."

I unwillingly walked toward the old school building.

The building was old and worn, and the entrance hall was pitch black. I reached my hand out to open the door.

Inside the building, a little orange tint of light could be seen from the afterglow of the sunset. The fallen shoe cabinet lied in the same place since the accident from this morning.

Black water drops dotted the floor. Those must be the assistant's bloodstains.

"Wait...wait for me."

"Hurry up."

Naru-chan carried a bunch of pipes inside, and I followed him in.

The smell of dust permeated the air, and the floors creaked with every step.

Deep in the entrance hall was a curved staircase. To the left and right of the staircase were hallways. There were two classrooms on the left, and three on the right.

The classrooms' nameplate hung down from the wall, unreadable and covered with dust.

"Use this room," Naru-chan said, glancing at a classroom near the entrance hall. It was the former lab room; big lab tables lined up in rows and columns.

Naru-chan went in.

A typical school would normally house many students. Even if some found it annoying, it was still a place were everyone could be together. Consequently, classrooms usually weren’t considered scary… Then again, they usually weren’t left to weather and rot to this degree.

Plus, there are creepy rumors about this place: The truck that ran out of control, the dead child, and the beckoning hand of a white silhouette by the window.

I carefully made my way into the room although I was really scared.

I let out a nervous sigh after noticing the classroom was brighter than the entrance hall.

The floor was covered with dust, and the walls were worn.

Naru-chan placed the steel pipes onto the table.

"Start building the shelves."

"Shi...Shibuya-san, what about you?"

"I have to bring in the rest of the equipment."

"Are you going out?"

"Of course, the equipment is outside."

Ah—

"You're just gonna leave me here alone, to build the shelf?"

Please don't.

"Are you saying you'd rather move the equipment? Some of it weighs about 40 kg."

"I'll just build the shelf," I answered resignedly.

Naru-chan nodded and walked out of the classroom.

Luckily the classroom was still bright. Plus, there were no sounds except for the creaking of the floor when I moved.

I looked around.

It was still bright, so there should be no problem.

Right when I was feeling nervous, a blunt, grating sound filled the room. I was so scared I jumped.

Lifting my head, I realized it was just the ceiling.

I let out a sigh of relief and listened carefully.

It's okay.. It's okay...

While comforting myself, I looked around my surroundings. Naru-chan had stealthily entered the room.

His sharp voice dazed me a little, "You'd better work faster than that."

Annoying... I hate this guy.

<center>* * *</center>

While I was building the shelf, Naru-chan continuously bought in more equipment. Not long afterwards, the classroom was completely filled with equipment.

After I finished setting up the shelves, I moved the rest of the equipment onto the tables.

I stood by Naru-chan, handing him this and that.

"Hey, what's this?" I asked, pointing at the tall machine beside Naru-chan.

"You can't tell it's a tape recorder?"

"I can't tell."

"This is a tape recorder. However, this one is special; it can record up to 24 hours. I rely on this and the microphones to collect sound."

"...Why?"

Right after I said that, Naru-chan shot a frosty glare at me.

"I don't like speaking with amateurs."

This jerk—

"You knew very well from the beginning that I was an amateur. If you have a problem with that, I'm leaving," I spouted out without thinking.

Naru-chan looked at me, a hint of hurt behind his eyes. "It's to confirm whether or not there are ghostly sounds."

"Ah, so that's what it's for."

"I set up the microphones and spent the better part of today recording sound from the first floor windows."

"With those microphones just then?"

"Right. I will set up a tape recorder in this room tonight."

"...You're not gonna stay here, right?"

"Not today," he replied as he opened five tape recorders. The tape recorders used adhesive tape, not magnetic tape.

"If there are ghosts, I won't stay here unless I know what kind they are."

"So you're the kind who looks before he leaps."

"What?"

"You're a very cautious person."

"Of course. ...Some haunted houses have abnormally strong ghosts. If you don't handle these things with care, you might never return."

"Don't scare me like that. ...What's this?" I pointed at a bulky camera-like object.

"I'm through explaining everything to you."

"Then never mind, but let's just say I make a huge mistake out of ignorance." In order to illustrate, I lifted my foot right above the camera, "Whoops, is this camera-like object a footstool?"

I'm going to step on it—

Naru-chan sighed.

I win.

"It's an infrared camera. You use it to record in dimly lit areas. It's very sensitive and uses thermography to record temperature levels."

"Oh..."

"In addition.."

Shut up.

"Thermography indicates temperature. When a ghost appears, the temperature drops."

"Got it. Got it."

"Do you really understand? Then stop asking stupid questions and get to work!"

=== 5 ===

After Naru-chan placed the equipment onto the table, he connected the wires to an electrical circuit. Meanwhile, I was placing thermometers in different rooms.

Though it was a frightful task, I had to be courageous and go against Naru-chan.

I didn't want to go because it was scary, but I summoned up my courage so Naru wouldn't mock me again. I had no choice but to set up the thermometers.

Immediately after wards, I was given orders to record the temperatures in each room. None of these tasks would've been done without light. I exhibited exceptional bravery and fought tough battles—all this happened while I sat and recorded temperatures.

Naru-chan looked at my results. "Nothing out of the ordinary... None of the rooms are exceptionally cold. Well, the temperature of the room on the first floor is a little low, but not significantly so."

Now the lab room looked like a science research institute. Mountains of televisions and equipment were piled up on the shelf and table.

I asked Naru-chan, "Hey, you said that places with ghosts have lower temperatures. So does that mean this place doesn't have any ghosts?"

"I can't say yet; most ghosts are very shy."

"Huh?"

"Paranormal phenomenon often occur in uninhabited areas. So when people move into such areas, ghosts usually hide themselves."

"Oh—"

"...In conclusion, we must wait for the ghost to show up. For now, I want you to place four infrared cameras on the first and second floor, and one in the entrance."

What... I still have to work...

<center>* * *</center>

I helped Naru-chan set up a huge video camera in the lab.

I set up the tripods on the west and east side of the first and second floor.

Finally, I'm done.

"That must've been tiring. You can go home now."

"Really?"

"There's nothing else you can help out with for now. I'm going to leave before dark too."

Oh—you really are a cautious one.

"What about the equipment? Are you just gonna leave it here?"

"It's okay. I set up the camera to record automatically."

Oh—

"I keep thinking, you really don't act like a psychic."

"Of course."

"But isn't a ghost exterminator.."

"It's ghost hunter. Don't throw me in with psychics."

Ah—Is that so.

What does that mean? Isn't that just a type of psychic?

I decided not to push the matter. Besides, arguing with Naru was really tiring. "I'm going then," I called out, waving good-bye.

Ah—my hand and waist is all sore—

Naru-chan's voice shot through the air, "Meet me by the van after school tomorrow."

Dammit. This guy is gonna mistreat me again tomorrow.

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