Chapter 91: This is a Trial

Stepping off the cruise ship, the group set foot on Tsukikage Island.

Evening had already fallen, and with the sun fully set, the island was cloaked in dim light.

Due to its remote location, the island lacked extensive lighting, making the darkness even more pronounced.

Adding to the eerie atmosphere, malevolent spirits drifted in the sky above, casting an ominous and dangerous aura over the entire island.

Ren gazed at the sky.

The lingering resentment had grown stronger.

Just what kind of underground industry could generate such an overwhelming aura of malice?

The seedy operations running on this island only deepened his curiosity.

However, for now, he needed to suppress that curiosity.

Since the girls had already been brought here, their safety took priority.

In truth, the spirits wandering above weren't a major threat.

With Isumi's strength, handling them wouldn't be an issue. But the real danger lurking beneath the surface remained unknown.

First, they needed to uncover the true nature of this island.

Otherwise, how could they grasp the full story behind it?

After taking a moment to relax, Ren picked up his suitcase and boarded the transport vehicle Shinomiya had arranged.

Not long after, the car pulled up in front of the high-end hot spring hotel they had reserved.

"The hot spring apartment has been fully booked for today. Other than the regular cleaning staff, no one else will be entering."

417, Hayasaka, stepped forward to deliver a concise briefing.

Handling these arrangements took little effort for her.

Of course, the so-called "cleaning staff" of this luxury hot spring hotel had all been replaced with bodyguards from the Shinomiya family.

Ensuring that no outsiders could get near was a given.

After all, the people staying here this weekend weren't just the heirs of the Shinomiya family but also those of the Sanzenin and Saginomiya families.

If even in such a secured environment something were to happen, it would mark the utter failure of the Shinomiya family's legacy.

Thus, Shinomiya took complete responsibility for security.

However, Hayasaka hadn't anticipated dealing with something as absurd as evil spirits.

That was beyond her usual job description.

Ren glanced at the hot spring apartment before turning to Isumi.

"Saginomiya, I'll be counting on you for this."

"Rest assured, Lord Amamiya."

"Exorcism is our family's specialty."

Even if Ren hadn't requested it, Isumi would have taken the job upon herself.

Since Nagi was here, she couldn't allow these spirits to frighten her.

At the very least, she had to ensure the hot spring hotel remained secure.

Isumi's abilities were reliable, and her expertise in spirit exorcism made her the best-suited person for this task.

In fact, she was the one person in their group whom Ren could trust completely with this matter.

Of course, her tendency to get lost was a separate issue.

Thus, Ren gave a cautious reminder.

"Hayasaka-san, have a bodyguard accompany Saginomiya."

"I'm more concerned about her getting lost."

Hayasaka blinked in surprise before quickly giving the order.

"Lord Amamiya, I won't get lost in a hot spring apartment."

Her voice carried a hint of resentment.

However, Ren remained firm.

"Saginomiya, this is your first time here. You're unfamiliar with the layout, so getting lost is perfectly possible."

That was a reasonable argument.

It was natural to feel disoriented in an entirely new place.

Besides, the apartment complex was far from small.

Isumi tried to protest for a moment but eventually relented.

It was her first time here, after all, and the possibility of getting lost was indeed real.

It was a valid concern.

"Go pick your rooms first."

"Once you've changed, we'll have a proper discussion."

This unexpected situation needed to be addressed.

But before that, they at least needed to settle in, change into more comfortable clothing, and relax.

Upon entering the hot spring hotel, the girls wisely decided to stay close together.

There was no need for unnecessary complications.

They picked rooms near each other, having friends nearby would make sleeping at night more reassuring.

After changing into thick yukatas, they all gathered in Ren's room.

Ren had also switched into a yukata.

Seated at the small table, he swept his gaze over the girls.

Each of them wore uneasy expressions.

It was clear that today's encounter with the evil spirits had shaken them deeply.

He understood that completely.

It was natural for them to feel this way none of them were accustomed to dealing with such things.

After all, the girls present were, at their core, just ordinary girls.

Thus, Ren chose to offer them reassurance.

"This is the first supernatural event we've encountered."

"But think about the name of our club—the Occult Research Club."

"The experience we're facing now is the very pinnacle of mystery."

"The diary in your hands is the highest artifact of all mysteries."

"So, you need to stay calm."

"You need to gradually come to understand this mysterious world."

"Perhaps in the future, we'll face even more supernatural phenomena."

"Everyone, this is a trial."

Hearing his words, the girls, who had been visibly unsettled moments ago, seemed to relax slightly.

Especially after hearing that the diary was the ultimate mystery, something even greater than the spirits they had encountered.

Thinking about the diary, then recalling the spirits…

It put things into perspective, making their previous fear seem a little less overwhelming.

A sense of stability began to return.

"Saginomiya, have you taken care of it?"

Once he saw that the situation was stabilizing, Ren shifted his focus.

"I've finished the preparations," Isumi replied with a nod.

"That's good."

As expected, hearing that assurance brought further relief to the girls.

At the very least, they could now feel some semblance of safety.

Sensing the calm settling over the group, Ren also allowed himself to relax a little.

Truthfully, he wasn't particularly skilled at handling situations like this.

Standing in the spotlight didn't suit him.

He was far more comfortable in quiet, shadowed places.

Bringing the situation under control to this extent was already the limit of his ability.

"Everyone, I need to explain something to you now."

"It's a part of mysticism, specifically, knowledge related to evil spirits."

At those words, the girls instinctively tensed up.

This wasn't the rational, scientific world they were used to.

It was the realm of the supernatural, one they had only just begun to step into.