The Birth of a New Research Society

Iruki nodded in agreement.

"In the microscopic world, which is lighter than an electron, things happen that defy human common sense. Observation and measurement cannot be done simultaneously; everything is defined only by probability. It's like plucking a guitar string—you can't pinpoint its exact position. If the soul is lighter than an electron, then perceiving the universe itself might be possible. In such a world, the correlation between time and distance collapses."

Piecing together his friends' words, Shirone started to form a vague picture in his mind.

"Hmm, I think I get the idea. Thanks. You guys really live up to being the Paranormal Psychic Research Society."

"Haha! You shouldn't be so easily surprised. Anyway, don't worry too much. It's not some strange curse or anything. Let's investigate the parts that connect to the Immortal Function."

At that moment, Shirone made up his mind.

"Alright! I'll join the Paranormal Psychic Research Society."

There was no reason to refuse.

More than anything, with Shirone joining, the society would finally have three members, qualifying it as an official research group. That also meant the funding that had been cut off a year ago would be restored.

"We'd be more than happy to have you. Iruki, you agree, right?"

"For the advancement of the research society, Shirone is definitely a great addition. But will the administration approve? Our reputation is pretty bad, and there are many teachers who oppose us."

"Leave that to me. I'll just slip the paperwork in quietly without them noticing. Alright, let's go!"

As Shirone followed his friends out of the research lab, he suddenly turned back.

'This is my research society now.'

Though it was nothing more than a filthy storage room, the moment he thought of it as his own, a sense of affection welled up inside him.

'I should plan a deep clean soon.'

With a clang, the iron door shut.

In the now dark and silent research lab, the dust from where Shirone had sat swirled gently in the air.

Overflow (1)

Unlike usual, the faculty office was bustling with activity.

Normally, after class, teachers would enjoy tea and chatter while waiting for their next lesson. However, today, they were all gathered together, meticulously reviewing documents.

It was a pile of membership applications—dozens of them.

Returning from class, Sheena was surprised to see the stack of papers piled high on the table.

"Oh my, are all these membership applications? There's quite a rush this week."

"Hah, it's the end of the semester. This happens every year around this time. These students sure are cunning."

Once the semester ended and vacation began, students were required to write independent research papers as part of their coursework.

However, since performance assessments could be substituted with research society presentations, students without a research society would often temporarily join one at the last minute to avoid writing a thesis. This had become a common trend in recent years.

Saad, who was helping sort the applications, spoke up.

"Kids these days only get craftier. It wasn't like this in the past. Research societies and performance evaluations used to be about passion. Nowadays, students only care about efficiency."

"Haha! Times have changed. Competition has gotten fiercer over the past ten years. They must be under a lot of stress. Temporarily joining a research society is probably just a way to buy themselves more time for personal study."

"Maybe, but don't you think they're too obsessed with results? There's something to be said for the romance of student life."

The other teachers seemed to share Saad's sentiment, responding with bittersweet smiles.

Just as one of the teachers gathered the applications to pass them along to the administration, Sheena spotted a document that had fallen under the desk.

"This one was left out."

"Huh? When did this get here? Someone must have slipped it in while we were in class."

"Haha, they must have been desperate."

Curious about which student had resorted to sneaky tactics, Sheena checked the name on the application.

Adjusting her glasses, she read aloud.

"Wait… This says Shirone, right?"

A teacher peeked over to confirm.

"That's right. Ariane Shirone. I thought he wasn't interested in research societies. Well, given how all the other students are trying to game the system, it's not too surprising."

Saad furrowed his brow as he took the application.

"I don't think that's the case here. This research society… isn't it quite infamous? Even back when I was a student, it was."

"Let me see that."

Sheena took the application back and confirmed the name of the research society Shirone had joined.

Indeed, it was a well-known group.

'Paranormal Psychic Research Society.'

Just recalling her past experiences dealing with its members gave her a headache.

'Wait a minute…'

Most of the troublemakers from the Paranormal Psychic Research Society had graduated last year, hadn't they?

'That just makes this even more annoying.'

Sheena vaguely remembered hearing that the society had lost its funding due to a lack of members.

A teacher smiled and remarked,

"Come to think of it, Iruki is also part of that society. Maybe they just clicked?"

Saad let out a dry laugh.

"I heard Shirone was impressive during the Speed Gun test. Still, I wouldn't have imagined them getting along. It's hard to picture."

Sheena rubbed her temples, looking visibly troubled.

"Yes. And that's exactly the problem."

If someone as sharp as Iruki had lured him in, then even someone as steadfast as Shirone could have been swayed.

But Iruki of all people?

'I'm not trying to be biased, but Iruki always crosses the line. If Shirone gets involved with him, it'll be like having two ticking bombs. No, this is actually good. It's time to cut this troublesome connection.'

Sheena opened the faculty records to check who was overseeing the Paranormal Psychic Research Society.

Given who Shirone had been spending the most time with lately, the reason for his decision became clear.

'Nade's advisor is…'

She scanned the list of teachers, and the moment she found the name, she sighed, pressing her forehead.

'Of all people…'