The sound of camera shutters clicked intermittently, accompanied by the faint beeping of devices completing their analysis. Finally, a long beep signaled the data collection had concluded.
"Report to the section chief: the results are in. Based on the magnetic field changes, dissipation levels of anomalous energy, and various residual traces on the street, we've determined the danger level of the anomaly that appeared here to be between D and C," one agent announced.
"This area was briefly drawn into a pocket of alternate space-time."
The middle-aged section chief nodded thoughtfully, processing the findings. "What about information gathered from the surrounding area?"
"It was late at night, so the streets were mostly deserted. The remote location also lacks surveillance cameras. We haven't identified any potential players yet."
"More surveillance is critical," the section chief remarked.
Everyone knew it was essential to adapt to the growing threat, but the nationwide installation of additional surveillance cameras would require an astronomical budget. Even if the Cabinet approved, Parliament might not.
"What about the individual who reported the incident? Did they leave any leads?"
The young staffer shook his head. "The call came from a public telephone booth, and the voice was processed. Whoever it was has a strong sense of counter-surveillance."
This further confirmed that the caller was likely an active participant in the anomalous "Strange game." Identifying this player would be exceptionally difficult.
"We could expand the investigation area and deploy additional personnel," another staff member suggested.
The section chief dismissed the idea after a moment's thought. "No, that would be a waste of resources. File this case and keep a close watch on the individual hospitalized due to possession. Survivors of spirit possession are often drawn into the 'strange game.'"
"Yes, sir."
With the final tasks completed, the team removed the cordon and returned the street to its usual state. By morning, it was as if nothing unusual had ever happened.
The Next Morning
Lin Ye and Tachibana Hina awoke early to prepare for the day ahead.
"I'll get off here," Hina said as they neared her stop.
"Okay," Lin Ye replied, waving as she turned and exited the train to return to her apartment to change into fresh clothes and shoes.
Walking along the streets leading to Sobu High School, Lin Ye wore the school's black Western-style uniform, blending into the morning crowd of high schoolers. The streets were lined with rustling green trees, their branches dusted with falling cherry blossoms. The air carried a faint, sweet scent as students walked in pairs and groups, their conversations light and cheerful.
Despite the idyllic scene, Lin Ye felt an odd dissonance. As someone who had graduated from university and worked for several years in his past life, these high school moments felt nostalgic yet foreign.
Steeling himself, Lin Ye stepped through the gates of Sobu High School.
Last Night
After alerting the authorities and watching their response, Lin Ye returned to the anomaly site. He had confirmed his suspicions: the government was aware of the "strange game" and had even established a specialized unit—the Anti-Demon Special Operations Department under the Public Security Commission. t/l: what a long a** name
What the officials hadn't realized was that the very player they sought had walked among them unnoticed.
At Sobu High School
"You finally arrived," a mature, authoritative female voice called out, interrupting Lin Ye's thoughts.
Turning, Lin Ye saw a woman in a white coat with long, sleek black hair and a poised demeanor. Even without Tachibana Hina's photo from the day before, Lin Ye instantly recognized her: Hiratsuka Shizuka.
"Hiratsuka-sensei?"
"Oh, you recognized me at first glance. So, is your amnesia just an act?" Hiratsuka's commanding presence softened slightly as she approached.
"Teacher Hina showed me your picture," Lin Ye explained.
"So, Hina has been singing you praises. It seems you've been getting along well," she remarked, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
"Teacher Hina is very kind," Lin Ye replied earnestly.
"She's a rookie fresh out of college. But I'm impressed—you've shown up on time today. As your homeroom and guidance teacher, I won't dwell on your previous absences. Just focus on your studies moving forward."
Hiratsuka clapped Lin Ye's shoulder with unexpected strength. "It's fine to admire idols, but don't let that obsession interfere with your daily life."
"Yes, Teacher," Lin Ye replied politely.
Shizuka eyed him curiously. There was something different about him—he seemed more grounded, more receptive than before. Perhaps the amnesia wasn't entirely a ruse.
"Good. And remember, stars and idols are far removed from ordinary people. If you're looking for a girlfriend, focus on someone at Sobu High. Don't let Yukinoshita's rejections discourage you."
Lin Ye blinked in confusion. The original owner of this body had confessed to Yukinoshita? That wasn't in the memories he'd recovered.
"I understand," Lin Ye said diplomatically.
"Good. Now, head to class. If you need help, come find me."
In his classroom, Lin Ye settled into the last seat in the second row by the window. As students trickled in, none greeted him, leaving him to his thoughts.
Suddenly, the noisy chatter fell silent. Lin Ye looked up toward the door and saw her—a figure who immediately commanded attention.
Yukinoshita Yukino had entered the room.
Lin Ye's eyes reflected the girl's presence as she entered.
She had a delicate face—so captivatingly beautiful that it seemed almost unfair. Her long black hair swayed gently with her steps, complementing her fair, flawless skin. The black uniform and pleated skirt only accentuated her youthful elegance.
Her demeanor matched her name, cold and pure like snow, an ice flower blooming atop a frozen peak.
'Hello!'
In his heart, Lin Ye greeted this heroine.
The girl sensed the sudden change in the classroom's atmosphere. Ignoring the gazes directed at her, she walked lightly to her seat—the second-to-last desk in the row by the window.
Her seat was directly in front of Lin Ye, just to his left.
Oddly, the seat behind her was vacant.
Lin Ye found it curious. Usually, seating arrangements were based on height, so how had Yukinoshita Yukino ended up with this spot? Then it dawned on him—the girl was ostracized by her classmates. That likely explained her isolated position in the classroom.
As she set her book down, Yukinoshita briefly glanced at Lin Ye, signaling him to stop staring. He quickly averted his gaze but noticed that her expression suggested she found his look...different.
Still, she dismissed the thought, unwilling to linger on any changes in him. As long as it had nothing to do with her, it wasn't worth her concern.
"Alright, everyone, get ready. Class is about to start," a middle-aged teacher wearing glasses announced, stepping into the classroom with a stack of books in hand.
The bell rang, and the lesson began.
Lin Ye turned his attention to the mathematical formulas on the board—familiar yet strangely nostalgic.
This is high school life, he thought, a pang of sentimentality hitting him.
The feeling didn't last long. Lin Ye soon shifted his thoughts on the "strange game."
Based on what he had overheard from the special department agents the previous night, the game had existed for quite some time. There were likely advanced players among its participants, as well as online forums or discussion groups dedicated to it.
I need to gather as much information as possible while keeping my identity secret.
The events at the "Love Heart Hotel" had been erased from Kuroda Hikari's memory, and only Hoshino Ai and Tachibana Hina knew about Lin Ye's involvement. Both had promised to keep his secret.
He trusted them, but having a tool to safeguard confidentiality would be invaluable.
"There's got to be an item like that in the game," Lin Ye mused.
"Knock,knock,knock…"
The sound of knocking startled him. Lin Ye looked up to see the middle-aged math teacher standing at his desk.
"Student Lin, please answer this question," the teacher said, pointing at the board.
Lin Ye froze for a moment. In countless stories, the protagonist always encountered situations like this.
"I didn't expect I'd be 'that' student," Lin Ye muttered to himself before responding. "Sorry, Sensei, I don't know how to solve it."
His direct response stunned the teacher.
The man had encountered students who struggled in silence, but Lin Ye was the first to openly admit ignorance.
"Pay attention in class. These formulas and concepts aren't difficult," the teacher said, returning to the podium without reprimand.
From then on, Lin Ye followed the lesson attentively, which seemed to please the teacher.
The next class was Hiratsuka Shizuka's Japanese language course.
Unfortunately, Lin Ye found it utterly unengaging and promptly dozed off.
This irritated Hiratsuka, but she held her temper. Still, as class ended, she shot him a sharp look and said, "Student Lin, come to my office after school."
Her stern glare conveyed, Don't even think about running away. It was only after Lin Ye nodded that she left, satisfied.
During the lunch break, most students left the classroom, leaving only Lin Ye and Yukino, who stayed seated, unbothered by the buzz of the hallway.
Just as Lin Ye stood, hurried footsteps approached the classroom door.
"Teacher Hina?"
Lin Ye turned to see Tachibana Hina standing at the entrance, her chestnut hair slightly disheveled and her breathing uneven. It was clear she had rushed.
"Thank goodness you're still here," she said between breaths.
"Is there something I can help with, Teacher?" Lin Ye asked, noticing what she was holding.
No way... is that a bento?
The sight filled him with surprise, a hint of wariness, and a trace of joy.
"I brought lunch! It's much better than the cafeteria food," Hina said cheerfully.
Sobu High School had a cafeteria, but the food was mediocre and overpriced, so most students brought lunch from home.
"Wait... You didn't make this yourself, did you?" Lin Ye asked cautiously.
He suddenly remembered something: Tachibana Hina's cooking skills were notoriously disastrous, a far cry from her sister Tachibana Rui's culinary talent.
If Hina had cooked this, food poisoning seemed inevitable.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Hina retorted, rolling her eyes. "I went straight home this morning, remember? I didn't have time to cook. I bought this from a convenience store. It's a good quality!"
As she spoke, she explained that while shopping for herself, she thought Lin Ye might not have brought lunch due to his amnesia. So, she got one for him too.
"Thank you, Teacher. I won't hold back then," Lin Ye said gratefully, walking over to her.
However, as he moved, Hina's gaze shifted behind him—and froze.
There's someone else in the classroom?
Her eyes locked onto Yukinoshita Yukino, still sitting quietly at her desk.
In an instant, Hina realized that everything she had just said had been overheard. A wave of embarrassment washed over her, her body trembling slightly from the humiliation.
It's over!