After breakfast, Haruto and Sora walked towards Sobu High School together. As they passed the first alley, they encountered Yotsuba.
"Good morning, Kuromori-san, Sora."
"Good morning."
Sora pursed her lips and softly greeted, "Good morning, Yotsuba."
The three of them walked together towards Sobu High.
Haruto casually asked, "Yotsuba, why are you late today and didn't go to practice?"
Yotsuba shook her head. "Practice was canceled today."
Haruto looked at her in surprise. "Canceled? What happened?"
Yotsuba replied, "Two seniors from the basketball club had an accident last night. I heard they were frightened. They just need to rest for a few days, but practice might be postponed for the next few days."
Haruto slightly raised his eyebrows. "Do you know what happened?"
"I heard that the seniors ran into some bad people when they went out." Yotsuba's expression became downcast. "I hope the seniors and everyone can feel better. After all, this is their final year."
"..."
Bad people?
Haruto suddenly recalled something. From the memories of the doll girl, he knew that last night, two senior girls from the basketball club had been summoned by the power of oddity.
Unfortunately, the super-large barrier couldn't prevent the "Devil Summoning" at all. Even if other barriers were set up in this world, they would be useless.
❀❀❀
The day passed quickly.
Haruto grabbed his school bag and followed Itsuki out of the classroom.
Itsuki turned to look at him.
"Mhm... Is Kuromori-kun hungry?"
"Huh?"
Itsuki raised her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear and gently said, "I always feel like Kuromori-kun is worried about something today. Did something happen?"
'Am I that obvious? Even Itsuki noticed?'
Haruto thought for a moment and didn't deny it. "Don't worry, it's just a small problem."
Itsuki responded, thinking for a moment, and said, "When I'm feeling down, I go out to eat something nice. Kuromori-san, why don't you try that too?"
Haruto shook his head. "Maybe later. Let's go. Call Miku, and let's head to the library together."
He didn't dwell on Itsuki's suggestion.
All day, he had been thinking about how to deal with the "Demon Summoning" incident.
He wondered if there was a pattern to it, but he hadn't found one.
If only he could figure it out, he could solve it right away!
Although oddities were a headache, they didn't make him feel anxious or panicked.
At the library.
Haruto glanced at the empty library. "So, besides you two, no one else is here?"
Itsuki replied cautiously, "Ichika said she had work, Nino went shopping, and Yotsuba went to basketball practice."
Miku stood by the bookshelf, bending down to search for a book.
If Haruto saw correctly, they were all books about history!
"I think I can guess their situation."
Haruto looked at Miku, covering his forehead, and said, "But... Miku, what are you doing?"
"Hmm~"
Miku tilted her head slightly. "Reading?"
"We're here for studying, not for reading books!"
Haruto complained, then said with a headache, "Miku, put those books back. You can read them later. Come over here first."
"This is so troublesome."
"Ah, I'm really sorry for troubling you!"
Itsuki quickly said, "Miku, come here quickly, don't cause Kuromori-kun any trouble."
"..."
With a bit of regret on her face, Miku put the books back and then walked over to sit next to Itsuki.
"When I enter the library, I can't help but look for books..." Miku explained.
Haruto said, "Okay, stop talking. Now, let me ask the questions, and you can answer them."
At this point, his voice paused briefly before continuing, "The questions I'll ask are all the ones we discussed yesterday, so if you get them wrong, you'll be punished."
"Eh? Punishment?"
Itsuki leaned back slightly and unconsciously covered her forehead.
Miku looked at him curiously and asked, "Haruto, what's the punishment?"
"If I punish you, it won't be light."
Haruto crossed his fingers and calmly said, "But I promise, none of you will want to receive this terrible punishment."
Terrible punishment?
Is it worse than a forehead flick?
Itsuki took a deep breath and looked serious. "In that case, I can't slack off."
Miku said with equal seriousness, "I won't lose either."
"Very good."
Haruto nodded and said, "The first question is: Who is known as the Sixth Heavenly Demon King in history?"
Miku immediately answered, "Oda Nobunaga."
"Why?"
"Because Oda Nobunaga was offended back then..."
"Very good, Miku answered correctly."
Hearing Haruto's praise, Miku's eyes lit up, and a slight smile appeared on her face, clearly very pleased.
Haruto had long known that Miku liked history.
So, for Miku, he started directly with history topics, going from the basics to more advanced material.
Next, Haruto quickly asked more questions.
They were all primarily history topics, not just from this country but also important historical events from other nations that were part of current knowledge.
Miku seemed excited and answered quickly.
When it came to history, which she enjoyed, Miku was in a good mood and became very serious.
Even Haruto had to admit that Miku's knowledge of history was quite extensive, including many historical allusions that most people wouldn't know. Unfortunately for her, she was up against a cheat.
Ten minutes of Q&A quickly passed.
Itsuki was lying on the table, staring at them with empty eyes, seemingly doubting her life.
Haruto announced, "The first round of questions and answers is over. Miku wins."
Itsuki snapped back to reality and couldn't help grabbing Haruto's sleeve, speaking sadly, "Kuromori-kun, don't do this..."
It was all about history topics, many of which she had never heard of.
Oppression.
A smile appeared on Haruto's face, and he said half-jokingly, "This is only the first round. If you don't want to face severe punishment, do well in the second round."
Itsuki pouted and said gloomily, "Kuromori-kun is biased."
Miku's face flushed a little as she protested, "It's just a normal Q&A session, not biased at all!"
Haruto said seriously, "Itsuki, please don't accuse people unfairly."
"Hmm~"
Itsuki puffed out her cheeks and said, "Alright, Kuromori-kun, I won't lose this time!"
"Good."
Seeing that both Miku and Itsuki were interested, Haruto nodded slightly and said, "The second round begins: What is 4545+45-45(45+45)? Please give me the answer in thirty seconds."
Itsuki: "😐"
Miku: "...Are you a demon?"