Clues

"There's no progress at all?" Qi Xi murmured as she gazed at the diary. The authenticity of this future diary was beyond question now. If she doubted the accuracy of this golden cheat, then there would be no hope for solving the case in this world or obtaining the Origin.

"I thought the fragment from Gou Chang would have some special effect, even more intriguing than the origins of the Overcast Tower Hotel. Who would have thought it was useless?" Qi Xi was so frustrated that she wanted to throw the object away. But after a moment’s thought, she decided to keep it, for it was still a clue. Even if it proved fruitless for now, perhaps it might connect to something else in the future.

No clue could be discarded lightly.

Reading further, Qi Xi realized that among all the clues, Usui Haruka was the only person who might be able to provide answers. While the future diary suggested nothing could be gleaned from her later, that didn’t mean nothing could be learned now.

The future could be changed—here, in the present.

With this thought, Qi Xi glanced at Watermelon, immediately noticing the fair skin peeking out from beneath the loose bathrobe of this body. She frowned. "Go change into something you can move in. I’m going to see Usui Haruka. If we need to contact each other—no, the phones likely won’t work, there’s no signal… Forget it. Just head to the hotel lobby later, and I’ll come find you."

"Got it," Watermelon nodded, then hesitated as if something had occurred to him. "Usui Haruka is a girl. She’s probably in the girls’ rooms. Now might not be the best time to ask her—"

"No, most of the students should be in the main hall right now."

"Is that so? Then I’ll go quickly."

"Mhm."

Qi Xi and Watermelon parted ways.

Qi Xi ran through the hotel and soon reached the main lobby.

"My god! What on earth is happening?"

"Where are the staff? Why have all the hotel workers vanished?"

"Damn it! Why won’t the doors open? What’s going on?"

"Damn it, why is this happening?"

"Teacher! What should we do?!"

Chaos reigned in the hotel lobby.

Qi Xi didn’t actually know Usui Haruka. Though they were classmates, Haruka was one of the more attractive girls, so naturally, Shirazawa Konda had never interacted with someone like her. The original owner of this body was truly a hopeless loser. Qi Xi couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance.

Maruyama Kotaro was relentlessly smashing a chair against the glass, but no matter how hard he tried, all he managed was to numb his own hands. The effort was futile.

"Maruyama!" Qi Xi called out.

"Konda?!" Maruyama Kotaro turned around in astonishment, his voice urgent. "This hotel is seriously cursed. What’s happening? How did you know something like this would happen here?"

"I just happened to find out. Can you tell me where Usui Haruka is?" Qi Xi shook her head and got straight to the point.

The mention of Usui Haruka’s name took Maruyama by surprise. Why would Shirazawa Konda seek out Usui Haruka?

"She should be over there," Maruyama pointed toward the guests’ lounge.

"Thanks!" Qi Xi nodded and headed in that direction.

But Maruyama hurried after her. "Why are you looking for Usui Haruka?"

"I have something to discuss with her," Qi Xi was unwilling to say too much. It would be troublesome to explain, and besides, unexpected things might happen if too many people knew.

"What is it?" Maruyama, oblivious to Qi Xi’s reluctance, pressed for details.

"Alright, but you mustn’t tell anyone else, can you promise?" Qi Xi was about to brush him off, but reconsidered—he might prove useful later, so she changed her mind.

"I swear! May lightning strike me if I break my word!" Maruyama swore solemnly.

"Alright, there’s no need for such dire oaths. I’ll tell you," Qi Xi said with a smile.

Maruyama listened intently.

"Usui Haruka is related to the owner of this hotel. When she visits Kyoto, she often stays here. I just want to ask her about the hotel, see if there’s any way out," Qi Xi explained.

Maruyama was quick on the uptake. This guy wasn’t stupid—he immediately sensed there was more to the story. How did Qi Xi know all this? He asked, "How did you find out?"

"I discovered it by chance. This isn’t the time for such questions; I’m going ahead," Qi Xi replied, quickening her pace.

"I’m coming with you," Maruyama said, hurrying after her.

Qi Xi was about to refuse, but then realized that having him along might be advantageous. She nodded. "Fine, but hurry up."

Soon, Qi Xi and Maruyama arrived at the guests’ lounge.

Inside were not only some students, but also tourists and business travelers who had come to Kyoto. Each of them looked despondent, some with an air of denial about the situation.

Qi Xi ignored them, heading straight to Usui Haruka with Maruyama in tow.

Beside Haruka was her childhood friend, Futa Kobayashi, who was trying to comfort her.

Even before approaching, Qi Xi could hear Futa’s words—"Don’t be afraid, Haruka, we’ll get out of here. At least you have me."

"What use are you? Can you find a way out?" Haruka responded skeptically. Having grown up together, she knew Futa inside and out—she knew exactly what he was capable of.

Futa was trying to emulate the boys in anime who comfort girls in a crisis, hoping she would fall into his arms and he’d win her over. But reality didn’t match his hopes. Perhaps others could be temporarily won over, but not Haruka.

She was a perceptive and shrewd girl.

"Uh…" Futa was at a loss for words, silenced by Haruka’s retort. In truth, while he was trying to comfort her, he was just as much trying to reassure himself.

"Are you Usui Haruka?" Qi Xi asked, looking at her.

"Hmm?"

"Huh?"

Both Haruka and Futa looked up in confusion at the newcomer—it was Shirazawa Konda, wasn’t it?

He was infamous for being timid and slow-witted, barely able to speak to girls without stammering. Yet now he addressed them so calmly? Was he trying to take advantage of the crisis, or was he preparing for a dramatic confession at the end of the world?

Regardless of his motives, neither of them looked kindly upon Qi Xi.