Not a detective

[This situation has nothing to do with Ms. Mizuno. The investigator specifically chose a day when she didn't practice to examine the portrait in the music room. Some of you may not have seen that portrait, but some of you certainly know that Beethoven portraits often depict him with a serious expression and sharp eyes. It's said that this was intentionally done to convey the suffering Beethoven endured while composing his music. Under these circumstances, when our eyes are fatigued, it's easy to see his eyes moving, especially with that bright red scarf reflected next to his face. The reflection can easily make it look like flowing blood, and that's how the ghost story started.]

[The music room also displays portraits of other composers such as Mozart and Bach, but none of them have the rumor of bleeding eyes, which confirms the story.]

This is the truth behind the "bleeding Beethoven portrait." Incidentally, our school's Vice Principal, Ms. Komiya, made the following statement at this week's assembly: Termites have recently been discovered in the music classroom. To avoid affecting students' health, we have temporarily closed the music classroom. The school has hired a professional pest control company to clean it. Students passing through the corridors are requested to avoid that area. If you notice a pungent odor, it's from the pesticide used and will not be harmful to humans. However, if you are concerned, you can wear a mask. Music classes will be temporarily replaced by other main subject teachers. Ms. Mizuno is currently on paid leave; please do not bother her with the school magazine. Everything will return to normal once the pest control work is completed. If you find termites elsewhere on campus, please report it to your teacher immediately. We will do everything possible to create a good learning environment for students.

Fifth, a mirror reflecting your future self.

[Legend has it that if you stand in front of the three-dimensional mirror at midnight, 0:00:00, you can see your future self through the endless reflections in the mirror.]

[Upon investigation, we found that this phenomenon does not exist. In fact, when our investigators arrived at the school, both of the three-dimensional mirrors had already disappeared, likely replaced long ago, making it impossible to verify their authenticity. However, we suspect this is another example of a strange phenomenon caused by reflection and visual illusion. Dim lighting at night easily creates such unbelievable illusions, especially when the shadows of the three-dimensional mirrors overlap, leading to temporary disorientation and delusion. We advise everyone to remain rational and objective when considering such phenomena.]

This is the truth behind the "mirror reflecting your future self." As you've probably noticed, most ghost stories originate at night, not only because the atmosphere is more eerie then, but also because sufficient light can dispel many unbelievable tales; there's no need to panic.

[Sixth, the thirteen steps at night.]

Legend has it that at midnight, the school stairs will automatically add a step, increasing the number from 12 to 13. And if you step on that extra 13th step, you will be taken to the underworld and vanish without a trace.

[—Our investigation has revealed the existence of this phenomenon.]

Aoandon no Autumn: Aoandon no Autumn AFTER2

[When I was writing this article, I considered repeatedly whether the word "existence" should be put in quotation marks.]

[But in the end, this version was kept because I felt that other unbelievable things didn't matter, but this ghost story had to be taken seriously.]

　Our investigators initially thought it was just a visual illusion caused by poor lighting, like other unbelievable phenomena. But no one expected the astonishing sight they would find when they opened the cellar in the school infirmary.

[I apologize, this description might confuse or disorient readers who are completely unaware of the details. Let's start from the beginning. The investigators first searched the campus for the matching "thirteenth step," but after a long search, they found nothing. Just as we were deciding whether to treat it as "unfinished, therefore this condition does not exist"...]

We accidentally wandered into the school clinic and even stumbled upon a hidden door there.

[As many of you may have seen, on Monday this week, school doctor Ms. Suzuki was taken away by the police in public and detained in a police car. According to the law, we cannot yet call her a "criminal," but only a "suspect." However, the evidence that investigators found in the cellar is irrefutable; it is solid proof of the crime.]

In the basement of the school clinic, there was a filthy operating table, stained with putrid blood. Unsterilized instruments were rusting. The freezer was neatly filled with boxes containing fresh, active human organs, awaiting transplants. Although the police hadn't revealed much to us, and due to confidentiality obligations we shouldn't have made too many subjective speculations in the school magazine, we still felt that Mr. Suzuki might have dissected more than one corpse there, and might even have murdered someone.

[Due to pressure from various parties, this is all we can write for now. As for whether the victims are related to students from our school, and whether any other teachers besides Mr. Suzuki were involved, we know nothing about these matters. Please wait for official announcements and do not disturb the Mystery Club regarding this matter. Anyone who tries to cause trouble will be expelled.]

This is the truth behind the "Thirteen Steps at Night." If you saw that scene, you would understand; it truly feels like stumbling into the underworld.

[Seventh, the super-strong boy in the first year of high school.]

[Legend has it that a freshman with superhuman strength appeared in the first year of high school. He could catch a baseball flying at high speed with ease, run as fast as a car, lift a bed several meters long with a flick of his wrist, and smash a sturdy door lock with a wave of his hand...and so on. There are too many versions to list them all.]

[Our investigation has revealed that this phenomenon does not exist... Of course, some people do exhibit this behavior, but it's not as exaggerated as some claim.]

[As you've probably already noticed, our investigator, Asakawa Riku, is the central figure in this rumor. He's a freshman this year and the poor guy rumored to be a "super-strong guy." He doesn't really like that title. Given his position and the principle of avoiding conflict, I didn't let him see this article beforehand. I'm only explaining it to you in my capacity as the president of the mystery club to avoid further misunderstandings.]

[Asakawa-kun has had a habit of exercising and working out since he was young, so he's a bit stronger than average. His height is quite noticeable on campus; you've probably all seen him. Actually, he's nothing like a sumo wrestler; he's a very handsome boy, just an ordinary student like us, right? Please rest assured, Asakawa Riku is very easy to get along with; as someone who spends a lot of time with him, I can guarantee that.]

His strength, to put it simply, is equivalent to that of an average athlete. The so-called "superhuman strength man" is completely a rumor. If we were to go by the supernatural tales, he wouldn't just be a modified special forces person; he could even be called a superhuman, which is an exaggeration.

[During this investigation, Asakawa also experienced panic and unease. He was afraid to enter the women's restroom, hesitated in front of the mannequin, and frantically smashed Beethoven's portrait (note that the portrait and the piano were not damaged). He was also haunted by nightmares about mirrors and couldn't sleep, and he tripped and fell on the stairs.]

Now that you know Hanako's story, you should understand the harm of bullying. So I suggest you put aside your prejudices and look at him with curiosity and suspicion. Our Asakawa is a very good guy, and I hope everyone can become his friend. I would be very grateful.

This is the truth behind the "super-strong high school freshman," and also the truth behind all seven "unbelievable things."

[Well then, I'll stop here.]

This report is entirely fictional and aims to help students at this school break free from superstitious beliefs, rationally view objective phenomena, and avoid letting anxiety and fear affect their mental health. It has no connection to any real people, events, groups, or organizations. Please treat it as a fictional story. Thank you.

[Written by Chizuko Kazamatsuri, president of the Mystery Club, on September 9, 2024.]

—On the back of the newspaper, turned over, there seemed to be another piece of text:

[Letter of Commendation]

Recently, two students from our school's Detective Club assisted the police in solving a major case. Following discussions within the school administration, it was decided that the Student Union would publicly commend the club and the two students. The Student Union also jointly approved the establishment of the "Outstanding Club of the Year" award, to be given to clubs that have demonstrated outstanding performance and brought honor to the school throughout the year. The 2024 Outstanding Club award will be given to the Detective Club ahead of schedule, with its activity budget allocated to the highest level in the school and its best advertising space for next year's recruitment drive, as an encouragement.

We hope that all students will take them as role models, continue their efforts, carry forward the fine traditions of our school, and create even greater achievements!

[XX Middle School Student Council]

【XNUM X Year X NUM X Month X NUM X Day】

—The last section of the newspaper seems to contain other content:

[Excerpt from Principal Komiya's speech at this week's student assembly]

Regarding the recent heated discussion surrounding the "school doctor murder" incident, Mr. Suzuki has always been a model teacher of excellent character since joining the school. We are both surprised and saddened by this incident. Students, please be mindful of your comments and refrain from making inappropriate remarks. Before an official statement confirms the facts of his crime, any attacks could be classified as defamation, a situation we do not wish to see. Furthermore, our school has decided to terminate Mr. Suzuki's employment contract in the near future. We urge members of the public and relevant media not to spread false information online. If necessary, we will take legal action to resolve this matter seriously and resolutely maintain a harmonious campus environment.

Aoandon no Autumn: Aoandon no Autumn AFTER3

"The whole thing is utter nonsense!"

As Asakawa Riku read on, he couldn't help but burst into laughter: "I really can't believe you came up with this, senpai."

Seeing this report reminded me of a famous CCTV science program I watched in a past life.

“I still can’t find a way to fight against Aoandon, because that guy has no real body. Even if all seven mysteries are eliminated, he will revive again under the influence of people’s hearts and rumors.” Chizuko felt praised and became even more smug: “So I thought of something. Instead of fighting against Aoandon, I will directly grasp the essence, which is people’s hearts.”

This special supplement to the school newspaper was published this Wednesday and was immediately passed around and fought over by students. Every corner of the campus was talking about it.

Even the students in the news agency were surprised. The weekly school newspaper, which used to be rejected even as waste paper, had become so popular.

The printing machines couldn't keep up with demand.

"As long as they believe that what seems incredible can be explained by science, that is our victory."

On Sunday, after solving the "thirteen steps at night," Chizuko, full of energy, took her completed report to the news department on Monday.

Everyone knew this was big news, and the president of the news agency was even more excited. He made a decision that even if he was under pressure to be scolded by the teachers, he would publish the report and take full responsibility. Unexpectedly, the school made an exception and allowed the publication, and even added two sections for the student council and the school.

"But I didn't expect them to give us the front page headline, and even the student council and the school administration were following behind us."

"It must be the police's influence. I never expected the Metropolitan Police Department to send someone over to commend us. It was such a grand affair. It took a lot of effort to convince them not to appear on TV by using the privacy of minors. But it caused quite a stir at school. I'm embarrassed."

Asakawa Riku sighed helplessly: "Actually, we just called the police."

Yes, after discovering evidence suggesting that school doctor Suzuki Sho might have committed the crime, Asakawa Riku immediately called the police together with Chizuko; it was a decision they made together.

Having escaped from that hellish scene, I was exhausted. Let the police handle this.

The Metropolitan Police Department was very efficient; they took statements from them that very night, cordoned off the scene, collected fingerprints and evidence, and moved the cryopreserved organs, etc.

The next morning, Suzuki Sho was taken away. On the third day, the Metropolitan Police Department sent people to commend the two "enthusiastic students".

"Oh dear, these two students have been incredibly helpful! If they hadn't stumbled upon this place by chance, we would never have imagined that the suspect could brazenly act as a school doctor and even dig an operating room underground. Although the victim wasn't a student at this school, and Suzuki Sho wasn't directly responsible for the operation, there's a huge human organ trafficking organization hidden behind this that hasn't given itself away until now. We finally have a lead to follow, thank you so much!"

Asakawa Riku still remembers the cheerful and enthusiastic policewoman. She held the bewildered Principal Komiya's hand and earnestly instructed him:

"Your school must give these two students a proper commendation. If possible, we would really like to use a portion of the funding as scholarships to reward them!"

...If only they actually gave me money, even though he knew it was just a polite remark, Asakawa Riku couldn't help but think that.

However, thanks to the police's support, the school didn't cause them any trouble in the end. No one asked them why they were in the school clinic in the middle of the night, nor did anyone ask about the strange things that happened a few days ago, such as the broken toilet in the restroom, the thief who stole the mannequin, the sudden arrival of a pest control company to provide services, the sealing off of the music classroom, and the two broken mirrors.

Even the "crisis of the Mystery Club being abolished" disappeared with a bang, and suddenly it transformed into the "Outstanding Club of 2024" and became a model representative.

"Heh heh, not bad, huh~"

Chizuko patted the newspaper, making a clapping sound as if she were applauding herself. Looking at the commendation letter from the student council, she felt like her nose was about to fly to the sky.

"They really change their tune quickly... or should we say they're fair in their rewards and punishments..."

Asakawa Riku shook his head. In short, it's good that the incident is resolved and nothing else has happened.

The mystery club will surely be able to survive. With this unshakeable "achievement," they can rest easy from now on.

As for the school doctor and the criminal gang, let the police worry about that. He can go back to being an ordinary high school student.

"...By the way, how did my brother and sister escape from the underworld? We were just talking about that, how did the topic veer off course again?"

At that moment, Yukie, wearing an apron, walked over.

It was Wednesday evening at Riku Asakawa's house, where Chizuko was visiting again to enjoy the "victory celebration feast" her sister had prepared for them.

Besides the regular meals, the highlight of the celebration banquet was a dessert called "Autumn Limited Chestnut Dumplings." It seemed to be a limited-edition item from a cafe, which Yukie had secretly learned to make. It was served in a Japanese-style white porcelain bowl, with several matcha bowls and cups next to it.

Chestnut dumplings are a rustic yellow color, with large grains twisted into a small pointed shape. Asakawa Riku had no idea how they were made; he thought they looked like stuffed steamed buns.

"Eat quickly, it won't be good if it gets cold."

Yukie untied her apron and sat down at the dining table.

"Thank you so much for your hard work."

Watching her pour tea, Asakawa Rikuma felt that one day he would be turned into a useless person.

"Brothers, you're the ones who worked so hard! I just cooked a meal. This was so dangerous! I wish I could have been there too..."

Yukie immediately shook her head and said worriedly that if she hadn't seen Asakawa Riku and Chizuko unharmed in front of her, she probably would have burst into tears.

"That's delicious! You're amazing, little sister! I feel like you've completely surpassed me!"

Meanwhile, the carefree Chizuko completely ignored the touching atmosphere. She cut the chestnut dumpling in half and put it in her mouth with a wooden skewer.

This made Yukie blush again, and she said, "No, no, it's still my sister's cooking that tastes better. I learned it all from you."

"Let's get back to the topic we were talking about. I stopped talking because I was waiting for you. Now that you're back, I told you about how I broke into that underworld and used a weapon to deal with some monsters that had turned into organs. Suddenly, for some reason, I came out with your sister. It was like we were teleported. In the blink of an eye, we were back in the basement. I don't know what happened."

"After taking a sip of matcha, Asakawa Riku said..."

To be honest, he himself was completely baffled about what happened that night and didn't know how to explain it.

"Because that is not the real [underworld]."

Fortunately, the expert finally began to speak, though she was eating and making muffled noises like a hamster.

"That was just a 'pseudo-underworld' created by Aoandon based on ghost stories. It's not the real thing. After all, it's just a ghost story. How could it possibly connect to the real underworld? If it could really bring people in, it would be a legendary demon. I guess it was just a barrier formed by the fear and resentment of the victims whose organs were taken by the school doctor here and who couldn't be properly exorcised. Asakawa-kun, you broke the upper limit of that barrier, so we were spat out. It's that simple."

Aoandon no Autumn: Aoandon no Autumn AFTER4

"By the way, what's the situation with your arm?"

Asakawa Riku didn't forget the most important question. He glared at Chizuko, then looked at Yukie beside him: "Do you know?"

“I know, my sister’s right leg and right hand are both prosthetics… You never asked me, I didn’t know you didn’t know…”

Yukie looked completely innocent.

Of course, although the sisters are not biologically related, they have lived together since they were little and spent every day together, so how could they not know anything about each other?

But Riku Asakawa never thought of asking Yukie about this...

Now that she's been exposed, Chizuko is openly wearing short sleeves at home. Occasionally, you can see the connection between her right shoulder and arm, separated by a neat circular cut. That line separates the flesh from the mechanical part, similar to the interface on her thigh, both being the connection points of prosthetics. If she were wearing a sleeveless tank top, it would probably be even more obvious.

"I haven't even settled the score with you for this yet. You suddenly ripped my hand off, and to make matters worse, you were waving it around like a weapon. Do you know how expensive it is to repair this thing? I even got scolded by the doctor when I went to get it reassembled. I always take good care of it and have to rotate it carefully when I disassemble it. How could you be so rough?"

Chizuko, holding the wooden stick, launched the first attack.

“You didn’t tell me, how would I know?” Asakawa Riku wouldn’t fall for her moral blackmail and logical traps: “I even saved you, you ingrate.”

"Oh My God."

She immediately put on a smile, her change of expression as fast as the student council: "Asakawa-san, this is to thank you for saving my life, so there's no need for compensation."

"Don't change the subject. What exactly happened to your hands and legs? Why are you wearing prosthetics on both sides? What happened to you?"

Asakawa Riku believed her explanation of an "accident" and, not wanting to rub salt in someone's wounds, didn't press her for details.

But he increasingly realized that this senior was a cunning fox full of lies. An ordinary high school girl should not have suffered such a disability. Even if she did, why could her prosthetic limb harm spirits and monsters? Why could she break the earthbound spirit barrier set up by Aoandon? There must be a reason behind this.

"Okay... I'll tell you, but wait until tomorrow, give me some time to prepare myself."

"You're not trying to come up with a story on the spot, are you?"

"Asakawa-san, is this how I am in your mind already?!"

Chizuko lowered her head, looking aggrieved.

Asakawa Riku didn't answer, but instead cut off half of the chestnut dumpling and put it in his mouth, just like the other person did.

The taste is indeed fantastic.

Back in China, his concept of chestnut-related snacks was limited to the sugar-roasted chestnuts sold on the street. At that time, it was not appropriate to make a comparison or praise one while criticizing the other. However, Asakawa Riku's taste was not particularly sweet, so the delicate flavor of chestnut dumplings, which was not so heavy or strong, suited his preferences better.

It's very smooth overall, making you want to slide it around in your mouth. It's not sticky at all, and it breaks apart easily, but it's not like a paste.

Perhaps because Western desserts, unlike cakes, are high in fat, Riku Asakawa doesn't dislike them:

"Then, let's continue discussing this report."