Nae really couldn't understand what Hatsune was thinking. If there truly was a demon in the pond, did that mean she had spent the whole night bathing with one?
The thought sent chills down her spine.
"Those two demons last night felt very strange. They didn't seem like ordinary demons. Normally, if there were regular demons, they would have attacked us the moment we entered the backyard. But they didn't. Even when discovered, they did nothing," Hatsune said.
Nae found this odd too. According to her understanding of demons, if there really were demons in the pond, she wouldn't have come out unscathed.
"I think they possess a high level of autonomy, similar to the demon we encountered at the last moment on Mount Fujikasane," Hatsune continued.
Mentioning the demon with hair brought back memories for Nae, memories that made her skin crawl. After descending from Mount Fujikasane, for the next month, she was often awakened by nightmares—either being attacked by the hair-covered demon or seeing Hatsune lying in her arms, covered in blood.
Nae shook her head, trying to shake off those images.
Hatsune, unaware of her thoughts, continued, "I didn't act last night because I wasn't confident in defeating both demons at once, especially with Fukuda around. Also, I wanted to see what they were up to and if they were related to the missing women."
"Did you discover anything?" Nae asked.
Hatsune shook his head. "No, but I did learn something. These two demons have two abilities: invisibility and emitting a peculiar scent that can make people drowsy, disoriented, and powerless. They used this scent to escape this morning."
Nae vaguely remembered smelling something strange in the morning before losing consciousness. If what Hatsune said was true, the demons could have easily killed them, but they didn't. Why? Were they deliberately sparing them, or did they have another goal?
"Invisibility? Emitting a strange scent? Are these even demons?" Nae wondered aloud.
"So you plan to face them alone?" Nae asked.
"I've found ways to counteract their abilities. Do you have any solutions?" Hatsune asked.
Nae thought for a moment and remained silent.
"When we left the onsen this morning, I sensed that they were still there. I want to see what they truly look like. These kinds of demons remind me of a certain 'person'," Hatsune said.
"Who?" Nae asked.
"None of your concern," Hatsune replied curtly.
The words stung, quenching Nae's curiosity and enthusiasm. But despite the coldness in his tone, she never considered leaving his side. Instead, she awkwardly lowered her head, feeling as if she had asked an inappropriate question.
Poor girl, she thought. Following someone so indifferent and oblivious to her feelings.
"There's still time to turn back. If a conflict breaks out, I won't be able to protect you," Hatsune warned.
"It's okay. Just take care of yourself," Nae responded.
This seemingly affectionate comment only irritated Hatsune further. To anyone else, it might sound caring, but to him, it was infuriating. He couldn't understand why this girl, who was so easily scared by a stray cat, was now facing real danger and still saying such frivolous words.
Was she completely ignorant of her own abilities, or did she think he was just trying to scare her?
Hatsune exhaled deeply, suppressing his anger. "Do as you wish."
Soon, they arrived at the onsen. As they entered the lobby, Hatsune sensed the two cold presences hiding somewhere on the second floor.
He could sense them, so naturally, they could sense him too.
Hatsune was reluctant to worry about Nae but couldn't help himself. As they were about to part ways and enter the changing rooms, he grabbed her arm and whispered a few words in her ear before heading into his changing room.
Nae stood there blushing, completely missing what Hatsune had said.
The cool moonlight shone on the hot spring pool, creating an atmosphere that seemed both ordinary and extraordinary. Hatsune kept his senses locked on a spot on the second floor. Despite the floors between them, he was sure those two "people" were watching the pool.
While Hatsune was tense, Nae, in the women's pool, was still blushing from their earlier close contact, holding her ear where he had whispered.
She didn't notice the bubbles rising from the previously calm water. With the last bubble bursting at the surface, a strange ripple appeared and moved slowly towards Nae, who remained oblivious, as did Hatsune.
The hot spring water masked the temperature differences.
The ripple reached Nae. Suddenly, a ball of water shot out, enveloping her head. Nae stared in confusion at the water ball.
Before she could react, the water ball covered her face completely, cutting off her breath. Panicked, Nae tried to scream, but the hot spring water rushed into her throat.
Nae tried to hold her breath, but the water in her lungs clogged her airways. She couldn't help but cough, swallowing more water.
A humanoid figure made of water slowly rose in front of her. Nae flailed, trying to create a splash to alert Hatsune, but even this simple action was impossible. The water seemed to turn into a sticky substance, binding her arms and legs. Even with her muscle density increased sixfold, she couldn't break free from the creature's grasp.
The water figure completely enveloped her and pulled her under, dragging her towards the center of the pond.
Despair filled Nae as her consciousness began to fade. A moment ago, she had been thinking about Hatsune's whisper, but now she was being devoured by a demon.
She regretted not listening to him and staying home.
In the dark corner of the second floor, Tamayo and Yushiro observed the scene in the women's pool.
"Tamayo-sama, the target has appeared. Shall we act?" Yushiro asked.
"Not yet. Someone else will," Tamayo replied.
"Ice Breathing, Fifth Form: Swift Ice Pierce."