> "Are you going to keep staring and do nothing?"
The **Nightmare Lord** sounded impatient.
Over an hour had passed. Dozens of students filled the area—each a potential "food source"—yet **Evan Walker** still hadn't acted.
> "Relax, Nightmare Lord," Evan replied with a small smile.
> "Other than Otilia, have you sensed anyone else with spiritual power at this school?"
> "No."
> "Not a single one? Even from all the people we passed on the way here?"
> "None."
> "So that means... people with innate spiritual power are *extremely* rare. Looks like Otilia really *is* unique." Evan glanced across the campus, then his gaze landed on the striking form of **Margaret**.
> "What about her?"
The Nightmare Lord let out an incredulous scoff.
> "Hmph. Don't tell me you're infatuated with that... figure."
> "Wha—? No!" Evan said quickly, looking away.
> "I was just curious! A middle school girl with that kind of, uh... presence is unusual!"
The Nightmare Lord grumbled—but then paused.
> "Hmm… Spiritually, she's nothing special. Very faint traces, barely detectable. Not from *her*, though. Must be something she's carrying—maybe jewelry, an heirloom…"
> "So... not a spiritual being herself, but exposed to something spiritual?"
> "Exactly. Let's call her... **Mixed Grain No. 1**."
> "...'Mixed Grain'?" Evan repeated with a drop of sweat.
> "Why do you have naming conventions like she's part of breakfast?"
> "Focus! Enough questions. Let's move forward—bring more of these prey into the Nightmare World," the Nightmare Lord growled.
> "I'll do it soon. But the second phase can't involve too many people—and definitely not anyone too closely connected to Otilia."
> "Why not?"
Evan crossed his arms and started explaining.
> "First, the Nightmare Realm's still in testing. Glitches, bugs, lack of features—it's not ready for wide exposure."
> "Second... if every person we pull in is from Otilia's immediate surroundings—say, we grabbed the entire Class 2A and dumped them into Monster Hunter: World—people will notice when they all start having weird experiences."
> "Eventually, that attention leads back to Otilia. And if she's linked to us… well, that's a problem."
> "Hmph. Sounds like paranoia."
> "Caution is strategy," Evan said seriously.
> "You told me before—those so-called holy types from the Cult of Light hunted your 'believers,' didn't they? You said they used... some extremely invasive methods?"
The Nightmare Lord hesitated for a beat.
> "...Yes. They used anything—*even taboo techniques*—when hunting those dear to me."
> "Exactly." Evan sighed.
> "Our world may not have magical exorcists, but we *do* have investigators, surveillance systems, and most importantly… the Internet."
> "The what?"
> "Think of it like this: it's a non-magical version of the Magic Net. But instead of casting spells, it's used to share, search, and record **everything**—globally. Anyone with a phone or computer can use it."
> "...The entire world? Could everyone really access the same system?"
> "Yup—if they have the right tech setup and basic digital literacy, practically anyone can use it."
The Nightmare Lord went quiet for a long moment, absorbing this.
Later that day, during lunch break, the bell rang and students poured out of classrooms like floodwaters heading for the cafeteria. The scent of food drifted in, making everyone hungry.
When most of the class had already cleared out, **Otilia** finally stood and grabbed her bag.
> "Ah, I'm starving…"
But just as she reached the door—
> "Hey—wait up, Otilia!"
Margaret caught up with her quickly, smiling radiantly.
> "Hm? What is it?" Otilia asked, eyeing her calmly.
> "Want to grab lunch together today?"
Margaret smiled sweetly.
Otilia glanced past her—four other girls were standing nearby, clearly part of Margaret's friend group.
> "Didn't you have plans with your classmates already?"
> "I did—but I wanted to eat with you today~" Margaret chimed, taking a step closer.
> "Lily-chan time!"
> "Don't call me that… I feel like being alone today."
Without further words, Otilia turned and walked away. But her cold shoulder didn't stop Margaret in the slightest.
> "Wait up, I'm coming too~!" she chirped, following after her.
It was clear from her bright expression that she'd long grown used to Otilia's distant attitude.
Back in the classroom, the remaining girls—Margaret's group—watched with visible frustration.
> "Why is Lady Margaret *so* kind to that outcast Shelley…?"
> "Right? I don't get it. She's amazing to everyone, sure, but Shelley's just... a weirdo."
> "Shelley better not rub off on her."
> "Exactly!"
> "Shh! Don't forget—Lady Margaret *hates* when people talk behind others' backs."
> "Yeah, you're right…"
One of the girls, slightly chubbier than the others, groaned and clutched her stomach.
> "Ugh—I'm so hungry I could faint… I wish I could have lunch with Lady Margaret too!"
> "What about your diet plan?"
> "I'm starting again—**tomorrow**!"
> "...A tomorrow that will never come," one girl sighed.
> "You know why Margaret's body is perfect, right? It's because she can eat!"
> "Wait, really?"
> "Tell us everything!"
Their chatter drifted into endless gossip once more.
Back outside, Evan floated behind Otilia and Margaret at a distance, silent and observant.
> *To be continued...*