"This is absolutely insane, the website's practically bursting at the seams with visitors!"
Early in the morning, Fujii Senosuke called, his voice brimming with excitement as he reported the situation.
"Right now, everyone's talking about the 'Black Ghost.' There are even spontaneously formed fan groups dedicated to the 'Ghost.' I have to say, it's a masterstroke. Given how public opinion is trending now, not even the central authorities can easily shake her position anymore."
A hearty, relieved laugh came from Fujii Senosuke.
The frustration of once being pushed into the eye of the storm by the masses was finally released at this moment.
Watching the website's viewership skyrocket exponentially, Fujii couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.
People were gradually acknowledging her existence.
"But is this really alright?" Fujii asked. "By revealing herself so openly and boldly, isn't she afraid of attracting attention from certain... special groups?"
After all, once her identity was firmly established, this wouldn't just be a matter between the central authorities and Tracen Academy anymore.
Certain individuals internationally might also reach out for her.
By then, wanting to help might be a futile desire.
"You don't need to worry about that," Agnes Tachyon replied. "To truly catch the attention of those kinds of people, the current evidence is far from sufficient."
"But over eighty thousand people saw her!"
"Consider yourself lucky. If it weren't for her ability to avoid being recorded by cameras, the streets would already be crawling with agents from those... paranormal research agencies looking for her."
"Paranormal phenomena... Do departments like that really exist?"
"Not sure, but similar research institutions definitely exist. Just like the secret behind why Uma Musume can run so fast—even without any reports, humans are constantly studying it. By that analogy, it's not impossible that agencies researching special phenomena truly exist."
It's just that someone of their status could never come into contact with them.
Probably classified units, with all information sealed tight by secrecy bureaus.
"No photographic evidence, no fingerprints, the footprints on the track were all washed away by the heavy rain and other Uma Musume... You could say aside from people's memories, there's nothing that can serve as direct proof."
It has nothing to do with the number of witnesses.
Memory itself is the most unreliable testimony.
"So for now, the 'Ghost' won't prompt those paranormal research agencies to make a move. Though she's likely already aroused their suspicion. I'm also trying to make some preparations on my end to ensure she can move around the racecourse more smoothly."
"Oh, right..."
Listening to Agnes Tachyon's chillingly calm deductions, Fujii Senosuke let out a sound of ignorant acknowledgment, feeling like a complete outsider.
This was far beyond what a mere civilian like him could participate in.
It wasn't even a realm accessible to civilian groups.
Best to focus on the present.
"By the way, about that website, I'm making a survey asking viewers whether the 'Black Ghost' should be given the treatment due to a proper competitor—things like reputation, honors..."
"You went that far?" Tachyon raised an eyebrow. "I think it's unnecessary."
"I thought so too, but after hearing what you just said, I believe it is necessary."
"Oh?"
"No matter how amazing the 'Ghost' is, she can't control everything single-handedly. Her identity is too special."
"Once fully exposed under the spotlight, she'll undoubtedly face countless troubles, far more than any ordinary Uma Musume. So she needs a group that supports her, a group that can offer her shelter on the world stage."
Wetting his lips, Fujii continued, "As long as there are enough viewers supporting the 'Ghost,' a large enough mass, we can steer public opinion. And if we can get a few influential figures among them, even better!"
"I'll keep running the site, tallying supporter numbers, striving to build such a group as soon as possible."
Listening to the highly motivated voice through the receiver, Tachyon thought for a moment.
It wasn't a bad idea.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Reporter Fujii."
"Mm, you can count on me! Oh, actually, I called with another favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"Could I possibly interview the 'Ghost'? As exclusive content for the website."
Fujii asked eagerly.
He'd been hoping for this chance for ages.
Since she'd already made a public appearance, letting him ask a few questions shouldn't be too difficult, right?
Tachyon's eyes shifted slightly as she considered Fujii's proposal.
If it could increase the website's credibility...
Just then, Tachyon spotted a half-used experimental test strip on the floor and a page corner folded over in a book.
Abruptly, her pupils constricted.
"No," Tachyon said, her tone stiff. "She won't make contact with anyone. Even I can't locate her. Aside from her initiating contact, there's no way to find her."
"I see, what a shame... Well, talk to you later, Miss Agnes."
"Mm."
With that, Fujii hung up.
Tachyon slowly lowered her phone.
On the other side of the room, Manhattan Cafe pulled back the curtain and walked in.
"I heard you on the phone, seemed like you were talking about 'friend.' Who was it, Tachyon... Tachyon?"
Manhattan Cafe looked puzzled at Tachyon, who was now crouched on the floor.
"Cafe, have you touched any of my things?" Tachyon asked.
"No."
Generally speaking, I don't even dare touch your stuff, afraid of some strange chemical reaction.
"What's wrong?"
"...Nothing. Let's go for a walk."
Tachyon shook her head.
"A walk?"
How unusual for Tachyon to suggest that.
"Well, it's not like we can't..."
'Friend' is over at the trainer's learning, the student council is quiet, and there's still some time before training.
Nothing else to do right now anyway.
"Just so happens I know a good spot. Come with me."
With that, Tachyon walked out.
Cafe hurried to follow.
When they arrived at the mentioned location, Cafe was stunned.
A hollow tree?
Wasn't this just the hollow tree in the academy courtyard, the one Uma Musume used to vent their pain and regrets into...
Someone had just finished shouting into it and left moments ago.
"This will do," Tachyon said.
"What do you mean 'this will do'..." Manhattan Cafe blinked.
I thought you knew of some great place, and it's this?
Before Cafe could say another word, another person ran up to the tree hollow, pressed against the opening, and yelled, "I lost again—!!"
"Tachyon."
Cafe was speechless.
"If you couldn't think of a good place..."
"This is fine," Tachyon stated. "Everyone comes here to vent. Their shouts can cover our conversation. And while they're yelling, they can't hear other sounds either. It's practically the perfect place to talk."
Cafe didn't understand. "Is there something we can't discuss in the room?"
"Unfortunately," Tachyon shook her head, "we might not be able to talk in the room for a long time."
"What's going on?"
Seeing Tachyon's clearly displeased expression, Cafe sensed something was wrong.
"Last night, my lab was broken into."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.