Just as Mary was being dragged off for a morning run by the energetic Lorena, Duanmu Huai had already once again silently infiltrated the academy. This time, his target was clear—Joseph Čapek's office.
The reason lay in Mary's description of her friend.
Before that night, Shirley had seemed very depressed when facing Professor Čapek, even occasionally revealing expressions that Mary and the others would normally never see.
Moreover, according to Mary, she had heard that Shirley had joined Professor Čapek's research society.
And according to rumors Mary had heard from another friend, Ashelica, it was said among the students that Professor Čapek had pursued Shirley several times and had even given her flowers.
Honestly, just hearing this information was enough for Duanmu Huai to immediately construct a scenario in his mind: a well-bred noble young lady being manipulated by her mentor, having her weaknesses exploited, forced to obediently comply, becoming the other party's slave, and then engaging in certain activities in an empty room after school—something like those "after-school private tutoring.MP4" videos.
Not to mention that Professor Čapek already had a bad reputation among students, and even looked like one of those sleazy male protagonists from OX animations…
Alright, enough drifting thoughts.
In any case, this was still a lead. In fact, just the fact that Shirley had joined a research society was enough to arouse Duanmu Huai's suspicion.
A so-called research society, in modern university terms, was essentially a professor-led research group—usually consisting of a professor, a few assistants, and several research grunts.
But even becoming a research grunt wasn't something just any student could do. Given Mary and Shirley's age, they were roughly at the level of second-year high school students. Normally, girls of this age would find it difficult to join a research group unless they were exceptionally outstanding.
Mary had also mentioned that joining a research society was effectively equivalent to being recognized by a professor as a scholar. Only young people with the intellect and ability to assist in research were qualified to become members of these professor-led groups. Their numbers were extremely small—possibly less than one-tenth of the entire academy's student body.
In fact, Mary had only heard Shirley mention joining the research society. As for its theme or content, she knew absolutely nothing.
And that—
was Duanmu Huai's objective.
If his intuition was correct, then Professor Čapek's so-called research society might very well be connected to this case.
And in truth, the moment Duanmu Huai sneaked into Čapek's office, he felt that his guess was not far off.
The reason was simple…
"Compendium of Spirit Summoning… Secrets of Western Magic… Origins of Black Magic… You can study this stuff and still be a professor?"
Looking at the bookshelf filled with absurd titles, Duanmu Huai couldn't help but complain.
He remembered Mary saying that Professor Joseph Čapek specialized in mechanical engineering and sociology. But looking at what he was reading now, what part of this had anything to do with mechanics or sociology?
Don't tell me you worship the Omnissiah too?
Of course, that was impossible.
But in this world, if you saw some idiot researching black magic or similar nonsense, it was basically a sign that they weren't far from getting themselves killed.
Duanmu Huai rummaged through the office, but unfortunately didn't find many useful clues. The only thing he could gather was Čapek's research direction.
He was currently studying human mechanics—
in simple terms, robotics.
That did align with his identity.
But the problem was that, judging from his materials and records, his so-called "human mechanics" wasn't just about robots.
It was about merging humans and machines into one…
Thinking of this, Duanmu Huai couldn't help but recall the steel monster he had encountered on the street that night—the one that fused human and machinery together. Although it had been easily defeated…
it did match Professor Čapek's concept quite well.
At the very least—
it was extremely similar.
So next, there was only one thing left…
Duanmu Huai lowered his head and looked at the safe in the office.
It was a standard steel safe. Of course, with his abilities, opening it wasn't a problem. But if he had to open and close it silently like a master thief—that was impossible.
So after thinking for a moment, Duanmu Huai made a decision.
Since opening it would be noticed anyway…
then there was only one option.
While Duanmu Huai was busy in Čapek's office, Mary was slumped on the riverside road, gasping for breath.
Although she had expected the training to be unusual, no matter how she looked at it…
"Lo—Lorena… five kilometers… is way too much… I—I really can't do it…"
What shocked Mary the most was that despite running together, the girl beside her—who looked even more petite than herself—wasn't even breathing heavily, appearing as relaxed as if she had just gone out for a casual stroll.
"Huh? Really? But this is just the beginning. Next we'll do one hundred punches, one hundred push-ups, and then…"
"I—I really can't do that!"
Mary's face turned pale.
Heavens, she was a literature student, not an athlete. Running five kilometers in the morning and then doing one hundred punches and push-ups—was this some kind of torture?!
If she actually followed through, she probably wouldn't even have the strength to go to school today.
Fortunately, Lorena was someone who listened to reason.
"That's true. It wouldn't be good to demand too much from a beginner. Then let's follow your pace. How many do you plan to do?"
"Um… five…"
"Hm?"
"…ten."
That was Mary's final line of defense.
Although Lorena didn't force her, Mary still gritted her teeth and completed the training. After breakfast, she bathed, changed clothes, and then dragged her sore body to school.
Ugh…
At this moment, Mary felt sore all over. Every step made her joints seem to cry out in protest. But as a lady, she maintained her composure and walked toward the academy.
Just then, a small figure suddenly pounced on her and hugged her tightly.
"Good morning, Mary!"
"Good morning… Ashe…"
Looking at the slightly shorter black-haired girl beside her, Mary smiled gently.
This was her friend Ashelica—a very intelligent and energetic girl. Among the three of them, Mary and Shirley were history students, while Ashelica was in the mathematics department. That alone showed how sharp her mind was.
"What's wrong, Mary?"
Noticing that her friend seemed low-spirited, Ashelica looked up at her with concern.
"You look really tired. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just… did some exercise this morning."
"Morning exercise? I didn't know you had that kind of hobby."
"Uh… I just thought I should work out once in a while."
For Mary, that wasn't an excuse. Ever since being chased by that steel monster, she had deeply realized she needed to train.
But still…
everything should be gradual.
Running five kilometers first thing in the morning…
she didn't think that was something a proper lady should be doing.
"But that's way too exhausting. You should take care of your health, okay?"
"Yes, I will. It won't happen again…"
Honestly, despite the fatigue, Mary didn't dislike the training.
Running by the river, focusing only on the act of running—it felt like her mind had emptied.
At that moment, everything—
Shirley's situation, the monsters chasing her, the nightmare-like city—
all seemed to be left behind.
She didn't think about anything.
Didn't worry about anything.
"That's good… hm?"
While clinging to Mary, Ashelica seemed to notice something. She let go and stared at Mary's right hand.
"Mary, what's that ring?"
"Huh?"
Mary froze, then looked down at her finger.
On her right index finger was a delicate ring. Its exterior was silver, plain and unremarkable.
Of course—
Mary knew that on the inner side of the ring was a strange engraving: a skull and hammer.
But since it was on the inside, others couldn't see it. To outsiders, it was just a simple silver ring.
"Th-this…"
Not knowing how to explain, Mary became nervous. Seeing her reaction, Ashelica frowned.
"Wait… don't tell me it's from a man? Is that a gift from a man?"
"Well, it is a gift… ah…"
Under Ashelica's aggressive questioning, Mary answered instinctively—and immediately realized her mistake.
As expected, Ashelica nearly jumped.
"What?! It really is from a man?! Who is it? Who?!"
"C-calm down, Ashe…"
Seeing her friend react like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Mary hurried to calm her.
"It doesn't have any special meaning. Actually… I've been having nightmares lately, so he gave it to me to help me feel at ease… it's just for protection…"
"But you don't have many close male friends, do you?"
Ashelica stared at her suspiciously.
"Who would give you something like that?"
If Duanmu Huai were here, he would definitely cry injustice. He had chosen a ring simply because it was convenient—not like a necklace or bracelet.
Who knew it would cause this kind of misunderstanding?
"Th-that… actually…"
Mary didn't know how to explain, but quickly changed the subject.
"Ah, it's lively over at the academy. Did something happen? Let's go take a look."
"H-Hey, wait, Mary!"
Watching Mary turn and leave, Ashelica complained, but still lifted her skirt and followed.
At the academy entrance, a large crowd of students had gathered in the corridor. At the office door, Mary saw Professor Čapek, sweating profusely as he spoke to the police.
"Excuse me, what happened?"
Mary asked a nearby acquaintance. The girl nodded.
"Oh, Mary, good morning. You didn't hear? Last night, it seems a thief broke into Professor Čapek's office."
"Huh? Really?"
Mary was surprised.
The academy had strict security—even armed guards. How could a thief break in?
"And what was stolen is even stranger."
"What did Professor Čapek lose?"
Mary's first thought was the briefcase he always carried. But looking closer, it was still tightly held in his arms.
So then…
"The safe! The safe! Can you believe it? This morning when he came in, he found that the safe in his office was gone!"
"...Huh?!!"
Hearing this, both Mary and the arriving Ashelica were stunned.