The Negima! Mysteries and Adventures: I - First Mysteries

by animefanman777

Their junior high school years and adventures are now over and they have finally graduated. But what happens during their "High School" years? Join Negi and the girls as they start a brand new year and semester in High School, along with their new companion Matt Oda, as they come across the first challenges and mysteries waiting at Mahora Academy.

1. The Missing Students

I. First Mysteries

1. The Missing students

Inspired by the creator of Negima!: Ken Akamastu

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Author's Note

Hello and welcome to the very first part of the series. Let you know I do not own any of the Negima! characters, places, or other stuff. All rights go to the manga storywriter Ken Akamastu.

Negima! is one of my favorite animes of all time. I loved the characters, Negi and the girls, they are unique and amazing. Negima! is one of Ken Akamastu's masterpieces.

One of my hobbies is solving puzzles and mystery stories and events, such as exploring new areas or a crime solving tales. My hobby gave me the idea of how to continue the Negima! story during the years of high school, after the events of saving the magical world. There will be many episodes along the way, all set in segments.

In this first segment of the series, Negi and the girls will now be in the High School District in their first year and semester facing new challenges ahead. Plus a new character, which is me Matthew Oda (since this is a fanfic) will be joining with Negi and the gang as their new and greatest friend in the series.

So without further ado, enjoy the first episode of the series, thank you.

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Prologue

High above in the vast, cloudy, and sunny blue sky is a large airplane flying towards its destination. Inside the plane are many Japanese people and tourists resting and quietly enjoying their flight. In row 14, seat C is a young man, a Japanese and Asian mix look, with his short hair straight down, reading a pamphlet about the exotic places of Japan. After reading it for a few minutes, he put the pamphlet back into the seat's pouch and got out his family album book. He skims the pictures until he sees a photo of him as a little boy with his mother and father, standing in front of wishing shrine. "Those good times I had." A memory came into his mind.

---

"Daddy, what is this huge place? How come the girls wear the same clothes?" said the young kid.

"Well my son, this huge place is called Mahora Academy." said the boy's father. "This place is an all-girl school. All these buildings have every educational program a girl needs, from elementary to high school. I worked here part-time as an intern, and this place is where I met your mother. We fell in love and got married."

"Woooowwww…."

"You know son, you like mysteries, don't you?"

"Yes I do dad! I love mysteries; it's like an adventure out there!"

"Well, I heard a lot rumors that Mahora has a lot mysteries and adventures. If you're old enough, we may come back here again and see them for yourself."

"Really Dad?!"

"Really."

The boy and the father looked the academy for a long time, until the mother appeared.

"There you are my sweetie pies!" The mother said. "I'm all done using the restroom. Shall we move on?"

"Right, let's go son."

"Hey Mom, Dad. I hope we come back here again and see those mysteries. I can't wait."

The mother and the father smiled as the family walked away from the academy and got on a tourist bus. On the side it said, "American Travels." When the bus drove off, the young boy still looks at Mahora Academy from his bus window and still vows to come back to it. He smiled as the bus drove off into the city streets.

---

"I'm finally going back, Mom, Dad."

Just after he closed the album, the pilot calls out to all the passengers.

"May I have your attention please? Will be landing pretty soon, so please return to your seats and fastened your seatbelts. Thank you so much, and will be landing in Tokyo very shortly."

The young man tightens his seatbelt, put his album away, and got prepared. The plane started to descend in the sky. The young man looks out the window and sees the vast land of Japan.

"Mahora Academy, here I come."

---

Chapter 1

It is one bright and gorgeous day at the girls' dormitory. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing so calm, and the birds are chirping happily. A young boy opens the windows and looks out at the scenery. The boy had a plain black T-shirt, with long gray pants, and the back of his thick hair is all tied up in a band. He wore small round glasses that are on his nose.

"What a beautiful morning. I never see this kind of sunny sight back in Wales."

A girl with long, straight, brown hair, with an apron on her, sees the boy watching outside of the window. "Morning Negi. You sure are cheery today."

"Oh, morning Konoka. It's a lovely day and I think we should do something fun before we go back to Mahora Academy tomorrow."

"Yeeaahh, but what shall we do today?"

Just then, a white ermine jumped onto the desk near Negi and yelled out. "Hey-A Negster! Wow! What a great day this is. The girl is right; we really should do something special today."

"Yes Chamo, but I don't have the foggiest idea of what should we do."

Chamo scratches his head, "Well today is the last day of our spring break, and we want to spend the last day the BEST day. Starting tomorrow, your partners will become high school students."

"That's right," said Konoka, "Is it amazing that we are going to be high school students. I still remember the days we had the Kyoto trip, the festival, and the magical world trip. I mean it was just like yesterday."

"I know what you mean Konoka," Negi replied, "But the good thing is that I will still be your homeroom teacher throughout your high school years."

"Yep, it really is great to have you and everyone together again in the same class."

"Yeah, it's like family bro." Chamo said, "There's the class rep Ayaka, bookworm Nodoka, Kaede, Fei Ku, Haruna, Evangeline, Chachamaru, EVERYONE… especially, Asuna."

Negi smiled and he then thought of something. "By the way, where is Asuna? I haven't seen her this morning."

Konoka replys, "Oh she must be on her way back right now. I'm sure she is done with all of her newspaper deliveries. So I'm cooking up a healthy breakfast for her when she returns."

"Well that's very nice of you to do." Negi grinned.

The door opened and someone entered the room. It was Asuna coming back from her part-time job. "I'm home!"

"Morning Asuna," everyone called out.

"Wow! Today's delivery was really tough; I had to do deliver a few packages as well."

"Wow Asuna that's really hard work," Konoka replied, "Hey your breakfast is right there on the table."

Asuna sees the bowl of steak and rice, along with a glass of juice and rice balls. "Really!? Gee thanks Konoka." She rushed to her food and picked up her chopsticks. "Man, am I starving. Let's eat." She scarfs her breakfast down in flash. Everyone was shocked and they sweat-dropped.

After her breakfast, Asuna and the others are discussing about their last day before their first day of high school. One suggested they should go out on the beach, while another thought of going to an amusement park. They couldn't decide what to do on their last special day before school tomorrow.

"Man I can't make up my mind," said Asuna, "I don't want to sit here all day doing nothing."

"This blows," Chamo replied, "I can't think of a good idea either."

"Well, we have to do something, but WHAT?" said Konoka.

Everyone tried so hard thinking of doing something special today, but all of them were still stumped. Asuna even banged her head on top of a table to get ideas from her head. Just then, the door open and in comes Ayaka Yukihiro, the wealthy class representative of Negi's class. Ayaka had her hair tied into a bun by a red ribbon, with a white silk dress on herself, and in her left arm is her luxurious bag with diamonds on the handles. Negi and Chamo were awe-struck, while Asuna glares a mean look at Ayaka, thinking she is playing a cradle robber again.

"Well, hello there everyone. What are you all doin? hmm." Ayaka said.

"Hello Class Representative," Negi replied, "We were trying to think what we should do on our last special day before we head back to the academy tomorrow, but…"

"We haven't got a good idea of what we should do today." Konoka answered.

"So, you got any good thoughts Blondie." Asuna grumped.

Ayaka moaned, "Well Dumbbells, I have the perfect way of how we can all enjoy together on this gorgeous day."

"All of us?" Negi questioned.

"Come on everyone, follow me and I'll show you."

Negi and the rest of the gang followed Ayaka out of the dorm room, into the hallways, outside the building, and into Ayaka's limousine.

"So where are we going?" Chamo asked.

"You'll see very soon." Ayaka replied.

---

After a short drive, the gang ended up at a huge park. They walked across the field of grass and came upon an incredible sight. Negi ,the girls, and Chamo see the other formal class 3-A students hanging around near a long picnic bench with lots of food on it. Above them is a sign that says, Congratulations 3-A! Good luck in High School! Negi, Asuna, Konoka, and Chamo were all amazed.

"Hey! Look everyone, it's Negi!" yelled Haruna, another student from the formal class 3-A.

Everyone is all happy and pumped up to have Negi and the other girls here at the picnic.

"About time you showed up," said Kazumi, another former class 3-A student, "We were all waiting for you."

"Now that we're all here," yelled Makie, "Let's get this party started!"

Everyone all shouted with glee and excitement, but Negi, Asuna, Konoka and Chamo were a bit confused. Negi walked up to Ayaka and asked a question. "Class rep, what's going on here?"

"Why professor, since this our last day of our spring break, everyone including me decided to have a picnic party with all us enjoying games and fun activities. I asked the Yukihiro family to donate all the money on this party. I hope you like it."

"Why it's fantastic Ayaka. What a great way to spend our last, beautiful, and clear day."

"I have to admit it Blondie," said Asuna, "This is a great and bright idea for all of us to enjoy."

Konoka smiled, then Setsuna, her best friend from childhood, comes up to Konoka with a cup of juice. "Here Miss Konoka, have some." Konoka picked up the drink and says something back to Setsuna.

"Remember I told you not to call me 'Miss'." Konoka said

Setsuna's cheeks turned red and she replies in a shy mood. "Oh, I'm sorry…"

Konoka grinned. "That's alright, so come on, let's have some fun!" The both of them ran off to play with their friends.

Chamo popped out from Negi's pocket and called out, "Well come on Negi. Let's all have some fun too. I want this day to be the best day."

"Right Chamo, let's go Asuna."

"Right Negi, Let's PART-TAY!" Asuna shouted.

Every single person is having so much fun at the picnic. Negi, Yuna, Makie, Chizuru, and Yue are shooting flying targets with their magic wands. Sayo, Nodoka, Haruna, Konoka, and Setsuna are flying in the sky. Asuna, Mana, Kaede, Natsumi, and Chisame, are playing a virtual shooting game created by Satomi and Chao. Everyone is having a blast.

---

As the sun is setting, Negi stopped by at the bench to get something to eat when Evangeline, the vampire girl, and Chachamaru, the servant robot, walked up to Negi.

"Oh hi Eva, how are you doing?" said Negi.

"Very well Negi, this is a very interesting day for all for us enjoy." Eva replied.

"It is, how's it going for you?"

"It seems rather too much, but I still think it's good for me to enjoy."

Negi smiled at Evangeline.

"Negi listen. You were very successful of saving the magical world, but don't let your guard down. I sense there is still more danger out there for you to face. You and your partners, including myself, must be aware of any upcoming and unexpected events. There is still some mages out there that want to use their magic for their own evil ambitions. Boya, you aren't scared are you?"

Negi paused for a moment and then with a strict look on his face he told Evangeline, "Don't worry Eva. I am everyone's homeroom teacher. I'll protect my students no matter what the situation is. I vowed at my father that I'm not alone and I will be a powerful Magister Magorum including my class… uh, I mean my partners."

Eva smirked, "That's good to hear from you little boy. For today, let's enjoy ourselves and have a wonderful evening."

Later that night, Ayaka makes an announcement at the picnic bench where everyone is gathered. "This has been a wonderful day to all of us. Let's enjoy the last hours here and tomorrow we're going to be high school students. So everyone, let's do our best, we are Class 1-A!" Everyone shouted and were all excited as the full moon shined brightly in the sky.

---

Chapter 2

A tram is running from the city to the station near Mahora Academy. It came to a stop at the station. The doors opened and a plethora of students came running out of the tram and onto the streets. Every single student raced all the way to Mahora Academy.

"Come on little squirt, last one there is a rotten egg." says Asuna while she is running with Konoka and Negi.

"Slow down!" cried Negi, "I'm not a fast runner like you Asuna!"

"Hurry up you guys!" Konoka yelled while she is roller blading, "Or we're going to be late for our first day of class." Everyone rushed as fast as they can like fish swimming down a river.

Meanwhile just a block away from the crowd, the young man walks up to a gentleman who wears a black bowling hat and a black suit sitting outside at a table drinking honey tea. The young man has a map in his left hand, a huge carry-on backpack on him, and a large suitcase next to him.

"Excuse me sir, but can you tell me where I can find and get to Mahora Academy?" The young man asked.

"Why of course young one. You see all those students from here." The gentleman pointed the man out. "Follow them and they will lead you to Mahora Academy. It is a great place for young girls to go for their education years. Are you a teacher by any chance?"

"Oh no, sir. I'm going to start a club over at the academy. That's all."

"Oh, I see…"

The young man grabbed his stuff, ran and followed the students. He turns back at the gentleman. "Thanks mister for all the help!"

"You're welcome kid, and good luck!"

The young man followed the students all the way to Mahora Academy. After a long run, the young man stopped at the front gate while the last remaining students walked into the academy. He stared at the school buildings and grinned. He raised his arm and fist high above his head and shouted. "Here I am! Mahora Academy, a place filled with many mysteries. I think I'm going to love it here. Although I haven't gotten over my phobia yet, but hey, I'm sure it will soon." He took a deep breath and exhaled. "Well this is it! Look out Mahora Academy, the great mystery solver, is here!" He got his bags and rushed into the academy.

---

In the room of class 1-A, everyone's inside waiting for professor Negi to appear in the class. Most of the students are talking and discussing about last year's junior high year, while the others are sitting quietly and being patient for Negi's arrival. All the students, except for Sayo Aisako, have a blue jacket with a magenta tie around their neck, and a light blue skirt around their waist. Asuna and Konoka entered the class and greeted everyone.

Ayaka walks up to Asuna, "You made it just in time bells, especially on the first day of our first high school year."

"Hey, at least we didn't miss the bell." Asuna replied while she was breathing heavily.

Nodoka walks up to the three girls, along with Yue and Haruna. "I'm really glad we are all here together again. And Negi is also with us again." Nodoka said.

"I know, right?" said Haruna, "This is going to be awesome like last year."

"It's like we're a family all over again." said Yue.

"You're right Yue," Ayaka replied, "Oh, to be with Negi again is greatest thing that ever happens to me. My heart pounds as if Negi and I were meant to be together forever."

Asuna gently bops Ayaka's head. "Okay Blondie, knock it off." She then turned to Yue and asked a question. "Hey Yue, didn't you say you're going to transfer out of here and go to that magical school after the graduation?"

Yue closed her eyes. "I did, but I like this place so much with my friends, that I delayed the transfer until our high school years are over."

"I'm glad you decided to stay." said Haruna, "Otherwise we would be sad and missing you if you gone to that magical school."

The school bell rang and everyone took their seats. Negi opens the classroom door and enters. The class stood up, they greet and bowed to the teacher. He put down his folder on top of the desk and writes his name on the chalkboard. He turns around and smiles. "Good morning everyone, I might not need to do this but, I am professor Negi Springfield and I'll be your homeroom teacher…again." Everyone is very happy. Negi went over the procedures about high school years and then starts doing his English lecture. As Asuna quietly read over her textbook, she a had a thought "Negi, everyone, I think this is going to be our greatest high school years of all"

---

At Dean Konoe's office, he and the young man are having a discussion.

"So, you must be the one who called me the other day?" said the Dean as he was looking at the young man's interview paperwork.

"Yep, that's me. I also want to spend some time here and make a lot of friends besides solving mysteries."

"Well, according to your report, you have this phobia that I'm worried about. This is Mahora Academy, an all-girl school."

"I know, but I came here because of the rumors and mysteries here. I like to solve mysteries. So please, may I? I promise I'll do my very best."

Dean Konoe thought very hard. He looked up and grinned. "Alright, you have the job. But remember, I like to hear and see good reviews about your club. If you fall behind, your outta here. You got me?"

The young man smiled and swings his right arm. "Oh! Thanks Dean, you won't regret this. I promise to make you very happy. Thank you so much."

"Anytime young one, here is the key to the room, your temporary ID card," Dean got a stamp and presses onto the young man's interview paperwork. "And here's your approval."

The boy grabs his bags and heads to the doors. When he opens the doors, the dean calls to him.

"By the way young man, are you all alone?" the dean said.

The young man paused a moment, and then looks back at the dean. "Let's just say 'I got to get ready for the mystery club and I'll tell you later.'" The boy exits the room and Dean Konoe calmly smiles.

---

After lunch, the class 1-A are enjoying themselves relaxing and having fun on their first day of high school. Negi, Asuna, and Chamo are cleaning the chalkboard after their last lecture.

"So Negi, how was it today? Your first day of high school?" asked Asuna.

"Oh it's been great Asuna. It's really nice to have you guys again in my class." Negi replied.

"Yeah, with that you can stay very close to your partners," said Chamo, "Those chicks of yours never gets old on me."

"Be quiet you little rat!" yelled Asuna, "We're in high school and you rat must be more respectful to all of us."

"For the last time Red, I am not a rat, I am an ERMINE!"

Negi giggles in embarrassment while he watches the two stare in a fighting look. Just then professor Takahata, one Negi's magical adult friends, walks in and reports to Negi.

"Oh hi Takamichi." Negi said.

"Hey Negi, how are you doing?" Prof. Takahata asked.

"I'm doing fine on my first day here of high school."

"That's great," Professor Takahata is pleased. "Hey if you have the time Negi, the dean needs to see you immediately. It's an emergency."

"Really? Alright." Negi put the chalkboard eraser down and exits out of the classroom. "Excuse me you guys, I'll be right back."

Negi walks has fast as he can down the hallways. Just when he was about to make the first turn around the corner he crashes into someone and falls onto the floor. "Oowww, that hurts." moaned Negi as he scratches his head. When he looked up, he saw the young man holding a stack of flyers. "Oh dear! I'm sorry sir I didn't mean to hurt you. I wasn't looking and I wasn't careful of where I was going. I'm sorry."

The guy stood up. "Hey, no biggie and no harm done. You didn't mean to." He grabbed Negi's hand and pulled him up.

"Thanks, mister um, mister…"

"Oh, the name's Matthew Oda, you can call me Matt for short."

"Matthew Oda… what an interesting name. My name is Negi Springfield at your service."

"Nice to meet you Negi, I'm here to start and gather many members for my mystery club. Here, have a flyer."

Negi takes the flyer and looks at it that says:

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Come and join the one and only, Mahora Academy's "Mystery Club!"

Ever wonder what an adventure feels like? Have you ever feel like you're being haunted? Do you have a problem on you? Did you lost something very valuable? Do you just needed help?

The Mystery Club is at your service. We here at the Mystery Club will help you whatever trouble you got. Or if you're ready to solve a case and head out for an adventure, then come on in and sign-up now. You will guarantee that the club and your life is an incredible adventure.

So come in now with your club leader Matthew Oda at your service. "I'm ready to believe your story."

Building: English Department

Room: 1-H

Time: 15:30-18:00

Days: Weekdays and Saturdays

---

Negi was amazed that a young man would start his own Mystery Club. "Wow, hey is it okay that I keep this in case?" Negi questioned.

"Of course, show that to your friends." Matt replied, "I just started opening up the Mystery Club."

"Thank you so much Mr. Oda."

"Please, call me Matt."

Both of them giggled when Negi realized he almost forgot to see the dean for an important message. "AH! I have to hurry and see the dean!" Negi got his legs moving and rushes towards the dean's office. "Thanks so much Matt, and take care of yourself."

"You too, Negi." Matt watches Negi scurried down hallways. "What a silly boy. I wonder what a little kid is doing here at Mahora Academy?" he thought as put up another flyer on a wall.

---

Chapter 3

Negi has reached the front doors of the Dean's office. He was huffing and puffing and sweating over his suit. After catching his breath, he quickly stood up and enters the office. Inside he sees Dean Konoe patiently waiting for Negi's arrival. Negi quietly walks up to the dean and bows at him with a greeting.

"Ah, there you are my boy," said the dean, "I was worried that something bad might have happen to you after I told Takamichi about the urgent message."

"Oh! Uh, no dean, it's just, I had a little bump on my way here. That's all."

"Well, all it matters is that you came just in the nick of time."

"I did huh? So tell me, what is this urgent message you want me to hear Dean."

"Well Negi, I received a report that a few of our students have gone missing. They did not appear today and the day before for the entrance ceremony. I'm beginning to think that there may be a suspicious activity going on around here. These students are remarkable and very intelligent. I sent out my school patrolmen to investigate the incidents, but so far none of them came back with any vital evidence." The dean stood off from his desk and looks out the window. "Negi, I'm telling you this because not only for your own safety, but your partners as well. I'm beginning to think that there is a kidnapper out there abducting innocent girls. But I can't figure out why."

Negi paused a moment and remembers something. "Could this be the dangers and events that Evangeline is talking about?" He remembers of what Evangeline said a few days ago at the picnic.

---

"I sense there is still more danger out there for you to face. You and your partners, including myself, must be aware of any upcoming and unexpected events. There is still some mages out there that want to use their magic for their own evil ambitions."

---

After Negi remembered he looked and replies back to the dean. "Don't worry, I promise I'll protect my students. I am their homeroom teacher, and… they are my partners."

Dean Konoe looks back at Negi and he smiles. He walks over to him and bends to him. "I'm proud of you my boy. You sure have grown up a lot since last year. Take care of yourself."

Negi walks out of the room and into the hallways. The dean's smile went away, he got worried again and hoping that Negi will be alright.

---

Around the time when it is sunset, Negi took a walk around the campus and thought something to himself. The Dean is right, why would someone try to steal to students, especially someone who is a wizard. Negi walked and walked until he spotted Asuna and Chamo near a statue talking to each other. Negi waves his hand to grab both of their attention. Asuna and Chamo walks up to Negi.

"Hey bro, we were wondering what happened to you and the dean." said Chamo. "Is it something bad like a report failure?"

"Not at all Chamo, school is fine for me. But the thing is we have a big problem." said Negi.

"What is it Negi?" Asuna questioned. Negi told the whole story of what the dean and Negi had during their conversation. Both Asuna and Chamo were shocked.

"Whoa…now that's creepy." Chamo replied.

"Yeah, why would somebody do that?" Asuna questioned. Everyone's so confuse about this incident until Chamo spotted something in Negi's pocket.

"Hey what's that?" Chamo asked.

"Oh, this? Let me see." Negi pulls out the paper out of his pocket and opens it up. What he has is the flyer of the Mystery Club that Matt Oda gave to him. "Oh, I remember this. It's about the new club that can solve mysteries."

"Hey can we see it?" Chamo asked. Negi shows the flyer to the two as they were both reading it.

"Hey cool!" yelled Chamo, "It's says here that this club can solve mysteries. Plus the club can solve any kind of situation."

"Yeah!" said Asuna as she was amazed, "And look, it says it's open on school days, right after our classes." Both Chamo and Asuna are amazed and came up with an idea.

"I know Negi," said Asuna, "Why don't we visit this 'Mystery' Club and tell this 'Maat-hue' or whose name it is, about this kidnapping plot."

"Yeah Neg," Chamo replied, "You guys do that, while I'll do little snooping around about the kidnapping incidents."

Asuna bends over on Chamo with a mean look. "Don't think you're saying that so you can see more girls' panties you perverted rat."

"Of course not! And like I said I am ERMINE!" Chamo yelled. He then scurried off.

"Don't you DARE, you RAT!" yelled Asuna.

Negi sighed and calmly speaks to Asuna. "Well, let's go to this mystery club Asuna."

---

After a long walk to the English department, the two walked the down the hallways in search of the room of the mystery club. Negi looks at each sign containing a room number above each door as he and Asuna walks by. "1-B, 1-C, 1-D, where is it?" questioned Negi.

"It's gotta be here, and I think we're getting close." Says Asuna as she is also looking for the Mystery Club's room number. After searching for quite some time, they came upon room 1-H, the room of the Mystery Club. "This is it." said Asuna.

Negi knocked on the door and calls out, "Hello! Anybody in there?"

Asuna and Negi waited for a minute until they heard a response. "Oh! I'm, um, busy at the moment, but please come in!" The two opened the door and went inside. Inside they saw a bunch of boxes piled up together, dusty textbooks on a 5 yard table, and a large backpack and an extra-large suitcase right next to a chalkboard. It looked like that this room hasn't been used in years. Negi and Asuna walked and looked all around the place. Suddenly, Negi hears something from behind the pile of boxes in the back corner of the room. He walks closer and bends over to see what it is. In a flash, out popped Matthew Oda. Negi jumped, fell to the floor, and shrieked.

"Whoa, kid you okay?" questioned Matt after he came out from the pile of boxes. He grabbed Negi and pulled him up. "Hey…kid, I know you. You're the same one I bumped into you this morning. Your name is…uuhh…Negi! That's it!"

"Oh, hello there Matthew. You gave me a surprise there."

"Sorry about that, I heard someone coming close to me while I was still cleaning up this place, so I jumped up and see who it was."

Asuna sees the Mystery Club leader and is amused to see him. "Wow, this is the leader? He looks so nice, but he doesn't look so Japanese." Judging by Asuna's eyes, Matt had short and straight black hair, his face looked like a regular and honest Japanese person, he's wearing a plain light blue T-shirt and long brown pants with multiple pockets, and white with light red lines running shoes. His height is about five feet and a half inches. He didn't look to strong, but a little bit overweight. She walks to Matt and introduces to him. "Hi there mister, how are you doing?"

Matt looks up to her and within seconds he froze, his heart pumped fast, and his fingers twitched. As Asuna got closer to Matt asking to shake her hand. He turned around, crouched and covered his head. Negi and Asuna were confused.

"Hey Matt, what's wrong?" Negi asked.

"I-ii-it just, s-ss-she-ee scares m-mm-mmeeeee." Matt said in fear.

Asuna thought it was an insult so she got pissed and got her fists tight. "Oh! I'm scary huh!? How dare you…"

"Asuna calm down!" cried Negi as he tried to hold her off.

Matt slowly turns his head to Asuna as she was still very mad at him. He took a few steps back from Asuna, slowly stood up and took a deep breath. "Oh…uh…s-s-sorry mam. Uh, there's a reason for why I am scared of you."

"And what's that?" said Asuna with a grump.

"It's just, I'm really afraid of girls."

Asuna stopped her anger and paused for a moment. She loosens her tight fist and asks Matt a comment. "Wait, you're afraid of any kind of girls."

"Yeah mam, you see I have this terrible gynophobia on me, and I had it for a while now."

"Gyn-o-fo…what?"

"It's my mental fear of girls."

"Oh, I see, sorry that I got so worked up on you mister."

"No, I should be the one to be sorry. I mean I shouldn't crawl up like a baby."

"Matthew," said Negi, "Whatever happened to you and girls."

Matt pulls up a chair and sits down. "Well you see when I was kid at elementary school a lot of these older girls picked and bullied me because they think I looked weird and stupid. I wasn't but I was so scared of them because they were tall and strong. I didn't want to fight them back. They looked like they're rich and scoundrel students that like to mock other people who are weak and poor. Even though the girls who bullied me graduated and left, I still had more girl problems. When I got bigger and smarter, little prankster girls like to pick on me like was an easy sitting duck. I was powdered, egged-faced, and splashed by those little skunks. The little girls were punished due to their misbehavior on me, but they just made it worse on me. Throughout the rest of my elementary school years, the place became stricter, increasing more rules for misbehaved students. Although that most of the girls were very kind, passionate, and obeying the rules, I stayed away from them, even if they try to get close to me to be their friend. I tried to overcome my fear of girls, but those horrible times I had with those bullies made it hard for me to forget. As the years went by, I gradually became more intelligent and started to live the life on my own. But my fear of girls remained in my mind. So no matter what girls I come up against, if they looked at me and stare at me, I run like a wimpy dog or crawl up like a baby. The only reason I came to this academy was because Mahora had a lot of mysteries yet to be solved. And I'm a guy that loves solving mysteries."

Negi and Asuna were surprised to hear Matt's story. They looked at each other and thought they should do something to help him face his fear of girls, after all Mahora Academy is an all-girl school. Asuna got close to Matt and puts her hand on his shoulder.

"Hey mister, I'm not like that at all. The reason I got mad at you is because the way you said I was scary. It made me think it was an insult. I get really hot-headed when things aren't going correctly, especially for certain uncoordinated kids like Negi."

"Hey!" yelled Negi, "That's not nice!"

Asuna giggled at Negi. "So let's be friends mister. My name is Asuna Kagurazaka from the high school district, class 1-A, no.8 in the class."

"And again I'm Negi Springfield, her homeroom teacher."

Matt felt awkward that a little kid would be Asuna's teacher. "Aren't you too young to be a teacher?"

"Well the thing is I got a bachelor's degree back at my home, and my job is to be a teacher here at Mahora Academy."

"Ummm, Okay. Anyway it's a pleasure meeting you Asuna," Matt replied joyfully, "My name is Matthew Oda, head of the Mystery Club, but you can call Matt for short."

"Matthew Oda huh? Your name sounds funny."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well the Oda part sounds like a Japanese name, but the Matthew part sounds like an English name."

"Oh I see what you mean. The reason why my first name is English is because I actually grew-up and was raised in America."

Asuna and Negi's jaws dropped. "WHHHAAAATTTT!?"

"Wait a minute!" Negi interrupted, "You mean, the United States of America?!"

"Exactly, Negi."

Both of them were more amazed than ever. To think a young man came all the way from the U.S.A. to Japan.

"Wow, Matt that's a long trip from America to here." said Asuna.

"Yep Asuna, I came here not to start a mystery club, but to make lots of friends. I made the mystery club because I heard rumors that Mahora Academy is filled with mysteries. You see, I am a guy whose hobbies are puzzle-solving and going on adventures. I put up the flyers in case if anybody wants to join in on the action or needs some help." Both Negi and Asuna smiled until Matt had thought. "Speaking of which, why are you guys here anyway? Are you here to sign-up and register?"

"Actually Matt," said Asuna, "We need your help."

"Oh, a request or plea for help. So what's your problem?" Asuna and Negi told Matthew about the kidnapping incidents, every single detail. Matt paused a moment and begins to think. "I see, some kidnapped girls. Well you came to right man, I'll help you rescue those girls, but I'm going to need some assistance with me, since I'm the only one in the club."

"We'll come along Matt. Maybe we can help." says Negi.

"That's great you guys, thanks." Matt said happily.

"Hey no problem Matt, we're just glad to help you out." said Asuna

"But, first things first," Matt said, "Can you help me clean this room, I mean just started the club."

Negi and Asuna sweat-dropped, but they agreed to help Matt clean the room.

"Why not," says Asuna, "I mean nobody wants to come here in a filthy and mucky room."

"Thanks you guys, after this we'll start right on the case."

So the trio got the brooms, dustpans, and cleaning spray bottles, and started to tidy up the place.

---

Chapter 4

Outside at the badminton court, Yuna, Ako, Makie, and Misora were playing, and Misora and Ako were winning the game. The birdie went straight up into the air after Yuna's hit and then went straight down on top of Misora's head. Misora pulled back on her racket and smacked the birdie right down on the ground between Yuna and Makie.

"Yeah! Victory is ours!" yelled Misora, as she jumped so high.

"Alright! What a good game!" said Ako joyfully.

"Aaww Man," moaned Yuna while she scratched her head, "We were so close too."

Makie giggled and then said, "Oh well, better luck in the next game."

The four girls got together and shook hands of great sportsmanship. Just as they were about to leave the court they heard a rustle coming from the bushes outside the badminton cage. They quickly turned their heads toward the sound. Then in a quick flash, the girls see a shadowy figure zoomed past two trees and disappeared into the woods.

"What was that!?" Makie said in a frightened mood.

"I don't know," said Misora in a fright, "but whatever it is, it's gone now."

---

Meanwhile back at the Mystery club, Matt and his friends put the final touches of the room. Matt placed the last puzzle-solving book in the bookshelf, Negi swept up every last dirt on the floor, and Asuna wiped off every dust on the table and chairs. The room is sparkling and glowing.

"Whewww! That's that!" said Matt in relief, "Thanks for the help."

Asuna stood up and looked at Matt, "Your welcome. I'm still amazed that you traveled all the way from America to Japan."

"Yes indeed," Negi joined in, "Are you with someone else here at Mahora?"

"Nope," Matt replied, "I'm just by myself."

Negi and Asuna were shocked. "What!?"

"But don't you have a brother, a sister, or a friend here?" Asuna asked.

"Nope, I'm an only child."

"What about your mother or your father Matt?" Negi questioned.

"None of them, just me here in Japan."

Negi and Asuna became confused and worried. Then Asuna made the follow-up question. "Don't you have any parents?"

Matt quietly and slowly drops his face, took a deep breath, exhaled, and turned over to Negi and Asuna. "Yes I have a mother and father…once long ago."

"Once long ago?" questioned in both Negi and Asuna's heads. Asuna then realizes and says to Matt, "What happened to them?"

---

Matt grabbed a chair, sat on it, and then calmly speaks to them.

"Well…before I tell the tragic event, I should probably start the beginning of my story. You see my mother and father both came to this academy. My parents were just high school teenagers. My father is a volunteer clerical worker and my mother is a student in class 2-B. When they first met each other, they were madly in love. Though Mom is a student and Dad is a volunteer worker, their love still carried on. After they graduated from their own academy, they went to the same university together, and after that they got married. They started looking for a job, but since Japan lacks good job opportunities around that time, my parents decided to move America where that country contains more available jobs. Mom became a florist selling Japanese flowers, and Dad became a top businessman selling popular and fancy electronics. A few years later I was born and I spend a lot time on solving puzzles, games, and brain teasers. When I was 7 years-old, My parents took me on a vacation trip in Japan and showed me Mahora Academy. They told me about Mahora's mysteries and adventures, and I was so eager to come back here when I get bigger and older. My parents promised me that, and they would never forget it. When I turned 14 years-old, I secretly heard my parents that they planned to move back to Japan and start their own business in a city just close to Mahora Academy. I was so excited and I kept quiet.

But one day… something happened. I was in high school being lectured in Algebra class when my Math teacher got a call from the dean. The teacher told me to go to the dean's office, and I did. There was the dean, two counselors and a police officer. Everyone looked at me so frightfully like something bad happened. And it turns out I was right. The police officer came close to me and whispered into my left ear. My eyes widen and my jaw dropped. I yelled 'YOU'RE LYING!' Everyone in the room didn't say word. I fell to the floor and cried. The police officer excused me from the school and took me to a hospital. He took me inside and we went up to the 4th floor. We went into a room and there… was my mother covered in sheets and my father all bandaged and cast up."

Negi and Asuna were all quiet and surprised.

"The police officer told me my parents went out for a drive and got plane tickets for Japan. When they started to head back home on the freeway, a stolen pickup truck cut in front of their car. Dad slammed the brakes and the car lost control. It drove off the highway bridge and landed into a river. The firemen and the police came and picked up the damaged car.

I was crying so much in the room like I was flooding the entire room. My cry was so loud that it reached my father. He reached his hand on my head and said the final words, 'I sorry I didn't…keep your promise. But…I will leave…everything…to…you. You are brave…and smart. Good…luck in Mahora…Academy. Promise one more thing,…make a lot of…friends…and please…be…ee…eee…ha…aaa..pp…ppyy…yyy' His hand fell and the EKG machine read flat line. I then cried and screeched. I was then sent to a fancy foster home where all the caretakers were being very honest and generous to me. Two months later after the funeral, I received a notice from my father's will that he left every buck and penny to me so I can go to Japan after my graduation. After my graduation, I turned 18 years-old and went to a university to learn about more Japan's culture and a special detective class before I take my leave to Japan. After 3 years of studying, everyone, my friends, the caretakers, and my neighbors all wished me good luck as I got my ticket and headed into the plane. And here I am inside the one and only Mahora Academy. And that's my sad story to tell you guys."

---

Matt looked back at Asuna and Negi, and their tears were pouring all the way down from their faces like making waterfalls.

"That's really sad, Matthew," cried Negi, "I never expect to hear such a horrible tragedy life from you."

"Yeah," says Asuna, "I understand how you feel."

Matt smiled and replied, "Hey dry up, all that's in the past and most importantly my parents want me to be happy, living great here at Mahora. So enough about me, it's getting late. We'll continue the case tomorrow, and I still need a room for the night."

Negi and Asuna wiped off their tears. Then Asuna spoke up, "Don't you have a house or apartment to live in?"

"Nope, to tell you the truth I just arrived here in Japan and the academy."

"EEEEEHHHHH!?" both Negi and Asuna yelled in surprise.

Negi then spoke up, "Well you must have a room; you can't live on the streets."

"I know Negi," said Matt, "But where should I go, there aren't good hotels near Mahora Academy."

Negi quietly thinks and came up with an idea. "I know, why don't you live in our room until you get your own."

Matt got shocked. "Uh, are you sure?"

"Of course," says Asuna, "We understood your situation, about your parents and living alone, I'm glad for you to stay in our room."

"Thanks guys! I really do appreciate your offer. I got a lot of stuff here, would you help me carry some?"

"Of course," says Asuna, "Come on Neg, grab a bag."

Matt got his carry-on backpack , Asuna got Matt's box of paperwork, and Negi got Matt's huge suitcase and started to pull it. They exited the room and Matt locked up the door. They exited the building and headed straight to out the building.

"So what's this mystery club like, Mr. Oda?" asked Asuna.

"Oh you gonna like it. You ever wonder that the world out there has puzzles yet to be solved? The club isn't just about solving puzzles, mysteries, or crimes, but it's also about having a great adventure. Once you start an adventure and solve its content, the outcome will be rewarded."

"I think I get it," said Negi, "So like when going on a treasure hunt, and by solving the riddles, you'll end up with the treasure."

"Exactly Negi. And you'll bet your life will be an incredible adventure."

"That's exactly the same words as on the flyer you gave me." said Negi with excitement.

---

After a long walk and taking a tram, the trio arrived at the girls' dormitory. Matt looked up at the building and was amazed. "This place is huge, but will it be okay for me to stay here in a girls' place?"

"You have nowhere else to go Matt," replied Asuna. "This is the only option you got."

"If you say so…"

They went inside and used the elevator to get to Negi and Asuna's room. They walked down the hallway and they reached the door. Asuna unlocked the door and stepped inside. There she sees Konoka cooking and Setsuna standing next to her. Asuna called out and got the girls' attention.

"Hey Asuna, welcome back." said Konoka.

"Hey Miss Asuna, nice to see you." said Setsuna.

Negi stepped inside next followed by Matt. As soon Matt sees Konoka and Setsuna he started to jitter.

"Hi Negi, welcome back." said Konoka. "And, hey, who's this guy you have?"

As Konoka got closer to Matt, he suddenly began to shake. He started to sweat, and his eyes widen. "Is something wrong mister?" asked Konoka. Then in a flash Matt turned around, ducked his body, and covered his head. Konoka starred Matt in confusion. "Did I say something wrong?" Negi and Asuna put their hand behind their head and giggled in embarrassment. Then they went up to Konoka.

"It's not your fault," said Asuna. "You see our friend here has gynophobia, in English he's afraid of girls." Asuna explained the whole enchilada about Matt's fear. After Konoka heard Matt's fear, she turned to Matt and spoke cheery.

"It's alright mister I'm not bad. C'mon take my hand and let me see your face."

"Same here," said Setuna, "Can I see your face please."

Matt slowly and nervously turned around and stood up to Konoka and Setsuna. He slowly grabbed Konoka's hand and started to shake. Matt smiled nervously while Konoka and Setsuna looked at him in a great surprise.

"Wow, you seem nice." Setsuna honored Matt.

"G-G-Gee…thank you." replied Matt. "It's-It's a pleasure to meet you girls."

"Us too, my name is Konoka Konoe."

"And I'm Setsuna Sakurazaki."

"Hey Konoka and Setsuna, my name is Matthew Oda, call me Matt for short."

"Maa-shue? That doesn't sounds like Japanese." questioned Setsuna.

"Nope, it's not because I'm from America."

Konoka and Setsuna were surprised. Negi and Asuna expected that. Matt told the whole thing about his moving trip to Japan. Konoka and Setsuna were amazed just like Negi and Asuna. Matt even told about his mystery club and the case he is on. After Matt explains the details, Konoka made the follow-up question.

"So it's interesting you came all the way here from America," said Konoka, "But what are you doing in our room right now?"

"I need a place to sleep for the night, and Negi and Asuna agreed to stay here until I get my own room."

"Please Konoka, he really needs a place to sleep." said Negi. Konoka wasn't sure, so as Setsuna. When Negi knew this, he explained about Matt's late parents. Asuna and Matt supported Negi's explanation. After Konoka and Setsuna heard this, the two girls looked at Matt in great sadness and agreed to stay in their room.

"Gee Matt, I never knew you had a tragedy like that…" Konoka replied in sorrow.

"Yeah," said Setsuna, "That's really heavy and sad."

Matt smiled. "Don't be sad, you understand my feelings and it's in the past. I want to thank you for letting me stay here."

"You're very welcome, Matt-san," said Konoka, "Make yourself at home, I'm just finishing cooking dinner."

"Oh perfect timing, I'm starving." said Matt excitedly as he put his bags down. Negi and Asuna were very happy to have him spend the night in their room.

"Y'know Negi," said Asuna, "He does look kind and generous; I couldn't let a guy like him be sad."

"I know exactly what you mean, Asuna." Negi replied.

---

Somewhere just outside the dorm is a young Jr. High school girl walking back to the dorm. She got scared since it was getting dark. Then she suddenly heard a rustle coming from the bushes. She looked around, when all of sudden, something popped up from behind her. The shadowy figured grabbed her and the student dropped her briefcase. She yelled and screamed as was taken away.

---

Chapter 5

"That was a delicious dinner." replied Matt with delight.

"I'm glad you liked it, made it myself." said Konoka.

"I want to thank you guys again for letting me stay here, I never been so honored by you Japanese people."

"Hey you're so kind Matt, we just couldn't let you live all alone with no family you have." said Asuna.

All of them cleaned up dinner and Matt started to unpack his stuff.

Negi and Asuna started to head out the room. "We're going to take a walk out in the night." said Asuna.

Setsuna helped Matt unpack and placed his stuff. Matt was really happy to have such gold-hearted girls.

"Where should I sleep tonight girls?" asked Matt.

"How about, you can sleep on the couch," replied Konoka, "We'll hand you extra pillows to rest your head on."

"Okay, great. Thanks Konoka." Matt and Konoka prepared Matt's bed for tonight.

Outside the front door of the dormitory, Negi and Asuna were discussing about the kidnapped students.

"We need to come up with a plan and rescue those students." said Negi.

"I know, but how? We don't where the students are and we don't know who is responsible for this." worried Asuna.

Both of them were questioned and worried until Chamo, the talking ermine, ran up to them.

"Thanks goodness! I found you!"

"Chamo!?" yelled Negi, "Where have you been? What is it?"

"It's about another kidnapped girl. I found her briefcase. Quick! Follow Me!" Negi and Asuna followed the sprinted ermine and race to the scene of the crime.

---

Back at Konoka's room, Matt put the finishing touches on the couch. He lastly places his bed sheets and spread it out.

"Alright, my bed is all set for tonight." said Matt with accomplishment.

"Okay Matt," Konoka responded, "So I guess…you make yourself at home then."

"That I will Mam."

Matt walked and looked around the room. He sees Konoka and Asuna's bunk bed, manga books on the table, the small kitchen Konoka and Setsuna are cleaning up, and all the academic books on the bookshelf. He then walks to the window looking outside and sees the half moon. He enjoyed the scenery from the height of the building; he can see other buildings and shopping districts. Just then he looked down and spotted Negi and Asuna talking to an ermine. Matt was confused to see the two talking to an ermine as if the ermine was talking back at them. Then Matt saw Negi and Asuna dash off with the ermine right in front of them. It looked liked to Matt that something bad must've happen to Negi and Asuna.

Matt went to Konoka for a request. "Hey Konoka…do you have a flashlight I can borrow?"

"Yeah I do, why?" She asked.

"I'm gonna step outside for bit."

Konoka got the flashlight and gave it to Matt. He walked to door and unlocked it. "Thanks Konoka, I'll be right back." He quickly closed the door and rushed down the hallways.

---

Negi and Asuna followed Chamo all the way where the girl got kidnapped. They arrived and found the briefcase lying on the stoned ground.

"This is it!" cried Chamo, "Here's the briefcase."

"It looks fresh still," said Asuna, "So what happened? Tell us."

"Alright it's like this; I was on my way hurrying back to Negi at the dorms. I was hopping from tree to tree when I slipped and fell into a bush. I alerted that same girl who heard my fall. She got closer to me to examine, when all of sudden this shadowy figure popped out of nowhere and grabbed the girl. I was frightened and covered myself. And the next thing, after I opened my eyes, the girl was gone. All was left was her briefcase on the ground."

Negi and Asuna are desperately worried. They both had a theory, if this keeps up, then it is a possibility that the kidnapper would target one of their students in class 1-A.

"We need to protect our friends Negi." warned Asuna.

"I agree with Red," Chamo responded, "Hey bro, do you have some kind of spell that would track kidnappers?"

"I don't know," Negi replied, "I can use a spell that would help us reveal the kidnapper's tracks."

"Then what are you waiting for?" yelled Asuna, "Do it!"

"Alright, here goes!" Negi pulled out his staff and started to chant. The magic circle glowed and circled around Negi.

"Rastel Maskil Magister. Potentias ventum egressus. Hostes iter ostendit nobis. Amorista!"

The lights flashed all around Negi and quickly spread out. Once the spell was cast, footprints on the ground started to glow. To a shock of Negi and the others, there were a dozen sets of footprints all around them.

"This ain't working!" yelled Chamo, "We can't tell which footprint is the culprit's!"

"Can't you do it any better you little pint!" yelled Asuna.

"I'm sorry!" cried Negi, "But this is the best I can do!"

"Well, I guess we're stumped." said Chamo in an anguish attitude.

Both Negi and Asuna are really depressed. They thought they got a lead, but wound in a dead end.

Clack! Negi, Asuna, and Chamo heard the noise. They turned around to see what it was. Then, in great fright, Negi and the others were frozen and shaking. Right in front of them before their very eyes is the honest young man, Matthew Oda. Matt's eyes were widened and his jaw was wide open. Everyone was so surprised that they couldn't say the first word. Then in a snap, Matt shook his head, slaps his face, and rubbed his eyes.

"WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT?!" yelled Matt as he pointed to out to Negi and the others.

"Errrr…uhhh…uummm…i-i-it's not what y-y-yyy-you think!" cried Negi.

"You saw er…aaahhhh…nothing Matt!" said Asuna to support Negi's identity.

"You can't lie to me! I saw everything! T-T-The lights and all that stuff! What's going on!? Negi, how did you do that!?"

Negi and the others started to panic until Asuna came up with an idea.

"Negi! Erase his memories! Use that spell!"

"Oh right! Great idea Asuna!" He sticks his staff out and started to chant. "Ras Tel Mas Scir…" But in a flash, Matt quickly grabbed Negi's staff and stopped his chant.

"Before you start doing something so flashy, tell me, and honestly, what is going on?" questioned Matt. Negi's face turned frown and started to worry. "Look I'm a gentleman; I'll understand your reasons. Just tell me and exactly who are you?"

Negi looked at Matt's face for a few moments. Matt was firm and his look really mean it like Matt would keep Negi's secret. Negi put his staff down and started to give Matt the surprise.

"Alright, truth is Mr. Oda…I am class 1-A's homeroom teacher,…but I'm also…a wizard."

"You're kidding me…I don't believe it." said Matt in exasperation. "There's NO such thing as wizards."

"Negi what are you doing!?" Asuna whispered in panic.

"No it's the truth," Negi replied, "I'll show you." He sticked his hand out, started to chant, and a floating light ball appeared on Negi's hand.

Matt's eyes widen. "WHAAAATTT?! How's that possible!?"

"Negi! You dolt!" cried Asuna, "Why did you tell him!?"

"I'm sorry…" said Negi, "But Matthew Oda looked so honest and sincere that maybe he keep my secret just like you Asuna."

"But Negi, What if he tells the world? What if this goes out on public? Don't you realize what YOU'VE HAVE DONE!?"

"I know! I know! But I think Matt would understand me!"

"No he wouldn't you BRAT!"

Matt sweat-dropped and watched the two arguing back and forth, yelling and screaming throughout the night. Then in obnoxiousness, Matt got closer to them and pulled Negi and Asuna apart.

"Listen! Listen!" Matt cried, "Look, I'm sure we can work this out. I'll keep it a secret, IF you guys tell me what is going on?" Negi and Asuna were unsure about Matt. Each of them looked at Matt's face and back to each other in fret. "Remember on my flyer, I will believe everything you say, and I promise I'll never tell anyone." Everyone paused for a moment. "I promise…" Both Negi and Asuna took a deep breath and exhaled, and then Negi started to tell the whole pie.

"What I'm saying is the truth. I'm a wizard." Negi explained.

"Huh…very interesting." said Matt in amazement. "Never had I thought in my entire life I would meet a magical boy. I thought all of you were pulling my leg at first."

"Nope, I'm a Magister Magorum with incredible magic spells. I'm here at Mahora Academy training to become the greatest and masterful wizard. But I'm progressing so well that I'm already a powerful wizard."

"I see, but since you two were arguing, does that mean that Asuna already knew that you're a wizard?"

"That's right Matt," replied Asuna, "I found out Negi's true identity on the same day Negi just arrived at the academy on his first day."

"That's right! And they did a little smooching." yelled Chamo as he got onto Negi's head.

"You shut up! You little rat!" cried Asuna.

Matt was stunned when he saw Chamo talked. "Woah! The little weasel can talk!?"

"I'm not weasel mister. I am an ermine, an ermine fairy."

"An ermine…fairy? What is that?"

"Basically I'm Negi's little and handy pet that guides and infos him during his training."

"So you're like his conscience."

"Something like that kid. By the way, I'm Albert Chamomile, but everybody calls me Chamo for short."

"Please to meet you Chamo, I'm Matthew Oda. Call me Matt for short."

"Matthew…hey your that guy from the Mystery Club."

"That's me."

"Boy, have you come at the right place, you see we found something that relates to another kidnapped student, but so far we just come across a dead end."

"So all that magic stuff that you used and I saw was to find a clue about the criminal?"

"Yes," replied Negi, "My spell was to immediately track down the criminal with his footprints, but my spell showed all of the footprints of different people that were here many times."

"I see," said Matt, "I understand what you are trying to do, but sometimes taking shortcuts like using magic won't get you anywhere fast. Figuring out where the kidnapped students and finding out who our criminals are takes a lot of detective work. You have to look carefully, hear carefully, and think carefully. For example, look at that briefcase, I'm sure there must be something inside or around it that has a clue." Asuna walked closer, picked up the briefcase and discovered something under it. Matt got a closer look and picked it up. "Take a look everyone, by just looking carefully, we found a clue."

"What is it?" asked Asuna.

"It looks like a card, but it's worn out too much since the inscription is fading. I can analyze it tomorrow at the Mystery Club."

"So then what do we do now?" asked Negi.

"It's getting late, so I think we should head back to the room and catch some Z's."

"A good idea," Chamo replied, "We'll continue the investigation tomorrow."

As the gang walkrd back to the dorms, Matt scratched the back of his head and began to sigh. "It so strange… I never thought wizards really do exist."

"Well, didn't you believe in magic and spells?" asked Asuna.

"Not always Asuna. You see back in my country, little children believed there were witches, fairies, and magical creatures because of their creative imagination assumptions. Their young minds think there were such things like that. But as they get older and started to focus more on reality and their future careers, they believed that wizards and magical creatures were nothing more than fictional stories created by talented and thoughtful storytellers. There were even magicians that can perform magic tricks like cards, disappearing coins, and pull flowers out of their hats. But many researchers say magicians don't have magic in them, they just want us to believe they had magic. The magicians proved themselves that they were 'illusionists,' fooling their audiences but still entertaining. And with that said, that's why I didn't believe Negi is a wizard for the first time."

"I see your point of view Matt," said Asuna in complete understanding. "I didn't think wizards exist too. I believed in charm spells before I found out Negi's identity, but never assumed that there were such things as wizards."

"So we're like the same only a bit different in our stories."

"I'm sorry you had to get involved in this," Negi whimpered. "I hope a wizard like me wouldn't be in your way of your life Matt."

"No worries Negi," said Matt cheerfully, "I'm a reasonable gentleman. Your secret is safe with me, besides it's very interesting and super rare to meet an actual wizard. That's why I like mysteries and adventures. I found out by accident that you Negi Springfield are a wizard." Matt yawned and his eyes were starting to squint. "Whooo… I'm tired. What do you say we discuss more about your wizardly skills tomorrow on our way to school?"

"You're right Matt," said Negi as he yawned, "I'm getting tired myself."

"Me too." Asuna replied.

While they got close to the front doors of the dormitory, someone in the bushes spies on the gang as they were entering the building.

"This is not good, they got my card. I better tell the others."

The shadow person ran away and faded into the dark streets.

---

Chapter 6

In a two story building on the second the floor, there was a room that consists ten beds, five in a row. There was Matthew on his bed right near the window. He was looking at his late parents in his picture. He felt sad as he stares at the picture for so long. A teenage boy and a girl came into the room and saw Matt. They walked closer and sat next to him.

"You really missed your parents, huh?" said the young boy.

"I sure do Thomas; they were the only family members I had."

"Cheer up Matthew, you still have us." said the young girl with a smile.

"You really going to Japan, it's a long trip." Thomas asked in concern.

"I really wanted to go." Matt replied. "My parents are already gone, but I am desperate to head there to explore and solve all the mysteries that Mahora Academy contains. Besides, I really think it'll be the perfect place for me. I'm sure I'll make lots of friends over in that country. I am destined to be there."

Thomas and the young girl named Emilia looked at each other and gave a thought. They both looked both at Matt with a grin on their faces.

"Alright Matt, we won't stop ya." said Thomas.

"Just promise one thing," Emilia continued, "Keep us in contact; send a letter so that we know you are doing fine in Japan Matt."

"I will you guys, and thanks for everything."

"No problem bro," Thomas agreed, "Now let's get you ready, there's a flight waiting for you."

All three got up from Matt's bed. Matt put the picture in his packed suitcase.

---

Matt woke up in the middle of the night. He raised his head and rubbed his eyes. "Woah, what a dream, more likely a memory. What time is it?" Matt looked around Asuna and Konoka's room and spotted a clock on top of a table that's next to the window. "Four O'clock, I haven't gotten used to the hours here yet. It'll kick in." He looked around some more and saw that Konoka and Asuna were still sleeping. Just as he was about to cover his whole body with the bed sheets, he jolted, quickly got up, and discovered that Negi's sleeping bag was empty. "What the… where's Negi?" Matthew looked all around to find him. He made an embarrassing surprise when he saw Negi sleeping next to Asuna. Matt's right eye started twitching. "What the hell is he think he is doing!?" Matt couldn't take much more of this absurd sight; he thought that it might frighten Asuna if she woke up. He got out of the couch and tiptoed quietly towards the bunk bed. He stepped on the second bar of the ladder and reached his left arm to grab Negi. He gently pulled Negi's night shirt which made Negi roll his body towards Matt. Matt lifted Negi up with his left arm, then his right, and carefully climbed down the ladder. "At least he's not heavy, or this will be a pain in the neck." He put Negi on his sleeping bag and covered Negi up. Matt quietly walked back to the couch while he was scratching his head. "I still don't know why Negi wants to sleep next to Asuna, but I'm glad that's over." The moment he laid down on the couch he began to think. "I wonder how my foster friends are doing. I'm sure they're worried about me. I'll remember to send a postcard to them."

One hour later, Asuna's alarm clock went off. She hit the button and started to wake up. "Time to deliver the papers." She yawned and started to realize something. Usually Negi would sleep next to her if he was sleep walking during the night, but this time Asuna saw Negi sleeping in his sleeping bag. "He didn't crawl up here? Maybe he finally got the hang of it not to bother me during my sleep." She smiled and started to climb down the ladder. "It's a good thing, otherwise I would've give Negi a major headache." She saw Matt Oda still wide awake having his hands behind his head. She walked over to Matt and bend on over to him. "What happened? You had a nightmare?" She asked.

"No Asuna, I just can't sleep anymore. I got up one hour ago and couldn't go back to sleep."

"Oh…Hey did you see Negi sleeping next to me when you are up."

Matt looked the other way. "Uhhh, No, not at all, he was sleeping on the ground the whole time."

"Well that's good. Anyway I got a job to do. I'll see you when we go to school."

"Alright take care."

After Asuna got dressed and headed out the door, Matt quietly said to himself, "I hate to lie to her, but I just didn't want her to start a fight with that poor boy."

---

That very bright morning, Negi, Asuna, Konoka, and Matt were heading to the academy. Along the way they were all discussing about Negi sorcery skills and how Asuna and Konoka became Negi's partners.

"I see," said Matt, "So you make these 'contracts' in order for your partners to fight and use magic in your battles. The more partners you have the better chance of protection and fighting skills you will overcome."

"You got it Matt-kid." yelled Chamo, "A contract is basically sharing Negi's power to his partner so that they can have their own share of magical powers."

"Right Chamo. So how many partners does he have?"

Negi looked in the other direction and moaned.

"Ah c'mon Negi," cried Chamo, "It's no big deal."

"Easy for you to say, you little rat." Asuna yelled.

"Well if really want to know…" Konoka joined in, "He has 31 partners, including me and Asuna."

"Konoka!" Negi and Asuna cried.

"31!?" surprised Matt, "Man that's a lot. So then, who are they?"

Just when Negi was about to answer Matt's question, someone popped up right in front the group. The camera snapped and made a flash towards Negi and the others. The flash blinded Matt's eyes. "Wow, who is this handsome looking guy?" said a cheeky yet persuasive voice. After Matt's eyes are recovered, stood there in front of him is Kazumi Asakura, a talented student reporter from Negi's class. She got close to Matt for a further examination. "I see you met my teacher, so who are you mister? What are you doing here?" And as usual, Matt started to jitter and sweat, and hid behind Asuna back. "What's a matter? I just wanted to know you mister."

"Kazumi hold on!" said Negi in a panic, "Please your frightening my friend. Give him some space."

"I am? But I just wanted to ask him some questions."

"It's not that Kazumi." said Asuna. She then explained Kazumi of Matt Oda's fear of girls.

"Oh, sorry about that mister, I didn't know you had a phobia like that." Kazumi continued.

"Uhhh, it's okay, I'm doing my best to overcome it." said Matt as he slowly looked towards Kazumi. "So your name's Kazumi, right?"

"Yep, Kazumi Asakura, student no. 3 in Negi's class. I am also a top reporter gathering interesting scoops as much as possible."

"Also Matt Oda," Konoka joined in, "Kazumi is also one of Negi's partners."

"Wait, does that mean…" Kazumi interrupted.

"Yeah miss, I already know Negi is a wizard." Matt answered.

"Well this is something, a handsome guy who knows Negi's secret, and still keeps it for the sake of Negi's life."

"Hey I'm gentleman Kazumi. I understand his reasons." Matt paused for a moment and came up with an idea. "Hey Kazumi, since you're a reporter, I have a favor to ask you, since you're in search of looking for good scoops."

"Go ahead, I'm all ears."

"There's been some kidnapping going around and I am here to solve the case."

"Kidnapping!? That's terrible."

"I know, but listen I have a plan." Matt Oda whispered into Kazumi's ear of every detailed information about his plan. Kazumi gave the thumbs-up.

"You got mister…Matthew Oda, right?" Matt nodded. "What an interesting name, I need to know more about you someday. Until then, I'll get to work, later." Kazumi rushed off into the academy. Negi and the others are wondering what Matt said to Kazumi.

"What did you tell her Matt?" asked Asuna.

"Don't worry, you find out later. For now, let's get to the academy before the bell rings."

Everyone rushed to the academy. At the front entrance of the gate stands Setsuna. Konoka waved at her.

"Hey Set-chan!"

"Miss Konoka, there you are." Everyone arrived just in the nick of time. They were all panting and wheezing.

Matt got his breathe and begins to speak. "Well you guys better get to class. I'll see after your lectures."

"You can count on that Matt." Asuna replied, "Later!"

Matt headed towards the department where the Mystery Club consists, and the others, including Negi, headed toward their homeroom class. Along the way, Setsuna began to worry that Konoka might capture by these kidnappers.

"What's wrong Setsuna?" Konoka worried.

"Oh! Miss Konoka, I promise I will protect you no matter what. I swear in my righteous power I will protect you from those vile kidnappers. I will be strong and be your only protector."

"Setsuna don't worry, as long as we are together, nothing bad is going to happen to us. Right you guys." Asuna and Negi agreed with Konoka. They all reached the building and headed to their classroom.

---

At the Mystery Club, Matt took out a bag from one the shelves that sit in the corner of the room. He searched inside the bag and took out his useful equipment: A magnifying glass, plastic gloves, cotton balls, a heat lamp, and a special liquid bottle. After he set his stuff on the table, he took out the card he found last night and started to examine it using his magnifying glass first. "Let's see…some of the writing have been faded a lot, but I can barely read it. And on this first line, it states this card is a student's ID card. Interesting…"

---

Back at the classroom of 1-A, there was a commotion going on in far end of the room. Negi and the girls entered and saw about 14 girls hanging around together. Negi and the others are wondering what's going on. They put their bags down and walk towards the group.

"Hey everyone, what's up?" Asuna asked.

"Did you hear the news?" Ako answered, "There's been a kidnapping going around on campus."

"Yeah no doubt," Haruna continued, "It is told by our friend Kazumi."

"Wow, I didn't know she did this for everyone's safety." Asuna replied.

"Truth be told, a reliable source told her to make this report." Misa explained.

"Who was it that told Kazumi?" Negi asked.

"Kazumi said she didn't want to tell the name because he's on the case to crack down the kidnappers. He wanted to do undercover work." Natsumi replied. Then in that moment, Negi, Asuna, and Konoka thought of something. They remembered that early this morning Matt explained Kazumi about his plan. They realized Matt's plan was to protect the students from the kidnappers, and Kazumi's reporting skills was the perfect girl to get the word spread all around the academy. They all had the same thought, Matt is really smart.

"That Matt, he sure planned ahead." said Konoka with a grin.

"Yes indeed." said Negi happily.

"I wonder that those shadows we saw were the kidnappers" said Misora.

"Wait! You saw them?" Chizuru questioned.

"Yeah we did," Yuna answered, "Ako, Makie, Misora, and I just finished playing badminton yesterday. When we were about to leave the court, we saw a shadow past by in the bushes and behind the trees." Everyone is scared and starting to worried.

"Who are these kidnappers?" said Haruna, "And why do they want students?" Everyone began to questioned.

Then the school bell rang. Class representative Ayaka makes the announcement. "Okay everyone! To your seats." Every girl went back to their seat positions and Negi went back to his teacher desk. Negi got a chalk and started to write down on the blackboard.

---

At the dean's office, Takamichi, Shizuna the nurse, and dean Konoe were in a conversation.

"You realize more students are starting to disappear." said Takamichi.

"I know that," said the dean, "and we're doing everything we can to protect them."

"Do you think we should call the force team in?" the nurse said.

"We would panic the students then." replied by the dean, "However, I trust this young man will do everything in his power to apprehend those crooks. He just started his club, but he is on to something. The way I see it, I say he's one step ahead of capturing those thieves. If he proves himself that he can capture these criminals, then he might be useful to our school, even though he's an ordinary human."

Takamichi and Shizuna both looked at each other. Takamichi straighten his glasses and made the comment. "I hope your right, because from the way things are, we're depending on that man to get that job done."

---

After a long lecture, and during their break time, Negi, Asuna, and Chamo got together and started to talk.

"Hey Negi, we better go check on Matt." said Asuna, "I bet he has something useful about the kidnapper right now."

"Good idea," Negi replied, "Let's go check on him." They both left the room. Some of the girls saw Negi and Asuna walked out of the room.

"Where do you think Negi and Asuna are going?" said Haruna.

"Could it be that they have a word from the dean?" Misa questioned.

"I don't think so…but it seem like they want to go somewhere desperately. I wonder where?" Yuna wondered.

---

Negi and Asuna walked all the way to the Mystery Club and knocked on the room's door. Matt heard the knock and let them in. Negi and Asuna saw Matthew working something on the table. The two got closer to Matt and looked at his detective work.

"Watcha doin?" said Asuna.

"Ah, you're in the nick of time." said Matt joyfully, "I discovered this worn-out card is a students' I.D. card."

"Really?" surprised Negi, "How can you tell?"

"By looking at the right angle and perspective, you can see what letters are printed on this card. For example, right here you can see there's an 'S' that was imprinted on here."

"I see what you mean," said Asuna, "The letter 'S' is gone, but you can tell what letter was printed here from its negative space surroundings."

"Correct Asuna."

"So then, what did it say before it got worn out?" asked Chamo.

"Well I can only decipher the name. It said 'Sakashi Watanbe' on it. And this card is a student's I.D. card because this card came from Azumi Middle School. Problem though is, the bottom part on the card is worn-out that I can't decipher the information on the student, and even the student's portrait is worn out too."

Negi paused a moment, and then came to a thought. "Very odd, why would a student kidnapped other students?"

Asuna began to wonder too. Matt puts his right hand on his chin and stares at the door. "All I know is, were on the right track to solving this kidnapping mystery."

---

Chapter 7

At the swimming pool, every girl is warming up and practicing their strokes. Akira was in line with the other swimmers waiting to go off the diving board that is about 50 feet high. A girl in back of the stands is writing a report about her daily swim log. Unbeknownst to the girl, a shadowy person snuck up and tries to grab the girl. When Akira got on the board, she stretched her arms and prepared to dive off. Just then, she turned her head to the stands and saw the girl getting pulled away by the shadowy person. Akira quickly dives off the board, plunged into the water, got out of the pool and rushed to the stands. When she got to the spot where the girl was sitting, she was already gone. All Akira found was a fancy, shiny red pen and her notebooks. Akira grabbed the stuff and looked out the entry door. "That news is right, there is a kidnapper going around here."

---

That afternoon Negi, Asuna, and Matthew were leaving the Mystery Club room. Matt posted on the door "Gone to Break Time. Be back soon." The gang left the building and exited out to the opening field. Matt scratched his head and made a thought, "We discovered who are we up against, but we still don't know where the kidnappers are, and why do they want the students."

"One thing's for sure," Chamo replied, "Your detective skills were impressive Mr. Oda."

"I thank for the compliment, Chamo."

Then a call to Negi's name was shouted. The gang looked up and saw Akira and Makie racing toward to Negi. Matt reacted quickly and hid behind Asuna's back. Akira and Makie were panting as they reached in front of Negi.

"I'm glad we found you professor Negi." wheezed Akira.

"What's the matter?" Negi replied.

"It's awful!" cried Makie, "Another student got kidnapped!"

Negi, Asuna, Matt, and Chamo were surprised.

"It's true," Akira continued, "I saw with my own eyes." She explained the whole scene to Negi. "All I have is her notebook and this pen. You have to do something."

Negi took the notebook and the pen and looked at it very carefully. Negi then raised his head to Makie and Akira. "Don't worry, I'll protect you no matter what. I am your homeroom teacher."

Akira and Makie smiled. They bowed to Negi and left with a thank you. But even though Negi said he will protect them, he wasn't so sure to his word. He is still worried of more students getting captured, especially something happens to his own students. As soon Akira and Makie left, Matt came out behind from Asuna and examined the items.

"So what've we got here?" Matt took the notebook from Negi and examined the pages. "All the pages in here are written swim logs and reports." He skimmed the notebook until he came across the last written page where the last word "time" had the e's line crossed all the way to the bottom of the page. "There's nothing in here that will help us on our case." He looked at the cover of the notebook and it has the named Aya Minao on it. Matt will remember that name and he handed the notebook back to Negi and took the pen of him. He analyzed the pen and came to a surprise.

"Whoa! I have seen this pen before."

"Really, where Matt?" Asuna questioned.

"While I was looking for the academy, I passed by a store that had this pen on the display case. This pen is priceless, costs 50,000 yen."

"Wow!" surprised Chamo, "That's expensive. Whoever owned this pen sure has a lot of money."

"You bet Chamo, It has a good texture and fancy…shine…" Just then, Matt suddenly froze and gasped. Everyone was wandering what's wrong with Matt. A few seconds later Matt's head struck something. "That's it! Chamo you're a genius!"

"Of course I AM! Wait. I am?"

"What is it Matt?" Negi questioned.

"Well before I can tell you, we must see the dean."

"Why the dean?" Asuna asked.

"I'll bet he has the information we need to know about our kidnapped victims. Come on, let's go."

Matt rushed to the dean's office; Negi and Asuna followed behind Matt.

---

At the dean's office, Konoe is examining paper work about the academy's security machines. He smoothed his bread and began to think. "I hope this gets settle soon, otherwise I'll have to call the force team." (Knock, Knock) The dean heard the door and let the person in. It was Matt along with Negi, Asuna, and Chamo. "Oh, if it isn't my club boy Matthew, and nice to see you Negi and Asuna."

"Dean! Have I got news for you." said Matt in excitement.

"What it is?" the dean asked, "Does it have to do with the missing students?"

"Yep it sure does, and I'm onto something. I have a theory of what kind of students were kidnapped. But to make sure my theory is correct, I need to ask you for a favor. Do you have a folder of all the students that were kidnapped?"

"Yes indeed, I keep my reports on students that failed, have injury problems, and especially their attendance. Why do need their reports?"

"It's not the reports, it's their identification information. If you let me see their information, then I am one step ahead of capturing the kidnappers. Call it a hunch."

The dean stared Matt who looked affirmative and knows what he's doing. Dean Konoe smiled, "Of course you can, I trust you because what you say is truthful." Matt was pleased.

"I'll call the teachers' lounge and asked them to print out the files of the missing students. Asuna would you do me a favor?"

"Yeah Dean, name it." Asuna replied.

"Can you go to the teachers' lounge, pick the papers and bring'em back here, since you are a fast runner."

"Sure dean, I'm on it." Asuna headed towards the front doors and exited out. As Asuna started to run down the hallway and made a sharp turn around the first corner. She then bumped into a girl. Asuna scratched her head and looked at the girl rubbing her head. "I'm sorry about that, are you okay?"

The girl looked up at Asuna. "Yeah I'm fine, if excuse me I gotta be somewhere." The girl got up and fled away.

Asuna watched her go and disappeared. Just as she was about to press on forward, there was something under her left foot. She picked it up and it looked like a document paper. She couldn't figure out what the text stated, but she had a thought. "I wonder if that girl drop this?" She put the paper in her pocket and raced towards the teachers' lounge.

---

At the teachers' lounge, all the professors were on break, sitting, talking, drinking and eating their snack. Takamichi was looking at his students' grades from his class. One student got a "78" on her test, and the second student got a "61." Then the door opened and in came Asuna. Takamichi saw her panting and sweating.

"Hey Asuna, what is it?" said professor Takahata.

"Oh professor Takahata, I'm here to pick the paperwork of the missing students."

"Hmm?"

"You know, the dean call you guys because it was 'important and urgent."

"Oh right! Of course! He called that our reliable detective is onto something." Takamichi called out another teacher and asked him to bring the files of the students. The other teacher got the folder and gave it to Takamichi. "Here you go Asuna."

"Thanks, I'll be leaving now." Asuna rushed out the door and headed to the dean's office. Takamichi watched her go and smiled. "That Asuna is growing up, I wonder if she made friends with that young man."

---

Negi, Matt, and the dean are waiting for Asuna's arrival. Matt looked around the office while he was patiently waiting. Then suddenly, the doors opened and came in Asuna huffing and puffing. Matt and Negi looked at her in a complete surprise. "Sheesh Asuna, did you ran all the way from the lounge to here?" Matt asked in exaggeration.

"Hey, get it done quick, from what I heard." said Asuna as she panting and sweating all over herself.

"Ah Asuna," said the dean, "Have you got what I've asked?"

"Yep, here it is." Asuna passed the folder to Matt. Negi looked leaned over to the folder.

"What is it?" asked Negi.

"In here Negi we'll find some very valuable information about our kidnapped victims." Matt explained. Just as he was about to open the folder, someone came in through front doors. Everyone turned and looked. It is Setsuna all worried and frightening.

"Miss Setsuna," Dean said, "What brings you here?"

"Hey Setsuna, What's the matter?" Negi asked.

"It's terrible! I can't believe it!"

"What? What happened?" Asuna asked.

"It's Miss Konoka! She's been…KIDNAPPED!"

"WHHHAAAAATTTT!?" Everyone yelled.

---

Chapter 8

Setsuna is on the couch crying and sobering about Konoka. "I can't believe I let my guard down, and Miss Konoka is gone." Setsuna cried and rubbed her eyes. Matt brought a tissue to her and patted on her head.

"Take it easy Setsuna," Matt responded as he tried to calm her down. "Now tell me what happened? Maybe your story can help us track down the thieves."

Setsuna wiped her eyes with the tissue, took a deep breath, and began to calm down. She looked up at Matt and the others and then spoke forwardly to them.

"Alright, here's what happened. My mistress and I…"

"Uhh, Setsuna," Asuna interrupted, "You don't have to call her 'Miss.'"

"Oh right, I keep forgetting. Anyway, it started when Konoka and I took a stroll along the forest path. We saw the lacrosse fields from a distance and just watch the girls play. Konoka got distracted and enjoyed watching the girls play their game. But then I sensed something wrong. A strange presence was nearby. I rushed to see who it was to protect Konoka's sake, but the moment I arrived, the presence was gone. I could've sworn I felt someone was watching us. Then it happened. I heard Konoka's scream, and turned around and saw her being carried away into the forest. I ran as fast as I can to catch up to the kidnapper. The woods were so thick that I couldn't see Konoka or the kidnapper. I lost sight of them and I panicked and cried. When I got out of the woods, I slowly started walking back to the academy feeling guilty and weak of losing Konoka. I blame myself for this. It is my entire fault that I lost Konoka. It's all MY fault!"

As Matt watched Setsuna cry, her tears reminded Matt of his late parents and he never saw them again. He then made a firm face and put his right hand on Setsuna's left shoulder.

"Don't worry Setsuna," he said, "I Matthew Oda will help you find Konoka and the missing students. And I will not stop until I capture those maniacal menaces and end this charade once and for all."

Setsuna was pleased by Matt, and her tears stopped running down to her cheeks. She stood up and bowed at Matthew. "Thank you Matthew-san. Oh thank you! Thank you!"

Negi, Asuna, and the dean all smiled at Matt, for a courageous young man would do something so honest and so responsible. After Matt patted Setsuna, he looked back at the folder and started to open up. Everyone, except Dean Konoe, got close and observed the files. Each page contists the student's personal information, address, and birth.

Asuna scratched her head in confusion. "Uh Matt, this doesn't help much. All it says on these pages are the students' interest, dislikes, and their addresses."

"Yes Matt," replied Negi, "How's this going to help us find the kidnapped students and Konoka."

"There's more to this evidence than meets the eye." Matt replied in a positive attitude, "Dean you don't mind if I keep these? They're important of learning our victims and how they are going to help us capture the criminals."

"Do whatever you need to Matthew." said the dean in firm attitude, "I am depending on you to get the job done, otherwise you'll be out of a job."

"Thanks dean," Matt smiled, and then he looked at Negi and the girls and asked a question. "Do you guys have a computer around here I can borrow?"

Asuna approached Matt, "Yeah, there's a ton in the computer room. We'll show you."

"Thanks Asuna. And since you know academy like the back of your hands, why don't you lead the way?" Asuna, Negi, and Setsuna guided Matt Oda out the office and to the computer room.

---

Outside at the front part of the Math building on the steps, Kazumi and Sayo were talking about the Matt on the case.

"Do really think that Matt Oda is really going to apprehend those kidnappers?" Sayo asked while she was hovering over Kazumi's head.

"I don't know, but he is one handsome guy. If I can get a scoop on him, it'll be my biggest break of all time." Then Kazumi sighed. "The only problem is he's afraid of girls. This phobia of his makes it hard to get my greatest story on this Matt Oda."

"Why are you so interested on this Matt so much?"

"Well for starters Sayo, it's his name that got me interested. I mean how come his name is English, yet he's a good looking guy?"

"Your right Kazumi, despite his last name is Japanese."

"Well…time will tell. I'm sure I'll meet him again, soon."

"How can you tell Kazumi?"

"Because I gave him the report on the whole academy and he owes me a favor next time we meet."

---

At the computer room, Matt uses one of the computers to search through vital information on the students. By a lot of research, he manages to find the perfect valuable information.

"So what do you got Matt?" said Chamo.

"Aha! I knew it! This proves my theory." Matt exclaimed.

"What is?" Asuna asked.

"Take a look at this student's biography." Everyone zoomed in on the screen. "It says here Aya Minao is the daughter of the CEO of Flashy Fashion Frolics, a company that sells top line clothes. Their business is so populated that the company made more than 10 million yen."

"Wow! That's a lot of moolah!" Chamo yelled. Matt opened another web page to show another student's biography.

"And this other girl is named Minako who has father who is a high class businessman of selling famous fiction books. He profited 252,000 yen on average he sells."

"Man, that's a lot!" surprised Asuna

"So what are you getting at?" Negi asked.

"The students that were kidnapped all came from families who are wealthy and rich. They have a lot of money." Negi, the girls, and Chamo were astonished. "The kidnappers that took these girls must want them for the money."

"Matt how did you figured this out?" Chamo asked.

"From what you said Chamo." Chamo was confused. "Remember the pen Akira found. Like I said, this pen is on store that was too expensive to buy. And like you said Chamo, someone had a lot of money to buy this pen. At first I couldn't understand why the kidnappers were stealing more than one girl, and why these specific girls, until I realized they have something in common, and this was it. All the students that were captured are girls that are rich and can buy expensive stuff like this pen."

Negi, Chamo, and the girls were amazed. "An excellent deductive reasoning Matt." Setsuna replied in astonishment.

"There is one problem I'm confused. Why would the kidnappers need money for?"

"For power Matt!" Chamo shouted, "It has to be, the more money the more power, am I right?"

"Probably, but that's too obvious. I mean why would students kidnap other students?"

"Could it be that they need money so they live in the life of luxury?" Setsuna wondered.

"Highly doubtful miss, why then go through all the kidnpping." Matt replied.

While the gang were discussing, Asuna kept thinking to herself about Konoka and the other students. She looked at her pocket and saw the piece of paper the girl dropped. She took it out and examined it again. Then Matt spotted Asuna with the paper in her hands.

"Hey Asuna," Matt said, "What've you got there?"

"This, I don't know. It's some sort of documented paper or something."

"May I take a look?" Asuna nodded and gave the paper to Matt. Matt read every line on the paper and with an incredible shock, he made a discovery. "Where did you get this Asuna?"

Asuna tries to remember the whole scene. "Well…I remember I was rushing to the teachers' lounge to pick up the files of the kidnapped students. When all of sudden when I made a sharp turn, I bumped into a girl. She said she was sorry, and she left in a hurry. Then when I stood back up, I saw this paper on the floor. I assumed the girl must have dropped it."

After hearing Asuna's testimony, Matt paused a moment and began to think. He quietly thought of something. He then snapped his fingers and opened his eyes. "That's it! Asuna, everyone, we are onto something."

"You got a lead?" Negi asked.

"Sure do! Take a look at this." Everyone got close to Matt and the paper. "It says here the girl that Asuna bumped into has a transfer processor that lets this student move from her previous school to the new one. And that new one is Mahora Academy. But she couldn't transfer out of her previous academy due to her budget cuts. But the main reason why this clue is valuable is because it contains something vital."

"And what's that Matt?" Asuna asked.

Matt pointed out on the paper. "Look right here." Everyone looked where Matt was pointing. Matt's finger points to the line stated Current Academic location: Azumi Middle School. By reading that line, it got Negi and Asuna's attention and realized something.

"Strange, why do I feel like I seen that name before?" Negi wondered.

Then Asuna snapped herself. "Wait! Didn't that other gal went to same school as this one here?"

"Right on the money Asuna." Matt shouted, "Remember the card we found the other night." Asuna, Negi, and Chamo nodded expect Setsuna who don't what's going on. "Setsuna you weren't there with us that night, but I'll explain something else that's useful about this card." Matt looked back at the computer and research under the name "Sakashi Watanbe." With careful studying, Matt found the perfect database on Sakashi. "Hear this everyone. According to this article, Sakashi Watanbe is an intelligent student back in Azumi Middle School. She passed with flying colors in most all of her general education classes; she even won a ribbon at a science fair. She wanted to transfer to Mahora Academy, but her offer was declined when she didn't have the money. After that, she disappeared and nobody seen her again."

After the gang read that one part on the article, they're wonder why would an intelligent student just suddenly disappear if she was successful in her current school. Then Setsuna came to a question. "Matt-san…could this girl and the other one that dropped this paper, be related to…"

"The kidnappers?" said Matt filling in Setsuna's question, "If what you're saying is true, then of course. It is therefore, I have a plan to catch these kidnappers and we will solve this case once and for all." Everyone started to listen in on Matt Oda's plan. "The first step we need to do is have the perfect bait. And what I mean bait, I mean the next victim who's going get kidnapped. When we find out who our next victim is, then we can move on the next part of our plan." Matt paused for a moment and thought of something. "Do you have anybody you know who's rich and wealthy?"

Negi and the others thought really hard, and then in a flash came to their answer. "Ayaka Yukihiro!" Everyone shouted.

"You know her?" Matt asked as if Negi and the others know Ayaka really well.

"Know her?" Asuna replied, "She's not only my obnoxious blonde classmate, and the class representative, but she is also the wealthiest student in our class."

"Then that's our bait Asuna. Would you ask her to do a simple favor for our plan?"

Chamo popped and onto Negi's shoulder and replied out, "Uh, can't you just tell Miss Ayaka to her directly Matt?"

"I would Chamo, but you know me well why I can't."

"Right, I almost forgot your phobia of girls." Negi responded.

"Don't worry Matt," Setsuna stepped in, "We'll do the talking to Ayaka."

"Yeah Matt," Asuna replied, "Just tell us what you want to say to Ayaka."

"Okay, now we know our bait, here's the plan…" Matt whispered and explained the whole situation. After Matt explained everything, they all left the room. Matt turns to Negi and the girls. "You know what to do." Matt explained.

"Hai!" everyone shouted. And they all headed different directions.

---

Chapter 9

Asuna and Negi looked all around the academy to find Ayaka Yukihiro. They looked everywhere, and they were afraid that she already headed back to the dorm. After arriving at the music building, they came across Ayaka playing her violin all by herself in a room. Negi and Asuna looked at each other.

"Okay Negi, you know what to do." said Asuna.

"Alright, but I'm not good at this." said Negi while he is shaking and worrying a little at the same time.

"Come on you little brat. Setsuna and Matt are depending on us on this job. Ayaka really likes you,…in a weird way."

"Yeah Negster, you can do it." said Chamo encouraging Negi.

"Mmmm…alright." Negi walked into the room and greeted Ayaka. "Hello uh… class representative."

Ayaka stopped playing her violin and saw Negi standing in right front of her. "Oh, professor Negi, well hi, what are you doing here?"

"Um well you see…" Negi looked back at Asuna without turning his head. Asuna rolled her hand forward, telling him to keep going. Negi blushed but he lift his head to see Ayaka's face. "Uhhh, well, um, I…I have a favor to ask you."

Ayaka's heart started to race and her face turned red. She calmly smiled, "Why Negi, of course I would take your favor; you're the most handsome boy I had ever met in my life."

From outside the room, Asuna started to grief. "Oh suck it up drama queen." thought Asuna.

"So what is it professor?" said Ayaka as her eyes started to sparkle.

"Uhh, well I want to talk to you later tonight about something important."

"Tonight, oh sure, anything for you Negi-sensei."

"Uh great, meet me outside of the girls' dormitory building doors at nine and I'll be there."

"You got it professor, I put this in my one and only Negi schedule handbook, design it myself."

Asuna collapsed to the floor. "She has a 'Negi' schedule handbook!? She's definitely a cradle robber."

"Alright professor Springfield, I'll be there like you asked." said Ayaka with great happiness.

"Thank you miss class representative." said Negi while he was bowing.

Negi and Ayaka waved their hands at each other. The moment Negi got out of the room and saw Asuna, he was breathing heavily and relieved that his task was over. "Whew, thank goodness that's over." said Negi feeling all relaxed.

"Hey you were great bro, you should keep doing like this every time." Chamo cried out.

Asuna grabbed Chamo's head and started to scrunch him. "Don't you get the wrong idea you little rat!"

Chamo squirmed back and forth begging for mercy. "Alright Asuna…I give up." Asuna let go of Chamo and his head was all squished up.

"C'mon you guys, let's meet Matt and Setsuna." Asuna said, Negi and Chamo agreed. They left the building and headed out to the streets.

Ayaka picks up her violin and started to play with more feeling and grace. Her faced was all red like she fell love. While she was playing her violin, she had a happy thought. "Wow, I wonder what are we going to talk about? Could it be our marriage?"

---

Matthew and Setsuna were waiting outside at the front gate of the academy. Setsuna looked at Matt with a firm look. "So will this work?"

"You bet Setsuna, once the plan is in motion, will find the kidnappers and the missing students, including Konoka, in a flash."

"I owe everything to you Matt-san." Matt Oda winked and gave thumbs-up back to Setsuna.

Just then, Asuna and Negi arrived, Matt and Setsuna got closer to them.

"So, did she get the permission?" Matt asked.

"Sure has Matt, hook, line, and sinker." said Asuna with a wink and thumbs-up.

"Great job, with Ayaka as bait, we're reading to move onto phase two of our plan. C'mon let's head back to the dorms and get prepared." Everyone started walking back waiting for the sky to get dark.

---

Later that night, outside the front of the girl's dormitory, Ayaka arrived exactly on time waiting for Negi's arrival. She looked at her watched and begins tapping her feet as she was beginning to lose her patience. "Where is he? I hope nothing bad happened to him." She spotted a bench just not far from her position. She walked to the bench and sat on it. Her impatience grown, getting her anxiety all worked up. She looked up to the sky and saw the half-moon glowing in the night atmosphere. "I hope Negi didn't get lost, otherwise I'll have to call my special Yukihiro force team."

Not far from Ayaka are Negi and the gang watching her closely from behind the trees, waiting for the kidnapper to appear.

"When the kidnapper comes, that's where you strike Setsuna." Matt explained.

"I'm on it." Setsuna replied.

They waited and waited until finally out from the bushes is the kidnapper getting close to Ayaka. She was still distracted thinking about Negi and looking at the moon.

"There it is! The kidnapper!" Asuna quietly shouted.

"Wait for the right moment Setsuna." said Matt.

"Right Matt." said Setsuna getting her katana ready to pull out.

The kidnapper got closer and closer to Ayaka. Its hands started to get closer to Ayaka's head.

"Ayaka! LOOK OUT!" cried Negi. She quickly snapped herself and the kidnapper jolted. Setsuna popped out of the trees and swings her sword on the kidnapper which she avoided the attack. Ayaka screamed so loud that it alerted the girls from the dormitory. The kidnapper quickly scurried away and Setsuna chased after it.

"Quick Asuna let's go!" Matt shouted. Matt and Asuna chased after the kidnapper leaving Negi checking on Ayaka.

"Class representative, all you alright?" Negi asked.

"Professor, I'm glad it's you. Wow, was that scary."

Negi turned around and saw few girls coming out of the dorm.

"Hey what happened?" said Haruna.

"We heard a scream, everyone alright?" said Fei Ku.

"Everything's fine," Negi exclaimed, "Take Ayaka back to the dorm, I got to do something." Negi grabbed his staff, hopped on, and flew towards the direction where Matt and the others are. The girls watched Negi fly away as if he was off doing something heroic for the girls.

"Everything all alright, Ayaka?" said Kaede.

"Yeah I'm fine," said Ayaka wiping her clothes, "I just hope Negi's going to be okay."

---

The chase is still on as Setsuna is getting closer to the kidnapper. Matt and Asuna were behind Setsuna following the kidnapper. "Stop! You're not going anywhere!" Setsuna shouted. Just as she was about to chant and swing her sword, the kidnapper pulled out a smoke bomb and triggered it. The smoke thickened and it blinded Setsuna along with Matt and Asuna.

"Dah! I can't see" Asuna cried.

"Crap! Where did you go you vile villain." said Setsuna.

Negi was flying high as he saw the smoke covering Matt and the others. He swooped down to rescue them.

"Hold on, I'll get rid of this smoke." Negi pulled out his staff and started to chant. "Rastel Maskil Magister. De flantem." The spell Negi chanted cleared the smoke away. Sadly to everyone the kidnapper got away.

"Dang it! And we were so close!" Chamo complained.

"Oh no, does this mean we have to start all over again?" Negi worried.

"Now we'll never rescue Konoka." said Setsuna sadly.

Matt lifted his finger and waved it back and forth. "Not to worry everyone! I knew something like this would happen, so I planned ahead." Everyone looked at Matt as if he has something to track down the kidnapper. Matt reached into his pocket and picked out a spool of very thin string. "This string will help us find our kidnappers and the missing students."

"Wait, how's that going to help us?" Asuna wondered.

"Just before the kidnapper triggered the smoke bomb, I used my handy slingshot and a needle with the string on it, to shoot at the kidnapper before it got away." Matt pointed the gang at something on the ground. "And it worked; this string will lead right to the kidnappers' hideout."

The gang sees the string leading all the way into the woods. "Matt you're amazing!" said Setsuna, "Great thinking."

"I thank for the compliment, now let's follow this string and see where it will leads."

The team followed the string that lead into the deep part of the woods. After walking through the woods for a while, they spotted a light far from their position. It wasn't too bright, but enough to see it.

"What's that light?" Negi asked.

"We'll find out when we get there." Matt responded.

As they got closer to the light, they discovered it was coming from inside an old shack out in an open field next to a small river. The string went through the door between the opening crack of the door and the frame.

"This is it. The kidnappers are in here." said Matt, "Now if we can find a way to see them inside."

Everyone searched around the shack. Asuna found a window that was close to her height. She called out to the others where the window is. The gang peaked inside the shack very carefully and cautiously. Inside were Konoka and the other students tied up in a corner, and a few kidnappers standing and holding knives towards the tied up girls. There at the other side of the room is a girl talking to her cell phone.

"Miss Konoka!" Setsuna quietly cried.

"Shh! Quiet!" Matt shushed her, "We don't want the kidnappers know we're here." Matt looked back inside and noticed the girl talking on her cell phone. "I know that girl."

"What, which one?" Asuna asked.

"See the one with the cell phone." Everyone looked at her and a thought came into their minds. She had brown hair that was tied into one bun on the back of her head, a little bit of freckles on her cheeks, and has a gold thin necklace on her neck. She wearing a teal color sweatshirt and a long black skirt with brown slip-on shoes.

"Why is it that I see her before?" Chamo questioned.

"That's because she's Sakashi Watanbe, remember?" Everyone looked at her again and Matt's right.

"You're right Matt!" surprised Asuna, "She must be one of the kidnappers, but who is she talking to on the phone."

Matt rubs his chin, "If only there is way I can hear her from this window."

Konoka looked all around the room worried and scared, hoping someone would come to her and the other students' rescue. She kept looking around the room until she spotted Negi, Setsuna, and the others outside the window. Konoka made a small grin and was relieved they are here to rescue her and the other students. Matt shush Konoka not to jolt that they were in present, then in a flash Matt got an idea. Using his hand gestures, he told Konoka to get one of the kidnappers to open the window, so they can hear what Sakashi is saying. Konoka nodded and looked back at one of the kidnappers.

"Say it's getting hot in here, is it okay you open the window for me." Konoka asked.

One of the kidnappers thought to herself while she scratched her head. "Well, it is getting hot in here. Alright I'll open the window. Hey Sakashi can I?" Sakashi turned to her and nodded. While the girl walks towards the window, Matt told the gang to get down. She opened the window and put a stand to hold the window's position. When the girl's back was turned, Negi and his team got up. Matt turned his head to the side and cupped his ear for better hearing. He can barely hear Sakashi talking to her cell phone.

"Listen mister, we got your girl. If don't give us what we need, then we might harm your daughter in an ugly way." Sakashi paused herself to hear the recipient on the other end of the phone. "NO! Give us the cash first then we'll hand you back your girl."

"I knew it!" said Matt, "She using the hostage students as ransom, and I bet I know why."

"You got til 24 hours to deal with me, or you can say goodbye to your daughter." Sakashi hung up her call and then sighed.

"Sakashi I don't think this is going to work." said one of the kidnappers.

"Yeah, we're getting nowhere fast." said another.

"Try to hold on more." said Sakashi trying to encourage them, "We all have the same issue, and we are not going back to Azumi Middle School. I don't want to go back there again, neither all of you too."

"I understand what you mean." said the first kidnapper, "We all passed our grades so well from that school, but it is still a total nightmare of that place."

"Yeah I don't want to go back there." said the second kidnapper. "I really like to stay here at Mahora Academy."

"Then you must understand that even though what we are doing is dangerous and risky, it is our only way to get inside Mahora Academy." Sakashi explained.

Back outside Negi and the team crouched down and started to talk.

"We need to help them, Konoka and the others." said Negi, "But how?"

"I'll just barge in there and use my chi power to weaken them." said Setsuna.

Matt waved his arms to stop Setsuna. "No! Don't! Do that and we'll put Konoka and others in grave danger."

"But Matt…" Asuna moaned.

"Don't worry, my brain never fails on me. I've got an idea."

Back inside Konoka keeps hearing the kidnappers talking and discussing about their problems. She made thought and said to them, "Um, girls? What do you mean you can't go back to Azumi Middle School?"

Sakashi got close to Konoka. "You wouldn't understand our problems. You don't know what it's like to be miserable and being treated like geeks." Sakashi got her cell phone out again and started to make a call. "Now tell me miss, what's your home phone number?" Konoka didn't say anything; she just sat there frozen and stared at Sakashi. "If you don't tell me, my buddies will make you cry really badly."

Konoka was so scared and started to slowly open her mouth. Just when she's about to say the first word, a huge gust of wind came into the house. The wind is so strong that it started to shake the objects inside the shack.

"Ah, what's with this wind?" Sakashi cried.

Then one of the kidnappers screamed when she saw a coat floating in midair. It was heading right towards her. She ducked, but the coat was still after her. Sakashi, the other kidnappers, and the hostage girls got really scared when all the objects: paper, pots, shoes, and the chairs started to float all around inside the shack. The kidnappers were screaming and shouting as they try to avoid the flying objects. Konoka remained calm when she knew it had to be a trick to fool the kidnappers. She looked at the window again and there she saw Matthew. He winked and gave a thumbs-up to Konoka. She smiled and winked back at Matt.

Matt looked back at Negi. "Alright Negi, it's time to get those kidnappers outta here."

"Right Matt." Negi responded. He and his staff glowed. "Spiritus virtutes, quae ego praecipio vobis. De laqueo puellae!"

After Negi's chant, all the objects in the shack started to dance all around kidnappers to frighten them. All the kidnappers screamed and shouted.

"LET'S GET OUTTA HERE!" Sakashi screamed. She opened the door and the kidnappers headed outside.

"Now Setsuna!" screamed Asuna hiding behind the shack.

The kidnappers raced out of the shack until they were suddenly stopped when Setsuna is right in front them. She glanced at the kidnapped as they were still scared from the haunted objects that frighten them. Setsuna pulled out talisman papers and swiftly throws them on the kidnappers' foreheads. The talismans glowed as the word "asleep" in Hanzi started to glow too. The kidnapped slowly collapsed to the ground and fell asleep.

"Excellent work team!" Matt shouted, "Now let's save the hostages."

Negi nodded and did another chant. "Conuertere." His spell has put all the objects in the shack back in its regular place. The hostages were all calmed down. Negi and his team rushed inside the shack.

"Girls, everyone okay?" Negi yelled.

"Oh, thank goodness!" said one of the captive girls, "Heaven has answered our plea."

"Yeah, about time." said another one, "We were all getting worried and scared."

"C'mon let's get these students untied." said Matt.

"Miss Konoka!" Setsuna cried.

"Set-chan." Konoka responded.

Setsuna went up to Konoka and quickly hugged her. Setsuna started to cry. "I'm so glad you're okay. I was so worried about you."

Konoka smiled and a tear went down to her cheek. "Setsuna, I told you not to call me 'miss.'"

Negi, Asuna, and Matt watched them and made a smile. After Matt untied the first student, he was a little bit scared because of his phobia, but he pulled her up on her feet. She looked at Matt and she grinned.

"Thank you so much, mister…"

"Oh, uh, the name's Matthew Oda, call me Matt for short."

"Thanks Matthew-san."

Matt glanced at her face and realized something. "Hey are you Aya?"

"Yes I am, why?"

Matt pulled out something from his pocket. "You dropped your pen." He gave to Aya, and she was pleased. Aya hugged Matt. Matt was a little bit scared of her, but he endured it.

---

Chapter 10

The next morning at the dean's office, Negi, Asuna, Setsuna, Konoka, Matt, Takamichi, and all the kidnappers were all gathered in front of Dean Konoe. The kidnappers' heads were down and felt miserable for they had done.

"So tell me, how did this all happen?" the dean asked.

"Allow me to explain Dean Konoe." said Matt with a firm attitude. "You see it all started when these genius girls from Azumi Middle School got together and planned the kidnapping from the start of the beginning of this school year. They waited for the right moment to capture the certain victims and used them as hostages. I realized after researching that the victims have all one thing in common."

"They were rich." Asuna explained.

"Right Asuna, and there is reason why. Sakashi and these other girls all wanted to transfer here at Mahora Academy. But no matter how hard they tried or begged, they couldn't fulfill one part of their goal."

"They didn't have enough tuition." said Konoka.

"Exactly! I realized who our victims were when we discovered the pen Aya dropped. The pen was so expensive and flashy, only a millionaire would buy it. And I revealed who our criminals are when I found Sakashi's I.D. student card and documented paper from one of these girls. These evidence proved that these kidnappers all came from the same middle school. They were students just like Mahora's students. The kidnappers use the hostages as ransom. They force the victims to call their parents and exchange the victims' freedom for a ton of dough. They wouldn't dare to harm or lay a scratch on the victims, the kidnappers acted brutally to the victims' parents just to make them think their child was in danger. And that's whole story."

The dean smoothed his long bread and hummed. "Very interesting. You've done well Mr. Oda."

"But there's still one question I can't figure out." Matt turned to Sakashi. "When we eavesdropped your conversation last night, you all said you didn't want to go back to Azumi Middle School no matter what. Why is that?"

Sakashi didn't want to answer and looked away.

"Please we need know to know why. If you don't tell us, how can we help you."

She looked back at Matt. She then saw something in his eyes that got her to talk. She paused for a moment, breathed, exhaled, and looked at the dean.

"Back at Azumi Middle School, the girls and I were the greatest students of all time. We passed all our general education classes with flying colors. We are progressing so well that we should probably transfer into a university. But there's one thing we hated and never intended to go back to Azumi Middle Schol. Despite that we were very intelligent, all the other students mocked us and tortured us. Because the other students aren't intelligent like us, they just assume we were education lovers, in a bad etiquette way. We were called 'Geeks,' 'Four-eyed Brainiacs,' and 'Techno-nerds.' We were tired of their insults, so we asked our parents, even if we begged, to transfer out that horrible place and move to Mahora Academy. I read that Mahora is a brilliant place and can have a perfect position for genius girls like us. But our parents did have enough tuition for Mahora, and our transfer offer was declined. So we got together as a team and ran away from Azumi Middle School. We made it here at Mahora Academy, and started the kidnapping threat."

After everyone heard Sakashi's story, they understand completely and they observed Sakashi and the kidnappers with a concern look.

"But please! Don't take us back there. We don't want to suffer like this." Sakashi started to cry. Then the other kidnappers cried after her. "Please, will do anything; just don't take us back there again. We don't want to live in that nightmare again. PLEASE!"

The dean watched them in sorrow and wasn't sure about their plea. He looked at Konoka with a worried look. Konoka looked back at his grandfather and then she smiled and nodded. The dean thought the same way too after he saw Konoka's nod.

"I read your profiles, and you are very bright and generous students. So therefore I let you slide and let you live here for the rest of your education years."

Sakashi and the other girls stopped crying. They looked up to the dean and smiled.

"However though, you did a violent act to my students, so you still must be punished. You will do clean-up duty throughout the whole academy, bathrooms, streets, and hallways until further notice. Is that fair to you?"

Sakashi and the girls looked at each other and smiled. Sakashi grabbed both of the dean's hand shaked. "Oh thank you! Thank you! We promise after our punishment, we'll never kidnap another rich student again. Am I right girls?" They all nodded.

"You're very welcome. I'll find some way to keep you girls here, in the meantime your cleaning days starts now. Takamichi."

"Right dean. Okay girls, right this way." Professor Takahata showed Sakashi and the girls the way. Before they headed out the doors, Sakashi told to stop and looked back at Negi, Asuna, Matt, Setsuna, and Konoka.

She grinned. "Thank you."

Negi and his pals smiled back. Sakashi, the girls, and professor Takahata left the room.

Matt put his hand on Negi's shoulder. "And with that everyone, the case is closed."

"Way to go Matt, you save the day." said Asuna complimenting Matt.

"Yeah Matt you were the best!" said Chamo who popped out of Negi's pocket.

"Your intelligence and smarts are so superior. I respect that Matthew-san." said Setsuna.

"Yes, I agree with everyone." said Negi.

"Me too, Matthew-san." said Konoka.

"Aahhh, you guys. Thanks." Matthew blushed. "But I couldn't solve this mystery without your help. So actually, we save the day."

The dean stood up from his chair and spoke to Matthew. "I'm very impressed that you successfully saved the students. I can see your mystery-solving skills are worthy enough to be in my academy. You made me very proud, Oda-san."

"Thanks dean, I really do appreciate your compliment. Although I still haven't gotten over my fear of girls yet, I will be ready to tackle any mystery and case that ever comes in my way."

The dean smiled and so did Negi and the others. Matt looked at his watch and realizes it's almost time for class to start.

"Oh, Class is about to start guys," said Matt, "You better hurry or else you'll be late."

"But what about you Matt?" Konoka asked.

"I'm going to be in the Mystery Club cleaning up and making more room for students that want to be in the club." He walked out the front doors, and waved back at Negi and the others. "Well you better get going, I'll see you later."

After they watched Matt leave the room, Negi, Asuna, Konoka, Setsuna, and Chamo, are worried about him. In their minds they think he's all alone in that quiet room.

---

Negi and his students returned to Class 1-A and entered inside the room. There they saw a bunch of students gathered around at a desk. Negi and the girls got closer to them.

"Hey what's going on everyone?" Asuna asked.

"Miss Bells," said Ayaka, "And Negi, you came at the right time."

"Why is that?" Konoka questioned.

"Take a look at this newspaper Kazumi wrote." said Ako as she passed the newspaper to Negi.

Negi, Asuna, Konoka, Setsuna, and Chamo looked at the newspaper and they were amazed. On the front page's headline stated, "Rich and Generous Girls Saved by a Young Gentleman." Negi and the others are thinking the "Young Gentleman" is Matthew Oda. Just then Kazumi entered the room along with the friendly ghost Sayo. Three girls went up to Kazumi and started asking questions.

"Hey Kazumi is it true that this 'gentleman' saved the kidnapped students?" Makie asked.

"Of course, I got the report from Aya who was one of the kidnapped victims and she told me about this young man who saved her life and the other girls."

"So then, who's this gentleman?" Haruna questioned.

Kazumi grabbed the newspaper and searched for the right page. She pointed out on the newspaper. "Read it right here."

Satomi volunteered to read the passage Kazumi pointed out. "Witness and victim Aya Minao was said she was rescued by a young man named Matthew Oda." said Satomi as she was reading the article.

"Who's Matthew Oda?" Yuna asked.

"Why he's a very handsome and kind man." Kazumi responed, "He was a very good-looking guy when I first met him."

"Do you have a picture of him?" Yue asked.

"Sadly no," Kazumi moaned, "When I took a picture of him, he said to delete it, because he's in this state that he's afraid of girls. Any kind of girl. If I showed you the picture, then you all might get excited about this Matt Oda and you won't leave him alone. He has to overcome this fear all by himself."

"Well that sucks." complained Misa, "But it'll be nice to meet this Matt Oda. It's weird how his first name is not Japanese."

"I know what you mean Misa." said Natsumi.

The girls talked and talked about Matt Oda while Negi, Asuna, Konoka, Setsuna, and Chamo were discussing something.

"He really made the news." said Konoka gleefully, "But I still feel sad for him being all alone in that club."

"Yeah we should probably do something for him." said Asuna, "We really owe Matt Oda for saving you Konoka, and those other girls."

"Yes, I understand, but what?" Negi worried. He paused for a moment and began to think. Then a moment later he had an idea. "I've got it."

"What it is Negi?" Konoka asked.

"Well…" just when Negi was about to answer, the school bell rang. It was time for lecturing. "I'll tell you guys right after class."

"Alright Negi." Asuna replied.

Everyone got back to their seating position and Negi started to write on the chalkboard.

---

Later that afternoon in the Mystery Club, Matt was drinking his water bottle and reading a newspaper article about his success solving and capturing the kidnappers.

"Well what do ya know? I made the news. And interesting, Kazumi wrote this report as well." Matt was very happy, but he started to frown a little when he took his eye off the newspaper and looked at the room with all empty chairs. "Too bad I don't have any club members yet. Oh well, time will tell. I'm sure someone will show up and join my club."

Knock Knock. Matt heard the sound and looked at the door. "Come in!" When the door opened, there was Negi, Asuna, Konoka, and Setsuna standing right in front of Matt. "Oh it's you guys. Is there something you need?"

Negi spoke first, "Um yes Matthew, you see…" He stopped for a moment and looked back at the girls. He then looked at Chamo who was on Negi's left shoulder. He turned his head to Matt and gave the word. "We…We want to join your club."

Matt twitched and opened his mouth. Negi and the girls took out a club registration form and showed it to Matt.

"Really? You like solving mysteries?" Matt asked.

"It's not only that Matt." Konoka replied, "It just we are so worried of you being all alone in this club. I mean you have no parents or other family members, so we want to keep you company."

"Yeah, plus we owe you so much for helping us getting Konoka back." said Setsuna, "She really is our great and important friend."

"So Matt, can we please join in?" Asuna asked.

"But what about Negi's teaching job?" Matt worried.

"The dean says it's okay." Negi replied, "As long I don't have any more lectures to teach, I can come here whenever I want."

Matt Oda smiled as he never felt this honorable feeling so much. He asked the gang to bring the forms to him. He wrote his name on each of the forms and told Negi and the others what to do next. "Alright, all you have to do now is write your name, contact phone number, the name of the club, and the building and room number." They all wrote it down and gave their forms back to Matt. He stacked the forms together neatly and put them in a folder. He then turned to the gang. "So you guys are officially in. Welcome to the Mystery Club." Negi, the girls, and Chamo all smiled.

"So what you like to talk about?" Matt asked.

"Well what do you have in here?" Asuna asked.

"We got lots cool and interesting brain-teasing puzzles. Here I'll show you." Matt grabbed a book from the shelf and flipped the pages to find a perfect puzzle for the gang. He laid the book on the table and showed them a puzzle. He explained to them how the puzzle works on that certain page.

After they talked about the first puzzle, they talked about how to solve tricky math problems, and talk about mysterious events happening from ancient history. They been doing these interesting activities all afternoon, and everyone was very happy.

To Be Continued.