Everyone's definition of "normal" was different. That was to be expected. From cultural differences between countries to lifestyle differences between individuals, it was hard to pinpoint what could be universally normal. Also, an unnatural occurrence could happen repeatedly in a person's life to the point that it could be called "normal" for them but it was definitely "abnormal" for the people around them.

Why talk about what is normal or not? Well, one could say my life was far from normal. As a person seeking the truths of this world, I experienced things that were not "normal."

Even my public life could not be called "normal." To start off, I have foreign blood in me, German to be specific and I grew up overseas in Germany. It wasn't until I was in high school that I decided to spend my time in Japan. Thankfully, I got my Asian father's black hair and looked Asian enough to blend in.

The reason as to why I was living in Japan was that my father wanted me to experience my Japanese heritage. However, I lived alone in a huge house. Aside from the housekeeping service that would occasionally clean my house and my father's close friend who would check up on me, I was given free reign on what I wanted to do with my life.

As long as I didn't do anything illegal and had reasonable grades in school, my family really didn't care about what I did. They didn't even check up on me unless I would call them first.

For others, it would be "abnormal" to have this kind of lifestyle but for me, it was completely "normal" since I was used to it. Not to mention that my research was going well without any disruptions since I live alone.

But that was enough about me, my life wasn't really that interesting since aside from the things that I said, I was a completely regular high school boy.

"Alright everyone! It's the day of the field trip~!" Aiko-sensei cheerfully announced.

"Wooo~!" the entire class enthusiastically cheered back as they raised their fists.

Or at least, I thought the entire class was enthusiastic. One person wasn't all that thrilled.

"Woo..." he said.

A boy with dark purple hair groaned. He was around my height and was carrying a book.

His name was Shinzou Haru, a classmate of mine. He was a loner since I never saw him hang around with his friends. I heard he was a good artist and I've seen him go in and out of the art room.

Now that I thought about it, there was a girl from the art club who disappeared. It wouldn't normally bother me but no one saw her vanishing. Her parents didn't even notice that she left her house and ran away. But anyways, it was a cold case. If I wanted to, I could find her myself but I'd rather not get too involved with the people around me. If I ever want to know the truths of the world, I have to learn when to involve myself in worldly affairs.

"Alright, the bus is going to be here in a few minutes, so everyone get everything that you need in preparation~!" Aiko-sensei told us and everyone began chatting with each other.

My eyes went towards Shinzou-kun and he left the room. Shinzo-senpai followed him.

Shinzo-senpai was a popular and friendly guy. Last year's Valentine's Day was amazing since his desk had a pile of chocolates from the girls. I wonder what his relationship with Shinzou-kun could be. Could they be family since they had the same last names?

Oh well, it didn't matter that much.

After a while, the buses arrived and we boarded it. We headed for the mountains after an hour or so of traveling.

"We're here, everyone~!" Aiko-sensei said as we got off the bus.

This place had a good atmosphere. The air was clean and fresh and nature was nearby.

"Aiko-sensei, where even are we?" I asked.

"The Chō shizen-teki Shrine~! Because of its name, it was said to be an ancient shrine that hosts supernatural creatures", she answered.

Interesting. Cho shizen meant "supernatural" in Japanese. If it was named this way, this shrine might be a gathering place of supernatural creatures. I have met a few of them before and most of them are harmless as long as you didn't offend them.

There was a commotion with the girls surrounding Shinzo-senpai and then I noticed something weird. It was faint but I could sense an odd energy lingering inside him. What could it be? Was someone spying on him? If he was popular enough to make someone do surveillance magic on him, I would be impressed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all! My name is Sakura Miko , and I will do my best to become the best travel guide you all have ever had!" a pink-haired girl said.

The males in my class cheered.

"Hey, doesn't she look cute?" one of them asked.

"Yeah she does! You think I have a chance if I asked her out?" another one responded.

"Hmm, she does look our age, so why not?! I'm rooting for your chance!" a third one said.

Sheesh... How come most guys my age were too focused on finding a girlfriend? Maybe that was "normal" in Japan...

"Please, follow me!" Sakura-san began walking up the stairs and everyone followed.

+Holoccurences+

"And this is where you will be able to see the displays here!" We entered the shrine's museum exhibit.

There were a lot of interesting objects here. Samurai armors, swords, ancient scrolls, and other artifacts were displayed. But one display caught my eye.

"And this... is the Phoenix's Feather. "From a beautiful phoenix, the feather had satisfied the life of the deceased, granting them the wish of resurrection!" Sakura-san said.

"...Is that true? I mean, resurrection? That's not even possible!" a male student said.

Oh it was possible. I could sense a powerful magic burning in it and I've read a few books about the Phoenix's Feather. There was even a man in the Association who used the feather to escape death. It was a one-time use that could revive a dead person. However, the rule was that the Feather must be on that person the moment they would die.

"It is what you want to believe, fellow student! Now then, let's continue forward, shall we?" Sakura-san smiled and raised her finger.

The tour continued and Sakura-san talked about the other displays. We went further into the building and I had a fun time processing all the new information.

I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice something was wrong in the room until I heard gunshots.

When I turned around, two students were bleeding on the floor. Wait... What?

"Alright everyone. If you cooperate nicely, you wouldn't end up as these dead bodies. On the floor, now!" a man in a ski mask shouted and fired another gun.

It hit another student and they dropped to the floor. I could sense that they were already dead. Damn it! How could I not notice them?!

"What do you want?" Aiko-sensei asked but the man hit her head.

She passed out immediately and Sakura-san tried to attack the man. However, she was overpowered and her head was injured.

"Watch it! I could kill everyone in this room if I want to", the man said.

Damn it! I could defeat all of them in an instant if I wanted to but I would be breaking a few rules. There are far too many witnesses and I doubt I could manipulate their memories well enough. Besides, the Inquisition would probably hold me under a trial for endangering our secret.

I gritted my teeth. Could I do anything in this situation? The best I could do was give out a "Suggestion" spell discreetly at this distance. However, it was probably not gonna work since the men here probably wouldn't take a "Go home suggestion" that easily. What are their goals?

We were sent to another room and one of the men was watching us. A few moments later, they returned.

They talked among themselves as I tried to brainstorm ways to get out of this situation.

"Okay, based on what I've been hearing from my comrades, the Phoenix's Feather is missing from its display. Now, unless any of you want to end up like some of your fellow classmates, then I hope to hear some clear answers from you all before I-"

"Leave them alone! They have nothing to do with its disappearance!" Sakura-san shouted at the man.

"Look, I'm not a fan of violence, girly, but if you think I'm going to trust your word, then you must be stupid", the man grabbed her hair and brought her to her knees.

Maybe I could start a fire... And using that confusion, I could snap out their wills and knock them out. No... That was too risky. I have to be close to them and people would wonder why they passed out the moment I went near.

"Now, one of you better give me some sort of lead as to where the feather might be... or..." He brought out a knife and held it next to Sakura-san's throat, "There might be another dead body caused by you alls' ignorance..."

"I... told you, they... don't have it. They have been with me the entire time!" Sakura-san tried to resist more but when the knife was brought near to her face, she became quiet.

"Yes, yes, I heard you the first time. Okay, how about this? I also heard that there was another student that's part of your group. Mind explaining to me as to why that is? Everyone has four seconds before her neck is sliced."

Did someone leave the group? I never noticed... I must be pretty stupid since I let the situation escalate to this level.

"Haru-kun?" Shinzo-senpai called out.

"Haru-kun, huh? Well? Tell me why he's not part of your group, kid." The leader directed his attention at Shinzo-senpai and spoke to him.

"He's... I don't know. He was always distancing himself away from us, so I wouldn't know why he's not a part of our group..." he replied.

"You're telling me that he was always like this, or did he start being like this on this trip?"

"...Yes."

I saw Shinzou-kun lurking nearby. It's great that he was safe. Maybe he could run away and contact the police. That could work...

"Okay, but I'm not satisfied. Tell me, where would he be right-"

"Let her go", Shinzou-kun stepped up. What are you doing, you idiot?!

"So, you're Haru-kun, huh? Where did you come from trying to order me around?" he asked and touched the knife to Sakura-san's throat.

Wait... He had the Phoenix's Feather. If I was right, then the men here wanted it. Shinzou-kun could give it to them and everything would be over... But I didn't like the thought of their mission becoming successful over the death of my classmates.

"Step away from her", Shinzou-kun ordered him once more.

"Listen kid, I know you're trying to be a hero and I respect you for that, but you do realize that I don't have to listen to you, right?" the leader said but Shinzou-kun raised the feather above him.

"Let her go... or I'll eat this", he threatened.

"...That's going to be a bad move, kid. If you eat it, then I'm going to have to kill you and take it out myself. Now, why don't-"

"Let her go, or I'll eat the damn feather!"

They glared at each other. An idea formed in my mind. It was an unethical plan but if I wanted to get back at the criminals, then I had no other choice but to do it. No one else would be permanently dead if it went well.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing!?" the other guy who left the room earlier returned.

It was now or never. I gathered my mana and passed a Suggestion Magic to one of the men as Shinzou-kun lowered the feather to his mouth.

"Stop! Do you have any idea what you're going to do!?" the leader shouted.

"...I don't know what a feather tastes like, but I guess I'm going to find out now, huh?" he swallowed the feather.

Shinzo-senpai jumped in front of him and a gunshot was heard! Ah crap!

Blood was dripping down his chest. Whew, good thing only Shinzou-kun was shot. It was all part of my plan.

"Damn it, what did I just tell you earlier!? My order and my order only! I didn't want him dead, I wanted him alive!" The leader let go of Sakura-san and ran towards him.

"But you said-"

"It didn't matter what you think I said! You have to act on my order!"

He smacked his underling. Serves them right.

"Now the Phoenix's Feather is useless! We gotta scram!"

They ran away and left us on the scene.

I ran towards the dead Shinzou Haru. He was definitely dead. I couldn't sense his life force anymore... But the Phoenix's Feather should bring him back any minute now...

I waited for a few more seconds but he wasn't coming back... Wait wait wait... What was wrong?! Don't tell me that the Phoenix Feather wouldn't work when it was swallowed?!

If that was the case, I made someone murder him?!