Gathering Intel

"So you're the new contestants, huh? Not a very promising bunch if I say so myself."

This girl.. This red headed chick who's only slightly, okay somewhat noticeably shorter than I am but not to the point of being diminutive, a dwarf will you, is speaking down on me and my beloved. I don't like it.

"Well I hope you ruckuses don't get your hopes up too fast, but here at the Advanced Sciences Society, we only accept the best of the best."

"Ah, so the rumors I've heard were true after all. Yes, you desire keen minds of intellect, no?"

"Indeed you have heard correctly."

"As I thought. Your Society has boasted several scientific progressions. Why, if it weren't for the involvement of the Advanced Sciences Society, we would still be snailing away in the medical department."

"Hm. You speak as if you know about us."

"How can I not? I have a friend who works in the medical field."

"They wouldn't happen to work for the HHQ Associations, would they?"

Yona just nods his head.

"Heh, you're just like all the rest. Such simpleminded youths. No matter, we'll see if you're cut out for the task."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Fufufu, did you think of us as a mere study group?"

"No, I-"

"We're more than just a mere study group. If you want to be a part of our Society, you'll have to pour your heart and soul into it! Not that a soul or anything of the sort exists mind you, haha."

"Oh, you got me. That was a good one."

"That wasn't a joke."

"Hm?"

A girl who appears to be around my age goes up and whispers to the red headed chick.

"My apologies. It seems my subordinate failed to inform you of our screening process."

"Oh, please don't be too harsh on her. I was merely overexcited and the thought must've slipped my mind."

"Nonsense. Such slipups are no trivial matter. Rest assured she will be reprimanded."

This girl.. How does she possess so much power? What's with her? Despite being shorter than me, I feel as if she's a force to be reckoned with! Maybe it's my paranoia speaking but I have a feeling she's not to be trifled with.

"So, what would you have us do, Madame Vice Director?"

"There's no need for formalities yet. You two aren't yet initiated, though you may continue calling me that if you wish."

This red headed chick is apparently the Vice Director of the Society. I think she likes him. Ugh, this is getting frustrating, come to think of it, why? Why haven't I met a single male face here yet?

"Excuse me, Madame Vice Director?"

"Hm? Oh you. What is it?"

"Does your Society house any males?"

"Why certainly. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious. I haven't noticed any of them so far."

"Ah, that's because they are dedicated to a special department."

"A special department."

"One that is reserved for members only."

"And I take it if I were to complete your tasks, I would be instantly transferred to this department, yes?"

"That is correct, Yona. My, the two of you are asking so many questions! I'm so proud of you. It's been a while since we've had someone so interested in the finer workings of our Society."

"Haha, no doubt they must've wanted to start off with a positive rapport with yours truly, am I right?"

"Yes, and with that go lucky attitude of yours, I'm sure you will overcome. Now follow me."

Hm. Judging by how she reacted to our questioning, she doesn't seem so fazed. My guess is that she's encountered this situation so many times over.

"You're friends with him?"

"Him? Oh yeah. I like him a lot."

"How lucky. You've got yourself a keeper."

Heheh, a keeper. Why? Why does it seem that there are hardly any males here? And what's with all these girls? Are they planning on stealing him away from me? Now I'm glad I decided to join my beloved on his quest, though I doubt he would be tempted by them. Still, it irks me! He's supposed to be mine! Our future is meant to be together, I love him!

"You've got yourself a lady's man."

Yeah, no kidding.

Log 1329

"Here we are at the foothills of Mount Ura. In order to prove your mettle with us, you will have to transverse this treacherous path."

"I take it you want want us to do more than just some cursory sightseeing, am I right? We're not just on a hike of some sort are we?"

"Within Mount Ura, we have hidden a treasure chest containing the qualification token for acceptance into our Society. Whoever can find it first and return to the warehouse in time will be given my full utmost permission to join the Society. Do not worry about missing any classes, we have already notified your teachers ahead of time. Now, are there any questions before we start?"

"Yes, when you say there's a treasure chest, does that mean-"

"No, should the two of you find it together, only one of you may be qualified to enter."

"Hm, so we're competing against each other. Well may the best of us overcome the odds, eh Aoi?"

"Right. I'll show you I have what it takes to be an upstanding Society member."

"And go!"

With that the red headed chick fired a gun. A gun? How does she have a gun? Isn't she too young to have one? I mean, sure I have a gun myself, but I have special permission to wield mine, so how could- you know what? Nevermind. Going against senpai is going to be difficult. I don't know why I'm bothering to take this competition against him seriously, but I just cannot lose even to senpai. Yona is cunning one, I'll give him that. With his superior tracking skills I'm sure, no, I know he'll find that treasure chest in no time. That is why I have to prove myself to him. I have to show him I'm reliable and not just some lovestruck fan.

Log 1344

Goddamnit! How is the wildlife here so strong? Already I've used up all my bullets- no. I no longer have my gun! I can't believe that wolf took it from me! It was so unreal. It was like something out of a movie. Heh, I guess it goes to show that you should never underestimate mother nature. Now, where is that treasure chest?

Log 1441

Still no sign of Yona or the treasure chest. Geez, why would the Society be so interested in gauging our tracking skills. Come to think it- no, nevermind. Huawh, if this continues any further I might as well pass out from exhaustion.

Log 1520

Ah, there he is. Waiting by those trees.

"Hmph, no doubt you've already secured the token, I take it?"

"Yes."

"I expected as much. And now if you don't mind senpai, I will be personally retrieving that token from your hands."

"By all means, be my guest."

What the? Why that was actually quite easy. But still, why was he waiting for me here? At any point he could've returned back. Knowing his skills, he could definitely do this. Hold on.. Was it because of me? I mean, sure, he did see me get flustered so perhaps- augh! I must be overthinking it.

Log 1632

Huh? What's this here? When did this letter appear in my pocket? Let's see what it says,

'Careful. They have cameras watching our every movement. From the looks of things, these cameras are also fitted not only with motion detection but also heat sensing, infrared vision, and sonar reading. Whatever you do, be careful of what you say or do. Try to keep your cool'

Yeah, that's going to be quite the tall order with me. I just hope we can pull this one off.

Log 1644