W-What?" I asked, shocked.

"A rekishiya---are you?"

How the hell did he get to that conclusion? It's spot on, nevertheless, but how? I thought I did a good job at not revealing much about myself.

"I'm almost sure you are one. I actually approached you just to clarify that. Now, is it true?"

Need to think fast. Can’t sway here.

"Before I answer, could you tell me what made you arrive at that conclusion?" I asked.

"During the battle, my hand briefly made contact with your skin. Thanks to my ability, I was able to get a brief idea about you."

"What ability is that, if I may ask?"

"Analysis. An ability where you can analyse anything with a mere touch. I can even use my hands to analyse the air for signs of weather changes. And, it is always accurate. Extremely useful for studying your opponent, and the environment. During our battle, my hand slightly made contact with your skin, probably around the neck area, and I felt your power---it was immense. There's no way a yurei could have this much. I thought I might've been imagining things. Hence, I bombarded you with questions about your admission, to make you spill the beans."

He has one incredible ability. He's figured it out, anyway. No point in hiding.

"I'll admit, I am one. But the things I said earlier weren't lies, either."

He started smiling. Not in the pleasant way---more like how a delinquent smiles just before a fight.

"Damn, a rekishiya in the flesh! No wonder the founder himself brought you here. About time something good happened at this boring crap-hole. So tell me, what's your ability? Is it super dangerous? Are you not allowed to talk about it?"

Technically, I wasn't supposed to reveal my status as a rekishiya, since it would cause an uproar. But right now, it's just one guy. No harm in that.

"Fine, I'll tell you. But don't say a word about it to anyone---the founder himself said so."

"You got it."

I told him about my ability, about how I could look into other people's or objects' pasts. He looked shocked.

"That is interesting---probably the most unusual type I've ever heard of, even among rekishiya. But, that's one hell of an amazing ability. It's way better than I expected." He said.

Normal reaction---that's good. I was expecting something more dramatic, but this works better.

"So, you've never met a rekishiya before?" I asked.

"I have, but not somebody this young. No wonder Henry asked you to keep quiet about your identity---you'd cause a whole lot of ruckus."

"Are rekishiya really that rare?"

"Oh yes. Very few are born in every century."

That is rare. It’s almost as if we’re some legendary flowers that bloom every century, or so.

"Okay, since you answered my questions, I'll answer yours. Ask away."

This should be a good opportunity to know about him. He seems to be a bit more friendly, now that I am talking to him.

"How come you're so strong?" I asked.

"My dad trained me. He taught me all the necessary things to survive at this academy."

"I'm guessing he's an alumnus."

"Yeah. Class of '89." He replied.

Yosuke was also trained by his family, but he isn't as strong either. Utsumi must have gone through some hellish training to achieve such strength.

"So, since we are conversing, how about you tell me the club you're going to be joining?" He asked.

"Club? There are clubs here too?"

"Of course. But, they're different from the ones the normal schools have---here, clubs need to contribute to this academy in some sort of way. That is the condition."

"Seems intriguing enough. What kind of contribution, exactly?"

"Anything---from developing new methods of fighting, to discovering new information regarding our origins. It can be anything. But here's the catch---there are very few clubs, and there are limited slots for each of them."

"So, it's not mandatory to join one?"

"Nope. Students only join to gain extra credit, and reputation. Those who don't join usually have to undergo extra classes during semester breaks."

If the abnormal stuff were to be removed, then this'd be a regular school.

"They didn't allow us to join during the previous semester, but this time, it is so. What do you think?" He asked.

"I don't know... I'll have to check my PDA... I have no clue at all, but I can see that you're trying to tell me about something."

"You're not too shabby, Yoshida. I'll get straight to the point---I plan on creating a club, and I'd like you to join." He said.

"Me? What good would I do?"

"You're perfect for it---the club I have in mind needs a guy like you, and so, I'm asking you."

"What if I say no?"

"I'd respect that, but that'd be you just wasting your power."

"I'm listening."

He handed over a paper---a letter, and it read:

"I'd like to revive the TREC: The Research and Exploitation Club. I request you to grant me permission to do so. I, whatsoever, have no ill intentions regarding this decision. Please do consider.

-Utsumi Takashi."

"TREC? What's that?" I asked.

"It was a club which was founded by my dad back when he was a freshman. The club room has been unused for the past 30 years... My dad's notes must still be there."

Son following his dad's footsteps? That's a pleasant sight, if I must say so.

"So, what kind of research club is it?" I asked.

"Unlike any other."