“However, I didn’t expect us to go so fast for the video game club. Considering how much time you spend there at home, I would have imagined we’d stay there for at least a good hour.”

“Look Aya, I came in, I was offered duels on games and I accepted. As for the rest, let’s just say that the overall level was not up to my skills.”

“That’s one of your hidden talents Rina-chan, every time we go to the arcade you always end up breaking the records of every game.”

“Really?”

“You never noticed it before?”

“Not really, once the goal is accomplished, usually I go straight to the next thing.”

“The arcade staff always comes up behind you to reset the scores.”

“WHAT?! What’s the point?”

“Maybe they don’t want to see their customers dejected at the thought they’ll never be able to beat the max scores you leave behind.”

“…”

I think our dear Rina could easily capitalize on this hidden talent, her career would be all set.

“I’ll have to check what you tell me later. I usually don’t mind comparing my score to others but if there is indeed intentional concealment, that’s another story.”

“The next time we go to an arcade, we’ll pretend to leave and spy on the staff.”

“You are very deceitful dear Aya, I like that. Will you come with us, Sophie?”

“I don’t know about that… It’s… shady how do you do it right?”

“It’s just discreet information taking.”

*wink*

“I’m not convinced, how about we continue our tour instead? I’m sure there are still plenty of clubs to explore before the day is over.”

“Okay, we’ll talk about this later, won’t we Aya.”

“Yep.”

With these fine words, it might indeed be time to get back on track.

“Next stop Rina?”

“Um, let me take a look… This is the manga and anime club.”

“I think I saw it on the floor plan, it’s the room down the hall to the left.”

“Okay let’s go then.”

Further on is the club room, impossible to miss with such an explicit front.

“What did it say…The Den of a Thousand and One Works?”

“The designs in the front are great, I don’t know if there are any drawing workshops in the club but in any case, it’s a real achievement.”

“What are you expecting from this club Rina?”

“Um… I don’t know, it’s true that I usually read manga and watch anime in my corner but I’ve never really had the opportunity to participate in any groupings or events on the theme.”

“Really? Not even a convention?”

“No, never. I’m kind of a loner at this point. But I’d like to go one day, it’s just that going alone is a bit…”

“Yeah I understand, it was the same for me the first time I went to a surf tournament alone. I didn’t know anyone, it was hard.”

“And what about you Sophie, has this ever happened to you as a situation?”

“Um, I can’t remember that. I always have Shuu-chan, Lynn, and Finn with me so I’m never really alone.”

“Yeah, you’re not wrong, hell of an advantage you have there. By the way, are they currently following us?”

“Shuu-chan is still on my shoulder, however, the other two I haven’t seen them in a while.”

“They’re still in the building, don’t worry Sophie. Finn must have gotten himself into a lot of trouble again and Lynn had to follow him to keep an eye on him.”

“Shuu-chan tells me that they are nearby but have gone for a walk.”

Rina rubs her chin.

“Even magical beings have their own daily occupations, don’t they?”

“They’re full of energy so they spend it however they can, haha.”

Aya steps forward and begins to open the door to the clubroom.

“Let’s enjoy our day properly and get in without delay.”

*Sliding door noise*

A wide range of colors and elements of all kinds are revealed, especially many people in all directions.

The manga and anime club doesn’t seem to be pitied as it seems to generate a lot of interest.

“It’s crowded…”

“If I expected that.”

“It feels like a convention at this point.”

“I thought you never went there?”

“No, but I’ve seen reports and shows on TV before.”

“It’s going to be tiresome to do anything if we can’t even get in. What do we do Rina-chan?”

“Um, there are quite a few interesting things, workshops, and exhibits. But I’m not comfortable with a crowd like that…”

The girls in total hesitation in front of the door, a small hand comes to tap Rina’s shoulder.

“Excuse me?”

“Hiii !!”

“Ah, excuse me, did I scare you?”

A sickly-looking young boy, trembling and on the verge of tears, appears before Rina, Aya, and Sophie.

Aya leans toward her friends quietly.

“Is this a middle school student?”

“I dunno.”

“No look, he’s wearing the high school section uniform.”

“I…”

“I?” x3

“I’m sorry! I left my post at the front desk of the manga club to go out for a drink and I wasn’t able to properly welcome you to our club!”

“Ah… Uh, no problem I guess. We’ve only just opened the door actually, but the room is packed and impossible to get into.”

“Yes… I apologize for the inconvenience. We have arranged some special vents for the early afternoon, but we did not anticipate the popularity of these well. So as you can see, we find ourselves in this rather awkward situation.”

“If I understand correctly, this situation is temporary?”

“Yes, within the next two hours, things should be calmer for our club again.”

“We’ve got our solution then.”