Chapter Twenty-Three: The Society for the Study of Mysterious Creatures!

"So the club we are forming is actually a neighborhood committee?" Usas’s three eyes widened simultaneously.

"Is it really that boring?" Her enthusiasm had instantly waned by half.

"It’s not like we’re actually becoming a neighborhood committee. After all, earning academic credits is just a secondary perk; the important thing is that we gain access to these four residential zones. Aren't you curious about the animals and druids in the Canyon Home?" Camille asked, looking at the dejected Usas with excitement.

"And the ghosts in the Haunted House," Xia Xiu added with a smile.

"Oh, right! I almost forgot this is Three-Portland! Many magical races that are rarely seen outside have settled here!" Hearing Xia Xiu and Camille put it that way, Usas finally realized what made Three-Portland so interesting.

"So, have we decided on a club name? And the club's purpose?" Usas followed up.

"That’s what we need to decide now. First point: the club must have the right to enter and exit any of the four residential zones," Xia Xiu stated.

"Secondly, the club needs to be engaging. Since we’re going to be here for an academic year, we can’t prioritize functionality over interest—this isn't a for-profit organization," Camille added.

The two fell into deep thought. Beside them, Usas closed two of her eyes and pretended to ponder, though her third eye remained open. It was unfocused, revealing that she was completely zoning out.

"How about a Recreation Club? Focused on having fun," Usas suggested after a while.

"Denied," Camille and Xia Xiu replied in unison.

"Why?" Usas asked, unwilling to let it go.

"It sounds lovely, but the four residential zones are not places for mere sightseeing," Xia Xiu reminded her tactfully.

"Take this seriously," Camille said, firmly ruffling Usas’s hair.

"Xiu, do you have any good suggestions?" Camille asked.

"Hmm, what do you think about a News Club?" Xia Xiu proposed.

Camille shook her head and replied, "Deer Academy already has a large club for that, the News Department. If we apply, it will easily overlap, and credit resources will likely lean toward them, which isn't favorable for us."

"Then what do you propose?" Xia Xiu asked.

"Xiu, have you ever heard of 'Empathy'?" Camille asked, ignoring his question.

"I have. Empathy is a special thaumaturgical art that connects different senses. In layman's terms, it allows one to perceive the senses of others. It’s often compared to 'mind reading,' but the differences are quite distinct. Mind reading is far more covert; when used on highly intelligent beings, it’s easy to discern their intentions, though it’s useless against low-intelligence creatures. Empathy is different—it’s a rarer thaumaturgical ability, and its advanced templates include rare modules like [Druid's Heart] and [Transparent World]," Xia Xiu said with a smile, looking at the slightly stunned Camille.

So Empathy was that powerful.

"So, your club proposal has something to do with Empathy, doesn't it?" Xia Xiu asked.

"Ah, *ahem*. It is indeed somewhat related," Camille coughed, pretending to recover her composure. "Let me tell you something, and don’t be surprised." She straightened her posture and looked at Xia Xiu and Usas seriously.

"What? What is it?" Usas, seeing Camille’s serious expression, couldn't help but ask curiously.

"I actually possess the [Empathy] trait—an innate one," Camille said in a low voice.

"Doesn't that mean you’re reading my mind every single second?" Usas clutched her chest, looking 'terrified' at Camille.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Using mind-probing skills on a thaumaturge is a huge taboo!" Camille retorted angrily.

"The club you want to build is related to Empathy... let me think..." Xia Xiu stroked his chin, pondering. "Camille, isn't one of your majors in the Occult Studies cluster Cryptozoology?" Xia Xiu guessed quickly; he realized that besides reading minds, Empathy could be used for animal perception.

"Yes, my two majors are Cryptozoology and Parapsychology," Camille said, beaming with joy as she realized Xia Xiu had guessed her intent.

"What are you two talking about? Riddlers, get out of Three-Portland and Deer Academy!" the slow-witted three-eyed girl, Usas, couldn't catch their wavelength at all.

"No, it’s the deer who can't speak in riddles that should be driven out. Three-Portland and Deer Academy are where the most riddlers in this land gather, Ms. Usas," Xia Xiu said with a sly, dark-bellied smile.

"Ah, Camille, he's bullying me!" Usas complained, hugging Camille.

"Alright, that's enough," Camille said, pushing away the woman who was taking advantage of her embrace.

"So, what kind of club are you actually forming?" Usas asked, truly curious this time.

"I intend to establish a club dedicated to the protection and study of magical creatures—the Cryptozoology Research Club!" Camille said, pressing her glasses with a solemn expression.

"I second that," Xia Xiu raised his hand in agreement.

"Then it’s decided," Camille finalized the name and purpose on the spot.

"I haven't even voted yet..." Usas muttered under her breath, though she would have agreed anyway.

The three of them—mostly Xia Xiu and Camille—began a serious discussion about the club.

"The application must be submitted to the Student Council for approval. I’ll handle the documentation, but the main issue now is personnel. We’re still two people short," Camille said.

"We can post a recruitment notice on the Deer Academy campus forum," Xia Xiu said, opening the academy’s genealogy panel via Jarvis and pulling up the social section.

"Though I already know how amazing the genealogy system is, I’m still stunned by its functions every time I use it. Also, Xiu, you’re really skilled at using it!" This was the umpteenth time Camille had marveled at the system.

"You'll get used to it after using it for a while."

"Fine. I’ll try posting on the forum, and I’ll notify you once we have enough people."

"Understood."

After finalizing the club details, they chatted briefly before preparing to leave. Before they parted, Camille asked one last question.

"Xiu, what’s your major in the Mundane Studies cluster?"

"Hmm, Classics."

"Classics, huh..."

"What’s wrong?"

"What a coincidence. I chose Classics too."