"Heh heh heh... It's been a long time since I've played such an exciting game. It's really great, bringing a group of students here for a test of courage."
Shizuka Hiratsuka said with a smile as she drove.
Yukinoshita Yukino, sitting in the passenger seat, frowned and asked, "Teacher, as I thought, you just want to play. Please keep your mission as an advisor in mind, okay?"
"I'm also considering that student, but this kind of activity is a way to have the best of both worlds... By the way, Mr. Chen Yao, you said that for safety's sake, you'd invite your friends to help out. Are they reliable? Are they good kids?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka said as she then asked Chen Yao in the back row.
"They're all acquaintances for now. Takumi just messaged me on Line; it seems they're almost here."
Chen Yao looked down at Line and replied.
After all, this was a test of courage. With only the six of them, the numbers were a bit low. To heighten the atmosphere of exploration and for safety reasons, he had asked Itsuki and Takumi to come along and play the role of the scary side.
Not only that, but to enhance the haunted house atmosphere, Teacher Shizuka Hiratsuka had specifically requested him to ask Classmate Kagaribi no Kiriue to help out by playing the Little girl of the abandoned school. Kagaribi no Kiriue had reluctantly agreed, so the number of people in the scare squad for the test of courage at the school should be sufficient.
"Master's friends? Master actually has friends..."
Hearing this, Goto Hitori was a bit surprised. She originally thought that with a maverick personality like Master's, he would be the type to have no friends, to the point that she was curious about what kind of people Master's friends were.
Upon arriving at the destination, everyone got out of the car and reached the abandoned school. Goto Hitori saw that the school seemed very large, somewhat like the filming locations for things like "Cursed Psychic Images."
"Hey, hey, hey, Teacher, this place doesn't look like a joke... I refuse to participate."
The moment Hachiman Hikigaya saw such a terrifying and gloomy scene, he started to have second thoughts. He didn't want to die young here, so he made a serious gesture of refusal.
"Idiot, there are no ghosts in this world. This is just a club activity. After all, this is the elementary school I attended; I've been here many times. What are you afraid of? Participation is mandatory for everyone!"
Shizuka Hiratsuka punched Hachiman Hikigaya on the head and shouted loudly.
But Shizuka Hiratsuka's words unexpectedly reminded Chen Yao. He was slightly stunned; it might be more accurate to say that unexplainable things really could exist in this world. After all, their school had a Vampire transfer student... Uh, is this summer's test of courage really going to be okay? "By the way, I secretly asked you to have Mr. Chen Yao invite Classmate Kagami to help with the scaring. After all, the rumors about the hospital here involve a Little girl's ghost, and she's the only one who fits that description and is willing to help the Service Club. So, is she coming?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka secretly asked Yukinoshita Yukino beside her. At the very least, she had done a lot of homework to set the right atmosphere.
"Sigh... I had Mr. Chen Yao ask, and Classmate Kagami agreed, but she said she would come in her own car. I'm not sure when she'll arrive..."
Yukinoshita Yukino looked around in confusion, finding that Kagaribi no Kiriue didn't seem to have arrived yet.
It had to be said that the atmosphere was indeed a bit creepy. Goto Hitori also felt a bit scared, always feeling as if there was something inside. However, being able to participate in this kind of summer cooling game that students often play with everyone else, she actually felt a bit of anticipation in her heart.
[Vroom, vroom, vroom!]
While everyone was still waiting for the others, the sound of sports car engines came from the distance. A line of cars parked on the other side. Not only was there an 86 with "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" written on it, but also an FC, an FD, a black GTR, and an EVO. A total of six young men got out.
Everyone was confused by the scene.
"...What's going on?"
Chen Yao narrowed his eyes at the formation. He remembered only calling the familiar Takumi and Itsuki over; why did it feel like a whole fleet had arrived? "Oh my, it's the Takahashi brothers who requested the Service Club before. Why are you here?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka asked in surprise when she saw the two brothers who were former clients of the Service Club.
Takahashi Ryosuke smiled and said, "Sorry, I heard from Takumi that the black rain pirates and the Service Club received a new request. Last time we caused a lot of trouble for everyone, so to make up for our mistake, we took the liberty of coming to help out. We won't be bothering you, will we?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka immediately smiled and said, "Not at all. The more people, the more fun it'll be. You've come at just the right time."
"By the way, let me introduce them. This is Fujiwara Takumi and Takeuchi Itsuki, Chen Yao's friends. These are Nakatomi Tsuyoshi and Sudo Kyoichi, team captains who want to race against the black rain pirates and the 86. Since Takumi said he would only race them after helping his friend, they came along to help maintain order. We can handle the safety work."
Takahashi Ryosuke introduced two unfamiliar adult men. The two of them sized up Chen Yao and Hachiman Hikigaya, seemingly suspecting that one of them was the pirate in the black rain. However, they both had high professional standards; even if they found the person, they wouldn't reveal it to the outside world.
Suddenly, the area in front of the abandoned school became much livelier. Everyone started busily setting up the test of courage. This left Goto Hitori a bit stunned. She secretly observed Master Chen Yao's friends and felt they all had very strong auras. How impressive; so, do impressive people only know other impressive people?
While everyone was preparing, she felt a bit down and hid alone in the dark car interior. Such an enclosed space should have made her feel cheerful, but at this moment, she felt increasingly dejected. Yes, perhaps she was being too sentimental. Just because she had watched Chen Yao in a baseball game once, she thought she could grow to be a confident and strong person like him. It was a bit of a daydream. A cowardly person who likes to escape like her is destined not to succeed... "Why did I become like this..."
Goto Hitori hugged her knees, thinking about a question many people ponder. She buried her face between her legs, her dazed eyes staring into the darkness, as if there was only darkness ahead of her.
Suddenly, the car door was pulled open with a "clack," and a faint light shone in. She looked up, and it was as if she saw a spark of First Fire lighting up the world in the darkness.
"What are you doing here? We just noticed you were missing and looked everywhere for you. Then I guessed you might have hidden in an enclosed space again, and sure enough, you were hiding in the car..."
Chen Yao in the darkness seemed relieved. Looking at Goto Hitori, he couldn't help but ask with a hint of annoyance and reproach.
Goto Hitori trembled all over in fear and hurriedly knelt on the seat to apologize, looking like a pink ball. "S-s-s-sorry, Master Chen Yao, I just wasn't paying attention..."
"..."
Chen Yao looked at the trembling Goto Hitori, was silent for a moment, and then asked in surprise, "So you're still calling me Master..."
"Uh..."
Goto Hitori was momentarily dazed, realizing she had once again spoken the title she had devised in her mind, and immediately lowered her head in embarrassment.
Chen Yao looked at the dejected Goto Hitori and was quiet for a while. Feeling as if she were trapped in some non-existent cage and truly wanted to learn something from him, he asked, "Are you sure you want to learn my outlook on life?"
"Eh?"
Goto Hitori, kneeling on the seat, was stunned for a moment and looked up at him.
"Although I shouldn't belittle myself like this, the students at school don't like me, and the teachers don't pay attention to me. Learning from me might not bring you friends or attention. But by observing my back, you should understand more truths and gain the insights you desire. Even so, are you willing to learn from me?"
Chen Yao stood by the car door. He wasn't stingy about teaching others skills and knowledge, but every teacher passes that risk on to their disciples.
Goto Hitori stared blankly at Chen Yao. He stood in the night, letting the night breeze blow against his body, looking at her with eyes like torches, waiting for her response.
She was silent for a moment, then nodded.
Seeing this, Chen Yao reached out his hand to Goto Hitori, a sunrise-like smile appearing on his handsome face. He said, "Alright then, I will teach you my outlook on life. First, you must take the initiative to step out of here. Take my hand; it's time for us to set off."
Chen Yao reached out his hand to Goto Hitori. It was a rough palm covered in scars, as if hiding many stories. Looking at this right hand that had won the baseball game, Goto Hitori felt a surge of emotion and took Chen Yao's hand.
In the darkness, Chen Yao pulled her out with the momentum. Goto Hitori stood once again between the vast heavens and earth. This time, it was as if she had a teacher responsible for leading her to appreciate this boundless world.
"So, isn't it quite simple? First, you must remember that when you encounter difficulties or enemies, you always have to do one thing: take a step forward. After that, you'll be a person full of courage."
Chen Yao turned his head and said to her.
No matter how arduous the journey or how thrilling the difficulties, if one wants to move forward, they must summon the courage to take a step forward. By walking all the way, a person can become the hero of their own life.
"Next, don't think about anything. Just enjoy this test of courage."
Standing in front of the dilapidated school, Chen Yao said to the still-dazed Goto Hitori.
Chapter 036: Right, We're Still at the Test of Courage
In front of the old school building's entrance, after everyone had made their preparations, Takahashi Ryosuke asked over the walkie-talkie, "This is Ryosuke. Is everyone in the old school building ready?"
—[Bzzzt, this is Fujiwara Takumi. Preparations are complete.]
—[This is Takeuchi Itsuki. Ready to start anytime.]
—[Hmph, this is Sudo Kyoichi. If you have the guts, come and try me.]
They truly were his good buddies; Takumi and Itsuki had come to help without a second thought. However, Itsuki had selfish motives. He heard a rumor that the famous beautiful girl Yukinoshita Yukino was also participating. Out of curiosity, he came along, but after being given a cold glance by Yukinoshita Yukino, he probably wouldn't dare mention her name again... The group of people was rubbing their hands in the night wind, finally ready to begin Japan's famous test of courage.
"Alright, we're ready to start anytime."
Takahashi Ryosuke put down the walkie-talkie and said to everyone.
Hachiman Hikigaya looked at the walkie-talkie in his hand. He had seen organizers using walkie-talkies for communication at Mount Akina before, but he didn't expect them to be so useful in a place like this. He truly was a talent at organizing various activities.
"Mm-hmm, thank you very much for your assistance, Mr. Takahashi. Now that everyone is here, let's start drawing lots. We'll be in groups of two. The route goes from the first floor to the right, visiting the infirmary and the girls' toilet, then to the second floor to visit the art room and music room respectively, and finally to the Principal's Office on the third floor. Hehehe, it's said there are moving portraits in the Principal's Office. Then, pick up the wooden plaque I placed in the Principal's Office in advance and come straight downstairs. I want to hear whose scream is the loudest."
Shizuka Hiratsuka said with her arms crossed and an arrogant look on her face.
"This loathsome teacher actually takes pleasure in the wails of her students."
Chen Yao and Hachiman Hikigaya thought simultaneously as they looked at the female teacher, whose expression showed she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Among those still present, besides Takahashi Ryosuke who stayed at the entrance for safety, there were eight people in total, just enough to form four groups.
"Please, I must draw the same group as Master, I must draw the same group as Master..."
Goto Hitori pressed her hands together in prayer before drawing lots. After all, although she would be nervous no matter who she was grouped with, at least she was relatively familiar with her Master. She didn't want to be in the same group as a stranger.
However, when it was her turn in line, she used all her mental energy to draw a slip of paper. When she opened it, it said [Group 2].
She saw that Nakatomi Tsuyoshi, who had a Yu-Gi-Oh! face, had opened a slip that also said [Group 2]. She felt that today's drawing of lots was truly unlucky.
"Little girl, you're a special case. Go with that guy. I'll take responsibility for being in a group with this fellow."
As it turned out, Takahashi Keisuke secretly took her slip and swapped it for his Group 3. Goto Hitori stared blankly and saw that Chen Yao happened to be in Group 3. She immediately became so embarrassed and nervous that she wanted to say thank you to the fierce-looking man, but the words just wouldn't come out.
"What a coincidence, we're in the same group."
Chen Yao's eyes lit up when he saw her coming over with the slip, and he spoke with a smile.
"No, actually it's... the Bodhisattva's protection."
Goto Hitori gave an awkward smile, looked elsewhere, and whispered something Chen Yao didn't understand.
Soon, the four groups were: Yukinoshita Yukino and Yui Yuigahama, Nakatomi Tsuyoshi and Takahashi Keisuke, Chen Yao and Goto Hitori, and Shizuka Hiratsuka and Hachiman Hikigaya.
"Then let's begin. Everyone, be careful on the way and don't go off the planned route."
Takahashi Ryosuke said to them.
"So reliable. Now, everyone, start the voice recording on your phones. It'll be something to laugh about during the party. You must do your best!"
Shizuka Hiratsuka said, laughing very happily.
"Sigh, Teacher Hiratsuka really loves doing this kind of thing. Classmate Chen Yao, I want to ask... how are Fujiwara and Takeuchi at scaring people?" Before setting off, Yukinoshita Yukino, being in the first group, still felt a bit uneasy.
"Yeah, yeah! Why did we draw the most terrifying first group?"
Yui Yuigahama complained, almost in tears.
"...I feel they're pretty average. Itsuki's level of comedy and antics is alright, though."
Chen Yao thought for a moment and replied.
Hearing this, the two girls breathed a sigh of relief.
"However, Classmate Kagami's scaring skills should be quite good, and that guy Sudo already looks scary enough as it is."
Chen Yao added immediately after.
The faces of the two girls, who had just felt at ease, turned pale again. Speaking of which, she had called Kagaribi no Kiriue, and Kagaribi no Kiriue said she was already in the school and ready. They didn't know what kind of scary things those few had prepared, so they felt a bit uneasy.
Soon, Yukinoshita Yukino, the first group, set off with a flashlight, her arm being gripped by Yui Yuigahama.
The abandoned old school building was permeated with the smell of moldy wood. It was quiet and pitch black inside. Shining a flashlight around, they found many graffiti drawings left by children on the walls. Looking at them now felt especially eerie. Every classroom door was tightly shut, and the windows were still the mainstream style of Japanese schools in the nineties. Inside, the desks were neatly arranged, as if students were still there listening to a lecture... "..."
Yukinoshita Yukino investigated carefully; she felt a little bit of fear, but it was actually okay. However, Yui Yuigahama was so scared she was practically clinging to her, making it very difficult for her to walk.
"Yuihama student, it's hard for me to walk with you clinging to me like this..."
Yukinoshita Yukino looked helplessly at Yui, who had already lost her ability to move, and said, "And it's so hot..."
Yui Yuigahama's chest was warm, making her heart feel a bit traumatized.
"Sorry, Yukino-chan, but I'm so scared. Why do we have to play such a terrifying game..."
Yui Yuigahama refused to let go at all and began to complain with a tearful face.
Yukino explained, "Because this is a group activity. Goto's psychological issues stem from a lack of interaction with others, which is why I followed the teacher's lead and participated in this game. However, it's my first time participating as well, so I'm somewhat interested."
Yui Yuigahama let out a coquettish cry of distress. She looked around and whispered, "It seems like this place has been abandoned for a long time. And to think this is Teacher Hiratsuka's alma mater; I didn't expect it to be so dilapidated..."
While the two cute girls were searching the old school building with their flashlights, Yui Yuigahama couldn't help but think of a game called "Twilight Syndrome." The two of them were like schoolgirls seeking their own deaths, running into a school at midnight to explore... Just then, the shadow of a canine suddenly appeared in front of them, crawling toward them. Scared, Yui Yuigahama shouted, "It's appeared! A human-faced dog!"
Yukino shined her flashlight in doubt. Under the light, Takeuchi Itsuki was crouching there wearing a Shiba Inu plush costume. After being caught in the light, he barked at them with all his might.
"Woof woof woof!! Woof woof woof!!"
Takeuchi Itsuki mimicked a dog with heart-wrenching effort to try and scare the two, but the two girls were observing him with eyes that looked like they were watching something strange, seemingly not afraid at all.
Instead, the flickering light of the flashlight suddenly cast onto Yukinoshita Yukino's cold, Snow Woman downward-staring face, which instead gave Takeuchi Itsuki such a fright that he suddenly let out an "Awoo!" sound and bolted into an empty classroom!
"Pfft—!"
Yui Yuigahama immediately burst out laughing.