After successfully passing the previous checkpoint, Natsukawa Kanade and Shinomiya Kaguya made their way toward the check-in counter, expecting to have their participation cards stamped. However, instead of the expected stamp, the clerk handed them a pair of small bracelets. Each had a few delicate engravings on them—though the words were tiny, Kanade could make out something resembling "sincerity" or "truth."
Of course, Miss Shinomiya—ever the enthusiastic one—accepted hers with a delighted sparkle in her eyes. Kanade, on the other hand, remained skeptical, though he refrained from dampening her excitement and took the bracelet as well. But his curiosity wouldn't let him stay quiet for long.
"Why didn't you stamp our cards? Isn't that the standard procedure?" he asked.
The clerk gave a polite smile and explained, "Oh, this particular project is actually an additional one. Secretary Fujiwara said it won't be counted as part of the main game test, but those who pass will receive extra rewards."
Kanade sighed internally but nodded in understanding. "I see… Thanks for the clarification."
Setting aside the specifics of the game for a moment, Kanade had to admit that Fujiwara's decision to exclude this from the main test was, for once, not a completely terrible idea.
After all, traditional courage tests typically revolved around ghosts, spirits, or monsters—your classic horror-themed entertainment designed to challenge people's ability to endure fear in dark and eerie environments. But if Fujiwara had set up something more psychological, then the test was shifting from "courage" to something far trickier—"human nature."
And as everyone knows, human nature is not something that holds up well under scrutiny.
That was exactly why Kanade had suggested exposing as many "flaws" as possible during the performance. Not because he had some altruistic interest in helping others with their interpersonal relationships, but because by manipulating the nature of the challenge, he could transform it into something much more engaging—a staged performance rather than an actual examination of morality.
Just like he'd said before, anyone with even a sliver of emotional intelligence or common sense should be able to pick up on the illusion. And when he found out that this segment specifically targeted participants who had freely chosen their own partners, he realized his earlier concerns might have been unnecessary. If you voluntarily chose to enter this game, then surely you wouldn't be foolish enough to take everything at face value.
Still, he couldn't shake off a lingering sense of unease.
"Kaguya, I think we need to speed up a little," Kanade said, his voice suddenly taking on a more serious tone.
"Eh? Why so suddenly?" Kaguya blinked in confusion. She was still absorbed in the joy of receiving the bracelet, her mind spinning with thoughts. These bracelets were a pair… and she and the president were also a pair… It was destiny!
However, before she could fully lose herself in the thought, she caught Kanade's expression. It was rare for him to look this concerned outside of student council matters.
"To be honest, I'm starting to get a little worried about what the next challenges will be like," Kanade admitted.
Then, he proceeded to explain his concerns to Kaguya.
"Uh… It can't be that bad, right?" she hesitated.
Sure, Fujiwara was a bit unreliable at times, but this was just a school event. How bad could it be?
Then again… this was Fujiwara they were talking about.
This was the same Fujiwara who would forget to bring her wallet on trips, get lost during school excursions, and manage to derail even the most carefully crafted plans through sheer chaos.
Kaguya's expression stiffened.
"No, President, you're right. We should definitely review the content of these games carefully," she declared, now fully on board with his concerns.
As much as she loved the bracelet, she loved her special time with the president even more. And there was no way she was going to let that idiot Fujiwara ruin the romantic memories she had been looking forward to creating!
Thus, with their priorities aligned, the two quickened their pace.
Silence filled the air as they strode purposefully forward.
In no time, they arrived at the next event checkpoint. A house—clearly designed to be part of the challenge—stood before them, exuding an ominous presence.
Besides Kanade and Kaguya, several other teams had gathered near the entrance, but strangely enough, none of them seemed eager to proceed. Instead, they lingered hesitantly, whispering among themselves in hushed tones.
Kanade raised an eyebrow. "Do we need to line up here? Why is no one going in?"
One of the boys—who seemed to have some insider knowledge—started to explain, "Uh, actually…"
But before he could finish his sentence—
"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"
A piercing scream erupted from within the house, freezing everyone in place.
"M-Mom! I want to go home! WAHHHHHH!!!"
"S-Stay back! Don't come near me!!!"
The bloodcurdling cries echoed through the air, sending shivers down everyone's spines.
Kanade and Kaguya stood in stunned silence.
"…"
"…"
Natsukawa Kanade wasn't particularly fazed by the bloodcurdling screams coming from inside the house. It was, after all, a standard part of any test of courage event. If anything, it would've been stranger if there weren't any terrified shrieks echoing through the night. But still…
Was it really necessary to make it this terrifying?
The way those screams carried such raw desperation, it felt like the participants weren't just getting spooked—they were experiencing full-blown existential dread. It was the kind of horror that made one reevaluate their entire life, like suddenly coming home to find all of one's carefully hidden "treasures" stacked neatly on the table, with parents and relatives sitting across from them, silent, staring, and oh-so-serious.
Just the thought made Kanade shudder.
Sure, the emotions were different, but the sheer level of psychological torment felt eerily similar.
"Alright… Who's the person in charge here?" Natsukawa Kanade asked, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"It should be someone inside that house…" a student nearby replied, his tone cautious, as if merely discussing the topic would summon some unknown horror.
Then, as if suddenly realizing something, the student turned to Kanade with an almost pleading expression. "President… Are you really going in?"
The air grew still.
Kanade paused. If he had the option, would he rather not? Maybe. But with so many pairs of expectant eyes watching him—some filled with admiration, others with silent prayers for his safety—could he really just say no?
No. He couldn't.
"Of course. As a participant, it's only right that I experience it firsthand," Kanade replied, nodding solemnly.
The moment those words left his lips, a wave of cheers erupted from the crowd.
"As expected of the President!"
"President, you're amazing!"
"Go get 'em, Kanade! We believe in you!"
Even the same cautious student who had been hesitant moments ago was now looking at him with teary, awe-filled eyes. "President… You're truly incredible! I'll be counting on you!"
"…."
Why did it feel like they were sending him off to war? Like he was a brave soldier stepping onto a battlefield from which he might never return?
Kanade's face twitched slightly. Is this really okay? Just what kind of nightmare awaits inside?
He swallowed his unease and glanced at Shinomiya Kaguya, subtly giving her a look—a desperate plea disguised as a simple expression. He blinked rapidly, hoping she would pick up on his silent distress.
Kaguya, help. Stall for time. Say you're not feeling well. Anything!
Shinomiya Kaguya, ever perceptive, immediately caught onto his message. She looked back at him, her sharp mind processing his unspoken request. Then, after a brief pause, she took a deep breath and—
"I, too, shall participate alongside the President! I will never give up halfway!" she declared passionately, eyes shining with determination.
Kanade's heart sank.
No, that's not what I meant…!
This was her, the prideful and unwavering daughter of the Shinomiya family. She would never retreat from a challenge, especially not one alongside him.
Kaguya looked at him, her expression unwavering. "I will be by your side, President. No matter what lies ahead."
Kanade felt his soul leave his body.
Well, now he was really doomed.