Chapter 56
Chapter 56
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Courage Training
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"Hmm... It looks totally normal on the outside."
The current time: 2 a.m.
I'd arrived at the entrance to the academy cafeteria and was looking around.
There was only minimal lighting left, but the exterior didn't seem much different from the cafeteria I'd seen during the day.
However, for some reason, starting from that entrance, an unsettling aura was emanating from it.
Maybe because the interior, which should normally be bustling with people, was silently empty.
It was a bizarre sight that sent chills down my spine, even though it was a familiar place.
"R-Rowen... Can't we just go back now? There's no way the cafeteria door would be open at this hour... What if we get in trouble for sneaking in...!"
Lea was trembling like there was an earthquake, her eyes fixed on me.
The bravado from just moments ago was gone; she looked like she'd burst into tears if I so much as poked her.
The scenery was far creepier than expected, and she seemed to be making every excuse not to go in.
"Haha, it's fine, Lea. We've come this far— it'd be a shame to turn back now. If we get caught, I'll say it was my idea to come in."
"Th-that's not the problem...!"
"...You're not saying you're scared now, are you?"
No way...!
If you've drawn your sword, you have to swing it!
I absolutely couldn't tolerate running away out of fear when we were right in front of it.
...To be honest, I was scared too.
No matter how much I knew there were no ghosts, who in their right mind would want to go into that pitch-black place at 2 a.m....
At least I was glad I came with friends. If I'd come alone, I definitely wouldn't have gone in.
"I-I'm not scared at all, okay? I'm not a kid who believes in ghosts!"
Having heard me, Lea was putting on a show of bravado with a quivering voice, desperate to salvage her last shred of pride.
Hmm, as expected. The human body is about 70 percent pride, after all.
Of course, even if she'd admitted she was scared, I would've dragged her in somehow.
Besides, for Lea, this didn't even count as being scared.
"Why did I even agree to come to a place like this..."
"......"
Arien was standing far off, refusing to even look at the cafeteria.
Estelle was frozen in place, her face scrunched up like she was about to cry.
Creeeeak...
Right on cue, the sound of a door opening echoed from somewhere far away, as if welcoming us.
"......"
We all turned to stare at the cafeteria entrance in unison, as if we'd rehearsed it.
This can't be real...
What is this, some horror movie? The door opens automatically before we even approach.
I used to wonder why protagonists in those situations insisted on going inside...
Now I was the one who had to walk in on my own two feet.
"...Fuck, seriously."
I turned at the curse and scanned the surroundings.
"..."
There was Arien, Holy Sword already drawn, aura flaring up like it was about to explode.
Yeah, no need to worry about him...
Seeing Arien with his razor-sharp blade out, annoyed yet on the verge of tears, I almost pitied any ghost that might show up.
"Guys, shall we head in...?"
With that, I started walking toward the entrance, where a chill wind was blowing.
And so began the courage training for the greatest scaredy-cats in history—a group that could insta-kill a demon if one appeared.
Hahaha... Usage guidelines?! Who made this?!
I thought there was only one ghost...!
And found in the trash?! Sooo interesting!
Ghost Story Club! Clear your schedules for tonight!
Hiiing... Even if you say that, I'm the president...
Anyway, I'll uncover that secret someday. Get ready, everyone!
......
Creeeeak...
The cafeteria interior exuded an eerie atmosphere.
Leading the group, I felt an inexplicable chill running down my spine.
'...Where's the kitchen?'
In the pitch-black darkness where I couldn't see an inch ahead.
Depending only on the moonlight filtering through the windows.
To meet the dwarf Michelan, we had to head to the kitchen.
Of course, with Estelle here, someone suggested using light magic to illuminate the area...
—" ...No light magic?"
—"I'd love for Estelle to use light magic too... but the guards might spot the light."
—" ...Then what about me?"
—"..."
The idea was shot down in favor of preparing for any possible situation.
"...Ugh, stay close, Rowen..."
Maybe because of that, Estelle was clinging tightly to my arm.
I was just as scared, so far from feeling inconvenienced, it actually reassured me.
Thud, thud.
Thus, in extreme tension.
My group and I were quietly surveying every corner of the cafeteria, not even breathing loudly.
Shh-shh-shk!
Suddenly, the sound of someone moving quickly came from far away.
"H-hiiiaa..."
Lea, so startled she collapsed bonelessly on the spot.
Even I, right in front of her, felt like my heart had stopped.
Too shocking... I couldn't even speak...
I knew it was coming, but I thought my heart was going to drop out...
Michelan must have heard us and hurried to hide.
Estelle had buried her face in my chest,
And Arien stood frozen, gripping the hilt of his Holy Sword with teary eyes.
"R-Rowen... There really are ghosts, aren't there...?"
"..."
Lea, struggling to her feet on shaking legs, asked with an anxious expression.
Her eyes glistened, on the verge of tears.
Before I could reassure her, more sounds started coming from somewhere.
Rustle, rustle!
Sounds like rummaging through something.
Splash, splash.
Sounds like wet, soggy things dropping into water.
Creeeeak...
And intermittently, doors opening and closing.
Whatever it was, it was moving busily—the noises echoed from all directions.
"F-fuck...! Why the hell now...!"
"Hnnng... Scaryyy... Rowen..."
"...Sniff."
In the midst of everyone's panic.
I was breaking out in cold sweat trying to stop my friends from blowing up the cafeteria.
'I-is this right...?'
No matter that it was a haunted house themed for summer specials.
I never imagined it'd be this chilling.
The atmosphere alone didn't make sense...
Mysterious cold winds blowing from somewhere.
Dim, ghostly lights flickering in the darkened cafeteria,
And creepy noises constantly from around us.
Even knowing it was Michelan, I was going insane.
Just as I tried to calm my mind and soothe the group.
Kihihit...!
"..."
A chill shot up my spine.
And I felt something brush my shoulder.
"D-do something quick...!"
Arien was clearly in front of me...
"Hwaaaang...!"
"...S-scary."
Lea and Estelle were practically hanging off me...
"..."
Then who the hell touched my shoulder...?
Shh-shh-shk...!
"...Arien? Should we move?"
Some instinct telling me not to think further.
I sandwiched Lea and Estelle at my sides and called out to Arien.
"..."
"..."
With just a look, we ended the conversation and bolted full speed toward the kitchen.
Creeeak!
Cool air hit us inside the kitchen.
Arien and I entered, locked the door behind us.
"Wh-why go deeper inside...!"
Of course, Arien was panting and glaring at me with teary eyes.
Click.
Turning on the kitchen lights seemed to settle things for now.
"G-ghosts are real..."
"R-Rowen, hold me..."
Lea collapsed limply to the floor as if her strength had drained,
And Estelle crawled over to burrow into my arms.
I plopped down too, sighing in small relief.
As we caught our breath and calmed our racing hearts.
"Ahem. Who's there."
Thud, thud.
A short, stocky figure appeared with the sound of steady footsteps.
Height barely reaching my waist, body packed with solid muscles.
Shaggy hair and beard. And a faint whiff of alcohol.
"Barging in like this in the dead of night—what's your plan?"
Finally, a massive hammer strapped to his back, proving he was a dwarf.
He approached us, sprawled on the floor.
"Wh-why'd you scare us like that...!"
"Huh? What're you on about?"
"What do you mean?! You were wandering around the cafeteria just now!"
"I haven't left this kitchen once."
"...What?"
He took a swig from the beer in his pocket and revealed himself to us.
"Hiiiat..."
...Of course, poor-hearted Lea fainted on the spot.
"Hmph, why'd this lass suddenly collapse."
We'd met the dwarf Michelan, hailed as history's greatest blacksmith.