落とし穴７０堀：夏の夜の納涼 肝試し編 (Part1)
**Pitfall 70: Summer Night Cooling – The Courage Test**
**Side: Taizo**
The time was just past eleven in the evening.
While one could hardly call it the ideal hour for a test of nerves, matching the timing to the "Hour of the Ox," when even the trees and grass are said to slumber, or the "Hour of Meeting Demons" would have been far too taxing. We had to make do.
The "Hour of the Ox" refers to the period between two and three in the morning. It is said that during this time, life activities stagnate significantly, allowing ghosts and mononoke to stir. The modern definition of the Japanese ghost was largely shaped by the Edo-period artists Maruyama Okyo and Toriyama Sekien.
However, in truth, the traditional time for the appearance of the supernatural was the "Hour of Meeting Demons"—*Oumagatoki*. Not the dead of night, but the intersection of day and night: twilight. People feared the sunset, that fleeting threshold where the world shifts, believing it to be the hour when one encounters the demonic. To be precise, it occurs around six in the evening.
Even today, the customs of *Oumagatoki* linger. The common refrain to children—"Be home by dusk"—stems from the belief that it is unwise for a child to be wandering outside during that transitional hour. Most school ghost stories are set not at midnight, but at twilight, when the other students have gone home and the school building takes on the illusion of becoming another world entirely.
This phenomenon is not unique to Japan; similar tales exist across the globe. Legends of the witching hour and the perils of twilight have been recorded since ancient times. Consequently, many scholars have dedicated their lives to researching these occurrences.
Of course, as science and technology progressed, many of these mysteries were unraveled, and the number of such scholars dwindled. Yet, this field remains one where certain enigmas refuse to be solved. My mentor often said he wished to study it if only he had the time and funding. He had even purchased a collection of related documents, which I had the chance to peruse.
I never imagined I would be conducting a spiritual experiment in another world, however. Life truly is unpredictable.
*Snap.*
"Eek!"
The sound of a dry branch snapping under my foot startled Hifi, causing her to cling to my arm.
"My apologies. I stepped on a branch quite carelessly."
"Oh, no... It’s my fault for overreacting."
Following Yuki’s explanation, we were taking turns venturing out for the courage test. It was now my round. Our task was simply to navigate the mountain path at night with nothing but a handheld light, but it seemed quite grueling for Hifi.
Airi, Taiki’s wife, had returned in tears, and both Tori and Riel had mentioned how exhausted they were from being on high alert. Their experiences had likely put Hifi on edge, making her jump at the slightest provocation.
This is the root of most paranormal phenomena. Emotions like fear give rise to auditory and visual hallucinations. We had shared those scary stories earlier specifically to induce this psychological state. I felt a bit guilty for frightening them, but it was essential for analyzing any potential spiritual activity in this area.
The entire course, from the path to the interior of the manor, was being recorded via the "Call" system. If anyone claimed to have seen something, we could verify it immediately. Unless the phenomenon was restricted solely to the observer's vision, we could objectively conclude from multiple perspectives that no ghost was present.
Furthermore, this location was a simulated environment, free from the interference of magic or skills. It lacked any history, meaning there was no foundation for a haunting. If something resembling a ghost were to appear under these conditions, it would be a historical breakthrough.
"Um... Taizo-san, are you not afraid? Our magic and skills are sealed, and we are completely unarmed..."
"In my home country, Japan, public order was quite stable. Carrying a weapon was a rarity, and we possessed neither magic nor skills to begin with."
"I suppose that’s true."
"Indeed, for you, Hifi, this mountain walk presents many factors that would naturally sharpen your nerves. We were perhaps inconsiderate in our planning."
"No, even though I saw on the Call screen that safety was guaranteed, I’m the one at fault for being so tense."
Despite her words, Hifi remained hyper-vigilant. It was a difference in the environments we were raised in. If one grows up in a world where monster attacks are a reality, it is difficult to simply relax, regardless of how many times they are told it is safe. Tori and Riel likely felt the same. Being beastmen, their senses are even more acute.
Moreover, as the organizers of this test, we had the luxury of composure. Normally, it would be strange *not* to be cautious when entering a place deemed "scary." I suppose Yuki, Taiki, and I are the outliers in this world.
"Is... is that our destination? The inn?"
Hifi’s voice trembled slightly. She was likely intimidated by the dilapidated state of the building, but I found her reaction—somewhat irreverently—quite charming.
*Hmm. So this is what it means to have a companion. It isn't bad at all.*
I realized I needed to respond.
"Yes. That is the abandoned ryokan. Our goal is to take a photograph in the 'Room of Dolls' located at the back."
"Right... of course..."
Hifi was more frightened than I had anticipated. Perhaps I shouldn't push her too hard.
"Hifi, you don't have to force yourself if it's too much."
Her response to my concern was unexpected.
"Oh, well... if you would hold my hand, I think I can manage."
"Pardon?"
"I-I’m sorry! That’s... that’s asking too much, isn't it?"
"Not at all. We are husband and wife, after all. Here."
"Thank you. I feel much braver now."
...Good heavens.
She was becoming incredibly endearing. I think I finally understood the feelings of those married men who claimed their wives were the best in the world.
But I had to stay focused. My objective was to support Hifi so she wouldn't be overwhelmed by fear and to complete the test.
"Did... did you really build all of this?"
"Indeed. Yuki mentioned he used data from 'haunted houses' back in Japan."
"So your world has playgrounds like this?"
"Since ancient times, humans have sought to supplement their lives with artificial thrills."
"I suppose... we do have rituals like the 'Trial of Adulthood.'"
I wasn't familiar with that specific trial, but it was likely a test of courage practiced by certain tribes—demonstrating bravery by walking in front of a lion rather than facing ghosts. It seemed such concepts existed here as well.
We continued our light conversation as we walked through the weathered interior.
*Creak... creak...*
The floorboards groaned with practiced intent. I had tested them during the day, but walking on them at night was a different experience entirely. It was more than enough to stoke one's fears.
"Are we... are we there yet?"
"Just a little further."
Since it was modeled after a proper inn, the layout was quite spacious. Without a firm grasp of the floor plan, one could easily get lost. Fortunately, we had been briefed on the route, so unless one was hopelessly directionally challenged, there was no risk of losing our way.
"It’s this way."
"Yes..."
I pushed the door open. Inside, a long row of Japanese dolls—the ones we had seen earlier—stood in a silent, haunting line.
Hifi gave a small start, her grip on my hand tightening with sudden force.