落とし穴１５３堀：夏の怪談リバイバル 帰還そして夏の続きへ (Part1)
Pitfall 153: Summer Ghost Story Revival – Return and the Continuation of Summer
Side: Deryu
We are gathered in front of the room where Yuki and the others were staying. We’ve confirmed that they successfully obtained the key to the room.
"Still, rather than a scare, it turned into some kind of attraction, didn't it?"
As I say this, Luna, who is pouting beside me, opens her mouth.
"It couldn't be helped. Who would have thought Hairen wouldn't just ignore the guidance, but find the key dead-on right away? That’s impossible even for a goddess."
Hairen is truly terrifying. I knew she was prone to doing the unpredictable, but I never imagined she would snatch the winning ticket right out of the gate.
"Well, things like that happen. Personally, I'm just happy I got to see my husband fighting so gallantly."
"Yes. I am happy to have seen my husband acting so dashingly."
That’s Seraria and Rurua. The other wives nod in agreement.
"I never thought I’d see Yuki’s hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat here."
"Yeah. He was so cool..."
"I was captivated. Yuki is the strongest husband, able to fight even without magic."
"Though, under normal circumstances, Yuki-sama should never have to fight like that."
Indeed. His movements were magnificent, even without magic power. Well, if I felt a certain awkwardness in his movements, it was likely because he was wielding a weapon like an axe, which he isn't used to. Or perhaps the opposite? To think how difficult it is to take up a weapon for the first time and manage to beat down every enemy without ever letting it go.
...Not only that, but Taiki and Taizo even used chairs and tables as weapons, which surprised me even more. I thought such things only happened in games, but in a space where abilities are restricted, they are actually quite excellent as mass-based weapons.
And the one who deserves the most praise this time is...
"As expected! That’s my husband!! Hey! Comet!!"
"Ah, ah, could you stop shaking my body? I get that Taizo is amazing, so... ugh, I’m gonna be sick."
Yes, it’s Taizo, Hifii’s husband. The moment he grabbed the leg of a broken chair...
"CHEST!!"
He underwent a complete transformation. That must be what they call a samurai. Once he held a weapon similar to a sword, a switch seemed to flip, and he moved like a demon, slashing away until the enemies couldn't move. Well, "slashing" might be an overstatement; it was more like the blade grazed them, leaving marks, but everyone he hit unfortunately collapsed right there. It’s no wonder—Taizo’s sword style is the Jigen-ryu, which requires no second strike. It is a powerful sword art that cuts down an opponent in a single blow.
...I’ve realized it just now, but aren't Japanese people strong even without magic or skills?
As I was pondering such useless things, I suddenly noticed.
"Say. Isn't it taking Yuki and the others a bit too long?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right. I came here thinking we’d meet them right about now since we heard they were coming back to the room once they got the key, but they haven't come out."
"Could something have happened?"
Yes, their return is strangely delayed. Did they run into some unexpected trouble? However...
"Luna. Did you have another hidden trick up your sleeve?"
"...No, I didn't. Hairen grabbed the key in the blink of an eye, so I threw everyone in. But to think Hairen would escape and then get taken down by Yuki and the others... Ah, geez. I should have added more monsters."
Judging by this, it doesn't seem like Luna set anything else up. That means the problem is that they are having trouble returning from that room to here...
"Luna, are there any troublesome procedures required to return here other than opening the door with the key?"
"No, I didn't put any annoying gimmicks like that in. The content is just: get the key, and it's over. Once you open the lock, you find yourself back in your usual room before you know it. Well, for a normal person, it would just feel like having a strange dream. Don't you think this could work as a tour for experiencing a night of thrills with accommodation?"
"That’s too intense, so no."
We all nod in agreement with Seraria’s immediate rejection. How many people could stay sane after being suddenly thrown into an environment like that? It would be a miracle if they didn't end up like Hairen, crying and unable to move.
That part is fine. What I wanted to know now was Yuki’s safety.
"I understand that it's strange they haven't returned yet. In that case, I shall go back once to check the situation..."
*Click...*
The moment I started to say that, the door in front of us opened.
"Geez, what a day."
"Indeed. Well, I suppose you could say it was just one intense day, though."
"Under normal circumstances, yes. It’s a case that would take a month to clean up, including the aftermath. Anyway, first, a bath... Oh, you’re all here."
It seems my worry was unnecessary. Yuki and the others came out looking completely exhausted. And...
"Hey!? Why are you ignoring me!!"
"Now, now, Hairen-sama. Please calm down..."
For some reason, Hairen and... a woman in a red dress came out too. Hmm? Wait, the woman in the red dress is...
"Ah, Sasha!? Come to think of it, you were there!!"
"Noriko-san. That’s mean..."
Yes, Sasha, was it? She was the personnel brought in specifically to scare Yuki and the others, but...
"Well, that can't be helped. Yuki-san and the others were ignoring you from the start..."
That’s right. Yuki and the others were on guard from the beginning and didn't go near her at all. And if I recall...
"Even if you say that, it was too obvious. Right?"
"Indeed. It was clear that following her would lead to a lot of trouble."
"Still, if we hadn't received any information, we were planning to go that way, but Hairen-dono brought the key and finished everything before that."
Yes, yes. After they defeated the axe man, Hairen made a fuss, and then it was all over.
"That's true. The root of all evil was that person called Hairen over there."
"Why are you making it sound like it's all my fault!"
"Well, it is the truth."
"Grrr!!"
It is undoubtedly the truth. Because of Hairen’s miracle, it turned from a horror story into a battle story in an instant. That was quite enjoyable in its own right, so it was lucky for us.
"Pfft, hahaha... Everyone, this is truly fun. I never had experiences like this when I was alive."
"When you were alive? Sasha-san, do you have memories? Of how you died?"
Rurua seems interested in the fact that Sasha has memories of her former life. Indeed, that is a rare case. Usually, the undead do not retain memories of their past lives. They simply become simple creatures that follow their instincts to attack humans and monsters. Occasionally, some have a few memories, remembering what they were doing right up until the moment of death, but such individuals are so obsessed with that moment that conversation is impossible. Therefore, a ghost like Sasha who can speak clearly is quite rare.
Sasha looked at Rurua’s face and said clearly...
"Yes. I died. But I don't remember how I died. However, I am almost certain it was a disease."
"A disease?"
Rurua tilted her head at those words.