Just like the previous challenges, the last two levels followed the same formula—each featuring a classic horror game character, a meticulously crafted eerie setting, and a chase sequence that would trigger upon making noise. However, thanks to Kanade's creative approach, the entire atmosphere of the game had shifted from high-speed escape to something more akin to a stealth mission. At one point, even the staff members running the event were questioning whether they were the ones being haunted instead.
After yet another narrow escape from an actor cosplaying as Chainsaw Man, Kanade made a wide detour and returned to where Shinomiya Kaguya had been hiding.
This time, the so-called "Miss Sand Sculpture" had really stepped up. Not only had she managed to retrieve the mission item all on her own, but she had also remained completely undetected by the level's boss. A true feat of stealth and competence! Kanade had initially worried that their separation might negatively impact their game completion rating. But, as it turned out, so long as there was no evidence proving they hadn't held hands throughout the game, the system wouldn't penalize them. First rule of survival horror games: if they can't see it, it didn't happen.
(In this case, it suggests that while she may be visually appealing or attractive, she lacks substance, skills, or usefulness in practical situations. The comparison to a sand sculpture implies that her beauty is superficial and not backed by any significant abilities or qualities, much like a sand sculpture that is beautiful but ultimately fragile and impermanent.)
With that realization, the remaining challenge became much more manageable. After all, two independent and capable players were far more effective than a pair of conjoined twins struggling through every obstacle together.
And so, the duo successfully gathered all the necessary mission items and placed them onto the metallic compass embedded in the center of the hall. With a deep mechanical groan, the massive door ahead creaked open, revealing the next area.
"Wow… that's actually kinda cool." Kanade couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. Even though he didn't fully understand the mechanics behind it, the intricate setup really did make him feel like he was inside a game.
He hoisted Kaguya onto his back once more, as she still seemed to have trouble walking, and stepped through the door, expecting to be greeted by a staff member announcing their victory. Maybe they'd get a cool badge or some in-game currency as a reward.
Instead, the next thing that greeted them was—
"I HATE THIS SO MUCH!!!"
A ghostly wail echoed through the air as a tall, pale apparition materialized before them, draped in an ethereal white gown.
Her face was obscured by a curtain of long, black hair, but her well-proportioned figure suggested she was probably quite attractive.
Not that Kanade had the energy to appreciate that right now. His body felt like it was about to give out. He was way too exhausted to deal with yet another chase scene.
"Seriously?! What kind of trial is this? You're not expecting me to outrun you while carrying someone, are you?" Kanade groaned, eyeing the narrow corridor ahead.
The space was limited, with no possible escape routes on either side. The corridor was just wide enough to maneuver, but not nearly enough to dodge properly. And given the way the ghost lady had appeared, she was probably riding some kind of hidden rail or using a balance board under her gown. Expecting him to compete with her in speed while carrying someone? That was just setting himself up for failure.
But while Kanade was processing all of this, the woman in white remained committed to her role-playing, unfazed by his frustration.
"Y-You… You're not afraid of me?" she asked, seemingly caught off guard by his lack of reaction.
Kanade just shrugged. "Why would I be? You're not actually going to hurt me."
Sure, she was dressed like a classic J-horror ghost, clearly taking inspiration from the likes of Sadako. But honestly, her entrance wasn't even that scary. Plus, with a figure like that, it was hard not to get distracted by other thoughts.
Like that one horror parody where the ghost got stuck trying to crawl out of the TV because her chest was too big. Or those urban legend adaptations where modern-day ghosts had to resort to side gigs in entertainment industries just to maintain their existence. By this point, horror legends had long since evolved into something else entirely.
So no, he wasn't scared. Maybe his little brother was reacting in a different way, but that was beside the point.
Even Kaguya, still piggybacking on him, peeked out from behind his shoulder, curiously observing the so-called ghost. There wasn't a hint of fear in her expression—just pure intrigue.
"Guuuuhh… I-I'm a ghost!" the woman declared, dramatically wailing at them in an attempt to elicit a reaction.
Instead of fear, all she got was a deadpan stare.
If anything, her tantrum had about as much menace as an annoyed husky trying to demand attention.
Natsukawa Kanade sighed inwardly. There really was no way to play along with this ghost lady's supposed terror. She was too cute, too dramatic, and way too committed to the bit. He couldn't bring himself to act scared, so instead, he leaned into the conversation with the same level of absurdity.
"So... this lovely ghost lady, what kind of method do you need to let us pass through here? Could it be that you have some unfulfilled wish and need our help?" Natsukawa Kanade asked, his voice laced with exaggerated sincerity. If he couldn't scream in terror, he might as well use the legendary power of the Face Fruit to throw her off guard.
"Just tell us what conditions you have. If we can do it, we will definitely agree to it." He added, exchanging a knowing glance with Shinomiya Kaguya, who was still hanging onto his back like an oversized backpack.
According to every urban legend ever, a ghost that refused to pass on always had some unfinished business. Maybe this one was no different.
"B-But, cute and so on…" Miss Sadako suddenly stammered, flustered by the compliment. Her entire spooky demeanor cracked just a little, like a shy girl getting unexpected praise. It seemed like no one had ever called her cute before.
For a moment, Kanade thought she might abandon her horror act completely, but she quickly shook her head, re-centering herself in the role. She coughed dramatically, forcing herself back into character before pointing a slightly trembling hand at him.
"No! That's not right! Did you just say you could help me fulfill my wish? Are you lying to me?!"
"Of course I didn't lie to you." Natsukawa Kanade said smoothly, patting his chest with confidence. "I guarantee it on my honor as the Student Council President."
"...Student Council President?" Miss Sadako tilted her head, her long black hair swaying slightly as if she were processing the information.
Kanade assumed she wasn't familiar with him, so he simply introduced himself.
"My name is Natsukawa Kanade, second-year, Class A. I don't know if you've heard of me—never mind, that's not the point. Just tell us your wish, and we'll make it come true."
Miss Sadako fell silent. Though her eyes remained hidden beneath her curtain of hair, he could feel her gaze lingering on him, as if weighing his sincerity.
After a long pause, she finally spoke.
"You're right. In fact, I do have a wish that I have wanted to fulfill for a long time…"
Kanade nodded encouragingly, resisting the urge to check his watch. As much as he didn't mind playing along, he also had other things to do. He just hoped her wish wasn't something complicated like exorcising her lingering hatred or avenging her tragic past.
"Yeah, go ahead. We're listening." He gestured for her to continue.
Miss Sadako took a deep breath, as if fully immersing herself in the role again.
"I had a fiancé… It was an arranged marriage before I died. My parents had me undergo bride training for years, making sure I would be a perfect wife. I worked so hard, believing it was my duty not to bring shame to my family. But…" Her voice wavered, and for the first time, there was genuine emotion in it. "One day, he suddenly broke off the engagement. Just like that. Without a word of explanation."
Kanade winced. "Oof."
"My father, furious at the betrayal, set off on a long journey to confront the man who had wronged me. But he never returned. My mother, heartbroken and unable to cope with his absence, fell ill and passed away."
The ghost girl's voice trembled slightly, as if she were actually reliving the sorrow of the tale she was telling. Despite himself, Kanade found himself somewhat invested.
"...Damn. That's rough," he muttered.
Miss Sadako nodded solemnly. "I didn't know what to do. I was all alone. So, after burying my mother with the help of my village, I set out on my own journey to find my father. I traveled for days, pushing forward no matter what…"
Her voice carried so much tragic weight that Kanade could already anticipate the heartbreaking conclusion. It was obvious. This was going to be one of those classic tragic endings. Maybe she was attacked by bandits, or maybe she was betrayed by someone she trusted. Or worse, she might have succumbed to despair and taken her own life—
"...And then I starved to death."
A beat of silence.
Kanade blinked. "Huh?"
Miss Sadako, seeing his confusion, clarified. "I didn't want my father to come home and find an empty house, so I sold everything I had, except for a small amount of dry food. I thought it would last me the whole journey… but I miscalculated. I ran out of food before I even made it halfway. And so, I starved to death."
Kanade stared at her.
His brain short-circuited for a solid five seconds before a single thought popped into his head:
What kind of ridiculous death flag is that?!
Even with her face completely hidden behind her hair, he could feel her embarrassment radiating off her in waves. Despite knowing how utterly absurd her demise was, she still had the courage to say it out loud.
Kanade pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay, hold on. You were on a noble, heartbreaking quest to find your missing father and… you just starved? Not because of bandits, or disease, or some supernatural curse? Just plain old starvation?"
Miss Sadako averted her gaze. "...I didn't think it would happen either."
Kanade sighed, exasperated. "No offense, but that's kinda disappointing. Like, shouldn't a ghost with this much buildup have a more… I don't know, dramatic reason for being stuck here?"
Miss Sadako groaned. "You think I don't know that? I don't get to choose how I died!"
Kanade rubbed his temples. "Okay, okay, no need to get defensive. It's just... I wasn't expecting something so—"
"So what?" she huffed.
"So... dumb."
Miss Sadako flailed her arms angrily. "I know! You think I wanted to go out like that?!"
Shinomiya Kaguya, still latched onto Kanade's back, finally snorted. "Honestly, this is kind of amazing in its own way."
Kanade sighed again. "Yeah. Sure. Let's go with that."