Everyone finally realizes that this wasn't a prophecy from the prophet—it was just Lucian being cheeky. The group is annoyed, but Shenhe, with her usual expressionless face and calm tone, claps lightly, "Junior Brother told a great story."
That one sentence turns everyone's irritation into resignation, and they helplessly continue reading.
[Yelan, tilting her body and glancing at Ushi, mutters under her breath: "So there's even an unofficial member…"]
The Arataki Gang sure has come a long way, even having unofficial members. But if you think about it, Yelan's kind of an unofficial member too, just like Ushi, haha.
[Yanfei sighs: "I don't think this looks very reliable."]
Furina: I think so too…
On the other hand, Navia finds it kind of endearing—this thing's got an ugly-cute charm to it.
[Yelan, closing her eyes and turning her head slightly, whispers back: "Who knows."]
In the illustration, Yelan's exasperated, eyes-closed expression adds a touch of cuteness to her character, softening the 'untouchable big sister' vibe she usually gives off.
[Arataki Itto points dramatically: "Ushi, go! Find a clear path for your brothers!"]
With Itto's grand 'Arataki Itto Point,' Ushi wiggles its butt and sets off to find a way. Regardless of the outcome, Itto's antics manage to lighten the previously eerie atmosphere, making things feel a bit more cheerful.
But the cheer doesn't last long—Ushi returns, having found no path at all. Worse, Yanfei notices that the opening they fell through has vanished.
Oh no, readers are ready to shout again, 'Xiao,' 'Guardian of Dihua Marsh…'
Yelan, ever reliable, starts investigating the surroundings. Paimon, however, begins to panic—she's getting scared.
[Itto notices Paimon's mood: "Hey, are you scared?"]
[Paimon, stubbornly: "I-I'm not that cowardly!"]
[Itto: "Ushi thinks you're scared too. It's okay, if you're afraid, just say it. We'll protect you."]
You have to admit, Arataki Itto's charm is undeniable. He might seem unreliable most of the time, but when it counts, he really steps up. Too bad he's standing next to a 'swaying cow,' which makes the scene anything but cool.
[Traveler chimes in: "Paimon, I'm here for you."]
Those words fill Paimon with a sense of security. After all, they've faced countless dangers before, and as long as the Traveler's around, everything turns out fine… right?
In reality, Paimon snuggles up to Lumine, unaware that the two will part ways in the future, even if only temporarily.
[Itto says: "Standing around won't help. Let's keep looking for a way out. Shinobu, stay with our benefactor. I'll take the Traveler and Paimon."]
[Yanfei waves her hand: "Benefactor's too much—just call me Yanfei. Mr. Itto, you really live up to your role as gang leader. Quite the leadership skills!"]
Indeed, Itto may act like a goofball when he's messing around, but in critical moments, he's remarkably dependable. He's truly earned his title as boss. Sure, his 'gang' only consists of five people, including Ushi, but in reality, everyone starts to see Itto in a new light.
From his earlier stories, Itto came across as a strong, upright, and passionate young man. Now, readers discover a new layer to his charm: leadership. He can calm people's fears, organize the team, make decisions, and take responsibility.
Ayaka also understands why her brother enjoys hanging out with Itto—being around him is genuinely fun, and he's refreshingly straightforward.
Unfortunately, no matter how great Itto's leadership is, they still can't find another exit in this haunted place.
[After some investigation, Itto analyzes: "I think there's something wrong with this place."]
Readers blink. Yeah, we can see that. And then?
And then… nothing. Itto's only now realizing this place is strange. Readers are speechless. Bro, you're just figuring this out now?
Kuki Shinobu comes over to ask for results, and the Traveler gives a negative response.
[Itto adds: "And just now, I thought I saw a few figures in the corner of my eye… Don't tell me it's actually haunted."]
Readers are even more confused. Haunted? Aren't you the ghost here?
Paimon voices the question for everyone.
[Paimon snarks: "The atmosphere's super creepy right now, but I gotta say, Itto, aren't you a ghost?"]
[Itto, voice trembling: "No, no! I mean the kind that flickers in and out, here one second, gone the next!"]
From Itto's reaction, it dawns on everyone: Arataki Itto is afraid of ghosts! This big, hotheaded Oni boy is scared of ghosts!
[Paimon, puzzled: "Huh? Itto, are you… actually afraid of ghosts?"]
[Kuki Shinobu, teasingly: "Oh my, the boss got found out, huh?"]
In the illustration, Kuki Shinobu's wearing her mask, but the glint in her side-profiled eyes shows her amusement. Readers pick up on another layer of Shinobu's charm. While everyone was only suspecting, Shinobu confirms Itto's fear with her teasing. Who knew Shinobu's mom-like persona had a mischievous streak? Readers like her even more now.
[Itto, practically curling into a ball, suddenly straightens up: "W-What?! No way! Don't you guys spread rumors!"]
[Paimon grins: "Hehe, seeing you like this makes me not scared anymore… Hey, Bull Chucker, if you're afraid, I can cover your eyes for you!"]
In this eerie atmosphere, Itto and Paimon, the two clowns, manage to keep the team's spirits up, preventing the mood from sinking too low. But one thing puzzles readers: Isn't Itto's 'swaying cow' supposed to be a divine beast that wards off evil? If he's scared of ghosts, why isn't he clinging to Ushi? Or… could it be that Itto himself would get 'warded off' by Ushi's powers?
In reality, Paimon's eyes light up with interest. If Itto's that scared, she's going to have some fun with this.
"Hehehe, how about we hold a test of courage?" Paimon says, turning her gaze to Itto. "Bull Chucker, you wouldn't dare to back out, would you?"
"W-Who's backing out?! This boss isn't afraid of anything!" Itto's voice shakes, but he refuses to admit defeat.
The others have no objections. Everyone present is either fearless or an Adeptus, and with Hu Tao, a professional in the ghost department, around, what's there to worry about? Ghosts? They're practically regular customers!
Only Furina remains calm on the surface while panicking inside. Furina: 'Seriously, can I skip this? I'm scared!'
Furina grips Lucian's sleeve tightly. When the time comes, Lucian, you walk in front of me. This god will protect you from sneak attacks! Wait, ghosts tend to appear behind people, don't they? Maybe Hu Tao should walk behind me instead?
Furina glances at Hu Tao, who's currently teasing a small ghost, telling it not to scare Itto, all while wearing a mischievous grin. Looking at that expression, Furina can't tell if Hu Tao's genuinely stopping the ghost or if she released it just to spook Itto.
Having Hu Tao walk behind me… yeah, maybe not…
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Furina: About the Test of Courage
"I'm not scared! Really, I'm not scared! It's just… just… anyway, I'm not afraid!"