"President, let me ask you a question."
"Huh? Go ahead."
"How many children do you want?"
"..."
Natsukawa Kanade froze. His brain stalled for a moment, unable to process the sheer randomness of the question.
What kind of weird topic shift was this?!
One second they were trudging through this ridiculous test of courage, and the next, she was throwing existential life questions at him?
Was she just that bored from being carried on his back? Had she already started planning their entire future in her head?
"I... I haven't really thought about that before," Kanade answered honestly, still bewildered.
After all, he was still a student. Worrying about kids was a distant problem for "future Kanade" to deal with. Right now, he had more pressing concerns—like making it through this challenge without collapsing from exhaustion.
"Just say whatever comes to mind, President. Answer from the heart," Kaguya coaxed, her tone sweet but insistent.
Kanade frowned slightly and thought for a moment. "Maybe... two? That seems like a good number."
"Why two?"
"Uh... I don't really know. Maybe because it'd be nice to have one son and one daughter? That way, I'd get to experience both types of parenting?" Kanade replied uncertainly.
After all, he'd never raised a child before, so he had no real opinion on the matter. Honestly, when the time came, he'd probably just go along with whatever his wife wanted. It seemed like the safest option.
"I see..." Kaguya responded with an unreadable expression before falling silent, seemingly lost in thought.
Kanade was still perplexed. Not just about her question, but about how abruptly she ended the conversation.
What was that? A trap? A secret psychological test?
Normally, when someone asked a question like that, wouldn't they follow up with their own opinion? Why did she just stop after getting his answer? If he didn't know better, he'd think she was secretly gathering intel for some grander scheme...
Meanwhile, Kaguya's inner thoughts were anything but subtle.
Only two children? That seemed a little low… Her family had at least four siblings, not counting any potential illegitimate ones running around out there... Well, whatever. If that was what the president wanted, she would respect his wishes.
Even if he decided they should just live happily together forever without children, she was fine with that too!
'Wait, what am I even thinking?!'
She shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus.
===================
As the two continued onward, each lost in their own thoughts, they finally arrived at the final challenge site of the test of courage event.
"Welcome, challengers!" a staff member announced enthusiastically. "You are the most outstanding pair in this group and the first team to reach the final stage! Are you ready for your ultimate challenge?"
Kanade, still carrying Kaguya, looked up at the staff member with exhaustion written all over his face. The guy was oddly cheerful for someone running a horror-based event.
Without hesitation, the staff member handed them two small, exquisitely crafted collars.
"The rules are simple! You each wear a volume detector around your neck. If it detects that you scream or make a sound above a certain decibel level during the challenge, you automatically fail!"
Kanade's eye twitched. "...Excuse me?"
"Oh, and one more thing!" The staff member grinned. "You won't know what will happen ahead of time! So, just be brave and push forward!"
Kanade took the collar in silence, staring at it for a long moment. Just as he opened his mouth to protest, the staff member suddenly clapped his hands together and spoke rapidly.
"Well, whether you understand the rules or not, just charge ahead! Good luck!"
Then, before Kanade could even react, the staff member disappeared at lightning speed, vanishing into the darkness like a ninja.
"...Wait, hold on!" Kanade reached out as if to stop him, but it was too late.
"What just happened?!" He was dumbfounded.
He had been expecting some kind of explanation or at least a moment to mentally prepare, but instead, he got dumped into a challenge without any chance to even process it.
The previous level organizers were all weird in their own ways, but this guy? He was on a whole new level of "What the hell?!"
Kaguya, still on Kanade's back, chuckled softly.
"Well, President," she said with amusement, "it looks like we have no choice but to go all in. Shall we begin?"
===============
Kanade sighed internally. He thought the person in charge of this level would be reliable, but he was even more absurd than the last ones!
Is this the true essence of the Shuchiin Academy Game Club?! Do they only recruit weirdos?!
Kanade had no choice but to turn to Kaguya, still latched onto his back. Maybe she had some insights?
"What do you think, Kaguya?"
"What are you hesitating for? Just charge ahead! Full speed, President!"
"..."
Okay, okay, he should've known better than to ask!
It finally dawned on him why Kaguya had been asking all those strange questions earlier—her usual composed self had retreated, leaving behind the whimsical, childlike "Young Kaguya."
It was the worst timing for her to switch personalities! As adorable as she was in this mode, she was completely useless in a serious situation!
To put it bluntly, he was Naruto, carrying Sakura through the battlefield, weaving in and out of danger seven times. Not only did he have to protect the "fool" on his back, but he also had to clear this challenge solo!
And the worst part? This Sakura wasn't exactly lightweight! Carrying her was draining his energy fast!
This challenge had an added difficulty setting: "Burden Mode Activated!"
Kanade took a deep breath and adjusted his grip on Kaguya. "Kaguya, listen carefully. If anything weird happens, don't scream. Just whisper to me. If you're scared, close your eyes, and we'll get through it. Got it?"
After dealing with her alternate personality a few times before, he knew how to handle it.
Though, come to think of it… were there any other personalities lurking inside her? He had only encountered "Young Kaguya" so far, but who knew?
"You keep repeating yourself, President. You're so naggy." Kaguya pouted before poking his cheek. "Frowning all the time is bad for your skin. Smile more!"
"..." Kanade twitched but ignored her.
But Kaguya wasn't done.
"Come on, smile, President! If you don't, I'll ignore you forever!"
"..."
He had no choice but to force an awkward smile.
"See? That's better!" Kaguya beamed and then—without warning—patted his head.
"Good boy, good boy! You have to be more obedient from now on!"
"..."
Kanade sighed in defeat. Whatever made her happy.
Honestly, if he had a camera, he'd record this and show it to her later when she was back to normal. He wanted to see what kind of reaction she'd have.
Handing her the collar, he said, "Put this on. We're about to start. And remember—no yelling."
"Got it, got it! Leave it to me!" Kaguya chirped, holding the collar up high like it was some kind of sacred treasure.
Kanade sighed again. This was going to be a long night.