Werewolf Survival Vol 1 Chap 5

The Satiated Werewolf & The Ravenous Werewolf

We ascended to the fourth floor, and from our vantage point, we could see Count on the second-floor balcony.

From this distance, I could easily strike him with something,

I scanned the area for a small, throwable object, like a rock or a vase. And, as I was searching, I noticed Gyukaku clutching a small vase. It seemed like he had a similar idea.

As a member of the Softball Club, Gyukaku had impressive arm strength. If he could hit Count in the head, it might knock him out instantly. Also, considering our altitude, it could even be fatal.

"Gyukaku, resorting to violence is against the rules!" Tsubame cautioned.

"Corpses can't enforce rules. It wouldn't matter," Gyukaku replied steadfastly.

"He's always on the balcony, right?" he added. "The balcony's near the dining room, so there must be some sort of pathway connecting the floors."

"But what'd happen to the werewolf if Count actually died?" Usagi said.

Gyukaku paused at Usagi's query. The hallway fell silent except for the rhythmic sound of Usagi chewing her gum.

She blew a large bubble, then let it pop.

Continuing to chew noisily, she added, "Aren't Count and the werewolf playing different games? Who'd stop the enraged werewolf if Count passed out or died?" she looked directly at Gyukaku, "Could you handle an enraged beast, Gyukaku?"

Gyukaku had a pained expression on his face. And after a moment, he shook his head and reluctantly set the vase down.

We then proceeded to inspect each room. However, we found no claw marks or fur. Eventually, feeling disheartened, we aimlessly roamed the hallway while racking our brains for fresh ideas.

"Guys, look!" Gyukaku suddenly exclaimed, pointing straight ahead.

At the end of the fourth-floor hallway, a terrifying slash mark marred the wall.

"That... that's a claw mark!" I blurted out, recalling the chilling sensation I felt the day before.

This was more than just a claw mark. Pieces of carpet lay scattered, and the ripped fragments painted a grotesque flower on the floor. A window had been shattered as well, and fragments of destroyed furniture were all over the place.

"This is the aftermath of the werewolf's rampage?" Gyukaku said. "This is really bad news." he was visibly taken aback by the destruction.

"After seeing this, I agree with Usagi. It's safer not to provoke Count or confront the werewolf directly," I said.

"Then, let's try to split up. As Hayato said earlier, there must be a clue somewhere," Tsubame said.

"Remember, the clue could be anything, not just physical evidence," I reminded them. "It could even be something someone's said."

I mentioned that even without the special roles, like the Seer, Count'd give us a clue or hint to maintain the fairness of the game. However, we can't limit our options.

After my explanation, Tsubame wore a bitter expression. And after pondering for a bit, she finally asked, "In that case, what should we do?"

"Eh... How should I know? I was only sharing my opinion," I said while scratching my head.

"Even after going that far, you don't have any suggestions?" Tsubame was amazed by my lack of ideas.

"Umm..." I was desperate, trying to come up with ideas while under Tsubame's intense gaze.

"Unbelievable..."

"I can't help it, okay!? It's not like I'm a good commander. Usually, I follow adults' instructions."

"Hayato, you're all talk and no action."

That hurt, Tsubame... but she's not wrong, I'm terrible at using my head.

"That's enough, I'll investigate alone," Tsubame said.

"Wait, wait, Tsubame! We should search together," Usagi tried to convince her.

Behind Usagi, Gyukaku nodded at Tsubame, "Go on. We'd be sidetracked if everyone moved together. On top of that, I'd feel safer without a silver-tongued snake by my side."

"Hoh, please do tell me, who is that snake?" Tsubame asked, looking at Gyukaku with ice-cold eyes.

"Who knows..." Gyukaku replied while staring deeply into Tsubame's eyes. "So, I'll search alone. let's all meet at the ballot room when it's time to vote, like last night."

Following their words, both went in different directions.

Not long after, Usagi said, "So, will you and I search for the clue together, Hayato?"

Together?

I was lost for a second.

Usually, I would've accepted her suggestion without thinking twice, seeing that I made a promise to protect her. Usually...

Gyukaku and Tsubame're racking their brains to figure out the werewolf's true identity. If Usagi and I search for the clue as a team again, we might be too slow. Though we might find the clue, in the end, how much time it'd take?

Furthermore, I'm conflicted. If what I was thinking earlier's true, Usagi's the most suspicious person.

She's been following me since the first day. She was with me until the end of the first ballot too. It fits perfectly with the earlier condition, Usagi wouldn't have attracted any suspicion, and so, nobody would've voted for her on the first day.

The likelihood of her being the werewolf isn't small at all.

I... won't accept this. I must take another route and consider a different viewpoint. I need to search for other types of clues, clues that'll prove her innocence!

"Let's split up, Usagi. It'll be faster, we can search all the rooms that way."

"Meh, okay."

After Usagi's reply, I went to the third floor.

While walking, I was deliberating over Tsubame's words.

I know, I've known for a long time. I'm not a good commander, I can't distinguish falsehood, I have always relied on the adults. I've always run away from such responsibilities.

So, when Tsubame asked me to give commands, I couldn't say anything. I'm just a normal child. I can't mimic the adults.

I pushed on and arrived at the library. Nobody's been here. Inside, there was a red table with a single book on top of it — a pretty old book.

Approaching the book, I picked it up and flipped the first page.

The Boy & The Werewolf

Once upon a time, there was a boy who loved to play games. Cards, dice, puzzles... he was skilled in every game he played. He could easily defeat anyone who played against him: his parents, the mayor, nobles, aristocrats, the consul, even the prince, and the king. The boy was unbeatable.

The news of the unbeatable boy reached the ears of a cunning demon. This tricky demon had deceived many during his lifetime and would undoubtedly be a tough opponent for the boy.

Thus, the demon proposed a deal to the boy, "If I beat you, I will gain control of your soul! On the other hand, if I lose, you'll gain one wish." The demon said, with a sinister grin. "Hehe, do we have a deal?"

In the end, the boy won. "Until I lose, you'll continue to play with me." that was the boy's wish.

Thus it began, the boy always won, and the dejected demon kept playing with him, "Despicable boy! I said it was a best of five, it's not over yet!!"

The dejected demon never defeated the boy, but the boy was satisfied.

Many years passed by, but wherever they went, the game between them continued.

Even now.

Perhaps you've stumbled into their ongoing games by chance, in this manor.

The last page of the book depicted a boy and a werewolf, both of them holding the demon's tail.

Additionally, the boy wore a monocle over one eye.

!!

It was as if a flash of light had struck me.

The Boy & The Werewolf... this is it!

"Hayato, are you here?" Tsubame asked as she opened the door. "Are you okay? Your face's as pale as a ghost's."

"I'm fine, it's nothing," I said, trying to appear calm. "But what are you doing here?"

"I was looking for you. The washing machine's working perfectly. Do you want to wash your clothes? The laundry room is on the third floor."

"Oh! That's great news. I'm going there right away!"

My clothes had started to stink. Even though we brought many clothes to the summer camp, it wasn't enough. That's why I was really looking forward to using the washing machine.

I went to the third floor right away, while Tsubame chose to continue her search. As I approached the laundry room, I heard the sound of the washing machine.

Someone was already using it.

"Ah, Hayato!"

When I opened the door, I found Usagi in her pajamas standing in front of the washing machine.

"Gonna wash your clothes too?"

"Huh...Yep, they're a bit sweaty."

"Same here~ And look there, a drying machine. We can dry them right away, sweet right?"

"Right, that's great," I said, shifting my gaze to the wall.

I was looking at the highlight of this room, its grape wallpaper. It's a bit exaggerated, but it fits the atmosphere of the manor.

"Tsubame was here earlier. She came with me to clean her clothes as well, though she left already," Usagi said, smiling. "Oh, if you're searching for the laundry detergent, it's over there!"

Usagi pointed at it and continued, "Too bad it's washing powder, I'm used to liquid detergent like the one in the kitchen on the first floor—"

Although Usagi was talking, my gaze was fixed on the laundry basket. Usagi noticed my gaze.

"I thought it would be better to bring them here. I didn't want to leave them on the floor," she explained while gazing at Imako-san and Ori-san's clothes. "We must find the Werewolf, Hayato!"

Afterward, we proceeded with our search. We looked everywhere, every nook and cranny, but didn't find anything, not a single clue.

However, the night doesn't wait, it always comes.

As such, the merciless night came. Or more specifically, it was 7:30 pm. We've 30 minutes before the ballot. We must decide... who's it?

"It's Gyukaku," said Tsubame.

"Just like I thought, the same nonsense, huh," Gyukaku scorned.

"I'm not accusing you out of revenge. You didn't eat today, right? Not at breakfast, lunch, or dinner."

As Tsubame said, Gyukaku didn't touch his food today. Yet, at the camp, he hungrily devoured the curry. She's not wrong to be suspicious of him, and I thought it was strange too.

"You can't eat, your stomach's full, isn't it?" Tsubame said.

"No... you're completely off the mark," Gyukaku said. "Instead, it's strange to eat like nothing had happened. A pool of blood, freaky sounds of people being eaten, and you want me to eat my food happily? You're crazy."

Suddenly Gyukaku raised his head and stared at Tsubame. "To boot, this is a game where the Werewolf must eat all of us to win. Do you think the beast's so weak as to be full after only one person? You're too simple-minded."

Then he glanced at his side, "Its stomach must be worth two people's, isn't that right, Usagi?"

"What?!" Usagi was truly surprised. "Wait, wait, I've had a big appetite since I was little! It's not like I'm the werewolf!!"

"That makes it more convenient, it would've taken our personalities into consideration before disguising itself."

"Gyukaku, it's not her." I put Usagi behind my back.

"No, Gyukaku's reasoning is not wrong. The chance of her being the werewolf's high."

"Wha— Tsubame?!"

Surprisingly, Tsubame agreed with Gyukaku.

Tsubame continued, "Have you ever been worried, Usagi? You're always calm. Plus, you've been with Hayato since the beginning. If you changed your vote according to his, you could easily win this game."

The same... her supposition and mine.

"Please wait—"

"But it isn't her," Tsubame said, "She would be a top-class actress if it was."

"Eh, what do you mean?"

"It's impossible for you to be the werewolf. You're a birdbrain."

"That's it?! That's the reason?"

Sigh. Well, that was also the same reason I discarded this.

She wasn't acting any different. She's been acting just like always, her personality didn't change. On the other hand, Tsubame and Gyukaku have changed since the time we entered this manor. Although we weren't close, we still were from the same class. Both didn't talk much in class, they've always been reclusive.

That's why I'm suspicious of them.

"You too, Hayato, are awfully calm," I was startled by Tsubame's words.

"And since the time we came to this manor, your impulsiveness has diminished."

"Now that you mention it."

You too Gyukaku?!

"I've been acting like a normal person. I'm scared... I've been scared since the start!" I tried to refute their words. "Those who've been acting weird are you guys!"

"Then, please tell me, Hayato, which one of us is the werewolf?" Tsubame asked.

"How should I know?!"

I felt pathetic.

"We can't read minds, you ought to say what you're thinking! Whether we were wrong or right, you must say something!"

Though I'm lost, she's right. If I don't do it, they'd be wary of me and, in the end, vote on me. I'd be eaten, and the werewolf would be safe one more time. Usagi would also die.

I finally replied, "The werewolf'll be proactive! It'll try to lead our discussion."

In this type of game, yelling or imposing your opinion won't work. Then what's the key to winning? Persuasiveness!

Who's been the most proactive? Who's been trying to lead our discussion since the first day?

"Up until now, we were being led by Tsumane's words," I said. "If I were the werewolf, I'd stay hidden. But the person who stands out is always the most suspicious. They're easy to hate as well."

"Uh-huh. I couldn't have said it better, Hayato." Gyukaku said while nodding his head.

Before Gyukaku could show his hostility, I continued, "Or so I thought, but I was wrong." Gyukaku was surprised by my following words.

"Yesterday, although she led the discussion, she only took action after listening to our opinions."

If I was it, I wouldn't play the villain's role or stand out. As it'd make me an easy target and, also, everyone would hate me.

I'm not it, and after thinking things through, neither is Usagi. So it can only be—

"Seriously?" Gyukaku said after sighing deeply. He wore a pained expression as if he'd taken a punch to the gut.

You're trustworthy, Gyukaku, but if I have to choose between you, Usagi, and Tsubame, I'll pick you. You not standing out is suspicious in itself.

I told him as much.

"If that's your logic, you're just as suspect as I am."

"After all that, you're accusing him?" Tsubame said, dumbfounded.

"Usagi," Gyukaku asked, "What about you?!"

"Eh? Hmm..." Usagi shook her head trying to think, but in the end, "Sorry, not a clue!"

"Seeing that nobody has anything else to say, let's proceed to the voting," Tsubame said.

"Wait a minute, I'm telling you, it isn't me!" Gyukaku yelled and went to confront her.

Tsubame pointed at his nose and said flatly, "Violence is prohibited."

"Hey, Hayato," Gyukaku said with a hoarse voice, "Hayato, it's not me! Please!"

I could discern his pain.

However, I'm sorry, Gyukaku... I can't change my vote. If I show hesitation now, I won't have the resolve to vote for anyone else if they show me the same face. I've already steeled my heart!

Suddenly, "Shall we begin?" Count said from the balcony on the second floor, "The Ballot."

Für Elise resounded throughout the manor.

And thus, the fallen badges made a thud every time they hit the bottom of the ballot box. The box surged upwards, swallowed by a fissure in the floor, and it slowly rose from the floor of the balcony.

Count's voice echoed, "Purple, Blue, Blue, and Blue. Gyukaku Aoyama, you're the most-voted player."

We were holding our breaths, waiting for the verdict. Is he the werewolf? Is this the end?

"Hence, allow me to declare the outcome. What a pity... Gyukaku Aoyama is not the Werewolf."

Our faces froze after his announcement.

"I was trying to tell you, idiots," Gyukaku said, sitting on the floor.

We became paralyzed by guilt which pressed on our chests.

"The werewolf shall be released. I advise you to return to your rooms," the Count intoned, as the manor was engulfed by darkness.

I wanted to rush off immediately, but I found myself frozen in place.

"Hayato? What are you doing just standing there? Let's go!" Usagi called, looking back at me.

"Go on ahead, Usagi! I'll catch up with you shortly," I said.

Usagi and Tsubame bolted for the staircase right away, while I stared at Count's silhouette, and then looked at the dispirited Gyukaku.

My chest hurt. The guilt...I was ashamed of myself. But I still called out to him, "I'll help you, Gyukaku. Let's try to—"

"Go, Hayato. If you stay here, you'll be eaten too. Besides...you're!" Gyukaku said, and suddenly, his eyes lit up. "You're it, right? Go on, take off your disguise, aren't you going to eat me?"

No. That's wrong, Gyukaku. I'm not it.

"But, let me tell you, I won't give up without a fight!" Gyukaku yelled.

His words hit me like a real blow, and I backed off.

And so, I ran, I ran without stopping towards the staircase. After climbing it, I caught up with Usagi and Tsubame shortly. But I didn't stop there, I keep on going until the fourth floor, and, finally, into my room.

One minute...two minutes...Breathing heavily, an idea struck me.

What if I looked outside? I might discern the werewolf's identity.

It'd attacked Yamane here on the fourth floor, so I couldn't open the door and see its appearance. But Gyukaku was on the first floor. While he was fighting, I'd go to the third floor and check which door was left open. The danger was minimal as I'd return shortly, and I might finally end this game.

I was determined to put an end to this game!

Nervously, I put my ear against the door, but it suddenly opened.

Whoa!

I was thrown out into the hallway and crashed to the floor. When I turned around, I saw that the keyhole of my door was blocked by something.

Gum?

"What in the world?!"

I tried to lock it forcefully, but it didn't work. The self-lock function had activated, just like the previous night, but the gum was jamming it.

I used my fingertip to peel off some of the gum from the lock, but it was useless. The lock was completely filled with gum. I needed a stick or something similar to clean it!

I searched for something like that, but there was nothing in the hallway.

W-What should I do? Should I go to Usagi's or Tsubame's room?

That was when IT appeared. On the third floor.

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