So It Was You

"What was that sound?"

The sound echoed through the mountainside, sending chills down everyone's spine.

Fortunately, there were a number of people around so nobody panicked. Yet, the uneasiness in their eyes was apparent. Even if the people of Kobayashi Village were responsible for imprisoning Daisuke Kojima, it did not mean that they were immune to fear.

"Why are you guys so flustered?" It was then that Takashi Kobayashi, the chief of Kobayashi Village, exhibited his influence as their leader. Even though he was startled too, he quickly regained himself and said, "We don't come here often, and neither did we explore all of the rooms, nor wandered through the place. It's not that strange for mice or some wild beast to make this place their home." 

Upon hearing that, Taisei Kobayashi and the others heaved a sigh of relief, having noticed they were way too jumpy just now.