Fear had this strange side to it.0

The fear felt when all alone was far, far greater than when you were in the company of other people.0

One didn't need personal experience to figure out that watching a horror movie in a packed cinema was less frightening than in an empty one. Because, being alone amplified one's fear by a massive degree.0

The same scary movie would feel less frightening if you had someone to share the experience with. You'd feel more secure in the company of others.0

However, there was a flip side to that equation. Fear could be contagious.0

Even if one didn't feel anything about something in the beginning, one would still get sucked into mass hysteria and fear if others got scared by that same thing.0

...Just like right now!0

Kazeichi could acutely sense the fear spreading among everyone. Not even he could tell when this phenomenon had begun. However, was there a need to figure that out now?0

After all, what was happening in this place was closer to "resonance" than "infection," now wasn't it?0

No one could be seen as the patient zero in this case. Kazeichi didn't want to admit it, but even he was not spared. He could feel his heart being invaded by this contagious fear!0

Kazeichi bit his lower lip.0

'No, this should not surprise me.'0

He told himself not to fight this feeling. He must not view his current emotions as dishonorable and try to overcome them through willpower alone. Doing so would mean his body and mind would be out of sync. And that would dull his senses...0