NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Back to Haunted Academy
Their journey to the academy had been relatively quiet. Relatively, because quiet with Yunfei involved occasional detours to "explore" eerie forests, attempt conversations with disgruntled spirits, and, of course, endless chatter.
"Okay, Ice King, you've been silent for an entire hour," Yunfei said as they stood at the academy gates. His voice was light, but his grin was anything but innocent. "What's running through that mysterious, broody brain of yours?"
Zhihao ignored him, studying the gate. It was a massive structure, iron twisted into grotesque shapes that seemed to shift and writhe under scrutiny. Symbols of warning and protection glowed faintly along the edges, a desperate attempt by the living to keep the dead contained.
"We shouldn't be here," Zhihao finally said, his tone calm but firm.
"That's the spirit!" Yunfei said brightly. "You're already channeling the horror-movie vibe. Next, we split up and wander into dark rooms alone. Sound good?"
Zhihao shot him a glare, but before he could retort, the gate groaned and swung open of its own accord. A cold wind rushed out, carrying with it the scent of decay and something else—something metallic and sharp.
"Oh, spooky!" Yunfei said, stepping forward without hesitation. "Ten out of ten for the dramatic entrance."
Zhihao followed, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
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Inside the Academy
The air inside the academy was thick with malevolence. Shadows danced along the walls, their shapes twisting into nightmarish forms. The floor creaked beneath their feet, each step echoing unnaturally loud in the silence.
"So," Yunfei said, glancing around. "Do you think the cafeteria serves anything good, or is it all ectoplasm soup and haunted casseroles?"
Zhihao didn't respond. His focus was on the corridor ahead, where faint whispers seemed to emanate from the walls themselves.
"Seriously," Yunfei continued, undeterred. "Do ghosts even eat? Or is haunting people a full-time gig? Like, do they get breaks? Paid vacations?"
"Quiet," Zhihao said sharply, his voice low.
Yunfei fell silent—at least for a moment. Then he smirked and whispered, "You're no fun, you know that?"
Before Zhihao could reply, the air grew colder, and a faint mist began to gather around them. From the mist emerged a figure—a spectral woman with hollow eyes and an unnerving smile.
"Welcome," she said, her voice echoing as if it came from everywhere at once. "You are the first guests in centuries. I hope you survive the night."
"Aw, thanks for the warm welcome!" Yunfei said, waving cheerfully. "You must be the headmistress. Love what you've done with the place."
The specter's smile faltered, her hollow eyes narrowing. "You mock me?"
"Not at all," Yunfei said, holding up his hands. "I'm genuinely impressed. Most haunted places go for the whole 'dusty and abandoned' vibe, but you've really committed to the oppressive atmosphere. It's very... immersive."
The specter hissed, her form flickering. Zhihao stepped forward, his blade gleaming as he drew it in one smooth motion.
"Enough," Zhihao said, his tone cold. "Tell us what we need to know."
The specter's smile returned, sharper this time. "Oh, but where's the fun in that? The academy has its own rules. Follow them, and you might live. Break them, and you'll join the others."
"What others?" Yunfei asked, tilting his head.
The specter's smile widened, and she gestured to the walls. Faces appeared in the shadows, twisted and tormented, their mouths open in silent screams.
"Ah," Yunfei said, nodding. "Former students. Got it."
The specter laughed, her form dissolving into mist. "Good luck," her voice echoed as it faded.
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The Rules
The moment she disappeared, a piece of parchment materialized in midair, fluttering to the ground. Yunfei picked it up and read it aloud.
"Welcome to the Haunted Academy. Rules for survival:
1. Do not leave your room after midnight.
2. Do not look into mirrors for longer than three seconds.
3. Do not speak to the man in the library.
4. Always finish your meals.
Failure to comply will result in consequences."
"Hmm," Yunfei said, folding the parchment and slipping it into his pocket. "Sounds easy enough. What do you think, Zhihao?"
Zhihao's gaze was fixed on the shadows, his grip on his sword tightening. "We need to leave."
"Aw, come on," Yunfei said, grinning. "Where's your sense of adventure?"
"This isn't a game," Zhihao said sharply.
"Sure it is," Yunfei replied. "It's just a really high-stakes one. Besides, we're here for a reason, right? Something big's brewing, and it's not going to stop just because we're scared."
Zhihao didn't respond, but his expression hardened.
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The First Night
They found themselves assigned to Room 107, a small, dimly lit space with two creaky beds and a single cracked mirror. Yunfei flopped onto one of the beds immediately, folding his arms behind his head.
"Home sweet home," he said, grinning. "Dibs on the bed closest to the window."
Zhihao ignored him, setting his sword within arm's reach before sitting on the other bed. He didn't trust the academy, and he trusted its rules even less.
The hours passed uneventfully, but as midnight approached, the air grew colder. Yunfei, who had been dozing, sat up abruptly.
"Did you feel that?" he asked.
Zhihao nodded, his hand moving to his sword.
The moment the clock struck midnight, the door rattled violently, as if someone—or something—was trying to force it open.
Yunfei's grin returned, but this time it was laced with anticipation. "Looks like our first test. Ready, Ice King?"
Zhihao stood, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "Stay behind me."
"Oh, please," Yunfei said, summoning a glowing sigil in one hand. "I'm the one who's going to save your broody ass."
The rattling stopped, replaced by an eerie silence. Then, slowly, the door creaked open, revealing a dark, empty hallway.
Yunfei stepped forward, his grin widening. "Well, this should be fun."
Zhihao sighed but followed, his sword at the ready. Together, they stepped into the darkness, unaware of the horrors—and revelations—that awaited them.
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