Before the door was slammed to her face, Jia saw a nun coming down.'It must be that Sister Nancy.'She shouted once more telling Sister Nancy that Lucas was waiting outside.The shop owner got angry and cursed Jia to leave. Jia immediately ran away, winking at Lucas to stay before disappearing to the next alley.Thankfully, Sister Nancy heard her shout and came out. When she stepped out, she saw a familiar face smiling at her."Lucas..." Sister Nancy teared up and hugged the child she had not seen for so long. At this moment where she could disappear at any time, seeing the child she treated like a son appeared, make the regrets in her heart lessened.Lucas chuckled but his eyes too were a bit red. He hugged her back."I'm sorry, Sister. It took me a long time to visit you."Seeing their tearful reunion, Jia sighed in relief and did not come out where she was hiding to avoid the shop owner's glare....The reunion of the two lasted for an hour. For a long time they haven't seen each
....Jia returned to the mansion quietly.At this time of day, right after sunset, the owner of this house, Sir Benjamin, would always stand in the hallway facing the mysterious object contained in the glasses silently.Jia, who lived here for more than a month, knew about this creepy routine.Sir Benjamin always does this. Sometimes, even in the middle of the night.There was one time that she woke up in the middle of the night and came down to get water. Her room was an old guest room with no water despenser. She always gets down in the kitchen to get water.When she was returning, she suddenly saw a figure in the hallway. She thought at first it was a ghost but after having a clear look, she recognized it was Sir Benjamin.She has already seen him standing at that same spot a few times after sunset. So she doesn't find it surprising. Jia doesn't know what this man was thinking or what he was looking at, but she knew well that the gentleman and eccentric Sir Benjamin was not in his
Days quickly passed.I have followed Carl and Lucas' suggestion to remain inside the haunted mansion. If there were matters that needed to be done outside, Carl would handle it for me. But since we already met Sister Nancy and I was only waiting for Jia's reply, there was not much happening here.But it doesn't mean the eyes of the Capital would not be on me.Wherever I go, there were eyes stuck behind me.Marcus still watched me like a hawk.I glared at him when I passed by where he was hiding and could not help but say,"I don't know if you are being discreet or not. But you are disturbing me like this."There was no use to hide anymore so Marcus stepped out from where he was hiding, "You only have three days left."I rolled my eyes at him. He's not the only one doing the counting. A week had passed by since the meeting with Sister Nancy. I haven't heard any news from Jia. But according to what Lucas replied to me through Carl, Jia had gone back to her hometown to look for it. If J
Well, I knew I asked for too much. It was a hard task with a small possibility of being successful.Since only the letter arrived, she must have failed.I am quite distressed. It means I have to find another way. But it was hard to look for another way for this ample amount of time.Although I am waiting for Jia's reply, I am not idle either. I kept using the haunted mansion resources of information about things related to talismans but their knowledge of such things was too little. Even Carl suggested seeking help from the Capital. But if I did ask for help, it would only make them all convinced that bringing me to the Capital was the right and only choice.If...in the worst scenario I have no other choice, then I would consider going to the Capital. But now, I can't afford that.So I continued waiting.I also went to the ghost market from time to time to widen my knowledge about the materials of the dead and how it affects both the living and the dead. But the result was the same. T
I immediately went to the antique shop. I left Carl in the haunted mansion to make sure Marcus won't follow me. Thankfully, Marcus did not insist to come. Perhaps because he could not do much in the antique shop due to the pressure of the Yang energy or he doesn't want to see me. In any case, I am happy to be left alone.However, I still take Carl's words to heart. He said that there might be some people in the Capital that were watching me from the dark. I assured him that I would be careful.The talisman's existence could not be explained. If I did, Jia's connection with us would be exposed. So for now, I could only hide it even from Carl.Fortunately, no ordinary ghosts could come to the antique shop except me. They could not spy inside without enduring the pain the Yang energy caused. According to Carl, it was like experiencing hell, and just stepping one closer was like increasing the hell difficulty. I don't know what difference he and Marcus had with Sister Nancy, who could e
After settling the matter in the church, the priest and I have another discussion privately. I told him about the possibilities of the Capital coming here to supervise and that there was nothing to worry about. Unlike me, the monastery had nothing to hide. The Capital wanted this 'experiment' to be successful the most. They would not do unnecessary things that would risk all of this. The priest got the gist of it and assured me that he would keep an eye on things. I told in advance that I would send people here or personally come here every week to check on their progress. Sister Nancy would also come over in the next few days. Her existence would bring comfort to the monastery. Hopefully, the children could endure this torturous process.But I worried for nothing. By the end of the week, the last day which I promised the Capital to submit the progress of the 'experiment', I visited the monastery again. I was surprised when I learned that the first ones who adapted from the agonizi
"Based on what I know, you have only been interested in this subject a few months ago, right? Sir Reynold had told me all about it." Mr. Lin Ze was still smiling cordially.Sir Reynold who had been silent all this time did not comment. Mr. Lin Ze also doesn't need his reply. "Are you interested in working for the Capital? We will give you the most preferable treatment and you will have a considerable position in the inner circle with an authority. You don't have to do anything for us, such as doing risky jobs like hunting demons. Just researching in this subject and continuing to contribute to this matter is enough to put you in high regard. You can have access to the endless resources of the Capital. You can live leisurely and even select a servant."My apprehension had already been put up when Mr. Lin Ze mentioned 'hunting demons'. The rest of what he said seemed blurred to me.Does it mean that Mr. Lin Ze had already investigated my time spent here in the haunted mansion? Did he
In Sir Reynold's office.When Kelly and the others left, all the gentle pretentiousness of the man disappeared.Mr. Lin Ze resumed his overbearing aura and haughtiness. His gaze was deep as he stared at the door.How could he not notice it? He tried to tempt that girl with an enticing offer many times, but the other party remained unmoved. For what she said about the reason for not leaving this place, Mr. Lin Ze who lived long enough to differentiate between lies and truth could naturally tell that there was something here that prevented the girl to leave. She was hiding something.If it once, there was not so much suspicion, perhaps some misgivings, but when the other party stubbornly refused him for twice, thrice, there's bound to be a reason that he doesn't know of.Mr. Lin Ze had never needed to restrain himself so much before. If there was no crucial thing involved, he had dissected the girl long ago, he would have his answer within the day.However, because the girl was the key
That weekend, I crashed at Jia's home and dragged her to my apartment. Colt was sad but since it was rare for me and Jia to have a girl's party night, Colt finally let go of his soon-to-be wife. Seeing them lovely-dovey and could not even be separated for one night, made me feel bitter. Tsk. With beers and snacks, I told Jia about Laurance's offer. "I told you! He liked you!" "I don't want to think that you are right. But...if Laurence really looks at me that way...it would be hard for me to reject him." "I saw that Laurence twice. I could say he is handsome, tall, and rich. What's not to like about him?" "If Colt heard you he would be heartbroken and jealous." "Colt is not here anyway. Why are you having difficulty rejecting him?" "Because he is my boss. If he confesses to me and I reject him, how would I face him afterward? Would he want to see me after that? I think my job is in danger." "Girl, why don't you just accept Laurence? Since the man like you, give him a chance."
It's been nine years since that incident. It was said that a momentary earthquake around the area caused the club to have cracks in the wall and its ceiling to give out. Nevertheless, the people were injured that night and the club has been investigated. That was when the dead body count increased. There were actually people who died in the club because of an unknown incident. But because they were no proof that they were murdered or any motives behind their deaths, it was only branded as an accident. But there was one thing in common, they died while they were in the club. They were only declared dead when they arrived at the hospital. The club was suspended for not reporting this strange anomaly but they were back in business after a month. After all, it was not the fault of the club owner. Some people said it might be related to the accident eight years ago. But after that, there was no incident that happened again in that building. When I mentioned it to Jia, she just shrugge
Seeing him, I felt my heart tightly squeezed. My body shook. As if I was struck by lightning, I remained dazed and rooted in the ground.It was a strange face that I haven't seen before. But...why...why the sight of him affected me so much?I felt like crying, yelling, rampaging, and crying all over again. As if a pandora's box was opened and all my crazy emotions that I have kept were released. It was an emotion that I could not define.However, what I knew was that the feeling of loss I have suddenly found its meaning- longing.I have never felt such longing before. As if the empty hole in my heart found its piece. It was as if I finally found a light in the darkness where I have been wandering for so long.My nose went sour and my sight blurred. I held back my tears.I don't understand why these overwhelming emotions suddenly came out. But I know it was all related to this man.The man crouched down and checked my ankle.Our surrounding was chaotic. There were people screaming, ob
Jia then told everyone in the group. "I think you guys already have fun. How about we call it a day? Let's all go home."I looked strangely at Jia. Was she hinting at everyone to leave?Is something about to happen?"The night is just starting. When things heated up we will go to the dance floor. Don't leave yet." The group was hot-blooded and wanted to dance all night until dawn.Jia tried to convince them but they were determined to get wild this night.Jia turned silent, she was a bit frustrated.I pulled at her sleeves, "Why are you hinting them to leave?""Well, based on the story of this place I am now sure that there is a demon here. A vengeful one. It has been hiding for eight years after it killed the students. Now, it must have been hungry and looking for victims. What is strange though is that there is no news of accidents that happened here even though this place is running for a year."I don't doubt Jia. So I made a guess. "Could it be the owner is covering it up?""Perha
I asked the group which university they were from, what course they were in and etcetera.My social skills were okay. I could answer and ask questions effortlessly. However, it was just that I don't make deep connections with other people aside from Jia. So oftentimes, after making friends, I won't contact them afterward."It is the first time we saw you two here. Don't you go clubbing in this area?" One of them asked."Honestly, it is the first time we went to the club. We are still adapting to college life." I replied. Some of the people here were seniors. They were kind and gave me advice on what to look out for in the club. Such as not accepting drinks from strangers.We got lucky that we met such a nice group. Even Jia seemed to open up too.They were talkative and kept us interested. At least with them, we don't have to be bored and dance on the dance floor.One of them even opened a spooky topic."Hey. Do you guys know that before this became a club it is a dormitory eight yea
Jia sighed, "That's right. I can see some things that other people don't."I expected it. But I am still surprised."...Can you see ghosts and spirits?""You can say that."I clenched my fist. "...Then can you see if I am haunted?"Jia was surprised. "...Haunted?""I have always felt it. It is always in my dreams, at the bottom of my heart, in the depth of my consciousness. I am haunted. But the problem is I don't know what is haunting me."Jia turned silent."...Is it a person?" I asked.Jia did not answer."Is it my mom?"Jia looked away. "There's no one behind you. You are not haunted by some ghosts.""Then what I am haunted with? What is it? What is making me restless?"Jia shut her mouth tightly. But I could see her struggling.Her hesitation and strange reaction made me think of something ridiculous.Could it be that...Jia was hiding something from me? Could she know about it?However, Jia just looked me in the eyes with pained and complicated emotions."I can't tell you, Kelly.
Another year had passed since then. Although I can't explain this feeling of loss and this emptiness in my heart, as if a deep hole appeared and was never filled, I continued my daily life. I figured that when I wasn't busy with something I end up dazing and thinking about what I lost. It was confusing and all the thinking made my chest hurt. To distract myself, I studied hard at college and work part-time in my free time. My busy schedule kept me going. My thoughts and my unexplainable emotions were put aside. Jia was worried for me ever since I broke down at my graduation. She tried to cheer me up by visiting some other places and letting me meet some new friends. However, even Jia was not good at making friends. She sometimes end up screwing it up or my awkward silence and blank stares made the people we met looked strangely at us. In the end, only our friendship remained. "I am not really interested in meeting other people. I am already busy at school and at my part-time
One year later.... I watched our Principal make an emotional speech for the graduates. The teachers were all proud and smiling. While the students were bored and wanted to finish the speech soon. When the Principal finally congratulated us and ended the speech, the graduates cheered up. The whole venue was filled with loud cheers. I just stood there in a daze, feeling everything was unreal. Today is my graduation from senior high. After I woke up from the coma, I have undergone treatment for two months before I got discharged. When I tried to go back to school, I learned that the entire school got banned and the Miguel family who tortured me so much had been punished severely. Alejandro and Claire were in jail while the recent news about Ella was that she had killed her husband and she was facing a trial. The old man's relatives won't let her go and will make her life worst. She won't be able to bother me anymore. Many things changed after I woke up. The things I wanted to b
A/n: This chapter is fixed. *** Sir Benjamin also looked sad. "Lucas has included this in our deal. I have to make sure you return even if I have to force you. Please accept our last goodwill for you." My tears fall. I understand Sir Benjamin and Lucas' concerns and sacrifice. They were only thinking about me. But my heart and soul were really unwilling. And how could I turn back on Sir Benjamin and Lucas' great effort? Sir Benjamin wanted to use his last remaining energy for me while Lucas was willing to endure a long journey mainly because of me. I looked down at Lucas. He was still unconscious and the black veins in his face reduced a lot. He was not frowning in pain anymore, he looked peaceful as if he was asleep. Would it be the last time that I would see him? Wouldn't I be able to even say goodbye? "You bad man...We can't even say goodbye to each other..." I hugged him tightly as my tears fell on him. Sir Benjamin stood up and turned his back on us. He looked at the