“What are you guys doing here?” Dr. Chen scratched his head, puzzled, eyeing the cluster of computers set up at the hospital entrance.

“You wouldn’t get it, newbie,” Glasses adjusted his spectacles and fiddled with the machines, radiating tech-geek confidence. “These link to floor cameras. If a ghost approaches at night, we’ll spot it before the wind chimes even ring.”

Screens flickered to life—feeds from every floor, each stairwell, all rooms on levels one and two, crystal clear.

“Can cameras actually *see* ghosts?”

“Hmph. Ghosts disrupt the signal. Static on a screen? That’s your ghost zone.”

“Brilliant!” Dr. Chen couldn’t help but admire. A method like this? Way beyond a guy like him with empty pockets. Without his Malevolent Ghost wife, he’d be a total newbie—easily tricked into cannon fodder without even realizing it.

These survivors *looked* seasoned—each cleared three+ horror incidents. But would it hold up against a real ghost?

“This whole setup? Forged in blood-soaked trials by my brother’s crew,” Annoyance declared. “Stick with me—you’ve hit the jackpot. Survive, prove yourselves, and I’ll get you into the guild.”

Flattery clearly fed his ego. He *did* have clout: five paranormal runs, nearing advancement, armed with high-tier gear from his boss, backed by a major organization. The old Dr. Chen might’ve sucked up to him too—like Glasses Girl. However unwilling inside, survival outweighed pride. Selling dignity? Nothing compared to staying alive.

“We’re here twelve hours total. Sunset at eight—ghosts active ten hours. Even then, our combined talismans won’t last.”

With dusk approaching, the group huddled for strategy. Dr. Chen stayed silent, listening from the edge.

“Massacre happened here. A patient in electroshock therapy killed the director and lead physician. Third floor: electrotherapy room and patient quarters—that’s one side quest. Fourth floor: director’s office, another side quest. And Ward 4—the most dangerous. Held the asylum’s most violent patient. But we need medical records for details. Should be in the director’s office. Checked earlier—empty. Guess some things only appear after dark.”

Annoyance spoke slowly. Annoying? Yes. But weirdly reliable on intel. Dr. Chen hadn’t known any of this. Guess Annoyance had connections to dig up hidden truths.

“Wait—you mean *do* side quests? No way! That’s suicide!” Busty’s voice tightened.

“You don’t get it,” Annoyance countered. “Side quests save lives—that’s my boss’s rule. They look like bonus rewards, but unlock hidden paths. He once found the restraints used to torture a girl in a villa *through* a side quest. Retrieved them from the corpse, bound the Malevolent Ghost, survived—and gained a powerful item.”

Dr. Chen listened quietly. *Makes sense*, he thought. The restraints must’ve absorbed enough ghostly energy to harm a Malevolent Ghost… Just like his wrench, screwdriver, and hammer. Left by the jar long enough, they’d gained similar properties. *So… if I got a machine gun, left it by the jar a few days… could I mow down ghosts?*

“Alright. If we stick together, we’ll find something in the director’s office.”

“Hey, newbie! Stay behind us later. Don’t slow us down.” Glasses’ tone sounded helpful—like having a shield—but in horror worlds, the rear position was deadliest. One step, then… poof. Gone.

“Rest up now. We’ll need full energy for tonight.”

Stoneface’s suggestion met quiet nods. They bedded down before the monitors. Only Annoyance pulled Glasses Girl into a first-floor room and shut the door.

*Admiring his nerve*, Dr. Chen mused. *Energy for this now? Maybe he knows he won’t survive… grabbing one last moment of pleasure.*