“Wang Wen, any updates?”

“The camera in the director’s office on the fourth floor went out. No big deal—just as expected.”

Half the split-screen feeds on the monitor had already gone dark. Nearly all were indoor cams; only hallway and first-floor room cameras remained active.

This setup really wasn’t as reliable as hoped. But at least it showed us the danger zone. Each dead camera was a warning: *Don’t go there.*

“We’re going in.”

The fourth-floor hallway cam sat far from the office, so it still worked. But the moment the two men and one woman on-screen opened the door, the feed flickered, stuttered—like the signal had been interfered with.

“Hey! Camera 8’s got interference. Something’s near you—stay sharp!”

Static crackle answered. No reply.

On-screen, the group entered the office. Only the stoic-faced man remained at the door.

Then—flicker, flicker—and total black.

“Damn it!” The bespectacled guy cursed, snatched the megaphone, but was stopped.

“What’s shouting gonna do? They’re already inside. Fourth floor won’t hear you. You’ll just expose us. That’s not how this works.”

“Fine.” Convinced, Busty Girl’s words cooled him. He set the megaphone down, eyes locked on the screen.

*Heh. All flash and no substance.*

Dr. Chen smirked. All this gear, dead in under ten minutes? He’d expected more… *This is it?*

“What are you laughing at?”

“Huh? Nothing. You heard wrong.”

“A freeloading newbie like you—what right do you have to laugh?! Go up there yourself if you’re so tough! You’re dead weight. We’re cursed having you. Survival odds were low—now near zero! If they get hurt, it’s *your* fault! Plan was four exploring, two guarding. Then *you* showed up—your only use is tearing a talisman! You ruined everything!”

Teammates out of contact. Gear failing in minutes. The bespectacled guy was already frayed. Dr. Chen’s chuckle snapped him.

Fuming, he stormed over, grabbed Dr. Chen’s collar, fist raised.

*Hmph.* Dr. Chen’s hand was already in his bag, wrench gripped tight.

*Never mess with a mechanic.*

“What are you doing?”

The three hurried down the stairs—just in time to see the clash.

“Thank goodness! Are you okay? Find anything?”

Busty Girl rushed to greet them. The bespectacled guy dropped his fist.

“Nothing.”

Annoying Guy kept his cold stare. But Glasses Girl broke character—jogged to Dr. Chen, voice soft: “Big brother… I need you. Come with me? Just a moment?”

“What for?” Puzzled, Dr. Chen followed. His hand stayed deep in his backpack, wrench ready.

“Alright, what is it?”

Under the tech guy and Busty Girl’s suspicious stares, Dr. Chen trailed Glasses Girl into the pitch-black corridor. Darkness swallowed them whole.

“Brother Li, you’re just watching?!” Busty Girl nudged Annoying Guy—then froze. Her palm went ice-cold. *Like touching a corpse.*

“Brother Li, you—”

“DOWNSTAIRS! Walkie-talkie’s dead—report status!” The stoic-faced man’s voice boomed through the megaphone from above.

Busty Girl’s blood ran cold. *If they’re upstairs… who are we facing now?*

*A ghost? Then why hasn’t the wind chime on my wrist reacted?*

*Snap!*

All lights died. Total blackness.

“AAAAHHHHH—!” She screamed, fumbled in her pocket, tore a corner of the spirit-repelling talisman. A yellowish flame flared—illuminating Annoying Guy’s deathly pale face inches away.

“What do you *want*?” Dr. Chen finally asked, reaching a dim storage nook.

“I need the restroom. Too dangerous alone… I need company.”

“Ask *her*! Why drag a guy like me?”

“A man makes me feel safe.”

“Ugh… cough… What about Brother Li?”

“I *hate* him. Abuses his rank, gets handsy—such a two-faced traitor. Not like you… you look honest.”

*Pfft.* Dr. Chen felt a knife twist in his chest.

“Fine. Hurry up.” He turned away impatiently. Behind him, Glasses Girl’s smile turned sinister.

She crept closer. Icy fingers rose toward his unprotected neck.

“Huh? When did my bag unzip?”

His crossbody bag shifted. Zipper gaped open—he’d *definitely* zipped it after grabbing the wrench. *To keep the jar safe.*

“Must’ve misremembered.” He zipped it shut. Silence stretched behind him.

“Hey! Done yet? Taking your sweet time?”

No answer after a full minute. Dr. Chen’s grip tightened on the wrench. Slowly, he turned.

“HOLY SHIT!”

Flashlight beam swept the empty room. No Glasses Girl. Crimson splatter coated every surface. Thick droplets fell from the ceiling. The coppery stench of blood hit him—nausea surged. *Cake’s coming up—*

“URRRP—!” He gagged, stumbling out. *She got taken by the ghost. That’s why the blood…*

*But why didn’t the Malevolent Ghost touch me?*

He had no idea.