THE TRUTH SEEKERS
CHAPTER 6: Testing Begins (1)
A cup of bitter coffee reflects fine smoke. Soaring, spread towards the figure holding it with two fingers. A neatly unbrushed strand of black hair was left to be unraveled and twitched as the night wind blew quietly. The cold air did not make his figure shiver or have the intention to enter the house, instead of standing on the balcony with a thin shirt. The eyes of the weary strokes were only looking out of the air freely without focusing on a single object.
The hand moved, pulling the cup close to the lips and sipping it. A bitter taste spreads inside the mouth, is picked up by the tongue and passes through the throat. Helaan breath looks heavier as if removing fatigue from the work 'extra' that he has to do lately. A pair of dark irises moved as it felt something familiar approaching it.
"Report, Kuroneko. "
Something emerged from the pitch darkness. The shadow-obstructed figure knelt behind him.
"It's still the same as yesterday. There was no sign of the 'Dark Subject' reappearing, but there was a trace left behind by the 'Necromancer'. As you might have guessed, the place has been 'marked'. "
"How many Necromancers are there? "
"Two or three. Each can use dark matter and call the Dark Subject, 'Nazgulez'. "
"so yeah... " The man said, half muttering. I think of something in silence. The momentary silence that hit both of them made the atmosphere start to feel heavy.
"Next what should I do? "
"For a while try to investigate the steps of the Necromancer and immediately report if there is an appearance of Nazgulez."
"Understand."
"But before that," The man turned around, facing the figure kneeling in the darkness and looking at him, "I have one other task to accomplish. "
.......
...~I will survive with one precious life that you have saved~...
...THE SEEKERS 6: The Exam Begins...
"Sorry sir, where are we really going?"
I ventured to ask the man beside me who was driving the car. We had been driving for an hour, but this guy didn't even say anything. He just lit a cigarette in the cleft lip and focused on the path we went through.
"School." The answer is short as usual. I scrunched my forehead.
Schoolgirl? At 1pm this evening? Seriously?
Why try it?!
The person sitting in the steering chair, Razark Shiryuu. The uncle who released me from prison owed me as much as the state debt. He let me stay at his house for the past few days and even gave me 3x a day dining facilities and bought me new clothes. I really owe him a lot - of course, because all of this will go into debt for the rest of my life.
Since he looks like a stranger, I call him "Sir Razark".
He was very mysterious and indifferent, as if nothing in this world could change his stoic expression. He works as a "Tomb Looter", which-to be honest-I don't even have a shadow about what kind of job it really is.
His low, cold voice came back when the car we were driving finally stopped,
"We have arrived. "
The man parked his car on a deserted road in an old suburban area. He removed his seat belt and got out of the car. I with a face full of questions followed him only. A bad feeling disturbed me and I asked,
"Anu, Sir. Don't tell me which school you mean-"
"Yes. Just like you think. "
My jaw sagged with no elite. Can't believe hearing this man's casual answer.
Just be right... THAT MEANS THIS ABANDONED AND ABANDONED SCHOOL?!
Under the black sky without any star decorations, a three-story building stood in silence. As if estranged from the urban hustle and bustle, aloof on an empty land area of one land complex. The dim effect and the sounds of insects make the place have a grim impression and more on creepy.
The worn-out board bearing School Name was still hanging in front. A crow perched on it, twitching as if curious at the two strangers. I looked at another large enough board that blocked the entrance to the school. The writing :
"WARNING! NO ENTRY! GOVERNMENT OWNED AREA"
"Sir?! " I was shocked and immediately called out to him when the man who came with me stepped in just like that. He stopped, "What's up?"
"It's written a warning that we can't get in."
The man looked at me flatly, then followed my index finger which led to the board in front of the gate. Silent for a moment as if reading it, before finally--
THE DUAKK!
-- Kicked just like that until it breaks.
I gawk. Wanted to stop him, but he rushed into the school yard.
This guy is so happy!
Finally with a heavy heart I followed him into the creepy building.
We entered the hallway on the first floor after passing the security guard post and were immediately treated to a typical school view that made me a little nostalgic. But everything was covered by the impression of horror that made my skin bristling. The doors were still closed and I couldn't see inside clearly because the glass windows were covered in thick dust. Outside lights that can still be partially lit are not too helpful to see more clearly. Several times I stumbled upon weathered wood or worn-out objects that were scattered and unidentifiable. Mounds of soil everywhere, insects and rats passed by, bats flashed here and there.
Air stuffy and dirty entering the nose, had made me sneeze and feel a cold. Eyes poignant because of the entry of dust. In add-on
Hihihi~
I screamed when I heard someone laughing behind me. By reflex I grabbed the gray coat in front of me and grabbed myself.
"Don't hold my coat. "
"W-didn't you hear that voice? "
"Listen. So get out of the way quick."
"But I'm scared... "
I could see that his thick eyebrows were beginning to swoop in annoyance, "Have your guts been shrinking just because of being laughed at by a stupid creature with a white negligee behind?"
"Gyeahhh! Don't say it clearly!" I closed my eyes tightly and gripped her coat even more firmly. A shadow of a furry-haired creature with white canals and soot-black eyes immediately perched on my head. My hair bristles violently when other voices are heard. Whispering unusually and making me feel even more frightened. Decakan sounds,
"Son, from now on try to listen carefully to everything I say and what I do. We'll start 'learning'."
"Pe-learning?"
"Just consider the introduction of the living environment that you will go through from now on."
"Then... Wh-what should I do?"
"You'll understand if I practice directly. So open your eyes and ears wide. I'll start at the most basic."
I felt the heavy air as if it was surrounding me. The man stepped back and I followed by holding on to his coat. Sia started to open her voice and give 'learning'.
"Unliving, as the name suggests they are lifeless and lifeless creatures. Unliving is divided into several levels. The lowest one is called the Spirit. Maylings* and Wraith* are also included. They can be quite annoying when clustered-"
(*Maylings: The souls of children who die are killed or die in a still holy state)
(*Wraith: Reflection of the dying)
The sounds like the crowd around me were getting louder and clearer,
"I'm explaining, so shut up."
Instantly the atmosphere became quiet. I looked back and forth in amazement. The voices had disappeared completely as if following the words of this man!
"They suck like moths. They will continue to talk because human emotions are still left in them. Simply give a snaps with a threatening tone and show that you are more domineering. They'll shut up and disappear."
"Next unliving level 4. They are different from the Spirit because they can manifest their figure. They are more often disturbing to humans even though they are not visible to the eyes of ordinary people. Ghosts for example."
When our feet stepped into the second floor, I felt the cold air spread to my skin and made my hair stand up. Much more elusive sounds were heard from various directions. Figures in various shapes and shapes sprung up around me. The figure of a plontos-headed boy running around as if inviting to play, a large tall creature that blocks half the lobby, then there is also an animal-like figure behind the room and a snorting sound. They boldly followed us as if wondering what we were going to do. I unconsciously held onto my coat stronger.
This is the one I avoid very much.
"They appear because of negative emotions. They rely more on instinct and act on instinct. Some ghosts become aggressive and attack humans when they feel 'converted'. To ordinary people, they are quite dangerous."
Something appeared before us and I automatically shrieked in horror as the figure of the woman in a shabby white canal suddenly emerged from behind the wall. His head twisted in fragments and crawled quickly towards us in the kayang position. I'm beating, man,
"S-Sir-"
DUAKKHH
GYAKKHH
Graskk
"If you're upset hit or kick them."
I look at you like a fool. Can't believe it because he just saw him kick the ghost kayang like a football until the ghost rolled towards the stairs that lead downstairs. "Huh-huh? Gi-how do you do that?"
"You already have the basic ability to come into contact with non-living beings. So you can kick it."
"But... It's not polite.."
He frowned, "Are they human?"
Right too ...
"If you don't want to be in contact with them. You can do this-"
Zraathh
I gasped when a powerful aura suddenly spread from his body. Displacing the cold air stifles and makes it warmer. The shrieking sounds of some entities caught hearing and the figures that originally sprung up and followed us retreated uneasily and disappeared just like that.
They all ran away scared.
And I at least know what caused it.
"Use your abilities within yourself and show your dominance to drive them away with rude orders. It's one of Passive Psychic Abilities."
"capabilities... Passive Psychic?"
"Listening, Seeing, Feeling, Touching, Reigning. All of that included a Passive-type Psychic Skill. Effective enough to suppress the fourth level Unliving. But it won't have much effect on Unliving ranked third and above."
I didn't pay much attention because I was still amazed at what this guy was doing just now.
"Can I do that too?"
"Do you have any doubts about your abilities?" I turned to her and she looked at me, "Why do you think you can see, hear, even come into contact with ghosts?"
".... Because of the Passive Skill?"
"really. That ability that you think of as a curse can have this kind of effect if you can make good use of it."
I wouldn't lie if I was dumbfounded right now. This damned ability... If I can learn it I can even chase away the ghosts like he did?!
"What about Rank 3?" I began to be curious about the learning material he conveyed. His feet stopped stepping right in front of a classroom whose doors were tightly shut. Suddenly his face became gloomy.
"For now it's better that you study up to here first."
My nape has cooled down. But I didn't ask any further when the man looked towards the closed brown door. Holding his knob and pulling it.
But the door cannot be opened. Like it's been locked.
"Based on bad boys." I don't know who he muttered to.
I saw a bluish-white light sprinkling from his body and like it was slung into the right hand that held the door knob. The light rotated in a circle on his wrist before moving absorbed into the knob. I felt like I was dreaming and winked a few times before I finally
Cklekk-
The door was successfully opened. I rubbed my eyes, half in disbelief,
"Son, are you in school?" Ask him suddenly.
"Eh, i-yes. I had time to go to school. "
"What do you like most about school?
"Ehm. "
"If I don't like people the most."
I didn't know what he meant, but he didn't go on and started going to class. But I stood in the doorway. My face paled when I saw what was inside this room.
This room is full of ghosts! Completely full! They all seemed to gather together and create a classroom atmosphere. Pale-faced ghosts in full OSIS uniform.
Ghost of school children.
And what makes me goosebumps almost squeals is when they all move to look at me with soot-black eyes. I could feel a variety of negative and horrible emotions that seemed to be piercing into me. Whispers and giggles make the skin bristles great. And worse --
They were all in a very bad state and were drenched in thick blood.
I held the doorknob with cold sweaty hands. My breath was congested just because of the pressure I felt from here. I took a step back.
"Why just shut up? Hurry in and sit on any bench you want."
My eyes are staring at horror. HE SERIOUSLY TOLD ME TO SIT DOWN AND STUDY WITH THESE GHOSTS?!
"A-you're serious... Sir?"
"Yes. Because the exam will start soon.".
" Tests?"
He walked leisurely past the ghosts who stood rigidly following his every move. Opening the rickety window and looking out at the dark sky.
"Do you know why this school closed ten years ago?"
The gripping atmosphere suddenly felt so thick. It was as if it triggered a most terrifying burst of emotions.
Hatreds.
I can feel it from the people in this room. A deep hatred that made my heart beat uncomfortable.
"On February 27, ten years ago, there was a massacre at this school. An escaped prisoner went into one of the classrooms and arrested 20 students who were doing extra lessons. As many as 20 students were killed by the atrocities of Napi who until now are still fugitives of the Police." He turned to me, "What do you think those 20 students would do if they knew there were ex-convicts hanging around this school?"
I scrunched my forehead. What does it mean to say that?
I suddenly realized something when I saw a faint grin on the lips with that transverse scar.
Don't tell-it-
"Practice Test begins! Your job is to get out of this building alive before dawn. You can do anything you want but be careful with the 'inhabitants' of this place. Do it well, ex-NAPI Boy! I'm waiting for you downstairs."
"Sir-OII!!" I glared when I saw him jump just like that from the window on the third floor. I ran to the window and looked down.
How could he be fine after jumping from the third floor like this?!
"Sir Razark! A-you're not seriously going to leave me right?!"
He waved one hand casually without turning around, then said, "May pass! Beware of the security guard!"
My face paled with super dramatic. Staring at his departure with his mouth agape in disbelief.
YOU FUCKING OLD MAN! HE COULD HAVE LEFT ME IN THIS PLACE ALONE AFTER SAYING ALL THAT!
"Sir Razark! Sirr!! Don't leave me!!!" Tangisku. He really left here!!
PYARR
"Hi?!!" I screamed and reflexively turned around. I regret that decision
"YAHH!!" I fell to the floor with my heart pounding madly. Extremely surprised to get unexpected jumpscare from the occupants of the classroom. Know-how they were already standing behind me with black eyes glaring horribly. My whole joint is limp like heated rubber. Staring at the horror of the ghostly crowd in various ways that entrenched me.
"Please... I-i-"
Huks...
Huksh...
Huhuhu....
"Gahkk-" I suddenly coughed up blood. As if he had just hit a blunt object in the chest. My breath was tight for a few moments. The air became so heavy, it pressured my body to the point of suffocation. The voices of the ghostly hordes around me sounded so loud. Hurting a drum with an unusual frequency is like a broken cassette spin.
Dying.mati.mati
Mati.mati.mati.mati.
Shaking hands shut the eardrum. Eyes closed firmly and curled in fear with a trembling body.
DIEIII!!!
KYAAAKKKKHHH
"Hakhh-HENTIKA!!"
...............
Lips with incision scars grin when they hear someone's screams.
"It's started." His word. Pulling a cigarette out of the pocket of a black shirt then igniting it calmly. The feet in black shoes stepped away from the three-story building clad in a faintly uncomfortable hutam aura.
"You should get out, son. If not..." The look in his eyes darkened, "You're going crazy."
................
"Hakh... Hakh..."
I ran around like a man who lost his mind. Staring at the long hallway I passed. Ignoring everything that was stepped on and letting out a strange sound. Dragging a step that felt as heavy as possible. Just one goal right now.
Blurred.
I feel lucky because a moment ago managed to escape from the crowd of terrible ghosts in the classroom. I don't know what's wrong with me, but they all seem very angry and like they want to strangle me! Therefore I broke through recklessly and ended up being a fugitive of the entire desolated school!
"Did?!"
I shrieked back and almost slipped as a huge black figure suddenly appeared before me. So big he even covered the hallway to penetrate the ceiling. I retreated while looking up in horror,
This... Even just feet? How big is he?! Damnit damnit! He made me unable to pass even though the stairs down were right across from me!
Huks.. Huks...
"HIYAA!!"
I screamed loudly. Two figures of girls with their heads hanging behind me followed by figures in shabby sausage uniforms. They pointed at me furiously while giving off a crazy scream that made my ears ring painfully. I ran back in the other direction to avoid them.
Drying spit in a painful manner. My steps stopped for a moment. I've been surrounded by ghosts in full sausage uniforms. Want to turn around but the road I went through has been blocked also by local ghosts with diverse forms. I put my back against the wall. My face was pale and I couldn't even blink so scared.
I've been surrounded.
"Uwahhhhhhh!!" I was shocked when my body dipped backwards and I fell to the floor. I looked back, and instantly my eyes were round.
These.. Isn't this the classroom that was?!
Why--why can I come back here?! I had already run in the opposite direction! Why am I in this room again?!
Don't-don't-don't
Bwoshhh
"Khhkk-"
My body trembles. Being pressured by a group of ghosts filled with negative emotions. The air feels heavy to tight to breathe. The sound of crying and laughter sounded. They approached slowly and I retreated into the room while crawling.
I have to run. Run run-run-run
I saw an old locker open. I stood up with all my might and walked towards the locker. Before the ghosts lunged at me, I closed the locker door and locked it.
"KYAAAKKHH-"
"Ukhh-" I closed my ears and curled up in fear. They started shouting and banging on the lockers violently. I closed my eyes so scared.
Fuck shit shit! How'this?! I'm stuck in this place and can't even get out of the third floor! There was a large figure blocking the stairs down, even if I were to find another way I might still return to this classroom. This is like what happens in horror games.
Looping.
I will always return to this classroom and will just go around in circles on the third floor without being able to get out of here!
In the midst of fear, I cursed someone who had put me in such a miserable position.
"Fucking old man-" I growled.
If you know this, I better go to bed earlier than waiting for him to come home! I didn't even wear a hodie when she took me out and just wore a long-sleeved sweater like this! Plus now I'm stuck in a horrible place full of ghosts after me!
Now how can I go!
At that moment, I felt something strange around me. The cold air became hot, and suddenly my hair bristled violently.
Then I started to hear people talking outside.
"Why... I must die..."
"Why... You want to kill us..."
"Please... Don't kill me..."
"Please... Hix... Pl-please... Mama.."
The deg!
The hand pressed against the ear. My eyes are unfocused. Something inside my chest suddenly hurt as it pounded.
"No.no..."
"Gyaakhh!!"
"I... Don't wanna die..."
"Stop-" I said hoarsely.
Stuffy. Stuffy. My chest was tight when I heard it. My head hurts when I think about it. When the eyes accidentally look towards the hole in the locker which is only the size of a thumb. Seeing a terrible scene that was very very different from the atmosphere full of ghosts earlier. Cold sweat soaks the skin.
I look at what happened in this classroom 10 years ago...
I'm going back in time...
..............
[Connected]