Chapter 8: Requiem

Half an hour remained for the object search, with only ten minutes left. The four quickly regrouped using location sharing. Just as Anna was about to boast, she noticed that everyone had found objects that seemed capable of triggering the practical exercise.

Based on their brief descriptions, locating these objects was not difficult. Approaching each one brought a distinct change in the environment, even a palpable pull.

The four objects were as follows:

Roddy found a “rosewood box with gold inlay.”

Anna found a “metal box adorned with a ram’s head and a hexagram.”

Gao Yuxuan found an “ancient book sealed with bones.”

Wu Wen found a “red umbrella tied with a chalk line.”

As the four objects were laid out, the research institute’s surveillance cameras zoomed in immediately.

Staff members who had bet on each object wore excited expressions, though there was only one grand prize to be won. It all depended on how these young people would choose.

Director Qin’s bet was among them, but she wore an unusual look of concern. It seemed one of these four objects was quite dangerous.

Wu Wen’s father had close ties with the institute—a significant benefactor—and she had to ensure the exercise went smoothly.

“Let’s hope they don’t pick that thing. Otherwise, we’ll have to notify the city’s medical team to stand by.”

…

The four distinct objects rested on a flat stone surface.

With eight minutes left, they had to select one to activate the corresponding event.

“Shall we vote?” Captain Wu Wen sought everyone’s opinion.

Vice-captain Gao Yuxuan offered his suggestion: “I propose that we each briefly explain our knowledge about these objects. I lean toward choosing an object of moderate difficulty. After all, this is our first practical exercise and our first time working together.

I personally feel the red umbrella might be linked to an immortal anomaly, or possibly a spiritual entity—not a good choice.

The ancient book likely involves a summoning ritual or a curse-related anomaly, which would also be challenging.

I suggest we pick one of the two boxes.”

“Don’t pick that metal box! I have a bad feeling about it...” Bold and fearless, blonde Anna recounted her experience finding the metal box, especially the eerie “tongue-clicking” sound she heard, which still sent chills down her spine.

Roddy was intrigued by Anna’s story and offered his insight: “Ram’s head, hexagram—it probably represents some kind of demon, typical of Western exorcism themes. Choosing this object could result in possession. Definitely not advisable.”

Though fond of B-movies, he had watched other Western horror films and understood some of the tropes.

The captain smiled with relief, especially pleased that the two usually quiet boys were actively involved.

“From your discussion, we’ve eliminated three objects, leaving only the wooden box Roddy found. Roddy, did you experience anything strange when you found the box? Anything like Anna’s unease?”

“Just a cold breeze. I estimate the simulated anomaly behind the wooden box is of moderate difficulty.”

The captain glanced at the dwindling time. “Then it’s settled! Who wants to try activating the wooden box?”

“Wenwen, I think you know these little things best.”

…

“Tch~ Anna, I just wanted to get the two gentlemen more involved. Fine, I’ll do it.”

Wu Wen took out a Swiss Army knife, pressed her ear to the wooden box, and after a few skilled maneuvers—click! The locked box opened.

Inside lay an old bronze key.

At that moment, a broadcast echoed through the forest.

§ An anomaly event has begun. Please proceed to the mountaintop area immediately. §

…

Inside the research institute,

Three staff members had chosen correctly and were excitedly sharing their winnings.

Though Director Qin had not chosen correctly, she was relieved the four had avoided the troublesome and dangerous object.

Unnoticed by others, an unremarkable employee silently observed everything, muttering repeatedly,

“They already had it... why didn’t they choose it? Why not?”

[In the Mountain]

Anna stared at the unchosen objects on the stone. “What should we do with these? Leaving them here doesn’t feel right.”

The captain nodded. “Agreed. Let’s return these items to their original places on our way down the mountain. It won’t take long.”

“Okay.”

The red umbrella was found beneath a huge boulder, its surface marked with cinnabar symbols.

The ancient book was located inside an abandoned tent covered in moss, surrounded by claw marks that looked like finger scratches.

The only remaining object was the metal box in Anna’s hand. After a steep climb, the team reached a barren clearing in the forest.

No plants grew here, and a strange heat lingered—the temperature noticeably higher than the surrounding area.

Anna moved slowly, keeping close to the ground fissures. Just as she was about to return the eerie object to its place...

Tap—

The unsettling tongue-clicking sound rang out again, seemingly inside Anna’s skull.

Clear, sudden, and chilling,

Startled, Anna dropped the metal box she held.

The box fell precisely into a fissure, dropping about half a meter.

With a thud, it landed deep below.

Frightened, Anna quickly pulled out a flashlight to inspect. Thankfully, the box was neither broken nor deformed. Its metal construction was of exceptional quality.

It made sense—such a container must have been specially treated to withstand damage.

Perhaps because of the object’s sinister nature,

Anna bent down to retrieve the box.

Just as she reached over the fissure, a shadow suddenly appeared and grabbed her arm with a firm grip.

It was Roddy.

He had noticed Anna’s unease and intervened for safety, even handing her a branch.

“Don’t use your hand.”

“Oh.”

Anna took the branch and used it to move the metal box back to its original spot. The tongue-clicking sound ceased.

As she prepared to thank Roddy, she was suddenly pushed from behind, propelled swiftly uphill.

It was the captain.

“Don’t waste time. Let’s hurry up the mountain.”

As the four left the barren forest, the branch used to move the metal box was discarded. Before long, it dried out completely, carbonized, and vanished in the wind.

…

[Object Activated]

Two girls walking together discussed the new simulation.

“Wenwen, how do you think the institute creates such realistic anomaly events? Some new biotechnology?”

“Maybe corpses?”

“Corpses? You mean the institute reconfigures those killed android bodies into controllable training units?”

“Exactly—that’s why it feels so real.”

“Ew, that’s kind of gross. But once we advance to higher studies, we’ll have to face real anomalies and androids that might appear anytime. It’s good to prepare in advance.

Once these exercises become widespread, survival rates should significantly improve.”

The climb up the hundred-meter mountain took longer than expected.

The closer they got to the summit, the cooler the air became.

Occasional chilly gusts swept through the forest, clouds thickening to obscure the bright daylight.

Finally, after passing the last ring of trees before the summit, an old Chinese-style mansion came into view.

It consisted of front and back yards, a surrounding wall, and a two-story main building.

A white lantern hung conspicuously above the main gate.

The character “Memorial” inscribed on its surface made the three with Chinese heritage uneasy.

Anna had learned about this in school—associated with the dead, but it didn’t evoke a strong feeling.

The main door was a solid rosewood panel, adorned with gold accents.

A large bronze lock hung on it.

Wu Wen took out the bronze key retrieved from the box. Click—the lock fit perfectly and swung open.

This marked the official start of their outdoor exercise.