章節 3: Paranormal Freaks

The abandoned facility stood in eerie silence, its dilapidated halls shrouded in a thick layer of dust and draped with tattered cobwebs. Time had cast its relentless touch upon the decaying structure, leaving it a mere shell of its former glory. Forgotten by the world, it now served as the backdrop for an unconventional gathering—a group of intrepid individuals seeking to unravel the mysteries that lay hidden within its forsaken walls.

In the hall, a team of passionate enthusiasts busied themselves with the task at hand. Camera equipment and lights were meticulously arranged, their positions carefully calculated to capture every possible angle and illuminate the darkness that enveloped the space. The air crackled with anticipation as the group prepared for their exploration of the paranormal.

Among them stood Isen, the charismatic leader of the team—a tall, good-looking figure exuding an air of confidence and determination. His eyes surveyed the scene, assessing the preparations with a keen eye for detail. The group members, a diverse assortment of eager minds, awaited his instructions, their excitement palpable.

"Five minutes, and we start. Everybody to their places," Isen commanded, his voice carrying authority laced with an underlying enthusiasm. His words reverberated through the desolate corridors, punctuating the silence that had consumed the abandoned facility for years.

Pausing for a moment, Isen singled out a tech-savvy girl named Kiki, with blue spiked hair, her demeanor reflecting a mischievous spirit. He approached her with a hint of caution, aware of her propensity for eccentric inventions that had occasionally resulted in unforeseen consequences.

"All things are set up, Kiki?" Isen inquired, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern. He emphasized his next words, a touch of warning creeping into his voice, "And no weird invention this time, you hear me?"

Kiki met his gaze, a playful twinkle dancing in her eyes as she nodded in affirmation. A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips, betraying a rebellious spirit that refused to be entirely tamed by Isen's cautious admonition. As Isen turned away, Kiki couldn't resist the temptation to express her sentiments, discreetly flipping him the bird.

****

The camera focused intently on Isen's face, the harsh light causing him to appear overexposed, his features stark and slightly distorted.

The camera operator stood nearby, his finger poised in a countdown gesture.

"Heyo, everyone, coming to you now are the Paranormal Freaks with a secret guest," Isen proclaimed, his voice projecting with a mix of excitement and intrigue. "Today, we find ourselves in a very special place—the Yosoka Psychiatric Hospital, built in 1984 as a haven for those who did not fit into our society."

The second-in-command, ever the jester, interjected with a lighthearted remark, "So, we could have been here if we lived in that time." Laughter filled the air briefly, providing a momentary respite from the intensity that permeated their exploration.

Isen's agitated expression remained apparent, his teeth clenched as he responded, "You are right." His tone hinted at the weight he carried upon his shoulders. "After a mere ten years of operation, the hospital closed down. Rumors abound—some claim the structure was erected on cursed land, while others attribute its demise to government budget cuts. Tonight, we embark on a quest to uncover the truth, to separate fact from fiction."

With the camera finally off, the tension in the room dissipated. Isen turned his attention to the camera operator, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a hint of irritation.

"It was good?" Isen inquired, a trace of self-consciousness creeping into his voice. "I felt there was too much light, and I was sweating."

The camera operator nodded, offering reassurance, "Don't worry, Isen. We'll review the footage, and if any adjustments need to be made, we'll ensure you look your best." His words carried a subtle undertone of caution, aware of Isen's intense scrutiny when it came to their final production.

As the crew began to disassemble the equipment, Isen's menacing tone cut through the air, laden with a warning that sent a shiver down the camera operator's spine. "I will review the footage, and if I find that I don't look my best, God help me, you will regret it."

****

Isen confidently led his camera guy through the dimly lit hall of the abandoned facility, his every step captured by the camera trailing behind him. The camera panned to each member of the Paranormal Freaks, briefly showcasing their individual roles in this ghost-hunting expedition.

"And here we have our talented technician," Isen introduced, turning the camera towards Kiki, who offered a lackluster wave in response. "She's placed heat vision cameras and EMP devices all around the place. As my team and I fearlessly venture into the dark belly of this location, she'll be keeping a vigilant eye on everything."

As Isen continued his walk, his voice projected with determination, the camera closely followed his movements. However, their progress was abruptly halted when a distinct knocking sound echoed through the corridors. The team jolted with alarm, their heads swiveling in search of the source of the noise.

"It's just the wind, guys, come on," one of the teammates reassured, attempting to quell the rising tension.

"But where is it coming from?" another team member questioned, their voice hushed as they strained to listen.

As the team fell into an uneasy silence, the knocking abruptly ceased, leaving behind an eerie stillness that hung in the air. Isen, aware that the camera was capturing their reactions, felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Come on, we've barely begun," Isen called out to his group, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. He whispered menacingly, "They'll claim it's all fake if you overplay it like this."

Just as the team began to regain their composure, the knocking resounded once more, this time louder and more persistent. Isen's own composure faltered, a sharp shriek escaping his lips before he quickly regained control, clearing his throat and straightening himself.

"Now, as you all can see, this place is clearly out of this world," Isen addressed the camera, determined to maintain a semblance of confidence. "But I won't be held back by any—"

"Hello!" a voice interrupted, cutting through the tension and startling the group. Panic spread through their ranks, causing one member to frantically run in circles while another curled into a fetal position on the floor. Isen struggled to keep his cool, his nerves clearly shaken.

Amidst the chaos, Kiki stepped forward, attempting to restore order. "Someone just entered through the front," she informed the group, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and concern.

"Is it a ghost?" one team member whispered, their voice trembling.

"The cops shouldn't be here this fast," another member speculated, their voice filled with unease.

As the sound of footsteps drew nearer, emerging from the entrance and ascending a nearby staircase, Tarik appeared before them, clad in sunglasses and a suit that clearly deviated from their typical dress code. The group's anxiety dissipated swiftly, replaced by curiosity.

"Who the f*ck are you?" Isen demanded, his tone laced with frustration. "We're in the middle of filming."

Tarik offered a slight bow. "I'm Kone. I received your invitation for this event," he explained calmly, unruffled by the chaotic atmosphere surrounding him.

The group's eyes widened with astonishment. "You're Kone?" Isen approached Tarik, scrutinizing him intently. "You look nothing like you do in your videos... How long ago were they recorded?"

Tarik took a drag from his cigarette, then flicked it away. "Puberty hit hard," he replied, a hint of nonchalance in his voice.

"You came to a ghost hunt without any equipment? No camera, no spirit box, nothing?" Isen questioned, perplexed by Tarik's lack of preparedness.

Tarik retrieved his phone and activated the recording feature. "Let's do this," he asserted.