Apocalypse Star House Hoarding

Chapter 148

The surroundings suddenly fell silent, and in the distance, a faint, eerie glow emerged.

Wu You, the person who had turned on his phone’s light earlier, sensed the unease around him and asked cautiously, “What’s wrong?” Even as he spoke, he began to realize something was amiss. Desperately trying to keep his head from turning, he willed himself not to look back, but his body betrayed him. Slowly, he turned, only to find a pale, faceless figure looming right over his shoulder.

“Ghost—ah!” he screamed, pushing the figure away with all his strength and instinctively adding a powerful kick. He then darted behind a nearby companion, clutching him like a shield.

The others had been spooked as well, but Wu You’s exaggerated reaction turned their fear into laughter. His powerful kick had sent the “ghost” tumbling onto its back. The ghost clumsily got up and tried to resume its haunting demeanor, but the eerie atmosphere had already been thoroughly ruined.

The group burst into laughter and hurled mockery at Wu You, calling him a coward. Someone added jokingly that his assault on the “ghost” – clearly a staff member in costume – might get them all fined when they left.

Still catching his breath, Wu You tried to save face. “Fine! Leave me here to be the ghost then—I’ll scare you all to death!”

This proclamation, of course, earned him even more teasing.

Relieved, Yu Xi exhaled lightly. So, they were in a haunted house. The people around her seemed to be her classmates, all about 17 or 18 years old. It seemed that in this world, she was younger again.

As Kong Lin led her forward, Yu Xi quickly absorbed the world’s setting. This haunted house was famous for its hyper-realistic ghostly designs, terrifying atmosphere, and maze-like puzzles. It was one of the most popular attractions in the amusement park, and to maintain the right mood, only small groups were allowed entry at a time.

Their group of more than ten people was just the right size for a batch, and they had barely ventured far into the haunted house before being frightened twice. The previous stretch of the route had been particularly dark, with no lights at all, forcing them to navigate blindly. Now, however, faint, cold lights illuminated the path ahead, signaling the end of this particular scare zone.

The faceless “ghost,” seemingly accepting its ruined performance, leaned against the wall to rest. It waved half-heartedly as the group moved on.

The group readjusted their composure and resumed their journey deeper into the haunted house maze, laughing and teasing each other about their earlier reactions.

Meanwhile, the “ghost” remained slumped against the wall, taking a brief break. But suddenly, footsteps echoed in the dark corridor behind him, followed by a hand that fell heavily onto his shoulder.

“Trying to scare me again?” he muttered, without turning around.

There was no reply.

Shrugging, he dodged the hand by shifting his shoulder. Yet, the hand crawled back onto him with uncanny persistence.

A strange, fishy smell reached his nose. Feeling annoyed, he reached up to swat away the hand. “Quit messing around and take a break. The next batch of guests will be here soon.”

As he spoke, his hand came away with something slimy and slippery. Confused, he shone his flashlight on his glove to see what it was.

A pale, fleshy object glistened in the beam. It was damp, sticky, and dripping with fresh, crimson blood. A pungent fishy smell wafted up to his nostrils.

It was… a piece of skin. A whole piece of human hand skin.

His heart froze as he realized the grotesque truth: it wasn’t just a piece of skin—it was an entire hand, hollow like a shed cicada shell, complete with the shapes of fingers, but limp and blood-soaked.

He tried to call out to whoever was behind him, but another cold, slimy hand reached up and caressed his face. Trembling violently, he turned around slowly.

A blood-curdling scream erupted, shattering the eerie silence of the haunted house.

“Ahhhh! Help me! Somebody—help—ahhh!”

The terrifying scream snapped Yu Xi out of her immersion in the world’s information.

Her classmates stopped in their tracks, exchanging nervous glances.

“Did you hear that? Someone’s screaming. It sounds horrifying…”

“Of course, it’s horrifying—it’s a haunted house! What else would you expect?” Wu You, notorious for his cowardice, tried to brush it off, his voice shaking slightly.

“Really? Says the guy who just screamed his lungs out a minute ago!”

“Honestly, that scream was so realistic it gave me goosebumps,” someone muttered.

“Me too…”

“Come on, you scaredy-cats. What’s so scary about that? Next time, I’m not coming to the haunted house with any of you!”

The group continued their chatter as they moved forward.

No matter how realistic and terrifying the cries for help sounded in the haunted house, no one took them seriously.

As Yu Xi let Kong Lin guide her forward, she glanced back into the darkness. From that direction… she smelled blood.

Even the scent had been incorporated? This haunted house was remarkably realistic…

After enduring several more “ghostly greetings,” the group finally reached the exit. However, the bright daylight Yu Xi had imagined did not greet her. Instead, she was met with the dazzling neon of an amusement park at night.

She realized that during her rapid absorption of the world’s information earlier, many details had yet to sink in. Certain things only became clear upon seeing them.

She recalled now: they weren’t in their home country but were instead half a planet away in Country D.

This group of students had come here for a school-organized cultural exchange trip.

Today was a national holiday in this country—All Souls’ Day—hence the amusement park night tour activity.

The surrounding crowd was filled with foreign faces. The air carried the sweet scent of cotton candy. Not far away, a Ferris wheel turned slowly, its vibrant lights twinkling. Screams of thrill came from the roller coaster in the distance. Pumpkin lanterns hung everywhere, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

People wore masks and strange costumes, blending into the cheerful celebration.

Several classmates inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air outside, and exclaimed:

“Ah! Finally alive again!”

“Why did I even think I was brave enough for a haunted house?!”

…

Amid their chatter, Yu Xi discreetly took a newly-purchased [Translation Chewing Gum] from her pocket (Star House storage), unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.

In this world, her character was a high school senior, 18 years old.

The world’s technological and societal development was similar to her original world, but certain aspects were notably different.

For example, education: while there were tests and academic credits, entrance exams had been abolished for years.

Due to population decline, education from primary school to university was entirely free. As long as citizens followed the system and completed their education, they would be guaranteed a job tailored to their skills upon graduation.

Students with high academic scores were placed in better positions, while others took on more ordinary roles. While there were income differences, they weren’t drastic.

This approach allowed students to live relaxed lives and focus on pursuing their interests, often excelling in their chosen fields.

Her character was an ordinary girl—beautiful but introverted due to family circumstances.

Surprisingly, her only relative was an older brother, ten years her senior.

But what puzzled Yu Xi most was the world’s second mission: to ensure her brother survived his remaining months.

Her brother was only 28—why would he have only a few months left to live?

Yu Xi furrowed her brow, lost in thought, when Kong Lin called out to her:

“Xiao Xi? What’s wrong? Weren’t you saying earlier you wanted to ride the Ferris wheel? Everyone’s already gone!” He grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.

The Ferris wheel was on the opposite side of the haunted house, requiring them to take a different route past the haunted house entrance.

As Yu Xi looked at the giant wheel glowing in the night, her thoughts lingered on the screams and the smell of blood from earlier.

Interestingly, during the latter two-thirds of their journey through the haunted house, the scent of blood had completely disappeared.

Honestly, she wanted to go back and check the haunted house. Even if she didn’t re-enter, she could ask the staff questions—like whether they had deliberately used scents to enhance the atmosphere.

Her musings were interrupted by the sudden commotion of chaotic footsteps and screams coming from the haunted house entrance.

A group of seven or eight young men and women from Country D burst out of the entrance, stumbling in panic.

They looked utterly terrified, their faces pale, voices trembling as they muttered incomprehensible words in their native language.

Kong Lin, lagging behind with Yu Xi to ensure she wasn’t left alone, paused upon hearing the noise. “What’s going on? What are they saying?”

“Monster,” Yu Xi replied calmly. “They’re saying there’s a monster.”

Kong Lin turned to her in surprise, startled by her sudden seriousness and the chilling weight of the word “monster.” It sent a shiver down his spine.

Yu Xi watched the panicked group closely. The scent of blood lingered on them, their disheveled state catching the attention of others nearby.

Many people began gathering around the group.

But since it was All Souls’ Day—a festival centered on scares—even the terrified young people, dressed in odd costumes, were met with skepticism. The fact that they had emerged from the haunted house only added to the disbelief.

Most onlookers dismissed their cries of “monster” as part of an elaborate prank. People jeered, booed, and made playful gestures at the group.

But the young men and women, clearly in shock, ignored the ridicule. Dragging their trembling legs, they fled further from the haunted house. Some leaned against railings, gasping for breath, while others frantically dialed the police.

The festive mood shattered in an instant.

Clearly, on this special day, the streets were filled with “monsters,” and the calls to the emergency services were dismissed as pranks. No one took them seriously.

Yu Xi paused, deep in thought, and after scanning the surroundings for a few moments, took the amusement park map from Kong Lin’s hand.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone filled with concern.

“Checking the exit routes,” she replied, pulling out a flashlight and studying the map carefully.

This was a medium-sized amusement park with two entrances and exits. The nearest one was behind the Ferris wheel. Their hotel, where the group was staying, was close to the park. In this world, adulthood was recognized at 16, so all the students in their group were considered adults. This meant their teachers hadn’t joined them at the amusement park for All Souls’ Day but were resting back at the hotel.

To prevent any issues during their outing, all of their identification documents had been entrusted to the teachers for safekeeping.

Currently, they were in L City, a medium-sized city in Country D. While the city had an airport, it didn’t offer direct flights back to their home country. They had previously transferred flights in B City.

If Yu Xi wanted to return to her home country, she would first need to retrieve her documents from the teacher at the hotel. From there, she could take a flight or train to B City and transfer to a homebound flight.

Given the vague world scenario and type, she had no way to predict what she might encounter next or to discern the current state of affairs in her home country.

Her older brother, however, was back home. Considering the second mission, she had two options: contact her character’s brother and convince him to fly to Country D to survive together, or return home herself and ensure his safety there.

Between the two, she chose the latter—it was faster and far more practical for her to return home than to persuade him to travel to Country D. Her plan also included stockpiling supplies at every opportunity on her way back.

**

In just a few seconds, Yu Xi had organized her thoughts and memorized the route to leave the amusement park.

“Xiao Xi, what’s wrong?” Kong Lin asked again, worry evident in his tone.

Yu Xi glanced at him. The memories of their years growing up together flashed through her mind. She finally spoke, “I’m a little scared. I want to leave. Will you come with me?”

Kong Lin hesitated only briefly before nodding. “Of course. I’ll go with you.”

“Let’s go.” Yu Xi reached out her hand, and as soon as he took it, she pulled him along at a brisk pace.

Kong Lin, standing over 1.8 meters tall, was surprised to find himself struggling to keep up with Yu Xi, who was only 1.6 meters tall. Usually, it was him leading the way, but now the roles had reversed.

As they neared the Ferris wheel, they spotted their classmates still waiting in line. Seeing the two running hand in hand, the group erupted into teasing laughter.

“Is this an official announcement?”

“Ha! They’ve been holding hands forever—everyone already knows they’re a couple!”

“Hey, you’re not lining up? Where are you going?”

Kong Lin, running alongside Yu Xi, called back, “Xiao Xi isn’t feeling well. I’m taking her back. You guys make sure to head back early too!”

“Not feeling well, yet running so fast?” one of them joked, clearly skeptical. Most thought the pair was looking for a private spot to spend time together.

Just as they were about to tease further, a sudden thud interrupted their laughter. Something heavy had fallen from the Ferris wheel, landing with a loud crash nearby and blocking Kong Lin and Yu Xi’s path.

The sound was so close that everyone froze. A gasp spread among the group as they recognized the fallen figure—it was a person!

The individual was dressed in red, their All Souls’ Day mask knocked off to the side. Their arm twitched faintly as they lay there, barely moving.

“Ah—” Someone screamed, panicking. “He’s still alive!”

“Quick! Call an ambulance!”

“Oh my god, how did he fall? Is the Ferris wheel broken?”

“Look! One of the cabins is shaking!”

“Everyone, move back! If the cabin falls, it could hit someone!”

“Call an ambulance, quick! Does anyone here know first aid?”

A brave onlooker stepped forward, trying to check on the fallen person. But as they approached, a thick, metallic scent filled the air—blood.

The man crouched down to check if the individual was still breathing. Just as his hand reached out, the figure on the ground suddenly grabbed his ankle.

Under the Ferris wheel’s neon lights, the man’s face drained of color as he saw the fallen figure open their eyes.

The sclera, which should have been white, was instead filled with crimson, leaving only a tiny black pupil in the center. The gaze, cold and eerie, fixed directly on him.

It was only then that he noticed—the figure wasn’t wearing red clothing. That was blood. Their entire upper body was a horrifying mess of mangled flesh and blood.