Nightmare Apostle

Chapter 1445: Chapter 894: The Plan (Part 2)

But this was only the beginning. Shortly after the man left, thick smoke began to spread from the direction of the corridor, seeping through the gaps in the glass door.

The speed at which the smoke spread was unnatural. Within just a few minutes, it filled the entire office, and the intense smell of burning filled the noses of all three.

Fortunately, they were prepared. During the day, a group of them had bought a bunch of supplies, including simple fire escape masks used in case of fire emergencies.

They quickly put on the masks, but the effect wasn’t great; they were still coughing incessantly, but at least they could open their eyes. The visibility improved significantly, and that intense burning sensation on their faces was alleviated quite a bit.

"We can’t wait any longer. Let’s go out now, head upstairs," Zhou Mingxiao, also a man of resolve, acted immediately. Overthinking would only waste opportunities.

But a hand stopped him; it was Yang Xiao. He went over to the phone on the table, reconnected the phone line, found the last incoming call, and dialed back.

"Ring, ring—"

The next second, a jarring mobile phone ringtone sounded, just behind that glass door.

At this moment, Zhou Mingxiao’s face turned pale underneath his mask. He hadn’t expected the ghost hadn’t left; it was squatting outside the door waiting for them. The footsteps they heard earlier were all a deception.

Of the three, Wu Zhuo was the most affected. At the sound of the ringtone, his legs went weak. If he hadn’t been leaning against the wall, he would have collapsed to the ground.

This scene was entirely different from his last nightmare mission. Last time, it was a ghost with its head chopped off, stitched back later, only mindlessly grabbing people. They survived by hiding at a high spot.

This was only his second mission.

Meanwhile, the ghost outside the door, having its trick exposed, went berserk, roaring and crashing against the glass door repeatedly. Surprisingly, the door, which didn’t look very sturdy, withstood the relentless assault, as if indestructible.

"Scratch, scratch, scratch"

The sound of nails scraping glass emanated from the door. In Wu Zhuo’s terrified gaze, the sliding glass door was being forced inward, and several charred black fingers pushed through the gap in the center.

The fingers writhed violently, as if trying to grab those hiding behind the door. The nails had been pried open, and from the constant squeezing, the blackened skin surface peeled away, revealing fresh red muscle and stark white finger bones underneath.

This horrifying sight made Wu Zhuo lean heavily against the wall, hardly daring to breathe. Thankfully, it didn’t last long; the fingers retracted, and heavy, reluctant footsteps could be heard outside.

Once the footsteps fully disappeared, Yang Xiao dialed back the phone again. This time, it was hung up after ringing once, and when tried again, the phone was turned off.

"Petty little thing..." Yang Xiao disdainfully put down the phone, muttering softly.

"Chu, what do you say we do now?" Yang Xiao’s previous actions had thoroughly impressed Zhou Mingxiao. Though not very old, Yang Xiao was quite experienced in the Nightmare World, and very cautious as well, making him a reliable teammate.

Zhou Mingxiao was a wise man, not greatly interested in the mission’s rewards, he only wanted to survive. At his age, he’d come to terms with many things.

"The original plan remains, we head to the 18th floor." Yang Xiao said firmly, then glanced at Wu Zhuo, "Are you coming?"

"I..." Wu Zhuo shrunk his neck and then shook his head.

Seeing this, Yang Xiao didn’t force it. Everyone has their own aspirations. He and Zhou Mingxiao tiptoed to the back of the glass door, listened for a moment, and after ensuring there was no danger, Yang Xiao slowly, very slowly, unlocked the door, opening it a crack.

After observing outside for a moment and finding no danger, he opened the door halfway. "Wu Zhuo, I suggest you come with us; staying here alone is more dangerous."

Before stepping out, Yang Xiao invited Wu Zhuo again. Previously, he had asked Wu Zhuo to play the role of the deceased Chen Moting, which led to the latter being chosen for night watch. Though he didn’t feel guilty, if he could lend a hand, Yang Xiao would.

"No... no need, I’ll wait here for you guys to return." Wu Zhuo insisted firmly.

"Don’t hesitate, decide quickly." Zhou Mingxiao, who had already half stepped out, found no issues upon observing and urged them.

At crucial moments, hesitation is most unacceptable. In his view, Yang Xiao was a smart person and shouldn’t make such a mistake.

As Wu Zhuo had made up his mind, Yang Xiao no longer persuaded him. Everyone has their own aspirations; besides, there was no certainty about what they might encounter on the way, staying might indeed be a better choice for him.

"Remember these last two things." Yang Xiao’s tone was quick and serious, "First, don’t stay in one spot too long, frequently change locations. Second, when we return, we’ll knock first, then draw a cross on the glass door with our hand. When you see it, let us in."

"Got it," Wu Zhuo replied decisively. freeweɓnovel.cøm

"Take care of yourself." Yang Xiao quickly slipped out, following Zhou Mingxiao who had already stepped out, one behind the other, disappearing into the smoke-filled corridor.

After Yang Xiao left, Wu Zhuo promptly shut and locked the door in one swift motion. Only after locking it again and leaning against the door did he finally exhale and open his eyes, a spiteful gleam flashing in his eyes.

"Heh, you really care so much about me? Probably just wanted me as a pathfinder. What sweet words, Chu Xi, you’re just a dog!"