The room was silent except for the occasional flicker of fluorescent lights overhead. Ryo sat on his desk, arms crossed as he addressed the three rookies standing before him.
"Your first mission," he began, adjusting his glasses. "A potential Emerged Shadow has been sighted at Westridge General Hospital. Numerous exorcists were dispatched. None have returned."
Aya's fists clenched slightly. Kenji's expression remained neutral, but his fingers tapped impatiently against his thigh. Vieira, still fresh from his first battle, felt a strange sense of unease creeping over him.
"Why send rookies when experienced exorcists failed?" Kenji asked bluntly.
"Because you're not there to exterminate it," Ryo said. "Your mission is reconnaissance. Gather intel, assess the situation, and report back. No unnecessary heroics."
Vieira gulped. The memory of his last fight still burned in his mind. This would be different. It had to be.
"Understood," Aya said while sighing.
"Good." Ryo stood up, his usual tired expression unwavering. "Be careful. If this is a true Emerged Shadow, it's not something you want to underestimate."
The three nodded. As they turned to leave, Ryo exhaled, watching them go.
"Let's see if you survive this one."
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They Arrived At The Hospital
Westridge General stood tall against the dimming sky, its once-bright neon sign flickering ominously.
The place was too quiet.
Aya checked the front entrance. Unlocked. No signs of forced entry.
Kenji pressed his fingers against the handle, narrowing his eyes. "Something's off. I don't feel any exorcist presence here."
"Could they be dead?" Vieira asked hesitantly.
"Maybe," Aya muttered. "Or worse."
They stepped inside. The scent of antiseptic mixed with something foul. The hallway was dimly lit, the emergency lights casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Kenji clicked his tongue. "We split up. Vieira, you're with me. Aya, take the east wing. Keep comms open."
Aya nodded and disappeared down the hallway. Vieira swallowed his nerves and followed Kenji deeper into the hospital.
A creeping sensation ran down his spine. The further they went, the heavier the air became. Something was watching them.
Then... a noise.
A soft, wet squelch echoed through the hallway.
Vieira's breath hitched. Kenji immediately raised a hand, signaling him to stop.
The light flickered..... and for a brief second, a figure stood at the end of the corridor.
It wasn't human.