American Horror Story: A Tale of Terror from Silent Hill

Chapter 148 Going deeper
Step inside through the main gate.

The temperature seems to be dropping so low that it makes you wonder if you've stepped into a freezer.

A sinister atmosphere pervaded the air, making people shiver with cold.

Unbeknownst to them, Ed and Rowling arrived at the last door. Beyond it lay their final destination—the basement.

The gatekeepers were also the spirits of two Native Americans, equally strong, with the same strange, unreadable gaze.

Ed, in particular, felt a sudden tightness in his body; something was wrong, very wrong.

There is no way out.

Abandoning their last hesitation, the Warrens exchanged a glance and walked in together, descending a path covered with a scarlet, blood-red carpet.

"arrive."

The basement is much more spacious than I expected.

That's because the walls that used to conceal the prison cells have all been destroyed, and the obstructing pillars have been violently broken. Anyway, with the power of darkness supporting it, there's no fear of it collapsing.

With its current strength, Baling can even lift an entire large house with one hand and still blast away enemies!

However, there's absolutely no need to show it.

The complete underground level is now quite spacious.

All the unnecessary clutter had long been thrown away, and the originally rough interior had been redecorated, transforming it into a pure prison style that was both old-fashioned and trendy.

If someone has crawled back from hell, they can easily feel the warmth of home.

Surprisingly, the upper floors were so cool they felt cold, while the basement felt warm, as if there was a huge heat source.

"That is!"

Upon entering the basement, a glass cabinet suspended in mid-air immediately caught their attention.

Evil, a terrifying aura of evil!
A complete skeleton of a ram-horned demon lies quietly in the cabinet. Its large, ferocious broken ram horns and sharp spikes are striking, and its spine, with its protruding spikes, extends into a long tail.

An ancient and malevolent aura emanated from the corpse; the resentment of the recently deceased had transformed into a vicious curse, clinging to the bones.

If an ordinary person were to come into contact with it, they could easily choke to death even while drinking water.

"...It's Annabelle."

Upon recognizing the demon's origins, an overwhelming fear instantly transformed into a chill rising from beneath their feet, leaving the Warrens' minds blank.

Being able to seal away a demon that was active among humans is already a feat worthy of being praised.

To kill a demon that has unleashed its full power is simply a fantasy!

As if frozen in place, the two remained motionless, hesitant to take the next step.

It wasn't until a sudden gunshot rang out that they were brought back to reality from their fear.

boom!
The gunshots that echoed through the basement gripped the parents' hearts.

The blood-stained red curtain was pulled back, revealing a little girl with a crooked neck and a wildly imaginative mind, hanging pitifully from a rope, blood gushing from her head, with a bullet lodged inside.

died? !
dead?
A television set with arms and legs, holding a pistol emitting white smoke, clearly the shooter was it.

"Hehehe! Ignoring our boss, this is just a warning this time, but next time... you won't be so lucky."

An innocent stranger has died! She was so young!

The Warrens were deeply shocked. To kill someone for the slightest carelessness or offense was utterly inhuman!
"Where is our daughter?" Ed roared, both angry and fearful, as if trying to embolden himself.

My gaze traveled over the steps and landed on the luxurious chair at the top, where a handsome man with black hair and black eyes sat, exuding a refined and cultured air.

Judging by his seat, he was undoubtedly the most distinguished person present.

"Don't worry, your daughter is doing well." Baling swirled his wine glass, casually reclining in his chair, and snapped his fingers lightly. "Look this way."

Another curtain falls, revealing another little girl. "Mommy, Daddy! No—uh-uh!"

Judy Warren was suspended from the ceiling, her entire body wrapped up like a mummy, with only her head sticking out, resembling a fat worm pupa.

She seemed to want to say something, but before she could finish, her mouth was covered. She could only blink her eyes repeatedly, hoping her parents could understand.

"Judy, don't be afraid. Mommy's here. We'll definitely save you." Lorraine, deeply concerned for her daughter, almost rushed forward, but Ed stopped her in time.

Because he was afraid of hearing the next gunshot.

"What exactly do you want?" Ed took a deep breath, trying his best to remain calm.

Baling didn't answer, but simply took a sip of red wine. The band's leader—the television set—speaks out:

“What do you want? We have so many things we want to do. So many brothers have been killed by you two. We are filled with bitterness, resentment, and hatred. Tell me, what do we want?”

The Warrens felt a chill run down their spines, an overwhelming sense of dread washing over them.

If it's about revenge, even ten of their lives wouldn't be enough to kill them!
While they were in a state of great distress, the television continued, "Our leader, Gao, is kind-hearted and has decided to give us a chance, and also give you a chance. Let's play a game together."

"what game?"

"A Challenge of Wisdom and Courage"

Just hearing the name gives me a bad feeling, but since it's a challenge of wit and courage, then strength shouldn't be the focus, right?

Otherwise, it wouldn't be called by this name.

The rules were briefly explained: there are two levels in total, and you succeed by passing either one. There is no limit to the number of participants in each level; the key is to use your wisdom and courage to pass.

Once you've entered this door, there's no turning back.

They will only agree.

In extreme anxiety, they awaited the start of the first challenge.

"The first challenge: The Eighteen Evil Spirits Formation!"

"This challenge will test your wisdom,"

"You can come out now."

Da da da!
Eighteen evil spirits of various shapes and sizes made a dazzling entrance, marching in perfect unison.

Each of them has extraordinary abilities and unique skills, and their fighting spirit and patience are truly astonishing.

"Who wants to go first, or are you all coming at once?"

The television set asked again.

Ahead lay towering evil spirits with bodies made of hard materials such as metal, stone, wood, and machinery. They were posed in all sorts of strange and powerful postures, making it clear at a glance that they were the best of the evil spirits.

The Warrens both looked troubled and tentatively asked, "Where is the wisdom?"

“We’re being fair. We won’t attack all at once, but rather in shifts. You can choose to use your fists or your love to win them over. Isn’t that wise?”

The television's matter-of-fact answer left the Warrens speechless; it was clearly meant to beat them up, yet it claimed to solve the problem with wisdom.

Damn it! You could have just started hitting people right away, but you still chose to hold the competition openly!
You won!

The Warrens exchanged a knowing glance and both shook their heads.

I absolutely refuse to choose this.

How could a frail body possibly withstand this cold, bloodless armor?

"We're going to see the second challenge."

"no problem."

(End of this chapter)