Chapter 367

The moment they crossed the threshold into the 'Asylum of Shadows,' an unnatural chill crawled up their spines.

Benjamin led the three trembling girls inside, their footsteps echoing through the sterile corridors. Zachary's group had already disappeared ahead, their laughter fading into the distance.

Suddenly, two figures materialized from the flickering shadows.

Male patients with hollow eyes and torn hospital gowns lurched toward them, their movements unnaturally jerky. Instead of targeting Zachary's group, the specters zeroed in on Benjamin's party.

The girls' screams pierced the air as they clung to Benjamin like lifelines. Their grip was so tight he couldn't move even if he tried.

From down the hall, Zachary's triumphant voice rang out. "Looks like we're winning, Rivers! Try not to scream like a baby!"

Benjamin gritted his teeth. Before he could react, the ghosts began circling them, whispering nonsensical medical terms. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Benjamin shoved both actors aside.

Just as they thought they'd escaped, a new horror emerged.

Dozens of zombies shambled into view, their rotting flesh barely contained by stained hospital scrubs. Even Benjamin felt his pulse skyrocket - the special effects were terrifyingly realistic.

"Listen carefully," Benjamin whispered urgently. "Close your eyes, hold hands, and follow my voice."

Emily, his longtime crush, squeezed his arm. "We trust you," she said, rallying her friends. "Let's move!"

Their desperate sprint brought them face-to-face with Zachary's smug expression. The race for clues had become deadly serious.

Benjamin spotted the solution first. "There! Open that panel!" he instructed the girls.

The door creaked open to reveal absolute darkness.

Then came the giggling.

Seven nurses in blood-spattered uniforms emerged, hypodermic needles glinting in the dim light. "Patients mustn't wander," they chorused. "Time for your medicine!"

Zachary's group watched from a safe distance, laughing at Benjamin's predicament. Their amusement died when a nurse materialized behind Zachary, pressing a scalpel to his throat.

"What the hell?" Zachary spat. "I paid you to target them! You want your bonus or not?"

The nurse's eyes widened in recognition. She released Zachary and lunged at Benjamin with terrifying speed.

The blade flashed.

Crimson bloomed across Benjamin's shirt as he collapsed. The nurse raised her weapon again for the killing blow.

Emily's scream shattered the tension. "She's really stabbing him!"

Benjamin's body convulsed once before going frighteningly still. The pool of blood spreading beneath him looked far too real to be special effects.