Chapter 69: The Medium

At that moment, in the 13th Degree Cinema of Hell, the third-floor public lounge was filled with actors, including Julian, who were all holding their breath as they waited for the conclusion of the horror film, "The New Neighbor". Although Edith had already spent two days inside the film, the actual screening time had not yet exceeded thirty minutes.

Julian had deliberately chosen a seat that was somewhat isolated from the other actors, and he lit a Red Pagoda cigarette, savoring the taste. As it happened, Julian had the strongest smoking habit among all the actors, which was not due to stress or fear, but rather because he had been a heavy smoker even before entering the cinema. In this place, it was easy to obtain high-end cigarettes.

Meanwhile, Allen and Martin were seated together, with Nathan being the closest actor to them. The atmosphere was tense, and the actors would occasionally exchange a few words, but their expressions betrayed their anxiety. Allen had already noticed that everyone was on edge, and he could easily guess the reason: Edith's participation in the film.

In terms of popularity, Edith was undoubtedly the most beloved actress in the 13th Degree Cinema of Hell. Her stunning looks, charming personality, and kind heart had won over many fans among the male actors. This was evident in the way they often mentioned her name, alongside Julian's, when talking to Allen.

There were two main reasons for Edith's immense popularity. Firstly, her optimistic and cheerful personality always put others at ease, and her bright smile could uplift even the most downtrodden actors, who were often on the brink of death. She also lacked the haughty attitude that might be expected of a wealthy heiress, instead treating everyone with warmth and kindness, which made people feel invigorated in her presence. Secondly, she was the only medium in the cinema, and it was unlikely that another would emerge in the future. If she were to die, it would be a tremendous loss for the cinema.

"Don't worry, everyone," Julian finally spoke up, breaking the silence: "I believe Edith won't die, and she has Carol by her side."

At that moment, Donna retorted icily, "Julian, you really have faith in that young man, don't you?"

Allen recalled that Donna had warned him to be cautious around Carol, although he didn't know the reason behind her words. It seemed that Donna didn't trust Carol, but why had she felt the need to mention it to him?

Julian, however, paid no heed to Donna's comment: "This horror film should be of moderate difficulty, and not particularly challenging even among films of that level. After all, the promotional period hasn't been excessively long. Only films with a promotional period exceeding a month can be considered extremely difficult, and those that surpass two months can be deemed top-tier horror films. I'm sure everyone is aware of this?"

George was the first to respond, "We do know this, but we can't help feeling a bit concerned... Recently, two horror films have had their main characters die, first Charles and then Hank, so..."

As George spoke, many actors turned their gaze towards Allen, who had participated in both of those films. However, Allen remained unfazed and quickly changed the subject: "Julian, I'd like to ask you something about Edith. What kind of effects can her mediumistic abilities have?"

Julian, still holding his cigarette, replied, "Mediumistic abilities are the most powerful means of survival in horror films, without a doubt. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the innate sensitivity of this ability doesn't require the consumption of 'get out of death' vouchers; secondly, this ability isn't based on a ghost's curse, unlike cursed objects, which can easily lead to the curse being reactivated; and thirdly, mediumistic abilities allow for strong precognition of danger through spiritual sensing, enabling one to take timely action. However, acquiring this ability is extremely difficult."

At this moment, Martin, seated beside Allen, suddenly spoke up. "I heard Edith mention that this constitution can only be obtained in The Fourth Forbidden Zone, is that correct?"

"Yes, you could say that. In fact, characters with mediumistic abilities often appear in horror films—those who can see ghosts from birth or communicate with spirits, for instance. However, the only series that allows actors to acquire a mediumistic constitution after the fact is The Fourth Forbidden Zone. When Edith survived that film and emerged with her mediumistic constitution, we could hardly believe it. At the time, everyone was exhilarated. With her, we no longer needed to spend exorbitant amounts of redemption coupons to seek protection or purchase information from mediums in collaborative films."

"Mediums from other cinemas?" Martin pressed further. "Are there many mediums in other cinemas?"

"Not many. However, the Seventh Hell Cinema is an exception, boasting three mediums. One of them is Hiram, whom we've mentioned many times before. In joint productions, if we encounter a medium from another cinema, we often have to defer to them, spending a considerable number of redemption coupons to buy information and secure their protection. But with Edith, this is no longer necessary in films where she participates."

"I see," Martin replied, his admiration for Edith growing even more.

Allen also observed that Martin had undergone subtle changes recently. Those who interacted with Edith often found their spirits lifted, and Martin was no exception.

"For mediums, one of the inherent risks is possession. A medium can allow the spirit of a wronged soul to possess their body, enabling the deceased to reveal crucial information. In horror films, we used to spend a fortune in redemption coupons to acquire such intelligence. However, if mishandled, there's a risk of the medium being completely overtaken by the malevolent spirit."

At this, both Allen and Martin visibly tensed, but Julian quickly waved his hand dismissively. "But with Edith, there's no need to worry. As a seasoned medium, she has ample experience with possession. As long as the timing is controlled, there's virtually no risk. So..."

"Rest assured. She will definitely return."

Meanwhile, in the screening room...

In the world of the horror film The New Neighbor...

"We're almost at Pingshan Town."

Edith had already accepted that she would miss her afternoon classes, but she didn't care. Lindsay, with her mediumistic constitution, had always harbored deep sympathy for the dead. Skipping a class or two to uncover the truth was a small price to pay. Besides, this matter was deeply personal to Lindsay. Living next to such a bizarre neighbor would unsettle anyone.

"Lindsay, are you serious about this?" Carol caught up to her. "You're really going to conduct a séance? And you want me to listen to what the dead have to say? Do you think it's your new neighbor..."

"I know it sounds absurd, but you're the only one I can trust. My parents are abroad, and you... you're the only one who would believe me. If you still can't bring yourself to believe, then just tell me afterward... what I said while possessed. And if I show clear signs of distress or start convulsing, knock me out immediately. Don't hesitate!"

Carol understood the implication of her last statement. When a medium is possessed, there's always the risk of the spirit fully taking over, leading to the medium's soul being lost forever. Of course, this was highly unlikely for Edith—like a professional swimmer drowning, it was almost unthinkable. But if it did happen, knocking her unconscious would be the best preventive measure. The possession would end the moment she lost consciousness.

Ahead lay a pond near an abandoned chemical factory. In recent years, Pingshan Town had undergone rapid urbanization, with farmland replaced by factories. Few farmers could be seen working the fields anymore.

"This is where the first missing girl vanished, isn't it?"

Standing by the pond, Edith gazed at the overcast sky. The dense trees cast deep shadows, and even sunlight struggled to penetrate. On a day like this, the atmosphere was perfect for a séance.

"Prepare yourself, it may take some time. Yincheng, just stand by and watch me, and remember, if I exhibit a pained expression or my body starts convulsing, you must knock me out!" Edith said, handing him a wooden stick she had found on the ground. "Aim for the back of my head, and don't forget!"

Carol hesitated, gazing at the stick for a long time before finally taking it. "Lindsay, are you really going to go through with this? Even if what you're saying is true, letting a ghost possess you is terrifying. Why would you do that?"

"It's just a precaution," Edith replied. "If there's any danger, I wouldn't take the risk. I'm not ready to die yet."

"Let's just forget about it, Lindsay!" Carol exclaimed.

Yincheng, just stand there and keep a close eye on me. And if you notice my expression becoming unusual, take out your phone and record it. The process won't take long, just a few seconds at most."

Of course, if it exceeded ten seconds, it would cost Edith 1800 "get out of death" vouchers, which was a significant burden. Therefore, she had to keep it under ten seconds. However, if she obtained crucial information, the vouchers she spent would be well worth it. She had to take the risk, as sacrifice was necessary for gain.

Edith had already seen the missing student's photo online, and with that, all the conditions for the mediumistic ritual were in place.

"Lindsay, fine... since you're determined to do this, I'll help you," Carol said finally.

Edith closed her eyes, leaning her body against a tree, and began to utilize her mediumistic abilities. The surroundings seemed to grow even darker, and Carol felt a shiver run down his spine. He immediately took out his phone, focusing it on Edith.

Then, Edith opened her eyes. But to Carol's horror, her eyes had turned completely white, with no sign of her pupils or irises.