Chapter 30: Into the Trap

Anran was taken aback. She narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing the girl before her. The girl had delicate features, her face pale and almost bloodless. She wore a blue uniform with a white shirt underneath, the collar turned up high, effectively hiding her neck. The panic on her face seemed genuine.

"Where did they take Zhang Ning?" Anran asked.

"I… I overheard it in the restroom. They took her to the old school building in the western district. It's been abandoned for years, and… and they say it's haunted at night. Please, don't tell anyone I told you!" The girl's voice trembled as she spoke.

Anran's eyes flickered thoughtfully. "How do I know you're telling the truth? Unless you take me there!"

"I… I can't…" The girl shook her head vigorously, as if terrified.

"You'll be fine with me here," Anran said, grabbing the girl's arm and pulling her along.

Realizing there was no escape, the girl reluctantly followed, stammering, "I'll only take you to the front of the building. I'm not going inside!"

"Relax, I just need you to guide me," Anran replied.

On the way to the western district, Anran encountered a few students in blue uniforms—likely the last stragglers leaving the school. Since Anran and the girl were heading in the opposite direction, they drew curious looks.

After a short jog, Anran finally saw the old school building. It was a four-story brick structure with an English architectural style. The dark red exterior had an antique charm, but what surprised Anran was that the building was in relatively good condition, not as derelict as she had imagined. Aside from some dirt on the walls, it seemed intact, as if it had only been abandoned for a few years.

"Why was this place abandoned?" Anran asked.

The girl, visibly frightened, stood behind Anran and peered out nervously. "I'm not sure. I heard it used to be a dormitory many years ago, but something happened, and St. Academy stopped housing students here. It's been empty ever since."

The door to the building was slightly ajar. Anran peeked inside, but it was too dark to see clearly. Just as she was considering her next move, the girl suddenly shoved her from behind. Caught off guard, Anran stumbled into the building. Fortunately, her reflexes were sharp. She quickly stabilized herself by planting her right knee on the ground, avoiding a full fall.

With a loud *bang*, the door slammed shut behind her.

Realizing she had fallen into a trap, Anran rushed to the door and tried to push it open. The sound of rattling chains echoed in the air—someone had locked it from the outside using an iron chain. Damn it!

"You cowardly bastards! Who are you? Why are you doing this?" Anran shouted.

She knew there had to be more than one person involved. There was no way that girl could have pushed her and locked the door with a chain so quickly.

But the only response she received was the hollow echo of her own voice.

"Skulking around and scheming behind someone's back—what a bunch of lowlifes!" Anran yelled again.

From outside, a cold snort reached her ears, clearly someone unable to hold back.

Anran expected the person to say something more, but instead, she heard the girl's voice once again. Gone was the panicked tone from earlier; now, it was filled with reverence.

"Master, my task is complete."