Chapter 22: The First Offering
The new broadcast began.
But this time… it wasn't hidden.
It was everywhere.
On skyscraper billboards in New York.
On public transport screens in Tokyo.
On every unmuted phone, tablet, smartwatch.
The world became an unwilling audience.
And at the center of the broadcast—
A single, high-backed rattan chair sat on a glowing, digital stage.
The words above it read:
[The First Offering Will Now Begin.]
Back in Kuala Lumpur, Yun Qi's heart pounded as she tried to terminate the stream from her system, but no matter what code she ran, the countdown pressed on.
00:00:10…
She ripped out the power supply, but even in complete darkness, her phone lit up one final time.
The chair on screen was no longer empty.
A man now sat in it.
His hands tied, his mouth sewn shut with a horrifyingly familiar red thread.
It was a world-famous livestream influencer.
The chat erupted globally:
[Bullet Comments]
"Is this real?!"
"Bro, this is the sickest marketing I've ever seen!"
"Haha, this is fake. Right? …Right?"
But then—
The influencer's eyes went wide with terror.
He tried to struggle, but invisible threads cut deep into his skin.
Blood seeped from the corners of his eyes.
And through every connected device, a chilling, mechanized voice echoed:
"The First Offering… Complete."
The screen went dark.
And at that exact moment, news channels around the world reported the sudden, unexplained death of the influencer—live, during a seemingly harmless broadcast.
He had died on camera.
Without anyone realizing… they had all witnessed his execution.
Yun Qi felt the weight of it crash down.
The new "curse" wasn't just digital—it was programmed into reality itself.
She raced to contact the remaining members of The Last Witnesses.
But before she could finish dialing, her screen lit up again:
[You Have Been Selected for the Final Host Trial. Please Confirm Participation.]
And then came the final horror.
Her phone camera turned on by itself.
She saw her own reflection, pale and breathless…
And behind her, in the corner of the dark room—
The woman in white was back.
But this time, she wasn't alone.
Next to her stood a new figure.
A towering shadow with no face… wearing a crimson mask shaped like a smiling emoji.
It raised one hand…
And pointed directly at Yun Qi.
End of Chapter 22