Traces of the estate could indeed be found online.
Only, it wasn’t called the Ghost Manor on the internet.
It was listed as a luxurious, sprawling property located in the English countryside: Bly Manor.
Bizarrely, the website even carried job postings for tutors and private teachers, complete with contact representatives.
So why on earth had it appeared on a highway in Florida?
The whole thing was an absolute mystery.
Dan recalled the prompt from the Ghost Card.
It had warned of “traces of Containment Object: Ghost Manor,” rather than referencing a specific individual’s name.
From the look of it, the Ghost Manor itself was a single entity—a localized spatial containment object.
In that sense, it was somewhat similar to Silent Hill.
Regardless, as long as it didn’t target him, it didn’t matter for now.
He was searching for information primarily to ensure he wouldn’t accidentally trigger one of the manor’s rules and draw its attention.
Against that brand of supernatural terror, he possessed zero power to fight back at his current stage.
…
The next day.
Clam Shell High School.
Dan had taken frequent leaves of absence recently, but under the persuasive charm of “money power,” the school administration—principal included—had no objections whatsoever.
In fact, all his course grades were listed as straight A’s.
Entering the classroom, he offered a general greeting to his classmates.
Everyone responded with exceptional warmth—far more enthusiastic than usual, because summer break was right around the corner.
With a vacation lasting several months coming up, everyone was excitedly discussing where to travel or spend their break.
Dan went to the back row and sat down.
A male student to his left immediately turned to invite him along.
Dan asked curiously, “Jack, where are you guys planning to go?” “How about Crystal Lake?
Everyone says it’s super thrilling!” “…” Dan silently shook his head.
The internet claimed people frequently disappeared around Crystal Lake.
Others might not know why, but how could he not?
Jason Voorhees, the slasher terror of American horror, was sleeping right at the bottom of that lake—and the guy was literally immortal.
*And you idiots actually want to go there for ‘thrills’?* There was a good reason why Western populations were so sparse.
Just then, the bell rang to mark the end of class.
The dark-haired beauty sitting in front of Dan turned around, offering a dazzling smile.
“Dan, I heard your father left you an old castle right here in Florida.
Would I have the honor of coming over for a tour?” In this era, the formal term “school belle” wasn’t widely used, but the stunning bombshell standing before him was undoubtedly the centerpiece of Clam Shell Town—and the head cheerleader of the school, Jennifer Check.
Most of the guys in school were practically groveling at Jennifer’s feet.
Dan was one of the few who remained largely indifferent to her, mainly because he had seen Jennifer’s fate coming.
If there were a ranking for the sheer beauty of female characters in American horror, Jennifer Check could easily fight for the top spot.
*Jennifer Check.* However, Dan knew that she was destined to be possessed by a demon, turning into a man-eating succubus who fed on human flesh and brains.
That was why he maintained a healthy distance—for the time being.
Why “for the time being”?
Because occasionally, he wouldn’t mind measuring the exact strength of a demon himself.
Right now, the Ghost Card showed no reaction, which indicated Jennifer hadn’t been possessed yet.
As for when that tragic event would occur, who could say?
“Jennifer, I’ll probably be traveling soon, so I won’t have much time to spend at the castle.
You understand.” “What’s so fun about traveling?
Didn’t you just get back from a trip?” Jennifer playfully stuck out her tongue, her tone laced with heavy implication.
“Don’t you think spending time at an old castle sounds way more interesting?” Whether she meant it or was just teasing was anyone’s guess.
According to school rumors and Dan’s own observations, Jennifer appeared extremely flirtatious on the surface, but very few guys could actually catch her interest.
To put it bluntly, she just had too many simps.
Just as Dan opened his mouth to reply, Sam—a fellow Chinese exchange student sitting nearby—interrupted with an annoyed huff.
“Hey, Dan, during this break, I’m planning to go cave exploring with some of our teachers.
Are you interested in coming along?” Dan looked at Sam.
A quick inquiry about this “cave exploration trip” was enough to confirm it was the plot of *The Descent*.
If nothing went off script, Sam’s expedition team would enter the wrong cavern system and run right into the blind, flesh-eating horrors living underground.
He suddenly realized that his classmates seemed to be competing in a lethal game of who could seek death faster.
Virtually every location they planned to visit carried a high chance of fatal horror.
Dan was genuinely starting to worry that when school resumed after summer break, there would hardly be any classmates left alive in his room.
Both Jennifer and Sam stood waiting for Dan’s response.
In Jennifer’s mind, Dan would obviously pick her.
Sam’s looks were entirely average; in terms of face and body, she couldn’t hold a candle to Jennifer.
In fact, hardly anyone in all of Clam Shell Town could match her.
Demonic possession versus underground cave monsters…
was that even a choice?
Underground monsters possessed solid physical bodies, whereas demon possession was unpredictable and spectral.
Dan made the extremely rational choice to side with Sam.
The cave expedition suited his current capabilities far better!
“That’s a great idea, Sam,” Dan said smoothly.
“I’m actually very interested in cave exploration.
Maybe I can even supply some professional equipment for the team.” “Awesome!
I guarantee the teachers will welcome you with open arms, Dan!” Sam said, flashing a triumphant, provocative glance toward Jennifer.
This infuriated Jennifer, instantly igniting her competitive streak.
She refused to believe she could lose out to a plain girl like Sam.
So, right after school on the path Dan always took home, Jennifer stepped out and blocked his way.
Her goal was simple: get Dan to flake on Sam.
In exchange, she was willing to give Dan a chance to pursue her.
Yes, even though Dan was wealthy and well-built, he was still just an Asian exchange student.
In Jennifer’s eyes, offering him a chance was already a massive concession.
Besides, she treated Dan somewhat differently from her usual simps; as long as he put in a little effort, she wouldn’t actually mind saying yes to him.
“Jennifer, are you joking?” Dan asked, his voice carrying a hint of deadpan disdain.
“Do you really think I’m desperate for women?” Hearing this, Jennifer merely glanced down at herself.
Her view of her own shoes was completely blocked by a fair, breathtaking curve that could drive any man out of his mind.
She asked in confusion, “Am I really worse than Sam?
Why pick her over me?” In fairness, Dan had to admit Sam and Jennifer weren’t even in the same league.
Jennifer was tall, with stunning curves that radiated a hypnotic, effortless sensuality.
She was like a ripe, succulent peach brimming with sweet juice—one look was enough to tempt anyone into sin.
“…” Dan sighed.
“I really am just interested in exploring the caves.” Jennifer countered, “So you’re saying you’re just interested in the expedition, and not actually interested in Sam?” Seeing the subtle flicker of expectation in the girl’s eyes, Dan said speechlessly, “When did I ever say I was interested in Sam?” Jennifer suddenly let out a bright smile and apologized for her assumption.
Then she asked, “So in your eyes, I’m way more charming than Sam, right?” “Yes.” Dan didn’t bother denying it.
Put anyone in his position, and as long as they weren’t blind, they would choose Jennifer in terms of raw charm.
Jennifer’s confident smile fully returned.
“Since you love cave exploration so much, how about I come along with you?” “No thanks.
Caves are dangerous.” Dan had no desire to drag a fragile eye-candy along into a monster-infested pit.
“Can I take that as you caring about my safety?” “You’re really conceited, Jennifer.” Jennifer offered a mischievous grin.
“You admitted my beauty yourself.
You don’t mind if I tell Sam about this, do you?” Dan: →_→ “Go ahead.” “Dan, now I actually believe you really just want to explore caves,” Jennifer said, stepping back with a playful wink.
“I take back what I said earlier.
Maybe *I’ll* be the one pursuing you instead.
Once you’re back from your expedition, don’t forget to call me.” As classmates, they already had each other’s phone numbers.
Before Dan could decline, Jennifer turned on her heel and walked off with a slight sway of her hips, having fully vindicated her pride and charm.
Her initial initiative toward Dan was simple: she liked his handsome looks and his deep pockets—a very realistic mindset.
However, after discovering that Dan wasn’t like those typical guys driven purely by their hormones, she instantly pivoted her strategy.