Veilwalkers: Shadows Between Worlds

Chapter 15: The Vessel of Shadows

Riku moved quickly through the quiet school halls, the echo of his footsteps the only sound as he approached the Paranormal Activity Club's room. The previous night's events still hung heavy in his mind, and he knew he had to act fast. The discovery of the doppelgänger and the mysterious vessels in the club's possession had shaken him to the core. How had a group of ordinary students come into possession of such dangerous objects?

He pushed open the door to the club room, where the members sat huddled together, their faces pale and anxious. The room was cluttered with books on the occult, strange artifacts, and ghost-hunting equipment—a far cry from the typical high school club. The air was thick with tension, and the students looked up as Riku entered, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and confusion.

"Tell me everything you know about those vessels," Riku demanded, his voice steady but urgent. "This is serious. You need to understand the danger you're in."

The students exchanged nervous glances before Haruka, a quiet girl known for her artistic talent, spoke up. "There was a man... He came to us a few weeks ago. He said he was interested in our activities and wanted to help us find real evidence of ghosts."

Riku's eyes narrowed as he listened. "Who was he? What did he look like?"

Haruka hesitated, then pulled out a sketchbook from her bag. "I didn't get a good look at his face, but he had a tattoo on his neck. I drew it after our first meeting because it seemed unusual."

She handed the sketchbook to Riku, who flipped to the page where she had drawn the man. The image was rough, but it was clear enough to make out the distinctive tattoo on his neck—a coiled serpent intertwined with a strange symbol. The sight of it sent a chill down Riku's spine. This was no ordinary person.

"Do you know who he is?" one of the other members asked, their voice trembling.

Riku's expression was grim as he studied the sketch. "I don't know yet, but I intend to find out. This man is dangerous, and you've been playing with something far beyond your understanding."

He handed the sketchbook back to Haruka, then looked at each of the club members in turn. "This isn't just a game anymore. The vessels you've been using are dangerous, and the spirits inside them are not to be taken lightly. If you remember anything else about this man, anything at all, you need to tell me."

The students nodded, their fear palpable. Riku turned to leave, but paused at the door, glancing back at the group. "Stay out of this room until I say it's safe. And don't try to contact that man again, whoever he is."

With that, he left the room, his mind racing. The tattoo was a clue, but it wasn't enough. He needed more information, and fast. As he made his way down the hall, he knew one thing for certain—the situation was far more dangerous than he had initially thought. The doppelgänger was only the beginning.