Chemicals

11

As we regroup in the cafeteria, a tense atmosphere envelops us. Chase strolls back in, and the playful facade he wore earlier melts away, revealing a sinister edge beneath. He claps his hands together, the sound echoing off the stark, metallic walls. "Alright, newbies! It's time for a little tour. Follow me; I'll show you what Ivy's little fortress has to offer."

Ethan, Carmen, Frank, and I exchange cautious glances, but we reluctantly fall into line behind him. Armed guards stationed around the base watch us closely, their gazes sharp and predatory, making my skin crawl. I can't shake the feeling that we're being assessed, judged for every move we make.

Chase leads us through the cold, utilitarian corridors until we reach a large map mounted on the wall, riddled with red and yellow markers creating a chaotic pattern. "Welcome to the nerve center of our operations," he declares, gesturing dramatically. "This is where we monitor Psychoid activity and plan our next moves."

"What exactly are Psychoids?" Frank asks, his curiosity breaking through the heavy tension.

Chase's grin widens, his eyes glinting with a twisted excitement. "Ah, Psychoids. They're the unfortunate souls who've met their end in the water. They might look grotesque, but don't let their appearance fool you. Picture this: red, burned zombies with shredded skin and their eyes rolled back in their heads. They're not just mindless creatures; they're intelligent, with heightened senses—especially smell."

A chill runs down my spine as Chase leans in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "They can't eat you—not anymore. Their brain nerves still function, but it's not about feeding. Oh no, they have a far more sinister purpose. They'll drag you into the water, pulling you under to make you one of them. Imagine being trapped in a rotting husk, forced to wander the depths with nothing but a hollow mind, waiting to capture your next victim."

Carmen shivers, her face paling at his words. "That's horrifying."

Chase's expression shifts to one of twisted glee, as if he revels in our discomfort. "It is, isn't it? But don't worry too much. Just keep your distance, and you should be fine. Remember—if you hear them splashing or see them lurking, don't think twice. Run. Fast. Because if you don't, you'll find yourself down there with them, your skin rotting away, a puppet to their will."

His eyes lock onto mine, a predatory glint dancing in their depths. "You're safe here... as long as you stick with me. Just remember, you don't want to end up like one of them."

I force a smile back, though unease coils in my stomach like a snake ready to strike. The vivid images he paints of the Psychoids sear into my mind, and I can almost feel their cold, clammy hands dragging me under, the dark water closing over me.

As Chase turns away, the weight of his words lingers, heavy and suffocating. I'm not sure what's more frightening: the Psychoids lurking outside or the way Chase seems to thrive on our fear. One thing is clear: we're deep in enemy territory, and the real danger may be closer than I ever imagined.

Chase leads us through the maze of hallways, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and tension. The walls seem to pulse with a silent energy, each step echoing as we approach a large, dimly lit chamber. A low murmur fills the air, growing louder as we draw near. The flickering overhead lights cast long shadows, making the space feel even more ominous.

As we step inside, I take in the sight before us: a gathering of people standing in a semicircle, their faces illuminated by the glow of a makeshift podium at the front. Ivy stands there, dressed in a military-style uniform that accentuates her authority. The room falls silent as she raises a hand, a signal for everyone to pay attention.

"Welcome," she begins, her voice smooth yet commanding, slicing through the air like a knife. "Today, we gather not just to reinforce our numbers but to welcome new faces into our community." She gestures toward us, her eyes glinting with a mix of warmth and something else I can't quite place. "Kiya, Ethan, Carmen, and Frank."