EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 42: The Cradlewolf

As dawn broke over Cyberton, the dim lights of the Blackheart Facility flickered to life, illuminating the vast array of monitors and gadgets scattered across the room. Nelly sat hunched over a desk, the weight of the night pressing heavily on his shoulders. Beside him, his AI companion Ero projected a digital interface filled with articles about missing persons, cult activities, and mysterious events tied to the Foggy Forest.

Nelly clicked on the first article, titled "The Foggy Forest Disappearances: A Decade of Unsolved Mysteries." The article detailed a string of disappearances that had plagued the area for over ten years. The most alarming account was that of a group of hikers who vanished without a trace, their last known location recorded just miles from a well-known cult site deep within the forest. Locals had reported strange lights and sounds emanating from the woods on the nights preceding the disappearances, leading some to speculate that the forest was cursed.

"Check this out, Ero," Nelly said, pointing at the screen. "These disappearances all happened on nights with heavy fog. It's almost like they were lured away."

Ero analyzed the article, his digital eyes narrowing. "There seems to be a pattern forming, sir. The forest's weather conditions might play a significant role in these events."

Nelly scrolled down to the next article, "Cult of the Forgotten: Dark Rituals in the Foggy Forest." This piece outlined the chilling activities of a cult that had operated in the forest for decades. Members claimed to communicate with spirits and seek knowledge from the "ancient ones." The article included testimonies from ex-members who spoke of strange rituals involving offerings to the forest, which they believed would grant them protection and power. It hinted at a particularly horrific event where a member had gone missing during a ritual, further adding to the forest's ominous reputation.

"Rituals and disappearances... it's all connected," Nelly muttered, feeling the pieces of a larger puzzle beginning to click together. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he tried to process the information.

"Sir, I don't think we are getting anywhere..." Ero replied, his digital voice tinged with frustration.

"Maybe, but we can't give up yet," Nelly shot back, his determination rekindled. "Hmmm... I kinda want to think. Is it possible for you to detect ghosts?"

Ero paused, contemplating the question. "As I don't believe in superstitions, many people get results in ghost hunting through science too, such as EMF readers, spirit boxes, motion sensors, and the Alice Box."

Nelly perked up at this. "Wanna try? I can upgrade you with those functions."

"I don't want to shit myself, sir. I'm scared of ghosts," Ero replied sarcastically, the digital display flickering slightly as he did.

"Come on! You're a damn AI! You shouldn't be scared of anything!" Nelly laughed, shaking his head. "I want to throw you out the window. You know I'll add it to the mask."

"Mask? Sir, are you planning on going into the field?" Ero questioned, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Damn right I am," Nelly replied, his tone serious. "If we're going to figure this out, we need to see it for ourselves. Plus, if things get dangerous, I want you to have my back."

Ero processed this information, his circuits whirring as he considered the implications. "Upgrading my functions will take some time, sir. The EMF reader will allow me to detect electromagnetic fields that may indicate paranormal activity. The spirit box will enable me to communicate with potential spirits by scanning radio frequencies."

Nelly nodded, already picturing their investigation. "Let's do it. I want to be ready for whatever we find out there."

He pulled out his tablet and began to draw up plans for the upgrades. As he worked, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of uncovering something terrifying. The stories he had read, the articles detailing the eerie events that transpired in the Foggy Forest—they all hinted at a darkness that lurked just beyond the veil of reality.