Chapter 15: First Lessons in Paranormal Investigation
The next morning, I woke up feeling slightly more adjusted to the Academy's rhythm. The first day had been a whirlwind, but I was ready to dive back in. Today's schedule promised to be just as intriguing, starting with Paranormal Investigation.
After a quick breakfast in the dining hall, where Sam and I discussed our respective cryptid projects, I headed to the building where Paranormal Investigation was held. It was an old, Gothic-style structure, complete with gargoyles perched on the roof and ivy climbing up the walls. The setting was perfect for the subject matter.
Inside, the classroom had a mysterious atmosphere, with dim lighting and various artifacts displayed around the room—everything from ancient tomes to strange-looking devices that I assumed were for detecting paranormal activity.
Professor Henry, a tall, thin man with a gray ponytail and an intense gaze, welcomed us with an enigmatic smile. "Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Paranormal Investigation. Here, we'll delve into the unknown, exploring the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding. But remember, our goal is to seek the truth, not to fall for every ghost story and urban legend."
He handed out a syllabus that included topics such as ghost hunting, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena), and the history of paranormal research. "We'll start with the basics of ghost hunting," he announced. "What equipment do we use, how do we set up a site investigation, and what constitutes credible evidence."
Professor Henry's lecture was captivating. He explained the different types of hauntings—residual, intelligent, and poltergeists—and how to distinguish between them. He also demonstrated some of the equipment used in investigations, such as EMF meters, infrared cameras, and audio recorders.
"As investigators, it's our duty to approach each case with an open mind but also with a critical eye," he said, pacing the front of the room. "We must be able to differentiate between genuine phenomena and natural occurrences or hoaxes."
The class was encouraged to ask questions, and there were many. One student asked about the scariest encounter Professor Henry had ever experienced.
He smiled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "There was a case in an old mansion in New England. The reports included strange noises, objects moving on their own, and even apparitions. During our investigation, we captured some of the most compelling EVP recordings I've ever heard. But remember, it's not just about the evidence—it's about understanding the story behind the haunting."
By the end of the class, I was both intrigued and slightly unnerved. The world of paranormal investigation was far more complex and fascinating than I had imagined. Our first assignment was to research a famous haunting and present our findings to the class. I chose the Amityville Horror, curious about the mix of fact and fiction surrounding the case.
After Paranormal Investigation, I had a short break before my next class: Advanced Forensic Psychology. This class was held in a bright, modern lecture hall, a stark contrast to the Gothic ambiance of the previous classroom.
Professor Green, a renowned forensic psychologist with years of experience, greeted us with a professional demeanor. "Welcome to Advanced Forensic Psychology. In this course, we'll explore the psychological aspects of criminal behavior, including profiling, understanding motives, and analyzing behavior patterns."
The lecture began with an overview of criminal profiling, a technique used to identify potential suspects based on behavioral evidence. Professor Green discussed famous cases where profiling had played a crucial role, such as the capture of the Unabomber.
"Profiling is not an exact science," she explained. "It's about understanding the mind of the criminal and using that knowledge to narrow down the suspect pool. It's a blend of psychology, criminology, and investigative intuition."
We were given a case study to analyze, involving a series of burglaries with a distinct pattern. Our task was to create a profile of the suspect, considering factors such as age, background, and possible motivations.
During lunch, I met up with Sam and a few other recruits in the dining hall. We shared stories about our morning classes, and I couldn't help but laugh at Sam's excitement over his latest paranormal theory.
"I'm telling you, Kan, there's something out there," he insisted, gesturing with a forkful of spaghetti. "We just need to find it."
"Maybe you'll get your chance during our fieldwork," I replied, chuckling. "Just don't go running off into the woods chasing ghosts."
The afternoon was dedicated to a workshop on evidence analysis, a hands-on class where we practiced examining various types of evidence, from fingerprints to digital data. Professor Lee, a meticulous instructor with a sharp eye for detail, guided us through the process.
"Accuracy is paramount," he emphasized. "One mistake can compromise an entire investigation. Take your time, be thorough, and always double-check your work."
We spent the next few hours analyzing mock crime scenes, carefully collecting and cataloging evidence. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding to see how each piece fit into the larger puzzle.
As the day came to an end, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The classes were demanding, but I was learning so much. The Academy was living up to its reputation, pushing us to our limits and beyond.
Back in my dorm room, I reviewed my notes and started working on my assignments. The research for the Amityville Horror case was particularly engrossing, and I found myself diving into old newspaper articles, books, and documentaries.
That evening, Sam and I took a walk around the campus to unwind. The grounds were peaceful, the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant call of an owl.
"This place is amazing, isn't it?" Sam said, looking around. "We're learning so much, and it's only been a couple of days."
"Yeah," I agreed. "It's intense, but in a good way. I'm excited to see where this journey takes us."
As we walked, we talked about our hopes and fears for the future. Despite the challenges, I felt confident that we were on the right path. The Academy was preparing us for a world filled with mysteries, both human and supernatural, and I was ready to face whatever came next.