The school day began like any other, but an eerie tension hung in the air, wrapping around the students like a cold fog. Liang Wei walked through the crowded halls, his mind still lingering on the haunting memories of the past. He spotted Mei Lan at their usual meeting spot near the entrance of the library.
As he approached, he noticed her looking troubled, her brows furrowed in thought. She glanced at him and gestured to the empty courtyard outside. Though she had lost her voice in a trade, Mei Lan had become adept at sign language, and her expressive movements spoke volumes.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.
She signed quickly, her fingers moving with urgency. "Have you heard? Students are missing."
Wei's heart sank at her words. "Missing? What do you mean?"
Mei Lan paused, her eyes darting around to ensure no one was listening. She then signed, "A few students vanished last week. No one knows where they went. It's… strange."
"Strange?" Wei echoed, his stomach twisting. "What do you mean?"
With deliberate gestures, she continued. "I overheard some upperclassmen talking. They found empty shells of high-grade stones scattered around the school. A lot of them. It's all connected."
Wei's mind raced. High-grade stones were rare and powerful, often linked to supernatural trades at the Midnight Pawnshop. "Why would they be here?" he pondered aloud. "And why are students going missing?"
Mei Lan signed again, her face serious. "I think it has something to do with the Shadow Sect. They're always after power. If they're using these stones…"
A shiver ran down Wei's spine. "What if they're trying to create something? Or worse, using the stones to manipulate people?"
Mei Lan nodded, her expression grave. She looked around, then signed, "We need to investigate. Find out what's really happening."
"Agreed," Wei replied, determination hardening in his chest. "We can start with the empty shells. Maybe they'll lead us to the truth."
As they made their way to the courtyard, the atmosphere grew heavier with each step. They noticed clusters of students huddled together, whispering anxiously. Fear rippled through the crowd, igniting a sense of urgency in Wei and Mei Lan.
"Let's check behind the school," Wei suggested, glancing around to ensure they weren't followed. "That's where they might've found the shells."
Mei Lan nodded, her eyes bright with resolve. They slipped out the back door, the cool air refreshing against their skin as they navigated toward the overgrown area behind the school, where weeds crept up the worn path.
As they approached, Wei noticed a strange glimmer among the grass. "Look!" he exclaimed, pointing.
Mei Lan knelt down, brushing away the foliage to reveal several empty high-grade stone shells, their surfaces shimmering faintly in the light. They were unlike anything Wei had ever seen before—glistening fragments, almost like the remnants of shattered dreams.
"What does this mean?" he asked, picking one up carefully. The stone felt cold in his palm, devoid of the energy it once held. "These are powerful artifacts."
Mei Lan studied the stones, her expression turning thoughtful. She signed, "Someone must be using these to lure students. But how?"
Wei's mind raced as he recalled the stories of the Shadow Sect and their dark dealings. "Maybe they're offering trades—like the Midnight Pawnshop. But instead of fulfilling promises, they're taking students."
Suddenly, they heard voices approaching. Wei quickly tucked the stones into his backpack. "We should go," he whispered, pulling Mei Lan back into the shadows.
As they ducked behind a large tree, two students walked past, their hushed voices filled with concern. "Did you hear? They found another empty shell near the art room," one said. "It's getting worse."
"What if they're using them to open a portal or something?" the other replied, glancing around nervously. "I heard the rumors about the Shadow Sect. We need to stay away from those stones."
Wei exchanged a worried glance with Mei Lan. The rumors were true, and the danger was closer than they thought.
Once the coast was clear, they emerged from their hiding spot, determination burning in their eyes. "We have to warn the others," Wei said, his heart racing with urgency. "If students are disappearing, we can't just sit back and let it happen."
Mei Lan nodded vigorously, her hands moving with fervor as she signed, "Let's gather more information and find a way to protect everyone."
Together, they headed back towards the school, the weight of their discoveries pressing on their shoulders. As the sun set, they knew they were stepping into a darkness that went far beyond what they had imagined.
The shadows were closing in, and the true horror of what lay ahead was only just beginning to unfold.