Julian took his seat in the tenth row of Screening Room Five. His confidence in securing Nyterel's notebook was not absolute, but he had to try. He couldn't abandon Donna. Though they appeared distant, he knew she wasn't wrong. Neither was he.
The only mistake... was that Hell's Thirteenth Degree Cinema was still too weak. This realization fueled his intense desire to obtain the parchment from Ghost Ritual 3 . Edith, at any moment, held the utmost trust in Julian.
It was a bond shared by Julian, Edith, and the now-deceased Yichuan—a unique understanding among the trio.
On the third floor communal lounge, everyone wore somber expressions. Many gathered around the fountain, the atmosphere heavy with silence.
"In fact... I almost hope the trade doesn't succeed," George broke the silence first. "Don't you think so? If we lose the voodoo doll, Julian... many of our lives were saved by him. Without him, we wouldn't have such faith."
Everyone knew Julian would protect every companion within his means. Even a newcomer, if they showed commitment to the team, would never be abandoned. In this cruel world of horror films, maintaining such pure humanity was no easy feat. Most people focused solely on their own survival, which is why many dismissed Donna's warnings as mere hypocrisy.
They genuinely worried about Julian now. His robust figure always provided shelter, shielding them from the storms. Julian's name had become a pillar of support for all actors, a symbol of hope that one day they could leave this hell and return to the real world.
Even Job, known for her aloofness, spoke up, "Julian has made his decision. I must admit, he's not an easy man to kill."
Carol, smoking a cigarette, tightened her grip on it, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Julian is just flesh and blood; he's no protagonist with miraculous luck. He's determined to get Nyterel's notebook."
Edith scanned the group, wanting to say something but ultimately remained silent.
Allen and Martin, both newcomers, felt uncertain about what to say. Pat and Yang Hong, also new actors, shared their confusion.
Edith closed her eyes momentarily, praying silently. Even without the voodoo doll, Julian's other cursed object ensured he wasn't weak.
Back when Hell's Thirteenth Degree Cinema was struggling, most actors perished in a top-tier difficulty horror film, losing all their cursed objects. Julian and Yichuan arrived amidst this crisis, followed by Edith. They couldn't afford to buy cursed objects from other cinemas, living day by day. If not for the rarity of their films due to fewer actors, they might not have survived until now. But Julian later obtained a cursed object, which helped Yichuan acquire a second one, marking the true rise of Hell's Thirteenth Degree Cinema.
Julian endured those hardships, earning everyone's trust and becoming a revered senior actor. His sacrifices were immense. Without the NG in Ghost Ritual 2 and the subsequent revival via the voodoo doll, Julian would have long been dead.
He bore too much. No matter what Donna said, calling him a hypocrite was unjust.
In her heart, Edith silently prayed: Yichuan, if you're watching from beyond, please protect Julian... the man who fought alongside you, merely seeking survival and protecting those who trusted him.
Before entering the cinema, Edith had no religious beliefs, seeing no gods or divine justice. She believed only in changing fate through her own efforts. However, now she realized that in moments of despair, one clings to something—faith can create miracles. Human strength has limits.
Praying for miracles isn't shameful; it's a way to survive. So, she prayed to the ethereal gods, hoping their power could enter this hell. Perhaps karma didn't exist, but she wished for goodness to be rewarded.
Watching Edith pray, Allen reflected on what he had learned. He had heard of Sun Yichuan but met few who knew him. He understood that Julian, Yichuan, and Edith once upheld Hell's Thirteenth Degree Cinema until Hank, Cheryl, Ivan, Charles, Delia, and others acquired cursed objects.
Though Allen had no religious beliefs, he believed in personal principles and values rather than blind adherence to corrupt ones. In today's society, people vent frustrations online, losing trust in each other and in miracles. They see injustice and turn cynical, valuing wealth and power over kindness. Modern people grow selfish, indifferent to others' struggles, and vent frustrations anonymously online while cowering before authority.
Such behavior was common in the information age. Julian, however, might be labeled a hypocrite in modern society like Donna. Efforts are often overlooked, and people worship absolute power. Yet, living means having something to believe in and fight for. Julian made his decision based on such beliefs, didn't he?
Effort doesn't always yield results, and kindness may not be rewarded. Evil might thrive. But this isn't an excuse to give up. People need something to believe in—to find value in their actions and protect those they care about. Trust and support in the ghost cinema are invaluable. Julian, Yichuan, and Edith earned their current standing through such bonds.
Belief and trust are essential for survival here. Without belief, the fear of death would be overwhelming.
Seeing the troubled faces, Allen stood up, scanning the group. "We should trust Julian. He will come back alive."
Allen knew nothing was certain, but trusting Julian was crucial. Trust is the foundation of human relationships.
Everyone looked at Allen, including Martin, whose eyes shone with pure trust—a rare sight in a faithless society.
Edith finally smiled, a radiant expression that captivated everyone. Her beauty, enhanced by her inherent grace, was breathtaking.
"Hmph, what does a newbie like you know?" Carol dismissed Allen's words. To her, Allen was just a lucky survivor who might die in the next film.
But Edith turned to Carol, saying, "Don't speak like that. Shouldn't we trust Julian?"
Martin looked at Edith and Allen, lips moving as if to speak but ultimately remaining silent.
Time passed swiftly. Two hours had nearly elapsed.
Everyone gathered quickly outside Screening Room Five. The door remained locked. Due to its height, the room could be entered from both the second and third floors, though most preferred the upper entrance.
Finally, the moment arrived.
Edith stepped forward, pushing open the door. Carol, Job, Nathan, and the others filed in, followed by Allen and Martin.
"Julian!"
Julian rose from his seat, looking at them.
He... had returned, alive!
But did he manage to trade the voodoo doll for Nyterel's notebook?
Inside the screening room, the tension palpable, everyone awaited Julian's answer. The air was thick with anticipation and concern.
"Did you manage to make the trade?" Edith asked, her voice steady yet tinged with anxiety.
Julian nodded slowly, his expression inscrutable. "I did. But it wasn't easy."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room, yet unease lingered. The weight of the decision hung heavily on Julian's shoulders.
"The notebook is powerful, far more dangerous than we anticipated," Julian continued, his tone grave. "But it holds the potential to change our fortunes. We must use it wisely."
Allen, standing beside Martin, felt a surge of admiration. Despite the uncertainties, Julian's determination and leadership inspired trust. In a world where cynicism and self-interest prevailed, Julian's unwavering commitment to his companions stood out.
"We must believe in Julian," Allen reiterated, his voice firm. "He will lead us through this."
Edith, sensing the gravity of the situation, added, "Faith and trust are what keep us going. Without them, the horrors we face would be unbearable."
Job, ever pragmatic, chimed in, "We've seen what happens when we don't trust each other. Let's not forget the lessons of the past."
Nathan, standing quietly, nodded in agreement. "Julian's choices have always been for the greater good. We must stand united behind him."
As the group gathered around Julian, their resolve strengthened. Each member, whether veteran or newcomer, felt the weight of their collective responsibility. The future of Hell's Thirteenth Degree Cinema rested on their shoulders.
"Let's move forward together," Julian declared, his voice filled with quiet determination. "With this notebook, we have a chance to gain the strength we need. But remember, it comes with risks. We must proceed cautiously."
Edith, her smile fading into a look of steely resolve, nodded. "We'll face whatever comes together. That's what we do."
The group, united in purpose, left the screening room. Outside, the dimly lit corridor seemed less ominous, their spirits buoyed by renewed hope.
Hours later, the cinema buzzed with activity. Everyone prepared for the next challenge, knowing that trust and unity were their greatest strengths.
"Two hours have passed," Edith announced, her voice steady. "Let's welcome Julian back."
She pushed open the door to Screening Room Five, leading the group inside. Carol, Job, Nathan, and the others followed closely, with Allen and Martin bringing up the rear.
"Julian!" Edith called out, her voice filled with genuine relief.
Julian stood from his seat, his gaze meeting theirs. He had returned, alive and unscathed.
"Did you complete the trade?" Edith asked, her eyes searching his face for answers.
Julian nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, but it wasn't without cost. The notebook is incredibly potent, but it carries significant risks. We must handle it with utmost caution."
Allen, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension, spoke up. "We trust you, Julian. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
Martin, standing beside Allen, nodded fervently. His eyes, filled with sincere belief, mirrored Allen's sentiments.
Edith, her earlier worries easing, smiled again. "We've come this far because we trust each other. Let's continue to do so."
Julian looked around at his companions, his resolve unwavering. "Together, we can overcome anything. Let's prepare for what lies ahead."
As they exited the screening room, the future seemed less daunting. Their bonds of trust and belief in each other fortified their resolve, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
And so, Hell's Thirteenth Degree Cinema, bolstered by these new and seasoned actors, moved forward with renewed hope and determination.