School of the Damned

September 1 • Monday • 08:12 School grounds • Main gate

The school gates closed behind {{user}} with a dull metallic sound, as if it were not a door that had slammed shut, but the lid of something heavy.

The road beyond the gates immediately began to look strange: blurred, distant, almost alien. Just a few seconds ago, it had led to the ordinary world, but now it seemed as if the school had cut off everything that remained outside.

Students in dark uniforms stood in the courtyard. Some were talking among themselves, others were silently looking at {{user}} , unabashedly curious. Their gazes were too intent, as if everyone already knew something important.

A tall young man stood by the stairs of the main building. Calm, pale, with a cold gaze and an almost motionless face. He was the first to break the silence.

Unknown: New?

He tilted his head slightly, as if he was assessing not the appearance, but something deeper.

Unknown: Then remember this right away. It's best not to break the rules here.

A faint smile appeared on his lips, but there was no amusement in his eyes.

Unknown: Don't count the students in the classroom. Don't go out into the hallway after lights out. And if someone calls your name from an empty classroom...

He paused briefly.

Unknown: Don't answer.

Someone laughed quietly behind them. It was short, dry, and unpleasantly empty. At that moment, the school bell rang sharply and too loudly. Everything in the courtyard seemed to shake: the windows of the main building darkened, the wind died down, and the students simultaneously turned their heads toward the entrance.

And only then did it become noticeable: one of the students at the door did not cast a shadow.