Chapter 3: The Mysterious Containment Book
970 Words
Isn't this the same book I found in my original world?
Everything from the style to the patterns is identical.
The only difference is that the originally yellow cover is now replaced by a vibrant crimson——not dyed, but a genuine flesh-and-blood red.
Is this my Midas?
Charlie muttered to himself, feeling something was not quite right.
Suddenly!
A chilling wail erupted from the blood-red book——a cry that was undeniably supernatural.
Charlie quickly glanced over.
Instantly, grotesque, monstrous faces exuding malevolent auras began emerging from every corner of the cover, desperately struggling to break free from the book.
Despite their efforts to distort the book's appearance, they couldn't escape and were eventually absorbed back into the pages in a mix of panic and despair.
Everything returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
Charlie, feeling like he had just watched a horror movie, was about to calm his racing heart when the seemingly normal book in front of him suddenly moved, flying towards him.
Instinctively catching it, Charlie lowered his gaze to see terrifying words gleaming with abyssal darkness on the crimson cover: "The Containment of the Supernatural."
This was the name of the book in his hands.
Without sensing any danger, Charlie flipped open the first page, finding only a short inscription——
Observe, Control, Contain.
In an instant, he seemed to witness endless malevolent spirits howling and pleading for mercy.
Blinking, the hallucination vanished.
Perplexed, he turned to the second page, greeted by a list of contents:
From "Entry 000" to "Entry 999" and beyond——an endless catalog.
On the third page, Entry 000 detailed information about himself:
- Entry: 000
- Name: Charlie
- Type: Human
- Physique: 1.1
- Spirituality: 0.1
- Abilities: None
- Containment Points: 0
- Introduction: As the nemesis of all supernatural entities in the world, as the owner of the Containment Book of the Supernatural, you wield the most powerful authority. However, this comes with corresponding obligations.
"What does this mean?" Charlie wondered aloud.
Before he could finish, the book erupted in a brilliant light, and he was involuntarily pulled inside.
Minutes passed as vast knowledge about the Containment Book flooded Charlie's consciousness.
When he opened his eyes again, everything became clear.
Unnoticed by everyone, including the witch Myrtle, Charlie summoned the unseen Containment Book into reality.
Its existence allowed him to cross into this world and continue his life.
Moreover, it granted him the power to safely navigate this bizarre world.
True to its name, the Containment Book holds all supernatural and mystical entities beyond comprehension.
As its owner, every time Charlie has a supernatural entity, he earns Containment Points.
These points enhance his physicality and spirituality, and grant corresponding abilities.
This was a great advantage for Charlie, who would soon live among witches.
However, he was troubled by how to contain these supernatural beings, such as ghosts and malevolent spirits that science couldn't explain.
How would an ordinary person like him cope?
Furthermore, every ten days, he had to accumulate containment tasks, corresponding to the authority and obligations mentioned in the introduction.
"Damn it! I'm forced to confront all these supernatural beings in the days ahead," Charlie lamented.
"Who knows what changes await——my physique, spirituality, abilities, and even my gender could change among the hundred-plus classifications."
Tasks were never set in stone. If he eventually contained all the world's supernatural entities, would he risk his life?
Charlie picked up the Containment Book, flipping through the pages. Entries beyond "001," "002," were blank, seemingly waiting to be filled, reassuring him that this might be a qualification test.
Suddenly, the Containment Book glowed crimson, transmitting a message to Charlie's mind.
"Identified Containable Targets."
Containable targets? Charlie looked around and focused on Zoe and Myrtle.
Would witches possessing supernatural powers also be considered as such?
Contain them?
Ridiculous!
Not only was he unsure if he could defeat them now, but afterward, he would also be opposed by a group of witches.
Moreover, how could he possibly harm his girlfriend Zoe?
Shaking his head, Charlie ignored the reminder and returned the Containment Book to his mind.
After all, there were still ten days left——time to take it step by step.
/
Louisiana, New Orleans.
As a major port city in the American South, New Orleans faced a significant population decline following a devastating hurricane post-2000, though its economy remained strong.
However, this was the perspective for ordinary people.
Due to historical and vast swamp influences, New Orleans was associated with all American ghost tales, oddities, and voodoo myths.
While most were false, some were true, such as witches.
After the Salem witch trials, descendants of Salem's witches moved to New Orleans and continued their legacy.
Today, Robbie Jocks School for Exceptional Young Women, actually a front for a witch academy, welcomed a new student, and, a male servant.
After Myrtle dropped him off there, Charlie was suddenly gone.
Zoe anxiously watched him, looking puzzled.
He shrugged, pressing the doorbell.
Ding-dong!
The bell rang as the door opened automatically.
"Let's go."
Dragging two large suitcases, Charlie led Zoe into the white, quaint residence.
Upon entering, it was dimly lit and eerily silent, akin to stepping into a haunted house.
Considering it was the alleged residence of witches, Zoe nervously asked, "Is anyone here?"
Thunk!
The door suddenly shut behind them automatically.
Just as Zoe turned around, she caught a glimpse of a dark shadow darting past.
Startled, she called out again, "Hey! Is anyone there?"
No response.
Simultaneously, eerie black shapes began darting around the room. Grabbing Charlie's arm, Zoe nervously scanned the surroundings.
"Charlie, do you see that?"
"Of course," Charlie replied calmly.
It's just a welcoming ceremony for newcomers.
Although eerie, it fits the witch's profile, doesn't it?
- Writer
