Chapter 9: Between Beasts and Shadows
It was nearly eleven at night when Rendy and Ardian arrived at the front of the haunted building. They had left Om Poci at a distance, acting as their watchtower in case anything went wrong.
The hoots of an owl echoed faintly through the air, amplifying the oppressive eeriness surrounding the decrepit structure. Shadows danced in the pale moonlight, and with so little illumination around, the old building looked less like a manmade structure and more like a natural lair for things not of this world.
A biting wind sliced through the night, and with it came whispers—faint, sinister murmurs that felt like they were coming from a hundred unseen eyes.
But neither Rendy nor Ardian wavered. They had come prepared, each armed with a flashlight and a calm mind honed by experience.
"We leave the bikes here," Ardian said, nodding to the 24-hour coffee stall they'd parked near. "Better safe than sorry. We don't want to alert anyone—or anything."
They stepped cautiously toward the building, the dirt crunching beneath their shoes. Ardian's flashlight scanned across the face of the structure, revealing cracked, weatherworn walls. Paint peeled like old skin, and creeping vines snaked across the surface like veins. It was clear—this place hadn't just been abandoned. It had been claimed.
"We're not dealing with just one or two entities," Ardian muttered. "This place is crowded."
He exhaled slowly. "Remember the plan. We get in, reverse the sigil, and get out. Fast."
"And I make sure you don't get ripped apart," Rendy added with a dry smirk.
"They will attack," Ardian said flatly. "No way they're letting us clean this place out without a fight. Full purification would take days. Maybe more."
"I'll visit the client tomorrow to explain," Rendy said.
"I'm coming with. I've got some questions of my own."
Just then, a chill pricked their skin—not from the wind, but from an overwhelming sensation. Eyes. Dozens of them.
"They're watching," Rendy whispered.
"We move. One hour. We're out before midnight," Ardian replied, his tone sharp.
But before they could take another step, something materialized in front of them—a woman in a tattered white gown, floating inches above the ground. Her face was twisted and melting, two sets of long fangs protruding from her jaws. Her skin was pale and flaking, her black claws glinting dangerously.
She smiled. Wide. Too wide.
"What is it that you want from this place?" she asked, voice hoarse and echoing.
Ardian reached for his sigil, but Rendy raised his hand.
"Was that you watching me earlier today?" Rendy asked calmly. "If so… why didn't you stop me? You must've sensed my intentions."
The entity stared, then slowly turned and floated into the building.
"She wants us to follow," Rendy said, uncertain.
"Let's go. If she meant to hurt you, she would've already," Ardian replied.
Inside, the first floor was crawling with spirits. Dozens of them stood like statues, watching—not the two intruders, but the ceiling.
"That's… weird," Rendy whispered. "They're not focused on us."
"Looks like a turf war," Ardian muttered. "Something upstairs has them on edge."
"You think she's trying to warn us?"
"Maybe. She let you walk around freely earlier. That's not nothing."
They reached the staircase when the woman turned.
"I will take you to the ruler of the lower floors. He wishes to speak," she said.
Without waiting, she floated up.
Ardian and Rendy looked at each other, then followed.
What they saw on the second floor made them freeze.
Dozens of entities stood in rows—tall, twisted, clawed, horned, winged. All in formation, as though awaiting command. And at the center stood a monstrous figure: massive, black, fur-covered, with a single glowing red eye. Two large fangs jutted from its mouth, and it clutched a massive iron mace.
"My husband," the woman said, bowing. "I've brought them."
"Well done, my wife," the creature rumbled. "Bring them closer."
Ardian and Rendy walked through the aisle of beasts, unflinching, and stopped before the leader.
"Remarkable," the creature said. "You do not fear me."
"No reason to," Ardian replied. "You are God's creature, same as us. Just a different design. Ours is… more refined."
The air shifted. The spirits hissed. Some crouched to attack.
Ardian's stance changed in an instant. "Come on, then. All of you at once. I won't run."
But the great being raised a hand. "Hold. Stand down."
"But, my lord—"
"Now."
The room stilled.
"You are arrogant, young man," the beast said with a laugh. "I like it."
"Oh, come on. This is straight out of a cheesy horror flick," Ardian muttered.
Rendy snorted. The beast laughed—a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room. Even the white-gowned woman smiled.
"Very well," the beast said. "No other humans have dared speak to us this way. What is your business here?"
Rendy stepped forward. "I was sent to cleanse this building. I came earlier to scout. But after seeing what's upstairs… I knew I needed help."
"My wife allowed your presence. She sensed your respect," the beast said, stroking her brittle hair.
"My name is Suitomo Godomulyo, ruler of the lower floors."
"I am Sutri Ginarsih," the woman added.
"We have waited long for you," they said in eerie unison.
Ardian blinked. "Waited? For us?"
Rendy leaned in. "I'm as confused as you."
"You won't share your names?" Sutri asked sharply.
"I'm Ardian. That's Rendy."
"Right, right—"
Smack!
Ardian slapped the back of Rendy's head.
"Good," Sutri nodded.
Rendy rubbed his scalp. "Alright. What do you want from us?"
Suitomo's eye glowed brighter. "Your friend already knows."
Ardian tensed. "So my theory was right?"
"Yes. You cannot see the future. But your logic is sharp."
"That means… you want us to exile whoever's above?"
"Not exile. Annihilate," Suitomo said.
"Whoa. This is getting serious," Ardian muttered.
"I'm lost," Rendy admitted.
"If you succeed," Suitomo continued, "we will leave this place willingly."
"A golden opportunity," Rendy grinned.
"Don't forget the 'M' factor," Ardian warned.
"Come on, the chances are slim."
"Low doesn't mean zero. That thing upstairs might be a servant of 'M'. If we attack… it might call for backup."
"And if he comes when we're drained—"
"We're dead," Ardian finished grimly.
Suitomo's voice softened. "That is why… we will aid you."
Rendy threw up his hands. "Am I the dumb one or is Ardian just a genius?"
"I'll brief you," Ardian said. "You just stay sharp."
"And we're running out of time…"