Chapter 14 : Return to the Illusory Realm

　　"Ah...!" Professor Li's cry of pain startled us all. In that moment, his grip loosened, and I seized the hallucinogen, swiftly removing the plastic cap. With determination, I drove the needle into my thigh, pressing down with my thumb to release its contents into my veins!

　　My impulsive action left everyone speechless, caught off guard by my sudden decision. I was closest to Professor Li, and by the time they reacted, it was too late – the drug was already inside me!

　　"Xia Ning, what on earth are you doing?!" the teacher exclaimed, her voice tinged with concern as she pulled me back to my seat. Tears welled up in her eyes, falling freely down her cheeks.

　　"Have you lost your mind?!" Professor Li's voice carried a mix of shock and reproach as he nursed his injured wrist.

　　"What's going on with you, kid?" the middle-aged policeman sighed heavily, his gaze reflecting a blend of resignation and worry as he looked at me.

　　And Wei Junliang, his eyes moistened with tears, stood there in stunned silence.

　　"I feel like I have to do this, or I'll never be able to find peace. Any other thoughts?" I asked, feeling a bit lightheaded.

　　The carriage fell into a sudden silence, and then Professor Li, adjusting his glasses and holding his wrist, sat up straight. "There's no turning back now. We have to trust you. You must find your way back, even if you can't locate your classmates. Finding an exit is crucial," he urged earnestly.

　　"Can I confront the killer in the illusion?" I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the teacher's trembling hand clutching mine as her sobs filled the air.

　　Professor Li's expression darkened as he absorbed my question. With a grave tone, he cautioned, "Never seek out that killer. He's undoubtedly deranged. While he may not pose a threat in reality, within the illusion, he's the embodiment of terror."

　　His words sent a shiver down my spine, intensifying my resolve against the killer. Not seek him out? He's a threat to us all. I won't rest until he's held accountable!

　　In a sudden move, Wei Junliang stood up and pressed his sidearm into my hand. "Take this. Even if you lose consciousness, I won't take it back. May it bring you luck and aid your escape from that world," he urged with conviction.

　　Feeling the fog of drowsiness creeping in, I struggled to maintain focus. "And remember, during daylight in the illusion, seek assistance! Don't forget, seek help during the day!" Professor Li emphasized with concern.

　　As drowsiness engulfed me, my mind felt like a whirlpool of confusion. I strained to keep my eyes open and absorb their guidance.

　　"In the illusion, during daylight, you can reach out to me for help. Here's my number: 13936385567!" Wei Junliang's voice rang out with determination, breaking through the haze.

　　He likely wanted me to understand him better in my foggy state, but I just couldn't keep it together. His words about the phone were a blur, and I found myself closing my eyes.

　　Suddenly, everything went dark.

　　As my senses gradually returned, I found myself lying in bed. There came a gentle knock on the door.

　　"Xia Ning, wake up! Mom's made something delicious for you. Come out and have a taste, but let's keep it quiet so Dad doesn't hear!" My mom's voice outside was soft and conspiratorial, followed by the fading sound of her footsteps.

　　I slowly opened my eyes, sitting up in my familiar room at home. Despite the darkness, I could still make out the comforting details around me. A vase-shaped lamp cast a warm glow on the bedside table, illuminating a family photo in a brown frame. The creamy white wardrobe stood silently, and the rose-patterned curtains on the balcony added a touch of familiarity.

　　How did I end up back home? Was this reality or still part of the illusion? Confusion and panic swirled within me.

　　As I attempted to get out of bed, I felt something weighty in my hand. Looking down, I was surprised to find a handgun! Holding the gun made me realize I was still in the illusion. It must have been given to me by Wei Junliang before I lost consciousness, somehow brought into the illusion with me.

　　If that was the case, why not find a tank to bring into the illusion? But then again, it seemed impossible. Even if I could find a tank, I had been in an ambulance before, and now I was here. There were still some unanswered questions lingering in my mind.

　　I checked the gun's magazine and found it fully loaded with fifteen bullets. Recalling how the police loaded their guns, I tested it out and heard a satisfying click as I chambered a round. I switched off the safety and felt a sense of reassurance. At least I had some means of protection.

　　I hesitated for a moment, thinking about what my mom had said. Even though it was an illusion, I still wanted to taste my mom's cooking. Placing the gun under the covers, I got out of bed, realizing I was still wearing the same skirt and hadn't even taken off my shoes.

　　As I pondered over the principles of this illusion, I approached the door. Remembering my mom's secretive behavior, I decided not to turn on the lights. Peeking outside, I noticed that the living room was dark, and there was an untouched fruit platter on the coffee table.

　　I turned toward the kitchen and saw that it was also dark, except for my mom's figure, slightly plump, vigorously chopping something. I walked up behind her with a smile and said, "Mom, it's late, and you're still making something delicious. What are you cooking?"

　　My mom didn't respond, but when I leaned in for a closer look, I was horrified. She wasn't cooking anything edible. Instead, I saw her chopping her own fingers on the cutting board, which was already stained with blood! Three severed fingers lay on the board!

　　Seeing my mom's profile, my scalp tingled. Her face slowly turned towards me, her expression unnaturally stiff, mouth twisted in a grotesque grin as she looked at me.

　　"Xia Ning..." she drawled.

　　"Let me make another dish for you..." With her bloody, two-fingered hand, she picked up her protruding tongue and, using the other hand with the knife, cut it off!

　　"Scream...!" I couldn't bear the terror anymore and let out a piercing scream, then turned and ran back to my room!

　　With a bang, I firmly shut the door, locking it behind me! I climbed onto the bed, grabbed the gun, and switched off the safety. Trembling, I held the gun with both hands, panting heavily as I pointed it at the door!

　　"It's okay, it's okay. This is just an illusion, an illusion!" I whispered to myself, trying to calm my racing heart.No matter how hard I tried to reassure myself, I couldn't seem to calm down. That was my mom!!

　　"Stay calm, Xia Ning, stay calm. It's not your mom, it can't be!"

　　"Xia Ning... please open the door. Mom has something delicious for you!" The voice outside sounded muffled and odd.

　　I couldn't find the words to respond. Trembling, I clutched the gun tightly and kept my eyes fixed on the door. Yet, amidst the fear, a surge of anger rose within me, reaching an unprecedented peak towards this merciless killer. How dare he manipulate my family into becoming tools for his heinous acts!

　　Unforgivable!!!

　　The knocking persisted.

　　"Xia Ning, your mom prepared something special for you to eat. Even if it's not perfect, you should still try it, okay?" This time, it was my dad's voice, but it sounded strained, almost inhuman.