Chapter 52: School starts, the person in the mirror, transfer student Maria, and the beauties in American Horror Story.
Eight Legged Freaks.
It's also called "The Incident Caused by a Rabbit."
The truck driver swerved to avoid a rabbit, causing his truck to overturn and chemicals to leak, which then led to a group of spiders mutating after consuming the toxic waste and attacking the entire town.
Danny vaguely remembered some details about the film.
It had similarities to creature features, but with its own unique elements.
Danny estimated there were at least a thousand spiders.
Danny followed the clues and searched the abandoned mine near the spider farm, quickly finding several nests of enlarged spiders.
The underground mine shafts were interconnected, and if it weren't for Danny's ability to move through shadows with Diana's help, it would have taken hours to find them.
Several abandoned mine shafts were already covered in thick spider webbing, turning into a web-filled lair.
Spiders were crawling everywhere, densely packed.
These weren't small spiders; almost every one was the size of a dog, and the largest ones were even comparable to a motorcycle.
This place was a nightmare for those with arachnophobia.
Even if Danny faced these spiders head-on, he wouldn't fare well; there were too many, and it would take forever to eliminate them even if they just stood there.
And this should only be one of the nests.
Danny caught three individual spiders, contained them, and then lost interest; they were too weak, a shotgun could practically kill them.
Even if a larger queen was born, it would be nothing special; its potential was limited, having only mutated due to chemicals.
If it were a truly supernatural colony, it might be worth investigating.
Danny brought gasoline from outside, then had Diana ignite the fire, while he evacuated the mine in advance.
A fire ignited.
As the flames raged, the screeches of the mutated spiders rose and fell.
He considered this an act of public service, preventing a potential disaster.
He burned several nests, some of which contained spiders that hadn't fully grown yet.
Danny decided it was enough and headed back.
But no one noticed that in the deepest part of the mine, a group of smaller spiders were cannibalizing each other, growing at an extremely fast rate.
Time came to the next day.
School began.
Judging by the total student body, there were still many people, and it seemed like nothing had changed.
Jennifer affectionately hugged Danny when they came to school, attracting many gazes; there was no helping it, she was the cheerleading captain, a popular figure known for her beauty.
Before they even reached the classroom, their relationship was being talked about everywhere.
Jennifer also proudly and publicly announced that Danny was her boyfriend and future husband.
Danny ignored Jennifer's declarations; he was observing the number of people in the classroom.
Indeed, many people were missing.
Especially those who went to Crystal Lake; not a single one returned.
But at the same time, many unfamiliar faces appeared.
Danny was curious, and it wasn't until class officially started that the teacher introduced them, revealing they were all transfer students.
Yes, that's right, the public school was well-regarded.
It was known in several surrounding towns.
Even local officials' children attended school here, and the vacant spots were immediately filled by people using connections.
These new transfer students went up to the stage to introduce themselves as requested by the teacher.
Several of them clearly knew each other and formed a small group.
Led by a student named Mark.
Danny didn't even need to guess; he could tell from his self-introduction that this was a bully, complete with his own clique.
The last to go on stage was a girl.
She was very beautiful, with delicate features and long dark hair draped over her shoulders, a completely different type from Jennifer.
The girl stood at the front, her voice very soft.
"My name is Mary Brennan, and I'm a new transfer student to this school..."
Before the girl could finish speaking, Mark made a sarcastic remark.
It was clear these transfer students knew each other, and Mary Brennan was likely the one being bullied.
Danny could hear the sensitivity and timidity in her voice.
This matched the description of Mary from 'Mirrors'.
Mary Brennan, despite coming from a good family and being beautiful, was constantly bullied and humiliated at school.
Her father not only didn't intervene but instead thought it was Mary's problem, even suggesting she change her appearance.
The turning point of the story was when Mary discovered a hidden family secret.
When she gazed into mirrors, another presence was reflected back.
'Mirrors' wasn't particularly famous, but it had its following.
Counting the notable figures in horror films, Mary from 'Mirrors' could definitely be recognized.
Mary finished her introduction and quickly stepped down, not saying another word.
This was all thanks to Mark's disruption.
This person was very obnoxious, even suggesting to the teacher that he sit next to Jennifer, while his friends made crude jokes.
Jennifer ignored these idiots; she had a boyfriend and naturally knew how to keep her distance from these jerks.
Danny rarely harbored ill will towards classmates.
But these transfer students were asking for trouble.
He considered the playing card in his hand; he had found the perfect targets, no... it would be better to let Art handle them.
Art the Clown liked and was best at tormenting people.
Especially that one named Mark; Art should really enjoy him.
Don't you agree?
Art on the card seemed to respond to Danny, revealing a chilling smile.
This smile carried genuine anticipation.
After school.
Mary packed her things, put on her headphones, and was the first to leave the classroom.
Mark whistled, and the few transfer students sitting together exchanged knowing smiles, then followed Mary out of the classroom.
When teachers were around, this group would restrain themselves.
But once most people had left, they became unrestrained.
They surrounded Mary, preventing her from leaving, pointing and making crude jokes.
Mark shook his head, looking into Mary's eyes, constantly provoking her.
"What's wrong, little mouse? Did you transfer schools and forget us?"
"Oh, don't be like that, Mary, we're good friends. Look, this is a gift I prepared for you."
Mark took out one of Mary's old backpacks.
Mary thought the backpack was lost, never expecting it had been stolen by Mark.
Even so, she didn't have the courage to ask for it back.
She was used to it.
"Here, it's yours again." Mark shoved the backpack into Mary's arms, and at the same time asked, "Why don't you open it and take a look?"
Mary opened the backpack and saw that it contained not only dead insects but also offensive material, and a foul smell emanated from within.
Mary was so shocked she dropped the backpack to the ground.
"Ugh."
Mary gagged, almost throwing up.
Mark and the other transfer students nearby burst into laughter.
"Isn't it a surprise? Do you like this gift?"
Mary suppressed her nausea and said, "I have to go home."
Mark stretched out his hand, blocking her path.
"Hey, you still haven't told me if you like this gift, have you?"
Mary glared at Mark with anger.
"I don't like it, Mark. Let me go home."
Mark looked even more amused, his expression exaggerated as he told those around him, "Looks like our little friend is getting upset."
"Hey, Mark!"
Hearing the sound, Mark turned his head and saw a yellow object rapidly approaching his face.
...
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