Chapter 1, Mental Illness

Struggling to write, I turned the notebook horizontally, held the pencil in a reverse grip, and began to sketch rapidly

After that, I moved into the basement of this abandoned building located on the outskirts of the city, and then restarted my psychological clinic

Soon, the image of a doctor appeared, sitting in a dim, dreary basement filled with cracks, beneath a yellowed, old-fashioned light bulb

Xin Nan stood up with a faint smile

Alright, however, I have many patients here, so it is best to confirm in advance before you come.

In his hand, he was still holding the plate of dessert, on which a transparent fork was inserted.

He should not engage in such a meaningless attempt that is destined to yield no results

What a passionate and interesting doctor

But that is impossible

He remained silent for five seconds before it seemed he thought of something, as if he had found a reasonable explanation for it, hesitatingly.

After a brief pause, he glanced around and nodded before leaving

Xin Nan was just about to smile and bid him farewell, but suddenly felt the car start up rapidly, darting out like the wind.

Yes

You are very insightful

[Anomalous Object - 037, Dr. Park]

Even when deliberately mentioning the incident of the girl's suicide, his emotions did not exhibit significant fluctuations. After appropriate moments of doubt, he presented the possibility of what I perceived as "hallucinations" with professional and clear logic, speculating that it was an illusion I had formed based on the information available to me, and kindly offered me treatment suggestions

Alright, please be careful on the road. Additionally, would you like to continue with the treatment? I can schedule your next appointment.

It did not appear after the moon turned its face; is there anything to regret about this

Dr. Pu straightened his posture and said

Thus, only the sound of the pencil scratching remained in the car. The middle-aged man in his forties turned to glance at the abandoned building over there, yet it seemed as if he saw someone standing by the window, looking this way

Indeed

In his hand, he held a cup of coffee, about to bring it to his lips, but the coffee contained wriggling earthworms mixed with dirt.

These undoubtedly indicate that his mental state is quite normal, yet this is precisely the most abnormal aspect.

Let's talk about the issues with your eyes. Are the things you see appearing only after the moon has turned? By the way, I have some desserts here. Would you like to have some?

During the initial interaction, Dr. Park exhibited exceptionally clear thinking, and his knowledge and skills were in no way diminished. Throughout the conversation, he perfectly demonstrated the qualities and coping abilities of a seasoned psychologist

Dr. Pu chuckled

However, feeling a slight discomfort, his gums lifted, and he began to chew

It is merely a slight psychological discomfort arising from the difficult words spoken by oneself

He was dressed in a dirty maroon funeral robe, resembling the attire typically worn by the deceased before burial. His entire being was enveloped in a chilling aura, yet the corners of his mouth bore a faint smile, akin to that of someone clad in a well-fitted and expensive suit

Then tell me about its outline, if it has an image, what does it resemble

It seems that we have mistaken the subject of treatment, Xin Nan. You seem to want to understand me a bit more, but you must know that the human brain can indeed produce illusions

Of course, if that makes you feel comfortable

Let us start by discussing what I have observed

The small room fell silent, and the smile that had always been on Dr. Pu's face disappeared.

That was the only incident of a patient committing suicide during my career, which had a certain degree of impact on me. After learning this information, could it be that your subconscious processed it, leading you to have such a hallucination

The sun is setting in the west, and it is about to go down

In the tone I deliberately created, which suggested that I had killed my entire family, he also exhibited a reasonable sense of tension

Is it possible that I am seeing things...

It is difficult, although you have been saying that your hallucinations are severe, your mental state does not seem to be too problematic, at least not to the extent of being a major issue

He was suddenly startled, and upon closer inspection, the person was no longer there

Subsequently, under my deliberate guidance, I attempted to make him recall his experiences in the psychiatric hospital, but the effort was unsuccessful. In his perception, it seems that over the past two years, he has not been the one receiving treatment, but rather has been continuously treating others.

I once tried to ignore all of this, but now I have begun to believe again. You know, after the moon turns, indeed some incredible things happen. So let's conclude this treatment here, I must go home

Although it may be troublesome, I generally have a habit of understanding the objects I need to spend money on

At least it is very quiet, and there is no need to consider soundproofing when dealing with patients, as no one will hear even if one shouts at the top of their lungs

I will consider it, and if I am interested, I will come directly.

In a moment of daze, he seemed to truly feel a slight peculiarity in his chest

Classmate, shall we set off now? To be honest, this place is quite unsettling; if we were to stay for another hour, I wouldn't come here even if you paid me.

How could a mature, wise, and observant doctor, who possesses clear logic, stable reasoning, and a deep understanding of psychology, come to perceive misalignment and pathology to such an extent

It is important to remember that all of this is an illusion, stemming from abnormal neurons in the brain; none of it is real

Half a month ago, almost at the same time as the Moon's face-turning event, he escaped from the mental hospital

After the suicide incident involving the young girl, I developed depression due to excessive mental stress, harassment from the girl's family, and an increasingly pessimistic courtroom environment

The middle-aged man in his forties glanced at him, then looked at the building over there, and couldn't help but say

They never appear alone, often attaching themselves to humans. I have never seen them on animals either. In fact, I am not particularly afraid, but I still told my family

Perhaps

I apologize for the inconvenience, please wait a little longer, twenty minutes should be sufficient

Unfortunately, it is not.

So you spend over a thousand yuan per hour on therapy just to find someone to talk to

The delicacy on the plate is a piece of raw animal liver that has not yet begun to spoil

Then let us begin the first treatment, Xinnan, with the four tones, correct

Further observation is required

Difficult, did you inquire about my information beforehand

Moreover, you have a deep understanding of your own psychological state, and it seems you are even conducting self-therapy. So why, after more than ten years and with a stable treatment method in place, do you still wish to consult a stranger, a psychologist?

From a very young age—clearly stating that certain questions would not be answered, yet still responding when the topic shifted to another question—could this be a form of cognitive impairment, or is it a deliberate psychological act?

Perhaps out of boredom, all my family members have passed away, and I have no friends at all

... ...

... ...

The experienced doctor was not surprised, but instead smiled and nodded

Dr. Pu warmly welcomed me, offering to share his tea and food, which I politely declined as expected

Is it misleading again

A girl, dressed in a long skirt, with long hair, her eyes resembling snakes that slither out from their sockets, entwining around your neck, then gnawing at your chest with her mouth, her hands bound by an unknown object. She seems to be calling your name, Dr. Park

In front of him was a desk made of decayed tree roots, upon which lay a yellowed notebook, a fountain pen stained with a blood-red unknown liquid, and a small plate

Since I was very young, I have been able to see some... shadows. They are rarely accompanied by sound, but most have some distinct outlines, resembling the feel of pencil drawings. As for those with color, I have seen them once...

Doctor Pu relaxed a little

Then you should have learned about the incident from two years ago during your understanding process, the girl who jumped from my office.

Dr. Pu sat silently in the empty room, unable to resist glancing at his own chest

Although it has only been a short time since their interaction, Dr. Park has already discerned the resistance of this young man beneath his amiable exterior. Without spending years of effort, it is nearly impossible for an ordinary doctor to penetrate their inner world

Dr. Pu said, placing the coffee cup and its contents in front of a handsome and clean-looking young man dressed in a white shirt

Dr. Pu has arrived with interest

Is it still said that this child has a unique and misaligned understanding of causal logic

Hello, what is with the psychopathic attitude reflected in your tone? Don't tell me your parents' deaths are related to you

Indeed, all of this is an illusion

He calmly took out his notebook, walking towards the driver waiting for him not far away while writing.

Everything we see and hear must first be processed and transformed by the brain before it becomes what we call vision and hearing. Have you ever considered that everything you see is merely the brain deceiving you

Dr. Pu made a note in his notebook and continued to listen patiently

Emerging from the long-abandoned basement, Xin Nan surveyed the surroundings.

The more they talked, the stronger the doubts in Dr. Pu's mind became. When Xin Nan began to discuss some psychological knowledge that was no longer superficial, this doubt reached its peak, prompting him to finally ask that question before the conversation ended

Xin Nan did not answer Dr. Park Won's question, but instead changed the subject

It was difficult to bear! ... I glanced at his neck, which might explain why that girl's hands were bound behind her back, as well as ... your condition.

All of this is in serious contradiction to his stable and rational mental state

Just like now, I can also see the shadow on you, doctor

When did that begin

Something happened. It burst in his mouth, releasing a foul-smelling liquid

As he spoke, Dr. Pu pushed the small plate on the table, but Xin Nan smiled and declined

The latter glanced over, did not drink, and while surveying the surroundings, smiled slightly and said

Dr. Pu had some doubts, so he recalled the information that Xin Nan had mentioned during the treatment process, and it seemed that he understood something.

Male, 36 years old, unmarried, local resident of Yangcheng, graduate of Yangcheng University, profession: psychologist

During the period of detention, after being subjected to perverse violence by fellow inmates (suspected to be instigated by others), the individual experienced a mental breakdown. Following multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts, they were transferred to Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital for treatment

Alright, since it is not dark yet, you can call the shots as you are paying. However, young man, there have been quite a lot of disturbances recently regarding the moon's phase. I have heard that over in the Americas, some religious groups have even conducted large-scale bloody sacrifices. It would be best for you to avoid these remote corners if possible. This place has been abandoned for over ten years, and I really don't understand why you are here.

The far side of the moon, which has always been hidden in shadows, has gradually begun to reveal itself over the past half month. You know, as a result, the pressure on people around the world is quite significant, and many claim to have seen illusions.

Dr. Park Won adjusted his sitting posture

When the target went out to purchase a chainsaw, I noticed it and then found out the address

At first, they thought I was insane and sent me to a mental hospital, then they all died, and I was released

Alright, let us continue to discuss the illusions you have seen

After a brief understanding and confirmation from these eyes, I directly approached to express my desire to undergo psychological therapy

Sighing, he pursed his lips

At that moment, the sound of a door opening was heard. Xin Nan stopped writing, turned around, and saw Dr. Park emerging from the dilapidated basement, waving to him from a distance as if bidding farewell

Nodding with difficulty

The driver uncle shook his head and smiled, glancing at his notebook, assuming he was some kind of writer or painter specializing in mystery or horror genres, as it seemed that stories of this type had been selling well recently

You just mentioned that some of the shadows you see can make sounds, and the girl you saw in me is precisely calling my name. Therefore, perhaps it is because of this voice that you sought me out? Do you think I am special?

An hour has passed just like that

Upon thinking of this, Dr. Park revealed a calm and gentle smile, picked up the cup on the table, and drank its contents in one gulp

If one ignores the fact that there are no people within a few kilometers, and that the houses are severely dilapidated and filled with a musty odor, the environment here is actually quite pleasant