Ghostl Film Pictures was starting production on a new film.
The news instantly sparked widespread attention. Countless big-name and aspiring actors submitted audition requests. Even some award-winning stars had their agents reach out to inquire. However, once it was revealed that the project was a horror film, the number of auditioning actors dropped.
After all, horror was a niche genre. While it had a loyal audience, it didn't align with many actors' preferred image or acting range.
Some actors felt that starring in a horror movie clashed with the personas they were trying to build—especially those known for portraying innocent, wholesome girl-next-door or boy-next-door roles. Though such typecasting could be limiting, it also offered a level of comfort and consistency.
Even so, Edward still ended up with a hefty stack of audition submissions.
"Same process as always," Edward said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You all sort through the first round—kick out the ones with no acting ability, keep the capable ones for me to assess."
This film, A Wicked Ghost, was unique—particularly in how it treated the protagonist's role.
At first, it seemed like Xiao Ming, who didn't participate in the group's "death game," was the clear main character. But when he jumped into the water to place a bracelet on Chu Renmei, he died immediately—making it a rare case of the "protagonist" dying early. Instead, Fa Mao became the real lead, eventually resolving some of Chu Renmei's lingering resentment and persuading her to spare him and Xiao Ming's sister.
Because of this, the male lead roles needed at least two actors: one for Fa Mao, the other for Xiao Ming. As for the female role, Chu Renmei was undeniably the film's central figure—but she had very little actual screen time. Edward was more flexible with casting this part.
Most of the time, Chu Renmei's appearances were created through special effects and makeup. Even when she did appear onscreen, her face was usually obscured by disheveled hair.
"By the way, boss, Miss Diantha said she'd like to try playing Chu Renmei," Zoroark added.
Edward raised his eyebrows. Was Miss Diantha trying to become the new "Queen of Horror"?
"Sure, but let her know in advance—Chu Renmei doesn't have many scenes, and most of them are faceless," Edward replied. He was curious why Diantha would want the role, but he didn't mind at all.
"It's fine. Just give her a heads-up."
"Understood. I'll notify Miss Diantha right away," Zoroark said before hurrying off. Edward, meanwhile, turned on his computer and searched on the PoképokéTV platform, quickly entering the stream of a particular content creator.
[Presenting Horror Movies to the World]
That was Edward's username.
He almost never tipped during livestreams, so his account level was quite low—a "supporter who gives zero coins but shows up to vibe" type.
"Hello, everyone! Welcome back, lords and ladies. Today, we're continuing our viewing of episode three of Sherlock Holmes, the final episode of this season!" the cheerful male host said to the camera.
He was a middle-aged man with a passion for mysteries.
Edward had only recently discovered this streamer. The guy didn't have a huge following—just 530,000 or so—not even at the million mark yet. But he was a published mystery novelist, with experience in deduction techniques and criminal psychology. His commentary on Sherlock Holmes was insightful and spot-on. When he reviewed episode two, Edward had actually felt like, "So that's what I meant when I wrote it!"
Watching his content had become one of Edward's favorite ways to relax.
Just as he was about to grab a snack and enjoy the show, his phone buzzed.
Edward glanced at it.
—
"What's going on?" Giovanni asked, striding forward briskly, dressed neatly. The lab director followed a half-step behind, expression solemn.
"Boss, according to our recent research, it appears that the experimental subject has developed self-awareness… and even learned how to use the internet," the director explained, speaking quickly but clearly.
The past few days had been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the lab director.
Strange phenomena kept occurring: knocking on doors late at night, the eerie feeling of someone patting his head in the bathroom, even the sensation of someone helping wash his hair while he showered.
Anyone else would've been scared out of their mind.
But the director was a man of science—a devout rationalist who didn't believe in ghosts or superstitions. After setting up a hidden surveillance device known only to himself, he finally confirmed that a ghostly figure he once saw during a door closing was actually composed of psychic energy.
That's when his suspicions fell squarely on Mewtwo.
After all, the facility didn't have many psychic-type Pokémon, and those that were there had already been cleared. No one else was a viable suspect.
"To borrow a quote from Sherlock Holmes," the director said, "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains—no matter how improbable—must be the truth."
Several Pokémon followed closely behind the director.
Beside Giovanni, a silent Houndoom padded forward, its sharp eyes alert.
Given that the suspected culprit was such a powerful psychic Pokémon, it made sense to bring a Dark-type like Houndoom as a countermeasure.
"You didn't notice any of this before?" Giovanni asked, both confused and impatient.
The experimental subject—Specimen Zero—was the name Giovanni had assigned to this project. A genetically-engineered Pokémon born from Mew's DNA, Mewtwo represented Giovanni's greatest hope. He believed Team Rocket's future rested entirely on this creature.
"No," the director admitted, somewhat ashamed. "It had been concealing itself well. That's also why I believe it has become self-aware."
Giovanni said nothing more. The top priority now was containing the situation with Mewtwo.
Just as he and the director were hurrying toward the central lab where Mewtwo was held, an overwhelming psychic wave surged outward.
Houndoom growled, placing itself protectively in front of Giovanni.
"Zero!" the director's eyes widened. That surge of energy—
"I am Mewtwo!" A powerful telepathic voice rang in both Giovanni's and the director's minds.
Mewtwo hesitated for a moment, then suddenly rocketed skyward like a pink meteor, vanishing into the sky.
Giovanni's expression darkened instantly.
(End of Chapter)