Grandpa set a tray of his special sandwiches on the table.
Between the bread layers squirmed a dense cluster of white rice worms, writhing nonstop—enough to make Lucian's scalp prickle.
"Oh man, gross!" Ben grimaced in horror. "Grandpa, I'm not hungry. Maybe later."
"Same here," Gwen added quickly. She'd rather face down dangerous villains than eat anything Grandpa cooked.
Grandpa's expression darkened instantly, just as he was about to speak—
Zzzzt…
A faint crackle came from the Rustbucket's radio, followed by a male news reporter's voice.
"Strange things happen every year, but this year's especially bizarre. Breaking news—an old, famous haunted house in the city is reportedly experiencing real paranormal activity."
"Over a dozen tourists are trapped inside, unable to escape. Local authorities have already arrived to assist in rescue efforts. We'll keep you updated as the story develops..."
Ben's eyes gleamed mischievously as he raised his wrist. "Hero time."
"Let's move out," Grandpa said without hesitation, sliding into the driver's seat and firing up the engine.
"And me too." Gwen paused, then turned and ran back to her little wardrobe. Moments later, she slipped into the bathroom carrying a bundle of something.
"That dweeb… what's she up to now?" Ben muttered, shrugging as he tore open a bag of Sumo Slammers cereal.
...
About half an hour later, the Rustbucket pulled up to their destination.
The ancient mansion loomed before them, radiating an eerie, bone-chilling presence even from afar. No wonder it was known as the city's most haunted house.
It stood six stories tall—roughly twenty meters high—with pale walls draped in dead, yellowed ivy that clawed across the surface like demonic fingers reaching for their prey.
Outside the gates, a heavily armed squad of law enforcement officers stood ready to breach the mansion.
Suddenly, a beam of crimson light shot out from inside, striking the two demon statues flanking the entrance.
In an instant, the stone figures came alive—their eyes igniting with blood-red light as they spread razor-sharp claws and lunged at the officers.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Startled officers unleashed a storm of yellow laser fire, bullets flying like rain. But the barrage merely bounced off—their attacks might as well have been tickling the demons.
One of the statues, a goat-faced demon with a humanoid body, leapt into the crowd like a wolf among sheep, tearing through the ranks in a brutal frenzy.
Within moments, over a dozen officers had fallen. Completely outmatched, the remaining squad retreated in disarray, calling for reinforcements.
Once the two monstrous statues had cleared the area, they didn't pursue. Instead, they returned to their posts by the entrance, the red glow in their eyes fading as they froze once more into lifeless stone.
Ben was the first out of the Rustbucket, slamming down on the Omnitrix. "Time for the heroes to make their entrance!"
Lucian and Grandpa Max followed behind.
"And me!" came a confident, melodic voice from behind them.
They turned—and froze in surprise.
At some point, Gwen had swapped her usual blue outfit for a sleek black combat suit. A half-mask covered the upper half of her face, and her poised stance carried the unmistakable aura of a modern-day warrior.
"Gwen, what's going on?" Grandpa asked in confusion.
"Call me Lucky Girl, Grandpa." Gwen placed her hands on her hips, her voice brimming with confidence as she strode boldly toward the haunted mansion.
The others exchanged glances—then followed.
Recalling the statues that had come to life earlier, Lucian suspected it was the work of the Charms of Bezel. Hex had to be inside.
When they reached the doors, the two demon statues remained still, as though the group wasn't their target.
Lucky Girl pushed open the door, her eyes narrowing sharply.
Inside the grand hall, terrified tourists were bound to stone pillars. Three Rock Monsters guarded them, their stony faces twisted in hostility as they scanned the room.
The tourists trembled, tears streaming down their faces. They wanted to scream for help—but didn't dare make a sound, afraid of provoking the monstrous guards.
"Don't be afraid, everyone! Lucky Girl is here to save you!" Gwen's voice rang out firm and clear as she prepared to charge forward.
"Heh…"
A thin, shadowy figure appeared by the window.
Lucian turned toward the sound, unsurprised by the arrival.
Hex.
"You again, huh? Time for the great hero to give you a serious beating!"
Ben slammed his hand onto the Omnitrix after selecting an alien form.
A flash of bright green light burst out. In the next instant, Four Arms launched forward like a fired cannonball, charging straight at Hex.
"Stop him!" Hex barked, raising his staff and commanding the Rock Monsters to advance. They surged toward Four Arms, engaging him in a fierce brawl.
At the same time, Lucian's body glowed with a ghostly green light as he transformed into Humungousaur.
Just as he was about to charge at Hex, the sorcerer sneered. The Charm on his chest pulsed violently before unleashing a crimson beam. It streaked past Humungousaur and struck the demon statues outside the door.
Buzz!
The once-lifeless stone demons came alive, their eyes flaring red with murderous intent. With heavy, earth-shaking steps, they turned and stomped into the mansion.
"Go! Tear him apart!" Hex roared, waving his staff as he directed the two demons toward Humungousaur.
Meanwhile, Lucky Girl had silently crept up behind him. Her small fist clenched tight, she drew back her arm and swung with all her strength.
But in an instant, Hex spun around with lightning speed—as if he had eyes on his back—and caught her by the wrist in a crushing grip.
"Little girl," he said coldly, his voice low and mocking, "before absolute power, your tricks mean nothing…"