Chapter 64: Inquiries
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Miles pulled up and parked his car outside a store specializing in aluminum alloy doors and windows. It was getting late, but the lights inside indicated they were still open for business. Clutched in his hand was a golden box that gleamed even in the dimming light. He approached the store owner with the box in hand.
“Boss, could you please weld this box shut for me?” Miles inquired, his voice laden with urgency. “It doesn’t have to be a neat job; just ensure it’s completely sealed.”
The shopkeeper, a bit puzzled by the seemingly precious item being handed over so casually, nodded and began the welding. However, as the heat of the welder met the box, the gold foil on its surface started to melt, revealing something even more unsettling. A bright crimson streak of blood began oozing out from the box.
Taken aback, the shopkeeper jumped. “What the… Why is there blood coming out of this?!”
Thinking quickly on his feet, Miles fabricated a story. “It’s just chicken blood. People use it sometimes to ward off bad spirits,” he offered, trying to calm the man down.
The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment but didn’t ask any more questions. He was there to do a job, and he was getting paid for it. He finished the welding, ensuring the box was completely sealed.
As Miles paid for the service, he couldn’t help but let his thoughts wander. He knew that if the box remained unsealed, the power of the imprisoned spirit inside would break free. The blood, which he believed was from the ghostly force contained within, was just a temporary measure to suppress its power. If all the blood escaped, the spirit would undoubtedly attempt to break free again. Welding the box shut was the only surefire way to keep the spirit at bay.
He returned to his car with the sealed box, where River, a sharp and inquisitive woman, was waiting. Her eyes widened as she saw the box. “This looks incredibly valuable. Is it made of gold?” she asked, filled with curiosity.
Miles, maintaining his stern expression, responded, “There are some things you’re better off not knowing. Let’s just say this box is of great significance to me.”
River could read the room, and sensing Miles’s intensity, she decided not to press further. Shortly, they drove to a nearby residential neighborhood and entered an apartment.
“This is where I’m staying. It’s just a rental, but it’s comfortable. You’re welcome to stay if you wish,” River offered generously.
Miles hesitated, “I won’t be here for long. Maybe just a few days. But remember, whatever you’ve seen or heard about this box, don’t share it with anyone. It’s crucial.”
Before heading to the shower, Miles gave River permission to borrow his car for some errands. As he watched her leave with a playful glint in her eye, Miles thought that having her around might not be such a bad idea after all. He was confident that she wasn’t a ghost, and the idea of some company and shared responsibilities felt comforting. However, there was a nagging feeling of responsibility for River’s safety, especially given the mysterious and potentially dangerous nature of the box he had brought into her home.
Lost in thought, Miles suddenly connected the dots. “If it turns out that gold has the power to suppress ghosts, it could revolutionize the way people perceive the value of the metal. The global demand for gold would skyrocket, leading to a consistent increase in its price,” he mused to himself. “I recall Ethan mentioning the sudden hike in gold prices recently. Considering the hefty sum of over ten million I have at my disposal, it might be a wise strategy to venture into gold trading. A profit of even one or two million would still be significant.”
Continuing his train of thought, he realized, “River has expertise in finance being an accountant. It would be prudent to seek her advice and perspective on this.”
While the water from the shower poured over him, Miles’s gaze kept drifting back to the gleaming sealed golden box sitting nearby. His mind was racing, trying to figure out his next steps.
“Ethan had referenced a secretive club where only those adept at controlling ghosts are allowed membership. That’s certainly an avenue worth exploring,” he considered.
Navigating the labyrinthine world of the Ghost Tamers HQ seemed more intricate than Miles had initially imagined. Though suppressing hostile spirits remained at the forefront of his agenda, he knew he had to firmly establish his position and alliances in this unfamiliar terrain.
“Do I strike out on my own as an independent ghost tamer, align myself with that elite club, or accept a city’s formal invitation to become its official ghost tamer?” As Miles pondered these options, his eyes took on a determined glint. “Each path comes with its own set of risks and rewards. I need to fully comprehend the implications of each choice to make an informed decision.”
With resolve, he reached for his phone and dialed the Ghost Tamers HQ’s number. The other end picked up, and Rain’s voice came through, slightly distorted, possibly by a mouthful of food.
“Is that you, Miles?” she inquired.
“It’s me,” he affirmed.
“I reviewed your activity report today. The Dachang police mentioned a paranormal disturbance at the Wealth Mall. Any updates or newly discovered spirits?” Rain’s voice was laced with curiosity, the sound of rustling paper in the background suggesting she was checking some records.
“Impressive. Word reached you in under two hours,” Miles observed. “Though I’ve yet to formally affiliate myself with HQ, I’ve already addressed the paranormal occurrence at the mall. My main reason for calling is to get a clearer understanding of the responsibilities and implications of being a designated ghost tamer for a city.”
Rain paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “At its core, a city’s designated ghost tamer is tasked with managing and resolving supernatural events within the city’s boundaries.”
“Is that the extent of it?” pressed Miles.
Perceiving the underlying question, Rain responded, “You’re considering the financial aspect, right? Compensation varies across regions. Here at HQ, besides the inherent privileges of the position, there’s a base pay. Initially, it was two hundred thousand for each resolved supernatural event, but now it’s a million. Additionally, there’s a provision of one hundred kilograms of gold. Successfully capturing or containing a spirit comes with a reward of ten million, and the gold allowance increases. Benefits such as complimentary housing and support for family members are typically managed at the regional level, so I won’t delve into those specifics here.”
Miles’s curiosity piqued, he probed further, “What about information related to these ghosts? With the sudden rise of malevolent spirits globally, I’m sure governments around the world are extensively researching them, correct?”
Rain hesitated for a split second before replying, “Research on this matter is, admittedly, in its infancy. While I’m not privy to all details, I can assure you that should any significant discoveries arise, individuals in our circle, like you, will be among the first to be informed.”
Piecing things together, Miles realized his initial suspicions were probably accurate. Countries across the world were undoubtedly delving deep into this supernatural quandary. The lingering question was whether they had yet to reach any consequential findings or had opted for secrecy.
The position of City Head certainly held its allure. Although the financial gains weren’t astronomical, they were certainly lucrative enough to promise a comfortable life. However, beyond the financial aspect, the inherent prestige and authority accompanying the role were temptations in their own right.
Wanting to understand the full scope of the role, Miles inquired, “And what exactly are the obligations and duties of a City Head?”
Rain offered, “If you’re earnestly considering the role, we can arrange a comprehensive briefing session for you. But it’s essential to grasp that becoming a City Head involves rigorous training and a comprehensive mental assessment. The process is more intricate than it appears on the surface.”
She emphasized further, “The psychological evaluation is paramount. Your mental resilience has been a topic of our discussions because it’s not uncommon for ghost tamers to fall under the inadvertent sway of the spirits they manage. Under the ghosts’ influence, some have spiraled into deep mental distress, experiencing episodes of severe breakdowns, self-destructive behaviors, or even complete loss of sanity.”
Miles, slightly taken aback, questioned, “Are you suggesting that a majority of ghost tamers are on the verge of mental collapse?”
Rain was quick to correct the interpretation, “No, it’s not accurate to tag them as ‘teetering.’ Perhaps, from their viewpoint, we might be the ones who seem ‘off.’ They’ve been transformed, often unpredictably, by their interactions with these spirits.”
She elaborated, “Additionally, our ongoing interactions are continuously assessed by a team of expert psychologists to gauge your mental equilibrium. And from what I gather, your psyche remains impressively resilient, showing minimal susceptibility to ghostly influences. I genuinely hope you’ll contemplate the proposition of becoming an official city ghost tamer.”
After digesting the information, Miles remarked, “I’ll give it due consideration. I appreciate your insights. I’ll get back to you should I have further questions.” With that, he concluded the conversation.
Once the call ended, Rain set aside her notes, her brow creased in thought. Another voice in the room, seeming to belong to a superior, interjected, “Rain, how do you assess Miles? He’s undoubtedly a valuable prospect. His raw talent is undeniable. Despite his novice status, his efficiency in managing a high-tier spiritual incident, especially in such a short span, is impressive, even by the standards of seasoned ghost tamers.”
Build, a tall figure with stern features, walked purposefully into the room, his footsteps echoing slightly. “Even with Ethan’s involvement, we simply cannot overlook the significant role Miles has played,” he commented, scrutinizing a set of photographs he held.
The surveillance images displayed various scenes, including one where Miles was seen stepping out of his car, the golden box in tow, presumably headed to the welder.
Rain interjected with a hint of apprehension in her voice, “Commander, Miles has made contacts within the ghost tamer community. I’m concerned about his potential allegiance. He may be swayed and might not easily align with our organization.”
Build met her gaze and responded, “From what you’ve told me, Miles doesn’t seem to harbor any ill feelings towards ghost tamers. In fact, didn’t Right play a pivotal role in saving him? If anything, I sense a level of trust, or at least respect, towards our organization. Had it been anyone else in his shoes, they might’ve reacted aggressively. Remember that one time when a new recruit was so incensed he verbally threatened our operator? She was so terrified, she hung up immediately.” He chuckled, reminiscing about the past incident.
Rain nodded with determination, “You’re absolutely right, sir. I’m resolved to bring Miles on board with our HQ.”
Commander Build, always one to ensure the well-being of his team, advised, “Rain, tread carefully. Ensure you monitor his psychological state. The transition into a ghost tamer is no minor affair, and the mental toll can be significant. The realization that one’s life could be at stake, coupled with the tremendous responsibilities, can lead them down a perilous path. It’s essential that we don’t manipulate Miles under the guise of some grander mission. Our approach should be rooted in collaboration, which, so far, has yielded positive results.”
He continued, emphasizing his point, “As it stands, even without any formal ties to our organization, Miles has already tackled a supernatural incident on our behalf. If he continues to demonstrate he’s not a threat, we can maintain this cooperative relationship until he feels comfortable enough to commit fully to our cause.”