Chapter 68: Ethan’s Text Message
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Miles stared at William, a look of shock and humor flickering across his face. It was as if he was seeing a real-life, walking example of pure foolishness. His mind wandered back to their recent video game session, where he had experienced the virtual sensation of death. That feeling had been so unsettling, so genuine that for a moment, he had believed he’d been in the presence of an actual ghost – one that haunted his every waking moment.
William was undeniably a unique individual, different from anyone Miles knew.
“You dragged me all the way here for this?” Miles questioned, curiosity overtaking his initial irritation.
With a thoughtful touch to his head, William said, “It’s more than just this. Remember? After that horrifying event at our school, we were among the few fortunate ones to get out unscathed.”
“Yes,” Miles said gravely, his voice heavy with concern. “But is something wrong? Have there been any unforeseen consequences for the others?”
After recently assisting Coral with her issues, Miles wasn’t sure he had the energy or willpower to tackle another situation, especially one involving the other survivors.
William took a deep breath, “It’s not completely unexpected. Peter thought it might be a good idea for all of us to come together. Some of our schoolmates are deeply affected by what happened, and many are thinking of transferring schools outside this city.”
Miles sighed, thinking about the mass exodus from Spear City.
It wasn’t surprising. The tragic event at the high school had left a mark on the few who had survived. The psychological scars were profound, and it was uncertain how many could handle remaining in a place filled with such memories. But was leaving really the solution?
Paranormal events weren’t tied to just one place. They could happen anywhere.
“Maybe moving somewhere else will help them find some peace,” Miles mused, keeping his skepticism about fleeing Spear City to himself.
William looked downcast as he said, “Continuing my education isn’t in the cards for me. Honestly, I’m just an average student. College just doesn’t feel like a viable path.”
Miles raised an eyebrow, “So, what’s your plan?”
“I’m considering joining my dad’s construction business. They’re working on a housing project on the city’s outskirts. I could probably find work there. And on that note, would you think about moving there? It’s a bit secluded but still connected to the main city. Only a quick fifteen-minute drive. I can hook you up with a place if you want,” William offered.
After pondering the offer for a bit, Miles responded, “I might visit the construction site when I get a chance. If it feels right, I might think about moving.”
With his mother coming back from her business trip, they couldn’t return to their old apartment. Given the money he’d saved up, it seemed like the perfect time to invest in a long-term home.
Despite the rising number of mysterious and unexplained events, Miles was acutely aware that he couldn’t remain passive, simply waiting for fate to dictate his next move. He believed that life must always continue, regardless of external challenges.
William’s voice, tinged with enthusiasm, interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll keep a couple of our premium housing units on hold for you,” he declared, clearly thrilled at the idea. Miles was someone William looked up to, and if Miles chose to relocate, William would instantly make the same decision without hesitation.
“That’s kind of you. Thanks,” Miles responded, grateful for William’s gesture.
William then shifted the topic, looking at Miles with a playful glance, “Did you manage to grab a bite before meeting me? How about we get some lunch?”
Miles was about to agree when a vibrating alert from his phone interrupted him. The screen lit up with a message: “We’re being watched. Protect the box at all costs.”
“It’s Ethan,” Miles relayed to William, his expression instantly becoming tense. Swiftly, he typed, “What’s the situation?”
Ethan’s response was swift: “It looks like someone’s got wind of our recent ghost capture and wants the box. It might be an insider from our club or perhaps an underground group. Our circle has its shady layers, and frankly, I’m not often involved in its deeper affairs, so I can’t pinpoint the culprit.”
Miles responded, his fingers typing furiously, “They’re audacious enough to confront a ghost tamer directly? They must have a death wish.”
Ethan’s reply was prompt, “They know my abilities and might think I’m close to my breaking point. My ghost-subduing powers don’t have the same impact on humans, which is probably why they’re bold enough to approach. As for you, I doubt they know the extent of your capabilities, especially with your Ghost Tamers HQ affiliation and your classified background.”
Taking a deep breath and processing the information, Miles asked, “Do you need assistance?”
Ethan’s response conveyed a mix of confidence and caution: “For now, I’m managing, but they might target you soon. If you can secure your side, I might need your support. Remember, if something happens to me, our agreement falls apart. I’ve already established a connection with the prospective buyer.” He then attached a location to his message.
Miles took a moment, exhaling deeply. “This situation has spiraled more than I imagined,” he voiced aloud, his concern evident as he looked at the series of messages.
A seemingly straightforward deal had now become a magnet for trouble and was teetering on the brink of a direct confrontation.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Miles murmured, “They’re playing with fire, challenging ghost tamers.”
It didn’t take him long to identify what could embolden someone to such levels of audacity.
For most individuals, the intoxicating combination of power and wealth often drove them to take extreme risks.
And those trying to steal the ghost trapped inside the box were, without a doubt, lured by the allure of untold riches.
Understanding the immense value associated with malevolent spirits, Miles mused, “If a ghost’s worth wasn’t skyrocketing past the hundred million mark, no one in their right mind would dare challenge a ghost tamer.”
He pondered over the unique nature of his occupation: “In essence, a ghost tamer is someone who has the ability to control and command vengeful spirits. Simplifying it further, think of it as taming ghostly entities, akin to how trainers command their Pokémon in that famous Japanese animated series.”
Miles’s introspection was interrupted by William’s concerned tone, “You look troubled, Miles. Is something bothering you? Perhaps I can offer some assistance.”
With a quick shake of his head, Miles replied, “There’s an urgent issue I must address. Unfortunately, I’ll have to forgo our lunch plans and head out immediately. Do keep me informed about our meeting; I’ll make every effort to be present.”
As Miles got up, ready to make his exit, the café’s peaceful atmosphere was shattered. A group of about six or seven well-dressed men stormed in, swiftly guiding the patrons out and locking the entrance behind them. Their efficient maneuvers ended with them flipping the café’s sign to “Temporarily Closed.”
Noticing the imminent danger, Miles urgently whispered to William, “You need to leave now. They’re obviously here for me. This reeks of either a kidnap or extortion scheme. If they’ve discovered my identity and the vast fortune I stand to inherit, I’m an attractive target.”
William’s face contorted with confusion, evident from his widened eyes and slackened jaw. “What’s happening?” he stuttered, grappling to understand the gravity of their predicament.
But before he could truly grasp the situation, the group began closing in.
“Inform the authorities! I need to make a run for it,” William exclaimed, panic evident in his voice.
But a stern voice from one of the men stopped him in his tracks, “Stay where you are,” he barked, directing his attention at William.
The group’s leader, a distinguished middle-aged man, turned his focus to Miles, disregarding the terrified William. “Enough of this charade. We know who you truly are,” he declared, tossing a pile of photographs onto the table. These images captured candid shots of Ethan, River, Captain Bright, and several other familiar faces.
Maintaining his composure, Miles questioned, “And who might you be?”
Introducing himself with a hint of pride, the man said, “The name’s Summit. I’m a business manager representing a certain group.” He reached into his pocket, producing a sleek business card and handed it over to Miles. “It’s a privilege to meet you in person, Miles.”
Curious, Miles examined the card. It was minimalistic, containing only a name and a phone number – indicative of the secretive nature of Summit’s affiliations.
Raising an eyebrow, Miles inquired with feigned innocence, “What brings you here? How can I be of service?” Although deep down, he had a gnawing suspicion about their intentions.
With a strategic pause, Summit took a moment to meticulously scan the coffee shop’s interior. It was only after ensuring that his team had taken control of the premises, directing everyone not connected to their operation outside—including the employees—that he began to articulate his thoughts. “Mr. Miles, I must say I’ve been quite impressed by your rapid rise in Spear City’s paranormal circuit. Transitioning from a high school senior to an accomplished ghost tamer in such a short span is noteworthy. Your rare talents certainly make you a prized catch in our field. Have you ever contemplated lending your expertise to my organization? I’m willing to offer a handsome monthly salary of 100,000.”
Considering the proposition, Miles replied, with an air of diplomacy, “Your offer certainly has its appeal. However, for me to seriously consider, I’d require an upfront payment equating to three months of the proposed salary.”
For a brief moment, Summit was caught off guard. He hadn’t genuinely anticipated Miles’s counter. The initial offer was more of a strategic move to evaluate Miles’s understanding of his role and his shrewdness. Summit hadn’t genuinely believed Miles would entertain the proposal so earnestly.
Miles, sensing the hesitation, remarked with a sly smirk, “You seem eager to bring me on board with such a lucrative offer, yet you’re hesitant to guarantee an advance? Your proposition is beginning to sound less like a genuine offer and more like a scheme.”
With an amused chuckle, Summit responded, “Miles, if you truly are considering aligning with my organization, I might be persuaded to provide an advance equivalent to an entire year’s salary.”
In Summit’s mind, if he could enlist the services of a proficient ghost tamer like Miles with a monetary enticement, the expenditure would be well justified.
He also pondered whether Miles had truly been exposed to such a substantial amount before. Was the young tamer so impressionable that a sum in the range of several hundred thousand could easily lure him in? It seemed Miles might still possess some remnants of naivety from his student days.