Chapter 76: The Rules of the Club
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“Done!” Miles was quick and efficient, completing his tasks with remarkable speed. He methodically called every contact in his list, ensuring he didn’t overlook anyone. Once he was done, he found himself in a state of anticipation.
The effects of the curse he had set in motion wouldn’t be felt immediately. The timing of the ghostly visitor who knocked on the door varied depending on the spirit’s disposition. Even apparitions had their own schedules and priorities it seemed.
Having wrapped up his responsibilities, Miles grabbed his phone and called Ethan. Simultaneously, he tidied up some files on the computer and documented essential details using his own phone.
“I’ve done my part. How are things on your end?” Miles asked, his tone hinting at a combination of concern and hope.
Ethan was quick to reply, “All is set. Let’s meet up at the club to finalize the deal. Where are you right now? Should I come to get you?”
Miles responded, “No, I’ve got my own ride. Just share your exact location with me.”
“Will do.”
As soon as Ethan sent him the coordinates, Miles hopped into his car and set course for the meeting point, which was situated on the city’s fringes. The decision to meet there was deliberate. Locations that could potentially attract danger or unwanted attention were best kept away from bustling city centers.
Wanting to gather more intel, Miles dialed Rain, the only contact from HQ he knew.
“Do you have any updates on the Ghost Tamer’s Club operating in Spear City?” he questioned.
Rain, slightly surprised by the directness of his query, responded cautiously, “Are you talking about that exclusive club? Its activities don’t usually come under our radar. I don’t have specifics about them.”
Miles, slightly disappointed, was about to end the call when Rain interrupted, “Hold on a second. I might have something that could interest you. The situation with Right in Spear City has been dealt with. There’s a new ghost tamer who’ll be taking over his responsibilities soon. Meeting him in person could prove beneficial for your cause.”
Intrigued, Miles inquired, “A new city ghost tamer, you say? If my schedule allows, I’ll definitely look into it.”
“I’ll forward you his contact details,” Rain promised.
Appreciative, Miles replied, “Thanks. Catch you later.”
After a relatively short drive, Miles pulled up to an impressive mansion in the suburban area. Ethan had directed him here.
Spotting Miles, Ethan waved him over, signaling where to park.
Surveying the grand estate, Miles commented, “This is the club’s location? It appears quite upscale.”
Ethan shared some insider info, “A local magnate funds this place. Members sometimes receive significant financial backing. For instance, when I became a member, I was gifted ten million by a generous donor.”
Raising an eyebrow, Miles retorted, “Sounds a tad suspicious to me.”
Ethan responded, trying to ease the tension, “You’re exaggerating the matter. These wealthy local magnates are drowning in money. They practically throw it around, buying all sorts of luxuries just to showcase their status. Now, with all these unexplained supernatural occurrences, they’re more than eager to use their fortunes to purchase a semblance of safety. Depending on one’s perspective, you could say we’re either ‘looking out’ for them or merely acting as paid protectors in case any supernatural threat arises.”
Ethan motioned for Miles to follow him, “Let me give you a tour.”
The luxury of the mansion’s interior was breathtaking. Its landscape was adorned with immaculate gardens, intricate fountains, vast lawns, and an array of buildings designed in a classic old-world style. The architectural genius behind this mansion was undoubtedly someone with an exquisite sense of artistry.
As they neared the grand hall, two receptionists, standing tall and poised, greeted them warmly, “A pleasure to see you, Mr. Ethan.”
Miles took a brief moment to study the two women. Not because their statuesque figures took him but because something about them felt strange. Their smiles seemed almost robotic, devoid of genuine warmth.
Quickly gauging their life signs, Miles mentally noted, “No, they’re definitely alive.” Yet, an unsettling chill surrounded them, indicating something wasn’t quite right.
“Our contact awaits us on the fifth floor,” Ethan said, breaking Miles’s train of thought.
With a hint of concern, Miles questioned, “Is there any element of danger involved?”
Laughing lightly, Ethan reassured, “Absolutely not. This is a high-end club, not some back alley marketplace. All dealings here are above board.”
However, Miles couldn’t shake off his unease. “It’s just that I’m wary. The information leak might have originated here. How else would normal folks have the means to pinpoint your whereabouts?”
Ethan nodded, acknowledging the legitimacy of Miles’s apprehension, “You raise a good point.”
Engaged in their conversation, they took the elevator up. Upon reaching the fifth floor, the two men were greeted by a room that oozed luxury. As they entered, the small group of elite individuals present shifted their focus to them.
While most recognized Ethan, their attention soon turned to Miles, a mix of curiosity and surprise evident in their expressions.
A boisterous laugh broke the silence. “Ah, Ethan! We were just discussing your recent escapades. You’ve really hit the jackpot in no time, even managing to contain a spirit! Though I must say, tackling such endeavors solo seems perilous. Why not join forces with us? There’s more than enough wealth to go around.”
Ethan’s face contorted into a look of disdain, making it clear he wasn’t fond of this man. He retorted sharply, “Stretch, our past disagreements remain unsettled. Your audacity knows no bounds to bring up such topics.”
Stretch chuckled, seemingly amused, “Still hung up on that trivial dispute? I assumed you’d moved past it. After all, we’re in the same boat here. Why harbor resentments? And who might this be?” Stretch’s eyes shifted to Miles, assessing him with an intrigued gaze. “A new associate, I presume?”
Ethan quickly stepped in to introduce Miles, wanting to set a clear boundary from the start, “This is Miles, a rising ghost tamer in our circles. He’s here on official business with me. I trust you all will extend the usual courtesies and not hassle him unduly.”
Stretch, with a playful smirk, replied, “Hassle? Now, now, Ethan. We always embrace new blood with open arms. But let’s not forget the initiation rites for fresh faces.”
Choosing not to take the bait, Ethan motioned for Miles to stand by the side. “Miles, if you’d wait over there for a bit, I’ll go and meet our contact.”
“Sure thing,” Miles agreed, though his cautious glance stayed on Stretch and his group.
“Keep your wits about you,” Ethan cautioned as he left, “Some of these individuals are a tad eccentric. Should they try any mischief, do your best to endure it. We’re here on business, not to get embroiled in petty feuds.”
“I’ll handle it,” Miles replied confidently.
With Ethan gone, the room’s occupants shifted their collective attention back to Miles, their eyes sizing him up.
“Look at him, so young and inexperienced. Is he even old enough to be here?” one of them jested.
“He’s practically a child. Becoming a ghost tamer at such a tender age? It’s practically a tragedy,” another added sarcastically.
“Should we give him a little initiation test? Let’s see if he’s got any mettle,” a third voice chimed in, mischief evident in his tone.
Two men lounged at the bar, leisurely enjoying their drinks. One of them, glass in hand, approached Miles with an amused smirk. “Greetings. I’m Page, a proud member of this illustrious club. And much like you, I have the honor of being a ghost tamer.”
Extending his hand in a seemingly friendly gesture, Page introduced himself.
Politely, Miles replied, shaking his hand, “Miles.”
However, as their hands connected, Miles felt a piercing coldness, as if he’d just grasped the hand of the deceased. To his shock, a ghostly eye suddenly materialized on the back of his hand, glowing with a sinister crimson hue. A deep, inky handprint also marked his palm.
Stretch couldn’t contain his laughter, “Don’t tell me you didn’t know? That’s ‘Ghost Hand’ Page. His touch carries a curse. Poor boy, with that mark, you’ll be reduced to a gooey mess within three days. And that’s just from one touch. If he were to touch you again, you might not last until the end of this gathering.”
Stretch then continued in a mockingly sympathetic tone, “Looks like you’re in quite a predicament, young one. Better beg Page to remove it. Only he possesses the means to do so.”
Miles, looking at the dark imprint on his palm, his face a mix of anger and confusion, demanded, “What’s the meaning of this charade?”
With a self-assured swagger, Page settled into a plush chair across from Miles. “You’re the talked-about Miles, aren’t you?” He began, sipping his drink leisurely, “Skipping pleasantries as the new face in town is one thing, but overlooking the traditions and etiquettes of this establishment? That’s bordering on rudeness. But, we’re a forgiving bunch here. We won’t begrudge a novice for his ignorance. To cut to the chase: from today’s deal, we’ll be claiming half of your earnings. It’s just a one-time initiation fee, so don’t fret over any future deductions.”
Page continued, a smug smirk playing on his lips, “This sum will be distributed amongst the club’s members. Once you’re a fully-fledged member, you too will enjoy a slice of the pie when another newcomer finalizes their initial deal.”
Miles, still fixated on the dark mark marring his hand, retorted, “Is this some kind of twisted initiation rite? Ethan never mentioned such a thing.”
Tilting his head with mock pity, Page replied, swirling his drink thoughtfully, “Ethan probably wanted to spare you the harsh realities he himself faced when he was green. Ah, the naive enthusiasm of youth.”
He leaned in closer, his smirk deepening, “So, do you believe it’s best to learn from your elders’ missteps?”
Miles’s response was cold and unwavering, “Not in the slightest.”
Page’s eyes widened, “Pardon?”
“All I recall,” Miles started, his tone frigid, “is you trying to curse me a few moments ago. And so…”
In a swift, fluid motion, Miles unveiled a gleaming handgun, leveling it directly at Page.
Page’s smug demeanor faltered, his eyes widening in genuine fear upon spotting the distinctive gold sheen of the firearm. “Hold on! That’s a… specialized weapon,” he stammered, recognizing the weapon crafted to target ghost tamers.
Without further ado, Miles pulled the trigger. “Bang!”
The golden bullet soared straight, lodging itself in Page’s forehead.
“Bang! Bang!” Two more shots followed in quick succession.
Stretch, witnessing the sudden turn of events, scrambled backward, a look of abject horror plastered on his face. The other club members, previously oozing arrogance, now stared in stunned disbelief.
Page’s lifeless body, a gaping hole where his forehead once was, crumpled onto the couch. Instead of blood, a viscous, malodorous black liquid oozed from the wound, filling the room with an almost palpable aura of decay.
As the deafening echoes of the gunshots subsided, an uneasy stillness enveloped the room.
Miles’s voice, chilling and firm, sliced through the quiet, “This is how I handle matters.” Setting the gun on the table, his piercing gaze scanned the room, challenging anyone who dared to cross him. “Anyone else here want to school me on your so-called ‘traditions’?”