Mysterious Awakening

Chapter 68: Ethans Text Message

Miles looked at William, his gaze a mixture of disbelief and amusement, as if he were confronted with a physical embodiment of sheer folly. As he remembered the chilling sensation of digital demise from their recent gaming experience, a shiver swept down his spine. The experience was terrifying enough to have him believe hed encountered a genuine ghost, a ghost that haunted his waking hours.

William was undeniably a character unlike any other.

Is this really why you brought me here? Miles asked, more intrigued than annoyed.

Pensively stroking his head, William replied, Theres more to it. You recall, dont you, after the incident at school, we were among the lucky ones who made it out alive?

Indeed, we were, Miles acknowledged, his tone laden with worry. Is there a problem? Did something unexpected happen to the others?

Having just helped Coral with her problems, he could hardly afford to face another crisis involving his fellow survivors.

Its not entirely unexpected, William clarified. Peter suggested we regroup, considering some of our classmates have been deeply traumatized by the whole ordeal. Theyre considering moving to schools beyond this city.

Dachang Citys losing its people, huh? Miles mused, pondering the implications.

Such a reaction was predictable, given the horror they had lived through at the highschool. The incident had left a handful of survivors, and it was doubtful that many would have the mental resilience to stay in the city. However, was relocation truly the best choice?

Perhaps not.

Paranormal incidents werent restricted to specific locations; they were a ubiquitous threat.

Maybe a change of scenery would do them some good. They could catch a break somewhere else, Miles said, keeping his thoughts to himself about whether leaving Dachang City was for the best.

But Im not looking to further my education. Im an average student at best, and university doesnt seem like a realistic option for me, William admitted, his face betraying his resignation.

What do you plan to do then? Miles inquired.

Im thinking of joining my fathers construction firm. Theyve got a residential project going on at the outskirts of the city. I might get a job there. And speaking of which, have you considered moving there? Its a bit isolated, but still well-connected to the city. Its just a fifteen-minute commute. I could arrange a place for you, William suggested sincerely.

After a moments consideration, Miles replied, I could swing by the site when I have some free time. If it feels right, I might contemplate settling there.

His mother would be returning from her business trip soon, and they wouldnt be able to go back to their rented apartment. Given the savings hed accumulated, it was about time he considered a more permanent residence.

Despite the persistent upswing of paranormal occurrences, Miles knew he couldnt just sit by idly, waiting for destiny to deal him his cards. Life, after all, had to keep moving forward.

Sounds good. Ill reserve some of our top-tier units for you, William announced, his excitement palpable. If Miles decided to make the move, hed follow suit without a second thought.

Thanks, I appreciate it, Miles replied.

No trouble at all. Did you eat anything before coming here, by the way? Fancy grabbing some lunch? William asked.

As Miles was about to answer in the affirmative, a buzz from one of his phones interrupted their conversation.

A text flashed on the screen: Were under surveillance. Keep the box safe.

Ethans texting, Miles informed William, his face hardening as he quickly keyed in a reply: Whats going on?

Im not entirely sure, but it seems like someones hired people to snatch the box. Word got out about our ghost capture. The perpetrator could be from our own club or some subterranean group. Our network is complicated and shady, and since I dont often deal with these issues, I cant say for certain whos behind it, Ethans response read.

Theyre bold enough to rob a ghost tamer? Do they not value their lives? Miles shot back, his fingers dancing swiftly over his phone.

Ethan responded, Theyre aware of what I can do and probably think Im nearing my limit. My ghostly powers dont hold the same effect on humans, hence their fearlessness. As for you, theyre probably clueless, given your alliance with Ghost Tamers HQ and your sealed records.

Taking a moment to digest Ethans words, Miles texted back: Do you need backup?

At the moment, Im holding my own. But theres a chance theyll turn their attention to you next. If you can handle things at your end, I could use your help later. If anything happens to me, our deal falls through. Ive already connected with the buyer, Ethan replied, attaching a set of coordinates to his message.

This situation is more complex than I anticipated, Miles said aloud, his brows furrowing in concern as he reviewed the text conversation.

A seemingly simple transaction had inadvertently attracted unwanted attention, escalating matters to the edge of a confrontation.

These folks are brazen, showing no respect for ghost tamers, Miles murmured to himself, a sense of unease stirring within him.

However, it didnt take him long to comprehend the driving force behind such audacity.

For most people, there were two key ingredients that inspired recklessness: power and wealth.

Those with an interest in the ghost captured in the box were clearly motivated by the promise of wealth.

The worth of a ghost easily goes beyond a hundred million; otherwise, no one would dare to tangle with a ghost tamer, Miles reasoned.

He mentally boiled down his profession: A ghost tamer is merely a person who can command malevolent spirits, or, more bluntly, a tamer of ghosts like the Pokemon anime show from Japan.

Miles, you seem distracted. Is something on your mind? I might be able to help, William offered, noting the troubled look on Miles face.

Miles shook his head in response. Theres a matter I need to attend to. I have to skip lunch and leave immediately. Please keep me updated about the meeting, and Ill do my best to be there.

He rose from his chair as he finished his sentence, ready to depart.

His exit was abruptly halted when a group of six or seven sharp-dressed men burst into the caf from the outside, ushering out patrons and promptly shutting the doors.

Their actions were precise and coordinated, ending with the display of a Temporarily Closed sign at the cafs entrance.

Miles, you should get out of here quickly. These men are undoubtedly here for you. This seems like either a kidnapping or an extortion attempt. If your identity as a wealthy heir has been exposed, youre a prime target, Miles advised loudly.

Wait, what? Williams stunned expression conveyed his confusion about the escalating situation, making Miles warning seem even more bewildering.

Before he could fully process the unfolding events, the group of men advanced towards them.

Crap, call the police! I need to get out of here, William blurted out, propelled by fear to attempt a hasty exit.

Hold it, dont move, one of the intruders commanded, pointing at William.

Ignoring the frightened William, the leader of the group, a middle-aged man, merely stated, Dont waste your time on him; hes not Miles. As for you, drop the act. We know who you are.

To prove his point, he tossed a stack of photographs onto the table. The photos, taken outside a shopping mall, revealed Ethan, River, Captain Bright, and others.

Who are you? Miles asked, putting his phone down to examine the photos.

My name is Summit. I work as a business manager for a certain organization, the man replied, settling into a chair across from Miles. Heres my card. Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miles.

Miles accepted the card, quickly scanning it. Apart from a name and contact number, there was no additional information a clear sign that the man wanted to keep certain particulars under wraps.

And how may I assist you? Miles asked, feigning ignorance despite having a fairly solid hunch about the motive behind their visit.

Summit paused to survey the coffee shop. Only after his men had secured the premises and ushered out anyone not involved, including the waitstaff, did he start to speak. Firstly, Id like to commend you on your recent ascension as a new ghost tamer in Dachang City. Quite a remarkable achievement, especially considering you were a high school senior just a short while ago. You have a unique set of skills, a truly valuable asset. Have you ever thought about working for my organization? I can offer a monthly salary of 100,000.

Thats an intriguing offer, but Id need an advance of three months salary, Miles responded, nodding in seeming agreement.

Summit was momentarily taken aback. His proposal was merely a tactical probe, intended to gauge Miless understanding of his newfound role as a ghost tamer and his level of maturity and sagacity. It wasnt an earnest job offer.

Whats this? You propose employment at your company with such an appealing salary, yet balk at providing an advance? This sounds suspiciously like a con, Miles countered, dismissing the proposition.

Summit laughed in response, If youre truly interested in joining my organization, Id be willing to front a years salary.

If he could secure the services of a ghost tamer through a simple financial offer, it would definitely be a worthwhile investment.

Was it possible that Miles had never seen such a large sum of money before? Was he so easily enticed by a few hundred thousand? It appeared that he was indeed a greenhorn, a student with limited exposure to the worlds realities.