Chapter 40: The Operating Elevator

Chapter 40: The Operating Elevator

They had been waiting for two full hours.

Miles could finally confirm that the ghost child would not return.

For the moment, the issue with Mr. Beachs family was resolved, although it left a moderate threat lingering.

Miles looked at Coral with a hint of sympathy.

Becoming a ghost tamer was a necessity for him without it, he would have died in the restroom. However, Coral could have been just like any other person and lived a normal person, yet shes been targeted by the ghost child.

I have work to take care of. I had to take time off to be here. Now that the situation is settled, I should go. Call me if anything comes up. Of course, if its a supernatural event, I will need to charge. Miles stood up, preparing to leave in a taxi.

Mr. Beach quickly replied, Thank you for all your help today. I cant express how grateful I am. When you have time, could I treat you to a meal?

Theres no need for a meal. It would only be an unnecessary expense, Miles replied, Besides, nothing good ever happens when youre around me.

Suddenly, Coral spoke up, Can I come with you?

What are you talking about, dear? Mrs. Ocean grabbed her daughters hand worriedly, fearing that she might run off with Miles.

She understood that Miles was not as simple as he seemed. Following him could undoubtedly lead to danger.

Miles laughed, You should spend time with your parents. Theyve had a hard day because of you. You know your situation well even if the ghost child didnt target you, your time is limited.

I know, but I still want to be with you, Coral replied naturally, with no hint of shyness or embarrassment.

That wont work. You should be with your parents right now. Thats it. I have to go.

There was no way he could let Coral follow him around.

Having an extra burden would only bring more trouble. If he were in trouble, he could leave quickly with his ghost domain, but with more people, he would have to save them.

With the payment in his hand, he quickly left in a taxi.

He had to get back to the mall and continue his struggle to make a living.

That young man is exceptional, Mr. Beach commented as Miles left, In the 21st century, talent is the most important thing.

Miles possessed special talent and intellect. Although he lacked life experience due to his young age, given time, he would undoubtedly become a significant figure.

If my daughter could date him, it wouldnt be a bad choice, Mr. Beach thought to himself.

However, the young man seemed uninterested in Coral, despite her being quite attractive.

Could it be that Miles was gay?

If Miles knew about this assumption, he would definitely refute it. He had no time or inclination for romance his life was in danger.

The pair leisurely patrolled the third floor before moving on to the fourth, ending their walk at the elevator.

The malls elevator wasnt the typical lift type but an escalator operating on a conveyor system.

See, I told you its fine. They just forgot to turn off the power to the escalator, Strong said, walking over to switch off the escalators power.

Miles didnt say much, hoping it was just his paranoia.

They then took the escalator to the fifth floor.

This time, it wasnt a trick of the mind.

A faint smell of decay was back, permeating the air, and it wouldnt go away.

He hadnt noticed this smell when they were on the third floor.

Somethings off on the fifth floor, Miles, flashlight in hand, mentioned as they made a round on the floor.

Besides the closed shops and some shelves, there was nothing. Everything seemed peaceful.

However, when Miles passed by a clothing store and shone his flashlight inside, he saw mannequinsfragmented and exactly as they were during the day. Unchanged.

Everything seems normal. Lets head back to sleep, Strong yawned.

Okay. Miles retracted his gaze, left the mall with Strong through the staff passage, and headed back to their dorm.

On their way, he suddenly remembered something: By the way, if the power to the escalator on the fourth floor wasnt turned off, shouldnt it have kept running? Why wasnt it moving when we were there?

Its sensor-based. It only moves when someone approaches. It wont run if theres no one, Strong explained.

But if its sensor-based, doesnt that mean the escalator started because someone was using it? Theres no one else in the mall besides us, so who was using the escalator? Miles questioned.

Maybe it malfunctioned. If someone was there earlier, we wouldve seen it, Strong responded.

Miles furrowed his brows, contemplating whether to go back and investigate, but decided it wasnt necessary. Hed wait for the boss to arrive tomorrow and see what to do.

Just as Miles and Strong returned to their dorm to sleep, a faint rumbling sound echoed within the mall the escalator started operating again.

The power light on the escalator from the fifth floor to the fourth suddenly lit up, and the escalator began to move slowly.

After about a minute, the escalator stopped.

But then, the escalator from the fourth floor to the third started operating.

After running for a while, it stopped.

Subsequently, the escalator from the third floor to the second started moving.

Finally, after the escalator to the first floor ran for a moment, everything in the mall returned to silence.