Chapter 86: Tricked and Misfired

Chapter 86: Tricked and Misfired

The resounding banging at the box had ceased, their echoes receding into the void, never to reverberate again.

From Miles perspective, he could contemplate only two possibilities. The first suggested that the being attempting to break the golden box had succumbed to fatigue a hypothesis that bordered on incredulity.

The alternative scenario proposed that the spectral entity, the headless ghost, had been freed from its gilded prison.

As to a third outcome, Miles grappled with formulating anything else.

As the rooms somber darkness enveloped him once again, tranquility draped itself across the room. Theres no more smashing or footsteps, only the stillness of the eerie night.

However, the silence persisted much longer than any previous hush. Moreover, the cyclic recurrence of the ghostly coughing ceased abruptly as well. This left Miles wondering whether this unanticipated silence was an essential clue in the ghosts attack pattern.

That ghost isnt moving anymore, and the headless ghost appears to be gone too. But why does this stillness feel so disquieting?

Although Miles had braced himself for his demise in this place, but now

In light of his desperation, he recognized salvation was still possible for himself. Reason being the paralysis was beginning to recede from his body.

Once he reclaimed his ability to move, Miles was resolute he would no longer fear the headless ghost.

Perhaps the ghost had sensed his impending resurgence as well, or perhaps a predetermined moment had arrived, but the rhythmic footsteps had begun again, drifting away from the wardrobe and towards the door. It exited the room, descending the staircase with a slow, deliberate pace. Each footfall resonated distinctly in the corridor, signifying the ghosts departure.

Almost synchronously with its descent, Miles regained command over his body.

Powered by this newly discovered strength, he propelled himself up from the bed. His hand darted towards the wall, and he flicked the light switch on.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

In a flash, the room was flooded with light, dispelling the shadows and bringing his surroundings into sharp focus. Miless gaze darted immediately to the wardrobe. There, the door was slightly open, and on the floor lay a golden box, its form distorted. A prominent indentation marred the center of the box, threatening to tear it apart.

Yet the resilient quality of the gold and the boxs unparalleled craftsmanship managed to maintain its solidity, forestalling its destruction.

Phew! Upon the sight, a sigh of relief escaped from Miles.

The most favorable outcome had materialized. The box remained unopened, and the headless phantom was yet to break free. As for the boxs deformation, it held no consequence. Gold was but a vessel, its form irrelevant.

Yet, what was unusual was a swatch of human skin draped over the box.

It was the same fragment of human skin parchment hed procured from school.

Despite the baffling sight, Miles understood now was not a moment for pondering.

He hastily collected his belongings, packed his luggage, and clutching his weapon, he bolted out.

For me, this is both a predicament and an opening. Now that the ghost has surfaced, even if I choose not to confront it, I must determine its identity, whereabouts, and guise.

Without hesitating, Miles fired in the direction of the sound, the eye on his forehead wide awake.

A yelp of agony pierced the silence as a figure crumpled onto the pavement, blood pooling around them.

Miles, why would you shoot so recklessly? Youve injured a person! Zhang Han cried out.

Miles frowned. The entire village should be sleeping by now. Not even dogs are stirring at this hour. We have no clue if the sudden footsteps were a ghosts or not, so its safer to shoot first.

Fortunate for me that you recognized me earlier, or else Id have surely been your target. Zhang Han commented, shuddering at the thought.

It was then he noticed that Miles had been wielding a handgun all this while.

That man appears to be one of our club members. You should recognize him, but Im uncertain if your shot was fatal, Zhang Han mentioned.

Moments later, in a compact villa temporarily rented by the club members,

A man with a pallid face clutched at his bleeding wound while Zhang Han attended to it with bandages.

Other ghost tamers were also in attendance due to being roused by the commotion of tonights ghostly occurrences.

Ouyang Tian, I want to let you know Miles didnt intend to shoot you on purpose, Zhang Han offered, his voice laced with sympathy.

Miles shot him a seething glance as if to rebuke the claim. Nonsense, I clearly aimed for his head. Its not my fault the bullet didnt land where I wanted it to. Regardless, I must express my regret for my poor aim, Ouyang Tian. I apologize. Having said this, he extended a look of earnest apology towards Ouyang Tian in not killing the other guy.

Ouyang Tians impassive features were now alight with fury, You think a mere apology can compensate for shooting me?

Ive offered my apologies, what more do you want? Do you intend to report me to the authorities? Miles added, There was a ghost causing a commotion in the village late at night, and you were meandering around in the village without illuminating your path. Accidental injuries under such circumstances are commonplace.

If you agree to let me shoot you once, we can consider it settled. What do you think? Ouyang Tians face turned an ashy hue as he pulled out a handgun and directed it at Miles.

Miles retorted, Even if we resort to that, when will this cycle of vengeance stop? Furthermore, Im still a minor. Cant you exhibit some leniency?

Leniency, my foot. Without batting an eye, Ouyang Tian squeezed the trigger.

He took aim at Miless head. However, Miles managed to evade the bullet just in the nick of time.

Now, can we consider the score settled? With the ghosts eye affixed on his forehead, Miles addressed him.

Ill be the judge of that. Ouyang Tian made a move to shoot again.

But this time around, Miles also leveled his firearm at Ouyang Tians head, An eye for an eye, its fair that way. However, if you wish to continue, I can indulge you all night and well see who crumbles first.

Enough, Ouyang Tian, its even after you shot once. If this persists, well spiral into a brawl, and with a ghost still lurking in the village, wed be inviting our doom. Moreover, an injury is nothing so long as youre alive. You can settle the grudge at a later date after we capture the ghost. Zhang Han swiftly stepped in to diffuse the tension, steering Ouyang Tian away.