The next morning, at 10 o'clock, Rachel Lan and I got up, took turns showering, and by a little after 11, we were in the cafeteria.
Detective Stone waited for us with a cheerful smile. Hugh Thompson looked gloomy, staring at the food in front of him, his face pale, unable to eat a single bite—he must've drunk too much last night.
After we finished eating, we returned to Detective Stone's office. Passing by the training ground, I saw many new recruits, full of energy, participating in drills.
"Fresh blood isn't afraid of tigers, huh?" Detective Stone chuckled. "Those young ones—quite a few are already clamoring to join extracurricular missions."
I let out a soft "Ah."
"These students?"
"Usually, they're recruited from schools across the country. Most have strong spiritual sensitivity or can see ghosts—very rare. Once admitted, they learn some basic spells, just the lowest level, plus some tools. Even so, it's enough to handle ghosts weaker than the Shadow class."
I thought for a moment, then stood up and said:
"Detective Stone, we won't trouble you anymore. Besides, it was John Chou who deceived us first. When I get back, I'll tell him not to cause trouble again."
Detective Stone just shook his head.
"Brother Zhang, that Hell's Sentinel—give it to John Chou. When you get back, ask him if there's any way other than breaking the formation. After all, right now, I'd rather deal with you."
I looked at Detective Stone in surprise.
"Instead of relying on those righteous sects, I'd rather deal with you. At least fewer people will die."
There was helplessness in Detective Stone's eyes.
"Why don't the people from the Nether Syndicate and Brahma Order want to step in? Some of those fierce ghosts—they should be able to subdue them easily, shouldn't they?"
"Brother Zhang, now that the Ghost Sovereign has appeared, things aren't what they used to be. Every sect is making preparations. Recently, the Mount Mason Order has recalled all its scattered members—there's a bad feeling in the air."
The mention of the Mount Mason Order made me think of Miles Mao; I'd heard he'd returned to Mount Mason.
"Brother Zhang, even if you don't plan to join the Ghost Burial Squad, I hope you'll come by to help out from time to time. Of course, you'll be paid."
I nodded and smiled. Thinking about it, I don't have a job right now anyway—might as well work for the Ghost Burial Squad for a while. Besides, these people are pretty decent.
"By the way, Brother Zhang, want to go down to the sixth floor and take a look at that thing?"