The relentless clatter of chains echoed through the air. I felt it—the Dragon’s Ghost Aura swelling, suffocating. The sky above us darkened, turning utterly black, and the chains’ metallic rattling drew my stunned gaze.
Meat hooks hung all around the town’s perimeter. The Hell's Registrar officials and ghosts who tried to escape were hooked, their screams echoing in the darkness. Their Ghost Aura faded rapidly, and in seconds, they turned to ash.
The Dragon still held Mr. Cash’s head down, then stood up. With a whoosh, a ball of green light shot out, and Mr. Cash looked at The Dragon with a grim expression.
"What, not convinced?"
The Dragon spun two meat hooks in his fist, his form restored. He radiated menace, glaring coldly at Mr. Cash.
"Convinced, of course. Since I’m already in your Shadow Realm, I have no choice but to let you do as you please."
I held back, choosing not to reveal myself too early. The Ghost Monk, Brother Owen, was formidable—far beyond my ability to confront directly. I had to slip in quietly, gather information, and only act once I understood the situation. Most importantly, I needed to investigate exactly what had happened to Howard Zhang.
"Damn it, I’ve always despised people like you."
The Dragon spat, eyes blazing with malice, striding toward Mr. Cash. I shot forward, intercepting The Dragon and forcing him back.
"Wait..."
I smiled and spoke.
"No need to get physical with a businessman, right, Mr. Cash?"
As I spoke, The Dragon lowered his hand. The female ghost behind him trembled, barely daring to breathe.
"Little lady, if you wish, go to the world of the living and seek out Redmane Entertainment Company. Tell them The Dragon sent you—they’ll ensure you never want for anything."
As The Dragon spoke, the female ghost nodded gratefully, then drifted away.
I glanced at the Bing app—it was already halfway through its update. The download speed had picked up; just a few more hours and it would be finished. Things were progressing smoothly on The Engineer’s end.
The Dragon and I led Mr. Cash into a room. The Hell's Registrar officials from the Administrative Office, along with the town’s ghosts, all fled to the outskirts, afraid to come any closer.
No wonder he’s a former bandit—The Dragon’s every word and action carried a rough edge. I couldn’t help but smile.
"What’s there to talk about? Damn, I can’t stand people like that. Better to kill him and be done with it—saves trouble down the road. Who knows when he’ll stab you in the back."
The Dragon muttered. I asked him a question.