With a crackling sound, three chains glowing with a ghostly green light shot out from within. One wrapped around Ironmask, while the other two ensnared the remaining two members of the Ghost Syndicate, dragging them into the black vortex.
"No, don't! Save me, Ethan Zhang..." Ironmask suddenly screamed. I was overcome by a surge of unknown strength, rushing forward and reaching out, desperate to grab Ironmask's hand.
Ironmask's eyes were filled with pleading and terror as he looked at me. He reached out, and I seized his hand.
"Think fast—" I was about to speak when, suddenly, John Chou stepped in front of me, brandishing the ghost weapon. With two sharp blasts, two fat maggots exploded instantly. Then John Chou grabbed the back of my collar and hauled me away.
My hand stretched out helplessly as I watched Ironmask get dragged into the black vortex.
"Ethan Zhang... save..."
He vanished—Ironmask was pulled into that black vortex as I watched, utterly unwilling to accept it.
"Why...?"
"Alright, brother. If I’d been a little later, you would’ve been eaten alive by those two meat-eating maggots."
I stared in shock at the fat maggots, which had been chopped in half but were still writhing on the ground. Then, they began to split and reform into a single, whole maggot.
"Hey, Howling Elder, things have just settled down here, and now you're stirring up trouble again?" The Nether Syndicate elder said, tapping his cane. The white cat meowed, darted over, and with a few quick bites devoured the maggots. It licked its tongue, squatted, and began grooming its paw.
"Young man, don't act rashly. That's the Ghost Gate Ritual from the Ghost Burial Squad. Don't go near it unless you must."
The Nether Syndicate elder said, then walked over.
"Howling Elder, since everyone's here and the fighting has finally stopped, why not come out too? Let's talk. Your Ghost Burial Squad's activities have been rather frequent lately, haven't they?"
"Hmph, old cat, we're not the only ones running wild. Your Nether Syndicate is just as bad, and there are others too. Besides, these aren't decisions I make alone."
"Oh? Howling Elder, are the other four here? I'd like to invite them out so we can discuss ending the fighting."
A croaking sound echoed, followed by the aged voice inside erupting in eerie laughter.
"Old cat, talk is pointless. I advise you to prepare early. As long as John Chou exists, there will be no peace. If your Nether Syndicate is ever wiped out by him, any preparations then will be too late."
After the laughter faded, the black vortex slowly shrank until it vanished.
I shot John Chou a cold glare.
"Everyone, listen up. This incident was caused by Vivian Ouyang being possessed by an evil spirit. Please stop doubting her—Vivian is without question a member of the Ghost Burial Squad."
After a short while, the aroma of barbecue wafted over. My mouth watered uncontrollably—it was already past five. John Chou and the others had returned. I decided to grab some barbecue, get some sleep, and then head back.
I carried my plate, piled it high with food, and sat at a table with Hugh Thompson and the others.
Detective Stone came over and handed me a glass of liquor. I took a sip, ate a large chunk of meat, and felt completely at ease.
"Ethan, I have a personal question I'd like to ask you. Could you come to my office for a bit later?"
I nodded. Hugh Thompson glanced at us suspiciously.
After eating, around six o'clock, I was a bit tipsy and found myself sitting in Chief Stone's office, sipping tea.
"Ethan, who has the ability to bring me back to life?"
I was taken aback and quickly replied.
"I... I really don't know..."
"If you don't want to tell me, Ethan, I won't force you. Still, thank you—for everything."
"It's nothing, really. But John Chou went a bit too far. Did he actually get that ghost weapon?"
Chief Stone nodded.
"Alright, Ethan. I won't keep you from resting any longer. Be careful on your way down—you're a bit drunk."
I reached the elevator, but it was completely out of order. I had no choice but to climb down using a rope ladder.
With my key in hand, I returned to the room assigned to me. As soon as I opened the door, I was instantly on alert—the lights were on. Someone was inside?
The moment I stepped in, a mix of barbecue, alcohol, and something foul hit me all at once.
I sighed and walked in. Sure enough, it was Old Moe—sprawled on the bed, eating, drinking, and watching TV.
"Old Moe, you're still here?"
"Hey, son-in-law, I have to wait until my daughter is safe before I can leave, right?"