When I got home, my parents were still in their bedroom. Rose Harper was already busy in the kitchen preparing food, and Lantern waited nearby, looking famished. Wei Lao watched me, his face clouded with worry.
"I'm fine, Wei Lao."
As I spoke, Wei Lao grabbed my hand and let out a sigh.
"Ethan, keep these things in your heart. All of this, just let it rest inside you. Remember it, that's enough. There's no need to suppress how you feel right now. Just be honest with yourself. Laugh when you're happy, cry when you're sad—that's what it means to be human."
Wei Lao wanted to say something. I had been through so much in just one day. In the past, I never would have imagined such upheaval. Never thought it possible. Yet it happened, undeniably real.
I sat quietly on the sofa. My mood had eased a bit, but inside, it still felt like a heavy stone was pressing down. Soon, Rose Harper brought over a bowl of clear noodle soup sprinkled with scallions and placed it in front of me.
"Eat, Ethan."
I nodded. A light, fragrant aroma drifted up. I started eating—it was surprisingly delicious. I looked at Rose Harper in astonishment.
"I'm not bragging—my cooking really is that good, you know."
I smiled and kept eating. After I finished, I stood up and walked toward my parents' bedroom. Wei Lao nodded and followed behind.
"I'm counting on you, Wei Lao. I've already lost my ghostly side."
Wei Lao nodded and smiled, then raised his hand. Threads of vivid green Specter Web extended toward my sleeping father, reaching for his head.
I wanted to know more about Master Zachary Wu. Even just a little. I knew almost nothing about him. The first time was in Horror Stories—he saved me. The second time, when we escaped Horror Stories, he did it again.
"Take out what you have in your pocket, Ethan. That way, you can see his memories more clearly."
I nodded and took out the Golden Talisman that Master Zachary Wu had given me before his death. I held it tightly. The talisman glowed gold, and Wei Lao stepped back a bit.
"Such powerful energy. This Golden Talisman holds an incredibly strong spell."
Wei Lao spoke as he extended his Specter Webs toward my body. I immediately tried to suppress the urge to react—my human strength was all I had left. Gradually, I felt a chill seep into my body. I sat quietly on the floor.
My body grew colder and colder. The icy aura made me shiver uncontrollably.
"Ethan, you're human now. My ghostly energy can hurt you. I'll wake you up before it gets too much."
I nodded, watching my father. Only three Specter Webs clung to his head—just enough not to harm him.