Chapter 113: Wesley


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    Driving ahead, it became increasingly evident that Stretchs physical condition was rapidly worsening. The skin on his back felt as if it was thickening, swelling up painfully, and he could sense the warmth of blood oozing out. Inside him, a fierce spirit stirred restlessly, agitated and eager to break out, even though there wasnt any immediate threat. He was in a predicament: if he didnt harness the spirits power, his deteriorating condition would probably im his life within ten days. However, the act of using the spirits might could be so overwhelming that it might kill him instantly.


    Thank goodness I managed to get out of that vige in one piece, he reflected. If I can sessfully finalize that transaction in the uing days, I might be able to suppress the violent resurgence of this spirit and liberate myself from this torment.


    Although he was shadowed by the ever-present threat of death, Stretch didnt sink into despair. Surprisingly, he found himself burning with hope and determination to persevere. He felt a sense of aplishment after having managed toplete his mission, even if it was by the skin of his teeth.


    However, as he prepared to merge his car onto the primary roadway, a quick nce out of the window changed everything. He spotted a police blockade at the crossroad ahead. A sizable section of the surrounding area had been sealed off, with many vehicles stationed and makeshift tents set up. There was a throng of onlookers, gawking at the scene in curiosity. All of this wasnt there when he had ventured into the vige before.


    His heart pounding with anxiety, Stretch sounded the car horn and rolled down his window. Leaning out, he yelled back to Miles, who was driving a short distance behind him, Theres an obstruction up front! Do you think theyre here for us?


    Having already assessed the situation, Miles called back, Keep your cool. Theyre not after you; theyre here for me. Its probably the folks from Sunspany at the club. Theyre likely here to finalize our pending business and perhaps settle some old scores.


    It seemed that the call made earlier in the vige had produced results. Feeling the pressure, Build had used his influence to rally the representatives of the mysteriouspany.


    Miles alone couldnt have possibly tracked down the leader of such a secretive organization, negotiated terms, or gathered detailed intelligence on their dealings. A direct, face-to-face discussion was imperative. However, this secretive organization wouldnt bother with just Miles; they would need involvement from the high-ranking summoners as these officials were deeply implicated in the affair.


    Anticipating their arrival, a delegation was already stationed at the crossroads, seated under sun umbres and gathered around a table, seemingly ready for an open-air negotiation.


    Without hesitation, Miles hit the brakes, bringing both cars to a standstill by the roads edge. Together, he and Stretch exited their vehicles, preparing to confront what awaited them.


    Ah, Mr. Miles, Mr. Stretch, greeted a man who walked up to them with assured steps and a weing smile that revealed impable white teeth. His attire bespoke authority, and there was a distinct aura ofmand around him. My name is Wesley. I hold the reins of thispany. Sun, our esteemed manager, has been managing this transaction under my directives. Before we dive into the finer details, I want to extend my gratitude and admiration for yourmendable efforts in neutralizing the supernatural disturbances that gued Yellow Hill Vige.


    Offering his hand, a gleaming watch evident on his wrist, Wesley waited for a handshake.


    Stretch, taking a moment to look at the offered hand, finally grasped it firmly and said, We appreciate the acknowledgment, Mr. Wesley. But lets be clear, our main expectation is for yourpany to stay true to itsmitments. The urgency in his voice was palpable, reflecting his dire need to find a solution to suppress the aggressive spirit within him.


    Absolutely, Wesley responded, each word dripping with sincerity. The very integrity of our esteemedpany is on the line. Please be at ease, Mr. Stretch. Now, might I tempt you gentlemen with a ss of champagne? Ive arranged for a little celebration to honor your sesses and offer you some much-needed rxation.


    Miles, however, gripping a body bag tightly, stared intently at Wesley. The cold, prating re he gave made the temperature around them seem to drop. Six ghost tamers ventured out, four nowy lifeless. One struggles at the cusp of life, and the other is a cauldron of pent-up fury. And you wish to toast our sess? Do our sacrifices seem insignificant to you? Or perhaps you believe you can soothe our anger with mere ttery?


    A fleeting shadow crossed Wesleys face, betraying his unease. While he felt Stretch, being amoner, might be more pliable, Miles was proving to be a formidable challenge. The charged energy emanating from him suggested that his mental equilibrium was off-kilter and hinted at an underlying vtility.


    Isnt this essentially a business deal between our parties? Wesley asked, attempting to regain some semnce of control over the conversation.


    A business deal? Miless voice dripped with ice-cold disdain. Lets talk specifics then. How do you n to help with my urgent need to contain the violent spirit resurgence? I explicitly warned Ms. Sun that any form of deceit would result in repercussions for your entire lineage. Now that weve concluded our mission in Yellow Hill Vige, isnt it time for you to honor your word, Mr. Wesley?


    Attempting to dispel the rising tension, Wesley chuckled lightly, Certainly, as per our mutual agreement, we will reveal the method to you shortly. Our organization is built on trust, and we have no intentions of reneging on ourmitments.


    Shortly? How should I interpret that? A week, a fortnight, or perhaps a year? Miles retorted, his voice taking on an even sharper edge. I demand the solution immediately.


    Seeking to cate him, Wesley began, Patience is key here. First, we need to thoroughly analyze your unique data. Oncepiled, it will be processed in our state-of-the-art facilities to identify a suitable spirit match. This analysis should conclude within a week. Our aim is to determine the spirit that aligns best with your energies, ensuring a harmonious coexistence. Though I cant im our methods are infallible, they certainly offer better odds than any haphazard approach.


    Pausing for breath, he added, As for the intricacies of our methodology, they are proprietary, and Im not at liberty to disclose them.


    Raising an eyebrow, Miles asked, And what odds are we talking about?


    With slight hesitation, Wesley confessed, Our sess rate hovers around twenty percent.


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    Wesley went on, choosing his words carefully, To bepletely transparent, our current sess rate stands at approximately 15%. I must say, youre in a rtively advantageous position. Our research and methods have evolved dramatically in recent times. Merely three months ago, our sess rate was a paltry 5%.


    The prospect of controlling a secondary ghost with a sess rate shy of 20% felt like walking on a tightrope. The stakes were incredibly high. Yet, the temptation of gaining such power was tantalizing. On the other hand, the technique involving the use of human skin parchments guaranteed a full 100% sess rate when it came to subduing malevolent spirits. The catch was grim  one had to feed a spirit to the human skin parchment, a form of ritualistic nourishment.


    Comparatively, thetter approach appeared more promising. Yet, it was riddled with profound moral quandaries and potential dangers.


    Miles, his gaze sharp and prating, asked, Is there a possibility to further optimize this sess rate?


    Truthfully, Im not entirely certain, Wesley admitted, a slight edge in his voice. Thebs inner workings arent directly under my purview.


    Miless eyes narrowed, the steely gaze piercing Wesleys facade. Still holding your cards close to your chest, I see?


    Switching topics abruptly, Miles pressed on, What knowledge do you have regarding the files linked to the incident?


    Feigning surprise, Wesley replied, Files? Which ones are you referring to? My knowledge regarding the specifics of Yellow Hill Vige incident isnt exhaustive. If the rumors are to be believed, youve been unofficially designated a deputy City Head and even have direct contact with the governments ghost tamer department. Even though youve not formally epted the title, you ought to have the privilege to delve into any paranormal case files.


    Are you trying to y games with me? Miless voice dripped with cold fury. I want unfiltered information. And trust me, I have means to ensure you speak.


    Wesley, maintaining an air of calm, countered, Rx. I truly am in the dark here. If you decide to harm me at this stage, our pre-established agreement would crumble. All the challenges youve braved, the sacrifices youve made, would be for naught. Id advise you to reflect before you leap.


    Sensing the atmosphere thickening with hostility, Stretch, anxiety evident on his face, chimed in, Miles, we need to think rationally. We are thest men standing after a series of tragedies. If yoush out now, our painstaking efforts, the very essence of our journey, will dissolve into oblivion.


    Stretch had observed this fiery temperament in the younger generation during their time at the club. They often opted for brash actions over diplomacy, seemingly ignoring the voice of prudence.