"You can't say no!" Liora refused Isaac.Isaac glanced at Chester, realizing his attempt to escape had failed. Eagerly, he ran to Chester and pleaded, "Chester, can you go in my place?"Before Chester could respond, Liora's fist collided with Isaac's head."Didn't you see Chester's injuries, Isaac? How could you even consider that?" Liora's voice held a mix of frustration and concern."I can go if you need me, Lia," Chester interjected, offering his assistance.Stunned by Chester's offer, Liora turned to him. "Are you as reckless as my brother?""Lia, I chose this major to support your career," Chester explained earnestly.Isaac interjected, "Do you really want to assist my sister in catching spirits?"Chester nodded affirmatively. "Yes. It's important for a woman to have support, especially in dangerous situations. That's why I pursued this major."Liora cast a skeptical glance at Chester. "Your intentions are noble, but this isn't about my career. You'll be dealing with harm
Axel and Tyler were sitting in the study and discussing the company affairs.Suddenly, both of their phones rang at once.They fished their phones out and saw Isaac's text. Then, they looked at each other quietly.Tyler was the first to reply to the text.Tyler: [Just bear it.]Axel: [I can't help you even if I want to.]Isaac became very anxious when he got the replies. He snapped the dark corridor with his phone.Isaac: [I'll be scared out of my wits if you don't come!]Tyler: [You're 14. You should learn to face it]Axel: [Lia is a girl. You should learn to protect her.]Issac: [Are you guys going to leave me here?]Tyler: [I don't know you from this moment onward.]Axel: [You should learn more from this experience.]Isaac was seething with fury, wanting nothing more than to smash his phone. He felt he couldn't rely on Liora, but to his dismay, his brothers proved to be even worse.Unexpectedly, Liora exclaimed, "I know what to do."Her sudden voice startled Isaac so
"Who did that?" Liora asked, her tone laced with anxiety.The female spirit frowned. "I haven't seen this person on campus before. I think he's new. However, I don't know his name and haven't seen him personally. I only heard others gossiping about him.""Are those spirits here now?" Liora asked."No, they wander around at night. It will be quite challenging to talk to them," the female spirit replied.Liora heaved a troubled sigh. "That's a dead end for the lead then.""Why don't you talk to them during the day?" the female spirit suggested.Liora glanced at her as if she were a fool. "I don't want to be regarded as if I'm mentally ill."The female spirit shrugged. "There's nothing much I can do to help you then. Can you burn me the candles? It might entice those who have left to return."Liora nodded and proceeded to light the candles.The female spirit greedily inhaled the smoke. However, it didn't take long before Liora felt a chilling coldness permeating the surroundings.
Liora descended the stairs with purpose."Let's go check out the man-made lake," she suggested to Isaac.Isaac quickly caught up to Liora and clutched her top tightly, refusing to let go. He also grasped Chester's arm, walking with his head down, sandwiched between the two.As they walked, Isaac prayed silently, intensifying Liora's annoyance."Isaac Jordan, it's more effective to keep your mouth shut than to pray out loud!" she reprimanded.Isaac obeyed and kept silent.Upon reaching the man-made lake, Liora scanned the area and spotted a few spirits engaged in conversation. Turning to Chester, she instructed, "Stay here and wait with Isaac. I'll be right back after asking some questions."Chester nodded.Liora approached a male and a female spirit, crouched down, and addressed them, "May I inquire about something?"The two spirits looked at her, puzzled."I can see you, and I won't make small talk. I would like to find out if someone died in the lake," Liora said.The male
At the entrance, Liora watched Chester get into the cab before joining Isaac to hail one for themselves.Her eyebrows were tightly furrowed during the ride home as she pondered the two clues she had received.Isaac soon fell sound asleep, his head resting on Liora's lap.Liora delved into deep thought as she gently fiddled with Isaac's hair.The spirits had told her that the male spirit had recently arrived, with a time difference of less than a month. Moreover, he had been appearing frequently around her, indicating a high likelihood that he had followed her there.She couldn't help but wonder why the male spirit had accompanied her but refrained from interacting with her.He had resorted to violence against Grace in class due to a conflict they had, leaving Liora to ponder about Chester's involvement.Did lingering resentment toward Chester drive the spirit's violent behavior?If so, it suggested a personal connection between the spirit and herself.The realization sent a sh
"Have you lost your mind, Lia? There's a gasoline spillage. It might result in an explosion! Don't go there!" Isaac's tone was unusually serious.Frantically, Liora struggled free from Isaac's grasp. "I can't abandon Chester! I'm the one who caused all this! I can't just stand by and watch him!""Damn it!" Isaac exclaimed.Swiftly, Isaac pulled Liora away and dashed toward the cab before she could protest.Determined not to let Isaac handle it alone, Liora steadied herself and ran after him.As they reached the cab, Isaac spotted Chester crawling out of the window, his face covered in blood.Isaac extended his hand. "Chester, hold my hand. I'll help you out!" Grimacing in pain, Chester gritted his teeth and gripped Isaac's hand tightly. "Get someone to help the driver. He's still in there…""I don't have time for that now! Let's get you out first!" Isaac replied urgently.With Liora's assistance, they managed to pull Chester out of the backseat, their combined efforts aiding
It was nearly dawn when Chester emerged.The doctor informed Liora and Isaac that Chester had two broken ribs and a fractured shinbone. He required an extended period of recovery due to the new injuries compounded with the old ones.Upon hearing this, Liora clenched her fists tightly. Initially, she hadn't felt any obligation toward Chester, but circumstances had shifted her perspective.Nevertheless, she now felt indebted to Chester.Chester remained asleep, under the anesthesia's effects before being taken to his room.Liora sat silently by his side, her gaze fixed on him the entire time.Isaac brought breakfast for Liora, urging her to eat and rest. He informed her that Tyler and Axel had been notified of the incident and would arrange for a caregiver to tend to Chester, relieving Liora of that concern.Liora accepted the breakfast in silence, prompting Isaac to feel a pang of remorse at her state."I…" Isaac began, hesitating.Liora looked up, encouraging him to speak."I
Suddenly, a gentle voice came from behind.Liora swiftly turned to find the fairy who had appeared with the white fox earlier.Standing up, Liora exclaimed, "It's been a while since your last visit, Fairy.""I'm not a fairy. You may address me as Claire Hill," the woman replied with a gentle smile."Can I call you Ms. Claire?" Liora asked.Claire nodded. "I heard you talking about the Eight earlier. You're not a seer, so this is not your path. You have a unique one. Even though you can't do what Uncle Ben did, you are gifted with the third eye. You have your own tasks, too."Confused, Liora replied, "I don't understand.""The spirits lingering in the human world have unfulfilled wishes, and you're here to fulfill them so they can depart in peace. This is an important mission. Dealing with spirits won't be easy, so your path will be challenging."Liora realized she was a medium.She nodded, indicating her understanding to Claire.Shortly after, she paused briefly and asked, "M
Reese winced in pain. "Alright, ma'am. I guess I can read your mind? Be gentle!"Liora relaxed her grip at last. "Right, when are we going to that place you mentioned previously?""There's no rush. Your body isn't up for constant actions now. What if you get hurt by those harmful spirits again? I've already committed myself to you out of guilt. If it happens again, I won't have anything else to offer."Liora chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm desperate for your compensation.""What's wrong with that? I'm a strong, handsome man, and everyone loves me!" said Reese, displeased.Liora was astounded by his narcissism.She took a deep breath and said, "Reese.""Hmm?"Liora said, "In truth, I'm not the best choice to be your partner because of my profession. Those spirits may bother me from time to time. I'm the complete opposite of Isaac because of my negative physique.""What happens when you have a negative physique?""Spirits will be drawn to bother me and might cause me a lo
Reese and Isaac couldn't perceive the spirit, but they witnessed a dark mist dissipating before them.Isaac asked in astonishment, "What's happening, Lia?"Liora turned and answered, "The female spirit didn't want to move on, so her soul has been dissolved.""Dissolved? Do you mean her soul has been destroyed?" asked Reese. Liora nodded and looked around. "Uncle Kenny, please help me find the six spirits."Kenny took on the task and brought those fearful spirits in just a few minutes. Liora asked, "Do you want to choose the same option as her or come with me to Cross Chapel?""Cross Chapel!""We would have left long ago if we weren't trapped here by her threats!""She wouldn't let us go even in death. Aren't our lives worth anything?"After Fiery Red was gone, these spirits began to complain in anger.Liora was infuriated by their complaints. "How dare you criticize her! She may be responsible for your deaths, but what about you then? Do you think you bear no responsibil
"That's easy for you to say! Those who caused my death may have become spirits, but I still want to stop them from moving on!" Fiery Red barked. Liora frowned. "So, you're implying that those six students caused your death?""Why would I kill them otherwise?"Liora said, "It's time to let them go now that they've faced your revenge. Keeping them trapped is like trapping yourself. Why bother?""Allowing them to move on is letting them off too lightly!" Fiery Red roared. Liora said, "Your obsession is too strong and is keeping you trapped here. You're constantly hurting yourself with painful memories. If you move on properly, it will be a kind of liberation from your past.""Don't preach to me! I'll make it simple for you. It's either you die or my soul gets destroyed!" Fiery Red snapped. She was about to attack Liora just as she finished her sentence. Liora was planning to call out to Isaac when a figure suddenly showed up. Kenny rushed over and blasted away Fiery Red."Y
Tyler did not comment further upon hearing Liora's reply. In the evening, Isaac returned home from school to find Liora already there. He hurried over, brimming with excitement. "You're back, Lia! How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your injuries?"Isaac's smile stretched from ear to ear.Liora glanced at Isaac meaningfully and said, "Please do me a favor tonight, Isaac."Isaac nodded repeatedly. "Sure, are we heading to the campus?"Liora looked at Isaac in astonishment. "Are you not scared anymore?"The smile on Isaac's face faded slowly. "Spirits are scary, but I don't want to see you bullied by them again, Lia. I wanted to destroy those spirits on the same day after seeing you suffer. However, they told me to respect your decision, so I didn't do that."Liora caressed Isaac's head affectionately. "You've grown, Isaac. You know how to look out for me now."Isaac took Liora's hand and held her hand tightly in his own. "Lia, I've always cared about you. Next time you
Reese said, "Yes, you have been in love with her for 15 years and have invested a lot of time for her. However, haven't you noticed that Lia is a very rational person? As soon as she figures things out, she can move on immediately."Chester's breathing became irregular. He took two deep breaths shakily while staring at Reese. "Yes, she is more sensitive and rational than anyone else."Reese said, "I'm going to give you another analogy. If Lia chooses to be with me, what are you going to do?""Nothing. I said before that I'd respect Lia's choice no matter what. Similarly, you don't have to worry about anything else. I won't harbor any resentment because of love," Chester replied. Reese said, "In other words, you'll continue to be friends with Lia even if we end up together, is that right?"Chester frowned. "Lia and I are friends. If we can't be together, our relationship will remain the same as before. You like Lia, but you can't stop me from being friends with her, Reese."Reese
Reese raised his right arm and said, "My entire right arm was covered in blood at the time. I watched the removal of rotten flesh from your back with my own eyes. I couldn't sleep peacefully for days.""That's easy! Just get the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills to you. You will be able to sleep better, right?" Liora said while giggling. Reese crouched down next to the bed, smiling. "Lia, are you mad at me?"Liora was confused. "Mad at you? For what?"Reese scratched his nose. "If I didn't take you there, you wouldn't have gotten injured."Liora took a glance at him, astounded. "This has nothing to do with you taking me there. It's the ignorant spirits. I'll deal with them all once I recover!""You still want to go back there?" Reese exclaimed. "Yes, of course! Hades will be delighted if I can send the seven spirits to him," Liora said. Reese looked at the joyous smile on Liora's face, feeling guilty. "I was hoping that you'd scold me instead of talking to me so casually."
Reese sent away Tyler and the other, surging them to get some rest while he remained seated, his gaze fixed on Liora.She slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath. Meanwhile, a nurse approached. Reese noticed her and hastily stood up. "Hello, nurse."The nurse asked, "How can I help you?"Reese said, "May I inquire when Liora can be transferred out of the ICU?"The nurse said, "I'm not too sure about that. It depends on the healing of her wounds and vital signs. She has the most extensive wound that I've ever seen on a girl. She might end up with scars…"The nurse opened the door and walked inside upon saying that. Reese was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt as he thought of the debt he owed to Liora. He knew he could never fully repay it in this lifetime.-Three days later, Liora was transferred out of the ICU.After learning about the incident, Caroline and Evan rushed to the hospital. They were heartbroken to see Liora lying prone on the be
Fear and worry flooded Reese's mind, making it impossible for him to sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the sky through the skylight. Reese could not help Liora in her profession, so he wondered if he could help out in her safety. He thought about it before he grabbed his phone to text Tyler. Reese: [Can you tell me where Ms. Yelena is staying?]Soon, Tyler texted Yelena's hotel and room number. Reese: [Thank you, my friend.]Tyler sneered.Tyler: [I haven't settled the score with you over Lia's predicament.]Reese: [I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary. It was my mistake, and I'll take responsibility for it.]There was no reply from Tyler afterward.Reese did not send another text, so he started the car and drove to the hotel. -Half an hour later, Reese arrived at the door of Yelena's room. He pondered briefly before knocking on the door. Soon, he heard a response. "Coming."Yelena opened the door and was surprised to find Reese. "Are you the lad fro
Liora opened her palm. The outline of the charm was vague, but she could feel its intense energy. She took a deep breath and stood up. After sensing her movement, the spirits glanced at her. Liora turned to look at them and felt the same feeling that stopped her from leaving again!Suppressing the fear, Liora braced herself to walk out of the door.The closer she got to the door, the more intense the gloomy presence became—she felt as if her soul was being crushed. "Don't be scared, Lia!""Try to walk out, Lia! They won't hurt you!""Lia! Axel, Ty, Mr. Gates, and I are waiting for you!"Αfter hearing their voices, Liora shed tears. She gnashed her teeth and continued to stride toward the door, which seemed so close yet remained out of reach. She took a deep breath, raised her hand with the charm, and attempted to walk closer. This time, the spirits all turned to look at her. They rushed forward in unison when they sensed Liora was about to touch the door. Sensing t