《Life with ghost》 Chapter 1. Damn rats It''s a seemingly normal day as Evelyn slowly walks to school when she suddenly hears a loud crash followed by loud screaming as she turns around slowly to take a look at what had happened. As she turns around, she discovers a car accident seemingly caused by a impatient driver who sped through a red light into a truck carrying flammable materials. What an idiot. She mutters under her breath as she continues walking to school. Hey! Evelyn! A sudden voice calls out. Evelyn recognises the voice and ignores it as she can''t be bothered and speeding up her pace as she head the voice approaching her, and eventually catching up. Hey! Evelyn! Why the constant cold shoulders? Haven''t we been friends for 3 years already? Evelyn stops and looks over to the ghost who appears mangled up with scratches over his body with an around her neck who she knows as bear boy. What do you want? She replies curtly. Always so apathetic, you can''t even be bothered to spare a second glance over there can you? He gestures to the car accident now burning up due to the flammable materials along with the smell of burnt flesh slowly getting stronger making Evelyn get more annoyed. What about it? *She pushes his arm off and keeps walking leaving him behind. You know, most people would help by calling the ambulance for the victims. He says while catching up.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Didn''t your friends leave you to die when attacked by the bear instead of calling for help? Hm bear boy? She walks faster hoping to get rid of him. First, my friends did call the ambulance, but they arrived pretty late. Second, my name is Jake not bear boy. Whatever, I''m gonna enter my school now, so go away. She shooing him away. What''s stopping me from following you? He says with a mischievous smirk trying to tease Evelyn. Nothing, but my schools having an inspection today by the A.N.I while disguised as police, so follow if you dare. She replies with a somewhat challenging tone while walking in ignoring his protest for her to talk a bit longer. As she walks into the class, she goes and sits at her sit in the corner staring out the window and seeing Jake/bear boy still at the gate waving his arms in protest as he turns to face the front while closing the window. Evelyn. Would you like to tell us why you were the last to arrive and nearly late? The teacher says sternly towards Evelyn whose not paying attention. Evelyn stand up and gives a curt bow. I promise to arrive earlier next time. She says with an apathetic look on her face like always while devoid of any signs of being apologetic or even caring. Just sit down. The teacher sighs and begins teaching her lessons having gotten used to her indifferent attitude. She tries attempting to pay attention to the lesson while taking down notes as diligently as she can as she suddenly hears a soft squeak and looks over, finding a ghost of rat. The rat continues to squeak incomprehensibly. But Evelyn understood it right away. I don''t even know how I understand stand what their talking about, must be going crazy. She looks under a table and sees another rat stuck in-between the gaps under the table as she manifest a small blue string out of nowhere as she ties it around the stuck rat and pulls it out, she than proceeds to vanish the string as she watches as both rats go away happily. Evelyn! What are you doing under the table? The teacher shouts sternly and annoyed. Go stand at the back of the class for the rest of the period. Evelyn than takes her notes and walks to the back of the class. Damn rats. She thinks to herself as she takes down her notes with difficulty due to a lack of table while standing. Chapter 2. One ghost, one human, one body. As Evelyn complains silently in her mind while making sure to pay attention this time, she sees a familiar mangled up corpse looking ghost enter. Hey!! Evelyn? Oh your at the side again. She ignores him to avoid getting into detention or a letter to her parents who she has bad relations with. He notices this and shows a mischievous grin and starts poking and disturbing her as only she can see him. Evelyn keeps ignoring but eventually starts writing down a small message to him as he pays attention to she''s writing ¡°Fuck off, aren''t you afraid of the A.N.I?¡± A.N.I?I didn''t believe you, and seeing as they aren''t her, I''m right aren''t I? He says as a suddenly group of people looking like police man enters. Idiot¡­. The teacher goes to talk quietly with them and turns her attention back to the class. Class, we are having a sudden health check up today. The teacher says as she turns to Evelyn after. And you¡­ you can go back to your seat but pay attention this time. Evelyn goes back to her seat with bear boy/Jake following behind. Hey, Evelyn¡­ were you¡­ perhaps not lying about the A.N.I? Evelyn in her seat now stares at him a bit with an emotionless face but somehow as if saying ¡°I told you so, now deal with it¡±. She looks forwards ignoring his protests as the two so called police man pulls out detectors disguised which looks like phones to detect for what''s called ¡°soul energy¡± in the air. As the two ¡°police man¡± make their way around the class holding the detectors named ¡°S.E.D(Soul energy detectors)¡± Jake Floyd around avoiding then, making them look harder. With no escape in sight due to some more of the ¡°police man¡± guarding the door, Jake risks it and fly''s into Evelyn''s body as fast as possible making her body suddenly move forwards quickly, hitting the table. What the hell was that? Evelyn thinks as she hears Jake/bear boy and looks around for his location. I''m in your body. He says in her head. Why is the piece of shit in my head¡­ she thinks as she hears him complaining back. Hey! I''m not a piece of shit! Why can the piece of shit hear my thoughts¡­ how annoying.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Anyways¡­ since I''m in your body, you can help me to hide my soul energy so those detectors can''t find me. Why should I? She replies curtly sounding like she doesn''t care for his life or what''s left or second death. Come on!!! Fine but keep quiet and pay attention so I can know what to say if I get scolded for not paying attention. She says while making sure nobody, especially the two ¡°police man¡± can hear her. Hey! I''m not your slave! Your either gonna be a slave while in my body or die to them. She says quietly while gesturing to the two ¡°police man¡±. Fine, but make my words!! I''ll get revenge! Totally. As the ¡°police man¡± go up to her with her phone, she uses her soul energy to create a small layer of energy inside her body to prevent any of it from escaping. The two¡°policeman¡± starts going out of the classroom to whisper. She removes the layer of energy inside of herself as she uses it to enhance her hearing slightly to hear what their talking about. It seems clear. Says the first police man. But wasn''t there a soul energy fluctuation? The second police man doubts as he starts walking back in. Isn''t your wife already mad at you for doing over time? And there was a cat accident this morning, could of just been from people dying there. He hesitates and starts walking back out and moves onto the next class. Oh wait we almost forgot. He walks back in and gives a small blueish vial of liquid to everybody. Everybody drink up, we will be having another inspection next week to check for any reactions to the liquid. He watches as everybody drinks it and walks out. Evelyn, do not swallow that. He says serious. Why not? That depletes soul energy. So? It''ll deplete your soul energy and kill me since I''m made of soul energy. Fine¡­ but you owe me. She says as she spits it secretly into her bottle. Their already out though, so get out of my body now. Evelyn says. Funny story actually¡­ Jake says with a guilty laugh. What? Get to the point. I can''t leave. Huh? Making sure that she hears it correctly this time. I can''t leave. Why? A person''s body naturally has soul energy. Yea and? I don''t have enough momentum to break out since that soul energy is acting like a shield. ¡­ Oh, so how do we get you out? I don''t know. You better find a way or I''m not protecting you next time, actually let me try something. Evelyn puts her hand on her arm and injects a decent amount of soul energy into herself. Hey, hey hey hey! Stop it! Evelyn ignores and continues injecting more and suddenly hearing him in pain. Not cool. Did that burn you? What do you think? He answers while sounding annoyed. For a ghost you don''t seem to be able to take much soul energy I''m a weak ghost, and I don''t train my soul energy either. He says still grumbling. Idiot. Evelyn! She hears making her find the source of the sound. Muttering to yourself the second the police are out? Making Evelyn look straight at her teacher. Do I need to tell you what to do? Evelyn walks to the side of the class automatically before her tea her even finishes her words. Karma. She hears in her head from Jake/bear boy with a mocking tone and what she could only assume to be a mocking grin to follow with. As Evelyn slowly walks to the back of the class, she suddenly hears the bell ring signaling for her to go home as she rushes to grab her bag and get out of class. Evelyn! Your not going home ye- . She hears from her teacher but manage to get out before her teacher and finish her sentence. At the front of the gate, she hears a voice in her head again reminding her of Jake/bear boy. Oh, forgot about you. Wow So how do we get you out, seriously. I don''t know. Evelyn starts moving her hand back to her and to inject soul energy again Wait! I may not know but I have a friend who does. Am I right to assume that they are also a ghost? Yes. Evelyn sighs. Can''t I make any human friends compared to ghost friends? Evelyn contemplates for a moment as she walks back home. Chapter 3. Hiding in plain sight So¡­ what''s your ghost friend like? Talking to me first? Usually I''m the one carrying out conversations, why the sudden change of heart? Im distracting my mind by talking. Why? Got some secrets? I don''t, I just rather some privacy. I''m a 15 year old girl and your god knows how old but still satisfied spending time with me, if anything, you''re my biggest secret. Lemme count, the current year is 2024¡­ So 2024 minus 1963. He mutters to himself. Ah ha! 61 years old! It took you so long to count 61? And I didn''t ask for you age Hey! Back in my days, the level of education was lower, and since I became a ghost I haven''t counted over 20 in at least 20 years. Right, totally. Well I''m at home finally. Nice home, you live alone? No, but the relationship with my family is¡­. Evelyn contemplates which word to use as she steps into her very quiet home where her parents do their own things ignoring each other, not even acknowledging her who just entered the house. I think I got it actually. Good cause I don''t have a word good enough for my family. As she enters her room to get some clothes she stops and realize something How am I supposed to change or shower with you watching? ¡­ see anything either if you close your eyes. You want me to shower with my eyes closed? Take it or leave it. As she opens her mouth to talk back she closes it again knowing arguing isn''t worth it. Evelyn steps into the shower and takes off her clothes with her eyes closed and starts washing up. You better make sure this friend of yours later can get you out. He knows how to deal with this¡­. Probably. He whispers that last part. Huh? I heard something at the end of that. Anyways, even if I still can''t get out, just think of me as an imaginary friend. She ignores him as she steps out of the showers with a towel wrapped around her. So where does this friend of yours live? He lives in the shop he owns. Your friend owns a shop? Doesn''t the A.N.I do routine check up on each shop? Yea, but¡­ he can hide his energy sufficiently and¡­ you''ll see when you reach Evelyn throws on a random plain set of clothes as she exits the house then follows the direction provided by Jake/bear boy, only to end up at a ghost themed restaurant, where the staff are fake ghosts with the manager being a real ghost and blending in. Yea, he kind of hides in plain sight which gives him an excuse to look like a ghost. Yea, I think I got that the second I saw this restaurant of your friend. Does this actually work against the I.M.A? Apparently since he''s been here for years. Wow¡­ ¡­¡­¡­¡­.. Well, let''s go in? Sure¡­ Evelyn contemplates pointing out how this may attract more attention from the A.N.I or how risky this was but holds herself back due to it being unnecessary. As she walks in, she sees a surprisingly realistic ghost, but not made out of soul energy, only to see that it''s just very realistic costumes.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Oh fake, makes sense. Making yourself visible with soul energy is possible for most ghosts actually. If making yourself visible with soul energy is possible, why don''t more ghosts do it. She whispers softly so the other customers do not think she''s crazy. Well, most ghosts listen to the council of ghosts, that''s not what it''s called, but I don''t remember, it''s been too long since I visited there. Anyways, they made it a rule not to expose ghost, cus if they do, the A.N.I will take more precaution and if ghost become widely known, the government can hire more A.N.I personal due to not needing to be secret and people may be provided with special Goggles to see ghost and report them, cus those things are surprisingly cheap. The only reason the humans haven''t exposed it is to prevent people from getting paranoid and making false calls to the police due to being too paranoid, they may also blame the government from keeping such a secret from the public or something''s like that, or etc, I forgot the rest. How is your memory good enough to remember all that but forget your own age. Well, this has been happening since humans were advance enough to detect ghost, so around 16 years ago. A year before I was born. Exactly. So how do I talk to your friend? He can probably hear me though I''m in your body, so I''ll try to convince him. Are you close friends with this guy? Not at all Will he help? Hopefully. Hopefully? Hopefully. He confirms. Evelyn sighs, expecting the worst to happen. She gets tired of waiting, so she just simply decides to approach the kitchen. So which ones your friend? She whispers to Jake/bear boy as she feels a cold touch on her shoulder which shouldn''t happen due to her using soul energy to protect herself from the cold combined with a ghost in her body boosting her soul energy, causing her to turn her head back and see a ghost dressed as a manager. Hey there, what you doing in the kitchen? The ghost dressed as a manger asks She uses some of her soul energy to try poking him but it gets sucked in, confirming his a real ghost. You know a guy named Jake? Jake''s a pretty common name, what does he look like? Like you, but not burnt, and mauled by a bear instead. Oh that guy, follow me. He leads her to separate room with the label ¡°staff only¡± to find a decently sized room with walls, ceiling and floor covered in white tiles all around, along with two chairs and a table. A bunch of questions pops up in Evelyn''s head but she decides to ignore them all, focusing on the main reason she''s here. So since you brought me here, I assume you know Jake? I guess you could say that. The ghost in the mangers costume says while taking off the manager costume outfit. So could you help me with him? Depending on the problem, where is he? In me. Huh? He''s in my body. Right now? Yes. ¡­ Hey there! Some help? A sudden irritating voice from me suddenly sounds out, disturbing the temporary silence in the room. Oh. The temporary silence returns as he stares at Jake trying to escape while still calling for help as some of his fingers escape and poke out of her body before getting sucked back in. Fine, I''ll agree to help on two conditions. What? You tell me how this happened and anything else interesting that happens from today onwards, and come visit atleast once a month. Fine. Without that nuisance in your body. Gladly Evelyn feels Jake/bear boy about to complain so she shuts her mouth to prevent his voice from coming out. Stay still let me examine the soul energy real quick, assuming you can use it? She replies with a short nod to avoid opening her mouth. Excellent! He says as he starts walking around Evelyn examining the soul energy and reason for Jake being trapped. I''ve got many questions for you, but I''ll save them for after examining you. Evelyn ignores and just wonders how much longer it would take, but it probably showed on her face. Not much longer, impatience is key. Alright, I''ve found the reason. What is it? Jake, is¡­ Is what? Just too weak. Huh? Usually ghosts have lesser soul energy than humans as most of it is used to make their body, but have no control due to being made of it, but jake due to not practicing it at all, lacks control and amount compared to you. Oh, so how to fix this? Here. He passes Evelyn a small syringe filled with a purple liquid. What am I supposed to do? Inject your soul energy in, but just a bit and inject yourself. Evelyn gets confused but does it anyway. Not many people would be so trusting. Not much to lose anyways. Great mindset. So when can I get this thing out of me? I''m a thing! A sudden voice shouts out again belonging to Jake/bear boy. It will slowly deplete your soul energy while still staying above safe levels for the rest of the week, making it weak enough for it to get out. He says ignoring Jake''s/bear boy''s protest to stop referring to him like an object. That was easy I guess. Alright now for my questions. Fine. First, how can you see ghosts? Not sure, born with it. Second question, how can you use soul energy? Not sure, it was just instinctive. Third and last question, would you like to participate in my test? Just to study you out of my curiosity. N- And before you refuse, it will only be once a month, and I''ll pay you, won''t take long or even hurt. How much? A decent amount. How much? You work in a restaurant. Don''t underestimate me, I''ve been saving for years and have lived a lot longer than the thing in you. Fine, when do I come back? Any time it isn''t business time and when the A.N.I aren''t nearby. Alright, is that all? Yep. He says while putting on his manager''s outfit again. Alright. Evelyn says while turning to walk out. Wait! He shout my name is Hansoo, what''s yours?" Why so suddenly? Just felt like I should have asked when I first saw you, so better late than never. Mine is Evelyn, but isn''t Hansoo, a¡­ well, not really a local name? I get that often, my parents were Korean, but I don''t remember why they named me Hansoo in this country, but not like I can change it. Why not? It''s the last thing I have left from being alive, it would be a shame to lose it. Ah. Evelyn realizes as she starts to walk out again. Why weren''t you curious why I was named Jake the first time we met? Jake says as soon as we exit. Jake''s an unoriginal not special name. Silence as Evelyn walks back to her home again. Guess I''m stuck with this nuisance for another week. She thinks while ignoring his protest for better treatment instead of being insulted constantly. Chapter 4. Deranged spirit As Evelyn walks home while ignoring Jake''s constant protest , she sees an oddly familiar ghost in the back ground, and stares for a bit. You know her? No. You sure? You were staring pretty intently, unless¡­ don''t tell me your into gir- He shuts his mouth as he feels Evelyn''s face frowning a bit due to being in her body even though her facial expressions usually remain mostly emotionless, which is a good sign to keep quiet. Chill, it was a joke. She just looks familiar. How do? Let me recall¡­ I''m don''t remember, oh well, too bad. Than follow her. Why would I? You have anything better to do? No. So, follow her, it''s better than staying in that home of yours anyways. She starts following the girl she saw just now agreeing with his words, but will never admit it. There she is. Evelyn peeks from behind a corner and sees that she is a ghost too. It''s the woman from the car crash we saw before. Oh it''s a ghost, but something seems different about her. Oh¡­ Hm? Best not to get involved with her, she''s a deranged spirit. What''s that? Some people experience deaths traumatic enough that they''ll never forget it even in death, most are dealt with by the A.N.I and are dangerous to humans as they possess more soul energy due to not needing as much to sustain themselves so they can throw it around anyhow without needing control. But she died in a car crash, you got mailed by a bear, wouldn''t yours be more traumatic? Yes, if you want to know more, you could go near her and listen, most deranged spirits constantly mutter the same phrase, usually muttering the reason they are deranged. Wouldn''t it attack? Not if it doesn''t notice you it''s basically in a trance till something disturbed it and then it''ll try killing everything nearby before using so much soul energy that they themselves die, or re-entering the trance. Could I run? You could hide temporarily before running if it comes down to it, they only see the soul energy in a person, not being able to see the person themselves. Why? So if I hide my energy I''ll be safe? Temporarily, they''re rather sensitive to soul energy, and you have extra with me being in your body, so you could run before it notices you again. Good enough for me. She starts slowly walking up to the ghost and walking beside it slowly. My baby¡­ it was my fault¡­ I should have paid more attention¡­ Evelyn keeps listening while walking beside facing forwards without looking. Oh, it''s child died. Evelyn says indifferently like talking about the weather.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. That means it probably died slowly, and got to witness its child''s death or its child slowly dying before the mother herself died. You said its eyes were special or something right? Yea, but you better hurry up and back off soon, it may notice you eventually. Yea, stop being such a coward. Evelyn, still standing beside it turns over to look at it to see eyes filled with black goo with the black goo slowly leaking down and dissipating upon falling off her face before even reaching the floor. Oh wow, this is¡­ unexpected. Hey Evelyn¡­ What? She replies still looking curiously at the deranged spirit Are you walking? What kind of a question is that? Of Course I am. She realizes she stopped walking to look at the spirit. Okay, maybe I''m not walking, why does that matter? And yet the spirit isn''t going away either, so it''s not walking either. Your currently hiding your soul energy as much as you can right now, so all my senses are affected right now. Is it still muttering? No why? Well, now your gonna squeeze your soul energy into the size of an insect. Why? To pretend that your an insect. Why? Because it''s gonna kill you the second it finds out your not an insect or just human. Oh. It''s not in a trance anymore and is staring at me. Ohhhhhh, I see it now. Wrong place wrong time to be realizing this. What do I do? I can''t squeeze energy for too long. Slowly back up while moving your squeezed energy randomly and quickly around like a fly. She tries to do it, but it''s easier said than done. It feels like carrying wet moulded sand in my hands without letting any overspill. Well, our life depends on this so you better not lose control. How long is it gonna stare at me? Im already a couple feets away. It can sense soul energy up to 100 meters minimum. I can''t hold on that long. I''ve got a method but it''s a bit risky. Anything works. Run, but release all your energy as wide spread as possible so that as little remains in your body, but enough to keep you alive. It''ll make you harder to spot and the soul renegy floating in the air acts like a smoke screen. If it fails your dead, if it succeeds, you gotta ditch before the A.N.I reaches because the deranged soul will release even more soul energy combined on top of yours. Don''t worry about cameras, deranged souls naturally let out enough soul energy to screw with cctvs and cameras to the point of no return, but realising too much soul energy at once could have backlash. What type of backlash? I don''t know, I''m not human. ¡­ Well, not much of a choice. Evelyn turns around facing away from the spirit as she release as much trying to make a wall of soul energy to act as a smoke screen as she runs away and continues running for a couple hundred meters ignoring her own exhaustion. Is it gone? Yea, the A.N.I distracted it and is probably dealing with it. So what was the weird black goo? Evelyn asks panting as she sits down on the nearby bench. What weird black goo? The one from it''s eyes, or where it''s eyes are meant to be. Oh that. It''s a form of soul energy in liquid form, it''s the main reason why it naturally gives out so much soul energy, for normal ghost and loving brings, trying to use that form of soul energy will allow you to see soul energy without the vessel, like ignoring the person and focusing on the soul energy. So why did she have so much? It''s probably due to crying her eyes out before dying. Why is it bad? It corrupts any other soul energy in proximity, so using it will chase all your soul energy to turn into the black goo, it is technically still soul energy so you wouldn''t die, but¡­ But? You''d only see soul energy, and due to the characteristic of the black goo, you would also feel a desire to attack other people to corrupt their soul energy, turning them into another monster, here''s no proper term seeing as your alive but also similar to a deranged spirit, so this soul energy cannot regenerate naturally, so if you don''t atys k others, you''d die eventually. Why did it dissolve in the air when it dropped off though? It tired to corrupt the nearby air but there was too much air and too less of whatever dropped off, so it dispersed to try corrupt more. Which also makes it a pain for the A.N.I to purify. Wow, how do you know all this stuff? I was living in the area where the council of ghost lived, most ghost do, the council provides protection as they are made of the strongest ghost and provide free information. So why did you leave? It was boring. Oh. Is it possible for a deranged spirit to gain sentience again? Technically it should be possible but too risky to try to help. Why? The black goo increases the desire to attack humans overtime, so if you want to fix the spirit, you have to touch the go which is basically instant death for most ghost and almost an instant death for humans too. Oh, wonder if your friend would pay money to buy one of these. He would. Really? Don''t try it. Why not? Even the council can''t catch them. How does the council deal with them? They use soul energy Doesn''t soul energy get corrupted? They use very dense soul energy which takes much longer, and the deranged spirit is also a ghost, so injecting them with. enough soul energy will cause them to basically pop like a balloon due to an excess of black goo. By the way tomorrow the A.N.I is coming back to the school for a secondary check up due to the deranged spirit being within a mile to the school. Huh? Evelyn ignores him and starts walking back home. Hey, what about me? What about you? I''m stuck in your body. So? Soooo¡­ if you go to school I''ll be in trouble I don''t care, can''t afford another skip Come on, I can''t control my energy that well. You can''t control it at all. Evelyn says and ignores his continued protest while continuing to walk back home to turn in for the night. Chapter 5. Finally separated Hey.What? Evelyn says, trying to fall asleep. Don''t go school tomorrow. No. Heyyyy. What? Don''t go school tomorrow. No. Heyyyyy. Are you gonna keep this up till I agree? If I say yes, will you? No Then still yes. ¡­ Evelyn tries to cover her ears but to no avail as he is in her body making it impossible to block out the noise, with Jake/bear boy continuously disturbing her making her unable to sleep. If you don''t shut it, I''m gonna burn you again with my energy. You can''t. Who''s gonna stop me? You used it all to escape the spirit. ¡­ ¡ª----------------------------------------- In the morning ¡ª----------------------------------------- Evelyn keeps trying to cover her ears with her pillow to no avail with dark circles around her eyes. Shut up! I''m trying to slee- . She tries to say before she gets interrupted by her alarm clock notifying her to wake up. Guess you can''t go school so tired can you? Watch me. Evelyn says while slowly standing to find her body weaker than usual. What''s going on? The backlash from yesterday for using too much soul energy at once. What a pain. Evelyn says while changing and closing her eyes to make sure her privacy is kept from Jake/bear boy, nearly falling asleep while standing up. Once you''re out of my body, you''re gonna regret this. Don''t think so. Evelyn ignores him as she goes off to school without showering, brushing her teeths or breakfast. Change of your morning routine? I''m too tired due to somebody to do all that. She says while doing her best to walk as fast as she can in her current severly tired state. If anything goes wrong with the A.N.I, it will be your fault. Yea yea, I won''t let anybody else take the credit. She says reaching school slightly earlier by 5 minutes as she walks into her class. Evelyn, for once you arrive on time.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Evelyn ignores her and sits down at her seat observing 2 police men enter the class shortly after. They look familiar don''t they? Yea, they are the two who detected my soul energy yesterday which may be why their back. Oh, so this is your fault not mine. You could have chosen not to come to school today. Not for you it''s not worth it. She pays attention as the fake policemen start talking. Everybody! Pay attention, this is a special thermometer. Be says while pulling out a thermometer which Evelyn assumes is to detect soul energy based off the little amounts of soul energy radiating off the sofa called thermometer. You all will have to use it and show us the value before you''re cleared today. He finishes as he and his partner start distributing it around. Well, this will be simple.Evelyn says as she tries to use her soul energy to create a thin layer inside her body preventing any from leaking out along with Jake/bear boy''s soul energy only for her to fail and remember she used it all on the spirit yesterday. Oh¡­ bear boy, you''re on your own. ¡­ . He doesn''t even retaliate at the nickname. I can''t help here. I should be able to manage, it''s just for a couple seconds. He says while trying to suppress his soul energy long enough for the fake thermometer to detect the false reduced amount. It''s not working. Evelyn says while checking the value. What do you mean it''s not wor-. He keeps quiet as he feels himself slowly slipping out of her body. Well I used all my soul energy, so nothing keeping you in anymore. Crap. He says while finally managing to get a low enough value on the fake thermometer. Okay, just keep yourself in and I''ll look for an opportunity to get you out. Easier said than done. Evelyn shows the thermometer with the low value to the policeman as he approaches her and raises her hand as she gets cleared. Yes Evelyn? The teacher says marking down those who are cleared. I need the toilet. Can''t this wait till later? Why? I''m already cleared. Just wait a b-, nevermind just go¡­ . The teacher says while sighing knowing she won''t stop asking. Evelyn slowly walks out the class and once out, rushes to the toilet. Get out of me now. Jake quickly slips out of her body. Finally! I have my freedom back. He says while slowly going out. Hey, where are you going? Out? The school is still flooded with the A.N.I, so wait here and after school when I get back enough soul energy I''ll come back for you to reenter my body and exit again once we''re out. Fine¡­ Evelyn leaves the toilet and goes back to class, waiting for the lesson to end and getting scolded a few times for nearly falling asleep. As lessons end, she returns to the toilet to look for Jake/bear boy only to find the fake policemen guarding it. Please use a different toilet, there is a chemical leak here. A policeman says. What a load of bullshit. She thinks to herself. Can''t you just let me use it? I''m very urgent, it''ll just be a sec. She says while steeping closer and spotting Jake/bear boy inside avoiding another policeman inside the toilet with a S.E.D(soul energy detector) most likely confirming the existence of a ghost in the toilet with the policeman outside making a barrier preventing soul energy from leaving or entering, including ghosts. Student, please use a different toilet, this is for your own safety. The same policeman says but stricter this time. Come on, just a short while. She says while pretending to fall in and glaring at Jake/ bear boy to enter her body. Jake/bear boy getting the hint enters her body immediately. Hurry and release some soul energy into my body and some out! She thinks quickly as Jake/beat boy can hear her thoughts when sharing her body, causing him to do so immediately. This allows Evelyn to walk out of the barrier as the amount is not enough to be blocked by the barrier as there is a minimum amount of soul energy before the barrier due to there requiring to be a minimum before the barrier is required to block it probably due to the huge soul energy consumption. Makes me wonder how the A.N.I gets soul energy despite not being able to control it directly. Oops sorry! Evelyn says to the policemen as she stands up, hoping they ignore what just happened. Just go and use the other toilet. The policeman says while sighing and pinching the bridge in-between his nose. Ok. Evelyn says quickly while rushing towards the other toilet. Wow, that was the first time I''ve ever heard you use such a tone, usually you''re pretty monotonous. Yea, now keep quiet cus I had to pretend to help you. She says emphasizing on the ¡°you¡± while walking past the other toilet out of school. We''re out now, get out. Jake/ghost boy tries forcing himself out and successfully pops out of her body flying into a wall. If ghosts can fly, why do you guys walk? This is the first thing you ask? Not a ¡°are you okay¡± or even a ¡°that looked painful¡±? But it''s cuz we''re used to it, and flying requires constant decent concentration of all the soul energy that makes up a ghost''s body directly, not the extra that''s stored. Oh, interesting I guess. Evelyn says while walking in the opposite direction of her house. Where are you going? Does it matter to you? No, but just curious. Actually it does, I''m going to visit your friend to inform him that you''re out and to get him to start his test or experiments on me so I can get my pay, so hurry and follow along. Fine fine, you''re only somewhat enthusiastic about the few things in life you find interesting and money. He says while following behind. Chapter 6. Test After arriving back at the ghost themed restaurant, Evelyn and Jake/bear boy go to find hansoo only to fail. Hey, where does he usually go? How am I supposed to know? Because you''ve been his friend, or acquaintance much longer than I have, and you''re also a ghost. What does being a ghost have to do with knowing hjs location? Nothing, just needed more points to point out even if it was rubbish. ¡­ Regardless, we should just wait here till he returns. Sure. ¡ª--------------------------------------------- Few hours later ¡ª--------------------------------------------- It''s been a while¡­ Evelyn says while struggling to stay awake due to not sleeping last night. Yea, why don''t you go and ask the staff where he''s at? Why don''t you do it instead? I''m a ghost. So what? You''ll blend right in, just make yourself visible. I don''t have the soul energy nor the control to do so. Great¡­ Evelyn says while going to ask the staff and returning to Jake/bear boy with a¡­ not so happy face. You don''t look like you''re in a particularly good mood. Yea cuz I''m tired due to you keeping me up last night and learning that the guy we were waiting for is not coming today. Oh yea, every once in a while he goes off for personal business. And you didn''t think to tell me a few hours ago due to¡­ what? I forgot. Of Course you did. Well guess we''re returning tomorrow. What a joy. She says while packing up her stuff and starts heading back home. Why are you following me? Can¡¯t I? I''d prefer you''d not. That''s not a no. Okay then, no. Okay. So you''ll leave me alone? No. Why''s that? I''ve decided life with you is more interesting and safe than in public, and you can''t stop me either. Annoying. Evelyn says while going to sleep without even showering or changing her clothes. Don''t you dare disturb me tonight. She says while falling asleep. Fine. ¡ª---------------------- Morning ¡ª--------------------- Okay it''s Saturday, the restaurant opens on weekends right? Yep. Great, let''s go, let me shower and change my clothes first. She says while going to shower and taking her clothes in. Sure. I''m done, why do you sound so bored? When I was in your body and you went to sleep, it was also like sleeping for me, but now cus I''m a ghost again, I can''t sleep so I was awake the whole night doing nothing. Oh, too bad I guess. Let''s just get going. Fine fine.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡ª---- Few minutes later ¡ª---- We''re here. Evelyn says while staring at the building. He better be here today. I agree. She says as they enter and sees Hansoo immediately. Hey! Huh? Whose that? Hansoo says while turning around to find Jake/bear boy along with Evelyn. Oh it''s you two, my staff told me you were looking for me yesterday. He says while leading them back to the staff only room with white tiles all around on every surface. Alright, I assume you''re here for the test. No actually I was here to inform you about him, but sure I can do the test too. Very well, so tell me about how he is out already first. Well, long story short, we met a deranged spirit, I used all my soul energy to run, he got out due to my reduced soul energy. Hmm, not possible. Huh? His right here, what do you mean not possible? Not him, you. Which part? The part where you used all your soul energy. How? A normal person would be dead. I''m not. Yew, that''s the problem. Give me your hand, I need to check. Sure. She says while extending his hand for him to hold. Hmm, seems like there is soul energy left, mainly in your organs, but you should be dead nonetheless. Well don''t ask me, I know nothing. Hey excuse me? Am I needed here? Jake/bear boy says. Yea why are you here? Replies to Hansoo. Evelyn told me to follow. Oh, well you''re not needed here¡­ on second thoughts, since you''re here you might as well help with the test. How? Just listen to my instructions and follow properly. Sure. Hey Guys, it''s cool you''re getting along and all, but I still need to know what the test is about. Evelyn interrupts. Getting to it. Hansoo says while going to take 3 chairs in. Everybody takes a seat. Evelyn and bear boy/Jake both take a seat. What now? Evelyn says. Hold Jake''s hand and inject your soul power slowly. Sure, but why? Evelyn says while doing so. Since you''re supposed to be dead with the little amount of soul energy left in your body, I want to check the minimum your body needs before you start feeling any problems, so inform me the second you feel weird in any way. Isn''t this dangerous? Yea. So why are you asking me to do it? High risk high return. What? I''ll pay you more. Sure. Evelyn says with no hesitation. Alright, keep it up. Hansoo says while holding her other hand to check for soul energy. Hm, this is weird. Hansoo says, pulling his hand away from her hand. What is? Are you still injecting soul energy into him? Yea why? I can sense none left in your body. Should I continue? No, don''t yet, go back for today, I need to record the results of today''s test, come back time next week. Sure. Oh wait up. Hansoo says holding a small bag. What? Sorry for the bag, but I only have small notes. He says while handing the bag over. Huh? Evelyn says while opening the bag to find $1000 in $5 bills. Oh, was this test really worth this much? No, but as a ghost, I can''t make large spendings or I would have to give my legal information which I can''t die to being long dead. Oh. Evelyn says while closing the bag and getting up to leave. Alright bye. Evelyn carries the bag and starts to leave while bear boy/Jake still follows behind closely. Hey, are you really gonna follow me home? Yes. Weren''t you complaining this morning how boring it was? Yes. So why? It''s safe and interesting when you''re awake. Oh wow, what a joy to find out a ghost finds me interesting, actually two, well one for research purposes and one for¡­ actually, what do you find interesting about me? I''m not sure actually. Wait, are you actually a¡­ . Evelyn says while flashing him a disgusted look with her eyes despite not having any change in her facial expressions. Why are you looking at me like that? A 61 year old guy is interested in me, a 15 year old girl? Well when you phrase it like that¡­. Hey wait, I''m not a.. A what? Finish the sentence, I dare you. Despite being pretty apathetic to ghosts, death, scary stuff and not caring about most things, when you do show emotions during casual moments, you''re more messed up than expected. I don''t wanna hear that I''m messed up from a ped- . Evelyn gets cut off as he covers her mouth. I''m not! Fine fine, you''re not. Hey, you''re somewhat rich now. So what? Mind to spare some cash? Why? You can''t even use it. No, but you can help me buy stuff. What would a ghost need? Food. You need to eat? No, but I want to. Can ghosts eat? Yea, it''s completely optional, but we can still taste. Fine, let''s go, I''m hungry too. She says while looking for a restaurant. Found one. Let''s go then. Alright fine. She says while stepping into the restaurant and finding a seat. Alright, what are you eating? I haven''t eaten anything in too long, so you choose for me Then I''ll get you the same as me but less spicy. You like spicy food? How unexpected. She ignores this while ringing the bell at her table for the server. Two bowls of chili noodles please, one medium spice, one very spicy. She tells the waiter. It''s a very large bowl. The waiter replies, trying to get Evelyn to change her decision. I know. Evelyn replies back making the server somewhat surprised as she goes to the kitchen to inform the cook to prepare her meal. Evelyn sighs as the waiter leaves. What''s the problem? She''s gonna think I eat a lot now. So? I don''t wanna be thought of as a potential future day girl due to eating too much. You''re worried about people assuming your weight? Yea, isn''t it normal? Yea, but you''re not normal, and you don''t seem to care much about most things anyways, so it was a slight surprise. Me caring about my weight was a surprise, you saying I don''t look like I care about my weight? I''m not winning this so I''m gonna stop here. What''s that meant to mean? Beer boy/Jake ignores as the food gets delivered. Why do we have to sit in the corner? Bear Boy/Jake asks, ignoring her previous question still. Cus it will look like floating chopsticks and noodles when you''re eating. Oh yea. Evelyn and bear boy/Jake starts eating as Evelyn gets a message and goes to check it. Whose that? Do I need to tell you everybody who messages me? No, but I''ll keep bothering you till you do. Evelyn sighs. Fine, it''s my friend wanting to meet up tomorrow. Evelyn says looking up at best boy/Jake to see a shocked expression. Why do you look like that? Evelyn asks, a bit annoyed. you have friends? Yea. Willingly? Yea. I mean your friend, she isn''t being held at gunpoint right? Shut up. Evelyn says while continuing to eat her food. So you gonna meet her? I guess since I already agreed. This is gonna be fun I suppose. What do you mean? Evelyn asks halfway pausing her eating. Wait¡­ you aren''t following me right? She looks up at him again to see an oddly innocent yet mischievous grin on his face confirming her suspicions. Dammit¡­ Come on, it''s not gonna be that bad with me around. It''s gonna be the worst. You look rather badly of me don''t you? Shut up and finish your food. Sure. He says with a mischievous smile once again.This is gonna be fun. Great... Evelyn says again letting out a sigh. Chapter 7.1. no human friends for Evelyn. Wow¡­ Jake/bear boy says somewhat surprise and mostly disbelief. Wow what? This is the first time I''ve somewhat seen you dress up for anything except your school attire. So? So¡­ this friend of yours isn''t just another ghost, yes? You''ve already asked me so many times, yes. This friend is a human, one with a beating heart. Alright, let''s go! Are you really gonna follow me? You too have asked that many times, and the answer will remain as yes. Yay¡­ Evelyn heads out and reaches slightly early to the agreed location with her friend. Wow, you don''t even reach on time for school but you do for friends? School is boring, friends are less boring. Hard to tell what you like seeing as your facial expressions are usually just the same most of the time. He says earning a small scowl from her. Come on, don''t be such a grouch. He says making her scowl increase. Fine fine, I got it, I''ll stop disturbing you. Shut it, she''s arriving. Evelyn says focusing her attention on an approaching girl her age, but with an appearance opposite of her own. Wow¡­ that''s quiet the¡­ cheerful appearance? You sure that girls your friend and not a look alike? Shut up¡­ Evelyn mutters under her breath as the girl approaches her. Hi!!! You weren''t waiting long were you? The girl goes over to Evelyn and grabs her hands enthusiastically. No I wasn''t waiting long for you Lela¡­ why have you called me here? Is it wrong to wanna spend time with my friends? Wow, she''s really the opposite of your personality. Jake/bear boy says. Shut it¡­ . Evelyn answers forgetting about Lela¡¯s presence If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Wow, someone''s unfriendly today, you in a bad mood or what? Lela says while pulling Evelyn''s hand to the nearest amusement park. No.. I didn''t mean you, I wasn''t talking to you¡­ Then who? I was talking to¡­ . Evelyn stares at Jake/bear boy and gives up. Nevermind, I was just daydreaming, pretend I said nothing. Hm? You''re being especially weird today, but whatever, let''s go! Lela says continuing to pull Evelyn''s hand as she glares at Jake/bear boy expecting a mischievous smirk on his face but instead finding him somewhat deep in thought, which is rare for him ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Jake''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hmmm, that friend of Evelyn''s seems oddly familiar, and I swear that she looked over at me just now with an irritated expression on her face. I wonder why she''s so familiar. Jake/bear boy thinks while following behind the two as they have fun. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hmm, this feels oddly fun with Lela, but Jake/bear boy''s been acting weird since just now, I ought to question him about it later. Evelyn thinks while allowing herself to be pulled away by Lela''s enthusiasm. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Couple hours later ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Come on, let''s take a break, we''ve been going around for hours. Evelyn says, as monotonous as ever. Fine fine, let''s go have dinner yea? Sure. Lela and Evelyn looks for a restaurant with Jake/bear boy following behind Evelyn still somewhat deep in thought. As they arrive, and take a seat, Evelyn notices Jake/bear boy snap out of his concentration as they hits his fist against his palm as if he figured something out. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Jake''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Oh! I remember now, this girl looks exactly like the weird ghost version of the IRS in the town the council of ghosts protects. Jake/bear boy uses his soul energy to probe Lela only for his energy to be sent back into him and Lela to glare at him secretly while Evelyn isn''t watching. He tries to tell even only to see Lela make a threatening gesture with her hands along with concentrated soul energy to show that she can follow up with her threat making him keep quiet. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Okay¡­ something happened well I was looking away at the menu. She thinks to herself as she looks at bear boy/Jake clearly nervous which is rare while trying to hide it, but failing miserably. Evelyn goes to the toilet and uses her eyes to signal for ghost boy to follow along which he hesitantly does while staring at Lela for some weird reason. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Upon reaching the toilet ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey, wanna tell me why you''re acting so weird? It''s nothing. He says nervously. Yea right, now tell me why you''ve been acting so weird. It''s nothing. Tell me. Evelyn says while concentration some soul energy, threatening to make him feel burned from the soul energy. Fine, fine! Put that away. Evelyn does so, but prepares to concentrate more energy if necessary. I''m acting weird as hell cus of your friend! Lela? How? It''s cus she''s¡ª-- Hello! A sudden but familiar voice sounds out interrupting bear boy/Jake as they both turn around to see Lela. That friend of yours is a ghost and part of that dam council! Bear boy/Jake says before hiding behind Evelyn from Lela. Huh? Evelyn says confused looking back at Lela now letting out a lot of soul energy annoyed making it clear that beat boy/Jake want lying. ¡­ Great. 7.2 So, I''m not dealing with this, I''m going home. Hey Evelyn, some help here? Evelyn looks back at Lela and then back at Jake/bear boy and contemplates for no more than a second. No, have fun. Evelyn, why don''t you stay a bit longer? I have questions for you too. Lela says while grabbing bear boy/jake''s arm tightly forcing a smile. No. I''ll pay you. Sure. Right, you really love money don''t you? So? Nothing, just making sure. Hey, can you guys not talk while forgetting about me? Jake/bear boy says still in Lela''s grasp. Right, so how do you two know each other? He said you were supposingly the IRS of the town of your weird council. Weird council? Oh, you mean the ghost council? We''re closer to a group than a council honestly, also it''s not called IRS here, it''s called S.E.T. S.E.T? Yea, Soul Energy Tax. Oh, and why are you holding onto him like that? Evelyn gestures towards bear boy/Jake who has given up. Oh, can''t have him running away. Why would he run?The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. He used to walk in and out of the town protected by the council, so the town was constantly at risk of being discovered by the A.N.I which was a pretty big problem. Oh. Also, he didn''t pay the tax. Anyways, my turn to ask questions. Hm? I answered your questions, now you answer mine. Fine. First, how can you see ghosts? Born with it. Second question, why are you lacking soul energy so severely? Ask¡­ what''s his name? Hansoo. Bear boy/Jake replies still having given up struggling and accepting fate. Yea him. You know that guy? What a surprise. How? He usually doesn''t associate himself with others, than again, seeing a human look for him must have been a unique situation. Okay, last question. Hm? Why do you associate yourself with this loser? She says swinging bear boy/Jake around easily. I had a predicament with him now his leeching onto me. What predicament? Go ask¡­ Hansoo yourself, I''m lazy. Well, gotta go now. Where are you bringing him? You worried for him? Curious. I''m bringing him back to the council, he should be back in a while, mostly okay. Right¡­ Also, where''s my pay? What pay? You said if I didn''t go home and answer your questions you''d pay me. Right, I was hoping you''d forget¡­ tomorrow. What? I''ll pay you tomorrow. When? At school. Oh. Oh, remember to finish your homework. Homework? Yea the homework. What homework? Figure it out yourself, I''m going now. What? Evelyn asks as Lela uses soul energy to move quickly with bear boy/Jake. Great. Evelyn says while enjoying the peace and quietness as she goes home and starts searching for any form of homework to find none. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Next day at school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Dammit, I even woke up earlier to go look for the homework, but couldn''t find any. Evelyn raises her hand as the teacher walks into the class. Yes Evelyn? I forgot to do my homework. Evelyn says while staying and preparing to walk to the back. What homework? Wasn''t there homework? Sit down and stop speaking nonsense. Evelyn heads back to her seat, spotting Lela to see her feigning an innocent smile, but one she knows is completely fake. Right¡­ I forgot she was in my class, and like this¡­ Evelyn thinks while sitting down still staring at her. Evelyn, where on earth are you staring at while I''m teaching my lesson? You wanted to stand so much just now, so I''ll let you do so now, go to the back now. Her teacher says annoyed and sternly. Evelyn stands up and starts approaching the back again to see Lela with a playful mocking smile, not even hiding it this time. I''ll get revenge for this eventually. She thinks, making sure to focus on the class and ignore Lela. Chapter 8. Card games ¡ª---------------------------------------------- After school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn goes back to her seat as school ends to pack her stuff when she sees Lela approaching but ignores her. Hey come on, why the silent treatment? All I did was screw you over a bit. Lela says, earning a short slight glare from me. On, fine chill, it was my fault. Why are you even here? Don''t you usually go home or whatever it is you do after school? I usually go back to the ghost council after school, but thanks to bringing Jake in, I got something similar to a promotion, so less work hours for me. Oh, so go bother someone else. Nope, you''re my only friend. Bye. Evelyn says picking up her stuff and starts walking out of the class, with Lela following behind. Leave me alone. No. You have to go back to the ghost council later, yes? Yea, why? I''ll just sit here and wait while ignoring you. Hey! Come on, don''t ignore me. Lela says trying to get Evelyn''s attention, but failing miserably. Fine, how about this? Lela says holding up some money. Evelyn almost immediately agrees but realizes something. Isn''t that the money you promised me yesterday? What money? Lela says, feigning an innocent smile once again. Stop it with that smile, it''s so obviously fake. I know, but it gives me the most satisfaction and seems to be able to annoy you somewhat. Fine, give me the money, I''ll stop ignoring you. Lela hands the bag over and follows Evelyn as she starts walking home. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Halfway to Evelyn''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hmm, I think I''ve got to return back to the council now. Why? Because I need to sort out information. What information? Information provided by Jake. Oh, but how do you know he''s done providing the info? Because¡­ nevermind, I think you''ll see soon. Huh? Evelyn tilts her head slightly confused as she suddenly feels something weird, oddly light and oddly familiar jump onto her back. Who? She asks and turns back to see Jake on her before turning back to Lela. Oh, I think I got it now. Yea, so I''m gonna go now. Lela says going back after pulling Jake off Evelyn onto the floor and leaving him there. So¡­ was it fun? Evelyn asks, looking down at Jake. The interrogation? Well, it was about as fun as an interrogation could get. Nice, I guess? Evelyn says as he starts to fake sob loudly. Shut it, you''re being noisy. Sure. Jake says going back to his usual playful demeanor with a mischievous smirk.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Right¡­ . Evelyn keeps entertaining Jake till she reaches home. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Alright, Now let me just set my stuff down, without you pestering me for a moment. Come on, let''s go play a game or something. What game would I even play with you? I have a card game if you want it? A card game? Yea, made by ghosts. Unexpected, but sure I guess? Jake pulls out a set of cards looking awfully similar to poker with slightly different rules as they start playing it for a couple of hours. Hey bear boy(Jake). Yea? And are you ever gonna stop calling me that? No, and also do you mind if Lela joins us? No, why? Jake answers looking somewhat nervous, making Evelyn suspicious of him. Cus I texted her to join. Huh? Why would you do that? Jake asks Evelyn, panicking while grabbing her arms. Why are you so nervous? Well, truth be told, this game is illegal for ghosts. Huh? What? Well, it''s a gambling game, and ghosts use soul energy as payment, but we are made of soul energy, so some of the weaker ghosts who lost this game and had to pay up actually vanished. Vanished? As in like dying again? But for real? Yea. Oh¡­ well, if it makes you feel better, I lied about telling Lela about this. Oh, thank god, that woman is strict about the rules. Really? Ghost rules I mean. Oh, say what would happen if they found us playing this? Well, for a normal ghost not much, just receive a warning, but you''re human, so you may be uh¡­ Huh? Jailed for questioning and study purposes unless Lela or something other important person vouchers for you. So I would be kidnapped and experimented on? Yea. What makes you so sure Lela wouldn''t help me? She''s really strict about the rules, so break them and you''ll lose her support not by too much, but enough that she wouldn''t go that far to support you. What makes you think so? She''s done it before that''s why. Huh? Yea, she''s been alive for a really long time, shorter than the ghost on the council, but long enough to make a couple friends and screw them all the second they found out about ghosts and broke their rules. Oh, what a joy¡­ but how am I supposed to hide from ghosts? You could pretend to be one. Huh? How? It''s easy, just pretend to be a weak ghost. How? Use soul energy to contain the warmth in your body, making your skin cold, then scattering it around on the outside to make it seem like you''re made of it. But don''t I look like a normal person instead of a ruined corpse? Most ghosts look more normal than you''d expect. How? Health conditions, like heart problems which you can''t use from the outside. Oh, I think I got the hang of it. Evelyn says before losing control. Making a layer of soul energy around the outside of my body is harder than inside. Yea, I know. That''s not exactly helpful. I know. Neither is that I know. ¡­ But don''t worry, this game was only a problem like 20 years back, so it''s low priority now, meaning they don''t keep surveillance on the game as much anymore, as I took it secretly, leaving a fake behind. Does it look similar? The box does. Huh? I left a rock in the box. So if they open it, I''m screwed? When you put it like that, yea. Whatever, I''m bored and it''s low priority anyways, let''s just keep playing. Sure. Jake says concentrate on the game. Evelyn sighs while playing. This is gonna be a bad idea ain''t it? She thinks while focusing back on the game. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- After school the next day ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey Evelyn. Lela says approaching her. You''re gonna do this every day now? Exactly, caught on early ey? Good job! Should I be happy or something? Nope, but I am. Great, go be happy but yourself. Hmm, you have a weird soul energy on you, it reminds me of that illegal card game from that time. What card game? Evelyn lies with the usual mostly expressionless face and monotonous tone. You wouldn''t know it, it was made before you were born. Oh. Anyways, it''s probably just Jake''s naturally emitting miniscule amounts of soul energy since he can''t even control it, and during interrogation was in a place filled with contrabands. Ghosts have illegal stuff too? Yea. Like what? Drugs. I thought drugs don''t work on ghosts? Ones made with soul energy do. What do the drugs do? It''s for a specific group of ghosts usually. What group? Well, usually the ones who died so terribly that they can''t even feel anything as ghosts, like having their bodies burnt alive, but surviving long enough for most senses to be burnt so bad their non existence. How does the drug help? It causes pain. Pain? Yea, those ghosts with no senses especially touch usually get desperate where even pain would be better than nothing for them. Oh, seems like a terrible fate. Yea, it''s actual hell on earth seeing as even you agree it''s bad. What''s that supposed to mean? Well, you usually don''t care for violence or horsey stuff, or even being sympathetic, and mostly empathetic with others. Not true. Is true. When have I even been empathetic? Hmm, car accident, the most recent one near school. Oh, Jake told you? No, we read his memories. You can read memories? Only ghosts. How? I don''t know the details, but the memories of ghosts are stored in specialized soul energy. If you run out of soul energy? You won''t, it takes so less energy than even the energy from the surroundings is sufficient. If it''s not enough? It will be, and even if it isn''t, the soul energy from the body of the ghost will be converted to sustain their memories instead. Won''t they die? They''ll be risking their lives, but losing too many memories could risk turning into a vengeful spirit. Could? Theorized as nobody has lost any memories yet unwillingly. So there''s willingly? Yea, if you have high enough control, you can destroy some of your memories. Why would you want to do so? If you lived as long as some of the strongest ghosts, you have to do so to avoid going crazy. Oh. Welp I gotta go now, how about this, I''ll give you a lecture on anything you want when I have enough free time. I don''t want one though. Either you choose a topic, or I choose. Fine¡­ . Evelyn says as she goes home. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn goes back to her room as she sees Jake with multiple decks of cards with him. ¡­ Are all of those possibly¡­ Possibly what? Illegal? Maybe? Jake says feigning an innocent smile like Lela. Oh god, not another one¡­ Chapter 9. Evelyn learns to shoot. Throughout the rest of the night, Evelyn and Jake keeps playing the illegal card games. Hey, why is this illegal though? Haven''t I already told you? Yea, but couldn''t you just play without the paying up part? Nah. Why? Some ghost stole tech from the A.N.I to forcefully absorb soul energy and had it changed so they could use it for the card game. Wow, ghosts seem a lot smarter than expected. But lacking creativity. I can see that. Evelyn says looking down at her cards is oddly similar looking to UNO. Didn''t think UNO could become illegal. Well, most people don''t think ghosts are real either. Well I''m gonna go pack my bag now. Huh? Why? You never pack your bags ever. Yea, but I gotta ditch school quickly tomorrow. Why? Lela. Isn''t she your friend? Yea but she wants to give me a lecture. Isn''t she smart? Yea but¡­ she wants to give me a lecture on ghost stuff, and exams are coming soon, so her lectures are a huge waste of time, which could be used on studying. I didn''t think you cared about your grades. I don''t care if they''re good, I just don''t want them to be trash. Well, have fun, I''m gonna go look for food to eat. Ever since you''ve come to live with me, you''ve just been eating food nonstop at night you know? I eat when I am bored, but get your parents to buy more. You''ve got a steady source of money now from the test and from that cruel woman. Cruel woman? Your friend. Oh Lela? I get that she''s not the kindest, but cruel? You don''t know the things she did to try to interrogate me. Didn''t they just read your memories? Reading memories requires a lot of control over soul energy, so it took a while for a strong enough ghost to come, so she was incharge of trying to pester me for the information. Wait, if they read your memories wouldn''t they know about me? Probably not?? They usually only read a specific time zone or it would be too hard to look through all of it due to potentially messing my memories up. They care enough about you to take safety precautions? Rude¡­ but yes, they do, but mainly due to the fact that if my memories get messed up and the person in charge of my memories tried fixing it but failed, their memories may get affected by mine too. Oh, so they care about the important people, not you specifically? ¡­ That''s a yes. Anyways, you were complaining about food just now, just go get your parents to buy more if you don''t wanna be the one to spend the money. You forgot my relationship with them? Oh yea.. why is it even so bad? How about I tell you next time, when I''m not packing my bag? Fine, but you''re gonna buy the food eventually or I''m eating yours. Fine¡­ ¡ª-------------------------------------------- Few minutes before school ends the next day ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn glances over slightly at Lela who doesn''t seem to notice her as she patiently waits for the time to pass. Ring!!!Stolen novel; please report. Evelyn quickly packs her stuff and ditches the class before Lela can go up to her and keeps this up for the next few days. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela pov. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hmm, Evelyn''s been leaving class the second she can, does she really hate the thought of a lecture so much? Lela contemplates while on her way to her job. And as for the weird soul energy that remains on her body nowadays.. that''s definitely from the banned card games, Jake must have stolen it when on his way out, I wonder why she didn''t tell me about it. Probably Jake''s fault. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s pov. At night ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hmm¡­ is somebody there? Jake, if that''s you, leave me alone. I''m not really in the mood. Evelyn says with her eyes still closed. Nope, it''s me. Evelyn hears Lela''s voice and sits up immediately and sees Jake standing at the opposite side of the room avoiding Lela. Why are you here, and why are you even awake? Ghost don''t sleep, and I''m here to ask why you have the banned card games, though I assume it''s his fault. Yea, so go bother him. Evelyn says laying back into her bed. Why didn''t you tell me about it though? Well, he said you''d screw me over on the spot. Hm? Lela goes over to Jake and drags him over. Why would you believe this guy? He said you''ve screwed friends over before. Yes, but you''re special. How? You can see ghosts so I don''t have to hide anything, and your personality is the best. Huh? My personality is the best? Yea, you don''t bother me unnecessarily, and you''re usually in a ¡°I don''t care¡± state making it more fun to irritate you. Should I be happy or annoyed that you like my personality for that reason? Both? Right, so lemme go sleep now. Right¡­ I''m gonna live with you now. No, big no. Well, I''ve got black mail material on you, and you let this loser live with you, so I''m coming with. I don''t care anymore¡­ . Evelyn says going back to sleep. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Morning ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn wakes up to see Jake and Lela grinning at her with mischievous smiles. What do you two want? Well, we found out we have a bunch of similarities including our favourite hobby. Lela says sitting on Evelyn''s stomach. Which is? Pestering you. ¡­ Get off of me. Nope. Evelyn tries to push her off, but she condenses the soul energy to make herself heavier as she sees Jake with a permanent marker in his hands. Don''t you dare do this. Me and him had an agreement, for every day you ignored me to skip the lecture, every chance we get to draw on your face, unless you decide to listen to my lecture now? Fine¡­ what is the lecture even about? First of all, something about ghosts. Fine. I''m not done. What? Second of all, we''re gonna revise every school topic. Huh? Yea, that''s for skipping the lecture, and your terrible grades. They''re not that bad. Not that bad? Are you dreaming? Fine, maybe they could use some improvements but every topic? Every topic. Lela confirms. Oh my god¡­ fine¡­ Alright, you wanna choose a ghost topic, or I choose? You choose. Ok, then soul energy. Huh? Isn''t that really simple? Not at all. Oh great¡­ Ok, let''s start. Jake, get out. Evelyn says to Jake who is standing beside her eating her chips. Fine fine. Ok, what do you know about soul energy? I don''t know? Oh, so nothing. ¡­ Ok, basics. Soul energy is a form of energy. ¡­ Alright, that was kinda obvious. Soul energy is also somewhat alive. Huh? I don''t get it too much either, but soul energy is a form of energy but also similar to your cells. How? It can go through a process called soul division. ¡­ Ghosts really lack creativity. Yea, it''s the same as cell division. Regardless, soul energy can be compressed infinitely. Huh? Infinitely? Yea, it''s how some of the strongest ghosts hold so much energy in their bodies. Hey, if you''re gonna force me into this lecture then at least teach me how to use it properly. Fine, soul energy is similar to a gas. Huh? But I can do this. Evelyn materialises a small solid blue transparent string. Yes, let me explain first, soul energy is usually gas like, but the denser it gets, the more it changes state, it can become liquid like if somewhat dense, and then solid like if dense enough. Oh, makes sense I guess. How did you move so fast using soul energy? Huh? What do you mean? When I met you, and we went to the amusement park then to the restaurant. Oh that. I compress some soul energy without making it dense, like squeezing it to boost myself off the group, also ghosts are made of soul energy, so I made myself the inside of me somewhat like a gas to reduce my weight. Yea, but I''m not made of soul energy, so how do I use it properly? You could shoot it out. Like a gun? Yea, suppress enough energy and push it out fast enough combined with the soul energy suppressed on the inside to make it fly faster than a bullet. But what about the layer of soul energy in my body? What layer? I have a layer inside my body. Huh, lemme check. Lela grabs Evelyn''s hand and sends her own soul energy to probe about. Wow, you really do. Then what do I do? Well, you could use some of the energy from the layer to turn into the bullet which could also reduce the layer, or you could use a hole in your body. Huh¡­? Hey, I don''t mean anything weird, you could just shoot it out of your mouth, or use a sharp object to injure yourself, which will cause the soul energy to leave your body. What if too much leaves? It won''t, it''ll leave very slowly, and even speed the bullet, maybe. Maybe? I don''t know, I don''t usually teach humans. Just try it¡­ Fine. Evelyn tries to prepare the soul energy but keeps failing. Slowly. Evelyn keeps trying and finally manages a bullet which she aims at Lela. Just do it, it won''t hurt me all. Evelyn shoots the bullet causing a hole to appear in Lela''s body and her to be in pain. Hey, don''t blame me, you''re the one who told me to do so, also you felt pain from that? Soul energy hurts! Also, you have more soul energy than I expected. Hmm, that did like nothing though. Yea, if I try using my soul energy to block it, it would have just dispersed. Than how? You could add enough soul energy to the point where it wouldn''t shoot through, but get stuck in my body and explode with soul energy after a while. Oh, let me try. Not at me. Fine. Evelyn aims towards a stuffed bear and keeps trying, causing a bunch of holes before succeeding and causing it to blow up, causing a bunch of stuffing to litter the floor. Oh wow¡­ Yea, have fun with that. So, I could reduce the soul energy amount and it''d still work yea? Yea, but it''d be weaker. Oh nice, so say, I shoot bear boy(Jake) he''d be okay but in pain? Bear boy? Oh Jake, yea exactly. Evelyn and Lela stay silent for a while before coming to an agreement despite exchanging no more words with a mischievous look on their faces. You don''t usually have that expression you know? Yea, but there''s something really fun right now. I agree. Evelyn allows Jake to come back in before Lela stands at the door blocking his way out. Huh? What are you two doing? Target practice. Evelyn says. Huh? Hey, what are you planning to do? Jake says hiding behind the bed as he sees them both accumulating and suppressing soul energy in their fingers. Oh, it''s not just one cruel woman, but two¡­ . Jake says softly, preparing for the fate that awaits him. Chapter 10. Soul heart You deserve this for free loading off my home. Evelyn says looking down at Jake with holes going completely through his body Exactly. You''re no better Lela. So what? I''ve got blackmail information, he doesn''t, meaning I''ve got a reason to encourage you to let me live here, he doesn''t. Right, I''m gonna go find some entertainment now. No you don''t, you still have every school topic to revise. Dam¡­ was hoping you''d forget. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Couple hours later ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Oh my god¡­ finally done. God, you''re so much worse than I expected. Hey, you wanted to teach me, I didn''t ask for this. You could put in some effort too, you know? Not wanna, regardless, I gotta go for my test now. Huh? What test? The one with Hansoo, didn''t you go ask him for information last time along with when you brought that idiot to the council? Evelyn says, gesturing at Jake. Oh yea¡­ Huh? What''s with the sudden change in tone? Well, I deemed it as unimportant before and postponed it¡­ You forgot, didn''t you? Yea I forgot it. Alright, then let''s go together? You coming or not bear boy(Jake)? Evelyn says looking at Jake still on the floor, the holes in his body slowly fixing themselves. Yea, but you want your payment from Hansoo? Ofcourse, why else would I be going? Well, if you bring her along, he''s not gonna pay you, or even care about you. Why? He also committed some crimes, albeit minor like me, that she''s trying to bring him in for, but nobody can find him, like me. Huh? But aren''t you guys ridiculously easy to find? You were even homeless before. Yea, but they have a strict set of rules, and she''s a stickler for rules. So? Well, she made sure that not a single ghost broke the rules while looking for other illegal ghosts. Which are? Some simple ones are not leaving for more than 20 minutes, stay 100 meters from each group, and each group must have 5 people. So? I don''t see the problem. Well, not many ghosts are willing to work for the council, so they already have a lack of personnel, with the rules making it harder for them. Lela, is this true? Evelyn turns to look at Lela looking embarrassed and guilty. Wow, I kinda get why you''re guilty but why embarrassed? Well, she prides herself on doing her job the best and most efficiently, so being such a stickler for the rules, causing her to be worse at her job is a shame for her. Oh. Also she can''t even catch two ghosts like me and Hansoo who are not even hiding that hard. Jake says in a somewhat mocking tone. Making Lela glare at him. You wanna die huh? Lela says preparing another soul bullet (Yea, that''s what I''m calling it now) with enough energy to blow the house up. Hey hey, calm down, if you wanna do this then do it somewhere I wouldn''t be affected. Fine. Lela says while looking at Jake still with a mocking face knowing she wouldn''t dare. Dam it, you think I don''t dare? I know you wouldn''t, isn''t there a rule that goes along the lines of not doing anything that''ll attract too much attention with soul energy and not using too much soul energy? Dammit¡­ . Lela says with a somewhat defeated annoyed face. Can you two stop arguing and figure out what we''re gonna do with Hansoo now? Yea I know what to do. Really bear boy, YOU know what to do out of everyone? Yea, I say we let you decide if you want the money from Hansoo or not. Obviously. Then don''t bring the cruel woman. Evelyn turns to Lela expecting an annoyed face but sees her with an oddly proud face for some reason. ¡­ Ok, let''s go. Huh, you''re bringing her along? Evelyn ignores him and keeps walking out with Lela and Jake following. Of Course not, Lela goes back home. Fine. That was easy. Wait, bring a bag first, I heard that he gives you money, so why not bring a bag to store it? ¡­ That''s actually a good idea. Evelyn and Jake head into her room and take her only bag and start going to find Hansoo. Wow, she''s usually a lot more stubborn than that. Evelyn says adjusting the oddly uncomfortable bag. Yea, she even gave you advice. Hmm, how weird, screw it, we''re already here anyway. I swear, this restaurant is so close.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Evelyn and Jake head into Hansoo¡¯s restaurant and find him, following him to the usual room again. Okay, back for the test I assume? Yea. By the way, what''s that bag for? Did you bring anything? Nope, it''s empty. Show me, open it. Sure? Evelyn opens it and finds a ghost flying out immediately pinning Hansoo to the wall. Huh, whose¡­ Evelyn, do you really not know who that is? ¡­? Evelyn contemplates for a moment before realising. Oh¡­ I knew it felt weird that she wasn''t as stubborn as usual. Evelyn, you brought her over to my restaurant?! Hey, I didn''t bring her, she snuck into my bag. Oh, that''s why my bag felt uncomfortable and why you suggested it. Guys don''t worry, I won''t screw you over. Lela finally speaks up. Huh? Am I supposed to believe the ghost who lives according to the rules to the point I wouldn''t be surprised if she''d die for them? Yea, it''s for Evelyn anyways. Why are none of the ghosts I''m surrounded by normal? All three of them answer immediately something along the lines of ¡°your not normal either¡± not word for word, but similar enough to make Evelyn frown slightly. Fine, I may be a bit unique¡­ Lela let him go. Sure, and your not just a bit unique- Shut it. You too. Evelyn says to Jake as she sees Jake opening his mouth. You got any insults to add on? Evelyn looks over at Hansoo who has been released by Lela. No, you being unique helps with my research anyways. Ok, last week I found out you had no soul energy left but was alive, but I''ve got a theory, so sit down. Cruel women and Jake, come help me too, I guess having that woman here helps too due to her control. Wait, what do you mean she had no soul energy? Lela asks, concerned. Ask her by yourself later, I''m busy so hurry up. Fine. First, sir side by side with Evelyn in the center. Evelyn starts injecting soul energy into Jake. Sure. And now cruel women, use your soul energy and probe inside her body, especially her heart and blood vessels and tell me what you can find. All three of them do as Hansoo said for the next 20ish minutes before stopping. Okay, I found a layer of soul energy on the side of her heart and blood vessels, creating an identical system on the inside. Hmm¡­ What does that mean? Well, it means that you''ve got a heart made of soul energy. Which means? That whenever your heart beats, the heart made of soul also beats, sending soul energy throughout your body quickly, increasing the amount of soul energy in your body How? Anyways, the soul energy will constantly keep joining together into bigger chunks, leaving more spare space in your body for natural absorption from the air and your body increasing the rate that it causes soul division by a lot. Hansoo says ignoring her question. I assume that woman has already taught you about soul energy? Yea. Good, cuz I''m pretty lazy to do so. I assume the stronger ghosts also do this? No. Why not? You said it increased the rate I get soul energy by a lot though? Yea, but your body does it naturally, while a ghost regardless of how strong has to use their own soul energy to make a heart and vessels. Don''t I also do that? Yea but they need more soul energy to sustain the shape while yours just uses the shape of your own vessels and heart. Oh, but shouldn''t it still be efficient? Yea, but only by a bit due to needing even more soul energy to beat the heart, and the concentration needed to sustain the shape of the heart and the vessels would be massive, so other methods to increase soul energy would work much better. Other methods? Like what? I don''t know, each ghost has their own method, and don''t ask the two behind you, they aren''t strong or experienced enough to create their own method. Oh. And, and yours is probably the best if used properly. Used properly? How? If I teach you, I''m only gonna pay you half of what I''m supposed to. Sure. Why do you even want to learn? To be strong? No, just seems convenient since it can increase my strength and speed and self defense an¨C Ok ok, I got it. First you gotta compress the energy in your body into one large chunk. Why? To increase the rate it duplicates. But isn''t it like cell division, how would it¡­ Oh, that''s because it''s closer to multiplication, like if the amount of soul energy you have can be counted as 16 you would produce 4 per month. So it''s just the amount you have, square cubed? Yea, but it seems so inefficient. It''s efficient for the stronger ghost. Makes sense. Next step is to compress it without making it too dense to avoid it turning liquid like. Huh? Just try it, soul energy is different and isn''t as affected by physics. Evelyn tired it, making sure the soul energy doesn''t get too close to a liquid like state. Wow, this feels weird. You''ll get used to it. Alright, you''re done. That''s all? Yea, just make sure to do that every once in a while, also exercise helps. How? Outdoors should have more energy, also a faster heart rate causes the other heart made of soul energy to beat faster too, allowing the smaller bits of soul energy you can''t detect to clump together into a big enough piece for you to add with your main piece. Alright, pay up now. Sure. Hansoo hands over 500 dollars in 5 dollar bills. Dam, was hoping you would forget. I''ll pay you the other 500 if you convince her not to snitch on my location? Hansoo gestures to Lela. Sure. Hansoo pays up as they begin to leave. Once outside. Hey Lela. Yes? You heard him just now, don''t expose his location. Sure. Huh? That''s called convincing? Jake says, clearly not willing to play along. Well, I told and she agreed. Screw it¡­ ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey Evelyn? Yea Lela? So about the depletion of your soul energy before, mind to explain? Damn, why does everybody have such good memory? Fine, short explanation so all you''re getting. Sure. Okay, I met a deranged spirit, had to disperse my energy completely and rub. Ok, that''s not specific at all, but I think I got it. Nice. Also you''re absorbing in soul energy now. Huh? I thought I was also absorbing in soul energy? Yea, but it was so less that it would have been pathetic to even Jake there who already has a pitiful amount of soul energy. Hehe, if you wanna insult me at least don''t do it Infront of me. Anyways, I''ve met the council of ghosts before once and the amount you''re absorbing is a lot more than them, if given enough time, you would become stronger than them. Yea, but I would die of starvation, thirsty or old age first. Actually, you could use soul energy to negate all of that. How? Soul energy can act as a replacement for your cells by revitalising them constantly with minimum amount of soul energy, and if they are constantly revitalised by soul energy, they won''t die or age, so no need to care about old age. Yea, and if I get injured? You have more than enough energy left to become a ghost after death, and keep every single sense after death, so you could still have se- Shut up. Also what do you mean enough to become a ghost? There''s a minimum requirement? Yea, also the more energy you have at death, the more chance you have of keeping your senses. Oh. Do you know how a ghost is formed? If I say no, will you give me a lecture? Yea. Then yes I know. Liar, anyways a ghost is formed when- If regardless of what I said you would still give me a lecture then why ask? Because you''re terrible at lying. How? I don''t believe my expression or tone changes. Yea, but it''s your choice of words and how long it takes to answer, and stop changing the topic. A ghost is formed when a person dies and the soul energy explodes, usually being trapped in the person''s clothes, and dead cells, including skin and hair, which is why when a person dies, they look similar to before they just died. Yea, what do you mean skin and hair though? Look at me and Jake over here, our skin. Hmm. Evelyn pulls their arms and looks. Oh, it looks more transparent than your clothes. Yea, that''s cus it has less soul energy stuck to it than our clothes have on the inside. It''s also why our clothes or anything we were wearing is a lot thinner as it''s only about as thick as a layer of soul energy that a human has before death, which isn''t a lot seeing as humans just usually live without doing anything to actively increase the amount of soul energy they have. But you said I have enough soul energy. Because you were born special. So other people aren''t like me? Obviously not, I assume that your special constitution is also hey you can see ghosts, but just a theory. Oh another fact in case you die. Lela says making Evelyn give her a questioning look. I said incase, okay? Anyways, if you have enough soul energy, you can make yourself look human by covering any injuries with soul energy and giving yourself color. You can color yourself? Lela turns her arm back to human colored (Idk what colours humans are and I don''t wanna phrase It my own way cus my friends say I sound racist when I don''t phrase what I said in my head before saying it. I swear I''m not a genuinely racist guy) before it turns back to the usual blueish from the soul energy that makes up her body in seconds. It takes practice to sustain it, and a high amount of soul energy to start it, but sustaining it takes a lot less. Oh nice. Hey guys. Jake says, making Evelyn and Lela turn to him. What, You''ve been pretty quiet ever since I got back from my testing. We''re forgetting the most important thing here. Which is? Evelyn asks as Lela just sighs. Naming what your heart is gonna be called. Soul heart. Huh? That''s what I''m calling it. But, isn''t that too simple? You ghost seem to have a lack of creativity anyways, so I''m sure no one will mind. I agree with Evelyn, let''s just call it that. Lela says, looking sick of Jake''s rubbish. And ghosts have a lack of creativity as after death, most decide to just pursue what they enjoy. If they enjoy art? They die, or they stop. Huh? Well, I don''t kill them, just listen first, f they get paint on them which they can''t clean off, it''ll be floating paint, making it obvious that there''s a ghost, making them a target. Oh. So we''re just gonna call it soul heart? Jake asks, making sure. Yea, soul heart. Chapter 11. Unique employer employee relationship Okay, so Evelyn what do you wanna do now? Hmm¡­ Lela you decide, I don''t know. I asked what you wanna do and you tell me to decide.. whatever I guess, you know how to pretend to be a ghost? Yea bear boy(Jake) here taught me. Yea, I was the one who taught her. Ok, then I guess you know nothing. ¡­ That''s one hell of an impression you have of me. You suck, that''s why. Hey guys, so how do I pretend? You pretend by¨C Shut up, don''t listen to him. To be honest, I actually forgot everything bb(Jake) taught. bb? Whose that? Yea, it''s your name, bear boy(Jake) for short, cus bear boy sounds terrible. Then just use my real name. That''s worse. ¡­ Anyways, Evelyn makes a layer of soul energy on the outside of your body. Done. That was fast, now slowly push soul energy into the air around you, but very less at a time. If I run out? You won''t, your natural absorption is more than sufficient. Oh. Won''t it look weird that I can absorb and let out at the same time? No, all ghosts actually do that, just some of the weaker pathetic ones do so so slowly that it''s completely negligible, if you know who I''m talking about. Jake looks over at Lela for doing that, with a slightly annoyed look. Hey, I didn''t mention any names, if you feel offended maybe it''s because you fit the description. Lela says, raising her arms up in a surrendering manner playfully. Ok, yea but why are you teaching me this? Simple, wanna visit the village? Really? Nobody will find out? No, unless one of the 3 ghosts from the council comes and focuses on you, which shouldn''t happen. Sure then, but why are there 3 ghosts? Oh, the number can change anytime. Huh? Go ask Jake, I''m too lazy to explain. Lela says signaling for Evelyn and Jake to follow along. So? So what? Lela told me to ask you, so¡­ Tell me Fine¡­ you simply have to be strong enough to qualify to be part of the strongest ghost. What are the requirements? To be able to destroy a quarter of the country. Huh? And there''s 3? Yea. Hey, could you guys follow along faster? Fine fine, why is she in such a rush? Probably to meet her father. Huh? Ghosts have parents. Are you serious? Well I guess it makes sense, so you have parents too? Nope. Huh? Mine didn''t have enough soul energy when they died, so they didn''t become ghosts. Oh. And why is Lela bringing me to see her parents? How am I supposed to know? You knew just now. I was guessing and it seemed like I was right, right? You''re going to bring Evelyn here to your father right? To brag that you actually have friends after so long? Jake starts mocking Lela and surprisingly she doesn''t threaten him, but looks really annoyed. Huh? What''s going on? Well, last time, she tried bringing friends to her house. Human friends? Yea, no ghost wants to be her friend. What happened? They ran off and never talked to her again. Oh. Also, her father kept asking her loudly if she had friends, RIGHT???? If I remember correctly, it was. ¡°Lela! Remember to make some actual friends! I don''t care if their girl or guy, ghost or human! Just make some friends and keep them!¡± Right??? ¡°LELA¡±??? Jake keeps mocking Lela. Lela is this true? So what if it is?! Just follow already! Fine fine, but how far away is it? A couple kilometers, let''s just run. Huh? What makes you think I can run so much? Don''t you have enough soul energy? You didn''t teach me how to use it like that¡­ Oh, it''s easy, push soul energy into your muscles that you''re using gently but not too lightly, if you push too much, you will be stronger but too much soul energy will be used, and if you use even more, your limb will blow up. Really? If you''re a ghost, since you''re mostly just made of you know, alive cells, it would probably just use a lot of energy and kiss off some muscles, which caused by soul energy would hurt like hell. Great. Evelyn tries what Lela says and immediately no longer feels tired. Oh wow, so let''s just start running? Sure, let''s race! Jake suddenly interrupts before Lela can respond.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. No, let''s just go. You''re no fun. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Couple minutes later. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Wow, I didn''t know I could run that fast. Even if it was just a bit of soul energy,it still made you stronger, and more importantly not tired, and most importantly, let''s go in. The village is called losoul? They tried combining lost and soul together. This name sucks. Everyone knows that, but it''s what everybody is used to for over a hundred years, so nobody is gonna try changing it. Do ghosts just lose creativity after death? No, most just decide to do or atleast try to do what they wanted when they were alive and don''t waste time on names. The only one willingly enough to waste your name would be the idiot of the left of you. Evelyn turns to her left to see Jake looking at the sign in slight disgust. Hey, bb(Jake). Yea? There''s something honestly wrong with you. Yea, I''ve been told that many times. By who? The one on your right. Evelyn turns to the right again and looks at Lela again. Oh. go in. This is the village? It''s just a wasteland, I thought it would just be nearby and not actually this. Just go in Fine¡­ Upon stepping in, Evelyn immediately sees a city made of soul energy over what was originally a wasteland. Hey, how does the A.N.I not know about this place? We have methods to block the soul energy. Methods? Yea, there are some ghosts who like researching soul energy, so they get a job here and are provided with as much as they want, as long as they produce results eventually. How long is that? Give or take 50 years. Huh? Hey, the idiot on your left is 61 years old despite looking around 17-18 And the one on your right is an old hag who is above 100. Jake retorts at being called an idiot. Wanna repeat that again hm? Lela says preparing a soul bullet. Repeat what? Jake says feigning innocence. You two are so much older and act like this¡­ We can''t help it, our mental age doesn''t change. Yea, what he said, and I died around your age so my mentality is around yours. Around mine? Yea, totally. Are you being sarcastic? I can''t tell when it''s you talking, I suggest changing your tone every once in a while. Hey guys, are you gonna keep arguing or are we Gonna go in? Jake says clearly eager to enter. Hey, you died the oldest and yet you''re the least mature. So what? ¡­ Lela actually how did you die? I don''t see injuries. Heart problems. What problems specifically? Don''t know, when I died medicine was developed enough to have a name for it yet. Oh so you''re a lot older than 100. So what? Alright, where are we going first? The food sho- My home. Lela cuts off Jake. Oh so you actually want me to meet your dad? Yea, to shut him up. Why not bring bb(Jake) here? My dad hates him too. Ah. Bb(Jake), it seems everybody actually hates you. My specialty. ¡­ Shameless. Whatever, let''s just go to your house already. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- I think he''s out right now. Doing what? His job. What does he work as? Law enforcement. Oh similar to you. Wanna see my room? Sure, bb(Jake) you coming? Nah I''ll wait out here. Evelyn follows Lela into her room Wow, just a bed and¡­ a bed is all you got. Yea, ghosts don''t have electricity, so no TV, and we can''t even change our clothes cus they are no different from part of our body, so no closet and obviously no toilet. Oh, but does that mean you can feel it if I touched your shirt? A bit. Oh. Well technically the ghost with very high control can separate their clothes off to change but only for aesthetic purposes due to there being no real benefit. Oh. Evelyn and Lela suddenly look towards the door as they hear Jake shouting for help outside. Is he okay? Yea, just means that my dad is home.l Ah. Evelyn and Lela leave the room and see Jake being held upside down by Lela''s father. Ah, Lela daughter, why is this guy in my house? I brought him here duh. Why? Cus his my friend is my friend. Don''t lie, you have no frien- Lela''s dad spots Evelyn and leans closely to see her clearly. Hi? You''re my daughter''s friend? Yea? You''re not being paid? No. You are aware that we are real ghosts and not fake ones? Yea, also Lela didn''t you say that nobody else would be able to tell? Well, usually they can''t if they don''t lean directly into your face. Thanks for the info. See, now that was clearly sarcasm unlike your other times, the change of tone does make a huge difference. ¡­ Anyways, my daughter''s friend, what is your name? Evelyn. Your friends with this guy? He holds Jake upside down using a thick blue rope made of soul energy. Kinda. Kinda? Dad, it just means yes, stop asking. Fine fine. He says dropping Jake down. Anyways, you should probably get my daughter to help you replenish the soul energy in your eyes. Huh? What do you mean huh? You need it to see the soul energy including the walls so you don''t hit your head. Evelyn turns to look at Lela confused. ¡­ Dad, she can see without soul energy in her eyes. What do you mean? I''ll tell you later, but Evelyn. Yea? If I bring humans here I usually have to put soul energy on their eyes like a contact lens for them to see ghosts and soul energy. Then can''t the A.N.I also do the same? They can, but it doesn''t last long because you need a ghost with high control, and they only have machines. Oh. Anyways, you bring Jake out and go do something, I''m gonna explain to my dad. Sure? Evelyn says, dragging Jake out of the house while still staring at Lela somewhat confused. Hey, stand up, I''m not pulling you anymore. I can''t. Why not? Lela''s father messed with the soul energy in my legs so I''m kind of paralysed for the next minute. Oh my god¡­ Evelyn keeps pulling Jake to a restaurant. So¡­ Do ghosts accept human money? No, they collect soul energy, you forgot? Oh yea. Evelyn degas Jake into the restaurant and orders food for them both onto for the food to arrive as a chunk of soul energy. What is this? Don''t question it, it tastes nice still, just take a bite. Evelyn takes a bite of it and gets surprised by the taste and lightness. This is so weird. Also you''re paying. Huh? Fine, how much? 4 grams worth. How do I know how much is four grams? Jake passes Evelyn a small stone at the side of the table. Here, just fill this up till it glows and it''ll be 4 grams. That''s convenient. Yea. Evelyn fills the stone up and leaves with Jake now being able to walk. That was a unique experience indeed, and it was basically free. Easy for you to say, your soul energy absorption is so quick nothing can compare. Yea yea, stop being jealous. You do still need human food though, please remember that. Shame Unless you just use soul energy to revitalise your cells. Oh yea, forgot I could do that. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Somewhere hidden from Evelyn''s view ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hm, I came to check because I heard that Lela had returned with the troublemaker but what''s this? Why''s there a human girl, and with no soul energy on her eyes to act as a filter to see soul energy. I ought to visit my dear employee now. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey, I''m back with bb(Jake) here Nice timing, we were just done talking, right dad? We were nowhere near d¨C Ok, you heard him, we''re done. Alright¡­ By the way, be careful of using soul energy. Huh? Why? Well, my boss is here, he is one of the three ghosts on the council, and he is incharge of anything law related. Yea, what does he look like? Evelyn asks, looking behind Lela. Well, some tall shady guy. Is he like a blackish indistinguishable glob of goo? Sometimes, How''d you know? Shady? Lela that''s not very kind of you Lela. A black glob of goo materialises into a ghost behind her. Oh, uh hi boss? What are you doing here? Lela asks, looking up at the black form as it materialises into a proper ghost. I was just checking up because I heard you brought the troublemaker in, but I saw this interesting friend of yours. Yea, what''s that got to do with you? Hey, my daughter''s friend, Evelyn right? Follow me. Sure? Evelyn follows him out of the house along with jake. Why? Well, the employer employee relationship they have is not¡­ normal, so I suggest just staying out here and waiting. Sure, hey bb(Jake) don''t go back in or you''re staying in. No way I was going in even if you told me to. Nice. A couple minutes later, Lela opens the door. Hey Evelyn, could you come in for a sec? Sure? Evelyn follows Lela back in, seeing that her dad and Jake have no intentions to follow along. Back in the house, they sit at the dining table, one of the few pieces of furniture Lela¡¯s home has with her employee. Hello Evelyn I believe it was, let me introduce myself seeing as my employee here probably has no intentions to do so, I am the keeper of law, one of the three ghosts of the council. What''s your name? I just told you. Huh? No you didn''t. Evelyn looks over to see Lela sick of his rubbish. His name is quite literally ¡°keeper of law¡± Huh? Yes, as my employee here has said, that''s my name. Unique name I guess? Well, most of the longer lived ghosts like me have already forgotten their old names, so the three ghosts in the council have just named themselves after what we look after. Seems like a pain to pronounce. He, so feel free to call me as everyone else does, kol. Why kol? It''s short for keeper of law Oh, but why am I here? Evelyn turns to Lela. Ask him, not me. So? Evelyn asks again to kol instead. A deal, let me train your soul energy every once in a while. When''s every once in a whirl? I''ll get Lela here to inform you. I''m not your messenger. I''ll give you less work hours? Evelyn, you heard him, I''ll help inform you from now onwards. ¡­ Right, but why are you helping me? Three reasons. Which are? First, this seems interesting seeing as you''re the only one who can do this. Oh, second reason? I''m curious to see how strong you can become. And the third? If I help you, you''ll owe me so you can help me if I need it. If I don''t? Then it will be a shame, but the first two reasons are still sufficient. Fine, but if I help, it won''t be anything too bad. You have my word. Alright, Mr employer, could you get out of my house now? Fine fine no rush. He says disappearing back into his weird black goo into the floor and gone. What an experience. I hate him. I can tell. The door opens slightly with Lela''s dad and Jake peeking through. Daughter, is he gone? Yea, he''s your boss too so hey don''t you talk to him? His a pain to deal with, and the atmosphere between you two is not something I was prepared to deal with when your mother got pregnant last time. Too bad, anyways Evelyn Jake, why don''t I show you around a bit? Where? The law enforcement headquarters. You don''t think that''s a bad idea after what just happened? It may be for Jake over here, but it will be mostly okay. Mostly? Lela keeps smiling innocently, ignoring what Evelyn asked. Evelyn sighs knowing that Lela will just keep bothering her with it. Fine fine¡­ Jake your following too or I''m handing you over to my boss. Fine¡­ Jake grumbles. Chapter 12. Evelyn floats. We''re really gonna do this huh? Yea. Jake you ready? Evelyn, I think that''s the first time you''ve called me by my name. Well, I felt the need to do so once before dying. Valid. Evelyn and Jake are both tied up with soul energy being dragged along by Lela as she puts them down facing the headquarters for the law enforcement which looks about as big as a mansion despite being over a kilometer away. Hey come on guys, why do your faces look like they''re losing color? Evelyn, your face still looks pretty normal and expressionless as usual, but Jake why do you also look like that? Hello? Anybody there? Well don''t worry, even if you two died I will still drag your bodies in to honor your wishes of wanting to visit. N¨Cno¡­ I never wanted t¨C Hush Evelyn, I get your enthusiasm but no need to be so dramatic. You ready Jake? No not really n- Wow, you two are particularly enthusiastic today huh? Lela smiles as she keeps dragging them towards the building. Don''t worry guys, it won''t be that bad. Really? Evelyn and Jake both ask at the same time sounding even more lifeless. Yea, worse comes to worse, Jake gets imprisoned, his memories read and labour for a couple years, and Evelyn don''t worry, even if they experiment on you I''ll make sure they don''t kill you. You know, if we weren''t in a novel, I bet your lines would disappear too. ¡­ Suddenly a black goo appears and kol materialises again. Hey, my dear employee, I gotta borrow them. Kol says while using his goo to grab us from Lela''s hands. Don''t you dar- Lela tried to shout but kol transports us away before she can finish her sentence. Oh wow, she really screwed you both huh? Kool looks at Evelyn and Jake still lifeless and staring into blank space. I''ll just leave Jake here, we''ll be in the next room, come look for us once your uh¡­ fixed? Kol says while dragging Evelyn into the nearby room, which looks similar to the ones Hansoo has with white tiles on every surface. Hey Evelyn, wake up. He knocks on her head. Right¡­ this isn''t the first time this has happened, let me just¡­ He pulls out a picture of the headquarters of law enforcement and shows it to Evelyn but no reaction. Still nothing? Then how about¡­ He pulls out a picture of Lela making Evelyn wake up immediately. Crap! Huh? Where am I? Evelyn looks at kol. Soul energy training. Yes, but wasn''t I about to¡­ Yea, I saved you, you owe me one. You are my god. Okay, tone it down. Fine, but what happened? Well¡­ I assume while you were using your soul energy to pretend to be a ghost, and your.. encounter with Lela, you messed up and some of it went into your brain. Isn''t that bad? Yes, but not too much went in so you kinda just blacked out with your eyes open. Oh, where''s Jake? He''s in the room beside us. Isn''t he back to normal? No. Why? A ghost soul energy basically makes up their body and consciousness so it''s basically like their brain, so when he was pretending, he messed everything up. Why would he pretend? He''s already a ghost. He tried pretending to be another ghost. Who? I don''t know, I assume just anything he could get to work. Oh anyways, what are we doing first? First let me introduce you to a mutual acquaintance. Who? He opens the door on the opposite side of the room, and Hansoo steps through it. Why are you here? Great testing opportunity. Anyways, our training today will be based on a theory he has. Which is? Well, I suspect that your cells are partially made of soul energy. Huh?Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Due to being exposed to such an excessive amount for so long, I believe that your soul energy entered your cells, causing them to adapt and become similar to soul energy. Right, so how does this benefit me? This is the part where we can use Hansoo''s current hypothesis to try getting you to fly. Huh? Yes if what he says is right and your cells are similar to soul energy you could make your cells slightly lighter but changing it to a half liquid half solid form on the inside of each of your cells, leaving the outermost layer as solid. So skin and hair solid, make everything else that''s not an organ half liquid half solid stateish? Yea, that''s about it. I''ll try. Evelyn says while closing her eyes to concentrate as Hansoo prepares to take down notes. Am I doing it? Not yet. Kol says looking up at Evelyn flying. You sure? Yea, keep trying. Kol says while continuing to watch her float and nearly reach the ceiling. Hey Hansoo, you nearly done with your observation? Yea, and¡­ done. Evelyn opens your eyes! Evelyn does so and gets surprised by her height causing her to lose concentration and fall allowing Kol to catch her. Alright, thanks but mind putting me down now? Sure. Anyways, how did I float so high? My hypothesis was right, that''s how. Hansoo says without looking away from his notes somewhat in thought. So what are you going to teach me? Becoming a real ghost. Huh? Well, if your cells are half soul, half human, you can also become a ghost. Well actually, her cells are 25 perc¡ª Good enough, at least for an imitation. But why would I want to become a ghost, or at least an imitation? Right¡­ how that I think about it, you couldn''t go through walls like ghosts can. Ghosts can actually go through walls? Well kinda, we make ourselves into gas or most ghosts do so that wall, or liquid, but you probably couldn''t. I definitely can''t. Then how about we practice your control? That seems boring. How about making food with it? But making specific tastes so you can increase your control over soul energy too. Sure. You like food and money, ey? How do you know I like money? Kol points towards Hansoo who is completely deep In thought. Oh. For the next few hours, Evelyn practices trying to make food, but failing to even create a shape to hold the soul energy, let alone the taste. See, much harder than expected, this will help your soul energy control do much if you can successfully do this. Go back home first and practice before coming back. Sure. Oh hello Jake, I see you''re finally awake. Yea, thanks kol. Why isn''t he lost like I was? This wasn''t his first time. Oh. So Jake, wanna stay with me and practice soul energy? N- And before you finish that, please remember about my employee who''s probably fuming due to me taking you guys away, so just stay here for a week ish and let Evelyn deal with the problem, hm? Hey, I''m still right here you know? Alright, I''ll stay! Hey Jake. You''re still calling me that? Think of it as a kinship for having suffered together. Sure. Evelyn, I''ll send you back, but do try avoiding her as I will not be able to help if she catches you. Right, got it. Kol sends Evelyn back, only to see it dark outside and Lela staring at them silently. Hey, wanna send us back? On it. They whisper to each other as lol slowly sinks them in. Kol, my dear boss, stop that or I''ll spread the rumors again. That was you? So what? Fine sorry Evelyn, you''re on your own. Wait! Evelyn shouts as he disappears before turning back to Lela who has a scary and dangerous seeming smile. We can talk about this. No we can''t. Lela starts running at Evelyn as Evelyn runs but much slower than Lela. Crap!! I gotta think of a way. Screw it, just gotta risk it. Evelyn makes herself light and uses soul energy to strengthen her legs more usually and jumps very high into the sky while slowly floating back down due to her reduced weight. I don''t know how you can do that, but you aren''t running away that easily. Evelyn watches in amazement and fear as Lela jumps just at least twice as high as she did with seemingly no effort. Crap¡­ Evelyn watches as Lela starts diving down at her with no way for her to avoid it. This is gonna hurt. Evelyn thinks as Lela crashes into her midair. Hi Evelyn. Hi Lela? Have you ever heard the saying that forgiveness Is a virtue? Yea. So how about using that piece of knowledge right now? Don''t wanna. Hey, I know you don''t feel pain from any non soul energy related injuries, but I do. True. Lela says while making herself light enough to hold both of them into the sky. Give me one good reason I shouldn''t drop you right now. Uhm, does being your friend suffice? Not even close. If you don''t drop me, I owe you one. And you better pay up. Lela says putting Evelyn back onto the ground. Right, let''s go home now. Where''s Jake? Oh him, his with your employer practicing soul energy as an excuse to avoid you. He suggested it? No, your employer did. Oh, I assume he left you homework. Homework? No but he did tell me to practice something. I knew it, what is it? To practice making good with soul energy. Hey Evelyn, you know that making proper soul energy food takes a couple hundred years of experience, even if you exclude all the soul energy needed, it would still take around 50 years. Oh.. too bad, maybe I just so happen to be a genius? In your dreams. Let''s just go back to my home¡­ ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Once she gets home, she starts practicing immediately and does so every free time she gets at home for the rest of the week, surprising Lela with the amount of progress she made as it should have taken. 10 years or longer to be so skilled. It''s not as good as those restaurant tones, but this is still amazing having only practiced a week. Oh it''s already been a week, so Jake should be back soon. You''re calling him Jake? Oh yes, we are basically kin who have suffered the same hell together, so I''m calling him normally Now. I''m back. Jake''s voice sounds out as he enters the room. Ok, now go away. Lela says, swatting him away. Hey, stop being so rude, I''ll let you know that I''m stronger. Hmm, I see my employer taught you part of his technique to naturally produce and absorb soul energy. Exactly. What makes you think that makes you stronger than me? Because he said so! Fine, let''s fight then. Jake got pummeled in 10 hits with him landing none. The only reason you lasted 10 hits was due to me holding back to hit you more, so be grateful that I didn''t finish it in one punch. Evelyn, come join me and we''ll best her! Jake calls out as Evelyn approaches and joins the fight. Evelyn pummeled in 11 hits. Evelyn, I guess you are stronger, be proud of yourself. Lela says standing over them as they lie on the floor defeated completely. Just you wait, we''ll beat you eventually! Yea, what he said! Evelyn and Jake keep training over the next week consistently until Evelyn and properly make food and Jake accumulates enough soul energy to shoot multiple soul bullets. Lela, let''s fight now, we are sure to beat you this ti- ¡ª------------------------------------- Wow, you two got stronger indeed. Lela says standing over them after beating them up. Both of you lasted 12 hits, congrats. Lela, don''t you have the test with Hansoo? Jake asks, still lying down beside her. Oh yea¡­ gimme a sec, I''ll get back up eventually. Later, they prepare and go back to Hansoo. You missed last week. Sorry. Whatever, just come sit down, you know the drill, Evelyn sit at the center, the other two, pick a side. Today will be a short test. Nice. I simply need you to stay still. Okay? Lela. Yes? Monitor where the soil energy is coming out from when it naturally leaves. Hmm, it''s hard to tell, but it seems like everywhere. Is it less than or more than a centimeter? Definitely less. Okay, evelyn, seems like all the cells in your body help to accumulate soul energy too. Huh? Yes, it is what it is. You sure? No, I need you to check at home alone. Why at home? I''ll tell you later. You simply need to absorb energy in using every cell of your body, and remember to use soul energy to revitalise the cells to increase their sensitivity making it easier to detect. I still don''t see why I have to do this at home. You have to be naked. Sorry? The amount is so less that your clothes would block soul energy from entering. Fine, where''s my payment? I''ll pay you 2500 next week if you bring the results. Fine. Evelyn leaves reluctantly ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s house ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Well, wait here I''m gonna go try it out now. Evelyn tells Lela and Jake as she goes to the toilet and strips, preparing to try to do so. Whew, this is gonna feel weird I assume. She thinks as she braces herself for what''s about to come. Can''t be worse than the hell I went through with Jake though. Chapter 13. Prank/revenge planning Well¡­ guess I''m doing this? Evelyn keeps her eyes closed as she focuses and tries to absorb the energy using every cell exposed to the air. Alright¡­ I had to use soul energy to make myself more sensitive I believe. She uses the soul energy and is able to feel every cell in her body. Right, this should be much easier than expected. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- An hour later ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Ok¡­ I''ve been trying for an hour but haven''t been able to accomplish much¡­ This is a lot harder than I expected since I can''t really focus on multiple body parts at once. Evelyn keeps trying for another half an hour before putting her clothes back on and going out. So.. did you succeed? Lela asks, making Evelyn annoyed. Guess that''s a no It''s such a pain trying to focus on multiple body parts at once. Really? It seems like it would be pretty easy though? Then how about you both try it? Hey, why are you bringing me into your argument? Jake asks, finally focusing on Lela and Evelyn. Venting my anger and annoyance. But we can''t even if you tell us to, our body naturally does it so we can''t focus on doing so specifically. Yea, his right. Even the strongest ghost can''t completely do so. And they wanted me, a human who''s obviously hundreds of times less experienced to do it? Guess so? Why don''t you just ask my employer next time he appears, or Hansoo. Right¡­ So what do we do now? Not really sure, we''re pretty free right now anyways. Oh, I know, what about my hobby? Jake suddenly interjects. Which is? Blowing things up with soul energy. Huh? I thought you didn''t have enough? Yea, but kol taught me his method to get more, so I have enough to do a bit of chaos now. Sure I guess. No, you two are absolutely not doing this. Lela suddenly says, stopping them. Why not? Oh yea, you are a stickler for rules aren''t you? Jake, I assume this is against a certain one of those ghost rules? Probably, most rules are here to prevent conflict with the A.N.I as much as possible anyways. You guys are not doing this. Come on, I''ve done this many times already, it''ll be okay. Huh? You''ve done this many times? Uh, forget what I said. Evelyn try convincing her. Evelyn looks at Lela who has a stern look on her face. Yea, I don''t think I can. Where did you do this? Lela asks sternly, still annoyed. Just around the hill near here, why? You change your mind? No, I have to go get rid of the soul energy there and you''re gonna help me. Fineee. You too Evelyn. What? Why me? You would have tried getting me to change my mind if I wasn''t as stern about this. But I didn''t. You would have tried. But I didn- I don''t care. Jake leads both of them to an isolated area near Evelyn''s house where there are clearly small craters. Here we are. Right, you two are going to help fix the area up while I absorb the excess soul energy near here. Fineee, you''re no fun. Jake complains softly, but loud enough to make sure Lela can hear. And I''m bringing you in to be imprisoned again later. What why? For doing this. I didn''t know it wasnt allowed. Don''t talk crap, you clearly knew. Fine fine. Hey guys, you gonna help, or do I, the one person who doesn''t have anything to do with this gotta do everything? Jake, you heard her, go help. What about you? Go fix the soul energy in the air. I can do so in seconds, but you guys need more work. A couple hours later, Jake and Evelyn finish fixing the place as Lela does her part in seconds like she claimed. That''s not fair that you who wanted to do this is doing lesser than me who didn''t cause or want this. But you were encouraged, let''s go home now. Fine. Jake and Evelyn follow behind Lela while glaring at her, with her not giving a damn. ¡ª----------------------------------------------Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Couple hours later ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Right, this is the spot boss. You sure this is how it''s supposed to be? It wasn''t like that before, there were small craters and excessive soul energy. Right, that''s why you suspected a ghost to be here. Indeed. Vincent sighs as she starts looking around, finding small traces of there being a crater before. Why did it come to this? I didn''t apply for a job at the A.N.I to be out in the sun working away. At first, I was simply happy to be promoted first due to my hard work, allowing me extra pay and lesser hours, but now, this kind of seems worse doesn''t it?. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Jake you okay? Evelyn says looking down at him with a couple of holes in his body and her house. I''ve survived this before in a worse condition, I''ll be okay. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Couple minutes ago ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey Jake, you think I forgot about imprisoning you? Come on, forgiveness Is a virtue you know? Evelyn''s said that before, you two are oddly similar. Really? Yea, when you get into trouble with me that is. Oh. How about an alternative? Sure anything other than getting jailed by you. Right, stand still and be a target for practice. Huh? Jake says before he gets time to process the soul bullets being shot his way. Hey, what are you doing? Are you crazy?! Jake keeps dodging her bullets easily. Hah, you are a lousy shot. Really? Then how about I compensate with numbers? Huh? Jake sees lela suddenly start shitting 10 bullets at once, but weaker. They''re getting weaker, no way you can sustain it if you do this. Jake says nervous but feigning confidence. You must be mistaken, I''m only reducing it so that Evelyn''s house or atleast room doesn''t get destroyed. Eight Evelyn? You''re grateful, yes? Lela says looking at Evelyn who frowns at her while tied up and tape over her mouth. I assume your silence is agreement. Lela says to get some angry muffled grunts back at her from Evelyn. And Jake, don''t worry, I won''t kill you, just take like 5 bullets while standing still okay? Fine, but you better keep your words. Sure sure. Jake stands still and sees Lela with 10 bullets ready to shoot at him You motherfuc¡ª Jake gets interrupted as all 10 fly at him, causing holes to appear and him to be in pain as Lela unties Evelyn and walks out. Sorry Evelyn, I gotta work a bit overtime today, so he''s your problem. She says before rushing back to the council. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Back to the present. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey hey up, you''re okay already. I''m still in pain. Just get up, we need revenge on her. I agree. Jake says still on the floor. Jake and Evelyn try to come up with plans. We could make a dead body of anybody she is close to. How? We ghosts are made of soul energy, we can make a fake body with one. Nah, she wouldn''t believe it, and I assume that takes a lot of control? Yea, and neither of us have near enough control. Great¡­ Hmm, I got a plan. What is it? I''ll tell you later, let me go write the plan out and make sure it''s foolproof first. What should I do? You practice your soul energy, we need at least a decent control, and I''ve heard that actually pretty talented at improving your control, pretty surprising honestly. What''s that meant to mean? Anyways, we should get started before she comes back. Jake says, ignoring her question. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela¡¯s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hm, ever since they got closer they''ve been going against me pretty often, they''re probably gonna try and fight back one way or another. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn¡¯s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Right¡­ I''m back to making food with soul energy to improve my control. Evelyn says, taking a bite out of it. Every once in a while, it''ll taste great but more often, it may taste terrible. I also learnt that I could just absorb the energy directly back into my own body instead of letting it disperse into the air slowly, so when I make anything big I can just absorb it back in. God, this is gonna be annoying. I wonder what Jake is doing, he just left the house not too long ago. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Jake''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Right, I gotta research if I want this to succeed. He says standing outside her home before entering. Hello, Lela''s dad? Why are you here again? Well, does your daughter care for you? Why? Me and Evelyn are trying to prank her and beat her too. Sure then, she does care for me, but I wouldn''t count on it. Good enough, thanks. Jake says while leaving the house. Hmm, how do I find kol now? Yes, I''m here, what do you need? Kol says metabolizing from his black goo again. Oh, did you hear me just now? Indeed. Are you willing to help? Absolutely. Isn''t she your employee though? Indeed, but she gets annoyed. Wow. What do you need my help with? Tell me her weaknesses and how much it would take to injure her. And If I don''t know? I know you know, you were her mentor for fighting a while back weren''t you? How do you know? Because I don''t remember telling you and I know she sure as hell didn''t either. I didn''t, I guessed. Oh. So? Fine, her weakness is that she can''t react to sudden changes well and as for how much she can take¡­ make a soul bullet for me to see how strong it is first. Do I have to shoot it? Jake asks while he makes a bullet. No, if you made bullets of this strength, it would take around 20 to 25 first hits to even injure her a bit. Why so much? She knows how to make somewhat of a shield using soul energy. Doesn''t that take a lot of soul energy though? Which she has. Great.. but I can work with this. Do inform me of the results once you''re done. Sure. Jake says before turning to go back to meet with Lela''s father again to discuss a bit of the plan. But, you should succeed, or she''ll be pretty pissed off. I''m very aware. Jake says without even turning back. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- This is so annoying, the last time I made any progress was when I practiced for a whole week¡­ Evelyn, I''m back. Finally, where were you? Making plans by collecting information from kol and her dad. When will we be starting the plan? In 3 days. I''ll inform you of the plan too later, for now just practice your control and precision. Sure, but get rid of all evidence that we were planning this. Sure sure, also this is just to take revenge mainly, but mind if I add a prank in? Sure, but not too much because she''ll probably find out if you do too much. Don''t worry, the main event will be hurting her part anyways. Of Course, but why are ghosts so okay with pain? Huh? We''re not? We simply can tolerate it better due to having felt the pain of dying before already. Oh yea, you''re dead. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Couple minutes later ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela returns and sees Evelyn practicing while Jane lies on the floor bored. What, no attempts to ambush me or take revenge? Can''t be bothered. Evelyn says continuing to practice. Yea¡­I call bull on that. I don''t care, go pester Jake. Leave me alone. Sorry Jake, but she is giving you her problems, namely me. What a joy. Jake says ignoring her. Fine, I''ll leave you alone, you''re so boring. Evelyn, remember to do the homework. I''m not falling for that again. Dam, but you really should go to sleep now, it''s already 10pm. Oh yea, I''m gonna go now. Really? No complaining that I''m not your substitute mother? Substitute mother? Jake asks, confused. Yea, her family sucks, but their still biologically her family, so yes, substitute mother. Evelyn ignores them and goes to sleep. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- At school the next day ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela keeps glancing over at Evelyn and Jake. No way, those two are planning to just leave me alone, I''ve already disturbed them so much along with what I did yesterday, no way they''re gonna forgive me. Now that I think about it¡­ it seems like Jake''s soul energy was at my house, I ought to ask my dad. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- After school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela immediately rushes to her home. Hey dad! Did Jake come by here yesterday? Yea. Why? How should I know? Because I assume he came here from you? He was here for you, but kol appeared and brought Jake with him. Great¡­ Lela rushes around, looking for kol as he suddenly materialises from the back goo again. Hey, I know kol told you about his revenge,, so spit it out. What revenge? Don''t lie, you talked to him yesterday. Yes, simply to help him practise his soul energy my dead employee. I don''t trust you, but it seems like you''re not telling me anyway. Oh also my dear employee. Yes? Get Evelyn to come back in around 4 days. Fine. Lela says before returning to Evelyn''s home. Hey Evelyn. Yes? Kol wants to see you. Now? 4 days. Sure. Get off the bed if you want to practise. Sure. Seriously? Just sure? Huh? What else do you want? You would usually talk back, asking why you should do so. Well, I assume it''s better this way? It isn''t. Then maybe you just wanted the bed? No. Oh, ok. See, you''re not even fighting back at all, there''s definitely something up. Why do you think so? I''ve been disturbing you and Jake constantly, and you two have started acting differently and forgiving me immediately, I''m not stupid. No, you''re not stupid. You''re paranoid. I''m not, I''m gonna get to the bottom of this. Sure sure, whatever you say. Over the rest of the day and the next one, Lela continues to be paranoid, going back to ask kol and Jake the same question. Hey Evelyn, she''s gone for now. Indeed, mind to fill me in onto the plan now before she returns? Sure, lend me your ear. Jake whispers into Evelyn''s ears as a precaution causing both of them to grin mischievously. Chapter 14. Lela gets screwed than screws. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela''s pov At school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela continues to stare at Evelyn throughout, getting called out by the teacher multiple times. Lela, usually it''s Evelyn not paying attention but today it''s you? Make sure to pay attention, we are going through an important topic today. Ok teacher. Honestly, I''ve already learnt all these so many times already due to repeating school for so many times as a ghost. Lela thinks while glancing back and forth at Evelyn and her teacher. Alright everybody, remember to do your homework and hand it in by next week. Class dismissed. Lela walks up to Evelyn. Hey Evelyn. Yea? Where''s Jake? I''m not sure, why are you asking me? Because he is usually with you. Well, he is not now. Sure sure, let''s go home? Sure. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn''s home ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn, you gonna start on the homework yet? No. Evelyn, can you start on the homework? No Evelyn, you''re gonna start on the homework. Didn''t I just say no? Yea, but I wasn''t asking this time. How are you gonna make me? Lela aims a soul bullet at Evelyn You know that doesn''t work as well on me. Yea, but it''s as effective as a paintball gun to humans, so¡­ it should still feel like a smack. I can handle that. Yea, but what if I do this? Lela creates over 10 bullets at once while aiming it. Fine, fine, I''ll do my homework now. Evelyn starts doing her homework with Lela sitting beside. Hey, aren''t you gonna do yours? I can finish it in a couple minutes. That''s rubbish. Wanna bet? No. Why the sudden lack of confidence? Because I know you only bet when you know you''re gonna win. So now you believe me? Yea. Evelyn continues doing her work as Lela finally starts but still finishes slightly faster than her. Finally doneeee. Yea, you took quite a while. ¡­ Suddenly, Jake enters the room. Where were you? With kol, why? Just curious. Oh, also he wanted you. My employer? Why? How would I know? Fine fine. Lela leaves the house and goes to find kol. Hey employer dearest, where are you at? Kol materialises. You''re finally here. You called me suddenly, be happy I''m even here. Yea yea, can you go find your father? Why? He''s got paperwork to do which l don''t want to. Fine fine, where is he supposed to be? On patrol. Where? Go check the roster, I forgot. Irresponsible boss. It''s my privilege as your boss. ¡­ Lela goes and checks the roster and goes to find her father. Where is this guy¡­ Lela looks around and finds a couple of people from the A.N.I. Why are they here? God this is gonna be annoying.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. My father probably followed them also. Lela thinks as she follows the people from the A.N.I. Where on earth are they going? She keeps following as they enter a room similar to the one Evelyn does her tests in but modified one to reduce soul energy and much smaller with multiple rooms. Just what is going on? Lela looks around before finding her father. Hey l, father dearest, what are you doing? I''m checking if what their doing is A threat to us obviously, so come help. Fine, but only to get you to hurry back. Come on, follow me. Lela''s dad leads both of them into a room with a couple of people. Why do they have soul energy coming out of them? What makes you think I know? Whatever, let''s just listen in. Hey, when are we gonna attack the town? Ask the boss not me, but can''t believe they were hiding at such a location. Hey, are they talking about attacking our town? Yea, why do you think I was following them? Let''s go back and get kol to deal with this. No, let''s just stay and do this, we''re much stronger than them anyways. Fine. Stop avoiding extra responsibility. Kol owes me extra PTO for this. I agree, even after dying I have a crap boss. ¡­ Lela and her dad continue looking around and find a small room full of weapons with soul energy. What''s this? Why are they emitting soul energy? How should I know? Take one to bring back. Fine fine. Lela takes a weapon which is oddly light. Why does it feel plastic? How should I know? Whatever, let''s just keep going. Lela and her dad keep looking around and following them. Hmm, where are they going? Lela and her dad follow them to a more secure looking room. Be careful. As they follow along, completely concentrating on the two A.N.I members In Front of them, an alarm suddenly rings and they see a sensor above them on the ceiling. Crap. Run! Both of them run, ending up separated due to the many rooms and doors closing, and opening only when an armed personnel uses a key card. I could just kill them, but that would be way too risky dammit. Lela keeps moving from room to room, turning herself into part gas to fit through the air vents, the only place without sensors where she has to avoid. There''s one here! She hears before turning back and seeing a couple armed guards running in her direction. Screw the sensors, they already found me. She moves through rooms faster than ever, causing alarms to sound out in all directions before losing them for a while. Where to hide, where to hide. She looks around and finds a closed but unlocked room, she thinks that this is a bad idea, but with no other way out in sight she goes through. On the other side, it locks after she enters and it looks like a slightly bigger room but with nobody inside as she hears some guards banging on the door. Ok, I was doubting it but there''s no way this is one of Jake''s stupid pranks, none of them even have enough control over soul energy to make even a single fake human, let alone a group. As Lela hears them trying to use their key card to unlock the door as she looks down and sees a vent. I have no clue where this goes, but it''s definitely better than my current situation. She moves down and finds herself in the middle of a random room as she hears guards approaching and she starts to run again before hitting a dead end. Dammit, do I really have to kill them? She gets stuck in a dilemma as she looks around to find any alternative solutions as their footsteps and voices get closer. Dammit. She prepares for combat as she hears her father''s voice. Huh? Where are you? Down here. She looks at the floor and senses more soul energy there. Where are you? This is just a floor? Just go through, there''s small gaps, probably for better ventilation. Huh? You sure? Lela asks as the footsteps and voices sound like they''re just right around the corner. Screw it, anything is better than this. Lela tries to go through the floor and succeeds just in time as she hears the footsteps and voice right above her. Let''s get out of here and get kol instead. Hey, you only call him kol when we''re in trouble or if you''re particularly lazy you know? How''s that important right now? It isn''t, I''m just thinking of a way out and making small talk, just think of it as father daughter time. I would disown myself if I could. Don''t worry, I would disown you too if we were alive. Whatever, let''s just go. Lela now with her father again, looks around the vent system to try finding a way out. We''re stuck here for now, let''s wait for them to leave first. After waiting for 20 minutes, they hear the voices and footsteps mostly die down but with some more occasionally appearing above them. Ok, I think we''re good for now. As they slowly come out, they return to the entrance but find it still locked. Dammit, we need to find another way out. If we die here, I''m blaming it on you dad. We won''t How about I just destroy the door? Don''t destroy the door unless there''s no other choice, you''re usually much better at sticking to the rules. That''s when I''m not in danger. How about we look for somewhere else first to continue arguing instead of our in the open? Fine. They both go up to the vent again. This isn''t gonna work forever you know? Dad, you got a better choice than here? What makes you think I do? Just hoping. Whatever, if we can''t open the door then we either gotta get a key card or find wherever their control room is. Obviously the control room, they''re going around in groups of four and we''ll make too much of a commotion. Wow, my daughter''s finally thinking clearly. Shut up. As they secretly go from room to room being more cautious than before while looking for the main control room, they find a lift. Oh god¡­ it''s probably on the lowest floor ain''t it? Lela says annoyed. Yea, and seems like the only way down is the lift which is risky. But we don''t have a choice, so just hurry up. Pretend to be a human. I already know without having you to tell me. As they enter the lift and change their body color to a normal person''s, they see a sensor above them, but hides it properly this time to avoid being caught. Lela, you can maintain the color change right? Of course I can, worry about yourself instead. Right, just be thankful to me that you died from a hereditary heart problem so you have no visible injuries. It''s also due to you that I died so early. Small details. Not really small details. For the rest of the short lift ride, they stare at the floor number in silence as they finally reach. Alright, wow this is a pretty big room. I think this whole floor is one room made for the control center. So why is there no one? Sorry for this. Sorry for what? Lela turns around and sees her dad backing up before a door closes in-between them. Huh? What''s going on? He pries me with more PTO. More PTO? What do you mea¡­ oh. Her voice lowers as she realizes what''s going on. The three of you are very creative huh? For what it''s worth, it was fun right? A voice sounds out from a speaker. It doesn''t sound like an idiot or my employer¡­ So Evelyn? Yea. The speaker suddenly stutters before the same robotic voice comes out again. Hey, we also recorded the whole process of you running around like an idiot. That''d not Evelyn and clearly not my boss. Jake, once I find you, you''re screwed. Have fun. The speaker starts again and starts again with the same voice. I''m guessing my boss this time? Don''t worry, I''ll pay you back with the same amount of PTO I gave your father. I was right I guess. So what now? You''re just gonna lock me in here? No, not forever of course. The robotic voice changed to Evelyn''s voice clearly this time You know you''re gonna regret this once I get out right? That''s my future problem. Evelyn says before a small part of a wall opens up, showing Evelyn and Jake as Lela shoots them with a soul bullet only for it to dissipate in a thin barrier. Employer, why are you helping them? Evelyn promised that she''ll always cooperate in the training . But I''m your employee, don''t I deserve priority? Yea, but it''s personal for me too, you threatened to spread rumors about me. And I will come when I get out. Sure, but for now you''re gonna suffer. Lela watches as Evelyn and Jake prepare soul bullets as kol holds her in place with ropes made of soul energy. Oh this is severely personal ain''t it? Of course. Evelyn and Jake start shooting Lela as she uses soul energy to strengthen her body, but starts running out quickly. Oh damn. Lela braces herself as the energy gets through her extra defenses and makes a bunch of small sized holes in her. Oh, that felt good for all the times you shot me. Jake says satisfied. Bye, me and Jake are gonna wait for you at home. Also, I hope you remember the way out because you still have work tomorrow. Kol says unbinding her as she falls down very slowly regenerating her legs. I hate you three. Employer you''re the one who made the guards right? Of course. And the weapons are just toys with soul energy, so that was you too? Of course. So where is this place, because there''s no way you spent a bunch of time constructing this place just for this. It''s a bunker which I can change to resist soul energy instead of reduce. Great Bye now, have fun I guess? They ignore her as they leave the area with her dad leaving her there to slowly regenerate and leave by herself. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Next day ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Lela did in fact not show up to work. Hey kol. A random employee who works at the law enforcement for ghosts. What? Well, some ghosts are demanding to meet you. Why? Well, they''ve heard of what you did. What I did? Yea, about the¡­ The? You being a womanizer, petty thief, lecher, abusive dad, abusive husband and a lot more. Huh? Yea, a rumor started this morning. Oh. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- At school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hm, does anybody know where Evelyn is? She said she was going to be sick for the next three days. Alright Lela, now everybody, settle down, class is starting now. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn¡¯s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Hey Jake. Yea? Do you regret pissing her off? Not really. Really? Yes I''m used to this. He says looking at the mirror Lela purposely placed In Front of them as they swing upside down from the ceiling. Chapter 15. Exorcist girl. 3 days later, when Lela finally lets Jake and Evelyn back down and returns to work, everything goes back to normal, except for the fact that Jake, Evelyn and kol all have a recording of Lela panicking slightly and half shot to death. Hey Evelyn. Lela says sitting down on the side of the bed, lying down on Evelyn''s back looking up at the ceiling bored. Yea? Evelyn uses her phone while ignoring Lela lying on her. My employer said that you have another test from Hansoo and 3 days after your test you need to go back to him for your training. Fine, so when do I go to Hansoo? As soon as possible. So let''s go now. Huh? Do we have to? I''m lazy. Jake says while sitting on a chair the wrong way round, leaning against the back of the chair. Let''s just go already. Fine!!! Upon arriving, they see Hansoo looking annoyed. Why does he look so annoyed? Because I was supposed to tell you to come yesterday. Great. Hey Hansoo, what are you doing? You were supposed to be here yesterday. Blame her, not me. Whatever, let''s just start¡­ What will we be doing today? Today''s a simple one too. Which is what? Lela. Yea? Inject your soul energy into her body until you can''t anymore. Wait huh? Isn''t that harmful? Nope, your body is made of flesh not soul energy so it won''t be able to escape quickly enough, and even Lela shouldn''t have enough soul energy to fill your body till it actually hurts any organs. Great¡­ Well, start? Hansoo says, taking out his pencil and notes, preparing to record down anything he needs. Lela starts injecting the energy into Evelyn but she doesn''t feel anything at all. Jake, injects yours too. Why? If Lela can''t I can''t either. Just do it Fineee. Jake joins Lela in injecting soul energy into Lela until they both get exhausted and Evelyn still looks fine. Guys I have a question. What? Hansoo asks without looking up from his notes as he keeps writing down his observations and theories. Why can''t I just get ghosts to inject soul energy into me to make me stronger? When you collect soul energy from the air, it''s so less and it doesn''t have an owner for so long so once It enters your body, it automatically becomes yours, forever. But when a ghost injects energy into you, it''s too much and it''s their energy, so it doesn''t get absorbed into your body, but provides temporary increase in soul energy. I don''t get it. Okay, in simple terms. Collecting soul energy is like increasing the limit of your energy, being given is just a temporary increase, so when it gets used you can''t get it back unless somebody gives you more again. Then why does the council collect tax? Stronger ghosts can absorb soul energy into their bodies, just a bit only though, but still faster than from the environment. Oh. Anyways, get out. I''ll give you your payment next time. Fine. As Evelyn, Lela and Jake return home, Evelyn spots a group of A.N.I members near her home. Why are they here? Jake asks while behind Evelyn Stop hiding behind me and act more brave like lel- Evelyn turns and sees Lela hiding behind her also. Nevermind¡­ but how do you expect me to know? This is the area Jake was using for his ¡°hobby¡±, a d where I made you clean up. oh yea, the hobby where he bombed the area. How about we just look for another way to your house Evelyn? Jake asks, making Evelyn annoyed. Oi, this is your fault, also there''s no other way, if you haven''t noticed, my house or pretty isolated, and this is the only way. So what do we do? My house is kinda unavailable.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Just go and pretend to be normal, no one should try disturbing you. Lela confidently says it as if it was common sense. Sure. Evelyn ignores them and walks by and hears an alarm. So what now? Hm Lela? Crap, just stand still first and pretend to be innocent, me and Jake are gonna¡­ run. What? Evelyn watches as the A.N.I members approach her and Jake and Lela run off to watch her from a distance. Fucking hell. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Vincent''s pov ¡ª---------------------------------------------- I''ve been out in the dam win for nearly 4 days already, looking for even more soul energy, I hate those stupid ghosts, I''m being forced to work overtime without extra pay, how annoying. Suddenly an alarm rings and he goes to check it out. Hm? She looks familiar. Hmm¡­ oh, isn''t she that girl who lives nearby, her home is literally the only in a 100 meter radius here due to how the entire place looks like trash with absolutely no scenery. As Vincent approaches Evelyn his eyes meet her eyes as he stands right In Front of her. Excuse me, are you a student? Yes. How old are you? 15. 15? That''s pretty young. Please stand still while I use my tool to check for any dangerous substance. Like what? That''s classified information. Drugs? No Weapons? No Then? Classified. ¡­ Vincent continues using his tool, which Evelyn recognises is just a soul energy detector(S.E.D) but it keeps beeping once in a while. Sorry students, but there seems to be a problem with my tool, please wait here while I get another one. As Evelyn watches him go away she winks to herself. That''s weird, I shouldn''t have enough soul energy to be detected¡­ oh wait, the test made those two inject their energy into me¡­ Evelyn decides to suppress her soil energy, but due to having a lot more than what she usually does, she finds it rather hard to do so. Vincent returns with her S.E.D again as Evelyn continues to stare at him and the S.E.D while seeing Lela and Jake out of the corner of her eyes with a guilty look yet with a look of a lack of care. How two are so irritating. Huh student, did you say something? Oh crap, I said that out loud? No, not at all. As Vincent starts scanning her with the S.E.D, it doesn''t make any beep this time and he lets Evelyn go free. Hey, put some people to watch her, I didn''t change the S.E.D, she did something. As Evelyn continues to walk home, she ignores Lela and Jake who are beside her. Hey Evelyn? Jake leaves his hand In Front of her face prompting Lela to do so as well. Evelyn, come on, forgiveness is a virtue, aren''t you and Jake the ones always telling me that? Evelyn puts her hands in her pockets and makes two weak soul bullets. Fine, just hurry into my house and close the damn door. As they enter the house and Jake closes the door, Evelyn shoots them both in the stomach and enters her room with them following behind shortly after. That wasn''t nice. Lela sits on the bed beside Evelyn while complaining with Jake sitting on the other side of Evelyn just swinging his legs due to having gotten used to being shot. Whatever, I''mma just go to sleep. Already?! Come on, stay up a bit longer. Lela begs Evelyn. Why do you suddenly want me to stay awake? Ghosts can''t sleep so every night is so boring for us, so come on, stay up a bit longer yea? No. Evelyn switches off the lights then goes to sleep ignoring Lela and Jake who joined in. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- At school next day ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Everybody, settle down, we have a new transfer student. Hello, please enter the class and introduce yourself. Hello everybody, my name is xiao er, I''m from China and have transferred to a school in a different country for higher education. Oh, she''s one of the smart ones isn''t she? She''s rich too. Jake whispers. Huh? Look at her bottle, that bottle alone looks like a couple hundred, and she has an expensive watch too, though not as noticeable. How do you notice this type of thing? Instinct, I just liked money. Past tense? Money is worthless now. Xiao er, please go sit beside Evelyn there, Evelyn please raise your hands. Huh? Raise your hands Evelyn. Oh. Evelyn raises her hand as xiao er approaches her and sits beside her, staring at her in an odd way the whole time. During the rest of the lesson, Evelyn sees xiao er glancing In her direction, irritating her a bit. For the next two days, Evelyn continues to notice xiao er staring at her or her direction and following her a bit after school. Later during break time, xiao er approaches Evelyn. What do you want? Follow me. No. What if I say please? Still no. Later Lela comes up to Evelyn and xiao er, interrupting the conversion. If you want Evelyn to follow you, she only listens to money. Really? Fine, Evelyn I''ll pay you if you follow me. How much? 10 dollars? No. How much more? 100 Why so much? Because you can''t leave me alone. Fine. Evelyn follows xiao er to the quiet part of the school. So why did you bring me here? Listen Evelyn, this is important. Xiao er suss while grabbing Evelyn''s arms and leaning in. What? You have¡­ a ghost around you. Huh? What rubbish are you sprouting now? I''m serious, ghosts are real, I''m not lying. Yea, and I bet so is Santa, but I don''t care about ghosts and more than I do for Santa. Bye, you owe me 100. Xiao Er tries calling out to Evelyn as she walks away. Back at class. Hey Evelyn, what did she want to talk to you about? Lela asks, with Jake paying attention too. She said I have a ghost around me or something. And you don''t care because? Because she''s not the A.N.I. And you know what because? The A.N.I have been useless so far and wouldn''t tell a civilian about ghosts, how does she even know about the presence of ghosts? I assume she''s an exorcist. Lela shrugs. Exorcist? I''ve heard of them who actually kill us ghosts with some other methods, but didn''t think they were real. Wait, exorcists are like those in movies? Slightly different, but yea about the same. How can she see ghosts? She can''t, she can only detect soul energy slightly like fluctuations, unless she uses a talisman to see ghosts. Talisman? This stereotype is going crazy. Yea yea, but just stay away from her. I intend to do so. But Evelyn, she sits beside you so how? Jake interrupts. Idk, pray? You''re not even religious. So what? If praying works I swear I''ll go to church every... Was it Saturday or Sunday? Idk. Are there any religious ghosts? Of Course not, after they die and find out there''s no afterlife, their faith usually goes away. So the exorcists are like the A.N.I of china? Yea but china also has a group which worships ghosts. Huh? They are complete fanatics, it''s not wise to deal with them though¡­ . Jake pauses and thinks of something with Lela doing the same. Though what? Ask Lela, she''ll explain it to you. Evelyn turns to look at Lela who''s glaring at Jake but it''s but to Evelyn. Well, they might worship you too. What? You can see ghosts and use soul energy, and you are somewhat friends with a ghost on the council, so they would regard you as their bridge between them and the host, making you more important than those on the council due to you being able to teach them to use the power of the ghosts. Power of the ghosts? It''s just a fancy name for soul energy. But I don''t know how to teach though. They don''t know that, and even if that knew it they would still worship you. How nice. Evelyn sighs as she sees Xiao Er enter the class again. Oh wait, I hadn''t had lunch, I''m gonna go get some. Evelyn stands up but sits back down immediately as the bell rings. Great. Throughout the rest of the lesson, Evelyn notices that Xiao Er is no longer staring at her. Guess I''m going to church this weekend. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- After school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Xiao Er rushes to Evelyn, blocking her way out. What now? I just wanna be friends. That''s obviously bullshit. Jake tells Evelyn as Xiao Er¡¯s keep glancing back at his direction. I don''t want to, so go away. Not till you agree. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- 20 minutes later ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Xiao Er keeps blocking Evelyn''s way out as Lela and Jake just watch. Fine, I''ll be your friend, happy? Thanks for finally agreeing. But no mentions of ghosts. Fine. Xiao Er waves bye to Evelyn as she goes off without Evelyn reciprocating. How annoying, the A.N.I, ghosts, exorcists and a fanatic group. Life is so annoying¡­ Chapter 16. For the rest of the week, Evelyn keeps going to school and dealing with Xiao Er along with kols training which has just been control training. Hey Evelyn. Xiao Er says following her home after school again. What? Why don''t you ever let me visit your home? My parents. You don''t want me to meet your parents? Yea. Why? Bad relationship. Come on, most people also argue with their parents once in a while too you know, doesn''t mean it''s bad. It''s bad, trust me. Fine fine, whatever you say, well we''re at the bus stop now, bye! Xiao Er shouts while waving at Evelyn who doesn''t eave back. Hey Jake, where''s Lela? I haven''t seen her around as often. Over time. About what? What makes you think I know? Fine, I''ll just ask her when we see her again. Evelyn reaches back home and goes to her room with Jake to find Lela standing there looking out the window. What are you looking at? The scenery. The problem is that there''s basically no scenery near my house. Right¡­ . Lela turns around and despite having the same appearance, her face looks even more tired somehow. Hey, I know your a ghost, but somehow you look more lifeless than kol when he''s got a bunch of paperwork¡­ I''ve been busy¡­ With that? The fanatics¡­ Huh? From china. Oh. Wait, the council communicates with other countries? Yea, ghost are actually pretty well connected even across countries. Right, why were they talking to you guys? They needed help with dealing with an exorcist''s family, presumably our new classmates'' family. Oh, did you guys agree? Of ourselves not, ain''t worth the risk because the exorcist family is probably connected with the A.N.I.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Great¡­ ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Tomorrow at school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn glances over at Xiao Er during lunch time and sees her deep in thought worried as she sighs. I''m gonna regret this. Hey, why do you look so bad? Huh, you''re talking to me first? I guess I''m in a pretty bad state huh? Yea. My problem is related to ghost and you don''t care about them so I don''t think you would wanna know. Just tell me You sure? Yea. Well, there''s a group of fanatics who worship ghosts due to their strength, and they''ve been giving us problems but recently they got in contact with ghosts and the ghosts in your country are fewer but a lot stronger. Wow, that''s some unique information. Anyways, wanna study together after school? Yep, I knew I''d regret talking to her. No, I don''t wanna study. Come on, just join me please? Please won''t encourage me, and I know that''s a fake please. Fine, I heard your friend Lela can get you to study, so I''ll just get her to encourage you later. Fine¡­ I''ll come. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- After school ¡ª---------------------------------------------- Evelyn follow Xiao Er as Lela stops pretending to be human and follows Evelyn along with Jake tot watch evelyn suffer Come on, do you two really have to follow to disturb? Yea, it''s fun watching you suffer. Lela says while smirking. As Evelyn follows Xiao Er, Xiao Er keeps attacking Lela and Jake secretly with talks man with Evelyn standing in the way to stop her, both trying to stop the other from officially finding out their identity. This keeps going on, for hours, such as Lela using talisman to set a trap and Evelyn stepping on it, Evelyn catching the talisman mid air when xiao er throws it at lela and Jake and Evelyn even resorting to taking it with her body when Xiao Er makes a spitball with it. After their down studying together, Xiao Er starts following Evelyn home again due to their homes being on the way. So Evelyn, any hobbies or anything? Xiao Er asks making small talk to get rid of the awkward quietness but Evelyn''s ignoring of her makes the awkwardness worse. As they keep walking quietly a man in a white robe hiding his face appears Infront of Evelyn and Xiao Er making Xiao Er seem on guard. Why are you here? Xiao Er asks, looking like she''s about to attack anytime soon. How aggressive, I''m simply here to warn you to leave us alone. Leave you alone? You guys collaborate with ghosts, why should I do so? I''m not asking you. The robed figure walks to the side and exposes a cage with a deranged spirit inside as he starts to unlock the cage. Stop it, there''s a civilian here, she''s not part of this! Too bad, consider her collateral damage. Crap! The robed figure walks away, disappearing as the caged opens up letting the deranged spirit out Evelyn, run away, I need to deal with this. Hey Jake, Lela can I deal with that? Evelyn asks, ignoring Xiao Er. Yea, just a strong enough soul bullet will work. Evelyn, go! This isn''t a jok-, Xiao Er gets interrupted as the deranged spirit starts approaching quickly as Xiao Er defends with a long stick which Evelyn assumes is her weapon Evelyn watches as Xiao Er keeps getting pushes back and interferes, standing beside the two who are fighting and watching . As Evelyn watches Xiao Er gets cornered, she walks up beside them. Evelyn, run! Why are you still here?! Xiao Er asks panicked as she uses her weapon to hold the deranged spirit back. Need help? Yea, call the police sand tell than there''s a code 101. What''s that? Uh¡­ institute of mental health patients. Liar. What do you mean liar, look at her¡­ or him? Anyways just call them! No need. Evelyn shoots the bullet and pulls Xiao Er away as the spirit blows up. How did you do that? Do what? Kill the spirit. What spirit? Don''t act dumb, you clearly just¡­.. Xiao Er¡¯s words trail off as she sees Evelyn walking away without caring. As Xiao Er tired to follow behind, she feels herself tired from defending and devices to exist until tomorrow. ¡ª---------------------------------------------- School next day During break time ¡ª--------------------------------------------- Hey Evelyn, tell me what you did yesterday! Do what? Stop acting dumb! Evelyn decides to just keep ignoring and avoiding her as she keeps pestering until Evelyn gives up. Fine, I''ll tell you after school. Finally, I thought you would actually not give up Xiao Er goes back to her seat looking proud of herself ¡ª---------------------------------------------- After school ¡ª--------------------------------------------- Evelyn sees Xiao Er waiting for her outside of the class as she walks past her. Hey, no going off till you tell me how you did what you did. Fine, but don''t attack me. Why would I Attack you? Evelyn pushes her soul energy out of her body. What? How? Are you a ghost?! I''m not, just let me exp- Evelyn gets interrupted as Xiao Er takes some talisman and prepares to use them