He instinctively covered the cysts on his face caused by burns, his mind instantly conjuring images of that doctor popping them one by one with loud squishing sounds.

Click-clack-click-clack—

Trembling in terror, his teeth chattered uncontrollably.

[Burned Ghost Fear Level +20]

[Burned Ghost Fear Level +20]

At that moment, Lynn removed his fluid-stained mask and gave the burned ghost a kind smile, saying:

"I'll go get some tools from the back. Please wait a little longer—you're next."

The burned ghost (ΩДΩ) felt all his cysts jump in alarm.

What a terrifying smile!!

Why did he show such a creepy smile when saying it was my turn?!

[Burned Ghost SAN -20]

[Burned Ghost SAN -20]

Originally, he had come because he saw that old freak from Bloodsaw Potion Shop was out, hoping to get his burns treated without too much fear.

But who knew the old freak would leave behind a little freak!

Trembling, he stared at the ghost infant convulsing on the counter, its face nearly melted into black pulp.

"Is this... going to be my fate too...?"

He murmured.

Just then.

From behind the curtain to the backyard came the sharp, grating sound of a chainsaw revving.

Vrrrr—Vrrrr—

Zzzzzzzzz—

The burned ghost (ΩДΩ) clutched his head, his bones nearly shaking apart from terror.

A chainsaw!! It's a chainsaw!!

Didn't he say he was just getting some tools?!

Why is there a chainsaw back there?!

What are you planning to do with a chainsaw?!

His mind instantly conjured an image of a chainsaw-wielding maniac with a twisted smile, approaching step by step.

Black smoke rose from his head (꒪Д꒪).

Then, the next moment.

His ears twitched.

Thud—

Thud—

Footsteps growing closer!

That person was coming this way with a chainsaw!

A dark silhouette slowly appeared against the backyard curtain as the chainsaw's roar reached his ears.

"Ah—ah—ah—"

The burned ghost clutched his head in terror, numbers continuously floating above him.

[SAN -20!]

[SAN -30!]

[SAN -40!]

The next second, with his SAN completely depleted, the burned ghost scrambled toward the exit in panic.

"Black shop!! It's a black shop!! Help! Somebody help!!"

[Ding! Burned Ghost quest failed!]

[Ding! Burned Ghost's fear of you +400!]

[Ding! Congratulations on gaining your first customer with "Extreme Terror" attitude toward you. Reward: 100 Skeleton Coins]

[Ding! Your reputation +10]

Lynn: "???"

He lifted the curtain, staring blankly at the trail of ashes left by the fleeing burned ghost.

"What happened? I just went to sharpen my scalpel since it was getting dull. Why'd he run off?"

And what's this about +400 fear toward me?

Why is he "extremely terrified" of me?

I've always upheld the principle of smiling service, spoke politely, and treated customers seriously. Shouldn't he feel more goodwill toward my friendly attitude?

Lynn couldn't understand.

Oh well, he's gone now.

Lynn sighed regretfully.

Either way, let's finish up this ghost baby first.

Ding—

The small, sharp carving knife in Lynn's hand gleamed brightly.

...

One hour later.

Lynn sat at the counter, smiling in satisfaction as he set down his knife, admiring the ghost infant now seated properly before him.

"Doesn't this look much better now?"

A cherry-like mouth, chubby cheeks, big eyes, and a delicate nose.

The former horrifying, indescribable mass of distortions had been carefully sculpted by Lynn into something cute and lifelike.

Before transmigrating, Lynn had always ranked first in every handicraft class.

Every clay portrait he made had received unanimous praise from his classmates.

Lynn smiled, feeling pleased.

Just then, a vertical eye suddenly sprouted on the ghost infant's forehead.

Pop—

Lynn immediately poked it out.

Eyes closed, he warned, "This isn't where eyes grow. I worked hard on this face. If you ruin it, don't blame me for taking the knife to you again."

[Evil Blood Infant Fear +50] Googlᴇ search novel-fire.net

[Evil Blood Infant Fear +50]

[Ding! System detects Evil Blood Infant's fear of you has surpassed its resentment growth rate. Threat level reduced to -321% and continues dropping.]

[Ding! Hidden quest triggered: Suppress Ghost Infant's Resentment. Completion: 321%. Reward: 151 Skeleton Coins, Plastic Surgery Skill EXP +100, Special Reward: Wraith Strands x5]

Lynn paused.

You can trigger hidden quests like this?

Seems there's still much to explore about this system.

The next moment.

Five long strands of hair appeared in his hand.

Their description immediately appeared before his eyes.

[Wraith Strands]: Hair from a vengeful female ghost imbued with extreme resentment. When attached to a target, it strangles them to death.

Lynn stroked his chin.

Seems like decent self-defense gear, though with only five strands, he'd need to use them wisely.

Putting the strands away, Lynn sat at the counter, tapping the abacus as he quietly waited for the next customer.

Of course.

His attention remained fixed on the ghost infant before him.

At the slightest sign of distortion, Lynn would immediately press it back into shape.

Time passed quickly.

Outside, the Soul Lamp's light gradually dimmed.

This signaled the approach of night in this world.

The distinction between day and night here depended entirely on the Soul Lamp—during the world's nighttime, the lamp simply wouldn't light no matter what.

Which meant.

Without the lamp's protection, any monster could freely invade your sanctuary and tear you to pieces.

Just as the light faded and Lynn prepared to close shop—

"Knock knock knock—"

Someone rapped at the door.

A tall figure stood there, clad in a thick black cloak, wearing a black top hat, with long gray-white hair.

The enormous shadow he cast through the doorway exuded overwhelming pressure.

Lynn's heart tightened.

Because floating before his eyes was the man's status panel.

[Witcher, Orcalos]

[Race]: Human

[Level: ???]

[Combat Ability]: You will undoubtedly die

[Alignment: Chaotic Good]

[Description]: A powerful witcher roaming the dark world alone. Unaffiliated with any organization and deeply mysterious, he dedicates his life to hunting down monstrous evils as he defines them. Do not attempt to understand him—it's extremely dangerous.

Lynn: "???"

This seems to be... a human!