CHAPTER 56: NO THIRD CHANCE

Deklan captured the burning skeleton.

It was already weakened, branded, and pinned down, so it only took a few seconds to capture it.

Seeing the burning skeleton being ground into particles of energy and then shot in a particular direction was a surprising sight for the group of Exorcists. None of them could understand how Deklan exorcised a Ghost as nonchalantly as that.

An Exorcist’s main task was to fight Ghosts and exorcise them.

Only when a Ghost was exorcised would they be sent back to the intangible dimension.

And how strong the exorcism ritual was dictated how long the Ghost would be struck in that dimension.

But this person... Deklan didn’t use a ritual to banish the burning skeleton.

In fact, the leader and his two men were confused as to how he did that, and where the burning skeleton’s energy was going. Normally, the traces of the exorcised Ghost would be devoured by an abyss portal that manifested near it.

Deklan’s method was different, unique, something that they had never seen before.

Earlier, they thought Deklan was a Ghost in disguise, and now, they suspected him to be an Exorcist.

It was confusing.

But one thing is for sure: Deklan is not a normal person.

[Capture complete!]

[Congratulations, host! You have captured a common Ghost: Flame Skeleton!]

[Prison: 1 / 1]

[+1 Spooky Dollars per day.]

[The Flaming Skeleton is a D-grade Ghost. A special fruit would be produced by the Ward.]

[Sudden Quest completed!]

[1x Major Mana Candy and 100 Spooky Dollars have been rewarded.]

It’s the same grade as the Pale Night Lady, but it should be weaker since it was not an Alpha Ghost.

Either way, let me check its stats.

...

[Flaming Skeleton]

Rank: 1-star Bronze

Potential: D

Rarity: ★★

——

Statistics

Strength: D+

Agility: E+

Endurance: D

Intelligence: D

Perception: E

Mental: E+

——

SKILL(S)

-

——

TRAIT(S)

[Ember Affinity] [Fire Skin]

...

Deklan scanned the Flame Skeleton’s stats and found it basically within his expectations, but the surprise came—when he reached the end of the status window. It has two traits that he could devour, which were unexpected.

After all, the Pale Night Lady has no skills or stats.

He expected to see at least one skill or trait to devour, but this guy has two.

Maybe the weaker Ghosts’ skills and traits are dictated by the Alpha Ghost? Since the Pale Night Lady is the Alpha Ghost, the Pale Draggles also have no skills or traits, too. And this could only mean I hit the damn prize!

Going by his theory, then that means the Alpha Ghost across from the Shadowed Town is fire-based.

And since its inherent skills and traits were passed down to the weaker Ghosts, Deklan could gain them to help him battle the Alpha Ghost. Just the Fire Skin trait alone would certainly help me, but I was also in possession of the Ember Affinity.

Both traits are going to be beneficial.

One would help him fight the Alpha Ghost, while the other would work well with his Breeze Affinity.

Excited, Deklan immediately used the Devour Skill function.

He spent 10 spooky dollars for the random option, getting the Ember Affinity trait. After that, he didn’t bother gambling again. Instead, he went straight for the 50-spooky dollar directed option and took Fire Skin outright.

Sure, he could’ve rolled the dice and hoped for the Fire Skin.

But he had no patience for that kind of nonsense, at least right now when his emotions were high.

Losing more than 50 spooky dollars would certainly push him to the edge.

Besides, 60 Spooky Dollars isn’t that much since he now has more than 100 Spooky Dollars per day.

...

[Ember Affinity]

Rank: D

Description: Grants control over minor, unstable spark, allowing production and subtle manipulation of embers, heat, and tiny flickers. Are you cold? Let me hug you.

[Fire Skin]

Rank: C

Description: A trait that turned the host’s skin fire-resistant, effectively shielding it from minor flames. Its effects doubled when the flames came from a Ghost or Exorcist of the same rank.

...

Deklan smiled and reveled at the surge of power that climbed from within.

He felt new power stir beneath his skin—one surge made his entire body gleam for a few seconds before fading. Everything happened right before the three Exorcists’ eyes, but none of them could understand what was actually going on.

Not a slightest clue.

None of them realized that their chance of beating Deklan had plummeted further compared to earlier.

Once he snapped out of his trance, Deklan noticed that their expressions had changed.

Hmm... Why are they looking at me like that?

Deklan may have shown too much, but frankly, with how scared they were to die, they would probably forget the details of what happened here. He didn’t care what went on inside their minds right now—still a bit annoyed at how they treated him.

His goodwill was treated as if it were the opposite.

At least give him the benefit of the doubt since he saved their asses.

"What happened here...?"

Deklan paused as he was about to take the skull with him and leave.

A feminine voice that carried a sense of authority reverberated through the air, one that bloomed a smile across Deklan’s lips. "It’s the young lady..." He muttered silently and turned around to see the supposed young lady whose very presence coaxed him to help. "Greetings, let me explain before w—"

Upon turning around, Deklan’s words were caught in his throat.

His eyes widened completely at the sight of this gorgeous young woman standing across from him.

She was totally Deklan’s type—long dark-night hair tied to a high ponytail, porcelain and flawless skin with a red serpent tattoo poking from her left sleeve, and a pair of natural—crimson eyes. A fitted white blouse with layered ruffles at the collar, tucked into a black corset that shaped her waist, hugged her body tightly.

And below, she was wearing a black long skirt that was split at the center for ease of movement.

Despite being a lady, she looked fierce—like someone who can handle herself.

For a second there, Deklan forgot what he was about to say.

He also forgot that he was annoyed and mad at these Exorcists.

"You were saying?" The young lady raised a brow and stepped out to the clearing fully.

Only then did Deklan notice that she was carrying a katana in her right hand, very sharp and intricate.

And the aura she was exuding, it was clear that she was an Exorcist too.

Unlike these Exorcists, she’s certainly a bronze-rank one. But she’s much stronger than Rock.

Much, much stronger.

Not to mention, the aura she was carrying was similar to that of Marsha—which means she undoubtedly also has a persona. Perhaps her person was also as strong as Marsha’s, which would be insane if that were really the case.

"I’ll give you a chance to explain, so explain. If you can’t convince me, I’ll treat you as an enemy."

"Hold on there, I’m a good guy!"

Deklan proceeded to explain to her what had happened, about the Burning Skeleton, and also about how the three Exorcists suspected him, even though he was the one who saved them. He didn’t lie, giving the facts to her.

Of course, he didn’t forget to emphasize that it was the three Exorcists’ fault.

He was a saint!

"I was pissed about that—so I was venting it to them, but as you can see," Deklan raised his hand, almost like he was beholding the three Exorcists. "All of them are fine. Other than words and threats, none of them are hurt."

"Don’t listen to him, young lady!" the leader bellowed, voice cracking in alarm. "He’s not normal—he could be a Ghost in disguise! And even if he isn’t, he’s not the kind of person who helps out of kindness. He’s after something. If it’s not the skull... then it’s you!"

Upon hearing what the leader said, Deklan’s smile tightened.

Knowing his situation, he should’ve kept quiet and not spouted nonsense.

If not for himself, then for the other Exorcists.

But he just has to run his mouth.

Deklan turned to look at the young lady again and saw her face slowly shift to one of wariness.

Just moments ago, he had nearly talked her into lowering her katana—yet now everything had snapped back to square one. She’s also wary of me—I can tell from her eyes and face. All I needed to do was give her a reason not to attack me. But what...?

In that moment, Deklan’s eyes darted left and right as if the forest had an answer to his predicament.

His eyes then caught sight of something behind the young lady.

A few people, a mixture of normal people and Exorcists, and there was also a wagon.

Deklan’s eyes sparkled as a thought came to mind.

"I know this particular part of the forest quite well," Deklan said as he stared at the wagon, and then back to the young lady again. "I think it should be obvious enough since I’m out here in the middle of the night. But what about you?"

Hearing this, the young lady’s eyes narrowed.

She knew that already, since nobody would be in the forest this late in the night other than the natives.

And she even decided to venture into this forest precisely because there are fewer people around.

Only Ghosts, and for her, Ghosts are a better deal than people.

"Based on how loaded your wagon was, are you perhaps migrating? Find shelter from a chasing party?" Deklan asked, but he saw no reaction from the young lady. "Or perhaps are you trying to find a good location for a base?"

Upon saying that, her eyes flickered.

He was right on the spot.

"In that case, I’m the guy for you," Deklan pointed at himself with his thumb. "I even knew what lies in the inner area."

"Do you really?" The young lady took a step forward, interested. "Have you really been there?"

"Of course, I can even help you settle there," Deklan added, making the offer even more enticing.

"Lies!" the leader roared. "He’s lying!’

"Or..." Deklan interrupted, ignoring the leader completely. "You can go on—without my help, and take your chances against the forest that upholds the impartial law of the jungle."

Even before the young lady could answer, Deklan could already tell what she was going to say.

She needed help, that’s the truth, and Deklan is the only one who was offering.

How can she refuse? Better take this chance than against the forest.

Not to mention, he could still screw them out of spite if she refused right now.

At least if she agreed, she was starting a good relationship with this mysterious man.

Deklan’s lips curled into a smile as his eyes shot to the side, mind fixating on the leader behind him.

Everyone deserved a second chance, no matter how grave their mistakes were. At least, that’s what Paul told me. But a third chance should never exist. Anyone who gives a third chance to someone is the same as hating themselves.

You wasted your second chance, and now, you need to go.