Several people made their way toward the basement. Charles took the shit-stirrer from Tony and swung it around, feeling like a valiant knight.
The others kept their distance, wary of getting splattered with something strange.
Tony was also frowning.
"The janitor said that the basement's caretaker has a really bad temper. Are we sure about just barging in like this?"
Their approach to danger was different from Alexander's; they were usually more cautious. Of course, it was often a kind of blind caution.
In Tony and the others' view, if the caretaker was as malevolent as the Ghost Security Guard, then they were likely doomed.
"Don't be too anxious, just relax. The reality is quite the opposite," Charles explained.
"If you knew who was watching us, you'd understand that the basement is actually the safest place for us."
Mention of the watcher sent shivers down their spines.
They had been observing their surroundings carefully, but hadn't noticed anyone or anything keeping tabs on them.
Could it be cameras? But such a rundown station would have limited surveillance.
Though they were curious, they didn't press Charles for more details. He had said he couldn't disclose the watcher's identity for now.
If he did, it would awaken.
Just as they were making their way to the basement, a deafening roar erupted from the southeast corner of the upper floor!
Hearing this horrifying bellow, all three of them stopped in their tracks. Zoe and Tony were filled with a creeping sense of dread.
"What... what was that sound?!"
Their eyes were glued to the staircase on the platform across from them.
Charles frowned and suddenly turned to Tony, who was reeking of a foul odor, and said sternly, "It's about time. You need to head back to the train, and the sooner the better."
Tony was utterly perplexed.
"Just... just me alone?"
Charles nodded, handing back the shit stick to a bewildered Tony. He swiftly took out a handgun and gave it to Tony, stating gravely, "The Ghost Security Guard is awake."
"You just stripped him of his clothes, stole his baton, and even plucked his nose hairs... He's livid now. If you go back and turn yourself in, you might just save your life. Hurry back to the station, grab the ghost candle, take off your clothes, and return everything to him."
"Oh, and remember, leave some of the ghost candles, as many as you can. Don't let them all get used up!"
"I'm lending you this handgun for now. Hold on to it. If you want to live, do as I say!"
Upon hearing this, Tony was flabbergasted.
Damn it!
All these outrageous acts were clearly your doing!
And what's the deal with keeping some ghost candles?
However, seeing the terrifying shadow at the staircase, Tony had no time for questions; he turned tail and ran, screaming as he fled:
"Charles, you bastard! You're setting me up!"
"When you're dead, I'll throw a party in front of your tombstone and hire ten strippers!"
It was only at that moment that Tony realized he'd been double-crossed by Charles.
The clothes not fitting? What a load of crap!
Charles must have anticipated that the Ghost Security Guard would awaken, which is why he made Tony wear the clothes.
Fortunately, Tony was a sporty guy. He was fast on his feet. The Ghost Security Guard, though immense in size and clad only in his underwear, was somewhat clumsy and couldn't catch up to him in the short term.
"Ah!!!"
The Ghost Security Guard's eyes turned red, his body sprouting countless spikes. His blood flowed faster due to his rage. He swooped past Charles and Zoe, leaving a stench of blood in his wake, completely ignoring Charles and Zoe on the side.
His hatred was now entirely focused on Tony!
The Ghost Security Guard had stayed up late watching horror movies out of boredom the previous night. He was captivated by Samara's enchanting appearance and got deeply engrossed, itching to vent some emotion.
Consequently, he resorted to some unspeakable activities in the men's restroom, covering the walls with some strange substance he emitted. He had planned to have a good sleep today to recharge, only to wake up and find himself... stripped down to his underwear!
He'd been in this place for many years, and he was always the one bullying other ghosts. When had he ever been treated like this?
The Ghost Security Guard couldn't tolerate it!
He was determined to catch that person and reclaim his... dignity!
Watching Tony and the Ghost Security Guard disappear into the darkness, Zoe couldn't help but ask, "Will he die?"
Charles stroked his chin. "In theory, no. The Ghost Security Guard is powerful but not particularly fast."
"We only have an hour before our ghost candles burn out. Within that time, we must complete all the preparations... Once the train starts, we won't have another chance to patch up any oversights."
He and Zoe quickly headed for the basement, their ghost candles burning shorter by the second.
At that moment, Zoe noticed the ground seemed a bit sticky. It felt as if they were walking on a blood-soaked marsh.
She didn't dare to look down to see what they had stepped on. Following the map, she and Charles crossed the hall and took the escalator to the basement.
On the far left of the narrow corridor, there was a door locked with chains.
Zoe peeked through the gap in the door.
Other than dusty shelves and a floor covered in grime, there seemed to be no one.
Just as she was about to pull back, a rotting ghostly face suddenly appeared before Zoe. She screamed and staggered backward, collapsing onto the ground!
Zoe raised her hand, pointing at the door and exclaimed, "A ghost... There's a ghost!"
Charles approached the gap in the door but found nothing.
Then he knocked on the door.
Thud, thud, thud!
The dull sound echoed eerily in the empty, dark basement.
Zoe felt a chill run down her spine, quickly standing up to stay close behind Charles, her eyes darting warily, afraid something twisted would emerge from the darkness to seize her.
"Is anyone... any ghost there?" Charles acted courteously.
Clang!
The chains on the metal door rattled, giving off a dull thud. A gust of cold wind inexplicably blew through the gap, followed by a strange, aged voice echoing like an abyss.
"Leave!"
"This place doesn't welcome you... or your master!"
Charles set down the ghost candle, storing it in his inventory.
He then pressed his face to the gap in the door: "We're not slaves to that guy; we're outsiders."
As Charles' words fell, the terrifying ghost face reappeared at the edge of the door!
But this time, it was facing Charles.