THE GHOST HUNTER .

Ray and Emily arrived in the town of Miravale, a place unlike any other. From the moment they stepped in, the contrast with the outside world was undeniable. The air shimmered with floating objects—lanterns, books, even entire workstations suspended midair. Craftsmen sculpted intricate artifacts, singers filled the streets with melodies, and poets recited verses that drew eager crowds. It was a town alive with artistry and wonder.

Yet, amidst this lively atmosphere, a single street stood eerily silent.

"This is strange," Emily mused, narrowing her eyes at the empty road ahead. "This street connects two halves of the same town, yet only this side is deserted."

Ray crossed his arms. "I'd guess it's because of the ghost. Every night, without fail, it emerges from this street and hunts people. We should wait till nightfall."

Emily shivered, then smirked. "And then what? You'll kill it, Mr. Ghost Hunter?"

"Hm."

"Well, until night comes—" She clasped her hands behind her back, rocking on her heels. "Lend me some money! I want to try every new dish this place has!"

Ray raised an eyebrow. "We have savings, but that doesn't mean you get to waste it on food."

Before she could protest, he grabbed her by the ear, tugging lightly. "Don't you remember what happened to your teeth last time?"

"Ehhhh! That was one time!"

Night Falls

As darkness descended, Ray and Emily stationed themselves at opposite ends of the street, blocking off any possible escape route for the ghost. The plan was simple—trap it and deal with it.

But as hours ticked by, nothing happened. No eerie whispers. No shadowy figure emerging from the depths of the alley. Nothing.

By dawn, Emily yawned and stretched. "I'm sleepy, Ray. Hawww... goodnight."

Ray sighed. "You do realize the sun is rising, right?"

Ignoring him, she curled up and dozed off in his lap.

As the town slowly awoke, two passing women noticed them.

"Look how cute," one of them whispered. "A father and daughter."

Ray's eye twitched.

With a resigned sigh, he picked her up and carried her to an inn, renting a room to let her rest. Then, he left to investigate.

The Town's Dilemma

Ray stood before the Town Head.

"You called me here saying a ghost appears every night," Ray stated. "Yet last night, nothing happened."

The Town Head's expression was grave. "I don't know why, but this is becoming a problem. The people of Eldermere are blaming us, saying we deliberately send this ghost to their town to torment them. Their leaders are furious."

Miravale and Eldermere had long been at odds. Miravale thrived on craftsmanship, poetry, and music, while Eldermere was renowned for producing the kingdom's strongest warriors. Their rivalry ran deep.

Ray sighed. "Alright. I'll head to Eldermere and investigate."

Eldermere – A Different World

Eldermere was just as breathtaking as Miravale, but in a different way. Here, the streets were lined with disciplined warriors, their eyes sharp, their bodies honed for battle.

As Ray walked through the town, the stares followed him—watchful, hostile.

A town guard stepped in his path. "Hey, we know who you are, 'Ghost Hunter.' They hired you, didn't they?"

Ray remained silent.

The guard smirked and pressed a heavy hand onto Ray's shoulder. "Why don't you turn around and leave? We handle our own problems."

Ray glanced at the hand, unimpressed. "Move it."

The guard chuckled. "And if I don't?"

A sharp crack echoed through the street.

Ray's slap sent the guard crashing to the ground, unconscious before he even realized what had happened.

A hush fell over the warriors watching. Some were among the kingdom's finest, yet none dared challenge him. They all knew the legends of the Ghost Hunter.

Ray exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Tsk. I was supposed to keep a low profile."

Now, that was out the window.

And the real hunt was about to begin.