Reapers & Village & Town & Apparition Pathway

"Now, why did we bring you here? It's for your safety, and you'll understand soon enough..."

David began, but Edward cut him off, prompting an eyeroll.

"And what about the danger?"

Edward asked, though he himself wasn't sure why he wasn't afraid of these 'shady ghosts'. Back when he was alive, just the thought of entering this mansion would have terrified him.

"Reapers... Yes, what you heard is correct. They're exactly as you imagine, but unlike the classic image with scythes and masks, they can look just like regular people. Some might even seem more modern than an actual person. That's why we have to be incredibly careful around them."

David explained solemnly, with a touch of unease in his voice, as he described reapers.

"Why are they a threat to us? I thought they're here to guide lost ghosts to the netherworld."

Edward asked, sounding a bit perplexed about the threat of reapers. He was already thinking about seeing his family and lover one last time.

"Listen carefully. Forget everything you knew from your previous life. You're no longer among the living, and the crucial aspect is that you became a 'Ghost' by resisting the call to the netherworld."

David cautioned, his tone serious and urgent.

David's explanation grew even more serious, his voice carrying the weight of urgency as he recalled the foolish ghosts who willingly surrendered to the reapers.

"Those who resist the nether are enemies of the netherworld. They've violated its fundamental laws. Reapers, as the 'officials' and natives of the Netherworld, will eliminate such ghosts."

David declared, his tone emphasizing the gravity of the situation regarding the threat posed by the reapers.

"And by 'eliminate,' I don't mean sending your soul forcefully to the netherworld. It means complete annihilation. You won't even exist as a ghost, and there will never be a 'you' in this world."

David's words echoed forcefully, a warning not just for Edward, but for William as well.

"So, you're saying one of these 'Reapers' is here for us?"

Edward asked, processing David's explanation about the reapers and the danger they pose.

Though he felt a twinge of fear at the prospect of completely disappearing, losing his current life, or, to say, his previous life, made him more troubled.

"No, but I'm glad you grasp the essence of it."

David replied, explaining the significance of the distinct aura emitted by newly born ghosts.

"They're not here for 'us' but for you specifically. A newly born ghost emits a distinct aura that makes it easy for reapers to track them."

David said, as he sat on the bed, as though feeling tired.

"Then, wouldn't they be able to track us here?"

Edward asked, his mind racing with the possibilities. He already had an inkling that the Reapers might not have the ability to locate them in their current location.

His priority was gathering as much information as possible; he needed to understand why this place provided a sanctuary for them.

He was determined to go back home, to check on his family. Finding a way to evade the reapers would be crucial for his journey ahead.

"I know what you're thinking. But for now, don't attempt anything rash that could endanger you."

David cautioned, aware of Edward's curiosity and concern.

"The only places that can evade a reaper's perception are those filled with 'Yin energy'. This building has an abundance of it, thanks to its secrecy and some past incidents."

David explained, addressing Edward's inquiry directly.

"What is this 'Yin energy'? How do I get rid of this 'aura'?"

Edward asked, his brow furrowing with concern. The restrictions and uncertainties were weighing on him.

"William will explain the rest to you. I need to rest and gather my strength. If luck isn't on our side, I have to be ready."

David replied, indicating he needed time to recuperate.

"Huh? Brother... come with me. Let's 'discuss' in another room."

William said, stepping forward upon hearing that David needed to rest. He understood David carried not only Edward but also himself, as he was unable to keep up during their escape.

Soon, the two ghosts sat facing each other in chairs in the adjacent room where David was resting.

"Hello, brother, let's introduce ourselves formally first. I am William, a Tier Six Ghost Soldier, and that is David, a Level 12 Ghost Captain. I know you have questions, and I will explain what these tiers mean soon. But please, introduce yourself first, as we may need to stay together for a long time."

William introduced himself and David swiftly. While he introduced David, he pointed at the room where David was resting.

"Well, I am Edward Carter, 27 this year. I died in an accident today, and I've spent my whole life in Manchester."

Edward introduced himself simply, holding back his curiosity about the mentioned Tiers.

"Nice name, Edward. Now, let's talk about Yin Energy. Yin energy is one of the most prominent negative energies in the world. This energy is everywhere, but in some places, it is abundant due to its nature, just like this place."

William paused for a moment before continuing.

"And this Yin energy is the only energy we ghosts can absorb to strengthen ourselves. We have an innate ability to absorb Yin energy, and the richer it is, the easier it becomes. Most importantly, absorbing Yin energy removes your newborn aura."

William explained slowly but enthusiastically. By the time he finished the last sentence, he expected a different expression from Edward, which he obviously got, making him satisfied.

"Strengthens ourselves?"

Edward understood what William was saying. But he couldn't help raising his voice in doubt, as he had never heard of this. The only thing he knows is that the stronger the anger and hate a ghost has, the stronger they are.

"Obviously! You were unable to resist us today, right? that due to our increased strength. Not just strength, but special abilities too. Any ghost can absorb yin energy. The more you absorb, the stronger you get. About tiers—I mentioned them earlier, right? Tiers divide our strength after absorbing Yin energy...

The system that we practice, known as the 'Apparition Pathway', categorizes us into levels like Ghost Soldier, Captain, General, Commander, and Ghost King. I haven't heard of a ghost king yet, so it might be the highest. Each level has ten tiers, from Tier 1 to Tier 10, dividing the strength further."

William explained patiently to Edward, making him eager about this new and somewhat unusual theory class.

"What about the abilities?"

Edward asked eagerly, wanting to learn more.

"Ah, I almost forgot. As a new ghost, your current abilities are limited to 'invisibility' and 'intangibility'. However, as you progress to Level Six, you'll gain a new ability, and then again at Level Eleven. So, every five tiers, you can acquire a special ability. They say, the stronger you become, the more powerful the abilities you gain."

William explained somewhat proudly, having reached Tier Six as a Ghost Soldier himself.

"Thanks for all of this and for saving me. I just wanted to know why you are helping me... I think no one, even ghosts like you, would help someone without a reason, right?"

Edward expressed his gratitude loudly, making sure both William and David heard. While genuinely thankful, he also voiced the critical question that troubled him. In Edward's view, no one, not even ghosts, would take risks for a stranger without a motive.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. First, all Manchester ghosts come under the jurisdiction of 'Sheffield' Ghost Town. We've taken on a mission to save as many ghosts as possible from reapers in Manchester for three months."

William explained matter-of-factly, leaving Edward visibly stunned.

The more Edward heard, the more he realized that all his previous knowledge was now rendered useless.

"Ghost Town? Mission?"

Edward asked incredulously, his voice tinged with hysteria.

"Of course! Our ghost civilization, though small in numbers, is a complete civilization in this world. You'll understand more about this later on, but for now, know that we exist everywhere and have our own villages, towns, cities, and kingdoms. Even Manchester has its own ghost village nearby, though it's not as safe as this place for newcomers...

As I mentioned, you'll grasp all of this in time. For now, take it easy, as we are your best allies."

William rose from his chair, gave Edward a reassuring pat on the shoulder, and then positioned himself in front of the wall.

"Alright, brother Edward. Take some rest for now. Once Brother David recovers, he will guide you on the 'Apparition Pathway'."

William said, before merging completely into the wall.