William and his guild rushed back to the town of Sleepy Drake. He would rather not have more dealings with the ghost girl; she was trouble with a capital 'T'. But the first aid knowledge she offered was invaluable. Large sects, wealthy families, and so on definitely had rudimentary first aid, but they didn't share. For a small guild like his Flaming Spear to gain such knowledge not only increased their own survival, but would also be a useful recruiting tool. He also had the strange feeling that he was already trapped within her claws, even though she didn't have claws anymore.
William entered his home, a small but respectable estate for a family of minor wealth. He rummaged through his belongings until he found the books he was looking for. He hadn't glanced at these since he was a young boy, but they were exactly what the ghost asked for. One was "Magical Energies and You" and the other was "Magic is Elementary, my Dear"
The books were a little tattered around the edges, but they should do. The first covered Mana, Spirit, and Qi, as well as the basics on how to acquire them. The second was an introduction to mage magic, or more specifically, magic that used mana. They were both written by an eccentric mage who had more ego than power, but regardless of the troubles he seemed to find himself in, he did write a good book.
William then grabbed a few empty journals, a few vials of ink, and some quills and tossed them all into his travel pack. Well, that was the easy part; now to convince at least one of his guildmates to accompany him back out to the ruin. While things were mostly amiable towards the end, he doubted any of his friends, except maybe Jeffries, ever wanted to see that ghost again. And Jeffries was too busy with his exercises; he wouldn't go back out until he could show the ghost some progress.
William approached the tree house that served as the guild headquarters. They really should invest in a proper building. Sure, the tree fort had been expanded since they were kids and had a fully functional kitchen and plumbing in addition to the dormitory and common areas, but it seemed a little childish. He still rubbed the hand-painted sign hanging over the door fondly as he entered the building.
As expected, everyone was lounging, all their travel gear packed away like they never left. They had no intention of joining him on his return trip. Only Jeffries was on his feet, attempting stretches that William wasn't even sure were anatomically possible.
"Alright, who's joining me on the trip back to the complex? We need to acquire that first aid manual at all costs."
William looked around the room to see everyone intentionally avoiding his gaze. Lorenzo seemed like he was about to break, but unexpectedly, Timothy came out of another room in fresh travel gear, ready to go.
"Ready to go, boss. What are you looking at me like that for?" Timothy asked.
"You haven't worked hard a single day in your life, I thought you'd be embracing the life of leisure as soon as we returned. What's your game?" William asked.
"What game? I just want to support my dear guild leader on his noble quest." Timothy says earnestly.
"He broke up with his lady friend the other day." Casey adds helpfully, "He needs to make himself scarce or face her wrath. Compared to that, the ghost girl is not scary at all. Besides, I think he wants to make moves on the ghost."
"B-but she's a ghost." William stammers.
"I categorically do not want to hook up with a ghost. I just think it would be strategically beneficial to our guild to be friendly with her." Timothy denies.
William can't believe it. His friend is only evasive like this when you've seen through him precisely. Timothy really wants to date a ghost.
"But she's immaterial, how would that even work?" William asks without really wanting to know the answer.
"I mean, we can always talk, can't we?" Timothy asks earnestly.
"You don't do just talking," Morgan joins in, "That's the whole reason you broke up with the last girl."
"I'm a changed man," Timothy claims.
"Since yesterday?" everyone asks in unison.
* * *
It's evening when Timothy and William reach the valley where the complex stood. Unlike yesterday, the fog has already rolled in, and it's thick. They should be able to see the complex already, but it's completely enveloped in fog. Instead, they have to carefully follow the path and the markers placed specifically because of the frequent fog, but the path isn't often traveled.
Timothy watches as William struggles to track the way forward. Oftentimes, they can only proceed because of the footprints they left this morning. If it had rained, they'd be utterly lost.
Eventually, they see the shadow of a building rise before them. It looks a little different than what they remember, but the complex is the only building out here. Soon they come to wrought-iron gates. These weren't here this morning, were they?
As they pass through the gates, humanoid shapes loom in the fog. It's only after they stand absolutely still with their hearts pounding for several minutes that they realize the shapes are statues.
Finally, they get close enough to see the features of a stately castle rise above them. Sinister figures seem to be perched on the roof. The architecture is unlike anything they've ever seen before, but it reeks of sinister intent.
Timothy has never seen this building before, but he's confident the ghost girl is within. He recognizes her melodramatic flair. That doesn't stop him from teasing and bickering with William about getting lost, of course.
As the doors swing open and braziers spring to life, revealing the beautiful and ethereal ghost girl, Timothy almost feels his breath taken away. Almost. He wouldn't be himself if he didn't have enough breath to deliver his quips.
The ghost is the only girl he has met who can keep up with his banter and deliver zingers back at him. Sure, she's a bit spooky, and there might be some other challenges, but what relationship is challenge-free?
However, before he can work his charm, the ghost has already declared that she wants to be very far away from him. It may have been playful banter, but it doesn't feel like it to Timothy. Before Timothy's one-sided love can even fully blossom, his heart is already shattered.