But before this, she needed a substitute, a task she was already well-versed in.
As Maria and Juan’s gazes t, they reached an instant agreent; they would use the newcor Hafeez to test the waters.
Last night, they used Ahd to draw those filthy things away; tonight was rely a repeat of the sa trick.
"Ha... Hafeez." Juan’s voice trembled slightly, his gaze fearfully fixed on Hafeez’s back, "No, don’t you dare turn around!"
Having just finished his prayers and not yet relaxed, Hafeez froze in place, too scared to move, his peripheral vision catching a shadow behind the window.
The ghost was here...
Hafeez’s breath stopped with shock; he hadn’t expected the ghost to chase him so quickly!
But even more despair awaited, as Juan whispered to him not to move, a ghost was clinging to his back.
This scene felt eerily familiar; last night Ahd had told him similar words, and then... then Ahd told him to run first, only for Ahd to die tragically on the spot.
So Hafeez had no reason to doubt Juan’s words, especially since Maria confird them.
"Hu... Brother Juan." Hafeez’s legs weakened instantly, his entire being turning stutteringly fearful, "Save , please save !!"
Juan slowly retreated, his face marked by indecision, seeming as if he wanted to help but was afraid to, yet at the last mont, his conscience prevailed, and he bit his lip, whispering a reminder: "That thing is right behind you, it’s waiting for you to turn around, and the mont you do, you’ll die."
"Run now, run as far as you can, I’ll give you the lantern, these ghost things are afraid of light. As long as you’re fast enough, you can shake it off."
"Juan, if you give him the lantern, what about us?" Maria snapped angrily, "Forget him, let’s go, quickly!!"
"Shut up! Saving one more person ans having one more ally!"
Juan shouted at Maria angrily, turning his head slightly, the faint light from the lantern highlighted his determined face, deeply moving Hafeez.
Leaving the lantern lightly in place, Juan imdiately stepped back, signaling Hafeez with his eyes to prepare for action, and in the next mont, Juan shouted, "Now, run!!"
Already waiting for this mont, Hafeez dashed forward, grabbing the lantern, then fled without looking back, his speed as swift as an arrow released from a bow.
In just a few seconds, he vanished into the darkness, turning into an alley, disappearing without a trace.
Once Hafeez had run far, Juan and Maria also departed, retreating in the opposite direction, with Maria slipping on the wet stone pavent due to the lack of light.
"You shouldn’t have given him the lantern." Maria complained as she struggled to stand, leaning against the stone wall without daring to pause.
Juan’s gaze darted around, the surroundings pitch dark, illuminated only by the thin moonlight; without the lantern, navigating was much more troubleso, yet it was all worth it.
"You idiot, keeping that lantern around is a death sentence." Juan cursed.
Maria’s steps hesitated, turning her head, "What do you an?"
"Even as a veteran, you can’t see through such matters; let ask you, who was the first to die tonight?"
"It should be Davi." Maria replied.
"Did she have a lantern in her hands?"
This statent widened Maria’s mouth slightly, her expression brightening.
Seeing this, Juan snorted, slowing his steps, smirking to himself, "Understand now? Why Ahd died last night? Because he had a lantern, the only lantern among our team."
"Davi also had a lantern, so she was dood, and next..." Juan turned to look behind him, pausing, a cruel smile curling at his lips, "It’s Hafeez, that idiot."
"Tonight we might have lost two people, but we have figured out how the ghost kills; this was absolutely worthwhile."
"We need to keep this point to ourselves once we return, Miss Maria, you understand , don’t you?"
"Understood." Maria flashed a smile, her impression of Juan greatly improved, recognizing him as a man who was rough yet perceptive.
"Mr. Juan, it seems choosing you as a partner was my best choice; you’re quite capable."
Juan grinned, accepting the complint with modesty, his head raised slightly, "If one wants to live long, one must learn to conceal their intentions. You’re also a great ally, quick to react, I have high hopes for you. Once we’re out of this, let’s find ti to share a al and connect."
"I’d be honored." Maria extended her hand, shaking Juan’s.
Though they had figured out how the ghost kills, they still felt uneasy as long as they hadn’t returned to the temple room.
Shuttling through the narrow alleys, Maria’s occasional flattery was well received by Juan.
But soon, they stopped, as the situation doesn’t match their expectations.
Counting the distance they covered with Hafeez, they had walked quite a long way, yet looking ahead, there still lay a seemingly endless alley, the deep alley seeming to have no end at all.
This couldn’t be, for this was rely a town, not a big city, how could there be such a long alley, where did all these houses and people co from?
An ominous premonition arose in their hearts, Maria glanced towards the window beside them, but because of the dim environnt and lack of light, the window also appeared dark, yet in that darkness seed to lurk sothing, silently observing them.
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