Grimvale Family

Edward and David stood there silently, creating an awkward atmosphere.

"David... Is it possible for me to return to them? I mean, just like being 'alive' again?"

Edward suddenly asked, breaking the silence. He wanted to know if he could reach a point where he could go back to being human and return to his original life.

"The answer is both yes and no. We, as ghosts, are new entities that go against the laws of nature. For this very reason, we will never be able to reincarnate and also... never return to human life..."

David said, making Edward's hope sink further down the road.

"But... it is indeed possible for a ghost to create a human body, or a physical body, and co-live with the living. The only problem is that the essence of a 'ghost physical body' and a 'living physical body' are run on different fuels. Living bodies utilize 'life energy,' which is unique to living beings, while we can only create our bodies through 'yin energy.'"

David explained, making Edward's face light up again as his hope held on.

"So, what does it matter?"

Edward asked, knowing that David still hadn't finished. All he wanted now was to go back to his life and accompany his loved ones just like before. He didn't care if his body was created with life energy or yin energy.

"Indeed! Let me first explain... Due to the fact that life energy is unique to the living, it isn't available in the atmosphere and is rarely found outside of a living being. On the other hand, yin energy is almost everywhere, which means 'ghost bodies' can be considered 'immortal'..."

"The more a living being uses life energy, the less they have. Eventually, they will die once the 'juice' runs out."

David explained, making his point clear to Edward.

"I know what you are getting at. A ghost body is almost immortal unless it is destroyed. On the other hand, a living body is not and will expire pretty quickly. B-But, I can at least stay with them for as long as they are alive, right?"

Edward defended, feeling that it was worth it.

"Of course, you can! But here's the most important part... only ghosts beyond the level of Ghost King can form their own bodies. In my five years as a ghost, I haven't even heard of a Ghost King, let alone anyone beyond that. Do you think you can reach that level in their short lifetime? Most ghosts believe such beings are just myths... Including myself."

David finished and looked at Edward, expecting him to be discouraged by such thoughts.

Seeing Edward deep in thought, David unhurriedly picked him up and started moving towards the mansion. He made his point clear and didn't want to waste much time outside anymore, where there was less Yin energy compared to their temporary shelter.

Edward's mind was consumed by thoughts of doubt.

'I don't even know if beings of such levels exist. But I have promised them... and reaching that level in such a short time...'

Just as he felt defeated, he remembered the faces of his loved ones with such sadness and tiredness, which instantly made him somber.

'No, giving up before even trying is not an option for me. I'll give it everything I've got. I have to reach that level, no matter what it takes.'

Edward shook his head, his determination growing stronger by the second.

David, carrying him, obviously noticed the change in Edward and wondered how he could still hold on to it.

But he knew that after some time, Edward might forget about it, just like he himself once did.

Just as David was about to discourage him, Edward suddenly calmed down, surprising him yet again. He still couldn't get used to these sudden mood swings from Edward.

No longer bothering with Edward's thoughts, David increased his speed and rushed towards the mansion, eager to enjoy his 'sleep'.

"You bring shame upon us... The esteemed Grimvale family."

Somewhere far from Manchester, a young lady and a middle-aged woman can be seen kneeling before an old man.

"Grandpa Silas..."

The young lady attempts to speak, her face filled with grievance.

"Hmph! How many times must I remind you to address me as Commander during our operations? Where is all the training our family has instilled in you? You've proven to be a disappointment... and it's not just you; you proved that our teachings themselves have failed."

Commander Silas Grimvale interrupted the young lady with a sharp snort.

"Serena, codename Agent Fox. Do you realize that your laziness cost you your first mission? Not only did you fail, you didn't try to fix mistakes or take the assignment seriously. Instead, you treated your assignment like a leisurely outing."

"Why didn't you wait at the ghost home or the funeral site after your initial failure?"

Clearly, these three figures are reapers, and Serena is the one who has been tasked with eliminating Edward.

Serena is Commander Silas's granddaughter, both hailing from a renowned family in the reaper civilisation.

For a family like theirs, akin to a prestigious military family in the human world, honor is their paramount.

Serena's failure on the mission, compounded by her naive decisions, brought deep shame and anger upon the old man.

"Commander, I will definitely..." 

Serena's voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes. It was the first time her grandfather had ever treated her with such harshness.

"No need to say anything else. Return to the family and inform them that I am grounding you for three days. We will discuss further upon my return."

Silas cut off Serena once more, waving his hand dismissively.

Serena looked at her grandfather for a moment, hoping for a change of heart. Seeing none, she stood with tears welling in her eyes. With gritted teeth, she hurried away, consumed by a mix of hatred and self-loathing over her failure.

"Sigh!"

Silas sighed deeply after a minute of heavy silence.

"Commander Silas, you were a bit harsh on Miss Serena. After all, it was her very first mission."

The middle-aged woman, who remained kneeling before Silas, murmured softly.

"Thank you for looking after her, Miss Ambrose. I worry she may not survive out there with such naivety. I hope you can guide her until she matures enough to fend for herself."

Silas said politely, his concern for his granddaughter's safety evident. Serena was his favorite among all his grandchildren, and the thought of anything happening to her weighed heavily on him.

"Of course, it's my responsibility as her guardian. You needn't worry about her, Commander Silas."

Ambrose assured, rising from her kneeling position.

Despite being middle-aged, her appearance exuded heroism, boasting a nearly perfect physique, sharp eyes, a symmetric nose, and violet hair. She emanated a sense of majesty that captivated anyone encountering her for the first time.

"Commander Silas, I'll take my leave now. I must be with Miss Serena to prevent her from making any rash decisions."

Ambrose declared, saluting Silas.

"Very well. Take care of her, and ensure she doesn't bring shame upon the Grimvale name."

Silas replied firmly.

As Ambrose turned to leave the ancient, mansion-like building surrounded by lush green trees, Silas's words echoed in her ears.

She paused for a moment, nodding silently without turning back, before continuing on her way.