Ultimate Evolution I Became the Master of the World

When Michael saw this group of people, he had no plans to bail.

He decided to face them head-on. Why should he be scared of trouble? Trouble should be scared of him.

"$1.2 million a year? That's sweet. Even top execs at regular companies might not pull that in," Michael said, grinning. "Alright, let's do this. Transfer the money, and I'm in," Michael added.

Hugo looked at his eager face and thought he seemed pretty green.

"That's doable, but there's one thing you gotta do first. You recognize this box, right?" Hugo said, pulling out a photo.

The photo showed a golden box, just like the one Ethan had.

Hugo said, "It was with Ethan. He should've handed it to you after leaving the mall. Our company wants that box. If you can get it, I'll pay you $10 million."

Then he continued, "I'm straight-up with my business. This thing's made of gold, worth over $2.4 million. I'll give you $10 million, and you'll make a killing. What do you say?" Michael replied, "Yeah, Ethan gave it to me. Told me to hold onto it for a few days, but now it's gone."

"Gone? Where is it?" Hugo asked, his voice tense.

"I handed it over," Michael said. "Heard it could get me an Interpol gig, so I didn't hesitate. Someone even praised me, and I was on cloud nine for days."

Hugo was fuming.

"You're lying," Hugo said, trying to keep his cool, staring at Michael.

"I'm not lying. Look, this is what I got from them. In a few days, I might have to go for some assessment or evaluation." Michael pulled out a satellite positioning phone. An Interpol satellite positioning phone?

Hugo recognized it instantly, but it only made him angrier.

Could it be that the ghost they had locked up was really handed over by this Michael?

"Why'd you hand it over? How could you? Don't you know what's inside? You were part of that mall incident; Ethan couldn't have told you nothing," Hugo said, seething.

Hugo had no intel on Michael, just that he was a high school senior who became a Ghost Handler, a total newbie.

And Michael used that, playing dumb to get some useful info.

"I know, it's a ghost. Ethan and I caught it together. It was super dangerous. You have no idea how many people died in that mall. Something that dangerous should be handed over to the state. No way I'd carry it around every day," Michael said, "By the way, why do you need that ghost? What's it for?"

Hugo said, "It's got big uses. There have been successful experiments..."

He stopped himself.

Michael asked, "What experiments?"

"That's classified. Since you don't have the box, there's nothing more to talk about." Hugo stood up, his face cold, ready to leave.

The box was handed over, and Michael joined Interpol. That was it. No point in dragging this out.

"Wait," Michael called out.

"What now?"

Michael said, "Actually, I lied. Sorry. I haven't handed over the box yet. It's still with me." "What?" Hugo stopped and looked back sharply. "Are you serious? You still have it?"

Michael nodded, "Yeah, I'm always honest and straightforward."

"Then are you willing to sell it to me for $10 million?" Hugo sat back down, picking up where they left off. "If you hand it over, you get nothing. And Interpol isn't a cushy job. You've dealt with ghosts. Think you can survive every time?" "It's a high-risk gig. You're young and haven't enjoyed much yet. Hand over the box, and I'll make sure you get paid," Hugo said.

"I need the payment first, then I'll give you the item," Michael said.

"Okay, but I need to check it first," Hugo said, signaling to his crew.

There was no deal and no $10 million. They planned to take it by force.

Michael shook his head and said, "Nope. You promised me a year's salary upfront and $10 million, but I haven't seen a dime yet. I don't trust you. No money, no box."

"Damn you," one of the guys next to Hugo snarled.

Hugo turned back and signaled, "Alright, how about I'll advance you a year's salary first, then you show me the box. Once we confirm it's legit, we'll finish the deal. Sound good?"

He really didn't want to mess with a Ghost Handler if he didn't have to. Plus, who knew what kind of ghost Michael had?

It could be harmless like Ethan's, or it could be a nightmare.

But if he could solve this with some cash, he was game.

"That works. Transfer the money. Here's my bank account number. Once I see the money, I'll get the item," Michael said, pulling out his phone from under the table. Hugo hesitated, eyeing Michael.

Michael looked all naive and excited, like he was already dreaming about how to spend the $10 million.

"Alright, I'll transfer it now." Hugo made the transfer using his phone.

Soon, Michael's phone chimed with a notification, showing a deposit of $100.

"Why is it only $100? Did you mess up the transfer?"

Hugo glanced at Michael's phone balance and saw he was indeed a broke student who had just become a Ghost Handler and lacked experience.

"Oops, my bad. Consider this $100 a tip." He then made another transfer.

This time it was right, $1.2 million.

"The money's in! Awesome, thanks a lot," Michael said excitedly, shaking his hand.

"You're welcome. Now, can you take me to get the box?" Hugo asked.

Michael nodded, "Sure, follow me."

He led the group out of the café and down the street.

"Is it far? We have a car that can take you there," Hugo said, frowning as he watched Michael walk ahead, feeling something was off.

"My car's parked over here. Why don't you drive around and wait for me?" Michael suggested, looking back at them.

"No need," Hugo said, not willing to let Michael out of his sight.

But as they kept walking, he felt uneasy. There were fewer and fewer people around.

Eventually, the sidewalk was empty.

"Wait," Hugo called out, looking around the deserted street, his face changing.

Michael turned back with a grin, "Just figured it out? Sorry, I lied again. I called the cops while we were chatting."

"Don't move, hands up, get on the ground." The next moment, plainclothes officers rushed out from the surrounding shops, led by Leo.

This wasn't just a paranormal incident; it was a criminal case, and all the officers were armed.

Hugo's eyes bulged with rage, almost ready to pounce on Michael.

"Mad? Wanna hit me? Go ahead, right here," Michael said, pointing to his forehead.

"Fuck," Hugo cursed.

Michael not only tricked Hugo out of his money but also had the cops come to arrest him.

Even though he was furious, he didn't dare to actually rush up and do anything.

Michael sneered, "To deal with people like you, I don't even need to use the ghost's power. But you should be grateful to be arrested. If you fought me, I'd make you regret ever being born." With that, he ignored their angry glares.

He walked over and said, "Leo, these guys are part of a gang, trying to kidnap and attack me. They might have weapons, so be careful."

Leo saluted and said, "Don't worry, I won't let any of these criminals get away."

"Good. I'll leave this to you. I have other things to handle," Michael said.

How serious was the crime of attacking an Interpol officer? He could tell from what happened to that last guy, Lucas.

He touched the eye on the back of his hand. Michael didn't feel the restless agitation of the ghost, which made him feel a lot better.

If he could use his brain, he wouldn't need to use the power of this demon's eye.

This would delay the ghost's revival a bit.

Too bad he didn't get the $10 million; otherwise, he would've made a huge profit this time.