In reality, Nolan discovered the situation long before morning arrived.
During the night shift change, as soon as Nolan opened his eyes, he saw Harry engaged in a conversation with a ghost, speaking in a slow, intermittent manner.
"What's going on?" Nolan's cool, indifferent voice startled Harry, but he quickly recovered and hastily explained.
"This is Lex. He died here a long time ago, and due to the environment, he turned into a ghost." As Harry spoke, Lex was cautiously observing Nolan.
The presence of this man made Lex uneasy. He seemed hesitant to speak unless Nolan expressed a stance on the matter.
Seeing Nolan remain silent at first, Harry quickly continued, "He says he knows where Mirror Moon Spring is and can guide us there."
Harry looked excited. In his mind, as long as they obtained the spring water, Ron would be saved.
Now, this was unexpected.
Very few people in the outside world even knew about the existence of Mirror Moon Spring, yet this little ghost claimed he could lead them to it.
Nolan scrutinized Lex with a sharp gaze.
Perhaps his stare was too intense because Lex visibly shrank back.
The ghostly boy, who had a timid and vulnerable demeanor, found himself intimidated by the mere presence of this strikingly handsome yet unapproachable man. Just sitting there, Nolan exuded an aura that made Lex want to retreat as far as possible.
"...Hello." Probably due to the prolonged silence, Lex mustered the courage to greet Nolan, hoping to leave a better impression.
"How do you know the location of Mirror Moon Spring?" Nolan wasn't the kind to be easily deceived, and he certainly wouldn't let a weak, pitiful-looking ghost soften his heart.
On the contrary, in Nolan's experience, creatures that appeared the most harmless and vulnerable were often the most dangerous—masters of deception, manipulating others through sympathy for their own gain.
"My family used to live at the foot of the mountain. Ever since I can remember, I would follow my parents up and down these snowy peaks. Every path is imprinted in my mind. Of course, I know where Mirror Moon Spring is."
"But one day, after an argument with my parents, I ran away into the mountains alone. It was nighttime, and a blizzard hit. I got lost in the snow and eventually froze to death."
"My body was devoured by the mountain creatures—there's nothing left of me, not even bones. They've probably long since turned into droppings buried somewhere in the snow."
"My parents searched for me for a long time, but they couldn't see me, couldn't find me. Eventually, they left, heartbroken. As the years passed, I could no longer sense their presence."
"I don't know what became of them after I died. So… if you can find my parents and let me see them one last time, I'll take you to Mirror Moon Spring."
Lex spoke with conviction, as if this legendary spring was nothing more than a beautiful scenic spot to him.
Nolan remained silent for a long time, simply gazing at Lex as if weighing the credibility of his words.
"To be honest," Nolan finally said, his voice laced with skepticism, "it's difficult for me to trust a ghost who looks as fragile and pitiful as you. But since you've made your offer, and we do need directions to the spring…"
"If this is to be a transaction, then let's sign a contract. Should either side break the agreement, their soul will be condemned to eternal torment in hellfire."
Nolan's words made Harry jump in alarm. He looked at Nolan nervously, hesitating to speak.
"If you have something to say, say it," Nolan said flatly. "Don't hover there making anxious faces. It's irritating."
Harry took a deep breath and finally voiced his concern.
"We don't even know where Lex's parents are. If we agree to this and can't find them, wouldn't that mean we're breaking the contract?"
Harry wasn't considering the possibility that Lex was lying. He was simply worried that finding the ghost's parents might be impossible.
At Harry's troubled expression, Nolan smirked, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mockery.
"You seem to forget who I am. In this world, even if someone is dead, I can still find them."
As he spoke, Nolan rubbed his fingers together thoughtfully, his gaze on Lex turning calculating.
"In fact, if I wanted to, I could summon their very souls before you right now. Of course, if their spirits have completely dissipated into nothingness, then I won't be able to help."
"So, you should consider carefully," Nolan continued, his voice smooth and dangerous. "There is still a one-percent chance that your parents are beyond my reach."
Lex's eyes widened at that, and he regarded Nolan with hesitation, as if uncertain whether to believe him.
"If Nolan says he can do it, then there's no one else in this world more capable of finding your parents," came another voice.
Hermione, having been roused by their conversation, had now fully awakened. After piecing together the situation, she spoke with confidence.
She had read extensively about vampires. These dark creatures were incredibly powerful.
There were bats all over the world, and with Nolan's abilities, commanding them was as simple as giving a firm order.
And if bats couldn't find them, Nolan could still use magic to track Lex's parents' souls.
He didn't even need to leave his seat—just a few words, and his power could mobilize the forces he required.
Hermione's words seemed to ease Harry's worries. He turned to Lex and said, "As my friend said, if you agree to sign the contract, we can be partners. But if you refuse, then there's nothing I can do to help you."
In certain moments, Harry was incredibly clear-headed. He prioritized his friends' safety above all else and knew ghosts could be deceitful.
A contract would ensure fairness for both sides—why not take advantage of it?
If Lex hesitated, it would only prove he had something to hide.
"I agree to sign the contract," Lex finally said. There was no point in refusing now.
He glanced at Harry, who met his gaze with an encouraging look.
Only then did Lex relax slightly.