Exorcist of the American Nightmares

At the end of the right-side path was a small room that served as York's rest area, akin to a normal office. It had a desk, a sofa, bookshelves, and also stored items he used daily, such as clothes.

Approaching the wardrobe, York placed his backpack inside, then took out and changed into his clerical shoes.

The attire of a priest is quite specific, encompassing everyday robes or ceremonial vestments, stoles, pectoral crosses, vests, and clerical shoes, all worn meticulously.

Unfortunately, like before, York decided to skip the full attire, only wearing the clerical shoes before closing the wardrobe. He then picked up a Bible from the desk to add to his priestly demeanor.

People judge by appearance, and York's entire aura transformed instantly, embodying a compassionate and loving priest reborn.

York diverted his gaze from the mirror, patted his clothes straight, and picked up a plate from the other side.

The plate already had a silver chalice, a packet of salt, and a bottle of pure mineral water on it.

Not expecting many visitors early in the morning, he planned to make holy water first.

This was part of his routine. If idle, he liked to prepare enough holy water, salt bullets, silver bullets, lead bullets...

The efficacy of holy water, a staple for exorcism, was undeniable. Different types of bullets, marked with a cross and blessed through prayer and enchantment, were highly effective.

Salt bullets for spirits, silver for supernatural beings, and lead for monsters were his favorite items to create. His home's underground warehouse was stocked with ammunition, ensuring he was never short on firepower.

With a plate in one hand and a Bible in the other, York left the small room.

The church was empty early in the morning. After scanning the empty hall and altar, York began the process of making holy water, placing all the necessary items on the table.

The materials and process for making holy water were simple: a combination of salt and pure water, with blessing being the most crucial step.

Following measurements, York calmly poured pure water into the clean silver chalice, adding a teaspoon of salt for every hundred milliliters until the chalice was full.

"Now, only the blessing remains..."

York glanced at the statue of Jesus, preparing to start the blessing.

However, as he was about to proceed, a voice called out from outside the church.

"Father York! Are you there?"

York, recognizing the voice as that of a delivery boy whose job he had helped secure, responded, "I am!"

Turning around, he saw a young man in uniform, cautiously holding a parcel, peeking in.

Seeing the young man's cautious demeanor, York put away the Bible and warmly invited him in.

"Aiwen, don't be afraid, come in."

But Aiwen, upon seeing York, retreated.

"No, no need, Father. I've got a delivery for you. I'll just leave it here."

He quickly placed the parcel on a bench near the door and hurried off without waiting for a response.

Seeing Aiwen's avoidance, York's lips twitched, feeling conflicted.

"Sigh, was just a bit of physical persuasion to steer you back on track..."

Shaking his head, York went to collect his parcel, sitting down to open it, but the sender's name raised his eyebrows.

"Sent by Ed? Is there an issue?"

If someone else had sent it, it would be one thing, but a parcel from Ed Warren likely meant another situation: a personal inability to handle a spirit issue, seeking York's help, or needing the church's exorcism permission.

The reason was simple: though Ed was a layman, he was recognized by the church as a demonologist. Importantly, Ed's wife, Lorraine Warren, possessed a unique ability not found in ordinary people—she could see ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural beings invisible to others.

York seemed to recall hearing about the Warrens in his previous life but had no clear memory, only a sense of familiarity.

Just then, his phone rang from inside his robe.

Sensing who it might be, York retrieved his phone to see Ed's call.

"As expected, Ed..." York answered with a smile.

Upon answering, Ed immediately stated, "Father York, did you receive the package I sent? I just got notified."

Glancing at the unopened box and recalling his peaceful interactions with Ed, York replied, "Yes, have you encountered another issue?"

"Cough, coincidentally," Ed coughed awkwardly. "Father, I've indeed encountered a clear case of a spirit issue. Please review the proof inside, and if possible, I'd like to apply for the church's exorcism permission through your channels."

"Understood, I'll take a look," York calmly responded, hanging up with a tinge of regret for the lack of tasks.

Setting aside his phone, York began to open the parcel. Inside, he found a recorder, a tablet, and an envelope, with a note on the recorder urging, "Father, please fast forward to the end."

Clearly, Ed's recording wasn't smooth.

York squinted, pressed play, and heard normal sounds at first. Fast-forwarding to a specific point, an abnormal voice emerged, prompting York to stop abruptly.

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah!!"

Terrifying, piercing screams filled the church, sounds difficult for humans to produce.

York silently turned off the recorder, acknowledging the authenticity of the spirit incident, though the church required more concrete proof.

He then turned to the tablet, opening a marked video file.

The screen dimmed, showing chaotic scenes of adults chasing a sliding girl.

The abnormality of the girl's motion, as if someone pulled her hair from behind while her body lay on the floor, was evident.

"Compelling proof," York quietly closed the tablet and picked up Ed's envelope.

Opening it, he found photos providing a more direct visual.

The first showed a young girl walking in darkness with invisible hands on her shoulders.

The second depicted her walking up stairs, eyes closed, with a vaporous figure of a boy in ancient dress behind her...

York pursed his lips, tossed the photos back into the box, and called Ed Warren.

"The family is in grave danger. Give me the exact address..."