Deciding to use the Winchester M1897, York checked the shotgun in his hand, confirmed it was in good condition, and walked back to the shelf full of ammunition.
As mentioned before, in this underground warehouse, he had plenty of ammunition, more than anything else.
After long-term preparation and accumulation, he had already forgotten how many rounds he had made.
York counted them, taking out ten boxes of each type of ammunition.
In terms of quantity, that meant two hundred lead rounds for people, two hundred silver-plated rounds for demons, two hundred salt rounds for spiritual entities, two hundred slug rounds for large creatures… Besides this, Father York, as if fearing any accidents or a shortage of firepower, even took an extra shotgun.
All at once, York emerged from the underground warehouse, laden with large and small bags. As he left, he hung a crucifix, which had been soaked in Holy water for ten days and blessed by him, on the back of the door before entering the adjacent garage.
As mentioned before, as a modern priest, he naturally had a car.
A Ford Raptor pickup, with a fierce appearance and a massive body like a giant beast, perfectly matched his temperament: a beast paired with a fierce man.
After placing all his belongings in the back seat, York, who considered himself a fierce man, got into the driver's seat, set the map, engaged the gear, and stepped on the accelerator.
The dark Ford Raptor sped off.
Destination: Harrisville, Rhode Island.
Behind the gradually receding Ford Raptor, the garage's automatic door slowly descended... Rhode Island is located on the East Coast of America.
Harrisville is a small town in Rhode Island, located in the northern part of the state, near the Massachusetts border.
So the distance was not short; the entire journey would take at least several hours. To prevent the evil spirit from progressing to the next stage, York mostly drove with the pedal to the metal.
Along the way, he occasionally underwent inspections, but with his identity as an orthodox priest and all his complete permits—including a concealed carry permit and an exposed weapon permit—no one dared to stop his car. Some officers, after checking, would even make the sign of the cross and say respectfully,
"Father, I wish you a safe journey."
York waved in acknowledgment and drove away.
Under these circumstances, the journey that would normally take three or four hours was shortened by York to two hours.
Somewhere in the town of Harrisville.
Several adults were already standing in front of a solitary house, scattered but clearly visible.
A couple leaned against the wall, looking calm and relaxed, while another couple, looking very tired, stood by the door, the husband embracing his wife. The remaining two men sat on the steps in front of the door, waiting with bored expressions.
"Mr. Ed, I'd like to say…"
The husband by the door, a man with an honest face but hands showing signs of long labor, looked at the man leaning quietly against the wall, who had a distinctly more refined demeanor, and said,
"Uh… I remember you saying that exorcism is a very ancient ritual, requiring many years of experience. Is the priest you mentioned such a person?"
Upon hearing this, Ed looked at Lorraine, who had a gentle demeanor and an older sister-like appearance, exchanged glances with her, and nodded, responding in a serious tone,
"Yes, you can try to trust Father York, Roger. With him here, it will be very safe."
"That's great…" Roger, the homeowner, looked somewhat relieved.
Ed offered a kind smile. As a paranormal investigator, he deeply understood the immense pressure Roger was under. As far as he knew, The Roger Family had purchased this house with all their savings, and they could no longer afford to move. Moreover, moving would be useless, as the curse of the evil spirit would follow them unless resolved.
"It's a good thing the Father is coming personally…"
Lorraine, who seemed to sense her husband's thoughts, glanced at him and quietly squeezed his large hand.
At the same time, feeling the strength in the hand he held, Ed felt a warmth in his heart. Just as he was about to offer a smile to his beloved wife, he heard the sound of a car engine.
Vroom!!!!!
Not just Ed, but everyone heard the roaring engine.
Then, at the end of the road, a black, heavily styled pickup truck appeared before them.
"The Father is here!"
Ed's face lit up with surprise. Before anyone else could react, he had already taken his wife, Lorraine, to the open space in front of the steps to welcome the arrival of the Father he respected.
Roger, who had also come to his senses, grabbed his wife's hand and walked over to The Warrens, looking at the ostentatious pickup truck with some hesitation.
"Mr. Ed, is this the Father York you mentioned?"
Watching the pickup truck approach, kicking up dust, Ed smiled easily.
"Yes, that's the car Father York always drives."
"Huh?" Roger choked, looking at the roaring pickup truck, his eyes somewhat wavering. In his impression, priests were generally more low-key.
"Wow, a Ford Raptor!!" The two men sitting on the steps also walked over, one of the tall men exclaiming dramatically.
"This Father must be really tough."
The skinny young man beside him also nodded. "I agree with that."
Meanwhile.
York had already seen Ed and the others ahead. Looking at Ed and Lorraine embracing, he felt a bit fed up.
This couple was good in every way—kind-hearted, understanding—but… they always made him feel like he was eating a full meal of dog food.
Controlling the car to a steady stop in front of the group, York leaned out the window and looked at Ed.
"Ed, lend a hand."
Ed nodded, walking familiarly to the rear passenger door while saying to York inside,
"Father, the road wasn't hard to find, was it?"
York turned off the engine and took the keys, recalling the dirt roads with an indifferent expression.
"It was alright."
Saying that, he let Ed open the rear passenger door and move things, then got out of the car.
Lorraine also came over with The Roger Family and the other two men.
"Father…"
York glanced at the people behind Lorraine, then gave her a light hug, saying,
"Looks like the situation is still manageable?"
At this, Lorraine smiled and said, "Thanks to your crucifix, it's been quite calm today."
Saying this, Lorraine didn't forget to introduce the people behind her.
"Father, let me introduce you. This is Roger and Carolyn, the owners of this house."
Roger looked at the Father before him, dressed in priestly robes, with an unusually sturdy physique, so robust that it was reassuring, and his face showed some gratitude.
"Father, thank you for coming."
He extended his hand gratefully.
Seeing this, York specifically glanced at the woman named Carolyn beside him and the surrounding environment, then subtly shook Roger's hand.
"It's part of my duty."
The hostess, Carolyn, also extended her slender hand gratefully, saying,
"Thank you for coming, Father."
Carolyn had some marks on her hands. York pretended not to notice, lightly shook her hand as well, and smiled gently.
"It's nothing, no need to thank me."