[Random Quest: Exorcise Evil Spirit, Save The Peron Family (Quest Completed)]
[Reward: +5 points issued]
[...]
When the quest was completed, it was certain that the evil spirit had vanished, and its disappearance could indeed return the house to normal. After all, the very existence of an evil spirit challenged human perception, much like feeling someone is in the house even if you can't see them.
The most obvious change was naturally the temperature; some cold corners returned to their normal warmth, except for the basement, of course. The basement naturally maintained a certain constant temperature, as it was, after all, a storage room.
Half an hour later, to resolve the final matter, York, having completed his task, arrived as promised.
At this moment, York was no longer the tough figure with a small satchel and a shotgun in hand.
Now, he wore a crucifix, held a Bible, and his eyes showed compassion.
He had become a true priest.
"It's finally not so smelly anymore."
Recalling the smell he had encountered earlier, York rubbed his nose, walking down the stairs while looking at the clusters of cold, black resentful energy.
The departed souls' choice was indeed to leave.
Although he couldn't see anything, York's expression remained unchanged, and information about these departed souls automatically flashed through his mind.
There were four people in total: the maid, the mother, little Beth's missing friend Kate, and the child who drowned in the pond. They were all victims, so innocent.
"Come out."
York stopped in front of these clusters of resentful energy, again rubbing his eyes with his hand, as magic subtly spread.
"Yes, Father."
Accompanied by a mellow female voice, four figures appeared out of thin air in York's vision.
Without the evil spirit's coercion, these departed souls had indeed returned to a normal state.
Although their eyes and lips were completely black and oozing black liquid, York could indeed feel the peace contained within.
Looking at the plump woman, who flinched slightly after he had punched her and was holding Kate's departed soul's hand, and then at the maid and child, who were also huddled together, somewhat dazed.
York sighed inwardly.
"I'm sorry."
"..." The four departed souls clearly hadn't expected York to apologize to them. Their black eyes widened, the liquid flowed more and more, and the resentful energy emanating from their bodies churned.
The plump woman, whose consciousness was more intact, moved her lips silently.
"Father, there's no need to apologize..."
Looking at the plump woman, York pursed his lips, nodded, and picked up the Bible.
"I will see you off."
In Buddhist tradition, prayers for the deceased are called 'Pudu' ceremonies, mainly to help the departed pass through the underworld and free their souls from the suffering of reincarnation. What York was about to do had precisely this effect.
He flipped through the Bible, silently reciting.
"..."
"Lord, we come before You, asking for Your mercy and forgiveness for our departed strangers.
We know You are the source of life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life..."
York's recitation echoed continuously in the basement, even spreading upwards.
Everyone who had been waiting in the small path remained silent, listening intently.
"..."
"We will remember Your teachings, believing that by Your will, their souls will find salvation and rest.
Please accept our fervent prayers and bless the departed on their path to light..."
As the recitation neared its end, the previously dim basement inexplicably became brighter, especially where the four departed souls were.
York's eyebrows raised slightly, and he continued reciting. A few seconds later, in his vision, these four departed souls gradually shed their spectral appearance, becoming more normal. The black liquid melted away, the black eyes and lips returned to a human appearance, and their rusty clothes became newer. They returned to their original selves... Watching these four, York maintained his posture of recitation, yet these four looked at York with bright smiles.
"Thank you, Father..."
"Thank you..."
"..."
"Amen." York closed the Bible, looking at the empty basement. For some reason, he still felt a bit heavy-hearted. This was, after all, his first time performing a prayer for the departed.
"This feeling, well, it's too strange. But this 'Lord' might actually exist..."
Based on what he had seen and felt, York was already certain of this conjecture.
"Then why can I, an atheist, still borrow the power of this 'Lord'?"
York glanced at the basement, then walked up the stairs. He still couldn't figure it out, but he didn't dwell on it.
For him, as long as it worked, as long as it was effective and useful, he didn't care... Just then, York stopped on the stairs, a look of surprise in his eyes. The system's voice actually sounded in his ear.
[...]
[Blessing of the Departed]
[Elisa Charles, Kate Charles, Wendy Moses, and Byron Hart are grateful for everything you have done and bestow upon you their blessing]
[Points +3]
[...]
After hearing the mechanical voice in his ear, York subconsciously glanced at the basement, and with a sigh, continued upwards.
He hadn't expected that by having the thought of seeing the task through to the end, to resolve all future troubles for this house, an unintentional act could also yield a reward... An hour later.
On the land shrouded in darkness, a Ford Raptor started up again, its engine roaring.
"Father, are you sure you won't stay? Mrs. Karen has already prepared your room."
A group of people stood by the car door. Because York was leaving that night, The Roger Family, Ed and Lorraine, and Drew were all there to see him off.
As for Brad, who was a local, he had already left in a hurry, saying he needed to go back and write a report.
"No need, it's not too far anyway." Sitting in the driver's seat, York replied to Ed. He didn't want to miss his daily fixed quest, which was +0.5 points.
After replying, York thought of something and looked at Lorraine. He still didn't know where the evil aura on Lorraine came from. Without a source or origin, he found it very difficult to dispel.
At the same time, he also felt that behind this evil aura was definitely a big fish, a big fish that could make him rich, and even though this big fish was very dangerous, he was not afraid of the challenge.
"Lorraine, remember to always wear it, and if anything happens, call me."
Hearing the priest's words, Lorraine understood. She clutched the crucifix hanging around her neck and nodded seriously.
"Okay, Father."
York smiled, his gaze sweeping around as he chuckled at everyone.
"Then, farewell, everyone."
With that, York shifted gears, stepped on the accelerator, and as gasoline was furiously supplied and converted, the Ford Raptor roared and sped down the path, leaving everyone behind to watch him go.