Having decided on the Winchester M1897, York inspected the shotgun in his hands, ensuring it was in good condition before returning to the shelf stocked with ammunition. As mentioned earlier, his underground arsenal was notably abundant in bullets, a result of long-term preparation and accumulation, to the point where he had lost track of the exact count.
York took out ten boxes of each type of bullet: two hundred lead bullets for humans, two hundred silver-plated bullets for supernatural beings, two hundred salt bullets for spirits, and two hundred single-projectile bullets for larger entities.
In addition to these, as if fearing an unexpected turn of events or a shortage in firepower, York also decided to take an extra shotgun with him. Soon, he was laden with bags and pouches, leaving the underground arsenal. Before departing, he hung a cross, soaked in holy water for ten days and blessed by himself, behind the door, then headed to the garage.
As previously mentioned, being a modern priest, York naturally owned a vehicle.
A Ford Raptor, with its fierce design and massive body, perfectly matched his persona, embodying the essence of a beast paired with a warrior.
After loading all his gear onto the back seat, York, considering himself quite the warrior, got into the driver's seat, set the GPS, and hit the gas pedal. The black Ford Raptor took off into the night.
Destination: Harrisville, Rhode Island.
Behind the departing Raptor, the garage door slowly closed...
Rhode Island is located on the east coast of the United States.
Harrisville, a small town in Rhode Island, is situated in the northern part of the state, close to the Massachusetts border. Therefore, the journey was not short, requiring several hours. To prevent the spirit from advancing to the next stage, York mostly floored the accelerator.
Along the way, he occasionally faced inspections, but his status as an official priest and his fully prepared firearm permits, concealed carry permits, and other documentation, deterred anyone from stopping his vehicle. Some officers even made the sign of the cross respectfully after the inspection.
"Father, Godspeed."
York nodded and drove on.
In such a manner, what was supposed to be a three or four-hour trip was shortened by York to just two hours.
Somewhere in Harrisville.
A few adults stood in front of a lonely house, clearly awaiting something. A couple leaned against a wall, looking relaxed, while another pair, looking exhausted, stood by the door, the man embracing his wife. Two men sat on the steps, evidently bored with waiting.
"Mr. Ed, I want to say..."
The man by the door, with a simple look but signs of hard labor on his face, turned to the man resting against the wall, whose demeanor seemed more refined.
"Uh... I remember you mentioned that exorcism is an ancient ritual requiring years of experience. Is the priest you mentioned such a person?"
Hearing this, Ed glanced at his wife Lorraine beside him, exchanged a look, and nodded seriously.
"Yes, you can trust Father York, Roger. With him here, this place will become very safe."
"That's great..." The homeowner, Roger, seemed relieved.
Ed offered a reassuring smile, knowing the pressure Roger was under. This house, bought with all their savings, was their last resort; moving was not an option, as the curse of the spirit would follow them unless resolved.
"Thankfully, the priest is coming personally..."
Lorraine, sensing her husband's thoughts, gently grabbed his hand.
As they prepared to smile warmly at each other, the sound of an engine approached.
Vroom!!!!!!!
Not only Ed but everyone heard the roaring engine.
Then, at the end of the road, a black, formidable pickup truck appeared before them.
"The priest is here!"
Ed's face lit up with joy, and before anyone could react, he and Lorraine stepped forward to welcome the respected priest.
Regaining their senses, Roger and his wife joined the Warrens, watching the imposing pickup truck approach with some hesitation.
"Mr. Ed, is this the Father York you mentioned?"
As the truck kicked up dust, coming closer, Ed replied with a relaxed smile.
"Yes, that's Father York's vehicle."
"Eh?" Roger was taken aback, not expecting a priest to drive such a powerful vehicle, contrary to his impression of a low-key clergyman.
"Wow, a Ford Raptor!" exclaimed the two men who had joined them, with one adding, "This priest must be fierce."
"I agree," said the other, nodding.
Meanwhile, York had already noticed Ed and the others. Seeing Ed and Lorraine together, he felt a bit fed up.
As the couple always managed to feed him an ample dose of "dog food," York parked the truck in front of the group and leaned out the window towards Ed.
"Ed, give me a hand."
Nodding, Ed moved to the back door, asking York, "Father, was the road okay?"
York turned off the engine, took the keys, and remembered the dirt tracks as he replied, "It was fine."
Allowing Ed to open the door and start unloading, York stepped out of the vehicle.
Lorraine, along with Roger and his family and the two men, approached.
"Father..."
York glanced at Lorraine and the others, sharing a brief embrace with her, and asked, "Everything seems okay?"
With a smile, Lorraine said, "Thanks to your cross, today was calm."
She then introduced the people behind her.
"Father, let me introduce Roger and Karen, the homeowners."
Roger, facing the robust and reassuring presence of Father York, expressed his gratitude.
"Father, thank you for coming."
Gratefully, he extended his hand.
York glanced at Karen and the surroundings, discreetly shaking Roger's hand.
"It's my duty."
Karen, with traces of wear on her hands, also gratefully extended her hand, saying, "Thank you for coming, Father."
York, ignoring the marks on her hand, gently shook it and replied warmly, "It's okay, no need to thank me."