Based on York's experience in exorcism, although all demons are malevolent, they have varying strengths and hierarchical levels. If a demon can also be connected with the clergy of the church, it indicates that the demon is quite extraordinary. Not every demon can impersonate a clergyman associated with God, after all, God is watching.
"So which demon could this be..."
York stared at the photo for a long time. Although it felt familiar, he couldn't quite place it.
"Forget it."
York gave up trying to remember and called Ed again.
Since the demon was already able to invade Ed's dreams, it probably meant that its power had reached a considerable level. Based on this development speed, York was certain that the Warrens might encounter paranormal events similar to Ronnie DeFeo's case in the future.
His only option was to wait.
"Father York?"
Hearing Ed's voice from the phone, York calmly said, "Ed, if anyone else comes to you for help, remember to tell me in advance, whether you're just verifying the authenticity or whatever it may be."
Ed's tone was serious and heavy, "Understood, Father York."
"Good."
York reassured Ed a few more times before hanging up. He quickly finished his lunch and prepared to immerse himself in his priestly duties. He had already heard footsteps approaching.
"Father, my name is Morse. Would you be willing to listen to my troubles?" A young man, clearly in distress, carefully asked.
The young man was distinctly Western in appearance, with rugged features and vigorous hair growth. The most important thing was that he looked unfamiliar, as if it was York's first time seeing him.
"Unfamiliar?"
York's eyes lit up because unfamiliar faces could easily trigger random tasks.
"Um, I heard that you are very good at listening to others' troubles and giving appropriate advice…"
The very nervous young man, named Morse, continued.
York already showed a compassionate expression that belonged both to a priest and to himself, "My child, perhaps every priest is good at these two things you mentioned. Come, let me hear what troubles you."
[Trigger Random Task]
[Resolve Morse's Troubles]
[Reward: +0.5 Points]
[Accept the task?]
Morse's eyes lit up, "Really?"
York nodded with a smile, "Come, have a seat."
Willing to become a psychological counselor for the task reward, York accepted the task.
[Task Accepted]
Unaware of what was happening, Morse nodded gratefully and quickly sat in the indicated chair.
Typically, the troubles of ordinary people are quite similar – financial issues, family problems, parenting pressures, or relationship issues.
Morse was troubled by a relationship issue, but as York listened, he felt something was amiss.
According to Morse's account, his situation was just like the "nice guys" from York's previous world, or even worse.
How worse? After breaking up with his girlfriend of several months, Morse underwent a vasectomy because of a few words from his ex-girlfriend – a decision that meant he would no longer have the chance to father children.
"Father, the reversal surgery failed," Morse regretted deeply.
"This means I can no longer have children. What should I do?"
York struggled to hide his reaction to this bizarre problem. He already had a set of responses to address the various issues of his parishioners, ensuring that each one left satisfied. However, he was at a loss on how to address such an unusual problem. But for the sake of completing the task, York reluctantly redirected the conversation.
"May I ask you a fundamental question?"
Morse nodded, "Go ahead, Father."
York was direct, "Do you like children?"
Morse frowned, seemingly pondering seriously. He nodded and then shook his head.
"I guess I don't like them because I think those little kids seem annoying. My neighbor is a single mother with three children, and I have seen how haggard she is every day. Her sister has now come to live with them, and she is on the brink of collapse."
Imagining a scenario like this in his own world...
Although York thought of the Roberts family outside, who had four children, he finally found another perspective.
"So why are you worried about this? You have already perfectly accomplished what you wanted."
Morse was stunned, having never considered this before. He was bothered by his inability to have children in the future.
York noticed Morse's silence and sensed an opportunity.
"Everyone has their choices. Since this is your true choice, and you don't like children, why bother worrying about it?"
"This is my choice..." Morse seemed to have an epiphany, muttering to himself.
"Yes, it's your choice," York affirmed, crossing himself. "Everyone has moments of self-doubt, but it's important to trust your choices. My child, please believe in the abilities God has given you and bravely face the challenges."
Morse's eyes grew brighter, and he inhaled deeply, "Father, you're right. Since this is my choice, regret is pointless."
York smiled gently, offering support. There was no need to say more – Morse would fill in the blanks himself.
Morse took a deep breath and stood up.
"Thank you for your guidance, Father. I really shouldn't be troubled by this."
As Morse spoke, York heard the completion notification. Relieved, he smiled.
[Resolved Morse's Troubles (Completed)]
[Reward: +0.5 (Issued)]
"My child, the Lord be with you," York said as usual.
"He will hear your prayers and guide you."
"Thank you!"
Enlightened, Morse nodded, pulled out his wallet before leaving, and stuffed a few bills into the donation box.
York acknowledged his generosity, "Thank you for your donation."
"No need to thank me, Father."
Morse smiled and left, deciding to visit this church more often.
York watched Morse disappear through the door and glanced around the hall at the old parishioners, exhaling softly. That 0.5 was hard-earned! Remembering his conversation, York shook his head and added the 0.5 points to his life value.
[Life Value: 124.5 raised to 125]
He continued to focus on life value.
Feeling the slight change brought by the addition of 0.5 points, York believed that increasing his life value to a certain level would bring a qualitative change to his body. After another look around the hall, York prepared to head to the rest area.
The rhythm of sanctification couldn't stop. In preparation to face the demon nun, he had to prepare more powerful tools.
"Now it's time to order some military hardware for sanctification, like a revolving grenade launcher..."
York's murmur echoed in the dim hallway as an afternoon passed.
It's a wrap! The difficulty wasn't in the plot but in looking up military hardware and weapons...
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Read Ahead
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