The next day.
York woke up leisurely from his large bed, feeling refreshed and full of energy. He deliberately checked the time.
[8:23]
Remembering the images of the large and small human figures from the morning, York knew that Eileen had already taken Liss Muria to the church, although he wasn't sure what time they had left.
"Probably preparing for breakfast right now," York thought, sitting on the bed's edge. He picked up his phone from the bedside table and swiftly navigated to the Pluto Church group chat.
Times had changed.
The believers had already set up several group chats.
After briefly scrolling through the messages, York could sense the excitement of the believers about the long-awaited breakfast event. Everyone was talking about attending, even the usually silent Mrs. Camille.
However, seeing Mrs. Camille's little Bellamy avatar, York rubbed his face and got up.
He had a bit of a headache because he knew from Eileen that little Bellamy had come to the church yesterday and cried loudly when she couldn't find him.
"What can be done but to soothe her?"
After a shower, York went down to the basement.
His way of pacifying children was to give away the models and action figures he had bought but not used to the sensible little Bellamy.
Before leaving, York glanced at the Real Toy House.
Inside, the action figure models vividly depicted a hierarchical world.
The Barbie doll, reigning over the Toy House, occupied the most comfortable room, guarded by doorkeepers.
Meanwhile, other action figures, like the priest and Ultraman, were continuously bullying Ghost Head, the local evil spirit...
"You guys sure know how to have fun."
Seeing the original Annabelle doll, now the Barbie doll, curtsying to him like a princess, York's mouth twitched. He picked up the already-packed bag and strode out of the basement.
The Ford Raptor was ready to go again.
However, the ride didn't feel great, especially since the tires needed changing after the rough driving last night.
York patted the steering wheel.
"Buddy, hang in there a bit longer. I'm taking you for a makeover today."
Just as he finished speaking, York stepped on the gas, and the Ford Raptor roared as it surged forward.
Before long, Pluto Church, which was close enough to walk to, appeared in sight.
"What's going on?"
York instinctively eased off the gas, staring at the church, his face showing a hint of confusion.
He had braced himself, but he hadn't expected so many believers to turn up for the breakfast event.
From the real-time 3D images in his mind, he could sense the church was packed with people, both in the front yard and inside.
"So many followers at Pluto Church?"
York questioned himself, somewhat skeptical. He truly trusted Eileen, but he hadn't anticipated she could draw such a crowd.
Therefore, York turned the steering wheel and headed towards the city center, elegantly avoiding the situation.
For him, such large gatherings usually meant trouble.
York could already imagine what it would be like if he entered the church: leading the event was inevitable, as was reading the scriptures. He would even have to maintain a solemn and compassionate demeanor, as that's the typical image of a priest.
Though these believers already understood what kind of priest he was, it still felt like a hassle.
"But it's too troublesome. Let's get this guy fixed up first."
York patted the steering wheel again, making an excuse for his escape, and called Howard Martin for the address of a car modification shop.
Soon after, the nearly worn-out Ford Raptor entered the city and drove into a seemingly ordinary building.
Inside were cars being modified everywhere, surrounded by muscular workers with dark skin and fierce faces.
As the Ford Raptor passed by these men, they stopped their work and looked over.
Most people might hesitate or fear under such scrutiny, but York remained calm and continued driving inside, eventually stopping at an open space.
In front of the open space was a modification room.
York glanced at the shadows moving inside the window, turned off the engine, and got out.
As soon as he got out, the neatly dressed Howard Martin, who was waiting inside the small room, emerged. In stark contrast to the workers, he was always impeccably clean. He greeted York respectfully.
"Father York."
"Howard, let your men give me a few modification options," York said indifferently, patting the Ford Raptor beside him.
"I want the toughest defense, a modification that can withstand rough driving."
Howard Martin nodded and gestured. The workers who were busy modifying cars stopped their work and came over.
Seeing this, Howard Martin smiled and gestured, "Father York, how about we wait in the back?"
"Alright."
York glanced at the approaching workers, left the keys on the car hood, and walked forward, following Howard Martin into the modification room.
Upon entering, it was a different world: a TV, sofa, refrigerator, and more. However, Howard Martin opened another door inside and continued to guide York.
York followed him down the stairs leading underground.
"Father York, this connects to my clothing store."
Perhaps noticing York's observant look, Howard Martin explained softly.
York, seeing the well-crafted stairs, just smiled nonchalantly and followed him down.
Once they reached the bottom, what appeared was an underground passage with lights hanging around.
Through the 3D images in his mind, York could see the passage connecting to several others, leading to unknown places.
Interest gleamed in his eyes.
"Is this the power behind High Table in the Rapid Pursuit?"
York couldn't help but think that Howard Martin or the organization he represented – the High Table – really had some tricks up their sleeve, even creating such tunnels. But considering they dealt in heavy arms, it seemed only natural.
After all, heavy weapons are quite different from light arms and require significant power to manage.
"Your business is quite extensive, Howard," York commented casually.
"Even managing to create such tunnels."
"Thank you for your compliment," Howard Martin replied with a subtle smile, continuing to lead the way.
They didn't walk far before reaching an elevator. Howard pressed a button and gestured again.
"Please, Father York."
York calmly entered, watching as Howard followed and pressed a button.
The elevator doors closed, shook slightly, and opened a few seconds later, revealing a new view.
He had arrived at the same white armory where he had previously sold weapons.
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