Vatican City.
One of the largest cities in the world. It was the location of the largest cathedral in the world.
The pope was living here, alongside most of the priests. Some priests occasionally head over to other cathedrals to ensure they haven't abandoned some doctrines.
In the world of exorcists, the priests were the strongest forces, followed by the paladins. Each major city has at least a priest and multiple paladins overseeing the cathedral.
The larger the human population, the higher the probability of being possessed by a demon. High-level demons are common in such large cities as well.
….
The town of Mexorburg.
This town was located thousands of kilometers away from Vatican City.
At a bus stop, a group of over fifty youths could be seen gathered, waiting patiently.
"Remember, kids, when we get to Vatican City, you all have to be on your best behavior." A middle-aged lady was speaking, staring at a young man who looked to be around sixteen years old in particular.
The lady and the other youths also turned to look at the young man.
"Why are you guys staring at me?" The young man blurted out when he saw them staring at him, his hands crossed in front of his chest.
"Try to keep your temper in check, Alec, your father can't help you there even if he wanted to." The middle-aged lady said with a frown.
The young man, referred to as Alec, pouted before muttering, "Those people should mind their businesses as well."
The middle-aged lady shook her head with a sigh. The thought of taking Alec with her was frustrating. Alec was one of the best students in the school, but he had a very short fuse and was extremely domineering. He doesn't care about others, as long as he is offended, he will seek revenge.
One of the frightening things about him is that he was very cunning, too cunning for his age. Even the Principal doesn't like getting on his bad books. One of the most infuriating parts of it all is that he's rarely wrong. All the times he had found trouble with people were when they annoyed him first. He's usually an easygoing person, but he also has a no-nonsense attitude.
Whenever he wants to get something done, he would. The only person he respects is his father. His mother died right after his birth. The cause of her death is still unknown.
Since he was young, he had been subjected to abuse from people. Some say he was a demon who killed his mother, others say he's the devil. His erratic nature made things worse for him growing up.
In school, he rarely spoke with people, he had fewer friends as well. The ones he's always with are those in the cathedral. His father was the Deacon of the Town's Cathedral, dispelling most people's doubts. If not, they would truly think he was the devil.
While they were waiting to be picked up, Alec overheard some of the teachers conversing.
"It has been almost sixteen years since that strange phenomenon. What do you think happened?"
"I have no idea, but things have been getting worse. People are getting killed more than usual."
"Since that day, the Popes declared that people shouldn't wander around anymore, and heading into some areas is even forbidden."
"I heard James didn't obey and wandered into Devon mountain range, he hadn't been seen since that day."
"Devon mountain range."
Alec listened to their conversations on the side. He had heard of the phenomenon that happened. It happened on the same day he was born. This made some people stare at him even more strangely.
He was certain these people might've killed him if not for his father. Hence his attitude towards them. He had some abilities that he was confused about. For instance, the middle-aged lady who spoke to him a few minutes ago didn't have any ill intentions, she was only trying to ensure he would be safe. He could sense when someone had evil thoughts about it.
He also had other strange abilities and had seen some things he didn't know if they should exist.
His fear of being regarded as a freak by his father made him keep these things to himself. Other than his father and a few others at the Cathedral, he didn't have anyone else to talk to.
Some minutes later.
The bus they were waiting for arrived. Given their large number, they had to take two buses. After entering the bus, he sat at the end of the bus alone. This was how it had always been, so he was used to it.
The other youths sat in groups, chatting as the bus sped off.
….
Mexorburg's Cathedral.
"Deacon, they've left." A young man reported to the middle-aged man who was reading some scriptures.
The middle-aged man opened his eyes.
"Good, I've been waiting for a while. We should remove those guys so they won't disturb him. It's a good thing he can't see them.
Exhaustion could be seen in his eyes as he spoke. Standing around six feet, he had an average look. Alec, on the other hand, was handsome, thanks to his mother's good looks.
The others nodded and headed to the building behind the Cathedral.
….
On the bus.
Alec had no idea what his father was up to, he was staring at the front of the road with eyes wide open.
There was a large creature blocking the path, if the bus moved past it, he was sure it would attack them.
'How can I tell them about this?'
He was dumbfounded.
'Maybe I'm seeing things.' He consoled himself.
If he spoke up now, those on the bus would think he was mad. He wasn't sure what would happen if he didn't speak up.
Conflicted on what to do, he hesitated.
With the speed of the bus, it soon got to where the creature was standing.
The bus went past it without any hitch.
Alec couldn't help but chuckle while staring through the back window.
'Looks like I've started to go mad.'
He hadn't finished his statement when he saw the creature shoot out a tentacle. The next moment, the driver lost control of the bus.