Chapter 57: An Acquaintance

The specific manifestations of demonic possession are generally quite obvious, and they appear in a few distinct ways.

Firstly, there's a change in voice and tone. People possessed by demons usually emit a deep, low voice, filled with horror and malevolence, resembling the roar of a fierce beast – hoarse and cold, brimming with malice and mockery.

Next, the possessed person's personality undergoes drastic changes, often displaying extreme violent impulses, wreaking havoc and attacking people and objects around them.

Then, the second stage begins.

In this phase, the demon's power manifests more clearly, typically shown by sudden abnormal twisting and spasms of the body, with muscles contracting and twisting uncontrollably.

This change makes the host's movements stiff and uncoordinated, giving an unnatural and terrifying feeling.

The most horrifying aspect is when the host demonstrates non-human capabilities, such as adhering to walls like a gecko.

This is the origin of various joint techniques shown in movies and television.

By this stage, the host's life is in considerable danger.

"..."

Through the old man's description, York was somewhat relieved.

Thanks to the old man's religious beliefs and sufficient knowledge, he had some understanding of demons.

So, when the demon had just entered the first stage, the old man and his family had decisively controlled it within a room, and upon learning of York's arrival, they immediately sought his help.

The entire process was very clear.

This is probably why it's said that having an elder in the family is like having a treasure. York glanced at the old man beside him, who was still anxious and uneasy, and offered a word of comfort.

"Don't worry, Mr. Welber. It's not the most dangerous time yet."

The implication was to be assured, as the situation could be resolved.

The old man's expression relaxed a bit, though his voice still trembled.

"God bless."

Seeing this, York glanced at Robert, who was carrying the bag. He seemed hesitant and confused but not frightened, displaying a fearless ignorance…

"Amen."

York looked away and crossed himself before pushing open the door and entering.

The layout of the house came into view.

To the right was the living room, to the left the kitchen, with stairs in the middle leading upstairs, and a small path leading directly to the backyard.

The layout was no different from other houses, but York could feel the evil presence. He looked up, his gaze hesitant.

"Even so... why do I feel a familiar scent?"

Robert, who followed, looked around curiously. Seeing the priest stop at the stairs, he gripped the cross on his chest, growing nervous.

"Father York, is there a problem?"

This made the old man, Mr. Welber, uneasy again. His cloudy eyes fixed on the priest.

"No."

York shook his head and continued up the stairs. With each step, his gaze shifted from hesitant to surprised, finally focusing on a room deeper inside.

By now, he could hear the howling from inside, a cutting, hoarse sound that made one's scalp tingle.

"Aaaaahhhh!!"

The mere sound was enough to instill a sense of evil in ordinary people, even affecting the atmosphere around the room.

Cold, dark, with light seeming to be swallowed upon entering.

It was an indescribable feeling, like if you knew the person in front of you was a murderer, you'd naturally react differently, regardless of how brave you were.

Robert, a man nearly 1.8 meters tall, shrank slightly, appearing smaller.

As the person involved, Mr. Welber managed to maintain composure, but he was tense.

"Father..."

"It's okay, Mr. Welber."

York reassured the old man again, then took the backpack from Robert's hand.

"Robert, wait here for me."

Robert, thinking the priest misunderstood his fear, began, "Father York, actually I can go in…"

He was cut off by York.

"No need. It's enough that you've come this far, Robert."

Robert was left speechless, not knowing what to say.

York didn't pay him any more mind and, carrying the backpack, walked deeper into the house. Allowing Robert to carry the backpack this far was already the limit.

York's exorcism rule was that only family members could accompany, otherwise it was a one-on-one situation.

Seemingly sensing the young man's disappointment, Mr. Welber patted Robert's shoulder.

"Son, the Father is doing this for your own good. Facing a demon is not as simple as you think…"

Robert pursed his lips and nodded.

"I understand."

Hearing this, Mr. Welber forced a smile, not lingering, and followed the priest.

"Roar!!"

"..."

Approaching the door, the feeling intensified, the roar echoing in his mind, the darkness deepening.

To prevent the old man's mind from being invaded by the demon, York silently expended a bit of magic to dispel the dark aura surrounding Mr. Welber.

[One point of magic used] With the use of magic, there was a reaction inside: "Damn! What is that smell!"

"Ah ahhh…"

After this, York ignored the howling and turned the doorknob, opening the door.

As the door swung open, everything in the room came into view.

A regular room, with standard proceedings – a middle-aged woman tied up on the bed, tossing and turning incessantly.

Her face was dark and greasy, as if she hadn't slept for days, her eyes beginning to change, indicating the demon was preparing to enter the second stage.

She stared at York and Mr. Welber at the doorway, her mouth wide open, drooling and howling.

"Roar!!! Damn lapdog!!"

York looked calm, gazing at the victim, his eyes filled with reminiscence and emotion.

"No, you know I'm not a lapdog, but a spokesperson for the Lord."

As if to prove York's words, the middle-aged woman suddenly stopped howling.

Like a button had been pressed to pause, the entire room fell silent.

Her head tilted, her changing pupils fixed on the calm priest, filled with doubt and seeming to seek confirmation, then slowly returning to a more human appearance.

"Damn it! Is this your territory too?"

This clear, familiar tone and strange words left Mr. Welber, who was huddled by the door, stunned. He glanced at his daughter on the bed, feeling both unfamiliar and fearful.

In that glance, he suddenly noticed his daughter, previously fierce, had calmed down, now showing a very strange and resentful expression.

"What's happening?"

The old man looked bewildered at the calm priest.

Sensing the old man's gaze, York smiled without explaining. He pulled a chair from the desk beside the bed, sat down, and placed the backpack at his feet.

All in one fluid motion.

Having done this, York turned to the middle-aged woman, smiling gently.

"The entire state of New York is within my jurisdiction, so yes, this includes here."

"Damn it!"

The voice, like a mix of man and beast, sounded again. The middle-aged woman, as if speechless, shrugged and stretched out her arms, her grey pupils fixed on York sitting by the bed.

"I just came up here!"

The conversation took an odd turn, steering the previously terrifying atmosphere towards the bizarre, leaving Mr. Welber at the door even more bewildered…

"Due to a celebration, I couldn't handle my liquor and was knocked out by four drinks.

My face is flushed, and my head is spinning, so there's only one chapter today.

Sorry…

But don't worry, the author has bought coffee, and there will be more updates coming!

Let's see if I can make up for it with three chapters tomorrow."