Chapter 6: Winchester M1897 (Edited)

Western paranormal incidents differ from the Eastern ones, not as cryptic or insolvable. The main theme of Western paranormal activity follows certain patterns, and understanding these can make resolving spirit incidents relatively straightforward.

In Western paranormal events, many spirits have a sort of cause and effect relationship.

Moreover, their appearances and possessions are not unfounded. Compared to demons from hell with a physical presence, earthbound spirits are inherently weaker, requiring three stages to fully possess a human and control their body and consciousness.

These three stages can be summarized as follows:

A human enters their territory, triggering some catalyst or medium, marking the spirit's appearance.

Upon appearing, spirits start with minor disturbances, such as voices, footsteps, or even physically pulling on their victims, causing mental distress and pressure.

This second stage usually leaves ordinary people unable to remain calm. For instance, knowing something invisible is in your room would naturally cause fear. If it were York in his previous life, he'd admit to being scared, unable to withstand the daily disturbances that lead to nervous exhaustion.

Thus, the harassment from the spirit gradually intensifies, further breaking down the victim's will.

By this time, the spirit moves to the next stage: possession.

And from the three proofs provided by Ed, it's clear the spirit is nearing the edge of this third stage—possession.

This final step is very dangerous.

In summary, successful possession indicates control over the victim's consciousness, putting the victim's life at risk.

"Although you're recognized by the church, applying for an exorcism permit still needs to go through the headquarters, and we're running out of time," York calmly noted, sensing surprise on the other end of the phone.

"I'm an ordained priest of the church; I don't need a permit. So, for the safety of the victim, it's best if I handle this personally..."

[Random Task Triggered] [Random Task: Exorcise the spirit, save the Perron family] [Success Reward: +5 points]

[Accept?] York, having just finished speaking, saw the task window pop up, smiling broadly at the timely mission.

"Accept the task."

York mentally accepted, and the task panel vanished.

Meanwhile, Ed's voice came through the phone, filled with relief. "Father York, it's great you can come personally. The address is Harrisville, Rhode Island..."

Noting the address, York, carrying the box, headed back to his resting room, calmly asking.

"Is Lorraine there?"

"Lorraine? She's right here next to me," Ed replied, and then a gentle female voice spoke up.

"Father, I'm here."

"Good, Lorraine. You still have the cross I gave you, right?" York reached the door of his resting room.

"Yes, Father."

Hearing Lorraine's voice, York was reminded of the almost imperceptible aura around her.

It was a strong curse, the source and danger of which he couldn't pinpoint, so he had given her a cross that had been with him for over a decade to suppress the evil presence.

"If you're in danger, you have my permission to use my cross and read from the Holy Bible..." York said as he tossed the box aside and opened the wardrobe to pick up his exorcism tools.

"The merciful Lord will forgive you; you need not worry."

Perhaps his words, invoking the Lord so earnestly, caused a moment of silence on the other end before a response came.

"Father, about the church..."

York, stepping out of the resting room with his backpack, smirked slightly.

This parallel world's church was somewhat domineering, controlling and monopolizing the right to handle paranormal incidents through its doctrines, like the exorcism permit, similar to requiring police approval for solving a murder case.

Of course, there was a reason for this.

The church could maintain such a stance because it was inherently opposed to demons and had the power to resolve these paranormal incidents.

So, the exorcism permit was also to prevent accidents, as the background of some paranormal incidents isn't simple. An uninformed attempt at exorcism could trigger a larger chain reaction or even result in the victim's death.

Professional matters required professionals, like himself.

With this in mind, York calmly stated, "You're registered demonologists with the church, so I trust your ability to recognize the severity of situations. With me involved, you also need not worry about the church..."

A deep breath came through the phone: "I understand, Father."

"Good." York, having made a somewhat blasphemous declaration, smiled calmly.

"We'll discuss the rest when I arrive."

After ending the call, he made the sign of the cross towards the Jesus statue and left the church hall with a determined stride.

Hanging a "Gone for a few days, please forgive my absence" sign on the door, York headed home to prepare his exorcism tools. He always made sure to have adequate tools before setting out, or else he'd feel uneasy.

Regrettably, York's "cheat" didn't include the standard transmigrator's storage space.

Upon arriving home, York wasted no time heading to the underground warehouse to organize the exorcism tools for the trip.

For dealing with unseen spirits or souls, his favorite was the shotgun with specially made salt bullets. The shotgun's versatility allowed him to adapt to any situation, even against physical monsters, by switching ammunition types as needed.

With this in mind, York walked to the weapons rack, immediately focusing on the shotguns, and picked one up.

Holding the classic shotgun, York automatically recalled its specifications.

The Winchester M1897, weighing 3.6 kg, with a barrel length of 29 inches, capable of firing 12 or 16 gauge shells. The magazine could hold five rounds, with an additional one in the chamber, allowing for a total of six shots.

Furthermore, the Winchester M1897, an external hammer shotgun without a trigger disconnector, allowed for rapid firing.

This meant by holding the trigger down and repeatedly pumping the fore-end, the shotgun would fire as soon as the fore-end and action returned to the forward locked position.

Caressing the Winchester M1897, York smiled to himself.

"It's you, buddy."