Chapter 149: Breakfast

"Father York!"

Jeffrey, the first to react, released his grip on his gun holster and approached.

"Is it over?"

"Yes."

Seeing the group's defensive yet suddenly relaxed demeanor, York, with his backpack, stepped out of the elevator, handing his room card to the African-American manager.

"The suite is quite dirty. It might be good to send a cleaning crew up, and the bathroom needs some repairs."

So soon?

Oliver's eyes flickered with curiosity, accepting the priest's room card.

For him, this seemed too quick. Was it really safe? But he respectfully replied.

"Of course, Father. On behalf of our boss and the Seabreeze Hotel, we thank you for your assistance. From now on, Seabreeze Hotel and its affiliates will waive your charges. We welcome your return..."

York noticed Oliver's hesitation but didn't bother explaining further.

His visit was solely for attribute points, not expecting just two points. As for the complimentary stays, with the church backing him, he never worried about expenses.

"Let's go, Officer Jeffrey, take me back."

After speaking, York left the scene under everyone's gaze, having experienced a past illusion, he was not in the mood to stay longer.

Jeffrey, taken aback, watched York's departing figure and patted Beck on the shoulder, leaving him in charge.

"Beck, it's all yours."

Beck nodded, understanding the situation's importance, "Okay!"

After Beck's response, Jeffrey hurried to catch up with York, now turning a corner.

The night in New York was vibrant, with the city's lights painting a splendid picture.

The traffic was mostly heading into the city, except for a police car speeding away.

Under the flashing red and blue lights, cars made way.

Jeffrey, who rose to prominence after the Jesse Building incident and took charge of a new department overseeing supernatural events in New York, found himself driving.

Glancing at the rearview mirror to see the priest, he saw only calmness.

But remembering York's request to be taken to the Pluto Church, Jeffrey felt something was amiss with the priest tonight.

Melancholy?

Somehow, the word popped into Jeffrey's mind as he looked at the priest in the mirror.

"Available attribute points plus today's fixed mission 0.5, only 2.5."

Unaware of Jeffrey's thoughts, York was focused on the virtual window only he could see.

[York]

[Race: Human]

[Profession: Priest, Pharmacology Professor, Doctor...]

[Overall Physique: 72]

[Life: 135.5]

[Spirit: 131.5]

[Magic: 189]

...

"Just lacking in physique to reach a hundred, continue adding to physique."

After a brief glance at his personal panel, York didn't hesitate to add the available 2.5 attribute points to his overall physique.

Having experienced the abilities that come with breaking a hundred in other attributes, he now prioritized his still underwhelming physique.

With a thought, a prompt sounded in his ear.

[Addition successful]

[Overall Physique 72 increased to 74.5]

...

As the Pluto Church was illuminated by a light in the darkness, Jeffrey parked the police car steadily by the street in front of the church, looking at the priest who had closed his eyes, whispering.

"Father, we've arrived."

York opened his eyes, glanced at the Pluto Church, and stretched.

"Thank you, Officer Jeffrey, for the ride."

Jeffrey glanced at the time [22:04].

"Father, I can still take you back if you need."

York smiled, grabbing his backpack.

"No need. You've been busy for two days. Better head home and rest."

...

Hearing this, Jeffrey could only nod and watch the priest exit the car.

Feeling Jeffrey's gaze, York patted the police car, signaling him to leave, then walked into the Pluto Church.

"Phew!"

As York disappeared into the church, Jeffrey exhaled, pressing the gas pedal and slowly driving away.

He had many tasks to handle and aftermaths to deal with...

Reaching the church's main doors, York pushed them open, revealing the interior. Carrying his backpack, he moved in the dark until he reached the candle stand, skillfully lighting the candles with a lighter found in a specific spot.

This action felt like a routine.

As the candles lit up, their soft glow brightened the entire church.

York returned the lighter, pausing to gaze at the central Jesus statue in silence, then walked into the rest room, resetting the firearms before taking a cross to his usual seat, facing the statue and closing his eyes.

Time passed in the candlelit church, tranquil, with only the steady breathing of a priest seeking peace.

Eventually, the candles burned out, and the sun rose from the east, its first rays penetrating the church's floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the Jesus statue and the priest who had sat through the night.

He abruptly opened his eyes, gazing at the unchanging statue, and made the sign of the cross.

"Amen!"

[Prayer: Church Prayer (Completed)]

[Reward: +0.5 points issued]

"Time to pick up Irene and take a shower."

York, looking refreshed, stood up, adding the newly acquired 0.5 attribute points to his overall physique, still 26.5 points shy of a hundred.

[Overall Physique 74.5 increased to 75]

...

Soon, a dark Ford Raptor roared to life in the early morning, speeding off to the right.

Unexpectedly, York, who thought Sister Irene might still be asleep, drove into the garage only to find a virtual map in his mind showing someone busy in the kitchen.

"Hm?"

York instinctively sniffed, his enhanced sense of smell detecting the aroma of fried eggs and corn porridge through the mental map.

"She's making breakfast?"

York chuckled, exiting the car and heading inside, appreciating the feeling of someone preparing breakfast...

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT