Chapter 51: The Church

 "Borrowing money? Child, you still haven't paid back the last amount you borrowed from me..."

"…!"

"You can't even satisfy the curiosity of an old man who's nearly on his deathbed…"

"…!"

"Child, who shielded you from the bishops' questioning?"

"…"

As soon as York mentioned borrowing money, a stream of words erupted in the car, leaving him stunned. Hearing the tone that suggested the other party had more to say, York couldn't help but take a sharp breath and quickly intervened.

"Stop! Old man, I surrender, I admit defeat. I just wanted to borrow some money for the aftermath, is that so necessary?"

This exchange took place in a room far away, bringing a smile to the old man's eyes.

This amused the middle-aged man waiting beside the bed, dressed in a simple clerical robe. Interacting with this child always seemed to comfort the Pope.

"Good child, tell me about last night, and maybe I'll be happy enough to lend you some."

Hearing this, York had no choice but to confess the truth.

Actually, borrowing money was more like a tacit understanding between him and the old man, a euphemism for cleaning up messes. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so carefree until now.

If he still wanted to stay in this country, last night's incident would probably need the Church's intervention to clean up. The first bombing might have been manageable, but the second was indeed too much, destroying one-third of the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors of the building.

In his previous life's mindset, this was a very serious incident, something that could attract national attention.

But this parallel world is not like the ordinary world of his previous life. Due to frequent supernatural events, such incidents are relatively common.

Importantly, the Church's infiltration and power in this parallel world were greater than he had imagined.

Sometimes, concerning exorcism and other supernatural matters, official organizations would usually step aside, taking responsibility for dispersing crowds or managing the aftermath.

This was similar to something he had heard about in Neon Country, where top exorcists had enough authority to make the entire police system serve them. They could evacuate residents from a large area using some pretext, establish roadblocks, and manage all subsequent matters.

This was why he liked being a priest, not only for the convenience of getting points more easily but also for this kind of unrestrained convenience. Otherwise, he would have become a national fugitive long ago.

"..."

"..."

"That's it. There was someone who could transform into a human and was playing some sort of judgment game."

York remembered the pool of black blood and continued.

"Although I drove it away and might have seriously injured it, there's no telling when it might reappear. I think the Church needs to take this seriously."

The old man listened with satisfaction, proudly looking at the middle-aged man beside him and tapping the telephone handle. His pride as a mentor was evident.

"This is the child I personally mentored. Impressive, right?"

The middle-aged man smiled helplessly.

Seeing this, the old man's smile brightened as he spoke into the phone. "I'll have Gabriel pay more attention to this matter."

"Okay."

York turned a corner, and after another block, he would reach the church.

"Is there anything else, old man?"

The old man, knowing exactly what York was thinking, replied with a smile.

"Since you were dealing with a demon, the Church will naturally take care of all the aftermath."

"Okay."

York's lips curled slightly. He had been waiting for this very response. With the old man's words, he wouldn't need to do anything else. Contacts with official organizations, compensation, cover-ups, etc., the Church would naturally arrange it all.

Because of this, York became more patient and continued the conversation, keeping the lonely old man company until he was about to arrive at the church.

"I'm almost there."

"Alright, time is always so fleeting. I should get up too…"

"…"

York tugged at the corner of his mouth and pressed the red phone icon on the car's control screen, ending the call.

Compared to ordinary people, this old man's life was more enjoyable than anyone's, traveling and enjoying leisure. Everyone envied him.

Conversely, the old man envied York's life of combat and action.

Recalling their past interactions, York also smiled slightly. Even through his previous life's perspective, despite the old man's many titles, it didn't stop him from being a lovable elder.

With this thought, York took the second turn and headed straight for the street where the church was located.

However, the scene before him made him raise an eyebrow. The usually tranquil church entrance was now crowded with people.

And this group was quite homogeneous, giving off a family vibe. Some couples stood close together, some with toddlers running around, and even some with nearly grown daughters...

York instinctively stepped on the gas, letting the car slowly move forward. A glance told him these were people who had survived last night's incident in the building, as he saw Officer Beck, his wife Mrs. Hardy, and Jeffrey...

"Don't always laugh and joke around in front of the priest."

Holding a handbag and dressed modestly, Mrs. Hardy was educating Beck, but her tone soon changed.

"Thank goodness I often come here. I know Father York isn't as simple as he appears, otherwise…"

As she spoke, tears welled up in Mrs. Hardy's eyes. She slapped Beck, who was helplessly smiling.

"What would I and Ross do without you?"

Beck's look of helplessness deepened. He knew this was not the time for a man to speak; just let his woman vent. Letting her hit him, Beck whispered to Jeffrey beside him.

"Buddy, what do you think Father York really is, uh, or what identity? Such a big show last night."

As Beck said this, he unconsciously recalled the people from last night, smacking his lips in awe.

"Jeez, those were levels we never usually come into contact with."

Jeffrey didn't answer. He knew more than Beck about the warnings from last night. He wasn't surprised, as covering up for social stability was necessary.

After all, many people were atheists, and some even indulged in fatalistic supernatural live streams, like the exorcism live stream he had seen, which was full of errors. He had to mention this to the priest sometime.

Last night's events had deepened his respect for Father York, who had bravely faced and fiercely combated the demon.

"Father York is coming!"

Just as Jeffrey thought this, Mrs. Beck's call broke his train of thought. He turned his head and saw the priest, carrying a box and a backpack, approaching from the right.