Chapter 59: Research

"!!!"

The demon possessing the victim seemed not to have learned much profanity in the human world, repeating only a few phrases.

"Damn bug! You deserve to die!!"

This caused Mr. Welber, who had calmed down, to actually feel pity for the demon being only able to howl and struggle in front of the priest.

"Yes, it was you who made me realize the usefulness of my research direction, and even helped me become familiar with…"

As Mr. Welber watched, York twisted the gun barrel into the injector, looking at Prima with a nostalgic smile.

In a way, this demon was his introductory teacher, guiding him to a research direction different from traditional exorcism, including the use of the system...

"I really thank you for that."

Saying this, York took another needle from the backpack and inserted it into the gun barrel.

"So, let me give you this shot as a token of my gratitude. This is a drug I specially bought from a shop of a friend who only smokes. I never thought it would end up being used on you. We really are fated, aren't we?"

As Prima continued to howl incessantly, York fired the injector at her shoulder. Seeing the needle piercing in, he didn't forget to explain to his "demon friend."

"You know, buddy, there's a type of drug in the human world used for anesthesia. It blocks neuromuscular transmission, causing skeletal muscles to relax,"

Perhaps waiting for the drug to take effect, or to reassure the old man, York further clarified.

"This should prevent your host from being harmed too much by your antics. Of course, this drug only works when you can only use the host's strength. If you reach the stage where you can perform various joint techniques, then this drug probably won't be effective…"

As he said this, Prima's struggling gradually lessened, and the demon inside realized something was wrong. It could feel its power fading and stared at York in fury.

"Damn it! How could someone like you exist among God's lapdogs!

Where's your cross? Your Bible? Your holy water?"

The fact that the demon, usually reserved, suddenly spoke so much showed its psychological defenses were breaking.

York smiled, looking at the victim whose struggle was subsiding, his eyes gleaming oddly.

"No rush, their time to shine hasn't come yet. Since I've encountered you, I wanted to try some new things."

Saying so, York took out his phone, tapping the screen as he spoke.

"It's only you I dare do this with because I'm not confident I could keep other victims safe from your kind."

"You're saying I'm weak!!! I am..." The beast-like voice roared, but Prima suddenly stopped, her grey eyes fixed on York fiddling with his phone.

"Sneaky human! I won't fall for it!"

"Good. If you had blurted out your true name, I really would've had to change my impression of you."

York shrugged indifferently, placing his phone on his knee and looking at the recording file, pressing play.

The file began to play from the phone, and a voice rang out.

"…In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I come to this place…

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Under God's armor, I declare you have no right to remain in this world…"

"…"

This was a recording of recitations York had made, mostly typical exorcism content from the Bible.

He wanted to see if this modern tool, a recording, would have a similar effect on the demon.

Unfortunately, all he saw was mockery and disdain in Prima's eyes.

"As always, unpleasant to listen to..."

Seeing no significant change, York paused the recording, glancing at the baffled Mr. Welber, who seemed completely lost about what he was doing.

"Cough!"

York coughed, a brief moment of embarrassment flickering across his unchanged expression.

Did the recording really need a blessing, like holy water? Maybe he could only recite from the Bible?

"What, is this your new research method?"

As the demon spoke, York pondered. He looked at Prima, who was becoming arrogantly demon-like, stroking his chin.

Maybe, like holy water, the phone lacked a blessing step? Remembering the critical step in making holy water, York tried enchanting his phone on his knee. He wanted to see if magic could automatically replace the blessing step.

Magic rapidly spread, automatically consuming three points of magic.

[Three points of magic used]

[...]

As the mechanical notification sounded, York pressed play again, and the paused recording resumed.

"The Lord says: 'In the evening, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

I, in the name of Jesus, by His power and authority, expel the evil spirit from you!'"

"…"

However, magic, usually a universal tool, failed for the first time. Its only effect on the phone was to amplify the sound.

Watching Prima's increasingly mocking expression, York sighed and paused the recording, deciding he might need to bless the phone or something similar before trying again.

"Hehehe!" The constantly tormented demon finally got its chance to mock. Prima, following its will, sat up, facing York.

"What's wrong, your little toy not working? Come on, put more effort into it!"

"…As you wish."

York smiled, putting aside his research to start the formal exorcism. He stood up, swinging his right hand. Magic flowed within him, pulling the ancient Bible from the backpack to float in front of him.

Mr. Welber's eyes widened in disbelief as the floating Bible automatically turned its pages.

[Ten points of magic used]

[...]

York's gentle voice filled the quiet room.

"…"

"If I drive out demons by the Spirit of the Lord, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Evil spirits, heed my voice, feel the holy power descending!"

Unlike the monotonous, emotionless voice from the phone, York's voice was powerful and full of energy. A divine force suddenly emerged, dispelling all evil presence and negative emotions in the room.

At this moment, York was inviolable and holy!

Mr. Welber, watching from behind, trembled with excitement. He seemed to sense through his own spiritual awareness a calming and familiar energy descending.

"God…"