On the second page, the document described the changes in the victim, Meheriban Palomino.
A normally gentle and kind elderly woman suddenly began to berate her daughter-in-law and son one day. This behavior puzzled her son, Daken, and daughter-in-law, Yano, since they hadn't done anything to anger her.
Initially, Daken and Yano thought that Meheriban was just having a temperamental phase or that they had somehow upset her without realizing it. However, they soon noticed that Meheriban's temper became increasingly volatile, and she started acting completely out of character, even hitting her beloved grandson.
Her children began to realize that something was seriously wrong. Her once gentle and kind demeanor had turned into something violent and ugly. Her face, once plump and full of life, became gaunt and skeletal. She stopped her daily visits to the church to pray, which further alarmed her family.
This prompted Father Diego to personally visit Meheriban, a devout follower, to check on her. Upon his visit, he discovered that Meheriban was indeed possessed by an evil spirit or demon.
Having read the second page, York turned to the third, which presented evidence provided by Father Diego.
The most crucial part of an exorcism permit application is not the account of the victim's changes but the evidence proving the presence of an evil spirit or demon.
Like the Warrens in the past, exorcists often used various technological devices to capture undeniable evidence of the supernatural.
York silently examined the first piece of evidence: a photograph.
Compared to videos, photographs allow for more interpretation.
The first photo provided by Father Diego showed the true appearance of the possessed Meheriban. She appeared as a skeletal old woman, with her face shriveled and her skin taut against her bones. Her mouth was dry and cracked, and her eyes, circled with swollen, dark rings, were chilling.
York glanced at the adjacent photo showing Meheriban's normal appearance—full-faced and radiating happiness.
"Quite a difference," York thought as he continued flipping through the photos.
The second photo depicted Meheriban on the ceiling, her body twisted unnaturally, her head facing downward, and screaming at her terrified son and daughter-in-law. Her mouth was wide open, revealing blackened teeth, a sight that would send shivers down anyone's spine.
The third photo, likely captured by a security camera, showed Meheriban crawling down the stairs at night.
The fourth photo depicted Meheriban attacking someone.
Each photo illustrated the drastic changes Meheriban had undergone, looking nothing like her former self.
"This is compelling evidence," York thought. The transformation had occurred over just two weeks, a short time for someone to change so drastically.
The most compelling evidence was the photo of Meheriban clinging to the ceiling like a gecko.
How could an ordinary old woman achieve such a feat without supernatural intervention?
Satisfied, York closed the file.
"Bring me my seal," he instructed.
Irene, who had been waiting, nodded and left. She soon returned with his personal seal.
In the church, bishops typically had their personal seals. Approval documents required the seal to confirm authenticity and authority, particularly for exorcism permits.
"Bishop," Irene said, handing over the seal.
York nodded, taking the seal and pressing it onto the cover page of the document.
The fiery red circle, bearing the church's emblem and his name, stood out.
Finished, York handed everything back to Irene. "Notify them that the exorcism is approved."
"Yes, Bishop!" Irene replied and left to make the call.
York exhaled, relaxing in the pew as he examined his personal status panel.
Unfortunately, the Giant King incident hadn't triggered a random task. Despite the extensive damage and the far-reaching consequences of the battle, no random task had appeared.
Thus, his available attribute points were solely from his daily prayers.
"Forty points in total," York noted, looking at the data.
**York**
- **Race**: Human
- **Professions**: Priest, Archbishop, Pharmacology Professor, Doctor...
- **Overall Constitution**: 201
- **Health**: 601/601
- **Spirit/Holy Power**: 557/99000000 (Consumable) - 557/99000000 (Consumable)
- **Magic**: 401/401 (Note: Regenerates one point per minute)
- **...**
He felt that the system, akin to a set of personal rules, was keen on ensuring he didn't fail to reach godhood, providing him with 0.5 attribute points daily.
"Let's add it all to Spirit. Telekinesis is incredibly versatile, capable of control, defense, attack, and manipulation of particles. Its range of applications is vast."
Without hesitation, York allocated the 40 points to his Spirit/Holy Power attribute, nearing the significant threshold of 600.
**Spirit/Holy Power: 557 → 597**
"Just three points short. Without a random task, I'll reach 600 in six days."
York wondered, "What new ability will I gain upon reaching 600? Enhanced particle manipulation would be great."
Hearing footsteps, York turned to see Irene approaching.
Irene reported, "Bishop, I've notified Father Diego. He is now heading to the home of Meheriban Palomino to prepare for the exorcism."
York, reminiscing about his exorcism days, smiled warmly. "Let's pray for Father Diego and keep an eye on the situation."
"Yes, Bishop," Irene nodded.
York smiled at Irene, appreciating her growing competence, and stood. "Irene, walk with me."
Irene blinked, "Of course, Bishop."
Together, they left the temporarily closed church, stepping outside.
After two months, the snow had partially melted, revealing the green vegetation underneath.
Using his spatial awareness, York observed Flåm recovering. The small train station had reopened, welcoming a new batch of tourists.
York turned to Irene, who was gazing at the mountains. "I heard Norway has abandoned the old scenic railway and created a new route?"
Irene recalled the information. "Yes, Bishop. They've turned the path the Giant King took into a new scenic railway. They plan to invite you to inspect it soon."
York chuckled, remembering the Norwegian officials' cautious inquiries. "No wonder they asked if they could publicize the footprints and altered landscape. It seems the new route will be more popular, given the unique sights."
"Indeed," Irene smiled. "Norway plans to allocate a quarter of the revenue to the Norwegian diocese."
York laughed softly, "Smart move."
In essence, the revenue would be under his control.
"Let's visit Brother Healy and see how his research is going," York decided, heading in a specific direction.
Irene, her breathing slightly altered, followed, knowing Brother Healy was studying something crucial.
Since the Giant King incident, York had given Brother Healy his blood for analysis, possibly for their benefit.
——
Meanwhile, in Lier, a neighboring town to Flåm.
In a church, Father Diego was preparing his exorcism tools.
Essential items: a vial of holy water, a crucifix, a Bible, and a sacred medallion.
Sacred medallions, common church items, came in various shapes and sizes. Blessed, they possessed holy properties for exorcism, healing, and protection.
Typically worn around the neck, hung in homes, or placed on home altars, sacred medallions served as powerful weapons against evil spirits.
Kissing a medallion held the same effect as kissing a crucifix.
Medallions were widespread protective talismans, placed by the sick or in impure places at home. Worn regularly, they repelled demons and evil spirits.
For those possessed, placing a medallion on the forehead could bring healing.
Besides these, Father Diego took a lit candle from beneath the statue of Jesus, gently extinguishing it before placing it in his exorcism bag.
The candles, offered with prayers at the statue, were known as holy candles. Imbued with faith and daily prayers, they dispelled darkness, bringing peace and clarity.
"Almost ready," Father Diego said, his expression serious, as he double-checked his items and closed the bag.
Before leaving, he paused before the statue of Jesus, crossing himself.
"May the Lord protect us! Amen!"
After his prayer, he turned and left.
Outside, his assistant, Deacon Waraway, awaited him.
"Waraway, let's go. Daken and his family are likely anxious."
Deacon Waraway, built like a knight, wore a clerical robe and carried a knight's sword nearly touching the ground.
"Yes, Father!" Waraway replied, helping Father Diego into the car. He then adjusted his sword and took the driver's seat, heading towards their destination.
Lier was small, and walking might suffice, but Meheriban's home was on a farm, a bit too far for a comfortable walk. Driving saved time and conserved energy, essential for an exorcism.
Despite the short distance, they soon reached a house and some low buildings in the distance.
"We're here," Waraway whispered.
Father Diego, resting with eyes closed to conserve energy, opened his eyes and gently patted the exorcism bag.
"Good."
As they neared, they saw a group waiting outside—a family: Daken, Yano, and their children, anxious for Father Diego's arrival.
___________________
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