[Chapter 20: Seal-Bearer]
A powerful surge of energy erupted from deep within his body, bringing with it that sharp, searing pain once again. Even though Daniel had mentally prepared himself for this, the agony was still nearly unbearable. He gritted his teeth, enduring the tremors coursing through his limbs. After several long minutes, the pain finally began to fade, replaced by a profound sense of ease that spread through every fiber of his being.
[Exorcist Level: Warden]
[Merit Points: 2000]
"It really is increasing exponentially," Daniel muttered to himself, rubbing his throbbing temples in concern over the vast number of Merit Points future upgrades would demand. Still, worrying served no purpose now; he would cross that bridge when he came to it.
"Upgrade."
[Exorcist Level: Seal-Bearer]
[Merit Points: 400]
With 400 Merit Points left to spare, the Sacred Sword Technique and Seal Crafting Art -- both previously glowing with power -- had now dulled to gray, their upgrades no longer available. This led Daniel to realize that advancing a Spell from level two to level three required a full 1,000 Merit Points.
"A tenfold jump? That's.. intimidating," Daniel said with a frustrated sigh, scratching his head helplessly.
"Looks like absolving those departed souls this time didn't reward me with any new Spells. Maybe they were too weak," he reasoned. "It seems ghosts of the same Rank only grant a Spell the first time they're dealt with. After that, it's just Merit Points. Status."
[Host: Daniel Cross]
[Body Constitution: Thunder Body]
[Exorcist Level: Warden]
[Skills:]
[Sanctum Blade Technique: Second Tier]
[Divine Incantation for for Purifying Souls: First Tier]
[Prayer Seal Crafting Art: Second Tier]
[Merit Points: 400]
...
After reviewing his status, Daniel exited the system, a smile breaking across his face. A two-rank boost in Exorcism was no small feat, and he felt the mystical power pulsating deeper within him.
Rising, he walked to the bathroom, peeled off his clothes, and studied his reflection in the mirror. There were no scars or marks left on his skin. Carefully, he scanned every inch of his body -- not just physically but mentally as well -- and found nothing foreign in his mind.
Relief washed over him.
Jeremiah had threatened to kill him, which made Daniel suspect he might have left some curse or mark on him. But now it seemed Jeremiah's threats were just empty boasts.
'He was all talk,' Daniel concluded.
He doubted Jeremiah would make good on his threat -- at least not yet. But when his power reached a higher level, Daniel was certain he'd seek Jeremiah out. That man would be worth a hefty sum of Merit Points. Plus, there were a few other lingering spirits Daniel could clear out to boost his cache.
'I'll leave those Merit Points untouched for now and claim them when the time's right.'
...
After a shower, Daniel lit three consecrated incense sticks and released Flesh-Mangled Face from its vessel. The distorted spirit drifted close at once, drawn to the thin streams of sanctified smoke. It did not devour the smoke, but lingered within it, letting the haze wrap around its unstable form.
The incense burned steadily, its presence firm and calming. As the smoke passed through its body, the frayed edges of its shape grew less erratic, its outline holding together with greater stability.
When the first three sticks burned low, Daniel lit three more, maintaining a constant veil of smoke. He gave the ghost a light pat on the head. "Take it slow."
Several maggots slipped from the creature's cheek as its form adjusted. Flesh-Mangled Face calmly gathered them and pressed them back into place, its body slowly reasserting cohesion. Fresh maggots surfaced where the gaps had been, the spirit's grotesque features settling into their usual pattern.
It remained near the incense, quiet and focused, letting the sanctified haze steady its presence while it recovered.
...
Since Lawrence's tragic demise, the neighboring shop had stood vacant, causing Neil, their landlord, to fret and grow grayer by the day. Neil had approached Daniel numerous times, offering to rent him the space for $3,200. Daniel declined every time.
Growing frustrated, Neil snapped, "If you don't rent it, someone else surely will!" Then he stormed off.
...
That day, Daniel was in his room, drawing ward seals. Though his success rate had improved significantly, perfection still eluded him. For every session, he managed to create two or three effective seals before needing to rest.
Suddenly, his phone rang. The chime didn't disturb his focus. After finishing the last line and feeling the power align in the seal, he picked up.
It was Officer Lara from the 17th Precinct.
"Mr. Cross, we've hit a tricky case and need your help," Lara said.
Daniel smirked. "Fine, but my appearance fee is now $100,000."
"What?!" Lara was shocked. "One hundred thousand?"
"Yes. One hundred thousand."
Lara hesitated. "I'll have to check with Sheriff Ford... No, wait. He doesn't have the authority to approve that much. I'll talk to the Chief."
"That's your problem," Daniel replied curtly.
Lara hung up without another word. She didn't call back, presumably because the $100,000 fee was a dealbreaker.
Daniel had no intention of lowering his price; begging would only cheapen his stature.
...
Several days later, Lara finally called again. "Mr. Cross, the Chief agreed to a $10,000 consultant fee on your behalf."
"That's not my price," Daniel said flatly. "If it's less than $100,000, don't call me again."
Lara sighed helplessly. "Understood."
At the 17th Precinct, Lara ended the call and walked into the conference room. Every eye was on her.
Shaking her head, she said, "Mr. Cross refused. He told us not to call if the fee's under $100,000."
"Hmph!" a cold snort echoed.
It wasn't Sheriff Ford's voice. It belonged to a strangely obese middle-aged white man standing nearby. Beside him was a younger white man in his thirties, glasses perched on his nose, dressed impeccably like a butler -- Charlie.
The snort came from Douglas, who had visited Daniel's shop before.
Douglas sneered, "This exorcist is insatiable -- can't even be swayed by ten grand."
Lara defended Daniel, "But Mr. Cross is really capable. He solved the problem at our precinct the last time."
"That's why I'm willing to pay $10,000," Douglas said with icy disdain.
Lara blinked, puzzled. "Mr. Douglas, you're rich enough. For your daughter, Katherine, you won't spend $100,000?"
Douglas sneered again. "It's not a matter of willingness. I just don't think he's worth that much. I won't spend more money on someone than their true value -- not a single cent more."
"So what do we do now?" Lara pressed.
Douglas shrugged. "Is he the only exorcist in Hollywood? Why not bring in others -- psychics who can find missing people?"
Sheriff Ford interjected, "Of course, but consultants like that come with fees too, and you'll have to cover them, Mr. Douglas."
"That's no issue -- for anyone worth the price," Douglas said dismissively.
...
Daniel actually felt a spark of curiosity about the tricky case Lara's precinct was facing that required multiple requests for his aid. But since their budget didn't meet his price, he kept quiet.
Days later, Amanda visited once more.
Daniel looked up and asked casually, "So, are you here about that request you mentioned last time?"
*****
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