[Chapter 31: Upgrading and Taking Over the Haunted House]
Daniel believed he didn't have many enemies at the moment. Jigsaw was one, but he was already dead. Then there was the ghost of Pastor Jeremiah trapped in Cathy's old house, but it remained confined there, unable to escape. His neighbors might be jealous of his improving life, yet none had the power to act on their envy.
The only real threat still active was the entity that had possessed Katherine. After all, someone capable of possession would naturally know some Cursing Techniques. Daniel's expression hardened, his eyes burning with lethal intent. He couldn't just let this slide. Even if he had wanted to drop it, Katherine wouldn't let him off the hook once she realized he was still alive.
But how was he supposed to deal with this? Call the police? That was pointless. Curses harmed people subtly -- leaving no tangible evidence, and even if some was found, it wouldn't hold up in court. Inform Douglas? Equally useless. Besides, Douglas was just an ordinary guy; faced with a choice, whose side would he choose -- him or his own daughter?
The only option was for Daniel to take matters into his own hands. Yet Katherine wasn't like Lawrence, who lived conveniently next door. This was someone skilled in possession and curses -- it wouldn't be easy. After much thought, Daniel finally crafted a plan.
But first, he had other business to attend to.
...
After ensuring nothing else lingered in the house, Daniel sat down on the sofa and activated the System. Beyond the Spiritual Perception Technique gained from dispelling that ghost last night, he had also earned 5,000 Merit Points. Now was the perfect time to spend them. Adding the 400 points he had saved, Daniel had a total of 5,400 Merit Points.
All his upgrade options lit up.
"Exorcism level, upgrade!" Daniel's first priority was naturally boosting his Exorcism level, as it directly increased his combat power. A powerful force surged through him again, accompanied by the sharp sting of pain. He gritted his teeth and endured it silently. About ten minutes later, the pain eased.
[Exorcist Level: Rite Adept]
[Merit Points: 2,200]
The sudden loss of 3,200 Merit Points stung sharply. Points were hard-earned. Now, lacking enough Merit Points, the upgrade button beside the Exorcism level turned gray -- further upgrades were impossible for now. But he could still upgrade several spells: the Spiritual Perception Technique, Sanctum Blade Technique, and Seal Crafting Art.
Considering his options, Daniel first upgraded the Spiritual Perception Technique since it required only 100 points. Moments later...
[Spiritual Perception Technique: Second Tier]
[Merit Points: 2,100]
The upgrade buttons for the other spells still gleamed. However, enhancing them now would need a full 1,000 Merit Points each. After some thought, Daniel chose the Seal Crafting Art, as it was the most useful to him at this stage. Without hesitation, he clicked "Upgrade."
"Prayer Seal Crafting Art, upgrade!"
[Prayer Seal Crafting Art: Third Tier]
[Merit Points: 1,100]
"Upgrading from level two to three costs 1,000 Merit Points," Daniel murmured. The level-three upgrade introduced deeper, more powerful seals to his mind. Although he hadn't started crafting them yet, he already sensed the improved success rate. However, the upgrade button following Seal Crafting Art faded, now grayed out.
"Does upgrading from level three to four really require 10,000 Merit Points?" Daniel shook his head and put the thought aside. With 1,100 points left, he decided to upgrade the Sanctum Blade Technique to level three.
The Sanctum Blade Technique wasn't just a sword art used to commune with mysterious forces during rituals; it was also effective in combat.
...
[Host: Daniel Cross]
[Body Constitution: Thunder Body]
[Exorcist Level: Rite Adept]
[Skills:]
[Sanctum Blade Technique: Third Tier]
[Divine Incantation for for Purifying Souls]
[Prayer Seal Crafting Art: Third Tier]
[Spiritual Perception Technique: Second Tier]
[Merit Points: 100]
...
Looking at his current stats, Daniel nodded. His power had increased significantly, but he still felt it was slightly insufficient to face the possessing entity that haunted Katherine.
He pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and the call was answered quickly by a female voice: "Mr. Cross."
"Cathy, how are you all doing now?" Daniel asked.
There was surprise in Cathy's tone, as if she hadn't expected him to remember her. "We're doing okay. We rented a place outside and settled in. My husband's recovered and is friendly again."
"That's good." Daniel continued, "What are you planning to do with the house you bought?"
"That house is haunted," Cathy replied. "So it definitely won't sell anytime soon. We don't want to sell it either -- it would only endanger others. Maybe, when we're financially better, we'll hire a powerful Exorcist to cleanse the house. Then we might move back in."
She laughed softly -- a hopeful but uneasy thought. The psychological trauma ran deep, and even if the evil spirit was truly gone, she might never dare live there again.
Daniel said, "Cathy, I have a proposal: sell the house to me."
Cathy was stunned. "Sell it to you? Mr. Cross, you must be joking."
"I'm serious. I can offer you $100,000, and I'll cover all the transfer fees."
There was a pause on the other end, then Cathy suddenly exclaimed, "George! George!"
A moment later, George's voice came through. "Is this true, Mr. Cross? Really?"
Upon confirmation, Cathy's voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, thank you so much. This will solve our problems completely."
Cathy's family wasn't wealthy; after buying the house and paying Daniel $50,000, they were nearly broke. Now, with his offer, they got their money back plus an extra $20,000. All told, they lost only $30,000 -- and gained freedom from torment.
...
An hour later, Daniel signed a Letter of Intent with Cathy and George at their rental. He prepaid $20,000 as a deposit, with the rest to be paid after a professional company completed the transfer. But Daniel got the house key in advance.
Taking it, he said, "You know I'm an Exorcist, so you know what I'm about to do, right?"
"Of course," Cathy answered. "You're going to expel the evil spirit inside."
Daniel smiled. "Will you regret selling it?"
"We're already grateful," Cathy said. "If it weren't for you, we'd never have recovered that $80,000."
Daniel waved goodbye. "Goodbye, Cathy. Goodbye, George. Goodbye, Chelsea."
"Goodbye, Mr. Cross," Chelsea, clutching a doll, waved softly in a childlike voice.
...
Bidding them farewell, Daniel got in his car and drove straight to the mansion that was soon to be his. From a distance, he could see the house wrapped in thick dark energy. Previously, he'd only seen a vague outline, but now -- thanks to the Spiritual Perception Technique -- the dark energy appeared clear and distinct.
The guardrail they had crashed through during their escape remained broken, sparing Daniel the trouble of entering through the main door. Suddenly, as if sensing his return, the dark energy rippled and surged, like the eager welcome of its new owner.
Daniel pushed open the car door and stepped out. A faint smile curved his lips as he eyed the pulsating dark aura, then strode inside without hesitation.
*****
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