[Chapter 37: No Choice]
"One million?"
Upon hearing Daniel's offer, Neil's face twisted with anger. "You're not buying, you're robbing me."
Daniel replied calmly, "Neil, think about it carefully. This is a place where people died -- many of them -- in horrific ways. Nobody else will touch it besides me. If this were just a regular shop, I wouldn't even dream of offering a million."
"That may be, but it still can't be a million. These are two shops -- prime real estate on this street," Neil insisted, his face flushing with frustration.
"Well, then keep them," Daniel said without hesitation and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Neil shouted after him.
Daniel turned back to see Neil's eyes reddened. He clenched his teeth, forcing out, "Fine, one million it is. But you have to pay in full, cash upfront. Do you have that kind of money?"
Daniel nodded, "Give me a few days -- I'll get it ready."
Neil hesitated for a moment, then muttered in surprise, "I heard you made a fortune. Is that really true?"
Daniel shrugged. "That's my business. First, you hand me the key to the shop next door."
After a brief pause, Neil handed over the key.
---
In the car on the way back to the police station, Sheriff Ford glanced over at Lara, who was driving.
"Lara, did you notice anything about Mr. Cross just now?"
Lara shook her head. "I kept watching his eyes carefully, like you asked, but I didn't detect any signs of lying. Why, are you suspicious of him?"
Sheriff Ford sighed. "Too many people who opposed him have been turning up dead lately, under strange -- and tragic -- circumstances. It's unusual."
"But there's no evidence linking Mr. Cross to any of the scenes, and none of the deaths seemed human-made. Every time, he had a solid alibi."
Ford was silent briefly before asking, "Do you think it would be difficult for Daniel to do these things, given his abilities?"
Lara slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a screeching halt. "Sheriff, are you saying...?"
Ford shook his head. "I said nothing. We work only with evidence. And besides, those victims were scum -- I'm not stupid enough to make an enemy out of Mr. Cross just for them."
Lara eyed Ford, then restarted the car.
---
By noon, Daniel accompanied Amanda to the 17th Precinct to give a statement, confirming that he had indeed spent the previous night at her place, thus clearing him as a suspect.
At least, according to standard police procedures, he was off the hook.
Daniel took the chance to have lunch with Amanda before they parted ways, sitting together in a cozy cafe.
---
Meanwhile, Katherine whispered with a hint of frustration, "What happened? Not only is that Exorcist alive, but all four of the people you sent are dead."
Morian looked pale. "I didn't expect it either. That Exorcist isn't just skilled -- he's merciless. He killed all four of them."
Katherine frowned. "So, what do we do now?"
Morian weighed the options. "We either pretend this never happened and back off..."
Katherine hesitated, "Can we really do that?"
"We attacked him twice," Morian said grimly. "If it were you, would you just let it go?"
"Of course not," Katherine snapped.
"Then we have to keep going until his voice is silenced for good."
"More people?"
Morian thought for a moment. "Where is that Exorcist now?"
"His shop is under police lockdown, and he's staying in the neighboring storefront."
"We can't just send people over again -- we need to do this..." Morian lowered his voice, leaning close so only Katherine could hear.
After listening, Katherine's tension eased. "This time, there should be no mistakes. He has to be eliminated, completely."
Morian's handsome face broke into a confident smile. "Don't worry. This time, it's over for him."
---
That night, Daniel stayed at Lawrence's residence.
The place had been vacant for a while and was covered in dust. Maybe Lawrence wasn't the cleanest guy, or maybe Daniel just didn't like the smell, but the house smelled off -- something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Either way, he had no intention of sleeping in Lawrence's bed.
Pulling out his paperweight seal, Daniel waved it with a firm motion and called out, "Come out."
Moments later, a figure appeared before him -- it was Flesh-Mangled Face.
Daniel noticed the creature's aura had grown significantly stronger.
The maggots writhing on its face moved faster and more aggressively -- they seemed more numerous, their drill-like motions sharper.
"You've grown stronger." Daniel observed carefully.
Flesh-Mangled Face remained silent, standing still like a statue.
Daniel trusted his instincts; the creature truly was more powerful now.
After all, it had killed eight people so far. Its power had to increase.
These dark, evil spirits inherently grew stronger through killing, unlike humans who must cultivate with relentless effort.
Of course, gaining power this way attracted calamities -- not just the usual heavenly tribulations, but unexpected dangers too. For example, being discovered and confronted by a powerful Exorcist dedicated to eradicating demons. Or facing expert intervention summoned by the intended victim.
Just like Jeremiah before, when he crossed paths with Daniel -- Daniel was the calamity that ended him.
---
The night passed without incident.
The next day, Daniel opened his door to see the police tape still stretched across the neighboring shop, the shattered glass yet to be cleaned.
But Daniel had already ordered a new door, which he would install in a few days.
Nearby shopkeepers, who had already reopened, couldn't hide their amused smiles when they saw Daniel.
In their eyes, Daniel looked miserable -- and they clearly enjoyed it.
Daniel noticed their glares and quietly smiled to himself.
...
The day slipped away quickly and soon it was night again.
Back at Lawrence's residence, Daniel set up his altar once more.
He swung his Exorcist's Sanctum Blade and began the ritual.
The path is known by the heart; the heart is carried on sacred smoke.
As incense rises from the vessel, the will stands before divine judgment.
Let the higher witnesses look upon this place; let holy signs descend here.
May this humble petition be heard in the courts above.
As he recited the incantation, an immediate solemnity and mystery filled the air.
Three wisps of incense smoke rose, twisting as if forming three celestial ladders ascending into the heavens.
Suddenly, a noise from the front broke the stillness.
The shop door was pushed open.
Six masked men, armed with guns, stormed in and surrounded Daniel, cornering him against the altar.
Not just those six -- figures appeared at the rear window, blocking his escape route.
Daniel didn't stop chanting. Instead, he smiled calmly, unshaken by the dangerous situation.
*****
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