53 Chapter 53: The Spell

After seeing off the mother and daughter, another family soon arrived, expressing their gratitude for the previous night and then leaving a donation before departing.

Father York's mood lifted with these simple and unadorned expressions of thanks. He appreciated this kind of acknowledgment, not seeking much gratitude from these people, only hoping they would continue to support his serene church in the future.

Interestingly, many of the survivors of supernatural events seemed more likely to become true believers.

One after another, the visitors left, until only the Becks and Geoffrey remained.

Mrs. Beck, a familiar congregant who had been attending for a while, appeared even more devout than usual. She took out a large stack of bills, causing Mr. Beck to visibly wince, and placed them in the donation box provided by Father York.

Her generosity was astounding.

"Thank you for your help, Father!" Mrs. Beck's eyes began to redden again.

"If it weren't for your timely arrival, my dear Beck would have..."

Father York glanced at Mr. Beck, standing behind his wife with a mixture of pain and resignation on his face, and then cheerfully replied.

"Mrs. Beck, this is the Lord's reward to you. Don't worry about it, just continue as you always have."

Under Mrs. Beck's reverent gaze, Father York made the sign of the cross.

"Amen..."

Finally, after the Becks left, only Geoffrey, the ever-calm police officer, remained. He nodded in thanks.

"Thank you, Father, I will keep this in my heart."

Hearing this, Father York was reminded of the rookie, the novice priest Archibald from before.

Of course, this was just a fleeting thought. Looking at the calm officer before him, Father York recalled the magic fluctuations and the spells from the previous night. He had been paying attention to this officer all along.

"There's no need to thank me. The church and demons are naturally opposed. As a representative of the Lord, it's my duty to drive out evil."

Father York's approach shifted slightly when addressing Geoffrey, clearly more knowledgeable about such matters.

Geoffrey smiled, noting how the church, as his mother had described, stood in stark opposition to demons, representing the dichotomy of good and evil.

Seeing this, Father York casually continued. "Officer Geoffrey, regarding last night's events, I have a question for you."

Geoffrey replied nonchalantly, "Please ask, Father."

Father York smiled. "Officer Geoffrey, the spells you recited last night, were they magic?"

Hearing this, Geoffrey hesitated briefly before responding.

"Magic? No, they were witchcraft passed down from my mother."

He pulled out his bone necklace and explained further.

"Through this necklace left by my mother, I can cast two spells using it as a medium."

"Witchcraft?"

Father York's eyes sparkled as he immediately thought of the difference between magic and witchcraft.

Magic originates from within and affects the external world, while witchcraft is unique, drawing power from faith and using items like herbs, bones, or corpses as mediums to work its magic.

That is, magic directly affects the target, while witchcraft acts indirectly through a medium.

"Was your mother a witch?"

Geoffrey nodded, not intending to hide anything from his savior. He had already mentioned this to Mr. Beck, who didn't believe it.

"Yes, Father."

Recalling the magical fluctuations from the other night, Father York felt he might also be able to use these spells. Looking at Officer Geoffrey, he clasped his hands in front of his chest, his expression turning serious.

"Officer Geoffrey, can you teach me the spells you used last night?"

Geoffrey was taken aback but didn't outright refuse.

"Well, Father, I can, but without..."

Just as he was speaking, Geoffrey noticed Father York's raised right hand and his pupils dilated. He felt an intense and familiar energy emanating from it.

"Is this the energy you used yesterday?" Father York asked, noticing Geoffrey's stunned expression. He had 157.5 points of this energy.

"It seems I have the necessary conditions to learn?"

Geoffrey nodded dumbly.

"Yes..."

Before long, Geoffrey began teaching Father York the conversion of the spells.

The first was "Repello" (Expulsion): A spell to push enemies away or keep them at a distance.

The second was "Exorcio" (Exorcism): Used to attack demons or evil forces.

The third was "Protego" (Shield): For creating protective barriers to block attacks and magic.

Teaching and learning went on until the Becks, who had been waiting outside, came looking for them.

"Father, these are the only three spells I know."

Geoffrey seemed a bit embarrassed; his mother had only taught him these three before disappearing.

Father York suppressed his excitement. "No worries, Officer Geoffrey. I owe you a favor. If you need help, just let me know. If it's within my power, I'll do my best."

Geoffrey took a deep breath. This was precisely what he had hoped for, especially after realizing the priest's formidable abilities.

"Thank you, Father. I will remember that."

Hearing this, Father York smiled faintly, considering it a fair trade.

Making the sign of the cross, he solemnly said.

"May the Lord bless you, Amen."

Geoffrey bowed in response and quickly left the church with a confused Mr. Beck.

As their figures disappeared, Father York, standing beside the altar, grinned to himself. He silently brought up his skills window, observing the three new abilities he had acquired, and whispered.

"Exorcio (Exorcism)."

As he uttered this newly learned spell, a white light appeared above Father York, taking various shapes like arrows, swords, and daggers, according to his will.

After testing the spells and dispersing the energy, Father York realized that each had been successful. Consuming a total of three magic points, he brushed off the invisible dust from his shoulders and clothing. For the first time in a while, he felt empowered by these three new skills. Even these simple spells significantly boosted his strength.

Compared to the crude transformation through the system and his natural ability with spells, the power was incomparable.

Previously, the efficiency of a single point of magic was only 70%, but now it was 100%.

Where blocking demonic attacks might have required two points before, now with "Protego" (Shield), likely only one point was needed. This was a significant qualitative change.

Moreover, his arsenal now included "Exorcio" (Exorcism), versatile and targeted in its attack methods.

And the "Repello" (Expulsion) spell allowed him to maintain a ranged output, suitable for kiting tactics.

Contemplating this, Father York turned and began praying to the statue of Jesus above.

"Thank you, Lord."

"York Johan expresses his respect and admiration to You."

"Thank you for giving me strength and courage to fight and overcome evil."

"..."