Chapter 196: The Church's Rules
Gideon hesitated for only a moment before accepting the commission.
As Faya had said, completing the cultivation of Holy Sight required contact with a large number of spirits. Although Gideon could already employ holy arts, if he failed to advance the "Body" aspect in step with his abilities, hidden risks might arise later on.
"May the Lord bless you," Faya said with a gentle smile, offering a courteous bow after receiving his answer.
"With your help, this mission will surely proceed smoothly."
"Mm… we should still be careful," Gideon said, lifting his hand slightly before managing to suppress the impulse to cover her mouth.
"Your humility is admirable," Faya remarked in mild surprise.
Gideon quickly changed the subject, lest she raise yet another ominous flag.
"When do we depart? I'll need some time to prepare before heading to the mission site."
Faya nodded. "That won't be a problem. Our appointment with the local church is set for four days from now. However, tomorrow we'll need to make a trip to the Holy Exorcism Hall."
Gideon looked at her with curiosity, waiting for an explanation.
The Holy Exorcism Hall was affiliated with the Exorcist Order, serving as one of its regional bases across North America. High-ranking members of the Order were usually stationed there. After all, churches were centrally managed by the Vatican, which made certain matters inconvenient to handle directly.
"Archbishop José Gomez recently arrived at Dey Church," Faya explained.
"He specifically requested to meet the clerics assigned to this commission in person."
Gideon immediately understood.
Since this is the kind of job that goes 'on television,' the big shot naturally needs to show his face.
"No problem," he replied with a nod.
After arranging their meeting time for the following day, Faya took her leave.
---
Dey Commercial Street — House of Rest
Gideon packed the newly crafted holy artifacts into a cloth satchel.
Although this mission appeared simple—little more than a formality—this was the American Horror world. Any sort of accident was entirely possible. He therefore spared no effort, making preparations to the highest standard.
During this time, he also resumed his study of the Demon's Heart. With the experience he had gained at the Exorcism Workshop, he quickly noticed something unusual upon reexamining it.
"The power within the remains seems to be trying to break through the seal…"
From his perspective, numerous residual energies clung to the surface of the Demon's Heart. They stretched outward like tendrils, only to be blocked by the holy power within the sealing array.
Gideon had always assumed these were merely dissipating remnants of evil. Now, however, it was clear that these forces possessed a certain degree of vitality. This was fundamentally different from ordinary relic materials.
Although relic materials could evade purification, they never attempted to escape. The material itself was the basis of their existence—once purified or destroyed, the evil would naturally dissipate.
The power within the Demon's Heart, however, felt as though it were being drawn toward something…
"Better not rush into purifying the source power inside," Gideon murmured, stroking his chin.
To be safe, he reinforced the seals around the wooden container with several additional layers before putting the item away again.
Only then did he finally have time to review his current status panel. After all the recent accumulation, his progress now stood as follows:
[Psychological Counseling]
Current Progress: Level 1 (993/1000)
[Holy Water Purification]
Current Progress: Level 2 (790/1000)
[Holy Relic Furnace]
Current Progress: Level 2 (62/1000)
[Scripture Reading]
Current Progress: Level 1 (747/1000)
[Ignatian Exercises]
Current Progress: Level 1 (650/1000)
Among these, Holy Water Blessing had already advanced into Holy Relic Furnace and no longer required further mention.
The remaining progress bars were also nearing completion.
By now, Gideon clearly understood that each of these milestones corresponded to the cultivation of the Four Branches of Theology.
For example, Psychological Counseling belonged to the Soul branch of holy arts.
The Ignatian Exercises, meanwhile, used consecrated oil to accelerate the strengthening of the Flesh branch.
Only The Furnace of Holy Relics was an exception.
This discipline was not tied to any specific branch; it focused solely on the crafting of holy artifacts.
Yet it was almost certainly Gideon's most important ability.
It was precisely because he possessed an ample supply of high-quality holy relics that he had been able to banish evil spirits and demons time and again.
---
The next day.
Gideon sat before a sacred icon and completed his daily recitation of the Bible.
The moment he closed the scripture, the holy power within him became noticeably more refined.
For clergy, studying the Bible and its theological summaries was the most fundamental way to cultivate holy power.
Sacred words carried consciousness.
Through one's imprint, they allowed communion with blessings bestowed from Heaven.
This was also one of the most important methods for constructing a spiritual bridge within the Spirit branch.
Thus, this practice had to be maintained from the very beginning—starting with the cultivation of the eyes.
If fortune favored them and they successfully advanced to the Spiritual Bridge stage, they would gain a solid foundation for later growth.
After completing his daily rites, Gideon packed his belongings and headed to the square of Dey Church.
Sister Faya was already waiting there.
After exchanging greetings, the two departed together by car.
---
Southwest of Philadelphia, near Longwood Gardens.
The car pulled over by the roadside.
Gideon stepped out and gazed at the imposing estate before him.
It boasted one of North America's finest landscape designs and was once the residence of the immensely wealthy DuPont family.
Faya lifted her head, her breathing visibly quickened.
She adjusted her head covering, then carefully straightened her collar and hem, appearing unusually tense.
Gideon lowered his head as well.
Noticing traces of herbal sap on his cuffs, he brushed them off symbolically.
"Father Gideon," Faya reminded him softly, "Archbishop Gomez holds an exalted position. Please be mindful of proper etiquette."
Gideon nodded. He had no intention of being remembered for something so trivial.
Soon, they arrived at the estate's entrance.
After their presence was announced, a man dressed in clerical robes emerged to receive them.
Gideon immediately noticed something unusual.
The clergyman opened only a side door—and only halfway—just wide enough for a single person to pass through.
As they walked toward the building, both Faya and the clergyman kept their hands hidden inside their sleeves.
Though curious, Gideon followed suit.
After a short distance, the clergyman deliberately stopped and signaled Gideon with a glance.
Only then did Gideon realize part of his wrist had been exposed.
Once he concealed it, the man continued leading them forward.
Upon entering through the left-side doorway, both Faya and the clergyman stepped inside with their left foot first.
The interior was lavishly decorated.
At the center of the entrance hung a black cross.
This was the emblem of the Exorcist Order, symbolizing death, sin, and penitence.
By contrast, the Theological Society bore a pure white cross.
Gideon glanced at it briefly before lowering his gaze again.
The hall was otherwise silent.
A red carpet stretched down the corridor, with banners bearing church insignia hanging along the walls.
Every clergyman walked along prescribed routes; none stepped out of line.
Before long, the three arrived at a prayer chamber.
"Offer devout greetings to our Lord," the clergyman instructed.
His voice was perfectly measured—audible to Gideon and Faya, yet never intrusive.
Gideon was inwardly astonished. Such control could not be achieved overnight.
The clergyman knelt first on the cushion to the left of the main seat.
Though extra cushions were available, Gideon hesitated briefly before choosing not to use them.
Seeing this, Faya nodded subtly in approval.
After the clergyman finished praying, Faya followed, and only then was it Gideon's turn.
This single ritual alone took more than ten minutes.
When Gideon rose, other clergy brought basins of water and towels.
They stood in two rows, with six complete sets prepared.
"Cleanse yourselves of worldly dust and evil, lest impurity defile the sacred," the clergyman recited, his tone still devoid of emotion.
Faya's expression was solemn, clearly taking the ritual to heart.
Gideon, however, frowned slightly.
An opulent estate reclaimed as a holy base, enforcing sanctity through endless rituals… he thought.
After the cleansing of hands, face, and mouth, they were finally allowed to proceed.
Gideon assumed the rituals were complete.
He was mistaken.
At the end of the corridor stood another nun, fully veiled.
She stepped forward to guide Faya away, while Gideon continued following the male clergyman.
"Father Gideon, we'll meet again after changing garments," Faya said, kneeling briefly in farewell.
Gideon froze.
"Ch-changing… garments?"
Before he could process it, he was ushered into a bathing chamber.
Steam filled the air, and a wooden tub of hot water had already been prepared.
"Please remove your outer garments and complete the purification ritual," the clergyman said.
One word made Gideon tense instinctively—though he quickly realized it was literal.
Undressing in front of another man was not an issue for him.
In his previous life, communal bathhouses had been routine.
But when the clergyman rolled up his sleeves and approached him, Gideon truly panicked.
"What… what are you doing?!" Gideon instinctively shielded his chest.
"The sins of the world cling to the skin," the clergyman replied firmly. "They must be thoroughly scrubbed away."
"Until the purification is complete, you may not meet His Grace."
It took Gideon a full five minutes of mental preparation before he finally nodded.
The experience left a deep scar on his psyche.
It was difficult to describe the feeling of another man vigorously scrubbing one's back—especially when he wasn't even an elder.
Yet the ordeal also served as a warning.
Given Gideon's current physical strength, external forces should barely affect him.
And yet this man had scrubbed away an entire layer of grime.
That alone spoke volumes of the clergyman's power.
It's just a bath… I love baths, Gideon repeated silently.
After the ritual ended, he dressed again.
Naturally, his combat robes were taken away.
In their place, he was given a brand-new black robe.
The design was plain, but the fabric was unmistakably luxurious.
Once his appearance was adjusted, Gideon was led outside a conference hall.
There, he saw Faya again.
This time, Gideon's eyes flickered with surprise.
Faya stood barefoot on the carpet.
She wore a pure white dress, her jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders.
The neckline was open, revealing smooth, pale collarbones.
When she bowed, Gideon even caught a glimpse of a deep cleavage.
The outline of her thighs beneath the skirt stirred unbidden thoughts.
But Gideon narrowed his eyes.
Sensing his confusion, Faya explained softly, "His Grace embodies holiness and light. One must present their truest self before him."
Ha.
Gideon merely smiled and nodded.
The door to the left opened gently, and they entered in sequence.
"Oh, my dear child Faya, how wonderful it is to see you," a slow, aged voice spoke.
Gideon seized the moment to look up.
The chamber was lined with sumptuous carpets.
At its center sat an elderly man, dressed in a purple silk robe embroidered with gold thread.
"Archbishop Gomez," Faya said, her voice trembling with emotion.
She hurried forward, knelt, and rested her head upon José's knees.
"You've worked hard," José said gently, stroking her hair.
The room fell silent.
Gideon lowered his head, pretending not to notice anything.
After a moment—
"Is this the priest who accepted the commission?" José asked.
"Yes, Your Grace. This is Father Gideon," Faya introduced him.
"So you know Archbishop Jolan," José said with interest. "Come closer—let me have a look."
Gideon stepped forward calmly and raised his head.
José was indeed very old, his face crowded with wrinkles and age spots.
Yet the clergyman standing beside him was strikingly handsome.
"No wonder Archbishop Jolan values you," José said with a smile.
But Gideon noticed a spark of fervor in the old man's eyes.
"You flatter me, Your Grace. I have only done my duty," Gideon said, bowing slightly.
"Oh, no need for such formality," José replied, lifting Faya by the arm. "And you too—don't overexert yourself."
"Thank you for your concern," Faya replied softly.
No need for formality… Gideon thought faintly.
Faya then briefed José on their upcoming mission.
José offered Gideon words of encouragement.
"The Church bears the Lord's revelation and stands against demons and evil spirits. Every artifact of the Church reflects the Lord's will upon this world."
"You who labor in the field surely work harder than we who remain seated."
"You are young, Father Gideon. The Church's future ideals will depend on people like you."
Faced with a leader's speech, Gideon listened attentively.
Sensing José's fatigue, the young clergyman respectfully escorted Gideon out, leaving Faya behind.
Just before the door closed, Gideon glanced back and saw—
Faya stepping into the archbishop's embrace, gently patting him.
The next instant, the clergyman blocked Gideon's view.
He nodded, and the door shut completely.
About ten minutes later, Faya emerged again.
She extended her hand, offering a cross.
"This is a holy relic bestowed upon us by Archbishop Gomez."
Holy power pulsed from it—clearly a relic of thirty years.
Faced with such a "generous gift," Gideon smiled.
"You should keep it, Sister Faya."
He lacked neither relics nor the desire to receive aid this way.
Faya didn't notice anything unusual and nodded gently.
"The Church has already booked our flight. We'll meet at the entrance."
She departed again, following another nun.
Watching her leave, Gideon fell silent.
What he had witnessed today stirred many thoughts.
While he understood Archbishop Jolan a little better, he felt even more disappointed.
He did not believe a Church like this could truly save the world—no matter how noble its doctrines sounded.
---
The rest of the journey proceeded without obstruction.
Two days later.
Glendale, California — Bob Hope Airport.
Gideon and Faya exited the terminal.
They had returned to their previous attire.
Faya unfolded a travel map and pointed to a marked area.
"The central district of the San Fernando Valley is about a twenty-minute drive from the airport. We'll need to rent a car."
Gideon nodded.
Accustomed to fieldwork, he handled the arrangements swiftly.
Yet when Faya indicated a route, Gideon drove in the opposite direction.
Seeing her puzzled gaze, he said calmly:
"Sorry. Before we approach the incident site, I need to conduct some preliminary investigation."