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69.87% Exorcist in America / Chapter 275: Chapter 275: The Inauguration Ceremony

Chương 275: Chapter 275: The Inauguration Ceremony

"Amen."

Regardless of the choice he had to make, York did not forget to carry out his daily routine tasks.

After all, accumulating 0.5 points every day adds up to a significant amount.

As the saying goes, with decades of performing daily tasks, one could become a god.

Adding some tasks to this routine could accelerate the path to divinity.

"It's just a pity that this world seems about to explode; I wonder if it's just an illusion…"

York sat alone in the holy St. Peter's Basilica, brainstorming while adding the freshly earned 0.5 attribute points to his health, which was on the brink of breaking 200.

Health is inevitably linked to survival.

Thus, he was also eager to see what changes breaking 200 in health would bring him.

[Point addition successful]

[Health increased from 191.5 to 192]

"Just eight points shy now." York glanced at his personal panel, quite satisfied with himself.

However, this satisfaction could not last long.

Mainly because the world seemed not to give him the opportunity to develop slowly.

"Sigh, the old man really said something, feels like the end of the world…" York diverted his gaze from the personal panel, looked at the image of Jesus, stood up disappointedly, and walked towards the spacious central aisle.

"Come what may, it's better to listen to why I am chosen first before thinking about the next step."

With these thoughts, York disappeared from St. Peter's Basilica.

---

With only two and a half days left until the inauguration ceremony, time passed quickly for some but incredibly slowly for others.

Especially for York.

The passage of time felt excruciatingly slow.

On the first day, he didn't do much, merely cooperating with others' work.

Like trying on the bishop's robe tailored for him, checking for fit.

The bishop's robe, after all, differs from a priest's, with upgraded materials and more detailed decorations.

The purple edging, symbolic of bishops, is made from a special material with unique properties, acting as a protection against evil and demonic possession.

This marks the distinction between hierarchies.

York felt nothing special wearing the robe, which was of such fine quality that for the first time, he felt being a bishop might not be so bad.

After confirming the robe and accessories, York began rehearsing the inauguration ceremony under others' guidance.

Yes, he had to practice his positioning, as it was his first time.

And that was just the beginning; what followed was even more troublesome.

For instance, before the inauguration ceremony, York had to participate in the clerical promotion ceremony, officiated by Bishop Gabriel, whose position he was taking over.

Meaning, he had to undergo the baptism and chrismation ceremony led by Gabriel.

The baptism process is relatively simple, generally combined with the chrismation ceremony.

Baptism, one of the Church's fundamental sacraments, symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the rebirth of believers in Christ...

In the vast St. Peter's Basilica, the pews were filled with clergy, bishops, priests, including Erin.

And he was sitting in front of Gabriel, undergoing the baptism led by him.

"I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to the rites of the Holy Catholic Church."

Gabriel looked at the man before him, a hint of ease on his face, sprinkling holy water on him, smiling.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned…"

York bowed slightly, silently accepting under everyone's witness.

---

After this step, Gabriel looked at the man, proceeding to the final chrismation ceremony.

Chrismation is also an important sacrament, signifying the baptized has received the Lord's grace.

A clergy member brought a basin to Gabriel, who dipped his hand in the holy oil and applied it to York's forehead.

"I anoint you with the holy Chrism in Christ, and with the holy oil of our Savior Jesus Christ."

The retired bishop, in front of many witnesses, blessed his successor with a smile.

"May our Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God, grant you the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that from this day of anointing, you may have eternal life, forever and ever."

York took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and accepted the blessing before him.

In the quiet cathedral, the baptism and anointing were witnessed by all.

The Church's succession was completed at this moment, and York officially accepted the duties and powers of a bishop.

Only the inauguration ceremony remained.

---

The second day.

York became a true free man, wandering around invisibly with Erin, chatting casually with acquaintances, showing no signs of nervousness or excitement.

However, York eventually noticed that more and more believers were coming to the Vatican for the new bishop's inauguration ceremony.

Just from St. Peter's Square, it was evident.

The space capable of holding tens of thousands of people was now showing signs of overcrowding.

This reminded York, who observed from the second floor of a nearby building, of a scene from his previous life.

That was the scene at major stations during the Spring Festival travel rush.

If described in one sentence, it was a sea of people as far as the eye could see.

"It seems they are also curious about who the new bishop is."

A voice reached his ears.

That was Gabriel's remark: "Reminds me of the past, when I was promoted to bishop, there were also this many people."

York glanced at the old man, who was wearing a simple black robe, hands clasped behind him, exuding a sense of ease.

Obviously, retirement had made this man's mood much more comfortable.

"Who will take over the position you've grown with your retirement?"

As he asked, Erin, who had been following, looked over curiously.

"Cecil, he's been quite idle lately anyway." Gabriel said nonchalantly, noticing the gaze and smiling at Erin before continuing.

"Someone will always handle it; you don't need to worry."

"So, can you tell me why you chose me? Why only me, Gabriel?"

"Hehe."

Gabriel continued to gaze at the believers in the square, smiling: "York, you'll know tomorrow."

With that, the old man squinted his eyes, recalling the photos and speculations.

Thinking of this, Gabriel looked at York, smiled mysteriously, and leisurely walked away, leaving a thought behind as he left.

"York, you are special. Think about what makes you different from others, and you will understand why it's only you."

As his voice faded, York watched Gabriel's retreating figure, squinting.

"What makes me different from others?"

In that moment, York suddenly understood everything.

If asked what made him different from other clergy, it would be that clergy's power always needs to be bound to the Church, like God, to exert extraordinary power.

And he... his power comes from within, as he can feel the essential changes these powers bring him.

The difference between him and other clergy is that they rely on God's power, whereas he relies on his own, unrestricted.

Even if he left the Church, or his faith waned, he could still use his powers, and could choose any church to pray in, still receiving rewards for fixed tasks.

"So, it's like this."

York couldn

't help but shake his head, knowing those traces of battle couldn't be hidden from the Church.

"No matter, only the last step remains."

With these thoughts, York walked in the opposite direction from Gabriel.

"Let's go, Erin."

"Okay."

Erin followed, looking back at the old man's fading figure until he disappeared.

She seemed to understand the bishop's meaning, now seeing the priest surrounded by a pure, immaculate halo.

---

The third day.

Under the watchful eyes of many, the inauguration ceremony began.

As the first rays of dawn passed through the massive stained-glass windows of St. Peter's Basilica, reflecting on the marble floor as if God's hand gently brushed over this sacred church,

Believers, including curious onlookers, journalists, and acquaintances of York, had already gathered in the square, inside and outside the church, bustling and watching the screens set up in the center of the square.

The screen was broadcasting live everything inside St. Peter's Basilica.

The painted murals, sculptures, and resplendent decorations sparkled in the morning light.

Inside, the pews were already filled with high-ranking clergy and some dignitaries.

As the camera zoomed out, Pope Gregory, already standing at the altar in a white papal robe, looked calm.

At this moment, as the seated audience stirred, not only the believers in the Vatican but also those in other countries watching the live broadcast felt their hearts move.

"Here it comes!"

"..."

John Wick, Robert, and some old believers who couldn't endure the long journey, all watching in the Church of Pluto, were all focused, their faces hiding an unseen excitement.

"This guy..."

Old Mike, who had been ceaselessly researching, stopped to stare at the screen, unblinking.

Behind him stood Todd and others.

---

"Hehe, thought he would be out of place,"

In the Church of Saint Luz, filled with many believers, the retiring Father Ruiz smiled as he watched the screen.

"It suits him quite well…"

---

In Thailand, a strictly guarded hospital.

"Mom, has Father York come out yet?"

Saxon, just back from a checkup, limped into the ward with the help of medical staff.

Inside, Mrs. Camille and a bandaged Amelia sat absorbed in the screen on the wall.

---

In a supermarket at a junction of several small towns, people were staring at the screen above, wide-eyed.

"Wait, isn't that the guy?"

"How so?"

The cashier, about to finalize transactions, and the helping owner also looked up, freezing in place.

This left the waiting locals puzzled.

"What's going on with you?"

Following their gaze to the screen, they too were stunned.

They suddenly realized their savior appeared on TV.

Dressed in a long white robe with purple edges, wearing a stole, tie (sash), wristbands, wearing a chasuble, mass socks, shoes, gloves, and other accessories, he appeared in the center aisle of the church.

Under the gaze of the world, he walked solemnly towards the altar with a serious and profound look.

This marked the start of the ceremony, as the live screens filled with the sound of choral singing and the solemn music of the organ.

Approaching the calm old man at the altar, York took a deep breath and bowed slowly…

Gregory smiled: "Finally, we've reached this step, York. It seems you've made your choice."

York pursed his lips, silent.

"I'm glad…"

Gregory raised his hand, prayed silently for a moment, then began the clerical promotion and crowning ceremony.

"In the name of God, by the authority of the Church, we declare you a bishop. May God's blessing be upon you, granting you wisdom, humility, and the heart of a shepherd…"

As his voice fell, Gregory's smile brightened, assisted by other clergy, he took a luxurious, gold-edged, jewel-encrusted, and scripture-embroidered bishop's mitre from a solemn case and placed it on the man's head.

The old man's breathing became heavier at this moment, causing York to frown silently.

But Gregory's expression never changed, merely touching the bishop's mitre.

"May this mitre remind you that you are a servant of God, called to proclaim faith, guide believers, always mindful of your responsibilities…"

Saying this, the old man took a beautifully carved bishop's crosier from a dish brought over by another clergy member and handed it over.

"With this staff, you will guide your flock, care for them, and lead them on the right path. May God's inspiration always guide your shepherd's heart…"

York looked up at the old man.

Gregory smiled, nodding slightly.

"Sigh..."

Seeing this, York could only extend his hands to receive the crosier handed over by the old man.

Gregory smiled, taking a gem-encrusted, faith-declaring pectoral cross from the side, leaning forward to place it on York's chest, saying:

"This pectoral cross is a symbol of your steadfast faith. May you always be guided by God's truth…"

York remained silent, solemnly accepting the old man's rites, clearly feeling the old man's struggle, but the man before him meticulously completed the final step.

Dabbing a bit of holy oil, he continued to anoint York's forehead.

As York felt the coolness on his forehead, he heard the final words.

"May the Holy Spirit of God descend upon you, granting you wisdom and courage to serve for the glory of the Church…"

___________________

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Chương 276: Chapter 276: A World in Tatters, Always Mended by Someone

In the chapel with its indoor standard, York, already donned in his bishop's robe, sat on the bench, facing the image of Jesus, meditating with his eyes closed. The small church was empty except for him, as time inexorably passed.

When there was some noise outside, York opened his eyes, completing his daily fixed task with a whispered, "Amen."

The inauguration process was cumbersome and bothersome, but once it reached the end, it concluded swiftly. After the preceding crowning and promotion, he had already become a bishop, truly among the church's top echelon, so his current state of mind was somewhat different.

The difference lay in the stark contrast between the two positions; unlike during his priesthood, York felt even more liberated as a bishop.

Because this meant that from now on, he was no longer subject to any restrictions, even compared to the old man, his clerical rank was on par, differing only in jurisdiction and ecclesiastical order.

"It's just a pity that the old man seems to have encountered some issues, even now unable to meet..."

York gazed at Bishop Cecil walking within the holographic scope, sighing inwardly.

He thought back on the entire process and the old man's evidently forced demeanor.

"No wonder he was so urgent."

Now, combining the old man's situation, York finally began to piece things together.

According to previous speculations, one must possess their own strength to undertake the task of repair.

Then, the old man must be like him, not bound to the church of this world but possessing his own power.

"So, it turns out the old man indeed disappeared for a while before suddenly becoming the Pope..."

York's thoughts began to diverge, and the more he thought about it, the more something seemed off.

"Could this be the path to becoming the Pope?"

The more he thought, the more York felt it was a possibility.

He wanted to delve deeper into his thoughts, but Cecil's arrival at the entrance interrupted him.

York turned to face Bishop Cecil approaching, noting his calm demeanor with a single question.

"How is the old man?"

Bishop Cecil, clad in a bishop's robe edged with purple, dignified and steady, holding what seemed to York as a document bag that might enlighten him on all matters or dictate his next move, said softly,

"His Holiness is nearing his limit."

Bishop Cecil sat next to the man he had chosen, responding gently.

"He said it's best you remember him at his best..."

Hearing this, York understood the situation, his eyes revealing complex and indescribable emotions, but he frowned.

"Why so suddenly?"

However, Cecil shook his head, offering no further explanation, as if following the old man's wishes.

"He doesn't want to see me?" York sighed.

Bishop Cecil remained silent, simply handing over the document bag, stating,

"York, everything you want to know is in here."

York looked at the evasive Bishop Cecil, slightly frustrated, and began to open the document bag.

What else could he do?

As he unveiled the contents of the bag, York's expression remained impassive as he reviewed the documents.

He had guessed everything right.

The entire affair seemed too simple, almost mundane.

Everything could be found in these documents.

Why the church in this parallel world had spread so widely, why it was respected by organizations from various countries, boiled down to a simple point.

The church had another mission: to suppress the spatial rifts in various countries, preventing unknown friends or foes, or monsters from invading.

Upon reading this, York shook his head, pondering how the unknown indeed inspires fear, just as with the rift in the fog, all governed by the same principle.

If the fog incident wasn't a coincidence but something he stumbled upon, he couldn't imagine how things would have developed.

After all, those walking giants, colossal monsters like Behemoths, were not mythical beasts that could be easily dealt with by technology alone.

If nuclear weapons were considered... York had only one comment: reality is not a movie, and the best outcome would be mutual destruction. The mere presence of creatures like the Widowmaker spiders, which could proliferate from a human host in seconds, spreading thousands everywhere, could trade many lives and resources.

The ability of the fog to block out the sun showed the priority of that monstrous world over his own.

The danger lay precisely here.

"Now that the fog's rift has appeared, it indicates our world is falling apart."

York sighed inwardly, continuing to read the church's response.

A world in shambles always has a way to be mended.

The method wasn't overly complicated.

Simply put, someone had to enter the rift, find the precise spatial node in that connected world, and destroy it to reinforce the eggshell-like connection between the two worlds, even restoring and hardening the shell.

"So, the old man must have assumed this role before, which explains why there weren't as many supernatural incidents before, and why some people go their entire lives without encountering one, leading them to disbelieve in ghosts because they've never seen one."

This was similar to his previous life on Earth.

Until now, as the old man aged and no longer had the strength, and with no one to handle the remaining rifts, this parallel world began to experience changes, leading to an increase in supernatural incidents.

"It's like a fishing net; the cracks in the eggshell are like holes in the net. Without repairs, continued use will lead to starvation. Only mending can stop this trend..."

York reflected as he read, his mind forming corresponding thoughts. He paused at the next document, considering why no one else could undertake this repair work.

Except for the old man and him, everyone else would become utterly ordinary upon passing through the rift, because their powers were bound to this world.

Without their extraordinary abilities, how could an ordinary person withstand the pressure of the spatial conduit? How could they pierce the membrane inside the eggshell or the protective layer of another world?

"No wonder I was chosen; it was a desperate measure."

York gazed at the church's experimental reports, exhaling softly.

He wondered if the saints in this parallel world had also once undertaken these mending tasks.

Could there be other saints in other worlds, seeking these so-called spatial nodes?

Or had they perished in other worlds? Or perhaps they didn't want to return...

York's thoughts expanded but didn't stop him from flipping through the documents.

Here, he learned why every country has a bishop and one of the key responsibilities of a bishop.

To guard. Bishops truly guard their territories, not just figuratively but also against these cracks, akin to rifts in an eggshell.

Moreover, bishops must constantly monitor when a rift might erupt, meeting the conditions for traversal between two worlds.

"Like the fog incident? The rift in the fog incident, after time and changes, allowed the monsters to penetrate and invade Earth. If it weren't for the amplified magic effect, perhaps..."

Understanding this, York grasped the overall situation.

He pursed his lips, continuing to flip through the documents.

Compared to the previous documents, this was a map.

It marked the locations of rifts in 233 countries and regions, densely packed, with some countries harboring multiple spatial rifts.

This indicated the immense power of the church in this parallel world.

Additionally, the map included remarks.

Such as already

 resolved, currently stable, imminent eruption needing resolution, etc.

"As for the resolved rifts..." York saw the old man's name and silently counted, his lips twitching imperceptibly.

"The United States, one; Australia, one; Sweden, one... Only four resolved? Seems difficult."

York squinted at the map, the unresolved rifts densely packed, noting many marked as ready to erupt, and quietly stored the map away.

He had a rough idea of what he needed to do and why the council of bishops had compromised.

Thinking this, York began to gather the documents, the rest no longer necessary for viewing.

He knew his diocese would likely be among those countries with imminent rift eruptions.

"It seems you've been monitoring me." Fastening the document bag, York sighed.

"We've always collected information on your actions, presenting the results to the council of bishops." Bishop Cecil answered calmly, his tone growing heavier.

"So they could understand your uniqueness, York. With His Holiness aging, our world is now in danger."

York was silent for a moment, not as hesitant as Bishop Cecil might have thought, but rather feeling an indistinct excitement.

Because in the fog incident, he had already anticipated all these developments.

"...York, you're not Gabriel's successor."

Bishop Cecil's voice continued: "But the successor of His Holiness Gregory, by divine will..."

This statement abruptly interrupted York's train of thought. He looked at Bishop Cecil, cutting him off with a resigned tone.

"Bishop Cecil, you should know my character."

With that, Bishop Cecil ceased speaking, finally saying,

"I understand."

He looked at York, his eyes full of regret.

"Of course."

York pretended not to see Bishop Cecil's gaze, knowing that a high position also meant losing much freedom and fun.

"But this doesn't mean I'll ignore these matters."

With that, York recalled everything on the map.

"It seems my diocese can only be in those countries with imminent rift eruptions..."

Hearing this, Bishop Cecil looked at York, relieved.

"You can take your time to think. We will make concessions for you."

York raised his eyebrows slightly, catching the implication of Cecil's words: wherever he chose to go, the current bishop in charge would be relocated.

"Alright, let me think about it."

York held the document bag and didn't return it to Bishop Cecil, standing up to face him.

"Tomorrow, I'll give you an answer. But before that, can I see the old man?"

Bishop Cecil just stared at him, frowning.

"I'll just stand outside and look, just one glance." York stated calmly.

"This might be my last look."

Hearing this, Bishop Cecil understood the meaning. He looked at the determined man and sighed.

"It's possible."

---

In the spacious luxurious room.

York sat by the bed, gazing at the old man on the bed, seemingly unconscious, unaware of the outside world.

"How long has he been in this state?"

To York, the old man's body seemed like a wilting flower, on the brink of collapse.

"Since he returned from Monaco."

Bishop Cecil behind him answered, "Because of His Holiness, the erupting rift in Monaco was sealed, but the consequence was the deterioration of His Holiness's body."

"He really is..." York stared at the old man, shaking his head.

He wasn't sure what to do in the current situation.

Unless he possessed those legendary items that could extend life or had healing powers.

Unfortunately, he had neither.

By now, he understood that those things mentioned in books might be possessed by the outside world; otherwise, with the church's vast influence, they would have been found long ago.

This world was simpler and poorer than he imagined, compared to his previous life, only having more demons, evil spirits, vampires like stray dogs, and the church.

"Could we have some alone time? Bishop Cecil, I have some words for the old man."

Hearing this calm request, Bishop Cecil looked at the man by the bed and the plant-like old man, sadness deepening in his eyes.

He gestured to the guarding clergy, then slowly left with them.

Hearing the door click, York silently gazed at the old man, speaking after a long silence.

"Old man, it seems you still don't know my choice...

I'm telling you now, my choice is to accept your arrangement, to seal those rifts, to mend this world...

I'll be departing tomorrow..."

head.

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT


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