[Chapter 2: Innate Thunder Body]
[Ding! G-rank Ghost eliminated. Earned 100 Merit Points.]
[Ding! G-rank Ghost eliminated. Obtained Sanctum Blade Technique.]
[Ding! G-rank Ghost eliminated. Earned 100 Merit Points.]
[Ding! G-rank Ghost eliminated. Gained Essentials of Exorcism.]
Four announcements rang clearly in Daniel's mind, leaving him momentarily stunned. Why was his body crackling with electricity?
Before he could fully process the sensation, a flood of exorcism knowledge spontaneously filled his thoughts.
He understood this influx came from the "essentials of exorcism" reward he'd just received -- a basic primer on the craft, offering no active powers yet but providing a foundational understanding.
The noise and movement caught the attention of Jigsaw.
Slowly, Jigsaw turned, his cold eyes locking onto Daniel's.
Without hesitation, the masked figure strode forward, wielding his ruthless chainsaw.
...
Ignoring the agony from his still-unhealed wounds, Daniel forced himself to roll off the trolley, land on his feet, and face Jigsaw squarely.
"You're not dead?" The gruff voice behind the mask spoke briskly.
He didn't respond -- only steeled his gaze on the whirring chainsaw, simultaneously scanning the area for a weapon.
Jigsaw's confusion showed plainly. "How could you still be alive?"
Disregarding the stabbing pain in his abdomen, Daniel limped forward a few steps, snatching up a studded hammer from a nearby shelf.
The weapon resembled a spiked club, its heavy head bristling with thick nails -- perfect for inflicting agonizing blows.
Gripping the hammer, Daniel felt a surge of courage.
Though injured, Jigsaw was old and clearly weakened. If this came down to a fight, Daniel had the advantage.
"You don't have to do this, kid." Jigsaw's tone lowered, almost like a preacher offering salvation. "The fact you survived means you're not meant to die here. You passed my test. You can have a new life."
Still silent, Daniel's eyes never left the chainsaw.
Jigsaw flicked off the machine and set it down on the trolley.
In that instant, Daniel leapt forward, swinging the studded hammer hard against the left side of Jigsaw's head.
Jigsaw froze, blood spurting through the puncture wounds in his scalp. "You..."
He staggered backward, clutching the wound.
Without hesitation, Daniel grabbed the chainsaw, flipped the switch, and pressed the roaring blade into Jigsaw's torso.
"Test you motherfucker... new life my ass..."
The chainsaw screamed as blood erupted across Daniel's clothes and face, but he didn't relent, slicing relentlessly.
"Ahhhh!" Jigsaw howled in desperation, but Daniel's assault never faltered.
Minutes later, Jigsaw's body lay in broken chunks around the workshop, his severed head a ghastly contrast.
...
Daniel, covered in blood, dropped the chainsaw and sank to the floor, panting fiercely, a mix of adrenaline and residual fear knotting his stomach.
He had just taken a man's life for the very first time -- and no one could be sure if Jigsaw's words about not fighting were just to lull him into a false sense of security.
"I got Merit Points for killing ghosts," Daniel muttered softly, "but nothing for taking down Jigsaw. Guess the rewards only come for eliminating supernatural threats."
He glanced down at his healing abdomen. It had improved drastically and would probably close completely in about ten more minutes.
Daniel stood and began pacing the small space.
Ten minutes later, his wound was fully healed. He found some clean water, showered, and changed into fresh clothes.
It was 3 a.m. outside the abandoned factory.
With a flick of his wrist, Daniel tossed a lit lighter onto a pool of gasoline.
Flames roared instantly, racing through the fuel and igniting the entire derelict plant.
Without a backward glance, Daniel walked away.
In the later years, surveillance cameras were everywhere in key downtown areas. But, this was 2004, and the factory was isolated and forgotten.
By the time Daniel hailed a cab, the sky was already beginning to brighten.
...
The taxi pulled up in front of Cross Hall. Daniel paid the driver and stepped out.
He retrieved a few hundred dollars from Jigsaw's hideout to cover the fare.
Standing before the building, Daniel's expression turned wry.
The glass door was plastered with printed service listings -- "Exorcism, Blessings, Fortune Transfers, Spirit Consultations, Divination, and Full Funeral Services. Exorcism artifacts also for sale."
"That's quite the lineup," Daniel murmured, key in hand.
Opening the door led into a modestly-sized shop-front double as living space.
Shelves showcased an eclectic mix of items: ward sigils, prayer seals, hand bells, crystal balls, crosses, offering coins, engraved medallions, blessed figurines like Maneki-nekos, the iconic Japanese beckoning cats, and others.
Daniel blinked. Not one, but multiple Maneki-nekos.
These were merchandise.
Alongside were stacks of joss paper printed fake money (ghost money) in large denominations -- in the tens of millions.
"Exorcism, Taosim, Misogi cleansing, Du'a, Barakah, Mantras... Nothing's missing," Daniel muttered, shaking his head.
Inside, the living quarters were tight but functional -- small but complete, like a sparrow with all vital organs.
Daniel sank onto the worn sofa and activated the System interface.
[Host: Daniel Cross]
[Body Constitution: Thunder Body]
[Exorcist Level: Initiate (Upgradeable)]
[Exorcism Technique: Discipline of the Sacred Firmament]
[Skills:]
[Sanctum Blade Technique: First Tier (Upgradeable)]
[Merit Points: 200]
"So I have the Thunder Body. No wonder I can generate lightning. Those two ghosts truly deserved their fate."
Daniel's eyes caught the bright "Upgrade" prompts next to his Exorcism Technique and Sword Technique.
He mentally selected the Exorcism Technique upgrade.
A torrential surge of power exploded through his veins -- raw, fierce energy that threatened to shred his body apart.
Seconds later, the pain faded, replaced by a deep, satisfying warmth. The power now resided within him, ready to be unleashed.
The System display updated.
[Exorcism Technique Progress: Acolyte]
[Merit Points: 100]
A grin spread across Daniel's face. He felt the extraordinary force humming beneath his skin.
"So that's how Merit Points work."
"The upgrade button next to Exorcism Technique is now gray -- guess I don't have enough Merit Points."
"But the Blade Technique is still upgradeable."
He clicked it immediately.
[Sanctum Blade Technique: Second Tier]
[Merit Points: 0]
...
When Daniel awoke, it was well past 1 p.m. His stomach growled loudly.
He prepared two packets of instant noodles and ate while carefully surveying the shop.
According to the memories he'd inherited, this place was once operated by the body's previous owner's father.
Three months ago, the father passed away, leaving the business to his son.
But the son knew little about the work -- not only did the business quickly fail, but he drained his inheritance and racked up massive credit card debt.
Had it not been for the semiannual rent payments, he might not have had a place to stay at all.
Now, in just over ten days, the next rent was due.
At $3,500 a month, six months totaled $21,000.
Daniel counted every last cent he had -- $487.35 total.
"In other words, I have to make over twenty grand in just over ten days."
His headache deepened.
Before he could think of how to earn money quickly, a sharp knock came from the door.
"Is Mister Cross in?"
Daniel opened it to find a young woman in police uniform.
Seeing him, her expression turned urgent.
"Come with me, quickly."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.