The study of theology was a long and arduous process.
During stages that did not correspond to one's manifested imprint, most people would not spend excessive ti refining them.
Take the "Eyes" stage as an example.
If this stage happened to be one's manifested imprint, then like Gideon, one would have to cultivate advanced sacred arts such as the Holy Eye.
Otherwise, the vast majority of exorcists would only learn the first-tier technique—Spirit Sight.
After that, they would imdiately move on to the next stage, "Body", continuing forward until they reached the stage where their imprint manifested, and only then would they begin pursuing higher-tier sacred arts.
This approach maximized the efficiency of holy power usage and allowed an exorcist to beco competent within a limited lifespan.
As for the path Gideon intended to walk, it could be summarized in a single phrase:
He wanted everything.
Naturally, that ant he would need to invest far more ti than others.
Gideon rubbed his chin.
"At my current level, I still can't begin cultivating the 'Bones' stage."
To temper one's bones with holy power, there was a minimum requirent—
the foundational cultivation of the previous Body stage had to be completed.
Judging by his progress, Gideon would need to reconstruct at least one more arm.
His objective quickly beca clear—
First, he would take on several low-risk exorcism commissions, ensuring safety while completing the reconstruction of his other arm.
Once that was done, he would be able to simultaneously cultivate Eyes, Body, Bones, and Soul during future missions.
With that in mind, he prepared to head to the commission hall.
But before that, there was one more matter to attend to.
Gideon took out the leather glove.
With Freddy's influence gone, the glove appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary item.
However, as soone deeply familiar with Arican horror rules, Gideon didn't believe that for a second.
Given the right conditions, Freddy would undoubtedly return.
From his perspective, faint remnants of power still lingered within the glove.
Although wrapped in evil aura, the core contained sothing far more valuable—primal source energy.
At the sa ti, there was a broken transparent chain visible on the glove's surface.
It resembled the link between soul and body—
yet here it was, manifested on an object.
Gideon couldn't help but wonder—
Could it be that the glove itself was Freddy's true body?
Because of that chain, however, he was currently unable to extract the source energy inside.
In the end, he decided to seal the glove away.
Once his theological cultivation reached a higher level, he might find a way to safely extract it.
After storing the glove, Gideon turned his attention to his next commission.
"Maybe I should look for an Disturbance-grade mission this ti."
Recently, most of the tasks he had accepted were highly dangerous.
Nearly all his attention had gone into dealing with demons and evil spirits, leaving little room for steady cultivation.
This ti, he intended to give himself a "break" and complete his Body stage using lower-risk assignnts.
"Surely even Disturbance-grade missions won't be full of traps…" he thought.
With that decision made, Gideon headed to the academy's commission office.
Unfortunately, his timing couldn't have been worse.
There were no Disturbance-grade commissions available.
"I'm sorry, Father Gideon," Flora said apologetically.
"Due to recent personnel transfers among the clergy, a lot of commissions piled up."
"All the low-level ones were already taken by academy students."
Gideon's mouth twitched.
"Is this… the Lord's guidance?"
At that mont, Flora seed to rember sothing.
She glanced around cautiously.
"Father Gideon, there might be a place where Disturbance-grade commissions can be found."
Gideon raised an eyebrow.
Flora gestured for him to co closer and lowered her voice.
"What I'm about to say violates Church doctrine. You mustn't tell anyone."
Gideon imdiately drew a cross over his chest.
"I swear in the na of the Lord."
Only then did Flora relax, brushing her hair aside as she whispered:
"Have you ever heard of the Exorcists' Guild?"
Gideon shook his head.
"It's a gathering place for exorcists across North Arica," she explained.
"Information exchanges, commission postings, private deals… all of it happens there."
As she spoke, Gideon quickly understood.
The Exorcists' Guild was essentially a massive, neutral hub for exorcists.
mbers from various factions gathered there.
They traded intelligence, sold exorcism tools, and exchanged special items belonging to different organizations.
Commissions outside the Church's jurisdiction were typically posted there.
Anyone willing could accept a mission, contact the client, or even recruit partners.
With sufficient compensation, it was even possible to hire exorcists outright.
"Although they're all exorcists," Flora whispered,
"the Church strictly forbids clergy from entering the Guild. It's considered a haven for heretical powers."
Gideon silently nodded.
"Classic Church behavior," he thought.
At the sa ti, Gideon was slightly surprised that Flora dared to say such things.
It seed that after losing her husband, she still hadn't truly let go.
"Doesn't the governnt intervene in places like this?" Gideon asked another question that had been bothering him.
Exorcists, transactions, commissions…
Such a gathering could only exist in a gray zone.
Could the North Arican authorities really feel at ease allowing a large number of people with supernatural powers to congregate freely?
Flora's answer was simple—necessity.
"Although the Church cooperates with the authorities, the relationship isn't entirely harmonious…"
Gideon imdiately understood what she ant.
The Church's influence spanned the globe, with the Vatican at its center.
North Arica was rely one missionary region among many.
As such, North Arican interests were not always the Church's top priority.
For instance, the recent large-scale redeploynt of clergy had directly led to a noticeable increase in casualties from supernatural incidents across the United States.
The authorities could no longer rely solely on the Church to deal with evil.
That was precisely why organizations like the Exorcists' Guild were allowed to exist.
"There's one more thing about the Guild you must know," Flora said.
Seeing Gideon's puzzled expression, she revealed the answer—
Exorcist Licenses.
"The Guild was founded by several extrely powerful exorcists. In response to the increasing frequency of supernatural incidents, they established the 'license' system many years ago."
"It's a form of recognition for powerful exorcists."
"Only licensed exorcists are allowed to take on high-rating Guild commissions. Without one, you're limited to minor cases involving low-level spirits."
"Of course, it also ensures that licensed exorcists receive more convenience when completing commissions."
"Every Guild exorcist dreams of earning a license—but it's incredibly difficult."
Flora waved her hand.
"Ah—sorry, I got carried away."
"In short, you should go take a look. You might gain sothing from it."
She picked up a pen and paper, wrote down an address, then took out a silver coin and handed both to Gideon.
"Sotis the Church needs to submit evil relics," she said, sticking out her tongue.
"I… may have secretly gone there to buy a few things."
It seed the rule 'Clergy are forbidden from entering the Exorcists' Guild' was, like many doctrines, rather… flexible.
Gideon smiled and accepted the items.
The silver coin bore a line of Latin engraving, and its material was unusually tough—
even with Gideon's current physical strength, it would be difficult to damage.
This coin was the key to entering the Exorcists' Guild.
Without it, even if one arrived at the location, no Guild information would be accessible.
And after hearing Flora's explanation, Gideon quickly realized sothing—
There was likely governnt involvent behind the Guild as well.
Otherwise, how could an exorcist license grant so many privileges across multiple regions worldwide?
Only a power like the United States could make other nations give such concessions.
That said, these matters were far removed from Gideon's imdiate concerns.
For now, his focus was this upcoming commission.
---
Philadelphia
82 Sea Lion Street – Sea Lion Building
This was the Philadelphia branch of the Exorcists' Guild.
The building stood at a fork in the road and presented itself outwardly as a hotel.
Gideon stood by the roadside, studying the structure.
The Sea Lion Building was shaped like a triangular prism, its sharp point aid directly at the intersection.
Warm yellow walls.
Jet-black doorfras.
Though architecturally similar to nearby buildings, its location alone made it impossible to ignore.
"This land couldn't have been cheap…" Gideon thought.
The surrounding streets were lined with skyscrapers—financial and comrcial centers.
For the Guild to establish a base here spoke volus about its resources and influence.
Adjusting his belt, Gideon climbed the steps.
Today, he had deliberately changed out of his priest's black robes and put on formal wear.
Unfortunately, the fit wasn't perfect, making his silhouette resemble two professions far more than intended.
Hotel guests passed in and out, seemingly unaware.
Activating Holy Sight, Gideon detected no supernatural presence.
He approached the front desk.
"How may I assist you, sir?" asked an older manager.
The man wore a tailored suit and a perfectly asured smile—professional to the core.
Gideon reached into his pocket and placed the silver coin on the counter.
The manager's eyes widened—just slightly.
"May I take a look?"
"Of course."
The manager examined the coin for a mont, then stepped out from behind the desk.
"Please follow ."
No suspicion.
No judgnt about his clothing.
They walked down a corridor to an elevator.
Though the building had only fifteen floors, after the manager swiped a card, the elevator began moving downward.
Only then did the man speak again.
"Forgive my presumption—you're visiting the Exorcists' Guild for the first ti, aren't you?"
Gideon nodded.
The manager smiled.
"This is a staff elevator. Guild mbers usually have separate entrances—mainly for convenience when transporting equipnt."
He glanced at the cross Gideon was slipping into his pocket as he spoke.
"I see."
"Before we arrive, would you like an introduction to the Guild?" the manager asked.
"That would be helpful," Gideon replied honestly.
"You may call Farlin Morgan," the manager said with a courteous smile.
"If you need anything within the Guild, feel free to seek out."
He began explaining the Guild's structure.
Much of it matched what Flora had already described, but there were new details.
For example, Gideon could register as a Guild mber and receive his own silver coin.
Beyond granting easier access, mbership allowed him to trade items anonymously—greatly improving transaction security.
"The silver coin is not only an entry token," Farlin said, returning it to Gideon,
"it also records your Exorcism Points."
"Completing Guild commissions earns points, which can be exchanged for things like lodging at Guild-owned hotels, money, special services…"
"And, of course—evil materials."
"So items are exceptionally valuable, so additional compensation may be required."
Gideon nodded in understanding.
With a soft chanical chi, the elevator doors opened.
Noise flooded in.
They had arrived in a massive underground space.
Figures in strange attire moved through the area—
Knights.
diums.
Witches.
Monster hunters.
Gideon recognized many exorcist lineages at a glance.
Only a handful wore Church attire, though many in plain clothes still retained clerical habits.
Several other elevators were visible throughout the hall.
"These connect to the private exorcist passages," Farlin explained.
"This is the main hall," he continued, pointing ahead.
"Commissions and exchanges are all handled here."
Gideon looked over and saw crowds gathered around a long wooden board plastered with papers—commission postings.
"They're still using a physical board?" Gideon muttered.
"Our Guildmaster insists on it," Farlin chuckled.
"'Classics never go out of style.' His words."
Gideon shrugged.
"The commission ratings align with the Church's system," Farlin added.
"We may not get along with them, but their evaluation thods are sound."
"Once you've selected a commission, head to the bar and speak with Brad—the bartender."
Farlin gestured to an older Black man behind the counter.
"He'll handle the formalities. Information, items—he can assist with all of it."
Gideon silently thought:
This feels like a classic Arican movie set.
From the décor to the bartender, everything scread cinematic cliché.
He strongly suspected the Guildmaster was a film enthusiast.
"If you're looking for partners," Farlin added,
"you can ask around the hall. The Guild can guarantee cooperation—for a fee."
"We won't interfere with the exorcism itself, though. Risks are your own."
"For private discussions, there are also private rooms below…"
Gideon nodded thoughtfully.
Indeed, many people in the hall were negotiating partnerships.
So reached agreents quickly; others argued and disappeared into the crowd shortly after.
Farlin went on to explain the rules.
No fighting.
No killing.
No exceptions—regardless of personal grudges.
Violators would be expelled and hunted by every Guild mber.
At its core, the Exorcists' Guild acted as a neutral interdiary, providing a safe platform.
The Church's imnse resources had shielded Gideon from this reality before.
But for independent exorcists, even finding information could be a challenge.
Seen in that light, the founders of the Guild had done sothing genuinely aningful.
"What's that?" Gideon asked, pointing to several massive screens suspended overhead.
"The Evil Resentnt Rankings," Farlin replied.
"They asure exorcists' effectiveness."
"Why resentnt, not number of missions?" Gideon asked.
"The silver coin absorbs the resentnt emitted by demons and evil spirits," Farlin explained.
"It has no effect on the user."
"The amount absorbed is displayed across all Guild branches in real ti."
"You can think of it as… a ranking of strength."
Gideon inwardly chuckled.
A perfect system for building reputation.
Fa, after all, led to status—and wealth.
He also couldn't help admiring the Guild's ability to collect emotional residue from evil beings.
"The leftmost screen displays the top twenty exorcists permanently," Farlin continued.
"The others rotate through the top thousand."
"If soone gains a large amount of resentnt at once, it'll appear imdiately."
Gideon grew curious.
"How much resentnt does a single exorcism usually generate?"
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