The Exorcism Began in America.

The throng before the counter was taken aback, and the increasingly restless atmosphere instantly fell silent.

The first young man to push open the door looked back at the people behind him, then turned his head and spoke with some hesitation,

"Boss, the price for these 12-gauge exorcism shotgun shells... surely they're not much more expensive than regular ones, right?"

The gun shop owner was startled. His expression flickered for a moment before returning to normal.

"How could that be? They're only ten dollars a piece!"

Upon hearing the exorbitant price, those who had been quite willing to buy gasped.

"Ten dollars? Why don't you just rob us!"

"Exactly! How many times more expensive is that than regular 12-gauge shells?"

"It's just a shell. How can it be so expensive?"

Facing the crowd's skepticism, the unflappable gun shop owner maintained a calm expression as his rough hands slowly reached under the counter.

"The price of exorcism shotgun shells won't go down. And I must remind you, the quantity of exorcism ammunition is limited. In all of New York, only our Leston chain gun stores received the first batch. Other gun shops simply don't have it!"

After the gun shop owner's 'kind' reminder, the crowd, previously united in their displeasure, fell silent once again, exchanging glances with varying expressions.

"I'll buy fifty shells!"

While people were still hesitating, a man whose face was obscured by a mask took a stack of green US dollars from his pocket and waved it before the gun shop owner.

The rest of the crowd, startled by this scene, suddenly remembered that the gun shop owner had just mentioned the limited quantity of the exorcism ammunition.

"Boss, I want fifty too!"

"I'll take a hundred..."

"I want some as well..."

Fearing they might not get any later, the people quickly took out their wallets.

The gun shop owner exchanged a quick glance with the masked man, then stepped aside and began directing the other salesclerks to take money and distribute the goods.

After a brief commotion, most of those present had purchased varying amounts of 12-gauge exorcism shotgun shells.

Some even bought several handy shotguns right there and then.

As for those who didn't buy, apart from a few who hurriedly left the gun shop with inscrutable expressions, the rest remained skeptical about the exorcism effects touted by the owner.

"By the way, there's an important notice I need to share with everyone!

This 12-gauge exorcism shotgun shell can effectively kill Bound Spirits and wandering souls!

As for the more threatening Evil Spirits, its exorcism effect is still somewhat unsatisfactory!"

Only after most people had purchased the exorcism shotgun shells did the gun shop owner loudly announce a harsh reality.

"What! It's ineffective against Evil Spirits?"

"You're scamming us, I want a refund!"

"Yes, refund..."

Facing the crowd that surged toward the counter again, the gun shop owner smiled faintly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you'd better think this through! Currently, this is the only ammunition on the market that can harm the Bizarre. Once you miss this chance, who knows when you'll be able to buy it again!"

The crowd, initially seething with indignation, fell silent after hearing these words. Eventually, they picked up their bags of 12-gauge exorcism buckshot and quietly left the gun store.

After most customers had left, the young man who had been waiting in the corner for a long time finally got the chance to approach the owner.

"Boss, when can I buy the exorcism version of the 9mm pistol ammunition?"

Looking at the young man's pale face, the owner paused before speaking,

"9mm? Don't even think about it for a while. Even other calibers of rifle ammunition might not be available for a long time!"

"What? Why?"

"That, I'm not sure about! All I know is that Exorcists prefer this 12-gauge buckshot.

Maybe it's more suitable for exorcism work; after all, the First Exorcist Chu Feng uses 12-gauge buckshot himself."

"Is that so..."

Having received no definite answer, the young man could only leave the gun store with the fifty 12-gauge exorcism buckshot rounds he had purchased.

That day, all Leston chain gun stores in New York were packed. Even in the most remote shops, the newly stocked exorcism buckshot sold out within hours.

And with that came the resounding sounds of various shotguns echoing through the skies over New York that night.

「...」

"How's the personnel situation?"

In a spacious office, a man in a white shirt with a somewhat gloomy demeanor was sitting in a chair.

His normally golden short hair was showing signs of graying at the temples.

Above his hawk-like nose, a pair of deep blue eyes occasionally flashed a hint of red.

At that moment, his face was impassive as he looked at his blonde secretary, a woman with a proud figure, who was bowing slightly before his desk.

"Reporting to Priest Sirio, most of the followers have entered the city and are executing the second phase of the plan as scheduled."

After hearing the secretary's report, there was no change in the man's expression; he only slightly raised his eyebrows.

"Tell them to speed up and be more clandestine. Those Exorcists have very keen noses, and if..." He paused.

"If anyone becomes suspicious, whether ordinary people or Exorcists, have them dealt with swiftly. We absolutely cannot allow any exposure before the final plan is initiated."

Sensing the chill in the man's words, the blonde secretary bowed even lower.

"Yes, I'll relay the message right away!"

After bowing respectfully, the blonde secretary was about to turn toward the door when the man's cold voice suddenly reached her from behind.

"Also, until the plan is completed, everyone must be mindful of the roles they are playing."

"Yes, Priest Sirio!"

"Hmm?"

The secretary was startled by the sudden chill in his voice, and she involuntarily shivered.

"Yes, Mayor Ted!"

"Go on."

On the office door, which the secretary had opened, a beautifully crafted sign clearly displayed the words 'Mayor's Office'.

As silence fell once more in the office, Mayor Ted, who had been sitting in his chair with an impassive expression, slowly lifted his wrinkled hands and examined them closely.

Humans are truly pitiful. Such an aged husk, and yet they stubbornly refuse to join us. Is the readily available gift of eternal life not worth relinquishing everything?