For some unknown reason, a wave of suffocation welled up in her heart. Angela Bennett let out a low shout, and the bracelet in her hand burst forth with dazzling light, transforming into six diamond-shaped crystals that slowly floated around her. With each punch she threw, threads of radiance scattered down, and the surging gale, wrapped in battle energy, struck fiercely at the metal puppet ahead. Whether in strength or speed, it was far beyond what she had shown when ‘fighting’ with Charles Carter...

　　…………

　　Earth, southern United States.

　　Time—2020.

　　On a country road, a modified car sped along.

　　“Charlie Carter... Pastor? Tell me, are you here for a curse this time?”

　　The driving Sheriff smacked his thick lips, asking for the seventh time along the way, and the pastor named Charlie Carter answered patiently and gently for the seventh time as well.

　　“That’s right, Mr. Sheriff. Although it may be hard for you to imagine, in reality, our world is far more complicated than what our eyes can see.”

　　“Evil spirits, curses, witches—they do exist.”

　　“Uh, even so, I still think gunpowder and bullets are the solution to everything...”

　　Faced with an answer that exceeded his worldview, Sheriff gave the exact same reply as before, and Pastor Charlie Carter could only shake his head with a wry smile. Next to them, an Asian young man fiddling with equipment looked up, raised his eyebrows, chewed on a piece of gum, and spoke cheerfully: “Don’t worry, Sir Sheriff.”

　　“Your steadfast materialism will soon be shattered. Mm, let your own eyes be the witness.”

　　Click, click...

　　The young man skillfully assembled something like a camera, pointed the lens forward, squinted his right eye, and made a “pop” sound with his mouth.

　　“Specter detector, my favorite! Sir Sheriff, want to see some of my previous treasures?”

　　“I swear, they’re all rare gems that ordinary people hardly ever see...”

　　The teasing laughter made the corners of Sheriff’s mouth twitch. Just as he was pondering why his superior had sent him to accompany these two Vatican-dispatched... demon hunters, the Asian young man’s cheerful voice suddenly turned to panic.

　　“Oh shit, what’s that up ahead? Someone! Stop, stop!”

　　Sheriff’s heart skipped a beat. He slammed on the brakes, twisted the steering wheel sharply, and with a screech of tires, the aging car traced an arc and came to a difficult stop in the middle of the road.

　　Ahead, a man in a black trench coat rested his hand on the hilt at his waist, calmly watching as the furious Sheriff stormed out of the car.

　　“You bastard...”

　　The longsword, still in its scabbard, was raised and easily blocked Sheriff’s furious fists. Charles Carter’s gaze swept past Sheriff to the gentle young man getting out of the car behind him. Sensing the faintly surging positive energy on him, Charles Carter narrowed his eyes, and his right hand tightened slightly on the sword’s scabbard.

　　Yin, yin, yin~

　　A clear sword hum rang out. The knight’s sword suddenly left its scabbard, revealing three inches of blade. On the silvery blade, runes representing knighthood lit up one after another. Sheriff’s bear-like body was forced back by the recoil, and wisps of inky lines were expelled from him. The rage on his face paused, and his eyes became clear.

　　“An overly dense miasma will repel light and reason...”

　　“Go back, travelers. The road ahead is not for you.” In the cold, clear voice, the knight’s sword, gleaming with silver light, was sheathed. The silver cross deliberately tied to his cuff dangled down, gently touching the hilt.

　　With a sound as crisp as wind chimes, milky-white motes of light scattered.

　　“Inform the Vatican headquarters, we need demon hunter support here!”

Chapter Four: The Cursed Manor!

　　“Demon hunter?!”

　　Sheriff was stunned at these words, then instinctively turned to look at Charlie Carter behind him. At this moment, the latter was already wearing a gentle, delighted smile, striding toward Charles Carter and pulling a cross from inside his jacket.

　　“My name is Charlie Carter, demon hunter directly under the Church!”

　　A gentle white light spread from the cross, and the cross accessory that Charles Carter had deliberately tied to his cuff glowed faintly in response to the same positive energy.

　　The silver light, carrying a warm aura, enveloped the group.

　　“Very good...”

　　As Sheriff stared in shock at the scene before him, the calm voice sounded again. The man dressed like a movie character gently stroked the silver-glowing cross, and the silvery radiance faded away. For some reason, Sheriff felt that the man’s expression seemed a bit gentler.

　　“Let’s get acquainted. My name is Charles Carter.” The young man’s lips curled slightly. “Holy knight directly under the Vatican. Of course...”

　　“Part-time demon hunter.”

　　“I suppose you won’t mind one more person at the table, will you?”

　　“Of course! Welcome to the team, Sir Knight!”

　　Charlie Carter answered heartily, while beside them, the Asian young man looked at the dumbfounded Sir Sheriff with a face full of sympathy.