Pastor's gentle smile froze noticeably. After meeting Charles Carter's sharp gaze for a moment, he let out a bitter sigh and then slumped back powerlessly onto the sofa cushion, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he murmured, “They're everywhere...”

　　“Before you came in, the entire room was filled with evil spirits—more than five. Besides the one clinging to Tina Bennett, there were four smaller ones drifting through the air...”

　　“And that's just this one room.”

　　“...Within the bounds of this farm, there are even more! On the branches of that locust tree, there are even corpses hanging and swaying.”

　　“Tattered white clothes, eyes staring fixedly outside the farm, staring at us...”

　　“How could this be! How could this happen!”

　　Pastor's voice was not concealed, and a fearful atmosphere spread throughout the room. The man named Smith seemed unable to bear this overwhelming sense of dread, suddenly standing up and shouting in panic.

　　“You must be lying... No! No! Aren't you demon hunters? This is your job! Hurry up and kill them all! You! You! You!”

　　“Is the only courage you have the kind that lets you swing your sword at children?!”

　　Casting a sidelong glance at the man who had gone mad, and at the little girls who were even more terrified, Charles Carter frowned slightly, thumbed open the sword hilt, and said expressionlessly to Charlie Carter:

　　“Given the current situation, I can't protect you all, so pack your things immediately. Before night falls, head to the small town we passed on our way here.”

　　“As far as I know, this is the place where, a hundred years ago, a witch sacrificed her own child and her own life to Satan. Without a doubt, she pleased the demon god, but she also bound her curse to this land.”

　　Pausing, Charles Carter looked at Charlie Carter, whose face had suddenly turned extremely grim, and, knowing he understood the gravity of the situation, thought for a moment before gently patting Charlie Carter's shoulder. “I'm going to check the site of the original sacrifice. You calm everyone down and wait for me outside in the car.”

　　“As soon as I come out, we leave immediately!”

　　“Alright... Sir Charles Carter, please be careful.”

　　Taking a deep breath, Charlie Carter nodded to Charles Carter and then walked straight over to his assistant, who wore a bitter smile. Charles Carter, meanwhile, turned to look at the hostess, Ariel Bennett, whose expression was a mix of bitterness and relieved joy.

　　“Can you tell me where in this house has been left unused for a long time? Especially somewhere with a fireplace...”

　　“Huh?”

　　Immersed in her own world, Ariel Bennett clearly hadn't expected Charles Carter to suddenly ask a question. She shuddered slightly, then stammered, “Yes... yes, there is, downstairs, down the ladder... y-you can get to the basement.”

　　“When I was cleaning the house, I found... i-inside, there really is a fireplace.”

　　“...Thank you.”

　　With a low voice of thanks, Charles Carter pushed the knight's sword out an inch with his thumb, his left hand glowing faintly, and slowly walked down the already somewhat decayed wooden stairs.

　　It wasn't until Charles Carter's figure disappeared around the stairwell corner that Ariel Bennett's legs gave out and she collapsed directly onto the floor, her back drenched in cold sweat—

　　A brave knight is admirable, but when such a powerful knight might turn his sword on you at any moment, what he brings is fear...

　　“Ma'am... you heard what was just said. I truly understand how you feel, but the situation is urgent...”

　　At that moment, Charlie Carter's voice sounded, his usually gentle tone now tinged with impatience.

　　“Of course, of course! Mr. Pastor! Let's leave here at once! Right away!” Before Ariel Bennett could reply, the terrified man had already grabbed Charlie Carter's hand, speaking urgently, his eyes bloodshot, clearly pushed to the brink of terror.

　　“Wait! I still need to grab something! Alex Carter is still here! I can't leave him behind!”

　　Just then, Tina Bennett, who had been obedient since waking up, suddenly cried out, broke free from her mother's embrace, and ran straight up the stairs. Charlie Carter's expression changed; he called to Michael Thompson behind him to take the others to the car, then hurriedly chased after Tina Bennett.

　　On the third floor, directly opposite was Tina Bennett's room. In Charlie Carter's line of sight, the little girl had just picked up a music box and was squatting there, which made Charlie Carter breathe a sigh of relief. He was about to speak when the scene before him froze the gentle smile on his lips—

　　In front of the little girl, a small boy in a suit stood silently, looking down at the crouching Tina Bennett. Sensing something, the boy slowly raised his head, revealing a dark purple face, his pale eyes turning to the stiff-faced Charlie CarterPastor.

　　The corners of his mouth curled up, and a bizarre smile appeared on that face.

　　Meanwhile, in the basement.

　　In the deathly stillness, only the decaying wooden door swung back and forth, making a hair-raising, eerie sound.

　　Inside, the expressionless Charles Carter had already fully drawn his longsword.