Chapter 117: Exorcism
Frank took out a pouch, pouring its contents—a sandy, graveyard dust known as "graveyard dirt"—along the doorway, sealing the room in a protective circle. This dirt is a staple in voodoo practices and serves as a barrier against hellhounds.
"Damn it! Graveyard dirt!" the demon exclaimed, recognizing the substance immediately.
Frank continued chanting the exorcism spell. Despite having practiced it several times, his nerves got the better of him, causing him to stumble over the words and repeat them.
"Wait, let's talk this over. You've gone to great lengths to prepare, so you must know who I am. I'm a demon with the power to make deals. We can reach an agreement," the demon proposed.
Realizing its predicament, trapped within the magic circle with its hellhound stuck outside, the demon switched tactics, opting for negotiation.
"A deal?" Frank hesitated, momentarily intrigued.
"Yes, we can make a deal. You saw Joseph; he was a nobody, a vagrant. After our deal, he became a celebrated billionaire. You could have everything he has and more," the demon tempted.
"I won't deal with a demon that breaks its contracts. You forced Joseph to keep providing sacrifices. We're all meant to be your offerings, and I'm aware of the rules of demonic deals," Frank countered.
"I didn't break any contract. This is a separate agreement. When Joseph summoned me, I didn't leave after fulfilling our initial contract. I stayed to find more deals. He wanted to monopolize my wishes, so we made a second contract: he provides sacrifices, and I refrain from dealing with others," the demon explained.
"I see," Frank feigned understanding.
"But if you deal with me now, won't that break your contract with Joseph?" Frank asked, skeptical.
"Contracts can be flexible. Our deal states I enjoy sacrifices and don't grant others' wishes. But if I stop taking his sacrifices, the contract ends, and I can grant your wish."
"Don't you want all this? To be above others, to have wealth, power, beauty, treasures, superhuman abilities, magic—anything your heart desires can be yours if you deal with me," the demon continued to entice.
For the demon, individual deals meant waiting years for a soul, fulfilling a wish, and seeking new clients—akin to an insurance salesman. Joseph's contract provided a steady flow of souls without leaving home, much more lucrative.
With its accumulated souls, the demon hoped to claim a modest domain in hell, aspiring to be a lord. But compared to hell's desolation and brutality, the human world was far more appealing.
Facing banishment back to hell, the demon was ready to betray Joseph. As a demon, betraying a partner posed no moral dilemma. If it could ensnare Frank into a similar contract, it would be a win.
Ultimately, as long as Frank agreed, the demon wouldn't lose.
Listening to the demon's slick sales pitch, Frank's brow twitched.
Truthfully, he was tempted. John had informed him of the demon's power to fulfill wishes, even curing his cancer.
But seeing how the demon twisted contracts to its advantage, Frank realized the deals were one-sided. The demon could manipulate terms, much like a lawyer exploiting legal loopholes in court.
Never challenge someone at their profession with your hobby.
Struggling to understand human law, negotiating with a centuries-old demon over contract terms was a fool's errand. The demon was full of deceitful promises.
Frank's mind raced, ultimately deciding never to deal with the demon—not in this life or the next, even if it meant starvation or death.
Resolved, Frank resumed the exorcism chant, ignoring the demon's pleasantries.
"Wait, don't you want a life of luxury?" The demon panicked as Frank remained unmoved.
But Frank continued, undeterred by the demon's pleas.
"Damn you! I'll be back, whether in one year, two, or ten! I'll crawl from hell and find you, torturing you to death, piece by piece, like tearing a fly's wings. I'll rip you apart, crush your bones, let my hounds devour your flesh, and hellfire burn your soul forever!" the demon threatened when persuasion failed.
Frank quickened his chanting, driving the demon to scream in pain.
"Ah!" The possessed servant fell to his knees, mouth agape, releasing a torrent of black smoke skyward.
Amidst the smoke, blood-red eyes glared at Frank, as if memorizing his face before vanishing.
"!!" Frank fell back in fright, watching the smoke dissipate.
After half a minute, the smoke cleared, and the servant lay motionless on the floor.
"It's over?" Frank asked, regaining his composure and rising.
"Hey," Frank called, stepping toward the servant. Cautiously, he sprinkled holy water on him.
When the water elicited no reaction, Frank confirmed the demon had departed.
The ascending black smoke was likely the demon's true form, successfully banished back to hell.
With the demon gone, the threatening hellhound outside seemed to vanish, leaving the room in utter silence.
(End of Chapter)