“Father! Father! Look!” I happily showed the ball of water hovering over my hands. “I did it!”

The man who I believed was my father didn’t expect that and was left speechless. I didn’t know what was going through his mind, but I believed it wouldn’t be a anything bad. I was only 5. Bad wasn’t even in my vocabulary back then.

I didn’t think much about it and simply felt smug. I managed to surprise my father. I must be amazing! That was the thought that filled my head as I awaited the praise I rightfully deserve.

“As expected of my son.” Hearing those words made me so happy I lost control over my spell, spilling water on the floor. But that barely registered into my mind.

I only thought about working harder to receive more praises from the father I admire. I had to be the best and become a proper heir to the Baskerville family.

My mind was set and my determination was limitless. Since then, I spent most of my time training. The rest I spent gathering knowledge in the library. I did have teachers, but after a certain point it felt like they were limiting my growth so I told my father I didn’t need them. He didn’t listen to me at first, but I was able to persuade him eventually.

Thanks to my efforts, I became the strongest exorcist in the entire family. It was then when I realized there was something strange in the way my father looked at me. Instead of being proud, he was wary of me. I proved my loyalty to him as much as I could, but it only grew worse from there.

…

I woke up to the sound of the train stopping.

Looking out the window, I found that I already arrived at my destination and quickly prepared to leave. I pulled my bag from the overhead storage and stood among the passengers who were also getting off on the same station. Thanks to a certain devil, I’m currently on a business trip to a remote village – apparently, it’s haunted.

People have gone missing, and that includes the exorcists that went there before me. Even expert-level exorcists fell victim to whatever’s there.

To those who aren’t aware, exorcists and most magical professions are divided into 7 levels: initiate, practitioner, expert, master, grandmaster, sage, and arch sage. Officially I’m a high master-level exorcist, and from the church’s perspective that makes me an equal to one of the 7 cardinals.

After the train ride, I took a bus heading to the countryside and the sun has set by the time it reached the final stop.

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Cold wind brush past my skin as I took step outside and I could hear various insect noises from every direction. Immediately it felt different from the big cities. It was… soothing in way. I actually considered camping outside, but I didn’t have the necessary equipment so I dropped the idea. “Thanks for the ride. Hope you have a safe trip back.”

“Hahaha,” the old bus driver laughed heartily. “I will. Now go find a place to stay, young lady. Don’t play around in the dark for too long. You never know what kind of beasts lurk behind those bushes.”

I secretly placed an array to prevent lesser spirits from interfering with the bus, and waved my hand as it drove off into the distance.

Left alone, I sat on a wooden bench and enjoyed what nature has to offer. There were grass everywhere, dancing with the night-breeze. The trees were farther back, separating me from the rest of the world. It was nice. I stayed there for around 20 minutes, and then followed the path to town.

A short five-minute walk later, I entered the town and instantly became the center of attention. All eyes were on me as I searched for a temporary shelter.

“The town is rather small so you will get to know everyone just by living here. It’s quite obvious when a new face pops up. Not to mention you look like someone who belongs in a big castle. You stick out like a sore thumb. It would be far stranger if people ignored you,” said the owner of the only hotel in the area.

“That makes sense,” except for the castle part.

“What brought you here anyway, if you don’t mind me asking. It doesn’t look like you have relatives in town since you’re staying in a hotel.”

“I plan to visit Woodrow Village. But since it’s already late I decided to stay here for the night.” There’s no harm in telling him.

His cheery attitude instantly vanished. “I advise you not to proceed with your plan. Many tried to go there and none of them ever came back. Even our people never came back and they’ve been regular visitors of that place until the whole disappearance thing happened. Whoever or whatever’s the cause, it’s not something you should get involve with. You have a bright future ahead of you, don’t throw it away for a momentary thrill.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I took the keys to my room and left. The bear-like man could only sigh and shake his head as it was clear that I didn’t take his advice seriously.

I appreciate the concern, but it’s a needless sentiment. I know what I’m doing. And even if I bite more than I can chew, I have a way to escape with my life intact regardless of who I’m facing.

I left my things in the hotel and went to a nearby restaurant for dinner. I conversed with the locals while I was at it to gather information. But it was mostly I who was asked instead. And when Woodrow Village was brought up, they became finicky.

It felt like I suddenly gained a family who wanted to talk me out of a foolish decision. It wasn’t a bad experience. It wasn’t bad at all.

…

I woke up at exactly 4:00 AM and spent the next 2 hours meditating. I made sure I was in perfect shape and my spiritual energy was flowing properly.

Once I was done preparing, I left the hotel and began traveling to Woodrow Village. Since no one wants to take me there, I have to go by foot. I didn’t bother renting a vehicle since driving isn’t one of my skills. I tried it once in the past and it didn’t end well. I do not want a repeat of that disaster.