[Chapter 79: Golden Aegis Rite]
Daniel wrapped the Female Ghost in a firm, intimate embrace, as if holding a lover close. The ghost froze for a moment, startled, but soon understood why he held her that way.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning surged from Daniel's body, striking directly into her.
"Ah!" The female ghost's scream cut sharp and raw, rattling Daniel's eardrums.
Her form trembled violently under the electrical assault, black, ash-like energy swirling from her soul body, making her increasingly translucent. Yet Daniel held her tight, refusing to let her slip away.
Another crack of lightning burst forth, striking her again. The black ash-like energy thickened, her soul body fading almost to invisibility. Still, Daniel's grip didn't loosen; if anything, he held her even tighter.
Then the lightning stopped.
Daniel blinked, suddenly realizing the limits of his Thunder Body's power. Still, in this weakened state, the female ghost no longer posed a threat.
Finally, he released her. Her eyes shone with venomous hatred, but rules barred her from delivering a killing blow. Her resentment softened, touched with a hint of sorrow.
"Don't look at me like that; I'm not falling for it. Rest in peace," Daniel said firmly.
He formed a hand seal. Scattered around them, 365 copper coins suddenly whirred through the air, circling before converging in his palm. Because the ghost hovered between him and the coins, they passed right through her form and reassembled into a copper coin sword in his hand.
"You..." she gasped out her last breath as her body crumbled bit by bit until she vanished entirely.
A voice chimed in Daniel's mind:
[Ding! Killed a D-rank ghost, gained 100,000 Merit Points.]
[Ding! Killed a D-rank ghost, obtained 'Golden Aegis Rite.']
Daniel smiled. With 100,000 Merit Points, he could finally advance his exorcism again. The Golden Aegis Rite was renowned as one of exorcists' most powerful protective seals. If he first performed Rite of Divine Empowerment and then cast it, the strength he'd wield was unimaginable.
Charging Megan $100,000 was more than justified for solving such a huge problem. This mission turned out to be a massive payday.
...
As the ghost's chilling aura faded and the flickering lights stabilized, Daniel sheathed his copper coin sword and sanctum blade. He walked over, placing a reassuring hand on Megan's shoulder.
"It's over."
She remained huddled on the floor, still burying her face into the sofa cushions, refusing to meet his eyes.
"It's over," Daniel repeated gently. But before he could say more, he understood why Megan wouldn't get up.
Beneath her, a distinct wet stain spread out, accompanied by a faint but unmistakable smell.
'What the hell...' Daniel took an involuntary step back. Megan had peed herself out of sheer terror, too embarrassed to face him.
Daniel was momentarily speechless but understanding. The Female Ghost was terrifying and lethal -- any regular person would shake like a leaf, maybe worse.
Only now, this was his living room. Megan having wet herself here was a bit -- it was unpleasant.
Luckily, there was no carpet; otherwise, it would've been a disaster.
"Are you going to sit here all day?" Daniel asked again.
Finally, Megan lifted her head. Her sun-kissed cheeks burned a deep crimson.
She looked at him helplessly. "I... I'm sorry."
Daniel smirked slightly. "Go clean yourself up, then help me mop the floor."
Megan glanced around nervously. "That... evil spirit..."
"I already took care of it," Daniel assured. "You don't have to die."
His Spiritual Perception Technique sensed the Death energy that once lingered on Megan's face had vanished completely. She exhaled a relieved breath but, feeling dampness, blushed even harder.
"I... I didn't bring a change of clothes. You have anything I can borrow?"
"Wait here."
Daniel disappeared upstairs briefly. He returned carrying a shirt and a pair of loose pants -- both fresh and unworn. No underwear, of course. Even if he had some, there was no way she'd want to wear his.
He handed her the clothes. "Here. These are new."
"Thank you."
Megan snatched the clothes and dashed into the bathroom as if escaping a precarious situation.
Water soon sounded as she took a shower.
...
Daniel glanced at the wet spot next to the couch and abandoned any idea of cleaning it himself; it was too unpleasant. Instead, he tidied up the knives, forks, and scattered debris from the earlier scuffle, restoring order to the room. The utensils would definitely need a thorough wash.
When Daniel finished, Megan stepped out of the bathroom dressed in only the oversized shirt, holding the pants in her hand.
The shirt hung down to her thighs, revealing long, statuesque legs beneath. At 5'6", Megan wasn't just a former model -- she had an effortless allure. Seeing her like this, Daniel immediately understood why some magazines labeled her the sexiest woman alive.
Her figure wasn't exaggerated, but it held a confident, natural charm that made Daniel steal a few lingering glances.
"The pants are too big," Megan lamented. "I can't wear them."
Daniel walked over, taking the pants from her. He pointed behind him. "Laundry room is back there. Toss your clothes in the dryer. You can change in a bit."
"Thank you."
...
After setting her clothes to dry, Megan grabbed a mop and began wiping the puddle in front of the sofa. She bent over and scrubbed vigorously; the oversized shirt rose and fluttered with every movement.
But as her clothes dried, Daniel glanced discreetly underneath. He quickly looked away, heart pounding. This girl was clearly aware of her state -- yet still moved seductively right before him.
Thankfully, Daniel still had some restraint. Otherwise, who knew what might have happened.
Just then, Megan sidled closer while mopping.
Daniel's expression shifted; something felt off.
'Is Megan... actively trying to seduce me?' he thought, his mind racing.
He quickly rationalized he was probably reading too much into it, that Megan wouldn't do anything like that.
He moved to sit on a nearby single sofa.
But not long after, she turned around, back still to him, and approached once more.
This time Daniel was certain -- Megan's intentions were deliberate. She wanted to seduce him.
He rose and stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing close.
"What are you doing?" he whispered into her ear.
So close, he felt her rapid heartbeat trembling against him and sensed her body stiffening with nervous energy.
But Megan didn't pull away. Instead, she dropped the mop, spun around, and returned his embrace. On her tiptoes, she tilted her head up and kissed him.
Daniel froze for a moment in surprise, then lowered his head, responding to her kiss.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.