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Chapter 226  Which path to take?

Demons had both intelligent and unintelligent species. These cities, and the majority of the demon world, were controlled and built by the intelligent species. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Their unintelligent counterparts were used by the intelligent ones to attack humans, do heavy labor, or perform any other tasks as desired.

It was a grim system, where the strong preyed on the weak, both among humans and demons.

It was often rumored that the demons who initially invaded the human world lacked intellect and were terrifying monsters; the intelligent species evolved from them after consuming countless human lives.

He closely observed the demons with interest. All of them had vastly different appearances and movements.

There were humanoid-looking demons that resembled humans closely, but with horns on their heads…

Then there were creatures with giant skeletal frames, almost ten feet tall.

The skeletal demons lumbered through the streets, slow but unyielding, their hollow eyes reflecting nothing but the labor they were condemned to. Some skeletons walked with hunched backs, mostly used as labor.

\'This place is stranger than I thought.\' Oliver mused as he took in the scene.

\'Well, what should I do?\'

He looked ahead blankly. His main goal was to escape and return to the human world. No matter what, this was still demon territory. As a Rank-1 exorcist, no matter how well he hid, once he revealed himself to someone dangerous, he would be devoured instantly.

\'Devoured… or worse.\'

\'Hmm, Rank-1 exorcist… should I attempt a breakthrough now?\'

Oliver\'s eyes gleamed beneath the dark yellow sky, giving him an intimidating look.

He already had more than enough espera to attempt becoming a Rank-2 exorcist.

To increase his chances of survival in this place, he needed to do it.

Currently, he only had a large amount of espera. By breaking through to Rank-2, all his physical attributes would receive a boost, including his strength.

It would help him one way or another.

\'But even with a breakthrough, I\'ll need to be careful. This is demon territory—no place for reckless mistakes.\'

He needed a more isolated place for the breakthrough. The alleyway was decent, but not secure enough, as a passing demon could spot him.

Plus, he might have to use his Abyss energy to suppress the outburst of his pure espera. The atmosphere was filled with dark espera, and the demons would definitely be sensitive if someone with pure espera attempted a breakthrough.

Oliver had already obtained terrifying talent and had gathered enough espera since he last changed his target.

The choice was clear.

He moved like a shadow, leaping from one building to another, his movements swift as he searched for a more secluded spot.

Eventually, he found an abandoned temple at the edge of the city. The city was enormous, but fortunately, he had been transported near the corner, making it easier to reach.

The temple was in disrepair, with bricks and rocks scattered across the ground. The dusty interior was proof that no one had visited for a long time.

The temple windows were broken, allowing the yellow light from the sulfuric clouds to filter through the frames, casting a dark yet mysterious vibe inside.

It was quiet, far too quiet for comfort. Oliver could feel the thrill in his nerves. Although it was eerie, it also carried a unique beauty and elegance.

Perfect. He raised his hand above his head, and instantly, a reddish-black dome-shaped energy field appeared around him, isolating him from the world.

He had to use his lower reserves of Abyss energy to hide the coming outburst of espera during his breakthrough to Rank-2.

Even Ophelia had difficulty seeing through his espera when he used Abyss energy to cover it. He knew that piercing through Abyss energy was impossible.

The Abyss was infinitely deep, so it made sense that no one could penetrate it.

\'I\'ll need more Abyss energy soon… not just for this but for what\'s coming.\'

\'I\'ll soon need to replenish my Abyss energy…\'

He focused his mind and sat in a meditative pose on the temple floor.

The espera in his body began to churn gently as he guided it with precision.

Generally, there were two major categories that defined exorcists: Physical and Spiritual.

Oliver was previously known to have taken the path of physical exorcism.

There was a reason for the distinction. Exorcists of each path had different powers and training styles.

To become a spiritual exorcist, one had to undergo something called "Core Formation."

At each rank, the exorcist forms a more advanced Espera Core, starting as a small, unstable core that gradually becomes larger, more refined, and efficient. The nature of the core changes with each breakthrough.

From Rank-1 to Rank-7, each rank involved core transformations. In the beginning, one would form a basic, unstable core prone to fluctuations.

As rank progression occurred, the core would stabilize and densify, allowing greater energy absorption and usage.

Eventually, as the core condensed into a highly dense state, it would begin to affect the exorcist\'s body, significantly enhancing physical capabilities.

All spiritual exorcists aimed to achieve the final transformation into a perfect core.

On the other hand, physical exorcists took a different approach.

To become a physical exorcist, one had to undergo "Body Transformation."

Instead of focusing on core formation, each breakthrough infused espera into the body, transforming the physical form to better handle the energy.

At the initial ranks, like Rank-1 or Rank-2, simple Espera Channels formed throughout the body to circulate energy.

As an exorcist reached higher ranks, the channels would thicken and merge with muscles and bones, leading to faster reaction times, strength, and durability, typically around Rank-3 or Rank-4.

But it didn\'t stop there. In the advanced ranks, espera would seep into the cells, providing extreme resilience and allowing esperic regeneration of body tissues.

Each physical exorcist aimed to achieve full espera transformation, turning their bodies into perfect vessels for espera.

Generally, the physical path was easier for beginners, requiring only bodily training to grow stronger.

Spiritual exorcism, however, demanded mental fortitude, exceptional control over core formation, and a terrifying willpower to persist.

This was why there were more physical exorcists than spiritual ones.

There was a common belief that spiritual exorcists were the "true exorcists," more "noble," or simply stronger.

A belief that persisted through generations, no matter how often it was proven wrong.

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