Chapter 33: The Warrens: The Supernatural Universe
The three exchanged contact information.
Danny promised to sponsor their shows, but only if he was interested, and if he personally participated, the show's funding would double.
The two immediately pitched their upcoming episodes.
Things like ghost-hunting in cemeteries and supernatural games.
Unfortunately, Danny was not interested at the moment, and since it was almost class time, the two gave up.
The classroom was almost full.
On the stage was a young Professor Goodman, average height, a typical academic professor.
It was hard to believe such a young professor would be obsessed with the occult.
Professor Goodman organized his notes and set the tone for today's lecture.
"Occultism is the study of all phenomena that cannot be explained by conventional science."
"For example, the existence and communication of souls, such as mediums summoning the dead, as well as mysterious powers and supernatural phenomena. Many unconfirmed horror legends and paranormal activity can be explained by the occult."
"Now, modern technology has also brought new discoveries to the study of the paranormal. You're all familiar with infrared thermal imagers, EMF detectors, high-sensitivity recording devices... It is these instruments that have gradually shifted paranormal investigations from pure eyewitness accounts to data recording..."
Professor Goodman spoke broadly, even mentioning quantum physics to argue for the existence of ghosts.
It was evident he was obsessed with studying these things.
Some people were dozing off, while others listened intently.
If one observed carefully, they'd find that those with good complexions were often dozing off, while those with poor complexions and dark circles under their eyes were listening most attentively.
Some things aren't believed until they're seen, and only after truly experiencing them does fear set in.
Just like Lance Preston—he completely disbelieved these things.
He was only there to gather material for the show.
Danny was listening quite attentively, but a chattering Thai person next to him was irritating.
Half an hour later,
Professor Goodman looked at the students, whose expressions varied, and finished his notes for the day, then tapped heavily on the desk to get their attention.
"Today's theoretical lesson ends here. Next is the Q&A session. To verify certain supernatural phenomena, I've invited the Church's famous paranormal investigators, the Warren couple. You can ask me and them any questions you have."
This sentence breathed life into the dull classroom.
Everyone became eager, as most people were there for the Warren couple, who were the highlight of the day.
The classroom door was pushed open.
Led by the teaching assistant, a middle-aged couple stood on the podium and gave a brief introduction.
"Ed Warren, paranormal investigator and demonologist."
"Lorraine Warren, Ed's wife, clairvoyant and paranormal investigator."
Professor Goodman actively gave up his seat, letting the Warren couple sit in the center.
There was a commotion below the stage.
Soon, the first person to ask a question appeared.
This person asked a personal question.
"Everyone says Ms. Lorraine has psychic abilities. I want to know if that's true?"
Lorraine hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Psychic abilities are only useful in specific circumstances."
With the first question asked, the second and third quickly followed.
"Do ghosts exist forever?"
"Have you really performed exorcisms?"
"If I encounter a supernatural phenomenon or a ghost, can I ask you for help?"
"How can one tell if a demon has truly appeared nearby, and how can one protect themselves?"
"What should I do if I dream of an unkillable entity?"
The questions were increasingly difficult.
The Warren couple patiently answered each one, but there were some questions even they couldn't answer.
For example, encountering an unkillable entity in dreams—they'd never encountered such a thing and had little experience.
Also, whether ghosts exist forever, mutated humans...
Even the famous Warren couple were not omniscient. They would always encounter problems they couldn't solve.
The question from the Korean, Ha-joon, was one such example.
Are there really ghosts in the world's seven most haunted places?
Lorraine couldn't answer that question and could only advise these young people to stay away from haunted locations, regardless of whether the stories were true.
Danny listened for a while before asking his first question.
"Excuse me, how can one become a demonologist?"
Everyone was very interested in this question, especially some people troubled by supernatural experiences.
Upon hearing this question, Lorraine glanced at her husband. Ed was a demonologist, and he originally didn't want to answer.
Because the profession of a demonologist was no different from being expendable. Except for some exceptional cases, encountering evil spirits and demons usually meant certain death—not even as safe as being a priest.
But since they'd agreed to attend this public lecture as consultants today.
"To become a demonologist, you need some special ability or tool. I know some of you might think this profession is exciting, but it's a dangerous profession. You never know what you're truly facing."
"Ordinary people cannot pass the Church's certification."
A dose of reality.
Everyone calmed down considerably. Just the requirement of special ability blocked ninety-nine percent of people.
"Thank you, Ms. Lorraine and Mr. Ed, for your answers."
After thanking them, Danny sat back down, acting as a spectator, and happened to strike up a conversation with a brother and sister.
The siblings planned to drive home, which was on Danny's route, and he offered to chip in for gas.
Danny wasn't just making casual conversation. Mainly, these siblings looked familiar, like characters from a certain film.
The siblings were very happy to give someone a ride and share travel expenses.
Not to mention, Danny also looked trustworthy.
In America, certain demographics often represented safety and reliability. If it had been someone more threatening-looking, they would've refused without hesitation.
The sister, Trish, was a blonde college student, and the brother, Darry, had delicate features but was very thin. The siblings attended a school far from home.
Because of Halloween break, school was out, so they were heading home for the holiday.
The day before they left,
both were very interested in the occult lecture, and with the Warren couple present, they came to listen.
After the public lecture ended,
Danny immediately sought out the Warren couple.
"Mr. Ed, I want to become a demonologist. Can you introduce me to the Church?"
Ed frowned slightly. He did have the opportunity to recommend demonologists, but Danny was young, and he didn't want a kid to needlessly lose his life.
"Demonologists need special abilities, son. You're too young and don't yet know what you'll be facing. I guarantee you'll regret it when you truly encounter it."
Ed had witnessed too many demonologist deaths over the years.
"Special ability—would this work?" Danny walked to a corner where only the Warren couple were present and released Art the Clown.
The Warren couple felt the malevolent energy emanating from Art.
Their first thought was that this young man had been possessed by the entity.
But as soon as Art appeared, he knelt before Danny, acting like a loyal servant, completing everything Danny commanded.
Controlling evil?
They'd never seen such power—only cultists sacrificing souls to demons in exchange for temporary aid.
The Warren couple fell silent.
This was unprecedented.
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