Light pours down.
A sharpened blade flashes, striking with conviction.
The dance of the Executioner's Sword performed by both hands and the heavens.
Aaaaaagh…!
Dozens of Executioner’s Swords pierce the torso of the centipede, which takes the form of an apostate monk.
This was not the Evil-Suppressing Straw Cutter that had pierced Assistant manager Jin Nasol in the Sparkling Dragon Palace, or me in the Dream Incubation Room.
Decorated with extravagant tassels and exquisite bells, it was an Executioner's Sword easily twice the usual size.
A ritual version.
A weapon meant to confront a wicked ‘existence.’
Uuugh, auuuugh…!
The corrupt thing—which had been preaching the Truth of the World, or rather, simply muttering its own horrific enlightenment to plant madness by mimicking human oral structures—writhes in agony.
Every time it does, twitching human arms fall to the floor, turning to ash and finding their rest.
The procedure of a requiem.
Thump.
As the centipede falls into convulsions, the pillars and rafters of the Seonangdang (Village Shrine) collapse.
The debris looks as if it might pour down onto people’s heads at any moment, but…
“Do not worry.”
The steady voice of Agent Bronze is heard.
The transparent rounds fired from his Glass Hand Cannon embed themselves in the air around the Seonangdang (Village Shrine), trapping the centipede so it cannot escape.
fight
Like a type of talisman, the bullet with the appropriate character engraved in the center produces the exact desired effect.
“It will be alright now.”
“…….”
“The most difficult and demanding procedure for ending this type of shamanistic ritual Supernatural Disaster is that its hidden identity must be revealed.”
I knew.
Because you must know what it is before you can repel it.
And I also knew the reason why the Disaster Management Bureau had not easily noticed that missionary of the Church of the Luminous Unknown, who had been buried in this Seonangdang (Village Shrine) along with jars of alcohol to provide a bizarre power.
The comments Agent Choi had written while agonizing over them.
-Hmm.. Actually, the branch office wanted to investigate more thoroughly. But they said other government departments blocked them, so they had a hard time. Even the request to dissolve the village itself was rejected.
-They said things like, can't we just go and rescue people every year like we're doing now? And that the exact causal relationship regarding the disappearances or deaths hasn't been proven, etc.
-But in reality, it seems there was a bureaucrat receiving bribes from Jisan Village. That’s why their hands were tied.
-The fact that the holiday festival period returns every year means it’s really long and repetitive when you think of it as a disaster, right? But in terms of the investigation period, it’s ridiculously short.
-Especially with a ghost story with such a long history, it’s even more difficult if the ritual has been modified so much that it's hard to find the original form.
-In a situation where we're too busy just rescuing the people requesting help.
-So we've only barely managed to maintain the status quo.
-I feel regretful every time. I’m sure there’s a culprit.. If only we could find it, we could try repelling or exorcising it. It’s a bit bitter that we can’t do that.
-Wait, Grapes-ie, if you're reading this, don't decide to dig into the village's secrets by yourself! We do it together! Got it? ^^
However….
I had done it.
“You found its identity.”
I raised my head.
“You dragged that thing out of the Seonangdang (Village Shrine). And now that its identity has been revealed.”
Agent Bronze was smiling.
“Ending this disaster has become the specialty we are best at.”
Namely….
The specialty of the Hyunmoo Team.
“An evil thing in the traditional sense. Repelling it.”
“Elder!”
A shout is heard from the roof.
As Agent Choi throws the Executioner's Sword into the sky, the Dokkaebi-Infused Lantern in his hand burns as brightly as the sun.
Flames that scour even the bottom of the broken Seonangdang (Village Shrine).
Aaaaaaaah!
The dark and humid Yin space created for the centipede is burned away, and a bright and warm Yang energy arrives.
Aagh, agh, uuugh!
The centipede, having lost many of its human arms, opens its mouth again, but its enlightenment is no longer well-realized in human language.
The systematized repelling of the Supernatural Disaster by the Hyunmoo Team slowly corners it.
First. Purification of the ritual space.
Drive out the environment where wicked things like to dwell.
And second.
Restraint.
“Now!”
The bullets Agent Bronze had fired tighten around the Seonangdang (Village Shrine).
The centipede, having lost many human arms and exposed to the blinding environment, flails and struggles.
However, the response that pierced its innate and elemental weaknesses like an awl severed its connection with the indescribable evil truth it held, making it vulnerable.
Thus, the end approaches.
Third.
“Seal.”
䥗
The last bullet is fired from Agent Bronze’s Glass Hand Cannon.
Infused with the powerful ritual of exorcism and crafted with the clever and skillful hand of a master at the Baridegi Workshop, it struck the evil thing’s body perfectly.
Right in the forehead.
Tsh.
Then.
From the hole in the centipede’s body where the bullet had embedded itself, the contents began to be sucked in.
Inside.
Oooooooooh!
The centipede crumpled with a bizarre bursting sound as if shrinking into a single point. No, not just the centipede, but the Seonangdang (Village Shrine), the ground beneath it, the alcohol, and its territory contaminated by the Jinejiseung were all sucked in.
Into the glass bullet.
Aaaaaaaah!
The centipede’s voice echoed like a death rattle, and then….
It stopped.
…….
Clatter.
The glass bead, which had turned black, fell into the hollow pit where the Seonangdang (Village Shrine) once stood.
On the surface of the glass bullet, now the size of a fist, was the image of a centipede engraved in intaglio.
That rough and magnificent carving tried to flash golden like a fragment of the Sacred Law Scripture of the Church of the Luminous Unknown, but it soon vanished as if blocked by a powerful sealing force.
The surface of the glass bullet soon turned into a lump of silver as if cooling down coldly.
“…….”
“…….”
Agent Bronze went to the pit, picked up the silver bead, scanned the front as if to check it, and then put it into a pouch.
Then he declared.
“It is concluded.”
“Phew!”
Agent Choi sat down on the ground while still holding the Executioner's Sword.
“Are the people okay?”
“Yes. They are in a stable state.”
The outsiders and villagers who had undergone the shocking experience were all collapsed and unconscious, wandering unsteadily, or standing still and staring blankly into the air.
It seemed that as the centipede, which had shown them the truth of violent madness, disappeared, they had temporarily lost their Lee Ji to that void.
The pungmul performers had vanished, leaving only their instruments and clothes behind.
Occasionally, things like bones and soil could be seen beneath the collapsed clothes…….
And my eyes, which had scanned all of that, returned to Agent Choi’s back.
“…….”
The agent was sitting still.
Staring at the spot where the Seonangdang (Village Shrine) had disappeared and left a depression.
‘…What is he thinking?’
A spy who would die in a month if he didn’t leak information from the Disaster Management Bureau.
Even he himself had almost been killed because of it.
But the agent who came down to the countryside with all sorts of preparations in just one day to save that mole, risking his life to fight the centipede… what would he be thinking?
“…….”
I didn't want to know.
Because the thoughts I would have, the things I would have to do after realizing it, felt too exhausting.
It was definitely like that.
But you see.
Right now, for a brief, very brief moment….
I also want to hear the answer.
What he's thinking.
“…Grapes-ie.”
“……!”
“Want to come here?”
Without being able to think of anything, I moved my feet toward him.
Agent Choi did not look back at me.
However, as I approached, he reached out his hand behind his back.
Toward me.
“It’s all done. Let’s go back.”
…….
…….
I took that hand.
Agent Choi pulled my hand and stood up lightly from his seat.
“Up we go!”
The face looking back at me held the same smile as before.
And he began to make a fuss.
“Oh boy, my poor bones. I mean, I took just one day off and the kid goes and gets himself kidnapped. This is why I can’t ever rest.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not Grapes’s fault, right? They said the reporter wasn't in their right mind, and unexpected situations can't be helped.”
“…….”
“Still, don't do anything too reckless next time.”
As if there would naturally be a next time.
That’s how he spoke.
“……Yes.”
It was strange, but for some reason, I felt like the situation had improved a little.
Even though nothing had been resolved or progressed.
“…….”
My head feels like it's clearing up a bit.
“Good. That’s more like Hyunmoo Team 1!”
Agent Choi gave me a pat on the back and then headed toward Agent Bronze to see the bead he had collected.
I took a deep breath in and out.
‘Right.’
At least I survived today.
And since I saw the Disaster Management Bureau agents seal a bizarre existence from a ghost story with traditional exorcism… maybe, it might not be a bad day.
‘And the people all lived too.’
…My heart felt a lot lighter.
The brightly shining Dokkaebi Fire had disappeared, but the sun was up in the sky, sparkling.
‘Hmm.’
And when I looked down, I saw the people who had served as my human palanquin collapsed next to the empty Seonangdang (Village Shrine) area.
But there were only three.
‘Baek Saheon.’
I turned my gaze to the spot where the person who reported the rescue had been standing.
Baek Saheon, who had been one of the human palanquin bearers, was originally standing to the left of the Seonangdang (Village Shrine)….
‘Hmm.’
Before I knew it, he was gone.
It seemed he had run away the moment things started going sideways.
‘It’s not surprising.’
No, in this case, it was actually the wisest decision.
Still, now that I’ve regained some energy, it does feel a bit annoying.
‘I suffered like a dog because that jerk pushed me into the position to die in his place….’
Still, the fact that he risked being caught to tell me about the village all night was definitely helpful.
‘Now that jerk won't have to come back here either.’
-No, I have to come here every year. If I just run away, I’ll go crazy and hang myself!
According to what Baek Saheon said at dawn, the villagers had to visit this Jisan Village periodically to escape the madness of the ‘Truth of the World.’
No matter how much they soaked the centipede in alcohol, pressed it with a weight stone, and enshrined it in the Seonangdang (Village Shrine), it was likely because they had already had too much contact with it.
But now that the source, the Jinejiseung, was gone, though I don’t know for sure, it should be better.
‘Hmm.’
Just as I was about to look away, I discovered something peculiar.
There was something in the spot where Baek Saheon had been.
“…….”
I moved just a little bit and picked up the item.
A note… no, something like a small Paper Boat made with origami.
‘Did he leave this?’
Thinking I should check it later, I tucked it into my pocket.
And when I turned my head, I met the eyes of Agent Choi, who was watching me.
“…….”
“…….”
Agent Choi turned his head with that same smiling face and said nonchalantly.
“It’s lucky we weren’t late, right? I really came running as soon as the preparations were finished.”
“If you hadn't been at Mount Seorak, Agent, you would have arrived much sooner. Why on earth did you go there after taking a day of annual leave?”
“Hahaha… to recuperate in a place with good air and good water? Oh, anyway, there she is! The number one contributor who let us get to Grapes on time.”
Agent Choi pointed to a certain place.
At the end of his finger… was Assistant Manager Eun Haje!
“Yes. She told us the location of the Seonangdang (Village Shrine) immediately.”
“…!”
Assistant Manager Eun Haje had been waiting at the village entrance, and as soon as she saw them, she had directed them to the Seonangdang (Village Shrine).
Thanks to that, the agents were able to arrive before I was possessed by the Jinejiseung and became its arm….
‘…She must have been busy with her own work too.’
I was grateful.
I tried not to stare blankly.
“She recognized Bronzie. Oh, she’s greeting us.”
When Assistant Manager Eun Haje met our eyes, she nodded slightly and then disappeared into the crowd.
To be precise, she probably thought she had, and I accepted it as such, but apparently, it wasn’t so for someone with exceptionally good eyes.
Because she was moving with a clear purpose among the people who were dazed and out of their minds.
“Shh.”
Agent Choi, who had been staring at her with a finger to his lips, frowned slightly.
“She’s heading toward the abandoned house. Hmm.”
He quickly straightened his clothes while putting away the Executioner's Sword.
“Let’s follow her. Her destination is unique… she’s a reporter, you say?”
“That is correct.”
“That’s quite a good profession to use when infiltrating….”
A deduction that sent a chill down my spine.
‘Assistant manager mustn't be caught either.’
I didn't want to put Assistant Manager Eun Haje in a difficult spot, nor did I want to push Agent Choi any further into Director Ho’s clutches.
It would be a total catastrophe.
“Hmm.”
Agent Choi, who was exchanging words with Agent Bronze, looked back at me. And after what seemed like a careful look at me, he said:
“Grapes… you can go out and rest for a bit.”
No.
“If it's alright, I'd like to move with you.”
“Alright. Let’s go together.”
“…….”
Did he notice?
Even if he hadn't, the kindness made me feel like my stomach was twisting.
Regardless, I quickened my pace to follow the moving agents.
And a short while later.
We saw Assistant Manager Eun Haje, who had partially torn off the wood covering the well and was peering inside.
“…It’s not here.”
She muttered to herself.
“Civilian? Are you looking for something right now?”
Assistant Manager Eun Haje, who had been looking down the well, raised her head and gave us a somewhat incredulous expression.
“Why act like ordinary civil servants now… honestly. Aren't you two like… the ones in cartoons? Something like that.”
“Cartoons….”
“How about 007 while you’re at it? Haha, the Agent here really likes that expression!”
“…Ha.”
Agent Choi chuckled and patted Agent Bronze on the back, then placed his index finger over his lips.
Agent Bronze squeezed his eyes shut. Agent, really….
Watching this, Assistant Manager Eun Haje shrugged.
“Anyway, I have no intention of telling anyone, so don't worry.”
“Thank you!”
But I saw the agents secretly exchanging glances.
The Jujak Team agents from the Disaster Management Bureau would likely swarm this village soon to ‘clean up,’ and in the process, a large-scale harmless memory erasure would also be conducted on the people….
I hoped Assistant manager would leave before then.
I was breaking into a cold sweat.
Meanwhile, the agents got down to business.
“By the way, why were you looking at that well?”
“Well, I heard a rumor that there’s a strange legend here. Was it that it's connected to some mysterious place?”
Assistant Manager Eun Haje reached into her pocket to pull out a cigarette, then quickly put it back.
“I came here because I heard a rumor that strange things happen during this village’s festival….”
She tapped the well with her finger.
“Well. Doesn't seem like there's anything special about it.”
“Aha.”
Agent Choi nodded and pulled a light source from his chest as if to help with her investigation.
The Dokkaebi-Infused Lantern.
In that red-flashing light, the shadows of the well were momentarily brightened.
“Here, let me light it for you!”
“…Must it be with that?”
“Yes, yes.”
Agent Choi said with a smile.
“Moreover, as for this lantern, it even plays the role of detecting danger!”
“Aha.”
“Look. The color is changing, right? This red flickering is…”
“Is what?”
“It means something that isn't human is nearby.”
“…….”
“…….”
“Who are you?”
Silence.
“The one who guided us earlier was definitely a person, but you aren't human.”
“…….”
The thing in the form of Assistant Manager Eun Haje raised its head.
A slightly soft smile appeared on that face.
“You’re quick on the uptake.”
“……!”
“Hello, Agent! We’re old acquaintances, aren't we?”
“Agent Choi!”
As Agent Bronze hurriedly moved to take a defensive stance, Agent Choi stopped him with a gesture.
Even then, the thing in Assistant Manager Eun Haje’s form was speaking with an gentle and kind expression she would never normally wear.
“Ah. I clearly asked this person to do something else, but it seemed like they were moving to a strange place. So I’m helping them personally.”
Director Ho.
I couldn't tell if he had shape-shifted or was controlling her, but it was him.
Director Ho, in the form of Assistant Manager Eun Haje, was standing before us.
“Do you perhaps have something to say to me?”
No.
‘He’s doing it on purpose!’
We mustn't continue talking to Director Ho here. Agent Bronze was in this spot.
‘The probability of Agent Choi breaking his Binding Restriction is too high…!’
Even if that wasn’t the case, Agent Bronze might get dragged into this. Or Assistant Manager Eun Haje.
It was happening again.
‘No.’
I gritted my teeth and looked for a timing to intervene. And the moment I tried to say something somehow.
“It’s actually a good thing. It’ll be easier. …Now that I know who it is.”
Agent Choi pointed with his Executioner's Sword.
…At me.
“…?!”
“Grapes-ie.”
“Agent Choi, what are you doing now….”
Chime, chime.
“It was hard, wasn't it?”
“…….”
“It’ll be okay now.”
Chime, chime.
“Your Binding Restriction.”
“……!?”
What on earth was he saying, no, saying that like that now…….
…….
‘…Wait a minute.’
I realized.
Right. It was true that Agent Choi couldn't tell anyone about the experience of last night because of the Binding Restriction.
The fact that I was a spy.
The fact that I planned to leak information from the Disaster Management Bureau.
And even the fact that he himself was under a Binding Restriction.
‘They are all forbidden.’
But you see.
“After thinking about it… I realized there’s something I can do.”
The Binding Restriction on me is an exception.
The fact that ‘an Agent of the We Help team is under a strange Binding Restriction originating from a Supernatural Being’ is not included in the terms of the Binding Restriction.
I can make as many attempts to break it as I want.
“…!”
“I really struggled to find someone renowned in Seoraksan.”
Agent Choi raised his head and looked at the sky.
“They have arrived.”
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