#161
Hahoe Mask Rises (1)
“Recent news feels like there’s definitely been an increase in incidents.”
“Seriously. Until just a while ago, I was worried that things might really get out of hand.”
Recently, everyone living in Korea, not just in Seoul, felt one undeniable thing.
The domestic security situation had drastically improved.
Compared to the worsening news from abroad, this phenomenon felt almost surreal, as it deeply penetrated everyone’s daily lives.
Of course, various factors could be counted as the cause.
The government agency, the Supernatural Management Bureau, had been working tirelessly, and the Guardians under the Returnees Association had also made significant achievements in apprehending criminals, so their efforts couldn’t be disregarded.
But by now, everyone knew there was one more existence that should be atop their names.
– Honestly, if it weren’t for Hahoe Mask, our country would be in chaos like other countries. Right? 🤔
– It’s true that the Guardians did work hard, but the difference is just too stark before and after Hahoe Mask appeared, so there’s no way to cover it up.
– But seriously, what is Hahoe Mask’s true identity? It’s gotta be a group acting as one person, right?
Since when had this entity appeared to pacify the nights of Seoul and finally start to emerge throughout Korea?
Rumors about Hahoe Mask began to spread uncontrollably and eventually made their way into the social media posts of celebrities and TV shows.
And with that came the explosive growth of an internet community focused on Hahoe Mask…
[Locations of Hahoe Mask Sightings]
[A Collection of Celebrity Mentions about Hahoe Mask]
[Personal Stories of Meeting Him Up Close]
It was the fan site for Hahoe Mask, titled ‘Dawn’s Shrine.’
A name derived from the traditional image of Hahoe Mask and his predominantly midnight activities, rapidly gaining many followers.
Naturally, the attention given to this modern-day dark hero wasn’t limited to the general public.
Supernatural Management Bureau’s Crime Investigation Division Hahoe Mask Investigation Team.
“Ugh! How long do we need to play this cat-and-mouse game?! Isn’t it time to give up? Let’s just leave them to their skilled work!”
“That punk is acting out again. Hey! Rookie, it’s time for your meds!”
“Yes, Team Leader. Ugh—! What do you think we want to do? We’re following orders from above!”
Thwack—!
Senior agents slapped the back of Kang Tae-san’s head, who was going nuts over the CCTV footage.
This rookie had a condition that made him go into fits unless he regularly got hit, making it a heartbreaking, but necessary, action.
“Today, it feels like your head is sticking nicely to my palm.”
“Ah, no! Senior! I’m awake now! Senior!”
“Yeah, boy. Anyway, it’s our job to understand the crimes of the Awakened Ones. Let’s work without flair.”
“…Ugh, understood.”
Thus, the efforts of the government agency to track down Hahoe Mask continued…
Korea’s Returnees Association Southern Seoul Branch.
“Hmm, it seems there’s a connection between the Blood Alliance and Hahoe Mask, especially with the Heterosis faction.”
“Heterosis, that’s the elite combat group that’s recently been on the rise in the Blood Alliance, led by the level 8 vampire known as Heinz, right?”
“Yeah. After ousting the hardliners, they seemed to expand their influence without much trouble…”
Underground organizations always sprouted back like weeds no matter how much you tried to uproot them.
So, it made more sense to give support to a group like the Blood Alliance that was cooperative with security, allowing them to self-regulate.
So far, the effects had been very satisfactory, with the combination of the Blood Alliance’s control and the fear of Hahoe Mask keeping their jurisdiction quite secure.
“Honestly, it looks like Hahoe Mask is receiving intelligence from the Blood Alliance while also acting independently.”
“Intelligence?… You mean the Kill List?”
“Well, I guess you could say that.”
Branch chief Yoon Ji-yoon, conversing with her secretary, frowned and buried herself in her chair.
Even she felt overburdened to delve too deep into the matter of Hahoe Mask.
Just the facts known about him already made him a powerhouse, comparable to a Demon King in any other world.
If they misstepped with him, and he went on a rampage, it would rain disaster right in the middle of Seoul.
“…For now, let’s observe a bit longer.”
In the end, she chose to close her eyes and watch the situation a bit more.
The Supernatural Management Bureau and the Returnees Association.
Beyond these representative organizations, countless intelligence groups, crime syndicates, and even the Buncheon Society were secretly investigating Hahoe Mask.
It had reached the point where discussing the current state of Korea was impossible without mentioning Hahoe Mask.
And in such a situation…
Uuwooong—
[Kheukheuk— It’s surprising that there are still fools doing these kinds of things. What a brazen fellow. I’ll have to slice you open and confirm it myself.]
“This is a formation technique? Who are you!”
Hans was facing an unusually fresh reaction after a long time.
He believed that he’d sufficiently instilled fear in the underworld recently, but when he came to capture a murderer without even attempting to hide, this was the response he got.
“…So you’re the one called Hahoe Mask. Your fame has been spreading, huh? Quite the wicked Demon King you are.”
Even facing him, Hahoe Mask displayed an aggressive spirit, igniting his pride.
This wasn’t simply cockiness stemming from ignorance after his return.
Despite Hans hiding the energy of his heart as much as possible, very few could confront him so boldly face-to-face.
Goohh—!
Just as Hans predicted, a heavy pressure began to emanate from his opponent’s body, swelling in presence.
A mixed aura that felt chaotically muddled yet heavy and oppressive filled the barrier Hans had set.
It feels like an energy harvested from others’ life forces? Interesting. To reach this level without becoming a waste with such unstable energy is quite impressive.
Perhaps he even possessed a unique skill related to that.
The density of the energy he carried clearly surpassed even that of the commander of the Azerion Empire’s royal guard, Conwell.
“Looks like your reputation isn’t just for show. I didn’t expect Hahoe Mask to be a Jiangshi; looks like you’ve completed some unique technique.”
Currently, Hans was fully employing the Hahoe Mask disguise and hiding his skull, but it was impossible to conceal his energy entirely from such a formidable opponent.
Of course, on Earth, there were many diverse unique skills, making it possible to come up with excuses… but still.
[Kekekuh! It’s been a long time since I’ve faced someone confrontational like this. Quite refreshing and fun indeed.]
“Hmm— I wonder how long that fun will last.”
Crack—!
Before Hans finished speaking, a violent explosion erupted nearby.
In an instant, an astonishingly fast attack pierced through Hans’s black magic barrier.
However, at the moment of impact, dozens of thread-like ‘Abyss’ energies extended from Hans, preventing the assailant’s ambush from escalating.
Similarly, their counterattack had negligible effect as well.
Just as the serpents of the Abyss were about to pierce the assailant nearby, in that fleeting moment, the opponent had already distanced himself, eyeing Hans with caution.
Fast. They’re clearly specialized in individual combat, probably from the Martial Arts World. However, I’ve never faced anyone employing such evasive techniques before.
A rapid strike followed by a swift retreat.
Evasive techniques were favored in the realm known as the Martial Arts World, where martial arts and internal energy were paramount, which could be extremely difficult for a wizard.
“…What was that? That’s no ordinary magic. Such sinister yet pure energy. Even the Heavenly Demon didn’t reach that level.”
A man, whose hands resembled the claws of a demon, frowned and spoke.
The confidence he had displayed before was nowhere to be found as he was now filled with extreme wariness upon facing the energy of the Abyss.
Realizing that now is already too late.
Twung—
With a simple movement of Hans’s foot, the sinister wave radiated across the ground in all directions.
And where that wave passed, a dark Abyss erupted, enveloping and covering the barrier surrounding them.
Szzzz!!! Szzzz!
The existing barrier felt unstable in holding him, so reinforcement was necessary to ensure proper handling.
It would be quite troublesome if the opponent broke through and fled with that level of mobility.
“…Hah! You were casually playing with formation techniques while facing me? Before the Thousand Death Demon?”
Hans’s demeanor seemed to trigger a response from the opponent, who ground his teeth and spat in defiance.
Boasting of his brilliant title with bravado!
Ugh, does he not feel any shame flaunting that silly title himself…? Isn’t it quite embarrassing to witness?
Despite internally mocking his opponent’s words, Hans, the gentleman, adjusted to ensure the fool didn’t feel awkward.
[Kheukhuh! Nothing is more irritating than letting go of prey I’ve caught. Now, let’s get started!]
Naturally, his already dulled conscience didn’t feel a thing.
*
KaBOOM!
“Ugh! This persistent bastard!”
And thus, about an hour went by.
The battle dragged on much longer than anticipated.
Indeed, the opponent was quite powerful, but their elusive nature made things incredibly tricky.
At one point, the opponent attempted to escape, and the barrier suffered significant damage; had he not reinforced it beforehand, he might have truly lost the target.
But it seems we’re nearing the end. Luckily, I should be able to finish this within the time limit of “Entity Projection.”
Shhhhhh—!
Drawing forth his extended hand, the energy of the Abyss spread like a net, covering all areas to block the opponent’s escape.
“Damn! What kind of awful energy is this?!”
As death began to infect its body through various wounds, the enemy forced himself to move and resist fiercely.
Indeed, he has reason to be confident. He’s only recently returned and likely has little experience in fighting against wizards.
Unfortunately, against the Thousand Death Demon, ordinary black magic was practically ineffective.
The defensive technique enveloping his body provided immense magical resistance, and the sharply honed demon claws severed the flow of aggressive magical energy.
Using that, he could interrupt or redirect ordinary black magic effortlessly, so extra effort had to be put into this situation.
[But that becomes meaningless in front of the Abyss.]
His energies’ interaction had profoundly poor compatibility with the Abyss.
The already muddled and unstable internal energy quickly became contaminated and started to shake every time it came into contact with it.
Whether counterattacking or blocking it with the defensive technique, consistent damage accumulated.
He was pushed to the brink of madness.
But in truth, even that was an evident weakening of Hans’s power compared to his might in Auterica.
Unlike black magic, the efficiency of the energy of the Abyss is halved on Earth. It’s almost like Holy Power… There seems to be some standard based on the energy, but I still don’t quite understand it.
He hadn’t paid attention to it until now, but while projecting his full strength against a formidable opponent, that weakness became clearly evident.
It seemed he would need to experiment by comparing various energies regarding this matter.
Though others could not, it was something he could trainingly experience.
However, even if it showed diminished efficiency compared to Auterica, it demonstrated overwhelmingly superior power compared to simply employing black magic.
The opponent demonstrating this level of endurance also was no insignificant foe, but…
Thud! Thwomp! Whack!
That resistance was nearing its end.
“Gah!”
Finally, as the tendrils of the Abyss began to embed themselves within the opponent’s body…
As if a ravenous beast, death devoured the once-overworked flesh hungrily.
[Very well. With you, I believe I can create a tremendous Undead. What an unexpected windfall.]
“Gah! Stop your nonsense! I am the Thousand Death Demon, who reigned over the terror of the Ganghwan Realm! Do you think a being who has reached the Current Realm would perish here so easily?!”
Goohh—!
With powerful internal energy wavering, he clawed to tear away the Abyss.
Yet in this condition, no matter how much internal energy he possessed, it wouldn’t matter at all.
The Ganghwan Realm… I do remember glancing at it while learning about the dimensions.
To be referred to as the terror of an entire dimension was quite similar to Hans himself, wasn’t it?
Realizing that his opponent was an ally made it impossible for Hans to stay still.
Whirrr!
“Ugh!”
As the Thousand Death Demon struggled, bound by the encroaching Abyss from all sides, Hans slowly approached and placed a hand atop his head.
[The terror of the Ganghwan Realm, huh… We’re rather alike. Allow me to uniquely share this with you.]
It was rude not to respond when the opponent introduced himself first.
Thus, within the space completely engulfed in the pitch-black abyss…
An absurd existence seemed to embody all the world’s injustices, looking down at one human as he slowly spoke.
[I am the Undead King, the embodiment of fear descended upon the Auterica and the continent’s despair, the ruler over death.]
He didn’t feel the need to reveal his name.
…After all, it would be meaningless to tell this creature.
In the end, the Abyss extending from Hans completely enveloped the body of the Thousand Death Demon.
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