#162
Hahoe Mask Rise (2)
The Current Realm could be said to be a state that transcended human limits, making it nearly impossible to manipulate the will of others.
The mind, having completed itself and broken free from its confines, possessed a strong resistance to all external interference, and the noble, pure soul could not tolerate artificial changes.
Even corpses that had already perished retained a sort of homeostasis influenced by lingering thoughts. To recycle that body required not only skill but also tremendous preparation and effort.
Ggrraaa—!
Of course, for the Undead King who could corrupt even dragons and turn them undead, it was merely an extra hassle.
Hoo— This guy was a puppet of the Buncheon Society, huh?
Hans murmured softly as he looked down at the writhing mass of the Abyss, held in his hands in the form of a human.
Woo—!
Inside the barrier where the battle had transpired, countless magic circles were densely packed, surrounded by numerous undead used as sacrifices.
It was the result of pouring the essence of the Thousand Death Demon’s spirit into the Abyss to its limits.
‘So he had connections with them even before going to this other world.’
He was the one who erased all traces of himself before being sent and then went off to awaken terror following the orders received from above.
This had happened a full two years ago.
‘That means he has lived for nearly 20 years in another dimension…’
Naturally, once he returned, he would have tried to contact the Buncheon Society, but there was no way he could reach them, as they had completely gone underground in Korea due to Hans’ interference.
After that, relying solely on his own abilities, he had now found himself in this predicament.
‘Strange. After reaching such a state, I can’t help but wonder what attracted him at that time when he was just an ordinary person. Was it purely by chance?’
The grace period after awakening was only 24 hours.
It would be hard to believe he persuaded them in such a short time, suggesting that contact must have begun far earlier…
‘There’s no way such cautious individuals would make a haphazard move and end up with just one target. If that were the case, that existence would have been discovered long ago.’
However, due to the long-past memories and perhaps because he had violently shaken the Thousand Death Demon with the hyper-toxic Abyss, he could extract no further information from him.
Having resolved to order an investigation within his ranks, he couldn’t help but let out an inward sigh of regret.
‘…Information-gathering routes are limited here compared to Auterica, making it frustrating.’
Now in the age of information, the only channels available to him were the blood alliance led by Heterosis.
Although they had grown into quite a considerable power, the limitations of being an underground organization that couldn’t act openly could not be avoided.
‘Hmm, it’d be great if I could access information from the surface side separate from the blood alliance.’
Just like Heinrich did in Auterica, being able to know the movements and information of the mainstream forces would be immensely helpful.
However, using such methods in Earth, with its thorough systems and infrastructure, was nearly impossible.
‘It’s already difficult to prove my identity, and building trust afterward would be even tougher. It could take a long time.’
With help from Kang Tae-san, who was already working at the Ability Management Bureau, it might have been possible to some extent, but he was still just a rookie, and Hans was reluctant to drag him into this.
‘Even with ties to mainstream forces and having built trust, fulfilling the qualms for quality information would be no easy task… hmm?’
At that moment, a figure suddenly flitted through his mind.
‘It’s clearly someone connected to the Ability Management Bureau, and if they could assist in an investigation, it means they hold considerable trustworthiness.’
Not long after Hans had stolen the third fragment of the Undead King from the shrine and arrived on Earth, he had met a quite competent black magician through a curse left on criminals.
‘With that level of ability, they must be connected to higher-ups. They might even know the Guardians.’
No matter how he thought about it, there was no better candidate.
Moreover, the fact that a black magician could be easily dealt with by Hans felt like it was destined rather than mere chance.
Heh heh heh, what a splendid talent! Now— let’s see where you currently are!
Today, although the duration of Entity Projection had ended, he quickly activated Eye of the Abyss to at least track their location.
Swish—
Darkness filled Hans’ sight, absorbing light from all directions.
In Korea, where the land was small compared to the population, unless the black magician had some special unique skill, he…
There you are.
There was no way to escape his gaze.
*
It was late evening when the streetlights turned on and people began to return home one by one.
Ahn Seong-jin, the black magician from the Ability Management Bureau, stepped out of his parked car and entered the restaurant, which was in the midst of cleaning up.
“Today’s business is done… Oh my~ Seong-jin, is that you? Why are you here when you’re so busy?”
“Oh, it’s fine. I only have to investigate incidents related to my major, so I’m not that busy. Especially lately, public safety has improved, so there aren’t many incidents.”
He replied cheerfully, helping with the cleaning.
While it was true that incidents had decreased, it was a lie to say he wasn’t busy.
Among those committing crimes, a very high percentage utilized black magic, and conversely, competent and cooperative black magicians were exceedingly rare.
‘But that doesn’t mean I can sacrifice my everyday life. This is how we regained peace, and how I got to reunite with my family.’
After struggling in a world where half of the population followed black magic, he had finally returned.
Having no choice but to strengthen himself to survive in extreme conditions, he had delayed his return long enough that now, this hard-earned daily life felt invaluable.
“Yeah, I’ve heard a lot about it lately. They say that guy from Hahoe Mask is beating up all the bad ones.”
“Oh, ahaha… Yes, yes. Hahoe Mask… truly impressive.”
At the mention of that name from his mother, Ahn Seong-jin’s mouth twitched. He hadn’t told his family exactly what he did.
The memories of that day still haunted him as nightmares.
Ahem— Seong-jin is here?
“Yes, Dad!”
“Since you’re here, try this. It’s important to check the quality periodically for management purposes.”
As he spoke, his father, who was in the kitchen, forced him into a seat, laden with food laid out on the table.
It was all freshly prepared just moments after he arrived, and steam rose warmly from each dish.
“Dad, why’d you go through so much trouble…?”
“Oh come on! This is all for the sake of the business! Just cooperate!”
Of course, he knew that excuse was simply a cover.
How could he not understand that his parents only wanted to serve a hearty meal to their child?
Slurp—
“Your cooking is always the best, Dad.”
“Of course! Who made it?”
“Geez~ You’re making a fuss today!”
Surrounded by laughter at the table where the family gathered, smiles filled everyone’s faces.
The peaceful daily life he had longed for, a warm family.
Ahn Seong-jin looked at his family with a warm smile and gave thanks to God.
Grateful for being alive to enjoy this small happiness.
And he hoped that he would be allowed to maintain this daily life… a moment he yearned for.
‘…!’
But God.
Turned away from his small wish.
Shiver—
A chilling presence began to pierce through, one he could never forget.
It stimulated his instincts from very close by.
“Hmm? Why the sudden change?”
“Seong-jin?”
“…Did something go wrong? It can’t be… Oh, could it be a foreign object…!”
His breathing quickened.
The voice nearby resonated, sounding as if it was distant and humming.
‘No, this isn’t the time!’
But as his mind was confuddled, facing his anxious parents brought him back to reality, like a splash of cold water.
Once he regained his composure, the properties of his unique skills Endurance and Calm Mind helped him maintain his tranquility.
“Ah, I’m sorry! I just remembered I forgot to submit some documents for approval…! I should have done that before my shift ended today!”
“Huh? You startled me! Where was your mind?”
“Oh, what can we do about what’s already done? But to be that distressed means it must be something important?”
First, he needed to manage the immediate situation.
“I’m sorry. I’ll call the person on duty first. Ah! Wrap up the food for me to take home…”
Reassuring his two parents, who still looked worried, he left the restaurant.
Phew, let’s go then.
The chilling presence still lingered right next to him, subtly signaling him.
Unlike before, Ahn Seong-jin could now calmly move his steps and gather his thoughts.
‘It’s fine. Since it’s calling me so quietly, it shouldn’t be hostile… Maybe there’s something it wants from me.’
A moment ago, he panicked and lost his mind, but now the situation was different from last time, where he had even fainted.
Then, he had faced that presence head-on in a fragile spirit state, leading to an overwhelming shock, but now, he had managed to activate Endurance early on.
The skill, which ensured that no matter what, his resolute will remained unbroken as long as it continued, had been crucial in allowing him to take his distance from the influence of black magic.
Phew, is this it?
Finally, he arrived at the alley near the restaurant where the signal persisted.
Without a hint of light, it looked like a gate to hell; he took a deep breath before stepping inside.
Woooom—
In an instant, the surroundings transformed completely.
The floor, walls, and even the sky were shrouded in writhing, dark shadows.
‘…It really feels like I entered hell.’
And he finally came face to face with the one who had summoned him, at the center of this realm.
It had an overwhelming presence, as if death had been molded into a human figure.
‘Incredible. I can’t even gauge the level. How deep in the Abyss must they be for death to merge with their being? But at least the fact that they returned means they aren’t a true Undead. Must have some special skill…’
As those thoughts swirled in his mind, a sinister laugh resonated, shattering his contemplation.
Hehehe— You’ve come all this way, knowing I was here, huh? Are you bold or just reckless?
“That’s what you wanted, isn’t it? And I wouldn’t dare think of running away from you… Hahoe Mask.”
Ahn Seong-jin took a deep breath, staring at the creature before him.
The air in this deathly space was certainly not good for his health, but he felt he needed to collect himself somehow.
‘Damn it, the enemy has no malice, and here I am feeling like this. Is this the influence of low-level black magic?’
As their gazes locked, the black magic within him instinctively withered, and the flowing aura of fear relentlessly chipped away at his mental fortitude.
Truly, without Endurance, he might have crumbled on the spot, begging for mercy.
A wise decision indeed. It seems my consideration wasn’t wasted.
He was likely talking about not storming into that restaurant but instead quietly sending signals like this.
Ahn Seong-jin felt thankful for that.
If his parents had encountered this being, they might have truly suffered a heart attack.
“…So, may I ask why you called for me? I understood you only dealt with the utmost criminals.”
He almost slipped at that last part, and hastily added,
“Just so you know, I’m a black magician, but I’ve never committed a crime! My unique skill allows me to…”
Ah, that’s not why I sought you, so don’t worry.
Upon hearing Hahoe Mask’s casual assurance, Ahn Seong-jin’s expression eased just a tad.
By now his back was drenched in cold sweat, but feeling there was no harm coming his way made him somewhat relieved.
“Then… why me?”
I contribute greatly to the law and order in this country. As I do my work, I find it quite troublesome in many ways.
A somewhat unexpected response.
Hahoe Mask raised a gloved hand and slowly pointed at him.
You appear quite capable.
“Uh? Thank you…?”
Heh heh heh— Therefore, you should become my servant.
At those words, Ahn Seong-jin’s previously relieved expression turned pale once again.
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