Episode 162 Hahoe Mask Rises (2)
The Mysterious Realm was a state where one could be said to have transcended human limitations, and as such, it possessed a high level, making it almost impossible to control at another's will.
A mind that had perfected itself and broken free from its mold had a strong resistance to all external interference, and a noble and pure soul couldn't accept artificial change.
Even a corpse that had already died still possessed homeostasis due to the influence of residual thoughts, so to recycle that body, not only skill but also all sorts of preparations and tremendous effort were required.
[Kraaaagh—!]
Of course, it was just a bit of a hassle for the Immortal King, who could even corrupt dragons and turn them into undead.
[Oh— This guy was a pawn of Heaven's Turn Society.]
Hans muttered softly, looking down at the writhing mass of abyss in the shape of a human that was caught in his hand.
Wooong—!
Magic circles densely packed inside the barrier where the battle had taken place, and countless undead used as sacrifices.
This was the result of pouring the abyss into the Heavenly Demon Emperor's body and soul to the limit using them.
'He was connected to them even before coming to another world.'
He was the one who had erased all traces of his life before being transferred and then committed an awakened terrorist attack before escaping, following orders from above.
About two years ago.
'He's a guy who lived in another dimension for almost 20 years…'
Naturally, he tried to contact Heaven's Turn Society as soon as he returned, but there was no way he could reach them because they had completely disappeared from Korea because of Hans.
After that, he had been running rampant, trusting only in his own skills, and this was the result.
'This is strange. What did they see in him to recruit him? He was just an ordinary person back then, unless it was after he reached this level. Is it just a coincidence?'
The grace period after awakening was only 24 hours.
It was difficult to believe that they persuaded him in that short amount of time, so it meant that they had been in contact long before that…
'Those cautious bastards wouldn't have just recklessly approached anyone. If they had, their existence would have been known a long time ago.'
But it was a memory from too long ago, and he couldn't obtain any more information from the Heavenly Demon Emperor, perhaps because his body and soul had been shaken by the abyss, which was more toxic than radiation.
He decided to order his subordinates to investigate this matter and inwardly lamented, feeling a sense of regret.
'…It's frustrating that the information acquisition routes are limited here, unlike Auterica.'
In modern-day Earth, where information technology was advanced, the only channel he could currently use was the Blood Alliance, led by Heterosis.
They had grown into a fairly large force, but they couldn't avoid the limitations of being an underground organization that couldn't operate openly.
'Hmm, I wish I could access information from the outside world, separate from the Blood Alliance.'
It would be very helpful to know the movements and information of the mainstream forces, like how Heinrich had done in Auterica.
But it was almost impossible to use the same method on Earth, where a thorough system and infrastructure were in place.
'It's a hassle to even prove your identity, and it's even harder to build trust afterward. It would take a long time.'
He might be able to do it to some extent with the help of Kang Tae-san, who had joined the Supernatural Ability Management Bureau, but he was still a low-ranking employee, and he didn't want to involve him in this kind of matter.
'Someone who's connected to the mainstream forces, has been with them long enough to build trust, and also meets the qualifications to access high-quality information… Hmm?'
At that moment, a figure crossed his mind.
'He's definitely connected to the Supernatural Ability Management Bureau, and the fact that he's helping with investigations means he's trustworthy.'
Not long after Hans came to Earth after stealing the third Immortal King's Fragment from the cathedral,
There was a fairly skilled dark mage he had made eye contact with through the curse he left on the criminals.
'A dark mage of that level would have connections to the higher-ups. He might even know some Guardians.'
There was no one more suitable.
And he was even a dark mage, making it easy for Hans to handle him. This was fate, beyond just a connection.
[Hehehe, what an excellent talent. Now then, let's see where he is.]
He couldn't visit him right away because his "Individual Projection" time limit was over today, but he immediately activated "Abyssal Eye" to at least locate him.
Swoosh—
Darkness filled Hans's eye sockets, absorbing the surrounding light.
Korea was a small country with a large population, and if the dark mage had already been observed by him…
[There you are.]
He couldn't escape his gaze unless he had some special unique skill.
____________________
It was late, streetlights were turning on, and people who had been out were starting to head home one after another.
Ahn Sung-jin, a dark mage affiliated with the Supernatural Ability Management Bureau, got out of his parked car and entered the restaurant, which was in the middle of cleaning up.
"We're closed… Oh, Sung-jin! What are you doing here? You must be busy with work."
"Ah, it's okay. I only have to investigate cases related to my specialty, so I'm not that busy. Especially these days, public order is good, so there aren't many incidents."
He naturally helped with the cleaning and answered nonchalantly.
Of course, it was true that there were fewer incidents, but it was a lie that he wasn't busy.
The proportion of dark magic power users among those who committed crimes was very high, and conversely, cooperative and capable dark mages like him were rare, so it couldn't be helped.
'But that doesn't mean I should sacrifice my daily life. This is the peace I regained, and the family I reunited with.'
He was the one who had barely returned after struggling in a crazy world where half the population were dark magic power followers.
He had to strengthen himself to survive in that extreme environment, which delayed his return, so this ordinary life was even more precious.
"Yes, I've been hearing a lot about it lately. That Hahoe Mask guy is catching all the bad guys."
"Ah, ahahaha… T-that's right. Hahoe Mask… he's amazing."
Ahn Sung-jin's lips twitched at the name that came out of his mother's mouth, as he hadn't even told his family exactly what he was doing.
The memories of that day were still a nightmare to him.
"Ahem— Sung-jin, you're here?"
"Yes, Father!"
"Since you're here, try this. I have to check the quality periodically."
His father, who was in the kitchen, placed a table full of food and forcibly sat him down, who was cleaning.
It was all steaming hot, as if he had just cooked it as soon as he arrived.
"Father, you didn't have to…"
"Hey! It's all for the restaurant. Just eat it!"
Of course, he knew that was an excuse.
How could he not know that he just wanted to prepare a hearty meal for his son?
Slurp—
"As expected, your cooking is always the best, Father."
"Of course. Who made it?"
"Sigh~ This old man is being sentimental again!"
Laughter filled the dining table where his family was gathered, and everyone's faces were filled with smiles.
A peaceful daily life, a happy family, what he had longed for.
Ahn Sung-jin looked at his family with a warm smile and offered a prayer of thanks to God.
Thank you for allowing him to enjoy this small happiness while he was alive.
And just as he was hoping that he would be allowed to maintain this daily life…
'…!'
God…
Ignored his small wish.
Chill—
He suddenly felt a chilling presence that he could never forget.
It was stimulating his sixth sense from somewhere very close.
"Hmm? What's wrong all of a sudden?"
"Sung-jin?"
"…Did I season it wrong? That can't be. Don't tell me there's something in it…!"
His breathing quickened.
The voices next to him sounded distant, as if buzzing in his ears.
'No, this isn't the time!'
But his mind, which had been in a panic, returned to normal as if splashed with cold water when he saw his parents' worried expressions.
As he regained his composure, skills like "Indomitable Spirit" and "Clear Mind", which activated belatedly, helped him maintain his composure.
"Ah, ah…! I'm sorry! I suddenly remembered that I forgot to submit an approval document…! Ugh, I should have submitted it before leaving work today!"
"You scared us! Where's your head at?"
"Well, it can't be helped now. But to be so lost in thought, is it something important?"
First, he had to handle the current situation.
"I'm sorry. I'll call the person on duty first. Ah! I'll pack the food and take it home…"
He reassured his parents, who were still looking at him worriedly, and left the restaurant.
'Whew, then let's go.'
A chilling presence, still lingering in one place, was subtly signaling him.
Unlike last time, when he had panicked and fainted, he was able to calmly organize his thoughts, as he had regained his composure early and properly activated "Indomitable Spirit".
The skill, which prevented him from breaking down in any situation as long as his strong will continued, was his lifesaver that allowed him to escape the influence of dark magic power.
'Whew, is it here?'
He finally arrived at the alley near the restaurant where the signal was coming from.
He took a deep breath and stepped into the place, which looked like the gates of hell because it was devoid of any light.
Goooo—
And the surrounding scenery instantly changed.
Thick darkness, writhing and covering the floor, walls, and even the sky.
'…It really feels like I've entered hell.'
And he was finally able to face the one who had summoned him, in the center of that space.
That being, emitting an overwhelming presence, as if death itself had been molded into a human form.
'He's immeasurable. I can't even gauge his level with my abilities. How deep is his mastery that he's even become one with death? He's definitely not a real undead since he was able to return. Does he have some special skill…'
Just as his mind was racing, a gloomy chuckle, resonated with magic power, interrupted his thoughts.
[Hehehe— You came all the way here, knowing I was here. Reckless or brave.]
"Isn't that what you wanted? And I don't have the confidence to run away from you. …Hahoe Mask."
Ahn Sung-jin took a deep breath, looking at the being in front of him.
The air in this space, filled with the energy of death, wasn't good for his health, but it seemed like he needed to calm his mind somehow.
'Damn it, I'm like this even though he's not hostile. Is it an ability to control lower-level dark magic power?'
His own dark magic power was unconsciously shrinking as he met his gaze, and the fear aura that was naturally emanating was relentlessly eating away at his mental power.
If it hadn't been for "Indomitable Spirit", he might have prostrated himself and begged for mercy.
[That's a wise judgment. As expected, it was worth being considerate.]
He was probably talking about how he didn't barge into the restaurant and just quietly sent him a signal.
Ahn Sung-jin was grateful for that.
His parents might have literally had a heart attack if they had faced this being.
"…Then… can I know why you summoned me? I heard you only deal with heinous criminals."
Ahn Sung-jin, who had said that far, hurriedly added.
"For your information, I'm a dark mage, but I've never committed any crimes! My unique skill…"
[Ah, that's not why I called you, so relax.]
His expression finally softened a bit at Hahoe Mask's reassuring answer.
His back was already drenched in cold sweat, but he felt a bit more at ease now that he didn't seem to be in danger.
"Then… why me?"
[I'm making a significant contribution to this country's public order. But there are many things that are troublesome.]
A slightly unexpected answer.
Hahoe Mask raised his hand, which was wearing a black glove, and slowly pointed at him.
[You seem quite useful.]
"Ah? Thank…"
[Hehehe— So become my slave.]
Ahn Sung-jin's face, which had relaxed prematurely, turned pale again at those words.