Chapter 55
17. Fa
1.
With the second building of the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities under terrorist attack, the South Korean governnt's alert level was at its highest.
Not only players but also nearby army divisions had been mobilized.
From what I heard on the way, the sa level of alert had been issued to the Blue House, now relocated to Sejong, and other major governnt offices.
This situation was that serious.
As I entered the underground bunker of the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities' main building, I was subjected to five security checks. No further explanation is needed.
“Given the situation, I must apologize in advance that I can't spare much ti. Team Leader Kim Dongsik ntioned that you might have an idea about the masterminds behind this terror attack. Is that true?”
Minister Yoo Sunho’s deanor was far from his usual gentle self.
No, to be precise, he seed very angry. Though his expression remained soft, his eyes betrayed an uncontainable fury.
Considering that this attack dealt a severe blow to the governnt's credibility, including the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities, it was understandable.
“Yes, I have an idea.”
“Can you share your suspicions with us?”
“I don’t see why not. I was contemplating where to start this story.”
I sipped the coffee placed before .
Then I began to speak slowly, and Minister Yoo Sunho listened intently, his expression hardened.
The core of the story was, of course, the Incarnation of the Demon King.
I explained where that cursed being originated and the forces that followed it.
Since the attack was carried out to secure the Incarnation of the Demon King, naturally, the story centered around that.
After about fifteen minutes, I concluded my explanation, and Minister Yoo Sunho, who had been silent, let out a sigh.
“Demons... so you suspect that forces following demons are behind this.”
“It seems you're not familiar with the term ‘demon.’ I understand it might be hard to believe.”
Minister Yoo Sunho smiled bitterly at my words.
“It’s hard to learn new things as you get older. But don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I don’t believe you, Mr. Siwoo. It just struck
how now, not only monsters but even demons are eyeing Earth.”
I had expected the ambiguity of the term "demon" might make him uneasy.
So, I added a quiet explanation.
“In Eden, they are primarily referred to as demonkin. I only used the term 'demon' for convenience.”
“Demonkin. That’s certainly easier to grasp. For instance, thinking of them as other races like orcs or trolls.”
“Exactly.”
“Thank you for the clear explanation.”
I had been worried that he might dismiss my story as outlandish, but my concern was unnecessary.
He genuinely accepted my story.
He tried to understand, without a hint of doubt.
Noticing my gaze, Minister Yoo Sunho spoke in a softer voice than before.
“I believe you wouldn’t have co all the way here to lie. And I know you're not the type to do so. Despite how I may seem, I've survived in this political arena by reading the room.”
“It’s a story even I find hard to believe. I wouldn’t have been offended if you doubted it.”
“It’s not a hard story to believe. Mr. Siwoo.”
Minister Yoo Sunho looked at
calmly.
“Since the Dinsion Opening five years ago, Earth has beco a place where anything can happen. Those who accepted this reality survived; those who didn’t were left behind. At least, South Korea falls into the forr category. We are prepared to accept anything.”
His words resembled a firm philosophy.
At the sa ti, they reflected the stature of a leader steering the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities through a period of upheaval.
Having said that, Minister Yoo Sunho took a sip of water.
Then he continued, maintaining eye contact with .
“Until now, we considered this terror attack as an act of coercion by villains. But after hearing your story, it seems that’s not the case. Could it be related to the Yeonbaek Guild incident from last ti?”
He was referring to the ti I stord into the Yeonbaek Guild’s building.
Of course, they are related.
“I plan to find out more through the captured Lee Sehee. So, we’d like to conduct the interrogation first.”
Since Team Leader Kim had shown reluctance about this, I didn’t expect an easy approval.
But the reality was different.
“Go ahead. But please keep her alive. Even if Lee Sehee ends up in a vegetative state, we must bring her to trial.”
“Our order has never left anyone in a vegetative state.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
“...Officially, I an.”
In any case, I had gotten what I wanted.
I let out a small sigh and imdiately moved on to the next matter.
“I have another request.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“If you obtain any information related to other Incarnations of the Demon King, please share it with us. This includes both dostic and international information.”
In Eden, we would have dispatched inquisitors across the continent, but on Earth, that wasn’t feasible.
We lacked the manpower to operate the order, let alone deploy inquisitors.
Hence, the idea of cooperating with governntal intelligence agencies.
Earth’s nations possess overwhelming levels of intelligence compared to those of Eden.
Borrowing this intelligence would greatly aid in tracking the Incarnations of the Demon King.
“The South Korean governnt wouldn’t, but foreign governnts might demand compensation for information. Are you okay with that?”
I chuckled at his words.
Then, placing my hand on the table, I spoke.
“Compensation for information... That could happen. Let’s rephrase it.”
There could be a misunderstanding.
Therefore, it was necessary to convey the intention clearly.
“If they provide information about the Incarnations of the Demon King in advance, we are willing to help. It’s their choice, so I hope they make a wise one.”
It’s not us who will need help, but them.
I was rely offering to prevent unnecessary sacrifices. The choice was theirs.
Minister Yoo Sunho, who had been watching
closely, slowly nodded.
“I was montarily mistaken. I’ll make sure to convey that accurately.”
Was it just my imagination?
For a brief mont, it seed like a smile flickered on Minister Yoo Sunho’s lips. What could that smile an?
2.
After finishing my business at the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities’ main office, I returned to the temple imdiately.
Before parting, Minister Yoo Sunho had said this to :
-Once again, we owe you a great debt. The governnt will never forget the assistance of the Rin Order. However, providing official assistance could backfire, so we will support you in various other ways.
At that ti, I didn’t understand what he ant, but upon returning to the temple, it beca clear what “various other ways” ant.
"Breaking News! CCTV footage of the terror attack at the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities’ second office building."
Various dia outlets began broadcasting mysterious footage.
Though it was called CCTV footage from the terror scene, it didn’t include the actual battle scenes involving
or Luna.
The CCTV on the 32nd and 38th floors, where the battles took place, was naturally damaged.
But one area was intact.
That was the staircase from the 32nd to the 38th floor.
The CCTV footage captured everything that happened on the stairs.
What happened on the stairs was simple.
Soone was fleeing upwards, and soone was pursuing them.
In most cases, the forr would be the victim and the latter the perpetrator, but this ti was different.
“Indeed, the mad dog of the Vatican.”
“...Sir Leventon, you’re one to talk.”
“Wow, this is genuinely terrifying. At this level, he’s not a priest but the Grim Reaper, isn’t he?”
The star of the footage was none other than Leo.
Despite the terrorists' desperate attempts to escape via the stairs, Leo followed at a speed the caras could barely capture, folding them over.
Literally folding them.
The terrorists caught by Leo were either folded sideways or vertically, eting one of two fates.
The essence of Leo’s signature “human folding” was encapsulated in that footage.
After folding the last terrorist, Leo looked up at the CCTV, making it the highlight of the three-minute video.
The CCTV’s surprisingly good quality vividly captured Leo’s human folding show.
“Who released such footage?”
“Who else?”
“Obviously, the owner of the CCTV.”
This was clearly the work of the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities.
They distributed it widely to major dia outlets and online platforms like Tube.
While part of the intention was likely to calm the rapidly worsening public opinion following the terror attack, it was also a huge advantage for us.
Reactions pouring in from various places confird this.
[Title: Try terrorizing us, if you dare]
Content: A clip of Leo roughly tossing the folded terrorists
Just fold them all!
Who told you to use the term "folder master"? Be careful, or you might actually get folded.
Are you in your right mind? We were attacked in the heart of Seoul, almost thousands could have died.
The person in the clip is one of those who saved those thousands. Can't we show so appreciation?
I watched the live broadcast today and decided to join the Rin Order. The Rin Order is our hope.
Will they accept ?
Yes, I heard you can beco a believer if you submit an application.
Folks, check out the Rin Order gallery. There’s a notice on how to beco a believer.
Aside from this post, nearly every platform was buzzing with talk about the Rin Order.
The "live broadcast" ntioned in one of the comnts referred to a live stream Leo and Luna conducted at the scene after I left for the main office of the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities.
With Minsoo overseeing it, I trusted it would go well, but it seems to have left an even stronger impression than expected.
Though the broadcast was cut off after 20 minutes due to 'violence,' thanks to Luna dragging Lee Sehee around by her hair, it made a strong impact.
Moreover, thanks to the CCTV footage, Leo earned the nickna "Folder Master" for his ability to fold anything, reigniting public interest in the order.
“We were really lucky.”
I sighed deeply and nodded.
According to the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities' official announcent, the terror attack resulted in 12 deaths and 52 injuries.
Considering it happened in broad daylight, the casualties were relatively low.
It was a situation where we were undeniably lucky. If we hadn’t been there, the entire second building of the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities would have collapsed.
There would have been countless casualties, and the chaos would have temporarily paralyzed society. Such a scenario was sothing we absolutely didn’t want.
At this point, I began to wonder if Rin had guided us.
So, upon returning to the temple, I called out to Rin, but there was no answer.
It seed matters in Eden were keeping him busy, so I’d ask next ti.
In any case.
Once again, events had unfolded in unexpected ways, but the outco was what we desired.
“The Hundred Ghosts sect and the Incarnation of the Demon King... There’s so much to worry about. It seems we’ll be busier than in Eden... Don’t you think, Holy One?”
Luna spoke while lying on the sofa, and I nodded wearily.
“I agree.”
“But Holy One, aren’t you curious about the results of Lee Sehee’s interrogation? I thought you’d ask right away.”
“We have ti, so there’s no rush. I trust you handled it well.”
“She confessed easily. Leo didn’t even need to use interrogation techniques. Well, that’s usually the case with witches.”
Luna stretched and got up.
She approached the desk where I was sitting.
“Lee Sehee only knew dark magic but had little valuable information. She ntioned the masked man next to her was the branch leader. Didn’t you see him?”
“I did.”
Saw him get devoured instantly.
Understanding the brevity of my response, Luna shrugged and continued.
“Still, we found out where she learned dark magic. The story about fleeing abroad was true.”
“...Where?”
I had a rough idea.
Luna winked lightly with her left eye and answered.
“China.”
Of course, it was.
You couldn’t stay out of sothing like this, could you?
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