Shadows of Seoul (3)
Hans was satisfied with his results and collected the undead.
The undead, now as numerous as the demons, seeped into the abyss that draped the floor.
‘By the way, I need to research a spatial dimension magic that can be used across dimensions.’
The spatial dimension I was currently using was based on the echo dimension behind that layer, making it impossible to share contents.
To cross dimensions, I could only rely on carrying items or using small, rare spatial dimension magical equipment.
‘It’d be convenient if I had brainwashing magic; I should research that too. There’s a method in “Forbidden Knowledge,” but… that’s not a usable method.’
Black magic that destroys a target’s self-awareness and turns them into puppets wasn’t particularly difficult.
It’s just that creating undead is far more efficient, so I wouldn’t use that.
However, the process of manipulating awareness while leaving the self intact is extremely complex.
I had to handle the fragile mind delicately, consuming a lot of time and effort, and needed various materials in substantial amounts.
‘I can somehow obtain items that exist only in Auterica. The problem is the other materials.’
The term “forbidden” in “Forbidden Knowledge” wasn’t used lightly.
Every material needed for that process was horrific.
I couldn’t just use things like the blood of a little child or parts of a fetus for my convenience.
‘I’d rather research something new based on that knowledge. There’s much to do, but there’s no time. To save time, going to Auterica would be efficient, but first, I need to find a way to evade the church’s tracking. It’s a headache.’
I then headed towards the warehouse where the survivors were trapped.
Beyond the thick iron door guarded by the undead, I sensed vitality from about ten people.
They seemed to be huddled in a corner, trembling, perhaps having heard the commotion outside.
Before I broke the door and entered, I glanced around.
‘I’ve got to be better than these kids, right? I need to confirm some things.’
Surely, I’m preferable to those hideous, moving corpses, even if I look a bit scary fully cloaked?
I pulled down my hood to cover my eyes and suppress any fear effects as much as possible.
Kwajik—
As I smashed the door open and stepped inside, I saw them huddled in the corner, terrified.
There was no point in dragging this out in front of frightened people.
I quickly took out the smartphone I had snatched from the demons and called the police, tossing it to the survivors.
“Uh… uhm?”
The magically-controlled smartphone glided softly through the air and landed neatly in the hands of a startled survivor.
– Yes, … police station … I’m here. What’s…
A small voice from the police soon came from his hand.
Flustered, he stuttered for a moment, glanced over at me, then cautiously began talking to the police.
Having observed that, I quietly slipped away.
‘It seems there are no spies around. Must be fine now.’
Isn’t it a long-standing tradition among criminals to mix groups in captives?
Hans was sensitive to negative emotions like fear and despair.
After confronting them and checking the emotional changes, I found no one particularly suspicious.
This place was hidden, and with all the guards being demons, they probably didn’t pay too much attention to the civilians.
‘With this, the achievements of the demon hunter Hahoe Mask should have increased once again, right?’
At first, I intended to act as secretly as possible, but at some point, my thoughts changed.
Since they couldn’t track me anyway, it was a hassle to control every witness.
Also, I thought that if the story spread, it might help suppress crime rates even just a little.
To be honest, it was also amusing to see discussions about Hahoe Mask trending online.
So, I concealed my identity while letting rumors spread among the witnesses.
As a result, information about Hans wearing the Hahoe Mask was now spreading in online communities.
‘By the way, what’s up with Buncheon Society? They seem to have their hands in everything. Yet, they themselves are nowhere to be found.’
Information gleaned from reading demon memories.
Those I just exterminated were connected to Buncheon Society, but it was difficult to track them as they were connected indirectly.
The info I obtained from an organization I previously raided was similar to the current situation…
‘But if I keep exterminating criminal organizations like this, I should eventually catch someone.’
If the recent disorder in public safety is due to them, we’ll bump into each other sooner or later.
Hans confirmed he heard the sound of police sirens approaching, then left the scene.
As always, only the painting of the Hahoe Mask, drawn with blood from the fight, remained.
*
In a private room of an upscale restaurant that thoroughly ensures user privacy.
Two people were sitting across from each other, sharing drinks.
“They say a crazy guy wearing the Hahoe Mask has been playing hero lately.”
A man with a bland and blurry impression spoke while pouring drinks into the other’s glass.
“They say he uses black magic.”
A middle-aged man wearing glasses replied casually as he received the drink.
The conversation continued as they exchanged drinks.
“I haven’t seen a sane black magic user yet.”
“Well, that guy is probably just nicely insane. At least it seems he has some beliefs and doesn’t harm civilians.”
“Ha, black magic user’s beliefs? That’s terrifying. It’d be more extreme than a fanatic terrorist.”
Black magic, which distorts the energy of nature, is tyrannical, grows quickly, and has lethal effects on the opponent.
However, since it’s tainted energy, the more it’s used, the worse the impact on the user’s mind.
When weak, it begins with obsession and compulsiveness, gradually fading away moral concepts until one becomes a demon.
“His territory is expanding. We need to do something, but still no leads?”
Originally starting in the southwest of Seoul near the Han River, the territory of the Hahoe Mask now encompassed several districts.
Moreover, he would sometimes pop out in completely random locations, making his behavior unpredictable.
“…It’s not easy to catch him. He uses spatial movement like eating, and it’s difficult to sense his presence before he uses his powers.”
“Ha, spatial movement. And that concealment ability too. He seems to be a bigger deal than expected. Did he return to Earth recently?”
The man with a blurry impression downed his drink in one go and gazed at the middle-aged man across from him.
Under that emotionless stare, the middle-aged man kept adjusting his glasses, avoiding eye contact.
“Anyway, this guy rampaging and getting involved in our affairs is quite a nuisance.”
“…Take more care of it.”
“I’d appreciate it if you could do that. I’ll also make my own moves.”
The man grinned slyly, placing his glass on the table and standing up.
“Then, I’ll leave since I’m busy. I’ll settle the bill, so take your time coming out.”
He waved his hand once and exited silently.
“Hoo…”
After the uncomfortable meeting ended and the middle-aged man was left alone, he sighed in relief.
He kept pouring himself drinks and indulging.
It must be an expensive place because the liquor tasted damned good.
Before long.
Ring ring—
The sudden ringing of the bell pierced the silence, making him frown as he checked the caller ID.
The name of a subordinate appeared on the screen. What could it be at this hour?
Reluctantly, he answered the phone, and an urgent voice rushed out from his smartphone.
– Manager! I’m sorry for the late hour! An urgent report came in from the outskirts of Seoul, and it seems to be quite large in scale.
The subordinate quickly explained the situation.
A large human meat factory discovered from survivor reports and the Hahoe Mask.
After hanging up the phone, he sighed again and stood up.
It wasn’t the time to be lounging around, sipping drinks.
*
3 AM.
After completing a transaction of gold bars, Heinz was strolling through the night streets.
Hans had just finished a battle and was tidying up afterward.
In this place, far from home, Heinz planned to check for any tricks on the lotto ticket while waiting for Hans to wrap up.
‘If they start trailing me, I’ll just flip it back around and rob them.’
I had been fully prepared, but up until now, there had been no news.
When we parted, that masked man seemed suspicious of me, making me think it had a chance.
Was the warning effect good, or were they just being cautious?
‘Well, if they know how to keep a line, it’s not a bad idea as trading partners. I’ve already made a deal, so that’s that. If they seem to be trying something foolish, I can just tidy things up.’
This area was also under Hans’s watchful eye.
For the time being, I just had to manage a bit more carefully.
For that reason, I was wandering the night streets, but since it was so late, the number of people noticeably dwindled compared to when I was out for a transaction.
This area was still lively enough, so it’s no surprise.
After all, this was also a place that Hans had previously stirred up, so even the shady types seemed to be lurking carefully.
The atmosphere suggested they were trying to avoid causing any major issues.
Thinking I created this peace made my heart swell with pride.
‘Whether it’s peace made by violence or not, what’s the difference? An eye for an eye, violence for violence. One thing is certain.’
On one side, two drunkards were scrapping, but that was just another day in the life.
There was no need for me to step in for such a trivial matter.
‘Oh, wham! Uppercut! They’re not to be underestimated either! It’s quite a back and forth!’
Because they were drunk, they felt no pain, just relentlessly attacking and building excitement.
Though both were likely hammered, their wild swings meant more misses than hits.
While I was interestingly watching the drunkards fight…
“Hey, you there, let’s have a word over there.”
A voice called out from behind Heinz.
Instantly, tension surged, and my senses heightened.
I could hear the heartbeat of the fighting drunkards in front, but I could still sense nothing from the person who spoke.
Slowly, I turned my head to look back.
He stood less than a meter away, looking this way.
As our eyes met, he nodded toward an alley and started walking ahead.
‘Still no presence. What should I do?’
Surprised by the sudden situation, I hesitated for a moment, but the answer had already been decided.
‘When did I start holding back? If push comes to shove, I can always escape. Escaping is my specialty.’
I immediately followed him into the alley.
Leaning against the wall, he was crossing his arms, waiting.
“Well, you do have some sense.”
He must be referring to me not running.
I didn’t respond, only stared at him.
I didn’t know who he was, but he called me for some reason.
“Don’t be so cautious. I don’t have any intention to harm you.”
Chuckling, he pushed off the wall and stepped closer.
As he approached, he disregarded my frown and kept sniffing the air.
What in the world does he want?
“Hmm, I just can’t figure it out. It’s a scent I’ve never encountered before.”
The man stepped back again and locked eyes with me.
“So, where are you from?”
“What do you mean? Sniffing my scent like this on the first meeting, where do you think I’m from?”
I retorted, annoyed.
I could tell he wasn’t an ordinary person, but I felt like I was at his mercy before I could grasp the situation.
“What? Did you just return to Earth not long ago?”
He muttered to himself and then nodded.
Casually, he dropped a bombshell.
“You’re a vampire, aren’t you? Right?”
A strange smile crept onto his face.
“Actually, I am too. Though, I guess my origin is different from yours.”
It was the moment Heinz encountered a vampire from another dimension.
