Ch.157Episode 33. The Evil Sky Begins to Move (2)

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“Welcome.”

Shortly after ringing the doorbell, three men dressed in what looked like hiking clothes appeared and bowed to Pagoon.

“We’ve heard from Leader Kim Sangman. Please come in.”

Following the man’s guidance, Pagoon stepped inside and felt a strange discomfort in the quiet atmosphere.

“By the way, what happened to Mr. Moon Jeongsu?”

Moon Jeongsu.

That was Moonlight’s real name.

When Moonlight had contacted the Anrak Church, he had used his real name, so everyone knew him as Moon Jeongsu. And that was something Pagoon already knew from Starlight.

“That’s none of your business.”

Pagoon replied with a sharp tone. Grumbling internally, he looked around.

At a glance, the buildings didn’t seem any different from an ordinary church, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.

‘What is this atmosphere…?’

What bothered him most were definitely the people.

Children were laughing and playing in the yard, and adults were working outdoors, but for some reason, it sent chills down his spine. He even felt a sense of being constricted.

‘It smells rotten somehow.’

Pagoon clicked his tongue as he looked around.

Thinking that staying in a place like this for too long might drive him insane, he decided to finish his business quickly.

“Mr. Pagoon, please tell us. We want to know. Mr. Moon Jeongsu was a strong supporter of our Anrak Church. But we haven’t been able to contact him for days…”

“I told you it’s none of your business.”

“As followers of Anrak Church’s teachings, isn’t it natural to want to confirm the well-being of someone who has supported us?”

“Ha. I said it’s none of your business.”

“No. We need to know.”

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Annoyed by the man’s firm tone, Pagoon gathered electricity in his palm.

Crack!

“Sigh. I told you not to cause trouble, but you bastards keep pressing me like nosy birds.”

“…”

“I said you don’t need to know. You idiot. Want me to sear that mouth shut with electricity?”

The man glanced at Pagoon’s palm and raised both hands.

“We have no means to resist. But we want to know.”

Trying to ease the tense atmosphere, the man forced a smile. However, he didn’t avert his gaze even when facing Pagoon’s bloodshot eyes filled with killing intent.

“If you’re so curious, ask your leader. Don’t ask me.”

“…Our leader is also worried and knows nothing.”

“Fuck. What do you want me to do? Ask me one more time and I’ll kill you. Just shut up and guide me to your leader. Got it?”

“…Understood.”

The man stared at Pagoon observantly before turning away abruptly.

Pagoon’s brow furrowed as he found it strange that the men showed no fear despite his display of power.

Even though they weren’t ability users like heroes, they showed absolutely no fear. It was almost as if they had no fear of death.

Following the man’s guidance, he entered the church building.

“He’s in here.”

The place they arrived at was a door with a sign that read “Leader’s Office.”

Knock knock.

The men knocked on the door.

“Leader, I’ve brought Mr. Pagoon.”

“Good. Tell him to come in.”

One of the men opened the door at the gentle voice from inside. A modest office-like room appeared.

“Oh… Welcome.”

Pagoon entered the leader’s office. Kim Sangman, who had been sitting at the desk, quickly approached him.

“Are you Kim Sangman?”

Pagoon asked, looking at the middle-aged man who appeared younger than expected.

With his hair neatly styled and wearing round glasses, he was dressed in clean pastoral attire.

“I am Kim Sangman, leader of the Anrak Church. Pleased to meet you.”

Pagoon snorted at the hand Kim Sangman extended and walked past him to flop down on the sofa.

“…Let’s skip the introductions since we’re not that kind of relationship.”

“You show not even a speck of respect for our leader.”

“Do I have a reason to? You shut up and get out. I have things to discuss with your leader.”

“I said to show respect to our lead—”

“Enough. I appreciate your kind heart. I’m fine, so please step outside for now.”

The leader quickly intervened, sensing Pagoon’s killing intent.

“…Understood.”

The men glared at Pagoon as they left.

Though annoyed by their stares, Pagoon had to contain his anger. Starlight had told him not to cause trouble.

“Let me offer you some tea—”

“No need. Come sit here. I’ll keep this brief and be done.”

“…As you wish.”

Kim Sangman’s smile gradually faded at the continued informal speech and arrogant attitude.

He struggled to suppress the curses that threatened to spill out. He sat on the sofa, looking at Pagoon who had taken the main seat.

“Before we begin, let me ask one thing. Why did you come instead of Mr. Moon Jeongsu today?”

“…Moon Jeongsu is busy. I came instead, so deal with it.”

“Is that so? But the people from Mr. Moon Jeongsu’s side weren’t this rude…”

“Shut up. Are you refusing the money?”

“Of course not. God’s blessing is always righteous.”

‘Talking about God’s blessing. Crazy cult bastard.’

He sighed and took out two envelopes filled with cash from his inner pocket and placed them down.

It was ten million won.

“Oh my, may I check it?”

“Go ahead.”

Leader Kim Sangman counted the money with a smirk, even as Pagoon watched.

“Thank you for bringing such blessings. But it seems the blessing is a bit light today?”

His expression hardened momentarily. By the time he looked at Pagoon, he had regained his smile.

“This is just a down payment. If you agree to our request, you’ll get 30 times this amount. Three hundred million.”

“…Let’s hear about this request first.”

Pagoon took out a plastic bottle from his pocket.

Inside was a black liquid. It was the incomplete eX potion that Paris had been developing.

“What is this…?”

“Make about twenty of your followers drink this.”

“What?”

“After they drink it, we’ll take care of the rest.”

“No, you need to tell me what this is—”

Thump!

Pagoon stomped on the sofa and grabbed Kim Sangman’s jaw. His face trembled under the strong grip.

“You don’t need to know that. All you need to know is that they must drink this. Nod if you understand.”

Kim Sangman couldn’t remove Pagoon’s hand no matter how hard he tried.

It was absurd for a non-ability user to overpower an ability user by force.

“Y-you…! A-are you a villain?”

“Whether I’m a hero or villain, just think whatever you want and nod.”

Eventually, he had no choice but to reluctantly nod. Pagoon slowly released his hand.

“…What happens if I don’t agree?”

“Well. I wonder what will happen?”

Kim Sangman’s face hardened at Pagoon’s ominous words. There was no longer even a trace of a smile on his face.

“You’ll have no choice but to agree anyway. If you don’t, everyone will die.”

“Are you threaten—”

“But if you do agree, you can get a substantial reward from us. The choice is yours. Either just die, or take the money and let those who can live, live.”

Pagoon grinned and leaned his upper body toward Kim Sangman.

“You have until midnight tonight to decide. If you’re late, Anrak Church will be gone tomorrow.”

“Y-you…! You’re not someone sent by Moon Jeongsu—”

“Moon Jeongsu! Moon Jeongsu! Stop making a fuss. You don’t even know what kind of person he is.”

The reason Moonlight was close to being the leader among the Akcheon executives was because his influence reached every corner of the organization.

Naturally, it was an undeniable fact that he had committed more evil acts than anyone else to exert that influence.

“What are you saying…!”

“You don’t need to know anything else. Just make your decision if you want to keep Anrak Church running.”

Pagoon issued his warning and left the leader’s office.

* * *

“Yujin.”

“…Huh?”

After receiving information about Forest from the Association President, I noticed an unexpected figure standing as I was leaving the dormitory.

“Where are you going?”

Yeon Muhui approached and asked me. Judging by her red nose, she had been standing outside for quite some time.

“What are you doing here?”

“I asked first.”

“…I’m going to meet someone.”

I had to answer since I didn’t have time for word games.

My meeting with Forest was at 2 PM. It would be quite tight even if I left now.

I could use my ability to get there quickly, but I didn’t want to feel the cold while running, so I planned to use a car.

“Is this related to what you mentioned during our hot pot meal about possibly going to Chungcheong Province?”

“That’s right.”

I nodded. I had only mentioned the general location just in case.

“I want to go too.”

“Why would you come? I told you I’m meeting someone I know.”

The place I was going was in Chungcheong Province, but it wasn’t Taean where Muhui’s mother was.

“Can’t I go with you? You’re the one who told me to visit my mom every weekend.”

“Oh my. Were you always so obedient to my words? So, did you actually go?”

“…I went a few times.”

“Good, good. I’ll praise you for at least trying to listen to me.”

At least she was making an effort to follow my advice.

When I patted her head, Muhui pulled away to avoid my touch. So unadorable.

“Don’t tease me… And you’re the one who told me to rest for a week.”

“Then why don’t you stay at your family home for the week?”

“…Not that. I’ll come back with you.”

“Hmm.”

When she talks like that, I can’t help but want to tease her. Her eyes wavered as she sensed my curious gaze.

“Why…”

“Ah~! Now I get it.”

“What?”

“Muhui, you just enjoy being with me, don’t you?”

“E-enjoy?! D-don’t be ridiculous…! I just thought using your car would be b-better than public transportation!”

Look at how shameless she is.

I know she’s just trying to hide her feelings out of embarrassment, but this is how misunderstandings build up.

There’s a reason the tsundere archetype often ends up as the losing heroine.

“Really?”

“Really…”

“…Alright. Then let’s visit Taean after I finish my business. It’s been a while since we greeted your mother and checked on her condition.”

“…Okay.”

“Good. Let’s go. To the car.”

As I nodded and started walking, Muhui followed closely beside me, with a faint smile on her face.

…She definitely likes it.