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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Silverriver
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“Hey, rookie. What exactly did you drag in here first thing on a weekend morning?”
The next morning, Kwon Tae-ho frowned at Ha-yeon, who had arrived at the office with a schoolgirl he’d never seen before.
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a workday. While Kwon Tae-ho was always at the office, Ha-yeon, as a trainee, had weekends off. The reason she was here so early was entirely due to the schoolgirl behind her.
“Th-this student is Choi Jin-seo. She wants to ask you for help… because of the Truth Cult…”
“What does the Truth Cult have to do with me?”
The story Ha-yeon relayed from the student, Choi Jin-seo, was as follows:
Jin-seo’s family consisted of just her and her parents. They had been fortunate enough to avoid being caught up in the Great Transfer, and they had maintained a happy and close-knit family life ever since.
Then, one day, Jin-seo’s mother, a housewife, became involved with the Truth Cult.
Jin-seo’s family wasn’t religious, so they strongly opposed her mother’s choice. If she had joined a regular church or temple, it wouldn’t have been as bad, but the Truth Cult was a new religion with little known about it.
However, Jin-seo’s father, worried about his wife, soon joined the Truth Cult as well. He gave the typical excuse of having met the members and finding them to be good people.
Before long, both parents became devout followers. They attended Sunday services, Wednesday afternoon services, and participated in various volunteer activities and events. It became commonplace for them to drop everything and rush off whenever the Truth Cult called.
Strictly speaking, their daily lives hadn’t fallen apart because of their religious activities.
Even after becoming deeply involved, Jin-seo’s father remained a diligent office worker, and her mother continued to fulfill her duties as a housewife. In situations unrelated to the Truth Cult, they maintained their usual harmonious family life.
The problem was that they changed completely the moment the Truth Cult was involved. To Jin-seo, it was clearly abnormal.
And Jin-seo was afraid.
She was afraid of her parents, who had recently started urging her to join the Truth Cult.
And she was afraid that she, too, would become a blind follower, just like them.
“My parents weren’t the type to get so deeply involved in religion. The Truth Cult must be doing something! Please, I beg you! Save my family!”
“So that’s her story. What do you think, Assistant-”
Kwon Tae-ho stopped mid-sentence, about to ask for Yoo Seol’s opinion. It was the weekend, and Yoo Seol wasn’t at the office.
That didn’t mean Kwon Tae-ho was incapable of making decisions without her. Usually, he would act impulsively, and Yoo Seol would rein him in with logic and reason. But today, Kwon Tae-ho assessed the situation himself.
And his conclusion was…
“I don’t think I can help you.”
“What? Why…?”
“Enforcer Kwon! Don’t you feel sorry for this student? Don’t tell me you’re refusing because it doesn’t seem profitable?!”
“What do you take me for?! It’s not that! I just don’t see how I can help!”
Kwon Tae-ho shook his head at Ha-yeon’s suspicion and explained.
“First, Jin-seo, was it? Why did you come to our office instead of reporting this to the police? Did you go to the police first?”
“Yes, I did. But…”
“They said they couldn’t help you, right? That they couldn’t do anything without clear evidence of a crime.”
“Yes! That’s what they said. How did you-”
“Because that’s how it works.”
The police generally only initiated investigations when a crime was clearly evident or there was reasonable suspicion.
However, the changes in Jin-seo’s parents’ behavior couldn’t be considered evidence of a crime. It was possible they were simply engrossed in religion of their own will.
Jin-seo clenched her fists and said,
“Th-that’s why I’m asking you…! I learned in school that Enforcers have more freedom than the police when it comes to apprehending criminals. So I remembered that there was an Enforcer office nearby, the one the cult told us to watch out for, and I came to ask Enforcer Ha-yeon for help…”
“Your teacher didn’t teach you properly. Enforcers can’t just start investigations on a whim. It’s basically the same as the police. We can’t just interfere without clear evidence of a crime or reasonable suspicion.”
“But Enforcer Kwon, in Chinatown-”
“Chinatown was an extraterritorial zone. And the target was clearly a criminal organization. There was no room for complaints. But what about now?”
Ha-yeon held her breath at Kwon Tae-ho’s question.
This was a group that had harassed them relentlessly over a single video. If Kwon Tae-ho started an investigation, they would undoubtedly face all sorts of complaints, including legal complaints and objections.
“That’s the situation. Unless you bring me clear evidence of a crime or the police request a joint investigation, I can’t interfere with the Truth Cult.”
“Do you have to be so strict? What if the Truth Cult used magic or superpowers to brainwash my parents?”
“Then I’ll ask you this. What if they didn’t?”
Jin-seo couldn’t answer Kwon Tae-ho’s question. It was a natural response.
“You said you learned in school that Enforcers have more freedom in apprehending criminals? That’s only to eliminate unnecessary red tape in criminal investigations. It doesn’t mean Enforcers can abuse their power. If we did that, we’d be no different from the criminals we’re supposed to apprehend.”
“…….”
“Anyway, Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer Office cannot assist you with your request.”
Kwon Tae-ho paused, then added in a low voice,
“Officially, that is.”
Both Ha-yeon and Jin-seo looked at Kwon Tae-ho simultaneously. A wide grin spread across his face.
“An Enforcer can’t start an investigation without evidence. But Enforcers are also people. We have personal lives outside of work. We eat, play games, meet friends, and…”
We can also participate in religious activities.
Ha-yeon understood what he was getting at. Kwon Tae-ho nodded towards her.
“Of course, if a well-known Enforcer like me suddenly showed up saying, ‘I’d like to join the Truth Cult,’ it would be suspicious. But luckily, we have another Enforcer in our office who’s completely unknown to the public.”
“So you’re saying I should join the Truth Cult? To investigate from the inside?”
“Now now, don’t say such dangerous things. Rookie, you’re not infiltrating them for an investigation. You’re simply a young woman who, after hearing about it from a friend, became interested in the Truth Cult and decided to join of your own free will.”
Though worded differently, it meant Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer Office would be investigating the Truth Cult through Ha-yeon.
“Of course, if you don’t want to, we’ll have to put this on hold. I can’t force you to do this for something that’s not an official investigation.”
“No, I’ll do it! Please let me!”
“Suit yourself. I don’t care what you do in your personal time.”
Kwon Tae-ho feigned ignorance.
Of course, even if he said that, he intended to go to the Truth Cult himself to help Ha-yeon if necessary.
“Thank you, Enforcer Kwon! I’ll do my best!”
“It’s not a mission, it’s your personal activity. How many times do I have to tell you?”
A small smile played on Kwon Tae-ho’s lips.
Ha-yeon reminded him of his younger self as a trainee. Back then, he, too, would jump at any opportunity to do Enforcer work.
“…….”
Lost in nostalgic memories, Kwon Tae-ho closed his eyes. He had been full of enthusiasm back then, but he had also made many mistakes. He hoped Ha-yeon would do better.
“When did you say the Truth Cult holds their services?”
“It varies by church, but usually on Sundays…”
Kwon Tae-ho nodded at Jin-seo’s answer.
It was Saturday.
And tomorrow was Sunday.
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The next day.
“Are you serious, Jin-seo? You want to go to service with us?”
“Yes. I thought about it, and I think it’ll be good…”
“That’s wonderful, honey! You can meet the priests and hear their teachings. I’m sure you’ll be glad you went!”
Jin-seo’s parents were overjoyed by her declaration to join the cult. Technically, she had only agreed to attend a service, but their happiness was palpable.
“Oh, and a friend of mine is coming with me. Is that okay? I met her through a school mentoring program, and she said she’s also interested in the Truth Cult.”
“Of course! How is she getting here? If she lives nearby, tell her to come here, and we can all go together in the car!”
“Okay, I’ll tell her to come here.”
A short while later, Ha-yeon joined Jin-seo’s family.
Ha-yeon’s cover was a college student and mentor in Jin-seo’s middle school mentoring program. She wore a modest white dress and a beige cardigan, giving her a youthful yet subtly mature appearance.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Choi. I’m Lee Ha-yeon, Jin-seo’s mentor at school.”
Ha-yeon was naturally attractive. Combined with her neat attire and friendly smile, it was easy for her to make a good first impression.
Since she had expressed interest in the Truth Cult, Jin-seo’s parents welcomed her with open arms.
“We’ve heard a lot about you, Ha-yeon. Jin-seo said you’re the one who convinced her to come to church?”
“Convinced? I just told her that there are many good people in the Truth Cult. I’ve volunteered at some of their events, so I know. I was thinking of going sometime, and since Jin-seo was also considering it, I thought it would be a good opportunity.”
“Oh my, what a coincidence! It must be fate! I’m sure the Heavenly Maiden guided you two to meet. Don’t you think, honey?”
“Yes, of course. It’s all thanks to the Heavenly Maiden’s grace.”
Jin-seo’s parents were genuinely delighted, even though Ha-yeon was simply reciting her prepared lines.
Seeing this, both Ha-yeon and Jin-seo felt a pang of guilt. Even though it was for their own good, they felt bad about deceiving such kind people.
“Shall we get going?”
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The four of them headed to the Truth Cult church in Seongbuk-dong in Jin-seo’s father’s car.
Most Truth Cult churches were established by renovating existing religious facilities. The church in Seongbuk-dong was originally a Catholic cathedral, abandoned during the Great Transfer and later acquired by the Truth Cult.
“Wow…”
Upon arriving at the church, they were greeted by a statue of a bare-chested, muscular man at the entrance. It was a statue of Dion, the god worshipped by the Truth Cult.
Inside, nearly a hundred followers had already gathered. Ha-yeon and Jin-seo’s family sat together in the back row.
“Let us begin our service, praying that the protection of our mighty Father Dion and the grace and blessings of the Heavenly Maiden be with all the followers who have joined us here today.”
The service that followed was similar to a Protestant service in Korea.
Prayers, meditation, hymns, scripture readings, and a sermon based on the scriptures.
While the overall structure was similar, the content was quite different. It was based on the faith of another world. The service resembled that of a monotheistic religion, but the scriptures felt more akin to Norse or Greco-Roman mythology.
In particular, the part about the war between gods was as exciting as a fantasy movie plot. Ha-yeon found herself getting drawn into the sermon several times.
“Therefore, we, as followers, must always live faithfully and be prepared, according to the words of the Heavenly Maiden, God’s representative on Earth. This concludes today’s sermon. Now, let us have a moment of prayer to give thanks for the grace and mercy of the Heavenly Maiden.”
Throughout the sermon, while Dion, the god of another world, was mentioned, the emphasis was heavily placed on the Heavenly Maiden, who existed in this world. Ha-yeon found this a bit strange.
After all, while Dion was a god, the Heavenly Maiden was just a Returnee.
Perhaps it was because Ha-yeon was an Enforcer that she felt this way. The other followers around her were praying to the Heavenly Maiden with as much sincerity as they prayed to God.
“Now, lastly, let us partake in the holy water and receive Father Dion’s blessings.”
After the prayer, several people in the front row stood up and brought a large glass jar from behind the pulpit, guided by the priest.
Inside was a clear liquid, not completely transparent, but with a slight pinkish tint. Ha-yeon tilted her head, wondering what it was. Jin-seo’s mother, sitting next to her, spoke.
“This is your first time seeing the holy water, isn’t it, Ha-yeon?”
“H-holy water…? What is it?”
“It’s sacred water blessed by the Heavenly Maiden and imbued with Father Dion’s protection. By drinking the holy water at the end of each service, we can directly feel Father Dion’s love and protection within our bodies, even though he isn’t present on this Earth.”
Her explanation didn’t make much sense.
How could drinking water bring love and protection? Was it a metaphor? Or was it a religious ritual symbolizing gratitude for even a glass of water, implying that even the smallest things contain God’s grace?
“Here you go. May Dion’s blessings be with you.”
“May Dion’s blessings be with you. Here, Ha-yeon.”
“M-may Dion’s blessings be with me…”
Ha-yeon reflexively responded, and a small glass, about the size of a soju shot glass, was placed in her hand. It was filled with the clear holy water.
“Now, brothers and sisters. Let us all drink the holy water, praying with faith that Father Dion will descend upon this Earth and with gratitude for the grace and blessings of the Heavenly Maiden.”
At the priest’s words, everyone drank the holy water. Jin-seo’s parents did the same.
Ha-yeon and Jin-seo hesitated, glancing at the others. Those who had drunk the holy water were all praying with their hands clasped together.
Were they just supposed to drink it? The two looked at each other, then, not wanting to stand out, they drank the holy water.
-Gulp.
As the holy water went down, Ha-yeon felt a refreshing sensation spreading through her body.
“Oh?”
It was a strange feeling. Like concentrated refreshment. As the feeling spread from her throat throughout her body, a gentle wave of pleasure began to rise from her extremities.
It felt good. What was the principle behind this? Ha-yeon examined the glass curiously.
Then…
“Ahh…!”
Ha-yeon turned her head at the sound of an ecstatic moan. Jin-seo’s mother, who had been so kind and gentle moments before, was now looking up at the ceiling, tears streaming down her face.
“Oh God, thank you…! Thank you for being present here today and watching over us…!”
How devout was she to pray so dramatically?
‘Wait a minute.’
Ha-yeon realized that it wasn’t just Jin-seo’s mother. One by one, followers around her began to exclaim ecstatically, their faces filled with rapture.
Was it just enthusiastic prayer? Something felt off. Their eyes were unfocused. Some were trembling uncontrollably, as if they had taken drugs, unable to control their bodies.
It didn’t seem like a normal reaction. Then, a thought flashed through Ha-yeon’s mind.
‘Could it be the holy water we just drank?’
“Ah, the light…”
Jin-seo, sitting next to her, also looked up at the ceiling and spoke.
“I… I can see the light… A bright, clear light…”
While the other followers seemed to be experiencing a familiar ecstasy, Jin-seo was bewildered by the unfamiliar feeling of euphoria.
“In the light… a large man… is watching over us. I’m so scared… but also so relieved… A-ahehe…”
“Jin-seo, snap out of it! You’re hallucinating!”
“Can’t… can’t you see him, unnie?”
Jin-seo glanced at Ha-yeon, then looked back at the ceiling, seemingly uninterested in Ha-yeon’s reaction. Ha-yeon followed her gaze, but all she saw was the stone ceiling.
“What… what is this…?”
“Sister? Is something wrong?”
One of the priests who had distributed the holy water approached Ha-yeon.
“What? No, I… it’s…”
“Did you not receive the holy water?”
The priest noticed Ha-yeon’s empty glass. So, she had drunk it. The priest thought for a moment, then nodded as if he had figured it out.
“Ah, are you a Returnee, sister? Then the holy water might not affect you as much. Since most of our followers are ordinary people, we adjust the potency of the blessings in the holy water accordingly.”
The priest kindly explained and pulled a small bottle from his pocket.
“I’m a Returnee myself, so I always carry a separate bottle of holy water with stronger blessings for Returnees during services. Here.”
Ha-yeon hesitated as the priest offered her the holy water.
“I’m fine, so please don’t worry about me.”
“Oh, alright…”
But refusing any further would arouse suspicion. To investigate the cult from the inside, she had to avoid unnecessary attention.
-Pour.
The empty glass was filled with holy water. It seemed to have a stronger color than before, like cherry blossom pink, or a light red.
“May Dion’s blessings be with you.”
“Yes, may his blessings be with me.”
The other priests were now watching Ha-yeon. She had no choice but to drink the second glass of holy water.
And then…
-Thump!
“Ugh?!”
A more intense wave of pleasure surged through her spine. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision, and white flashes sparked before her eyes.
-Flash!
And then, Ha-yeon saw it clearly.
A beautiful temple in the clouds. Between the sunlit pillars, a colossal god sat on a throne.
“Ah…”
Lost in the vision, Ha-yeon unconsciously moaned.
It felt good.
Gazing at the brilliant light, she felt like she could forget all her worries, anxieties, and pain. In fact, she was starting to forget who she was and why she was here. The intense euphoria was overwhelming.
Satisfied with her reaction, the priest left.
“Ah, uh…”
-Pinch!
Suddenly, Ha-yeon pinched her thigh, forcing herself back to reality. The strange hallucination vanished.
“Gasp…!”
As the hallucination faded, reality crashed back, and a splitting headache hit her.
But the pleasant euphoria swirling through her body remained. In a daze, like she was heavily intoxicated, Ha-yeon thought,
‘This is it.’
This was why Jin-seo’s parents had suddenly changed. This was why they were so devoted to the Truth Cult. This was how the Truth Cult, a mere new religion, had grown so rapidly in just a few years.
‘It’s definitely the holy water.’
Discovering this on her first day of infiltration was a huge breakthrough.
She would report to Kwon Tae-ho as soon as the service ended. If it was revealed that the Truth Cult was using the holy water to manipulate its followers, it might be possible to launch an official investigation.
Ha-yeon waited for the service to end.
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However,
On their way back, after sharing her plan with Jin-seo, Ha-yeon heard something unexpected.
“W-what do you mean? Don’t report it to Enforcer Kwon?”
Jin-seo looked at Ha-yeon with a pained expression.
Her face was filled with conflict. She was clearly struggling with something.
And then…
“I… I think it’s too soon.”
Jin-seo quietly spoke, her internal struggle seemingly resolved.
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If that’s the maiden’s saliva, then eww, disgusting! Or is it something else? Hmm…
