Mistaking the Devil-Tearing Game

Social Cult.

Outwardly known as a sinister cult, but in reality, far more dangerous.

They worship Outer Gods—primordial entities among them.

Alpha-class anomaly.

SIN-001 <Serpent God>.

An existence from beyond that can't be perceived or comprehended.

Only the five members of the Management Bureau Council have a vague grasp of SIN-001's traits.

"The very fortunate part is that the <Serpent God> has no need or ability to descend to our world."

"But it sent its offspring."

The Serpent's progeny.

Beings called Outer Gods, Apostles, or emissaries.

Typically, one per world, it's presumed.

But perhaps because our civilization is more advanced than others—humanity received two Apostles.

SIN-002.

SIN-003.

The root of countless anomalies erupting across Earth.

Not awe-inspired "outer gods," but literal ones.

"...SIN-002 is securely contained. The problem is SIN-003."

"Circumstantially, the cult's leader is SIN-003. It's likely behind the surge in possessions worldwide."

For several years now, possessions have exploded across books, movies, games—any medium.

The public dismissed them as urban legends, unfortunately incorrectly.

"Possessions, huh. All real other worlds."

Among possession cases was the infamous <Backrooms>.

The Council Chairwoman summarizes the situation.

"As you know, the cult possesses technology surpassing the Management Bureau. So, in the current circumstances, the top priority is the safety of our reality adjusters."

Especially SIN-998.

Reality adjustment or Common Sense Alteration usually triggers various physical phenomena, but the <Director> shows none. Perfect stealth.

Thus, undetectable by the cult.

In other words, the Bureau has acquired a strategic weapon. A Joker card to flip the board.

So, deepen ties with the <Director>.

"Has the cellphone ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠been returned to SIN-998? ...Good. Grant requests as feasible, and report everything one by one."

Of course, Lee Shin has no clue what he means to the Bureau. He doesn't even believe it exists.

This is all just a mega-fun immersive attraction!

Site-277, Chief Researcher's office.

Yoo Seohah took several deep breaths ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠to ease her tension. Tatiana patted her shoulder a few times.

"No need to tremble like that. ...Anyway, Assistant Researcher Yoo Seohah. The anomaly data you're about to see is normally beyond our security clearance. You know that, right?"

"You're making me more nervous, Chief...!!"

Yoo Seohah swallowed dryly.

'Accessing Alpha-class without clearance gets you dragged off by the Special Task Force!'

But why view it anyway?

Orders from above.

- Never inform SIN-998 <Director> that his older brother was possessed. Unpredictable behavior possible.

Lee Shin's older brother being possessed is top secret.

Thus, handling researchers gained limited access.

"Ready? Log in."

"Y-yes, yes!!"

A brutal warning flashed before Yoo Seohah's eyes.

Gulp.

Yoo Seohah's mouth went dry.

'God-like entity? Sent by who? No, how much is the Bureau hiding?'

But a bigger worry loomed. Lee Shin's older brother never coming back.

Tatiana offered subtle comfort.

"You know 998's older brother?"

"...Yes. Karus oppa. He was straightforward and kind."

"...My condolences. If possessed, return chance is extremely low."

How the hell did it happen? Sent a long rant?

Yoo ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Seohah checked the possession log.

Speechless.

'Idiot...?'

Yoo Seohah pushed away the mean thought.

"...5700MB is how many words?"

"...Brothers really alike."

Regrettable, but done. Yoo Seohah's task clear.

"I'll keep it secret. Karus oppa's in America setting!"

"Good. And returning 998's phone is set. He'll try contacting brother, so distract with someone else."

"How? Shin oppa looks scary, probably no friends..."

Anticipating that, higher-ups pre-assigned greetings.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked.

Door opened; tall man bowed politely.

"Excuse me. Chief Researcher Karstein? From Site 50 Phenomenology Department. Heard the situation."

Shorter than Lee Shin, but over 180cm. Neatly swept hair, refined face.

"Huh?"

Yoo Seohah knew him.

"Eunseong oppa?"

"Long time no see."

Ju Eunseong, 22.

Senior Researcher, Site 50 Phenomenology.

Lee Shin's middle school classmate and only friend.

Ju Eunseong cut straight.

"Seoya. Things going well with Shin?"

"Wha!? Uh, um... not yet..."

"Want me to confess for you?"

"Y-you crazy!?"

His sly antics made Tatiana's eyebrow twitch.

Recalling Yoo Seohah and Lee Shin together irked her, but set aside.

'Senior Ju Eunseong.'

Not a likable personality.

Reminded her of someone unreachable.

'...Father.'

Exactly that cheeky vibe.

Tatiana shook it off, extended hand.

"Senior Ju. Thanks for cooperating."

"Yes, Chief Karstein. ...German?"

"Something like that. Not important."

Brief greetings done, Ju Eunseong displayed DM on screen for both.

"Got it. Keep SIN-998 distracted, right?"

"Correct. Can you?"

"Of course."

Ju Eunseong smirked.

"Using raw expressions, so bear with it."

"Fine. As you like."

Tatiana had no inkling what was coming.

"Th-this crazy!?"

Yoo Seohah shrieked in horror. So flustered, tears welled on flushed cheeks.

Tatiana patted her shoulder, unable to watch. His ongoing slyness boiled her blood.

Why tease a girl like that? If confessing, let her do it later herself.

And if someone else likes Lee Shin? Force them to watch these two date without a chance—

"...Hmm."

Tatiana brushed off her unwitting thought.

Sat back, glared at Ju Eunseong displeased.

'Senior Ju. Really not to my taste.'

Me, Lee Shin.

Lately, world's small.

Daily transfusion to Lael, played hard with kids till tuckered out.

Now, balls quivering thinking of meeting bro-friend after ages.

'Thump-thump— thump-thump— thump!'

Magnum. Calm down.

Lounging leisurely on bed, door rudely flung open.

Parasite dove bastard struts into my sweet cell casually.

"Hey asshole. Lying down when I arrived?"

"Yeah, orphan arrived."

"Dad joke right away?"

"Our parents gone too. Both orphans."

"This the orphanage director?"

"Why. Want Sunlight Class?"

Nonstop roast exchange, grins creeping up.

As expected...

Ugly bastards cheer you up just by sight!!

"Part-time? Shoulda said!"

"If guest, shoulda said!"

Smack-smack-smack—

Ju Eunseong and I barbarically kicked each other's backs.

Marine greeting!

Dozens minutes sharing reunion joy candidly.

Good no dick-sword fight like fags.

Sitting on floor playing BOOM together, curiosity hit.

"Eunbunga. Your researcher setting?"

"Setting? ...Ah, yeah. Setting."

Ju Eunseong grinned gritted, holding laugh.

Cleared throat, spoke seriously.

"I'm Senior Researcher in Phenomenology."

"That setting? What do?"

"Anomalies aren't just corporeal, regional—phenomenal too. Like possessions..."

Next line obvious, but hooked this weird shit fan.

"Lately researching <Backrooms>."