Escorted by an Archbishop for Safety
For safety's sake, we were to be accompanied by a cleric of archbishop rank or higher. That's what it said on the missionary trip application form. And it seemed that cleric was none other than Han Dae-ho.
It was better than some total stranger, but I couldn't exactly be thrilled. After all, I was in a position where I'd inevitably have to commit some illegal acts at the museum. I glanced at the others' reactions. Ma Yu-hyeon was smiling, but his face held a hint of discomfort. The rest showed no particular response. Except for Kang Dae-man—his reaction was a bit odd. He was glaring at Han Dae-ho with eyes that brimmed with unmistakable hostility.
"That's enough with the greetings. Everyone got their passports? Be careful not to lose them once we're there. It'll be a real hassle if you do."
With that, Han Dae-ho took the lead and started walking. We followed silently without a word. Normally, we'd be cracking jokes by now, but not this time. The line ahead of us going through immigration was full of clerics. They could be Florence seniors, people we'd end up meeting sooner or later, like it or not. Making a racket would do us no favors. I kept my mouth shut too—I had no desire to get nitpicked over nothing.
[It's stuffy in here. When are you planning to let me out?]
Meanwhile, Damballa piped up. She was tucked inside my carry-on suitcase. I had to bring her along in case of emergencies, but stuffing her in the suitcase was the only way to do it. It would've been nice to slip her in my pocket, but unfortunately, she couldn't shrink down that small.
[It's hot. And so dry. I can barely breathe, little one...]
Damballa whined, but I didn't respond. This wasn't the time or place to let her out. No matter how much she fussed, I had no intention of doing it.
[You shouldn't have pulled that useless manifestation stunt in the first place, Damballa.]
Legba landed a sharp jab as we breezed through procedures.
[Oh, Legba. A feeble, pitiful Loa who can't even manifest without his staff.]
[......]
But Damballa fired back, flipping the tables in an instant. Legba fell silent, unable to retort. I could hear him puffing away on cigarette after cigarette. By the time I'd finished eavesdropping on their banter, we'd cleared security.
The trouble started once we boarded the plane.
"Um, excuse me—where's the shoe closet?"
"Pardon?"
Kang Dae-man had gone and taken off his shoes before boarding. He caught the flight attendant's bewildered double-take, realized his mistake late, and flushed crimson. He hurriedly slipped his shoes back on and bowed his head.
"...Ah, crap! Sorry about that!"
Kang Dae-man apologized loudly. The attendant just smiled at him like he was adorable. Face burning, he stomped off to his seat. Watching him was almost embarrassing for me.
Han Su-ryeon giggled as she plopped down next to him.
"Han Su-ryeon! Didn't you say I had to take my shoes off to board?"
"Huh? When did I say that? You must've misheard."
"...I'll pay you back for this humiliation someday."
"Sure, whatever~."
I watched the two bicker quietly. I'd thought Yeo Min-seo was supposed to sit next to me, but here came Seong Ha-yeon instead. She sat without so much as glancing my way, leaned back against the headrest, and shut her eyes.
"Was this originally your seat?"
I spoke to Seong Ha-yeon first. Truth be told, I didn't need to say anything, but I had questions for her—mostly about Seong Yu-da. I couldn't ask directly, so I figured I'd fish for info carefully through small talk.
Seong Ha-yeon opened her eyes.
"...No. I asked to switch seats. Didn't want to sit with that guy."
She jerked her chin curtly toward Ma Yu-hyeon. Because of her switch, Ma Yu-hyeon and Yeo Min-seo were side by side now. They bickered like Kang Dae-man and Han Su-ryeon, though it was usually Ma Yu-hyeon needling Yeo Min-seo until she snapped.
Kim Jin-seo sat alone. She'd reclined her seat fully and was dozing off.
I scanned the other passengers. All clerics—some fingering rosaries in prayer, others sleeping.
"Seong Ha-yeon."
I called her name again. She flicked her eyes toward me without answering. Her face seemed calm at a glance, but her gaze held a subtle wariness. I tilted my head, puzzled. Not that I was genuinely confused—it was all an act.
"Last time, did you—"
"Sorry."
Seong Ha-yeon cut me off sharply.
"I'm... tired. Really tired. I want to sleep. Is it important?"
"...No, nothing important. Go ahead and sleep."
I nodded, and she closed her eyes again. But she wasn't sleeping—just eyes shut. She didn't look tired at all. Probably just an excuse because she didn't want to talk to me. Seong Yu-da must've filled her head with nonsense. I'd half-expected it, but this complicated things. Now that I knew Seong Yu-da had my father's research data, I had to meet him again. With Seong Ha-yeon clamming up, though, she wouldn't be my bridge.
...
Or maybe I didn't need to dwell on Seong Yu-da right now. I shook off the stray thoughts, reclined my seat comfortably, and closed my eyes. I wasn't planning to sleep—just sort through my plans with my eyes shut.
I had to retrieve the Retrograde Staff on this missionary trip. No telling when another chance would come if I failed now, so I had to treat this as my one shot. I imagined every possible scenario and countermeasures. I didn't fool myself into thinking I could pull it off flawlessly. Better to focus on minimizing mistakes.
Then, as the plane took off, Legba said something. But the roar drowned him out. Amid the engine's whine as we lifted off, I heard Kang Dae-man's awed gasp. Han Su-ryeon's laughter. Ma Yu-hyeon teasing Yeo Min-seo. All faint echoes.
When the noise died down, I peered out the window. The clouds I'd always gazed up at were now below us.
*
By the time we'd landed and cleared customs, it was early evening local time. We'd taken off at lunch and flown ten hours straight, yet night hadn't fallen—thanks to the time difference. We grabbed our bags and followed Han Dae-ho out of the airport.
"Ah..."
Kang Dae-man was the first to gasp in awe. I held mine back, but inwardly, I marveled at the sight. Towering skyscrapers spewed dazzling lights as if defying the setting sun. Purple, orange, green—colors filled the cityscape with a dreamlike haze. In the barren desert's heart, this glowing metropolis was an oasis. Or a mirage.
Cars jammed the roads, horns blaring nonstop. The pedestrians had unfamiliar faces, strange clothes. Everything felt foreign. Here, we were all outsiders.
"Save the gawking. We need to head to the hotel first. Time's tighter than expected."
Han Dae-ho snapped us out of it. We came to our senses and trailed after him. He led us to a van parked nearby—barely big enough for ten.
"We'll use this bus for all travel over the next three days. If you get lost or... Eh, better to unpack at the hotel first and talk there."
He loaded the luggage, we piled in, and off we went. No one spoke during the drive. The spell of the alien cityscape lingered. At least, that's why I stayed quiet.
[A city that hides all its filth behind flashy lights.]
[Ahh, I want to see it too, little one. When can I come out?]
Legba and Damballa chimed in one after another. I ignored them, drinking in the passing scenery intently. The terrain was mostly flat, the city gleaming modern and sleek at first glance. But look closer, and you'd spot dingy alleys left to rot for ages. Security didn't seem great. Less to worry about than Korea, though—no CCTV or dashcams everywhere.
[Bad security, and you're relieved? What a proper criminal you are!]
I nearly cursed aloud but clamped my mouth shut. Baron Samedi—who hadn't shown his face or voice in days—piped up out of nowhere with mockery as his opener.
I barely held back. He knew it and got even more excited.
[Well, to Voodooists, just breathing is a crime. What a cruel world!]
[Baron Samedi, if you're just here to spout nonsense, why bother showing up?]
Legba scolded him, and Baron Samedi cleared his throat.
[As always, just here for a bit of advice. Ah, the Retrograde Staff is right around the corner. I can already smell its bitter, ugly stench of 'retrogression.']
...
[Don't listen to my advice. Do that, and it'll be in your hands before you know it.]
Baron Samedi said casually. I couldn't help but be baffled. His advice was riddled with contradictions. Listen to it, and you shouldn't; ignore it, and you were listening anyway.
He cackled and continued.
['Retrogression' hates those who follow fate. So wouldn't contradictory advice be the right call? For example—]
[Baron Samedi, you filthy, stinking Loa! Get lost!]
Damballa cut him off. She utterly despised Baron Samedi. He was a chain-smoker, boozer, dressed head to toe in dark clothes—everything she hated. She loved white outfits and loathed tobacco and booze smells.
[Was that Damballa just now? Long time no see, but where are you?]
[Don't breathe your foul mouth-stink on me—scram!]
[Ah, in the suitcase! Haha, dry up and wither in there. I'll guide you on the way!]
As Baron Samedi and Damballa traded childish barbs, the van pulled up to the hotel. Our lodging was a high-rise right in the city center. Reviews mentioned great night views from the terrace garden.
"Unpack, rest up a bit, then... come down to the basement hall in thirty minutes. Got something to brief you on. Important stuff—don't be late."
We headed up per Han Dae-ho's orders. Men's rooms on the 11th floor, women's on the 12th. Separate elevators for odd and even floors meant guys and girls split naturally.
Ma Yu-hyeon clucked his tongue in the elevator.
"Of all things, different floors. This is inconvenient..."
What was so inconvenient? No idea.
Our assigned room was bigger than expected—spacious enough for three, with three bedrooms to boot. One per person. But sparsely furnished, it felt echoingly empty.
I wheeled my suitcase into one bedroom, locked the door, and cautiously unzipped it.
[Ah, light after so long. I thought I'd suffocate for real, little one.]
I pulled Damballa out. She shook her head happily, savoring the fresh air. I watched her a moment, then spoke.
"I'll use this bedroom, so hide somewhere in here."
[Hiding again?]
"Yeah. Better than the suitcase, at least. Under the bed, in that drawer..."
[How long?]
"Till we head out."
[Good, little one. Glad I don't have to hide forever.]
Shhh! Damballa slithered under the bed and vanished. Only then did I unlock the door and step into the living room. Ma Yu-hyeon and Kang Dae-man were unpacking there.
That's when Ma Yu-hyeon pulled a black bag from his suitcase and shoved the whole thing into the fridge. Couldn't see exactly what was inside, but it looked heavy.
"What's that?"
I couldn't hold back my curiosity.
Ma Yu-hyeon froze like a perp caught red-handed, flashing an awkward smile.
"Uh, just... drinks or something."
"Why bring drinks?"
"...Damn it, just drop it. You'll drink some anyway."
He yanked the bag out of the fridge.
"Was gonna surprise you... What a shame."
I leaned in to check the contents. And stared in shock.
"You... lost your mind?"
It was booze. A massive amount.
(To be continued in the next chapter)