32
Chapter 32
When we returned to the truck convoy, the Escort Captain was already prepared to depart.
He watched the three of us, the Supreme Mages, move from the armored vehicle to the truck, his lips twitching slightly before he closed them.
"Let's head back quickly."
Everyone seemed to have intuitively realized the situation without needing to be told.
It had been an incredibly demanding and exhausting mission. Even a seasoned Special Forces unit would struggle to search an entire building in just thirty minutes.
The three of us Supreme Mages quietly climbed into the back of the military truck and caught our breath for a while. The damp air of the Seoul outskirts felt like it was clinging to the membranes of my nostrils.
Disliking that sensation, I put my gas mask back on.
Just then, a monk and a middle-aged woman with curly hair climbed up as well. The Escort Captain gave us a brief explanation to satisfy our curiosity before boarding.
"These individuals were identified on-site as being able to use Localized Invasive Structural Alteration."
As the soldiers boarded the armored vehicles, the truck convoy quickly began to leave Seoul.
The wheels rolled with the roar of engines, and the distinct wasp-like buzz of drones escorted the convoy. Yet, I couldn't relax immediately. The cruelty of the monsters we encountered at the abandoned hospital still lingered in my mind.
At that moment, a mantra from the monk in his robes echoed through the air.
"Om Mani Padme Hum—."
It was exactly as I had felt at Suwon Station. Memories I wanted to forget naturally subsided.
The heavy fatigue that had been weighing down my shoulders vanished, replaced by a cold, clear sense of reason. It felt as if my foggy, clouded mind was being washed clean by the fresh scent of pine needles.
Only then did I look back at the monk.
Lee Se-jun and Shin Na-in were also staring at him; Se-jun's gaze was grateful, while Na-in's was twisted in a deep scowl.
"This wicked evil monk dares to steal the trial that the Lord God has bestowed upon me!"
"Na-in, please... Thank you, Monk."
Thanks to Lee Se-jun's hasty intervention, a scene was avoided.
Fortunately, the monk seemed to have a very benevolent personality, responding with a gentle laugh.
"Not at all, not at all. I simply felt that you young people were carrying too heavy a burden and decided to meddle. Of course, if one can endure it alone, that in itself becomes a form of training."
The elderly monk, with a few strands of white in his eyebrows, gave us a kind smile as he introduced himself.
"My dharma name is Won-haeng. It means to establish a great vow and put it into practice. If I may guess, are you the ones from Aphorism who travel with Cheong-hwi of the Jingak Order?"
"Aphorism?"
I was the first to react to the unfamiliar name.
I didn't know much about the Jingak Order, but since he knew Monk Cheong-hwi's name, he clearly knew about us. I had no idea where this word "Aphorism" had come from.
Lee Se-jun, however, seemed indifferent to the strange name. Without a hint of hesitation, he looked at Shin Na-in and me, then sighed.
"You seem to be a high-ranking monk; do you know us?"
"High-ranking? Haha... I am merely an old monk who has yet to achieve enlightenment despite my age and wanders until the soles of my shoes wear out. I was simply curious about what Cheong-hwi... that child might have said about Aphorism. Having a small connection with him, I find myself naturally concerned. Please be generous and overlook my curiosity, as my own training is lacking."
"Please, there's no need to apologize. How could you say such a thing?"
Lee Se-jun's tone was noticeably softer, seemingly impressed by the old monk's eloquence and demeanor.
Of course, Shin Na-in still had his arms crossed, wearing his gas mask. He looked so stubborn that he seemed ready to take offense regardless of what was said, making me silently click my tongue.
Still, it was nice to have someone to talk to while leaving Seoul.
The only other people on the truck were the monk and the curly-haired woman, but she had practically fallen asleep, perhaps due to extreme tension. Monk Won-haeng asked what kind of magic we had each learned and expressed great curiosity about the role Monk Cheong-hwi was playing.
Based on his words, although he called it a "small connection," I suspected Monk Won-haeng and Monk Cheong-hwi might have a master-disciple relationship.
Or at the very least, they were fellow disciples.
However, when I shared what I had been told, Monk Won-haeng frowned, his white eyebrows twitching as he let out a low groan.
"Striving for a complete Korean translation of the Sanskrit sutras and various Buddhist scriptures... is that what the military told you?"
"Yes, that's what they said."
"..."
"Monk? Is something wrong?"
Lee Se-jun was the most bewildered by Monk Won-haeng's sudden silence.
When Lee Se-jun turned his head, he saw Shin Na-in, who had removed his mask but was quietly humming a hymn through his earphones. Ultimately, Lee Se-jun met my eyes, both of us still wearing our gas masks, his face looking grim.
I don't know either, man.
Just as the two of us were shrugging in confusion, Monk Won-haeng slowly began to speak.
"Cheong-hwi was originally a child of the Seon Order. He was one who valued Zen meditation and ascetic practice. However, he became deeply immersed in the practice systems of the Shingon Order and Esoteric Buddhism, eventually transferring his affiliation to the Jingak Order. They are those who emphasize the Six-Syllable Mantra, the attainment of Buddhahood in this lifetime, and the purification of the present world. Of course, as long as one doesn't abandon the will to become a Buddha and pursues great compassion to save all sentient beings, it doesn't matter which path they follow..."
"Is there a reason you're telling us this?"
When Lee Se-jun asked, Monk Won-haeng finally got to the point.
"The complete Korean translation of the Sanskrit sutras and Buddhist scriptures has already been largely finished, and the interpretation has long been left to each individual practitioner. Anyone interested can easily access these materials through internet searches or libraries."
"But we heard from the military that Monk Cheong-hwi is working hard on translating the scriptures."
"He probably is. However, since he was so captivated by the practice systems and mantras of Esoteric Buddhism, I only hope he hasn't gone astray."
With that, Monk Won-haeng quietly pressed his palms together and began to pray.
Lee Se-jun and I felt the irony of meeting an acquaintance of Monk Cheong-hwi in a place like this. It was clear that Monk Won-haeng had come here specifically to meet us and learn about Monk Cheong-hwi.
Did the military provide the information?
Or did Monk Won-haeng request the information in exchange for volunteering as a Civilian Operator?
Either way, it was clear that the situation on the Front Line was dire—enough that they were running mages through a dual system under the titles of Civilian Operator and Specialist Soldier.
Around then, Lee Se-jun shifted closer to me and whispered.
"What should we do, Jemin?"
"What do you mean, 'what should we do'?"
It was obvious that Monk Won-haeng and Monk Cheong-hwi shared a significant relationship.
And generally, those who meddle in other people's emotions or relationships without knowing their place don't end up well.
"Act like we don't know. Let's just keep it to ourselves. Sejun, you know we Supreme Mages are busy enough just looking after ourselves, right?"
Instead, I decided not to forget it.
Monk Cheong-hwi.
Presumed to be a disciple or fellow disciple of Monk Won-haeng. Shows interest in the practice systems and mantras of Esoteric Buddhism even within Buddhism. Considered to have a very strong mystical inclination.
Chewing over this information, I understood why he seemed strangely interested in mysticism when he was chatting with the pastor back on the 22nd.
At the same time, I received a strange hint.
The military, specifically First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi, had introduced Monk Cheong-hwi as a monk who worked hard on translating various Sanskrit sutras and promoting temple food.
But according to Monk Won-haeng, the complete Korean translations of the scriptures were already mostly finished.
A sudden theory flashed through my mind.
What if what Monk Cheong-hwi was translating wasn't actually Buddhist scriptures or words left by Shakyamuni Buddha, but something else?
The movements of the Korean government and military, showing an oddly systematic and organized structure, were also suspicious. I wondered if our country had always been this competent.
But what if there was another reason?
What if things like the Necronomicon from the Cthulhu Mythos, the Mysteries of the Insects, or some kind of grimoire newly discovered by humanity actually existed, and they were in the process of translating it into a human language...
"Bullshit."
"What?"
"No. I'm saying I'm talking bullshit."
"Honestly, Jemin. You're acting strange all of a sudden."
Slap!
I smacked Lee Se-jun on the back and threw away those stray thoughts. We were still in Seoul. Although the fog was gradually thinning, revealing the front line where trenches, tanks, and armed soldiers were waiting, I couldn't let my guard down.
Finally, I looked north, toward the massive cloud of fog hundreds of meters thick.
Koreans who once dreamed of moving to Seoul now dreamed of escaping it.
Only a few madmen were left clinging to the dream of moving to the capital like a straw. I suppose that's why my thoughts kept drifting toward weird things.
A grimoire... how ridiculous. Realizing my own foolishness, I couldn't help but chuckle.
Grimoires are nothing more than the products of a fantasy that cannot exist. Because they are debunked by a single logic.
If a grimoire really existed...
It should have naturally found its way to me, Baek Jemin, who was born with the qualities of an Archmage!
***
March 1, 2028, 9:31 AM.
Our Supreme Mages, who provided great help in identifying Unidentified Species as well as escorting magic aptitude holders in Seoul, were able to receive a significant amount of Military Notes.
40 for mission completion, 30 for successfully identifying the Unidentified Species tentatively named Teratoma.
A total of 70 Military Notes were awarded.
But more than anything, it was the status of us Supreme Mages that had changed.
Do they say that people feel the most thrill when they experience a rise in status and power?
Though it's the talk of mundane crowds, even I, who am steadily walking the path of an Archmage, had to admit it.
Let me introduce my new hobby.
Heading toward the dining hall, I handed one Military Note to the Mess Officer, tightened the poncho I had intentionally not taken off, and spoke confidently.
"Let's go. Se-jun, Na-in. It's time for us Supreme Mages to make our entrance."
"Amen, amen. Let us once again inform those lacking in faith that the army of the Lord Jesus Christ has returned in triumph."
"Seriously, fuck, this is so embarrassing..."
Like a commoner, Lee Se-jun, who couldn't let go of his ordinary way of thinking, struggled to hide his bright red face, but it was useless.
Even though his abilities were the lowest among the three of us, Lee Se-jun was still strictly a member of the Supreme Mages.
There's an old saying that a needle in a pouch will eventually poke through. No matter how much one tries to hide, it's bound to show, so instead of hiding, one should just proudly show it off.
Following that logic, I swung the dining hall doors open with a loud bang!
It was the appearance of the Supreme Mages, wearing ponchos instead of the traditional robes of mages. As I stepped forward majestically, everyone in the dining hall looked this way and swallowed hard.
It was worth timing our entry for when the soldiers, officers, administrative staff, and various civilians were busy eating.
Silence fell instantly, and a soundless outcry filled the dining hall. In the silence where even the sound of spoons hitting trays stopped, I brought my hand to my ear and whispered to Shin Na-in.
"Shin Na-in. Tell me what people are thinking about us."
"Everyone is astonished and shocked. They are surprised that you returned without injury after engaging two types of Unidentified Species, and they are busy marveling at the achievement of searching the abandoned hospital in Seoul, overcoming mental attacks, and recovering the log left by the survivor group."
"Mmm~. That's exactly it."
This was the brilliant use for that useless piece of crap, Shin Na-in.
There was no talent as useful as this guy, who acted as a sort of community megaphone, letting me hear the whispered praise, admiration, and awe, or the inner thoughts of the people.
Lee Se-jun even pulled up his poncho hood to create a mysterious atmosphere. It looked like he intended to solidify his mysterious image by tightening the strings to hide his face.
"Please stop acting out and let's just eat..."
"Our Se-jun is hungry, so it can't be helped. Let's go, you blockhead."
"Both Jemin and Se-jun are heretical, but one cannot always expect the best. I will overlook it since you are both sufficient Holy Warriors of the Lord, even if your repentance is still lacking."
Our Supreme Mages were incredibly humble, even toward the dining hall lady.
"Ma'am, please give me lots of cabbage."
"Sure, sure. Just make sure you keep our boys alive."
I felt a warm sense of comfort from the generous pile of cabbage seasoned with soybean paste. Is this not the true heart of Koreans?
Shin Na-in also wore a rare, friendly smile and made eye contact with the lady.
"Ma'am, have you ever thought about coming to church?"
"Oh, I go to a temple, so I'm fine."
"I cannot let a good person like you burn in the fires of hell. I'll keep inviting you every day when I get my meals."
"What's with this kid?"
Once we took our trays and found seats, the buzzing voices of the people finally returned. This time, they were loud enough to reach my ears without borrowing Shin Na-in's.
It was worth perking up my ears and focusing intensely while setting down my utensils.
"Are those people 'Aphorism'? Are they crazy? And what the hell is with the ponchos?"
"They might look like that, but I heard their skills are the real deal. There wasn't a single casualty during the recapture of the Suwon Station underground platform. Against those monsters. You know Major Kang Min-su, right? The Suwon Station commander who's very by-the-book. I heard he's already requested them as the first people to call when he needs mages."
"Wow... so they're just highly skilled psychos."
The soldiers were busy praising our achievements in dealing with the Predatory Spine and Amalgams, and finally, the Priest and Bosal Geulmun at the Suwon Station underground platform.
I especially liked the detailed part.
If they had simply said the recapture was a success, it would have diminished how great the achievement of the Supreme Mages was, but I liked that they mentioned the unprecedented record of zero casualties.
But that wasn't all.
I nudged Shin Na-in in the ribs with my elbow to hear what the officers and administrative staff were saying.
Shin Na-in seemed to act coy for a moment as if he couldn't be bothered, but soon he gave a proud smile and relayed the conversations. The stories the officers were cautiously discussing in that far corner were as follows.
"About that variant found in the Suwon Station underground. It's been determined to be one of the existing Unidentified Species. Command plans to call it a Neural Parasitic Amalgam or Blood-Shatter Delta."
"So it's being classified as an identified species?"
"No. It's presumed to absorb some of the memories and knowledge of the humans it predates. The policy is to delay the identified species classification for a long time because it would be dangerous if it became known. Don't tell the soldiers; instead, when entering indoors, spray blood agents or use grenades to blow the ceiling."
"Easier said than done... Do they think that's the only thing we have to watch out for... What, those three civilian operators fought it and survived? Against a monster like that?"
"That's why they're shoving everyone into the fog. Just to increase the number of operators or specialist soldiers by even one more."
Mmm, these sounds are enough to make me feel full.
It may seem like they're just discussing operational policies, but beneath the surface, there were subtle notes of praise for how incredible we Supreme Mages are. Usually, blatant praise is easily mistaken for mockery.
True praise is meant to seep out subtly, just like this.
The more I savor it, the more the juice of sincerity flows; it's a true delicacy.
Lee Se-jun glared at me as if I were being absolutely pathetic, though.
"Jemin, aren't you going to use your utensils?"
"I'm eating the side dishes right now."
Lee Se-jun's face twisted in sheer contempt.
Regardless, there was more important business, so my side-dish feast had to end. Shin Na-in, Lee Se-jun, and I quickly finished our meals and cleared our trays.
I was even being considerate by finishing quickly, so the mundane crowds wouldn't be too overwhelmed by the radiance of the Supreme Mages.
Besides, I was planning the most important attempt of the day.
As the three of us Supreme Mages strode confidently through Suwon City Hall in our ponchos, every eye was fixed on us. Some turned away in fear, while several soldiers gave sharp, energetic salutes with loud shouts.
"Loyalty!"
"We aren't soldiers."
"I know!"
We headed toward the temporary chapel where the Supreme Mages were meant to gather.
Pastor Park Yo-han and Monk Cheong-hwi were already there, having arranged the desks and chairs. Of course, Pastor Park Yo-han's face was heavily scowled.
"Can't you guys just take off those smelly ponchos?"
I was the first to protest.
"Pastor, I've thought about what Aphorism needs most."
"What is it? Or rather, do you even know what the word Aphorism means?"
"Symbolism. We lacked a unique symbol of our own."
Just look at the Taegeuk Cloak Squad.
Everyone avoids mentioning them because they were wiped out, and First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi sighs deeply whenever he hears the name, but they certainly had an impact.
In Suwon City Hall, where the number of civilian operators is quietly growing, they're probably the second most famous organization after the Supreme Mages.
The reason was those Taegeukgi cloaks.
"So fuck, you're saying the symbol of our noble Aphorism will be those disgusting ponchos? Are you insane!"
Pastor Park Yo-han's struggle against the current trend was already futile.
Because over the last two days, the three Alteration-type Supreme Mages had etched their existence into the dining hall. Supreme Mages? The elite civilian operators who always wear ponchos.
That perception must have been driven in like a nail.
Only Monk Cheong-hwi understood our decision.
"A heart for others and action are more important than the virtue of humility. If the donors' words and actions help sentient beings, what is the problem?"
Regardless, the petty bickering led to a more serious topic.
Or rather, it would have, but it started when Hamza arrived late, panting as he took the last remaining seat.
"Hah, hah... I'm also Aphorism..."
This guy, he has zero presence and he's late?
The moment I shot him a cold look, Hamza glanced my way and quickly changed his words.
"I'm a Supreme Mage too."
"Hm."
I gave Hamza a warm smile.
Regardless of what anyone said, Hamza was a member of the Supreme Mages. With his wonderful Angel's Intuition magic, there was no one more helpful in a moment of crisis.
We had even shared precious pieces of Richam and Spam, after all.
However, the Pastor looked bewildered as he looked back and forth between Hamza and me, making me wonder if something had happened.
"Pastor, did you realize something?"
"Forget it, you brat."
Pastor Park Yo-han grumbled, fidgeting with the arm of his glasses.
Around then, Monk Cheong-hwi closed the door of the temporary chapel, checked if the bubble wrap for soundproofing was properly in place, and returned to his seat. Only then did the Pastor clear his throat and get to the point.
"So. I sent the log you three found to Pyeongtaek, and the results are back. They requested that only our civilian operators know."
"Did they say not to tell the Colonel either?"
"Yeah. They said the Colonel would be contacted separately by Command, so we should keep it among ourselves for now."
It was then that the Pastor and the monk's gazes turned toward me.
"Baek Jemin. You really held back and didn't use the tongue magic, right?"
"Yes."
Acceptance and Change.
The exploration of tongue magic, which offered various possibilities and worst-case scenarios, was currently on hold. It was decided to postpone it until the research on the Alteration-type magic system, based on the newly discovered log, progressed.
And today.
A small hint of that hypothesis leaked out through the mouth of the Pastor, who had returned from Pyeongtaek.
"First, the concept of Five Aggregates that the monk mentioned. The five elements that make up a human... The yankee mages in Pyeongtaek guess that the five lines of the Alteration-type magic system are likely a secret system that defines humanity."
"There's so much missing?"
"Magic is fundamentally about symbols. If you drew everything, it would be a still life painting, not a symbol or a letter."
The theories put forward by the mystics at the ROK-US Combined Forces Command in Pyeongtaek were as follows.
The Eye represents human perception and a human-centric worldview, the distortion represented by humanism and its based anthropomorphism.
The Ear relates to the Musica Universalis, a concept since Pythagoras. It's a metaphysical idea that the movement of celestial bodies can be expressed or heard as sound; since astronomy is important in mysticism and astrology, this is why fate was mentioned in the log.
The Heart has been a symbol of life since ancient times, and as the core organ for blood circulation, it naturally symbolizes life. In antiquity, it was considered so important that it was believed to be where the soul resided. It can be viewed as symbolizing human life and existence.
The Hand, according to the log, symbolizes intellect and alchemy; the grid pattern, which looks like overlapping left and right hands, is almost identical to the magic square of Mars. In mysticism, Mars is a celestial body with the property of fire and corresponds to struggle, which aligns with the importance of fire in alchemy.
Intellect is one of the greatest characteristics distinguishing humans from other beasts, and since the number 5, the human number in numerology, is emphasized, it is believed to symbolize intellect.
The Tongue is presumed to symbolize human adaptability through acceptance and change. However, since acceptance and change are most likely to harm human nature and essence, they are the most dangerous; if misread or misused, there is a high possibility of a reversal leading to wrong results.
The side effects mentioned in the log seem to refer to a magical reversal, and it is advised not to attempt it hastily.
"Therefore, we will proceed with the research of the tongue line magic while all of Aphorism is gathered. That's why I called that Islam guy."
The Pastor spoke, gesturing toward Hamza with his chin.
"Hamza, you bastard, keep your head straight. If it feels wrong, scream and stop him. Use that Angel's Intuition magic to keep Baek Jemin from going insane. Got it?"
"Yes. Aphorism... uh, Supreme Mage... I'll make sure it's not dangerous!"
"Na-in and Se-jun, get ready to use force if Baek Jemin loses his mind. If it looks like a monster is about to be born in this room, stop it, even if you have to shoot him dead."
"Yes, Pastor."
"Whew, whew... Jemin, don't resent me if I have to hit you really hard."
"Monk, please chant a mantra. Help Jemin stay grounded."
"Of course."
The positioning began. The desk was cleared, chairs were stacked, and I stood alone inside a circle drawn with salt.
The Pastor carefully checked to ensure the salt hadn't been disturbed.
"The salt is spread well~. Good."
And then, all sorts of items were brought out.
Crosses, prayer beads, holy water, salt...
I took them, wrapped them around my arms, and dampened my head with the salt and holy water.
Candles filled the area around the circle, and a mixture of mysterious prayers and mantras echoed through the room. Only the candlelight illuminated us, replacing the fluorescent lights.
"They say a purification ritual must be done properly, but with a joint effort from Christianity and Buddhism, no ghosts should be able to latch on. This should protect us while using this sinister incantation. We have to believe that."
The Pastor stepped back with those words.
Now I stood tall, under the gaze of everyone else.
"Begin."
Under the Pastor's firm gaze, I slowly stuck out my tongue.
Bleeeh—.
Was it the scent of the candles? That peculiar aroma began to feel like a taste. I felt my tongue savoring the air as I began to move it slowly.
Alteration-type Tongue Line Stage 1.
In that moment, my intuition recalled the clue left by Father Jeong Yong-hwan.
[These magic runes likely have phonetic symbols and tones...]
A true language that cannot be dared to be captured in human speech.
If the gurgling groans left by the priest monster were magical incantations that only gods or monsters could speak, then only the purest human language, just before it was contaminated, could capture those incantations.
But I was a dimwit who struggled with even one language.
Therefore, I had to cough up the word in its purest sense. The Stage 1 tongue magic was not an independent spell. Stage 1 is a process of reflecting magical language into human language, a retrospection through a human lens, and something closer to [Degradation].
Of course, without the clue from Father Jeong Yong-hwan, I might have ended up eating the corpses of those monsters.
But with the clue, I could link this to language, giving me the confidence that I was using the Stage 1 tongue magic correctly.
Now, the important part was what to test it with...
As I pondered which magic to use, Alteration-type Eye Line Stage 1 came to mind.
A spell that forces a human, who can only see three, to see four or more.
To complete that first stage, I spoke what I wanted to see with my eyes.
-Time.
At that moment, my tongue flared up.
It began to burn as if branded by a hot iron. The taste buds split, spilling dark red blood as hot as lava, which gathered at the tip of my tongue and began to drop in beads.
The sound of those hot droplets of blood dripping onto the floor reached my ears.
Everyone's gaze turned toward Hamza in shock, but Hamza nodded with a pale face.
"It's fine... it's correct... no, wait!"
In that moment, I saw something strange.
Hamza's lips were closed. Yet, I heard a voice. No... was I just imagining the voice based on the movement of his lips?
When I belatedly reached out to touch my tongue, it was fine. I wasn't bleeding.
No. My hand wasn't even touching my tongue yet.
I saw something else.
I am sitting and smiling at Hamza. I see the Pastor's bewildered face. They are overlapping.
This is...
Everything mixes meaninglessly, appearing before my eyes in turns.
The timeline is meaningless.
I am seeing the past, present, and future all at once. I shouldn't be able to see them, yet I do.
The moment I realized this, the magic broke.
"Bleh—!!!"
I collapsed immediately.
I vomited up all the lunch I had just eaten.
I saw my hands covered in vomit, but I didn't even have the leisure to feel disgusted.
Fuck, fuck...
Clenching my fists, it took a long time to forcibly steady my trembling body before the voices around me finally became audible.
"Jemin! Jemin!"
"Hah, hah..."
"Jemin! Can I hit him once!?"
"No, you bastard..."
I instantly rejected Lee Se-jun's selfish proposal and wiped the gastric juices and vomit from my mouth.
Was it painful? Only for a moment.
Right now, I was insanely excited.
Calling it a thrill wasn't enough. My heart was beating more painfully than if it had stopped.
Not with horror or fear, but with pure ecstasy and joy.
This is 100% of Alteration-type magic.
This is....
"The true power of magic!"
End