33
Chapter 33
Hamza volunteered to clean up the vomit spilled in the center of the makeshift chapel.
"Clean up, clean up~"
Hamza, an honorary Korean wearing a turban, began scrubbing diligently while humming a tune with terrible pitch and rhythm. Meanwhile, I wiped my mouth with wet wipes and talked with the other Supreme Mages.
I desperately wanted to keep this knowledge to myself, but a cold sense of self-awareness told me that agonizing over it alone wouldn't yield much, which prompted me to share.
Now I get why mages in novels try to hide everything. It's not even a big deal; I just don't want to tell. I don't want to share what I know!
However, I, Baek Jemin, overcame these wicked mage instincts with my cultivated goodness and altruism.
Thanks to that, the Supreme Mages, now aware of the Tongue Line magic, could brainstorm together. Pastor Park Yo-han looked the most serious. Crossing his arms and stroking his chin, he began to sigh deeply.
"Degradation... Magic that whittles down a spell—one that can only be chanted in the language of gods or monsters—so it can be spoken in a human tongue?"
"Do you have any idea what this is?"
"No. I just think it's damn heretical. I feel like burning every piece of data I own right now."
It seemed the Pastor wasn't amazed by the mystery of the magic, but focused on something else entirely.
Pastor Park Yo-han took off his glasses, rubbed his eyelids, and let out sigh after sigh. For now, our Alteration-type trio decided to wait for the thoughts of the Pastor and the Monk, who were more educated.
"A vision that sees the past, present, and future all at once. To have degraded that to mere seconds... that's a power no human should be able to handle."
"It serves a role similar to the Buddhist scriptures. One could say it's like the gospels of the Great Brahma faith in Christianity."
"What are you talking about, you bald monk?"
"Neither the Buddha, nor gods, nor prophets ever left their own writings."
Monk Cheong-hwi calmed the group with a relaxed gesture and shared his thoughts.
He explained that degradation could be seen as another way of describing interpretation.
"The Buddha left spoken words during his lifetime, not written ones, and Jesus, the saint of Christianity, did not write the gospels himself. The Buddhist scriptures and the gospels of the Great Brahma passed down today were all written by their disciples."
"Are you questioning the inerrancy of the Bible? You, a bald monk?"
"Since neither the Buddhist scriptures nor the Bible can be fully understood by simply reading them, aren't there various methods of practice and different sects of Christianity based on interpretation?"
Suddenly caught in a theological debate, I couldn't have been more disinterested.
Noticing the mood, the Pastor and the Monk returned to the original topic: their views and conjectures regarding Tongue Line magic. Here, the two agreed.
"It makes sense that the records say Tongue Line magic is the most dangerous. Acceptance and change can yield completely different results depending on the order, and the process of deciding what to accept and how to change it is far too complex and varied. In other words... it's much more dangerous than existing Alteration-type magic. It's hard to find a set answer."
"Perhaps this Alteration-type magic system is a form of cultivation. Since occult arts are inherently meant for training and practice to achieve union with the divine, it would naturally be so if this system was built upon a specific ideological pillar. If Alteration-type magic relied on the caster's intuition and instinct until now, this could be a hint that knowledge and understanding are now required."
However, Monk Cheong-hwi went one step further.
The Monk quietly pressed his palms together, scanned our Alteration-type trio, and then revealed his theory.
"This is still just my deduction... but do you remember what Mr. Baek Jemin mentioned earlier?"
Monk Cheong-hwi began to speak with slow gestures.
Human spiritual energy is either the act of the unique human consciousness and ego concentrating or thinking, or the power to subjugate physical instincts through such acts.
Science often classifies this as reason, but many religions and occult systems that emphasize practice share the idea of overcoming physical instincts to cultivate serenity and will. In this sense, it is only natural that human faith is also classified as this kind of spiritual energy.
"To stand firm, where the individual ego overwhelms environment and innate nature—or to pursue a state of not being swayed by external factors to eventually achieve union with the divine—this is, in a way, the common goal of all religions and occult systems. The Left-hand Path believes that the top and bottom are fundamentally the same, so one can ascend; the Right-hand Path believes they are the same, so one can become one. The basic premise is that if a human can subjugate their own body with will, it is also possible for a stronger will to manipulate the world, which is a stronger material."
Here, the Alteration-type magic system belongs to the typical Left-hand Path.
This is because it tends to pursue the change of the individual caster rather than union with the cosmic order—represented by divine providence—and places less importance on religious precepts or social customs.
Much like the Inner Alchemy of Eastern Taoism, where Taoists sought transcendence through alchemy and internal breathing techniques, the Monk speculated that the Alteration-type magic system likely follows a similar structure.
However, he added that we must be even more cautious because the Alteration-type system is highly anomalous, whereas even Taoism is close to the Right-hand Path (union with nature) and various Western esoteric systems fundamentally seek union with the divine.
He stated that while he couldn't be precise since the philosophical foundation of this occult system remains unknown, this conclusion was reached because the magic is triggered solely by human suffering, without specific rituals or incantations.
"From the perspective of helping the caster's individual cultivation, it seems close to the Right-hand Path, but the fact that it can trigger magic affecting others through only the caster's own suffering is closer to the Left-hand Path. Despite this, the fact that it doesn't rely on external factors like talismans or incantations is deeply worrying. Since Tongue Line magic symbolizes human adaptability, acceptance, and change, and there are constant warnings about its side effects, we must approach it with extreme caution."
The reason for this long-winded explanation was simpler than it seemed.
Noticing the countless gazes falling on me, I glared back defiantly.
"Are you all worried that I'll just use this dangerous, side-effect-ridden magic on my own in secret, since it's something that shouldn't be handled carelessly?"
"..."
"I'm Baek Jemin, after all."
Thump, thump, thump!
I pounded my chest and looked around at the Supreme Mages with a composed expression.
Even Hamza stopped mopping to watch as I confidently reassured them.
"I won't use it in secret."
At that moment, Shin Na-in approached with Lee Se-jun and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Jemin, I hear you. Since you've decided to use it boldly where others can't see, Se-jun and I will keep an eye on you."
"..."
"In the name of Lord Jesus Christ. United under Him, so that no one is left alone. Amen!"
***
March 12, 2028.
About eleven days have passed.
During that time, my Military Notes dropped back down to 14 after adding my emergency funds. This was because I finally bought that AR-15 I'd been eyeing for the price of 50 notes.
First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi at the military gear shop seemed to have become a full-blown merchant, handing over the new firearm with a beaming smile and giving me a series of demonstrations. He showed me everything: how to load it, how to hold it, and even the internal structure and how to disassemble and reassemble it.
"You don't actually need to return the K2 you were issued. Since the ammunition is the same caliber, you can just get the supply and take it. Now all you have to do is customize it to your liking!"
"Attachments are also bought with Military Notes, right?"
"Of course. Even the Special Forces in the national army buy their attachments with their own salaries; do you think they'd supply them to civilians?"
That stingy approach to supplies felt so characteristic of our military that it was almost comforting.
For a moment, I wondered if this was really the military I knew, but I suppose it's heartwarming when at least one thing remains unchanged even after the world ends. I felt much more at ease once I tightened the sling that came as a complimentary extra on my sleek new gun.
However, there was one part that I simply couldn't wrap my head around, though this wasn't the fault of Lieutenant Shin Han-gi or the AR-15.
"I'd like one noise-canceling headset, please."
"Hmph. He's a Heart Line mage; I wonder if he can handle a gun with such strong recoil..."
Shin Na-in and Lee Se-jun wouldn't leave me alone.
Shin Na-in used his notes to buy a headset instead of increasing his firepower, while Lee Se-jun looked around at the weapons, shook his head firmly, and walked away empty-handed.
I found myself absentmindedly asking the empty-handed man, Lee Se-jun.
"What are you saving your notes for? Don't tell me you're saving up 100 to desert?"
If he was talking about loyalty and then dreaming of becoming Suwon's first deserting mage, I was prepared to rip out his heart right here and now.
You're leaving that magic behind!
Fortunately, however, Lee Se-jun was not such a soft and weak man.
"No, Jemin. What on earth do you take me for?"
"Then what are you saving the notes for?"
"Have you ever seen a revolver that can take down a bear in one shot? You know, in YouTube videos and such."
With a slightly excited expression, Lee Se-jun held up his phone and showed me a few photos from his gallery.
I wasn't particularly interested, thinking that any bear would die if you put a bullet in its head, but I was shocked once I saw the photos.
"Is this some kind of blunt weapon, Se-jun?"
"It's called an S&W 500. It's just a damn powerful revolver. It's at a level where an ordinary person—even a trained one—could absolutely never use it. An ordinary person, that is..."
At that moment, Lee Se-jun and I locked eyes for the first time.
When the desire for magic met the desire for firepower, we finally truly understood one another.
I humbly admitted that I had looked down on him too much. At the same time, a surge of friendship made me cheer for his challenge.
"I wish for the infinite growth of Lee Se-jun, the Heart Line mage."
"I'm not used to getting compliments like this from you, Jemin. It's a bit embarrassing."
It was then that the hotheaded mage, Shin Na-in, approached.
Shin Na-in seemed to be pleased with his new headset, as he beamed and tapped on the headset while speaking.
"You heretical seeds, it is time to practice the Alteration-type Holy War Formula bestowed upon us by the Lord."
At some point, this guy started calling the Alteration-type magic system the Alteration-type Holy War Formula, refusing to admit he hadn't mastered Dogma-type Magic.
However, since mentioning it would surely shatter our implicit truce and cause a scene, I chose the practical and rational path of silence.
My silence alone was enough to keep our Alteration-type trio in a state of peace.
We headed to the makeshift chapel now serving as our lab, and it was clear that the past eleven days of training had positively affected each of us.
Instead of rushing into missions, we focused on increasing our understanding of Alteration-type Magic through occult knowledge and mental disciplines.
First came the striking results of Lee Se-jun, the Heart Line mage who had been trailing behind.
He had gone all the way to Pyeongtaek to get a checkup on the advantages of the Heart Line, and since returning, he'd been practically strutting.
Se-jun was too busy flexing his biceps and grinning foolishly.
"Eyes, ears, hands... isn't magic that's actually useful in daily life the real deal?"
"The human catapult has certainly grown up."
"Once I kill all the monsters, I'll be the winner. Just you wait."
The true value of Heart Line magic lay in being subtle yet certain.
It was essentially a passive ability—unlike the dynamic and powerful effects of the Hearing, Eye, or Hand lines, it provided modest but consistent support.
Heart Line Stage 1 provided high-efficiency metabolism. This was why he didn't tire even after sprinting for over thirty seconds; it was a magic that grew even when it seemed to hit a limit.
Heart Line Stage 2 focused on physical reinforcement. He said his muscle density, respiratory capacity, organ efficiency, and aging inhibition had significantly improved. It reminded me of the body refinement process from martial arts novels.
It was a magic with few flashy effects, but its modest results were undeniable.
Given that Se-jun was originally a Staff Sergeant, he already had a decent physical base, but Heart Line magic essentially forced the innate ceilings of those physical specs higher.
After realizing this, Se-jun started hitting the gym to maximize his strength, aiming to carry heavy ordnance and grind monsters into dust with bullets.
Meanwhile, Shin Na-in had strayed a bit from his own specialty.
He had taken a solo mission and somehow awakened Eye Line magic in the midst of the fog. His academic passion, taking him all the way to the first Blockade Line alone, almost made me feel ashamed.
"If Jemin can see ten seconds into the future, I'll look at the past from an hour ago. I must refine it further."
"What's the point of looking at the past? The present and future are what matter to a person."
Shin Na-in had reached Eye Line Stage 1.
It was Past Sight, not Future Sight; Se-jun mocked him while virtually kissing the biceps hidden beneath his combat uniform. If it were me, I would've punched him in the face for being so obnoxious.
However, Shin Na-in simply shook his head with a humble smile and pressed his palms together.
"The sins of heretics can only be washed away through repentance and true faith. Think about it. If one can uncover every sin someone has committed, how easy would it be to bring them to the Lord?"
That's when I remembered that Shin Na-in was a Hearing Line mage.
Hearing Line Stage 1, Mind Reading. Na-in could hear the inner voices of people around him twenty-four hours a day, and upon concentrating, he could filter for specific sounds.
Hearing Line Stage 2 involved identifying monster sounds. Beyond that, he could distinguish monsters even if they mimicked humans by listening to their instinctive inner cries. While not as potent as the Spirit Sight of shaman mages, it might be better for detection since it doesn't draw attention.
Why would a guy like that be so pleased with Past Sight?
Shivering at the thought of Na-in's terrifying capabilities, I couldn't help but recall the most wicked sin I had ever committed. Immediately, Na-in frowned deeply at me.
"Mr. Baek Jemin, to think you pooped in a urinal during elementary school and then played dumb, leaving it for the cleaning staff... you were quite the delinquent. Repent! When the Day of Judgment comes, the Lord will place you on the left!"
"All the stalls were closed! I couldn't just wet the floor! I was being considerate!!!"
I wondered why I found this guy—who probably spends twenty minutes in a stall listening to hymns while controlling his sphincter—so annoying, and it turns out it was because of this terrible childhood memory.
Because of people like him, I had no choice but to soil the urinal, and the innocent cleaning staff had to suffer.
I looked at Lee Se-jun for some sympathy, but he had long since subtly distanced himself from me and Na-in.
Left with no choice, I used Na-in's demands for repentance as background music while reflecting on what I had learned.
Tongue Line Stage 1, Degradation.
According to my theory, the reason mages use different magic is that they cannot utilize 100% of its performance. I believe an individual's aptitude acts like the aperture of an old camera.
My guess is that while magic itself is naturally comprehensive and powerful, mages cannot fully exert this power due to their limited understanding and racial constraints, using only parts based on their innate talent.
And Degradation is the power to manipulate this aperture at will.
My Eye Line Stage 1, which saw ten seconds into the future, transformed into a vision that sees the past, present, and future—all because of a single word about 'time.'
Tongue Line Stage 1 can be seen as a sort of 'zeroing' magic, focusing on how to use this powerful magic more precisely so the caster achieves the exact effect they desire.
This zeroing process tended to become more accurate when words were ordered from broad to specific meanings.
For example, take the word 'time.'
Time. It's a word that often encompasses the past, present, and future. If I say 'time' and then choose 'past,' I can use Past Sight, which I originally couldn't.
Of course, if I just say time—past, it goes all the way back to the boiling magma of four billion years ago. It's like prompting or giving orders to a total idiot of an employee.
You have to order with absolute precision to get the result you want.
Therefore, to use Tongue Line Stage 1 properly, I had to say it like this:
Time, Past, 1 hour, Me.
Then, the sound of gears clicking together echoes in my head, and the scenery before my eyes changes.
Click, click, click...
Much like how an optometrist switches filters to examine an image, the view shifts every time I state a filtering condition. Saying 'time' shows the past, present, and future simultaneously, which induces nausea; that's when I must quickly say 'past.'
And the moment I say 'past,' I can't forget to quickly specify the timeframe before I accidentally travel back through evolutionary history to the Cretaceous or Jurassic periods.
Finally, if I don't mention a specific subject, it shows other timeframes of my current location, and tracking other people isn't easy. Instead, I can view nearby place names or locations from a distance.
There was a reason I brought up the theory about 100% magic utilization.
Eye Line Stage 1 isn't just simple Future Sight.
The true capability of Eye Line Stage 1 is a magic that allows one to see whatever they wish. Past, present, and future, of course, but also distances of hundreds of meters or kilometers—I suspect even the opposite side of the continent.
Provided you pay the price.
Naturally, the higher the precision and the further the target is from me, the greater the magic's recoil.
Snap!
My taste buds split, and dark red blood seeps out. In some spots, blood burst out like a popped blister. Naturally, it hurts like hell. Even dipping my tongue in chili oil would be more refreshing than this.
I released the magic instantly and let out tears, sticking out my dripping tongue.
A man's vow to cry only at his parents' funeral had long since been shattered in the face of a tongue that felt like it had been sliced by a blade.
"Ugh-huhu... ugh... aa oa aa..."
"Yikes! That's disgusting! Dammit, Jemin, just swallow your tongue!"
"Uu... uuuh uh..."
"Oh, for fuck's sake."
Lee Se-jun grumbled as he handed me a plastic bottle of water.
I hurriedly rinsed my tongue with water and swallowed it back, thinking through the tears and stinging pain: If Eye Line Stage 1 is this bad, what happens if I use Tongue Line Stage 1, Degradation, to exert the true power of Vision Line Stage 2?
I'll die.
The man known as Baek Jemin might actually go into shock and die from the pain of his tongue exploding.
Since I am a courageous and bold man, I was prepared to let out a thunderous scream the moment the pain hit.
While I spent a long time rinsing my tongue and tasting iron, Shin Na-in clicked his tongue and put in his earphones.
"Jemin, know when to stop. The Pastor said someone is coming from Pyeongtaek tomorrow."
"Whaaa-uh?"
If Shin Na-in has another advantage, it's that he understands me perfectly even when my speech is slurred.
"Yes. Apparently, a mystic who was impressed by our achievements is visiting personally to impart knowledge."
I panted, sticking out my tongue, which was a mess of saliva, water, and blood.
A real mystic is coming, not just frauds like us?
So...
The kind of people who split 25 into 2 and 5 and then add them together?
I couldn't help but feel dissatisfied.
No matter how far the world has fallen, to think we Supreme Mages would have to rely on that sort of crowd or eccentric researchers.
End