The Tiny Thief's Promise
"Right. I'm alive, aren't I? No living being can pass through walls. Isn't that right?"
-Yeah.
The cat agreed.
"Then how can you do it?"
Noel asked again.
-I don't know. It just happens.
Was it because it was an animal?
Or was it something else?
He had never seen a case like this before.
-To put it simply, it is a ghost, but also an animal.
Asin said, stroking the cat.
"What's the difference?"
-Have you perhaps heard of spiritual beasts?
I've heard of divine beasts, though.
Setting his thoughts aside, Noel shook his head.
"Never heard of them."
-Like the White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon, and Black Tortoise?
When Yeonghyeon spoke up, Asin nodded immediately.
-Indeed. Those are what I refer to. Theirs is a completely different domain from humans. Because they are animals, not people.
"Are things divided like that here?"
-Yes. The domains are separated, but since humans sometimes protect animals and animals sometimes protect humans, it cannot be said they do not influence each other.
"And that's why it can pass through buildings?"
Noel listened with considerable interest.
In his original world, there were no dense concrete jungles like this to test such things.
Since nature, like forests and oceans, did not belong to the human domain, any ghost could easily pass through them.
-Indeed. In the first place, when animals die, ninety-nine point nine-nine percent of them move on to the afterlife without a single complaint, so they pose no issue. Even if that remaining zero point zero-one percent lingers, they do so out of mere curiosity. There is absolutely no chance of them becoming evil spirits.
As Asin gently patted the cat's rear, its tail lightly brushed against her arm.
It was so harmless; what could possibly be the problem?
-However, looking at its forehead, it seems to have received the power of a holy relic. I suspect this is because it possesses the vessel to become a spiritual beast.
"I guess there are specific vessels for that?"
-There must have been a catalyst that allowed it to become such a vessel.
Either way, it's special enough for a holy relic to bestow its power, right?
It was probably accurate to consider it extraordinary, even among animals.
One might say it had been chosen.
"What are you good at?"
Noel asked the cat.
-I used to be good at sleeping, but now I don't get sleepy. I don't have to eat, either.
"And?"
-I'm good at wandering around.
"Ah, so you're good at overhearing things here and there?"
-They just keep talking to me. I don't really want to listen.
"Do you remember all of it?"
-Yeah. Because I'm smart.
The cat raised its tail high.
Its eyes sparkled with excitement.
I was just needing a ghost to gather rumors for me. This is perfect.
With those bright, alert eyes, it would be able to approach others more easily and quickly than any ordinary ghost.
"You said you wanted to see the kid, right?"
-Yeah!
The cat trotted over to Noel and plopped its rear down.
Its tail swept the floor as it stared intently at Noel.
"Is there anything you can give me in return?"
-What humans like is money. But I don't have any money.
"If you promise to work for me, I'll let you see him."
-Really...?
"Really. I keep my promises. See her?"
Noel pointed at Asin.
The cat turned its head.
"She's the Guardian Deity who summoned you. She's my deity, too. If I lie, she'll punish me severely."
At those words, the cat looked at Asin, who offered a gentle smile.
-It is true. A lie told upon a promise shall incur the wrath of heaven.
-Then, I'll promise.
"I'll give you food sometimes, too."
-I can't eat.
"I can make it so you can."
The cat's eyes sparkled.
It licked its chops in anticipation.
"I'll let you touch toys, too."
-I'll promise! I'll promise!
"All you have to do is gather lots of information for me. Simple, right?"
-Yeah!
"Then the contract lasts until I die. You will work solely for me. Do you agree?"
-I agree.
"Then tell me your name."
-Kkamangi! I'm Kkamangi.
Seeing the cat answer without a moment's hesitation, Noel crouched down and poked it with a finger.
"I am Noel Teurus."
As soon as Noel spoke his name, black smoke billowed around Kkamangi before quickly dissipating.
What he had just spoken was a simple contract.
With Asin acting as the mediator, the terms had been stated, names exchanged, and mutual consent given.
It was a flawless contract.
-Is it done?
"It's done. Now, let's find out who this kid is..."
Noel turned his head.
Someone appeared, shrouded in black smoke.
Kkamangi watched warily.
"Oh my, so here you were."
It was a Grim Reaper, but not Jinhon.
The woman looked at Kkamangi with a smile, then turned her gaze to Noel.
She froze for a split second.
"Hello."
When Noel greeted her first, the Grim Reaper, who had been staring blankly at him, quickly approached.
She beamed as if she had never hesitated.
"It's true! You really can see us, just like the team leader said. How long has it been? Lately, there are so many hacks running their mouths claiming to be shamans. When was it... about a hundred years ago? We used to drink together and all, but these days, we don't see anyone like that at all."
"You must be the other person Grim Reaper Jinhon mentioned."
At Noel's question, the Grim Reaper nodded.
"Yep. I'm the Grim Reaper who covers for Team Leader Jinhon when he's busy. But I didn't come to see you today, so I'll introduce myself properly next time. Right now..."
The Grim Reaper's gaze shifted to Kkamangi.
"You're too late."
"Excuse me...?"
"It has contracted with me. You can take it after I die."
"What? A c-contract? How do you know about such things? Wasn't that knowledge lost and forgotten long ago?"
"I'm good at a lot of things."
Noel smiled faintly.
If she pried further, he could just call it a trade secret.
"A human's lifespan isn't that long anyway, so unless you're in a rush, take your time."
"...But... wait, this cat..."
"Is it because it has the vessel to become a spiritual beast?"
"How did you know that too...?"
"Because my deity is someone of high standing."
At Noel's reply, the Grim Reaper finally noticed Asin.
She gasped in shock and hastily bowed her head.
She truly was an incredibly noble entity.
A brilliant halo radiated behind her, a testament to an immeasurable accumulation of merit.
"My apologies... for the late greeting."
-It is fine. More importantly, may we keep this cat with us?
"Yes. Of course! As long as you keep it safe, that is perfectly fine!"
The Grim Reaper answered without a moment's hesitation.
-Will it not keep you waiting too long?
"Once a contract is made, we can't take it anyway. Besides, I can just send a heartfelt letter to that person. They've been feeling rather sentimental lately, so it'll be fine!"
"Who is that person?"
"......Uh, to be honest, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say."
The Grim Reaper replied with a troubled look.
He was a living person, after all.
There were many gods under heaven, and it was difficult to know if she was permitted to speak of a specific deity.
If she leaked such information and incurred divine punishment, she would be in deep trouble.
"......The team leader repeatedly told me to treat you with the utmost respect."
She had wondered why he was making such a fuss over a mere living human, but meeting him in person, she felt something different.
He felt strangely familiar, yet possessed an entirely different aura.
"I understand. If it's that troublesome, I'm better off not knowing."
Noel dropped his curiosity.
He hadn't suffered any divine punishment, but there was no need to push it.
"You're working hard. I hope I didn't cause you unnecessary trouble. It's not much, but please have this."
Noel pulled a chocolate out of his pocket.
"......Huh?"
The Grim Reaper's eyes instantly widened.
She looked as if she might start drooling at any second.
"This... is chocolate, right? It really is...?"
"Yes. Go ahead."
"Are you really... giving this to me?"
"Yes. Just greet me more warmly next time we meet."
As Noel smiled, the Grim Reaper clutched the chocolate, looking on the verge of tears. She thanked him repeatedly before vanishing.
I need to stay on good terms with the Grim Reapers. Absolutely.
Today's encounter had confirmed that Grim Reapers could not consume the food of the living unless it was offered to them directly.
-Give me some too.
Kkamangi was already holding its mouth open.
Noel popped a piece of chocolate into its open mouth.
The moment it touched its tongue, Kkamangi's eyes went wide.
Rather than the shock of being able to eat after death, the sheer sensation of tasting something for the first time completely broke its brain.
Yeonghyeon couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight.
As soon as Noel stepped out of the taxi, he caught a familiar scent.
It was the very hospital where he had stayed for a while after possessing Yeonghyeon's body.
So things come full circle like this.
-Isn't this the hospital where you stayed?
Yeonghyeon also looked bewildered, finding it strange.
-Ah, you mentioned you stayed in a hospital for a while. Is this the place?
At Asin's question, Yeonghyeon nodded repeatedly.
-Yes, it's here.
-Then I shall lead the way.
Asin drew her sword.
If her assumptions were correct, Noel would be highly sought after.
-Kkamangi, tell me the direction.
-Okay.
Kkamangi trotted forward, its tail raised high and swaying gently.
It seems to be enjoying itself. But I'm the one who has to open the doors.
Noel followed Kkamangi, pretending not to notice.
It wasn't its owner, but there seemed to be a child who had cared for it before its death.
~There was a fire. It was bright red. I wanted to save the kid. So I jumped in and woke him up. I woke up his parents too, and kept screaming!
Driven by the sole determination to save the child, it hadn't even realized its own body was burning.
And so, Kkamangi had burned to death on the spot.
Yet, not even realizing it was dead, it had hovered around the child, only realizing the truth when no one would look at it.
Deities do love sacrifice.
He didn't know why.
But they seemed quite moved by such acts.
-......Noel. Open the door.
At Asin's sheepish request, Noel chuckled softly.
He had set things up so they could open the doors at home, but this was a public place.
Except for Kkamangi, who passed through walls without a care, everyone else had to use the doors.
They just had to slip in when a human opened a door, which was why other ghosts could often be seen excitedly slipping in and out of rooms.
Still, let's not make eye contact.
Noel opened the door.
At his gesture to enter, Asin bowed her head slightly and stepped through.
-......Since this is not a home, it is quite inconvenient.
"I bet."
Noel snickered.
When else would he get a chance to tease Asin?
Kkamangi eventually turned its head and stared at them.
-Keep going?
-You may proceed.
After replying, Asin glared at the ghosts who were casually drifting toward them.
They immediately cast their eyes down and froze in their tracks.
Their faces were filled with sheer bewilderment.
Where on earth had such an entity come from?
-Do not speak to us, nor approach.
Asin warned the ghosts clearly.
In a situation where he felt like applauding, Noel strolled down the hospital corridor with a broad grin.
They took the elevator up to the pediatric ward.
As they drew closer, a look of longing and affection settled on Kkamangi's face, and Noel grew more alert.
When it came to purity, children were no different from animals.
Though they usually moved on, he couldn't help but be tense about the possibility of encountering a child ghost.
They were the most difficult entities to deal with.
Are there none...? None at all?
-Hey, Noel.
"What is it?"
Kkamangi hesitated after taking a few steps forward, and Noel, after looking around, turned his gaze to the cat.
-The kid cried a lot.
"I'm sure he did."
Whether from pain or sorrow.
He had no choice but to cry.
-He kept crying because I wasn't there.
Kkamangi looked ahead once more.
Step by step, its pace slowed.
-What if he cries even when he sees me?
"He'd be crying tears of joy. What's there to worry about?"
-People cry because they're happy...?
Kkamangi tilted its head.
"They do."
-Really?
Kkamangi's eyes closed slightly.
Resuming its light steps, it led the way and stopped in front of a hospital room.
Kkamangi poked its head inside, pulled it back out, and nodded.
-He's here. The kid is here. He's playing with toys.
"Is that so?"
Before knocking, Noel had something to ask Kkamangi.
"Hello."
Noel stood before the slightly ajar door of the hospital room and smiled warmly.
Realizing he wasn't a nurse, the woman inside watched him warily.
"......Who are you?"
"Do you know a cat named 'Kkamangi' that your son used to play with?"
"Kkamangi?"
The answer to Noel's question came from deeper inside the room.
It was a child's voice.
Hearing that clear voice, the woman let out a soft sigh and asked Noel.
"Who are you?"
"I'm a shaman."
As Noel spoke, he slipped his foot slightly between the door and the frame.
Surprised when the door caught on something as she tried to close it, the woman flinched.
"I'm not asking for money, and I'm not here to preach. I just have a message to deliver."
"I'm sorry, but..."
"You're looking for the arsonist, aren't you?"
"......What?"
"I know what they look like."
Kkamangi had seen everything.
Even the suspect fleeing the scene.
"I heard a black cat with yellow eyes saved your son. Is that correct?"
"It's Kkamangi!"
"......."
Unlike the cheerful child, the woman froze completely.
Goosebumps broke out over her skin, and an indescribable dread washed over her.
"How... do you know that?"
"First, may I speak with the child for a moment? If you're suspicious, you can watch us."
The woman scanned Noel from head to toe.
Though she was wary, her curiosity and unease won out.
"......Come in."
As she opened the door, Noel thanked her and stepped inside.
Upon seeing Noel, the child's face scrunched up.
"......Where's Kkamangi?"
Though Kkamangi had protected him with its life, the boy still bore burn scars on his arm and shoulder.
Kkamangi ran over and familiarly licked the boy's wounds.
"Kkamangi is dead."
"No! Kkamangi is..."
"I'm going to pass on Kkamangi's words to you from now on. You have to listen carefully. It's very, very worried about you."
"......Kkamangi is?"
"It's licking the wounds on your arm right now."
The child turned his head, but there was no one there.
"Why can't I see it?"
"Because I'm a special person. If you're a good boy, I'll let you see Kkamangi."
Noel spoke softly, offering a gentle smile.
The child nodded immediately.
-Can I speak now?
At Kkamangi's question, Noel nodded.
-I'm dead. But I'll still come to see you often.
"I'm dead, but I'll still come to see you from time to time."
"...Really?"
The child's eyes widened.
-Don't cry. Don't be sick.
"Yeah. I won't cry. I'm not sick."
The child wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
-Run around with all your might again.
At those words, the child suddenly smiled.
It was Kkamangi.
It was really Kkamangi.
-Goodbye.
Noel delivered the quiet farewell.
Though brief, it was filled with deep emotion.
Whether she had felt Kkamangi's sincerity or not, Noel turned his head to look at the child's mother.
"Could you step outside for thirty seconds? Just thirty seconds is all I need."
The woman looked at her tearful child and reluctantly stepped out.
Once the door closed, Noel snapped his fingers.
Sensing something beside his face, the child gasped and turned his head.
The child and Kkamangi locked eyes.
As if releasing tears he had held back for so long, the child's large eyes welled up and overflowed.
"Kkamangi...!"
The child hugged Kkamangi tightly.
It was cold.
Because it was so cold, the child sobbed, burying his face in Kkamangi's body.
Kkamangi extended its front paw and gently pressed it against the child's head.
-I told you not to cry.
It brushed the child's face with its tail.
Noel quietly stood up and walked out of the room.
There was no need to interrupt their brief reunion.
"Thank you for your understanding."
"Inside..."
"Shh. It's a trade secret."
Noel smiled faintly.
Even if the child claimed to have met Kkamangi later, it would just be dismissed as a child's imagination.
"Now, let me tell you what the suspect looks like."
"Who told you?"
"Kkamangi did."
She probably wouldn't believe him.
Knowing this, Noel still described the arsonist's appearance exactly as Kkamangi had detailed.
Once this was over, he fully intended to warn the ghosts who had put Kkamangi up to such a thing.
Noel replied to the message.
He slipped his phone back into his pocket.
He had returned the holy relic to the priest, left a brief message saying he would wait for his call, and immediately headed to the hospital to fulfill Kkamangi's request.
That was yesterday.
That was fast.
Who would have thought the priest sponsoring Sihun would be someone connected to exorcists?
Noel paused on his way to the bakery.
Someone was hurriedly coming down.
Smoothing down his disheveled hair, Jeong Yul bowed politely to Noel.
"Welcome, Master."