"So you're saying the mobilization approval has been postponed for now?"

"Yeah, they said they'll conduct a thorough investigation at the village level first to verify the information."

Yuna's message was more positive than I'd expected.

On the surface, the Human World tends to reject all foreknowledge, but apparently the claim that this was information confirmed through prophecy carried some weight with the people in the borderlands, enough that a full investigation was being implemented.

I felt relieved at Yuna's words and asked, "Did you hear about the size of the investigation team?"

"No, I didn't get those details, but since they're planning to investigate people inside the village too, I'm guessing they'll mobilize quite a few people."

The talk of investigating village residents suggested they took the threat of "living corpses" seriously. I thought this level of response was adequate and said to Yuna, "Great, you really worked hard, Yuna. How did it go with Su-a?"

When I asked about Su-a, she eagerly replied, "Yes, I told her I'd meet her at lunch as you suggested. Judging by Huye Jin's positive reaction, I think we'll be able to get her cooperation without much trouble."

I had been concerned that Huye Jin might dismiss our story, so this was reassuring news.

I actually considered Huye Jin's cooperation more important than getting mobilization approval from the Small Council.

Beyond her team's combat strength, as the successor to the Huye Clan, Huye Jin had the authority to quickly summon Exorcists affiliated with the Huye Clan in Ganyangju to Seoha Village in case of emergency.

So naturally, I prioritized Huye Jin.

"Hey everyone, I'm back," Ho-jin said, returning just as we were finishing our conversation.

"Ho-jin, good work. What did Venerable Seonyul say?"

"Honestly, when I left, I didn't think we'd get any cooperation, but surprisingly, he listened to my story seriously. He said if the information proves true, he'll contact the religious order to inform them and help persuade the Small Council."

"Really?"

I was somewhat surprised that our information was being accepted so readily, even though I had thought the recent doctrinal corruption incident might make people more receptive.

"That's wonderful news, Ye-a," Su-a said, turning to me with a smile, clearly pleased that things were going well.

"By the way, where's Yu Ji-a?" Ho-jin suddenly asked, looking around.

"Oh? Now that you mention it..."

"I'm right here."

Ji-a, who had been standing next to Hui-hyeon, answered.

Goodness, that startled me.

"What? How long have you been there?"

"I've been here the whole time. Since Yeon Ho-jin started talking about the Venerable. It seemed like an important conversation, so I was quietly listening. Sorry if I startled you."

Hearing Ji-a's words, I realized something surprising.

Believe it or not, Ji-a was actually capable of consideration for others and apologizing.

Ji-a's apology was proof of universal human morality.

Indeed, all humans possess a conscience that guides them to correct mistakes, consider others' perspectives, and apologize when they've done something wrong.

Though it's a fragile conscience that would crumble pathetically for sweet candy and meat dishes. Sigh.

"It's okay, just make your presence known next time. No problem."

"Alright, Lee Hui-hyeon. I'll do that next time."

Ji-a smiled brightly and moved closer to Hui-hyeon's side.

Hmm.

As I watched the two of them for a moment, Yuna smoothly inserted herself between Ji-a and Hui-hyeon and said, "It's almost lunchtime. What should we have?"

At Yuna's question, Ji-a exclaimed, "Meat!"

"You already ate it all," Ho-jin shot back.

Su-a chimed in, "There should still be some left in the refrigerator. If not, I can go buy more."

"No, if we need to go shopping, let's go together," I said.

As I followed behind the others, I wondered: Why did it bother me to see Ji-a standing so close to Hui-hyeon?

When lunchtime came, Hui-hyeon and I left Ji-a at the hall with instructions for the others to check their equipment, and went to meet Huye Jin.

On our way, the village was much busier than yesterday, probably because of the investigation. As we passed by, villagers silently bowed in greeting, and we diligently returned their greetings.

They really didn't need to greet us when they were this busy.

When we knocked on the door of the house where Huye Jin's team was staying, one of her team members opened the door and greeted us.

"Hey, Hui-hyeon. And Ye-a? Is that what I should call you?"

Huye Jin's team member already knew my name.

I smiled gently and said, "You can speak comfortably. Just call me Ye-a."

"Ye-a? Something feels off about just 'Ye-a,' so I'll call you Ye-a-ssi. Is that okay?"

"...Just call me Ye-a."

What's with this guy? Something about him rubs me the wrong way.

"Hi, Ju-yeong. Where are the others?" Hui-hyeon greeted him casually, apparently already acquainted.

"What? You know this guy?"

"Yeah, I know all of Huye Jin's team members."

"Really?"

He knows all of Huye Jin's team members...

I didn't realize Hui-hyeon had such an extensive network.

He always seemed so aloof when dealing with others, so I didn't expect him to have so many friends.

Come to think of it, Hui-hyeon was the one who brought Su-a and Ho-jin to our team.

I'm feeling a bit inferior now.

"Are you two done chatting? The others are busy with tasks Jin assigned them. Oh, and my name is Yeon Ju-yeong. Nice to meet you."

Yeon Ju-yeong extended his hand to me.

I took his hand, imagining twisting it like I had with Yuna.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too."

On our way to Huye Jin, we saw team members checking equipment and supplies.

Huye Jin's team members seemed too busy to pay attention to us as we passed by.

Huye Jin was seriously considering cooperation, not just paying lip service.

Despite my poor first impression, Ju-yeong kindly escorted us to Huye Jin.

"Jin, they're here."

Then he coolly went back to whatever he was doing.

Seriously, what's with him?

Inside, Huye Jin was looking at something in a book. She closed it and said, "Ah, Hui-hyeon-ssi, Ye-a. I've been waiting for you."

Huye Jin greeted us with a smile.

"Hello, Huye Jin-ssi. Thank you for making time for us."

"Not at all. For a matter like this, I should certainly make time. I heard a brief overview from Su-a. Let's discuss our cooperation."

"Yes, Huye Jin-ssi."

Throughout our discussion about cooperation, the atmosphere remained friendly.

We first discussed the information Ji-a had provided and Hui-hyeon's testimony.

"...That's what happened."

"Hmm, in that situation, anyone would have encountered them. Now, could you tell me in detail about the information you received?"

Despite my slight concerns, Huye Jin showed no animosity toward the Dragon Blood Clan and simply asked about the information.

Next, we discussed the village's policy and subsequent actions.

"For now, the village has decided to conduct an investigation, and they'll approve large-scale mobilization once the truth is confirmed."

"Should we align our movements with the village's position then?"

"No, I'd like you to at least inform the Huye Clan about this situation. Issues related to demons can escalate unpredictably."

"I understand."

Huye Jin also shared what she had personally verified about the yokai before we arrived.

"I've checked various yokai traditions, but there's no clear precedent. Even similar ones don't quite match the information Yu Ji-a provided."

"Could it be due to insufficient records?"

"Yes, I was considering that possibility too. There are countless unknown yokai in this world. I wasn't saying I don't believe it because there's no record. I just thought it would have been helpful if there was one."

Throughout our conversation, Huye Jin asked various questions to me and Hui-hyeon, seemingly trying to form a complete picture.

As expected of a successor, I suppose.

After discussing many topics and establishing a plan, as the conversation seemed to be wrapping up, Huye Jin said, "Let's conclude our discussion here."

"Yes, thank you for your hard work."

By the time we finished, quite a bit of time had passed.

The next time we meet will probably be if the investigation doesn't go well and we need to handle things ourselves.

Even if we need to consult with Huye Jin on issues, I thought we should first establish a plan with our team members.

<>

Something's wrong, the woman thought as she first approached the vicinity of Seoha Village.

According to the patrol schedule she'd received from the village, people should have been passing by around this time.

When patrol members passed by, the woman would send her "children" to attack and infect them, then send the infected patrol members back to the village to spread the infection.

This was a simple and efficient strategy her "god" had taught her, one that had never failed.

But after reaching Seoha Village's outskirts and waiting in various locations, the woman realized that no one was coming.

"Hmm. This is strange. Why aren't they coming?"

As a borderland village, Seoha Village couldn't possibly neglect patrolling its surroundings.

Borderland villages never knew what might happen around them.

Just like how the woman was waiting for people now.

Which meant...

Had someone discovered her plan?

Had some sinner discovered it and informed other sinners?

If so, they wouldn't keep it to themselves but would spread the word elsewhere.

They would spread it throughout the den of sinners who refused the grace bestowed by god.

If that happened, the great work her god intended to accomplish through her would come to nothing.

As this realization dawned on her, the woman's face twisted hideously.

"So there are worm-like sinners who dare to reject god's grace. Just because you're hiding in your den doesn't mean anyone can escape their fate."

The woman quietly rose from her position and looked toward Seoha Village.

"Yes, then I shall gladly come to you. If you won't come to me, I'll go to you. If you won't accept grace, I'll kill you all."