The Best Cure for Those Returnees is a Beating

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“……Hey, newbie. What on earth are you dragging along behind you this early on a weekend morning?”

The next morning.

Kwon Tae-ho furrowed his brows as he watched Lee Ha-yeon arrive at the office with a girl he had never seen before.

To be precise, it wasn’t really going to the office for him. While Kwon Tae-ho stayed at the office without days off, she was still in training and got to rest on weekends. Yet, the reason she came in early was entirely due to the girl behind her.

“Um, this student is Choi Jin-seo. She wants to ask the Executor for help because of the Truth Church…”

“?? Why is the Truth Church involved?”

The situation about that student, Choi Jin-seo, was explained by Lee Ha-yeon.

Choi Jin-seo’s family consisted of her parents. Their family had fortunately avoided the chaos in Daejeon and had been maintaining a harmonious home up until now.

However, one day, Choi Jin-seo’s mother, a stay-at-home mom, fell into the clutches of the Truth Church.

Since Choi Jin-seo’s family originally had no religion, there was strong opposition to her mother’s choice. It would have been better if she had followed her neighborhood friends to an ordinary church or a temple, but the Truth Church was a poorly known new religion.

Soon enough, Choi Jin-seo’s father became devoted to the Truth Church too, citing superficial reasons like, “After talking to them, they seem like good people.”

Not long after, both of them became fervent adherents of the Truth Church. They began attending Sunday services, Wednesday afternoon services, and various volunteer activities or events, rushing off to them as if they were everyday matters.

However, strictly speaking, their religious activities did not destroy their daily life.

Even after Choi Jin-seo’s parents became absorbed in the Truth Church, her father continued to be a diligent company worker, and her mother fulfilled her duties as a housewife. They could maintain the same harmonious daily life in situations unrelated to the Truth Church.

Only when the Truth Church was involved, did people transform completely. That was obviously strange through Choi Jin-seo’s eyes.

At the same time, Choi Jin-seo felt scared.

She feared her parents, who had recently started urging her to join the Truth Church.

And she was scared that she too might become a blind and fervent devotee like them in front of religion.

“……You two aren’t the kind of people who get so deeply into religion normally. This must be some kind of suspicious trick by the Truth Church! Please, I beg you! Save my family!”

“Is that so? What do you think, Assistant—”

Kwon Tae-ho’s words, which were naturally about to ask Yoo Seol for her opinion, halted. Today was the weekend. Yoo Seol had not come into work.

Of course, that didn’t mean Kwon Tae-ho was a child who couldn’t make a judgment without Yoo Seol. Normally, he would rashly make a decision, and Yoo Seol would rationally cut him off, but today Kwon Tae-ho was perceiving the situation himself logically.

As a result.

“I don’t think I can help.”

“What? Why……”

“Executor! Don’t you feel sorry for this student? Are you seriously refusing because you think it won’t pay off?!”

“Do you see me as what? It’s not that, I really just don’t see a way to help!”

Kwon Tae-ho shook his head in response to Lee Ha-yeon’s suspicion and explained.

“First off, you said her name was Jin-seo? Why did you come to our office about this matter instead of reporting it to the police? Did you go to them first?”

“Yes, I did visit them once. But……”

“They said they couldn’t help, right? They can’t do anything unless there’s clear evidence of a crime.”

“Yes! That’s what they said, how could—”

“Because it’s simply the way things are.”

In principle, the police only open investigations when there’s clear evidence of a crime or reasonable suspicion.

However, the changes exhibited by Choi Jin-seo’s parents could hardly be considered proof of a crime. It could just be that the two of them had willingly become engrossed in religion.

Choi Jin-seo clenched her fists and said.

“So that’s why I’m asking you, the Executors…! I learned at school that Executors can capture criminals much more freely than the police. So I thought of coming to this Executor’s office, which I remembered was nearby, to seek help from you, Executor Lee Ha-yeon…”

“The teacher clearly didn’t teach correctly. Just because you’re an Executor doesn’t mean you can freely start investigations. Basically, it’s the same as the police. Unless there’s clear evidence of a crime or reasonable suspicion, we can’t just poke around.”

“But Executor, in Chinatown—”

“Chinatown was extraterritorial. Besides, the opponent was clearly a criminal organization. There was no room for complaints. But what about now?”

At Kwon Tae-ho’s question, Lee Ha-yeon swallowed.

A group that would cause trouble for every little mistake from a single incorrectly recorded video. If Kwon Tae-ho were to start a full investigation, he would definitely be met with all sorts of complaints. This would include legitimate requests for grievances as well.

“Thus, as it stands. Unless you bring clear evidence of a crime or unless there’s a request for cooperative investigation from the police. I can’t just dig into the Truth Church on my end.”

“……Do you really have to say it like that? What if the Truth Church brainwashed my parents with magic or supernatural powers?”

“Then let me ask this in return. What if it’s not brainwashing?”

With Kwon Tae-ho’s question, Choi Jin-seo found herself at a loss for words. It was an obvious outcome.

“You said you learned at school that Executors can freely capture criminals? That’s only to eliminate useless waste in apprehending criminals. It’s not a justification for an Executor to wield power recklessly. If that were the case, they’d be no different from the criminals we must catch.”

“……”

“Anyway, well, as of now, the Kwon Tae-ho Executor’s office can’t help with your request.”

After saying that, Kwon Tae-ho took a short breath and then whispered softly.

“……Officially, of course.”

At those words, both Lee Ha-yeon and Choi Jin-seo stared at Kwon Tae-ho simultaneously. A deep smile spread across his lips.

“An Executor can’t start an investigation without evidence. But an Executor is a person too. They spend their idle time doing normal leisure activities. Eating, playing games, meeting friends, and maybe……”

Participating in religious activities.

Hearing that, Lee Ha-yeon realized what Kwon Tae-ho was implying. Kwon Tae-ho gestured toward her and said.

“Of course, as a well-known Executor, if I were to say ‘I want to see the Truth Church too~’ and join, it would definitely seem suspicious. Fortunately, though, we have another Executor in our office whose face is not known at all.”

“So, you mean for me to join the Truth Church? To investigate from the inside?”

“Ah, don’t be ridiculous. You’re not entering for investigation. You’re simply interested in the religion called Truth Church after listening to the words of a younger sister you’ve known.”

Differentiating between the words ‘you’re not investigating’ and ‘you’re just curious’ effectively meant the Kwon Tae-ho Executor’s office was intending to investigate the Truth Church with Lee Ha-yeon at the forefront.

“Of course, if you don’t want to, then we have to postpone this matter. I can’t force you to act regarding something that’s not formally a case.”

“No, I’ll do it! Please let me do it!”

“Do as you wish. I don’t mind what you do in your personal time.”

Kwon Tae-ho said, somewhat ambiguously.

Even if he said that, in case of emergency, he still intended to head into the Truth Church to help Lee Ha-yeon.

“Thank you, Executor! I’ll commit to this mission!”

“It’s not a mission, how many times do I have to say it?”

Kwon Tae-ho smiled with a hint of amusement.

Seeing Lee Ha-yeon reminded him of his own apprentice days. Back then, he too would rush into the Executor’s work like Lee Ha-yeon without considering the consequences.

“……”

Now, with fond memories of the past, Kwon Tae-ho quietly closed his eyes. His past self was full of enthusiasm but, on the other hand, had made many mistakes. So, he hoped that Lee Ha-yeon would fare better than he did.

“When did the Truth Church hold their services?”

“Every church is different, but basically on Sundays…”

Kwon Tae-ho nodded, pleased with Choi Jin-seo’s response.

Today was Saturday, and tomorrow just happened to be Sunday.

And so, the next day.

“Is it true, Jin-seo? You’re really going to go to the service with us?”

“Yeah. After thinking about it, it seemed okay……”

“You’ve thought well, my daughter! You’ll meet the wonderful priests there, hear good words, and you’ll definitely think it was a great decision to go!”

Choi Jin-seo’s declaration to join the church brought her parents pure joy as if they had gained the world. It was merely a statement saying she’d attend one service, but the happiness they felt was beyond that.

“Ah, and an older sister I know is also coming with me. I met her through school mentoring, and she said she’s very interested in the Truth Church too.”

“Of course! How is she coming? If she lives nearby, then she should come over here and we can go together!”

“Yeah, then I’ll ask her to come over.”

Soon, Lee Ha-yeon joined Choi Jin-seo’s family.

Lee Ha-yeon’s concept was that of a college student who served as a mentor for Choi Jin-seo’s middle school. Accordingly, she matched her outfit with a fresh white dress and a beige cardigan, creating a youthful yet subtly mature atmosphere.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Choi. I’m Lee Ha-yeon, a college student mentoring at Jin-seo’s school.”

Lee Ha-yeon was basically someone whose appearance was quite appealing. Adding her neat outfit and friendly smile made it easy to gain the favor of people she met for the first time.

Especially since she came saying she was interested in the Truth Church, Choi Jin-seo’s parents welcomed her with open arms.

“We’ve heard a lot about you, student Ha-yeon. From what we’ve heard, you’re the one who convinced our daughter to go to church?”

“Convinced? I just mentioned that there are many good people in the Truth Church. I’ve participated a few times in the volunteer work they organize, so I knew. So, when Jin-seo was contemplating, I thought it was a good opportunity.”

“Oh my, what a coincidence! It’s pure fate! Surely, the Celestial Lady brought you two together, right, dear?”

“Hmm, indeed. It’s all thanks to the blessing of the Celestial Lady.”

Even though they were just reciting a previously arranged script, Choi Jin-seo’s parents were genuinely happy.

Seeing that, Lee Ha-yeon and Choi Jin-seo couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt. Even if it was for their sake, to deceive such kind people with a lie…

“Shall we set off slowly?”

Riding in the car driven by her father, the four of them headed to the Truth Church located in Seongbuk-gu.

The Truth Church was mostly established by taking over existing religious facilities and remodeling them. The church in Seongbuk-gu was originally used as a Catholic church but had been abandoned during the Daejeon Incident, and the Truth Church took it over.

“Wow…”

Upon arriving at the church, they were greeted at the entrance by a muscular statue of a man with an exposed upper body. It was the statue of Dion, the god believed in by the Truth Church.

Inside the building, nearly a hundred congregants had already gathered. Lee Ha-yeon and Choi Jin-seo’s families sat down side by side in the back row.

“Today, as we begin the service, I pray that the blessings of our strong father, Dion, and the grace of the Celestial Lady be with all of you who have come here today.”

The service that began was almost similar to that of Korean Protestantism.

Prayer and meditation, praise and reading of scripture, and sermons based on the scripture…

Although the overall framework was the same, upon listening closely, the details were remarkably different. It was because the underlying belief came from another world. The worship form was monotheistic, but the scripture content felt more akin to Norse or Greco-Roman mythology.

Particularly, the parts discussing wars between gods were as exciting as listening to a plot of a fantasy movie. Lee Ha-yeon found herself lost in the sermon repeatedly, zoning in and out.

“…Thus, we, the believers, should live faithfully and always be prepared following the words of our representative of the God who descended upon this land, the Celestial Lady. That concludes today’s message. Now, let’s have a moment of prayer to thank the Celestial Lady for her grace and mercy.”

After hearing the sermon, it became clear that although the deity worshiped was of another world, the existence of the Celestial Lady was treated very importantly here. Lee Ha-yeon felt a bit perplexed.

After all, the god of that other world was a true deity, but the Celestial Lady was ultimately a returnee, wasn’t she?

However, whether Lee Ha-yeon thought of herself as an Executor or not, the other believers were voicing their sincere prayers toward the Celestial Lady just as much as they prayed to the god.

“Now, let’s take a moment to receive the holy water and the blessings of Father Dion.”

After the prayer concluded, some of the people seated in the front rows rose and brought a large glass jar from behind the altar with a priest leading them.

Inside the jar was a clear liquid that resembled water, but it was also slightly pinkish. As she tilted her head in confusion about what it was, Choi Jin-seo’s mother spoke up beside her.

“It’s your first time seeing the holy water, isn’t it, Student Ha-yeon?”

“Holy water? What is that?”

“It is the sacred water blessed by the Celestial Lady herself, giving us the grace of Dion. At the end of each service, we drink the holy water to directly feel the love and blessings of our father Dion, who is not present in this world.”

She couldn’t grasp what it was from just the words.

How exactly does drinking holy water convey love and blessings? Was it a metaphorical meaning? Or was it a religious ritual implying gratitude for even a glass of water, stating that even the smallest things contain divine grace?

“Now, receive it. May the blessings of Dion be with you.”

“May the blessings of Dion be with you. Now, you too, Ha-yeon.”

“May the blessings of Dion be with you……”

In a daze, Ha-yeon found herself holding a cup about the size of a drank shot glass. The cup was soon filled with transparent holy water.

“Then my dear brothers and sisters, let us drink the holy water as we pray with the faith that Father Dion will descend upon this land and to express our gratitude for the blessings of the Celestial Lady.”

The priest’s words prompted all the people to gulp down their holy water at once, including Choi Jin-seo’s parents.

Lee Ha-yeon and Choi Jin-seo hesitated, watching everyone’s movements. Those who had drunk the holy water had each clasped their hands and assumed a prayer position.

Do we just drink it? As they exchanged uncertain glances, both of them eventually drank their holy water. If they didn’t, it would undoubtedly be deemed odd.

-Glug.

As the holy water flowed down, Ha-yeon felt a refreshing sensation spread throughout her body like a brilliant energy.

“Oh?”

It felt mysterious. Like a concentrated sense of extreme freshness. As that freshness radiated from her throat to her entire body, a wave of tranquil pleasure began to rise from her fingertips and toes.

It felt good. What on earth was this? Ha-yeon gawked at the cup, a bit perplexed.

At that moment.

“Ahh…!”

The glorious moan caught Ha-yeon’s attention. Just moments ago, Choi Jin-seo’s mother, who had been pleasant, was staring up at the ceiling, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Oh God, thank you…! Thank you for coming here today and watching over us…!”

Just how devout would someone need to be to pray like that so beautifully?

‘Wait a minute.’

However, Ha-yeon quickly noticed that it wasn’t only Choi Jin-seo’s mother behaving like that. One after another, believers were looking ecstatic, each shouting something in rapture.

Was it just that there were many fervent prayer people? It felt like there was something odd about it. Everyone’s pupils were dilated. Some were trembling in ecstasy, as if under the effect of drugs, unable to even control their own bodies.

Such reactions seemed absolutely abnormal. At that moment, a thought flashed in Ha-yeon’s mind.

‘Could it be because of the holy water we just drank?’

“Ah, the light….”

At that instant, Choi Jin-seo, who was beside Lee Ha-yeon, also looked up at the ceiling and said.

“I can see the light…. It’s so bright and vivid…”

While the other believers were accepting the familiar ecstasy, Choi Jin-seo was overwhelmed with confusion from experiencing such fullness for the first time.

“From the light, a huge man is watching over us. Oh, I’m so scared, but also so reassured. Ah, ah-heh heh…”

“Jin-seo, focus! You’re seeing nothing but illusions right now!”

“Can’t you see it, unnie?”

As she casually glanced back at Lee Ha-yeon, Choi Jin-seo turned her gaze back to the ceiling disinterestedly. Lee Ha-yeon shifted her gaze too, but all she saw was the stone ceiling.

“What is going on…?”

“Dear sister? Is there something wrong?”

Just then, one of the priests who had distributed the holy water approached Ha-yeon.

“Excuse me? No, I…”

“Did you perhaps not receive the holy water?”

As the priest asked, he caught sight of the empty cup Ha-yeon had held. So she had indeed drunk the holy water. Just as the priest had a moment of thought at that, he soon seemed to realize and nodded understandingly.

“Ah, are you perhaps a returnee? Then the holy water might not work well for you. Since there are many ordinary believers, the strength of blessings infused in the holy water is adjusted accordingly.”

The kindly priest pulled out a small bottle from his robe.

“Since I’m also a returnee, I carry a special batch of holy water infused with increased blessings for returnees during services. Here.”

As the priest tried to offer more holy water, Ha-yeon felt a bit overwhelmed.

“I’m fine, so you don’t need to refuse this.”

“Oh, okay…”

However, if she refused any further, it would raise suspicions. To investigate them internally, she had to avoid unnecessary suspicion.

-Splash.

The empty cup was refilled with holy water. It seemed to have a strangely vibrant color compared to before. Cherry blossom pink, or perhaps a light red hue.

“May the blessings of Dion be with you.”

“……May the blessings of Dion be with you.”

Before long, other priests had also started watching Ha-yeon. With no choice, she emptied the second cup filled with holy water.

And then.

-Thump!

“Uh?!”

An even more intense ecstasy shot through her entire body along her spine. With the tears that had blurred her vision pouring down, bang! bang! flashes of white light began to burst forth.

-Paaah!!

And soon enough, the sight began to clearly materialize before Ha-yeon’s eyes.

A beautiful temple on the clouds. Between the pillars that were brightly illuminated by sunlight. The god sitting on a grand throne.

“Ah…”

Ha-yeon, lost in awe at that view, started to moan involuntarily.

It felt good.

Staring at the brilliant light, all worries, anxieties, and pains in the world faded away. In fact, she began to forget who she was and why she was there in real-time. The degree of deep satisfaction painted over Ha-yeon’s consciousness.

The satisfied priest left Ha-yeon behind and stepped away.

“……Ah, ugh.”

-Thump!

However, in the next moment, Ha-yeon pinched her thigh to force herself back to reality. As soon as she did, the strange hallucination before her vanished.

“Gah…!”

As the illusion faded, the sensations of reality flooded back, making her feel as though her head would split open.

Yet at the same time, the pleasurable ecstasy swirling in her entire body remained. It felt like she was profoundly tipsy, thinking in a daze.

‘This is it.’

The reason why Choi Jin-seo’s parents had suddenly become strange. The reason why they attended the Truth Church service so fervently. The reason this new religion had been able to rapidly increase its followers in just a few years.

‘It’s definitely because of the holy water.’

Realizing that on the very first day of infiltration had been a major breakthrough.

She would report this to Kwon Tae-ho as soon as the service was over. If it became clear that the Truth Church was luring its followers with such an abnormal means as holy water, it might lead to a full investigation into the church.

Ha-yeon thought that as she waited for the service to conclude.

However.

On the way back after the service ended, as Ha-yeon revealed her plan to Choi Jin-seo, she received an unexpected response.

“What do you mean? Don’t report to the Executor?”

Upon hearing Lee Ha-yeon’s question, Choi Jin-seo looked at her with a painful expression.

Tension was evident on her face. She was indeed deep in thought and conflict.

Then.

“……Indeed, it feels too early.”

Choi Jin-seo, after deliberating, quietly said that.