Chapter 232

Yu-Hyun didn't immediately understand what Yeon was saying and asked for clarification.

"Take a hit?"

Specifically, he wanted to know what Yeon meant when he said that the Holy See was going to take a hit.

Somehow, Yeon seemed to know a lot about the Voodoo Cult. Yu-Hyun began to suspect that Yeon knew about the true identity of the Voodoo Cult, or rather, Sun-Woo.

Yeon nodded and said, "Yes, they will take a hit."

"What kind of a hit will they take? A mere mercenary corps can’t stand against the Romanican Church, whether in battle or a fight against public opinion."

Yeon calmly explained, "Because the Cult Leader’s power is still unknown, there is no guarantee that the Romanican Church will definitely win, whether through battle or a fight against public opinion."

Based on the statement that the Cult Leader’s power was still unknown, it seemed like Yeon didn't have a precise understanding of the Voodoo Cult and its Cult Leader, Sun-Woo.

Yu-Hyun felt relieved. He had to be the only one who knew about the Voodoo Cult and Sun-Woo.

Thud.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Yeon placed the next move and said, "The biggest problem is that the Trinitas Crusader Order's image will be greatly tarnished by this incident, regardless of how strong the Cult Leader is."

"That's right. The mercenary corps are different in the sense that they are composed of humans, unlike demonic beasts and demons. No matter how it's packaged, it can still be perceived as murder."

"Even if the Crusader Order loses to the Cult Leader in battle, it's still a problem. In that case, the public's trust in the Crusader Order's strength will disappear."

Yu-Hyun didn't respond to Yeon, nor did he move any pieces. He just crossed his arms and stared at the chessboard. As time passed, the situation became more unfavorable.

It was always like this. The chess games with Yeon were never really intense. Like water flowing down a river, Yu-Hyun would always naturally immerse himself in the game, and before he knew it, defeat would be right in front of his eyes.

Yeon always fought in this manner. With a faint smile, Yeon said, "A mercenary corps is an organization created when the poor and marginalized join forces. In the end, it is a gathering born out of poverty. The Holy See should have delved into that aspect. They shouldn't have just unconditionally ordered a suppression."

"So, you’re saying it’s better to show mercy rather than suppress them?”

“That’s what I would have done if it were up to me. I don't think now is the time to mess with the mercenary corps in the first place."

"Is that so? Still, I think it's better to eliminate the mercenary corps as soon as possible. Giving them unnecessary leeway could provoke public resentment, and there's no other method besides suppression."

"The director of the mercenary corps being suppressed this time, Yuk Eun-Hyung, is highly regarded by the local residents. We have more to lose than to gain with a simple suppression."

Clatter.

While moving his piece, Yeon pushed Yu-Hyun's piece with his finger, causing it to fall. The number of Yu-Hyun's pieces was gradually decreasing.

Yeon picked up the fallen piece and removed it from the chessboard.

"Anyway, the Pope seems to be too hasty when it involves something related to the Voodoo Cult. In my opinion, the Satanists, corporations, and mercenary corps like the Ravens seem more dangerous."

"Hmm... that's because you haven't—"

‘Seen him in person.’

Yu-Hyun swallowed his words and moved his piece.

Thud.

There was a moment of silence.

Yeon alternated between looking at the chessboard and Yu-Hyun. "...Well, now that I think about it, there's also a possibility that the Cult Leader won't come. Will the Cult Leader really come? It does seem like they might not come."

"Won't they come?"

"If you think about it rationally, it’s better to just discard a mere mercenary corps and think about the next steps. That would have been the right choice for both the Cult Leader himself and the Voodoo Cult as a whole."

"Let's say the Cult Leader appeared at the scene of suppression. What would happen if the Crusader Order managed to barely win by taking on lots of sacrifices? Wouldn’t the situation flow in favor of the Romanican Church?"

"Hmm."

Yeon moved a piece.

Thud.

He had already won the game by making this move. Therefore, Yu-Hyun moved his piece without hesitation.

Yeon said, "The situation might become interesting... but it won't necessarily flow entirely in the Romanican Church’s favor."

"Why? If the Crusader Order gains public sympathy through their sacrifices, the blame will definitely shift toward the Voodoo Cult, right?"

When we arrived at our destination, the sky was bright. However, the sun was still not visible. It was neither dawn nor morning. The place where my uncle parked the car was a beach located on the east coast. Since we could be stopped at a checkpoint if we went through the road, we had no choice but to go through the sea.

Crash!

The sound of waves crashing against the rocks echoed loudly. Today was an unusually windy day. Consequently, it was also high tide.

My uncle got out of the car and glanced at the sea, then looked at me worriedly. "I don't know what you're trying to do, but the weather is not good. If you think it's dangerous, it's better to go back—"

"It's okay. The weather is perfect."

I took the mask out from my uncle's car, put it in my arms, and took out a cane.

My uncle reluctantly nodded and said, "Do I just have to come here when you contact me? Or is it better if I continue to wait here?”

“I’ll contact you. If I don’t contact you within two days, assume that I’m dead.”

“So you’ll come back within two days no matter what, right?”

“More or less.”

"...Alright, just take care of things appropriately and come back."

I nodded in agreement and said, "That was my intention from the beginning."

"Yeah, I figured."

My uncle smirked, and without leaving even a short farewell, he got in the car and left.

I liked how my uncle didn’t ask unnecessary questions. Likewise, I also didn’t unnecessarily ask what Uncle was up to. It was because I wasn’t curious, and there was no need to know.

It was also because we each had faith that we would handle things well on our own.

After my uncle was completely gone, I looked around. It was a secluded coast, so there were no CCTVs or anything. Still, just in case, I put on my mask and flipped the poncho over my body. This way, I could perfectly conceal not only my face but also my body shape.

I gently placed the staff I was holding on the ground.

"Damballa."

Crack—!

As I called out to Damballa, the staff, which I had placed on the ground, instantly transformed into the shape of a giant snake. Damballa probably also knew why I had come to the coast and called out to her.

Before I could say anything, Damballa bowed and lowered her head.

[Get on, kid. I already know where you want to go.]

"Thank you."

[Hold on tight, though. Otherwise, you might fall off.]

I climbed onto Damballa's head and held onto the scales embedded in her forehead as a handle. The ride wasn't exactly stable, but as long as I was careful, I didn't think I would fall off.

Damballa crawled across the sandy beach and entered the sea. And then she started swimming in the ocean.

"Can't we go faster?"

Damballa's swimming speed was slower than I had expected. When I urged her, Damballa flicked her tongue a few times, seemingly annoyed. [The waves are slow, so it’s difficult for me to pick up speed.]

“Bade,” I called out.

Woosh─!

With the help of strong winds, the waves became rough. The waves gradually grew in size as they collided with the wind, eventually swelling to the size of a tsunami.

Damballa swiftly navigated through the sea while riding on the giant wave. I tightly gripped the scales even harder.

[Kid, it hurts when you hold on so tightly.]

"If I hold on loosely, I’ll fall off."

[Hmm... That's also true.]

"Just be quiet and focus on moving."

[You're a kid that’s not so cute after all.]

Splash!

Damballa moved roughly. The seawater splashed and hit my poncho.