Cult (5)
"So this time it's Konkuk Univ. Station, huh."
I hadn't spent all my time solely investigating the cult.
I was also carrying out my original goal for coming to Seoul-hunting boss-level monsters and establishing forward bases using them as anchors.
Naturally, since I was investigating the JHS cult alongside, I ended up hunting monsters near their base in Jamsil. In doing so, I was able to understand the requirements for establishing a forward base more clearly.
A location suitable for a forward base, where a monster of at least level 30 has been hunted. And most importantly...
My will.
Even now, the territory of Eisenblade, viewed from above, spanned over a
kilometer in radius.
But among it all, the only place where a forward base could be constructed wasn't the completely destroyed Line 2, but rather Konkuk Univ. Station on Line 7, which remained buried underground.
That was the only place that met all the conditions.
"This distance should be good enough."
Of all the candidate sites so far, this was the closest one to Jamsil.
"Yeah, this is the best spot.
"1
One thing I'd learned during the investigation of JHS was that there weren't as many fanatic believers as I'd expected.
Sure, there were a few who blindly worshipped Jung Hyunsoo as if
brainwashed, but they were one in ten at best.
More than 70% of the followers were staying with the cult not out of faith, but for safety and food.
"If we just issue citizenship to about half of them and accept them, that should be enough."
They'd soon forget all about the JHS cult and adapt to life in Busan.
There were two reasons I was so confident.
First, their living conditions weren't great.
Even though people with various awakened abilities were working together to maintain society, there were limits.
With a population exceeding 100,000, there wasn't enough food to go around. Especially with water-many had to set up tents near the Han River just to have drinking water.
That speaks volumes about how rough their living conditions were.
"Once they learn about how things are on our side, many will willingly cross over."
Second, they weren't completely free from the threat of monsters.
The only truly safe places were Lotte World and Lotte Tower, which were considered sanctuaries.
Even at this very moment, people were being attacked and injured by goblins.
Some were barely surviving without proper medical treatment, and Kim Dajeong had to personally heal them.
To those she saved from the brink of death, she revealed that she wasn't part of JHS and asked if they'd like to join us instead. They quickly accepted, saying they never really believed in JHS in the first place.
It probably helped that we offered them treats like chocolate, cola, and instant noodles.
"I haven't issued them citizenship yet, though."
I'd recently learned something new.
Only those with citizenship could use the Four Great Gates.
So, without a forward base, we had to transport each person individually via Kellican to bring them in as citizens.
"Just like Choi Sanghyun and Choi Seulgi."
Thanks to them, we confirmed that non-citizens couldn't use the North Gate.
Choi Seulgi had stubbornly refused, but we forcibly brought her in and granted her citizenship.
At first, she screamed curses at us, calling us devils. But after arriving in Seomyeon, taking a warm shower, and eating a hot meal, she went silent.
Now, she's quietly living with Choi Sanghyun.
I hadn't even met her in person, but her trust and loyalty toward me kept increasing. It was clear she was satisfied with her current life.
"Even someone as fanatical as Choi Seulgi changed. Those healed by Kim Dajeong will adapt in no time."
All the more reason I needed to complete the forward base as soon as possible.
***
[Everyone.]
I spoke to the nine vassals who were relatively free, using the Ring of Communication.
[Please prepare yourselves. We'll be building a forward base.]
Since they were already informed beforehand, it didn't take long for them to get ready.
"Summon vassals."
After summoning all nine of them together,
"Open North Gate."
I opened the gate leading to Konkuk Univ. Station, where Kim Gayoung was waiting.
Moon Jihoon, the elder of the twin brothers who handled cold energy, asked
me,
"Lord Jaehyun, where are we headed?"
"Konkuk Univ. Station."
"Huh? Seriously? That's awesome!"
"Why's that?"
"I had a friend who went to Konkuk University, so I visited once. Just thought it'd feel familiar since I know the place."
"I suggest letting go of that expectation."
"Pardon?"
"It'll be very different from what you remember."
I stepped aside from the North Gate.
Moon Jihoon froze in place after seeing the scenery beyond the gate.
"...?"
What was once part of Eisenblade's territory had become a complete ruin utterly devastated.
"This... is really...?"
To Moon Jihoon, who still couldn't believe it, I confirmed:
"This is Seoul."
He wasn't the only one shocked.
The expressions of the other vassals who crossed through the gate also turned grim as they looked upon the ruined city.
"Everyone, please enter Konkuk Univ. Station.'
After confirming that Kim Gayoung had joined them, completing the team of ten, we began building the forward base.
[Ten or more citizens with a 'Knight' or higher title have gathered at the construction site.]
[Construction efficiency has increased by 200%.]
[Time remaining until forward base construction is complete]
-55 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds
Since it was a subway station, construction time wasn't too long.
I addressed the vassals gathered at the station.
[Just endure for three days.]
Once the forward base was complete, we'd be able to accept a significant portion of the JHS followers.
"Though calling them followers is a stretch."
They weren't there out of faith, but because they chose survival.
"I'll accept anyone who's willing."
As for what to do with Jung Hyunsoo, the cult's leader-I'd think about that once his influence was neutralized.
***
Meanwhile...
Lee Junyoung, who had been saved by Kang Yaeun, took 11 of his comrades and began heading toward JHS's base in Jamsil.
When we first arrived at Lotte World under her guidance, I was absolutely stunned.
Seeing the electricity working and people enjoying the rides gave me a huge shock.
We spent the entire day playing, and when night came and the Lotte Tower lit up with lights, I was simply in awe. When we ended up sleeping in a place that rivaled a luxury hotel suite, it truly felt like a dream.
"Wow, this place is huge!"
"This is all thanks to you, Junyoung. I never imagined we'd get to enjoy this kind of luxury."
There were only two beds even though 11 of us were sharing the room, but that was fine.
The room was spacious-almost as big as a 30-pyeong (about 1,000 square feet) apartment.
"Huh? Water! The water's running!"
"What about the toilet? Try flushing it."
"Oh? It flushes!"
"Hey! Make sure you're clean before getting on the bed! Let's take turns showering!"
Compared to the places they had been living in up until now, this place felt like heaven.
'Just having electricity and running water makes life worth living.'
The fact that there was no hot water didn't even feel like a downside.
Even just being able to take a cold shower was enough to make them grateful to the gods.
In fact, it was good that people didn't stay in the shower too long.
'If I could keep living like this, I'd even believe in that JLS thing or whatever it is!'
He knew it was a cult, but what did that matter?
He was confident he could be the most devoted believer of them all.
"So soft..."
It was when everyone had finished showering and were sprawled out on the beds and sofas.
Ding dong-♬
The doorbell rang. A guest had arrived.
"Is everyone resting well?"
It was Kang Ye-eun, the one who had guided them here. She came holding a bottle of wine in one hand and a blue plate with fine chocolates in the other.
"What's all this?"
"Welcome drink and welcome chocolates."
Excited voices burst out at the mention of wine and chocolate.
"Is that real wine?"
"Chocolate!"
Kang Ye-eun casually took wine glasses from the cupboard and set them up.
"There are only two glasses. I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize! We can drink without glasses!"
"Then how about we take turns sharing sips?"
And just like that, the drinking began.
The atmosphere naturally warmed up.
"These chocolates are rare, so please make sure to take just one each."
"Yes!"
Kang Ye-eun offered the chocolates on the blue plate.
The youngest girl in Junyoung's group was the first to pop one into her mouth,
and the others quickly followed, each grabbing their own.
As everyone enjoyed the chocolates with happy expressions-
"Mm?"
"Huh?"
"Uh?"
Their faces began to stiffen slightly.
Junyoung was no exception.
'What is this fishy taste?'
When he bit into the chocolate, an unpleasant-tasting liquid spread inside his mouth.
'...Is it spoiled?'
A moment of silence passed.
"T-Tastes great!"
"Thank you for the treat."
Everyone awkwardly covered up the taste of the chocolate.
They were all too familiar with eating spoiled food by now, and more importantly, it would've felt rude to complain after being treated so generously.
Seeing their reactions, Kang Ye-eun smiled brightly.
"I'm glad it suits your tastes."
Then, she said something with a deeper meaning.
"So, how was your day? Did you have fun?"
"Yes! Thanks to you, it really felt like a dream."
"It was even more fun than before those damn monsters started appearing."
Watching their reactions with a quiet smile, Kang Ye-eun said,
"If you become citizens of the Celestial City, every day will be like today."
"Huh...?"
"Is there anyone here who's an Awakened?"
Of course, there wasn't.
When no one responded, Kang Ye-eun continued.
"That's a shame. Depending on your abilities, if you were Awakened, you could have immediately risen to the rank of Yeongdo."
"...What does that mean?"
"There are a few ranks in the Order. Now that you've eaten the chocolate, you've all become Followers. Congratulations."
""
"To become citizens of the Celestial City, your next goal is to become Practitioners."
Junyoung muttered blankly.
"An Initiate...?"
Kang Yaeun smiled softly and said,
"It's simple. You just need to each bring in one new follower like yourselves. Then you can become Initiates."
"...What changes if we become Initiates?"
"You'll be guaranteed better food and better sleeping arrangements."
"And after that...?"
"As long as you diligently study the doctrine of the cult and faithfully attend prayers, you'll soon be able to become a Seondo (Pathfinder)."
"A Pathfinder...?"
"Yes. From that point on, you'll be allowed to enter the Sanctuary for prayer. Though access will still be limited."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Everyone knew all too well how difficult and dangerous it was to find other survivors.
'Twelve people.'
To rescue that many survivors, you had to be ready to risk your life.
Just as despair was setting in, Kang Yaeun threw them a lifeline.
"Don't be too discouraged. Half of you can become Initiates right now."
"Huh? What do you mean...?"
"Technically, the credit would be mine, but if you report it as if you each introduced someone among yourselves, it'll count. Since there's an even number, you can split up nicely!"
"Is... is that really okay?"
"Of course! Honestly, compared to bringing you into the Sanctuary, this is nothing."
Lee Junyoung's eyes were instantly filled with guilt.
Come to think of it, it made sense-there was no way they could be enjoying such luxuries without some kind of sacrifice.
"I'm sorry. If we've caused you any trouble..."
"It's okay! But! In return, I hope you all work hard to climb the ranks."
"We'll do our best."
"Great. Then by tomorrow morning, please decide who the six Initiates will be. See you then."
Since they had spent so long surviving together, it didn't take long to choose the six.
Those who frequently went out on scouting missions remained as followers, while those who usually stayed behind to guard the area or do chores were chosen to become Initiates.
The shock came the next day when they were led to their new accommodations.
"Huh."
Surprisingly, both the Followers' and Initiates' lodgings were tents set up along the Han River.
The only difference was that Followers had one-person tents, while Initiates had larger ones that could fit about four people.
Aside from the daily distribution of food like bread and milk, it seemed worse than when they had been living in abandoned houses.
"I heard from the others that if you want to live in an actual house again, even just an empty one, you have to make it to Pathfinder. But
apparently, if you just show up consistently for a week or so, it's doable. And the food's getting better too."
"So basically, they want us to reach that level."
"Exactly."
Lee Junyoung clenched his fist, and his companion spoke.
"Looks like we'll be working together again, huh?"
"No."
"Huh?"
"I'll go alone."
"What?"
"I happen to know a place where we can find around six people. Moving in a group is just going to slow me down."
"Hey, but still..."
"Just attend prayers with the others. We need to raise our ranks as quickly as possible."
Saying that, he turned and left without hesitation.
That very evening, Lee Junyoung's gamble paid off, and thanks to him, all of
his companions were successfully promoted to Initiates.
"Holy crap! I didn't believe you'd pull it off!"
"Have a little faith."
"Thanks, Junyoung."
The next morning.
Something unbelievable happened.
RUMMMMMBLE
With a deafening quake-
CRAAACK—
The land encompassing the amusement park, Lotte Tower, and Seokchon Lake what they called the Sanctuary-began to slowly rise into the sky.
"Wh-what the hell is that?!"
And then-
Thud!
Lee Junyoung stared in horror as his comrades, who had just been talking with him moments ago, collapsed one by one.
"Taehyun! Jihyun! What's happening to everyone?!"
Eventually-
"...Huh?"
Sleep overwhelmed him.
And when he came to again—
'What... what is happening?'
He saw his own soul rising toward the land floating in the sky.
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