The next target came not from the System… but from a whisper.
A name written in red on a shattered wall.
A voice from an old beggar that shouldn't have remembered Jiwoon's face.
A rumor that refused to die.
"The Man Who Sells Salvation."
Jiwoon stood in front of a glittering high-rise, its mirrored walls reflecting the ruined world like a mockery.
Inside, hundreds gathered — desperate, broken souls.
And at the center of it all, a single figure in white robes.
Smiling.
[System Scan]
Target 010: Shin Myungho
Crime: Fraudulent miracles, extortion of the dying
Power Level: Unknown
Public Support: 98%
Threat Level: HIGH
Kaelya growled under her breath.
"He's got half the city wrapped around his finger."
Vera's eyes narrowed.
"No system alert. It wants you to decide."
Jiwoon remained silent.
But his heartbeat pulsed with growing clarity.
"It's time someone burned the lie."
Enter the Cult
Inside, Shin Myungho raised a glowing orb — a false relic made to impress.
"Salvation is bought, not given. Give all you have, and I will cleanse your sins."
The crowd wept and cheered.
Until the lights shattered.
Jiwoon stepped into the hall, cloaked in shadows.
His childlike form flickered — as if something far older stirred beneath.
"You're selling forgiveness?"
"Then let me give you a refund."
[Skill Unlocked: Veilburn]
Dark fire erupted from Jiwoon's hands — not to kill, but to expose.
The ornate banners peeled away. The relics crumbled to ash.
And the truth stood naked in front of all who once believed.
Shin Myungho snarled. "You've ruined everything!"
He lunged, drawing a blade hidden beneath his robes.
But Jiwoon didn't move.
He didn't need to.
[Guardian Override: Vera – Heavenstep Protocol]
In an instant, Vera blurred forward. Her blade shimmered once — and disarmed the cult leader with surgical grace.
Kaelya appeared beside her, spear pointed at his heart.
"He's yours."
Jiwoon stepped forward, eyes glowing red.
"You used hope as a leash."
"Now choke on it."
[System Update]
Target Eliminated
Sin Points: +150
Karma Adjustment: Neutral
Emotional Response: Stable
Outside, the followers scattered. Not with hatred. But clarity.
For the first time, they weren't lied to.
And as Jiwoon turned to leave, Kaelya asked:
"Why didn't you purge him yourself?"
He glanced back.
"Because sometimes, exposing the lie is louder than killing it."