The Reincarnated Cop Who Strikes With Wealth

Chapter 46.2

The Meaning of Family (2)

Welcome to our village. For now, why dont you come on in. Since youre family members, we cant just leave you standing outside like this.

With bright smiles, the people led us into their village. My companions shot me a look before moving to follow, and I trailed along behind them as unobtrusively as I could. At first glance it might seem like the villagers were just being hospitable, but the truth was

This is

The moment we entered the village, we were struck by the view. The houses were built in a rough semi-circle surrounding a wide open space, and within this clearing, a giant tree grew from the centre with an altar built in front of it. Besides the altar, a majestic looking cross superimposed with a circle had been erected. The giant tree and the houses were connected by a web of colorful ropes.

Ji-Hye froze and turned to look at me. I could only bite my bottom lip as a sign that she should keep silent.

Known as the Past Life Church, this was the site of a Korean cult that had become as famous in my previous life as the Japanese Aleph Cult. Unlike other such cults, it had become particularly problematic because of its pursuit of isolation. As it was situated on an island, it was able to rely on its natural features to block access to the outside world, allowing the damage to escalate beyond imagination. From the outside, it simply appeared to be a rather unusual village, but the ugly truth behind it was quite a surprise.

This is my house.

Paint was peeling off the walls of the house and the roof was slated with blue tiles. Though compared to its time-worn external appearance, the inside of the house looked neat and well-organized.

Sang-ho looked us up and down before pulling open a closet door.

With his gaze fixed on Chief Kims suit and tie, he asked, Dont you all feel constrained wearing such a formal outfit? Allow me to lend you all some clothes. That should let you change into something more comfortable.

Oh, not at all. Im perfectly fine.

Ill just leave them here. Ji-Hye can change clothes in the next room.

Sang-Ho insistently laid the clothes down on the floor for us to change into before leaving the room. Every single one of the pieces of clothing that Sang-Ho had left for us was dyed green. These were the type of clothes worn by believers who had just joined the Past Life Church. The darker and flashier the clothes were, the higher the wearers rank in the church.

Click-

As soon as the door was shut, Ji-Hye grabbed my arm, Something strange is going on here-

I held a finger up to my lips, stopping Ji-Hye from speaking and telling her to be careful with her words. Although Sang-Ho had closed the door, I had yet to hear the sounds of him walking away.

Damn. He really has been brainwashed.

Then a few moments later, along with the sound of someone entering the house, I heard Sang-Ho leave.

I quietly whispered to my companions, I also know that something strange is going on here. But thats why we need to act as naturally as possible. For now, keep the fact that Im a cop an absolute secret, and don't change into those clothes.

There was no need to provoke the villagers with any hasty rejections. Since you can never know what might happen if you hit a crazy persons berserk button by telling them that theyre crazy. On top of that, this was their homeground.

By the way, Sang-Beom-ah. Although its a bit of a shame since we finally found your brother, for now we should get out of here and come back later.

Seeing how serious my expression was, Sang-Beom could only silently nod his head. It could be that he felt a sense of discomfort from his hyung, who had changed some time during their long years apart.

Knock knock-

After knocking on the door, Sang-Ho entered the room. He was holding an aged book in his hand. As if it was a forbidden text, the book was stained red. When he saw that we had yet to change our clothes, he tilted his head questioningly.

With a gulp, Chief Kim tugged at his collar.

Do you not like the clothes?

Not at all. Its just that well be leaving soon, so its a bit of a waste.

Ah. Could it be that you have something urgent to get to?

While checking my watch, I answered him, Well theres the travel time to consider, and we really do need to get back to work once our vacation is over. We cant afford to delay much longer. Sang-Beom will make sure to send you a lot of letters, so why dont we just get an address from you before we go.

Its been so long since we last met, you could at least have dinner before you go Sang-Ho trailed off as he pleaded with Sang-Beom.

I discreetly sent him a signal to refuse the offer. There would be a better chance for the two brothers to reunite soon enough.

Im sorry, Hyung. Ive still got to go to school, and since I was only able to get here with help from Ji-Hun-hyung, I cant ask any more of him. For now, Ill head back home and come back to see you soon.

Okay. Well said! It was so convincing that even I almost unconsciously agreed with him.

The truth was that Sang-Ho and the rest of the villagers currently werent a serious threat to us. As people who lived in isolation, you would have to assume that theyd feel uncomfortable with allowing outsiders to stay in their village. The real problem was if we met that bastard.

Sang-Ho took Sang-Beoms hand and said in a reluctant tone, Okay. It looks like it cant be helped. However, Sang-Beom-ah, let me just tell you something important before you go. The rest of you can listen to this too.

He opened up the book he had brought with him. Its pages were thick with Chinese characters. The margins were packed full of notes made in pencil, showing signs of diligent study.