Card Apprentice Daily Log

Chapter 238: Culprit

Date- 14 Jan 1877

Time- 00:11

Location- Earth, South Korea, North Gyeongsang Province, Taegu Village

“I want vengeance but not against the villagers but you. What they did was deranged but to some point, it is your fault because if it weren’t for you massacring the Pak family and causing drought, forest fire they would not be forced into doing this.” Despite what the villagers did to her and her father Corey chose to go after the puppeteer instead of the puppets. As there was no point in killing the puppets and becoming another puppet under the same puppeteer. That would be meaningless.

“Hahaha, you do not cease to amaze me, little girl! And what makes you so sure that I was the one who forced the villagers to sacrifice you and your father or caused the drought and forest fire.” The more Corey resisted his corruption the more excited and interested Belphegor became in Corey.

“What do you mean? If not you then who?” Corey did not seem to believe the demon. Maybe because she knew demons are expert liars.

“Little girl, how about using your brain? This is the mid-summer, the hottest period of the year. The water level in Creeks and Wells are bound to hit a record low. As for the forest fire, it was not me who caused it but you humans are the ones to be blamed for it. A human lit a fire in the forest at night which spread across the forest. Do not blame the demon whenever something bad happens, learn to take responsibility.” Belphegor explained seeing the sceptical Corey. His long explanation showed that his obsession with Corey had increased to another level.

“Okay, then what about the Pak family, how do you explain their deaths then.” Belphegor’s explanation sounded reasonable to Corey but she still did not believe that he was not the actual culprit.

“Again not me, it was another human.” Belphegor denied the blame.

“Why would anyone want to kill the Pak family. You know what I think It sure seems convenient for you to blame humans for everything when you do not have an answer for yet. don’t you?” Hearing Belphegor deny again Corey exclaimed sarcastically.

“You… It was the Old Shaman. He Killed the Pak family and started the forest fire to cover up his deeds by burning their Corpse, he would have gotten away with it if not for the village chief finding fractured bones, stab and cut wounds on the charred corpses. To cover his ass he made up all this cockamamie story about an enraged Dokkaebi. And this is not his first time doing it.” Belphegor wants to corrupt Corey just like the rest of the humans in his past but it seemed impossible as she blamed him for all the tragedy in her life. Which helped her suppress her rage against the villagers, the real culprits of the tragedy in her life. Therefore he decided to snitch on the old Shaman.

“What! You are lying! Old Shaman is one of the most respected and last living founders of the village. Why would he do such a thing? You are lying.” Corey could not believe Belphegor, she finally realised how deceptive the demons can be.

“Why this? Why is that? Why do you have to question everything I say? That man slit your father’s throat and drained his blood in front of your eyes and yet you choose to defend him rather than believe me.” Belphegor yelled in anger and continued, “you want to know why? Here’s why! The Pak family were murdered because the Pak family found out his secret that he is a paedophile. You know the little girl Pak Lee, 2 years younger than you. 4 days ago Mr and Mrs Pak found out that her daughter is not having periods and is pregnant. Upon careful questioning, Mr and Mrs Pak found out that the old shaman would rape Pak Lee every morning and afternoon when Mr and Mrs Pak are busy working in the fields. Pak Lee is not the only one there are many others, the victims choose to keep quiet because the conservative ideas would label them as damaged goods. That old shaman is getting sloppy with his old age this time he forgot to clean up after his mess.

That very night angry Mr and Mrs Pak found Old shaman to confront him but that old fox was too much for the Pak couple to handle. He killed them and tried to burn their corpses which led to a 2 day 3 nights long forest fire. And when the villagers finally found the corpse of the missing Pak family. The old shaman blamed it on Dokkaebi as he did a few decades ago.” Belphegor finally revealed everything he knew to Corey. In order to get Corey enraged and hunger for vengeance. This way he can finally corrupt her soul and satisfy his sadistic ego.

“…” Hearing the truth, Corey was dumbfounded and utterly shocked to know that the most trusted and respected leader of the village was a predator and a nasty pile of garbage.

“Haha, how do you feel finally knowing the whole truth? Now, do you want to forgive your father’s killer! If you still do not believe me. The culprit himself is coming to enjoy his new prey. Why don’t you ask him yourself? Haha! This is going to be fun.” Saying that Belphegor suddenly went quiet sensing the old shaman nearing.

…

The old shaman, after making sure that everyone went back to their home and would not come out till morning, retired to the forest to met his next prey, Corey Park.

The shaman knew there was no such thing as Dokkaebi or demon in the village and he also did not know any witchcraft for that matter. but his lies and that witchcraft gimmick worked against the foolish villagers and helped him fill his stomach.

People were suckers for ghosts demons and devils, as long as people feared those things he would exploit them to their fullest.

The old Shaman’s witchcraft and Dokkaebi lie helped him more than filling his stomach they helped him achieve his deepest and darkest desires which the whole world would condemn him for.