The lights in the conference room dimmed as the room went dark, and a neat presentation appeared on the screen at the front. The Ceremonial Instruments Department was conducting this quarterly showcase, held four times a year to introduce newly developed tools.
In essence, this was akin to any corporate product launch, the department would introduce each new tool's functions and development process. For the Ceremonial Instruments Department, as a research and development sector, this event was crucial to them as it visually demonstrated their recent progress and achievements.
"I am Park Junghoon from the Ceremonial Instruments Department who will be presenting. Thank you all for making time to attend.."
The presenting exorcist took the mic and introduced himself, officially beginning the event.
"Our department has gathered and improved some tools we distributed in the third and fourth quarters..."
"In this quarter, we'll introduce four new tools."
Standing at the podium, the presenting exorcist aimed a laser pointer at the screen to guide the presentation. Each time a slide changed, the rest of the exorcists flipped through their documents.
Jaegyeom hurriedly followed, fumbling a little. Since he hadn't attended the previous report, this felt unfamiliar to him.
After turning a page, he froze. His focus was intensely drawn to Yoon Taehee beside him. He felt a strange feeling, as though every cell in his body was leaning leftward. He felt an odd pulse thudding irregularly, like a faint, irregular beat near his chest.
Jaegyeom, who had been sitting stiffly like a rock, shifted only his eyes subtly to steal a glance at Yoon Taehee's profile. It was lit faintly by the screen's glow, highlighting his sharp jawline. He appeared calm, watching the presentation attentively and occasionally jotting notes with his pen.
Although it was Yoon Taehee who'd made such an absurd statement earlier, Jaegyeom was the one feeling unsettled. Trying to ignore Yoon Taehee's presence, he attempted to focus on the presentation.
"Our next item is a spray designed to temporarily paralyze spiritual energy," the presenter said, moving to the next slide.
"This spray, developed with the cooperation of the Purification Division, is designed for immobilizing targets. It's made by combining various herbs with water from talismans, and it serves a similar purpose to the ropes we've previously made."
Jaegyeom narrowed his eyes. The ropes designed to cut off spiritual energy were the same ones the exorcist from the Ceremonial Instruments Department used on him once when he had Mesani taken away from him in the mountains.
"However, that rope was only effective at a distance, making it challenging to use when targets were nearby. Additionally, using it required an incantation before activation. This spray, on the other hand, has no activation requirements, allowing quick use during close encounters."
As the presenter finished speaking, murmurs arose, the room filled with whispers. This spray was by far the most significant item introduced today. The lack of activation requirements was a groundbreaking development. Typically, activating a tool required either channeling spiritual energy into it or reciting a specific incantation.
"Also, unlike ropes, which may seem suspicious when used, this spray can be easily disguised as an ordinary object, minimizing the chance of arousing suspicion in front of ordinary people."
Nods of agreement swept through the crowd. It was undeniably practical. Seeing the positive reception, the presenting exorcist looked visibly pleased.
"That concludes the presentation on the spray. I will take questions now."
Hands shot up here and there, and as the presenter selected them, the exorcists revealed their affiliation and name before asking.
"What's the average duration of the effect?"
"Approximately three hours."
"Do you need to spray it directly on the face of a spirit?"
"Not necessarily near the face."
As the questions continued, Kang Yibin, who was sitting in the front row, also raised her hand.
"I'm Manager Kang Yibin from the Exorcism Department." She received the microphone and stood up from her seat. "You mentioned it's a liquid spray. Say, I'm in the field and I meet a ghost.
And I spray it towards it, but what if the wind's blowing toward me?
Do I end up paralyzing myself?!"
Her lively question drew laughter from the crowd, and even Yoon Taehee chuckled. The previously stiff atmosphere lightened significantly.
"Yes, it's true, the wind could blow it back. So, we've used a specialized nozzle to narrow the spray, increasing resistance to wind," the presenter replied, also smiling
"Moreover, while spirits only need to contact the liquid to be affected, humans need to either inhale or ingest it for the effects to occur. You'll be safe with just a little on your skin, rest assured."
Even with ongoing questions, the presenting exorcist answered smoothly without losing his composure, receiving praise from exorcists, who even commented, "Excellent work!" But while the Ceremonial Instruments Department received accolades, Jaegyeom watched with a cold look. He harbored strong resentment towards them, so the praise filling the room left him feeling sour.
These little rats talk too much. I just wish it would end quickly.'
Just as he was thinking that, Yoon Taehee, who had been staring straight ahead with his arms crossed and eyes deep in thought, tilted his upper body slightly toward Jaegyeom.
"Shall I cut these smug bastards down a notch?"
The sudden whisper in his ear made Jaegyeom's heart jump. Before he could react, Yoon Taehee casually raised his arm, snapping his fingers with a soft click.
With that, he stood up, hands casually in his pockets, and took the microphone, introducing himself in a slow, deliberate voice.
"I'm Yoon Taehee, Exorcism Department."
His tone held a hint of apathy, even leaving out his team or position title. The presenter appeared slightly on edge.
"First, l'd like to thank the Ceremonial Instruments Department for their efforts. A spray that paralyzes spiritual energy will be a highly useful tool for subduing targets. The lack of activation requirements is truly innovative. Every second counts on the field, and it's evident you considered that carefully."
He began by acknowledging the department's efforts.
"However, the lack of activation requirements is also a double-edged sword. While it allows easy access, it inherently poses security risks, making it vulnerable. Anyone, not just exorcists, can use it. What if it's lost due to carelessness, or worse, if it ends up in someone else's hands? For instance, imagine this spray falling into the hands of a malicious ghost or a gwijae who is not an exorcist."
Yoon Taehee paused, giving a wry smile before asking his question.
"What would happen then?"
"..."
"Well... things might get pretty serious, don't you think?"
For the first time, a look of surprise appeared on the face of the presenter.
"So, l'd like to ask the members of the Ceremonial Instruments Department: have you considered countermeasures for these potential issues? Or even given any thought to such possibilities from the start?"
After finishing his critique, Yoon Taehee cheerfully added a closing remark into the microphone.
"That's all~"
He clasped his hands behind his back and waited for an answer.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Chief Yoon had cut through the atmosphere in an instant. The once vibrant energy in the room had now turned noticeably tense. The presenting exorcist looked visibly unsettled, seemingly at a loss for words in the face of the sharp question.
"Oh, well... that's..."
Seok Juryeon, who was seated at the head of the table, allowed a faint, crooked smile to play on her lips.
What a brazen kid.
"Our people might start tearing up soon."
At that, the head of the Ceremonial Instruments Department, who had been observing the scene in a detached manner, laughed heartily and spoke to Seok Juryeon. She gave a silent chuckle and replied quietly.
"Members of the Exorcism Department, who go directly into the field, are conditioned to consider every possible scenario. After all, countless unforeseen circumstances occur in the field, and unexpected variables abound. With their practical experience, it's only natural they have a broader perspective."
The presenter, who had been clutching the microphone in a momentary hesitation, finally started speaking.
"Yes... th-thank you for the question. It's an accurate observation. To prevent unfortunate incidents, we aim to conduct thorough inventory checks and exercise strict caution in handling the equipment... Uh, we'll try to make sure..."
The response, squeezed out with effort, was nothing more than a textbook answer, devoid of substance. Yoon Taehee nodded his head politely, saying, "Hmm, understood," and sat back down with a lukewarm reply.
"..."
At that, Jaegyeom looked over at him with a bewildered expression.
Yoon Taehee, with a blank expression, held a pen in his hand and doodled something on Jaegyeom's paperwork, just as he had done earlier.
Pretty thing hehe
Due to the dim lighting in the room, Jaegyeom squinted and strained his vision to make out the writing. He found himself at a loss for words. He thought about responding to his scribble but decided against it.
No matter how he looked at it, Yoon Taehee wasn't acting entirely sane.