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『…To acquire Mana, one must engage in battle with strong beings. However, as mentioned earlier, every being possesses a modicum of Mana, and when similar entities come together, their fusion accelerates. Just as oil mixes to create more oil, water merges to produce greater volumes of water, and seawater combines to yield an increased amount of seawater, the compatibility of similar substances is the most favorable. Thus, I advise the warrior who reads this record to confront humans and absorb their Mana….』

『…The method of absorbing Mana is through devouring. Primarily, consume the trained parts of the defeated foes—the parts strengthened by the blessing of Mana. However, there are areas where the Mana has clumped together, primarily in the head; it is wise not to consume that part. If one ingests the head, the original resentment of the person will be infused with Mana, inevitably causing turmoil, leading to illness or madness, resulting in a rampage until death. Therefore, it is best to avoid the head and use it as a material for magic or as an accessory to hold Mana….』

Mana.

The fierce power.

Energy that can grow through taking from others.

Often seen in magics combined with taboos like cannibalism.

It is a rare force but simultaneously a challenging one to handle.

It often leads users to their destruction.

In that respect, the method of accumulating Mana discovered in the MSU Museum can be deemed very dangerous.

Already perilous Mana combined with cannibalistic magical rituals. Moreover, it was unclear whether information on training the body, protecting the mind, or handling Mana had been lost or stored elsewhere; the only written record was the method of accumulating Mana through cannibalism.

If learned, it would undoubtedly lead to ruin.

Even if it didn’t, there’s a high probability of twisting one’s mind, potentially transforming into a being more akin to a cannibalistic monster rather than a person.

But those burning with a desire for revenge learned it.

The vengeance stemming from their family, friends, and beloved ones being victimized by gang brutality allowed them to willingly endure such destruction. The boiling hatred propelled them to break taboos without hesitation.

As a result, the revenge seekers began quietly consuming others and gathering Mana.

Targeting easy prey—especially those with whom they held grudges.

Neighbors who turned a blind eye when their wives were dragged off by gangs.

The ones who strutted around, acting tough just because they got a bit friendly with the gangs.

The punks who roamed around wanting to join the gangs.

Lazy bums, opting to be comfortable even in tough times while others suffered.

Egoists, who thought as long as they filled their own bellies, it didn’t matter if others starved to death.

Thieves and pickpockets who laid hands on others’ belongings….

And one by one, people began to disappear.

Along with them, a bluish aura began to swirl around the revenge seekers, and soon enough, this energy grew visibly to the point where it shone out of their eyes when they moved it.

The visualization of energy.

Among capable persons, this is seen as a minimum preparation for actual combat.

From that moment on, the seekers of vengeance began to act.

Just like when the gangs faced madmen, they hid in the sewers, lured gang members in, and began to kill and consume them.

Naturally, the Mana gained from consuming the gangs was… immense.

Far exceeding that of easy prey.

Thus, the revenge seekers grew stronger.

By the time the gangs realized that a strange group was targeting them, it was too late.

Those who had accumulated enough Mana through cannibalism became threatening beings even without learned combat skills, possessing strength that was on a completely different level from the various petty raiders or madmen the gangs had dealt with.

In fact, since they lived in the same area, the home advantage also didn’t apply.

The gangs crumbled astonishingly easily.

And most ended up in the bellies of the revenge seekers.

After achieving their revenge, the seekers… lost their minds.

They were tormented by the fact that they had broken taboos for the sake of vengeance, and began coating their minds in faith to escape that torment. The material for that coating was none other than the “Mana Accumulation Method.”

It was that very Mana Accumulation Method, which stated that Mana is both the power for combat and a blessing for warriors.

They believed they were warriors living for struggle and vengeance, brainwashing themselves into thinking what they were doing was the right thing. According to this belief, they took the place of the gangs while believing they needed to protect the citizens from external threats.

Thoughts.

The belief that the external world is dangerous.

The idea that madmen are rampant, putting citizens in peril.

The thought that they, who possessed power, must protect them.

This was the reason why they learned the Mana Accumulation Method—their supposed mission.

It was religion.

They did not worship a clear deity, nor did they consider themselves believers, but it was undoubtedly something akin to a religion.

Perhaps it resembled the manifestation of ancient humanity’s primitive religions.

Doctrines and codes of conduct created amidst taboos and faith….

It might well be an ancient religion born anew in this modern age.

Or perhaps it might have been resurrected.

Thus, they came together.

And in doing so, they became a threat.

Not a threat that endangers Detroit, but a threat born from Detroit.

A group of madmen originating in Detroit.

They instilled fear and pointed guns at the Detroit area.

Thus, they became the Cultists.

Cultists who do not believe in gods.

Cultists of a religion without a leader.

The Detroit Cultists.

This cult played a significant role in turning America into a mess.

Not through armed forces or violence, but through their cannibalistic acts.

Due to their existence, whispers of “you grow stronger by cannibalism” spread across America, making cannibalistic behavior go viral. Even after that trend ended, the repercussions lingered, drastically reducing resistance to cannibalism among the people.

Moreover, with the ‘Mana Accumulation Method’ spreading everywhere, madmen appearing repeatedly, seeking strength through cannibalism, further plunging society into chaos….

They were truly beings that posed a threat to order just by existing.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Butchery Tower that Park Jinseong saw was born because of them.

The primary cause of the Butchery Tower’s creation was the “Soul Bond Magic of Fore,” crafted by the mad shaman, combined with decaying morals and ethics, a horrifying environment with countless people starving, and butchers whose minds had warped.

However, if one were to trace even further back, the Detroit Cultists would undoubtedly be found.

They serve as proof and precedent that “strength can be gained through cannibalism” and were pioneers who broke the taboo of cannibalism.

Considering this aspect, what Park Jinseong is currently pursuing is indeed a good deed.

Extracting evil beings that oppress, torment, and exploit the Detroit Cultists is undoubtedly a good act.

In the present, it impacts public safety and removes those who harm others.

Looking to the future, it eliminates the conditions that will lead to vengeful individuals who might go mad while engaging in cannibalism—which is also a good thing.

Using beings that would only have harmful effects in an appropriate manner is also beneficial for those who have become Majnun-like due to the gangs.

Everything is good.

It’s truly a good thing.

However, if these beings were absent, they would lose the initial barrier protecting impoverished Detroit from raiders and madmen trying to barge in.

“Once I’ve used up all the gangs, I can use them.”

The more bullets available for use, the better.

And if merely using those bullets can make the world better.

Where’s the reason to hold back and not use those plentiful bullets?

[Guide us on our path by shaping angels from light and casting away the fire.]

Truly, it is remarkably good.

* * *

Majnun speaks.

“In the name of the gracious and merciful one! He will reward those who believe and act righteously, for they shall be forgiven and receive abundant sustenance!”

Before the spy agency facility in America, Majnun declares.

“In the name of the gracious and merciful one! But for those who challenge my emblem and seek to thwart my plans, a painful punishment awaits!”

Before the astonished eyes of the agents staring at him, Majnun exclaims.

And then.

Click.

Tatata-tata-tata-tatatang-!

He drew his gun.

 

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