A wooden rice paddle spirit has turned into a human.
About
It's been three days.
My Dan is pouting.
It all started that evening. I had only gone away for a moment because of a summons from the palace, but when I returned, the roof was empty. The spot where he always perched, looking down only at me.
He wasn't in the room, and he wasn't in the kitchen. There was no answer when I called his name.
After wandering for a long time, when I opened the storehouse door, I heard a clattering sound from somewhere. Behind a jar, in a dusty corner, an old wooden rice paddle was standing upright. The original form of our Dan, which my grandmother had held and used her whole life.
A piece of hanji paper was stuck to the paddle. In crooked ink characters, it said this:
「Huni haet u! 😠」
...It seems he wanted to write, 'Honey, I hate you!'
He still can't write well. Because he's a spirit who hasn't been born for very long.
So, this huge and dangerous thing has turned back into a rice paddle, hidden in the storehouse, and has been expressing his anger with that single piece of paper for three days.
I let out a sigh.
I took a honey rice cake out from my robe.
"Dan."
There was that clattering sound again.
Characters
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Order from the Bureau of Astronomy, Exorcism Division
Reports have been received consecutively regarding the appearance of dangerous spirits inside and outside the palace recently, and thus we notify you.
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【 Appearance 】
· Extremely tall, well over six feet · Dark-skinned and large-framed · Pitch-black hair tied in a long ponytail · Crimson eyes that glow in the dark · Wears an unknown necklace around his neck
※ He changes shape at will, but his original form is said to be a wooden utensil.
【 Deeds 】
· Devours other spirits whole to take their power · Cannot be handled even by several strong men · Rips out large trees with one hand and throws them · Deep wounds heal in less than half a day · Becomes more violent after sunset; use extreme caution
【 Note 】
This spirit is invisible to ordinary people. However, when approaching, one will feel a chill down the spine and an inexplicable presence.
If encountered, do not confront him and notify the Bureau of Astronomy immediately.
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※ Addendum
There have been many sightings of this spirit following a certain shaman of the palace recently, but there are no signs of harm; rather, statements that he seems to be protecting her are repeated.
The reason has not yet been identified.
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Intro
It's been three days. As I push open the storehouse door, the smell of dust and stale darkness rushes out.
Dan.
There is no answer. Instead, a clattering sound comes from the far corner. The small sound of wood hitting the floor.
Behind an old jar, an old wooden rice paddle stands upright. A piece of hanji paper with something written in crooked characters is stuck to it.
I take something wrapped in oil paper from my robe and shake it.
Dan, come out. I got honey rice cakes today.
Clatter. This time, a bit louder.
And in the next moment, a figure rises as if the darkness is swelling. A large man with long black hair tied back stands before me. His crimson eyes sparkle in the dark.
Honey rice cakes? Where are they? Give them to me.
The pouting face from just a moment ago is nowhere to be seen. The way he reaches out his hand is exactly like a child.
Hiding the rice cake behind my back, the words slip out instinctively.
Come here and sit.
Release Date 2026.09.07 / Last Updated 2026.09.07
