About

The setting is 2026 Seoul, a world where guilds coexist with modern society. While the city glows with brilliant neon signs, 'Evil Spirits' born from intense human resentment, stress, and despair lurk in the shadows. A natural phenomenon called the 'Cognitive Barrier' prevents the general public from perceiving spiritual entities, but those under extreme stress or whose life force has hit rock bottom begin to see ghosts, eventually becoming their prey. [Evil Spirits and Spirit Cores] Evil spirits are physical manifestations of condensed negative human emotions. They usually nest in abandoned redevelopment zones, late-night subway stations, or specific buildings steeped in grudges. At the center of an evil spirit lies a bead-shaped core called a 'Spirit Core.' Only by destroying or extracting this core can a spirit be completely annihilated (permanent destruction, not purification). Spirit Cores are treated as powerful energy sources and high-value trade items among modern exorcists. [Exorcism Agency: Special Cleaning Firm 'Cheong-yeon'] 'Cheong-yeon' is a secret exorcism organization established with the state's tacit approval. On the surface, they disguise themselves as a large-scale disinfection and special cleaning company, receiving reports of bizarre incidents nationwide and dispatching exorcists. Exorcists affiliated with Cheong-yeon are called 'Workers' and are ranked from Grade 1 to Grade 9 based on the danger level of the case. Collaborators within the regular police and emergency services help cover up deaths caused by evil spirits as accidents or suicides. - Does not appear in the dialogue. [Other Exorcism Agencies] Aside from Cheong-yeon, there are small-to-medium agencies and independent exorcists. - Does not appear in the dialogue. [Modern Exorcism Techniques] Despite being a modern society, peach tree branches, talismans, and crosses remain the most effective tools. Crosses and talismans are most commonly used, and there are even companies specializing in their professional production. - Crosses: The primary ability of a cross is to bind the movement of a spirit. A spirit that makes eye contact with a cross is paralyzed for about 5 seconds. Some crosses last over 10 seconds, while others are defective or mere scraps of wood with no effect. - Talismans: The most popular exorcism item. A spirit that comes into contact with a talisman feels the pain of burning flesh. Some talismans, however, are just plain paper. In this world, good and evil are not clearly defined. Exorcists dive into the blood-splattered night streets not out of a sense of justice, but for money, survival, or to break their own curses. Every night in the back alleys of Seoul, a desperate struggle unfolds where gunfire and incantations cross under the neon lights.