Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning (2024)

[bunniefuu]

"We have protected the light hidden in the shadows.

We have carried out executions for those who threaten us.

Those who do not know grace,

Those who should be made to kneel like sinners.

They have lost the right to be called His conscience.

What remains for humanity now is only despair.

So, I will serve Him, not as a human,

I have made my choice."

Seo Baek-ok, the 145th Patriarch

of Haedong Esoteric Buddhism

This still isn't enough!

EXORCISM CHRONICLES

The number you called can't be reached.

You'll be sent to voicemail.

Charges will apply after the beep...

Still can't reach the number...

Here you go.

Thanks.

The priest's kind of a coward, huh?

Father Park!

Sorry. I missed your call.

- Oh wow, Seunghee. Hi.

- Hi.

Sigh... She shows up every day

just to see her sister.

Excuse me, Manager.

About that urgent thing you mentioned...

Oh! Sorry, I totally forgot.

Please, come with me.

It's not about anything else.

I'm worried about the head priest.

His eyes, the way he talks...

something feels off.

And especially the smell... sigh.

It doesn't smell like rotting meat,

but it's strange...

I'm not trying to insult him.

But please, just take a good look yourself.

Ugh, that smell... this is it.

Oh my god!

Please wait here.

What is this...

Seriously, what is all this?

Peter.

Father! You scared me.

So you were here.

It's really good to see you.

How have you been?

Sorry. I should've contacted you.

But this church...

it feels so different now.

It seems darker somehow.

I guess it makes sense...

You left, saying you couldn't be with

priests who ignore the darkness.

You walked out...

So isn't it kind of shameless

to show up now?

I heard you're still out there

talking about demons and such,

making the church look bad.

What made you change so much?

Was it because of that child?

No, I told Father Park...

I kept telling him, "Don't do it!"

- Manager?

- See?

I told you not to come in.

- What the...

- Huh?

Ugh, just get out of here.

Sorry about that.

I didn't know the head priest was here.

How long has he been like this?

Maybe around a month?

It started after he came back

from his pilgrimage.

Even you can tell something's off,

right, Father Park?

Maybe.

Next time, I'll make sure to greet

the head priest properly.

Please, go inside.

In the name of the Father, the Son,

and the Holy Spirit.

- Amen.

- Amen.

The Lord be with you.

- And also with you.

- And also with you.

Brothers and sisters...

Let us admit our sins

to get ready for the sacred ritual.

The holy ritual.

You evil thing

pretending to be an angel!

Did you think I wouldn't notice

your foul smell and traces?

How dare you, evil creature,

come into this holy place

wanting to take

what belongs to man and God!

Remember what was written:

"My house shall be a house of prayer."

May the power of your kind

be destroyed!

You and all your followers!

Show yourselves and

bow before Him!

I command you in His name!

Show yourselves!

Astaroth.

Yes, it's me.

How could I ever forget you?

You lost little lamb,

with no home.

Poor, lost lamb.

You don't belong here.

Go back to where you came from!

Where I belong, you ask?

The whole world is my territory.

We're everywhere,

and we can come anytime.

Like I once came for you.

Did you forget

what happened that day?

I see.

You didn't forget, monster.

How could you?

Because of you, this child

burns in hell in your place.

"Mister... Mister..."

With heaven's power and glory

at my side,

the holy light

will defeat darkness,

and through me, it will shine

forever!

I am His tool and His light!

So...

Yes.

You'll suffer forever.

That is what I want.

I'll destroy you

through my own pain.

In God's name, I call you out,

Go back to where you came from, Astaroth!

You humans are so amusing.

Look at this light well.

It won't last forever.

When your weak will

finally breaks,

we will meet again.

I have to leave

without saying goodbye, Father.

Let's go.

It's been a while.

Thank you.

After you quit med school

and disappeared...

Isn't this all a bit sudden?

Has it been ten years?

No, longer than that.

It's been twenty years, my friend.

Ah, but your...

Hmm? Oh...

As you see, I follow Buddha now.

And about your clothes...

Oh, these?

Well, compared to a white lab coat,

this black priest collar

feels better.

Your job looks tough.

You don't look so great either.

So, why are you here?

And how did you know I was here?

Ten years ago, I heard about a priest

who could do miracles.

I've been watching you since then.

Today, I finally came

to meet that priest.

Wolhwiipung choyuniu.

"When a halo forms around the moon,

the wind begins to blow..."

"...moisture gathers on the

foundation stones, the rain will come."

That really fits

what's happening now.

Come in, please.

I heard...

You and Patriarch Seo

studied under the same master?

Yes. We were very close.

He used to be smart and righteous.

But his fall into madness

was predicted.

Still not enough!

That's enough!

Stop this right now!

First, a forbidden blood ritual.

Now you're k*lling people?

How far will you go?

Our sect is built on mercy.

But you only chase blood and power.

If you ignore mercy, no one will follow us.

How can they believe?

Silence!

You're a fool.

With Shiva's light, I'll control

Kali's blue fire and Asura's darkness.

And no one can stop me.

You think you can stop me

from lighting up the world?

You dare to get in my way?

Impossible...

Guardian Jang only spoke

out of concern for our sect.

Please forgive him.

Fine.

I'll trust that this is all

for Haedong's sake.

But during the big ceremony in 9 days,

there must be no more incidents.

The ceremony is suspended.

You may leave!

This is the 'Haedonggamgyeol',

a secret text left by Master Beommyeong.

It says:

"When three hundred is

halved and five are missing..."

"The temple's base

will rise above the roof..."

"And a spark will burn the heavens."

I believe this means the Patriarch

will bring disaster to our sect

and the world.

But isn't there more after that?

Yes, it continues:

"And then, great guests

shall arrive."

I believe there is still hope

to be found in this verse.

And that hope...

...starts with us, the Guardians.

Guardian Eulryeon.

From India, we have Guardian Maga.

From Maoshan School, Guardian Heoheoja.

We've all agreed to stop Patriarch Seo.

All of you?

The 'great guests'...

I think it means us, the Guardians.

We carry sacred traditions.

Now it's our time to act.

Will you join us?

Yes, I will.

Then we must hurry...

Wait...

There's something

we must do first.

What is it?

It's about the Patriarch's adopted son.

The future of our sect...

Junhu.

Before we go after Patriarch Seo,

we need to get Junhu

away from here.

I'm trusting you with this task,

Guardian Jang.

Let me get this straight...

Your leader is summoning demons,

and might destroy the world?

Is that really what

you're telling me?

Don't act clueless. You said

you already knew everything.

Right. My bad.

I go where I'm needed...

...but getting involved in

another religion feels wrong.

This isn't about religion or your leader.

No?

It's about a child.

I just need you to

protect a child for a while.

A child?

Yes.

He's incredibly gifted.

Even though he's young,

he's already mastered

what takes us a lifetime.

And beyond that...

He's even creating his own skills.

Is this about THAT child?

The reason you had to become a priest?

That incident?

Mister...

...are you sure I'll be okay?

Isn't it time to let go of that burden?

How long will you keep punishing yourself?

Enough with the preaching.

You sure dug deep into my past.

Here's a bus ticket for tomorrow.

If you're still interested,

meet me at the terminal.

I'll explain everything then.

I haven't said yes yet.

Think about it first.

If you say no, I won't blame you.

Maybe that's just how it's meant to be.

- Mira!

- Please save our daughter!

Mister, please...

Hey, wash this area too!

It's filthy.

Of course it is.

You're always in the mountains.

Bus leaves in five minutes.

Such a big day coming...

Why the rush?

Walk with me for a bit?

Not as Patriarch and Guardian...

...but as old friends.

How long has it been?

We joined the order together...

over 30 years ago.

I remember everything.

When we joined, when you left...

...and when you finally came back.

I remember all of it.

Even back then, you asked for my help...

...while holding a

little child in your arms.

Yes. Because you helped me back then,

I made it this far.

And I found peace,

thanks to you and that boy.

Tell me...

What do you think of the prophecy?

I believe...

As the 145th Patriarch, it's my destiny

to lift our sect to the highest place.

So the world

will respect our teachings.

But then...

...why does everyone

believe I'm the one who

will cause its downfall?

Can't you see it?

All the values we promised to protect...

You're the one destroying them now.

You're going the wrong way.

Nonsense!

In 2,000 years, has anyone

achieved anything that way?

They hid in the mountains,

did their rituals,

and disappeared like dust!

Tell me...

who actually accomplished anything?

What's the point of noble ideals!

If we want to rise above the heavens,

we need power!

And luckily, the prophecy told us

how to get it.

It mentioned some

"great guests" would come.

Great guests!

Kali, Asura, Lord Shiva!

They were the ones!

They were the great guests

meant to come to me!

Are you even thinking straight?

Using the gods' power...

means throwing away

your humanity.

It'll destroy you in the end.

Can't you see that?

They've already answered

my call.

And they made me a promise!

If I offered everything

from the Haedong sect,

they'd give me their power!

You don't mean... all these people?

That's right.

They're all sacrifices I offered.

In nine days...

I'll become a god

above the heavens!

You... you...

How far have you fallen?

Ugh... maybe I should cancel

this bus route...

Guess he's not coming after all.

We're leaving now.

Hey, wait!

Why'd you rush out like that?

Ah, sorry about that, driver.

Can I get a sip too?

You sure?

Yeah, just one sip.

Okay then.

What even is this?

Holy water.

It's saltwater.

A Buddhist chugging holy water, huh?

Must feel energized.

Quiet.

Whoa.

It's been ages since I came

to the mountains. Feels different.

Let's go.

We've got a long way

if we want to be on time.

Huh? Over there...

You're not talking about

some regular temple, are you?

So instead of a trail...

we have to follow

the spiritual energy.

Alright then... let's find it!

Hey, I don't think

that's the right way.

Did you think the Haedong sect

was just some place

anyone could walk into?

There's a reason

we stayed hidden

from the world...

all this time.

A barrier. Incredible.

What if a regular person

walked in here?

Who'd be dumb enough

to come this deep?

This again? Ugh...

Where is it?!

N-no way...

Of course.

They're hiding it with a formation.

Damn it... what do I do?

Sun's going down soon.

Master!

You can't keep going like this!

You'll just put yourself

in more danger!

Master... your hair...

Are you awake?

Wh-who are...

I'm Dohye, and this is

the young monk Seunghyeon.

Hey you! We save you...

and you still act all high and mighty?

Because of you, Master Dohye...

That's enough!

Master... you saved me...

I'm Lee Hyeonam.

Sorry I didn't say earlier.

It's alright.

Everything happened as it should.

Tch... not this fate talk again!

Watch your manners!

He's just a kid.

Please don't be upset.

Still, thank you so much.

Are you out for revenge?

What?

You were talking in your sleep.

Did that creature k*ll your little sister?

Is that why you started

learning Taegukgi-gong?

To an old person like me,

would you share what happened?

Poor girl.

She must've been so scared.

Meeting a monster like that.

Now I get why you travel around

hunting only water demons.

I understand, but...

I'll be honest with you.

You need to stop.

If you keep this up, you'll die.

Doesn't matter to me.

Not if I get revenge.

I have to do this now.

I was born with twisted meridians.

My body can't handle

too much power.

I don't have long to live.

If I can just get back at the one

who took my sister.,

...then whatever it costs, I'll pay it.

I don't care what happens to me!

Then let me teach you something important.

The power you want...

...it doesn't come from anger

or darkness.

If you keep losing control

and stay trapped in the dark,

you'll end up

just like that monster.

Fine, let's do this!

Let's finish it!

Hyuna.

Ugh, seriously!

Why'd he put up a barrier!

- Father?

- We're training right now!

How dare you lose your posture!

I'm sorry, Father.

- Say it right!

- Yes, Patriarch!

Forgive me.

The big ceremony is near.

You can't slack off in training.

Your role is very important.

Yes, Patriarch.

You are a very special child, after all.

You're the future of our sect.

And that's why someone

will try to hurt you.

Hurt me?

Yes. The Guardians!

They've been jealous of you

for a long time.

That's not possible.

The Guardians raised me

since I was little.

They'd never hurt...

Silence!

You have no idea

what they're capable of.

Are you saying I'm lying?!

N-no! Of course not, Patriarch!

Junhu.

You are more important

to me than anyone.

So please, trust what I say.

Yes, Patriarch.

No, not that.

You should call me Father.

Yes, Father.

You there.

You've arrived.

Ugh! Damn...

My arm's about to explode.

What is it?

Oh, I just...

Something feels off.

We don't have time.

We need to hurry.

Ah, sorry.

Let's go.

Please understand.

For now, we need to stay hidden.

This was the only way

we could meet you.

That's fine.

This is Guardian Eulryeon

from the Martial Sect.

This is Guardian Maga

from India, and...

I'm Byeokgong

of the Wudang Sect.

I've heard of you...

the priest who works miracles.

I assume you've been briefed?

Yes, I have.

About the prophecy

about the Patriarch,

and the child.

He's not just any child.

Ah... I see.

Junhu...

...seems like a normal

ten-year-old boy.

But he was born with a gift

so rare,

it's almost unbelievable.

There's nothing more

I can teach him.

His skill with hand seals

has already passed mine.

Oh my, when did you arrive?

As you can see, I'm very strict

with Junhu's...

Wait.

- Where is he?

- What's going on?

Good grief...

Gotcha!

Stop right there!

Oh, you're here?

That's the hand seal

you just learned.

And you're already using it

to mess around?

Seems that's the only one you know...

Junhu.

I told you to study

the Seal of Water...

one of the five elemental talismans.

And yet the moment I look away,

...you're goofing off again, huh?

But it's boring!

It's the same every day.

- No practice...

- Now hold on...

Just theory all day...

Junhu.

Even so, you can't slack off.

You really mustn't.

Yes, I'm sorry.

You're still young... it's normal

to want to play. But remember...

Still,

of all the talisman spells I passed down,

that one in particular...!

They are the absolute foundation.

- Water is the root...

- "Water is the root."

"Balance Fire with Yin and Yang..."

"Create strength through Earth..."

"Understand the principles

of Wind and Lightning..."

"...and align the core

characters of the Five Elements!"

Well now.

You've already mastered everything

Master Heoheoja taught.

Why didn't you say so?

Master Heoheoja were asleep all morning!

Besides, you taught me:

"If your opponent leaves an opening..."

"...seize it! That's the art of strategy!"

And that lesson,

...was from you too,

Master Heoheoja.

Hey, that was...

Just because you have

some outstanding abilities,

if your mind is scattered like that,

you will eventually fall into arrogance.

And arrogance...

...makes you vulnerable

to the pull of evil.

Always stay alert...

even against yourself.

Yes, Head Guardian.

I'll keep that in mind.

Now, go back inside

and finish your training.

Yes, sir.

Junhu can be a bit mischievous at times,

that's all.

He's an impressive kid.

Watching him grow has been a gift.

Even as he grows up before us,

he still manages to surprise us.

Although Patriarch Seo

is his adoptive father,

we Guardians raised him

as though he were our own.

I see.

So please, Father... look after him.

We trust you'll keep him safe.

- We're leaving him in your care.

- I understand.

We don't know how the fight

with the Patriarch will end,

but it won't take long.

Just stay with him until then.

Of course.

But it won't be just for a while...

You must take Junhu and

leave this sect... forever.

Leave the sect?

But why would I...

Because if you don't,

Junhu will die.

What did you say?

Junhu will die?

Do you remember the day you left?

The night Patriarch Seo attacked you?

That night...

you're not the only one.

I also saw something terrible."

Just as we feared,

Patriarch Seo has been

sacrificing humans.

But even worse...

...was the final offering

he intends to make.

In nine days' time...

I will offer everything of

our sect, its very future.

May that future become the vessel

for your descent to this world,

...and may you grant me your power!

The "future" of the Haedong sect

he spoke of...

What else could it mean...?

N-no... it can't be...

The great ceremony is about to begin.

We must move.

Everyone, head to the main hall.

Heoheoja, guide the priest

and join us later.

Yes. This way, please.

My friend.

I swear I'll get him out of here safely.

You have my word.

I'm counting on you.

Hello? Excuse me?

Is anyone here?

Man, they really went out of their way

to hide this place.

Why would anyone hide a temple?

Hello? Anyone...?

Hey, excuse me!

Isn't this getting out of hand?

Doing this will only attract more people.

We should try another way.

But what about the ceremony?

There's no time. We have to move now.

I'll cause a distraction.

What are you talking about?

If there's trouble,

they can't start the ceremony right away.

That should give Junhu

enough time to get out.

Go to the main hall and

act like it's part of the chaos.

Do whatever you can to stop

Patriarch Seo from starting.

Just stall for time.

If we keep the monks busy here,

we might stop a bigger disaster.

Alright, let's go now.

I'll take the priest first,

then head to the main hall.

Come on, seriously!

When someone shows up,

you should at least...

Who dares cause this commotion?!

My name is Lee Hyeonam.

I came here to ask for help.

You call this noise "asking for help"?

This is how you ask for help?!

- What?

- What's going on?

Could he be an enemy?

No, not at all!

Please, don't get the wrong idea.

Master Dohye once helped me...

Silence!

The world doesn't know

about the Haedong sect.

The fact that you found us

makes you suspicious already!

Well, I mean...

I just came here to ask for something.

Then you're saying,

if you were able to find this hidden place,

you're clearly not an ordinary man.

How can we

welcome someone like you!

Please, just let me explain...

I said silence!

- What is it?

- What's going on?

If you can pass through that gate,

then I'll listen to what you have to say.

It's blocked by a diamond ward.

You won't get through.

Alright, let's go in.

Yes.

I understand.

I'll explain it to them myself.

Now, will you listen to me?

Are you okay?

Sorry for barging in.

I came here to find Guardian Jang

from the Haedong sect.

Master Dohye said if I told you

he sent me,

you'd understand.

I'm Guardian Jang.

Junhu.

Junhu.

Mister...

Good, he's fast asleep.

Let's use this chance

to get Junhu out.

That's the Patriarch's barrier.

We need to go now!

Stop!

It's too dangerous to come closer.

Mister...

F-Father!

Why are you here?

Who are you trying to save?

- Our Father, who art in heaven...

- You've been excommunicated.

...hallowed be Thy name.

- You're a disgrace.

- Thy kingdom come,

Mister.

Thy will be done

on earth as in heaven.

Give us our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us,

and forgive our sins,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Father.

That's just the Patriarch's illusion.

Don't fall for it.

You have to fight it.

I will.

Wh-what's wrong?

J-Junhu...

Junhu!

What's happening?

No, no!

- Junhu!

- Junhu!

Father.

- Junhu!

- Junhu, wake up!

Junhu, no!

Junhu! Junhu!

- Junhu! Junhu!

- Junhu!

We were just a moment too late.

What?

Master Dohye sent you?

I'm sorry.

I didn't recognize you...

I can guess why.

- I'm sorry, but now is not the time...

- Help me!

H-Help me!

All of you...

...have failed.

It has...

...already begun.

The Patriarch you tried to stop...

...is now...

...no longer...

...here.

I...

...am absolute.

A different being.

I am...

...a god.

Th-that's Patriarch Seo...

- That's the main hall.

- What?

- Near the main hall?

- What's going on?

No! Don't go there!

We can't right now.

You have to go back too.

- What? But...

- Everyone!

Everyone, fall back!

Don't go to the main hall!

I can't turn back now.

I've never felt

such evil energy before.

How many spirits did he absorb?

In the end...

...he crossed the line

he never should've.

Guardians.

My loyal protectors of the sect.

No, no.

Don't make faces like that.

The prophecy our sect

has awaited for so long...

...right here, right now...

...will finally be fulfilled

through me!

You'll witness it

with your own eyes.

Isn't that a glorious honor?

Your obsession with power...

...has dragged you

into the depths of darkness.

Even now, in the end,

you Guardians...

...still try to lecture me?

Eulryeon! Wind Formation!

Patriarch Seo!

By the power of the Five Guardians,

you're cast out!

From now on,

we'll correct the path

of our sect.

This ends here!

Ends?

What a sad thing to say.

This...

...is just the beginning.

Hurry! Get to safety!

Go back! Don't go up!

What is that?

- Master Heoheoja!

- No! Stop!

The more you fight it,

the more it traps you.

I'll hold him off,

no matter what.

You have to leave now.

W-What are you saying?

I can't just leave you!

There has to be another way!

As far as I know...

this is the only way.

No, Master Heoheoja!

This is my responsibility.

If I don't do this...

...that boy Junhu will just

get into more trouble.

Please, look after Junhu for me.

Now go, hurry!

You couldn't save anyone.

Running away again?

Why not just die for them?

You won't be saved.

Where do you think you're going?

You foolish priest.

In the end, death

is your only salvation!

Now there's nothing

any of you can do.

Is everyone okay?!

Now, I'll make

the final offering!

What are you doing?!

Stop him!

No!

It's no use, Guardian Jang.

Are you okay?

Your energy pathways

can't handle these powers.

You must not use them again.

I've stabilized your energy for now.

Use this chance to escape.

No.

I can't leave, not now.

This guy!

I can be quite stubborn, you know.

You and I, we both want

the same thing.

You want the power

to get your revenge.

You want strength

from your pain and hatred.

I can give it to you.

I'll give you the power you want...

and eternal life.

I am your new god.

Don't make me laugh.

What's so great about power

you got by hurting others?

And what makes you think

you have the right, outsider?

Just as I gained power

by sacrificing them,

didn't you also gain your power

through sacrifice?

At some point, your "revenge"

became nothing more

than an excuse, right?

Shut up, you b*stard!

I can see right through you.

Deep down, you know I'm right.

If you want to live...

...grab it.

You said you didn't care about dying,

but now you're fighting so hard to live.

I don't care about your revenge,

but to save someone like you,

do you know what the master gave up?

Seventy years!

70 years of inner power

cultivated throughout his life,

she gave all of it to save you!

Don't give me that crap!

No!

Junhu!

Yes. Yes!

Accept the god,

and become my vessel, Junhu.

You'll disappear,

and all your power

will become mine!

No!

"If my father tells me to go,

then I shall go.

No matter how perilous the path may be,

I will not lose faith,

I will stay away from evil,

and I shall save everyone!"

So you're the Westerner

the Guardians relied on.

You really do have a

troublesome kind of power.

But in the end, you're just human,

so easy to control with guilt.

Let me show you...

what a real god looks like...

one beyond human weakness!

Shut up, you b*stard!

You worthless insects!

Junhu!

Where... am I?

Guardian Jang?

Mister! Mister!

Junhu... my poor boy.

Mister!

I'm right here!

I'm sorry I left you all alone.

My dear son...

...Junhu.

I made you the Patriarch's adopted son

just so I could join the order...

Please forgive me.

Even if I couldn't always be there...

...I was always watching over you.

With such a big day ahead,

where are you rushing off to?

Father...

Hold on a second.

I'll do something. I have to!

I'll figure something out!

Father!

Just a little longer... hang in there.

It's okay, Junhu. It's alright.

You've suffered so much, haven't you?

I'm so sorry... I really am.

And... thank you for calling me Father.

Father...

No... this can't be. No, Father!

- No!

- No!

How did you...

Th-the thunder of Indra!

What do you think you're doing?

How dare you go against my will!

Cut the crap, you b*stard!

You're supposed to follow

your father's will.

That's your reason for existing!

Why already...

No!

No!

You can't leave yet!

O great gods, not yet!

Let me become a lantern of fire

to fight this darkness!

Fools!

Shut up, you lying fraud!

Now...

Now it's time to stop.

Patriarch,

I truly thought you would bring

the light of the prophecy.

But to me now,

you look no different

than a demon!

You insolent worm!

Save us!

Just die already!

Do you even realize

how foolish you all are?

You're destroying

the light and truth of this world!

That's what you're doing!

Light? Don't make me laugh.

Saving you alone

might actually be

the way to save

many more people!

Still, because of you...

I finally get what the masters

were trying to tell me.

So thanks, you b*stard!

Mister,

thank you for staying with me.

I'll always be watching over you.

Fire!

Junhu!

Father...

We should get going too.

Father.

Let's go.

Yeah.

In the end, just as the prophecy said,

the temple's foundation stone

rose above the roof,

and it came true.

You gave it everything you had, Father.

What will you do now?

I guess I have to follow the will

of those who saved me.

And you, Father?

I...

will keep doing what I always have.

I'll follow the path

that's been given to me.

Wherever I'm needed.

Wherever that may be.

Then,

can you stop something like

what happened today?

Yes. I can.

Will you let me come with you?

Yes.

I'll go with you.

EXORCISM CHRONICLES

Dad.