Chapter 24: The Demon God Casts

A video of the recording studio session.

Inside the video, Ha-gyeom’s vocals were still flowing out.

“Finally”

“Into the deeper darkness”

“Burning myself, I went to you”

The video showed the CEO’s back as he directed.

And Tae-young, Yoon-seo, Ha-gyeom, and Ji-ho were sitting on the sofa, talking amongst themselves.

– Where is Sun-woo?

Tae-young asked in the video.

– He said he was going to catch something just outside….

When Yoon-seo answered in a small voice, Ha-gyeom and Ji-ho asked.

– Catching something?

– Like what?

Tae-young calmly asked a follow-up question.

– He’s not catching a person, right?

Yoon-seo nodded and then shook his head sideways.

– I’d almost prefer it if it were a person…….

– ????

Just then, the Demon God burst through the recording studio door.

The CEO turned around in surprise.

– Sun-woo, you have to be quiet during recording. Move around softly if you have to.

– Is that so? But I have stopped at just the right time.

– ?

The Demon God opened the door to the recording booth and made a gesture as if throwing something.

– Ha-gyeom, it might get a little cold in there.

– Huh? Why?

But the Demon God closed the door without much of an answer.

After a brief commotion, the recording resumed.

In the video, an entity that shouldn’t have been there appeared.

Right next to Ha-gyeom, a person—no, something resembling a person—manifested.

It was an eerie figure, blurring and blending into the surroundings.

Even so, its hollow eyes and pale face were distinct.

Of course, the members were completely unaware.

It was natural. Humans cannot see spirits.

It was only captured by the camera.

To anyone watching the video, they could only think that an alien presence was standing there.

The famous jinx: a ghost appearing in the recording studio!

And.

That entity, which would paralyze a person with fear if faced directly, was inside the booth.

– I want to go home.

Regardless of the audio quality, it was making a faint plea along with the gesture of rubbing its hands together toward the Demon God.

– Please let me go.

One might say it was rubbing its hands until its fingerprints wore off, but being a minor spirit, it didn’t have fingerprints to begin with.

– Hmph.

The sound of the Demon God’s chuckle was caught in the video.

***

The circumstances of how the spirit was caught were as follows.

The Demon God couldn’t exactly go running around trying to catch a mere minor spirit himself.

That’s what ‘power’ was for.

– Kyu?

Using his power, he granted a form to the ‘Shadow’ inside the black doll.

He grew the trivial entity, which was the size of a handkerchief, until it resembled a human shadow—

– Go and bite anyone you find.

– Kyu! Kyu-kyu!

It still didn’t have a proper mouth, but it was enough to bite.

The Shadow, now possessing limbs, ran outside and latched onto a passing minor spirit.

– Gieeeek! What are you! Where is your master! Let me go!

– Kyup! Kyup!

Before the two spiritual entities struggling like that, the Demon God leisurely revealed himself.

A being of an unimaginably high status.

The minor spirit merely trembled before him.

– O wandering soul.

The spirit, which had been going about its own business, felt quite wronged but couldn’t say a word.

– Have you heard of street casting?

– What?

Since it wasn’t an ancient spirit, it had heard of the term in its past life.

It remembered that it definitely didn’t involve having someone bite you.

– Congratulations. For a short time, you shall be with me.

– Yes….

Of course, it couldn’t protest.

Even the Shadow seemed to have picked the most easily intimidated fellow, as the minor spirit looked even more pitiful with its shrinking posture and lack of eyes.

Of course, a human would faint at the sight, but the opponent was the Demon God.

– I do not intend to make you do anything difficult. You only need to stand where I take you. I shall release you once it is over.

The result of that was the situation in the video.

***

– I’m not letting you go yet. I told you to just stand there still.

At Sun-woo’s words, Yoon-seo asked while trembling.

– Hyung, I’m not imagining this, right? I’m not, right?

– Whatever you imagine, it shall be more than that.

– Ugh, what on earth did you do?

– Hmph.

The Demon God replied with a small laugh.

– Wishing for a huge hit.

Why wait for a ghost to appear?

You can just catch one from the street.

Why doesn’t everyone do this easy thing?

Meanwhile, as the Demon God showed no sign of letting it go easily, the minor spirit quickly became gloomy at the thought that it was still a long way from going home.

– I will call you, you, I need to get through this part well. CEO, I’ll do it one more time.

In the midst of this, Ha-gyeom was burning with passion, knowing nothing.

The recording was repeated several times.

The spirit in the video stood still that entire time.

– Gieeee….

At some point, it began to twist its body.

Perhaps it wasn’t a fellow with a good attention span, because it started to sway its body to the music.

While doing so, it glanced repeatedly at the Demon God, checking his mood.

– Yes, it is good that you are enjoying yourself.

It meant the spirit could dance as much as it wanted. The Demon God was generous enough to overlook that much.

Afterward, the video captured the spirit singing along to the members’ recording and swaying its body, spending its time quite enjoyably in its own way.

– Even if I am a little exhausted and struggling, there is no hesitation

– Even if I am a little exhausted and struggling, there is no hesitation

– Do not add a chorus.

The recording studio ‘behind the scenes’ seemed to be turning into a horror, but then underwent a genre shift to comedy!

Once all the recording was finished.

– You have worked hard. If you ever have a difficult time, seek me out. If you wish to be extinguished, seek me out even more. I shall send you off without pain.

With the Demon God’s voice as the last thing.

The lights in the studio went out and the door closed in the video.

***

The video ended.

The CEO, who had checked up to this point, raised his head.

“Wow, Team Leader Oh! How did you come up with this idea? The editing is really well done!”

The CEO patted the Team Leader’s back vigorously in satisfaction.

However, unlike him, the Team Leader had a somewhat awkward expression.

“It’s not editing.”

“Hmm?”

“It’s not editing. I haven’t changed anything from the original.”

The CEO paused.

“The staff member in charge of content was reviewing the recording to see if it went well, and brought it to me because something was strange. It’s like this throughout the original. Sun-woo threw something into the booth, and then that thing appeared.”

The Team Leader questioned back.

“I only stopped by the recording studio once or twice, but you were there the whole time, CEO. Did you perhaps not see it?”

“Yeah, I didn’t see it at all?”

After answering, the CEO stroked his chin.

He didn’t originally have this habit, but it was a new one that formed after losing 15kg.

He fell deep into thought.

The Team Leader’s words continued beside him.

“Isn’t it a bit chilling? You’re as easily scared as I am, CEO.”

“Hmm. Not anymore. I’ve lost some of my fear.”

“What?”

“Strangely, things haven’t been as scary lately.”

After fighting an unknown entity while composing, the CEO hadn’t just lost weight; his courage had increased as well.

He could even work faster than before in composing and directing. The fact that the song was recorded in just one day despite Ha-gyeom’s perfectionism was also due to the CEO’s competence.

It felt like he had surpassed himself a little.

“Well, let’s talk about that later. Team Leader Oh, let’s look at this positively.”

“Pardon? Positively?”

“Yes.”

The CEO looked at him seriously.

“Is it really that important whether this is the original or an edit?”

“Pardon?”

The Team Leader’s jaw dropped.

“It’s interesting. It’s funny. Isn’t that enough?”

“No, CEO.”

“Answer me. Isn’t it enough?”

Under the CEO’s interrogation, the Team Leader gathered his thoughts and considered it.

If asked if it mattered whether it was the original or an edit, it didn’t matter.

If asked if it being interesting and funny was enough, then yes. It was enough.

“Oh?”

It turned out well?

A minor recording behind-the-scenes video had turned into interesting content?

“Hmm…. We didn’t even spend money on CG, so this might be a huge gain?”

If they released it at the right time, this video might be better than most expensive teasers or comeback promotions.

The CEO and the Team Leader locked eyes, and the low laughter of conspirators flowed out.

“Sun-woo has done it again. Oh, how precious he is.”

“Though he’s a bit of a burdensome fellow to call precious.”

The CEO shouted energetically.

“This goes out for promotion!”

“Yes!”

What did it matter if a ghost appeared?

It was just content, just something to be grateful for.

This was the entertainment industry.

***

After the title track recording, comeback preparations proceeded smoothly.

Starting with choreography practice, the schedule continued breathlessly with jacket shoots, MV filming, and more.

Finally, one week before the comeback.

[[BEHIND] Ghost Appearance at Pantheon’s Title Recording Site?!]

The recording studio content video was released.

– This is crazy, for real ㅋㅋㅋㅋ what on earth is this video?

└ I watched it nervously because it said it was a recording studio ghost video ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└ It’s not wrong. Recording studio, ghost, video—taken separately, they all fit ㅋㅋ

└ The ghost is CG ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└ If a jinx doesn’t happen, just make it with CG ㅋㅋ

└ It’s strangely realistic, though. If you keep watching, it is actually scary.

└ But it can’t even hold its own against Sun-woo ㅋㅋ

└ The setup was really good. Sun-woo has both that demonic image and a funny image.

└ He’s a spicy-weakling ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

The video was accepted as a skit utilizing CG.

No one watched it with a fearful heart, and eventually, it even rose to the trending videos list as something anyone, not just idol fans, could enjoy.

– Is it for real that it’s trending?

└ Sun-woo must be a natural at variety shows.

└ It doesn’t even seem like he’s trying to be funny ㅋㅋ

└ Does that mean the company is good at catching Sun-woo’s natural side?

Along with considerable misunderstandings, praise for Origin followed.

– Did Origin suddenly awaken? They’re working so well?

└ Right? I was a bit impressed by this video.

└ Origin was always good at their job. It’s just that things didn’t work out and they ran out of money.

└ My brother works in that industry, and I heard investment money came into Origin?

└ Really? The investor is bold. Origin’s future looked completely dark before.

└ Didn’t they make the decision after seeing Sun-woo?

Furthermore, it succeeded in piquing curiosity about the new song.

– The song heard briefly in the middle is the new song, right? Crazy! The song is so cool.

└ Ugh, they muted the sound only in that part. I’m curious.

└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Perfect bait ahead of the comeback.

└ Even just the short part that came out sounds good.

└ Agreed. The concept is completely different from previous Pantheon songs, I’m really looking forward to this one.

└ The previous songs were good too. But I’m more excited for this one.

└ Ah, I’m ready to stan. Hurry up and make the comeback.

In this way, the Demon God’s wish for a hit truly brought the aura of a hit.

***

In the midst of such a busy time,

Pantheon moved their dorm to the mansion Sun-woo had obtained for free.

They judged it was better to move before the comeback, as they would be even busier afterward.

Of course, while the moving company handled the move itself,

Since the layout of the house had changed, they had to organize their own belongings themselves.

Excluding the Demon God, who had almost no luggage, everyone was busy moving for a while.

“The Jjajangmyeon is here.”

Only after Tae-young’s call did the members gather in one place.

They placed the Chinese food, which is traditionally ordered on moving day, onto the dining table provided in the mansion.

“Um, this table…. If the five of us sit apart, I don’t think we’ll even hear each other’s voices? I feel like it’s almost wrong to put Jjajangmyeon on a place like this.”

A giant table that looked like it belonged in a banquet scene from an old fairy tale. The members were all huddled on just one side of it.

Tae-young laughed at Yoon-seo’s words.

“You’ll have to get used to it. We’re going to live here from now on.”

Since Ha-gyeom and Ji-ho weren’t there when the mansion was obtained, they had been in a state of constant bewilderment since entering the place.

“My neck hurts! The ceiling is too high!”

“I guess we’ll have to call a company to clean the chandeliers?”

The four members looked at the Demon God while feeling a bit of awkwardness in the excessively grand space.

“Ahem.”

The Demon God was still lying on the sofa.

Languidly, as if it were his own home, watching Shorts on his new phone.

“…….”

The four members stared at the Demon God for a moment.

“Sniff.”

Suddenly, a choked-up sound was heard, and the members looked at each other.

“Yoon-seo?”

The sound belonged to Yoon-seo.

Not only were the members flustered,

But even the Demon God peeked over his phone to look at Yoon-seo.

“Yoon-seo? Why are you doing that?”

“No… It’s just. You know. Not long ago, things felt so hopeless. But now the comeback is right around the corner.”

It was true.

All preparations were finished, and the comeback was imminent.

“Suddenly things started working out after Sun-woo hyung appeared…….”

Sniff.

Yoon-seo wiped his nose lightly.

“I suppose.”

Tae-young had already shared these feelings with the Demon God once.

The team’s concept itself had changed thanks to Sun-woo, and the current atmosphere was being well-received by idol fans.

“Well…, I’m going to unconditionally trust and follow whatever Sun-woo says from now on.”

Said Ha-gyeom, who had come to trust Sun-woo more after Ji-ho’s rescue.

“Me too.”

Ji-ho spoke softly.

It wasn’t just because of the rescue. Although he had been possessed by an evil spirit, Ji-ho himself had no memory of it.

It was more because of the side of the Demon God he had seen while preparing for the comeback.

He seems to be idling around, but when there’s something to be done, he suddenly emits an aura.

The empty spot left by Kang-yul.

They thought it couldn’t be filled, but the members were already feeling a sense of fulfillment.

“Ahem.”

The Demon God rose from the sofa and approached the table.

New member, new dorm, new Pantheon.

In other words, a new beginning.

It seemed it was time for him to say a word as well.

“I am pleased to have obtained such suitable subordinates like you.”

““…….””

Yoon-seo stopped his sniffing instantly.

Indeed, the Demon God had a talent for making tears stop.

“That…, you know.”

Tae-young started with difficulty.

Tae-young usually didn’t find the leader role difficult, but he wasn’t very keen on being the first to speak in times like this.

Still, since there was no other way, he opened his mouth.

“Where do you learn such bad words separately?”

“Hmm? I am merely speaking my sincere thoughts. Truthfully.”

“Please don’t be truthful…….”

Tae-young pulled himself together and spoke about the point that had been weighing on his mind.

“Sun-woo, we are not subordinates, we are colleagues. You know that, right?”

“What?!”

He doesn’t know.

Seeing him so startled, it was certain that he didn’t know.

“I know.”

“Huh?”

This time it was the members’ turn to be startled.

“You know? Then why were you so surprised?”

“I keep forgetting even though I know. I understand the concept through searching, but I simply cannot accept it.”

“…….”

While the members couldn’t find anything to say, the Demon God, instead of being apologetic, looked around at them with a displeased face.

“The punishment called an idol is truly harsh. Must I become a colleague with you as well?”

At those words, Ha-gyeom nodded.

“Yeah, we’ll try harder.”

“Ha-gyeom hyung! You’ve fallen for Sun-woo hyung’s charms too much!”

While Ha-gyeom and Yoon-seo bickered, Ji-ho spoke to the Demon God.

“Sun-woo, do you happen to know the word ‘hypocrisy’? I think it would be good for you to try that.”

“I know it. Pretending to be kind on the outside. I do not wish to do that.”

“Why? Because it feels like lying?”

“I do not even want to be kind on the outside.”

“…….”

At this point, there was nothing more to say.

If he didn’t want to, well.

Tae-young, the leader, having heard this much, made a decision.

“Shall we eat the Jjajangmyeon?”

““Let’s do that.””

It was a good restaurant.

.

.

And, the long-awaited comeback promotions began.