Scythe : The Downfall of Hell (WINRINA/JIMINJEONG)

Chapter 1 : Genesis

Several Years Ago

That night was so dark, the rain drops on the land of Seoul. Everything felt gray for this little girl, 'why she looks so sad and crying in the middle of the night like that? What hurt her feelings?' - Maybe that was the thought of this figure dressed in dark traditional Korean clothes. Here he was, seeing a child who had been heard sobbing. This man in a hat didn't even pay attention to his friends who had been calling his name, asking him to go. "You all go first, I'll catch up later," he said. Then this man began to walk towards the girl who still looked in despair sitting on the swing in this playground. While carrying his black umbrella, his steps stopped right in front of the girl. Although honestly he didn't really remember how to understand humans, but for some reason he took the initiative to approach her. It was something new and foreign to him to want to know about creatures like them, it was just that seeing the girl made him pity her. The man ask her a question.

"What are you doing here alone, little creature? Where are your parents?" - it sounded curt but not mean to be rude, but come on? Emotions were not a specialty of a death expert, so his attitude seems came out natural and reasonable.

The girl looked up and gave a shocked reaction, her teary eyes turned to the man in front of her. Staring at the man in old-fashioned black clothes with a pale and cold face, made her feel scared. How could she not? Right now she was alone, no one was watching this place, bad thoughts starts to appear in the girl's mind. Sure, this strange man was really handsome but remembering the words of her teacher said about 'do not communicate with strangers, especially if they are adults because it is dangerous' was a concept that had been installed in all children her age since childhood. The soft cry earlier turned into a scream that became louder, making this man confused. 'Maybe I shouldn't interfere human problems' - a little regret in him at this moment. Due to his lack of understanding in entertaining human hearts, this man recklessly showed his magical abilities, which actually violated the central rule as a 저승사자 (read: Jeoseung Saja) but he had already done it, with his magical hand movements he 'created' a key chain with a shaped like a fat and furry 해태 (Haetae) doll. Using the only white lie he knew by calling it magic trick, he then handed the doll to the girl.

"This is for you, I hope it can make you feel better" - the man said with a thin, stiff smile, the last effort he could do to stop the innocent girl from crying. The girl grew silent, taking the doll with her trembling hands in doubt. 'This doll is really adorable' - she thought to herself. Slowly the girl showed her smile, and chuckled. That was enough to make the man relieved, then him give her his hand. "Show me where your family is, I will take you there." Although she still showing a sad expression, the girl finally accepted the man's hand that was covered in a black leather glove. The two of them were walking, where the girl walked in front of the man as a guide. A few moments later, they arrived at a 'Jangraeshikjang' (funeral home) that was already full of police. Seemed to be many people at there, including a pair of frail elderly men and women who looked panicked. The girl then called her grandfather and grandmother, while running to hug them. Making the man breathe a sigh of relief. The man then turned around intending to leave the location immediately. The sound of his shoes suddenly slowed down after hearing the little girl's greeting.

"Thank you, ahjusshi!"

The man smirked again, then stepped out. The police officerswho got suspicious tried to follow the man, but somehow without them realizing it, the man disappeared instantly, as if his footprints had been erased by the wetness of the road due to the rain.

Several Years After

Somewhere far above, a very crowded festival event was seen where the place was already filled with many figures in black uniforms. It seemed that they were holding a celebration for someone who, uniquely, did not look as enthusiastic as the guests who were happy for him.

"CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW RECORD, GENERAL! WE ARE ALWAYS PROUD OF YOU!" - they cheered with smiles and gratitude. The man who was greeted just gave an unimpressed sigh, feeling a little uncomfortable with the crowded party. Honestly, he was surprised by all this. Because according to him, he had only been carrying out his duties. The reason? He didn't even know. But he now understood enough to respect other 'people'. He politely accepted all the gifts they gave him and thanked them. 'There was nothing wrong with pleasing them, right?' - That was all he thought. The celebration went on lively until suddenly 'a girl' dressed in a bohemian long black sundress and a black cardigan came to meet the man. Suddenly all the 'people' in black suits who had gathered fell silent, including this man. The young woman gave the man a signal to follow her, and the man walked behind her without asking. Now they arrived at a room with door number 0. The woman began to convey her intention to invite the man.

"I don't know what the purpose is, but His Highness Hwanin-nim wants to meet you."

"Okay, thank you Yoon-Ah-ssi."

The girl only replied with a smile, then left the man alone. The man knocked on the door, giving a sign asking for permission to enter the room. The door suddenly glowed and opened by itself, then this emerald-eyed man entered. Now in front of him sat a giant figure on his altar chair, the man glanced and saw the other throne chairs were empty. The door that was initially open was now completely locked tightly, as if wanting to silence whatever Minjeong had to do this time so that it would not leak to anyone. 'Is this personal?' - in his mind, but rather than asking he chose to keep his head down and remain silent. The giant figure began their communication with a voice that echoed with a calm aura, its volume was felt to be enough to vibrate the Milky Way.

"I see that your friends are giving you a hard time as usual huh? I know how much you hate parties"

The man just smiled faintly. Who knew that Sangje, the sky lord, could commenting in a playful tone like this? Of course, only this young man knew, he had been dealing with the rulers of the universe for a very long time. It could be said that he had spent almost his entire life serving them.

"Do you know why you are here?"

The man just shook his head slightly. Sangje continued.

"You have helped us quite a lot, Minjeong-ssi. So I, on behalf of the other council members, will give you some compensation."

Yes, of all the grim reapers, Minjeong was the only one who never rested. His friends called him a workaholic, and they aren't wrong about it. Considering he was well known to be the oldest grim reaper, of course that gave him a very big responsibility starting from leading and coaching his colleagues and subordinates in carrying out their duties. Truly a reliable figure.

"What do you mean, your majesty?" This time it was Minjeong who asked.

"We will release you for half a year, and give you a temporal leave so you can try living in a modern human environment. Without you realizing it, we know and we also feel that it is enough to answer your curiosity about their lives in the present era so just think of this as a gift, do you agree?"

This was quite surprising, wasn't it? But the offer sounded interesting to him and with that, how could Minjeong refuse? Understanding what the God meant, Minjeong finally agreed to it with a slow nod.

"Alright then, have a nice holiday... Minjeong-ssi" with those last words, Sangje snapped his fingers and briefly sent Minjeong to earth.

-TBC-