Soul Tracker

Chapter 6: Encounters with Dokkaebi

Jung Yoon continued his trek through the eerie landscape of the soul world, his senses heightened by the unknown dangers that lurked in every shadow. The blue glow from the Jeoseung Saja's lantern had long since faded, leaving him to navigate this strange, otherworldly realm on his own. The ground beneath his feet was uneven, shifting with every step as if the land itself was alive, and the mist clung to him like a cold, wet blanket.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a strange, high-pitched cackling echoing through the air. Jung Yoon froze, his heart pounding as his eyes darted around, searching for the source of the laughter. It wasn't the first time he had felt like he was being watched since arriving in the soul world, but this time, the sensation was stronger, more immediate.

Then, without warning, something shot past him—a blur of movement so quick that he barely had time to react. He spun around, trying to track whatever it was, but the mist and shadows made it impossible to see clearly. Another laugh echoed, this time closer.

"Who's there?" Jung Yoon called out, his voice steady despite the unease creeping up his spine.

The mist parted slightly, revealing three small, hunched figures emerging from the shadows. Their skin was a pale green, and their faces were grotesque, with sharp, twisted features and eyes that gleamed with mischievous light. Each of them held a wooden club, and their ragged clothing gave them a wild, untamed appearance.

Dokkaebi.

Jung Yoon had heard about them in the legends—mischievous goblin-like creatures that could be both helpful and dangerous, depending on their mood. The three dokkaebi circled him slowly, their laughter continuing as they whispered to each other in a language Jung Yoon couldn't understand.

"What do we have here, brothers?" one of the dokkaebi said in a raspy voice. He had a crooked nose and a wide grin that showed off his sharp, yellowed teeth. "A lost soul wandering in our domain?"

"No, no," the second one said, his voice slightly deeper. "He's still alive. Can't you smell it? Fresh blood, warm heart."

The third dokkaebi, who was the smallest of the group but seemed to be the most cunning, narrowed his eyes as he looked Jung Yoon up and down. "Alive, eh? What's a living one doing here in the soul world? Looking for something, I'd wager."

Jung Yoon straightened his back, determined not to show fear in front of the goblins. "I'm looking for someone. A girl named Tae Ah. Have you seen her?"

The dokkaebi snickered, exchanging glances with each other. The one with the crooked nose stepped forward, tapping his club against the ground. "We've seen many souls come and go, boy. What makes you think we'd help you find this one?"

"Maybe we should play with him a bit first," the second dokkaebi suggested, his grin widening. "It's been a while since we had any fun."

Jung Yoon's heart raced as the dokkaebi moved closer, their clubs dragging along the ground, creating an unsettling scraping noise. He had no weapons, nothing to defend himself with except the talisman hanging around his neck and his own determination.

Just as the dokkaebi were about to pounce, Jung Yoon remembered something the monk had told him before his journey: The dokkaebi respect those who show cleverness and courage. Outsmart them, and they may even become your allies.

"I'm not here to fight," Jung Yoon said quickly, raising his hands. "But if it's a game you want, then let's make a deal. If I win, you help me find Tae Ah."

The dokkaebi paused, intrigued by his offer. The one with the crooked nose scratched his chin, clearly interested. "And what if you lose?"

Jung Yoon swallowed hard, knowing he didn't have many options. "If I lose, I'll give you this." He pulled out the talisman from around his neck, its ancient symbols glowing faintly in the mist.

The dokkaebi's eyes widened with greed as they stared at the talisman. They knew its value in the soul world—protection from the darker forces that roamed the realm. It was a powerful bargaining chip.

The smallest dokkaebi chuckled. "All right, human. We'll accept your deal. But the game we choose will be a test of your wits, not your strength. Let's see if you're clever enough to survive."

The dokkaebi gathered around, and the crooked-nosed one stepped forward, gesturing to a nearby rock. He tapped it three times with his club, and the rock began to shimmer, transforming into a large, intricate puzzle made of stone blocks and runes.

"This is the Dokkaebi's Puzzle," the leader explained. "It's simple—rearrange the blocks to form the correct symbol. But you only have three moves. Get it right, and we'll help you. Get it wrong, and we'll take that shiny little talisman of yours."

Jung Yoon stared at the puzzle, his mind racing. The symbols on the blocks were unfamiliar, but he knew they had to mean something. He took a deep breath, focusing on the task in front of him. The dokkaebi watched him intently, their grins wide as they waited for him to fail.

He reached out and moved the first block, carefully aligning it with the others. Then, after a moment's hesitation, he shifted the second block into place. The final move would either make or break the puzzle.

Jung Yoon's fingers hovered over the third block as he analyzed the runes. Think, Jung Yoon. This is a test of wits. What's the symbol supposed to represent?

Suddenly, it clicked. The runes were part of an ancient symbol for balance—a crucial element in both the living and the soul world. Without hesitation, he slid the last block into place.

The puzzle glowed brightly, and the blocks shifted together, forming the completed symbol. The dokkaebi's eyes widened in surprise, their grins faltering.

"Well, well," the crooked-nosed dokkaebi said, clearly impressed. "Looks like the human's not as foolish as we thought."

The smallest dokkaebi scowled, clearly disappointed, but he stepped forward nonetheless. "A deal is a deal," he muttered. "We'll help you find your girl."

Jung Yoon let out a breath of relief as the dokkaebi reluctantly backed away from him. "You said she's trapped by a curse," the leader said, his tone more serious now. "The curse was placed on her by a powerful spirit, one that haunts these lands. We can lead you to the edge of that spirit's domain, but beyond that... you're on your own."

Jung Yoon nodded, grateful for their help. "That's all I need."

The dokkaebi, now more cooperative, led him through the shifting landscape of the soul world. Along the way, they warned him of the dangers that lay ahead—the cursed spirits that roamed the land, the trials he would have to face. Despite their mischievous nature, the dokkaebi seemed genuinely intrigued by Jung Yoon's determination.

Finally, they reached the edge of a dark, foreboding forest. The air here was thick with tension, and a strange chill ran down Jung Yoon's spine. "This is where our help ends," the crooked-nosed dokkaebi said, his voice low. "Beyond this point is the domain of the vengeful spirit that holds your girl."

"Good luck, human," the smallest dokkaebi added with a sly grin. "You're going to need it."

With that, the dokkaebi vanished back into the mist, leaving Jung Yoon standing at the entrance to the cursed forest. His heart pounded, but he steeled himself. He had come this far, and there was no turning back.

Tae Ah was close. He could feel it.

Taking a deep breath, Jung Yoon stepped into the darkness, ready to face whatever lay ahead.