The Foreigner on the Periphery

Hell of Disbelief (12)

The first mass immigration did not happen overnight. 

The time difference between the Elves who first set foot on Earth in 1945, and the last Elves to emigrate was close to 5 years. Since it was an early stage, the facilities such as terminals were insufficient, and there was a limit to the number of individuals that could be transported at one time. 

It was worth noting, however, that the short time it took from the first contact where the committee knocked on the UN’s door to the first immigrant voyage was. It took only a few months for the terminals in both countries to be completed, which were now only temporary buildings. 

For some reason, the two governments at the time were very hasty with their actions, to the extent that it seemed unusual. Once the door was opened, the influx of immigrants increased year by year. 

Exquisitely, the peak of migration was around the time when the seeds of the Cold War were budding, and the Elf was considered a symbol of the newspaper’s name for magic. As part of the Marshall Plan, the United States tried to stop the spread of communism by promoting the re-immigration of some elves to Western Europe. 

As a result, Elves were welcomed all over the world. This was not only a beautiful appearance but also an enchanting smile. – Humans only later found out that the true nature of politeness is a defensive mechanism that grows out of the boundary of ‘when these blunts may strike the back of the head’. – was a saying that received media attention. 

It meant that, if one were to live long, the life span itself would be an object of envy, and at the same time, it invoked hope that one’s descendants would also be able to enjoy the benefits. The magic that bloomed from their fingertips was a wonder itself. 

As time passed, it was no wonder that, when the committee proposed the mass immigration of another race, the reaction of each country on the earth was absolutely explosive. 

*** 

The world had already experienced the elves and was dissatisfied that the useful and fascinating routes of immigrants were limited to both countries. 

“The next mass immigration should be given the same opportunity around the world!” 

“I condemn the monopoly of the two countries towards the alien immigrants, the treasures of the earth!” 

Neither the United States nor the Soviet Union wanted their camps to be shaken by this issue, so it was agreed that the next mass immigration would be assigned a national quota. The voices of the international community were so fierce that they promised to allocate quotas on a moral level, even to the countries that were the least developed at the time. 

After reaching an agreement between the people of the Earth, the committee sent the information on the next race to the UN. The faces of the heads of state who read it were probably frozen. 

“What is that…?” And as soon as they saw the video sent by the committee, some even screamed.

“Hey, it’s a monster!” 

Their appearance was quite ugly by human aesthetic standards. The ragged muscles were more intimidating than attractive. They also didn’t know the term ‘Magician’, and they didn’t have any unique skills that Earthlings wouldn’t have access to. Even in the explanation of the situation of being subjected to slavery at the level of the hometown, some countries expressed their feelings of great discomfort. 

In addition to this, it was their fertility that made many suffer. Most of the race gave birth only once in their lifetime but produced six to eight children at a time. A lot of people didn’t say it out loud, but they probably thought it inside. 

‘Isn’t that more like an animal than a human being!’ 

Humanity gave them the name ‘Orc.’

*** 

After the Orc species was revealed, the world’s reaction was divided by faction. The liberal camp led by the United States was cautious. Its superior fertility and labor force were attractive as livestock, but it was a double-edged sword for the people. 

“President, the trend of population growth after the war has already ended is unusual. In the midst of this, if people of such a race are accepted as citizens…” 

The overcrowded hell that Malthus had predicted, and the swamp of poverty, were coming into reality. However, the socialist camp showed a different reaction.

“Poverty is not caused by an exploding population. Poverty arises because of the exploitation of capitalists. Population is the driving force behind revolution and production. So we should actively encourage childbirth!” 

Incidentally, the large-scale loss of population suffered by the Soviet Union due to the famine in the 1930s and the war in the 1940s was also a big factor. An Orc was seen as an attractive resource to overcome the demographic catastrophe in which tens of millions of workers were reduced compared to several dozen years ago. 

In the end, despite the desperate opposition of economists, the party’s cadres spoke firmly. “The average fertility rate of orcs is 7? Last year, the fertility rate of Earthlings was 5, right? Well, it’s not that much of a difference, is it?” 

In the end, according to the intentional concessions of the free camp, the socialist countries accepted much more Orc immigrants and used it as a tool for propaganda of the system. 

“We have won this race to attract aliens!” 

The liberals accepted some numbers because of their face, but the clever United States shared the burden with its allies as much as possible. “Was the Western European side saying they couldn’t get more than this number? When it comes to giving to elves, they are selfish while taking care of them… Then, suggest them to the country that lacks our support! Countries that are in urgent need of a loan right now. That way we too will be deducted from the talent debt we owe the committee!” 

In addition, Germany, which was on the verge of entering the official division system at the time, was sandwiched between the two camps and accepted the largest number of Orcs compared to its population because of the crimes of a war criminal state, and now there wasn’t anyone left unaware of the result – that their choice in that point of time was indeed a mistake.

***  

Some more time went by. 

Contrary to the hopes of the communists, the Soviet economy began to falter in the 1980s. The decisive factor was the spread of magic crystals. It was a blow to the Soviet Union, which relied heavily on oil and gas. 

To make matters worse, with the fall of the CCP, the Soviet Union felt a great sense of crisis and tried to revive the sinking country. The object of the agonizing Communist Party’s attention was the Orc people, who had grown at a tremendous pace over the decades. 

“Currently, the percentage of orcs in the Soviet Union is lower than that of East Germany, but in absolute numbers, it is the highest in the world.” 

“Look at the social problems in East Germany right now! If we stay like this, we will…” 

“There is a bigger problem. If this trend continues, the fundamentals of our planned economy will collapse. This is all because of the Orcs! It will become impossible to produce industrial products, food, and energy for all people on the national initiative!” 

In the end, Moscow made its worst mistake. “There must be a lot of backlash.” 

“There is no turning back now.” 

The alternative they proposed was the racial-selective birth control method. It was forced only on the Orcs, which prohibited them from giving birth until they got permission.

“It is impossible to force one to have one and only two. They’re at least six once born! You just have to make sure you don’t give birth. No other way than this!” 

After that, as everyone knew, a revolution centered on Orcs in the Soviet Union broke out, and the flames of neo-speciesism spread to orcs all over Europe. Scholars predicted that if it were not for that incident, the Soviet Union would have survived for another 2 to 30 years. 

In addition to this, these theorists claimed that there must have been an old dragon behind it too, but only a few listened to his voice. And, just before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the resistance of the Orcs there had a great impact on the Orcs of West Germany, the free camp. 

And although they accounted for a large number in number, they still had a cold meal, and they held protests everywhere, crying out for the abolition of discrimination in solidarity with their overseas compatriots. It was around this time that Joachim Steinmeier spent his childhood. 

*** 

Jochaim remembered his childhood. People screaming all over the street. The protesters who were bleeding and wriggling. Smoke rising everywhere. Deafening gunshots and screams. 

In the alley right next to the orphanage where he grew up, day by day, Orcs would gather and shout battles to confront the police. He then ran out of the orphanage because he felt hungry. There was no way to properly distribute food to orphanages in West Germany, where the economy had collapsed due to social chaos near civil war. 

Street life wasn’t easy either. As the economy deteriorated, people became more ferocious and ruthless toward the weak. Days while stealing food from the store, getting beaten, and limping through trash cans. The kindest people to him were the goblins. After the coal mine was closed, they were found begging in the alley like Jochaim. 

After learning of this fact, Jochaim stole the goblin’s food and ate it. ‘Something is wrong with this.’

Jochaim thought the world he lived in was a bad dream. He couldn’t believe it. This world couldn’t possibly be real. It must all be a bad dream.

When he opened his eyes, he would soon find himself sleeping on a bed in a room of his own, separated by a wall and a door, with an intact roof. The room would be full of all kinds of toys. In addition to this, there would be a father and mother in the kitchen. 

His father must be a smart person who could easily read newspapers, and his mother must be a kind person with amazing cooking skills. So, the world they were seeing now was clearly a lie. 

Such was a terrible dream that could be relieved that it was not reality when one woke up. “You are truly a blessed child. I can’t see I have a talent.” 

The tall alien who approached Jochaim was looking down with his other two eyes while his eyes between his forehead were closed. “How are you? Would you like to study the Word of Truth with me?” 

Following him, Jochaim realized that the belief that this world was nothing more than a lie was true. However, there was a reason why the nightmare did not end no matter how hard Jochaim tried. This was because this dream was not his, it was God’s dream.

As he immersed himself in the doctrine and served God with all his heart, he received grace in no time. He awakened the divine power so easily. Jochaim’s adoptive father…to the extent that even the Patriarch was surprised. 

“God has given me hope in my ignorance. And he bestowed the grace. So I don’t understand any more. I have already been recognized. Recognition that you deserve to worship God. Many Earthly priests, including myself, have obtained the same qualifications.” 

“I am well aware of the closed nature of our denomination. There are separate scriptures for priests and lay people to read. However, I cannot accept that even among the same priests, there is discrimination… father.” 

On the table lay the severed head of an alien. There was no sign of breathing. Nevertheless, both eyes were staring straight at Jochaim. 

=Send me back, Jochaim.= 

The priest ignored the words of the adoptive father and continued speaking. “You are already a token of a miracle. Because it is a miracle that happened on Earth, people on Earth have the right to keep it and worship it. So please tell me. What else are you hiding? What other secret doctrines… of truth have not been made known to us?” 

=Take me back, please.= 

“What happens when the sleep of the gods becomes shallow?”

At this, Joachim’s breathing became rough. “Are all lies destroyed? This world will all collapse… and only those who remain in God’s memory will remain and enjoy eternal life, right? Is that moment coming soon?” 

=········= 

At this, the Patriarch did not answer. In turn, Jochaim’s gaze became cold. 

After a moment of silence… 

“The German immigration office is following me. It seems that he made some kind of deal with the Heretical Judges who have not yet set foot on Earth. I can’t even guess what kind of deal was going on.” 

An informant with such content flew in the Frankfurt church. An immigration agent named ‘Christoph’ was looking for Jochaim. After confirming this, his followers attached the agent he had bought with drugs and soon found out that it was true. 

Knowing that the location had been discovered, Jochaim had to revise his plans. He hid in the Czech Republic for a while and tried to question the Patriarch, but soon enough he was forced to move again. 

It was quite a big problem that the Heretic Judge colluded with the Earth forces. “But they will never get you. Because I’m going to join hands with a helper that one wouldn’t usually dare to approach here. So, you better give up and tell all your secrets.” 

The Patriarch then looked at the ceiling over Jochaim’s shoulder instead of responding with a psychic. Sensing that his gaze was in a strange direction, Joachim quickly turned around, but no one was there.

After reconfirming that no one was in his room or around, Jochaim began interrogating the severed neck again. 

*** 

=Whew! I almost got caught! = 

Feeling his heart sinking, Ha Eun-seong escaped from the spirit state. The refuge of Jochaim, which Minjun knew, was a name for an overly extensive area. So, as soon as he arrived, Minjun promptly instructed Ha Eun-seong to go out and search the surroundings again. 

What to look for was clear. It was unlikely that there would be more than one decapitated alien head in this city. 

“Cool! Kek!” 

Ha Eun-seong, who returned to a polymorphic body, said what he had seen and heard. “I found it. A severed alien neck. But… were you really alive?” 

At this, Minjun frowned. “In case you don’t know, I don’t know English.” 

There was no need to think long. Once one got their hands on it, they would soon know the inside story. However, Cathy, who had heard the story together, asked with concern, “I said something about the helper… Shouldn’t we be careful? Have you already held hands with someone?” 

Meanwhile, Minjun was already trying to predict who the target was. “I think I came to meet the old dragon who supports the church.” 

“Callieter?” 

“Ah. The sponsorship contract must have been signed in the name of the diocese, so if there is a conflict with the main church, it would be right to take their side. Are you going to use that as an excuse to ask for your protection? But the problem is…” 

Minjun tilted his head. “Is that dragon going to the wrong place now?” 

Christoph had clearly stated that he would be away from Rare for a while, chasing after bizarre murders across Germany. However…

“Ah, there…” Ha Eun-seong frowned and looked at Minjun. He had witnessed something while returning to his spiritual state. 

Then, Minjun tilted his head as if he knew it and pointed his finger at the roof. Ha Eun-seong then said in a low voice, “Did you know?” 

Minjun spoke up in a grunt. “Why are there so many stray cats in a neighborhood infested with monstrous rodents that eat cows?” 

The moment he said that, the curse was complete. “Ahhhhhhhh!” 

A soul-rending scream was then heard from above. “What?!” 

The moment Cathy woke up with a chill, they all witnessed human shadows falling out of her window. And, in Minjun’s eyes, he could see a string of light falling at a fast speed. There was a long number listed next to the word ‘Asif.’ 

Minjun sighed softly. “Today alone, is already the fifth.” 

Thud! 

There then came a crashing sound. There was also a voice groaning in pain that echoed from afar, outside the building. 

“Ahhhhhh! You… Hey! This is… ‘damage’! I’m going to report it to the ‘Superior’!”

He seemed to know the main character of the voice. Did that woman now work for the Brazilian government? 

Minjun tried to trace back his memory. Although they knew each other, they were inmates who did not have close acquaintances to be considerate of each other in such a competitive situation. 

All while shouting, she threatened to report it to her commission for vandalism. Of course, Minjun didn’t even pretend to listen. If such punishment was imposed, Minjun would have been sentenced to extinction of his soul earlier. 

He could hear people screaming from below. “Oh, Mom… this lady’s eyes are bleeding!” 

“…Ambulance! Call an ambulance, please!” 

“No, what the hell is this? A few hours ago, in the restaurant on the first floor of this hotel, a man passed out while vomiting… Now, there’s a woman falling from the roof?!” 

“Ah! I saw that on the internet. How many liters of green jelly was coming out of his mouth? I thought I was going to vomit too.” 

“Isn’t there a strange plague circulating in the city?” 

It was right after Minjun arrived in Bremenhaven, the city where he found out that a pursuer had been attached…

The prisoners from all over the world who started to enter Germany one by one in pursuit of their talents seemed to have decided to pursue Minjun instead, who was famous for various reasons, instead of confronting him directly. They acted just like a hyena that followed a lion to steal its prey. 

Somehow, they were convinced that Minjun would somehow find the head of the Patriarch and that if he followed him, he would reach the target. 

At this, Minjun thought with a smirk, ‘If you can steal it, then where would you look?’