---

America has always had an interest in world hegemony.

No, to be precise, it’s better to say that it was focused on maintaining the hegemony it had already grabbed. As pioneers who crossed the ocean to settle in the New World, they held a sense of pride, managing the world with the self-assurance of being the strongest obtained during World War II.

However, unfortunately, hegemony isn’t something that can be held onto forever just because you’ve grabbed it once.

There have always been latecomers, and they have wished to pull America down by any means necessary and take that position for themselves.

Once, the country that oppressed it, England, the French who refuse to listen, the fascist nations that thrived on the old continent, the lunatic empire that emerged from the far East, a dragon from the East that briefly stumbled but is trying to rise again, and the Communist bastards who attempted to turn the world red with their sickles and hammers and failed… Russia, born from the land of sickles and hammers…

There are many.

So many entities that threaten America’s position and wish to undermine its hegemony.

Thus, America has never been able to rest.

Resting would lead to a tiring and tedious fight.

Its position would be threatened.

For an American brimming with the pioneering spirit and pride of being the world’s strongest hegemon, it would be an unbearable humiliation.

And so, America has worked tirelessly to maintain its hegemony.

And that effort has been carried out under the name of ‘Project’.

Some seem absurd.

Some appear somewhat feasible.

Some require endless financial investment, but the returns are incredibly massive.

So many projects.

America launched numerous projects, pouring money like water using its vast resources and the status of being a reserve currency.

And naturally, among these projects, their importance varies.

Importance is the best indicator to reference when allocating budgets, so they had to be classified.

And amidst these numerous projects, there is one with medium importance.

A project being undertaken by the CIA and several colossal IT corporations.

If successful, it would be advantageous in gaining the supremacy in the universe and seizing control of IT services worldwide.

The Star Ocean Project.

A grandiose project aiming to create a sea of stars around Earth.

A project to cover the sky with the countless satellites created by America.

To intercept the satellites of hostile nations, hindering their endeavors to venture into space.

Allied nations would only be allowed to launch artificial satellites with America’s permission and under its control.

All services through these satellites would be monopolized by America.

And with satellites covering the globe, they could even observe worldwide, making it so that America can hold and shake the entire world in the palm of its hand.

Naturally, this project wasn’t something other nations would welcome.

Not just countries competing with America, but even those that could be considered allies.

It would be akin to kicking the ladder away to ensure no latecomers could join, so who would like that?

And… for capable people, this project was equally unwelcome.

For America to be able to observe the whole world meant that for capable people, it was akin to being observed every moment of their lives, and if America wanted, they could be assassinated at any time.

Moreover, considering that America would launch satellites to hinder stellar observation, it was evident that it would obstruct their magic related to stars, like divinations.

Due to this, the Star Ocean Project couldn’t be executed properly and ran aground.

By other countries wishing to stop American dominance, capable persons who didn’t want to deal with assassination threats, and sometimes even by shamans.

However, one couldn’t guarantee that just because it was so before regression, it would remain the same afterward.

Especially now, as the future was changing more and more, perhaps due to the butterfly effect.

‘The emergence of even one more satellite obstructing the observation of stars could be considered bad news.’

For that reason, Park Jinseong summoned the warrior who would be called a calamity to Earth.

He began persuading based on very high hypotheses and informed him of the project America was undertaking. He even articulated a likely place where those involved in the project might gather.

It would benefit everyone.

For the warrior, it would be good to eliminate those who would mess up space.

For Park Jinseong, it would be advantageous to kill the ones obstructing stellar observation and create chaos in America, making it easier to influence or enter the country.

Chaos.

The important thing is chaos.

In that chaos, while America and China are occupied, he could gain benefits.

Thus, a humble shaman entangled with a nation found a way to profit.

This was a lesson and wisdom gleaned from nature.

And thus, Park Jinseong was dubbed the Parasite Shaman.

So, during his mercenary days, he was referred to by that title derogatorily.

* * *

The weather in California is always nice.

Summers are warm, and winters are cozy. Listening to the sound of waves crashing at the beach while basking in sunlight feels like it warms one’s very soul. Even if it’s cold, it doesn’t drop below freezing, and even if snow falls heavily causing inconvenience, looking up can reveal a stunning scenery of snow blanketing everything.

Spring comes with waterfalls pouring down, and autumn is enjoyed amidst forests.

Summer is savored on the beach, while winter is enjoyed in the mountains.

There’s a reason retirees come here to spend their twilight years; this truly is a blessed land.

There’s simply no place better for people to live.

Venturing just a bit further from this blessed land reveals thick forests.

One can see a forest that seems perfect for camping.

The golf courses are vast and beautiful.

The rivers are great for water activities.

Artificial lakes, as well as roads made by clearing woods, are just right for enjoying a drive.

It’s undoubtedly an ideal getaway.

However, sometimes, even vacation requires qualifications.

Some places are thoroughly controlled and not accessible to just anyone.

One building constructed over a hundred years ago.

A place deep within a forest, governed by artifacts and fences.

That is a space that one cannot enter without qualifications.

The control is too thorough.

Their attitude makes it so that without membership, one cannot step a foot inside.

Because of that, it has long been a subject of conspiracy theories.

The Bohemian Club, located in Sonoma County, California, is the star of that tale.

Also known as Bohemian Grove, this unique organization has been meticulously run on a members-only basis for over 140 years, with non-members being strictly barred from even viewing it.

Some might say it’s just an ordinary social gathering in America, with a sprinkling of secrecy…

Yet, the ceremonies that seem suspicious happening in the woods, along with the numerous famous personalities who were members of this organization, have made it a treasure trove for conspiracy theorists to this day.

Especially the ritual named ‘Cremation of Care,’ where robed priests burn a coffin in front of the giant owl statue carries a bizarre atmosphere akin to idol worship, arousing comments such as “Those in this gathering worship the Antichrist.” or “They are the ones who venerate the wicked gods from the old continent.”

Upon hearing such stories, members of Bohemian Grove dismiss these theories, merely stating, “We’re just having a traditional secret social gathering.” They have no intention of revealing their facilities to outsiders.

As if they truly have something they shouldn’t disclose to the outside world.

So thoroughly managed, this secret space.

Only members and those companions certified by members can enjoy that sanctuary.

And suddenly,

A non-invited guest stepped in.

A man draped in a divine object given by a shaman met in Japan.

The warrior reached a realm where he crushed several artificial satellites floating in the air, then landed in the forest of Sonoma County, California.

Ivan.

Enchanted by the universe.

And oblivious to the calamity he would be for the members of the Bohemian Grove, the Grovers, who would soon visit the forest.

Now, he has arrived here.

 

---