My Calling Is Profiler [EN]: Chapter 145

“What doesn’t make sense?”

“Yes.”

Park Do-joon nodded. Then, he elaborated on his thoughts.

“Basically, worship is a religious ceremony performed for a supreme being.”

“So?”

“What about the drawings found at the scene? There were several of them.”

“Is that a problem?”

“I don’t know much about their specific doctrines, but compared to other religions, when offering sacrifices to a god, isn’t it usually to a single deity?”

But there were several drawings of demons at the scene. That implies the offering was divided among multiple demons, which seems illogical.

“Well, isn’t demon worship like polytheism? Like Buddhism, they might offer sacrifices to multiple entities.”

“Buddhism is structured that way, but demons are typically portrayed as selfish and greedy beings. Demon worshippers generally acknowledge this. They offer sacrifices to demons hoping to benefit from their powers. I question whether it makes sense for them to divide the offering among those demons.”

Of course, this is just speculation. Park Do-joon admitted he lacked concrete information on demon worship practices.

“Another issue is the form of the offering itself.”

“The form of the offering?”

“Yes, the body at the scene was dismembered, scattered in all directions, correct?”

“It was.”

Arms and legs, head and torso, even the internal organs. The body was meticulously cut into pieces and separated.

“Why would they do that?”

“Offerings are usually treated with more respect when they are presented whole.”

The value of an offering is often symbolized by life, blood, or the heart.

“An offering signifies symbolism. But with the body at the scene, the symbolism seems completely fragmented.”

For example, the Aztec civilization believed that human hearts were essential for the sun to continue burning, so they sacrificed tens of thousands of people annually, offering their hearts.

Historically, religious records show that animals like sheep and cows were typically offered whole.

“So, why the need to dissect the body in such a manner?”

“Hmm?”

“What are you talking about?”

Some people tilted their heads, confused by his reasoning.

But the team leader spoke as if he understood.

“So, it seems like an act intended to shock or impress?”

“Yes, exactly. If they are truly self-styled demon worshippers, they would likely be inventing their own rituals, lacking established rules or procedures.”

“That’s true. Even if they existed, they would probably borrow heavily from existing practices.”

“Yes, but a religious ritual involving such a cruel dismemberment of an offering… I’m not aware of any.”

Park Do-joon suspected it was more an expression of human rage than a genuine religious act.

“I don’t think demons are benevolent, do you?”

“That’s the core of the problem.”

“What, is it just a stereotype that demons are inherently malevolent?”

Someone asked sarcastically, but Park Do-joon shook his head.

“No. Not at all. If demons were benevolent, they wouldn’t be demons. But realistically, has anyone even seen a demon? How can we definitively know their tendencies?”

Moreover, strictly speaking, demons are often repurposed gods from other religions or figments of imagination created to explain inexplicable phenomena.

For example, a succubus is known as a dream demon that drains the energy of men, but a succubus is simply a product of human imagination.

“Do you think I’m asking because I don’t know that?”

“No, this issue is more complex than you realize. Regarding these dream demons, the original concept wasn’t a succubus, but an incubus [a male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women].”

“What?”

The other profilers looked at Park Do-joon, puzzled. Park Do-joon calmly explained.

“There were unexplained pregnancies in the Middle Ages. The person involved usually knew the truth, but those around them often didn’t.”

Rapes by relatives, or illicit relationships between nobles and servants, were common in every era.

When such a problem arose, it had to be addressed somehow. But blaming someone else for the problem could lead to severe punishment.

If a family member committed rape, it brought disgrace upon the entire family, and the perpetrator could face death. If a maid became pregnant with a noble’s child, she could be executed to protect the family’s honor.

What if someone claimed a virgin birth like the Virgin Mary? It was a time of rampant witch hunts. Making such a claim could result in the entire family being killed.

“The succubus was invented to resolve such situations. An irresistible demonic being.”

“Hmm?”

“Historians suggest that Zeus’s reputation as a playboy in Greek and Roman mythology likely stemmed from a similar need.”

Hiding the real father by attributing pregnancies to Zeus when the truth couldn’t be revealed.

“But what’s so important about that?”

“The important point is that it’s a product of imagination. We have never actually seen demons. Their existence hasn’t been proven.”

In the past, people attributed evil deeds to demons, but nowadays, many argue that humans are more evil, joking that even demons get laid off or experience relationship problems.

“In other words, the appearance staged at the scene reflects the perpetrator’s preconceived notions, thinking, ‘This is how demons would act.'”

“So?”

“Then I propose two possibilities. One is that we’re dealing with a self-styled demon worshipper who rejects established demonology as nonsense.”

Even if there are no established demon worship groups in Korea, it’s the 21st century. There are websites run by demon worshippers where one can study their doctrines and ideologies.

“The other possibility is a criminal attempting to conceal the crime by feigning demon worship.”

“What?”

Everyone questioned Park Do-joon’s assertion. A criminal trying to cover up the case?

“Do you think that’s plausible?”

“It’s not impossible. Based on the current evidence, we’re already investigating along the lines of demon worship, right? A suspect with a grudge against the victim would likely be excluded from the investigation.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

But Park Do-joon stood firm.

Everyone shook their heads, dismissing the idea, but the team leader agreed with Park Do-joon.

“No. It’s not an impossible scenario. The profiler’s analysis would be fundamentally different in each case. Consequently, the direction of the investigation would also diverge.”

If that happens, how will we catch the criminal?

“If we head in the wrong direction, the criminal could slip away entirely. We can’t afford to ignore it.”

“Hmm.”

The profilers couldn’t refute the logic. As Park Do-joon pointed out, the two scenarios presented completely different types of criminals from a profiling perspective.

“So, I think it’s best to address both possibilities.”

“But won’t we be short-staffed?”

“Even if we are, we have to manage. If it’s a deception, it’ll be even more dangerous.”

“Why?”

Park Do-joon interjected to answer the question.

“Because this murder will be a trick.”

“A trick?”

“Yes.”

If it’s a genuine demon worshipper, this murder is likely a sacrificial offering, a process that wouldn’t occur frequently due to the inherent risks.

“But if the criminal’s true motive is to kill and create confusion, the first victim is likely someone unconnected to them.”

If you kill someone you know initially, you’ll naturally be the prime suspect.

“No matter how elaborately you stage the murder scene, it’s natural to investigate the victim’s acquaintances first.”

If the investigation starts with the assumption of demon worship, the direction will be skewed, but those close to the victim won’t be entirely excluded.

As Park Do-joon said, investigating the victim’s circle is standard procedure.

“But once we establish a certain belief in demon worship, if a similar incident occurs, we’ll likely assume it’s a new crime committed by demon worshippers.”

Then, the actual perpetrator can easily conceal their involvement by appearing as a victim.

“That…”

The profilers exchanged glances, considering Park Do-joon’s words. If that happens, the perpetrator could completely evade detection.

“Besides, when we begin investigating, the media will portray them as victims.”

If the police harass the victim by investigating rashly, they will face public criticism.

“So, is it highly likely that they will commit additional murders to solidify their alibi?”

“Yes, that’s right. From a religious perspective, there might be a specific timeframe involved.”

Religion often dictates set intervals or times for rituals.

“Of course, there’s also the possibility that it won’t happen again. If it’s a genuine demon worshipper.”

We can’t dismiss the possibility that they are truly offering sacrifices to appease a deity.

“So, I believe we should analyze both angles and pursue all possibilities.”

“Hmm…”

“What about a public appeal for information?”

Someone asked, but the team leader shook his head.

“No. This is a religiously motivated crime. It would be extremely problematic if someone were to imitate it after seeing it.”

“But can’t we just withhold detailed information?”

In fact, detailed information should never be released during a murder investigation.

This is because copycat criminals often emerge.

“Don’t focus on catching them; think about the potential victims that could result from it.”

“That’s… that’s right…”

There are many individuals who harbor homicidal desires but lack the opportunity. These types of cases, lacking specific details, can inspire such individuals to act.

In the United States, there are numerous instances of people imitating famous murder cases.

“Even if the copycat is inept, it’s still troublesome.”

They will know that the crime scene is staged to resemble a religious site, and even if they suspect it’s fake, definitively distinguishing between a genuine demon follower and a copycat is challenging.

“Is that so?”

Ultimately, the profilers, though slightly dissatisfied, conceded to the logic. Park Do-joon’s demonstrated skills were too significant to ignore. Moreover, their careers were on the line. Failure to solve the case quickly could lead to information leaks, potentially causing widespread panic.

If the public learns about the case, they will likely condemn the profilers for their inaction.

“Let’s analyze both directions. First, let’s analyze the possibility that they are variant demon worshippers…”

Park Do-joon paused, and as everyone looked at him, he continued slowly.

Profiler by Destiny