On the desk was a small welcome gift package—expensive snacks and company-branded office supplies.
There was even a diary tucked away in a half-open drawer.
Judging by the company logo on the cover, it was another standard-issue item.
'But it's from last year.'
Maybe it was left behind by the previous occupant of this housing unit. I opened the diary.
On the first page, in huge letters, it said:
– RUN.
'Aigoo.'
I appreciated the wise words from my predecessor, but I was already too far gone.
Not even scary at this point.
'Just another chapter in the horrors of corporate life, huh.'
My sense of camaraderie with the author of this note swelled. I closed the diary and carefully put it back in the drawer.
Now that I've checked everything out, it's time to get down to business.
[Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box]
– New merch unlocked! (!)
Now that I was alone, I could finally check it out!
'Huu.'
With a bit of nervous excitement, I sat on the bed and reached toward the floating notepad in a comfortable position.
Tak.
Just like before, when it spit out the grip holder, the notepad opened, and something fell out.
It was a clear OPP vinyl packet.
Inside, I could see a stack of stickers, the kind usually used for fancy merch.
"This …"
I picked up the vinyl packet.
Inside was a typical smiley-face sticker—yellow, with a standard smiling emoji.
A.k.a. the bribe item.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Daydream Inc.
/ Items
Smiley Sticker
A salesperson's best friend! 🙂
When attached to a sentient being, it induces mild feelings of friendliness toward the user.
Unlock Requirement : Must be a full-time employee or higher at Daydream Inc.
(p.s. Misusing the item for personal reasons, like flirting, will result in disciplinary action.)
========================
"Huh."
Despite its cheap packaging and rough finish, this sticker was an iconic item used in several parts of
It induces friendliness? That's basically a way to manipulate favorability.
'It was used to convince other departments for collaboration, wasn't it?'
And I immediately understood why it was unlocked now.
– Unlock Requirement : Must be a full-time employee or higher at Daydream Inc.
"So I unlocked this because I became a full-time employee?"
In the
'And from the perspective of those who create the ghost stories, it was to stop eager newbies from barging into every narrative and recklessly using all sorts of tools like some Mary Sue causing trouble.'
Anyway, the fact that I now met those conditions means…
'Does this mean that every time I get promoted or change departments, this
It definitely seemed like it could be helpful for survival.
But really, I'd prefer if they hadn't dragged me into this world in the first place. When I think about it, even this feels like a ghost story in itself.
'Ugh.'
I glanced up at the glowing notepad a few more times, feeling uneasy, before finally shifting my thoughts.
"Well, at least I got something useful."
The Smiley Sticker. It would be a bit tricky since I'd have to stick it directly on someone, but having the ability to earn favor in an emergency is certainly a useful condition.
However, there's a catch.
'…This thing was discontinued after some drama.'
Apparently, the creators fought fiercely over the power of the sticker, arguing like it was life or death. The item ended up being discarded entirely from the narrative.
I'm not sure when exactly it disappeared, but it's possible the set in my hand could be the last remaining one in this universe.
I stared at the Smiley Sticker in its packaging.
Hmm.
Better make sure no one finds out about this.
Just in case, I took five stickers and tucked them into my suit pocket. That way, I'd have them ready for my first day of work.
'…First day of work, huh.'
I was starting to feel a bit unsettled, but I knew I needed rest.
After everything that had happened, my body and mind were completely drained.
'I need to recover.'
I changed into the provided robe, locked the door, and got into bed. It was my first proper rest since being plunged into this ghost story.
To be honest, I didn't sleep well.
The sight of people being torn apart and the grotesque images of that subway station replayed in my mind, like my brain had turned into a surround-sound home theater system.
Still, after a couple of days, I was at least able to sleep through the nightmares. It was a small comfort.
A few days passed like that.
I checked my dwindling bank account balance and made sure to stretch it out as best as I could, buying clothes and daily necessities.
Of course, I didn't forget the most important thing.
'I need to memorize everything.'
Through the Memorial Popsocket, I continued reading all the
This was my lifeline now.
And soon enough, Monday arrived.
It was my first day at Daydream Inc.
* * *
"..."
Monday morning.
I made my way to Daydream Inc.'s headquarters with a less-than-pleasant expression.
Go Yeongeun, who I bumped into as I left the officetel, seemed surprised.
"Oh, Soleum-ssi, are you okay? Did you, um, not sleep well?"
"…Kind of, yeah. I'll be fine."
"Oh dear…"
The two of us, both new hires, exchanged a few short pleasantries as we walked the fifteen minutes to the headquarters.
Along the way, we passed a few other new members of the Field Exploration Team, all of them looking just as tense, though we only exchanged nods.
We scanned our employee IDs and boarded the elevator.
"I heard the Field Exploration Team uses floors 10 to 15… Ah, I'll get off here. Soleum-ssi, let's give it our best shot, okay?"
"Yes, let's do our best."
I waved as Go Yeongeun got off on the 10th floor, then glanced at the button I had pressed for my floor.
13th floor.
'Even the floor number feels like a bad omen…'
I could only hope it was just my imagination.
I double-checked the assignment notice I'd received two days ago.
[New Employee(Field Exploration)_Assignment.pdf]
– Kim Soleum / D Squad
Ding.
The elevator doors opened on the 13th floor, revealing a hallway divided into sections labeled with letters.
I made my way to the automatic door labeled 'D' and pressed the button.
At the same time, I greeted those inside.
"Good morning."
"Oh!"
"You're here!"
A few adults sitting in the spacious office lifted their heads and greeted me.
One of the men stood up and extended his hand.
"Welcome to D-squad of the 15th unit."
A woman with a blank expression and a bob haircut nodded and added,
"By the way, they call us the 'Death Squad' because all the newbies die."
"..."
"Just kidding."
Should I just quit right here and now?
What is the correct reaction for a new hire when their team says something like, 'Hey, newbie, you might drop dead soon! Haha, just kidding~!' on your first day?
The truth is, there isn't one.
No, really—there's no right answer.
Fortunately, my colleagues didn't seem to expect much of a reaction from me as they quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway… congrats on surviving the death survival test."
Are we seriously calling it that out in the open?
"But are you really the top of your batch? That's amazing."
"Come on, let's hear some bragging."
I'm curious about that myself.
"I just did my best, really."
"Oh, if that were enough, we'd all be at Seoul University."
"Either way, it's impressive. You're a great addition to our squad."
Being top of the batch comes with its perks. It seems like the department, despite its heavy workload, doesn't have the energy to haze new hires.
"The squad leader will be back soon. He's out on-site, so just relax for now!"
"Oh, thank you."
I followed my superior's directions and went to the partitioned-off area.
Four desks clustered together.
Next to them, a small sofa and a coffee table with an old-style radio on top—straight out of the 80s.
The superiors returned to their desks and gestured toward the sofa.
"Go ahead and sit there."
"Alright."
As soon as I sat down, the radio on the coffee table clicked on and emitted a scratchy sound.
"...?"
Upbeat background music and a high-pitched announcer's voice filled the air.
– Hello! This is your live traffic update. The roads in Seoul are currently clear, just like today's sunny weather! However, starting this afternoon…
I turned my head to glance out the window.
It was drizzling outside.
A disconnect from reality.
'Ah.'
This radio… it's part of a ghost story.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story
[Hello Traffic Info]
: A ghost story featured in
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-E-63
It's a peculiar radio that tells today's fortune through traffic reports. Sometimes it offers advice, but the advice can be so unsettling that it often leads to ghastly consequences. ɽ₳ℕȪBЁŠ
========================
"Did you catch that?"
"...!"
"Wow, this newbie is sharp. You picked up on the weirdness quickly."
A male superior who looked like a physical education major approached and turned off the radio.
"This thing gives your daily fortune through traffic reports. It's a relatively safe urban legend. Twilight-Class Darkness—verified."
"..."
"Hold up, were you just thinking, 'What the heck is an urban legend or Darkness, you nerd?'"
No, not really.
"For newbies like you, we've prepared this. Ta-da!"
He placed a tablet PC on the table.
After a few taps on the screen, he played a video.
"Watch this through."
Retro vibes washed over me as cheerful, low-quality orchestral music played.
Two cartoon characters, resembling the mascots of the '88 Olympics, appeared and bowed.
– New hires filled with dreams and passion! Welcome to the Field Exploration Team of Daydream Inc.!
– Today, we'll explain the cool work that the Field Exploration Team does in detail!
'A fox and a dragon?'
A red fox and a yellow dragon, dressed in traditional Korean hanboks, smiled brightly.
– But before we begin!
An overtly old-fashioned font appeared above the two cute characters.
[What kind of company is Daydream Inc.?]
I already know.
To the public, this company is a highly successful pharmaceutical company specializing in miracle hair loss treatments and skincare products.
But in reality?
– You think all we make is hair loss treatments? Oh my gosh! Actually, Daydream Inc. can create any medicine you could ever need!
– A true magic company that makes magical potions!
From cures for drug addiction to elixirs for eternal life, the company creates all sorts of fantastical potions and secretly trades them with the elite and political circles.
That is the true nature of Daydream Inc.
A secret organization producing supernatural potions.
'Which is impossible with existing science or reality…'
The fox character winked and raised a finger.
– But! Magical potions need magical ingredients.
– That ingredient is… 'Dream Essence'!
The word 'Dream Essence' appeared in bold, golden letters, and sparkling liquid began to flow majestically across the screen.
Hearts and stars popped out as if it were some children's cartoon about magic potions, but…
Its true nature was something else entirely.
– Dream Essence is harvested from supernatural phenomena!
The dragon held out its hand, and the screen transitioned.
It showed a city alleyway in a cute illustration style.
But red eyes appeared in the shadow of a streetlamp, turning into a monstrous figure threatening a passerby.
Then, the animation exaggeratedly depicted a fan licking its blades as it hovered over a sleeping person.
– Did you know supernatural occurrences still happen in modern society?
– Fans running in a sealed room will kill you, or receiving lots of criticism will help you live longer… these are all superstitions and urban legends!
– But sometimes, these urban legends become reality!
'So they're calling these urban legends…'
Indeed, calling it an 'urban legend' does sound a bit less unsettling than 'creepypasta'.
And then came the key point.
– Daydream Inc. manages these urban legends, collects 'Dream Essence,' and makes wonderful magical potions that grant people's wishes!
– Isn't 'Dream Essence' the most important resource for the company, Yonyong?
– Of course! We always need it… But who's going to gather the 'Dream Essence' for us?
The dragon character named Yonyong tilted his head.
Who else, indeed.
– The brave Field Exploration Team, of course!
An SD animation depicted office workers in suits giving a thumbs-up, bravely navigating spaces where all kinds of surreal events were taking place.
– Thanks to the courageous and wise Field Exploration Team, the Dream Essence collectors are full once again!
On the screen, a character with thick eyebrows proudly held up an object in one hand.
A portable cylinder with measurement lines.
It's the 'Dream Essence Collector'.
========================
[Dream Essence Collector]
: An item featured in
A portable liquid storage container created by Daydream Inc., which fills up as you explore the 'Darkness(urban legends/ghost stories)'.
The company refers to the liquid collected in the cylinder as 'Dream Essence'.
This essence is the main resource used by Daydream Inc. to produce the almost reality-altering potions that serve as the company's primary revenue source.
========================
The two characters clapped as they showcased the essential tool of the Field Exploration Team.
– Now, take your Dream Essence Collector and bravely and wisely step into the Darkness
– The future of our company rests on your shoulders! Good luck!
The typical new employee gaslighting video ended with fireworks and the Daydream Inc. logo.
"..."
"How was it?"
"Uh… impressive."
I chose my words carefully.
"Very… memorable."
"Well… our department's work is kinda like that."
The friendly superior reached out for a handshake again.
"Ah, let me introduce myself properly. You're Employee Kim Soleum, right?"
"Yes. Pleased to meet you."
"Great. Oh! Over there is Assistant Manager Eun Haje."
The short-haired woman at her desk gave a brief wave before going back to work.
The guy who looked like a phys-ed major grinned and pointed to himself with his thumb.
"I'm Park Minseong, contractual supervisor."
"Nice to meet you, Supervisor Park."
"Haha, no need to be so formal."
"Um, okay?"
"In this department, after about a year, pretty much everyone gets to this position. You'll get here soon."
There's also a good chance I'll die before then, but let's not put that out there in the universe…
"Yeah, or you might die before that."
Ah, guess he said it for me.
"Oh, come on!"
"Why? He should know the truth. As the video showed, it's dangerous work."
Assistant Manager Eun gestured casually, confirming the blunt reality.
I see… to reach her level in this company, you'd need nerves of steel.
"Quitting is always a valid option. There are plenty of other jobs out there."
Although in this world, any job comes with a risk of getting pulled into a ghost story anyway, so…
"Thank you, but I'll stick it out for now."
"Hmm, good choice."
"Ooh, such enthusiasm!"
Both of them nodded approvingly, and Assistant Manager Eun offered some reassuring words.
"Even though we deal with urban legends, ghost stories and the like, don't worry too much. We have response manuals for everything."
"…Understood."
Supervisor Park leaned in conspiratorially.
"By the way, in this company, we call them 'Darkness'. If you don't want people thinking you're some kind of creepypasta-obsessed otaku, just call them that."
"..."
So I won't be labeled an otaku?
I stayed quiet and nodded, not wanting to push my luck by arguing with my superiors on my first day.
"Got it. Have you gone through the manual?"
"Yes."
I had read through the 'Work Manual' that Supervisor Park handed me and nodded to show I understood.
"Good, good."
The two superiors exchanged glances and smiled before turning back to me.
"Shall we get to work, then?"
Wait, what?
* * *
14th floor—
My superiors led me to a different floor.
"Now that you've got the basics down, it's time for some field experience."
We got off the elevator and stopped in front of a small storage room next to the emergency stairs.
"So, for this afternoon, you'll be doing… just a light exploration of the Darkness."
Pardon me?
"Don't worry, it's nothing serious."
"You won't die, you won't die. Oh, think of it like the slimes you encounter in beginner towns in games!"
"…Right."
I mean, I was expecting work, but this is… dizzying.
They wouldn't send me somewhere lethal on my first day, would they?
It'd be tough for them to handle a panicked rookie anyway.
I tried to calm myself and think rationally.
Why are we standing in front of this storage room…?
Ah, is this a location connected to a ghost story?
'Which ghost story starts in a storage room again?'
As I searched through the
The first thing I received was an item.
"You saw this in the video earlier, right? It's the Dream Essence Collector."
I was handed a sturdy, dice-shaped plastic-sealed cylinder that had clearly been used.
'They sold this as merch, didn't they…?'
Still, holding the actual thing in my hand felt strangely surreal.
"Be careful not to lose it. Each one is numbered, and it'll be a real headache if you misplace it."
"Yes, Assistant Manager."
I understood—it's like losing a bullet casing.
"And make a habit of wearing your mask before entering the Darkness. Don't ask why—just do it. Now, where's your ma— umm."
"..."
"..."
My superiors blinked at the sight of my mask, which looked like tree bark with two antlers sticking out.
"…A deer?"
"A roe deer?"
I have no idea either.
"Nice antlers though. Yeah, let's go with roe. Sounds tougher than a regular deer."
Tougher?
"Anyway, put that on and look at this."
Supervisor Park handed me the tablet PC.
Ah, so they're going to brief me with another video…
[Do this and get 20 million won VS just live your life]
"...??"
It was an internet post.
– Playing tag with a ghost at a convenience store with no one else within 10km for three days and get 20 million won.
VS just living your life.
By the way, the ghost looks like this ↓
'Ugh!'
I shuddered as I quickly scrolled past the photo, but the image was already burned into my mind.
A blue ghost with bulging eyes and a swollen, grotesque forehead.
"What does it say?"
"It's asking if you'd spend three days playing tag with a ghost at a convenience store for money…"
I had no idea why they were showing me this.
Surely, this wasn't some kind of workplace hazing?
We're about to go on a 'Dark Exploration', and yet they're showing me some random internet post…
Oh.
"..."
"..."
I scrolled back up to look at the post again.
[Do this and get 20 million won VS just live your life]
Wait, no way.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story
[Make a Choice]
: A ghost story featured in
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-F-243.
It originates from balance game posts on the internet, like 'Would you do a scary challenge for money VS just live your life?'
This Darkness appears sporadically when accessing URLs with certain numbers.
It often involves being chased by a murderer or ghost, and if you get caught, you must start over from the beginning.
========================
What a nightmare.
As the world around me warped, I heard Supervisor Park's voice clearly.
"Just take it easy, alright? Heave ho!"
Take it easy?
I was about to protest—how could they send a new hire on their first solo assignment into a ghost story!—but before I could scream…
The world twisted, and I was thrown into the Darkness.
"..."
I staggered to my feet.
'It's really dark.'
The air was cold and damp. My visibility was incredibly poor.
The only light came from the faint, flickering glow of the drinks fridge in the distance.
"..."
Holding my breath, I cautiously moved toward the light.
The dim outlines of the convenience store flickered in and out of sight as I approached, disappearing into the shadows again…
Silence. Stillness.
Each step echoed on the floor, sending shivers down my spine as cold sweat trickled down the back of my neck.
There didn't seem to be anything around. At least, not yet.
'Huuu.'
I swallowed my sigh.
I stopped walking just outside the fridge's dim glow, where the light couldn't reach me.
Leaning into the cold, hazy light, I surveyed my surroundings.
The convenience store was quite large, about the size of a franchise café.
The shelves were neatly stocked with everyday necessities and food items, meticulously arranged with not a speck of dust.
'At least survival essentials aren't an issue.'
Right. This ghost story—this 'Darkness'—wasn't one that physically endangered you.
It was designed to shock and scare you out of your wits.
The safest course of action quickly became clear.
'Just grab some water and energy bars and hide until it's over.'
Yes. I knew my limits. There was no way I'd play tag with a ghost.
I didn't even need the energy bars, really. Just grabbing something quiet to eat would be enough.
Humans can survive a day or two without food. Better that than meeting a ghost.
'But I definitely need water.'
There was no other choice.
I spotted some water bottles in the drinks fridge.
It was easy to spot because of the light, and thankfully, it was in the far corner, where I could keep a close eye on my surroundings…
"..."
I cautiously stepped forward, avoiding the light and moving toward the far end of the fridge.
'Huu.'
At the very last compartment, just as I had seen from afar, the top shelf was packed with water bottles, their labels blurred out.
However, standing this close, I could see something else besides the water.
"...?!"
That wiki page I saw earlier. I had scrolled past it so quickly, but the grotesque outline was unforgettable.
A blue, bulbous face with bulging eyes.
A ghost.
'Fuck…!'
As soon as our eyes met, the ghost's face twisted into a sinister grin, its eyes swelling grotesquely.
'Why the hell is this ghost's face in the fridge?!'
I instinctively pulled back, turning to run. But at that moment, I realized.
The ghost wasn't inside the fridge.
It was reflected in the fridge's glass door.
"Huu…ugh…"
Thud.
Something touched my back.
A cold, hard, damp grip tightened around my neck.
A drowning victim's hand.
And then…
—Gotcha.
Pitch black.
Tag, you're it.
* * *
"Huuhp!"
I gasped and opened my eyes.
Cold air. My vision was dim.
The only light was the faint, flickering glow from the drink fridge in the distance.
"...!"
I had returned to the starting point.
When you're caught by the ghost or killer in this 'Darkness', you start all over again.
'This is insane.'
I had to endure this for three days?
I'd rather die than keep going through this!
'No, no, calm down.'
I quickly pieced together a more terrifying possibility.
'If I can't make it through, I'll keep resetting… so who knows how long this could actually last.'
It's an endless loop.
People like me, who can't handle even the slightest bit of horror, might lose their minds before it's over.
'I can't let that happen.'
I needed to find another way.
This time, I avoided the drink fridge and headed toward the counter.
There were plenty of large objects and structures around the counter to hide behind, so I figured I could take cover there and buy some time to think.
'I'll crouch under the chair inside the counter area…'
But then I saw it.
Between the legs of the chair and the counter,
the silhouette of the ghost's lower half.
"..."
Tap. Tap, tap. Taptaptaptaptap.
Pale, bare feet moved with an odd rhythm, their steps unnaturally spaced. The eerie, unsettling way it moved, so inhuman, sent shivers down my spine like an alarm. ꭆΑ₦ô฿Ęș
Holding my breath, I crouched under the counter.
I stayed still for as long as I could, even after the ghost's bizarre footsteps faded, pushing my limits of endurance.
'There are too many clichés where the monster shows up just when you think you're safe.'
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I slowly exhaled, straining to make no sound.
"..."
'This is driving me insane.'
Cold sweat dripped from my chin.
I couldn't do anything. Even using my phone was out of the question, since the screen light would give me away immediately.
My only hope was my memory!
'I've gone over the records of this ghost story many times…'
F-Class ghost stories often involved multiple new hires in the exploration, so I'd studied them like exam questions.
Of course, I never imagined I'd be thrown in alone from the start!
'Damn it.'
I racked my brain, sweating as I combed through the exploration records.
'Mountain lodge, basement, crosswalk, fast-food restaurant, abandoned school…'
None of them matched.
But there was one unusual case… I was sure of it.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story
/ Make a Choice
Exploration Record #23 (Irregular)
A night in an abandoned hospital, chased by a crazed doctor throughout the night (12 hours).
※ Note : Exploration ended after 16 hours and 11 minutes.
========================
"...!"
That's it.
I began piecing together the relevant details, forcing my memory to reconstruct the scenario.
-x-X-x-
In
The more popular a story becomes, the higher the likelihood of anomalies appearing in the records.
'It's because multiple creators are involved.'
When a creepypasta's first posted, it adheres strictly to its established rules.
However, as the story gains popularity and more people start writing exploration records about it, what happens?
As the numbers of records grow, exceptions begin to occur to break the monotony and repetition—within reason, of course.
The example I desperately recalled was one such case.
The exploration record of the J-squad from
But…
※ Note: Exploration ended after 16 hours and 11 minutes.
For some reason, the exploration here lasted 16 hours and 11 minutes, longer than the intended 12 hours.
This was the 'temporal anomaly' I was looking for.
Still though…
'They ended up spending even more time there.'
Something must have gone wrong during the exploration, trapping them in the ghost story longer than the original 12-hour duration.
'So… I remember now. It was because they missed an important signal.'
It all came back to me.
========================
(03:12) Employee Lee Jaejin accidentally disconnected the phone line at the counter.
========================
This mistake prevented the incoming call, which was supposed to trigger the end of the exploration. The call for the shift change.
So the situation spiraled out of control, with the doctor who should have finished their night shift at the hospital continuing to work, creating chaos.
========================
(12:12) 7:12 a.m. passed, but the sun did not rise.
========================
Despite the passage of time, the night did not end.
The employee who had set their wristwatch to 7 p.m. as soon as they entered the ghost story panicked when they realized the night wasn't ending.
'I remember there was an argument about whether to get caught and reset, and one person ended up being tied up.'
Fortunately, after several hours, another squad member reconnected the phone line, allowing the exploration to proceed normally, and they finally escaped. ṛÀNŐВƐS
========================
(16:09) Phone line restored. The phone rings immediately. Waited 3 meters away from the desk.
(16:11) The doctor answered the phone and disappeared. Successful escape attempt.
========================
A ghost story that doesn't end when it's supposed to—a chilling anomaly.
'But there's a clue here.'
Despite the extended duration in that case, there was a mechanism at play.
There was a trigger that signaled the end of the exploration.
'In that case, it was the shift change call.'
And when that trigger failed, the ghost story wouldn't end.
If I think about it in reverse…
'If the trigger that signals the end of time works, the ghost story could end faster, right?'
"..."
What in the convenience store could indicate the passage of time?
Thud.
"...!"
Wait a second.
I heard something above me.
I instinctively looked up at the ceiling, which was blocked by the counter.
Above me was… the cash register.
Beep.
Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep bee- beep beep beep.
The ghost was pressing buttons on the register.
The odd rhythm echoed through the convenience store, accompanied by a distorted, recorded voice.
Calling for assistance… calling for assi– stancecallingfora-a-a-ha-ha-assistancecallingforassistanceassistanceassistance…
"...!!"
Ah, I get it.
The ghost knew I was hiding under the counter.
It wasn't catching me just yet. It was toying with me.
…Even though I knew this, cold sweat trickled down my back, and I felt a growing sense of dread rather than anger.
Wow, this situation is seriously driving me insane, I'm going crazy.
'I need to get out.'
I had to run.
But my feet wouldn't move as easily as I wanted them to. I felt like one of those extras in a horror movie who freezes at the sight of a ghost and dies.
'No, I can't.'
Even if I ended up getting caught again, I couldn't let myself fall into this state of learned helplessness.
I forced myself to crawl out from under the counter.
The moment I did—
Calling for assistance.
The next thing I knew, a blue, bloated face was right in front of me, grinning widely as if its mouth would tear apart.
– Gotcha.
* * *
Restart.
'...'
I took a slow, deep breath.
My heart was pounding so hard it made my head hurt, but I pushed through.
'Move on.'
My whole body felt numb.
'Endure.'
Instead of heading toward the register this time, I bolted in the opposite direction, toward the convenience store's entrance, illuminated by the faint glow of the drink fridge.
"..."
Outside the glass door was pitch-black darkness.
Still, I strained to see something beyond, and as I peered closer, I noticed something attached to the side of the glass door.
"...!"
It was an electronic clock.
[ 12:00⼁04⼁04 ]
April 4th, 12:00.
That must be the current set date in this ghost story.
My eyes, adjusted to the darkness, also caught sight of a bell attached to the door. If I touched that door, the ghost would surely hear the bell and come rushing over with its odd, heavy steps.
'And it probably won't even open…'
Since the location for survival had been set as the convenience store, there were likely restrictions in place.
I tore my gaze away from the glass door and half-hid behind a nearby shelf.
Leaning against the wall, I continued to scan the store while thinking. Cold sweat ran down my temples.
'I need to survive for three days.'
So what could trigger the completion of my time here?
What typically happens after three days at a convenience store…?
'Deliveries?'
I glanced at the boxes stacked near the door.
Could I somehow check the delivery time for new goods and use that to signal the passing of time?
No, that's too indirect.
Such complicated and detailed conditions wouldn't work.
The
'And internet ghost stories are quite direct.'
The more intricate and fiddly the conditions, the less impact they have, making them less popular.
'I need something simpler, more obvious.'
So, in a convenience store, what could be the clearest sign of time passing?
"...!"
Of course.
I turned to the shelf closest to the entrance. It wasn't the drink fridge, but a different refrigerated shelf emitting a cold breeze.
Curiously, though, there were only a few items displayed there—some dairy drinks, coffee, and… doshirak boxes and triangle kimbap.
Quickly perishable food items.
'Expiration dates!'
I hurried to the shelf, carefully picking up a doshirak and triangle kimbap to check their expiration dates.
'Most kimbap has a shelf life of 36 to 48 hours.'
The doshirak would likely be the same.
But strangely, many of the doshirak and kimbap had expiration dates that were either more than three days away or were completely smudged and unreadable.
I kept searching, patient and quiet, carefully turning the items over and checking both sides.
And finally…
'Found it.'
The current time in this ghost story is April 4th at 12:00.
I found an item with an expiration date of April 7th at 12:00.
[Gravy Burger Steak Doshirak]
I grabbed the doshirak and headed for the cash register at the counter.
'Ugh.'
The image of the ghost madly pressing the buttons on the register flashed in my mind, but it was just a memory. The ghost hadn't appeared here yet.
'Stay calm.'
I navigated the register's settings, selecting 'Date and Time Adjustment'… and there it was! I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
'The set time is…'
Exactly two days and 23 hours from the start time of April 4th, 12:00.
[April 7th, 11:59 p.m.]
'Please let this work!'
I pressed the change button and then confirmed…
[Time adjusted successfully]
"...!!"
It worked!
'Thank goodness, it actually worked. Sometimes it doesn't let you change it, but thank heavens this time it did.'
I steadied my trembling hands, a mix of joy and anxiety coursing through me.
I was almost there.
All I had to do now was register the food as an item close to its expiration date.
Bee-bee-bee-beep—!
"..."
[Expiration Alert]
[Items approaching expiration date!]
The cash register announced cheerfully.
The recorded voice echoed through the dark convenience store.
Bee-bee-bee-beep—! Bee-bee-bee-beep—!
"..."
I froze and turned my head slowly.
In the distance, I saw it.
Our eyes met.
It was coming.
"Shi—!"
I forced myself to focus on the screen. Just look at the screen!
Please, please, hurry!
My shaking hand missed the barcode scanner three times before I finally got it.
[Would you like to register this item?]
I spammed [Yes] with all my might, and…
The strange, erratic footsteps grew closer, almost upon me.
I kept my composure as much as I could, moving my hands as fast as possible…
[Item registered for expiration.]
At the exact moment the ghost's distorted steps brought it to the counter…
[Process complete]
It disappeared.
"..."
Click.
The lights turned on.
The bright convenience store flooded with light, and the now unremarkable POS screen displayed a simple message.
[Registration complete]
The sound of a receipt printing broke the silence.
In that white noise, I realized.
'I did it.'
I had succeeded.
"Huu."
I leaned against the counter, my legs trembling.
'I can finally breathe…'
It's amazing how much we humans rely on light!
Still, the brightness alone was enough to bring my mind some peace.
'Now I just have to head for the door and—'
Clang!
The cash drawer beneath the cash register popped open.
'Huh?'
Inside was a thick, brown envelope.
"This is…"
I grabbed the envelope and opened it.
Inside were four thick bundles of crisp, golden bills.
"...!?"
Stacks of 50,000 won bills!
'Is it a hundred bills in each stack?'
That meant a total of 20 million won.
It was the first time I'd ever handled so much cash. But why was this money in the convenience store's cash drawer…?
Oh.
'The reward!'
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story
/ Make Your Choice
Note
If you clear it, you actually get the money. Maybe it's just a nice ghost who likes to scare people for fun.
========================
Oh.
* * *
"How long do you think it'll take?"
"If he makes it through three days, he should be able to come out right away."
"First try success? Wow, that's pretty generous."
D-squad of
The two employees had just stepped out to the rooftop for a smoke after sending the new recruit into the ghost story.
No matter how many times they did it, it never felt routine. Pushing new recruits into paranormal phenomena was still unsettling.
But this particular ghost story,
'It's like a three-day courage test at most.'
Of course, it was still harsh. But there was a shared understanding between the two employees:
– If he can't handle this, he'll be dead soon anyway.
Better to quit now than get killed later.
Many recruits had quit after this initiation, which was why D-squad often got side-eyed from the HR department, but they managed to get by, joking around as usual.
Watching a coworker, especially a new team member, die right next to you was terrible for one's mental health, after all…
But this time, something felt a little different.
There was a strange sense of anticipation.
"This new guy, though."
"Yeah?"
"He's something else."
"He sure is."
The rookie assigned to D-squad, Kim Soleum, had ranked top in his class.
"I've never seen anyone act like that on their first day."
Most new hires freak out the moment they realize their 'job' involves repeatedly being thrown into life-threatening paranormal phenomena. It's only natural.
But Kim Soleum… he was eerily calm.
"He didn't even seem nervous."
"Yeah, didn't flinch at all. Even drank his coffee just fine."
Not once did he lose his composure, break down in tears, or try to run away.
Of course, Kim Soleum had already spoiled everything for himself and spent three days mentally preparing and resigning himself to the situation, but from an outsider's perspective, he seemed like a rookie with an insane level of mental fortitude!
"You like him already, don't you?"
"Yeah, he's solid."
Strong nerves were always welcome in this department, where employees regularly encountered horrific, bizarre, and eerie urban legends. Cowards wouldn't survive.
'Well, it's not like any coward could pass the death survival test anyway…'
But one did!
Not that his superiors would ever know—they just kept nodding and praising the new recruit, thinking they had a gem on their hands.
There was just one thing that bothered them.
"He doesn't seem like the type to slack off, so why didn't he take any notes?"
"Maybe he's just new to all this. We'll teach him. He'll catch on."
In a job where life was on the line, information and manuals were crucial. The two nodded in agreement.
"He needs to write things down so he can review them later. That's how you learn."
"Exactly. It's not like he knew all this in advance."
He knew it all in advance!
Unaware, the two continued chatting, saying things typical of a team with a new recruit, before finally deciding to head back to the office.
"We still have to write the report."
"Ugh, those reports no one even reads…"
The rookie wouldn't be coming out for at least three days.
Still, the ghost story had food and a place to sleep, so even if it took a while, he'd be fine.
They nodded, picked up the tablet with the internet post that had sucked in the new recruit, and started heading back when…
Tick.
The tablet spat out a person.
The new recruit, who was supposed to come out three days later.
"...?!"
Kim Soleum, the rookie, dusted off his perfectly intact suit and stood up as if nothing had happened.
In his hand, he held something.
A completely filled 'Dream Essence Collector'.
"I've filled it."
"...?!?!"
[Clear time: 1 hour and 24 minutes.]
The rookie, who had just achieved an unbelievable feat, looked at his stunned superiors with a calm, composed expression.
'I almost died of a heart attack.'
Of course, this was just the result of a desperate coward who, if given the chance, would have crashed through the walls of the haunted house to escape!
A rainy Monday afternoon.
The members of Field Exploration Team's D-squad were furiously writing up the situation report, finishing it with record speed, even submitting it under the squad leader's ID for approval.
The reason?
A rookie who cleared a time-limited ghost story way too fast!
"Wasn't the time limit supposed to be three days?"
"It was."
Sitting across from the rookie on the sofa, Assistant Manager Eun and Supervisor Park laid out snacks they had scavenged from the break room. They exchanged glances and nodded. It was finally time to ask the question properly.
"So how did you get out so fast?"
"Oh."
The rookie seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding as if he understood and calmly answered,
"I sped up the time."
'He's saying that as casually as if he's talking about what he had for lunch…!'
Before they could even react, the rookie slowly explained the method he used.
"Since there was a time limit, I thought there must be an event that signals the passing of time. I focused on that…"
He explained how he used the expiration date to trigger a 'time alarm'.
The superiors, who had been listening in silence, thought to themselves:
'He's a genius.'
'No way we're letting him quit.'
The rookie's instinct and logic were sharp enough to instantly grasp the essence of the ghost story. His abilities were perfect for the Field Exploration Team. They absolutely had to make sure he couldn't esca… no, that he could soon adapt well!
"I'm not one to be saying this, but welcome to the squad, Roe Deer-nim."
"You'll probably outrank me soon and get promoted to assistant manager."
"...!?"
This kind of rookie doesn't come around often!
"When you succeed, don't forget us… and when you get that Wish Ticket, make sure to come brag about it…"
The rookie looked a bit flustered.
"No, um… actually—"
"Hm?"
The rookie added, as if confessing something serious,
"I just wanted to get out quickly because I was scared."
"..."
Since when could someone escape a scary urban legend by being scared? It felt like the kind of mind-altering thing you'd only see in an escape room.
'Is this humility, or…!'
But the rookie remained firm.
"I'd appreciate a heads-up next time. I almost fainted from fear."
"You cleared it in an hour, and that's what you say?"
The rookie, now wearing a somewhat ambiguous expression, said,
"I really thought I was going to die."
'Lies!'
No one who genuinely feared for their life would attempt a speed-run, setting a record-breaking time like a veteran employee! That's something even the most seasoned workers wouldn't dare attempt. ṜἈNȱВЁS
Still, they could understand his sense of betrayal.
'To be fair, it was harsh.'
Even if it was considered 'safe', being thrown into a paranormal phenomenon alone wasn't something to take lightly. And they knew exactly how to comfort someone in that situation.
Workplace therapy!
Assistant Manager Eun sipped her coffee and asked,
"So, Roe, how much did you get?"
"Huh?"
"The money. How much did you make from clearing it?"
"Oh, right. I got 10 million won."
That's right. Clearing this F-Class ghost story came with a cash prize. And the company manual clearly stated:
– When clearing a graded Darkness (F-Class) ghost story with a completed manual, 50% of any additional income generated will be awarded to the employee as a bonus.
In other words, if you earn money in a ghost story using a fully documented manual, the company takes 50%.
However, rookies assigned their first ghost story were exempt from this rule! Since they're placed in ghost stories proven safe through countless attempts, the company doesn't consider it hazardous enough to warrant hazard pay.
The rookie had already read the manual, but then…
"They're supposed to take it all, but… just keep it for yourself."
"…Pardon?"
Once you've been around long enough, you learn all the ways to bypass the system! Since he cleared it using a new method, they could claim it wasn't covered by the manual. There were plenty of loopholes.
Getting a huge bonus on your first day of work would make everything seem better!
Assistant Manager Eun and the Supervisor Park shared a knowing smile, applying a time-honored trick they had both experienced firsthand.
"C'mon, just keep it. We've got ways to handle this."
"..."
'Actually, it was 20 million won.'
Kim Soleum broke into a cold sweat, as he'd been planning to pocket half of it himself.
Suddenly, he found himself with an extra 10 million won that he couldn't explain, feeling both thrilled and a bit guilty. But he quickly got up to follow his superiors.
"Now that you've successfully completed the dark exploration, it's time to accumulate the most important thing."
"Accumulate… what?"
"Points."
Supervisor Park replied with a grin.
"Employee welfare mall points!"
* * *
"Huuu."
It felt like pure bliss to be standing in the middle of a bustling city in broad daylight.
Even though he knew I'd struggle to sleep with the lights on tonight, that worry was far away for now.
'Maybe having 20 million won in cash in your pocket gives you some inner peace…'
No matter how terrifying the ghost story was, this was still 21st-century South Korea, a capitalist society.
I finally sat down at my assigned desk, turned on my computer, and accessed the company intranet. Sitting under bright fluorescent lights in a spine-supporting office chair, the ghostly events I'd just experienced felt like a bizarre lie.
On my desk, there were some surprisingly cute stationery items and a lizard plushie with big eyes.
'…This desk seems used, doesn't it?'
I could only hope that the previous owner had left abruptly due to winning the lottery.
Since the welfare mall was already bookmarked, I quickly accessed it.
[Daydream Inc. Employee Welfare Mall]
After entering my employee ID to register, I clicked on the 'Point Registration' tab, just as my superiors had told me.
– Select the class grade of the ghost story you cleared, enter your name, and attach the PDF.
I did exactly that.
Five minutes later,
[Employee Kim Soleum / Accumulated Points: 100P]
"...!"
Incredibly, the review process was completed at lightning speed, and my points were credited.
'So clearing an F-Class solo gives you 100 points.'
Well, despite the hellish experience, F-Class was still F-Class. I tried not to expect too much. Still, I had earned points, so I decided to check what I could buy with 100 points.
And then, right on the first page, I was surprised.
"…A robot vacuum cleaner?"
The items available were better than I expected. Most of the special discounted products were around 100 points, while high-end large appliances, like those you'd buy for a new home, were around 500 points.
Moreover, Daydream Inc.'s undisclosed medicines were being sold for around 1,000 points, including advanced over-technology items like cornea regeneration potions. For context, their famous hair loss treatment, which cost around 500,000 won on the market, was available here for just 100 points.
'This is actually pretty good.'
Feeling hopeful, I scrolled through the products. Now it was time to check the most important item.
I sorted the 'Company Products' tab by 'Highest Price' to see the glorious name at the top.
'Wish Ticket.'
The miraculous potion that had been introduced as the ultimate employee benefit after surviving a death match. Its price was…
Wish Ticket : 500,000P
"..."
Is this a joke?
'Five hundred thousand?'
I had just cleared a ghost story and earned 100 points…
500,000 points?
'Theoretically… even if I cleared F-Classes every day by myself, it would take me 15 years.'
But of course, it wouldn't be that simple.
'There's no way the company would let that happen.'
It wasn't realistic to think you could clear F-Class ghost stories every single day. There would certainly be anomalies.
'It's likely that I'll be forced into higher-class ghost stories with squadmates.'
Wait, do they split the points between squadmates in that case?
I dug through the welfare mall's point registration tab to find the basic point system for each ghost story class.
F-Class : 100P
D-Class : 1,000P
C-Class : 2,500P
B-Class : 10,000P
A-Class : 100,000P
S-Class : Special Review Required
On top of that, there were additional bonuses based on internal assessments, which considered urgency, lack of prior information, or extra dangers.
'So if three people are in a squad, and three people clear a ghost story together…'
…You'd have to clear a B-Class 150 times to earn enough points for the Wish Ticket?
'Are they out of their minds?'
Even with a B-Class ghost story, the survival rate for a normal person drops to around 2%.
At that level, no matter what choice you make, you're either going to die or end up worse off than dead.
If someone enters that 150 times, it's pretty much a death sentence for a regular employee.
In such an insane situation, you'd have to beg on your knees not to be sent in.
Speed-running higher class ghost stories isn't a realistic option at all.
'So, to raise my survival rate even a little, I'll need to invest over 10 years.'
This isn't some tale of a nobleman seeking revenge…
Yet, if the Field Exploration Team is the fastest department, people in other departments have an even lower chance of getting their hands on a Wish Ticket during their career.
With so many other attractive products in the welfare mall, many employees in other departments have probably resigned themselves to that reality and settled for less.
But not me.
My goal is far more surreal and absolute.
Returning to my original world.
And they expect me to survive here for 15 years? I'd die of a heart attack from the stress before then!
'No chance in hell!'
I needed a plan, a strategy.
'I need to figure out which ghost stories I should enter and which ones to avoid.'
I had to balance safety and speed perfectly to gather 500,000 points in the shortest time possible.
Just as I was about to dive deep into serious contemplation, Supervisor Park gave me a friendly pat on the back.
"Hey, did you get everything registered? Is the computer working fine?"
"Yes. By the way, the personal items here…"
"Oh, that's the squad leader's desk."
"..."
No wonder it looked used!
"Just don't break the monitor. Feel free to use it today, no worries."
Is this company for real?
Letting a new hire use the squad leader's desk for the day—is that something a sane company does?
'Come to think of it, nothing here seems normal.'
This is a company that churns out potions by throwing people into ghost stories. Holding this place to the standards of an ordinary 21st-century Korean workplace was bound to lead to shock after shock.
…Maybe a little bending of the rules wouldn't hurt.
"Hey, do you smoke, Roe?"
"No, I'm good."
I didn't follow my superiors for their smoke break.
Instead, I stared down at the desk I was sitting at, took a deep breath, and flipped the keyboard over.
As expected, there was a post-it note stuck underneath.
[Squad Leader Lee Jaheon / 105105301]
ID: yongj1111
PW: dydajflgodks!111
It's hard to criticize the lack of security awareness when I've seen so much of this already at the company.
'If he's the squad leader… then that means he's probably a section chief.'
And actually, there's a certain website accessible only to section chiefs and above in this company…
It could really help with clearing higher-class ghost stories.
"..."
Now that I'd seen the absurd goal of 500,000 points, it felt like something I couldn't afford to pass up.
Alright.
'Let's do this.'
I resolutely logged back into the welfare mall.
But this time, I didn't use my own ID.
ID: yongj1111
Password: dydajflgodks!111
I attempted to log in using the D Squad Leader's credentials.
Incorrect password.
"Hm…"
No problem. I expected this minor setback.
Let's see… Clicking the 'Register' button shows the password requirements.
'A capital letter is needed.'
So, if I capitalize the first letter of the password written on the Post-it, making it 'Dydajflgodks!111', and log in…
Ding.
[Welcome, Section Chief Lee Jaheon]
'I'm in!'
I discreetly pumped my fists under the desk in triumph. A small celebration you can do in an office without drawing attention.
Not that anyone was around right now anyway.
Now, what I needed to find on this page was… a kind of phishing link.
The so-called 'Alien Shop'.
In
'They didn't mean any harm, but they sold things that were unsettling or dangerous from a human perspective.'
Still, these ghost stories leaned more toward being quirky and even somewhat heartwarming.
And apparently, those aliens had a bit of a business mindset. They wanted to target potential customers, so…
They even embedded something like ransomware into Daydream Inc.'s intranet.
'Only section chiefs and higher can see the shopping mall's ad phishing link.'
I also remembered how to access that phishing link.
'While randomly clicking around in the welfare mall, if you hit the back button five times in a row….'
Click, click, click….
Beep.
Suddenly, a small green hand appeared in the corner of the welfare mall screen.
A pixelated left hand, waving as if to grab your attention.
A speech bubble floated above it.
First Anniversary Appreciation Discount! ~80%
Is your job boring? >>Click
Do you want to get stronger? >>Click
Want cool items? >>Click
'This is trash.'
It looked just like those old internet banner ads from back in the day.
But, surprisingly, if you click this clumsy thing!
You'd be taken—like magic—from the intranet to an external internet site, abducted to an alien shop.
I was tempted to click it immediately, but!
'Hold on.'
Instead, I right-clicked and copied the link, then pasted it into an Excel sheet and took a picture of it with my phone.
'Company PCs record everything.'
I didn't want any trace left showing I had clicked on the alien ransomware link—especially not on someone else's account.
After a while, as my superiors returned from their smoke break, I greeted them with a nod as if nothing had happened.
"Roe~ Let's have a welcome dinner when the squad leader gets back from his field duty. It's on the company card."
"Yes. Thank you."
And then, I waited for quitting time.
* * *
That evening, after my monumental first day at work, my tasks still weren't over.
"Let's do this."
After depositing 20 million won, I went home.
Now, in my bedroom, I was copying the phishing link from the 'Alien Shop' I had photographed in my smartphone gallery through image analysis.
After fixing a few unreadable parts, I opened a browser and pasted the link into the address bar.
"Huuuu."
Deep breath… Enter.
Click.
The browser navigated through the complex link, and a page appeared that resembled the layout of Daydream Inc.'s welfare mall… only to shatter and disappear.
And then, a new page opened.
It looked like something from the early 2000s, with obvious underlines and outdated fonts.
※Amazing items from outer space※~!!
>>I'll take a look at the items
Boing Boing Boing. A little green spaceship rotated in the corner.
'This is so lame.'
But I couldn't let the tackiness fool me.
If you click 'items' here, you'll see bizarre, supernatural products for sale.
…Though the problem is, the prices are just as outrageous.
The minimum started at one million won.
…A result of the over-inflated imaginations of ghost story creators with massive egos who thought, 'I need to use even more expensive items!'
That was me just yesterday. I wouldn't have been able to buy a single thing from this list.
But now…
'I've got 20 million won.'
My heart raced a little. The thought of being able to purchase items from a fictional world felt like a serious dopamine rush.
"Huu."
Finally, I clicked on the [Items] tab.
The screen loaded.
Items
Bloodsucking Cutlery – ₩14,999,999
Wide-Range Walkie-Talkie – ₩4,999,999
Alice Picnic Set – ₩11,999,999
We Can Help! – ₩66,666,666
※Discount!※ Silver Serpent – ₩4,999,999
₩19,999,999
"...!"
I recognized most of these items.
Finally, my luck was turning!
'Hell yeah.'
In my excitement, I quickly recalled the details.
Bloodsucking Cutlery.
A weapon set consisting of a small fork and knife, which grows bigger and sharper as it absorbs the blood of its victims.
You could literally call it a 'growth weapon'.
Broader Walkie-Talkie.
A toy walkie-talkie that allows remote communication with others, even within ghost stories.
It would be very useful when you have companions.
Alice Picnic Set.
As the name suggests, it's inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland'. It contains food items.
It came with a drink that temporarily doubles the effect of items and cookies that halve them.
That's where my knowledge of the items ended.
I didn't know the other two, but 'We Can Help!' was way out of my budget, so I ignored it.
'The Silver Serpent is on sale.'
Getting a discount always feels like a win.
"Hmm…"
I crossed my arms over my chest.
A weapon, a communication device, a buff potion, and a discount item…?
My budget was 20 million won.
What should I buy to get the best value?
"Alright."
I made my decision and clicked.
Click, click.
The transaction was complete.
The alien shop displayed the items I had placed in my cart in an orderly fashion.
What I decided to purchase were…
Alice Picnic Set – ₩11,999,999
※ Sale!※ Silver Serpent – ₩4,999,999
= ₩16,999,998
That's right.
I bought the effect-boosting potion and the discounted item.
The reason was simple.
'I couldn't use the others…'
The bloodsucking weapon? Sure, it sounds cool, but there's a catch.
You'd have to charge at a ghost with a knife…
'If a coward like me tries something that dumb, I'm dead…'
Shaking hands, panicking, and dying as an extra in a horror movie isn't a cliché for no reason.
Besides, the weapon would only work if the target had blood, so it wasn't very versatile.
'If it were armor, maybe, but in this situation, a weapon's out of the question.'
Overestimating myself was a surefire way to shorten my lifespan. I'll leave it at that.
Next, the wide-range walkie-talkie.
Well…
'Who could convince their boss to carry a toy walkie-talkie?'
Anyone who could… probably wouldn't need to work under someone in the first place.
Even if I explained that it was more than just a toy, it would still cause problems. The inevitable 'Where did you get this?' question would have no good answer.
This was an item that could only be useful if you had a trustworthy companion.
'So, rejected.'
In the end, the most sensible choices were the 'Alice Picnic Set' and the 'Silver Serpent'—both affordable within my budget.
Both seemed useful.
First, the 'Alice Picnic Set' had versatile effects that doubled or halved the power of items, which could be useful in various situations.
'I could even use it defensively if needed.'
Plus, it was easy to carry around without attracting attention from colleagues. So, I bought it.
Lastly, the discounted item, 'Silver Serpent'.
'It's originally priced at 20 million won?'
That gave me a good feeling.
This was an investment.
'Judging by the 'silver' in its name, it's probably currency.'
In the
'Buying something worth 20 million for just 5 million is definitely a win.'
Sure, there's usually a reason when the alien shop offers such massive discounts, but the risk was worth it.
…No, this isn't like investing in cryptocurrency! It's a rational decision!
And so, I prepared to transfer the 17 million won.
"Huu."
The only available payment method was through direct bank transfer.
The account information was displayed with 'Alien' as the account holder.
'I'm not expecting any tax deductions on this…'
Transferring this much in one go felt surreal, like the time I had to put down a deposit for an apartment.
With trembling hands, I transferred exactly ₩16,999,998 through my banking app, which I had already set to allow high-limit transfers.
The moment I hit send:
PURCHASE SUCCESSFUL!
Your item is on a rocket!
Arrival in 00:00:08
Wait.
00:00:07
00:00:06
Hold on.
00:00:03
00:00:02
00:00:01
Ding.
A cheerful sound rang out.
ARRIVED!
Pop.
"Whoa!"
The air in front of me seemed to 'open', and with a puff of smoke, the items tumbled out.
It was a postal box, delivered by 'rocket'.
"Wow."
It was literally rocket delivery.
'This crazy universe—who knew you could be fascinating instead of just terrifying!'
I was even moved.
After a moment of awe, I snapped out of it and opened the package.
First, the 'Alice Picnic Set' was a rusty tin case decorated with fairy-tale illustrations.
When I opened it, I found a flat can of soda and a paper-wrapped cookie, each labeled 'Drink me' and 'Eat me'.
"Dang."
I could carry just one or two of these around like the 'Smiley Stickers'. I nodded in satisfaction.
Then, as I pulled the tin case from the box, I noticed a round, silver object at the bottom.
I picked it up.
A shiny silver coin.
'It really is currency.'
A surge of excitement ran through me.
The coin had an engraving of a snake biting its own tail, and it was about the size of a 500-won coin. I flicked it, feeling its metallic weight.
A few possibilities of where I could use this currency flashed through my mind.
'Wherever I use it, I'll make sure it counts.'
Even though the 17 million won had vanished like snow melting in the sun…
At the end of the day, it was money that would disappear when I returned to my original world, so there was no need to cling to material desires. I could calm down.
'Well then… I guess I'm pretty well-prepared now.'
I took stock of the items I currently had.
– Memorial Popsocket
– Smiley Sticker :)
– Alice Picnic Set
– Silver Serpent
From now on, I needed to use these items to clear higher-classed "Darkness" as quickly as possible.
'Let's make use of everything.'
Avoiding things out of fear could lead to something even scarier. Don't forget that, you coward.
Resolving to use everything at my disposal, I tried to sleep.
Instead of counting sheep, the convenience store ghost pranced around in my mind, completely wrecking my quality of life.
Haha.
* * *
And then, the next day.
"We have a few ghost stories we regularly manage, so today we'll be entering one of those."
"…Yes, ma'am."
I barely slept for three hours. At this rate, I might actually die.
However, my expression must have been mistaken for worry, because Assistant Manager Eun patted me on the shoulder.
"Don't worry too much. It's a D-Class."
"Yeah! The level of difficulty is about the same as what you went through during your orientation, right?"
Seriously, PTSD from a death survival test, and that's what you say to a new employee?
But the Field Exploration Team's staff, whose sensitivity to normal human experiences had long since eroded, just chuckled and offered those words like a pep talk.
"You managed to clear it by going in blind, so there's no reason you can't do it now that you have a manual."
"As long as you don't do anything crazy, you'll be fine. Got it?"
"…Yes."
Well… sure. I got it.
Whatever it was, it couldn't be worse than playing hide-and-seek with a ghost at a convenience store by myself.
'Please, let me get some sleep tonight.'
I prayed for an artistic-style ghost story—creepy because of its atmosphere and lack of information but not genuinely terrifying.
"Here are the materials."
Supervisor Park handed me a tablet.
The ghost story I'd be entering today was…
[Tuesday Quiz Show / Dusk (D) Class]
"..."
Huh?
"You see it, right, Roe? You're going to enter as a contestant on a quiz show."
"Yes."
"If you get a question wrong, you face a penalty, and the penalties can be pretty horrifying… it's that kind of ghost story."
"But don't worry! We already have all the answers, so we're good! No need to be too tense!"
Supervisor Park flashed me a grin and gave a thumbs-up.
Well, okay.
'I have a feeling this will be a lot less scary than seeing ghosts in person…'
But there's a catch.
'I don't know this one.'
Tuesday Quiz Show?
There's no page for that D-Class ghost story in
I couldn't check my Memorial Popsocket because of my bosses, but I was sure it wasn't in the ghost stories I'd read.
Then again, even if I had read all of the ghost stories in
It was, after all, an internet playground where ghost stories were constantly being added in real time.
I thought I'd know more than most, but here I was about to enter a story I'd never heard of.
'…Does the company's list of 'Darkness' extend much further than I thought?'
Cold sweat trickled down my neck.
But my superiors were relaxed.
"Our department just happens to get assigned a lot of TV-related ghost stories."
"Oh, yeah, every team has its specialty."
Then, Assistant Manager Eun sent me a PDF file, claiming it was the answer sheet for the 'Tuesday Quiz Show'.
"For now, just memorize that answer sheet and skim through the exploration manual again. When the squad leader arrives in the afternoon, we'll head out."
"Got it."
I obediently nodded.
Supervisor Park kindly added more advice.
"Oh, should I give you a physical copy of the manual too, just in case? You'll need to take notes."
"Oh, no need. I've memorized it all."
With my Memorial Popsocket, having a physical copy would just be extra baggage.
"You memorized it all…?"
"Yes."
"…So, notes!"
"Pardon?"
"Oh, nothing."
Supervisor Park gave me a knowing look, then nodded his head.
"The squad leader is going to like you a lot."
"...??"
Well, it seemed to be a compliment, so I let it slide.
For the record, the squad leader of Team D was still out on a field assignment but was expected to return this afternoon.
'I'll be meeting them soon enough.'
But then, an hour later…
"Hold on a sec. Our squad leader—I mean, the section chief—he's still out on a field assignment… what? No, that's ridiculous."
Assistant Manager Eun, who had been on the phone, frowned deeply as she hung up.
"Are these people out of their minds? Saying we have three people now, so we can make it a trio—what a joke…"
"Really? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. Seems like it…"
Assistant Manager Eun glanced at me.
Oh.
'Is it because of the convenience store ghost?'
Because I cleared the F-Class Darkness by myself using an unusual method, higher-ups probably thought, 'Oh, so this one can handle a full load.'
Looks like the consequence of pocketing that 20 million won solo is showing up here.
Not because they're annoyed I took the money.
"It's the end of the month."
"Ahh."
Watching my two superiors murmur to each other, I started to piece it together.
'There must be some issue with the department's performance numbers.'
I wasn't sure, but it looked like they needed to meet some sort of 'quota' by lunchtime, and now they figured the new recruit could pull their weight.
Assistant Manager Eun made a decision after a brief moment of consideration.
"Roe, did you memorize that?"
Ah, the quiz show answers… wait.
'If I say I memorized everything, does that mean I'm going in?'
Maybe I could feign ignorance…
"Oh, he's already memorized it, I bet! He just said he's memorized the entire exploration manual, that thick thing!"
"Oh."
Assistant Manager Eun nodded.
"Great. Then we'll handle this ourselves today."
"..."
And there went my tiny, desperate hope that having more people would make things less scary…
'The principle is to go in as a trio, but sometimes, if someone takes leave, two people go in. We do get backup support, but scheduling that is tricky, blah blah blah,' they explained.
Yes, I get it. This company is just full of surprises.
'…Anyway, I'm ready for this.'
I've got my items prepared, and it's not one of those horrifying ghost stories, right?
Actually, come to think of it, it's probably better to go now than to wait until the afternoon!
Isn't it better to just get the beating over with?
The longer I wait, the more my imagination will conjure up horrors. Right now, my courage is at its peak.
It might be best to go in before it dwindles further…!
"Let's get started."
As I was mentally hyping myself up, Assistant Manager Eun approached, having received something from another department.
'This must be the medium to enter the ghost story, right?'
It was a postcard.
However, the recipient field of the old postcard was already filled with strange scribbles.
And in tiny print at the top, the word 'application' was repeatedly written, like a curse.
– One day, I discovered a strange postcard inside an old magazine.
It contained a flyer recruiting participants for a quiz show, but when I searched for the show, there was no such program. It was probably just a vintage postcard with a quirky theme.
Out of curiosity, I wrote my name under the 'sender' field as a joke…
And then, I was dragged into a truly bizarre quiz show.
That's probably the gist of the ghost story.
At a glance, it didn't seem like much, but the closer you looked, the eerier it got, sending a chill down my spine.
"All you need to do is sign here."
"..."
"If it feels too weird, just put your animal mask name instead of your real name."
"…Yes."
I needed to gather points.
As I watched the others write down 'Badger' and 'Falcon', I also filled in the 'Sender' field on the postcard.
– Roe Deer
The moment I lifted the pen, my consciousness was sucked into the postcard as if it were being pulled out of my body.
"...!"
[Ah, finally, our contestants have arrived!]
A blinding light from the stage overwhelmed my vision. A bright, cheerful voice echoed in my ears. A hand, dressed in a suit, was extended toward me for a handshake.
[Welcome, welcome… Now, the cameras will start rolling soon. Let's show them our best smiles!]
Instinctively, I shook hands and looked up.
Where a human head should be, there was an old-fashioned television set.
…With a floating emoji displayed on the screen.
[
]
The TV-headed figure released my hand and joyfully spun around, spreading their arms wide.
[Audience!]
A roar of applause filled the air, but the glaring lights obscured the audience's figures, making them hard to see.
Soon, I realized I was standing on a brightly colored podium.
'This must be the contestant's spot for the quiz show.'
It wasn't terrifying enough to make me faint.
Actually, if I just thought of it as a quirky quiz show hosted by someone wearing a TV mask, it gave me a surprising sense of calm.
'Compared to the horrors of the eye-plucking subway and the convenience store ghost, this feels almost pleasant.'
Yes, I could handle this. I felt like I could calmly think things through.
After adjusting my mask, I surveyed the situation.
[Is it your first time at a talk show, folks? Oho, then don't forget to cheer! Your excitement is everything to this show!]
The TV-headed host was busy hyping up the audience, trying to raise the energy in the room. They were likely the host of the show.
'So, this 'Tuesday Quiz Show' must be a segment of some larger talk show.'
The set's vibe, the house band providing background music, the audience setup, and the host's energetic performance—it all felt like a classic American talk show.
'A bit old-fashioned, though.'
...
Wait.
'Think again.'
An old American talk show.
A quiz segment.
The contestant already knowing the answers.
This…
...
...
I recognized these keywords.
========================
※ CAUTION ※
Disclaimer : By reading this document, you accept full responsibility for any fear, hallucinations, ■■, or ■■■■ that may arise. Daydream Inc. (Ltd.) is not liable for any damages.
Please proceed after signing.
========================
This isn't just D-Class.
This… this ghost story…
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story
[Chorus of the Sacrificial Lambs]
: A ghost story featured in
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-A-104.
: A-Class Darkness.
The catalyst of the reclassification disaster that led to countless casualties.
Official record of survivors: None.
========================
"..."
[3, 2, 1… And now, the show begins!]
No way.
The circumstances match.
========================
The disaster began with a Dusk (D) Class Darkness in the style of a 1970s American talk show.
========================
[Good evening, viewers! The joy of Tuesday, the heat of Tuesday.]
[You are now watching! The 'Tuesday Quiz Show!']
The live broadcast had begun.
With the lively music of a band, the host, dressed in a suit, waved to the cheering audience.
It was a typical American-style talk show.
Except for the fact that the staff's faces were all blurred, and instead of a face, the host had an old-fashioned TV set for a head.
========================
The host explained that this talk show had a different theme for each day of the week, but there were no known cases of entering any other day.
Only the ■day talk show is accessible.
========================
[Have you all been waiting for Tuesday? So have I! After all, it's the only day we get to see our lovely new quiz show contestants!]
"..."
It matches.
========================
The Field Exploration Team entered the ■day talk show from the 12th session, fully equipped with a list of answers for the main corner, 'Quiz'.
Over the course of 99 explorations, from session 12 to session 110, they successfully escaped without casualties. (Prizes included)
========================
[Incredibly… for the past several weeks, there hasn't been a single contestant who got an answer wrong! It's unbelievable, truly…]
It matches.
========================
However, on the 111th session—
During the 100th exploration, an anomaly occurred.
========================
[Will the contestants get the answers right this time as well?]
Ba-bam-bam-ba-bam!
With a sound effect, the lights shone down.
On the seven podiums arranged in a semicircle.
Three of them.
Including mine, the podiums pinpointed by the lights belonged to me, the supervisor, and the assistant manager.
[Mr. Badger, Ms. Falcon, and Mr. Roe Deer.]
[Give them a big round of applause!]
Oooooh!
Invisible audience members clapped.
I felt like I was about to pass out.
Could it be... could it really be?
[Breaking news!]
"...!"
The host made a fuss and received something from the staff.
[It's been quite some time since all the contestants got the answers right, hasn't it? The total duration is…]
A whopping…
[98 sessions!]
"...!"
[This will be the 99th. Haha!]
I was saved.
'It's not the 100th…!'
My heart almost leaped out of my chest.
'Yeah, the odds of it landing exactly on the 100th session are actually low.'
I almost grabbed onto the podium in relief, but I held back.
It was clearly stated in the PDF of the 'Tuesday Talk Show' answers I had received earlier.
– If you disrupt the broadcast, you will be incinerated.
It wasn't just a penalty. It was 'incineration'.
And this was a live broadcast.
In other words, if anything strange happens, you're dead.
[Will the 99th contestants continue the winning streak and pass the baton to the 100th contestants? Or will this great record come to an end?]
[Stay tuned and watch!]
I turned my head.
Assistant Manager Eun and Supervisor Park, standing on the other podiums, gave me light nods or smiled faintly, showing no signs of major anxiety.
99 sessions, with nearly three years of accumulated safety and a well-established pattern to the ghost story. They were acting like people who were certain this time would be the same. R̃ΆNОＢЁȘ
'Deep breath.'
It's fine.
…It'll be fine.
I took a deep breath in and then exhaled.
[Now, Mr. Roe Deer!]
"Yes."
[Are you nervous?]
"Yes. It's my first time participating in a quiz show like this."
[Ah, good, very good… Let's start with an easy question!]
On the host's head, the old-fashioned TV displayed strange letters.
It was an unfamiliar, ominous script I had never seen before, but I could read it. A surge of nausea and a headache hit me, then quickly passed.
[Question : Choose the element that is not a component of the human body.]
1- Water
2- Iron
3- Oil
4- Earth
"…Number 4, Earth."
[Correct!]
The quiz show proceeded smoothly.
'The theme is a bit eerie, but the questions aren't so hard that they're unsolvable.'
Plus, the list of past questions the Field Exploration Team had stolen from this ghost story was definitely helpful.
The questions weren't identical, but they were similar enough to make answering them easy.
'In fact, since I have to use my brain, the chances of making a mistake are lower.'
[Unbelievable! Correct answer!]
[Again?]
[Ah, ah… he's hesitating. He's conflicted… Yes, number 3! What will be the fate of Mr. Roe Deer, who chose strangulation? …Correct! Hurrah!]
The answers matched perfectly, and the show proceeded without any issues.
I pretended to hesitate on purpose, sometimes stalling before answering, doing my best to match the atmosphere of the broadcast.
'I have to get through this broadcast somehow.'
This obsessive thought completely dominated my mind.
During the commercial break, when the host suggested I participate again, I inwardly screamed but outwardly played along, pretending to be tempted.
After the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th… I made it to the 9th question.
[Mr. Roe Deer! It's the final question.]
Finally, the end of this insane situation was in sight.
[The other contestants have incredibly answered all the questions correctly and continued the winning streak!]
[Will Mr. Roe Deer be able to carry the final link?]
From the other podiums, my superiors glanced at me, some waving lightly or nodding their heads.
If I got this last one right, it would all be over.
[Are you ready?]
"Yes."
[Good!]
The question appeared.
[Question : What percentage of blood loss causes death in humans?]
1- 40%
2- 45%
3- 50%
4- 55%
"..."
Was this a trap for the final question?
I took a deep breath.
"The answer is... number 1,"
[Ah, you chose number 1…]
"And number 2."
[...!]
"And number 3, and number 4... all of them."
[...]
"Humans typically face life-threatening danger when they lose about 30 to 40% of their blood."
[Oh.]
"So, of course, losing more would also result in death."
[No, no… unbelievable!]
The TV flickered.
Even if I got it wrong, it didn't seem like I would die.
But I didn't want to give this dangerous ghost story any room for mistakes, so I gritted my teeth to avoid the trap.
[You're saying there's several answers?! Are you sure you don't want to change your answer?]
"I'm sure."
Ooooh.
Murmurs came from the audience.
And then… a faceless staff member suddenly rushed onto the stage…?
[…Amazing! We have some surprising news for you.]
[Actually, the answer prepared by our writers was number 1.]
Wait, hold on.
[But Mr. Roe Deer's answer is much more impressive! It's more logical, isn't it?]
Yes!! I heard the audience shouting.
The host spread his arms wide.
[Then, of course, it's correct! We'll count it as a perfect answer! Wonderful!]
"...!"
Ha.
'I survived, somehow.'
Why did I dig a trap for myself! I inwardly screamed in relief, closing my eyes tightly and then opening them.
The host, seeming to take this as an emotional moment, came up and patted me on the back as if to hug me.
The fact that he had body heat made it even more unsettling.
[Incredible, truly incredible!]
"…Thank you."
[Now then…]
The host grabbed the microphone and shouted in excitement.
[Amazingly, all of our contestants have maintained their winning streaks! Fantastic!]
Pop.
Confetti burst, and cheers erupted.
From each podium, my superiors had expressions like, 'It's finally wrapping up'. It was almost visible through their masks.
[But the MVP who will take home the grand prize is only one person. And that is…]
A drum roll followed…
The host pointed at me.
[It's Mr. Roe Deer!]
Waaah!
The band played loud celebratory sound effects.
[Congratulations! Please take your prize!]
"Thank you."
I accepted the small gift box the host handed me.
I was happy. Not because I got a gift.
'It's finally over.'
As soon as the cameras shut off, I could leave.
'Please, let's go now.'
As I began to calm down at the thought of soon returning to my office in a 21st-century Seoul building, I heard—
[Unfortunately, it's time to wrap up the Tuesday Quiz Show. Tomorrow, we'll have even more amazing guests for Wednesday… Hmm?]
Click.
Out of nowhere.
Suddenly, the lights came on over four empty podiums.
"...?!"
There, four figures were suddenly standing.
The four people looked around in bewilderment.
All were dressed in suits and wore masks.