Ghost Story 6 - The Terror of Option

So he wasn't a fellow member of the Cowards' Club.

…And there was a rookie group chat that I wasn't a part of?!

"Hah."

I returned home to the company dorm in a troubled state, showered, and came back out.

Two shocking truths left a lingering sting at the back of my mind.

'What a long day…'

I'd received the new recruit chat link from that traitor… no, I mean Jang Heo-eun-ssi, so I'd need to check that out later.

But there was something of higher priority to look into first.

"I should check the tattoo on my wrist."

Several possibilities crossed my mind, but fortunately, there was someone I could casually ask about it.

'Good Friend.'

I sat on the bed and pulled the plush doll keychain from the front pocket of my suit.

Then I called out.

"Braun?"

But there was no answer.

'Just as expected.'

It was said that once back in reality, the doll would appear as a regular plush toy.

========================

The Good Friend will accompany you in daily life, but it will be like a shy doll.

Treat it properly.

It remembers everything.

========================

So, it wasn't just keeping quiet and blending in at the company—it actually couldn't speak in this state.

But there was still a way to talk to the 'Good Friend' outside of ghost stories.

'…I just need to turn reality into a ghost story.'

I recalled a method from the .

========================

Talking with the 'Good Friend'

#1 Use darkness, a lighter, and shadows.

========================

Honestly, it was a bit creepy, but here goes.

I leaned down beneath the bed.

Then, I propped the 'Good Friend' against the inside of the right bed leg.

'Next, the light.'

I'd quit smoking ages ago, so I didn't have a lighter, but I substituted with my phone flashlight.

Placing it on the floor to cast a narrow beam on the bed leg, I turned off the room light.

Click.

I sat on the bed in the pitch dark.

'…This is kind of creepy.'

A chill ran down my spine, so I pulled the blanket over myself.

There's no need to feel embarrassed. I'm alone, after all.

'…Though I might not be alone much longer.'

I looked up, and the flashlight under the bed cast a massive shadow of the plush doll on the wall.

"..."

Soon, the shadow of the plush doll leaning against the bed leg began to sway along with the light.

As if it were stirring awake.

If I watched carefully, holding my breath, a voice would soon follow.

A voice that sounded almost like an illusion.

– Friend.

"…Braun."

The host had awoken.

– Ah, I see you made it out safely from that strange theme park! Congratulations.

"Thank you."

Braun seemed to be recalling, almost like replaying a tape, the rough outline of what had happened to me since I left the ghost story.

'So this is what it means to remember everything.'

– Right, you've clocked out, friend. Are you home to rest now? Oh, it's quite a cozy place!

"Thank you, sir."

Though, technically, this wasn't my home but a company dorm.

– Hmm, now that I think about it, Mr. Roe Deer, you're speaking to me very formally! Friends don't need to speak like that, you know.

"…Braun, you're speaking quite formally yourself."

– Haha, I can't help it. It's an occupational hazard!

I swallowed back the words, 'I, too, am a rookie at this crazy ghost story company with an occupational hazard'.

The friendlier this plush doll became, the safer and more powerful it would be.

"…Alright. Then I'll speak more casually from now on. Since we're friends."

– Oh, that's great! [1]

The shadow of the doll shook, as if nodding cheerfully.

Good… now, to the main point.

"I actually have something to ask my friend."

– Oh! Then how about we take turns asking each other questions? But we must answer each question.

– It'll be like a game. Ah, that sounds so fun…

Stop making it sound like a ghost story!

"Sure. That sounds fun."

But I forced myself to respond agreeably.

Feels like I'm working overtime… Gotta stay strong.

"What I wanted to ask is this."

I immediately raised my left hand and lowered it under the bed, making sure the black letters, like a tattoo on my wrist, were clearly visible to the plush doll in front of me. ꞦâΝȎᛒЁṢ

"When the membership wristband burned up, this mark was left behind."

A moment of silence.

And then…

– This… is Latin. Hmm.

An odd mix of fascination and absorption was evident in his tone. The voice dropped lower.

– Socius.

– It means companion, member, or kin. The versatility of Latin!

"I know that much."

I'd looked it up on a dictionary app on the way back.

The fact that the 'membership' wristband had burned up, leaving behind a word meaning 'member', seemed fairly connected, but what mattered more was this.

"But other people don't seem to be able to see it. What do you think the reason is?"

– Oh dear, it seems they all have poor eyesight! I can see it quite well.

So creatures within ghost stories can see this?

"Glad you can see it."

I rephrased my question.

"Then, what role do you think this mark serves?"

– It's a mark granting you certain qualifications.

Without hesitation, Braun responded in a cheerful tone.

– You know how VIPs sometimes attend talk shows as special guests? They're often given distinctive marks that set them apart from the other audience members, like a name tag or badge!

– Such a 'distinguished mark' grants privileges like special seating, rehearsal viewing, or backstage access!

I instinctively raised my arm to look at the mark.

"…So, this is like a 'special qualification'?"

– Well, at least to the theme park mascots, yes.

Braun's voice turned dismissive.

– Those overly emotional mascots seem to be a bit too friendly with you, Mr. Roe Deer. Next time you visit, perhaps you'll get a welcome drink with it!"

I'd rather never visit again.

But I nodded in agreement to appear cooperative.

– Good, good!

'Being social is so exhausting…'

Anyway, though the 'qualification' it grants is vague, it doesn't seem to be entirely negative.

'If I enter another ghost story, I'll have to see if there's any use for it.'

The plush doll's shadow swayed a few times, as if in excitement, then whispered softly.

– Did you know?

Know what?

– Mr. Roe Deer, you've just asked two questions.

– That's a rule violation.

A chill ran down my spine.

– Haha, don't worry. It's often the charm of being close to someone to bend the rules occasionally, isn't it?"

Phew.

"…Thank you."

– No need to thank me!

– Now, it's my turn to ask a question.

I swallowed nervously, looking at the large shadow of the doll cast on the wall.

"What do you want to know?"

Braun whispered.

– Who lives in the room next to yours?

It was an unexpected question.

And, of course, in the next room here in the dorm…

"…A colleague."

Baek Saheon.

– Are you close?

Not at all.

"Just a work colleague."

– Ah, I see. Very well…

Braun's voice became cheerful again.

– Friend, it's probably best if you don't pay attention to that 'work colleague' living next door!

"Why?"

– Because he'll drop dead soon!

Note/s:

[1] Braun still continues to speak to Seolum formally with the -습니다 speech level, while Seolum dropped formalities and is speaking to Braun without honorifics. It's a bit difficult to include this in English since there's no speech levels here, so just keep this in mind for now until it (maybe) changes in the future. ↩

-x-X-x-

Baek Saheon.

– You morons. If one eye is all it takes to escape, just do it already!

My coworker, the one who caused that commotion on the subway.

He's also a notable figure in the and will probably keep leaving his mark on his way up to assistant manager…

"What? He'll die?"

Suddenly, a keychain plushie from a creepypasta just sentenced Baek Saheon to death.

Reflexively, I couldn't help but ask this question.

"Why?"

But I know a future where he's promoted up to assistant manager…?

– Ah, it's a classic. Really classic… Mr. Roe Deer, have you ever seen movies like that?

"…Movies?"

– Yes. The kind with a serial killer in them."

Ah, please.

– In popular media, there are certain typical targets who end up as victims. Blondes, college students, hitchhikers, or those wearing something like red shoes—these kinds of noticeable symbols.

– And do you know what the most classic and foolproof victim selection is?

The shadow of the plush doll whispered.

– It's picking up something that belongs to the killer.

"..."

The large black shadow cast on the wall pointed beyond it.

– Your 'work colleague' picked up an item, and now he's going to die in a brutal way!

"..."

Hah, seriously…

"Anyway, thanks for the warning."

– You're most welcome!

As politely as possible, I told him that I needed to sleep for work tomorrow, and thankfully, my 'Good Friend' gladly understood my situation.

– Goodness, it must have been a tiring day. May you sleep soundly and have sweet dreams!

That seems unlikely.

'And you contributed to that disaster…'

– Adios!

The flashlight on my phone switched off on its own, and the large shadow on the wall disappeared.

After a moment's thought, I grabbed a clean towel, made a soft little spot on the desk, and placed the plush doll on it.

'Hopefully, with this much courtesy, he won't come after me in a nightmare with a cleaver.'

Of course, I probably need to worry about whether I can even fall asleep and dream at this point.

"Hm."

I turned the night light to its brightest setting and lay down in bed.

Baek Saheon.

He's probably asleep next door by now…

'What exactly did he pick up?'

What sort of horrendous ghost story artifact did he grab for the plush doll next door to sense it through the wall?

Is it the butterfly effect? Or was it something that was already bound to happen?

I thought back to what Baek Saheon had done in the , but even after searching through the wiki, I couldn't find any relevant information.

Maybe that's not surprising. If it happened outside of work, it might not have been documented.

Huu.

"..."

'If I go knocking on his door in the middle of the night, he'll probably have a heart attack, won't he?'

Besides, I'm not exactly eager to voluntarily approach something scary enough to put me on a serial killer's target list…

Honestly, he's not even the type of roommate I'd risk my life to warn.

'But now that I know, giving him at least a warning is the right thing to do.'

An indirect way to reach out…

'Got it.'

It also ties into what I was going to do next.

I lay in bed and checked my phone messenger.

[Jang Heo-un : This is the rookie group chat. Please join using this link. Thank you! (Link)]

A colleague from Y-squad had sent it.

With a sigh, I clicked the link.

[Field Exploration Team Batch 17 Chatroom]

It was an open KakaoTalk chat.

The reason for this setup probably had something to do with reducing the emotional impact when news of a death came through, as it wasn't linked to personal contacts.

In any case, everyone used their names for their profile names, so identifying people wouldn't be a problem.

'I'd better set mine to my name and enter.'

[Kim Soleum has joined.]

And as I began to type a greeting…

[whoa]

[dang]

[Is it really you, Kim Soleum-ssi?]

[welcome ^^]

[It's really you? May I ask who gave the invite?]

"...??"

Even before I could write a greeting, intense reactions poured in.

'Surely, they're not wondering who cluelessly invited that person, right?'

On the positive side, maybe my recent performance had been good enough to spark some curiosity or rumors.

I simply posted a short greeting.

[Nice to meet you all. I'll be in your care.]

As if waiting for it, someone immediately asked.

[Kang Yihak : Is it true you received 40,000 points? haha]

Hmm.

[Yes.]

[Kang Yihak : So jealous! I'm curious about how you managed to get that, haha]

[I just did my best.]

I didn't respond further and simply sent a bowing emoticon.

'This place is just like a jungle.'

I wondered if this might be a warm group chat where colleagues share tips, support each other, and enjoy hobbies together, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

'It's more like an intern group chat where only 10% will make it to full-time positions.'

In other words, everyone is subtly trying to gain any advantage they can.

'Well, with people constantly dying and the wish ticket feeling so far out of reach, I guess it's understandable.'

Getting too attached to this chat could make the news of someone's death all the more depressing.

It left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth, but I could understand it.

[Go Yeongeun : (hwaiting emoji)]

[Go Yeongeun : (clapping emoji)]

Still, there seemed to be some genuinely nice colleagues here.

'She seems to be doing well…'

I nodded, seeing the clean, supportive emoticons from my med-school-dropout colleague who'd backed me up that time on the death-ridden subway.

'Alright, let's do what I came here to do.'

Time to follow the voice of my conscience.

I found Baek Saheon's profile in the group chat and initiated a one-on-one open chat with him.

And I wrote:

watch out for serial killers –

The number 1 serving as an 'unread' mark disappeared in a second.

But no reply came.

Hmm, maybe he feels a bit guilty himself?

'If he feels guilty, he'll be careful.'

This should be enough as a warning.

"I'll send it every morning from now on."

If I keep this up for about a week, the message's impact should hold until it wears off.

Satisfied with my efforts, I turned off my phone.

'…Time to sleep.'

Whether I'll actually manage to sleep is uncertain, but I should at least try. I have work tomorrow… sob.

'If only the company would explode.'

I lay there, feeling the weight of the sad reality that, given the company's nature, I'd still have to show up for work. I ended up staying awake all night…

When I finally dozed off in the early hours, I dreamed of being chased by theme park mascots wielding intestines, then offering churros to the plushie.

'Save me.'

Just another night of trauma for a regular office worker.

The news I heard the next day, however, was anything but ordinary.

T/N: Seolum slowly and methodically driving Saheon insane with his antics is just so hilarious to me.

* * *

"Roe, you hit the jackpot."

"...?"

"You… earned 20,000 points."

Pardon?

I looked up and checked this morning's point total.

[Employee Kim Soleum / Earned Points : 20000P]

It's for real.

'They definitely told me yesterday it'd only be 10,000 points…?'

Supervisor Park slapped my shoulder repeatedly.

"Assistant Manager Jin from A-squad reported that you absolutely deserved the extra points!"

Assistant Manager Jin…!

Thank you, Assistant Manager Jin, for recognizing my desperate efforts to get us all out, even to the point that you had to drill a hole in my palm.

In my mind, I raised my evaluation of the butterfly-mask-wearing assistant manager from a cold, work-driven psycho to a quick-witted and fair superior.

"Originally, our squad leader was also supposed to be named a primary contributor for the mission, but the A-squad leader threw a fit…"

Ah.

Well… honestly, I could see why she would react that way from her perspective…

'Did I benefit unintentionally from the fallout?'

Not sure if I should feel pleased, but I'll accept it gratefully.

"Anyway, Roe, it's a big win for you. You've already broken the fastest point-earning record since joining! Insane."

"Thank you."

Though I may have to give up on staying unnoticed in this company soon…

'Still, points are sweet.'

And that wasn't even the end of it.

Before the morning was over, I got a call.

"…Assistant Manager Jin?"

– Yeah.

I had just been expecting to relax a bit after finishing a B-level ghost story exploration yesterday and working on some paperwork.

A call came in over the internal network from the A-squad Assistant Manager.

Naturally, I began with gratitude.

"Thank you. I heard you recommended me as a primary contributor for clearing the theme park Darkness…"

– Things work best when the person who does well gets more points. No need to thank me for that.

Ah, yes.

– Anyway, get up here.

"...?"

– My team's going into a Darkness mission today, but we're short-staffed. So, you're coming to help.

"..."

– Don't want to?

Yes, I don't want to! I'm a poor rookie who nearly kicked the bucket yesterday—would it hurt to give me a break today?!

"Please hold on a moment… Assistant Manager Eun, there's a call for you."

"Oh, what's up?"

Help me out here, dear superior!

I tried passing the call over to my superiors in hopes of dodging it, but it didn't work.

"A-squad is short-staffed? Is this an A-squad backup call?"

"...!"

Uh-oh.

Even Supervisor Park, who had been slumped over his desk, sprang up with his chair and started whispering with interest.

"Wait a second, did A-squad really ask for Roe to fill the spot?"

I don't know, supervisor. My shoulders hurt. Please stop shaking me.

"Got it, yes."

In the meantime, Assistant Manager Eun ended the call, then shook her fist at me with a gleam in her eye.

"Hey. Go."

…Pardon?

"That's right! With A-squad as it is right now, it's a golden opportunity! Safer conditions and more money—don't let this slip by!"

"All those points, Roe. Points."

"..."

…So, basically.

'The elite A-squad gets extra points for each assignment.'

That's a pretty sweet deal.

And since there's no call for Y-squad or the other round-off squads, it doesn't sound like a sacrificial type of Darkness either.

On top of that, they even called a rookie like me as a stand-in, so it likely isn't a tough mission.

In short, it's overtime work with good pay and an easy win!

"With the vacancy, they needed to bring someone along. They must've liked what they saw in you yesterday and thought they'd give you a chance. Go for it!"

"..."

I have no excuse left…

Saying something like 'I was so scared that I couldn't even sleep, so now I just want to rest' would sound completely ridiculous now.

'If an employee from the Field Exploration Team talks about being scared when a relatively safe situation with substantial points is on the line… they'd look suspicious…!'

If I didn't want to be branded a coward and sent to the Round-Off Team, I'd have to keep my mouth shut.

So, with reluctant steps, I dragged myself toward the 15th floor…

"That's right, rookie spirit!"

It feels more like defeat than spirit, honestly.

I trudged to the elevator, trying not to look too miserable. When I reached the top floor of the Field Exploration Team, the 15th floor, and the doors opened, I was in for a surprise.

"...!"

There were no cramped desks or partitions typical of an office.

Instead, it looked like a luxurious lounge you'd find in a hotel, with separate, private glass-walled spaces beyond, each marked with a staff member's name.

'My god.'

A personal office for each person.

It was the kind of benefit you'd expect for executives.

'Is this some kind of motivation?'

Apparently, becoming an elite team member in the Field Exploration Team granted access to private space like this.

'It's every office worker's dream…'

Just then, a familiar face stepped out from the glass door next to me.

It was my superior, already wearing her butterfly mask.

"Hello, Assistant Manager Jin."

"Hey."

Assistant Manager Jin from A-squad looked more human than she had in the ghost story.

"The Squad Leader said she'd like to see you again."

Then, from the larger office opposite, A-squad's leader emerged, holding a cup of joe.

"Mr. Roe Deer."

"Good morning, Section Chief."

The middle-aged A-squad leader smiled warmly and patted me on the shoulder as if she hadn't been glaring at Squad Leader Lee Jaheon like she was about to kill him back at the theme park.

"Assistant Manager Jin isn't the type to praise others, but she seems to think very highly of you, Mr. Roe Deer. I've heard great things."

Is it really that much…?

"So, I thought I'd call you over today. It's the first time I've seen Assistant Manager Jin compliment someone like that."

Reflexively, I glanced over at A-squad's Assistant Manager.

Wearing her butterfly mask, she smirked with a slight scoff.

"I was simply reporting the facts."

"Oh, there you go again."

The butterfly-masked superior frowned as she made eye contact with me, but her tone softened.

"What? You did a good job, didn't you?"

"…Thank you."

"Yeah. Do well today too."

"Ah, youngsters, learn to get along."

With a chuckle, the A-squad leader, who was wearing a teal duck mask, watched the scene unfold.

"Welcome to A-squad, Kim Soleum."

"..."

"Alright then, let's get to work."

* * *

Honestly, I was a bit curious.

'Do elite teams have a different approach?'

There was a sense of anticipation that perhaps A-squad's process would be different from the regular team's, who get thrown into Darkness with only a quick briefing and the manual to read on the day of the mission.

And it is different, alright.

"Collector confirmed, data recorder confirmed, mask confirmed, equipment confirmed, basic supplies confirmed. With 31 minutes remaining until entry time of 'Identification Code Qterw-C-402' at 1100H, preparation check completed."

Umm… this is intense.

The atmosphere here was entirely different from D-squad, where we'd sit around a couch, exchange jokes, and head off into the Darkness, often with the squad leader not understanding half the humor.

Despite being down a member and with only two people left, A-squad maintained a strict hierarchy and protocol.

Right as I arrived, they immediately had me run through the equipment check briefing.

"…All done."

"Good. Let's head in."

"Yes, ma'am."

Temporary or not, it was clear that the lowest-ranking member would do the grunt work here.

'Come to think of it, Assistant Manager Jin isn't the easiest person to get along with, yet she was formally respectful to the squad leader…'

Well, at some point, I'd have to experience a team like this.

It might be good to go through this kind of experience at least once.

'As long as they don't find out I'm a scaredy-cat…'

If only I knew what kind of ghost story we'd be entering today, I could mentally prepare.

Just then, A-squad's leader, holding the manual, addressed me.

"Oh, Soleum-ssi, you haven't read the manual, have you?"

"I haven't, ma'am."

Trying to stay positive, I reached out politely to receive it from the squad leader.

But just as the manual for this Darkness exploration was about to be handed to me, she paused.

...?

"Actually, Soleum-ssi, why don't you try going in without one this time?"

Pardon?

"I heard your specialty is figuring things out without a manual."

I looked up in shock.

Underneath the teal duck mask, I could see A-squad's leader smiling.

"If it seems dangerous, I'll give it to you immediately. Got it?"

"..."

So, what she's saying is… she'll decide if it's dangerous, not me.

Meaning she might never hand it over until the end.

"..."

They both know what's in the manual, yet I'm supposed to go in blind?

"Alright, shall we go? Ah, it's been a while since work has felt this fun~"

Wait. Is this…

'Bullying in the workplace?'

It's so stereotypical it feels like a joke. I feel light-headed.

But why would a squad leader from another squad that I just met yesterday go out of her way to do this… oh.

'…Lee Jaheon!!'

Could it be that our D-squad's Lizard Chief really rubbed her the wrong way, and now she's taking it out on me, his rookie?

Why must I be dragged into this mess as well?!

…As I prepare to enter a creepypasta with A-squad, let's go over what I need to keep in mind.

Stipulations

1- I must not let them find out that I'm a coward.

2- I must not reveal that I already know the correct strategy to use.

3- I must survive this uncooperative squad leader's corporate bullying.

'Just kill me already.'

I think I've said this to myself more times since joining this company than I can count.

But there's no helping it.

It's my first time entering a creepypasta with a superior who actually wants to see me fail!

'Every day feels like a new kind of hell…'

And then there's the workaholic superior who would throw me straight into the cleanup team the second they find out I'm a coward…

In other words, I'm entering a creepypasta alongside people who would rather hinder my survival than help it.

'Maybe the only way out is to scrape together enough points and use a wish ticket to escape from here.'

And the creepypasta we're entering this time is just as anxiety-inducing, filled with misleading clues.

"How does the place look to you?"

"…It seems like… an abandoned factory, ma'am."

A dark, oil-smelling abandoned factory.

Do you know how many creepypastas in the involve abandoned factories?? At least dozens.

And even more if you consider ghost stories where locations change randomly, including abandoned factories!

I was hoping to quickly enter the identification code into the search bar as soon as I could get a moment to myself away from the two A-squad members, but they didn't give me a single chance to be alone.

'T-They're watching me like hawks.'

It was as if they were waiting for me to make a mistake, with both A-squad superiors casting sidelong glances at me as they strolled slowly.

I was breaking into a cold sweat.

'There isn't a single companion here to rely on…'

– Friend?

"...!"

– Oh! Another setting, I see. Hmm, not the most suitable for a filming location, I must say! Such filthy conditions, like a bedraggled donkey! Don't you agree?

I quickly looked down.

The voice was coming from the keychain plushie, 'Good Friend', in my pocket.

Braun!

'I do have a cooperative companion!'

W-Wait, we're standing right next to my two A-squad superiors, and if you just start talking openly like that…

– Oh dear, are you worried our precious friendship might be disturbed? Fret not! Those who are not friends have no right to hear my voice!

Huuu.

So, no one else can hear him talking.

'Now that I think of it, there were records of the 'Good Friend' only speaking to its owner.'

And it's also said to be able to pick up on the mood or surface thoughts of its companion.

I felt somewhat reassured and tapped my pocket a few times.

– Haha, that tickles a little!

I'm seriously gonna cry.

This situation, where a creepypasta monster is my only source of comfort…

"Squad Leader. There's a door over there."

"Ah, right. Soleum-ssi, why don't you go ahead and open it?"

"..."

"Soleum-ssi?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Swallowing a scream, I walked up to the rusty door.

They don't even bother hiding the fact that they're out to make things hard for me, designating me specifically without even giving me the manual!

– Goodness… Mr. Roe Deer, you look as though you're struggling. Is it an issue of stamina?

Shake, shake.

I shook my head slightly, hoping it would go unnoticed.

– Then is it the filthy environment that's troubling you?

Shake, shake.

Another small shake.

– Ah, I see. Then it must be that your companions are not quite suited to your preferences!

Bingo.

This is tough. Both this horrid creepypasta setting and this workplace harassment…

– Are these bad people tormenting my dear friend?

Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake.

– Oh, I see. Sometimes, there are those who clash with us, like two poles of a magnet! Let's keep going, cheerfully, friend!

Now my stomach hurts.

'On top of everything, I have to balance things so the plush doesn't go berserk.'

Is this normal?

Caught between terror and stomach cramps, I somehow managed to steady myself and grab the rusty door handle.

Creeeeak.

As the rusty door opened, it revealed… the factory's main work area.

It was filled with dust-covered cans and boxes, as though production had halted long ago. Spoiled contents seeped out of broken canned beef scattered around.

But something stood out more strongly than the smell.

The sharp, metallic stench of blood.

And… a body lying on the floor.

"..."

W-Wait a sec.

"Do you see it? There's a corpse over there."

"…Yes."

"Soleum-ssi, go ahead and search it."

"Yes."

AAAAAAACKKK!

The only thing stopping me from collapsing in tears was the comforting warmth of the keychain plush in my pocket.

'Abandoned factory… corpse, abandoned factory, corpse…'

I combed through the wiki in my mind, holding back an unbridled scream as I approached the body.

The corpse was sprawled face-down on the tracks, wearing a suit.

A man in a suit, bleeding from the back of his head.

He looked familiar, perhaps because he was around my age and wearing a suit.

'I'm going crazy.'

There was no way I could touch him directly…! Without taking a single breath, I quickly summoned my special equipment, hovering my hands in the air to examine the corpse from various angles.

Thank god it transmitted only pain and not touch—truly, truly a relief.

"…Male, height estimated between the high 170s and low 180s, wearing a suit, with bleeding localized to the back of the head. It appears he was struck by something with a diameter over 10 cm."

"Hmm. Not bad. Now, flip him over."

"Yes, ma'am."

Kim Soleum will remember this moment…

I glared at A-squad's leader with all the strength I could muster, holding back a retch as I forced myself to flip the corpse over in one swift motion.

The face lay exposed, eyes closed.

It was…

My face, bleeding on the floor.

"..."

Holy sh— Holy fucking shit—!!

These damn ghost stories, seriously!!

-x-X-x-

"Oh, it looks exactly like Soleum-ssi, doesn't it? Could it be a trap?"

"Squad Leader, maybe it's time to at least give him the basic manual…?"

"Oh, sure. I suppose you're right?"

A-squad's leader looked at me, seemingly weighing the idea, then finally spoke slowly, as if granting a rare favor.

"Soleum-ssi, you're inside a story."

"..."

"Think of it as entering a novel or a movie."

Yeah I mean, I already figured that out myself.

The moment I saw my own corpse, I realized which Darkness this was.

========================

Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story

[The Day I Died]

: A ghost story featured in

: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-C-406

A ghost story that pulls the victim into an unsuccessful thriller-mystery, making them the sacrificed character.

The first witness is always faced with the discovery of their own sacrificial corpse.

Exploration Records indicate a total of up to 25 entries.

========================

It's a creepypasta tailor-made to drive someone to the edge of a mental breakdown.

'This is… a potato—a potato.'

I tried to brainwash myself as best as I could, looking away from the corpse-shaped thing in front of me…

"Don't use your special equipment. Check it directly. Look carefully and examine every detail…"

Are you kidding me?

"No, I can't."

I replied without even taking a breath.

The eyes behind the teal duck mask narrowed.

"…Hm?"

Oh no.

I just talked back to a superior who's already prone to workplace harassment?

'I need to fix this, pronto!'

Instinctively, I added more, smoothly following a well-tested routine I'd already used once.

"There's a faster way to escape."

Not again.

Why does it always go this way…?

* * *

My work conditions just expanded.

Stipulations

1- I must not let them find out that I'm a coward.

2- I must not reveal that I already know the correct strategy to use.

3- I must survive this uncooperative squad leader's corporate bullying.

4- I must pull off a timed escape. (NEW!)

…Still, the one good thing is that seeing my own corpse allowed me to confirm exactly which creepypasta this is.

'And the standard strategy for this creepypasta is… this.'

========================

To succeed, restructure the story so that the victim does not die.

========================

In this creepypasta, the more you explore, the further back in time you go.

So, typically, you'd have to investigate the entire factory, figuring out why 'my corpse' ended up dead and piecing together the story step by step.

========================

Failure to alter the story within the time limit will result in the victim's confirmed death.

========================

Normally, you'd spend half a day in tense, desperate pursuit, racing against time to avoid the fixed fate of one guaranteed kill…

'Um. At this rate, my stomach will give out first.'

My digestive system won't survive this.

If there's no shortcut, I'll have to make one. Help me out, !

With a total of 25 documented exploration attempts, surely there's a record of someone breaking the pattern with some creative or unconventional approach. Something that might serve as a hint!

I quickly scanned through records in my mind.

'Let's see, any unique experiences I can reference…'

========================

Exploration Record #21

Entered by Assistant Manager Han So-eun and two others.

As soon as they entered the ghost story in the form of an abandoned lodge, the squad immediately recognized which story they were in.

It was a widely mocked, failed thriller that became a meme online.

Responses included ridicule, meme reenactments, bursts of laughter, and spoiler-filled derision.

Result : The setting suddenly collapsed, transporting them to a different story (continued in Exploration Record #22). Testimonies indicate that crying, whimpering sounds were heard.

Aigoo, is this a failed director's poltergeist or something?

Even the fragile mentality is spot on.

– Researcher Kwak Jaekang

========================

Oh.

"Squad Leader, Assistant Manager, could you give me just ten minutes?"

"Hmm, alright."

First things first, I decided not to leave any room for interference from my superiors. If I wanted to avoid workplace harassment disrupting this, I'd have to handle everything myself, no matter how frustrating or unfair it felt…

'…I just need to do it quickly before I throw up or scream.'

I swiftly used my special equipment to recheck the indentation on the sticky back of the corpse's head (uuuuugh!). Then I checked the footprints around the body, as well as the surrounding bloodstains…

"Why are you using your special equipment when you could just use your hands?"

"Because handling it directly could damage the evidence. I thought this was the best approach to preserve the scene."

I hadn't realized I had a talent for rapid-fire responses.

"Evidence? You sound like you're in a detective novel."

"It's not quite deduction—just a simple guess. And…"

I stood up.

"I found it."

"What?"

"The answer."

Immediately, I surveyed the area. Naturally, I used my special equipment to do this remotely.

Let's see here.

In a shadowy corner, partially hidden but not entirely, in a place that would be easy to overlook if you weren't paying attention…

'There it is.'

I pulled out a cylindrical object from a musty corner under the shelf.

"That's… a can of food?"

"Yes."

"Hmm, there are cans all over the place here, though."

Yes. After all, this place does seem like an abandoned canning factory.

But this one was different.

The can I picked up had a slightly dented edge with bloodstains on it.

It was a classic cliché—the 'hidden in plain sight' trope.

– Hooh, Mr. Roe Deer! If this were a mystery story, this would be the decisive evidence. The shape matches perfectly with the wound on the head.

Exactly.

"This matches the indentation left by the blunt-force trauma on the back of the head."

– Ah, classic. The weapon was just an everyday object in the background that no one noticed! This is the structure of a typical work of fiction…

Right, right.

Anyway, A-squad's assistant manager seemed to accept this, nodding.

"So that's the weapon, then…?"

Tuk.

I let the potential 'weapon'—the can—drop to the ground.

Then, I stomped on it with full force, crushing it hard.

"...??"

"...????"

– ?!??!

"Ah."

I tilted my head to the side.

"There's no way a human skull would be damaged by something with this level of force… Hmm. It doesn't add up."

Tremble, tremble.

At that moment, the space around us shook slightly.

– But no matter how you look at it, it seems like they were struck with a can!

That's what I'm saying.

I nodded, as if just realizing something.

"Oh… This can is aluminum."

"So what?"

"Typically, cans are made of steel."

A frown.

"Why would canned goods be made from aluminum, like a drink can…? Hmm, could it be…?"

– Intriguing…

I intentionally paused for dramatic effect.

"A plot hole?"

Rattle.

At that moment, the cans around me began to tremble slightly.

But I ignored it and continued muttering to myself.

"That's certainly possible. After all, we encounter drink cans more often than canned food, so it wouldn't be too surprising if someone accidentally used the wrong material and labeled it as aluminum…"

– Hoooh…

But then.

I stopped talking and gave a small, mocking laugh.

"But, heyyy. No way."

"…Soleum-ssi?"

"Anyone could look it up with a quick search—no one would make such a basic mistake. Tricks are the most crucial part of any work of the mystery genre. They shouldn't be so sloppy."

– Hahaha!

"When you think about it, a murder happening in a canning factory with a can as the weapon is way too predictable, don't you think?"

I actually meant this.

"It lacks freshness and surprise… A writer with any sense wouldn't try to pass this off as their big plot twist."

– Oh, I agree!

The space began to shake more violently.

"Honestly, this is so poorly done…"

I finished with a bored tone.

"Even an amateur wouldn't write something this sloppy these days."

Boom!

After a brief pause—

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Cans exploded all around us.

"What's happening?!"

The space seemed to weep as it melted away, dripping like tears from all the ruptured cans.

And then, everything vanished.

Just before the last remnants disappeared, there was the sound of someone sobbing, their cry filled with agony…

The next moment—

We found ourselves back in the familiar, luxurious lounge on the company's 15th floor.

Covered in exploded canned meat.

"..."

"We… got out."

For the first time, A-squad's leader faltered, visibly shaken.

"The Darkness let us out… but why?"

Wiping chunks of burst canned beef from my face, I answered quietly.

"It had a mental breakdown."

* * *

After escaping from the creepypasta featuring my own corpse, I cleaned off all the canned beef remains in the shower attached to the office. Then we gathered in the lounge once again. ＲÃ₦ồꞖЁṢ

"Wow… The rumors were true. You're really known for clearing fast without a manual."

"It's nothing."

"This isn't the time to be modest, Soleum-ssi."

The A-squad's leader, having checked that the Dream Essence Collector was filling with yellow liquid as expected, turned to look at me with admiration in her eyes.

"How did you reach this result?"

Yes, I knew she'd ask this.

I clasped my hands behind my back and took a formal stance, ready to present as if in a lecture. It was my defensive stance, to avoid getting nitpicked for any signs of fear or incompetence in case my supervisor's workplace harassment tendencies decided to flare up again.

"I followed a standard deductive process."

"Hmm."

"First… Since I was repeatedly told to examine the corpse and survey the surroundings, I deduced that the corpse was likely central to our escape."

Of course, it was probably just an excuse to make things harder on me, but the method with which you present your facts is everything.

"And since you mentioned this was a 'story', I figured it was a narrative where someone ends up as a corpse… meaning it had to be a murder mystery, either a film or a novel. So, I guessed that preventing my own death would be the standard method to clear it."

I shrugged.

"But that would take too long."

"...?!"

"Since you called me up for this, I wanted to finish it, preferably by this morning."

A-squad's leader looked at me with a face that practically said, 'What on earth are you talking about, rookie?'

But honestly, a bit of eccentricity is better than fear, isn't it, Section Chief!

"So, I looked for a shortcut."

"And how did you do that?"

"There were hints."

I looked at the two of them.

"In the way both of you acted."

"...!"

"You'd read the manual, hadn't you? I noticed that your actions were giving me clues."

Like how you kept pushing me to observe the corpse.

'If those hints were intentional, then there were probably even more subtle hints you weren't aware of.'

I recalled the most crucial clue.

– Right. Soleum-ssi, why don't you go ahead?

– Soleum-ssi?

"When we entered the Darkness, you called me by my real name."

"...!"

Normally, in creepypastas, it's a strict recommendation not to use real names but to stick with nicknames derived from the masks.

There's a risk that real names can be exploited in harmful ways.

Yet, A-squad's leader called me 'Soleum' instead of 'Roe Deer'.

If someone as experienced and elite as her did that, there could only be one reason.

She already knew it would be safe.

"That meant there was no sentient entity in this Darkness that could harm me upon hearing my real name."

It also implied that, aside from the death that had already occurred, there was no other supernatural interference at play.

I added this explanation before continuing.

"So, realizing I had more freedom… I thought, why not be a bit more aggressive? I decided to attack the story itself and destabilize it."

"...??"

"You… thought that?"

"Yes. A story loses its meaning if its foundation crumbles."

I nodded.

"So I undermined its plausibility, causing the story to collapse and freeing us. That's all."

"..."

Their faces were blank, as if processing what I'd just said.

"You inferred all that not just from the surroundings, but also from our conversation and behavior…?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Not really.

The truth is, I benchmarked off the exploration logs.

– The setting suddenly collapsed, transporting them to a different story (continued in Exploration Record #22). Testimonies indicate that crying, whimpering sounds were heard.

Apparently, just mocking the failed story had shattered its mental stability enough for it to reassemble itself into a different story.

I figured that if I just steadily dismantled its logic and insulted its creator's self-esteem, the whole thing would unravel, new story and all.

'And it worked.'

Yay.

Just then, A-squad's leader looked at me and slowly spoke.

"You explain this… very casually, Soleum-ssi."

Whoops.

"Well, it's not exactly the standard method. You could call it a shortcut, if you'd like."

Did I step on her toes?

I quickly added, dropping my head apologetically to show remorse. Hopefully, it would look genuine enough.

"Of course, I'm prepared to accept any reprimands."

Yes, please, just let it be a scolding.

I waited quietly, ready for the next wave of workplace harassment.

But instead…

Clap, clap, clap…

Applause?

I looked up to see A-squad's leader, her teal duck mask now removed, gazing at me with a mix of surprise and satisfaction.

"You follow rules and orders. But you don't shy away from unconventional means."

Excuse me?

"Very good. That's exactly the type of person we're looking for."

Me?

"Soleum-ssi. You pass."

"What—"

"There's a vacancy on A-squad. You know that, right?"

At that moment, I understood.

'Oh.'

This wasn't workplace harassment.

It was a test.

"How about you fill that position officially?"

"...!!"

My god.

This was a recruitment test for A-squad!

-x-X-x-

A new hire scouted to the elite team after only a month on the job.

Sounds like the title of some self-help book designed to get attention.

But this is actually happening for real.

'What is even going on here?'

Me, in A-squad?

"Let's see. Soleum-ssi, you joined D-squad last month, right?"

"Yes. Let's get in touch with HR and handle it as a temporary assignment, then make it official in five months."

"Right. Then, Assistant Manager Jin…"

A-squad's leader turned to me with a satisfied smile.

"For starters, Soleum-ssi should be promoted to supervisor right away."

"..."

"The official announcement should be out by next week."

Oh, my god.

"This company may not care much about seniority, but there's still a minimum requirement, you know. This is insanely fast-tracked."

Of course it is!

They're even offering a promotion? This level of pull in the company?

No, that's not it exactly.

Typically, a potential elite team member would have to go through a couple of promotions, proving themselves in each role before officially getting into the team.

The usual practice would be that you need to be at least a supervisor to even start in the elite team.

Since they want me in A-squad, I need to be promoted, so management is just fast-tracking it.

'A-squad used to start at the assistant manager level…'

This is genuinely an extraordinary deal.

But I mean, why?

Why would they suddenly make this offer to me…

Ah.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning when I looked at the supremely pleased expression on the squad leader's face.

'I picked all the "right" answers today!'

I'd tried so hard, mistaking it for workplace harassment!

No complaints with unjust tasks, working within their framework, and eagerly generating ideas to produce results—behaving like the ideal employee.

A newbie with no ego. A yes-man while trying to show creativity!

Exactly the type of subordinate any boss dreams of…

"Soleum-ssi? Go ahead and clock out. Be prepared for the official announcement, which could come as soon as next week."

"..."

No way.

'This is a disaster.'

I'm… I'm the last person who should be going to A-squad!

'Their procedures are so rigid here.'

If I stay in this role, where I have to follow orders to the letter, there's a 90% chance my true cowardice will be exposed.

'Then the wish ticket will drift farther away, and my chances of survival will plunge.'

I'd really, actually die. My mouth went dry at the chilling thought.

"..."

"Hey, wait a sec."

Assistant Manager Jin looked at me with a doubtful expression.

"You're… seriously thinking it over?"

I lowered my head slightly.

"Why? Are you out of your mind? Are you worried about becoming like the shield-bearers on the Round-Off Team? Don't worry, we won't be sending you there…"

"Assistant Manager Jin, hold on."

A-squad's leader held her back, then turned to me with a reassuring expression.

"You're only a month into the job, so it must be a lot to take in all of a sudden. It's natural to have some doubts."

"..."

"But a wise person knows how to seize a bold opportunity when it comes. That's the key to success in society."

It's a trap, not an opportunity!

'Oh, what do I do now?'

How could I get out of this without offending this senior boss?

Rejecting this poorly might end up putting me on their bad side, which could mean real workplace harassment would start.

'I don't see a way out of this…'

But then, at that moment.

Ding.

The elevator's chime.

The doors opened, revealing a familiar face—or rather, a familiar lizard.

'Squad Leader!'

Section Chief Lee Jaheon, who'd been called to see the Team Leader, stepped out.

The slits of his lizard eyes met the gaze of A-squad's leader.

"…Section Chief Lee Jaheon."

"Section Chief Baek Seokjoo."

Lee stared blankly at A-squad's leader.

"I was told to apologize to you. So, I apologize."

"..."

A-squad's leader… was clearly holding back from cursing.

"Hah… no, forget it. I'm the only one who's going to end up angry here. Just me."

"?"

"I said, forget it. Anyway, I've already scouted someone to fill the vacancy."

A-squad's leader shook her head and patted me on the shoulder.

"Look, here's the new recruit who's going to be our squad's rookie."

Quite a shocker of an announcement, but…

"I see."

The lizard nodded.

"It's true that A-squad has better working conditions."

"..."

Could you, please, pretend like I might have other options to explore…?

Fine. I'll handle this myself!

I deliberately looked back and forth between the two squad leaders, pretending to be overwhelmed, then bowed my head slightly to A-squad's leader.

'First, let's think this through…'

From what I've observed of her personality so far…

'She's a stickler for rules.'

She divides tasks strictly by rank, doesn't tolerate insubordination, and values loyalty.

Considering she's recruiting someone who's only been here a month, she's willing to take big risks when she decides, but only within her established guidelines.

'And she's the type who can't stand people going against her.'

In other words, the quintessential elite middle manager of a traditional, hierarchical conglomerate.

'If that's the case…'

I bowed my head.

"Section Chief Baek, thank you so much for offering me this generous position and seeing potential in a new hire like me."

"Hmm."

"However… I still lack experience. I believe, as a new employee, I need to focus on foundational skills and knowledge."

A-squad's leader, staring intently at me, finally spoke up.

"…Soleum-ssi, do you happen to know the starting base salary for the elite team?"

Not really.

"It's 80 million won." (Approx. 57,000 USD)

"...!"

"And once you add the hazard pay, the annual take-home usually starts around 150 million." (Approx. 107,000 USD)

Hot damn.

"We're also planning to designate you as a primary contributor for the C-Class Darkness you cleared. You managed to clear it so quickly using an innovative approach."

I, I guess?

"Moreover, you've found a method that others might want to try, too. Do you know what that implies?"

What does it mean?

"It means the manual might need a complete overhaul."

"..."

"Yes, not just an addition—a full revision."

A-squad's leader smiled gently.

"And when a manual is revised, there's a bonus payout."

"...!"

"The amount isn't small. Normally, management isn't keen on handling revisions… but for the elite team, this is an exception."

Oh.

"If you join the A-squad, the process will be much smoother and quicker. You could say it's a matter of trustworthiness."

"..."

"Let's see… the C-Class manual revision fee…"

With a deliberate pause, A-squad's leader finally revealed the amount.

"Fifty million won." (Approx. 35,000 USD)

"...!!"

"Today alone, Soleum-ssi, that's your additional pay."

Fifty million won.

"You sure you want to pass up a chance to keep earning this?"

-x-X-x-

Wow.

Of course not.

'But I can't die for money…'

Tears welled up in my eyes. This is nuts.

'No, Seolum. Let's remember—all the money in this world is just like game money for me… game money, game money…!'

Right!

I made my eyes shine with a bit of melancholy and began talking nonsense.

"I believe, more important than immediate money, I first need to hone my skills and value."

This was insanity.

'The reason we hone skills and value is to earn more money, so why am I rejecting it?'

But I kept rambling in a way that perfectly aligned with a 30-years-ago corporate manager's mentality.

"Our ancestors used to say that it's worth even buying hardship when you're young. While I don't fully agree, I think there's a reason that saying exists."

Assistant Manager Jin from A-squad looked at me as if I'd lost my mind.

But it seemed to resonate with the top boss.

"Hmm."

A-squad's leader looked thoughtful. She narrowed her eyes at me, then sighed and nodded.

"Fine. If that's really how you feel… I suppose we can't push it."

Wahoo!

"I thought you were a smart guy, Soleum-ssi, but maybe you're a bit more naive than I'd assumed. How are you going to make it in this harsh world?"

Perfect.

The tone was slightly chiding, but since it's coming from her, it was practically a compliment!

…Even though she just couldn't resist adding a bit more.

"It's good to work hard. But being too pure-hearted isn't great for corporate life."

Yes, yes.

"If I may give you some advice… remember, you don't get through work by clinging to emotions. Especially don't get attached to people who don't understand you."

She glanced pointedly at a particular someone, her expression darkening.

"Don't do it. It's not worth it."

"…Understood."

Ah, she's talking about the 'stubborn psycho' Lizard Chief, isn't she? Got it.

"Did you hear that, Section Chief Lee Jaheon?"

"? Yes."

The lizard replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I understand perfectly."

"..."

Please stop with the 'Is this guy for real?' look, A-squad leader…

"Anyway."

With a deep breath, A-squad's leader brought the conversation to a close.

"Good work today. Head on home."

"...! Yes, ma'am!!"

Sweet, sweet freedom.

"Thank you. I'll head out now."

Finally, I can escape…!

I eagerly pressed the elevator button. Assistant Manager Jin quickly came up and whispered to me.

"You idiot. You're going to regret this."

"..."

"D-squad's Section Chief hasn't even seen a wish ticket yet. Our Section Chief has already received one."

That's fine. I know that lizard guy will eventually make it to Team Leader.

Of course, I couldn't say that, so I went with a compliment.

"I'm sure you'll get one soon too, Assistant Manager."

"What?"

"I'll be sure to ask you all about it when that time comes."

"..."

Assistant Manager Jin looked momentarily startled, then scoffed.

"You do seem to have some sense."

"You'll answer, right?"

"Yes."

Though it was a verbal promise, from what I could tell of her personality—gruff, yes, but not one to lie or go back on her word.

"Section Chief, Assistant Manager, thank you both very much for today."

"Sure, head on home."

After expressing my thanks, I pressed the elevator button and quickly got inside before I could get dragged into anything further.

But right on cue, Lizard Chief slipped in right behind me.

So he really did come here just to deliver that soulless apology…

– Going down…

As the elevator carried the two of us in silence, Lizard Chief unexpectedly started talking.

"Kim Soleum-ssi."

"Yes?"

"Is there something you want in D-squad?"

Huh.

"…Are you implying, with that question, that you assume I stayed with D-squad despite having a chance to join A-squad because I want something specific?"

"Yes."

Good grief.

After ruffling the back of my head a bit, I sighed and replied.

"There's nothing like that, Section Chief."

"?"

"I didn't choose to stay for any advantage."

I stayed because I want to stay alive!

Lizard Chief narrowed his slit pupils, looking puzzled.

"Staying in a regular team rather than an elite one results in a points loss. It'll take longer to get a wish ticket."

"That may be true."

I shrugged.

"But even if I do want a wish ticket, I also want to stay alive long enough to use it."

"..."

"Until then, I'd rather be somewhere I can work with a bit more peace of mind."

I'd rather not live in constant fear of being outed as a coward, you know…

"I see."

Lizard Chief fell silent.

Finally, some quiet as we rode dow—

"What is your wish, Kim Soleum-ssi?"

Chapter 2022 - Ghost Story 6