– Friend. Do you know this saying? 'Cream always rises to the top.'
– It means the excellent always stand out, no matter where they are. A phrase perfectly suited to describe you right now!
Honestly, 'The nail that sticks out gets hammered' feels more accurate…
I returned to the D-squad office feeling utterly drained.
It was like reading a pseudo-scientific book and realizing it was all true.
I couldn't hold back any longer and spoke to Squad Leader Lee Jaheon.
"Squad Leader."
"Yes."
"What I just went through wasn't an interview."
"I see."
"..."
"..."
"Do you need help?"
"Yes, sir."
"Explain."
I practically rapped out everything that had just happened.
From Managing Director Cheong's remarks, the Dream Essence Collector, the missing D-squad employee…
And even the proposal I received!
'Anyway, information about the Dream Essence Collector is probably something a squad leader would already know.'
Plus, I knew Squad Leader Lee Jaheon wasn't the type to get angry or manipulate me for receiving an exceptional offer over him.
Because, well… he's a lizard.
"I see."
As expected, the lizard simply nodded.
"Do you need my advice?"
"Yes."
"Decline it."
"...!!"
That's it? Just a flat-out conclusion?
"Could you tell me why?"
"Certainly. Managing Director Cheong Dallae is a being with a strong sense of ownership over the company."
"..."
Does she think of the company as hers?
Wait a minute.
"Did you just refer to her as a 'being'?"
"Yes."
That's a very suspicious term.
"…Are you saying Managing Director Cheong isn't human?"
"I cannot answer that."
"..."
That's basically the same as confirming it, isn't it?
At the very least, it's clear there's something off about Managing Director Cheong.
But then again, this is a ghost story specialist corporation!
"A-Anyway, please continue."
"Yes. Because of this, Managing Director Cheong will not hesitate to seize an opportunity to bind capable individuals to what she considers her property."
"...!"
"There's a high likelihood that, during this process, actions will occur that go strongly against your ethical standards, Supervisor Kim Soleum's."
Holy shit.
"Don't take the risk. Additionally, there's a strong chance you'll be assigned to an elite squad within six months."
"…But I'll have to leave D-squad, won't I?"
"Yes."
"..."
"Do you wish to stay in D-squad?"
"I'd prefer to, if possible."
"I see."
Not even a hint of regret, huh, Squad Leader…
What a consistent man… I mean, a consistent lizard.
'Not that I was expecting anything else.'
At least I could trust that he wouldn't deliberately try to deceive me. I could take his advice at face value.
"Thank you for explaining everything, Squad Leader."
"Yes."
Hm.
I hesitated and then asked,
"By any chance, Squad Leader, don't you want to become the leader of an elite squad?"
"I have no desire for it."
In other words, he doesn't care either way.
Which also means his opinion isn't helpful for my decision at all…
'This is driving me nuts.'
Afterward, I had a few more conversations with Squad Leader Lee Jaheon, but nothing particularly fruitful came from them.
It only deepened my dilemma.
'An elite squad, huh…'
While the squad leader had logically and rationally advised me to refuse, corporate life often operates on irrationality and emotions.
Why else would Squad Leader Lee Jaheon have so many enemies in the company, and why would the A-squad leader glare at him like he wanted to kill him every time they met?
'I appreciate the advice, but it's hard to approach this situation that way…'
Moreover, the senior staff at this ghost story company didn't seem like the kind of people you could just refuse outright.
Dodging the way I had with the A-squad leader wouldn't work here. Managing Director Cheong had practically implied that refusing outright would lead to disaster.
"Ha…"
Why am I agonizing over this when I've been promised a promotion and exceptional treatment…?!
'I just want to quit this ghost story company…!!'
That evening, in the end, I went home utterly mentally exhausted.
"..."
I didn't even explore any Darknesses—just stayed in the office, writing reports—and yet it had been ages since I'd felt so drained.
– Oh dear, my friend seems utterly worn out.
– Let's head inside quickly. Rest is crucial for delivering a great performance, isn't it?
'…Yeah.'
Meeting a high-ranking official, learning about the lore, and receiving an extraordinary proposal…
'I'm exhausted…'
As soon as I showered, I collapsed on the living room sofa.
– Friend, how about we have a nice cup of hot chocolate and chat tonight? It'll help you unwind from the day's fatigue!
I don't have hot chocolate… but a glass of honey water sounds like a good idea.
I set Braun on the dining table, boiled water in the kettle, and made myself some honey water.
As I drank it absentmindedly, I turned my back slightly to Braun, intending to continue our conversation lightly.
– Friend. I have a secret to share with you.
A secret?
– Yes. With my professional charm, I've hidden it well, so it might have been hard for you to notice. But in truth…
Braun took a dramatic breath before announcing,
– Last night's events were a tremendous shock to me!
"..."
A secret…?
Well, it seemed his intention was to console me, so I responded earnestly.
"What… shocked you so much?"
– A 'good friend' goes wherever their friend wants to go… Yet, this Braun… couldn't follow you.
The shadow of the bunny plushie seemed to droop slightly.
– It is truly a shameful and mortifying experience.
D-Does it really have to be that serious?
It was just a dream, after all.
I figured Braun couldn't come along because he's not just an item I carry, but an independent entity that might require a special ritual.
'You don't have to worry. That sort of thing won't happen often in the future.'
– Oh, my friend is so considerate. In that case, let's think of it this way…
– If I, your very good friend, had accompanied you to last night's intense graduation ceremony, don't you think today's troubles would've been a little easier to handle?
...
Well… maybe.
Assistant Manager Yoon Johoon might not have noticed me at all.
If Braun had triggered his 'Lights Out' ability.
– Exactly! That's my role!
– …It's been a while since I've felt such anticipation. For our friendship, and for me to fulfill my role, hmm…
From behind me came the sound of someone pacing nervously, like a shoe tapping against the floor.
And then, they stopped abruptly.
– Right! I would've loved to act directly, but with this body of stuffing, I'm afraid I'll need your help.
– Just one simple action, and we'll be in a much better position, Friend. Could I ask you for this favor?
Braun spoke in a polite and warm tone.
– If you help me bathe in the Tub of Youth just one more time, I'll be overjoyed!
Ah.
'That.'
...
...
"Sure, why not?"
– Oh! Thank you so much, Friend…!
I readily agreed!
Seeing my good friend so happy made me feel a little better.
– You won't regret this decision.
T/N: braun is lowkey scaring me a little here >.> he's really acting like a ghost haunting a doll, whispering 'benign' things to the doll's owner
-x-X-x-
We decided to try using the Bloodbathtub once more.
– If I rejuvenate a little more, it'll be much easier to accompany you, Mr. Roe Deer!
I accepted Braun's assertion.
The plushie might grow slightly larger… but once more should be fine. It's still the size of a regular keychain plushie.
However, Braun flatly refused the idea of conveniently using my blood as a bath additive.
– Good heavens! I must respectfully decline. There's so much bodily fluid from other sentient beings readily available, so why does my friend always resort to his own blood?
It seemed that the scare I gave him last time had left a lingering impression.
'Well, I wasn't planning to spill that much this time…'
Feeling slightly guilty, I agreed to find another way to procure the blood.
– Good, very good… Let's look for a suitable bath additive, Friend!
Alright.
Having something else to focus on amid the office politics was somewhat refreshing…
'This is already proving helpful.'
I sighed and headed to work.
Incidentally, Baek Saheon didn't return to the officetel at all last night. Let's see how long he can keep that up.
In any case, I needed to make a decision soon since I didn't know how long Managing Director Cheong would wait…
"Soleum-ssi…!"
Huh?
While waiting for the elevator, I turned my head to see a fellow new hire holding a buffalo mask approach.
'Jang Heo-un!'
He was the employee I briefly but eventfully accompanied last night at Sekwang Technical High School.
"You're safe!"
"Yes, and it seems you managed to escape safely too, Heo-un-ssi."
"Y-Yes! Thank you. I cleared it safely…"
Yesterday, I was too overwhelmed by everything to even think about how others fared, but it was nice to meet him again like this.
Furthermore, Jang Heo-un seemed to have developed a surprisingly positive impression of the agent. When the topic came up, he responded with a bright expression.
"Actually, he was nicer than I expected. He didn't use me as bait… and explained things about the Management Bureau at the end."
Isn't that bar set a little too low…?
Anyway, it seemed like the agent had been critical of Daydream Inc., but perhaps his perspective changed after working with a decent human being.
Since there weren't any major issues, it made sense that Jang Heo-un looked fine.
'Maybe he'll buy some ghost story food next time.'
I felt a flicker of hope for some extra income.
"And… that agent seemed to be worried about you until the very end, Soleum-ssi. Oh, but I didn't mention that I gave you a nametag!"
Ah, the nametag!
"I used the nametag you gave me well. Thank you," I replied.
Honestly, even after borrowing the uniform, there were ways to procure a nametag, but it was true that I used it quickly and effectively thanks to him.
"I won't forget that you gave up something so valuable, even though it must've been precious to you, out of concern for me."
"Oh, no… It was nothing compared to what you did for me."
"...?"
What I did for him?
At that moment, Jang Heo-un clenched his fists and spoke with a joyful expression.
"Soleum-ssi. I've been reassigned to a general squad…!"
"...!"
"They really transferred me after three months of holding out. Truly, truly… thank you. I think it was thanks to you!"
Ohh!
It was such a chaotic reassignment season that I hadn't checked other squads, but this was great news.
I asked cheerfully,
"Congratulations! Which squad were you assigned to?"
"I'm with F-squad now…!"
"..."
Oh.
"You're in the same squad as Baek Saheon…ssi."
"Yes! He's very kind."
"..."
It seems like his standards for good people have significantly dropped after his experience with the Round-Off Team…
'No wonder they worked together in the last ghost story.'
Turns out they weren't just passing by—they were on the same squad.
Smiling, I said,
"What an amusing coincidence. I share a unit with him at the company housing. …Let's all meet up for dinner sometime, just the new hires."
"Oh, thank y… Sir!"
At that moment, an unexpected encounter happened in front of the elevator.
"Good morning, Squad Leader Lee Jaheon!"
"Yes. Good morning."
It was Squad Leader Lee Jaheon, also on his way to work.
After briefly responding to Jang Heo-un's polite greeting, Lee Jaheon immediately addressed me.
"Soleum-ssi, you've been summoned."
Again??
"Do I need to stop by the office first, or can I head straight there?"
"Head straight there."
Feeling like I was developing a phobia of summons, I reluctantly pressed the button for the 25th floor instead of the 13th.
'Once again, leaving the Field Exploration Team's floor…'
I prayed it wouldn't be anything serious.
"Have a great day, Soleum-ssi!"
"Yes, you too, Heo-un-ssi."
After seeing off Jang Heo-un, I ascended to the 25th floor with Squad Leader Lee Jaheon.
Ding.
"Follow me."
"Yessir."
I trudged behind the squad leader.
'This feels longer than I thought.'
After taking several winding turns down the hallway, instead of a meeting room, a door came into view.
It had an unexpectedly warm, wooden nameplate.
Fox Counseling Office
"..."
Wait a sec.
"Squad Leader, this is…"
Thud.
Suddenly.
I was pinned to the wall by Squad Leader Lee Jaheon.
...?!
"Soleum-ssi, answer the following questions immediately and without hesitation."
– Oh dear! Does you need my assistance, Friend?
'Wait, hold on…!'
The atmosphere felt tense.
I glanced at the lizard.
His red, vertical pupils stared sharply at me.
"Do you remember the conversation we had yesterday?"
I swallowed hard.
"…Yes."
"What was the topic at the end of our discussion?"
"That D-squad could possibly become an elite team."
"That was not the last topic. Answer again."
What?
"That was the last topic!"
"It wasn't. We discussed another topic afterward."
No way!
Maybe we did… but it was just small talk, wasn't it?
"Do not hesitate."
"...!"
"Answer me."
Damn it!
"I don't remember!"
"..."
"Wasn't it just small talk… idle chatter?"
The heavy silence and pressure continued.
And then…
Srrrk.
"I see."
Squad Leader Lee Jaheon released me from the wall.
I didn't know what just happened, but at least it seemed to be over…
"Soleum-ssi."
"Yes?"
"You are contaminated."
"..."
Huh?
But, that's…
"Well, it's common to have some level of contamination after exploration…"
But I couldn't even finish speaking before—
Thud.
Lee Jaheon threw open the counseling room door, grabbed me by the collar, and flung me inside.
"...!"
"You may not leave until the counseling is complete. I will wait outside."
Bang!
And the door slammed shut.
"..."
No.
No!!
– How dare you treat my friend so rudely!!
W-Wait, hold on.
Let's not overreact, Braun. Let's calm down…
'It's alright. This feels like a misunderstanding.'
I held back a sigh and raised my head.
Though I wasn't thrilled…
'I guess there's no harm in getting some counseling. It might even be good for my mental health.'
Let's not dwell on any side effects—it's probably a very low chance anyway.
– Hmm… if that's what you think, Mr. Roe Deer!
Alright.
The decision was made.
Dragging my feet, I walked reluctantly.
What lay ahead appeared to be a locker room.
A flowery sign was attached to the lockers.
Welcome, dear client!
Please change into a gown before entering ^^
Rows of hospital gowns with green leaf patterns were lined up in various sizes.
Is this a medical check-up or what…?
– If clothing were only about comfort, we would all go about naked.
– In that sense, this is a piece of cloth that fails at everything except covering the body.
Exactly.
'Still, I should wear it.'
There was a lizard out there who could physically destroy ghost stories standing guard. I'd better cooperate and finish the session.
I changed into a gown.
'That curtain looks like the way into the counseling space.'
Just as I reached to pull aside the curtain that seemed to be the exit of the locker room, I noticed writing.
From here on, only the client may enter ^^
Friends, family, and guardians must wait here!
'Ah.'
Hmm… Even if this was technically a benefit, it was still part of a ghost story. Better not break the rules.
"Braun, can you wait here for a bit?"
– Oh, I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried, but in this case, I must, of course, respect your privacy!
OK.
I carefully placed Braun near the vase on the locker room table and drew back the curtain.
Jingle…
Sunlight poured down warmly over my head.
"...!"
A small, cozy space lay before me.
A soothing room bathed in the glow of midday sun.
========================
Dark Exploration Records /
Ghost Story
[Fox Counseling Office]
: A ghost story featured in
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-E-925
A counseling space consisting of a sunny window, soft pastel-tone sofas, and a small silver bell that emits a clear sound.
Listed as an E-level employee benefit at Daydream Inc., it has mild effects on mental stabilization and contamination recovery.
Refer to the full document for detailed usage records of the Fox Counseling Office.
========================
Indeed, the atmosphere here was… quite nice.
– May it be a productive counseling session, Friend!
I sincerely hoped so.
I pulled the curtain closed again and stepped into the room.
Once more, a guiding note appeared.
Please sit comfortably on the sofa
and enjoy the view outside!
I sat down on the sofa as instructed.
Then I crossed my arms.
Well, the atmosphere was nice, but…
'I already know what's going to happen.'
It's truly fascinating. It helped me recover lost motivation and remember things I had forgotten…
– Interview after counseling with Lee Jeongeun (Supervisor)
Someone would appear outside the window to counsel me.
The figure would be customized for each person.
It would likely show me a person or object related to my trauma and create a scenario where the situation is resolved, allowing me to observe it.
For those who immerse themselves deeply, the session brings emotional healing, and they often leave either in tears or with a peaceful expression. That's the cliché of the usage records for this 'Fox Counseling Office' ghost story.
'Will it have any effect on me when I already know everything?'
At this point, I doubted it.
I crossed my arms and gazed at the large window showcasing a beautiful outdoor garden bathed in sunlight…
And then.
Someone appeared near the garden.
"...!!"
It was… me.
A tired, somber-looking version of myself stood in the sunny garden, looking back at me in the room.
Then, it waved.
"...!"
I instinctively raised my hand… and then lowered it.
'What is this.'
It wasn't a doppelgänger, but a strange unease and discomfort crept over me.
However, the 'Kim Soleum' standing in the garden didn't stop there.
He looked around, grabbed a nearby chair, and sat right in front of the window.
Smiling brightly, they faced me and smiled.
"..."
'Should I just stand up and leave?'
Even if the door wouldn't open for an hour, I could just wait by it…
I was getting more uncomfortable when—
"Sir Kim Soleum."
(T/N: 'Sir' as in, the counselor is calling him 'Teacher'. The term blatantly means teacher, but it can also be used as an expression of respect — Baek Saheon used the same term when he and Soleum first met)
"...!!"
"Thank you so much for coming for counseling today. I'll be your counselor."
The figure outside the window, looking exactly like me, began to speak.
"You seem quite tired today. How have you been sleeping recently? How many hours of sleep do you usually get?"
I gritted my teeth.
"...I sleep well enough."
"I see… Could you give me a specific number? More than five hours?"
"...Sometimes."
"I understand. Do you think sleeping less at times might be related to the stress of work?"
Wow.
'This is driving me insane.'
I barely managed to respond.
"I don't want to answer that. Hearing it from someone who looks exactly like me just makes me uncomfortable."
"Why do you think you feel uncomfortable, Sir Kim Soleum?"
"Isn't it natural for people to feel a sense of existential threat when they see someone identical to themselves?"
"But… I'm an intelligent being with clear differences from you, Sir Kim Soleum."
What?
"Would you like to figure out what those differences are?"
I instinctively scanned the person in front of me.
Eyes, nose, mouth, body, clothing.
"...Still identical."
"Then let's use a mirror for a better comparison."
Clatter.
The bookcase next to the sofa slid open, revealing a full-length mirror.
I found myself looking into it.
A tired office worker.
"..."
"Would you like to compare now?"
Whether I compared or not, it looked exactly the same…
"..."
"What do you think?"
"…I seem,"
I stared at my reflection.
"…To look more fatigued… maybe."
Was it just my… imagination?
"I see."
But the 'me' outside the window nodded.
"Why do you think there's a difference?"
"I don't know."
"Then let's observe a little more. Maybe something else will stand out."
I alternated between looking at the 'me' outside the window and the one in the mirror.
Eyes, nose, mouth, shoulders, arms…
Wrists.
"The tattoo."
I muttered as if in a trance.
"You don't have a tattoo."
The tattoo I had retained from the theme park was there.
But…
: 恩主 :
This one was missing.
The tattoo that functioned as my inventory.
"What kind of tattoo is it? Oh, that one!"
"Yes."
"There must be a reason you got such a tattoo. What does it do?"
"It lets me store items."
"I see. Do you have anything stored in it now?"
"Yes."
"Could you show me? If you're uncomfortable, you can just place the items somewhere I can't see."
"…Alright."
I retrieved items from the tattoo.
Equipment, coins, various items…
They were all familiar.
"I've taken everything out."
I still didn't understand the point of this.
How was this different from the 'me' outside?
"Sir Kim Soleum."
"Yes?"
"I think there's still something left inside your tattoo."
Enough!
"Would you like to extend your hand to me?"
I don't want to kno—
"No, you do. You want to know, Sir, and you can do it."
"..."
I stood up from the sofa.
I walked right up to the window…
And extended my hand.
"You've worked so hard."
The me outside the window grabbed my hand.
And then.
He thrust his hand straight into my tattoo.
The warm sunlight streamed into the Fox Counseling Office.
Standing outside the window was another version of me.
He was gripping my arm and stirring through the tattoo.
...
Huh?
That's someone else, isn't it?
Then I must reject this. Did I break the rules? No. Exactly, this situation isn't right! It isn't right! It isn't right! It isn't right! I must follow the rules because I'm a new teacher who adheres to them.
"All done, Sir."
The hand that had been stirring inside my tattoo withdrew.
Thud.
An object emerged along with the hand that had come out of what should have been an empty tattoo.
"This was inside."
Under the garden's lights, the bold red title came into clear view.
A brown file folder.
<■■ Kindergarten Handbook>
"It looks familiar. How do you remember it?"
Good god.
It felt like cold water had been dumped on me, and my mind instantly cleared.
'That…!!'
And like a dam breaking, fragments of blurred memories from the past few weeks came flooding back vividly.
When I had sealed the contaminated Supervisor Park Minseong from the kindergarten into my wrist!
The tattoo's space had consumed him effortlessly… Ah, the handbook must have touched me! I meant to handle it separately and would never have done that intentionally.
The handbook Park Minseong had been holding was absorbed into my tattoo along with him in one go!
I must've suppressed the urge to handle it separately, even though I fully intended to report everything to the Security Team after the rescue.
But…
– If you've taken any items or supplies from the "Hungry Hangman" Darkness, please return them.
– Oh, I don't have any.
I hadn't returned the handbook.
More accurately, whenever I tried to recall if there was anything else in the tattoo, an unconscious sense of rejection stopped me.
Doubting the rules is against the rules!
And even the fact that I felt rejection was gradually buried, as if I wasn't allowed to acknowledge it.
Because teachers mustn't feel resistance to the rules…
No, I shouldn't overthink this!
What's clear is that I did make repeated attempts.
Attempts to let others know that something was wrong with me.
– …Squad Leader.
– Yes.
– If it seems like I have a strange obsession with the rules, please look into it…
– Yes.
– ...Ah. I've just been overly focused on work lately, so I thought I'd mention it.
– I see.
I had even brought it up to Section Chief Lee Jaheon several times, though each conversation ended with vague self-doubt and trailed off.
'I almost made a serious mistake.'
The handbook within the tattoo had begun to erode my subconscious, and eventually, it all seemed natural to me so I could no longer recognize any of the bizarre signs…
'…At least I regained my senses at Sekwang Technical High School!'
Thanks to taking the Nostalgia Candy.
But the moment I woke from that dream, even that reprieve ended.
And yesterday, the 'last topic' I had with Section Chief Lee Jaheon in that conversation culminated everything.
– Kim Soleum-ssi.
– Yes?
– Have you recently felt an unusual compulsion or pressure to follow the rules?
– Following the rules is only natural for a member of the workplace, Squad Leader!
– I see.
"..."
Wow. Oh my god.
'I feel like throwing up.'
Was that really me??
I staggered and leaned against the window.
'So that's why Section Chief Lee Jaheon…'
He'd been so insistent on sending me straight to the counseling office.
"...Ha."
Everything was becoming clear now.
It felt as if I'd taken off a too-tight turtleneck or wiped clean a pair of smudged glasses.
A refreshing sense of liberation and exhaustion wrapped around my entire body.
And… unease, too.
"..."
"What are you thinking right now?"
"…I feel both tired and relieved."
"Does it feel like you've escaped from some uncomfortable compulsion?"
"…Yes."
The 'counselor', who looked like me and stood outside the window, gazed at me with a comforting expression.
"You've done very well. Staying here and following through with counseling is a testament to your strong will."
"..."
Then, he quietly set the handbook down on the garden floor, retrieved a shovel from somewhere, and lightly dug into the ground.
"When you're caught in powerful compulsions or ideas against your will, it's truly distressing, isn't it?"
Rustle, rustle.
The 'Kim Soleum' outside the window created a small dirt hole in the corner of the outdoor garden.
Thuk.
The handbook was tossed into the hole.
"While change isn't always bad, it's only right to resist when your body and mind are being strained."
The me outside the window neatly covered the hole with soil, then dusted off his hands with satisfaction.
"Sir Soleum, do you see the small plant in that pot?"
A pot?
When I turned my head, there was indeed a small pot on the table near the sofa.
It was a sprig with tiny, under-ripe fruits the size of beans.
"Could you pick one of the fruits you like and bring it to me?"
"..."
I carefully plucked a fruit that seemed the ripest and handed it over to the 'me' beyond the window.
"You did very well."
The counselor outside the window held both the fruit and my hand.
Then—
"...!"
The fruit in my hand ripened to a vivid red.
It swelled, looking plump and appetizing, as if it had absorbed plenty of nutrients.
"Chew it thoroughly before you swallow."
"..."
I placed the fruit in my mouth.
A torrent of intense anxiety, frustration, thoughts, and irrational sorrow and pain slowly melted away along with the fruit…
When a client with severe mental contamination visits, red fruits (suspected to be from the Fox's Pouch family or Fox Beads) are offered as medication.
The fruit has been shown to have excellent effects on mental stabilization.
Any attempts to take the fruit outside result in its disappearance the moment it crosses the doorway.
Huu.
With a deep breath, all the emotional residue scattered like grains of sand.
I felt at peace.
Just an ordinary, weary office worker once more.
Back to being my usual self.
I lifted my head and looked at the counselor standing by the window.
"Thank you. I feel much better now."
"No, I should be thanking you, Sir Kim Soleum!"
The counselor's face brightened noticeably.
For some reason, they no longer seemed to be mimicking my appearance.
"Shall we talk a little more?"
From that point on, it was an ordinary therapy session.
To be precise, it felt like a very skillful and comfortable counselor had helped me open up about various things.
'I'll give credit where it's due.'
If this profit-driven ghost story company, Daydream Inc., did one thing right, it was including this in their employee benefits.
"I'll give you a sign so you can visit the Fox Counseling Office anytime you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts."
On my way out, I received an item.
It was the same sign that had been on the door I entered through earlier.
Fox Counseling Office
"If you attach this sign to a door and open it, it will connect to our counseling office."
"…Thank you."
Though I'd like to keep it, I'd have to attach it to a door once I left.
Every client who uses the company's welfare program is required to affix the sign to the door after completing their session.
'The nameplate I used earlier must have disappeared by now.'
Thinking of it as repaying a debt made it easier to accept.
"Well then, I'll take my leave now."
I was about to stand up when the counselor's regretful voice stopped me.
"Actually, scheduling regular appointments every one or two weeks is the best approach…"
Ahhhh!
"Sorry, but I'm too busy… That might be difficult."
"Of course. These days, everyone says that…"
The 'counselor' looked slightly dejected, nodding their head.
But I couldn't afford to fall for that look.
'Scheduling regular counseling increases the likelihood of side effects dramatically…!'
Usage Record #521 (Irregular)
The 'counselor' strongly urged the client to schedule regular sessions.
The client initially declined, but after 1 hour and 21 minutes of persistent persuasion, the client accepted with a sense of ease.
Afterward, the client went missing.
※ Full access to this record requires B-level security clearance.
Fortunately, the counselor let me go with a smile instead of pressing further.
"Still, it's a relief that you have good colleagues, family, and friends around you, Sir Kim Soleum."
"..."
Wait a second.
It's true that even in this insane ghost-story-filled world, I have decent people and a 'good friend' around me, but…
"Family…? What do you mean?"
The counselor extended a hand and tapped their wrist.
I looked down at my own wrist.
The spot was…
: Socius :
"That person."
"...?!"
♬♩♪♬~♪♪♩~
"Ah, our time is up. Take care, Sir Kim Soleum."
I lifted my head.
No one was there.
The counselor who had been smiling at the window vanished like a lie, leaving only the sunlight pouring in from the quaint, beautiful outdoor garden…
♬♩♪♬~♪♪♩~
A light waltz melody signaled the end of the session.
In the distance, I thought I glimpsed a fox's bright orange tail darting away under the garden's stone wall.
"..."
I rose from the sofa and headed toward the changing room curtain.
On the way, I noticed a cool-looking drink placed on a floral lace table.
Keep up the good work today!
*^^*
"..."
I downed the drink in one go and set it down with gratitude.
It was a delicious, nutty barley tea.
– Was the counseling helpful, Friend?
"Yeah."
I grabbed my 'Good Friend' plushie.
...Now that my mind had cleared, I had a few thoughts about this little thing as well…
'I'll save that for after work.'
For now, there was someone I had to face first.
Creak.
I opened the door and stepped out.
The head of a white lizard in a black suit, as he was leaning against the opposite wall, turned to look at me.
"Did you complete the counseling session?"
"Yes."
I was sure I had an awkward expression on my face as I answered.
"Thank you, Squad Leader. Thanks to you, I've been freed from the contamination."
"No need to thank me."
Chief Lizard being humble…?!
"Kim Soleum-ssi, you are still contaminated. Make sure to attend counseling sessions regularly."
"...Yes."
Ah. So that's what he meant.
"Still, I feel much better than before. Doesn't it seem that way to you too, Squad Leader?"
"Yes."
Chief Lizard scrutinized me carefully before declaring,
"Let's proceed now."
"Proceed… with what?"
"A message from Supervisor Park Minseong."
"...!!"
Section Chief Lee Jaheon pulled a small post-it from his suit pocket and handed it to me.
You've worked hard, Roe. Thank you for getting me out.
"...."
I took a deep breath.
"Has he recovered?"
"What exactly is the standard for recovery…"
"Can he communicate rationally?"
"It's possible, technically speaking."
Huu…
'So that means he's still a bit unstable.'
Regardless, it was a relief to know I was recovering.
And naturally, another teammate came to mind.
"…By the way, Assistant Manager Eun Haje hasn't contacted you at all… right, sir?"
"Yes."
"...."
Assistant Manager Eun Haje had completely vanished as soon as she went on leave.
If I sent her texts or messages on KakaoTalk, she'd occasionally read them, but she never replied. Just the read receipt.
'She's probably trying to distance herself from this ghost story company.'
After all the chaos caused by mental contamination, it seemed like a wise move.
Anyway, with that, my morning schedule came to an end.
"Should I head back to the office now?"
"Yes."
"Once again, thank you so much, Squad Leader."
"Yes."
Section Chief Lee Jaheon went off to attend to his own tasks, and I spent some time browsing the welfare mall in the office before lunch.
It was a small luxury made possible by having just secured an A-grade essence.
'Being sane definitely feels better….'
I don't know. This company is terrifying.
Knock, knock.
"Good afternoon."
Huh?
I looked up from my monitor.
Someone had entered the office without me noticing and was carefully tapping on my desk.
It was a young man in a gray suit.
'A face I don't recognize.'
Was he from another squad or department?
He seemed to be around my age but had the kind of presence you'd never want to face as a competitor during an interview….
'Why didn't he just join another major corporation instead of this one?'
For a brief moment, I almost pitied him, but I quickly adjusted my posture.
"Good afternoon. How can I help you?"
"Oh, I had something to ask."
He spoke just as politely.
"Did your counseling session go well, Soleum-nim?"
"...!"
"It's good to see you've recovered so much. I'm glad. I'm Ho Yoowon, by the way."
He extended a hand for a handshake.
"I heard Director Cheong recently made you an interesting offer."
"...."
Director Cheong.
He didn't use an honorific.
(T/N: Instead of eesa-nim, he just said eesa)
And that name.
Ho Yoowon.
...
…Director Ho!!
"It's quite a coincidence. I also have a proposal to make."
Director Ho had paid a personal visit to D-squad's office.
I had heard about Director Ho indirectly several times.
Mostly due to internal office politics.
He was in 'line' with the elite A-squad and Lee Byeongjin, who was the one in charge of manual evaluations.
– That section chief was close with A-squad. You know, like… 'on the same line'.
– Director Ho has his eye on you, Supervisor Kim.
– The director is the best superior you could ever have in this company. Don't miss this opportunity.
I had been encouraged multiple times to align myself with those on Director Ho's 'line'.
But I never expected the man himself to suddenly show up, unannounced, in D-squad's office like a casual neighboring coworker!
"...!"
I instinctively stood up and bowed.
"Good day to you, Director Ho."
"Oh, you recognized me right away…"
What was he trying to act sheepish about after casually addressing Director Cheong without honorifics earlier?!
'He barged in as if he already knew about Director Cheong's "interesting proposal" to me…'
Wait a second.
'Didn't Director Ho just say he had a proposal of his own to make?'
A proposal?
I glanced at the young man with a pleasant demeanor.
In a friendly tone, he continued speaking.
"Sorry about that. I must've made you tense by bringing up someone so intimidating, right?"
"Not at all. If anything, I'm sorry for not properly introducing myself earlier…"
"Ohh, no need for that! I'm not big on formalities, so feel free to speak casually."
As if that were possible.
'Is he the type who lacks basic decency?'
Or perhaps he was intentionally trying to create tension.
Either way, I nodded and took a deep breath to appear slightly more relaxed.
'This must be the reaction he wanted.'
Sure enough, Director Ho continued with a calm expression, though his words didn't sound so benign.
"Let me take a guess. Director Cheong likely made a proposal related to the elite squads—perhaps about forming a new one?"
"..."
Wow. Seriously.
Should I just come clean and tell him everything?
But even if I didn't, it felt like I'd still end up in trouble.
My thoughts raced.
"Well, yes, but… Ah! My apologies. I've been a bit flustered. Let me show you to a more comfortable spot."
Feigning sudden realization, I guided Director Ho to the guest sofa in D-squad's office, breaking the flow of conversation.
– Ah, you're buying time to handle a tricky guest. Well done, Mr. Roe Deer! That was perfectly natural!
The ghost story quiz show host who incinerated anything unnatural in his show might've approved, but I still felt uneasy. At least I'd bought some time.
I quickly dashed to the break room, prepared some snacks, green tea, and coffee, and hurried back out.
"Would you prefer tea or coffee?"
"Oh, just have whatever you like and give me the other."
Does he not realize how insidiously passive-aggressive that sounds coming from an executive?!
I gauged his reaction and handed him green tea, pretending to prefer coffee. I bowed slightly as I brought it over.
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Not at all."
Director Ho sipped the tea and made a generic remark about how warm and pleasant it was.
"Really, I didn't come here to pressure you, Soleum-nim. I just thought it'd be nice to get acquainted and have a conversation."
As if anyone in the working world didn't know that being too casual with an executive could end in disaster.
But his next words caught me off guard.
"We don't often get to see members of the Field Exploration Team for long periods, so when I come across someone I might see more frequently, I make sure to check in often."
"..."
"Frankly, the Field Exploration Team contributes greatly to this company. Yet even within the Development Department, there are people who sit at their desks ranting about efficiency and treating the Field Exploration Team as disposable short-term workers."
Director Ho's eyes flickered briefly with emotion.
"You might think I'm an idealist, but this isn't a situation I find agreeable. Don't you agree?"
"..."
Doesn't that sound like a kind statement?
But actually, it gave me a foreboding feeling.
'…An executive in this company shouldn't say things like that.'
If he's at the executive level, he has the power to fix such issues directly. Why was he seeking agreement from a new hire, asking, 'Doesn't this seem like a problem?'
'It's not like he's conducting a loyalty test for subversive ideas.'
But since he might be sincere, I carefully adjusted my tone. I aimed to respond in a way that wouldn't cause trouble, regardless of his intent, while giving the impression that I wasn't opposing him.
"…At least no one here is forced to work. I've heard the company allows resignations freely and ensures the wish tickets are properly distributed."
"Yes, as you said, that's one silver lining."
Director Ho smiled warmly.
"Compared to organizations that brand ordinary citizens as criminals without trial and sacrifice them to the Darkness, at least this place offers some autonomy."
"..."
Wow, this man really despises the Disaster Management Bureau.
'Better not let him find out I was involved.'
The agent ID badge was still in my possession, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I hid my expression behind a sip of coffee.
"Still, people who want to live even one day like a human being might reject such a place."
"Right? It's easy to talk with you, Soleum-nim."
That's a misunderstanding.
But please, hold on to that misunderstanding for a long time…
Before the conversation turned into a ticking time bomb, I desperately steered it elsewhere.
"Thank you. By the way, Director, about that proposal you mentioned…"
"Ohh, right! We need to talk about that."
Director Ho's face lit up.
"Actually, I'm in the middle of forming a project team, and I'm recruiting employees for it."
"...!"
"I'd like to invite you to join this project team, Soleum-nim."
What?
I suddenly recalled something Section Chief Lee Byeongjin had once mentioned:
– There's even a rumor that Director Ho runs a top-secret project team under his department… You might get transferred there.
'And now that rumor's become reality.'
But what came next was even more shocking.
"To be precise, as a candidate for team leader."
"..."
Has this director lost his marbles?
"There are three candidates I'm considering. Honestly, if you had just two more years of experience, you'd be my top pick. For now, consider yourself one of the finalists."
My mind was reeling.
– Oh, this offer seems to promise more authority than last time. Let's hear out the conditions, Friend!
No, hearing the conditions only works when I have some leverage to negotiate! Right now…!
'…This feels like I'm doomed, huh?'
Isn't this just like Paris receiving the golden apple?
Whichever choice I make, I'll likely anger the remaining superiors.
This is worse than just joining a line.
'I'd burn all bridges for switching sides.'
What do I do?
I could barely maintain my outward composure, and even that felt like an accomplishment.
'Refusing both offers might be the best option…'
"Oh, I might've been too hasty. I should've mentioned the compensation first."
"…Compensation, sir?"
"A performance bonus for the project."
Director Ho smiled.
"If the project succeeds, all team members will receive a wish ticket."
"...!!"
"One for each member, no exceptions."
Holy shit.
"And the team leader will receive an additional perk, but we can discuss that in more detail once you've joined the team."
"..."
"Oh, and thank you for the tea."
Director Ho got up from the sofa, placed his mug in the sink, and headed for the office door.
"Take a few days to think it over and let me know. But I suggest not taking longer than a week."
He leaned in slightly, as if giving friendly advice.
"Director Cheong isn't known for her patience."
"..."
"If you ever need someone to talk to while working, feel free to stop by my office anytime. Then, bye!"
-x-X-x-
That night.
Though I had mostly recovered from the contamination and regained a clear mind, I returned home feeling incredibly unsettled.
'This feels like déjà vu.'
"Phew."
I collapsed onto the bed.
'I'm definitely caught up in some internal power struggle between the executives in the Development Department, aren't I?'
It's true I might seem like an exceptionally useful outlier, but the situation has escalated this far because the two directors are clearly aware of each other.
Their proposals were ridiculously excessive.
...If that's the case.
'I should go with the one offering better treatment.'
At least that way, I won't end up as a discarded pawn.
'The problem is I have no personal information about either director.'
The
In other words, while it included staff names and profiles, it didn't bother to detail the personal information of the executives making decisions from up top.
'In any case, it's clear neither of them is ordinary, which only makes this more maddening.'
Director Cheong was already suspicious because Chief Lizard referred to her as a 'being', while Director Ho seemed off from his appearance and overly friendly speech.
For an executive, he looked too young and spoke like some social service worker.
'…I do have a rough idea about his identity from his surname and appearance...'
But at this point, it was all just speculation.
'What a headache.'
Dealing with ghost stories is hard enough. Having to worry about this on top of it feels unreal…
After agonizing over it, I decided to temporarily set the issue aside.
…There was another more urgent matter at hand.
...
"Braun."
– You're calling me, Friend!
Huu.
"About bathing in the Bloodbathtub. Can't we replace it with something else?"
There was a brief silence.
– …You've changed your mind in just one day, Mr. Roe Deer! Breaking promises isn't a good habit, you know.
"..."
– But since I'm your good friend, it's fine, Friend!
"Sorry."
I immediately apologized.
"You're right—I shouldn't have gone back on my word. I think I made a mistake because I wasn't in the right state of mind when I agreed."
– How strange, Mr. Roe Deer. This host distinctly remembers that just last night, you had no signs of extreme fatigue, panic, dizziness, or anything else that might hinder an interview.
The 'good friend' spoke in his usual cheerful tone, which only made him more terrifying.
– Oh, I'm now curious by what standard you're claiming you weren't in your right mind…
"..."
Today was full of cold sweat moments.
How had I never realized how scary this thing was?
I tried my best not to look directly at the plushie as I continued.
"…But you knew my mind was contaminated by that handbook, didn't you? The one I brought back from that kindergarten, which was still in my tattoo."
It was obvious Braun knew.
He had even pointed it out during the last Bloodbathtub session.
– Mr. Roe Deer, your bath additive is blended, isn't it?
He had to have known I was being consumed by the ghost story.
"You just didn't think of it as 'contamination'… more like a transformation."
-That is correct, Mr. Roe Deer!
Haah...
'So that's how it was…'
Even the word 'correct' gave me chills, but I managed to respond calmly.
"But I see it as contamination, and I don't want to be contaminated."
I raised my hand into the air.
The tattoo on my wrist was now empty and clear.
"I like myself better as I am now."
– ...
"I also don't like having my judgment flip like a coin."
To end, I added something I figured even Braun could empathize with.
"At the very least, I never want to become a teacher at some outdated kindergarten running creepy Hangman games."
– Hmm… yes. That is quite an irrefutable statement.
Braun seemed somewhat shocked.
– Right. Mr. Roe Deer, belonging to that old-fashioned kindergarten? Impossible! Such a waste would be unthinkable!
– I must admit, I haven't been acting like a true good friend…
– All right. Let's work on getting closer through a different kind of transformation!
"..."
So then.
"If I let myself get contaminated because it makes interacting with you easier, does that mean you'll just leave me contaminated?"
– Haha, no need to ask in such an unfamiliar tone. That's simply the theory you've proven yourself over the past few weeks, Mr. Roe Deer!
Images of my actions over the past few weeks flashed through my mind.
Consumed by contamination, I had talked freely and relied on the ghost story resident without hesitation or concern.
– It's only natural, isn't it? After all, similar people tend to become friends.
Good grief.
No, I had anticipated this much.
I took a deep breath.
It was time to say what needed to be said.
"That's not true."
– Not true?
"Yeah. It's not really necessary for friends to share the same values as each other."
I carefully chose my words.
"And being comfortable with each other doesn't automatically make someone a friend, either."
This part… was honestly true.
"Friends try to understand each other's differences, and even when they can't, they still care for one another… by talking things through."
– ...
"And to reiterate, I don't want to be contaminated."
Without turning my head, I gently placed my hand on the desk where the plushie sat.
"If you can't understand that, at the very least, let me know before doing something I don't want. Give me a chance to talk to you about it."
– Hmm.
A sound like plastic fingers tapping on the desk echoed as if Braun were thinking deeply.
And then,
– Very well, Mr. Roe Deer.
– Logical, reasonable, and it even moved my heart. I see no reason not to agree! After all, you are my friend.
Huuu.
"Thank you."
It seemed to have ended well.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I finally turned to face my 'good friend'—the slightly scary but strangely dependable plushie I had summoned.
I carefully picked it up.
"Let's keep working together from now on."
That, too, was sincere.
Afterward, I proceeded with one of the decisions I had made while contaminated: an aromatherapy massage.
"I'll do it while looking at the shadow, so let me know if anything feels off."
– Of course, Friend!
Honestly, I wasn't a professional, and working just by observing the silhouette probably didn't feel very refreshing, but Braun seemed quite satisfied.
– Not everyone needs to be a massage expert! This will do just fine.
Even as he gently gave it a three-star rating, he still added,
– But I do miss bathing… To always be by my friend's side, I'll need to rejuvenate a bit more!
"That's something… we'll discuss over time."
…It's tough.
Maintaining a relationship with a ghost story resident like the 'good friend' wasn't easy.
It wasn't purely terrifying or nerve-wracking, but it wasn't entirely trustworthy or comforting either.
'Finding balance between those extremes is the rational approach.'
I needed to be careful not to lose that balance.
As Braun, refreshed from the aromatherapy massage, chattered away, I listened quietly.
– Come to think of it, I'm curious again. Which of the two legendary proposals you received at work will you accept, Mr. Roe Deer?
– Still deliberating? While my advice as an industry expert is worth its weight in gold… I'm happy to offer it free of charge for a friend!
Hmm. Well…
"Actually, I've almost decided."
– Oh!
"I just need to ask one last question tomorrow, then I'll pay them a visit."
– And if you could share a little about that decisive question with this legendary host?!
I rested my head on the pillow and laughed.
"You'll find out tomorrow."
– ...!!
– I'm somewhat moved, Mr. Roe Deer…
Thus ended the tumultuous day.
And the next day,
I truly did ask my 'decisive question' before heading to the office of one of the two directors.
-x-X-x-
The upper floors of Daydream Inc. headquarters.
Knock, knock, knock.
I carefully rapped on the luxurious door with the back of my hand.
The door slid open automatically, and…
"You're here."
Inside, the figure of the director seated at their desk came into view.
An executive with dark, blue-tinged hair of indeterminate age.
Director Cheong Dallae.
"You didn't waste unnecessary time, nor were you deceived by schemes. A wise child always lives long, you know."
Quite the fierce way to deliver a compliment…
"Yes, thank you, ma'am."
In any case, I'd made my decision.
I chose to accept Director Cheong's proposal: 'to turn D-squad into an elite squad'.
There were reasons, of course, but I'd reflect on those later. For now, I had to handle the intimidating executive in front of me.
Director Cheong examined me with a satisfied expression and smiled.
"I trust you'll wait quietly while the reorganization takes place in the necessary time."
"Yes, ma'am. I'll work even harder to ensure I'm deserving of this promotion."
I shook hands with Director Cheong, maintaining a perfectly polite demeanor.
And beside me…
"You'll do the same, won't you, Section Chief Lee Jaheon?"
"Yes."
Chief Lizard was accompanying me.
…For the record, this is how Section Chief Lee reacted to my decision:
– I see.
End of story.
'Is it really fair to call that reaction… easygoing?'
It was hard to believe that this was the same lizard who had previously advised me to 'refuse'.
'Seriously, isn't he also in the same boat now? Shouldn't he at least listen to some of the reasoning?!'
Thanks to that, I ended up explaining my choice to the seemingly indifferent Chief Lizard, hearing 'I see' and 'Yes' about ten times in the process.
I also discussed how to minimize the 'risks' associated with Director Cheong.
"So, have you decided on the third squad member?"
Right on cue, the topic came up.
With only two active members currently in D-squad, Director Cheong had suggested I bring in whoever I wanted for the remaining position.
"I've come up with an idea regarding that matter."
"What kind of idea?"
I spoke as calmly as possible, getting straight to the point.
"To ensure that anyone can work together."
* * *
[Leave the third member of Elite D-squad as an open slot]
Since D-squad wasn't being absorbed into the existing elite squad structure but rather trialed under a new system, it was a plausible suggestion.
The biggest advantage?
'It prevents Director Cheong from indiscriminately placing one of her own people.'
Didn't she say I could bring in whoever I wanted?
If I trusted that at face value, this wouldn't be a company.
'If the person I picked didn't meet her expectations, she'd just ask if there was anyone else.'
From there, she'd gradually steer the selection toward someone she preferred.
'Once I accepted the offer and willingly aligned myself with her line, she'd have nothing to lose.'
She'd either insert her own person or, at the very least, try to sway whoever joined next.
In my view, that's where Section Chief Lee Jaheon's warning about the 'danger' came into play.
'The person working alongside me shouldn't be a pawn of Director Cheong.'
It'd be better to have a rotating roster for each exploration mission.
This approach even provided a reasonable pretext.
'Since it's a new trial, why not leave a vacancy in D-squad as an internship spot for aspiring elite squad members?'
Like that.
Obviously, elite squad positions were limited, and few people advanced from regular squads.
Most junior employees tended to give up early, prioritizing cost-efficiency unless they had exceptional performance or networked well.
From the management's perspective, they likely viewed this lack of initiative as inefficient, criticizing employees for being 'fixated solely on points, with no loyalty to the company'.
'Seriously, without the points, why would anyone join in the first place?'
It was a rather ridiculous expectation, but… hmm, seeing how this company operates, I thought it might actually work.
– I considered whether it might provide a new motivation for junior employees in the Field Exploration Team, who currently lack incentives beyond wish tickets, to want to improve their performance.
I gave Director Cheong a thorough presentation along those lines.
Honestly, I wasn't sure if the employees would really bite.
At best, a few capable supervisors or assistant managers might try the elite squad experience and then reassess their career plans.
But it sounded convincing enough, and it wouldn't be entirely ineffective, so it worked out.
'At the very least, it should help set the tone.'
And at the very least, it… worked on Director Cheong.
– Not bad.
…I felt a little stung by her 'I'll let it slide' kind of reaction, but what mattered was that it passed.
Sure enough, within a few days, rumors had spread through the Field Exploration Team, and even the group chat among my batchmates was buzzing for the first time in a while.
[does anyone know the deets on the new elite squad? ㅎ]
[is it true theyre selecting employees with 1–3 years of exp?]
[I heard about elite squad internships. What have you all heard? ^^]
[the elite squad's benefits are incredible…]
The funny thing was… no one messaged me directly anymore.
Even after news broke that I'd cleared another A-grade mission, no one sent congratulations or inquiries.
'Is this… ostracism?'
After carefully responding to a few group chat questions to avoid being underestimated, the questions themselves stopped coming.
'Come to think of it, I was the last to be added to the group chat in the first place.'
It was a bit bitter.
[Heard the news! Congrats, Soleum-ssi! You really succeeded with that method!]
[Thank you, Yeongeun-ssi.]
Still, I was grateful that one colleague consistently sent congratulatory messages.
Taking the chance, I also squared up with Go Yeongeun for the help she'd given me during the last ghost story mission.
'Since she's the type to return the favor, it's best to keep building trust.'
I shared the method I used to clear the mission and offered her part of the 'boss fight rewards' I'd received.
'Thanks to her, I survived the mission.'
Specifically, I'd learned from Go Yeongeun where to protect my organs to avoid instant death.
Of course, recalling the experience sent goosebumps down my spine. It had been utterly reckless.
'Note to self… Use tattoo stickers sparingly.'
They worked, but they weren't something to mess with lightly…
[Ah… um. I'll gratefully accept.]
Go Yeongeun seemed conflicted but accepted, and we met in front of her dorm to hand over a few protective talisman beads.
During our conversation, the topic of the 'new elite squad' rumors came up…
"By the way, Yeongeun-ssi, are you thinking of aiming for the elite squad?"
"No I'm perfectly fine as I am thank you."
"..."
Please, breathe before you answer, Yeongeun-ssi…
She seemed to strongly suspect I might include her.
'To be honest, I'd considered her as a candidate… but maybe it's good I didn't push for it.'
In any case, this seemed like the best answer I could come up with in the current situation…
Though, of course, not everyone would agree with me.
"I really can't believe you've become an elite squad…"
"..."
"Why would you make such a risky choice?"
The voice was filled with concern.
Sitting at a desk in D-squad's office, I rubbed my forehead.
"…Director Ho."
"Yes?"
"If I've been rude in any way, sir, I sincerely apologize."
Why exactly are you here?
Why are you sitting in D-squad's office, as casually as if you were a coworker visiting from the next department, when we're about to vacate this place?!
"Pardon? You've never been rude, Soleum-nim. Honestly, you should have more confidence in yourself."
"..."
This man is no ordinary character…
Director Ho, with a slightly disappointed look, acted as though I'd refused a simple lunch invitation from a coworker.
That made it all the more terrifying.
'I expected him to either target me or ignore me completely.'
Why is he acting so… neutral?
To be honest, Director Ho had the authority and had made a more shocking proposal, so rejecting him could've easily offended him.
'Any rational person would've chosen his side.'
Naturally, I was leaning more toward that side.
At least, until I asked this question.
– Director, if it's not too much trouble, may I ask what iteration this project is on?
– Iteration? Ah, you're asking which one this is?
– Yes, that's correct.
– If that's what you mean, there's no specific number. It's a new initiative.
– …I see. Thank you.
In that moment, I made my decision.
'Let's cut ties.'
A new project in a ghost story company?
Nine times out of ten, a project like that's established due to a high-grade, unidentified ghost story.
'It's definitely A-grade or higher.'
At this point, we're not talking about ghost stories that simply correlate with risk levels.
The projects are based on fears so devastating that no individual could handle them—utter despair with no way to predict or prepare.
These aren't just fears of death or disappearance—they're existential, higher-level horrors.
And now they've dangled wish tickets as rewards, the kind that would make any employee lose their mind?
'It's probably S-grade, isn't it?'
This project seemed poised to be the company's top-tier mission for the Field Exploration Team.
On top of that, this was the first trial run, meaning there was no prior data available?
'It's a suicide mission.'
No matter how good the perks were, the premise was flawed from the start.
If I were guaranteed to be the team leader, it might've been different… but honestly, even as a team leader, it'd be a hollow title.
'As if the dream team of employees handpicked by the director would ever listen to someone like me, who hasn't even been here a full year.'
Besides, with the director involved, the team leader would just be a middle manager, caught in the crossfire and barely surviving—or not surviving at all.
'…I don't want that.'
I'd already accumulated nearly a third of the required points. I didn't need to take such a gamble for a wish ticket.
…Besides, staying with D-squad had another practical benefit.
'This way, if Supervisor Park Minseong or Assistant Manager Eun Haje returns, they can naturally rejoin D-squad…'
…It's much easier to bring someone into a spot that's been kept open and flexible.
So, it was a multifaceted decision.
But since I couldn't explain all this, I simply said this.
"This seemed like the better choice for more people, so I had to go with this side. My apologies."
"..."
In that moment, Director Ho's genial expression seemed to falter.
And then he spoke.
"Kind-hearted people are always the hardest to understand…"
"..."
Wait, just now…!
Tak.
"Well, if you ever change your mind, feel free to reach out, Soleum-nim."
With that, his voice faded.
Director Ho casually nodded at me, smiled, and left the office.
"..."
Just now… that didn't seem normal.
– Mr. Roe Deer, I detect the scent of pestilence on that man.
Pestilence?
– Be sure to take extra care with sterilization if you invite him into a personal space or studio!
"..."
'Pestilence, meaning a plague…?'
I mulled over Director Ho's identity for a moment before shrugging it off.
'First things first. Focus on the urgent tasks.'
For now, I needed to reorganize and prepare for what I'd need before officially joining the elite squad…
"Soleum-ssi."
Aagh!
"S-Squad Leader."
Chief Lizard entered through the door that Director Ho had just exited, holding out some documents.
"Director Cheong asked me to pass these along, saying, 'Perhaps it's worth checking out.'"
"Yes. Understood…"
'Please, a little warning next time…'
I quietly exhaled as I took the documents and read the title on the first page.
Qterw-C-1603
Unregistered Exploration Testimony #21
Security Clearance: [C]
…Huh?
"Am I allowed to read this…?"
"Yes."
Umm.
It appeared to be a 'pre-registration' exploration report that required C-grade security clearance for access. It seemed Director Cheong had given me special permission to read it…
'That's even scarier!'
But refusing to read it felt even riskier, so I took a deep breath and began reading.
What kind of exploration record could this be…?
...
Huh?
Ad leaflet introducing a new product released, confirmed to be from Qterw-C-1603.
Product name : Good Child Chocolate Bar (Cinnamon Churros Flavor).
Features : Packaging depicts a caricature of a child's face wearing a suit and a mask with tree branch-like goat horns.
※ The character on the packaging resembles the company's Field Exploration Team uniform.
Be cognizant in checking staff with a similar mask design.
"..."
Wait a second.
Isn't this…
Me?
-x-X-x-
During exploration missions into the Darkness, it's only natural to encounter absurd events or chilling experiences.
Being chased by ghosts, public transport suddenly heading to some unknown destination, or people on the streets staring at you the moment you step outside your home…
But over time, many employees say they've grown accustomed to such things.
'Even I've gotten a little used to it, I think.'
After all, the previous ghost story, despite involving contamination and items, was one where I managed to clear a high-grade mission by losing my limbs.
But certain types of eeriness never become familiar.
For instance, a ghost story that suddenly 'recognizes' me.
"..."
I nervously flipped through the documents.
The report even included a crude sketch of the packaging drawn by the exploration staff who filed it.
– Oh, it seems the artist sacrificed aesthetics in favor of conveying key information.
It was terribly drawn, but you could still tell exactly who it resembled.
'…Braun.'
– Speak freely, Friend!
'Doesn't that look like me?'
– Taking into account the artistic style, as well as the mask and hairstyle, it seems we've reached the same conclusion!
"..."
Even the product name was 'Good Child', and the flavor was 'Cinnamon Churros'.
'That's the blue mascot from the theme park.'
And the ghost story it appeared in? Qterw-C-1603?
Why did I show up in that ghost story?
I instinctively glanced at my tattoo but stopped myself.
Then I turned to Section Chief Lee Jaheon, who was staring blankly at me, and asked,
"This hasn't been officially added to the manual yet, correct?"
"Yes."
Huu.
That was a relief, at least.
'If Director Cheong went out of her way to show me this in advance…'
…A favor? A debt?
Probably both.
Once this is officially recorded as an exploration log, any identifying descriptions would be censored with black squares, depending on the security level. ȑÃƝŐBËŚ
Instead, the Research Team would likely jump at the chance to conduct experimental exploration, claiming they needed to figure out why such phenomena occurred…
Maybe they'd send in someone dressed like me. Or they'd send me in without any information.
'Kwak Jaekang might even notice and shove me back into the theme park.'
What a nightmare.
If it came to that, asking Director Cheong for help would mean cementing my fate as a 'Loyal Employee under Director Cheong's wing, 30 Years of Service'.
Why is it that no matter how hard I try, I'm surrounded by so many ways to get screwed over?
'That's just the nature of ghost stories, I guess.'
Anyway, I should be grateful I learned about this now.
Even if I ended up indebted to Director Cheong, this was better than having the Research Team sink their teeth into it.
'And since she showed me this in advance…'
"Is the Darkness we're exploring this week related to this case?"
"I do not know."
"…Do you think there's more than a 50% chance it is?"
"Yes."
As expected.
'If the director's giving me a heads-up, it only makes sense for me to check it out myself.'
Qterw-C-1603.
If I'm going to face mental torture as a coward in a ghost story anyway, I might as well make it count.
That principle has never wavered.
'Let's confirm it.'
And this time, I had a solid companion.
The widely recognized brute-force exorcism expert, Section Chief Lee Jaheon!
…Though, thinking back to the clown ghost story, his fearlessness could lead to some questionable decision-making under pressure.
'Well, if it's just one-on-one, I could probably find a way to persuade him or find an escape route…'
Lately, I'd even gotten better at handling conversations.
So having a fearless squad leader as my partner wouldn't be a bad thing—it's actually quite reassuring.
But there was one more variable.
"Soleum-ssi."
"Yes."
"Would you be requesting additional support staff?"
Ah, right.
Squads in the Field Exploration Team operate with a three-member standard, so this time, our squad would get one extra member for support.
'I suppose this is like a pre-run for the elite squad.'
Usually, they just assign someone randomly, but… hmm.
"Is it possible to request a specific person?"
"Yes."
Oh! …Wait, hold on.
"...I'd prefer not to go through Director Cheong. Is that still possible?"
"No."
"..."
'Good thing I asked…!'
That could've doubled my debt.
I suppressed a sigh but couldn't hold back a lingering question.
It was something I'd always been curious about with Chief Lizard.
"Pardon, Squad Leader. You tend to give very concise answers. Is there a particular reason for that?"
"Yes."
The lizard briefly looked skyward before refocusing on me.
"It's based on feedback to only provide detailed answers when explicitly requested."
"…In what situation did you receive such feedback?"
"On the third day after I started working here, during an exploration mission into the Darkness."
"..."
So that's why…
Even without a detailed description, I could vividly imagine the situation, like a picture forming in my mind.
"Um, Squad Leader, if it's not an urgent situation, I'd appreciate it if you'd speak more freely when it's just the two of us."
"Understood."
And then, Section Chief Lee Jaheon… began to explain!
"If you wish to specify the traits of the support staff, report it to me, Kim Soleum-ssi. While specific names cannot be designated, you may request preferred characteristics for the candidate pool."
"...!"
He's voluntarily explaining things!
– Mr. Roe Deer, you have a knack for conducting interviews!
T-Thanks.
For a moment, I felt a surge of confidence, but the important thing was what Section Chief Lee Jaheon had just shared.
'So while I can't pinpoint exactly who should join, I can specify the kind of person I'd prefer?'
Hmm.
After some thought, I decided on one characteristic for the 'support staff'.
"I'd prefer someone from among the current junior employees."
There was an implicit meaning behind this.
All current junior employees were my peers.
'Not because I feel isolated in the group chat or anything…'
Well, to be honest, there was something suspicious about this exploration, so I didn't want someone too high up the ladder, or rather, someone overly familiar with how the company worked.
'It'd be nice to make more acquaintances, too.'
I figured it was about time to expand my network within the company.
"Yes."
Section Chief Lee Jaheon readily approved my request, and I found myself feeling a little excited.
Who would the new face be?
-x-X-x-
A few days later.
"..."
"..."
I met Jang Heo-un, who was standing in front of the D-squad office door, looking at me with a welcoming expression.
"I'm Jang Heo-un, from F-squad…!"
A familiar face.
It wasn't a bad result, though. Since he wasn't a superior, the exploration would likely feel more relaxed.
I smiled and extended my hand to Jang Heo-un.
"Nice to see you again. Let's have a good exploration today."
"Of course, Soleum-ssi! I'll do my best to contribute to a clear!"
Jang Heo-un enthusiastically shook my hand. He was definitely a good guy…
"Ooh, yes-yes, let's work well together~!"
"..."
"...??"
When I turned, I saw another employee stepping off the elevator, smiling broadly as she approached and greeted us with a slight bow.
A cheerful-looking woman, about my age, wearing a pony mask.
"This is the support staff from I-squad. The manual for this particular Darkness recommends an even number of explorers, so two were assigned as support."
"My name's Kang Yihak~ Nice to meet you, Supervisor and fellow employee!"
"Right…!"
Jang Heo-un, who had quickly bowed his head, suddenly exclaimed in realization.
"Oh, you're the one who's always chatting in the group chat…!"
"Yes-yes, haha, embarrassing as it is, that's me!"
Ah.
[Kang Yihak : Is it true you received 40,000 points? haha]
Now I remember.
When I joined the group chat, she was the one actively digging for information, prompting me to hold back a little.
'She seemed to dominate the group chat's atmosphere.'
More focused on extracting benefits than fostering camaraderie.
That same peer now smiled and extended her hand to me.
"Wow, the top new recruit! Nice to meet you in person. Let's work well together~"
"Yes, likewise."
I shook her hand lightly.
…Straightforward.
'She's less sharp than I expected.'
I had anticipated someone more calculating, but she gave off an easygoing vibe. There was no sense that her questions were laced with ulterior motives.
'Well, if she's genuinely a good person, I can be thankful for that.'
It's much easier to work with decent people than deal with someone like Baek Saheon, who was an absolute menace in a team setting.
People who haven't experienced it wouldn't understand—screaming internally at ghosts while being stuck with a sociopath as your only companion… uugh.
"Let's move out."
"Yes, sir."
Section Chief Lee Jaheon strode forward, and we quietly followed him to the vehicle. I got in the driver's seat and set up the navigation app.
"We're heading to Gyeonggi-do, right, sir?"
"Yes."
So, this Darkness was taking us entirely out of Seoul.
Judging by the exploration report I reviewed earlier, someone might misunderstand it as just a weird candy store ghost story, but Qterw-C-1603 was far bigger… and gloomier.
"Um, to enter this ghost story… oh, we gathered late because we need to wait until sunset, right?"
"That seems to be the case."
I kindly answered Jang Heo-un and started driving.
To enter this Darkness, both the time and location needed to align perfectly.
To access Qterw-C-1603, we had to travel to a residential area on the outskirts of ■■ City, Gyeonggi Province.
The neighborhood, once a trendy alley business district in the early 2010s with popular restaurants and cafes, had since become quiet and desolate.
In this area, promotional posters for local stores were occasionally spotted on utility poles.
In the center of the poster, a QR code was printed alongside the phrase: 'Visit the Death Lane of ■■ City.'
※ Do not stare at the text on the poster for too long.
For convenience, the company had pre-secured a poster, covering everything except the QR code.
"Supervisor, I'll scan the QR code for you!"
"Ah, thank you."
When scanned, the QR code directed to the download page of an event app certified by the ■■ City local government.
It was noted that the app could be downloaded only if the user was under 40 years old.
A short while later, we reached our destination.
After parking in a public lot, we stepped out and began walking along a quiet alley.
It was the twilight hour, as the short winter day gave way to dusk.
While many restaurants and cafes still remained, the alley had a stagnant air typical of once-trendy districts past their prime…
"Activate the app now."
I looked at the screen.
After an opening featuring ■■ City's old logo and mascot, in a slightly outdated design…
When the app was first launched at this location, just before twilight, a navigation feature was activated to guide the user.
The app began directing us:
Head toward Death Lane →
Follow the arrow!
My current location appeared on GPS, like augmented reality displayed on the smartphone screen.
"Let's walk."
"..."
Keeping our eyes fixed on our respective phone screens, we moved together.
"Follow the arrow!"
At first, everything seemed normal.
The app guided us along one of the main alleys, gradually leading us toward the outer edges of the district.
But as time passed…
The path began to distort.
Follow the arrow!
It directed us through narrow gaps between houses, into buildings through front doors and out the back.
Sometimes it even led us to dead ends, only to make us double back.
The dim alleyways grew darker and eerier, and an uncanny unease began to creep in.
The nape of my neck felt cold, strange murmurs without proper grammar reached my ears, and shadowy figures seemed to flicker just out of sight…
'…Stay calm.'
But I couldn't turn my head.
While following the app's navigation, do not take your eyes off the screen for more than 3 seconds or deviate from the guided path under any circumstances.
Failure to comply will result in being classified as missing.
In silence, we kept moving.
Carefully avoiding bumping into or startling each other.
Follow the arrow!
"I just saw something stra—"
"Shh."
After about 16 minutes of walking in silence…
The faint twilight glow completely vanished.
"..."
"..."
The already dim alley was now plunged into total darkness, all light gone.
Only the glow of our smartphone screens illuminated the residential area.
Tak.
Ta-ta-tak.
One by one, lights began to flicker on along the dark alley.
"...!"
The street-side shops lit up.
Yellow and blue lights from the signs bathed the alley in an eerie glow.
…But this wasn't the familiar, worn-down district we'd seen earlier.
Rustle, rustle.
The bustling figures of shadowy people filled the alley.
The signs, though seemingly familiar at a glance, bore distorted and unrecognizable names.
The various shops lining the alley had their doors wide open, welcoming customers…
Ding!
The app displayed a celebratory message.
Congratulations! You've arrived safely. Welcome to Death Lane!
"…Have we arrived?"
"Yes."
We had successfully entered.
Right into the heart of the ghost story.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story
[■■■ 16th Avenue]
: A ghost story featured in
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-C-1603
A street lined with shops where beings other than humans solicit customers.
Explorers who access this alley through the smartphone app must never close the app.
"Walk slowly."
"..."
We nodded silently and followed Chief Lizard, stepping deeper…
Into the strange alley.