"Ack!"
Through every window, the horizon was replaced by grotesque, fleshy walls covered in membrane-like textures.
"T-This…"
"Oh my god!"
It was as if the train had entered a tunnel or a strange station, sliding forward smoothly through the eerie, dark space.
Remaining distance : 5
"Shouldn't we be doing something right now?"
"Let's find a button or something!"
"A button? There's nothing like that here…"
Remaining distance : 4
"What do we do? What do we do…?"
"Excuse me! You, by the window—help me close this window! Don't just sit there!"
"Ugh, shut up already!"
Thud!
Remaining distance : 3
"W-Wait, are you trying to push someone—huh? W-Whoa!"
Splash!
"Ack! Someone fell out of the window!"
"No! They were trying to push me, but they ended up falling by themselves!"
Remaining distance : 2
"Shouldn't we stop the train? Someone just fell—"
Remaining distance : 1
"Get down on the floor. Stay quiet."
"Y-Yes!"
0
A sacrifice has arrived
Open the sea path
Whoosh.
The light returned.
Outside the window, the endless blue sea once again sparkled under the dazzling sunlight.
But…
Gaaaaaaasp—!
The train car was in chaos.
I looked toward the people gathered near the open window, especially…
A man in his 30s wearing glasses, his face pale as a sheet.
And the now-empty seat directly in front of the window.
"That guy pushed someone out of the window, I'm telling you!"
"N-No! He tried to push me, but he lost their balance and fell on their own!"
"That's right! I saw it from the side. The person who fell was acting strange—aggressive even."
"Still, someone died!"
Next to me, Supervisor Dolphin leaned in and whispered,
"Hmm. The screen did mention a 'sacrifice' and 'offering', so I guess the person who fell was… processed as the offering?"
"Pretty obvious, huh?"
Assistant Manager Butterfly tossed the remark as if it were nothing and then casually adjusted the equipment attached to her nails, declaring,
"We'll observe the next event before we take any action. Get ready."
"Got it."
"..."
At least, the good news was that the passengers seemed to calm down somewhat, having concluded that the person who fell was at fault.
The few who had been accusing and shouting at the man in glasses gradually backed off, muttering a few parting remarks as they did.
"Are you okay? Don't take it too hard."
"Yes… I'm fine. Everyone's just on edge, that's all."
Supervisor Dolphin was observing this exchange closely.
Meanwhile, Assistant Manager Butterfly and I quietly inspected our equipment, keeping a watchful eye on the situation.
But that was where the good news ended.
Twenty minutes later—
"Again!!"
Second Altar Entrance
The train re-entered the tunnel, and the outside view turned crimson and dark once more.
"What the hell is going on?!"
Thanks to their earlier experience, the passengers didn't fall into a panic. Instead, they quickly crouched down and covered their heads.
"It'll pass if we wait long enough."
I overheard the murmuring passengers.
Across from me, Assistant Manager Butterfly was now wearing a strange monocle as she scanned the dimly lit train car.
Her gaze was sharp, searching for something expendable and convenient.
"Assistant Manager."
"What?"
"Shouldn't we observe what happens if no offering is made?"
I chose my words carefully, phrasing them the way the assistant manager would prefer.
"We don't know if reaching 'Tamra' is a good idea or not. It's a situation worth betting on."
"Hmm."
A brief silence.
"Fine."
Phew.
I nodded, exhaling silently.
'We can't draw attention by offering someone as a sacrifice.'
Meanwhile, the countdown on the screen continued to tick down.
Remaining distance : 5
Remaining distance : 4
Remaining distance : 3
Remaining distance : 2
Remaining distance : 1
0
Passed
Whoosh.
The outside world was bathed in light again.
The tunnel ended, revealing the vast ocean once more.
"Ah…!"
The passengers instinctively sighed in relief.
"It disappeared!"
The text on the onboard screen flickered and then went dark.
–
What remained was the breathtaking view of the train speeding across the glittering sea, leaving a trail of white spray in its wake.
"…Ah."
The tension eased, and one by one, people lifted their heads, relief spreading across their faces.
"It's still the ocean out there."
"Seems like it's over, right? Everything's fine now, isn't it?"
"This feels like some kind of event or something. Wait—did anyone sign up for an escape room experience or something like that?"
Tap, tap.
Supervisor Dolphin whispered softly,
"This might be easier than expected, huh? Maybe we can clear this without even sacrificing anyone ourselves. It's kind of a predictable condition."
"Let's observe a bit longer. This is my order as assistant manager."
"Yes-yes."
Another ten minutes passed.
Slightly more relaxed, some of the passengers began moving around the train car, searching for the missing children, calming down the train staff, and trying to communicate with the engineer.
Just when it seemed like everyone had adapted to the situation, regaining some composure and rationality—
Suddenly, without warning.
Thud.
The train tilted forward abruptly.
"…!!"
"W-What? What's going on?"
Passengers tumbled out of their seats, rolling across the floor. I clung tightly to the handrail and managed to hold my ground for one moment longer.
Swallowing my fear, I forced myself to look outside.
Specifically, I strained to see the surface beneath us—wherever the train met the ocean below.
The white spray that had been rising as the train sliced through the shimmering waves…
Was gone.
THUD!
The train broke through the surface of the water and began to sink.
"Aaaahhh!"
"Nooo!!"
The windows shattered, and seawater rushed in. The conscious passengers screamed, desperately trying to swim out or cling to each other.
The unconscious ones floated limply on the rising water. It was chaos—enough to drive someone insane.
– Isn't this the perfect moment to call for help, Friend?!
...
Not yet…
– Hmm!
Submerged in the cold, suffocating darkness of the sea, I followed Assistant Manager Jin Nasol's precise hand signals directing us to escape through the windows.
But as I got closer to the exit, I felt something strange—my consciousness was fading much faster than my lungs could handle.
A dizziness like I was suffocating overwhelmed me…
...
'Huuuhp—'
My mind…
Went blank.
* * *
"..."
"..."
"…Huh??"
I opened my eyes to the sound of the cheerful train jingle.
Di-ri-ri-ring!
We were back inside the train car bound for Mokpo, the doors just having closed at Seoul Station.
Next to me sat Supervisor Dolphin, and across from me was Assistant Manager Butterfly.
The electronic display panel showed:
Bound for Mokpo
Around us, I heard the dazed voices of other passengers.
"Hey, I just had the weirdest dream…"
"You too? Me too. Something about a Tamra-bound train?"
"Huuuh? H-Hold on. Me too?"
"What?"
Bound for Mokpo
"…H-Heeeey! Over there, over there!"
"Huh? Huuuuuh?!"
Bound for Tamra
Departing
The train roared to life and began moving again.
Like the first time.
Exactly the same.
"Aaaaaahhhh!!"
Crying, screaming, and panicked voices erupted throughout the cabin.
"Wait! WAIT! What's happening?! What the hell? Just what…!!"
"Let me out! Please let me out!"
"Mom… what's going on?"
What indeed.
'…It's exactly what it looks like.'
I pressed my lips together in silence.
※ URGENT NOTICE
Recent recurrence of the anomalous phenomenon known as 'The Paradise Test (Tentative)' has revealed fatal, unpredictable anomalies.
It has been confirmed that when the train crashes into the water, passengers are transported back to the exact moment of initial departure.
Survivors claim they were trapped in an endlessly looping time sequence aboard the Tamra-bound train.
Right.
Everything here resets.
'…And everyone remembers.'
All passengers retained the memory of what they experienced, without exception.
So.
This marked the start of the second cycle.
– A time loop! A classic sci-fi trope. But what makes this particular case interesting is how profoundly trapped the participants are.
– With collective memory stacking up for everyone involved, even the bravest among them would hesitate to act. The looming specter of eternal consequences creates a remarkable barrier to action, wouldn't you say?
Exactly.
'That's why I need to be extremely careful.'
I had to stay calm.
I also couldn't afford to get swept up in the panic.
One thing mattered most to me now.
'I can convince people logically.'
Everyone had experienced something undeniably supernatural. They wouldn't dismiss me as some lunatic spouting nonsense anymore—they'd listen.
Now, it was time to act cautiously and deliberately.
'This isn't… too bad.'
I could survive this.
I would survive this.
Yes, I had to believe that.
I steadied myself and thought about what I needed to do first.
'Find the person with the Silver Heart.'
Aside from me, there was one other key figure responsible for this nightmare becoming a perfect hell. That person was somewhere on this train.
I needed to identify and control them.
'Let's find them and neutralize the problem.'
I remembered that they had been briefly mentioned in the short story adaptation of this event.
I tried to recall the specific car and seat number where they had been sitting.
It was definitely in the first car, seat number…
...
'Wait.'
Calm down. Think carefully.
Their name—what was their exact name?
...
"..."
"Uh, hey? Supervisor?"
I couldn't remember.
'Ah.'
It had been weeks since my Memorial Popsocket broke.
The gaps in my memory were finally starting to show.
-x-X-x-
The owner of the Silver Heart.
A good person possessing a badge-shaped item capable of swaying others.
This individual is a critical figure in the Tamra Express Disaster, though they only receive significant attention in the final part of the short story.
So the fact that I can't recall their seat number or exact name…
Maybe it's only natural.
'I read the wiki focusing on how to break the creepypastas!'
After I fell into this world, the wikis that became my lifeline and that I repeatedly studied were mostly about creepypasta entries and exploration records.
In short, I prioritized reading the wikis that provided information on clearing the ghost stories.
'I put all the supplementary content aside.'
Anything long and emotional, like short story-style spin-off prose on the wiki? Those ranked low on my priority list.
The personal details about the Silver Heart owner were mentioned maybe once or twice within that kind of content.
Remembering those exact letters and numbers several months after I first read them?
Yeah… that was unreasonable.
'I'm screwed…'
No!
I swallowed hard.
'I can still make educated guesses.'
And even if I don't get ahold of that person right away, I will find a way to deal with this.
'I do remember other wiki entries about the Tamra Express Disaster.'
For example, urgent notices and official reports from the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau.
I know the flow of this event by its loops, which means I can do this.
I can do this…
...
'Alright.'
I determined the direction I needed to take.
'It's a bit extreme, but there's no other choice.'
Of course, all this thinking occurred within the span of a few seconds in my head. Meanwhile, the elite team members next to me were having a completely calm conversation.
"Wow, a time loop! I've read a lot of short sci-fi anthologies like this."
"It basically means we get unlimited retries until we meet the conditions, right? Annoying, but convenient."
"..."
What an absurd conversation.
Fortunately, nobody paid any attention to us speaking calmly.
The entire train was filled with screams, panic, and crying.
"Huuuuk, huuk!"
"This is a dream, just a dream… it has to be."
But as always, there's bound to be someone who can't just sit and watch.
"Everyone! Please, calm down! Calm down!"
…There it was.
Second Loop :
In every car of the high-speed train, someone began stepping up to calm the passengers and bring order.
– Ah, doesn't someone always say that a crisis is an opportunity? In chaotic situations, there's always someone eager to rise as a leader!
Exactly.
And in our car, that someone was the man with glasses—the office worker.
The one who, in the first loop, had argued about closing the window until the other man lunged and fell outside.
"At least we're all still alive, right? That's what's important. Let's take a moment to calm down and figure out what's going on."
"A…Ah."
"D-Do you have any ideas?"
People began paying attention, now that someone was willing to take the lead.
"I believe… time is repeating itself."
The man with glasses began organizing the situation and calming the passengers.
"We're definitely caught in some strange phenomenon, but I believe we've been given this chance for a reason. Maybe it's to figure out the right way to escape."
"Ah…"
"So, let's trust in that and try to figure it out. Stay calm, everyone."
He probably thought things were heading in a good direction.
At least until he glanced at the seat where I was sitting.
"Look, there are people already staying calm."
"…!"
"Let's try to analyze the situation with that kind of composure."
Damn it.
The three of us—employees of Daydream Inc.—had just been singled out.
'Were we being too quiet…?'
…No, this was actually good.
It was time to establish a position early.
This was only the second loop, and I needed to step up now.
"N-No. It's not that we're calm… We're just confused."
I quickly shook my head, forcing a nervous smile.
"We're just… just trying to process things. We were dozing off since we were on a work trip."
There was no way they'd suspect me. I didn't even have to try too hard—my face was already pale.
When I spoke up first, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol raised an eyebrow slightly but let it slide. I took the opportunity to press on.
"But then suddenly, the view outside changed to the ocean, and there was all this talk about sacrifices… Are you saying all of that was real?"
"Um, yes. That seems to be the case."
I swallowed, pretending to be tense.
"Then… the person who fell out of the window earlier…"
"..."
Everyone's eyes slowly turned toward the man sitting next to the window where the 'sacrifice' was made.
The middle-aged man who had been arguing before tumbling out during the first loop.
His seat, which had been empty before…
Now, it had someone sitting in it.
"…!!"
I saw the silhouette of a passenger sitting there, motionless.
It was the man who had fallen out of the window.
"He's alive?"
"Oh, thank goodness…"
That's when it happened.
The passenger suddenly shot up and lunged at the man with glasses.
"…!!"
"You bastard! You son of a—because of you, because of YOOOUUUU!!"
"L-Let me go!"
Chaos erupted.
The middle-aged man, dressed like a nouveau riche, spat as he shouted, his eyes filled with madness.
"Die, die! I fell because of you… I-It hurt! It hurt so much…!!"
His eyes gleamed with crazed intensity.
"Falling down there is awful! It's painful! It's straaaange— aaak! Ugh, uuueegh!"
"Hiieek!"
The man staggered and trembled before vomiting a strange, dark red mass onto the floor.
"Ugh!! UUUUGH!"
The man with glasses stumbled backward, his face frozen in shock.
'Hah.'
Those who became 'sacrifices' and fell out of the window exhibited symptoms resembling madness and supernatural afflictions during the next loop.
After falling, they reported experiencing burning pain and endless torment from non-human whispers.
Seeing it in person, the instability of his condition was overwhelmingly apparent.
The man with glasses, seemingly overwhelmed, slowly backed away on shaky legs.
– Ah, voluntary surrender! A brief yet noteworthy display of leadership. But now, the leader's seat is vacant.
– Perhaps my friend could step in and lead these people with flair… Hmm, no? That's fine! This Braun will observe the situation together with you.
'Yeah.'
I intentionally took a step back.
And at that moment—
marquee.addEventListener('finish', function() { loopCount++; if (loopCount >= 102) { marquee.stop(); // Stops after 102 loops } });
The onboard display changed again.
"Th-The text is back!"
"Wait, wasn't it last time when…?"
When someone fell out of the window, the train had safely exited the tunnel and kept moving forward.
"..."
"..."
For now, people avoided openly acknowledging the truth, mumbling instead.
"…What do they mean by sacrifice?"
"Well, wouldn't it have to be something alive? I mean, based on those horror YouTube videos…"
I interrupted.
"No, it could be an object. Even food offerings in traditional rites count as sacrifices."
"Ohhh…!"
"That's right! Let's stay calm and try throwing a few things out."
But fear, excitement, and anxiety still flickered in their eyes.
"..."
"Does anyone have any food with them?"
Before long, the passengers holding snacks began to gather whatever could be thrown out.
Fruits, eggs, meat, bread, and so on.
Right on the edge of time, the scenery outside the window changed.
First Altar Entrance
This time, the passengers remained relatively composed.
"Let's throw them out."
"Yes…!"
Plop, plop.
In silence, the food disappeared through the window.
Remaining distance : 4
The display didn't react; only the countdown continued.
"It's not working! It's not stopping!!"
Screams filled the train car.
Even when sacrifices were accepted, the countdown had always continued to the end—but I intentionally chose not to point that out.
I had known from the start that food wasn't the answer.
-x-X-x-
Remaining distance : 3
The passengers finally began to accept it.
The truth.
"So, it really has to be a person?"
"Ah…"
"No way, how can we…"
"If we don't, we'll all die! The train will sink!"
"But who…?"
Remaining distance : 2
"..."
"..."
Their gazes shifted.
What they meant was clear.
'He's already not in his right mind, so why not just throw him out again?'
A suppressed, unspoken instinct that surfaced in emergencies.
The 'first-loop sacrifice' began to panic.
"Spare me! Please, spare meeee! I don't want to die! I don't want to! I don't want to!!"
"Calm down, it'll be okay…"
Remaining distance : 1
"No! Noooo!"
"Just step away from the window—huh? Huhhhh??"
Whoosh.
SPLASH—
0
The tunnel ended.
The train interior brightened as the view of the blue sea returned.
The ominous purple text filled the onboard display: 'A sacrifice has arrived' 'Open the sea path'.
Near the window lay a pair of broken glasses on the floor.
"..."
"..."
And the man who had been the first sacrifice.
"The bastard who pushed me is dead! I didn't die! I didn't die! I-I'M ALIIIIVE!!"
Foaming at the mouth, the middle-aged man staggered down the aisle, collapsed in a corner, and began sobbing uncontrollably.
The train car was steeped in a chilling, suffocating silence.
The atmosphere felt maddening.
– The former leader became the sacrifice! A cliché development, albeit a bit quick this time.
Then—
"There's another one coming, isn't there?"
A cheerful voice that didn't suit the situation echoed through the train.
Supervisor Dolphin.
"W-What did you say?"
"The second altar will appear soon, right? We should prepare for that."
"Shut up already!!"
"Ack!"
The passengers' stress-fueled reactions burst out, but Supervisor Dolphin seemed completely unbothered.
"This time, let's do it properly. Find the worst person and throw them out!"
She pointed ahead with her finger.
"Let's include everyone from the other cars too!"
"…!!"
"And hey… it's not like there's any guarantee they'll die, right? The last guy came back alive, didn't he? So, wouldn't it be better to throw out someone awful and let them suffer?" ŗαꞐꝊＢЁș
It was madness.
But in an incomprehensible disaster, sometimes madness that sounds appealing is exactly what works.
A little distorted, of course.
"Yeah! So far, only people from our car have been thrown out! The other cars should have to do it too!"
"That's right!"
Why should our car be the only one to suffer and debate this agony?
Consumed by resentment and strange fury, the passengers of Car 7 surged forward en masse.
Myself and the members of the elite team followed, with Supervisor Dolphin practically leading the charge.
"Excuse me! There's an open window here too, right? When the train fell last time, it seemed like nobody fell out from here, so…"
Predictably, as we moved forward, most of the passengers in the other cars had no idea what was happening.
"W-What kind of nonsense is this?"
"Who are these people?"
"Hey, if you don't want trouble, move along. Or else."
"Ooong."
"…For now, let's keep moving and see."
As Supervisor Dolphin spoke, she eyed the last speaker like they were a prime candidate for her twisted logic.
She quickly moved to the next car.
But the moment we entered Car 3—
Second Altar Entrance
It began again.
"Aaahh!"
"Someone, throw someone out now!"
"The train's going to sink! Waaahhh!"
"Throw someone out! We have to throw someone out the window!"
The shouts of panic came from the people in our car, Car 7, and echoed alongside the confused cries of the passengers in the other cars who had yet to grasp the situation.
Remaining distance : 5
"Who are these people?! Where did they come from??"
"These fuckers are crazy!"
"If you don't want to die, volunteer! We need a volunteer!"
"Well, why don't you jump out, then?!"
"We've already lost someone from our car! Find someone from another car!!"
"Fine! Then who's going to volunteer—"
Remaining distance : 4
Amid the chaos, a clear, authoritative voice cut through.
"There's no volunteer, huh?"
Assistant Manager Jin Nasol extended her hand.
'…No!'
She was about to single out the most uncooperative person and throw them out.
'And if the loop restarts, she'll just keep using the same people as sacrifices!'
It was efficient, but I couldn't allow it.
Jin Nasol was undoubtedly competent, but she clearly had no understanding of how to manage public sentiment.
I raised my hand immediately.
Remaining distance : 3
"I volunteer!"
"..."
Jin Nasol turned to look at me.
"What?"
I repeated firmly.
"I'll be the one to fall."
"…!!"
"Why…"
Remaining distance : 2
"It's not like it'll be a real death, right? I'll hold out and see."
Then, I quickly leaned in and whispered to Jin Nasol.
"We need to find out what's actually happening down there."
"Is that necessary?"
"We can't rely on civilian testimonies. I've prepared mental defense measures too."
"Hmm…"
Remaining distance : 1
"Do as you like."
"…! Thank you."
I finished the brief exchange and turned to the crowd.
"There's not much time left! Clear the way—I'm heading to the window!"
"U-Uhhh…"
The crowd, both from our car and the others, hesitated but stepped aside.
'Good.'
Even though I spoke calmly, my hands were trembling.
But I had no choice.
'According to the plan, this step is absolutely necessary.'
Since Plan A—immediately identifying and securing the person with the Silver Heart—had failed…
'I have to go with a more extreme approach.'
"Everyone, stay back!"
I clung to the window and pulled out a painkiller from my pocket.
It might not work, but—
'Better than nothing…!'
I jabbed the 'Happy Maker' syringe into my arm.
Then, without hesitation, I threw myself out the window.
Into the crimson tunnel.
0
-x-X-x-
The first thing I saw was the pulsing red.
Thump, thump, thump.
I realized, belatedly, that I had collided with something.
Squelch.
With a short, thick sound, I landed on something slimy and sticky.
A foul stench.
The next moment, I recognized it—the stench of decaying meat.
The flesh scattered around me clung to my body, oozing.
It pulsed red.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind swept past as the high-speed train I had jumped from roared by, leaving behind a deafening noise and a blast of pressure.
In an instant, the train disappeared into the far end of the tunnel, where a flickering light awaited.
"..."
To be honest, it was disgusting and a bit terrifying, but I wasn't in pain, nor did I spiral into panic.
It felt more like standing alone at night in front of the garbage sorting area of an apartment complex.
– Good heavens! What an unhygienic environment! Are you all right, Friend?
"Yeah. I'm fine."
'…The Happy Maker is really doing its job.'
It was as if my mind had been sedated, but in reverse. Instead of the cold clarity you get from calming pills, my mind felt warmly dulled, steady.
I stood up, my thoughts calm and stable. But as I brushed off the rotten flesh with my bare hands—
DEVOUR YOUR CORRUPTION
A strange voice echoed inside my head.
"..."
Hmm. Matching this to the testimonies of the previous 'offerings' and the current situation, it seems…
'I should be feeling burning agony all over my body by now, unbearable pain driving me to claw off my own skin and flesh…'
And I would be forced to chew and swallow what I tore off as I staggered toward the light at the end of this disgusting, humid corridor.
This whole tunnel was a testament to that horror.
Luckily, I didn't feel any of that. I had the mental resistance boost from the silver ring, and the Happy Maker had numbed any potential pain.
"Huuu."
I stood fully upright and gave my body a light shake.
It didn't help much—traces of grime and rotten flesh still clung to me.
As for where this flesh had come from… I chose not to think about it.
Even though the Happy Maker kept me calm, it was still gross.
Ah, right.
"Braun, are you alright?"
– Ah, are you referring to the repetitive, radio-tape-like noise? It's an annoying hum, but not unbearable!
"…And the burning pain?"
– Haha!
– This body doesn't have skin or flesh! I'm just fabric, cotton, and a pair of eyes and a nose, after all…
R-Right.
'So the conditions for being a sacrifice apply only to humans.'
Thankfully, I didn't have to worry about Braun losing control and going berserk.
– Well then, does my friend have any more business in this filthy place?
"…No."
– Then let's get moving.
Indeed.
'To escape, I need to get back on that train.'
I began walking toward the end of the corridor.
Squelch, squelch.
The slime and fluid splashed under my feet, seeping into my shoes and soaking my socks red.
CAST OFF YOUR SINS
TEAR THEM AWAY
CONSUME YOUR SINS
"..."
Could it be that the more sins a person has committed, the more intense the burning pain they feel here?
'In theory, a good person who falls through the window should only experience minimal pain.'
This ghost story focused on the train's group dynamic devolving into a chaotic, inhuman disaster with each loop. Some details, like this, could only be understood by experiencing them firsthand.
Regardless… the corridor was longer than expected. I kept walking persistently.
'I hope I don't need to use another Happy Maker.'
CAST OFF YOUR SINS
CAST OFF YOUR SINS
CAST OFF YOUR SINS
Ignoring the voice, I trudged onwards.
Though my legs felt heavier with each step, the light was steadily growing closer.
Step, step.
The intense light pouring out from the tunnel's exit nearly blinded me, making it hard to see.
'Almost there.'
I squinted and pushed forward until the light completely engulfed me.
Go to Tamra
'...!'
A small, gentle invitation.
The strange warmth and sense of liberation felt like a soft but overwhelming command piercing through the top of my head.
– Whoa! That was quite an aggressive invitation. Wait just a m…
And in the next instant, it disappeared.
I felt my consciousness being pulled downward, like a train speeding down a steep slope.
"…!"
* * *
"Huuuhk!"
"Ack! AAAAACK!"
I opened my eyes.
I was sitting in a clean, modern high-speed train car. My body was spotless again, and my mind…
'Wow.'
The memories surged back, and a wave of nausea hit me.
My stomach churned.
'I didn't feel this earlier though?'
I had been buried in a mass of flesh—flesh that people had torn off themselves, eaten, and then vomited. I had stood up and walked through that.
'Stop thinking about it.'
What mattered now was that I had successfully returned to this point in time.
'The Happy Maker's effects have reset to the starting point, too.'
I quickly regained my composure and immediately checked the number of Happy Makers in my inventory.
...
Before use: 11.
Now, still 11.
– Ah, your consumed items have reverted to their unused state. This makes sense, as you've returned to the train's departure point!
Right. I had anticipated this.
'Good.'
I'm ready.
-x-X-x-
When I looked up, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol was calmly watching me.
"How was it?"
"It's a disgusting, horrific place. Anyone who falls without preparation will almost certainly suffer mental breakdowns or signs of contamination."
"That so? Then get up. We need to secure—"
"Hey! Over here! This person's fine!"
"..."
Jin Nasol's words were cut off, and she frowned in irritation as civilians swarmed toward us.
'L-Let's do this quickly.'
Seeing the astonishment on their faces, I forced a weak, blurry smile.
"Are you okay?! My god!"
"This person volunteered to jump out! But… they're fine?"
"Yes, I'm fine now. But… what happened after I fell?"
"W-Well…"
After some frantic, disorganized chatter, the important points became clear.
"After you fell, the countdown restarted…!"
"Yeah! It was like the system reset and started demanding another sacrifice."
Just as expected.
"…! I see. So, after that, did the train crash again?"
"No! It wasn't that!"
One of the passengers stepped forward to clarify.
"Something weird happened. No one from our car fell, but suddenly the offering was accepted, and the path opened…"
"..."
"There was some commotion from the front cars. People were saying someone fell, but everyone was so worked up and fighting that we couldn't tell exactly what happened." ʀå₦ÔβËś
"..."
"They even called us crazy! When they're the ones not understanding the situation!"
"Exactly!"
"It's so frustrating!"
"In games, you can't let trolls like that go unpunished."
I see.
The tensions were starting to build.
'It begins from this loop.'
Third Loop :
The train cars divide into factions, and conflicts break out. Passengers pressure each other to offer sacrifices. The first instances of violence and bloodshed occur.
And…
Eventually, deaths result from fights within the train cars.
...
I nodded calmly.
"Understood. It seems the number of sacrifices required increases with each altar."
"W-What do you mean?"
"One person for the first altar, two for the second. It looks like the required offerings increase sequentially."
"Ah…!"
They must have suspected as much but hadn't dared to say it out loud. I heard anxious murmuring and suppressed gasps, but no one outright denied my statement. They were simply too afraid.
"What now? What do we do? No… Why is this even happening to us? Hiiic…"
"D-Do we all have to jump out the window for this to end?? Is that it?!"
It was a reasonable guess, but I gently placed my hand on the person's shoulder.
"No. Calm down. There's definitely a way to end this."
"Hiiicc…"
"Look at me. I fell, and I'm fine. There's always a way."
"Ah..."
The atmosphere began to settle slightly. I took advantage of the calm to speak gently.
"You said the others who fell weren't doing well, right? Could you guide me to them?"
"Ah… Ah, yes!"
"This way!"
Following their hurried lead, I began walking down the aisle, observing the other passengers as I went.
"Oh, me too!"
Supervisor Dolphin immediately followed me, and beyond her, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol stood with her arms crossed, as if daring me to proceed.
'She's letting me do this.'
I wouldn't have been surprised if, the moment she deemed my approach inefficient, she'd pivot and start tossing problematic people out the window one by one.
'But that won't clear the scenario.'
For now, this was the most efficient and humane option available to me.
"Here… he's sitting over here…"
I looked at the person sitting in the indicated seat.
It was the man with glasses, staring blankly into space. The first sacrifice of the second loop—the man who had fallen out of the window.
"Sir?"
"..."
No response. He appeared completely out of it.
"What on earth is down there that made him like this…?"
"It's horrific. But…"
I placed one hand over my chest.
"I realized something down there."
"…What?"
Gently, I lowered my hand and slipped it into the inner pocket of my suit jacket.
I pinned on the small badge that had been hidden there.
The Silver Heart.
"Everyone! There's no need to worry."
As I spoke, I approached the man with glasses.
"Hic! Hic-hic! Hic!"
"It's okay… It's okay."
I carefully injected him with a dose of Happy Maker.
'The next loop will reset its effects, so it's better for him to have temporary relief than to stay trapped in this panic.'
Given the chaos and terror he'd experienced, this was the most merciful option. And since the Happy Maker was as small as a pen, to others, it would simply look like I was helping him calm down through reassurance.
Like magic.
"...Huuhk!"
The man took a deep breath, and clarity returned to his eyes. A sense of calm settled over him.
"I-it was truly horrifying… but, ah… it's over."
Slowly, a faint smile spread across his face.
"Thank you… I feel… I feel so at ease now…"
He stood up gradually, then hugged me and the other passengers. Caught off guard, they awkwardly accepted his embrace, all while staring at me in awe.
"You… you brought him back to his senses…"
"How did you do that…?"
I am a fraud.
But I kept my face calm, as though even I were amazed by what I had just done.
"I'm not sure why I was granted this ability, but now…"
I took a deep breath.
"I think I understand what's happening on this train."
"…!!"
"F-For real?"
"Yes."
I raised my hand and began counting on my fingers as I explained.
"I know who needs to be thrown out the window, and how many times it must happen before this ordeal ends."
"M-My god."
What was I doing right now?
'Lying.'
And this type of scam? A staple in apocalyptic fiction.
'The classic cult leader tactic.'
A con artist manipulating people under the guise of divine guidance or prophecy.
In previous loops, there had even been a cult leader who appeared in Car 6. If I could recall correctly…
Fifth Loop :
Each train car forms exclusive factions. Some adopt superstitious beliefs and even perform sacrificial rituals, throwing victims out the window after ritualistic killings.
Sorry…
No. Actually, I'm not sorry at all.
'That cult leader role is mine now.'
I'm taking it before anyone else can.
"Kind passengers of Car 7, please lend me your ears."
I stood near the train door and raised my voice.
"We've been chosen for a great trial!"
– Oh my goodness!!
From my suit pocket, I heard Braun clapping in delight.
I had just earned the creepypasta host's seal of approval.
Here and now…
A cult leader was officially making his debut.
-x-X-x-
The method of deception resembles a form of unethical marketing:
1- Build trust.
"Did he really fix that glasses guy? Even though he was completely out of it?"
"Yeah! Look at him now—he's fine. And this guy also fell out of the window and survived. He said he saw something down there!"
"Wow… Are you really okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. And so is he—he's at peace now."
2- Present the problem and its cause.
"So… you're saying this is like a test? If we pass, we can get out?"
"Yes. I'm sure we'll be able to leave."
"Ah…!"
"Wait, is this some kind of fictional hunter scenario? Are we about to awaken abilities or something…?"
"Exactly! There's no way we'd be thrown into such a crazy situation without a reason!"
"Right. There is a reason."
Once the mood was sufficiently heated.
"And to escape this situation…"
3- Sell the magical solution.
In unethical marketing, this 'solution' would be the product being sold. In a cult, it's the doctrine.
And the method I proposed was:
"Everyone must go out through the window at least once."
"…!!"
"W-What?!"
"Fear not, everyone."
I smiled and gestured to myself.
And to the man with glasses, now calmed by the Happy Maker.
"Anyone who accepts my recommendation and goes through the window will be fine, just like me. This is a kind of trial."
"Ah…!"
"If you're skeptical… I can try to convince you. Or, I could jump again myself."
And just then, the announcement appeared again.
marquee.addEventListener('finish', function() { loopCount++; if (loopCount >= 92) { marquee.stop(); // Stops after 92 loops } });
"Ah…!"
But this time, the atmosphere was different.
At least in Car 7, where people had been listening to my 'marketing', they began murmuring and glancing at the window.
'So, going out there might actually be okay?'
There wasn't just panic and fear—there was curiosity and even anticipation.
– Ah, this is fascinating! What excellent work, Mr. Roe Deer!
– But all great performers face challengers. Oh, look over there!
Thwack!
"What a load of bullshit, you crazy bastard!!"
The middle-aged man from earlier—his face flushed red—slammed the armrest of his seat and shouted.
This was the man who had fallen out of the window in the first loop and pushed the man with glasses in the second loop.
'Looks like skipping a turn has restored a bit of his sanity.'
But he wasn't fully back to normal.
"That bastard pushed someone out of the window before— UGH!"
"Crazy jerk… Get lost, you son of a bitch!"
His eyes spun wildly, like he might stab me any second.
"Jump out the window?! I'm not jumping! No way, you piece of shit! You jump again!"
He pushed past another passenger and came right up to me. I spoke calmly.
"If you don't want to participate, you don't have to right now."
"W-What?!"
"Take your time. Besides, you're not qualified at the moment."
"W…What?!"
"I'm saying that even if you beg to go out the window, I won't assist you."
This was another crucial step.
4- Restrict access to the solution.
Why do brands produce limited quantities, create artificial shortages, and tell customers to message them for prices?
Scarcity makes things seem valuable, and difficult-to-obtain items appear even more desirable.
You give people the sense that they're close enough to grasp it, but far enough that missing out would be devastating.
"Only those who are qualified can go through the window without suffering."
"W-What kind of nonsense is this…?"
"And that's not you. You haven't earned the right to pass the trial without pain. Step back."
"…U-Uh..."
The middle-aged man stammered, then stumbled back and collapsed into his seat.
It worked again. The saying about fighting madness with madness was spot on this time.
With all the commotion, everyone in the car had their eyes locked on me. I smiled warmly at them.
"But do not worry too much. Eventually, everyone will be ready."
"...!"
– Magnificent!
Over Braun's cheers, the crowd swarmed toward me, bombarding me with questions.
"Excuse me! Then, who is qualified?"
"I do not know. I can just sense who's ready."
"So, is there someone qualified among us?"
It was then—
"Am… Am I qualified?"
The man with glasses, who had been sitting quietly, raised his hand and asked.
Thanks to the Happy Maker, he was calm, free from fear and PTSD. He didn't lash out at the middle-aged man who had once attacked him.
Even so, he couldn't suppress his nervousness and swallowed hard.
I smiled and nodded.
"Yes."
"…!!"
"You are qualified. You've already proven yourself."
I walked over and held his hand.
"There's no need to go down again. Your current calmness is the proof. You've endured it. You've been brave."
"Ah… Ahhh!"
Tears streamed down the man's face.
The murmuring around us quieted.
In its place, a new sentiment began to form—desire and agreement.
"From now on, for those deemed qualified and who go down, I will give a token to protect you from as much pain as possible."
"…!"
"Th-Then…"
But no volunteers came forward just yet.
'As expected.'
I had just told them that everyone needed to jump out the window to escape.
No one would be eager to jump into potential suffering without any clear benefit.
– Friend, any clever solutions up your sleeve?
Of course.
'Rally them again.'
-x-X-x-
I nodded, as if fully understanding their hesitation.
"I get it. It's hard, I know. In this life, I'll go out the window one more time…"
"I'll go."
Huh?
Supervisor Dolphin raised her hand.
Supervisor! My eternal gratitude…
"But not alone. Supervisor, you should jump with me."
"Huuuh?"
"W-Wait, sir. Are you su—"
"Of course. I'll be alright."
I had planned on doing it anyway! As disgusting and revolting as it was, there was no way around it.
"If no one else volunteers, I shall demonstrate again."
"Yup! But before we do, I'd like someone else to go first."
Supervisor Dolphin pointed with both hands.
Right at Assistant Manager Butterfly.
"Seniority first!"
Aaack!
"Hey, you said you'd do me a favor, right? I'm calling it in now!"
"This isn't exactly the favor I had in mind… But fine, whatever."
Surprisingly, Assistant Manager Butterfly seemed calm. It felt like the two of them had discussed this beforehand.
"Should I go now?"
First Altar Entrance
The surroundings darkened with a crimson hue.
People instinctively froze, but Assistant Manager Jin Nasol's small, composed voice cut through the tension.
"I don't like repeating myself."
Eek.
"Y-Yes. Please close your eyes for a moment. I'll give you the token of approval."
I pretended to shake her hand while discreetly passing her the Happy Maker in the darkness.
'Just stick it in.'
Before I could mouth the words, she had already expertly and discreetly injected herself with the Happy Maker.
It was as if she had anticipated it all along—likely realizing it was a pain-relieving item.
"Hmm."
Plick.
The soft sound of the stick being used was followed by the leftover injector disappearing seamlessly into her sleeve.
"Not bad at all."
Assistant Manager Jin Nasol grinned, then immediately leaned back and let herself fall out of the window.
"Hiieek!"
"S-She was smiling as she went!"
Thus, the first offering for the altar willingly sacrificed herself.
The atmosphere in the car had now shifted into full excitement.
No one found my companions suspicious anymore. They wanted to believe this would work.
'The feeling that things are being resolved—it's addictive.'
Soon after, two more volunteers came forward.
"M-Me!"
"Me too. We'll go together."
It was a couple sitting near the window. They had been observing everything since the first loop—the falling, the conversations—so their courage likely came from all the 'information' they had gathered.
Still, I didn't immediately say yes.
"..."
I stared at them quietly for a few seconds, as if evaluating their worth.
The couple, now filled with both anticipation and nervousness, waited as if they were being judged.
A moment later—
"Yes. You two are qualified."
"Oh…!!"
"When we reach the altar, close your eyes briefly and extend your hands. I will grant you the sign of approval."
The couple, overjoyed and receiving congratulations from those around them, stood before the open window.
Second Altar Entrance
Taking advantage of the darkness, I secretly injected them both with the powerful painkiller, the Happy Maker. Holding hands, they leapt out of the open window together.
Hmm. The scam was proceeding smoothly…
'This is much better than everyone throwing each other out the window, going mad in the process.'
Still, cold sweat trickled down my back as I carried out the deception.
"Since there are no other volunteers, the supervisor and I will proceed next. Please remain calm and safe, and we'll see you all at the starting point."
"A-Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. I can handle another round."
"…Ahh!"
I truly hated this, but I had no choice. I'd do it again.
'I need to set myself apart.'
To continue leading these people, I had to highlight my uniqueness. Showing them that I could survive multiple falls without issue would leave a strong impression.
Fortunately, Supervisor Dolphin didn't change her mind.
"Let's do this together!"
"Ah, thank you."
"But, you know…"
She looked up at me with a curious gaze.
"Am I qualified?"
"…Yes."
The nuance was subtle, but—
Third Altar Entrance
"B-Be careful!"
"We'll see you soon!"
And so, I successfully rallied the crowd and fell out of the window once more. This time, with Supervisor Dolphin.
Into the mad tunnel filled with rotting flesh.
"Gross!"
Supervisor Dolphin, who had landed with a roll, grimaced at the horrific surroundings, shaking herself off as she complained.
"Uuuugh, filthy. W-What? Ugh, so noisy. Ah, that way? Toward the light?"
"Yes. It'll be a bit tough, but if we walk, we'll get there."
It was somewhat reassuring to have someone else with me.
'…The voices are gone.'
The eerie whispers urging us to 'Cast away our sins' and 'Go to Tamra' were mysteriously absent.
'Not that they're essential for the escape, though.'
I tilted my head slightly as I walked.
Then, Supervisor Dolphin spoke up.
"Actually, I had something to talk to you about, which is why I jumped with you."
"Yes."
"The things you told the others—you know, about protecting them from pain and all that. Technically, it's not a lie, right?"
"Yes. I chose my words to fit the situation. It's a bit extreme, but a method like this works."
"Hmm…"
She touched her chin, thinking for a moment, then suddenly said,
"Supervisor, do you know how many people have suffered because of cults?"
She didn't scowl or frown.
She simply stared at me, her gaze unwavering, not even blinking.
"..."
Right.
Supervisor Dolphin was an extreme idealist when it came to integrity…
'O-Oh no, she might outright reject anything cult-related!'
I quickly tried to salvage the situation.
"I'm aware. In fact, one of my close friends got involved with a cult and cut off all contact."
That part was true.
"That's why I decided to get ahead of it."
"Hmm."
"In this situation, cults and superstitions are bound to thrive. When people experience pain without understanding why, they'll start clinging to anything for hope."
It had happened in the previous loops, after all.
'Of course, my current actions weren't just about preventing that. They were about escaping without mass panic or violence.'
But I couldn't explain all that logically, so I ended my statement there.
"I chose this method to minimize the damage. I know it's extreme and strange, but…"
"Hmmmm…"
Three agonizing seconds passed.
"Well, you've got a point."
Phew.
"So, you're just saying those things to calm people down, but in reality, you're actually helping them feel less pain and find a way for everyone to escape, right?"
"Exactly that, yes."
"Sounds good! I'll fully cooperate!"
Supervisor Dolphin extended her hand for a handshake.
When I took her hand, she suddenly pulled me closer.
"But you can't exploit good people."
"..."
"Otherwise, I'll have to fight you, Supervisor."
"Of course. I'll keep that in mind."
"Great! Perfect!"
I smiled and completed the handshake with her.
I-I'm saved.
Cold sweat dripped down my back.
Fighting a senior elite team member from the nightmare company and dealing with decaying flesh? No thanks! I'd rather bash my head into a wall.
"Judging by the mood, it looks like everyone in our car is fully on board, huh?"
"That's right."
Squelch, squelch.
I kept walking toward the light at the end of the tunnel as I responded.
"But this isn't where I stop."
My ultimate goal…
"I will make the majority of passengers on this train 'believe' me."
At least seven of the eight train cars needed to be on my side. I needed to secure a dominant public opinion.
* * *
Fifth loop—
After experiencing death and resetting multiple times, the passengers of this high-speed train were sinking beyond panic and into exhaustion, resignation, and madness.
Their perceptions were distorted, and it had become difficult for them to think as they normally would.
And through these repeated loops, they had heard certain things over and over.
"Someone's been whispering strange stuff… like saying we're chosen, and that this is a test?"
"…Sounds like cult nonsense. What kind of test?"
"Apparently, if we pass, we'll gain some sort of transcendental power?"
"But all the people who fell out of the windows went crazy. Yet, people from the rear cars said they fell but came back fine, describing what they saw outside…"
"…Seriously? No way. They're probably just bluffing, right?"
But even as they voiced their doubts, their desire for answers was evident.
It was the subconscious hope that those claims were true.
"There's someone called 'Pathfinder' from Car 7, and he's teaching people how to escape."
"He's offering to help everyone, saying we're all qualified."
And as the murmurs among the passengers of Car 3, a special cabin, grew louder—
There, a man seated in the front-row single seat.
Baek Saheon opened his eyes.
'Fuck.'
He had been on his way back home for the holidays when he got trapped in this fucking train ghost story. It felt like he was going to rot away here.
'No. That's not it…'
He thought of the new eye hidden under his medical eyepatch and grinned slyly.
By observing how things were playing out, he could tell.
'So, this whole thing is about tossing people out the window!'
Basically, he figured they had to throw about half the passengers out and then reach the destination to clear the ghost story.
'I just need to stay out of sight and hide.'
Cults were a predictable response to situations like this.
In a small, high-stress emergency environment, humans tended to do whacko things.
With the train endlessly looping back to the starting point and the extreme stress of an inescapable scenario, even ridiculous suggestions that would normally be scoffed at suddenly seemed worth clinging to.
Things that would normally be dismissed with a 'Not buying your cult nonsense' were now being embraced. It was human nature.
'I just have to stay quiet and let them toss each other out until the chaos clears.'
"O-Over there!!"
"…!"
There was a commotion at the back.
A fight?
No. It wasn't a fight.
Someone had entered the car.
"There they are! The Pathfinder and the people from Car 7!"
That cult group.
'Let's at least get a look at them.'
Baek Saheon casually turned his head toward the corridor.
And then, he saw familiar faces.
"…!!"
'The elite team.'
Assistant Manager Jin Nasol from A-squad and Supervisor Lee Seonghae from C-squad.
He recognized them instantly—they were faces he had memorized from the company's intranet, just in case.
'Why the hell are they here?'
As he was trying to process whether this train was connected to Daydream Corp's managed Darknesses—
"Attention!!"
Amid the cult-like group, Supervisor Dolphin shouted, drawing everyone's attention.
"We have someone here who will teach you how to escape!"
As she stepped aside, someone emerged from the door connecting to the rear car.
A calm, sharp-looking man in a suit, exuding an eerie composure with a serene smile.
Baek Saheon's eyes widened in recognition.
'…Kim Soleum!!'
"Everyone, please do not worry."
Kim Soleum smiled softly, spreading his arms wide.
"This is all part of a grand test, and you have been chosen."
H-Holy shit!!
That psycho bastard is the cult leader?!!
T/N: the vocab author-nim uses for 'Pathfinder' is synonymous to 'person who does good deeds'. Our dear Soleum really knows how to brand himself, huh? lmaoo
-x-X-x-
Hold up.
Let's take a moment to delve into Baek Saheon's turbulent encounters with his psychopathic roommate.
The psycho who mocked him for losing his left eye.
The dopamine junkie who used people as bait in dangerous Darknesses.
The lunatic who pretended to be a serial killer, hacking away with an axe.
'And now he's playing cult leader too??'
At this point, the sheer absurdity of the situation surpassed all reason, and Baek Saheon began to feel the anomie phenomenon—a breakdown of norms where everything about this chaotic lineup just seemed expected just because it involved that bastard Kim Soleum.
Fine. Let's say that's all whatever.
But how the hell was he facing that lunatic here and now?!
'I even took a vacation leave!'
He hadn't just left the company dorm—he had left Seoul altogether!
Baek Saheon shook his head violently, wondering if this was a nightmare, but the reality was unyielding.
With two elite team superiors by his side and leading dozens of people, Kim Soleum stood in the center of Car 3's corridor, raising his arms dramatically—just like a cult leader would.
"There is no need to worry. We can all pass this test safely."
The only comforting thought Baek Saheon had was the fact that the people in this car were smart enough to point fingers and ridicule the guy.
"Who the hell is that guy?"
"Jesus, now we've got another lunatic."
"Ugh…"
"D-Don't make eye contact."
Ridicule and rejection erupted toward Kim Soleum, who was spouting nonsense.
'Yeah… This is normal.'
But Kim Soleum wasn't shaken in the slightest.
With a gentle smile, he calmly scanned the people in Car 3.
"…?!"
That made it even scarier!
"Everyone, I understand that you're confused by this sudden gathering, and you probably think this is insane. 'A test? What test?'"
Kim Soleum gave a sheepish smile, his demeanor that of a composed office worker.
"To be honest, I know this sounds cultish, even to me. It's a bit embarrassing, really."
His tone was calm and steady, like someone giving sincere advice over coffee.
"But in such terrifying and dreadful circumstances, we have to muster courage to speak up. If someone knows an answer, sharing it is the right thing to do."
Kim Soleum's expression hardened as he made eye contact with those around him.
"I ask that you set aside your discomfort and think this over. We are not fools—there is a reason why so many of us are here, sharing the same story."
Baek Saheon glanced around at the people teetering on the edge of madness, trapped in this surreal loop of dying and restarting on the same train.
Kim Soleum was telling them exactly what they wanted to hear—the promise of an escape.
And his voice brimmed with conviction.
"This is a test, and there is a way to pass it."
Suddenly, someone spoke up.
"So… you know how to get out of here?"
"Yes."
"…!!"
Kim Soleum subtly turned his gaze behind him.
The people from Car 7, standing excitedly with eyes brimming with fervor, spoke up enthusiastically.
"We just need to go out through the window!"
"Just jump out the window, and it'll be over!"
"What kind of bullshit is this?!"
The horrified passengers of Car 3 were met with a barrage of explanations.
"It's not nonsense! There's a way to make it painless! At least ten people have already gone out!"
"Sure, it's a bit gross, but you just follow the light, and you'll find the exit. Anyone can do it."
"If anyone has trouble walking, someone else can jump out with them to help! It's not hard at all!"
"As long as the venerable Pathfinder helps us…!"
The surprising part was that, although only ten people had jumped so far, there were dozens—nearly a hundred—following this group, including passengers from other cars.
Kim Soleum, watching the hopeful and eager eyes around him, turned his gaze forward and smiled faintly.
"That's right, everyone. You can all make it out through the window."
And at that moment, Baek Saheon realized something—
"There will be no problems."
"That's right!"
—It's a scam!
'T-This fucken psycho.'
He's rallying all these idiots to jump out of the windows so that he can escape safely himself!
'But he won't fool me.'
Baek Saheon swallowed, convinced he had figured it out.
"Listen to the people who've already been out the window…"
"We have! We're the couple who went through the second altar during the third life loop…"
Watching the passengers from Car 3 gradually lean in to hear the testimonies of the Car 7 survivors, who sounded like they were sharing triumphant stories from a self-help seminar, Baek Saheon clicked his tongue.
Idiots.
'I could fabricate testimonies like that with my pen anytime!'
Clearly, Kim Soleum had used the pen he confiscated from Baek Saheon to brainwash these fools.
Fine. If that's how he wanted to play it, Baek Saheon had a strategy of his own.
'Just stay put.'
As long as he didn't join the procession of Kim Soleum's worshipers, he'd be fine.
Baek Saheon grinned confidently, relieved by his quick thinking. He had nearly gotten dragged into this mess!
'Stay under the radar, and once that psycho fools the rest of them into jumping out all at once…'
Just then—
"Alright, let me show you right now! I'll jump through the window this time!"
Huh?
"This time, I'm the one qualified to go through the altar."
"Yes, you've been approved this time."
"Wow!"
"Let's give a round of applause!"
Wait, what?
"The first altar is the loneliest and scariest because you have to go through it alone…"
"It's fine! I want to follow in the venerable Pathfinder's footsteps exactly."
"I-I'm not a Pathfinder, just the first one to try it… Umm. Yes. Well."
Kim Soleum smiled shyly before earnestly grasping the participant's hands as if in prayer.
"I'll do my best to ensure you're protected from pain by strengthening the mark I'll give you."
"…! Yes!"
First Altar Entrance
Baek Saheon watched the scene unfold, his expression blank with disbelief.
Under the dim, crimson lighting of the train, he saw Kim Soleum gently grasp the volunteer's arm and do something subtle…
"I'm off!"
"See you soon!"
"Good luck!"
Amid cheers and encouragement, the volunteer, now resolute, stepped through the window.
This repeated over and over until—
Fourth Altar Entrance
"And now, we have our final participants."
That's when it hit him.
'…Items!'
Kim Soleum had been secretly using some kind of item on the participants before they jumped.
Whatever it was, it actually helped them avoid going insane after falling through the window!
'Wait a second.'
Could he actually be doing something about this?
And if that psycho was going so far to ensure people were safe, then—
Baek Saheon's mind spun rapidly as he switched gears.
'This Darkness is a first-come, first-served clear system!'
A system where you had to fill the quota before anyone could clear the game!
'Jumping through the window isn't just some symbolic act—it's the main event!'
And Kim Soleum would be the type to stir up a frenzy to get people to willingly jump. Why?
'Because that gives him more dopamine!'
Forcing people through the window wouldn't be as fun for him. No, he'd prefer this method because it was more exciting and rewarding.
What a terrifying lunatic.
Baek Saheon shivered.
But that wasn't the issue right now.
'If that psycho has a plan—'
Then!
"S-Supervisor!"
Baek Saheon shot his hand up and stood, finally revealing his presence right after the train passed the fourth altar and the light returned.
"Who's that?"
"Wait, was someone else in here?"
The passengers, who had become familiar with each other after looping five times, were startled by the unfamiliar face.
But Baek Saheon put on a shocked expression, pretending to be as surprised as they were, and turned to address the person he knew would give him the best chance—Kim Soleum.
Sure, approaching the elite team was tempting, but he doubted they'd entertain a random new face meaningfully.
Better to play the roommate angle.
And judging by how Kim Soleum had made himself the ringmaster of this whole circus, it seemed like the safer bet.
"My goodness… Hello, sir! I didn't expect to see you here."
"..."
Kim Soleum stared at him silently for a moment.
Then, he smiled.
"Really? But I did."
Fuck!
"Truly?"
"Haha, of course not. Just kidding. How could I have known?"
"..."
Driven by his rising fear, Baek Saheon barely stopped himself from blowing a goddamn fuse.
-x-X-x-
"Ahh, this person is from the same recruitment batch as mine. I heard he took a vacation leave and was on his way to his family home."
"Ah."
"Nice to meet'cha."
The two elite team members nodded indifferently, showing little interest in a rookie with no seniority.
Instead, it was the crowd behind them that grew excited.
"Oh, if he's a colleague, then maybe he can head straight to the window!"
"Yeah, just like those others!"
Perfect!
Baek Saheon beamed.
"Oh, in that case, I'd be happy to test the window…"
"No. He's not qualified yet."
This fucking bastard!
"T-Then… when will I qualify?"
Kim Soleum looked at him as if he truly pitied him and shook his head.
"I do not know."
"..."
"I'm just someone who passed the test before, trying to guide everyone toward the least painful path."
A vein throbbed on Baek Saheon's temple.
But he forced a polite, desperate smile.
"I see. Oh! Even so, I'd like to speak privately with you, about some work-related matters—"
"Hey!"
Suddenly, a thunderous scolding erupted from the passengers eagerly sending off window jumpers.
"What's wrong with this guy? The train is in chaos, and he's talking about work?"
"Does he not understand the situation?"
"It's fine, everyone. People prioritize different things. We still have time until the next life loop, so I'll have a quick chat with him."
"Aigoo, yes-yes."
The passengers muttered among themselves, calling Kim Soleum 'too kind for his own good'.
Baek Saheon no longer felt goosebumps—just resignation.
"Shall we talk over there?"
"…Sure!"
But the moment they entered the restroom and locked the door, Baek Saheon couldn't hold it in any longer.
"I saw you using an item, Supervisor."
Kim Soleum's polite smile vanished, his face becoming expressionless as he crossed his arms.
"And?"
Baek Saheon gulped.
"I'm just saying… think about what would happen if I went out there and told everyone."
He had to get this lunatic to the negotiation table somehow.
But Kim Soleum silently studied him for a moment before subtly nodding.
"Braun says you won't do that."
"…Oh, really?"
"Yeah. He says if you tried, they'd throw you out the window with nothing but your clothes."
"..."
"It's simpler to just jump on your own than to get thrown out, don't you think?"
It was the truth.
Damn it.
Baek Saheon gulped, hard.
Fortunately, Kim Soleum didn't press him further. Instead, he did something unexpected.
He dangled a carrot.
"Actually, I have a favor to ask you."
"...!"
"I need your eye."
Huh?
"The one I gave you as a gift."
Baek Saheon instinctively put a hand over his eyepatch, thinking of the purple reverse-eye beneath it.
The device allowed him to see dangerous entities through glowing heat halos—the more dangerous, the brighter the halo.
It was an excellent danger detector, highly valuable to the Field Exploration Team, though Baek Saheon never fully understood why Kim Soleum had given it to him.
The truth was simple: if Kim Soleum wore it, everything would glow red.
The device was so sensitive to the wearer's subconscious that someone with even a hint of fear wouldn't be able to distinguish levels of danger.
And since giving it to anyone else would mean telling them to 'pluck out their existing eye', it was only natural that the already one-eyed Baek Saheon ended up with it.
He was, after all, the perfect candidate. No one in their batch had stronger survival instincts.
But Baek Saheon, unaware of this reasoning, remained cautious as he asked,
"…When should I use it?"
"In the Car 1."
"Car 1?"
Baek Saheon frowned as he tried to recall what he'd overheard from others. Then it hit him.
"…They said the door to that car is locked."
"That's right."
Kim Soleum admitted it casually.
"It's probably been locked since the second loop. And now, every time the train returns to its starting point, they lock it again."
"..."
Just hearing that…
Felt suspicious.
'How does this bastard know all of this?'
Wasn't he originally from Car 7?
How could he possibly know what's going on at the front of the train?
'Is that why he's been leading people around, gathering information?'
Whatever the case.
"So, what do you want me to do about it?"
"Simple."
Kim Soleum spoke nonchalantly.
"When the door to Car 1 opens, you go in and identify the person with the highest danger reading."
"W-Who exactly is in Car 1?"
"No idea."
If you don't know, then who does?!
As expected, Kim Soleum tilted his head to the side and stroked his chin.
"But you know… they've been randomly throwing people out the window in that car every loop."
"…!"
"And it happens on its own. It's like someone gets thrown out every time, without fail. It must be painful for them… poor souls."
"..."
"So, I figured I should stop them."
Lies.
"Sounds good, doesn't it?"
"Y-Yes! Absolutely!"
Total BS.
'He's pissed that they're messing up his grand plan and wants to take control.'
But Baek Saheon kept his mouth shut. His life was more important.
Instead, he forced a smile and said,
"Then, if I identify the most dangerous person in Car 1, wouldn't that qualify me for an 'item'? The item that grants eligibility."
This has to be how I get one of those items, right?
"Huh? That's a different matter. Items and eligibility aren't related."
"..."
"But if someone volunteers to help convince the people in Car 2 to open Car 1's door, maybe that person will earn eligibility."
"..."
Baek Saheon grinned widely.
"Wow! That's exactly what I wanted to do! Haha…"
"Great. I'll leave it to you, then."
"Yes!"
Die!
Die, you bastard Kim Soleum!
* * *
And that's how Kim Soleum successfully roped Baek Saheon into unpaid labor.
'After all, even dogshit can be used as a remedy, as they say.'
"You're here!"
"Yes. Let's give it our best again."
The train restarted. The passengers from Car 7 greeted each other enthusiastically and even struck up conversations with people from other cars.
Despite having experienced six train crashes, they seemed remarkably stable.
'It's true—having hope makes it easier to endure.'
But keeping people mentally grounded meant one thing.
'I'll have to keep up this crazy cult leader scam act.'
'Damn it.'
– Let's go, Mr. Roe Deer! Today, I'm excited to see what kind of audience—or passengers—will be captivated by your brilliant performance. Oh, how very fun…
"Everyone, today many from Car 8 have gained eligibility."
"Wooooo!"
Braun, stop cheering. Please.
Kim Soleum was beginning to feel a little existential dread, but he didn't let it stop him. He remained dedicated to his 'job' of leading the passengers.
And so, time passed…
The fourteenth loop.
"Venerable Pathfinder!"
"Venerable Pathfinder, we're almost there. Haha!"
Kim Soleum had gained the support of 342 out of 355 passengers, unifying the sentiment in every car except the first.
Braun even suggested creating a TV show based on his leadership.
Only one car remained.
'Car 1.'
A total of 53 passengers had locked themselves inside since the second loop, cutting themselves off from the rest of the train. The only thing known about them was that they had been consistently offering sacrifices.
"T-The door, it opened!"
Finally, the news they had been waiting for.
"The door to Car 1 has opened, you say?"
"Yes!"
I immediately moved with the others to Car 2. Baek Saheon rushed out, looking triumphant.
"I did my best to convince the passengers in Car 1 to open the door. Of course, it was a group effort from everyone, venerable Pathfinder."
"I see. You worked hard."
It seemed that every time the loop restarted, he had been knocking on Car 1's door, shouting about how there was a solution and asking them to come out.
– And surely, he must have enthusiastically shared grand tales of the things you have accomplished, Mr. Roe Deer!
– Ah, I wish I could've heard those fascinating stories myself… But, fret not! A good friend always chooses to stay by his friend's side!
Yes. Thank you, legendary host…
Anyway, it seemed that effectively sharing information about the outside situation had indeed made a difference in Car 1.
I remembered exactly how it had been described on the wiki.
Everything repeated dozens of times.
Blood and madness reigned in every loop.
Those two sentences were crystal clear in my memory.
'The door to Car 1 only opens after all those loops.'
Honestly, I had planned to break in myself around the 20th loop.
'But 14 loops in? That's pretty good.'
No wonder Baek Saheon had earned the nickname Field Exploration Team's 'Viper' on the wiki. I nodded, acknowledging his efforts.
"Well then, let's proceed to talk with them—"
"Wait!"
Baek Saheon hurriedly stopped me.
No way…
"Th-The door has shut again."
"..."
"Well, technically, we did make contact. Look at this!"
Baek Saheon frantically handed me something.
A crumpled, filthy piece of paper.
Scrawled in large letters…
JUST ENDURE SEVEN TIMES MORE
…were jagged words that were pressed firmly into the paper, surrounded by dark, reddish-black stains of some vile, slimy substance.
"Ugh."
"Th-That stuff… It looks like the rot we saw in the tunnel."
A murmur of unease spread among the crowd.
"W-Wait. What if Car 1 has turned into some sort of cursed hellhole? Like the tunnel!"
"Right! They shut themselves off and ignored the Pathfinder's guidance, and now look at them—suffering horribly!"
Please, calm down.
I quickly shook my head, trying to soothe the crowd on the brink of falling into cult-like panic.
"That's unlikely. They seem to be in great pain, yes. But give me a moment."
I headed straight to the connection between Cars 2 and 1.
Then I knocked firmly on the closed door of Car 1.
Knock, knock.
"Is anyone there?"
"It's useless. I've tried multiple times—"
"Hello. I'm the one people call the 'Pathfinder'. Can we talk?"
I continued calling out.
"Behind me are over 300 passengers. We can help you."
"Hello?"
"We came to offer our assistance!"
"I'm telling you, it's useless—"
Click.
"…!"
The lock disengaged.
I ignored Baek Saheon's dumbfounded expression and calmly turned to address the crowd.
"…I'll go in alone."
"W-Wait, you can't!"
"Venerable Pathfinder, what if something happens?"
I smiled, reassuring them.
"If too many people enter all at once, it might overwhelm and frighten the passengers in Car 1. And if something does happen, we'll just return to the start of the loop, right? I'll be fine."
"B-But at least take something for self-defense—"
Thank you. I was waiting for someone to say that.
"In that case, I'll rely on my colleagues."
I looked at the two elite team superiors and my fellow batchmate.
The three, who had already been briefed, immediately nodded. Thus, the united front of Daydream Inc. employees entering Car 1 was formed.
'Perfect.'
It was a relief, especially since I could already see the signs of Jin Nasol's patience wearing thin.
"Be careful, venerable Pathfinder!"
I asked the passengers to stay in Car 2 until called for, and despite their concern, they reluctantly complied.
Another relief.
'Pheww.'
…It's getting harder and harder to manage everyone.
'Sooner or later, things will start spiraling in unpredictable directions.'
"The only reason we've managed to maintain a relatively calm atmosphere so far is because people have been listening to me."
I could still feel the weight of the small badge inside the pocket of my suit jacket.
The power of the Silver Heart was terrifying—undeniably so.
I took a deep breath.
"Then, I'll open the door now."
That was when I felt it.
Jin Nasol's cold gaze, quietly watching me.
"Isn't this taking too long?"
"..."
"Should it have even reached the 14th loop?"
"Yes."
I replied calmly.
"A safe clear is important. I've minimized variables, gathered experience from the altars, and confirmed the escape method."
Now, we just needed to execute it.
"That's why this train ride will be our last."
"..."
Jin Nasol crossed her arms, silently granting me one last pass.
Hopefully, the final one.
"Well, since we're ready as you say, let's just get on with."
"Yes."
As Baek Saheon scrambled after us without any authority to object, Supervisor Dolphin opened the door.
Clack.
The moment it opened, a sharp, metallic stench hit our noses.
"..."
It was the same smell from the altars.
And then—
"I'm scared! I'm scared! I'm scared! I'm scared!"
"Blaaargh! Gruuuh, uuurk!"
"Hiiic, hiiicc…"
Wailing voices.
"Go in."
I stood there, momentarily stunned by the scene before me.
Car 1 was completely contaminated.
Over 50 people inside were thrashing around, laughing hysterically, rolling on the ground, and sobbing uncontrollably.
The floor was a mess of vomit, blood, and torn chunks of flesh.
A small banner, soaked in filth and blood, lay crumpled across the aisle.
[Blue Photography Club – 17th Annual Trip]
That's right.
The passengers in Car 1 were members of a large group booking—a travel agency tour.
They were people who already knew each other well, who were connected and friendly.
And now, they had ended up like this…
"These people… they've been taking turns throwing each other out the window, haven't they? Or maybe they've been doing it by rotation?"
"What? But 53 people are completely out of their minds. Even if they threw someone out each time, it's only been 14 loops."
"You're right. Which means… just as Supervisor Kim speculated, there's a 'person of interest' among them."
Exactly.
Unless every single person had been thrown out, there was only one possibility.Someone within the contaminated group had overwhelming influence—strong enough to sway and lead others.
And that someone, within this closely-knit group, likely wore a piece of equipment that could spark extreme persuasion and groupthink.
"Employee Baek."
"…!"
"The thing I asked for."
Baek Saheon flinched before hurriedly lowering his eyepatch and scanning the area. His purple reverse-eye darted around frantically until it suddenly froze.
He held his breath and pointed.
"There."
Right behind me.
I turned slowly to look at the person Baek Saheon was indicating.
"..."
A middle-aged man lay collapsed, gripping the handle of the door connecting to Car 2 before losing consciousness.
If I had passed him on the street, I would've thought he was just an ordinary, kind-looking man.
That is, if his entire body weren't convulsing, twisted grotesquely on the floor.
"W-We caaaaan…"
Dark red fluid dripped from his mouth as the veins in his temples bulged. His entire body was covered in self-inflicted scratches where he had torn at his own skin.
"Possible, it's possible…"
"S-Seven times, seven more times…"
I slowly approached the man as he mumbled into the air.
His shirt had ridden up slightly due to his thrashing, revealing the end of his belt.
There it was—glinting faintly in silver.
A small, shining badge.
"Is this the person of interest?"
"…Yes."
The critical figure behind the Tamra Express Disaster—
The Silver Heart Owner.