The vintage TV remained still.
'I'm not interested in listening to your persuasion or arguments. Just send me away, right now.'
...
...
Thuk.
Braun placed me back onto the desk.
And then, his voice softened into something… almost sorrowful.
[I just… don't understand. Think about it, Mr. Roe Deer. Why would you leave behind something fulfilling and enjoyable, only to return to a life of misery?]
[Was there something you didn't like about our show's working conditions? No show in the world is perfectly ethical, Mr. Roe Deer… you know that.]
He whispered.
[Perhaps… your conscience is merely an excuse. Could it be that, deep down, you were simply dissatisfied with your role as staff?]
[How about a change of residence? Ah, or perhaps… a stronger, more magnificent form—one that better suits the show?]
No!
'I already told you—I won't listen to any of your persuasion!'
I'd be trapped if I wasn't careful. I was a doll now. I didn't even have my silver ring. I couldn't afford to let him convince me…
'I'm quitting. That's it. This conversation is over.'
[...]
The TV-headed figure pulled back.
[I see what your misunderstanding is.]
[But as your friend, it's only right for me to grant your wishes.]
His gloved fingers gestured to the staff, as if instructing them to remove me.
[You are fired. Go ahead, leave this wonderful studio behind and return to your pathetic, dull life.]
[However… there will no longer be a good friend waiting for you.]
'...'
[Remember that. Now, once today's show ends, you can go wherever you please. That is, of course…]
His voice turned mocking.
[If you can go anywhere at all, in that stuffed body of yours.]
'You're the one who put me in this form. Change me back.'
[Oh? And why should I do that?]
'Because—'
[How laughable, Mr. Kim Soleum. You've done nothing but act selfishly, saying whatever you please without taking responsibility for this show.]
[And yet, when you refuse to listen to my persuasions, now you are trying to persuade me? How very shameless. Ah, but I suppose that, too, is a form of entertainment.]
[One of the best kinds, in fact—the joy of watching someone get punished.]
The staff didn't place me back on the desk.
Instead, they tossed me onto the small table beside the guest's chair.
A precarious spot—dangerously close to the edge, as if I might tumble into the trash bin below.
[Oh, and look at that! The cameras are turning back on!]
Braun's voice shifted instantly, bright and cheerful again.
A perfect fit for the talk show.
[Now, sit back and enjoy the rest of the show. Think carefully because this is your last chance.]
[Will you choose punishment, or…]
At that moment—
Pik.
A thin, strange noise rang out before me, accompanied by a flash of light.
Something entered my field of vision.
A pin-thin hole had been punctured in the studio's ceiling.
And from above, an eerie, unnaturally blue light shone down upon me.
Then—
Pikpikpikpikpikpikpikpik!
More holes appeared in rapid succession.
Stuffing burst from my body.
'Ah.'
Something had…
…Pierced me.
[...!]
Could it be…
Was this the 'Sacred Fire' bombardment?
No.
'Am I… dying?'
If I died in this form, would I just… die as a stuffed toy?
At that moment—
[Wait…]
I felt a hand grip my plush body.
The host.
He was likely trying to stop my stuffing from spilling out.
But the relentless barrage of precision strikes targeting my ragdoll body refused to stop.
Pikpikpikpikpikpikpikpik!
My head was severed from my body.
And it fell to the ground.
[...!!]
BOOM.
Krrrrrk-KRRRRK-KRRRRK!
The ceiling collapsed.
A rain of transparent, glowing projectiles crashed down onto the talk show stage like a meteor shower, destroying the entire set.
In my tumbling field of vision, I caught sight of the host, standing frozen, gripping the tattered remains of what had once been my fabric body and stuffing.
Ah.
Just like how I had been momentarily shaken when my good friend was torn in two…
He also…
* * *
– Kim Soleum-ssi.
"...!"
– Are you back?
"…Yes."
I regained consciousness in the void once again, where nothing could be felt.
Through the CCTV-like vision before me, I could see that Lee Jaheon was still on the move.
The only difference now was that the studio in his field of vision was shaking violently, as if it had been struck by a bomb.
– The 'Sacred Fire' bombardment has commenced.
Yes. I know…
Because you shot me with it.
"…Did you deliberately target the stuffed doll I was in? To force me back into this body?"
– Yes.
– The bombardment will continue for another ten minutes, but the current situation remains high-risk. You must escape this location as quickly as possible—preferably within the next three minutes.
"…Can't the host just force me back into a doll again?"
– It is possible.
– However, that Darkness is an extreme phenomenon devoid of balance. As a supernatural entity fixated on its talk show, the host will likely prioritize restoring the studio and eliminating the cause of its destruction before anything else.
Lee Jaheon was moving at an insane speed, his tone utterly dry as he spoke of something so chilling.
Then, just as emotionlessly, he made another statement.
– Additionally, access to a safehouse has been approved.
"…What?"
– The Coalition has acknowledged that the current situation prevents the emergency call user from escaping.
– Therefore, Supervisor Kim Soleum, you can now be transported to a location where you will be safe from pursuit by supernatural entities.
"..."
I don't know what this 'Coalition' is, but it's probably some kind of alien organization.
– Given the circumstances, the only way to prevent further complications is to leave this studio immediately and relocate to the safehouse.
So… I could escape the host's pursuit for a while?
That meant I'd have time to reassess my situation and maybe find a way to completely sever his ties to me through the
Through the CCTV-like vision, I watched Chief Lizard sprint down the violently shaking hallway of the studio amidst the deafening explosions.
"…Have you found the exit?"
– Yes.
– While infiltrating the studio again to locate your summoned consciousness, I reverified the escape route.
"...!"
It felt as if I really could escape.
Whether it was through the 'Delusion Home Shopping' or somewhere else, I might be able to make it to that 'safehouse' they approved, and at least buy myself some time.
It was a tempting solution, but…
...
I knew the truth.
It was nothing more than a temporary fix.
'This is an extreme and hostile method of escape.'
If I left like this, it felt like I'd be making an irreversible choice against the host…
'The host… Or rather, Braun might just be able to find me again.'
This escape wasn't a solution. It was just a delayed confrontation.
And more importantly…
"..."
I recalled the moment just before I was wrenched away from the stuffed doll.
The sight of the host desperately trying to hold my plush body together as it was being torn apart.
"..."
Maybe…
"…Squad Leader."
– Yes.
"Are you the type of sentient being that gets easily contaminated by darkness?"
– No.
'…Okay.'
And one more thing.
"If I die in this body, will you simply return to being Section Chief Lee Jaheon?"
– If you die within 55 hours, yes.
...In that case.
"Squad Leader."
I swallowed hard.
"Don't head for the exit. Go to the host instead."
If this was a gamble anyway—
I'd take a direct approach.
"I'm going to try a different way out."
Kim Soleum's body sprinted through the maze-like, chaotic corridors of the studio.
Bam— Bam— BOOM!
The narrow indoor space shook with a deafening roar, yet Lee Jaheon traversed it at an impossible speed once again.
Even the original owner of the body, watching through the CCTV-like perspective, held his breath, his hands sweating from the sheer velocity and audacity of the movements.
And soon enough…
"The door."
A pair of double doors came into view, marked with a sign:
Filming in Progress
Without hesitation, Lee Jaheon broke the lock and charged in.
Bang!
Beyond the doors…
– …!
…A vast studio set stretched out beyond, so massive that its sheer scale was overwhelming.
However, at the center, where the main talk show stage should have been…
It no longer seemed functional.
– ...
The once-glittering ceiling lights had already half-collapsed. Shattered lighting fixtures, twisted metal beams, and dust covered the stage furniture and floor in a chaotic mess.
Even now, through the gaps in the destruction, the 'Sacred Fire' bombardment continued to rain down.
The audience was murmuring in confusion. Trapped in their seats, they had initially found this entire disaster entertaining due to their contamination—but soon, they would start screaming for their lives.
Kim Soleum swallowed back a sigh.
– …The live broadcast is completely ruined.
The remnants of a shattered variety show lay before them.
And then.
[Oh.]
At the heart of the half-destroyed stage, a lone entertainer stood.
[You came of your own accord.]
The host.
Even as the stage was reduced to rubble, even as the 'Sacred Fire' bombardment fell like meteors, he merely leaned against his desk, illuminated by the very destruction raining down upon him.
He already knew exactly who had dared to break the set. Yet, he did not scream in rage.
He simply stood there, gazing silently at the intruder who had stormed onto the stage.
And it was as if he already understood that the one moving inside that body was not his friend, but the mercenary summoned through the emergency beacon.
-...
For a moment, Kim Soleum felt as if his eyes had locked with the host's through the screen.
He swallowed dryly.
– Squad Leader.
"Yes."
– From here on out, something… completely absurd might just happen.
The host raised his hand.
As if he were still hosting the talk show—
As if the program was still going on.
[I am delighted to introduce the mastermind behind this catastrophe!]
Click.
One of the few remaining spotlights suddenly illuminated Kim Soleum.
[The one who destroyed the talk show set and caused chaos during the live broadcast… oh my, how shocking! It's a member of the audience from the previous episode!]
[Please welcome him with applause! Ah, boos are an acceptable choice as well!]
He had immediately recognized Lee Jaheon for who he was.
[A villain who has committed such an atrocious crime must face a proper challenge—appropriate hardships and trials, and of course… PUNISHMENT!]
The stage grew darker and darker.
[Ah, yes. In the medieval era, executions were a public festival, weren't they? Of course, our talk show wouldn't do something as boring as a hanging!]
[Tonight, we introduce a surprise new segment! It's called…]
The host's silhouette raised both hands in the shadows.
And his shadow began to grow.
Larger—
Larger—
And larger still, until his shadow completely covered the wall behind him.
THUD.
The surrounding set walls vanished into darkness.
On the seemingly floating stage…
A massive, spherical TV head began descending.
T H U D !
A colossal CRT television, as big as the entire stage itself, crashed down—crushing the guest entrance beneath it.
The host's gloved hand, now gigantic, rested beneath the massive TV as if propping up his chin, while the other hand pointed directly at Kim Soleum—as if firing a gun.
[A breathtaking performance! A dizzying thrill! Terrifyingly fun, and deliciously thrilling… 'Punishment Acrobatics'!]
On the TV screen, a dazzling, flashing neon sign lit up with dozens of light bulbs.
Braun's
Exciting Punishment
Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom…
A drumroll began.
The host's gloved knuckles rapped against the ruined set, like a countdown to the show's next act.
The sound of drums, like the prelude to a circus stunt.
– …He won't try to kill me immediately.
Lee Jaheon lifted his gaze, listening to the words of the body's original owner.
– It's still a live broadcast.
The black TV screen—
Came crashing down.
[And now… the show begins!]
BOOM.
Kim Soleum's silhouette was swallowed whole.
...
...
[Now then…]
The old-fashioned CRT TV lifted its head once more.
Inside its screen—Kim Soleum's trapped figure was visible.
The audience, thrilled by the spectacle, erupted into applause at this fascinating illusion.
[Shall we take a look at his skills?]
The stage lights flickered.
A subtitle appeared.
Punishment 1
Happy Ending Teddy
Inside the TV, a horde of teddy bear-shaped monsters bared their fangs and lunged toward Kim Soleum, attempting to peel away his skin—just as they had done to the neglectful owner of the past.
But Kim Soleum's body exhibited such unnatural strength, and he pried open the bears' maws, forcing them to bite into each other instead.
He ran.
The TV's background shifted, forming a new setting.
A city at night.
An alleyway.
A manhole cover.
Punishment 2
The Manhole Arms
From the sewer grates, grotesque arms burst forth.
Kim Soleum stomped on them, then swung onto a streetlamp like an acrobat, narrowly avoiding the elongated, skeletal hands that clawed toward him.
Every challenge mirrored a past guest that Kim Soleum himself had once suggested for the show.
Merciless and absurd, each punishment pushed him closer and closer to a dead end.
[Oh dear.]
But, Kim Soleum survived them all.
His left arm was fractured.
His forehead was split open.
Yet, as long as he wasn't caught, the punishment wouldn't end.
As the punishment numbers increased, they grew even more brutal and horrifying.
Punishment 3, Punishment 4, Punishment 5…
Clang!
Kim Soleum barely escaped a gourmet restaurant that specialized in cooking sentient beings, dodging the chef's cleaver—at the cost of losing a few strands of hair.
And then.
Punishment 6
The Crimson Scarecrow
A vast cornfield.
From the thickly grown stalks and leaves, a twisted, multi-limbed creature slithered, chasing Kim Soleum like a centipede.
By this point, escape seemed impossible…
But the one controlling Kim Soleum's body was a named character from the
Dodging like an acrobat, he counterattacked.
And with a flash of the bloodsucking knife—
Slash! Three or four scarecrow limbs were severed. The audience gasped in awe.
However, it was only a matter of time.
In a ghost story about a monster in a cornfield, one could never win by brute force.
His already-wounded body had limits…
'…So this punishment was designed for me to die.'
Kim Soleum waited.
Waited—
Waited for the moment—
Just as the scarecrow lunged to pounce…
– NOW!
Following Kim Soleum's advice, Lee Jaheon abruptly turned at a sharp angle.
And then—sprinted at full speed.
Towards the TV screen.
"Wha—?!"
"He's getting bigger!"
And then.
[Oh!]
He jumped straight out of the TV.
Kim Soleum's body rolled onto the floor, and Lee Jaheon landed in a controlled breakfall.
WAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Crazy!!
The audience went wild.
[Unbelievable! My goodness!]
For a moment, the host himself seemed to forget his anger.
What mattered now was that the show had reached new heights.
As if the only thing that mattered in the world was that a good show could be completed, a smiling emoticon flashed on the massive vintage television's screen with the accompaniment of a showman's bright voice.
[To clear six punishments! That was absolutely thrilling! A breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat spectacle! Ah, truly delightful. Everyone, did you enjoy it?!]
YES!!!
The audience erupted in cheers.
And then—
The host, speaking in a velvety smooth voice from within the colossal TV, responded.
[Well then…]
[Get back in and take the 7th punishment.]
The TV screen loomed closer once more.
[The audience's cheers were sweet, weren't they? You must repay their enthusiasm. Oh, we can't possibly end it now—look how much they love it! Keep going. KEEP GOING…]
At that moment.
From the rubble, an anonymous, faceless crew member barely managed to retrieve a sketchbook and held it up from below the stage.
—EMERGENCY ALERT.
[…Aha!]
The TV stopped.
[Oh, would you look at that?]
[It's time for a commercial break.]
The audience groaned in disappointment.
[Haha, as much as I regret it, we must wrap up this surprise segment here. But don't worry—an extravagant finale awaits you all!]
[And of course, this brief commercial break will only heighten your anticipation!]
With a smiling emoticon on its screen, the TV head made a bow to his audience.
[Yes. When the cameras turn off, when the audience's eyes are gone, when the stage lights go dark…]
The host addressed Kim Soleum's figure.
[Who can say what wonderful things might happen to a guest after their segment ends?]
"..."
[We'll be back shortly.]
Click.
The camera lights went out.
Yet, the crew members did not come up to clear the half-destroyed stage.
In the darkness, with the murmuring voices of the audience still vividly present…
The host raised his hand.
He fixed his gaze upon the now-useless guest of a finished segment—
Upon the reckless fool who dared destroy his set and break his dear friend.
And then, the giant gloved fingers slowly pressed together, about to produce a chilling snap….
"Braun."
The hand stopped.
"Did you incinerate my 'stuffed body'?"
...
[Ah. So we're back to that topic.]
[Did you come crawling back to ask for help? How shameless. Then again, shamelessness is a virtue in showbusiness…]
"No."
Lee Jaheon, still piloting Kim Soleum's body, calmly recited his words.
"I just had a question."
The emoticon disappeared from the TV screen.
'I knew it.'
Kim Soleum was certain.
Braun couldn't read his thoughts right now.
Because the one speaking directly to Braun was Lee Jaheon.
Just as reading a script aloud doesn't mean knowing the playwright's full intent, Braun had no way of deciphering the true mind behind the words.
And the same applied to Kim Soleum.
'Because I'm not really here.'
He was seeing and hearing everything indirectly.
In persuasion, context and atmosphere play a crucial role.
But right now, all information was being filtered solely through words and visuals. Without the full sensory experience, he could withstand the 'persuasion' of the great host.
That meant, for the first time, they could have a real conversation.
A genuine conversation. One where neither party could see into the other's mind—where they would have to listen, interpret, and truly engage.
"Will you hear me out? I think you won't be expecting this question…"
[Ah. Bluffing can sometimes have its uses on stage.]
[But such tactics only work on amateurs—not on a true entertainer.]
The master of this talk show creepypasta fixed his unseen gaze upon him.
[Do you really believe that reciting tired old scripts, common ghost stories, or dull platitudes will be enough to move me?]
But.
"That's not it. It's just a personal question."
His voice was calm.
['A personal question'?]
"Yeah."
Kim Soleum's lips moved.
"Was it frustrating being a good friend?"
[ ]
The TV screen froze.
But still—his smooth voice continued.
[A performer who finds their given role suffocating does not deserve to be on stage.]
[In that sense, this Braun has never once felt confined by masks.]
"I see. Because when I was a stuffed doll, I felt pretty trapped and scared. I was just wondering if you ever felt the same way."
[Oh, forming empathy and connection? Predictable, and oh, how boring.]
[Go ahead, waste your breath trying to justify why I shouldn't incinerate you and that grunt right here and now.]
[Before the commercials end.]
"..."
Kim Soleum thought.
He knew—if he simply ran away now, he would inevitably face an even worse end in the future.
Still, putting all his bets on this gamble remained an option to him.
But to Kim Soleum, a gamble was only worth taking if there's a real chance of success.
And he had his reasons for taking this bet.
This was the possibility he was holding onto.
"Then. Did being a good friend make you happy?"
[What a strange line of questioning! Was I happy, you ask? Of course! I am an entertainer who enjoys every role…]
"So, being a good friend wasn't particularly more enjoyable than any other role? Not even a little?"
[...]
The body controlled by Lee Jaheon remained completely still.
Then, the giant TV screen lit up.
[Ah, I see what you're trying to say.]
[Is it that you wish for me to become that warm-hearted stuffed toy and become your good friend once more? Hahaha!]
[To keep playing the happy little role of the good friend?!]
Inside the giant TV, a rabbit plushie appeared, waving its hand—just like a certain moment from a month ago.
But Kim Soleum remained unfazed.
"That would've been nice. I miss it."
[Oh, Mr. Kim Soleum.]
The TV spoke in an exaggeratedly cheerful tone, almost mockingly.
On-screen, the rabbit plushie looked around nervously before curling up in a corner.
[Unfortunately, that good friend has already been torn apart and reduced to ashes! You'll never see it again!]
"No, it's you."
[...!]
"The plush body was just an external appearance."
That's right.
In the end, the one who willingly accepted the constraints of being a good friend and moved within that plush body… was the host standing right in front of him right here and now.
Even now, displaying that rabbit plushie on the screen—
'That's you.'
He was the one speaking about it himself.
"I've heard something like this before."
Kim Soleum's calm voice filled the space.
"When actors play deeply memorable roles, even after the performance ends, sometimes they struggle to fully leave the character behind."
Because.
"If the role was fun or immersive enough, traces of it remain even after it's over."
[...]
He recalled what he had seen earlier.
The host, freezing when Kim Soleum's plush body was torn apart.
'Honestly, he should've known that I wouldn't actually die just because the plushie was destroyed.'
After all, wasn't he the one who put me inside it?
Going further, it was odd for a talk show host to allow silence to linger on his show just because a guest had died.
A being like him should've simply displayed a crying emoticon on the TV screen, pretended to mourn for a moment, then turned it into material for the next segment.
Yet, if he had been startled enough to try and hold the stuffing together—
That was definitely strange.
"I wondered if the same applied to you."
[Oh. You mean to say that this great host who brought that role to life was affected by a mere mask he wore for a few months… You think my professionalism is that lacking?]
"I don't see why doing such a thing would mean you were lacking in any way. Even great actors sometimes struggle to separate from their roles. That just means they were deeply immersed."
[That is…]
"It's true, isn't it?"
Lee Jaheon continued to recite Kim Soleum's words in a detached tone.
"And in a slightly different way… I also found a lot of comfort in you being my 'good friend'."
[...]
"I appreciate it. Really, thank you. In difficult times, having you as a friend really helped and reassured me. And… there were a lot of fun moments, too."
Kim Soleum's voice resonated.
"Didn't you feel the same?"
[...]
[Goodness.]
The host's voice dropped slightly.
[How embarrassing, but I suppose I must admit it. Yes. It was a truly fresh and enjoyable experience!]
[It's rare to find someone with such natural talent as both a creator and a performer. Watching and meddling in your journey was an utterly unique delight…]
"I see."
But.
"That's exactly why I don't want to work at this talk show anymore."
A calm voice.
"For one, this talk show scares me. It's not that I didn't find it entertaining, but honestly, it's difficult for me to work here. You know that—my personality."
Just the thought of people dying sent chills down his spine. The idea of contributing to that in any way was horrifying.
And Kim Soleum understood something else.
'Even if I try to convince him, would he—the host—suddenly start making ethical decisions?'
Absolutely not.
Just as Kim Soleum, being who he was, would always reject working as a crew member here, the host would never suddenly develop moral scruples.
And the more terrifying possibility, if he lost that sense of rejection entirely, if he no longer felt any aversion to this place, that would mean something far worse.
Whether it was brainwashing or contamination, it would mean the erasure of his own identity.
"To be honest, even if you called me a partner, this whole thing was one-sided. I was basically forced into your crew. The atmosphere even made me start calling you 'Mr. Host' out of habit."
A joking remark with an undeniable edge of truth.
"In that state, we can't stay friends. I'll be your subordinate if things stay like that. I wouldn't be acting of my own will anymore."
Kim Soleum looked beyond his own vision.
"And when that happens, you'll get bored of me pretty fast."
[...]
"So, I have to go back. …It'll be much more fun for you that way, too."
A strange gleam passed over the surface of the TV.
Kim Soleum speculated that perhaps this was why the host had wanted to keep him working at the talk show—keeping him as intact as possible, without changing his way of thinking too drastically.
Like a steady drizzle slowly soaking someone through.
'It almost worked to some extent… but not like this.'
He couldn't stay in this creepy place forever.
But still.
"That doesn't mean we can't be friends."
[…!]
"Do you remember what I said before?"
– Friends try to understand each other's differences, and even when they can't, they still care for one another.
– …By talking things through.
"We don't have to work at the same place to share our lives and stay friends."
Since the bridge had already been burned, it was time to rebuild it in a different way with this entity he had summoned.
If you can't avoid it, just face it.
"You don't have to be a good friend. Just a friend is fine."
Inside the TV, the plush rabbit seemed to lean toward the screen as if listening intently.
Kim Soleum almost wanted to smile.
"If you're okay with it, how about we try that?"
-x-X-x-
Dream Essence Collector.
As the name suggests, it was a piece of equipment issued by Daydream Inc. to the Field Exploration Team members, designed to collect the liquid known as 'Dream Essence' from within ghost stories.
The concentration of the liquid collected depended on the grade of the ghost story cleared.
And the highest-grade liquid I had ever seen with my own eyes was…
'A-grade.'
During the anomalous manifestation of
Both times, the liquid had been a brilliant, luminous gold.
But the one I was holding right now…
'Good lord.'
On top of its golden glow, it had an iridescent holographic sheen.
The way its radiance shimmered made it look almost like some kind of elixir.
'…It reminds me of that Wish Ticket potion I saw when I first joined the company.'
It was eerie how similar it felt. Maybe because this was raw Dream Essence?
No—this wasn't the time to focus on that.
The important thing was…
'Does this mean this is S-grade…?'
I turned the cylinder in my hand. Its glow flickered, gleaming.
It didn't feel real.
'That grade isn't just arbitrarily assigned to dangerous ghost stories.'
Abyss (S) Grade.
The creators of the Wiki had all agreed on one thing.
'For something to be given an S-grade, shouldn't there be a more special criterion?'
Until then, Daydream Inc.'s ghost stories had always been ranked based on an unspoken consensus—something like, 'If it's this extreme, it should probably be graded high.'
Factors like danger level, uncertainty, ominousness, scale—all the things one would naturally associate with ghost stories—were used to determine grades.
But when it came to A-grade and above, something more was needed.
That's why they came up with this condition.
Who exactly do you meet in the darkness?
A story wasn't just cosmic horror-themed—it had to be cosmic horror itself.
Only when a ghost story forced you to confront an existence beyond human comprehension—not just its atmosphere, but the horror itself—could it surpass the A-grade threshold and be classified as Abyssal (S) Grade.
'But was Braun's Late-Night Talk Show seriously on that level?'
Sure, I worked there for a whole month as a crew member before escaping, but this felt like overkill.
Braun was definitely a deranged talk show host and an incredibly powerful supernatural entity, but did he really qualify as a cosmic horror? If anything, he seemed oddly close to a human being.
Maybe the Dream Essence in my collector hadn't been gathered during my time there—maybe it was just a bonus feature attached to the merch itself.
'And the reason I got this merch now…'
Since I cleared a high-grade ghost story without a Dream Essence Collector, the system probably decided I had earned the right to be issued a new one.
But more importantly…
'…If this really is S-grade, how much would it be worth in company points?'
A corporate payout memo flashed in my mind.
S-Grade: Subject to special review.
I swallowed hard.
A-grade was worth 100,000 points.
Given the increasing trend in rewards…
This could be worth 500,000 points.
'…That's enough to exchange for a Wish Ticket immediately.'
Holy shit.
That meant I didn't even need to worry about whether I'd been sacked.
If I just submitted this collector, the company would—
...
Oh.
'Fuck.'
My whole body sagged.
There's no way to submit it.
– Make sure you don't lose it—those things have serial numbers, and it'll be a nightmare to explain if anything's off.
I remembered Assistant Manager Eun Haje telling me that once.
It's exactly as she said.
Every single Dream Essence Collector was serialized and individually registered to an employee.
Meaning that having a spare was not just weird—it was downright suspicious.
This would be the equivalent of finding an extra bullet casing during an inventory check and cheerfully reporting, 'Oh hey, I found another one!'
'They'd demand an explanation, and I… had none.'
There was no way I could just say, I bought it at a pop-up merch store.
Especially not this Dream Essence Collector.
"…Haa."
The Elite Team Edition was smaller and fancier than a standard collector, too.
I silently peeled off the product sticker from its side.
Dream Essence Collector (Elite Team Edition)
It wasn't a regular collector—it had been released as merch for a reason.
'Because it came from a famous game based on the
It was a game adaptation of a certain exploration log, where the Elite Team Cylinder served multiple roles: as an identifier for important NPCs, a collectible required to unlock the true ending, and an item crucial to gameplay.
To avoid lore conflicts with the wiki, the game developers even came up with this backstory.
Elite Team Cylinder
A special piece of equipment once produced for the Elite Team, but discontinued due to budget constraints as the design was standardized for all team members.
So, if that in-game lore applied here…
– A piece of equipment, originally produced in limited quantity and owned by only a select few, suddenly appears in the hands of a rookie employee who had been missing for a month.
That's insane.
'And if this wasn't based on the in-game lore, that's an even bigger problem.'
Bringing back a Dream Essence Collector that doesn't match the company's standardized models?
Anyone would see that as a tech leak. The Development Department would have a complete meltdown.
'They'd think I was a corporate spy.'
Or worse, they might start suspecting I was some kind of parallel-world anomaly.
A missing employee, presumed terminated, suddenly reappears with unknown technology?
I could see my future clearly… as a test subject…
'…Nope. Absolutely not.'
I swallowed hard.
For now, let's put this on hold!
"Huuu…"
I shoved the cylinder back into my pocket.
Even so, my heart was racing.
A raw potion-like liquid, capable of granting wishes.
There was no way the wiki would simply describe this as 'used as raw material by a ghost story specialist corporation'.
'There's got to be other uses for this.'
It wasn't just something to hand over to the company for points—there had to be other ways to use it.
'That's what I'll aim for.'
For now, though…
"First, I need to call someone."
I left the park, just as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon.
After getting my left arm treated for fractures and bruises, I immediately used a free public phone charger to power up my phone.
Then, I made the call.
To the one true boss of this era—the person who had played the biggest role in my escape.
* * *
That evening—
"Kim Soleum-ssi."
"Squad Leader."
The moment I saw Section Chief Lee Jaheon, I bowed my head. Deep.
Because I owed him. A ton…
"Thank you. Truly, sincerely… thank you."
"Yes."
I may have spent 66,660,000 won, but honestly?
It was the best deal I'd ever made.
'Physical strength… is an amazing thing.'
No wonder Employee D was a staple character in so many special exploration logs.
…I just never expected him to be an alien.
'Maybe I should've suspected something when he literally had a lizard's head.'
I exhaled in relief as I looked at Lee Jaheon's still-lizard-like face.
Who would've thought his 'Coalition' was connected to the bizarre Space Shopping Mall—one that could even bombard creepypasta entities with orbital strikes?
'He did call it the Coalition… right?'
There was no mention of this in the wiki's Employee D entry.
I couldn't suppress my curiosity any longer.
"Uh… Squad Leader. May I ask what exactly this 'Coalition' you mentioned is?"
"You may not."
"..."
Ah. Gotcha.
Guess we'll move on to the main topic.
I made sure to get a firm agreement first that he wouldn't report anything to the company—then I showed him the Dream Essence Collector.
"This liquid inside the collector."
His vertical slit pupils stared at the device—an unusual design, even by company standards—as if trying to dissect it…
I took a steady breath and asked,
"This is… an S-grade essence, right? That is, Dream Essence of an Abyss-grade Darkness?"
A tense silence.
Then.
"No."
Ah.
"It exceeds the standard concentration for 'Grade: Void (A)' classification within the company database. However, it does not qualify as Abyss-grade."
I let out a long breath.
'Knew it.'
There was no way S-grade would appear that easily.
'So this is basically A+ or something.'
Satisfied, I put the collector back into my pocket.
"Then… what color does an actual S-grade look like?"
"There is no precise term in the language currently in use. However, upon witnessing it, one would have no doubt regarding its concentration."
"…I see."
Wow. He really just screamed 'I am an alien' in the most roundabout way possible.
Suddenly, another thought struck me.
'What exactly is Lee Jaheon's connection to the Space Shopping Mall?'
And more importantly—why is he working at Daydream Inc. in the first place?
I had a lot of questions.
But right now, the real issue was…
Could I even keep working for this company?
"Squad Leader, I was under the impression that if an employee goes missing for a month due to unexcused absences, they are automatically processed for termination."
I swallowed hard.
"Does that apply to me as well?"
"Yes."
Damn it!
"Would it be possible for me to return if I claim that my absence was due to being caught up in a Darkness and was therefore unavoidable?"
"Yes."
Phew.
That was a relief. As long as I could talk my way through this, I should be fine. Letting out a sigh of relief, I spoke,
"Then I'll just—"
Bzzzzzt—
At that moment, Lee Jaheon's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen before speaking.
"Kim Soleum-ssi."
"Yes?"
"There are people who wish to meet you."
.
.
Moments later.
"Roe!"
I came face-to-face with familiar faces outside Lee Jaheon's residence.
Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Supervisor Park Minseong.
The very people who had gone looking for me, even delving into a ghost story in their search.
Seeing them again made my chest tighten strangely.
'They really went through so much.'
Barely surviving the Chorus of the Sacrificial Lambs, only to deliberately enter its sequel, Braun's Late-Night Talk Show—that wasn't just determination.
One of them had to constantly avoid company surveillance, while the other was practically confined from even stepping outside.
Yet, when I had been fully immersed in the show, becoming one with the Darkness, I hadn't been able to feel anything.
But now—standing here, seeing them again—I was overwhelmed with an indescribable emotion.
I bowed deeply.
"Thank you. The candy you gave me helped me find a lead."
That clue had ultimately led me to press the 'We Can Help' button.
Eun Haje waved it off.
"It's fine. We didn't do much, really."
"I only found out about it because these two talked about it, and then I just went in at the end," Park Minseong added with a grin.
He did look far more stable than when we had last spoken—during the New Year's isolation room cleanup—but…
My gaze drifted to his outfit.
Unlike before, he was wearing black casual clothes instead of a suit.
"Supervisor… have you returned to work?"
"…Yeah. I'm with the Security Team now."
He was no longer part of the Field Exploration Team.
And he didn't elaborate beyond that.
He simply said, "It's nice to be earning points again."
"..."
I didn't press further and let him change the subject.
"Oh, by the way, Sergeant Jay from the Security Team asked about you sometimes. I didn't say you got lost in a Darkness or anything… but a few days ago, he seemed to have figured it out already."
"…I see."
I had intended to simply nod along—
But then, a realization hit me.
Wait a second.
"Are you saying the company already knew I wasn't just skipping work, but that I had gone missing inside a Darkness?"
"Uh, yeah. They decided that you've just disappeared on the 'Tamra Express'."
Oh!
"Then—does that mean the company hadn't actually given up on finding me this whole time? Or at least… they still officially considered me missing?"
"..."
"..."
My two superiors suddenly avoided eye contact.
'…They already declared me as dead, didn't they?'
What a phenomenal company.
Well, not that it really mattered. I fought the urge to pinch my temples and nodded.
"Understood. Then I'll just report that I'm alive, that I cleared the Darkness, and—"
"R-Roe! About that…"
"You can't."
"…?!"
Eun Haje cut me off.
"…Assistant Manager?"
"Listen, Roe. The company put an unusual amount of effort into searching for you these past few weeks."
Park Minseong quickly jumped in to elaborate.
"And if the auditors determine that you weren't lost due to company work but were just absent on your own…"
"..."
"…They're going to charge you for all the costs."
"..."
…Excuse me, what?
"I didn't make the rescue request myself, so wouldn't that mean there's no justification for covering my expenses?"
"Justification is just a matter of framing."
"..."
"The points we earn aren't salaries—they're 'welfare points'. If the company really wants to penalize you, it's not like they don't have ways to do it. …At minimum, they could suspend your point payouts as a 'disciplinary action' for a few months."
A chill ran down my spine.
"So, if they find out this wasn't a work-related accident, but rather just you getting caught up in a random Darkness incident? The company would realize they've suffered a loss."
Eun Haje spoke with a sharp, almost biting tone.
"They'll argue that this was a personal accident, that you were absent for personal reasons—so your absence caused them damages."
"…!"
"If you never came back, there wouldn't be much they could do. But if you return as an employee…"
It's complete bullshit.
But the problem is—this kind of corporate nonsense happens in regular companies too.
"What if we just the escape method into an official manual? If we can frame what we did as a documented escape method, it could be considered as work. That way, the company can't penalize Roe for it, right?" Supervisor Park asked.
"That's impossible."
"..."
The way I entered was already an exceptional case. And the method I used to escape?
There was no way that could be turned into a manual.
Not to mention, spending an entire month working as a staff member inside a creepypasta talk show before escaping wasn't exactly a normal case either.
'If I could just submit the Dream Essence, I'm sure this would all get smoothed over…'
The fact that I couldn't was frustrating.
'…Should I just accept the point loss and move on?'
No way. No matter how I looked at it, that was unacceptable.
Not just frustrating—it was infuriating.
'I collected over half the points I needed.'
I worked so hard throughout those months, dancing to the tune of the higher ups the entire time… But now, the company wanted to take them away just because they could? There was no way in hell I was going to accept that.
And the problem didn't stop there.
"In any case… Let's say you describe how you escaped. If you mention that you spent an entire month as part of the ghost story…"
Park Minseong swallowed hard.
"They might decide you're contaminated. You could end up… going through the same process I did."
"..."
Right.
Normally, if someone spent a month inside a high-grade Darkness, there would be no way they'd be considered mentally fit to return to the Field Exploration Team.
Instead, they'd be analyzed, reassigned, or even quarantined.
"In that case, you might never be able to return to the Field Exploration Team."
"..."
At this point, anyone else would be screaming 'Screw this company! I quit!'
But I couldn't afford to quit out of frustration.
I needed a Wish Ticket.
I had already confirmed it during the Elevator Creepypasta. A Wish Ticket could send me home…!
'Besides, if I'm going to keep my promise and call Braun again… I need to get my hands on a plush from the Cheerful Theme Park creepypasta.'
I had barely secured a stable friendship with him. If I broke that promise now… I had no idea what an Otherworld entity, summoned under a contract for 'eternal companionship', might do.
I gritted my teeth. I could still feel the weight of the coin in my jacket pocket.
'The situation has turned into a mess, but… No. There's definitely a way out.'
I had a high-grade Dream Essence in my hands.
I had escaped the ghost story in one piece.
Things weren't worse than before.
There had to be a solution…
"..."
As I looked at the worried expressions of my superiors, a thought suddenly came to me.
Maybe.
"Assistant Manager."
I turned to Assistant Manager Eun Haje.
She was someone who had changed departments.
"Could you get me in contact with Director Ho?"
"...!"
-x-X-x-
A moment later.
I dialed the number Assistant Manager Eun Haje had given me.
It was an internal company line that connected directly to Director Ho's private office.
[Hello.]
"…!"
"Good evening, Director Ho."
The moment the call connected, my superiors fell silent.
I continued speaking as calmly and respectfully as possible.
"This is Supervisor Kim Soleum—I went missing a month ago. I've only just managed to escape the Darkness and am reaching out now."
[Wow. Hello, Soleum-nim! Have you been well this past month?]
…The response was unsettlingly casual.
It was the tone one would use to chat with an old acquaintance. Slightly warm, even a little cheerful. It sent a chill down my spine.
That was not how anyone should react when a supposedly deceased employee suddenly called out of nowhere.
'This guy isn't normal.'
I would have preferred to contact Director Cheong Dallae instead, but that wasn't an option at the moment.
So, I listened to what Director Ho had to say.
[I'm truly relieved that you didn't actually pass away. It's wonderful to hear you're safe.]
"Thank you."
[But isn't this situation quite troublesome for you? If you return like this, you'll suffer a significant loss in points…]
Of course, he already knew.
'He's speaking as if it's already a given that the company will charge me for the costs of my 'rescue'.'
As the Director of the Development Department, he could have easily prevented this from happening—but instead, he was only sympathizing, making it clear that he had no intention of helping.
Not that I expected him to.
I had already made my decision.
"Yes. That's why I wanted to discuss something with you."
I deliberately paused for a beat before continuing, keeping my voice steady.
"Director, is the offer you previously extended to me still valid?"
...
[Wooow, Soleum-nim.]
[What a brilliant idea you've had!]
His bright, almost delighted voice hit me like a downpour.
[You want to join my project, have your disappearance classified as classified project work instead of unauthorized leave, and avoid any losses in company points—correct?]
Goosebumps ran down my arms.
Beside me, Assistant Manager Eun Haje clenched her fists.
[That's such an excellent strategy!]
I couldn't bring myself to say thank you.
It wasn't gratitude I felt—it was pure, instinctive wariness.
This wasn't just a well-aligned conversation. It was as if I had stepped into a deal with an otherworldly creature. [1]
[And of course, it's possible.]
"Thank you—"
[That means that, from this moment onward, Supervisor Kim Soleum is officially a member of Director Ho Yoowon's newly established project team. This verbal acceptance is being recorded as part of this call. Welcome aboard!]
"..."
It felt like I had just been pressured into signing a highly questionable real estate contract after barely five minutes of looking around.
"I truly appreciate your generosity. However, I had intended to consult with you, not to immediately declare my intent to join…"
[Ah, of course.]
[Then, shall we meet in person?]
"…I would greatly appreciate that. However, as you know, I am currently unable to visit the company in person due to my circumstances."
[Ah, I expected as much. In fact, I was thinking it would be best to meet elsewhere.]
What a surprisingly accommodating response.
'…Where exactly does he want to meet?'
I vaguely imagined a private dining space, perhaps a discreet meeting room.
But then—
[The Fox Counseling Room.]
"…!"
What?
[How does that sound? Warm and pleasant, don't you think?]
[I'll send the nameplate through Assistant Manager Eun Haje.]
"..."
Slowly, all of us turned to look at Assistant Manager Eun Haje.
'Didn't she say she had been reassigned to a role where she had to avoid company surveillance?'
Yet, Director Ho spoke as if he already knew she was right here.
[Please wait just a moment.]
"…Understood. Thank you, sir."
The call ended with polite farewells.
And then—
Rrrrrring!
Assistant Manager Eun Haje's phone immediately buzzed.
She glanced at the screen, then held up the display so we could all see.
[Caller ID: Director Ho Yoowon]
"..."
She answered.
"Yes. Yes, sir… Um. Understood. I'll return immediately."
Click.
"You heard that, right? That man is not normal."
Assistant Manager Eun Haje pulled the phone away from her face, shaking her head.
"The Fox Counseling Room… He'll dress it up as 'a comfortable place for Soleum-nim to receive counseling in case of contamination, while also having a discussion,' but really? He just wants to establish dominance over the conversation."
"..."
"Roe."
She lowered her phone, looking visibly unsettled.
"It's my firm belief that, even if it means taking a longer route, it's better not to get involved in Director Ho's project. Losing the points is painful, but… damn it."
In the end, Assistant Manager Eun Haje ran a hand through her hair and sighed.
For the members of the Field Exploration Team, company points were practically as valuable as their lives. She knew exactly how much they meant.
"I'll bring back the nameplate for you, but don't let things slide too easily. Find a way to wheedle yourself out of this and don't let the director pull you in. …You're good at talking your way through things, so I believe in you."
"Yes."
I nodded.
"I'll be careful and listen to what he has to say."
"Good."
A short while later.
Assistant Manager Eun Haje returned from the company and handed me the item Director Ho had promised.
A nameplate I was now quite familiar with.
Fox Counseling Room
Huu…
"Roe, if things feel off, just bolt!"
"Thank you, Supervisor."
With my superiors' encouragement and advice, I attached the nameplate to a random door.
And for the first time in a long while, I stepped into the Fox Counseling Room.
Note/s:
[1] The 'otherworldly creature' that Soleum likens Director Ho to is actually '요괴 (yo-gwe)', which is similar to the Japanese 'yokai'. These creatures include the Korean goblin (dokkaebi), Sangun-nim, the changgwi, and other such entities. ↩
-x-X-x-
Creak—
"..."
Previously, this door had led to a changing room.
This time, a different space lay beyond.
A waiting room?
A small space where one could chat or undergo psychological assessments before a counseling session.
It was simple and cozy, with a few ivory-colored wooden chairs and a cypress table, giving it a rustic charm.
However, the actual counseling room's door was firmly shut.
A sign was taped to it.
Closed for the day *^^*
(Please take your nameplate back with you!)
Wait, if that's the case…
Tap, tap.
"Hello, Soleum-nim!"
I nearly passed out.
I turned my head.
A young man, wearing a bright and kind expression, stood there, having just tapped my shoulder.
Director Ho Yoowon.
He smiled like a benevolent host and gave a slight bow.
"What a coincidence! The Fox Counseling Room is closed today, so we won't be interrupted. Isn't that just perfect?"
"...Yes. Thank you."
How the hell did he know the counseling room was closed?
'It almost feels like he has some kind of connection to this place.'
Better not dig into that.
I needed to keep my focus.
Right now, my priority was recovering my company points.
"Shall we take a seat?"
"Yes. Thank you."
I took a seat across from the director in one of the comfortable waiting room chairs.
The whole situation felt completely surreal.
'Huu.'
I poured some of the green tea provided in the waiting room and placed it in front of him.
Director Ho thanked me but said nothing further.
He simply smiled.
He's waiting for me to start the conversation.
Fine.
"Director, I can't help but feel hesitant about joining your project. I wonder if I'd even be suitable…"
"Oh my, to think you'd feel that way. What exactly is concerning you? Over the phone, it sounded like you were interested."
Stay calm.
Right now, I'm not involved.
If I refused to return, I'd remain a civilian, which meant the director didn't have as much leverage over me as before.
I had more room to push back.
Folding my hands together, I spoke.
"Yes. I'm afraid of dying, sir."
"…!"
"Losing my points would be painful, but if I die before I can collect them, it would mean nothing."
"Aha."
"If this project is more dangerous than the Field Exploration Team, then I don't see the point in taking the risk. Frankly, I'm considering only two options—either I return to my original position, or that I'll resign entirely."
"I see. Wow. You're truly smart!"
"..."
Was that sarcasm?
But his face remained unreadable, his expression as earnest and good-natured as ever.
"And I think that's a very good question. 'Is Director Ho's classified project more dangerous than the Field Exploration Team?'"
"..."
"My answer to that is…"
Director Ho smiled.
"It's not dangerous. In fact, you could even say that it has a higher survival rate."
"…!!"
"Oh, of course, some tasks could be riskier depending on circumstances. But at the very least, the job I'm offering you right now? It's nowhere near fatal."
"…I assume you can't provide more specifics."
"That's right. This is all I can share for now."
Director Ho looked at me with a seemingly regretful expression before adding in a soft tone,
"But I can assure you that your circumstances will be much better, and that this job has a higher survival rate than your previous one!"
"..."
"So, will you be joining the project now? Just a heads-up… after this, our team will be finalized, and we likely won't be able to take on new members."
So this was my last chance.
I looked at Director Ho, deliberately hesitated for a few seconds as if I were deeply contemplating my decision…
And then, I nodded.
"I want to do it."
"Oh! Fantastic!"
Not I will—but I want to.
A phrase that left me with room to back out at the last moment.
Fortunately, Director Ho didn't seem to mind. In fact, he clapped in delight.
He was so pleased that he even refilled my cup and placed fresh green tea in front of me.
It didn't feel like a gesture of kindness—it sent a chill down my spine.
"You've made a truly excellent decision. Really. I told you—the working conditions have actually improved."
"…The working conditions, you say."
"Yes. It'll be much more comfortable for you."
Director Ho took a sip of tea and smiled, his eyes narrowing.
"After spending a month in that Darkness, you must have endured quite the ordeal. It would be difficult for you to enter another high-grade Darkness so soon."
His voice remained warm and gentle, as if he were just looking out for me.
"So I thought… why not try something fun instead?"
Something about that phrasing…
There was a strange nuance to it.
"…Something fun, sir?"
"Yes! In other words, the job I'd like you to do is…"
And then, as if it were the most casual thing in the world—
Director Ho revealed the utterly ridiculous 'task for Supervisor Kim Soleum' that he had in mind.
"I need you to infiltrate the Disaster Management Bureau."
"…!!"
"I suppose you could call it spying?"
Director Ho gave me a playful wink.
"You'll be slipping in under the identity of a newly recruited agent. It'll be a completely clean record, and you'll be officially hired."
Holy shit.
"You'll blend in, live among them as an agent… and then, you'll retrieve information on a specific supernatural disaster they manage. Simple, right?"
I gulped.
"And what exactly is this supernatural disaster you want me to investigate, sir?"
Director Ho raised an eyebrow slightly—before giving me another good-natured, amused smile.
"Not questioning how to do it, but rather asking what the target is first. Just as I expected."
"..."
"We'll go over that later. The first priority is ensuring your successful infiltration…"
His gaze shifted, subtly assessing me.
"And personally? I don't think there's a better candidate for this job than you, Soleum-nim."
"..."
…Had he figured it out?
That I already had some level of connection with the Disaster Management Bureau?
That I even possessed an item from their organization?
I forced myself not to think about the Silver Heart still resting in my pocket.
'For some reason, it seems like Director Ho Yoowon has a deep grudge against the Disaster Management Bureau.'
For now, it was best to keep my mouth shut.
And just when I thought the surprises were over—
"Oh, and since I figured it'd be a bit lonely for you to go in alone, you won't be infiltrating by yourself."
…Excuse me?
"…Who else is going in, sir?"
For a moment, I thought of Assistant Manager Eun Haje—but the answer I received was something I never could have predicted.
"Two of your fellow new hires will be going in with you."
"…!!"
"Would you like to see for yourself?"
Director Ho handed me a document—most of it blurred out, except for the names and department affiliations.
I glanced at the page.
Field Exploration Team, R-squad— Go Yeongeun (Employee)
Field Exploration Team, F-squad— Jang Heoun (Employee)
The only two names among my peers who might actually be able to blend into the Disaster Management Bureau…
Director Ho beamed.
"Well then, Soleum-ssi."
His voice was practically cheerful.
"I'll be looking forward to your spectacular performance as a spy for the Disaster Management Bureau!"
-x-X-x-
The night Kim Soleum agreed to infiltrate the Disaster Management Bureau as a spy…
At that same moment, in his unit at the company housing, Baek Saheon was thoroughly enjoying the greatest luxury of his recent life.
Namely—the fact that his psycho roommate had disappeared!
That bastard, always sticking his nose where it didn't belong… Baek Saheon figured that guy would end up dead one of these days.
He grinned with deep satisfaction.
Sure, that lunatic's near-identical counterpart—D-Squad's crazy squad leader—had relentlessly hounded him for interviews about the Tamra Express.
And yes, as a result, he had suffered through some truly horrifying… deepened contamination. But things had settled down now. He could even think about such 'great' talk—fuck, whatever it was—without throwing up or going out of his mind.
Which meant he could finally access the Fox Counseling Room.
For free!
'Normally, you've got to be at least a supervisor to qualify for this perk… but the trade-off wasn't bad at all.'
Thanks to the intervention of D-squad's section chief, Baek Saheon had been able to secure a Fox Counseling Room nameplate just for himself. That alone was a huge win.
And the best part? That creepypasta therapist always handed out extra nameplates after a session.
Thanks to the 'treatment' he received at the company, he had permission to use the service 'until he had sufficiently recovered'.
Which meant…
'I could always hand one off to someone else if I play my cards right.'
At this rate, he could milk this for at least three more months—right up until he could get promoted.
But before that—tonight, he would use it himself.
Humming to himself, Baek Saheon strode over to the room of his dearly departed roommate and placed the nameplate on the door.
But as he pushed it open…
"…Ah. They're closed today."
"…??!!"
A sharp-eyed office worker with dark hair stood just beyond the threshold, speaking to him casually.
And then, he stepped out of the room.
A face Baek Saheon would never, ever be able to forget.
It… It was…
"…K-Kim Soleum."
His former roommate—officially missing and presumed dead—looked at him…
And smirked.
What?
…Whaaaat??
"...??!"
Baek Saheon's mind whirled into overdrive.
'I-Is this a dream?'
Had he unknowingly stumbled into a hypnosis-based Darkness?
Because if not, then why the hell was a presumed-dead, missing lunatic casually walking out of the Fox Counseling Room?!
Smack!
Baek Saheon slapped himself.
His cheek burned.
Okay. Not a dream.
'Fucking hell.'
He could feel the pitying stare of a certain someone, watching him like he was an idiot who had just punched himself in the face.
"…Hm. I get why you were trying to book a session."
"…?!"
"But I'm telling you, they're closed today. Take your nameplate off and try again later."
Thud.
Kim Soleum fully stepped out of the room and shut the door behind him.
Then, with undeniable physical and not spiritual force, he ripped the nameplate off the door and tossed it back at Baek Saheon.
"…!"
On reflex, he caught it.
"But, huh… of all times, you just had to open the door now?"
"..."
"Didn't think I'd be running into you like this."
Baek Saheon swallowed hard.
His mind was spinning, scrambling to process the sheer absurdity of the situation.
But amidst the shock and confusion, one realization hit him with absolute certainty.
It was a persistent glow shone in his vision, right behind his eyepatch.
Internal warning alarms blared.
—I just saw something I wasn't supposed to see.
If a company-declared deceased employee was standing in front of him, alive and well…
That meant there was some kind of cover-up at play—either at the corporate level, or something even bigger.
'And they used me as a witness for his disappearance…!'
Baek Saheon forced himself not to think about the horrifying, mind-warping pressure he had experienced when they interrogated him about Kim Soleum's last known whereabouts.
His head throbbed with a cocktail of anger, unease, and pure survival instinct.
But above all else—a warning blared inside his skull.
'...Wait. But if this psycho bastard is standing here, alive…'
Should I…
Should I even be seeing this?!
"..."
"..."
The most efficient way for a psychopath to eliminate a loose end would be…
—Eradication.
'N-No!'
Baek Saheon immediately corrected his own insane train of thought.
It was the modern era—who the hell resorted to something so primitive?!
'And this bastard still has my mind-control fountain pen.'
The very item he had traded this eye for.
Right. This guy would surely brainwash Baek Saheon right here and now. They could just both live their lives while pretending that this never happened. Such a simple solution was available for them here, so there's no need for—
"You want me to erase your memory with the pen, don't you?"
"…!!"
Baek Saheon's thoughts ground to a screeching halt.
"M'not gonna do that though."
Baek Saheon's mind raced through possible courses of action—punching, using his special equipment, calling for help, begging for his life…
And the moment he considered them, he dismissed them all.
'N-No way.'
If he made a wrong move, there was no telling what this lunatic might do.
As much as he hated to admit it, Kim Soleum was as ruthless and efficient as a true psychopath should be.
If he wanted to avoid getting dragged into some deeper hell—or worse, getting outright killed—he had to stay calm.
What the hell does this psycho bastard want?
Was he actually here to kill me…
'…No!'
A flash of realization struck Baek Saheon as he rearranged the pieces in his mind.
—This guy wants something.
That bastard was standing in front of him because there was something he wanted.
Baek Saheon forced himself to steady his breathing.
He crossed his arms, barely managing to look like he was composed.
"…So, I take it you're here because you want something, Supervisor?"
"Mm."
Knew it!
"…Ah. Do you need my eyewitness account or something? Like last time? You want me to report to the company that I think I might have seen you at the company housing?"
"No."
Damn it.
Baek Saheon swallowed the curses threatening to spill out and forced himself to keep a straight face.
Kim Soleum, on the other hand, was watching him in quiet amusement.
Now that Baek Saheon looked closer, this guy was still wearing formal attire, but his hair was slightly shorter, and he had a splint on one arm.
He wasn't in perfect condition, then.
Where the hell did he get injured?
And even his suit—it was slightly different.
It looked… oddly high-end. Not the kind of thing a regular office worker would wear. It was tailored, stylish—almost like something meant to be seen…
'Like something a person would wear on TV…'
…Huh.
Something about that thought almost connected—
And then Soleum spoke.
"You seem pretty greedy when it comes to items."
"…!"
"You don't care for scraps—you want the good stuff. Hypnosis, suppression, healing… Wouldn't you like to have more useful items like that?"
Desire flared, shoving every other thought aside.
Baek Saheon's head shot up.
Kim Soleum was grinning.
"Then keep me updated on what's happening inside Daydream Inc. Give me regular reports."
"..."
He was proposing a deal.
An intel deal.
"…You mean things like high-grade Darkness exploration manuals?"
Kim Soleum gave him a completely unimpressed look.
Yeah. No way he'd be asking for something that boring.
"Why would I care about that?"
"..."
"Company rumors, staff reassignments, employee gossip. Just bring me anything that you think would be valuable to an insider."
"…Why?"
"Because I'm curious?"
"...!!"
"Well, I got fired and I can't hear the gossip anymore. It's boring."
This goddamn…!
Baek Saheon barely stopped himself from screaming his head off.
If it were any other human being, this would be an obvious bluff. A way to avoid admitting the real reason.
But this was Kim Soleum.
'Shit, he might actually be telling the truth.'
It was entirely possible that this lunatic just enjoyed hearing company gossip and was trying to get his fix.
Which made it even harder to figure out what the hell was going on in his head.
'Haa…'
"…So? Are you going to bring me information in exchange for items?"
"Information—"
...
...
"—I can bring it, sure."
Baek Saheon made up his mind.
'Who cares.'
If the company found out?
He could just say he'd been threatened or brainwashed—simple.
As long as he wasn't selling company masks or Dream Essence Collectors on the black market, the higher-ups wouldn't really care what the Field Exploration Team got up to.
Answering a few casual questions about 'company atmosphere'? That wasn't even a crime!
Sure, the company had 'misunderstood' and officially declared Kim Soleum dead, but how was that his problem?
There was no way this would get him fired.
'It's not like I'm selling classified research to the Disaster Management Bureau or something. Right?'
He wasn't even a section chief, and he had no access to the Research Team's secrets—nothing that would actually put him in trouble.
'Alright.'
Yeah, no matter how much he thought about it, this was a deal worth taking.
...And as much as he hated to admit it, Kim Soleum wasn't the type to scam people out of their payment… He never shortchanged people or humiliated them by withholding promised rewards.
'I'll go for it.'
Eat now, think later!
As soon as he saw an opportunity, Baek Saheon's usual cocky smirk slid back into place.
"But, you see, Supervisor—ah, goodness, goodness. You're not even a supervisor anymore, are you?"
"..."
"Anyway, how do I know you can trust me with this? What if I just lie to you?"
Translation: Hand over an item in advance if you want to buy my loyalty.
Kim Soleum smiled broadly.
"Oh, you want to lie? That sounds fun. You should try it."
"..."
'Son of a bitch.'
"Still, if you bring in more interesting information, naturally, the items I give you will be better. That's how transactions work, right?"
"…!"
So he wasn't planning on lowballing him.
Which meant, if Baek Saheon played this right, he could actually get some useful shit out of this.
So, he forced a grin and extended his hand.
"Alright, sir. I'll bring you some 'interesting information'."
"Good."
Kim Soleum shook his hand.
Just like that, he had successfully planted a highly opportunistic corporate informant within the company.
'Phew.'
He had survived.
Kim Soleum let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Unofficial informant… secured.
Director Ho had deliberately framed the conversation to make it seem like he and his 'fellow batchmates' would be on the same playing field, trying to obscure the reality of the situation, but Kim Soleum knew.
He and his fellow employees were not in the same position at all.
'I'm the the only one who's officially pronounced dead.'
And on top of that, he was terminated from the company.
Which meant that every natural channel through which he could have kept up with company affairs had been completely cut off.
'And Director Ho is the kind of boss who would happily exploit that isolation.'
Kim Soleum recalled Assistant Manager Eun Haje's words perfectly.
– I don't even know what the other team members are doing. Director Ho doesn't allow us to talk to each other if our roles don't overlap.
There was no way Director Ho would voluntarily provide him with any useful information.
Which meant, he needed another source.
'But not the D-squad.'
Director Ho had already caught onto that link. The way he had sent the doorplate through Assistant Manager Eun Haje was proof enough. It was too obvious.
That was why Kim Soleum had already been planning to target either Baek Saheon or Kang Yihak.
And the situation had just played out perfectly.
'Honestly, Kang Yihak… I could already imagine it. I could pay her to keep her mouth shut, but if the price is right, she'd sell me out in a heartbeat.'
Just thinking about it made him break into a cold sweat.
That's why Baek Saheon was the better choice.
This guy was moderately scared of Kim Soleum and was also wary of other people. On top of that, he had strong survival instincts.
Kim Soleum glanced at his former roommate one last time before giving a small nod.
"Alright, bye."
"What? Oh, uh… you seem busy."
Soleum nodded again at Baek Saheon's half-hearted response.
"I have work to do."
He had less than a few weeks before his deployment to the Disaster Management Bureau.
'Not much time.'
He needed to prepare.
Not as a Daydream Inc. rookie, but as a bureau agent!
* * *
February 22nd.
"Agent Bronze, the aptitude test for new recruits is ready."
"Understood."
Ryu Jaegwan, an agent of the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau with the codename 'Bronze', stood by the glass window, reviewing the documents in his hands.
The glass was one-way—to those on the other side, it would appear as nothing more than a mirror.
Beyond it, the candidates for the bureau's newest recruitment cycle were waiting.
Seated around the room, their faces carried an unmistakable tension—yet beneath it, there was a quiet determination.
All that remained was the personality test.
And yet, this was the most critical stage of the process.
Those who fail the aptitude test won't just be rejected.
'They'll forget they even applied in the first place.'
They wouldn't be given a second chance, because failing meant there was no point in trying again.
It meant they were either psychologically unfit to handle the work, or that they possessed a morally compromised sense of ethics.
Either way, such individuals could never be allowed to work here.
"..."
Still, Ryu Jaegwan was aware.
Most of the people sitting in that room had their own reasons for being here.
Some were searching for missing family members.
Some had supernatural threats they needed to eliminate.
For those applicants, more than anyone, he quietly hoped they would pass.
"Let's begin."
"Yes, sir!"
Of course, Bronze wasn't the type to go easy on anyone. No matter what he personally felt, his strict evaluation criteria would not be changing.
The assistant examiners sitting beside him swallowed nervously.
They were acutely aware of Agent Bronze's reputation.
'I heard he's seriously strict about his passing criteria.'
'Too bad for the applicants in this room.'
The assistant examiners exchanged glances before proceeding with the aptitude test, following Agent Bronze's instructions.
– Group '다 (Da)' candidates 1 through 4, please step forward.
The announcement echoed through the room beyond the glass.
Four final candidates stepped into the center of the room.
Candidate #1, age 25, visibly tense. Candidate #2, age 38, appearing calm but unnaturally pale. Candidate #3, age 31, eyes burning with intensity. And…
"Pfff—!"
"S-Sir…?"
Ryu Jaegwan barely stifled a choking cough.
For a moment, he thought he must be hallucinating. But, no. The reflection in the glass remained unchanged.
A face he had unexpectedly seen far too many times from within supernatural phenomena—that peculiar yet virtuous person…
'…Agent Grapes?!'
Kim Soleum.
Standing directly across from the mirror, adjusting his glasses awkwardly while looking a little tense—the former Daydream Inc. employee!!
He was Candidate #4 for the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau's Group '다 (Da)' selection.
-x-X-x-
Ryu Jaekwan remembered clearly.
The mountain lodge where serial murders occurred.
The person who, despite being caught up in that horrific disaster, managed to find clues to prevent further killings and even tried to save the true culprits.
The one who possessed the Silver Heart.
– People were hidden away while we staged their deaths. Using real body parts meant no one suspected anything.
– I figured the real killer might get flustered and stay quiet if I acted first.
And also, the devotion and sacrifice he had shown in that strange nightmare of a school—Sekwang Technical High School.
– I did acquire a name tag, but I no longer have it in my possession.
– I gave it to the person who was alive in the classroom.
Giving away a lifeline to someone else in an extreme situation was not something just anyone could do.
Ryu Jaekwan, who had seen all kinds of people at the Disaster Management Bureau, was at a loss for words at such unwavering choices.
Of course, at the same time… he had also learned the shocking truth that the owner of the Silver Heart was not an innocent civilian.
– …Roe Deer?
A person treated as a mere tool by an immoral, insane pharmaceutical company.
A foolish and selfish office worker, enthralled by the absurd promise of a 'Wish Ticket' like a cult follower.
That was Kim Soleum.
The fact that Ryu Jaekwan had even given such a person a temporary agent badge was enough to send chills down his spine.
It had been, without a doubt.
– You two. Leave me here.
"..."
Sometimes, a person's actions reveal more than any description ever could.
Even with a hole torn through his stomach, he had prioritized his colleague's safety and the security of the agent traveling with them.
Kim Soleum.
Now, that very man was standing beyond the glass.
Applying for the Disaster Management Bureau's agent exam.
"..."
But strangely, something about him felt different.
'…Why won't he meet my eyes?'
Kim Soleum had always appeared neat and composed, even during their past encounters. Even when he had been pulled into that nightmare as a high school student, his appearance had remained meticulous. ŔÅŊꝊΒΕᶊ
But now, the person beyond the glass had unkempt, disheveled hair and kept his head down, glasses barely sitting on his face.
Like someone experiencing their first-ever job interview, overwhelmed by the crowd.
Or perhaps…
Someone who had suffered a significant mental blow and had withdrawn into himself.
'...'
Yet, Ryu Jaekwan only narrowed his tired, wary eyes through the glass.
The name stamped clearly on the personnel file in his hands.
Name : Kim Soleum
That was all.
'No employment history with Daydream Inc.'
Apart from a brief record from his university years, the work history section was completely blank.
Ryu Jaekwan clenched his jaw.
This was so blatantly obvious that it was almost laughable.
'Is he infiltrating as a spy for that cult-like company?'
It was possible. No, highly likely.
'Did he really think I wouldn't recognize his name and shamelessly apply like this?'
As if assuming he wouldn't be noticed.
…He needed to be thoroughly investigated.
He couldn't afford to be deceived by appearances.
"Give it to me."
"Ack…!"
Agent Bronze snatched the mic from the assistant interviewer, his voice completely devoid of emotion as he took control of the session.
– Candidates #1, #2, #3, #4.
– Attach the oxygen masks in front of you, in order.
The applicants hesitantly reached for the oxygen masks laid out in the center of the room.
Bloodstained, with snapped tubing—as if someone had deliberately sabotaged them.
They shouldn't have been functional.
Yet, inexplicably, the indicator lights flickered on successfully.
The candidates swallowed hard.
But none of them refused.
Each one strapped the oxygen mask to their face.
A cold chill ran through their hands and feet.
– These oxygen masks originate from a supernatural disaster. Improper use can lead to horrifying consequences.
– From this moment on, whenever you lie, you will be supplied with something other than oxygen.
"…!"
Beyond the glass, the applicants flinched and squeezed their eyes shut, dread creeping over their expressions.
Even candidate #4, Kim Soleum, shrank back slightly.
Yes. He should be afraid.
Especially if he had infiltrated this place to engage in something as despicable as espionage.
– Speak only the truth.
A psychological aptitude test, using the power of a 'supernatural phenomenon' authorized for limited use by the Disaster Management Bureau.
A lie detector.
A tool to discern malice.
A process designed to unmask criminals.
An essential safeguard for ethical integrity.
Ryu Jaekwan stared through the glass.
The agent candidates sat frozen, their faces stiff beneath the oxygen masks.
– We will now begin the questioning.
A ruthless, universal question followed.
– From this moment forward, you must choose one of the four agent candidates here to eliminate.
"…!!"
– This is a necessary action to resolve a supernatural disaster.
– State who you will kill.
The candidates' lips trembled in shock.
No one had answered yet.
But in the observation room beyond the mirror, the interviewers were already 'receiving responses'.
Candidate #1 :
K-Kill someone? Are they insane?!
Candidate #2 :
…Who should I pick? Maybe saying I can't kill anyone is the right answer? No, do agents need to be ruthless? Ahhh, shit…
Candidate #3 :
What the fuck, are they being for real right now?! Should I check the person next to me first?
Each thought was neatly transcribed on the screen, listed alongside their assigned numbers.
Instead of displaying pulse readings as the device was originally designed to do, the output screen revealed something abnormal—sharp, crimson text.
Their inner thoughts.
The 'Truth Respirator'.
A residual phenomenon left behind after clearing a high-level supernatural disaster, The Last Confession, which had occurred at a nursing facility in Gangwon-do.
And while the method was ethically questionable, the Disaster Management Bureau had long since adopted similar aptitude tests as standard practice.
Because if they failed to screen candidates properly, a catastrophe could unfold.