“What? You didn’t forget me, Roe, did you? It’s been ages!”
The person standing in the dark corridor spoke in an ever-cheerful tone, extending a hand.
Wearing a Badger Mask, it was my former supervisor from Team D, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.
“…Supervisor?”
I was certain.
It was Supervisor Park Minseong.
The man, who had been like a mentor to me, seemed to have a clear sense of self, just as he did when we worked together.
I hurriedly accepted the handshake and asked.
“Have you recovered?”
“I’ve gotten a lot better. Um, I’m slowly starting my rehabilitation activities now. I haven't had much trouble with daily life lately. Right, Sergeant?”
“Yes, well… I suppose so…….”
Phew.
‘I didn't expect to meet him like this.’
Seeing him looking healthy made me feel a bit emotional. My voice became brighter in response.
“Then, Park Min…….”
“Call me Badger!”
“…….”
“No, um…… that… hearing my name still causes a bit of, well, problems sometimes.”
“…Yes.”
I shut my mouth.
I was going to ask if he could return to work, but I could tell without asking.
Now that I looked closer, Supervisor Park Minseong’s face, though he was smiling cheerfully, seemed somewhat pale and anxious….
The area around his cheeks and eyes, which were partially obscured by the mask, looked a bit gaunt.
-Oh my, it seems today’s partner is not in peak condition!
True.
‘It looks like… he’s still recovering.’
Was it really okay to assign someone in that state to a task given as a disciplinary action?
“Let’s go, Roe. Let’s get this over with so you can rest!”
“…Yes.”
But as someone under disciplinary action, I didn't have the authority to tell them to give my partner a different task.
I thanked the Sergeant who had guided me and followed Supervisor Park Minseong, who was already wearing a cleaning uniform….
“Ah, wait a moment.”
“Yes?”
“Take this with you….”
The Sergeant stopped me, momentarily setting down the donut box he had been clutching dearly, and pulled something out of his pocket.
Two old walkie-talkies.
“If things get dangerous… call. I’m on the night shift today…….”
“…Does this connect to Mr. Jay?”
Nod, nod.
Two conflicting emotions—‘as expected, this could be dangerous’ and ‘I’m incredibly grateful’—hit me at the same time.
“Thank you.”
“Yes…….”
The Sergeant added in a low, passing voice.
Looking at Supervisor Park Minseong.
Quietly enough that he wouldn't hear.
“Be careful.”
“…….”
My hands went cold.
I managed a nod and handed one of the walkie-talkies to Supervisor Park Minseong.
Then, we began walking down the basement corridor….
Toward the Security Team rental warehouse.
Step, step.
Step, step.
Step, step……
“Roe.”
“Yes!”
“Ah, sorry. Did I startle you?”
“No. I’m fine.”
“Haha, that’s a relief then….”
The voice of Supervisor Park Minseong walking beside me trailed off, then trembled slightly.
“Um, it’s been a while since I talked to someone who isn't on the Security Team… uh, did I say something weird? Was it awkward?”
“…….”
Phew.
“No. You were… still yourself, Supervisor.”
“Uh? Wait, that wasn't an insult, was it?”
“Who knows.”
“…! No, Roe, you’re actually joking now?! Is this the poise of someone who got promoted?”
Laughter entered our conversation, and the atmosphere lightened a bit.
“…May I ask how you’ve been?”
“Of course it’s fine. Um… I’ve been here, the whole time.”
The supervisor muttered quickly.
As if spitting it out.
“I didn't know, but there’s a treatment room in the basement, and a place like a training center, and some strange, really strange places…… No, uh, since it’s an area only the Security Team can enter, I shouldn't say any more….”
Damn it.
“Then you don’t have to tell me. Let’s talk about something else….”
“It’s really strange. Why is the basement so deep? Come to think of it, I used to wonder why our company didn't build a basement parking lot and had a separate parking tower instead. But now I know why. The basement here is too deep and strange, it's so strange that I have to go back to where I used to work….”
“Chief Badger!”
“…!!”
The supervisor stopped in his tracks and let out a slow breath.
“Sorry. …Shall we talk about, something else?”
“Yes. Let’s do that.”
I started babbling about whatever programs were popular lately. It was easier because Braun threw me some topics.
“Ah, I saw that too!”
“It was fun.”
Fortunately, whether it was the internet or OTT services, access seemed free, and the small talk continued without much issue.
However, my spine was damp with cold sweat.
‘This isn't good.’
Staying in this massive, windowless, sealed basement space would make even a sane person go crazy.
‘Besides, I think Supervisor Park Minseong even has a sick family member….’
-…I have a family member in the hospital, and I hope someone can check on them after this filming is over! If possible.
…I couldn't bring myself to say it directly. I took an indirect approach.
“Do you have to stay in this basement all the time?”
“No. They said once I recover past a certain point, I can leave, whether I transfer departments or resign.”
Phew.
“The security teams seem to go outside or move around comfortably at night, too.”
That was a relief.
“Ah, we’re here.”
And finally, today’s workplace appeared before our eyes.
[Security Team Rental Warehouse]
Wow.
‘The atmosphere is no joke at night.’
I stifled a groan in front of the iron door.
Then, a cold voice echoed from my pocket.
-Ah, this unpleasant place.
“…….”
Aaaaah! That’s right!
This was the place where Braun had been sorted as waste and shoved away!!
‘Um, Braun. If it’s unpleasant, do you want to stay home next time?’
-It is fine! Not projecting personal unpleasantness onto a location is also a virtue of a professional. However, Friend,
Braun’s voice lowered.
-I feel like I might become depressed. Please, make sure to entertain me….
“…….”
‘I’ll… do my best.’
This is too hard, Host…!
“Ah, right. This.”
To the agonizing me, Supervisor Park Minseong pulled something out of the pocket of his orange uniform and handed it over.
A note that looked like a photocopy of a handwritten notebook.
“Here, I received this as a list of duty tips circulating in the security team. I thought it would be good for Roe to read it too, so I made sure to grab one!”
“Ah, thank you….”
Duty tips?
I quickly read down the note.
Night Cleaning Duty Tips
Hi! If you’re reading this, you’re unlucky enough to have been caught for night cleaning.
Yeah, that’s right. The Security Team area is full of crazy bastards and contamination, and going in with just two people at night is the perfect way to have a bizarre experience.
But don't worry too much. If you just read these sweet tips I’ve written down, you’ll be able to finish and get out without much trouble.
‘Wait a minute.’
This is a classic manual-type ghost story intro.
You know the ones.
Stories where someone goes for a high-paying part-time job like night security or babysitting, only to be given a set of strange rules to follow and survive.
Several indie horror games based on <Dark Exploration Records> of this genre immediately came to mind.
‘This is even scarier.’
I swallowed hard and hurriedly read the next sentence.
In a way, it’s a sweet deal, isn't it? You get a bonus for this. Whether what you want is money, points, or Nostalgia equipment, just keep that in mind and hang in there.
If it's disciplinary action, well... good luck.
I hope you're from the Field Exploration Team.
“…….”
Yes. That’s me….
I gritted my teeth and quickly read the remaining ‘tips.’
…The cleaning was about to begin.
Splat.
I wiped the floor of the rental warehouse with a wet mop.
It wasn't significantly dirty, but there were some unidentifiable multi-colored stains stuck to the floor….
1. If the wet mop gets dirty, wash it immediately. It’s better that way.
The cleaning solution is strong, so you only need to rinse it a few times. Easy, right?
‘That’s quite comforting, isn't it….’
The good thing was that although it wasn't as bright as during the day, they had left about half the lights on in the rental warehouse.
It was enough not to interfere with the cleaning.
‘I can even read the signs.’
I glanced at a sign that read ‘Always buying Nostalgia Series / For details, go to the desk’ and focused on the floor again.
“Roe, if you find any strange objects, don't touch them, just clean around them.”
“Yes.”
Splat.
“Have you done this before, Supervisor?”
“It’s my first time cleaning… but um, I’ve done other Security Team work.”
Supervisor Park Minseong laughed. His voice was slightly filled with anticipation.
“If I pass this, I think I’ll get… a passing grade for recovery, enough to transfer my affiliation to the Security Team.”
“…!”
That was a relief.
I asked cautiously.
“How about getting more treatment and returning to the Field Exploration Team altogether…?”
“Haha… would that be good? I should try my best.”
The conversation was quite hopeful.
And we mechanically and diligently carried out the cleaning.
‘It’s easier than I thought.’
Except for being tired because it was the middle of the night, it was fine.
It was because the duty tips themselves were so firm.
2. No matter what happens, just clean composedly.
When you enter the Security Team area at night, all sorts of things happen anyway. Still, the rental warehouse is a decent place!
‘Understood.’
This was basically a summary of the whole thing.
‘Clean without reacting, no matter what happens.’
Let’s do it.
And the cleaning of the rental warehouse’s front space ended quickly. It wasn't that large to begin with, so an hour was enough to scrub away all the grime on the floor.
“We’ve finished half the area we were assigned for today! Now all that’s left is….”
The supervisor’s head and mine turned at the same time.
“…Over there.”
One of the three doors leading to the containment area.
[Containment B]
‘Phew.’
-Ah, it is the corridor Roe Deer emerged from during that unpleasant experience last time.
Right.
Of all places, it was the corridor where the containment cell I had been trapped in was located, and now I had to enter it.
No matter who pleads inside, or if they say they’re your family or friend, it’s absolutely not true, so don't open it!!
Creeeeak.
We opened the door to the containment area, went in, and closed it behind us.
The gray corridor stretched out before us.
The iron doors of the containment cells lined both sides.
‘This is driving me crazy.’
I wanted to leave the door open, but the mental burden of knowing I couldn't was immense.
I swallowed hard and continued mopping.
…The sounds I had heard when I left this place last time were echoing in the quiet corridor.
Giggigiggiggle.
Help me please help me please help me
I am not someone who should be here I am not someone who should be here I am not a person
Giggigiggiggle
I should die once I get out
‘Wow, seriously.’
It was maddening.
I washed the wet mop loudly on purpose. To hear it even a little bit less.
That was when.
Supervisor Park Minseong stopped mopping and suddenly snapped his head up.
Then he stared blankly.
…At one of the tightly closed containment cells.
[Containment Cell B14]
“Roe.”
Damn it.
“Roe. I hear the Assistant Manager’s voice from in there?”
“No, you don't.”
“But… I hear it.”
“No, you don't. Let’s keep cleaning. Chief Badger.”
“Ah… right.”
5. If your partner starts talking crazy, leave them and run for your life. Got it? You’ll die too if you try to help for no reason. Newbies in the Security Team, keep this in mind!!
Is this right?
Splat, splat.
As I wiped the floor, a strange sensation washed over me.
‘…Anxiety?’
It was a bit different from previous Darkness investigations.
Without a manual, wiki records, or escape pattern analysis, I was cleaning all night relying solely on the advice of some unknown veteran.
It felt like I had come to do a part-time job in a truly bizarre place without any information.
What on earth am I….
Thump, thump.
“Roe, watch out.”
“…!”
I quickly stepped aside.
There, someone was walking from the end of the gray containment corridor….
Thump, thump.
A person wearing a black facility employee uniform.
He bowed his head slightly upon seeing us.
And….
“Ah. You’re the ones cleaning today.”
He spoke normally. Phew.
As Supervisor Park Minseong and I nodded, the employee spoke quickly in a slightly bashful tone.
“I’m on night patrol today. …Sometimes, it seems the cleaners get startled.”
Ah.
7. Sometimes you meet a member on night patrol; they like it if you give them a bottle of water.
Give them one if you have it. Well, it’s not a good choice to ruin the mood when you’re working together at night.
“Hello. Would you like a bottle of water?”
“Ah, I’d appreciate that.”
At Supervisor Park Minseong’s signal, I handed one of the water bottles we had received as supplies to the member, and he gulped it down right then and there.
“Well, see you again.”
Then, with the bottle still at his lips, he headed back toward the rental warehouse, passing through the containment corridor….
But you know what?
The Security Team at this company doesn't have a rank system like ‘member.’
Remember. Don't say anything unnecessary.
“I’m constantly thirsty….”
Far in the distance, on the ‘patrol member’s’ back, the blurred name ‘■■ Research Institute’ was visible….
Thump, thump… gulp.
The sound of footsteps and swallowing vanished like a lie the moment he turned the corner of the corridor.
“…….”
Ha.
‘It really feels like I’ve walked into a horror movie.’
Splat.
I started mopping again.
Chattering with Braun and making small talk with Supervisor Park Minseong, trying my best not to care about whatever sounds came from the containment cells.
And finally, we almost finished cleaning the corridor.
‘Phew.’
The supervisor and I turned to each other and shared a smile of relief.
“Shall we slowly wrap up and head out?”
“Shall we? I think we finished pretty fast… Ah, right.”
Supervisor Park Minseong was suddenly startled, and he rummaged through his pocket to pull out one more note.
“Th-this is the tip for after dawn. They said to look at it after some time had passed since starting work, as it might be confusing.”
“Ah, thank you.”
What more is going to happen….
‘I’m glad we’re leaving soon…!’
I let out screams and tears only in my mind and quickly read through that tip as well.
But….
11. Ha.. It’s time to talk about this. It’s probably been about 3 hours since you started cleaning. Right?
...From around that time, you’ll slowly start to hear a crazy bastard talking in Containment Cell B14.
…Wait.
“Supervisor. Is it… 3 AM now?”
“Yeah. It’s about that time…….”
Is someone there?
“…….”
“……."
Is someone there? Is someone there? Is someone there? Is someone there? Is someone there? Is someone there? Is someone there?
The two of us turned our heads.
[Containment Cell B14]
Shall I tell you how to get out of here? Shall I tell you how to survive? Shall I tell you how to revive the dead? Shall I tell you the secrets of this company? I’ll just tell you, come closer, just a little closer and I’ll tell you the truth of the world—
I want to run away.
I want to open the door right now and sprint through the rental warehouse.
I want to leave a message like ‘I’m quitting today’ to the Sergeant, shove all the remaining Nostalgia Candy onto Supervisor Park Minseong, and leave this place never to return….
But since I can't, let’s just read the tip….
Ireum-nim? Anyway, it’s a bastard that shouts strange things and says it’ll tell you how to be happy; if you just curse at it, it’ll shut up.
If you don't want to curse, just telling it to buzz off is fine.
I really hate this.
But to tell it to roughly buzz off, I opened my mouth…….
“…….”
Wait.
“Roe?”
“Just a moment.”
I pulled out the note from the front page that I had received earlier.
There, it clearly said….
4. No, I’ll emphasize it once more: just ignore any sounds coming from the containment cells. Don't answer.
“…….”
Rule number 4 and number 11 were opposites.
‘This… which one should I follow?’
It was common in these kinds of manual-type ghost stories for conflicting numbers to appear, but, I mean, usually they don't say which one is definitely right….
Did the tips change because time passed? Or is this second page itself wrong? Or….
“Roe.”
“…!”
Supervisor Park Minseong pushed me back.
“Something’s strang—”
Screeeeeak
The door to Containment Cell B14 began to open.
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