A dark office.
Taka-taka-taka.
Someone sits alone, typing away.
Letters appear on the glowing monitor screen.
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Report (Draft)
Author: Lee Jaheon
20XX. 01. 02. A record of witness statements regarding the clearance process of the anomalous C-Grade Darkness that occurred on the Mokpo Express, and the process of Assistant Manager Kim Soleum’s (presumed) death.
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The typing produced sentences at a steady rhythm, without hesitation or pause.
It was as if the entire timeline had already been organized in the writer's head.
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Witnesses: Employee A, Employee C, Employee F (Initials selected by team for ease of reading.)
Employee A:
Are we doing this again(referring to the interview)? I don’t see the point. Anyway… yeah. I boarded the train to go on a local business trip, and next thing I knew, it was running over the ocean.
Employee C:
The clear went super smoothly! Supervisor Soleum took the lead and did a lots of things, and it was nice to see him trying to minimize civilian casualties!
(Employee A asked if this anomaly was orchestrated by the company, but later stated they received an answer from the research team saying it was a ‘total coincidence’ – refer to the 3rd round of interviews for further confirmation.)
A three-person elite team successfully took the lead in clearing the anomalous Darkness. Collection of C-Grade essence confirmed.
From this point on, all testimonies consistently stated that the train was no longer an anomalous space but a full real-world environment.
Employee C:
Supervisor Kim Soleum was the first to check the essence and then said he was going to the bathroom. Yes, ‘that’ bathroom.
After the train departed, Supervisor Kim Soleum left his seat, stating, ‘I’m going to the bathroom.’ No contact for 15 minutes.
At the 17-minute mark: Employee F, who was on Car 3 of the train, visited the seats of the three Elite Squad members.
Purpose of visit: ‘To say goodbye’, according to testimony.
Employee F:
Ah, as I mentioned before… I was on vacation,sir.
Employee F:
I was flustered to be suddenly caught in the Darkness, but I tried to respond to the situation calmly while assisting the three of them to the best of my ability. It’s only natural as an employee of our company.
Employee F:
After everything was over, I went to say goodbye to my superiors, and noticed that my friend, who was in the same recruitment batch as me, wasn’t in his seat, so I went looking for him.
Employee C:
Ah, he was about to go in the opposite direction of the bathroom, so I guided him the right way! I suppose since his original seat was that way, he might have reflexively tried to go back the way he came!
Employee F moved toward the bathroom following Employee C’s guidance.
There, they found a collapsed man outside the restroom door.
Victims condition:
Medical personnel diagnosed that the limbs seemed to have been instantly incinerated by extremely high temperatures.
(Source: Somang Medical Center (Daydream Inc. Affiliated Hospital))
Employee F:
I thought something was wrong. But the bathroom door was locked. There was no response when I knocked.
Well, it’s not something to brag about, but I’m pretty good with my hands… so I tried to unlock it and open the door. And I succeeded!
…But. (Sharp inhale)
At the 21-minute mark, the high-speed train bathroom door was opened.
Employee F:
It was… silent inside the bathroom.
No one was there; it was just a clean high-speed train bathroom. That made it feel even stranger, so I stepped back to leave, but….
Objects suddenly began to fall out of mid-air. …Along with blood.
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The hands typing stopped for a moment.
He grabbed the mouse, navigated to the ‘Scene Photos’ folder on the computer desktop, and attached a few photos to the document.
Photos of the interior of the bathroom next to Car 7 of the high-speed train, covered in blood.
Everything lay strewn on the floor, stained with blood, over the pool of blood covering the walls and floor.
A mask, an employee ID card, a briefcase, and… a Dream Essence Collector filled with C-Grade liquid.
However, there was one single, clean spot.
Tiles in the shape of a small bathtub, devoid of bloodstains.
As if… someone had picked it up and taken it.
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Employee F:
And then, a giant hand suddenly appea…… Uuuugh! Gasp, it, it pushed me! Flashflashflashflash… HelloEveryoneTheJoyOfThisNightANewFaceToMeetEveryDayAndYourFr iendlyHost!HelloThisIsTheLateNightTalk… Retches (Interview suspended) Contamination and PTSD symptoms. The 7th interview ended after recommending an application for the Fox Counseling Room.
The following is a quote from the statement in the 4th interview.
(4th Interview)
Employee F:
A hand appeared in the air, it appeared, but an afterglow, no, a strange light, no… never mind. (Deep breath) It picked up the strange bathtub that was lying on the floor. It- it was a small bathtub with a checkered pattern and golden feet. In th- the process, blood poured onto the floor, and, uh, strange black ribbon scraps fell with it….
Employee F:
The hand took the ribbon too. And, and… on the mirror.
It wrote a message.
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The hands typing stopped once more.
He then stared at a photo he had already developed, picking it up from the board next to the desk.
On the bathroom mirror, words written in elegant cursive, using blood as ink.
Mr. Kim Soleum
will be working elsewhere
starting today.
:)
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The research team speculated that the message ‘might be related to the Tamra-bound Express Darkness that occurred as an anomaly on the train.’
(This hypothesis is considered highly reliable within the research team and is being recorded in internal documents.) As supporting evidence, they cited the probability of an irregular occurrence due to Supervisor Kim Soleum’s proactive behavior in that Darkness and his unique ethical attempts until the clear.
The possibility that it was a message implying death after being invited to the unknown space called ‘Tamra’ during a business trip.
Alternatively, there was a mix of opinions that Supervisor Kim Soleum had been selected as the final sacrifice for the Tamra-bound train.
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Click.
The moment he wrote that much, the author stopped his hands again.
It wasn't because he couldn't think of what to write next.
“Team Leader.”
“Assistant Manager Eun Haje.”
It was because a visitor had come to the dark office.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon looked up.
Eun Haje, looking haggard, stood leaning against the office door with her arms crossed.
“Stop this now.”
“…….”
“Just how many times are you going to conduct that damn interview? Even the directors are losing interest now.”
Eun Haje walked into the office.
Her dark eyes swept over the empty seat of her Hubae, who had ultimately been labeled with the sentence, ‘Presumed deceased as of January 2nd.’
“It’s already been a month.”
Assistant Manager Eun Haje now stood before the desk of the Team Leader of D-Squad, who had no more team members.
“When there’s no news for a month, a person should know when to give up. …Writing reports won’t bring a dead person back.”
“…….”
“I heard the records from the Dream Collector were ultimately processed as a Death Repatriation.”
It was true.
In the recording from the Dream Collector, the missing employee's groans and brief murmuring like ‘Shall I?’ were confirmed.
It is significantly inferred that this is part of the psychotic symptoms of the Anomaly Darkness that occurred during the Elite Squad's trip, the so-called ‘Tamra-bound Express Train.’
According to statistical predictions, there is an over 80% probability that the employee in question is in a state of deep Contamination or death.
And according to regulations, if there is no significant trend report for 30 days after the Dream Collector is returned, automatic death processing proceeds on the system.
In other words, it meant this matter was already settled.
“…He’s already been registered on today’s resignation list too. Manager.”
Supervisor Kim Soleum (Termination of employment contract due to death)
…Usually, by that time, death is certain.
Assistant Manager Eun Haje wiped her face with her hands before speaking.
“…The company won’t support you anymore. You know this isn’t a company that spends money and time on dead people.”
The search and repeated reviews until now were an ‘investment’ because Kim Soleum was such a unique and capable employee.
However, there was no proper manual for what mechanism triggered the Tamra-bound Express Train, and it hadn't reoccurred for a month.
“Does this kind of organizing have any meaning? Don't you think it's time to quit?”
“Yes.”
“…….”
It has meaning, and he doesn't think he should quit?
“What’s the reason?”
“Because Supervisor Kim Soleum is not dead.”
“…!!”
Eun Haje’s eyes widened.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon was not one to state hope as a definitive fact.
So this meant… he truly believed it!
And Section Chief Lee Jaheon was not a person who believed without reason.
It meant he had almost certain evidence!
“Why, why do you think so?!”
“There is a hint.”
Section Chief Lee Jaheon reminisced.
It was an episode from the end of last year that seemed unrelated to this incident at first glance.
“Please, take care of this.”
Before being deployed into a Darkness, Assistant Manager Kim Soleum had entrusted him with a precious object for half a day.
It was a small plush doll.
[Good grief. To think you'd leave me with a blade grunt such as this! Mr. Roe Deer!]
The elegant and bizarre way that doll spoke.
Of course, he hadn't answered the doll. He aimed to be a sensible modern man, and he had no obligation to answer a doll.
However, he had caught a sense of familiarity in those words.
And the bathroom, the scene of Kim Soleum’s disappearance.
On the bathroom floor, all of Kim Soleum’s company-related belongings were scattered as if they had been thrown away, but Lee Jaheon had actually paid more attention to the message on the mirror.
Because he had also caught a sense of familiarity in the handwriting of that message.
“Compare them.”
Along with the developed photo of the message on the mirror, he took out an old postcard he had been keeping just in case and held it out for Assistant Manager Eun Haje to see.
It had taken weeks just to get this postcard released again.
“This is….”
The very Darkness with the broadcast theme that D-Squad had entered and cleared several times.
However, in the most recent exploration, an unexpected situation occurred and one team was annihilated, while D-Squad safely escaped thanks to one employee’s wit and an A-Class essence was extracted.
That Darkness, which was still floating between the research team and the audit department without its grade being readjusted due to conflicting opinions.
Quiz Show Application Form
To :
From :
“…The Tuesday Talk Show!”
The handwriting matched.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon nodded.
“Supervisor Kim Soleum will be there.”
In whatever form.
That was.
***
A studio under brilliant lights.
Thunderous applause and cheers poured from the audience toward the stage set.
[Thank you! Thank you!]
The audience, still intoxicated by the fun of the final segment, whistled and cheered.
The Host theatrically placed a hand over his heart as if moved.
[Oh dear, with this kind of response…Haha, shall we start over from the beginning? You are currently watching Braun’s Late-Night Talk Show…Goodness.]
WAAAHHHH!
The Host let out an exaggerated flinch at the overwhelming cheers — before his TV screen face returned to a grinning expression.
[Regrettably, it seems we must have a heart-wrenching farewell before the angry sponsors come running. But don’t be too disheartened! For we shall meet again tomorrow!]
The band's closing number signaling the end of the talk show, rang out cheerfully and excitingly.
The Host stepped into the center of the studio and bowed his TV head politely.
[To the viewers who watched the talk show today, to those wailing in repentance in the basement, and to all of you watching through the E-pub viewer.]
[Tomorrow, at 11:33 PM, we shall meet again… Have a pleasant night!]
As the band's performance reached its climax, the Host raised both hands in response to the overflowing applause.
And….
[Cut!]
The show ended.
Click.
Everything fell silent at once.
Above the seats where the audience had vanished, the many brilliant lights went out.
And when the calm light of the background lamps illuminated the empty audience seats, the staff swarmed out to tidy up the stage and the performers.
I was among them.
To be precise,
[Soleum!]
I was receiving praise from the Host.
[Come here. That was magnificent! Your skill in selecting themes and guests is truly interesting. You pick the perfect candidates every time….]
Well. It was a bit embarrassing.
‘It’s all thanks to the <Dark Exploration Records>, though.’
This talk show called ‘Braun’s Late-Night Talk Show’ actually felt like a comedy routine based on the Dark Exploration Record to me.
The difference was that it was more realistic and interesting.
Since we actually invited residents from ghost stories to conduct interviews.
And by briefing on recent supernatural issues and several incidents, we made jokes and conducted interesting experiments with the audience.
Sometimes, audience members who unknowingly thought it was a dream did dangerous things, and the thrill of watching that from a third-party perspective along with the comedy was just right.
Moreover, the audience now seemed to be invited through various media, not just postcards.
Anyway, frankly, all I did was mention a few ghost stories that seemed interesting once or twice a week… but every time, he would praise me, saying the reaction was great and it was all thanks to my information-gathering skills.
‘It’s more relaxed than I thought….’
I wondered if work had ever been this easy and fun in my life.
[Ah, it’s been a truly enjoyable month! And I am truly happy to be able to deliver this news….]
A teary smile appeared on Braun’s TV face.
[It seems our show’s viewership has reached a new record again.]
“…!”
[They say it’s a terrifying upward curve! That’s why I’m asking. How about it, did it seem fun and enjoyable to you too, Soleum?]
I could feel a bit of tension amidst his certain confidence. Oh, boy.
I smiled and nodded.
“It was fun.”
[Right?]
[No, this legendary Host knew it all along. That this would be the workplace where Soleum would be most satisfied.]
The TV head grinned.
I also smiled slightly with a peaceful heart.
It wasn't scary.
There were no elements threatening me here.
Because I was the one making the content, I didn't actually experience the ghost stories that were the content!
So I thought if I worked at this talk show, I wouldn't have to worry ever again… well, of course, there was pressure regarding performance. But wasn't that much stress necessary for life?
Like this, for example.
[However, I do see some regrettable points. Just a moment….]
Braun put an arm around my shoulder and whispered.
[We are slowly entering a stagnant phase. I feel like the corners are becoming too repetitive.]
Ah.
[Don't you want to try some more provocative and audacious ideas, Soleum? Freely, in this independently produced talk show without pressure from investors or producers, we can do anything…. And.]
Grip.
…The Host grabbed my shoulder.
[Your dedication over the past month has been amazing, your adaptation was fast, and your results were dazzling, were they not?]
[You can certainly do it.]
…I should work harder.
I was about to nod with a slightly nervous heart.
But at that moment.
Unexpected words came out of the Host’s mouth.
[So… I think it’s about time.]
[Not as staff, but as a performer, standing by this Braun’s side.]
“…!”
[I say this with my deepest sincerity, you are already qualified. Oh, Soleum. My friend. Let us talk together and give people joy.]
[A new face will be a good stimulant for the audience as well.]
“…No, it’s okay. I- I don’t really like standing in front of an audience….”
[Now, now, to conclude so immediately makes this Braun’s heart ache! Let’s think about it….]
Strength entered the hand around my shoulder.
[In this Braun’s eyes, Soleum definitely has high-quality showmanship. This is in the realm of talent.]
[Do you remember? How you played the role of the prophet and cult leader on that train above the sea. Such things can only be done by those born with it. Yes.]
[But if my dear friend is perhaps too anxious, roles that only last a few minutes, no, a few seconds, are also prepared….]
[Shall we give it some comfortable thought?]
…….
Is that much okay?
Come to think of it, I didn't feel like I wouldn't be able to do it at all.
‘If I work, I should produce results.’
Eventually, I nodded a bit sheepishly.
“Well, if it’s a very small role.”
[That’s it! Splendid.]
The TV head smiled happily.
[To think you’re even humble, you truly live up to being an MVP of my show. Don’t you think so?]
[Not a day has gone by without joy since you joined our talk show!]
Come to think of it, was that already a month ago?
Time had flown by without me even knowing how it passed.
It was busy, fun, and rewarding.
‘The staff are surprisingly kind, too.’
I bowed my head to the stylist who handed me water and vanished, then reflexively asked Braun.
“Um, but why do all the staff members here have no faces?”
[Ah, it is a thoughtful consideration for the show. They made the decision themselves to prevent any screams, coughs, or voices from leaking out during the live broadcast due to physiological needs or unexpected accidents.]
“Their professional spirit is amazing. Um, by any chance, do I also have to get rid of my face...?”
[What are you talking about, Soleum!]
Whoops.
[Expressions and faces are an absolute necessity for those who step onto the stage. Expressiveness is the essence of entertainment!]
[Ah, of course, if you really want to, Soleum... there is an alternative. One moment.]
Grab.
The Host grabbed my chin.
And stared as if sizing me up....
[Hmm. Of course, removing your face is an option. However, I’d rather craft you a most exquisite... mask instead.]
That’s....
.......
“I’ll think about it some more another ime.”
[Right? Haha! It would be a waste to get rid of such a fine face.]
The Host let go.
As I watched Braun’s beaming smile, I found myself smiling as well.
[Ah, I must prepare for the next broadcast. Let’s see… Oh, this time the audience is… office workers. We must bring them some well earned joy.]
[So... Mr.Soleum will you be coming up on stage tonight?]
“I’ll do my best.”
[Splendid. Absolutely splendid.... It will be a magnificent debut for you, Mr.Soleum!]
Mm-hmm. That would be great.
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