145
Jang Heowoon.
This peer, who had received the 'Bison' mask, was originally a man whose face was cast in a gloom that didn't match his large stature.
Even during the new employee orientation, he was the very last to receive his mask, drenched in blood, and after being assigned to the cleanup team, he had performed tasks that bordered on workplace bullying.
However, after surviving that eventful, crazy pharmaceutical company, I thought he was becoming a bit more spirited…
“I hadn't heard any news since I last heard you were missing because I was busy infiltrating the Disaster Management Bureau… but I'm truly glad to see you like this.”
Surprisingly, he now seemed altogether calm.
'…It seems this side, the Disaster Management Bureau, suits him better too.'
However, as he kept glancing at my empty right arm, his face grew increasingly pale; it seemed he couldn't bring himself to ask for fear of being rude.
In times like this, it's best to give a casual answer.
I intentionally shook my empty sleeve lightly and gave a bitter smile.
“I was unlucky and got stuck with a difficult first mission. But since the Disaster Management Bureau will provide treatment, I'll be fine.”
“Ah… I see.”
For some reason, I felt Ms. Go Yeongeun's strange gaze on me, but let's let it slide for now.
“Mr. Heowoon, you said you were assigned to the Site Cleanup Team.”
“Ah, yes.”
Jang Heowoon's face brightened slightly.
“Well, occasionally I have to see some, yes, gruesome sights, but…”
Ah.
Right. The Site Cleanup Team is the job category that usually cleans up the messes.
“Everyone is being considerate because I'm a rookie, so thankfully, I'm adjusting well.”
That was a relief, but Jang Heowoon's face darkened slightly again.
“It's just… that's why I'm even more worried.”
“Yes?”
“I heard earlier that we have to leak documents about a really dangerous ghost story, but for us to do that… is it really okay?”
“…!”
“The Disaster Management Bureau is responding to anomalous phenomena with a real sense of mission, and I'm afraid we might cause great harm.”
Hmm.
“If that's the case, will you quit?”
“…….”
I didn't need to hear the answer to know.
—No.
Because only those who are desperate enough for a 'Wish Ticket' come here.
I know that if the circumstances were different, these are people who wouldn't act selfishly. Especially considering the consideration and willpower Ms. Go Yeongeun showed at Lookie Mart.
But there is something 'uncompromising' within these people.
…Right.
'If nothing's going to change anyway…'
It's better to at least have a lighter heart.
“It'll probably be fine even if we leak it.”
“…! Is, is that so?”
“Yes.”
This is the truth.
“The company won't rashly try to mess with a high-grade ghost story like that. And we're not stealing the ghost story itself; we're just giving them information.”
Of course, Daydream Inc. isn't looking for it for any good purpose, but as a result, according to the Dark Exploration Records, that Extinction-Class Disaster didn't particularly become more of a detriment to humanity.
…Because it was already as detrimental as it could possibly be.
“I think it'll be fine as long as we don't get over-loyal to the company and steal the supernatural disasters managed by the government themselves.”
“Ah, of, of course…!”
The thing to worry about is something else.
'I'm worried they might discard us after the job is done…'
…I wonder if Director Ho will really refrain from "cooking the hound once the rabbit is caught."
Once I get the Wish Ticket, I'll just return to where I originally belonged, so it doesn't matter to me, but for those two to continue living in Korea, they needed to be more careful not to be blacklisted by the Bureau.
Hmm.
“For now, shall we share our agent code names so we don't make mistakes with how we address each other in the future?”
I pointed to myself.
“I am ‘Grapes.’ Mr. Heowoon, you are…?”
“Ah, I was given the agent name Hwagak.”
“Hwagak?”
“Yes. I was told it's a traditional craft technique using ox horns…. I, it was recommended to me.”
Like a lie, he received a nickname related to a bull here as well.
“I'm… Peppermint.”
Then Go Yeongeun also spoke up.
“It was often used as medicine in the past, and I didn't want to choose… a name that stood out too much.”
“I see. They seem like good agent names.”
And for a moment, a warm atmosphere circulated as we shared brief updates on our lives.
Oh, and I received vitamins.
“The New Investigation Unit has a bit of an individualistic atmosphere. Still, since I returned after being missing, my superiors gave me vitamins as a gift…. You two should have some as well.”
“Ah.”
“Th-thank you.”
Honestly, if this were a normal company, they were peers I'd be quite satisfied working with.
…If only we weren't in a situation where we were infiltrating the government as spies for a crazy pharmaceutical company in a ghost story worldview.
'Sigh.'
I also reported on my recent situation appropriately.
“…! You're being discharged within a week!?”
“That's right.”
The wound where my right arm was severed was calming down quickly and getting better, perhaps because of some kind of supernatural treatment at the hospital affiliated with the Disaster Management Bureau….
'I think I'll return to duty after about another week of hospitalization.'
“And as soon as I'm discharged, it seems I'll be experiencing various affiliations for three weeks as a temporary agent. If we happen to meet, I look forward to working with you.”
“Th-that goes without saying!”
I'm definitely going to the site cleanup team. I'll be in your care, Mr. Heowoon….
It was then.
“Um, Soleum. About that discharge.”
“Yes?”
Go Yeongeun suddenly spoke up.
“You're receiving psychiatric counseling before you're discharged, right? I mean, since you suffered a major injury while in a state of distress… I thought your mental shock should be checked as well.”
“Ah, yes. They'll probably introduce me to someone…… don't worry. I'll proceed carefully without leaking our information.”
“…….”
However, Go Yeongeun shook her head.
“You're in a state where you can't leak it anyway because of this Binding Restriction or whatever. I think it would be better if you tried to speak more comfortably.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“……Yes.”
Go Yeongeun nodded slightly.
“And since we're now 'officially' acquainted at the Disaster Management Bureau… let's pretend I visited you in the hospital and we exchanged numbers. So it'll be natural even if we contact each other personally occasionally.”
“Sounds good. Ah, for Mr. Heowoon, let's create a suitable occasion the next time we meet.”
“Yes, yes…!”
In that way, we decided on our future policy.
“Then, I'll see you next time safely.”
“Yes. Definitely….”
I held back a sigh as I left the Fox Counseling Room.
'Being a spy is no small feat.'
Especially since the boss is like that.
To go more safely, more preparation was needed.
Besides, I had made up my mind to be fully prepared, if only to avoid encountering any more crazy situations like Lookie Mart.
'Good.'
One week left until discharge.
'I'll prepare everything that needs to be prepared.'
And the first start was this.
I checked the text message I had sent before entering the counseling room earlier.
[Leader, would it be possible to talk on the phone this evening?]
A quick and concise reply had arrived.
[Yes.]
Team D Leader, Lee Jaheon.
It's a reply from my old boss.
The purpose was simple.
'Section Chief Lee Jaheon had the doll I bought at Lookie Mart.'
It was definitely the same item that was on Section Chief Lee Jaheon's desk. And I'm certain this will be a useful item.
Safety and performance.
Because it caught both birds I wanted with one stone.
If it were a dangerous item, Section Chief Lee Jaheon wouldn't have left it on his office desk in the first place.
And considering the identity of that Lizard, it was highly likely to be an extraordinary and powerful item.
Even without thinking that far, wouldn't an item that a Field Exploration team section chief keeps on his desk naturally be helpful in a ghost story!
'Good.'
Only one thing remains.
'Find out how to use it.'
The Lizard leader will give me the answer!
And a short while later, the phone call.
I asked immediately with a pounding heart…!
“Leader. In what situation did you use the lizard doll you kept on your desk?”
—? No.
“…….”
Wait a minute.
This out-of-the-blue negation… could it be.
“The lizard doll… have you never used it at all?”
—Yes.
“…Did you not purchase that item yourself, Leader?”
—Yes.
“…….”
I'm screwed….
'N-no.'
Let's narrow the scope a bit more.
Like this.
“Do you know how to use that lizard doll?”
Please.
Please…!
—Yes.
Phew.
Thank goodness.
“I've also obtained one of those dolls now, but I have no idea how to use it. If possible, I'd like you to tell me its specific use.”
And eventually, I added.
“…I didn't buy it at the Cosmic shopping mall.”
I ended up saying it because I felt guilty for some reason.
'I haven't even been able to go in there because I don't have money right now….'
Regardless, Lee Jaheon was composed.
—Yes.
And he explained nonchalantly.
—That is an educational toy for reptile ecology.
“…….”
Excuse me?
“An educational, toy.”
—Yes. If you provide appropriate food, it shows molting after a meal.
“…….”
—…….
“…….”
I barely managed to ask.
“Is the shed skin perhaps a defensive item?”
—No.
“……Does it exhibit unique abilities if you give it items or blood as food…?”
—No.
I felt like getting a refund.
'F*ck….'
No, then why on earth did he put it on his desk to confuse people!
'It's just a food waste disposer!'
Of course, I couldn't scream at an alien lizard that shoots lasers, so I barely managed to reply.
“I see. Thank you for letting me know.”
—Yes.
Right. It's my fault for betting on a strange possibility in a crazy mart in the first place. Ha….
'To think it was really a toy.'
I eventually gave up and changed the topic of conversation.
“It's been a while since I contacted you, and I'm sorry for calling you like this instead of visiting you in person.”
—It's fine. It's safer that way.
Did he consider that I might be caught by the Disaster Management Bureau as a spy?
“Thank….”
Just as I was about to say thank you.
The indifferent voice informed me of a completely different ‘reason’.
—Director Cheong has found out your whereabouts.
“……!”
What?
—Director Cheong suspects that your disappearance was fabricated and that you have actually been working for Director Ho since a month ago.
Chills ran down my spine.
Wait a minute.
If he thinks my disappearance itself was fabricated.
'Then is there a high probability… that he thinks I've been stabbing him in the back and plotting with Director Ho from the start?'
Cold sweat poured down.
“…Could he possibly retaliate against me because of this misunderstanding?”
—Yes.
I swallowed hard.
—So be careful.
“Yes.”
I made up my mind.
'Let's bolt as soon as the spy work is over.'
I will absolutely not delay.
Wish Ticket. As soon as I get the Wish Ticket, I had to get away from this damn company and go back.
To my home!
“Thank you.”
I said my thanks and ended the call with Section Chief Lee Jaheon.
Then, I saw another alarm that popped up on my smartphone.
[Baek Saheon: Hey]
[Baek Saheon: Aren't you going to buy information?]
My former company dormitory roommate who had agreed to find out the latest gossip and information about this ‘damn company’.
[Baek Saheon: I'm asking if you don't need information]
Hmm.
I sent a text message.
[You seem confident?]
But no reply came.
He must not have it yet.
'Then shall I leave him alone until he feels confident?'
So that he'll scrape up more information while being on edge.
'Actually… I don't have any items to exchange for information right now either….'
Of course, I don't plan on living penniless like this.
Didn't I just think it? That I should prepare.
'…And I just heard something concerning.'
—That, it's all worn out.
Director Ho's ominous remark.
'If the silver ring has lost its mental protection effect, it's dangerous.'
Fortunately, I hadn't particularly wanted to enter a ghost story recently, or felt close to one and synchronized with it.
'Unless I have a nightmare about going back.'
Still, it would be good to prepare for that as well.
I briefly considered visiting the Fox Counseling Room, but canceled it out of unease.
Unlike last time, there is a clear reason.
'…It's definitely related to Director Ho.'
It's better to avoid it for now.
And….
'Even if it's not there, there are quite a few places that are now unlocked.'
That's right. I was now an ‘Agent of the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau’ as well.
As my affiliation changed, the range of specific places and useful groups I could visit without being suspected widened.
“Let's see.”
I rested my chin on my hand.
10,000 Welfare Points and A-grade or higher Dream Essence Liquid.
And if I have the status of a Disaster Management Bureau agent, there is a place I can try poking around.
“Hmm.”
I stood up from the cafe where I was sitting, pulled my hood down, and moved my feet.
To the meeting square within the ghost story where real occult items are traded.
What I need to find is….
‘A manhole where a human arm has emerged.’
Discussion