<Daydream Inc.> is an eerie company that pushes its Field Exploration team employees into horrific ghost stories to extract Potion Concentrate.
This raises a question.
-If you just blindly push employees into extremely dangerous high-grade ghost stories, won't they all die, making it impossible to even extract the concentrate?
To address this question and for the convenience of the ghost story's progression, a setting is introduced: ‘Employees possess special equipment that can be strengthened as they are promoted.’
However, it’s not too specific.
If the equipment were divided into grades and tables one by one, it would have become a massive game setting rather than an internet ghost story.
Therefore, to make it easier for anyone to participate in the creation, a more convenient setting was attached.
-Customized Exclusive Equipment
An employee whose usefulness has been recognized to some extent receives company support to possess their own Supernatural Equipment.
Of course, it doesn’t mean a regular employee can use powers like in a cartoon; it’s more about a slight increase in special stats.
You could say it creates a convenient situation.
‘Still, it’s better than nothing.’
Without realizing it, I looked at Team Leader Lee Jaheon with eyes full of expectation, but I quickly looked down after making eye contact with the Lizard.
I really can't get used to this.
“Ah, does this mean I can create Customized Exclusive Equipment?”
“Yes.”
“…Could you explain it to me?”
“Yes.”
After asking three times, a detailed explanation followed.
Still, it’s interesting.
‘This is something I only knew about in bits and pieces.’
Things that had only been mentioned sporadically throughout the <Dark Exploration Record> were organized and came out of the Section Chief's mouth.
“Customized Exclusive Equipment can be crafted through specific Darknesses held by the company.”
Right. They’d use ghost stories.
[Cheerful Research Institute Toy Maker / Qterw-E-07]
[Kind Seed Kit / Qterw-E-99]
[Offering a Ritual / Qterw-E-404]
In my memory, these are the three ghost stories mentioned where Daydream Inc. employees crafted equipment.
Among them, the one the Field Exploration team mainly uses is….
“…it is.”
Oh!
“It just so happens to be a Darkness that can only be used on a moonlit night!”
While the team members willingly followed along to watch, I headed to the Annex next to the company with the Section Chief.
It was thanks to my superiors encouraging me to go now, saying we should strike while the iron is hot.
“Ah… this is a place where relatively safe and useful ghost stories are kept in isolation.”
The Assistant manager's explanation followed.
“In the company, these are mainly called ‘Twilight Grade.’”
I know.
Officially, ghost stories corresponding to E-grade.
However, simply calling them E-grade is a bit different because the classification method varies.
‘Since they’ve only picked out the useful ones.’
There were also Darknesses that everyone more frequently called by the proper name ‘Twilight,’ as some were far more powerful than D-grade or less dangerous than F-grade.
“Roe, you saw that… radio on the first day, right? That’s useful because it tells you today’s fortune. It’s like that.”
After tagging the employee ID card and entering the first floor of the Annex, a staircase leading to the basement was visible.
And upon descending the stairs… someone was sitting at a dark information desk.
It was a strange Human Figure dressed in all black, wearing a mask, sunglasses, and even a hat.
Is it an employee?
The Assistant manager immediately stepped forward.
“Hello! We’re Team D of the Field Exploration team, here for new recruit training.”
“…….”
“Ah, the one we’re seeking access permission for is Twilight Grade Darkness No. 99.”
The black Human Figure looked at the Assistant manager for a moment as if verifying.
A nod.
The Human Figure, having nodded its head, pressed a button installed on the desk, and one of the Emergency Exits behind it opened.
Creak.
Behind it was a corridor lined with countless doors.
“You mustn’t open other rooms, even by mistake. No, they’ll be locked anyway, but let’s not even touch the handles.”
That’s a very valid point.
I nodded without a word and moved my feet.
Soon, we stopped in front of a door with ‘99’ on it, and the Assistant manager placed his employee ID card on the reader.
Click.
“Let’s go in.”
I raised my head.
Moonlight was pouring into a greenhouse overgrown with weeds.
And right in the center, a rusted machine stands bathed in the moonlight.
==========
Dark Exploration Record / Ghost Story
[Kind Seed Kit]
: A ghost story appearing in <Dark Exploration Record>, with Daydream Inc. Identification Code Qterw-E-99.
A ghost story that treats objects as plants, extracts genetic information, crossbreeds, and sows them. It operates using moonlight as an energy source.
==========
That’s right.
‘A ghost story where if you put in two objects, it mixes the two characteristics to create a new object.’
The Darkness mainly used by the Field Exploration team to create Customized Exclusive Equipment was this quite atmospheric ghost story.
“It’s a Darkness almost exclusively used by our department!”
I stood in front of the rusted machine and asked.
“Does it cost points to use this?”
“Yeah. The Twilight Grade Darknesses kept in the Annex can only be operated if you pay a usage fee.”
“Ah….”
“For the record, this one is 1,000p per use.”
Wait.
But isn't this a bit strange?
“If it’s equipment needed for darkness investigation, shouldn't the company provide support instead of charging a fee?”
No matter how hopeless this company is, they should at least do that much for things to work…….
“Ah, once you become an Assistant manager, you can run it for free twice a year.”
“…….”
Promotion… I really should have been promoted.
“So everyone tends to wait until they become an Assistant manager to run it. Usually, you only have to hold out for a year at the latest.”
Hmm.
I contemplated.
‘There must be a reason why Section Chief Lee Jaheon judged it as ‘useful’ even though it costs points.’
The Lizard, that is, Employee D, is said to be a combat-only tool, but that surely included instincts on a subconscious level.
If an employee with a high survival rate gave specific advice….
‘It’s probably right to accept it.’
1,000p; if I can increase my initial survival rate by investing it, then that’s the right answer.
…Though my hands are shaking a bit!
“I want to use it now.”
“Okay!”
The Assistant manager responded readily, then whispered as if realizing something.
“…But you know you need an existing piece of equipment to put in first, right? An object with an ability that can serve as a genetic factor.”
“Ah… right.”
I’ve already confirmed all of that in this ghost story's Exploration Records.
==========
Exploration Record #05
Employee N submitted a tumbler* and a backpack.
Said tumbler* was special equipment (liquid poured in after sunrise does not run out until sunset. Owned by Section Chief Choi■■), and the backpack had no special characteristics.
Seed result: Backpack.
(Special characteristic: Possesses special abilities similar to the tumbler. However, it runs dry if more than 87L of liquid is taken out.)
==========
“Don’t worry! There’s a custom within the team that when a member gets their first Customized Exclusive Equipment, someone in the team lends their gear once for free.”
“Uh-huh. Not both, just one. For the other one, you either put in your own item or pay to borrow one.”
The Assistant manager glanced at the Team Leader.
“And Team Leader… your equipment is the best among us.”
I expected that. He is a superior, after all.
“If it's alright, I would like to see the Team Leader's equipment.”
“Yes.”
The Lizard pulled something out of his pocket.
It was a small knife glowing gray.
“It’s a butter knife. If you cut the medium used to enter the Darkness, it can rend space and transport small objects.”
Oh.
“The equipment you used when you threw the AAA battery was this.”
“Yes.”
I looked at the butter knife with fresh eyes.
‘I was hoping for defense-related equipment… but I guess it won't be resolved that easily.’
It was a shame, but none of the other superiors’ equipment was related to defense either.
One related to trickery, one related to communication.
‘If worst comes to worst, I could probably get items with similar effects from the Alien Shop for those….’
I made up my mind.
“Then you’re going to put in the Team Leader’s equipment?”
“Yes.”
I bowed my head for social etiquette.
“Thank you, Team Leader.”
Section Chief Lee Jaheon nodded slightly and approached the machine.
Ancient letters were visible on the old LCD screen.
[Give me plants 0/2]
I watched as the Section Chief held his equipment to the machine to scan the ‘genetic information.’
[Plant information storage complete]
[Give me plants 1/2]
“Now you just have to put in the object you want next. ……Ah, wait a minute.”
The Assistant manager said hurriedly.
“As long as this machine isn't really weird, most things are fine to put in. But there’s exactly one thing that’s not allowed.”
The Assistant manager tapped a sign attached to the front of the machine.
※NEVER INPUT PLANTS
“Never, ever put in real plants just because it asks for them.”
“…….”
“The sensors at the door are filtering out all plants anyway, but I’m telling you just in case.”
With eyes now accustomed to the Darkness, I could see the true nature of the lush weeds around here.
They were all fake. Artificial flowers.
…A certain Exploration Record naturally comes to mind.
==========
Exploration Record #14 (Irregular)
Employee R plucked weeds (estimated to be dandelions) growing around the Darkness and put them into the machine twice.
As a result, [CENSORED] along with a scream [CENSORED] [CENSORED] popped out.
-Took 7 days for the security team to complete suppression.
All 3 people present at the scene, including Employee R, confirmed dead. All plants confirmed removed.
※Notice: In case of recurrence, disciplinary action and termination of employment will be taken.
==========
Mm. I must keep this in mind.
“Yes. Thank you for letting me know.”
“Don’t mention it.”
In the meantime, the Section Chief, who had finished registering the equipment and returned the knife to his suit pocket, stood up.
“In the other slot, people usually put in a regular item that's easy to use, but in that case, the supernatural characteristics of the equipment may be weakly inherited, or in rare cases, not inherited at all.”
I already knew this, but I nodded seriously in reaction.
“It can’t be helped. Even if that’s the case, I’ll accept it.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled something out.
“Oh~ You said you were stopping by the employee dormitory earlier; I guess there was something you wanted to put in?”
“Yes.”
What was held in my hand was a silver coin.
-Silver Coin Snake
It was the very Item that was being sold at a huge discount at the Alien Shop.
“I intend to put this in.”
I can just put an Item in the other slot.
Since I had quite a few supernatural Items in my possession!
Actually, that’s why I was pleased when I learned that the ghost story used by the Field Exploration team was the ‘Kind Seed Kit.’
‘Because I have more sources for Items than others.’
From that black notepad in the air that gives Merchandise to the Alien Shop.
From the moment I entered here, I had been recalling the lineup of Items I possessed.
‘And the one that would likely have the highest grade among them is….’
It has to be this.
I rolled the round coin with a snake engraved on it in my palm.
‘Because it was the most expensive in terms of list price.’
Moreover, considering that Section Chief Lee Jaheon’s butter knife is for ‘supply logistics,’ I had expectations that it might create a strange synergy with this coin, which is presumed to be ‘currency.’
I brought the coin to the machine.
The Lizard’s pupils widened upon seeing the silver light.
“That is?”
“It’s a commemorative coin. I bought it as a souvenir during a trip… but it strangely feels good.”
“…I see.”
…Did he realize it’s an Item?
It didn’t matter, though. It’s a worldview where it's very easy to encounter ghost stories. It’s quite plausible that I’d unknowingly carry around a supernatural object….
‘Besides, a coin isn't that suspicious.’
Since it’s a small, everyday object.
“It looks easy to carry. The compatibility should be good.”
“Thank you.”
Listening to my superiors’ well-wishes, I finished the scan.
[Plant information storage complete]
[Give me plants 2/2]
“Ah, now for the final step.”
[Please provide information about the gardener]
This is why it’s ‘Customized Equipment.’
I don't know exactly how it works, but it seems to require the genetic information of the guardian who will care for this plant.
‘This acted as various variables.’
Despite my conflict, I completed the scan.
[Verification complete]
Here it comes.
[Combining genetic information]
[Generating kit….]
Multi-colored smoke billowed from the machine, and the creaking sound of gears turning could be heard before….
[Sowing complete]
Pshhh.
The very front drawer of the machine opened, and a small object revealed itself.
A gray coin.
To be precise, a toy coin you’d use at an arcade. An engraving of a glove is embossed on its polished surface.
“Oh, it’s out.”
“Congratulations, Roe.”
I carefully reached out and picked up the object.
It was my first Customized Exclusive Equipment.
I returned straight to the employee dormitory.
The superiors also parted ways, saying, ‘Sleep well and see you tomorrow.’
They probably didn’t want to make me do the stupid thing of testing equipment abilities while in a state of having just entered the Darkness.
“…Good.”
I sat on the bed and pulled out the two coins.
One is the Silver Coin Snake bought from the Alien Shop and used as a ‘parent plant.’
The other is the gray coin born by mixing the genetic information of that Silver Coin Snake and the Section Chief’s butter knife.
It was all good. But the thing was.
“…How do I operate it?”
It’s not moving at all.
‘Come to think of it, the Silver Coin Snake isn't an Item with explicitly stated supernatural abilities either.’
Don't tell me a toy coin that has to be used like real currency came out as equipment… I’m breaking into a cold sweat.
Fortunately, this concern was soon put to rest.
“I guess coins are meant for this after all.”
I tried a typical action.
Flicking the coin with my thumb.
Then, the glove engraving embossed on the front of the coin actually popped out.
“…!”
A translucent silver glove appeared in the air.
The glove moved as if performing mime and drew letters in the air.
[Insert coin]
…It wants me to insert a coin?
I rummaged through my wallet, pulled out a hundred-won coin, and held it out to the glove.
But the glove refused.
“What the.”
Does it want a different currency? Or….
“How about this.”
I held out a five-hundred-won coin.
The hand happily took the coin, tucked it between its fingers, and made it disappear like a magic trick.
‘So it was a matter of the amount.’
It’s a piece of equipment that’s thorough about capitalist logic.
As I watched in absurdity, the translucent glove approached my hand and merged with it as if being worn.
“…!”
A strange sensation is felt.
‘A third… hand?’
An image like a shadow of my hand floated before my eyes.
It moved according to my will.
It could push walls, open bathroom doors, or even write.
‘Its strength and delicacy are… exactly at my level.’
To summarize, is it a third psychokinetic hand that can move for a few seconds if given a coin?
The range is approximately… a 3m radius.
“Five hundred won for 5 seconds isn't bad.”
Soon, the shape of the Shadow Hand in the air disappeared, and the translucent glove naturally slipped off my hand.
Then, moving its hand as if to say goodbye, it was embossed on the front of the coin again.
“Hmm.”
It’s quite good.
This isn't a method that overcomes spatial constraints between ghost stories and reality like the Team Leader’s butter knife.
But instead, the range of operation within ghost stories felt increased, so it seemed like it would have great versatility.
Although there are ammo limitations due to the spatial constraint of how many five-hundred-won coins I can carry in my suit while running….
‘At this rate, the draw was a success.’
Since the fact that the coin was an Item didn't come to light and passed naturally, it's very good.
“Work as hard as the 1,000p I invested.”
I tucked the coin into my pocket along with my other Items.
While I was at it, I refilled the used ‘Smile Sticker’ and grabbed another ‘can bottle.’
‘I guess humans really are creatures of habit.’
I lay down on the bed.
Surprisingly, I was in good condition.
Though that horrific talk show clearly comes to mind when I close my eyes, it's to the point where I can sleep reasonably well with the lights on.
Maybe it's because the conclusion was decent.
‘…At least my bad luck was good.’
The luck with my team assignment was also good.
‘Maybe it's because I earned points in one go, but the situation feels somewhat hopeful….’
Drowsiness washed over me, and my eyes blinked.
Still, the remaining points I need to earn for the Wish Ticket are like a mountain, and I don’t know how many more ghost stories I’ll have to clear.
But surprisingly, for the first time, I feel like I might be able to navigate that period well….
‘I might be able to hold out quietly.’
…I ran that absurdly optimistic circuit for a moment, until I went to work the next day and discovered the crazy fact that an official notice had been posted: ‘New recruit on 2nd day of employment clears A-grade Grand Incident!’
“Roe, have a seat. Our… well, it seems our assignment is going to change a bit.”
“Pardon?”
I’m on my 3rd day of employment.</input>
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