[Roe. Don't come in.]
“What?”
I stopped in my tracks on my way to work after answering the call.
My direct superior had contacted me just 15 minutes before my shift was set to start.
[I’ll process it as field duty, so don't show up at the office. I’ve already discussed it with Manager Lee Jaheon.]
“Understood. But may I ask why?”
[Well… that’s how field positions in this company are. It’s a Darkness issue, Darkness.]
Ah.
Along with the sound of Assistant Manager Eun Haje letting out a long sigh, I could faintly hear Supervisor Park Minseong's wailing.
It seemed Group D had already arrived at work.
[All the other rookies are excluded besides you, so stay home and don’t get any ideas.]
“What kind of Darkness is it?”
[Uh. I can’t tell you unless you’re actually going in.]
“…….”
[No, it’s better you don’t know.]
Could it be… the ‘type where just knowing becomes a problem’?
A so-called Information-Contamination Type Ghost Story.
From eerie rumors like hearing about someone else's nightmare and dreaming it yourself the next day, to ghosts that chase you until death just for knowing their name.
The idea that ‘I could suffer something terrible just by perceiving it’ was a universal human fear derived from delusional anxiety.
‘And if it’s to the point where they won’t even let me come to work, it must be no ordinary matter….’
Still, judging by her tone, she seemed more worried that a rookie might make a mistake rather than sounding like she was leaving a will, so it should be fine.
…Unless she was just acting casual to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on me.
‘Either way, I can’t go to the company right now.’
I didn't want to insist on going where I wasn't needed and become a nuisance. Isn't that a perfect way to die?
I told her I understood and hung up.
‘Should I clean the Blood Bath today and read the <Dark Exploration Record> wiki about five times…?’
However, a few hours later.
[Kim Soleum.]
“Yes.”
[Come to work.]
“…….”
Is this some kind of problem dog training or something…?
Regardless of my bewilderment, the Lizard Team Leader only said what he had to say.
[Report to the large conference room on the 31st floor by 2 PM.]
He even mentioned a high-floor conference room I’d never heard of before…!
“Wait a moment. I was told not to come in this morning… has the situation changed?”
[Yes. One of the executives summoned you personally, Soleum.]
“…….”
Excuse me?
[Then, I’ll see you at 2:00.]
Save me.
“You’re here.”
I met the Assistant Manager of Group D, who was standing in front of the 31st-floor elevator with her arms crossed, looking anxious.
I hurriedly lowered my voice and asked Assistant Manager Eun Haje.
“Has the situation changed?”
“A bit. Ha… that crazy bastard.”
With those words, I was ushered into the large conference room. My mind felt dizzy.
“He’s here. Employee Kim Soleum.”
“Ah.”
“Why did you call him all the way to the conference room? You could have just sent him in.”
Seeing bosses from who-knows-what departments sitting around chattering, then shutting up and glancing at each other when they saw me, made the back of my neck go stiff, ghost story worldview or not.
‘Why are the signals that office life is about to go to hell the same everywhere?’
And eventually, thanks to the bosses who got excited and resumed their conversation among themselves, I learned why I had been singled out and summoned to this inexplicable situation….
It was a typical, yet troublesome reason.
A shortage of personnel.
“No, it’s clearly a High-Grade Darkness, but a civilian survivor came out! This could be an innovative case for opening a new Supply Source for high-quality raw materials.”
“That’s what I’m saying. But why is the deliberation taking so long and why are we having another meeting, honestly……. You don't know how to invest boldly, Head of Department Kang!”
“Who said I wouldn't invest? I’m saying this isn't something that can be solved by throwing in a few more rookies….”
“Oh, this man is frustrating. I’m telling you we lack the numbers. Right? Our Section Chief Kwak from the Research Team.”
Section Chief Kwak?
I turned my head and, indeed, Section Chief Kwak Jekang was sitting there with a sly smile, occupying a seat in the corner.
The mad scientist who had thrown his own researcher into the Theme Park ghost story.
‘Is his disciplinary action over?’
Just looking at him gave me a headache.
“Isn't that right, Section Chief Kwak? We need to increase the numbers, don't we?”
“Ah~ exactly. I’m telling you, this is the kind of Darkness that can only be solved by increasing the number of people deployed!”
“…….”
That man is the advisor?
I had a strong suspicion that they didn't actually lack people, but just wanted to see the fresh exploration results of an oblivious rookie.
‘In any case, it seems certain that what I'll face today is being deployed into the Darkness.’
And if it was enough to summon me so grandiosely like this….
A chill ran down my spine at the feeling that it wouldn't be an easy grade.
Did they say… a civilian survivor came out despite it being High-Grade?
I quickly tried to search through the <Dark Exploration Record> in my head for similar cases, while calmly reminding myself.
‘…Still, I came well-prepared.’
Just in case, I had brought everything I had today.
A full item package.
“Now that the introductions are over, everyone please head out.”
“Ah, yes.”
The Assistant Manager bowed her head slightly in greeting and led me out of the conference room.
Thump.
And the moment the conference room door closed, she spoke.
“How many times do I have to watch those bird-brains, who have never even stepped foot in the Darkness, act all high and mighty under the guise of providing a ‘strategic solution’…. Ah, this is why I can't quit smoking.”
“Assistant Manager.”
“So what? They’re so busy fighting each other they won't even hear me.”
I'm hearing you, though.
“Those bastards who couldn't even pass the Field Exploration team OT or the recruitment process, yet managed to wedge themselves up there using school ties and blood relations… Ah.”
Assistant Manager Eun looked at the conference room a few times with a face that practically begged for a cigarette, then finally let out a small sigh.
“……Anyway, you heard, right? From now on, we’re entering a newly registered High-Grade Darkness.”
As expected.
“Not just us, but over thirty people have already been deployed.”
“…Could the Team Leader and Supervisor Park also be.”
“Yeah. They all went in first. …It’s going to be dangerous. I won’t lie to you just to reassure you.”
“…….”
“Still, don’t worry too much. You survived and brought us out of that crazy quiz show, too. You’ll be fine.”
“……Yes.”
I adjusted my briefcase, which I had brought along, into a cross-body bag.
“Are those supplies?”
“Yes. Food and various things.”
“Hmm. The size is fine.”
Assistant Manager Eun Haje checked my exterior a few times and asked.
“There weren't any items that would get caught in a security check, right?”
“…Yes.”
I passed through the main gate safely.
Somehow I felt like the cursed Mountain Ginseng might have been caught, but everything I had now were items, so it should have been fine.
But why didn't Group D move as a team today, leaving only the Assistant Manager?
“May I ask how the others entered?”
The Assistant Manager gestured with her chin expressionlessly.
“They all disappeared as soon as they read the manual.”
“…….”
“It’s that kind of Darkness. If you know even a little bit about it, you get dragged in.”
Whew.
“I was waiting without reading it so I could enter with you, so we’ll read it at the same time.”
“Yes.”
Wow, I’m going crazy.
“It’s okay. They aren't people who will die easily anywhere.”
Please don't say such foreshadowing-like lines!
‘I’ll just pretend I didn't hear that.’
I took a deep breath and received the manual the Assistant Manager handed me.
……If I read this, I would now enter that High-Grade Darkness.
‘…Prepare your mind.’
I read it in one breath.
+++
Hello.
You are currently viewing the manual document summarizing the existing visitors to our exhibition.
+++
“……!”
+++
Before reading the following content, we would like to inform you that you have been invited to a very wonderful exhibition.
+++
“…….”
A chill ran down the back of my head.
‘I’m screwed.’
I squeezed my eyes shut.
In my mind, a Wiki page flashed and automatically completed itself.
==========
Dark Exploration Record / Ghost Story
[Mansion of the Blind]
: A ghost story that appeared in the <Dark Exploration Record>, Daydream Inc.’s identification code is said to be Qterw-B-666.
Hello, Guest. I am writing this today to invite you to a wonderful exhibition.
To ensure your journey is not cumbersome, after reading this text, you will arrive at our exhibition no matter where you head.
Previous visitors' records are documented in this file up to the 106th entry.
And it is said that in every attempt to record this ghost story, the text was transformed into the form of an invitation sent from the exhibition.
It is an honor to invite you like this.
==========
A synonym for Information-Contamination Type Ghost Stories registered in the <Dark Exploration Record>.
A prime example of clickbait that would garner hundreds of thousands of views if covered on video sites!
‘The Eyeball Collector.’
“…….”
With a trembling heart, I lowered my gaze back to the manual.
The very phrase I expected was truly written there.
+++
To ensure your journey is not cumbersome, from now on, you will arrive at the exhibition no matter where you head.
+++
And it happened exactly as said.
“Ha.”
The moment I took a step back.
I realized that the material of the floor my feet were treading on had changed.
From matte office tiles to aged, polished marble.
Click.
Slowly, I raised my head.
A massive mansion enveloped in a silence so deep you could hear the flickering of candles came into view.
The light of dusk and candles illuminated the grand and ancient interior with a reddish-gold glow.
Numerous exhibits were revealing only their silhouettes in the shadows…….
“…….”
Assistant Manager Eun Haje was nowhere to be seen.
However, I didn't do something as foolish as opening my mouth to call for the Assistant Manager.
Instead, I slowly moved my feet backward.
And I hid in a corner.
‘……Whew.’
Hiding behind a sofa, I opened the manual again with trembling hands.
+++
We will guide you through the common reviews of nine visitors to this exhibition, tentatively collected by Daydream Inc.
1. You can view a rare and diverse collection never seen anywhere else.
2. Eating and drinking in the exhibition hall is prohibited.
3. Adhering to conventional viewing manners is encouraged.
4. It is very difficult to find the exit.
Regarding this statement, this exhibition strongly requests a correction. The exhibition hall has all Emergency Exits properly marked.
Anyone can stop their viewing and exit whenever they wish.
+++
It must be the truth.
The problem was that humans were not included in this ‘anyone’.
Humans could not properly use the Emergency Exits or entrances here.
“…Ha.”
An exhibition that assumed visitors were not human as a matter of course.
Modern people were merely sacrificial lambs caught up in this massive nightmare by chance, experiencing cosmic horror.
It was that kind of unpleasant ghost story.
To be honest, I didn't like it. To the point where I didn't even understand why it was popular on W-Tube….
-Friend?
“…!”
-My, Mr. Roe… are you hiding right now?
I never knew having someone to talk to would make me this happy.
I pulled Braun halfway out of my pocket.
-My, this place is quite nice.
-Why don't we go out and take a look? This seems like a place that would be worth introducing to an audience….
Go out?
‘No.’
-My, can you tell me the reason? This exhibition seems to be run by someone who knows how to extend a very polite and comfortable invitation….
It was a statement worthy of a Host who used postcards to lure people into a murderous quiz show.
What a headache….
I stood up from the sofa I was sitting on, pressing my eyes.
-Ah, it seems you’re in the mood for some viewing!
No.
‘I’m moving over here.’
I carefully scanned the walls to find a place where the sound of wind was coming from.
Before long, in a secluded corner untouched by candlelight, I found what I was looking for beneath a dark wall hidden by a massive vase.
‘A vent.’
I quietly slipped inside, held my breath, and didn't close the latch.
It was a temporary safe zone I remembered immediately.
==========
In the fifth viewing record, a gentleman testified that he ‘endured’ for more than five days inside a vent, licking water droplets falling from the moisture.
On the sixth day, a Guide found the gentleman.
Please note that our exhibition is always fully equipped with guest rooms for long-term visitors.
(※The annotation in the forty-second viewing record not to stay in the guest room at all is deeply regrettable. This exhibition operates rooms befitting the dignity of the collection and has always maintained a good reputation.)
==========
-No, leaving behind a perfectly good sofa for such a dirty place!
Ignore him. I had to make a plan here.
‘How do I get out?’
In the first place, it was frustrating even thinking about why they thought so many people were needed for this ghost story.
There was absolutely no advantage to a large-scale entry……. Wait.
Pushing people in blindly like this….
‘Because they don’t know any better?’
Was it because they were still in the early stages of exploration?
‘If so, wouldn't the current exploration be recorded in the early parts of the <Dark Exploration Record>?’
“…….”
I pulled out my smartphone, lowered the brightness to the minimum, and quickly scrolled through the <Dark Exploration Record> while lying flat.
And….
‘Found it.’
==========
The seventeenth viewing record is the result of a company called Daydream Inc. recommending the exhibition to thirty-four Field Exploration team employees.
It is said that seven of them returned home safely.
==========
This is it.
I have come here as one of the people in the seventeenth record where these thirty-four entered.
Probably as the thirty-fifth person.
‘…Only seven people returned safely?’
It was just as I was about to have the manual and the <Dark Exploration Record> open simultaneously to compare for more detailed records.
Creeeeeeak.
“…….”
From afar, a sound began to be heard.
The sound of a machine moving sluggishly.
And….
Aaaargh! Why, why is it chasing…!! Get away, get awaaaaaay!!
Screams and numerous urgent footsteps.
“…….”
Thump thump! Thump! Creeeeeeak, thump! Rat-a-tat-tat, creeeeeak, thump!
The sound vibrating against the marble drew closer.
Cold sweat trickled down my cheek.
Save me, no, nooooo!!
Let me out, let me out…!!
Thump, thump, thump, the sound of people running could be heard. Desperate cries and urgent fleeing footsteps grew closer and closer.
And they were almost right in front of me.
There seemed to be at least a dozen people.
Behind them, the heavy noise of machinery pursued them, as if slowly and surely tightening a noose…….
Creeeeeeeeeak.
Drip.
Cold sweat fell from the tip of my chin.
“…….”
‘At least one person.’
After agonizing to the extreme, I leaned my upper body out.
And I quickly grabbed the scruff of the neck of one of the fleeing people.
“…!”
I practically lifted him into the air and stuffed him into the vent, ducking my head down with him.
‘There’s just enough room for one person.’
And if he’s a field exploration employee, the probability of him being a troll would be relatively low.
“Hic.”
Fortunately, the person, who had been convulsing, grasped the situation and instantly went quiet.
He seems to have some wits… wait.
“…!”
“……!!”
‘Baek Saheon.’
My dormitory roommate.
Baek Saheon, wearing a Goat mask, was looking at me while wedged in the vent, swallowing hard.
I had saved this guy.
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