Who could have ever imagined such a thing?
Sitting still in a cold sweat, trapped in a confined space with three ghosts pretending to be human.
Even more….
Having to act composed, as if I hadn't noticed a thing.
‘…I shouldn't make it obvious.’
Even if everyone in front of me, except for myself, was clapping with the backs of their hands with bright faces.
No, not people….
Ghosts.
Clap clap clap clap clap clap
‘Must, not, make, it, obvious.’
And then, one of them suddenly turns to me and asks:
“Why aren't you clapping?”
“…….”
Oh, f*ck.
I barely managed to raise my hands without trembling.
And….
Clap clap clap.
I placed one hand politely over the other arm and made a small sound.
Then, I smiled somewhat awkwardly, looking around like a junior employee minding their surroundings.
“…I was about to, but I missed the timing and got flustered. It’s a bit embarrassing.”
“…….”
Please.
Please let it slide.
“Hey~ it’s totally fine!”
“Hey, Leopard Seonbae, that’s also a form of pressure. Don’t get on the bad side of a capable new recruit and just sit down.”
“Oh, alright.”
The Leopard employee… or rather, the ‘thing’ impersonating that employee, shrugged as told and sat down.
‘Phew…….’
But the relief was short-lived.
Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump.
Employee Dolphin suddenly dropped her head to the floor.
And she began to ram it sideways.
Without a single change in her expression.
“I, I think there’s a bug, a bug, I can’t catch the bug, a bug….”
Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump.
“…I heard that no other living creatures can enter this Darkness. Could you have seen it wrong?”
“Ah.”
Employee Dolphin stopped her head.
Her long hair was disheveled, and her skull was crushed.
“I see. Thanks, Supervisor Roe Deer.”
“Not at all.”
And then she casually continued her conversation with Assistant Manager Leopard next to her.
“…….”
If I faint… will I go missing too?
This is driving me crazy.
‘How can everyone but me be replaced…!’
It would have been better if I had lost consciousness, been replaced, and then woken up tomorrow morning.
“Mr. Roe Deer, please eat.”
“Ah. Thank you very much, Team Leader….”
In the meantime, the ghost wearing the mask of Section Chief Lizard… no, let’s not think like that. Section Chief Lee Jaheon held out some snacks to me.
It was gimbap from a fairly tasty snack bar near the company.
‘I have to stay here for almost 24 hours until tomorrow morning, so I do need to eat.’
It was a rational judgment. Except for the fact that if I put anything in my mouth right now, I felt like I’d get immediate indigestion or vomit it right back out….
‘Ugh.’
“Oh, how about sharing? We brought some stuff too.”
The two from Team C also pulled out sandwiches.
I replied with reflexive social grace.
“I should have been the one to bring something, but I was so flustered that I’m only on the receiving end. I’m truly sorry and thankful.”
“Hey, junior, seniority, don’t worry about that kind of thing. It seems the Manager here doesn’t mind much either, right?”
“Yes.”
At the Lizard’s short reply, Assistant Manager Leopard gave a thumbs up and smiled broadly.
“Wow~ this is great. Our Team Leader is like that too. Mr. Roe Deer, you know that Mallard Team Leader from Team A, right? This person is on a whole different level of kindness compared to that human.”
Ah.
“…He must be a wonderful person for both of you to respect him so much.”
“Right? He got a Wish Ticket and took a vacation… man, I just hope he doesn't quit.”
I didn't react to the insults toward the Team A Leader and smoothly pivoted the conversation with only compliments.
Actually, since they’re ghosts, there’s no need to go this far… No, I’ll keep doing this.
‘Let’s forget, let’s forget….’
Doing this makes it feel less like a ghost story and more like talking to senior staff from related departments at a workshop….
Of course, it didn't last long.
It was right after the meal. Assistant Manager Leopard stood up with a yawn.
“Ah, since we have to be here all day… I’m going to take off my shoes for a bit. That’s okay, right?”
“Geez, you should have brought slippers like me.”
“Well, what can I do when I don’t have any? My socks are clean.”
Assistant Manager Leopard chatted with Supervisor Dolphin as he tried to take off his shoes.
‘Right, even if he suddenly jumps on the table and starts tap dancing, I won’t be surpri…….’
There were hands instead of feet.
Hands that had been forced to crouch and crumple inside the shoes came out and stuck to the floor.
“…….”
“Ah, since I’m up, I’ll go get some more coffee~ You all want more, right?”
Halt.
Assistant Manager Leopard stood on his hands.
The hands attached to his feet reached up and waved.
Thud… thud.
An office worker walking upside down.
“Supervisor Roe Deer.”
I suppressed a scream.
“Yes, Assistant Manager Leopard.”
“Could you come help me move the coffee? Strangely, I can't see very well. Uh, uh?”
Bump, bump, bump, bump.
The upside-down body, trying to move forward, kept bumping into the cabinet where the coffee was placed.
“I’m not asking because you’re the junior, but because you’re sitting close by. Sorry if it sounds like I’m going back on my word.”
F-F*ck.
“Yes. Of course.”
I jumped up and went to Assistant Manager Leopard’s side.
Thinking about it, standing next to an upside-down ghost might be better than sitting next to a ghost with a crushed skull.
Right?
Right??
-This is quite interesting! Could they be aiming for the uncanny valley effect?
-It’s a fun performance, Mr. Roe Deer. Let’s enjoy it to the fullest!
To the fullest?
Enjoy?
‘I want to praise myself just for not squeezing my eyes shut right now…!’
Enjoying it is way too high a difficulty for me!
“Now, let’s move these.”
“Yes.”
I placed a cup of coffee into each hand-on-foot, and I carried some in both of my hands to place them on the table.
I am proud of myself for not letting my hands shake or spilling the coffee.
The problem was, once the coffee was refilled, the atmosphere truly turned into one for conversation.
“Now.”
Supervisor Dolphin smiled brightly with one side of her skull caved in.
“How about we go around and brag about the Darkness we've cleared? Honestly, without that kind of fun, it’d be hard to work here!”
Assistant Manager Leopard waved his hand.
“Hey, what if a ghost hears and starts doing something? Let’s just talk about things like our favorite foods.”
“Ah, that’s good too.”
“…….”
He was right.
Even if the topic of conversation was the ghost replacement within the Darkness itself, no abnormal situation would occur.
However, since there was a high probability of leading to an interrogation of who was the ghost in the process, it was not recommended.
But you're all ghosts anyway.
“I like things that are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Like fried eggplant.”
“Oh, I see. I like things that pop when you bite into them. Like eyeballs?”
Whish.
Employee Dolphin shoved her face right in front of mine.
“Do you have eyeballs, Mr. Roe Deer? I think you do… you brought them inside your mask, right? We’re going to share, so let’s share.”
Aaaaah!!
“I didn't bring them for eating purposes.”
I politely folded my hands below the table, pretending to rest them while hiding their shaking.
“And we have similar food tastes. I also think texture is important.”
“Oh~ Comrade!”
The ghost imitating Supervisor Dolphin laughed brightly.
“I guess Supervisor Roe Deer isn't a ghost. He talks about food quite normally.”
Wow.
‘I can't take this anymore.’
If I keep this conversation going, there will definitely come a moment when I scream.
-Oh dear, it seems Mr. Roe Deer is quite sensitive to the uncanny valley effect! An audience member with good reactions is always welcome, but the situation is unfortunate….
-Don't worry. Doesn't the mere presence of this Braun beside you bring great comfort? Your Friend is right here!
…Wait a minute.
Right.
‘Braun is right.’
-The words of a brilliant Host are always appropriate for the situation!
That’s right. What I was currently facing was a situation where the fear originating from the uncanny valley effect was being maximized.
‘It’s the fear when you see something that looks like a human but isn't.’
In an ordinary breakroom, witnessing coworkers suddenly showing grotesque and alien appearances while acting nonchalant creates an immense sense of eeriness.
Added to that was the fact that I was the only human, so I was feeling an absolute peak of crazy fear.
‘Then….’
Let’s look to the side.
The Lizard is putting a sandwich cookie into his mouth, wrapper and all.
“…….”
“…….”
It’s not particularly scarier!
Even if he flicks his tongue, walks backward with a grin, or probably even if he stands up and dances like crazy while shaking his head during a normal conversation, it would be the same.
Because he was scary anyway!
Because he already looked like a Lizard!
There was no uncanny valley or anything to feel.
‘I’m sticking with the Manager no matter what.’
I finally saw a solution.
Suppressing my cold sweat, I naturally turned to sit toward the Lizard Team Leader.
As if I had something urgent to ask him.
“Section Chief Lee Jaheon.”
And there was actually something I wanted to ask.
According to the <Dark Exploration Record>, in this ghost story, ‘the ghost is identical to the companion in all aspects including appearance, personality, and character.’
That meant, as long as it wasn't unnatural, if I asked something casually, there was a high probability he would give the same answer as the ‘original.’
Unless he suddenly started acting like a ghost.
‘Then I might even be able to ask more lightly.’
Because he isn't the real person.
I pulled my chair closer as if we, as members of the same team, had something to discuss candidly given the opportunity.
I tried to create an atmosphere where other ghosts couldn't intervene, and it seemed to work reasonably well.
And then I asked.
“I don't think we've had the leisure to have such conversations during work. Would it be alright if I asked you a few things now?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. It’s nothing else, but… I was curious how you became so strong, Team Leader.”
“I see.”
Fortunately, Section Chief Lee Jaheon didn't seem offended.
“It is the result of a combination of innate factors and acquired learning.”
“…….”
An all-purpose answer that works for any question came out!
It felt like looking at the top student in school who, when asked how they got such good grades, replies that they studied hard with a good brain….
‘I’d like to hear more in detail.’
If it were someone else, it would have been a sign of refusal, but since it was Section Chief Lizard, I couldn't tell.
In the end, I laughed a bit shyly on purpose and replied:
“Is that so. I asked because I also want to become stronger in terms of physical strength. Even without Items or Contamination.”
“Combine a protein-based diet with aerobic and anaerobic exercise.”
“…If I do that, can I become as strong as you, Manager?”
“No.”
“…….”
Hey, I can exert strength appropriate for my build, you know.
I almost looked at my boss with an incredulous gaze.
“…I would like to hear any advice you might have regarding that.”
“Yes. You have other strengths, Mr. Roe Deer, so develop those further.”
The Lizard said dryly.
“There is no individual who excels in all areas. Do not pour resources into inefficient and unnecessary things. You can utilize others.”
……Wait a minute.
“Does that mean when strength is needed, the Team Leader will take that role, so it’s better for me to develop my other strengths?”
“Yes.”
The Lizard nodded.
“Mr. Roe Deer’s strengths are ideas and judgment.”
“…Thank you.”
Geez.
‘Should I say I’m grateful he evaluates this highly.’
It’s certainly better than dumping everything on a subordinate.
‘But it’s a shame.’
Shall I push a little further?
I pondered for a moment and then probed for an opening.
“However, we sometimes enter the Darkness separately. Since physical strength is a universal and effective means, I think I might need it myself at times like that.”
“I see.”
The Lizard looked into the air as if lost in thought for a moment before confirming.
“I will introduce you to an Item.”
“…!”
I hit the jackpot.
“Is it an effect that reinforces physical strength?”
“It is similar. Use it as a Parent Item when you create your Exclusive Equipment.”
“…! Thank you.”
I was thinking it was about time to reinforce my Exclusive Equipment or increase the variety anyway.
‘Well, I managed to get something out of this.’
Even while sweating in a ghost story full of ghosts, I seemed to have gained something… wait.
Come to think of it, this Lizard sitting in front of me isn't Lee Jaheon himself, but a ghost.
‘Is this promise actually valid?’
I was momentarily flustered, but then I remembered the Manual.
A person who was replaced by a ghost will indirectly remember the events that took place within the sealed space.
If so, given Section Chief Lee Jaheon’s personality, there was an extremely high probability he would keep it.
‘Good.’
Phew.
Accomplishing something does give a sense of achievement.
‘Now let’s endure the fear with this sense of achievement….’
I pretended to stretch, trying my best not to look at the two Team C ghosts who had now started to stare at me while grinning from their upside-down positions.
I wasn't even curious anymore about which one was Lee Kangheon, who had introduced me to the Salmon Market.
‘Let’s empty my brain….’
I avoided conversation with the ghosts as much as possible by chatting about all sorts of trivial things with the Lizard.
The Lizard ghost couldn't do anything weird because I kept talking to him, and he just kept answering endlessly.
‘I’ve gained the meaningful information that the Manager likes beef more than pork….’
-Friend, this is no longer an interview, let alone small talk. It seems like a very tedious investigation for an amateur autobiography….
I know, but I have no choice, Braun….
And after even that ran out, I closed my eyes as if sleepy and spent the remaining time playing word chain games with Braun.
No matter what nonsense I heard near my ears, I stuck to, ‘I’m tired… sorry, but please let’s continue the conversation after we get out.’
‘It’s 3 a.m., please.’
I felt like I was bathing in cold sweat, but at any rate, no sudden emergency occurred.
After several precarious hours, holding onto only Braun in my pocket, passed like a thousand years.
“…….”
“…….”
Click.
I finally saw the breakroom door open.
After staying up all night by myself….
“……It’s over.”
It’s over, you bastards!
I did it!!
I wanted to stand up and throw a punch into the air with my hazy mind.
‘I’m tearing up.’
It was almost the first time I had endured this kind of ghost-type horror all by myself without any time skip….
How should I put it, it felt like I had overcome my limits.
‘I really want to praise myself…….’
I stood up wobbling from my seat.
It was just a relief that no one knew I was someone who struggled even with D-rank….
“Mr. Roe Deer.”
“…!?”
Wh-what…?
When I turned my head, I saw the Lizard with his eyes wide open, staring blankly.
Looking perfectly fine as if he had never stayed up all night…… wait a minute.
‘……?’
He’s awake?
“Te-Team Leader.”
“There is no need to wait for Team C to wake up. Please clock out.”
With the eyes of someone seeing a ghost, I looked at the Lizard standing perfectly fine.
And I turned my head to see the Team C members sprawled out and asleep.
“…….”
“…….”
Don't tell me.
“Last night, you weren't… a ghost?”
“I was not.”
“…You were clapping with the backs of your hands!?”
“?”
The Lizard tilted his head and then replied as if he had realized something.
“I thought it was a trendy gesture.”
“…….”
Ah.
Aaaaaaaaah!
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